Author's notes: After my account was deleted accidentally, I rewrote some parts of Dark Wing. There is another version, Dark Wing Type 2, that I'm writing that follows the anime more accurately. But for now, I'll focus on finishing the original Dark Wing since I want to wait and see what happens in the Japanese Tamer series. I'll upload the other chapters once I've finished double-checking them. Thanks for your patience.
Author's notes: After some consideration, I've decided to use the Japanese levels, since I'm already using the Japanese names, cards and attacks anyway. Therefore:
Digimon Levels:
Child : Rookie
Adult : Champion
Perfect : Ultimate
Ultimate: Mega
Author's notes: ********* means a scene change.
Digimon Tamers: Dark Wing
Vamdemon's scheme! Ryo is missing!
Disclaimer: Digimon Tamers and related elements are registered trademarks of Toei, Bandai and their respective owners and are used without permission.
Ryo stirred, his head aching. Slowly, the boy opened his eyes. Or at least, he tried to. One of his eyes refused to open, and after bringing a hand up he realised it was because it had swollen shut. Trying to sit up, he was rewarded with a jolt of pain in the back of his head. Gingerly touching the back of his head, he wasn't surprised to see his hand come down covered in blood. "Ow...what...happened?" Then it all came back...
**************
"I hope you've made your peace, Ryo," Vamdemon taunted as he walked towards him. "Because you will not leave here alive."
Ryo's eyes narrowed as he let the Perfect walk all the way up to him, until the lordly vampire was practically breathing onto his face. "..." Ryo glanced to the hole where Monodramon had disappeared through after Vamdemon blindsided him.
"Worried about your friend?" Vamdemon smirked. "Don't worry, you'll be joining him soon enough..." His eyes glinted. "In oblivion!" He lashed out, striking Ryo across the face and sending the boy flying into a wall.
"Urgh!" Ryo coughed, blood oozing down his spilt lip. "..." He gritted his teeth, holding his knife behind him.
"Up already?" Vamdemon said, coming closer. "That's what I liked about you, Ryo. You never knew when to stay down."
Ryo didn't reply, letting the vampiric Digimon come closer. 'A little closer...' He knew he couldn't hope to defeat TWO Digimon alone, but with Monodramon down and possibly hurt, he had to stall them for as long as he could in the slim hope help would arrive. 'Why did I have to live so far away?' he cursed mentally. 'I should've applied for a Tokyo school, then I wouldn't be in this mess!'
"Night Raid!" Ryo's eyes widened as Vamdemon sent a flight of bats at him.
"Argh!" he cried as the Night Raiders swarmed him, biting and clawing.
"Does it hurt, Ryo?" Vamdemon taunted. "It will get worse, I assure you!"
"Aaah!" Ryo yelled as a bat bit into his arm, almost making him drop the knife. Bleeding, the boy pushed his way through the swarm and charged towards Vamdemon. "Aaaaaahh!" he screamed, flicking the blade of his knife out, he slashed at the smirking vampire, taking him by surprise.
"Urgh!" Vamdemon took a step back, a gash appearing on his cheek. "Curse you! You'll suffer for that!"
Ryo didn't reply, instead slashing again. However, this time Vamdemon caught the blade between his fingers, smiling cruelly. Ryo's eyes widened and he gasped, realising he had made his fatal mistake.
Vamdemon grabbed him by the neck and ran forward, Ryo in tow. "Die! Akiyama Ryo!" With one smooth move, the Perfect smashed Ryo's head into the wall. Then after that, everything went black.
**************
"So am I dead?" Ryo wondered aloud.
"If you were, you wouldn't be in pain," growled a familiar voice. Ryo looked up, his ears picking up the sounds of hydraulics and machinery moving. "Pain tells you you still live."
"That's..." he whispered as the source of the sounds came into his field of vision. "Cyberdramon?!"
**************
Ice Devimon didn't bother hiding the surprise on his face when Vamdemon arrived at Devimon's underground temple clutching his arm and covered with wounds.
"W-Wha...?" the icy Adult stammered as the Perfect limped forward. "What happened?"
"What happened to Lord Devimon?" Musyamon asked as he stepped forward, draping Vamdemon's uninjured arm over his shoulders and helping him.
"Devimon's gone off somewhere..." Vamdemon replied. "He said something about checking a theory..." The Perfect stumbled, almost pulling Musyamon off his feet.
Ice Devimon turned to the others. "Get him to his coffin!" he ordered. Fladramon nodded and walked forward to help Musyamon carry Vamdemon out of the chamber. As they left, Ice Devimon walked to the Black Gate. "What is Devimon up to?"
**************
Meanwhile, Ruki walked silently down the streets of Fukuoka, the evening light giving way to the moonlit night. Finally, she arrived at her destination, the Akiyama family home. "...what a mess..." she said to herself, looking at the huge gaping hole in one of the house's walls. "Renamon, do you sense anything?"
Renamon appeared by Ruki's side, her nose upturned as she sniffed the air. "There was definitely a battle here..." she reported, her eyes closing as she tried to make sense of the many smells in the air. "Vamdemon..." she hissed, wrinkling her nose. "His stench is still strong..." She cocked her head. "Devimon was here too."
"What about Ryo and Monodramon?" Ruki asked.
"They went that way," Renamon said, pointing down the street in the direction of the field where Ryo's knife had been found.
"So that really was Ryo's blood..." Ruki muttered sadly, her face contorted with worry. Though she hadn't been fond of Ryo when they met in the Digital World, especially after he had forgotten he had beaten her in a tournament, the older Tamer often watched out for her, like an brother who never knew when to quit. The idea he might be dead scared her.
"He might have gotten away," Renamon suggested, seeing her Tamer's face and correctly guessing her thoughts.
"Against those two?" Impmon said, dropping down from a nearby tree. "Not likely! Unless Cyberdramon was there." The small demon Digimon yelped when Renamon fixed him with a cold glare. "Ulp!"
"Let's look around some more," Ruki decided. "We have to find out what happened to Ryo."
"But, Ruki," Renamon said, grasping her partner's shoulder as the girl turned to leave. "It's getting late. Shouldn't we be going back, or at least let your family know?"
Ruki paused for a moment. "I suppose you're right," she agreed, pulling out her cell-phone.
"Meanwhile, we'll get started," Renamon said, nodding to Impmon. The two Digimon leapt into the shadows, trying to find a clue as to Ryo's fate.
**************
Sometime later...
"I'm sorry, Ruki," Renamon apologised as she dropped down to Ruki's side. "I couldn't find anything."
"It's okay, Renamon," Ruki replied. "You did your best." The redhead sat on a chair in the Akiyama living room, thinking.
She had brought Lee and the other Tamers up to date, and had decided since the train lines were most likely closed by now, she would spend the night at Ryo's house. Of course, getting her mother and grandmother to agree had been a problem... In spite of herself, she allowed herself a wry smile. The reaction her mother had had when Ruki told her she was spending the night at a boy's house...though the fact the boy in question wasn't there helped somewhat. "I'm going to look around a little more," Renamon said, interrupting her thoughts.
"Okay," Ruki nodded. "Be careful!" Renamon nodded once, then vanished. Deciding there was nothing more she could do at this point, Ruki made herself as comfortable as possible and tried to get some sleep.
**************
"Ice Devimon." The frigid Adult opened his eyes and turned to where a Black Gear hovered in the air, displaying Devimon's face. Musyamon, who had been practicing a complicated-looking martial arts exercise, immediately dropped to a knee. "How is Vamdemon?"
"Recuperating in his coffin," Ice Devimon reported.
"Excellent. How long before he is healed?"
"I am already healed, Devimon," Vamdemon said, walking into the room. "I heal quickly remember? I will not be laid low so easily!" He looked up at the Gear, his gaze meeting Devimon's. "Where have you fled to?"
"I have not fled, Vamdemon," Devimon replied. "I simply decided I needed to check my other theory while Ryo is incapacitated."
"What do you want?" Ice Devimon asked. "I doubt you'd bother to call and ask how a wounded comrade was."
"Perceptive, Ice Devimon," the Dark Angel smiled. "Vamdemon, I've decided it would be in our best interests if Renamon saw the light, so to speak."
Vamdemon's fangs glittered in the torch light. "You mean..."
"Capture her. Break her. Make her one of us." Devimon's eyes began glowing softly. "Ice Devimon. Assist him as much as possible."
"Just remember Ruki is mine..." Ice Devimon growled.
Vamdemon tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I'm not sure, I haven't had a good drink in some time..." An evil gleam appeared in his eyes. "There is so much life in her, I'm sure she would be quite...satisfying."
"Touch her and I'll rip you apart!" Ice Devimon threatened, clenching and unclenching his hands.
"Try it," Vamdemon replied calmly, the expression in his eyes contrasting with his tone.
"Enough of that!" Devimon said, trying to restore order. "Vamdemon, contain your thirst a little longer. Besides, that other Tamer girl seems to be more easily frightened. Isn't she more your...type?"
"True," the vampiric Perfect admitted. "Blood always tastes sweeter when mixed with the nectar of fear..." Bringing a gloved hand up, Vamdemon began stroking his chin thoughtfully. "And I would love to see the expression on Renamon's partner's face once she realises Renamon has turned against her..." He chuckled evilly. "I grow esctatic simply thinking about it!"
"It is agreed then," Devimon stated. "While I am gone, Vamdemon, Musyamon and Ice Devimon will capture Renamon and...'tame' her."
"As you wish," Musyamon acknowledged, rising. "I will not fail you."
Devimon nodded. "Fladramon!"
The red-armoured Digimon stepped forward. "..." Raising his head, the fire Digimon stared blankly at his enslaver.
"Take Digmon and Holsmon. I want you to gather as many cards as possible. They may come in useful later." Fladramon nodded, then led the other two Digimon out.
"Very well, Devimon," Vamdemon agreed. "I'll do as you say. For now."
"Patience, Vamdemon. If I am right, I will be able to unlock massive amounts of evil energy, more than enough to release your full power."
Vamdemon raised an eyebrow at the statement. "Then, I look forward to it..."
**************
Cyberdramon watched as Ryo moaned in his sleep. Thought most of his injuries had been wrapped in cloth to stem the bleeding, Ryo was still in pain, and had decided it would be best to get him home. However, he was still weak from the battle and fell asleep soon after. As Cyberdramon watched his sleeping friend, his mind flashed back to the battle against Vamdemon and Devimon...
**************
Monodramon winced as he came back into conciousness. The little dragon slowly got up, shaking his head. "Argh!" Monodramon sat up, recognising the anguished cry.
"Ryo!!" he cried, scrambling to his feet and climbing up the wall he had been thrown through.
As he neared the top, he heard Vamdemon speak. "Does it hurt, Ryo? It will get worse, I assure you!"
"Aaah!" Monodramon climbed up onto the wall, just in time to see Ryo, bleeding from numerous cuts and a painful looking split lip, push his way through a flight of bats and charge at Vamdemon. As he moved to leap off the wall, Ryo screamed, flicking the blade of his knife out and he slashing at the smirking vampire, taking him by surprise.
"Urgh!" Vamdemon took a step back, a gash appearing on his cheek. "Curse you! You'll suffer for that!"
Ryo didn't reply, instead slashing again. However, this time Vamdemon caught the blade between his fingers, smiling cruelly as he grabbed Ryo by the neck and ran forward. "Die! Akiyama Ryo!" With one smooth move, the Perfect smashed Ryo's head into the wall.
"Ryo!" Monodramon wailed as his friend slumped to the ground, leaving behind a trail of blood starting from the crater his head had caused in the wall. Hopping down, the purple Child Digimon ran to his partner, shaking him worriedly. Ryo moaned, letting him know he was still alive.
"Oh, is he still alive?" Vamdemon said, walking towards them. "Good. I was afraid I had killed him too soon!"
"Stay away!" Monodramon growled, standing before Ryo, determined to protect his injured friend.
"Do you really think you can stop me?" the tall, aristocratic Perfect scoffed. "Out of my way!" Suddenly vanishing, he reappeared behind Monodramon and delivered a swift kick that send the gold-eyed dragon rolling into a wall. "Now then..." the vampire said, turning to the bleeding boy at his feet. "I grow weary of this sport." He raised his boot, ready to cave Ryo's skull in.
"Ryo..." Monodramon moaned as he tried to get up. 'No good...' he thought to himself. 'I'm not strong enough...'
'Then I will lend you strength,' a voice cut in suddenly.
'Huh? You're...' Monodramon's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden surge of energy. He screamed, the sound coming out as a feral roar. A red haze settled over his vision as he felt himself evolve.
Through the haze, he could make out Vamdemon's shape as he turned in surprise. Another movement told him Devimon had noticed as well. "Raaaaaaaaagggghhhhhh!" he roared, boosting into the air and diving at the Dark Aristocrat. He lost all sense, the only thought in his head was that this Digimon had hurt him, hurt Ryo, and had to pay for it in blood.
**************
"Uhhh..." Vamdemon hissed, suddenly clutching his arm.
"What's wrong?" Ice Devimon asked. He, Vamdemon and Musyamon had walked to the entrance of Devimon's hidden temple and were preparing to leave when he had heard the Perfect suddenly suck his breath in as if in pain.
"My arm is still not fully healed," Vamdemon explained, gasping. "The damage done by that monster was more serious than I thought."
"Monster?" Musyamon repeated. "You mean whatever it was that forced you to cease your attack on Lord Devimon's enemy?"
"Yes..." Vamdemon replied, remembering...
**************
Vamdemon stood over Ryo's unconcious body, smiling cruelly after kicking his Digimon partner, a small humanoid dragon, out of his way. "Now then..." He raised his boot, ready to cave Ryo's skull in.
An inhuman scream stopped him, causing him to turn in surprise. "What?"
Some distance away, he heard Devimon gasp. "That is..." He looked up and saw a large figure leap into the air. It had horned head, humanoid form and four, tattered brick red wings on its back. Gigantic claws tipped its feet and hands, with spikes extending from its lower arms. The figure had a silver faceplate that hid its features, making it appear as though it had no eyes. Parts of its legs and arms were covered with silver shielding, similar to the material that covered the figure's face. As it moved they could make out the sound of hydraulics and machinery moving.
"Raaaaaaaaagggghhhhhh!" it roared, diving at them.
Vamdemon leapt aside, feeling the creature's claws barely miss him. It landed, stepping in front of Ryo as if trying to protect him. "Is that you, little dragon?" Vamdemon asked in surprise. "An interesting Adult form, I must say." His eyes narrowed. "But no mere Adult is a match for me! Bloody Stream!"
To his surprise, the black dragon charged at him, right into the energy bolts his Bloody Stream had launched. It gave a feral scream as the bolts struck.
"Wh-what?!" Vamdemon gasped in surprise as the bolts exploded on the charging Digimon, not even slowing him down. "Th-that's impossible!"
The dragon reached out with a massive clawed hand, seizing Vamdemon by the head. "Let's see how you like it," it growled. Before Vamdemon could understand what the beast was talking about, it had run towards a wall, smashing his head into it with enough force to imbed his head in it. The Digimon growled, pulling him free of the wall, then throwing him into the air. Its claws began glowing and it slashed at the air, ripping tears in the very fabric of reality as it screamed, "ERASE...CLAW!" Putting its hands together, it fired a beam of blue light.
"!" Vamdemon twisted his body in an attempt to dodge the incoming attack, but it sliced through his arm, making him scream in pain. He fell to the ground, landing on his knees. "...how..." he muttered as he looked up, the surprisingly powerful Digimon stalking towards him. "How can an Adult be this strong?"
"Brandishing my blade of death..." it growled softly.
"What?"
The dragon bared its dangerous-looking fangs. "I will show no mercy!" It slashed at him, tearing a gash in Vamdemon's chest and sending him collapsing into the dirt. Reaching down, the Digimon grabbed his head once more, holding him up.
"Aaarhhhh..." Vamdemon reached up, trying to break its steel grip as it began crushing his head like a vice.
"Razor Wing!" Explosions struck the black dragon's back, making it snarl and turn, seeking out what ever had attacked it.
Through the pain, Vamdemon saw Devimon as he hovered in the air above Ryo. He landed, his hand glowing. "Listen carefully. Free Vamdemon, or I kill Ryo." To emphasise his point, he crouched beside the boy, his hand raised as if to thrust his hand into Ryo's heart. "What is your reply?"
The dragon didn't reply, but released Vamdemon anyway. The wounded Perfect fell back, clutching his wounds. The Digimon's eyes glared at both Dark Digimon from under its silver faceplate, growling and flexing its clawed hands.
Devimon stepped away from Ryo, and sank into the ground, reappearing beside Vamdmeon. "Vamdemon," he said, placing the wounded vampire's good arm around his shoulder, "it seems we miscalculated. We had best withdraw for now."
Vamdemon didn't answer, gritting his teeth, refusing to give Devimon the satisfaction of seeing him admit defeat twice in the same day. Devimon smiled to himself as he sank into the ground, taking Vamdemon with him.
**************
"-amdemon!" Vamdemon blinked, realising someone was calling him. Musyamon and Ice Devimon were staring at him.
"What is it?" he demanded.
Ice Devimon shrugged. "You seemed to lose focus for a moment."
"Are you certain you are ready to leave like this?" Musyamon asked.
"I am perfectly capable of..." A thought suddenly struck Vamdemon, making him trail off. "Perhaps I am not as restored as I thought," he said. "I will remain here and try to recover my strength. I suspect you will be able to accomplish your mission without my aid?"
"Of course," Ice Devimon snorted. "Renamon is no match for me!"
"Then I'll leave you to it." Vamdemon turned and limped back into the temple, glanceing over his shoulder as Ice Devimon took off, Musyamon following on foot. "Gullible fools." He straightened himself, and walked to where he knew Devimon stored his cards. "You have forgotten I have dark powers of my own, Devimon..." he laughed softly as he picked up one of the cards. "Something you will regret soon enough!"
****************
Meanwhile, in Okinawa...
Devimon watched through one of his Black Gears as Vamdemon took his cards and began casting a spell. His eyes glinted evilly as he smiled. "As I expected..." he said, his eyes never leaving the Gear. "And now, my plan begins in earnest!"
Author's note: Vamdemon's bats are called Night Raiders.
Reviews, comments, suggestions and criticisms (constructive or otherwise) are welcome and can be sent to Withoutmorals@antisocial.com
Author's notes: After some consideration, I've decided to use the Japanese levels, since I'm already using the Japanese names, cards and attacks anyway. Therefore:
Digimon Levels:
Child : Rookie
Adult : Champion
Perfect : Ultimate
Ultimate: Mega
Author's notes: ********* means a scene change.
Digimon Tamers: Dark Wing
Vamdemon's scheme! Ryo is missing!
Disclaimer: Digimon Tamers and related elements are registered trademarks of Toei, Bandai and their respective owners and are used without permission.
Ryo stirred, his head aching. Slowly, the boy opened his eyes. Or at least, he tried to. One of his eyes refused to open, and after bringing a hand up he realised it was because it had swollen shut. Trying to sit up, he was rewarded with a jolt of pain in the back of his head. Gingerly touching the back of his head, he wasn't surprised to see his hand come down covered in blood. "Ow...what...happened?" Then it all came back...
**************
"I hope you've made your peace, Ryo," Vamdemon taunted as he walked towards him. "Because you will not leave here alive."
Ryo's eyes narrowed as he let the Perfect walk all the way up to him, until the lordly vampire was practically breathing onto his face. "..." Ryo glanced to the hole where Monodramon had disappeared through after Vamdemon blindsided him.
"Worried about your friend?" Vamdemon smirked. "Don't worry, you'll be joining him soon enough..." His eyes glinted. "In oblivion!" He lashed out, striking Ryo across the face and sending the boy flying into a wall.
"Urgh!" Ryo coughed, blood oozing down his spilt lip. "..." He gritted his teeth, holding his knife behind him.
"Up already?" Vamdemon said, coming closer. "That's what I liked about you, Ryo. You never knew when to stay down."
Ryo didn't reply, letting the vampiric Digimon come closer. 'A little closer...' He knew he couldn't hope to defeat TWO Digimon alone, but with Monodramon down and possibly hurt, he had to stall them for as long as he could in the slim hope help would arrive. 'Why did I have to live so far away?' he cursed mentally. 'I should've applied for a Tokyo school, then I wouldn't be in this mess!'
"Night Raid!" Ryo's eyes widened as Vamdemon sent a flight of bats at him.
"Argh!" he cried as the Night Raiders swarmed him, biting and clawing.
"Does it hurt, Ryo?" Vamdemon taunted. "It will get worse, I assure you!"
"Aaah!" Ryo yelled as a bat bit into his arm, almost making him drop the knife. Bleeding, the boy pushed his way through the swarm and charged towards Vamdemon. "Aaaaaahh!" he screamed, flicking the blade of his knife out, he slashed at the smirking vampire, taking him by surprise.
"Urgh!" Vamdemon took a step back, a gash appearing on his cheek. "Curse you! You'll suffer for that!"
Ryo didn't reply, instead slashing again. However, this time Vamdemon caught the blade between his fingers, smiling cruelly. Ryo's eyes widened and he gasped, realising he had made his fatal mistake.
Vamdemon grabbed him by the neck and ran forward, Ryo in tow. "Die! Akiyama Ryo!" With one smooth move, the Perfect smashed Ryo's head into the wall. Then after that, everything went black.
**************
"So am I dead?" Ryo wondered aloud.
"If you were, you wouldn't be in pain," growled a familiar voice. Ryo looked up, his ears picking up the sounds of hydraulics and machinery moving. "Pain tells you you still live."
"That's..." he whispered as the source of the sounds came into his field of vision. "Cyberdramon?!"
**************
Ice Devimon didn't bother hiding the surprise on his face when Vamdemon arrived at Devimon's underground temple clutching his arm and covered with wounds.
"W-Wha...?" the icy Adult stammered as the Perfect limped forward. "What happened?"
"What happened to Lord Devimon?" Musyamon asked as he stepped forward, draping Vamdemon's uninjured arm over his shoulders and helping him.
"Devimon's gone off somewhere..." Vamdemon replied. "He said something about checking a theory..." The Perfect stumbled, almost pulling Musyamon off his feet.
Ice Devimon turned to the others. "Get him to his coffin!" he ordered. Fladramon nodded and walked forward to help Musyamon carry Vamdemon out of the chamber. As they left, Ice Devimon walked to the Black Gate. "What is Devimon up to?"
**************
Meanwhile, Ruki walked silently down the streets of Fukuoka, the evening light giving way to the moonlit night. Finally, she arrived at her destination, the Akiyama family home. "...what a mess..." she said to herself, looking at the huge gaping hole in one of the house's walls. "Renamon, do you sense anything?"
Renamon appeared by Ruki's side, her nose upturned as she sniffed the air. "There was definitely a battle here..." she reported, her eyes closing as she tried to make sense of the many smells in the air. "Vamdemon..." she hissed, wrinkling her nose. "His stench is still strong..." She cocked her head. "Devimon was here too."
"What about Ryo and Monodramon?" Ruki asked.
"They went that way," Renamon said, pointing down the street in the direction of the field where Ryo's knife had been found.
"So that really was Ryo's blood..." Ruki muttered sadly, her face contorted with worry. Though she hadn't been fond of Ryo when they met in the Digital World, especially after he had forgotten he had beaten her in a tournament, the older Tamer often watched out for her, like an brother who never knew when to quit. The idea he might be dead scared her.
"He might have gotten away," Renamon suggested, seeing her Tamer's face and correctly guessing her thoughts.
"Against those two?" Impmon said, dropping down from a nearby tree. "Not likely! Unless Cyberdramon was there." The small demon Digimon yelped when Renamon fixed him with a cold glare. "Ulp!"
"Let's look around some more," Ruki decided. "We have to find out what happened to Ryo."
"But, Ruki," Renamon said, grasping her partner's shoulder as the girl turned to leave. "It's getting late. Shouldn't we be going back, or at least let your family know?"
Ruki paused for a moment. "I suppose you're right," she agreed, pulling out her cell-phone.
"Meanwhile, we'll get started," Renamon said, nodding to Impmon. The two Digimon leapt into the shadows, trying to find a clue as to Ryo's fate.
**************
Sometime later...
"I'm sorry, Ruki," Renamon apologised as she dropped down to Ruki's side. "I couldn't find anything."
"It's okay, Renamon," Ruki replied. "You did your best." The redhead sat on a chair in the Akiyama living room, thinking.
She had brought Lee and the other Tamers up to date, and had decided since the train lines were most likely closed by now, she would spend the night at Ryo's house. Of course, getting her mother and grandmother to agree had been a problem... In spite of herself, she allowed herself a wry smile. The reaction her mother had had when Ruki told her she was spending the night at a boy's house...though the fact the boy in question wasn't there helped somewhat. "I'm going to look around a little more," Renamon said, interrupting her thoughts.
"Okay," Ruki nodded. "Be careful!" Renamon nodded once, then vanished. Deciding there was nothing more she could do at this point, Ruki made herself as comfortable as possible and tried to get some sleep.
**************
"Ice Devimon." The frigid Adult opened his eyes and turned to where a Black Gear hovered in the air, displaying Devimon's face. Musyamon, who had been practicing a complicated-looking martial arts exercise, immediately dropped to a knee. "How is Vamdemon?"
"Recuperating in his coffin," Ice Devimon reported.
"Excellent. How long before he is healed?"
"I am already healed, Devimon," Vamdemon said, walking into the room. "I heal quickly remember? I will not be laid low so easily!" He looked up at the Gear, his gaze meeting Devimon's. "Where have you fled to?"
"I have not fled, Vamdemon," Devimon replied. "I simply decided I needed to check my other theory while Ryo is incapacitated."
"What do you want?" Ice Devimon asked. "I doubt you'd bother to call and ask how a wounded comrade was."
"Perceptive, Ice Devimon," the Dark Angel smiled. "Vamdemon, I've decided it would be in our best interests if Renamon saw the light, so to speak."
Vamdemon's fangs glittered in the torch light. "You mean..."
"Capture her. Break her. Make her one of us." Devimon's eyes began glowing softly. "Ice Devimon. Assist him as much as possible."
"Just remember Ruki is mine..." Ice Devimon growled.
Vamdemon tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I'm not sure, I haven't had a good drink in some time..." An evil gleam appeared in his eyes. "There is so much life in her, I'm sure she would be quite...satisfying."
"Touch her and I'll rip you apart!" Ice Devimon threatened, clenching and unclenching his hands.
"Try it," Vamdemon replied calmly, the expression in his eyes contrasting with his tone.
"Enough of that!" Devimon said, trying to restore order. "Vamdemon, contain your thirst a little longer. Besides, that other Tamer girl seems to be more easily frightened. Isn't she more your...type?"
"True," the vampiric Perfect admitted. "Blood always tastes sweeter when mixed with the nectar of fear..." Bringing a gloved hand up, Vamdemon began stroking his chin thoughtfully. "And I would love to see the expression on Renamon's partner's face once she realises Renamon has turned against her..." He chuckled evilly. "I grow esctatic simply thinking about it!"
"It is agreed then," Devimon stated. "While I am gone, Vamdemon, Musyamon and Ice Devimon will capture Renamon and...'tame' her."
"As you wish," Musyamon acknowledged, rising. "I will not fail you."
Devimon nodded. "Fladramon!"
The red-armoured Digimon stepped forward. "..." Raising his head, the fire Digimon stared blankly at his enslaver.
"Take Digmon and Holsmon. I want you to gather as many cards as possible. They may come in useful later." Fladramon nodded, then led the other two Digimon out.
"Very well, Devimon," Vamdemon agreed. "I'll do as you say. For now."
"Patience, Vamdemon. If I am right, I will be able to unlock massive amounts of evil energy, more than enough to release your full power."
Vamdemon raised an eyebrow at the statement. "Then, I look forward to it..."
**************
Cyberdramon watched as Ryo moaned in his sleep. Thought most of his injuries had been wrapped in cloth to stem the bleeding, Ryo was still in pain, and had decided it would be best to get him home. However, he was still weak from the battle and fell asleep soon after. As Cyberdramon watched his sleeping friend, his mind flashed back to the battle against Vamdemon and Devimon...
**************
Monodramon winced as he came back into conciousness. The little dragon slowly got up, shaking his head. "Argh!" Monodramon sat up, recognising the anguished cry.
"Ryo!!" he cried, scrambling to his feet and climbing up the wall he had been thrown through.
As he neared the top, he heard Vamdemon speak. "Does it hurt, Ryo? It will get worse, I assure you!"
"Aaah!" Monodramon climbed up onto the wall, just in time to see Ryo, bleeding from numerous cuts and a painful looking split lip, push his way through a flight of bats and charge at Vamdemon. As he moved to leap off the wall, Ryo screamed, flicking the blade of his knife out and he slashing at the smirking vampire, taking him by surprise.
"Urgh!" Vamdemon took a step back, a gash appearing on his cheek. "Curse you! You'll suffer for that!"
Ryo didn't reply, instead slashing again. However, this time Vamdemon caught the blade between his fingers, smiling cruelly as he grabbed Ryo by the neck and ran forward. "Die! Akiyama Ryo!" With one smooth move, the Perfect smashed Ryo's head into the wall.
"Ryo!" Monodramon wailed as his friend slumped to the ground, leaving behind a trail of blood starting from the crater his head had caused in the wall. Hopping down, the purple Child Digimon ran to his partner, shaking him worriedly. Ryo moaned, letting him know he was still alive.
"Oh, is he still alive?" Vamdemon said, walking towards them. "Good. I was afraid I had killed him too soon!"
"Stay away!" Monodramon growled, standing before Ryo, determined to protect his injured friend.
"Do you really think you can stop me?" the tall, aristocratic Perfect scoffed. "Out of my way!" Suddenly vanishing, he reappeared behind Monodramon and delivered a swift kick that send the gold-eyed dragon rolling into a wall. "Now then..." the vampire said, turning to the bleeding boy at his feet. "I grow weary of this sport." He raised his boot, ready to cave Ryo's skull in.
"Ryo..." Monodramon moaned as he tried to get up. 'No good...' he thought to himself. 'I'm not strong enough...'
'Then I will lend you strength,' a voice cut in suddenly.
'Huh? You're...' Monodramon's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden surge of energy. He screamed, the sound coming out as a feral roar. A red haze settled over his vision as he felt himself evolve.
Through the haze, he could make out Vamdemon's shape as he turned in surprise. Another movement told him Devimon had noticed as well. "Raaaaaaaaagggghhhhhh!" he roared, boosting into the air and diving at the Dark Aristocrat. He lost all sense, the only thought in his head was that this Digimon had hurt him, hurt Ryo, and had to pay for it in blood.
**************
"Uhhh..." Vamdemon hissed, suddenly clutching his arm.
"What's wrong?" Ice Devimon asked. He, Vamdemon and Musyamon had walked to the entrance of Devimon's hidden temple and were preparing to leave when he had heard the Perfect suddenly suck his breath in as if in pain.
"My arm is still not fully healed," Vamdemon explained, gasping. "The damage done by that monster was more serious than I thought."
"Monster?" Musyamon repeated. "You mean whatever it was that forced you to cease your attack on Lord Devimon's enemy?"
"Yes..." Vamdemon replied, remembering...
**************
Vamdemon stood over Ryo's unconcious body, smiling cruelly after kicking his Digimon partner, a small humanoid dragon, out of his way. "Now then..." He raised his boot, ready to cave Ryo's skull in.
An inhuman scream stopped him, causing him to turn in surprise. "What?"
Some distance away, he heard Devimon gasp. "That is..." He looked up and saw a large figure leap into the air. It had horned head, humanoid form and four, tattered brick red wings on its back. Gigantic claws tipped its feet and hands, with spikes extending from its lower arms. The figure had a silver faceplate that hid its features, making it appear as though it had no eyes. Parts of its legs and arms were covered with silver shielding, similar to the material that covered the figure's face. As it moved they could make out the sound of hydraulics and machinery moving.
"Raaaaaaaaagggghhhhhh!" it roared, diving at them.
Vamdemon leapt aside, feeling the creature's claws barely miss him. It landed, stepping in front of Ryo as if trying to protect him. "Is that you, little dragon?" Vamdemon asked in surprise. "An interesting Adult form, I must say." His eyes narrowed. "But no mere Adult is a match for me! Bloody Stream!"
To his surprise, the black dragon charged at him, right into the energy bolts his Bloody Stream had launched. It gave a feral scream as the bolts struck.
"Wh-what?!" Vamdemon gasped in surprise as the bolts exploded on the charging Digimon, not even slowing him down. "Th-that's impossible!"
The dragon reached out with a massive clawed hand, seizing Vamdemon by the head. "Let's see how you like it," it growled. Before Vamdemon could understand what the beast was talking about, it had run towards a wall, smashing his head into it with enough force to imbed his head in it. The Digimon growled, pulling him free of the wall, then throwing him into the air. Its claws began glowing and it slashed at the air, ripping tears in the very fabric of reality as it screamed, "ERASE...CLAW!" Putting its hands together, it fired a beam of blue light.
"!" Vamdemon twisted his body in an attempt to dodge the incoming attack, but it sliced through his arm, making him scream in pain. He fell to the ground, landing on his knees. "...how..." he muttered as he looked up, the surprisingly powerful Digimon stalking towards him. "How can an Adult be this strong?"
"Brandishing my blade of death..." it growled softly.
"What?"
The dragon bared its dangerous-looking fangs. "I will show no mercy!" It slashed at him, tearing a gash in Vamdemon's chest and sending him collapsing into the dirt. Reaching down, the Digimon grabbed his head once more, holding him up.
"Aaarhhhh..." Vamdemon reached up, trying to break its steel grip as it began crushing his head like a vice.
"Razor Wing!" Explosions struck the black dragon's back, making it snarl and turn, seeking out what ever had attacked it.
Through the pain, Vamdemon saw Devimon as he hovered in the air above Ryo. He landed, his hand glowing. "Listen carefully. Free Vamdemon, or I kill Ryo." To emphasise his point, he crouched beside the boy, his hand raised as if to thrust his hand into Ryo's heart. "What is your reply?"
The dragon didn't reply, but released Vamdemon anyway. The wounded Perfect fell back, clutching his wounds. The Digimon's eyes glared at both Dark Digimon from under its silver faceplate, growling and flexing its clawed hands.
Devimon stepped away from Ryo, and sank into the ground, reappearing beside Vamdmeon. "Vamdemon," he said, placing the wounded vampire's good arm around his shoulder, "it seems we miscalculated. We had best withdraw for now."
Vamdemon didn't answer, gritting his teeth, refusing to give Devimon the satisfaction of seeing him admit defeat twice in the same day. Devimon smiled to himself as he sank into the ground, taking Vamdemon with him.
**************
"-amdemon!" Vamdemon blinked, realising someone was calling him. Musyamon and Ice Devimon were staring at him.
"What is it?" he demanded.
Ice Devimon shrugged. "You seemed to lose focus for a moment."
"Are you certain you are ready to leave like this?" Musyamon asked.
"I am perfectly capable of..." A thought suddenly struck Vamdemon, making him trail off. "Perhaps I am not as restored as I thought," he said. "I will remain here and try to recover my strength. I suspect you will be able to accomplish your mission without my aid?"
"Of course," Ice Devimon snorted. "Renamon is no match for me!"
"Then I'll leave you to it." Vamdemon turned and limped back into the temple, glanceing over his shoulder as Ice Devimon took off, Musyamon following on foot. "Gullible fools." He straightened himself, and walked to where he knew Devimon stored his cards. "You have forgotten I have dark powers of my own, Devimon..." he laughed softly as he picked up one of the cards. "Something you will regret soon enough!"
****************
Meanwhile, in Okinawa...
Devimon watched through one of his Black Gears as Vamdemon took his cards and began casting a spell. His eyes glinted evilly as he smiled. "As I expected..." he said, his eyes never leaving the Gear. "And now, my plan begins in earnest!"
Author's note: Vamdemon's bats are called Night Raiders.
Reviews, comments, suggestions and criticisms (constructive or otherwise) are welcome and can be sent to Withoutmorals@antisocial.com