Disclaimer: Digimon Savers is the property of Toei Animation, Bandai, and Akiyoshi Hongo.
Digimon Savers: Balance of Power
Prologue: The Return
Part Three - "Unite Once Again! KaiserGreymon's Inferno!"
By Infinity Blade and Megaraptor the Scribe
Power erupted from Masaru, Yoshino, and Touma's Digivices, spiraling into each of their partners and engulfing them in the power of their Digi-Souls.
"Lalamon, evolve! Rosemon!"
"Gaomon, evolve! MirageGaogamon!"
"Agumon, evolve! SHINEGREYMON!"
There wasn't a moments hesitation for the three digimon. As soon as the evolutionary process had ended, they charged straight at KaiserGreymon. They all collided with him before he even had time to brace himself, using their combined strength to knock him away from everyone gathered and towards the nearby docks.
Ikuto let out a cheer as he watched the battle... only to realize, finally, that someone was missing. His eyes began to dart in multiple directions, looking for one digimon in particular... and saw no sign of him. The boy slumped a bit, and cursed quietly to himself.
Masaru turned away from his partner and the battle with KaiserGreymon. "PawnChessmon, Piyomon, Gotsumon," Masaru said. "I want you to take Mom, Chika, and everyone else to the service tunnel. There's an old guy called Nakamono Kentarou, and he'll make sure the army gets you out of here." The digimon all nodded, save for Gotsumon, who then had to be be helped out of the head-shaped pothole he was now stuck in by Kamemon.
"No!" Chika shouted. "Masaru-niichan, I want to stay here with you!"
"Chika," said Suguru's voice, as the man approached them. "It's not safe for you here; I can at least fight a bit, and either Yushima-san or myself have to be here for Satsuma-san's sake. Don't worry, your brother and I will be fine."
"I'll go with them," said Yushima, stepping forward. "I mean, as long as you're here to handle things, Suguru. And besides, I can't really let Kamemon go off on his own again, now can I?"
"I'll go too," said Ikuto, stepping in front of Chika. Chika saw the sad and angry look on the boy's face, and frowned.
"Fine, I'll go..." she said, quietly. And with that, she turned to leave with the others, when Suguru grabbed her wrist, shoving something into her hands. Chika's eyes widened. "Dad, this is...!" she gasped.
Suguru smiled. "I know. Use it when the time is right."
Chika nodded, and tucked the object into her jacket pocket.
"Relena," said Touma. "You and Gunter go with them. Yushima-san will keep you safe."
Relena nodded, timidly. "Stay safe, Master Touma," said Gunter, putting his hands on Relena's shoulders. With that, Yushima gestured for them to go on, and the two of them moved to follow the old man towards the building.
Suguru then turned to face the remaining digimon that had been attacking them... only to find them gone. A quick look to the sky showed him that Asuramon was flying to the battle between KaiserGreymon and the three Ultimate digimon, as Masaru, Touma, and Yoshino raced to the docks themselves. However, Shadramon and FlareLizamon were completely unaccounted for.
"Damn," the man sad, frowning to himself, "I'm getting rusty." He then noticed the only digimon who still remained where he was: Leormon, who was staring at the distant battle with an expression of awe. Suguru smirked, and then took off running in the direction of his son and the others.
Okay, Masaru, Suguru thought. Time to see how much of a man the last five years have made you!
-- --
"Double Crescent Mirage!"
KaiserGreymon let out a scream as he tumbled back into the sea, knocked over from the force of MirageGaogamon's attack. He growled, and rose, standing in the shallow water. Though he loomed over the three Ultimate digimon, including ShineGreymon, their combined power was proving to be enough to overwhelm him.
"General... uhm, KaiserGreymon!" came Asuramon's voice, as his subordinate flew up alongside him.
"Asuramon," KaiserGreymon growled in annoyance, while he swung his sword to block a swipe from Rosemon's whip. "Where are FlareLizamon and Shadramon!?"
"SHINE HAMMER!"
Both KaiserGreymon and Asuramon looked up to see ShineGreymon falling down towards them, one fist held high and glowing brightly. Both warriors of Apollomon dodged in either direction, letting ShineGreymon fall between them, his glowing fist slamming into the water. The ground shook, and the two Greymons' eyes met, both glaring at each other intensely.
KaiserGreymon wasted no time, and swung his sword down at ShineGreymon, who quickly rolled away. While KaiserGreymon's sword harmlessly struck the ground, ShineGreymon jetted back into the air, rejoining his comrades.
All three faces gasping, Asuramon rejoined his general. "FlareLizamon and Shadramon... They saw an opportunity," he replied. "They thought it would help if they found a way to keep the humans from fighting, and-"
"I DO NOT NEED THEIR TRICKERY!" KaiserGreymon roared, bringing up his sword to block the slash of MirageGaogamon's claws. "And I do not need you here to tell me of their uselessness! Now, do something useful yourself, or I will cut you down here and now!"
Asuramon's three heads stared, and then gave a short nod before he flew off. KaiserGreymon grunted, and jerked his arm back, freeing his sword from the lock with MirageGaogamon's claws and throwing his opponent back towards the docks.
"I will be humiliated no longer!" KaiserGreymon shouted. He then grasped the hilt of his sword in both hands, and thrust it into the water. It pierced the sea floor, and KaiserGreymon became surrounded in an intense flame, causing steam to erupt from the water around him.
"Kuzuryuujinn – NINE HEADED DRAGON FORMATION!"
All three fighters stared on in confusion, until moments later, when the earth began to quake. The earth shook and then split, erupting with fire all around them. Then, before they could react, nine massive pillars of flame shaped like dragons erupted out of the blaze, surging towards them from multiple directions. Each Ultimate digimon let out a cry as they were hit, the fire dragons coiling around them and burning them with intense heat. Then, the flames subsided and they all fell from the air, landing in the water.
KaiserGreymon couldn't help but laugh as his enemies slowly rose to their feet. "The tide of this battle is now turning," he said, cruelly, pointing his sword at them.
"That... that's what you think!" ShineGreymon roared, though pain was evident in his voice. He looked towards the docks, where Daimon Masaru and the other humans stood. ShineGreymon then jerked his head back around to glare at KaiserGreymon "This fight is only just beginning!"
-- --
As the battle waged on the docks near DATS, Chika, Sayuri, Ikuto, and the others had made it to the service tunnel beneath DATS, which lead to a water-side road leading away from the battle. Yushima was currently discussing things with the major whom Masaru had told them about, Nakamono Kentarou, as they prepared to get underway. All around them, soldiers and technicians were scrambling as they loaded up equipment on several trucks set to head out.
"Damn it, Nakamono, I need to get in contact with Satsuma!" Yushima declared. "He needs to know what's gone on here!"
"And like I told you, Yushima-san, he already knows," replied Nakamono, looking as though he'd rather be talking with anybody else. "In fact, I'd be surprised if the whole city doesn't know what's going on, at this point!"
"And that was unavoidable!" Yushima said. "But you knew something like this was bound to happen eventually!"
"I knew!? I only know what my superiors tell me, and they have more justification to keep secrets than you people do!" shouted Nakamono, breaking his resolve and poking Yushima forcefully on the chest. Yushima glared at him, as Nakamono became aware that people were watching their argument, causing him to frown and turn to his men.
"We have to be out of here in less then three minutes!" the major declared. "Get these people and their monsters into the armored truck!"
There wasn't another moment's pause before his men gave their acknowledgments and set to work. Yushima sighed in frustration as he joined the others, who were being led toward the vehicle Nakamono had identified. Sayuri frowned, putting a hand on the older man's arm. "Yushima-san?"
Yushima looked at her, breathing out a small sight. "The Major and DATS have some history," he replied. "But let's leave it at that, for now."
As Sayuri nodded, her daughter clung tightly to Piyomon's wing while Ikuto looked on with an unpleasant, but at the same time, hard to read expression on his face. To the side, Relena walked alone, staring at the ground as she moved towards the truck.
"Brother," she murmured, quietly. "I hope... I hope he'll be alright..."
"Don't worry! He'll be just fine! He's with Masaru-sama!"
Relena's eyes widened slightly, and turned her head to the side. Walking alongside her was Gotsumon, giving her an odd-looking rocky grin. "I've been with Masaru-sama and Agumon-sama for a long time now, and they'd never, ever let something bad happen to a comrade!"
Relena's mouth fell open for a moment, and then she smiled. "Thank you very much, uhm...?"
"Ah! Uhm! I'm Gotsumon!" the mineral digimon replied, smiling sheepishly.
Moments later, the humans and digimon began climbing into the back of the armored truck. But then, Kamemon, who stood at the rear of the group, paused, looking at the end of the service tunnel. Noticing,Yushima walked back towards him. "Kamemon?"
The turtle digimon didn't answer. Instead, he just took several steps forward, and...
"Pointer Arrow!"
Yushima let out a cry of surprise as his partner's attack flew forward. Several soldiers did so as well, ducking to the side as the arrow-shaped missile streamed past them, until it finally hit... something that didn't appear to even be there.
"Gah! Guh! What the hell, you bastards!?" cried a voice, as a form began to take shape at the point where Kamemon's missile had impacted. The air seemed to distort, until it finally revealed the orange, red, and black form of the digimon called Shadramon. Almost instantly, the soldiers took aim at him with their weapons.
"My shadow cloak didn't work!?" hissed the insect digimon. "Well, I'll show you! Psychic Wave!" With the cry of his attack, he then thrust out both arms, and sent out a mental wave that caused everyone to grab their heads in pain and sent several of the humans flying.
Yushima grit his teeth, holding his head as he leaned against the armored truck, trying not to fall over. Then, just as soon as it started, his pain stopped. Blinking, the old man looked around them and saw they were now surrounded in a white dome of energy. Standing at either side of the truck was PawnChessmon Black and White, shields held out as they generated the protective barrier.
Smiling, Yushima started to reach for his Digivice. "Kamemon," he said. "It's time to-"
"HEEEYAAAAAAAAAH!"
Yushima's eyes widened, as he was interrupted by Ikuto's cry, who ran forward the moment the PawnChessmons' shield dropped. Anger burned in his eyes as he charged towards Shadramon, leaping up to swing his fist at the insect digimon's face...
... only to be grabbed out of the air by a fiery claw, as FlareLizamon's arm burst through the concrete floor beneath them. Ikuto let out a scream as the flaming dragon squeezed him, causing FlareLizamon to laugh cruelly as he climbed out of the sizable hole he had made.
"So, this is the so-called Digimon Soldier!" hissed FlareLizamon. "You humiliated our general earlier! Let's see how KaiserGreymon-sama intends to reward that, eh?"
"PUT HIM DOWN!"
The cry came not from Yushima, or any of the soldiers, but rather Chika, who stood glaring at the two digimon defiantly. Shadramon and FlareLizamon both stared at her, and then burst out laughing. "Put him down? What are you going to do, human? Cry at us?"
Chika scowled. "Piyomon!" she cried, reaching into the pocket of her jacket. "I need your help!" With that, she held out her hand, revealing a white and red colored Digivice.
Sayuri and Piyomon both gasped, with the latter of them running up to stand in front of Chika. Then, with her eyes focused on Ikuto, Chika held out her empty hand, concentration etched on her face. A bright orange Digi-Soul then formed around her palm, which she then slammed it into the top of the Digivice, screaming "Digi-Soul Charge!"
Piyomon let out a loud cry as the Digivice unleashed Chika's power towards him, revitalizing his weakened body. "Piyomon, evolve!" He became encased in an evolutionary digi-egg, growing larger, until it shattered, revealing a large brown, white, and red eagle with two prominent horns. "AQUILAMON!"
FlareLizamon gasped a bit, but then sneered. "You think I'm afraid of another Adult!? At least last time, you were a level higher!" he roared. He then thrust out his free arm, calling out, "Flame Hit!" and unleashed a quick blast of fire at them.
Aquilamon let out a scream, and rushed forward, creating a wave of wind that forced those around him to make an effort to stand their ground. "Grand Horn!" he shouted, charging through the fire blast, his horns glowing with power. He continued on, ramming into FlareLizamon's shoulder and knocking the fiery dragon back, causing him to cry out and drop Ikuto. Chika saw this, and ran to him.
"FlareLizamon!" Shadramon exclaimed. He flapped his wings, and lunged to help his ally... only to be struck across the face by a large, green fist. After hitting the ground, he groaned and began to get up, only to pause as he saw a new digimon standing several feet away. This one looked like a bizarre turtle-like puppet. It wore headphones, had yarn-like hair, and on the top of his head were several rapidly spinning discs.
"Gawappamon!" cried Yushima, stepping up beside his newly evolved partner. "Let's back up Chika-chan and Piyomon!"
"You stupid human!" cried Shadramon, flying up. "This time, no mercy! Flare Buster!"
Shadramon aimed his cannon-like forearms at Gawappamon, firing a volley of fireballs at the digimon. Gawappamon countered, crying, "DJ Shooter!" as reached up and tossed out several of the spinning discs from his head. They hit the fireballs with expert precision, effectively canceling out both attacks.
"Leave this to me!" roared FlareLizamon. "FIRE TOWER!" He spun around rapidly, becoming a whirling pillar of fire that charged right at Gawappamon.
"Mach Impulse!"
FlareLizamon was then suddenly struck by Aquilamon, who himself was spinning in the air, shielding himself in a tornado of wind. The blow knocked FlareLizamon out of his attack, and sent him crashing into Shadramon.
"Gawappamon!" cried Aquilamon, who stopped spinning as he flew up beside the other digimon. "Shall we finish this!?"
"Gladly!" replied Gawappamon, removing his headphones, pointing them at their opponents. "Gawappa Rapper!"
"Blast Laser!"
Both digimon launched their attacks, Gawappamon releasing a blast of sound from his headgear, while Aquilamon fired off rings of energy from his mouth. Shadramon and FlareLizamon, having no time to react properly, had no chance to evade. They were first knocked back by the sound waves, and then struck by the energy rings, causing both digimon to let out an anguished scream.
"General...! Help us...!"
"Glory... to Apollomon-sama's army!"
With a final cry from each of them, both digimons' bodies exploded into data, and then reformed into two orange-colored Digi-Eggs.
"We did it! Yeah!" cried Gawappamon, striking a pose. Yushima smiled, and turned towards Chika, who was now helping Ikuto to his feet. "You and Piyomon did well, Chika-chan!"
Chika smiled, while Sayuri came up behind them. "Indeed... your father would be so proud of you...!" she said.
"Thanks mom," Chika replied, blushing. Then, she turned towards Ikuto, who had a regretful look on his face. "... Ikuto-kun, are you alright?"
"Don't worry, I'll be okay..." he replied quietly.
From several feet away, Nakamono watched the scene, with no small amount of amazement in his eyes. One of his subordinates walked up to him, looking equally shaken by the events that he had just witnessed. "Major Nakamono... what do we do now?" he asked.
"... We still need to get these people to safety," Nakamono replied, after a moment. "Secure those... egg things, and get ready to move out."
"Yes sir!" replied the soldier. He saluted, and moved to his appointed task, shouting the major's orders to the rest of the company. Nakamono, however, did not move his eyes off of the digimon and their partners.
"Is this what these 'digimon partners' are really like?" he said aloud, but quietly. "Yuriko... are you really like these people?"
With that, the major frowned.
-- --
"Shining Blast!"
"Enryuugeki!"
ShineGreymon let out a scream as he was struck, in mid-attack, by the stronger blow from KaiserGreymon's sword. He fell out of the sky and crashed into a water-side building, which crumbled beneath his weight.
"ShineGreymon!" shouted Masaru, from his position meters away. He resisted the urge to run towards his partner as he saw the digimon begin to rise, and instead craned his head upwards. Thankfully, KaiserGreymon was focused on attacks coming from Rosemon and MirageGaogamon. That would give ShineGreymon enough time to gather his strength and to rejoin the battle.
"This is the worst," said Yoshino, from her position several feet away. "That big attack of his... it took a lot of their strength, didn't it?"
"Indeed," said Touma, frowning. "Even MirageGaogamon is moving slower than usual..."
Masaru scowled, stepping forward. "There's no way I'm going to lose to some guy's flunky, even if he is more powerful!" he cried. "YOU HEAR THAT, KAISERGREYMON!? No matter how much stronger you've gotten, you're still just Apollomon's stooge!"
"No, Masaru."
Masaru turned around, and saw his father standing behind them, staring up at KaiserGreymon intently. By now, ShineGreymon was back in the air. He fired off one of his fireballs at his enemy, which the dragon knight then promptly dodged.
"... Dad? What do you mean?" Masaru asked.
Suguru narrowed his eyes. "I'm aware of this Apollomon you talked about," he said. "Mercurimon told me all about him. But this digimon... or, I should say, the digimon that make him up, they aren't fighting for his sake anymore. When they started their attack, they were focused more on themselves. They're not concerned with their master, they're fighting because of their own anger and hatred!"
Masaru gaped, and then looked upwards, scowling again. "So he's doing this just because he's angry at humans!? He doesn't even have a real cause!?"
"How dare you insult the General!"
All four humans spun around to find Asuramon looming over them. All three of his faces were glaring down at them hatefully, and together they roared in unison "Our general is one of the proudest and greatest of the Light Fang! He would never betray Apollomon-sama for the sake of vengeance!"
Before the others could say anything, Suguru stepped towards Asuramon. "Oh really? Then, pray tell, how is that Agnimon and Vritramon gained the power to evolve like this? They used the power of a Digi-Soul, and I know for a fact that it's not something a digimon can awaken on their own!"
Asuramon's three mouths fell open, and then they gritted their teeth in anger. "You... human! I'LL DESTROY YOU! Kidoairaku - HUMAN EMOTION!"
Asuramon's three faces then took on a radiant glow, and each one released rays of demonic power. Suguru's body instantly reacted, preparing to do what he could to evade...
... Only for him to be struck by a yellow blur, which knocked him to the side as Masaru, Touma, and Yoshino leapt clear of the blast. However, once the blasts struck the ground, both Suguru and his savior found their bodies tossed by the shock wave. Both hit the ground with a heavy thud.
Suguru grunted, and pushed himself up. He didn't feel hurt, and indeed, his adventures in the Digital World had put him through far worse. His eyes searched for the other body that had struck him... and found Leormon, struggling to get to his feet.
"You're pretty cowardly..." hissed the small beast digimon, glaring at Asuramon. "Attacking three humans from so close... just because someone told you the truth about your jerk of a boss...!"
Asuramon turned his three faces towards Leormon, and blinked as he regarded him for the first time. "Please... KaiserGreymon-sama and myself are warriors! And at least we serve a cause rather than leech off of human strength!"
"You hide behind someone else's power!" Leormon screamed, baring his fangs. "Masaru and the others, they give their power to us! You're just blindly following whatever KaiserGreymon and Apollomon tell you! And like Suguru said... you can't even be honest about what your boss is really doing! If you ask me, you are the real leech here!"
"Leormon..." Masaru and Suguru both breathed.
Asuramon made a fist, fire forming around it. "And who do you think you are, to insult me like this?!"
Leormon narrowed his eyes. "I'm Leormon! And for trying to harm this man... I will never forgive you!"
Asuramon sneered, and thrust out his fist, not even bothering to call out his attack as he sent a burst of fire from it at Suguru and Leormon. "DAD!" Masaru cried, eyes widening in horror as the blast struck home...
... Only to be dispelled by the appearance of an orange Digi-Soul that burst forth from Suguru's body, which encompassed both him and Leormon.
Leormon screamed – or more accurately, roared – as the Suguru's Digi-Soul flared even brighter. Instantly, his body began to glow, growing larger as an evolutionary digi-egg formed around him. It shattered with another powerful roar from the digimon within, revealing Leormon's evolved form: A giant, four-legged lion covered in yellow and black armor. His mane spun around like a pinwheel, and he had wheels on each of his feet. The most prominent feature, however, was his long tail, which ended in a massive spiked ball.
Touma stared, and then pulled his digital assistant from his vest, calling up its digimon database. He cycled through it quickly, before ending on the form that Leormon had just become. "LoaderLeomon...!" he gasped. "Suguru's Digi-Soul caused him to evolve straight to the Perfect level, without a Digivice!"
"Then... does this mean that this digimon is...?" said Yoshino, her voice trailing off.
Masaru, however, grinned. "That's my dad!" he cried, pumping his fist into the air. "Way to go Leormon!"
LoaderLeomon glared at Asuramon, and Suguru walked up alongside him. "Masaru," said the man, "you and the others go and focus on the battle at hand. LoaderLeomon and I will take care of this one."
Masaru stared at his father for a minute, and turned his head, seeing that the battle with KaiserGreymon had begun to drift away from where they currently were. "Got it," he said with a nod. "Yoshino, Touma, come on!" The two of them nodded in turn, and together, the three of them ran off.
Suguru focused on Asuramon now. "Though I doubt it'll do any good," he said, aloud. "I'll give you one more chance to surrender, and tell us what's going on. If you do, the people at DATS will make sure your situation is dealt with accordingly."
Asuramon growled, landing on the ground and assuming a fighting stance. "I know what you humans do to digimon you can't use like your so-called partners! The entire Digital World has heard tale of that horror!" he cried. "I'll fight you till my last breath, human, rather than be led to the slaughter! A soldier of Apollomon's army fights to the very end!"
"Then you have that, at the very least," Suguru said, with a sigh. "LoaderLeomon!"
"It's fightin' time!" LoaderLeomon snarled. His mane began to spin wildly and he then charged forward, carried by the wheels on his forepaws. Asuramon let out a cry, leaping into the air, narrowly dodging the cybernetic lion's charge.
"Loader Morning Star!"
Asuramon let out a shocked cry as LoaderLeomon's tail whipped out as he passed by, striking him with the large spiked ball. Asuramon was knocked through the air, but managed to stop himself before he hit the ground. He let out a harsh cry, holding his side.
"You... take this, you!" he cried, hoarsely. He fought past the pain, and surrounded both of his hands in flame before punching out with them, throwing fireballs at LoaderLeomon. "ASURA GOD FIST!"
LoaderLeomon spun around, and growled, spinning his mane again, creating a short gust of wind that diverted the attack harmlessly to the side. "Is that all you've got?!" he shouted at Asuramon. "If that's your best, then I'll show you mine! Suguru?"
"Do it, LoaderLeomon!" replied Suguru, holding his fist up in the air.
LoaderLeomon roared again, the wheels on his paws making a revving sound. His mane began to spin once more, and he charged forward as Asuramon held his position and gathered strength for his own attack.
"KIDOAIRAKU!"
Three energy blasts flew forth from each of Asuramon's faces, colliding with the charging LoaderLeomon... only for the lion to continue on his course, unhindered. The gap between them closed quickly, and LoaderLeomon leapt up into the air.
"BORING STORM!"
"Damn it...!" Asuramon shouted, as LoaderLeomon's mane spun faster than before. He rocketed towards Asuramon, a whirlwind forming around his head and focused like a spiraling drill. He collided with the demon man, the wind drilling into his mid-section. Finally, energy exploded between them, sending Asuramon flying towards the side of a building.
LoaderLeomon landed on all fours, as dust and debris from Asuramon's impact masked the digimon's fate. Suguru walked up beside him, the both of them waiting for a sign.
A shadow appeared, and Asuramon's body emerged. The demon man limped forward, holding his side with the one of his four arms that remained – the others had already begun to dissolve into data. LoaderLeomon growled, and took a step forward...
"Wait," said Suguru, putting a hand on the lion's side. LoaderLeomon gave him a confused look, but nodded nonetheless.
"... So this is my fate," coughed Asuramon, stumbling forward. "... I'm going to revert... this... this is no fate for a warrior of... Apollomon's army...!"
Suguru frowned. "There's something to be said for your power after all, if you're able to hold on even after all that."
Asuramon's six eyes blinked, and all three faces appeared saddened. "It was all true," he groaned, falling to his knees. "Everything you said. I was a fool... to believe in Agnimon-sama and Vritramon-sama, even after they made a deal with that man..."
"Man?!" cried LoaderLeomon. "What man?!"
"I don't remember his name," Asuramon said, sadly. "But... he is something different from all of you humans. Something different from us digimon, as well. That is all I can tell you..."
Suguru stared, and then nodded. "Very well," he replied. Then, after a pause, he said, "Thank you, Asuramon."
Asuramon eyed the human, and then let out a sad laugh. "You're thanking me? And you also said that I had strength of my own, to have even lasted this long... You humans really are different from the ones that hurt our world, aren't you? We were wrong... Apollomon-sama was wrong. And now, my time is up..."
LoaderLeomon's expression softened. "There's still life for us digimon after we revert, you know. We can still make up for the things we've done, or failed to do."
Asuramon grit his teeth, and each of his of his three faces did their best to smile.
"Perhaps this is not so terrible a world to die in, after all."
Each expression then became serene, and his body broke apart into data, reforming into a Digi-Egg.
Suguru clenched his hand into a shaking fist, and did his best to continue to show resolve. Finally, he turned away and sighed, his back to LoaderLeomon. "Leormon... no, LoaderLeomon," he said. "Thank you for your help."
The lion digimon was quiet for a moment. Then, he spoke.
"... I know you, don't I?"
Suguru turned, his jaw agape as he and the lion's eyes met. LoaderLeomon did not blink, or look away, as he continued to speak. "I don't remember just how... but I know that I know you. You're Daimon Suguru. My friend. My partner."
Suguru was speechless, for a moment. Then, however, he gave the digimon a shaky smile, and nodded. "More than that, actually. You did something something for me that no one else ever could. You saved my life, and you helped me help my son."
LoaderLeomon nodded."I don't remember everything... but I think I know why I followed Masaru for so long now..."
"Are you two going to just spend the rest of the battle talking? That's not really the truest course of action for a man such as yourself, is it, Daimon Suguru?"
LoaderLeomon and Suguru's heads both turned in the direction of the new voice that had spoken. Standing there, arms crossed, was a tall, broad-shouldered man with blue hair, wearing a trench coat and a distinctive pair of sunglasses. A white and gold digimon sat curled around his shoulder.
Suguru grinned. "Satsuma-san," he said. "And Kudamon. I see you found each other."
Satsuma nodded. "I can say the same for you two," said Kudamon, from his place on the man's shoulders.
LoaderLeomon laughed, revving the wheels on his paws. "He's right, though!" he replied. "A real man doesn't just sit on the sidelines while there's still a fight to be won! Come on, Suguru! LET'S ROAR!"
-- --
The battle with KaiserGreymon had moved a considerable ways down the docks. He was being forced to stay grounded, stomping around in shallower parts of the water as he fended off the Ultimates' attacks.
As Rosemon pulled back to dodge a blast of their enemy's Enryuugeki, ShineGreymon lunged forward, only to be knocked away within moments by the flat of KaiserGreymon's reformed sword.
"ShineGreymon! Time to kick this up a notch! GeoGrey Sword!"
Masaru ran his hand over the glowing scanner on the side of his Digivice. ShineGreymon, recovering quickly from KaiserGreymon's blow, landed on solid ground, a ring of fire forming around him. He slammed his hand into the earth beneath him, drawing out a large, golden weapon with two blades.
"KaiserGreymon!" shouted ShineGreymon, pointing the blade at the dragon knight. "Prepare to face our combined power: the GeoGrey Sword!"
"You call that a weapon?!" laughed KaiserGreymon, pausing and pointing his own blade back at ShineGreymon. "I'll break it on my Dragon Soul Sword!"
"Not if we can help it!" cried the voice of Rosemon, as her whip swung down from above, wrapping around the arm KaiserGreymon used to hold his sword. Then, she raised her other arm, and thrust out with the other end of her weapon, extending it and then having it snap into a rigid point. "Roses Rapier!"
KaiserGreymon screamed as the slash cut across his helmet, leaving a large scar across it. He then moved to try and free his sword arm, only for Rosemon to tug upon it tighter. He growled, and prepared to channel his power over fire...
"GALE CLAW!"
His eyes widened, and gave another shout of pain. MirageGaogamon had rushed past him, using his surprise to slash him across his upper left shoulder, which now left deep grooves in his armor. Then, the beast knight swung around, grabbing KaiserGreymon by his newly injured arm.
"Do it, ShineGreymon!" the two Ultimates exclaimed.
KaiserGreymon snarled, struggling against their grip, while ShineGreymon gave a mighty cry and rocketed towards him. The light dragon thrust his blade out, aiming straight for the chest. Just as he was about to be run through by the blade, though, KaiserGreymon threw his head back, screaming to the heavens in a fit of rage and desperation... and in a flash, flames surged up around his entire being. The force of the sudden fire aura knocked MirageGaogamon away, and forced Rosemon to release her whip, lest she be caught up in the flames.
Still, it wasn't quite enough. Even as KaiserGreymon turned to try and avoid the GeoGrey Sword, ShineGreymon still managed to cut a gash along his enemy's chest armor, cutting deeply into him. KaiserGreymon gave an ear-shattering howl, but was quickly silenced as ShineGreymon gave him a swift kick in the gut.
The dragon knight stumbled back, barely catching himself by digging his sword into the ground beneath the shallow water, before dropping down to one knee, panting with labored breaths.
"Now, while his defenses are down!" shouted Touma. "Everyone, hit him with your strongest attacks!"
Masaru smirked. "Hey, that's my partner you're ordering around!" he shot back. "But either way, I agree! Blow him away, ShineGreymon!"
"Rosemon!" cried Yoshino. "Follow their lead! You know what to do!"
"Alright!" called all three digimon in unison. The face-like armor on MirageGaogamon's chest opened, firing out a powerful blast of energy, as Rosemon's entire body grew pink and her costume seemed to disappear. She gathered energy between her hands, and fired massive torrent of power and rose petals. Finally, wings flaring with light, ShineGreymon channeled it in front of him into the form of three individual fireballs.
"Full Moon Blaster!"
"Forbidden Temptation!"
"Sparkle Shoot!"
Together the three attacks flew forward, joining together into one massive wave of destructive force as they headed for KaiserGreymon. The dragon knight did not attempt to get out of the way, and the combined attacks struck him, an explosion erupting that sent out a large wave through the water. Masaru, Touma, and Yoshino both ducked a bit, as dispersed water rained down on them.
"Did... did we get him?" asked Yoshino, looking up, with a touch of nervousness . She turned to Touma and Masaru, who both looked uncertain.
Her answer came, then, as the earth shuddered in an all too familiar manner, and KaiserGreymon's voice cried out "Kuzuryuujinn!" The three Ultimate digimon gasped in surprise as nine flaming dragons burst through the smoke masking ShineGreymon, streaming towards them. Each one lashed out, attempting to counter the attack, but were struck all the same. It resulted in explosions that sent all three crashing into the docks.
KaiserGreymon rose, standing in a crater that had once been covered in water. His eyes glowed, and a black, fiery aura surrounded his body. "I will not be outdone by the likes of you," he said, his voice deepening in an unnatural manner. "I have exceeded the power of an Ultimate digimon... I have... I have even exceeded the power of the Olympus Twelve! I am the great KaiserGreymon-sama, greater than anyone who hides behind the power of a human!!"
"That's a load of bull crap!"
"Such hypocrisy from one such as you, KaiserGreymon!? Does the Light Fang have no honor!?"
KaiserGreymon spun around, the aura around him flaring up brighter as he did so. He let out an angry roar, as he saw who hung in the air above him... the unmistakable image of the Royal Knight, Sleipmon, who floated there with his arms crossed. LoaderLeomon stood on his back.
"Sleipmon!" shouted Masaru, grinning. "Then that must mean...!"
The sound of approaching footsteps caused him, Touma, and Yoshino to wheel around to find Suguru running up, with Satsuma at his side. "Captain Satsuma!" cried Yoshino, happily. "So, you managed to make it after all!"
"Sorry I'm late," replied Satsuma, his demeanor stern and focused, as usual. "But it seems we arrived to help just in time."
KaiserGreymon leveled his blade at Sleipmon. "You accuse me of such a thing, Royal Knight?! We all know what your group tried to do in Yggdrasil's name! And yet, you side with the very race you tried to destroy!"
"I was never on the side of that cause!" Sleipmon shouted. "And either way, my comrades learned the error of their ways! And even in their disgrace, they were better than someone like you, who has blindly thrown away all loyalty to his master! Your minion Asuramon has fallen for your sake, and yet, you demean his sacrifice with your actions and your betrayal of your so-called ideals!"
"What!? How dare you! I-"
"It is a Digi-Soul that gives you power now! A Digi-Soul driven by the power of human sin!"
KaiserGreymon froze, as Sleipmon's words rung out. For a moment, the only sound was that of the rest of the city and a distant, far-off alarm. The dragon knight's body began to convulse, and his aura grew larger. Twitching, he raised his sword, and let out a monstrous scream.
Sleipmon wasted no time in leaping into action. He surged forward, LoaderLeomon leaping off of him. The cybernetic lion spun his mane, creating his whirlwind drill as he dropped down on the dragon knight. He fought through the aura, and bore into KaiserGreymon's shoulder armor, causing a crack in it to form before he jumped away.
"Bifrost!" Sleipmon called out, firing a barrage of glowing arrows from his crossbow. They struck KaiserGreymon, encasing portions of his body in ice, including his hand and the base of his sword. Then, Sleipmon pointed his shield at the dragon knight.
"Purify this evil in ice, Niflheim!" shouted the Royal Knight, addressing his weapon. "Odin's Breath!"
The shield began to glow, and a frigid whirlwind whipped out from it and engulfed KaiserGreymon. Ice began to form around his body, fixing him in place. But still, the dragon knight did not move, and instead looked looked as though he'd been seized by some terrible force from within him.
Then, his eyes began to glow again.
KaiserGreymon gave an earth shattering roar as a huge burst of black flame erupted off of him. Sleipmon's eyes widened as his attack was dispelled.
"No... what is this...?!" Sleipmon gasped. "There's more than a Digi-Soul at work here! What is driving him!?"
"MY ANGER!" screamed KaiserGreymon, as he lifted his sword. The blade seemed to grow more massive as he swung it, simultaneously forcing it into its crossbow formation. The blade then flew off with surprising speed, straight towards Sleipmon.
The Royal Knight had no chance to dodge. He let out a cry as he was struck, forcing him to fall into the water below. His body then lied prone, as he did everything he could to keep from devolving, less he be washed away by the waves.
"Kudamon!" Satsuma exclaimed. "No... he's still too weak from when he went through the gate!"
Yoshino bit her lower lip. "What do we do now...?"
"What we always have!"
All eyes focused on Masaru as he spoke. "Has it been too long for both of you?!" he continued, addressing both Yoshino and Touma. "This guy is no different from a Gizmon, or Belphemon! Or any of the Royal Knights! We just keep standing... and evolve further!"
KaiserGreymon seemed to hear his words, as he turned once Masaru stopped speaking. "Daimon Masaru," he hissed. "Daimon Masaru...!"
Masaru's Digi-Soul erupted off of him, and then focused around his body, becoming a single, focused glow. "I didn't spend five years in that world," he said, fixing his eyes on the dragon knight, "to come home and lose my first fight here! Especially not to someone who abandons his followers, his leader, and his ideals just because he got mad!"
Touma stepped up beside Masaru, his Digi-Soul glowing in a manner just like Masaru's. "Masaru's right! You have no honor, KaiserGreymon!"
Yoshino did so as well, her pink Digi-Soul radiating alongside the two young mens'. "And we'll never back down! We'll do it for everyone in this city that we have to protect!"
"And for Asuramon, and the Digital World!" added LoaderLeomon, as he came up beside them. "And to show this world that most Digimon aren't anything like you!"
The three humans withdrew their Digivices once again, and ran their hands over the brightly glowing light on its side.
"CHARGE! Digi-Soul... BURST!"
KaiserGreymon screamed. "Daimon... Masaru... humans...! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!" With that, he surged forward towards the humans with all the speed he could muster. As he neared them, he raised his sword, reforming the weapon's blade and preparing to send it crashing down on them.
Then, everything stopped. There was no sound of the blade striking the ground. No screams of horror and pain. Rather, the only sound was a single, loud -clang-, followed by a sickening cracking sound.
KaiserGreymon hung in the air, as ShineGreymon stood between him and the humans. The light dragon's armor had now become red and white, and his armored wings had been replaced by massive, flaming ones. The Dragon Soul Sword had been blocked by the GeoGrey Sword, which now seemed to glow with an even stronger aura.
Then, KaiserGreymon's weapon simply shattered.
KaiserGreymon floated back, looking shocked. MirageGaogamon and Rosemon floated up beside ShineGreymon. Like him, the two of them were transformed.
MirageGaogamon had lost his cape, and had a wild mane of silver hair as well as two small glowing wings on his shoulders. In addition, he carried an energy staff, with a chain that ended in a giant mace. The staff's base ended in a crescent-shaped blade.
Rosemon, meanwhile, had grown considerably larger, and was she was no longer dwarfed by her companions. Her outfit was now black and white, and her cape was glowing pink. What was more, several glowing orbs much like the one she wore on her chest floated around her.
"The tide of this battle..." began ShineGreymon.
"Is turning!" cried all three digimon together.
Together, they rushed forward. The GeoGrey Sword disappeared, replaced by a sword and shield of pure flame that ShineGreymon held in both hands. He slashed the sword at KaiserGreymon, cutting him across the mid-section. Rosemon followed his attack up with one of her own, slashing him several times with her thorn whip.
KaiserGreymon stumbled a bit, but had no chance to get his bearings. ShineGreymon and Rosemon dove off to either side to make way for MirageGaogamon as he cried out "Luna Haken Slasher!" He swung out with his crescent blade, hooking the dragon knight on his shoulder and using it flip his enemy over. KaiserGreymon landed back on dry ground, crushing the ground beneath him.
KaiserGreymon quickly rose back to his feet. He screamed wildly as his flame aura once rose up around him again. After concentrating it to its utmost, he gathered fire between his palms. Then, he thrust out, throwing a stream of fire at his three opponents.
All three wasted no time in acting. ShineGreymon surrounded his body in the most searing of flames, while MirageGaogamon made his weapon disappear so he could gather power between his palms. Rosemon brought a finger to her lips, and blew a kiss, summoning multiple glowing hearts.
"Aguichant Lèvres – Arousing Lips!" commanded Rosemon, firing multiple rays from the hearts.
"Final... Mirage... Burst!" shouted MirageGaogamon, releasing the energy from his hands.
"Final Shining BURST!" roared ShineGreymon, channeling the fire around him into a blazing torrent.
The three attacks cut through KaiserGreymon's blast, and struck the dragon knight together. He screamed in agony as he was consumed in the resulting explosion, which then became a smoldering pillar of fire and smoke, his body becoming consumed within it.
"Alright!" cried Masaru, throwing his fist into the air. "You guys did it!"
There came no response from the digimon, however, who were still focused on where KaiserGreymon once stood. Masaru blinked at this, frowning. "What's wrong, you guys?" he asked.
"There's... something... still there..." said Sleipmon, as he finally rose to stand. "But I don't... I don't think it's any threat to us... not now, anyway..."
Upon saying those words, something did indeed emerge from the smoke and fire. Yoshino let out a horrified gasp, while everyone's eyes just widened. Hovering there were Agnimon and Vritramon, their armor black instead of mostly red. There was a soulless look in both their eyes. But most horrific thing of all was the fact that half of each their bodies appeared to have been torn away.
"Daimon Masaru..." said Agnimon, his voice cold and hollow.
"... Your power is not so different from ours," said Vritramon, his voice identical to his brother's.
Then, the two of them simply broke apart into data. Neither reformed into Digi-Eggs, as their data simply dispersed into the wind.
For a while, all stood silent. The Ultimate digimon returned to the harbor, and, along with LoaderLeomon, shrunk down to their Child stages as they neared their partners. Lalamon immediately darted ahead of them all, flying into Yoshino's awaiting arms, where the woman embraced her partner with a tight hug. Gaomon, meanwhile, looked to Touma and simply smiled, which was returned back to him.
The moment was broken, however, as Agumon leveled a concerned look at his partner. As they noticed this, the others looked to Masaru, who was focused – silently - on where the two digimon had once hung in the air.
"Aniki..." said Agumon quietly, "are you alright?"
Masaru looked at him... and smiled.
"Sure am," said Masaru, the smile turning into a wide grin. Then, he spread his arms and put them around both Touma and Yoshino, putting them into a mock-headlock. "You think I'd let two idiots' words get to me like that? Those guys were no Yggdrasil, let me tell you that!"
Yoshino blinked, and then laughed. "I see you haven't changed one bit, Masaru," she said.
"You could tell by the way he had no idea what he was doing, and just charged in head first," mocked Touma, smirking at his comrade.
Masaru smirked back at him. "Yeah, 'cause it's not like anyone else here did anything like that."
Suguru laughed, while Satsuma just crossed his arms and smiled. Leormon let out a laugh as well, jumping up and draping himself on Suguru's left shoulder. "Yeah, well, Masaru, I hope this doesn't disappoint you too much, but I think I've found someone else to follow in this world!"
Masaru pulled away from his friends, and put his hands on his hips. "Well, fine," he replied. "If you want to throw away all that time you were my follower. But hey, at least this way you're not a subordinate to Agumon anymore!"
Kudamon jumped up on Satsuma's shoulders, eying Leormon and the similarity of their two positions for a moment. "Yes, yes, we've all found each other. But I don't think you all grasp the matter at hand... we need to contact the Confidentiality Ministry, and-"
"Kudamon," said Satsuma, softly. "There will be time enough for that later. There's something more important to focus on, now."
Kudamon stared at his partner for a moment, and then let out a small sigh. "Very well, Satsuma." Then he smiled. "... I think I would prefer that anyway."
Chuckling lightly to himself, Suguru turned to Masaru. "You ready to go home, son?"
Masaru looked to Agumon, who nodded happily. Laughing a bit himself, he turned his eyes back to his father..
"Yeah, Dad. Let's go home."
-- --
Noguchi Ikuto sat quietly on the sofa in the Daimon family's living room. Major Nakamono had made sure they were taken there once they had gotten the news that the attacking digimon had been dealt with. The major didn't stay himself, but he had mentioned that he and his men would remain in the area. Soon after this, his parents and little sister had arrived, and had naturally fussed over him a great deal. They were all there, save for Masaru and the others, as well as Miki and Megumi.
He looked around, taking a survey of the room. His parents and sister sat next to him, all of them having since fallen asleep. Chika sat in another chair, wide awake and with her mother's arms around her. Piyomon stood next to them. Yushima was also dozing on a chair he had taken from the dining room, with Kamemon leaning up against the chair, having long since drifted off himself. The PawnChessmon sat alone in a corner, clutching their spears. Relena sat quietly on the sole remaining chair, with Touma's butler standing at her side. Gotsumon sat not too far from them, his head bobbing up and down as he tried to keep awake.
Ikuto was feeling miserable. He couldn't help it. He was jealous, and slightly angry at everyone, all because Falcomon clearly hadn't returned. Everyone else had found each other again, but he had no idea what had become of someone who was like a brother to him. Gotsumon had made it to the Human World instead of his partner. There was something unfair about that to Ikuto.
No one had even said anything to him about Falcomon, either. Of course, that was to be expected. It had been a long night, and almost everyone was worried that someone precious to them wouldn't be making it home alive. And Ikuto had mostly withdrawn into himself, so it was not as if he had given anyone the chance.
Ikuto lowered his head and sighed. He looked up again, at Chika and Piyomon... and noticed the girl staring back at him. He instantly frowned, feeling guilty. After what he and Chika had been through the last five years, after how close they'd gotten... it wasn't right for him to feel this way towards her
Chika began to open her mouth, preparing to say something. But before she could get a chance, they heard the sound of a door opening.
Both of them stood up, and everyone sleeping was jostled awake as a large group suddenly came into the room. Leading the way was Masaru, along with Agumon, followed by Touma, Yoshino, Lalamon, and Gaomon. Coming in after them was Suguru, with Leormon padding alongside him, and Satsuma with Kudamon.
"Masaru-niichan!" Chika cried, standing up. Instantly, she ran forward, and wrapped her arms around her brother. Sayuri came up behind her, gasping her son's name as she joined in on the hug.
"You're alright," the woman said, starting to sob. "I've been so worried, for the longest time..."
Ikuto watched as everyone gathered around Masaru and the rest of the group, including his own family. Masaru assured his mother and sister he was all right, and did his best to free himself from their arms. Ikuto saw Suguru smirk, and placed his hand on his wife on daughter's shoulders, drawing their attention.
"Sayuri, Chika, if I can pull you away from Masaru for a minute," he said, "I'd like to introduce you to Leormon. He's going to be staying with us for a while, now." He motioned towards the lion digimon, who smirked and raised his head a bit proudly.
Chika and Sayuri both blinked. Then, the younger of them squealed, as Chika bent down to hug the digimon. "Oh, he's so cute!"
"Bwah?!" grunted Leormon, his eyes widening. Piyomon's eyes widened and he stared disbelieving, causing Agumon to laugh at the irony of it all.
"Oh, Masaru-sama!" cried Gotsumon, shoving his way past Yushima and the Noguchis. "I was so worried that you'd never come back alive! I'm so sorry for my lack of faith in you, sir!"
Yoshino snickered. "So, just how many followers do you have now, Masaru?"
Everyone laughed, which caused Ikuto to look to the side. He resigned himself to be ignored, and left with his thoughts... until a few moments later, when he realized everyone had gone silent. He raised his head, and saw everyone staring at him. Masaru and Chika were both giving the boy a concerned look, while his parents looked unsure of what to say.
"Ikuto..." said Masaru, "I'm sorry. Falcomon... he wasn't there when the Gate appeared. He was trying to help some other digimon get away from a battle... that was the last we saw of him."
Tears welled up in Ikuto's eyes. "Is... is he alive, at least?" he asked, fighting the urge to cry.
Masaru nodded. "Yeah, I'm certain of it," answered the young man. "Falcomon wouldn't let that happen, not before he could see you again..."
Ikuto forced himself to smile. "Then... then I guess it's alright," the boy choked out.
"Oh Ikuto...!" Chika gasped, running up and hugging him. Ikuto blinked, and hugged her back. His parents and sister then followed, joining her in wrapping their arms around him. Everyone gathered around him them, save for Masaru and Agumon. They stood apart from the group, watching the somber moment.
Ikuto looked at him, and Masaru gave him a nod. With that, Ikuto developed the courage not to break down in tears.
He would wait for Falcomon, until he and his partner found each other again. Masaru had taught him that nothing was impossible years ago. It was for that reason - and Masaru's own code that a man never lied - that he would trust his friend's word that Falcomon was alive. He also trusted that one day, they'd see each other again.
Ikuto clung tighter to Chika, knowing that he at least had both her, his family, and his friends until that day arrived.
-To Be Continued
-- --
Mega Sez: MEGARAPTOR TAKES THE CONTROL. Hi, everyone. I'm leading off today, because, for once, I did most of the writing on something! Yes, the core of this chapter was written by me, ME, with Infinity taking the role of picking at it and revising what needed to be revised. So your praise goes to me, and me alone. FEED MY EGO! BURN, DIGI-SOUL OF MISPLACED SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND ALLOW ME TO CONQUER MY ENEMIES!
Ha ha, kidding folks. I'd be soooo lost without my co-author.
Anyway, this story succeeds in finishing what we started in chapter 1: Getting Masaru back to the human world, and reuniting everyone with their partners. Well, except for Ikuto, but we have reasons for keeping him and Falcomon apart. Want to see where that goes? Well, keep reading.
Also, like Infinity said, this chapter was originally one and the same, with chapter 2. You can see why we broke it up, as doing so would make chapter 2 thirty or more pages long. And doing so also allowed us to put more individual focus on Chika and Suguru's battles without worrying so much about pacing. Showing Chika's ability to fight, and reuniting Suguru and Leormon (come on, you guys have figured out who he is by now, right?) are both pretty important, so it's all good.
Now to cover various miscellaneous details. I'm sure the lot of you don't recognize two of the attacks that ShineGreymon uses in this chapter. Well, the secret is that Infinity and I are geeks, and we just like using stuff that doesn't make it into the anime. Sparkle Shoot and Shine Hammer both come from the card game and Digimon Savers: Another Mission. Makes battles more fun to write. So no, we're not making stuff up! Yay for that.
Lastly... in case people are confused about various attacks, such as Ravemon, Asuramon, or KaiserGreymon's... These attacks are not translated in English in the Japanese sources. They have English meanings, which are important for readers to know so they have an idea what the hell is going on. However, this would get awkward to spell out every single time, so when we use an attack that's not in English, we'll write it out the first time with a translation as part of it, and then never use it again.
That's all I have to say. Stay tuned for Chapter 4, everyone! And now, let's hear what Infinity has to say.
Infinity Says: Hell, I had it easy this time. Just sit back, drink tea, and make like the Digimon Kaiser, cracking my whip and making someone else do the hard work for me!
...kidding.
...maybe.
Seriously, though. We're rounding the finishing point of The Return here, with only one more part left, I think. Well, depending on how long it runs, I guess. But probably only one more. At the end of that, I think we'll both have a fair amount to say, because once The Return finishes, there's a lot more coming down for the Balance of Power universe as a whole. A LOT more. But, like I said, we'll save that for next time.
For point of reference, though, although we don't plan on going over who wrote exactly what every time, in case you're wondering, with me writing the skeleton of the first chapter, and Mega the third, the SECOND was basically written half & half. Then when we decided to split the second chapter down the middle into two parts, I took primary editing duties for the second while Mega plowed through the third. So I'd say our teamwork's working out pretty well, at least. :D