Riverbed Academy: Once thought to be a cesspool of elitists and conspiracies, it was one of the many things that changed when it came to this new world, so much so that I found it bearable to come every day. While the objective to breed the world's future leaders is still present, it's clear that the method to do so is purer and uncorrupted—for now, anyway.
The headmaster at the school was still William Lancaster, with his deputy now being Mr. Gabriel Alvarado, instead of a full-on replacement. Between Lancaster's strict regiment and Alvarado's casual approach, they balanced one another out, emphasizing the idea that true elitism required camaraderie when necessary.
I texted Wallace on the way to the train to give him a heads up in case anyone asked, though he has yet to respond. As much of a stickler as he is for the rules, I was hoping he'd make an exception for me, at least. The schoolyard was barren by the time I arrived. Not surprising, being that it was well into the second period. Weird too was that the security was light, sans the guard at the entrance. Was there an assembly happening that I forgot about?
Assembly...right. Guess I can pick up where I left off.
In the aftermath of the Day of Liberation, AEGIS' director Melanie Whitaker approached us and revealed that she was an Eosmon Drone from the future. Those of us in attendance; the Beta Testers, Royal Knights, and us Riverbed students, were all called Pathfinders; those who, in Eve's simulations, would contribute to what she called her Idealistic Future, namely the apocalyptic future that Nick, Mikayla, and Ben Merlo came from. With that in mind, the three groups started preparing for the day to come, and three months later, Wallace, Mikayla, Layla, Marco, Grey, Ken, and I embarked on a mission to save the future. Though, we quickly realized it would be anything but smooth.
From the get-go, we were suddenly attacked by a Digimon called Alphamon. Because of it, I was separated from everyone and thrown into the past into an alternate 2041, where Riverbed was known as Arcadia, and Eve oversaw it, just like in the future. However, it bore similar elements to this world, being one that grew thanks to AI and Eve's influence rather than what we initially believed. I met a young Ben Merlo, Agent Leonardo Jones, and an older man named Vantus, who was the same Digimon that kidnapped me. I learned that he was Eve's right hand from a distant future, where humans and AI co-existed harmoniously.
With their help, we managed to deal with an attempted hijacking of Eve. Agent Jones and I were mortally wounded trying to stop Eve's Shell—an android body that allowed the AI to move about—when it was taken over by a malicious virus called MOD. After pleading with Eve and getting injured, Eve broke free of MOD's control and transformed into Eosmon to combat him. With Chaosmon's aid, the pair managed to beat MOD, with Chaosmon sacrificing itself in the process.
Later, after revealing to Ben that he was an older version of me, Vantus imparted his powers onto me, reviving and transforming me into Alphamon. He also separated Eve from her shell to save her from MOD's corruption and saved Agent Jones by turning him into a Digi-Egg, which would eventually become BanchoLeomon in the past, setting in motion the events that led us here. After learning that the explosion caused much of Arcadia to be decimated, the three of us prioritized rebuilding, with my intention of working towards that very future that Vantus originated from.
Meanwhile, back in the future, the others arrived safely within Neo Babylon, a post-apocalyptic Cisco City that was left decimated through the constant conflict. They reunited with AEGIS rebels and immediately had to deal with the new Purple Pillar Zantia and Nick, who was siding with them. Grey and Marco tried their best, but the reveal that Zantia was Melissa Reinhardt, one of the Royal Knights and Ben's fiancée, threw things for a loop. While this was going on, Eve kidnapped Ken unexpectedly. The Red Pillar Alizar was not far behind, but with her new Ace, Agent Saiba managed to defeat him. He was a familiar face in Tyrone Kingston, one of the Beta Testers.
Following the confrontations, news spread of Alizar's defeat, and the rebels took advantage of the chaos to invade Arcadia to save their captured allies. As Mikayla went to challenge Nick, the pair got out their grievances and, in turn, returned the Ancient Digimon to their post, to which they replaced themselves with the power of Omnimon. Mikayla learned that Nick, Majorelle, and Ben were working together to stop an attempted coup within the Liberators, and it was revealed that "Vantus," the Black Pillar, orchestrated the events. Destroying Neo Babylon and capturing Nick and Mikayla, it turned out that the new Vantus was the Trevor McKnight of their world, a man who sought revenge against Eve per the death of the Beta Testers in this world. Ken also revealed himself to be MOD, who survived Chaosmon's sacrifice somehow and worked with Trevor to assassinate Eve.
Wallace, in the meantime, headed to Reseda's fortress to save Isabella, to which he learned that she was working with Vantus to ensure his plan succeeded and was using Evie to empower Vantus to become Omnimon Zwart. Dynasmon, a new ally for Wallace, turned out to be Lancaster, who disappeared during the Day of Liberation. Following that, I arrived with Majorelle just as Reseda fell by Vantus' hands, and we all regrouped at Majorelle's sanctuary. As things intensified, Mastemon and Sakuyamon, subordinates of Arylide the Yellow Pillar, arrived and explained to us that she was under the control of Vantus and required her rescue. We all split up, and while they went to save the others and help Arylide, I went to look for Mikayla and Nick. When I arrived, Nick managed to defeat Zantia and set her free from Jokermon; the Digimon used to control her. It was also here that we learned that Eve was dead and that MOD had her Core. Managing to retrieve it, we escaped while Axel, aka Omnimon Alter-S, dealt with Arylide until support arrived. Then when that got to be too much, Adam and Trevor came at the nick of time with their Digimon: Agumon-bond of bravery, and Gabumon-bond of friendship, clearing a path back to Neo Babylon.
Within all of this, Majorelle confronted "Vantus" and attempted to appeal to his humanity; however, this made him snap mentally, and reactively he mortally wounded her, driving him into despair. Mikayla found him while we stationed ourselves in what was left of SAIBA Enterprise, where she learned that there was a program that could defeat MOD permanently: the X-Antibody Program. As Alphamon, the X-Antibody program was contained in my being, so before learning of this, I volunteered to stay behind while the others returned home. Vantus even surrendered Evie to show how remorseful he was, to which I offered him the opportunity to make amends.
As everyone made amends and geared up for the trip home, MOD, sure enough, arrived and, driven by absolute rage, managed to get the core back and absorb it, changing his appearance and causing his overall power to skyrocket. Mikayla unexpectedly jumped into battle in my place and distracted me with a kiss so I could be knocked out and forced home. When I woke up, I found myself imprisoned, with Arylide claiming that upon realizing what had happened, I became irate and attempted to go back for Mikayla. Upon hearing that Mikayla's sacrifice was per Eve's simulation toward the best outcome, I lost my mind and mercilessly attacked my friends. Adam and Trevor's Digimon were forced to subdue me, and I lay defeated.
Finally, there was a bright light in the sky during the aftermath, and I suddenly woke up in my room. After about two weeks of trying to understand what happened and realizing that I was the only one who remembered everything, I was about to give up until I got that message. And so, this morning, I headed to the waterfront and met Melanie for the first time. From there, you know the rest.
Okay, I know that was a lot to take in, but at least you guys are up to date on everything. The TLDR is this: I'm the only one who remembers the events. And here I am in a world where none of that stuff happened. Why am I in this position? Why are those that should be dead alive now? Is this the "Idealistic Future" that old me came from? And if not, then again, Where am I?"
By the time I reached the main building, I was beginning to feel the ominosity take hold. The silence continued to define the area, the sound of my breathing trying to compensate. I took one last look behind me and opened the front doors.
"Fancy running into you here, Mr. Sullivan."
The voice behind the door made me tense. So much for sneaking to class undetected.
As it opened, I caught a glimpse of the Deputy Headmaster. Mr. Alvarado was a man in his late 30's, with straight black hair, somewhat tanned skin, and a goatee; he had a youthful appearance despite his age, which allowed him to be approachable with students at times; it also helped that he was up to date with modern culture as well.
"Morning, sir…" I acknowledge, cautious about assuming that I was scot-free. "I was just heading—"
"To my office?" Mr. Alvarado crossed his arms. "Sounds like a plan; let's get moving."'
Once he started walking, I knew that it was a done deal. I assumed this was to stay on Lancaster's good side, so I surrendered and followed him upstairs to his office while thinking of what punishment I was to expect. The trip itself was silent on account of me not wanting to kick the beehive in the event he was upset.
One thing worth noting is that his office wasn't in the Admin Building on campus. At one point, he mentioned that he had a niece around our age who seemed to have become a shut-in, the reasoning behind it, he won't say. Because of that, he set his office here amongst the students to be as transparent and approachable as possible. I get the impression that he may blame himself for whatever happened to his niece and is trying to redeem himself.
By the time we arrived, he had opened the door, and to my surprise, Wallace was there. The blonde-haired boy turned back and gave a slight wave to me, his demeanor implicating he's been here for a few minutes.
"Sorry for the wait, Wallace," Mr. Alvarado told him, having me close the door behind us. "It took him longer to show up than I thought."
Once I turned to Wallace, I made sure we were making eye contact. "I'm guessing this is why you didn't cover for me?"
"When you told me the reason why you were running late, I was able to put two and two together," Wallace answered.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, coming closer to him.
Mr. Alvarado directed me to sit while Wallace turned towards me. He was giving me a disciplinary scowl, and while part of me wanted to roll my eyes and ignore it, I was fixated on his statement."
"I take it you forgot about the assembly this morning?"
"Explains why the school's a ghost town. What about it?" I asked, crossing my legs.
Wallace didn't beat around the bush, pulling his phone out and unveiling the contents. I turned to the small projecting screen and went silent as DoruGreymon asserted its dominance against Melanie and her Eosmon army. My heart was thumping while my brain scrambled to adapt to the now (likely viral) video.
"Okay...?" I said, not wanting to see their point.
"Come now, you can't be this dense," Wallace said, retracting his phone. "Melanie Whitaker was our supposed speaker for the assembly."
Knew it.
"Sorry, one more time?"
Wallace sighed and ran his finger against his temple. The longer I watched, the clearer the level of trouble I was to be in. Though, now it makes sense why she reacted the way she did earlier.
"...I see now..." I muttered, continuing to go along with the situation.
Mr. Alvarado nodded. "Ms. Whitaker was supposed to give a presentation on SAIBA Enterprises' latest project this morning. When she didn't show up after twenty minutes, we reached out. While SAIBA Enterprise sent out a replacement representative, the video of you two went viral on social media, completely overshadowing the presentation itself, adding another fifteen minutes before we could finally start."
"Needless to say, this is going to affect the reputations of both SAIBA Enterprise as well as Riverbed Academy. While the assembly is progressing without further issues, it's clearly too late for damage control.
Needless to say, I'm annoyed now. Had I known that trying to find answers to what was going on would lead to this, I would've just ignored the message altogether; I should've known better. "So, what does this mean for me?"
"We don't know yet. So far, things are calm, and we hope it stays like that," Wallace answered, continuing to massage his temple. "From here on out, though, we'll just have to see what happens next."
"Until then, I would try to keep a low profile as best as possible. We don't need this getting out of control any more than it already is," Mr. Alvarado suggested.
"I can do that," I said hesitantly, knowing it would be easier said than done.
Because once things start circulating, it will stir up drama and gossip; and who doesn't like gossip more than a bunch of rich kids with nothing better to do?
Mr. Alvarado dismissed the both of us when the assembly let out, allowing me to slip in undetected. Following directions, I lay low and pretended it was a normal day. Anyone who asked where I was that morning lied and said I overslept. I even threw in, ironically enough, that it was due to a late-night session in Babylon. Crazy to see a surprising amount of people actually bought that excuse. Honestly was expecting someone to recognize me, but I guess more focus was on Melanie than the mystery Riverbed Tamer.
By the time lunch came around, Wallace had explained to me that he had to head to the Headmaster's office to discuss the assembly issue further. I wasn't in trouble yet, but he did suggest I brace for the worst. Since their offices were across from one another along the long hallway in the Admin building, I opted to hang out in the Student Council room until he was done.
By the time we reached the top, we had broken off from one another, and I made my way down the right hall, noting the accolades that lined the wall. The faces of past Student Council members remained, giving me some semblance, especially the photo of Layla Saiba, whose ballroom photo was slightly different with the addition of a new face…or two?
I paused and came closer to the portrait. As I remember, it was her and a group of others attending a ballroom party at her mansion. Assuming this was two and a half years ago, this was probably the same party that kicked off Millennium Day. But because it never happened…what was the party for…?
…And why was Melanie Whitaker there?
"Pretty, isn't she?"
"What the—?" The voice over my shoulder made me jump hard. I was so fixated on the latest bread crumb that I didn't hear the footsteps coming up from behind. As I turned, I could almost hear my chest thump while my stomach contracted. The brown-haired girl behind me was too busy laughing to realize how anxious I was seeing her face.
"Mi…Mi…!" I was shaking. The overwhelming emotion was crippling as I leaned against the display case to keep steady. Finally, she looked at me and grew hesitant.
It didn't help.
"Mikayla, you forgot this!" Another voice called out from the direction of the Student Council office. It was enough to pull my attention from Mikayla and take a few steps away from her. A curly-haired, fair-skinned beauty approached us, and the sight of her put me at ease.
This was Isabella Reinhardt, current VP of the SC and Wallace's GF, who wasn't being impersonated by any Digimon but rather her normal self. In the old world, I barely got to know her (nor did I want to), and even now, in the last week, I barely had the chance to (which I kind of want to). Despite being very attractive, she's far from manipulative and loyal to her vice president and Wallace's duty. Many freshmen and sophomores look to her like a big sister model.
"Well, well, well, look at what the cat dragged in," Isabella turned to me with a devilish smirk. "What brings you here?"
The glint in her eye was unsettling. "I was on my way to the Student Council office to hang out with Wallace. He's in the Headmaster's office going over some things," so I was planning to wait for him there."
"Mhmm…" She caressed her imaginary beard. "No other reasons…?"
I narrowed my gaze towards her, ignoring Mikayla altogether. "No other reason."
"Um…Izzy, what is it that you wanted to—!"
"Zachary, have you met my good friend Mikayla?" Isabella halted her thought and dragged the girl into focus.
Mikayla turned into a tomato on the spot, making it hard to keep a straight face. "I've seen her in passing," I lied. Up until now, I didn't even think she'd show up.
If she's in this new world, then I can assume Nick is here somewhere as well.
"Well then, Zack, this is Mikayla, Assistant Editor for the Homeros Blog." Isabella introduced. "Micky, this is Zachary, Wallace's best friend and eligible Riverbed Bachelor."
I choked. "Isabella!"
The girl muffled her laughter, whereas Mikayla, in her embarrassment, broke off down the hall. I was also growing red, not just from embarrassment but from anger. While I won't take back what I said before about wanting to get to know her more, there was one flaw: she was infamous for being incredibly nosy at times, made worse by her obsession over anything she deemed cute.
"You two would be a cute couple," she said. "I can see it."
"Nobody asked you!" I snapped.
"Why are you mad? Can't a girl help her boyfriend's best friend get his own 'partner' in crime?"
"Why is it necessary again? I'm not looking to impress anyone," I crossed my arms. I looked over, noticing Wallace coming out of the room finally. Isabella waved and began making her way back to their office.
"Because, let's face it, you're stiff. You keep to yourself, and when you do interact with anyone outside your family, it's with us."
I could tell what she was implying from a mile away. "What's wrong with being a third wheel?"
She turned back and gasped in shock. "Zachary! I would never insinuate such a thing! As your Vice President, I look out for the wellbeing of the student body!"
"Correction," Wallace said, finally reaching us, "you're sticking your nose in a place where it shouldn't be. Leave Zack alone; it's clear he doesn't like it."
Isabella reactively pouted, adhering to the command as a girlfriend and subordinate to Wallace's authority. I turned to Wallace as we walked again, "Did the Headmaster say anything about this morning?"
"He did reach out to SAIBA Enterprise," he confirmed, "As usual, SAIBA is adapting to the situation and is playing it off as an impromptu marketing stunt to generate hype for the upcoming Exhibition Match. Therefore, if anyone asks, tell them as such."
The fact that the random dude I met earlier called it, I can't even.
"Someone mentioned it earlier; what's special about this Exhibition Match? And there's a tournament coming up too?"
"The tournament season isn't until late spring, but to lead up to it, celebrities are invited to participate in special matches to stir up conversations leading up to it. This week will be Pro Tamer Trevor McKnight, alongside Adam Russo, two of the original Beta Testers for the game eight years ago."
I blinked, "Adam and Trevor are going to be there?"
"Have you met them before?" Isabella chimed in.
I hesitated, opting to keep the details of my interactions with them to myself. "I mean…I may've gotten Trevor's autograph during one tournament, but I barely know them. I know that Trevor is powerful, and Adam is rumored to rival him, despite not going pro himself."
We got to the Student Council room, and Isabella plopped herself on one of the table's couches. "Hey babe, do you think we still have time for you to practice with me?"
"There's too much work to do, I'm afraid."
"Oh, come on, loosen up, will you? You're just as stiff as he is."
"I'm about as stiff as you are, a brat," I crossed my arms. Wallace remained silent, and Isabella continued to sulk. "Though she does have a point, man; take a break."
Wallace asked me, "Would it be possible for you to practice with her?"
And sic these X-Antibody Digimon on her? Yeah, no, not until I understand what they are.
"I asked you, not him!" Isabella sternly replied, as if she was enforcing my 'third wheel' status.
I patted Wallace on the shoulder, "she's not going to stop until you surrender. Make it easy on yourself."
Wallace found it harder to argue as the seconds dragged by. "Fine…!" he groaned.
"Yay!" Isabella celebrated. "As a reward, I'll put in a good word for you with Mikayla."
I tensed upon hearing her name, but to ease back, I surrendered myself. "Do what you want."
Wallace sat on the opposite sofa with me next to him. "I'll referee and keep track of time."
"You do that," Wallace agreed, setting his personal D-Streamer to Tabletop Mode. I walked over, and Isabella soon reached the options on her device. Soon, holographic projections of the different zones appeared, as well as their respective Security and hands, suspended on nothing.
"You two ready?" I asked, receiving a nod from both. "All right, three, two, one…!"
"DIGI-GATE: OPEN!" Wallace and Isabella exclaimed, causing their devices to react in kind.
"Ladies first. Isabella will have the starting move." I declared, motioning to her.
Nodding, she began by hatching Minomon, summoning a small hologram of a bagworm with what looked like a pacifier in its mouth.
Minomon (BT3-004)
Color: Green
"Minomon will digivolve into Palmon; then I play Betamon from my hand." Isabella digivolved, drew, and played her second Digimon. Palmon's silhouette overlayed on Minomon while Betamon appeared, a blue-striped, green amphibian Digimon with single claws on each limb and an orange fin over its head.
Palmon (ST4-04)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Betamon (BT7-044)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Wallace)
"When Betamon enters play, I reveal the top three cards of my deck, and I pick between a Level 4 green Digimon or a green Tamer to add to my hand. The rest go to the bottom of the deck."
The trio of cards leaped from the top of the deck and revealed themselves as Palmon (EX1), Flower Cannon, and Mimi Tachikawa. Isabella motioned for the sole tamer while the former two moved to the bottom of her deck. "Your turn."
Wallace drew and flipped the top of his Digi-Egg deck. "I hatch Cupimon and digivolve it into Salamon to begin."
A small marshmallow-colored Digimon with bright golden eyes and matching wings materialized on Wallace's side before converting into a cream-colored puppy Digimon with a collar-like ring around its neck.
Cupimon (BT1-003)
Color: Yellow
Salamon (EX1-025)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Next, I'll play Falcomon, who'll digivolve into Piddomon and MagnaAngemon."
Wallace's signature Level 3 Digimon, Falcomon, appeared, a bipedal, brown feathered avian Digimon with olive-green feathers covering its chest and arms like a vest. Quickly it cycled through an angelic humanoid Digimon before becoming an eight-winged warrior clad in purple and gold armor, armed with an equally purple energy blade and shield on its left and right arms, respectively.
Falcomon (BT4-036)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 5000
Piddomon (BT4-042)
Color: Yellow
DP: 5000
MagnaAngemon (EX1-029)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 7000
MEMORY
3-1
1-0
0-3 (Turn Change: Isabella)
It looked as if Wallace's deck had some upgrades too. That MagnaAngemon doesn't look like a pushover in its own right.
"Of course, you wouldn't take it easy on me," Isabella growled.
"This was your idea, mind you. Are you going to back out then?"
"Absolutely not! Instead, I'm going to punish you for it." She replied, drawing her next card. "Betamon digivolves into Monochromon!"
I blinked. A Monochromon in green? That was certainly new. Regardless, I watched as the small amphibian transformed into the hulking Triceratops, dragging its forefoot on the ground with the intent to ram through.
Monochromon (BT7-048)
Color: Green
Level: 4
DP: 8000
MEMORY
3-1
"Monochromon, Security Attack!" Isabella declared, sending her Digimon towards Wallace. I watched as Monochromon's hologram dashed across the table, beelining for the Security card that came into its line of sight. The first of Wallace's Security shattered with a forceful uppercut with its front horn.
Wallace
Security: 5-4
"Security Check," Wallace stated as he flipped the card over. "MagnaAngemon with 6000 DP."
"Not enough to stop me!" Isabella happily challenged.
Monochromon: 8000 DP
MagnaAngemon: 6000 DP
I watched as the angelic duplicate retaliated against Monochromon. The triceratops charged it, and using its shield, MagnaAngemon was able to block it. Though putting enough pressure on it caused the guard to shatter, Monochromon skewered the Digimon, causing it to burst into binary.
"I end my turn by playing Mimi," Isabella hummed while setting the card down on the table. From it came a Tamer dressed in a pinkish-red cowgirl uniform with brown gloves, boots, and a white cowboy hat.
Mimi Tachikawa (BT1-089)
Color: Green
MEMORY
1-3 (Turn Change: Wallace)
Wallace didn't seem to mind that Isabella had the advantage on him. If memory serves, Mimi is an annoying Tamer to deal with. If one weren't careful, she'd have the whole Battle Area filled with Digimon coming out of the woodwork.
I realized the pun in that too late; I'm sorry.
Wallace drew, "Salamon moves into the Battle Area and then digivolves into Bulkmon."
Salamon dashed forward, and as binary began to surround it, it steadily grew feral, gaining yellow scales across its body and muscle mass. It got on its two hind legs and continued to become bulkier and more humanoid. When the transformation was completed, it was a Dragonoid Digimon with black leather gloves and green stripes across its body. It wore a mask that matched the gloves, with a bolt-shaped horn protruding from its head.
Bulkmon (BT6-037)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
3-1
"So as long as I have more than 3 Security, Bulkmon gains Security Attack +1," Wallace stated, drawing for digivolution.
That's pretty aggressive for his playstyle. Though a lot has happened since I faced Wallace. Then again, without everything happening, maybe his playstyle changed as well.
"Bulkmon, Double Security Attack! Salamon's IE effect allows me to draw a card under the same conditions," Wallace explained, drawing an extra card."
Bulkmon fist-bumped electricity between its claws and slammed the table, causing a shockwave to dash ahead of it towards Isabella's side. The shock on her face was overtaken by the pair of Security that reacted in kind to Bulkmon's attack.
And while unintentional, I'm not apologizing for that one.
Isabella
Security: 5-4
"Security Check…YES!" Isabella's hesitation turned to bliss, eagerly flipped the Security Card. "Lillymon with 7000 DP!"
Wallace's snicker was as audible as it was humorous. With 5000 DP, Bulkmon was about to fall victim to the flower fairy.
Bulkmon: 5000 DP
Lillymon: 7000 DP
The flower fairy Digimon appeared from the security, having her focus deadest on the brute. With a playful wink, she joined her hands, turning them into a flower-style cannon. With a quick charge, she fired a single-shot green blast that hit the brute so hard the hologram nearly flew off the side of the table, turning into binary before it could go over.
While Isabella was giggling, I looked over to Wallace, who had his hand hovering over MagnaAngemon.
"MagnaAngemon attacks Monochromon." He declared, sending his angel ahead for revenge.
Isabella slowed her laughter to look at the board state, "But he only has 7000—huh?"
MagnaAngemon: 7000-11,000 DP
Monochromon: 8000 DP
Even I was surprised to see MagnaAngemon's DP hike up like that. Wallace went ahead to explain what was happening. "When attacking, so long as I have three or more Security, MagnaAngemon gains +4000 DP for the turn."
"That's not fair!" Isabella exclaimed, watching as Wallace's Digimon sliced off Monochromon's horn and then diced it into binary. He ignored her exclamation and ended by playing his Tamer in the form of TK Takaishi, a tamer resembling a blonde-haired boy with a green outfit.
TK Takaishi (BT1-087)
Color: Yellow
MEMORY
1-3 (Turn Change: Isabella)
"When TK enters play, I can look at my Security Stack and take one card from among them to add to my hand. If it's a Yellow Card, I recover a Security." Wallace explained as his Security floated over to him. Having the opportunity to look at it gave him the foresight as to what to expect if Isabella attacked and helped him predict what was available to him via draw. He chose another Bulkmon with different artwork and replaced the taken card with the top card of his deck. Afterward, it switched back to Isabella. With few options, she drew, hoping for something it looked like.
"I digivolve Palmon into Togemon, then play the Double Tamers Izzy Izumi and Mimi Tachikawa."
Setting the cards down, Palmon transformed into a giant, sentient cactus with boxing gloves. At the same time, a second, slightly off-colored Mimi appeared alongside a short redhead with a yellow and orange hoodie and a similarly colored laptop.
Togemon (EX1-036)
Color: Green
Level: 4
DP: 5000
Izzy Izumi & Mimi Tachikawa (BT5-089)
Color: Green
MEMORY
3-1
1-3 (Turn Change: Wallace)
Wallace drew. "I hatch Bibimon, then digivolve it into Pulsemon."
On Wallace's side, a small yellow creature similar to Dorimon materialized before transforming into a child-like yellow bipedal beast Digimon bearing some resemblance to Bulkmon before it.
Bibimon (BT6-003)
Color: Yellow
Level: 2
Pulsemon (BT6-033)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"MagnaAngemon, Security Attack! Per its effect, its DP when attacking is 11,000."
Empowered by the holy data, MagnaAngemon spread its wings and dove in with lightning speed. The Security swooped in to stop it, but despite its efforts to be a deterrent, MagnaAngemon blew through it, shattering like glass.
Isabella
Security: 4-3
"Security Check…AGAIN!" She exclaimed, revealing the Digimon known as Rosemon. "Rosemon's 11,000 base DP is enough to counter MagnaAngemon!"
While he didn't snicker this time, I heard him swearing under his breath as the rose-themed queen of fairies made her appearance.
MagnaAngemon: 11,000 DP
Rosemon: 11,000 DP
The three of us watched as MagnaAngemon stood up against Rosemon, the latter using her whip to catch the quick angel. However, MagnaAngemon made the mistake of attempting to strike, allowing Rosemon to wrap her whip around its neck to reel it. Just as she went to attack it, MagnaAngemon opened a Digital Gate behind her and forced themselves in, the gate dispersing into binary afterward.
"Well…that was dramatic," Isabella pointed out, matching my opinion about the brief theatrics.
"Indeed…" Wallace nodded. "To end, I play another MagnaAngemon from my hand to recover another Security."
Isabella let out a groan upon MagnaAngemon's reappearance. It was only made worse as it turned towards Wallace, traced a rectangle with its sword, and used its ability to turn it into a new Security Card.
MagnaAngemon (BT1-060)
Color: Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 6000
Wallace
Security: 4-5
MEMORY
3-4 (Turn Change: Isabella)
"Is he allowed to do that?" She turned to me for support.
"Yup." I folded my hands behind my head.
"Are you being a biased judge?"
"Even if I were, it wouldn't change anything." I continued.
"Here's another opportunity to call it quits," Wallace offered.
"Shut it," Isabella hissed. "I'm mad at you."
I noticed that Wallace grew slightly serious at her statement. He steadily went from a casual appearance to a more serious take. I turned to Isabella, who drew, and she had that same fierceness in her eyes.
"Togemon moves to the Battle Area; then I digivolve it into Lilamon!"
The boxing glove-wearing cactus Digimon transformed into Lilamon, another fairy-flower-esque Digimon who, in all seriousness, triggered some unpleasant memories within me. Shame that an innocent-looking Digimon could do that to me.
Lilamon (BT4-059)
Color: Green
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
4-1
"I activate Lilamon's Digi-Burst! Discarding Minomon and Palmon, I suspend MagnaAngemon!"
Lilamon began to hum, summoning the green silhouettes of the discarded Digimon to subdue MagnaAngemon.
"Togemon's IE effect gives Lilamon +2000 DP whenever your Digimon suspends during my turn." Isabella continued. "Next, I suspend Mimi to activate her effect; since I have a Level 5 Digimon in my Battle Area, I can hatch a new Egg in my Raising Area."
The sole tamer began to glow, summoning a new Minomon in her Raising Area.
"My new Minomon digivolves into Tentomon, then Lilamon will attack MagnaAngemon! Now my Double Tamers' effect activates! While attacking with a Level 5 green Digimon, by suspending them, I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck and digivolve it into a Level 6 Digimon without paying its cost!"
Tentomon (BT1-066)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 2000
While Minomon transformed into the iconic ladybug Digimon known as Tentomon, Lilamon grew empowered and charged ahead, with Izzy and Mimi throwing their hands up for support. From Isabella's deck came Leomon, Flower Cannon, and a new Level 6 I had never seen before.
"Got you! Now Lilamon, digivolve into the rebellious monarch leading the floral revolution! Digivolve into BanchoLillymon!"
As Lilamon charged, the revealed card dispersed into binary and encircled the fairy, transforming her into a Lillymon variant. However, what made it different from the original was the black coloration in her appearance; the pink flower on her head was now jet black, and the traditional dress was now replaced with a blouse with a purple neckerchief that bore her midriff, and a belted skirt with zippers that allowed flexibility. Covering her amethyst wings was a crimson jacket she wore on her shoulders and along with the pink belts along her forearms were black gloves gripping thorn-covered yo-yos.
BanchoLillymon (BT5-055)
Color: Green
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
BanchoLillymon: 11,000-13,000 DP
MagnaAngemon: 6000 DP
MagnaAngemon stood its ground, bracing itself for its assailant; however, a swift roundhouse kick subdued the angelic warrior, turning it into a stepping stool for the femme fatale Digimon. MagnaAngemon dispersed into binary following its defeat.
"I'll end my turn by playing the Option Card, Dino Memory Boost." Isabella sent the card into her Battle Area, pushing the counter over the threshold.
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Wallace)
That was impressive, to say the least…Guess I would expect that out of Lilamon, but not out of the normal Isabella. I turned to Wallace, who kept his cool despite getting railed just then. Despite the other surprise counters getting to him, it was interesting to see that this wasn't one of them, even though this was Isabella's most significant play yet. Isabella, meanwhile, looked too giddy that her strategy worked at all, though Green allows chained play like that.
"TK sets my Memory to 3 to start," Wallace began as he drew.
MEMORY
1-3
"Pulsemon digivolves into Bulkmon, who will then digivolve into Boutmon to end my turn."
Not surprising that he's attempting to rebuild. I watched as Pulsemon took in the binary and warped into a red-faced martial artist-esque humanoid Digimon with spiky, red-accented blonde hair, a black upper body, a yellow, tattered gi, as well as a beaded necklace with a green orb containing electricity coursing through. It immediately got into a defensive stance, anticipating Isabella's next moves.
Bulkmon (BT7-033)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 5000
Boutmon (BT7-037)
Color: Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
3-1
1-2 (Turn Change: Isabella)
"Oooh, scary," Isabella teased as she drew. "Mimi sets my Memory to three; then I activate Dino Memory Boost's delay to get two more."
MEMORY
1-3
3-5
"Tentomon moves to the Battle Area, then Mimi suspends to hatch a new Minomon. Now BanchoLillymon, digivolve one more time into the Miraculous Flower Queen of the new Floral Kingdom! Digivolve into Rafflesimon!"
I paused when Isabella revealed the card and threw it on top of BanchoLillymon. Immediately the rebellious-looking Digimon began to erupt with green binary, transforming into the former Green Pillar's Digimon form. Her green, vine-like hair turned flowy and pink, and her red jacket turned into a gown, along with the black flower on her head, turning red and extending downward to cover her eyes. The sleeves on her arms swallowed her forearms and hands, becoming hollow flowers, while a trio of colorful holographic flowers appeared to surround her.
Rafflesimon (BT5-056)
Color: Green
Level: 6
DP: 11,000 DP
MEMORY
5-4
Isabella drew for digivolving. Minomon digivolves into Betamon, and Rafflesimon will now activate her own Digi-Burst 2! Discarding BanchoLillymon and Togemon, all my Digimon gain +2000 DP!
The silhouettes of BanchoLillymon and Togemon resonated with Rafflesimon and Tentomon, respectively, to empower them for the turn.
Rafflesimon: 11,000-13,000 DP
Tentomon: 2000-4000 DP
"Rafflesimon, attack your Security!"
Rafflesimon aimed her right arm forward and fired off a prismatic beam towards Wallace's security, chipping away at it once more. Salamon, who appeared in response, was obliterated easily.
Wallace
Security: 5-4
"Tentomon, Security Attack!"
Tentomon followed up by releasing a quick bolt of electricity which caused an Elecmon to appear from the Security and challenge Tentomon.
Tentomon: 4000 DP
Elecmon: 2000 DP
With the boost in power, Tentomon charged harder, the electric attack giving off a green tint that overtook Elecmon's electricity and deleted it—as a result, leaving Wallace down to one less Security and Isabella with two Digimon still.
Wallace
Security: 4-3
"Tentomon digivolves into Kuwagamon, and to end, Toropiamon," Isabella concluded, setting the two cards over Tentomon, causing it to cycle through a bipedal, monstrous stag beetle and then into a floral dinosaur Digimon that rivaled Rafflesimon in height.
Kuwagamon (EX1-037)
Color: Green
Level: 4
DP: 5000 DP
Toropiamon (BT6-051)
Color: Green
Level 5
DP: 6000 DP
MEMORY
4-2
2-1 (Turn Change: Wallace)
"What will you do now that I have my ace on the field?" Isabella smirked, feeling proud of herself.
"Yeah, what are you going to do?" I joined in, curious about what Wallace was building in his raising area. I finally checked the time and saw we had about five minutes left in the lunch period. I flashed my phone towards him, and he nodded.
"Let's wrap this up then."
"Does that mean you're surrendering?" Isabella gleefully exclaimed.
"What? No, of course not," he drew. "TK sets my Memory to three."
MEMORY
1-3
"Boutmon moves into the Battle Area, and then he'll digivolve into the thunderous god of the Emerald Shogunate! Roar with the might of the thunderclap, Kazuchimon!"
The lightning animation that struck Boutmon literally shook the table, causing both Isabella and I to jump in our seats. Wallace crossed his arms, mimicking the lightning giant who replaced Boutmon. Dressed in shogunate-themed armor, its lightning swords rotated between gold and green tints as they cackled in his hands.
Kazuchimon (BT7-041)
Color: Yellow
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
MEMORY
3-2 (Turn Change: Isabella)
"That's it? Isabella scoffed. "Well then, if you don't mind—!"
Wallace threw his hand up, interjecting. "Kazuchimon's effect: If I have three or more Security, I gain two Memory."
MEMORY
2-0
"Wait—!"
"Kazuchimon attacks Raffelsimon! Bibimon's IE gains a Memory since I have precisely 3 Memory."
MEMORY
0-1
Kazuchimon: 12,000 DP
Rafflesimon: 11,000 DP
"NO!" Isabella shrieked as Kazuchimon suddenly appeared in front of her in a bolt of lightning, blade extended. Isabella and I went silent while Rafflesimon collapsed as a rose snipped at its stem.
"I end my turn by playing Falcomon." Wallace finished, summoning Falcomon and passing the turn.
MEMORY
1-1 (Turn Change: Isabella)
Isabella was quiet while her Tamers set the counter to five for her. The Izzy and Mimi duo didn't trigger before, so I'm guessing it needed Wallace to have a suspended Digimon to activate.
MEMORY
1-5
Isabella drew and moved Betamon to the Battle Area, then suspended Mimi to hatch another Minomon.
"Minomon digivolves into Palmon…." She said, turning it into another variation of the mandrake Digimon.
Palmon (BT5-047)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Toropiamon Security Attack!" Isabella roared, finally expressing her anger.
The plant dragon roared and began to charge toward Wallace. The latter simply smirked, and I suddenly felt that Isabella had misplayed.
"Kazuchimon blocks!" Wallace declared, causing Kazuchimon to call thunder on Toropiamon.
Isabella was dumbstruck, watching as Toropiamon was reduced to a smoldering pile of binary. Wallace took the opportunity to fill us in. "Boutmon's IE effect unsuspends Kazuchimon if I have at least 3 Security. Bulkmon provides Kazuchimon Blocker under the same requirements."
So that's his strategy…compared to when he had WarGreymon, he's abandoned the glass cannon strategy and playing the long game, keeping his Security stacked so he could utilize Kazuchimon's effects!
"Betamon Security Attack!"
"Kazuchimon blocks!"
My eyes went wide as, once more, Kazuchimon unsuspended and blocked Betamon.
"I forgot to mention; it's not a "once per turn" type of effect. So long as I have the security, I can block anything that comes my way.' Wallace explained further.
"That's so unfair…." I spoke up for the seething girl next to me. With her board cleared, Isabella threw herself back on the couch and sulked hard. Wallace took that as her ending her turn, moving on with the match.
MEMORY
5-3 (Turn Change: Wallace)
He drew. "Kazuchimon, Double Security Attack! His effect provides Security Attack +1 under the same conditions as the inheritable effects. Pulsemon's IE gives Jamming so long as I have exactly three, which I do."
Kazuchimon swung its blades and stabbed the ground, unleashing a triumphant wave of power that incinerated the Lilamon and Lillymon that appeared.
Isabella
Security: 3-1
"Falcomon, Final Security Attack."
Falcomon swooped in and threw its feather darts at the last Security, unveiling a Flower Cannon that came too late.
"I activate the Option Card, Electric Rush, giving Falcomon +3000 DP; since I have three Security, Falcomon unsuspends and attacks Directly for the game.
And just like that, it was over. Falcomon took its bow before their D-Streamers deactivated, and everything vanished from the tabletop. Isabella lay groaning and whining like a sore loser. Meanwhile, I moved aside so Wallace could comfort her. Watching the two felt good; Wallace, in the old world, was willing to do whatever it took to save her. So, to see them reunited—even if in this world she never disappeared—felt nice. The love they had for each other was genuine.
The bell finally rang, reminding me that the period was over and for us to head to class. "I'll catch you guys later on."
They were too busy to hear me, it seemed. As I made my way to the room door, it swung open, nearly clipping the side of my face, had it not been for my quick reflexes. Headmaster Lancaster was standing on the other side of the door, and our eyes were locked. His mere presence killed the atmosphere in the room, and as he took steps in, I was forced back.
"Grandfather!" Wallace quickly stood alongside Isabella, finally taking notice. "Have you decided on the situation?"
Headmaster Lancaster ignored Wallace's question to fixate on me. I was feeling awkward, not knowing what the words out of his mouth would be. This was partly due to watching the match and forgetting everything that's happened until now.
"Mr. Sullivan…" Headmaster Lancaster finally said.
"…Sir?" I replied, feeling slightly more anxious as the seconds dragged by.
Narrowing his gaze briefly, he relaxed and patted my shoulder, stealing my breath. I tensed, not knowing how to read the gesture. Was he angry? He didn't seem like it, but I doubt it would be wise to think otherwise.
"I must thank you, first off." His composure remained relaxed while confusion resonated to compliment the tension. "Your 'exhibition match' against Melanie Whitaker this morning inadvertently opened up a grand opportunity for the student body."
"What kind of opportunity?" Wallace chimed, deeming it safe to speak.
"The opportunity to explore in-depth SAIBA Enterprises' latest project. I'm currently in talks with the CEO of SAIBA Enterprise, and they think it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those interested.
I was getting Beta Tester vibes from his words… "If you don't mind me asking, sir, are there any details about this opportunity?"
Headmaster Lancaster's lips curled as non-malicious excitement filled his being. "I suppose I could let you all in on the secret. As explained in the presentation this morning, SAIBA Enterprise is currently aiming to migrate Cyber City Babylon with upcoming Cyber City concepts to create one huge digital ecosystem. The project is codenamed 'Omnia,' and per the direction of the lead developer of the project, as well as the CEO of SAIBA Enterprise, the students of Riverbed have earned the chance to take part in the Beta Testing of the 'Digital World' as they're calling it."
"Omnia…" I uttered, with Melanie coming to mind right away. I wonder if this was her idea to do this…or even her punishment? Either way, it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up. "When will this be taking place?"
"The day after tomorrow. They want to do this just before the Exhibition Match over the weekend."
Make sense. "I was invited to SAIBA Enterprise by Dr. Whitaker this morning, actually. I turned to Wallace and Isabella, "Do you two mind coming along? I can use the support."
"If they will allow us," Wallace answered.
Isabella, meanwhile, rolled her eyes, "all right, fine. Only because I lost the match."
"I'll inform them you're bringing them along," Headmaster Lancaster nodded. "I only ask that you don't disrupt things to make us lose this opportunity."
"Absolutely." I nodded confidently, trusting myself enough not to screw things up.
"Good. Speak to the secretary for late passes and head off to class. I'll speak to you later tonight, Wallace." Headmaster Lancaster then took his leave, leaving the three of us to process the information for a moment.
Seriously, though, I really thought he was gonna be pissed at me…
A/N: Hey, everyone. First off, I want to apologize for such a long upload gap. The month of September was…surreal. My family and I went through a lot of hurdles and unexpected circumstances, ending with the passing of a family member. Between running back and forth to dr appointments in the first half, then unexpectedly the hospital the last two weeks, as well as writer's block striking early in the month (when more than half the chapter was done), I was left overwhelmed with too much to focus on writing, as bad as I was craving to do so. With that said, though, time waits for no one, and writing continues to be an outlet for me to keep focused, so that's what I'm going to do. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and I hope to keep pushing onward to the exciting ideas I have for the future. Thanks, guys, and I'll cya soon!