A/N: Continuing from where we left off, Adnarim is about to go on a feeding frenzy. Our heroes have to stop her before they become prey themselves. This chapter's title is pretty fitting.
Onto the chapter.
xxxxx
Digimon Fusion Ascendancy
Act V: Dark HYDRA Network
Chapter XLIV: Survival of the Fittest
xxxxx
Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)/Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎)/Helipad/1:30 PM (JST)
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Spirit)
On the helipad rooftop and above the government building, Tai, Max, and a few others from their respective groups confronted Miranda, who stood still and looked bashful.
"Man, Do you look just like the evil Miranda!" Agumon pointed out to Miranda's likeness to her evil half.
"Well, we were originally one and the same. That should go without saying," replied Miranda.
"So, which one of you is stronger? Is it you?" curiously asked Gabumon prodded into the discussion.
"I'm afraid she has the upper hand in terms of raw power. I'm really weak," Miranda confessed being beneath her evil half.
"Aw, that's too bad. We kinda wanted to fight ya to test your strength!" Agumon excited said.
Tai chuckled as he patted Agumon's head. "What he means to say if we can have a little one on one."
"Well, I…"
"He wants a match. A fight. He thinks it'd be a lot more fun to fight a good guy than a bad one."
"Yeah, it'd be fun if we went all out!" Agumon chimed in.
Miranda chuckled. "Wow, I don't know what to say. I'm flattered."
Sora walked by Tai and cleared her throat. "You're not giving her a spar match without me, are you?"
"Of course not, Sora! You're welcome to join."
"My fire techniques could use a little work," the Bearer of Love said as she channeled tiny fire-like Ki in her fingers. "I'm getting much better at this."
"Taking down a bunch of HYDRA and Dark Network guys is a good start, but you're still ways off fighting someone like Adnarim, Sora," Max reminded her.
"I know, but I'd like to contribute someway."
"You will by beating up these clones and HYDRA creeps, Sora," Tai said. "In fact, you and Miranda both can get stronger that way. Then, we'll all be strong enough to stop that evil Miranda."
"Then, we can have our duel!" Agumon interjected, jumping up between Tai and Miranda.
"Great! Now, let's get out there and kick some ass!" Tai declared.
Just then, a pair of doors opened as Izzy and Tentomon walked up to meet with the group talking to Miranda.
"Izzy, what's the update?" Tai turned to ask him.
"Fury's about to pick us up. He's found some HYDRA posts and clone locations we can attack," Izzy informed them.
"Great, now we'll get to them before she does," Max nodded.
"Sure, we'll take Fury's offer. The quicker we take out these bad guys, the less the evil Miranda will have to eat. Let's put a stop to her feeding frenzy!" The Bearer of Courage declared.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Away from Maui, Hawaii
Keeping out of sight, Adnarim continued her feeding frenzy. She had just hit the fifth Dark HYDRA Network and performed her own 'clean up duty' by 'relieving' her loyalists of their duties. By 'relieve', she turned them all into candy and filled her gluttonous belly with them.
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Evil)
Holding up a piece of chocolate, Adnarim swallowed her last victim and munched hard.
"Hmm, eh. I've had better," Adnarim expressed disappointment with her last chocolate piece. "Clones and former flunkies just aren't doing it for me. They taste bland, as in 'Blah!'. Not to mention, they don't possess the energy like the Hulk does. Oh well, it doesn't matter. I need all the energy I can get." She grunted and reflected on everything Miranda told her about reawakening and regaining control of their shared body. "Now, if my assumption is correct, my weaker pathetic half is going to undoubtedly team with Taichi and his friends. No matter, I'm sure every last one of them can only lend a finite amount of energy to satisfy me. There's only one way to level herself up and that's giving into her hunger." She scoffed and faced the direction of some ocean waves crashing near the shore. "I wonder if that no good hypocrite will finally give in and feed? Perhaps not? Well, whatever. No point in dwelling on the what-ifs. Ultimately, she'll make her choice." Her serious demeanor was replaced with one of depravity. "I'm just gonna keep on feeding more and more to my heart's content! There's a few more HYDRA posts for me to hit here and in the Digital World. I wonder, where could I go next? Oh, it doesn't matter! They're all getting into my belly!"
(End theme)
xxxxx
SHIELD Carrier
Meanwhile, the Digidestined & their Digimon, the D3s, BanchoLeomon, Sheila, Miranda, and others were given an airlift on Fury's carrier following Adnarim's latest whereabouts. So, far, they've been able to trace HYDRA posts suddenly disappearing off the grid. A conclusion was reached: Adnarim was at large.
"Sir, are you seeing this?" Maria Hill showed Fury all the recent confirmed HYDRA locations vanishing. "They're all dropping off the grid."
"That we know of," Fury replied, eyeing the recent HYDRA post vanishing off the Maui's exact location. "HYDRA is an entire network. It'll take a while for Miranda…"
"Excuse me, but I'm here, Fury," Miranda corrected the SHIELD director. "That would be my evil half that's causing all your problems now."
"Adnarim, whatever, she was you, Miranda," Fury remarked. "On the one hand, her taking out all these HYDRA posts means less work for us, but she'll soon be turning her attention to us again. I still can't believe she's ate Hulk's green ass."
"You wouldn't have believed us if you had been there, Fury," Max plainly stated.
"At this rate, the next time we see her, she's gonna have some major strength on her," Tai said.
"Yeah, and if having the Hulk's Gamma power wasn't enough!" Agumon added.
"On top of the outrageous power she already had to begin with," Keke stated.
"There's no mistaken it. That means we have no choice, but to hurry!" Miranda said.
"We just gotta keep defeating HYDRA goons and clones to level up," Davis added, punching a fist into his left fist. "Yeah, let me at 'em!"
Sonja smirked. "Down, boy."
Max added. "If she's still feeding on her own guys, we should run into her sooner than later."
BanchoLeomon concurred. "That's true. We don't have any other clues to work off of at this point."
Yamato snorted. "Damn, this is getting annoying. I say we should go straight for that evil Miranda and destroy her right now!"
"We all do, but she's leveled up so much we probably won't be able to beat her now," Tai plainly reminded them.
"Destroying these clones and destroying the Dark HYDRA Network bases should boost your powers," Miranda stated. "You all need to work to unlock your powers." As she said this, she earned a glare and an irritated grunt from Yamato. "I… sorry I didn't mean to tell you…"
"It's fine. We'll get the job done together," Max nodded in approval. "All we need to do is beat all these clones. Is that right, Miranda?"
She nodded and answered in a low tone. "That is correct. However, if things don't turn out well… I'll…"
"Huh? What did you say?" Tai seemingly not able to hear what she said.
"It's nothing," genuinely smirked Miranda. "Now, let's all get to work and find my evil half."
"Um, excuse me," a girl's voice chimed in as Miranda turned around. It voice came from Dorothy, who approached Miranda with Avengemon and Dee.
"Oh, hello. We haven't met," Miranda blinked at the small blonde-haired girl with her Digimon partner and the rotund pink golem with the silly face.
"My friend here says he wants to talk to you," the girl said. "By the way, I'm Dorothy and this is my partner, Avengemon. My pink friend here is…"
"D-Reaper," Miranda answered as she compared hers and Dee's pink complexion. "Yes, his data is what gave me the form you see now." She pivoted toward Dorothy and smiled. "And your energy feels oddly similar to his, even though you're just a human."
"Yeah, it's kinda complicated… you two have a nice talk," Dorothy waved off with Avengemon following her.
"Nice to meet you, miss!" Avengemon called out.
(Cue Persona 4 OST - SMILE)
As they left them, Miranda turned and faced Dee.
"Well, this is kinda awkward," Miranda blushed.
"Hey, you look like Dee!"
"Yes we are a matching pink, aren't we?"
"Matching?"
"Think of matching as being proof of our friendship. People show their friendship by wearing similar outfits. So, what we're wearing matches so we must be friends."
Dee nodded as he somewhat got a gist of their conversation. "Oh, then you're Dee's friend?"
"I suppose I am."
"Yeah, since you're Dee's friend, Dee will give you special candy treats!"
"Thank you very much. That's thoughtful of you…! Whoa, hold on!" Miranda immediately snapped out of it and reminded herself of their mission. "This isn't the time to be eating candy! We have a fight to commit to!"
"Wait, you don't like candy?"
"It's not that… tell you what, how about this? Let's hold off on the candy for now and eat it once all the fighting is over? We can gather all the candy we want and have a party!"
Dee tapped his chin and nodded. "A candy party? That sounds nice! Dee likes!"
"Yes, but let's focus on the fight for now."
"Dee understand. Dee will beat up all the bad guys!"
Watching Dee and Miranda's conversation, Sheila couldn't help but chuckle and roll her eyes.
"Blubber butt's making a new friend, huh? Now cute," Sheila snickered. Then, she elbowed BanchoLeomon's side. "Hey, why don't we talk casually like they do?"
"Because I'm not some simpleton who lives off sweets," BanchoLeomon said. "My time is spent training."
"Ugh, train, train. How long have we been together? We hardly ever go out. It's time we change that! After this fight is over, we're having a date. Just you and me. None of your Bancho friends are getting involved."
"A date…?" BanchoLeomon grumbled awkwardly. "What did you have in mind?"
"How about we hit the Digi-Chinatown? Digitamamon has that Chinese restaurant there we can try out!"
"I…"
"Yeah?"
"I suppose."
"So, that's a yes?"
BanchoLeomon grumbled. "...sure, why not?" If it means getting you to stop asking me.
"Great! It's a date then, kitty cat!" Sheila pulled and tugged on BanchoLeomon's massive arm.
Dorothy smiled and watched Dee and Miranda bonding. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Tai behind her.
"You think we have a chance to stop that evil Miranda if we destroy those clones?" Dorothy asked him.
"Sure, we just gotta beat as many as we can and keep her from eating them."
"Then, Avengemon and I won't let you down! We'll fight together and level ourselves up!"
The Bearer of Courage smirked and flashed a thumbs up. "That's the spirit, Dorothy!"
(End theme)
"Guys, we have a confirmation of more clone sightings. We're heading for the Okinawa Islands. Who wants to take this?" Izzy turned to and asked the group.
Hearing this, Tai, Agumon, and Max voluntarily raised their hands.
"We'll take this one," Max said. "In fact, let me ask if Gojiramon wants in on this, too."
"Some of you guys will be split into other groups, but we can adjust accordingly," Izzy said as Ultima X, Sonja, WarAngemon, Celesta X, Tike, Kara, and David came together. "Sora, which group will you go with?"
"Well, I'd like to accompany Tai and Max if that's ok," the Bearer of Love offered to go with her family.
"I don't see a problem, but it's your call Tai and Max," Izzy turned to their direction.
"Let's get going then, Sora," Tai accepted. "But the minute the evil Miranda shows, high tail it out of there."
"Right."
After a few minutes passed, Max returned with Gojiramon, who awoke from his sleeping chamber.
"A few more minutes, dad," Gojiramon groaned, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"You've rested enough, buddy. Besides, you've been out of action and we need to level you up."
"Yeah, I know."
"We're all set, Tai," Max said.
"Great, let's get this over with."
xxxxx
Niseko, Hokkaido (ニセコ, 北海道)/Ski resort
(Cue Persona 4 OST - Reach Out to the Truth -First Battle-)
Several clones appeared and attacked the ski resort. However, Ultima X and company quickly got the drop on the clones. Among them were an Omega X, a Metalla X, a Pikkan, an Ultima X, a Celesta X, and WarAngemon clones.
"Take them down, guys!" WarAngemon rallied the team.
Ultima X scanned the clones, picking and choosing which one to fight. Then, he went straight for own clone. He went into fisticuffs with the Ultima X clone and kicked him back. As he went to finish the clone, a beam blasted near him. This sneak attack came from a Zordiark X clone.
"Hey, you jerk! How dare you pose like my friend!" Ultima X flew up and attacked Zordiark X. After a few body shots, he blasted away the clone. "All right, now it's payba-!" He turned and saw Sonja cutting the Ultima X clone in two with an energy disc. "Awww, man!"
"You snooze, you lose," Sonja smirked. "And no one impersonates my Davis."
After taking down the Metalla X clone, WarAngemon turned to see Celesta X engaging blows with the Omega X clone. The Omega X clone attacked with a barrage of punches, but Celesta X parried her brother's clone's punches. As it went for a straight punch, Celesta X tucked her head.
"Hey, Kari! I know has to be hard fighting against someone like Tai, but don't hold back! He's not-!" He stopped as Celesta X kicked the Omega X clone's head so hard she snapped his head around.
Celesta X then unleashed a Super Holy Beam and wiped out the clone. She dusted her hands and casually walked by WarAngemon. She noticed the Bearer of Hope giving her a disturbed look.
Celesta X blinked. "What? That clone was going to kill me? Ever heard of self defense?"
WarAngemon chuckled nervously. "Right, self defense."
Celesta X giggled. "Cmon, let's go and see how Miranda and the kids are doing."
As for the D3 kids, Tike and Kara went holding their own against the Celesta X clone.
"No holding back, sis!" Tike declared.
"Right!"
With that, Tike and Kara fired simultaneous blasts that wiped out the Celesta X clone.
"A little help here, guys!" David called out as the Pikkan clone punched him back.
"Tag me in, David!" Tike called out as he jumped in. "Let's go fusion on him!"
"Ok!"
As Tike and David performed the Meta-Fusion dance, they combined into Daike. Daike powered up into Ascendant 1 and fired a bunch of Ki rings, ensnaring and trapping the Pikkan clone. Kara joined in with Daike as they fired beams to take out the Pikkan clone.
Elsewhere, Miranda beat down one Omega X and a BanchoLeomon clone. As they got up, she forged an pink energy beam and wiped them out. He took a few deep breaths and felt her power exponentially growing.
"It's working. I'm getting a little stronger. Only a matter of time before I face my evil self and settle the score," Miranda muttered.
"We're finished over here, Miranda!" Celesta X called out to her.
Just then, Sonja landed next to Miranda and took her hand.
"C'mon, let's get moving. We want to get strong enough to beat her, don't we?"
Miranda jubilantly replied. "Yes, of course, but we need to hurry."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Okinawa Islands (沖縄本島)
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Justice (Unison Attack))
Having ambushed a Dark HYDRA Network post, Tai & VictoryGreymon, Max & Godzillamon, and Sora & Phoenixmon bombarded the enemies with a surprise assault. Godzillamon breathed down his atomic blasts that blew down HYDRA towers and military vehicles. With a swing of his Dramon Breaker, VictoryGreymon knocked away Tankmon and Mekanorimon. Phoenixmon rained down fiery blasts over the enemy posts, forcing many HYDRA soldiers, Troopmon, and Sealsdramon to flee.
Tai and Max fiercely beat down various of these Dark HYDRA Network soldiers. Sora helped as she lobbed fiery blasts, trapping many in a circle of flames.
"Nicely done, guys!" Tai yelled out after gut punched a HYDRA soldier. He flew up and landed an elbow shot to a Troopmon's face.
Just then, an Omega X clone swooped down and attacked Max. Max put up his guard and fought off the clone.
"Hey, looks like we've drawn out the clones!" Max called out as Max, BanchoLeomon, and Metalla X clones appeared.
"VictoryGreymon, let's take them down!" Tai called out as he and VictoryGreymon quickly engaged the Max and Metalla X clones.
BanchoLeomon set its sights on Sora. The fake warrior snarled and raced toward her with claws drawn out.
"Heads up, Sora!" Tai called out while parrying the Metalla X clone's punches.
As the BanchoLeomon came toward her, it went for a straight decapitation blow with its clawed fist. Sora quickly tucked her head and slid under the clone's legs. Sora got up behind the BanchoLeomon clone and gathered two fiery balls in her hands. The BanchoLeomon clone turned and got two fiery blasts shooting through its torso. Sora then spun around and flung a fiery wave, which enveloped and burned the clone away into dust.
"Yeah, I did it!" Sora exuberantly celebrated. Then, she gasped upon realizing what she did. "Oh god, I just killed BanchoLeomon."
"That wasn't our friend, Sora. That was a counterfeit meant to look like him," Phoenixmon reminded her.
"Way to go, Sora! Hey, do you feel any stronger?" Tai asked from a distance.
"A little. Yeah, I think I got a decent boost from that!"
"Good, that's the idea. I'm sensing my power increasing, too," the Bearer of Courage then cupped his hands and fired a Tsunami Wave at the Metalla X clone. After finishing the clone, he turned and watched VictoryGreymon blasting the Max clone away with a Terra Beam. "These clones aren't that tough since they're just weaker and less smarter versions of us."
"I think they were created that way for the sole purpose of Adnarim devouring them. They're the prey and she's the hunter," Max said as he watched the Omega X clone getting up.
"Survival of the fittest then," Tai stated.
Max nodded. "That's the idea!" He hastily flew at the Omega X clone and wiped it out with a Tsunami Wave.
(End theme)
"All right, that just about clears this island!" Sora called out. "We should report this to Izzy and Fury."
"Good idea. By the way, sorry for killing you, dad," Max joked over killing the Omega X clone.
"It's cool. Just know no one can duplicate someone as cool and good-looking lie me," Tai winked, boastfully speaking of his outward appearance.
"And sorry for killing you, Max," VictoryGreymon added.
"Hey, that thing never had the sex appeal that I apparently have. I bet Keke right now feels the same way."
xxxxx
Tonga
Keke unleashed a Big Bang Attack and wiped out a Max clone rather casually. She landed next to Yamato & ZeedGarurumon and Mimi & Rosemon.
"Got that out of your system, Keke?" Yamato asked her.
"Oh yeah, that felt good."
"Do you feel bad doing that? He looked just like Max," Mimi asked her Ascendant daughter.
"He may have his looks, but that thing never had his heart. There's only one Max Kamiya in the universe for me."
"So, we're cleared this area, Yamato," ZeedGarurumon said.
"Good. We'll find the next island and wipe out any clones there." Just then, Yamato paused as he sensed a sinister aura emanating from afar. His brow ridges narrowed and his head turned the left direction.
"Ma-I mean, Yamato, what's wrong?" Mimi asked the focused Ascendant.
"Looks like she's approaching. ZeedGarurumon, we're checking this out. You three take care of the next island!" Yamato quickly floated into the air with ZeedGarurumon.
"Wait, let me co-!" Keke couldn't even finish as Yamato and ZeedGarurumon shot across into the distance. "-me with you two."
"Well, that was rude to leave us behind!" Rosemon voiced her discontent.
Keke shook her head. "I wanted to come and see if Max is ok. Besides, Adnarim is the last person we should be fighting now." She pivoted toward Mimi. "But, since you're no fighter, Mimi, you'll need me and Rosemon to protect you."
"Hey, I'm not totally helpless!" Mimi boasted as she showed off her Fan of Sincerity. "I kinda distracted that clone of yours, Rosemon."
"Still, that Crest Weapon will only get you so far," Keke said.
"Yeah, I guess I am a liability, am I?" The Bearer of Sincerity sighed in defeat. "I'm kinda jealous in Sora. She's lucky she tapped into some power with her Crest, but guess that'll never happen with me, right?"
"Mimi," Rosemon tried to cheer her partner up, but didn't know what else to say to lift Mimi's spirits up.
"Maybe your heart's not into it?" Keke conjectured.
"Maybe," Mimi said, grasping the area in her chest where her Crest of Sincerity's energies would normally glow. But, I hope you're wrong, Keke. I'm tired of being a bystander.
xxxxx
Okinawa Islands (沖縄本島)
"Ok, we have a rendezvous point to meet Fury's SHIELD carrier. We better get going," Max said.
"Oh, leaving so soon?!" Adnarim's voice was heard from above them.
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Android 21 Evil Theme)
The group quickly turned as a pink ball of light crashed into their direction. Tai gabbed Sora and used Instant Movement to dodge the attack. VictoryGreymon and Phoenixmon evaded the impact from the blast. Max guarded himself from being blown away from the explosion.
"Whoops, did I so rudely cut into your conversation? Well, too bad! I'm hungry and ready to feed!" Adnarim giggled as she descended and eyed the beaten Dark HYDRA Network soldiers. She wore a dismayed look. "Oh what a waste, you wiped out all the clones I wanted to feed on. So, I'm left with these lowly and bland-tasting flunkies?" She primed her long hair back and sighed. "Oh well, can't be helped. They'll do for now."
With that, Adnarim raised a finger and fired a Candy Beam, transforming every Dark HYDRA Network minion into chocolate-covered strawberries. With a wave of her finger, she swallowed all the chocolate strawberries.
"Oh god," Sora covered her mouth in disbelief.
"How sickening she'll turn on her own followers and feed on them," Phoenixmon remarked.
"Sad to say, but it's survival of the fittest and she's the top predator right now," Max pointed out the nature of their situation.
"Mmm, not bad. The chocolate adds a sweet flavor, but still I'm not gonna get much stronger eating all these weaklings," Adnarim shrugged. After swallowing the last strawberry, she pivoted toward Tai and his entourage. "But, some of you will do just fine, especially you Taichi!" She licked her lips. "Your power will give me the boost I need to reach the top of the food chain!"
"Yeah? Well, fair warning, but eating me is gonna give you indigestion!"
"We'll see when it comes to that. Now, come and get in my belly," Adnarim cackled evilly as she headed off Tai first.
As Tai dropped into a fighting stance, VictoryGreymon quickly cut off Adnarim and slammed his Dramon Breaker into her. Adnarim caught the big broadsword with ease and kicked him hard. After sending VictoryGreymon flying back, Adnarim swung her long tail at Tai. Tai barely dodged and used Instant Movement to teleport behind her. He discharged and beam and blasted her in the back. Adnarim then whirled around and tried to grab Tai, but he vanished with his teleport move and got in front of VictoryGreymon.
"Let's take her down, VictoryGreymon!" Tai declared.
Building up a concentration of his gauntlets, VictoryGreymon swung down his Dramon Breaker and unleashed a Trident Gaia, which smacked Adnarim head-on and pushed her back. However, this did little more than slow her down. By the time she rebounded and nullified his attack, VictoryGreymon and Tai finished merging into Omega X. Omega X quickly rocketed up and punched Adnarim's face. However, Adnarim caught the Ascendant's fist.
"Oooh, almost had me, Taichi!" Adnarim taunted him.
"I wasn't intending to kill you there. Max! Godzillamon! Now!"
"What?!"
As Adnarim turned, Max and Godzillamon fired a simultaneous attack. Max combined his Tsunami Wave with Godzillamon's Atomic Inferno. As the two attacks converged, they forged a powerful wave that slammed into and pushed Adnarim far away. The pink-skinned creature fell and crashed into the ocean.
(End theme)
"All right, that got her!" Max shouted. "Nice shot, Godzillamon!"
"Yeah!" Omega X cheered, but his genuinely exuberant look vanished as he sensed a surging power emanate from the deep in the ocean.
"Guys! Something's happening!" Sora cried out. "Her energy's rising!"
As the witnessed watched the ocean violently stir, a green beam of light shot out of the waters. This green beam widened when a figure slowly emerged. Adnarim appeared bathed in an emerald aura. Her eyes glowed with intense green light. Her lips curled into a snarl.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Fistfight Battle)
"Now, you've done it! Now you've made the green guy inside me upset!" Adnarim yelled out with rage. She let out a deafening roar that shook the area. Her pink complexion became bright green. Her now darkened hair gained green streaks. Her body even bulked, gaining some muscle definition, but nowhere near Hulk's size.
"Ugh, so it's true she ate and absorbed the Hulk's power into her?!" Sora exclaimed, becoming a witness to Adnarim's latest enhancement.
"Yeah, with Hulk's Gamma power, she's gonna be a lot tougher to put down!" Max said as he quickly powered up and stood next to Omega X.
"Let's fight her together, Max," Omega X said.
"Godzillamon, cover for us! Phoenixmon, protect Sora!" Max instructed.
As Phoenixmon swooped down, she protected Sora. Godzillamon roared and charged head-on to attack Adnarim. Clenching her fist, Adnarima shot toward Godzillamon and caught him with a punch to his face. This blow staggered and rocked Godzillamon back. Godzillamon fired another Atomic Inferno at Adnarim, who forcefully pushed through the atomic heat waves.
"Oooo, stop it! It tickles!" Adnarim cackled. She flew up and hit Godzillamon with an uppercut, knocking the Kaijuu Digimon down.
"Godzillamon! Oh, you've done it now!" Max yelled as he flew into and kicked Adnarim's back. He then unloaded with a flurry of punches on Adnarim, who took and absorbed every blow from the Ascendant.
Max swiftly got behind Adnarim and nailed a punch to the base of Adnarim's head, sending her crashing into the ground. As Max dove into to attack her, Adnarim rose and prepared for an attack.
"Don't even think about it!" Omega X phased behind Adnarim and snatched her tail. He then lifted her up and tossed her around. After a few quick swings, Omega X threw Adnarim into the air and cupped his hands together.
Max, too, charged Ki into his palms and charged up for his trademark attack. Having gathered enough Ki into their hands, Omega X and Max simultaneously unleashed a dual Tsunami Wave. As the beams combined, they formed into a bigger beam that closed on Adnarim. As she regained her bearings, Adnarim witnessed the beam about to engulf her. She shut her eyes and slipped two fingers to her forehead.
Boom!
The massive beam seemingly hit its target, but passed enough a blurred after image of Adnarim at the very last second. Upon seeing her give them the last second slip, Omega X and Max realized she used the former's Instant Movement. They both felt Adnarim's energy close. As they turned around, Adnarim clapped both hands together, unleashing an immense shock wave that effortlessly knocked away the Ascendants. Adnarim used Hulk's own Thunderclap.
"Tai! Max!" Sora cried out to them. However, the more she fidgeted, Phoenixmon made sure not to loosen her hold of Sora.
Cackling delightfully, Adnarim punched Omega X so hard she sent him sailing off the island. She seized Max's foot and tossed him around, slamming him into the earth.
"Hahahah, yeah! All this fighting is making me hungry!" Adnarim set her sights on Max, who started to stir. "Now, what shall I make you into?" She licked her lips and grinned. "You'll make a good sundae." As she prepared to change him into a cold dessert, a beam slammed into her back and made her withdraw from feeding. She saw Metalla X floating over her.
"Matt! Be careful!" Sora cried out.
Scoffing, Metalla X beckoned Adnarim by flinging an energy beam at her. Adnarim backhanded the beam and shot up to take Metalla X's aerial challenge.
"I'll be the one that finishes you. Those two can deal with that fact," Metalla X boasted, declaring to finish the green-skinned Glamazon.
"Is that a fact, Yamakins?"
"Ugh, not you, too. Is that name just getting passed around by every person in the universe? Does everyone know?"
"Well, I don't know about anyone else, but you and your friends' data and DNA are incorporated into me. So, you can say I know all there is to you, sweet-kins. Speaking of sweet, why don't I make you a chocolate bar?"
"Sorry, but I've already been turned into a choco-flavored gumdrop. I'm not about to be anyone's delicious treat!" Metalla X fiercely bellowed and powered up. He shot across and went for a head-on attack.
Anticipating a linear attack from the Ascendant, Metalla X quickly phased out and reappeared behind Adnarim. Psyched out by Metalla X, she turned and got punched by the Ascendant. One punch from Metalla X sent her sailing back. Metalla X rocketed forward, leaving a trail of golden light behind him. He flew over Adnarim and landed a barrage of punches that pummeled her. Clutching his hands together, Metalla X unleashed a double axe handle smash into Adnarim's face and sent her crashing to the earth.
Not even giving her a chance to recover, Metalla X charged up his Final Blaze and caught her with a sizable beam that enveloped her. The Glamazon was seemingly broken down to pieces by the immense-powered blast. Metalla X then redirected said beam into the air and sent it hurtling through the atmosphere.
(End theme)
Sighing with relief, Sora dropped a knee. "Thank goodness he sent that beam away. That would've wiped us out for sure."
Metalla X landed and scowled. "Surely that wasn't enough to finish your stubborn ass. How I hate you regenerators and your annoying ability to recover."
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Anxiety)
From out of the smoke, Adnarim emerged with her body turned inside out and looking melted. Half her face was melted. However, a sadistic grin adorned her features. A green glow covered her entirely. Then, her body instantaneously repaired itself. Skin regenerated. Every burnt mark and damage healed itself. Adnarim popped her neck and slyly smirked.
"That hurt just a bit, but you're still an eyesore, Yamakins. Would you like to try that again?"
"Don't mock me, you freak!" The proud Ascendant snarled as he flew around and delivered punches to Adnarim, who managed to catch and block all his blows.
As he went for a straight jab to her forehead, Adnarim tail whipped his face and slammed a knee into his gut. She then seized his neck with her tail and punched him multiple times like a punching bag.
"Now, how about I make this fast and eat you now? Your power should be enough to satisfy me."
"I dare you…"
"Don't mind if I do…!"
Suddenly, a fire arrow shot through Adnarim's tail, which forced her to let go of Metalla X. Adnarim quickly turned to the culprit behind this sneak attack: Sora. She noticed Sora readily shooting dozens of her Arrows of Love. Adnarim effortlessly blasted the fire arrows away.
"Get away from my friends, you monster!" Sora wasted no time shooting a volley of fire arrows at the emerald-skinned enemy.
Adnarim quickly used Thunderclap to cancel out Sora's arrows and sent the Bearer of Love flying back. Sora landed on her feet and flew up, tossing a fiery beam at Adnarim. Adnarim slapped away Sora's beam and sent for a headbutt, but Phoenixmon intervened in time to take the blow for Sora.
"No, Phoenixmon!" Sora cried out as Phoenixmon fell with her.
Just then, Sora felt something tug her left ankle. She saw that Adnarim's tail ensnared her. Sora was left hanging upside down and dangling like a piece of meat in front of Adnarim.
"Screw it. I'll just make a meal out of you since you wanna fight dirty."
"Yeah, you're one to talk fighting fair… you stole Hulk's power for yourself!"
"Nature is never fair, dear. Only the strong are meant to survive!" Adnarim raised a finger preparing to shoot Sora with.
Shoom.
Omega X swiftly got in front of Adnarim and summoned Dramon Breaker. He tossed the sword, which forced Adnarim to withdraw and let go of Sora. Then, Omega X followed it up with a Brave Tornado-like body slam that pushed Adnarim away, sending her flying far back. Sora managed to summon fire wings, which helped steer her around in mid-air.
"Sora, are you ok?" Omega X asked her.
"I am now."
"That's good. Yamato gets here and already in rough shape."
Adnarim rose out of the water and set her sights on Omega X again.
"Taichi, I'll make sure your mine," Adnarim snarled.
Boom!
A lightning bolt slammed into Adnarim. While not enough to damage her, it was enough to annoy and garner her attention. Everyone else witnessed this and saw a red caped figure descend carrying a hammer imbued with lightning.
"Hey, it's that guy! The one with the magic hammer who helped us out during Burizalor's invasion!" Omega X pointed out.
"Th-That's Thor!" Max exclaimed.
Frowning, Adnarim saw Thor float down to meet her face to face. The thunder god swung around his trusted hammer, Mjolnir, and threw another lightning bolt. This time, Adnarim evaded the attack.
"I've been a witness to your latest attacks, creature. You've brought enough pain and destruction. I, son of Odin, will teach you a lesson," Thor threatened the Gamma-powered monster. "What matter of creature is this, Midgar folk?"
Omega X called out. "Thunder god, dude! We appreciate you helping us with Burizalor's invasion, but you're way over your head with her! She's gained a lot more power after eating the Hulk and a host of others, including her own followers!"
Upon hearing this, Thor grimaced. "She ate that green monster that's been running loose? Great Odin's raven."
"Yeah, and she's on a feeding binge. We were about to be on her menu," Max stated.
"A binge? No one knows a good binge than I when I drink merry," Thor smirked as he readily swung around Mjolnir.
Adnarim smirked evilly. "Oh, now I must have that hammer. I sense plentiful powers emanating from it." She shot across to snatch Mjolnir. "I must have it!"
She's fast! Thor blanched, narrowly moving out of her reach. He shot another decent-sized lightning bolt that knocked Adnarim back, but this didn't even damage her.
"C'mon, let me have it!" Adnarim shot across and fired a candy beam.
Thor managed to nullify Adnarim's beam with Mjolnir.
"What the hell…?!" Adnarim was flabbergasted.
That's right! Thor's hammer is made of powerful mystical properties. Enough to neutralize other forms of magic, including transmutation powers. The big guy should be fine protecting himself from being turned into a tasty treat, but he's screwed up the ass if he loses that hammer! Max propelled toward Adnarim and distracted her. "Hey, over here!"
"You… why don't you stay down?!" Adnarim snarled and fired a beam at Max's direction.
This distracted allowed for Thor to strike her with his hammer. Adnarim barely put up a barrier, protecting her from the Mjolnir's mighty blow. Omega X flew up readily charging up for a Tsunami Wave.
"I'm growing weary of this constant intervention!" Adnarim snapped as she teleport away using Instant Movement.
Omega X, Max, and Thor were thrown off by the wily Artificial, who appeared 20 feet opposite from their direction. Adnarim cupped her hands together and amassed enough energy to form her own variation of the Tsunami Wave.
"Shit! Now she's copied our move, Max!" Omega X exclaimed.
"Get ready to move!" Max cried out.
"Yes, now die!" Adnarim launched her Tsunami Wave,
"I can stop this!" Thor tossed Mjolnir, which rippled through Adnarim's beam. The beam was split in two. One beam exploded, but the other kept coming toward them. The thunder god recalled Mjolnir back and reared back to stop the other halved beam.
"Forget it, Thor! Just get out of there!" Max said.
"Never. A warrior never runs…!" Before Thor could finish, he turned as Adnarim teleport above him. She swooped down and kicked Thor way.
Omega X fired a beam that stopped Adnarim's half-powered Tsunami Wave and flew over to grab Thor.
Having bathed herself in thick green light, Adnarim powered herself up to absolute maximum. She crossed both arms in front and prepared to unleash a significantly immense power to damage an incredible wide range of the area.
Sensing what's about to come, the Ascendants pulled Thor away. Phoenixmon carried Metalla X. Sora carried Gojiramon.
"I told you! YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE ME MAD!" Adnarim screamed loudly for all to hear.
As she further powered up, the green sphere surrounding her expanded and covered more ground.
"We're not going to outpace her at this rate!" Omega X exclaimed.
"I know…!" Then, Max eyed Thor's Mjolnir. "Hey, use your hammer! Throw at to her!"
"Only those worthy can hold it!"
"Well, it's worth a shot! If I'm right about this…"
Gritting, Thor realized the weight of their situation and tossed Mjolnir at Adnarim. As the hammer came flying at her, Adnarim happily snatched it.
"Y-Yes, it's all miiiii-!"
Boom!
Adnarim got quickly face planted by the weight of the hammer. She fell with the hammer. As she tried getting up, she wasn't able to lift Mjolnir. She tugged and pulled, failing to lift it with all her might.
"Whew, I'm glad I was right after all," Max muttered.
"May I get Mjolnir back now?"
"As you wish."
With that, Thor clenched his hand and recalled Mjolnir to him. Adnarim tried jumping up to snatch it, but it flew out of her grasps. Adnarim landed on her feet and growled at her adversaries.
"Get back here!" Adnarim screamed in frustration.
"Everyone get close to me! I'll teleport us back to the SHIELD carrier!" As he gathered everyone close to him, Omega X put his fingers to his forehead and used Instant Movement to relocate them to the carrier.
(End theme)
Upon seeing this, Adnarim snarled and locked on their location. However, she exhausted herself and powered down, turning back to normal. The Hulk's power suppressed itself. Adnarim's green complexion became pink again.
"Forget it. They'll come to me later. For now, I must keep feeding," Adnarim wiped her drooling lips. "Yes, must eat the remaining clones before it's all said and done. Then, I'll finish them all off! Sooner than later, you're all going to satisfy my hunger!"
xxxxx
Next chapter: Adnarim's Endless Hunger
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A/N: Well, that went well for our heroes… not. On the bright side, they got away with their lives and Thor's hammer played a beneficial role in their escape.
Yeah, Adnarim probably should've done after them using teleportation, but she wanted some time to recharge so she can live to fight another day.
Miranda meets Dee. Other characters get some moments, but this is just build to the final act of this arc.
Not much else to say. Two chapters left 'til the Dark HYDRA Network arc is behind us.
Until then, send a review and see you soon.