A/N: Happy 4th Anniversary Digimon TCG: Cyber Drive!
"You better wise up and protect them, before they decide to protect you instead."
[Mount Sinai West, One Week Ago…]
Kaden recited those words internally as he watched Maxine run out of the hospital room. He followed her out the door and saw her cut around the corner. Her nervousness was distracting. Very unlike her. Did the storm shake her from the night before? Was it the hospital setting even? Or…
He shook the ideas out of his head, reminding himself why he was here. He looked in both directions before closing the door and taking a deep breath. "So…"
"Going forward…" Kaden heard Sierra's "Azurena Tone" as he called it. His chest grew tight, but he forced himself to turn and make eye contact. She continued, "what are you planning to do?"
With a sharp exhale to release that heavy anxiety in his chest, he took steps towards her bedside and spoke. "I'm heading to AEGIS tonight to meet with Slayerdramon."
Sierra swallowed. "I see…"
"I didn't want to believe Trevor initially, but there's no other explanation…besides, Veemon is my responsibility after all…it's my fault he's like this and I need to do something about it before anyone else gets hurt." Kaden explained. It was the long pause afterward that revealed his bubbling emotions. The guilt was getting to him, as before he couldn't bear to see Sierra in her state. Granted she looks much better than when she came in, but the fact that she even ended up in a state like this in the first place…
"Just how…?" Sierra began. "He looks exactly like you so how did that even happen?"
"No one knows yet. Regardless, I need to get strong enough to take him down before Max and the others get hurt."
Hearing the statement took Sierra aback. Kaden's tone didn't imply just doing something about the situation, but rather whatever it took.
"Will you be able to handle Slayerdramon's training?" Sierra asked. "Speaking from experience…"
"Apparently we're compatible to be synced with one another," Kaden further explained. "It if it gives me a chance to fight, then so be it."
Sierra thought about it for a bit longer and accepted the circumstance. "Then I'll do whatever I can to help you, as always."
"Please do," Kaden appreciatively replied. "Oh, and…"
"No need to apologize. We all carry the burden of this matter. In the end, there's no good or bad characters in all of this…
…only victims."
Chapter 12: Alterization
[Cyber City Babylon, Present Day…]
Mommy…I'm scared.
I'm scared…!
Someone…please…
Help me…someone!
…I swear, whatever it takes, I'll have your back always, okay?
I'll always be there, like a knight in shining armor…
Maxine groaned as she regained consciousness. Zero and ones came and faded in her peripheral, as fuzzy vision cleared in her purview. The floor she laid on felt cold and solid, digital pebbles digging into her sides as she squirmed a bit.
"Where…am I?" she uttered, unaware that she wasn't alone.
"A site where in worlds beyond, was a site where past grievances came to a head…" Kaden's voice spoke, pulling Maxine's consciousness to the forefront.
"Kaden?!" she leapt up, only to freeze up, seeing not her cousin, but the one who claimed to be him. She began to quiver, steadily remembering everything that led up to this point. She wanted to be angry, but her body reacted differently. In her heart, she was terrified, like frightened prey against a predator.
"This is a site where lives were changed—the site of fate's ground zero." Veemon turned. "Here's hoping the Cobalt Knight in shining armor responds to this lure of mine."
"Cobalt Knight…?" Maxine questioned. "Just who are you exactly?!"
"You were never interested in meeting," Veemon explained. "But let's just say that I was Kaden's former partner."
"Former Partner? Wait, so…you're a…Digimon?"
"I am." Veemon answered.
"So then…why do you look like him?"
Veemon looked at his very human hand. "It was the form given to me…"
Maxine didn't understand what they meant by that."
"VEEMON!" Milo's voice called out, drawing their attention. Maxine turned around and gasped as Rasenmon soared over her and landed on the rooftop where they were, Milo jumping off its back.
"Persistent…" Veemon hissed.
"Stop this now!" Milo demanded.
"Not until he shows his face! If he cared about what's happening he would've been here!"
"That's not fair and you know it!" Milo argued. "You make it seem as if he's run away from—!"
"HE DID!" Veemon shouted. "Not just him, they all did! They ran away from the responsibility of all the lives lost during the war. The fighting never stopped after we took down Ordinemon, and yet…they did."
Maxine turned to Milo who was formulating a retort. She couldn't help but speak up though. "What war?"
Milo looked over at Maxine, who was staring back at him expecting an answer. With a sigh, he spoke up. "To make a long story short, Omnia, isn't an MMO like the public knows it to be. It's a world where Digimon live and inhabit."
Maxine blinked, taking a moment to process what she had just heard.
Milo continued, "Almost a year ago, the Nadir District in Omnia, declared war on the other five districts, which caused STREAM Corp to respond to the attack. Kaden was amongst those who took part in said war…"
"And we ended the war, but at what cost?" Veemon pressed.
"A lot of our friends were hurt in it all. And some…were lost." Milo continued. "Kaden…"
"He blames himself for the losses, doesn't he?" Maxine asked. "That's why he was gone for so long…"
"And being synchronized with him," Veemon continued bitterly, "his pain and anguish, became mine."
"You're like me, aren't you?" Rasenmon chimed in. "The corruption of your core is leaving a distasteful odor..."
Veemon shook his head. "On the contrary. Though Kaden and I have desynced from one another, my pain and frustrations caught the attention of another, and this mutual understanding festered into something more…"
Suddenly purple and red binary code began to encircle Veemon, causing Rasenmon to shield the two humans. Veemon's eyes flashed, and the spiral of binary intensified, covering its body in armor. Milo and Maxine watched as Veemon transformed into something akin to Cobalius' Saibatar, only sporting obsidian black armor, with jagged, fierce armor pieces, a corrupted variation of the Cobalt Knight.
"With their aid, the seal Drasil had placed on me thousands of years ago has been released…" Veemon explained, his voice changing into a deeper tone. "I have been reborn into what I truly once was…and with it, I'll redirect my pain towards all those who've turned their back on me!"
Rasenmon reacted to the sudden wave of black flames that Veemon shot towards them.
"What the…?" Milo uttered. "What in the world did he just turn into…?"
Veemon chuckled. "Alterization. That is the power that you see before you. The power granted upon me by the Alters!"
"Alters…?" Milo narrowed his gaze.
"Hmm…you're unaware of the Alters? Surprising since you have Drasil's scent present on you, Zenith Lapdog."
Milo didn't say anything.
Veemon raised its gauntlet, reconfiguring it into a D-Streamer-adjacent device. "Well? You came all this way to stop me right? May as well use you to stretch my limbs some before I fight my former partner!"
Milo looked to Maxine who was hesitant to move let alone say anything.
"Kaden gave me instructions to protect you, and that's what I'm going to do." Milo told her confidently. "I promise you that."
Maxine paused for a moment, recalling the similar statement from her brief dream. "…like a knight in shining armor…?"
Milo blushed slightly, looking up at Rasenmon "well…guess more like spiraling armor in this case."
Maxine blinked, and Milo realized he was speaking out loud. "Forget I said anything!" Milo rushed forward to meet Veemon, leaving Maxine fixated on the battle to come.
"Let's go!" Milo started, holding his D-Streamer upward to allow Rasenmon to return to him. "I'll undo whatever happened to you and save Kaden the heartache of having to face you."
Veemon scoffed, "Very well. Perhaps me doing you in will force him out of hiding then!"
"DIGI-GATE: OPEN!"
Turn 1: Milo
"I'll start by hatching Pusurimon!" Milo stated, summoning the small hedgehog Digimon.
Pusurimon (BT7-003)
Color: Yellow
Level: 2
"Pusurimon digivolves into Herissmon, and then I play Falcomon from my hand.
As Pusurimon digivolved into Herissmon, Falcomon materialized in its own cloud of yellow binary code, adding to Milo's opening field.
Herissmon (BT7-031)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Falcomon (BT4-036)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 5000
MEMORY
0-2 (Turn Change
Turn 2: Veemon
Veemon drew. "I hatch Gigimon and will digivolve it into Guilmon."
Gigimon appeared in a brief stream of purple binary, while the following stream transformed the red dragon-esque digimon into Guilmon, who snarled upon digivolving.
Gigimon (BT5-006)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
Guilmon (BT5-071)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Next, I play Wormmon." Veemon followed, summoning the green worm digimon in a stream of purple binary.
Wormmon (EX3-055)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 1000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change)
"When Wormmon enters play, I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck, adding one purple or red card with "free" in its traits, or with the name Imperialdramon, to my hand, while sending another to the trash and the final card to the bottom of the deck."
Veemon snapped its fingers, revealing the top 3 cards: Paildramon, Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode and Flamedramon. Milo was especially focused on the Imperialdramon; if Cobalius was loosely based on Imperialdramon, then this "Alter" form that Veemon has taken draws aesthetics similarly.
"I add Imperialdramon to my hand, send Flamedramon to the trash, and put Paildramon to the bottom of the deck." Veemon stated, as the cards went to their respective spots. "I end my turn there."
Turn 3: Milo
"As if those black Imperialdramon aren't enough to deal with…" Milo commented as he drew. "Herissmon moves out, and Falcomon attacks your Security!"
Falcomon lifted itself up off the ground and took off, waving its wings to shoot forward feather darts that stuck into the intercepting Security.
Veemon
Security: 5-4
"Veemon, with 1000 DP." Veemon revealed, as the card was moved to the trash.
"I'll end then with Herissmon digivolving into Filmon."
Filmon (BT7-034)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
1-1 (Turn Change)
Turn 4: Veemon
"Not bad…" Veemon said as they drew. "But you're going to need more than that to defeat me." They then moved Guilmon forward. "Wormmon Armor Digivolves into Shadramon!"
Wormmon looked up at the raining binary code utilizing it, it transformed into Shadramon.
Shadramon (EX3-058)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
1-1 (Turn Change)
"Never seen that Digimon before today…" Milo commented. "What is it, a Nadir remnant you picked up?"
"You'd think that, wouldn't you?" Veemon replied. "Well, to be fair, you're not entirely wrong. Let's just say…it's the half of me that Drasil stole."
"That's…I see. A personification of this 'Alter' side of you."
Veemon nodded, confirming Milo's theory. "To utilize me as his tool for the Nadir District's submission, he sealed away Shadramon's powers. However, Kaden's negative emotions weakened the sealing, and my benefactor ultimately ripped what was left away. So, in short," he cast his hand forward. "In this battle, you will witness the true form of the 'Paladin of the Zenith!' Shadramon's effect Armor Digivolves Guilmon into Flamedramon from my trash for its cost!"
Milo braced himself as a spiral of red flames erupted around Guilmon, transforming it into Flamedramon.
Flamedramon (EX3-008)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
1-3
"And then, at the end of my turn, my digimon can DNA Digivolve! Combine and become DinoBeemon!" Veemon finished, the pair of Armor Digimon taking off into the air in binary streams to intertwine into the bug dragon mutant digimon.
DinoBeemon (EX3-061)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 5
DP: 8000
Turn 5: Milo
Milo drew. "So, the Paladin of the Zenith, was just a manipulated tool in the end…color me surprised."
"You can do what you will with that fun fact," Veemon told him. "Of course, that's if you survive."
"Well, best believe, that once this mattered is settled," Milo drew, "that Drasil will need to start counting its days. I hatch Pusurimon and then I digivolve it into Pulsemon."
The yellow bipedal beast-like digimon materialized in the raising area, punching and kicking the air eagerly.
Pulsemon (BT10-031)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Falcomon, Security Attack!"
Falcomon once more launched ahead and sped through a Security.
Veemon
Security: 4-3
Growlmon emerged from the card as Falcomon about-faced and fired a fireball the size of a watermelon. Falcomon countered with feather darts, igniting the blast early, but taking them both out.
"Filmon, digivolve into RizeGreymon, then Digi-Burst!" Milo continued as Filmon spun into the descending red binary code and transformed into the armored cyborg dragon digimon.
RizeGreymon (BT4-017)
Color: Red
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
3-0
As RizeGreymon adjusted to the form change, it flexed, ejecting the pair of Silhouettes that converted into bullets for its arm revolver.
"When I activate the Digi-Burst effect of RizeGreymon, I'm allowed to play one red or yellow tamer from my hand for no cost. I play the tamer T.K. Takaishi!"
T.K. materialized in the battle area behind RizeGreymon, straightening out his cap as he landed on the digital rooftop.
T.K. Takaishi (BT1-087)
Color: Yellow
"As for the sources, when utilized for Digi-Burst, Pusurimon gives DinoBeemon -1000 DP, while Herissmon returns to my hand."
RizeGreymon swung its revolver, firing needle-like bullets that stuck DinoBeemon and weakening it ever so slightly.
DinoBeemon: 8000-7000 DP
"T.K.'s effect now triggers, allowing me to look at my Security. I take one card from among them and add it to my hand and am allowed to recover 1 Security if that card happens to be Yellow." The security appeared before him and it didn't take him long to select, said card flipping around for his opponent to see. "I retrieve RizeGreymon X-Antibody and Recover 1."
"Oh…that could be bad." Veemon muttered.
"RizeGreymon, transcend and become the Rising Dragon of X! X-Digivolve into RizeGreymon X-Antibody!" Milo declared playing the card on his dragon.
Maxine watched as RizeGreymon roared upon being showered in red and yellow binary. She was captivated by Milo's skill and command over his cards, temporarily relieving herself of the initial fear that she began with.
Plus, he didn't look much older than them, maybe a year? Yet he seemed so mature…and stronger that she was…
RizeGreymon X roared upon completing its transformation, its new railgun cackling with energy eager to be released.
RizeGreymon (X Antibody) (BT9-041)
Color: Yellow/Red
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
0-1 (Turn Change)
"When digivolving, RizeGreymon allows me to play one yellow or red tamer from my hand. With that, I play Tai and Kari Kamiya!"
The older Tamers materialized besides TK, ready to further prove Milo support going forward.
Tai Kamiya and Kari Kamiya (BT9-084)
Color: Red/Yellow
Then, if RizeGreymon or the X-Antibody is in RizeGreymon X's sources, one of your digimon gets -2000 DP for each of my Tamers present!"
RizeGreymon X then aimed at DinoBeemon and fired a small paralyzing shot from its railgun, staggering the mutant further.
DinoBeemon: 7000-3000 DP
"My turn ends there." Milo stated.
Turn 6: Veemon
With one Memory, Veemon drew. "You think you have enough strength to take down Drasil? Don't make me laugh…"
"You think I can't handle it?" Milo asked. "Or you don't believe me when I say I seek to make them pay for all the suffering they've caused?"
"Both." Veemon replied. "DinoBeemon, Security Attack!"
DinoBeemon launched forward, muscled arm pulled back to smash Milo's intercepting Security.
Milo
Security: 5-4
Bulkmon appeared to counter DinoBeemon, and after a brief scuffle, DinoBeemon overpowered the muscular dragon and slammed it into the ground, removing it from the game.
"RizeGreymon X can join Bulkmon. I play the Option: Atomic Megalo Blaster, wiping away any of your digimon with a total DP of 10,000 or less!"
Two energy balls materialized on Veemon's side, before they fired, blasting RizeGreymon X directly and deleting it. Milo snickered in disappointment.
MEMORY
1-5 (Turn Change)
Turn 7: Milo
"What's the matter?" Veemon taunted. "Like I said, you can't take down Drasil, let alone me with your strength."
"Oh yeah?" Milo asked, drawing. "Tai and Kari grant me a Memory since you have 3 or less Security."
MEMORY
5-6
"So with that six memory, I move Pulsemon into the Battle Area, and then I digivolve it into Bulkmon!"
Pulsemon skipped forward and embraced the yellow binary stream that allowed it to transform into the hulking brute dragon digimon that appeared just before.
Bulkmon (BT6-037)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
6-4
"Then, using its effect, I play Aquilamon from my hand for 3 memory since I have a Yellow Digimon present in my Battle Area."
The horned crimson eagle digimon materialized and screeched flapping beside Bulkmon, looking as determined as it to avenge RizeGreymon X.
Aquilamon (BT8-010)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
4-1
"Thanks to Bulkmon's effect, since I have 3 or more Security, it gains Security Attack 1! So then, go Bulkmon! Thunder Dread!"
Bulkmon roared, charging electricity through its bolt-shaped horn. Once at full capacity, the horn exploded with electricity, shooting upward into an arc, which came crashing down where Veemon stood. The first Security intercepted and took the brunt before revealing itself.
Veemon
Security: 3-2
"Shame…" Veemon said before beginning to cackle.
Milo's blood ran cold upon seeing the second Atomic Megalo Blaster, and the ensuing counter attack that wiped away his two Digimon, preventing his Silphymon from appearing.
"…I end my turn." Milo stated bitterly.
MEMORY
1-3(Turn Change)
Turn 8: Veemon
"As I said…" Veemon drew and hatched Gigimon. "No chance." He flipped over the Guilmon card in his hand and digivolved Gigimon. "I play Flame Memory Boost to give DinoBeemon Security Attack 1 for the turn, and with that, it'll attack!"
MEMORY
3-0
DinoBeemon embraced the red binary which made its muscles swell. It then launched towards the two intercepting Security, smashing the Tinkermon out of the first one, and uppercutting the Stefilmon in the second.
Milo
Security: 4-2
"I end by digivolving DinoBeemon into the Obsidian Meteor that'll set the world in Crimson Flames! Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode!"
DinoBeemon embraced the torrent of red and purple binary and roared as if teetering on going berserk. Its body morphed into the large black dragon, and it made its sheer dominance known to Milo and Maxine who watched in fear and awe.
Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode (EX3-063)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
MEMORY
0-4 (Turn Change)
"Damn…" Milo muttered. "At this rate…!"
"Starting to see what I mean? Better to quit now and save your own life then allow me to snuff it out."
"That is an option," Milo replied. "But I've dealt with bullies before. They're all talk and no action."
Veemon narrowed its gaze. "Are you saying that I haven't backed up my words?"
"Instead of going to him directly, you targeted those close to him...or rather those who were responsible for Raelyn's condition."
Veemon hesitated.
"'Kaden's not going to act, so I will,' was what you were probably thinking. I bet you were thinking that sooner or later he would've came after you, and then you'd have the chance to take him out, the one who failed to save her in the end. But then Lord Vermil derailed that by defeating you. You changed tactics and went after Maxine, his blood relative. Since you never had contact with her, I can only speculate that you were pointed in her direction by someone…right?"
"Stop talking!" Veemon roared. "Of all of you, you're by far the worst! Your obsession with Syl is what created this mess in the first place!"
"Which is why I'm facing you now!" Milo exclaimed. He gave himself a moment to calm down, allowing him the chance to pose another question. "Besides, assuming your plan worked, even if you did face off against Kaden, what's to say you wouldn't have choked? For all the manipulation I did when it came to him, I couldn't do it. And even when my sins were out in the open, you remember how he acted then when I fought Dexter…"
"You know nothing about us…" Veemon hissed.
Turn 9: Milo
Milo took note of their tone and drew. "Tai and Kari grant me 2 Memory this time around for both of us having less than 3 Security."
MEMORY
4-6
6 Memory again. Milo was intent on not wasting it this time around. "I hatch Pusurimon and then digivolve it into Herissmon. Then I play Pulsemon, Aquilamon, and then I digivolve Aquilamon into RizeGreymon to end my turn."
One after another the digimon all materialized, refilling Milo's Battle Area. Maxine took note of Milo's persistence, that same persistence that only annoyed Veemon further.
MEMORY
6-3
3-0
0-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 10: Veemon
"Don't force yourself into a pointless fight, Veemon." Milo said. "We've all suffered from the Omnian war, yet we've all have worked to find ways to move forward. Now it's your turn…"
Veemon was quiet, as Milo's words processed. They gripped their hands and grit their teeth, growing furious from the patronizing words used. "…Pointless…? You think all of this is pointless?!"
Veemon roared, as the Imperialdramon went about and resonated with them. Maxine gasped as the rooftop began to quake under their feet, and Milo, realizing the fault in his words, focused his attention on the glowing red and purple auras between the two entities. Veemon began to rise from the ground, its body converting into binary code before flowing into Imperialdramon. Imperialdramon's eyes flashed red, and the aura was expelled outwardly, sending a rush of force that knocked both Milo and Maxine off their feet.
"Max!" Milo exclaimed, though he was forced to turn his attention back to Imperialdramon. His attention was caught by a sudden white rectangular shape, glowing with that same aura that floated before Imperialdramon. The dragon roared, which caused the Flame Memory Boost to activate, the card disintegrating and feeding into the Memory Counter, increasing it.
MEMORY
3-5
Imperialdramon leaned over to Guilmon, who took the side-eye as to mean to march forward, which it did. Afterward, Imperialdramon growled and readied itself. "Brace yourself, Zenith Lapdog! Imperialdramon attacks Pulsemon!"
Maxine blinked. "Pulsemon is unsuspended! It can't be selected as a target!"
That didn't stop Imperialdramon reacting. "DinoBeemon's IE effect allows this digimon to attack unsuspended digimon so long as it has Imperialdramon in its name! When attacking Imperialdramon attacks, it gains 2000 DP and is able to digivolve into an Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode from my hand!"
Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode: 12,000-14,000 DP
Milo gasped as the object stopped its rotations and unveiled itself: A Imperialdramon fighter Mode with the same corruptive aesthetic as the dragon before him. Imperialdramon then took off into the sky and roared, as its body reconfigured itself into a humanoid dragon knight, the appearance reminiscent of the paladin, only black and clearly malevolent.
Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode (EX3-073)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 6
DP: 13000-15000
MEMORY
5-3
Imperialdramon raised its arm cannon towards Pulsemon and charged it. Milo braced for impact as the blast was fired, taking down the defenseless blocker. A security shielded Milo surprisingly, taking the brunt of the force and preventing them from flying off the rooftop.
Milo
Security: 2-1
Leomon appeared from the Security, reinvigorating hope in Milo. "Security Trigger!" he exclaimed.
Imperialdramon smirked. "I don't think so…"
Milo paused and looked to his digimon who attempted to use its effect to no avail. "Don't tell me…!"
"That's right. In addition to Piercing, by returning one Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode from my sources to the bottom of my deck, your Security effects are shut down for the turn!"
Milo grew cold upon hearing that. So much that he nearly missed Imperialdramon's following declaration.
"And to ensure, that your final Security isn't a trigger, I activate Demonic Disaster!" Imperialdramon declared. "I delete Guilmon to unsuspend Imperialdramon! Also upon deletion, Guilmon gains a memory for me."
"Crap!" Milo reacted.
"Gigimon's IE effect triggers, stacking another 2000 DP onto Imperialdramon, totaling 17,000 DP in total."
Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode: 15,000-17,000 DP
"Now then…" Imperialdramon said, charging the laser and concentrating it so that it emerged as a blade. "Hold still and die for me…!"
"MILO!" Maxine screamed as Imperialdramon dove down.
Milo was frozen in place, fear encroaching all over. His last Security was impaled, the energy inches from his face. The humming sounds mixed with the shattering of the Security card, knocking his senses about. He toppled onto the ground and looked up, taken aback by the emerging purple fox monster that was willing to push back.
Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode: 17,000 DP
Rasenmon: Fury Mode: 13,000 DP
In any other circumstance, Rasenmon would've very likely trashed anything that would've come after it. Yet Imperialdramon ripped the blade from it, and it collapsed, leaving Milo feeling pure shock…
Maybe Veemon was right in the end…
…maybe he really would do Kaden in.
"Don't give up!" Maxine cheered desperately, catching Milo's attention. She didn't know if it would do much, but she felt as if she had to do something. It couldn't end like this.
"Sorry…" he smirked, "…but I'm afraid that's all I can do."
The sense of dread shot through Maxine as she collapsed to her knees. Fear and terror cradled her as she tried to make sense of the situation.
"Don't tell me you're giving up so easily?" Imperialdramon said as they built distance.
"Actually…it's the opposite." Milo smirk grew into a smile. "I've done my part."
Both Maxine and Imperialdramon were confused. Milo looked up toward the sky, and they did as well. Imperialdramon reacted upon seeing a twinkle, before the draconic warrior giant was crashed into, shooting across several skyscrapers. RizeGreymon, who narrowly avoided Imperialdramon's attack, covered the pair as the new entity swooped by.
"What was that…?" Maxine peered over RizeGreymon's gun barrel.
"I may have forgot to mention to him that I was only a distraction…" Milo said.
"A…distraction?" Maxine questioned. "Wait, but…didn't Kaden…?"
"He told me to protect you, for him." Milo clarified. "As for Veemon…"
Meanwhile, several skyscrapers out, Veemon found itself knocked out of its Imperialdramon form. Groaning from the impact, it growled as it sat up. "Who dares get in my way?!"
His answer came in the form of a silver angelic robot, with a pair of white and black feathered wings. Bearing similar aesthetics to the digimon known as Mastemon, this human-sized entity had blue and pink highlights going across its body, its optics glowing with blue and pink heterochromia. The entity touched down before Veemon and silently stared as the digimon made an attempt to process who this new individual was and where they came from…
"Kaden Grant, is responsible for the suffering of everyone involved…including his former partner."
Homura and Terrence took a moment to understand what Bianca meant by those words. Homura was able to make the connection, but hesitated to reveal much, given the sensitivity of the whole situation concerning the war.
"Somewhat unrelated but, I apologize, Terry, for getting you involved in our affairs. Not my intention at all." Bianca turned to the boy. "I hope after this we can still be friends…"
Homura scoffed, "You're so overconfident."
Bianca giggled, "can you blame me? All that I've been working towards is now coming to fruition. The War in Omnia has left a power vacuum, turning it into a lawless world. Bagramon has been resurrected, and with no obstacles, what's stopping the Western District from reshaping some things?"
"…So you were behind it then?" Homura realized. "And Baihumon has allowed all of this?!"
"The Sovereigns are prisoners under AEGIS, they have no authority. As for Drasil, his containment is but a protection for it. That said, anyone can do as they please so long as they have the strength to obtain it."
"And you've helped Veemon because their actions will result in less obstacles to get in Bagramon's way?"
"Because what power is better than the one you know can kill you?"
"What are you guys talking about?!" Terrence interjected.
"Nothing that concerns you," Bianca turned.
"But I'm standing right here!" Terrence stomped.
"Listen, Terry," Homura said. "There should be some AEGIS Agents nearby. Get them and tell them the situation. I'll take care of her."
Bianca smiled, "Oh? Will I finally have the chance to face off against the legendary Gurenmaru? How exciting…"
"This charade ends here." Homura snarled. "As a Vassal of Lord Vermil, I won't stand for your treason any longer!"
"Wait! If we're battling, let me!" Terrence exclaimed.
Homura paused and turned. "This isn't a game! Please get out of here while you still can—!" Homura was suddenly sent flying across the room and into the glass counter. The impact was strong enough to crack it, causing him to cry out in pain before crashing onto the floor.
"Mr. Oda!" Terrence shouted.
"On second thought…I don't mind taking you on…" Bianca said. "May as well take an easy win where I can get one."
Terrence was quiet as he turned, a fierce look in his eyes that further intrigued Bianca. It was as if the happy go-lucky boy she'd grown acquainted with had left and replaced himself with this determined, albeit naïve individual.
Even more pleasurable to crush him, she thought.
"You're going down!" Terrence sharply said.
A humored Bianca synced her device to the terminal before her. "Just like before, all it'll take is 3 turns."
"We'll see about that…"
DIGI-GATE: OPEN!
Turn 1: Bianca
"I'll begin by hatching Pagumon, who'll then digivolve into ToyAgumon." Bianca stated, summoning the Lego-inspired Agumon variant.
ToyAgumon (BT2-055)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Next, I play Monitamon, whose effect will reveal the top 3 cards of my deck, and allow me to add one card with Knightmon in its name to my hand, sending the remaining cards to the bottom."
In Bianca's Battle Area, a ninja-like digimon with the head of a monitor appeared in a puff of binary smoke.
Monitamon (BT7-057)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change)
Monitamon performed a set of hand signs before clapping its hands together, summoning the three cards before it. One by one they flipped around, revealing: SkullKnightmon, Izzy Izumi, and the BT5 Monitamon. Bianca chose SkullKnightmon and added it to her hand.
Turn 2: Terrence
"My move!" Terrence drew fiercely. "I hatch Gurimon, and then digivolve it into Gammamon!"
Gammamon materialized in his Raising Area, taking on a fierce mood as it roared out towards Bianca and her Digimon.
Gurimon (ST12-01)
Color: Red
Level: 2
Gammamon (BT8-008)
Color: Red
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"And then…I play Veemon for 3 Memory and Liollmon for 2!" Terrence revealed, surprising Bianca slightly with the non-red cards. Veemon and Liollmon then appeared in the Battle Area, the former punching its fist together and getting into a fighting stance while Liollmon roared and growled to intimidate.
Veemon (BT3-021)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Liollmon (BT4-050)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 5000
MEMORY
3-0
0-2 (Turn Change)
Turn 3: Bianca
"So, you yourself have built a new deck…" Bianca said as she drew.
"All thanks to you," Terrence replied. "Ever since I battled you before, I knew that I wanted to be as strong as you, being able to beat someone in 3 turns."
"I'm quite touched by that," Bianca smiled a little. "Guess that makes us friends then?"
"I don't know…" he looked around at the unconscious bodies littered in the room, staring at Daniel's body a few seconds longer than the others. "…you did something to everyone and put Danny and Max in danger. I don't think we can be friends past this…"
Bianca's smile disappeared. "Oh. Well then, being your enemy also can have its own perks too. ToyAgumon moves out and digivolves into Shademon!"
ToyAgumon marched forward as black binary encircled it, forming into a shadow monster with red eyes appearing all over its ethereal form.
Shademon (BT5-065)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
2-0
"Monitamon, Security Attack!" Bianca followed as Monitamon preformed several hand signs before holding its fingers to its screen and blowing out several fireballs towards Terrence's Security.
Terrence
Security: 5-4
Agumon emerged from the security firing back with its own volley of flames, the matching DPs taking both Digimon out.
"I end my turn by playing DeadlyAxemon," Bianca finished her turn, summoning the weapon-inspired steed Digimon.
DeadlyAxemon (BT7-059)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 3000
MEMORY
0-4 (Turn Change)
"When DeadlyAxemon enters play, I reveal the top 5 cards of my deck, and I'm allowed to add up to two cards with 'Knightmon' in their names to my hand, while the rest go to the bottom of the deck."
The top 5 cards of the deck materialized and revealed: DarkKnightmon, Pride Memory Boost, SkullKnightmon: Cavalier Mode, Chikkurimon and ToyAgumon. Bianca took DarkKnightmon and SkullKnightmon, and the remainder faded away to the bottom of the deck.
Turn 4: Terrence
Terrence drew. At this point, the obvious wasn't missed on him: Bianca was thrown off by his new deck. If he was playing with his old deck, she would've been pushing harder than she is now. Instead of rushing him, she's just gathering resources, searching for the pieces to her DarkKnightmon—which she has.
So…based on what he's learned about Rush decks—and what he learned through his wins against Daniel—is that the Rush deck keeps the opponent from playing their Aces with relentless pressure.
So…to keep up the pressure, he should definitely use these…
"That blocker needs to go," Terrence said, taking two cards from his hand. "And I know just how to get rid of it. Gammamon moves out, and then," Once more, Bianca's reactions came out involuntarily as he flashed the Level 4 Blue and Green cards in his hands, "Veemon digivolves into KausGammamon, and Liollmon digivolves into WezenGammamon!"
Gammamon leaped forward into Terrence's Battle Area, while the other digimon were showered with blue and green binary respectively. Veemon transformed into KausGammamon, while Liollmon turned into WezenGammamon, both variants announcing their arrivals.
KausGammamon (BT9-023)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 6000
WezenGammamon (BT10-050)
Color: Green
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
4-2
2-0
"KausGammamon, Security Attack!"
"Shademon Blocks!" Bianca countered, only for the machine to spit out an error message before her.
Terrence laughed, "Sorry, but that's not happening!" Terrence stared as KausGammamon zipped past the shadow digimon and rammed the appearing Security.
Bianca
Security: 5-4
SkullKnightmon appeared and thrusted its lance forward to attempt to stab KausGammamon, however, with its mere 3000 DP, it stood no chance of success against it. KausGammamon landed a clean shot after weaving around the attack, knocking it away and tying the score.
"It's unblockable…" Bianca realized.
"WezenGammamon, you're up!" Terrence suspended his Digimon, the huskier Triceratops using its railgun horns to fire plasma shots.
"Oh no you don't!" Bianca snapped, sending Shademon to block.
WezenGammamon: 6000 DP
Shademon: 5000 DP
Even though WezenGammamon was stronger, Shademon did what it could to shield the blast and prevent further damage…
…or at least that's what Bianca was expecting.
In the mist of Shademon's binary code, the plasma shots continued their trajectory forward, taking out another responding Security, revealing a second Shademon to replace it in the Battle Area.
Bianca
Security: 4-3
"WezenGammamon's got Piercing, or didn't you know that?" Terrence smirked.
Bianca ignored his comment. "When my digimon was deleted, Pagumon's IE effect activated; I reveal the top card of my deck, and add it to my hand if it's a Black Digimon."
The top card was flipped, revealing Izzy, not a Digimon, but a Tamer. Bianca clicked her tongue in annoyance and added the card to the bottom of her deck.
"Too bad." Terrence continued. "I end my turn with my Tamer, Hiro Amanokawa!"
Hiro materialized on Terrence's side, Gammamon responding in kind to his signature Tamer. Hiro gave a thumbs up to Gammamon in response, motivating the little Triceratops more.
Hiro Amanokawa (BT8-086)
Color: Red
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change)
"Gammamon's effect activates; whenever I play a Red Tamer, I get to draw a card." Terrence drew. "Now it's your turn."
Turn Change: Bianca
Bianca drew, continuing to disregard any side comments outside of his plays. "I hatch Pagumon and digivolve it into Chikkurimon."
A bunch of sentient spike balls suddenly materialized in the Raising Area, eyes glossed with red glass resembling goggles.
Chikkurimon (BT6-056)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 1000
"What's wrong? Not gonna say anything?" Terrence prodded.
"DeadlyAxemon Security Attacks!" She declared, causing the digimon to gallop forward. It then unleashed a purple mist stream that barreled towards Terrence's security as it intercepted, the shield corroding and breaking apart to reveal the Palmon on the other side of it.
DeadlyAxemon: 3000 DP
Palmon: 2000 DP
Terrence
Security: 4-3
"I have little words for my enemies…" Bianca finally stated. "The only words they deserve to hear from me are the last words they'll hear."
Hearing that should've sent a chill down his spine, yet, to Terrence, they were just words. "You're scared of losing, huh?"
Bianca hesitated. "What?"
"Can't bear to lose against a newbie like me huh?" Terrence continued to taunt, excitement growing in his tone. "Admit it!"
"I'm far from losing…" Bianca narrowed her gaze, taking a card from her hand. "Like hell I would lose to the likes of you!"
Suddenly a glowing golden light shone inside the terminal, drawing the attention of the trio of Digimon. And just as quickly, came raining punches from the light. Both KausGammamon and WezenGammamon attempted to defend themselves, but they were both taken down by the surprise attack.
MEMORY
4-4 (Turn Change)
"Iron-Fisted Onslaught deletes all digimon on your side of the Battle Area with the highest play cost," Bianca explained. "Don't you dare underestimate me. The differences in our levels of skills are vast and incomparable!"
"That's why you're struggling to beat me." Terrence countered. "After all, this was your third turn, shouldn't I've lost already?"
Bianca was quiet.
"That's what I thought!" Terrence drew.
Turn 6: Terrence
"I hatch Gurimon and then I digivolve it into Agumon!"
Agumon materialized in the Raising Area, tightening its grips, ready to strike.
Agumon (ST7-02)
Color: Red
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"And now, Gammamon will digivolve into Betel—!"
"I don't know why you're so happy right now…" Bianca spoke up, cutting into Terrence's play.
"Huh?" He blinked.
"You realize what's happening now, don't you?" She reiterated.
"Duh. You kidnapped Maxine, hurt Danny and the others, and we're battling, what's not to get?"
"…" Bianca couldn't help but laugh out loud. His nonchalant response to her serious question left her almost doubling over.
"This isn't funny!" Terrence barked.
"You're one to talk!" Bianca shot back, silencing him. "Tell the truth, this is getting you excited isn't it?!"
"What?! Why would this get me…" it finally dawned on him.
He wasn't scared. None of this was fazing him at all.
Why…why did he feel so comfortable, so engaged?
"Feel like the main character in a tv show right now, don't you? Everyone's taken out or injured, the girl's been whisked away by the villain, everything rests on your shoulders…" Bianca continued to press. "I wonder when it will hit you that when you lose, everyone in this room will be dead."
Terrence felt more than a chill ran down his spine, as if the fear was settling in all at once. Bianca felt herself regaining control of the situation, reveling in the look in Terrence's eyes as he began to tremble.
Bianca, with a reassured smile raised her hand as her eyes glowed. "It's been fun, hero…"
With a quick flex from her, Terrence's head whipped back, and he felt himself grow drowsy. His hand missed the sides of the console as he collapsed, slowly sinking as Bianca's amusement was drowned out of his consciousness…
A/N: Happy 4th Anniversary! Technically the anniversary was on the 17th, two days before the official release of Cyber Drive Chapter Zero, but today is the Anniversary of Chapter 1 of Cyber Drive so it still counts. (At 123 total canonical chapters!) (o_o)
All that aside, as I do every year, I want to thank all you readers for supporting this work and keeping me motivated to continue working on it. Of course, when I started working on the series, I was writing alongside the game's releases so it was easy to keep up with it, but with life and other interest getting in the way of obsessively consisted uploads, naturally the gap would widen (The game with it being up to BT20, when I'm prepping to introduce BT11 and 12 into the series come the next story arc). Despite that, viewership, while dwindling the longer I go, still manages to stay rather consistent so it keeps me happy. Feel free to leave reviews, thoughts, constructive criticisms (preferably no scammy commission requests; frankly I am growing tired of thinking there's a review only to see those bot-like messages)
In terms of overall plans, there are no real major updates outside of continuing the story. Ideally the goal is 50 chapters give or take with 3-4 overall arcs instead of the previous 25-chapter main series and the smaller "movie" fic. That MAY change as I continue on, but we'll see. Arc 1 is nearly done, with the conclusion planned between 13-16, depending on how well I can wrap things up before moving on to the next arc. Look forward to it regardless.
That's all I got for now. Once again, thanks for these last several years of support and keeping me motivated to write. To say this series is a passion project, it is an understatement, and I can't thank you readers enough for checking it out. For now, I'll catch everyone later, and likely, catch you all in the new year!