Disclaimer: Digimon Savers is the property of Toei Animation, Bandai, and Akiyoshi Hongo.
Note: There was a slight – SLIGHT – addition in the second to last scene of the last chapter. Basically, we neglected to mention the PawnChessmon and Kamemon in the scene where the huge Digital Gate opened. That's been fixed.
Digimon Savers: Balance of Power
Prologue: The Return
Part Two - "Homecoming! Light Fang's Counterattack"
By Infinity Blade and Megaraptor the Scribe
The last few minutes of Daimon Masaru's life had been filled with nothing but chaos. First, he was fighting against a powerful enemy. Then, he had found himself and his comrades being tossed through a maelstrom as he was torn out of the world around him.
Finally, after a huge burst of light, he had found himself in reality again.
He also found himself falling.
Masaru's eyes snapped open, and realization flooded his mind. He realized that what he'd just gone through was a Digital Gate – a portal that linked the Digital and Human Worlds. He had never been through a Gate like that, however – going through it had been chaotic and unstable. Then, just before realizing that his life was in danger, he became aware that he was no longer being held safely by MirageGaogamon.
Masaru twisted his body, struggling through the force that falling was putting on him. He was then able to look up, and saw that there were a number of bodies falling around him: the digimon! He could tell that they were in their Child forms, despite the fact that many had been evolved several moments before. They had to have been reverted during travel through the Gate...
Masaru, of course, had not realized all of this slowly, or rationally. Rather, he absorbed it all in but a few seconds, amidst his mentally screaming SHIT SHIT WE'RE GOING TO DIE SHIT!
Before he could struggle in vain to reach Agumon or any of the others, however, he felt himself being plucked out of the air by a large hand. What proceeded next was much rougher and more chaotic than free falling, as he felt the being holding onto him crash down to the ground quickly and violently, throwing up what looked like branches, dirt, and other sorts of debris as it impacted with the earth below.
Once he was able to clear his mind, Masaru looked up.
"Sleipmon!" he shouted, upon seeing the face of his rescuer. The Royal Knight had managed to stay evolved, and was holding onto him, as well as Agumon and the others. However, before the Ultimate-level digimon could answer him, Sleipmon dropped them to the ground. Then, his body glowed and began to shrink.
Masaru groaned, a throbbing pain surging through his body that he had been ignoring until he unceremoniously collided with the earth below. He opened his eyes in time to look up and see Sleipmon revert back down to his Child stage, Kudamon. Mustering up enough strength to stay conscious himself, he looked about. Agumon, Gaomon, Lalamon... his eyes darted from one prone digimon to the other. Everyone – save for Falcomon, Dukemon, UlForceV-Dramon, and their opponents – was accounted for, and he let out a sigh of relief.
His attempt to stay alert was waning, however. He knew that he couldn't let himself slip into unconsciousness, that there could still be enemies about...
But he hurt all over. It felt like he had been literally torn apart and pieced back together in a matter of seconds. He had never felt anything like that before, and knew that his digimon companions – all devolved from their higher levels – had felt the exact same thing.
He tried to take in his surroundings, though his vision was now blurred. They seemed to be in a forest, and from what he could tell, Sleipmon's "landing" had leveled a good number of trees and torn up a bit of terrain. The sun seemed to be setting, and that glare was also hitting him right in the face, making it difficult to look at the sky.
And thus, difficult to tell exactly where he was. Or to be more precise, what world he was in.
But then, a distant sound told him all that he needed to know.
The noise was coming closer – the repeated whuppa sound of spinning rotors. Masaru turned his gaze skyward, and gasped as he saw a blurry shapes of what seemed to be helicopters closing in, their forms blocking out the sun's glare.
He was back in the Human World.
He was home.
-- --
"Agnimon-sama! Agnimon-sama!"
The digimon known as Agnimon stirred, and growled as he tried to push himself to his feet. He spat out a bit of sand. After clenching his hands into fists, he found that he was lying upon a sand covered beach.
"Agnimon-sama... are you alright?"
The demon man digimon turned to the right, and saw one of his subordinates, Shadramon, hovering next to him. The insect digimon looked both concerned for his superior's life, as well as frightened for his own.
"Shadramon," Agnimon groaned, bringing a hand to his forehead. "Where are we?"
"Well, um," replied Shadramon, his voice shaky. "I-I'm not sure, but..."
"This is the Human World, Brother."
Agnimon spun around, and growled when he saw his brother, Vritramon, looming over him. "The human world!?" Agnimon said. "Does the Royal Knights' treachery go so far, that they would attack us in such a manner? Siding with humans, and cutting us off from our own people?!"
"The Knights and their allies seemed caught up in that chaos along with usGeneral," said another voice. This one belonged to Asuramon, who emerged from behind Vritramon. "And the way that the gateway appeared... it reminded me of something, from several years ago. I heard tell of how the Holy Capital was sent to the Human World by way of human weapons."
Vritramon glared at his underling. "That doesn't matter, Asuramon!" he snarled. "Either way, we are here because of the humans' evil! And because of them, Apollomon-sama and Dianamon-sama are likely lost to us!"
Agnimon's eyes widened. "Apollomon-sama isn't here? Then where is he!?"
Vritramon looked back at his brother. "When the two of us devolved inside the Gate, I saw them being swept off into the distance," he replied. "Then, they were caught up in a storm of data and energy, and after that, I saw nothing more of them. In all likelihood, they were torn apart by the forces in the gateway... it's truly a wonder any of us survived..."
Agnimon sneered. "No... they are alive," he said. "And they are somewhere in this world! We will find them, even if we have to burn this dirty, human-infested world to the ground! Tell me, Vritramon, who among our army is left?"
Vritramon regarded his brother's words, and shrugged his massive shoulders. "Your optimism is everlasting, Brother," he replied, dully, "but very well, I will follow your desires, as long as I still have a chance to assert my power here. As for our army..."
The demon dragon motioned towards Shadramon, Asuramon, and FlareLizamon, who was limping towards them. "... You're looking at it."
Agnimon balked, and then scowled, hardening his resolve. "Then it shall have to be enough... there is nothing the humans have that could stand against us, anyway..."
Asuramon, FlareLizamon, and Shadramon did not look so sure. Agnimon knew why. They all remembered just how they had likely come to this world: by way of a human device. And they all had heard the tales that Asuramon spoke of about the disappearance of the Holy Capital.
It was FlareLizamon that would speak up next. "But sir, like Asuramon was saying... The Holy Capital... They brought it here, and they had weapons... weapons that could keep us from being reverted back into Digi-Eggs, instead destroying us outright! They could wipe digimon from existence entirely!"
Agnimon shot a glance at the burning reptile that made his subordinate cower. Most of the time, Agnimon was a calm digimon – a sharp contrast from his more brutish brother. He always stood back and took in the situation, to try to apply strategy. But now, the look in his eyes was wholly different, and it clearly frightened his underlings.
He had been humiliated. His master had been lost, and possibly destroyed.
All because of the humans.
"Those disgusting, filthy humans are nothing compared to us," Agnimon hissed. "Even the lowest of digimon has more potential than any measly human being. Even to cause us the torment they did all those years ago, they had to use the power of a digimon that they twisted into their design! Against Apollomon-sama's greatest warriors, they have no chance!"
"You truly think us humans to be such lowly creatures, don't you, General?"
The five digimon instantly tensed, all reeling in the direction of the voice that had spoken. Standing behind them was a human – a tall, broad shouldered man with tanned skin and dark hair, wearing a long, black jacket. He eyed them sternly, and despite all logic, Agnimon felt a growing sense of unease rising from within him as he locked eyes with the man. He cursed himself for such weakness.
Agnimon clenched his fists, tiny flames flaring out of the vents on his gauntlets, while Vritramon aimed his arm cannons at the newcomer. "Human!" Vritramon shouted. "You dare show yourself before soldiers of the Olympus Twelve!?"
Actually, Agnimon thought, where did he come from? Just moments ago, there was no one there... but now...
The man just continued to look at them, not showing any sign of fear. There was definitely something peculiar about him, to be certain, given that the sight of five digimon didn't seem to have any effect on him.
"My name is Nitta Masaki," the human said, calmly. "And, there is no need to introduce yourselves. General Vritramon, General Agnimon... both members of Apollomon's elite warriors, the Light Fang. And of course, your underlings."
Agnimon narrowed his eyes. "So, you know of us, then. What is that supposed to prove?"
Nitta crossed his arms, still showing no expression. "You have been ripped out of your world. Your forces are decimated. Your leaders are lost."
"Our leaders are not-!" Agnimon began.
"Your leaders are lost," Nitta said, his otherwise calm voice heavy with a sense of unearthly malice that stopped the general cold, leaving the demon man digimon with his mouth hanging open.
"Your own power was not, is not enough," Nitta continued. "You lost, miserably, to Daimon Masaru and his partner digimon. Do you honestly expect to be able to do as you will in this world now, when your adversaries have doubled?"
The digimon were silent. Each one of them was angry, growing more so with each word out of Nitta's mouth, but they remained silent.
"Think, for just a moment," the human went on. "Those digimon you faced alongside Daimon Masaru were digimon who had been partnered with humans, and I assure you, they survived travel through the Digital Gate. You are both now in the Human World. It is now only a matter of time before your opponents gather, stronger than ever, and rejoin the humans they once fought alongside... It is only a matter of time before Daimon Masaru's allies are gathered once again."
"Daimon Masaru..." Vritramon said, snarling as he spoke the human's name. "He humiliated us. Because of his interference, we lost that fight long before the Royal Knights themselves even arrived!"
"Human," Agnimon began, and then stopped short, correcting himself. "Nitta Masaki." He wasn't sure why he felt the need to give this being that much respect, but he did so regardless. "How do you know all of this?"
"Is that really your concern?" Nitta asked, his dark eyes taking on a blood red tint. "My concern is to be... a gateway for you in the Human World. If you are to avenge your master, and extend his will here, then you need more power than you already have. I can give it to you, as well as give you the location of your enemy."
"A gateway...?" Vritramon asked. Then, he frowned. "We have already been through a gateway!"
Agnimon shot his brother a look. "He doesn't mean it literally, you idiot."
Nitta held up his hand, and made a fist... A fist which then became surrounded by a flare of dark purple energy – unmistakably that of a Digi-Soul. "You are both driven by wrath. Anger, malice. Hatred. Embrace it, and I will give you my power, and with it, what you need to take vengeance on the humans who dare insult you."
For several long moments, the two generals remained silent, staring at Nitta unblinkingly. FlareLizamon, Asuramon, and Shadramon looked at their generals nervously. "M- My lords," Asuramon stammered. "You cannot be serious... the human... the power he's offering you, it's-"
"Silence!" Agnimon snapped, though he did not move his gaze off of Nitta. Then, after a few more moments, the generals looked to each other and nodded, then back to Nitta, an unforgiving scowl worn on both their faces.
"We accept, human," said Vritramon.
Agnimon continued. "Now tell us... where is Daimon Masaru?"
Nitta at last showed emotion, smiling coldly as his Digi-Soul flared up around him like an unforgiving flame.
-- --
Chika had always told people that she saw a good deal of her brother, Masaru, in Noguchi Ikuto. More often than not, that aspect of him caused a good deal of trouble for her.
This was what caused her to sigh as she watched Ikuto throw a punch at one of their school-mates, another boy named Takeshi. Ikuto's fist struck the other boy's face, the impact of the punch knocking the other boy off his feet. He landed on his side, and quickly clutched his face in pain, glaring up at his blue-haired attacker.
"What the hell!?" Takeshi cried, trying to push himself back to his feet. He continued to hold the side of his face. Given the force of Ikuto's punch – and fully knowing his strength – Chika guessed there was a nasty bruise developing there. "What was that for, Noguchi!?"
Ikuto glared at the other boy hatefully, as he jerked his arm to the left. He indicated a gray-colored dog, lying on the ground, with unkempt fur. "Because of him," Ikuto snarled.
Chika had been heading home with Ikuto from some after school activities when they had seen Takeshi and the dog. The boy was unmistakably harassing the animal, attacking it...
"You were hurting him," Ikuto spat, "you lousy-"
"That's enough," cried Chika, choosing now to intervene by putting herself between the two of them. "Takeshi, I think you should leave."
The other boy stared at Chika, gaping at her in response to her words. "Whatever!" he said, finally, turning to begin running down the street. "It's true what they say about you, Noguchi! You are a psychopath! And you too, Daimon!"
Chika sighed, and took Ikuto's hand in hers. "I'm sorry," she said, softly.
Ikuto only pulled away, and approached the dog, who had risen from way it had laid, and was now padding away slowly. Ikuto knelt down beside it, and attempted to pet it... when the canine lashed out, sinking its teeth into one of Ikuto's fingers. The boy did not cry out, and only cringed slightly as the teeth sunk in. The dog then quickly released it and took off running.
"Ikuto-kun!" Chika cried, running to his side. The boy turned to look at her as she knelt down and took his hand. She examined it, and breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh, good. There's no blood..."
Ikuto nodded, and then looked in the direction the dog had gone. Chika then helped him to his feet, and clung to his arm as the boy continued to stared in that direction wistfully.
"He has no home," Ikuto said, quietly. "No family. He's been left alone... and he doesn't know how to do anything but fear everyone like the people that hurt him..."
Chika's jaw dropped a little, and she squeezed his arm. "I understand how you feel," she replied, keeping her voice low. "I'm... I'm sorry about Takeshi. He's been like this for a while, unkind towards animals..."
Ikuto scowled. "Then I'm glad I hit him."
Chika gave him a small smile, and began to lead him down the street. "You really are like my brother," she said, shaking her head. "But then, that's part of what I like about you, Ikuto-kun. Now come on, we'd probably better have Mom look at your hand..."
Ikuto blinked, and blushed slightly at her words. "Yeah... do you ever think they're going to come back?" he asked. "Masaru... Falcomon... all of the others, I mean."
Chika squeezed his arm again, this time harder and not as tenderly. "How many times are you going to ask that question, Ikuto-kun?" she asked. "The Digital Gates can't stay closed forever. And besides, this is Masaru-niichan we're talking about! He'd probably consider it improper for a man to never come and see his friends and family again!"
Ikuto blinked again, and smiled at Chika's words. "Yeah, you're right," he said, cheerfully. "Thanks, Chika."
Chika grinned. "You're welcome, you big dork," she replied. Then, she observed that they were nearing the Daimon family's house, which caused her to smile and spur both her and Ikuto forward more quickly.
But as they neared the household, they slowed to a stop, as they saw a familiar-looking police car pulling in front of the home.
"Yoshino-neechan!" Chika cried, pulling away from Ikuto as she saw the red-haired policewoman emerging from the car. Yoshino gave her a smile and a wave as the girl ran up to her, Ikuto close behind.
"Hello Chika, Ikuto," she replied, in a friendly manner but also with a touch of seriousness. "Have you heard about what happened?"
Chika and Ikuto both looked confused. "What happened...?" Ikuto asked, raising a brow.
"A Digital Gate has appeared."
Chika and Ikuto both let out a gasp, and turned to the left, in the direction of the voice that had spoken. Getting out of the passenger side of the car was an old man with gray-hair and a mustache. They noted that he was wearing his usual hat and the same clothes that he wore when they saw him fishing.
"Yushima-san!" Chika gasped. "Wh-what? Really?"
"A Digital Gate!" Ikuto cried, as though he couldn't really believe it. Then, his expression hardened. "Where is it!? Do we know if anything came through!?"
"It's already come and gone, I'm afraid," Yushima said, taking off his glasses and starting to clean them with a small cloth. "I've already talked to your father... it seems that whatever came out of it has already been taken into custody by the Japanese Self-Defense Force..."
"What?" Ikuto said. "And we only know now? Where's Satsuma!?"
"We heard about it from Captain Satsuma," Yoshino replied, looking somewhat annoyed as she put her hands on her hips. "But since he called us, we haven't been able to reach him at all."
Chika stared, wide-eyed, while Ikuto only frowned. Just then, the door of the Daimon household flew open, and out of it came both Daimon Suguru, Chika's father, and Sayuri, her mother. Suguru waved at them excitedly as he ran towards them.
"Yushima-san!" cried the man. "We're all ready to go!"
Yushima grinned. "Good," he replied, and walked over to Ikuto and Chika, placing his hands on their shoulders. "Are you two ready to go, then?"
Both teenagers stared at him for a moment. "Go? Go where?" Ikuto asked, confused. Then, after a moment, his eyes widened. "Wait... do you think that maybe Falcomon and the others might have-!?"
"There's always a chance," Yushima replied. "And it wouldn't be fair to you and Chika if we didn't let you come along, now would it?"
Ikuto nodded, excitedly, while Chika just looked more confused. "But Yushima-san... where are we going?"
"To find out for ourselves," Suguru replied, answering her himself as he put an arm around his daughter. "Yushima-san says that we should be able to get clearance to investigate just what the JSDF found. And really, Chika, it'd be disappointing to your brother if he made it back and his family wasn't there to welcome him."
Chika's eyes lit up. "And Mom's coming too?" she asked, to which Sayuri and Suguru both nodded.
"When what are we waiting for!?" Ikuto exclaimed, already starting to get into the Daimon family's nearby car. "Let's get going!"
"Now now, Ikuto-kun," said Sayuri. "What would your mother say about you being so impatient?"
At that, everyone began to get in the cars, with Chika following her mother's example in scolding Ikuto while Yoshino observed the whole thing with an amused smile on her face. Chika gave a laugh and turned to her father, only to find him and Yushima looking at each other rather seriously.
"Were you able to talk to the Noguchis?" Yushima asked the younger man.
Suguru nodded. "I did," he replied. "They were able to make a quick scan of the Digital World's border... Kenji said they weren't sure what to make of it, but... the readings indicated massive disruption. Neither of them are sure that there was only one Digital Gate, either."
Yushima nodded. "I see. Anything else?"
"One thing," Suguru replied, frowning. "They said that they've only seen readings anything like this once before – back when Kurata's bomb created the massive rift between worlds."
Yushima's eyes widened, and for a moment, he gaped at Suguru. Then, he narrowed his eyes, and looked to the side, speaking lowly. "Then it's good that we're going to come prepared," he replied.
"Chika?"
The girl jumped a bit as her mother touched her shoulder. She turned to see the woman smiling at her. "Come on, sweetie," Sayuri said. "We need to get going."
Chika nodded a bit, and forced a smile. "Ri-right..."
She followed her mother to their family's car, but her thoughts were far beyond where they currently were. If something like that happens again... she thought, and shivered. I hope everyone's okay... Masaru-niichan, Agu-chan... Piyomon...
-- --
Two hours. That's how long it had been since Masaru awoke, alone, in a small, windowless cell. He hadn't been out long, he knew, and in the time since he came to, his pain had dulled considerably.
A long time ago, he would have just busted down the door between himself and the outside world. In fact, he was quite tempted to at this point. Someone had come to check on him, briefly, when he first woke up. Knowing he was in the Human World, he had found the sense somewhere to give some names of people that could verify who he was. And hopefully get him out, as this place was obviously under government control from what he could tell. Though, he knew he was being watched thanks to the security camera that sat in one of the corners of the ceiling. He had passed his time glaring at it intently.
No, just busting out would probably be a bad idea. He had no clue as to where he was. He didn't know where the digimon were, either. Eventually, someone would come, and he could figure out just what the hell was going on. And he could tell them what was going on, as well. Something important had just happened in the Digital World, and there were people in this world that needed to know. Soon.
As for his digimon companions, he had been assured in that short visit that they were safe and sound. Though it could very well have been a lie – and that wouldn't surprise Masaru in the least – he also would know, somewhere deep down through the power that linked them, if Agumon was being hurt. He wasn't, so he hoped it was the same for the others.
Still, it had been awhile since he'd heard from anyone in this place.
Punching through that door was starting to look like a promising concept the longer he sat there, that smug voice of reason in his head be damned. That is, at least, until someone finally did come to see him.
Masaru could tell this person was important. He carried himself with authority, and wore an expression that said he believed he could tell Masaru anything or make him do whatever he wanted. Masaru had seen this expression many times in his life, in both the Human and the Digital Worlds. This earned the man the same glare he had been giving the camera, and a look of quiet defiance.
The man wore a uniform, and had dark black-colored hair and a beard. He looked Masaru over for a moment, before speaking.
"Daimon Masaru," he said, his voice deep and full of practiced confidence, "I am Major Nakamono Kentarou."
"Hey," Masaru grunted. "Are you guys finally going to let me talk to someone?"
"You will talk to me," Nakamono replied, glaring back at Masaru. "And on that subject, we did attempt to reach one of the names you gave us. One 'Satsuma Rentarou.' It seems that he was otherwise detained with other matters."
Masaru narrowed his eyes. "Uh huh. You guys have anything to do with that?"
Nakamono paused. "And just what," he said, "do you mean by that?"
Masaru stood up, leveling his gaze at the man. "You think I don't know anything, 'Major'? I don't know how much you know about digimon, or the Digital World, but I'm willing to bet what happened to me today was no accident. I get blown from one world to the next, and suddenly there are military guys all over the place!? And now you tell me Captain Satsuma's busy with something! I've seen what you people do when digimon are involved, and I don't trust you!"
Nakamono seemed undaunted. "You speak of the incident with Professor Kurata, I presume."
"Yeah!" Masaru snapped back. "You clowns trusted him and made everyone in DATS fugitives! Then, not only does your buddy Kurata go about trying to kill off every digimon alive, he nearly succeeded and almost destroyed both our worlds in the process!"
Nakamono snorted. "Kurata was... regrettable, but a mistake that has since by rectified-"
"Yeah, by us."
"-and not something that changes your position and what's needed here, young man."
"What's needed," Masaru said, "is for you to get out of my way, bring me to my digimon friends, and get me in contact with the people I told you about!"
"We're still in the process of trying to get a hold of Daimon Suguru and Yushima Hiroshi, too," Nakamono said. "But they're not picking up their phones."
"Bullshit."
"Daimon Masaru," Nakamono said dangerously. "Are you really that determined to try and undermine everything I say?"
"Thought crossed my mind," Masaru spat, and then grit his teeth. He wasn't getting anywhere like this, and it was all he could do to keep from punching this man in the face and walking out. "...okay, whatever. What the hell do you want?"
Nakamono cocked his head to one side, smiling slightly. It was a smile that Masaru really wanted to wipe from his face. "Good."
It hit Masaru that the man thought he was getting his way. Though not exactly one to do battle on a mental level – in fact, he knew someone who'd find the thought hilarious – Masaru knew it could work to his advantage to let Nakamono think what he wanted to.
"Five years ago, you left our world, correct?" Nakamono asked, and it was answered with a nod. "According to what we were told then, once that Gate was closed, the traffic to and from the Human and Digital Worlds would cease to exist, while the barrier effectively repaired itself. And yet..." He gave a slight sigh, which surprised Masaru, before he expression hardened. "Just how the hell did you get here, boy, and what's caused all of these Digital Gates to open up?"
Masaru frowned, crossing his arms. "Really? I have no freakin' clue." He paused. "...wait, did you say Gates!?"
"You're lying," the man said, taking a step forward, which was promptly halted as Masaru held up a finger to his face.
"Not another step, old man!" Masaru said. "Now, what did you say about me tryin' to 'undermine' everything you said!? I told you the truth! I don't. Freakin'. Know. One second, I was fightin', and the next, I was here! That's it. Now, what the hell did you say about other Digital Gates?"
For the first time, Nakamono seemed surprised, and he took a few steps back. "There have been more. Many more."
"So a bunch just opened up all at once!?" Masaru exclaimed, horrible thoughts racing through his head. If multiple gates were opening, then everyone could be in danger while he was here just sitting around! It was bad enough that Apollomon, his soldiers, and Dianamon had to be somewhere in the Human World at this point...
"Several did, today, yes," Nakamono said. "But not just today. They've been opening."
Masaru stopped short from yelling again. "Wh-what...?"
"Over the years since you've left, Digital Gates have appeared periodically throughout Japan and the world over," Nakamono stated. "Though not as widespread and consistent as it was at its peak, it's still been happening. Digimon have still been appearing, causing... havoc in the lives of normal people."
Masaru stared at him. Not with a glare, this time, but out of curiosity. There seemed to be something different about the older man's tone. Something both annoyed and... almost hurting.
"This doesn't have anything to do with me, old man," Masaru said, sternly. "I'm not the cause of this crap, if that's what you're lookin' for. I haven't heard of any Gates opening up on the other end, but if they have, then we're in a lot more trouble than I thought. But, the Digital Gate that opened up today... there's only been one as big as that before Belphemon tore the barrier all to hell. And you and I both know there's only one damned thing that'd cause it."
Nakamono just stared at him, seemingly unable to come up with a reply.
"Dammit, man!" Masaru shouted. "I need to speak with my captain, or-!"
"You're no longer a member of DATS, son," Nakamono said. "You haven't been for five years, and neither has anyone else, so Satsuma Rentarou no longer-"
"Captain Satsuma," Masaru corrected, an edge creeping back into his voice. "He is my captain, and I'll only answer to him or Old Man Yushima. Or my Dad! Hell, I'll even take Touma!!"
Nakamono snorted a small laugh. "I think Touma H. Norstein has greater concerns nowadays, boy."
Masaru's eyes narrowed. "You obviously don't know us all very well, then." He paused, looking over Nakamono's shoulder. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see anything but the hall. "When can I see Agumon and the others?"
"I assure you, they're just fine."
Masaru shook his head. "Then, I'm not saying anything else until you get me someone I answer to."
"I told you-"
"There's one more," Masaru said, grinning.
Nakamono blinked, seeming legitimately surprised. "Oh? And who would that be?"
Masaru smirked. "Kudamon."
-- --
Agumon hadn't felt pain like that in a great, long while. Finally coming back to the land of the waking, the yellow reptile digimon sat up and took in his surroundings.
He promptly gave a shriek.
All of the digimon – himself, Lalamon, Gaomon, the PawnChessmon, Kamemon, Leormon, Gotsumon, Kudamon, and Piyomon – were in a small room. It was white, with smooth walls, one of which transparent. It was a very familiar room. A rather specialized kind of cell...
The exact same one they had been placed in years ago, when their partners' memories were wiped and they were taken captive by the government.
Agumon looked around frantically. Leormon was scraping at the entrance with his claws, though Agumon knew from experience that'd have no effect. Gaomon was resting up against a wall, and he just sighed and nodded without looking at him. "Yes, I know. Hauntingly familiar. Deja vu. We all had the same reaction."
"Deja who?" Agumon asked. He then shook his head vigorously. "That doesn't matter! This means we're back in the Human World! And.. and... where's Aniki!?"
He continued to look around in a rapid manner. The only one not awake was Kudamon, who was being looked over by the PawnChessmon. Leormon continued to scratch at the wall, while Kamemon and Gotsumon sat off near Gaomon. Gotsumon, particularly, looked too afraid to do anything.
"Some human said something over a speaker," Piyomon said. "He said Masaru was fine, but was being questioned."
"It's more credit than Kurata ever gave us, at least," Lalamon noted.
"And they lock us up!?" Agumon shouted, rising to his feet. "We haven't done anything!" If there was one thing Agumon hated, it was having his freedom ripped away, even for an instant. "We've got to do something!"
"Agumon, calm down," Gaomon said. "Don't you remember last time?" His eyes then immediately widened as he realized his folly.
Agumon took a deep breath, his head glowing a bright red. "BABY-!"
"Idiot!" Gaomon shouted, dashing over and shoving his fist into Agumon's mouth, before he could launch his attack. Agumon's eyes went wide, and he was forced to swallow his attack. Then, he swatted Gaomon away and gave a yell.
"Just what do you think you're doing!?" Agumon snapped. "We've got to get out of here!"
"We can't go causing trouble when we don't know the whole situation!" Gaomon shot back.
Agumon's face contorted into a scowl, and was about ready to go at it, when Kamemon – surprising the both of them – stepped between them and held up his hands.
"Fighting amongst ourselves won't accomplish anything," Kamemon said. "What would your partners say if they saw you?"
"Um, Kamemon, that's sort of a bad example," Lalamon said.
Kamemon tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Oh. Right. Sorry, I'm not very good at this..."
"No, you're fine," a strained voice said, and everyone looked to Kudamon as he began to sit up, albeit weakly. He smiled. "What would Yushima say if he heard you saying that?"
Kamemon just nodded silently.
"Now," Kudamon said, glancing about. He seemed to quickly realize their situation. "...dammit. Anyone want to bring me up to speed?"
"Well, we're obviously in the Human World," Gaomon said. "I woke up first, and we were all in here. Masaru's elsewhere. But we all made it through alive, at least."
"And Ravemon was away when the Gate appeared," Kudamon said, and then sighed. "So, basically the situation is, beyond that, we don't know the situation. Obviously, Satsuma and Yushima can't be in charge if we're being held inside DATS Headquarters... but, we don't have any reason to suspect anything foul is going on."
"Other than locking us up?" Agumon snorted.
"Other than that, no," Kudamon said. "After last time, if they wanted to be rid of us, we'd all be Digi-Eggs by now."
Piyomon visibly shivered. "So, what can we do then?"
Kudamon sat back, still obviously in pain. "At the moment, nothing. They wouldn't have told us that Masaru's okay, otherwise. That Digital Gate had to be created with a Time-Space Oscillation Bomb, or something similar. Providing our captors aren't the cause, they very likely are having a great deal of trouble figuring out what's going on."
"So, we just sit here!?" Agumon snapped.
Kudamon closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes. Until we ourselves figure out what's going on, jumping to conclusions would be unwise. They could just be acting cautious..." He opened his eyes, smiling. "Otherwise, they had better not leave us here for too long, lest Masaru break down the door of wherever he is, or we have enough time to recover and tap into our partners' Digi-Souls."
Agumon stared at him for a second, and then gave a chuckle. "Knowing Aniki, I guess we'll find out which one it is pretty quick."
-- --
"I beg your pardon, but do you know who I am?"
Touma H. Norstein was not one who really liked to flaunt his success or celebrity. He did what he did, and had made the advancement in medical science that he had, to save the life of a loved one, and to make the world a better place. Nothing more, nothing less.
However, as he stood at the entrance of DATS Headquarters – a place where he once had a level of clearance rivaled only by his superiors – he was finding himself quickly running out of options. Namely, because the security guard standing between him and the entrance absolutely refused to let him pass.
"Yes, Dr. Norstein, I do," the guard said, and then handed him back an ID card that Touma had given him. "But according to our files, you were dismissed from DATS years ago. That card isn't valid any longer."
Touma pushed his glasses up on his nose, scowling at the man. "I was asked to come here by Commander Yushima himself, and if you know who I am, then you know there's few people who know more about Digital Gates short of Professor Nogu-"
"I'm not going to tell you again," the guard cut him off. "You have no authorized clearance to enter this building. Please, do yourself a favor, because I would rather not be forced to take you into custody."
Touma didn't say anything. He turned swiftly on his heel and started to walk back to the limousine he had arrived in. His younger sister Relena stood outside the car, while his butler was still in the driver's seat.
"Brother, I don't understand," Relena said once he reached her. "Why won't they let you in? After everything you've done...?"
Touma gave a wistful sigh, staring down at his old ID card. "Officially, we were discharged from DATS and made fugitives from the law when Kurata turned everyone against us. Captain Satsuma and Commander Yushima were only reinstated following Yggdrasil's defeat, but DATS was officially disbanded directly following that. Thus, I'm still on file as being discharged, even though our names were cleared." He shoved the card back in his pocket and looked back at the building. "Truthfully, I'm now thinking the Confidentiality Ministry did that on purpose. Even if we were proven innocent, they still probably didn't want to risk the potential liability..."
He smiled bitterly. "Especially me, since, even though I had Yoshino and the others to back me up, so far as the government knew at the time, I was an active participant in helping Kurata."
Relena frowned, reaching out to touch his arm. "Brother..."
Touma just turned to look back at the building. He was, to put it mildly, very tired, having just flown in from giving a lecture in America with Relena. No sooner had he stepped off the plane did he receive a call from Yushima, alerting him to the appearance of the massive Digital Gate. He knew that it meant trouble. He knew, from only the older man's description, what kind of Gate it was.
But what's more, he knew – deep in his heart – what it could also mean.
Pulling his hand out of his pocket, he now held his Digivice Burst in it. He stared down at it, and instantly knew that his sister caught the look in his eye.
"Is he in there, Brother?"
Touma's eyes looked back to the DATS building. "...yes. I'm certain of it."
"Then, what are we supposed to do?"
The blond man sighed heavily. "The only thing we can do, now, is wait for Commander Yushima to get here. He should still have the proper clearance... I'd hope, anyhow."
If that wasn't the case, of course, Touma didn't really want to consider the alternative. Regardless, though, Touma was certain of one thing: If Gaomon had returned, there wasn't a soul alive that would stop the young man from getting to him.
Touma's train of thought was broken as Relena gave a happy shout, tugging at his arm. "Brother, look!"
He did as he was asked, looking back at the road leading to where they were. Coming up were two cars, one of which a police vehicle driven by one very familiar-looking young woman. When Touma saw her, and the other occupants of the vehicles, he smiled.
With all of them, there was no way they were going to be completely shut out for much longer...
-- --
"Do you even recognize where you are?" Nakamono asked Masaru as the older man led him through corridors away from where he had been held.
Masaru eyed the walls for just a moment before it finally hit him. "This is DATS!"
Suddenly, Masaru's aggravation with Nakamono returned with force. Not only had he been held against his will, despite having saved them from both Kurata and the two worlds collapsing on top of themselves, but it was done so in the place that had once been his and his comrades' base of operations!
"We repaired this place after it was nearly destroyed because it could still prove of some use," Nakamono stated. "And, after the barrier nearly collapsed, it still had the most advanced monitoring equipment for detecting Digital Gates."
Masaru grunted, crossing his arms as they turned a corner and then met with a door. It slid open to allow them into what Masaru recognized as DATS' main command room. Only now, it lacked any of the familiar faces. No Satsuma, Miki, Megumi, or any of their digimon partners... Just, to him, anyway, a bunch of nameless technicians who probably didn't even fully comprehend the gravity of the situation occurring around them.
"What the hell are we doing here?" Masaru asked. "I said I wanted to see the digimon!"
Nakamono sighed, looking back at him. "My duties aren't just to be your escort here, kid. There's a lot of important things happening-"
"That's sort of the point!" Masaru shouted. "Just tell me where they are, then!"
Nakamono turned back, staring up at a monitor that had a bunch of gibberish Masaru didn't even want to try and comprehend. "Not a chance."
"Why you-!" Masaru began, but came to an abrupt stop when he felt the entire building shake around him. Though he stood firmly in place, Nakamono nearly fell over, and several of the technicians did.
Lights and monitors flickered on and off, and Nakamono bellowed, "Just what the hell was that!?"
After several moments of fumbling with the displays – a problem, Masaru noted, that neither Miki nor Megumi would ever have – a technician brought up an image on one of the displays. It was of the road leading up to DATS' main entrance, and walking down it were...
"Apollomon's goons!" Masaru blurted out. Indeed, Agnimon, Vritramon, Shadramon, FlareLizamon, and Asuramon were marching down towards the building. Vritramon's cannons were smoking from their barrels, instantly answering where the shaking had come from.
"Apollomon...?" Nakamono asked slowly, turning to Masaru. He then lashed out, grabbing Masaru roughly by his jacket. "You know something about this! You led them to us!"
Masaru was undaunted by his outburst. He slapped the older man's hands away roughly, and then grabbed him by his jacket. "I don't give a crap what you think about me, but if you don't want your asses blown away, you had damn well better cut the shit and tell me where Agumon and the others are!"
-- --
Touma and the others had no idea it was coming when it happened: streams of fire and energy flew over their heads, striking the side of DATS' headquarters. Eyes wide with shock, they all turned their gaze in the direction the attacks had come from, and saw the five digimon marching towards them.
"Digimon!?" Yoshino exclaimed, her voice cracking. "Of all the rotten luck... this is the worst!"
Touma instinctively pushed Relena behind him, while Suguru did the same for Sayuri – the older man would have likely done the same for Chika had Ikuto not done it himself. "Professor Daimon," Touma said, "Those digimon, I'm familiar with three of those five species – Asuramon, FlareLizamon, and Shadramon – but the two in the lead..."
"They're Agnimon and Vritramon..." Ikuto answered, interrupting Suguru before he could even speak. The boy's voice was hushed, and what was more, his expression was a mixture of anger and fear, and his tanned skin seemed deathly pale
"Ikuto-kun...?" Chika asked, looking concerned. He didn't answer her, and instead squeezed Chika's arm once, before stepping out in front of everyone else, his expression quickly going from what it was to one of great anger.
"AGNIMON! VRITRAMON!" the teen aged boy yelled sharply. The five digimon across stopped in their tracks, each one of them focusing on him as he continued to yell. "Just what do you think that you're doing!?"
Agnimon thrust a fist into the air, flames billowing out around his fist as he screamed back at the boy. "You dare stand in the way of the glorious Light Fang warriors, human!?"
Ikuto pointed a finger at them. "The Light Fang are supposed to be the most noble and elite warriors of the Olympus Twelve! You dare to disgrace their name by cowardly attacking humans!?"
"And just who are you to question us!?" Vritramon snarled, stamping a foot and cracking the pavement beneath him. "On whose behalf do you speak on, human!?"
Ikuto growled, and placed his hand against his chest, raising his voice and saying, "I am Noguchi Ikuto, a proud Digimon Soldier, and I speak on the behalf of Mercurimon! Surely, his comrade Apollomon can't justify actions like this!"
"Ikuto," Touma said, coming up behind Ikuto and speaking in a low voice. "These guys..."
"Are the soldiers of one of the Olympus Twelve, Apollomon," Ikuto said back. "But some thing's wrong with them. The look in their eyes... it's all wrong..."
"Ikuto?" Agnimon asked, and then lowered his fist. The flames died out and he smiled, albeit somewhat cruelly. "Ah, Ikuto. I see you've changed in the years since we last saw you... Mercurimon-sama really did think highly of you. Minervamon-sama, too. It's such a shame, really..."
Vritramon smirked, baring his teeth devilishly. "Yes, it is. It is a shame that you had to be a filthy, treacherous human! Gotsumon was always right about you." He gave a bitter laugh, and then aimed his left cannon at the boy. "After all, if not for you and your kind, Mercurimon would still be alive..."
Ikuto growled, gritting his teeth. "You... you don't even know what you're talking about! Mercurimon died-!
"To protect you!" Agnimon shot back, flames flaring up around him yet again. "You and your human 'friends!' He died, just as your precious 'mother,' Yukidarumon, did! To protect you! No matter what your intentions, all you humans can bring to the Digital World is ruin!"
Ikuto suddenly gave a wild cry of anger, and ran forward, charging the group of digimon. FlareLizamon got in his way, and swiped a flaming claw at the boy. Ikuto took a massive leap, flipping over both the attack, and the digimon himself. By the time FlareLizamon knew he had missed, Ikuto had already hit the ground running behind him.
"Yushima-san," Suguru said, quickly turning to the older man. "Take Sayuri, Chika, and Relena-chan and get them out of harm's way."
"Gunter," Touma said, addressing his butler, who was standing behind them, near the limo. "The same to you. Get them inside DATS."
"But Dad-!" Chika began, staring fearfully at Ikuto, lingering as Yushima and Gunter began to lead her mother and Relena towards the building.
"Go!" Suguru snapped quickly, before smiling, holding up his fist. "Don't worry about Ikuto-kun. I think we have that covered."
She looked at him for a moment, unsure of what to do, and then nodded, running back to join Yushima's group.
"Burning Salamander!" Agnimon roared, as Ikuto made it past both Shadramon and Asuramon, slamming both his fists together and making flames flare up around his fists. He then delivered a series of punches to the air, launching a volley of fireballs at the boy.
Ikuto growled, clenching his hands into fists, around both of which erupted the purple flare of his Digi-Soul. Agnimon's eyes, as well as those of all his allies, widened in shock as Ikuto swatted each one of the fireballs away, deflecting them harmlessly to the side.
"Don't underestimate..." Ikuto said, charging again and leaping into the air. He flew at Agnimon, thrusting out an energized fist and taking the demon man by a surprise as it impacted with his face. "... the strength of a real Digimon Soldier!" Agnimon screamed as he was knocked back, falling on his back with a loud crash.
Vritramon roared wildly, and Ikuto had no time to defend himself before the demon dragon's clawed hand struck hum. The boy's face struck the pavement, and Vritramon laughed cruelly, preparing to crush the teenager beneath his foot... only for Suguru's blazing fist to strike him in the face, knocking him to the ground just like his brother.
Suguru landed in front of Ikuto, his hand burning with the familiar orange glow of his family's Digi-Soul. "Just for the record, Ikuto-kun," he said, looking back at him. "Any man who can do something like what you did is someone I'd definitely consider worthy of my daughter!"
Ikuto grinned a bit, despite the obvious pain of Vritramon's blow, and sat up, wiping away the blood that was trickling from his lip.
"Oh, geez," Yoshino said, walking up behind Ikuto with Touma, grinning despite herself. "Leave it to a Daimon to say something like that."
"Indeed," replied Touma, helping Ikuto to his feet. "It's good to remember... because we have to hold these guys off as long as we can... at least, that is, until Relena and the others are safe. Because-"
"That's what Masaru would do, right?" Yoshino asked, grinning wider.
Touma laughed nervously, adjusting his glasses. "I'd appreciate you not repeating that, though."
"You... filthy... HUMANS!" Vritramon roared, shoving FlareLizamon and Shadramon off of him as they tried help him to his feet. He rose on his own, while Agnimon also stood up, standing beside his brother.
"You think that you can stop us with the weak power you hold!?" Agnimon hissed. He reached out for Vritramon with one hand.
The demon dragon took hold of it with his claw. "Then you'll see...!" Vritramon roared.
"The true power of our wrath!" both screamed in unison. Both digimon let out mighty screams as their eyes took on a red glow, black energy erupting around their bodies like demonic flames.
Suguru's eyes narrowed. "Is that... a Digi-Soul?" he wondered, out loud, just as realization hit him. Then, he spun around, and yelled at Yoshino, Ikuto, and Touma, "GET BACK! All of you, fall back now!"
"But Professor Daimon-" Touma started.
"NOW!"
The energy continued to flare up around Agnimon and Vritramon. Asuramon, FlareLizamon, and Shadramon all backed away, their eyes wide with astonishment. "So this... this is the power that man gave them," Asuramon gasped, all three of his faces staring on in amazement.
"If they can evolve further..." FlareLizamon breathed, "then imagine what it means for us!"
"HYPER JOGRESS EVOLUTION!" both Agnimon and Vritramon cried, as the black energy surged around them. Then, their bodies melded together, and began to grow more massive. They grew, and grew, and grew larger still, until they assumed the form of a massive draconic knight, clad in gold, blue, and orange armor. Then, flames pooled together in front of the newly evolved digimon, flaring up brightly as they assumed the form of a massive blade. Taking it in his hand, the fused warrior proclaimed his name.
"KAISERGREYMON!"
When Suguru, Ikuto, Touma, and Yoshino reached where the cars were parked, Yoshino stopped dead and spun around. "KaiserWhatmon!?"
However, when she turned to face the digimon, she found him pointing his sword directly at them, grasping it with both hands as he opened up into a crossbow-like weapon. "Enryuugeki – FLAME DRAGON ATTACK!" he cried, the sword's central blade glowing brightly just before shooting itself off like a massive, flaming arrow.
"Yoshino!" Suguru shouted, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her away just before the flying blade struck Touma's limo, causing it to erupt into a ball of fire and debris. The force of the explosion knocked the four humans to the ground. Suguru was the first back on his feet, but he was too late – KaiserGreymon held out the hilt of his weapon, a new blade forming. Then, he rose into the air, streaking right towards...
"Relena!" Touma shouted.
Suguru's eyes were wide with horror. "Sayuri!"
"Chika!" both he and Ikuto screamed.
There was nowhere near enough time. KaiserGreymon surged forward, the speed of his flight sending several cars flying as he passed over them. Sayuri, Relena, Chika, Yushima, and Gunter all turned, eyes widening in fear as the dragon knight bore down on them.
"NOT SO FAST!"
KaiserGreymon came to a sudden stop, as the sound of an impact and a Digi-Soul's flare filled the air. All looked up, and gasped as they saw the sight before them: it was none other than Daimon Masaru, his Digi-Soul flaring all over his body as he pressed his fist against KaiserGreymon's helmet.
"You... bastard..." KaiserGreymon growled. "Even after evolving... your power... how can it still harm us!?"
"You didn't think I'd let you hurt my family and friends, did you, asshole?" Masaru asked, grinning. Then, he brought up his leg, kicking off of KaiserGreymon's helmet. He then did a flip in mid-air, landing in front of his mother, sister, Relena, Gunter, and Yushima.
"Ma... Masaru..." Sayuri stammered slowly.
"Masaru-niichan!" Chika cried happily.
Yushima grinned from ear to ear. "So, you have returned, eh?"
KaiserGreymon seemed to be in momentary shock, but then gave a yell, flying back several feet. "Asuramon, Shadramon, FlareLizamon!"
The three digimon leapt into action quickly, giving shouts of acknowledgment to their leader, each one of them dashing towards the gathered humans. But then, before they could get very far, several voices cried out...!
"Baby Burner!"
"Nuts Shoot!"
"Magical Fire!"
"Pointer Arrow!"
"Angry Rock!"
Two streams of fire, a barrage of seeds, a volley of rocks, and an arrow-shaped missile each rained down, stopping both Asuramon and Shadramon in their tracks. FlareLizamon, having been at the rear of the group, looked on in surprise. However, he quickly turned his gaze elsewhere, and charged at the first humans he saw, Touma and Suguru.
"Gao Rush!"
"Leo Claw!"
Blue and yellow blurs streaked towards the fiery dragon. With a barrage of punches and a rapid swiping of claws, FlareLizamon was knocked to the ground. Then, two digimon landed in front of both men, glaring menacingly at the attacker.
"Anyone who dares to try and harm my Master will not be forgiven!" Gaomon shouted.
"And I'm not going to just sit by while others fight!" Leormon growled. "Especially not when Masaru's friends' lives are on the line!"
"Gaomon!" Touma cried, ecstatically, as he ran to his digimon's side. Suguru, meanwhile, looked at Leormon with a mixture of confusion and surprise, which then slowly became a fond, reminiscent grin.
The moment was cut short, as Agumon, Lalamon, Kamemon, Piyomon, the two PawnChessmon, and Gotsumon all leapt down (the latter falling gracelessly on his head) alongside Masaru. "Aniki!" Agumon shouted, taking his place in front of Masaru. "It's time to show this guy what a real Greymon's power is like!"
"Yoshino!" Lalamon called to her partner. "I know it's rude not to say hello after so long, but we need to take of these guys first!"
Gaomon assumed a defensive stance. "Master! Allow me to join the battle alongside Agumon as well!"
Yoshino and Touma both exchanged glances, and then grinned. They each reached into their pockets, withdrawing their Digivice Bursts. "Then we will," Yoshino answered. "I'll fight together with you once again, Lalamon!"
"Gaomon!" cried Touma. "I don't have a plan for you, but I can give you this!" His and Yoshino's Digi-Souls both flared up, prompting Masaru to take out his Digivice as well. Then, together, all three focused their power, channeling it into the devices with a cry of...
"DIGI-SOUL CHARGE! OVERDRIVE!"
-To Be Continued
--
Infinity Says: A couple random notes, this time.
First, thanks to our reviewers! Always good to have thoughtful reviews, and that's about what we got. Y'know what they say – quality over quantity. To Fullmetal Ai, regarding the chapter length, though, I figured one of us should reply to it. (Though thanks all the same for what you said. Again, it's appreciated.)
The length of the chapters in "The Return" is intentional. Since this is basically a prologue for the larger "Balance of Power" series as a whole, it only has a few chapters. At the moment, it'll likely run four or so chapters. Though we probably COULD break down the parts smaller than they are, I don't think it would have hurt the flow of the first chapter to do so, just personally. The main series, once this prologue is finished, WILL be smaller and it'll likely take on a more serialized feel, akin to my own series, "Inner Demons." Only, hopefully, with a more consistent update schedule.
"The Return" basically stands as one long series of battles and plot developments that set the stage for later. The longer chapters for it, I think, work to help re-establish everything so we don't have to set everything up in the main series and can just get right into the story.
For what it's worth, though, that "To Be Continued" marker right above me? Yeah. It's roughly just over halfway through what we originally planned for Part 2 of this story. It got so long, we finally had to say, "Yeah, uh. This DOES need to be broken down." And thus, it was. Which – also – means as of this posting, Part 3 has already had a good amount of work put into it.
To the chapter itself, the "Light Fang," for those who don't know, are the group of Tamers you work with in the video game Digimon World: Dawn (aka, Digimon Story: Sunburst in Japan.) That game is where Apollomon – and his entire evolution line – made its debut. Using it for the name of his warriors is a homage to that.
Similarly, Nitta Masaki is a character from the game Digimon World: Data Squad (aka, Digimon Savers: Another Mission.) The game takes place completely out of continuity from the Savers anime... but that doesn't mean we can't use him for our own purposes here, since he IS still a Savers character. Those that have played the game will notice some differences in him... but going further than that would spoil things. And we don't want that, do we?
(Oh, and Touma's butler was never named in canon. The name we're using was created by Mega.)
Mega Says: ... Damn it, Infinity got all of the good stuff out of the way.
Anyway, a few things should be mentioned here. You might notice our depiction of KaiserGreymon's color-scheme is somewhat... off. It's based on his alternate colors from the video game Digimon: Battle Spirit 2. We thought it'd be more appropriate, since this is essentially a "dark" or "evil" version of KaiserGreymon, akin to BlackWarGreymon or ChaosDukemon.
Also, for the record, we don't hate Frontier, and the use of Hybrids as villains is not meant to rag on the series. We just... think they're kind of awesome and fit the "fire theme" for Apollomon's army.
That's all I got to say. See ya in part 3, everyone!