Dance with the Devil
It was three days after Anime Day had ended, and as if one cue, the trouble began. Six hours ago the island of Eletronica reported increased Dronae activity in the city. Five hours ago Shima Forest became overrun by Dark Digimon Two hours ago reports of Dronae heading towards Cyan came in. Fifteen minutes ago Judgemon on Devil's Key reported that Dronae activity had suddenly, and dramatically, increased. The operation had begun. We are now on the Net Ocean, the route to Devil's Key, and the Guardians can only go as fast as possible.. Five high speed HammerHead units tore through the water, Buster Sharks, Buster Hawks, Dash Dragonflies, and Ecco Bikes on each side of them. It was as full scale assault as could be mustered. Ryota stood on HammerHead 1, adjusting his gloves and standing in full Wild Sword uniform, looking at the incoming Devil's Key with a serious expression. Sworddramon was beside him, arms crossed and faceplate open. Ryota: They planned it well..spreading us thin so as to have an easier time. Sworddramon: Must have some good tacticians. Ryota: ...Do you think we're ready? Sworddramon: We don't have much of a choice. I know we didn't get practice in but we can only hope luck is on our side. Ryota: Hn... Yukito was speaking with the captain of HammerHead 1, clad in full Knights of the Round uniform, with the appropriate stripes for Squad Leader. Yukito: When we get in we'll need a cover fire. Arm the positron cannons and set them to level 5. Captain: *nods* Hai. Yukito: ...maybe..just maybe we can end it here...

Derryn was checking his armaments at the moment, while he WAS in his own Sky Prism uniform, he had, in a burst of random individuality tempered with foresight though, included a slightly longer coat then the one he was prone to wearing normally (Though with the Sky Prism Logo on it to make up for it ^_^), with far more daggers kept in it then he usually did, several spare shortswords, and his trustworthy blades strapped for convienent access on his left and right sides. "Seems like this is going to be the big one" He mused. Estinmon was currently having a quick bite to eat, actual food instead of the processed sugar he tended to go through. "^^;;; Yeah, I haven't seen this much of an assault in a LONG time..." Derryn finished checking his gear, and then proceeded on streamlining his V2X's interface. "Yeah, I can't quite shake the feeling though that we're making a big mistake here... Even in a best case scenario where the Dark Five are present, there's the Milleniummon brothers, and that's the sort of opponent that no amount of numbers is going to be able to pull down convienently. Worst case, all five of them have Ultimates already, and we're in a rough spot... I'm not even CONSIDERING if they've got any Shadow Digivice people with them either, OR the Dronae." Estinmon nodded. "Yeah... It's not a good situation, but come on, HIKARU'S participating! He's pratically a match for any one of them at LEAST." Derryn sighed. "That's what bothers me, they must KNOW we'd throw all our strength into this mission, and while they DID spread us out somewhat, a VERY sizable chunk of the Guard System's strength is focused right here... The fact that more steps weren't taken to dilute us tells me that they're comfortable facing even this level of power... So there MUST be some kind of major strategy on the part of the Enemy, but I can't figure it out without more information..." Estinmon's expression sobered. "Yeah, I sort of figured, but on the other hand, they may be comfortable facing us because they're already far too strong for any of us to make a difference." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enbeli wasn't too far away from Derryn's location, also dressed in her own uniform, and looking over herself with a somewhat noticable lack of enthusiasm. "I really do look like a Guard Tamer now, don't I?" Radrmon looked up from the sizable rucksack carrying spare weapons (Solid Shell, in the event Enbeli panicked and blew out her Zeo again) "I would say so" she deadpanned. "You've only been one for a year now, give or take a few months, you're uncharacteristicly mature at the moment though. First Major Battle jitters or something?" "I guess so... I mean, there's just so many people around here today, I knew the Guard Teams were formed specifically to deal with things like this, but so far it's been mostly just police work. This is going into a war..." She gave a somewhat half-hearted laugh. "Thinking of it like that, my reasons for joining seem so... Shallow now." Radrmon nodded, in a bit of a concession. "Looking to have people acknowledge you for doing good isn't that shallow. It's not the deepest of reasons, but it's not the worst you can have after all." Enbeli blinked. "Did you just say something NICE?" Radrmon nodded. "I have no qualms with associating with mature attitudes, it's all the others that get the unpleasantness" Enbeli blinked again. "... Well, I learned something today..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ari's situation, on the other hand... Sitting on a bench in the Gaia Fist uniform, and sort of looking out into space, she sighed loudly. "Well, in hindsight, I'm not entirely sure this was such a good idea." Aelamon tugged at the little armband with the Gaia Fist logo he had to wear. "Which one? Joining the Guard Teams? Or being on a mission of this magnitude after just barely qualifying as a competent Tamer?" Ari gave him A Look. "Neither, Just not entirely sure Gaia Fist was the right team to apply to, I mean, look at this, Brown uniform with my hair?" Aelamon looked her over again. "Considering the color of my own fur, you got off EASY, what's the real issue?" Ari's eyes started to water in an "About to Cry" expression. "Ok, it was the second one you gave! The time it takes to weed out the weak in a conflict like this is TWENTY SECONDS!!!, At BEST!" Aelamon blinked a few times. "Well, just find someone competent, stick by them, and try not to get in the way, and you'll do fine, I'm sure there's plenty of people around here that won't mind!" Ari nodded. "Probably, but it still doesn't help the mood!" ... Ok, maybe not EVERYTHING can be entirely heavy-hearted

Tetsuo was in his Blast Range uniform not far from Enbeli. He was busy working on a buster cannon, setting the recoil levels and of course loading it up with shells. Tetsuo: Circuitmon, give me the statistics. Circuitmon: You don't wanna know. I mean you REALLY don't wanna know. Tetsuo: My favorite odds. Circuitmon: ...boss? Are you scared? Tetsuo: ....yeah. Circuitmon: Eh? Tetsuo: ...if I was back in Japan..if I was the way I was before, then no. I would be ready to die at a moment's notice...but..I've made too much progress here. I can't die now. Not yet. Circuitmon: ...Tetsuo... Guy was in his Gaia Fist uniform, packing his weapons pack.He had decided to forego the nunchaku, sticking with his staff and a selection of ninja weaponry, kunai, shurikens, and various bombs, along with a good assortment of his inventions that were Zeo-activated. Keomon sat beside him eating an energy bar. Keomon: Hey Guido...you sure you want to keep on this mission? I mean it's not too late to teleport back to the land, we haven't hit Devil's Key' teleportation shield yet. Guy: ...I won't back down. I can't now. Keomon: So you're not gonna hold back? Guy: That's a silly question...if I held back now. If I quit, I could never face my family or Lirisi again. I have to do this. Leon was in one of the Buster Sharks in his Deep Saver uniform, his armed especially for this mission. Tsunagemon was in the back, looking at the sortie. Leon: Hmm..so maybe this is my last battlefield. Tsunagemon: Don't you dare think like that! Leon: You know I was..I am prepared for my end, Tsunagemon. This is no different from any other time. Tsunagemon: Leon... Leon: We had a good run..I have no regrets. A shadow fell over one of the HammerHeads. It was Hikaru's Phoenix, with him in his God Sword uniform in the cockpit. Hikaru: ....It'll be interesting to fight Nima. I've never had the opportunity.

Iris was checking and rechecking her guns. Ratchetmon had already evolved into Robomon and was readying HIS weapons as well. Templarmon was checking the sharpness of his sword and loosening his body with some stretches and yoga. Ditto for his Tamer, Adrian. Blair....was surfing. Actually he was testing out the long range abilities of his DNA-modded up board, but he had to releive his tension somehow. Platymon was hanging on for dear life as Blair sped along to keep up with the HammerHeads. Nodoka and Geninmon were around...perusmably readying themselves as well or meditating or something to ready themselves for battle **** Iris: Adrian... are you ok? Adrian: we're going to a digital prison with over 2000 digital cores that the Dark Five could have some how revived. I'm scared shitless sis. Templarmon: I'm not to keen on this either. -_-; But, we can't let them get away with it. Robomon: *checking the barrel of his Murphy's* mmm, Templarmon is right. This disgusting crime can not go unpunished, even if they are criminals

Dagrus sat in his uniform sharpening a pair of knives he had decided to use while his new weapons were still being perfected. Stragomon sat against the wall, head down and eyes closed, deep in thought. Prissmon was leaning against a wall while Kasumi was runing a check on her yo-yo. Dagrus: .....I never even told mom, dad, or even Rinrin goodbye. Kasumi: If you think like that then you won't make it. For once stop trying to be humble and be the bastard I came here to kill. Dagrus: Oh joyous. What's next, you're gonna say I best not get killed so you can have that pleasure? Before Dagrus could react, Kasumi hugged him. Kasumi: Just..shut up...and don't die. Dagrus: Kass... Sion and Griffin were going through their Digivices while Kuugamon and Hurricmon were sparring for practice. Sion: So have you been to Devil's Key before? Griffin: When I first met Echidmon, yeah. I've never been to Devil's Own before, the path to it was sealed off by Judgemon. Sion: Wow... Griffin: Echidmon knows a lot more about the place than I do. I jus' don't want to stay there long. Place creeps me out, frankly. Not too far from the Tamers, coming from another angle as a prison transport...

Hunter sat in the corner of his cell, legs curled up, idly tracing a circle with his big toe as he let out a sigh. Whatever the guards were thinking he was gonna be like, they more than likely got the exact opposite. Hunter was quiet, and polite, barely said anything. No "I didn't do it" confessions, but also, no "I did it and I liked it" boasts either. Generally, an aura of depression filled where he was being held. and Hunter knew he deserved it, and worse. **** Iris looked over at Adrian, Adrian met her eyes. Both siblings leaned in and hugged each other, wordlessly giving the other courage. **** Blair raised an eyebrow as he saw the ship come towards the crew and raised his digivice, turning on the comm unit Blair: I don' wanna cause a rukus, but I see another ship comin'in close. I wanna say it looks like a transport, but I dunno.

Devon was aboard one of the Dash Dragonflies, she still wore her normal attire, but her arms were now covered with hand-tailored garments that carried the Dark Riders logo. Her only weapon already adorning her right arm. Noir was already in his adult form, calmly resting by Devon's feet. Both partners were resting, patiently waiting for the time of arrival to Devil's Key. Devon: ...... *eyes closed* ( .........Daisuke....)

Towards the back of the guard system group, flying rather indiscriminately was a slightly less-than-indiscriminate Buster Hawk. Its pilot was dressed in black, and on his sleeve was a God Sword insignia. Darien: Finally... A real fight...

Sitting near the stern of the Hammerhead-1 Valor in his Dark Riders uniform was prepping his secondary weapons a mace and an axe attaching his mace to his belt and his axe to a harness on his back next to Mjolnir. Surtimon was leaning against the railing and Andromeda sitting next to him in her medic uniform. All was silent until Valor muttered... "...and time repeats itself once more." Andromeda asked him, "Excuse me?" "It was over two thousand years ago that our ancestors pulled off an invasion like this." "Oh yes," Andromeda nodded, "The Battle of Normandy." "They faced innumerable odds and many of them died..." Then Valor looked at her, "I might not see you again Andy." She kissed Valor on the cheek and whispered in his ear, "Don't ever speak like that or I swear on my mother's grave I'll kill you myself." Andromeda kissed him again this time it lasting much longer, she pulled away. "Stay safe Val." Then she walked off to join the other medics. Surtimon who was silenting standing there told his tamer, "We better join the others Valor." Valor nodded and got up, "I'm about as ready as I'll ever be." The two then proceeded to join the others.

Kikotsu stayed to herself on the vessel she was on; Hammerhead 4; speaking only to her partner... Yamikumamon. Currently, Kiko really looked little like a God Sword... and perhaps would not be noticed that she was one... if it were not for her God Sword Emblem on the clasp that held her cloak together/over her shoulders. Said cloak had its hood up over her head, her pure white hair falling over on left eye.. occasionally blown aside from the wind. Even the silver cross pendant over her shirt (under the cloak) was moving. Her partner had a wristband with the same emblem emblazoned on it, and though she wore the purple cloak once more, she left the hood of hers down, letting it blow gently away from her in the wind. Kiko leaned on the rail, staring out over the water, and finally spoke to her partner after a very long pause. Kiko: Are you prepared for when we dock? Yami: Are you prepared for when we battle? Kiko: When heading into a battle you must always attempt to be as prepared as possible. But the only battles anyone can truly be 100% prepared for are found only within video games. Yami: Kiko, that was not what I meant and you know that. Kiko: There isn't an answer that you would be looking for Yami. Yami: It is not me that I am concerned for, Kiko... Kiko: I know... * * * Carrie sat in her Deep Saver uniform, staring at the deck. Marimon had a small pin with the Deep Saver's Emblem on her top. She seemed less hyper and excited about the water than usual. But then, there wasn't one person stupid enough.... no... nieve enough... to not know that this was a serious situation. She did, however, seem to be preferring to be leaning as far over the railing as possible and staring towards the ocean's surface. Neither of them spoke to the other... there really wasn't much to say now that hadn't already been said hours ago... ...a letter in Carrie's pocket was just... (figuratively) burning a hole... She didn't want to be here, but she had a duty no matter what... That didn't mean she had to like it... * * * Suki looked at Izumi... both in their respective uniforms, but Suki decided to the forego the gloves; had had Izumi. Both for their own reasons. Neither seemed overtly happy about the designs, but despite how casually they had decided to wear their uniforms, the point was they were still in them. Suki's collar was undone and was revealing a purple shirt underneath. The silver of a pin just barely visible under the jacket. The cord of a necklace... of come sorts.. was just barely visible past the collarline of Suki's shirt. Her katana strapped to her back over her uniform. Izumi leaned against the rail across from Suki. Huntress was in her Compact Form and attached to a belt around her waist. Her reason for no gloves was semi-obvious actually. The Archer's Gauntlet was one... the other reason was fear of ruining said items with her claws. ^.^; Her sleeves were both half rolled up to just above her elbows, and after a few moments of that feeling that she was being stared at, she blinked. Huntress: Yes, Yoshino is looking at you, Izumi. Izumi made a sort of affirmative sound, before glancing up to Suki... but she was half at a loss for words. Suki: Izumi-chan... I know you aren't stupid. This one's big. Bigger than Kishinmon before you joined us. Izumi: ....Is that the only battle you can compare this to? Suki: ...No... but it's the first one I can think of offhand that was big. But we're more experienced now. Back then something like that was huge. Very dangerous. It didn't take much to kick us down and make us fallback and regroup. With our skill level now as a team, Kishinmon would be nothing. But so long as our power increases, so does the power of those who fight against us. Which means a greater risk during battle. Izumi: ....You sound so philosophical, Suki-chan... Suki: *with a light smile on her face... still a sort of sad one...* Hardly... Just having a lot of time to think lately. It's all I find myself doing. Izumi: ....Suki...? Suki: Hm...? Izumi: Have you told Tetsuo yet? Suki: *she bit her lip and looked down* iie.... but I don't think now's an appropriate time to do that. I can still fight. My Zeo is not attached to my fighting ability, Izumi-chan... Izumi: Hai.... but I think he should know... what if... Suki: I don't like 'what if'... Izumi: But it can help you be prepared... Suki: *she glanced over to where Ryota and Tetsuo were* I told you, I'm still able to fight, and that's what matters, right? I wouldn't have come if I honestly believed my performance was degraded by medication or inability to access my Zeo. Izumi: I still think you should tell him before we get there. Suki: It would only give him a distraction because of me and I don't want that to happen. Izumi: I don't think Tetsuo would be distracted because of it. I think it may even make him more focused. Suki: He'd be paying more attention to me than necessary and that would distract him. I don't want him hurt if I can do anything to avoid it. *she crossed her arms and kept looking away from Izumi* Izumi: Why don't we drop the argument and just go over to them... Before we get there...? Suki waited a moment and looked away from the boys. She stood up from her slightly leaning position and uncrossed her arms, stopping in front of Izumi. The pink-haired girl blinked, expecting Suki to be mad at her for some reason because of that. Instead, she soon found the brunette hugging her lightly. Izumi: ....Suki-chan...? Suki: Ganbatte... Izumi-chan... You've grown so much since I first saw you in a battle with Kishinmon. I can only pray that it's enough now. Izumi fell silent... blushing, but looking almost ready to cry. She put her arms around Suki in return. Inuken looked at Chidramon. the dragon just looked back and blinked; a very small smirk on her face. Chidramon: Don't even think it, pup. Inuken: Think what, Ex-san? Chidramon: .....nevermind. *she ruffled Inuken's hair and put an arm around Inuken's shoulders* Just keep to your Tamer and protect her. Inuken: *she flipped positions and grabbed Chidramon around the chest, hugging her* And you protect Izumi-san too! Chidramon: *blinku... smal blush and a light smiled down to the other Digimon* ....I'm already bound to that from someone else, Inuken. Don't worry. I'll protect Izzy... Once that was 'broken up', the girls headed over to Ryota and Tetsuo. Inuken..... kept hold of Chidramon. Inuken: You feel like a toy. ^.^ Chidramon: .....Break it up, Inu. *blush* *¬.¬*

Ryota still stood where he was, cracking his knuckles again and again in nervousness. Ryota: I'm ready...I'll protect her..I'll protect them. Tetsuo: Kenkaku, pipe down, you're starting to get annoying. Ryota: Tetsuo this is serious! Tetsuo: And if you give yourself a heart attack bfore we hit shore then what good are you? Ryota: ....I just don't want to fail everyone again... Tetsuo: ..this is abuot the Pillar Incident, isn't it? Listen there was nothing you could do, we were overpowered. We're stronger now and we know what the enemy can do. Ryota: We won't if they get those DigiCores...

Endo sat against a wall looking over his chakram, while Stonegolomon was punching at the air, psyching himself up, or at least as much as a walking rock pile could. Endo: I can only hope I've learned enough. Stonegolomon: Won't know until we get there. Just stick with the team, we'll get through this. Endo: I wonder...it can't be so easy as to get ashore. Stonegolomon: Now is not the time to be poking fate.

Izumi grabbed Ryota from behind around the chest. A soft purr immediately followed... Letting Ryo know who had him.... if the gauntlet on her arm didn't tell him... ^^; Suki just slipped her hand to take hold of Tetsuo's... and smiled at him...

Tetsuo looked up at her, forcing a slight smile, and pulled her close to him. Tetsuo: ...we'll see eachother again. Promise me that. Ryota put his head down, turning around and holding Izumi close. This was the world to him right now and still he had doubts about his abilities.

Suki had just found her reason not to say a word to Tetsuo. It would break the moment; for one... and for two, it would upset him right now... She smiled back and shifted her arms to hold him tightly. Suki: Of course we will, Tetsuo-chan.... don't think we won't. Ganbatte... Izumi: Aishiteru, Ryo-chan... I believe in you... *she purred again, and nuzzled against him*