A/N: Didn't have to wait for the the newest chapter this time. This arc will last about a few more chapters. Hopefully at the rate I'm going, I'll be done in May.
We're just about halfway through this arc anyway. So, let's keep this going.
xxxxx
Digimon Fusion Ascendancy
Act V: Dark HYDRA Network
Chapter XLII: The Hunt for BlackWarGreymon
xxxxx
Digital World/Laboratory Base
Miranda stirred in her sleeping chamber. She cried herself to sleep, seemingly struggling with something attacking her in her dream.
"No… No! Get back!" She cried out. "GET BACK NOW!" She screamed and kicked the glass of her chamber off its hinges. She awoke screaming and panting hard. Her face and eyes contorted with fear. "...that was just a dream?"
"It is. Are you ok, Miranda?" BlackWarGreymon asked as he approached her chamber bed.
"BlackWarGreymon…?" Miranda turned to him wide-eyed and panted. She let out a deep breath and quickly put on a cool exterior. "I'm fine now you're here."
"I won't let anything happen to you, Miranda. You programmed me to…"
"Protect me, I know, but we haven't much time to worry about my condition," Miranda said, propping herself out of bed. She stepped out wearing next to nothing, except a red and blue one piece swimsuit-like attire made out of latex fabric.
Miranda entered a room to get dressed. She finished and came out wearing her lab coat again and a new pair of clothes underneath.
"Shall we get going, BlackWarGreymon?"
"Yes, Jax and Sonja are waiting for us in the other room. They're ready to find and eliminate the remaining clones."
"Excellent, let's make haste then," she nodded to the black-armored giant. She paused and felt a sharp pain in her head.
BlackWarGreymon noticed her abnormal behavior. "Miranda, perhaps you should let me led the operation? You go and rest."
"No, I'll be fine. Besides, I must be there to collect the DigiHybrids. I've collected plenty for me to reformat their data and turn them back to normal," Miranda said. "The Dark HYDRA Network must be aborted at all costs." She picked up some capsules and stormed out of the room. "Are you coming, BlackWarGreymon?"
"Of course," he nodded and followed behind her.
xxxxx
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Desperate Plan)
Jax and Sonja saw Miranda and BlackWarGreymon walk up to them. The twins were already raring to go and eliminate the remaining clones.
"Are we set?" Jax asked them.
"Yes, and thank you for being patient with me. I needed to sleep it off," Miranda openly apologized to the twins.
"Well, we had time to kill and plan out how to deal with those clones. So, it wasn't a total waste of time," Sonja shrugged. "Are you feeling ok?"
"Yes, I'll be fine, Sonja. C'mon, let's get this over with." Miranda walked by the twins without looking them in the eyes.
Jax and Sonja briefly looked at each other before following her and BlackWarGreymon out.
BlackWarGreymon keenly monitored Miranda's behavioral patterns. Please, keep it together and suppress your urges as best you can, Miranda. Just a while longer and we can let these two return to their lives.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)/Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎)/8:45 AM
The next morning, the New Digidestined and their Digimon returned to report back to Fury, Izzy, Yamaki, Maki, and Daigo. Iron Man, War Machine, and Black Widow was also present in the meeting room.
"And that's our account," TK reported to Izzy and the heads in charge.
"Hmm, so Jax and Sonja are being our eyes and ears while cooperating with Miranda," Izzy noted all the new information he was given. "This contradicts my earlier belief that Jax and Sonja were reprogrammed by Miranda and turned loose against us."
"And some of y'all had doubts they'd turn against us?" Davis grinned. "I told y'all my babe would never betray us! She's too independent to let some nutjobs control her!"
"Or, in this case, nut job with a knock out body. She's a looker I tell ya," Veemon referred to Miranda.
Gatomon hissed. "Ugh, we didn't need to hear that, Veemon."
"Though, we were right that this BlackWarGreymon was a fake, Izzy," Tentomon added.
"Yeah, and if Miranda was able to build a BlackWarGreymon presumably based on BW"s data, then these clones of our friends that've been popping up on radar are her doing," the Bearer of Knowledge pointed out.
"What I don't get is why she'd want to destroy her own creations?" Yolei wondered.
"Perhaps they became too flawed?" Cody speculated.
"Perhaps, but we won't know until we ask her ourselves," Ken said.
"Good luck with that. She won't just spill the beans that easily," Kari remarked.
"Well, we at SHIELD have ways to make criminals talk," Fury stated. "Is that right, Romanoff?"
Black Widow shrugged. "Unless you want me getting captured by that freak again?"
Iron Man sardonically remarked at Widow's expense. "You getting captured again? I'd like to see that happen."
Irked by Tony's remark, Widow took a taser out and flashed it his face. He backed off, trying to stay on the former assassin's good side.
"Agent Romanoff, we'd be happy if you'd continue helping us track down anymore HYDRA soldiers still left in this city," Yamaki said. "Even if our friends here take down Miranda and her subjects, HYDRA's presence will still loom."
"It's what I'm here for."
Maki offered. "I'd be happy to help locating potential HYDRA networks."
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Conversation (Capsule Corporation))
"So, while we take care of the small fries, the Chosen will be still working to take down the Dark HYDRA Network camps," Daigo stated.
"And so far our teams have been doing a pretty prodigious job," Izzy said. "One team consisting of Sora, Mimi, Joe, and their Digimon have taken down two Dark HYDRA Network camps in the Digital World." He showed his laptop, which displayed Phoenixmon and Rosemon destroying a Dark HYDRA Network airbases. Another screen showed Plesiomon sink several Dark HYDRA Network naval ships.
Sora appeared on the screen and communicated. "We just got done taking out their airbases, Izzy! That'll cut them off from sending supplies to their land bases!"
Mimi then bumped into Sora and flashed two 'V's with her hands. "Yeah! Victory for us, guys! Go team!"
Joe appeared on another small screen. "There's still quite a bit ships left, but we're on our way to taking the rest down."
"We've sunk their battleships!" Plesiomon roared in the background.
The New Digidestined and their Digimon nearly facepalmed at Plesiomon's attempt at humor.
Another screen displayed BanchoLeomon, Sheila, and the Bantyo Team completely neutralize a Dark HYDRA Network ground base.
BanchoLeomon contacted Izzy. "We've dismantled a Dark Network base on our end. We're good to go taking down another."
"Piece of cake!" Sheila chimed in.
"You guys will need to tail Miranda," Izzy instructed the New Digidestined. "We've just located her and BlackWarGreymon's positions, but they're moving awfully fast."
"Looks like they're not wasting any time looking for the remaining clones," TK observed the beacon icons shaped like Miranda and BlackWarGreymon's heads.
"Wherever they're going, Sonja and her brother are, too," Davis frowned. "That's it! Let's track them down!"
"But, we must be careful, Davis," Ken reminded him. "Remember, those waves from that machine Miranda alluded to have drastically cut our Ascendant powers down to what they were before. We have to be smart and not try take them on. Miranda's our biggest threat."
"He's right, Davis," Yolei nodded. "Now's not the time to get bullheaded over this situation."
"I know. I just want Sonja back and her brother to see his girl again."
Just then, the doors opened behind the New Digidestined. Much to their surprise, Meiko Mochizuki walked in carrying Meicoomon.
"Oh, it's you! Meiko!" Kari addressed the dark-haired young woman with glasses.
"Please, if I may, I'd like to know if there's anyway I can help?" Meiko asked the New Digidestined. "I know Jax is out there being used by those bad people."
"Well, first off, he's fine. He's working as our eyes and ears while he's infiltrating Miranda's activity," TK informed Meiko.
"I see, but still… Meicoomon's been worried and she hopes Jax will be back so we can return to the animal reservations."
Iron Man shook his head. "We understand, but aren't my Iron Man Legion been handling the poachers?"
"Yes, and they've been doing an outstanding job driving away those horrible poachers, but… I just want Jax back home. That's all."
Hearing this, Davis approached Meiko and patted her shoulder. "Hey, I know how you feel. You want Jax back. I want his sis back. Sonja's my babe. We just need to hang in there a little longer until all this blows over."
"Really?" Meiko blinked, wiping her tears.
"That's a man promise!" Davis openly vowed as he flashed her a thumbs up.
"Well, ok then! But, Meicoomon and I still would like to help you if it's possible," Meiko once again offered her services.
"You'll be helping us by staying here. We can handle it from here, Meiko," TK reassured her.
"Ok then."
"All right, Izzy. I think we're all set," Kari approached him. "Just tell us where they're moving towards now."
"Right. They're heading for Digital City on the Directory Continent! You guys might want to get there on the double!" Izzy quickly instructed the group. He opened a Digiport in his laptop.
The New Digidestined whipped out their D3s and pointed them toward the sky.
"Directory Continent, here we come! Digiport Open!" The Bearer of Hope called out as he and the Chosen were pulled right in.
"Wait for me!" Davis called out as he grabbed Veemon and jumped through using his D3.
Sighing, Izzy leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples.
"Man, this has been most exhausting."
"Be glad you don't work for SHIELD, son." Fury chuckled on the jumbo screen.
Tentomon handed a napkin to Izzy to wipe his face. "You haven't gotten any sleep."
"There's no rest for the weary. If Tai, Matt, or Max were here, we'd be done with this," Izzy sighed.
"But, would they make a difference with these crazy waves affecting all of us?" The insect Digimon wondered.
Just then, Tike appeared using Instant Movement. He brought Keke, Kara, David, and Sam along with him.
"Whoa, talk about fantastic timing!" Izzy exclaimed.
"Max and BW will be on their way, but the least we can do is help take down any remaining Dark HYDRA Network bases," Keke offered.
"The waves might've watered our Ascendant strength down, but we're still strong enough to tear down those bases," Sam said.
"Yeah, let's some cleaning up and kicking some butt, Tike!" David said.
"Oh yeah!" Tike replied.
"Man, are we ever happy to have you guys here," Izzy sighed with relief.
"You look like crap," Kara remarked.
"Lack of sleep, but I'll manage."
"That's not good for you, Izzy," Sam said. "Take a rest."
"Not while you all need me to give you coordinates."
Keke sighed. "Suit yourself, but you're getting lots of sleep after we crash the bad guy's entire network. So, did you just send Davis and the others to deal with Miranda."
"Yeah, but they should be ok."
"Well, we're here if they need the backup," Sam said. "I especially have to worry about Ken and Yolei."
"Yeah, us, too! TK and Kari don't have the full strengths to fight that Miranda bitch!" Tike said. "But, David and I can still do our fusion!"
"Right! Hey, is Davis doing ok?" David asked Izzy.
"Yeah, in fact, he's making sure Sonja and Jax are doing their parts."
Keke smiled. "That's good. I'm glad those two are still with us."
"All right, I'm about to send you guys to the nearest enemy base in the Digital World," Izzy informed the D3s.
"Good, we could use the warm-up," Kara popped her knuckles.
"Wherever you send us, it doesn't matter to us," Sam said.
"All right, how does Rail Town sound?"
The D3s nodded in unison.
"Great, I'll open the Digiport for you all."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/Rail Town
(Cue Persona 4 OST - Castle)
The D3s wasted no time taking down the entire Dark HYDRA Network base of this vicinity. Despite their sheer numbers and transports, the Ascendants effortlessly crushed their forces. Numerous HYDRA soldiers and Dark Network Digimon were placed in stasis chambers.
Sam dusted his hand. "That should do it. These chambers I helped build should contain them."
"Great, and there's probably still a few more bases left we need to crash," Keke said.
"We did great work here, Daike!" Kara said as the Meta-Fused child sat on a pile of wrecked Dark HYDRA Network machines.
"Eh, wake me when we get to fight some worthy guys," Daike yawned, stretching both arms forward.
"We'll let TK, Kari, and the others worry about finding BlackWarGreymon and Miranda," Keke said.
"If they're not too careful, they might need our help."
"It'll be ok, Sam. Max and BW should be coming anytime," Keke reassured him. "Now, let's find and wipe out their remaining bases."
"Right!" The D3s shouted in unison.
xxxxx
Digital World/Directory Continent/Digital City
Upon taking down a Zordiark X and Sam clones, Jax and Sonja blasted them away. They turned their attention over to Miranda, who just collected another DigiHybrid. BlackWarGreymon quickly knocked the beast out. It was a mammalian beast hybrid rather than another dinosaur. This beast has the combined features of a Gazimon's face, a Monochromon's base body, the spiked back fins of a Gizamon, and the horns of a Rhinomon.
"That clears the last of those annoying clones," Jax confirmed their kills.
"Good, I've collected the DigiHybrid. Now, this one I can't seem to identify, but it interestingly has the features of four different Digimon. You see…" Before Miranda can finish, Sonja cut her off.
"That's nice, but we don't have time for scientific stuff. We need to get rid of more clones. The sooner the better," Sonja promptly stated.
"Y-Yes, you're right," Miranda sealed the beast in a capsule. "I'm ready."
As the four left, a portal opened up and released the new Digidestined. However, by the time they came out, it was too late. They noted the signs of a battle, including damaged roads.
"Aww man! We just missed them!" Davis snarled in frustration.
"And since they're Artificials, we can detect their energy signals," Ken nodded dismissively.
TK contacted Izzy with his D3. "They just left. We'll need to you to pinpoint their next destination."
"Will do, TK! I'm tracking them right now!"
"So, in the meantime, we check the area and see if anyone can tell us what direction they took," Kari instructed the team.
With that, the Chosen asked for the locals about the Artificials and the exact way they departed toward. Cody was able to get an eyewitness to tell him which direction the Artificials went to.
"Guys, they headed southeast from here!" Cody communicated through his D3.
"Good, we'll get some idea where they're going," Armadillomon said.
The Chosen reconvened and arrived at the southeast vicinity of Digital City. Davis evolved Veemon into Imperialdramon. They hopped on Imperialdramon and flew across the Digital World.
Izzy's voice chimed in out of TK's D3. "Ok, I've found their exact location! Go to Wild West Town!"
"Oh that place sure takes me back," Yolei groaned.
"You heard him, Imperialdramon! Wild West Town on the double!" Davis yelled out.
With that, Imperialdramon zipped right over toward that specific location.
xxxxx
Digital World/Wild West Town
BlackWarGreymon spun around, hitting a DigiHybrid with a Black Tornado. Managing not to kill the creature, the black-clad Mega knocked the DigiHybrid out. Miranda walked over to collect the bat-like creature with scorpion's features, including a stinger and several appendages.
"This is Scorpipismon, a cross fusion between Scorpiomon and Pipismon. Thankfully, we stopped this creature before it did severe damage to this town," Miranda said as she sealed the creature in a capsule.
Meanwhile, Jax and Sonja finished off Phoenixmon and Rosemon clones.
"I really feel bad having to kill Sora's partner even if it wasn't really hers," Sonja muttered, walking away from the remains of the slain clone.
"Don't be. Sora and Biyomon would've been thanked you for it," Jax assured her.
"We're done here," Miranda said as she pulled out a device and opened a portal into Earth. "Come. There's clones we need to eliminate on the other side, too."
"Ready, sis?"
"Let's do this."
With that, the Artificials stepped through the portal as it closed behind them.
By the time Imperialdramon reached the vicinity, it was too late. The New Digidestined and their Digimon were greeted by Starmon and Deputymon, who told them all they've witnessed.
"A couple of hoodlums came in and took down some monsters that terrorized this here town!" Deputymon informed the New Digidestined.
"Things coulda gone plain loco if not for those hoodlums. Praise them," Starmon nodded.
"Did these 'hoodlums' as you described come with a big tall and black WarGreymon-looking Digimon?" TK asked the sheriff and his deputy. He then showed him a picture of BlackWarGreymon through his D3.
"Yeah! Big, tall, and scary, too! But, he saved our town, too!" Deputymon pointed to BlackWarGreymon's profile.
"Besides those two hoodlums, he had a pretty lady in a white coat telling us they'd handle those monsters. What a nice and thoughtful lady. Uh huh, wish she given me an ol' kiss," Starmon said, his cheeks blushing and eyes forming into beating hearts.
"Damn it. We just missed them!" Davis cursed, stomping his feet down.
"They could be anywhere in the Digital World by now," Cody said.
"Actually, they've just crossed over into our world, guys," Izzy spoke through TK's D3.
"Then, we're crossing back over," Kari nodded.
"Before you do, there'll be plenty of those clones. They've been running amok and Fury wants them eliminated. Can you guys handle them? I'll keep track of BlackWarGreymon and his group."
Hearing this, Davis almost wanted to curse again.
"It'll be ok, Davis. We'll catch up to them later," Imperialdramon reassured him.
"Yeah, let's take our frustrations out on these clones," Ken convinced Davis to vent his anger on the clones.
"All right, let's take down those clones!" Davis declared. And then we're coming for you, babe!
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/Ice-Snow Area
BanchoLeomon rushed at a Mammothmon and knocked it over with a quick and single Flash Bancho Punch. The Troopmon and HYDRA soldiers riding the beast fell off. Sheila unleashed psychic threads, ensnaring her victims in her trap.
"That should take care of them," BanchoLeomon muttered.
"Where do you want them?" Sheila asked.
"Do what you want. Just don't kill them. We need answers"
"You won't get us to talk!" A HYDRA soldier protested, to which Sheila grabbed him by his collar.
"Wanna change your mind now?" Sheila slyly smirked, staring the enemy soldier dead in the eyes.
"Hail Hydra…" He clenched his teeth and bit into something. He quickly frothed at the mouth as he killed himself, concealing the secrets behind their organization.
It wasn't long as most of the other HYDRA soldiers performed the same suicidal tactic. However, BanchoLeomon managed to stop one and made him spit out the cyanide capsule. He lifted the HYDRA soldier with one hand and growled intensely.
"Don't even try," the Bancho leader snarled. "Now, tell us if the mastermind behind this alliance is this woman." He opened a orb, which projected a visual of Miranda.
The HYDRA soldier became visibly shook and nodded. "Yeah, that's her… don't be fooled by her harmless appearance… she… augh! AUGH!" He screamed in pain something triggered and electrocuted his brain. "Hail… Hydra!" He sputtered his last words as he died.
(Cue Hunter x Hunter (2011) OST - Scariness)
"Geez, either Miranda went to great lengths to make sure no one talks or HYDRA has one messed up system," Sheila was taken aback by the extreme measures.
"I'd say both, but it's too late they've already confirmed out suspicions," BanchoLeomon dropped the now dead HYDRA soldier. "I wish it didn't had to come to this, but it can't be helped."
"What a dead human? He knew what he signed up for," Sheila shrugged. "You can't change them the way you and your friends did for me."
"Still…"
"Forget it, kitty cat. Let's go and check in with the others."
Just then, the other Team Bantyo members raced over to meet with BanchoLeomon and Sheila.
BanchoGolemon knelt before his leader. "We've neglect to report all those HYDRA soldiers offed themselves before we can get any information out of them."
BanchoStingmon added. "I didn't think there'd be humans this hellbent on preventing intel leaks."
BanchoLillymon made an ick face. "It grossed me out. I tell you, this is nuts."
BanchoMamemon addressed the Bancho leader and Sheila. "So, I take it you didn't get anything."
"We did and it's just as we suspected. Miranda is the mastermind behind this unholy alliance," BanchoLeomon confirmed.
Just then, Max's voice telepathically reached Team Bantyo and Sheila.
Good job taking down the Dark HYDRA Network bases. Keep at it, because BW and I are heading for Earth right now. We've located Miranda and company's positions.
"Great, but be careful, Max," BanchoLeomon advised him. "With those waves hindering our strengths, we can't fight at our absolute best."
"But, we sure as hell can make up with whatever nifty techniques we've got," Sheila said, alluding to her paralysis threads.
Thanks for the concerns, my friends. We'll be fine. BW's voice could be heard as he chimed in alongside Max.
When you're done, be sure and pop into Earth to take care of the clones that are running amok. Hopefully we cross paths. Max finished his telepathic link.
"Right, we still have some work to do, Team Bantyo! Let's move!" BanchoLeomon rallied his crew.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digital World/Continent of Server/Piximon's Home
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Knockout Blow (1:12 - 1:56))
With the help of Piximon, Sora & Phoenixmon and Mimi & Rosemon swiftly took down an infantry of various Nightmare Soldiers, Troopmon, and HYDRA soldiers.
Cupping her hands forward, Sora launched fiery blasts to blow away a few HYDRA soldiers. She then summoned her bow and arrows, firing multiple Arrows of Love at some Troopmon. Mimi used her Fan of Sincerity to knock away many HYDRA soldiers and Vilemon.
Piximon quickly flew around a many HYDRA soldiers and tied them up with a bow string. He flicked the thing string.
"You boys won't be breaking this! Nope, nope!" Piximon playfully smirked.
"We won't fall to women and pets! Hail Hy-!" The HYDRA soldier got clocked by Mimi before he can finish.
"Hail that! I'm so tired of hearing that stupid phrase!" Mimi vented her disdain.
"I guess you guys don't want to talk?" Sora gave the enemies a heated glare.
Phoenixmon and Rosemon finished taking down a HYDRA transport.
(End theme)
"That takes care of their resources," Phoenixmon said. "Now they can't access and communicate with other posts."
"You won't end the Dark HYDRA Network alliance!" Another HYDRA soldier bit into a cyanide pill. "Our tentacles have firmly become entrenched in this world!" He quickly frothed and kill himself.
The other HYDRA soldiers did the same, causing Sora and Mimi to flinch with disgust.
"Oh god, did they just…?!" Mimi gasped.
"I'm afraid so," Piximon frowned.
"This is just sick," Sora expressed her disgust.
I agree, but nothing much can be done for them. They made their choice to join HYDRA. Max telepathically communicated with Sora and company.
"Max! Have you been able to contact Tai?" Sora directly asked him.
They're still on Beerusmon's world…
"Well, tell them to get their butts down here now!" Mimi yelled out.
"I think you've all been doing well without those two so far," Piximon nodded.
"True, we have," the Bearer of Love realized. "We haven't needed those two to come save us."
But, BW and I will be coming. We're going to be closing in on Miranda on Earth.
"They're on Earth already?!" Phoenixmon gets taken aback.
"That's not good," Rosemon remarked.
Mimi added. "But, we still have Jax and Sonja working for us, right?"
Yeah, they're still acting as our plants. Seems Miranda gets triggered by hunger similar to D-Reaper. Max informed them.
"Well, that doesn't sound too bad. Yeah…" Mimi muttered sardonically, but with a dash of concern.
"Whatever you two do, be careful," Sora wished them well.
Thanks. Hopefully we meet up soon. With that, Max ended their telepathic link.
Mimi turned facing Sora's way. "What do you think?"
"They should be ok. Let's just finish up here," The Bearer of Love muttered, not even looking Mimi in the eyes.
"Come, let's at least cover the bodies of these dead men," Piximon threw blankets over the dead HYDRA soldiers. He then sealed the Troopmon and Nightmare Soldiers inside energy cubes.
"Hunger like D-Reaper? Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Sora dreaded, muttering under her breath.
xxxxx
Outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada/United States/6:00 PM (PDT)
Somewhere and far off within the southwest United States, a manhunt was underway for the dangerous Gamma monster. However, it has been over 90 days since the last Hulk sighting. The man behind the beast, Dr. Bruce Banner, has been on the move across America's continental to avoid capture at every cost.
Bruce, under guise wearing a blue hoodie and purple jeans, entered a local diner. He looked absolutely exhausted. His eyes were droopy and black circles around his eyes, indicating lack of healthy rest. His face was unshaven. He walked up to the bar and sat next to a large man, who was built and looked like a truck driver.
"What can I get you?" A middle-aged waitress asked Banner.
"Coffee. Lots of coffee," Banner asked as the waitress went to fetch a fresh cup of coffee for him.
The burly man sitting opposite from Banner cut half of a pancake and devoured it. Bruce deeply sighed and glanced over to the man's plate.
"Sorry, but I ain't sharing any."
"I wouldn't even…" Banner turned away, averting eye contact with the large hungry man.
The waitress returned with the coffee and gave it to the waitress. Banner gave handed her a couple of bucks.
"Here, I'll just drink up and leave once I'm done. Keep the change."
The waitress took the few dollars Banner had and headed away. Banner stared into his own reflection through the coffee in his cup. He wore the same glum expression for days.
The man finished eating his pancakes and watched Banner. Banner proceeded to drink down his coffee. After finishing, Banner headed out the door. He paused when something painful triggered his head. He grabbed his head and heard a deep growl inside his mind.
No, not now! I can't now! Is there an imminent threat close by?! Banner internally communicated with the green monster inside his head.
Flashes of the Hulk's glowing green eyes flared in Bruce's subconsciousness. The monster roared and warned him.
"They're here! They come to get us!"
As his eyes opened, Bruce found the large man standing behind him. Several other dine guests got up from their seats and pulled out their guns.
The large man, standing over 7 feet over Banner, put on spiked brass knuckles.
"Heh, you're coming with us, Dr. Bruce Banner. SHIELD has you surrounded." the man chuckled deeply, peering down at Banner's small stature.
Deeply sighing, Banner backed off. "You don't want to do this."
"Try us, Banner. You're surrounded."
"But, you wouldn't want to make him mad!" Banner yelled out as his eyes turned green.
The disguised SHIELD officers opened fire using tasers to immobilize Banner before he had a chance to 'Hulk' out.
(Cue The Incredible Hulk (2008) OST - Hulk Smash)
However, that did what the Hulk wanted. Bruce Banner transformed right away as his clothes ripped away. His frail body bulked out and a green complexion covered him completely. As his clothes tore at the seems, he was left with only his purple pants, which tore and now became purple shorts. The purple shorts was able to fit his now larger frame.
Boom!
The monster busted out of the diner and jumped far off into the distance. He left most of the SHIELD officers laying, but none were thankfully killed. Even the large SHIELD agent was out cold.
After over 90 days, the Hulk was once again on the loose to unleash carnage on those standing in his way.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Meanwhile, not too far from the last Hulk sighting, the Artificial twins, BlackWarGreymon, and Miranda landed at a sight to find the nearest clone. They scanned the wasteland and the mesa laden area.
"Nice work unlocking a lot of your power, sis," Jax acknowledged Sonja's growing strength.
"We've still got some ways to go, but we can get used to fighting like this," she plainly said.
"Your link ratio is also steadily increasing," BlackWarGreymon observed.
Just then, they paused and heard a loud roar coming from their opposite direction. BlackWarGreymon was the first to spot a green mass of muscle and destruction heading their way.
"Move!" BlackWarGreymon charged as he and the other three dodged.
Boom!
The Artificials stood and faced the indestructible force that landed right in the middle of their spot. Jax and Sonja were shocked to see who had just landed in front of them.
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Evil)
Jax gaped. "Hey, sis, check it out! It's the big green guy!"
Sonja blinked in bewilderment. "The Hulk? Here?!"
BlackWarGreymon quickly guarded Miranda, who poked her head through and recognized the Hulk.
"Dr. Bruce Banner?" Miranda gasped, quickly identifying the monster's profile.
"Wait, you know him?" Sonja asked her.
"Y-Yes, I met Dr. Banner before and during his Gamma radiation testing. I met him long before he turned into… well, the Hulk," Miranda examined Hulk's features. "It seems he hasn't found the cure he's been looking for. I know he went to Dr. Samuel Sterns for a cure, but as we can plainly see that's appeared to be a failure."
"I do recall Hulk fighting some other monster in New York somewhere," Jax said.
"That was an abomination," Miranda referenced the other monster. "And it was an attempt to create the perfect Super Soldier, but Blonsky had different ideas and coerced Dr. Sterns to give him the formula that turned him into a monster."
The Hulk scanned his onlookers with furious disdain and roared. Jax, Sonja, and BlackWarGreymon took on fighting stances. Each had the individual strength to fight and subdue the green monster, but Miranda had other ideas.
"Wait. Stand down," Miranda demanded and beckoned the three away.
"Are you insane, Miranda? He'll hurt you," BlackWarGreymon pleaded.
"It'll be ok, BlackWarGreymon."
"She's right, big guy," Jax reassured him. "Besides, didn't you say she's more powerful than Virus? She can handle Hulk if she's as strong as you say she is."
"Miranda, we're right here if you need us," Sonja said, eyeing the woman approach the Hulk.
BlackWarGreymon held his ground and cautiously watched Miranda make contact with the Gamma monster.
When Miranda extended to a hand to him, Hulk snorted and backed off.
"It's ok, Dr. Banner. It's me. Dr. Miranda. Don't you remember me?" She tried to reason with him. "I was there in support of your Gamma research. I even met your then-love interest, Betty. I can help. I have equipment that can possibly remove the Gamma that's turned you into this."
Narrowing his eyes, Hulk growled. He looked down at her hand, which was tiny comparable to his giant hand. He backed away having lost trust and faith in others. Miranda softened her features, conveying sympathy for the man turned beast.
"I won't judge what you've become, because in a way, I, too, have a beast inside me. I can relate, Dr. Banner," Miranda said. "Please, let me help."
As she walked up to Hulk, Miranda still reached for him. Hulk continued backing away.
The voice of Banner pleaded to the monster. "Let her help you, Hulk! Please, she can help us!"
"Augh!" Hulk roared. "But, she have monster inside her!"
As Hulk turned to Miranda, he stomped toward her.
"Hulk save you from monster!" The green behemoth seemed to recognize the other persona hidden like a shadow inside Miranda. He reached for Miranda.
"NO!" BlackWarGreymon yelled as he whisked Miranda away from Hulk's reach.
As Hulk turned to attack BlackWarGreymon, Jax and Sonja cut the green monster off from the pass. The Hulk held his ground and faced down the Artificial twins.
"Hulk don't trust the monster in her!" The green beast roared. "Hulk help lady and smash the monster!"
"Monster? What the hell are you blabbering about?" Jax demanded an answer.
"Miranda, what's he talking about?" Sonja asked her. "What monster?"
"Monster responsible for all the bad things happening!" Hulk bellowed, fiercely glaring at Miranda.
"You mean all the things involving HYDRA and the Dark Network?" Sonja wondered as she turned to Miranda. Jax and I have had our suspicions about Miranda, but now the the light is starting to uncover the truth. "Miranda. BlackWarGreymon mentioned your urges. Could that be the monster Hulk is referring to?"
Sighing, Miranda regretfully answered. "I...I'm sorry, but I'm afraid Dr. Banner is right."
"It's what she was referring to what happened the other day before she was able to get her urges under control," BlackWarGreymon interjected. "Though, as we speak, Miranda has no recollection of that now."
"I can't explain how and why I even involved myself with HYDRA much less united them with the Dark Network or any of this clone business," Miranda explained. "Traces of my creation still remain… my artificial soul and link system are still here."
"I… I can't believe this," Sonja gasped.
(End theme)
"You no remember anything? You play with Hulk's head?!" Hulk snarled. "Hulk no got time for jokes! Hulk make you remember!" He smashed the ground with his fists, unearthing it and causing an earth shift that rattled the group.
However, the Artificials casually jumped up and landed further back from Hulk's range.
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Confrontation)
"Let me handle him," Jax volunteered. "He's getting in our way. One blow should suffice."
"Just knock him out and we can move on," Sonja suggested.
"No, let me do it," BlackWarGreymon insisted. "He threatened to harm Miranda. I can't let any harm come to her."
Miranda frowned and tried to confront Hulk, but BlackWarGreymon stopped her.
"Stop! If you fight him, you won't be able to suppress your hunger!" He ordered her back. "You need to escape for now!"
"No, BlackWarGreymon, remember… you promised to stay with me." She looked at him pitifully, causing him to soften his eyes and withdraw.
Miranda casually walked up toward the Hulk. Unable to suppress his anger, Hulk bellowed fiercely and pounded his chest. In response to Hulk's threatening presence, Miranda flexed her power as a reddish pink aura sparked over her.
"What's happening?!" Sonja exclaimed as the reddish pink light enveloped Miranda.
"Looks like she's about to cut loose!" Jax exclaimed.
"She's transforming to her battle form!" BlackWarGreymon shouted.
As the reddish light faded out, Miranda unveiled her transformation. Gone was her lab coat, which got burned away by the intense heat of her aura. Her glasses was gone. Her clothes burned away, too. Before she wore blue and red short dress, black stockings, black elbow length arm sleeves, and red & blue heel boots. She had a very curvaceous figure. In place of her civilian wardrobe, Miranda now wore a black tube top, retaining her black arm sleeves, and gained white baggy pants. Her red and blue heel boots became black and yellow ones. The biggest notable change was her now pink complexion. Her hair became pale pink. Her ears quickly become pointed. She also gained a long pink tail. When she opened her eyes, they were still cool and pale blue.
Miranda's red aura still radiated off her still curvaceous but now pink body. Jax and Sonja were shocked by this transformation. Her form resembled the D-Reaper's evil forms, specifically the Teen-Reaper. They speculated if D-Reaper was one of the entities' whose data was incorporated into Miranda's being.
"I can't believe this…" Sonja was flabbergasted.
Jax was appalled. "She's added that creature's data into her?"
"The D-Reaper's data was the final addition to Miranda's body. She insisted on possessing the D-Reaper's power to make herself stronger than Virus hoped to dream of, but it came at a cost…" BlackWarGreymon dreaded what could possibly become of Miranda and her current situation.
Growling, Hulk confronted Miranda. "So, monster come out to fight."
"I've very terrified of my hunger… about losing control…" Miranda shook her head. "But, I'm more scared seeing… someone I love get hurt or much worse!"
"Hulk smash monster!" Hulk bellowed as he charged at Miranda full head of steam.
The green beast lunged straight at Miranda and punched the earth in front of her. Splitting the earth in two with a single fist, he caused Miranda to fly into the air. Miranda quickly flew up and watched Hulk jump up to seize her. Miranda swerved out of Hulk's reach and kicked the side of Hulk's neck. She sent Hulk plummeting hard on the ground. Miranda landed near Hulk and raised a hand, forging a Ki ball to knock him out.
Just then, Hulk's eyes shot wide open and reawoke. He quickly snatched Miranda's left ankle and effortlessly lifted her like a ragdoll. The Gamma monster roared and swung Miranda around. She threw her far and slammed her into a rock face. Then, coming at her like a freight train, he charged and prepared to ram into her with devastating force. Miranda quickly vanished, letting the behemoth rush headlong through Miranda's after image and the rock face.
With a Thunder Clap, he shattered the debris burying him. He surveyed the area. Miranda was nowhere in plain sight. He looked around in confusion. As he turned to face the Artificials, the beast seethed and roared at their direction.
"Come on, you big freak!" Jax goaded the Hulk, who came running toward them.
"You two stand back!" BlackWarGreymon ordered the twins back. He propelled toward the Hulk and struck him with a swipe with his Dramon Killer claw.
As he snapped around, Hulk went for a punch. BlackWarGreymon parried the Gamma monster's fist. He then caught the green monster with an uppercut and knocked him up.
"I can take him from here, BlackWarGreymon!" Miranda called out as she quickly phased above the Hulk. She launched a Ki ball. She slammed the Ki ball into Hulk as it exploded on impact with the Gamma monster. She and BlackWarGreymon hastily flew away, watching the Hulk getting pulverized by the explosive blast.
(End theme)
As the explosive blast died, Hulk's roars ceased as he collapsed in a heap and fell unconscious. His regenerative ability allowed him to at least survive, but not enough to keep going in the fight.
Both Miranda and BlackWarGreymon descended near Hulk, who stopped stirring but was still breathing.
"She made that easy, but I would've taken him down quicker," Jax remarked.
"At least, she didn't kill him," Sonja said. "Come. Let's see what she intends to do with him."
xxxxx
Upon arriving, Max and BW took cover as they witnessed Miranda taking down Hulk.
"Damn, that didn't take long," BW muttered, watching Miranda bring down the seemingly indestructible Gamma monster.
"No surprise. He might've had the superior physical strength, but Miranda far outclassed him in every other category," Max stated.
Just then, BW pivoted and locked eyes with BlackWarGreymon's way. "Look, Max."
"It's the BlackWarGreymon clone we've been searching for."
"We need to confront him!" BW called out as he flew over past the rock croppings they were hiding behind.
"Wait, BW!" Max called out and flew after him.
xxxxx
After bringing Hulk down, Miranda landed and seemed shakened. Jax, Sonja, and BlackWarGreymon went up to her. As BlackWarGreymon reached for her, a Ki beam exploded between them and cut him off from Miranda.
BlackWarGreymon turned and stared up at BW, who dropped in front of him.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Humiliating Defeat)
"It's you… or rather, the original me!" BlackWarGreymon exclaimed, intently glaring at the interloper.
"The one and only," BW furrowed his brows and confronted the black-armored behemoth. "We have much to discuss."
"BW!" Sonja exclaimed. "Are we glad to see you!"
"Yeah, what took you?" Jax asked him.
"No, I must protect Miranda!" BlackWarGreymon roared as he and BW clashed.
BlackWarGreymon threw a right fist that BW caught. The behemoth tried to claw swipe him with his other hand. BW tucked under his Dramon Killer strike and kicked him in the chest, sending him flying into the air. BW shot up and fought BlackWarGreymon in aerial battle.
"B...BlackWarGreymon…" Miranda muttered as she felt a sharp pain in her head. "No… no, not now… must bear the hunger… suppress the urge…" She muttered while eyeing Hulk's prone body.
Just then, Max descended in front of Jax and Sonja.
"Hey, we came to get you, but we also need answers," Max said, briefly watching BW going head to head with BlackWarGreymon. "Don't worry, BW won't destroy that clone of his. We just want to know what the hell's been going on."
"Well, apparently, you're looking at the one responsible for the Dark HYDRA Network," Sonja said, turning to Miranda's way. "But, for some reason, she doesn't even remember anything about it."
"And she just beat Hulk senseless," Jax said.
Nodding, Max faced Miranda.
"Be careful, Max. She's dangerous. She's been trying to suppress her urges to feed."
"I know. We've been watching y'all from the Other World," Max replied. "And we know Miranda almost tried to feed on Davis, Kari, TK, and the others. You two have done good playing your parts and monitoring her. We'll take it from here." He folded his arms and called to Miranda. "Hey, you have a lot to answer for, Miranda. Stand up."
Ignoring Max's demand, Miranda walked up to Hulk's body and quivered as if having an anxiety attack.
"Miranda! I know you can hear me!" Max snapped.
As BW punched BlackWarGreymon back, the latter paused and observed Miranda's odd behavioral patterns.
No! She's not controlling her urges! BlackWarGreymon fearfully thought, scanning rising negative energy from Miranda's vitals.
(End theme)
As her horrified look faded, a twisted smile adorned Miranda's face. Her eyes started darkening and her pupils turned red. She eyed the Hulk as if he were an fine course meal. The Gamma radiation coming from him seduced her hunger urges.
"Heheh, it's feeding time." Miranda muttered in a darkened tone.
xxxxx
Next chapter: Miranda and Adnarim
xxxxx
A/N: Welp, things are about to go south next chapter. The other 'Miranda' looks to be ready to surface and certainly will after the final trigger.
Lots of back and forth with our heroes trying to catch up with Miranda and company. The other characters are finishing off the remaining Dark HYDRA Network. The D3s have come out to play.
The biggest deviation from the original Android 21 arc is the inclusion of the Hulk. Since none of the villains were revived like in the FighterZ game, I opted with the Hulk in place of Virus. Trade one green guy for another, though Hulk does seem like a huge downgrade. On the other hand, if Miranda plans to eat Hulk, Gamma powers are at her disposal. Oops, I think I've just given away a potential spoiler! :O
Just a side note: The Marvel characters that appear from then onward are AU versions of the MCU. In order to make them seem significant and not underpowered, the strength levels of characters like Hulk and Thor are a few notches above their true MCU counterparts. But, they are not as powerful as their Marvel 616 mainstream comic counterparts. Still, as slightly stronger as Hulk (DF-616) is, he was not a match for Majin Miranda. BlackWarGreymon really didn't need to intervene, but he's a nice guy and is Miranda's protector.
Ooh, finally some BW vs. BlackWarGreymon interaction. There'll be a little of that before… well, if you've played Android 21's story arc in FighterZ, you know what happens.
That's all for now. See? I didn't have to make you wait a whole month. Next chapter should be out in a similar pace.
Until then, send a review and see you soon!