The DigiKnights (OT: Digimon) (PG)

[Shadowbass]

Foreword: I don't think I can call this a remake of the Viral series anymore. It's just so different. Especially the darker tone. I'm still using the newer Earth I created.
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“And so it finally begins,” Nightmaremon said to himself. Not that there was anyone else to talk to. Would have been unbearably boring if not for his prophetic powers allowing him to see the countless time lines, no, stories of the Digital World. And as luck would have it, his favourite was coming true.

Okay, it wasn't luck.

“Poor Yggdrasil. Poor, poor, Yggdrasil. You worked so hard to make the Digital World a safe place without interfering with the Human World. You didn't give up despite the powerful evil that kept appearing. Or that other evil group that just never dies. And your latest heroes, the DigiKnights, what a success they'll be.

They'll crush the evil digimon you're so afraid of. Each member will become mightier than you. Yes. The Knights will surpass all your expectations as they become the greatest heroes the Digital World will ever know as they save it and countless others from complete annihilation.”

He gave a laugh, pretending that the digital world's so-called “god” was listening. Oh how he wished it were so. Oh well. Can't have everything after all. “Oh, the irony of it all. Your great heroes. Surpassing you and saving more lives than any computer will ever be able to count. And yet, and yet, despite it all, despite the victories, it will all be for nothing.

Such a beautiful story. Really. I wish I could tell it to you, Yggdrasil. Would you agree with me on it's beauty? No. You would too distraught. Too distraught by the fact that by creating the DigiKnights, you actually condemned both worlds to fate far, far worse than extinction. That the evil you're trying to fight has already set their plans in motion. Not only that, but the world wouldn't have been destroyed anyways! Your Knights will accomplish nothing and then...they will die. Very painfully too I might add. And then the world will enter a living hell that you could not imagine even within your nightmares. What a waste, Yggdrasil. What a waste. You worked so hard to win the battle against the coming evil, but it's too late!

I've seen it all so many times it's like the past to me. Evil has won.”
_________________
Red Green's words of wisdom:
"Duct tape is like the Force. There's a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together."

"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy!"

"If it ain't broke, you're not trying!"

"Shut up, Harold!"

[Shadowbass]

Foreword: I know it took forever to get this up, but as the new Prologue shows, I've come up with a better story to start things off with. This was actually the last chapter I ended up doing. It was so hard figuring out how to get everything started up.
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“Hello, Your Overratedness,” the voice said. If Yggdrasil had an actual body instead of existing as an energy being, he would have flinched. He knew his caller all too well.

“What is it, Phoenix?” he demanded. Phoenix was the head of an organization known as Crimepire that existed in a connected world belonging to the humans. And somehow he was able to contact Yggdrasil at any time which should not have been possible.

Yggdrasil's world was known as the Digital World. It was somehow brought into existence by the Human World's electronics and Yggdrasil, in fact, was the master program that controlled it. The inhabitants known as “digimon” considered him him a god, but unfortunately that wasn't quite true. Normally that little detail wasn't much of a problem, but with everything that's been happening lately...

“Come now, Yggdrasil,” Phoenix responded, “Is this how you treat your best friend?”

“I should-”

“You should what?” No right answer to that. It wouldn't be a problem to make all of Phoenix's device overload and explode, wiping him out, but he was called Phoenix for a reason.

<If only the humans knew the truth about the demon that walks among them.> “Why are you bothering me?” he asked instead.

“Do these names mean anything to you?” Names appeared in Yggdrasil's mind. Just how was that even possible?

<No!> He recognized all of them. <My Knights!> The DigiKnights to be exact. A little over three hundred years ago, shortly after the Digital World came into existence, a powerful evil appeared from an origin even he could not identify and struck with horrifying results. Though beaten, it struck again one hundred years later and came closer to victory. Another century, and it struck again nearly winning. That was only eight years ago.

To defend against the next attack, Yggdrasil gave life to the programs that control the aspects of fire, water, ground, wind, ice, electricity, metal, light, darkness, and dimension, creating what has since been known as the DigiSpirits. They in turn would grant their power to humans and the fusion would create the ultimate defender for the Digital World, but the Spirits were still young. They could not support nearly enough Knights. After their creation, they could only support two. Now a few more, but Yggdrasil needed an army.

“They're so young,” Phoenix said, “Is this really what you've come to? Sending children to fight your battles?”

“Stay away from them!” The two Knights the Spirits could support were being trained, but the others were not to be contacted until the first two were ready to help teach. He was not going to make children fight. Not again.

“Though I can't help but wonder, what would happen if they fell to evil? After all, children are so impressionable and if they happen to be chosen before falling-” Yggdrasil got the hint.

“What did you do?!”

“I did nothing. But my friends who make contacting you so easy have pulled the Knights in.”

<No! How?! Only myself and the Spirits can do that! The Spirits...Oh no. It's them! Phoenix has the DigiLords on his side!> Yggdrasil immediately turned his attention to the special project he's been working on since he first came up with the Knights. <Stay strong until I'm ready!> he pleaded, <Resist them!>

But even as he worked, he couldn't help but feel that someone, somewhere, was laughing at him.

***

Sora landed on her knees as the thugs shoved her from behind. They had practically torn off her yellow short sleeve when they dragged her out of the car. Her knees scraped against the rough pavement and that had probably wrecked her blue jeans. Her blue bike helmet popped off her red hair.

The last thing she remembered was waiting around for her two closest friends, Tai Kamiya, and Matt Ishida, when something hit her in the back of the head. The next thing she knew, she was in front of some sort of building in the heart of the Warzone.

The Warzone was half of East Capital, the capital of the Eastern District. The world itself was broken into sixty provinces, each split between the East, North, West, South, and the two Central Districts; one for each hemisphere.

Normally the Capitals were the safest place anywhere, but an organization known as Crimepire appeared in East and had slowly transformed half of it into anarchy. The police desperately tried to fight back, but the mysterious leader, known only as Phoenix, tricked them into one death trap after another. Now it was sealed off with an electric fence (barbed wire didn't work) with one heavily guarded exit for anyone who scraped together enough money move out. Provided, of course, they could endure all the prejudice against Warzoners.

She looked around as she was forced through the door. The street was cracked and worn and all the buildings were falling apart. A few vehicles were scattered about, each reduced to mostly a frame. No one in their right mind would ever own a vehicle here now. Unless they were part of Crimepire.

Inside it was dark. The windows were boarded up. A light shone ahead revealing an armoured figure standing in front.

The red helmet was designed like a samurai's helmet but with a face mask and a dark screen over the eyes. The chest plate had a plate in front shaped like a fiery bird that covered all the way to his stomach. The sides were stepped. The coverings for the arms and legs were blades shaped like flames and it seemed there were two ornamental wings on his back. The colouring was orange with red around each segment's edges.

Phoenix. It had to be him. Her mouth went dry and her heart started racing. As she was shoved in front of him, she fell to her knees unable to stand up. <Phoenix. Phoenix has me. I'm dead.> No one had ever been able to say what Phoenix looked like and everyone knew why.

“I'm sure you're wondering why I invited you here,” he said. Sora barely managed a nod. She just wanted to wake up and find out it's just a bad dream. “Do you know of the Digital World?” What? Was she supposed to? Is she supposed to tell him something she didn't know? “I'll take your silence as a 'no'. Surprising considering how two who are very close to you know all about it.” What was he talking about? “Wonder why they didn't tell you? You've known them they're entire lives.”

Wait. He couldn't mean- <TK? Kari?> When she had first started school, she had a hard time fitting in with the other girls but became friends with Tai and Matt. Then Tai had a little sister and Matt a brother. She had gotten so close with them, that she saw them as her own little brother and sister. Tai and Matt were the same with each other's. They had become their own little family in a way.

“Looks like you know who I'm talking about.” The thought of this monster talking about TK and Kari was both sickening and terrifying. “I wouldn't worry about them not telling you. Little kids tend to get scared with big secrets. I'm sure your regard means everything to them. But that's beside the point.”

<Stay away from them,> was all she could think, <They're just little kids. Please, stay away.>

“A moment of great change is happening upon the Digital World,” he continued “That world exists within our electronics and can directly affect them. So much of our world is ruled by electronics, that it's fate will affect us too. That is Crimepire's purpose. To pose as a criminal organization while positioning ourselves to be kings and queens when all is done. And you, you have been chosen for an amazing fate.”

“W-why?” Sora managed to choked out.

“The central program that commands the Digital World is known as Yggdrasil. Or maybe he's some sort of ultra computer. No one really knows. Irrelevant either way. The digital monsters, or digimon, who live there, consider him a god. Yet even he is powerless to stop what is happening. You have been drafted to become a DigiKnight and fight an evil that he has failed to stop.

You. An adolescent girl. Expected to face evils that even your nightmares wouldn't touch. And all for a world you've never even heard of. You don't even have a choice. If you don't fight, the evil will hunt you down as you're a potential threat.”

What was he talking about? <This doesn't seem possible. I mean, sure, TK and Kari are usually off in their own little world, but, that's normal. Isn't it?> Yeah. Of course it was. Phoenix was trying to trick her for some reason.

“Still not convinced? Before, only two could be chosen at first. TK and Kari were done so. They have been in training since. Training for this battle. They never even had a chance to say 'no'.”

Okay. That made her mad. The thought of anything ever happening to them was unbearable. Were they really forced into this? <I-if he's telling the truth, I have to protect them!> She, along with Tai and Matt, promised to always look out for them. Even Phoenix wouldn't be able to keep her from keeping that promise.

“I know you're thinking you can protect them, but you can't. We can. And we will. Which brings me to my offer. As a Knight, you will have powers you never dreamed of. Join us. TK and Kari will, I promise you that. Join us, and we will not only defeat this evil, but we will punish Yggdrasil for destroying such young lives.”

Okay. Apart from this whole “Digital World” thing, this was actually making sense. Why did she believe his story? It seemed so plausible, despite how insane it sounded. If it was true, then this Yggdrasil couldn't get away with endangering them, but there was something else. Something she was forgetting.

<TK!> That's right. TK's parents divorced and he was with his mother in the part that became the Warzone before they could move out. He could never join this man who created it! And neither would Kari! <They'll never join and I'm sure he knows it!> Her fear was replaced by anger. <He'll use me to do it! I have to get out now!>

She closed her eyes. She had to get out now. Even if it got her killed, which it probably was, she had to get out before she could be used against TK and Kari. Ever since she had seen what TK had to go through whenever anyone found out he was from the Warzone, she had been taking martial arts lessons. She had gotten rather good too.

Time to use them. She lowered her head and forced her legs out throwing her head into the stomach of the man holding her down. He grunted and let go and she ran for the exit, bracing herself for the inevitable bullet.

It didn't come. Instead, another man stepped in front of the door. He wore camouflage jeans and a black tank top. His hair was blond and short. He simply stood straight up which seemed odd as he had no muscle. <I'll just force through him.>

As she reached him he stared at her, expressionless, before speaking. “One percent.” His body flexed and the muscles appeared. He suddenly looked ready for the wrestling ring and before Sora could stop, she slammed right into him.

It was like hitting a brick wall and she couldn't believe she didn't break anything bouncing off of him. She started to get back up and he put his hand in front of her forehead with the thumb out and the index finger on top, like he was about to flick at her. Then he did and everything went dark.

***

<Ow,> she thought waking up. Her head was throbbing. It felt like her skull had nearly shattered. What happened? Oh yeah. That guy flicked her. Flicked. As if he were getting rid of a crumb. What was he?

A cold breeze washed over and she shivered. Was she outside? She looked around. It was hard to see with the sky covered in dark clouds. The ground was just cold dirt with tufts of grass scattered around. She examined one nearby close up. Dead. She looked on ahead and saw a couple trees with no leaves or anything. Also dead. That explained why the air felt so stale.

She stood and turned around hoping to find at least some form of life. She jumped back at the figure she found behind her. Tattered robes and a scythe. She swallowed. <Great. The reaper. I'm dreaming. I have to be.>

“Well, well, well,” the reaper hissed, “You're finally up.” He gave a cackle. “My name is Firma, DigiLord of the ground.” Digilord? Firma? Well, at least he wasn't Death.

“W-where-”

“You are on Chaon. It is a small island of the Digital World. Not representative, I'm afraid. The rest is all green and blue,” he said with a shudder, “But that's besides the point. Chaon is the current home of the great Empire of Blood.” Empire of Blood? That sounded bad. Very bad. Suddenly the reaper wasn't sounding like such a bad guy.

Firma held up a finger. It was the first of him she saw outside the cloak and she hoped it would be the last. The skin was rotted and falling off the bone. “I know, I know. You want to know of the Empire's greatness, and it is great. We've existed since near the beginning of the Digital World's creation and will soon transform it into a hell that's even more lovely than what you see now. And while we work our magic here, our good friends at Crimepire will do the same for the Human World. Your world.”

“W-what?”

“You see. You have rejected Phoenix's generous offer and so you have been sent to us. Do not worry. You will be treated well. You will be a queen with equal rank throughout both worlds as we decorate the landscape with the rotting corpses of those who oppose us while serenaded by the screams of the living who are taught just how much they can live through.”

Something snapped inside of her. <No more being scared.> If they were making such a big fuss about her, then maybe she did have some sort of power. <You want my power?! You got it!> Something popped inside of her and two blades appeared, connected to her wrists.

“Excellent! Excellent!” Firma laughed, “You've awakened your weapon! That's the first step to you Knighthood!”

<Then here's step two!> She charged with them both crossed in front of her chest. She swung them both out, slashing into Firma's chest, trying not to gag over the smell of rotting meat. Firma slid back holding his chest. Sora started to attack again, but her knee suddenly exploded in pain. She cried out as a thorny vine tore though it from behind. Then another through her other knee and two more through her elbows. She nearly blacked out.

Firma leapt in front of her with his scythe raised. “Always the hard way.” Then he swung down.

***

Sora opened her eyes. It was dark. She'd say it was pitch black, except the bright grey floor was easy to see. It was warm too. Very warm. It made her injuries feel like they never happened. She looked at herself. They were gone! Her clothes weren't torn up either!

She sat up and closed her eyes. The warmth felt wonderful. She could lose herself in it. She laid back down and closed her eyes. The floor was metal, but the warmth was so nice, she could sleep on it as easily as her bed.

A shot of cold speared her from the side. She stood up feeling the cold batter her as the warmth desperately fought back. Where was this cold coming from? Were Crimepire and the Empire of Blood trying to take it away?! Of course they were! But her power was giving her that warmth. She would use it to destroy anyone who tried to take it away.

The source, or, sources of the cold were a boy and girl who looked to be her age. A trick, obviously. It would have worked too, but her power let her see right through it.

The boy Cold had an odd combination of somewhat messy black hair with red eyes. His short sleeve shirt appeared to be white at some point, but was now looking grey with all the dirt and had a hole in the left side. His pants were blue jeans just as messed up, and the cuffs were tattered and torn. Looking at his arms, he had a very impressive build.

The girl Cold had long, messy, brown hair with black eyes. Her dark blue shirt looked a tad big with the right sleeve torn at the elbow. Her jeans were in similar shape to the boy's. If not for the hair and shirt, she'd look pretty attractive.

The girl Cold pointed her right hand at Sora and some sort of gun appeared. Looked like some kind of sci-fi laser gun. Sora got to her feet and summoned her blades. Looks like they knew she wasn't buying it, so she was going to be executed.

But she would get them first. She crossed her blades at her chest and charged. All that mattered was melting the Cold. Apart from her warmth, nothing else existed.

The girl Cold pointed her gun while the boy Cold stepped off to the side as she fired. Sora ducked the blue energy bolt and shot up, swinging at the Cold's head. The Cold moved her gun up blocking the blade and drove her foot into Sora's stomach. Sora stumbled back and the Cold put her gun at her forehead. She pulled the trigger, but Sora tilted her head to the side causing the Cold to miss. Sora stabbed at her head with her left blade. The Cold grabbed her by the arm but Sora kicked her in the shin, knocking her leg out. She fell down, letting go, but pointing her weapon into Sora's stomach.

Sora used her right blade to stab at the Cold's arm, but the Cold moved it back, causing the blade to glance off the gun. She lunged forward into Sora's stomach, tackling her to the ground and put the weapon at her head. Sora swung at her and she leapt off firing again. Sora rolled left dodging the bolts and stood moving in with a slash from both blades, but the Cold caught her wrists as she did, and followed with a hop and then drove both her feet into Sora's chest. She stumbled back struggling to stay standing as the Cold aimed her gun. Before she could fire, Sora shot herself forward, delivering a right hook to her jaw and as she reeled from the blow, Sora followed with a body slam.

The Cold staggered back and started shooting as Sora chased blocking the bolts with her blades. She got in and swung both down but the Cold spun to the left and pointed her weapon as she stopped. Before she could fire, Sora jammed her left blade into the nozzle and shoved the weapon aside while using her right for a stab at the Cold's head. The Cold tilted her head around it and spun stopping with her gun against the back of Sora's head. She ducked as it fired and leapt backwards onto her hands as the Cold leapt over her. As she landed, she flipped herself to her feet and spun facing her opponent.

The other Cold stepped in with his fists in front of his face. Silver gauntlets appeared on them. Sora smiled. With just fists this Cold should be easier to melt.

She leapt in with her cross slash, but he sidestepped just enough for her to shoot past. She stopped and spun with a slash at his neck, but moved an arm up blocking it and his other threw a punch into her face before she even realized what had happened.

This Cold was fast. She kicked at his stomach, but he leaned out of reach. She leapt at him with a slash, but he sidestepped again. She spun slashing with both blades, but he leaned back again. She took a straight stab at his heart, but he ducked and delivered two swift punches to her stomach.

Desperately, Sora unleashed a barrage of stabs and slashes at the Cold, but he narrowly dodged each move until she fell to her knees, exhausted.

He reached down and grabbed her by the hair, yanking her up and kicked her in the stomach. He let go as she doubled over and the next thing she knew, she had been punched four times in the face. She stumbled back, her vision darkening, and he spun with a kick that connected with the side of her head.

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Afterword: I really don't like how I fit in Sora's description, but I couldn't figure out any other way without bogging everything down.
_________________
Red Green's words of wisdom:
"Duct tape is like the Force. There's a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together."

"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy!"

"If it ain't broke, you're not trying!"

"Shut up, Harold!"

[Shadowbass]

<What is it everyone has against my head?> Sora wondered. She started to get up and open her eyes, but stopped herself. <First, I'm kidnapped. Then I'm nearly killed by some Reaper wannabe. Then I'm in some freakish warmth that made me go crazy. Forget it! I'm staying like this!>

“Hey, you're finally up,” a voice said. Sora's eyes popped open. So much for hiding from the nightmare. She looked around as she sat up, pushing her hands into the cold mud. At least it wasn't broken glass, like she half expected it to be. The only light came from a small opening on the metal door. It wasn't much, but did give some visibility, enough to see that the walls looked to be made of brick.

She looked in the direction the voice came from and nearly jumped back. The boy and girl from before! The boy was giving a pleasant smile, but the girl had a very harsh stare. Sora swallowed, hoping she could get through this without starting anything.

“Sorry about the pounding,” the boy said, “Everything was feeling so nice and cool and then a nasty heat blast came from your directions, and all we could think was 'extinguish the heat'.”

“Same with me,” Sora said, “Except that I was warm and you were real cold.”

“I'll bet that firm freak was screwing with our heads.” Firm freak?

“Do you mean 'Firma'?”

“Uh, yeah. What'd I say? Never mind, uh,” he looked, “um, this is embarrassing, but I think I've forgotten your name already. Bad. Even for me.”

Sora blinked for a couple seconds. What was with this guy? “I never told you my name. You didn't tell me yours either.”

“Oh good. For a minute there, I thought I did something stupid. Apparently I'm a bit of a putz sometimes. Anyways, I'm Max. I don't know my last name.”

“I'm Sora Takenouchi.”

“And Miss Happy over there is Jane-”

“Just Jane!” the girl snapped

“-Holek.”

“Max!” He looked at her.

“Oh, come one. We're kinda stuck together here. In Crimepire's hands, or is this still Empire of Mud? Whatever. We're gonna need each other to get out of this.” Jane growled and turned her attention to the door.

“Sorry about that,” he apologized, looking back at Sora. He seemed a bit sad now. “She wasn't always like that. But, anyways, you did great in that fight before. Not often some normal girl like you can take on a Warzoner.”

They were from the Warzone? Well, that made sense, considering their appearances, but Max seemed a little too cheerful.

Jane gave an indignant snort. “I had her.” She then turned and faced Sora with a glare. “And I don't think our status is any of her business!”

“It's okay,” Sora interrupted, “A very close friend of mine is from the Warzone.” Jane shook her head and turned back to the door.

“That's the closest to an apology you'll ever get out of her,” Max said sadly, “She never apologizes anymore.” He fell silent.

<Maybe I should change the subject.> “Any idea why we're here?”

Max waited a moment before answering. “No one's told us anything, but I have a theory.”

“Here we go,” Jane muttered.

“Crimepire's made of aliens.” Uh, okay. “See, they can do a lot of freaky stuff and their weapons are so bizarre. They can't be human, and I'll bet this Empire of Stud comes from their home world. They probably want us for some kind of experiments involving uncomfortable probes.”

“Uh, yeah,” Sora couldn't think of any other response. Talking with Max was certainly an experience. “Maybe we should focus on getting out of here?”

“And then what?” Jane asked, “We have no idea where we are or what's waiting for us. I don't think my gun's that strong and I know your blades aren't.” Sora ignored the challenging tone.

“We find them and spy,” Max answered, “We learn what we need and get out before they notice we're gone.” Sora wasn't sure what was worse: The plan, or her inability to come up with something better.

“It'll have to do,” Jane said with a sigh, “Sora, cut us out. Quietly.” Sora rolled her eyes. She really didn't want to be putting up with Jane's attitude.

<Now, how did I do this before?> She closed her eyes and concentrated on that windy feeling inside. There it was. She focused on it and felt the blades appear on her wrists. Opening her eyes, she confirmed the blades did appear and walked over to the door.

***

The door itself may have been metal, but the frame around it was only stone and was easily chipped away around the hinges. Now outside, Sora wasn't at all surprised by the scenery. It was the same place Firma took her, only with a bunch of little stone prisons scattered around, and now that she looked, the clouds seemed to have a purple shade.

“Wow. What a happy place,” Max commented.

“It's dark,” Jane pointed out, “That's good. We should be able to avoid getting noticed.”

Max started to walk around the building and Jane put a hand in front of Sora. “Only one of us scouts. Stealth is key.” Any doubts Sora had about these being from the Warzone were gone. And she couldn't be happier about it.

“Found them,” Max said returning, “Not too far off. Probably some emergency meeting which is why we're unguarded. I mean, Firmy's sales pitch really sucks, so they have to be short handed.”

They followed him to a bonfire with several boulders surrounding. Ducking behind them, Sora poked her head out. Only three figures, but they all looked bad.

One was standing in front with two others kneeling before him He had a very aristocratic appearance in his purple tuxedo and cape. His pale skin contrasted his long dark hair. He opened his mouth revealing fangs. <I-is that a vampire?!> Well, with a name like Empire of Blood, it made sense.

And the two kneeling weren't too nice looking either. They both looked like knights with horned helmets, but one's armour was red and the other was blue.

“Why didn't it work?” the vampire asked in an impatient tone.

“Apologies Blood Prince,” Blue said in a deep and cool tone, “The failure was mine.”

“Ah, it's no big deal,” Red said, “Four out of seven ain't bad. Besides, we got some great news you'll just love.”

The vampire raised an eyebrow. “Really.”

“It is,” Blue agreed, “The one we've been after has appeared.”

“You mean Hexlord?”

“I do. Though not ready to return yet, he will be soon.”

Red gave a laugh. “One that even the Hell Regents bow to? I gotta meet this guy.”

“You will,” Blue answered

“But what about the Knights?” the vampire repeated.

“Kill them,” Blue said, “We have two, we'll soon have the other two and we only need one.”

“Did you get any of that?” Max whispered pulling his head back. Sora and Jane did the same.

“I think we came in late,” Jane said, “But it sounds like they were trying to control us. Though I don't know what to make of this 'Hexlord'.”

“If he can boss a group called “Hell Regents”, then he's bad news.”

“Let's just go,” Sora said, “They're planning to kill so we should get far away-”

“I trust you found our conversation nice and confusing?” the vampire's voice sounded from the other side. Sora's heart froze.

“How did you know?” Jane asked with a trace of uncertainty. The vampire walked in front of them.

“Your guard told me,” he said and pointed up. Sora looked and the saw the purple in the clouds come down as a mist. It bunched up next to the vampire and molded into a muscular form. Waist up, it looked like a very muscular man with purple skin wearing a blue vest, and his hair was just one black braid on top. Below was just a tail of the mist. He looked like a genie.

“Mistmon, here, was ordered to let you escape. I know how you Warzoners think and I figured we'd end up just killing you; we just can't take any chances understand, and sending you into the after life with unanswered question to torment you sounds more satisfying than a simple execution.”

“Allow me to to kill them, Blood Prince” Mistmon said with a bow.

“Of course. The Empire of Blood always rewards loyalty. But even though they're at their weakest, it's still three on one. I'll see to it that you kill them one at a time.”

Mistmon pointed at Sora. “I'll start with this one. I love beating girls, but that other one is a battle axe, so she won't scream like this one will.”

“I knew you would,” Shademon answered and lifted a finger. The ground began shaking and something burst out between Sora and the others. It looked like a plate of black fire and then more popped out fencing her in with Mistmon.

Mistmon faced her patting his fist. “This wall taps into our life force. It will never take more than we can ever notice, but as long as it has power from at least two, it will never go down.”

“In other words,” Sora said with a swallow, “One of us has to die?”

“Exactly. And I'm going to to enjoy moment of this.”
_________________
Red Green's words of wisdom:
"Duct tape is like the Force. There's a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together."

"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy!"

"If it ain't broke, you're not trying!"

"Shut up, Harold!"

[Shadowbass]

Foreword: I gave Mistmon some tricks that should make this fight more interesting.
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This was bad. This was bad. Mistmon was a lot bigger than Sora and there was no place to run. She backed away as he hovered towards her. A sadistic grin grew on his face.

<What do I do? The blades! That's right! I can use my blades!> Since she had that power they were making such a big deal about, she'd use it! She ran towards him with a cross slash like she tried on Jane, but Mistmon grabbed her by the arms as she swung and spun, throwing her into the wall behind him. She hit the barrier and screamed. The flames were both scorching and freezing.

After a second that lasted hours, she fell off, trying to force through the pain. Blinking away the tears, she looked up and saw Mistmon coming for her. <Get up! Get up!> Her body refused to listen and Mistmon grabbed her by the head and shoved her back into the barrier.

Sora screamed again, nearly blacking out. She frantically struggled as everything started to go dark again. <No! No! Fight it!> Struggling, she managed to grab him by the wrist and started forcing it to her left. She started kicking him and his grip loosened enough to shove it aside. She fell off and he went forward, yelping as his hand touched the barrier.

Shaking, Sora frantically crawled away while her body screamed in protest. She had to get away. Mistmon floated in front of her with a furious glare. “My toys shouldn't hurt me.” With that, he lashed out, the back of his hand striking her cheek hard enough to lift her off the ground.

She crashed and rolled onto her stomach. She tried to push herself up, but only managed to make her arms shake. Then a heavy hand slammed into her back. “Still, I am feeling somewhat kind. How many ribs would you like me to break?”

She clenched her eyes under the pain. Was this really it? Was the power these guys wanted so badly those useless blades?! <No! There has to be more! Please! Give me more! Don't let me die here! Please!>

She felt something. Wind. A strong wind. But on the inside. It started growing stronger. She started to inhale, but found it almost impossible. She exhaled creating a small dust cloud. The wind kept building up despite her exhaling it as fast as she could. It felt like she was going to explode. It began seeping into her body and she impulsively forced all the way through. The next thing she knew, she was crashing on her rear.

<D-did I do that?!> She looked at Mistmon. He did not look happy.

“What a let down,” he said, “I wanted to hear you scream some more, but now I have to kill you.” His voice changed to a mutter. “Maybe that little girl will entertain me longer. I'll bet she screams real good.”

Little girl? What did he mean? Jane was about the same age and the only other was Max. There wasn't anyone else, was there? Something popped into her memory. <That's right. Phoenix said TK and Kari were chosen...> Her mouth went dry. <If Phoenix was right, then he's talking about Kari!>

One thought of this monster even looking at Kari was enough to drive away Sora's fear, and in it's place, a storm of anger rose. In fact, it felt like a literal storm was inside her. Much like the wind from before, but stronger and with lightning.

She glared at Mistmon, ready to unleash its full fury on him. Two words escaped her mouth. “First Release!” Two glowing orbs appeared, one yellow, one green and flew into her. Her hairs stood straight up and a breeze started circling. Two wings appeared on her back and plates of armour appeared on her body, and her arms, legs, hands, and feet, but not on any joints. A tiara appeared around her head and the sides went down around her jaw. The colour was mostly yellow with darkened parts that were constantly moving as if the armour itself was made of electricity.

Sora blinked trying to take in what just happened. Where's the armour come from? <The thunder storm,> she realized, <That storm inside me. It's out!> Words appeared in her head.

DIGIKNIGHT SORA: SECOND LEVEL
WEAPONS: WIND BREAKER, THUNDER CLASHER
ELEMENTS: ELECTRICITY, WIND
ATTACKS: THUNDER LASH, WIND PALM

Second level. The weapons alone were probably the first. <So this is the power they wanted. But how do I use it?> Images popped into her head. Thunder Lash was formed by her blades as a whip made of electricity, though it could be made firmer with some extra effort. Wind Palm was a small, but very powerful, wind storm that would appear on her hand.

She turned her attention to Mistmon who was shooting her a death glare. She hated to admit how much she was looking forward to this. “Thunder Lash!” She raised one of her blades as it began crackling with electricity. She swung down the whip-like bolt reaching for the purple genie as he just floated with his arms folded and his mist flooding the entire area. <Does he really think I can't see him through the fog? It's not even that thick!>

The attack reached him, but he suddenly disappeared in a puff of his purple mist. <Wait! What?!> A large fist slammed into her back. She stumbled forward and spun slashing her blades, but Mistmon was already gone. <But, he was just-> Then he appeared in front and punched her in the face. As she reeled back, he appeared above her and slammed both fists down on her, forcing her to her knees. “Wind Palm!” The attack flung her into the air and she effortlessly landed on her feet.

<Ouch. How's he doing that? What's the deal with this guy?>

SCANNING. What? Another word in her head? Why?

“What are you doing?”

SCANNING TARGET DIGIMON AS REQUESTED. Oh. That's convenient.

NAME: MISTMON
LEVEL: CHAMPION
MISTMON CAN TRANSFORM INTO A CLOUD OF MIST AND FORM A MORE SOLID BODY ON TOP OF ANY PART OF THE CLOUD AND DISAPPEAR BACK INTO IT. THOUGH HE HAS NO SPECIAL ATTACKS, THIS SKILL HAS MADE HIM INTO A FEARSOME OPPONENT.

<So that's what he's doing.> This was going to be tough. <Just remember that Tai and Matt aren't here,> she reminded herself, <Protecting TK and Kari is up to me.> If Mistmon could disappear, she'd have to surprise him. She focused and waited for him to try something.

But nothing was happening. Except for his mist which was slowly creeping in. She almost laughed at the realization. <He can only move like that in the mist. Since my Wind Palm cleared it out, he can't approach!> So he had a weakness after all.

“I hope you don’t think you have some sort of edge over me with that little wind trick,” Mistmon’s voice rang over from the right. Sora started readying a Wind Palm. Once Mistmon appeared, she's blew away the mist, separating him from it.

He disappeared and a fist popped out connecting with her forehead. <So now he can make different parts appear?!> Another appeared on the left, but this time she grabbed it. It disappeared. Well, at least he wasn't much of a fighter. Too used to relying on his disappearing act.

“As you can see,” Mistmon taunted, “I’m invincible!” Okay, that came from behind. Sora spun with a slash from both blades, but felt two burly arms grab her from behind and slam her head first into the ground behind him. “I’m everywhere and nowhere!”

<What you really are is a headache.> So much for the big weakness. She felt a punch strike her in the back. And then another in her left flank. Then one to the stomach. “Thunder Lash!” She aimed at her right where the next blow should come, but nothing appeared.

“Where’re you aiming?!” laughed Mistmon. More punches started raining in. She huddled up, trying to endure the barrage. They blows weren't nearly as strong as they looked, but they were taking their toll. She had to do something fast.

<First, some breathing space!> “Wind Palm!” She spun around blowing all the mist away as the fists continued without reaching her. They continued to pop out. Mistmon was quite an amateur to get distracted that easily. “Thunder Lash!” She spun it around and Mistmon yelped as it struck one of his fists. He blurted out a chain of words, each one capable of sending Sora's mother into conniptions. Good thing TK and Kari weren't here to hear that.

Mistmon finally quited down and Sora waited for the mist to rebuild around her. But it didn't. This time it clumped together into four clouds circling her. <Okay. This is new.>

Mistmon popped out of the one ahead grinning. “Congratulations on surviving round one, but no one ever gets past round two. These are storm clouds, you see.” He pointed a finger at her.

<What? He can fire lasers now or something?> A bolt of electricity flashed with a deafening boom faster than she could react striking her in the chest and throwing her into the barrier. It didn't hurt so much this time, though whether it was from the armour, or simply drowned out by the pain from that bolt she wasn't sure.

<Ow. Ow. Ow. What the heck was that?> She struggled back to her feet, fighting the dizziness. Mistmon raised an eyebrow.

“Oh? Still alive?”

“Too bad for you,” Sora countered trying to hide how much pain she was in. She never felt anything like that before.

“And you still have your hearing? Amazing. That was a full fledged lightning bolt I just struck you with. Guess that armour even protects your eardrums.” A lightning bolt?! Of course! Those were storm clouds! So much for not having any attacks!

Mistmon disappeared and the clouds started to group up in front of her. She charged at the clouds and drove a Wind Palm into one, dispersing it. She faced the next, but noticed only two, not three. <Uh oh!> The familiar boom and pain came from behind as she was throwing face first into the barrier. Still not as bad the lighting.

She struggled back up to her knees and looked at the clouds in time to see the one she dispersed reform. <Great. Just great.> She was also starting to hear a ring, but considering she could hear anything was a miracle. But she needed a bigger one. Fast. There was no way she could keep this up, but then again, could Mistmon? After all, he was using his body to create this weather effect. It had to be straining. The armour said nothing about it, so it couldn't be natural for him. <Okay. I'll go defensive. I just hope Max and Jane can last.>

Something cold hit her. Cold and small. More hits followed. She stood up looking at the clouds. They were above her and hailing. At least it wasn't another lighting bolt. And there was Mistmon right on top. Looks like he had to be present for the weather tricks. <Another weakness! Let's hope I can actually use it!> “Wind Palm!” The hail was blown back at Mistmon and he disappeared, the hail stopping.

He reappeared and it began raining. “Wind-” The rain stopped and Mistmon pointed at her. <Crap!> She dove away as his finger let up, but realized something very important. <The ground’s wet!> She touched the ground as the lightning bolt struck where she was and was electrocuted. After the shock, she fell to her knees. Now the ringing was getting loud. And the electrical burns weren't helping. <Remember! TK and Kari!>

She felt a surge of energy and stood back up, receiving more hail in the face as the water began evaporating. The hail stopped. This could only mean one thing. She started to run, but it became more of a stumble. A slow stumble. <Too weak.> She faced Mistmon as he pointed at her. <Maybe I can counter it?> “Thunder Lash!” Mistmon's bolt struck her blade right as she fired, exploding in a spray of sparks. Sora stepped back, her arm almost numb. So much for countering.

Mistmon disappeared and the clouds began circling. Sora's mind raced on what to do. She couldn't take much more. If she could just reach him! She bent down and tried a jump, landing on her stomach. <No! I know I'm stronger, and he's not that high!> She crawled back up. Mistmon was still in his clouds. He must be resting. She jumped again. And again. Nothing. <Come on! Get me up there! For TK and Kari!> She concentrated on where she found her power and realized she wasn't touching the ground anymore. She opened her eyes and looked down. <I'm flying!>

She looked at Mistmon who was still hiding. <You're not hiding this time.> She mentally ordered herself to charge the clouds and her body obeyed. <Birds have nothing on this!> “Wind Palm!” Instead of attacking the clouds directly, she circled, pushing them together. <Let's see if I'm right about this.>

The clouds bunched together and as she kept pushing, they molded into Mistmon. He blinked and looked at her wide-eyed. “What? How did you-”

“That mist is still your body. I figured forcing it together would make you solid again. Thunder Lash!” Mistmon's jaw dropped as her electrical whip cleaved him straight down the middle. His body began breaking into small particles.

“How could I lose to a girl?” he asked as he disappeared.

Cracks appeared around the barrier and it shattered like glass. The fragments faded into nothing.
_________________
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