Chapter 54: War Council; Yet Again Nothing Happens, Annoyed Aren't Ya?

Drakath landed inside the walls of Dramonia. Everyone was teleported out of the cannon, but there was an uncomfortable air around Alex. 'Alex, despite the help you have provided in obtaining the Digi-egg of Purity, as of now, you are a prisoner of Dramonia' Drakath stated. Shadow raised his blades protectively, but was waved down by Aban. 'That can't really happen Drakath. Alex by right of family ties is the prince of the Flower Villa. To do so would be an act of aggression' he reasoned. There was silence as everyone looked at Aban. 'What?' he protested. 'If that is the case, then close surveillance will have to suffice' Drakath conceded. 'I think it would be best for us to do so' Steph volunteered. Alex shuddered loudly at this sickening display. 'I'd prefer to be confined to a small room with a flickering light' he mumbled. 'Arrangements must be made' Drakath stated and marched off. 'What arrangements?' Aban wondered, he then looked up and saw some large grey clouds. 'STOP MOCKING ME!' he cried. Only Alex was put off by this display. 'Is that normal?' he whispered to Drake. 'Aban normal' Drake whispered back.

Alex was incarcerated in one of the main bedrooms and was guarded by a man in grey and purple. A long scarf was tied around his neck and draped to his feet. Lydia and Jason walked past, but there was something about the guard that put them off. 'Who're you?' Lydia inquired. The helmeted head looked down at both of them, and immediately seized them in a hug. 'Nice to see you two again' he said. 'Do we know you?' Jason croaked. The figure chuckled. 'Its Cyber, this is my mega form: Justimon' Cyber announced. 'Wow' Jason said adoringly. 'Oh, you got to the mega form? What about the others?' Lydia inquired. 'Well, Growl evolved into his mega form Megidramon. Aero has yet to evolve, neither has Wing or Groundie. But we're doing fine' Cyber answered. 'That's nice; I guess' Lydia said. Lydia and Jason moved on as Cyber resumed his post.

Steph and Gaomon was meeting with Drakath in the war room. 'So, it has come to this?' Steph inquired. 'Indeed so. Many of my scouts and spies have found that Oblivimon has not only captured the Island of Purity, but is also raising an army of Digimon. This 'Crimson Army' has already captured several towns and villages. Their ranks swell with every successful capture. There is no choice, but all out war' Drakath replied. Steph sighed. 'There is no other way?' she desperately asked. 'No, there is not. Tomorrow, the rulers of the powers of the Digital World will meet her too swear unity towards our cause. You will be required to join this meeting as the mayor of the Holy City' Drakath replied. Steph sighed and looked to the star filled roof. 'To think, so little time ago I was an innocent nurse helping Digimon injured in battle with the forces of Lord Argos. I never intended to be caught up in the maelstrom of destiny surrounding Demi and BK' Steph moaned. 'It is not their destiny. You were all meant to meet and unite to save our world. Do not confuse destiny for coincidence' Drakath warned. 'But what if we cannot save the world? All our best efforts would've been for nothing if we cannot defeat Oblivimon. Defeating Argos, saving my brother, returning the power of the crests to the Islands of DEeleven and finding the Digi-egg of Purity; would it all have been for nothing?' she sobbed. Gaomon comforted her, but Drakath remained stern. 'You just need faith in yourself and our mission. It would have all been for naught IF we give up now. The others look up to you as their leader, we can't give up' Gaomon preached. Steph's hand clasped Gaomon's tightly. 'I know, I know. But I want you to know Gaomon. Should I die on the field of battle, you must go on without me, no matter what' Steph pleaded. 'That won't happen, I will guard you with my life' Gaomon promised.

From a crack in the door, Demi was overhearing the meeting; BK was leaning on the near wall. 'I promise you Steph, we WILL NOT let it be for nothing' he promised. 'Don't make such a promise when you're so emotional' BK warned. 'I can't help it, the poor girl is crying' Demi replied. BK rose from the wall and walked off, Demi followed him. 'It is a promise we cannot make to them. Should we win this fight and save the world, you know we cannot save them from sorrow knowing what we must do' BK stated. 'I know BK; I just hate having to leave them. This has been the best two years of our life' Demi pleaded. 'I know, but we cannot worry about such things when the fate of the world is at stake. Now, you know what we must do, starting with Alex' BK replied. 'Yes, I know' Demi conceded.

It was late at night, and Gaomon didn't find Steph in her bed. He stalked around the hallways, until he came upon a room with a half-closed door. Bright light was pouring out of it. He opened the door slowly to find the room was a small studio, paintings covered the walls, and Steph was sitting by an easel. She was painting the crest of light, but frustratedly ripped it up. She retrieved a fresh sheet of paper and repeated. 'Shouldn't you be in bed?' Gaomon inquired. Steph jumped and streaked a pink line across the page. 'Don't startle me Gaomon' Steph panted. 'Sorry, there's just something ominous and slightly unwholesome about painting at night' Gaomon apologized. Steph smiled, but it was devoid of warmth. 'Sorry about that, I couldn't sleep. I came across this room by accident. I've been trying to draw random things, but I can't seem to get the Crest of Light right' Steph admitted. 'Well, you should get some rest. You need a clear head for tomorrow' Gaomon said and closed the door. 'Yeah' Steph said and returned to the ruined page. She removed it and got a new sheet. From a nearby pot, she grabbed a shade of blue and began painting.

The War Room was dimly lit by large candles, and many Digimon were sitting at a large rectangular table. Steph was sitting near the top of the table, in-between Blaze and Andros. Standing behind her was Gaomon, Drake and Impmon. Lila waved enthusiastically from down the table. 'I hear the news is not too good' Andros whispered to Steph. Steph remained quiet as Drakath grabbed everyone's attention. 'My dear comrades, I am certain that you understand why I have called you here. Oblivimon has returned to this world yet again to destroy it. Whilst we do not possess the might of Omega and the Soul Digimon this time around; in turn we possess the might of an entire world' Drakath began. 'And whose fault is this? Those humans were responsible for preventing this calamity' a Pukumon cried. 'Whilst they were incapable of preventing Oblivimon's INEVITABLE rebirth, they were successful in claiming the Digi-egg of Purity' Drakath announced. There was mumbling down the table as Andros cheerfully congratulated Steph. 'So, if the inevitable disaster is averted, then why is it so vital for us to unify to stop Oblivimon?' a GranKuwagamon inquired. 'Because, Oblivimon will not stop until he has it. My scouts have reported that he is raising an army, with each fallen town his swarm grows larger. We must consolidate our forces to stop the Crimson Army' Drakath pleaded. The mutterings echoed across the table, yet Steph remained quiet. 'This matter is most damning, but are you then admitting that the forces of the ever mighty Dramonia are not up to the task of defeating them?' a voice inquired. Before Drakath could answer, a fist slammed the table.

Steph was shaking as she raised her fist and herself. 'This is not a matter of pride or power. This about the safety of our world from an all-consuming force. You may think this is a joke, for those that do, leave immediately' Steph ordered shakily. No one moved from their seat. 'Good, it seems then that you understand the gravity of our situation. Oblivimon is nobody's fool; he is cunning, intelligent and above all, powerful. He is a Digimon not to be taken lightly, nor is he something you can ignore. If he threatens one province, he threatens the whole world. We must worry about our own personal agendas, as of now, we all have one agenda. Save our world. Those that refuse this, are free to leave' she continued. Yet again, no one stirred; everyone was in awe of this girl. 'Good, it would seem then that we are in agreement. Oblivimon will attack at a completely random point of time, so we must prepare in earnest. All forces in all provinces must unite on the front of battle, you are dismissed' Steph ordered. Everyone began to rise from their chairs and left with their aids, leaving only Steph, Gaomon, Drake, Impmon and Drakath behind. 'You can certainly make an impact on people' Drake mused. 'I am not here to make an impact; I am here to do what is right. I hate this unnecessary battle. There is no excuse for such lose of life, but we must do it. For all those who live, in past present or future, we do it for them' Steph replied.

News from the meeting leaked across the castle. Demi and BK picked up bits of it as they stalked their way to Alex's room. From a corner, they watched as Lila entered his room. BK stealthily snuck up behind Cyber and pointed his staff at his head. 'Sleep' he whispered. Pink bubbles surrounded his head and he collapsed. They enter the room and confront Alex, Lila and Shadow. 'There is something we need you to do' Demi began.

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