A/N: A fallen knight got almost reaches this story in favs and follows with only one chapter... Yikes. But as I said, this is still my main. But I might be swapping between one and the other. It all depends."
"So it's true," Izzy muttered as he observed the terminal on his hands. "Gennai truly has made contact."
The younger group gathered on Izzy's room as expected. Like Kari, all of them had received a message from Gennai telling them to meet on the subterranean city where they freed SaberLeomon from Ken's control.
"Shouldn't jump to conclusions," Killua said, arms crossed and a stormy look on his eyes. "We don't know if that's Gennai or not. Could be a trap from the woman in red and Blademon, now that we know they're working together."
"And just as likely, it could be Gennai," T.K refuted.
Killua merely scowled. He didn't liked the old man, all of the veteran Digidestined knew that. So even if it wasn't a trap, he wasn't exactly thrilled about meeting him again.
Davis for his part leaned on Kari's ear. "Hey, ah, kinda forgot. Who was Gennai again?"
Kari looked at him with a sheepish smile. "I don't know much about him myself," She admitted. "By what my brother and the others told me, he is a Digital Human that wants the Digital World to be safe. He even worked in creating our Crests and Digivices."
"That's amazing!" Yolei blurted. Having always been intrigued by the devices. "We should meet him!"
"I agree," Izzy said. "He might finally shed light on what the Armor Evolution is, where Ken's Crest came from, and why were your partners sleeping under the eggs."
"Maybe even explain about the golden Digi-egg that Davis lost," Cody mused.
Davis fumed. "I didn't lost it! It just vanished."
"Keep telling yourself that, buddy," Yolei quipped, causing Davis to grumble. She lifted Poromon to eye level. "But he is right, why were you guys doing under the Digi-eggs?"
"I dunno. I just know we've always been like that," He said shrugging his little wings. "Maybe Gennai has the answers."
"Doubtful," Killua grumbled under his breath. "But we don't have much of a choice, it's worth a shot. We just have to keep our eyes open."
"I won't hold you up anymore," Izzy said, moving away to show the screen of his computer. "The map is set to send you to the entrance of that city."
"Then let's get going!" Yolei said in her usual enthusiastic. Her spirits even higher after the lesson about Ren and Hatsu. "Digiport Open! Let's go, Digidestined!"
Killua held back a sigh as he was absorbed by the light.
Ken looked down at his terminal with a conflicted look. This message was a mystery, he didn't knew who Gennai was, but he asked to meet with the chosen that removed the eggs.
He tapped the buttons and saw the silhouette of an egg on the screen of his terminal. The memories he suppressed as the Emperor coming back to him.
"Ken?" Minomon called from above his bunk. "Everything okay?"
"Oh, yes. Just thinking about that message," He said. "You're not going?"
Ken looked at his terminal again, gathering his thoughts. Then it beeped, not once but twice with new messages.
Yo, Ken. Did ya get the message?
Wanna join us? We're going to meet with the old man.
-Davis M.
Hello, Ken. We're all going to the subterranean city. Someone named Gennai called us there.
Are you coming too?
-Yolei I.
Davis and Yolei. The former goggle wearing boy and the lavender haired girl were reaching out to him to join. He looked over at Minomon, who was now distracted with a snack, remembering his words from the previous night.
He pressed his lips into a thin line as he thought about it. But in the end, for him, the conclusion was the same.
Sorry. I don't think I can, Minomon is still resting. If anything happens please inform us.
-Ken I.
Davis looked over at Yolei, who had the same disappointing frown as him. "No luck, huh?" He asked, receiving a sigh from the girl.
"None whatsoever," She said. "Seriously, what would it take for him to come over?" She asked, a bit miffed. She wanted to give him a second chance, like Davis, but he kept closing off.
Killua heard the exchange between the two. Ken's presence would help on whatever they're going to encounter on the city, be it Gennai or an enemy. That way the Crest could be explained, or if it was an enemy have JewelBeemon on their side.
As they neared the entrance of the cave leading to the city. They noticed a figure waiting for them at the entrance. Upon seeing it, Gatomon immediately recognized who it was. "Mystimon!" She exclaimed, running up to meet with her friend.
Mystimon tipped back his hat and gave the cat a friendly smile. "Hey there, Gatomon. Digidestined."
The cat stopped in front of the Ultimate, giving him a questioning look. "What are you doing here?" She asked.
He shrugged. "Well, waiting for you," He admitted. "To take you to him."
"So it is true," T.K said. "Gennai is in there?" He asked.
"On the flesh," Mystimon nodded in confirmation. "Though this five years had done him some... Favors."
"How so?" Killua asked, tilting his head to the side.
Mystimon turned. "You'll see," He said. "Now come, you know how long this stairs are."
They didn't wasted any time. The group crossed the fake wall used to keep the city hidden and climbed down while following the wizard. The long staircase was just as they remembered it, long and illuminated by the giant gemstones imbedded on the wall, which made for a long journey to for them.
Waiting at the bottom of the stair were the two PawnChessmon were... Resting their eyes while standing, bubbles of snot coming from within their helmets. "Poor guys, must be boring standing here doing nothing," Armadillomon commented as they walked past them.
"Yeah. It ain't fun," A new voice said. From the entrance of the city they could see Fugumon and Leomon standing there, waiting for them. "Yo!" The red ogre waved.
"Digidestined," Leomon bowed his head respectfully.
"Good to see you guys again," Patamon said with a smile.
"So I'm assuming the old man called you here too?" Killua asked, looking at Leomon.
Leomon nodded. "Let me lead the way."
"Hey, this is my city," Fugumon protested crossing his arms. "I should be the one leading."
Leomon huffed through his nose, and closed his eyes patiently and allowed him to guide the Digidestined to their destination.
The city was just as the group remembered it. Big and spacious despite the fact that it was underground, and greatly illuminated by crystals that worked as lightbulbs.
The house where the two Champions lead them was nothing noteworthy. It looked just like all the others around the city. Leomon opened the door, and the group could finally admire the insides of the rocky homes.
He stayed outside with Mystimon and Fugumon. "This is a matter better discussed in private," He said.
"We'll ask if there's something we must know," Mystimon said jokingly.
"Sure," Gatomon responded, sending a smile to her friend as she entered with the others.
Everything seemed pretty normal, in front of the entrance was a stair that leads to the second floor, and at the sides were two hallways that lead to the dining room and the living room respectively.
And sitting on the living room, was a figure wearing a white robe, like a monk, with a hood up its head. When he saw the hood, Killua tensed for a moment, thinking off Blademon. But then the figure took it off and turned around, revealing a human face with brown graying hair and a few wrinkles as well as a gray beard. "Digidestined, good to see you again."
T.K and Killua blinked and tilted their heads in unison. "Gennai?" They asked.
"Hohoho!" The man laughed. "It is me."
"Wait a minute!" Davis said. "I thought Gennai was a really old geezer- Ugh!" This response earned him an elbow from Cody.
"Don't be rude," He hissed.
"Well, time has been kind on me," The Digital Human said. "All the degenerating effects Piedmon's attack had in me slowly vanished after the downfall of the Dark Masters. And my body is slowly going back to his prime."
"Well, that's good!" Kari said with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah," Killua said, sitting down on a couch. "But I'm guessing you didn't called us here to chat about your body. Ugh, that sounds wrong..." He shivered.
Gennai smiled at the boy. "Anomaly... It's so good that you were able to return to the Digital World's aid."
Killua raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Gennai sighed stood up walking around. "Those dark towers the Emperor planted around the Digital World caused more damage that you think. They affected the balance of the world with the dark energy they emit, even without the usage of his Digivice. With its influence around, it was hard to repeat the process of calling you all here. Specially the Anomaly, considering the separation between the worlds.
The group exchanged looks at what he was saying. Hard to call them? But then... "What about the Digiport?" Yolei asked.
Gennai hummed and stroke his beard. "The Digiport... Wasn't created by me. And I believe it wasn't created by the Emperor either."
Davis frowned a bit at hearing the old man calling Ken the Emperor. "His name's Ken," He said a bit harshly.
"My apologies. But I refer to his vile actions as the actions of the Emperor," Gennai said. "Any good he does will be Ken's actions."
"O-oh... Right," Davis said, now feeling embarrassed.
"Back to the point!" Killua said. "If neither you or Ken created the port, who did?" He asked.
"... I don't-"
"Of course," Killua growled mid-sentance, under his breath.
"-know," Gennai said, his head bowing as he heard the Anomaly's comment. "But what I do know is that they're behind the actions of the Emperor and of the woman in red."
"Okay, you don't know about our enemies," Killua said. "That's fine. Annoying, but fine. Then tell us what you do know. The eggs, the new Crest, you must know about them."
Gennai stroked his beard. "Well. To start, I shall explain about the Digi-eggs," He sat down and took a deep breath. "Some of you might not know this, but long ago the Digital World was in a state of pure chaos. The primitive Digimon only wanted to become stronger by any means, preying on weaker Digimon to absorb their data. Until one day, a being appeared to keep the balance of the world."
"Homeostasis," Kari said. Remembering the name of the entity that possessed her long ago.
At hearing that name V-Mon, Hawkmon and Armadillomon tensed. "Huh... That sounds familiar," V-Mon said, looking at his friends. Who had similar reactions.
"Precisely," Gennai said. "She calmed the hunger of the Digimon for power with her light and managed to bring peace to the world. However, the data of many Digimon were lost forever, and some... were on the brink of extinction," He said looking at the three Rookies.
Killua caught his gaze and his eyes widened. "You're saying... V-Mon and the others were sealed... To protect them?"
"Not exactly," Gennai said. "When the Dark Masters arised, they disturbed the balance Homeostasis had created. So to protect four species that were in endangerment, Homeostasis copied their data and sealed them away so one day, when the world was at peace they could resurrect. You can think of your partners as... Arks of those species."
"Four..." Yolei blinked. "So, Wormmon too?"
Gennai nodded. "Correct," He said. "When the Dark Masters were sealed, and the order started preparing the Digivices, we designed a fallback plan. Homeostasis created nine eggs and linked the data of those species to them while also sealing four Digivices. In case the Crests and the eight Digimon created were to fail to stop the Dark Masters, then we will search for kids compatible with the data of those Digimon sealed to become their partners."
At hearing this, the new generation fell a bit dejected. "So... We are just a plan B?" Cody asked.
Kari and T.K looked at their friends with worry, while Killua glared at Gennai. The man gave them a calm smile. "You don't have to feel bad about that. You've gained your right to call yourself Digidestined as much as the first and second generation. The bond you have with your partners is the proof of it."
"And what does that mean, exactly?" Yolei asked, still feeling miffed.
"The eggs were programmed so they could be used by any of the chosen," That took the group by surprise. "But it didn't mattered which egg you took, you would receive the partner more compatible to you."
"So... If I had taken Yolei's egg, I would have still gotten Armadillomon as my partner?" Cody asked.
"Precisely," Gennai said. "The first eggs were made to be removed by the owner of the Digivices linked to them without a problem, but if you had gone and grabbed a second one you'd have to prove yourself to them. That's why they were given the same traits as the Crests, so when you showed those attributes the egg would go to you. Homeostasis created a ninth one, in case you'd need more help. Had you obtained a different egg, you're partners could have different evolutions."
Everyone remembered the first time they picked a Digi-egg, they removed it without a problem, but the second time it was more like the egg had come to them. With Davis when he understood what had to be done to help Agumon, for Yolei when she showed her pure emotions and for Cody when he showed how far he would go to help the others. The three exchanged looks and also looked at their partners, wondering what kind of evolution they would have had they picked a different egg.
"Wait, you said nine," Davis say. "But there was a tenth one! In Ken's base, it gave V-Mon a really powerful and golden evolution! And then it vanished!"
Gennai stroke his beard. "So you found it. To be honest, that Digi-egg was said to be a legend. The fact that Ken could find it is already amazing, but that you could use it even more..."
"So Homeostasis didn't make it?" Gatomon asked.
"No, she didn't," He confirmed. "In fact I believe she used it as a base for the creation of the ones you have now."
At hearing this, a grin etched itself in Davis' face. He was able to use such an amazing object that was considered a legend even to the old man?! That was awesome. It make it feel like a hero with a legendary sword! ... Then he dropped a bit when he remembered that the bloody thing vanished.
"What about T.K and I?" Kari asked, cutting off Davis' thoughts and showing her D-3. "If there were only four partners and Digivices, why did ours changed too. And why did Killua lifted the Friendship Digi-egg?"
Gennai hummed. "Well, this time I'm just assuming, but maybe seeing the stakes at the moment, the egg deemed you worthy to use them and linked themselves to you Digivices, thus producing the change to adapt to Ken's. And the Anomaly lift them because of his status as a being not connected to the Human World or the Digital World, to lack of a better word and at fearing being redundant: an Anomaly."
Killua tilted his head to the side. "I guess it makes sense... Wait, you said their Digivices adapted to Ken's? What does that mean?"
"The Digivice all of you possess were previously like the Digivices the second generation has," Gennai turned to Kari and T.K. "I'm sure you know that by now, seeing how yours transformed," The two of them nodded, suprised like everyone else in the room. "The reason for this is that Ken's Digivice was corrupted, morphed by unknown means. It's the reason why it emitted waves that cancelled the normal process of evolution."
"A Digivice can be corrupted?" Yolei asked worriedly, looking at the red gizmo on her hand.
"As shown by The Emperor, it can," Gennai said. "But I don't know the means by how."
"Okay then," Killua said. "Last question. Ken's Crest, where did it came from?" He asked.
Gennai smiled and produced a small briefcase. "As you know, a Crest is a representation of the most prominent trait of your hearts. We gave them a physical form so it would be easier for you to access it and strengthen the bond that allows the evolution of your partners. Think of them as training wheels. That's why Ken can access it right now without much problem while you," he turned to T.K and Kari, "are having difficulties.
The two frowned a bit. It was frustrating they couldn't access their partner's Ultra Form again as easy as before. But at least they had the silver lining that it could be done.
"I received Ken's data five years ago," Gennai explained. "Along with all of yours during the time you came in contact with the Digital World, the incidents with Myotismon and Diaboromon respectively. And so I started working on new Crests in case they would be needed. Then four years ago, I received a signal of Ken's data, and decided it was a good time to send him his items. The Digivice brought him to the Digital World, to an area with one of the eggs, that's where he got Wormmon... Then he went back to the Human World, and the next time he appears he is the Emperor and has the ability to open the gate at will," He opened the briefcase. "I copied his method of entering and send a message to the location where I assumed you'd be at this time of the year, the school, requesting for your help. What a coincidence that the chosen for the Digi-eggs were there. The Digivices Izzy and the rest possess, send a signal to the Digivices resting on the eggs and went to you."
He turned to the group, showing the contents of the briefcase and the group gasped. "The reason I didn't send your Crest was out of fear one of you might end like Ken, but now that that fear has been dispelled, I guess it's time for you to have theses."
In the briefcase were three Crests. One red, the other a dark blue, and the last one a bright yellow. The red one had a symbol similar to a heart turned upside down, the blue one had one similar to the one on the golden Digi-egg, and the yellow one had a circle with a line in the middle.
"Those are..." Cody started.
"Our Crests?!" Yolei gasped, almost holding back a squeal.
Davis just stared at the objects in awe. His mouth gaping like a fish and his eyes almost shining.
Gennai picked the red one and handed it to Yolei. "Yolei, for you and a heart full of spirit and initiative, the trait that fits you is Determination."
Yolei grabbed it and put it to her chest almost swooning. "I'm filled with Determination!"
"Young Iori—Cody—Iida," The man said, handing him the yellow one. "You were raised with strong values, so I give you the Crest of Justice."
Cody looked at the Crest with wide eyes. The image of his father, a high ranking police officer, coming to mind. He felt a spike of pride in him and clenched the Crest with a smile.
"And Davis," Gennai said turning to the final Digidestined. "Your unyielding nature can bring you results even in the most dire of situations, so you will receive the Crest... Of Miracles."
Davis raised an eyebrow as he grabbed his Crest. Eyeing it with curiosity and skepticism. 'Miracles? How the heck is that a trait?' He wondered.
Gennai turned to the three veterans. "T.K, Kari, the though of reconstructing your Crests has come to my mind. But I decided that maybe it's for the best if you learned how to tap into your inner traits to trigger the evolution, after all you've already done it before."
The two frowned and exchanged looks, before nodding with determination. They're already being trained in Nen, they could also learn how to tap the power of their Hope and Light once again.
Killua throughout this was quiet, his eyes down on the floor as he processed what Gennai has told them up until now. Then a though came to mind. "Say, Gennai... You said Izzy's Digivice send a signal that caused the ones on the eggs to go for Davis and the others right?"
"Yes," Gennai said. "That's right"
"Okay then... Four years ago, what sent Ken's signal?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Gennai stroke his beard and opened his mouth. "I-"
"You know what? Nevermind, I think I know what you'll say," Killua said, massaging his head.
"-Might have an idea."
The boy blinked. "Huh... Didn't expected that."
"Digidestined there's one last thing you must know," Gennai said. "Three months after Apocalymon's demise, I detected the signal of a Digivice," That caused a shock on all of the Digidestined. "I assume it was no one of your group, right?" Gennai asked.
Kari and T.K shook their heads. "No, no one was able to enter the Digital World until Ken started attacking," T.K said.
"Well then," Gennai said. "Because when I went to check, the signal was gone. It was coming from Primary Village, so I spoke with Elecmon and he... Told me something quite worrying. Apparently, the night prior, a figure broke into the village and stole one of the babies!"
"WHAT?!" The group asked in shock.
"Who would do such a cruel thing?!" Yolei asked, hands on her head as she raged.
"I don't know," Gennai said, the dreaded words he usually used for an answer. "But if my theory is correct. That Digimon was the partner for a new Digidestined, and someone learned about them and stole them, along with the Digivice. After that, Wizardmon helped Elecmon to set a barrier to keep away anyone with evil intentions from entering the village."
"That explains why Ken never found it," Patamon said in understanding.
Gatomon clenched her first. This story... Was hitting too close to home. "Why didn't we learned from this?" She hissed at the man.
"That is my fault," Gennai said. "Without any leads, I didn't wanted to send you on a goose chase. Have in mind that the gate was close and your partners couldn't be with you at the time."
Killua crossed his arms and his brows furrowed. "Then... The one responsible from stealing that Digimon and Digivice came in contact with Ken, carrying the Digivice with them, and that sent signal?" Killua put the pieces together. "This person... Must be the one behind everything! Maybe it's the woman in red!"
Davis punched his fists together. "Oh, next time we see that hag she's going to get it!" He said.
"What could they've done to that poor Digimon?" Kari wondered as she grabbed Gatomon's hand. Just like with her partner, this situation was sounding oddly familiar...
Killua's eyes narrowed. If that Digimon was killed he would have resurrected by now, Elecmon would have told Agumon or the others about this new partner and Gennai wouldn't have kept it a secret. But there were no news about them or the Digivice so... "Maybe they took it to the Human World," He said.
Everyone turned to him and he elaborated. "If this woman in red is related to whomever invented the gate, then they could have taken the baby to the Human World. That way they kept them away from Gennai and the others' reach. What happens afterwards... It's up to the imagination."
He clenched his fist as he said this. If a Digimon dies in the Human World their data is lost forever. Just like Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon. If the ones responsibles killed that baby then... Then he was lost forever.
...
'Huh... Why did I thought the Digimon was a he?' He wondered before shaking his head. "So the new plan is capturing that woman, so she would tell us what she knows about the baby."
"Sounds good to me," Gatomon said in a serious tone.
"Then, I believe that it's all for today," Gennai said sitting up. "Thank you for coming Digidestined."
"You helped us shed some light on the doubts we had, and gave us our Crests," Cody said with a light bow. "We should be the ones thankful."
Killua begrudgingly conceded what Cody said. "Yeah, thanks old man."
"But I thought Killua didn't thanked his-" Yolei gave Davis' an elbow to his ribs so he would stop talking. It was obvious that while thankful, Killua didn't saw the old man as a friend.
"But before we go," Killua said. "I need to ask you something."
Gennai blinked, not really expecting anymore questions. Specially from the Anomaly. "Yes, what is it?"
Killua looked down for a moment, before collecting his thoughts and asking away. "Scratch that, I have two questions: First is... Is there any way for me to go back to my world?"
The question came as a surprise, but not unexpected. Killua has always wanted to find a way back to his home, to his sister. Yet the thought of him leaving at some point was still jarring.
Gennai stroke his beard and hummed. "Well. While the door and cards has been lost after the Digital World was restored, this new Digiport might help," He said. "But bear in mind that it could take time, specially considering the time dilation. From your appearance, I can safely assume time passes differently there," He received a nod. "Well, might have to work on that but... With enough time I could do it."
Killua's entire face lit up, as if someone told him his birthday and Christmas came earlier and combined. "R-really?"
"With all you've done for us, it's the least I could do," The man smiled kindly. "Now, your second question."
"Oh... Right," He looked down and steeled his features. "When we finish this whole thing with the lady in red... Will the gate be closed again?" He asked seriously.
The atmosphere turned tense at the question. It was pretty valid, after their first adventure, the gates were closed. Kari and T.K looked at their partners nervously, the same for the new kids. The thought didn't even crossed the minds of the latter, and now they inched closer to their partners, almost protectively.
Gennai was silent for a moment before humming. "Well... That gate isn't exactly of our doing is it?" He said. "So I guess if it were to stay open, there would be nothing for us to do."
Relief washed the Digidestined's. He was basically telling them that they could use the Digiport even after they defeated whomever was causing all this chaos.
Killua hummed and closed his eyes. "I see. Very well then, I have no more questions," He said, satisfied.
"Oho!" Gennai suddenly said. "I almost forgot! I received a message from a friend that wants to see you when you have the time."
"Another message?" V-Mon said tilting his head. "We are pretty popular, right Davith?" He said grinning, which his partner returned with a grin on his own.
"So, who is it from?" Killua asked, crossing his arms.
"Well... It's from a friend with an ego as big as a statue," The man grinned.
While the majority of the group tilted their heads. Killua and T.K looked at each other with wide eyes. "You don't think..." The blonde started.
"Yes..." Killua deadpanned. "Yes I do."
"Piximon?" Kari questioned as the group walked out of the city.
"It's the only one that comes to mind when Gennai says it's someone with an 'ego as big as a statue'," Killua said. "You don't know it, but the guy had a giant monument of himself."
"Maybe he was compensating something?" Davis quipped.
"Well he was very small," Patamon said, oblivious to the meaning of Davis' words.
"HA!"
"Anyways!" Killua remarked with an eye-roll. "I say we meet with him after we find the lady in red." His eyes narrowed. "She has a lot to answer to."
"Bingo!" Yolei said, raising her new Crest. "And with this babies there's nothing that can stop us!"
"Don't jinx us!" Hawkmon said flapping at her side.
"For now let's go and rest," Killua said. "We are still working on your Ren and Hatsu, so take the day to rest up."
"Osu!" Everyone saluted as they neared the port to the Human World.
Staying behind on that home made of rocks, Gennai rummaged through his pocket, producing another Crest. This one was a light, electric blue with a symbol that looked like two thunderbolts crossing each other.
Gennai hummed. "I could feel your warm when the Anomaly was near," He thought. "Then... He is your owner..."
He took a deep breath and sat down to meditate. "What could have happened of his partner?" He asked, not waiting a response.
"Wait for me!"
He bounced on the snowy path in front of him. The person was running ahead taking advantage of the fact that he was quite literally a small ball without legs.
"This ain't fair!" He complained as he stopped bouncing after the person, and pouted.
He heard crouching sounds as the person came back to him. He turned around to ignore them, and they let out a chuckle. "Sorry, partner. Just got caught in the moment."
He continued to pout. "You cheated."
"It's not cheating if I just have longer legs. Or legs, period," They continued to chuckle.
He continued to pout, until two strong arms lifted him up. "Then how about this?" They asked, as they pressed him against their chest. "Better now?"
"Y-you idiot, I could win on my own!" They complained.
"Sure, sure," They said good-naturedly. Something started falling around them and the two looked up to see snow falling over their heads slowly.
"Snowy," He mumbled.
"Kinda like you," They said pating his head, causing him to giggle.He looked up at the person. White hair and blue eyes smiling kindly at him. "Shall we go? I don't want to freeze out here."
He smiled. "Sure. Let's go, Killua!"
With a groan, Blademon opened his eyes. His cloack was discarded to the side and his shoulder was bandaged after his fight with Zoldyck and Ichijouji the day prior.
He gripped his head and shook it to get rid of the images. His teeth pulling back in a snarl. 'Lies! He did nothing but lie back then!' He thought bitterly as he got up to reach his cloack. Once he put it on he started walking to the exit of the cave where he resides.
"Where are you going?" A voice called from the entrance. His ally, the dubbed by the kids, woman in red was standing there with her arms crossed.
"To train," He grunted. "Next time you go on a mission, I'll be there to kill him."
"Not in that state," She scoffed. "Poor Blademon, rest a bit and let me work on my own this once. I'll leave your beloved partner alive for you."
"Don't patronize me woman!" He said summoning his sword and putting it in front of her face. "Don't treat me as if I'm still a weak Rookie!"
"Ungrateful brat," She said. "After I saved your life, this is how you treat me?!"
"The master saved my life!" He growled. "Not you!"
"Enough."
That third voice caused them to turn to the television at the end of the cave. Blademon immediately knelt and the woman bowed.
Yukio glared at the two. "You need to learn to work together," He said. "We all have the same goal in common. The destruction of the Digidestined and the Anomaly."
"My apologies, master," Blademon said, earnestly.
"I'm sorry, sir," The woman said.
Yukio's glare died away and he turned to Blademon. "Rest, my friend. Your wounds have not healed yet. Let her deal with those children."
"... Yes master," He growled.
"As for you," The man said, turning to the woman. "I hope my gift is enough so you won't waste more of our towers... We need them to create our final weapon."
The woman produced a flute from beneath her hat and smiled. "Yes master. This kids will soon fall to my webs."
"Good, dismissed," He said, his image vanishing from the tv.
The woman walked out of the cave with a smirk. Leaving behind a growling Blademon.
"I will keep my word, boy," The woman said, once outside the cave. "Your partner will be yours to kill. Then we won't have any use for you and you will know the truth behind your actions."
She cackled like a witch as she walked away towards her destination.
Another day, another dozen towers that went down.
After the talk with Gennai, and informing the older kids about what they discovered, they decided to just wait for the woman in red to appear again. Capture her and ask what she knows about the missing Digimon.
The three new bearers of the Crests had all received congratulations and advices on how to use their new tool. With Tai in specific telling them to not force it to come out, that it should come to them naturally.
As for Nen, well, everything was pretty much the same. They still struggled a bit with their Ren, and on keeping their Hatsu on the Water Divination. And Kari's Nen hasn't changed again after what happened on the first test.
All in all, everything seemed back to normal.
"X-Laser!"
"Diving Horns!"
"Hammer Slam!"
"Hand of Fate!"
"Neko Punch!"
"Narukami!"
And down they went.
The group smiled in satisfaction as the black obelisks collapsed and broke in pieces. Their job was considerably easy without possessed Digimon, and the woman hasn't showed her face to create new Digimon.
The icing on the cake was that, for each zone they covered, Ken covered another one with Stigmon.
"That's good for now," Killua said, folding his arms behind his head. "Let's go back for now."
There were no discussions for that. But unbeknownst to them, one of the ports was beeping with a recording message on its screen.
"Here you go," Cody said, placing a bag full of food for the Digimon. "You all deserve it after all."
"Then shouldn't I get something too?" Killua said, leaning back on his chair. "I took down a few towers too."
"You are getting three free meals back at home, you glutton," Kari teased.
"Kari, I think both you and I can admit that your mother's food isn't top tier..." Killua said with half-open eyes. The girl chuckled nervously, not able to debunk that.
"Guys, would you look at this?" Yolei said, showing the map. Over half of it was white again, rid of the towers. "I think we are finally getting somewhere!"
"Before the years end, we would have taken out all of the towers at this rate!" T.K said with a smile.
"And it'll be better once we unlock our new forms!" Davis boasted, looking at his blue Crest. "Am I right, Demiveemon?"
The little Digimon was listening as he was imitating being an Ultimate. Pretty much like a child would imitate being a cop or a firefighter.
"Well the enthusiasm isn't lacking," Killua said with a chuckle. The mood for everyone has vastly improved after the reunion with Gennai, even his own. 'Never thought the bastard will be any good... Soon, Alluka, Nanika.'
"With everything that is happening it comes as no surprise," Kari said smiling brightly. She turned to the owners of the Crests. "And you guys, have you felt any difference with your Crests?"
"Not really," Davis said with a shrug. "I still kind have to figure how a Miracle is supposed to feel."
"Well I'm always filled with Determination!" Yolei said. "So... I guess it ain't so diff from usual."
"Tai told us not to force it," Cody said. "It is a part of us, it'll come naturally."
Kari tilted her head to the side. "I do wonder in what kind of Digimon will your partners evolve."
"It could be something random," Killua said with a sly smirk. "After all no one expects Gatomon to evolve into an angel."
"I heard you!"
"Just sayin'," He commented, still smirking.
"I can only imagine Poromon becoming some kind of knight," Yolei swooned at the thought.
Cody just frowned. "I... I can't think of anything for Upamon. Or rather I prefer not to..."
"What afraid of Ankylomon becoming even bigger and spikier?" Davis said with a raised eyebrow.
"That's not it," He said. "Thinking of stuff like that makes me think of the fightings ahead. And I dislike fighting..." He mumblef the last part.
"Speak up boy, I can't hear you from down there," Davis said. "Don't mumble stuff!"
"Forget it," Cody said, looking away. "I just don't like fighting," He murmured again.
Davis huffed. "I told you to not mumble."
"Knock it off," Killua threatened lazily, raising his hand in a karate chop. "Or else you'll both have to prove how resistant your Ten is."
Both boys gulped and kept their mouths shut.
On the side of the room, the rest of the group continued to discuss about the possible new evolutions. "Well, maybe Hawkmon will look like a mythological creature," T.K said.
"That would be awesome!" Yolei cheered, cupping her cheeks and squealing at the thought. While Kari giggled.
The Digimon had all joined on Demiveemon's play. They all pretended to have reached their Ultimate forms, with Patamon pretending to be MagnaAngemon, while Gatomon watched them like an older sibling watching the younglings play around.
Ken sat on the remainings of the last tower he and Wormmon just destroyed, staring down at the screen of his Digivices with an expression of deep thought. "Say, Wormmon?"
"Um?" His partner looked at him, curious about what he had to say.
"Do you think accessing the Ultra Level is dangerous?" He asked, looking at the Digivice as if trying to decipher a puzzle.
"Why do you think that?" Wormmon asked back, intrigued at his partner's sudden questioning.
"Because of the toll it took on you," Ken admitted. "After it was all over, you regressed back to Minomon."
"It's true but..." Wormmon said, looking at him. "But when I was JewelBeemon I became really strong, I felt better than ever!"
"Yeah... I guess you're right, sorry," He said, lowering his Digivice and looking at him. "I just... Don't know enough about the issue, that's all."
Wormmon saw a chance, at his partner's words. "Maybe the others learned something from that email. It wasn't something bad, they were active today taking down towers. So they might've learned something."
A flash of consideration crossed Ken's face. He was considering it, it was an advance on Wormmon's eyes. But as soon as it came, it went away and shook his head.
"No. Not now," He said. "Let's just keep it as a last resource for now. For caution."
"Don't worry, Ken. If you don't like me using it, I won't use it," Wormmon reassured. "You're just worrying."
"Yeah..." He got off the debris and walked away. "Let's go home."
Wormmon observed his retreating back with a bit of sadness in them. 'Ken, you are still reluctant of approaching them, aren't you? That's what's eating you right now... It's okay, take the time you need. I know that, in the end, you truly want to join them.'Ken stopped walking and turned to him with a rise eyebrow. "What's the hold up?"
"Sorry! Just spaced out!" He said, jumping to his side.
Broken.
Toppled.
Destroyed.
Rubble.
Debris.
That was the state of all the towers she looked around. Be it on a city, a river, a grassy field. They were all destroyed.
She stepped on a desert, to watch all of Ichijouji's former work completely destroyed and adorning the sandy landscape. Her fists gripping in rage and annoyance towards a certain group. "How dare they!?" She hissed. "Do they not understand how important this things are!?"
They were pivotal for the master's plan. And it was the only reason why her, the brat, and... The other... Ugh... Were working together.
"They will learn their place soon enough," She growled.
Beeping caught her attention and she walked to one of the TV's that worked as a portal between the worlds. It had a message of recording on its screen and she pressed one of its buttons.
The image of those kids appeared.
"I wonder how can we track down that woman in red," The short one mused.
"We focus on destroying towers, but they seem endless. It would be more harmless if she didn't suddenly appeared to use them to create Digimon," The blonde one said.
"She's gonna get a piece of my mind," The brunette said with a snarl. "Chivalry be damned!" He said.
She was about to kick the tv to shut it up, when the Anomaly suddenly spoke.
"Remember, we need answers from her," He said, rolling up his sleeves and ready to help the Champions on destroying her towers. "We need to learn what she knows about the missing Digimon."Missing Digi-... Oh. So they know.
'No, that's not exactly it,' She mused. 'If he knew the truth, then he would have called him his partner. Not missing Digimon.' She scoffed. 'Not that it would do any difference. The master has him wrap around his finger.'
She turned off the damn thing and pulled out a cellphone. "Very well then, if they want me then they can come after me. I will not be respectful of what happens next."
To the Digidestined, if you want to caught me, then come to this coordinates.
Sincerely yours: The so-called woman in red.
-From: Unknown.
As soon as they all received the email, they dropped what they were doing and ran straight to the computer room after classes.
T.K, Kari, and Davis bolted out of the classroom as fast as possible. "This might be a trap from her," Kari said, a serious frown on her face.
"We know, Kari. But this might be our only chance to locate here!" T.K said. "We're going to face her anyway sooner or later."
They entered the classroom where Yolei, and Cody were already there with Killua. And if the scowl on their faces was something to go by, then they also received the mail and informed their leader.
"Is everyone ready?" Killua asked. "We might be-"
"-Walking into a trap, we know," Davis said, clenching his fist. "But we need to catch her!"
"Very well," Killua said, then he turned to Yolei. "Let's go."
Yolei nodded with a bright smirk. "Digiport Open! Let's go, Digidestined!"
What they found was... Not what they expected.
The coordinates has sent them to what looked like a suburban house, with a fence and all. Except that it was gigantic. So big that it could dwarf their biggest Digimon. And with a sign that reas 'For sale: Giant House.'
"Vacuuming this place most be a nightmare," Killua said, eyes wide as he observed the giant house.
"What kind of place is this?" Davis asked, feeling overwhelmed.
"It's reaaaaaaaly big," V-Mon said, his neck craning up to see the top.
"I think it's thirty times bigger than your regular home," Armadillomon said.
"It feels like something out of a fairy tale," Cody couldn't help to compare. "Like Gulliver's travels."
"Guys," Yolei said, looking at the house with narrowed eyes. "We should head back, this doesn't sit right with me."
"I agree," Kari said. "If we're going to catch this woman, it shouldn't be on her own terrain."
Killua nodded. Though he felt extremely frustrated. 'So simple, yet so complicated. She's right there, with all the answers, yet who knows what's between them?' He didn't know why he felt so frustrated. Retreating was the best course of action, yet he was really reluctant to do so.
"If that's how you feel," A voice said behind them. They turned to see Ken standing there with his partner. "Then simply leave and don't enter."
"Hey there!" Davis called cheerfully, no doubt ready to try and get Ken to join again.
V-Mon walked up to Wormmon. "Did you guys got the message too?" He asked.
"Yup!" The bug answered.
"At first I thought the message was only to me," Ken said, walking to the group. "But now I realize that wasn't the case..."
"The enemy wanted to gather us all together and finish us at once," Kari mumbled in realization.
"If that's her idea, then you better turn back now," He summoned his book and went to one page.
"Don't tell me you plan to go alone," Davis said, looking at him accusingly. "That's dangerous!"
"He's right," Killua said. "This is obviously a trap, she has something prepared for all of us. Either you go back as well, or we all go in."
"Wait, wait!" Yolei called. "If we're staying, we should only do an inspection first."
"Then how about we split in two groups?" T.K asked. "Davis, Ken and I should go first. And the others stay behind for back-up."
"Why won't Killua go with you?" Yolei asked.
"Think of it this way," Killua said, understanding T.K's reasoning. "If the enemy appeara here you'll have someone with the power of an Ultimate with you, while they have Ken and Wormmon who can reach the Ultimate level."
"I want to go too!" Cody said.
"If you go, then one of the group should stay to not call that much attention," Killua said.
"Then I'll stay," T.K said with a nonchalant shrug.
"You should too," Ken said, already ripping a page which took the form of a magnum. "You can stay and wait if I need help."
"No way, Jose!" Davis said. "It could take us ages to find you that way! We're going!"
Ken glared at him for a moment, but couldn't hold it up for long before looking away.
"Look, whatever you do just don't call the attention inside," Yolei said.
"I'll keep an eye on them," Cody reassured. "Trust me."
"Very well, since we're all set," Killua said while crossing his arms. "Good luck."
"Alright! Exploration team, let's go!" Davis said, taking off running. Soon followed by the rest.
As they entered the garden, from the attic of the house the woman was observing them with her binoculars. "Like moths to a flame. They think that just because they know it's a trap they're ready for what's to come?" She chuckled. "Let the hunt begin."
Infiltrating the house was easier than they thought. With the help of Wormmon's Sticky Web, they climbed to a window leading to the kitchen of the enormous house.
Davis whistled in awe. "Damn! Cody was right, this is the story of Gulliver's travels."
"What's that?" V-Mon asked innocently.
"It's a story about this kid that sold his cow and got magic beams that grew up to the sky," He explained the plot with pride.
"That's Jack and the beanstalk, silly!" Cody said with a sweatdrop.
"For real?!" Davis gaped.
"Nevermind that," Ken said, leaping into the room and keeping his magnum up. "Let's look around the house, and keep your eyes open for whatever the woman might have ready."
The two boys nodded and walked around the giant oven where they landed. But they didn't took three steps forward before they heard a buzzing sound. It was also accompanied by the soft melody of a wind instrument.
Davis grimaced and dug a finger on hia ear. "Hey, did you guys heard something?" He asked.
"Yes... I did," Ken said, cocking his gun.
"Me too," Cody said nervously.
"Something's here," V-Mon said, getting into a fighting stance.
"Better keep our eyes open!" Armadillomon said, frowning and looking around.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Wormmon muttered in worry.
From the giant sink and from beneath the oven, insect Digimon started crawling out. They started climbing up to where the group was, and they instantly recognized who they were.
"Roachmon!" Ken exclaimed as he aimed his gun at them, before his eyes widened and he grunted. He dispelled his gun and summoned his book again. "Everyone get ready!"
Davis and Cody let their Ten cover their bodies, while taking out their Digivices. "Alright, kick their asses V-Mon!"
"I'll leave it to you, Armadillomon!"
"V-Mon Digivolves to... Exveemon!"
"Wormmon Digivolves to... Stigmon!"
"Armadillomon Digivolves to... Ankylomon!"
The three Champions didn't had a problem in feeding off against the hord of roaches. And even their partners joined the battle, with Davis and Cody using a pair of giant spoons they found by the sink to bat them away, and Ken summoning a pair of tonfas to hit them hard.
But it didn't mattered how many they took down, another ten took their places.
"They're coming from all fronts!" Ankylomon said. "They seem to have no end!"
Davis turned to Ken with a hurried expression. "Ichijouji! Bring out JewelBeemon!"
After punching away another Roachmon, Ken shook his head. "I can't!" He said.
"What do you mean you can't!?" Davis demanded.
"Ken..." Stigmon said with worry, remembering their conversation last night.
"He's right," Cody said.
"What?" Davis turned to him.
"Davis just look around!" He said. "No Dark Rings, or Spirals! They're not possessed!"
"Then they must be tower fakers!" Davis pointed out.
"This many?" Ken said. "You must have noticed this area is clear from Control Towers, Stigmon and I make sure of that! And moreover, what proof do you actually have on that?!"
"T-that's..." He unsuccessfully tried to answer.
"That's why I couldn't shot them," Ken said with a grave tone. "For now, let's withdraw, save our strength and continue to look for the woman."
"Okay," Davis nodded, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Exveemon, let's get outta here."
"Right!" He picked up the boys and jumped down, squashing some Roachmon in the process. "Gah! This feels disgusting!" He complained as he started running.
"Ankylomon!" Cody called in worry.
"Right behind ya'!" He assured, barreling through the roaches like a tank.
Stigmon picked Ken up and he dismissed his tonfas. The Roachmon started chasing after them as they left the kitchen.
Outside, Gatomon's ears twitched. Her eyes narrowed as she looked around. "Hum?"
"What is it?" Kari asked her.
"Didn't you guys heard that?" She asked, looking at the sky.
"I didn't heard anything," Kari told her, looking at the others for confirmation. Yolei and T.K shook their heads, but Killua.
"I did heard something..." He said, looking up. His eyes straining as he looked at some spots in the sky. "Guys... Heads up, something is coming!"
Everyone looked up and gasped as they spotted various Flymon going towards them. "That's a hole lot of them!" Hawkmon exclaimed.
"To the house now!" Killua said, turning around. "Bring your fastest forms!"
The group recoverd from the brief scare quickly, and they fetched their Digivices.
T.K and Kari raised theirs and yelled in unison. "Digimental Up!" While Yolei merely let her's shine.
"Patamon Armor Digivolves to... Pegasusmon! The Flying Hope!"
"Gatomon Armor Digivolves to... Nefertimon! The Angel of Light!"
"Hawkmon Digivolves to... Aquilamon!"
Killua mounted Nefertimon along with Kari. The Digimon all flew off, doing evasive maneuvers as the wasps Digimon started to shot their stingers at them.
Yolei grimaced as one of the projectiles flew close to her. She brought her Ten forward for extra protection. "What are those!?"
"Those are Flymon, Yolei. We've encounter them before," Aquilamon said, a bit dryly.
"I mean why are they attacking us!?" She asked irritably.
"I... Don't know," He said, dryly.
Killua sat on Nefertimon, perfectly straight despite the constant turbulence on her movements. "And they're not the only ones, look ahead!" He warned.
The group moved to dodge the swipe from a group of Snimon wanting to ambush them. The charging mantis crashed with the wasps, causing them to stumble on their flight.
"Good chance," Killua said, concentrating lightning on the tip of his fingers. "Narukami!"
The blue bolt of electricity impacted against the pack of insects chasing them. They twitched in pain before collapsing, and causing Killua to grin. "That should hold them off."
"Are they towers?" Kari asked, turning her head to him.
Before he could answer, from where the first swarm fell many others started to raise to chace them. Killua clicked his teeth in frustration. "I don't think so. There were no obelisks for her to use!" As an afterthought he added. 'Which means, holding back a whole lot.'
"Then what do we do?" Nefertimon asked.
"We continue to move to the house," Killua said. "Make an opening!" He ordered as they neared a window.
"Got it!" T.K said, looking down at Pegasusmon. "Ready?"
"Of course!" The pegasus nodded and narrowed his eyes at the window. His forehead let out a green beam of energy. "Equis Beam!"
The window shattered upon impact. The three passed through the hole made by the blast, but the swarm did as well, breaking the rest of the window in the process.
"I can already tell this is going to be a long day," Killua grumbled, crossing his arms as he glared at the swarm coming to them.
With the hose of a bathtub, Exveemon showered the roaches surrounding them and sent them down the drain, where they belonged. After escaping from the kitchen, the kids found themselves on a washroom, with a bathtub, toilet and a washing machine of all things.
"Nice shot, Exveemon!" Davis said, clapping he scalp. "Now those ugly roaches are gone!"
The celebration wasn't going to last. Around the house, the sound of a wind instrument rang out. They tensed as the melody rang on their ears, flashing back to a few moments back in the kitchen, where they hear the same music.
"Again...?" Stigmon muttered, shaking his head.
On the giant washig machine, worm-like Digimon started descending with the help of a thread. They looked like wingless Flymon.
"Another set of bugs?!" Davis complained. "What are those!?"
"Kunemon," Ken answered. Familiar with this Digimon as they used to be on his ranks as the Emperor. "They shot an electric web instead of a normal one."
"Leave it to us," Stigmon said as Ken got on his back and charged forward.
However, from the ceiling a second set of Kunemon hanging from a thread shot their strings at the back of Stigmon. They wrapped around Ken and let out a shock around his body. "GAAAH!"
"KEN!" Stigmon turned around to see his partner, but this only left him open to receive the same treatment from his former targets. The strings wrapped around him and electrocuted him. "AAAARGH!"
Both swarms of Kunemon discarded their victims into the washing machine—where the was full and swirling like a whirlpool.
"Ichijouji! Stigmon!" Davis and Stigmon yelled in worry.
"Ankylomon!" Cody turned to his partner, while getting his D-Terminal out. "We need Submarimon, now!"
"Okay!" He reverted and Cody didn't wasted any other second.
"Digimental Up!"
"Armadillomon Armor Digivolves to... Submarimon! A Reliable Tsunami!"
The boy entered his partner's cockpit, and Submarimon used his thrusters to launch himself to the side of the machine. His nose was hard enough to pierce it and create an opening to swam around for Ken and Stigmon.
The of them were spinning out of control, but Submarimon's aquatic speed allowed him to match up to them. Luckily, Stigmon was still conscious and he grabbed the tail of the armored Digimon, while Ken was barely containing the precious oxygen on his lungs.
Cody noticed the bubbles coming out of Ken's mouth and he gritted his teeth. "Get us out of here!"
With a final burst of speed, Submarimon shot out of the washing machine like a missile. The splashing water striking the Kunemon surrounding it and causing them to fall. Submarimon took aim and fired two Oxygen Blasts at the ones hanging on the ceiling, to make way for him to smash against a vent.
Exveemon and Davis soon followed them, flying away from the room... Just as Killua and the flew pass the room, continuing to be chased by the swarm of Flymon and Snimon.
"We need to regroup with the others," T.K said.
"Check the Digivices, they might give us their signals!" Killua said, shooting down a few of their chasers with his lighting, as well as missiles thrown at them.
Kari did so, but the image was buzzing with static. "Something is blocking their signals..."
"That woman must've thought of everything," Yolei growled under her breath. She looked back at the others. "Let's split out to cover more ground!"
"Sounds good," Killua said. "Be safe!"
On a hallway, they parted ways, Pegasusmon and Nefertimon with their passengers on one way, and Aquilamon on the other. The swarm did the same, the Snimon chasing the duo, and the Flymon the eagle.
Yolei moaned in annoyance. "With this guys on our tail we won't find the boys, we need to lose them first!" She decided.
Ken coughed out some water, as Davis patted his back. "Are you okay?" He asked.
"Y-yeah," He coughed. "Thank you..."
Cody jumped off Submarimon's pit and he reverted back to Armadillomon. Cody turned to him and Ken gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, for saving us."
"Yes, thank you," Stigmon said, straightening himself after regaining composure.
The boy blinked in surprise and tried to keep on a neutral face, but was failing to keep a sheepish tone. "I-I was just repaying what you did for me during the time with Boltmon," He said, trying to keep a hard front towards the former Emperor, but that comment certainly chip it away.
"You sure?" Davis asked with a smirk, wanting to chip away on his facade.
"Yes," He said, rapidly, not meeting their eyes.
"Still, I am grateful," He said, not losing the gratefulness despite the kid's act. "But we still need to hurry, we don't know when a new enemy might appear."
"Yeah, guess you're right, Ken," Davis said. "We better get out of this vent."
Nefertimon and Pegasusmon moved around to dodge the slashes the army of Snimon were throwing at them. The corridor they found themselves in, along with their passengers, seemed to stretch with no end, until at the end of it a giant door could be seen.
Nefertimon didn't wasted her chance and aimed at it. "Queen's Curse!" From her headset, two beams were shot that opened two holes were she and her companion could fit in.
The room behind the door turned out to be some kind of study. It had a desk with a computer, and various shelves filled with books, everything on giant sizes of course.
"Kinda reminds me of Izzy's room," Killua commented.
The swarm chasing them all tried to enter through the holes at once, causing them to get stuck in them.
"That should buy us some time," Kari said... Right before many other Snimon started to chop their way down the door. "Or not!"
"To the shelves, we gotta hide!" T.K said.
Killua checked his reserves by summoning a bit of lighting on his fingertips. The sparks came out a bit weaker than usual, luckily he spotted one giant plug on the side of the room.
'Gotta think of a way to get rid of those guys,' He thought to himself as he prepared for when the Snimon entered the room.
With Cody, Davis and Armadillomon on his shoulders, Exveemon sprinted across the vent alongside Stigmon. The sound of a wind instrument, now clearly sounding like a flute, becoming louder and louder as they neared the exit of the metallic tunnel.
Ken leaped from Stigmon's shoulders and narrowed his eyes at the bars in front of him. "I've heard that sound before..." He turned to Stigmon and gave a nod.
The insectoid nodded back and rammed his shoulder against the bars, bringing them down, he was quickly followed by the rest of the group.
They've reached the attic of the house, and sitting on one of the wooden beam on the ceiling was the woman in red, a flute touching her purple lips as the same melody that resonated across the house came from it. She paused her play to regard the children with a condescending look.
Davis clenches his fists and took a step forward. "So here's where you've been."
"No more running, or hiding. Today, you'll fight us," Ken said, summoning his tonfas again.
"Oh? My, my, what a precocious little boy. You sure are full of energy today, huh?" She asked in a sicky sweet tone. "Want to show off in front of your new friends?"
"What?" He growled.
"'Oh why? Why did it had to be me?'" She whined in a mocking tone. "You will wail that lament for the rest of your life, you fool!"
"You witch..." He shook his head to reing in his anger and look at Stigmon. "Stigmon... Let's do it."
"Right!"
The woman smirked.
"Stigmon Ultra Digivolves to... JewelBeemon!"The paladin make itself known as he stepped between the group and the woman. "Now she's going to get it!" Davis fist bumped.
JewelBeemon didn't wasted any time and charged at the woman, who just put the flute to her lips and started playing the tune again. JewelBeemon stopped on his tracks, his spear inches away from her.
"JewelBeemon?" Ken asked, his stomach feeling with dread.
Exveemon approached him cautiously. "JewelBeemon?" He asked in worry.
JewelBeemon's eyes glowed red and he spun around, smacking the flat of his spear against Exveemon's sides. "Agh!" He grunted as he was launched to the side, due to the strength of the attack.
"EXVEEMON!" Davis yelled in worry.
"JewelBeemon, what are you doing!?" Ken asked, horrified at the actions of his partner.
Cody looked at the woman, and then at JewelBeemon. "It's the flute! She's controlling him with it!" He said in realization.
The woman stopped playing. "I'm surprised you noticed," She cooed.
Cody sneered in disgust at her tone. "Armadillomon, take that flute!"
"Rodger that, ma captain!" The yellow Digimon said dutifully.
"Digimental Up!"
"Armadillomon Armor Digivolves to... Pteramon, the Armed Love!"Pteramon dived towards the woman at full speed, who just sat there with a confident smirk on her face. A blurr appeared between the two of them and the next thing Pteramon knew, he was struck on the face by the flat of JewelBeemon's spear. He was sent launching back towards Cody, who could only watch in fright how his partner got beaten in one punch.
"Pteramon!" He called, worry clear on his features.
"Look out!" Ken tackled him out of the way, before the armored pterodactyl could smash him accidentally.
"My, my. Is this what's called Karma?" The woman mocked. "You, genius boy, once manipulated the partners of many of the previous Digidestined, and now your own partner has turned against you. Poetic justice at its finest."
Ken glared at her, but couldn't help the voice on his head that told him that she was right. Maybe this was some kind of karmic retribution for using other people's partners as his "Generals."
"And in your selfish desire for vengeance, you gave me the perfect hound dog," She said, looking at the strong form of JewelBeemon.
"You can only control insect Digimon," Cody deduced. "That's why those Digimon were attacking us!"
"You get one star, my child!" She slowly clapped, sarcastically.
"Had we known before hand," Davis growled, clenching his fists.
"Before or after, who cares?" She asked. "Now you're lost.
Exveemon and Pteramon charged at JewelBeemon to try and knock him out. But the paladin was too fast for them, he blurred out of sight and hit them with his spear, sometimes going for thrusts that cut on their skins, even on Pteramon's armored one.
"JewelBeemon! Please stop!" Ken begged.
Davis turned to him. "Ichijouji, you gotta do something! Bring out a gun or something!"
"What?!" Ken snapped, looking at Davis as if he was crazy. "You want me to attack my partner?!"
"Yes," He said bluntly. "At least to distract him, and give Exveemon and Pteramon to fight back and knock him out!"
"How can you say that?!" He growled, ready to give the boy a piece of his mind.
"I don't say it because I want to!" He said. "But because it has to be done! Do you think he would be happy if he learned of what he's doing?!"
That make Ken pause and turn around to look at his partner. He was still going all out against their two allies, not caring about lasting injuries he might gave them. That wasn't like him, this wasn't him.
His hands trembled as his tonfas were dispelled and his book appeared on his hands. "I...I..." He shivered.
Davis put a hand on his shoulder. "Everything will be okay, trust me."
Ken looked at the boy who used to be his enemy, giving him a reassuring smile. He looked around and looked at Cody, who gave him a nod of understanding, even if his eyes showed conflict.
Ken closed his eyes and ripped a page out of his book, it quickly turned into a stun gun. He took aim at JewelBeemon's back as he wrestled with Exveemon. He shut his eyes and pressed the trigger.
The Snimon finally managed to break through the door and charged at the shelves, tearing them down with their scythes and sneering at the group.
"They're in!" Kari yelped as she and Nefertimon dodged an attack.
"We'll have to take them down!" T.K said as Pegasusmon shot his Needle Rain at them.
The mantis all stopped their attacks as they reallzed one of their preys was missing. They scanned the room and found him breaking down a plug and taking the cables out, and electricity running through him.
They ignored him. Thinking he was killing himself with such an action, not noticing the way he was smirking the whole time the lightning cursed through his body, despite the pain.
The two wires from the gun connected with JewelBeemon and let out a discharge of electricity... But it was ineffective.
The paladin took the cables and plug them out of his back, he turned around to glare at the children with a blank stare.
"It... It didn't worked," Ken didn't know whether to feel relieved or horrified at this.
JewelBeemon threw the wires at the side and then he thrusted his spear on the floor. The wood cracked and shattered under the feet of the children, until they finally fell from the attic.
When they landed, they found themselves on a spire web. Ken and Davis landed on his back, trapping their arms and legs, while Cody landed on his rear, trapping only his legs.
"I... Can't move!" Davis grunted as he struggled on the web.
The woman looked at them from the hole caused by JewelBeemon. "This is the end for you, children," She chuckled. "Blame your own foolishness in believing you could outplay me on my own territory!"
She played the tune again, and Dokugamon started to crawled on the spider web towards them. Eye them hungrily, clearly for them they were just flies that fell on their web.
Pteramon and Exveemon tried to help them, but each time, JewelBeemon got in the way and batted them away with his spear.
They were trapped. Trapped on a literal web, and on the web of schemes from the woman in red.
A/N: So... What do you think about the start? Gennai's explanation, and the new origin I gave to the four Digimon of the new generation, as well as the new Crests? Did you like it? Hate it? Give me your thoughts, even if they're flames.