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Digimon Tamers Crimson Episode 20: You Reapmon what you sow

Impmon was having a difficult time sleeping at night and it would seem that he is currently sweating, tossing and turning at night. Sometimes he would even scream while having some pretty... Vivid dreams.

Flashback...

A lone Impmon wandered the digital world aware of what he did in the past. Primary village rejected him the day he was born due to his origins. He kept on wandering the Digital world, just wishing that someone, anyone would just kill him and take his data. No matter where he went or whom he came across, nobody wanted to fight him for various reasons. It's either "I don't have time for you." or "You're not worth the trouble." What's even worse is that he actively sought out challenges from much stronger Digimon.

Problem is, they all simply ignored his challenge or some of the rookies thought that he wanted to play. Some people would ask "Why not just simply off yourself?" The answer is pretty simple, The digital world's physics do not let gravity dictate someone's death and even if Impmon were to die, the only way to truly die in the digital world would be if someone were to absorb another's data. Impmon felt worse with each passing day. Each of those days he would just simply sit around in the jungle zone and stare straight into a lake. He looks into that lake constantly repeating what every Digimon in the Digital world has ever said to him. At some points he wished that Examon would have simply taken his data. For now, he is stuck with a cruel fate: Of not being able to evolve, nor die.

One day however, Impmon went back to his usual spot to once again ridicule himself. "You're a demon! A devil born from the darkest digi-egg! You don't deserve anything, nor anyone! You're not worth anyone's time! Nobody wants you!" After saying those words he started shedding tears which he was still surprised that he had. Impmon then saw nearby a powerful warrior Digimon. He was a bipedal muscle-bound humanoid lion, who wore long pants with a belt that held his blade. Impmon then approached the warrior Digimon in question who simply looked at him and said "What do you seek little one?" Impmon then proceeded to tease the lion Digimon in many ways trying to get him to fight. "What's the matter tough guy? You afraid? What'cha gonna do, Hit me with your tiny sword? Big deal, It's not like it ain't gonna do anything huh!?"

Impmon then proceeded to stick his toungue out at the lion Digimon again. However it seemed the lion was confused by Impmon's tactics. "I'm assuming you seek out what you cannot recieve? But why approach me for that?" Impmon then stopped teasing the lion Digimon and then said "What are ya? Drenched in stupid!? You're the only one who has ever come here, and now I wanna fight you! SO COME ON! LET'S GET THIS OVER WITH!" The lion then picked up Impmon by the bandanna. However Impmon ended up getting angry at the lion and just struggled to get out of his grasp. The lion then thought to himself "Hmm... This one seems quite angered at me for not acknowledging him. He doesn't seem to seek attention since he never seems to leave this area. I did actually come here to fight a monster but this... He seems like he wants..." the lion's eyes widen at the conclusion he drew.

The lion then dropped Impmon who continued yelling incohereantly at him. "I take it that you sought out your own personal death correct?" Impmon stopped yelling gibberish and responded "To be honest I deserve it after everything I've done." Impmon then turned his back to the lion and held his arms out. "I'm a demon lord, and a coward. What's worse is right now I'm turning my back on you. Isn't that unforgivable enough? Or do you want more? Just get it over with and take my data when I die." The lion raises an eyebrow at Impmon and asks "Why do I need your data?" Impmon with tears in his eyes says "What the hell kind of question is that!? You probably heard those rumors back there, I'm just a reincarnation of Beelzemon, the demon lord of gluttony! You'd be better off without someone like me in the world anyway! So, if you want a more "Peaceful" world... Then just, end me." The lion walked around Impmon instead of staying behind him.

The lion then saw Impmon's expression and noticed the tears in his eyes. "You've been through too much little one. I can't simply end your life." Impmon then responded "THEN JUST LEAVE YOUR SWORD HERE! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THE GODDAMN DIGITAL WORLD!" Impmon noticing Leomon looking down to him and he just got onto his knees and just kept punching the ground. "It's not fair. I just want to at least contribute to someone else! Is that too much to ask!? HUH!?" Leomon grabbed the sobbing Impmon and put him onto his shoulder. Impmon didn't care what was going on at this point, and just kept on sobbing on the lion's shoulder. After a long time of Impmon crying, he fell asleep on the lion's shoulder. The lion simply laid Impmon nearby him in the rocky area of the digital world. The lion then rested and waited for Impmon to awake.

The following day Impmon finally awoke and saw the night sky of the Digital world. "Tch. Even when I beg for it, they still have the audacity to show mercy." Impmon said to no-one in particular. The lion saw that Impmon was awake and said "You do know there is another path correct?" Impmon crosses his arms and turns away from the lion and says "I don't give a damn. That path is only there for good Digimon. I'm just destined to turn evil anyway. Besides, why do you care? Weren't you going to kill me back there?" Then lion responds "Yes, I was asked to do that. But, seeing that the so-called "Devil" is just a small imp who wants death... I could not bring myself to even consider such a thing!" Impmon then looked closely at the lion and said "Aren't you one of those Leomon warriors?" Leomon nods in response and says "I was one of their warriors, but I found out that most of my tribe was captured by Yggdrasil. So now, I like you have nowhere else to go."

Impmon then curls up a bit and says "Y'know? Sometimes I wonder everyday, "Why didn't he absorb my data?" All I got from that mercy was this incarnation that can't have anything." Leomon approaches Impmon and says "I will at least give you one thing you crave." Impmon looks at Leomon and says "Oh yeah, and what's that?" Leomon offered Impmon his clawed hand and said "A friend. There is a path that you can seek out... That is known, not as the path of light, nor the path of darkness. But rather, the road that leads to the dawn." Impmon is shocked at Leomon's words and then decides to take his hand. From then on, these two traveled the Digital world on a journey to help Impmon on his path of redemption.

However, It seems that all was not well with these two... "LEOMON! OH GOD! WHAT HAVE I DONE!?" Reapmon said seeing the disintegrating Leomon die before his eyes and data going into him...

Flashback end...

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Impmon screamed at the top of lungs while waking up Nia. "Impmon calm down! It's just a dream." Nia said to Impmon while cradling him. Impmon then calmed down from his panic. "Nia, is it okay if I sleep with you for the rest of the night?" Impmon asked Nia who responded with a nod before letting Impmon onto the bed with her. She held onto Impmon just to make sure he calmed down. Erwin came in the room to check up on Nia and Impmon. But when he did, he discovered that Impmon was asleep in Nia's arms. "I wonder just how deep Impmon's scars actually are... He may have told us a bit of his story. But, it seems he only trusts Nia with everything. I have a bad feeling about tomorrow, and not just because of Impmon, but also Simon." Erwin thought before leaving Nia and Impmon alone for the rest of the night.

The next day after school, Simon and co. were gathered in the park where it seemed their Digimon were not only busy playing hide and seek, but also doing some friendly sparring. "So, how have things been recently Nia?" Simon asked Nia who responded "To tell you the truth, Impmon seems to be getting worse with each passing day." Simon a bit confused asked "Is this about his nightmares? Or is he actually sick?" Nia then says "The former. To be honest Simon, I'm actually a bit jealous of you and most of the others." Simon then asks "Really? How in what way?" Nia responds "It's because you, Henry and Rika were able to help your Digimon outside of comforting them. I feel like despite my training with you and dad, all I can do is simply watch as Impmon slowly suffers each passing day while putting a smile on his face."

Simon sees Nia's distress and says "Listen, there's always something you as his Tamer can do to help him. You can't just give up on everything just because of one slip-up." Simon then puts a comforting hand on Nia's shoulder and continues "You just have to find the answer within your heart." Nia nodded and said "I just wonder... If the answer is enough to save him from his inner sorrow. Simon, what about you? Have you had any recent dreams like the ones you told me about?" Simon ponders this a bit and says "Honestly, I think that there's something... horrifying, in my head. These dreams have the same two individuals: A figure in a suit of armor who's face is obscured by shadow. And... A ravenous beast who seems to keep on reaching out to me. Like it just wants me to, release it." Nia blinks a bit and says "You know Simon, I'm glad that we can be honest with each other."

Simon responds "Me too. I just hope these dreams don't come back to bite either of us in the ass." Nia laughs a bit at Simon's somewhat sense of humor. Their moment is interrupted by Emir who just spotted them and said "WILL YOU TWO SHUT UP AND KISS ALREADY!" This caused Simon to turn around and say "Not all romance is just cutting to the chase. Sometimes we need to build up some chemistry between the two of us, and then see where it goes from there. We can't just be sucking face wherever we go." Nia then added "That would mean that we can't prioritize on what's important, and just end up like every horror movie couple." Emir then sighs and says "You guys seem to have a pretty boring relationship if you ask me." Simon ends up ignoring Emir's comment and just continues focusing on the other Digimon... Who appear to be splashing each other in the fountain, with some of the other Tamers except for Rika and Suzie who just watched the whole thing.

Emir then says "So anyway, after this weekend I'm gonna be heading back to Eastopolis. Since the transfer student program will be over by next Monday." Simon then turns to face Emir and says "Tell Vincent I said hi to him in that case." Emir responded "Will do Simon, Will do." Daisuke in the fountain then says "Hey! Simon! Why don't you come play with us!?" Simon then responds "I'd love to Davis, problem is I don't have my oil cannister with me. So if I do go in, I'm gonna have to leave the park and oil my arm!" Daisuke shrugs his shoulders and says "Okay then!" Simon was amused by their antics and laughed a little. However, Impmon who has having quite a bit of fun heard something in the distance.

Simon and Renamon both notice Impmon running out of the park. Simon alerted everyone to follow Impmon. Simon got into his gear which he carried around in a case that he brings on occasion. Emir then says "You're just prepared for anything aren't you?" Simon after putting on the finishing touches says "Gotta be, can't be too careful." Emir watches as Simon runs towards the group following Impmon and thinks to himself "Yeah, I can't be too careful either Simon." Impmon ended up in the middle of the streets of Shinjuku where a bio-emergence is now occurring. Henry then said "Hey Impmon! When did you suddenly gain the ability to detect Digimon before they bio-emerge?" Impmon responded "I didn't... This one's just mocking me." The Digimon in question seemed to be a very tall purple horse with a large horn attached to his back, arms so long that the front hooves are nearly touching his back hooves, a white mane and yellow armor.

Nia gets out her digivice to analyze this new Digimon. "Indramon, Virus type, Ultimate level. Attacks are: Horn of Desolation and Bao Bei." Nia said quoting her Digivice. Indramon looks down at his opponents but more importantly Impmon. "So, you were foolish enough to follow me. Interesting..." Impmon was angered at Indramon's insult. Impmon then said "You're messin' with the wrong Imp, asshole!" Indramon once again laughed which only served to fuel Impmon's fire. However Impmon seemed to be exuding a dark aura which Nia immediately noticed. "Impmon! Calm down! He wants you to attack him! Just stand down and let the others handle this!" Impmon responded by saying "No! I want all of you to leave right now!" This shocked everyone including Takeru who said "Impmon, we can take this guy no problem. So what's the big deal?" Impmon then gripped his arm pretty hard and said "That's not what I meant!"

Nia then notices that Impmon appeared to be evolving straight into Wizardmon. "But, I didn't even slash a single card!" Nia thought to herself before continuing to approach her partner who then put up a small wall of fire between himself and the others. "GET OUT NOW! DON'T COME ONE STEP CLOSER!" Wizardmon was yelling while in quite a bit of pain from the power radiating from him. However, it seemed the fire wall died out and Wizardmon at this point was screaming and began to change yet again. Nia shocked then said "Impmon, stop this. You don't have to give in. PLEASE STOP THIS IMPMON!" Wizardmon then changed into the form that Simon knew had killed Leomon. He then thought "This is bad, if I don't act soon, Reapmon will destroy everything! I gotta act fast."

Reapmon then walked slowly towards Indramon who then said "Good, good, now that I have an actual challenge. It's time to end this! HORN OF DESOLA-" However he was cut off when Reapmon sliced the horn in half. He then shot Indramon in the head with his gun hand. Indramon then disintegrated into nothing but data which Reapmon absorbed. Reapmon then turned towards Nia who was too shocked to move a muscle. She fell to the ground and Reapmon was about to strike Nia. However, before the attack could hit her... Simon countered his attack with his sword. "Get a hold of yourself Impmon! Come to your senses!" Simon and Reapmon then engaged in a fight that proved to be more difficult than anticipated. Nia still quite shocked could only watch as her two dearest friends fight each other like bitter enemies.

Takeru gets out his digivice to analyze Reapmon. "Reapmon, Virus type, Ultimate level. Attacks are: Kamiuchi and Guiltish." Takeru quoted his Digivice. The fight seemed to be going well between Simon and Reapmon. However, Nia saw that Simon was holding back against Reapmon which he normally doesn't do. Her eyes then widen when she sees Reapmon knock Simon's sword out of his hand. She runs towards the fight and yells "STOP THIS!" in futility. Reapmon then gets in two slashes at Simon and then points his gun hand at Simon's abdomen and just like that... The Shadow Tamer, has fallen at the hands of Reapmon.

The force of the shot sent Simon flying through one of the nearby buildings. Reapmon saw this and clutched his head in pain. However, Nia came to Reapmon who said "GET AWAY FROM ME! I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY!" Nia then embraced Reapmon and said "Please stop! No more fighting! No more..." She started shedding tears but it seemed that a blue glow emitted from her which seemed to have purged the darkness within Reapmon. Reapmon looked at himself now curious at his sudden recovery from the darkness. But he then looked towards where Simon seemed to be and said "I guess no matter what, I'm never destined to receive any forgiveness without cost. I can't be your partner Nia, for I have killed your dearly beloved."

Nia saw this harsh reality and said "Reapmon, it's my fault for not doing anything about it sooner! I just stood there and let this happen to you. And now, Simon... Is dead." Reapmon saw that Nia felt as guilty as he did and it appears that they both comforted each other in that time.

Inside Simon's subconscious...

Simon looked at his surrounding area and realized, that he has returned to his mindscape. "How'd I get to this place?" Simon said to no one in particular. However he turned and saw the two figures in his dreams. "Alright whoever you are! I demand answers! Who are you and why are you in my head!?" The faceless figure laughed in Simon's face with silent laughter. He merely pointed behind him. However, when Simon turned around... He saw the horrific figure in his dream which upon closer inspection looked like a serpent-like dragon. With dark red armor and, the hazard symbol on his chest. Simon then said "Wait, aren't you Megidramon?" The dragon figure merely flexed a few of his claws and suddenly Simon felt threads restraining his body and holding him against his will.

"What...The...Hell...Are...These?" Simon said unable to move any part of his body other than his mouth. The dragon-like figure who revealed himself to be Megidramon then said "Those are the threads of memories. You will now bear witness to all those memories the incident six years ago took away!" Simon responded "What are you...Talking about?" The faceless armored figure who then took on Simon's face then said "Simple, after that incident, your mind decided to erase those memories and now you've gained this nice guy persona that in my opinion, makes me want to vomit!" Simon then feels pain flowing through every part of his body coming from the threads. "Yes, allow us to unlock those memories Ackerman..." Simon responds in pain "Get...these...off." He then feels more pain and then screams "GET THEM OFF!"

Images start appearing in Simon's mind. Images of his life before he met the Tamers, before he met Guilmon, and before... the incident. We then see a small boy constantly being rejected by his peers just because of a dark aura that keeps healing him, or on occassion injuring others. Simon sees this and says "These aren't real. You're just trying to put false memories in my head." He then sees that same small boy slightly older only getting beaten up by bullies. Unlike most scenarios, no one even bothered to stop any of the abuse caused by other students. The small boy even gets rocks pelted at him but all the while he just either curls up and takes it, or he just walks away. "No! they're nothing but lies! Where do you even get these ideas anyway!" Simon said but Megidramon responded "How about we go straight to the bottom of the spiral?"

Simon then sees the same boy walking out of his old house. His eyes widened at the memory and realized that he's now seeing the incident. Unlike how it normally plays out, The young boy ends up getting wrapped in that same shadow that heals him from time to time and incases him in a suit of armor. There were two men who came to the scene who tried shooting at the armored boy but were ultimately torn apart. The armored boy then ran amok around Shinjuku where he came across his father with a very worried expression in his eyes. It ended with the armored boy attacking Kittan and fading out.

Simon with eyes widened and tears falling out of his eyes then says "I'm, a monster?" Megidramon then says "Yes, you are merely my vessel. Mine to mold into however I please. And since that one Digimon was kind enough to fuel your darkness even further, I'd say... Do as a monster would, and kill him, mercilessly..."

Outside of Simon's Subconscious...

Nia and Reapmon searched the building they knew Simon crashed through for any sign of him. But it seems that there was literally no sign of him, except for the blood on some of the rubble. "He couldn't have walked off somewhere in his condition." Nia said remembering what had just transpired and Reapmon responded "If we do find him, there'll be a minimal chance that he is still alive." The others outside were looking around the entire city for Simon but found nothing since the search started. They all met back up with each other concluding that he somehow disappeared. Emir then said "Guys... How about looking up at that sphere." They all looked up to the sphere which then fell onto the ground a little bit away from the Tamers. From the dust emerged an armored version of Simon but with a very ominous slasher smile. His armor had some plates on the appendages, torso, back and waist but what appeared to be armored mail covering every part of his skin except his face.

The armor in question had a dark red coloring on the plates surrounding the chest. However the chest was white with the hazard symbol on the sternum. Simon appeared to have reptilian slits in his eyes. Simon then got on his feet and said "Relax... No need to worry guys. I'm perfectly fine." Reapmon had an unsettling feeling about what was to transpire and told Nia to back away. Henry and Daisuke did the same with Suzie and Kari since they two would be under great risk. Ken then said "What happened to you Ackerman! You look so... Different." Simon then responded "You noticed? Interesting... Now if you'll excuse me..." Simon then pulls out his sword pointing it at Reapmon. Nia's eyes widened at Simon's gesture and Simon then said "Reapmon, I didn't appreciate you shooting me. So I'm afraid you'll have to die!"

Henry, Rika, Daisuke, Ken and Takeru all took out their Digivices and decided to take action.

CARD SLASH! EVOLUTION ACTIVATE!
CARD SLASH! SUPER EVOLUTION ACTIVATE!
CARD SLASH! JOGRESS EVOLUTION ACTIVATE!

EVOLUTION._

Terriermon Evolve to... Gargomon!
Gargomon Super Evolve to... Rapidmon!

Renamon Evolve to... Kyubimon!
Kyubimon Super Evolve to... Taomon!

V-Mon Evolve to... XV-Mon Wormon Evolve to... Stingmon!
XV-Mon, Stingmon Jogress Evolve to... Paildramon!

Patamon Evolve to... Angemon!

Terriermon and the others evolved to fight against the armored Simon to incapacitate him. They all fired their strongest attacks at him to make sure he stays unconscious for a while. "Tri Beam!" "Talisman... Of Light!" "Desperado Blaster!" "Heaven's Knuckle!" All of their combined attacks hit Simon who stood there and took the attacks. Guilmon knowing his connection with Simon saw through the smoke and realized... Their attacks, did nothing to him. Simon then brushed off a bit of dust on his shoulder and made one swing with his sword. And that one swing ended up blowing away all of the ultimates and Angemon. "Outta my way." Simon said before walking towards Reapmon who tried to escape with Nia by jumping away from him.

Simon reached out his left hand which spawned dark tendrils, which grabbed Reapmon and forced him back down on the ground. "Now where do you think you're going? A coward doesn't run away from a battle nor their deaths! Now then, pick a god... And pray he is merciful on your kind!" Emir then says "Simon! That's enough!" Simon turned to face Emir and then said "Did Christmas come early this year? Because now I finally have an actual challenge to oppose me. Well Emir, how about it? Shall we settle this once and for all?" Simon continued giving the slasher smile at Emir who responded "In all honesty, I did wish to fight you some day. To settle the score. But I didn't want to fight you like this. But then again, I always did want a fair fight." Emir then raised his fist and showed what appeared to be, inbibitors of some kind...

つづく