[Unknown Location, Eight Months Ago…]
Pain. A four-letter word that carried so much meaning behind it. Pain was what drove his despair. Pain drove him to seek answers. Pain drove him into manipulating, and ultimately betraying those who cared for him. Yes, it was pain drove his actions…
And it was that same pain that saved his life.
"…Rasen…mon…" Milo's burning chest allowed him to heave as he regained consciousness. "…Rasenmon…where are you…?" his sore eyes peered open, and the white ceiling stared back. He felt weightless, and numb all over, covered in bruises and scrapes, unable to move his limbs. He was convinced something was broken—or at least fractured, but since everything hurt it was hard to determine what.
"Am…am I dead…?" He questioned in his daze.
"No, you're not." A voice echoed. It took a moment to register, but when it did, Milo felt a spike of energy course through him. He couldn't believe the source of the voice, which made him believe that this was a dream. It provided enough motivation to move his pain-stricken body upward.
"Ma…son?" He tried to look around. Turning behind him he gasped upon seeing Rasenmon strung up upon nothing, along with a massive mechanical being hovering across from it, vine-like tendrils pouring out from the opening slits on its upper half and bottom.
"Rasen—ahhhh!" It hurt to scream. "Rasen…mon…!"
"I'd encourage you to remain quiet, Milo." The voice said again. Milo turned and saw his older brother walking beside him. Mason remained focused on Rasenmon and the mysterious machine being, and Milo was powerless to do much past that but watch himself.
"What is that thing?" He questioned out loud.
"King Drasil, Sovereign of the Zenith District." Mason answered.
Milo took a moment to process that. "Sovereign of the…what? Then…are we—?"
Rasenmon's agonized roar shook Milo's senses, knocking off his train of thought. Milo watched as purple binary code was aggressively ripped out of Rasenmon, to the boy's horror.
"Rasenmon no!" Milo cried.
"Silence!" Mason snapped, triggering tears from Milo.
"Please Mason…!" He turned to him. "I never ask anything from you so please stop it! Don't let that thing kill my only friend!"
"Like you killed our mother?" Mason side-eyed Milo.
Those five words sapped the little bit of life left in Milo. Mason walked towards the pair in the distance while Milo grew silent, his body relaxing as he laid on the white floor, his senses blocking out Rasenmon's cries.
That's right. He killed his mother. He killed Barry. Kaden, Nico, Riley, Sierra…are they dead too?
…he went that far, didn't he? All to know the fate of a girl that never knew he existed…
Mason came back to Milo and knelt. He then placed down an egg roughly the size of a watermelon, yellowish-grey stripes going diagonally around it. He remained knelt until Milo finally took note of the mysterious egg.
"Drasil has spoken," Mason stated.
Milo was too fixated on the egg to listen.
"You are a threat to the Zenith," Mason explained. "As such, you and your partner will instead be agents of the Zenith."
"Agents…? My…partner and I?"
A pair of cards materialized before Milo; a purple one, resembling Rasenmon, and a yellow card, resembling a purified version of Rasenmon. The former one was labeled "Rasenmon: Fury Mode," whereas the yellow one was labeled "Rasenmon."
And then the placed egg cracked before Milo and tilted back. The top of the shell popped off, and a furry grey and yellow ball rolled out. After a few seconds of going in a circle, it produced limbs, resembling more of a hamster-like creature, the yellow coloring revealing to be tiny spikes towards its backside. Its baby-blue eyes glistened as they met Milo's for the first time and the pair stared at one another for a long moment.
"I…Ra…senmon?" Milo uttered, not knowing what to make of the situation.
The digimon smiled. "Pusurimon!"
"Pu…surimon?"
"Pu-su-ri-mon!"
"Pusurimon?"
The digimon smiled and nodded, before jumping towards Milo. "Milo!"
Milo reactively caught the digimon, ignoring the aches for the sudden warmth that filled his chest. Purring in to his chest, Pusurimon was soft like a pillow. Milo grew emotional and hugged the digimon. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry for what I've done to you…!"
Pusurimon ignored his sorrow and nuzzled in Milo's arms, enjoying the emotional doting as the purring got louder.
The mysterious lifeform known as King Drasil shifted towards Milo and Mason, the latter rising before it. "With this acquired asset, the Zenith becomes one step closer to eradicating the Nadir District and all who oppose it…"
"I shall await Noah's further instructions about the conflict going forward, Mason took a bow. He looked over to the emotional Milo. "We will talk more this evening."
Milo looked to his brother and saw the hardened look on his face.
"Don't waste the blessing the Zenith bestowed upon you," Mason sternly instructed. "Both Earth and Omnia will rely on your cooperation."
Milo didn't know what to say. After everything that he did, how was he not being punished…? Unless…
…this role he's been given is the true punishment.
Chapter 3: Agent of the Zenith
[South Ferry, NYC, Present Day…]
The train ride back to the ferry terminal, Milo was in deep thought. He knew it was going to be hard to tell Kaden the reality of his situation, but what he didn't anticipate was the look of guilt on his face after learning the truth. Was his guilt truly that heavy? Why hasn't he tried to do anything about it? Has he tried to do anything about it?
"I guess you could say I'm a bit lost, or in a rut or something."
Right… he's tried. And nothing came out of it, so he gave up trying…and as usual Milo felt as if he made it worst. It makes him wonder if he'll get a chance to make things right before they stay wrong permanently.
"Wow that boat over there! It's so…orange!"
Milo snapped out of his deep thought, recognizing the light-hearted voice.
"Pfft. You sound like such a kid Blanc."
And that voice too.
"Hey!"
"Let her be excited Jesse," The third voice told the second. "There's no telling when we'll get a chance to ride one of these boats in the future."
"We have to come back on this side, don't we?"
Milo pushed through the crowd to get to the voices nearby. When he reached them, he saw a group of familiar young people—specifically Ivan and Jesse, the participants of the Exhibition Match that past weekend, and their companions, Blanc, Ciel, and Garretson.
"Mr. Morris?" Milo took note of Ivan, who turned around upon hearing his surname.
"Milo!" Ivan exclaimed. "Dude it's been a while how are you?"
Milo gave a small smile and joined the group. "Not too bad, I'm just heading back from school. What are you guys doing here? I heard you were participating in the Exhibition Match but… you guys are still here?"
"Mhmm," Ciel replied, pushing her long, navy hair behind her ear. "We're taking a bit of a vacation. We've arrived on Friday, and we'll be hanging around until just before the tournament begins."
"Cool." Milo acknowledged.
"So, until then, we're playing tourist as you can see." Ivan smiled.
Milo laughed half-heartedly, "Yeah, it doesn't take much."
"Is there something on your mind?" Garretson took note.
"Huh? Me?" Milo asked.
Garretson nodded. "I can sense that you're uneasy about something.
Sense? Right, Garretson's blind. One would think that his Shell would've given him some ability to see. Maybe he just prefers it like this?
"Well…I just was with Kaden and…he didn't take the news of me moving to Cisco City well."
"Oh, so you're making the trek, are you?" Ivan deduced. "As a Riverbed native, certified neighbor of Cisco Citians, I can give you the tour when you make it out there."
Milo chuckled, "If I have the time to, sure."
It was then the wide sliding doors were unhinged as the ferry personnel on the other side unlocked and began to slide them open for the awaiting passengers. Afterward the loud speaker came alive.
ATTENTION PASSENGERS! THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY IS NOW DEPARTING SLIP #5 DOOR 2. PASSENGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ALL OF THEIR BELONGINGS WITH THEM AS THEY BOARD THE FERRY. ONCE AGAIN, THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY IS NOW DEPARTING, SLIP #5 DOOR 2.
"Wow, this is exciting!" A cheerful voice came from Ivan's D-Streamer. Materializing on his shoulder was a lion-like digimon in cyan blue armor known as Spadamon. "Veemon once told me about NYC's ferry boats and the different stuff you can see from it!"
"Veemon…?" Milo took note as the crowd slowly marched onto the boat. "Is he…not with Kaden?"
"You didn't know?" Ivan asked. "Yeah, in the aftermath of everything Kaden and Veemon broke up basically.
"Wait seriously?" Milo was surprised to hear this. "I remember the rumors about his retiring and all, and there was…the virtual learning…"
"Kaden was in Riverbed trying to recover from his experience within Ordinemon," Ciel explained. "According to the therapists, he witnessed a timeline of events beginning from Raelyn's mind becoming fragmented, to Riley and Sylvia's relationship with one another."
PTSD? It 'd explain why he cut everyone off…they must've been reminders of that day.
"You look like you want to do something with that information," Jesse noted as the group found an area on the boat to sit at.
Milo took a second to answer that. "I…I don't think there's anything I can do to fix him—not yet at least. Besides, who's to say I'm not cracked all over myself?"
"Are you?" Ciel inquired.
Milo scoffed a little, "I mean, I've gotten better. But every now and again I think about my mom and... yeah."
"Our condolences," Garretson said. "Your brother explained the situation to us not too long ago, about how the manipulation of the Nadir District resulted in her getting caught in the crossfires."
"It wasn't the Nadir District that killed her, it was my carelessness." Milo clarified.
"Her death is as much of your fault as is the other casualties being on our hands," Jesse insisted. "All fingers point back at the Nadir district. But even then, the Zenith District manipulated them, so who's to say whose fault it really is?"
Ciel jabbed his side. "The point I think he's trying to make is this: don't beat yourself up over the things in the past. Let your wounds heal, and then move forward. Don't rush the process either."
"That's one of the reasons why my sister and I decided to move to Cisco City, for a fresh start and to be closer to Mason."
While listening to the conversation, Blanc reached into her paper bag to retrieve a cookie the group bought at a bakery on the way to the ferry. She felt around the bottom of the bag before looking down. "Ah!"
Startled the group looked over to her.
"What's up?" Ivan asked.
"Okay, which one of you stole my big cookie?!" she stared daggers at everyone.
The remaining group looked at one another. Milo, feeling oblivious commented, "I…didn't know Shells could eat."
Ivan and Jesse side-eyed him, implying to him to keep shut for the moment.
Blanc focused on the three of them. "Alright, which one of you did it?"
"It wasn't me!" Jesse looked to Ciel who likewise was staring daggers at him. Jesse was fearful of a seldom few and Ciel was high on that list. He wouldn't dare cross her unless the world was at stake.
Blanc turned to Ivan.
"Nope! Cross my heart, hope to die!" Ivan exclaimed.
Hearing that made Milo chuckle, "people still say that?"
"Speaking of crosses…" Garretson began. "Milo, you frequent Babylon, correct?"
"Does this have anything to do with my cookie?"
"The boys will buy you more cookies when we get to Staten Island. Right…?" Ciel glared, to which the pair nodded obediently.
"Um, yeah, I use Babylon when I have time usually. Why?"
"I'm curious to see if you've heard anything as of recent." Garretson said. "We've been getting reports of some users using oddly enhanced Digimon appearing in Babylon battles."
"…X-Antibody Digimon?" Milo blinked, that being the first thing to come to mind. "Shouldn't they be in AEGIS' possession along with the refugee Digimon that were evacuated from Omnia?"
"Indeed. The X-Antibody Digimon, under Alphamon's command, were to be repurposed to be used by AEGIS." Garretson explained. "For now, it's just speculation and rumors, but in the event that you do come across something of the sort, let a moderator know. Or if its faster, reach out to Ivan or one of us. The X-Antibody Digimon were also victims of Ordinemon, and they too may've suffered some unknown side effects.
"I understand." Milo nodded.
Unbeknownst to them, a miniature projection of Shoutmon, who sat on a windowsill several rows away smirked after focusing on their conversation. Looking to the human next to him, the Digimon climbed their shoulder as they got up and made their way to the front of the boat, walking past the group in the process…
[Cyber City Babylon, later that evening…]
Cyber City Babylon was arguably the first of its kind. A social Hubspace created by SAIBA Enterprise half a decade after the Beta Test for the card game itself, it laid the groundwork for other gaming corporations to try their hand in a virtual space, highlighting the progression of virtual and augmented technology during the mid-21st century. Before the discovery of Omnia, SAIBA Enterprise used the digimon to appeal to a younger audience of users whose parents would otherwise be skeptical. Fortunately for them, the Digimon were a hit, and in turn a media franchise was born that took the world by storm.
Omnia—after its accidental discovery within the out-of-bound regions of Babylon—quickly became the more popular Hubspace, namely for their immersive RPG elements, between the various distinct districts, the ability to affiliate yourself with said districts based on color, and the heavy lore tied with the world. Ironically, for many users, naïve to the reality that Omnia was in fact a parallel world onto itself, it became the superior way to experience the world of Digimon as a whole. However, due to the "shutdown" of Omnia, and collapse of STREAM Corp-the lead company overseeing Omnia's development—many users quickly migrated back to Babylon to get their fix of virtual battling. This resurgence of usership allowed Babylon to embrace a renaissance in the months following, with in-game events, such as mini tournaments and roleplay events. Those who grew to love being part of factions opted to develop their own clans and factions, some gaining notoriety in Babylon's ranked PVP events.
"RizeGreymon, transcend and become the Rising Dragon of X!" Milo exclaimed, swiping the card over his device. In turn, his RizeGreymon roared as red and yellow Binary code reformed its armored body into a more aggressive, supped-up variation of itself, known as RizeGreymon X-Antibody.
Milo, while not associating with a faction, has used this time to get stronger. His experiences in Omnia forced him to grow, and with that growth, came reshaping. In a way, Babylon became his escape; a place where he was free of his worry, doubt and guilt. A place where the only thing that mattered was getting stronger, wiser and above all resolute.
"Direct Attack!" He ordered a Digimon known as Falcomon heeding the command to tackle his opponent, thus winning the game.
Milo exhaled as his Digimon vanished back into his device. "Good game."
His disgruntled opponent rose and dusted himself off. "Yeah, sure it was."
Milo was caught off guard by his opponent's attitude.
"Should've looked up your stats before battling you." His opponent continued. "You people with those X-Antibody Digimon just pop up out of the woodworks, dontcha?
"I'm sorry?"
The man scoffed and turned his back. "Whatever." He then logged out, leaving Milo lost and confused. Once the man was clearly gone from the area, his demeanor shifted.
"That makes four…" Milo thought to himself. "Any ideas Herissmon?"
Herissmon materialized before Milo, a full body version of the hedgehog digimon turning to face him. "I'm afraid that I can't come up with anything either."
"But if anything, that does confirm that the X-Antibody Digimon are roaming around somewhere." Milo said. The began to walk on the cybernetic street, taking a shortcut through an alleyway to get into the more bustling metro area. As they mixed into the crowd of users and digimon alike, they continued their conversation.
"Let's recap what Garretson and the others told us," Milo said. "Due to the dangers of the X-Antibody Digimon, it was agreed that they wouldn't be mass produced and they would remain as a tool for AEGIS to have control over, under Alphamon's guidance."
"That's right," Herissmon agreed. "And unless AEGIS agents are being authorized to test their synchronizations here in Babylon, which is dangerous in their own right, the public should have no knowledge of them."
"But they do. Based on the rumors, I especially made sure I used RizeGreymon X more frequently these last few matches. Granted there's a chance that it's my fault the rumors started in the first place, but it seems like this has been going on longer than we thought.
"Then may I suggest that for the time being, you remove RizeGreymon X from your deck? If it's going to cause this much conflict to the Babylonian public, then for safety reasons it may be best."
Milo stopped and Herissmon turned. He continued, "I understand that per your brother's request you were allowed to keep yours due to safety concerns, but I believe that with the situation as is, we can forgo this deci—!"
Milo raised a finger to his lips. "We're being followed…"
Herissmon became alert. The pair continued to walk before slipping into another alleyway and taking off. Using Babylon's user features, Milo grabbed onto Herissmon and jumped, gravity submitting to him as he glided upward and onto an adjacent rooftop. From there he continued his sprint, both he and his partner jumping from building to building, the goal being Central Park in the heart of Babylon. One would argue the Digi-Citadel would be a more ideal location, given the fact it's the main location of the Babylon Moderators, but if rumors of the X-Antibody digimon circulate, there's no telling what would come out of it if its revealed that he has one.
Coming up to the edge of the building overlooking the fountain area of the part, Milo looked around and saw that things were clear…
Which meant that his pursuer was still around.
"We're alone now. Best come out before I report you to the mods for stalking." Milo called out.
The sound of laughter and clapping took Milo's attention for a moment, and he turned, finding a young man sitting on the ledge behind him. As he turned and stood, it was clear that he was tall. He had short brown hair, wore green headphones around his neck, along with a red t-shirt with a white X going across, olive cargo pants with straps hanging on the sides and green and white sneakers that matched the headphones. The young man smirked, "Didn't take long to find you at all, 'Mr. Rise-of-X.' Then again, I was the dumb fish who took the obvious bait."
Milo grew cautious. "Who are you?"
"Really? I would've thought me calling you that would've implied something. Whatever." He skipped forward. "The name's Shane." He got up to Milo's ear and leaned in. But you can call me the 'Shout of X.'"
Milo side-eyed him. "I'd rather not."
Shane patted him on the shoulder and broke off. "You don't seem too surprised. What, not in the mood for banter?"
"Not when you claim to be an X-Streamer." Milo shot. "I'm assuming you've been watching me?"
"Bro, who hasn't? Babylon's been buzzing, especially about the one kid with the supped up RizeGreymon with the railgun for an arm. You mean to tell me you don't fit that description?"
"Funny, because I've been hearing the opposite. Rumors of users roaming Babylon with X-Antibody Digimon. Know anything about that, or are you just an impersonator looking for quick clout?"
"Impersonator?" Shane pressed a button on his device, causing a card to materialize. He took it and revealed it. "Tell me, does this look fake?"
Milo looked at the card and his gaze narrowed. The card depicted OmniShoutmon, a tall golden Dragonkin digimon, though this variation—like most X-Antibody variants—was sharp and angular in design, flame swirled around its body coming from the palms of its metallic hands.
"Are you with AEGIS?" Milo asked, going with the logical conclusion.
"I am." Shane confirmed.
"And I take it that you're not the only X-Streamer in Babylon roaming around, right?"
"That's neither here nor there."
"And you knew that I was baiting you to come out of hiding."
"Wanna take a crack at why?"
Milo snickered.
"Bingo! Because you were my target. So, play nice and answer some questions for me, will you?"
Milo's suspicions still carried on. "I have the right to refuse."
Shane groaned. "Okay kid don't make this any harder than it needs to be. Either answer my questions, or I'll take RizeGreymon X off your hands with a method of my choosing."
"Is that a threat?" Milo asked, maintaining his defensive gaze. "Because if it is, I can either report you to Captain Garretson, or do this with a method of my choosing."
Shane took note of the look in Milo's eyes, the sharp gaze cutting through him. He smirked and backed away from Milo, far enough so reasonable distance was put between them. "Alright, no need to get the bigwigs involved. We're both mature tamers, I believe that we can settle this on our own." Shane raised his arm, crimson D-Streamer flashing. "Agreed?"
Milo took on his challenge, his D-Streamer flashing in the artificial sun. "Bring it on!"
DIGI-GATE: OPEN!
"And let the show begin! I'll start by hatching DemiMeramon!" Shane revealed a sentient fireball digimon with bright blue eyes and a mischievous demeanor.
DemiMeramon (BT6-001)
Color: Red
Level: 2
"Next up, DemiMeramon will digivolve into Agumon, and then afterward I'll play Shoutmon from my hand."
After being showered by red binary code, DemiMeramon reformed into Agumon, the dinosaur digimon gripping its claws in eagerness. Meanwhile Shoutmon materialized within Shane's Battle Area, staking its mic into the ground.
Agumon (ST7-02)
Color: Red
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Shoutmon (BT5-009)
Color: Red
Level: 3
DP: 1000
MEMORY
0-3
"When Shoutmon hits the Battle Area, the top 5 cards of my deck get revealed. I take one Digimon with 'Shoutmon' in its name, and one digimon with the Blitz ability, and add both to my hand, whereas the rest go to the bottom of the deck.
Shoutmon sung into its mic and music notes materialized above its head. Each note transformed into a revealed card, the cards being: OmniShoutmon X, Rowdy Rocker, Solarmon, ZeigGreymon, and Asuramon. "I'll snag OmniShoutmon X and ZeigGreymon."
Milo waited for him to take the cards before he proceeded with his turn. If he was using digimon with Blitz, that told him that the deck was hyper aggressive, and from what he knew of OmniShoutmon X, not only did it have blitz, but it had the ability to attack unsuspended Digimon if it either had its normal counterpart or the X-Antibody Option underneath.
Turn Change
Turn 2: Milo
After drawing, he went into action. "I hatch Pusurimon, and then digivolve it into Herissmon!"
Herissmon, a white and grey furred hedgehog digimon with yellow spike-like hair going down its back. It also sported ruby red claws on its paws.
Herissmon (BT7-031)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Next, I play Falcomon and Tinkermon." Milo swiped, summoning a brown bipedal falcon digimon with a green vest, as well as a blonde fairy digimon in a green top and skirt wielding a red staff.
Falcomon (BT4-036)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 5000
Tinkermon (BT10-030)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
3-1
1-2
"When Tinkermon enters play, one of your Digimon get Security Attack -1 for the turn." Milo stated, pointing to Shoutmon. Tinkermon then twirled her staff and lunged, swinging her staff and catching Shoutmon on the side of its snout. Shoutmon growled and became eager to snap back, but instead it fell to a knee.
Turn Change
Turn 3: Shane
"That's no big," Shane said as he drew. "Not like I was planning on attacking just yet anyway. Agumon moves forward and then digivolve into Greymon, and Shoutmon Warp Digivolves into OmniShoutmon for a cost of 4!"
Milo was taken aback as Shoutmon grinned. Red binary came upon the pair and they subsequently digivolved, Agumon into Greymon, and Shoutmon into a tall, golden almost cyborg-like version of itself.
Greymon (ST1-07)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 4000
OmniShoutmon (BT5-014)
Color: Red
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
2-0
0-4 (Turn Change)
Turn 4: Milo
"So? Think you can keep up with me?" Shane crossed his arms.
Milo furrowed his brow. "You say that, and yet you already made a huge mistake on your part. Herissmon moves into the Battle Area and digivolves into Filmon."
Herissmon embraced the stream of yellow binary code and transformed into a more humanoid variation of it, its yellow spiky hair becoming a bit of a pony tail, and its spikes extending from its shoulders and feet. It's limbs grew bigger and angled, and it gained bandages on its paws as well.
Filmon (BT7-034)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
4-2
Before Shane could question Milo's statement, the latter continued. "Next, I'll activate Filmon's Digi-Burst, and I'll give –2 Security Attack to OmniShoutmon." Milo said with Filmon following up with a leap and then midair spin. Filmon spun rapidly, stirring up a tornado around itself, of which yellow silhouettes of Herissmon and Pusurimon emerged from the eye and rushed OmniShoutmon, the latter feeling a paralyzing effect that stiffened it after each tackle.
"Herissmon's IE effect: When Herissmon is used for a Digi-Burst, it returns to my hand instead of the trash. Meanwhile Pusurimon deals –1000 DP to your Digimon. OmniShoutmon will receive that as well."
OmniShoutmon: 7000-6000
"Tinkermon will then digivolve into Aquilamon!" Milo said, as red binary surrounded the fairy digimon. Tinkermon then converted into a large red eagle digimon with curved horns and red and white feathers on the ends of its wings.
Aquilamon (BT8-010)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
2-0
"Since I have a yellow Level 4 and a red Level 4, they'll now DNA Digivolve into Silphymon!"
Shane had a bad feeling as the pair of digimon dispersed into binary, the code rising up and intertwining into a helix pattern before reforming into the feathered beast humanoid digimon.
Silphymon (BT8-015)
Color: Red/Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 8000
"Figure out how you messed up yet?" Milo asked.
"Care to enlighten me?"
"The one fatal mistake you make is one that all X-Streamers learn from the very beginning," Milo held one finger up. "If an X-Antibody Digimon's main strength resides in digivolving into its normal counterpart, then the logical thing to do is not make it vulnerable to your opponent."
"And all you've done is take away my Security Attack," Shane argued. "Its not like you can attack it."
"I don't need to, to get rid of it." Milo cast his hand out. "Silphymon's effect when digivolving gives one of your Digimon -5000 DP!"
Shane's eyes widened as Silphymon lunged towards Omnishoutmon and sweep kicked it. As the taller digimon fell back, Silphymon twisted and swung its leg over it to slam it into the ground, the victim letting out a sharp groan from the impact.
OmniShoutmon: 6000-1000
"No way…!" Shane uttered, his blood running colder as Silphymon pinned OmniShoutmon with its foot, charging a red ball of energy in its free hand.
"Also," Milo said, tone turning colder. "If Silphymon digivolved through a DNA Digivolution, then it deletes one of your Digimon with 5000 DP or less.
Silphymon raised its arm, but before bringing it down, it turned to Greymon and chucked the energy ball in its direction, lighting up the dinosaur digimon with a mere 4000 DP. Shane's throat tightened, his eyes darting to his former Greymon and then at Milo.
"Silphymon, Security Attack."
Silphymon slid its foot underneath OmniShoutmon, lobbed it and kicked it across the field. As it soared back to Shane, who reactively jumped back, it charged another red ball of energy with both hands, pulled back, and thrusted forward to fire it. OmniShoutmon and the ball of energy exploded before Shane, taking out the Growlmon who was behind his Security.
Shane
Security: 5-4
As Shane began to process everything that happened, a screech from Falcomon startled him, the Digimon appearing within the smoke of the explosion. Just like that, another Security was taken out.
Shane
Security: 4-3
"Security Trigger!" Shane managed to find some wiggle room, summoning Tai Kamiya, a Tamer with brown hair, blue goggles, matching t-shirt and sneakers and brown shorts.
Tai Kamiya (BT1-085)
Color: Red
Milo exhaled through his nose softly. "I end my turn."
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 5: Shane
Hearing that took Shane aback. He stared at Milo for a good second until the latter said something.
"Did you catch that? I said I ended."
"Oh, I heard you." Shane said, sounding growingly agitated. "I hatch DemiMeramon, and it'll Digivolve into Agumon, Greymon and then OmniShoutmon to end my turn."
In a matter of seconds, OmniShoutmon was back in the game, sitting idle in the Raising Area, and mimicking the glare imprinted on Shane's face.
MEMORY
3-1
1-2 (Turn Change)
Turn 6: Milo
Milo drew. "I hatch Pusurimon and digivolve it into Pulsemon."
In Milo's Raising Area came a yellow beastkin digimon, with a very mascot-like design. Lightning bolt-themed, the small Digimon's notable feature was the sneaker-like feet it had.
Pulsemon (BT10-031)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Silphymon, Security Attack!" Milo commanded. Once more Silphymon conjured up another energy ball and fired, knowing out the 3rd Security on Shane's side.
Shane
Security: 3-2
As Falcomon got ready to launch, Shane's Security reacted, and a flaming X came barreling towards Falcomon to Milo's surprise. It made contact, and Falcomon dispersed.
"Security Trigger: Flare Rock Soul. One of your Digimon with 5000 DP or less is deleted." Shane flashed the card before it fizzled into the trash.
"Minor setback." Milo said swiping a card from his hand. "I'll end by playing Bulkmon."
Materializing was a mature, draconic variation of the Pulsemon in the Raising Area, this variation, tall and very muscular, electricity leaping from its biceps. There was more of a neon-green coloring in its design, and the "sneakers" that were once on its feet, were now swapped with leather gloves on its fists and a face mask that covered its upper face.
Bulkmon (BT6-037)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
2-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 7: Shane
Shane drew and moved OmniShoutmon forward. "Brace yourself kid," he glared hard. "Because I'm about to show you why you should've cooperated from the start."
"Save it," Milo stood his ground. "Your intimidation tactic is amateurish at best. Besides, if you were really apart of AEGIS, you'd know that having an X-Antibody Digimon in the public poses a risk.
"So, then what's your excuse?" Shane clapped back. "Or could it be that you get special privileges because of who your brother is?"
Milo hesitated. Shane grinned, realizing he was onto something. "Oh, that's rich. I thought I was hearing things, but that's crazy!"
"Are…you really a part of AEGIS?"
"About as much as you are." Shane's enthusiasm shrunk after that. "OmniShoutmon, raise your voice and becoming the Shouting X!"
A torrent of red binary erupted around OmniShoutmon, the Digimon roaring from the infusion of data.
"X-Digivolve into OmniShoutmon X-Antibody!"
The rush of energy exploded, causing Milo and his Digimon to shield themselves reactively. As the spectacle began to die down, OmniShoutmon X took center stage, the enhanced Digimon standing with a clear commanding presence.
OmniShoutmon (X Antibody)
Color: Red
Level: 5
DP: 8000
"You're not as smart as you like to think of yourself as." Shane stated. "As a matter of fact, you're so much like him. Stuck up, superior, manipulative…knowing what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to, to get the results you want."
Milo could tell something was off with Shane all of the sudden. The fact that he said he was "about as much a part of AEGIS as he was," was unsettling. If that's the case, then how in the world did he get OmniShoutmon X? Unless…
"Do…you know someone who was a former X-Streamer?"
"I have a right to refuse to answer that." Shane threw it back at him.
"…look, whatever you have against me—!"
"'Against you?' I couldn't care less about you."
"Yeah, I figured as much." Milo confirmed his theory.
"Enough talk. I'm thinking, if I beat you hard enough, that that scum of the earth you call a brother will come running to your aid, right?" Shane flashed Flame Memory Boost and played it.
MEMORY
3-0
"OmniShoutmon X gains Security Attack +1!" Shane said as flames spiraled around OmniShoutmon X. "In addition, OmniShoutmon in its sources gives OmniShoutmon X Security Attack +1 since it has Blitz. Greymon grants Security Attack+1 and Tai gives all of my red digimon with 4 or more sources Security Attack +1!"
Milo's eyes widened. "Wait then…"
"That original OmniShoutmon was bait for you to expose your strategy to me. And now that you exhausted yourself, I can use one attack to cause devastating damage to you." Shane pointed to Milo as OmniShoutmon X began to conjure flames into its hands, similar to Silphymon. With each addition of Security attack, the flames grew more intense until it was a sun-like construct. OmniShoutmon X rose from the ground, and Milo braced himself for what was to come.
"Are you watching, Mason Ward…?" Shane uttered to himself. "This is for Abby!"
"Here it comes!" Milo exclaimed.
"ZEAL MAGNUM!"
Upon hearing the command, OmniShoutmon unleashed the massive amount of energy down on Milo, the latter's vision turning bright red orange from the attack. The heat was overwhelming, but thanks to his Security, they all lined up to repel the attack.
"Oh, and before I forget," Shane began to shout, "Agumon and DemiMeramon give OmniShoutmon X +3000 for attacking you directly!"
OmniShoutmon (X Antibody): 8000-11,000 DP
Stefilmon, Herissmon and Silphymon emerged and were vaporized by the attack. The following Security posed a level of resistance in Sunrise Buster, to which Milo played T.K. Takaishi from its effect.
TK Takaishi (BT1-087)
Color: Yellow
Despite the roaring flames, Milo attempted to explain the effect, "When T.K. is played…I can look at my Security and take a card from among them…if it's a yellow card taken, then I can recover it.
With one card remaining, Milo took and looked at it. Seeing a glimmer of hope he revealed the card. "I add Rasenmon to my hand, and then recover 1! In addition, Sunrise Buster -3000 DP from your Digimon for each red and yellow Tamer I have!
The ensuing blast from security pierced through the insane blast, striking one of OmniShoutmon's claws.
OmniShoutmon X Antibody: 11,000-8000 DP
Still in the middle of its attack, OmniShoutmon X refused to relent, focusing the remainder of its attack into its one working hand. Despite Milo's attempt, his final Security melted, and the blast knocked Milo onto his back.
OmniShoutmon X's arms fell limp as it returned back to Shane. As the smoke cleared, RizeGreymon stood, holding its revolver out towards Shane and OmniShoutmon X. However, the mere 1000 DP difference between them left RizeGreymon lifeless, the dragon cyborg crumbling into binary before hitting the ground.
Milo
Security: 5-0
Milo took a moment to reflect on the situation. Shane wasn't an X-Streamer, but he definitely had some relations to one. And the reason why they're fighting…is because of Mason's role in all of this.
Oh, the irony.
Milo stood after having his senses rocked by that last attack. Fortunately, the virtual bodies in Babylon aren't too dissimilar to the Saibatar personas they got in Babylon, so he recovered fairly quickly, despite some soreness and warm spots. "Y'know what's crazy about this whole thing?"
"What?" Shane asked.
"I can empathize with you. Honestly."
"I don't need it. What I do need is for Mason Ward to show his face, and answer for what he put her through! OmniShoutmon X, Digivolve into Ultimate Golden Crusader: Shoutmon DX!"
Shane swiped the card and OmniShoutmon X rose as the embers and binary encircled around it and built on it, transforming its slim body into a hulking mecha-like variation of itself, with golden bits synonymous with a Greymon-esque digimon, on its claws, feet, collar and staff.
Shoutmon DX (BT5-019)
Color: Red
Level: 6
DP: 12,000-9000
MEMORY
0-4
"Shoutmon DX's effect allows me to add ZeigGreymon into its sources from my hand. Then, for each OmniShoutmon and ZeigGreymon in its sources, one of your Digimon with 5000 DP or less is deleted." He pointed to Bulkmon. "Die."
Shoutmon DX raised its staff and slashed the air, sending flaming waves of fire that sliced through Bulkmon and wiped it out, leaving Silphymon alone in the Battle Area.
Turn Change
Turn 8: Milo
"Now's your chance to call out to your brother," Shane stated. "Otherwise, I'll find other ways to get him to meet me."
Milo, who understood quickly that Shane didn't care for talking things out drew. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but he's not going to come and save me."
Shane was taken aback. "Why not?!"
"Because he's busy with AEGIS, prepping for a real threat."
Shane's eye twitched. "You little…do the lives of the X-Streamers mean nothing to you people?! After what you put them through?!"
"They do." Milo shut him up. "More than you care to understand." He moved Pulsemon forward. "Silphymon, bear the pain and anguish of my past, and transform it into a weapon to protect the future! Digivolve into Rasenmon Fury Mode!"
Shane watched as Silphymon was doused with purple binary code, growing feral where it stood. As the binary continued to infuse into it, it grew increasingly aggressive and one pained roar triggered its monstrous transformation. In seconds, Rasenmon: Fury Mode stood in its place, a corrupted beast with spiral spikes covering its body, multiple tails whipping indiscrimately, slamming the ground one after the other.
Rasenmon: Fury Mode (BT8-081)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 13,000
MEMORY
4-1
"What in the…?!"
"You see this?" Mason pointed. "This is the pain I carry in my heart; the guilt that I bear for what happened to the X-Streamers and my friends that day; what I caused, and what I couldn't prevent! And it's this very power, that will be my weapon to take down my brother and what remains of the Zenith District!"
Shane had no response to what Milo outright stated.
"Rasenmon, attack Shoutmon DX!"
Rasenmon: Fury Mode: 13,000 DP
Shoutmon DX: 12,000
Rasenmon propelled itself into the air and flipped, lunging for Shoutmon DX like a wild beast. The latter blocked with its staff, and the pair clashed with one another their display reminiscent of a Kaiju battle amongst the skyscrapers. Whether or not people below them took a moment to watch the brief spectacle was irrelevant. All Milo wanted to prove to Shane in that moment was that whatever battle he's preparing to fight, he didn't need to do it alone—or if at all.
Rasenmon wrapped one of its tails around Shoutmon DX's staff and yanked it away, using its other tails to grab its limbs. Point blank, Rasenmon belched a tornado from its jaws that tore through Shoutmon DX's armor, until it became too unstable to hold its form. Red binary exploded from the roof top and Rasenmon jumped back and to Milo's side. Shane's ace was an afterthought, whereas Milo's was just getting started.
"After attacking, Rasenmon: Fury Mode can slide digivolve into a Rasenmon in my hand, ignoring cost and requirements!" Milo flashed the Rasenmon he gained from Security from earlier. "Now my partner, unleash your true valor and become the Spyral Savior Rasenmon!"
Milo swiped and caused Rasenmon: Fury Mode to roar, summoning yellow binary code to purify it. Rasenmon spun about in the air achieving its pure form, posing heroically in the sky where it ruled as supreme.
Rasenmon (BT7-040)
Color: Yellow
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
"That's all well and good," Shane said, recovering from his shock, "but you already attacked."
"With Fury Mode, sure, but not with him." Milo replied. "Digi-Burst!"
"No way!"
"By bursting Fury Mode, Rasenmon unsuspends, and gains +3000 DP!"
Rasenmon: 11,000-14,000 DP
"Next, I activate the Option Card: Qualialise Blast! Using the Option Card, its Memory Cost is equal to the number of Security Cards in my possession!"
Shane's eyes widened. He realized his massive attack that wiped Milo's security was about to backfire on him.
"Rasenmon gains Security Attack +1 for the turn!"
"You're kidding me right now!"
"I've been serious this whole time." Milo replied. "But if you still don't believe me, then Rasenmon, show him our power! Double Security Attack!"
Rasenmon punched both fists together, churning wind around both. Pulling its arms back, it unleashed a golden wind blast that tore through Shane's remaining Security, Shoutmon and Flame Memory Boost appearing, the former being carried away by the wind.
"Pulsemon, Direct Attack!"
Pulsemon, who patiently waited the entire time took off like a bolt of lightning, and lunged towards the defenseless Shane, headbutting his chest and sending him toppling onto his back in defeat.
WINNER: Milo
Milo walked up to Shane who was sitting up and offered his hand. Shane looked at it and smirked, taking it. "You showed me alright…"
"I'd suggest you start talking." Milo said. "You mentioned someone name 'Abby' before, correct?"
Shane shrugged, "Don't know, did I?"
Milo sighed. "Doesn't matter, I guess. Just know that I meant what I said. The remnants of the Zenith District are lingering, and I'm making it my business to wipe them out."
"More power to you then," Shane replied. "With Fido behind you and the power you're boasting, it won't be long until then I imagine."
Milo could sense the sarcasm in his words. Either he wasn't taking him seriously, or this whole fiasco was more of an act than he realized. Either way, Shane was acting very laxed about all of this.
Milo broke off and Rasenmon lowered its hands to allow him to climb aboard.
"Don't be a stranger now, Rise of X. Next time we meet, I want to see your X-Antibody in action."
"There was a reason why I didn't unleash it in our battle just now," Milo climbed onto Rasenmon's shoulder. "It wasn't necessary."
With that last comment the pair took off into the sky and launched off into the distance. Shane was left smirking, "That kid…"
"What did I tell you?" a voice came out of Shane's headphones.
Shane slid them on, turned in the opposite direction, and began walking. "Yeah, okay, I admit it. He's strong."
"Mhmm. So, what's next? Is your revenge plot still on the table or…?"
Shane scoffed, taking a seat on the edge of the rooftop. "It never started to begin with."
"Wait what? Then what was all that talk about going after Executive Ward?"
"Well yeah, that part's true, but I can't do that on my own, now can I? Besides, Abby would have my neck if she knew I just pulled the stunt I did."
"True…speaking of which, how are you feeling?"
"You really have to ask that, Lucas?" Shane asked. "Omnia's been down for months, Abby's still hasn't recovered and Vermil and the other Sovereigns are off the grid. The one lead I had just kicked my butt several ways to Sunday and I'm having a conversation with you of all people."
"Ouch." Lucas said. "Need I remind you who gave you the intel on Milo Richardson in the first place? And Abby's X-Antibody—which might I remind you if word gets out, I'm screwed?"
"Oh please, you're one of Ward's favorites, aren't you?" Shane leaned back. "I'd be more afraid of Adara."
"Ye-huh. Exactly my point. But whatever, what's the plan now?"
"Next up is prepping for the tournament. I need to get a handle on this new mechanic and find a way to talk Blue Flare into collabing."
"Ha! Good luck with that. I heard Ren Igarashi's a tough nut to crack."
"Doesn't that sound fun." Shane said, standing. "Well, then guess I'll need to introduce him to a bit of what Xros Heart has cooking up…"