I'll be honest: this was the hardest part to write. So if it seems incomplete or confusing, that's why.
Disclaimer: I've said this 36 times before, and I'll say it again: I do not own Digimon.
LAST TIME:
ISAMU: Afer we got the bomb issue sorted out, we tried to leave the castle. Unfortunately, GranDracmon still had another surprise waiting: a suped-up Mekinorimon. We were able to gain an advantage over it, but things went from bad to worse just as quickly. Thankfully, we still had the Digi-Egg of Knowledge. I realized the power of knowledge and used the Egg to turn Wormmon into Searchmon. Although he couldn't fly, he was still able to short-circuit it. Afterwards, Searchmon picked up a radio signal that may belong to the Unifier. With this new lead, we started our journey.
Chapter 37
Samurai
The Digi-Destined traveled through to the next day following the radio wave signal Searchmon had discovered. Searchmon was out in the lead almost at all times, except when he had to revert back to Wormmon to restore his energy. During these times, everyone else also took the opportunity to rest.
"So, Wormmon," Kiyoko said during one such break. They had once again entered a forested area. "Not to put too much pressure on you, but do you know where we're going?"
"Sorry," Wormmon said. "I'm having trouble just tracking the signal. It was almost a day old when I found it. Knowing where it's coming from is another matter."
"I'm just asking," Kiyoko replied.
"We're all a little nervous, Kiyoko," Daichi said. "We're just not used to having to look for the enemy instead of having them find us."
"I wouldn't count our enemies out just yet," Isamu added. "The Digi-Agents Unifier is still out there. Who's to say that it won't send whatever Agents may be left?"
"Let 'em come," Dracomon said, fist in his hand. "We beat GranDracmon, the rest should be easy."
"Let's hope so," Gatomon responded. "Because the others were pretty difficult before we even knew about GranDracmon."
After a few more minutes the group packed up and got ready to continue walking. "Let's see where we are," Isamu said, holding out his D-3.
Digi-Armor, energize! Wormmon Armor Digivolve to… Searchmon, the Radar of Knowledge!
Once Searchmon was in full view, Isamu asked, "So, which way now?"
"The most direct path should be…" He looked around and pointed to where the forest seemed to grow thicker and the flora a darker shade of green. "…that way." He started walking and the other Digi-Destined followed.
As they traveled deeper into the forest, the light around them all but disappeared. Everyone was starting to get nervous, and some of the sudden noises made Kiyoko jump almost automatically.
"You'd all better stick close," Searchmon said. "It's easy to get lost in here."
"Wouldn't want that, would we?" Dracomon replied.
"So, just to sate my curiosity," Kiyoko said, "where is 'here?'"
"It's called the Black Forest," Searchmon answered. "The canopy is so thick around here and the leaves so dark that little if any light can get through."
"I've heard about this place," Gatomon added. "I've heard that it's so dark, you can see nocturnal Digimon during the middle of the day."
"If you were trying to make me feel comfortable, Gatomon," Kiyoko said, "it didn't work."
"Halt!" a deep voice suddenly yelled. Kiyoko jumped in surprise and fell on her back. "You who are called the Digi-Destined," it continued in a chivalrous tone, "let it be known that your next opponent has come." Suddenly, a humanoid figure jumped down from the trees. It was covered in purple armor and its faceplate looked like a bird. Adding to the bird motif was a pair of black wings on its back. Its hands and feet were also reminiscent of a bird's talons. It held two gold swords, and two sheaths were on opposite ends of its waist.
"My name," he said, "is Karatenmon. And by my oath to the Digi-Agent cause, I will destroy you."
"Direct and to the point," Dracomon said. "Just what I like in my soon-to-be destroyers."
Daichi had his Digi-Analyzer out. "Karatenmon's a samurai Digimon at the ultimate level, virus type. He seems to have this uncanny ability to predict his opponents' moves. His Feather Flare attack is also a testament to his power."
"Gotta say," Isamu added. "That was quick. We only took out GranDracmon, what, two days ago? And we're already getting what's left of his lackeys."
"Hold," Karatenmon interrupted. "Lord GranDracmon has been killed?"
"Basically," Dracomon answered, "yeah."
"I know not whether I should believe you," Karatenmon said. "but if you claim to have fought Lord GranDracmon, whether you have truly succeeded or not, then my mission to destroy you is all the more urgent."
Kiyoko, with Gatomon's help, was finally able to stand. "Then let's get this over with," she said. She took out her D-Power and the others followed suit.
"Stay your Digivices," Karatenmon said, holding one of his swords up. "What you are proposing is fighting with dishonor."
"A Digi-Agent that plays fair?" Kiyoko asked.
"I fight with honor," Karatenmon replied. "Here is how this will work: only one of you will fight me at one time. And whatever powers you are capable of, you may only use those that do not exceed the level of ultimate."
"And you expect us to go along with that?" Kiyoko asked, almost angrily.
"Kiyoko," Daichi said. He put a hand up as though to tell her to calm down.
"I have heard many things about the Digi-Destined," Karatenmon said. "If even half the things I've heard are true, you will agree to my terms as we are both interested in keeping things honorable."
Daichi spoke up. "Um, can we have a moment?" Karatenmon placed his swords in his sheaths. Both humans and Digimon gathered together.
"Why are we even entertaining this?" Kiyoko said.
"It does sound a little weird," Searchmon said. "I've never heard of a Digi-Agent give a chance for a fair fight."
"'Fair fight?'" Kiyoko repeated angrily. "That's not a fair fight, that's just limiting us. The way you guys have said it, you've had trouble just dealing with a new enemy the first time around. And that's when you were working together at once. What kind of chance do we stand if it's only one of us fighting him?"
"Guys, listen," Daichi interrupted. "I think we should do this." Everyone just looked at him, even Dracomon. "I know it doesn't make much sense, but—"
"Doesn't make much sense?" Kiyoko repeated, with even more anger than before. "You're playing into his hands!"
"He says he's offering a fair fight," Daichi argued. "There might be more to that than we think."
"Daichi, I don't know what you're thinking," Isamu said, "but are you sure it's a good idea?"
"We have to at least give him a chance," Daichi argued.
"Oh, you'll give him a chance all right," Kiyoko muttered.
"I have to admit, Daichi," Dracomon said. "This is one of the crazier things you've done. But," he added, "I know you've got your reasons. Just like the time you left our battle with Cerberumon to find your crest." Daichi turned to everyone else; nobody, not even Kiyoko, would argue.
Daichi then turned around to face Karatenmon. "Alright, we accept you're terms."
"Then select which of you will be my first victory," Karatenmon replied.
Kiyoko sighed audibly enough for everyone to look at her. "Well, since you're so interested in fighting him, Daichi…"
"I got you," Daichi said. He took out a Digivice card and his crest card.
Digi-Modify! Digivolution, activate! Crest Digivolution, activate! Dracomon Digivolve to… Coredramon Green! Coredramon Crest Digivolve to… Groundramon!
The large dragon stared at Karatenmon with his naturally angry face and growled, as though trying to intimidate him. The samurai Digimon didn't flinch. "Simple meaningless threats will not defeat me."
"Then how about a Scrapless Claw!" Groundramon stuck his claws into the ground and sent up chunks of upturned earth. He slapped the chunks at Karatenmon with amazing force. Karatenmon drew his swords, spread his wings, and jumped toward the oncoming salvo, slashing at the debris as he passed. He landed behind Groundramon and placed his swords in front of him horizontally. "Harmony Swords!" The swords began to glow.
"Megaton Hammer!" Groundramon moved his tail to connect the iron ball with Karatenmon. But at the last second, Karatenmon flew out of the way. Groundramon moved the tail upward, but the samurai Digimon dodged again, landing before the ball could touch him. Groundramon immediately brought it down, but Karatenmon continued to move. Groundramon swung one more time. This time, Karatenmon didn't move, but held his swords in front of him. He jumped toward the tail and slashed the swords across it, causing Groundramon to stop moving it.
"I almost don't know why I needed my power of perception," Karatenmon said. "Your technique was easy to see through without it."
"You talk too much," Groundramon said.
"Worry not," Karatenmon returned. "With this last technique, the only thing you shall hear will be my shouts of triumph." He then juped up and flew over Groundramon. He stopped just over him and thrust himself downward, with a sword below him. He landed between Groundramon's wings and stuck the sword into him. Groundramon roared in pain until Karatenmon pulled the sword out. Groundramon started glowing and shrinking back down to Dracomon.
"It would appear that your Digimon is beaten," Karatenmon said, obviously trying not to show the triumph in his voice. "However, I will refrain from destroying you until you are all defeated." Daichi cautiously walked up to Dracomon and scooped his partner in his arms, never taking his eyes off Karatenmon.
"I warned you," Kiyoko said mockingly as Daichi rejoined the group.
"There are still two more of us," Daichi pointed out, "and he won't have a chance to rest."
"Yeah," Kiyoko replied. "He won't have to."
"Whatever," Isamu interrupted. "It's our turn now." He and Searchmon walked away from the group until they were a reasonable distance from Karatenmon. The Digi-Agent held his swords ready.
"What do you think?" Searchmon asked.
"Defenses might be our best bet, right now," Isamu mused. "And the way I see it, you've got the best defensive capabilities as you are. But I'm not sure if you can attack non-mechanical Digimon."
"So what now?" Searchmon replied.
"We go with one who has both defense and offense," Isamu said, holding his D-3 ready. The Digivice glowed and Searchmon became Wormmon, quickly followed by the D-3 glowing blue.
Digi-Armor, energize! Wormmon Armor Digivolve to… Togemogumon, the Crystal of Friendship!
Togemogumon wasted no time in making the first attack. "Hail Barrage!" Several crystals shot from his back. Karatenmon spun around with his swords out and slashed many of the crystals.
"Feather Flare!" Karatenmon flapped his wings and sent a flurry of feathers backed by a strong gust of wind. "Crystal Shield!" Togemogumon quickly summoned a sheet of ice to block the wind.
"Let's see your defenses match against my Harmony Swords!" Karatenmon taunted. He held his swords in front of him and they glowed. Karatenmon then jumped up and fell toward Togemogumon.
"Crsytal Shield!" Four more ice sheets appeared and surrounded Togemogumon's sides, back, and top. The barriers appeared so quick, it was almost at the last second. Still, Karatenmon shifted just as the barriers appeared, to the point where his swords slid into the spaces between the walls. The swords struck deep and Karatenmon didn't pull them out until Togemogumon started glowing and De-Digivolved.
"Now, young lady," Karatenmon said to Kiyoko, "bring forth your Digimon and seal your fate."
"And that fate is survival," Kiyoko responded. She and Gatomon stepped forward and Kiyoko held out her D-Power and crest card.
Digi-Modify! Crest Digivolution, activate! Gatomon Crest Digivolve to… Angewomon!
Angewomon attacked first with no hesitation. "Celestial Arrow!" Before she released the light arrow, Karatenmon used his Harmony Swords, causing them to glow. Angewomon released the arrow and Karatenmon almost immediately shifted sideways and brought the nearest sword onto it, shattering it.
Karatenmon righted himself and spread his wings. "Feather Flare!" Angewomon's Holy Ring glowed and she roundhoused, scattering the wind coming at her.
"You appear to be much more competent than your contemporaries," Karatenmon said.
"I'd take that as a compliment," Angewomon returned, "but I have this thing against agreeing with Digi-Agents." Karatenmon flew in with his swords ready to attack. "Heaven's Charm!" Angewomon summoned an invisible barrier, keeping the samurai Digimon back.
"Angewomon!" Kiyoko yelled. "Try this!" She held a card in her hand.
"What is she…?" Karatenmon muttered to himself. "Harmony Swords!" He concentrated his swords' power and immediately shrunk back, almost as though he was met with surprise.
"Digi-Modify!" Kiyoko swiped the card across the D-Power. "Zudomon Vulcan's Hammer, activate!" A large hammer appeared in Angewomon's hand. She swung at the still dazed Karatenmon. He was blown back and spun through the air.
"How is this possible?" he asked. "That kind of power is not available to you."
"Hate to burst your bubble," Kiyoko replied, "but that was Digi-Modification at its finest. And before you say that it's 'cheating' or 'dishonorable,' the hammer came from a Zudomon, which, according to this card, is an ultimate level Digimon. That doesn't break your rule of being allowed to only use the power of ultimate level, does it?"
Karatenmon grunted in frustration. "Harmony Swords!" His swords glowed again. Suddenly, he jerked back again. "What is this?" he said as if in confusion.
"Celestial Arrow!" Angewomon created another light arrow and placed the hammer in the light. She released the arrow and it struck Karatenmon, still in shock from whatever happened after his attempt at his Harmony Swords. The power of this combination attack was so great, Karatenmon was blasted back and was barely able to stand.
He propped himself up on one sword, lifted up the other hand, and said, "We shall meet again." He brought his hand down and a cloud of smoke shrouded the whole area. When it cleared, Karatenmon was gone.
Angewomon landed near Kiyoko and De-Digivolved to Gatomon. Kiyoko turned to the others and said, "Feel free to thank me for saving your butt, Daichi."
Isamu tilted toward Daichi and said, "Something tells me this is going to last a while." Daichi could only nod before everyone left to find a safe haven.
Well, that was close. But something tells me this is not going to go well for the Digi-Destined. You'll have to see it for yourself on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters!
This is CF signing out.