Chapter 7: Private Talks
White's announcement about the finals being moved up was met with mixed reactions. Luckily, Cruz was hired for such situations and he was able to quickly turn the tide in favor of the three Mon fight. With the crowd once more excited for the second and now final day of the tournament, White went on his way to speak with the three competitors.
White found the long haired Agunimon in his personal room, meditating in the searing flames of his walk-in furnace. Dragon sat inside the intense flames, legs crossed and fists together in front of his chest. White tapped on the metal door to get Dragon's attention and inform the powerhouse of the change in plans. The talk went well as the Legendary Warrior of Fire was quite receptive to the new setup and even seemed to look forward to the potential of a two on one situation. He thanked White for personally informing him of the change and returned to his training, an excited glint in his blue eyes.
Next up was Ghost who was initially a little annoyed as he disliked the potential for a two on one situation. After explaining a bit of the situation to Ghost however, White was able to convince the proud Stingmon that nothing he could say would undo the decision. Ghost conceded and thanked White for the explanation. Done dealing with the resistance, White handed Ghost a cream colored folder that was simply titled "Mission" and told Ghost to consider the offer. Ghost thanked the Ambassador and excused himself, stating he had more to prepare for than he likely expected.
Finally there was Leon who was now in the medical ward sharing a room with Leelee. That made the situation a bit more unpleasant as White fully expected Leelee to give him an earful. Much to White's surprise however, they didn't question the decision. Upon his arrival, the three made small talk about nagging pains and healing timetables until finally White offered to give them his reasoning. They appreciated the explanation that White gave them and furthermore, both offered their services to the Ambassador which he happily accepted. Both Leon and Leelee were being considered for a position on White's staff before the tournament so there willingness moved the process along nicely. Perhaps too nicely as White began wishing the conversation wouldn't have gone as well as it did. It was finally time for the conversation that he was dreading the most, his second talk with the Yggdrasil Council in the same day.
White excused himself from his friends' room and walked to the private chambers he shared with his wife. What would normally be a long walk was made longer by White purposefully taking unnecessary corridors. Eventually there were no other hallways to go down through and so he entered his room where he was met by kiss from his wife.
"I'm off to see Yellow. Will you be alright?" asked Black, concern obvious in her tone.
"Yes, my love," assured the KingChessmon. "I've kept you from your daughter long enough. Go spend time with her, I'm sure she'll be happy to you."
Black nodded her head and left the room quickly, more so than White would have liked. With his wife off to see their daughter, White had nothing else occupying his attention. White entered a large section of the chambers to what was normally his and Black's private movie room. The crystal covered sphere of the hologram projector was already set up ready for his use, a red light blinking on and off to signify there was a call waiting. With one last small moment of hesitation, White turned the projector on, Council Leader Wise once more floating in the air in front of White.
"We've been waiting for you, Ambassador," said the large humanoid avian in his calm, deep voice.
"Yes, I apologize. I felt it best to speak to the three competitors in person before coming here," offered White as he bowed before the Chronomon and then to either side of him in a show of respect to the entire Council.
"Acceptable," stated Wise, the subtle hint of a grin on his mouth as he realized his friend would rather not be speaking to the Council under the circumstances. "Now, we of the Yggdrasil Council would appreciate an explanation for the sudden change in the tournament."
The sphere turned and stopped on the blue half fish, half human titan known as Poseidon. "Don't allow Council Leader Wise's tone fool you, Ambassador. We demand an explanation." A loud noise like wood cracking sounded over the speakers, another armrest had likely become the victim of Poseidon's rage.
"Yes, of course, Council Member Poseidon," said White as he bowed his head again in an effort to diffuse the situation a bit. "As you were all aware, the Digimental of Miracles was stolen from us almost half a year ago when it was being transported to the Yggdrasil Tree. One of my soldiers, a Pidmon named Shirou, was captured that same day. I sent a retrieval team, as authorized by a unanimous Ambassador vote," White allowed a little pent up frustration towards the Council and some pride towards his fellow Ambassadors out in his words," to rescue my warrior."
Having picked up on the small bit of aggression, Poseidon voiced his opinion once more, "yes, and I still believe that the four to three vote of the Council against your mission was the better call. The Digimental and your warrior were not, are not, and will never be equal."
"The Digimental of Miracles should have superseded any personal investment you or anyone else should have had in the mission," seconded Gloria the Ophanimon as her image came to stop in front of White, her golden wings flared and an annoyed frown on her lips. "You've told us nothing new, simply reminded us of the past, but I expect that to change should certain Council Members allow you to finish." A small grunt from Poseidon was all the blue-green armored Angel needed, "I agree with you Council Member Poseidon, I voted the same as you after all, but what's done is done. Please continue, Ambassador."
"Thank you, Council Member," thanked White with a bow to Gloria. "In the middle of the tournament today, my daughter and what survived of the retrieval squad returned."
"You have the Digimental of Miracles!" exclaimed Excalibur, forgetting to press the button that would have his image before White. The Ambassador began to turn his head prompting the young Council Member to remedy his mistake. "I . . . apologize for the sudden outburst it's just that the Digimental of Miracles means the power of a Royal Knight is at least partially returned to us, right?'
"If the mission had been a complete success, yes, that would be the case," nodded White. "Unfortunately, Council Member, complete success is not what was attained. The squad leader made a judgment call and decided to save her subordinates rather than get them all killed and lose the Digimental."
The Imperialdramon bowed his head and his image shifted to the right to bring the image of Poseidon back to the front. The red in the Neptunemon's eyes shining brighter than White could ever remember them shining.
"Your idiot daugh-"
"Shut your mouth, child," came the deep rumbling voice of the white haired, winged serpent known as Divine the Goldramon, his anger shocking Poseidon to silence. "You've ruined enough relationships for the Council with that untamed tongue of yours. Do not ruin this one especially when Squad Captain Yellowtail made the correct decision."
Getting his bearings together, Poseidon snarled back, "your old age has made you soft, Divine."
"And your youth blinds you to your own cruelty," snapped the gold winged dragon. "Your uncontrolled rage is insufferable. Think of Council Member Excalibur. The Digimental of Miracles may benefit us all but it is to power His Royal Knights. This is his call, not yours."
"What say you, Excalibur?" asked Poseidon though he already knew the answer.
Excalibur felt out of place. He wasn't any more comfortable speaking now than when he first joined the Council. Despite being the youngest he wasn't allowed the luxury of second guessing himself when it came to making decisions. He steeled his will. "Ambassador White, as a former frontline soldier and squad leader myself, I agree with Squad Captain Yellowtail's actions. Furthermore, I hope you do not reprimand her and I encourage you to consider her for a position on the next extraction squad."
Divine allowed himself a smile despite the tension. Along with Council Member Core of the Digimon Sovereigns, Divine had personally trained Excalibur after the end of the war. Though he was only a Paildramon going by Caliber at that time, it took the two gold dragons only one month to create a Mega and then three more after that to have Excalibur master his Mode Change. Divine was proud of his former student, more now for the Imperialdramon's conviction than when Excalibur initially joined the ranks as Divine's peer.
The Neptunemon did not feel the same way. His mouth had fallen open at the conviction with which Excalibur had so openly opposed him. "Excalibur you young-!"
"Enough," commanded Wise. "Council Member Poseidon, remember than Council Member Excalibur is your equal and that you should be treating him as such. For the rest of this conversation you shall not speak unless spoken to first. Recognize it as the lenient punishment that it is. Council Member Divine, cease your interaction with Council Member Poseidon at once lest you wish for a harsher punishment as you know better."
"Understood, Council Leader," surrendered Divine.
Poseidon merely grunted and crossed his arms.
"I apologize for my earlier outburst, Council Leader," said the black draconic knight. "I stand by what I said about Yellowtail, however."
"Noted and appreciated, Council Member Excalibur," responded Wise with a shallow bow of his head. "I apologize for all that Ambassador. Allow me to say this as well, I'm sure most of us are in agreement, your daughter made the right call. Please continue."
"Thank you, Council Leader." White twirled his index fingers in his mustache, a habit he did when incredibly stressed, before continuing. "We were not able to retrieve the Digimental but we were able to rescue Shirou and the information he was able to acquire while captured. I have much troubling information to share with you all."
"My Goddess, are you there?" asked the kneeling angel in the middle of his unlit room. Shirou had his forehead to the ground in anticipation of his master's arrival. All he needed was to reach out to her using his dark power.
He labored to call out to her when finally, after a few minutes, a pale green ember began to shine on the ground. The flame grew larger, first it ran along the floor in streaks. Upon touching the furniture or walls, the green fire ran up the height of whatever it had run into. The flames became more numerous and burned more intensely until it was a jade inferno in Shirou's room.
"My Goddess, I beg you, control your power," pleaded Shirou as he tried to stand, finally believing that his master had gone too far with her demonstration of power.
Shirou's master was clearly not appreciative of his movement as the treacherous angel was treated to intense pain surging through his veins when he left his bowing position. He opened his mouth to scream but nothing came out. Instead, Shirou felt the inside of his throat dry until the skin cracked and bled data. Tears poured down his cheeks and escaped his mask as he fell to the floor, writhing in agony. Trying to adjust himself, Shirou returned to his original position, forehead on the ground, him bowing to the green ember that had escalated into this current blaze.
"Don't worry, my pet, no one can see us," came a seductive voice, the very sound of which caused all pain within Shirou to cease. "I hope you're alright, but then again, you deserved to be punished as I never gave you permission to look at me," teased the voice, this time taking an overly innocent tone. "How do you feel?"
"I feel as you wish me to feel, My Goddess," responded Shirou almost immediately. "I have good news for you. Exactly as you planned, Ambassador White is now infected with the Parasimon. If he ever gets to close to you, you'll be able to control him through it." Shirou let out a cackle, likely not realizing how ridiculous he looked laughing into the ground.
"Good work, my pet," purred the voice.
Shirou was mad with glee at the fact that his master was pleased with him. His maddening joy multiplied endlessly when he heard a soft step in the room.
"Look up," commanded the sensual voice.
Shirou obeyed without hesitation, slowly taking in all the visual appeal of his master. The first thing he noticed were sharp purple nails on the pale feet of his master. The fair tone of skin made lighter by her purple pearl adorned, black sandals and tight black leggings. Two gold trimmings wrapped around her ankle and created a subtle intercrossing design up the back and front of her legs. A golden half-orb jutted out slightly on each knee. She had a long purple sash that began right below her large, fair bosom and fell to the floor around her. Similar colored cloth was draped over the tight black clothing she wore on her arms and demonic wings on her back seemed to hug the air around her. Her long raven colored hair was held up by an ornate golden hairpiece that accentuated the beauty of her face and made her tall form look all the more royal. Feminine features were made more appealing by the purple shade atop her eyelids and not at all diminished by the large black symbol on her forehead.
After a long moment of staring and adoring the Lilithmon before him, Shirou's eyes finally fell on what was perhaps the most dangerous thing about the Goddess of Darkness, the Nazar Nail covering her right hand, a golden claw able to corrode almost anything that it touched. Shirou instinctively reeled back in horror as he remembered being shown an example of its power.
"Goddess Karma, I am blessed to be in your presence," said a sincere Shirou who had nonetheless moved away from the Lilithmon. "I never expected to be rewarded by getting to see you and for that I thank you."
"That's not your only reward," said Karma with a smile. "While you're down there, why not kiss my feet?" she asked returning to the innocent tone from earlier.
"O-of course!" exclaimed Shirou eagerly as he closed the distance between himself and her, and lowered his face to comply.
As his lips got close however, Karma took a step away from him. "Actually, you only partially succeeded with what I wanted you to do, isn't that right?" she asked mockingly.
Shirou began to sweat in his downward position. He could hear a tinge of irritation in her voice.
"Shirou, my pet," began Karma the Lilithmon, "can you tell me why the Digimental of Miracles is so important to me?"
"Because your Nazar Nail can't melt i-aaaaahh!"
"That's right, you filth. I can't destroy it, no one can," screamed Karma as she extended her glowing left hand, power surging through it and out to torture Shirou. "Do you know who killed the original Magnamon, the one from the Royal Knights? Hm, do you?" her temper was getting the better of her as she spat the question.
Shirou had one hand to his head and another to his stomach as he felt hammers pounding inside his skull and knives cutting away inside his intestines. He would occasionally grip at his throat as the dryness returned or he would simply lay their in agony as it felt his bones were ready to shatter. As the pain subsided a little, Shirou managed the answer, half choking, he practically yelled at Karma "it was you, My Goddess!"
Much to Shirou's horror, the pain intensified and he felt his bones begin to expand within his body and tear holes in his skin as they escaped. "She's really going to kill me" he thought. Shirou's elbow and knee joints were forcefully bent the wrong way; a loud, strained snapping sound was heard when the four joints shattered. Shirou screamed and his own cries of pain made his ears bleed. As the painful ringing in his ears died down he was able to clearly hear the pulse of his Digicore. It was slowing down to nothing causing him to feel vast emptiness and fear and then speeding up beyond what he could handle throwing him into an immense depression. Shirou couldn't endure it much longer, he was hoping his deletion would come soon.
In a hushed voice, Karma spoke to him, "never raise your voice to your Goddess."
Shirou was in too much pain to so much as whimper. He merely did his best to try and nod and after a few more seconds, the pain suddenly disappeared leaving behind only the twisted memory of what had happened. Shirou looked at his body and was surprised to find himself in one piece. He looked at his master once more before settling his eyes on her feet. He could not bring himself to look at her face again. He forced himself to return to his prone position.
"I killed a Royal Knight single handedly. I corroded a sword forged by the Olympos XII blacksmith. I seduced the Darkness within Spirit and turned it into my thrall. I even ensured my sister the best view for her husband's death. I did that and more, so much more," boasted Karma. "Everyone and everything should bow at my feet and yet they don't. Why?" she questioned, genuine curiosity in her voice. "I lust after death, destruction, power. I'm beautiful, more beautiful than anyone else. That is all the reason anyone should need to be subservient to me! To give me what I want!"
"Yes, My Goddess, I agree," Shirou remained on his knees with his head bowed. No longer was he lusting after the gorgeous Lilithmon before him. No, now he was fearing the Demon Lord Lilithmon, fearing her more than he would have thought was possible.
"Magnamon, the blue dragon underneath the armor melted just fine. I saw the blue scales sizzle, I smelled the stench of a reptile being burned alive. I saw the skeleton come into view only be eaten away like the rest of the body but the armor survived. It survived without my knowing." Karma let out an exasperated sigh. "You will be on the mission to retrieve the Digimental. I lost it the first time because I didn't know it existed. I lost it a second time due to Ambassador White's efforts. I will not lose it for good just because they send another group of weaklings to retrieve it. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes, My Goddess, I u-u-understand," stuttered the still frightened Shirou.
"When you find the Digimental, My Digimental, return it to My Gauntlet. They are not yet done serving me."
Shirou furiously nodded his head.
"Good pet," purred Karma, obviously in a better mood.
Suddenly, as if nothing had ever happened, the green blaze and Karma's form were gone. Shirou blinked and when his eyes opened he found that he was in bed with the lights on. He examined himself and saw that he was fine, at least from a purely aesthetic perspective. Standing up, Shirou walked over to the bathroom. He removed his mask to splash water on his face. He looked into the mirror and was surprised that his once amber colored eyes now shown violet. He made a mental note to not remove his mask around others anymore.
He returned his mask to his face and was startled when he saw the white mask of a pale faced, horned demon staring back at him in the reflection.
"Is that me?" he asked aloud as he poked the mirror with his finger, a boney knife of a finger being reflected. "My Goddess, thank you for your gift," he said to the sky as he began to cackle wildly once more.
The meeting between Ambassador White and the Yggdrasil Council had gone silent. The Demon Lords were moving faster than any of them had anticipated and that realization had forced them all into deep thought, each contemplating their own course of action.
"You made the right call, Ambassador," affirmed Wise. "I will personally pass this news onto your fellow Ambassadors so you need not worry about them staying informed."
"I appreciate it, thank you, Council Leader Wise," thanked the KingChessmon, his crown no longer shining, his scepter no longer looking noble, somberness having enveloped the room.
The image of Spirit took its place in front of White, the red and blue armor pulsating with aggression. "Do you need any of my warriors, Ambassador?" asked the angry god man Digimon. "Other than Dragon that is."
"As I stated earlier, Council Member Spirit, I don't believe Dragon would work well under Shirou or my daughter," argued White.
"Then perhaps consider Dragon as the squad leader for this one," countered Spirit.
"Strong as he is," intervened Gloria, "Dragon is not one for stealth missions and you recognize that Council Member."
"She's right," agreed Wise. "Besides, Dragon is likely eager to return to his comrades and continue the hunt for your Darkness and his friend."
"Who then is making up the stealth team that you'll be sending?" asked Spirit, a bit frustrated that he wouldn't be allowed to have one of his warriors there.
"It will be led by Shirou the Pidmon due to his familiarity with The Gauntlet and their means," began White. "My daughter, Yellowtail will go as his second."
That announcement gained a dissatisfied grunt from Poseidon but no other complaint.
"Going with them will be Leon and Ghost, the two fina-"
"Outra-"
"Poseidon!" thundered Wise's voice. "If you cannot control yourself then the Council will replace you with one of the Olympos XII who can. Stay quiet, for I have run out of patience for you. I will have no more of your outbursts or I'll excommunicate you from the Yggdrasil Council."
The six other Council Members were stunned, Poseidon most of all for obvious reasons. No member had ever been excommunicated, only the deletion of a member had ever forced a change in the Council's membership before.
Embarrassed by the threat, Poseidon repositioned himself in his chair and though he stared daggers at White, he calmly said, "Please continue."
Just as uncomfortable with the situation, White twirled his mustache again before continuing."The two finalists, Leon and Ghost will be there. Rounding off the group as the fifth member will be Leelee the Palmon, who when digivolved, is at least as powerful as Shirou was the last time I saw him," offered White. "I realize that the last three members may seem strange but when you read through my official statement concerning the matter, I believe you'll understand my perspective. Leon and Leelee are mature beyond their years and Ghost has a long history of doing stealth missions for Ambassador Eden. The three of them will be invaluable to the mission."
"I pray you are correct," whispered Gloria.
Divine's image moved to float before White though he was addressing everyone when he asked, "do you think the Demon Lords know?"
Everyone but Council Leader Wise bowed their head in sudden and powerful discomfort. The Yggdrasil Council's secret was known only to the seven members and the eight Ambassadors. The secret being the very reason that deletion was the only way to leave the ranks of the Council.
Gloria's golden wings had been folded against her backand she brought her arms close to herself in a mock hug. "My sister leads the Demon Lords now that they lost Arclight. She seems occupied with The Gauntlet and building up her army. I do not believe she knows what we hide."
Tone sad, calm, Poseidon spoke a promise under his breath, "I will never underestimate that woman again."
"Perhaps you should give your sister more credit, Council Member Gloria," came the deep rumble of Divine's voice. "As concentrated as she may seem on building her army for the next war, she's always been adept at accomplishing multiple goals at once. Kar-"
"Please, don't say her name," interrupted Gloria.
"Of course, I lost myself and ask for your forgiveness," apologized Divine, a sad pain in his eyes.
Gloria nodded to absolve Divine of his guilt.
"I believe your sister to be the single greatest threat currently to the Digital World," said Divine, "and if I may be so bold, I'd like to send one of my warriors to the Dark Area on a scouting mission."
"Council Member Divine, I doubt that course of action would be wise," argued White, "after all, The Gauntlet has been left to its own devices, the Goddess of Darkness is likely in her castle surrounded by guards and numerous security measures. Your Mon would have to get close to discover anything of value, it's too dangerous."
"Perhaps not," said the large white form of Wise, "that is, if you're planning to send the pride of the Dramon-species."
Divine gave a smile, "yes, I'll be sending Drake, he who conquered the Trial of the Four Great Dragons."
"Wow," thought Excalibur to himself. As a Dramon himself, Excalibur had heard numerous stories about Drake the Slayerdramon during the war. Though Drake didn't complete the Trial until the war was almost over, the legendary Digimon turned the tide of many battles as he raced across the field. At one point, he even saved Excalibur's life. "If you send Drake, I will support the motion," announced Excalibur.
The rest of the Council Members nodded in agreement. Drake's strength was recognized by everyone, so much so that Divine knew a vote wouldn't be necessary to gain official approval.
"Thank you, Council."
"Council Member Divine, should Drake uncover anything at all, have him report it first to Ambassador White," ordered Wise who received a nod of understanding from Divine. "Ambassador White, do not forget that Champions made up the vast majority of Digimon soldiers during the war. The Gauntlet needs to be stopped at all costs."
"I understand, Council Leader. I will communicate that importance to my squad," replied White. "Yggdrasil is dead," began White.
"Long live His Council!"
And the images were gone, leaving White with much to ponder over.
