EL Digital Saviors 31
Ok loyal readers now the battle against Etemon is going to get red hot! We're getting close to the end of the Etemon arc. So very close. Story is still rated the same. Please read and review.
- chapter 31 - Datamon's Final Work
Deep within Etemon's base lay the research laboratory of Datamon, his own little personal space within his boss' secret lair. Numerous viewscreens, cables and mechanical devices littered almost every inch of the place. Even the walls and ceiling spouted huge bundles of cables & wires going in chaotic directions. It looked disorganized but Datamon liked it that way. In his mind there was order to all its madness.
Watching the large screen, he'd been deciphering any detail, no matter how insignificant or miniscule it seemed. Somehow the DigiDestined and their Digimon partners had defeated his master's minions at every turn. But how? Alongside Metaltyrannomon and lord Etemon the trio of Ultimates were physically superior, in fact the digital turncoats shouldn't even have been able to defeat Devimon. Yet they did. But how, with all their great power why was victory so hard to grasp, Datamon thought?
The footage from the battle with Devimon offered a possible clue to his quandary. The human named... Kanae suggested humans have unlimited potential. He rewound the footage making sure his hearing wasn't failing him. Sure, enough the human girl said exactly that. "Their potential... is limitless? Not possible... "
"It doesn't make sense. It isn't logical. How can a race of flesh and blood have so much potential for growth and power? We Digimon can grow and evolve far faster... There's a missing link somewhere." Datamon grumbled still no closer to solving this problem.
"Perhaps the species of Digimon is what determines their growth in power. Yes. That might be it... Yes." The machine monster said aloud.
He went about putting in the necessary calculations to test his theory. As he scanned through the many, many simulations they all came up the same. A Digimon's species, Level, Attribute, or even the human partner DID NOT factor into the evolution process. At all. Grumbling Datamon was right back where his research started. Again.
He studied the human named Kouta and his partner Agumon. The pair didn't seem to be overly specialized... only what humans would call "bros for life". The same could said the humans JP, Alex, and Jason. The three from the country referred to as United States of America. The "bros for life" feeling was even stronger it seemed between the three.
Another possibility then occurred to Datamon, surprisingly one he'd overlooked or even considered a possibility. Their human partner's gender. While Digimon weren't truly divided by gender like organic life, many did so for simplicity reasons. Two of the Digimon partners were designated "female". The 15-year-old Kanae who was the younger sibling to Kouta, partnered with a Palmon. The second was a bit younger, named Mayu she was a 12-year-old, under the protection of a Renamon. Despite their gender difference the two females were just as confident and successful in battle as their male counterparts.
Another theory was two of the Digimon partners were those accursed Diclonius, yes that monstrous mutant offshoot of humans. A trio of the vermin had somehow even been adopted by the human team. Humans as a species were so illogical. So that theory wasn't viable either. How? How did these creatures of flesh defeat the Network time and time again? If even the human's gender wasn't a component to their limitless potential, then what was it?! Datamon was racking his bionic brain trying to come to that very conclusion. With all the power the Network had they still lost many valuable soldiers... even Seadramon and Sealsdramon's whereabouts were a mystery.
But something was else weighing on Datamon's mind, the Network was so powerful with a massive army at their command were continuously defeated. It was only the intervention of Etemon that a stalemate had developed. For now, neither side had an advantage over the other. This anomalous fact continued to confuse Datamon vast intellect. "But how? My master, Metaltyrannomon as well as myself possess far greater strength than those measly teenage do-gooders. How do they continuously gain victory?"
As he pondered this theory another idea occurred in his mind, the human world had varying concepts. Perhaps his study of them would provide the answers he so desperately needed. Ideals and concepts such as love, courage, hope, willpower, sincerity, friendship, heart, reliability, and especially compassion. What use could such paltry ideals mean in scenarios with little chance of winning? Datamon knew of no possible explanation for this. What use could "love" have for beings with an essentially limited existence? They exist then cease to exist.
The human's called it... "death". In contrast Digimon were immortal, upon destruction of their Digicores their data was reconfigured. They restarted their life as an egg, in some cases remembering the previous life. Not to mention reliability... why rely on others when you should be self-sufficient? Then there was compassion... Why show compassion to your enemies? No, they would simply eliminate you for a foolish display of weakness.
Even with all the theories Datamon was processing, he was still no closer to an answer. This disturbed him greatly, Etemon wouldn't be pleased and Metaltyrannmon? Well, he'd never let the smaller Ultimate live it down. What was he to do if he couldn't provide his brethren answers? "I'm at my limit. This isn't going as well as I'd hoped. I'm no closer to understanding this "human potential" and how it accelerates the Digivolution process than I was before. More data must be gathered for me to extrapolate a possible theory."
However, Datamon hadn't considered one possibility... It was often said "Evil cannot comprehend good". Evil beings like those serving the network can't understand concepts such as love, compassion, willpower, and the power of will.
-Inn
Meanwhile at the Inn things were calm for once as most of the group were enjoying some barley tea while Mariko & Nana were playing in the living room. With what? Some toys of course. The partner of Salamon had built a big cityscape out of wooden building blocks as the 6-year-old stomped through them with an old Godzilla figure, as the make-believe buildings fell to pieces. The blocks were decorating a custom-built base, with rivers and fake rocks built into it. "RAWR!" Nana called out doing a decent roar.
Seeing the two Kurama girls playing so nicely together made Lucy's heart melt a bit. They were playing like kids and simply having fun doing it, like they should. For once not worrying about the future against the Network. "Oh, it's so nice they're getting along right now; they're finally acting like real sisters. Just remember kiddos make the blocks into buildings first before you smash 'em. More fun that way." Lucy suggested.
"Uh-oh Godzilla here comes Superman. I'm gonna punch you!" Mariko said zooming around the Superman toy.
Turning around Godzilla's head Nana pressed a button which fired a fiery blue missile, based off his trademarked Atomic Breath. It just barely missed Mariko's Superman figure. "Agh! Atomic Breath! I'll need to be faster if I'm gonna beat him!" Mariko said flying the figure around in the air.
Flying Superman around Mariko pretended the blue suited hero punched the giant monster, knocking a large over a large structure of blocks. Seeing the two girls enjoying themselves so much wasn't just heartwarming to Lucy but for Yuka, Kouta, JP, and Jason as well. But where'd Lucy find the toys? "Those two really seem to love those toys. Where'd you find them?" Kouta asked her.
Recalling where she found Lucy explained. "Oh, that Alex picked them up at a thrift shop back in Manhattan. They were in bad shape, missing a lot of paint and detail. Alex stripped it and gave it a film accurate color scheme. For Superman he added new elbows and knees using model kit parts he had. Then sculpted, smoothed, and repainted him. I even made a new cape from some old red fabric. Alex and JP made the city base."
Just then Jason remembered something important. "Speaking of which what the heck happened to Alex and Mayu? They should've called in by now... Oh, those kids! No Kouta, we told them they were in charge, so I won't worry... I'll let them take care of it themselves." He said sounding very proud of himself.
Suddenly JP's Digivice pinged, picking up a signal in the Tokyo business district, in the exact place where Alex & Mayu currently were. "Well, you walked straight into that one Jason." He muttered.
Another possible implication occurred, who was in greater danger Yuka thought. "This is a potential disaster. Wait a second, Mayu's probably OK, but what about Alex...?"
"Yeah, you know how sensitive he is... Darn it Yuka now ya got me worried about him." JP grumbled.
"He IS our little buddy JP." Hagurumon pointed out.
"Indeed." Hawkmon agreed.
"Same here." Agumon also pointed out. "Oh, they'll be fine."
"I guess... " Lucy replied sounding a bit sad.
"Hey Lucy, what's the matter?" Yuka asked with concern.
Glancing away from them Lucy wasn't sure how to articulate her thoughts. "Ever since we beat Devimon I've been thinking... How can you guys just accept me so easily? With what I am? You all seemed ok with it. But why? You know what my kind is capable of. Why do you trust me so much?"
"You've been thinking about this for a while, haven't you?" Jason asked her.
Her gaze narrowed staring at the table, Lucy's mood grew dreary. She nodded yes, she'd been keeping these feelings bottled up for too long. Hoping to reassure Lucy Yuka placed a hand on hers, hoping the gesture would ease her anxiety. Scratching his chin JP asked the other big question. "Where's all this coming from? Y'know I had a friend in middle school see a therapist a lot, helped him with a lot of things. He mentioned the things his therapist did. Maybe if you'll let me, I could ask you to describe how this is making you feel. Maybe that'll help? Is that ok Luce?"
Gently nodding Lucy agreed, sighing she knew deep down she wasn't good at social interaction amongst people her age. Now it was coming back to haunt her. "Guess it started when I was little people avoided me, so I didn't have any friends. No matter how hard I tried I just got made fun of. They forced me to eat outside where the animals belong. Being here with everybody... I'm just not used to having so many people care about me I guess... Something just keeps telling me it'll backfire in my face. Somehow, it'll get taken from me. Bullies almost beat my puppy... before Patamon he was my only friend. And I was powerless to help him."
That made JP's heart break, Lucy put on this facade of being tough and courageous but deep down she was a lonely & abused little girl who just wanted friends and a family. It explained why she put so much effort into cooking, cleaning and taking care of everyone. She wanted approval while secretly fearing she'd be abandoned again. That kind of stuff really messes with your head, JP knew it to be true. But his next question threw the pink haired girl into a state of confusion. "Alright that makes sense. Now bear with me here people Lucy did you choose to be what you are? Do you think you're evil?"
At first Lucy couldn't' fathom why JP would ask her something like that, she was speechless on how to respond. But his gentle face didn't change, whatever she said he wouldn't take it personally. "No. Of course not." She admitted.
That seemed to be the response JP expected from her. "Listen Lucy you're not human but you got more in common with us than you think. We all feel the same things. Loss. We feel sad. And getting even. Everyone can be good but also can be evil. You chose to help us."
Still Lucy's dour mood refused to change. "But... I'm capable of causing the same suffering the other me did. What's to stop me?"
Again, JP's response was what really convinced Lucy, albeit in an unorthodox fashion. "Well, remember the expression "better the devil you know than the devil you don't" and basically, you are a lesser of two evils in this case. In a figure of speech way, I mean."
After the therapy session ended Lucy felt a lot less anxious. "Thank you... I've just never had friends like you. Being bullied so much I started avoiding people. In the Digiworld it was fun at first. Tons of the monsters looked stranger than I did. But as time went on... I realized I needed company. And not of the digital kind. I wouldn't trade you for the world Patamon, but I need friends not made of binary code. I need you guys." She sniffled as she lunged at them all, putting them in a bone crushing hug.
As you'd guess her hugs were way too strong. "Ahh c'mon Lucy! Let GO!" JP croaked out.
"Oxygen! I NEED oxygen here!" Kouta yelled gasping.
"HELP!" Kanae croaked out.
"Lucy let go! I'll get bruises if you keep hugged me like this!'' Yuka groaned.
"How is she so strong!?" Jason moaned gasping for breath.
"Not again... " Moaned Patamon.
And just as quickly as she hugged everyone, she let go of them, sincerely sorry if she hurt anybody. "I'm so sorry... I sometimes don't know my own strength... Sorry... " She apologized going beet red in blush.
-begin Run Around by Jason Radford
Meanwhile at the business district things were getting a bit wacky, with Mayu putting herself in charge over Alex, instead of the other way around. The mall's local hobby store for otaku all over the city was besieged by the whining of the nerdy teenager. "I want that kit. Nyah!"
Grumbling Mayu resorted to dragging the older boy by the hand just to get out of the hobby store. Here she was 12 years old where Alex was whining like a spoiled brat. Over a model kit no less. "Come on nerd boy. And you're supposed to be the older one here? We're leaving."
"Mayu it's the Enterprise-A Constitution Refit. At a decent price... I gotta grab it." He pleaded still getting dragged.
Blinking and quizzically tilting her head Mayu hadn't the foggiest idea what he was referring to. "I don't even know what all that is."
Hoping the preteen would make a compromise or so he inquired another cheaper kit. "Can I least get the HG 1/144 Gundam Nataku? Please? Do I gotta beg? I'm not too proud to beg here Mayu."
Yup, Alex continued to plead as she kept dragging him along. "Eh Missy Mayu this otaku dork giving ya trouble?" The voice of Rina said in casual clothes.
"It's not what it looks like I swear." Alex started to say hoping the two scowling preteens would let him explain.
After all, how would you explain a nerdy teenager being dragged by a younger preteen? Not too well honestly. "Oh Rina. Hey Haruka. Nah I'm fine I know him. He's one the high school kids I mentioned."
Breathing a sweet sigh of relief Alex wiped his sweaty brow, he was almost pegged for a criminal. Nervously waving at them Alex smiled, showing his extensive braces. "Hey there. I'm Alex."
Despite his nerdy appearance, he seemed like a nice guy, just very socially awkward from Haruka's mindset. Much like her. "I don't think you should judge him before you get to know him, Rina. That seems a bit rude."
Again, Alex smiled nervously his braces flashing briefly, he wasn't used this much attention by girls, albeit one's way too young for him. Not seeing her friend's fox pal anywhere Rina asked the obvious question. "So, where's Miss Foxy?"
"She's around. Out of sight." Mayu replied.
"Using very deceptive tactics girls." A poorly disguised Tentomon pointed out. "Like me."
Yeah, he wore a big baseball cap and overcoat, some disguise the girls thought. Not unless you were dumber than a bowling ball, you'd get fooled by it. "Yes, nobody could ever be fooled by a giant ladybug wearing an overcoat & ball cap. " Haruka rhetorically pointed out. "Oh, wait a moron would."
Finally, catching up to the two chosen humans Bokomon & Neemon, who looked confused as he usually was. Looking around he lost sight of Tentomon. "Hey where'd Tentomon go? He was at the onigiri shop last I saw him. Where'd he go?"
"I'm getting that sensation of deja vu again... " The scholar groaned knowing exactly what was going to happen next.
"I'll do it Mayu. My turn this week." Thus, Alex snapped the hem of Neemon's pants, letting out his predictable yelp. Only that made him let out a huge wet fart of a particularly rancid stench.
"Argh! Really? Ya had to cut one!?" Haruka groaned trying and failing at keeping the foul vapors from going up her nose.
"Sorry... Too much miso paste on my toast." He apologized despite looking mighty pleased with himself.
"Somedays Neemon somedays... " Bokomon mumbled, wondering how'd he'd gotten stuck with this fool.
"Nice one." Rina said giving him two thumbs up. "Oh, that's rotten... "
The small group managed to find a bench to sit down deliver further introductions. "See what we deal with every day? The one carrying books is Bokomon. The one who just let it rip is Neemon." Alex said introducing the pair.
But Mayu's mood wasn't very chipper, she sighed with a dreary look on her face. "But that's kinda why I didn't tell you. I didn't want you two getting involved in this mess." Mayu confessed.
Her bespectacled fiend put a friendly hand on Mayu's shoulder, while she wasn't pleased Mayu kept quiet about this Haruka could understand her reasoning. Still Haruka pointed out something important. "Mayu we're already involved. Lest you forget a large wasp shot a barrage of stingers at me." Haruka dryly pointed out.
A massive explosion was heard just outside the mall, in the parking lot, as people ran for safety from a large blue therapod dinosaur wearing a feathered headdress. Following alongside of it was a white tattered ghost wearing a black witch's hat.
The four youths ran outside laying eyes on the duo of Network goons. "I hate it when I'm right." Haruka deadpanned.
But seeing two Network enemies they've already beaten was a little underwhelming. They must be running out of soldiers Alex thought. "Another Allomon?
"And Soulmon. Again. Well, those jerks must've gotten desperate if they're sending more of the same creeps we've already beaten. Rina. Haruka get somewhere safe. We'll handle this."
Grumbling a few things Rina reluctantly agreed along with Haruka to get themselves to safety, but not before the tomboyish preteen gave Mayu an ultimatum to stay safe. "Ok but if you screw up, I'm draggin yer sorry butt outta here. Got me?"
As the two girls ran off Mayu gave them a quick thumbs up before she focused her attention to the battle at hand. Really though she wasn't worried since Alex knew it was time to kick some hind end! "It's time to kick hind end! Execute! Champion Level Digivolve!"
Appearing in flash of leaves was Renamon, ready for action. ''Renamon Digivolve to... KYUBIMON!" Renamon now Kyubimon yelled.
''Tentomon digivolve to... KABUTERIMON!" Tentomon now Kabuterimon yelled next.
The pair of Rookies were now at Champion level faced off against the two minions of the Network, but they'd faced an Allomon & Soulmon before and knew their tactics. So, the kids resorted to trash talking them. "You guys don't know when to quit do you?" Alex joked.
"I guess they're a few megabytes short of stupid." Mayu added as Alex smirked with approval.
"How dare you insult us! Weak little human... You'll suffer for it." The ghost growled; its teeth bared as drool dripped onto the blacktop.
Flames flaring from his nostrils the evil dinosaur roared in defiance Allomon wasn't going to stand there and take these insults. He would shut these human microbes up once and for all. "I will crush you! COME ON!"
The four wings of Kabuterimon took flight as it zoomed straight for Allomon at full speed. "Shocking Touch!"
The Insectoid Digimon grabbed the dinosaur type by his jaw and delivered a massive electrocution. The powerful attack had Allmon reeling back in pain. "Arghhh... "
Seeing his foe was weak Kabuterimon went all out to finish things. "About time I end this! Quick Thrust!" Alex's partner swiftly sent powerful blades of air from his claws aimed at Allomon.
The blades of air made quick work of Allomon while Soulmon traded blows with the mystical Kyubimon using its Ghost Chop technique.
"Ghost Chop!" The evil ghost karate chopped the many tailed fox who swiftly jumped out of the way, the chop cut clean through a streetlight sending it crashing to the pavement with a heavy clunk.
The kitsune scowled at the ghost cheap tactics. "You're getting sloppy Soulmon. I know you can do better."
The spook gritted its teeth and wasn't going to listen to this furball any longer! "I'll show you sloppy! I am your better so take this Necro Magic!" From its ghostly mitts Soulmon released the souls of the dead upon the enemy as a powerful stream of glowing particles!
The stream demolished a large city transit bus narrowly hitting Kyubimon. Growling this mindless fighting had to end as far as Kyubimon was concerned. "Foxtail Inferno!" She launched several blue fireballs from of her tails.
The fireball barrage hit Soulmon dead center no pun intended stunning him, leaving him open to another assault. "Tengu!" Merging all its fireballs into a one larger energy sphere and launched it.
The powerful orb engulfed the ghost, disintegrating him completely alongside Allomon who broke back down into coding. Even though the battle was won, it was too easy which worried Alex. "Mayu that was TOO easy." Alex said nervously.
"Just like last time. I don't like this." She said recalling the time she teamed up with JP.
"Sounds like it's time for the final boss." Alex said, sounding very sure of himself.
That had Mayu groan, Alex's gaming slang was really starting to frustrate her. "Again, with yer gaming stuff? Learn a new tune already nerd-boy." The younger girl complained, the gaming jargon getting repetitive.
"But I like it Mayu. Can't tell me to just give up something I love." Alex admitted nervously scratching his cheek.
That only had Mayu glare at him, though he'd never say it out loud Mayu's glare scared him. She could be a very intimidating little girl when she wanted to be. With their foes vanquished the two Digimon reverted back to Rookie form, as Rina & Haruka managed to sneak back outside and congratulate their friend on their newest win. "Nice win out there Mayu. So, ya goin' home to celebrate? It a private party or can we join?" Rina asked putting in playful headlock and noogie.
Stubborn as ever Mayu wouldn't say anything no matter how hard the noogie Rina was giving her. "No! Cut it out! Stop! Stop it! Rina! Knock it off! I mean it! Stop it!"
Still Rina kept up her headlock as Haruka explained why exactly they wanted to meet them in the first place. "Oh no not this time. Not again. Sorry Mayu you are going to introduce your adoptive family whether you like it or not. It's rude you've haven't introduced us for this long. I for one am very hurt by this deception. I feel you're leaving us out."
"Yeah, first off you can stop ducking us. What's it gonna hurt if we meet 'em? Are you embarrassed by them?" Rina said, bringing up another good point.
Beat Mayu after debating the consequences reluctantly agreed, she'd introduce her new family and friends to her what frankly were her BBF's. "Noo... But... Fine Digi-Port open. C'mon Alex let's get this over with." She said activating the port function of her Digivice.
The portal opened then surrounded the group and vanished from the mall's parking lot.
-Inn
The sudden appearance of Mayu's friends wasn't something the group was expecting that day. The mood at the Inn was one uncertainty so Mayu figured she'd break the silence and start introducing everybody. "Uh Yuka this is Rina and Haruka. They're my friends from school. That's Kouta & Kanae her cousins. And those other two are Junpei and Jason, Kouta's friends from the US. And Lucy, Nana, and Mariko."
The second Haruka's eyes took sight of Jason she was awestruck, as in head over heels for him, zipping right up to his face. "Ooh Jason, was it? Pardon me asking you this but do you have a girlfriend? Perhaps... Maybe... in a few years I could be your girlfriend?"
"Alright back off him missy... " Rina said pulling the nerd girl away by her ear. "That's enough of that."
That comment from Haruka made everybody sigh and facepalm in frustration, and the ever so stoic Renamon sighed heavily. "Ugh... Azulongmon told me there'd be days like this." Renamon said facepalming.
"And you didn't believe him." Agumon pointed out.
Taking a seat in the easy chair Renamon had a confession to make. "I do now." Which cued everybody to start fit of laughter.
-to be continued
Alright finally this story's been updated. It wasn't as long as previous chapters simply because it's kind of what you'd call "filler" before the Etemon arc finale starts. So, what'd you think of the Alex & Mayu team up fight? It was trimmed down to show the Network is pulling back, preparing their final offensive strike. Ok for references... I'll give 50 points to all the readers, whoever can correctly guess all the references the characters make. Be it anime, manga, comics, books, live-action, animation, or games it doesn't matter. See if you can guess any. Something else many chapters are puns off words or phrases (like the show does/take a look and you'll see it). Hopefully July will be a lot more fruitful. Also, I had to add the part where JP gives Lucy a small therapy session. It might seem a little strange on the surface BUT Digimon wasn't exempt from tackling darker more serious/philosophical issues. The cast of Digimon Adventure grew as the show went on; Sora reconciled with her mother. TK became his own man. Joe became less skittish. Mimi became less superficial and spoiled. Izzy became less distant from his parents especially after they told him how he was adopted. Tamers went even down this path... Especially with Juri. In fact, Elfen Lied explores themes of social alienation, abuse and cruelty. This was suggestion by writer Dr. Exposition (a fan of mine I also follow), since the revelation about Lucy's origins is simply accepted by the others too easily. Looking back on it, I might've made a mistake. Hopefully I didn't goof up too badly I would hope. Just something I was told to consider.
How's the pseudo soundtrack holding up? I'm keeping it because the songs set the mood listen to them on Youtube while reading I think you'll like the atmosphere they create.
Please read and review this and my other stories which range from: Yokohama Night Monsters, Power Rangers Dimension Legends, ELG The Series, Code Lyoko EL, Loud House: Rise of Akira, Cybertronian Invasion, and Maverick Hunter KLN to satisfy your craving for bizarre crossovers.
