Episode 37:Love And Hate
Lilithmon sat alone in the lord's meeting hall. She looked to the rooms holo screen with great interest. Watching the digidestined arrive at the well of souls. As well as the events that followed. Letting out a gasp of surprise as Trent returned with Huckmon's egg. Her look of shock soon shifted. Mouth curling into a devious smile,and her brow quirking.
"Things are getting interesting." she whispered to herself.
The demoness soon heard the room's doors swinging open. She glanced over at the entrance,spotting Beelzemon standing in the doorway. He munched messily at a blackened apple. Rivulets of juice running down the sides of his mouth. Lilithmon couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"What so funny?" the other lord growled.
Lilithmon held back another laugh. "Oh,nothing."
Beelzemon narrowed his eyes at her,but said nothing. After finishing off the rest of his apple,he walked over to stand beside her. "Watching the digitwerps?"
"That's right. And you missed something very interesting." Lilithmon replied. "The digidestined were able to recover their friends lost digicore from the well of souls."
"So they're back at full fighting strength?" Beelzemon crossed his arms. "So much for Daemon saying they wouldn't be causing anymore trouble. Barbamon ain't gonna be happy."
"He's so busy with his new pet project he probably won't find out for a while." Lilithmon leaned back in her seat,putting a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "And Daemon is away,doing his own business." She turned to Beelzemon with smile. "That leaves all the fun for us."
Beelzemon turned to her curiously. "You wanna us to work together to take care of those brats?"
She stood from her seat,and smiled all the wider. "Exactly. What do you say?"
Beelzemon grinned lopsidedly. "Yeah. Why not? I have been itching for a good fight. So,what exactly do ya have in mind?""
"Oh you'll see." The demoness chuckled,and motioned to the door. "Shall we?"
"Yeah. Let's get this show on the road."
After the group left behind the well of souls,the had a short celebration. In honor of Hukcmon's rebirth. The next day,they began retracing their steps. Getting back on the path to the demon's eye. Trent was of course in high spirits. He kept Huckmon's egg constantly close at hand. Tending it to the best of his abilities. The others occasionally helped him whenever they could. Some offering better advice,and aid than others. Gale,Fufumon,and DemiDevimon still lead the pack, The little devil never stopping his string of complaints. Much to Gale's annoyance.
They traversed the misty forest,and the open wasteland once more. Finding themselves back on course within a few days. One night,as they made camp in the twisted woods,two figures moved in from the shadows.
"There they are." Beelzemon growled
"Indeed. Now,our fun can begin." Lilithmon cooed.
She held up her open hand,summoning forth her inner power. It coalesced in her palm,as a violet mist. The demoness gave it a gentle blow,making it flow from her hand. The mist began to expand,and slowly covered the ground. It moved in to surround the unsuspecting group. Following the will of it's master.
Kiko,and Lunamon,who were the first ones on watch,soon felt something in the air. The violet mist then came into their view. Soon surrounding them,and the others in a wall of impenetrable of fog.
"Guys,wake up!" Kiko shouted "We've got trouble!"
The others soon stirred,and rose from their slumber. Their tiredness quickly forgotten as they saw the enclosing mist. Instinctively the digimon attacked the mist. All of them feeling the evil will that fueled its movements. Their attacks passed ineffectualy through the mist. As it continued to move in, unabated. It quickened its pace,completely surrounding them. The mist then became almost solid,and completely engulfed their bodies. They struggled against its grip,but no avail.
Soon,the mist completely disappeared,leaving behind almost nothing. Even the groups things were gone. Only their campfire,and the lone DemiDevimon remained. He was too scared to move. His body shivering,and his eyes staying glued shut.
Beelzemon's eyes widened as the group disappeared. His look of surprise quickly turning to one of anger,as he turned to Lilithmon. "What's the big idea!? I thought you said we were gonna do this together!?" He bared his claws. "You just went,and took care of them yourself!"
The demoness quickly held up a placating hand. "Settle down,I did not kill them. I simply took them elsewhere. A better venue for our fun"
Beelzemon held his angry gaze for few more moments,before standing down. The answer momentarily placating him. "So,what are we waiting for,let's head over to wherever you sent em."
"We will,but first…" Lilithmon turned her eyes to the cowering Demidevimon. She strode over to the rookie ,soon looming over him. "Well hello there,my little friend. You're the one who has been helping those digdestined aren't you?"
The sound of Lilithmon's voice compelled DemiDevimon to look up at her. "You...your...Lilithmon." She gave a nod at that.
DemiDevimon quickly dropped to the ground,groveling at her feet. "Please,oh great,and beautiful mistress,don't hurt me! They forced me to do it! I didn't have a choice! Please have mercy! I'm begging you! I'll doing anything! I'll-"
His string of pleas were silenced by Lilithmon's finger touching his lips. "Now,there is no need for groveling. I'm not going to hurt you."
DemiDevimon looked up in surprise. "You're not?"
She crooked a finger under his chin. "Of course not. Because you could be of great use to me. You were with the digidestined for sometime. A nosy little bat like you must have overheard some juicy bits of conversation. Right?"
The rookie swallowed hard. "Yeah...of course."
"Good. Then come,and fill me in on the details."
Chloe awoke to almost total darkness. Her mind heavy,and foggy. She sat up,and looked about. As her eyes adjusted she spotted the unconscious forms of Misaki,Magimon,and Fanbeemon nearby. She rushed over to each of them,and jostled them gently. Fanbeemon was the first to awake. Her fighting instincts were still in full drive,and she immediately took to the air. Getting her stinger at the ready.
"Woah,watch where you're pointing that thing!" Chloe exclaimed,reflexively shielding herself.
Fanbeemon relaxed,and looked about curiously. "Chloe? Is that you? I can't see you."
"Yeah it's me." the girl answered. Her hand touching Fanbeemon's body in reassurance.
Magimon,and Misaki began to stir a moment later. Holding their hands to their heads.
"What happened?" the wizard groaned.
Misaki looked about the dark space curiously. "And where are we?"
Before Chloe,or Fanbeemon could offer any reply,a voice echoed in the air. "You are on my grand stage!"
Suddenly a set of large curtains opened up before the four. A bright light shined forth from beyond,momentarily blinding them. As their vision cleared,they found themselves upon a stage. A bright spotlight shining down upon them from above. A single figure sat out in the theater seats. Their silhouette the only thing discernable.
"Who are you?!" Chloe shouted "What is this place?!"
"And where are our friends?" Fanbeemon added.
"As I said you are upon a grand stage." the figure replied. "Your friends are elsewhere,dealing with their own troubles. As for who I am…"
The spotlight dimmed,and the figure stepped forward. He was a tall humanoid digimon. His face was that of a ram,with shining yellow eyes. Two curved ram horns grew from atop his head. A pair of demonic wings sprung from his back. His chest was protected by a black form fitting chestplate. From the waist down his body was that of a goat. With purple fur,and heavy cloven hooves. His arms were long,with large,hairy forearms. Both of them ending in clawed hands.
"I,am Mephismon." the demon said with a bow. "Loyal servant of the great Lilithmon."
"Lilithmon,I remember that name…" said Misaki. "She's one of the seven demon lords!"
"Correct,my dear child." replied Mephismon. "You are to put on a show for our dear mistress. Directed by moi!"
"Like hell we are!" Chloe exclaimed,getting her digivice at the ready. Misaki doing the same.
"Ah ah ah." Mephismon tsked,raising a finger. His eyes shimmered for a brief moment. A darkness then spread around the two digvices. Enwrapping them in tendrils of shadow. Their lights faded,screens going dark once more.
"What is this?" asked Misaki,looking down at her entwined digivice.
"Just a little insurance,so that you don't stir up any trouble." Mephismon answered. He opened his arms wide,and the spotlight brightened. The seats of the dark theater were then filled by shadowy figures. Their forms featureless. "Now on with the show! For tonight's performance we will be performing a classic fairytale like story!"
"Starring the beautiful princess Estelle! Played by the lovely Misaki!" Mephismon snapped his fingers. In puff of magical smoke,Misaki's clothes were replaced by an ornate gown,and a jeweled crown sat atop her head. All them looking right out of a children's storybook.
"And what any princess fairy tale would be without! Our dashing knight,lady Liliana! Played by Chloe!" He snapped his fingers again,and there was another puff of smoke. As it dissipated Chloe's outfit was replaced by A suit of helmetless knight armor. Complete with cape,and sword.
"Then we have the knight's loyal companions. The great wizard Ignatius,and the kindly fairy Fia!" Another snap,and another puff of smoke. Left Magimon with a tall wizard hat,a staff,and a golden trimmed cape. While Fanbeemon was put into a green dress,with a petal skirt.
"A fairy?!" Fanbeemon exclaimed looking down at her costume. "That's it! This guy is gonna get it!"
Before she could move in,and attack,Mephismon snapped his fingers one last time. Making the four disappear in puffs of smoke. "On with the show!" The phantom audience clapped,as the demon bowed low.
With trio of magical flashes,Chloe,Fanbeemon,and Magimon appeared in a forest clearing. The wizard soon began to look about frantically. Noting Misaki was missing from their number.
"Where's Misak!?"
Chloe,and Fanbeemon began to look about alongside him. When Mephismon's voice echoed in the air. "The princess has been locked away in her tower,of course!"
He appeared above them,and waved a disapproving finger. "And her name is Estelle,do try to stay in character."
"Stay in character!?" the wizard shouted,fists tightening.
"Yes,staying in character is important." Mephismon replied casually. "You wouldn't want to disappoint the audience. If you do well...I can't be held responsible for what might happen to your dear partner."
Magimon fumed,and readied an attack. When he felt Chloe's gentle hand touch his shoulder. "Take it easy. I'm worried about her too. But we have to play along for now okay?" The rookie
sighed,and gave a single nod. His hand falling back to his side.
Mephismon smiled at that. "Much better. Now,may we begin?" When he heard no complaints,he snapped his fingers,and disappeared. His voice soon echoing all around them.
"Our story begins with our intrepid heroes on the first steps of their quest. They find themselves in a dark forest,as they head west. Their destination? The high tower,of the evil sorceress. Where the princess is being held captive. Will the knight Liliana,and her companions save her? Watch,and find out."
As his voice faded on the wind,Chloe quickly took stock of their surroundings. Once she had discerned the cardinal directions,she pointed a finger westward. "This way. Let's go." She headed off without another word. Fanbeemon,and Magimon quickly moving in alongside her.
Misaki appeared in a flash of light,and fell onto a hard stone floor.. After taking a moment to collect herself,she took stock of her surroundings. She was in a rounded room,with hewn stone walls. It was mostly bare,save for small chair,a dresser,and a four poster bed. Across from her was a heavy wooden door. A large window was to her right. Shafts of bright sunlight shining through it.
She went over to the door,unable to make it budge. After a few futile attempts to bust it open,she walked over toward the window. Gazing out to the world beyond. She could see she was in a tall tower,several stories above the ground. The tower was part of a large castle keep with high walls. Its outer perimeter surrounded by a moat of dark water. Beyond the walls,were miles of forest. The sky above was a strange shade of blue,almost pastel. The clouds,and the sun looking almost painted on.
With the window not really being an option,Misaki began to feel along the walls. Carefully she moved along the room,feeling the individual stones. As she was about to make a full circuit around the space,she felt one of the stones move at her touch. She gave it a good solid push,and the stone fell away into the room beyond. Using her shoulder she gave a push against the wall. Some of the stones beginning to nudge loose.
After taking a few steps back,she charged the wall again. Nearly tripping over her newly acquired gown. With some effort,she tore away the bottom part of the gown,and tossed it aside. She then took a few more runs at the wall,charging at it full force. Upon the fourth run,her shoulder was growing sore,but she continued on. After one more attempt,part of the wall finally gave way. Bits of brick tumbling to the ground in a rough pile.
"That was easier than I thought it would be."
The girl dusted herself off,and picked up one of the bricks curiously. Strangely,it felt lighter than a usual brick. She soon put the thought on hold,and tossed the brick aside. Before stepping through the newly formed hole,and into the room beyond. It seemed to be another bedroom. It was bare,with only a couple of cots,a small table,and some chairs. Off to Misaki's right she could see a heavy wooden door.
She approached the door,and turned the knob gently. Much to her relief,the door was unlocked. Cautiously,she swung the door open. She then peered out,finding a hallway on either side of her. After making sure the coast was clear,she stepped out into the hall. Shutting the door gently behind her. She looked back,and forth between the two halls for a moment,before heading to the right.
Misaki snuck through the halls as well as she could. The torches along the wall lighting her way. She eventually turned down another hall,deciding to stick to the right. As she continued on,a pair of gruff voices filled her ears. She stopped,the voices growing louder,and louder. Thinking quickly,she ducked into nearby doorway,tucking herself in the corner.
Two sets of heavy footsteps grew near. The growling voices becoming even louder. Finally two forms passed by the doorway. They were tall,grayish skinned humanoids. With hulking figures,and pig like faces. They wore bits of makeshift armor,and wielded heavy clubs. Misaki held a hand to her mouth,to hide the sound of her breath. When they finally walked past the doorway,she let out a little sigh of relief.
One of the creatures suddenly paused,as he,and his companion reached the end of the hall. He then perked his ears with a loud snort.
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"It was little noise. Like a mouse,or somefin."
Misaki cursed inwardly,her mind frantically working to think of a plan. She looked to the hall,right across from her. Inspiration struck,and she grabbed the crown from atop her head. With all her might,she tossed it down the nearby hall,and ducked back into the corner.
The two creatures turned at the sound. "I definitely heard that. Come on,let's check it out!"
They then barreled back down the hall. Completely ignoring Misaki once again,and heading after the noise. Misaki wasted no time,and took off like a shot. Not daring to look behind her. When the girl was sure she was far enough away,she slowed her pace. Taking a moment to catch her breath.
As Misaki considered where she should go next,she heard a strange sound emanate off to her right. She turned,to see a long mirror,hanging from the wall. It's surface seeming to warp,and shimmer. Misaki slowly moved in to investigate. As she looked closer,a dark figure appeared in the mirror. It's form slowly poured forth from within,and began to take on a more defined shape. Misaki taking a cautious step back.
It took on the form of a tall,pale woman with long white hair,and tattered demonic wings. The bottom half of her face,was covered by a mask with a stitched smile. Wrapped about her neck was a tattered scarf,with an evil smiling face. That seemed to have a life of its own. A heavy breastplate,marked with a skull protected her chest. A chain was wrapped about her left arm,which was covered by a longer leather glove. Her right arm was much longer,with a large hand to match. Several armored bracers were wrapped around it. While her five fingers were tipped with sharp,blade like claws. A quartet of belts was wrapped about her waist. While her lower body was covered by slightly torn black pants.
"Hello my dear." the pale lady cooed. "I am LadyDevimon. I will be playing the part of the evil sorceress that has captured you." Misaki did not respond,simply staring at her defiantly.
"Ooh such a scary face!" she exclaimed in a mocking tone. With a swift movement,she appeared behind Misaki,making the girl shudder. "It seems as though as you were trying to escape. Quite the valiant effort. But I'm afraid that as long as I'm around you won't be getting away."
She touched a hand to Misaki's shoulder. Using the other she waved her hand before the mirror. The reflection warped,and rippled like water,before solidifying again. Displaying the image of Chloe,Fanbeemon,and Magimon traveling through the forest.
"After all,it's your trusty knights duty to save you. Not for you to save your save yourself."
Misaki fought against her fear,and shrugged off the devil's touch. Turning about to face her. "Then I have nothing to worry about. I know they'll save me."
"Such confidence." LadyDevimon held a hand to her mouth,holding back a chuckle. "You know I'm honestly surprised your little blonde friend even wants to help you. Especially after what happened between the two of you."
Misaki's eyes widened. "What...what do you mean?"
LadyDevimon smiled beneath her mask,and leaned down. Locking her red eyes with the girl's own. "Oh,don't play coy with me little one. You know exactly what I'm talking about." She stood straight once more. "Your little friend finally built up the courage to act upon her feelings,and you rejected her. How tragic!"
Misaki shook her head. "No...no that's not it all! I...was confused. I didn't know how to feel!" She held back a tear. "I was scared."
The demoness quirked a brow. "Oh,so you ran away like the little coward you were. You broke her heart,all because you couldn't face your own emotions. How selfish!" Misaki struggled to try and respond,her words dying in her throat.
"After that,you couldn't face her." LadyDevimon went on. "All because of your own guilt,and cowardice." She leaned forward,and whispered in Misaki's ear. "What a pathetic,worthless,little thing you are. You don't deserve that girl's kindness."
The devil's sent forth her will,creating an aura of darkness. It slithered over LadyDevimon's body,and surrounded Misaki. The girl fell to her knees,struggling against the darkness.
"No,I'm not pathetic." she said with a groan. "I'm not worthless."
LadyDevimon's scowled at her defiance. "Maybe you are,and maybe your aren't." Her eyes narrowed. "But that doesn't change the fact you hurt her,does it? One of your dearest friends had her hopes crushed,all because of you."
Those last words pushed down Misaki's resistance. "You're right,I did hurt her. She's one of the people I care about the most. And I hurt her."
Tears began to fall freely from Misaki's eyes. She tucked her knees to her chest,body curling into a fetal position. Her sniffles,and sobs beginning to fill the air. LadyDevimon stood over her,chuckling triumphantly. She then disappeared into the mirror,taking Misaki with her. The demoness appeared in the mirror within Misaki's locked room. She placed the girl upon the bed with a shadowy hand. The same hand snapped a finger,causing the broken wall to repair itself. LadyDevimon then completely sunk back into the mirror. Her eyes still watching the girl's sorrow,from beyond the pane of dark glass.
Chloe,and the others moved through the mysterious forest at a brisk pace. The trees ,and other plants had a strange look about them. They appeared to be made of some sort of fabricated material. It was not really apparent at first glance. But the further the three went on,the more evident it became.
Magimon inspected one of the flowers as they passed it. Noting its folded paper like quality. "It appears as though Mephismon has purposefully made everything here appear like a prop. He's quite dedicated to the whole facade of a stage play."
"He's also a windbag." Fanbeemon growled,just above a whisper.
As if to confirm her statement,Mephismon's voice echoed across the forest. "Our heroes continue on through the woods. The dashing knight lady Liliana leading the charge. Her trusty sword always at the ready."
Chloe simply ignored the pompous demon,and focused on their goal. She pushed aside some bushes,to find a dirt path. It cut through the forest,winding a path westward. She motioned for her friends to follow,and stepped onto the path.
"Our heroes find a path through the forest. A good sign!" narrated Mephismon. "But wait,whats this!?"
The bushes along the path began to rustle,and shake. A dozen figures leaping out from them. They were short,green,humanoid creatures. With long,hooked noses,and pointy ears. They wore shabby leather armor. All of them wielding medieval weapons.
"Goblin mercenaries! No doubt sent by the evil sorceress. What will our heroes do?"
One of the goblin's let out an unintelligible shout. The others moved in to attack at his command. They charged forward,weapons raised. While their leader pulled out a bow,and notched an arrow to the string. Magimon held out his hand to the incoming goblins,and fired out five bolts of light. They homed in on their targets. Taking them down with deadly efficiency. Fanbeemon moved in alongside him,and loosed a barrage of barbed stingers. They pierced into the armor of the remaining goblins. Knocking them to the ground.
The leader finally loosed his shot,firing it at Chloe. She ducked just before the arrow was loosed. The arrow sinking into a nearby tree. As the goblin leader drew another arrow,Chloe grabbed a heavy stone on the path. With a quick motion,she hurled the stone at the creature. Striking him directly in head,and knocking him completely unconscious.
"Nice shot!" Fanbeemon exclaimed with a low whistle.
"It looks as though our heroes are victorious!" Mephismon exclaimed. The roar of the phantom crowd suddenly filled the air,then slowly died down.
Chloe waded her way through the fallen goblins. Making her way over to their unconscious leader. She pulled the bow off him,and gave the string an experimental pull.
"The forest looks fake,but this sure doesn't" She unbuckled her sword,and tossed it on the ground. "This is definitely more my speed."
"Do you actually know how to use that?" Magimon asked.
Chloe shouldered the goblin's quiver,and knocked one of the arrows. She took careful aim,and loosed her shot. The arrow finding its home in the upper branch of a tree. She then turned to the wizard with a smile.
"That answer your question?"
Fanbeemon fluttered over to her. "Let me guess archery classes?"
"Four years. But I'm way better with a gun." She looked down at the bow. "Not to mention this is a different kind of bow than I'm used to. It takes a lot more effort to pull back the string. It's better than nothing though." She turned back to the path before them. "Anyway,let's keep moving. I don't wanna keep Misaki waiting any longer than we have to."
"Agreed." Magimon said with a nod. With that the trio were off once more.
After traversing the wilds for some time. The three eventually came upon a castle like fortress. They could see the high walls,and the tower that rose up from the courtyard. They ducked from the path as they neared. Getting as close as they could through the forest. Chloe scanned the walls,at the greenery's edge. Where she spotted two ogre like creatures,standing watch.
"And so our heroes finally reach their destination." Mephismon narrated quietly. "But they must still reach the princess. Who lies in the highest room of the tower. Will they succeed? Or will they be defeated by the evil sorceress,and her soldiers."
"I'm getting real sick of his rambling." Fanbeemon growled under her breath.
"Just ignore him." said Chloe "We have to focus on how we're going to get inside."
"If only we could digivolve then it would be a cakewalk." Magimon stated.
"We'll just have to make do." Chloe offered. Her attentions then turned back to the wall,as her mind began to work. She then turned to her partner. "Think you could do a little recon for me?"
"Of course." Fanbeemon answered with a nod.
She took off toward the fortress. Keeping high in the air,as to not be seen. As she circled,she began to scan down below. She could make out four more guards along the perimeter wall. As well a dozen or so,meandering about the courtyard. After making one final circuit she returned to her companions with the news.
"There's no way we could take on so many." Chloe thought aloud.
"So what do we do?" Fanbeemon asked.
Chloe pondered the question for a few moments. Before something clicked in her mind. "I've got it! I'm not sure if it'll work though."
"Well let's hear it." said Magimon.
After going over her plan,Magimon,and Fanbeemon approved. So,it was quickly put into action. Fanbeemon once more made her way toward the fortress. This time making sure not be subtle. She floated down into the middle of the courtyard. Having already caught the attention of the guards on the wall. She then took in a deep breath,and shouted at the top her lungs.
"Hey,you worthless lumps!" The remaining creatures all turned their attentions to her. "Boy you guys are ugly! I mean,really,really ugly. I would say you all looked like the backside of a rhino,but that would be insulting to the rhino!"
All the ogres let out growls of fury,eyes bulging. They then rushed at her in unison. Fanbeemon simply stuck her tongue out them,and took off. She easily kept ahead of them,dodging what few attacks were able to reach her. As she neared the main gate,she quickly pulled upward. Taunting her pursuers one last time,before diving down past the wall.
Several of the ogres shouted at one of the two that remained on the wall. Commanding them to open the gates. They quickly obliged,turning a heavy crank,to lower the gate over the mote. As the wooden gate touched the ground,the mob of creatures were off again. Chasing Fanbeemon down the forest path,with weapons in hand.
Chloe,and Magimon watched them pass by from the treeline. When they were some distance away,the two headed toward the main gate. Just as it was beginning to be raised. They ran inside,Magimon firing off five bolts of light,that struck one of the remaining guards. Chloe fired an arrow,sinking it into the other guard's shoulder. The force of the shot,throwing the ogre off balance,and sending him falling off the wall,and into the moat.
With the guards taken care of,Chloe ran up the nearby steps,reaching the top of the wall. She moved toward the door crank,and with some effort began to make it turn. As the gate began to raise,Magimon concentrated his energy into a single finger. Firing it upward as a sizable bolt of light. It whistled through the air. Rising high,before exploding into a giant shower of sparks.
Far off in the distance,Fanbeemon swerved past a tree. Dodging a heavy swipe from one of her ogre pursuers. She then heard a loud crackle in the air,like a firework. Her head turned,and she took off higher into the sky. She scanned about,soon spying the shower of magical sparks in the distance.
"Well that's my cue!" She looked down at the angry ogres below. "So long! It's been fun!" The rookie then took off at a full clip,heading back toward the fortress.
Magimon,and Chloe were waiting for her when she arrived. The blond wrapping her in a tight hug.
"Wow,I didn't think it would actually work." Chloe exclaimed,releasing Fanbeemon from her grip.
"I'm not too surprised." Fanbeemon commented. "Those guys weren't exactly the sharpest tools in the shed."
"Well it seems our heroes have made it inside." echoed Mephismon's voice. "However...the sorceress has one final servant they must face."
Off on the far side of the fortress,the ground opened up. A pair of large yellow eyes glowing within the darkness below. Chloe,Fanbeemon,and Magimon turned,as a form began to emerge from the depths. It was a large black dragon. Its long neck,and lithe body,giving it the appearance of a legged snake. Large tattered wings spread from its back,and dark smoke billowed from its nostrils.
The dragon let out a hissing roar,and began lumbering toward the trio. It reared up,and took in a breath,releasing it as a blast of fire. Magimon stepped forward,easily blocking the flames with his barrier. Dismissing it when the last of the flames dissipated.
Fanbeemon flew at the dragon,firing off a volley of stingers into it's side. It roared,and swiped at the rookie with its claws. She easily moved out of the attacks path,and fired off another set of stingers. Magimon moved in as well,and released bolts of light from all ten of his fingers. While Chloe fired off a duo of arrows. The bolts of light exploded against the dragons chest,and the twin arrows sunk into it's hide.
The dragon turned to the two with a snarl,and swung at them with it's long tail. Chloe,and Magimon each made a running leap,dodging the swipe. Fanbeemon then moved in,firing off a trio of stingers into one of the beast's eyes. As it reeled back in pain,the rookie quickly flew over to her partner.
"We can handle this guy." she assured. "You go on ahead,and save Misaki."
"Are you sure?" the girl asked,looking between the two.
"We've got this,just go." Magimon insisted,before firing of a few more bolts of light.
Fanbeemon gave her partner a reassuring nod,and took off toward the dragon once more. Chloe lingered for a moment. Watching the two clash with the dragon. She then took off toward the stairs that lead to the high tower. Without slowing,she burst through the heavy door at the base of the tower,and ran up the nearest set of steps. The sounds of battle becoming more muffled as she ascended.
After Chloe ascended several flights of stairs,she came up to series of halls. The girl considered her options for a moment,and then rushed down the leftmost hall. She ran,and ran, the hall seemingly going on forever. Before she finally came to a completely dead end. She cursed aloud,and turned about,running back the way she came.
When she reached the stairs once more,she decided to take the rightmost hall this time. It was not straight like the previous one,instead having many twists,and turns. That all circled back to the main hall. But just as before,when she reached the hall's end,a blank wall of hewn stone greeted her. With a growl of frustration she went back to the stairs. Now with only one option left before her,she headed off down the third hall. To find yet again,it too was a dead end.
The girl shook her head in disbelief. "But...that's not possible."
She walked up to the wall,and began to feel along it. Looking for any sort of hidden entryway or the like. When she found none,she turned about with a sigh. Her eyes quickly widening as she saw the hall behind her,had disappeared. Replaced by a trio of wooden doorways. All of them looking exactly the same.
Without thinking she opened up one of the doorways,finding only darkness. She stepped through,and into a dark hall. Chloe ran with all her might through the darkened passage. When another doorway appeared ahead of her,she picked up speed. Soon bursting through the doorway. Only to come out the same door she had just entered,and into the dead end room.
With a growl of frustration she hammered her fist into the nearby wall. She then took in a breath,and tried to quiet her frantic mind.
"Just calm down,and focus." she whispered. "You're not going to think of a way out by panicking."
As she began to calm,and focus her mind,she felt something. A spark of power just barely out of reach. Curiously,she touched the little point of energy with her will. A small surge of power filled her,and her d-brace shone dimly through the dark tendrils that enwrapped it. Chloe opened her eyes,as a subtle ring of yellow energy surrounding her iris. She blinked several times,her eyes refocusing. The world around her now had a yellow tint. Curiously the wall that once stood before her was now gone. Replaced by a set of stairs. The girl glanced behind her,to see that the trio of doorways had disappeared as well. With a long hall now in their place.
"What's going on?"
"It is the power you wield." echoed the voice of Chloe's sigil. His voice sounded distant,no doubt because of Mephismon's dark tendrils. "Just as the Oracle's eye can perceive past events,you can perceive the present. Your vision is able to stretch vast distance,and see the truth in all things."
"So that wall,and the doors… They were all illusions?" Chloe asked,lifting up her d-brace.
"Very good. Now go...save your friend."
Chloe gave a nod,and took off up the stairs before her. The light around her irises fading,and the world coming back to it's original hue.
Chloe had ran up two flights of stairs,and down several halls. When she heard a subtle noise in the air. She perked her ears,listening intently. Soon recognizing the noise,as the sound of someone weeping softly. Chloe followed the noise,traversing another set of halls. Before finally coming to a heavy wooden door. The sound emanating from within. She lifted the two heavy bars keeping it closed. After tossing them aside,she swung open the door to find a circular room,with a large four poster bed. The crying form of Misaki laying upon it. Chloe moved into the room,about to call out to her. When she felt a cold hand touch her shoulder,and a voice whisper in her ear.
"She doesn't care about you,you know."
Chloe quickly turned,now finding herself in a dark void. Off in the distance,she could still see Misaki's weeping form. A pair of spotlights shining down upon the two of them. That was when she heard the voice again,echoing all around her.
"She'll never accept your feelings." An image of Misaki running from a crying Chloe flashed before the girl. "She'll never love you." Chloe could only watch on,wide eyed.
The form of LadyDevimon appeared before her,and crooked a finger under her chin. "She'll only leave you heartbroken." She met the girl's eyes. "Just like your mother did."
The demoness's body began to warp,and slowly took on the appearance of her mother. Her hair,clothes,and even her scent were all the same. As though ripped directly from Chloe's mind. The girl took several fearful steps back,eyes staring in disbelief. Her false mother smiled,and reached out her hand. A swirling mass of darkness slithering forth from her palm.
As the tendril of darkness neared the girl,Chloe glanced beyond the woman. Her eyes focusing on the crying Misaki. Her countenance suddenly shifted,fear replaced with resolution. She stared down the phantom of her mother,and her eyes shimmered with yellow light. Allowing her to see the devil's true form beneath the facade.
"No...Misaki is nothing like that woman!" Chloe shouted,making the darkness retreat. "She is one of the sweetest,most gentle people I have ever met! So don't ever,ever,compare her with my mother!"
Chloe's d-brace began to shine bright,its light searing away the dark tendrils. It then let loose a burst of searing light,and blasted LadyDevimon away. The demoness shrieked,and howled in pain,before disappearing in a puff of dark smoke. As LadyDevimon vanished,the light around Chloe faded.
Without another minute to waste,Chloe ran over to Misaki's side. "Misaki!? Misaki!?"
Misaki's weeping momentarily ceased,and she looked up to face the other girl. Her eyes looking glazed over,tears still streaming down. "Chloe?"
She blinked several times,eyes regaining their former shine. She fought the fogginess in her mind,and pushed it aside. The dark aura around her dissipating as her faculties returned. Her will actively pushing back LadyDevimon's spell. When the aura finally dispersed,her thoughts came back into focus,and she looked to Chloe once more.
"Chloe!" she exclaimed,wrapping the other girl in tight hug. After a moment of hesitation,Chloe reciprocated,and rubbed Misaki's back gently.
When they separated,Misaki met Chloe's eyes. Her own still red with tears. "Chloe,I'm so sorry." Chloe was taken aback by the sudden apology. "I'm sorry for running from you,and for avoiding you these past few days. But,most of all...I'm so sorry I hurt you."
Chloe smiled gently, at her. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have just kissed you out of the blue like I did. It was silly just to assume you felt the same way I did."
Misaki averted her gaze,her face reddening. "I...never said I didn't."
Chloe blushed in turn. "You mean...you do?"
She turned back to face her. "That's just it...I don't know. When you kissed me,I had all these emotions that I've never felt before. It was exhilarating,terrifying,and confusing. I panicked,and...I ran. After that I didn't know how to face you. All the while,all these new emotions were twisting,and turning inside me. I didn't know what they were,or how to deal with them."
She laughed a little to herself. "I'm still getting used to having friends. I have even less experience with romance. I've never had romantic feelings for another person before." She blushed a little brighter. "Let alone another girl. So I have no idea if these feelings I have even are romantic." Chloe frowned at her sympathetically,and gently touched her wrist.
With her free hand,Misaki grabbed Chloe's own,entwining their fingers. "But there is something I am sure of. I care about you...so very much." She subtly tightened her grip. Making Chloe's heart thunder in her chest. "And,I want figure out these feelings. So...I want to give us a chance."
Chloe's eyes widened,and she swallowed hard. "Really?"
Misaki gave a single nod. "Yeah. But,I don't know if I'm ready for another kiss on the lips just yet."
Chloe smiled wide,her heart swelling with joy. "That's okay. We'll take it slow." She leaned in,and laid a gentle kiss on atop Misaki's head. "Will that do for now? Or is that too much?"
Misaki shook her head,her face colored beet red. "N..no. I think that'll do just fine for now." The girl's digivice began to hum,and flashed with soft blue light. That burned away the dark tendrils surrounding it.
Chloe then helped her off the bed. "Let's get out of here."
Misaki gave a quick nod,and the two rushed out of the room. Heading down the hall,and toward the nearest stairwell. As they neared the bottom of the tower,they heard a loud crash emanate from outside. Making the tower,and surrounding foundation shudder. When the shaking passed,they two continued onward,their pace quickened.
As they came out of the tower,and into the courtyard. They saw the fallen form of the black dragon nearby,it's body covered in wounds. It had crashed into the tower itself,cracking the stonework. Magimon,and Fanbeemon stood not far away. Looking winded,but were otherwise no worse for wear. The two rookies soon spotted their partners,and rushed over to meet them. Misaki,and Magimon sharing a warm embrace.
The four's celebrating was soon cut short however. As they heard the sound of hands clapping,roaring in the air. Soon the forms of Mephismon,and LadyDevimon then appeared,floating above them. The demoness's eyes glowing with fury.
"It seems the lady knight has saved our fair princess." Mephismon loudly proclaimed. His eyes then narrowed dangerously. Showing the same killing intent as his companion. "But I'm afraid we can't allow that."
"This little story of ours,won't have a happy ending." LadyDevimon added,claws curling dangerously.
The sun in the sky suddenly darkened,covering the land in shadow. The two demons gripped each other's hands,and embraced. Their bodies turned to into pure darkness,and melded together in a large mass of shadow. It grew,and grew and slowly solidified into a new,and horrifying shape. Taking on the appearance of a giant demonic beast.
It had a centaur like lower half. With shaggy purple fur,and clawed feet.A pair of large,feathered wings grew from the lower half. As well as a large mouth,partially hidden beneath the dark fur. The top half was that of grey,humanoid demon beast. It had a long snout,and dead yellow eyes. A pair of forward curving horns grew from the sides of its head. Strange golden patterns covered its chest,and arms. While each of its hands ended in long three pronged claws. That opened like a triple petaled flower.
The demon beast let out an ear splitting roar,and spoke with the two demon's voices. "Now you see us in our true form! The demon beast,Gulfmon! We shall bring down the curtain on this fairy tale!"
Reflexively,Chloe grabbed Misaki's hand. The two turning to each other,and sharing a smile. They then looked back toward the approaching creature with resolution. Misaki's d-brace began to shine with blue sparkling light,and Chloe's started to give off a shimmering yellow. Their eyes glowed with the light of their digvices,an aura surrounding each of them That swirled together where there hands met. The d-braces started to whine,and vibrate. As Magimon,and Fanbeemon began to the feel a surge of incredible power. The force of shooting stars,pulsing through Magimon. While Fanbeemon was invigorating by the strength of growing things,the energy of life. The two were enwrapped in cocoons of light. That shone with their partner's respective sigil colors.
"Synchronization at 100% Zenith evolution initiated."
"Fanbeemon Zenith digivolve to…"
The rookies body shifted through her champion,and ultimate form. Before taking on the shape of a tall,humanoid digimon. Golden,and black striped armor,covered her lithe frame. Shining like a combination of both metal,and insect carapace. Wielded in each of her hands,was a stinger like short sword. That emitted a wide laser blade from its three prongs. Her head was wasp like,with large compound eyes. A curving v shaped crest,decorated her forehead,and a red tattered scarf was wrapped about her neck. A trio of curving exhaust pipes flowed from her shoulders. While two pairs of gossamer wings grew from her back.
"...TigerVespamon!"
"Magimon Zenith digivolve to…"
Magimon too,shifted through his other forms. His body growing even taller than Mistymon's. Four crystal orbs,orbited his body. His hair was a shimmering blond,and tied up in long braid. While his eyes were icy blue,and shone with intensity. White,flowing robes,trimmed with shimmered gold, covered much of his form. A thick sash of dark blue,and gold was wrapped about his waist. Flowing from his back was a cloak of the same blue. A golden sun,and moon,surrounded by a ring digicode,decorated its center. While its outer edges were trimmed with the same gold. The bottom half of his face was covered by a cloth mask of white. A dark blue wizard's hat,with a slight curved tip,sat atop his head. To match his hat,there was a wizard's staff wielded in his right hand. Tipped with a magical blue crystal,that pulsed with power.
"...ArchMagusmon!"
Gulfmon let out another roar,as the two megas emerged from their cocoons. The mouth upon its lower body then began to open impossibly wide. "Death Scream!" The lower mouth let loose a haunting shriek. That sent forth a long pulse of dark energy.
ArchMagusmon moved in,and held out a hand. "Pendragon's Seal! Defend!"
At his call,a giant magic circle appeared before him. Marked with several rings of digicode. The sonic attack crashed into it. The circle completely absorbing its energy,before disappearing. TigerVespamon then flew past the wizard at incredible speed,moving in to attack. Gulfmon swiped at the other mega,who avoided the attack with the greatest ease.
TigerVespamon then held up her blades,lengthening them with her energy. "Royal Meister!" With her lightning speed,she flew along Gulfmon's body. Slicing several deep wounds along it.
TigerVespamon dodged another swipe from the demon beast. Before lifting her arms once more. A pair of gun barrels rising up from her forearms. "Thousand Stinger!" A barrage of large energy stingers began to fire out from the barrels. Pounding into Gulfmon's hide.
As her companion continued to unload,ArchMagusmon made several signs with his hands. The orbs that circled him all began to glow with violet energy. A circle of digicode surrounding them.
"Arcana Burst!" The crystals flashed with power,and released several bolts of magical energy. They arced through the air,and blasted into Gulfmon. Adding to TigerVespamon's hail of laser fire. As the barrage of blasts ceased,a great cloud of smoke was left in their wake. A few moments of tense silence passed,before Gulfmon burst forth from the cloud.
"Darkness Wave!" the demon beast cried.
A pair of dark energy blasts fired from its hands. Slamming into ArchMagusmon,and TigerVespamon, and blowing them back. The two soon recovered,righting themselves in the air. The insect digimon flew back toward the beast. Who thrusted out with its closed claw,like a spear. TigerVespamon held up her blades,blocking the attack. The clash creating a flash of crackling energy. She then fired a volley of stingers straight into demon's face.
As Gulfmon reeled from the attack,ArchMagusmon held up his hand. Summoning forth the magical circle one more.
"Pendragon's Seal! Bind!"
Several of symbols upon the circle shimmered. Chains of energy then began to pour forth from within them. They rattled,and clinked as they slithered through the air. The arcane chains then began to bind Gulfmon,wrapping the beast's limbs,and body. As Gulfmon struggled against the chains,TigerVespamon moved into position. Her blades beginning to crackle with excess energy.
"Mach Stinger V!"
She flew forward at maximum speed,bringing the two blades together. Her body began to glow as she moved,thrusting her blades forward. Turning herself into a living bullet. She pierced straight through Gulfmon's abdomen,leaving a gaping wound in her wake. The demon roared in pain,struggling even harder against its bonds. ArchMagusmon reaffirmed his hold. Summoning forth more chains,and tightening them with his will. While TigerVespamon,turned back about,still keeping the momentum from her attack. She penetrated down into Gulfmon's lower body,and bored through like a drill. Coming out the beast's lower mouth with a small explosion of data,and energy.
Gulfmon's death cry caught in its throat,as its body began dissolve into data. Two digicores floated upward from the giant cloud of particles,and soon disappeared. The landscape around the four then warped,and shifted. Slowly turning into the small theater the they had arrived in. Misaki,and Chloe's costumes dissolved,leaving them in their original garb once more. ArchMagusmon,and TigerVespamon floated down in front of the stage. Where their partners stood waiting for them.
"There power must have been creating some kind of dimensional space." ArchMagusmon surmised. "But I sense that they had help. There are two great evil presences in this place."
"One of them must be Lilithmon." said TigerVespamon. "But...who's the other one? Another demon lord?"
"We can worry about that later." Chloe interjected "Right now we have to figure out where the others are."
ArchMagusmon held a hand to his head,and reached out with his will. "I sense there presences scattered about this place."
"Then let's go." Misaki exclaimed. Chloe nodding in agreement.
As TigerVespamon,and ArchMagusmon moved in to carry their partners. They noted that the two still held each other hands.
"So...I guess you two made up?" TigerVespamon asked,gesturing to the pair's intertwined grips.
The two blushed,and quickly released each other. Both giving an awkward nod in answer. After recovering from their embarrassment,the two were picked up in their partners grips. Once they comfortable,and secure,TigerVespamon,and ArchMagusmon took off. Heading toward the theater's exit,and out into the unknown hall beyond.
To Be Continued...
Next Time On Digimon Saga! Episode 38:Queen Of The Skies
Author's Notes:
Hey guys this would have been posted a few days earlier. But things have been busy around here. We've been doing some redecorating,and I've planning for trip that I'll be taking soon. Anyway,a couple things of interest in this chapter. One his LadyDevimon who I gave a slightly different design. I plan on doing this a bit more in the future. Next is Magimon's Mega ArchMagusmon. For a long time he was called Merlimon but I changed it at the last minute. The origin of the name is pretty self exclamatory. His attack Pendragon's seal of course comes Arthur Pendragon. Who was famously tutored by the wizard merlin. We of course also have a true the resolution of the Misaki,and Chloe romance subplot. I really hope it was at least a moderately satisfying resolution. Fingers crossed on that one I guess. Finally we have a new follower greekiller13. I have a feeling I've heard that name before. I may have already given them a shoutout at some point. But if I didn't thanks so much for your support!
As always guys thanks for reading!