Chapter 15: Blooming Wisterias

The early-spring air was cold but comfortable, carrying a fresh crispness seldom felt except outside Japan's monsoon seasons. The near torrential drizzle at the end of winter seemed to have exhausted itself, leaving Kyoto dry by the turn of the seasons. It was a welcome change from the damp frigid misery, making the DigiDestined's walk to Nijo Castle enjoyable.

That was for everyone except Mamoru and Reina, who were at the tail end of their group. They walked abreast along the castle's outer moat in a deafening silence. The gap between them was a peculiar size, not far enough to be complete strangers but too far apart to be comfortable from someone familiar. Though the physical distance seemed to pale in comparison to the emotional gulf between them.

Mamoru found himself easily distracted, unable to decide on anything to say. His mind wandered to anything else; the gentle swaying of the trees in the wind, the sakura slowly fluttering around them, the feeling of the petals he trod on. The only thing he could settle on was that Reina was also avoiding him. Though it was impossible to be sure of the exact reason.

The part of him that hoped she would act first had been quietly crushed as they continued walking towards the castle entrance. Yet, it was impossible to say he missed that vain hope. Although it had grown within him, carefully nurtured as a bulwark against his dread, it was distinctly pathetic. Why should Reina say anything? It was entirely his fault. Noriko's incessant glances backwards did not help matters, both distracting and pressuring him. There was much to doubt about her actions. It was hard to believe Noriko had concluded that a rift had developed between him and Reina, or worse, that they were an item to be egged on.

There was hardly a crowd as they passed through Higashi Gate. Though the Digimon attacks had been suppressing tourism for months, it was ironically the best time to visit with so few people. Despite the gilded wooden carvings on the exterior of the castle's Ninomaru Place, there was a distinct dullness in the building's surfaces. It was the vibrant blooms of the expansive gardens that breathed life into the massive compound.

With Natsuki now in the lead, the DigiDestined made their way deep inside Nijo Castle towards its keep. Effectively a castle within a castle, Honmaru palace sat within another set of walls and moat towards the western side of the grounds. They skirted the south side of the interior moat, reaching a small grove. A sweet scent gently floated toward them as they made their way to the little meadow's heart. The smell was both familiar yet odd considering it was early spring. Most plants had yet to flower, and the sakura was almost scentless.

"I found this place after I went to an Ikebana exhibition here in junior high." Natsuki's nervousness had hints of both unease and excitement.

"What's so special about it?" Kodai asked, walking slightly behind her. "There were plenty of good spots to settle down elsewhere in the castle."

While Natsuki's outburst at the end of their meeting made her plan seem impromptu, it had become clear there was a significant amount of planning put into it. While the Kyoto DigiDestined's bags were innocuous enough for a meeting, it had become clear they brought them to transport the picnic mats they were now unfolding.

"It's because of that," Natsuki announced as they passed the last row of sakura trees before a clearing.

The group halted in their tracks, spreading out into a line just. Mamoru and Reina hurried forward, curious to see what had pushed everyone into awed silence. Before them was a small meadow, the grass covered in vibrant patches of bright pink Creeping Phlox and deep azure Bluebells. The most stunning feature was a lone tree at the heart of the grove. Draped in magnificent lavender flowers, a grand wisteria tree was in full bloom.

"Wisteria normally blooms only a month from now," Natsuki said as she urged the rest forward. "It is the only place I found where you can see them with sakura."

Their captivation gradually wore away as they walked towards the tree to lay down their picnic mats. Daisuke seemed to be the least moved by the flowers and quickly opened his D-4. A small blue Digimon erupted out of his Digivice and sprinted towards the piles of sakura petals.

"Daisuke," Ken called out, "You remember what Koshiro-san said about Kyoto, right? It's probably not a good idea to let Veemon roam around."

"Bah, it'll be fine Ichijoji," He replied, not bothering to look back as he ran toward his partner. "No one can see us past all the line of trees."

Ken apologetically turned to the Kyoto DigiDestined who were congregating in the wisteria's shade.

"Digimon aren't the most popular around here. But I think it should be fine." Kodai said.

The lack of protest from the rest signalled their tacit agreement, prompting the other Digimon to burst forth from their Digivices. Though it had been a while since Hagurumon had been outside, he seemed less than enthusiastic. It was only with Salamon and Bearmon's cajoling that he joined their chase around the small meadow.

Mamoru had no desire to join the others out in the sun, remaining seated with their belongings in the shade. As he started upward through the branches, it became clear the wisteria was not actually a single tree. Being a climbing plant, it had wrapped itself around the trunk of a sakura tree; the wisteria branches interlocking with it, forming an outer ring of flowers. Its lilac-coloured flowers concealed the almost pure white cherry blossoms at the heart of the two trees.

"It's a very unique tree," Natsuki said as she laid down another picnic mat next to him. "the wisteria managed to grow without strangling its host sakura. Although they are two different plants, its almost like they are one hybrid, even blooming at the same time."

While Mamoru could not fully appreciate her explanation, he did not want to spoil one of the few times she was talkative and silently nodded along. The Kyoto DigiDestined seemed to lack the carefree spirit of their more experienced counterparts. Even the more reserved Iori was out examining the patches of wild blooms in the grass.

"So, Natsuki-chan!" Noriko's excitement seemed subtly forced. "You had something to give all of us as well?"

The other girl's face flared up, turning red as she nervously shifted from side to side. "Yes—I—I wanted to give you all flowers."

There were some curious looks from Nagato and Yasushi before the former spoke up. "Really? To all of us?"

"Yes—everyone." She said, her hands trembling slightly they opened the lacquer box she had been cradling. Inside was a kaleidoscopic array of flowers, neatly cut and wrapped in washi paper.

There was another awkward silence as Natsuki fumbled through the various flowers, seemingly unable to decide which one to start with.

"Sorry," Nagato finally mumbled, trying to move things along. "I didn't mean to make it harder."

Noriko decided to step in and facilitate Natsuki's plan. "How about you start with Yuki and then work your way up to the oldest of us?"

"Alright," Natsuki sighed before taking in a deep breath and searching through her flower box. "It was a bit hard to get some of these so early in the season. I hope you all still like them, even if they are less vibrant."

After some nervous searching, she held out a single deep purple flower. Its loose outer petals swayed in the gentle breeze as Yuki cautiously received the flower. Afraid of accidentally breaking it, she placed it stem first into the side pocket of her laptop bag.

"It's a Japanese Iris," Natsuki said, nervously kneading her fingers together. Even when talking to her closest friend, she could not look at her directly out of sheer nervousness.

Yuki looked on curiously as if she were expecting Natsuki to say something more. "What meaning does it have in Hanakotoba?"

"Come on, Natsuki-chan," Noriko chirped. "don't be shy. It's better if you tell us, so it won't go over Yasushi's head."

There was a low grumble from the boy before he nodded in agreement. Besides Natsuki who did Ikebana, it was unlikely any of them knew much about plants or flowers beyond general knowledge.

She took a gulp of air before rattling off her explanation. "It represents wisdom. There were lots of other things I thought about, and the Iris represents other traits too, but I think it suits you best."

There was a slight blush on Yuki's face for the first time, accompanied by a faint smile. It was the most overt show of any emotion other than nervousness that Mamoru had seen.

"Noriko-chan," Natsuki said, holding out a bright red flower. Its petals looked almost like the washi paper its stem was wrapped in. "It's a red poppy, for the most fun and passionate person in our group."

"I was hoping for violets," She replied playfully, "It's hard being so sincere."

"No…" Yasushi interrupted, slowly shaking his head, "I think these fit you perfectly." The younger girl began to blush at his unexpected compliment until he continued. "In the West, they symbolise death, which is pretty much what you make me feel like."

"Hey! I thought you were about to say something nice." Noriko protested at his backhanded compliment.

Natsuki took the opportunity to present Yasushi with a flower that seemed to be made of wool from a distance "I thought you might like something with a more western meaning."

"An Edelweiss..." Yasushi said softly as he reached out to receive her gift.

"The mark of a true soldier." She continued with a cheery smile.

Yasushi was almost stunned as he looked at the thin cotton-like petals of the flower. "I don't think I'm brave enough for this."

Natsuki gave a small shrug, now more confident. "It takes more than that to be a soldier."

She moved on to Nagato, handing him an instantly recognisable flower. Its soft, feminine, peach colour seemed to be a stark contrast to the reticent kendoka, but its meaning could not have been more appropriate.

"A Peony," Nagato said, as stunned as Yasushi. "I don't think I'm very courageous either."

"Then take it as a devil-may-care attitude," Natsuki said, now with confidence before she turned toward Reina. "Reina-senpai, for you, it was an easy choice. But finding a good branch was quite difficult."

The branch was short, specially cut for an Ikebana display, but it was filled with radiant pink sakura blossoms. How Natsuki had managed to get the ordinarily pale cherry blossoms this saturated with colour was a mystery. No doubt it had been expensive to get plants this beautiful.

"The blossoms of spring are all the more precious because they bloom so briefly," Reina said. Her gaze was distant as if she was staring right through Noriko to some far off place.

"Oh…" Natsuki said, shifting uncomfortably again. "I didn't mean it that way."

There was a short flicker in Reina's eyes before she responded, "Sorry, I was quoting the Tale of Genji to myself. I love them." She had a warm smile, but her eyes had echoes of the same hollowness Mamoru saw when they last met. Though no one else seemed to take too much notice, paying more attention to the myriad of flowers.

"Sanada-san, I know it seems underwhelming because of where we are, but I got you a wisteria."

Unlike the other flowers, standing at the end of stems, his wisteria hung on the end of the branch. Its many petals were soft to the touch, giving off the same sweet smell as the tree they were under.

"Natsuki," Mamoru started as he pieced together what his flower meant. "I… I'm not sure if I can accept this."

"Maybe nobility was a bit much to imply with the flower. But I really do believe it, you helped us even though it made it really hard for yourself."

Natsuki's sincerity bit into him. It was what he would have liked to hear months ago to soothe the smaller sacrifices he had been making. Now it seemed that it was another impossible expectation he had to live up to after what he did. Her words started to draw the attention of Reina who no doubt had also realised Natsuki was mistaken in her praise.

Thankfully, she kept her momentum by moving quickly to Kodai, presenting him with a gorgeous deep red camellia. Her hands trembled slightly as he hesitantly leaned forward to accept it.

"I'm not so good with this flower stuff," Kodai started, unsure of what to say. "but this flower doesn't mean what I think it does right."

Reina as the only other person with some knowledge on hanakotoba was also intrigued. "They have an archaic meaning in literature, but they are now… you know, a declaration of love."

The squeak Natsuki made sounded closer to a choke as she was sent reeling back from Reina's comment. "No, I didn't mean it that way." She began to rub her fingers together again, avoiding everyone's gaze. "Kodai-senpai, you're fearless, so I gave you a flower popular with samurai."

"I am pretty sure a Tsubaki is a symbol of death," Yasushi said as he attempted to analyse it further. "It always shows up in period dramas as a gift to samurai before heroic deaths. I guess it's a compliment, but it's a bit morbid with all—"

His rambling was interrupted with a swift elbow from Noriko. "You're not helping things." She grumbled. "And why do you know anything about flowers."

"It's historical information? Like Reina-senpai said?" Yasushi offered in a poor attempt to deflect her ire.

Noriko sighed before turning back to Natsuki. "I'm sure you were just trying to give something nice to all of us."

It was hard to believe the excuse Noriko was concocting for her. Natsuki had even told Yuki that she had considered the Iris's other meanings, which she would have done for the other flowers. Mamoru decided this was just another undercurrent he had no interest in being involved in. Though he seemed to be one of the few people who had not picked up on it until now.

Natsuki's sweet gesture had taken their minds off their impending troubles. As earnest, as it was, it could not help but feel like it was an excuse for her to give Kodai a flower. It made him wonder about how much she really meant with her wisteria gift. She seemed to have thought quite intently on the flower she chose for everyone else, preventing him from just dismissing it as a platitude.

The light amount of drama had a rejuvenating effect on almost everyone else. They joined the Tokyo DigiDestined in a mock fight instigated by Hikari and Takeru who started throwing handfuls of sakura petals playfully at each other. Their shouts sometimes distracted Mamoru from his thoughts as he stared intently at his flower, but it could not change his mood.

"Hanami was first used to describe viewing sakura blossoms exclusively in the Tale of Genji. Though there was a wisteria viewing party in the novel as well." Reina gazed off into the distance as if she were thinking out loud.

Mamoru turned toward her, the only other person left in the shade, unsure how to react. He wished he could have any amount of Kodai's reckless courage. At least that would amount to something instead of him sitting tongue-tied in front of her.

"I'm not going to fight again," Reina said, now staring right at Mamoru.

"Reina—" Mamoru said, almost choking as he scrambled to respond to her sudden words. "I promise. I swear. This time I won't let you go by yourself."

"You think that's what this is about?" Reina's words were bitingly harsh, a complete change from her normal gentle tone.

"I—I… you were almost hurt because I couldn't get a grip at the station."

"No Mamoru," the vacant look on her face had contracted into a scowl. "I told you it was okay to go. You really don't know do you…"

He racked his brain before arriving at the only obvious conclusion left. "How could you want me to stay near you after all that…"

"Because I made a mistake," She paused, holding out the branch of sakura. "I almost became just as fleeting. Her one day and gone another, before the next spring."

"You blame yourself? You were just trying to help me…" Mamoru felt a knot form in his chest, tightening as he realised how off he had been.

"Do you think I would blame you for taking up an offer I made?" Reina turned away, her long obsidian hair forming a gleaming shield on her back, deflecting all his words.

"It's not that. I shouldn't have accepted that no matter what. It was terrible." Mamoru tried to raise his voice to make up for their backs being turned, but the growing breeze still began to drown him out.

"Mamoru, I don't really blame you for accepting that in your state." She sharply inhaled before continuing. "What I can't believe is that you just left without saying anything. Before, you let us stay in your dorm after Kyoto Tower… and that day autumn day in the café where you talked to me. I knew it was hard for you, but you always chose to make sure we were all okay even if it gave you problems."

"I was just hoping everything would somehow work out." The strong wind helped to cool the rising heat on his face. "I'm not like Nagato or Yasushi. I was never prepared to accept the price of what I did."

"I don't think Nagato is either. Not for something as extreme as failing the Centre Test." There was a short pause as a strong gust blew sakura and wisteria petals into a blizzard across the meadow. "You shouldn't feel guilty about that. Not when I was stupid enough to say I would go alone. But it's hard to fight, and I always feel terrible afterwards. I never thought you would just walk away afterwards when only you could do something. There was no one else, not my parents, not Kodai in his unnerved state, just you."

The sweet scent of the wisterias had faded, carried off by the breeze to somewhere where it was more deserved.

"… I knew you wanted me to stay. I could see it. It just felt too painful, being reminded that I caused it all." Mamoru was glad that they were facing away from each other. She did not have to see his pathetic expression in addition to hearing his pathetic answers.

Reina twisted around and shifted herself closer to him. "A lot of it is circumstance. But you had control over that last bit." Her eyes showed more misery than rage now. Yet they still felt like they were cutting into him.

The only option left was to hope that his words could do something. Mamoru drew in closer, intent on getting his feelings across. "I'm sorry, I should have been there, especially afterwards. I gave up on thinking I could fix things when I should have just tried, even if I failed."

"I can't fight again. Not when it is this intense. I can't feel like that again with no one else around."

"I—" Mamoru stopped himself. As much as he wanted to promise to be there, he unsure if he could live up to it. Either Reina would not believe such a bold declaration, or it would create a recipe for disaster if he failed at a crucial time.

Their conversation fizzled out, the two gazing at the others who continued to play with their Digimon despite the increasingly inclement weather. Perhaps this was the life that Reina dreamed of with Salamon; little different than that of an average person in Japan. Studying hard at school or university, enjoying Kyoto's scenic spots with friends, their only worries being their relationships or future career.

Mamoru's almost trance-like daze was shattered by a loud, sharp call from Noriko. "Senpai!"

He and Reina instinctively stood up, attempting to concentrate on her voice. Though she was only thirty metres away, they could barely hear her. While the wind was not howling like it had in winter, it seemed to still sweep away their voices. Noriko realising that her message was not getting through started frantically gesturing to the sky.

Only emerging from the wisteria's shade made it apparent that the sunlight had significantly dimmed despite it being just after midday. Dark clouds were coalescing over Nijo Castle, only letting defused light through their ominous mass. The two sprang into action immediately, packing up their various picnic mats and organising bags, spurred on by the impending rain. The low rumble of thunder resounded above them as they clumsily carried multiple bags with them towards the rest of the DigiDestined. The Tokyo group went on their guard as lighting intermittently flashed in the clouds.

"We better get out of here," Mamoru said, winded by the short run. "it's going to be a deluge."

"Our Digivices should be going off at any moment," Miyako said as they continued to look at the clouds unnaturally collecting into a single mass over the castle.

Sure enough, there was a cacophony of alert chimes as their D-4s registered the phenomenon over them as a massive Digimon appearance.

"Should we all Digivolve?" Noriko asked as they made their way east towards the heart of the castle compound.

"Not yet. Conserve your energy until we see what we're up against." Ken said as they collected their belongings.

There were screams up ahead as they heard the high-pitched buzzing pierce the air. A horrific chimeric Digimon flew over the castle's outer walls, appearing faintly draconic with its blue clawed arms. It remained hovering, its two pairs of insectoid winds sending vibrations throughout the air as it sized up the DigiDestined.

"That is one ugly Digimon," Daisuke said as the rest attempted to identify it.

"It is a Dinobeemon," Yuki said hesitantly as she scrolled down on her Digivice. "the Digivice does not list an exact power level since it is a DNA Digivolution."

"Which two Digimon form Dinobeemon," Ken asked, moving forward with Daisuke to confront the wild Digimon.

"ExVeemon and Stingmon,"

"Hmm, Paildramon has the dominant characteristics of ExVeemon." Ken mused. "This must be the evolution where Stingmon's insectoid elements are more prominent."

"Good thing we don't Digivolve to this ugly piece of work," Daisuke said, taking out his Digivice.

"I'm just going to pretend you don't get the full implications of what you're saying," Ken sighed.

Daisuke turned around as their partners started to Digivolve. "We'll handle this Digimon. The rest of you guys should lookout for more of them."

Mamoru had only heard of DNA Digivolution before. Famously, it was how the original DigiDestined had formed Omnimon from WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon. He assumed it was unique to them. The discovery that it was a potential held by many other Digimon would have been an intriguing thing to discuss with Kodai or Yuki, if not for the pressing danger. Ken and Daisuke's partners turned into orbs of blue and green light, orbiting each other until they collided together in a burst of light to reveal a single Digimon.

Paildramon was the mirror image of Dinobeemon. With a red helmet covering its head instead of the almost grotesque compound eyes of the wild Digimon, Daisuke was right. Paildramon raised the blasters attached to his hips, preparing to fire on the wild Dinobeemon.

"Wait!" Yasushi interrupted.

"What?" Ken and Daisuke replied simultaneously. It was like they were in perfect synchronisation which each other.

"We can't damage Nijo Castle, it's a historical monument."

Pondering his statement for only a moment, the two nodded in response. Paildramon launched himself into the air and grappled the Dinobeemon to the ground. The two almost indistinguishable Digimon wrested with each other among the sakura trees. Their strength and speed seemed to be equally matched, the Dinobeemon being able to fend off the Sting Strikes from Paildramon's gauntlets.

More digital distortions opened above them, revealing a horde of wild Digimon emerging into the world. The crimson skeletal figures Reina and Mamoru had seen at Kiyomizu-dera flew to the ground and began to roam the castle. Flying above them in a serpentine fashion were blood-coloured dragon Digimon; their wings tattered like the SkullSatamons and their head and arms clad in black metal.

"Those Megadramon are dangerous," Yuki announced to the group. "They can fire missiles from their arms."

"We can't fight them from the ground," Takeru said, starting Patamon's Digivolution.

"Noriko and I will handle the SkullSatamon on the ground with some others," Yasushi announced, pointing to Yuki and Natsuki. "Everyone else who has a partner that can fly needs to handle the Megadramon."

Takeru and Hikari's Digimon began to ascend into the air, their light blinding the dragon Digimon circling overhead. MagnaAngemon and Angewomon began their aerial dance, fighting multiple opponents. Their technique was the same one they had employed in autumn, MagnaAngemon using his sword and shield to protect Angewomon as she fired off her arrows.

Reina had Salamon clasped in her hands, a weary yet horrified look on her face as she saw the battle unfolding around her. The number of Megadramon were almost overwhelming, scoring many near misses on the pair of angel Digimon. Reina's terror was made more overwhelming because of Hikari's partner, making it easy to imagine what could happen to her own Digimon.

"Reina…" Mamoru said, reaching out to hold her shoulder.

She flinched and shuddered at his touch. "I'm not going to fight."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Before she could reply, they were interrupted by Nagato's distant shout. "Sanada-san, we need you in the air."

Cyberdramon had joined the flurry, trading vicious blows with one of the Megadramon. The sound of crashing metal rung through the air, grating his nerves as Mamoru tried to decide how to help Reina.

"Go," Hikari said softly as she approached the paralysed Reina. "I've felt this way too. Takeru and I will try to help her."

"But we need her,"

"If Reina-chan Digivolves in this state, it may end up being a disaster." Hikari looked him dead in the eyes, her affable expression entirely replaced by a steely resolve.

Realising what she meant, he gave a silent nod before dashing towards the bulk of the group who went through a gatehouse down the path. Hagurumon gained altitude beside him as he began to Digivolve directly to Wisemon. Soaring into the air, he immediately fired a bolt of lightning at a Megadramon about to attack Cyberdramon from behind. Wisemon was joined by horned red eagle Digimon as they soared above the battle, looking for another opening. He heard Miyako yell out a command, prompting the great eagle to dive into the fray. Its horns glowed bright red as they impaled a Megadramon, sending it crashing into the moat below.

"Aquilamon! Keep helping out that fortune teller looking Digimon with wings." Her partner nodded in acknowledgement to her strange instruction as he flew past them and back into the aerial battle.

A fount of water erupted from the moat where the dragon Digimon had been dispatched. Immediately, Ikkakumon launched himself into the water, ready to deal with the rising threat. He was quickly ensnared by multiple tentacles, attempting to drag him under. Yuki's partner lowered his head and launched his Harpoon Vulcan at his underwater assailant. There was a resounding explosion as another pillar of water was thrown into the air. A MarineDevimon emerged from the spray, hissing as its tentacles flayed wildly from the pain of the attack.

"Yuki," Kodai said, turning his attention from GrapLeomon's battle with a SkullSatamon. "Can you handle that Digimon on your own?"

She narrowed her eyes, scanning the other battles going on around her. The rest of the DigiDestined were in a deadlock with the SkullSatamon. Only Iori's partner Digimon, who now looked like an Ankylosaurus, seemed to have the upper hand against his foe.

Showing her usual reticence, she gave Kodai a small nod before holding out her Digivice. The casing changed to a deep purple as she started the Digivolution. Their leader turned back towards his own battle, clearly confident in her abilities. Ikkakumon began to grow, a shell forming on its back as its frontal paws turned into arms. MarineDevimon immediately attacked, not waiting for Ikkaumon's transformation to finish.

Still glowing in the yellow light, Yuki's partner raised its right arm, calling down a bolt of lightning from the clouds. The resounding thunderclap stunned the MarineDevimon, stopping it in its tracks. Another blast of thunder resounded as the wild Digimon was sent flying backwards on the water. Yuki's Digimon slowly readied its hammer for another attack, the weapon crackling with electricity. The MarineDevimon sensing its disadvantage attempted to flee.

"Zudomon," Yuki's single words were enough to convey her instructions.

Her partner was astonishingly swift in the water of a Digimon its size. Despite the massive shell it carried on its back and the hammer it wielded, the orange furred Digimon quickly caught up with his foe. Seizing the MarineDevimon by its tentacles, Zudomon reeled the other Digimon in before landing a hammer blow centre mass.

Holding off the SkullSatamon on land proved far more complicated, the DigiDestined being vastly outnumbered. Iori's and Kodai's partners were able to hold their own against one or two opponents, but Noriko, Yasushi and Natsuki seemed to struggle despite it being three on one. None of their Digimon were able to engage directly with the SkullSatamon to pin it down. This freedom let the ultimate level Digimon easily dance around the three range attacks before unleashing its own devastating counter.

"I'm gonna try Digivolving," Yasushi said as a jet of fire from a Skull Satamon narrowly missed them.

"But what if it doesn't work?" Noriko asked. "When Natsuki-chan tried it, she fainted before it could complete."

"Do we have a choice?" Yasushi replied frantically.

"We're still managing, somehow,"

As Kiwimon fired another Pummel Pecker barrage, more SkullSatamon emerged from above the tree line. Their grotesque figures lumbered towards them, shattering any Sakura trees in their way with their staffs.

"They've got reinforcements now," Yasushi yelled, failing to conceal his evident anxiety. "Noriko, if I collapse, just keep fighting."

Before she could respond, Yasushi held out his Digivice. He gave a short cry as the Digivice pulsed with light, its casing turning sea grey like Nagato's. Sorcermon began to glow with the light of Digivolution, his blue and silver cloak shredding itself as it wrapped around his body. The bandage clad Digimon that emerged was intimidating with his face remained concealed behind shreds of silver and blue cloth coiled around his head. Despite having only his mouth and eyes visible, Yasushi's partner had a fearsome expression.

"Mummymon! Snake Bandage." Yasushi commanded.

His partner raised his arms, unleashing the fabric coiled around its arms, latching on to the SkullSatamon in front of them and reigning it in. Wizardmon and Kiwimon seized the opportunity, landing their attacks squarely on their foe, knocking it out of the battle.

"That's an interesting looking Digimon," Iori said as his partner dispatched another wild Digimon. "Ankylomon and I fought a Mummymon when we were kids. Though yours has very distinct bandages with all the holy Digicode on it."

Yasushi looked at him intrigued, realising that his Digimon's current stage still retained many characteristics Sorcermon had. Before he could ponder the development further, a sharp jab from Noriko forced him back to reality. Concentrating on the battle again, Mummymon moved forward with GrapLeomon and Ankylomon to engage the oncoming SkullSatamon.

"I'm not sure if I should Digivolve to mega," Kodai said, turning to Natsuki and Noriko. "Can you guys try to get to ultimate first? I think it's more stable."

The two girls glanced at each other hesitantly. Natsuki was understandably reluctant, having tried and failed. Ideally, they would attempt it at a Digimon emergence with lower stakes, where there were others to step up in case something went wrong.

"I'm not sure," Noriko said hesitating. "Yasushi was always more confident about it, and I never got to try it."

"The first time is always the hardest," Kodai replied. "We all did it first in do or die moments. Right, Mamoru?"

Their focus turned to Mamoru who thought he was little more than a bystander since his partner was involved in the aerial battle. "I guess that is true…" He wanted to qualify Kodai's statement. It was undoubtedly reckless to push someone unprepared.

"Senpai," Noriko said, her voice growing more frantic and uncertain. "The first time you Digivolved was to fight multiple Digimon right? So I should be able to do it here."

Mamoru was rapidly trying to collect his thoughts in the hectic environment around him. He had to make it quick since Iori and Yasushi were the only ones concentrating on the fight upfront.

"Noriko," he started. "You'll know if you can do it. Remember what Koshiro-san said, just channel the most prominent part of yourself into it."

"What trait did you pick?" Noriko asked, seemingly more confused by his answer.

"I don't know…" He stumbled. "I was just myself—I don't think you pick these kinds of things."

"It was knowledge, right? That's one of the nine Koshiro-san mentioned."

Although he was not sure, Hikari's words earlier supported his suspicions about higher stages of Digivolution. If anyone were emotionally compromised, it would likely turn out horrendously. It was the only explanation for what happened at Mapukuji with Cherubimon.

"Noriko," Mamoru said, getting more worried. "if you don't tap on positive and genuine emotions, Digivolving will end in disaster."

She looked shocked at his statement, her hand holding her Digivice trembling. Except for Natsuki, hers was the only Digivice that had remained pure white, having never changed colour through ultimate level Digivolution.

"Mamoru are you—"

"Kodai," Mamoru said, cutting him off. "you saw what happened when you push someone. We can't risk that here."

There was a reluctant nod from Kodai. "Noriko-chan, you decide if you're ready. Don't rely on Mamoru or me to tell you. The same goes for you Natsuki-chan. We need your help, but we also can't risk making things worse."

As Kodai finished his sentence, he rushed forward, passing even Iori and Yasushi towards where the Digimon were fighting. There was a loud yell from Kodai as his Digivice pulsed again, turning completely orange. GrapLeomon immediately responded, dropping to all fours and unleashing a fearsome raw that unnerved the SkullSatamon around him. SaberLeomon's swipes quickly broke through the wild Digimon's defences, defeating a few of them.

Kodai leapt backwards, narrowly avoiding an attack meant for his partner. Mamoru ran forward, grabbing on to him and dragging him back towards the rest of the DigiDestined. He hated how reckless Kodai always was, even if it did get them some results. The situation still looked poised to spiral out of control, the SkullSatamon on a mostly unchecked rampage. Numerous sakura trees had been tragically set ablaze, but fortunately, the castle buildings and walls still looked unharmed.

Natsuki stepped forward, prepared to attempt to Digivolve again. Her resolve did not look entirely convincing, but her gaze remained fixed on the burning sakura trees. While Mamoru was uncertain, the sight of flowers engulfed in flames could be the additional push she needed to ack. Despite her repeated deep breaths, she was still unable to collect herself.

"Natsuki-chan! Get back!" Kodai yelled.

He charged towards her, narrowly pushing her away from another jet of fire. The SkullSatamon were too numerous for them to handle, wreaking havoc with their greater numbers. Their only hope appeared to be someone else Digivolving. But Natsuki was now clearly too shaken by the close call to push herself further.

"Everyone, clear the way!" Miyako shouted, waving them back.

The Kyoto group instinctively followed the older girl's instruction. As they moved off the path, Paildramon surged forward, claw raised with a Stinging Strike at the ready. He slammed into a SkullSatamon about to overpower Mummymon, taking it out immediately.

"Damn, that DinoBeemon was tough," Daisuke yelled as he and Ken ran up to them. Takeru and Hikari were following slowly behind with Nagato and Reina in tow. "We almost thought of Digivolving again, right Ichijoji?"

Ken shrugged before turning back toward their partner. "Paildramon, Desperado Blaster!"

The dragon-insect hybrid ascended vertically into the air, hovering above the chaotic battle unfolding below. Aiming his blasters downwards, he unleashed a withering barrage, hammering the SkullSatamon caught in it into submission. With their numbers reduced to less than half a dozen, the remaining wild Digimon grew hesitant, slowly withdrawing away.

Zudomon having won his fight earlier used his body to create a massive wave of water, attempting to douse the fires on the pathway beside the moat. The wind was continuing to pick up, fanning the flames despite his best effort. The crackling lightning had become incredibly frequent, creating the worrying possibility that it could strike a tree and spread the fire.

"Hey, Daisuke," Iori said as he looked up at Paildramon flying to help fight the Megadramon. "Do you see that in the clouds?"

The repeated flashes of lightning were almost blinding to look at. But it was quickly apparent when they concentrated on it that there was no thunder to accompany the flashes in the sky.

"You're not seeing things right?" Daisuke said as he turned toward the sky as well.

"I wish he was," Miyako said. "I see it too."

Each burst of lighting revealed a silhouette within the clouds. Though it was hard to make out at first, it grew more apparent that it had a dragon's shape—a massive one at that.

"Azulongmon," Ken mumbled.

"This is real bad," Daisuke clutched his head, ruffling his already unkempt hair. "We're going to need Imperialdramon and everyone else's megas."

There was a nod of agreement from the Miyako and Iori as they produced two small chips from their pockets. They looked strangely discoloured, having small hairline cracks running through them. Hikari and Takeru clasped each other's hands tightly, prepared to Digivolve to their mega stages like Mamoru had seen before. As Miyako and Iori were about to insert the chips into their Digivice, there was a thunderous roar from the clouds as they began to part. Hikari began to shudder, almost falling to her knees. Takeru immediately hugged her, frantically trying to comfort Hikari as she desperately tried to cover her ears.

Before Mamoru could ask what was happening, he heard it too. It was not the dragon's roar that had terrified Hikari. Turning to Reina, she was also desperately clutching on to Salamon with a terrified look in her eyes. He felt his hairs stand on end, as he heard the unnatural sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Mamoru's insides began to shudder as the sounds of the dark ocean grew louder. It became difficult to remain standing, requiring all his effort and concentration. This could really be the end of the line for them.