"Zack...!"
My ears were ringing as I began to recollect myself. My eyes peered open, finding the night sky hanging over me; I coughed and noticed the voices repeatedly coming in.
"Is everyone all right down there?" Trevor's voice came through.
"Layla's not waking up...!" Ivan's voice came through. "She protected me, and I lost it for a sec...I've messed up big...!"
"Zack, come on, wake up...!"
"Did anyone make it to the captives?" Trevor continued. "Zack, you there?"
"Don't you die on me!"
Something began beating me on my chest repeatedly, pulling me fully conscious. With dazed vision, I looked over to the redhead hanging over my body.
"Melanie...?" I asked groggily.
My assailant paused upon hearing my hoarse voice and looked at me. As my vision cleared, I was able to confirm it was her. The look of terror on her face was unmistakable and her reaction to me saying her name was a tight embrace that I didn't expect. Was she relieved that we were there to rescue them? The fact I was alive?
"I... have so many questions..." I laughed painfully.
"Just shut up and take the hug, you idiot." She said between sobs.
I wasn't going to argue with that. Not much I could do aside from process what just happened anyway. We were underground in Sorin's chamber when RagnaLoardmon blew us up, and now...wait.
Are we back where we started?
The radio noise continued to come in as Melanie eased up, allowing me to reach for my headpiece. "Trevor, I'm all right. How's everyone else?"
"Glad to hear from you." There was a quick jolt of static before Dr. Morris' voice came through. "Trevor's preoccupied at the moment, so I'll take over. We're trying to figure things out as we speak. From what Ivan just said, I'm guessing RagnaLoardmon caused some explosion?"
"More or less..." I admitted while Melanie helped me to get my bearings. Sure enough, Melanie and I were in the drop-off spot from when we first came here. "We got so far underground we couldn't contact anyone. We ran into Axel, who was recovering Ciel and the others before getting pulled away by Dorugoramon, who suddenly went berserk on us."
"Berserk?" Dr. Morris repeated. "What do you mean?"
"Something about Sorin's fortress set Dorugoramon on a rampage. By the looks of it, it took out Ciel, Garretson, and Jesse with no issue; I think it intended on destroying their cores had not Axel stepped in when he did."
"That's concerning... Have you seen any of the captives? Did you ever make it to them?"
"Right now, I'm trying to process how I ended up back where we started."
There was a pause on his end. "How fast can you make it back?"
"The sooner I figure out how I got here, the sooner I can answer that."
"And you didn't find any other captives?"
"We didn't. We were almost captured, but Sakuyamon and Mastemon rescued and directed us to Sorin. I get the impression that Sorin had something in his possession, and Arylide's activity with him was to get whatever it was. "Any idea what that would be?"
"I'm not sure, to be honest. For now, focus on finding your way back to the others. It seems that things are intensifying as we speak."
I didn't like the sound of that. "You can't teleport me closer?"
"Your position remains the safest distance from the conflict. I'd suggest you consider Ms. Whitaker's safety as well."
I paused, looking over at her. She gave me a confused look. "How did you know she was with me?" I asked.
"I'm the Caretaker of Omnia for a reason," he replied. "Nothing gets past me."
By that logic, he knew what Arylide was after and kept that from me.
"I suggest you hurry yourselves. I'll reach out to Trevor and the others to see their respective statuses."
"Appreciate it." I hung up and exhaled. "So..."
"So...?" Melanie crossed her arms. "What's happening?"
"Walk and talk," I pointed. Once I took a few steps, she began to trail behind me. "You weren't with the other prisoners, were you?"
"I wasn't." She confirmed for us. "Sorin separated me from the others because I had Eve with me. He stole my D-Streamer, corrupted her, and even made her look like me."
"Makes sense; Eve's Saibatar form was modeled after you, after all." I pointed out.
"That's...creepy." I could hear the slight disgust in her voice, paired with the embarrassed expression on her face. After a few seconds, she stopped as if she had realized something. When I turned back, I found her cheeks redder, and she held a scowl towards me, making me feel uncomfortable. "IS THAT WHY YOU WERE CALLING ME EVE BEFORE?!"
I was taken aback. I then recalled our first interaction, how, up until the very end, I thought she was Eve, only for me not to explain why I was calling her that.
"It's not like you corrected me in the beginning!" I defended, failing to hide my embarrassment.
"Wh—gross!" She shoved me back and built some distance between us.
I was so confused...
A chuckle came from my D-Streamer, drawing my attention. "Glad you find this humorous."
Director Jones materialized afterward, startling Melanie. The tall bipedal lion knelt and hunched forward. "I may not be able to fly, but I can run."
"Better than walking." I agreed, hoping onto his shoulder.
"Dangerous, but..." Melanie sounded hesitant.
"What other choice do we have? Your Dad and the others are in trouble, and we gotta reach them ASAP.
"Wait, why?" She realized. "Why is he here?"
"We'll explain on the way," Director Jones said, scooping her up unwillingly. Before she could protest, he lunged, soaring several dozen feet across the sky. He allowed sturdy tree branches to volley him with each landing, building momentum as we skated across treetops. Melanie was screaming with each lunge, while I, whose been accustomed to stuff like this, found the experience somewhat enjoyable. She finally calmed down a bit after we found a clear path for him to run on the rest of the way.
"You know, I would've preferred it if you'd open a gate for us like before," Melanie noted, straightening her hair.
"Dr. Morris said that where we ended up was the safest he could—! Wait, what gate?"
"Back at the castle. There was a white light when the explosion happened, and suddenly I found myself in that field alongside you. You were unconscious, and a gate was closing in front of us. I opted to try and wake you up for obvious reasons.
I was confused. Did I transform into Alphamon and save them? But how could I if Dorugoramon was fighting with Axel? I had to remind myself that she wasn't the most trustworthy person, so I had to take her words with a grain of salt. "Trevor, do you copy? Or anyone, for that matter?"
"I'm here. Are you all right?" He responded.
"Melanie, Director Jones, and I are racing back as fast as we can. The three of us somehow ended up back where we started after the explosion. Are things still chaotic?
"Most of the enemy forces have been dealt with, but we have a new problem on our hands…"
"Sorin, I'm assuming?"
"No, Dorugoramon."
I hesitated. "Have you seen Axel?"
"He went to locate the survivors. They seem to have gotten the same treatment as you—sent a ways off from the unfolding conflict. Morris explained the situation about Dorugoramon; what exactly happened in that castle?"
"I—I don't know…"
"You don't know, but you have an idea, don't you?"
I didn't say anything. "We'll rendezvous with the survivors. See you soon."
"Zack, hold—!" I hung up on Trevor before he could say anything more. I'm almost sure that Dorugoramon's feeding off my anxiety and stress. Trevor knows this. Instead of me losing my head like I did facing Wallace and the others as Alphamon, it's coming out through that dragon. And it looks like Axel couldn't handle it, so he bailed.
Just what the heck is Dorugoramon?!
Director Jones came to a screeching halt, nearly throwing us off his shoulders.
"What's wrong?" I asked, wondering why we stopped so hard. We still had a little ways to go to be at the fortress.
"Eve…?" I heard Melanie say with fear in her voice. I looked straight ahead and froze, seeing Evil Eve standing in our way, emotionless as ever.
"I thought Darkdramon reset her…" I said out loud. "She should've been free of the corruption…"
I froze as she stepped aside, allowing a gate to burst into existence. "You honestly thought I would let my beauty be taken as well?" Sorin's voice rang as the Saibatar stepped out into the open. Holding onto his scowl, he dragged something behind him, and upon realizing who it was, I heard Melanie's voice break.
"DAD!" She jumped off Director Jones' shoulder, but reactively the BanchoLeomon grabbed her from getting closer. "LET ME GO! DAD—DADDY!" She cried. "DADDY!"
Sorin scoffed and tossed his Mr. Whitaker over so he landed with a thud on the grass. He was covered in cuts and bruises, possibly from the explosion, or Sorin may have inflicted them. It didn't matter, as Director Jones' grip around Melanie weakened for a second, allowing her to escape and comfort her father. Meanwhile, I felt the heat in my chest and locked eyes with Sorin.
"Imagine my surprise that he, of all people, made it into this world as well," Sorin commented. "I presumed it was just coincidence, but sure enough, it's my own creator, or rather, a much weaker version of the man."
"Why are you attempting to resurrect MOD?" I demanded.
"What other reason is there for my creation?" Sorin countered. "This society was built on Coexistence between humans and AI."
"But I do not desire to ruin that—not anymore…" Mr. Whitaker groaned as he regained consciousness. Despite Melanie's insistence for him to be still, he forced himself up. "I'm fine, dear…"
"You don't." Sorin pointed out as Melanie helped Dr. Whitaker onto his feet. "But tell me that it won't be a matter of time before more humans discover Omnia's true nature and attempt to exploit it? Case in point…" he motioned to all of us.
"So, you kidnapped humans and brought them to Omnia; why?" I followed with an additional question.
"Simple. Humans have an intense influence on us, Digimon. I can at least bleed them dry of it before discarding them."
The guilt of the Dorugoramon situation struck in that second, but that's also when I realized something more directly related to this one: "And what better humans to farm than Pathfinders…"
Sorin snapped. "Bingo! Hunt down the strongest, harvest their strength, and kill them. Then turn that very power into an unstoppable force that will eradicate all who dare approach us. That is the MOD I'm trying to create."
"I won't allow that." Mr. Whitaker said, raising his arm. It shook a bit from strain, but it was clear that he was determined to fight.
"Oh, trust me, I'm aware of that," Sorin leaned against Eve's shoulder, drawing attention to her. Part of me was relieved that she was alive, though most of my relief was overshadowed by the shock that she was still like this. And then it hit me.
"The deck she used before…"
"Two for two, my friend." He confirmed, making the number 2 with his fingers. "The very influences of my captives have modified this beautiful young maiden. She herself will become the embodiment of the new and improved MOD." He paused for a moment. "I guess…we may need to change the acronym to 'Maiden Of Destruction…'"
"I've got one better," Darkdramon said, emerging from Mr. Whitaker's D-Streamer. "How about STHU?"
Sorin glared. "Vulgar creature."
"Tacky freakshow." Darkdramon countered.
"Come, Darkdramon!" Mr. Whitaker commanded, limping forward to join him. "Help me put an end to my past sins."
"Don't have to tell me twice." Darkdramon agreed, returning to the D-Streamer.
"Dad, you can't!" Melanie protested. She looked to me for support, and I hesitated to say anything. Neither of us could object with her D-Streamer in Sorin's possession and Dorugoramon running amok.
Unless, of course, we wanted to die.
"I encourage you to try," Sorin raised his arm.
The two stood ready before one another, their devices whirling to life. Director Jones took the pair of us and jumped back several feet to allow them room and to ensure our safety.
A man fighting to rectify his sins, and the sin itself who sought to grow in power.
This was the story of Blake Whitaker, formerly known as Talbot.
"DIGI-GATE: OPEN!"
"I'll begin by hatching Tsunomon!" Sorin took the first turn, summoning the orange-furred ball Digimon onto his side.
Tsunomon (BT6-006)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
"Tsunomon digivolves into Tsukaimon; then I play Labramon from my hand. Labramon allows me to draw a card and discard it. I'll discard Underworld Call, triggering its effect to allowing me to draw an extra card."
As such, Tsunomon digivolved into Tsukaimon, and the pink-eared dog Digimon materialized in the Battle Area, glowing with its effect activated.
Tsukaimon (BT3-079)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Labramon (BT4-079)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Blake)
Mr. Whitaker drew. "I hatch Pagumon, digivolve it into Commandramon, then play Hagurumon from my hand."
Commandramon materialized within the Raising Area, followed by Hagurumon, its gears churning about as it came online.
Pagumon (BT6-005)
Color: Black
Level: 2
Commandramon (BT5-061)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Hagurumon (EX1-045)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
3-0
"When Hagurumon enters play, I discard one Cyborg-type Digimon to draw two cards from my deck. I discard MetalGreymon to activate this effect."
Hagurumon glowed, triggering its ability. As such, Mr. Whitaker discarded, drew, and took one of his new cards. "I end by digivolving Hagurumon into Guardromon."
Hagurumon embraced the binary as the stream encased it in the bronze-colored armor, transforming it into the steam-powered robot.
Guardromon (EX1-047)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
0-2 (Turn Change: Sorin)
Sorin drew. "I play Sora and Mimi to end."
The simple play summoned the double tamers, older versions of Sora Takenouchi and Mimi Tachikawa, the former dressed in a sky-blue kimono and the latter a yellow polka-dotted purple dress.
Sora Takenouchi and Mimi Tachikawa (BT6-091)
Color: Purple
MEMORY
2-2 (Turn Change: Blake)
Mr. Whitaker drew. "Commandramon moves into the Battle Area. Then I play the Option Card: Ultimate Connection! I discard Andromon from my hand to draw a card and gain 2 Memory!"
MEMORY
2-1
1-3
"Guardromon, digivolve into MetalTyrannomon and Security Attack!" Mr. Whitaker declared as binary surrounded Guardromon. After its armor broke apart, revealing the cyborg dragon beneath, it raised its arms and charged blue energy between its claws.
MetalTyrannomon (EX1-059)
Color: Black
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
3-0
"Guardromon's IE effect allows me to discard MetalMamemon to allow me to draw two cards," he explained. "Fire MetalTyrannomon!"
Obeying his command, MetalTyrannomon unleashed the building energy causing Sorin's Security to react and block. The first one shattered immediately, though Sorin didn't seem bothered.
Sorin
Security: 5-4
"Security Trigger: Jack Raid," Sorin revealed, causing the Memory Counter to switch to 2 on his side.
MEMORY
0-2 (Turn Change: Sorin)
Sorin chuckled as he drew, "Now then, it's my turn. Tsukaimon moves to the Battle Area, then digivolves into Ogremon!"
The tiny purple mammal Digimon moved forward, transforming into Ogremon right afterward.
Ogremon (EX1-059)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
2-0
"Ogremon, Security Attack!" Sorin declared. "I discard SkullGreymon to grant Security Attack +1 to Ogremon! On top of this, the discarded SkullGreymon's effect allows it to be slid into Ogremon's Sources, granting it retaliation. Meanwhile, Tsunomon draws me a card for discarding via an effect."
"That won't matter because Commandramon will block it!" Mr. Whitaker countered.
Ogremon: 5000 DP
Commandramon: 2000 DP
Purple binary gathered around Ogremon's club, transforming it into a giant blade resembling SkullGreymon. Using it, Ogremon swung, with Commandramon stepping in and aiming its weapon. Despite the attempt to defend, Commandramon was smacked into the air by the massive weapon and ended up bursting into binary mid-air.
"Pagumon's IE effect now activates now that Commandramon was deleted," Mr. Whitaker revealed the top card of his deck, revealing Sealsdramon. "Sealsdramon is added to my hand."
"It's a shame it won't be around to block this! Labramon Security Attack!"
The pup Digimon howled and charged Mr. Whitaker, the Security appearing between them in response. Labramon headbutted the Security, breaking it.
Blake
Security: 5-4
In response to the security break, a second Sealsdramon appeared, and in a swift motion, it cut down the unsuspecting Labramon before taking its leave right after.
"Don't underestimate me, Sorin," Mr. Whitaker said as the binary codes flowed back to their respective Tamers. "I meant it when I said I would take you down."
"And I meant it when I said I encourage it," Sorin replied, taking a card from his hand. "Though I never said that I would stand idly by and let you. Ogremon digivolves into Orochimon to end my turn."
Ogremon roared and tossed his weapon into the air, said weapon turning into binary and raining back down on it, transforming it into a massive eight-headed snake Digimon, each of the heads appearing differently, be it organic or cybernetic.
Orochimon (BT7-076)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Blake)
It was too early to say who had the advantage, as both were strong in their own right. I felt a little anxious, unable to do anything, let alone know what I could do. Whatever had me turn into Alphamon is now gone, as I don't feel anything different from when we first touched down here.
While watching Mr. Whitaker hatch another Pagumon into Commandramon, I suddenly heard a voice through my headset. "Zack?"
"Wallace?!" I exclaimed, registering the unexpected voice. "Wallace, is that you?"
"Zack, what's going on? Axel and Arylide are fighting one another and—!"
"Look, I know it is confusing, but just sit tight; help is on the—what did you say?"
"Why is Axel fighting with Arylide? I thought you broke MOD's control over her in Arcadia?"
I hesitated to speak. "Wallace…do you know where we are?"
"We're in Omnia." He answered correctly. "SAIBA Enterprise fell under attack, and the students who went on the school trip have been trapped here for days. Axel rescued us and did something to give my and Isabella's memories back. After that, Arylide appeared, and Axel suddenly attacked her without much warning,"
"Okay, I'll explain that later. Is Mikayla with you guys?"
"She is, but Arylide showed up before her memories were restored."
"Then I need a favor. I don't think I need to tell you that this world is like Arcadia; Digimon are all over the place. Can you guys keep the students safe while we find a way out of here?"
"And you?"
"I'm with Melanie and her dad. He's fighting Sorin, the one responsible for all of this." I noticed Melanie's side-eye finally. "By the way, have you seen a rampaging silver dragon by any chance?"
"Arylide seems to have captured it. It could be why Axel is fighting her."
"She captured it?" I asked, surprised. "Wait…!" I looked up at Sorin. "You're after the X-Antibody, aren't you?!"
"MetalTyrannomon, Security Attack!" Mr. Whitaker ordered his dinosaur while using Guardromon's effect to discard the Sealsdramon and draw 2. MetalTyrannomon then took its shot while Sorin focused on me. In the meantime, WereGarurumon appeared from the Security, lunging for MetalTyrannomon.
MetalTyrannomon: 7000 DP
WereGarurumon: 7000 DP
"You figured it out…" Sorin smirked as the two Digimon did away with one another.
Sorin
Security: 4-3
"What do you plan on using with it? Eve wouldn't be able to handle the X-Antibody program; it would kill her!"
"As if I would waste such a treasure on a doll like her," Sorin corrected. "That power is dangerous; that much is true. However, I intend to utilize it in other ways."
"In what ways?"
Sorin smirked, withholding that information from me.
"Come to me, Ultimate War Machine! I play Machinedramon!" Mr. Whitaker interrupted, summoning the massive level 6 Digimon. Machinedramon nearly towered over the trees above our heads, letting out a roar that could be heard for miles.
Machinedramon (EX1-073)
Color: Black
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
MEMORY
3-9 (Turn Change: Sorin)
"I utilize MetalGreymon, Andromon, Volcanomon, Megadramon, and MetalMamemon from my trash to infuse into my beast, empowering it and gaining me a Memory for each. Machinedramon gains Piercing, Security attack +2, Blocker and can delete one of your cost five or lower Digimon when it attacks."
MEMORY
9-4
With the silhouettes inserting themselves one by one, Machinedramon grew with power, its hollow eyes illuminating in a furious red color. Sorin stood unfazed, drawing his card and turning his attention back to the match. "Thanks to Sora and Mimi, I gain 2 Memory from your lack of a Level 4 or lower Digimon on your side of the field.
MEMORY
4-6
"I then hatch Tsunomon and then digivolve it into Goblimon," Sorin continued, summoning the green goblin Digimon.
Goblimon (BT6-069)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"And now, I, the evil obsidian king of the skies, will descend to cast darkness upon this land!" Sorin said as a purple binary stream stirred around him. Rising, he floated back towards Orochimon, with the twister of binary now surrounding them.
"Orochimon digivolves into Murmukusmon!" Sorin cackled as his body completely broke down into binary and infused with Orochimon, transforming the eight-headed snake into Murmukusmon. Sorin continued to laugh maniacally as his eyes met with Machinedramon's.
Mumukusmon (BT6-079)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 10,000
MEMORY
6-3
"Don't give me that look…" Sorin said as Mr. Whitaker reacted to the former's exerted pressure. "At least let me drive you to despair first! Labramon, I summon you!"
Labramon appeared via command, the pup Digimon looking innocent beside Sorin's monstrous form. It glowed, triggering its effect.
MEMORY
3-0
"I draw and discard Eyesmon: Scatter Mode from my hand," Sorin said per the effect. "Tsunomon's effect allows me to draw a card per the effect. Now I attack; Ogremon's IE discards a second Scatter Mode to boost my power by +2000 DP, pushing me to 12,000 DP!
Murmukusmon: 10,000-12,000 DP
Sorin flexed his chest, causing the bird face on it to open its beak, generating fire from within. "Orochimon's IE also lets me discard a third Scatter Mode to gain memory.
MEMORY
0-1
Then finally, Sora and Mimi suspend to allow me to draw and discard; I discard Eyesmon, whose effect will enable it to be played from the trash thanks to having at least one Scatter Mode in my trash.
The creepy eyes dragon Digimon arose from the shadows, slacking its loose jaw and allowing its slimy purple tongue to drool from the side.
Eyesmon (BT7-072)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
By that point, Sorin's attack finished charging, and with a mighty roar, it fired a torrent of flames toward Mr. Whitaker.
"MACHINEDRAMON!" Mr. Whitaker exclaimed, ordering the empowered machine to retaliate by firing back.
Murmukusmon: 12,000 DP
Machinedramon: 11,000 DP
The two blasts collided with one another, and after a few moments of struggling, the power struggle resulted in Machinedramon's cannon malfunctioning. It survived, but its primary weapon was damaged beyond repair.
Sorin was surprised. "That didn't destroy you?"
"When Machinedramon would be deleted, I can remove two of its sources and send them to the trash. I remove MetalGreymon and MetalMamemon." Mr. Whitaker explained to him, causing Sorin to snicker.
"No matter. I play the Option Card Fly Bullet!"
"I remove Volcanomon and Megadramon!"
The rainbow bullet fired, and Machinedramon blocked it with its two claws, shattering into scrap afterward and leaving the machine visibly shorting, wires bleeding out of its open sockets. Despite lacking arms and cannons, the Frankenstein Digimon hummed in a low tone, even more intimidating than not.
MEMORY
1-6 (Turn Change: Sorin)
"You persistent fool…" Sorin snarled.
Mr. Whitaker drew. "That's your problem, Sorin. You and MOD fail to understand humanity. You both were nothing but tools born for one purpose."
Sorin scoffed, "In Omnia, I'm equal, if not superior, to you in every way. Free Will? Singularity? Such concepts are irrelevant. I'm not reviving the organization to have humanity submit, nor am I seeking to destroy everything mindlessly. No, I'm simply capitalizing on an opportunity of a lifetime. Needless to say, however…your meddling has set me back considerably."
"And don't think for a second I have any intention of stopping either! Commandramon, move into the Battle Area and attack Murmukusmon!"
Murmukusmon: 10,000 DP
Commandramon: 2000 DP
Murmukusmon cackled as Commandramon attempted to charge the Digimon several times stronger than it. "Don't make me laugh!" he swung his arm toward the ground, sending Commandramon flying once in striking range. The tiny dinosaur stood no chance, bursting into binary like a squashed bug.
However, as Melanie and I expected, this was calculated on Mr. Whitaker's part.
"That makes five…" Mr. Whitaker chuckled.
Sorin paused upon Mr. Whitaker's reveal of Darkdramon. "Sending my three Commandramon and two Sealsdramon from my trash to the top of my deck, I play the Ultimate Weapon of the D-Brigades: Darkdramon!"
Sorin was taken aback as an explosion of black binary ignited between them. Darkdramon roared upon entry, taking control of the situation with mere presence alone. Sorin, for the first time, looked visibly shaken.
Darkdramon (BT4-074)
Color: Black
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
MEMORY
6-7
"With each returned D-Brigade, I gain +2 Memory; with 5 D-Brigade in total, I regain 10 Memory.
MEMORY
7-3
"What is this?" Sorin hissed. "Just how is it that you're so powerful?!"
"It's simple, really…" Darkdramon answered, suddenly appearing before Sorin and impaling the titanic Digimon without hesitation. Sorin gagged reflexively, the shock disorienting him. "You didn't piss off just any human. You pissed off a father trying to make things right."
Sorin gritted his teeth painfully, "And…who the hell are you…exactly?"
Darkdramon scoffed and charged his weapon, "A hero making up for lost time! Dark Roar!"
Darkdramon: 11,000 DP
Murmukusmon: 10,000 DP
The blast engulfed the pair, a pillar of dark matter exploding and sending a shockwave that threw us off our feet. The energy pierced the sky; it looked like, if anything, it should give the others our location if they plan to come to us.
"Dad!" Melanie exclaimed, breaking from me and toward Mr. Whitaker. He, however, threw his hand back, halting her in place.
"Not yet…" He said, holding his breath. "We're far from done…"
"…glad you noticed…" Sorin said through the cloud of smoke. He alone staggered in his Saibatar form, his outfit torn and tattered, exposing the muscular build beneath. His hair was charred, and what would've been cuts and bruises were instead glitchy patches bleeding binary. "You're smart enough to know that I'll be damned to let you walk away after that!"
I felt something ominous from that, a colossal sensation rushing through me the longer I stared at Sorin.
"Zack…take Melanie and leave this world."
The words threw me.
"Dad…?" Melanie asked, taking a step forward. "What are you saying…?"
"Don't argue." He insisted. "Gather everyone and leave this world. I'll finish Sorin off and come right behind you."
"Wait, Dad, no!" Melanie protested. "We can't just leave you—!"
"Dr. Morris?" I called.
"Zack!"
"I have everyone set. Sorin's forces have been dealt with, and Trevor and the rest have rendezvous with the captives."
"And Arylide and Axel?"
"Arylide has escaped. For everyone's sake, I'm pulling Axel back along with everyone else."
"Zack, stop this; you can't!" Melanie approached me, but I ignored her. She kept vying for my attention, making this harder than it should be.
"Melanie, stop this right now!" Mr. Whitaker scolded. "You're acting like a child, and I will not stand for it!"
Melanie froze in her place, and the awkward scolding was made worse by Sorin's amusement. "Listen to the grown-ups, sweetie. You're not going to want to see what happens next."
Melanie threw a glare at Sorin.
"I'll be right behind you…" Mr. Whitaker said. "Don't worry."
I nodded for the both of us. "Pull us."
"Hold on, wait—!" Melanie was cut off by the sudden eruption of the Digital Gate summoned by Dr. Morris. Silence robbed her voice, and tears spoke for her. For added insurance, Director Jones appeared and picked her up.
She didn't resist.
After they went through the gate, I felt compelled to return to Mr. Whitaker for a moment.
"Can I entrust her to you?" Mr. Whitaker asked me with a solemn tone.
I felt pain when trying to answer. He took my arm and pressed his D-Streamer to mine. The notification that Darkdramon was installed flashed on the screen.
"I have no right to ask of this…but please…help her live the life I stole from her." he grew emotional.
"I…can I really do that?"
"You somehow figured it out. If you can teach her as well…that will be more than I can ask for."
"…I'll try my best."
Mr. Whitaker agreed to that. "Thank you, Zack. And I'm sorry for everything."
I shook my head. "I'm sorry for doubting you. Good luck, and see you soon."
Mr. Whitaker seemed surprised at that last bit, though I meant it. He intends to die, yet I believe that he will survive this.
I returned to the gate, where he turned his attention back to Sorin. Taking a deep breath, I stepped through, returning to Dr. Morris' pocket dimension with everyone awaiting on the other side.
"Zack!" I heard Wallace call out, with Nick, Adam, and Trevor following to greet me. However, my attention was fixated on the girls comforting Melanie, who was a sobbing mess. Megan was cradling her on the couch with the others showing their support. Meanwhile, Layla was lying in a separate bed off the side, with Emily and Ivan beside her, the latter kneeling by her side in guilt.
As much as we succeeded in doing what we set out to do, this was as bittersweet as anything else. And going by the screens, it was far from over.
"Zack," Dr. Morris called out to me, motioning me to come to the console where he was.
"We'll catch up later," I told the guys, to which there was no argument. We all approached and looked at the screens, finding Mr. Whitaker and Sorin staring one another down.
"You can tell I have one more trick up my sleeve, can't you?" Sorin asked.
Mr. Whitaker didn't verbally answer, as much as he steeled himself, filled with the determination to end Sorin once and for all. Sorin rolled his neck and his shoulders, holding onto a grin that grew contorted with every other second. "Murmukusmon's retaliation eliminated that foul creature, though you attacked so recklessly I presume you knew that. But you failed to realize that its true power activates upon its destruction."
I knew there was more to it.
"Now, allow me to show you my true power! Evil King of the obsidian skies, reclaim your mighty power and be reborn into Ornismon!"
Binary once more erupted around Sorin, purple light shrouding the area and blanketing the screen. Once it cleared, a loud screech echoed, shaking everyone in the room. We all were silent as we took in Sorin's true form, a massive bird in the same colors he sported; a purple body with cyan accents and pink feathers lining the wings.
Ornismon (BT7-080)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
The bird exerted such pressure that it was nauseating. I was impressed that Mr. Whitaker stood in the face of it unfazed still.
"You're but a bigger target for me to shoot down," He stated, pointing towards the beast in the sky. "Machinedramon, Security Attack!"
Machinedramon charged energy from its mouth cannon and fired a gold beam towards Ornismon, which was blocked by his Security naturally.
Sorin
Security: 3-2
"Security Trigger: Underworld Call! Ogremon returns to my Battle Area!" Sorin responded in a warped voice. Ogremon made its return as he stated, giving Mr. Whitaker company on the ground.
"It's time to end this charade," Sorin bellowed. "Submit, and I promise to make your death painless out of respect."
"It's a shame I can't say the same," he answered. "For I intend to have you feel every bit of this." He took a card from his hand, and Sorin chuckled.
"What could you possibly do in this state?"
"Destroy you for good. Machinedramon! Utilize your infinite energy to Achieve Salvation Through Chaos!"
The declaration caught several of us off guard, followed by the red binary surrounding Machinedramon. We stood in awe as it was slowly being reconstructed before us.
"Wha—what is happening?!" Sorin screeched.
What was happening? None of us had an answer; we could only watch as Machinedramon turned crimson in color, losing parts of its damaged armor to reveal muscle-like limbs, black in color with crimson grid patterns lining them. Its broken weaponry was rebuilt and evolved, becoming streamlined and less bulky without losing the powerful aesthetic.
"Machinedramon, Digivolve into Chaosdramon!"
The new Digimon roared intensely, sounding less like the soulless Machinedramon and more like a violent powerhouse, eager to stir destruction by any means.
Chaosdramon (BT7-080)
Color: Red
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
MEMORY
3-2
"Chaosdramon…?" I repeated while studying the monster.
"Amazing…" Wallace said, just as in awe.
Dr. Morris was silent. I turned to him, and the look on his face wasn't one I'd call pleased. I kept quiet and continued to watch.
"I will add MetalTyrannomon into Chaosdramon's sources, with Andromon who remained; aside from granting Chaosdramon Reboot and Blocker, the two Cyborg Digimon also allow me to delete two of your Digimon with 6000 DP or less!"
Sorin was verbally shocked, and even moreso when Chaosdramon's cannons flipped and blasted Labramon and the newly revived Ogremon into nothingness.
"I end my turn by playing Commandramon from my hand."
The blocker Commandramon, which he added back to his deck, appeared, bringing the intense moments of this one turn to a close.
MEMORY
2-2 (Turn Change: Sorin)
"Not only does that give him a second blocker, but that also prevents Sorin from benefitting from his Tamer!" I realized. "Mr. Whitaker got this!"
"Don't assume that quite yet," Dr. Morris said, equally focused. "…I told that fool not to use it…"
"Then why did you give it to him?" I asked.
"From one father to another. You're not a parent, so you wouldn't understand what one would go through for their child. I gave him Chaosdramon because I know the pain of losing everything. I traded logic for emotion, and I may have very well killed the man!"
"I wouldn't worry," Trevor inserted himself. "So long as it takes out Sorin—!"
"Omnia." Dr. Morris corrected. "Chaosdramon may very well take out all of Omnia…"
There was silence. All I could think of was, "thank god it was on our side," as well as realizing that he had no intention of surviving.
Goblimon moved forward on Sorin's side, joining himself and Eyesmon. "Eyesmon, Security Attack!"
The shadow dragon hissed and whipped forward, smacking Mr. Whitaker's security.
Blake
Security: 4-3
Andromon appeared, but the empowered dragon devoured it with little issue.
"Goblimon!"
Blake
Security: 3-2
Goblimon conjured a fireball and smacked it like a baseball, taking out another Security. Another Machinedramon emerged and blasted the unsuspecting Goblimon.
"And now I, Ornismon, will take out your final two Security!" Sorin declared, diving down towards Mr. Whitaker.
Not motioning to block the attack, we all watched anxiously as Ornismon fired a rainbow-colored beam from its beak, breaking through his final Security and leaving him open.
Blake
Security: 2-0
Sorin cackled. "It's over! All those claims of destroying me and for what?! Could it be that you had a change of heart? Have you let your human fallacy of fear get the better of you?"
"Double Security Trigger…" Mr. Whitaker's voice came through, surprising us all. "Pride Memory Boost, and…KAISER NAIL!"
Kaiser Nail? What does he plan on doing with that?
"I move Machinedramon from Chaosdramon's sources, placing it into the Battle Area!"
"Of course!" Trevor, one of our resident Blue Tamers, exclaimed.
"Mind explaining that to me?" I asked.
"Kaiser Nail doesn't deny On Play effects," Nick followed. "Kaiser Nail plays Machinedramon, triggering its effect."
Oh…OH! "That means that Machinedramon can regain its sources from the trash!"
Sorin on screen was left astonished as black binary flowed out of Chaosdramon and regenerated itself into Machinedramon. This was followed by silhouettes of MetalGreymon, Andromon, Megadramon, Volcanomon, and another MetalTyrannomon from his hand, infusing themselves into Machinedramon, empowering it once more. Both mechanical war machines roared in unison, with Sorin exhibiting the same emotion that he criticized Mr. Whitaker with prior.
MEMORY
2-3 (Turn Change: Blake)
"We truly are done here, Sorin. Let's rest knowing that both worlds are in good hands." He followed this by activating Pride Memory Boost's delay to gain two additional memories.
MEMORY
3-5
"…fine," Sorin accepted. "If I die here, then so be it. Come at me, Talbot! Let's watch how this tale ends from the sidelines, shall we?!" Sorin dove down like a cackling maniac toward Mr. Whitaker.
On the ground, Mr. Whitaker didn't hesitate to direct his attention forward. "Machinedramon!"
Machinedramon obeyed, firing the maximum output from its cannons, burning the Security into nothing.
Sorin
Security: 2-0
The Security revealed themselves as Rebellimon and Jack Raid, neither of which was enough to stop what was to come.
"TALBOT!" Sorin cried, tackling Chaosdramon off its feet and pinning it to the ground.
"CHAOSDRAMON! DIRECT ATTACK!" Mr. Whitaker exclaimed.
We went silent as the screen flashed white. The audio of the explosion itself didn't have a chance to register before the "No Signal" message flashed onto the screen. Dr. Morris ran his hand down his face, contemplating the moments, while the rest of us took time to process what had happened. Looking over my shoulder, I could see Melanie lying on Megan's shoulder, looking still and unmoved.
I couldn't unhear Mr. Whitaker's words to me before we broke off. How was I supposed to help her? Omnia is gone, and so is he…and even though Sorin's been dealt with, Arylide is still out there with Dorugoramon and, by extension, my powers.
Maybe…maybe it's better off with her. It's no use to me if the threat is gone, right?
I broke from the group of guys and made my way over to Melanie on the couch. Megan took note of me, and without saying anything, we swapped places. I put my arm around Melanie and relaxed.
We didn't say anything to one another.