
Till There Was You
Chapter Seventeen
Veilstone City/Team Galactic Headquarters...
The air was thick with tension! Alarms were still blaring in the background and Galactic Grunts were scrambling to respond to the intrusion. All of this was lost on the group in the laboratory. Charon and Gram stood near the computer console watching as Mewtwo, Renamon, Gatomon and Looker faced off against the newest arrivals: BlackTigramon, Lynxmon, and Leomon.
“They caught up to us a lot sooner than I had hoped,” Mewtwo said.
“You knew they were coming here,” Gatomon asked.
“While you and Looker were searching for the thief, Mewtwo and I investigated that strange light,” Renamon explained. “And we found them at the end of it.”
Gatomon stared at the trio facing them, her eyes on Leomon.
“Leomon, I thought you were dead,” she said. “Why are you with these guys?”
“Don't waste your breath,” Lynxmon sneered. “He's on our side now.”
“They've brainwashed him,” Renamon said. “I tried talking to him too, but it didn't work.”
“Just what is going on here,” Charon demanded. “Don't tell me they're here for the orbs too!”
“As a matter of fact, we are,” Lynxmon replied. “Hand them over, old man!”
“Never,” Charon replied. “I refuse to let anyone stand in my way a second time! I will bring about a new world, just as Cyrus had hoped!”
“Funny,” Lynxmon said. “My master has the same idea. Now give us the orbs or die!”
“You'll have to get through us first,” Renamon said, stepping forward, claws raised, Mewtwo and Gatomon standing next to her.
“A pleasure,” Lynxmon said.
Everyone tensed, ready to attack. And when the attack came, it surprised Renamon and her friends. BlackTigramon lashed out and attacked Lynxmon. The smaller Digimon dodged backwards, surprise and fury etched on her face.
“BlackTigramon! What are you doing,” she yelled. “They're the enemy!”
“As far as I'm concerned, you're the enemy,” BlackTigramon replied, drawing her sword.
“Traitor,” Lynxmon snarled. “You dare to defy Emperor Leomon?”
“What makes you so sure I was loyal to him to begin with,” the tiger Digimon said. “I broke free of his influence sometime ago. I haven't forgotten all he's done to me, what he's taken from me.”
“So this whole time you've been pretending,” Lynxmon said. “Bad idea. You seem to forget I have Leomon on my side. Leomon, destroy her!”
Leomon turned to BlackTigramon and moved in to attack. The massive lion Digimon struck with his fists, seeking to pummel BlackTigramon. Fortunately, she had speed and agility on her side and she was able to dodge the incoming attacks. As Leomon swung, BlackTigramon ducked under his arm and moved in closer, landing a hit to Leomon's solar plexus. The lion Digimon grunted and staggered back a few steps. Then, roaring, he charged her again.
“What's going on here,” Gatomon asked.
“I...guess BlackTigramon isn't on Emperor Leomon's side after all,” Renamon speculated. She glanced at Mewtwo and noticed he didn't look all that surprised. Then it dawned on her! “You knew, didn't you? When you read her mind and found out about the orbs, you saw she wasn't our enemy.”
“I caught glimpses of her thoughts,” Mewtwo replied. “Though at the at the time I wasn't entirely certain. All I knew, was that her goals didn't coincide with Emperor Leomon's orders.”
“So, what should we do,” Gatomon asked.
“I have an idea,” Mewtwo said. “Can you two keep Lynxmon occupied?”
“No problem,” Gatomon said. “I got a score to settle with her.”
“Good. While you're doing that, I'll assist BlackTigramon and try to subdue Leomon,” Mewtwo said.
Mewtwo lifted into the air and flew towards the two battling Digimon. Gatomon and Renamon turned their attention to Lynxmon.
“Time to finish what we started in Snowpoint City,” Gatomon said.
“Bring it on,” Lynxmon said, twirling her staff.
Both Gatomon and Renamon Digivolved, transforming into Angewomon and Taomon. The two Ultimate level Digimon charged at Lynxmon.
“Remarkable,” Charon said, watching the battle unfold. “Whatever those creatures are, they seem to be capable of some form of evolution. How I would love to study them.”
“Professor, maybe now might be a good time to take our leave,” Gram suggested.
“Hm, perhaps you're right, Gram,” Charon conceded. “Gather the orbs and sound the evacuation alert.”
“Not so fast, Professor.”
They turned to see Looker standing before them, a gun pointed right at them.
“Well, well,” Charon said. “Looker. Long time no see.”
“I've been looking all over for you, Charon,” Looker replied. “And now that I've found you, I'm taking you into custody. You and your associates. And I'll be taking those orbs back to the museum.”
“So once again you stand before me and my goals, Looker,” Charon said. “Really, all I'm trying to do is make the world a better place.”
“That's just what your boss Cyrus tried to do,” Looker said. “And look what happened to him.”
“He found his perfect world,” Charon said. “How I envy him.”
“Enough,” Looker said. “You're under arrest. Now place your hands on your head, both of you.”
Reluctantly, Gram and Charon complied. Looker approached them and slapped handcuffs on both of them. With the two criminals cuffed, Looker turned his attention back to the battle going on.
Mewtwo sent Leomon staggering back with a blast of psychic energy. BlackTigramon followed up with her own attack, knocking Leomon off his feet. The lion Digimon wasn't down for long, though. He managed to climb back to his feet and face his opponents.
“He's a stubborn one,” Mewtwo remarked.
“I know,” BlackTigramon said. “We have to knock him out before...”
Suddenly, Leomon Digivolved into SaberLeomon. The massive lion Digimon roared, claws scuffing the floor.
“Too late,” BlackTigramon said.
“I don't suppose you can Digivolve further,” Mewtwo asked.
“Unfortunately, I can't,” she replied.
“We'll just have to do what we can then,” the Psychic Pokemon said.
SaberLeomon charged at them, slashing with his claws. BlackTigramon blocked the claws with her sword. Mewtwo launched a volley of energy orbs, striking SaberLeomon. Weathering the attack, SaberLeomon leaped at Mewtwo. Mewtwo hastily erected a psychic barrier. SaberLeomon slammed into the barrier and staggered. Mewtwo then sent a blast of energy outward, pushing SaberLeomon back further. BlackTigramon moved in and attacked the dazed lion Digimon.
“SHATTER FANG,” she yelled.
The attack hit home, damaging SaberLeomon. He slumped to the ground, snarling furiously at his opponents.
“It's now or never,” Mewtwo said.
Concentrating, he reached out with his psychic power. His mind touched SaberLeomon's mind. He felt about, seeking the uncorrupted portions of SaberLeomon's mind. The corruption of Emperor Leomon was strong and it took all of Mewtwo's power to unravel it. He used his power to destroy the strands of dark hypnosis, steadily freeing the lion Digimon's mind. SaberLeomon struggled, torn between his actual thoughts and the suggestive implants of Emperor Leomon. Mewtwo had to proceed carefully, lest the process of freeing SaberLeomon from the dark power destroy his mind entirely. Finally, Mewtwo broke the last strand of hypnosis. SaberLeomon collapsed to the floor, reverting back to normal. Mewtwo stumbled to his knees, exhausted and breathing hard, sweat beading his forehead.
“Are you alright,” BlackTigramon asked.
“I'll be fine,” Mewtwo gasped. He glanced over at the unconscious Leomon. “Whatever hold Emperor Leomon had on him was strong. But I was able to undo it.”
“Thank goodness,” she said. “Now what about Lynxmon?”
Mewtwo looked over to where Taomon and Angewomon were battling the diminutive cat Digimon. Clearly the odds were in the formers' favor.
Lynxmon found herself hard pressed. Fighting Angewomon one-on-one at Snowpoint had been one thing, but fighting two Ultimate Digimon was a different story altogether. She felt this battle was going south. Her fears were confirmed when she glanced over and saw Leomon was down for the count and Mewtwo, along with the traitor BlackTigramon, were just a few feet away. Now she was outnumbered. As much as she hated the concept, she knew she had no choice but to retreat. She pulled out a communicator and signaled IceLeopardmon to open a portal. The moment the vortex appeared, she darted inside, leaving behind her enemies. She dreaded what awaited her on the other side, knowing full well how angry Emperor Leomon was going to be upon her return.
Taomon watched the portal close, Lynxmon disappearing from sight. Both she and Angewomon returned to normal. Renamon immediately rushed to Mewtwo's side.
“Are you alright,” she asked, worry evident in her voice.
“I'm fine,” he assured her. “As I told BlackTigramon, it took a lot to undo the brainwashing.”
“Then...is Leomon,” Renamon asked, glancing over at him.
“I think so,” Mewtwo said standing up. “But we won't know for certain until he comes to.”
Renamon turned to BlackTigramon. “I don't understand. Why did you help us?”
“I didn't help you,” BlackTigramon replied. “I was helping Leomon.”
“But, why,” Gatomon asked. “I thought you served Emperor Leomon.”
“Against my will,” BlackTigramon growled. She took a deep breath, calming herself. “Allow me to explain. I used to live in the very spot where Emperor Leomon now rules. Leomon lived there, too. He and I were...close. Then, one day, something happened to our ruler. He became corrupted by a virus and started ruling through tyranny and cruelty.”
“Wait, are you saying that Emperor Leomon was actually a good person once,” Gatomon asked.
“That's right,” BlackTigramon replied. “At first, there was resistance. Those who didn't care for the way he ruled spoke out, only to be destroyed. Among those were my own family. I, however, was spared. Emperor Leomon thought it would be fun to warp my mind and serve him. Leomon was one of the few Digimon who opposed Emperor Leomon and lived. For years I was forced to serve Emperor Leomon until one day I was able to break free. I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow it happened. Although I was free, I couldn't leave just yet. I was determined to bring Emperor Leomon down for all he'd done. So I stayed and watched, waiting for the right opportunity. However, after he captured Leomon...”
“You attacked him,” Gatomon pointed out. “I was there, remember?”
“I had to keep up appearances,” BlackTigramon said. “I had planned to help Leomon escape when I had the chance. Unfortunately, Emperor Leomon decided to brainwash him. For the time being I had to play along and hope I could figure out a way to free him.”
“And now you have,” Mewtwo said. “At least, I assume so.”
“Regardless if it worked or not, I am grateful to you,” BlackTigramon said.
“So what will you do now,” Renamon asked.
“You're looking to stop Emperor Leomon,” BlackTigramon said. “I want to help you. As one of his Generals, I was privy to a lot of his strategies and plans.”
Renamon and Mewtwo glanced at each other. Even though BlackTigramon had just helped them, they were still a little wary of her. What if this was a trick?
“I know what you're thinking,” BlackTigramon said. “I understand you don't fully trust me. But whether you do or not makes little difference to me. I intend to stop Emperor Leomon, with or without your help.”
Mewtwo scanned her mind, trying to seek any thoughts of betrayal. On the whole, BlackTigramon was telling the truth. She only wanted to see Emperor Leomon brought down. However, her burning desire for vengeance worried him. She struck him as the type to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. It reminded him so much of how he used to be: consumed by anger, hatred, revenge. Still, if she could help them...
“She's being honest with us,” Mewtwo said aloud. “I think we can trust her.”
Renamon glanced between Mewtwo and BlackTigramon. She trusted Mewtwo's judgment, after all he was a Psychic. All the same, she would keep a close eye on her for the time being. She nodded.
“Okay,” she said. “I suppose we could use all the help we can get. Gatomon? What do you think?”
“I'll go along with it, for Leomon's sake,” Gatomon replied.
At that moment, Leomon stirred. Everyone present turned to him as he sat up, massaging his forehead. He opened his eyes and focused on them. Everyone tensed, not sure how he would react. If Mewtwo hadn't succeeded in undoing the brainwashing...
“Gatomon,” Leomon said. His gaze turned to Renamon. “Renamon! You're okay!”
Renamon breathed a sigh of relief. Leomon was back to normal.
“Gatomon and I were worried about you,” Leomon continued, standing. Then he noticed Mewtwo. “Who is this?” Then he saw BlackTigramon. “You! What are you doing here?”
“Whoa, hold on, Leomon,” Gatomon said, intervening. “She's not our enemy after all. She's on our side.”
“She attacked us,” Leomon said.
“It was all an act,” Gatomon said. “She explained everything to us. She was only pretending to serve Emperor Leomon. She helped us against Lynxmon.”
“She's correct,” Mewtwo spoke up. “I have seen her mind. She is on our side.”
“Who are you,” Leomon asked.
“I am Mewtwo,” the Psychic Pokemon replied. “And at the moment, you are in the human world.”
“The human world,” Leomon exclaimed. “How did I get here?”
“You were under Emperor Leomon's control,” Renamon explained. “Mewtwo was able to free your mind.”
“I vaguely remember being a prisoner,” Leomon said. “I can believe my father would attempt such a thing. If that's the case, I am in your debt, Mewtwo.” He turned to BlackTigramon. “I...suppose I owe you an apology for assuming...”
His words were cut off as BlackTigramon embraced him.
“I'm just so happy to see you again, Leomon,” she said. “I wanted to tell you so much what was going on.”
“It's good to see you again, too, BlackTigramon,” Leomon replied.
All present turned as Looker stepped forward, clearing his throat. “While I'm glad everyone's alright, we should probably get out of here. I have two criminals to take into custody. Also,” he held up the two orbs. “I believe you have some use for these.”
Renamon took the orbs. “Thank you, Looker.”
“I should be thanking you,” Looker replied. “You helped me find Charon and bring him to justice. I wish all of you the best of luck. If anyone can stop this invasion, it's you.”
Mewtwo, Renamon, Gatomon, Leomon and BlackTigramon gathered outside of town. Renamon held up the Adamant and Lustrous orbs for all to see.
“Finally, we have what we need,” she said.
“So these are the orbs Emperor Leomon wanted,” BlackTigramon said. “Is it true they can summon two Dragon Pokemon?”
“Palkia and Dialga,” Mewtwo said. “And, yes, they can. We're hoping to call upon them and ask for their help.”
“But will they help,” Leomon asked.
“Difficult to say,” Mewtwo replied. “We won't know until we reach Mt. Coronet.” He turned and pointed west towards some mountains in the distance. “Atop those mountains we will find the ancient ruins of Spear Pillar where we will be able to call them.”
“BlackTigramon, I have to ask,” Renamon said. “Just what exactly was Emperor Leomon planning to do with the orbs?”
“He had hoped to use them to control Palkia and Dialga,” BlackTigramon explained. “He was going to utilize their powers as a means to move his army into the human world.”
“Fat chance of that,” Gatomon said. “Like he could control them.”
“It's actually possible,” Mewtwo said. “With the orbs, he could find a way. Just as well we got them first. I hate to imagine Palkia and Dialga under the control of Emperor Leomon.”
“Alright, I have another question,” Renamon said. “You were under Emperor Leomon's control, but what about Lynxmon?”
“I'm not sure,” BlackTigramon replied. “It's not just us. There's still Pantheramon and IceLeopardmon. Though whether they're under his control or not remains to be seen. I suppose time will tell.”
“So, what's our next move,” Gatomon asked.
“We'll make our way towards Solaceon Town,” Mewtwo said.
“We'll have to walk there,” Renamon said. “You wore yourself out helping Leomon.”
“How far is it, anyway,” Gatomon asked.
“We should be able to reach it within a day or two,” Mewtwo replied. “From there, we can head to Hearthome City. Once there, I can fly us the rest of the way to Mount Coronet.”
“Then we should probably get going,” Leomon suggested. “While we still have plenty of daylight.”
“And we should be on our guard,” BlackTigramon spoke up. “It won't be long before Emperor Leomon sends his forces after us to retrieve the orbs.”
Mewtwo nodded. Even though they now had the orbs, it was far from being over.
End of Chapter Seventeen...
Chapter Seventeen
Veilstone City/Team Galactic Headquarters...
The air was thick with tension! Alarms were still blaring in the background and Galactic Grunts were scrambling to respond to the intrusion. All of this was lost on the group in the laboratory. Charon and Gram stood near the computer console watching as Mewtwo, Renamon, Gatomon and Looker faced off against the newest arrivals: BlackTigramon, Lynxmon, and Leomon.
“They caught up to us a lot sooner than I had hoped,” Mewtwo said.
“You knew they were coming here,” Gatomon asked.
“While you and Looker were searching for the thief, Mewtwo and I investigated that strange light,” Renamon explained. “And we found them at the end of it.”
Gatomon stared at the trio facing them, her eyes on Leomon.
“Leomon, I thought you were dead,” she said. “Why are you with these guys?”
“Don't waste your breath,” Lynxmon sneered. “He's on our side now.”
“They've brainwashed him,” Renamon said. “I tried talking to him too, but it didn't work.”
“Just what is going on here,” Charon demanded. “Don't tell me they're here for the orbs too!”
“As a matter of fact, we are,” Lynxmon replied. “Hand them over, old man!”
“Never,” Charon replied. “I refuse to let anyone stand in my way a second time! I will bring about a new world, just as Cyrus had hoped!”
“Funny,” Lynxmon said. “My master has the same idea. Now give us the orbs or die!”
“You'll have to get through us first,” Renamon said, stepping forward, claws raised, Mewtwo and Gatomon standing next to her.
“A pleasure,” Lynxmon said.
Everyone tensed, ready to attack. And when the attack came, it surprised Renamon and her friends. BlackTigramon lashed out and attacked Lynxmon. The smaller Digimon dodged backwards, surprise and fury etched on her face.
“BlackTigramon! What are you doing,” she yelled. “They're the enemy!”
“As far as I'm concerned, you're the enemy,” BlackTigramon replied, drawing her sword.
“Traitor,” Lynxmon snarled. “You dare to defy Emperor Leomon?”
“What makes you so sure I was loyal to him to begin with,” the tiger Digimon said. “I broke free of his influence sometime ago. I haven't forgotten all he's done to me, what he's taken from me.”
“So this whole time you've been pretending,” Lynxmon said. “Bad idea. You seem to forget I have Leomon on my side. Leomon, destroy her!”
Leomon turned to BlackTigramon and moved in to attack. The massive lion Digimon struck with his fists, seeking to pummel BlackTigramon. Fortunately, she had speed and agility on her side and she was able to dodge the incoming attacks. As Leomon swung, BlackTigramon ducked under his arm and moved in closer, landing a hit to Leomon's solar plexus. The lion Digimon grunted and staggered back a few steps. Then, roaring, he charged her again.
“What's going on here,” Gatomon asked.
“I...guess BlackTigramon isn't on Emperor Leomon's side after all,” Renamon speculated. She glanced at Mewtwo and noticed he didn't look all that surprised. Then it dawned on her! “You knew, didn't you? When you read her mind and found out about the orbs, you saw she wasn't our enemy.”
“I caught glimpses of her thoughts,” Mewtwo replied. “Though at the at the time I wasn't entirely certain. All I knew, was that her goals didn't coincide with Emperor Leomon's orders.”
“So, what should we do,” Gatomon asked.
“I have an idea,” Mewtwo said. “Can you two keep Lynxmon occupied?”
“No problem,” Gatomon said. “I got a score to settle with her.”
“Good. While you're doing that, I'll assist BlackTigramon and try to subdue Leomon,” Mewtwo said.
Mewtwo lifted into the air and flew towards the two battling Digimon. Gatomon and Renamon turned their attention to Lynxmon.
“Time to finish what we started in Snowpoint City,” Gatomon said.
“Bring it on,” Lynxmon said, twirling her staff.
Both Gatomon and Renamon Digivolved, transforming into Angewomon and Taomon. The two Ultimate level Digimon charged at Lynxmon.
“Remarkable,” Charon said, watching the battle unfold. “Whatever those creatures are, they seem to be capable of some form of evolution. How I would love to study them.”
“Professor, maybe now might be a good time to take our leave,” Gram suggested.
“Hm, perhaps you're right, Gram,” Charon conceded. “Gather the orbs and sound the evacuation alert.”
“Not so fast, Professor.”
They turned to see Looker standing before them, a gun pointed right at them.
“Well, well,” Charon said. “Looker. Long time no see.”
“I've been looking all over for you, Charon,” Looker replied. “And now that I've found you, I'm taking you into custody. You and your associates. And I'll be taking those orbs back to the museum.”
“So once again you stand before me and my goals, Looker,” Charon said. “Really, all I'm trying to do is make the world a better place.”
“That's just what your boss Cyrus tried to do,” Looker said. “And look what happened to him.”
“He found his perfect world,” Charon said. “How I envy him.”
“Enough,” Looker said. “You're under arrest. Now place your hands on your head, both of you.”
Reluctantly, Gram and Charon complied. Looker approached them and slapped handcuffs on both of them. With the two criminals cuffed, Looker turned his attention back to the battle going on.
Mewtwo sent Leomon staggering back with a blast of psychic energy. BlackTigramon followed up with her own attack, knocking Leomon off his feet. The lion Digimon wasn't down for long, though. He managed to climb back to his feet and face his opponents.
“He's a stubborn one,” Mewtwo remarked.
“I know,” BlackTigramon said. “We have to knock him out before...”
Suddenly, Leomon Digivolved into SaberLeomon. The massive lion Digimon roared, claws scuffing the floor.
“Too late,” BlackTigramon said.
“I don't suppose you can Digivolve further,” Mewtwo asked.
“Unfortunately, I can't,” she replied.
“We'll just have to do what we can then,” the Psychic Pokemon said.
SaberLeomon charged at them, slashing with his claws. BlackTigramon blocked the claws with her sword. Mewtwo launched a volley of energy orbs, striking SaberLeomon. Weathering the attack, SaberLeomon leaped at Mewtwo. Mewtwo hastily erected a psychic barrier. SaberLeomon slammed into the barrier and staggered. Mewtwo then sent a blast of energy outward, pushing SaberLeomon back further. BlackTigramon moved in and attacked the dazed lion Digimon.
“SHATTER FANG,” she yelled.
The attack hit home, damaging SaberLeomon. He slumped to the ground, snarling furiously at his opponents.
“It's now or never,” Mewtwo said.
Concentrating, he reached out with his psychic power. His mind touched SaberLeomon's mind. He felt about, seeking the uncorrupted portions of SaberLeomon's mind. The corruption of Emperor Leomon was strong and it took all of Mewtwo's power to unravel it. He used his power to destroy the strands of dark hypnosis, steadily freeing the lion Digimon's mind. SaberLeomon struggled, torn between his actual thoughts and the suggestive implants of Emperor Leomon. Mewtwo had to proceed carefully, lest the process of freeing SaberLeomon from the dark power destroy his mind entirely. Finally, Mewtwo broke the last strand of hypnosis. SaberLeomon collapsed to the floor, reverting back to normal. Mewtwo stumbled to his knees, exhausted and breathing hard, sweat beading his forehead.
“Are you alright,” BlackTigramon asked.
“I'll be fine,” Mewtwo gasped. He glanced over at the unconscious Leomon. “Whatever hold Emperor Leomon had on him was strong. But I was able to undo it.”
“Thank goodness,” she said. “Now what about Lynxmon?”
Mewtwo looked over to where Taomon and Angewomon were battling the diminutive cat Digimon. Clearly the odds were in the formers' favor.
Lynxmon found herself hard pressed. Fighting Angewomon one-on-one at Snowpoint had been one thing, but fighting two Ultimate Digimon was a different story altogether. She felt this battle was going south. Her fears were confirmed when she glanced over and saw Leomon was down for the count and Mewtwo, along with the traitor BlackTigramon, were just a few feet away. Now she was outnumbered. As much as she hated the concept, she knew she had no choice but to retreat. She pulled out a communicator and signaled IceLeopardmon to open a portal. The moment the vortex appeared, she darted inside, leaving behind her enemies. She dreaded what awaited her on the other side, knowing full well how angry Emperor Leomon was going to be upon her return.
Taomon watched the portal close, Lynxmon disappearing from sight. Both she and Angewomon returned to normal. Renamon immediately rushed to Mewtwo's side.
“Are you alright,” she asked, worry evident in her voice.
“I'm fine,” he assured her. “As I told BlackTigramon, it took a lot to undo the brainwashing.”
“Then...is Leomon,” Renamon asked, glancing over at him.
“I think so,” Mewtwo said standing up. “But we won't know for certain until he comes to.”
Renamon turned to BlackTigramon. “I don't understand. Why did you help us?”
“I didn't help you,” BlackTigramon replied. “I was helping Leomon.”
“But, why,” Gatomon asked. “I thought you served Emperor Leomon.”
“Against my will,” BlackTigramon growled. She took a deep breath, calming herself. “Allow me to explain. I used to live in the very spot where Emperor Leomon now rules. Leomon lived there, too. He and I were...close. Then, one day, something happened to our ruler. He became corrupted by a virus and started ruling through tyranny and cruelty.”
“Wait, are you saying that Emperor Leomon was actually a good person once,” Gatomon asked.
“That's right,” BlackTigramon replied. “At first, there was resistance. Those who didn't care for the way he ruled spoke out, only to be destroyed. Among those were my own family. I, however, was spared. Emperor Leomon thought it would be fun to warp my mind and serve him. Leomon was one of the few Digimon who opposed Emperor Leomon and lived. For years I was forced to serve Emperor Leomon until one day I was able to break free. I'm not sure how it happened, but somehow it happened. Although I was free, I couldn't leave just yet. I was determined to bring Emperor Leomon down for all he'd done. So I stayed and watched, waiting for the right opportunity. However, after he captured Leomon...”
“You attacked him,” Gatomon pointed out. “I was there, remember?”
“I had to keep up appearances,” BlackTigramon said. “I had planned to help Leomon escape when I had the chance. Unfortunately, Emperor Leomon decided to brainwash him. For the time being I had to play along and hope I could figure out a way to free him.”
“And now you have,” Mewtwo said. “At least, I assume so.”
“Regardless if it worked or not, I am grateful to you,” BlackTigramon said.
“So what will you do now,” Renamon asked.
“You're looking to stop Emperor Leomon,” BlackTigramon said. “I want to help you. As one of his Generals, I was privy to a lot of his strategies and plans.”
Renamon and Mewtwo glanced at each other. Even though BlackTigramon had just helped them, they were still a little wary of her. What if this was a trick?
“I know what you're thinking,” BlackTigramon said. “I understand you don't fully trust me. But whether you do or not makes little difference to me. I intend to stop Emperor Leomon, with or without your help.”
Mewtwo scanned her mind, trying to seek any thoughts of betrayal. On the whole, BlackTigramon was telling the truth. She only wanted to see Emperor Leomon brought down. However, her burning desire for vengeance worried him. She struck him as the type to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. It reminded him so much of how he used to be: consumed by anger, hatred, revenge. Still, if she could help them...
“She's being honest with us,” Mewtwo said aloud. “I think we can trust her.”
Renamon glanced between Mewtwo and BlackTigramon. She trusted Mewtwo's judgment, after all he was a Psychic. All the same, she would keep a close eye on her for the time being. She nodded.
“Okay,” she said. “I suppose we could use all the help we can get. Gatomon? What do you think?”
“I'll go along with it, for Leomon's sake,” Gatomon replied.
At that moment, Leomon stirred. Everyone present turned to him as he sat up, massaging his forehead. He opened his eyes and focused on them. Everyone tensed, not sure how he would react. If Mewtwo hadn't succeeded in undoing the brainwashing...
“Gatomon,” Leomon said. His gaze turned to Renamon. “Renamon! You're okay!”
Renamon breathed a sigh of relief. Leomon was back to normal.
“Gatomon and I were worried about you,” Leomon continued, standing. Then he noticed Mewtwo. “Who is this?” Then he saw BlackTigramon. “You! What are you doing here?”
“Whoa, hold on, Leomon,” Gatomon said, intervening. “She's not our enemy after all. She's on our side.”
“She attacked us,” Leomon said.
“It was all an act,” Gatomon said. “She explained everything to us. She was only pretending to serve Emperor Leomon. She helped us against Lynxmon.”
“She's correct,” Mewtwo spoke up. “I have seen her mind. She is on our side.”
“Who are you,” Leomon asked.
“I am Mewtwo,” the Psychic Pokemon replied. “And at the moment, you are in the human world.”
“The human world,” Leomon exclaimed. “How did I get here?”
“You were under Emperor Leomon's control,” Renamon explained. “Mewtwo was able to free your mind.”
“I vaguely remember being a prisoner,” Leomon said. “I can believe my father would attempt such a thing. If that's the case, I am in your debt, Mewtwo.” He turned to BlackTigramon. “I...suppose I owe you an apology for assuming...”
His words were cut off as BlackTigramon embraced him.
“I'm just so happy to see you again, Leomon,” she said. “I wanted to tell you so much what was going on.”
“It's good to see you again, too, BlackTigramon,” Leomon replied.
All present turned as Looker stepped forward, clearing his throat. “While I'm glad everyone's alright, we should probably get out of here. I have two criminals to take into custody. Also,” he held up the two orbs. “I believe you have some use for these.”
Renamon took the orbs. “Thank you, Looker.”
“I should be thanking you,” Looker replied. “You helped me find Charon and bring him to justice. I wish all of you the best of luck. If anyone can stop this invasion, it's you.”
Mewtwo, Renamon, Gatomon, Leomon and BlackTigramon gathered outside of town. Renamon held up the Adamant and Lustrous orbs for all to see.
“Finally, we have what we need,” she said.
“So these are the orbs Emperor Leomon wanted,” BlackTigramon said. “Is it true they can summon two Dragon Pokemon?”
“Palkia and Dialga,” Mewtwo said. “And, yes, they can. We're hoping to call upon them and ask for their help.”
“But will they help,” Leomon asked.
“Difficult to say,” Mewtwo replied. “We won't know until we reach Mt. Coronet.” He turned and pointed west towards some mountains in the distance. “Atop those mountains we will find the ancient ruins of Spear Pillar where we will be able to call them.”
“BlackTigramon, I have to ask,” Renamon said. “Just what exactly was Emperor Leomon planning to do with the orbs?”
“He had hoped to use them to control Palkia and Dialga,” BlackTigramon explained. “He was going to utilize their powers as a means to move his army into the human world.”
“Fat chance of that,” Gatomon said. “Like he could control them.”
“It's actually possible,” Mewtwo said. “With the orbs, he could find a way. Just as well we got them first. I hate to imagine Palkia and Dialga under the control of Emperor Leomon.”
“Alright, I have another question,” Renamon said. “You were under Emperor Leomon's control, but what about Lynxmon?”
“I'm not sure,” BlackTigramon replied. “It's not just us. There's still Pantheramon and IceLeopardmon. Though whether they're under his control or not remains to be seen. I suppose time will tell.”
“So, what's our next move,” Gatomon asked.
“We'll make our way towards Solaceon Town,” Mewtwo said.
“We'll have to walk there,” Renamon said. “You wore yourself out helping Leomon.”
“How far is it, anyway,” Gatomon asked.
“We should be able to reach it within a day or two,” Mewtwo replied. “From there, we can head to Hearthome City. Once there, I can fly us the rest of the way to Mount Coronet.”
“Then we should probably get going,” Leomon suggested. “While we still have plenty of daylight.”
“And we should be on our guard,” BlackTigramon spoke up. “It won't be long before Emperor Leomon sends his forces after us to retrieve the orbs.”
Mewtwo nodded. Even though they now had the orbs, it was far from being over.
End of Chapter Seventeen...
Category Story / Anime
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