Ogremon? That's Ogremon! What the actual hell is he doing here?
I didn't see this coming. The Digivice didn't even ping. It's like he wasn't even there until he was.
"Allow me to introduce you to a friend," Tombstone says, a cruel smile spreading across his grayish face. "This is Ogremon. He's a new associate who joined me recently."
Ogremon lets out another roar, a sound that echoes through the penthouse, shaking the windows. He levels his gaze on me, and I feel a shiver run down my spine.
[Ogremon]
[Level: Champion]
[Type: Demon]
[Attribute: Virus]
[Special Move: Pummel Whack]
[A Digimon resembling an oni, which is a demon in Japanese folklore. The attacks from Ogremon's frighteningly well-developed muscles bring tremendous destructive power to bear. Extremely intelligent but just as temperamental, this rage-driven being wreaks all the havoc it can. Belligerent to a fault, it will boldly challenge even opponents with significantly higher battle strength compared to its own, and this has earned it the moniker of the "Digimon Hunter." The bone club Ogremon wields in its right hand is a spoil from its victory over SkullGreymon. It unleashes the special move Pummel Whack by swinging its massive arms.]
Gatomon and BlackGatomon land on their feet, growling, claws extended. "You okay?" I ask, already knowing the answer. They wouldn't go down that easily.
"Chosen Child," Ogremon booms, his voice dripping with disdain. "I am glad I can eliminate one so soon."
Did he just call me the Chosen Child? What is this, some anime trope? Whatever, I have more pressing matters. "You two got this, right?" I ask Gatomon and BlackGatomon.
Gatomon nods, her blue eyes narrowed. "He's strong, but we can take him."
BlackGatomon cracks her knuckles, a predatory grin on her face. "Let's do this!"
Gatomon is the first to move, darting forward with incredible speed. She unleashes a flurry of blows, each strike precise and aimed at Ogremon's vital points. BlackGatomon is right behind her, a shadow of fury. She uses a Lightning Paw, leaving trails of dark energy, trying to slash at his legs and arms, attempting to cripple him.
But Ogremon is stronger than they anticipated. He shrugs off Gatomon's attacks like they're nothing. He blocks BlackGatomon's claws with his bone club, the force of the impact sending sparks flying.
Ogremon swings his bone club at Gatomon, forcing her to flip backwards to avoid the attack. He then turns his attention to BlackGatomon, grabbing her by the tail and slamming her against a nearby wall.
"You won't be able to defeat me! I am stronger because of my connection to Tombstone!" Ogremon boasts, slamming his chest.
I study Tombstone. There's definitely something weird going on. A dark aura emanates from both Tombstone and Ogremon, a sort of twisted bond. It is similar to the connection I have with Gatomon and BlackGatomon, but darker. A lot darker. But Tombstone doesn't have a Digivice. So what is going on? How are they connected?
[Ogremon is a Digimon drawn to negative emotions. He is feeding off Tombstone's strong desire for power and revenge. This is the source of their connection.]
Seriously? That's how it works?
Okay, new plan. I have to break that connection. Tombstone is strong, but if I cut off Ogremon's power source... maybe, just maybe, Gatomon and BlackGatomon can turn the tide.
"Ogremon, destroy the cats," Tombstone commands, his red eyes fixated on me. "I'll deal with the brat."
"Like hell you will!" Gatomon snarls, ready to pounce.
"Not on my watch!" BlackGatomon adds, her crimson eyes blazing with anger.
Ogremon steps forward, his massive frame blocking their path. "Your fight is with me, little ones."
I guess that makes sense. Ogremon wants all the power for himself.
Tombstone wastes no time. He charges at me, a freight train of gray muscle. He swings a haymaker that would probably cave in a normal person's skull. Thanks to my AGI, I'm able to dodge it. I sidestep, narrowly avoiding his fist, which connects with the wall behind me, leaving a sizable dent.
Okay, maybe AGI was the right choice. I'm quicker, but I'm definitely not stronger.
"You're fast, kid," Tombstone growls, turning to face me. "But speed won't save you."
I smirk, trying to project some confidence. "We'll see about that."
I decide to go on the offensive. I rush forward, throwing a punch at Tombstone's face, channeling the added STR from the system. My fist connects, and pain shoots up my arm.
"Ow! Son of a—" I clutch my hand, shaking it.
Tombstone doesn't even flinch. He just raises an eyebrow, a look of amusement on his face. "My skin is incredibly tough," he states, his voice a low rumble. "Not even bullets can pierce it."
I knew that. But feeling it firsthand is a whole other level of messed up. I thought with my boosted strength, I could at least make him stumble, but nothing.
"Is that all you've got?" Tombstone mocks, stepping closer. "You're nothing."
I stagger back, clutching my throbbing hand. Okay, plan A clearly didn't work. Time for plan B—or is it C? I've lost count.
Digivice, don't fail me now. I pull it out, my fingers fumbling with the screen. I open the Digi-Memory app. There it is, my last resort.
"Digi-Memory! Come, Leomon!"
I press the icon, and the Digivice glows, emitting a burst of orange light.
Suddenly, a shimmering ring of golden energy appears in front of me, crackling with raw power. Digital data swirls around, coalescing, taking shape. It forms a muscular, humanoid figure, covered in golden fur. The data solidifies, revealing the form of Leomon.
He stands tall and imposing, every muscle defined, radiating the power of a true warrior. His lion-like mane frames his face, his eyes burning with righteous fire. A sentient blade, Shishiou-maru, hangs at his side, gleaming with a silver edge. His paws are covered by giant gauntlets. He is the embodiment of a noble hero, a king among beasts.
Tombstone pauses, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Ogremon seems to take notice too, and turns his attention to Leomon.
"Who is this?" Tombstone asks, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice.
"This," I declare, a surge of adrenaline coursing through me, "is the guy who's going to kick your ass."
Leomon lets out a mighty roar, his voice echoing through the room, a challenge to the darkness that threatens to consume it. He looks at Gatomon and BlackGatomon, and nods.
This is going to be one hell of a fight.
***
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