Time for yet another chapter
Disclaimer: Don't believe what you've been told. Digimon is not my property.
LAST TIME:
DAICHI: We followed Taomon's cards into a forest and finally found one of them. The only problem is there was no crest around. Actually, there was another problem: Cerberumon. Teamed with a Gorillamon, they attacked mercilessly. But through the struggle, I was able to find my crest. I used it to bluff Cerberumon away from us for a short time, but I have absolutely no idea how to activate it. And we'll need to find out ASAP.
Chapter 11
Disaster
"Okay, one more time," Daichi said, holding a Digivice card next to his D-Power. Isamu and Wormmon sat on a log looking bored. Coredramon, in his green form, stood in front of Daichi.
"Digi-Modify! Digivolution, activate!" For the fifth time in a row, nothing happened.
"You know," Isamu said, "back home, we have this saying: 'The definition of stupidity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting something new to happen.'"
"Your world must have many wise people if they can come up with that," Wormmon said.
"Oh, shut up," Daichi said. Nevertheless, he put his card and D-Power away. Coredramon reverted to Dracomon. "You can't blame me for not wanting to try."
"Daichi, Daichi, Daichi," Isamu said, holding his thumb and index finger on his forehead. "You do remember that to get your crest to work, it has to glow. And to do that, you have to show the trait it represents."
"You mean like your Digi-Egg?" Wormmon asked.
"Just about," Isamu answered.
"And what trait might that be, Mr. I've-watched-Digimon-since-before-I-could-understand-the-word-television?" Daichi asked.
"I didn't say I know everything," Isamu defended. "In fact, I didn't even know this type of crest existed. You can't blame me for that."
"Healthy relationship?" Dracomon said to Wormmon.
"Healthy relationship." Wormmon answered.
"Well, if we can't get this crest to work now," Isamu said, "we can at least look for my crest."
"Here we go again," Dracomon said. "Okay, so where's the second magic light?"
Daichi looked around. "Well, if my sense of direction hasn't totally evaded me, I think I saw it coming from that direction." He pointed in the direction he thought was the most accurate.
"Well, a slim lead's better than no lead," Wormmon said. At that, they started moving.
In a dark dimension, not too far removed from the Digital World, a lone quadruped paced back and forth. "I should have known it was a bluff," Cerberumon said to himself. "No matter. He'll never find out what his crest means. Still, time is of the essence. With one crest in their arsenal, I have even more need to destroy them than ever before."
"Sounds like you need somebody to be your backup singer," a voice said. Cerberumon hated the source of that voice; he never shut up and it always sounded like one of the human world's more famous musicians.
"What do you think I've been doing all this time?" Cerberumon asked rhetorically.
"I would say you've been TCB the wrong way," the voice said, "partnering up with only champion level Digimon."
"I felt no need for anything stronger," Cerberumon growled, "since one ultimate alone could take on two champions. And with an extra Digimon, no matter how weak, I should've been able to defeat them easily."
"This is probably where Hyogamon was able to one-up you," the voice said. "At least he thought about this stuff."
Cerberumon shouted, "Don't you dare compare me to that fool!" He panted. "But you are right. With one crest, the brats may have an ultimate form with them soon. Perhaps I should start allying myself with the same."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" the voice said. It then laughed, sounding like three music notes going up a musical scale. "What do you say we show those Digi-Destined that they can't touch us?"
"Who said you were going?" Cerberumon said.
"Well, I am the closest ultimate available," the voice pointed out. "Plus, I've been wanting an audience for a long time now."
Cerberumon sighed. "Well, time is short at this point. Just don't sing on the way there."
"Alright, Digi-Destined," the voice said, "time to make some sweet music… of destruction."
The group had been walking for a long time, attempting to stay in a straight line and only deviated when circumstances dictated. After a while they came to what appeared to be the end of the forest. Where the trees ended, there was a small clearing. At the end of that clearing, a rock wall faced the forest. The wall was actually the base of a relatively small mountain.
"I was pretty sure I saw the light somewhere near here," Daichi remarked.
"Well, I don't see anything," Dracomon said.
"It is possible that it's on a different part of the mountain," Isamu suggested. "Either way, we've been at this for a while guys. Let's take a break."
"And a bite," Dracomon added. Daichi took this as a cue to get out some of the fruit they found while walking. While neither he nor Isamu could identify it, Dracomon assured them it was safe.
As Isamu felt around for the canteen, he passed his hand over the ice pack and felt the coldness, which surprised him, since it should have melted by now. I guess that's just how things work in the Digital World: nonsensically.
As they ate, Daichi looked at his crest. He focused on the symbol. What could this crest mean? Let's see; what kind of traits can be associated with swirls? Uh, confusion? Senselessness? Come on, Daichi, get a grip; these are supposed to be good traits. As he let the crest fall onto his chest, he and the others heard something.
They all turned to find another of Cerberumon's portals opening. When Cerberumon jumped out, Isamu complained, "Can't you ever just leave us alone to relax?"
"Now what kind of Digi-Agent lets his enemies live?" Cerberumon pointed out.
"Whatever," Dracomon said. "Just show us your next punk so we can take him down."
"I'll only comply with the first request," Cerberumon replied. He howled and another portal opened behind the Digi-Destined.
"May I have a drumroll, please?" a voice on the other side said. The boys noticed it sounded like someone impersonating Elvis.
"Tell me that's not…" Isamu started, realizing that their next opponent would be all too familiar. A large platform that almost looked like a stage started floating through the portal. A drumroll began to play from one of the speakers. On the front of the stage, holding a microphone on a stand and a guitar, was a human-sized Digimon that looked like he was wearing an orange monkey suit. He wore sunglasses and had a Monzaemon-shaped teddy bear on his waist. ("Show off," Cerberumon whispered.)
"It is," Isamu said, clasping his forehead.
The Digimon spoke into the microphone, "Now this here's an Etemon special, dedicated to all you Digi-Destined out there." He set the microphone aside and began to play his guitar and sing, badly.
Well they said you was gonna save the world
But that was just a lie
Well they said you was gonna save the world
But that was just a lie
Cause when we're through with you,
You won't be here no more
"Thank you, thank you very much," he said, though no one applauded. Instead, the Digi-Destined and their Digimon were covering their ears. Cerberumon only shook his head in humiliation.
"Just who does this guy think he is?" Wormmon asked.
"That's Etemon," Daichi said, Analyzer in hand, "a puppet Digimon, virus type, ultimate level. And, in case you hadn't guessed, his singing is so terrible, it becomes his Concert Crash attack."
"Terrible singing?" Dracomon said as he uncovered the place where his ears would be. "You mean he was trying to sing?"
"Hey, hey, hey," Etemon said. "Watch what you say about the King of Digimon. When I'm through with you, you're gonna wish you showed some R-E-S-P-E-C-T to the 'mon." He then laughed, something which made Isamu cringe.
"Then start getting through with them," Cerberumon said.
"Guys, Digivolve," Isamu said, and he and Daichi pulled out their Digivices.
Wormmon Digivolve to… Stingmon!
Digi-Modify! Digivolution, activate! Dracomon Digivolve to… Coredramon Green!
"Time for you to check in to the 'Bone'-break Hotel," Etemon said. He opened his hands and revealed to dark green balls of energy. "Dark Network!" He threw the balls down on the two Digimon. They both moved out of the way; Stingmon flew to Etemon's stage while Coredramon ran to meet Cerberumon.
Stingmon met with Etemon close-up and readied his blade. "Spiking Strike!" Etemon, with nimble movements, avoided the lethal blow.
"You know," Etemon said. "I've always wanted to know how insects react to music. Let's find out. Concert CRAAAAAAAASH!" At that moment, Etemon began to play his guitar wildly and yell, creating a sound that Stingmon could hear clearly even with his hands covering the sides of his head.
Daichi also heard the sound but was preoccupied with Cerberumon. "How do you stand that guy?" Daichi asked.
"I don't," Cerberumon answered. "Styx Killer!" He charged toward Coredramon and attempted to slash him with his claws. Coredramon grabbed the claws before they could touch him.
"Whoo! You really need to get a manicure," Coredramon quipped. "Let me help. Green Core Blast!" He fired his shot on the dog, but it hardly did anything. Cerberumon pushed him down and walked around him.
"You fool," he taunted. "You were barely able to beat Hyogamon with such simple tactics. And he was champion level. How do you expect to hurt an ultimate like me?" He paused. "Maybe become ultimate yourself. Oh, that's right; you can't." He turned to Daichi. "I saw through your bluff; a little late, perhaps, but still. You can't get that crest to glow any more than you can know what it represents.
"Let me ask you something," he continued, changing the subject. "Why are you here? Surely the question must have come to you at some point or another."
Coredramon grunted, "His name's not Shirley."
"Silence!" Cerberumon shouted. He turned back to Daichi. "You don't belong in this world, and not just because you're human. All the things you have to put up with, all the Digimon you must face, all the fruitless quests you travel, and for what? What does it all get you in the end? Saving the world, this world? It's not even your world to begin with. What does it matter to you?" There was a long pause between all three.
"I don't know," Daichi finally said. Cerberumon smiled. "But I don't care." The smile left. "I don't have all the answers, and chances are I never really will. But I was given this Digivice for a reason, and I don't think it was just some random act of fate. This crest…" he held the tag in his hand… "this crest was made for me. Maybe I don't know why I'm here, but that doesn't mean I won't find a reason to take you down." The crest began to glow.
"No," Cerberumon whispered.
"And now it's time to do just that," Daichi said. The glow began to grow brighter, causing Stingmon and Etemon to stop their fighting. Daichi put his hand to his crest. He felt something form in his hand. He pulled it away to find…
"A new card!" Isamu remarked. Daichi looked at it; it had an image of the crest on it, but no title to indicate what it was.
But Daichi didn't care. Instead, he brought it to the card reader on his D-Power. "Digi- Modify! Crest Digivolution, activate!"
Coredramon began to glow. He stood up. "Coredramon Crest Digivolve to…" He began to grow bigger to the point where he had to stand on all fours. His wings became deformed and looked like extra claws. His tail grew an attachment that resembled a mace. His head was attached to a much longer neck and the horn on his face bent toward the front. He was still green when he stopped Digivolving. "Groundramon!" he said in a deep voice, but still in the same tone as his previous forms, and roared.
"He Digivolved to the ultimate level!" Cerberumon shouted.
"Don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing," Etemon said, jumping off the stage and ignoring Stingmon, "and I intend to swing hard. Dark Network!" He threw two more energy balls at Groundramon, but they didn't affect him. He turned his head to meet Etemon. "What the…? It had no effect at all."
"His skin is made of dragon scales, you idiot!" Cerberumon scolded. "Nothing can break through that! This is what I was trying to prevent!"
"Then let's see how he likes a Concert CRAAAAAAAASH!" He played his off-key music once again, but Groundramon did not seem to be affected too much.
"That is really getting annoying," he said calmly. "Scrapless Claw!" He lowered his deformed wings into the ground repeatedly and began hurling chunks of rock at Etemon. Etemon was hardly able to avoid many of them. Groundramon walked up to Etemon at what Daichi assumed was his fastest pace. "Megaton Hammer!" He brought his tail at Etemon and slammed him into the mountain's rocky wall.
As Etemon began dissolving, he said, "Ladies and gentle-mon, Etemon has left the DigiWorld." With one last laugh, he finally disappeared, with nothing remaining, save what was left on the stage.
Cerberumon looked at Groundramon in fear. Groundramon turned to face him and growled. Cerberumon wasted no time in opening another portal for his dimension of darkness and jumping in.
"Yeah! Way to go Groundramon!" Daichi said. Groundramon just stood still, not even acknowledging Daichi's presence. "Uh, Groundramon?" Groundramon walked over to the stage that was left behind. He turned around and smashed it to bits with his tail. "Oh, okay," Daichi said nervously, "wouldn't want to leave that behind." Then Groundramon turned to the mountain and smacked its tail at it. "Uh, Groundramon?" Daichi said with worry. Groundramon didn't hear him. Instead he roared and continued his assault. "Groundramon, you can stop now." The dragon Digimon roared again. "Groundramon!"
Daichi back away. "Something's not right." He pulled out his D-Power and looked up Groundramon's entry. "Something's definitely not right." Isamu and Stingmon went to him to see what he was talking about. "Groundramon is a pure virus type, and is violent by nature!"
"So?" Isamu said. "Green Coredramon was a virus type too."
"It was only an intermittent stage between data and virus," Daichi said. "But now that he's fully a virus, I don't think he can take all that power and anger." He ran up to Groundramon. "Groundramon, it's me, Daichi! Stop this!" Groundramon roared and swung his tail toward him. Stingmon quickly flew in and saved Daichi from what was surely a deadly blow.
"This is bad," Daichi said. "We have to stop him before someone gets hurt."
"How?" Isamu asked.
"I don't know. I—" Daichi turned to look at Stingmon. "That's it!" Both looked at him in confusion. "Stingmon, you can see physical weak points. Maybe you can—"
"NO!" Isamu said. "I am not going to let Stingmon attack him like that!"
"I was thinking maybe he could knock him out, at least until the Digivolution wears off," Daichi explained.
"And what if he misses?" Isamu pointed out. "What if he goes too far, or doesn't go far enough? We could lose one, the other, or both partners, and I'm not ready to risk that." Groundramon struck the wall again.
"If we don't do this," Daichi argued, "Groundramon… Dracomon… will be lost for sure."
Isamu wanted to argue, but found he couldn't. Daichi seemed very resolved in his decision. "Well, even if we wanted to," Isamu said instead, "how would we do it? Groundramon is flailing around so much, that it'll be hard for Stingmon to hit anything."
"I got that covered," Daichi said, holding a card. "Digi-Modify! Training Grips, activate!" Two braces appeared on Groundramon's deformed wings. He noticed this and tried to break free, stopping his rampage. "This is it. It's now or never."
"I can only attack at your word, Isamu," Stingmon said. Isamu looked at his partner. Even though he said he would not strike unless told to, he looked ready to anyway.
He sighed. "I hate when I'm overruled. GO!" Stingmon immediately took off.
He approached Groundramon, who was still struggling with the braces, readying his blade and said, "Don't worry." Whether it was to Groundramon or Daichi, or even Isamu, was something no one could determine. "Spiking Strike!" He flew at high speed to an area between the wing joints and struck.
Groundramon roared in pain. Soon he began to slow down and his eyelids grew heavy. "Dai… chi…" he seemed to say as his head crashed on the ground. Stingmon landed and reverted to Wormmon.
Daichi whispered, so no one else could hear, "I'm sorry, Dracomon. I'm sorry."
Poor Dracomon. Will he be okay? And what happened to make him like this? To find out, keep watching Digimon: Digital Monsters!
Okay, so for those of you still thinking about Daichi's crest, this chapter should be something of a hint. And don't worry, the crests won't be named for a few more chapters, so you still have time.
This is CF, signing out.