17. The Dinosaur King

The stone doors slowly swung inward, barely making a noise as they moved over the groove worn into the floor.
The room was lit up by torch stands set around the perimeter. In it's center was a huge throne made of bone and metal. Sitting on it was the biggest digimon Shinyu had seen yet.
Even while sitting, MetalTyrannomon easily dwarfed BlackGreymon. True to his name, he resembled a Tyrannosaurus Rex, except his arms were long and well muscled. He had pallid gray skin and black stripes on his head, arms and legs.
At first, Shinyu thought he was wearing metal armour but, as the group entered the room and he got a closer look; he was shocked to see that the metal was grafted to his body.
His three-clawed hands were covered in black plating, with thick red wires attached to them. His knees and feet had similar coverings. His entire lower jaw was metal and a spiked plate covered his nose.
In the center of his torso was a circular metal-ringed hole; out of which various wires and cables ran along his body.
Casting a sideways glance at his friends, Shinyu saw his own disturbance reflected in Kartik's face. Charlie was staring open-mouthed until a hard rap on the head from Kumomon reminded her to keep her eyes down.
The door swung shut behind them; possibly controlled by some unseen mechanism, and they stood alone before the Frankensteinian digimon.
"BlackGreymon." MetalTyrannomon's baritone voice was surprisingly smooth. "Why have you brought these visitors here?"
BlackGreymon stepped forward, keeping his horned head lowered.
"MetalTyrannomon, they have come from File City to request your aid. Baalmon and his digimon have taken over the city. Baalmon himself struck down Babamon and her current status is unknown."
MetalTyrannomon's piercing blue eyes narrowed at this news. He looked to the small group standing behind BlackGreymon.
"What reason would I have to help you?" He raised a single claw in a beckoning gesture.
Tigremon took a step forward, only for Shinyu to drag her back by her tail. The others all looked to Tarumon. He nodded and gave Relemon to Kartik, before going to stand before the gray dinosaur.
"MetalTyrannomon," Tarumon bowed his head in respect. "Baalmon seeks to stop the plan to cooperate with humans to find a solution to the problems threatening the Digital World. In doing so, he is going against the wishes of yourself and the other Gate Guardians."
"This was not my wish." MetalTyrannomon cut in. "I voted against bringing humans into our home."
"... Oh."
"Still," MetalTyrannomon raised a hand to his chin and looked aside in thought. "I agreed to abide by the majority's decision. For Baalmon to act on his own shows a total disregard for the rules imposed by Yggdrasil itself."
The group exchanged hopeful glances.
MetalTyrannomon suddenly threw his head back and let out a booming laugh.
"Good for him! I didn't think that skinny bookworm had it in him!"
The hopeful looks dropped off of everyone's faces.
"But, but MetalTyrannomon, sir," A flustered Tarumon struggled to remain composed. "Surely, you're not condoning acting against Yggdrasil's will?"
MetalTyrannomon shook his head and looked down at Tarumon with surprising fondness in his eyes.
"You're so young. Believe me; if you make it to my age, you'll learn a few things about Yggdrasil's will."
His eyes seemed to stare off into space as he continued.
"I was among the first to be born into the Digital World. There were no cities, no laws. Just wilderness and hunger.
Yggdrasil created us as an experiment. It wanted to see if the Digital World was capable of sustaining life. If it wasn't, we would've died out and Yggdrasil wouldn't have raised a figurative finger to save us.
Only once we dinosaur digimon had proven ourselves capable of surviving did Yggdrasil start introducing more digimon. It also created little safety nets for them. More food. Hiding places. Even the renewal springs to grant them another chance after death.
Me and my kin had none of that. We were just a template. A rough draft to be discarded after the masterpiece was finished.
And yet we remain!"
MetalTyrannomon slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne, causing everyone to flinch at the thunderous sound.
"I have lived and died several times in this world, and each time I came back stronger! I owe nothing to Yggdrasil!"
He cast his eyes back on the group before him.
"As for File City; if Baalmon is strong enough to take it then it now belongs to him. The fact that he was able to defeat a Mega-Level like Babamon only cements his claim."
"But he cheated!"
Shinyu desperately tried to grab Tigremon but she ducked out of his grip and ran to stand next to Tarumon.
"I saw their battle! Babamon was winning until Baalmon pulled some trick to freeze her. It wasn't a fair fight!"
MetalTyrannomon's claws dug into his armrests as he leaned down to glare at Tigremon.
"There's no such thing as a fair fight!" He growled. "Strength is strength, regardless of where it comes from!"
"In that case, get a load of this!"
Shinyu closed his eyes and hung his head in resignation. He knew this was going to happen.

Tigremon digivolve to... Smilomon!

Smilomon stood before MetalTyrannomon; her lips drawn back in a toothy grin.
"You like strength, eh? Well, this is the strength that comes from bonding with humans."
She looked back at Shinyu. Following her gaze, MetalTyrannomon noticed the shining digivice on the boy's belt. Shinyu could've sworn he saw hunger in the dinosaur's eyes.
"If Baalmon has his way, this strength will be cut off from the Digital World." Smilomon continued. "Help us get File City back and we can work on bringing humans and digimon together. We'll be able to reach heights that'll smoke Yggdrasil's circuits!
MetalTyrannomon leaned back in his throne and stroked his lower jaw.
"This certainly appears to be a quicker path to digivolution; but is it as effective? It took me years to obtain the power to reach my current state, and no other Ultimate-Level has proved even a challenge to me. Can you say the same for your human-powered form?"
"Let's test it then." Smilomon replied. "Choose a Champion from among your digimon and I'll fight them. If I win, you'll lend us your support. If I lose, we'll forget File City and swear eternal allegiance to you."
A simultaneous cry of "What?!" came from the group.
"Does that include us?" Kartik gestured to himself and the other humans.
From behind the throne came a thick tail entwined with wires. MetalTyrannomon slammed it down, causing the floor to shake and silencing the group.
He closed his eyes and sat silently in thought. Everyone exchanged uneasy looks except for Smilomon. She stood still, watching MetalTyrannomon expectantly.
Finally, he opened his eyes.
"Very well. I accept your challenge. We'll decide this matter with a one-on-one fight."
"Make that two-on-two!" Charlie came forward, rolling her sleeve back to reveal her digivice. "Kumomon can digivolve too. Let's make it a tag team match. First one to land a knockout wins!"
"W-What are you doing?!" Kumomon hissed into her ear.
"Doubling our chances to win." She whispered back.
"To l-lose, more like! Let Smilomon h-handle this. She actually kn-knows how to fight. I just sp-spit webbing and run away!"
"Alright then! We'll have the match shortly." There was a glimmer of excitement in MetalTyrannomon's eyes. "BlackGreymon, inform everyone and have them gather in the courtyard."
"Yes, sir!" BlackGreymon quickly bowed his head and ran to the doors. He pulled on a chain hanging from the ceiling and dashed out the doorway as it opened up.
MetalTyrannomon stood up from his throne, stretching his limbs out leisurely.
"Follow me."
He stepped out the door, ducking his head under the frame. He walked at a casual pace but his long strides took him quickly down the pathway through the fortress.
Smilomon trotted behind him with a satisfied smile on her face. Shinyu ran up to her and punched her in the shoulder.
"What the hell was that?!" He kept his voice down so that MetalTyrannomon wouldn't hear him, but the anger was clear on his face.
"First; rude. Second; that was called getting the job done." Smilomon looked back at him with a raised eyebrow. "What's your problem this time?"
"My problem is that you just offered humanity up as a bargaining chip!"
"I did not! I simply pointed out one of the benefits of a human-digimon coexistence."
"The benefit being that humans can make digimon stronger!"
"Well, obviously! Did it look like he'd be interested in a cultural exchange program?"
"I can't believe you promised that we'd join him if you lost!" Kartik cut in. "I can't stay here! I promised my sister that I'd be back soon. I've been away for too long as it is. My parents must be freaking out!"
"Yeah, I'm with Kartik." Charlie added. "Don't get me wrong; the Digital World is awesome. I just don't want to spend the rest of my life here, serving Mechagodzilla."
"Y-Yes, it's so in-inconsiderate of people to v-volunteer you for things without a-asking first." Kumomon had her forelegs crossed and was glaring daggers at Charlie.
"Would all of you relax?" Smilomon rolled her eyes. "We're not gonna lose. I've already thrown down with some tough digimon so I know how to handle myself, and Saltimon packs a surprisingly strong punch. The rest of you can just sit back and enjoy the show."
While the group were having their discussion, Tarumon was silently walking with his eyes down. His ears would occasionally flick and he often stopped to vigorously shake his head before continuing on.
Relemon's face was peeking out of Kartik's bag. She saw that Tarumon was starting to fall behind and squeaked anxiously.
Hearing her, Kartik looked around.
"Tarumon, are you okay?"
"I... I don't know." Tarumon rubbed the side of his head. "I suddenly feel all... fuzzy."
"If you're not feeling well, you should go rest," said Shinyu. "We'll let you know if Smilomon gets us enslaved for life."
"You're always so dramatic." Smilomon remarked with a shake of her head.
"Maybe... maybe that's a good idea."
Tarumon looked around. His eyes fell on the well they'd passed earlier. He remembered seeing the digieggs rising out of the water and found himself overcome with a strong urge to be near them.
"I'll be over there." He pointed to the well.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Kartik reached for his bag. "I've got some paracetamol - though I'm not sure what effect it will have on a digimon."
"No thanks. I just need some time alone." Tarumon barely looked back as he quickly walked away.
"Oh. Okay." Kartik watched Tarumon go, wandering what could be causing him such discomfort.
Charlie saw the concerned look on Kartik's face and patted him on the back.
"He's probably just a little stressed out. He'll feel better once we win this thing."
"Y-You're awfully confident, c-considering I'm the one who's g-going to be doing the actual f-fighting," said Kumomon.
"Have some faith in yourself, buddy. You kicked Birdramon's butt; remember?"
"You probably won't even have to fight." Smilomon interjected. "I'm sure I can take whatever jokers MetalTyrannomon chooses."
"But if you do get in trouble, your ego better not stop you from switching with Kumomon." Shinyu told her sternly. "Don't forget what you're fighting for."
"Okay, okay."
The red curtains covering the exit came into view. MetalTyrannomon took a hold of them and turned to face the group.
"Wait here until I call you out." He paused. "Where's your little spokesmon?"
"He said he was feeling sick, so he went to rest by the well." Shinyu answered.
MetalTyrannomon narrowed his eyes and cast a suspicious look back the way they'd come.
"Don't worry. Your digieggs aren't in any danger," said Smilomon. "Tarumon's a carer. He wouldn't hurt any baby digimon."
Relemon gave a supportive squeak.
MetalTyrannomon turned his gaze back to them.
"Hmm. Well, even if he did try something; our carer would make quick work of him."
He drew the curtain back and looked over his shoulder.
"I'm choosing to trust you. Don't make me regret it."
With that, he stepped through the exit and pulled the curtain shut behind him.
The group stood in silence for a moment. Charlie's eyes then lit up with an idea.
"Say, Kartik; you got any music stored on your phone?"

-

The training area was deserted. All of the Rookies had hurried outside following BlackGreymon's announcement. All except for Muchomon.
The red penguin-like digimon peeked out from behind a target board. The coast was clear.
She waddled as quickly as she could to the far wall of the building, cursing her practically non-existent legs all the while.
Finally, she came to a spot marked by scratches in the wall and started to dig into the sandy floor.
After a few moments, she unearthed a long blue horn. Wrapping her flippers around it, she heaved with all her strength.
Like a slab of digimeat, the upper body of KoKabuterimon popped out of the ground. He spit some dirt out of his mouth.
"I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me."
"Sorry. It was hard to get away. The Rookies here are on a strict schedule."
Muchomon took ahold of her comrade's arms and started pulling him out of the earth.
"Although - Hrmph! - they don't seem to pay much attention to them - Ugh! - overall. I told the Champions that I - Hnng! - had just digivolved, and they accepted it without - Rrgh! - question."
The rest of KoKabuterimon's body came free. They both sat panting for a while.
"So, I could've just joined you in infiltrating the fortress instead sitting in a hole all night." KoKabuterimon pointed out. "As if I haven't spent enough time underground!"
"I already told you. The traitors and their humans know you. If they'd spotted you, we'd have been caught. Do you want to try explaining to MetalTyrannomon why we're trespassing in his territory?"
"Fine, fine. Point taken." KoKabuterimon wiped dirt off of his scarf. "I just wish you'd stop giving me the dirty jobs."
"I helped dig under the wall as much as I could." Muchomon replied. "It's not my fault you've got more arms than me."
"That's not what I meant." KoKabuterimon worriedly crossed his arms and looked Muchomon's body over, as if searching for anything amiss.
"I'm okay." Muchomon reassured him. "My wounds all healed when I reverted. Besides, now you can brag that your Rookie form took down a Champion."
Her attempt at humour did little to ease the guilt in KoKabuterimon's eyes. She decided that it was best to move on.
"Anyway, I learned from the Rookies that their 'guests' are staying in the barracks in the outer courtyard. What's more, BlackGreymon just told everyone that there's going to be a battle between them and two of MetalTyrannomon's followers."
"Wait. Is this the same BlackGreymon that tried to kill me?"
"Hm? Oh, yes. He's apparently friends with the humans now." Muchomon waved a dismissive flipper at at KoKabuterimon's confounded face and continued. "Anyway, I've realised something. Those humans managed to get their device back at some point when I had them as prisoners; but the digimon didn't digivolve, even after they were free.
I think there must be some sort of limit to how often they can digivolve. My guess is it has to do with their energy stores. They probably need food and rest to recover after digivolving."
KoKabuterimon's eyes lit up with realisation.
"So, whether they win or lose this battle, they'll be unable to digivolve for a while."
"And that's when we'll strike!" Muchomon brandished her claws with anticipation in her eyes.
"Just to be clear;" KoKabuterimon held up his hands. "We're only after the device. There's no need to actually fight them."
Muchomon looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"You've been acting awfully hesitant since your time in the tunnel. I hope you didn't let that human influence you."
"What? Pfffft! No! I'm just being realistic. Even without digivolving, there's three of them and only two of us. Plus, protecting their humans seems to make these digimon stronger. I saw it myself."
Muchomon continued to stare at him for a moment before shrugging.
"Fine. We'll stay focused on our objective." She stood up. "I'm going to head outside and keep an eye on the situation. You need to find somewhere to hide. I'll come find you later."
She waddled off down the pathway, leaving KoKabuterimon alone with his thoughts.

-

MetalTyrannomon stood before his digimon.
There was a mixture of expressions on the faces looking up at him; surprise, curiosity, excitement, confusion - and more than a few looks of anger and suspicion.
"I grant you all permission to speak freely." He crossed his arms. "If anyone wishes to object to this course of action, do so now. I will take your silence as consent."
The gathered digimon spoke to each other in low tones. Some looked doubtful but no one spoke up; except for one.
"Is this what we've been reduced to?!"
GeoGreymon pushed his way to the front of the crowd.
"It was bad enough when every Gate Guardian in Server treated us like their personal attack 'mon. Now we're supposed to bend the knee to a trio of Rookies and their human pets?"
MetalTyrannomon's eyes narrowed, but he kept his voice steady as he replied.
"We bend the knee to no one. I have never fought for a cause that I didn't agree with; and certainly never without due recompense. This power to be gained from the Physical World will not be available to File City alone. I will make sure of that."
"Are you saying that you're going to open the gate and let humans into our home?" Smoke started to curl from GeoGreymon's mouth. "After everything you said about dinosaur digimon being strong enough to survive alone?"
"Adaptation is just as essential to survival as strength." MetalTyrannomon replied. "If the Digital and Physical worlds are on the path to unifying, then I will not let us be left behind out of stubborn pride."
GeoGreymon curled and uncurled his claws, visibly struggling not to lose his temper and anger his leader. MetalTyrannomon nodded to him.
"Since you feel so strongly about this, I'll give you a chance to fight for your conviction. You will face these digimon in battle. If you win, it'll prove that we don't need the humans' power."
The horned dinosaur brightened up at this announcement. He crossed his braced arms.
"With pleasure."
MetalTyrannomon's gaze swept over the crowd.
"I need another volunteer to fight alongside him."
"I will."
Allomon walked up to stand beside GeoGreymon, giving his fellow guard a nod and a smile.
"Very well," said MetalTyrannomon. "Fight with all your strength and do the dinosaur digimon proud."
He turned around to face the Skull Palace.
"We're ready!" He called out.
From behind the entrance curtain came the sound of voices.
"Okay, Kartik. Hit it."
"Are you sure about this, Charlie?"
"We need to make an impression. Trust me; this'll be awesome."
"Can we just get this over with?"
"Try to control your excitement, Shinyu. You're making a scene."
"Shut up, Smilomon!"
"W-We should probably go out th-there before they get i-impatient."
"Okay. Here goes nothing."
Indian-style dance music started to play.
Kartik stepped out from behind the curtain, holding his phone above his head. He was trying to put on a confident smile but there was no hiding the embarrassed blush spreading over his face.
Charlie sprang out after him.
"Hellooooo Saurus Fortress!" She called out loudly. "We bring you, all the way from File City, two of the roughest, toughest digimon to ever walk this Digital World!"
She swept her arm back towards the curtain.
"First up is the queen of the prehistoric jungle! You don't want to be on the receiving end of her claws or her roars! It's Smilomoooon!"
Smilomon strutted out, bobbing her head to the music. She stood before the dinosaur digimon and let out a fierce roar.
"And fighting beside her is the eight-legged wonder! She can do everything a spider can, and more! Give it up for Saltimoooon!"
Saltimon peeked her head out from behind the curtain. Gulping, she walked out and went to stand beside Smilomon, raising on of her forelegs to wave half-heartedly at the crowd.
The dinosaur digimon stood in shocked silence, except for BlackGreymon who was tapping his tail to the beat.
Charlie saw some teeth being bared in angry snarls, and leaned back towards the curtain.
"Shinyu! That's your cue!"
Shinyu stepped out holding a handful of confetti made from the last pages of Charlie's notebook. With his face blank and his eyes half-lidded, he threw the torn bits of paper into the air.
"Ta-da."
Kartik stopped the music.
A chorus of low growls greeted the group as the digimon began to stalk towards them.
"I don't think they liked that." Kartik said while stepping behind Smilomon.
"I guess they're not big wrestling fans." Charlie moved closer to Saltimon.
"S-Sure. That's the p-problem."
"Is this all a joke to you?!" Flames flickered from GeoGreymon's mouth as he barked at them. "You come into our home, seeking to get us involved in your squabble with Baalmon, and then insult us with this shameless display!"
"I don't think they meant it as an insult," said BlackGreymon.
"You shut up!" GeoGreymon spun around on him. "I've got half a mind to lay you out for bringing them here in the first place!"
"I didn't know dinosaur digimon had such fragile egos." Smilomon stepped up to GeoGreymon. "If you get so bent out of shape over a bit of music, then maybe you're not the great warriors we believed you were!"
"How dare you!" With surprising speed, GeoGreymon swung his tail towards Smilomon. It was stopped by MetalTyrannomon catching the tip before it hit the beast digimon in the face.
"Calm down, GeoGreymon. The battlefield is sacred ground. We will treat it with the respect it is owed." His voice was level but, as he looked over to the group, there was no mistaking the anger in his eyes. "Even if others do not."
Charlie lowered her head and her shoulders hunched up in shame.
"Enough of this!" MetalTyrannomon straightened up and addressed his digimon. "Prepare the battle site!"
The dinosaur digimon hurried away to obey his command. He followed at a slower pace with GeoGreymon and Allomon just behind him. GeoGreymon turned his head to growl one last time at the group.
"I'm just saying; maybe put up some 'No Music Allowed' signs if it's so important." Smilomon muttered as she trotted after them.
Shinyu stepped up beside Charlie.
"Well, you wanted to make an impression." He turned an annoyed look on her. "Mission accomplished."
He walked off after Smilomon.
Charlie pulled her hat down over her eyes. She shoved her hands in her pockets and trudged into the courtyard.
Kartik opened his mouth as she passed him but couldn't think of what to say. Relemon gave a sad squeak from his bag. He exchanged a look with Saltimon then followed the group away from the palace.
He wished that Tarumon was there.
As the crowd moved on, Muchomon peered out from behind the curtain.
That was close. Her targets could have gotten themselves thrown out, or worse. That would've made it much harder to retrieve their devices.
Keeping an eye on the crowd to make sure no one spotted her, Muchomon waddled to the far wall; intending to circle around and join the dinosaur digimon while their focus was on the fight.
Whether they won or lost, those humans wouldn't be able to interfere with Baalmon's plans anymore after today.