[Coney Island, Brooklyn, 2043AD…]
Ten year old Kaden Grant was looking forward to the family day trip to Coney Island for weeks. Days leading up to the last day of school into the first weekend of summer vacation led up to this day. Everything from Nathan Hotdogs to funnel cake, amusement park rides, an aquarium and the beach. It was enough to keep any kid entertained. Nothing was going to ruin this day for him.
Except…
"Kaden!"
A five-year-old who didn't understand the concept of social distancing.
Trailing behind him was five-year old Maxine, who tried her best to keep up with her older cousin, the latter of whom was purposely keeping distance between them. "Kaden wait!"
It wasn't long until Kaden started to feel the stares on him, and he reluctantly stopped with a groan. The little girl caught up with him, instinctively taking his hand for safety.
"Why didn't you stay with your mom?" Kaden gave her a look.
Little Maxine looked up at him innocently enough. "I wanna do stuff with you."
"I'm just going to the bathroom; there's nothing fun in there."
That was a lie. He wanted to go to the Arcade, but with his family's 'insistence' on having a family fun day, he used that excuse to break away from them. He didn't sign up to be a babysitter—not today of all days especially.
"When you're done we can do stuff." She replied.
Kaden sighed sharply and tried to think of a way out of this. He wasn't bringing her into the arcade just to chase after her. And he couldn't bring her back to their parents either, since that'd ruin his escape.
Little twerp was probably sent as insurance to keep him leashed.
Being that they were outside the bathrooms he figured he may as well use it. Give himself a minute to come up with something.
"Wait here, okay? Don't move an inch!" he instructed.
"Okay." Maxine nodded obediently.
At least she could follow direction, he thought.
Kaden nodded and turned toward the bathroom, leaving the little girl outside to wait. Lost in thought, he bumped into a taller gentleman and apologized before diving into a stall. Unfortunately, after a few minutes, he determined that there wasn't any way out of this predicament.
"This suck…" he said, flushing the unused facility. After washing his hands and heading out, he sighed and walked over to where Maxine was.
"Alright, Max. Let's head back to…Max?"
Gone.
"No…no no no no! Max!" Kaden called out. "MAXINE! I'm dead I'm dead I'm so freaking dead…!" he panicked.
From amongst the sea of people at the corner of his eye he saw some bystanders noting his panic.
"Excuse me! Did you see a little girl standing here a second ago? Brown hair in pig tails, wearing all green with a sunflower on her T-Shirt?!"
He spoke that same description to varying degrees to everyone in the immediate area, all making him more anxious than the last.
"Hey kid," a man working one of the nearby concessions stands flagged him down.
Kaden bolted over. "Did you see her?!"
"Someone, who I'm guessing was her father, went with her that way. They mixed into the crowd so I couldn't get a good look for sure."
"Are you sure?!" Kaden pressed.
"Wish I knew more. Do you need a phone? Maybe call your parents to make sure."
"I'm good, thanks!" Kaden said, pulling away to call his parents. As he crisscrossed through the sea of people coming through, he looked around desperately until the phone eventually picked up.
"Hey Dad, is Maxine with you guys?!" He asked, slowing down. "Yeah I know, I just went to the bathroom for a second and told her to wait outside, I didn't think—!" He paused, looking out into the distance, where he saw Maxine holding the hand of an unfamiliar person. Fear gripped Kaden as he dropped his phone and sprinted.
"MAXINE!" Kaden screamed, drawing eyes onto him.
Maxine heard her name and turned, and in that moment, Kaden saw her ripped off her feet and into the arms of her captor.
The young child's scream in that instance set the tone for the nightmare to come…
Chapter 14: Imperial Dragon Emperor
[AEGIS HQ, Present Day]
"You're still hiding information from us, aren't you?"
That was the question posed by Director Jones towards Drasil, the overbearing machine-like being hovering over the trio present. Mason and Zack stood silent as the AEGIS Director stood before the Zenith Sovereign in a manner that demonstrated how he viewed themselves:
A protector towards a refugee, as opposed to a god versus a servant.
"I've told you everything I deemed relevant toward your endeavor." The machine's voice echoed in the space, bouncing across the void and encompassing the space around them.
"And yet there are still questions. Namely, one that's been bugging me for a long time: Raeleigh."
"I must personally commend her for exceeding my expectations."
Director Jones starred daggers into the condescending being. "You knew something was coming from the start. That's why you separated what was left of her of her consciousness from Ordinemon in the last moments."
"I must also commend you, Director; for you humans have taken what I have provided and turned the enemy's very weapon against them."
Director's Jones' patience was wearing thin. He turned to his two companions and signaled for them to take a crack at it. Mason acknowledged the silent request and stepped forward, kneeling for added effect.
"My Sovereign, I beseech thee," Mason bowed. "As Director Jones has stated, the being that hijacked Veemon could be one of many on the horizon. Any information regarding the Alters would be appreciated.
Drasil ignored the request hovering silently.
"Drasil won't speak because they refuse to be associated with them." Zack spoke. "The Alter has told Milo that he sensed you on him, not to mention our original theory for its targets were the Four Representatives of the Four Sovereigns."
"Their words were merely conjecture, Paradox." Drasil replied, its stoic illusion cracked by the slight spite in their words.
"Apologies," Mason covered, despite being ignored the first time. "But Alphamon Isn't incorrect in their statement either. Based on what we know now, we understand that Veemon targeted the Four Representatives, not to go after you, but after the ones who've had a hand in Ms. Ocasio's conditions: Lady Azurena was her caretaker, Lord Vermil developed the drugs to maintain her condition as was Lord Emeron her physician. As for Lady Onyxa, her role is a mystery, given that she has played a role in things, from Bagramon's resurrection, to aiding the Alter in question. "
"And Bagramon himself was the first to pose this idea before us, that something was coming for you. So that leads us to this: If Veemon sought revenge for Ms. Ocasio, then why would the Alter use Veemon to get to you?" Director Jones posed the question.
"If the Alter wanted to get to me, then why not go after Lord Emeron first? After all, even with AEGIS security, it was able to bypass it all to get to its initial target and escape."
The three men grew silent. That was a valid point.
"We are done here, Director." Drasil stated. "Going forward I hope any accusations of the Zenith's conduct at this moment will be supported with substantial evidence as opposed to crude assumptions."
Director jones exhaled sharply, knowing that Drasil had the power to back their condensation. It was a fight not worth picking.
Not now at least.
"Very well." Director Jones stated. With that he turned and vanished in streams of binary, followed by Zack and Mason as well.
Alone, Drasil continued to him, thinking to itself about the preparations it needed to begin making now that its confirmed they're coming...
"So, that's where we are at this point, huh?" Homura asked Trevor, who sat across from him, sipping tea. Homura leaned back in his chair, pondering Trevor's breakdown of the conversation Director Jones and the others had with Drasil. Sierra likewise was silent, trying to make sense of the cryptic words from Drasil.
"What happened to Riley and Silvia wasn't your fault, by the way." Homura turned to her noticing the look on her face. He winced as a slight sharp ache ran across his arm and across his shoulder. The sling was helping, but not as much as he had hoped.
"I know but..." she crossed her arms and sighed, "Veemon's anger wasn't misplaced. I can understand where they were coming from."
"How much did you know about what STREAM Corp was doing, as a Representative?" Trevor asked.
"Regarding Riley and Silvia, my role in everything was to be a guardian figure, to help Riley readjust and become her own person separate from Sylvia, and to manage Sylvia's wellbeing as Omnia's idol. Dr. Woods and Mr. Asghar maintained the medical side of things, with Dr. Woods being her primary physician and Cryus' company creating the medication to keep any… 'withdrawals' in check."
"'Withdrawals?'" Trevor furrowed his brow. "Was Riley really that dependent on having Sylvia?"
"When Sylvia was reintroduced into Riley's subconscious, along with her came Lucemon. Upon discovering this, Lord Vermil's company created a drug to suppress it. It worked for a time until eventually it didn't."
Trevor made the connection in his head, thinking to the information his friend Christopher was able to recover about Vermillion Pharmaceutical. "Vermillion Pharma deals with Neuralink tech right?"
"As far as I'm, aware. To be honest, I don't know much about how Lord Vermil conducts business outside Omnia." Homura admitted. "Why do you ask?"
"Just theorizing…" Trevor continued to ponder. "Sierra was the caretaker, Woods was the physician, Asghar was the provider…
…so, what does that make Bianca Negri then?"
Sierra and Homura grew quiet, and Trevor took the chance to study their reactions to his question. There was no secret that there was something off about that girl. Homura's look implied that it was something he was wondering about too, especially when you consider that the West was responsible for Bagramon's resurrection that day, as well as her involvement with Veemon.
What was Bagramon and Bianca keeping from them? In addition, what connection does she have with Rae and Drasil, if there is one?
"Oda-san!" the door opened to the private room, drawing the trio's attention. "Your final guest has arrived."
Kaden soon appeared in the doorway, where the greeter motioned for him to take a seat. Kaden nervously nodded in thanks and looked at the others. "Hey guys…"
Sierra was the first to rise, startling Kaden. She quickly came up to embrace him and hugged him tight, holding her emotions in.
"He's not suffering anymore…" Sierra wept bitterly.
Hearing that drew a tear from Kaden's eye, and he buried his face in her shoulder, returning the hug, not realizing how much those words would draw his emotions out. With everything going on, and with the rushing to get back in time…
…he realized that he forgot to give himself time to process what had happened.
"How's your arm?" Kaden asked Homura as a server came to set out a small mug of green tea for Kaden. It took him and Sierra a moment to compose themselves before the former joined in on the conversation. He came to get more detail on what went down, as well as update them on things on his end.
And if possible, get some needed advice about the "other" situation that sprung on him.
"Sore, if anything." He said, trying to limit the movement, though it was hard. "It's a good thing that the first half of the Digi-Grand Prix is going to be held in Babylon this year."
"Wait really?" Kaden blinked. "Don't they usually set up stations in each of the boroughs during the first half?"
"It's because they're expecting a much larger turnout this year." Trevor explained. "Omnia's shutdown had news circulating like wildfire. And to SAIBA's pleasure, instead of losing players, they actually gained a lot since it was what everyone was talking about for weeks on end.
"And Ivan and Jesse's exhibition match drew in quite a crowd in of itself." Homura added. "The whole city's been abuzz, amongst other things."
"This also makes it easier for players outside the area to participate as well. Hosting it on Babylon cuts down travel costs for a lot of people." Sierra noted as well.
Kaden couldn't argue with that. Besides, after all that's happened, having Digimon battle in the city streets might aggravate the anxiety that was caused by the "storm" that took place among other things.
"So…" Homura continued. "I'm in the market for some teammates…"
Kaden blinked. "Huh?"
Sierra smiled at Kaden's surprise. "He's asking if you want to join him."
"Oh…" Kaden acknowledged, hesitant in his response. "Well…"
"Of course he's joining." A new voice replied, speaking for him.
Sierra herself was taken aback. "Slayerdramon?!"
From Kaden's D-Streamer appeared the silver bipedal dragon warrior. A dark green cape draped over its shoulders, it stabbed its sword on the tabletop and stood tall, presenting himself to the group. "Azurena, it's been a while."
"Lord Slayerdramon…" Homura noted. "So, you've synced with Kaden?"
"Gurenmaru," Slayerdramon turned. "I never thanked you for what you and Lord Vermil did for us that day, did I?"
"It's no problem. I'm glad we were able to help in the way we did."
"And to answer your question," Slayerdramon turned. "In his absence, once it was discovered that we could synchronize with one another, Kaden requested my aid in subduing the threat Veemon posed. For us to do so, we traveled into Omnia to reclaim a power lost to time. But it seems as if it wasn't needed."
"'A power lost to time'?" Trevor questioned. "There was another power outside Omni Sword?"
"The events of that are irrelevant for now," Slayerdramon replied. "Now that the threat has been quelled and all."
"Training alongside Slayerdramon helped me realize the responsibility I have as the Cobalt Knight, both in the real world and cyberspace," Kaden continued. "I owe it to everyone to do what I can to repay what you did for Veemon and I."
Homura chuckled, "You don't have to force yourself for our sake. Take your time, no one's rushing you."
"Veemon's gone because I didn't act sooner."
Homura grew silent.
Kaden swallowed and smiled, "Besides, if he was here, he'd be like Slayerdramon, pushing me towards participating."
"That sounds like a yes to me." Trevor commented.
"It is. I'm gonna play in the tournament. And I'll fight, for Veemon, the other X-Streamers, and the victims who had to suffer because of my lack of action."
Homura accepted that, "In that case, I look forward to winning this thing alongside you." He held out a fist with his other hand.
Kaden nodded and fist bumped Homura.
"Of course, though, before we can throw down, we need to celebrate the evening first." Sierra commented, her heart warmed by Kaden and Homura's union. "What time is your graduation ceremony?"
"6:00PM," Kaden said. "I have to go home and shower before I head back out."
"Sounds good," Homura said. "The restaurant's been reserved for everyone this evening afterwards. The trio also graduated this morning too, right?"
"That's right," Trevor replied. "I couldn't make it because I had to come here though, but you were able to see them, right Kaden?"
Kaden's enthusiasm for the tournament deflated then. Maxine's reaction to seeing him flashed in his mind and Sierra and the others caught immediately the shift in expression.
"That's actually the other reason why I wanted to come see you guys…" Kaden looked up to the three.
"…I need advice."
After arriving home that late morning, Maxine went straight to her room to lie down. She told her parents she wasn't feeling well, and so they broke off from the others as some went out for lunch while others agreed to reconvene in the evening. With Kaden's graduation dinner in the evening, her parents opted to link up with everyone then, giving Maxine's stomach time to rest itself. Needless to say, though, her sudden reaction to seeing Kaden had them worried in the back of their minds, not to mention that she was silent on the way back home, avoiding any questions they tried to ask.
Why was this burden thrown onto her? Why did she have to be the one to give this to Kaden?
Maxine curled in her bed, her D-Streamer lying flat next to her with the small image of Veemon's egg hovering over the screen. It didn't really occur to her until now that the Digi-Egg cards in the game was more than a design choice. She knew Veemon was dead and yet…this egg was left behind.
What are Digimon, she wondered? Not even a month's gone by, and this thing has gone from Terry's obsessive fad that she and Danny were dragged into, into something…otherworldly. An otherworldly thing that Kaden was deeply tangled in…
…and at this point they were too, weren't they?
"I'm scared…" Maxine muttered. She didn't know what she was scared of though. Was she scared of Kaden? Or what she learned about him?
Did this mean she had to be weary of Mr. McKnight? Should she back out of the tournament? What about the egg? If she can't approach Kaden, will that mean she'd be stuck with it? What about Terry and Danny? Should she tell them what she saw and what she has on her? How involved are they? What if she gets them deeper involved due to her backing out?
What if…they get hurt because of that? Or even…!
An incoming message pulled her out of her impending spiral, which helped her realize she was seconds from a panic attack. She took deep breaths and sat up before taking her D-Streamer and opening the message.
"Unknown sender?" She hesitated to open it. The tingling going down her spine only solidified her anxiety.
She tossed her device aside and buried her face in her lap. After a few minutes, her phone chimed and across the room on her dresser, she could see the device buzzing. She tried to ignore it until the device jumped off the dresser and crashed onto the floor. It continued to buzz and buzz before she grew tired of it and picked it up.
"Hello?!" She snapped into the speaker.
"Hey Max, got a second?" Kaden voice came through, freezing her in place.
"K-Kaden…?" She felt tears welling up. "Um…I-I'm…I mean…!"
"You don't have to say anything yet. I just wanted to say…I'm sorry…" Kaden spoke into the phone. "I know I have a lot of explaining to do and I don't want to go into this evening without addressing it so…you have a few minutes to talk?"
Maxine was fighting her emotions as her mind lit aflame. She couldn't get any of her thoughts together, making her feel worse off. Even when she tried to voice her words, her throat only robbed her of what she wanted to say.
Kaden, on his end of the call, was beginning to realize how difficult this was going to be. "Look, I don't blame you for not wanting to talk to me. I sent an invite on Babylon a few minutes ago. I have a bit of time before the graduation ceremony so answer it if you want. Otherwise, I'll see you when I see you. Love you, kiddo.
Hearing that, snapped Maxine out of her spiral for a moment. "Kaden wait—!"
The line cut. The phone slid down her face and her arm drooped onto her side.
Her free hand raised to the side of her head, and she began to scream.
[AEGIS HQ, Confinement Wing…]
AEGIS's prison resided underground in the facility, housing cyberterrorists and other criminals that intend to commit crimes that would ultimately affect the budding cybernetic infrastructure that's becoming more normalized as the years go on. With Drasil's condescending uncooperating, Director Jones reevaluated his approach and opted to visit the Representative of the Zenith, and former STREAM Corp Director: Noah Lindberg.
Director Jones sat in the interrogation room patiently before two agents escorted the young man into the room. This wasn't the first time Noah was summoned like this; recently when Mason's subordinates, Adara and Lucas encountered Shane and Ren, and learned about the ancient Digimon that Ren possessed, they went to him to inquire about their origins.
That conversation however bore little to no fruit, hence why with this new situation, they went to Drasil instead. Yet, in that case, Director Jones didn't take Drasil's vagueness as not knowing what happened, but an outright refusal.
And the last thing he needed to do was start something with Drasil of all things, given its sheer influence on the war on Omnia itself. If anything, that either made two things clear: Either Drasil had the strength to quell the Alter, or the threat of them is greater than Drasil itself.
As Noah sat, hands cuffed and resting on the table, Jones was hoping to get a thread of insight.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this time, Director?" Noah asked, his tone relaxed and direct.
"You can tell that Drasil is being avoidant, can't you?" Director Jones asked, reading Noah's expression. It was as if he'd seen this coming.
"The gods work in mysterious ways, don't they?" Noah attempted to joke but quickly took note that Jones wasn't having it.
"What do you know about the Alters?"
"Do they have any correlation to those ancient digimon you asked me about?"
"I'm not sure yet, however Bagramon himself has implied they pose a threat to Drasil itself."
"And you believe them?"
"More than I do that mysterious god of yours."
Noah paused for a moment to formulate a response. Jones continued, "The Alter in question was able to hijack Veemon, impersonate Kaden Grant, and it took Raeleigh and Mastemon to do away with it."
"You've implanted Mastemon into her consciousness?" Noah questioned, showing genuine shock.
"Are you surprised that we were able to achieve it?"
"I…it's just…" He backed off a bit. "Alterization…is dangerous."
"In what way?" Director Jones pressed.
"I'm afraid I don't know the full extent, but from what Drasil has told me, once a being and digimon become synchronized to a point, they can Alterize, pushing their synchronization to its limit. Like with anything, overworking this technique will eventually kill the participants, with this happening sooner with those with weaker synchronization. However, in some cases…
"Hijacking can occur, right?"
Noah nodded. "There are levels to it though, as in the case with Alphamon and Ouryumon. Alphamon was able to retain his human form, despite obtaining full synchronization with his Vassal, who, according to Alphamon himself, shares its origins within the Zenith.
"It was explained that Ouryumon's data was tied to the mythical golden dragon and was gifted to Alphamon by the four sovereigns early on in his presence within Omnia. Your implying their level of synchronization in their fight against Grandracmon was a form of—!"
"Alterization, yes." Noah confirmed. "At least, as I am able to understand it to be."
"And since Ouryumon shares ties with the Zenith, this theory only solidifies further."
"With that said, Director, may I ask how you managed to achieve similar results with that girl and Mastemon?"
"I'm surprised that you haven't figured that out yourself yet," Director Jones crossed his arms. "It's because Drasil manipulated us into turning her into a weapon for itself."
Noah grew quiet. After thinking it over he couldn't help but smirk. "I'm sorry, but that's quite hilarious."
Director Jones' eye twitched as Noah cracked up hysterically laughing. "I'm glad you find this humorous." He motioned to his agents. "We're done here."
Noah stopped laughing once he was forced onto his feet and Director Jones began walking out of the room. "Director wait! One more thing!"
"If it's a snarky joke I don't want to hear it."
"No, I swear, just hold on a second!" Noah pleaded.
Jones paused and humored him. "What is it?"
"It's just…regarding Drasil…this may be blasphemous for me to say, given my stance with him but—!"
"Out with it!" Jones roared, almost letting out his inner BanchoLeomon.
"Use that girl as a lesson!" Noah exclaimed. "Drasil…is a god of manipulation above all else. Don't make the same mistakes I have when dealing with it."
Jones took the advice and turned it over in his head as he left the room. Noah's words seemingly falling on deaf ears left him looking defeated as he was escorted back to his cell.
As Director Jones made his way up the elevator his continued to focus on the words before speaking out loud. "I don't need you of all people to tell me what I already know…"
[Ground Zero, Babylon…]
"This is where Milo said Veemon took her," Kaden told Slayerdramon as they looked around the rooftop space. It didn't seem anything outside the ordinary, yet the atmosphere felt heavy, as if there was so much unknown history here.
"From my personal understanding, in another, former reality, this spot marked the catalyst for the future conflicts that led to today. One could say this is an interdimensional landmark of sorts."
The term itself made this ordinary roof sound all the more unique. Over time, Kaden grew to learn more from the past conflicts, but the concept of alternate realities and such still escaped him some. Even with the things he experienced, everything beyond that remained a "see it to believe it" type deal.
"So, do you think she's going to accept your invitation?" Slayerdramon inquired. "It has been a half hour since you made that call, and time is ticking."
"Yeah, I know…" Kaden ruffled his hair, slightly agitated. "I really didn't think this through. I wanted to avoid this whole situation entirely, but in truth I really should've been open and honest from the get-go."
"Well, this is the place to air that stuff out, right…?" a voice came following the brief sound of materializing data.
Kaden quickly turned and saw as Maxine materialized before him, touching down on shaky legs. She was breathing heavily, this marking her first voluntary jump into Babylon. Adrenaline was fueling her before so the idea of being in a virtual world like this didn't strike her the first go around.
"You made it."
Maxine looked over and saw Kaden's smiling face. She swallowed her anxiety and stared him down. "You know I'm mad at you, right?"
Kaden's smile shrunk. "Yeah. I realize that."
"I have so much I want to say to you. So much to get off my chest about how the last few weeks have been torturous, all because of you and your stupid secrets!"
"…I get that. And I deserve all that."
"That's not good enough." Maxine pressed, activating her D-Streamer. "I'm gonna vent, and you're gonna let me. Deal?"
"That's fine," Kaden armed his own device. "You deserve the truth about everything, so if you don't mind…?"
"Don't you dare hold back, you hear me?" Maxine scowled. "Give it everything you got. Let me know the real you."
Kaden nodded, returning the stare out of respect. "Bet."
DIGI-GATE: OPEN!
Turn 1: Maxine
"I'll start things off by hatching Bosamon and will digivolve it into Angoramon!" Maxine began her turn, flipping over her egg and overlaying it with the level 3 digimon. In response, Angoramon materialized on her side, punching its big fist in determination.
Bosamon (BT10-003)
Color: Green
Level: 2
Angoramon (BT10-044)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"I'll end by playing Shortmon from my hand." Maxine concluded, summoning the shortcake-headed server digimon to accompany Angoramon.
Shortmon (BT10-033)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 3000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 2: Kaden
"You've rebuilt your deck…" Kaden acknowledged.
"Obviously. If I'm to surpass you, I need to grow, don't I?"
"Surpass me…?" Kaden repeated. It brought back the words that he told Homura, how he didn't want Maxine and the others to face the dangers he faced. And yet, for her to use a new deck and say those words…
"You have a way's to go before you can do that," he gave a small smile. "For you see…" he drew. "I've also come back with some new tricks. Let's start by hatching Bebydomon!"
Bebydomon materialized on Kaden's side, already marking a clear contrast for Maxine back when she faced Veemon.
Bebydomon (EX3-001)
Color: Blue
Level: 2
"Bebydomon digivolves into Bulucomon, and then from my hand I play Dracomon!" Kaden followed, transforming the small serpentine into a bipedal ice dragon digimon with a white collar mane, along with a teal-colored bipedal dramon with red horns.
Bulucomon (BT5-022)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 3000
Dracomon (EX3-037)
Color: Green/Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
3-0
"When Dracomon enters play, I reveal the top 4 cards of my deck, adding one card with 'dramon' in its name, and a card with 'Examon' in its name to my hand, while sending to the bottom any other cards revealed."
Before Kaden came the four cards: Green Coredramon, Kokabuterimon, Wingdramon and Paledramon. With 3 out of 4 options to choose from, Kaden took the initial Coredramon and sent the remaining to the bottom of the deck.
"I end my turn by digivolving Dracomon into my retrieved Coredramon." Kaden swiped, and in turned transformed Dracomon into the hulky green Coredramon variation.
Coredramon (EX3-039)
Color: Green
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
0-2 (Turn Change)
Turn 3: Maxine
"Coredramon has Blocker, just to let you know." Kaden pointed out as Maxine drew for her turn.
"Think that'll scare me?"
Kaden shrugged. "Might make you think twice before attacking so…"
"Worry about yourself." Maxine said, pushing Angoramon forward. "Shortmon digivolve into Weddinmon!"
Shortmon embraced the yellow binary code and transformed into the wedding cake queen-like digimon.
Weddinmon (BT10-033)
Color: Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
2-0
"Weddinmon, Security Attack!" Maxine commanded.
Weddinmon giggled as she raised her hand, diving towards Kaden. With a quick, vertical chop, Weddinmon's hand came down like a knife, slicing the security, and unveiling the winged blue dragon underneath.
Weddinmon: 8000 DP
Wingdramon: 7000 DP
Wingdramon roared as it emerged and fired back with spiral blue flames. Weddinmon took her fan however and blew it back at Wingdramon, taking out the Security Digimon.
Kaden
Security 5-4
"So much for your blocker. Had second thoughts all of the sudden?" Maxine asked, countering Kaden's previous taunt.
"Just trying to gauge where you're at, don't worry. Enjoy the slight league you have going for you."
"Oh yeah? I'll be sure to widen it then. Angoramon digivolves into SymbareAngoramon!"
Angoramon raised its fist in the air as the green binary rained down and reformed it into the slimmer variation of the Angoramon line.
SymbareAngoramon (BT10-051)
Color: Green
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
0-2 (Turn Change)
Turn 4: Kaden
Kaden drew. "Nice. Hey Max, wanna see something cool?"
Maxine narrowed her gaze as Bulucomon moved forward. "Are…are you making ice puns?"
Kaden digivolved Bulucomon into Paledramon—a larger, winged-ice dragon—before replying, "what makes you say that?"
Paledramon (EX3-019)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
2-1
"When my digimon digivolves into Paledramon, it's allowed to trash a source from underneath one of your digimon. Bosamon from underneath SymbareAngoramon is thereby trashed!"
Maxine watched as SymbareAngoramon jerked forward, binary code pouring out of it.
"And when that happens, Bulucomon's IE effect kicks in, gaining me a Memory.
MEMORY
1-0
"But wait, there's more where that came from! Paledramon, digivolve further into CrysPaledramon!"
The bulky ice dragon embraced the blue binary, being granted jet-pack-like wings and a taller, slimmer build as well as armor across its body.
Cryspaledramon (EX3-021)
Color: Blue
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
0-2
"Cryspaledramon, rip the remaining sources from her digimon!" Kaden ordered to Maxine's surprise.
Cryspaledramon dove forward in a drill-like spiral, the frigid winds covering Maxine's duo in ice. Binary was ripped from them by the winds as well.
"Cryspaledramon removes a source from each of your digimon, then prevents one of them from attacking or blocking if they lack sources entirely for your following turn. Weddinmon is frozen going into next turn.
Maxine turned to the queen-like digimon, who struggled to move her limbs. The whipped cream peaks of her fan were iced over, and she was visibly shivering. SymbareAngoramon meanwhile shook off the ice and hopped about, both in eagerness to retaliate, and to warm up.
(Turn Change)
Turn 5: Maxine
Maxine drew. With Weddinmon frozen, and SymbareAngoramon's sources stripped, she couldn't really do much. By the looks of things, it wasn't worth attempting to attack with Coredramon ready to block SymbareAngoramon, so she opted to play it safe. "I hatch Bosamon, digivolve it into Angoramon and then play Ruli Tsukiyono to end my turn."
Angoramon reappeared along with Ruli to provide extra support for Maxine.
Ruli Tsukiyono (BT10-091)
Color: Green
MEMORY
2-2 (Turn Change)
Turn 6: Kaden
Kaden drew. "Good, you're thinking about your next move. Shame that as your opponent I can't give you too much time for that though. I hatch Bebydomon and digivolve it into Dracomon."
Dracomon materialized in Kaden's raising area, while CrysPaledramon knelt, ready to launch itself.
"You read my mind. CrysPaledramon, Security Attack!" Kaden ordered. The thrusters on its wings ignited and launched the dragon, its armored claws coming over Maxine's security to slice them to shreds.
Maxine
Security: 5-4
Petermon emerged from the security and lashed out towards the dragon, however, with its 5000 DP vs its 7000 DP, Petermon's dagger did little to scratch the armored claw, with the dragon backhanding Petermon away before swiping it with its other claw.
"Should note too, Dracomon's IE effect under Coredramon boosts it by 1000 DP since my digimon with 'dramon' in its name attacked.
Coredramon: 6000-7000 DP
"And I'll end with Coredramon digivolve into Wingdramon!" Kaden swiped, transforming the green hulking dragon into a larger navy blue dragon with massive wings. Clutched in its claws were two golden orbs that glistened in the Babylonian sun.
Wingdramon (EX3-020)
Color: Blue
Level: 5
DP: 7000-8000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change)
Turn 7: Maxine
"One second its blue, the next It's green and now its blue again..." Maxine growled.
"Don't know what to tell you," Kaden shrugged. "You said not to hold back."
"Ugh, you're frustrating!" She snapped back.
"Honestly, I'll take that over you afraid of me," Kaden crossed his arms. Hearing that made Maxine pause, reminding her what the purpose of this battle was.
"You're trying to distract me…" she realized. "You're trying to dodge the situation aren't you?"
Kaden's facial expression indicated as much. The hesitant expression and lack of explanation didn't help his case.
"What are you scared of? Scared of owning up to how you treated me? Of leaving me—us to put up with your so-called partner?! Or were you afraid of me learning of your secret life?!"
Each accusation weighed further on Kaden. "That's—!"
"Angoramon moves forward!" Maxine commanded. "I took the time to think it over…me beating you and surpassing you has more than one meaning. I want—no, I need to get from your shadow." She continued, taking a card from her hand. "The image I've had of you…always being there to have my back like back then…the Kaden I once knew died. I don't know how, or why or when…but he's gone."
Kaden visibly retreated, shaken by her words. His actions of avoidance and unwillingness to disclose what happened to him changed him more than he realized and affected those who'd he least expected.
"I'm going to surpass you and move forward on my own. I'll become my own hero for my own sake, and you're not going to stop me! Weddinmon digivolve into the divine beast warrior, achieving victory with your own claws! Digivolve into Achillesmon!"
Maxine forcefully swiped across her device, and Weddinmon roared, which initially looked unbecoming of someone that looked like her. As she was showered with yellow binary, her teeth grew sharp and her elegant appearance changed drastically, going from a humanoid fairy digimon into a bipedal panther-like digimon dressed in golden Greek warrior armor. The purple hair that peaked from under the helmet matched the highlights across the armor, including the fan on top of the helmet. A pair of disks on its heels extended cyan translucent wings that extended as tall as it was.
Achillesmon (BT10-040)
Color: Yellow
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
"There's so much I'm confused about. Things that don't have answers. Things that are too unbelievable to believe…" she clutched her head. "After I came across that article about your time in Omnia and your exhibition match, it was like I fell into a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. I denied your involvement in all of it, but the timings between everything was so close. And then Terry said that he overheard Mr. McKnight working with AEGIS to set a trap for you and I couldn't take it anymore! I wanted to prove your innocence so badly and even went along with their plan to prove it for my sake…but then…"
According to you, I'm no role model right? I'm no hero, I have nothing to show for it!"
"Your impersonator ruined my image of you. He said that you were no hero and there was nothing to prove you were one. Even when I said that I was living proof, they denied even that… you remember don't you? Please, at least tell me you remember that day…"
Seeing Maxine tear up gripped Kaden's chest. That said, he couldn't deny it. As clear as day he remembered that summer day years ago; the day when an obnoxious, troublemaking ten-year-old recklessly chased down the kidnapper who stole away the naïve little girl who wanted nothing more than her older cousin's attention. Harrowing as it was, Kaden could never forget that day…
…For it was the day that set him down on the path of being the hero he strived to be.
"I could never forget that day, as much as I want to." Kaden chuckled, lightly. "The first time I can truly say I saved someone…"
Maxine exhaled, feeling a wave of reassurance in those words.
"…then again, I also can't forget about the lives I failed to save either…"
Maxine hesitated upon seeing the tears drip from Kaden's dipping face.
"I never wanted you guys to get involved in any of this, especially you…" Kaden wiped his eyes. "I nearly lost you once. And after seeing what happened to my friends, I couldn't imagine involving you in anything dangerous again."
"And yet here we are…" Maxine said, weighty words escaping her throat. "So, now what?"
Kaden took a deep breath and a moment to recompose himself. "I'm going to beat you and demonstrate the power I now have to protect everyone." He went to draw.
"Hold on! Maxine exclaimed. "It's still my turn, Achillesmon only costed 3 to digivolve!"
"Usually that's the case, except Paledramon's IE effect: If your digimon lacks sources, digivolution costs 1 extra."
Maxine's eyes widened and she looked up at the counter above them.
MEMORY
3-1 (Turn Change)
"So, it…it costed 4? Had I known that I wouldn't've…"
Turn 8: Kaden
"Dracomon moves out." Kaden stated as Dracomon took steps forward. "Now, Dracomon, Security Attack!"
Dracomon took a stance and a deep breath, exhaling a blaze of flames towards Maxine. The Security intercepted and blocked the attack, with Lamortmon emerging and lunging over the volley of flames.
Dracomon: 2000 DP
Lamortmon: 9000 DP
Lamortmon, came down on Dracomon and smashed it into the ground, its ferocious demeanor matching the savagery of its strike.
Maxine
Security: 4-3
"Next, Cryspaledramon digivolves into the mechanical dragon lord that erupts the earth: Breakdramon!"
Green binary erupted around Cryspaledramon, sending it into a frenzy as it was transformed. Maxine watched as the rooftop shook in response to the machine titan that materialized where Cryspaledramon stood. Upon completion, the dragon was replaced by a dragon-like digimon built with shovels and drills, its limbs covered in camo covering and dark green. It let out a unique mechanical roar, the sound of gears ripping against each other with rough groans.
Breakdramon (EX3-044)
Color: Green
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
MEMORY
1-2 (Turn Change)
"That thing is massive…" Maxine uttered, feeling intimidated by the beast.
"No kidding, it was a pain to reel this lug in." Kaden looked up to the mechanical monster. "The chaos the war brought woke this thing up. Slayerdramon contracted me into helping him subdue Breakdramon in return for training me. That said…since my turn is over, Wingdramon's effect kicks in."
"Wait, what effect?"
"At the end of my turn, Wingdramon can be used as Level 6 material when used in a DNA Digivolution for Examon."
"A what?!" Maxine exclaimed.
"Wingdramon, Breakdramon, DNA Digivolve into the Dragon Emperor of the Royal Knights: Examon!" Kaden whipped the card in the air, with it shining green and blue. Both dragons roared and glowed their respective colors, blasting off into the gate above them.
"There's no way…" Maxine uttered. "How strong…are you really?"
Kaden, instead of smirking as he's done before, was steel-faced and determined. Maxine couldn't read him at all and could only turn her attention back to the source of the earth-shattering screech from the gate above them.
She was speechless. As the new Digimon began to emerge, the gate itself had to expand further and further to compensate. The surrounding area darkened from the shadow, the sun nearly eclipsing as a result. A crimson claw then emerged from the gate, followed by the head of the dragon, as they pushed through forcefully. Eventually breaking through, its massive silver wings expanded and pushed forward, whereas its red under-wings kept it steady. The massive dragon descended and floated behind Kaden between the adjacent buildings, its size trumping anything that Maxine had seen before this.
Examon (EX3-074)
Color: Green/Blue
Level: 7
DP: 15,000
"When digivolving, I can add one green or blue digimon with 'Dramon' in its name from my hand into its sources. Then, if it's a DNA Digivolution, I can play one green or blue digimon with 'Dramon' in its name and 12,000 DP or less for free." Kaden then took two cards in his hand and revealed them. "Slayerdramon is added to Examon's sources and Groundramon is played from my hand."
Groundramon, a large, green dragon digimon with arm-like appendages on its back materialized and roared to announce its arrival.
Groundramon (EX3-041)
Color: Green
Level: 5
DP: 7000
"Whoa…" Maxine uttered. "So much…in one turn…"
"How are you going to respond to it?" Kaden asked. "If you want to surpass me, then find a way to get around my dragon."
If she was being honest, this was more than she expected. Yet, Kaden's words didn't sound condescending. It was a challenge. And so, she drew.
Turn 9: Maxine
"Ruli sets my Memory to 3."
MEMORY
2-3
"Slayerdramon's IE effect triggers at the start of your turn." Kaden interrupted. "I suspend Slayerdramon to force you to attack this turn."
Examon visibly lowered its guard, relaxing while hovering still.
"You're…forcing me to attack?" Maxine questioned. "Weird effect but…whatever. Angora—"
"Hold up a second." Kaden cut in again. "During all turns, when Examon is suspended for whatever reason, it can unsuspend itself while suspending one of your Digimon."
"What are you serious?!" Maxine exclaimed, watching as the titanic dragon aimed its armed gun at Achillesmon. Taking a quick shot, crippled the athletic panther to her surprise.
"Achillesmon!" She shouted.
"Dracomon and Bebydomon's IE effects also give Examon 2000 DP since it suspended before."
Examon: 15,000-17,000 DP
"Can I just do my turn already?!" Maxine snapped.
Kaden nodded.
"Thank you! Anyway…" she paused to see if he was gonna interject again. "Angoramon gains +1000 DP since your Digimon suspended thanks to Bosamon's IE effect. It'll now attack your Security."
Angoramon likewise hesitated to move, but did so once it was also sure Kaden was done. It bounced into the air and slammed down onto the ground, sending a tremor across the field that shattered the Security targeted. From it emerged Dracomon who attempted to retaliate, only for the tremor to cause it to stumble. Angoramon took the brief disorientation to bounce over and slam the dragon digimon.
Kaden
Security: 4-3
"Next, I play Tinkermon from my hand, giving Groundramon Security Attack -1 for the turn."
Tinkermon materialized in a spiral of yellow binary code and quickly went over to whack Groundramon, mischievously retreating as the dragon growled in annoyance.
Tinkermon (BT10-030)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
3-0
"SymbareAngoramon digivolves into Lamortmon to end my turn." Maxine stated, transforming SymbareAngoramon into the wererabbit that was Lamortmon.
Lamortmon (BT10-054)
Color: Green
Level: 5
DP: 9000
MEMORY
0-4
"Don't forget, the turn doesn't end until you attack me." Kaden reminded her.
"I didn't forget. After all, my target is gonna be none other than that Groundramon of yours. Lamortmon's effect suspends it!"
Lamortmon howled, and the soundwaves produced shook Groundramon's senses and caused it to become disoriented.
"SymbareAngoramon's IE effect now triggers, giving me a Memory!"
MEMORY
4-3
"Now attack!"
Lamortmon's wings on its arms unfurled, allowing the beast to take off at high speed. Like a savage animal, it pounced to take down Groundramon…only to be yanked out of the sky by the idle Examon!
"What the—?! Wait don't tell me…!"
"Coredramon's IE effect: Blocker." Kaden revealed.
Examon: 17,000 DP
Lamortmon: 9000 DP
Examon with its sole claw took the struggling Lamortmon and hurled it back towards Maxine, who shrieked before a Security shielded her from the counterattack.
Maxine
Security: 3-2
"…what?" she blinked as Pyon Dump, was sent to her trash.
"Breakdramon's IE effect: When one of my 'Dramon' or Examon digimon deletes one of your digimon and survives during all turns, I trash one of your Security." Kaden revealed."
Maxine's eyes widened. "Wait so that…"
(Turn Change)
Turn 10: Kaden
"It's my turn." Kaden drew. "Examon attacks Achillesmon!"
Examon 15,000-17,000 DP
Achillesmon: 11,000 DP
Examon turned its attention to Achillesmon who struggled to move, weakened by the suspension earlier. Examon recharged its gun again, and fired, Achillesmon accepting its fate, regretting not being able to do much at all during its brief presence.
Maxine, after watching her digimon get vaporized, felt the weight of the loss encroaching her, only being snapped out of it by the sound of another Security breaking beside her. Her throat closed as Lotosmon collapsed in front of her, only now making an appearance in the match.
Maxine
Security: 2-1
"Examon's effect unsuspends it and suspends Tinkermon as a result."
Maxine turned to Tinkermon, who was revealed to have been caught by the blast, kneeling from the leg injury it endured.
"Examon, round two, final Security attack!"
Examon roared, lifting itself from between the buildings to use its long tail to whip Maxine's las security.
The broken security shimmered in the sun and revealed itself, offering a glimmer of survivability for the girl.
"SECURITY TRIGGER!" she desperately exclaimed. "Lonkhe Adistakto on Groundramon!"
Kaden was surprised. "Not Examon?"
"This card sends your digimon to your Security if I have 3 or less Security of my own. Without Groundramon, you can't finish me off yet!" Maxine explained, as the ensuing blast crashed into Groundramon, wiping Kaden's blocker into his Security.
Maxine's arm dropped after a moment, reality setting in. The game was over, there was no doubt. But she at least wanted to show how resilient she was.
"I play Avalon's Gate." Kaden revealed. "This Option card unsuspends Examon.
Maxine's blood ran cold. "You…can't…be…serious!"
"Not that you knew I had this card. If it's any constellation, that choice would've been hard to make." Kaden said as his dragon rose for a third time. "But unfortunately, you still have a ways to go. Examon, Direct Attack!"
Maxine gasped as she found herself staring down the barrel of the dragon's laser. As it charged, she shielded herself, begging for it to be over with…
Instead, the laser winded down. As the realization that she was still on her feet kicked in, she was suddenly embraced by her taller cousin.
"…huh?" she squeaked out.
"I swear, whatever it takes, I'll have your back always…" Kaden told her, causing her heart to jump. "…I'll always be there, like a knight in shining armor."
He squeezed tighter, and when she felt his tears on her head, she finally broke down and hugged him back.
This road for Maxine was both short and long. But at least it was over. At least, she finally understands Kaden a bit more.
At least, with his support, she can grow as a person like him…
…Or even better, a person she and him can be proud of.
[Shinku No Hi Grill, that evening…]
"Smile everyone!" Homura said as the group set themselves up for a selfie picture.
Kaden and Maxine were in the center with fellow graduate Anastasia, Terrence, Danny, Trevor, Sierra, Brandon, Milo and the parents. With the eventful day coming to an end, and back-to-back graduations settled, the group took the chance to celebrate the many accomplishments they'd achieved, and the ones to look forward to.
Idle conversations eventually started up after everyone began eating, with the main talk being almost too obvious…
"So, is it true?" Anastasia leaned over to Kaden. "You're seriously coming out of retirement, no joke?"
"Ask your protégé," Kaden motioned over to Maxine, who remained quiet.
"Ooh, her silence speaks volumes…" Anastasia teased.
"Speaking of which," Maxine side eyed. "When were you going to tell me, you were tutoring Kelly?"
"Hey, in my defense I see that as a happy coincidence. I didn't know you were classmates." Anastasia defended. "But look at it this way, you two can take your rivalry onto the big stage coming up."
Daniel nearly choked on his noodles. "Wait, Kelly's joining the Digi-Grand Prix too?!"
"REALLY?! DOPE!" Terrence exclaimed, being reminded by his mom's glare to mind his manners.
"That's the plan. Though she's said she's having trouble finding teammates."
"Why don't you join her team?" Brandon asked. "I mean, if you guys need a third I can make myself—!"
"I already joined up with a team."
"Nevermind…" Brandon muttered to himself.
"Who with?" Kaden was curious.
"Nah, it'd be more fun for you to find out." She winked.
Kaden scoffed. "Yeah whatever. All the more reason to eliminate you asap."
"You can try, blue boy wonder." Anastasia quipped back.
"What about you Milo?" Kaden looked over in the opposite direction, where Milo was diagonally placed a seat over. "Got a team set?"
"Oh uh…I don't think I'm gonna participate. What with everything that's happened and all.
"Yeah, that's understandable. Maybe next year…" Kaden replied, though the disappointment was evident.
"That being said you three," Trevor said walking over. "As busy as its been, it's amazing you three are still pushing ahead toward this thing. We still have a few days left until then but…how do you feel?"
Terrence, Daniel and Maxine looked at each other and back at Trevor.
"We're ready for anything." Daniel spoke for them.
"We're ready to stand tall." Maxine added.
"We're ready to win the whole thing!" Terrence finished.
"Because that's what Team Trinity is all about!" They unified.
Taken aback by their declaration, Trevor chuckled, only then making Daniel and Maxine realize how cringe it sounded.
"I really feel like I made the right choice with you three." Trevor told them. "Win or lose, make sure you leave your mark on that stage."
The three agreed to do so.
Suddenly, attention was drawn to the store's front as the bell chimed.
"Were you expecting anyone else to join us this evening?" Sierra turned to Homura.
Homura looked over to Sierra, but before he could reply she winked at him.
"No, but I'll go check. Give me one second…"
Kaden caught the smirk on Homura's face as he dashed to the front to greet the unexpected guest. "What was that about?"
"Consider it a graduation present." Sierra smiled.
"A graduation present?" Kaden questioned. "Like wha—!"
Kaden was interrupted by a pair of hands going across his eyes. The room fell silent for one reason or another, as the individual leaned in on his side, with a very familiar behavior about them.
"Guess who…?" they whispered with a smile.
[Central Park, around the same time…]
Walking across the spacious grass patch, Christopher stared quietly towards the dark sky where the moon stared back. What's become a near ritual of sorts for him, he sat in the grass and took a moment to take in the cool air and think to himself about the events that've transpired over the last several weeks.
"In hindsight, I should've took Trevor's offer to be a Crest Master. Would've made getting into the tournament less of a hassle."
"Look at it this way; more flexibility for us to look for any stragglers that've gotten past." A rough growl followed the equally rough tone of voice.
"You really think more of them came afterward?"
"I can smell them." The voice replied confidently. "And what better space for them to congregate at than a pool full of potential hosts, human and Digimon alike?"
Christopher couldn't argue. "Well, since we're going that route, I'm gonna need to get my hands on a press pass…"
"I'll handle that." Another deeper, refined voice spoke. "You and Dinotigermon focus on the objective at hand. In the meantime, I'd suggest you gather what information you can to assure Dinotigermon's nose isn't leading him astray."
"When has it ever you regal reject—?!" A harsher growl followed. "The nerve of that—!"
"Calm down," Christopher said. "They're not wrong."
"Whatever let's just go. Get this show started bright and early."
"Sounds good. Come tomorrow…
…Hunting Season starts."
A/N: And with that, Arc 1 is officially concluded! With the way life's been throwing curveballs between getting sick amongst other things, I'm at least happy that I've finally reached my long awaited Tournament Arc! Coming up, Kaden and co are going into the first half of the Digi-Grand Prix, facing off against one another, as well as old and new rivals, with of course, some deeper conflicting factors that seek to disrupt things. Coming up in this arc of course is the formal introduction of BT11 and 12 and new characters who will utilize some of the awesome cards in these two sets, all of this leading up to the grand…actually I'm gonna pause there before I give away too much.
As always, thanks for the support and I'll catch you all in Arc 2!
PS: I picked up on the error during the duel concerning Slayerdramon's effect and the timing. Due to the chain effect affecting the outcome of the battle, I will correct it in due time and make necesssary edits)