Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon or Dragonball Z storylines. Digimon rightfully belongs to Bandai, currently Disney, Saban and Toei. Akira Toriyama wrote DBZ the manga while Toei owns the anime. Funimation licenses the DBZ American version. However, Sonja, Jax, the D-Virus, Swordswomon, Karin Osaka/Sailor Sedna, Faith and Dimitri belong to me. Athenamon (and Victory Mode), Medusamon, Ceresmon and the Digital World's Amazon Kingdom are concepts that rightfully belong to Belletiger. Don't not use them without my and the respective author's full permission.
WOO! Summer's here and I'm done with school until this fall. I have plenty of free time to work on my Invasion of the Rajita series, but first things first. I know you've been anxious to know how this story will end. Well, this week I will dedicate my free time to get the last two chapters up.
Honestly though, I'm glad you fellas decided to stay on board. I've had a lot of work and focused most of my priorities on school. Education comes first and I want to focus on my future as a writer/historian. :P
Without further ado, here is the tenth chapter of the Dimitri mini-series. Enjoy the show!
(Play Digimon Zero Two opening theme Target Akai Shougeki)
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The Last Examination: Venture into Medusamon's Lair! Dimitri Discovers the Holy Blade!
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October 7, 2018/Amazon Kingdom/Nursing Quarters/9:08 AM
Opening his eyes, the young man was barely managing to get a better view of his surroundings. His vision was blurry and he could hear voices gossip over him. He wondered where he was now and could barely lift his body up in the process.
As his vision started to become clearer, he caught a glimpse of his mother, Queen Athenamon and Karin all in the same room. They had gathered beside the boy's bed and gazed down on him with worried looks.
"Dimitri...? Honey, can you hear me?" Mimi whispered, looking down at her boy with teary eyes.
"Dimitri? Hey, buddy!" Faith chirped, edging closer to see his partner.
"He's finally coming to. That's good," Athenamon smiled with relief.
Lifting himself from a rest bed, Dimitri groaned and felt his body throbbing, "Ugh... Hi, everyone. How long was I out for?"
"You were out for two days," Mimi answered, removing a wet towel off her son's forehead. "I'm so glad you've come out of that coma of yours."
Looking down at his hands the boy couldn't believe what he was out for two days. He also was angry with himself for not being strong enough to defeat Jax. He cursed under his breath and smashed his fists against the bed. This prompted Karin to come out and embrace him.
"Dimitri, you've just woken up. Please, just lean back and get some rest," Karin suggested, embracing her friend. "You've just been sleeping for two days straight and you're getting up too soon. Ease down."
"She's right, Dimitri. You still need some rest while your body heals from your injuries," Athenamon said, nodding her head.
"So, I assume you've already spoke with Karin, Queen Athenamon?" Dimitri muttered, lowering his head.
"She and I had a talk over the past two days. I was intrigued by the story she told me about fighting an evil alien force from another world and stopping an out of control juggernaut. Dimitri, so the spirit you saw this girl?"
Nodding his reply, a smile crossed the boy's face. He faced Karin, who was sitting by his side.
"I'm glad you two had time to talk things over. So, what do you think of her?"
"That's a rather silly question to ask, Dimitri," Mimi giggled, patting her son's back. "I think Karin is a wonderful girl! She's told me that everything about your training and how she watched over you. She was like a guardian angel to you, huh?"
"Yeah, you could say that," he nodded, slightly blushing. "She's watched over me and nursed me after pushing myself in my training. She's always been by my side except when I'm fighting those two androids."
"I've always insisted that I aid him but he always told me to back off," explained Karin.
"You shouldn't get involved in those battles, dear Karin. These are enemies you could not hope to defeat on your own. Even with your Senshi abilities, it won't matter against androids who can anticipate your every move. Dimitri and I have learned that the hard way."
"But that new Victory Mode enabled you to defeat Sonja," Mimi reminded the Amazon queen.
"Yes but that was one android. Even in my Victory form, I still believe those two androids can defeat me as a team," she responded, sighing. "None of my other sisters are strong enough to reach my level. I have no choice..."
"What did you have in mind, Queen Athenamon?" Faith asked, tilting his head.
Clenching her fists tightly, the Amazon queen dropped her arms by her sides and faced Dimitri's direction. He noticed the Amazon's eyes sparkling and a smile crossing her face.
"Dimitri, I think the time is now. Are you willing and ready to possess the Holy Blade crafted by the first Amazon queen?" Athenamon asked her adoptive son.
Upon hearing this, Dimitri was stunned to hear this. Mimi, Faith and Karin wondered what this majestic blade Athenamon spoke of. Athenamon put a hand over Dimitri's forehead and sensed some doubt in the boy's heart.
"I can tell you are having doubt about this. Dimitri, I can assure you this blade will be yours."
"But, only Amazons can wield it. I'm a boy and don't meet the qualifications of being an Amazon warrior."
Athenamon responded to the doubtful Dimitri, "No, Dimitri. You ARE an Amazon warrior the way I see it. You have trained under our art of training and mastered everything we've taught you. Everything except the Holy Blade trial. Now, this is your choice. You can either take it or leave it. However, if you wish to defeat the androids, this sword will be a requirement."
"I don't know. Don't I need any prerequisites to meet the qualifications?"
"Didn't you just listen to what she said, Dimitri? You're already overqualified as it is. This is your chance!" Karin assured him. "C'mon, you really want to defeat the androids. Don't you?"
"It's just that... If I do retrieve the sword, Athenamon must relinquish her power into the sword. In other words, she'll lose all of her Amazon power and retire from her position as Amazonian queen. I can't do this to my adoptive mother! She's the queen of her people!"
"I'm okay with it, Dimitri. If it means relinquishing my powers to give the sword full strength, I will do it. Anything is better than having you eventually getting killed. I'm willing to make that sacrifice, my son."
"Lady Athenamon, are you sure you want to go through with this?" Mimi asked, in disbelief of what she heard.
"That means you'll end up powerless."
"Not entirely. I'll still possess my Amazonian strength and my wisdom. However, all of powers will be gone. That means I won't ever have a chance to use my Victory Mode again," Athenamon smiled with tears in her eyes. "It was good while it lasted."
"But that means you'll have to find yourself a new queen to take your place," Karin said.
"Yes, but we'll worry about that as soon as Dimitri completes his trial. My son, will you be ready in three days?"
"I... Well, I'm still confined to a bed now."
"Don't worry. You will be given some medical herbs from Lady Ceresmon. She will ensure your injuries are healed and I will be waiting for you outside the forbidden land outside of Medusamon's temple. If you are willing to come, then I would recommend it. Until then, get some rest."
With that, the Amazon queen got up from her seat and walked out of the room. Karin edged closer to Dimitri's side and kissed him on the forehead.
"It'll be okay, Dimitri. Your adoptive son knows what's best for you. She's sacrificing her own power to make sure you get strong enough to defeat those androids."
"You think so?"
"I know so," she smiled, running her hand across Dimitri's chest.
"Still, I can't believe Athenamon is going to end up losing her powers. Who would be willing to take her place?" Mimi wondered.
"Perhaps Lady Ceresmon?" Palmon's voice called out from outside the room.
Everyone turned to find the plant rookie walking inside the room with a basket of herbs. Dimitri noticed the herbs and knew these were the medical herbs Ceresmon had picked out to heal his wounds. He leaned back and sighed deeply to contemplate about Athenamon's decision.
"I don't want you to lose your powers but I will meet you. This Holy Blade has to be potentially strong if it's meant to hold off the androids. We'll see..."
Then, as Dimitri leaned back, he closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep. Karin stepped aside to allow Palmon to use the herbs.
Just three more days. Dimitri waited and would be healthy enough to begin his final Amazonian trial.
October 10, 2018/Outskirts of Medusamon's Temple land/4:00 PM
Three days have since passed and the boy was already healed. Dimitri accepted his adoptive mother's offer and arrived at the specific site with Faith.
He flew down from the air and levitated down with Faith resting on his head. Dimitri was dressed in dark gray pants, a blue vest with the Hope crest embedded on the front, a black muscle shirt was worn under the vest, his shoes were brown & laced up, and a brown belt buckle tightened his waist. Strapped on his back was his broken sword.
He searched his surroundings, which was a dark moist forest setting. The skies were gray and covered in dark clouds. Ignoring the gloomy setting, Dimitri paced across the forest. He saw his way through some brush opening and peeked through to find a figure standing on top of a cliff edge. It was Athenamon, who had her back turned.
"So, she's been waiting for me?" the boy thought.
"I know you're there, my son. You can come out now," Athenamon spoke out, reading the boy's thoughts.
Pushing his way through the moistened brush, Dimitri came out into the open and stopped to face Athenamon. She turned around with a serious look on her face.
"I'm glad you came, Dimitri-kun. Somehow, I knew you'd change your mind and arrive here."
"That's right. So, if you can, please explain what I'll be doing for this trial. Any specific rules I need to follow?"
"Hold on. Let's not get excited yet. If you will allow me to explain..."
"We're listening, Lady Athenamon," Faith said, nodding his head.
Looking out towards the open valley, there was a marsh surrounding what appeared to be a Greek Ionic style of architecture. It appeared to have been abandoned as green moss and plant growth had covered sections of the temple. It had aged over the years with no one digimon, other than Medusamon, occupying it.
"That temple you see is the temple occupied by the grotesque Gorgon digimon, Medusamon. She has been a grave enemy to me and my Amazonian sisters."
The boy raised a brow in concern, "Really? I've never seen her before."
"Since the androids had been attacking and you becoming stronger, Medusamon hid away to ensure her own survival. Now, since then, I've passed by on my errand travels to notice offspring. I assume they are hers."
"Offspring? So, I'm dealing with her offspring and the Gorgon herself?" Dimitri proposed.
"Yes. There's something you need to know. Inside the temple, you find the majestic Holy Blade. You see the first queen before me had left that weapon there after defeating a great evil force that threatened our kingdom. She sacrificed her own power after laying the weapon down. You see. This sword once wielded by an Amazon will take away her powers. It was only meant to be wielded by a pure-hearted male who can comprehend the lifestyle and heart of an Amazon. You, my son, are that pure-hearted warrior. This is why I never touched the sword. It would take away my power. However, I questioned whether I could relinquish my power to the rest to make it stronger for you to wield. So, it's up to you to retrieve that sword."
"There's something else you're not telling me. It's more than just the sword?"
"Yes, Dimitri. Within the temple, you will find a Cobra's Hood herb. I know I've told you about this rare herb," she explained.
"Yeah, I remember you telling me about that plant. So, let me guess. You want me to grab a few of those herbs to cure the D-Virus? You don't have to tell me twice. Anything to save the lives of millions from that deadly virus."
"Yes and it must be cured soon before it fully mutates into a disease that is not curable. Dimitri, this is your final trial to complete your Amazonian training. I know you will not let me down."
"No problem. I'll just go with my Digital Fusion form and we'll be done with this trial in no time!"
"No, Dimitri. I would suggest you rely on your own power. Faith may still accompany you but I forbid you from becoming Angemon X," the Amazon queen instructed.
"But I'll complete the test faster if you allow me to digital fuse with Faith."
"However, there will be situations where you must rely on your own power," Athenamon said. "This is one situation. Besides, Angemon X would easily destroy Medusamon and her children. I want you to convince me you can defeat her on your own."
"So, I'm basically going in this relying on myself and Faith like the old Digi-Destined relied on their digimon?"
"That's right. Your mother matured into a more grown person after bonding with Palmon and relying on her to defeat their enemies. You will show me that you are not only a formidable warrior but an effective Chosen Child."
Looking up at Faith, Dimitri thought about this for a minute and nodded in reply. He smirked and approached Athenamon. She stepped side and allowed her adoptive son to walk past her. Dimitri paced towards the valley and stopped.
"I won't let you down..." Dimitri turned around and winked directly to the Amazon queen. "...Mother. Thank you for everything and all that you've taught me."
"Good luck, my little boy," she smiled, removing the owl pelt from her head and letting the wind to freely blow against her hair.
As Dimitri turned, he dashed across the valley and jumped up into mid-air. He quickly flew across with Faith riding on top of his head. They paced directly to the direction leading to the temple. Athenamon watched them disappear into the far distance and looked down at her Amazonian battle gear.
"It was good while it lasted but all good things must come into twilight," she murmured. "It'll be a short time before I lose my powers but my son will carry on my legacy. Dimitri, may the Goddesses guide you."
Gorgon Temple/4:10 PM
Finally arriving outside the temple, Dimitri looked ahead and sensed his surroundings. He couldn't sense anything remotely similar to a dark presence. This would be even more difficult since Medusamon's ki was too low. Faith closed his eyes to pick up the whereabouts of the snake woman.
"Anything, Faith? I'm having trouble as it is."
"Sorry to say but I'm sensing nothing yet. Let's be careful on our way in there."
"Agreed, besides we would have sensed her quicker if we had become Angemon X. But if Queen Athenamon insisted we don't fuse then we better do as she says," Dimitri stated, pacing through the entrance of the abandoned temple.
"This place is already starting to creep me out, Dimitri."
"Yeah, no kidding. I'm in complete agreement with you there. There's no telling when and where that snake will spring out to attack us with her children."
As Dimitri and Faith walked down an aisle leading into a dark corner, there was a low hissing sound in the background. Then a pair of tiny golden eyes flashed through the darkness. They pierced their gaze to the direction the boy and his digimon were walking.
Dimitri turned a corner and found a dark passageway leading into a courtyard. He was weary of the direction he was apparently going. Even Faith felt certain uneasiness. Seeing that there was no other way to go, Dimitri walked down the path and kept his eye on Faith.
Once they neared the end of the path, Faith stopped as he sensed the presence of a stalker. He turned around and narrowed his eyes. The boy kneeled down beside his partner and pats his head.
"What's wrong, Faith?"
"We're being followed, Dimitri. Stay alert. Are you able to pick it up?"
"Now that you mention it. Yeah, I am. I shrugged it off as nothing but a minor inconvenience. Though, it's already beginning to get to me."
"Just stay close..."
"Hey, I can take care of myself just fine. Wherever those snakes are, I'll let them have it," Dimitri said, with a malevolent grin.
Then, there was the hissing sound within the darkness again like earlier. Dimitri and his partner had missed it. They immediately jumped back and turned to see glowing pairs of eyes flashing. They were golden and piercing a resentful gaze towards the two visitors.
"It's... It's them, Dimitri! The children of Medusamon! I can feel them from within the darkness," Faith glanced toward his partner.
"Yeah, no doubt. You stand by my side, Faith. Besides, we can't do any digital fusion. I have to prove myself a worthy warrior to my adoptive mother," Dimitri said, standing in a defensive stance.
"You really think you can take them on!" Faith exclaimed.
"Sure, I've been trained by the best. My adoptive mother, my sisters, the two Royal Knights and my late-uncle. I'm not going to let them down. That Holy Blade and the herb will be mine. Nothing, and I mean, NOTHING is going to stand in my way."
"If you say so, then I believe in you, Dimitri! I'm ready for anything!"
The eyes faded in the background. Then, several oddly shaped shadowy figures emerged. Their bodies were long and prehensile like a snake's. The heads were human with hair filled with tiny, work-like snakes hissing. The creatures were revealed as dark green Gorgons. Each one stood as tall as human children. Their eyes opened and emitted golden flashes of light.
"It's Medusamon's children, Faith! They don't appear so tough."
"No but we better be careful. If what they say is true, their gaze can turn us into stone."
"Right, but I think we can somehow get around that problem," Dimitri reassured his partner. "In any case, these scaly bastards aren't going to keep me back!"
"Hey, why aren't they attacking? Normally, they'd attack us by now."
"Yeah, I do find this odd, Faith."
"That's because their dearest mother is here, boy!" a woman hissed out from the darkness.
Dimitri and Faith stood their ground once they heard the voice from the unknown source. They heard smooth slithering toward them. The Gorgon children moved aside to allow a humanoid figure to slither forward. The eyes of this figure were demonic and golden. A sinister grin crossed this figure's face with a snake-like tongue flickering out.
"Welcome to my humble abode," the woman chuckled, stepping out of the darkness and revealing her true self.
Dimitri growled and stepped into a defensive, battle stance. The enemy of the Amazonian digimon revealed herself to all. The Gorgon mother was female and reptilian in complexion. The skin of the woman was light green, eyes were yellow and hair was long, dark green. She wore a gray armored top covering the bosom. Golden bracelets laced around her arms and a golden necklace covered around the neck. From the waist down was a long snake's tail. The woman didn't have the snake-hair that one would expect from one named after Medusa, but it was wiry.
"I take it your Medusamon," Dimitri growled, narrowing his eyes at the snake woman.
"Wow, you are a fast one, boy. Yes, allow me to introduce myself. For I am the snake mistress, Medusamon, and I am keeper of this temple."
"No, you desecrated this temple as soon as you stole it from the late-Amazon queens before Athenamon."
"Oh yes. Tell me. How is dear Athenamon? Has the wench changed much since our last encounter many moons ago?"
"She's gotten much stronger since then and you would be nothing than an annoyance to her. The way I see it she saw it fit that I end your life."
As soon as she heard this, Medusamon hissed angrily and lashed her tail across to knock down an altar.
"There's no need to hide the fact you hold the Holy Blade and the Corba's Hood herb in this temple. That is what I've come here for!" Dimitri made his declaration known to the snake mistress.
"A bold speech, dear boy. So, it's the two items you want? Well, you're going to have to go through me and my children to get them. Children, these guests of ours are very rude. I'm sure they'll make fine ornaments for our garden. What do you say?"
The mistress' offspring hissed out at once with their angry eyes piercing towards Dimitri's direction. Faith jumped out in front of his partner.
"We'll fight them together, Dimitri. You sure count on me!"
"Thanks, pal. This should be quick!" Dimitri said, pulling out his broken sword.
"It's a shame you've never had a chance to defeat those two androids. Even if you do take the Holy Blade, it will not necessarily guarantee you victory," Medusamon informed the boy. "Now, let this battle commence. If you want the items, you'll go through me!"
"I sure will!"
With that, Dimitri phased out of Medusamon's sights. She gasped and searched her surroundings. Then, in an instant, the boy appeared beside Medusamon and elbowed her in the side. The force of the blow sent the Gorgon rolling across the ground.
Meanwhile, Faith jumped up and fired powerful blasts at the Gorgon's children. They were thrown back from the incoming blasts and scattered away.
As Medusamon was recovering from the blow, Dimitri raced off down the path flew off toward the direction where the Holy Blade was contained. Gorgon followed in pursuit of the boy as she slithered across the floor.
Stopping in mid-air flight across the large garden, the boy spotted a silver altar standing at the center of a murky pond. He noticed a majestic long blade attached on a golden hilt.
"There it is!" Dimitri called out. "All I..."
Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, the Gorgon lashed her tail up and wrapped around Dimitri's right foot. The boy gasped out as he was reeled towards her direction. Medusamon opened her eyes and prepared to aim eye beams to petrify the boy into stone. Dimitri immediately closed his eyes and powered up. A flaring aura covered the boy as he forced Medusamon back.
"Sorry but I'm not going to let you stop me, Medusamon! You're just like those two androids! You destroy everything you touch!" Dimitri exclaimed, flying off towards the altar.
"No...No! Get back here human! I'm not finished with you!" the Gorgon screeched, recovering from the attack.
Dimitri dropped down near the altar and walked in front of it. He gazed down to examine the majestic Holy Blade left by the first Amazonian queen many eons ago. He reached down to grab it but then stopped. He recalled his adoptive mother telling him that she would lose her powers once she had transferred it through the weapon.
"But if I take the sword then my adoptive... my mother will lose her Amazonian power and wisdom. I can't do this to her... It would be selfish of me to take this sword."
"Ha! What's the matter, boy! Having second thoughts, are we!" Medusamon screamed out, slithering across. "It's only a matter of time before your friend will become a fitting meal for my children!"
"It's now or never... Mother, this one's for you!" Dimitri shouted, his eyes closed.
With that, the boy grabbed the hilt of the sword and glanced down to notice a crest-like object materialize from under the blade. He gasped once he recognized the symbol on the crest. It was the symbol of Hope. The insignia of his late uncle's crest.
"The Crest of Hope! Is this a gift from my uncle in spirit? Uncle TK, even now, you're still watching over me. Thank you! I will not let your gift go wasted!"
"What is this light!" Medusamon exclaimed.
Suddenly, a bright golden light illuminated the entire marsh. Medusamon was caught by the light and blinded. Dimitri grabbed the sword by the hilt and the crest. He turned to glance at the Gorgon and held the prized items above him.
"All I need is the herb but I'll take care of you first!"
Just then, from out of another corner, Faith flew out with the Gorgon children chasing after him. Dimitri whistled out to his digimon partner and waved the items overhead.
"Yay! Way to go!" Faith cheered happily, flying down to his partner.
"And I've got a crest! It just appeared from under the sword through some mysterious force... I believe it to be all thanks to Uncle TK."
"Well, wherever, it came from," Faith said, landing down beside Dimitri. "Time to put it to good use. Besides, I'll be digivolving and not merging with you."
"Right!"
"No! This is where you two die! Gorgo-" Medusamon screamed out until she was interrupted by Dimitri.
"DIGIVOLVE!" the boy cried out, holding the Crest of Hope.
"Patamon CHOU SHINKA!" Faith called out, his body surrounded by an aura of golden light.
As a large golden digital cocoon formed over Faith, Medusamon backed away with her children. Dimitri held the glowing crest in his left hand and the sword in his right. The dome shattered open to reveal the holy warrior of hope: Magna Angemon. He stood up and sheathed Excalibur out of his right hand.
"MAGNA ANGEMON!"
"Damn you, child! You will not get away with this!" Medusamon hissed, her eyes widening in furious anger. "Children, dispose of the angel! The human boy is all mine!"
With that, the offspring slithered towards Faith to attack him with sheer numbers. Dimitri stepped into a stance with the Holy Blade and waited for the snake mistress to attack him.
As Medusamon threw her tail across, Dimitri phased out of the way. The boy's display of superior speed caught Medusamon off guard. She looked up and saw Dimitri dropping down with his sword. Medusamon tried to move aside but was too late. The sword hacked off her right arm and caused her to scream out a blood-curling banshee. As she grasped her bleeding stump, Dimitri dropped down with his sword in one hand and ready to deliver the fatal blow to the mistress.
Meanwhile, Faith sidestepped the incoming children with relative ease. He waved his Excalibur sword in front and formed a circle. A golden, circular door with hieroglyphics appeared and opened up.
"GATE OF DESTINY!"
The gate opened to suck up all of the Gorgon's children at once. Their screams echoed out and cried for their mother. Medusamon turned and watched her offspring easily being drawn into the portal.
"And this is where you end, Medusamon! Soon the androids will be joining you in hell!" Dimitri screamed out.
Jumping up, Dimitri swung the sword across and cut through the Gorgon's neck. Medusamon shrieked out before her cries were cut off and the head of the mistress rolled on the ground. Dimitri dropped down with the Holy Blade in one hand. The body of Medusamon exploded into data fragments in an instant upon her death. The Medusamon head was still slightly moving until she gave her final gasp of air.
"That was nicely done, Dimitri!" Faith called out from the distance.
"Thanks, Faith. Now this is one awesome sword. It sure lives up to its name," the boy smiled, glancing down at the majestic weapon.
Looking down at the Medusamon head, Dimitri picked it up and lifted overhead in a manner similar to Perseus of Clash of the Titans. Like the hero, the boy had slain the most terrifying Gorgon of the land. Dropping the head, it, too, exploded into data. Now, all he needed were the special herbs.
"Wouldn't those be the herbs?" Faith pointed toward a patch of red herbs growing around the altar.
"I think so," Dimitri blinked, glancing at the red herbs. "They said it's a red herb and there is only one type of herb of that color that grows in the Digital World. So, that has to be it!"
"Well, go and get it then. Once we've taken the herbs, we'll be done here."
"Right and so ends the final test of my Amazonian training."
The boy paced towards the altar and used the edge of his blade to scrape off the herbs growing out from the sides. He sheathed his sword with one hand and held the herbs in the other. Reaching down into his pocket, he pulled out a small brown, leather bag and placed the herbs inside.
"We've done great work here, Faith. It's time we head back to meet with my adoptive mother," he smiled, giving a thumb up to his partner.
Faith nodded in reply and flew off with his partner following behind him. On his way out through the path, Dimitri looked down at his crest, which he had tied together into a necklace and smiled.
"Uncle TK, you were there with me. I just know you were. Thank you for the Crest of Hope. I will not let this gift go to waste."
Upon departing from outside the temple, Dimitri and Faith flew off into the distance to meet with Athenamon. They were report and present the Holy Blade. The test was now completed and Dimitri was ready for the next challenge: fighting the androids with his new sword.
Outside of the Amazon Kingdom/7:15 PM
As the duo arrived, they were stunned to see Dimitri holding the Holy Blade in his possession. They didn't think anyone would ever wield the majestic weapon but Athenamon believed in her adoptive son. Mimi and Karin embraced the boy upon his arrival. The Amazon digimon were stunned by Faith's ultimate form.
"Wow, so this is little Faith?" Mermaimon examined the angel digimon. "Yes, yes, well colored me impressed."
"I have to agree there, sister. He looks good for a man," D'Arcmon set her eyes on the angel digimon.
"So, now that Dimitri has retrieved the Holy Blade, what then?" Mimi asked.
"Well, first of all, Mimi I think now would be the good time to tell Dimitri the good news," Karin smiled. "Right, Mimi?"
"Oh yeah. Dimitri, dear, I wonderful news to tell ya. You see it looks like we won't be living in the Amazon Kingdom anymore," Mimi reported with a radiant smile.
"We're not? But, why? I was born and raised here, mother."
"Athenamon and the others have found us a new home on earth."
"Mom! Are you crazy! Those androids are still out there! We're not safe if we move to Earth!" Dimitri exclaimed, not comfortable with the idea.
"It's okay, my son," the Amazon queen reassured the boy. "We have found an isolated location in Tokyo. It's within the Odaiba district. Mimi, I'm sure you feel nostalgic?"
"Yes and you don't have to worry about a thing, honey. This will be in an underground home. You, Palmon and myself will be protected by an invisible force field the Royal Knights remained to build."
"Herodramon and Magnamon did this? But they'll still be sure to scan for our locations."
"Not since the force field shields you from their attacks. In addition, their sensors will not be able to pick up your locations. Herodramon and Magnamon added a few modifications," Athenamon smiled, looking directly at the Holy Blade. "And I see you've brought the Holy Blade. Now, I think it's time, my son."
"I can't do it. You've trained and raised me like your own son. You can't give up your power since I need you to help me fight the androids!"
Kneeling down to looking directly into the boy's eyes, Athenamon could sense doubt in the boy and embraced him into a hug. The boy placed an arm around the warrior's back.
"I'll be fine, Dimitri. What's more important to me is that you defeat the androids and continue training with the sword. I've taught you everything there is to know in the Amazon style of arts. You've made me proud. Aside from me, you are the kingdom's strongest warrior. I've had a long reign but today the sun has set and my reign is at its twilight."
"No... I... can't..." Dimitri said, forming tears in his eyes.
"It'll be okay my son. You will hold out the Holy Blade before me and I shall grant you my power. You will also be granted some of my wisdom. In essence, I will become one with you."
Everyone watched from the background as the adoptive mother and son were embracing each other. Dimitri sheathed his sword and held it directly in front of Athenamon. She put her hands on the sword's tip, closed her eyes and channeled her powers through it. A white flash of light flowed out of her hands and went directly into the sword.
"She's actually doing it," Mimi whispered.
"But it'll do good for Dimitri," Palmon said.
"Oh, Dimitri..." Karin whispered, hands clasped together. "Have faith..."
As Athenamon transferred her power through the sword, Dimitri felt the tremendous Amazonian force entering the blade. She threw her head back and watched as her body underwent a transformation. Her armor, wings and owl pelt vanished to leave her completely nude. Dimitri noticed the happiness in her sapphire eyes and stopped. The transfer process has been complete. A white robe materialized over Athenamon's nude body and covered her.
"Mother... I..."
"No more doubts, my son. This was for the best. I will even give up my own power to ensure you become stronger. You are everything to me," the powerless Amazon assured, approaching her son.
"But now you're just like an ordinary human."
"Not necessarily. I still have some of my powers, including my wisdom and my flight ability. Yes, I don't wear my armor and wings anymore but I still maintain my Amazon senses. My physical strength is still intact. But, I am nonetheless still satisfied."
"Oh mother... I don't know how to say this..."
"Don't because you have made me proud. Continue training for you are Earth's last hope. As for me, I must depart from here on."
"What!" Dimitri gasped out.
Everyone else was immediately caught by surprise. They weren't expecting hearing this from the former queen. Mermaimon and D'Arcmon raced toward Athenamon.
"You can't leave us, my queen!" Mermaimon cried out.
"You maybe powerless but you will always be our beloved queen! Please, reconsider. We need you!" D'Arcmon tried to change the queen's mind.
"No for I have chosen a new queen to take my place. We've had this talk last night, haven't we Ceresmon?"
"Yes, my queen," Ceresmon spoke out, walking out of the crowd and bowing her head.
"What! Ceresmon is going to be the new queen!" a Butterflymon exclaimed in shock.
"Since Jaguarmon has died, I have to look for another potential and suitable sister to uphold the duty of leading the Amazonian Kingdom to a new age. Ceresmon, will you live up to your expectations as queen?"
"I will, Queen Athenamon. I vow to lead the new age and provide my sisters with the love you have shown them. I will train and watch over them as I do with my garden. I, Queen Ceresmon, will not let you down."
Nodding her head, a smile crossed Athenamon's face. She faced Dimitri's direction one more time.
"And another thing. Herodramon and Magnamon are on earth searching for parts to build a time portal device. It will enable you to change the fate of the past and prevent the chances of another future like this to occur. I have foreseen another time before the whole android and D-Virus nightmare had begun. There's still hope for that time line. Dimitri, I want you to go to that time to give the antidote to the one named Taichi Kamiya. Then, tell him about the coming of the artificial demons."
"For you, I will," Dimitri nodded in reply.
"Another thing, Dimitri, please do not tell them about Athenamon and the kingdom," Mimi spoke out to her son.
"But why not?"
"Because this kingdom is supposed to be sacred. I rather not have myself from the other time line to get involved in the android fiasco. I have faith Taichi and his friends will have a better chance of survival than they did in this time line. Only you can help change the course of history in the time line you will be going to. But, will you not mention me and how you retrieved the Holy Blade?"
"I will keep all mention of the Amazon Kingdom and yourself as confidential," Dimitri nodded, bowing his head before Athenamon.
"Thank you, my son," Athenamon said, with tears in her eyes. "Well, I must depart now. A new life awaits me on earth."
With that, the former queen turned her back and started her trek toward the Royal Knight Headquarters to be transported to Earth via portal. Dimitri watched his adoptive mother with tears in his eyes. Suddenly, he felt a hand touch his shoulder and noticed Karin standing by his side.
"It'll be okay, Dimitri. Your adoptive mother wanted it this way. She's going to live a new life and wishes for you to carry on her tradition. In essence, she is now apart of you since she transferred her power to you and the sword."
"Yeah, somehow, I can still feel her comforting my soul," the boy nodded, touching his chest.
"She'll always be apart of each of us. I know she's helped to change me to a better and wiser person," Mimi stated. "To think I had turned down the offer of being queen."
"What? You mean she offered you her spot, mom?" Dimitri asked with a bewildered look.
"Yeah. It's true I was a princess of a castle when I was a kid but I've grown past wanting to become one of royalty," Mimi was reminded of her childhood adventure. "Oh, the memories... I wonder if those Gekomon, Otamamon and Shogun Gekomon are still around."
"We'll never know, mom," the boy shrugged. "But now I appears I have a new mission. Once the portal device is complete, I'll be ready to give the antidote to Tai and warn him about the androids."
"You can do it, Dimitri. We all believe you'll be the one that prevents this nightmarish future from occurring in the alternate time line you'll be traveling to."
"Thanks, Karin. It's all up to me now," Dimitri said, looking out into the distance. "I won't let you down, Lady Athenamon. I will carry out your will. Good luck on wherever destiny takes you, mother. I hope we will see each other again. May the Goddesses protect you."
March 20, 2028/Earth/Kyoto, Japan/Outside of Heian Jingu/10:05 PM
Years have since passed when Athenamon had departed from the Amazon Kingdom. She had lived the remainder of her life on Earth and apart of the humans. She yearned to learn more about them up close and become one of them. Since having lost her Amazon powers, she put her warrior skills to good use and started to train students in the art of self-defense and kendo.
Walking alongside the Heian Jingu, Athenamon was walking by in her new human attire. She had just returned from training students. She was wearing a dark blue hakama (a wide, pleated skirt), a white kimono shirt with swinging sleeves and tabi (white Japanese traditional socks) with slip-on thonged footwear. She carried what appeared to be a kendo stick in her right hand and a black satchel on the other. Her hair was tied back into a long ponytail by a dark blue ribbon.
Looking out in the distance, Athenamon saw the main gate outside the Shinto shrine known as Heian Jingu. It was a shrine built in 1895 for the near 1100th anniversary of Heiankyo's (Kyoto's old name) establishment. It was dedicated to the ancient emperors, Kammu the 50th ruler and Komei 121st imperial ruler. Athenamon learned more about Japan's ancient history during her stay over the last ten years.
After hearing the news that Dimitri had destroyed the androids and helped change the future of the other time line, she was relieved and could now live peacefully. She was on her way home to rest and contact Dimitri in the morning. These last ten years had been tough for Athenamon as she was forced to flee during attacks by the androids and could do nothing without her powers. She dedicated all of her training by teaching students in numerous shrines across the country. Her mega form had helped to blend her in with the humans and instantly became Japan's top martial artists. She had given herself a human name - "Athena."
On her way from a local dojo, Athenamon was set to get ready to sleep for the rest of the night.
"I can't to see Dimitri after all of these years. It's been ten years. I wonder how much he has grown. I'm grateful those androids have been eliminated and the D-Virus has been eliminated by the antidote but why do I get the feeling the nightmare is not finished?"
Before she paced towards the direction leading to her home, there was a presence in midst. Several footsteps were heard echoing in the background. Athenamon stopped and felt a disturbing presence. Her eyes closed for a moment to pick up the ki of the individual. She dropped her bag and gripped her kendo stick.
"Who goes there!" Athenamon demanded, turning around and getting into a defensive stance. "Answer me! Who's there!"
Then, there was a hissing sound heard through the darkness. The former Amazon queen picked up on the sound and narrowed her eyes. A pair of crimson eyes flashed through the darkness and this prompted Athenamon to stand her ground.
"So, I assume you're another one of the Artificials that escaped our sights? I'm warning you! My adoptive son has gotten far stronger than you can imagine! You would be crazy to challenge him as you are now!"
In response to the female's warning, a long tail equipped with a needle-like tail, similar to a scorpion's, fly out towards her direction. Athenamon quickly dodged to the side but the end of the tail scratched her right arm. The woman howled in pain and gripped her bleeding arm. Having lost her powers has forced her to rely on more strategic maneuvers.
"I still wish I had my powers but I can't worry about that now. This monster is out to find the time portal device since the Artificials have been destroyed in this time line. Heh, well, he's in for a surprise once he confronts my son. Even if I die here, I will be avenged."
Athenamon watched as the creature slowly emerged to partially reveal itself. She could tell the monster's skin was entirely dark green with black spots and armored plates across its body. The face of the creature appeared insect-like with his face appearing to be a cross between a reptile and a grasshopper. His eyes were reptilian but the mouth and double-edged head crest were like that of a grasshopper. The tail was stained with some of Athenamon's own blood. It licked the end of the tail and enjoyed the sweet taste of the Amazon's blood.
"You... I will not go down that easily!" Athenamon declared, holding the end of her kendo stick.
Racing towards the creature, she jumped into mid-air and slammed the kendo weapon across its head. Even with her force behind the weapon, it broke in half and the creature did not flinch.
"Ah, so you must be an Amazon digimon who had relinquished her powers. Feh, you're nothing but a weakling now. Had you kept your powers, you would have been a worthy challenger but you're simply another meal for me. Now, hold still."
"So, this is the creature reported to have been absorbing people and leaving piles of clothing across small towns across the planet. No doubt he is feeding himself with human nourishment before he finds Dimitri. How disgusting! I will not become your meal!"
Reaching down in her pocket, Athenamon pulled out an O-fuda and threw it across. The creature shot the beam with a single eye beam and vaporized it. Athenamon knew that she had no other option but to flee. She hated to do so since it was against her pride but had no other option without her Amazon powers.
Taking no chance, she raced across in hopes of escaping the creature. However, it slowly stalked after her. She turned and saw it pacing slowly.
"Why is he moving slowly? He knows he can catch up to me and kill me. He's toying with me!"
Looking up, Athenamon pounced up to the top of a temple roof and ran across. She looked ahead to find the other side of the roof and prepared to take a leap off.
Before she could jump across, the creature phased out in front of her. Athenamon began her assault and threw out several punches. It dodged each of her blows effortlessly. Athenamon went for a standing sidekick, which was easily countered. She jumped back and cupped her hands together.
"I...I may not have all of my Amazon abilities but I can still channel ki," the former queen responded.
"Interesting, she still has the ability to gather ki and harness it into a weapon. Unfortunately for her, she is still far too weak to put a dent into me."
Gathering an orange ball of ki inside her cupped hands, Athenamon forced her palms forward and launched out a flaring orange ki projectile.
"KIKOUSHOU!"
The creature braced himself for the attack and took it head-on. The area around him exploded and caused the entire temple to explode in the process. Athenamon jumped up into mid-air and performed her flight ability. Looking down, she could not sense the ki of the monster and panted.
"Is...No!"
Before she could react...
-
-
SQUISH!
-
The long tail of the creature stuck out and impaled through the woman's chest. Athenamon gasped out as excruciating pain shot throughout her body. She looked down to find the tail end struck through her chest and blood emerging out of the fatal wound. The tail brought her directly towards the creature, who was levitating from behind her. Athenamon's sapphire eyes glared at the monster and showed fear.
"Pathetic. That attack didn't even make me flinch even once. So this is the legendary Athenamon? Having been reduced to being nothing more than a human. You shouldn't have ever relinquished your power!"
"No... I made the right decision... Because it will be my adoptive son who slays you... Heh, I do not fear death... Go ahead and feed on me... For I will get the last laugh in the end..."
"Shut up! You're LYING! You good for nothing bitch ass slut!" the creature howled angrily.
"I'm afraid... not... Funny how you've recently been awakened and now... you're going to die...You'll be joining the two androids and Medusamon, you twisted son of a bitch..."
Spitting blood across the monster's face, he growled angrily and pushed the tail through her body further. Athenamon unleashed a loud banshee, which echoed throughout Kyoto for all to hear. Athenamon's eye color faded as she witnessed flashes of her entire life before her eyes.
"Dimitri... I love you my son... I will never forget you. Omegamon, it appears we will be reunited in the after life... You have just signed your own death wish once you confront my son, creature... And so thus twilight has descended on my soul. Goodbye, everyone..."
With that, Athenamon closed her eyes and released her final breath of life. Her body immediately broke down and exploded into data fragments. Her clothing dropped to the ground and left the creature without a meal to feed upon.
"Damn woman. Oh well. At least she's dead. Now, to find that Dimitri boy and take his time portal device!" the creature declared.
He flew off into the distance and begun his immediate search for Dimitri. However, he would be in for a rude awakening once he confronts the boy.
The clothing of the now deceased Athenamon blew across the winds and carried them away. In short of a few days, her one and only adoptive son would avenge her.
Relinquishing her powers to Dimitri and the Holy Blade, Athenamon had retired from her position as queen and lived a new life on earth for the last ten years. Since then, Dimitri had done as his adoptive mother had told him. Another time line was saved, the antidote has eliminated the D-Virus, the two Artificials were defeated and the future was being rebuilt.
However, there was yet one enemy left to contend with. Athenamon's life was now cut short by the mysterious creature identified as Virus, Datamon's ultimate creation. He has ended Athenamon's life but she had given him final message that her son would avenge her.
The question is: What actually occurred during Dimitri's journeys across time? What did he do to change the fate of one future? The final installment of the series will reveal that to all.
(PREVIEW)
Max: Sup, bitches? This is it. The final installment. All I can say is be prepared for a recap of the events from the Artificial and Virus Sagas plus some exclusive scenes involving Dimitri using the device for the first time and a romantic scene with Karin.
Keke: The final segment is entitled...
The Fate of a Timeline Saved! Dimitri Looks Ahead to a Peaceful Future!
Max: Don't miss it or you'll be sorry!
One more chapter. It shouldn't take long for me to cover that since 75 percent will mostly be recap of events from the Artificial and Virus Sagas. I took someone's suggestion that Athenamon dies and I thought this would be an effective scenario to play with. Also, her outfit is based off that of Kaoru Kamiya from Rurouni Kenshin. :P
Well, just one more chapter to go. After that, I'll use the remainder of the summer free time to work on my YuYuGiDigiMoon story. I may start working again this summer. Hopefully, it won't consume that much of my writing. Until then, peace!