Chapter 7: The Frozen Revenge
The long drive took hours, but finally arriving at their destination, Takato, Guilmon, Rika, Renamon, Alice and BlackGatomon found themselves at the frozen wastelands of the Digital World, a section where Digimon either adapted and evolved to the chilling conditions or died amongst the snow.
Having prepared themselves for the arctic conditions, the Tamers scanned the area, noticing before them, beyond the snow and sleet was the ice cavern holding the next crystal they sought.
"Is this the place?" Alice had to ask, wanting to make sure they didn't make any mistakes or misdirections, but found BlackGatomon a little preoccupied, finding BlackGatomon wrapping her paws around herself, shivering from the cold.
"We should find the next crystal around here somewhere, but brr... let's just find it and get out of here." BlackGatomon said with some impatience and chattering teeth, not used to used chilly weather.
"I don't feel cold, so what's your problem?" Renamon then asked.
Feeling her jealousy return and turning to Renamon, BlackGatomon pointed out and asked back. "Why aren't you or Guilmon cold? It feels like my whiskers will freeze off."
"I was smart enough to choose a weather proof leotard." Renamon said, lifting the top of her leotard open a bit, before letting it snap back in place, this causing her breasts to wobble.
"Using this outfit, environmental effects cannot get to me." Renamon went on, looking to BlackGatomon with a near teasing expression. "So it looks as though you'll have to find your own way to avoid freezing."
"And the same goes for my coat." Guilmon cut in, paying no attention to the rivalry between Renamon and BlackGatomon. "I can't feel anything at all."
"Lucky you... But I won't let foxy get the best of me..." BlackGatomon muttered under her breath, not wanting Renamon to beat her to Guilmon just yet.
However, that's when a mischievous smile came to her face as an idea came to mind.
Approaching Guilmon, BlackGatomon slid her arms around Guilmon, even tugging at the end as to try and help herself inside.
"And what do you think you're doing?" Renamon questioned, having a fair idea at the smile BlackGatomon gave her way.
"I'm just doing as you said, finding a way to keep myself warm." BlackGatomon replied, only to then let out a relaxed purr as she nuzzled Guilmon's chest. "And Guilmon's bodyheat is just what this kitty needs."
"Oh no you don't!" Renamon let out and was about to drag BlackGatomon away from Guilmon's embrace, but froze up upon noticing Guilmon's discomforted glare.
"Would you two clowns stop and get off me!?" Guilmon suddenly snapped, annoyed at the stupidity the two female Digimon were expressing, namely finding annoyance to Renamon and how the proud Digimon fighter he knew was acting so childish.
"Sorry!" BlackGatomon let out as she backed away from Guilmon's fury, not wanting to anger the Digital Hazard Digimon.
'This is the first time I've see Renamon acting like this. I hope she can control herself.' Rika thought as she sweatdropped at the state of her partner.
"There's warm clothing in the back." Takato spoke up, ensuring all the attention was upon him.
"So put them on and let's get a move on." The brunette then said as he and Guilmon headed on, forcing Rika, Alice and BlackGatomon to quickly change and catch up to them, while Renamon hurried after the boys.
As the group caught up with Takato and Guilmon, entering the icy cavern and finding it near pitch black, save the few torches that just lit their pathway, Rika helped herself to one, removing the source of light from the ice wall and proceeded ahead.
"This whole cavern is nothing but ice cold crystals. It's kind of beautiful." Alice said as she gazed around, admiring the scenery.
"Yeah, it's a real winter wonderland." Rika replied, dismissing Alice's comment and focusing herself on Takato, asking the distant Tamer. "So what colour is this crystal we're after?"
"White. So we'll need to keep a close eye out for it." Takato said in reply, ignoring the frustrated sigh Rika gave, but understanding the red haired Tamer's annoyance.
Proceeding deeper into the caverns, but having no luck to finding the crystal, only seeing tunnel after tunnel of ice, Guilmon suddenly froze up.
Turning to his fighting stance and drawing his sword, Guilmon raked his blade upward, slicing through a near invisible creature in the air, revealing it to be another monster, an ice based creature, closely resembling an arctic fox, which collapsed upon the blade cutting deep into its flesh.
"It appears these monsters have the ability to blend themselves with the ice." Guilmon said, examining the remains of the slain creature.
"Incredible. I didn't even sense that monster." Renamon let out, slowly approaching Guilmon as she then asked. "But how did you know it was there?"
"Listen to the monsters' footsteps" Takato said in reply, remaining calm and distant to the others as he opened fire, his shot rushing through the icy tunnel, which struck and killed another monster, a snow bear, which dropped to the floor with its demise.
"Like this?" Rika asked, concentrating as best she could, before swinging her staff around with grace, turning around and bringing the weapon down, stabbing a camouflaged frozen mammoth monster right in the eye.
Though the attack didn't fell the beast, damaging it greatly, Takato was faintly impressed that Rika had picked up the skill, before approaching the mammoth creature, pointing his revolver to its head and pulling the trigger, ending what Rika had started.
Unable to follow in Rika's lead, but using her quick thinking, Alice harnessed her magic, adapting to pyrokinesis as to release a stream of flame and to melt a section of the ice around them, this burning away the surroundings and exposing more of the snow monsters.
Giving fearsome howls to their presence detected and lunging at Alice, Renamon countered the beasts.
Swinging her fan blades as she jumped ahead, Renamon sliced the creatures apart, dropping to her feet as the corpses fell around her.
However, not wanting Renamon to hog the spotlight, gripping her hammer tightly, BlackGatomon took a swing, whacking a twitching creature behind Renamon, the impact crushing its head and putting an end to its existence.
With the monsters around them slain, Takato put his guns back into his revolver and said "I'm guessing these monsters knew the crystal's here, and we're closing in on it."
Agreeing with Takato, Guilmon nodded, about to speak, but tensed up as he and the brunette felt a chilling aura closing in on them, which was followed closely as a dark and sinister voice echoed through the icy tunnels. "So you are the ones who defeated BloodLadyDevimon? I am not surprised, seeing it was you all along."
Hearing the voice, the Tamers felt a dread growing within them, none more so than Rika.
She recognised that voice.
"IceDevimon!"
"So, my dear, after all these years we meet again." The demonic Digimon replied, making his presence known as he levitated down from the rooftops and took his stand ahead of the Tamers.
Glaring toward IceDevimon, the grasp on his sword tightening, Guilmon questioned. "But I killed you. I took your Data. How are you still alive?"
"The fallen Sovereign brought me back. Not only do I have a second chance of making Rika my Tamer and exact my revenge upon you, but seeing as what you are now, I bet I can make you both fall further." IceDevimon said in reply, keeping a dark smile on his face as he scanned along Rika and the others.
Confused, Takato asked. "Make us fall further? What do you mean by that?"
"Further into the darkness." IceDevimon replied, going on with a clear wickedness. "Your souls has been tainted with anger and rage after being betrayed by your own friends. Don't think I don't know that. I know about the human and Digimon who betrayed you and almost sent you to your dooms."
"Wha...?" Alice let out with a gasp, shocked at what she had heard, a feeling Renamon, Rika and BlackGatomon shared.
"Granted, you two eveloved in a way, growing stronger from drinking that holy water and eating the flesh of the monsters you've slain, but that has also tainted your souls and lead you both astray from your beloved friends. The only reason you haven't given completely into your rage is because of Megidramon, am I right?"
"What about him?" Takato asked bitterly, unsure how IceDevimon knew all this, but waited to hear the demonic Digimon's reply.
"His being is still within you, and it's just dying to get out. All that talk about saving the Digital World, killing the human and that Sovereign and going home isn't your only objective. It's revenge. Pure and simple... Revenge against those who betrayed you. Keep telling yourselves that isn't what you want, but face the facts... revenge has tainted your hearts and souls!" IceDevimon said back, near mocking Takato and Guilmon, as if trying to push them to their limits.
Seeing the anger Takato and Guilmon were expressing, but having questions of her own, Rika faced IceDevimon and let out. "If that is the case, why didn't he invite us?!"
"You four are now nothing more than former allies with him, who shared a common goal. He will not accept you as his true friends anymore. For all you two can tell, you think you girls will betray him too" IceDevimon replied.
"Shut up!" Renamon shouted, finally snapping as she withdrew her fans. "You don't know a thing! We will never betray him, not after everything we've all gone through! And even if what you said was true, we'll find a way to bring them back to the light!"
"Renamon's right. We are NOT their pawns! We are their friends. They just have anger issues is just that. And our traitors will pay!" BlackGatomon added, finding herself a tad surprised to actually be agreeing with Renamon.
But taking out her hammer, the black furred feline stood close to Renamon, waiting to crush IceDevimon and to prove the demonic Digimon wrong.
"We haven't given up on Takato and Guilmon, and we won't now!" Alice declared, taking her katana out and bracing herself for their fight.
"First, you tried to make me your Tamer and now... now you're gonna drown Takato and Guilmon in darkness!?" Rika let out, trembling, only out of rage, before snapping. "I've had enough! You won't get away with this!"
With the numbers against him, the Tamers all set up as to fight him, IceDevimon just chuckled.
"You four still stand by them, even though they've been tainted with evil and darkness? How you four must adore them." He mocked.
"Enough talk. We've destroyed you once, and we can do it again!" Takato declared as he and Guilmon drew their revolvers, where Guilmon added. "And this time, you won't get a second chance. You'll die like BloodLadyDevimon."
The mention of BloodLadyDevimon brought a smile to IceDevimon's face, before saying with a chill in his tone. "Ah, yes... her. She may act like my lover but she is just a pawn to me, just as they are to you two."
"You talk way too much." Takato said back, before opening fire, releasing several shots form his revolver, but found IceDevimon flew upward and to the cave's rooftops as to avoid an instant death.
Following after IceDevimon, Rika made a great leap, staff drawn and looking ready to take down IceDevimon.
However, with command over the icy arena, a froze stalactite expanded from the roof, which IceDevimon grabbed.
Taking the jagged ice into his possession , IceDevimon plunged it downward, trying to stab Rika, but found the Tamer's reflexes faster than anticipated, finding Rika block the attack with her staff, much to IceDevimon's annoyance.
Snarling a little to Rika's refusing attitude, IceDevimon noticed Renamon and Alice leap at him, both having their weapons drawn.
"Hang on, Rika!" Renamon called, ready to aid her Tamer, only to find IceDevimon release a frigid wind from his body, throwing her, Alice and Rika to the floor, giving the demonic Digimon time to recover.
Landing back down, his dark smile looking upon the fallen forms of Alice, Rika and Renamon, though IceDevimon desired to eliminate them, to see the life drain from their bodies, he focused himself on Guilmon, seeing the Digital Hazard Digmon approaching him.
"You seem to have improved as a fighter." IceDevimon remarked, keeping an eye and sinister grin upon Guilmon. "As much as I want to get my revenge on you, I'd rather see you go down further down the road you choose."
"Just shut up and fight!" Guilmon snapped back, opening fire and leaving a single bullet from his revolver to graze IceDevimon's horn.
"Straight to the point now aren't you?" IceDevimon asked back with a grin, ignoring the damage to his being, but found he had to return to soaring through the caverns as to avoid the combined gunfire Takato and Guilmon produced.
Keeping IceDevimon on the defensive, this allowed Rika, Renamon and Alice time to return to their feet and get back in the fight themselves, with Renamon trying to use the element of surprise as she jumped at IceDevimon from behind, threw her twin fans at the demonic Digimon, only to find her blades blocked by another powerful icy gust.
"You truly are pathetic." IceDevimon declared, suddenly appearing before Renamon and set his claws around her throat, cutting off her air supply as his ice froze around her neck, tightening as the ice spread further along the vixen's form. "It still puzzles me as to why Rika chose you as her partner."
"Rika chose me because we have a bond... one formed from trust and respect..." Renamon managed to say, feeling that with each second, she was closer to passing out. "Besides..."
"I'd keep my eyes on all your opponents if I were you!" Guilmon then called, taking advantage of IceDevimon's distracted state as to run his blade along IceDevimon's back and cutting clean through his left wing.
From the attack, IceDevimon gave a great cry of pain, not only falling to the floor with his loss of appendage, but dropping Renamon in the process, leaving both Digimon stumbling to the floor.
"Thank you..." Renamon panted out, clenching her right arm and punching through the ice around her neck, allowing her to breathe once again as she remained resting on her back, looking to Guilmon with a smile.
"Next time, don't be careless." Guilmon merely said, only his tone expressed some care, be it was only temporary, but it was enough to renew Renamon's spirit.
"Oh, I won't." Renamon said as she rose up, rushed to the staggering form that was IceDevimon and kicked him hard in the face, sending him crashing back and along the icy floors.
"You've got him!" BlackGatomon cheered, believing that their teamwork could stop IceDevimon in his tracks.
But hearing the growing laughter IceDevimon gave, doubt began to grow.
"You have gotten better..." IceDevimon confessed, pulling himself up, ignoring the damage to his body and declaring. "However, this is far from over."
"You're just expanding the inevitable, so just die already." Takato said back, his revolver drawn and reloaded.
"I wouldn't say that... not after I show you my ace in the hole!" IceDevimon replied, expressing an arrogant grin, before his being was all but consumed in darkness, causing Takato, Guilmon and the others to watch on, seeing the demonic Digimon's being altering, growing bigger and warping into a newer vairient of IceDevimon.
Dispelling the darkness around him, the dark energies flowing as a great and terrible wind, the group looked on, now seeing IceDevimon towering over them, his wounds, cuts and all damage repaired, while his arms had drastically increased in size and strength.
Staring down his opponents, IceDevimon let out madly. "With the darkness guiding me, I have evolved. Prepare to meet your makers at the claws of IceDevimon Enchantment Absorbent!"
Feeling his power, Alice backed away with fear.
"It can't be. You absorbed all those Icemon to get that power?!" She let out with shock in her voice.
"He must have absorbed them before we arrived here." Takato guessed, which made IceDevimon laugh once again.
"Exactly. And you will all join them. This cavern shall be your final resting place!" IceDevimon EA declared as he rose his claw and brought them down upon the heroes.
With his swing, Takato and Guilmon managed to leap aside, avoiding destruction, while Rika, Alice, Renamon and BlackGatomon ducked out of the way, groaning as they felt the rush of icy winds and dark power narrowly missing their heads.
"He's gotten as big as his ego!" BlackGatomon let out, jumping to her feet and keeping herself in a defensive movement. "We need to stop him somehow!"
"Well, if you have any ideas, now's the time to share." Renamon said back, uncertain as how they could stop IceDevimon, finding the chilling winds interfering with the signals of their D-Powers, giving them no chance to Digivolve.
"Then we have no choice. Takato!" Guilmon called out, grabbing his Tamer's attention and causing Takato to nod in reply.
Reacting fast, and ignoring the continued punches IceDevimon delivered, finding the demonic Digimon even capable of releasing intense barrages of icicles mouth, Takato withdrew a strange rainbow glowing stone, which he pressed to his D-Power.
Confused, Rika questioned. "Takato, what are you're doing?"
"You'll see." Takato said in reply, finding his D-Power scanning and registering the data stored within the stone, which affected Guilmon as his being began to glow with a similar force.
"Guilmon Digivolve to... Growlmon!" Growlmon bellowed as he landed before the group, his coat and clothing growing with his size and his silver hair was now longer, almost over his eyes, where he used both claws to brush his bangs aside.
"He Digivolved..." Renamon lout out, astonished to see Growlmon, but more so to see the alterations to the Champion Level Digimon.
"Back in the first labyrinth, we found these special energy stones which give Digimon the power to Digivolve." Takato spoke up, clearing up the confusion Renamon and the others expressed. "I figured they would prove invaluable in our endeavours, so we collected all the stones we could harvest."
Impressed a little, Rika faced Takato, holding a hand out as she said. "Hey, think you can spare some of those magical stones? I bet Renamon and BlackGatomon want to get into the action as well."
"I've heard Renamon Digivolves to a form known as Kyubimon, but I bet I'll become something even more impressive." BlackGatomon teased, admiring her figure as she thought aloud. "Maybe a dark dressed Angewomon or a good version of a LadyDevimon dressed in white. In any case, I bet I'll turn out stronger and better than a fox fitted with a horse saddle."
"Yeah... at a goodie-goodie villainess with a brain of a dodo." Renamon said back with a faint scoff.
"Besides, you're a newcomer and I am a veteran, so you have at least a million years to catch up to me." Renamon added, her words and tone leaving BlackGatomon glaring at Renamon.
"After that ice devil, I am coming after you, foxy!" BlackGatomon snapped, with the Digimon duo pressing their faces against one another, with Renamon then saying bitterly. "Bring it on, kitty cat!"
"Will you two please stop bickering? This isn't the time to fight among ourselves right now!" Alice scolded.
Takato, ignoring Renamon and BlackGatomon's arguing once again, focused his attention to Rika and Alice, tossing the duo a set of stones to the pair, allowing Rika and Renamon to scan the data of the stones through their D-Powers, giving their partners the power to Digivolve.
"Renamon Digivolve to... Kyubimon!" Kyubimon announced as she altered to her more beastly form, but retained some of her humanoid qualities, which included her outfit, which still supported her larger breasts.
"BlackGatomon Digivolve to..." BlackGatomon began to say, allowing the stone's power to be one with her and to alter her being.
Finding the stone's strength lead her on the purer/lighter/any ideas path of her Digivolution line, BlackGatomon found herself with a clear humanoid body, which she couldn't help but to admire.
Checking herself out, she/BlackGatomon found six black feathered wings now spreading from out her back, before looking ahead and seeing the outfit now covering her more slender appearance consisting of a tight black catsuit, which showed off her legs, thighs and her ass, as well as perking up her D-cup breasts.
Completing her Digivolution a white helmet was set over the Angewomon based Digimon's head, covering her eyes, while silver hair flowed gracefully down her back.
And after giving a small pose, the Digimon let her name known.
"TwilightAngewomon!" The new form of BlackGatomon announced proudly, taking a moment as to stop admiring herself and to examine Kyubimon's jealousness.
But find Kyubimon not taking notice as she remained focused on stopping IceDevimon.
"Alright. We can do it now!" Alice said, confident in her partner and in her friends.
IceDevimon held his huge claws and attacked as Kyubimon leapt out of the way and used her Tail Fox Inferno attack as a countermeasure, the flames of Kyubimon stinging IceDevimon and causing him to flinch back a little.
"Dusk Arrow!" TwilightAngewomon let out as she summoned a bow made of twilight energy, summoning with it an arrow, which she then let forth.
IceDevimon roared from the blows, finding the attacks damaging his being.
Angered, IceDevimon swung his fists at Kyubimon, but Growlmon pulled through as to grab the foxy Digimon and pull her away from the dangers.
"Thank you, Growlmon." Kyubimon said respectfully, blushing as Growlmon just looked at her, put her down gently and said back. "Don't lose to that bastard twice. If you truly desire revenge on him, I'd take it."
"I technically forgot about that, so thank you for reminding me." Kyubimon replied with a small smirk as she put her fans between her tails and swung them around, creating a great updraft toward IceDevimon.
Joining in on Kyubimon and TwilightAngewomon's attacks, Takato and Growlmon kept their revolvers drawn, opening fire at IceDevimon, who took the shots, but showed the attacks did little to no damage to his altered from.
Frustrated to see their attacks weren't enough, but taking in his surrounding, Growlmon then saw a huge frozen ice sword, a blade formed by ice crystals hanging amongst a set of icicles, which gave him an idea as to finally put an end to IceDevimon.
Grabbing the blade and pulling, Growlmon broke the blade from its confines, ready for their second round against IceDevimon.
"Why you... just die already you pesky fox!" IceDevimon yelled as he rose his claw as to strike Kyubimon, only for his claw to be impaled by the new ice sword, before his other claw was impaled by Growlmon's original blade.
"Seems you've got the right idea, Growlmon." Takato remarked as he cast off another set of shots from his revolvers, only this time firing above head, striking a set of stalactites, which broke from the roof and impaled clean through IceDevimon's feet, trapping him and leaving the demonic Digimon yelling in clear agony.
"Alright! We've got him!" Rika stated, ready to end it.
"The one behind all of this was responsible of bringing you back as well as BloodLadyDevimon. You're both pawns in their game. And I take it that you're here to exact not just her revenge, but yours. Too bad, it has failed again." Takato said as he and Growlmon held their revolvers toward IceDevimon and added. "Too bad you'll die again."
IceDevimon snarled at first, but then cackled and said in reply. "True. I am no much for you again. But look at what you two have become. Kill or be killed isn't it? Too bad the darkness in your souls still burn deeply in your hearts. Go ahead and kill me again. But know this... as long as you two continue down this path, you will never be who you two be again. You never make friends again and you two will become bigger monsters than the ones you fought so far."
Rika, Alice, Kyubimon and BlackAngemon were shocked by their words but Takato and Growlmon showed no indifference but they felt something in their hearts telling them otherwise.
"Megidramon will one day return and it all be thank to you two as you both sink into darkness and given more into your anger." IceDevimon said with a dark grin.
"Shut up!" Takato and Growlmon yelled as they were ready to fire... only for a staff to strike clean through IceDevimon's chest, while twin fans sliced up his body into bits, before the ice Digimon dispersed in data, leaving Takato and Growlmon surprised a little to see Rika and Kyubimon stand in front of them, dealing the final and fatal blow to IceDevimon.
With IceDevimon defeated, Growlmon, Kyubimon and TwilightAngewomon reverted back to their previous forms, relieved that the battle was finally over.
And seeing a white crystal on a pedestal nearby, seeing it was what they had been searching for, Takato retrieved the item, glad it hadn't fallen into IceDevimon's clutches.
While relaxing a little after their battle, Guilmon then fused his new sword with his original and placed it on his back, adding the blade to his collection.
"Rika, aren't you worried about what IceDevimon said to Takato?" Alice asked in worry, this causing Rika to nod in reply and say. "Yeah. I'm worried about Megidramon returning, but Renamon and I will do all we can to save Takato and Guilmon, and to return them to their rightful selves."
"Right. Three down, two to go. So let's..." Takato began to say, only for something to strike through his being.
Clutching his chest and panting through the sheer pain, a similar occurrence befell Guilmon, who too fell to one knee and was left clutching his chest.
Rushing to his aid, Rika and Alice looked upon Takato with a growing concern.
"Takato, what is it? What's wrong?" Rika questioned.
"Guilmon, are you alright?" Renamon asked as she and BlackGatomon went over as to check on the red dino Digimon.
"Something is... fighting inside of me. This pain... it's so familiar..." Takato said through the pain.
"It feels like two personalities are inside of us... I don't know what it is, but we cannot... fall to it!" Guilmon groaned as he clutched his chest.
"You two have been fighting for some time now, so why don't you two get some rest?" Alice offered with a sweet and caring voice.
"I know a village nearby where we can rest."BlackGatomon added, she too expressing her own care toward Guilmon and Takato.
"I'm fine..." Takato said as he and Guilmon slowly rose to their feet.
"I have to agree with Alice. We need more supplies if we are to survive." Rika said in reply, adding as she remained by Takato's side, even holding her hand out as to help him up. "Come on, Gogglehead. Let's head to the village. From whatI've heard, there are sauna baths we can use to relax a little."
"Dibs! I get to go on the bike with Guilmon this time!" BlackGatomon let out, quickly approaching and wrapping her arms around Guilmon, purring happily. "Renamon had her turn, so now Guilmon's all mine."
"And I could use a good wash." Renamon confessed, wiping the sweat from off her forehead as she helped Guilmon stand steadily.
"Oh, and by the way, he's not yours, BlackGatomon!" The vixen went on with a glare toward the dark furred feline, which came to a sudden halt as both Digimon were bonked upon the back of their heads by Rika and Alice's fist, leaving bumps on the heads.
"And hopefully, the two of you can work things out between you two because this whole fighting over Guilmon thing is seriously getting on my nerves!" Rika said, relaxing her knuckles after the blow.
"Fine... Let's get out of here and go before we have a change of heart." Guilmon let out as he and Takato began to leave the area, followed by the concerned girls.
-Meanwhile, within the Hypnos base-
"Henry, I'm glad you could arrive on such short notice." Yamaki said, allowing Henry within their research lab, allowing the genius amongst the Digimon Tamers to take note of the tireless work Riley and Tally were putting into their jobs, with the pair typing away at their keyboards, running through countless lines of data.
Curious, Henry then asked. "What did you find?"
"The footage of that battle with the behemoth back on that bridge. You should take a look at this." Riley replied, typing in a set of commands into her keyboard, bringing up the footage and allowing Henry to observe the events.
He was shocked, stunned at what he saw, before saying with a mixed selection of feelings. "At last. We've found our traitors."