Chapter 77: Heart of Courage
The group continue their journey to infiltrate the city by taking the route through the sewage systems. with the help of a mysterious girl named Selina, who came out of nowhere and offered to help them. With little choice in that matter, but so many questions running in their minds.
Where did she come from and how did she get here?
Can they trust her?
Is she working alone or something else in mind?
But someone else already asked her.
"So.. Selin, right? How did you get here? Not some place you can just walk in on a tour." Sora asked the green haired teen.
She looked over her shoulder when hearing his question. "Funny, I should be asking you the same thing, but if it helps I came here to rescue a friend of mine. And I believe that's the same thing you came here for, right?"
The group were surprised how she figured it out when they had not seen her so close.
Sky nods his head to confirm her statement. "Yeah, a friend of ours was brought here against her will after a battle back home. And we came here looking for her."
"Well, guess we're in luck, I was gonna help you guys out but you had that covered. But you don't know the place like I do, and if she's taken to Skycrusher, then it will be a problem for her." Selina continues walking down the pathway while leading them until she stops in front of them. "So, how about a deal, I help you get your friend out and you help me save my friend before she becomes dinner to that oversized lizard. Do we have a deal?"
The trio looked at each other and believed it should be fair to help her out, but had to trust their instincts and be careful of what she might do.
"Okay, deal. But no funny stuff, got it?" Taren extends his hand out to her, she nods and smiles softly before accepting his handshake.
"Deal, like I want to take on some keybladers." Selina seemed to like it. "The one I'm trying to break out after she was captured is Scaradorable of Gloomhollow, or as I like to call her, Squeaky."
"Squeaky?" Sky and Taren both asked at the same time, pondering if it was a pet name for something.
She smiled and squealed, clasping her hands to her cheek. "All because she makes the most adorable sounds, and has been my best pal since I first met her." Pulls out a photo to show them of her wrapping her arms around a purple furred koala bear with horns and also had its arms around her, showing the two had a strong bond. "I first summoned her after doing research about civilizations of this realm and has the cutest eyes."
Even Tatsurion found it odd for her to befriend a Kaiju, especially of what civilization the creature was from. "A darkness creature? Very odd choice to befriend one."
Rolls her eyes when putting the photo away. "And how is that any different from you guys?"
For once, she brought up a reasonable question. "Point taken." Taren couldn't argue with her logic. "But if you know about them, couldn't you just summon her to break out?"
"Guess it explains how you got here with that?" Pointing to Taren's dueling gauntlet. "While it could have worked, but I don't have one and as I did try to use an alternative summoning spell, it didn't work. So I had no choice but to break her out."
"You must really have a good heart to save this creature." Sora could tell if she went all the trouble to save this creature as they have to save a friend.
Selina smiles at his compliment. "Yeah, I would do that for any of my friends back home, I know one person would totally
Tatsurion's nose picked up the scent they were looking for and stopped in his tracks. "She's close." Sniffs around to know which direction to follow, leading to the steel ladder above them.
"I'll go first. Wait here until it's clear." Sora climbs up the ladder while the others wait below. The moment he reached the top, they could hear sounds of blasts and flashes of light.
"Wow, he must be good." Selina commented while impressed.
"Yeah, he's my dad and knows from experience." Taren told her. "Now we better catch up quick and you can go-" What they did not expect was to see Selina was several feet above them, flying straight up. "first."
"She can fly?" Sky had no idea she could do that. Now there were alot of questions about this girl. "Anyone sure we could trust her?"
Tatsurion follows them as he was the last to climb up, not even sure if she is or not. "Don't ask me, I don't trust anyone. Maybe you."
"Good, but better keep an eye on her. Wonder how she learned to fly like that?" Taren pondered.
"Come on! What are you slowpokes, waiting for?" They hear Selena from above and see Sora sticking his head out to look down.
"We found what looks like an arena, and a lot of people have gathered.
True to Sora's word, the arena was somewhat like a colosseum, filled with various creatures across the fire realm, and what appears to be others by their appearances such as Nature and Darkness. All of them were cheering on as there appeared to be a battle performed between two robots trying to blast the other to pieces with their lasers from a distance.
"Woah, this is just like those tournaments with robots back home… only this is more real and dangerous." Taren watched them go all out to fight, although not his place to judge but it must be their way of life.
"We need to know exactly where Estrid is, are you sure she's here?" Sky asked Tatsurion if he was certain.
"I am. She's right here. Look, the Sledge Bot." Pointing to the red robot with a giant drill on its right arm with a wide grin on its faceplate. But up close on its left arm was none other than Estrid who was in a cockpit and forced to fight for her life.
They watch the Sledge Bot fire its lasers at its opponent, but it repels them with a shield barrier and retaliates with a cannon extended from its main torso, firing a cannon before it splits into smaller cannonballs and bashes the robot.
While the audience cheered over the barbaric battle, only five did not seem to agree with their view of 'sport'.
"Estrid!" Taren feared for her well being as the others. But to his luck and everyone else, they saw movement and found Estrid in one piece after she pushed a piece of metal.
"Thank the dragon she's safe." Sky sighed in relief that she was okay.
However, Tatsurion had something else to say about it. "For now. She can only fight to survive."
Estrid coughed and waved off the smoke after she narrowly escaped oblivion from her opponent, a robot they call Rothros the Destroyer, she only narrowly escaped in time had that missile not blown up. While finally out of that cockpit, she was now in greater danger as Rothos the Destroyer was coming towards her.
Wasting no time and using her light magic to shoot it. "Come on! It's over, you win, stupid tin bot!" But it didn't seem to listen and shrugged off her attacks, forcing the blonde to throw herself forward in between its wheels.
While she was not enjoying any moment of it, Lord Skycrusher on the other hand, sitting on his large fancy throne from the viewing platform found it most entertaining to watch her fight for her life. Keeping the strange small creature as entertainment than food was perhaps not a waste of payment as she appears to know how to use magic to defend herself. At least for now. Laughs sinisterly to his delight with no regards of Estrid's well being, she was a competitor and won't last long. "Now that's entertainment! Finish the fleshling off, Rothos the Destroyer!"
The tank robot's programming systems processed his command, slamming its gun hand where she was, but missed.
The others could not stand by any longer to watch and go in to rescue her. Sky and Taren jumped onto Tatsurion's armor before he jumped into the arena and tackled the machine. Taren summoned his keyblade and slashed into its hull plating while his partner tore the caterpillar treads, simultaneously using both moves to totally wreck the robot.
This was unexpected to the dragon lord to find two unknown intruders interfering with his sport. He will make them pay for their crimes and perhaps present them to his monarch. "Guards! Seize the interlopers!"
Taren pulled out his rod and created a light cycle while Sky remained on Tatsurion's back, reaching out his hand towards Estrid. "Grab on!"
She grabbed his wrist and pulled her up, letting her wrap her arms around him from behind as she was astonished to find them in the Kaiju realm. "S-Sky? You came for me?"
"Well yeah, we all did. I mean, uh, well I sort of felt responsible for it." He chuckled sheepishly and did. Not aware that she stared at him with wide eyes. "Now come on, let's get Master Sora and get out of here."
As much as she appreciated the help, there was another thing on her mind. "Wait, there's a creature I promised to help escape."
Uncertain what she was in a bout, but recalled what that green haired teen said earlier. Wait, this creature wouldn't be a purple furry bear… something named Squiggy?"
"Guys, heads up!" Taren spotted several guards running towards them. Forcing both Tatsurion and Taren to stop and find themselves surrounded.
"Doesn't look like we're leaving, at all." It seemed certain with no exit
With Sora and Selina, they realized this was a bad situation
"Hey, mister, aren't you going to jump in and help them?" Selina questions Sora as he stands there and watches. "I mean, isn't that redhead your son when he's in danger?"
"I would have if he was in serious danger, besides we can't just jump in without an escape plan or a distraction. There are too many guards and we know little about this place." Sora explains to her the reason why he stayed behind, if they all went down there and got captured there would be no one to break them out. Remembering the times of his previous adventures when he and his friends were either captured or surrounded by many and always found a way out "Taren's been in situations almost like this before, even when I was his age."
Confident that they will make a run for it.
Skycrusher was annoyed, uncertain how they were but will make them regret ruining his moment, he cannot afford to make himself look bad among the ambassadors from the Nature and Darkness Civilization. One greatly resembled a humanoid Rhinoceros with an eye-patch on his right eye. Wielding an ax and shield made only of wood, wearing a white cape made from fur of some sort of beast. The second ambassador appeared to be a humanoid female with a large black headgear with two horns extending outwards, wearing a yellow mask to cover her face with a headband that had an eye-emblem on it. White-grey hair reached down to her back and wore gold armor around the waist and shoulder pads, ankle boots, black pants and top, and a dark blue cape. She was armed with a whip in her right hand and a rapier sword in her left.
They came as ambassadors from the two civilizations, while the Kaiju have commonly fought one another, some on rare occasions would come to a neutral stand; be it a common foe or agreement on terms.
"No one spoils my entertainment and lives." As regent to serve his monarch, Skycrusher promised them a battle between creatures but these fools dare ruin it. He will find out who they are and suffer the consequences. Or he will be one to suffer in their place. "Guards, burn them!"
Heeding his command and sprinted into attack formation with their swords, going after the largest which is Tatsurion. Pity they didn't know that he was stronger than they thought and swatted them using his tail.
"Bob, what's going on? I thought you were out of here by now?" Taren struck one of them using his Firaga.
"Your friend is what's holding us back." Tatsurion knew they can't stay for long with more guards taking another's place.
"Turns out Squiggy we promised Selina to rescue her here." Sky told them.
"And she'll be that Skycrusher jerk's dinner if we can't find her in time." Estrid added, determined to save the poor creature. She wondered how they knew its name in the first place and who's this Selina they were talking about.
"We can't do something if we get caught." Taren reminded them of the bigger issue, he did promise Selina that they help her.
A guard runs towards them with an electrical spear and intends to stab them with it. Sky saw it coming and yelled out. "Watch it!" Pulls back and grabs it, yanks it to the side and jabbed it back to its user in the chest. Tatsurion bashes another with his fist while Taren uses Quake to send another flying. The auburn haired teen saw one was about to stab Sky from the back after leaping in the air, feeling as if his body moved on its own, he pulled his fists back and shot forward like he was punching in thin air, only to create fireballs out of his fists and aimed directly at the lizard guards. When he stopped and realised what just happened, Taren looked at his hands in awe of that sudden move.
"Woah." This was new and unknown to him, never performed a move like that before and felt so strange and yet felt the energy flow around him so naturally.
"Uh, Taren, when did you learn to do that?" Estrid asked him, never having seen him do that before.
"Honestly, no idea." Taren thought maybe it was a lot like Lea's type of magic, but this was much different. Maybe it was the power of the Dragonflame that was triggered by accident?
As it was a surprise to the others, but nothing more when an energy beam was fired where they were, creating a strong blast that hurled everyone in range several feet in the air and tumbling back to the ground.
It was enough for one of the guards to take the advantage and hoisted Estrid by the arm, pulling her from Tatsurion's back.
"Estrid!" Sky was about to rush forward to save her, only to find himself pinned down by a strong grip on his shoulder. Gritted his teeth of the pain his body was enduring, looking over his shoulder to find some sort of giant, unable to see his face with the blue and white cloak concealing his identity. The prince noticed he had a large machine gun strapped on his back, and smoke came out of the tube, which meant this giant was the one who fired that shot from before. And it looked really powerful.
"You should probably worry about your own skin, your highness."
The blonde prince ceased struggling when he heard the giant call him by his royal status. How did he know who he was? Does he know about the others? The dragon guards surrounded him with their swords pointing at him to prevent any openings.
Unable to risk the others getting captured and maybe given a chance to escape. "Bob! Get Taren out of here!"
Seeing their plan has gone up in smoke, Tatsurion then fired missiles out of his gauntlet to make an opening with Taren on his back.
"Wait, Bob! We can't leave them!"
"Can't save them if we're caught!" Tatsurion stated, as much as he agreed it was wrong, but they would have more chances of rescue to avoid capture, especially that stranger who attacked them. Ramming his claws into the wall to climb back up and jumped into the crowd. Tatsurion ran through the dozen creatures and jumped over the wall, skidding down across the mountainous terrain with the city guards on their tail.
Back with Sora and Selina, they realize the situation and best make their escape like Sora and Tatsurion. "So much for an easy way out." Sora watches as SKy and Estrid were taken away, but his eyes were more focused on that large humanoid who followed them after he intervened with their rescue operation. Something about him seemed off and I didn't like it.
"That's the guy! I recognised his weapon!" Sora turned to Selina who had a scowl and glare on her face. "He's the one who took Squiggy. I know it is."
"You certain?" Sora asked her.
"Ever seen a guy who walks around with a huge cannon on his back?" Selina knew for certain. "He attacked us and took Squiggy, all I could think of was maybe he's a bounty hunter or something. Never seen his face but will have an ugly one when I get my hands on him."
Sora didn't had time to ask, knowing they needed to make their leave now and regroup with the others
Tatsurion and Taren were now trying to lose the pursuing guards, taking every sharp turn between buildings to find cover. Taren decided to make the gap between them and the guards wider, he used a Stop and Gravity spell on them which worked in his favor. They found an old and abandoned looking house with few rags and holes, perfect for cover and slipped inside before the guards could find them.
"Spread out! They must not escape!"
Taren sighs in relief, but can't hide in the building forever with Tatsurion too big to hide. Fortune seems to be in their favor when he spotted some sort of cannon and it was empty with no ammo inside. "Bob, quick in there."
"What?"
"Trust me." Taren persuaded him to hide in there and meet up with the others.
Estrid glances over to Sky and feels bad that he got captured because of her. Yet, it was brave of them to even come this far to save her. "I appreciate you guys came to help, but feel this was my fault for getting dragged here in the first place."
Sky was still sore from the impact but didn't seem to bother him at all and pull a brave face on. "Don't sweat it, that's what friends do. But if I know Taren since I met him, he's probably making another attempt to crash the party."
She can agree with him knowing her cousin that long, the blonde stopped and gasped to find the distressed adorable furry critter back in a cage, this time locked up. It was obviously thinking of her and worried as she. "Hey, that's the Scara,... scarador… Squiggy that Selina mentioned." Sky recognised the creature.
"Squiggy?" Is that what it was called, she thought it suited how it makes that adorable noise, but who was Selina he mentioned? Right now, she thought to calm it down and made another when he mentioned that girl's name. "Don't worry, Squiggy, help is on the way." She was pushed forward by one of the guards, taking the two away and continuing walking. Hoping they can think of another escape attempt before Squiggy ends up being a main course for Lord Skycrusher.
"Who's foolish enough to hide in a barrel of a cannon?" Tatsurion questioned Taren's idea of hiding inside a cannon.
"They're not looking for us so it worked." Taren told him, no one would even think of looking inside a cannon. Both hear something moving outside, uncertain if they've been followed but were ready, calling out his keyblade but stopped to find his father outside climbing in with Selina behind him.
"Nice hiding spot, easy to guess." Sora commented and slid down towards them.
"How did you find us?" Tatsurion pondered.
"Had a tracker on Taren, just on his jacket." Reached forward Taren's sleeve to show a tiny chip where he didn't see it. "Just in case we got separated, it was thanks to some geniuses back home if something happened."
"Huh, never seen that before." Taren didn't seem offended, but guess it did come in handy. "But what happened to Sky and Estrid?"
"They should be fine, at least for now while in the palace." Selina answered his question about his friends. "But we have bigger problems, that guy with the huge gun is here. He's the one who took my best friend."
"You know that guy?" Taren never had a good look at the shooter, but maybe know anything about him.
Selina solemnly shook her head. "Not much, but he's really strong and powerful when I fought him. Better watch out for him, along with the guards in the palace, which should be easy as long as their monarch is a way."
"Monarch?" This did not sit well with Taren for some reason of hearing that.
"Infernus the Immolator." Tatsurion clarified. "The absolute ruler of the entire Fire Civilization, Lord Skycrusher is merely the lord of the city, if he was here now we would not have this conversation."
"Then we need to get them out of here before we get more problems." Taren needed to get his friends out of there. He turned around and noticed Selina smiling at him, which made him wonder why. "What?"
"Nothing, just glad to see people actually care for others. You sort of remind me of this girl I knew back home, she'd never stop helping someone without a second thought." She sat down and crossed her arms around her knees, thinking fondly of this person she mentioned.
"Sounds like someone I know" Taren would definitely imagine Bloom for that matter. "You miss her?"
Selina nodded. "Every day, just wish I could have told her that I had magic but was told not to by my mentor. She's probably thinking I left when I actually started learning magic and even traveled different worlds."
"Hey, I'm sure she'll understand, hopefully. I mean, I ended up being dragged into this keyblade business
"Where exactly are you from?" Sora was curious about her as Taren was about her.
"Sorry, boys, that's a story for another time. But something else I think could get us inside."
Whatever it is she had, they might as well go with it as long as it's not crazy. "I'll cast a spell to teleport us to the castle, it shouldn't be so hard."
Estrid and Sky were brought to Skycrusher's throne room with the guards surrounding them, especially the unknown guest who was invited for his actions."I appreciate your efforts, hunter, you have my appreciation. First for bringing me a delicious morsel, and also for meddling with the interlopers."
"All for a good cause, my lord." Bowing his head in respect, ignoring the glares from the two blondes.
"Noq. As for the Boney morsel, and the intruder." They turned to Skycrusher with his attention fully on them. "I have questions. The ones who dared to try and free you, who are they?"
"Nobody important, just a bunch of bandits I suppose." Estrid told him, hiding the truth from him. "At least I think, but if you don't know them, how should I?"
Sky decided to go along with the plan she cooked up with, hoping he bought it. "Oh, it's true, we just thought of catching her as she's… unique."
But Skycrusher did not seem to buy their story, rising from his throne and walking towards them. "If neither of you won't talk, then you will scream." Three jaw-like limbs shot out from his back to begin his interrogation.
Unknown to anyone, the large humanoid turned his head and heard something which only he was aware of. They would not have noticed a grin forming beneath the cloak.
No one would ever notice within the palace a flash of purple light flickered, in its place were Selina, Taren, Sora and Tatsurion who had successfully snuck in thanks to Selina's magic just as she said would work. They appreciated her help and now went on to look for a way to find their friends.
"Okay, so far so good. We should be close, I can feel them nearby." Selina was sure of it.
"But which root should we take?" Taren asked. "Not like we can just drop in on them."
Little did Taren realize he would jinx those words as the ground beneath them suddenly erupted, debris flying everywhere as a large giant who came through it landed before the group. It was the shooter from before and stood before them.
"So nice of you all to drop in!" He raised his foot and stumped it to the ground, creating a bigger crack that caused the floor beneath them to give in and fell right to the throne room.
"Look out!" Without thinking, Sky grabbed Estrid in his arms to pull her out of the way just before the large kaiju could have accidentally crushed her.
Estrid did not have time to react, but she was somewhat grateful, her face suddenly flashed a faint pink on her cheeks of being this close to a guy. She quickly cleared her throat to thank him but saw familiar faces. "Taren? Sora?"
"Estrid!" Sora was relieved to see her.
"Uh, good to see ya." Taren gave a simple wave, but knew they were in bigger trouble now.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" Skycrusher roared, angered by such intrusion but was immediately subsided to find the same creatures from before. He turned to the guest who caused the mess after he landed back to the ground and approached the ruler of the city.
"My lord, allow me to introduce you to the guests." The hooded giant grabbed the armor plate from Tatsurion and ripped it out to expose him. "Tatsurion the Unchained. But not just him, I bring you keybladers."
"Why you little-" Taren summoned his Royal Sparks and was ready to fight him, but the large man was too fast and swift for him to notice, receiving a punch in the gut and sending him flying to the doors. Groaned in pain, but was still unconscious enough to clutch his stomach where the wound is and glared at his foe.
"Taren!" His father and his friends cried out, his father most of all was angered that anyone would dare lare a finger on his son. But the attacker didn't seem fazed as he then tackled Tatsurion to the ground before he could help his friend, surprising them of how strong he was to easily subdue the hybrid, clubbed him with his fist and a roundhouse kick. The Draken guards surrounded him when he was down, drawing their swords.
"You have avoided punishment long enough, you wingless abomination!." Skycrusher glares at Tatsurion, pleased that the criminal was captured thanks to the unknown creature, he had no idea who the associates were but will see to it they will get the punishment as well.
The Jetflame Lizards use their tails to apprehend them, Sora dodges them and uses Wind to blow them away and take out the guards to free Tatsurion who used his chain as a whip. Taren recovered and twirled his keyblade against them and ran towards Sky and Estrid.
"Nice of you to come by, guess this wasn't part of the plan." Estrid was relieved to see them.
"Yeah, it happens." Taren shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. "By the way, this is Selina, she helped us out."
Selina waved at her and smiled. "Hi."
Tatsurion clubbed the guards and grabbed another to be used as a club when suddenly his body ceased moving. The others noticed this and were concerned.
"Bob? What's the matter?" Sora asked him.
"C-Can't… move…" Tatsurion was unsure what was happening but his body was not responding.
"You won't be going anywhere." Everyone turned and found the man from earlier who had a gauntlet, much similar to Taren's but different and armored plated. "Bow before your master." Commanding Tatsurion as he gestures his hand, no matter how much Tatsurion tried, he couldn't resist and was forced to kneel before him.
"Fight it, Bob!" Taren encouraged him and tried using his gauntlet to counter it.
"Use that gauntlet, boy, and he will be filled with holes by my weapon." Hoisting his heavy cannon from his back and aimed it at the kneeling Tatsurion.
The others could do nothing as they were at a disadvantage, but couldn't leave their friend at the mercy of his enemies. With hesitation, they complied.
"A wise choice, fleshlings." Skycrusher was pleased with this. "Now, the half-breed traitor, Tatsurion, is in my grasp. At last." Skycrusher applauded him and stood before the one who captured the intruders and the fugitive with both at the same level of height. "You have proven yourself worthy, do you have a name, fleshling? Clearly you are not from the Fire Civilization."
"You may call me… Cerulean, your highness." The being introduced himself. "It would be worth noting these are no ordinary fleshings, for you have seen two to possess the legendary keyblades."
"Yes, I heard of them but never would have imagined to see one since the great war." Analyzing the two when they used their keyblades, still astounded to see them up close.
"And one of them, the green haired one… is a fairy as she came here with them." Pointing to the startled Selina as everyone seemed shocked to find out she was a fairy.
Skycrusher's eyes widened with the startling discovery of what he just heard from the one known as Cerulean. "A…FAIRY?! In this very realm? In my PALACE?!" Narrowing his eyes and shot a glaring look directly at the now nervous Selina who was exposed as a fairy to the whole room. "The Tir Na Nog Accord clearly stated that no creature or fairy should ever set foot onto each other's domain when the great war ended a thousand years ago! Your presence here is a direct violation! Seize her!"
Rather than let them take her, Taren immediately went to her defense as did Sky to stand before the guards. "Hey, back off, besides what makes you think she's from the Magic Dimension? It couldn't have meant all types."
Selina was silent and amazed they would stick up for her when they just met.
Sora would agree with him as it didn't apply to them all as not every magical creature came from the same place. "Your highness, this is all a big misunderstanding. We have no intention of provoking you, all we had done was to save our friend."
"What, this… little thing?" Gestured to Estrid who glared at him. Uncertain why Tatsurion would do so. "You would risk your freedom and lives for this? Why?"
"For friendship. Loyalty." Tatsurion stated without hesitation, showing his compassion for them after they had proven themselves actual friends, even to the fairies he had fought alongside despite their differences. "Something you would never understand."
"You.. speak of loyalty?!" Skycrusher glares at him with the audacity of such. "You sided against dragon kind for some useless Beastkin. And what's worse, you now serve alongside the fair folk who slain many of our kin centuries ago, the worst of them was Erak the Slayer." Tatsurion gritted his teeth, grinding them with frustration that he could not reach out and tackle Skycrusher for speaking of them. During the conversation, no one paid attention to Sky's shocked expression when he mentioned the name but remained silent as Skycrusher continued speaking. "If you could only accept your sentence with dignity, though I doubt dignity is a word of a wild grass eating monstrosity like you know anything about."
The others shot glare at Skycrusher for insulting their friend, but could do nothing at the moment.
There was one thing that could earn their escape, but it was a risk and he knew it was the only way to earn it. "I invoke… the M'ark'a N'annd'a V'arroo!"
"The Mark an… anndra.. What?" Sky couldn't pronounce it right.
"Yeah, I have no idea, either." Selina shrugged her shoulders but would get their answer from Skycrusher who ignored them.
"Gladiatorial judgment?! You dare!" Skycrusher could not believe that the hybrid fugitive would dare invoke a trial of combat."That's only for Dragon kind!"
"In the name of our fire king who rules these domains!" Tatsurion didn't falter and made his choice.
Taren didn't want him to fight alone and stood before them. "Let him fight for his life, it should be a custom among your people."
"Yeah, at least give him some chance to prove himself." Sky would support him.
Skycrusher glares at the fleshlings and returns to Tatsurion. Even if it were announced and ignored, it could be a sign of insult to his kind and to their fire king which he would dare not oppose ancient traditions. "You don't deserve it, but out of respect for your father, I will allow it. You'll meet your end in the arena!"
"He's not going alone, I also invoke my right to combat." Taren proclaimed, ignoring the chuckle and laughs by the other creatures who seemed to insult him.
Sora said nothing, he would have guessed Taren would jump in. Certainly takes after his father a lot.
This did not go as Tatsurion expected, but hardly surprising. "Taren, no!"
Skycrusher accepted the keybearer's choice and almost out of respect. "So much bluster for something so small and yet able to wield the legendary weapon. So be it! Ready them all for combat!" It would be worth having them all in the arena, especially the fairy as it has been centuries of having one to fight.
The guards immediately set the chains around Tatsurion to ensure he does not escape.
Selina almost forgot something important and had an idea. "Guys, got an idea, follow my lead. Clears her through to speak up. "Your highness, my friend here, are not all boney and make a fine meal." Gesturing to Sky who looked shocked by her suggestion. "Besides, the keybladers would easily escape and be no leftovers if you know what I'm saying."
"Wait, what?"
"The fairy is right." Whilst he would have considered locking the keybearers, they would escape if he is familiar with their magic. But the other male would make a fine meal for him and his guests. "This one does have more meat on his bones. Take the fairy with you for further questions after the trial."
Sky grabbed Selina to whisper as he could. "How is this helping?"
"Wait, you still got Caliban, right?" Taren whispered as he could see the prince nodded. "Then you also got those gadgets, Timmy made to help. We know you can do it."
Both prince and Selina were taken away by the guards with the others
Riku walked into the lab to report on the recent updates. "I finally got word from Sora, so far they are all safe. But there's a snag."
"Oh, boy, figured it was gonna come down to it." Tifa was hardly surprised. "Hit us with the good and bad news routine."
"Good news, they found Estrid, someplace called Blastforge City. Terra's already looking through the ancient maps to pinpoint its location."
Earning a collective sigh of relief from his friends now that Namine would feel better that her daughter was safe.
Leon knew there was still the bad news coming up and dared to ask him. "And the bad news?"
"They hit a snag, get captured and are forced to fight." Riku responded.
"Which means we need to be ready to pull them out as soon as we pinpoint their location." Leon said, not wanting to risk waiting another minute. "Can they hold out a little longer?"
"This is Sora we're talking about, he's been through a lot of situations and if Taren's anything like him, we wouldn't be too concerned." Riku without confidence that his best friend wouldn't ask for help if he needed it. But he can only hope they will be okay.
Because personally... he's too terrified to face the fiery wrath of Kairi if anything happened to her two boys and without doubt would storm into that world to rescue them.
"I'll get the other and prep up as soon as they have the portal ready."
The two were taken to a room full of cells, almost all of them empty, the guards opened one up and tossed them in and locked it up.
"A little too rough, don't you think?" Sky grunted and glared at the dragons, especially the one who was sharpeninig up his ax.
"Now we're cooking." Vorg was very eager to get started with that ax.
Sky narrows his eyes at the tubby humanoid, if he ever makes any attempt of chopping him, it will be his last mistake. Now they need to get out of here. "We gotta think of an escape route fast, or we're gonna be the main course."
Selina was ahead of him and started digging out something from her pockets. "Don't worry, I got something to help with-" She stopped and was chirping and squeaking. The two turned around and saw the creature from before, for Selina she couldn't be happier to see her best friend. "Squeeky!" The green haired teen jumped onto the Scaradorable Gloom Hollow, who seemed very happy to see her as she threw her arms around it and licked her face. "I'm so happy you're safe! Did they hurt you? I am never letting this happen to you again."
While Sky admits this was a touching reunion, they had major priorities to settle with. "Okay, guess we found your friend and now need to work on an escape. Right now, we need to make our move." It was fortunate they never took his lightsaber and activated it, slashes it into the lock to free them..
Selina was impressed by the weapon. "Wow, talk about going sci-fi."
"Thanks, it comes in handy after losing my phantoblade." Sky immediately puts it away and opens it, gesturing the two to follow him and make their way.
Meanwhile the others were taken to the stadium to fight whoever they were to compete for their lives. Taren, Sora, Estrid and Tatsurion, still in chains as they stepped outside for the audience to watch them fight. Once the bars had shut behind them, he was able to break free of the chains. Whoever Lord Skycrusher would send to challenge them, they need to be ready.
Taren pulled out his digivice, even though he would not want to put Agumon at risk, but something told him that he was gonna need his partner's help.
They would hear Skycrusher announce the latest battle to the audience. "I, Lord Sky Crusher, General of the Fire Civilizations, welcome my subjects and our allies from Nature and Darkness to an evening of sport!"
Descending from the skies was none other than Moorna, the Vengeful, flapping her wings to land before the lord himself in respect. "You are welcome to join us, Moorna."
She bows her head before her superior in respect before she speaks. "I see you have my brother." The dragon also saw the red haired fleshling who wielded the keyblade upon her arrival, it would be a shame that she would not face him, that is if permitted to seek her vengeance on him and his fairy mate for what they did to her.
However, to see the wielder of the key weapon would be a treat for the dragon for the humiliation.
"I have granted the half-breed traitor to fight for his life. Let no one ever claim that Lord Skycrusher of Blastforge City is without mercy." Skycrusher announced.
"Who are we fighting?" Sora asked him.
"The one who calls himself Cerluen shall be your opponent." Skycrusher announced, as the hooded giant entered the arena. "And… each other!"
The four looked at each other in shock, but confused of how he would make them fight themselves, but realized that the one calling himself Cerulean can use his gauntlet on Tatsurion just like he did before.
"To make this more entertaining, I have permitted him to use a creature of his choice, and it is the traitor himself! Cerulean! Fight them out of their lives!" Skycrusher bellowed to see them fight.
"With pleasure." Shot forward his gauntlet to channel his mana to take control of Tatsurion against his will, he tried to fight it, but it was no use as the shooter had more strength and power over him. "Let's see how you keybladers fight just like the stories say you do!"
Both father and son had a bad feeling about this, worried for their comrade and try to help him break free.
"Bob, fight it! You can't let him control you!" Taren refused to fight him, even if it was not his choice.
"You can do it!" Sora said.
Unfortunately, Tatsurion had no choice, Estrid and Sora created a Barrier to take the blunt of his fist, but he swatted them with his arm.
"Dad! Estrid!" Taren thought to check if they were okay, but relieved they were not too bruised. "Bob! Stop it!" Decided to do something and called out Agumon.
"Taren? Why is Bob fighting your dad and your friend?" The Digimon was confused about what was happening.
"That guy with the gun is controlling him." Taren had no time to give him the full story, especially with Bob now turning towards them. "Agumon stay back!" Taren pushed his partner aside and was grabbed by the Kaiju, knowing he had no other choice and still refused to fight him.
Tatsurion tried to fight it, he did not want to fight those he considered his friends. Facing Taren with shame. "Forgive… me…my…friends."
Taren could feel the grip tightening and hurting him.
"Taren!" Sora and Estrid cried out.
"Let him go!" Agumon then started to digivolve. "Agumon, digivolve to… Greymon!" Digivolving into Greymon, charged in to tackle Tatsurion and freed Taren from his grip.
Many creatures were astonished to witness the small creature grow large and transform into a different form, even for Skycrusher who was unable to know how it happened. "That creature evolved? This is getting interesting."
The one known as Cerulean witnessed this and seemed unfazed by the new player. "A Digimon? You think that will change it. I would love to fight it, but I got my orders. Tatsurion! Fight!" Commanding the enslaved creature to fight against the Digimon.
"Greymon, don't hurt him! He's under that guy's control!" Taren instructed Greymon to not hurt their friend. But knew he wouldn't hold on for long. Turns to his father and Estrid. "Dad, you and Astrid try to distract him and get that gauntlet!"
Sora understood and nodded. "Got it." Focusing on the cannon wielder to free their friend became their priority. However, he spotted the two charging towards him instead of fighting their ally, no doubt they were intended to free him but he would not let that happen yet.
"Not so fast, keybearer!" The towering humanoid used his free arm to hoist his cannon and started shooting at them from getting too close. Forcing Sora into defense using Barrier and firing Seeker Mines at his foe. Cerulean swayed his gauntlet hand in commanding Tatsurion to attack.
Tatsurion pulled himself from Greymon and swatted him in the chest and charged at Sora, but Estrid fired a spear of light at him, yet she knew it was not her choice.
"I'm sorry, Bob!" The blonde apologises while attacking to support Sora. "You have to fight it!
Meanwhile, their friends arrived and not a moment too soon to see them in the arena and fighting each other.
"This is not good." Sky muttered, he spotted the one they were facing and no doubt was controlling Bob against his will. "They seem to be having trouble."
"I know just the thing." Selina turned to Squeaky. "Ready for a rematch, Squeaky?"
Squeaky was ready for a rematch and saw her new friend in danger, the green haired fairy then followed her despite the prince trying to talk her out of it.
He sighs and shakes his head. "Is it me, or is she starting to remind me of someone." Yet he had no time to think about that and tried to call the others. "Anyone read me? Me and Selina just broke up and you're about to have your back up." The prince just had to think of a plan for them to make their escape and maybe call the masters of getting them out of this volcanic wasteland.
They received Sky's call and indeed saw Squeaky latched herself onto Bob's back, lets out a bestial roar and tries to shake her off him.
"Try to call the others and tell them we need a pick up urgently!" Taren told him through the communicator.
"I'll try, you guys focus on not getting yourselves killed down there."
"Squeaky!" Estrid was in joy to see her okay.
Cerulean throws his fist at Sora, but he dodges and swiftly leaps to the side. The Keybalde master could have sworn there was a… human looking face under that hood and yet wasn't, he was very strong indeed with the heavy boots stomp right into the ground without breaking a bone in his body. Causing the brunette to be more cautious around him. Yet, he was curious about him and jumped over and swiped his keyblade from above, but his opponent blocked it with his cannon. They stood their ground and struggled to force the other to submission, even Sora admitted he was very strong but wasn't going to let him win. Holding both the grip and the blunt of his keyblade to stand his ground.
"Tell me something." Sora grunts and forces his feet to the ground. "You're not from here, you're here for something else. Aren't you?"
He could see the grin under the hood as he laughed. "You're not wrong there. I'm surprised someone as strong as you would waste time for small fry like these brats… Sora."
Sora was briefly caught off guard as to how this giant knew about him. He felt a strong large grip on his shoulder and threw him like a ragdoll, yet the spiky brunette was able to free himself and landed a few feet from his opponent. Whoever he is, if he knew about Sora, what else does he know?
He jumped out of the way to avoid the huge fists that smashed the ground, and left a small crater.
Estrid noticed this and assumed it was working. "It's working! Sora got him distracted."
Yet Selina, on the other hand, was uncertain about. "Uh, problem, blonde. Your pal, Bob, is still on a rampage!"
She pointed at Bob fighting Squeaky and Greymon, Taren was not sure why it wasn't working. "How is he still under that big guy's control?"
"He must be more experienced, possibly more skilled at using it than we do." Estrid believed, they knew little of how the dueling gauntlets work, so perhaps it was like those Titans she saw that
Bob throws her off and resumes his battle with his opponent, but Squeaky was not down yet and pounced on him before jumping over him. Using her sonic scream at him, but she wasn't done yet. They watched as she began to change, her jaws opened wider than they would, then came out, transforming into a black canine-like monstrosity.
"Oh, yeah! Never mess with Squeaky!" Selina cheers for her creature in her combat form.
"Wow, that's incredible." Estrid never knew the creature could do that.
Taren looked nauseated after seeing the transformation with his hand by his mouth. "Yeah… incredible that I didn't lose my lunch."
"Show them what you got!" Selina jumps onto her back as she fires multiple purple orbs with Squeaky shooting a swarm of tiny creatures from her jaws to fly around it.
Cerulean did not like this not going as he planned it. "Much as I want to take you out, but I'm on a schedule." He didn't want to waste time but was too busy focusing on his fight with Sora.
Squeaky runs towards him and lands a serous bite on his shoulder with Greymon on the other to knock him out, but Tatsurion grabs the darkness creature and throws her away with Selina forced to fly off. He jumped and held both hands to land a powerful hit on Greymon's armored head, slamming the Dino digimon into the ground.
"This is most interesting." While Skycrusher was enjoying the amusement of seeing the strange creature fight against the half-breed and learning more about the Darkness creature's true abilities. Nevertheless, he wanted them to be dealt with, "Finish that creature!" Skycrusher commanded
Cerulean skidded against the ground and lifted his right foot to kick the spikey brunette away, while it did not land a hit but made some distance and slammed his foot down to create a wall made of rock. Deciding to deal with them now, reached out his gauntlet to force the enslaved Tatsurion to deal with, starting with Greymon.
"You heard him, finish the Digimon."
Tatsurion slowly walked over to Greymon, he was unable to fight those that earned his respect. Hoping to perhaps unsummon him fast before he makes the finishing blowt.
"Oh this isn't good." Selina was tending to the wounded Squeaky and tried to think of something. "I hate it when they force something to go against their nature." She felt bad for the hybrid for doing something he didn't like.
Little did she know that Taren heard her and something clicked in his head. "His nature?" Taren had a thought of what Tatsurion's origins were and remembered that he was a hybrid, a mix of two civilizations. "Selina, you're right! It isn't his nature!" He might have a way to free him. Running towards the Kaiju and stepping in front of him and Greymon. "Tatsurion, don't!" using both his keyblade and the dueling gauntlet to channel his magic and mana to stop him. "You can break Cerulean's will."
"You gotta be out of your mind, kid! Go on, you beast, finish the keybearer!" The giant used his power to control Tatsurion to swat him, but Taren blocked it with his keyblade to take the full force.
Taren wasn't going to give up on him. "You're not a half-breed, Bob! Remember what I said, you're a double breed!"Tatsurion raised his fists high above him to crush the redhead, but he continued. "Half Fire… and half nature!" As the two fists fell upon him, he thought to brace himself, but to his surprise and saw him fighting it.
"Crush the boy!" Skycrusher bellowed, uncertain what was happening.
"That guy controlling you might be using you as a fire creature, but he's not using your nature. Use it as your strength and break free from it! Fight him!" Taren wasn't sure if it works that way, but would find out anyway.
Tatsurion followed his advice and fought off the control, accepting his other half as nature, freeing him from Cerulean's control. "Never gave up on me." Tatsurion was freed and reached his hand out to Taren to help him out.
The redhead accepted his help and smiled. "Didn't come all this way for Estrid and lose you, we're a team. All of us." Little did he know that his digivice started to glow an orange aura with the symbol of a sun appearing on the small screen.
"He broke free!" Moorna could not believe it. The half-breed brother refused to fight.
"Impossible!" Cerulean had no idea what happened, but he would fix that, but he was suddenly struck from the side by a light blurr and struck several times in the chest and face, sending him flying a few feet and landing on his back. Grunted in pain, he struggled to get up when the person who took him out was the very angry Sora glaring down at him with the keyblade resting on his shoulder.
"Nobody attacks my kid." Aiming his keyblade towards the giant. "You're gonna answer some questions back home.
Growling with frustration that they were now at the advantage, grabbing Sora by the leg and tossed him when his guard was down as he would not let them capture him. "Sorry, but I got a job to do, and you got bigger problems to deal with." He pulled out a device from his pocket, which he pressed with his finger to open a portal. "Much as I wanna stay and fight but I have orders, but I thought to leave you with something to have fun."
The portal he opened grew bigger and wider, making a run towards it with others chase him but were too late when he vanished.
"Where did he go?" Taren couldn't believe their luck.
"Uh, I think we have bigger problems, guys." Estrid saw something was coming through and it was big… very big. Emerging from the portal, it was a large purple dragon, only it was some sort of cyborg. It sported two metallic wings, two arms and with only a large serpentine tail, lacking any legs at all. It wears a black metallic helmet with two triangular horns extruding from the back of it on its head, with blue hair from the back and cold sinister yellow eyes. Each of its arms claws seemed to have been replaced with two black robotic gauntlets with three large metal claws. The draconic beast let out a monstrous roar and stared down at the ground before it.
"Oh boy." Sora gulped, seeing how huge this dragon was that was summoned to the arena.
Bob smelled something off about it. "Smells off, it smells like a dragon but not like any dragon kind I ever encountered."
Taren noticed Greymon glaring at it, he saw this before the last time they fought… decided to pull out his digivice, which scanned the creature and surprised him of what it found. "That's because this isn't from around here. It's a Digimon!"
"A what?" Selina was oblivious to what he was talking about.
But Taren had no time to explain when he found out what they were fighting after the digivice projected it's image and the data.
Gigadramon
Ultimate Level
Virus/Data Type
Special Attacks: Genocide Gear Evil Claw, Giga Heat, Guilty Wind, Genocide Attack
Wait… Ultimate Level? Did he read that right? There was another level for these Digimon after Champion? "Ultimate Level?"
"Did you say Ultimate? As in another level for a Digimon?" Sora thought if he heard correctly.
"I'm assuming that's something stronger for these Digimon creatures?" Bob never encountered them much, but his assumption was right.
"So any advice?" Selina hopped on to her creature's back.
"Um… we're gonna be fried unless Sky gets us a ride out of here." Taren hopes for the prince to be successful. Climbing onto Greymon's shoulder so his father can ride on Tatsurion for back up.
Tatsurion fires his missiles, with Sora using Lightning to strick at the Digimon and Selina firing green beams of magic. They made an impact, but hardly made a scratch on it. They charged in with Selina's partner unleashed another sonic scream to try and disorientate it.
Gigadramon growls and swiped the attacks with its metal clawed gauntlets and tried to crush them, fortunately they avoided the attack after splitting up and avoided the impact. It follows them and then opens metal claws to aim at Tatsurion and the Scaradorable. "Genocidal Gear!" Several organic shark-like missiles shot out of its gauntlet and flew towards them.
The missiles almost hit them, but the impact was powerful enough to throw them off their feet and fall to the ground. Skidding against the hardened ground from the attack, the Ultimate Level Digimon flew towards them and found all of them lying on the ground. Yet, two were missing when Gigadramon realized they were not with them.
"NOVA BLAST!"
A fireball smacked into the helmet, it almost caught its eye and roared with frustration. It found them, Greymon and his partner who continued firing his attack as they charged in.
"Over here, you oversized lizard!" Taren yelled out to catch the Digimon's attention.
"You think this will work?" Greymon pondered if his idea would.
"We got his attention!" Taren noticed it glaring at them and swiped its tail towards them.
"NOVA BLAST!"
"FAITH!"
Both their attacks made some efforts to land some hits on to it. They could barely see through the smoke until it's claw was through it, catching them by surprise.
"Giga Heat!" Fires another attack on them, the beam made an explosion with the two caught in it. They successfully dodged it, but did not see the other claw swooped in and clobbered them, hurtling them straight into the debris with such an impact it was so fast for anyone to see.
Tatsurion growls, struggling to get up and help them. "They're in need of our help. That creature is too strong." Unfortunately the impact by that creature's attack took a lot out of him and was badly bruised.
"I don't think we've encountered one that powerful. They need our help." Estrid grunted and helped Selina on her feet.
They could see the dust settling and relieved to see Taren and Greymon alright, but taken some bruises themselves.
"Guys, anyone hear me? What's going on down there?" Sora answered Sky's call and responded.
"We got a bigger situation, Sky. We got Tatsurion freed, but a new problem just showed up."
"Please tell me that big dragon isn't the one you guys are fighting?"
This time Estrid responded for them. "Uh, not all of us…. Taren and his digimon partner are."
"Why doesn't that surprise me." They could hear Sky groaning. "I'll come and help!"
"Wait, hold it!" Sora said so, before anyone asked why when he spoke. "Something tells me, Taren and Greymon don't need it. Look." He told them and all noticed the orange aura glowing around them, almost a mixture of red and fire.
"Are they really going to go at it? They're either brave, or insane." Selina couldn't believe they were still going at it.
He knew that look on his son's face reminded of himself, but the aura is new. Something in his heart was telling him that this battle was going to end in their favor.
"I have never seen such a creature with such fire power before. This is interesting." Skycrusher remained silent and watched, although the unknown creature who brought him the half-breed and the intruders vanished, yet summoned something new to this realm. "As soon as this battle is over, capture that creature and the one that evolved. They could serve the Fire Civilization well."
"Wait… something is happening." Moorna called for them to see below of the fleshling and the unknown creature.
Many spectators watched and saw the two race towards Gigadramon, dodging and evading its attacks despite the beatings they took.
"A little closer!" Taren yelled.
"Right!" Greymon continued running, with Taren blocking the attacks with his Barrier and after using Cure to heal their wounds, they would be able to tack it on.
Gigadramon tried to grab them with its claws, but missed. Taren jumped and landed multiple strikes on its tail, his body was too small and fast with his magical enhanced using Flowmotion to tragic himself up from the toros to the chin, delivering a powerful strike that made the Digimon howl in pain.
Landed back on Greymon's head with Gigadramon now in rage, using its tail to swat them before they could make another attack.
Taren refused to give up, not with their friends at stake. "C-Can't.. Give up… YET!"
"No way, I promise you we won't lose!" Greymon planted his feet into the ground to hold firm, both showing determination not to give up. Yet unaware that the aura around them flared as did the Digivice in Taren's hand glowed once more. Pulling its tail back and glares at them, this time preparing to finish them off with its signature attack.
"Genocide Attack!" Launching multiple missiles, colliding with Greymon's fire attacks and Taren's keyblade magic.
'No way in hell are we backing down!'
'Not when we came this far and not to lose!'
What happened next was unexpected, with a bright orange light flashed and engulfed them, causing Gigadramon to halt its attack to noticed what was happening.
Greymon's entire body was engulfed in red-orange glow, feeling the power surging through him as he began his transformation. "Greymon… digivolve to…" The light faded once the transformation was completed, everyone within the colosseum had witnessed this and were in both awe and stunned to see what had become of Greymon. Parts of his body were being replaced with cybernetic and metal components, a missile hatchet on his upper torso, his armored head crest, now replaced with more metallic and smooth, the entire left arm was replaced by a robotic claw, cybernetic implants grafted to his body from head, back, chest and tail. He was now sporting dark crimson hair from the head and purple tattered wings on his newly digivolved Greymoon opened his jaws and released a heavy growl.
"MetalGreymon!"
"Wh… what happened?!" Estrid couldn't believe what she and others just saw, Greymon transformed and bigger this time.
"He digivolved! Just like what happened to Ben's." Sora couldn't believe it and felt a surge of power emanating from them.
"Greymon? An Ultimate?" Taren couldn't believe it when his partner took the next level, but now they done it just like Ben and Garurumon did. They now have the advantage to beat their opponent.
Gigadramon now looked tense as his foe was now an Ultimate, eager to finish them off. Using its missiles to fire, but they were swiftly sliced into pieces by MetalGreymon's robotic arm, as if they were like butter.
Using his new arm to retaliate and aimed it at Gigadramon. "Tridant Arm!" The metal claw launched out of the arm and wrapped itself around Gigadramon's left arm. Struggled to break free and decided to use the other… but was too late when MetalGreymon sunk his teeth into the metal gauntlet, using this to his advantage and allowed Taren to use Slow just enough for him to launch his foot into the torso and flung him to the other side of the arena.
The spell wore off, and the Digimon took the heavy damage, it needed to gain some distance and flew up in the air to attack from above, even if it meant to destroy the entire stadium with it.
"Oh no you don't!" Taren wasn't gonna let him get away that easily.
Metalgreymon had the same idea and flew straight up in the air. The hatch from his torso opened, with two missiles, organic-looking like Gigadramon's, but black and having mean teeth. Gathering the energy to prepare for the finishing blow and aimed directly at the cyborg Digimon. "Giga… STORM!" Launching the missiles at full speed, they made a direct impact on Gigadramon before it could escape and caught in a huge explosion. The digimon vanished and was obviously vaporized by the blast.
The others were in awe of what they just saw, unable to believe what happened.
"Wow! Awesome!" Estrid cheered for her cousin.
"Amazing!"
Sora smirked with pride. "That's my boy!" He saw the damage that had caused to the arena, obviously their fight went a little too far. "Uh, maybe we should run while we have the chance!"
"Wait, look!" Bob brought up a good question, they saw the Digimon glowing and now shrinking, which meant that he used up his energy and they were very high up.
Taren didn't think they were so high when his partner shrunk, now back to Koromon. "Got you!"
"Yeah, but who's got us?!" Koromon cried out as they were falling straight to their possible demise.
Taren used up his strength and worn out, clutching his partner tightly. "At least we went down like total badasses!"
"Yeah! I'll MISS BLOOM'S PIZZAS!" Koromon cries out, yet they were lucky to have been saved by Sky on his Wind Rider.
"Need a lift?" Sky smiles at them from behind.
Sighed in relief and appreciated the save. "I owe you on, Sky."
"Can't leave you guys alone for a minute." Much as he likes to have a good chat, but their time here appears to have run out. "We gotta go now! The explosives I set should distract them." He brought the Wind Rider down safely to join the others.
Something burst through the wall, it drew their attention and assumed it was another attack. Only this was made by Terra and Riku. But to Sora and Taren's surprise to find Kairi with them.
"Mom?!"
"Kairi?" Sora was relieved to see her, but somehow knew she would follow them regardless of the danger. "Wait, who's watching Hana?"
"She's fine, not as much as you two when we get back home." both father and son knew when she spoke to them in that tone, she was going to give them a good talking to for either not telling her or making her worry.
"Okay, we know you're mad, mom but I can explain, we were caught up in a situation and helping this girl out."
"What girl?" Aqua asks. "Everyone's all here."
The others were surprised to find Selina was missing, along with Squeaky, however they did catch a brief moment of a portal closing. Which meant they must have gone through it and escaped.
"No time to talk, this way!" Terra knew they had little time to spare, waving them to follow with the chaos. Estrid jumped onto Tatsurion's back with Sora while Sky flew the hover bike into the hole they made.
Moorna flew about after the chaos erupted within the arena, almost caught in the debris from the explosion. She found her half-brother making his escape, and also the fleshlings. Unwilling to allow them to escape, the dragon swooped down and dived through the hole, despite its size she was able to make it bigger with her strong durable scales. She was followed by Skycrusher and the guards with the intent of surrounding them.
"Unless you can get us out of here, now would be a good time!" Estrid was more than eager to leave this place and not come back for a while.
"No arguments from me." Aqua wasted no time to use the gauntlet of her own to open a portal for them to make their getaway. "Everyone get in. NOW!"
None of them needed to be told twice and ran into the portal, Sora and Terra stood to buy themselves time to use Quake and Stop to slow their pursuers to follow the rest.
The Fire creatures were too late to stop them with the portal closed and no prisoners, especially Tatsurion once again escaped his grasp. Worse, the wielders of the key weapons and their creatures partly destroyed his arena. He will make them regret ever becoming his enemies the next time he sees them again. "Hunt down those fleshlings, double the bounty on the Tatsurion. Dead or alive!"
There is no doubt that word would reach the ears of Infernus the Immolator.
In the Radiant Garden library section, Bloom decided to check out the books they have about their world and magic she thought would be worth learning. It was merely an excuse just to wait for Taren and hope he be back with everyone safely, as much as she wanted to come with them, but Faragonda reminded her of the dangers in the Kaiju realm. She had to follow the headmistress' word as well as the keyblade masters to avoid getting into trouble. Again.
She found so many books it was hard to know where to start, taking the ladder to reach the top shelf, luckily they weren't so high up, but took a ladder just to reach the top. 'Why do they have to make these shelves so high up? It's like the school library.'
"Hey, Bloom!"
Lost in her train of thought, Bloom was startled by Stella calling out to her so loud but able to keep a grip on the ladder after a sudden jump. Shots a look down to see Flora and Stella, knowing it was obviously the blonde of course with the sheepish look on her face.
Bloom huffs and feels her heart racing before calming herself down. "Stella, you almost made me fall!"
Stella sheepishly chuckled and felt bad for that. "Oops. But why are you up there?"
"I thought maybe to know a bit more about their type of magic, or even maybe something of the keyblades. Faragonda and Master Yen Sid both said we were allowed to learn new ways of magic. You did say you wanted to have your own magic sword like a keyblade, right Stella?"
Stella remembered how she wanted one, at least somehow to make one of her own somehow when they first met the keyblade bearers. "Oh yeah! I almost forgot about that. Even if I were not chosen, I could still maybe make one similar, and one still as stylish as me."
"You do realize, you need to be worthy to wield one, Stella." Flora reminded her of how keyblades choose their wielders. "Not to mention a strong heart."
"I have a strong heart! Besides, I remember that." Causing Stella to pout and cross her arms.
"Even if we don't get keyblades, it's better to maybe know a little about them as we get stronger. I want to be ready next time we might confront another dark keybearer." Bloom knew unfortunately not all wielders of the keyblade are good, some fall to the darkness and start trouble. And unfortunately, they would be more powerful than the Trix. "I would probably ask him when he gets bac-"
"Hey, girls!" Taren surprised them when he came into the library.
"Tare-Woooah, whha!" Bloom yelped and fell after she was startled by his appearance. Pulled a few books with her when she tried to grab on to something but didn't work.
"Look out!" Stella cried out, but too late when she fell right on Flora with more books fall on them. Cringes for a moment, thinking that would leave a mark. Turns around to face the embarrassed Taren for surprising them. "Look what you did? Scaring us like that, and look at the state of you. That would definitely give anyone a heart attack."
Taren noted his appearance with soot and bruises on him after he came back and wanted to see them. "Yeah, I need to get cleaned up. But maybe we should help get them out first?" They helped pull away the books to help Bloom and Flora out after being buried underneath. "Hey are you two…uh…" He stopped for a moment to see them in an… interesting position with Bloom on top of Flora, both seem alright and dazed, but tries to shake any sudden thoughts that he was thinking to help them up.
"Sorry, I should have given you a heads up." He sort of felt bad and assisted them getting on their feet.
"Next time, warn us will you?" Flora rubbed her head and was somewhat embarrassed.
"Yeah, what happened over there? Did you find Estrid?" Bloom asked him,
He nodded and smiled. "Yeah, and a lot of stuff happened which I'll tell you later." Yet, he was still thinking about that guy they fought, it seemed bit more than a coincidence for him to be there when he and his friends showed up. But also a matter of what happened to that Selina girl.
"You did well on your assignment. Did any of them see your face?"
"No, and if they did, its doubtful they would know who I am. Although I would have stayed and fought them." The giant who fought the keybearers spoke with his superior in a formal tone.
"Unnecessary, it would have jeopardised the mission. Nevertheless, you should be ready for the next assignment. The two remaining artefacts."
"As long as I get to fight those keybladers, it will be a pleasure." Discarding his cloak, revealing himself to be somewhat of a human, but was 9 feet tall, his bright yellow eyes glowed, with glowing blue streaks on his face. His hair was cerulean blue and the coloured theme of his attire was a blue tank top,, gray and white pants, wearing a cape, grey/black glove, and boots. even his clothes had bright blue streaks. Grinning with the satisfaction of fighting them. "It'll be just like back in the old days when we fought against Vinny."
"Oh, i can just hardly wait. As long as those three bratty girls don't get in our way." The red haired woman smiles as she joins him. "We'll show them how a put up a real fight."
"Especially those other girls, we'll clip more than their wings." The raven haired male with his metallic wings shimmered with darkness swirling around him. "After all, we are the Tsviets."
Finally got this chapter done, sorry for the long wait, but was inteded to get this down after New Year's but was a little delayed than I thought. Hope you all enjoyed it as I was trying to think of an idea of how to introduce MetalGraymon and came up with this idea to replace Bolgash Dragon, don't worry he'll appear later. And now I'm sure you who followed ff7 have figured out the descriptions of these characters, the Tsviets! I thought be fun to introduce them and give the heroes a hard time in future chapters. I will try to focus on finishing the second story arc as its been delayed a bit.