Frontier 02: Rebirthing- Chapter 6: A Bad Hand
madjack89: Yo, everyone! Who's ready for the next chapter of F2R?
Dai: Me!
madjack89: Thought you'd be excited, Dai! Yes, now we all understand what's going on with Dai and Hotaru, but what about Duskmon's reappearance? And is yet another of Ilsemon's followers gonna switch sides?
Kouichi: Speaking of which, what did you do with Gatomon?
madjack89: All in good time, Chief, all in good time.
Kouji: I'm sorry, Kouichi, but knowing Madjack, Gatomon's probably dead or worse.
Kouichi: Worse?
JP: You know, like the walking undead!
Kouji: Uh, that's not what I meant…
Takuya: Gatomon did not turn into a vampire, JP.
JP: I didn't mean vampire, I meant zombie!
Kira: If Gatomon was a vampire, would she drink human AND Digimon blood, or just Digimon blood?
Shino: And could a Digimon really even turn into a zombie? I mean, if they died, they'd just turn into a Digi-Egg, right?
Zoe: But the Wizardmon from seasons one and two turned into a ghost, right?
Tommy: And actually, Sorcerymon turned into a ghost too!
Hotaru: It's starting to sound like only wizard Digimon come back as ghosts.
JP: So even if we beat Wizardmon, he's gonna come back as a ghost?
Takuya: You have got to be freaking kidding me!
Kouichi: You guys are beginning to depress me.
Kouji: Well, Gatomon might still be alive…maybe.
Kouichi: Madjack, just answer reviews.
madjack89: Okie-dokes!
Dawn of Glory: Aw, am I the only one who thinks goggle heads rock?! It's their stupidity that makes them awesome! But I can see where you're coming from. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
GoldenDragon326: Yeah, poor Dai. And I just thought it was a good time for a Data Squad reference! Woot! And go horrible cliffhangers (sorry lol)! Thanks for reviewing, and I did really enjoy myself in NYC!
Kayland Elric: Savers was there because they've bumped up to my second favorite Digimon season (but Frontier will always be my number one)! Plus I love random references (hence the jokes about Star Wars)! Thanks for the review!
Aldamonburst: Aw, I just looked up KoKabuterimon, and he was really cute! I may have to work rookie forms into the story someday now, just because of that! And Neemon will eventually do something, but c'mon, against Duskmon? (lol) Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
GreyDramon: You both have really good imaginations, in that case! But the Fusion evolutions won't be here for a bit longer (Dai and Kira don't even have Beast Spirits yet)! Don't fret though, they're coming! And sorry about your stomach troubles, LadyGreymon. You gotta be careful with that Mexican food! (lol) Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
agoodcupoftea: Actually, I went to NYC with my school band on a band trip (yup, I'm a band geek)! We didn't go to Manhattan, but it was still really fun! Okay, thanks for reviewing!
garnettfox: Sweet, you got stories up! And sweet, Dragramon sounds cool! I could most definitely use her (especially if she acts like Dai)! Anyway, thanks for reviewing and everything!
hazeleyedharmony: Thought someone would like it! (Kouichi: sigh)
part 1: Mua ha ha, I'm forcing people to like Impmon! I'm so evil! (lol)
part 2 (or dos): Heh, thanks! And Kira is always my go-to girl for lightening the mood (either her or Dai but…you know).
part 3: CRISPIN FREEMAN! (hee)
part 4: Aw, sorry I'm making it sad, but if you think this is bad, just wait! (ha ha ha…)
the rest: (Dai: Fair enough.) Thanks for reviewing and I was seriously on a roll!
fg1fg: I'll put that chocolate away for later and drink my drink right now (Kouji: Oh god…). Thanks for reviewing!
Jaymon: Sorry, but I had already paid money for the trip and then I got homework piled on me, but here's your new chapter, where at least one of your questions will be answered! (But you really are asking all the right questions, I must say!) And I'm going to have to detain that cake for a chapter or two to make sure Dai doesn't go ballistic again (though you'd probably like that)! Thank you for reviewing!
apapa155: Yeah, poor little Dai. And Duskmon can be a real jerk, can't he? Oh well! Thanks for reviewing!
madjack89: Alright, enough of this talk of Gatomon! It's time for chapter six!
Takuya: Wait, Duskmon came back, too!
madjack89: Takuya!
Takuya: Sorry.
--
"Kid, look out!" As Duskmon brought his sword down, Dai and Impmon jumped back, barely missing the blade.
"You didn't have to tell me to dodge, I would have done it anyway," Dai muttered, glancing at Impmon.
"Well, ya didn't move when I attacked ya!" Impmon retorted.
"Well…neh!" Dai replied, sticking his tongue out at Impmon.
"Deadly Gaze!" Dai and Impmon looked up suddenly and saw a large beam of red energy coming toward them. Impmon hopped out of the way while Dai, not having the agility of a Digimon, dropped quickly to the ground to avoid the blast.
"You know, you really shouldn't ignore someone that's trying to kill you," Duskmon said, pointing his sword threatening at Dai.
Impmon quickly jumped in front of Dai, raising his arms protectively. "I'd like ta see ya try ta lay a finger on this kid," he said, narrowing his eyes.
Duskmon paused for a moment, then retracted his sword, staring at Impmon thoughtfully. "So you're switching sides, Impmon?" Duskmon asked curiously. "Ilsemon's power must not be as great as it seems."
"Well, what about you?" Impmon replied, glaring at Duskmon. "Ya aren't loyal ta Ilsemon, just yourself!"
Duskmon chuckled at this. "Myself? Do you honestly believe I would stoop to taking orders from Ilsemon if I were only loyal to myself? No, I have a master, and it's only because of her that I've joined Ilsemon's ranks."
Dai stared curiously at Duskmon, noticing a flicker of some emotion in his eyes. As he stood back up, Dai asked, "What are you really after, Duskmon?"
Duskmon turned his attention from Impmon to Dai, slightly surprised by his question. "For now, I suppose I'm after your life," he replied. "Though I don't mind getting a good rematch with you. Besides, I thought I might get to see my good friend Kouichi if I came here."
"Why are you so interested in Kouichi?" Dai asked, curiosity growing. "What does he have to do with anything?"
Duskmon smirked at Dai. "He still hasn't told you? Liar."
Impmon glanced at Dai, looking surprised. "Ya don't know about Kouichi's connection ta Duskmon?" he asked.
Dai shook his head quickly, curiosity at its peak. "What connection? What's going on? Wow, I'll have to ask Kouichi when I…"
Dai stopped, realizing he had almost said when I get back. "But I can't go back," he muttered, lowering his head dejectedly. "Not now…"
"Kid," Impmon said quietly, staring sympathetically at Dai.
"Well," Duskmon said suddenly, turning everyone's attention back to him. "I really should get back to my assignment before the rest of your little group shows up."
"What happened ta wantin' ta see Kouichi?" Impmon asked sarcastically.
"First of all, it will be easier to kill the kid if he doesn't have any backup," Duskmon began, not even bothering to count Impmon as backup. "And I'll get to see Kouichi again in the future."
"If my friends come," Dai suddenly said, still staring at the ground, "then you can go ahead and kill me."
"Kid!" Impmon cried. "That's exactly what we're trying to avoid!"
"I'm not finished," Dai continued, cutting Impmon off. "I can't face my friends, but since they aren't here, I'm not gonna go down easily, Duskmon!" With this Dai held up his D-Tector, preparing to Spirit Evolve.
Duskmon smirked, bringing out his sword. "This should be interesting."
--
"Dai!" Takuya cried once again, searching behind yet another bush for his friend. When he found nothing in the bush, he sighed. "C'mon buddy, where the heck are you?"
"It's just our luck that he's so damn short," Kouji muttered, glancing at Hotaru. "How is it that you're so tall and he's so short, anyway?"
"Genetics?" Hotaru replied, shrugging.
"Dang that kid!" Everyone turned as Kira stomped up angrily from behind a tree, followed by Shino, Kouichi, and Tommy.
"No luck, huh?" Takuya asked.
"There's no sign of him," Kouichi replied.
"And after Kira started having a hissy fit, we decided that it would be much more prudent to put her in a group with her boyfriend than with the likes of us," Shino added, smiling mischievously at Takuya.
"Thanks guys, you're the best," Takuya said sarcastically, glaring at the three.
"But she gets scary when she's angry, and we thought that you'd be able to calm her down a little," Tommy said quickly, trying to redeem himself.
Takuya sighed, unable to stay mad at Tommy, at least. "You really think I can handle her better than anyone else would be able to?"
"No, but we thought you'd have a better shot than us," Shino said, still smiling.
"Have a shot at what?" Shino jumped as Kazemon landed behind him.
"Oh, hey Zoe," Shino mumbled, lowering his head to hide his blushing.
"So, no luck in your search either?" Takuya asked Kazemon quickly, trying to cover for Shino.
"Nope," Kazemon replied.
"It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack with all these leaves," Beetlemon added, landing beside Kazemon. "Sorry, Hotaru."
"It's fine," Hotaru replied quietly. "He'll turn up sooner or later, I'm sure."
Suddenly the bushes near Hotaru began to rustle, and a muffled voice was coming from inside it. Everyone's eyes widened.
"Dai?" Hotaru said hopefully, crouching down and parting the branches and leaves of the bush.
"Neemon, stop your squirming and help me get my waistband uncaught!" Bokomon cried angrily, struggling to unstick his pink band from the clutches of the bush.
"I would if I could but I can't!" Neemon replied, also struggling to unstick his pants from the bush.
Everyone's faces fell, realizing they had only heard Bokomon and Neemon. As everyone approached the bush to help the two Digimon, Witchmon hopped out from behind the trees, looking anxious.
"Guys, we have a problem! I lost Bokomon and Neemon! I don't know where they…" Witchmon stopped abruptly when she noticed Bokomon and Neemon in the bush. "Oh," she said. "Never mind, then."
--
"Seismic Sledge!" Grumblemon swung his hammer again, only to have Duskmon dodge his attack and counter with a slash of his sword. "Gah!" Grumblemon cried, hopping backward.
"Hang on, kid!" Impmon leaped in front of Grumblemon, shooting a small burst of flame at Duskmon. Duskmon slashed the fire with his sword and it dissipated, not making a single scratch.
Grumblemon and Impmon stared at Duskmon exasperatedly, breathing hard. We keep firing attacks at him, but nothing's working! Grumblemon thought. There has to be something…that's it!
"Impmon, cover me. I'm gonna try something!" Grumblemon said, glaring at Duskmon.
Impmon glanced at Grumblemon, surprised. "What're ya gonna do, kid?"
"You'll see." Grumblemon smiled, putting his hammer to the side. "Hey Duskmon, how about a game of whack a mole?"
Duskmon's eyes narrowed as Grumblemon prepared to dig under the earth. "Oh no you don't!"
"You no YOU don't!" Impmon retorted, creating a fairly large sphere of fire in his palm. "Infernal Funnel!" With this exclamation he hurled the fire straight at Duskmon, trying to buy Grumblemon some time.
As the fire got closer, Duskmon smirked, raising his sword. "You are no match for me," he said quietly, slicing his sword through the air in front of him. The sword slash emitted a large amount of energy which flew through the air, demolishing anything in its path, including Impmon and Grumblemon.
When the dust from his attack cleared, Duskmon saw that both Impmon and Dai lay motionless before him, Fractal Codes glowing. Duskmon retracted his sword, slowly approaching Dai.
Impmon's eyes fluttered open as Duskmon passed him, headed for Dai. "Kid," he muttered weakly, struggling to get up.
Dai also began to regain consciousness just as Duskmon grabbed him by the front collar of his shirt, raising him into the air. Dai clenched his teeth, glaring angrily at Duskmon while trying to fight back the pain he felt coursing through him.
Duskmon smirked, saying quietly, "Round two: me." He then dropped Dai roughly to the ground in front of him, raising his sword above his head.
So this is how it ends, Dai thought, staring dully at Duskmon's blade. I thought it would be a relief, but… Dai squeezed his eyes shut, feeling tears in them. …I don't want to die yet!
"Wait!" Dai opened his eyes when he heard Impmon, staring as the Digimon got slowly to his feet. Duskmon turned, staring at Impmon as well.
Impmon glared furiously at Duskmon for a moment, then said, "Take me instead!"
"Impmon, don't!" Dai cried, horrified.
Impmon glanced at Dai for a second, smiling. Then he turned his gaze back to Duskmon and said, "I'm a traitor, ain't I? Whether ya like it or not, it's ya duty to take care o' traitors like me. Kill me and leave the kid be."
Duskmon chuckled before saying, "That might have worked on someone more loyal, like Wizardmon. However, I feel no need to take care of a so-called traitor like you, Impmon. I could care less what you choose to do with yourself. I was told to kill the warrior of earth, and that is what I shall do."
With that, Duskmon turned his attention back to Dai, preparing to deliver the final blow. Dai's eyes widened in fear as Duskmon began to lower his blade.
"Dai!"
Dai gasped, recognizing the voice he heard from behind him. "Hotaru?" he said, turning around.
"Not quite," Impmon said quietly. "Weren't ya wonderin' why this was called the TV forest?"
Dai realized that Impmon was right when he saw his cousin's image projected on the large tree behind him. "What is…?" Dai began to ask as he noticed the rest of his friends standing among some trees.
"It's projecting an image of what your friends are doing at this very moment," Duskmon explained, lowering his arm. "Including Kouichi."
Suddenly Kouichi sneezed in the projection. "You okay, Chief?" Takuya asked, glancing at Kouichi.
"Yeah," Kouichi muttered, looking thoughtful. "I just got this really bad feeling all of a sudden." Dai flinched as Kouichi looked up, seeming to be staring right at him.
"Great, a bad premonition's all we need right now," JP muttered sarcastically, turning Kouichi's attention back to the group.
"Do you think Dai's alright?" Tommy asked no one in particular.
"I'm sure he's fine," Zoe said reassuringly, but Dai could tell she wasn't so sure herself.
"I am fine," Dai said, wishing he could let them know that.
"I really wish he were here right now," Takuya said quietly. "He always makes things more cheerful with his crazy personality."
"I do?" Dai asked, slightly surprised.
"He always tries to look on the bright side of things," Shino added, smiling.
"Really?" Dai got to his feet, walking slowly over to the tree. "I really do all that?"
After a pause, Kouji said, "It's so stupid." The others, including Dai, stared at him in confusion. "Why does a kid like that have to be dying? It's so freaking stupid…it annoys the hell out of me!"
"Even you, Kouji?" Dai said softly, a tear escaping his eye.
"Sometimes people, even good people, are just dealt a bad hand," Hotaru suddenly said, causing Dai to look up again.
"All we can do for him now is be his friends," Hotaru continued, looking at the rest of the group and smiling. "That's probably all he wants."
Dai's eyes widened in shock as the others agreed with Hotaru's statement. Then the projection on the tree disappeared, and the image of the rest of the gang vanished.
No one spoke for a few moments. All that could be heard was the wind whistling through the trees. Dai didn't make a sound or a move to turn around.
"Kid," Impmon muttered quietly. "Don't ya see? Yer friends'll always be there for ya."
"Okay, this is beginning to get way too corny," Duskmon said, raising his sword again. "It's time I did what I came here to do."
"No!" Impmon cried as Duskmon slashed his sword through the air, headed straight for Dai.
Just before the sword made contact, though, Duskmon noticed Dai smirk. Then Dai turned on his heel, watching as Duskmon's sword swished past him, inches from his neck.
"Damn it!" Duskmon cursed, glaring at Dai.
"Kid?" Impmon said quietly, noticing Dai's smirk.
Suddenly Dai chuckled, his expression hidden by his downturned face. "You thought I would go down easy, didn't you?" Dai muttered just loud enough for Duskmon to hear. "I don't have anything going for me, just a giant hammer."
Then Dai lifted his head, staring at Duskmon with a determined expression. It was then that both Duskmon and Impmon noticed Dai's hand glowing with data. But it seemed like a different kind of data, more powerful almost.
"I don't usually like to cuss, but I'll make an exception for you," Dai continued, smiling as he held up his D-Tector. "Duskmon, I am gonna kick your ass! Beast Spirit Evolution!"
With that Dai went through the process of beast spirit evolution and soon in his place stood Gigasmon.
Duskmon and Impmon stared at Dai's new evolution for a moment. Then Impmon said, "Duskmon, you are so gonna lose."
--
madjack89: Sorry this chapter took so long in getting to you guys. I've been busy lately. But on another note, yay, another Beast Spirit has come into the picture!
Dai: Yay!
Kouji: Oh god…
madjack89: Anyway, in case anyone was wondering, I had an awesome time in New York! Wootness with a cherry on top!
Kouichi: You seem a little hyper right now, Madjack.
madjack89: You can thank fg1fg for supplying me with my favorite drink! (see comments)
Kouji: Why torture us, fg1fg?
madjack89: Mua ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Everyone: …
Shino: …Anyway, apparently the next chapter is going to wrap up the Dai/Hotaru past revealing arc and get into a new arc that focuses on…Takuya and Kira?
Takuya and Kira: What?!
JP: All I can say is good luck with that.
Kira: Madjack, what are you gonna do to us?
madjack89: You'll see! Ha ha ha!
Zoe: …Well, I guess we'll see you guys in chapter seven.
Hotaru: Remember: sugar is a privilege, not a right.
madjack89: Hee hee!