I do not own anything.
Chapter Twenty-Two: The Storm is on the Horizon
Just to see what would happen Jun dropped a simple pebble into the water. If they weren't watching the water they wouldn't have noticed it disappear beneath the black surface. There was maybe two or three silent ripples before vanishing from sight. The ripples barely lasted a total of five seconds then they too stopped. There wasn't so much of a dup as the stone sank beneath the water nor was it visible. Normally such a thing was natural though when Jun threw a bigger hunk of rock into the water it had the same effect; almost zero noise besides a few droplets rising and falling. Not even tree leaves were able to sustain any kind of bouncy and sunk as well, completely defying the last trace of physics.
With his enhanced physique Onimon was able to dip one finger into the dark water. Jun watched with baited breath as a shiver ran up his spine then spread through the rest of his body. "I-It's not normal is it? Is it possible it's corrupted data?"
"Partially," he answered glaring at the black substance. "It's literally raw darkness in liquid form. Touching it made me feel…for a second I wanted to give into my Virus instincts." He spoke with a visible shiver in his voice. "Even though it was all for a second I felt all my fears rushing into my head like a horde of Centarumon. I've heard about this stuff before, it drowns the life essence out of anything it touches. Data for Digimon," turning to Jun his voice came out in a whisper. "And life force for humans."
Sitting back against a lump of rock Jun chuckled soberly. "You know in old stories some cultures found salt water to be demonic. The Romans weren't too big on navel battles and conquests, so were the Persians. Is it possible that's what this stuff is based on? Ancient fears?"
"One way or another everything spawned from the Digital World is based on data collected from the Human World."
That was the only answer Jun needed to hear. By data Jun knew Onimon was referring to even the tiniest shred of information that could be found on the internet. She could imagine data collected on deep-sea trenches, areas of the sea unreachable by human means, mixing together with articles about ancient human interoperations of water. Add that in to the average article about old sea-monster movies and Jun was sure she was looking at the embodiment of all mankind feared about water. If they went further up and got to the ocean she could only imagine what the sea would look like. No doubt it would be the shoreline of hell. "My relatives used to tell me the sea is always the most feared thing in every culture. It still is today." Throwing another pebble into the water to watch it disappear she spoke again in a hollow voice, "We simply don't know what's down there. We don't know what lives down there because it's so dark and harsh. Not to mention on a ship you're completely at the mercy of the sea."
Onimon understood what Jun was saying. It was natural to fear something you didn't understand. He understood what the water was. To prove it he dipped his whole hand into the water. It was extremely cold, arctic even, to the point it burned. Through his hand the feeling raced up his spine trying to penetrate his mind. Voices whispered to him, tempted him to do things he'd never consider in his right mind. Since he was prepare for the rush he was able to steam the hellish flow from the black water. "For us Virus types, for us Nightmare Soldiers, we bath in this stuff. What others call hell we call normal." Onimon chuckled. Raising his fist to his face. His hand trembled a little due to the shock but it was nothing he couldn't shake.
Standing up June beaconed him towards the stormy sky. Lightning still snaked its way across the skies. Every drumbeat of thunder was followed by another then another of louder intensity. Despite the wind howling against her Jun didn't feel afraid or cold. "Must be a whole lot of people shitting themselves back home right about now."
"Ya got a newspaper so we can figure out who won the game last night?" He joked perching her on his shoulder. "Maybe if we knew what was happening that would explain the bad weather."
"Whatever it is I get the feeling we might be safer here than in the real world. Then again, in about ten minutes I may be proved wrong." They shared as humorous laugh together. "Either way I've got a feeling our rescue is going to be a little delayed."
The truth was much grimmer as they took off again through the newly created rainforest. Experience had hardened them against the elements they were currently facing. What unnerved them was the silence that encompassed the jungle. Besides the water sound seemed to disappear moments after it was produced. The wind that howled through the trees contorted into hideous moans they had to believe to be nothing but their minds playing tricks on them. That was what this forest was all about; how deep into the darkest corners of their minds they could be pushed.
Rather it was voices they knew or not they tried not to let it bother them.
"Ya knew I heard some Virus Digimon used to come here way back when the Digital World got too much for them." Onimon started. "Sometimes they came back and other times they didn't. Don't ask me what happened to them because I didn't really care. Looking at this place, I can understand why they would choose to stay here." When Jun didn't respond he decided to go on. In retrospect he wondered if this would change her opinion of Digimon or Virus types in general. "Contrary to what everyone thinks we Virus types have feelings too. We can still feel hurt."
"Of course you guys can, aren't you Virus types all proud?" She laughed. "As long as you have pride you can always be hurt. I know a thing or two about that."
"Definitely. It's common for us to go after each other, steal from each other and delete each other like it's nothing special. It's normal. Sometimes a few take it too far and it's like you said, we can still be hurt. A few times it hurts so bad it does feel like we're dying." Hearing Devimon's voice whispering in his eyes he had to clear his mind yet he had to conjure up the devil's demonic image to get the next few words out. "I've been in that place before. Maybe…we feed this place. What we do, survival of the fittest, the fear and anger that breeds flows back into this place." It was one evening when he'd stopped a gang of raiders from ransacking a fairly wealthy village he'd been staying in. The reply that came out of their lips was typical of Viruses and brute Digimon. Pondering their words and comparing it to what he'd seen made Onimon feel ill in the pits of his stomach. In some sick way he'd contributed to this. "Could you say this is some kind of cosmic justice?"
Jun's face went cross at his question. She got Onimon's point but even she was still trying to wrap her mind around where he was going. That was partly due to the fact that she could sympathize with contributing to the cycle of pain. She'd done things in the past and said things just to fit in with the crowd. "When you think about it what do you think living on that kind of philosophy entails. I've seen enough TV shows to see how fun those places can be. Have you ever seen Fist of the North Star? I couldn't survive in a hellhole like that. Ninety percent of the average population wouldn't either. People like you would though your personalities would be all out of whack. The fear of those being oppressed and the hatred for their oppressors, of course that' going to fester." Slowly her own face contorted into rage at the voices of the wind. "The greed and lust of the people at the top. It's never enough! Never! Do you think you'd be satisfied with what you've got when someone has something better! Of course you won't! You'll want it too! You'll do anything to get it!" Her voice had taken on an angry tone that Onimon didn't comment on. Clearly she was venting again and he was going to let her. "You'll throw everything to the side to get it, not caring about who you hurt. That's going to create resentment that's just going to fester into…that stuff down here. People will want revenge for losing what they love. I know I would. If anything happened to Davis, my family, or any of my friends I'd…how the hell did we end up talking about this?"
"Damned if I know," he laughed watching lightning split the sky again. "I think everyone contributes to this place in some way. Everyone has bad thoughts at some point. Some people or groups are just more prone to it than others. I guess as Virus it's just natural for us to look at everything as one big battle where the strong are always right and the weak are always wrong." He continued, his face growing depressingly serious at the words. "I guess it is justice that as a Virus who lived his life by that philosophy I've ended up here; the place where all my victims finally get to take another shot at me with all their hate."
"If everyone got a chance at that…heh, you know this place contradicts all those old sayings about hate and being angry." Jun joked. A whisper on the wind killed what remained of her joking mood. "Onimon,"
Hearing the death howls of demons and fallen angels had become uncomfortable normal for Onimon to hear. It was almost funny how the hunters had become the hunted.
Recognizing the sound of whips striking through the air he immediately began searching for the source. He didn't need to do so for long, a disheveled Boogeymon stumbled through the darkness with chunks of its body missing. It opened its mouth to scream at them only for some black object to ram into its neck. Onimon and Jun could hear the sickening sound of bones being crushed under massive pressure. It was too fast for Jun to see but Onimon could clearly make out a serpentine shape. A resounding bloop reached their ears.
Low hissing cut through the foggy air making all the hairs on the duo's body stand on in. "Up." Jun commanded noticing the hissing was coming from below.
With legs built like jackhammers the oni launched off the branch into the more dense 'roof' formed by the tree branches. The pounding of rain against their skin grew stronger. Black shapes flew past them, screaming in protest at missing their prey. Landing on another branch Onimon examined the black water. They was no end to the countless shapes patrolling the black abyss; how they'd remained hidden he'd never know but he didn't plan on finding out.
Taking off with a grunt he barreled through all that stood before him with Jun keeping her iron grip on him. Shutting her eyes to shield herself from the leaves and pieces of bark zipping past them she paid closer attention to the monstrous noises hounding them. It's not snakes, too bestial and water is boiling. Heat in this place is like a snowball in a desert. Odds are they're some aquatic sea snakes or something down there which means… "Onimon! They're going to bring down the trees so watch your step!"
Grinning a little at his partner's prediction Onimon had to hold back a chuckle when he felt the tree tops beginning to shake. Only a few came crashing down, buzz saw noises reverberating through his ears. Next came the sound that caught him off guard; the sound of water rapidly expanding and rising like a geyser.
To his left, so close all he hand to do was reach out and touch it, a tower of pressurized water shut upward towards the stormy sky. It completely engulfed the tree, breaking off branches like they were nothing then receding back down into the mist. Wonderful, lava geyser with demonic water on top of a raging storm. Could this get any worse?
The geyser persisted in blasting everything above the water while overhead the storm began to grow more intense.
Boom! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
A steady drumbeat in chaotic unison with the swift slashes of lightning occupied what little of the sky the two could see through the tree leaves. In the distance a few red dots blinked out existence in rapid succession. Demonic shrieks came from the same direction. It was tough for both of them looking through the stormy rain but they could make out the demonic digimon being engulfed by the geysers or getting dragged into the water by some unknown entity. No, multiple entities.
"I know this is probably going to sound dumb but," Jun shouted over the howling wind now unable to tell right from left. "Is there anywhere with solid ground!?"
"I don't know! But if there is better hope we get there fast!" her partner responded jumping higher and in an effort to get away from the water. He could sense multiple creatures dwelling below them, waiting for the chest to drag them below the water and rip their bodies apart. Reaching for Tetsuhono he felt the first wave of killer intent come for him. Batting away the black shape he focused more strength towards his feet. Warning Jun to hold on tight he jumped off the branch with enough force the whole thing snapped off. As the piece of wood fell six dark shapes flew forth, the only thing visible were their gaping jaws. Onimon and Jun immediately recognized the jaws to be crocodilian.
With an iron grip Onimon executed a flawless three-sixty spin just as the six beasts lunged in a tight knit circle. The blow back knocked each one right into the trunk of a tree with a painful thunk. Onimon reached over his back to grab Jun and hold her against his chest to protect her from the impact of smashing through wood and tree leaves. Against his hardened skin the sensation was discomforting but nothing less. Not looking up Onimon spied a break in the tree line miles ahead. All it took for him was a single glance to figure out solid ground awaited them, provided they were able to make it.
THUNK!
"Onimon!"
Based on the panic in her voice Onimon figured whatever it was that had caught her attention was urgent. First he looked up to see spears of lightning rapidly descending downward. Second on the list, they weren't the only ones in the air nor was the air openly freely to them. An intense gust slammed into the two of them knocking them back towards the tree lines. Even against his toughened body Onimon felt like he'd just be tackled. If his huge frame could feel that then the countless demon Digimon desperately trying to brave the gale force winds consuming the skies. One way or another they'd all been grounded.
Following their race through the branches were an ear-shattering series of booms and cracks. A few shards of wood and stone hit Onimon's shoulders though what he mostly felt was the water. Every drop felt like a hot rag against his skin. Instead of fear Onimon felt the familiar rush of excitement fill his body with renewed energy.
This is just like the good old days! The oni gleefully cackled. How many are on my tail? Ten? Twenty?
Though she couldn't see through the mist Jun could hear the sound of water crashing against solid ground. Loading her weapons she prepared herself for whatever it was that was tailing them. What it was didn't matter so much as if it had a weak point she could use. At the sound of another clap of thunder she gripped her rifle tighter. The moment her partner's feet stopped meant they'd found some solid land at last. Sliding down she immediately aimed her rifle at the water. Beside her Onimon grinned menacingly at the dark shadows approaching them. Their eyes noticed the distinctive crocodilian shaped bodies followed by semi-humanoid bodies covered in bone armor.
Based on the shape of their hunched bodies the two guess they could freely switch between a humanoid form and move on all four just like regular crocodiles. Human skulls formed belts and necklaces. Crimson DigiCode had been literally carved into their flesh as well as some of the bones that made up their armor. The closer they got the more aware they became of the countless jaws over their bodies: elbows, hands, knees, and their chests. They snapped ferociously at the misty air around them. In the hands of some were weapons made from a combination of bone and teeth. Their webbed hands flexed countless times and their beady primal eyes sized up Jun and Onimon. Seemingly from all their mouths came an unsettling reptilian hiss.
"….PPPPPPPPrrrrraaaaaayyyyy…..to theeeeee greeeeeeaaaating one." The lead crocodile Digimon hissed with a voice that sounded too bestial to be human. It was foul mix of a crocodile's roar, a hollowed human voice, and the sound of rocks being pounded against each other. "Ppppprrrrraaaaayyyy andddddd giiiive ttthanks."
Snorting Onimon spit something out of his mouth into the grass to his left. "Cipactlimon."
Name: Cipactlimon
Attribute: Data
Level: Champion
Description: No one knows how long these Digimon has existed or how it's managed to stay a step ahead of all who have tried to best it. Normally found near ancient ruins and swamps it'll attack anything that comes near its waters with the strength and cunning of a savage predator. In water they're able to take on a more bestial form that release their true aquatic power. Only a truly strong warrior is said to be able to bring such creature under their control, if done so then they will worship said creature as their personal god. If any attempt to stand against this god they'll be on the receiving end of Cipactlimon's Death Jaw Crush, Swamp Shadow, and Torpedo Spear attacks.
As crazy as it sounded Jun began to laugh a little, a minute later and she was flat out chuckling. Onimon raised an eyebrow at her strange behavior. "Sorry about that." She said waving him off. "It's just, we've seen fish-men, giant squids, some dragon-shrimp hybrid, and now cultist crocodile-men. After seeing all this I'm starting to think I'm in the middle of some supernatural crime fighting show."
"Can't say you're wrong there. I think Squid-face has a thing for sea-life, specially things almost as ugly as he is." The kanabo wielder howled.
Unwilling to take the insult to their master the ten or Cipactlimon rushed towards the duo. In the stormy rain and wind they almost seemed to be blurs in the rain, the only visible thing being their gleaming red eyes. Their hate-filled glares were countered by Onimon's joy filled laugh. While Jun ducked behind his legs her performed a three-sixty spin creating another miniature whirlwind that blew the Crocodile men back. They rebounded faster than expected and collectively lunged at the oni.
Creating an opening by swinging to the left Onimon managed to dodge the collective pounce they'd made on him. Surprising Onimon was when the ground broke apart from the impact of the crocodile-men. Through the dust Onimon saw the reds of their eyes refocusing on him and his partner. "They're lap dogs." He told Jun.
"Like Dagomon didn't have enough already." She hotly snorted.
Jun couldn't get a beat on the scaly beasts as they zoomed towards Onimon once again. "Swamp Shadow!"
The bodies of the Cipactlimon seemed to become moving shadows with only their jaws being visible. They burned with crimson light that blurred the lined between fire and lightning.
At the last second Jun rolled away from her partner just as he was covered by the mass of scales and bone. Coming back up she wasted no time in firing off her assault rifle at the horde. In her mind she grinned victoriously when she saw those she hit turn to them with pained moans. How was this human girl damaging them, they wondered. Their moment of wonder hesitation coast them eyes and teeth. Before any of them could break off to go after her a demonic growl came from their prey. Roaring Onimon threw the mass of Cipactlimon off of him, hair flailing wildly all around. Tetsuhono's exhaust ports opened allowing flames to coat the Chrome Digizoid weapon. Steam clouds formed around the weapon giving the oni a savage appearance that would have terrified the Cipactlimon if they still possessed the ability to feel fear. Not waiting for their reply he came at the group, bringing his kanabo down, squashing or burning the skull armored Digimon.
It was good that the rainstorm was feeling the environment with so much water. The flames produced by Tetsuhono were over five thousand degrees Celsius, more than enough to boil water. When applied to a living creature the end result was exactly what Onimon enjoyed seeing, roasted corpses. "Rushomon Crash!" Onimon bellowed somersaulting into the air then bringing his kanabo down. The ground ruptured then exploded in crimson flames setting fire to everything within ten feet of Onimon followed by a wave of raw power that pulverized it into dust. The dying screams of the Cipactlimon mixed quite well with the boom of thunder and bang of gunfire in Onimon's opinion.
Keeping herself calm had become an almost natural thing for Jun when faced with hideous monsters. Taming the joy she felt at watching said creatures drop dead at her feet was the real issue. Aim for the legs, Orgemon had told her some time before. Unless it floats always aim for the legs, without legs all your prey can do is wobble towards. Having grown used to watching shadows Jun was able to discern where the legs were. Pained moans turned the dangerous shadows into stumbling targets she was all too happy to hit. Even when she couldn't deliver a kill shot she was still able to draw digital blood. Not to self, never leave home without Chrome Digizoid bullets. No matter how tough their skin might have been against normal weapons even the Cipactlimon couldn't withstand bullets had been fashioned specifically for killing Digital life.
Cornered against a tree Jun prepared to load another magazine when she felt she was in danger. Instead of attacking a single Cipactlimon stood before her crossing its arms over its shoulders. All the jaws on its body glowed with eerie crimson light that told Jun to move. Jumping to her left Jun saw the aquatic Digimon's Death Jaw Crush attack though what she saw was tough explaining. There was a movement of black, what she couldn't describe but what she saw sent a shiver up her spine. A huge chunk of the tree was vaporized completely out of nowhere, no, judging by the shape it looked like a chunk if it had been bitten off. More chunks disappeared in the same manner over the next ten seconds until there was nothing left of the tree or surrounding ground. Loading her new magazine Jun opened fire in the beast, its armor took the brute of the Chrome Digizoid bullets sparing it the death its brethren had been granted.
"Swamp Shadow!"
Jumping to her left Jun felt blood gush from her left forearm the trickle down. Despite the pain that infected her she didn't scream; instead she gritted her teeth and fired at the hardened back of the Cipactlimon that had attacked her.
Countless other voices cried out, "Swamp Shadow!"
Above her other shadows with crimson fangs circled her yet Jun was not afraid. Tucking herself into a ball she waited patiently for her partner's war cry.
It came along with the sound of earth bringing under intense pressure. "Hurl Blaze!" Onimon shouted spinning his kanabo around. The flames caught the intense wind turning the whirlwind into a ring of fire that pushed back their attackers. Beckoning with his palm Jun rushed inside of Onimon's protective grasp just in time for him to leap into the air to avoid a collective Death jaw Crush attack. Now more than forty feet in the air Onimon gripped Tetsuhono with both hands before he began spinning back towards the earth. The spectral image of Tetsuhono formed above Onimon moments before he brought it down.
Boom!
Dirt, water, rock, and flame erupted showering the sky and mixing with the cold rain. Broken and burned bodies shot out into the water or into the forest with trails of shattered bone following behind them. With the aftershock his attack covering his landing Onimon took off in the opposite direction of the water with his partner having reclaimed her place on his shoulder. Despite the small grin he wore he knew there was no time for boasting. They'd fought off a squadron of Cipactlimon, not a swarm, if it was a swarm Jun would be covered in blood and he'd be covered in annoying bite marks. The crocodilian Digimon would give up the chase once they got further away from the water which was where their deadly abilities really got to shine.
But before that a few of them were intent on giving Onimon a going away present. "Death Jaw Crush!"
Countless black jaws bit into Onimon's back though it only slowed Onimon down for a minute. The attack had some real power behind it but it wasn't enough to knock Onimon off his feet.
It was after they'd traversed five miles of forest that Jun's Digivice went off like an alarm. Her eyebrows forwarded when she saw how bright the red dots approaching them were. There was only one thing that could match the bloody shade displayed on her Digivice. "Incoming, ten o'clock."
Earth-shaking explosions rocked the ground just as much as the thunder above shook the skies. Jets of flames shot out in every direction creating new trails of steam throughout the forest. Opposing the near abyssal cold Jun and Onimon had felt almost nonstop was a searing heat that radiated pure evil and malevolence. There were the flames of hell, pure and simple. Only a select few creatures could have produced such flames, and of such intensity.
Heading to the clearing created by the fiery explosion Jun was shocked to see scores of demonic, and Fallen Angel Digimon high-tailing it in an unorganized mess coordinated by demonic knights. Almost everyone was injured in some way rather it was from wounds or missing limbs. None of them looked pleased about the nonstop rain that seemed to cause their wounds to fester like salt had been poured on them. For the first time Jun could see fear written in the fiends' eyes. In the flash of lightning they seemed less like unholy monsters and more like frightened school kids. In the back of her mind Jun recorded the image to serve as a reminder that fear was a universal concept. Many of them looked at Jun and Onimon with hot anger while others hid their faces in shame. The last thing they wanted was to be seen by the Digimon Hunter and his human partner in such a disgraceful state. Jun stayed silent. Onimon was far less curtesy to his fellow Nightmare Soldier.
No sooner had the oni started laughing that he caught sight of a blazing circular projectile zooming towards his face. His laughter lightened greatly as he deflected the projectile to the right. An explosion of scorching fire razed the forest side to the ground. "Finally," Onimon chuckled. "A real challenge."
The lumbering Digimon definitely fit the description of a "real challenge" in every sense of the word. It had at least a foot and a half over Onimon, its appearance contrasting heavily to his eastern form. It walked with a pair of Chrome armored legs with skull shaped knee guards and three clawed feet sunk deeply into the moist soil. A faded and soaking crimson tapestry hung around his waist along with an assortment of sharpened weapons. Iron vipers wrapped around his arms rattled with every motion his body made. Rusted metal gauntlets covered his arms with two rows of spikes descending downward. In its right hand was a massive axe with a shaft five feet long and the stained blades almost three feet each. Demonic fire leaked out of the etched designs on the blades that matched the ink black demonic markings over the brute's body. A decorative metal ring adorned its neck though many of the spikes and edges had been chipped or bitten off. Two black horns curved forward from the onyx helmet that covered its head; only a pair of eye holes that radiated hot flames gave any sign that there was a face underneath the helmet. Looking up Jun saw there was a third slit, a single bar running vertically down the helmet's lower area to the chin. If she listened closely she could hear the heavy breathing of some gigantic animal like an ox or buffalo.
The image of the Digimon gave Jun reason to retreat behind Onimon just a little. In a head up fight she believed her partner could win but if that demon ordered its brethren to attack it would distract Onimon and that would be all it needed. Throwing another glance at the defeated array of Digimon Jun ruled that one out. Not many of them looked like they'd even last a second against the kanabo wielding oni. Her gaze fell back on the axe demon, he could very well order them to attack regardless of their condition. That wouldn't have been out of place for a Nightmare Soldier. With firm hands she constantly switched her eyes between the others and the axe demon. Onimon would intercept and she'd cover him; that was the silent plan they both agreed on when he looked down at her.
In the background one of the demons moved forward, a snarl consuming its hideous face. Similar to the other demon chains were draped around its body though they bared a strong likeness to battleship chains, they even ended in anchors. Despite his battered appearance he still looked plenty fearsome on his own. Black jagged armor that seemed to be formed from solid rock encased most of his body save for his scaly face. His head seemed to be fused together with his double horned helmet. Four red eyes burned into the duo while red lips pilled back in a tight snarl. Like his helmet a horrendous shield had been seemingly fused into his left arm though like the rest of his armor large chunks of it were missing.
All he got was one step before the axe-wielder spoke, "Forasmon…I…will handle this." His voice sounded too deep to even resemble a human's. It was simply too massive rocks grinding against each other. "You have…bigger things to worry about."
The four eyes went from Jun and Onimon back to the axe-wielder. "Malthamon if you're not back in thirty minutes I'm not going to be happen. Neither will lord Daemon or Lord Barbamon."
It was at that exact moment Jun's Digivice got a read on the two Devil Digimon. First up was the armored one.
Name: Forasmon
Level: Ultimate
Attribute: Virus
Description: Serving proudly at the command of the Seven Deadly Demons this Digimon shows no mercy to those on the battlefield. Its stony armor is made out of a rare "Onyx" Chrome Digizoid said to be found only in the Dark Area. Few weapons are capable of penetrating his mountain like defenses. Generating rings of sharpened rock with its Onyx Winter Forasman is able to wipe out an entire section of forest in a single attack. Through its metallic armor he can focus light into a destructive beam known as Hell's Radiance.
Name: Malthamon
Level: Ultimate
Attribute: Virus
Description: Don't mistake Malthamon's silence for shyness for behind his iron mask lies the soul of a raging demon eager to lay waste to all around it. While commanding legions of demonic hordes it appears as a sullen statue; however, when he personally enters the battlefield graveyards have been seen to have formed around him. Malthamon's cursed axe, Scarlett Spade, has drunk the data of of Angels, dragons, and countless other warriors. The chains wrapped around his arms serve in its Hellfire Banshee and Crimson Styx attacks, both of which can obliterate any Digimon that gets in his way.
Onimon's expression was almost unreadable. On one hand the warrior inside of him was sadden he wouldn't get to take on both demonic knights at once yet that was where the partner in him yelped in joy. Between the two of them Malthamon was the calmer one contrary to his choice of weaponry and appearance. He didn't know if he had any kind of honor code in him that would prevent him from attacking Jun but that didn't matter; if he didn't it didn't matter for Jun could look out for herself. What bothered Onimon was the tingle in his neck that made him constantly peer towards the sky. Through the storm he could feel something was coming.
Jun's body went slightly rigid as Forasmon's words fully registered. "B-Barbamon?" Somewhere inside her heart beat almost stopped. That's impossible! There can't be two Demon Lords! It's gotta be bullshit!
CLINK!
The chains around Malthamon's right arm connected with the chain ring at the end of Scarlett Spade. In four short steps he was upon Onimon, bringing his axe downwards as flames slid from the openings in his helmet. Hefting Tetsuhono up the black haired oni grunted at the amount of force behind the blow. Yes, at last he'd found a worthy challenge. In a speed that belayed his size the devil struck out his foot to which Onimon jumped back. Kicking off the dirt with both feet he swung downwards again. Onimon didn't block the attack, instead he jumped to the left; his feet slid through the wet grass just as his kanabo began to make its way towards Malthamon. Faster than any remaining eyes could see Scarlett Spade left the ground and met the kanabo. Searing flames exploded from both weapons obscuring the vision of their owners though they didn't need their sight to sense each other. Slashing through the flames both weapons met each other in another greeting of explosions.
Both Digimon took a single step back before swinging again at opposite angles creating yet another collision. Fire spilled through the carved designs on Malthamon's axe just as the exhaust ports on Onimon's kanabo opened. Air and steam exploded from the collision of their weapons. Both had put equal strength into their attack resulting in both being forced back. Planting one foot in the dirt they caught themselves and went at it again creating even more stream clouds with their continued clashes.
CLING! CLANG! CLANG! CLING! CLING! CLING! CLING! CLANG!
Just nearly dodging Scarlett Spade Onimon could feel all the moisture on his skin evaporate just from the glancing blow alone. Odds are his flames are hotter than mine, skin is probably tougher too but he's been wounded. I can tell that by the way his body moves, it's too sluggish for a guy like him. Dodging and parrying Malthamon's attacks Onimon realized the helmet wearing Digimon was initially leaving himself open to counter attacks that he would no doubt be able to easily block. So what's your game? Stalling for time so your buddies can get away or are you waiting for something else? Another successful block gave Onimon enough time to peer at the gray sky. He couldn't see it but he could feel it, something else was coming.
A deadly overhead swing almost forced Onimon to his knees before he was able to shove it off and counter attack. Sliding his axe to the lower region Malthamon swung upward while driving his free head forward in a jab aimed directly at Onimon's face. To the demon's shock he willingly took the blow. Moving through the pain Onimon returned the favor with a right jab that flew directly into Malthamon's bare midriff. Jumping back the axe-wielder threw his weapon out in a wide arc Onimon believed he'd easily avoided until he felt a searing pain across his chest. Hearing the clinging of metal he darted his eyes to the side to see the chain connecting Scarlett Spade and Malthamon's arm together. Cursing himself for missing that detail Onimon realized he couldn't' avoid keeping his distance from his opponent. The chain axe came back again and this time, it nearly took his head off in a blinding flash of metal and fire. When Malthamon drew his weapon back then threw it again Onimon swung Tetsuhono at the chain. Wasting no time he reeled him in then delivered a powerful knee strike to the gut. Malthamon paid him back with a left hook that broke them apart.
Rattling of the chains caught Onimon and Jun's attention just as lightning seemed to strike between the two battling Nightmare Soldiers. "Crimson Styx!" Malthamon's grinding like voice yelled animated the chains. Demonic energy spread through each link until they reached the ends, turning them into sharpened spears that quickly lunged towards Onimon.
Noting his partner bracing herself on his shoulder he charged headfirst into the attack knowing full well there was a chance of deletion waiting for him. "Rrrrggggaaaaahhh!" It took seven rotations to create a whirlwind strong enough to deflect a majority of the unholy chains heading towards him. Several pierced his skin electing a repressed howl of pain. Seeing his target within sight Onimon spin once again then brought his kanabo down. Malthamon met his attack with an upward swing.
CLING!
Jun figured she must have been out of her mind jumping off the semi-safety of her partner's shoulder onto the helmet of Malthamon. She didn't even know if she would land on the demon's face or free fall into the ground and wind up a pancake. Unable to see through the mist all she could do was stretch out her hand and pray she'd hit something solid. Sucking in the gaseous water didn't help things one bit, in fact, it actually stung her in some areas. What do you think happens when two superheated objects bang together in a rainstorm!?
THUNK!
Despite the pain spreading through her body Jun felt truly relieved at the hard feel of metal. She'd survived the jump from Onimon onto Malthamon. Now comes the hard part! Every foot upward she took made her hands scream in painful protest but it didn't hurt Jun; moreover, it made her feel alive. Move it Jun! You've poked out the eye of a giant eight-headed dragon! This is nothing compared to that! Nothing! Unable to look up didn't stop Jun. Sure her eyes were filled to the brim with rain water but she already knew where she was going. All she had to do was follow the increasing heat towards Malthamon's eye holes. With the rain drowning her eyes as well pelting her body it felt like she weighed a ton. The wind whipped at her, blowing her already soaked maroon hair in front of her eyes as well as sticking it there. Her grip was the strongest challenge. Onimon hadn't stopped attacking Malthamon even if she was climbing up his face, if he did then he'd know something was wrong. The constant motion made Jun feel like her organs had been dumped into a washing machine causing her to go a little green. Yet she still kept going. Hah! Bet you never had to do this before have ya Davis! Climb up the face of a demon knight while your partner beats the crap out of him to keep you covered! Ah when I see the look on your face! The mental laugh sounded half crazed in her head though that might have been what gave Jun the continued strength to push forward. Feeling the metal grow hotter she increased the rate of her climbing until she could clearly see the steam rolling out of Malthamon's eye holes. Just as she'd seen in countless movies she reached into her pouch, pulled out a grenade and clenched the pin between her teeth.
"Nice try girl but I'm afraid that won't work." Her target's voice sounded just as a shadow appeared over her.
"Shit!" Wasting no time she hurled the grenade into the eye socket just as the darkness enveloped her. No sound, no light reached her in the prison of Malthamon's metallic claws, she couldn't even scream as her body was too compressed to even move. Onimon! ONIMON! The maroon haired girl cried out mentally. Right hand! God for the elbow or something! Just get me out of here! At first she thought the boom was thunder until she recognized it to be the sound of metal breaking under intense pressure. To what she assumed to be her left a ray of light appeared before the cold watery air assaulted her. Free of the demons' grasp Jun watched from the air as the prayer beads around Onimon's neck separated and attacked Malthamon like remote controlled drones. A hand thrusted through the vale of steam to catch Jun just in the nick of time. The joy was short lived as she realized there was a shadow slowly forming behind him. "Onimon! Behind you!"
It was too late to dodge the attack. Roaring in pain and fury the horned demon used his kanabo to keep from falling to his knees while Malthamon hefted his axe for one more slash.
"Sucker." The oni's voice sneered as the weapon fell. Shouting with a voice that rivaled the thunder above he swung his kanabo clockwise. It met Scarlett Spade with enough force to stagger Malthamon and for Onimon to attack again. "Rushomon Crash!"
"Crimson Styx!"
CLANG!
Both Nightmare Soldiers jumped back panting and winded. Through their eyes a fire had been lit and it would not be extinguished until the other was either too wounded to continue or deleted. At his side Jun went over the various wounds on Malthamon's body trying to find some weak spot they could use to their advantage.
"I would take cover if I were you." Malthamon spoke off handedly turning his head towards the sky.
Following his words Jun and Onimon looked upward, what they saw wasn't all that surprising to them. They'd all missed the sound of hail falling, too lost in the battle to realize a new threat had emerged from the sky. Each chunk was bigger than the last. As scary as that was it wasn't what caught their attention, what did were the swirling clouds they'd seen before.
"Oh shit not again." Jun's voice came out as little more than a whisper watching lightning cackle between the churning gray sheets. To her horror she saw the nose of a plane inch through followed by the rest. And then she saw the hundreds of thousands of innocent people and Digimon free falling through the portal.
Warning: Next chapter may contain graphic depictions of gore and extreme violence. And a possible mental breakdown.
Jun-Now what do you plan on throwing at us!?
Sky-Something I cooked up watching too many horror movies. Don't you know Halloween is just a week away?
Onimon-Oh F**K! What the hell else can you throw at us! Zombies! Giant shrimp! Bring it on! I'll take it all!
Jun-Onimon don't provoke him!
Sky-Too late for that. : ) Please leave a review!
