VENGEANCE
Chapter 30 – No More Clowning Around
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Kabukimon was currently at the village's infirmary, seizing the chance of Chaos Piedmon's temporary absence to speak with a Digimon who was currently being held there for observation. The said Digimon was the one who had challenged Chaos Piedmon earlier, and was severely beaten by the Chaos General if it were not for Kabukimon's intervention. Kabukimon had seen to it that the Digimon's wounds were attended to.
The resident healer, an aged Sorcerymon, walked over to the sofa where Kabukimon was seating. Upon seeing the healer, Kabukimon raised from his seat immediately out of respect for his senior, who had served the villagers even longer than Kabukimon had become leader. The healer had profound knowledge on treating almost any kind of injuries, and possessed limited healing ability himself to aid him in his task.
"How is he doing for now, doctor?"
The Sorcerymon's icy blue eyes stared piercingly into Kabukimon's own, as if analyzing Kabukimon's thoughts before answering his question. Then he coughed before coming out with a reply. "Kyukimon's condition is stable, Kabukimon. Some of the superficial wounds are already recovering, but the deep wounds however are not as easy to heal. I have used my powers to aid the healing process, but it would take time before the deep wounds will undergo complete recovery. I advise for him to stay here for a few more days, where it would be easy for me to treat him and assess his condition. I would prefer if my patient remains undisturbed until he is fully recovered...but if you want to see him now, you may do so. He is currently at the infirmary's chamber number three, second floor, the third door on your right."
Kabukimon was stunned. The healer seemed to have read his thoughts as well, judging from his reply which answered all the questions lingering in his mind. The wizardly healer then left him to his own device to attend to other patrons of the sickbay.
Kabukimon then followed Sorcerymon's direction and found the chamber easily enough. The door was left open and he could see Kyukimon lying on top of the bed. He was alone, and seemed to be awake.
For a while, Kabukimon thought of the mysterious Digimon who he was visiting. Kyukimon had come to the village several years back, during his early years as leader of the Tree Top Village. The Digimon was an Ultimate, and his power surpassed Kabukimon's armor-level power. At first Kabukimon was wary of Kyukimon, fearing that the latter would seize advantage of his power to topple him from his position, but Kyukimon did no such thing. Kyukimon had only wanted a place to stay, and in return he would offer his assistance to the villagers and would protect the village from any danger.
Kabukimon had the right to be wary – Kyukimon did look strangely intimidating. He resembled a biped fox with light red fur which were so fine it seemed like skin upon rough inspection. The fur had several red markings patterned on his arms and thighs. White fur lined his frontal torso from his neck down until the lower part of his abdomen. Long blue hair jutted out from his head, and even longer hair of the same color formed his curved tail. On his forehead was engrafted a dark blue symbol of four-pointed star, and over each side of the jaw bronze hook protruded out. However his most curious features were his hands – below the forearms there were no fingers. Instead, metallic blades nearly as half in size of Kyukimon himself grew out in substitute of his missing hands.
When the Chaos Forces arrived, Kyukimon kept his promise and confronted Chaos Piedmon...only to be beaten by the stronger Chaos General. Had Kabukimon not intervene of the battle between Kyukimon and Chaos Piedmon, the ultimate level Digimon would be deleted.
Knocking the door, he attracted Kyukimon's attention. "Greetings, Kyukimon."
Kyukimon started slightly on his bed, not anticipating that he had visitors. Raising both his bladed arms, he eyed Kabukimon testily with his intelligent brown eyes, before relaxing his guard. "Leader," he acknowledged simply. His voice had a cool tone in it, making him still an intimidating Digimon, despite the bandages applied on various parts of his body.
"How are you feeling?" Kabukimon asked, entering the room. He sat at the chair near the bed where Kyukimon was.
Kyukimon groaned. "I've seen better days. How is the village holding up?"
"The village certainly has seen better days as well. There have been some battles going on at the grounds. I believe they are the assistance we have been waiting for. Gennai must have sent the DigiDestined to assist us. Right now, Chaos Piedmon is down there with the blockade team of his, fighting against the DigiDestined."
Kyukimon pondered upon this for a while before replying. "The DigiDestined? You mean the ones who have stood up against MaloMyotismon?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Oh...it's nothing. It's just that...I've heard a lot of their exploits in saving our world."
Kabukimon thought that he could heard some tone of hesitation and disappointment in Kyukimon's voice. "Wonderful group of children, are they not? How come you do not look so excited about this?"
Kyukimon shot Kabukimon a glare. "Just what did you mean by that?"
"I did not mean anything. I am merely curious...you looked like you are not happy when I mentioned the DigiDestined."
"I have my reasons, but it's nothing against those children. If anything, I really wanted to meet the DigiDestined."
Kabukimon smiled. "From what I have heard, there are a large number of them scattered all over planet Earth, which is the home world of the DigiDestined. If you want to be partnered with one, then all you have to do is to have hope, and look for one."
Kyukimon gave Kabukimon a wry smile. "I'll keep that in mind. But enough of that for now...I believe to have a simple conversation is not what you're having in mind now, right?"
The flower man nodded. "I came to see your condition. You have taken some heavy beatings from that mad clown two days ago when you stood up against him. I admire your courage, but I am curious as well...what makes you do that for us? What is in it for you? I know you have promised to be of assistance if I let you stay here in this village, but you do not have to risk your life."
"You certainly are a curious one, aren't you?" Kyukimon said, amused. "Look, I've promised to help protect this village, haven't I? Trust me, there's nothing to it. I'm a warrior, and I've taken more heavy blows than this before. I could never be in my ultimate form this day if it weren't for my practice and hard training. Besides, what didn't kill you will only make you stronger."
Kabukimon chuckled. "That is a weird phrase, if you ask me."
Kyukimon nodded. "I thought so to, when I first heard of it. But now, it has been my motto. A dear friend of mine has mentioned it once to me a long time ago. I've been living up with the saying once he and I parted ways."
This roused Kabukimon's curiosity even more. But before he could ask Kyukimon about it, somebody knocked on the door. Both Digimon turned their attentions to the door and saw one of the nurse-Floramon there.
"Pardon me for interrupting, leader...but there are three humans and six Digimon at the waiting hall wanting to see you."
"Humans?" Kabukimon repeated, dumbfounded. "Are they the DigiDestined?"
The nurse nodded. "I believe so. They told me that they need to see the leader, and were told that you are here."
"I thought the DigiDestined are currently on the grounds? Very well. Go and tell them that I will meet them now."
The Floramon left and Kabukimon rose from his seat. "Rest well, Kyukimon. I need to see these visitors."
"Wait. I'll go with you." Kyukimon attempted to raise himself from the bed, but was stopped instantly by Kabukimon.
"No. You will need your rest. Your wounds are not fully healed yet. It would be best if you..."
"I don't care. This is important!" Kyukimon cut in. "And these wounds are nothing. I...arrggh!" He growled, immediately pressing his abdomen with his arms as he slumped back on the bed. Kabukimon jumped back slightly to avoid Kyukimon's bladed forearms as they swung across him; the tip nearly grazed his face. Kyukimon looked like he was in deep pain, which worried Kabukimon.
"Kyukimon? Are you alright?"
Somebody walked in from the door, and Kabukimon saw Sorcerymon suddenly appearing on his side. Silently the healer raised his white staff and emitted out blue lights which shone against Kyukimon's body. While the fox-like Digimon seemed to be calming down, Kabukimon was still worried and hesitated whether to meet his guests or stay with Sorcerymon and Kyukimon.
"That is an unwise choice of action, Kyukimon. I have told you that the deeper wounds are still not fully healed yet." Sorcerymon said placidly before turning to meet Kabukimon's face. "And as for you, Kabukimon, there are nine guests at the waiting hall wanting to meet you. From what I know, it is rather an emergency, and I sincerely believe that it would be best to not keep those DigiDestined waiting."
Kabukimon nodded and left the room, heading towards the waiting hall quickly. Upon arriving he saw three humans in the company of three rookie-level Digimon whom he recognized as an Armadillomon, a Tentomon, and a Gomamon. Behind the divan where the DigiDestined and the rookie Digimon sat were three impressive-looking angel Digimon. The three humans eyed him curiously before the youngest of the trio rose from his seat.
"The leader, I presume?" the brown-haired boy asked. Kabukimon was impressed upon hearing the way the young boy speak.
"Yes. I am Kabukimon, leader of the Tree Top Village. I believe you three are the DigiDestined?"
"We are." Cody then introduced himself, Izzy and Joe, and their partners. The older boys promptly rose from their seats upon Kabukimon's introduction and shook hands with the flowery leader. The three angels – Angemon, Piddomon and d'Arcmon – merely nodded their heads slightly as a sign of respect, while the three Rookies only observed Kabukimon from the divan, waving their hand/leg/flipper cheerfully. Kabukimon nodded in acknowledgment and motioned for all of them to take a seat. He himself took a seat on a single sofa, opposite the three-seat divan on which the DigiDestined were sitting on. The angels chose to remain standing.
"Is everything alright? The fight on the grounds, I mean." Kabukimon began.
Cody shook his head. "We didn't take part in the battle down there. We would've, but Gennai said that it would be better if we came here to meet you first. Our friends have fallen under Chaos Piedmon's trick, and are currently trapped inside an impenetrable bubble."
Kabukimon was surprised to hear this, but kept silence and nodded for Cody to continue.
"We are hoping that you can help us," Izzy continued instead. "Chaos Piedmon is a Mega, and from what we've seen at Asuka Lab, the Digimon that was currently waiting for us is a mega-level Digimon as well. Our partners can only digivolve into champion level for the time being, and can easily be outmatched by either Chaos Piedmon or Zanbamon alone."
"That is why we've decided to come with you," d'Arcmon said before glancing to her left. "Brother Piddomon, would you like to explain about it?"
"Certainly, sister," Piddomon replied. "Recently, just after the fight we had with Chaos Seadramon, we knew that we need to have more firepower in order to rise up to the challenge posed by those strong Digimon under Chaos Specter's command. However, digivolving to levels higher than Champion proved to be difficult and very time consuming."
"The newer DigiDestined have the option of Transdigivolution, but for partner-less Digimon like us we need to think up of another option," Angemon continued. "Our master, HolyAngemon, came up with a solution recently. It has been demonstrated by many Digimon around the Digital World that three or more Digimon can digivolve together to form a stronger Digimon. It's not exactly a DNA Digivolution like the DigiDestined are familiar with, but it works pretty much the same way. We call it the Jogress Digivolution."
"The three of us have been practicing with the Jogress Digivolution ever since our last battle with Chaos Seadramon. We believe that it would be of great help to the DigiDestined, as by Jogressing together we have achieved the mega level." d'Arcmon concluded.
"Prodigious!" Izzy exclaimed. "Mind telling me what mega Digimon the three of you will take form when you...Jogress...together?"
Piddomon shrugged. "It depends on who becoming the central player. So far we've only practiced with d'Arcmon being the central Digimon, with myself and Angemon becoming her... power supply. And as for our final form, you just have to wait and see." The angel smirked slightly.
"But I thought that Jogress Digivolution has a permanent effect?" Kabukimon asked.
"It's permanent as long as the Jogressed Digimon has the energy to sustain their Digivolved form. Losing energy is almost a rarity for them because with three and more Digimon being joined together, their powers combined can last for a very long time," Angemon answered.
Joe snapped his finger. "I get it. It's the same like the Zanbamon Davis and the others faced down there! It is formed from the five Nanimons combined. And it lost it powers rather quickly after the fight with the kids."
"True," d'Arcmon affirmed.
Kabukimon was amazed to hear everything that was told to him. He began to think of a way to help the DigiDestined, and if everything went well the DigiDestined could help him with freeing Tree Top Village from Chaos Piedmon's clutch.
"With the arsenal you currently have, we certainly have a chance to defeat Chaos Piedmon. However I have to implore you to be careful; Chaos Piedmon is a very crafty Digimon. He does not rely on strength alone – his trickeries are far deadlier than his weapons," Kabukimon cautioned.
"You're right," Cody agreed, his voice serious. "Even Azulongmon is defeated by a Piedmon...we need to come up with a plan."
Inside the bubble prison, the DigiDestined had finally gotten tired of standing and shouting at Chaos Piedmon for imprisoning them, and decided to sit down to calm themselves up. Two hours had passed and they had gotten rather bored instead of feeling scared. They knew that one way or another, help was on the way and that it was no use getting too worked up on it. It would only entertain Chaos Piedmon if they were seen to be anxious or scared, so they decided to ignore the Chaos General and pretended that nothing was happening.
HolyAngemon then excused himself, choosing to sit at an isolated corner to meditate while they were trapped. However he assured the DigiDestined that he would be always on alert should anything unordinary happen.
The bubble was quite large, as it was formed when all DigiDestined were in their larger Transdigivolved forms. It was formed to sustain the large sizes of Paildramon and Dinobeemon, and when both Digimon had de-digivolved the bubble thankfully remained the same size, giving the spaces which the DigiDestined would need if they were going to be trapped for a while.
The DigiDestined and their partners sat in circle, and everyone noticed that Davis seemed to be on edge on something.
"Davis? Are you ok?" Veemon inquired.
Davis sighed morosely. "I'm fine...it's just that because of me, all of you are trapped here. I'm sorry, guys."
"It's nobody's fault. Blame the bozo over there if you still want to blame somebody," Yolei said cynically, motioning to Chaos Piedmon who was sitting on a branch of the nearest tree, eyes fixated on them. Whether he'd heard of Yolei's remark or not, he seemed to be oblivious about it.
"No...It's my fault actually," Davis insisted. "I was the one who fired the balloons."
Everyone looked at the new leader of the DigiDestined quietly. Then, Yolei came up with a reply.
"You're right. It's your fault." she said, to everyone's surprise.
"Yolei...I don't think that's fair for Davis," Ken pointed out.
"I'm not finished, Ken. You're right Davis...then maybe we can blame me for not stopping you, or blame Kari or Ken for not talking you out of this, or blame TK and Cody for not coming with us, or blame Tai and Agumon for getting themselves captured. Actually, Davis...it could be anyone of us who would attack those stupid balloons! That bozo was egging us, don't you see? If you didn't Desperado-Blaster those balloons, I'd have Top-Gun them!"
"Well said, Yolei," Hawkmon noted, clapping his wings.
Tai face-faulted when he heard his name being dragged as well. "You know Yolei...you don't have to rub it in the part of me and Agumon getting captured. I was actually planning to teleport the three of us out from here, but for some reason only Davis, Kari, Veemon and Gatomon was transported away."
Yolei looked at the older teen, and smirked. "Sorry about that, but I have to say that you're gonna have to get used to it. I'm not the only Inoue in the family who can be so direct. It's a family trait."
Ken, Kari and Davis looked at both Tai and Yolei curiously. Kari especially, was becoming interested of what Yolei had just said...especially when she saw Tai's face becoming redder with every passing second. It was a rare sight for Kari to behold...Tai was blushing!
"Am I missing something here?" she asked suspiciously.
"NO!" Tai cried out instantly.
"Oh yes!" Yolei replied at the same time, still smirking.
Quickly, the brown-haired girl darted towards her lavender-haired friend. "What's it about?"
"Yolei..." Tai said warningly. "It's not definite yet! Don't you dare tell anyone...or I'll...I'll tell her about it!"
"Who's 'her'?" Kari asked.
"This should be interesting," Ken remarked dryly.
"Eep!" Yolei cowered slightly, sliding herself behind Kari to protect herself from Tai. "Sheesh Tai, keep your shirt on. I won't tell anyone." Then she leaned close to Kari and whispered. "Not yet, anyway. Play along, Kari."
"Oh...oh! Why not Yolei? You know I want to know about this," Kari said, really meaning it although she knew Yolei would tell her eventually.
Tai looked at Yolei suspiciously before deciding that the lavender-haired girl won't be telling Kari anything. He then dragged Agumon towards another corner of the bubble and sat there, leaning against the wall of the bubble.
"Now what was that all about?" Gatomon muttered.
"You know Gatomon, I think everyone have forgotten momentarily that we're trapped in this bubble," Wormmon replied, smiling slightly. "And as for the earlier commotion...your guess is as good as mine."
"Well, if Kari will know about it, I'll know eventually," Gatomon said confidently.
Wormmon snorted. "Humph! If Yolei knows, then Ken will also know eventually."
"Then when will I know?" Veemon whined.
"Probably after Wormmon knows," Gatomon said offhandedly. "But I'll make sure to tell Patamon first."
The little blue dragon sweatdropped. "Aww...that's not fair!"
Hawkmon grinned. "Has it never occurred to all of you that whatever Yolei knows...I know too?"
Gatomon, Veemon and Wormmon turned their attentions towards the little hawk Digimon. The white cat then inched closer to Hawkmon and raised her paw. "Then if you value your life, you would tell us now won't you?" she mock-threatened. "And 'no' is not an option!"
"Eep!"
The little commotion between the Digimon attracted the DigiDestined's attentions. Just as they saw the four Digimon huddling together, Yolei couldn't help but to ask. "Now what are the four of you up to?"
"Oh, nothing! You know us Digimon...we really like to gossip!" Hawkmon chirped.
Yolei raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?" she asked suspiciously, having a pretty good idea of what Hawkmon was insinuating.
"HEY! How come all of you are enjoying yourselves? Have the bubble gotten into your heads or something? You're supposed to be cowering in fear, begging me to release you from the bubble and spare your lives!" roared a rude voice which belonged to Chaos Piedmon.
This caught everyone's attention, even HolyAngemon's. They saw Chaos Piedmon leaped down stylishly onto the ground, his expression seemed to be a mixture of annoyance and impatience. The trickster walked towards the bubble and unsheathed one of his four swords, and pressed the tip of the sword onto the bubble threateningly.
"I'm getting bored of waiting for your friends to come and attempt a rescue. It seems like they don't care about you. If they don't care, then why should I? I'll just finish you off and get on with my business."
The DigiDestined immediately were on their guard once more, but a roar from Zanbamon diverted Chaos Piedmon's attention. The clown however still fixed his soulless eyes towards the DigiDestined with a wry smirk on his mouth. "Looks like your friends are here to take the center stage! But I won't be upstaged by some do-gooders DigiDestined. Not without a battle...oh I'm so going to enjoy this!"
Three glowing figures were seen flying around Zanbamon, annoying the larger Digimon greatly. They were the angelic disciples of HolyAngemon, currently set on frustrating the larger mega Digimon to make it lose its focus.
"Hand of Fate!"
"Fire Feathers!"
"La Pucelle!"
Two beams of white and pink surrounded by burning darts of feathers shot towards Zanbamon's face, where they thought was the most vulnerable place for the Digimon. However Zanbamon was quicker and crossed his swords in front of his eyes, thus making the attacks bounced away from him harmlessly.
"Cross Slash!" Zanbamon retaliated and delivered some severe slashings with his heavy swords. However the only thing he'd managed to slash was the empty air, as the angels were agile enough to evade the attack.
Chaos Piedmon flew towards Zanbamon and were surprised to see the angels. At first, he'd thought that he would be facing the other two DigiDestined TK and Cody. He was expecting MagnaAngemon to show up, but instead he got three champion level angels to deal with.
Taking out his other three swords from the scabbard latched on his back, Chaos Piedmon assessed the strength of the angels. "But no matter...angels are annoying pests anyway," he muttered silently. He then leaped onto the air to attack the angels, when suddenly...
"Cherry Blossom Storm!"
Waves of flower petals swirling within a blizzard overwhelmed Chaos Piedmon all of a sudden, seemingly coming from out of nowhere. The Chaos General lost his balance over the air, but managed to land on his feet. He warily looked around and saw a figure dressed in red robes jumping down from a branch which was obscured by thick leaves.
"So Kabukimon...it seems like you finally have gathered the courage to fight me," he said, smirking.
Kabukimon, who was hovering over the air with aid of winds of flower petals, stared at the Chaos General with silent anger. "Today shall be the day that you will be driven out from my village! Winds...Flowers...I command you to banish this demon! Cherry Blossom Storm!"
An even stronger wave of blizzard was summoned by Kabukimon to attack Chaos Piedmon, but this time around the clown had anticipated the attack and blocked the winds with his sword. He then produced a white handkerchief and threw it towards the armor Digimon.
"Ah! Evil be gone! Lion Dance!" Kabukimon shouted, and surrounded himself with aura of burning fire. He transformed into a glowing lion and charged head first towards the handkerchief. His burning aura soon engulfed the cloth and burned it to smithereens. Kabukimon then reared back and returned to his original form.
"Finally! An opponent who's even more dramatic than I! This should be enlightening." Chaos Piedmon then began to charge towards Kabukimon but suddenly found his face being smacked by hordes of marching fishes, followed by a mildly shocking petite thunderbolt. This halted Chaos Piedmon in midair, and before he knew it Kabukimon charged once more with his Lion Dance, but with a flick of his hand Chaos Piedmon quickly deflected Kabukimon away. His attention was at somewhere else.
"Who dares to attack me!" he roared.
"That would be us," two voices replied at the same time. Chaos Piedmon then saw two Digimon, both Rookies, stepping out from the shadows of the thick trees which surrounded the open space. Following the two Digimon were two humans, whom Chaos Piedmon did not recognize.
"I don't remember you. I am waiting for the ones called TK and Cody."
"Sorry about that, but you probably have to make do with us," Joe replied, albeit shakily. After all this was Chaos Piedmon he was facing. Facing Piedmon alone was hard enough...him feeling nervous was reasonable. However, having faith in Cody's plan, he then took out his Digivice from his pockets. "Ready, Gomamon!"
"Oh! I get it...one of those 'retired' DigiDestined. What is this, a DigiDestined reunion?" Chaos Piedmon spat.
"Well, I don't know about retiring...I'm just getting worked up," Izzy said, clutching his Digivice as well. "Tentomon, let's do it!"
"Tentomon digivolve to... Kabuterimon!"
"Gomamon digivolve to... Ikkakumon!"
"One mega-level Chaos Piedmon facing two worthless Champions and an overdramatic Armor...I like the odds of that!" Chaos Piedmon said confidently.
Kabukimon then joined the two newly-digivolved Champions. "Watch who you are calling overdramatic, you evil monster!" he said scathingly. "Winds... Flowers...obey my command!" Blizzards of cherry blossoms began to surround Kabukimon, and he rose once more from the ground. This time around it seemed as if Kabukimon was glowing bright pink. "I summon your power full force! Join with me and aid me with powers to banish this monster! CHERRY! BLOSSOM! STORM!"
He then flew off, pink aura glowing around him, and launched a massive blizzard of flowers towards Chaos Piedmon. The impact was unexpectedly strong as it rammed onto Chaos Piedmon, causing him to spin around within the blizzard. The clown was thrown off his balance and crashed onto the grounds.
"Neat!" Ikkakumon cheered. "But don't hog all the attentions there...leave something for us to deal with. Harpoon Torpedo!"
"Electro Shocker!" Kabuterimon joined in.
As Chaos Piedmon was lying on the ground, his head spinning due to the effect of Kabukimon's attack, there was nothing he could do to avoid Kabuterimon and Ikkakumon's attacks. The electric bolt and the torpedo rammed onto his body and resulted in an explosion.
"Cool!" the DigiDestined cheered. They saw the intense battle and how Chaos Piedmon was toppled by three Digimon.
"Now that's what I call strategy!" Gatomon remarked, sounding impressed. "They've outsmarted a trickery mega Digimon."
"Out of all people, I didn't expect Izzy and Joe to come here," Tai remarked.
"Yeah," Yolei said. "I thought it would be Cody or TK who would come to our rescue."
"Well...I don't know about TK, but will I do?"
That inquiry came from a voice that they knew was not trapped with them inside the bubble. Turning around, they saw Cody and Digmon on the other side of the bubble, waving their hands. However before anyone could comment anything, Cody placed his index finger in front of his mouth...a sign for them to keep silence to avoid the DigiDestined from shouting out his name.
"Cody!" Yolei said in a loud whisper. "Am I glad to see you. What took you so long?"
"And why are Joe and Izzy with you?" Tai added.
"Against someone like Chaos Piedmon we can't just barge in here without proper planning. Gennai has shown us the battle you had with Chaos Piedmon back at the lab when we arrived. Izzy and Joe are here because your parents contacted them...asking whether they have seen you or Kari, because you left the house. Davis's folks also are looking for him right now." Cody replied quickly. He then turned his attention to Digmon. "Do you think you can drill into the walls of this bubble, Digmon?"
"I'll try," Digmon promised, and begun drilling into the walls.
The three angels regrouped together, having been overwhelmed by their Mega level opponent greatly. Zanbamon had delivered non-stop slashing with his swords, and each attempt nearly took out their lives as the swords would release streams of dark fire with it. Being angels they had the advantage against the dark, but the vast differences in their digivolutionary level completely nullified the advantage. Thus, each angel was injured, albeit lightly for the time being...but it would worsen if they didn't take action.
"It's time we take the battle up a notch!" Angemon cried. "You ready, d'Arcmon?"
The female angel nodded nervously. "Now is as good as time as any."
"Then let's do it!" Piddomon said encouragingly.
The three angels' bodies then glimmered with gold-yellow lights. Angemon and Piddomon took their places on either of d'Arcmon's sides as the gold lights begun pulsating. The lights soon synchronized into one, and d'Arcmon changed into a brilliant mote of white light and shot around the open space, sending lights everywhere. Angemon and Piddomon soon followed, their bodies being turned into streaks of yellow lights. The three lights chased each other before hovering in the middle of the battlefield. Next, they coalesced together and formed a huge silhouette of a giant bird.
"Angemon..."
"d'Arcmon..."
"Piddomon..."
"...Jogress Digivolve to... Phoenixmon!"
In a flash of gold light, a giant four-winged golden bird emerged from the light. The bird, true to its name, was the firebird of the myth. It had brilliantly glimmering golden wings which gave out lights that shone the dark night like it was daytime. The feathers forming the tails grew out in long cluster, some of them resembling streaks of fine yellow hair while others had decorative features embedded on them. The firebird's sleek body was covered with light yellow fur up to its head, which resembled a beast rather than a bird. The upper portion of the head was covered with gold-metallic helmet and several feathers of gold with red and blue tips grew out from it.
The firebird known as Phoenixmon turned its attention towards Zanbamon. "Let this creature of the dark be ridden by the power of light! Starlight Explosion!" Phoenixmon flapped its wings and released a stunningly bright flash of light which blinded everyone in sight, coupled with sounds that resembled fireworks exploding. The flash of light was at first white before it turned yellow, orange, pink, red, and white again.
After the light had dissipated, Zanbamon was seen sprawled on the ground unconscious. His body glowed and reverted back into the five Nanimons and BomberNanimons, who stirred back into consciousness. They were obviously confused of what had just happened to them.
Chaos Piedmon was angered with this, his effort to make Zanbamon fight the DigiDestined wasted. Quickly he jumped towards Phoenixmon, launching his four swords towards the giant bird.
"It's time to clip your wings, birdie! Trump Sword!"
Everything happened so fast for Phoenixmon to comprehend. In a blink of the eye, Phoenixmon saw how its four wings were stabbed by Chaos Piedmon's four swords. The swords then released black thunderbolts which shocked Phoenixmon, causing the brilliant golden aura around Phoenixmon to begin disappearing. Phoenixmon crashed onto the ground and with a bright explosion of light, de-digivolved back into its composite angels.
"I'll show you not to mess with me!" Chaos Piedmon roared, and summoned back his swords telekinetically. He then fired his swords, attempting to delete Kabukimon, Kabuterimon and Ikkakumon as quickly as possible. Kabukimon however, deflected two swords which headed towards him with his Cherry Blossom Storm and saved Kabuterimon and Ikkakumon, as well as himself.
"Be gone, Chaos Piedmon!" Kabukimon said, smirking. "You cannot hope to defeat all of us."
Chaos Piedmon fumed and summoned out his magical balloons. Raising his hands upwards, he roared. "This should wipe that smirk off your face!"
Kabukimon, Kabuterimon and Ikkakumon were unsure of what Chaos Piedmon meant with his words and prepared to attack, thinking that Chaos Piedmon was trying to fool with them.
"Don't bet on it!" a voice shouted from the bubble prison, where Chaos Piedmon had forgotten to watch over. The bubble was still there...but there were a boy and a Digimon who were not trapped inside the bubble.
"What!" Chaos Piedmon shouted, and released the balloons.
"Digmon, NOW!"
"GOLD RUSH!"
Two drills shot out from Digmon's hands and zoomed towards the balloons. They popped the balloons, and instantly a loud pop ensued, accompanied by a bright flash of white light. Everyone closed their eyes, and when they opened their eyes again...
...they saw Chaos Piedmon...trapped inside a bubble prison!
"Great shot, Digmon!" Kabuterimon shouted before he reverted into Tentomon.
"What! It backfired!" Chaos Piedmon exclaimed, genuinely shocked out of his life. He tried to pierce the walls of the bubble from the inside and failed. He then furiously punched and kicked the walls, but the bubble didn't even pop.
"Oh, sorry for NOT being able to bust your bubbles...BWAHAHAHA!" Ikkakumon laughed gleefully, his words left unfinished as he de-digivolved.
The Nanimons and BomberNanimons saw what happened to their master, and looked at each other. Seemingly reaching a mutual agreement, they rose on their feet...and took off immediately, much to everyone's surprise.
"Cowards!" Chaos Piedmon screamed angrily towards his turned-tail minions.
"If you want to follow them...all you have to do is ask," Kabukimon said with a chuckle.
The clown general frowned. "Don't make fun of me, you flower freak! This is NOT the end!"
"Oh put a sock in it," Gomamon said.
"Winds! Uplift this imprisoned drama-demon!" Kabukimon summoned, and winds soon appeared beneath the bubble containing Chaos Piedmon.
Digmon suddenly got overzealous. "I know! Let's play soccer!" He flew up towards the bubble, which wasn't big enough as it contained only Chaos Piedmon. He then gave the bubble a forceful kick, sending the spherical bubble towards the way the Nanimons and the BomberNanimons had taken off. The bubble bounced on the ground once and rammed onto the running Champions, knocking all five of them down. It was at the same moment when the bubble imprisoning the DigiDestined and HolyAngemon popped softly, releasing them out.
"We're free!" the DigiDestined cheered.
All of a sudden, the imprisoned Chaos Piedmon and his minions were engulfed with purple beams of light, which transported them away from the grounds in a blink of the eye.
"Aww...it looks like they've decided to take the ball with them to home!" Digmon quipped, and de-digivolved back into Armadillomon.
Cody smiled. "Come on...we've better get going as well. It's getting late."
Chaos Piedmon and the Nanimon clan landed on the metallic floor of the Velvet Claw's throne room with a loud thud. Hearing a soft snicker coming from above, Chaos Piedmon got up quickly and struggled to stand straight.
"You have failed, it seems," a cool voice remarked. It was his master, Chaos Specter, with his pet Digimon BlackGatomon on his lap. "And humiliatingly too. How embarrassing, for someone of your caliber. It only took ONE ARMOR DIGIMON to outsmart you."
Chaos Piedmon bowed his head shamefully, staring at the floor. "I'm sorry master...I was outsmarted, and outnumbered..."
"Outnumbered?" asked Chaos Specter sarcastically. "Outclassed seems more like it! You were merely clowning around with them!"
Chaos Piedmon remained silent, not daring to say anything else for fear to have it turned against him.
Chaos Specter shook his head. "Fortunately though...it doesn't matter whether you have failed or not, because while you're wasting time with the DigiDestined I have finally completed two major tasks which will aid me greatly in my search for the power of time. Look at the viewing screen."
The harlequin obeyed his master and observed the viewing screen. The screen flickered and Chaos Piedmon saw a red Agumon standing on a platform inside a dark chamber. The red Agumon had his eyes glowing red, and looked menacing despite him being in rookie level.
"With Chaos Wargreymon gone, one position for the Chaos Generals is currently empty," Chaos Specter said. "I have found a perfect mon for the job. Do you recognize this Digimon, Chaos Piedmon?"
Chaos Piedmon tried to recall his mind for any Agumon he'd encountered before, but could not remember any. "I'm sorry master...I don't know this Agumon."
"Hmm... perhaps you will know him after he warp-digivolves. Chaos-AI, begin transferring power inside the Agumon now."
"Affirmative. Transferring power initiated. Energy level of subject - Agumon; attribute - virus; and level - rookie; is increasing. Power is complete for Digivolution of subject to champion level...power is complete for Digivolution up until ultimate level...power is now complete for Warp Digivolution process."
"Excellent. Begin Warp Digivolution process now."
"Command affirmed. Warp Digivolution process is initiated in five...four...three...two...one...BEGINNING NOW!"
On the screen, everybody in the throne room saw two beams of crimson energy shot onto the red Agumon, causing him to first advance into a Tyrannomon. Then he was engrafted with metallic parts, transforming him into MetalTyrannomon, which earned a gasp from Chaos Piedmon.
"It's him!"
Then, the MetalTyrannomon disappeared in a flash of black and red light...and became Chaosdramon.
"Meet your new fellow Chaos General now... Chaosdramon!"
Chaos Piedmon gulped. He hated MetalTyrannomon, but his master had chosen him to fill in the spot where Chaos Wargreymon had left empty, and he had no choice but to accept. "But what had happened to Chaos Wargreymon?"
"Missing your old teammate already?" Chaos Specter sneered. "If you're curious then I'll amuse you. Behold the screen once more!"
The screen shifted into a larger dark chamber, with two platforms. On one of the platform, a Kimeramon was seen...seemingly in a suspended animation. On the other platform was a viral MetalGreymon, who was roaring and struggling.
"The process here is rather difficult. The MetalGreymon you are seeing now is none other than your old teammate. I was successful in my attempt to make him de-digivolve one step backward into his ultimate form of MetalGreymon. The next process is a little tricky. I don't want him to digivolve into a Wargreymon. Instead I want him to achieve an alternate mega level of his. I had him battle against many machine-type Digimon which are...were, under my command. MetalGreymon proved to be victorious, and in his viral state of mind he did what his normally-composed self would not do...he consumed each defeated Digimon's data to add on his own. Of course, I have planned for this to happen but I didn't suspect that MetalGreymon would ruthlessly acquire the data of the fallen Digimon just as easily as that. He had always redeemed such act as despicable. However who am I to complain when what he did was actually a great favor for me?"
"I don't understand," Chaos Piedmon said, baffled.
"You will...after you see him digivolve. Chaos AI, begin Mega Digivolution for the subject: MetalGreymon."
"Affirmative. Energy level for subject-MetalGreymon is enough for Mega Digivolution. Process will begin in five...four...three...two...one...BEGINNING NOW!"
As the MetalGreymon began to emit black and grey light, Chaos Specter mimed the words softly, but was within Chaos Piedmon's hearing range. The clown cringed upon hearing what his master had said.
"MetalGreymon, mega-digivolve to... Machinedramon!"
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Author's Notes:
I'm sure a lot of you are looking forward for Cody and Armadillomon's Transdigivolution in this chapter, but are treated with different digivolution instead. A note about that Jogress Digivolution: I think I've mentioned it somewhere before about it being different from DNA Digivolution (although in all actuality, they are the same). To all reviewers, thank you for reviewing.
Dark Qiviut – It's ok. I checked with different browsers and saw what you meant with the chapter being glitched, and immediately re-uploaded it. No need to apologize. And thanks for the links.
Digi fan – Hopefully this chapter is worth the wait as well.
Quinton Notwen – Nope...no Shakkoumon or any other ultimate Digimon that Cody and Armadillomon are going to form yet. The grammar mistakes are unavoidable due to my part...I've tried checking it but can only be assured that it has no spelling mistakes or some of the basic grammars.
Gerjomarty – I'm glad that you like how Chaos Piedmon is turning up. What do you think about him being blundered in this chapter? Hawkmon is still snappish about the Transdigivolution stuff simply because it had happened to him in less than a day (the duration between Catrina's Grand Entrance up till this chapter takes place in a matter of one day only).
Jack the ripper – Why would he bring Milleniumon back? Maybe you've missed it, but I have mentioned his attentions quite a number of times already. He wants the power to transcend time. Why does he want that kind of power...it will only be revealed in the finale.
DTV – Hmm...I've never thought of Chaos Specter going to the Tamers Universe to get the Digimon episodes there. What I'm having in mind is that both Asuka Laboratory and Velvet Claw have facilities to record battle footages (kind of like the Viewing Globe in the Power Rangers series...or how the computers inside the X-Mansion are able to obtain the scenes of crime in the X-Men animated series). Gennai does not maintain complete contact with the Tamers / Frontiers universe, he's just able to gain some bits and information of the going-ons there... but not the details. And about chapter 19..it is an error on my part. I was writing Legends of the DigiDestined where DemiDevimon is being featured, and it got mixed up while I wrote Vengeance.
Bluesv20 – Uh...can't choose yet. Meteormon (face-faulted)... Shakkoumon (hmm)... SkullScorpiomon (AAAHHH!). Wait...and...see...
