Digimon Tamers: Unity

Season 2

By: Linkmaste


Previously on Digimon Tamers: Unity...

Impmon: Well didn't Foxface's Tamer make the most PERFECT freakin' lesson ever? After Toots and I spilled the beans on our big secret to everyone else, we get handcuffed! Why, on EARTH did I get paired up with Sparky? My face still hurts from her running everywhere. Seems like all the Tamers had something to work on with the other. And the tensions between Munchkin and Princess are cooling off. My real question is will I ever get some freakin shut eye again after having that kid!?


Episode 4: When Angels Deserve to Die


Open beams of light flashed by Salamon's eyes. She could tell she was running faster and faster because the street lights above her, encasing everything in a light-but then returned to the former dark. It was making her eyes sore. Panting, she kept up with the exercise but her partner was struggling.

"Run!" Sakura Hanamura screamed. Her hazel eyes were terrified, fearful and not even giving into temptation of observing what was chasing them. They turned into another alleyway. She gulped air and wheezed loudly, clutching her chest.

It wasn't a normal night. Usually the ten year old would be getting ready for bed now. However, she was studying late at a friend's house not too far-almost three blocks. Between the studying, gossiping about some classmates, and staying for dinner, the child couldn't believe it was already nine-thirty.

Maybe, Salamon thought, that the adults should have offered to keep her in for the night. Otherwise, maybe send Sakura's dad to walk home with her and Salamon. The digimon hunter was at large and numerous times did parents, teachers, and police say that you should not be walking alone at night. Especially a young Tamer like herself with a rookie.

Salamon didn't really question how they met. A portal opened up letting her into the human world where she was mistaken for a puppy and brought to a shop. In the store, Sakura pressed her face into the window and begged her dad to have a dog. In time, she found out that Salamon could not only talk, but do cool things too. Friends became partners in short time and only recently, did she finally tell her parents and she was blessed with her D-Arc. A nice pretty pink and grey one. Sakura even added a few flower stickers to it, saying it needed a little 'kira-kira'.

One thing was for sure, Salamon was not going to let anything bad happen to her Tamer. No way. It became her life-her sole purpose to anything in the days that came and went. Now, that was in jeopardy.

On the way home, Salamon detected something wrong. Very wrong. She nudged Sakura to move quicker, and eventually broke out into a run. Something was chasing them and the pin needles on the back of the digimon's neck told her it was that hunter.

"Sakura, faster!" begged Salamon.

"I'm trying..." panted Sakura. Running was not her forté at all. She preferred to draw and read and study. The most physcial activity she liked doing was peddling her bicycle to the store to pick up goodies for them to share. The girl clutched her chest and abdomen more, feeling exhausted from the running.

A black blur landed in front of the two. Standing tall-almost twice as tall as Sakura was the digimon hunter. A sleek noire suit full of neon green highlights and a helmet only reflecting their petrified expressions. Sakura stumbled back,

"No, no, no!"

"Puppy Howl!" screamed Salamon, taking a wide stance and opening her maw. A blast of shrieks and howls emitted, dragging the hunter backwards.

"How cute." the voice-deep and smooth, commented. They relaxed their stance as Salamon gave another 'Puppy Howl'. This didn't even make the evil hunter flinch.

"Sakura, run! Go without me!"

"N-no-no. I-I-I don't want to-to l-leave you," sniffed the girl. She crawled backwards into a wall.

The rookie snarled. Where was it? The power to make her stronger? It was always told to Sakura that the digimon would evolve whenever she was in danger. To protect her...

Right?

RIGHT?

But, nothing was clicking-nothing was awakening deep inside her. It was just empty, and full of fear. Salamon did the only thing she could do. She lunged forward and clamp hard on the hunter's forearm.

"Ow! Stupid mutt!" they hissed, trying to pry the digimon off. Sakura got up and started to run back out the alleyway.

That was when Salamon made her mistake. She tried to let go and follow her but the hunter's arm was waving erratically, like a bull gone wild. It launched Salamon into the air and out to the street, like a shooting star. She slammed into a garbage truck driving by, and knocked her out cold.

Sakura...

"Sakura!" screamed Salamon, snapping and snarling out of her tiny cot. She attacked the sheets, tearing up anything around her. After a few minutes of her rage, she realized that it was only a dream...a nightmare. Whining, she sobbed back into her ruined cot, realizing that her Tamer was still gone...still dead.

After what seemed like hours, a soft knock rang. Salamon tried to sniff and clean herself up, but no amount of licking her fur was going to do the trick. With a heavy sigh, she allowed the knocker to come in her suite.

"Good day, Sister Salamon." an Angemon greeted. He had several sheets folded neatly in his hands. "I brought fresh sheets..."

"Oh...thank you." she allowed the angel digimon to place them on the night stand. It was a quaint room with a small widow to look out of that was now covered with pink curtains. He drew them open to release light into the room. The room itself was messy from all the shredding Salamon did to the bedding. Feathers and fluff was everywhere. Embarrassed, she apologized profusely for the mess she made once again.

"Sister," Angemon placed a soft hand on the créme coloured digimon. He allowed himself to sit on the cot next to her. "What happened to you was awful. You cause no ill for any of us having you here. We are your grace, your sky, and your light. Let us ease your pain by simply changing your sheets. Would you be joining us on our meditation journey?"

Every day, it was a meditation in the early break. Then readings from old books derived from previous Holy Angels on virtues and leadership. Then, it was tea time, more meditation and a free hour to do as they pleased. Many took up gardening or the arts. Salamon took the time to curl up and nap in the warm sun. She looked conflicted with the choice of going back to bed or going with him.

"I'll join you today. I had a nightmare and I want to deal with it." she frowned. "Has Brother CalvisAngemon received word on the human world."

"No, something else had come up for him. He is very busy...but will fulfill your request at the chance he can get."

"Something else?"

"It's not easy to talk about," the champion frowned. "I do not even know what it is."

"Oh..." Salamon followed Angemon out of her suite and outside to the court yard. The sky was clear azure today with the human world shining above like a beacon. The Holy Sanctuary was the same as it ever was; slightly crisp air, perfect skies, and perfect smooth, white marble stone underneath her feet. It held beautiful buildings made after the style of Greece, with pillars that were sixteen feet high, detailed paintings of angel digimon and a cornucopia of silk and thread to decorate it. A cluster of Angemon's flew by, waving at their brother and sister.

"Good day, sister. Good day, brother." they chimed.

"Good day, brothers." they replied simultaneously. They gave friendly waves back.

Salmon wasn't used to the odd pleasantries at first when she arrived. Weeks passed however, and she couldn't help but prefer it. Everyone was kind, everyone was nice. It helped the pain in her heart soften a little.

The spacious court yard was packed with angelic digimon of various kinds doing their daily routines. Patamons were off to the left, Gatmons were off to the right conversing with some Tokomons. Even a bunch of Salamon were in the front giving kind smiles and warm gestures to sit with them. She declined politely and told them she wanted to sit with Angemon. He hummed,

"That is very kind of you to keep me company. I don't want to trouble you-"

"No, it's alright. I feel safe around you." Salamon gave a smile. They sat down and in time, an Angewomon strolled in, instructing the meditation.

"Good day my Brothers and Sisters. Arms up, and take a deep breath." she coached. "In...and out."

Salamon took a deep breath and closed her eyes. In...and out. Her position was off from everyone's as they sat cross legged but she was alright sitting on her behind, front paws folded among one another.

"Breathe in..."

Sakura...Salamon thought of.

"Breath out..."

Sakura...Salamon breathed again.


Suzie stretched her body, feeling her spine twinge and pull as she touched her petite toes. Feeling satisfied with the warm up, she stood up, put her hands out and told Ellin that she was ready. Her friend stood across, looking unsure at the small girl. It was another training morning and today they were learning about hand to hand combat by Henry.

"This isn't something you will use in every battle," Henry lectured at the beginning. He hobbled over to the dojo, looking at the whole group with a frown. "Knowing how to defend yourself will increase your chances of surviving an encounter and help you all get out of a sticky situation."

"And you guys can kick each other's ass for other shit too!" Terriermon yelled.

"Terriermon!" snapped Henry. "That's not the point of this exercise."

The digimon sans Impmon and Lindy were sitting on the sidelines, watching their counterparts participate. Aruraumon sat beside Lopmon asking her where Lindy went for the day.

"Doctors I think for Leon. Impmon got dragged along too."

"So...you think it's normal for those two to-" the plant digimon seemed almost embarrassed to even say the words. Rolling her eyes, the bunny turned around.

"Those two love each other even if it's a little odd. I've known them for a long time and trust me when I say this, they would be the first ones I could think of being parent material."

"Hah! Even that Impmon?" scoffed Crocomon. He picked at his teeth after having a good breakfast of steak and eggs.

"Yes, even him. You should really give him a chance. I mean...I wasn't the greatest back when I served my master. I was actually supposed to kill Suzie when I saw her. We all have our pasts."

"What's so great about this bloody sovereign," Crocomon curled his tail looking annoyed. "That's all everyone talks about here. Sovereign this and sovereign that-I want to meet this bloody sovereign and crunch on his core."

"Come to think of it, the others mentioned they were missing." Elecmon piped in. "I was told that something probably bad happened to them all. That's why we have to do all this fighting and training."

"Well, it shouldn't be our bloody problem. Love, I'll gladly fight to protect my Ellin and you but I'm not some rubbish foot solider." Crocomon put an arm around Lopmon. "Can't we say no?"

"You guys don't get it." Lopmon sighed. She shrugged him off. "Look if the digital world is in danger, so is this world. One affects the other and like it or not-we have a responsibility to protect it. And our partners. Let's be thankful we have the others to help train our partners. Back in the day, those guys had to wing it by themselves. It's a miracle they even defeated the D-Reaper."

"That's the funny red program that tried to kill everyone?" Aruraumon asked.

"You never heard or it? It was everywhere!" Elecmon cried, letting her mouth drop open. "How you could you have not heard it?"

The plant blushed and looked angry.

"Well, I...was somewhere else, okay? Knock it off."

As the digimon continued to watch at their partners, Suzie successfully took down Ellin in a series of grabs and sweeps. Her body as lithe and while not as strong, she held previous knowledge of her martial arts that Henry taught her.

"You have a black belt...ugh...should have guessed." Ellin groaned. The petite Tamer held out her hand to help her up.

"Not a black belt, but I know enough so some creep doesn't sneak up on me. I may be small, but I'm not weak."

"Yeah right," scoffed Mako, taking down Masahiko for the fifth time. The poor Tamer flopped to the floor. "You probably only weight as much as a bunch of books. It doesn't take a brute to take you out."

"Is that a challenge?" asked Suzie, looking smug.

The others stopped their exercise and looked at the two. It was a standoff as Mako simply took off his jacket and rolled his shoulders. Suzie followed suit, making sure her 'hand' was on tight and she had control. While it was still tiring to do small movements, the larger tasks like holding objects or pulling herself up was starting to get easier. She practiced every morning with a pull up bar and lifted herself up a few times. It made the world a difference.

Mako's stance was large and proud, making him seem a sort of lion that held his own territory. His gaze kept focused and zoned in on Suzie, keeping track of anything she could pull. He wasn't bulky, but he was smart and did his fair share of exercising. Suzie however was light and airy, almost like she could slip out of any grasp and hop at any moment. The tiny, but now calm Tamer took a crouching stance and waited.

Then, Mako made the first move. He started with a kick aimed at her gut but she simply knocked it away. He kicked a little deeper trying to catch her off guard but she changed her footwork and knocked it again. She had a plan and waited for Mako to come in the third time, more annoyed and ready to strike. That was when she simply grabbed his leg and pulled up, sending him onto his back.

The other Tamers made an applause, shocked that she could do it. He got up, and lunged at Suzie for a bear hug. Surprised, she tried to pinch his inside pectoral muscles to put him off, but the sheer stubbornness of him pulled through, and captured her into a bear hug. She tried to perform a move, but with the weight she was-and her fake hand not able to twist the way she needed it to, she was stuck.

"Just remember that I'm always one up you," Mako smirked. He let the tiny Tamer tire herself out.

"C'mon guys! Knock it off." Henry warned. "Suzie, you know how to get out of that hold-I taught you a million times."

Suzie looked down at her hand...feeling a rush of frustration and anger. Pushing the sensations down, she just grabbed her bag and stormed out, ignoring the calls from the others.

Ellin marched over to Mako, shoving him back.

"What's your fucking problem?" she seethed. Mako pushed her back but before the two could fight, Masahiko and Jun grabbed Ellin back with great difficulty while Ai grabbed Mako.

"Okay, that's enough you two-cool it." Jun snapped. "Last thing we all need to do is fight."

"My problem is that she's a cheater and a liar and you all just sit there and pretend it's all okay." Mako snarled. "And when things get tough for her, everyone holds her hand and treats her like some princess. Meanwhile, Ai and I get treated like crap for nothing and everyone thinks it's okay." he shrugged off his sister and marched off. "Let me know when this group stops acting so biased to Wong."

"Mako, wait!" Ai reached out but he glared at her. She hesitated and stopped following him. The others didn't make a move towards her except for Masahiko who carefully put a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey...you okay?"

Not answering, she simply walked out too with her bag and coat. The Tamer noticed her becoming more and more withdrawn and quiet-a stark contrast from her spitfire attitude when they first met. As well, she was not as interested in their talks or conversations at school. Mako on the other hand, put more effort into their friendship, if that's what you called it. And by more effort, he asked him constantly when they were going out to do more 'Demon Hacker' work.

"I think it's a lost cause." Ellin advised him, as the two walked to school.

"He's just lonely and hurt. I'm sure he'll get over it and make peace with Suzie." Masahiko replied. The two went to their respected classrooms to begin their day.

The two Tamers seemed at odd ends with their relationships with other members of the team. While not hostile, Ellin was aloof with Jun. The two hung out for brief moments in class but outside school and this training, nothing. It was still timid, and quite uncomfortable at times for Ellin, while for Jun it was nerving if he would say the wrong thing, or do something offensive.

Meanwhile, Masahiko struggled with Ai and Mako. The two were impossible to hang out with together. One being quiet as a mouse and the other brash as a bull. They disagreed on everything and anything and the only few topics they knew what to talk about was digimon, skating, hacking, and how much Suzie hurt them. Conversations tend to be on a recording and kept repeating constantly.

At school during the day, Masahiko ran an errand for his teacher when she saw Ai and a girl talking quietly at the lockers. Curious, he crept closer to see Ai's upset face and the girl's stoic one. The teen reached out to the girl almost to touch her face, but the girl slapped it away, barking at Ai before walking briskly away. Looking more hurt, she could barely hold it together.

It was time to act. Masahiko bravely pulled Ai quickly into the girls bathroom saying it was alright.

"But you're-"

"I got put in here by bullies a dozen times," the Tamer replied. "I think I get a free pass just to see if you're okay."

Stammering, Ai pulled out her handkerchief and rubbed her red eyes relentlessly.

"Was she...someone special?" Masahiko carefully asked. Ai nodded,

"She's on my skating team. I thought...she said she...and I...-I thought she was flirting with me. She seemed like she was into me and I stupidly thought I could tell her my feelings...what a damn joke."

Masahiko didn't say anything. Ai pulled out a small container of medicine and gestured to it.

"Did you know when my parents found out I was-you know-gay, they thought it was because I wasn't disciplined enough as a kid?" She laughed harshly, "Top grade parents... I need to take my anxiety medicine." she took her pills with some water from the sink. The Tamer latched her hands on the basin, looking exhausted. "I...I don't know how to cope with this. I should just pretend I like a guy just to get through this place."

"You shouldn't do that." Masahiko gave a sympathetic look. "I can't imagine what it's like right now being you. But, I think it will make you happier being true to yourself."

"At what cost?" cried Ai. "Losing my family? Being bullied at school? Slowly not...not feeling anything doing the stuff I like? Do you know what it's like skating and something that once brought me so much happiness now feels empty and hollow? I can't sleep, I can barely eat, I don't even know how I am functioning. I am trying my best to stay happy for my partners and my family but it's getting impossible." The brunette hugged herself, letting more tears spill. She brushed them away, embarrassed she was confessing all her pent up feelings to some nerd across from her.

"You know, Jeri once told me about those feelings." Masahiko said, letting himself sit on the bathroom counter. He looked onwards, "The emptiness, the hollow and the urge to just use something to feel again...even if it's using not so good things. It feels like you're drowning and you can't get a moment's air to breathe. Maybe you can talk to my sister? Or Lindy-I think she's worried-"

"Lindy doesn't care. She's too busy with Leon." Ai muttered sadly.

"Stop. She doesn't think that at all. She loves you and Mako and you both need to stop doubting them." Masahiko's hard voice shocked her. "Talk to Lindy-please?"

Ai sniffed. "Do you...you want to go to a café? Just talk or hangout?"

For the first time, Masahiko was actually considering playing hooky. The mere thought of it a year ago would have broken him into a sweat and bundle of nerves. Now, it seems like his worries float away in place taking the concern of his friend.

"What the hell, why not."


Suzie let her bag drop at Sora's office. She slumped into her chair letting the doctor take a guess at what was bugging her.

"I work so damn hard at everything and nobody appreciates it." The Tamer gave a frustrating cry. "I do my exercises, I take my medicine but it seems like my brother doesn't get that I can't do the things I used to do...and I hate myself for it. I want to be able to do cart wheels again or twirl a pen in my hand...but now...I'm just a cripple."

"I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit, Suzie." Sora smiled. "Look how far you came since our first session. I see you smile more and I know you're working harder than ever to improve your hand. This takes time...and giving yourself a pat on the back is needed. As for your brother, he probably feels awful for saying that. You should gently remind him that you're doing the best you can."

"Yeah, and he'll just say I'm not doing enough."

The conversation veered off to Tomone again as Suzie described her feelings again.

"I still feel confused about it. And hurt-like my chest tightens and aches. Why did she...Why didn't I see the signs? I could have stopped her."

"Have you thought about your tribute?" Sora asked. "I think these feelings are perfect for the project-"

"I'm asking Sensei Chikara to help me dance for it." Suzie replied. She tucked her hair behind her ear, "Dancing is becoming more and more of my outlet, and I need it more in my life than ever. It's challenging and pushes me to my limits, but that's what I enjoy about it. That and the fact when the spotlight is on you-everyone stops what they're doing and watches you. That's what I want people to do when I talk about Tomone. Just to stop and listen to me."

"I think that's inspiring, Suzie." Sora wrote down some medicine and passed it to Suzie. "I upped the dose since you're exercising more. Your hand nerves will get sore if you push yourself too hard, so be careful."

She left the room and headed down to the tiny pharmacy in the hospital. It held some candy, magazines, and beauty products that she browsed while waiting for the nurses to refill her prescription. She stared at the hair dyes-looking at the bright pink one. Her hair was starting to get stringy and neglected from the roots coming in, due to the lack of product she used to put into her hair. A brazing thought passed her mind. Then, she selected the box of pink dye, along with a pair of scissors.

Lopmon worriedly looked at the bathroom door that Suzie closed when she arrived home. There was just a tired hello and she went right in, taking a bag with her. Normally, she would have at least asked Lopmon how her day was. Timidly, she knocked.

"Suzie, can I come in?"

It was a slow response as the water was running.

"Only if you don't stop what I'm about to do..."

The digimon furrowed what could have been her eyebrows in confusion. What did she mean by that?

"Sure...but, I really hope you're not doing something silly."

The door opened and Suzie had her long locks of hair done in hasty ponytails on each side. Before it could compute to the brown bunny's mind what she was up to, she took a sharp pair of scissors and snipped them both at the shoulder length.

"SUZIE!?"

"Relax, I'm sure about this." she replied. The long clumps of hair fell to the ground. Looking at herself in the mirror she ran her now shoulder length hair and smiled. "I needed a change." Taking the pink dye box, she opened it up and proceeded to smear the dye into her roots, working her way outwards.

Lopmon climbed ontop of the toilet in order to be more at her Tamer's height.

"Is this...about Mako earlier today?"

"Honestly? No." Suzie sighed. "What did bug me was how Henry keeps thinking I can do the same things I used to do. It's harder. So much harder."

"He's coming over for dinner tonight. You two should talk about it."

"I'd rather shock him with my hair." smirked Suzie. The bunny rolled her eyes.

"You're not being very mature about this."

"I'm seventeen...and he's twenty four-if anything he should be mature about this." Suzie bundled her hair up and wrapped it, letting the dye sink into her hair. "He should be way more understanding, and supportive and not like criticizing me."

"I don't think I'll ever understand this sibling relationship. I'm going out to see Crocomon, can I trust you will feed yourself your snack I made?"

"Yes, mom." teased Suzie and gave a coy smile. "Going on a date with him again?"

"That's none of your concern."

"C'mon! Just tell me if you at least like him."

Lopmon put a claw to her mouth, debating on if it was worth mentioning her 'feelings' about the aquatic digimon. Choosing her words carefully, she replied,

"He makes me feel like how I feel when I read my books."

"That must be true love then, be back for dinner?" Suzie giggled.

"Yes, mom." Lopmon teased back and promptly left the condo.


The oolong tea was a treat Salamon enjoyed some days in the Holy Sanctuary. Lapping it with glee, she watched as Angemon was teaching his protégée how to fight with only hand to hand combat-resulting in minimal injury but maximum incapacitation. Carefully moving his hands into positions, he explained soft points some digimon had while other places could actually stun them.

"Brother, why can I not just delete them?" asked the smaller Angemon.

"Because my student, we are a group trying to promote mercy and peace. In our old days, we killed in the name of the greater good but it resulted in hypocrisy. Our Brother CalvisAngemon taught us that we all have our differences but that does not make us automatically wrong. Brother, do you enjoy oolong tea?"

"Not particularly. I enjoy the lemon kind." he replied.

"So, does she deserve to die because she enjoys a different tea than you?" he pointed at Salamon making her jump. However, his soft smile pointed that he meant no actual harm to her.

"No-that's ludicrous!" cried the Angemon. Despite his face being covered, his tone conveyed that he was appalled. "Why would I injure someone who just enjoys a different tea than me? It has no relevance to my existence on her preferences."

"And that is my point." Brother Angemon folded his arms. "We are all different, despite both of us being 'Angemon', I hold a high regard for oolong tea and scripture. You enjoy lemon tea and combat. Would it not be better to agree with our differences and work together for our common goal of peace?"

"Of course!"

"Then treat those who are different than you or hold a different opinion not as 'evil-doers' but as simply those with a different perspective. They deserve your kindness and mercy just like anyone else."

As the digimon finished their training, Salamon was content with finishing her tea and snack. She then trotted with her friend to an evening class of scripture and readings. While digi-runes were not her strong suit, she frequently enjoyed hearing the stories of the old digital world and the sovereigns benevolent rule. A few Gatomon inquired about whom was more powerful-Brother CalvisAngemon or a sovereign.

"Ah, that would be a tough match. You see, sovereigns are powerful in the essence of life and ability. For example, Zhuiqiamon's fire can breathe digital code into life, or Bihumon can be invisible to anyone. But, for sheer power, I'm afraid that is what they lack.

"How come no one as taken their lives?"

"Well, you see," Angemon took a piece of chalk and drew a circle. Then four other circles on the outside. "Each sovereign controls a piece of the world, and have a duty to keep the balance of it in check. If one of them is say deleted, then the balance of the world itself would start to tilt." Angemon drew an arrow from the centre outwards. "Darkness would creep out and consume. So, it wouldn't benefit to anyone to destroy them-there wouldn't be a world left to rule."

"And if they all die?"

"Well, then we would all be in trouble, I'm afraid even our Brother CalvisAngemon wouldn't even fix the world. But, there is no need to fret over that. The sovereigns are perfectly fine."


Two large caramel mochas settled in front of Ai and Masahiko as they were sitting in the quaint cafe a few blocks away from the school. It was cosy and small. A guitar player sitting in the corner, smells of coffee beans wafting in the air and nooks and crannies for people to sit in. Warm tones of brown and red were painted inside and the lighting was dim. At the counter, plenty of pastries and goodies sat in their glass boxes, ready to be eaten. A variety of lattes and coffees were on the menu but the two settled for some mochas. The Tamer pulled out his wallet and waved off Ai's protest of him paying.

"You can pay for me next time." he smiled. "Are you even working?"

"I was a skating coach for the kids during the summers." she replied, nursing her drink. "It didn't pay well, but I'd rather do that than be a café maid or do what Mako was doing."

"What was he..."

"Fixing computers and nerdy stuff like that." she smirked. "You work right?"

"The restaurant," he shrugged. "Just bussing and doing cooking. It isn't attractive but it's our family business. Your family should come by and have something to eat."

"How's Elecmon? I never really asked about how you're holding up being a Tamer." Ai asked. "It's different, isn't it?"

Masahiko conveyed his adventure to her, all from when he first met her, to at the climax of the Dexmon incident when she changed into MachElecmon. He showed the mysterious 'tattoo' mark on his back (after trying to be subtle of taking his shirt off a bit to show it). It was shaped like a cross but with a loop on the top, overlapping with a lightning bolt. The skin popped out a bit looking more scarred but not painful according to the Tamer.

"Interesting..." murmured Ai, tracing the skin lightly. "The others have these too right? I saw Suzie's during that training thing. Ellin's was on her ankle."

"And Jun had one on his hand. Remember when Aurarumon evolved?"

"So, these are like...a power up? How come Mako and I don't have one?"

"Well, I thought your partners can already go Mega? Actually, I never seen your digimon evolve."

"Well, Impmon just changes into Beelzemon so there's no real point I guess," Ai took a sip. "Lindy changes into Hopemon for her ultimate. She's almost a different being as her. It takes this to change her-" She pulled out a pretty cross necklace stuffed inside her sweater. It was glassy, and almost translucent but very heavy when Masahiko picked it up to inspect it.

"This is-"

"A crest. Mako has one too for Beelzemon. This is for hope while the other one is for life." Ai tucked it back away. Masahiko made a face.

"A little ironic considering..."

"It suits him. He gave a lot to keep us alive when we were kids and he even saved Lindy's life. He doesn't deserve the rep that people give him about Leomon. I still notice him having nightmares time to time about it."

The nerd sighed, looking sympathetically at the Tamer. She and her brother had to deal with digimon since they were children-young ones at that. It must have been hard, constantly being in battle, weary of danger or losing their digimon. He asked her what it was really like,

"It took a toll on us after awhile," Ai began. "We get nightmares, anxiety attacks, and finding not the most healthiest ways to cope with it. Lindy encouraged me to go to some therapy which is helping I guess. I think she feels awful about not being there for us during her pregnancy. Her and Impmon had a big blow out about it and they didn't talk for months."

"So that's what happened..." he realized. It was confusing why Lindy and Impmon were on such cold terms when she carried Leon.

"We're better now. Not perfect, of course. But..." Ai sipped her drink, letting the rest of her words fall in place.

Masahiko brought the conversation back to the 'tattoos' on their bodies.

"The power ups are a good thing right? It means were getting stronger."

Ai raised an eyebrow.

"It could, but I would be careful about it. No one else-not even Takato and the other two had those. It could have a setback to using them."

"Setback?"

Ai took a salt shaker and poured some on the table. He looked unimpressed she was causing a mess but she assured Masahiko it was for a demonstration. She gestured to the pile,

"Let's say this is Elecmon," Ai poured another pile. "And this is you."

He nodded.

"And this is you when Elecmon evolves into MachElecmon," Ai took a portion of Masahiko's 'salt' and pushed it to the other pile. "See? You used your energy to make her change."

"Why-"

"Because," Ai lifted a finger. "Energy doesn't come out of nowhere. It has to be used from a source. Energy is what takes digimon to evolve. Before, the original trio consumed other digimon in battles to gain that power. Now, because you all don't-there has to be a substitute-you."

Masahiko's stomach dropped. Was this actually true?

"How do you know this?"

"Because when I Biomerged with Lindy to make Kashimon, I noticed a toll on energy it took from me. I also notice it trickle out of me and Mako slowly when she's in her ultimate or mega form. Thankfully, Beelzemon doesn't do that to us. But, you need to be careful about using Elecmon's forms."

"W-what would h-happen if I needed to use all my energy..." Masahiko trailed off.

This didn't need a word as Masahiko's 'salt' pile was brushed off the table completely, leaving nothing left.


Suzie raised her leg and settled it on the ground in a finale, throwing her arms gracefully up in the air and gasping for breath. Her sweaty chest rise and fell rapidly and she could swear her heart was going to pound out of her body, crashing into her ribcage and demanding for a release. Her eyes didn't dare look at Chikara, but eventually she would have to face her judgement. For once, the teacher didn't look angry or stoic. There was emotion and perhaps...tears? No, it must have been the lighting...

"I think..." she walked over and brushed a hair off the Tamer's face. "It's perfect."

Suzie was about to swear in surprise but she bit her lip and must have let her emotions splash on her face. A little chuckle escaped Chikara's lips,

"Wong, you gave your soul in that performance. It wasn't about technical performance, it was about conveying your pain and sorrow in movements of your body. To me, it expressed the turmoil of your feelings towards your friend, whom you loved dearly but also feel pain and betrayal. Highlighting your hand was key to this and you did it well, starting out with your struggling of dancing with it and at the end...it became one with you." Chikara put her hands behind your back. "Suzie, have you heard of the Prima Competition?"

"Prima...Competition?" she cocked her head to the side.

"Yes, the Prima Competition is a dance showcase in Kyoto, Japan. Comprises of my very best students and some of my competitors. Many of the dancers receive a scholarship and even jobs as backup dancers for pop singers. It will be performing in July." Chikara narrowed her eyes. "If I offer you a spot on my showcase team, can I count on you to attend every practice, follow every order that I make?"

If Suzie's eyes could glisten and go wider, she would have looked like an anime character. Her excitement bubbled over and unable to contain herself, she lunged over and hugged the sensei tightly. It made Chikara yelp in surprise.

"Of course! YES! YES! Ohmygod. YES!" Suzie was smaller, but her strength was moving around Chikara like she was a mere plaything, swinging her body around and around. Finally, the Tamer settled the woman down, grinning sheepishly.

"Tomorrow. Six am. Practice." Chikara's cold voice launched into action and made Suzie zip to her gym bag and fling it over her back.

"See you tomorrow, Sensei!" waved Suzie and she held the frame of the door as she whipped around the bend and flew down the stairs, thundering down loudly. Chikara could only sigh deeply as she turned to Lopmon whom was completely forgotten in all the excitement.

"Would you like a ride home, Lopmon?"

"Probably best," laughed the bunny digimon. "She won't figure out she left me by the time she got home."


The night sky was crisp and the Earth shone brightly in the sky, various lights splashing on the marble tiles of the Sanctuary. It was not cold, but a breeze swept by now and again, moving the cover of clouds below the edges of their high temple, that could not be seen by those on the ground. Otherwise, sparkles that seemed like stars could be seen in the sky and Salamon took nights like these with delight, to watch them.

"Sister, may I join you?" Angemon asked. She smiled warmly and patted the place beside her letting the champion digimon take a kneel. She looked back up.

"It is a lovely night," she commented. "Almost as lovely as back home."

"Does Earth have nights like these?"

"Earth has a sky that displays a whole other world," Salamon waved a paw. "Imagine you are merely a speck in universe and that there are other worlds connected above you, only a little sparkles in the sky. Sakura told me about it. They're other plants and solar systems."

"Us...just a speck?" laughed Angemon. "I can hardly believe it."

The cremé puppy nodded. "But, it is. I went to a space exhibit and I saw how the plants follow around a orb called the sun. I looked through a telescope one night and saw mysterious beauty in the sky. I know so little of the world...I wish to see all of it."

Angemon patted her head, "And one day you will. As soon as we receive word on you being safe to go back to Earth."

"Back...to Earth..." Salamon looked down. A sombre tone was evident in her voice. "Back to where that killer is..."

"I am sure whomever is responsible for your Tamer's passing has been captured and served its judgement." he spoke in a careful tone. "It is not healthy to live your life out in hate and anger."

"But...that is all I feel about it, Brother. This blackness inside me that bites and lashes every time I think about that hunter. How it hurt my Sakura. I try hard to find forgiveness inside me, but I cannot."

"Forgiveness isn't something that will come easily. But, eventually it will come. I know it will for you."

Salamon panicked, sitting up in alert,

"W-Will I see be able to see you?"

She couldn't see her friends' expression but something in his voice made it seem he was hiding more than he let on.

"I'm sure we will meet again."

Then, they both felt an unbelievable sensation tickle their bodies, from their feet up to the base of their heads that sent chills. A uncomfortable pit formed in their stomachs and their core could only be felt with danger. Salamon let out a low growl.

"Something is here..." she crouched and turned around to the Sanctuary.

The response was quick. A fireball crashed into the library, emitting flame and bright light. The loud crumble of the white structure shook the entire area, making it known that their precious home was being attacked. Molten fire and dancing flame encased the building and went toward the next one, consuming it in its entirely.

"Salamon, stay with me," ordered Angemon, taking out his staff. She nodded and the two went into the Sanctuary.

What was once a tranquil garden filled with shrubs and delicate ornate roses, were now ashen and crisp. Destroyed fountains crumbled around them to which cracked the floor. Salamon jumped over a fountain, and attacking through more debris.

"Who would do this?" cried the puppy digimon.

"I don't know..." gasped Angemon, watching his brothers and sisters venture out their sleeping quarters, still groggily from sleep. A few were unlucky as their buildings collapsed onto them. It made the angel sick to his stomach to watch.

The sky was starting to fill with smoke and ash. Darkness made things harder to see as Angemon could only do so much using his body as a light source.

"My Brother Angemon!" shouted the digimon. "Come to me at once to defend our home!"

Only a few flew towards him looking panicked and afraid. One even told him of a monster in the shadow that was grabbing them and devouring them.

"I-I don't know what it is!" cried the younger Angemon.

"Stand your ground!" Angemon shouted and bashed his staff. "Attack if necessary. We must protect our weaker brothers and sisters."

An Angewomon flew outwards, holding some of the Patamon in her clutches. Flapping her pink wings, she spiralled outwards and called a warning.

There was silence...then a lighting bolt shot out from the dark coulds and pierced an Angemon in the chest. He crumpled into data. Salamon stifled a cry of fear and went behind her friend for protection.

"Monster from below!" bellowed Angemon. "I demand you to step out from the shadows at once!"

Two figures shown themselves of the black rumbling clouds. One was a man like digimon in all gold armour with a white cape that held ivory feathers. Three pink halos danced above his head and he held two weights, each carrying a charge of lightning. The second figure was a figure of a woman on gold stick like legs. A beautiful peacock cloak danced behind her. Her sharp needle like arms held a staff that had a crystal globe in the centre. Silver armour covered her face except for her ruby eyes. Three halos danced above her head as well with gold shoulder plates decorated on her, intercate digi-code trimming it. The two floated above the ground, looking like the gods of the skies.

"Monsters?" the woman spoke softly. "You dare call us that?" she 'harumped' and flexed her fingers. "What an insolent creature."

"Now darling. Perhaps they could give us information," the other digimon soothed to his partner. With a loving caress, he cupped her face and gave a soft kiss. "Let us use our words briefly, then our power."

"Yes, that sounds lovely."

"Who are you? Speak!" shouted Angemon. "You are trespassing the Holy Sanctuary and destroying our home."

"Foolish creature. I am Junipermon-the God of Thunder." a lighting bolt shot down from above, almost hitting the Angemon.

"And I am Junomon, the Goddess of Devotion." hummed the peacock cloaked digimon, placing her body for all to see. "Behold us, and we are your owners. Surrender and we may spare you for knowledge."

"The only knowledge you will receive is the chance to leave before we attack." Angemon spoke cooly. "We are commanded by the Holy Angel, Brother CalvisAngemon-Lord of all Light. We also have six other Holy Angels who will come to our aide at any moment's notice."

"Your ignorance is laughable," spat Junomon. She let out a snort of laughter. "We have captured CalvisAngemon and he is our prisoner. Any of your other generals or 'Angels' will have the same fate. We are here to destroy this Sanctuary."

"Well, we will not let you do that. Under any circumstances. Our Brother captured or not, we will give our life to defend his home."

As Salamon watched on, she felt a tickle in her head and a low voice speak to her,

This battle will end badly. You need to leave as soon as you can.

Salamon looked around wildly. Who was that?

"Then you shall perish!" Junomon waved her 'needles' into the air and in seconds, a million of them appeared ready to fire.

Come to the edge and jump, I have an offer for you...

"Who...are you?" Salamon asked, still looking everywhere for a owner of the new voice. It sounded raspy and old.

"Salamon, you need to find cover." Angemon ordered. She obeyed with little thought and ran to a crumpled fountain. She poke her head out.

I can guarantee that you will die in this battle if you do not take my offer. You want to have revenge on that hunter...don't you?

"How did you know that?" The puppy gasped.

With a simple wave of Junomon's hand, millions of needle flew at breakneck speed. Spinning his staff, Angemon made it through the onslaught with few injuries. However, many of his brethren were unlucky. They slumped impaled by the needles in their faces, helms, arms, bodies, and feet. Each one dissolved into data after a piercing wail of pain. Greedily, Junomon sucked up the data while Junipermon consumed a tiny portion.

"You seemed to have survived...how unfortunate." Junomon floated towards Angemon. She threw her staff to the ground below her, making it embedded into the ground. Angemon pulled back his fist.

"Hand of Fate!" A beam of gold, shiny energy emitted from his enclosed fist, shooting straight for Junipermon's head. She faded from view and reappeared behind him, shooting him down with a kick. He grunted and landed on the hard marble, cracking his mask and the ground.

"Angemon!" screamed Salamon. She started to make a run for it.

Do not go after him. He is already dead. The voice threatened. She ignored it.

"Hmph. Some angel you are," she delicately picked up the angel's face and tilted it to look at her eyes. Shining blue eyes stared right back at her, unafraid.

"My love, look at how unafraid of us he seems." her eyes looked gleeful. "Let's teach him right now."

"Puppy Howl!" screamed Salamon, letting a blast hit directly onto Junomon. While it hardly did any damage, it made her turn her attention to the puppy with a bemused look on her face.

"Little digimon, do you need something? Can't you tell I'm busy?" she yanked on Angemon's hair violently making the digimon scream.

"Leave him alone! Or I'll...I'll..." Salamon whimpered as Junipermon marched forward holding on one of his weights that cracked with lighting.

"What? You will judge us? By your show of ignorance you must be punished!" He stomped on the dog digimon violently making her yelp in pain. It made Angemon struggle wildly, shouting everything he knew to make him stop.

"You seem attached to each other...hm." Junomon looked playful as she hummed a melody as she put Angemon down. Holding on one of her needle like fingers, she traced his back to the bottom and slowly slid one into his back, impaling him. He choked out a cry of torture.

"N-no. Stop! Stop it!"

Tears poured out of Angemon eyes, looking like his struggling was still apparent. He tried to grab his staff but Junomon thought ahead and impales his hand into the ground with another finger.

"Tut, tut. No need for that. Watch little digimon as I slowly kill him...turn him into delicious data." A third went into his two shoulder blades, ripping the joins of his wings and rendering them useless.

"GAH!"

"STOP!" screeched Salamon, feeling horrified she had to watch this. Where was help? Where was the other angels? It seemed like no one was in view now.

And it went on...

The twitching ceased from Angemon as he slowly dissolved into data. Ten long golden pricks pointed out from his back and body, making him mumble incoherent words. The data was being slopped up by Junomon, enjoying every bit. She leaned into Angemon ear and whispered,

"Only the powerful will survive. Let this be a lesson to you."

A final impalement into the skull of Angemon did the trick as he exploded into data. Salamon screamed loudly, cracking her voice as she did so. Her face was in pain and the tears wouldn't stop. Her one friend was now gone. Shivering, she didn't have the energy to even stand up.

"You pathetic creature..." smirked Junomon. "Honey, let's get rid of her. She's not even worth my time."

"As you wish." he picked her up by the scruff and walked to the edge of the Sanctuary. With all the smoke and dust, it was untellable what was below. Throwing his arm outwards, she kicked the air beneath her. She was at the mercy of the two digimon.

I can get you out of this. I can make you a deal The voice was back and cracking into her skull with a painful tinge. She sobbed.

"What...what do I need to do?" she whispered.

"What was that?" Junipermon asked, looking curious. Junomon took the puppy digmon and flung her down, off the Sanctuary and eventually, to her demise.

Salamon screamed, kicking everything in her body but now she was too scared to move. She was falling. The wind whipped into her face and she flipped around and around. She was going to die, she was actually going to die now.

Give me your allegiance to me and I will make you into a powerful digimon...a digimon that can demolish the hunter that took your precious Tamer!

"I...I don't know!"

You will die otherwise...

The ground was coming quick. She broke through the clouds and saw what was her fate awaiting her. Death. Just what she witnessed Angemon go through. She shut her eyes. And all she saw was Sakura's face.

Revenge...revenge filled her veins as she imagined what that awful monster did to her Tamer. A fire burned in her eyes as she faced the ground head on, looking more angrier by the second.

"I want all the power to kill that hunter! I want to take revenge on those two who threw me! I want to kill everyone who stood in my way to help Sakura. Can you make that wish come true?" She asked.

A chuckle sounded in her head.

Hehehe...Salamon, I can make you one of the most powerful digimon. Do we have a deal? The power to digivolve...for your core?

The ground was almost here...it was time.

We have a deal, now give it to me!

And that was all that needed to be said as the voice came louder in her mind.

Then I bestow upon you the power to digivolve! Use it wisely, little one. I will collect your core soon enough.

A hot burning sensation filled her chest and she screamed. The rest of her sensations went into a undesirable blur. And that...was the last sight anyone had seen of the Holy Sanctuary.


End Episode