Author's Notes: And the award for the most reviews go to: Sync the Dragon Tempest and Lord Pata! Thanks a bunch, you guys!
On top of that, I don't own the Star Wars paraphrase either. If you're confused, read the Revenge of the Sith novelization. I forgot who wrote it, but the quote come from the last page of the story...or somewhere close to that.
Chapter 18: Reflections
The Sovereigns gathered in their hallowed place, meeting for the thirty-third time in three-and-a-half years, an unprecedented manoeuvre. Equally surprisingly was the presence of the most powerful digimon ever to exist: Fanglongmon, lord of the Sovereigns.
"And so it ends," began Ebonwumon.
"We have failed," echoed Azulongmon. "We, the appointed guardians of the Digital World, have failed to protect the Digital World, even from our own.
"And from outsiders," added Zhuqiaomon, his dislike for humans even more evident in light of the recent events.
"There is much to rebuild, even in our own world," said Fanglongmon, effectively cutting short the would-be argument between Azulongmon and Zhuqiaomon. "We will learn from our mistakes. We will be there this time, physically, to guide our charges. We must not let a tragedy of this magnitude strike the Digital World once more."
Baihumon spoke at last. "I am afraid that we will need to be ruthless. There are those who still harbour hate against the humans." He glanced at Zhuqiaomon, who ignored him. "However, this is not the time. We should force all humans remaining back into the Real World. We will need to bring the militant to justice, showing them mercy if they relinquish their hate and punishing those who do not. We cannot afford to have dissenters in our new vision."
"And MagnaAngemon too," said Ebonwumon. "He had served faithfully, but he too, has been jaded. We should remove him from his post and give him his due rest."
"He will return to his domain and rule over it and repair it, but will do no more," answered Fanglongmon. "We will not interfere with his will within the domain, but he will not be allowed to interfere with our work outside of it."
"And ArchWizardmon?" asked Azulongmon. "He, unfortunately, did not fight for peace in the Digital World. His once-noble cause was corrupted more than three years ago. It pains me to say this, having known his nobler form, but we cannot afford to be so lenient with him."
"It appears that he is determined to go into self-imposed exile, until a time comes when he is proved right," answered Baihumon.
"Then we will leave him to his own devices," said Fanglongmon. "If he shows his face, then we will act. If not, we will let him be." The collective Sovereigns nodded in agreement. Banishment would be enough for ArchWizardmon.
"Azulongmon," added Fanglongmon. "Your domain has suffered the most, especially File Island and the Metal Empire. When we are done with our own domains, we will send aid to you."
"Thank you," replied Azulongmon.
"The time has come for the Sovereigns to take a direct hand in world affairs," concluded Fanglongmon. "Serve diligently, with love, patience, and hope for brighter future. Have faith in our world. Rejoice in all things, despite the current situation. We will meet in one year to discuss our progress, if nothing pressing comes up before then."
"Agreed," the Sovereigns replied.
Gatomon ran aimlessly. She had no idea where to go, no idea what to do, or even what there was left. ArchWizardmon, her pillar of strength these last four years, was gone, driven away by MagnaAngemon's steadfast quarrel with him. Although she knew in her heart that MagnaAngemon was right, she could not accept that ArchWizardmon was gone. She was sorry that she had yelled at MagnaAngemon, but she was bitter that ArchWizardmon left and she took it out on the archangel. I'm sorry, Angemon. I shouldn't have yelled at you back there; I was just so...distressed, that Wizardmon had to leave. You probably hate me for that now. Tears formed in her eyes, threatening to fall out.
What now? she asked herself. Ever since returning from the Dark Ocean, I have been fighting Wizardmon's war. It was all I lived for. And now, it's over. What's there left for me? I have lost everything; Kari, Wizardmon, Angemon, even Veemon and the others. There's nothing left for me. What now?
The trees skimmed by in a blur as Gatomon ran onwards. She didn't care where she was going, though this place looked somewhat familiar. She stopped in a clearing, where a single beam of light penetrated the thick canopy of trees, creating an ethereal, tranquil space. Gatomon slowed down, then, feeling self-conscious, paused to brush her fur clean of any leaves and twigs. She walked forward, and frowned. She knew this place. But from where…?
"Gatomon."
"Who's there!" shouted the frightened cat.
"Gatomon."
Gatomon's raised claws dropped limply by her sides. She knew that voice. "Kari!"
"Come back, Gatomon. The Dark Ocean needs you. The Digital World needs you."
"I can't!" protested Gatomon. "I can't!"
"Yes, you can. Believe in yourself."
"I don't have any Light left," said Gatomon sadly. "I can't…"
"Believe in yourself. You have Light, as long as you believe you have it."
"But there's so much darkness! So much hatred, so much fear, so much pride and greed! Even if I still have Light, I can't cleanse all that darkness!"
"A single candle is enough to chase away the darkness. How much more are you, Gatomon. Your Light comes from your love. You fought out of love for the Digital World, out of love for Wizardmon. Love shines brighter than a candle. Love shines brighter than stars."
"I can't…" repeated Gatomon.
"I will be with you, Gatomon. I am still here, in the Dark Ocean. Come to me, Gatomon. Come back to me."
"Kari…"
"Come."
"Alright," said Gatomon. The cat surrendered all control of her body, and felt it rise. She rose through the clouds, shivering as the turned angrier and greyer. She rose through the waters of the dark ocean, teeth chattering. But suddenly, she felt warm. Gatomon turned around.
"Kari…Kari!" Gatomon ran towards her friend.
"Welcome back, Gatomon," said Hikari. "Don't worry about the Digital World anymore; the Sovereigns are taking care of that. Our place is here."
Gatomon nodded, joy filling her heart once more. Finally, she had found herself again.
Witchmon glanced upwards at the shimmering citadel. Witchelny, once the greatest bastion of magic in the Digital World. Store of the greatest arcane lore. Now sitting empty. Wisemon, Mystimon, Sorcerymon, FlameWizardmon, MedievalGallantmon, ArchWizardmon. Witchmon remembered each of her comrades. Wizardmon, Mystimon, Sorcerymon, and MedievalGallantmon had died to EMP fire. Their data has been evaporated, the Digital World never to see them again. FlameWizardmon is a digiegg, but it would be a long time before he will be able to come back. ArchWizardmon… Witchmon didn't even know where he was, nor did she care. He will get his just reward.
But looking ahead, Witchmon sighed. Even when the full council sat in Witchelny, it seemed sparse. Now, with her the only one left, the place was downright empty, even haunting. She was traditionally a loner, but this was too much.
Plus, with ArchWizardmon having left the stage, there was little purpose left for her. She could train in hopes of defeating him, but chances are slim that he will ever show himself again. Besides, her aloof nature had done her little good and possibly much harm over the last two hundred years. Maybe it was a time for change.
Azulongmon could use some help, I guess. I'd go to Primary Village, but I'd probably scare the little kiddies. Let's see what File Island has to offer me.
Witchmon raised her hands. The arcane magic housed within the tower must not be known to digimon. Runes shimmered forth, multiplying until they covered the citadel. Witchmon kept on chanting, powerful magic known only to the council of mages, a last resort they had sworn never to use unless they had no choice. With a final cry, a flash illuminated the space, and castle crumbled, data splitting apart and melting into the air. No one, mortal or immortal, would ever see the fortress again.
Time to start a new life.
MagnaAngemon looked around File Island. Regret filled his heart at the sight of all the devastation. Even though he directly did not cause it, he knew that partly, he was to blame. Had he not been biding his time the last three years, training and scheming solely to defeat ArchWizardmon, this might not have happened. If he had confronted ArchWizardmon and exposed him. If he had done something – anything – this might not have happened.
He had the power; he had the will. Because of that, he and his comrades were able to craft the Digiegg of Miracles, as well as the various crests needed to digivolve themselves to the highest level. They had all the necessary tools, but they never used them. And because of that, they failed the Digital World.
Eighty percent of the human military was dead, and half the civilians. Compared to four years ago, the number of digimon in the Real and Digital Worlds have been halved. MagnaAngemon took some pride knowing that the humans and digimon would never trouble each other again, access to each other restricted to a single digiport whose location was known only to MagnaAngemon. Maybe now, the worlds would heal.
He had lost so many too. The angelic domain, once home to ten thousand refugees, now had less than five hundred. Many had left, tired of MagnaAngemon's passive stance. No doubt they had met there end somewhere or another. He was glad that his closest friends stayed with him. But still, MagnaAngemon felt as if he had failed somehow. These digimon came to him for protection, and he did not give it to them when they needed it the most. Perhaps the world would be kinder to those who survived.
"MagnaAngemon"
"Who speaks?" he asked.
"It is I, Fanglongmon."
"The lord of the Sovereigns finally arrives," said MagnaAngemon, bitterness evident in his voice. "Where were you when we needed you?"
"You question me, you who stood by out of hatred for ArchWizardmon? For your information, my fellow comrades and I held the hallowed places. And we took care of the charges you failed to protect."
"So you are here to judge me, I presume?" asked MagnaAngemon.
"Yes," answered Fanglongmon. You have served well, MagnaAngemon. We applaud your steadfast stewardship these last two hundred years. However, your actions in the last war are inexcusable. You will retire, MagnaAngemon. You will return to your domain. You have leave to do with it as you see fit, but you will not take a hand in the world again until we decide that it is time."
"You will decide?" asked MagnaAngemon, contempt evident in his voice.
"Make no mistake, MagnaAngemon. We as Sovereigns have failed the Digital World as well. But no more. We are claiming stewardship of this world from now on. Worry not, MagnaAngemon. This world will be in good hands."
"I will withhold my judgement until I see the fruits of your labour," answered MagnaAngemon. "Fine, I will do as you say, Fanglongmon. I will return to my domain. I accept my banishment."
"Do not take it as banishment. You have served well; it is time for you to retire. We will take up your stewardship. I hope to see you soon."
MagnaAngemon did not respond, not trusting himself to say something good.
Retirement didn't seem so bad, MagnaAngemon reflected as he flew towards his home. He had enough conflict to last a lifetime. Some peace and quiet, in the company of his friends, would do him well.
Wizardmon could feel the shifting events. It had been almost a month since the battle on the peak of Infinity Mountain. He could feel the power of the Sovereigns moving about the Digital World. Strangely enough, MagnaAngemon could not be felt. Wizardmon had no idea where he was; he knew that if he showed his face in public again, he would be executed by the Sovereigns for his crimes.
Wizardmon looked over himself once again. The bronze armour was gone, replaced by the old dirty-yellow jumpsuit. His cloak was once again ragged, and bronze helmet was replaced by the familiar navy pointed hat. His guan dao had reverted back to its sun-staff. Why he de-digivolved, he had no idea, but he guessed it was because he expended all his energy. After all, he had pushed himself rather far over the last four years.
He had not stopped to think, but now, Wizardmon saw the suffering he caused. He had visited the countryside near the villages where humans had counterattacked. They came in small packs, skirmishing and killing and plundering. Over the last couple years, they had killed countless digimon. And he had indirectly caused it.
What was more, he had often brutally crushed these raiding parties, creating civilian casualties on his side too. Even though he participated in healing efforts after the battle, it was no excuse for acting the way he did. He deserved the fate the Sovereigns gave him. In fact, they were merciful. He deserved execution, not exile.
What had he gained over the last four years? Nothing. He had gained no friends, and his followers have either deserted him or are dead. He gained no territory. Marshal Suchet had seen to that when he vaporized the millions of digimon in the Real World. The Sovereigns had taken over what was left of his "empire". He didn't even gain any prestige. Digimon everywhere are now seeing him as a warmonger and an aggressive leader. He had even lost his power; his transformation back to Champion had proven that.
He had lost everything. He should be bitter, but he couldn't feel any of that. He knew, deep in his heart, that he had allowed the same darkness that he preached against to overtake him. In the end, he became as evil as those he fought against.
The humbled wizard walked along the dark forest, lost in his thoughts. He stopped, feeling a strange, yet familiar presence. Looking up, he saw the most beautiful sight in the world: a single beam of light breaking through the dense arbour and foliage. It created a shining circle in the ground. Intrigued, Wizardmon stepped forward.
"Wizardmon."
"Gatomon…?"
"Yup. And Kari too. Come, join us."
"But how?" asked Wizardmon. "You are no longer even in the Digital World."
"Don't worry, we'll take you here."
"You would still give me a place, even after what I have done?"
"Of course! We forgive you, even if nobody else does. Come on!"
Wizardmon fell to his knees, tears forming in his eyes. He didn't deserve such mercy. The Sovereigns were already merciful by not executing him, but this was too much. "I can't accept this. I've done too much wrong to be forgiven."
"Nonsense. No one is beyond forgiveness. We don't want to see you lonely here, beating yourself up for something you did before. You have a chance to help the Digital World. The Dark Ocean is a big place, and we'll need your help if we're going to purify it again."
"But how? I have so much darkness! I became darkness!"
"You changed, Wizardmon. Light can come out of darkness. Come with us!"
Tears dropped to the ground. He didn't deserve this. But yet, he desperately wanted to go with Gatomon and Hikari. Even though he didn't deserve the honour. Slowly, his heart took over, and he relaxed. He rose into the air, shivering despite his jumpsuit. He felt frigid waters rush through him, and his skin turned even more blue than his usual tone as he rose from the waters. Suddenly, a great warmth came over him. Turning around, he saw what it was.
It was the warmth of having people who love you. The warmth of belonging.
Author's Notes: One more chapter to go!
To anyone who was confused about the whole "beam of light" thing, I got the idea from the episode in season one, when Tai and Matt, WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon were fighting. Then Kari goes off and talks to this weird light entity before everyone gets teleported to the Greymon/Parrotmon fight. It's supposed to be the same place, except Kari has become the light entity.
And originally, the story wasn't supposed to be this mushy; there were supposed to be a few more deaths involved.
And if you're careful, you'll notice some Christian morals. They're there…somewhere.
WARNING: This is your absolute LAST chance to point out any plot holes or have something you'd like me to answer.