[Kyoko and Sangomon]
Meeting Arshan, a very kind and gentle person, she expected him to be much like her. So...
"GRAAAAHHH!?" CRASH!
Well...
"THOSE PUNKS!" KRACK-OOM!
Kyoko was surprised that Arshan and Coro would steal not only Behemoth, but one of Beelzemon's guns. Granted, Kyoko did notice Arshan, despite his nervousness, moved with purpose. As if he knew he had to do something more than himself.
...She admired that: doing something despite his fears.
"I'LL MAKE THEIR ANKLES TOUCH THEIR CHINS!"
...If only they would survive Beelzemon's ire.
As Kyoko thought this, Beelzemon happened to point at...her? Wait. What?
"You!" Beelzemon yelled. "Why didn't you stop those idiots!?"
Lucky for the wincing young lady, Sistermon Ciel stepped between their raging Boss and Kyoko and Sangomon. "You know it's not her fault. If anything, it's impressive that they even made Behemoth take them along, considering Behemoth's lust for destruction," She smiled after. "In some ways, it's beyond your test for them to survive a gauntlet of fighting 10 Champions, followed by Tweedledum and Tweedledee." The eldest Sistermon thumbed over to an angry Arukenimon and a confused Mummymon.
Beelzemon growled, his aura causing the area around him to shake. However, he scoffed as he turned his back... before pointing again. "You five! Drag him back here! In chains if you have to! In fact, make sure they're in chains, and gag that annoying rookie of his who's always trying to pick a fight with me!"
The "Five" in question were as follows: Kyoko, Sangomon, Mummymon, Arukenimon, and Sistermon Ciel.
"On it, Boss! We'll make that punk pay dearly for messing with us!" Mummymon saluted.
"Oh don't worry, boss! We got this!" Arukenimon smiled, thinking of ways to get back at the two boys.
"W-Wait, me!?" Kyoko pointed to herself, surprised she was being dragged along.
"It's a good idea," Sistermon Ciel said, "These two can be bad cops, while the rest of us can be good cops."
"Ciel," Beelzemon growled. "You have my permission to drive to catch up with those two."
All of the Hagith Raiders became silent as they heard that. Even Arukenimon and Mummymon looked horrified.
Ciel kindly smiled. "Oh? Why thank you, BZ."
"Don't you dare start that too," Beelzemon grunted at hearing that nickname.
However, Kyoko and Sangomon were the only ones confused. "What's going on?"
Blanc ran up and hugged Kyoko. "Oh no! Big Sis is amazing, but she's scary when she drives!"
"W-What do you mean?" The raven-haired girl gulped.
"Kyoko, keep your head down." Noir patted the young woman's shoulder.
Kyoko looked over to Mummymon and Arukenimon, both also looked to be sweating bullets.
It...couldn't be that bad...right?
A bit later, as Sistermon Ciel took the wheel, Kyoko greatly did not appreciate the feral smile from the usually serene and calm Digimon.
"I can't believe Boss let that Adrenaline Junkie back behind a wheel." Kyoko's eyes widened when she heard Arukenimon mutter such a line.
"I can't believe she's using my Jeep! I just fixed it!" Mummymon shouted in disbelief.
"B-Bye, Kyoko! Stay safe!" "Get presents for us, Mummymon!" Blanc and Noir shouted.
Kyoko was about to ask if she needed to come, but there was a problem. Instead of words, a shrill scream came out of her as Sistermon Ciel floored on the accelerator, making the Jeep speed off in a way that made the vehicle jump over the downward ramp.
Not even seconds in and the five were already a speck of dust on the horizon.
Noir looked to Blanc. "At least we put those in the trunk before big sis left."
The youngest Sistermon nodded. "Right! Hopefully, Kyoko will see it! ...After she wakes up from Big Sis' driving."
[Arshan and Coro]
If Murphy's Law, an adage that states, "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong", was sapient, it would do its job regularly. Except it would also point to Arshan Dillon, and say, "screw this kid in particular".
That was how Arshan felt when he found himself surrounded by two powerful Paladins, one being of the same Generation Tai was. And this was after accidentally joining a cult called the Black Sun...why did that sound familiar?
"Surrender," Ivan spoke once more. "And we will not harm you. Perhaps, I may even ask that young woman on a date."
Arshan felt ten—wait a second. "What did you just say?" He asked as Cas blinked over to the muscular man.
"Ivan," Matt said aloud in a way that held in a sigh, "Now is not the time."
"I believe it is appropriate. I am looking for a life partner, and I believe this pale beauty has potential," Arshan did not expect this turn of events. Were the Paladins just as weird and quirky as the other Digidestined? "I am more than willing to stop by several romantic areas before we reach Ragna Lordmon. Do you prefer a romantic moonlight dinner or long walks on the beach?"
"Uhhhhhh," Poor Cas also had a whirlwind of emotions. First, she was kidnapped and about to be killed by these strange creatures, but thankfully she was saved. Sure, it was by the first human she'd seen in a while, and she wasn't all that happy about meeting other humans. However, this Arshan... he... she could tell he looked as scared as her but was trying his best. It was...endearing... even if she still didn't fully trust other humans. She felt like if she had to pick, Arshan would be a human she'd stick with.
This was especially the case since the only two other humans currently were people serving a Tyrant God. And one of them just asked her out? Cas flinched as she thought about that, but not for the reasons most expect.
However, a stomp from Uver, shaking the ground somewhat, made everyone turn to the giant Nerfertimon. "YOU CAN'T HAVE HER! SHE'S MINE!"
Uver shined, creating a massive Megalith with ancient inscriptions on it. Arshan was in awe at the mystical power oozing from the giant tablet. He was less in awe when Uver's Rosetta Stone was her chucking the massive thing at Ivan.
In Uver's defense, chucking a giant rock at the Bio-Hybrid was more effective than ancient Egyptian Lasers as Ivan was sent flying through the walls—and letting water flow in through the hole.
"Matt!" Gabumon shouted.
"Ugh, Ivan," Matt took out his Digivice. However, he and Gabumon backed off when they saw Uver point and fire lasers at them.
With the water coming in, the cultists fled away to higher ground. Uver, also seeing the water, reached out to grab and toss Cas onto her back before flying out through the ceiling.
"Friends!" Coro and Arshan turned to see Mimicmon waving over to them near an exit. "Come this way!"
"Behemoth!" Arshan yelled as he got on the bike with Coro ahead. "We need to get out of here!
"What about the fight?"
A large howl made the pair look behind them to see a very ticked-off Garurumon, the name given by Arshan's Device, and Matt glaring at him.
"You get a fight and a race, now go!" Arshan yelled as Coro revved the engine, prompting Behemoth to speed off as water started to fill the room. As they sped out, Coro reached out and yanked Mimicmon to ride with them. Even though Garurumon was a champion, the speed at which he kept up with Behemoth was alarming.
"Man, I'm so glad you guys got out of there!" Mimicmon shouted. "You're pals, I didn't want you to drown! And your limbs would have been too soggy for me to cook!"
Arshan wished one of the first outside Digimon friendly to humans he met wasn't a cannibal. Wait. "Mimicmon, you can capture Digimon, can't you? Can you get that one?" Arshan pointed over to Garurumon.
"What!? You think I eat tougher Digimon than me?! I'm a coward! That's why I only go for rookies and baby Digimon!"
"Oh my god." Horrible ethics aside, so much for having Mimicmon temporarily contain Garurumon and maybe Ivan. Arshan wondered if even the cult "accidentally" pushed him off the cruise. Nah, they were all too happy to have him back. Ugh. Were they all accepting of cannibalism? Wait, how was that a thing when Digimon were made of Data!?
"Stop eating kids," Coro, who was usually very excitable and obtuse, knew that wasn't a good thing. "Maybe if they're jerks it's negotiable."
"Let's not talk about cannibalism!" Arshan shouted before they heard something behind them.
"Howling Buster!" Garurumon cried out before a blue laser aimed at Behemoth. But the Digi-Bike was skilled enough to quickly slide and make a hard right turn down the hallway.
However, the ship started to shake as dark green lights lit up and flowed similar to electricity on a circuit board. To Arshan and Coro's surprise, the hallway opened, split, and shifted not unlike the famous robot-to-vehicle toy brand.
"What's going on!?" Arshan yelled as Behemoth skidded to the left, taking an elevated path like a ramp and shooting back into the open air. Arshan and Coro were surprised to see the cruise ship... transforming?
"Oh right, you didn't know!" Mimicmon yelled over the sound of folding metal. "See, even regular boats would get destroyed here. That's why our group acquired this special chunk of The Titan of Steel's body!"
"Wait, this is AncientWisemon's body!?" Arshan looked over to Mimicmon in shock before ducking as the ship started to take the form of a giant oil rig.
"A part of it! And if we're being technical, it isn't really his but a construct made by Ragna Lordmon, which exploded back at the end of the 4th generation," Mimicmon casually said before they avoided another Howling Buster. "How do you think a boat like this could withstand the rough waters here?!"
Arshan supposed that explained why he saw Ancient Wisemon's symbol in the bowels.
Coro looked at one of the mirrors and saw Garurumon and Matt taking the higher ground above them. "Arshan, take the wheel!"
"Wait what? Coro!? Coro!" The teen did not get a chance to say more as Coro let go of Behemoth's wheel and jumped to the hook of a high crane.
The fire rookie did not waste time as he swung forward from the momentum of his jump and quickly looked behind him to see where Matt and Garurumon were heading.
"Uhh, Matt? What is that rookie doing?" Garurumon kept pace, but the 1st Generation Digidestined noticed Coro riding the hook...as...it...swung...bac—
"Garurumon—!" Matt's eyes widened as he called out to his partner too late. See, Behemoth was ahead enough that when Coro jumped to the hook, the rookie rode the momentum of the backswing after he landed, allowing him enough range to leap at the two and punch Garurumon in the head.
Garurumon let his guard down from the unexpected move of the rookie, more so when he wasn't expecting unbelievable raw power coming from such a small mon. As such, he and Matt were sent flying back and crashing into one of the walls of the accommodation levels. Matt was able to land on his feet, as did Garurumon. They were no strangers to being attacked, but this was the first time they were pushed back by someone of the lower level.
"Matt, something's off about that rookie. He punched with the weight of a Greymon." Garurumon shook his head.
Matt watched Coro take a fighting stance. The blonde had to admit this little one had a solid stance that wasn't just trained but eased naturally into it. Something was off about him, but still.
"We need to capture both alive. I don't want us to waste more time than necessary. Garurumon, go Ultimate, you'll be able to fight better in this narrower field." Matt took out his Digivice as it shined, in a flash of light, Garurumon turned into Weregarurumon, a bipedal form.
Coro frowned as he began to sweat. Unlike Arukenimon and Mummymon, Weregarurumon had no openings to exploit.
"Wolf Claw!" Weregarurumon swiped his arm faster than a blink, making Coro barely avoid the attack by jumping up. However, he realized his mistake. "Moonsault Kick!" With a sweeping hook kick, WereGarurumon sent Coro into the metal wall, causing it to make a crater where he crashed.
"Guh!"
Garurumon didn't hesitate as he saw Coro start to fall, "Blow Hard—"
The Ultimate unleashed his punch, creating a hole in the wall, but seeing Coro taken by a light before the attack connected. Instead, Weregarurumon heard the sound of an engine roar and turned—only to see the close-up of a motorcycle wheel spinning at high speed.
Matt panicked as Arshan, riding Behemoth, slammed face-first into WereGarurumon as it sped off the stairs nearby.
The teen and Mimicmon jumped off as Behemoth rammed into Weregarurumon, making the two fall to the lower platform with enough force to make a hole in the floor. Soon, the sounds of an engine roaring and Weregarurumon's attacks echoed inside the hole.
Arshan looked at his Digivice. "Coro, are you alright!?"
"That guy was tough! Maybe we can fight again when I'm stronger! Ouch!" Well, despite being hurt, Arshan was glad Coro was mostly alright. But still, defeating Coro in one move? And he wasn't even going Mega yet! Arshan started to wonder if he should...
"You're bold and reckless," Arshan and the others turned to Matt. Despite knocking down his partner, the blonde couldn't help but smirk. "You remind me of a bunch of goggleheads," The smile fell. "But you're only making things harder on yourself!" Matt brought out his Digivice, and it started to shine a cold blue. "Sagitarrius mode!"
"Nope!"
Arshan may not be the most savvy person, but he knew whatever Matt was unleashing on his partner was bad for them, and decided the best way to deal with it was to not deal with it at all. That's why he grabbed Mimicmon and ran through the hole in the wall made by Weregarurumon.
A good thing he did so too, as a blue light shone from the fighting where Behemoth tackled Weregarurumon before Weregarurumon: Sagitarrius Mode, a form that granted the Ultimate speed and flight appeared. Matt's partner flew up, only in time to hear an exasperated Matt scream, "What!? Hey! Get back here!" He yelled as he chased after the green-eyed teen.
"I can't fit in there, Matt!" WereGarurumon shouted as he saw narrow hallways beyond the hole he made.
"You will not fly from this fight!" Matt's Ultimate turned around to see Behemoth somehow reaching him even from the air and tackling him through the hole.
Before pain overwhelmed him, Weregarurumon had to admit that the fight now easily took the number one spot in the weirdest fight he had in the Digital World.
[Uver and Cas]
"Huh, I pondered why this vessel gave such an eerie air. To think we were on the carcass of a god's puppet," Uver landed on a Helicopter Pad with a black coloring of Ancient Wisemon's symbol.
"What?" Cas knew Uver turned into a different personality when she changed. But she wasn't expecting her to keep this form up even now. Why? Is it because they have no idea where they are? That Arshan seemed to know what was going on, even wanting to help them. Hopefully, she was looking for them?
No, if Uver really cared, she would have taken them with her. Cas wanted to speak up, but she was afraid of how Uver would react. However, those thoughts went away when they heard a powerful slam shake the area.
Uver turned. "What!?"
Cas shared her partner's disbelief. Standing across from them, soaking wet, was Ivan. Despite looking drenched, he didn't look even injured. He walked forward. "Would this be a good idea to offer swimming as a date? Hmm. Perhaps that's going too fast. I don't want her to be uncomfortable."
If possible, Uver's form would show a tick mark on her forehead. She blasted this human head-on with one of her most powerful attacks and he still wasn't phased?! Wait. No. He was only half-human. Bio-Hybrids... those words felt familiar to Uver before she shook her head.
"I said she was mine!" Uver flew in the air and gathered energy towards her jewels. However, she and Cas saw Ivan take out a Digivice similar to Arshan's but looked distinctly different.
"Bio Hybrid DNA Charge! Bio Digivolve too!"
Uver had this overwhelming urge to stop Ivan at all costs. Before he finished, she unleashed a barrage of empowered lasers on the tall man. The explosion engulfed a large chunk of the ship-turned-oil-rig, making all the fleeing cultists look up. The attack was so intense that Uver flew towards the air to avoid the smoke she made.
"Uver! S-Slow down!" Cas cried out as she held on to the neck of her partner.
However, Uver said nothing as the smoke stayed from her attack...
Then two green eyes shined deep from within.
Uver was too late as a powerful aura shot outward, imbalancing everyone on the metal carcass. The smoke blew away, revealing a mighty blade-spiked dino with a green head. It roared its name, "BioSpinomon!"
His eyes looked on Uver. "Perhaps if I defeat you, she'll say yes to talking to me! But I won't say that out loud."
"You are!" Uver screamed.
Cas saw her Digivice reveal a screen, and her eyes widened when she saw the information listed. "BioSpinomon... a... a Mega Level?"
"Surrender. You can't defeat me as you are." Ivan spoke as his form towered.
"You aren't stronger than me!" Uver's rage overcame her as she screamed and attacked the Mega.
[Arshan and Coro.]
Arshan had to support himself when he felt the entire Oil Rig shake tremendously.
"What's going on!?" The teen asked as he felt the entire place was being ripped apart.
"I don't know! It sounds like we're being attacked!" Despite floating, the affable cannibal looked afraid. "This is bad! The ship only protects us from the waters; it doesn't stand a chance if Ancient Mermaidmon finds us herself!"
"Arshan!" The teen looked to his Digivice as Coro's voice came out. "Send me out! I sense a Mega!"
"I-Is it the Water Titan?!" Arshan asked as he let out his partner.
Coro landed and turned to look towards the left of a path. "No, the aura is strong, but not as overwhelming as Ancient Troiamon's! I think it's one of the Paladins!"
"That's still bad! One of them can still take down this ship at their full power!" As soon as Mimicmon said this, another quake hit the oil rig and everyone could feel the structural integrity weaken.
"Can't this ship transform again to save itself?" Coro asked.
"There's not a lot of power in a corpse, and you all know that!" Mimicmon yelled. "We gotta get out of here on your bike!"
For once, Arshan was in agreement with the cannibal. Ugh. Situation aside, that was still not a thought he'd be thinking. However, even though he agreed, a small part of Arshan asked one question.
What will happen to the others if this place fails?
They were a bunch of cultists who were trying to kill a human and Digimon pair. If it was him and Coro on the table, they wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice them for whatever dumb ritual they were about to do.
... But they were all trying to find a way to save themselves. Even if it was bad.
Arshan groaned. He really wished he didn't care sometimes. First thing first: they needed to exit this inner maze. He ran ahead, making the other two follow him.
It wasn't hard to go where he needed to. He followed where the shaking was at its worst. Sure, he had to climb some stairs and lost his balance a few times, but lucky for him, Coro and Mimicmon were there to support him.
What was unlucky was that Arshan chose to go towards danger. Eventually, Arshan gulped as he saw a door at the end, one that did little to hide the sounds of laser fire and missiles behind it.
Arshan froze before he could push the door open. His fear stopped him at that moment. Mimicmon was about to ask until Coro stopped him with a motioned palm. Instead, the fire rookie watched Arshan expectantly.
"I am scared," Arshan inhaled and closed his eyes. The Oil Rig shook dangerously again, but Arshan knew what he had to do. He opened his eyes and put his hand on the door. "But, I hate letting others get hurt more. I choose this."
Arshan pushed open the door.
"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S GODZILLA! WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS!?" The teen yelled in exasperation as he was not expecting to see a giant, bladed Dinosaur blast Uver out of the sky.
Wait, Uver was knocked out of the sky—"Coro save them!"
With a word, Coro and Mimicmon raced to an unconscious Uver and a screaming Cas. Meanwhile, Arshan, begrudgingly, had to keep attention off his rookie from the giant anime Dinosaur.
"Hey! You!" Arshan flailed his hands to get Spinomon's attention. Then he got it. "Uhhh, so umm… do you have any advice on how to approach girls for dates?" The subconscious mind moved faster than his conscious mind. Arshan hoped he could use this guy's odd quirk when asking out Cas to distract him long enough for Coro and Mimicmon to save the other two.
Oh, who was he kidding? There's no way this would work— "The first thing you need is self-confidence. I've been rejected by every single girl, I've asked so far, especially by that beauty Yoshino Fuijeda, but I won't give up. Because I believe in love!"
Arshan rolled with it. "O-oh? I bet it's hard to find love working with Ragna Lordmon."
"You think that, but a good number of them under him have already paired up!" Spinomon exclaimed. "Take Matt for example: he already has a beautiful and kind girlfriend with him! How can a moody and broody guy get someone like that!?"
Wait, were some people under Ragna Lordmon dating? Man, how come the bad guy team had more romance than Arshan had his entire life? But back to what Spinomon said, Matt did look very cool and handsome, like a rock star. It's hard not to see women after him. While thinking this, Arshan eyed Coro bringing in Cas while making a fire stick construct to slap Mimicmon for trying to eat Uver.
"I'm sure you can find the one!" Arshan screamed louder, making Spinomon turn to him before he could glance at the sound of Coro slapping Mimicmon.
"Thank you. That's the nicest thing I've heard in a long time. You know you remind me of my younger bro..." Arshan watched the joyous look in Spinomon's eyes turn nostalgic before hardening. The teen could feel nostalgia, love... and dutiful bitterness. "Surrender. Now."
Arshan didn't know much about the guy, but those major emotions made him wonder if he was trying to protect his family?
"Quick! Hide inside the Oil Rig again!" Coro shouted.
Spinomon stomped on the platform, causing violent shaking and cracks in the steel. Arshan and Cas could even hear screaming from all other corners of the oil rig. "Flee, and I will sink this corpse to the depths." The Dino narrowed his eyes.
"But there are inno-other Digimon here!" Cultists may not be innocent, but Arshan still cared.
"Surrender then, or else I will." Spinomon's aura spiked, shaking the oil rig once more.
Arshan gulped. His choices were to try and escape as soon as they found Behemoth. While feasible, could it even be done with Ivan and possibly Matt bearing down their necks? Matt still had not reached the Mega Level when facing them, and seeing the speed of Gabumon's Champion and Ultimate levels, the chance of them escaping dwindled. But even if by some miracle they do escape, what of everyone here?
Arshan turned to Cas, the pale girl looking absolutely frightened by the dino that defeated Uver. When her blue eyes turned to his green ones, Arshan felt her breathing become frantic with her pupils starting to dilate.
That is why, instinct took over. Or rather, kindness moved first when doubt and fear overwhelmed him. Arshan gave a small smile to Cas, and mouthed, "It will be alright." Before he stepped forward and said aloud, "Ensure the safety of everyone, and I'll go with you peacefully. Power down as well; you're threatening everyone's safety in that form."
Truth be told, Arshan was also scared out of his mind. But... he knew what it was like when there was no hope. So... he wanted to do for Cas what no one did for him: give her some, even if it was small and fleeting. Arshan was surprised that he found courage for others when he couldn't muster it himself. But there he was stepping forward and looking straight into the eyes of a powerful Mega...
For a second, all was silent. Although Ivan blurted out the first thing that came to his mind, he stared into Arshan's eyes... and noticed his arm trembling in fear. Yet, the young man still kept eye contact with him.
"... I agree to those terms," Ivan said as a dark aura was released and he turned back into his still massive human form.
Arshan wished he could sigh in relief, but this meant he was about to be taken to Ragna Lordmon. Oh no. What was he even going to do to him?
"Thank you, cutie.~ You bought all the time I needed." A flirty and beautiful voice echoed before—in a flash—two Digimon appeared behind Ivan.
Faster than Ivan could fully turn, one Digimon styled as a Taoist monk placed a paper seal on the face of the Paladin. The symbol lit up and Ivan froze solid. Next, the second one, a combination of a jellyfish/princess/boxer, grabbed onto the frozen Ivan and teleported away. In one second, she returned, making a stylish flourish.
Two Digimon appeared on Arshan and Cas' Digivice: the Taoist Digimon being a Doumon, an Ultimate Digimon. The other was also an Ultimate but known as Thetismon.
"Threat neutralized," Doumon spoke emotionlessly, his gaze distant.
"Aww, I wanted to beat up that Paladin, but it's alright since we won~!" Thetismon gave a peace sign to the Restorers. "You weren't bad yourself, kid!" She spoke to Arshan.
"What?" Arshan blinked as he saw Ivan disappear. "Who are you two?"
"They're with me~," Everyone heard a female voice above them and saw someone sitting on top of one of the pillars in a relaxing manner. Arshan noticed this person was wearing one of the cult cloaks. But a human hand removed it, revealing a beautiful brunette with purple eyes. "Allow me to introduce myself: I am Nene Amano of the 6th Generation," She giggled, but Arshan had this odd feeling that it was a fake laugh. "It's nice to finally be the "senpai" or senior in this case."
Arshan's eyes widened as he saw Nene take out a pink, but very faded shading, Digivice that he did not recognize. His mind recalled a conversation he had with Tai and everyone else before they left Ancient Troiamon. They had seen all the Digivices except the one before them: a Fusion Loader. When asked what it was like and if it had abilities like the D-Arc of D-Tector, Tai flat out said it was the most powerful Digivice of all the Generations. The 6th Generation... were also incredibly competent war generals, as Tai put it.
Now that Arshan thought back: the two Ultimates struck the moment Ivan lowered his guard down. Despite her smile, this Nene was vicious.
"I could have handled him!" Uver bitterly shouted before she winced from the pain that Ivan inflicted on her.
"He was pretty strong! Maybe when we get stronger, we can fight him, Arshan!" Coro shouted.
The teen frowned before he turned to see that somehow, the young lady had closed the distance between them, allowing her to move her face close to Arshan's. On one hand, Arshan wasn't used to having a beautiful woman close to his face. But on the other, he couldn't help... but frown. Her smile didn't reach her dulled eyes.
"My my," Nene spoke with a flirty laugh. "You have such honest eyes. But you've also got spirit, making someone like Ivan lower his guard and giving the famed Matt Ishida the slip. If it wasn't for you, I would have had a much harder time getting rid of those two."
Arshan's eyes widened as he thought back to running away from Matt. Come to think of it, how did he lose him? The place was a maze, but it did sound like Matt was more than fast enough to keep pace with him until... he didn't. That...that was her doing?
"I don't know why you have the bike of the famed Demon Lord of Gluttony with you, but you newbies truly do make one heck of a first impression," Nene smiled as she backed off. "Not even a week in, and apparently your Digivices can affect the Tyrant. I wonder why the Digital World didn't send you guys first."
"...Demon... Lord...?" Uver would have screamed about how this newcomer was seemingly ignoring her, but those words gave her a headache.
Arshan was both relieved and on guard. He was glad he didn't need to be taken by a Paladin, but who was this woman? "Thanks for helping us?"
"I should be thanking you, may I ask what your names are?"
"I'm Arshan Dillon and," While Arshan was speaking, he noticed Cas taking a step away from everyone, specifically both him and Nene. Sensing her discomfort, Arshan changed the subject. "That Coronamon is my partner, Coro... or that is what I would have said if he hadn't suddenly disappeared where I last saw him." Arshan was having the strangest sense of Deja vu when he saw empty air where Coro should have been.
"Wow! You two look tough! You wanna spar later?" Arshan's face fell into a deadpan as he turned and saw Coro talking to the two Ultimates. "It could be a two on two! Me and Arshan versus you two!"
"Coro! I can't fight!"
"Not with that attitude."
"You better not be developing that as a catchphrase!" Arshan yelled back at his partner, making Nene giggle... a bit more genuinely if he noticed.
"You two remind me of a certain pair, yet far more lively," Nene spoke before looking to Cas, making the paler woman flinch. "And you are?"
With things calming down, Arshan expected Cas to be more at ease. She wasn't. Instead, Uver walked up and pounded her chest. "The name's Uver! And this is my partner, Cas! She's mine got it! And I had everything under control until you showed up."
"Wow! What strategy involves being unconscious?" Uver narrowed her eyes and slowly turned to Coro in response to his innocent reaction. After a few blinks, Uver got the gist that Coro was a few crayons short of the full box.
Nene didn't seem phased from Uver's almost hostile attitude. However, she seemed to react when she spotted Uver's clothes or rather her symbol. "Hmm. That's curious. I haven't seen that symbol in a long time."
Arshan was about to ask Nene what she was talking about. Yet, instead of words, the sound of metal exploding caught their attention as a wall busted open with Behemoth slamming a large Digimon to the ground... but it wasn't WereGarurumon?
"Ah! Lamortmon!" Thetismon shouted in panic seeing the large beast Digimon. Arshan's Digivice showed that was indeed the Digimon's name, but why was Behemoth on top of it!?
"That's what you get for getting in the way of my fight!" The bike's engine roared.
"What!? No!" Nene lost her composure, making even Arshan panic. "He was supposed to take down Weregarurumon before he and—"
"Nene," Out of the dust from the hole, Matt stepped forward. Beside him was Weregarurumon. "I wasn't expecting to meet you again here."
"Matt," Although Nene sounded calm, Arshan could feel her trying to stop the panic rising from her voice as she readied her Digivice. "I could say the same for you. One of Ragna Lordmon's Paladins? It wasn't long ago when our situations were swapped."
"..." Matt was quiet for a moment before he sighed. "That is true. It's... not a good feeling."
"No, it isn't." Nene gave a bitter smile.
Arshan and Cas instinctively stood back. The two humans were facing each other down not unlike a standoff. Part of Arshan was curious, in a battle between Digidestined, how would things go down? It was somewhat thematic that the first Generation was about to fight the Generation with the strongest Digivice.
"So are we going to continue our fight, or what?" Behemoth exclaimed as he turned to Weregarurumon: Sagittarius Mode.
His cry was akin to a clock striking twelve as both Nene and Matt activated their Digivices.
"Digivolve!" "Digi-Xros!"
Arshan watched as Nene's Digivice took all three Ultimates and gathered them together. At the same time, Matt's Digivice shone with an icy blue symbol and wrapped around his partner.
The temperature dropped. Weregarurumon was no longer there. Instead, a metallic wolf looking armed to the teeth stood next to Matt and oozed with an aura similar to Zero in his mega forms. Yet, his form looked far more intimidating simply because of his color being primarily and only black.
"Black MetalGarurumon!" Matt's partner cried out as his transformation was completed.
However, Nene's Digi-Xros was radically different. Instead of Digivolving, she fused all three Digimon together into a being that Arshan felt wasn't meant to be. It was a female Digimon, taking on the form of Thetismon. Instead of having the same sea and jellyfish themes, her style merged with that of Doumon, taking on more black leather with miko-styled sleeves. She had long, flowing golden hair tipped with bits of black while her face was obscured by a black, bounded mask. Her fox ears twitched toward Black Metalgarurumon while her two lone wings expanded outward, almost looking as if it was made of water.
"Thetismon: Banshee X!" The new Digimon declared.
Arshan and Cas' Digivice showed the following Digimon: Black Metal Garurumon, a powerful Mega. However, for some reason, Thetismon: Banshee X didn't have a true level. All Arshan saw in the fluff was, "A Digimon born from the agony of loss from multiple Digimon. Using the powers of the sea and magic with a body fit for a queen of beasts, Thetismon: Banshee X is a rare Digimon little have heard of, less have seen, and fewer will ever survive beyond the initial meeting."
"Everyone hit the deck!" Arshan yelled at Uver, Cas, Coro, and Mimicmon as he realized the two opposing Digimon were about to attack each other.
"Freezing Breath!" "Ocean's Wail!" Both Digimon opened their maws as a sonic scream clashed with a blizzard.
From miles away, many could see the two attacks clashing.
[Zenith Zone]
Tai pinched the bridge of his nose. "Unbelievable. Arshan acts so well-behaved then this happens!"
Kari turned to Mr. Yushima. "By any chance can Clavis Angemon detect him? He also has a 5th Generation Digivice."
"I was only familiar with Henry's aura," The senior citizen sighed. "That's how I helped Clavis Angemon find him."
"Henry," Yoshi looked up after putting a hand on her chin, "Where did you last see Arshan?"
"I let my guard down, and I saw him take a different train. I don't know where too, though."
"He knows he has to at least go north," Koji then turned to another person in their group. "Keenan, you're part of Blue Flare, aren't you? Think you can communicate to any agent up north to keep an eye out for him?"
The youngest but wild child spoke up. "Yes. Agents north. But, may recruit this Arshan instead."
While the older generations were working together to help Henry find Arshan, the newcomers began to speak with each other.
"Meraviglioso! To think we'd meet more of our generation!"
Stefania was super excited to meet someone new in Baron and Isabella, along with their Digimon being Goofy and Impmon.
"You should join Baron's family!" Goofy raised his paws.
Marc looked over to Baron's rookie with a raised brow. "Wait what?"
Baron, who screamed and pulled Goofy from flying in the air to cover his mouth, was not able to respond since someone else spoke. "Only if this "family" means that we get to fight more battles!" Alph leaned into a fighting stance.
"Alph, you JUST came out of a fight." Rei looked at her partner.
"And it was amazing! We should do more!" Alph turned to Huckmon. "In fact, we should fight again! Our fight was not finished!"
"Suddenly, I really wish Coro was here," Bibi noted aloud and sighed. "Please. Please let there be another normal Digimon here."
"...We fought?" Huckmon rubbed his head. "Ugh. Did I hit this doing something heroic? And why can't I remember anything before Itsuki shouting about a card?"
"I'm gonna have to read these things," Itsuki groaned as he took out his D-Arc.
Marc perked up. "Hey, you have the same Digivice as me." He spoke as showed Itsuki his Digivice. "Since Henry is over there, do you want me to give you some tips I learned?"
"Hey, give some to Isa over here," Impmon pointed his thumb over to his partner. "She keeps breaking down crying when our super tough Rika tries to teach her about cards."
"I-Impmon!" Isabella cried out. "I-I do learn from Ms. Nonaka!"
"Only after she leaves and Kentaro has to pick up your slack. Yeesh, you keep making us both look bad," The purple Digimon moved his scarf. "Though, for some reason, both she and that Renamon of hers keep staring at me weirdly. Ha! Have they fallen for my charms?" Impmon smirked.
"You know Kentaro?" Marc's eyes widened when he heard the name of the Digidestined that helped him and Kari.
"But also!" Stefania went between Yuma and Marc and pulled them both into a hug. "It's great to see you two once more!"
"... It's good to see you too, Stefania," Yuma spoke in a low tone.
"Well, you seem to be in a good mood," Marc noted out loud as he heard Yuma say something nice. But then he returned the hug and rubbed Yuma's hair. "Good to see you too. If only Arshan was here."
Stefania gave the two boys a tighter squeeze before she gasped and jumped back. "Ah! Right! Hey, Yuma, I learned to unlock more of my DNA Charge! Mind if we spar?"
Yuma blinked as he thought back to when he met with Rikku. 5th Generation could access DNA charge and potentially fight. If Stefania wanted to... not to mention... he did need to reach the next level... the gap between them and the Paladins was akin to the Grand Canyon as they were right now. "I do need more training."
"Ha! Of course, my partner has already reached new heights! As expected of my companion: you truly are worthy of God Dragon's presence!"
"I am so glad," Funbeemon spoke louder, over the prideful boast of GD and making the God Dragon narrow his eyes at the Queen. "That there will be more who will be a part of my royal court!"
"Uh excuse you they're here to witness my rise as God Dragon!"
The partners of Yuma and Stefania butted heads with each other.
Bibi groaned. "So many Digimon, none of them normal."
"Wait, there's a fight!? I wanna fight!" Alph shouted as he looked around.
"And wait a second," Itsuki spoke up. "What do you mean you two fighting? Don't you mean your partners?" He referred to Yuma and Stefania.
Marc only laughed and patted the shoulder of Itsuki. "I guess you're all in for a treat. How many of you have seen the 4th and 5th Generation in action so far?"
"I-I did..." Baron raised his hand before lowering it. "T-They were... amazing." His mind trailed back to Yoshi and Koji. Baron couldn't fully recall everything, but he did remember two bright shining auras while his mind was in a haze.
"Yeah," Marc looked at his Digivice. "Well, show them, Yuma!"
Yuma and Stefania took some distance between each other as other gave the two Digidestined some space.
Yuma readied his Digivice as Stefania's fist flared bright blue.
"Execute, Spirit Evolution!" "DNA Charge!"
Their spar began...meanwhile... another battle was only getting worse.
[Arshan and Coro]
Fights between Megas were amazing as they were frightening. It felt like hours when it was only one minute. Almost all of the Oil Rig was frozen solid from barrages of ice attacks and freezing missiles from Black MetalGarurumon. But despite being armed with military-grade-and-beyond technology, Black Metal Graurumon's attacks failed to land on The Xros Fusion. The clue should have been in her name: Banshee. Thetismon's form teleported around the battlefield before any attack could hit her. And even if some did, her body would turn ghostly, making missiles and such phase through her. But her grace and mobility weren't the only things about her. When she would close or teleport in close range to Black MetalGarurumon, she would strike with the weight of a monster truck, sending Matt's partner flying until the Bearer of Friendship landed on his feet. Not only that, but Thetismon's form used magic, writing symbols on the leftover ice to turn them into constructs to swarm and fail against Metal Garurumon's speed and firepower.
Meanwhile, Arshan and the others hid behind a safe area to watch the fighting.
Arshan ducked his head when he saw Black MetalGarurumon firing another barrage at Thetismon. He looked over to Cas and Uver.
"Are you hurt, Cas?"
Arshan's voice made Cas look at the young teen before breaking eye contact. "I-I'm... fine..."
"Of course she is! I'm the one who got hurt!" Uver shouted over another blast.
"You fought well against a Mega!" Coro smiled in delight. "That's cool!"
One good thing about Coro was that he was so sincere and supportive that Uver huffed with a smile. "Hmph! If it took him a while to even get me while I was Champion Level, he won't stand a chance when I get to Ultimate! Let alone Mega!" Another explosion. "Ugh! Can that girl get rid of those two yet!? This stalemate is annoying!"
"Wait a second. Why hasn't she done..." Arshan was about to ask aloud why she had not done the same thing to Matt and his partner as they did with Ivan. Surely, this Xros Form could do what all three Digimon can but in one body?
"Huh, what's that symbol?" Mimicmon's voice made the four look to where he was pointing, and they saw one of Thetismon's runes marked on an ice spike.
Arshan noticed there was power coming off from it, but unlike the fight going on, it looked to be on standby. Suddenly, he glanced out of their hiding spot, seeing more and more of those runes littered around the area. But none of them were near the fighting.
"Sonic Equlibirum!" Thetismon's Banshee form unleashed another sonic scream, destroying the area Black MetalGarurumon was in.
Thetismon jumped to the top of a crane. Quickly, she began to perform hand signs and wave her hands in a mysterious motion, making all symbols she placed thrum with power.
"Sea Spirit... Displace!" The fusion clasped her hands together, making all runes shoot energy out and bind Black MetalGarurumon.
Nene looked around. "Thetismon! Get Matt as well in this spell!"
More symbols across the frozen wasteland searched until they zeroed in on an area hidden behind the helicopter pads. However, when they all made an ensnaring sound, a cold light started to shine.
"Too late," Matt held his Digivice... which had a Digi memory plugged in! "DigiMemory- Black Wargreymon! DNA DIGIVOLVE!"
"Thetismon, the spe—" Nene was too late as an eruption of energy exploded outward from Black MetalGarurumon, shattering the spell's restraints. Black and blue formed, creating a Digimon that once inspired awe in Arshan... now enforced only fear.
"O-Omnimon Zwart Defeat," Cas gulped as she read the information on her Digivice. "Mega Level."
It was similar to Omnimon Alter, but instead of a white knight of hope... Zwart looked like a fallen and berserk form. He opened his eyes, revealing a dark blue glow that instantly turned all ice pitch black.
"Transcedent Sword." Zwart's voice spoke as a blade came out of the Greymon arm and with a single swipe... cut the entire top half of the Oil Rig with one cleave.
Thetismon panicked as she teleported above. However, the moment she appeared, a shadow cast over her—and it was Zwart's foot being brought down on her faster than she could turn her body intangible.
Zwart's axe kick followed through, smashing the fusion back into the Oil Rig with another impact that reached every corner of shifting metal.
When the dust settled, all 3 Digimon were separated, the force of one attack already knocking them out.
Nene's poker face broke as she looked up to see Matt glaring down at her.
"I'm sorry," Matt said as Omnimon Zwart Defeat landed behind him. "But Ranga Lordmon declared all those protecting the Restorers..."
Zwart raised his blade, ready to attack Nene and the three other Digimon.
"Must be dealt with." Matt looked away as Zwart Defeat brought down his blade—
[Arshan and Coro.]
"Man, I wanna fight that!" Arshan forgot that Behemoth was half-frozen in this area when he attempted to join the fray against Black Metal Garurumon. But when Omnimon Zwart Defeat cut the upper half of the oil rig, it freed the bicycle, revving its engines for a battle.
But then, everyone saw Zwart kick down Thetismon: Banshee X. Their one hope of escaping the Paladins... gone.
With hope gone, Arshan didn't expect Mimicmon to start... praying?
"Oh great Black Sun... Please... come in our hour of need as the god of steel said you would."
"Pssh! You idiots have been following a lunatic!" Uver shouted. "The only god left is the Tyrant... He made sure to kill all the other gods that got in his way."
Time slowed down as Arshan tuned out everyone speaking and began to FEEL the emotions around him. It was suffocating, the fear, loathing, and desperate want for things to be better. Arshan felt Mimicmon and the other cultists, even now they prayed to a false savior that would never come. Cas and Nene were panicking, the latter having her well-laid plans foiled and was about to lose... (again?)... her Digimon. And there was Matt, shame and self-loathing swarmed him as he looked away, refusing to look his former ally in the eye as he ended them.
This is it? This is everyone under the rule of Ragna Lordmon? Despair perpetuated onto the end?
...
There was one thing... one possible way out of here. One possible way to save everyone. But the only way to do that was...
"Coro," Arshan moved fast, looking at his partner. "I know I promised. But... I want to save everyone. I have an idea, but I don't know if it will work."
Coro watched as Omnimon Zwart Defeat stood over an apologetic Matt, ready to strike down those who tried to save them. He turned to Arshan, knowing what he was asking for.
"Let's show them why Ragna Lordmon's gonna regret messing with us!"
That was all Arshan needed as he took out his Digivice—the light in his eyes a spark in the darkness.
"DNA Charge! Overdrive!"
[Matt and Gabumon/Omnimon Zwart Defeat]
The burst of power that erupted after the shout made Zwart Defeat pause before he turned—
"Whispered Arrow!"
—and was hit by concentrated black solar energy. Zwart regained his balance and looked up to see a new black Mega taking a fighting stance before him.
"What!? Mega!?" Matt shouted as he spotted Arshan standing on the shoulder of the opposing Mega. "Wait, of course! You are the one that reached that level!"
"That punk can already reach Mega!?" Uver cried out in shock.
"Arshan," The teen turned to Coro. "You know I can't fight him for long."
"Just long enough. I've got a few ideas," With that, Arshan screamed over to Nene. "Hurry up! I need you to do the same thing to Matt as you did to Ivan! Coro and I can't hold them off for long!"
Nene was stunned...for a second before she ran to Doumon. It seemed like she did have one last thing under her sleeve that could help stop Matt.
While the blonde was still stupified, Arshan's mind was already moving. "Coro, put me down! Behemoth! Are you ready for one hell of a fight!?"
"Yeah!" The bike's engine roared as he raced forward. With help from Coro, Arshan was able to ride on top of Behemoth, taking the wheel and exhaling. A good thing too as Zwart finally snapped out of his stupor and went in for an attack. In the span of a blink, he closed the distance between him and Coro, but Apollomon: Whispered Mode was quick to catch the blade with his arm brace. Although the blade started to dig into Coro's armor, it didn't stop the other black mega from headbutting the dark knight.
Even though Coro's attack landed, it didn't stop Zwart from aiming his cannon right in front of Apollomon. "Garuru Cannon!"
The attack nailed Coro in the che—or it would have... if Apollomon: Whispered Mode hadn't disappeared into thin air while his attack sailed past and caused a massive explosion even a far distance away from the Oil Rig.
"What!?" Matt gasped as Zwart's eyes widened in disbelief. One second later, Coro was right above Zwart— unleashing a fierce roundhouse kick that smashed him through his blackened ice.
"Great!" Arshan yelled as he put down his Digivice. "That still works while you're Mega!"
"You can do that with the Digivice!?" "He can do that with the 5th generation Digivice?" Matt and Nene couldn't help but watch in awe as Arshan used an overlooked feature in a way neither ever expected.
"..." Mimicmon stared at Apollomon Whispered Mode's back as he realized something. "A... black... sun?"
Soon, Omnimon Zwart Defeat was amazingly on the backfoot. With Arshan ridding around Behemoth, keeping up with the Megas, he was able to use his Digivice to get Coro out of the way of direct and clean hits, allowing Apollomon to attack the knight with impunity.
After getting decked in the face, Zwart braced the blow and readied his sword.
"Coro!"
Hearing Arshan's voice, and knowing how that works, Omnimon Zwart Defeat was prepared this time and spun on his heel to attack... wait a second... why wasn't Arshan holding up his Digivice?
"Eclipse Blow!" Coro's voice came from right where he was originally, meaning that Arshan faked him out!
Matt could only watch with alarm as Omnimon Zwarts Defeat took an empowered uppercut to the jaw.
Coro went back into a fighting stance. "You move just like Master Zero! I know how to fight you!"
"Z-Zero? You know him?" Omnimon Zwart Defeat got back up and looked at the opposing Mega.
"Yeah! And I also know you're holding back! While that makes things easier, why are you?" Coro asked innocently.
"Yes! Yes!" Behemoth shouted, elated that while he wasn't in the fight, he was helping out by carrying Arshan along to keep up with the two's fighting. "This is how fighting should be!" He stopped talking when he felt something wet fall on him.
"Come on... not yet...!" Arshan felt a headache and quickly reached below his right eye. His hand showed that he was starting to bleed. "Nene! You better hurry!"
Nene, while helping up her Digimon, was shocked to see Arshan's eyes leaking blood. However, she knew what the boy was asking of her and kept her composure. "I know all of you are weakened, but please! Digi-Xros one more time!"
All three of her Digimon nodded once, before combining to form Thetismon: Banshee X again. Quickly, the weakened fusion went to work, chanting in an esoteric language as the broken ruins throughout the Oil Rig began to glow.
"We've got no choice!" Matt yelled as he used his Digivice to lift him up and land on Zwart's shoulder. "Go to the sky!"
"Huh!?" Coro blinked as Zwart flew upward. His eyes widened when he saw Zwart gathering energy at the same time he could feel the temperature around them starting to drop.
"I've seen this attack before!" Arshan and Coro turned to Nene, who continued. "Matt can use his partner to freeze whole battalions of Digimon! He's going to trap us and get reinforcements!"
"Did you finish!?" Arshan asked.
"I-I need more time!" Thetismon's fusion yelled back.
Arshan did not appreciate how here he was literally killing himself to buy more time, and they still weren't ready! And Matt had something like this under his sleeve!? Ugh, come on! There had to be something left he could do!
"Coro, can't you use your strongest attack!?" Arshan yelled.
"Arshan, I can't! I've been trying to use fewer attacks to keep the Mega Form longer! I don't want to risk using it now while you're bleeding through your nose too!"
The teen felt his nose... yes. It was bleeding too, and his vision was blurring and tinted red. But they still needed Coro's Mega form! He was the only one who could fight back! How could they...
As Arshan looked at his Digivice. He suddenly remembered something. It was another long shot, but it was also a crazy enough idea to work. "Coro, get me and Behemoth to Nene! Now!"
Coro didn't hesitate as he scooped up the two and made it to Nene as soon as possible before letting Arshan back down.
"That Digi-Xros thing, can it be done with things that aren't Digimon!?" Arshan saw Nene staring in horror at him. "Worry about my blood later! Can you fuse non-Digimon items!?"
"I-I... don't know?!" Nene brought up her Digivice.
"Oh screw it! The other choice is being caught by Ragna Lordmon!" Arshan pressed a button on his Digivice, revealing Beelzemon's gun that Coro stole. "Fuse this with Behemoth!"
"Oh!? OH!" Behemoth's voice showed nothing but excitement before Arshan threw the gun into the air near Coro.
Nene had no choice as she "pointed" her Digivice towards the two items.
"Digi-XROS!?" Nene was unsure of this even working, but Behemoth and one of Beelzemon's gus were Digital Entities similar enough for her Digivice to shine.
"BEHEMOTH CANNON!" A giant bazooka appeared in the sky, taking on the style of Behemoth before Coro looked up and caught the bazooka.
"Oh!" Behemoth's voice empowered as the bazooka itself lit with black energy. "I never thought this would happen!"
"I can't believe that worked!" Nene looked on with disbelief.
Arshan coughed as his vision began to blur. But he shook his head. "Coro, take aim!"
"Got it!" Apollomon: Whispered Mode aimed the Behemoth Cannon at the shining blue light. "Ready to show him what you're made off, Behemoth?"
As soon as Coro finished, so did Omnimon Zwart Defeat before unleashing a black laser on the Oil Rig. Even the bits of the cannon froze from the freezing chill of its attack.
"I DO NOT REGRET COMING WITH YOU TWO AT ALL!" However, Behemoth unleashed his new power, firing a red and black laser to counter the incoming attack. The two lasers clashed, creating a shockwave that moved far past the oil rig.
"You've got to be kidding, what is that!?" Matt was only more confused as the fighting went on. No matter what they tried, somehow, this Arshan kid was pulling the unexpected and impossible each time! ... He couldn't help but be reminded of his best friend.
"You really found one annoying new Digidestined, Tai," Matt shook his head and took out his Digivice. "Too bad they're all going to lose." His Digivice shined brighter, empowering Zwart's laser strike to start pushing back Behemoth's cannon.
Arshan had to support himself on a nearby broken metal pillar as everyone felt the rumbling from the attacks clashing against each other. "Nene! Please tell me you're ready!"
"I'm almost done!" Thetismon shouted as the runes around the oil rig started to glow.
"You're pushing yourself! I don't know why you're bleeding, but this Mega form isn't stab... is this a Dark Digivolution!?" Nene yelled.
"Yeah. Yeah it is..." Arshan forced himself back up. One last idea. Man, it would suck if Arshan did all of this and STILL lost. "Coro! Put your power into Behemoth!"
"But what about—" Coro looked back, only for Arshan to give a thumbs up.
Arshan's eyes and nose were bleeding, he could barely stand, but he gave Coro a smile that told him one phrase: "Let's give 'em hell!" Everyone always thought Arshan was a scared and skittish teen. And he was, but Coro? Coro always knew—when the chips were down, Arshan was as amazing as he always said he was.
Coro gathered his energy into Behemoth's trigger. "Let's do this! Eclipse Light!" The Mega poured his energy into Behemoth's. This time, an orange light appeared throughout the cannon before Behemoth's laser was empowered, matching and evening out with Zwart Defeat's laser.
"How is this newbie doing this!?" Matt couldn't believe that there was someone with this strong of a will already among the newcomers. Usually, it took a long time for such power and bond to be reached.
"I finished!" Thetismon clasped her hands together.
"Then do it!" Nene swiped her hand.
"Ocean Song: Displacement!" Thetismon threw her hands outward, making the runes, broken or not, glow around the Oil Rig. One rune shot another restraint that reached Omnimon Zwart Defeat and ensnared his left leg, breaking the concentration of the black knight and making his attack weaken in the laser clash. But then, more of the runes shot out their restraints, taking more and more of the body of the Omnimon variant.
Three final ones reached the maw of the Garuru Cannon... and forced it closed!
"Oh no!" Matt yelled as that attack stopped, Coro and Behmoth's combined laser came straight for...!
In an instant, Matt and Omnimon Zwart Defeat vanished. Nene knew this was the purpose of the prepared spell. Like with Ivan, it was designed to send him to some random part of the Digital World as fighting him or Matt head-on was far too much trouble even if she won. So, the combined attack flew past where Omnimon and Matt once were, piercing and melting the cloud that once obscured the sky.
For the first time, in a long while, these seas saw the sun... and its light shined down on Apollomon.
It just so happened that many of the Cult Digimon watched that transpire.
"Black... sun... black... sun?" It began as a whisper before their features and cries heightened. "It's the Black Sun! He has come at last! As the prophecy foretold!"
"BLACK SUN! BLACK SUN! BLACK SUN!" The cultist Digimon began to chant in praise at Coro.
"Hey, I was the one who sent the Paladins away, how come they're getting all the credit!?" Thetismon: Banshee X whined. "That bike even ruined our plan in the first place!"
Nene only laughed as she shook her head. "I have to admit... he's nothing like Taiki or Kiriha...but I can't help but be interested in him... haven't felt this way in a long..." The beautiful young woman stopped speaking.
"Do not praise me," Coro as Apollomon said before pointing to Arshan. "He is the great savior of the Digital World! And by his awesomeness, we will stop Ragna Lordmon!"
"Wait a second," Arshan began to feel weak. "Coro, why are you hyping me up to a cult?"
Unfortunately for him, his voice was too low as Coro pumped his fist in the air. "Praise Arshan! The Black Sun!"
"ALL HAIL ARSHAN THE BLACK SUN!" The cultists all cried out. Repeatedly.
"Coro...Coro... stop..." Arshan tried to stop his partner, but seeing as how they were finally out of danger, Arshan went slack, undoing the Dark Digivolution.
As Coro and an unfused Behemoth rushed toward the bloody teen, Cas and Uver watched in awe.
Actually, it was mostly Cas.
In the meantime, Uver only scowled at both Arshan and Coro. Envy wracked her entire being at the two idiots she saw taking on and practically winning against a powerful Paladin of Ragna Lordmon.
"I'll be even stronger than those two idiots! There's no one stronger than me!"
Uver's words were drowned over the fierce chanting for Arshan of the Black Sun. However, Coro and Arshan's clash with Matt and his partner... caught the attention of the one Digimon they weren't ready for.
Miles and miles and miles away...The Titan of Water was on the move.
[Author Notes]
And we finally got here to the next chapter! I should be doing other stuff, but no! I'm writing this story because I'm hiding from my feelings! Thanks, ADHD.
So, I made my first Original Digimon. (Sorta) Thetismon: Banshee X. For those savvy, you're probably wondering why Nene has these odd three Digimon instead of Minervamon and Sparrowmon? Weellll? I'll just say there's a reason why her Digivice's color is faded in this story. Original Digimon won't be popping up a lot, but fusions will appear because of the nature of the Fusion Loaders. They still techincally are official Digimon, just mixed together differently. But hey, depends on what you think. I was technically gonna do this for anyone that picked the Fusion Loader, but boy that was a lot of work I made for myself. Whoops!
Anywho, I am glad this chapter came out. Now, I can finally put what I planned for a while: Arshan gets a cult! Whoo-hoo! Some of you did notice the Black Sun bit, so this was always gonna be the end result. Lol. I have so many ideas of where this is gonna go.
Unfortunately, Arshan's troubles are still not over any time soon. But, this does mean I can take a small break and move the others along!
Thanks a lot for everyone's support for this fic. I really really want to give this story my all, and I admit it's a big challenge. But I'm also enjoying the process.
Anyway, thanks for reading, and please leave a review!