A/N: Let's cap off this arc and see where the future lies for Miranda.
Enjoy!
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Digimon Fusion Ascendancy
Act V: Dark HYDRA Network
Chapter XLVI: The Glutton's Achilles Heel
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Digiverse/Central Planet
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Instant-Kill Battle)
As she collided head-on with Adnarim, Miranda fought her evil counterpart with all she's got. She fiercely fought, flinging beams at Adnarim. Adnarim quickly batted away Miranda's beams and shot forward, swinging her tail at her. As she got tail whipped away, Miranda crashed into the ground. Miranda landed on all fours and watched Adnarim soar toward her. Grabbing a handful of dirt, she threw some into Adnarim's eyes.
"Augh! My eyes…!" Adnarim hissed while frantically the dirt from her eyes.
"How do you like that?!" Miranda chastised her.
Seizing advantage of her blinded foe, Miranda phased behind Adnarim. She folded both arms around Adnarim's waist and prepared to fly up with her. However, Adnarim surprised her with a backward headbutt. Miranda's face got crushed by the quick snap of Adnarim's headbutt. Adnarim then seized Miranda's arm and merrily tossed her around. After slamming her on the ground a few times, Adnarim took Miranda into the air and shoved her head under her crotch area.
"Ready to go for a ride, sweetie?!" Adnarim laughed.
As she folded her arms around Miranda's waist, the evil one lifted her up. Miranda found herself now sitting on Adnarim's shoulder. Adnarim then hoisted Miranda high up and descended at high speeds, finally planting her with a devastating powerbomb into the ground.
Boom!
Following their fall to the earth, Adnarim popped up from a newly made impact hole where she dropped Miranda. Everyone gathered to find Miranda. Omega X was able to make out two legs and a long pink tail poking out at the crater's center.
"Hey, get up, Miranda!" Sonja called out to her.
"Damn, she took that pretty hard!" Pikkan exclaimed.
"It appears we bit more than we can chew," Metalla X scoffed as he faced Adnarim's direction. "Guess, it's up to us now."
"Wait," Omega X beckoned him off.
"What's wrong, Tai?" Sora asked him.
Max smirked as he sensed Miranda's Ki. "She's got plenty of fight left in her."
Upon hearing this, Adnarim scowled as she saw Miranda discharge a beam into the ground. A huge explosion erupted from the crater and knocked Adnarim back. Miranda quickly shot out of the crater and shot up, catching Adnarim with a punch to her jaw. Adnarim's face contorted with pain. Miranda's face buried deep into and nearly shattered Adnarim's jaw. Miranda snatched Adnarim's neck with her tail and flung her into a rock face. Miranda then shot up and planted a knee into Adnarim, nearly driving the air outta her.
(End theme)
Adnarim fell on the ground and doubled over. Miranda wasted no time and kicked Adnarim multiple times.
"Hey, Tai! Shouldn't you already be…?!" WarAngemon reminded him.
"Yeah, the Life Bomb! Unless you have something else in mind?" Celesta X asked Omega X.
After taking suggestions from his friends, Omega X pivoted over to Gundamon.
"Max, you up for a father and son combo?" Omega X pitched an idea to him.
Speaking through Gundamon, Max responded. "Like a Double Tsunami Wave?"
"You got it!"
"You're going to need to a clear shot if you're attempting that," Metalla X stated. "And I doubt she's going to stand still looking pretty as you two build up that power."
"He's right, and I doubt Miranda's going to last on her own out there," Sonja chimed in. She observed Miranda and Adnarim taking it to each other with vicious blows.
"You're not thinking what I think you're about to do, babe?" Ultima X instantly saw through her intended strategy.
"What else do you propose? I'm the one who's the most linked to Miranda right now. She'll need me to link up with her and fight that creature!"
"Sis," Jax stepped in. "Do what you gotta do."
"Thanks, brother," Sonja smiled as she took off into the heated battle.
"Wait…!" Ultima X called out but BW stopped him. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"If you love her, you'll believe in her, Davis," BW firmly stated.
Celesta X patted Ultima X's left shoulder. "I've got faith she'll do what's necessary. You should, too."
Taking in all the kind words from his friends, Ultima X loudly cheered Sonja on.
"You've got this, babe!"
With that, Omega X and Gundamon took on similar stances, standing parallel from each other. They cupped their hands to their sides and began drawing in Ki energy from their friends.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Dream Tag Match)
Upon regaining her momentum, Adnarim landed quick body blows to Miranda and tail whipped her back. Adnarim hastily shot forward and grabbed Miranda's face. She swiftly kneed Miranda's face several times and clubbed her in the back, sending her falling to the ground. Preparing to finish off Miranda, Adnarim raised both hands overhead. Her dark reddish aura turned dark green. The Gamma aura resonated with Adnarim and fueled the inner rage of the beast still trapped inside her.
"Yes, with this monster's raw power and Gamma energy, there's nothing in either world that can destroy me!" Adnarim cackled. "I'll continue feeding on every life form until I'm satisfied!" As she prepared to throw down her energy ball, Sonja quickly zipped in and launched a beam at her direction.
Upon seeing Sonja's attack, Adnarim used Instant Movement to evade Sonja's beam. She reappeared behind Sonja and prepared to catch her with the planetary destructive blast. However, Jax, BW, and Ultima X fired beams to knock Adnarim's sphere away into the sky where it exploded with force.
Sonja launched herself into Adnarim and charged her right fist with energy. She landed a crushing blow into Adnarim's gut. Adnarim quickly grabbed Sonja's fist and twisted her arm around. Adnarim then folded her arm around Sonja's neck.
"I know all about your link with my goodie two-shoes self! You two can try and work together to bring me down, but you're in for a world of disappointment!" Adnarim evilly giggled. She leaned forward and whispered into Sonja's ear. "Just accept you and your friends are all gonna be eaten. You'll continue to fuel me with all that delicious power I can then use to purge both sides of digitized and organic life."
"Yeah, yeah, you have the same functioning programs as Virus and D-Reaper, but just like them you're going to fail!" Sonja shouted.
"Time to be eaten, sweetie!" Adnarim prepared to blast her, but then she felt someone tugging on her arm.
Looking down, Adnarima saw Miranda grabbing her arm. Miranda applied a firm grip on Adnarim and began siphoning off her. Adnarim felt some of the Gamma power being drained from her.
"No! Give that back!" Adnarim hissed as she saw Miranda's absorbing a portion of the Gamma energy. She withdrew her arm from Miranda and blasted her back.
Miranda formed a barrier, protecting her from Adnarim's blast. Having gathered enough Gamma power, the Hulk's energies resonated with Miranda. This resulted in physical changes similar to what Adnarim gained. Her complexion became a much lighter emerald shade. Her hair turned grass green. Her body became muscularly fit and toned in some areas, namely her biceps, thighs, and abdomen. The new bulk she gained caused tears in her clothing, including her white pants and shoes. Her bright eyes became green.
(End theme)
"Miranda?!" Sonja was flabbergasted by the Artificial's outward physical changes.
"I figured I even the playing field with my evil self!" Miranda yelled out as she bashed Adnarim's cranium with a fist. After smashing her to the ground, Miranda descended and flew over, hitting Adnarim with a powerful clothesline.
"Yikes, maybe you don't even my help!" Sonja watched Miranda regaining control and taking the fight to Adnarim.
"No, I doubt I'll be able to hold her down for long! However, the fact her regeneration's been slowed, we have a fighting chance!"
Taking heed of what Miranda said, Adnarim noted her regenerative abilities haven't fully healed her and replenished her full powers.
"Yes, but why…?" Then, it finally dawned on her. Adnarim quickly recalled Thor's hammer conjured lightning that struck her down. Since then, her regeneration power was tampered with. It's because of that man and his hammer! He conjured that power! It had to contain some kind of mystical power that hindered my abilities! Damn him!
Realizing Thor had messed up her abilities, Adnarim bellowed furiously. "NOW I'M REALLY GONNA SMASH YOU, HAMMER MAN!"
Everyone else pivoted and faced Thor, who looked like the odd man out.
"What? I only did what I had to?" The Asgardian said.
"No, but your hammer definitely did its trick," BanchoLeomon added.
"But, it won't last. Her regenerative abilities will return to normal and then we'll be in a trouble," replied Max/Gundamon.
"Max, looks like we're almost ready," Omega X said as he amassed a large enough Tsunami Wave.
"Yeah, but we still need a clear shot! And looks like they're not done beating her yet!" Max exclaimed.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - A Fearsome Foe)
Seething like mad, Adnarim bellowed and powered up. Her green aura darkened and radiated off her. Her sheer power shook the entire Central Planet. In response, Miranda powered up, allowing the newly absorbed Gamma power to empower her greatly.
"Damn, just how do we tell them apart now?!" Ultima X exclaimed. "They're both green!"
"Easy, Miranda's the one with the lighter green aura," Celesta X specified.
"Not to mention Adnarim's power is still higher than Miranda's!" Keke/WingGundamon revealed the obvious difference between the two.
"I still can't believe they're both sharing Hulk's power now!" Phoenixmon cried out.
"I'm not even sure the big guy will like this if we can get free him," Max/Gundamon said.
As she got done powering up, Adnarima rushed Miranda and Sonja. She threw a straight punch into the ground, creating a giant fissure coupled with a powerful shockwave. This demonstration of raw power split the earth many kilometers across. Miranda and Sonja narrowly dodged getting pulverized by Adnarim's physical force. Miranda flew into Adnarim and punched her in the side. Adnarim gritted hard as her body absorbed the impact from Miranda's blow. She felt a painful blow from a much stronger punch.
"So… your physical strength is just now increasing…" Adnarim smirked. "Very good, but I know what you're trying to do and you won't succeed!" She crossed both arms and gathered a plentiful amount of raw energy into her. A layer of pink and green aura vibrated off her body.
"Shit! We need to get back!" Sonja shouted, to which Miranda pushed her away.
"No, you need to get back! I can handle the force of this!" Miranda shouted as she stepped right in front of Adnarim's glowing aura. Please don't fail me now, regenerative abilities!
"OH YOU WANT TO DIE THEN?! SO BE IT!" Adnarim shouted as she quickly threw her hands into the air and screamed. "DIE!" She bellowed and unleashed an explosion of green energy across an incredibly wide range.
Everyone else, but Omega X and Max/Gundamon, quickly moved away. The two Ascendants continued to build up their double Tsunami Wave.
"This attack… hey, Yamato! Doesn't this take you back?!" Pikkan turned and asked Metalla X, who watched as his mind flashed back to his fight with D-Reaper before his big sacrifice.
"Dad remembers," Keke/WingGundamon muttered.
Boom!
The greenish wave of energy exploded and engulfed both Adnarim and Miranda. Sonja watched in horror as she saw Miranda seemingly wiped out. In the wake of the explosion, a large crater was formed where Adnarim was still standing. The evil one dropped her arms and let out a relaxed sigh.
"Ah, it's over," Adnarim said with a satisfied evil grin. She pivoted toward Sonja and giggled. "Aww, don't feel too bad. She may be gone, but you'll all still serve your purpose and give me all your power my body needs." She walked over to Sonja, who firmly stood her ground. "Defiant to the very end, huh? Well, don't worry. I will break your fiery spirit." She noticed her body was regenerating again. "And my regenerative abilities back to normal. You know what this means, right? It's din-din time!"
(End theme)
Wham!
Suddenly, Adnarim's eyes shot open as a powerful force punched her in the gut. She looked down. To her dismay, Adnarim saw Miranda with a fist firmly buried in her gut. Feeling her inside being crushed by Miranda's new raw power, Adnarim's face contorted again. She then felt her insides churning. Drool and rancid vomit spilled out from the sides of her mouth. Adnarim doubled over holding her stomach.
"I think we'll be taking back Dr. Banner now," Miranda said, clenching her right hand.
"Hey, nice fake-out," Sonja smirked as she walked up to her.
"No, I simply just regenerated from that attack. Nothing more."
"Damn you... !" Adnarim managed to get out before she started to hurl and spit rancid vomit. Then, her gag reflexes caused her to spit out a pink gum from her mouth.
From out of this pink gum, a puff of smoke formed. Then out from this smoke cloud came the Hulk, who slowly began to stir about. Adnarim coughed and gagged.
"Alright, they managed to get the big guy out," Iron Man observed.
"Yeah, but her power hasn't diminished that much," BanchoLeomon assessed Adnarim's current power.
"My guess she's still managed to absorb enough of Hulk's Gamma power to augment her physical and energy levels," Pikkan deduced.
"So, all she did was free the Hulk, but she's still a threat," Sora said.
"And she still has that stupid remote inside her! If we can't get that out of her, we can't destroy it and cancel out those waves!" WarAngemon said.
"C'mon, let her have it! Give her another gut punch!" Ultima X cheered them on.
(Cue Persona 4 OST - The Almighty (0:00 - 2:11))
Backing away, Adnarim distanced herself from Miranda. She then channeled an energy wave and fired a blast at her way. Miranda narrowly dodged Adnarim's Photon Wave. Then, Adnarim hastily rushed over and punched Miranda back. Adnarim unleashed a barrage of blasts. Sonja formed a barrier and nullified the evil one's blasts.
"Ugh, get out of the way!" Adnarim snapped at Sonja.
"That's my friend you're hurting, bitch," Sonja coolly rebuked. Her usually cool demeanor was replaced with a fierce glare. She then channeled her infinite energy through her body. A cyan aura outlined her battle torn body. Her eyes started glowing the same cyan light. "Data Angel Mode Initiate." She whispered in a digitized, lifeless tone.
"Hey, that's my Data Angel program you guys installed into her! I remember you did it before that tournament a couple years back!" Iron Man recalled this instance, which nearly destroyed his company building.
"Yeah, but she's learned to control it since then. That's my babe," Ultima X smiled proudly.
Jax witnessed his sister now enveloped in a grid-like skeleton shaped like an angel, hence the name of her mode. Long quill-like protrusions formed from Sonja's back, sprouting out like angel's wings.
Not taking this well, Adnarim launched a barrage of blasts at Sonja. However, her beams were quickly neutralized by the Artificial's cybernetic aura. Sonja then grabbed and absorbed Adnarim's attacks through her digitized wings. These wings profusely glowed with golden light.
"Damn you! You won't show me up!" Adnarim snapped as she flew at Sonja. As she went for a straight punch, Sonja's wings ensnared and folded like her like Venus Flytrap. "Hey! Let me out!" She invoked her Gamma powers to break loose.
Sonja focused hard to subdue and contain Adnarim. Adnarim tried punching her way out of her prison. Sonja's digitized wings released beams of light that pierced through Adnarim. Upon punching through the wings, Adnarim slipped through with some damage. Sonja focused and tried regenerating her digitized wings.
Miranda quickly intercepted Adnarim and attacked with beams. Adnarim swung her right hand and unleashed a shockwave, which knocked away her blasts. Miranda had no time to respond and fell to the blasts.
"Stay down!" Adnarim shouted at her good self.
As Miranda recovered, she paused when a large figure towered behind Adnarim.
"What's wrong? Have you lost your nerve already?" evilly grinned Adnarim, taunting her good self.
"Hardly, but I'd watch my back if I were you."
(End theme)
There was the sound of low grunting and growling behind Adnarim. On top of that, there was heavy breathing that caused Adnarim's skin crawl. She quickly whirled around and prepared to fire a blast, but a giant green hand snatched her by the face.
The Hulk roared furiously as he tossed around and smashed Adnarim like a play toy. Adnarim's arms went flailing about as the Hulk repeatedly smashed her around. He then spat on Adnarim and body slammed her down hard, leaving her in a giant heap inside a big crater. Hulk snorted blowing smoke from his nose as he stood over the beaten Adnarim.
Everyone else watched completely speechless over the Hulk making short work of Adnarim.
"Holy hell…" Iron Man muttered, audibly gulping.
"This is the great monster you've been meaning to save?" Thor asked the others.
"Hey, big guy! She's still alive!" Omega X called out to the Hulk. "Move before she eats you again!"
(Cue Dragon Ball FighterZ OST - Android 21 Evil Theme)
As the Hulk turned around, Adnarim lunged out of the crater. The Hulk went for a giant right-handed jab, but Adnarim canceled it out with a left jab. As their fists collided, Adnarim pushed Hulk away. Once Adnarim hastily flew at the green giant, Miranda phased in between her evil half and Hulk. Miranda threw herself at Adnarim and shoved her back.
"Get back, Banner! I don't know how much longer I can hold her off!" Miranda pleaded to the Hulk.
Grinning, Adnarim clubbed Miranda's back with devastating punches. She then pummeled Miranda's head and shoved her head into the earth. Hulk rushed at Adnarim and reached to grab her. Adnarim quickly phased out Hulk's reach and reappeared on his right side. Adnarim unleashed a barrage of blasts that stunned and put down the Hulk.
"Time to get back in my belly, big guy!" Adnarim cackled as she shot another Candy Beam, to which was stopped by Kaimodosu X AM's own Candy Beam.
Kaimodosu X AM swiftly slashed Adnarim with her saber. This attack managed to slow Adnarim down enough for Metalla to make his next move. Metalla X clubbed Adnarim's face and knocked her down.
"Keep it up, guys! We're gathered enough energy to finish!" Omega X called out as he and Gundamon finished up their big Tsunami Wave double attack.
"We're just about ready, Tai!" Max shouted from within Gundamon.
Suddenly, Adnarim regained momentum by releasing an energy beam barrage, knocking away most of the opposition. Metalla X, Celesta X, WarAngemon X, Kaimodosu X, BW, Jax, Sonja, the Hulk, Thor, and Miranda were among those being blasted away. Adnarim shot up, delivering punches to Miranda and laying her out with a painful uppercut. After laying out Miranda, Adnarim turned her attention toward Omega X and Gundamon's way.
"Yes, I see what you're doing. Well, I'm not giving you the chance to finish me off!" Adnarim angrily shouted at the Ascendant duo. As she charged, she was cut off by WingGundamon, Ultima X, BanchoLeomon, Pikkan, Sheila, Sora & Phoenixmon, and Iron Man. She prepared to unleash a thunder clap, but Miranda came out of nowhere and grabbed Adnarim's left ankle.
"You're not going anywhere!"
Adnarim snarled and kicked away at Miranda. "Let me go!"
"Blast us both!" Miranda called out to Omega X and Gundamon. "I don't care what happens to me! As long as she dies with me, the sacrifice will be worth it!"
"UGH! LET ME GO!" Adnarim roared as bright green light enveloped her and Miranda.
"No, she's going into critical mode! If she goes any further, she'll end up destroying us along with the Central Planet!" Max exclaimed inside Gundamon.
"And I know for sure Gosenzomon won't stop crying until those cows come home!" Omega X shook his head. Resolving to finish the fight, the Bearer of Courage set his target on Adnarim. "I hope you know you'll die with her!"
Nodding, Miranda grabbed Adnarim from behind.
"HURRY AND SHOOT!"
Upon hearing Miranda's command, Omega X and Gundamon complied. They unleashed their Father-Son Tsunami Wave, sending out enough combined power to destroy Adnarim and Miranda.
"BW! Jax! And you, too… Sonja… thank you…" Miranda's eyes teared up as she smiled and acknowledged the three. "...for being friends and pulling me out of my rut. I won't forget about our times together… as fleeting as they were!" She closed her eyes and tightened her grip around Adnarim. This one's for you, MY BlackWarGreymon!
Opening her eyes, Adnarim's eyes glowed bright green. Fueled by her desire to feed, she amassed enough Gamma energy to augment herself. She elbowed Miranda's chest and blasted her away. She then used Instant Movement to avoid Omega X and Gundamon's ultimate double team move.
Seeing their own blast heading for Metalla X and the others, Omega X and Gundamon swerved the Tsunami Wave away, sending it hurtling into the sky.
(End theme)
"Damn it all! She was able to escape that?!" Metalla X growled with frustration.
"We're really going to be eaten by this freak, aren't we?!" Ultima X prepared to resign to his fate.
"No way, I'm not going down without fighting!" Sonja declared. "Miranda, can you still go?"
"Yeah…" Miranda stood up and pulled herself off the ground.
Sora channeled Ki made of fire in her hands and feet. "I have no chance to beat her, but I'm still able to go!"
BanchoLeomon growled. "What the hell? We've still got fight left in us."
Thor smirked. "Yes, that's what I like to hear. You're all proud warriors willing to fight to the bitter end just like me!"
Iron Man sighed. "Maybe not all of us, some of us still have lives we need to return to."
Hulk snarled at Adnarim. "Ragh! Hulk gonna smash you into pieces!"
Collecting his breath, Omega X glared down Adnarim. "You haven't won until you've made us all waste every ounce of breath."
(Cue Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission OST - The Last Mission)
"Well, then I can make this quick," Adnarim chortled and tapped into all the Gamma energy inside her body. As Gamma power coursed through her, Adnarim's body enlarged until she was the same height and gargantuan size as the Hulk himself. The more Gamma energy flowing through her, the more her body grew. "Now, I'm going to finish off in one blow…"
Then, Adnarim's body started to deflate until all the Gamma energy inside her caused her to dramatically implode. As Gamma energy burned started burning her up from the inside, Adnarim collapsed and expelled Gamma rays from her mouth. Everyone dodged Adnarim's beams.
"She's losing it!" WarAngemon exclaimed.
"More like she's breaking down!" Celesta X cried out.
"Yes, her gluttonous nature is coming back to bite her. Looks like using up and increasing all that Gamma energy is taking its toll on her!" BanchoLeomon revealed Adnarim's achilles heel.
"So, she's practically defeating herself for us?" Sheila realized.
"Yes, she's been abusing that Gamma power and can't control it well like the Hulk can," Miranda said as Sonja helped her up. "What's wrong, other me? Can't handle more than you can chew?"
"UGH! NO! IT CAN'T BE?!" Adnarim howled loudly as she watched her complexion turn back into pink. She burped out the last of the Gamma energy that she managed to burn out. "Ohhh… this isn't supposed to happen…" She stood up as her knees became wobbly.
"Oh, but it has!" Sonja cried out. "You abused a power you just couldn't handle! Now, you've wasted it. What a shame. I almost feel sorry for you."
Jax added. "Big emphasis on the almost, too."
Chuckling, Adnarim stood up and felt her whole body quiver. "...so, what? I'm still plenty strong enough to beat you all… I don't need Gamma to get an advantage over you all!"
"Oh, we neglected to tell you, but that finishing attack me and Tai made... " Gundamon interjected as he and Omega X counted down.
"Five. Four. Three. Two. One!"
The sound of a beam came crashing down from the sky. Catching the loud sound coming from above, Adnarim quickly turned and saw the Father-Son Tsunami Wave heading for her. She prepared to use Instant Movement to dodge the blast, but Jax and Sonja blasted her good arm off. The beam immediately collided with Adnarim and engulfed her, along with the arm Jax and Sonja blasted off.
In a last act of desperation, Adnarim fired off a one-handed Tsunami Wave to counteract Omega X and Gundamon's double finisher.
Now's my chance! Thought Miranda as she rushed past the heroes and got in front of Adnarim. She shoved her hand through Adnarim's gut and ripped out what looked like a remote control. "I'll be taking this!"
"GIVE THAT BACK!" Adnarim demanded as she willed her severed arm to float off the ground and fly toward Miranda.
Seeing the arm coming, Sonja blasted it away. She grabbed Miranda and pulled her away. Miranda crushed the remote with her hand.
"NOW!" Omega X yelled out as he and Gundamon launched their Father-Son Tsunami Wave forward, overpowering Adnarim's Tsunami Wave completely.
With her eyes widening, Adnarim watched the beam closing in and evaporating every trace of her being. Her blood-curdling screams filled the holy sanctuary.
"NOOOO! HOW CAN I BE DONE IN LIKE THIS?!" Were her last words as she and her entire being was erased completely.
(End theme)
Withdrawing their hands, Omega X and Gundamon dropped to their knees. As Gundamon powered down, the Gundam Digimon split back to Max and Gojiramon. Miranda opened her eyes as she saw no traces left of her evil half's existence.
"It's really over?" Miranda asked as she let out a deep sigh of relief.
"Please, don't jinx us," Sonja scoffed.
"Nah, she's done. I can't sense her anymore," Omega X confirmed.
"Good riddance," Metalla X remarked.
"Yes, and by now the waves should have completely dissipated by now," Sora said.
Just then, Celesta X put that theory to the test and instantly powered up to her Mystic state.
"Looks like that's a yes! Alright, we have our full powers back!" Ultima X exclaimed. He quickly turned to Sonja. "We did it, babe!"
Sonja smiled modestly. "Yeah, we sure did."
Miranda stood up and walked off. However, Sonja grabbed her arm.
"Where are you going?"
"Somewhere that isn't Earth. After all the trouble I've caused, I'd feel guilty for returning. Besides, I'm considered a wanted terrorist by SHIELD now."
Iron Man pointed out. "She's technically right. If she turns up again, SHIELD will be riding her ass."
"With all the power she possesses, she'd easily crush your entire world's military," Thor said.
"She has all that power, but I doubt she'd abuse it like her evil half would've," Max replied to the Asgardian.
"There's also the concern if whether I'll be able to control my hunger. I fear I'll become like her," Miranda expressed her gravest concerns with being allowed to her own devices.
"There's gotta be a way to suppress your hunger, right? I mean, you've done a pretty good job of that," Sonja reasoned with Miranda.
"Yes, but, for how long? For all you know, I could wake up hungry and turn one of you to food. I'd absolutely hate to become like my evil half!"
Just then, Kaimodosu X AM interjected. "That may not be necessarily the case. Dee within me says he's managed to control his feeding impulses when Mummymon instructs him. On top of that, he's kept his emotions in check and since then no evil half has resurfaced." She powered down as D-Reaper split from her.
D-Reaper nodded. "If you behave like Dee, you'll be just fine. Dee like you to be his friend!" The rotund creature smiled big. "Would you like to continue being Dee's friend?"
(Cue Persona 4 OST - I'll Face Myself)
Hearing this, Miranda couldn't feel more delighted. "Yes, absolutely. I did promise to eat sweet snacks with you, didn't I?" Her smile then faded as she turned toward Omega X. "Still, there's no excusing what I did even if it was Adnarim the one in control. I'll gladly turn myself into SHIELD."
"The HYDRA network is still operating globally and they've now managed to infiltrate the Digital World. You'd do us plenty of good helping us track and take them down," Max offered her a solution. "Heck, we have our own tech team. They could use someone with a mind like yours."
"I appreciate the offer, but allow me to atone for what I've done."
"I think you've already atoned after all you've done for us," Sonja said.
"You helped us destroy most of those labs, getting rid of the clones, and helped play difference maker against your evil half," BW reminded her of all the positive she's done, which may or may not necessarily counterbalance the wrong her evil half has caused. "You've atoned for a lot in my eyes."
The Hulk grunted. "Hulk no like you're green like me now. Banner say you stay and help these people."
"Ok, Hulk, don't take this personal," Omega X walked up to the Gamma monster. With one swift punch to Hulk's gut, the Ascendant knocked him out. "But, we need to get him dropped off somewhere."
"You're right since Miranda, Sonja, Jax, and BlackWarGreymon ran into him in the first place. Let's see…" Max mulled over where to relocate the Hulk. "Ah!" He whispered into Omega X's ear.
"That place? Sure thing!" Omega X smirked as he grabbed Hulk's unconscious form and teleported with Instant Movement. As soon as he left, he came right back instantaneously. "That should do. He'll be waking up like his ol' Bruce self."
Thor was taken aback. He quickly fell that green beast, vanishes, and comes right back. This Instant Movement ability of his is intriguing.
Just then, Shinmon and Gosenzomon returned to the location. They were relieved that Adnarim was vanquished, but the elder was none too pleased with the collateral damage left by the battle. Thankfully, the planet wasn't in complete shambles following the life and death battle against Teen-Reaper.
If that wasn't enough, Beerusmon and Whismon appeared to confront the heroes. Accompanying the God of Destruction and his Angel attendant, Madoka and Homura came to check on their friends.
"Is everyone ok?!" Madoka worryingly checked on Omega X and his friends.
"Hey, Madoka! Don't worry, we got rid of the bad guy!" Omega X reassured her.
"So, I take it this is that creature's good half," Homura eyed Miranda.
"Yeah, but it's ok. She helped us beat her evil half," Max said.
However, Beerusmon wasn't too convinced as he walked over to Omega X.
"I see you've vanquished that woman's evil half, but you haven't entirely destroyed her."
"Yeah, I mean, Miranda's not going to cause any harm."
"Taichi, this isn't the first time you've allowed the better half of one being continue to run amok. The least you forget about our round friend here?" Whismon pointed Omega X toward D-Reaper's way. "Are you certain this woman will be anything like Dee?"
"Sure. I'm positive she will!"
D-Reaper walked up to Beerusmon. "You better not mess with Dee's new friend!"
Kaimodosu X called out. "Hold on, Dee! You won't want to anger Lord Beerusmon again!"
Upon seeing Beerusmon with his own eyes, Thor was flabbergasted and taken to his outward appearance. With a gleeful smile, he approached Beerusmon.
"Is this the Lord Beerusmon you've referred to? You said he was a cat, but with those ears he looks like a rabbit!" Thor raised his hammer and saluted to him. "As one god to another, it's an honor, Lord Beerusmon!"
Nearly everyone but Beerusmon himself were taken aback by Thor's direct acknowledgement of the Digital God of Destruction. Whismon could only chortle and be amused by Thor's overly enthusiastic character.
"Um, Thor. Big guy. First off, he's not a rabbit," Omega X meekly muttered.
Damn it, this moron's gonna get us killed! Metalla X thought as he watched Beerusmon scowling and touching his own ears.
"Hey, who's this buffoon calling me a 'rabbit'?! I am a God of Destruction! And a cat!" Beerusmon openly berated Thor.
"Pardon, but I've never seen a cat such as you!"
"I've been called many things and even mistaken as Anubis, but a rabbit?! That's the least straw!" As Beerusmon was about to go off, Omega X quickly stood in his way and pleaded.
"Lord Beerusmon, please! Give him some slack! He had no idea of your existence!"
"Then, he best apologize to me for calling me a carrot muncher."
Taken aback by Beerusmon's heated and tumultuous response, Thor backed off.
"Please excuse me, Lord Beerusmon. In no way, did I mean to offend you."
"What planet are you from, boy?" Beerusmon pointed to Thor.
"Asgard."
"Oh, that planet full of those proud warriors and ruled by O… oh, his name slips my mind."
"King Odin, my lord. One of the wisest and venerable beings in the physical universe's Nine Realms." Whismon corrected him, purposefully withholding Odin's past deeds as ruthless war king to himself in respect to the Asgardian before them.
"Yes, Odin! That's the one! I'll keep you and your father in mind, proud Asgardian."
Whismon sighed. "You don't intend to destroy a world outside your jurisdiction?"
"No, I don't. I just want to remind myself of where this Asgardian fool comes from. The physical universe's worlds' policies, otherwise, don't pique my interest."
"Unless it's our world and you're only there for the meals," grumbled Omega X.
"What was that, Taichi?!" Beerusmon grabbed at Omega X and pulled on his nose.
"Ow, that hurts!"
Keeping to himself, Thor backed off. "I meant no offense, but next time may our greeting be more formal. Myself and my father, Odin, only seek peace with the gods like yourself."
"Well, good. As it should be," Beerusmon scoffed.
Finding herself in an awkward place, Miranda wasn't sure how to take the opposing views on her still being alive and given freedom.
"It'll be ok, Miranda. Let's take things slow," Sonja patted her shoulder.
"Thank you all so much, but what about my hunger?"
"I think you can leave it to Dee to teach you," Jax said.
"Yes, you're right. It should be an interesting experience nonetheless." Miranda pivoted to Omega X and Max. "But, allow me to turn myself over to SHIELD. It's only right."
Omega X and Max turned to each other.
"Well, Max?"
"If that's what she wants."
Iron Man approached Miranda. "Are you sure this is what you want?"
"I'm willing to take any punishment they can give me."
Beerusmon frowned. "Just know if she causes any of you trouble, it's on you. Is that understood?"
"You let us worry about that, Lord Beerusmon," Omega X gave the Digital God of Destruction some peace of mind.
Whismon added. "So, the evil one was done in partly by her own gluttony. That was her achilles heel."
"Hey, what about that Gamma energy she still has in her?" Keke asked Max.
"Good question. Hey, you're still able to maintain that Gamma form. Correct, Miranda?" Max asked her.
Upon realizing this, Miranda checked over herself and remembered she had absorbed some of Adnarim's Gamma energy. She still had the emerald complexion.
"Oh, yes. You're right! Looks like I could willfully control it with my emotions like Banner now. Though, I may not need to get angry like he can," Miranda said as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The harder she focused, the quicker she was able to suppress the Gamma power coursing through her. Her green complexion vanished. Her slightly muscular frame became her normal slender figure. "Oh…" Letting out a deep, relaxed breath, she regressed to her normal state. Her tail was gone, too. Her hair was reddish brown again.
"Oh good, you're normal again," Sonja said.
"Yes, with enough training, I should be able to willfully switch between my first transformed state and my… well, I suppose you could call it my She-Hulk state?"
"She-Hulk? Not too original, but it's fitting considering what you can now become," Jax approved.
Sheila smirked. "So, we get another green chick for our side? I'd love to go one on one with her."
BanchoLeomon coughed. "Oh, joy. Does that mean I'm no longer you're spar partner?'
Sheila poked BanchoLeomon's side. "You'll always be my dance partner, kitty cat! It just never hurts to switch it up new partners every now and then!"
"Right, whatever you say," grumbled BanchoLeomon.
"Alright, Miranda. Whenever you're ready," Iron Man said while standing beside her.
"Ready to face the music."
Omega X waved a finger to Miranda. "Hey, be positive. Maybe they'll let you off the hook and ask us to keep watch for you?"
Miranda sighed over Omega X's naïvety over international laws. "Oh dear. You don't understand SHIELD's policies, do you, Taichi?"
"I guess not, but I'm positive they won't dispose of you."
"Yawn. Earth laws have no meaning to me. Whatever happens to her happens," Beerusmon shrugged his shoulders.
"Nonetheless, it should be interesting to see what becomes of this woman's fate," Whismon said. "Taichi and his friends have managed to turn over former enemies to their side. I have my suspicions everything will be ok."
(End theme)
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Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)/Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building(東京都庁舎)/11:30 AM
Over a week has passed since Miranda was court martialed. She ultimately turned herself over to SHIELD's custody and was imprisoned only to be later brought in for questioning. To help defend her case, she was given a young plucky lawyer named Jennifer Walters, who was tasked in her first ever case.
Miranda openly admitted to having been working with HYDRA and involved with Digimon terrorist cells. She openly admitted to forming the Dark HYDRA Network. While it seemed as if SHIELD were ready to take her in to be permanently locked away, Fury reconsidered after having learned of Taichi and the others' testimonies on Adnarim. The fact Fury and his associates have seen two Mirandas was proof they needed that Miranda was composed of two halves.
An agreement was ultimately decided. Miranda's technical genius and her former ties with HYDRA would grant SHIELD access to the location of various HYDRA and Dark Network bases. Moreover, being the second individual to have harvested and utilized Gamma power to increase her power was more than enough to allow her to work closely with Tai's associates.
As she walked out of the metropolitan building, Miranda came out in a blue business suit. Around her neck, she wore a small silver collar. Beside her was a tall brunette business suit-wearing woman with a meek demeanor and wearing glasses.
"I'm glad things worked out well in the end, Miranda," the lawyer woman addressed the Artificial, who sighed.
"Yes, and thank you very much for doing your best with my case, Ms. Walters," she shook the lawyer's hands. "Not bad for a first time."
"Good luck with your future endeavors. And if you ever see Bruce again… tell him Jenny said hi." With that, Jennifer departed to catch her flight back to New York.
As Miranda turned, she saw Tai & Agumon, Max & Gojiramon, Sonja, Jax, and BW waiting outside for her. She smiled to them.
"And thank you for talking with Fury," Miranda expressed gratitude to them.
"No need to thank us. We managed to convince him you'd be a great asset for us and SHIELD," Tai replied. "Besides, you agreed to wearing that collar that inhibits your hunger impulses."
"I designed this myself. It'll trigger over millions of shocks into my body should I cross the line."
Sonja frowned. "That sounds dangerous."
"I appreciate the concern, Sonja, but I'll be fine. Everything turned out ok in the end."
"So, where will you go now?" Jax asked her.
"I'm going to meet Taichi's tech friends. They could use a mind like me and I'd like to ask if they can give my DigiHybrid dinosaurs a better home."
"How about your Gamma form? Do you have that under control?" Max queried to her.
"Yes, and I've taken up that mental training you suggested. I think it's working out for me."
Agumon nodded. "That's great to hear!"
Gojiramon concurred. "Yep! Keep it up!"
(Cue Persona 4 OST - New Days)
As Miranda prepared to leave with Tai and Agumon, she pivoted toward Sonja and smiled to her.
"I don't know how to repay you after all the support you and your friends have given me."
"You were dealt a bad hand by Datamon. He turned you into an Artificial like us. I had this aching feeling you were a voice in need of help. Anyone who's ever been converted by Datamon and turned into one of his subjects is a victim in my eyes."
Jax added. "Welcome to the club. Now here we are leading better lives."
BW nodded. "And with your expertise, you'll be an asset for us."
Hearing this, Miranda was moved by their words. "Thank you. Oh, and don't be shy about seeing me. I'd be personally happy to give you upgrades if you need it." She pointed to Sonja. "I know your Data Angel program could use some improvements. And Jax, come see me when you're able."
Max chuckled. "Sounds like you two have doctor's appointments."
Sonja casually shrugged. "I'd feel much better stripping myself down and letting her examine me than doing it in front of you guys."
Miranda chuckled over Sonja's crude honesty. "Oh dear, you have no shame."
"Nope, I sure don't."
Jax sighed. "Sis, don't ever change."
"The upgrades will be essential for you two in the long run, especially as future threats continue to rise," BW stated.
"Oh crap, hey, I hate to ditch y'all, but I've got to meet Sora for our date," Tai promptly waved them off. "Agumon, meet you back at the apartment?"
"Yeah, catch ya later!" With that, Tai and Agumon both teleported using Instant Movement. As Tai relocated to meet with Sora, Agumon returned to the apartment to check with Biyomon, Dorothy, and Avengemon.
"Speaking of future, I wonder how Dimitri and Karin are doing," Max muttered. "Oh right, there's that invite to that multiversal theme park in the Nexus! I hope they got the message."
xxxxx
"Hey, all! It's your boy Max Kamiya. By the way, that multiversal theme park I'm referring to is called Across Conventions, which is located in Dimension: AC-TP. It's the Nexus' biggest attraction as thousands from throughout the Nexus converge for fun and entertainment. Myself, Tai, and most of our friends were invited.
Speaking of Miranda, she's now currently working with Izzy's team and has given the Artificial twins' much needed upgrades. Wait until you see Jax and Sonja in action. Jax, especially, got a huge upgrade that's gonna benefit him in the long run. Sonja's Data Angel program has been given some decent modifications. Tony seems to have gotten inspired by Miranda's handiwork and has worked hard to augment his latest armor suits. So, yeah. Miranda's one of us now and she hasn't had the urge to feed anymore. And she hasn't seen the need to fight, but we'll see what the future holds.
The remnants of the Dark HYDRA Network remain at large, but Miranda has been doing her part helping SHIELD eliminate those root networks.
As for our new Asgardian friend, he's still on the search for his fugitive brother Loki. We trust he'll find the trickster.
Our time at Across Conventions was a fun and memorable time. We got to meet various guests from other universes. A few of us even competed in their multiversal tournament. My dad and Yamato even fought Goku and Vegeta during the event. In the end though, Vegeta won the tournament beating a blue jay named Mordecai of all characters. Still, we had a great time. None had any more fun than Dimitri and Karin's sweet and kind daughter Athena. And our Kuiper friend, Christina, did a live vocal performance for the audiences there. It was overall a nice cool off after thwarting the latest threats, including Adnarim.
But, like all good things, they come to an end and it's never an easy life for us. For Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk, they were set to converge paths once again after they helped us stop Adnarim. The trickster god, Loki, finally emerged and took the Tesseract from SHIELD. This eventually led to Captain America, who after 70 plus years been missing from the public eye, return and take up his shield. Along with Black Widow and Hawkeye, the Avengers initiative all prepared to stop Loki and an invading alien army called the Chitauri.
So while the newly formed Avengers went into war, Tai and his friends enjoyed some peace and quiet.
But, peace for us is almost always fleeting. Remember our good friends Dimitri and Karin? Well, they're about to face hell in a hand basket as they return to Dimitri's future. What could be worse than Artificials?"
(End theme)
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?-?
(Cue Madoka Magica OST - Umbra nigra)
Within the anomalous being's sanctuary, new activity was brewing. R. Homura stood and prepared to give orders to the group.
"Are you all ready to begin the next phase, Imaginalists?"
Standing beside her are the other group members. One is a lanky, tall and elegantly-dressed young man with a purple forehead dot. His hair is spiky. His wardrobe consisted of a white fur coat, long dark pants, and black shoes. Standing opposite from him are two Digimon: Arkadimon and Deathmon.
"Welcome, Soma Saitou, Arkadimon, and Deathmon," R. Homura addressed the lanky, tall man, who gave a courtesy bow to the Rebellious witch.
"Yes, we are quite ready." Saitou stated calmly, turning to another direction. "Isn't that right, Kyubey?"
Suddenly, Kyubey walked in and hopped on a table. From a glance, he now seemed in league with these Imaginalists.
"Don't think I'll fully cooperate. I'm doing this for my own reason." Kyubey reaffirmed his position.
"So, in other words, you're being your usual troll self," R. Homura remarked.
"If that's what you want to believe, then sure, but as you know I have no loyalty to anyone, other Homura."
The Rebellious witch responded with a condescending smirk. "So you say, but we still expect you to play your part, Incubator. As we speak, the Dark Angels are actively ravaging dimension DF-811." R. Homura referred to the Black Ascendant trio. A collective smirk adorned the Rebellious demoness's pale features. "It now begins."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Odaiba, Tokyo (お台場, 東京)/Dimension: DF-811/June 12th, 2028
A portal opened up. Coming out of it are Dimitri & Faith and Sailor Sedna. They came to visit Dimitri's mother in this dimension. Dimitri has longed to check on his mother and Palmon.
But, what they discovered was a horrifyingly grim future laid to waste by an unknown force.
"Oh god… what the hell happened here?!" Sedna yelled out horrified at the sight of a post-apocalyptic scenery that resembled the destruction previously left by the Artificials. "Dimitri, don't tell me there's Artificials we missed!"
"No, everyone of them have been destroyed!" Dimitri answered. "And I should know because I finished them."
"Yeah, peace was supposed to return!" Faith said.
Dimitri scanned the devastated city. "We've got to find my mother and Palmon! Only they can tell us!"
"Then, let's go!" Sedna encouraged.
Before they advanced further, a black energy beam exploded in front of them. Dimitri & Faith and Sedna stopped at their tracks.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - The Birth of Merged Zamasu (0:42 - 1:25))
"Who did that?!" Sedna asked frantically, feeling her heart race.
The trio looked up as a thin veil of smoke materialized above them. They saw a dark, disembodied figure with red glowing eyes alter into a humanoid shape. They discerned the figure and to their shock recognized this individual's face.
Sedna gasped in horror. "It can't be… not you!"
Dimitri growled. "What… Tai?! Why are you here?!"
A low, evil chortle came out of the thin veil of smoke. "It's about time. I'm glad you're all here so I won't have to hunt you down. Now, I can choke the lives from you." As the smoke finally dissipated, Black Omega X malignantly grinned down at Angemon X and Sedna. "I can't wait to watch you and your friends die, Ascendant."
(End theme)
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Next chapter: SOS From the Future - Advent of the Dark Angels
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A/N: That's right. I'm retreading old ground from Cross Generations. It's time for the Black Rebellion retelling! Truth be told, I've been looking forward to revisit this. Now I have an opportunity to expand on sections that were glossed over. So, there will be new scenes and expanded battles. However, the Cornerverse and the majority of the YYGDM scenes will be excluded from this retelling. The arc will also get a chapter count extension. In CG, BR was 6 chapters, but with the new additional scenes, extended battles, and split chapters, I could do an extension up to 9-10 episodes.
And since Miranda's now become part of the good guys, she'd probably lend support if need be. Her genius intellect, regeneration, and two forms could come in handy in the next arc. Speaking of Miranda, she helped take down Adnarim and has settled to becoming another cog in the team's tech team. This also greatly deviates from Dragon Ball FighterZ's Android 21 arc ending . Instead of killing off the good side, I keep that component alive to exploit her potential character (and laying the groundwork with her new lawyer friend Jennifer Walters (my inspirational take on an MCU AU She-Hulk later down the line if need be, technically making her 'She-Hulk II' in this continuity)).
Next time, the Imaginalists (led by R. Homura) and the Black Ascendant Trio (controlled by Zamasmon) are set to take over the next arc. Until the next update, send a review and see you soon!