Disclaimer: The following is a work of fan fiction written by someone who enjoys creature collector franchises. Pokémon is owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, The Pokémon Company, Creatures Inc. and Satoshi Tajiri. Digimon is owned by Bandai, WiZ, Toei Animation, and Akiyoshi Hongo. If you want to support the official releases, worry not. Lord knows there is plenty of merchandise to choose from.
Listening to as I ride the wind: Kamaitachi (Nioh 2)
The Crest of a Master Chapter 19: The Information Broker
Auditorium
As the auditorium plummeted to the forest floor, both Digimon and Pokémon got to work protecting their human partners from the various loose objects avalanching in the room. Agumon, forgoing the usual Pepper Breath in a bid not to start a fire, smashed through some chairs using his claws. Staryu joined in using its Rapid Spin on any object that got too close. In contrast, Betamon and Gotsumon fired their Electric Shock and Rock Fist attacks to blast further targets away in order to lighten the load on the monsters that were attacking at close range.
While our heroes and other students were working to protect themselves from the barrage of props and seats, Renamon leapt out from the shadows and zipped over to Serena. The anthropomorphic fox grabbed the girl and shuttled her to the side away from the jostled around furniture.
"Brace for impact!" Renamon called out to the other Digimon.
In response to Renamon's command, the student body got into positions to distribute their weight for the inevitable crash. Brock decided add some cushioning. "Geodude use Sandstorm on the ground!"
"Geodude!" Geodude clapped his hands together and summoned a sandstorm which swirled down at the wall that the building was landing on creating extra padding.
BAM!
The impact was big, but thanks to everyone's quick actions the damage was minimized. Standing up, Shurimon called out to the occupants. "Listen up! The teachers and I will investigate and find who is responsible for this. I want everyone to stay in this building until you are given the clear to evacuate. Until then, check on each other and make sure everyone is ready to move out."
As the teachers were about to scale the walls and climb out the door, which had become the ceiling door, Ash stepped forward with his Digivice in hand. "We're going to help!"
Agumon Digivolve to…Greymon!
"Great Horns Attack!" Greymon roared, ramming into the floor/wall and creating a new exit.
While the students all gapped and whispered excitedly at the sight of the Digivolution, Shurimon turned towards the humans. "You don't have to do this. We are ready to risk our lives for your sakes."
Misty placed her hands on her hips. "We're not going to sit back while you guys risk your lives for us. We're helping and that's final!"
Betamon Digivolve to…Seadramon!
Brock looked over at his partner. "Gotsumon?"
"Just a minute, let me bulk up a bit before we all head out to die," Gotsumon sighed.
Gotsumon Digivolve to…Golemon!
"Alright, let's go," grunted Golemon.
Serena stepped forwards. "And we're…"
"Going to stand back and assess the situation," Renamon stated firmly. "These trees are hardy enough to survive most attacks from the wild champion level Digimon who live in this forest. I don't want to rush head first into a battle with an opponent that not only was able to sneak up on us, but take down the foundations to this building."
"Too bad you're just a rookie," Greymon snorted earning him a glare from Renamon.
Shurimon nodded. "An excellent assessment, Renamon. I and the rest of the staff will take point. Stay behind me, humans."
The school's teachers then wondered out into the area outside the fallen auditorium. No sooner had they walked out that a large pink blur descended from the treetops and shot towards the teachers. The blur slashed clean through one of Shurimon's arms, lobbed off Yasyamon's legs, and headed straight for Sagittarimon.
Remembering the fake Sagittarimon's advice, Misty turned towards Staryu. "Staryu, Reflect!"
"Hi-yah!" Staryu called out. The jewel in the center of his body glowed conjuring a shield of light between Sagittarimon and the assaulting blur. Right as the shield appeared, a large, sickle claw clashed against it causing energy to spark off the shield like sparks from two colliding pieces of metal. The blur hopped back in surprise.
"Are you guys okay?" Brock called out to the teachers.
"Shurimon and Yasyamon are a plant man and a puppet. They can work around dismemberment," Sagittarimon called back. Just as the dragontaur said, Shurimon continued to brandish his existing limbs without showing any signs of pain while Yasyamon conjured telekinetic strings to sew his legs back onto his body. "The force of the slash passed through the shield, but the wound is not deep. I think you may have saved me from a fatal blow."
"Thanks can come later, look!" Greymon growled.
Standing across from the humans and their allies was a new Digimon that was best described as a cross between a Scyther and a Sneasel. It wasn't as big as the champions but larger than the humans. The Digimon stood on two legs and was covered in pink fur save for a blue main, long blue tail, and a blue star-shaped crest on its forehead. Its forelimbs ended in two long scythe blades and it grinned at the humans showing off its sharp teeth.
"Humans," the Digimon said narrowing its piercing, blue eyes. "I've been waiting for you."
Wasting no time, Serena whipped out her Digivice to scan the pink Sneasel. "Kyukimon, ultimate level. The hairs on this guy's body are so sharp that just touching him can rip you to pieces. He can move fast enough to kick up a tornado using his Blade Twister or shoot diamond-shaped seals using his Sanrensei attack."
Ash blinked in surprise. "That's an ultimate level?!"
Greymon growled and stepped forward. "What are you doing here?
"I'm glad you asked," Kyukimon disappeared in a flash and reappeared right in front of Greymon. Just like before, his blades were stopped by a Reflect shield preventing the ultimate from decapitating the dinosaur. At the same time, Greymon lowered his head hoping to deflect the attack with his armored skull. Between Greymon's natural defenses and Staryu's buffer, damage was brought to a minimum.
"Greymon!" Ash called over to his partner. "Are you okay?"
"Mostly," Greymon grunted, though the wince in his movements showed that he didn't survive the attack completely unharmed.
Despite his attack not working, Kyukimon leapt back and chuckled. "You don't disappoint."
"What's wrong with you?!" Misty yelled at Kyukimon. "Why are you attacking the school?! What did they do to you?!"
"It's nothing personal. I'm just verifying an old rumor," Kyukimon explained. "Legend has it that the Digimon who partnered with the human from long ago became stronger and more durable than the average Digimon. It was also theorized that if one were to absorb a Digimon partnered with a human, that their own power would immensely increase, maybe even enough to reach the next level."
Seeing where Kyukimon was going with this, Ash stepped forward. "You're in over your head if you think that we are just going to let you kill our Digimon!"
"Me? Over my head?" Kyukimon said with the cock of his head. He then zoomed forward, effortlessly bypassing Greymon and the rest of the Digimon present, to take a swipe at Ash. The kamaitachi stopped just short of Ash and sunk its blade into the ground in front of the boy with such speed and force that it kicked up a powerful wind sending Ash hurtling back.
"Ash!" cried out Ash's human friends.
For his part, Greymon roared in rage and sent a Nova Blast at Kyukimon. The ultimate leapt into the air and spun around, creating a miniature vacuum that sucked in the fire and snuffed it out leaving Kyukimon unharmed. The Sneasel then leapt back to the other side of the battlefield.
"Here's how this fight is going to go," Kyukimon said in a loud voice. "I'm going to slice open and absorb every Digimon present. I let your mouthy friend live for the same reason I'm going to let the rest of the humans live: I don't want to risk nullifying a Digimon's partner status by gutting their human. So you can rest easy, humans. I'll leave you unharmed. Mostly."
Ignoring Renamon's earlier order to stay back, Serena ran to Ash's side. The boy was covered in numerous slices from debris whipped up from Kyukimon's warning swipe. When Serena reached out to pick him up, Ash gave her a hiss of pain.
"Serena," Serena spun her head around to see Misty looking over at her. "Take Ash inside."
"But, I can't just leave you," Serena was about to protest.
Misty cut her off. "Brock and I can handle this. We're more experienced trainers. Just make sure Ash gets treatment."
Renamon appeared besides Serena and picked up Ash. "Consider it done." With that, Renamon grabbed Serena and to whisk her and Ash inside the crashed theater before Kyukimon could get a jump on her.
The fox was not fast enough.
"Don't get comfortable," Kyukimon hissed before making a beeline towards Renamon.
"Get back!" Greymon roared unleashing another Nova Blast. The blast slowed Kyukimon down, but any damage was mitigated when the weasel used the wind to maneuver the flame into the air. Deprived of a fuel source, the fire extinguished. Not satisfied with his attack, Greymon roared and charged forward, jaws open.
Kyukimon swiftly dodged to the side and kicked off the ground to slam into Greymon's ribs. A Reflect shield cut down the damage, but the force from the slam made its way through and Greymon was sent rolling across the ground.
"Onix! Get in there and help Greymon!" Brock called out throwing the rock snake's ball.
Onix appeared on the battlefield with a loud roar and tried to hit Kyukimon with his tail using a Slam attack. Just like with Greymon, Kyukimon effortlessly maneuvered around the attack. Trying to take advantage of the momentary distraction Onix created, both Golemon and Geodude tried to knock out Kyukimon with a Golem Punch and a Mega Punch respectively. They were too slow and just ended up smacking into each other when Kyukimon leapt out of the way.
"Let's make sure this attack lands, Staryu use Swift!" Misty called out.
Following Misty's instructions, Staryu unleashed a volley of energy stars which shot out at the ultimate. Kyukimon tried to dodge like usual, but the stars continued to chase him. Finally Kyukimon turned around and sliced at the stars, dispersing the attack. This left him open to an attack from Seadramon who circled around Kyukimon chomp down on him and hopefully hold him in place. Sadly the Digidex wasn't lying when it said Kyukimon's fur was razor sharp and Seadramon ended up roaring in pain the second she touched the ultimate.
Kyukimon was about to retaliate when he heard multiple voices sound out from all sides.
"Kusanagi!" Shurimon threw the massive shuriken on his back.
"Double Strike!" Yasyamon slapped his bokken together creating a shockwave.
"Frog Bite!" Frogmon threw his own leafy shuriken.
"Judgement Arrow!" Sagittarimon fired one of his chrome Digizoid arrows.
"Vajra!" Kongoumon threw a couple of his vajras.
All five of the teacher's attacks were about to hit Kyukimon. Instead of dodging, Kyukimon began to rapidly spin around waving his sickle claws in the air. Just like with Staryu's Swift, all of the attacks where either deflected or nullified. Leaping back, Kyukimon surveyed the scene around him. All of his opposition was back on their feet and staring him down.
Grinning and showing off his fangs, Kyukimon opened his mouth. Particles of bronze data gathered together and created a double ended sickle that the kamaitachi bite down own. "Let's get started."
Auditorium
Once Renamon got the group was safely back inside the theater, the protests began.
"I'm fine," Ash said as he tried to pull away from the students attempting to administer first aide. "Let me get back out there! They'll need my help."
"Ash, hold still," Serena firmly pleaded. She ripped off another section of her dress and handed it off to a student to use it as a makeshift bandage. Serena felt bad about tearing apart the dress Shoemon had worked so hard to make, but given the circumstances she was sure the mouse would understand.
"We've never faced an ultimate level before," Ash said, continuing to fight against the students trying to hold him down "We're going to need everyone for this!"
"You won't be any help if you're bleeding all over the place!" Serena argued back. She sighed. This was the same never give up attitude that she saw during their encounter at camp, except it was less heroic and more self-destructive.
"Serena," a new Digimon came trotting over to the group which Serena recognized as one of the nurses from the infirmary. It was a Labramon just like the history professor, but with a more feminine voice. "Have you seen my pack mate?"
"If you're talking about Professor Labramon he left earlier with Neemon," Serena said. She motioned the medic over to Ash. "My friend was attacked by a Kyukimon, could you have a look at him?"
"A Kyukimon? And he's still in one piece?" Nurse Labramon looked over Ash. "You are a very lucky boy. Cure Liquor!"
The Labramon's eye's glowed white. At the same time, the scraps on Ash's skin began to close and seal back up. When Labramon was done, Ash's skin was completely clear of all wounds. Ash unwrapped one of the cloth bandages to see that even his none visible wounds were gone.
"They're fully healed," Ash said in wonder. He then poked at one of the healed spots and immediately regretted it. "Ow!"
"You're wounds are not fully healed. I and the rest of my pack have been going around treating the student body and it's depleted our energy reserves. Some of your scratches will scar and they will defiantly reopen if you overtax yourself by going out there to continue fighting!" scolded the Labramon. She then turned to Serena. "We need more bandages and medicine for the rest of the students. Could you please go retrieve the spare first aid kit by the stage?"
"Right away," Serena dashed over to the stage. It took a bit to find now that everything was on its side, but Serena was able to locate the box. While she pulled the kit out of its storage place, Serena overheard Bokomon and Neemon arguing.
"You just had to eat those beans, didn't you? You just had to be late to the play. Do you know how hard it is to hold up that Millenniummon puppet? It's heavy!" Bokomon shouted.
Seeing as how now wasn't the time for arguments, Serena stepped in to defend Neemon. "Neemon wasn't late. I saw him fetching Professor Labramon before the show."
Neemon tilted his head in confusion. "I did?"
Bokomon sighed. "Please don't make excuses for him. Neemon has been spending the last few hours turning the auditorium's restroom into a biohazard," Bokomon then turned his glare to the Digimon in question. "I hope you've learned your lesson."
Neemon nodded sagely. "Yes. Next time I should eat oranges with the beans. That way the bathroom will have a nice citrusy scent."
While Bokomon face palmed, Serena began to tense up. She was sure that this Neemon was the only Neemon at this school. If he was spending the start of the play in the restroom, who was the guy that walked off with Labramon?
Misty
Back at the fight, Misty watched Kyukimon's movements. To her frustration, hardly anyone was able to touch the speedy weasel save for Seadramon's failed bite from earlier. As a result, all the combatants on her side were looking scratched up and worn down while Kyukimon continued to run around the battlefield with hardly any injuries.
On the bright side, Misty's days of training with Staryu to get it to master Reflect were paying off in dividends. Any time Kyukimon leapt forward to try and disembowel someone, a Reflect shield would automatically stop him just short of plunging his blade into someone's throat. Unfortunately Reflect had a limit of hits it would take before wearing off which resulted Misty and Staryu constantly having to recast it. At the rate they were going it would only be a matter of time before Kyukimon broke through their shields.
"Sanrensei!" Looks like Kyukimon switched tactics going from slicing to shooting out attacks. The blue marking on its head glowed and multiple diamond-shaped seals shot down at the team below.
Misty tensed up. Reflect could only halve the damage from physical attacks. She wasn't sure how this attack would register, but it looked like it might constitute as a special attack. Not wanting to take any chances, Misty called out to her partners. "Staryu, Seadramon, use Water Gun and Ice Blast!"
Both monsters unleashed their attacks to counter Kyukimon's. Other Digimon and Pokémon joined in, and the seals were stopped momentarily. Greymon growled. "We can't win if we just keep playing defense. Nova…"
"Stop!" Brock shouted. "There are too many trees! If you start a forest fire, you'll just be trapping everyone in an inferno."
Greymon snorted but complied. "Stupid weasel just keeps canceling out my attacks anyway."
Shurimon landed between the two. "There is a clearing not far from here where we could start using more fire attacks. But if we want to maneuver Kyukimon over there we need to be the ones in control of this battle."
"If only we could give him a good hit," Frogmon croaked.
"Maybe we don't have to get a direct hit. What if we could get some chip damage?" Brock mused. "Geodude, use Sandstorm to corral Kyukimon like you did with the Monochromon! Golemon, fill that space with Crimson Curse!"
Following Brocks instructions, Geodude created a sandstorm which encircled the area Kyukimon was in while Golemon unleashed his signature attack. Bright, flaming light emitted from within the blunt spikes on his back before Golemon opened his mouth releasing a crimson, glowing gas. While some of the gas was caught up in the sandstorm, some of the gas began filling up the area with Kyukimon.
"I see what you're doing," Misty marveled. "Golemon's Crimson Curse looks like it's made up of heated volcanic gas. You're trying to see if you can get the poison or burn status."
Brock nodded. "I'm not sure if this attack is naturally geared towards inducing those statuses, but it's worth a shot."
Whether or not Brock's plan would have worked would have to remain a mystery. Kyukimon, noticing the crimson gas, began creating a similar vortex to the one he used to nullify Greymon's Nova Blast. Except this time the vortex was bigger. It began sucking up both the small sandstorm and the gas from the Crimson Curse like a massive vacuum.
While Kyukimon's Blade Twister ragged on, the larger Digimon and Onix hunkered down and shielded the smaller combatants from getting pulled into the artificial storm.
"It was a good plan," Shurimon called to Brock over the wind. "But seeing as how our enemy is at the ultimate level, I'd say that he has either been around long enough or been through enough battles to see through these kinds of traps."
The tornado broke open and Kyukimon sprang forward to fire a vacuum wave at the group. Onix was able to intercept the attack by using his Rock Slide to fling some boulders at the wave neutralizing it. In response Kyukimon made his way through the rocks and began firing more Sanrensei.
Once again, everyone fired off their long-distance attacks to create a momentary barrier. Misty looked over at Staryu. "Get ready to use another Reflect if he starts swiping again."
Between Kyukimon's switch in tactics to using long ranged moves and Staryu's depleting energy from using Reflect so much, Misty wasn't sure how much longer they were going to hold out.
Serena
As the battle raged on, Serena and Ash made their way out of a hole the students cut through the back of the theater to evacuate. While the students were either getting medical treatment or discussing escape routes, the humans along with Renamon were making their way over to an elevator.
While Serena was working the pulley to bring the elevator down, Ash brought out his Digivice. "How are things going on your end, Greymon?"
"Ash!" Serena couldn't help but to smile at Greymon's voice. Despite being a massive dinosaur with a deep roar, she could hear the worry and relief in his voice. "Were you able to get help? How are your wounds? You're not dying, are you?"
"I'm alright. Nurse Labramon looked at my wounds," Ash informed the fussing Tyrantrum.
"That's great! Get some rest and we'll join you once we pop this weasel," Greymon instructed Ash.
"Sorry, can't do that," Ash said with a serious look. "Serena thinks that she has a lead on the shapeshifter. She thinks it may have snuck in and grabbed Professor Labramon."
"Wait, how did it get past all those guards? Didn't they have potions that would reveal shapeshifters?" Greymon wondered.
"We'll figure that out once we catch it," Ash explained.
"But you're hurt," Greymon growled.
"Everyone else who can fight is either hurt or fighting with you" Ash argued. "Besides, we have Renamon."
"I assure you I can look after both humans," Renamon said which Ash relayed to Greymon over the Digivice.
Greymon didn't sound satisfied. "Renamon, humans are delicate. According to Golemon, these guys may talk like Digimon, but they die like animals. The only reason Misty and Brock are breathing is because Kyukimon is a cocky DigiSlime who thinks he can win with them alive. How am I supposed to know that you can look after two humans?"
"I'll help," Gaomon, coming over to check on the group, must have overheard their plan. "I may not be able to Digivolve, but I have been training hard as a fighter and can assist if you will have me."
"Hey, yeah!" Ash said with a grin. "I'll take Gaomon on as a temporary partner and he can help Renamon if there's a battle!"
"I-I'm honored," Gaomon said bashfully with a small wag in his tail.
Over Ash's Digivice, Serena could hear Greymon rumble in thought before addressing Gaomon. "If anything harms Ash, I'm holding you responsible mutt."
"If a lizard brain like yourself can keep this boy safe, I think I'll manage," Gaomon responded in kind.
"See that you do," Greymon snorted before the phone call ended.
Seeing that exchange with Ash and his partner, Serena couldn't help but to feel a twinge of envy. She looked up at Renamon who was surveying the area around them as though she was expecting the shapeshifter to leap out at any second. Seeing as how they were about to head into what may be their first real battle together, Serena figured she should at least say something to Renamon.
"I guess this is what you've been training for," Serena shyly said to her partner.
"No," Renamon replied with an indifferent air. "This is just a steppingstone. The real battle begins when we cross the border into the battle zone."
"Yeah, I guess," Serena watched the elevator finish its decent onto the forest floor. She wasn't sure what to say to Renamon that wouldn't earn her the fox's ire. Any wishes of good luck would come across as empty platitudes in the kitsune's eyes and Renamon was certainly not going to listen to any orders. Not that Serena could think of any orders to give. In comparison to Misty and Brock who were fighting an ultimate level Digimon and Ash who was comfortable around Agumon during their fights, Serena felt even more misplaced than when she first arrived.
With their makeshift party together, the group ascended up to the school's main campus. They made their way over to the academic's department where they were able to find Labramon, still in his performance kimono, filing away some papers as if it was just another day at the office. Serena couldn't quite place her finger on it, but there was something off about the dog.
Spotting the group, Labramon gave them a warm greeting. "Ah, Serena, Renamon, Gaomon, and, if I'm recalling your name correctly, Ash. How as the play?"
"We were never introduced!" Ash declared pointing a finger accusingly at the dog.
"No, but I did hear about your loss against Renamon," Labramon replied without missing a beat. "The entire school has been talking about that non-stop."
"That checks out," Ash said, hanging his head.
Renamon wasn't letting Labramon off the hook. "I find it interesting that you would leave the play your students put so much effort into."
Labramon's tail drooped. "And for that I apologize. But as soon as I was finished helping the projector team, I realized I still had some papers that I had to send out to some of my clients."
"What kind of lame excuse is that?" Ash stepped forward. "Gaomon!"
Gaomon's fist tightened in his gloves. "Sir!"
"Wait," Renamon held out her hand and walked towards Labramon. "Professor, I have a potion that can be used to reveal a shapeshifter's true form. May I use it on you?"
"Of course," Labramon sat down. "Even if I was a shapeshifter, I would just make myself look suspicious if I were to protest."
Without further ado, Renamon took out the potion and sprayed it on Labramon. Nothing happened.
"I guess he's the real professor," Ash surmised looking slightly embarrassed.
Catching Ash's eye, Labramon began to lecture. "Ash, while your suspicion is appreciated given that a shapeshifter is on the loose, you need to be more careful with your accusations. What would have happened if you had attacked? You would have ended up hurting an innocent Digimon just because of a gut feeling! What you need is evidence."
"Sorry," Ash slinked back. He, along with Gaomon, had their heads bowed in shame.
For her part Renamon released a small sigh of relief. "It is good to see that you were safe. Now, we must get back with the others."
"Wait!" Though everyone was starting to relax, Serena's gaze never left Labramon. "What happened to your kimono?"
"My kimono?" Labramon tilted his head.
"It's been bugging me since we've entered this room. The floral pattern on your kimono starts from the left and goes to the right. But the kimono you wore earlier started at the right and goes to the left. Like a mirror image!"
With that observation, the tension returned to the room. Digimon and human alike watched Labramon with newfound suspicion with both Gaomon and Renamon's paws gripping at the ground, getting ready to dive forward and attack.
In contrast, an uncharacteristically sly smile spread across Labramon's face. "Not bad. You've got a good eye for detail."
Taking that as an admission of guilt, Gaomon sprang forward and began summersault through the air. "Rolling Upper!"
The attack connected with Labramon. One would expect the dog to go flying back when hit, but instead he disintegrated into a black mist which dissolved into the air.
"Where did he go?" Ash asked looking around the room.
Instead of answering Ash's question, a loud laughter echoed through the room. Suddenly the door slammed shut and the various books, tools, and lanterns occupying the classroom began to rise in the air. The objects then began spinning around the group with some objects occasionally hurtling themselves at the humans and Digimon.
"What's going on?" Serena cried out ducking under a pencil case. "Is he a psychic?"
"I don't think so," Renamon spotted and incoming textbook and knocked it aside with a kick. Just like Labramon, the book was reduced to a black mist.
Serena watched the black mist vanish. "What?"
"There's a reason the infiltrator was able to get by the potions. He's not a shapeshifter," Renamon deduced. "He's an illusionist!"
Watching the flying objects, Ash tried to find any sign of the enemy Digimon. To his frustration, there were no clues. But then he started staring intently at a section of the wall.
"Ash?" Serena asked.
"I think there's someone over there," Ash replied.
"How can you tell?"
"I don't know," the boy squinted, and he began to reach for the section. "It kind of feels like when you're being watched. You sense someone there, even though you can't see them."
As Ash reached out, Gaomon saw a disk fly towards the boy. "Look out!"
Gaomon pushed Ash to the side just before the disk could slice the trainer. The disk continued its trek with Renamon quickly pulling Serena to the side, but not fast enough to save the wing of her dress which was cut clean in half. The disk then embedded itself in the wall revealing itself to be a bladed yin-yang symbol.
"Don't' let your guard down," Gaomon called out to the rest of the group.
"We need to find some way to sniff this guy out," Ash reasoned. "Can either of you guys smell him?"
"No," Gaomon growled. "Everything smells just like it's supposed to in this class."
Renamon's eyes narrowed at the flying objects. "These objects also feel real right before they are dispersed. These illusions are advanced. Barring any mistakes, I don't think we have any way to detect our opponent."
Suddenly Serena got an idea. "Wait, I've got it!" She reached into a pocket Shoemon sewed into her dress and brought out her Digivice. Turning on the scan function, Serena began waving her device around the classroom until it picked up a new Digimon.
"There!" Serena smiled in triumph before looking down at the image on the Digivice. The smile then fell off her face. No way. This new Digimon looked just like…
Not waiting for the Digimon to attack again, Renamon leapt forward to strike the new Digimon. She was about to land a punch when her fist was caught by a clawed hand almost identical to her own. The chaotic classroom dissolved to reveal the original classroom and the Digimon standing before them.
Stopping Renamon's attack was another Renamon! Except this one had some slight cosmetic differences. Its claws were sharper and wilder fur, namely the long tufts of fur sticking out from its shoulders. The face and knees of the Renamon were decorated with red markings as were its purple gloves with red stitching. The futatsudomoe on its legs were black and it had a smaller black futatsudomoe in the middle of its forehead to match the red earrings which were shaped in the same pattern. But the most notable difference between the two kitsune was the second tail that waved back and forth behind the second Renamon.
"You found me," congratulated Renamon X.
Brock
Back at the battle, things were not going so well. Despite the defense buffs from Staryu, most of the combatants were covered in scratches of varying degrees. It was only a matter of time before they all literally died from a thousand cuts.
"Timber!" Kyukimon cackled as a massive tree fell down on the combatants below.
That is if they weren't crushed first.
Golemon charged forward to catch the massive tree Kyukimon cut down. He managed to catch the giant log just in time with a grunt. But judging by the buzz saw sounds, Kyukimon wasn't done playing lumberjack.
"Get down!" Golemon shouted. Everyone followed his instructions allowing the golem to swing his massive tree around to smack away the other trees.
"So much for saving the forest," Yasyamon muttered.
"No! This is good! Now we don't have to lure him to an opening. We can just blast him here without making a forest fire! Nova Blast!" With that, Greymon began sending a barrage of fireballs towards Kyukimon making the new clearing look more like a used up minefield.
While he watched the display of demolitions, Brock spoke to Misty. "How many more Reflects do you think Staryu has in him?"
"Not many," Misty frowned. Next to her, the echinoderm in question was beginning to show signs of fatigue with its limbs sagging.
"Fire Wall!" Greymon roared. This time one of Greymon's fireballs expanded to create a massive wall of fire. Only for Kyukimon to immediately put it out with a whirlwind.
"Normally I'd be happy to see a monster learn a new move, but right now I don't think fire is going to slow that guy down," Misty deadpanned in exasperation.
"No, but maybe if we go in the opposite direction," the gears in Brock's head started turning. "We're going to try my sandstorm strategy again."
"Kyukimon is just going to make another tornado to clear it up again," Misty warned.
Brock smiled, "Exactly."
Kyukimon
While the gym leaders hashed out a plan, Kyukimon was getting tired of Greymon's pyrotechnics. After putting out yet another fireball (seriously, how many times did he have to do this before that dumb lizard got the picture) he zoomed forward to try and stab the dinosaur at point blank so he could just absorb its data already. Instead, yet another shield popped up.
Spotting Kyukimon within his personal space, Greymon attempted to ram the weasel with his armored skull. Predictably Kyukimon retreated and watched the dinosaur head-butt the ground. Kyukimon sighed. He may have technically been winning this battle, but those chosen Digimon and their stupid shields were really testing his patience. He was starting to feel tempted to go back on his "don't kill the humans" rule. Speaking of which, what were those humans up to right now?
"Geodude, use Sandstorm!" called out the male.
"Geodude!" The pet rock clapped its hands together as a large cloud of dust and dirt began to swirl around Kyukimon. This again? Clearly the Greymon wasn't the only one trick pony.
Once again, Kyukimon created a tornado to suck up all the sandy debris. The sand pelting his fur was annoying, but it would be gone momentarily. Now all he had to do was eliminate the upcoming Crimson Curse and he could go back to finding a way around those light shields.
"Now Seadramon!" called out the female.
"Ice Blast!" roared the aquatic serpent.
In contrast to the volcanic fumes and firestorms from earlier, Kyukimon's tornado had inhaled Seadramon's ice attack. The ice clung to the sand forming snow which rushed around Kyukimon in a powerful makeshift blizzard. Between the cold weather and the low visibility, Kyukimon's movements began to slow.
Though he couldn't see very well, Kyukimon could still vaguely hear the male human's next command. "Onix, Rock Slide! Geodude, use Smack Down!"
Both rock animals began firing rocks big and small into the twister. A few of the smaller rocks knocked Kyukimon out of the air. Once on the ground, the larger rocks rained down upon him. Faced with the possibility of being crushed, Kyukimon flinched. That flinch was just the opening one of the teachers needed to grab the weasel with his own attack.
"Kugutsu no Jutsu!" shouted Yasyamon. The puppet Digimon's eyes glowed and a series of strings made of psychic energy held Kyukimon in place like a marionette. Growling, Kyukimon began to squirm against his constants.
"I can't hold him for long," Yasyamon called to the other fighters. "Hammer him now!"
"Nova Blast!"
"Crimson Curse!"
"Kusanagi!"
"Judgement Arrow!"
"Frog Bite!"
The first wave of attacked hit their mark and Kyukimon snarled in pain. Before his enemies could fire off any more attacks, Kyukimon broke free from Yasyamon's hold and tried to put some distance between himself and his opponents.
"Staryu, use Water Gun on the ground! Seadramon, freeze it!" called out the girl.
"Hi-yah!" the starfish jumped in the air and spun around spraying water everywhere.
"Ice Blast!" Seadramon unleashed her attack on the ground below Kyukimon's feet. With the starfish's water attack providing more water for the Seadramon to freeze, the two increased the area of the serpent's attack creating an ice field which sent the kamaitachi sliding forward towards Kongoumon.
"Popper!" Kongoumon pushed his multiple palms forward landing a powerful sumo thrust. Thanks to the slippery surface on the ground, Kyukimon had difficulty with his footing and couldn't escape fast enough. The force from the thrust hit Kyukimon dead on and sent him sliding to the male human and his smaller rock monster.
"Geodude use Gyro Ball!" called out the human. The rock flew forward spinning around and hit Kyukimon in the leg. That was the straw that broke the weasel's back. That rock's collision with Kyukimon's shin resulted in a barely audible "crack."
Now Kyukimon was seeing red. Though it was small, he could feel a fracture on his leg. Normally this wouldn't be an issue, Digimon could recover from almost anything. However, in the heat of a battle even the smallest of wounds could be the difference between life and oblivion. And Kyukimon was not going to let that human's pet get away with this insult of an injury.
Screeching, Kyukimon used his claws as ice picks to dash forward and attack the small rock. Then, from the corner of his eye, Kyukimon spotted the girl leaning over to her starfish and whispering for it to use another Reflect. Suddenly everything clicked into place. Those shield didn't start popping up until that girl and her pet made their way out of the crashed building. Which means that if he wanted to get rid of those annoying shields…
Though Kyukimon was losing speed from his injuries, he was still fast enough to change his attack. Before the starfish could summon more shields, Kyukimon appeared in front of it and with one swift motion, sliced several limbs clean off its body.
The girl's screams over the injured state of her precious pet was just what Kyukimon needed for a second wind. He grinned maliciously as he watched the girl rush forward to her starfish, now reduced down to two tentacles and a blinking jewel.
Roaring in rage, the Seadramon began to continuously shoot Kyukimon with her Ice Blast. Though he could still feel the fracture on his leg, Kyukimon was still fast enough to move out of the serpent's range and straight at the Frogmon. Time to test if his theory was correct.
"RIBBIT!" said the frog as he croaked both literally and figuratively once Kyukimon plunged his blade into the amphibian's chest.
Kyukimon was about to absorb the frog's data, when a volley of rocks, ice, and ninja weapons flew his way. Clicking his tongue, Kyukimon dodged. Looks like he'd have to kill all the Digimon first. Then he could take his time smashing the eggs and absorbing their data after the battle. But before that, he had some unfinished business with the remaining pets.
Charging across the ice field, Kyukimon began slashing at the ground to break up the slippery ice while he headed straight for the floating rock. This was for the throbbing fracture on his shin!
Seeing where Kyukimon was going, the male called out to his pet. "Geodude, Gyro Ball!"
The rock began spinning to try and knock Kyukimon's sickle away, but without the shield from before Kyukimon's sickle was able to slice into the rock's cranium revealing its crystal innards.
"RAWR!" before Kyukimon could finish cutting through the smaller rock monsters, the larger rock snake slammed its tail into Kyukimon pushing him away from the smaller rock. As a result, the smaller rock monster was now sporting a large crack which started at the top of the left side of its head and ending just above the eye. Kyukimon wasn't sure if the wound was fatal, but the rock fell to the ground clearly knocked out which was fine for now. Two down, one to go.
Kyukimon turned his attention to the rock snake. It was probably going to take a bit to find wherever these things equivalent of a DigiCore was, but Kyukimon could speed up the process. The ultimate began to circle around the rock snake and start swiping at the reptile from all sides.
"Onix, get out of there! Use Dig!" called out the male human.
Groaning, the scratched up snake dove into the ground below. He didn't resurface.
Renamon
Serena scanned the mutant Renamon. "Renamon X, rookie level. Never trust your senses around these guys. In addition to Renamon's normal Diamond Storm, the X-Antibody has enhanced its powers in the dark arts giving him the ability to create complex illusions using his Kochōgen attack. X-Antibody?"
"I remember this," Ash said in realization. "Misty bumped into an X-antibody Digimon a while back. They're super Digimon, right?"
"In a way," Renamon backed away from the X-Antibody mutant and placed herself between him and the humans. "There are two kinds of X-Antibody Digimon: those who naturally produce the antibody and those who don't. Those who aren't naturally born with the antibody are mutated by the program into more powerful forms."
"So many words to say that I'm better than you," Renamon X said leaning back against the wall.
Renamon glared at the intruder. "There's more than power to a battle. A weapon is useless unless it's wielded by someone with the proper skills."
"You'll find I out class you in that department too," Renamon X said with smug smile.
"Where's Labramon?" Ash shouted.
"Locked him away in a different classroom," Renamon X shrugged. "You can have him back. I just needed his keys."
It was at this declaration that Renamon noted the cylinder strapped to the thief's back. "What did you take?"
"I suppose an encyclopedia entry hardly qualifies as a proper introduction. Allow me to elaborate," Renamon X took a bow. "Greetings and salutations. I am the Information Broker. You can call me Broker for short."
Ash blinked in confusion. "Information Broker?"
"Is he with the Forces of Chaos?" Serena asked.
"Sometimes, if they're willing to pay," Broker said with a little smirk.
"I've heard about this guy. He's a mercenary and a spy. He's willing to sell information on anything to anyone, no matter the side," Gaomon growled.
Broker clapped his paws. "Looks like someone's in the know! But if you want to know more, feel free to give me a ring. You don't even need a phone, just get word out that you're looking for me and I'll find a way to contact you. It may take a while. I'm pretty busy these days."
"Like we'd want to hire a lousy spy like you," Serena said heatedly.
Broker's ears leaned back against his head in offense. "Lousy?"
"Even if we could look past the fact that you hurt and stole from one of our friends, we were able to find you!" Serena pointed out.
"One, you didn't find me. I wanted to prod at you guys to see what you were made of, so I stuck around to let you find me," Broker ticked off his fingers. "Two, this doesn't count as a failed mission unless you catch me. Which you won't."
"Gaomon, use Gao Rush!" Ash ordered.
Following Ash's command, Gaomon rushed forward and began rapidly jabbing at Broker with his boxing gloves. Just like with Renamon in her sparing match against Agumon, Broker nimbly dodged every blow without a hint of effort.
"You know," Broker spoke as he evaded. "When I heard that we'd get not only one, but ten humans in the Digital World, I was pretty excited."
"Renamon," Serena began, but Renamon disregarded her. This Broker was clearly an experienced fighter and Renamon was going to need every ounce of concentration she could get to beat him.
To Renamon's frustration, Broker was able to maneuver around her attacks with the same ease as he did with Gaomon's. He just kept talking like he was having a friendly conversation. "But then I saw this human and thought, wait, is Millenniummon supposed to be defeated by a knitting circle? This had to be some kind of fluke."
Out of the corner of her eye, Renamon saw Serena slink back. Disgust filled Renamon. While she agreed with Broker's assessment, an outsider like him was not allowed to make those observations about this girl. Only Renamon could do that!
Broker continued. "But then I see the next three humans. A slight improvement. Scrappy, but lacking in that oomph factor the first human had."
In the midst of their battle, Broker found himself right between Renamon and Gaomon. Though it looked like the two had him, Broker just waited until they were about to hit him before moving out of the way. As a result, Renamon's and Gaomon's melee attacks collided hurting each other instead of their foe.
Renamon was the first to recover, but quickly found herself pushed onto the ground when Broker grabbed her in a grapple hold. He continued to speak. "What I'm trying to say is, you kids are on an uphill climb. One of these days you're going to find yourself in hot water."
The spy vanished from on top Renamon and reappeared by the classroom window. "And when that day comes, I hope that you give your good old friend Broker a call. Til then." With that, Broker gave the humans a mock salute and jumped out of the classroom.
Ash ran over to the window. "He's getting away!"
"I'm sorry, sir," Gaomon walked up to Ash and bowed. "I was not strong enough to carry out your instructions."
The boy's face screwed up in anger and his hands balled into fists. "We need more firepower."
"We need a plan," Serena stated.
From her spot on the floor, Renamon's claws dug into the wood. She didn't have time to listen to the boy's complaints or Serena's attempts at a strategy. Broker was on the move and he needed to be stopped now. Renamon didn't know which documents the mercenary took, but she was not going to let him leave this school that easily!
Springing up, Renamon practically flew out the window and began leaping from branch to branch chasing after Broker and ignoring Serena's calls for her to return.
Ash
A million thoughts buzzed through Ash's mind. Where did he go wrong? Was it just because he was not used to working with Gaomon? No, he was used to working with Agumon and Renamon won against him easily. Were Renamon as a species really just that tough? Would he have won those battles with Greymon? He was on a winning streak with Greymon and Renamon X was just a rookie. But how would he be able to fight using a massive Digimon in a treehouse?
A boxing glove was placed on Ash's leg. "You mustn't be hard on yourself. Renamon X clearly set up his environment. He was in control of this fight from the start."
To the side, Ash could see Serena thinking. "Set up," she muttered to herself.
Groaning, Ash made a motion to bolt off and chase after the dueling foxes. He was about to bolt through the class's door when Serena called out to him. "Ash, wait!"
"I'm not letting Broker get away!" Ash snapped at her.
"I know," Serena spoke slowly and calmly, but Ash could tell by her wide eyes that she was just as panicked as he was. "I think I have an idea. But we'll need some help."
Renamon
Renamon rapidly bound from tree to tree. She was catching up to Broker. That Renamon X was defiantly skilled, she couldn't deny that. However, Renamon had a home field advantage. She grew up at this school and spent years training with these trees. She was not going to let some slimy mercenary to get away with sneaking and robbing her home!
Before long, Renamon was right on top of Broker and was ready to return the blow he landed on her earlier. With an audible SMACK Renamon successfully swiped at Broker sending him tumbling out of the air and into one of the classrooms.
Launching off a nearby tree trunk, Renamon followed Broker into the classroom only to have to immediately duck under a bench that went flying her way.
"Nice reflexes," Broker complemented before tossing a fist full of scissors at Renamon like throwing knives.
"You didn't answer my earlier question," With a swift motion from her tail, Renamon knocked the pencils out of the air. "What did you steal?"
"Sorry, I have a client confidentiality clause as a part of my business," Broker responded inching towards another window. "If you want to know, you'll just have to take them from me."
With that, Broker exited the classroom with Renamon right on his heels. Once again, Renamon was able to catch up to him and grabbed onto one of his legs. In response Broker grabbed a hanging tree branch and proceeded to kick Renamon in the face with his free foot before swinging on the branch and landing them both on a rope bridge.
Despite the blow to her cranium, Renamon immediately stood up and engaged Broker in hand-to-hand combat. Between the speed and force of their blows it wasn't long before the natural wobbliness of the bridge turned completely unstable sending the two flying in the air. Taking advantage of Broker's loss of footing, Renamon grabbed the rope handles of the bridge and kicked the other Renamon.
Rather than defending against Renamon's kick, Broker took it and allowed himself to get flung into a nearby tree. Instead of crashing into it, he twisted around in midair and landed on to the side of the trunk. Gripping on to the side of the tree, Broker used it as a pad to launch himself onto the next tree and so on.
Cursing to herself, Renamon followed. That was a major misstep on her part. HER goal was to capture and subdue Broker. Broker's goal was to get away. Of course he would take a powerful blow if it meant putting some distance between himself and her.
Then Renamon had a thought. Perhaps she didn't need to catch Broker. Maybe all she had to do was alleviate him of his precious cargo. Changing the trajectory of her jumps, Renamon made her way slightly above Broker and powered up her attack when she saw an opening.
"Diamond Storm!" Renamon unleashed a barrage of leaf blades which rained down on Broker. Some of the blades even hit the strap holding the canister to Broker's back.
Noticing the damage to the strap, Broker ducked into another treehouse. Renamon smirked. True, taking cover in a treehouse would get him some brief cover, but he chose the wrong house.
Rushing into the house, Renamon extended her claw to grab at her right side. Her hand wrapped around the twin handles of a pair of kama, a type of sickle with long handles giving them some extra reach. Renamon knew the exact location of these weapons because she was very familiar with this room. Shurimon's tea room.
No sooner had Renamon began swiping at Broker that the other Renamon grabbed a bo staff from the wall and began spinning it around to block her blows. It looked like Broker caught on to the new objective. The game of chase had just transformed into a game of keep away.
It was during the flurry of sickle blows that Broker decided to up his defenses by using the staff to fling various objects in the room at Renamon from expensive tea sets, to shuriken, to snack trays, to loose weapons, and even the chabudai table itself.
Renamon was able to use the kama to deflect against the makeshift projectiles before using a Diamond Storm to shatter the table. She then used the cloud of saw dust created by the destroyed table as a cover to change weapons. That way, when Broker tried to use his staff to once again avert the kamas' blades, he was caught off guard when he found his weapon caught between the prongs of a pair of sai.
Using her new sai, Renamon was able to lock the movements of the bo staff allowing her to yank the bo staff away and grabbed the strap. Her claws scratched through the already weakened strap and sent the canister falling to the floor.
In response, Broker quickly grabbed a nunchuck and smack Renamon's hand away with a spin of the weapon. He then used the chain of the weapon to tie the strap back together before jumping forward and engaging Renamon in more melee combat.
During this claw-to-claw combat, Broker's eyes trailed to the side. Before Renamon could see what the other fox was up to, one of Broker's tails wrapped around one of the unshattered teapots and flung it at Renamon's face.
Renamon was able to punch the pot away, but when her fist made contact with the delicate pot it practically exploded on contact momentarily blinding her with the leftover tea still inside. Broker took advantage of this moment and dash back out the door. Renamon followed suit, but not before grabbing one final weapon.
It was as Broker was once again trying to make his getaway that Renamon began swinging her manriki chain around and let it fly through the air at Broker. The chain wrapped around his legs throwing off his balance and causing the fox to tumble from the air and into the dojo.
Following Broker into the dojo, Renamon was surprised to see the chain laying on the ground. Carefully, Renamon circled around the inside of the gym with her ears perked and muscles tense waiting for an ambush.
Broker's voice came from behind her. "You've been fun sparring partner."
Before Renamon could react, a heavy metal object began whipping at her before wrapping around her upper body inhibiting her movements. His opponent wrapped up, Broker began whaling on her with everything he had. Soon enough, Renamon was lying prone on the floor.
Broker walked forward, dispersing the illusion of the used chain on the floor that Renamon saw before. "I knew this new generation of heroes was a letdown, but I didn't think that I'd have a chance to land a killing blow on a chosen Digimon."
Shaking from the blows, Renamon tried to get up, but was pushed back down by Broker's foot. He continued. "You really should have waited for your partner. Maybe then you'd have been able to pull off some kind of trick like Digivolving at the last second to save your hide."
Broker's foot left her body and delivered a kick to the face before backing away to charge up his own attack. "You know, I didn't really put any stock into the rumor that absorbing a partnered Digimon could give you a power boost. I just used that rumor to get Kyukimon to fight you guys while I went through the dog's safe. But now that I have you here, I don't' see any harm in giving it a try. Diamond Storm!"
"Double Backhand!" Before Broker's attack to land, Gaomon came spinning into the room with the viciousness of a tornado. Gaomon's spin successfully deflected the blades saving Renamon.
"Hold it right there, Broker!" Both Ash and Serena came running into the dojo after Gaomon.
Despite his killing blow failing, Broker continued to speak cheerfully. "You're just in time! A minute later and you would have to find a new partner. Actually, that just might be what you need. Mind stepping out for a bit?"
"Gaomon, use Rolling Upper!" Ash shouted.
Gaomon spun forward to hit Broker. The Renamon X jumped out of the way and onto a windowsill. "Note to self, new heroes do not have a sense of humor."
With that, Broker once again made his escape.
"Ash, go after Broker. I'll take care of Renamon," Serena said making her way over to her partner.
"Right," Ash ran for the dojo's other exit. "Gaomon, let's go!"
"Yes sir!" Gaomon barked following Ash.
Ash
Not as nimble as Renamon was, Ash and Gaomon had to stick to the bridges and porches during their chase.
"Sir," Gaomon spoke up. "He has more room to move then we do. He's going to get a way."
A reassuring smile crossed Ash's face. "Then it's a good thing we prepared for that. Gaomon, call the others."
"Sir!" Gaomon threw his head back and howled.
No sooner had Gaomon finished his howl that two Falcomon glided down by Ash. "The trap's ready!" chirped the Falcomon with green wings.
"Alright!" Ash pointed up to Broker. "There's our target. Get him on the right track!"
"On it!" both Falcomon leapt from tree to tree and glided to either side of Broker. The green winged Falcomon attacked first. "Scratch Smash!"
The green Falcomon broke from its glide to try and scratched at Broker. The fox drifted away from the bird's attack. Wanting to keep Broker on the right track, the purple vest Falcomon fired off his own attack. "Ninja Blade!"
From his spot running after Broker, Ash watched the purple vested Falcomon shot out a stream of shuriken and kunai. The attacks were working. Broker was heading in the proper direction for their trap! But the Falcomon had to pause in order to perform their attacks causing them to fall behind.
Luckily, another Digimon came running forward. "I heard your call!"
Ryudamon ran on all fours behind Ash and Gaomon. Ash looked over at the mammalian dragon. "We need to keep Broker on course for the trap!"
"Got ya!" Ryudamon rushed forward ahead of Ash and Gaomon and opened his mouth. "Iai Blade!"
Ryudamon spat multiple blades at Broker keeping the fox from deviating from their path. In return, the fox spun around after a jump and fired a Diamond Storm down upon his pursuers.
"Look out!" Ryudamon jumped up in the air and curled into an armored ball to intercept the attack. He was able to shield Ash and Gaomon, but the blast from the attack sent him flying back.
"Ryudamon!" Ash called out.
"He'll be fine! We need to focus on Broker!" Gaomon barked.
Ash gritted his teeth, but he knew Gaomon was right. They were so close to the trap; they couldn't let up now!
"Need a hand?" This time Zubamon, Spadamon, and Kotemon came running by next.
"Yeah!" Ash motioned the trio over. "Kotemon, could you use Zubamon and Spadamon to push that Renamon X into our trap?"
Kotemon nodded. "I think I can." He then jumped off the porch and into the trees. Zubamon and Spadamon followed behind and transformed into their weapon forms. The Spadamon spear flew just above Broker pushing him closer to Kotemon who armed himself with the Zubamon sword. When Broker got within range, Kotemon began slashing at him with his new sword.
While the pair fought, Bakomon and Shoemon ran up. Bakomon tugged at Ash's jacket. "The trap is just beyond that branch," Bakomon pointed at a leafy branch that covered up the trap with its foliage.
"Perfect," Ash looked over at the fight. "All we need now is one final push. Serena said that you have a good throwing arm. Thank you can hit that Renamon X."
"Mmhm," Bakomon nodded. He then began firing rolls of tape from his arms. "Gum Roll!"
The tape soared through the air, passing Kotemon, and pelting Broker mid-leap. The fox went flying back through the branch and onto the other side.
"Let's go!" Ash ordered. The group ran under the massive branch and onto the other side where they saw Broker tangled up in a massive web of sewing thread. Ash pumped his fist. "We got him! Good work on the trap, Shoemon!"
The group of students all cheered at the fruits of their hard work. Shoemon in particular proudly brandished her sewing needle like a weapon. Alas, their celebration was cut short when they heard Broker clapping.
Looking up at the trapped fox, Ash and the students could see the fox smiling down at them. "Not bad. I give this operation a four out of ten. Good hustle."
"What are you so smug about?!" Zubamon shouted having transformed back into his normal form. "We caught you."
Broker snorted. "Free tip, kid. If you're going to make a trap, don't telegraph it," His piece said, Broker dissolved into a black mist leaving the thread looking as though it was never disturbed to begin with.
"He switched himself out with an illusion!" squeaked Shoemon.
"He can't have gone too far," Gaomon barked. "If he was controlling the illusion he must be nearby. We need to fan out and find him!"
Following Gaomon's orders, everyone hopped, ran, or glided in a different direction to find the fox before he got away. Everyone, except Ash. He had that feeling again. The same one from the classroom when he was trying to find Broker in his illusion.
Closing his eyes, Ash tried to focus on this feeling. It seemed like it was coming from another tree branch nearby. Creeping closer, Ash reached out to the branch and watched in amazement when it melted into black mist revealing another porch. On the other side of the illusion was an old porch. The porch was one of the older porches with missing pieces of railing and a rickety bridge on the other end. Standing on the other side of that rope bridge was Broker who watched Ash with folded arms.
"Not bad, human. Looks like you're not a completely lost cause," Broker said. Spotting Ash stepping forward, he held up a hand in a stopping motion. "Before you cross this bridge, I have a proposition for you."
Ash scowled, but stood still. He was in no position to fight Broker with everyone running off, so he might as well see what the mercenary had to say.
"I was serious earlier when I said that I wanted to do business with you and your group," Broker leaned on the railing, his tails calmly waving back and forth. "We don't have to be enemies all the time. I can get you any piece of information you want, for the right price."
"You don't have any information that I'd want!" Ash declared.
Broker tilted his head. "Not even info on the first human?"
Ash froze in place, eyes wide. Spotting Ash's stunned expression, Broker chuckled. "I may look young, but I'm probably the oldest Digimon in this forest. Even older than the ultimate level."
"How old?" Ash asked, not sure what to make of this new information.
"Old enough that I was around when the first human popped up," Broker said with all the casualness of talking to a neighbor on a morning walk.
Despite Ash's distrust of the fox, he couldn't help but to "Did you know the first human?"
Broker shrugged. "I may have bumped into him once or twice, but I wasn't really close. I do know someone who was very close to the first human who's still alive. I can tell you who it is, if you want to do business kid."
"My name's not kid!" Ash shouted.
"That's right, the first human had a name too," Broker said thoughtfully. "What's yours kid?"
"Ash Ketchum!" Ash replied.
For the first time that evening, Broker looked genuinely surprised. He quietly studied at Ash with wide eyes for a good minute before chuckling. His chuckling grew louder and louder until it turned into hysterical laughter.
"What's so funny?" Ash shouted at the fox.
"Oh kid-Ketchum. You don't know!" Broker took several deep breaths to calm down before continuing to address Ash. "We HAVE to do business with each other. I'll tell you why I was laughing and even throw in some answers to whatever question you have on the first human next time we meet. All you have to do is look the other way while I make my getaway for this job."
For a moment, Ash hesitated. This could be an opportunity to learn more about the first human and even get some clues on how to defeat the Millenniummon and get everyone back home safely. But that would require that he basically break the trust of Serena and every Digimon he met at this school. Fist clinched in determination; Ash faced Broker.
"I'm not going to trade my morals to do business with a sleazy lowlife like you!" With that, Ash made a move to step onto the bridge.
"Ash! Don't!" Ash was tackled to the ground by Gaomon. When Ash opened his mouth to ask the dog what was going on, Gaomon pointed at the bridge. "There's not supposed to be a bridge their!"
True to Gaomon's word, the bridge dissolved into more of Broker's illusion mist and vanished. Ash felt his blood run cold. If Gaomon didn't push him out of the way, he would have fallen to his death.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the drop, Broker laughed and made his escape. "Catch you later, Ketchum!"
AN: Kyukimon is just like Zoro from One Piece in that they have both mastered the art of talking with perfect diction even if they are holding bladed objects between their teeth.
I was going to introduce these PokeBios next arc when Pokémon were going to become more prominent, but since they played a big role in today's fight I'm rolling these guys out early.
Geodude
Ability: Sturdy
Moves: Sandstorm, Gyro Ball, Mega Punch, Smack Down
Onix
Ability: Rock Head
Moves: Bind, Dig, Rock Slide, Slam
Staryu
Ability: Natural Cure
Moves: Rapid Spin, Reflect, Water Gun, Swift
There aren't enough good kamaitachi battles in this world, I tell you what.
Don't worry, none of the Pokémon are dead. This is a fic where good wins in the end. There's just going to be bumps along the way.
I was originally going to conclude the battle in this chapter, but a lot happened so we're just going to finish the fight with Kyukimon next chapter and follow that up with this multi-parter's epilogue.
Temporary partner in the form of Gaomon! Why? Because one of the things Journeys did right was finally give Ash a Lucario after fans have been waiting for that jackal for years after Ash's scarcely used aura abilities were introduced.
Alright, I've received a couple of questions about the Pokémon move sets and how many moves each Pokémon is allowed to know. For this arc, it's just four. I'll be opening up the move pools to more than four in future arcs, but I'm still going to keep the move pools small so that I can keep track of how many elements are in play in a fight or some other situation. Don't expect anyone to even get close to ten moves.
As things are now, here are the rules for Pokémon moves:
1) Newly acquired Pokémon, regardless of background, will know four moves maximum.
2) Moves will be replaced/forgotten if either they are upgraded (Thundershock to Thunderbolt) or the Pokémon evolves (new form, new moves, new possibilities)
3) Moves will be a mix of canon moves and some new moves I picked to spice up the battles and world exploration
4) Though more than four moves can be learned, the amount of moves will be kept to a low level to make things easy on the author
5) The effectiveness of Pokémon moves will decline with higher level Digimon
6) With a few exceptions, Digimon can't learn Pokémon moves and vice versa
Now that we have that out of the way, here are my choices for the Pokémon move pools.
Staryu's pretty self-explanatory. Rapid Spin, Swift, and Water Gun are commonly featured moves for this guy. I set up Reflect in preparation for this fight. Reflect is kind of buffed up here, but if I didn't do that everyone would have bled to death before the end of this chapter.
Onix moves are a mix of moves featured in the anime (Bind and Dig) and moves from your average Onix move pool.
Geodude was given the ability Sturdy to help it live through that blow to the head. Mega Punch and Sandstorm were both featured in the anime (and I got some mileage out of Sandstorm) as well as Gyro Ball. Gyro Ball was especially useful as the strength of this move increases with the speed of the opponent and boy was Kyukimon fast. Smack Down was used because 1) I wanted this rock type to have a rock move and 2) it's useful to have a move that knock opponents out of the air when you're up against an aeromancer.
George Lucusing Note: One of the Agumons in the play should have had green paint on its legs, not camo. My bad.
Reader Response Recess!
Ashpoke55: Hm, that is tricky. does have some categories like X-overs, Pokémon/Digimon, and Anime X-overs, but most people don't know about these tags. If you want people to notice your fic, I'd probably recommend using the Pokémon category since that's the fandom that a lot of people will gravitate towards and if it's based around Digimon, use that tag. You could also post the fic on Achieves of our Own as that site does allow multiple fandom tags.
Dakota Brudar: For now I'm sticking to the four move standard. I'll open up the move pools in future arcs when more Pokémon are introduced, but even then I'm probably going to keep it close to four because I have to keep track of every new power/tool in these kids' arsenal.
Gundam-Knight-Chris: In my defense, I find Snorlax's colors tend to change depending on the depiction. Sometimes they're a deep green, sometimes they look bluer with a dash of green mixed in. I just went along with the description on Bulbapedia.
Legoguy67: My favorite attribute? I'm assuming you mean family/field. I'd have to go with Dragon's Roar. I absolutely love dragons and dinosaurs! But if you're talking about the vaccine, data, virus triangle I'm going with vaccine because I like their designs. How about you?
The One Who Reads and Writes: I thought these were going to be short chapters too (sheds a tear).
I suppose it's not much of a spoiler at this point. Articuno's place in the team comes from two places. One, Lapras's spot on the time was originally held by an Espeon in the old gen 2 games. So, while Lapras has held that spot since the remakes, I thought it would be fun to switch things up and change the Pokémon in that slot again. As for why it's Articuno, that's a reference to Pokémon Masters EX where there was an event where the three main characters from Kanto, Red, Blue, and Leaf, were paired up with the legendary birds. Red got Articuno. My choice was also helped by Articuno's high ranking on my personal favorite Pokémon list.
In this story, Yggdrasil was aware of the Pokémon world as well as other worlds in the multiverse before the Digital World was even made.
Interesting idea, allowing the Pokémon to be able to visit each other's artificial environments within the PC. I may have to implement that in some way in the distant future.
I might do something along the lines of upgrading Pikachu's Thundershock into Thunderbolt, but for the most part I'm going stick with four move pool. Don't worry too much about versatility, there will be plenty of versatility from Arc 2 onward.
As of now I don't have any plans to implement Terastal or Mega evolution (aside from the normal Digimon megas) for Digimon. Z-moves can be used by both Pokémon and Digimon so long as a Digimon has attacks or properties that match up with the Z move in question. Example, Greymon can breathe fire which would make him compatible with Inferno Overdrive (granted Nova Blast is already an Inferno Overdrive). He also has a dinosaur body and is a member of the Dragon's Roar field so he could also use Devastating Drake.
I would not use Dynamax on a Digimon…in a manner which would be beneficial to the heroes.
Don't expect too much out of chapter 5, it's just going to be an epilogue. If anything it's going to be a bit more like one of the interludes.
This is my first fanfiction. I used to write a bunch of short stories in high school. I then permanently deleted them because they were awful.
Thank you for reading! Don't be afraid to leave a comment or ask questions (won't guarantee I'll give a straight answer). God loves you and so do I!
Digimon Introduced
Renamon X: Rookie, Data, Beast Man
Kyukimon: Ultimate, Virus, Mysterious Beast
Next Time: The battle concludes and Team Greymon gets a peek into the past while Team Garurumon learn about aura.