Chapter 8
A few minutes later, the courtyard was filled with students in armor and with weapons, all having varied expressions on their faces.
"The door won't hold for long," Yamato said grimly. "From what our surviving scout told us, there are powerful mages and Digimon on the side of these invaders. Failure is not an option. We either win, or go down fighting, got it?" A roar of approval answered him. "Here they come!" yelled one of the students on the roof, scouting.
"Scared?" Takeru smirked at Davis.
"No, are you?"
"Sort of," Takeru admitted. "If we watch each other's backs, it'll be okay, got it friend?" Davis smirked at his friend. "Of course."
In the skies, a number of strange creatures appeared. They looked like winged serpents with skull like masks and shimmering blue scales. A crest of red and yellow feathers poked out of each of the masks. Large, bat-like red wings flapped in the air steadily. All of the creatures were carrying a platform that was attached to their necks with strong rope. On each platform though, were a number of warriors. They all looked battle hardened and experienced, and they were all armed with superb weaponry. Although the majority were humans, several strange creatures were also mixed in among them. Some looked like lizards with red and green scales. Other ones looked like giant mushrooms with purple tops and eyes. The variety was endless. Takeru and some of the other archers aimed. Just then, the soldiers in the air jumped to the ground. Strangely, they seemed to float, as if underwater, to the ground with an eerie grace. Some of the archers managed to shoot them, and the few that were wounded instantly fell to the ground, the grace gone. When the soldiers got to the ground, one of the bloodiest battles in the history of the school began. Davis struck out with his sword left and right. Suddenly he was filled with a burning rage that strengthened him rather than weakening him. He struck out like a lion. His mind was strangely clear and focused. The color red started to stain the ground and all around. Many of the soldiers were dead and the rest of the students were finishing up when Davis noticed Taichi was about to be hit. The brown haired man was clashing with a desperate survivor and didn't notice what was behind him. A tall man crept up on the teacher with a mace at hand. Davis immediately started running. The man started to raise the spiked weapon.
"No!" Davis cried and managed to shove Taichi out of the way. The weapon came down onto Davis's head, and his goggles were broken and his forehead was bloody. He fell limply to the ground, unconscious. Taichi whipped around, burning with rage. He avenged his friend by falling in onto the remaining enemy soldiers with renewed energy. Panting, he sat onto the bloody ground next to his friend. Desperately, Taichi felt the limp body for a pulse and rejoiced when he felt one albeit a weak one. Takeru, Sora, Yamato, and Joe came to him, each of them covered in blood that told stories of each of their battles. Sora didn't need an explanation to see what had happened. The men gently carried their fallen friend into the building, while Sora followed. The straggling parade shakily got inside.
Voices, soothing voices. Davis slowly got up, but gentle arms pushed him down. His head thudded with dull pain.
"He's awake," he heard Takeru's voice. The brunette opened his eyes. His friends' concerned faces looked down at him. He touched his forehead and felt fine linen gauze underneath his fingertips.
"What happened?" he croaked, his throat raspy. Sora poured out a goblet of something and handed it to him. Davis thirstily gulped it down, but almost choked when a bitter flavor filled his mouth.
"Drink it down," Sora said firmly. Davis followed her instructions and gulped the mess down quickly. When he finished it, the dull pain in his head disappeared and his vision cleared. Suddenly, Taichi gave the young warrior a hug. "What was that for?" Davis asked.
"You just saved my life," Taichi grinned. "Don't you remember?" Suddenly, everything came back to Davis in a flash.
"You're welcome," he said simply.
"I want you to have something," Taichi said, and gave Davis a neatly wrapped package. The boy opened it and found Taichi's goggles.
"I want you to have them because yours were broken in the battle," Taichi explained. Davis's eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you," he whispered. But then he remembered how it was like in the battlefield. It had been an exhilarating and sickening feeling in his heart when he had entered the battle. He looked down onto his hands, which were clean, but in his mind, the rusty color of blood forever stained them.
"There's blood on my hands," Davis whispered slowly. "Now I see why war isn't as glorious as it should be." Sora wrapped her arms around him comfortingly.
"It's all right," she murmured to him. "You had to do it. You had no other choice. As long as you don't enjoy killing and you do it for the right purpose, it's all right." That left Davis deep in thought. The rest of the group just quietly went out of the infirmary, leaving Davis to his thoughts.
Davis stayed in the infirmary for a few more days, just thinking. His friends visited him, especially Takeru. Finally, Sora allowed him to go out reluctantly. Davis walked out to the courtyard to try to get a breath of fresh air. His stomach lurched when he saw the ground. It was stained a light rusty red, the color of old dry blood, instead of the normal brown color of packed dirt and dust. There were normal areas here and there, but that made the scene look even worse. A faint smell of charred flesh somehow found its way into Davis's nose and there was an area that had a large pile of ashes swept together neatly. The coppery smell of blood seemed to cling to him with a viselike grip the moment he came outside. Davis's heart froze when he saw the clump of white roses that were Sora's pride and joy. The white rose was a symbol of Sora's family that stood for purity and justice. The roses on the bush were dyed a deep crimson.
"My family's honor, tainted," a voice remarked bitterly. Davis whipped around to see Sora standing in the doorway, clad in a simple black robe. He was ashamed to not be wearing mourning colors; his deep blue cloak and tan tunic were anything but mourning colors. His teacher walked up to him. "For three hundred years, we had preserved peace on these grounds. This was a sanctuary and a school for all who wished and needed. Now blood is forever stained onto the dirt. Even when the blood disappears, this place will forever be scarred. Follow me."
Sora walked off into the courtyard, Davis hurriedly following. They walked off to behind the main building. Soon, they came to an area Davis had never seen before. A large set of gates stood imposingly, shutting off whatever was behind them. Sora delicately stroked one of the large brass decorations on the doors. The doors opened silently. "No one knows about this place, not even Taichi or Yamato. It is hidden to most eyes, except for whomever I wish and myself. Also, if anyone tried to open the doors, they would be transported to a particularly unpleasant dimension."
"How often do you check?" Davis asked.
"About every few years," Sora said with a grim smile.
Behind the doors was a beautiful garden with nearly every type of flower inside. Instead of the clipped, strained look of a formal garden, instead the flowers were allowed to grow naturally but neatly.
"This is my garden," Sora said with pride. "I come here to think and just be in peace."
She led him through the beautiful plants and flowers to somewhere mysterious. Just outside of the edge, was a shocking scene. Just as the lush grass and fragrant flowers ended, there was a barren field. It was rather small, compared to the outer courtyard, but it was even more horrifying than the courtyard. The ground was completely covered in dark red, the color of fresh blood. In certain areas the color was so thick, the ground was almost black with it. A coppery scent filled the air, stronger than the outer courtyard, and mingled with the sickly sweet stench of rotting that seemed to emanate from the ground. Davis's stomach lurched. Sora looked at the field with a mixture of distaste, disgust, and sadness.
"Three hundred years ago," she whispered. "A battle was fought here, the bloodiest battle to come. It went on for so long, people forgot what they were fighting about, just that they had to avenge their ancestors. The final battle was so bloody; the ground here is forever stained with blood of thousands. Soon, though, a worthy person showed how violence is not the answer to solving problems. He showed the light to people who were forever in the dark. But it was too late to save those whose blood was spilled. Something is wrong though. The goodness of the man allowed part of the land to be fertile, at least partially. But this area forever will be like what happened three centuries ago. Only when this land is purged of the evil aura surrounding it, then will the carnage be forgiven and the land was rejuvenated." Sora turned to Davis. "Remember, there is nothing truly glorious about the life of a soldier. Are you ready to accept the difficult path to being a true warrior?" Davis, still staring at the field, nodded silently. "This field is called the Field of Blood," Sora said simply. "Because of the carnage that occurred."
They were silent as they walked through the garden and through the gate. "Remember, after a battle, there is always hope," Sora told Davis. She showed him the rose bush. Most of the blossoms were scarlet with blood, but one new blossom was still white. It was simply tinged with red along the edges. Sora gently touched it. Then the two of them walked back into the school.
The next few days were quiet, but the next week was hectic. A special ceremony was to be held in honor of those who had died and those who were going to be sent on their journeys (Davis and Takeru). Finally the day came. All of the remaining students were out. A special area was laid out to create a burial mound. Davis had the honors of the first shovel of dirt. After doing so, he cleared his throat and looked out the crowd of students.
"I would like to say a few words," he said clearly. "What had just happened was a horrible tragedy and loss of life. Blood was spilled onto the ground, innocent and not so innocent. For those of you who had wished to be in the battle, it would have an even greater loss of life and blood spilled onto the ground. A soldier's and a warrior's way of life is not easy, and the death of one is not as glorious as you think. So be grateful you had managed to survive and do not have blood on your hands. On the battlefield, I remember having a horrible feeling. I actually enjoyed killing. All of you students; never spill blood for the fun of it and do not enjoy it. But we must survive. There is always darkness before dawn, and the phoenix rises from the ashes. Remember the ones we lost with honor and respect. Always hope for a better day."
As Davis finished his speech, a wave of silence swept through the crowd and then slowly they started cheering. Takeru, Sora, Taichi, Yamato, and Joe also added their shovels of dirt gravely and quietly. The final mound was a smooth dome of reddish colored dirt along with a simple wooden cross. Some of the braver students had (with permission, of course) gone out and had gathered flowers. The bright colors did little to dull the red of the dirt on the mound. Sora came up with a large brass urn. She carefully placed it within the mound, hollowing out the dirt and refilling it. A trail of red fire came out of her hands, gathering around the mound and urn within, protecting it. There was a moment of silence for a while as everyone bowed his or her head in reflection.
"Sir, the force that was sent was defeated," a trembling messenger told the figure in the shadows. "What?!" the figure shrieked. A ball of red and black fire formed and headed toward the unfortunate target. The messenger had time for one shriek before the fire consumed him, leaving only a small pile of ashes on the stone floor. A gust of wind blew it away. "Hm," the figure said. "She is stronger than I thought. But my plan will be the ultimate one." It smiled grimly, staring into a bowl of liquid that showed several faces.
Davis didn't know whether to be proud or sad. His graduation was coming up and he would be sent on his journey. Takeru was to be graduated also. The day finally came and it was a beautiful clear day with deep blue skies and white clouds. The whole school was congregated in a large hall. Davis gulped as he fiddled with the clasp of his cloak. Takeru gave him a disapproving look. Davis just glared back. Takeru scowled.
Sora cleared her throat. "Today is a special day. Two of our students are ready to go up yet another level on the road to being a true warrior. Every human has a light and a dark side. A warrior binds the two together to achieve his or her goal. Usually in this academy, this event only happens after seven years of training, but we believe that these two are ready to face the world after the courage they showed in the battle several weeks ago. Davis and Takeru, please come to the front please." The two got up and walked over to Sora. She was in a white robe and held two sheaths with swords within them. She looked into their eyes solemnly. "Do you, Takeru Takaishi and Davis Motomiya, swear to forever uphold the Warrior's code no matter what? Do you promise to give help to whomever needs it, be it they are male, female, young, old, human, or nonhuman? Are you willing to risk your lives to protect what you believe in and never give up your hopes and dreams? Are you able to reach for the stars, no matter how far they seem and just keep going, with only your hope to guide you? Will you be as fierce as a serpent yet gentle as a dove? Are you ready for the challenges and responsibilities?" Sora eyed them, as though daring them to lie.
"I am," the two men said together strongly.
Sora smiled. "Then from this day forth, you are not beginners, but in a new stage of life and another path. No one ever stops learning; remember that, the both of you. And sometimes the wisest are not always grand and large. Often the smallest is the most dangerous. Come, warriors." She handed the swords to both of them. "From now on, Davis, you will be the Griffin. An emblem of courage, proud and strong, yet fiercely close to his kin and always ready to fight for what's right, even when chances are slim. Takeru, you will be the Pegasus. A symbol of Hope, and in the face of danger, will not back down, even when the darkness threatens." The two buckled the belts around their waists and kneeled. Sora drew a silvery sword and brandished it. She gently tapped each of them on their shoulders with it. "Rise, fellow warriors, your destiny awaits."
Everyone cheered for them as they rose. Davis shot Takeru a grin.
"Greetings, Pegasus." "Shut up Griffin," Takeru retorted, but grinning. All of the other students filed out of the room.
"Now for your tasks," Sora said. "Davis, you must find the legendary blade of light and darkness. It looks very similar to your dagger, remember, lest you forget. More information will be given to you. Takeru, you know what you must do." Takeru nodded grimly. They both went out of the room.
"What do you have to do?" Davis asked curiously.
Takeru shook his head. "I can't tell you." Davis tried to persuade his blond friend, but Takeru refused to tell the brunette.
Several days passed uneventfully. Finally it was time for the both of them to start out on their journeys. They packed their possessions and some other things. Sora, Taichi, Yamato, and Joe were outside to see them off.
"This map shows you the place where the sword was last heard of," Sora said, handing Davis a map. "It's enchanted to be invulnerable from nearly anything, from rips to fire."
"Good luck, squirt," Yamato said gruffly to Takeru. That was a joke, because Takeru was now slightly taller than Yamato. Takeru grinned at his older brother. "Don't worry."
"Good luck," Taichi said. The older man handed Davis something. It was a simple pouch. Davis raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Don't open it unless you need to," Taichi told him. "You'll know when the time will come." Joe came forward and gave them each two packages.
"Well, you need currency in this world don't you?" he said briskly. "And the second is food. Sora helped me enchant it so it won't run out, but it should only be for emergencies. I don't know how strong the magic is. Good luck to both of you." The two boys said their final farewells and headed out through the gate. They walked through the forest outside until night soon fell. When the darkness covered the sky like a blanket and the stars and moon were the only sources of light, both boys set up camp. Davis soon got a fire going with plenty of wood in case, while Takeru set up the bedrolls. After having a meal of bread, cheese, and fruit, they lay around the fire in their bedrolls and talked.
"How do you feel about this?" Takeru said softly.
"I'm nervous about what I might face, but I'm willing to face it, with or without fear," Davis answered. "From what I heard, courage is not the absence of fear, it's the control of fear."
"Davis," Takeru sleepily said.
"Yeah?"
"You know that story you told me six years ago, what happened before you came to the school? Well, what was in the bag and the package your parents gave you?"
Davis smiled. "Well, I found my dagger in the bag my father gave me, and I don't know what's in the package that my mother gave me. I still have it, but whenever I try to open it, somehow, I feel that I can't open it; it's not the time to open it. It's sounds stupid, but it's the truth."
"I don't think it's stupid," Takeru yawned. "I think it's okay, maybe there will be time when Fate will have you open it."
Davis snorted. "I don't believe in fate. We can change our futures with our choices. Our lives are how we make it, not predestined by some weird force."
"Maybe, maybe not," Takeru said. "Sometimes there are no coincidences, only the inevitable that the forces of fate blow us to. But you have a point. Choices affect the future. 'Night Davis."
"Good night," Davis whispered, but Takeru was fast asleep. Davis stared up at the sky, which was speckled with stars.
"Hello Mama, hello Papa," he said softly. "I hope you're looking down and you're proud of me. How are you? I'm all right, but my feelings are mixed up. Good night." Davis then drifted off to sleep.
Author's note- Hi everyone! I know I haven't been updating a lot of my stories lately but I've been busy. I'll try to put up the chapters quickly. Thank you!
