Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon, nor do I own Kibomon, Aiwemon, Velinemon, or Gessmon, who were created by RoyalKnightX, Shire Folk, Silver Kitsune Lunara, and Miss Anonymous hp respectively.
A/N: And finally here is the second piece of that two-shot I've been promising for a while now! As I said in the chapter Kenji's Angel, this is their third day in the Digital World, and it's the day after Kibomon first digivolved. I also want to stress again that this chapter is a must read for FTFOD fans. Either read it before, or you can read it after the upcoming FTFOD chapter, (Chapter 221) which I will hopefully be posting soon. It won't matter which you choose to do, though I would suggest to read it before. Again, this part of the two-shot in particular relates directly to Following the Footsteps of Destiny. Have fun reading!
Digimon Chronicles: The Demon Years
Beneath the Light, the Shadow Awaits
"H-Halomon?" Tal whispered in shock, unable to believe what he was seeing. After declaring to plunge his heart into darkness, LadyDevimon had tightened her grip on him and carried him into the air with her to gain some distance from the rest of the Digidestined and their partners, including his own faithful Kikoumon, allowing her to perform her evil deed unhindered, and standing in Halomon's place was what had to be a champion level digimon, if his size, stature, and the aura of power that seemed to surround him were taken into account.
Tal was completely shocked. Not so much because he was pretty sure he had just witnessed another digivolution, it was more because of the fact that this new champion looked like something that was merely myth and speculation in the human world, all proof of their existence alone based only on faith and vague writings of yore. This digimon looked nothing like anything Tal would have ever imagined a digimon could resemble, something he never would have even thought of, especially considering the look of his own partner, whose appearance was the opposite of this new digimon's form in almost every way imaginable. Unlike Kikoumon, the newcomer looked remarkably human, his facial features and build suggesting a male human around the age of seventeen or eighteen, but the light that seemed to emanate from deep within him and the divine radiance that shone brightly from the center of his core were most definitely something beyond human, something not even someone just shy of being a saint would be able to mimic, leaving no doubt that this heavenly being was not by any means human, nor did he resemble any human who has ever existed on earth.
Plus, even if you weren't sure of his nature at first glance, the wings sort of gave him away.
He looks like...like an angel...
Yes, an angel. A being of celestial nature. There was just no other way to describe him.
"Yes indeed, my friend. It is I, Halomon," the angel digimon said gently, leaping suddenly into the air opposite LadyDevimon and stretching out a hand towards him. "Look at me, Tal, and concentrate on my face."
"But..."
"You must focus, Tal. Look at me and focus."
Tal blinked hard to drive away the shadows lurking at the corners of his gray eyes, even going so far as to shake his head for extra effort, and doing his best to keep his attention focused on the angel's face, he tried desperately to concentrate, using every bit of his strength to will the darkness away. In turn, the angel digimon continued to give him encouragement, the warm and soothing tone of his voice instantly putting Tal at ease. It was almost as if time had come to a complete standstill. Even LadyDevimon seemed unable to speak or move, her crimson gaze watching the angel with a mixture of outrage and curiosity, and to his surprise Tal was suddenly able to see the celestial being in front of him clearly, instead of looking at his potential rescuer through a haze of dark fog.
The angel digimon was larger and much more impressive than he was as a rookie, but there was also something about him that left no doubt he was Halomon, and gazing into his deep blue eyes, Tal was quite sure that Kenji's partner had just digivolved into a force to be reckoned with. The angel, whose name still eluded him, had long blond hair and piercing, sapphire eyes that seemed to peer right into the very heart of your soul. His skin was pure white, and he wore, much to Tal's amusement, what the golden-haired Digidestined considered to be next to nothing. The celestial champion's entire outfit was made up in shades of white, orange, and gold, giving him a striking appearance, though LadyDevimon didn't appear to be all that impressed. With knee-high boots, gold and orange gauntlets, an Egyptian style skirt in shades of gold, orange, and white, and crisscrossing bands of golden armour covering his muscular chest, Tal wasn't quite sure how the angel's outfit counted as protection, but it was impressive nonetheless and it emphasized his ethereal good looks. There were also several golden bands of armour circling both his upper arms, and topping off his appearance were two fluffy, white, feathery ears poking out from the top of his golden head. His wings were made up of white and gold feathers, and as Tal had been quick to note earlier, there was no denying that he was stunningly handsome, though he didn't appear to be at all aware of this little fact.
Really, it was enough to make any guy feel just a tad bit jealous.
"Tal, can you hear my voice?" the angel digimon inquired, the faint, golden light shining around him growing stronger as Tal continued to stare at him.
"Y-yes, it's...starting to fade. The darkness...I can see again..."
"Good. Keep concentrating. Focus on me and on your friends. Let their faces fill your mind and their voices reach your ears."
Tal did as he was told, and glancing down at the group huddled beneath the celestial champion, he could see the rest of the Digidestined and their partners clearly, the concern and terror on their faces causing him to feel a bit guilty for making them worry. All of them were shouting encouragement to him, except for Kenji, who was glancing between him and the angel digimon in stunned silence, the look in his green eyes piercing straight through Tal's heart.
"It appears I was correct in my assumptions about you," LadyDevimon said coldly, her crimson eyes burning with hatred. "You are indeed one of them, one of those celestial digimon I detest. How dare you show your presence here when my victory is almost at hand, you foul beast!"
"It is you who resembles the beast more than I," the angel digimon replied calmly, his sapphire eyes glowing with peace and serenity. Despite being an ultimate, a level higher than his own, the angel did not seem at all afraid of LadyDevimon, and without warning a beautifully carved golden sceptre appeared suddenly in his hand. A bright flash of light emitted from the crystal orb adorning its head, and pointing it at LadyDevimon, he said, "The darkness that bleeds from your soul will be the end of you someday, I fear. You think to bend humans to your will using such tricks? Caution is advised, LadyDevimon. One day, you too may need to rely on humans, and when that time comes I hope you shall feel differently about them, but until then... Tal, are you quite alright now? The darkness does not hold sway over you anymore?"
Tal smiled at the angel, feeling much more at peace with himself. Though LadyDevimon still held him in a tight grip, he was now able to ignore her presence and the darkness surrounding her almost completely. "I'm fine now, thanks to you."
"Not I," the angel replied with a soft smile. "It was your strength of will and the faith you have in those who follow you that allowed you to let go of your fear. And now that you are free from the darkness...Holy Sceptre!"
Tal gasped as a huge ball of golden orange energy suddenly erupted from the angel digimon's staff, and shooting towards them, it slammed into both him and LadyDevimon, completely blinding him and forcing him to shield his eyes from its brilliance. He flinched, expecting to feel some pain, but instead all he felt was a comforting warmth surrounding his body, creating a pleasant tingling sensation all over his skin. The same could not be said for LadyDevimon, though. As soon as the bright light made contact with her body, she let out a scream of agony that echoed off the walls of the empty buildings, which were silently watching the battle unfold, and Tal felt himself slip from her grasp. Realizing instantly what that entailed, he let out a cry of dismay as he fell, but before he could hit the ground someone caught him, effectively preventing him from falling to his death.
Who...
Looking up, Tal realized it was the angel digimon who had caught him, and too shocked to say even a simple thank you, he merely let his rescuer fly him back down to earth, his voice having temporarily deserted him at the moment.
"Are you hurt?" the angel digimon asked quietly, setting him gently on his feet and looking him over with the utmost care.
Tal shook his hand, and unable to stop staring, he managed to stutter, "A-are you really Halomon?"
"Indeed, I am. This is my champion form. You can call me Gabrielmon."
"Gabrielmon...your attack...It hit me, but..."
"Not always are our attacks meant to cause pain and destruction," Gabrielmon said simply, giving his shoulder a quick squeeze. "I believe that is something you may discover in the future, but for now let us just leave it at that."
"O-okay."
Obviously there was more to his inquiry than Gabrielmon was willing to let on just now, but that was fine with him. Somehow, he had a feeling he would learn the whole truth eventually, just as Gabrielmon seemed to feel would be the case.
"Tal!"
Tal barely had time to look up before Inca's arms were around his shoulders, and almost instinctively he hugged her back, her cheek coming to rest against the crook of his neck. "Inca.."
"Are you okay?" Inca gasped, gazing up at him with fear glimmering deep within her large brown eyes.
Tal felt an odd flutter in his chest, and though his cheeks were beginning to feel slightly warm at their close contact, he managed to smile back at her, his silver eyes sparkling happily at her obvious concern. "As if I'd ever let someone like LadyDevimon keep me down for long."
"Oh, Tal, I...I was so worried..."
Tal hugged her just a little bit tighter, and glancing over her shoulder, he spotted Kenji, Mai, and Seta moving slowly towards them. Not surprisingly, the look on Kenji's face was absolutely priceless. The raven-haired Digidestined's green eyes were glued to Gabrielmon, and he was gazing at the celestial champion with a sort of awed reverence, as if he couldn't quite believe that this heavenly being was actually his digimon partner.
"Where's LadyDevimon?" Mai demanded, glancing around suspiciously at the crumbling buildings. "That light was so bright I couldn't see what happened to her."
"She has been momentarily taken out of commission, but it will not last. I have only bought us some time, nothing more," Gabrielmon replied, pointing his staff at a pile of rubble nearby, which Tal assumed covered the fallen form of LadyDevimon. "If you must speak, say what you will now. It will not be long before the battle continues."
"Well, why don't you take her out now that she's down?" Mai asked, shaking her head in confusion. "Or if not that then...like...shouldn't we be running away now or something?"
"No, we wait. I wish to speak with her, and I cannot do so while she is unconscious."
"Why?"
Gabrielmon reached out to place a hand on Mai's golden head, and smiling, he said, "You will see."
"You're...really Halomon?" Kenji stammered, keeping his distance.
Gabrielmon studied his partner for a moment, and tilting his head to the side, he murmured, "You seem surprised."
"I-"
"Wow, you're all sparkly and stuff!" Seta interrupted, beaming at the angel and coming right up to him to touch one of his wings. "You look just like how angels look in all the stories!"
Mai, who had stepped up next to Seta to run a hand over Gabrielmon's staff, snorted and said, "Seriously, you're Kenji's partner? You? Huh...can't say I was expecting that."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kenji snapped, looking surprisingly wounded by Mai's remark.
Taken aback, Mai attempted to laugh off Kenji's response. "Well, you know...You're always so rude and sarcastic and stuff. You'd be like the last one I would have thought would get a partner like Gabrielmon. Tal seems more like the type than you do, and he got Kibomon."
"You don't know anything about me!" Kenji shouted, a terrible bitterness taking over the normally pleasant, though often moody, tone of his voice. "Just shut up and keep your opinions to yourself!"
"Hey, I-"
"Maybe you should try getting to know people first before you decide to judge them," Kenji said viciously, the hurt in his eyes reaching down to the very core of Tal's soul.
Unable to stand the pain radiating from Kenji, Tal gently let go of Inca and moved over to put his arm around the raven-haired Digidestined, his silver eyes shifting to gaze at Mai with disapproval. "That's enough, Mai."
"But...I didn't mean anything by it," Mai mumbled, avoiding his eyes. "I was just joking around..."
"Do you see anyone laughing?" Kenji snapped, glaring at her with enough force to make her flinch. "That wasn't funny."
Mai, looking uncertain and a tad bit ashamed of herself, chose not to respond, and Gabrielmon, watching his partner closely, slowly came up to Kenji and placed his hand on the raven-haired Digidestined's head. Kenji, feeling the sudden touch, glanced up in surprise, and smiling softly at him, Gabrielmon said, "You are who you are, Kenji. You cannot hide from yourself, even if you refuse to believe what's in your heart."
At these words, Kenji's face crumpled into a look of despair, and Tal, realizing they had all just caught the raven-haired Digidestined in a rare moment of weakness, gave Kenji's shoulders a comforting squeeze and quickly spoke up, doing his best to distract everyone. "I think maybe we've done enough talking for-"
"Are you okay?" Kenji asked shortly, refusing to look at him.
"Huh?"
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Startled by Kenji's sudden and unexpected concern for his safety, it was a moment before Tal could respond. "Now I am, but at the time...I felt...horrible. Tainted..."
"No," Kenji said softly, almost to himself. "No way. Not you. Not ever."
"Kenji?"
Kenji finally looked at him and their eyes met. Tal wasn't quite sure if he could truly trust what he was seeing, but there was something in Kenji's gaze that had never been there before, something Tal was sure would never be absent again, and it left him momentarily speechless.
"You really don't see it, do you..." Kenji murmured, looking away again.
"See what?" Tal asked, feeling confused.
"Maybe one day..."
Tal stared at Kenji for a moment, and deciding to change the subject, since he didn't know what was going on anyways, he said softly, "You saved me. Halomon digivolved because of me..."
In response to his words, Kenji immediately began to look uncomfortable, especially since everybody was watching him, and turning a deep shade of red, he mumbled, "I don't know what you're talking about."
It was a typical Kenji-like response, and it made Tal smile.
You can hide it from yourself all you want, but you can't hide it from me.
As expected, Kenji made to move away from him, but Tal, anticipating his companion's line of thinking, quickly grabbed the raven-haired Digidestined's arm to stop him and whispered softly in his ear, "Thank you."
Kenji hesitated before allowing himself a quick nod, and then looking as if he immediately regretted having shown even that tiny bit of vulnerability he quickly pulled away again, refusing to look at anyone, much less at Tal himself.
I wonder what he's thinking about...
"Kikoumon, come," Gabrielmon murmured, motioning for his fellow champion to join him. "Our unwanted guest has risen from her slumber."
Tal glanced at the pile of rumble Gabrielmon had indicated earlier, and he spotted LadyDevimon standing atop the wreckage, looking every bit as calm and cool as if she had never suffered a momentary flash of pain and defeat. Although Gabrielmon's attack had been a direct hit, as he had insisted would be the case, it did not appear to have hurt her all that much, and it most certainly hadn't put her out of commission in the permanent sense of the word. She did look a little singed around the edges, and there was smoke drifting lazily off her wings, but other than that she appeared ready for battle, and despite her serene exterior there was no doubt from the expression on her face that she was looking for a fight.
"You are indeed a worthy opponent, though your strength is nowhere near as great as mine," LadyDevimon sighed, speaking directly to Gabrielmon and pretty much ignoring everyone else. "You celestial digimon are all the same. Always preaching about truth and justice. Always flaunting your holier-than-thou attitudes. Always poking your noses in where you're not wanted. You think the light is your friend, but in the end it will only burn you. What then will you do when the power of your sacred divine radiance fails you?"
"I could say the same about you fallen angel digimon," Gabrielmon replied quietly, his fingers clenching more tightly around the golden sceptre in his hand. "You think you can control the darkness, but in the end it will only control you. No one can expect to command that kind of power without giving up a vital part of themselves. It will claim your soul and you will become nothing but a shell of who you once were. A tool of darkness, that is what you are. It will bend you to its will, not the other way around. Is that what you truly want? To lose yourself for the sake of power?"
"Silence," LadyDevimon said airily, waving aside the celestial champion's words of wisdom. "You are the one who has sold your soul to trouble, and in the form of humans, no less! Those pesky brats will ruin you, but by all means continue this folly. It is of no concern to me. I never liked your kind anyways."
"I am sorry to hear that. My kind, as you call us, serve to maintain the balance of light and darkness here in the Digital World, and if saving you is what it takes to maintain that balance, then that is what I will do. Holy Sceptre!"
Another wave of brilliant energy shot towards LadyDevimon, but this time she was ready for it. She dodged it easily, and jumping to Gabrielmon's defence, Kikoumon and Aiwemon quickly joined in on the battle again, their attacks coming at LadyDevimon from different directions.
"Don't let her get away!" Gessmon cried, cheering on his fellow digimon. Being small and unable to fly, he wasn't much use in this current fight, and though Velinemon's attacks had a small chance of working she had chosen to stay back to watch over the humans in case LadyDevimon tried to snatch one of them again. The others were intent on taking LadyDevimon down, but her speed was astonishing, though Gabrielmon was putting up a decent challenge in that regard.
"Time to send you back to the darkness where you belong!" Kikoumon shouted, lowering his head. "Heat Horns!"
The beam of energy shot towards LadyDevimon while she was busy trying to dodge Aiwemon and Gabrielmon, and due to this momentary lapse of concentration the blast hit her in her lower back, sending her tumbling into Gabrielmon. Catching hold of her arm, he swung her around and launched another blast at her with his sceptre, which engulfed her in a ball of orange light. She let out an awful screech of pain before she tumbled to the ground, but she was up again quickly and her red eyes were burning with sudden fiery hatred. Again, she did not appear to have been injured, but it was obvious that Gabrielmon's blasts, for whatever reason, were very painful to her, though she recovered from them quickly enough, being the ultimate that she was.
"This city has suffered enough pain from what I can see. It does not need you tainting its sacred memories. Leave at once," Gabrielmon commanded, once again pointing his staff at her in a threatening sort of manner.
LadyDevimon easily picked herself up off the ground, and gazing up at him, she said dryly, "My, my, how daring of you to stand up to someone of my caliber. You are either very brave or very stupid. I suspect it is the latter of the two considering your foolish behaviour thus far."
"Say what you will, LadyDevimon, but we shall not lose to a creature of darkness such as yourself. Holy Sceptre!"
LadyDevimon again tried to dodge the attack, but at that moment Aiwemon managed to hook his talons into one of her wings, and she stumbled right into the blast, leaving her no chance to take to the air to avoid the light streaming in her direction. A scream erupted from the centre of the blinding blaze that had completely engulfed the fallen angel, and when the light faded Tal spotted LadyDevimon kneeling on the ground, a hand resting gingerly against her heart. Or lack of a heart, in Tal's opinion. "The light, it burns," she murmured, sounding lost in thought, a faraway tone softening her voice. "Why does it burn so? I do not understand..."
"Pretty light," Mai whispered, gazing in rapture at Gabrielmon. "Seriously, that is just too cool for words."
Tal, though he kept his opinion to himself, had to agree.
It's so warm and inviting. How could anyone possibly be hurt by it? LadyDevimon...I almost feel sorry for her...
"Do you need any more convincing?" Gabrielmon asked quietly, his staff rising above his head for another attack.
Instead of responding LadyDevmon leaped into the air, and she tackled Gabrielmon in a fit of calm rage, nearly sending them both crashing to the ground as she attempted to take his staff from him. As soon as she caught hold of it, smoke began to rise off her hand, as if just the simple act of touching it was burning her skin. The two struggled for a moment, and watching the battle unfold above them, Kikoumon and Aiwemon were helpless to do anything, neither one of them willing to attack for fear of hurting Gabrielmon.
"Hey! Let him go!" Kenji cried indignantly, looking furious at the nerve of LadyDevimon and her complete disregard for fair play.
"How could you have forsaken our kind in such a matter? I refused to believe you have always been like this," Gabrielmon said firmly, shoving the female angel away. "Why? Who could have done this to you? Who could ever make you give up on all that you ever believed in?"
"You really are a fool," LadyDevimon replied, rising up and kicking him hard in the stomach. "I am who I am because I chose to be this way. Nothing more and nothing less. How dare you try to ruin all that I have planned? How dare you show yourself and allow these humans to take what is rightfully ours!"
"I am not the fool here. It is you who-"
"It is all the fault of the humans that my plans are being disrupted. I see that now. You would not even be here if it weren't for that foul human partner of yours. This insult must be corrected. As punishment for getting in the way of my plans, your partner will die first! And as for you, you can watch him scream in pain as the darkness takes hold of him and snuffs out his life forever!"
"No, Kenji!" Gabrielmon gasped, flipping over in the air and doing is best to stop LadyDevimon from streaking towards the group still huddled together on the ground below.
"Look out, she's heading right for us!" Seta squeaked in horror, pointing a shaking finger at the fallen angel.
"No, not for us! For Kenji!" Mai cried indignantly, stepping in front of the raven-haired Digidestined and holding out her arms in a protective gesture of defiance.
Her actions surprised Tal, but he didn't have much time to think about her sudden desire to protect Kenji, when only minutes ago she had been taunting him. LadyDevimon was almost upon them, and moving quickly he found himself joining Mai, doing what he could to put himself between the raven-haired Digidestined and the incoming LadyDevimon.
"Someone stop her!" Inca cried, scrambling towards Kenji and tugging frantically on his coat to pull him back and away from LadyDevimon.
Unfortunately Aiwemon was too far away to help and Kikoumon just wasn't fast enough to reach them in time. Gabrielmon was making a valiant attempt to chase her down, but she had already gained a heavy lead on him, having taken advantage of his surprise after knocking the wind out of him. Tal found himself being shoved roughly aside, and Mai fell on top him, nearly crushing his ribcage. Gessmon and Velinemon quickly jumped in to stall her, but they too were swept aside with a mere flick of her arm, and her claws hooked into Kenji's coat, causing him to stumble right into her grasp.
No!
Tal lay there motionless beneath Mai, frozen momentarily in shock, until his brain finally caught up with him and a surge of fear sent him scrambling to his feet, causing the unfortunate Mai to roll ungracefully to the side. Somehow, he managed to grab Kenji's other arm, and giving it a sharp tug he tried desperately to pull the raven-haired Digidestined towards him and out of LadyDevimon's firm grip. "Let go of him!"
"Tal, you idiot!" Kenji snapped, green eyes flashing. "Do you want to get caught again? Let go of me!"
"No way! I'm not going to let her take you from us!"
"Don't, stupid! If both of us get caught-"
"Look at me and see if I care! If she wants you then she's gonna have to deal with me first!"
For a moment the two of them struggled together, Tal trying to pull Kenji towards him and Kenji trying to shove him away, but before either one of them could come out on top LadyDevimon lost her patience and yanked hard on Kenji's other arm, effectively pulling him out of Tal's grasp.
Stumbling, Kenji dropped to his knees and LadyDevimon wrapped her claws around his throat in a tight grip, cutting off his cries of protest. Without a word, she lifted him into the air with her and began to choke him, earning a shriek of horror from Mai.
We've got to do something! Now!
"Kenji!"
Tal stumbled to his feet, overcome with terrible fear and barely able to breath, but before he could move there was another blinding flash of light similar to that of Gabrielmon's attacks, and what looked almost like a huge shooting star with a sparkling tail of interstellar dust trailing behind it shot towards LadyDevimon, an unfamiliar voice calling out at the same time, "Celestial Star!"
Who...That didn't sound like Gabrielmon, but who then...
Tal glanced around, expecting to see that he was mistaken and that the attack had come from Gabrielmon after all, but to his surprise and confusion, Gabrielmon was merely hovering in the air in the same spot he'd been in just as LadyDevimon had begun to choke Kenji, his sapphire eyes gazing at the unexpected events beginning to unfold around LadyDevimon in complete astonishment.
What in the Digiworld...
Tal quickly whirled around to see what Gabrielmon was looking at, and he glanced up just in time to see a flash of white and gold streak through the light of the unknown blast still engulfing LadyDevimon before it was gone again.
And so was Kenji.
Only LadyDevimon remained in the air, and she looked both absolutely shocked and utterly furious.
Huh? Where did he go?
"Well, now...what do we have here? A fallen angel digimon playing with...humans, is it? You most certainly look like the humans described in Seermon's prophecy. Curious indeed. A rather interesting turn of events, one I most certainly hadn't expected to witness for myself. I must say, I do believe I've stumbled upon something quite fascinating, and now that I am here I intend to discover what this is all about," the unfamiliar voice from earlier spoke freely, his tone positively dripping with amusement.
Tal glanced in the direction of the voice, and what he saw made his jaw drop in mind blowing disbelief. There, hovering in the air, holding a very shocked Kenji securely in his arms, was another angel digimon who was almost a carbon copy of Gabrielmon, with a few minor differences. Instead of Gabrielmon's deep blue eyes, this angel had brilliant emerald green eyes and his armour and clothing had yellow tones in the places where Gabrielmon's had shades of orange. The two digimon looked like they could be identical twins, and yet it was obvious even from just a few short words from the newcomer that they had very different personalities.
Who was this strange digimon and where did he come from? He certainly wasn't one of their partners, unless they had adopted another celestial rookie along the way that no one had happened to notice before.
"Human child whose name I have yet to discover, are you hurt at all?" the new celestial digimon asked Kenji quite cheerfully, looking carefully over the human in his arms. Though his tone was carefree, there was a hint of concern in his voice.
Kenji wordlessly shook his head, still unable to stop staring, and nodding in satisfaction, the celestial champion quickly flew over to Gabrielmon's side, his green gaze studying the other angel with obvious interest. Offering Kenji with a small smile, he said in amusement, "I believe he belongs to you?"
"I...yes, he is my partner, if that is what you mean," Gabrielmon managed to stammer, having momentarily lost his serene composure. "Please...accept my humble thanks for saving him."
"No need for thanks. I was merely passing by, and upon hearing all this ruckus, I thought perhaps I would investigate a little, but now that I am here...would you mind very much if I offered my assistance?"
Gabrielmon, who was busy taking Kenji into his arms, gave his fellow angel a startled look, which quickly melted into a warm smile. "Not at all. We would welcome the extra help."
"Well, in that case, allow me to avenge your partner," the newcomer replied, patting Kenji gently on the head before turning to face LadyDevimon with obvious confidence in his abilities. Raising his arm, he shouted, "I do hate to do this, but such is the way of the Digital World. Zenith Point!"
Whoa!
Tal watched in awe as a bright beam of light shot straight into the sky from the tip of the newcomer's finger, and it came streaming back down to earth in seven rays of golden light, which slammed into the ground all around LadyDevimon, who having landed earlier after losing Kenji, just barely managed to avoid them. Her wings got a little singed, though, and crying out she flew back into the air again, a look of rage contorting her pale features. "Who are you and why are you interfering?" she snarled, losing her composure completely.
Something about this new angel seemed to offend her greatly, even more so than Gabrielmon had, and unfazed by her attitude the celestial digimon calmly stared back at her, a slight smile playing across his handsome face. Holding out his hand, he summoned an impressive looking golden spear, and twirling it with practiced ease, he said in an offhand sort of manner, "If you are here to do away with the humans, then I do believe that makes me your enemy? From my understanding, that would be the natural order of things. You do not object, I presume?"
"You would dare to challenge me for the sake of the humans?" LadyDevimon demanded in utter disbelief.
"Is that not what I have just been doing?" the angel replied, shaking his head in disappointment at what he appeared to believe was her obvious stupidity. "Take that as a yes and leave this place at once. The atmosphere of this city is dismal enough without you adding to the depressing decor. "
"I don't understand. You do not even have a human partner! Why would you stand up for them? Answer me!"
"To side with a 'human' as you call them is still better than living in a world covered in darkness," the angel said dryly, studying LadyDevimon with a lack of interest. "I know your kind. I've heard the rumours myself, as have many digimon here in the Digital World. Rumours about the darkness. Tell me, young humans, if I am correct in assuming this fallen angel seeks to thwart Seermon's prophecy?"
"That's right!" Mai cried indignantly, hopping up and down in anger. "That's exactly what she wants to do and she's also trying to turn all the good digimon against us!"
There was a pause, and Tal gasped as the angel suddenly turned to look right at him, his green eyes, for what Tal believed to be the first time since arriving on the scene, becoming quite serious all of a sudden. "Explain please."
"Uh...who? Me?" Tal stammered, feeling suddenly vulnerable beneath that brilliant emerald gaze.
The angel's eyes wandered over his goggles before retuning to his face, and he inclined his head slightly, his golden hair and beautiful wings fluttering in the breeze. "Please do. I'm quite curious about all this. "
Keeping one eye on LadyDevimon, who was watching the newcomer warily and didn't appear to have any intentions of attacking him or anyone else just yet, Tal briefly explained the situation and told the angel digimon everything LadyDevimon had said. When he was done, the angel pointed his spear at LadyDevimon, his green eyes flashing in the light of the sun. "You do our world an injustice by thinking you can claim it for your own. As for the humans...it is clear they have no intentions of hurting our world or any of the digimon, as you very well know yourself. They have already proven themselves capable of standing up to your kind, therefore claiming their power will not be such an effortless task. I suppose you expected them to be easy targets? Clearly you know nothing about humans and you assume to much. Someone hasn't been paying very close attention to the prophecy it seems."
"What, may I ask, did you just say to me?" LadyDevimon hissed, her crimson eyes shooting sparks at the angel digimon.
"This inability of yours to understand your targets. That is your weakness. In the end I believe it will be your downfall, and that is something you may be sure of," the angel replied calmly, brandishing his spear. "Now, be gone from this place! I really would prefer not to have to say that again. You are becoming rather tiresome, I'm afraid."
Tal fully expected LadyDevimon to attack the angel digimon in a fit of rage, but to his surprise she did nothing of the sort. Instead, she continued to stare silently at the newcomer, an unreadable expression on what little they could see of her face. "I will let the humans go this time, and you as well shall walk free, but let this be a warning to you, cursed follower of the light. If you dare to interfere again, I will destroy you and all of your kind, including the problematic Gabrielmon here."
"Do let me know how that works out for you," the newcomer teased, a mocking smile on his handsome face. "I've been dying for some entertainment as of late. Really, it's almost gotten rather boring around here and you look like you may be of interest, albeit very little interest. You'll have to stand in line, though. And to the humans, no less. They've certainly won me over even if they've failed to impress you."
"The humans are worthless," LadyDevimon shot back. "Mark my words, foolish digimon, their power will me mine, and once I'm through with them I will take great pleasure in snuffing out their worthless lives."
"Will you now?"
"Do not patronize me," LadyDevimon warned, a dangerous edge to her voice. "You would do well to heed my words with caution, angel. Fear the darkness and tremble in its wake, for one day you will not be able to resist its alluring power!"
"I will never succumb to your evil," the celestial champion said quietly, all trace of humour disappearing from his emerald green eyes. "The darkness will not take me so easily as it appears to have claimed you."
"Is that so? I wonder...We shall see."
A sudden swarm of bats whipped up around LadyDevimon, circling her dark form and hiding her from view, and when the storm cleared Tal realized that the fallen angel had disappeared, leaving an uneasy silence in her wake.
"Now that was one evil digimon," Mai groaned, flopping down onto the ground and shaking her head in disbelief. Seta collapsed next to her, but Inca remained standing, her dark gaze thoughtful as she continued to stare silently at the spot where LadyDevimon had just made her dramatic exit.
Tal nodded in agreement at Mai's words, and a moment later they were joined by all of their digimon, who seemed relieved that the battle was over, though neither side appeared to have won the victory. Gabrielmon gently set Kenji on his feet again, and frowning, he murmured, "Are you sure you're alright, Kenji? You seem a bit off."
"You're an angel," Kenji whispered, ignoring his partner's concern. "How can that be..."
"The digimon reflects the human as the human reflects the digimon, I believe," Gabrielmon answered, studying Kenji's shocked expression with a smile.
"But...I'm not like you!" Kenji gasped, which earned him an indignant huff from Mai, who had pretty much hinted at the same thing earlier and had received a nasty retort for her efforts.
Tal let out a soft laugh at Kenji's expression, and smiling, he murmured, "You're just full of surprises, aren't you, Kenji."
Kenji glared at him, the raven-haired Digidestined's jade green eyes filling with emotion, but before Tal was forced to endure a rude retort from his reluctant friend, Gabrielmon placed a hand against Kenji's cheek and whispered something in his ear that made him blush. The angel digimon's sapphire gaze was filled with affection, which did not waver despite Kenji's often less than friendly attitude.
Tal had an uneasy feeling it had been a long time since anyone had looked at Kenji like that because the raven-haired Digidestined suddenly flung his arms around Gabrielmon in an uncharacteristic display of affection and he hugged his partner tightly around the waist, his deep green eyes sparkling with sudden intensity.
"Kenji, you really do not see it yourself, do you," Gabrielmon sighed, placing a gentle hand on his partner's dark head.
Instead of responding to Gabrielmon's words, Kenji looked up at his partner and whispered, "Why? Why did you digivolve? Is it really because..."
"I couldn't let someone we both care about get hurt, could I?"
Kenji sucked in a deep breath, his voice catching, and avoiding his partner's eyes, he mumbled, "I don't."
"You do," Gabrielmon said so softly Tal just barely heard him. "You might not see it right now and you may choose to deny your feelings, but the truth remains the same. In some way I believe he is special to you, Kenji, to both of us. I can feel it. There is still much to be discovered between the two of you. Don't throw an opportunity like this away. It may turn out to be the best thing to ever happen to you. Follow your heart, Kenji, and listen to its words of wisdom. It will guide you in the right direction even if you cannot see the road ahead for yourself."
Wait...Gabrielmon believes that...that Kenji and I are special to each other somehow? But...Halomon said he couldn't really hear what I was saying in my sleep! There's no way he could know about what I saw in Seermon's crystal ball, but if he doesn't know then how...
"That's stupid," Kenji muttered, frowning at his partner, an embarrassed look on his face.
Tal felt a little hurt by that comment, but before he could challenge Kenji on it, Mai suddenly squealed, "Wow, Gabrielmon, can you say gorgeous? I have to admit, you're not half bad looking for a digimon!"
"Mai, for once in your life could you please keep your big mouth shut?" Kenji snapped viciously, his cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink. It was obvious he was still angry at the female Digidestined, and Tal had a feeling the force behind his words was genuine.
"Like partner like digimon, right Kenji?" Mai giggled, giving the raven-haired Digidestined a teasing smile.
Tal raised an eyebrow at this, and trying to lighten the mood, he said dryly, "Since when have you thought Kenji was good looking?"
This time it was Mai's turn to blush, and avoiding Kenji's eyes, she mumbled, "I never said that."
"Yes you did! You just said Gabrielmon was and then-ouch!"
Tal rubbed the side of his head where Mai had smacked him, and giving her a mock look of hurt, he said in feigned outrage, "What was that for?"
"Boys," Mai muttered in response. "Honestly, they just never know when to keep their traps shut!"
"You're an abusive little ten year old."
"Hey, I take offense to that!"
Tal cheerfully ignored her protests, and turning to Kenji, he smiled and said, "You know, I think you were right about her."
"For once we agree on something," Kenji snorted in response, glaring at Mai.
To Tal's surprise, Mai suddenly pointed an accusing finger at Kenji, and bursting into tears, she cried, "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I wasn't trying to be mean! I didn't mean it!"
"Huh?"
Kenji gaped at Mai, who was still sobbing, and speaking through her tears, Mai shrieked, "You don't need to be such a jerk about it! I think Gabrielmon's a great partner for you!"
"Mai..."
Looking rather uncomfortable, Kenji took a step towards the female Digidestined, and flinging her arms around him, Mai continued to sob into his chest, her tears soaking the front of his coat.
"Oh, Mai," Inca sighed, smiling fondly at the younger female.
Tal was at a complete loss for words. He had certainly never expected anything like this to happen.
"Mai, get off," Kenji mumbled, blushing furiously.
"No! Not until you say you forgive me!"
"Fine, I forgive you, okay? Just...let go already."
"Really?" Mai asked hopefully, gazing up at him with tearful blue eyes.
Kenji awkwardly wrapped an arm around her shoulders to return the gesture, the look in his eyes daring anyone to make a comment, and nodding, he mumbled, "Yeah."
"Oh. Well, okay then!"
Mai squeezed Kenji happily around the waist, and pulling away from him she turned to picked up Velinemon, who was gazing at her partner with obvious amusement.
"My, what a touching display of loyalty and friendship," a voice from behind Inca said mischievously, a trace of humour in his tone.
Tal turned to see the angel digimon who had helped them earlier watching the scene with interest, and stepping past Inca, the celestial champion bowed and said lightly, "Forgive my intrusion, but I couldn't leave without first getting to know you all better. Please, do tell me your names. My curiosity is never satisfied on such matters."
"I'm Inca Sasaki," the dark-haired female replied, giving the angel digimon a radiant smile, "and these are my friends, Seta Sugiyama, Mai Nakaniwa, Kenji Iwamoto, and Takahiro Kuroki. We call him Tal. These digimon here are our partners, Aiwemon, Gessmon, Velinemon, Gabrielmon who was Halomon, and Kikoumon who was Kibomon."
"You're so shiny!" Seta said in awe, his brown eyes growing as big as saucers. "You and Gabrielmon! My mommy told me all about angels, but I never thought they'd be so pretty!"
"You are too kind, I'm sure," the newcomer replied, bowing to Seta in a respectful manner.
"If you don't mind me asking, who...who are you, and...where did you come from?" Kenji asked quietly.
The angel digimon's green eyes settled on Kenji for a moment, his intense gaze studying the raven-haired Digidestined's pale face, and then lifting his gaze to the crumbled buildings, he stared off into the heart of the city, his eyes seeing something only he could see. "My name is Angelicmon. As for where I came from...this city used to be my home."
Oh! Oh no...
Tal felt a horrible stab of pain in his chest, and overcome with sudden emotion he reached out and touched the angel digimon's arm in sympthy, his expression revealing more than any words would have been able to covey. Angelicmon acknowledged the simple gesture with a curious sort of smile, which Tal returned with one of his own.
He did not know why, but upon meeting Angelicmon he had taking an instant liking to the angel, a sensation that could not be explained in words. There was just something unique about Angelicmon. He was funny, sassy, observant, intuitive, playful, and not the least bit like how Tal had always imagined an angel would act. Gabrielmon acted more like the traditional interpretation of an angel, but Angelicmon seemed to be the oppoiste. Yet despite at times his almost childish personality, there was a deep sense of age and wisdom in his direct gaze, and he had a way of looking into your soul and being able to understand what was written there before you yourself could make any sense of what was hidden deep within. "What...happened here, Angelicmon?"
"We were attacked," the angel digimon replied honestly and easily, obviously feeling he had nothing to hide. "It wasn't so long ago...A group of dark digimon. They descended upon us before we even had time to raise our defences. They insisted they were looking for something, but we never did find out what it was they were searching for, though I intend to find out. They tore our city apart. Many innocent digimon were deleted during the raid. I myself barely escaped with two very dear friends of mine. The three of us have been traveling the Digital World ever since, doing what we can to counteract the darkness and ensuring that we do our part to support the humans of prophecy. And now, it seems, you have come."
"Wow...um...thanks!" Seta said happily, beaming at Angelicmon.
Angelicmon responded by placing his hand on Seta's dark head, and looking at the small human, he said simply, "I always believed you would come, as do my friends."
"But...your home..." Inca murmured, shaking her head in despair.
Angelicmon gently took one of Inca's hands in his own, and gazing up at the sky, he said softly, "My friends and I have a dream. One day, when the darkness has finally been defeated, we plan to come back here and rebuild our city. It will take a lot of work and effort, but eventually it will once again become a sanctuary for innocent digimon."
"That's amazing," Kenji said, gazing at Angelicmon in slight awe. "I'm sure you and your friends will succeed."
"I certainly hope so. And you...you humans. You can help us achieve this dream. If you can defeat the darkness threatening the Digital World, I will forever be in your debt. And so I humbly ask. Will you help us realize this dream?"
Tal didn't have to think twice about answering that question. "Of course we will! You can definitely count on us, Angelicmon!"
"We'll do what we can," Kenji agreed, looking more determined than Tal had ever seen him look before.
Angelicmon placed a hand against his heart in thanks, and stepping towards him, Gabrielmon said softly, "It was you. The presence I felt earlier before LadyDevimon confronted us. You said you heard the ruckus and came to see what was going on, but you were in this city the whole time we were here. You must have sensed my presence earlier just as I felt yours. If that is so then why..."
"In times such as these, caution is wise," Angelicmon replied, his gaze remaining firmly focused on Gabrielmon's handsome face. "I did feel your presence, but I felt it was prudent to analyse the situation first before leaping into the unknown, so to speak. Though the noise certainly caught my attention, it was truly you who lured me to seek out the source of the noise. Your presence has a strong pull. I could not simply ignore you when I then felt the presence of someone such as LadyDevimon. I had to come see for myself who would challenge such a force of evil. Other than my friends, it has been a while since I've come across another celestial digimon. I must say, I am quite impressed."
"As am I," Gabrielmon replied, reaching out to take the other angel digimon's hand in both of his own. "You have a strong will. I believe...one day, it will serve you well."
"My will is not so strong as yours," Angelicmon said dryly, squeezing Gabrielmon's hands in return.
"I would not be too sure about that."
Angelicmon titled his head to the side, studying Gabrielmon curiously, and touching his fellow angel's forehead, Gabrielmon murmured, "There's something about you. Something pure and...different. Something even the darkness itself will not be able to anticipate within you. Hold onto that part of yourself, my friend, it is what defines you."
"It is what we see in others...the things they cannot see in themselves that remain their greatest strengths. You have learned this lesson well," Angelicmon replied, pulling back and giving Gabrielmon a rather mysterious smile.
Tal suddenly had a feeling there was a lot more going on than he was aware of, but he chose not to dwell on such thoughts for now. Clearly their words hinted at something that was beyond his understanding, but as long as Gabrielmon remained vigilant, all would be well.
"So...you said you escaped from the city with your friends. If that's true then...why did you come back here, and...where are your friends?" Mai asked curiously, gazing at Angelicmon with interest.
"My friends are currently searching for more information about the prophecy, since Seermon can never be found unless she wants to be found."
"I believe that," Kenji grumbled.
"Oh, have you met Seermon then?"
"Unfortunately."
Angelicmon stared at Kenji, and he favored the raven-haired Digidestined with a faint smile. "Impressive. Now, as for why I am here...I came back to survey the damage to see what could be done about fixing the city up and restoring it to its former beauty. I must admit, the sight of this place has left me feeling rather sick to my stomach, but at the same time it has only made me even more determined to fulfill my dream. My friends and I have managed to gather a small group of survivors together who escaped from here to help us in our efforts. Their willingness to join our cause will help immensely."
"That's really great!" Inca said enthusiastically, starting to smile. "I'm sure this place will be even more beautiful than it was before once you succeed in making your dream a reality."
"Thanks for helping us out," Kikoumon said graciously, nodding at the angel digimon. "We really appreciate it."
"Yes," Kenji said softly. "Thank you for everything."
Angelicmon made his way over to Kenji's side, and lifting the raven-haired Digidestined's chin so their eyes could meet, he said, "You and your friends are the Digidestined. It is my duty to help you, but more than that...you are my friends, and friends help each other out in times of trouble. Is that not so in the human world?"
"Yes, it is," Tal replied, his silver gaze falling on Kenji, who blushed and quickly looked away from him.
"I have always believed in you, ever since I heard the words of the prophecy," Angelicmon said simply. "You humans are everything I thought you would be and more. Though, if you have shown me anything thus far, it is the fact that there is still much I need to learn."
"You're pretty amazing yourself," Mai grinned, winking at Angelicmon.
"What will you do now?" Aiwemon asked, fluttering up to Inca and settling himself on her shoulder.
"I am off to rejoin my friends. I've been away from them too long, not in body but in spirit," Angelicmon said cheerfully, fluttering his wings. "I always feel at my best when the three of us are together. Do not forget, Digidestined...despite LadyDevimon's ridiculous boasting, there are many digimon here in this world who are on your side. You must not lose hope. The faith you have in one another will be your greatest asset in the coming days."
"I am sorry to see you go," Gabrielmon said softly, embracing the other angel. "We will meet again someday, my friend."
"Indeed, and one day I hope to meet more of your kind," Angelicmon relied, returning the gesture. "Don't let those who try to thwart you stop you from doing what you know is right. It will take some time, but we will find our way out of this darkness. Until then, do not forget that there will always be those who are watching your backs."
The two smiled at each other, and glancing at Kenji, Angelicmon said in amusement, "Take care of him for me, Gabrielmon. He's special."
At these words, Kenji once again turned bright red in the face, and smiling at Angelicmon, Tal said, "Oh, we already know that."
"Indeed, I'm sure you do."
Kenji glared at the both of him, but Angelicmon either didn't notice or chose to ignore it.
"You don't have to worry about that," Gabrielmon said warmly, giving Kenji a fond look. "I would never let anything bad happen to him. He's in very good hands."
"Yes, of that I have no doubt," Angelicmon replied. "Now, I believe this is where we say goodbye. Good day Digidestined and fellow digimon. Remember, beware the darkness, and be wary of the light. The two are so closely intertwined it is often difficult to tell which is which. Do not forget, my friends."
"We won't. Bye, Angelicmon! Good luck with the city!" Mai called out, waving to him as he took to the air.
Angelicmon returned the wave with one of his own and then he was gone, his presence having left a sense of warmth in all of their hearts.
"It's too bad LadyDevimon got away," Kikoumon complained, sounding disappointed. "Losing your touch, Gabrielmon?"
Looking affronted, Gabrielmon whacked the champion over the head with his staff, and laughing Tal exchanged an amused look with Inca. Kenji's partner might have digivolved, but after that performance there was no doubt that Gabrielmon was still most definitely Halomon in all his aggressive and argumentative glory.
"I don't get it. LadyDevimon...she wants our power? What does that even mean?" Mai demanded, placing her hands on her hips.
"I'm not sure, but from the way she was talking, it sounded like she meant the power of digivolution. Or...more accurately, the power within us humans that allows us to help our digimon digivolve," Inca replied. "Regardless, I think we'd better get out of this city now. We still need our answers and obviously we're not going to find them here."
"Do you think Angelicmon might have known more about Seermon's prophecy than he was letting on?" Mai wondered. "We didn't really get a chance to ask him about it. He knew about it after all. That has to count for something, right?"
Velinemon shook her head, a slight frown on her face. "I don't know about that... A lot of digimon know of the prophecy's existence and vaguely about what it says."
"Too late to ask now anyways," Aiwemon added. "Let's get moving."
"You know what? This place doesn't seem all that creepy anymore," Seta said happily, beaming at the broken buildings as they continued their trek through the city.
Gabrielmon glanced into the air, his gaze focusing on the spot where they had last seen Angelicmon, and smiling softly, he said, "No, not at all."
Tal, gazing at the same spot as Gabrielmon, couldn't agree more. A celestial digimon who still seemed almost to be searching for himself. Tal couldn't help admiring him, and he sensed deep within his heart that one day Angelicmon would find what he was looking for, whatever that might be.
