[SAIBA Research and Development department
Several hours after Omnimon's detainment…]
Michael stared intently at his subordinate's screen, as data ran across the screen in a quick motion. He looked over to the other, where a digital bluish-white ball of chaotic streams of data hovered on the screen, reminiscent of the back of the game's card. He focused all of his attention on it until it gave off a particular signal.
"Are you awake, OMNI?"
OMNI's core took a moment to acknowledge the voice. "Where…am I…?"
"Home, where you belong old friend."
OMNI took another moment. "Michael…"
Michael smiled. "The one and only. How have things been treating you?"
OMNI didn't respond.
"If you're wondering about the 'out-of-body-experience,' I pulled your core out of Omnimon.
"For what purpose…?"
"Because, old friend, to ensure we achieve our goals, I need your help in re-creating the 'lighting in the bottle.'
OMNI took a moment. "You intend on creating new Saibatars…"
Michael smiled. "A whole Digital World filled with Saibatars and Digimon. Between the two and their uniqueness as lifeforms, there's no telling how this will change the world and the future! Surely you see the prospect of such a—"
"I refuse…" OMNI responded sharply, cutting Michael off. "Digimon are not toys for you humans, and Axel was not a tool for you to exploit either. Digimon are to co-exist with humans and nothing more. As for the Saibatars, that in of itself is an immoral concept that defies all ethical—"
"WHO CARES ABOUT ETHICS WHEN WE COULD BECOME GODS?!" Michael exclaimed, silencing the room.
OMNI stood silent. "A god…fascinating concept."
Michael's eye twitched. "Don't mock me you clump of binary."
"A 'clump of binary' you created on your quest for power." OMNI reminded. "One last thing…"
"What?"
"No deed goes unpunished," OMNI stated. "Those who reach for the heavens to obtain godhood will fall all the harder."
"You're a pile of data without a body…you can't threaten me."
"Not a threat…a warning."
Michael, out of spite slammed a key down, cutting OMNI off the screen. He turned to the subordinate sitting nearby, who watched the back and forth. Looking down at the drive, he handed it to the subordinate. "Deliver this to Mr. Saiba. Tell him that the Knights succeeded in their mission."
Nervously the subordinate nodded and quickly scurried off to make the delivery.
"Foolish AI…" The AI commented through Michael's personal D-Case.
"Didn't expect that, "Michael stated, somewhat humored despite the situation.
"AI that are tainted by human influence are nothing but foolish. That's all."
"Thanks for the clarification." Michael nodded. He took a deep breath, turning his attention back to his team. "Don't stop for my sake, come on we got work to do!"
The team acknowledged him and proceeded to get back to the task at hand. Michael turned his attention to the screens, the last statement from OMNI lingering in his mind…
Chapter 20: The Tactician
"Last chance to watch me be right…you in?" Carlos leaned over to Quincy as the latter closed his locker.
"Look, I really don't care where your conspiracy theories lead you. If this will make you feel accomplished, then by all means go for it; otherwise, leave well enough alone."
Quincy began to walk away, Carlos crossing his arms in disappointment. "You said before that the Green Beta Tester's data was lost right? How would you know that?"
Quincy stopped.
Carlos shrugged. "Between that and the fact that the Green Beta Tester is your younger brother no less…kinda seems suspicious don't you—"
"Not another word…!" Quincy snarled, whipping back around.
"Or what?" Carlos continued to provoke him, walking towards him. "From my perspective, you're hiding something. Either you lied about the data going missing to protect your brother…or we're being played…"
Quincy grabbed Carlos by the collar and shoved him into the lockers in a quick burst of rage. Carlos felt the heat explode across his back, but even so, he grinned happily at the turn of events.
"Bugs you…doesn't it?" He chuckled. "You know we're just disposable where they're concerned. Those Beta Testers know much more than we do, yet we continue to be ignorant out of denial…"
"Stop…talking…" his grip tightened.
"Come on…! We may not have another shot…!"
Quincy took another moment. Seeing this as a waste of energy, he reluctantly released him. Carlos coughed as air filled his lungs.
"Even if you're right, then what?"
Carlos smirked, "what do you think? You should know that answer better than anyone."
Quincy, after a moment of contemplating, dismissed himself from the locker room. Carlos meanwhile stood up and straightened out his blazer. Quincy won't listen to reason, Sydney's being an idiot and Melissa is too busy flirting with her replacement. At this point, let them be puppets, he thought.
There wouldn't be another opportunity like this, he thought. It'd be best if he took it…
"Hey, Sydney, what's up?" Melissa answered her phone. She turned to Ben with a slight look of concern on her face. Melissa mouthed "thank you" with the latter waving her off before turning back to the call. "Assuming that everything stays quiet, I do not. Why?"
Another pause. "…You, okay? Yeah sure. You're in Riverbed right now, right? Yeah, that works great. I should be over that way in like an hour. See you later."
"It's gonna take you an hour to get to Riverbed?" Ben pondered. "Actually, with rush hour traffic…"
Melissa hung up and turned back to Ben. "I'm really sorry…"
"No, no, duty calls." Ben threw his hands up. "If I'm being honest, I have some errands to catch up on so maybe tonight wasn't great for either of us."
"Now I don't feel too bad." Melissa smiled.
"Alas, I am prevented from procrastination." Ben threw his hands up in defeat. They folded on his head while he exhaled. "So, what's Sydney up to?"
"She's getting out of class, she said. Judging by her tone though, something's off about her and it'll bug me unless I address it."
"So, you are friends with them."
"For the 3rd time that was a slip of the tongue!" Melissa corrected him. "I was going through a lot then too and Sydney stepped up. Of course, you did too but…"
"I know, I know. I'm not out there with you guys so I can't imagine what you're going through. Wish I was though. Would be cool to have my own Royal Knight that I can ride on and go be a cyber superhero…"
Melissa laughed, "I told you before, it's not all that glamorous."
"No job is glamourous. It's what you make of it that matters. On an unrelated note…were you invited to Mr. Saiba's Gala tomorrow night?"
Melissa reached for her phone and switched it on, revealing the holographic envelope. "All of the Royal Knights are set to attend actually, along with Shareholders and other VIPs."
"Cool, I didn't wanna go to this thing and not know anyone," Ben said relieved as he unveiled his own invitation.
"We could always go together you know…" Melissa threw the idea out there.
Ben let the statement settle before he responded. "As…co-workers, or friends…?"
"Yes."
Michael stared in agony at his screen, growing ever more frustrated as the days went by. The latest issue being the glitch in OMNI Stadium with certain Digimon being able to perform actions that go against the rules set. Bugs come and go, and this would normally be something he would've left for his team in the department to figure out.
However, being that this bug rose during a confrontation involving a Royal Knight, it falls on his shoulders to figure out the source of the bug in the first place. He can only imagine that Akiyoshi had something to do with it, as he continues to make their quest into a spectacle. Rewatching the security footage, he saw that the Knights are slowly learning more about the reality of the situation.
Was this Akiyoshi's intention? Is he that arrogant that he's intentionally leaving clues to lead them back to them? Is he trying to throw him under the bus, even? What is Akiyoshi gaining from crippling them with each passing day?
A knock interrupted his thought process. "Come in."
The door opened, revealing Carlos on the other side. Immediately Michael saw the situation was suddenly all the more tedious.
"Yo doc, got a sec?" Carlos invited himself in, closing the door behind him taking a nearby chair for himself. He spun it around and sat with the back facing Michael.
It took all the patience in the world for Michael to not throw Carlos out of his office. "I suppose I can spare a few minutes. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing, just been thinking recently about everything that's happened over the last week or so."
"Care to elaborate?"
"Well for starters, Trojan's strike the other night. Syd dropped a little detail about how Melissa knew the assailant."
"As do I. Her name is Megan Jones, she was kidnapped by Trojan and used as bait to plant the virus that nearly destroyed Babylon while it was still in its beta. As for why she joined Trojan, we're currently investigating that."
"Are you also investigating the fact that Quincy discovered that the Green Beta Tester was his own younger brother, who more or less confirmed his own ties with Trojan?"
"I was just doing that as a matter of fact…" Michael replied, narrowing his gaze. He could tell there was an underlying point in his tone. "What's this about, Mr. Vargas?"
"You were using Quincy's brother as leverage, weren't you?" Carlos deduced. "Quincy knows about the Beta Testers, but you made him keep his mouth shut."
"Excuse me?" Michael was taken aback. "How dare—"
"Ah-uh, there's more!" Carlos pulled his D-Case out and slammed it onto the table, the gold/bronze-colored case lighting up and displaying security footage. Michael's eyes went wide at the display.
"I've already heard. I know where you came from, what you are, and why you're doing what you are doing. There's no reason for us to fight so just surrender now."
"Or what? You're gonna throw me back to SAIBA? Have them try and pull me apart again? While you go and run off in ignorant bliss? Give me a break!"
"Mr. McKnight promised that once you're apprehended that he would—"
"HE'S THE REASON I SUFFERED FOR SO LONG! Five years to you humans is nothing in comparison to something like me… I was born as a bug. A glitch. An accident. I didn't ask to exists, but I do. And I didn't ask to be dissected and pulled apart like a lab experiment, but I WAS! Day after day, month after month…They tried over and over to replicate me, to modify me, to delete me…They tortured me just to see how far they could get with a being that defies all kinds of logic. I'm nothing but a piece of you given a face. But I promise you I've been through hell and back more than any of you humans could imagine! SAIBA will burn and if I have to go down with it then so be it! I'll take every human I can down with me!"
"Trust me, it's the gift that keeps on giving," Carlos smirked.
Michael continued to be quiet, processing what he was witnessing, all the while cursing Akiyoshi in his mind. He sighed heavily and accepted the last resort he's pondered over since this conversation started. He still could salvage this situation.
"What is it you're after?" Michael folded his hands on the table.
"I want in," Carlos stated. "Whatever this is, whatever SAIBA's planning, I want in."
Michael once again didn't expect that.
"You…"
"You really think I cared about being some superhero?" Carlos leaned back and scoffed. "Give me a break. Syd and the others can be naïve and go about fighting for the people, but I personally want the power, fame, and all the greatness in between."
"I see. So, in other words, if given the chance…you'd want to become a god…"
"Whoa whoa whoa, I didn't say all of that." Carlos chuckled. "I mean, if that could happen, I wouldn't object but…"
"If I were to tell you that's SAIBA's intentions, would you accept it?"
Carlos paused. Michael stared Carlos in the eyes to show how serious he was. "Well?"
Still silent, Carlos nodded. "Like I said, I want it. I want the power to stomp Trojan and whoever else decides to get in my way."
Michael nodded, understanding him. "Very well. If you can beat me in a battle then, I will speak to Mr. Saiba directly afterward and have him get in contact with you. In the meantime, I'll explain everything to you."
Carlos grinned, taking his D-Case back. "What are we waiting for then? Let's get this party star—"
Carlos paused, noticing binary floating between them. He turned back, not seeing anything, however. Feeling that he was seeing things, he turned back forward and suddenly finding his surroundings have shifted dramatically. What was once Michael's office, was now a barren, darkened cyberspace.
"How did…?" Carlos was trying to make sense of what was happening.
"Don't act surprised," Michael stated as he materialized in the space. "This is no different than being in Babylon."
Carlos spun around, catching the source of Michael's voice. "What did you do to me?"
"I brought us into the Netspace for our battle."
"A warning would've been nice you know!"
"With the amount of work, I have on my plate I don't have time for formalities I'm afraid," Michael explained. "Besides, I much rather cut to the chase after all."
Carlos felt like he couldn't argue with that. "Fine, whatever." He attached his D-Case to his Gauntlet and held it out, while Michael did the same.
"DIGI-GATE: OPEN!"
Trevor materialized in Morris' server, where the latter steadily worked across the room. He paused briefly to turn, noting Trevor's presence. "Mr. Russo isn't with you?"
"He and Tyrone are gonna join in a bit," Trevor replied, walking up to him. "I figured I come a few minutes early."
"Punctual. Reminds me of the good ol' days when I was still teaching. Maybe when this is all over Ozera will give me my old job back." Morris chuckled.
Trevor didn't respond to it, knowing that was a pipe dream at best and Morris knew it. There was no turning back for any of them at this point, especially him.
"There have been some things that have been bugging me lately…" Trevor mentioned.
"As in for example, what did I do with Millenniummon? To answer that question, SAIBA has that hidden away."
"And what do they plan on doing with it? You were planning on using Millenniummon to destroy Babylon and SAIBA from the inside-out right? What would SAIBA do with it?"
"Why do people get pet dogs if not to protect their property?" Morris raised the question. "Millenniummon contains the blueprints of everything I've worked towards regarding the Digimon, but aside from that it's a destructive force that could wipe out the very Netspace if left to its own devices, on a scale beyond what Diaboromon would be capable of."
"So, if SAIBA had that this whole time why did they wait for you to retrieve the data before they built—" Trevor paused. "Better question; how do you expect them to control it?"
"Likely with the Saibatars." Morris continued to type. "While I gifted Layla Kimeramon, the precursor to Milleniummon's final form, its secondary component, Machinedramon, went to Axel for the reason that as a digital entity he would have a better connection to it. Not only that but his hatred for SAIBA would be able to influence Millenniummon even moreso.
"And with that segue…what is a Saibatar? We all get that it's Tamer Data but…"
"The short answer is that Saibatars are personifications of Tamer Data. The long answer, now that would require you to ask the question, what is Tamer Data?" Morris typed some more and pushed a button. As he turned around, a display appeared between the two of them, depicting a child's drawing of stick figures and basic drawings of creatures of various shapes and sizes, all smiling. It was colorful, with a rainbow arching over the characters in the drawing.
"Originally, when my son Ivan created the Digimon, he drew pictures of the monsters and children alongside them. Ivan explained to me that in this world he created, kids like him had this special bond with the Digimon. Of course, as we know, things didn't go exactly as he envisioned them. Because of that, we had Axel, a perverted product of my son's concept. With any luck, he will be the last."
"Yeah…" Trevor studied the picture some more, seeing an orange circle with a grey spike coming out of its forehead. "When my father explained to me SAIBA's goal, he said how SAIBA was vying to be on top of a cyber race with other developers. Digimon are supposed to be the key to success apparently…"
Morris looked at him and saw the trace of pain on his face. "What's your opinion of Digimon?"
Trevor blinked, not expecting that kind of question. "What do you mean?"
Morris shrugged. "Since the accident five years ago and your father joining SAIBA Enterprise, you pursued a career as a Pro Tamer, and a successful one at that. However, your words just now seem to implicate that there's more to it than that, am I right?"
Trevor shrugged, "I mean…it's not their fault. My father is the one who grew obsessed with the concept of the unknown and allowed it to ruin our family. My mom was pretty vocal about her distaste for it, how it was interfering with our lives. Like any kid, I thought if I could love it and show her that I enjoyed it, it would change her mind about it, that it would fix things. Instead, it made it worse, as all it did was give her the impression that my dad was turning me against her. Ironic, because he's a corrupt person in hindsight…"
"I understand what you mean…"
"Even so, as for the Digimon themselves," Trevor began again, "They remind me a lot of those cliché sci-fi plots where AI take over the world and puts into question humanity's quest for godhood. Digimon, while they're too advanced for their time in retrospect, they don't have free will. But their existence is what made Axel possible… and that scares me."
"An AI with free will is a novel concept. Digimon can be programmed with a pattern similar to that, but that's merely responses to stimuli in the digital space."
"And yet Omnimon was different; as were Agumon and Gabumon."
"That they were…" Morris couldn't deny it.
"Agumon and Gabumon were a part of OMNI's core data, weren't they? That's why they were far more advanced than the other's Digimon."
"I can neither confirm, nor deny that," Morris stated. "While I may have Omnimon's body, his core is another matter entirely."
The screen shifted to show the Omnimon figure, however, its green eyes were now hollow black slits. "What you see now is essentially no different than a suit of armor."
"Should've figured it would be too good to be true," Trevor said, not surprised. "In any case, Digimon at the end of the day are tools. But they're also friends, allies. They're tools for us to grow, as much as we are tools for them to grow as well. I want to fight for a future where humans and Digimon can lean on each other for support and grow together. And if that means becoming a Trojan Agent, then so be it."
Morris smirked, "To think that an organization named after the infamous Trojan Virus would be the name of the saviors of the future…"
"For humans and Digimon alike." Trevor nodded.
"If Ivan were here, he'd support this. Thank you for striving to create the world he wasn't able to."
Trevor paused, not knowing how to respond to that. Before he could try, Morris' console lit up, altering him.
"Excuse me a moment." Morris turned his attention.
"Of course. Thanks for taking the time out to talk and all."
"Of course. You kids are my students in and out of the classroom. Never forget that."
Trevor found himself smiling at that, walking away to give Morris his privacy.
Carlos ended his turn, digivolving the Gatomon in his raising Area into MagnaAngemon, the powerful Angel Digimon hovering behind him. Up to this point, the game was a tug of war between the two, with Michael playing the blocker Gotsumon during his last turn to join his Gorillamon in the Battle Area. Fortunately for Carlos, he gained some advantage thanks to Liollmon getting a Security before it was deleted by the revealed Betamon.
After his upsetting defeat against Megan prior, Carlos was opting to not rush in and inspect how Michael was going about things. Mixing colors wasn't rare, but at the same time, it was very circumstantial in terms of reliability, especially given that Michael wasn't using any Digi-Eggs whatsoever. Having blue and black together like this gave Carlos the impression that Michael was likely intending to build a wall of blockers using the memory gaining from blue and the defensive nature of black. Carlos though wasn't worried, having his deck emphasize on DP reduction and Security reduction as well, so if he wants to play defensive, he'll just chip at the wall until it crumbles.
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Michael)
Michael drew for his turn. "Gorillamon, Security Attack!"
Finally, something was happening, Carlos thought to himself. He braced himself as Gorillamon charged its arm cannon and fired a blue ball of energy from it, smashing the Security Card that protected him.
Carlos
Security: 4
"Security Check…" Carlos declared as the card revealed itself. "Security Trigger: Ankylomon!"
The yellow Ankylosaur Digimon reformed from the broken shards and roared to announce its arrival.
Ankylomon (BT3-036)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 4000
Michael followed it up with another card. "I Play Hammer Spark to gain an extra memory.
MEMORY
1-2
"And I'll end by playing Tsukaimon from my hand."
Carlos was taken aback as the purple Digimon that resembled Patamon materialized aside the other two Digimon.
Tsukaimon (BT3-079)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Carlos)
"Blue, black and purple…" Carlos began, making note of the order of appearance.
"Unconventional, I'm sure. However, as a lead developer, I feel obligated to experiment. The Digimon give us that luxury to let our imaginations run wild."
Carlos grinned a little, "I bet they do." He drew and played the card drawn. I play Mistymon; his ability decreases both Gotsumon and Tsukaimon by 3000 DP, wiping them out!"
The mystical warrior materialized on Carlos' side and held its crimson sword forward, generating two balls of electric energy that shot towards both its targets, draining them of their DP until they both faded.
Mistymon (BT1-061)
Color: Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
1-6 (Turn Change: Michael)
Gotsumon: 3000-0
Tsukaimon: 2000-0
Michael drew, "How much have you learned in your snooping?"
Carlos took a moment to consider the question. "Enough to know that SAIBA has plenty of secrets. It's obvious that SAIBA going through a lot of trouble to keep things away from the public eye, why is that?"
"I play Psychemon from my hand," Michael stated as he played a pink and purple Gabumon variant with green claws.
Psychemon (BT3-060)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 5000
MEMORY
6-3
"Since their inception, Digimon have proven to be a potential breakthrough that could redefine cybernetics as we know it. To climb toward the top of this potential future, SAIBA is doing all it can to exploit the possibility, while keeping everyone around us in the dark." Michael explained.
"And I'm guessing that's where the Beta Testers come in?" Carlos further questioned.
"I lay Hammer Spark, then digivolve Psychemon into Guardromon."
MEMORY
3-4
Binary surrounded Psychemon, covering it in metallic plating until it formed into the sentinel steam-powered android Digimon.
Guardromon (BT2-058)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 7000
MEMORY
4-2
"In our early research, we discovered that the Digimon, without any additional programming, had what was considered a natural response to human interaction. Of course, for an AI to attain that level of sentience was unheard of, yet that was our first clue that there was something unique about them. To further investigate this, we created the Beta Tester event to gather data on the public, especially children, to see if the Digimon would react any differently."
"And despite all that effort, you were only able to get data on six of them?"
Michael scoffed as he digivolved Gorillamon into Zudomon. The hulking walrus Digimon threw its hammer on its shoulder as an act to look intimidating.
Zudomon (BT1-041)
Color: Blue
Level: 5
DP: 6000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change)
"Of course not; dozens of participants took part in the beta. And of course, the Alpha Testing between the R&D department and selected staff…"
"By that you mean Melissa, don't you?"
Michael grinned. "There's nothing a scientist loves more than information and opportunities to obtain it."
Carlos chuckled, unable to disagree. "I wonder if she knows about that."
"It honestly doesn't matter whether or not she knows."
"Can I just go ahead and assume you did the same thing for the Royal Knight recruitment?" Carlos pushed.
"Sharp."
Carlos moved MagnaAngemon to the Battle Area after drawing. "And what have you discovered after all this time?"
"As I said before, the path to godhood."
Carlos slowly nodded, as if he understood what that truly meant. "I have to wonder though…what's stopping Akiyoshi from throwing you under the bus if this goes south?"
Michael paused. Carlos took advantage of the moment of hesitation, "Transcend, Scarlet Shooter! MagnaAngemon digivolves into Kentaurosmon!"
MagnaAngemon took to the sky in a blaze of red binary that reformed it into the majestic centaur Digimon.
Kentaurosmon (BT3-043)
Color: Yellow
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
"When Kentaurosmon is digivolved into, up to five of your Digimon get minus two security attack until the end of your turn." He snapped his fingers, alerting Kentaurosmon to fire an array of arrows from above. Both of Michael's currently standing Digimon were pinned in place by the energy arrows that lined their feet.
MEMORY
1-2 (Turn Change: Michael)
"At a loss for words, huh?" Carlos smirked. "It's your turn."
Michael snapped back into it and nodded. "No, it's just…humorous to think that Akiyoshi has an end goal in sight."
Carlos didn't expect that, watching as Michael drew.
"I digivolve Guardromon into Andromon."
Andromon (BT2-061)
Color: Black
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Carlos)
"Wait…I thought that…"
"Akiyoshi Saiba only cares about putting on a theater performance. Case in point…Trojan's attack on Babylon."
Carlos' eyes widened. "What do you…"
"You haven't figured that part out yet?" Michael was surprised. He began to laugh hysterically as a result. Carlos meanwhile was growing heated as he ripped the card from his D-Brace.
"KENTAUROSMON!" He exclaimed, as his Digimon aimed an arrow. It spiraled, cutting past Andromon, docking 3000 DP due to the stack of IE effects underneath it.
Andromon: 7000-4000
The spiraling arrow tore into the materialized Security Card, eventually shattering it.
Michael
Security: 4-3
Michael retrieved the card. "Security Trigger: Trump Sword on Mistymon!"
Carlos ignored the zipping blades as they skewered Mistymon into binary. "Not done! Ankylomon digivolves into Chirinmon!"
The ankylosaur Digimon roared, digivolving into the emerald holy beast Digimon.
Chirinmon (BT1-058)
Color: Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
1-2 (Turn Change: Michael)
"What do you mean Trojan's Attack?!" Carlos demanded. "Are you saying that Akiyoshi meant for Trojan to attack Babylon?!"
Michael drew, looking at the card and back at him, "moments ago you were barking at me about wanting to obtain power and glory; now all of the sudden you care for the users you're meant to protect?"
"Don't change the subject!"
"Far from it." Michael insisted. "Don't forget this is an evaluation. I as well wasn't thrilled about Akiyoshi's move and I made sure he knew it. Trojan wasn't supposed to strike as soon as it did, but his impatience and obsession with being the center of everything nearly derailed everything in the process."
"That doesn't make sense! What does SAIBA gain from attacking their own users?!"
"Heroes." Michael silenced Carlos. "The Royal Knights."
Carlos pondered the thought. Trojan was a part of SAIBA this whole time… SAIBA attacked Babylon through Trojan to make the Royal Knights stand out as Babylon's saviors…
"As long as the Royal Knights are around to protect Babylon, users will feel safe. The safer they feel, the more users we gain, the more data we collect. Trojan's attack was supposed to be a staged live event to spotlight the Royal Knights, and while you all succeeded, thanks to Akiyoshi running on his own, it turned into that ignorant display, the mass account hacks being the least of my worries.
"Then what did the Beta Tester mean when he said he was working with Trojan?!"
"A former colleague, Anthony Morris, the so-called creator of the Digimon, is attempting to take down SAIBA using Trojan. Akiyoshi gave him Omnimon's body to do as he sees fit."
"They have Omnimon?! Then everything we've done was…for nothing…" one revelation after another hit Carlos harder and harder.
"However, as I said, I'm not letting him throw away years of hard work and effort because he needs a dopamine high." Michael played his card, having Zudomon glow. "Descend, Elegant Tactican… Zudomon digivolves into Leopardmon!"
Carlos looked up, feeling the unexpected burst of gust come at him as he shielded himself. A spiral of wind encircled Zudomon as the silhouette slimmed and narrowed. When the winds ceased, a humanoid knight Digimon in brown, leopard-themed armor with white angelic wings and long tied blonde hair floated down.
Leopardmon (BT3-060)
Color: Blue
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
MEMORY
2-2 (Turn Change: Carlos)
Carlos took note of the new Digimon and analyzed the card from his case. His eyes widened as he went over the specs of it. "A Royal Knight?"
"When Leopardmon is digivolved into," Michael ignored, I can move one Level 4 or lower Digimon from one of my Digimon back into the Battle Area for no cost. With that, I'll move Guardromon from Andromon."
Leopardmon held up its Rapier and the binary that leaped off it floated to Andromon and from it re-created Guardromon beside it, adding the additional blocker.
"Akiyoshi has lost sight of SAIBA's true goal. And I refuse for him to take that opportunity from me." Michael continued. "Now that you see the real picture, that Akiyoshi is creating all of this chaos, I offer an opportunity for you to join me to stop him and obtain the greatness we here at SAIBA are destined to achieve." He held his hand out.
Carlos looked at him, taking notice of the gesture. A grin twisted itself on his face, and he laughed hysterically. Michael retreated some. "I take it you're not interested…"
Carlos stopped laughing. "You don't even see how you're just as twisted as he is; the only difference is you're still trying to act like you have some sense of morality in you."
Michael felt that. "Sometimes you have to make sacrifices if it means the betterment of the future."
"I bet it does." He continued, drawing. "Chirinmon, Security Attack! Using its effect, I gain 3 Memory!"
MEMORY
2-5
Chirinmon galloped, generating electricity as it picked up speed. Guardromon abruptly stepped in and intercepted Chirinmon, attempting to hold it back.
Chirinmon: 7000 DP
Guardromon: 7000 DP
Guardromon, knowing its fate, ignited itself taking down the opposing Digimon with it.
Kentaurosmon, Security Attack!"
Kentaurosmon didn't hesitate to aim an arrow towards the sky and firing it, causing it to multiply and rain down on Michael who was saved by his Security Card which took the attack.
Michael
Security: 3-2
Afterward, Michael took his latest Security Card. "Security Trigger once again; Darkness Claw, its Security Effect gains me 2 Memory."
MEMORY
5-3
"Whatever! I play Reppamon from my hand, then Digivolve it into MagnaAngemon!"
MagnaAngemon materialized besides Kentaurosmon, the two powerful Digimon standing like pillars besides Carlos.
MagnaAngemon (ST3-06)
Color: Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 7000
"Chirinmon's effect returns the 3 memory I borrowed from its attack as well."
"Which will put me at six memory," Michael stated.
MEMORY
3-0
0-3 (Turn Change: Michael)
3-6
Michael rolled his neck and drew. "Now that I see where you stand, I don't feel the need to hold back any longer." He drew two cards from his hand and played them. "Two Hammer Sparks; I go to 8 Memory."
MEMORY
6-8
He took another two cards. "I play both Gomamon and Tsukaimon from my hand."
Leopardmon motioned as if he was summoning troops, Gomamon and Tsukaimon appearing as if on cue.
Gomamon (BT1-030)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 3000
MEMORY
8-2
And then, another two cards. "Gomamon digivolves into Gorillamon, and Tsukaimon into Meramon."
Another Gorillamon appeared over Gomamon, while Tsukaimon digivolved into the flaming humanoid Digimon.
Gorillamon (BT1-037)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 6000
Meramon (BT3-083)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
2-0
Michael drew the two cards for each digivolution, took the 2nd card drawn, and played it. "I end my turn by playing Gotsumon."
Gotsumon finished the assembly, materializing beside the previously summoned Digimon.
Gotsumon (BT2-054)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 3000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Carlos)
Carlos drew, fully determined to continue to plow through. "I hatch Nyaromon!"
The yellow cat-like ball Digimon materialized besides Carlos, hissing at their enemies before them in a show of intimidation
Nyaromon (BT2-003)
Color: Yellow
Level: 2
"Nyaromon digivolves into Tsukaimon to follow up!" Carlos played as his own Tsukaimon materialized on his side of the field.
Tsukaimon (BT1-045)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 3000
"Kentaurosmon, Security Attack! Use your IE effects to take out Gotsumon!"
Gotsumon: 3000-0 DP
"Andromon!" Michael countered.
Kentaurosmon aimed its arrow and fired, sending a speeding shot of light energy that shattered Gotsumon into binary right where it stood. Continuing on its path towards Michael's Security, Andromon charged its mechanized hand to try and swat at the blast.
Kentaurosmon: 11,000 DP
Andromon: 7000 DP
Despite its efforts, Andromon's bladed hand shattered due to the force and with it, the arrow ignited, taking Andromon within an explosion of light. However before Michael could respond, MagnaAngemon came down from above and sliced the intended target, leaving Michael down to one security remaining.
Michael
Security 2-1
Pushed further into a corner, Michael checked his security. "Security Trigger! Airdramon!"
"You and those triggers are annoying!" Carlos snapped.
Airdramon (BT3-024)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 4000
"To ensure I have ample time to organize myself, Triggers are but one means of defense in my arsenal," Michael commented as Airdramon materialized and snarled to signify its agreement.
Carlos snickered. "Fitting for a coward." He passed the turn to Michael, out of options for the moment.
MEMORY
3-3 (Turn Change: Michael)
Michael's gaze narrowed. "If that's what it takes to obtain what's rightfully mine…then so be it." He drew. "Gorillamon, Security Attack."
Carlos braced himself for Gorillamon's attack. The ape Digimon charged its arm cannon and once it was full, it fired forth. The Security card appeared to block it all the same.
Carlos
Security: 4-3
"Security Check…" Carlos revealed his card and a smile crossed his face. "Clavis—what?!" His expression jerked to one of shock. "What do you mean it's jammed?!"
"Leopardmon's ability as a tactician enables him to enforce his troops to a clean assault on the battlefield," Michael explained. "All Level 4 or lower Digimon on my side gain Jamming, regardless of their color."
Carlos' eyes widened. "Those cheap evolutions you played…"
"And the lack of attacks until now. My deck specializes in early defensive tactics that allow me to build my forces in the late game. And with Leopardmon making my Digimon invincible to your Security Digimon, you have no way of destroying my army…"
Carlos gritted his teeth and seethed.
"Meramon, Airdramon!" Michael snapped his fingers. Both of the Digimon charged their respected elements and fired one after the other, the flames and wind combining into a blazing cyclone that made its way towards the defenseless Carlos. The Security cards lined up accordingly, but the force between the jammers blew Carlos off his feet, sending him bouncing on the hard, digital floor.
Carlos
Security: 3-1
With one security remaining, Carlos forced himself on his feet with a grin. "It won't be long…until the others realize it. One way or another I'm gonna drag you snakes down with me."
Michael scoffed and crossed his arms. "If that's the case," he raised his arm in the air. "Save me a spot."
Carlos scoffed as well, revealing the security cards he received. The first was the jammed Chirinmon, whereas the second…
"Security Trigger: Holy Flame! For this turn, all of your Digimon get Security Attack -1 for the turn!"
Michael didn't pay any mind to the waste of a trigger. "I'll end my turn by playing Gazimon from my hand and digivolving it into Meramon."
Gazimon (BT3-077)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Another Meramon materialized on Michael's side, adding yet another soldier to his army of Jammers.
MEMORY
3-1 (Turn Change: Carlos)
As Carlos went to draw, his heart started to pound furiously. An unexpected wave of anxiety filled him to a degree he wasn't used to. Was it because he knew this turn would make all the difference…? What would happen if he lost? Would Quincy and the others put the pieces together as he did? Would the Beta Testers step in and take down SAIBA? If only he thought this through a little bit more…
"It's your move!"
Carlos snapped out of his trance. It took him a moment to realize, that the voice that just spoke…wasn't Michael's…
His eyes slowly looked up, and he froze as he met Leopardmon's gaze, locked onto him with predatorial intent.
"Calm down, Leopardmon. Scaring him anymore isn't going to make him faster."
Carlos forced a smile, "Scared? I ain't scared…"
His voice shook involuntarily to his dismay. The fact was he was terrified. Even though he was so close…
"Tsukaimon…moves to the Battle Area!" Carlos swallowed his fear and sent the smaller Digimon forward.
"MagnaAngemon…" Carlos pointed. "Final Security Attack…"
MagnaAngemon's blade ignited with a glistening amethyst aura. It swung outward and charged. With no blockers in its way, the final Security fell, leaving Michael wide open for Kentaurosmon's victorious arrow to pierce him in moments.
Michael
Security: 1-0
"It's over…" Carlos stated. "SAIBA's collapse starts n—!" Carlos was interrupted by the reveal of Michael's final security.
MEMORY
1-1 (Turn Change: Michael)
As Michael sent the Darkness Claw to his trash, he drew. "If it's in SAIBA's fate to collapse, so be it. But not before I get what I'm after…Airdramon…"
The flying serpent curled through the air as it made its way closer to Carlos. Each moment filled Carlos with a mix of emotion, the most prominent being building rage.
Airdramon unleashed a wind-filled screech that shattered Carlos' last Security. As the pieces flew, he clenched his fist and began to scream as hard as he could.
Carlos
Security: 1-0
"Leopardmon…silence him."
"Glady…" Leopardmon responded readying its rapier. As it began to walk towards Carlos, Carlos reacted, throwing his hand forward. Golden orbs began to materialize around him, catching both Michael and Leopardmon off guard. Clenching his hand once again, the orbs fired on Leopardmon, blowing it back like a truck.
Leopardmon flew as the blasts relentlessly laid into it, the former howling as he soared. As the wrath of Seven Heavens came down on the Royal Knight, chipping away at its armor, Leopardmon likewise howled in anger.
"Insolent…HUMAN!"
Leopardmon: 11,000-1000 DP
Feeling insulted by such an attempt to defy it, Leopardmon stopped its trajectory, digging its greaves into the ground. From there it began to push against the blast, taking one step at a time back towards Carlos as the attack began to weaken.
Carlos' arm dropped. His last-ditch trigger doing what it could to take out the Royal Knight. Alas, it wasn't enough to fell the warrior. Carlos looked up, drained and helpless as the livid knight broke the remaining bits of energy apart and stood over him like the predator it was.
Carlos could only smile, opting for a happy memory…if this really was the end.
"Sorry, Syd…
…I messed up…"
[Juno's Bakery, Riverbed…]
After fighting through the traffic to get to Riverbed, Melissa finally made it, around the time she promised Sydney. Being filled with the warm aroma of sweets, she contemplated why it took her so long for her and Sydney to come here in the first place.
Melissa made her way further into the bakery, looking around for Sydney. After a moment of not seeing even one blue strand of hair, she turned to the waitress at the counter.
"Excuse me, Miss, was there a young girl here, with blue hair and a little taller than me?" Melissa couldn't help but let out a small giggle, realizing she was self-deprecating on her height situation.
"She was actually here about ten minutes ago I think…" the older woman answered, thinking it over. "She was sitting with a group of younger girls, looked to be about high school age."
Melissa got quiet. "Really?"
"Honestly, they were causing such a commotion I was about to ask them to leave before they left themselves."
"Do you have any idea where they've could've gone?"
"Afraid not Miss. The girl you're looking for did look upset about something. From the sounds of it, it sounded like the girls were fighting or something rather."
Melissa had to take a deep breath to keep her cool. "I'm terribly sorry for their behavior."
"It's no trouble. I've seen and dealt with worse in my years, I assure you."
Melissa laughed a little, feeling a bit of reassurance. "Well, if she's not here…" she leaned back a bit to see what was behind the glass. "Might as well get a snack for the drive back home then. Ooh, can I—"
Melissa's D-Case chimed, catching her attention. Feeling the obligation to answer it, she pointed to the piece of red velvet cake and turned her attention to the device. She brushed her hair back and tapped her D-Com. "Melissa Reinhardt speaking…"
"It's Me," Michael stated on the other end. "We have an emergency; I need you back here as soon as possible."
Melissa tensed at the sound of that. She absentmindedly scanned her smartwatch on the scanner to pay for the cake as she focused on Michael's call. "Did Trojan make a move again?"
"Actually… it's about Carlos…
…he's gone…"
