I do not own anything.
Chapter Twenty: Angry Oni
Name: Saberdramon
Level: Champion
Attribute: Virus
Description: A viral Giant Bird Digimon considered the dark twin to Birdramon. A malicious beast that strikes terror into the hearts of those on the ground moments before it ends their lives. No being that comes face to face with Saberdramon walks away unscathed, and that's counting those that walk away at all. Its Mach Shadow attack almost always assured the capture or death of whatever prey its hunting. If its target is too stubborn to go down quietly it'll use its Black Saber and Night Roar attack to put it down.
It wasn't like her Digivice told Jun anything she didn't already know. It didn't take a genius to figure out the scary giant black bird would kill her the first chance it got. Thankfully it didn't notice her crawling through the muddy grass. She couldn't begin to fathom how its body worked but she was sure it had to have pretty good eyesight in addition to its ferocious fighting skill. It was effortlessly tearing through the DeviDramon hordes like a fly swatter, only being slowed down by direct hits to the eye or snoot. Neither of those options were much help to her since Jun knew she could never come close to harming that thing.
Not unless she decided to do something really stupid. In her own opinion what she was doing was pretty smart; covering herself in mud to mask her scent and crawling at a snail's pace so none of the combatants above her would realize she was there.
Almost every other minute Jun could feel the forest shake from the impact of a monster crashing into the ground or an attack tearing through the trees. Behind her the river began to grow in size due to the growing downpour. When Jun looked back to see the water becoming ink black in color a fire was lit in her feet. Forget safety. Forget the giant viral bird demolishing a flight of demonic dragons over her head. Her instincts had been honed and were ready. They screamed at her the first second she saw the sickening black color of the water.
There has to be a limit to how far he can go! Jun thought running as fast as her legs could move. Twenty meters! Thirty meters! He can't stray too far from the water or he'll lose control! A tingling feeling ran up her spine entering her brain adding more fuel to her fire. Clenching the rifle in her hands she stopped and spun on her heel; her finger already a second away from pulling the trigger.
BANG!
For a moment the watery tentacle simply remained frozen where Jun had blown the tip off before lashing out at her again. It was a cobra that was greedily hunting its prey through the turning roots and trees of the forest, growing evert angrier when it missed or was blown apart.
THUNK!
Shortly after hearing the sound of the spear like tentacle impaling itself in another tree Jun heard the sound bubbling rumble of water dissolving into bubbles before popping one by one. Breathing out a small sigh of relief she turned back to the sky to find the battle was still raging with Saberdramon still holding the reigns. Beyond the tree tops Jun could scarily make out the black shapes of DeviDramon continuing their futile attack. Between her Digivice as well as her own gut feelings she knew she was getting closer to Orgemon. Soon his fierce battle cries began to reach her ears filling her heart with an unexpected sense of joy.
As she ran Jun mentally laughed at how far the dynamic between them had changed. She'd nearly had a panic attack when the two of them met, only seeing his monstrous appearance; completely unware of the cunning and somewhat kind hearted being beneath. He listened to her when she talked, even when she rambled on like she usually did. In turn she listened when he spoke. Of the few relatives they still had Jun faintly remembered hearing some of them recall old war stories from the Second World War. Naturally as a little girl she wasn't able to comprehend the full scale of what she was being told. Now that she was older and wiser she looked back on those times with fondness and even regret. The more cynical part of her mind whispered maybe if she had paid attention she'd be faring better than what she was. She didn't make that mistake with Orgemon. Truly the Nightmare Soldier reminded her of some thug from some old school gangster movie; proud, powerful, and with a startling history behind his scars and face.
Yet there was still so much Jun knew she didn't know about her partner. Strangely she wanted to learn more about him. Matt and Davis were the only ones she ever felt such a burning curiosity towards, perhaps it's not surprise she holds both boys extremely close to her heart. But if we do make it out of this mess what will we do then? Can we even make room for him at our apartment? Oh God his smell! Mom barely puts up with Davis when he forgets to do his laundry; how the hell is she going to deal with a seven foot tall orge! If…it was funny. Despite all the things she'd overcome Jun still felt that small flower of doubt within her chest tighten its roots around her heart every now and then. Just because…just because I grew up a little doesn't mean I'm going to get out of here. This wasn't fear, it was reality.
Ever since this whole mess started the maroon haired girl had come to grips with the fact she wasn't living out some fairy tale fantasy. This wasn't a video game either nor was it some horror movie.
It was reality, a breath taking blind of all of the above yet never any of the above.
There wasn't a prince coming to save her and live happily ever after in some magic castle. There was no level grinding to be done to increase her skills or magic weapon to slay every monster. There was no dark secret she was hiding that led her to her current state.
The only person who could save her was herself and her partner; provided they made it out alive she'd more than likely never be able to go to the beach ever again. She'd never be able to look at anything the same. If she was hurt it was for real, with real pain, and she couldn't just turn off the game when it got too tough. The enemies she killed didn't drop loot to be collected. There was no rest stop to buy upgrades or regain lost health. Lastly and most importantly she knew exactly what was after her and she knew it could be harmed. Strangely knowing all this put her at ease.
It all came down to her. Rather she lived or died depended solely on her. That wasn't anything new. Jun may not have always believed in the right things in life but what she always knew as unless you acted nothing would happen. That was why she so aggressively pursued Matt, that was why she admired her brother and his friends, and that was why she made an effort to be as loud and visible as possible.
Growing stronger in her heart was the link she felt with Orgemon since she gained her Digivice. It was almost as if it was screaming at her, Faster, closer, he's right there, right there waiting for you! Even as her feelings drove her forward the survival instinct she never knew she possessed constantly barked at her to keep her weapon raised.
Alertness, she had learned it well.
Rolling to the right she managed to evade the stream of flames that burned away the mass of forest in front of her. Peeking out her head over the burnt edges of a tree she saw her partner battling what appeared to be a towering eight headed snake.
Name: Orochimon
Level: Ultimate
Attribute: Virus
Description: How old Orochimon is has never been made exactly clear; some claiming his existence predates that of some of the oldest Digimon. What is known is he has and will always be a destructive dragon that carries nothing for the devastation it creates. Orochimon uses two variations of its famed Inferno Breath attack; one releasing a sea of flames and the other entrapping the enemy within a drunken nightmare. Its tail possesses the uncanny ability to transform into the mighty Ame No Murakumo, capable of cutting through steel and bone with ease.
Back flipping out of the way of a wild tail whip Orgemon saw the widen eyes of his partner peering at him. In return his own eyes widen considerably. If he wasn't in the middle of a life or death battle he would have ran over and engulfed Jun in a bear hug.
Shifting her eyes to Orochimon he followed suit then looked back at her. Jun disappeared back behind her cover while Orgemon landed on his feet slightly winded.
Orgemon was well aware there were several other battles going on around him; who was winning or losing didn't matter to him as much as the hope Daemon still had enough Digimon left to act as a distraction. Orochimon could wipe the floor with eight opponents at once but once you go pass thirteen even he would be overwhelmed even if it was only for a moment. A moment was all Orgemon and Jun would need.
From what Jun observed Orgemon and Orochimon obviously shared some history based on the venom in their exchanges. She could practically taste the raw hate they held for each other in their war cries. That was good because it meant the eight headed Demon Dragon was so focused on destroying the digital orge he didn't notice the rifle carrying teenaged girl flanking him. An excited jolt ran through Jun's body as her got into position and took aim with her rifle. It was lunacy to think such a feeble weapon would do anything against Orochimon but just the thought of finally being able to hurt something after that nightmarish illusion made her forget all that. She was going to aim for one of the eyes on the organic head. It didn't matter if the dragon still had seven other pairs of functioning eyes; getting hit in one that was true flesh and blood would hurt.
Orgemon was happy he was able to keep Jun out of the line of fire because if she was right beside him he honestly wasn't sure he'd be able to protect her. Sure he'd fought countless Digimon with more than one hand before however none of them had been as powerful or as aggressive as his childhood bully.
Orochimon was relentless in his attack, one head striking on top of the other with no purpose other than crushing the Digimon Hunter. Only a well-timed strike from his club at eighty-percent strength was enough to deflect any head that got to close. He could smell the rank breath and hit build up when he was forced to parry those snapping jaws that had crashed hundreds of lesser Digimon in ages long past.
THUNK!
"At some point that stupid club's going to break!" One of the heads snarled missing Orgemon by an inch due to a back leap. Seeing the chance another head lunged towards him only to be upper cuted by a Pummel Whack. "And when it does," A third began preparing a fire blast that was finished and joined by a second. "We'll have your ugly hide for breakfast!" Both heads simultaneously released the Inferno Breath at the midair Digimon.
Gathering up all the energy he had Orgemon tucked away his bone club to free up both his arms. For years he'd always kept a portion of his power hidden away just in case he ever needed to counter an attack such as this, one that would delete him if he let it hit. His demonic face formed around both his fists along with a feint green aura that broke the color barrier imposed on the world. Bellowing in anger he launched the dual Pummel Whacks at both fire blasts.
All eight of Orochimon's heads cursed as they were blinded by the incredible flash of light. First the cybernetic heads peered forward in an attempt to see through the smoke. Too late did they detect the orge launching himself towards their organic head. The seven heads surged forward hoping to intercept the beast but they were too late.
Grabbing onto his enemy's organic head with a vice grip Orgemon kept his head locked, digging his claws and teeth deeply into its neck.
From behind the cover of trees Jun grinned viciously taking aim at the flailing dragon. Just like King Ghidorah, only uglier!
"Let go of me you pathe-AAAHHH!"
It was a grim satisfaction the duo felt hearing the bullet tear through one of Orochimon's eye sockets. For Jun it felt like she'd just won the lottery and for Orgemon a deep primal joy filled his body with renewed energy. Much like a tiger sinking its teeth into its prey Orgemon continued bearing down on the main head eager to make the Demon Dragon suffer even more. It came back to him with freighting intensity; the euphoric joy of bringing down such prized and elusive prey. Within Orgemon's mind he saw an image of a weak and lonely Goblimon getting helplessly tossed around a lake. It shattered upon feeling the sweet taste of the data below Orochimon's skin.
Jun cocked her rifle again preparing to go for the other eye when her sixth sense kicked in again. Not bothering to argue with it she bolted to her left already knowing what was coming. The fire blast scorched her previous position leaving nothing but cinders and smoke behind. It would take her time to get into another position, time they didn't have.
The other seven heads had figured out there was a rat hiding out amongst the forest trees and immediately took to smoking it out. Their Inferno Blaze began lighting the entire fire ablaze as well as alerting others in the area of the battle. Before long they would not only have visitors but Jun knew the smoke would get to her if the rampaging Digimon didn't.
Throwing up an arm over her noise to keep form breathing in the smoke Jun waited patiently for her partner to pick her up.
"It's good to say you're still in one piece!" His gruff voice broke from behind her followed by the feeling of being lifted off her feet.
Jun winced slightly noticing there was something different in Orgemon's voice. Casting a quite look over at Orochimon's turning for she leaned down low to whisper into his ear. "Later." He visibly tensed at what she'd just said. She was just as surprised as he was. Is it because he's my partner or is it that obvious? Well with all due respect the moment the organic Orochimon's head spotted her she felt Orgemon's grip tighten. Seeing that singular red eye gale holes in her made Jun feel like an insect. She wanted to duck behind her partner but her pride, much like her partner's, rooted her to the spot.
"Ooooohhh." The Demon Dragon hissed narrowing its remaining eyes. "So this is the human bitch you've been partnered with. Pathetic! I'm rip that frail body of yours apart girl! For my eye I'll take your limbs off one by one until-"
"Ya know for a guy with fifteen eyes you kind of far sighted aren't you?" Jun cut him off with a droll stare.
"You oughta see him drunk." Orgemon replied nodding his head. "You'd think he was blind in every eye and deaf too."
At first the Virus Digimon was baffled at their words before he sensed the crimson beams speeding towards him from above. Snapping tow of his heads upward he released a stream of fire to counter the attacks. Moments later three DeviDramon descended baring their fangs followed by a flock of Boogeymon grinning devilishly at finding "new prey". Hissing in true fury Orochimon opened all eight of his jaws and breathed a jet of flames from each.
"Skin that vermin alive!" A Phelesmon commanded urging the demonic Digimon onward.
Despite his eight heads working in perfect coordination the eight headed dragon was soon engulfed by the demonic masses of black and red. He snapped and pried at the annoying devils though they only howled with mad laughter in returning, biting into his scalely flesh with vigor.
Orgemon took grim pleasure watching his old enemy sink under the weight of the demonic Digimon. That wouldn't be enough to stop the eight headed dragon but it would slow him down enough for them to get away. Both he and Jun needed some time to cool off. No doubt Dagomon had put her through the ringer just as he had him.
After six miles of almost nonstop movement they reached a cave that would serves as a good enough resting spot. Truth be told he needed the rest just as much as Jun did. As gently as he could he slid her down then lay back against the stony cave wall. Huffing and puffing Jun skootched up beside him. Despite the lack of color around them he could tell her face was beat red with all the sweat pouring her face to the point it looked like she was crying. Every breath she took was pained and labored just like Orgemon's. All her limbs felt like jelly, almost non- existent.
Both had the feeling nothing short of another sudden attack would be enough to get them moving and even then that would be challenge.
For several minutes the only sound between them was their labored breathing and the soft prattle of rain. Only Orgemon could hear the distant sounds of battle tearing apart the forest but he didn't care. For the time being they were safe and sound.
Jun tested her fingers first before she even thought about moving her arms. Her fingers were the only things that didn't hurt to move. She became aware of a slight rumbling in her stomach as well as the dryness in her throat. How long has it been since I've eaten anything? Hell how long have I even been here? Just barely Jun could recall the moment she was sucked into the Dark Ocean with nothing but the clothes on her back. How long she'd been there made her eyes water just a little. Had it been a week? Two weeks? A month maybe? What was her family going through? No doubt her mother and father were probably worried sick and Davis, well, she could imagine Davis being ready to tear the sky down to know she was safe. She never got to ask him how long they were gone when they made it to the light house. Maybe the others are too busy fighting the Daemon Corps to notice me. For all I know Daemon could be flattening the city while I'm stuck here playing fish and octopus with Cthulhu. Peering down at her left hand she saw she'd formed a fist. Her palms were warm despite her soaked skin.
This feeling inside of her seemed to border on anger when she thought of how she'd ended up in this mess. The image of Matt's face came to her mind followed by an unexpected sense of rage. It was strange as she'd never felt this kind of anger against him yet now it seemed to be smoldering inside of her. He'd saved the world twice yet he couldn't save one ex-fangirl honestly trying to turn herself around? It made her wish she could wrap her dirt covered fingers around him while screaming why he couldn't save her. Within both her palms was a growing warmth.
Above them a loud boom that sounded not quite like thunder shook the sky. A moment later the sound of a heavy body crashing into the ground slightly shook the ground.
Besides a mere sideways glance neither of them paid the event any mind. Jun continued to stare at her palms. This is stupid. He had to go through an army of sea monsters beating the crap out of each other to get to me. This is…The image of the dirty blond reaching out to her replayed in her head. It was the only clear cut thing she could recall about the whole affair. He'd tried, he'd honest to God tried to save her. This is so…stu…Dylan Blakely had tried to get out of this hell hole no doubt only to end up failing. So many others had likely tried to get out of here only to end up with the same results. This is so stupid. It's so…Growing in her palms was that same heat. Now she remembered the feeling of Dagomon's tentacles wrapping around her body trying to drag her down. Stupid. This whole thing is just so…"So…how was your trip?"
Orgemon managed out a short grunt. "Saw some old faces. Settled some old scores. Therapy. You?"
As much as she could Jun shrugged her shoulders. "Had a nice little dream while I was out. Then when I woke up I told off octo-face out there."
Both turned their heads to look the other in the eye. There was so much more they weren't telling each other but that could wait for later. Both of them had been hurt, physically and emotionally. But they were still alive. And they still wanted to get out of this hellhole.
"Nice one." Orgemon grinned putting his fist forward.
Giving him her best go happy smile Jun fist pumped him. "That was the best part of this whole mess."
When they'd regained enough of their strength Orgemon moved Jun further into the cave so they wouldn't be so visible. Finding a quiet place he watched her quietly drift off to sleep. Ten minute passed before Orgemon felt it was safe to join her.
When they next awoke they took the time to explain the full story behind what had happened to each of them. Orgemon went first. Up until he got to the part about Orochimon he took several uncomfortable pauses.
"I was…I was never that strong a guy when I was a rookie, a Goblimon. We're weak on our own, thugs, little brats. I never had that many friends around. Day in and day out it was just me by myself." After he'd finished his side he gave her the true story behind his animosity with Orochimon. "I lived in a place called the Kojiki Forest. It's a place where might makes more right than anything. I fought every day to defend a little place I could call home. My whole life back down basically boiled down to eat, sleep, fight, and do the whole thing all over again." He placed his finger to the ground and began covering out rough images of what Jun knew to be Apemon, Cyclomon, himself, Leomon, and Orochimon. "One day some idiot went and woke Orochimon up from his slumber. At first I didn't care but then I did when he flooded my home and kicked my digital ass into next week. After that I went at him three more times before I called it quits. Too bad by that point the eight headed bastard decided I was going to be his new punching bag."
"He followed you?" Jun reasoned.
"More like…hunted me." Her partner spat recollecting those old memories he'd buried deep. "I hated him but after a while I started to fear him. He kept coming after me, no matter where I went he still found me…and beat the living data out of me." With great pain in his voice he looked Jun in the eye with total fury. "He enjoyed it, Jun. He played with me, in every fight he'd drag it on for as long as possible. He'd smack me around like a rag doll just for the fun of it!" he hissed. "I screamed! I cried! I begged. And he just kept laughing! I spent whole nights afraid to go to sleep; either because I was scared of him getting the drop on me or of having nightmares about him! I pissing scared of him!" Orgemon roared his voice ringing through the cave with an echo. His posture spoke of an emotion Jun had never seen in him: fear. "I…I wanted him to end it. I wanted him to hurry up and finish me off just so I could get away from him. I…"
In retrospect Jun probably shouldn't have said anything there but her voice came out in a surprisingly moderate tone. It wasn't belittling or even comforting, it was just simply her voicing her thoughts. "He had your life in your hands."
For a long time the two held each other's gaze. Orgemon had noticed there had been a subtle change in the girl's eyes since her first met her. Slowly but surely the scared girl he'd rescued all that time ago was becoming something else.
"Yeah." He answered calmly. "When you put it that way you're right. He did have my life in his hands."
Dropping her gaze from Orgemon to her own hands Jun stared at them for what seemed like hours. "Did you ever take it back?"
"It wasn't long before Orochimon ruled the entire forest. Digimon from far and wide came to take all eight of his ugly heads but none of them could do it. I'll admit, I was still scared but I wanted to see that snake body of his collapse into lumps of data. Orochimon said something to me one time when he was holding by limp body by the throat, "Those without power can't do anything. They can't protect anything or turn themselves into anything. That's the way the world is." I…took those words to heart because he was right. The only way I'd been able to hold out for as long as I did was because I was tough enough to beat anyone who messed with me. Nothing had changed 'cept for the fact I wasn't the toughest anymore. So I decided to get tougher."
Nodding her head Jun watched him continue to carve figures into the stone floor. "So you started fighting and absorbing Digimon so you could Digivolve. After a while you Digivolved from Goblimon into Orgemon?"
Again the club wielding orge nodded. "I did. It took months of work. It didn't matter who they were just as long as I could absorb their data to get stronger. I…did some bad stuff."
Jun didn't need to question him further on what that "bad stuff" was. From the look on his face he was reliving it.
NO! Please I'm begging you!
I don't wanna get deleted!
You monster!
I'll do anything you want!
NOOOOOO!
"On the day I Digivolved into Orgemon someone strong enough to tangle with Orochimon apparently took him down. I didn't know who they were or where they'd gone afterwards. All I knew was I couldn't stay in the Kojiki Forest anymore. It was just too small and painful to stay there so I set out on my own."
Strangely revealing this to Jun made Orgemon feel like a weight had been taken off his shoulders. She still looked at him with sympathy. She was still his friend. "Now it's your turn. What about you?"
Orgemon couldn't say he was expecting Jun's experience to be a dream inspired illusion but where it went didn't surprise him. Broken dreams, everyone felt that. Any being who can dream must face that fear.
"The funny thing is Orgemon, a part of me wanted to say yes and just let Dagomon win but then another part told me not to. Looking back even if it wasn't real….everything I felt was…." She sighed rolling her shoulders to relieve some of the tension. "God I wish to God he hadn't done that. He went inside my head and pulled out the deepest fantasies I had." Shuddering her eyes met his. "Everything you regret in your past and everything I ever fantasized about, does this sound like punishment to you?"
"Actually it does. Given who we're dealing with mind games aren't out of the question." His voice took on a softer tone when he spoke again. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that."
"You don't have to. Still it left me…wondering."
"About what?"
"About if having that kind of happy ending is really possible." She answered twiddling her thumbs. "Orgemon, do you remember that cave were we found all those things, the tunnel of broken dreams." Seeing his nod she continued. "I never really thought about other people that much. Besides my family and a few of my friends I…I never get much thought to the fact other people's lives are practically living hells. The fact that I've lived that up until now while they were suffering like that just makes me feel…I don't know."
Truly she didn't know if she shoulder fell grateful for everything she had or awful because she'd been spoiled with happiness while others were starved.
"There's nothing you can do about that Jun." Orgemon answered. This wasn't the first time he'd had to confront a situation such as this. "In the Digital World it's survival of the fittest. It's not sad or brutal' it's just the way things are. In the human world it's no different right."
"All those people…and this while place were formed because people and Digimon couldn't be happy."
"But isn't that a good enough reason to try and be happy?"
Jun blinked at him once. He couldn't believe that out of the two of them he was going to have to explain this.
"Look as the Digimon Hunter I've seen a lot of nasty things in my time. Some of it I'll never tell anyone, not even you for ya' own sake. Despite that I still enjoy myself when I can. If faced between despair and happiness I'll choose happiness every time. Yeah things are bad but that's no reason to give up on enjoying your own life." The orge clarified. "Look at me!" he beat his chest once. "Sure I'm in hell but I'm still able to laugh and enjoy myself because my second best friend is right here with me!"
As the orge started laughing Jun found herself slowly joining him.
He was right.
My problem is I always took for granted the things I had and the people I had. The idea of losing any of it always seemed so alien to me. So did the idea of living without it. If that's the case then why don't I hold onto those things? And just because things are bad doesn't mean they can't change. All Jun had to do was look at herself and her partner for proof of her last thought. Things had been bad before and they'd changed. But only because people got off their butts and actually did something.
Action. She would have died if she hadn't acted when she did. Orgemon would have no doubt remained a simply Goblimon if he didn't go out and decide get stronger.
Matt wouldn't have become such a star and won her heart if he didn't practice daily or make an effort to be such a nice person. Davis would never have become a brilliant soccer player if he didn't practice like Matt did with music. The same thing applied to Sora. Mimi too, the girl was a living embodiment of life in motion.
Even Jun herself believed if you wanted something you had to move in order to get it.
That's what you don't understand Dagomon. I think that's what you try and get everyone to believe.
Drawing her out of her thoughts was the look on Orgemon's face. It screamed of danger.
Their eyes turned to the cave opening. A single black object crashed through the entrance knocking a few stones loss.
Turning back to look at the other end Jun and Orgemon realized they had a choice to make. Either go outside and get caught up in another brawl or risk heading deeper into the cave on the slim chance they'd be able to make it through.
Death and deletion were more than likely waiting for them in both ways.
"NAIL BONE!"
An explosion of crimson and yellow flames lit up the cave entrance like a firework going off. They could still see the exit though their decision now was much clearer.
"No matter what keep running forward and stay behind me!" Orgemon shouted taking off deeper into the darkness with Jun in toe.
Obviously crouching and moving forward was much easier for Jun then it was for Orgemon. Honestly it was a miracle he was able to move at all given the tightness of the tunnel they were in. Other than the dripping of water the only sound they could hear was Orgemon's semi-annoyed grunts. Compared to what they could have been experiencing it was a blissing.
SPLASH!
"Jun." Orgemon called.
"Yeah Orgemon, I know. The whole place must have an underground network of tunnels." Currently she was kicking herself for skipping out on geography class. It didn't seem logically possible for half the terrain they'd traversed to exist, but they weren't on Earth which ran by logic. "Do you think we might be near the coast line? Can you smell sea water?"
"No." His voice cut down the rising worry in her heart. "But I do smell blood."
At the rate they were going Jun was beginning to wonder if having a shred of hope for even the smallest breaks was asking too much. "Shit."
The cave went from narrow to partial flooded. For Orgemon it was okay because he no longer had to crouch low or worry about squeezing through narrow passes. Jun on the other hand, had to struggle to keep her head above the four feet of water they were currently moving through. Twice Orgemon offered to help her and on the second time she accepted. Grabbing his left hand then slightly hosting herself onto his shoulders they continued through the darkness.
Candles began to light their way. Manmade holes carved out of the stone wall told them they'd just entered into a cult stronghold. Jun wanted to move past them as quietly as possible, reluctantly Orgemon agreed to do the same.
A sickly feeling began to crawl up Jun's spine when they finally reached semi-dry land, enough for her to climb off of Orgemon.
You're afraid.
The tunnels they moved through showed signs of human work though for the most part they seemed natural. Paintings of Dagomon and other otherworldly beasts grew more common along the walls. Some of them were dried out so much they were indescribable while others looked like they could only be a few months old at most.
One of them was, form what they could gather a gross depiction of how the Dark Ocean was formed. Near the top were masses of people and Digimon wailing in despair. Their tears and blood flowed down the wall, collection into a sea below them.
You're afraid.
Further down when the water level rose up again they saw hundreds of thousands of beings falling into the Dark Ocean then being lost to the swirling whirlpool below. The next few weren't paintings but in fact computer and TV screens embedded into the wall. A handful of them were blank, others weren't. They showed nothing but lines of computer code neither could read or felt like trying to decipher. Branching off from a set of screens was crimson DigiCode that stretched down to the paintings of the sea. Images of ships and boats of various classes lay above, possessing similar characteristics to the screens.
Jun's eyes followed the DigiCode down below, straying away from Orgemon a little to satisfy the gnawing feeling in her gut.
You're afraid.
"A…computer virus." Jun muttered staring at the wall-sized painting in front of her. A virus that affects ships, screws with their navigation systems. The maroon haired girl realized staring at the beast. "That…and all the collected misery of Digimon and human." Her eyes examined every inch of the painting. It was so horrifyingly perfect she wanted to vomit.
You're afraid.
Her breath was getting more rigid with every second.
You're afraid!
No I'm not!
"But…why? How?" Jun shouted losing sight of the world around her. "You're nothing but data! A computer program! Data! Nonphysical so why!? God damn it why!?"
You're afraid!
"How can data turn into this!? It doesn't make any sense!" She screamed sweat now pouring down her brow and terror clenching her heart.
Why do we suffer? For what purpose do we suffer? None of it…
"None of it…
None of it…
Shutting her eyes she tried to wrestle back control from the fear seizing her body. "None of it…"
Yes none of it…
Disgustingly slippery appendages wrapped around her body nearly bringing her to her knees. Her heart thundered in her chest. Her voice went horse.
YES! NONE OF IT! NOT ONE LICK OF IT MAKES-
"NONE OF IT MAKES ANY SENSE!"
"JUN!"
Like a cool breeze the Pummel Whack flew past Jun and smashed the vestige of the Deprived Monk. Her knees buckling she fell back into Orgemon's waiting arm. Her face was pressed into his chest; replacing her own terrified heart was his own stronger thunder. "O-Orgemon."
"I'm right here okay." He whispered. "I don't care who he thinks he is or what the hell this place is. I am not going to let him take you. Got it?"
His words were true. His eyes spoke volumes about how far he was willing to go to protect her. How had they gone from barely knowing each other to this? How had they gone from total strangers to now willing to risk their lives for each other?
"I-I-I…thank you." She finally settled getting her strength back. "I-I feel better now."
"Good, then let's keep moving."
"Wait," Jun grabbed his hand. "Orgemon can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Have you…have you ever really, really, hated someone enough you'd want to kill them with your own hands?"
"…Yeah I have. Believe it or not but we kind of ran away from one a little while ago. Why?"
"Because…that's how I'm feeling now." Jun said with tightened fists. "This feeling is…"
"Jun," the orge spoke tapping her chest. "That's normal when someone puts you through hell. Take it from me, sometimes revenge is a perfectly justifiable goal when your target deserves it."
You're…
"Thanks." Jun smiled. "That makes me feel better about what I'm thinking right now."
Bones and skulls were soon added the list of things they encountered on their track forward. That and the cave paintings were now clearly being drawn in blood.
Growing wider and more coordinated the two kept the noise between them to an all-time low. Orgemon's hunting instinct kept them going in a certain direction and away from certain tunnels. Those were where the smell of blood was the strongest.
The feverish chatting reached their ears and wormed its way into their minds. Long ago Jun had given up on trying to piece together any semblance of whatever language the cult of the Deep Ones spoke while Orgemon faintly recognized it. It grew louder and louder with every step they took, edging closer to the massive carved out chamber that lay up ahead. At least four tunnels passed the spacious chamber where a collection of cultist were performing a ritualistic sacrifice. Jun turned her head away but was unable to block out the terrifying screaming of the poor souls being murdered. Orgemon simply bared his teeth and continued moving forward.
You think I'm just going to let you walk away so easily? Foolish girl.
Jun didn't have time to call Orgemon to her, instead all she could do was turn her head to the left were the cracks in their passage were. A wall of water broke through the stone, enveloped her. All her limbs were frozen with the only action available being a short gasp from air before she felt herself being pulled along the water.
Just like the color the water tasted more like ink Jun fought with all her might to keep from swallowing. She demanded movement from her body however it felt like iron weights had been tied down to every limb. Her sight was blurry at best; simple gray dots slamming into each other, no doubt Orgemon screaming for Dagomon to face him like a real mon.
He was wasting his breath as she knew exactly what kind of creature they were dealing with. He was digging back into her mind again, trying to find some hidden fear or vice to feast on.
She wasn't having any of that.
You want to feed on something squid face? Feed on this!
It wasn't just the joys of happier days she called upon but something else, something she was never sure she had. She'd developed it in just a short amount of time all thanks to both Daemon and Dago on. It was a hot, powerful feeling that engulfed her mind in a haze of red. It was hotter than any other feeling that Jun had ever felt. She felt it burn holes in her skin and hopeful through Dagomon's phantasmal arm. Filling her lungs with enough air she voiced what this feeling was in the loudest scream she could.
"I HATE YOU!"
Right before her eyes the water changed into a set of true slimy tentacles that took extreme pleasure in coiling around her body. Nothing was left untouched much to Jun's horror. Tears began to gather in her eyes as she felt the disgusting appendages go everywhere they could reach.
I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you! She repeated in her head like a mantra of defense against the sexually assault.
Hate me all you want but it doesn't change the fact I'm-AAAAAHHHH!
Two brilliant orange flares erupted from Jun and Orgemon in that moment causing the cultist to jump back and Dagomon to release Jun. Scorch marks were left on the tentacles that slowly began receding back into the watery depths of the chamber, almost fearful.
Orgemon's body burned with an unholy power he'd never thought he'd experience. The sight of seeing his partner violated and toyed with had awakened something inside of him primal and violent. His heritage as a Nightmare Soldier called to him, begged him to end this men standing before him and then the pagan entity that saw fit to toy with them.
Jun would cry when there were out of this cave; she'd cry her eyes out on the fact she'd just be grouped and molested by a digital Cthulhu. But for now she'd murder everyone who called that disgusting deity master.
She didn't care that they were human beings; she didn't care she was blowing holes in their chests and skulls or that Orgemon was almost literally ripping them apart. They screamed and bolted for the side tunnels only to be given a bullet in the back or have Jun stab into their necks with whatever she could find.
This rage, this hate fueling the two at the moment, it felt good. The closest thing Orgemon could describe it as was like a homecoming. In Jun's case the feel of watching the cultist die or bleed at her hand was both horrifying and intoxicating.
"Do you see this Dagomon!"She screamed smashing one of the men's head with a chunk of rock. "This is what I'm going to do when I find you!" Tackling another one to the ground she began to rain down blow after blow with her bruised and bloodied fist. "I'm going to pound that face of yours into dust! I don't care if I have to do it with my bare hands!" Another fist knocked the man's teeth out yet he still continued to look at her with those crimson eyes.
"Would you strike a humble priest of the truth?" Despite the pain the cultist was in Dagomon's voice still came out perfectly.
Jun struck again. "I don't care what you are! I don't care if you're a god, immortal or a Digimon!"
Behind her Orgemon brought his club down on another cultist, splattering himself with gore and bone. "We're going to find you Dagomon and when we do,"
Both spoke in near perfect union. "WE'RE GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Kill me? How cruel. Do you not know what would happen to this place if I were to die? Even so if you aim to do such a think then I must act in self-dense as nature demands.
The whole chamber began to shake and stir with huge chunks of the ceiling falling from the above. Dropping the cultist from their list the two bolted for the other tunnels. Just as before when they entered the tunnels Orgemon took the lead, this time to clear a path for Jun who was still shaking considerably.
They must have been near a waterfall because the next leg of their escape had them falling down, fast first into a stream that seemed deadest of pushing forward no matter what. They no lingered needed to run, just avoid the falling pieces of earth raining down above them.
Despite the cramped space Orgemon still had enough room to swing both his arms around in order to shatter pieces of falling debris.
Forward! The two chanted together. No matter what happens don't stop moving forward!
Even with his enhanced eyesight Orgemon could only see dust, rock, water, and pieces of wood. Only his sense of smell, the fresh breath of air, kept him going in a certain direction.
He followed it, even when the ground gave out under them.
Jun became familiar with the taste of dirt and rock as her body began sliding downward with no way to stop. Only when she felt a strong pair of arms grab the collar of her jacket did the constant motion end; only to be replaced by the feeling of vaulting through the air. She was thrown onto her feet with Orgemon shouting for her to keep going. She didn't disobey him.
Clawing through the water and earth she started sprinted. She slid, ducked, and crawled through the collapsing cavern with the sound of rock shattering and grunting being the only indication Orgemon was still behind her.
Her body endured scratches and bruises but Jun didn't let that slow her down. She was an animal driven by nothing but her primal need for survival.
There was a light at the end of the tunnel where the water began dropping off.
Finally! An exit!
"INFERNO BLAST!"
Jun didn't slow down one bit. Feeling the kiss of open air she kicked off her feet; it was actually enjoyable, falling through open air. For a fraction of a second she looked upwards to see the cavern erupt in flames and rock. Peering downward she saw the mountainside getting closer and closer. At the speed she was falling if Orgemon didn't catch her then she was sure she wasn't going to be walking for a while.
"You think I was just going to let you maggots get away!" Orochimon hissed from above. "You're both dead!"
While Orgemon reached for his partner to pull her into his arms while bringing his other arm to defend against the incoming dragon head. Azulongmon's Thunder this is going to hurt like hell!
His left arm went almost entirely numb being bitten by the first cybernetic head. On the upside he was able to grab onto Jun and tuck her into his chest before they heat the mountainside and began rolling with Orochimon almost squashing them both. All three of them cursed at the top of their lungs as they continued rolling down the rocky slope until they hit the forest, dislodging Orochimon from Orgemon's body.
Roaring back in fury he fixed the winded duo with a burning glare. "Let's see you stop this Orgemon! Sake Breath!"
Instead of the jet of flames vaporized streams of sake shot out of each mouth towards the two. Still confused and aching Orgemon's evasion was sluggish.
Jun, who was still too dazed to think clearly, nearly barfed her guts out upon inhaling a small portion of the blast. Her stomach screamed in protest while her mind turned to mush. Falling to all fours she emptied what little remained of her stomach into the ground. "Shiiiit….soo t-t-this is what g-g-getting d-drunk feels like." Now she could add sake to the list of things she'd swear off of. What she could just make out was Orgemon battling against Orochimon. And losing.
"You see!" Orochimon roared slamming Orgemon into the ground with his tail. "Nothing's changed! You're still the same pathetic waste of data you were the day we met!" Each head snapped at him, pushing him further into the air. "You're still scared of me! Ame no Murakumo!"
CRACK!
The ground broke apart upon Orgemon's impact. Jun feared the worst and began crawling towards him while Orochimon laughed at the downed Nightmare Soldier overhead.
"Pathetic! Useless! You spent all that time searching and this is all you have to show for it! You're a failure Orgemon!"
Demonic snickers made the maroon haired girl's heart drop. Turning upwards she saw a small flock of Boogeymon had found them and were content to seat back and watch Orgemon get beaten into submission. Unfortunately for them Orochimon wasn't willing to ignore their presence.
As he was busy disposing of the flying demons Orgemon, body bruised and bleeding all over snarled as he got to his feet. Seeing this the Demon Dragon turned its sword-tail from the Boogeymon to the Digimon Hunter. Shockingly he dodged it and sprinted towards the main head with a Pummel Whack at the ready. Two of the remaining heads dove towards him.
For a split second Orgemon's world froze. He'd been here before, years, maybe decades ago. What had changed from back then? What had remained the same?
BANG!
Ah yes, that was different; someone being at his back.
"I'm going to enjoy devouring you girl!" One of the cybernetic heads declared.
"NO!" Orgemon screamed drawing his fist back to meet the first head. "I'm not scared of you anymore, ya here me you overgrown snake! NOT ANYMORE!"
By some miracle her shoot pierced one of the cybernetic eyes of the eight heads. With the residual effects of the Sake Breath wearing off Jun found it in her to stand, albeit wobbly, on her own two legs. From her Digivice a radiant light exploded then shot towards Orgemon. Davis had told her of this event and she was thanking her lucky stars she was seeing it with her own eyes. "Kick his ass Orgemon!" She screamed.
The two heads were thrown back along with the rest of Orochimon by the glowing mass that was Orgemon. Even the Boogeymon above stopped to watch the event take place, too awe-struck to attack.
To Jun's eyes she saw Orgemon's body becoming engulfed in roaring flames. He embraced the flames releasing a proud howl towards a blood red moon. His body began transforming, growing more muscular as well as in size. The flames imprinted red tribal markings over his body. His loincloth changed into traditional samurai pants with steel armor and a fierce tiger vintage on the front. Volcanic spikes grew along both his forearms releasing jets of embers and flames every few seconds. A ring of vengeful specters formed a set of prayer beads around his neck, a kanji burning in each of them before disappearing. His already wild hair grew even wilder as well as changed from white to what she could see was almost a coal-like black. Most of the horns on his body grew even large following the same color change as his hair.
Performing a masterful somersault onto a forest floor he caught a falling object she realized was an impressively crafted kanabo. Resting it on his shoulders he reared his head back then let loose one last proud roar as flames and burning leaves cascaded around him.
"ONIMON!"
Caught in the heat of the moment Jun couldn't help but marvel at the demonic yet astonishing creature her partner had just become.
Name: Onimon
Level: Ultimate
Attribute: Virus
Description: Only those possessing incredible bravery or foolishness dare to take on Onimon. This Digimon is said to live in the darkest depths of the Dark World where none venture to. Possessing a lethally short temper and fighting skills to back things up it won't stop fighting until the enemy is no more. Using its beloved kanabo, Tetsuhono, to crush Chrome Digizoid for its Rushomon Crash attack not even Devimon and NeoDevimon risk going near it. Around its neck is a set of demonic prayer beads used for its dreaded Kimon Blast, a fortress leveling attack if used at full power.
Stomping his foot the newly emerged Onimon let out a hectic war cry that literally sent chills of fear down the spine of every creature present. Orochimon felt the cold roots of fear taking hold of him as Onimon fixed his burning gaze on him. "It's not so fun is it Orochimon?" His deep voice cut through the forest like a race. It was a booming thunder combined with the growl of a furious animal out for blood. "Let me guess you're feeling it right now aren't? It sucks right? It paralyzes you. Freezes you up until all you can think of is please no." With every step forward Orochimon's unease grew and the fire in Onimon's eyes grew brighter. "You said without power you're nothing. Will here's the deal, I got this power because of her," he beckoned towards Jun. "And now I'm going to use it to rip you apart!" With that he took off towards the frozen dragon.
At the last second the Demon Dragon was able to find his will again. "S-S-Sake Breath!"
"ROOOOAAARRRR!"
Onimon's roar cut through the vapor blaze as well as briefly nerfed the hearing of all eight heads. Two of them found themselves on the receiving of his club; the blow literally shaving off half the metallic armor and circuitry that made up their being. Feeling a pain like no other Orochimon was helpless to stop the oni from grabbing another head and poking on of its eyes out with his know much sharper and hotter claws. Not stopping there Onimon grabbed the helmet and with a short grunt tore it off.
Jumping back to enjoy watching his arch enemy wail around in pain the Ultimate turned his attention to the Boogeymon and newly arrived Phelesmon above. The Phelesmon spotted Jun. Believing her to be defenseless it gave the other to fire on her.
In a single bound the oni was standing before her, easily shrugging off all their attacks. Turning to face her not with a savage snarl but kind hearted smile he spoke, "Not too shabby huh?"
Grinning in return she laughed. "Huge muscles, tattoos, and a giant iron club? Oh hell yeah, definite improvement! Not that you weren't cool before!"
Lifting Tetsuhono Onimon held it out like he was preparing to throw it like a boomerang. Sections of the kanabo opened up like exhaust ports to reveal jets of searing flames. It flew like a boomerang when Onimon threw it, becoming little more than a flaming chunk of iron that cut through the demon Digimon like butter. The Phelesmon shrieked in alarm before pulling back to avoid the club's deadly path.
Doing his best to shake off the pain ringing in all eight of his skulls Orochimon made a desperate lunge at Onimon. With Jun on his shoulders the demon performed a spectacular leap over the dragon while catching his kanabo. Twisting around the eight headed beast lunged again with an Inferno Blast building in his jaws.
Bringing both heads together Onimon brought Tetsuhono down with such force Jun could feel her bones rattle like they were the victims of the attack. Orochimon crumpled to the ground howling in pain at the dents left in the cybernetic heads from protection the main head.
Taking the chance Jun leaped off her partner's shoulder onto one of Orochimon's immobilized heads. Scrambling to one of the eyes she took out a piece of sharpened rock and drove it into the lone eye. She did the same to the other rending the head totally blind.
"Enough of this! Let's see you handle this! You know, the blade you lived in fear of for years on end! Ame No MuraKumo!"
CLING!
"Sorry but my mine's bigger." Onimon grinned viciously. "And harder!"
The sword-tail continued bouncing off of Tetsuhono further angering Orochimon so much he forgot about the seventeen year-old teenage girl crawling around his chest with a sharp object in hand. He slashed with enough force to level a section of trees yet Onimon parried his slashes like he was a master. His sword was large and stronger than Orochimon's Ame No Murakumo; it was beginning to leave cracks in the sword. When Onimon swung his weapon forward Orochimon was barely able to counter without hissing in pain.
Jetting down to Onimon's backside the Phelesmon opened its jaws. "Demon-"
Hefting his weapon into a reverse grip Onimon did a blindingly fast three-sixty swing that tore the demonic Ultimate in half. In the split second this happened Orochimon struck.
CLING!
Orochimon would have hissed in annoyance if he hadn't lost another eye of the newest DigiDestined.
"A good hunter should always keep his eye on the target." She grinned.
"AAAAARRRGGG! I've had it with you girl! You useless sack of-" His main head was shut up by a burn inflicted uppercut. "Fine then! Protect that worthless human! See what it gets you! Nothing but deadweight!"
"It's gotten me a real friend and you a long deserved ass-kicking." Onimon cackled grabbing his tail. With another roar of effort he lifted the Demon Dragon and slammed him into the soggy earth via his tail. Twice.
Snapping his tail back Orochimon tried to distract him with another Sake Blast. Onimon counter it with a swift swing of his kanabo creating a powerful air blast to blow it away.
"Ame No MuraKumo!"
"Tetsuhono!"
CCCLLLINNG!
Orochimon's vocabulary was reduced to a single word when his tail shattered. His eyes going feral Onimon leaped on top of Orochimon.
"Now for part two!" He shouted before commencing his own beat down of the half blinded dragon.
Despite the kicking, biting, and fire blasts Onimon was doing far more damage to Orochimon then the later ever thought possible. It wouldn't have been a stretch to say the grin he wore on his face was almost diabolical in the joy he expressed.
Watching this from her spot on his back Jun silently thanked her stars again this brawling beast was her partner, still her friend.
Using the bloodied dragon's body as a spring board for another backflip Onimon held up his kanabo. It was hard to tell if any of the seven cybernetic heads were still functioning or not as they were so badly dented and shredded how they still worked was a mystery to Jun. The lone organic head glared down Onimon with a look of absolute hate he gladly returned.
"Just because you beat me doesn't me you're going to be free! Admit it! You're still that some scared little loser from all those years ago!" Orochimon challenged.
"No," Onimon shook his head activating Tetsuhono. "You're right about there being some scary stuff out there, I know that better than anyone. But if you hate or love something enough the fear doesn't matter. What does is looking that fear in the eye…and doing this!" He charged towards Orochimon with his kanabo still resting in his shoulder.
All eight heads reared back, a candle light burning in each of their mouths. "Inferno Breath!"
The eight streams of flame converged quickly on the charging oni.
Snorting Onimon at last swung his kanabo, using his feet to put a spin into his attack. "Rushomon Crash!"
The first spin deflected the fire stream in various directions, the second tore out a chunk of Orochimon's chest, the third took off at least three heads, the four another, the fifth two in one shot, the sixth the last cybernetic head, and the eighth completely pulverized Orochimon's sole organic head along with the last remains of his chest.
The corporal image of the kanabo disappeared along with the roaring flames that had consumed it just a moment ago. All the exhaust vents closed as Onimon brought the weapon done.
Jun slid off his shoulders ending up in cross legged position much like her partner. "So…does this mean no more scary stuff, trudged up from our past?"
"Beats me." Onimon snorted. "I've dealt with just about all my baggage. What about you?"
"I should be squared out." She muttered rubbing her fingers to together.
Completely contradiction his appearance Onimon reached out and placed one of his oversized hands over her shoulders. He pulled her close so she was leaning on him. Through his flesh she could feel the power coursing through him, the power she'd help feel him with.
"Hey Jun."
"Hm?"
"Thanks for staying strong for me." He smiled.
Her body had already begun trembling yet hearing those words and that smile on that demonic face halted vile rising in her body. "Don't mention it partner." She was going to let it all out at some point, just not at that moment. What made it alright was looking up at that demonic face she knew her partner would be there for her to help put herself back together.
It took me almost three days' worth of playing Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill to get back into writing chapters centered on Jun and Orgemon. From now on they're probably going to be a little more action-oriented give the character development here. All things considered I'm quite proud of this chapter, it's one I've been meaning to get to. While it may seem heart-warming Jun and Orgemon are out of danger remember this; this chapter takes place before Dagomon's Counterattack. Even with Orgemon now at the Ultimate level they aren't going to be able to blow through everything in their way.
Until next time guys and happy Labor Day! :)
