The day was coming to an end, but today they didn't went to the Digital World, Killua just followed the others to school more out of boredom and costume than anything else. Now he stood behind the wall of the school, watching the practice game Davis was having to train.
Apparently a game was coming, so Davis had to cancel the plans for the day and the rest of the week so he could attend the practices. The boy was practicing a slide tackle to gain an edge and to steal the ball more easily.
Normally, canceling their ventures to the Digital World would have been frowned upon. But prior to the current week they been working hard, and funnily enough the Emperor didn't showed his face once. Neither did his two bodyguards or the last General: Greymon.
So with so many victories, they decided to concede on Davis' request to get himself ready.
The group cheered at seeing his technique work with one of his mock opponents, even Killua smiled a bit as he saw the tactic.
The ball rolled to the sidelines were the Digidestined were watching the game, Tai stopping its movement. "Nice going Davis!"
Davis smiled sheepishly at hearing his superior's words. slightly embarrassed.
As the training came to an end, the coach gathered all of the kids and informed them about their next game. "Listen up, kids. The team we're up against are the current champions; The Tamachi Middle School."
Everyone gasped. It was a big deal to play a friendly game with the current champions. Specially knowing who their captain is.
"Coach?" Davis raised his hand. "That's the team with that kid right? The genius?" He asked.
The coach nodded. "That's right. The boy genius. Ken Ichijouji."
Davis mind went blank. Panic and excitement both filling him up.
"According to this article, Ken Ichijouji made a new record on the winning score: 45 to 0," Yolei said, a page about the boy open in the computer. "All of them made by himself."
Killua blinked. That was impressive... For someone from this world, as far as he knows anyway. He'll have to look into that at a later date, see if professional players of the sport managed something like that. It seemed strange that a kid no different from his friends achieved something like that. 'Something's off...' He thought.
Tai for his part whistled at hearing the score. "Now that's impressive. That's something never seen, even in the professional leagues."
Killua almost snorted. 'Thanks for the confirmation Tai, now I know something is definitely weird with this kid.' He mused, but without proof or without having interacted with him he didn't saw a reason to voice it.
"The word genius isn't an exaggeration for him," Cody said, seeing the picture of the boy in the computer with awe. He wondered if he was good in kendo too.
"He's just that good of a player," Davis said. "Last year we weren't able to play against his team in the tournament."
"I'm sure you would have a chance against them, back then," T.K said.
"Maybe," Davis mumbled, not so sure himself.
"Think you can win?" Kari asked him.
Davis shrugged. "I don't care about that," He said. "Each time had always wanted a chance against that boy. To just play against him becomes the talk of the whole schools he plays against."
Killua finally spoke. "Well, genius or not, I'm sure you can give him a run for hus money." He said.
Davis blinked, not expecting the words from one of his two -in his mind- rivals. "Umm, thanks man."
"Say... Davis, dear~"
"Say wha-"
Davis was suddenly face to face with Yolei, who was holding his hands in a tender manner. "If you see the genius could you ask him for his autograph?" She asked.
Cody looked at her strangely. "I thought he was your rival or something like that."
Yolei turned and gave the boy a nasty glare. "Hey, I can admire his talents as well. I'm sure he'll do the same with me."
Everyone else thought otherwise. 'She's heels over for him, got it.' They thought.
"Why don't you go, Yolei?" T.K asked the girl. "That way you can ask him yourself."
Yolei blinked and smiled. "Oh yeah, now that you mentioned it..."
"Why don't we all go?" Kari asked. "It's been a while since I saw one of Davis' games, and this'll be a first for some of us."
T.K grinned. "Sounds like fun!"
Cody mulled over and smiled. "Okay, I don't have practice with my grandfather tomorrow."
Killua smiled at them. "I hope you guys have fun then."
Everyone turned to see him. "Aren't you coming?" Tai asked.
Killua flinched a bit under the stares. "I mean... I'd call a lot of attention, right?" He mumbled, almost as if realizing the idea was dumb.
"Oh come on," Kari said with a smile. "You might come as a guest from outside the school. It's not like they questioned it much, it'll be in plain sight in the field."
Well, with that reasoning, he didn't saw any problems at all. "Okay, then," He smiled, scratching his head. "I guess I'll go."
Demiveemon jumped up and down to call his partner's attention. "Davith! Davith! Can we go too?"
Davis knelt and picked up the blue Digimon. "Sorry, buddy. You will certainly call the attention out there," He said.
Upamon was also bouncing around. "Don't worry, we can pass as toys! Look!" He stopped moving mid-jump. "... See, that hurt me but I didn't make a sound!"
Everyone chuckled at the hyperactive Digimon's attitude. "Okay then! That genius better prepare himself!" Davis said while hoisting Demiveemon over his head. "He won't know what hit him!"
As everyone laughed at the boy's antics and he celebrate along with his partner, Killua's gaze went to the picture of the captain of the other team his friend will face tomorrow. He was watching the smiling face of the big hailed genius, his eyes were empty almost as if he wasn't a real person. It put him on edge, and with someone like Killua that was saying something.
The week passed by and on a sunny Sunday, the team of Odaiba was preparing for the big game against the Tamachi team. They had taken the right side of the field and were going through their stretches and listening to the coach's formation for the team.
Davis was trying to wash away all the nervousness building up through the week. He was going against a legend, a legend of his age! He was trembling on his knees. Looking up, he saw his friends in the bleachers, he frowned a bit when he saw Kari sandwiched between T.C and Killua.
Speaking of him, the boy was wearing a black hoodie over his head, and blue shorts, instead of his usual attire. Davis wondered how he didn't passed out from the heat, but just chalked it off as the boy's weird bullshit powers. And his partner was sitting on his lap; looking after him while he was out on the field.
He was grateful that they were there, but it also pilled up his nerves on ridiculing himself. What's more, his partner was watching him! He didn't want to let the little guy down in the first soccer game he is going to see.
"Go for it, Davis!" T.K cheered him.
"Good luck!" Kari followed, making his knees go weak.
"Bring home the gold!" Killua said, giving him the thumbs up. Gee don't pressure there, fearless leader.
"Don't forget my autograph!" Yolei said. Wow girl. Just... Wow...
"You can win, Davis!" Tai said. If he manages to get the ball from Ichijouji then he'll be satisfied.
A honking noise called all of the presents attention. Davis froze and looked up as the Tamachi team finally arrived, and that meant he arrived too. "He's here..." He said, gulping down his nerves.
Looking back at his friends he could only sigh. Well, he was going to give his damn best or die trying! ... That sounded better in his head.
Killua saw the new bus arrive with narrowed eyes. He was there, the genius. The guy with an unnerving look on that picture. Killua was probably overthinking this and the boy was simply someone cold, plain and simple. But there was something about him that nagged in his mind.
He made his research about the boy. His japanese having improve enough for him to read articles talking about the genius. All of his features were beyond anything anyone has ever done, even professionals on their field. That score of 45-0, no one even in profesional leagues gave his team an advantage like that. That boy was something else, an enigma, and Killua's most paranoic part didn't liked that 'It's just a kid, an exceptional one, but a kid. I've seen people with abilities far greater than his'. The why does his image bothers me so much? C'mon, Killua, get a grip!' He scolded.
Fangirls gathered around the bus and waited anxiously for just one person on the team. The apparent second coming of God or something by the schoolgirls around the area. Killua pitied the guy if he had to put with it.
"He's heeeeeere!" Yolei screeched, squashing poor Poromon.
"You do remember we're here for Davis, right?" Cody tried to reason with her.
"EEEEEEE!"
Owch... Now he remembered with this girl and Mimi clicked so well. They liked to leave him deaf.
"My ears hurt!" Demiveemon said from his lap.
Killua patted his head and gave him a sympathetic smile. "Be strong little guy," He whispered. "And remember to stay quiet."
"Sorry," He chirped, before continuing with the act.
The bus' doors opened and the team started to climb down. The fangirls went mad and threatened to break every window within a ten miles radius with their screams. But much to their disappointment, the doors closed and there was no sign of the genius boy.
Killua hummed. "Huh, I don't see this Ken kid," He said. Looking down on the field he could see Davis having a mix of reactions flash through his face: Relief, surprise, disappointment, and a bit of sadness and anger.
"Why wouldn't he come?" Kari wondered, no one having a good answer.
Killua shrugged and tried to supply one. "Well, if that guy is so multitasking the maybe he just had other appointments." So he won't get to actually assess the guy. Shame. But, once again, he might be overthinking it and the kid might not be more than a normal, genius kid. That was an oxymoron if he said so himself.
Yolei wasn't taking this particularly well. "How come?!" She asked, squeezing the life out of Poromon. "I came to see Ken! Why isn't he here?!"
"How do you want us to know?" Cody asked, inching away nervously. "And what about Davis?" He asked, fearing the answer.
"What about him?!" She asked, her pressure on her partner's skull increasing.
"Pfeeeeeh!" The feathered ball let out a sound similar to a balloon losing air.
Killua gave her a blank look. "Yolei, not killing your partner just because your crush didn't came," He said in a jesting tone.
The girl huffed and let go of the Digimon, turning her nose high.
Killua chuckled and just sat back. "Boy genius or not, we came to cheer on Davis."
"Yeah!" Kari and T.K nodded enthusiastically, Cody doing it too.
Davis was shocked, relieved and disappointed that Ken Ichijouji didn't came out of the bus. On one hand, his team's chances had increased tenfold. On the other hand, he couldn't get to see if all the preparation he did for this moment was going to work, or if he could actually match the prodigy.
He was going to get to the bottom of this!
He went to the side of the Tamachi team. "Excuse me!" One of them, wearing the captain's armband, much to his growing curiosity, turned to him. "Umm, Ken Ichijouji isn't coming?" He asked.
The captain shrugged. "We're not sure, he said he was busy. Kind of the downside from being a genius and all that," He said in a casual tone. "I don't think he'll come, I'm wearing the armband as his substitute for this game."
Davis sighed, wheter it was of disappointment or relief he didn't know, and nodded thankfully. "I see," He said. "Sorry for bothering, thanks for telling me."
"Don't worry," The captain said as he turned to continue the preparations for his own team.
As he went back to his side, Tai was waiting for him. "Oh, what's up Tai?"
"Just some last minute advise," He said as he saw the rival team. "I know that kid isn't here. But they are still the champions, so don't let your guard down."
Davis nodded. "Right!" He slapped his cheeks a bit. "You're right!"
"Davis!" He turned to the stands to see T.K waving at him. "Show the champions who's going to take the title!"
"You can win this! You've prepared for this!" Kari said, lifting even more his newfound thoughts on victory.
"Show them that technique you've been working on!" Killua waved at him. He remembered his slide and his pride swelled and he saw Demiveemon lifting his small arms in cheers. Awww, now he had to give him a good show, the little guy deserves it.
Davis waved back at them. "Sure! Just watch me!" He said. 'Specially you, Kari~' He added.
Meanwhile in the stands...
"Seriously why didn't he came?!" Yolei continued to rage.
"We don't know!" Cody whined, tired of the girl's rage.
"Save yourselves! It's too late for meeee!" Poromon wailed
The whistle was blown and the game started, full swing. Now free of worries, Davis danced across the field to gain the control of the ball and to score against the other team. But with or without Ken Ichijouji, the Tamachi team were still the champions in their league, and they weren't going to budge so easily. For every time the Odaiba team caught the ball, the boys in green would take it away.
Davis scanned the field for an opening. He saw one of his teammates with the ball, being chased by the enemy. He waved at him to signal he was free. He was spotted and the ball was launched to him. Davis jumped high and slammed his head against the ball in a spectacular headbutt, the ball passing by the goalie's head and slamming against the net.
Davis grinned triumphantly as he gained the first goal.
Kari was in action while Davis was playing. She was snapping pictures with her camera in any chance she could, so when the whistle that signalled the end of the first half of the game was blow everyone gathered around her to check her job.
"Woah, that one's great," Killua complimented. It was one of Davis scoring the goal.
"It is awesome," Davis said, grinning at his own image. "It definitely catches my good side."
"Which one?" Yolei grumbled, still sour at her crush's absence. Something that was blatantly obvious to her friends, specially for poor Poromon in her hands.
"Oh, get over it, would ya?" Both Killua and Davis said, rolling their eyes. They looked at each other before Killua chuckled and Davis snickered.
Tai looked at his younger counterpart. "Davis, I know you have the advantage, but that's only one goal. Don't drop your guard down."
"You can always bring out your secret technique," Killua said, folding his arms behind his head and smiling.
Davis streched his arms. "Don't you worry! I'm not about to let them win now!" He said, smiling.
The shrills of various girls called the group's attention and they looked up to see the reason; standing as in tall with his uniform, a boy with pale skin, handsome features, purple hair and eyes had arrived to the field. The genius, the legend, Ken Ichijouji.
"Ah! He's hereeeeee!" Yolei screeched, squashing her partner.
Davis paled and gulped. 'Welp, it was good while it lasted.' He thought. He slapped those thoughts away and tried to remain positive. 'At least now I can face him!' He said, pumping his fists.
Killua for his part looked at the boy with a neutral look. He didn't looked like much, just like any other kid his age. But his eyes still called his attention, and not in a good way. He looked at everything with concealed disdain, something that could be missed at first glanced. His eyes travelled to them and various emotions flashed through it, missed by all the Digidestined. But Killua saw them; Anger, hate, disgust, discomfort. All of them negative, before falling back to his neutral mask. 'What was all that about?' He asked to himself. '... And why does he look so familiar?'' He couldn't shake the feeling that he saw his face, or someone similar, somewhere.
The prodigy made his way to his team, the coach smiling at him in a welcoming manner. "Glad you could make it, Ichijouji."
"Sorry about the lateness, coach, I had some things to settle," He replied in a polite tone.
"Well we're down by one point," He said. "Can you help us?"
He smiled, his face not betraying anything. "Of couse."
The two teams met in the field, Davis and Ken taking the center of the field for the initial kick. Davis smiled at him a bit nervously. "Hey... It's um... Nice to meet you, I'm kind of excited to play with... against...? You. Err, I'm Daisuke Motomiya, but call me Davis..." He introduced himself, not sure why himself.
Ken never lost his smile. He turned to the stand where the Digidestined were watching the game. Yolei was screeching as he turned to look at them, while Cody was staring at the genius with a smile of awe.
"Good luck, Davis!" Kari said, giving her support.
"You can do it!" T.K said.
Killua remained quiet, he was patting Demiveemon's head absentmindedly as he watched the incoming second half. Ken's gaze went to him and he stared back. To Killua's growing confusion, he saw Ken's smile grown slightly wider when he saw them and he could feel malice behind it. Killua narrowed his eyes at him, that smile looked too familiar to him. 'Where have I seen it before... Hold up, could it be that he's-?!' His eyes widened, but he didn't blurted anything out, not here, not now. He had to be sure.
Ken turned back to Davis. "Some nice friends you have there, Davis," He said, his smile and voice making it sound like a compliment.
Davis scratched his head and nodded. "Y-yeah they're great."
The whistle blowed, signaling the start of the second half of the game.
And Ken moved.
Davis blinked and he missed him. The captain of the rival team robbed the ball and dashed across the field. Davis turned to see him in action. Ken moved across the field as if he saw everything coming, every tackled or slide was blocked or overpowered, his teammates just let him pass and do his thing.
Ken reached the net without anyone beign able to stop him, he kicked the ball and turned around without even bothering to see if the ball enteref the net. Which it did.
Davis just gawked, his jaw hitting the floor. "We're doomed..."
In the stands the Digidestined were shocked as well, except for Yolei who was screeching in delight. "Did you see that?! That was awesome!"
"It was... Something," Tai said, gulping as he saw the boy's ability.
Killua for his part leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. If he were to compare, he'd say the boy was as fast as he was during the Hunter Exams, when him and Gon played again Chairman Netero -- May he rest in peace. It was something impressive, but weird for a normal kid. 'No amount of talent could achieve something like that. Talent is just a part of it, but the rest of it has to come from somewhere!' If he was whom he thought he was, then it would have some merit, but it was still an enigma. 'I just hope that it doesn't become a problem.' He said, his eyes sharpening, if his suspicions were true...
The second part of the game was basically a massacre. The score for tamachi just continued rising and rising. Two, three, four, five. Soon the score was Nine to one, and Ken didn't even looked tired. He was in complete control of everything in the field.
"His ability is beyond any kid of his age... No even professionals don't have that kind of skills," Tai realized.
"That was a given," Killua said. "I might not know much about this world yet, but I can certainly see that this kid is far beyond the norm." Still, the kid wasn't perfect. It might be because he wasn't on the field, but Killua saw more openings that could be used with an ability like that. That might be an unfair comparation, but Killua couldn't help making it.
"I agree, his movements are completly different from his teammates," Kari said. While not an expert on the game, having a brother so into the game caused one to get a greater understanding beyond the basics. "It's like he is the only one in the field." She said, watching as Davis was powerless against the genius.
"He has a wider vision on the field," T.K said, frowning in sympathy at how his friend was being teared apart.
"What does that mean?" Kari asked.
"It's like in basketball," T.K shrugged. "You have to be able to see your teammates' and opponents' movements," He said. "He does that as if he already knew them."
Yolei swooned. "I just knew Ken was amazing."
Cody groaned. "Yolei, please," He said.
"Down girl, down," Killua said, looking ready to zap the girl.
Ken smirked and commanded his team. "Formation D! Come on!"
The Tamachi team moved as if they were one. They blocked most of the Odaiba players in a way that it leaved a straight line for Ken to move, and even if someone could try and stop him they would fail.
As Ken moved into the field, Davis felt something in him snap. Every nervousness he felt at facing the genius vanishing at the urge to defeat him. He broke through the player blocking him and ran towards the rival captain, ready to use his slide to prevent the tenth gol.
Ken reared his right leg back to give a really powerful kick to finish the game with a perfect ten, before a yell called his attention. Davis extended his leg and took the ball from Ichijouji's front, he felt something hard grazing against his feet -- which was weird since he thought he grazed skin -- and caused the genius to lose balance and fall face first. The ball rolling out of the game.
The whistle was blown when the game started again, but was followed immediately for another one signaling the end of the match. Tamachi winning by a whooping 9 against 1.
As the teams gathered, one to celebrate and the other to lick their wounds, Davis ran to the boy genius. "Hey, Ichijouji!" Ken turned with a curious expression. "Are you okay? I didn't hurt your... Leg?"
His eyes traveled to the boy's leg, to the place where he was sure he grazed him. But aside from his sock being slightly thorned, the leg was okay.
Ken waved it off. "I'm okay see?" He said, lifting his leg a bit. "Not even a scratch."
Davis smiled. "I see," He said. "That was an awesome game," He beamed. "I can see why you are called a genius!"
"That slide tackle was really good, though," Ken complimented. "It took me by surprise. It's the first time we don't score with that formation."
Davis blushed at the compliments. "Well, I did practice that a lot," He said with smile and scratching the back of his head.
Ken stook out his hand. "It was nice to meet you. Davis Motomiya."
Davis was surprised for a second before shaking the offering hand. "Yeah, likewise, Ken," He smiled.
Still... The guy had a strong grip, almost as if he wanted to damage him on purpose.
As the sun started to set, the group was walking back home while chatting amongst them.
Kari looked at the beaming Davis with a questioning look. "You look happy despite... losing," She said.
"Well, what can I say?" He said, arms behind his head and Demiveemon on top of it. "The living legend, the current champion, complement me and remembered my name! That's definitely something to brag about."
Yolei was still torturing her poor partner by stretching his cheek in frustration. "I didn't get that autograph!"
Cody gave her an unamused look. "Will you drop that?"
"But that last move was really cool, Davis!" T.K told him.
Demiveemon punched the air. "Yeah, it was like whoosh and blam!" He said.
Davis grin got bigger and bigger. "Who know? Someday Ken and I might play on an international team!"
Tai snorted. "Maybe if you can prevent that massacre from happening again," He said teasingly.
"Ouch, Tai... Ouch."
As everyone laughed and talked, Killua sulked behind. His mind running with the possibilities that surged during the game. That boy was hiding something, and if he was right it might be an annoying problem in the future.
He stopped and scowled. He turned and looked at the bridge above the street. Purple eyes met blue, and a face with fury full fledged on it changed to a smirk that was sent his way before walking away. Ken Ichijouji has been observing them and his demeanor had changed entirely as he watched the group. The mask of gentle boy has fallen and he revealed his true persona.
Killua clenched his fist and scoffed. 'So you make yourself known? ... Digimon Emperor.'
Ken was angry. No, he was livid! This last game was a fiasco, like all the others. But of all the schools he have to play against it had to be against the one where the Digidestined were studying. He had to resist the urge to break them to pieces right there and there with his ability!
When he realized Zoldyck was watching him he smirked. He knew someone like him would notice... Not that it would matter in the long run for him, he was finishing everything next time those imbeciles defies them again.
And that Motomiya... He was going to make him suffer. His plans at first were for him to make a horrible choice, toy with him a bit and make him grovel to his feet, but now that wasn't going to be enough. He humiliate him by interrupting his perfect game, he even had to use his aura to not get affected by that pathetic slide of his. He was going to make an example out of him, out of all of them!
The scenario was set, the materials all listed in his mind, and his slaves ready to play their roles. The only problem was that his accomodations to finally leave this lifeless rock were still on working, so he had to wait during this last week for everything to be perfect. That took some time and didn't allow him to answer back to the Digidestined's constant attacks on his tower, not to mention his reviewing on the notes he had about his Dark Rings, to find a way to improve them.
He entered the comfiness of his room, ignoring his so-called mother's attempts to call his attention, and sat down on his computer while grinning. He has been setting this battleground in specific, he learned every detail about its elements to use his ability.
He grabbed a glass he left in his room and cupped it in his hands. Aura activating, his Hatsu working. The material was discomposed and reconstructed in the shape of a dagger made of glass.
He chuckled and twirled the blade around his hand, he was looking forward to their next encounter.
"Raise your left hand!"
"Emm... Sure?"
Monday. Awful, awful monday! With the game behind them, now they could focus back on their mission. The routine came back and so they were all in the computer room. And Yolei had just asked Davis to raise his right hand.
"If I grab this hand... I'll be grabbing Ken's hand indirectly," She mumbled and stared at the hand.
Davis just blinked and kept his hand outstretched, deciding to humor his friend for now. "Okay...?"
She was about to place her hand on his but her hand retreated back. Her fingers twitching in disgust at just hovering over his. She grimaced and pulled back. "I CAN'T! NO HANDSOME BOY IS WORTH TOUCHING DAVIS' HAND!"
"HEY!"
"Quiet!" Killua hissed at the two as he put his book away. The headache he's having about the revelation he suffered yesterday making him more grumpy. He couldn't tell the group about Ken being the Emperor; Davis and Cody admired him, Yolei was crazy for him, Kari and T.K would believe him but they would probably ask for proof, which he doesn't have. If he met with one of the two personas here or in the Digital World, he would think of something to reveal himself. Maybe rip those stupid goggles out of his face. To make sure he had an edge he recharged using a plug in the Kamiya household.
He disarmed the thing, grabbed the cables to gain the energy, and then armed it again to not rise suspicion, all in the middle of the night.
"Umm, guys? Look at this!" Cody said, pointing to the map. A new black square has appeared, the weird thing was that it was right in the middle of a white zone. With nothing around it.
"A new Control Tower?" T.K asked.
"Why put it there of all places?" Kari asked, raising an eyebrow and tilting her head in confusion.
Killua leaned on the screen. "What's that place, Cody?"
"It's called... Death Valley," He gulped at the name.
Upamon snorted. "Gee, I think there's a lot of fun in that place," He said with sarcasm.
"From what I know that place is a complete plain arid field," Gatomon said. "Nothing of value there."
"Why would the Emperor construct a place over there then?" Kari insisted, the reasoning behind the evil human's mind being lost to her.
"Yeah, what could he gain?" T.K asked.
Killua cupped his chin. "Well two options: Just expand himself and gain more Digimon that could be living there, or he is openly taunting us by showing us where he is going to be," He said. "He must have grown tired after his off week and now he wants to show he's back."
"If it's the first then he will stablish a base in a zone as big as that," T.K said.
"We have to act before it's too late!" Kari said, her face scrounging with determination.
Cody turned to their last two members. "Let's go, guys!"
Davis was back to have his hand rised and Yolei staring at it. "Yolei... My hand is cramming..."
Killua's eyebrow twitched and he karate chopped the two. "Cut it out!"
No one was impressed by what they saw. A plain desert with nothing more than some rocky formations here and there, but aside from that nothing noteworthy.
"It is a wasteland," Kari said, her face twisted with confusion. "What would the Emperor want from here?"
"We already covered the two main possibilities," Killua said. "Expansion or him wanting to say: 'Hey, look, I'm back bi-" He looked at Cody and sighed. "-Idiots."
"Then let's find that tower, but we have to be careful," T.K said. "The enemy might attack any time soon."
"Good point," Cody said, feeling unnerved just by being on such a desolated place.
They walked through the desert with their defenses up. The Emperor should know by now of their presence here, he always did. And if he always launches an attack with his slaves to do so. The veterans just hoped he would sent Greymon already to free the last of his friends.
Killua for his part kept frowning as he lead the group, just waiting for something bad to happen. He just knew something was up, and he couldn't wait for Kento make his move. 'Just show yourself already, Ichijouji.' He growled.
A yelp was heard and they all looked back with a gasp. Yolei and Hawkmon had disappeared, and if the shift in the sand was any indication, they've beem swallowed. "Yolei!" Kari gasped.
"What happened?" Gatomon said, looking for their friends.
"Stay alert!" Killua said, but it was for naught.
The sand shifted and the rest of the Digidestined were swallowed before they could even react. Killua stood flabbergasted, it all happened really fast for him to react. "Guys!" He yelled and started clawing the sand.
The Digidestined felt themselves falling for a while, before finally hitting the floor. They moaned in pain before getting up. "Is everyone okay?" Kari asked.
"Yeah," T.K said. "Just a bruised pride..."
"And spine!" Davis grumbled, cracking his back.
Out of the shadows around him, ropes were shot forward and tied around their torsos, pinning their arms at their side. "Agh! What?!" Yolei asked, at their sudden binds.
"Sorry for the rough treatment," A familiar voice said. The Emperor stepped out of the shadows, his two bodyguards at his side. "I ran out of comfortable ropes."
"You!" Davis sneered.
"Me!" He chuckled without a care in the world. "That's the greeting I get after a week without seeing each other? I'm hurt!"
Gatomon, being a champion, managed to break through the ropes and charged at the human, her ring shining and her fist rearing back. "Neko Punch!"
The attack never connected. Blademon moved fast and placed himself between his master and the cat, using his sword to prevent the punch. He parried the cat's attack and slashed her chest, causing her to scream and revert back to Salamon.
"SALAMON!" Kari screamed in horror at her downed partner.
The Emperor snickered as he watched the pup in the ground. "Wow, that was just pathetic. She isn't worthy of being part of my Generals," He said, kicking her back to the kids.
"Salamon," Kari tried to crouched at her partner's side, but the ropes stopped her. She glared at the Emperor with tears threatening to fall. "How could you!"
Davis struggled along with V-Mon. "When I get my hands on you-!"
"Oh, but you won't," The Emperor said, his smile growing. "You see. Why now? Why capture you all now? Well it took some time to set this trap for starters and because I am done with all of you," He said, walking around them like a predator. "I could kill all of you right now and leave Zoldyck to die against my generals. But I am going to make an example out of all of you," He said. "And Zoldyck will watch."
"Oh yeah?" Yolei challenged. "And how do you expect to beat a guy who kicks Digimon's butts like their nothing? Huh though guy?" She challenged.
The Emperor smirked. "Why with my own power of course!" He said letting his Ren out and letting his cape flutter with the pressure.
Everyone was blown back a bit by the aura he was liberating. They couldn't see the energy itself, but the pressure it liberated was something familiar to all of them, specially for T.K and Kari, it was the same Killua used when he fights seriously.
"It can't be!" T.K said, eyes wide in horror. "You are- You can't be-"
The Emperor laughed. "A Nen user!" He declared and let his Aura die out. "I've been blessed by this amazing power to conquer this world! Imagine my surprise when I found another one! Today serves two purpose: To exterminate you once and for all and to crush Zoldyck to prove that I am the only one worthy of having this power!" He said while laughing. "You'll see how I crush him, your ace! And then with no one in my way I'll take this world without interruptions!"
As he gloated about his plan. Blademon was trying hard to not roll his eyes. 'Keep dreaming, kid.' He said, fully certain that Killua was going to beat the ever loving crap out of the Emperor.
Wormmon for his part sighed, ever since Ken got that power he stopped being himself. He hopped fighting another person like him would bring him back to who he was before.
While the newer Digidestined were intimidated, Kari included, T.K glared fiercely at the Emperor. "Killua can beat you, don't get ahead of yourself!" He said. He knows of his leader's past and what he went through, he was certain he could win.
The Emperor didn't lost his smile. "Keep telling yourself that, boy," He said. "Now... I don't want you spoiling the surprise," He snapped his fingers and various Bakemon appeared and moved around the kids with white cloths in their hands.
"Mmmph!" The Digimon and humans all trashed as they were gagged and hoisted away to the future battlefield.
"Now then," The Emperor said, walking to his two personal guards. "I have an appointment with my rival." He chuckled.
"Damnit! Damnit!" Killua cursed as he dug sand out, making a sizeable hole to try and find the bottom where his friends have fallen. How could this happen?! Why wasn't he more active and ready for something like this?! What has the Emperor done?! "C'mon! C'mon! Guys! Where are you?!" He had no way to contact Tai or the others, and no way to go back to the real world on his own. He was careless and let them fall into a trap. "If he does something to them I'll kill him!"
"With that mouth you kiss your mom?" The mocking voice of his enemy said.
Killua looked around, killing intent seeping out and his nails sharpening. "Where are you, you bastard?!"
"Waiting for you, and so are your friends," The Emperor's voice informed him. "You know where to find us, come to the tower. We'll be waiting!"
The moment he said that he was waiting for him, Killua had already took off, running at top speed. His mind going with murderous thoughts against the tyrant with ways were he could kill him slowly, or fast to get over with it.
He reached the area with the tower and looked up to see the Emperor on top of a small mesa. "Glad you could make it."
"Cut the crap!" He growled. "Where are the others?!" He asked.
The Emperor pointed to the side. "Why right here, of course," He said.
Killua's eyes followed and he caught his friends. He gasped as he saw their state. "Guys!"
Bound and gagged, the kids thrashed and tried to get out of the situation, they were hanging on a natural formed bridged connected to the mesa. "Mmmph!" They cried, T.K and Kari trying to warn him about the Emperor's power.
Killua sighed, they all looked unharmed, until his eyes fell on Salamon and his anger came back. "What did you do?!" He growled at the Emperor.
"Actually, that was me," Blademon said, walking to the Emperor's side. "Sorry 'bout that. The mut got too angry and tried to bite the master."
Kari growled furiously behind her gag and glared at the hooded Digimon while also giving concerned glances at her partner's unconscious form.
Killua didn't moved, not for not wanting to, but because if he did the wrong move his friends could pay.
The Emperor spoke. "Come up here, Zoldyck, we need to talk." He said, the smile never leaving him.
He didn't needed to be told twice. He jumped high enough for him to land in the tall mesa a few meters in front of the Emperor and his two lackeys. The brat didn't lose his smile, unfazed by that impressive physical feat. Killua glared at him with eyes that would make his mother proud, the eyes of an assassin of the Zoldyck household.
But as Killua make that jump to face the Empero, Blademon did the same. He jumped away from his master and landed on top of the bridge with his sworn drawn. Killua didn't took his eyes out of him either, tensing as he saw him landing on top of where his friends were.
"Don't worry," The Emperor said, raising his hands in a surrendering manner. "You're friends are only here to draw you out, I'm going to let them go."
The Emperor's neck then was twisted in an horrific angle. A complete one-eighty that make his neck looking like a spring.
Killua hummed as he envisioned his foe's death. The boy was waiting for him to answer and Killua decided to not kill him like that, at least not right now. Blademon was on top of his friends, a wrong move and he could harm them, and honestly... He didn't wanted to show that part of himself to the new kids yet. Heck, even if T.K knew about his past it didn't make him comfortable with it.
Returning to the conversation he had only one thing to say to the Emperor. "Bullshit, there's a catch with you."
"You got me," He chuckled, taking off his cape. "I... Want to fight you."
... What?"
"... What?" He asked, not having heard that right. This kid couldn't be that full of himself.
"You heard me!" He said smiling. "I think you might be a worthy challenge for me!"
Wow, his hubris knows no limits did it? And wow his jumpsuit was horrible.
As he took out his gloves the Emperor chuckled. "Oh right, you seem to think you can take me out with your power... Then let me show you!" He said, throwing his gloves to where his cape was and he let his aura explode with Ren.
Killua was taken back in surprise. "WHAT?!" How?! He was a Nen user?! "How?! How did you get that ability?!" He asked.
The Emperor cackled. "I was born with it!"
Not... Technically wrong, everyone could use Nen if they open their nodes, but they had to open them to begin with! "I meant how you awaken it!" He said.
The Emperor snorted. "What? You weren't born with it? Shame! That shows who is truly the special one!" He said, liberating a big wave of aura.
Killua had to say it was impressive. He couldn't tell if he was an Enhancer or not. Based on his personality he might be a Manipulator. 'All Manipulators are pricks...' He said, thinking of his brother, another Manipulator.
"Now that the surprise is done," The Emperor said, snapping his fingers. "Let them talk."
Bakemon appeared from behind the mesa and floated to the kids, taking out the gags. "Pfah! Killua! We're sorry!" Kari said.
"We blew it up..." T.K sighed.
Killua smiled at them. "Don't worry guys!" He turned to the Emperor. "I'll deal with this myself! Fine then, I'll humor you," Killua let his aura explode with Ren, "... Ken." He said.
Everyone stopped and turned to Killua, the Emperor chuckling even further. "Nothing misses you, huh?"
"E-eh? What are you talking about, Killua?!" Davis asked. "What do you mean Ken?!"
The Emperor turned to the captives. "Wow Davis you're really slow," He said, taking out his goggles, revealing the eyes of the boy genius. "Just like that kick of yours."
Davis paled and stammered. "B-but..."
"Why?!" Yolei shrieked. "How could you be the Emperor?!" She demanded.
"It can't be..." Cody seemed disheartened at the revelation. Such a well-regarded person was a monster.
Kari and T.K gritted their teeth. They might not hold such a standard for the genius, but it was still shocking that such a person was in reality the monster slaving their friends.
The Emperor laughed. "Wow, you're all pathetic. What? You thought that the genius Ken Ichijouji was some goodie two shoes? A hero? Someone cool?" He asked, his words deflating the three new members further and further. He put his goggles back on and turned to Killua. "You figured out and didn't tell them? That's cold."
"I didn't had any prove aside from a hunch and that time when you saw us after the game," He said. "I needed proof if I wanted to take their hero down."
"Foolish sentimentalism," He sneered. "Enough talking, let's get down from here," He said pointing to the opposite side of the mesa. "Look at that, a complete open field for us to play."
Killua didn't say anything. Instead he turned to the others to see their friends. He sighed. "Guys... We are friends right?" He asked.
The question had a double meaning that was probably lost to them, but he needed the reassurance. The Emperor brought this upon himself.
"Of course!" T.K said. "Go for him."
"We'll leave it to you," Kari said, squirming on her ropes.
Patamon was still gagged, to prevent him from use Boom Bubble, but managed a nod. Salamon, sadly, was still unconscious.
"Beat his shit!" Armadillomon said. "No one upsets Cody!"
"Nor Yolei! That is unforgivable!" Hawkmon said.
V-Mon was looking at Davis. "Do it for that prick that cheated to beat Davis!"
The other three were silent before Davis spoke. "Kick his sorry ass!"
"THAT PRICK DOESN'T DESERVE ANY OF HIS WINNINGS!" Yolei said, kicking in her rope. "NOR ANY PRICE IN PROGRAMMING!"
"He shouldn't be allowed to come back to this world!" Cody said. "Make sure he doesn't hurt anyone!"
At his words Killua felt more eased. They may not like how this fight was going to end, but he couldn't let this pass.
The Emperor seemed annoyed at the words of the Digidestined. "Should've left the gags on..." He turned to the side and jumped down. "Let's go! Killua followed.
Blademon watched them go, his arms crossed. The Emperor could beat his two remaining Generals no problem, and he could beat him too... When he was holding back. Meanwhile Zoldyck gave him a good fight when he was serious, it was obvious who was going to win, but with his ability, the Emperor was going to give one hell of a show. "Worst comes to worst, I'll interfere." He mumbled. 'The master still needs him.' He thought.
Wormmon watched from the mesa as his partner and the other boy walked through the plain field, away from them to avoid damage, to start their fight. 'Ken...' He couldn't interfere, those were his orders. He had to respect them... But something tells him this was going to end badly.
The two opponets walked far away from the mesa to not injure their friends and allies. They were walking in parallel to each other, the Emperor having a smirk while Killua kept a neutral face.
He eyed the disguised boy with contempt. 'I don't know if I should kill him or not... Even though the guys have my back... I don't know how they'll react if I do kill him. Not to mention that Blademon is with them, if he sees his master death then he might harm them... Better to just beat him to an inch, take a limb or two, and offer him as a bargain chip,' He thought.
The two of them stopped and turned to see the others, there were some rock formations around them, but otherwise there was nothing to interfere with them. The Emperor chuckled. "You should feel honored that I choose to execute you myself."
A hand pierced his chest before he could finish talking. The Emperor's wide eyes looking at the eyes of a trained assassin.
"As you already know my identity," He continued. "I planned to mess with Davis first after that game. For interrupting my play."
His head rolled on the floor, his body slumping down and bleeding from the place stump on his neck.
"But I want to show them my superiority!" He said, letting his aura show. "How I am the only one who should have this power!"
His throat was split open and blood showered him. His white hair stained with red.
Killua sighed and got into a lazy fighting stance, while the Emperor got into a karate stance. The two just stared into each other as the wind blows around them. The Emperor had an eager grin while Killua kept his scowl.
A piece of rock fell from one of the rock spires and Ken took that as his cue to start. He launched himself at Killua, leaving a big crack on the place where he was standing. Killua sidestepped to dodge his first punch and he threw one at him, and much to his surprise Ken actually countered with one of his own, both of their knuckles impacting against the other. This started a back and forth between the two, dodging and blocking the punch or the other Ken more on the offensive and Killua on the defensive, the Emperor wanting to show his strength and Killua assessing him. 'Huh, he's actually not half bad.' He thought, smiling a bit.
Ken was trying hard to connect a good punch of Killua, Killua smirked at noticing this. The Emperor wanted to show his strength, and so this would make him prone to make mistakes or overestimating his own stare. Killua blocked all of them with his forearms, or swatted them away from him, he threw an uppercut and Ken leaned back to dodge it and he answered with a roundhouse kick that Killua jumped to dodge.
He started backflipping across the battlefield and looked at his surroundings while forming a plan. The Emperor followed him in a dash, Killua reached one of the mountains surrounded them and used it to spring himself forward. He caught the Emperor by surprise at the sudden change in motion, giving Killua the chance to give him a right hook in the jaw, sending him flying back.
He flipped in the air and landed into a crouching position, skidding across the floor and buried his hands on the ground to stop his momentum. When he stopped he stood up straight to look at the Hunter, but he was gone. Clicking his teeth he focused to try to feel his presence, predict his next movement. If he was hiding, then he could only attack from... Behind!
He crouched in time to dodge a swipe from his opponets arm, he stood on his hands and tried to give him a mule kick, but Killua leaped back to dodge. The Emperor twisted his body to face him and charged, this time going for kicks to try and hit him. Killua dodged each of the attacks, a smile slowly itching on his face. Stopping with the kicks he went with the usual punches and the exchange started again.
Killua again blocked the punches, but this time he also went to the offensive, managing to sneak some punches on him, slowly gaining the advantage. "I have to admit, you're better than I thought!" Killua said, nailing a knee to his gut. "But it isn't enough!" The Emperor grabbed his gut and Killua took his chance to give him a jab to the face.
Ken had used Ryu to absorb most of the impact by focusing aura on his face. The strike was strong enough however, to make him skid on his feet a few meters away from Killua.
However, despite his clear disadvantage, the Emperor raised his head and smiled. "Hehe, I should be the one saying that! I knew you were going to be the perfect challenge! But I haven't even revealed my ability, while I know about yours."
Killua titled his head. "Oh yeah?"
"It's lighting," He said. "You produce lightnings with your aura. I saw footages of you using it, like back in Metal City."
Killua couldn't care less if his ability has been discovered. He was not a one trick pony. Even if the Emperor had put rubber in his suit (A thought that make Killua's lips twitch upward) He has his claws, his aura's other techniques, and of course Godspeed.
The Emperor extended his hand and started using Ren. "Now," He showed his palms to show the symbols in them. One upside down triangle in one hand, and a normal one in the other. His aura changed from the usual white to a dark purple one and he slammed both hands in the floor.
Killua felt a shift at his feet. He reacted just in time as in front of the Emperor spikes of rock started sprouting from the ground and towards him, he leaped to the side as the rocks continued on their direction. 'That was his Hatsu?!' He thought.
He didn't have time to ponder on it, as Ken took chance of this momentary distraction to nail a punch on his face. He continued with this assault, giving constant jabs at the side of the Hunter's face before giving a rising kick to his chin. Killua sailed through the air and the Emperor jumped to loom over him, he focused his Nen to use Ko and hit him on the stomach, but the moment his fist was supposed to make contact, Killua vanished and the fist just punched the ground. "What?!"
"That caught me by surprise," Killua said, Ken turned to see him standing behind him, his lip having a smile trail of blood. "I shouldn't have let my guard drop just because of your Hatsu ability."
"Hmph," Ken got up and dusted his shirt. "There's more where that came from."
Killua frowned while trying to dissect the ability. 'He slammed his hands on the ground and those things started to shot out. Those triangles must have something to do with it. But even then... In what ability does it falls? A Manipulator? Or maybe... A Specialist?' He narrowed his eyes. 'Now those punches... I can have an estimate of his strength on that. If I compare him to someone I know...' The image of a boy with short brown hair and a martial arts uniform appeared on his mind. 'A more experienced and strong Zushi. A talent no doubt of one in a million.' He got back into position.
The Emperor smirked. 'That was just a part of my ability. He hasn't seen the full extent of it. Don't go dying on me now Zoldyck!' He raised his left hand and brought it down. "Prepare yourself!"
Instead of the ground shooting spikes, it started breaking up the cracks extending all the way to Killua's feet before the floor shattered below him. Killua had jumped before the ground broke. He stared at the place where he was standing a moment ago, there was nothing more aside from a giant hole.
The Emperor wasn't done. He clapped both hands together and placed them on the ground, this time there weren't any spikes or cracks on the floor, but from the ground a maze made of solid rock was formed.
Killua landed and just gazed at the new weapon on the Emperor's hand. "Just what is his ability?!" He hissed, his Ken flaring up (The irony of the name not lost to him.)
The Emperor jumped over the hole he made and brought the maze down to Killua's head with the intention of crushing it. Killua leaped back into the air, using the propelling technique to get out of the enemy's reach, the maze broke by the contact against the ground. The Emperor tosded the remainings aside and smashed his hands on the ground again and a giant spike was shot up to impale Killua. He twisted his body out of the way, the attack grazed his side, tearing part of his shirt and leaving a small wound on his torso.
He landed and looked at his injury with a frown. The Emperor looking at him with a huge shit-eating grin. "Nice job, good dodging."
Killua took hold of the remainings of his shirt. 'Destruction, creation, reconstruction,' He listed. 'That's what his ability has done up until now. A technique like that has to come with conditions! Nen always needs conditions when someone needs a greater power. Even my technique needs recharging from an outside source and...'
He remebered a hulking frame smashing his fist against a body resembling a human with animal features over and over again.
'... Anyways...' He shoved that memory to the darkest part of his pit. 'Since I don't want to kill him... yet, the switch is out of the question.' He gripped his shirt and ripped the remains off him. An idea coming to his mind. 'He wants a show and a challenge... I'll give him a show and a challenge.' He clenched his fists and smirked. "Alright, Ken," He spat the name, "Since you show me your ability it's only fair I show you my ace in the hole!"
"Please," He rolled his eyes. "I know all of your tricks, what else can you show me?" He raised his hands, crossing them over his face to show his symbols. "And more importantly, can you do it before I decide to impale you?"
Killua just smirked and took a deep breath. 'We just let out a bit of killing intent and aura in the air to intimidated a bit...' He opened his mouth and started grunting. 'And a bit of physical intimidation.'
The Emperor felt the shift in the air as Killua started to stimulate his Nen. He let his hands fall to his side and started at the boy in front of him. "What is this?!"
Killua clenched his fist and started growling. "Graaaaaaaah!" He let out. 'With my malice in the air and a bit of screaming, I plan on deceiving him while at the same time using Godspeed.' He took a deep breath and screamed. "I hope my body can resist it!"
Killua knows how important is to keep some things up to his chest. That's why Godspeed is kept as a trump card for him. Now that he is presented with a power that will make difficult for him to get close, he has to short the distance between them fast and Godspeed was the best choice. 'Instead of Whirlwind, I'll use Lighting Speed. And use it for attack!' By wanting to keep Godspeed a secret, but also needing to use it, Killua has decided to make it look like the technique takes a toll on him and so. "ROAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He is screaming and letting the technique come out slowly.
The Emperor was watching him charge up the attack, rooted in place. The shift in the air emanating from the boy's body, he could feel ozone coming from him, something normal if it was lighting related, but there was something more. Something that could only be defined as... dark. Darkness was coming out from him.
'W-what is he?!' The Emperor, from the first time since the fight started, felt scared.
Killua glared at him and he flinched, then he saw him smirk as he yelled out. "GODSPEED!"
Then... He shot forward.
Ken could see him coming almost in slow motion. It was like seeing a car coming to you and your life flashing before your eyes. Killua reared his fist back and Ken could do nothing.
A thunderclap resonated around the area as Killua's fist hit his cheek and sent him flying. His body sailed over the hole he made and was about to crash on the other side, but before he could impact Killua appeared again, behind him. He brought his hands together and gave the Emperor a double ax strike to the sides that sent tyrant flying to the side of the field.
He bounced on the ground eventually regaining his footing and focused on using his ability while also planting his hands on the ground to stop his momentum. Spikes were sent flying at Killua, who was running towards him at full speed, but he vanished out of sight and before the Emperor could register what happened, he received a kick to the cheek that launched him towards one of the mountains in the area.
When he crashed against it, he was never more thankful for his aura having taken most of the blunts of the attack. Thankfulness gave a way to frustration and frustration to anger and anger to hate. He growled and slammed his hands on the mountain while screaming. "DAMN YOUUUUUUUUUU!" As his voice echoed across the valley, the mountain crumbled behind him, product of his ability. A single rock on his hand, that was morphed to be sharp enough to stab his rival.
Killua dashed towards him and Ken thrusts the rock foward to stab him, but Killua vanishes and reappears behind and giving him a knee that sent him forward. The Emperor flipped on his hands and turned, the rock raised high to stab his opponet, but Killua ducked and punched his gut.
The Emperor twitched in pain as the fist dug itself into his gut. His jumpsuit was isolated with rubber in the inside, as a precaution to Zoldyck's attacks, so he wasn't twitching because of the electricity. No, he was trembling out of sheer pain. That punch had broken through his Ten and shaken his body to the core, all the while Killua kept a calm, composed face.
The Emperor staggered back, clutching his gut while saliva and blood dripped from his mouth. He glared at Zoldyck through his lenses with pure hate.
Killua sighed and started panting to keep up the act, while also dropping Godspeed. The Emperor's ego was wounded and he was now looking like his aura might drop at any moment, he can't risk using his technique without wasting his remaining Nen. Killua inwardly smirked. 'This isn't over, he will try to beat me anyway even if it comes down to hand to hand. But that sure as hell was cathartic.'
Blademon hummed as he sat crosslegged in the bridge with Wormmon at his side and the Digidestined below them. No one was able to see the fight ocurring away from them... Except for him. His blue eyes shimmered with energy as he saw everything happening and he hold back his amusement as he watched Zoldyck bury his fist in thr Emperor's gut.
Wormmon turned to him. "Blademon? Is Ken okay?"
"He better not hear you calling him by that name," Blademon said, causing Wormmon to flinch. "But don't worry, he's doing fine," He lied. 'He isn't in that much danger yet.' He didn't wanted to intervene yet.
"Hey!" Davis' voice called from below. "How about Killua?! Is he safe?!"
Blademon resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Foolish child, if only he knew Zoldyck's true nature he wouldn't be worried about the son of a bitch. "He's fine," He groused.
"Then he's kicking that jerks butt?!" Yolei asked, thrashing around.
"I didn't said that."
"Then he's losing?!" Cody asked in fear.
"I didn't said that either."
"Can you give us a straight answer?!" Kari said, growing tired of the Digimon's attitude.
"Maybe," He purred, grinning under his hood and causing the captives to growl in frustration while Wormmon sweatdropped. 'Aaaah, if only I had some chocolate to enjoy this...' He yearned for a sweet right now.
Then a yell from his master came in the form of an order, and he knew the show was over.
Ken threw a punch, but was caught. He tried again, and was caught. Killua grabbed his fist on a vice-grip. Then he started clenching and Ken could feel his hands breaking under his. His eyes were wide and bloodshot from the pain behind his goggles, and veins popped around his forehead.
Killua kept a hard stare at the Emperor, keeping the facade of being tired after using Godspeed. If he wanted he could render the boy's hands useless, but he had decided to be a little merciful after letting out most of his anger in his previous assault.
The Emperor, in an impressive show of flexibility, raised his leg to go for a drop kick. Killua acted fast and heabutts him square in the nose, letting go of his hands as he staggered back. He grabbed his arm and did a judo throw, the Emperor slamming against the floor and bouncing against it. Killua took his chance to kick his back to lift him in the air and then he rammed his elbow in his stomach. Ken spat blood, but the ex-assassin wasn't stopping there. He dugged his toes in the ground to kick the Emperor in the back and lift him in the air, and while he was mid-air, Killua proceeds to brutalize him with a flury of punches that dragged him across the battlefield.
Kick, punch, elbow, the Emperor received all kind of hits before Killua rammed him against a mountain with his shoulder and as the icing on the cake, he dug his knee deep into his solar plexus. Ken crumbled like a broken cookie, Killua stepping back as he collapsed, holding his stomach in an attempt to regain his breath.
Killua stared at him and spat on the ground next to him. "So... Am I a worthy rival, your highness?" He asked with sarcasm.
Ken breathed in and out, something extremely painful for him to do, as his mind raged. 'This... This isn't how it was supposed to go! My ability could destroy him! I honed that skill for years!' He was the best! He had no equal! He was supposed to win! HE WAS GOING TO WIN!
Killua sharpened his claws and was going to grab one of the Emperor's arms to take a finger, just the pinky no one likes the pinky, as a way of humiliating further. But the Emperor found strength in him to yell. "DELTAMON NOOOOOOOOOOW!"
Killua flinched and then he heard a rumble. "No way..." He turned to the Emperor. "What did you do?!" He asked.
Ken just gaped like a fish out of water. "You either kill me... Or save them..."
Killua gnashed his teeth and took off running, when he was away from the Emperor he used lightning speed. 'Damnit! I got carried away! I lost myself in the desire of humiliating him for what he said to them that I didn't thought he'll try something!' He cursed himself.
Ken, with his last strength, took out his black Digivice. "S-S-Stig...mon." He uttered, fighting to stay conscious.
When the yell reach them, the mountain behind them broke and a three headed Digimon appeared, roaring as he was summoned.
Blademon stood up and looked at Wormmon. "Show's over," He said. "The master needs help."
"Ken!" He said jumping off the mountain while glowing. "Here I come!"
"Wormmon Digivolves to... Stigmon!"
Blademon jumped on the insect's back and they took off, ignoring the Digidestined's indignant cries. "Hey! You can't leave us here!" One of them said, he didn't care who.
As they flew over the mesa, they crossed ways with Killua. He turned with a glare at them, a glare thay they returned. Blademon looked at him with bared fangs under the cloack, while Stigmon's featureless face somehow transmitted his fury towards him. Still, the three had more pushing manners and so they postponed their fight for later.
The two Digimon's reach the place where the Emperor was. Stigmon gently scooped him in his arms while watching him sadly. "Ken..."
"We have to get to the base," Blademon said. "Digimon amongst our lines should have something to heal him."
Stigmon nodded and took off. Blademon crossed his arms as he looked at Ken's prone form from Stigmon's shoulder. 'He'll live and this experience will knock him down of his big horse... Or he'll be more insufferable...' He was betting on the latter.
Killua jumped over the mesa and saw the three headed monstrosity stalk towards his captive friends to catch them. "Fuck... Guys! Get ready!" He bursted to them and sharpened his claws. He passed in front of them and the ropes were turned to ribbons. He landed on the ground and watched them go.
With Killua's scream, everyone took out their Digivices, the exception being Kari who just cradled Salamon. "Digimental Up!"
"V-Mon Armor Digivolves to... Flamedramon! The Courageous Fire!"
"Hawkmon Armor Digivolves to... FlyBeemon! The Soaring Knowledge!"
"Armadillomon Armor Digivolves to... Pteramon! The Armed Love!"
"Patamon Armor Digivolves to... Pegasusmon! The Flying Hope!"
Killua extended his arms and caught the falling Kari. "You okay?" He asked, dispelling Godspeed.
"Y-yeah..." She said, still shaken by the whole experience. "But Salamon..." She looked at her form.
Killua frowned at her state, she was weak but nothing life threatening. "We'll call Joe when we come back," He reassured as he set her down. "Let's destroy the tower here and go home."
Kari nodded, looking concerned at her partner. She looked at her friends fighting the possessed Digimon and felt a twinge of frustration at having to sit in the sidelines.
Without the Emperor, the Bakemon in the zone became completly lost without his guidance. While Deltamon just attacked wildly with his Delta Attack. Flamedramon placed Davis on the mesa. "I'll take care of Deltamon, okay?"
"Yeah, sure..." Davis said, still trying to wrap his head around everything.
"I'll take care of the Bakemon, you guys destroy the Control Tower!" Pegasusmon said, placing T.K along with Cody and Yolei.
"Rodger!" The two other flying Digimon said as they charged to the tower, while Pegasusmon kept the ghosts at bay with his Shooting Stars.
Flamedramon charged at Deltamon, his whole body enveloped in fire. "Fire Lariat!" He impacted against the ring and his stomach for good measure, knocking the Digimon down.
"Missile Storm!"
"Spike Attack!"
The two flying Digimon brought the tower down and the Bakemon were freed. Confused, but freed as they leaved the area.
Everyone gathered to collect themselves. The three newest members were completly shaken after the news, Yolei and specially Davis taking it bad.
"To think I wanted that prick's autograph!" She seethed, though tears threatened to fall from her eyes at the reveal.
Cody kicked a peeble. "Why does someone with so much talent wastes it to harm others."
Davis kept his head low as he sat on a stone. To think just yesterday he thought of the guy as a possible friend, and now this?! Why? Why would he do something like this.
The Digimon just stared at their partners in sympathy. Having not cared about the boy before, they couldn't think of something to say. So they just stood there as moral support.
The three veterans approached them, Kari still cradling Salamon and Killua holding his wound. It was a flesh wound, but it felt uncomfortable as hell. "Hey," He said.
"Hey," They mumbled back.
He sighed. "Look, I know you guys admired the guy," He started. "I had a suspicion about it, but didn't have any solid proof. So I couldn't give you a heads up without thinking you might... Flip."
"No uh... You're right," Davis admitted, had he said that Ken Ichijouji was The Emperor yesterday, he would have snapped. Badly.
"But this might be a chance," He said, calling their attention. "You are asking why he would do this? Then let's beat him and get the answers out of him! ... Lord knows I need them."
"You're saying that because of..." T.K started.
"Nen, yes," He answered. "Nen is a secret only known by the Hunter society and a few others. How could Ken get the ability to use it is beyond me."
"The only ones who knew about the ability, aside from us, were other Digimon we've met, right?" Kari suggested.
"Yeah... But I doubt Agumon or the others could tell him, or learn about it." Homeostasis said Digimon couldn't use Nen for a lack of aura nodes, so they couldn't have teach Ken how to use. He knew how to use three of the four basics (Ren, Ten and Hatsu) and knew how to use Ken and Ryu. "Maybe there's one... Blademon."
"Why him?" Patamon asked.
"He seemed to know me, and has a hate boner against me," He mumbled. "If we get him, he might have the answers." The problem is that it all comes back to Digimon being unable to use aura, but a clue was better than no clue. "Whatever the case, even though today had crazy twists now we have new reasons to beat the Emperor."
Everyone nodded, Davis standing up. "We're going to get some answers of why he's doing this! And learn why he can use Killua's power!"
"For now, let's go back to the Human World to treat our wounds," He said, looking at the injury in his torso and at Salamon. "And to inform the others of what we've discovered."
Everyone nodded and started making their way back to the port. Killua this time stayed behind in case of any more surprises. His mind was resolving under a single fact. 'Ichijouji. I'm going to find out how you got your power. Born with it? Bullshit. Somehow you learned about my powers, and I'll learn how.' He looked at his friends' backs, somehow they all came affected by this. 'And if you dare pull a stunt like this again. I don't care what they might think... I will kill you.'
When Ken woke up, he was in a cold metal table. "Wha-" He winced, his body was hurting everywhere.
"Master," Blademon appeared and put a hand on his chest. "Lay down."
"W-what happened to me...?" He asked, his voice hoarse.
Then it all came crashing back. The events of that day. It could all be resumed in one word.
Zoldyck.
His fists clenched with rage and his teeth were clenched. How could this happen?! It was supposed to be simple! He was supposed to show him he was superior! How could he, the perfect human! The genius! The only and magnanimous Emperor lose?!
"Blademon..." He growled. "When will my body be healed."
"In two days, if the healing from some of the slaves work," He informed.
"I want the experimets in improving the Dark Ring to be accelerated, and you and Stigmon will be used in spars everyday against me from now on!" He said. "Do you understand?!"
Not intimidated by his fury, Blademon bowed. "As you wish, my lord."
With that he left the room and the Emperor seethed in the darkness of his personal quarters. 'I vow, Killua Zoldyck that you will rue this day! I will destroy you! With my own hands!'
"Done!"
"A few things to say: That fight between Killua and the Emperor? Is the whole reason this stories exist! A year ago, I finished Hunter X Hunter. And then I started seeing Digimon 02 again for my Fanfic: The Routed (Which nobody read 7n7) And then BAM! What if Killua wrecked the Emperor's shit?! And then BAM! What if Killua was dragged to the Digital World? BAM I published the first chapter of Digimon and Hunter."
"Now then, some questions you might be having: Why didn't Killua just killed Ken? First off: Plot. Second, through the episode, Killua shows that he could've kill Ken during his moronic speeches, but didn't because Blademon could harm the others. And he still doesn't want to disclose his past to the new kids, they had a lot already with Ken's reveal."
"How could Ken harm Killua?! It wasn't anything mortal... A flesh wound, and I think Killua beat the shit out of Ken more that Ken beat his."
"What's Ken's ability? And what category is he? I'll explain in the future. Before his arc ends. But I think it might be familiar to some of you."
"How strong is Ken?! Maybe on par, or weaker, than Etemon."
"Why did Killua started yelling when using Godspeed? Aside from the reasons I gave... I based myself too much on Goku vs Vegeta's first fight, and the Kaioken scene is so cool I wanted to recreate it."
"Any more questions will be answered next chapter, for now. This is it. Goodbye and Remember."
"FAV X AND X REVIEW!"