Disclaimer:
Toei and Bandai is own Digimon. Bandai owns Digimon World 2.
Guard Tamer: Blight of GAIA
By: RB3
Chapter 8: A Hero's Destiny
Kari was perplexed. "Is she someone you know?"
"Not really," admitted Akira. "But like I said, the name is so familiar."
"What could this dream mean?" pondered Tai.
Lillith remembered the other strange dreams that random Guard Tamers had had before. "Maybe it's a sign that something bad is going to happen."
"Now I'm worried," admitted Agumon. "Those Blood Knights have weapons that will kill a lot of people. Maybe that dream is what will happen in the future."
Darkfryer was unconvinced. "Yeah, but you don't need some fancy psychic dream, mumbo jumbo to tell you that..."
"That still doesn't explain the role of the girl, Esteena. From the way my dream happened, it almost looked like this was someone else's memories rather than a vision of the future."
Kari's suggestion puzzled everyone and spawned new questions. If this was a dream about someone's memories, then whose memories were they? They wondered why they were seeing this now of all times. They suspected that there was much more going on behind the scenes than previously thought. Whatever it was, everyone had the feeling that deep down, it was not a good thing.
Akira pressed for more details: "Can you tell me more about the dream?"
Kari repeated her story, this time being as detailed as possible. Akira latched on to her mention of Overlord GAIA. "Our spies have told us that that was the name of the Blood Knights' leader!"
This revelation instantly drew Tai's attention. "What?"
"That's right," confirmed Lillith. "Overlord GAIA is the name of the Blood Knight leader."
"This can't be a mere coincidence," stated Akira. "It just can't!"
Akira told them about what the Guard Tamers found when they searched the abandoned Blood Knight base. The Guard Tamers found documents authorizing the acquisition of materials for the creation of biochemical weapons. These Blight warheads were to be launched from a platform located in space. The orders came from Overlord GAIA himself. Suddenly, the dream made more sense to Kari and the others.
"I saw that in my dream!" proclaimed Kari. "You don't think he's going to do that to our world?"
Now Kari began to realize just how grave the situation truly was. It was becoming clear that her dream was the events of the past. Deep down, she knew that Overlord GAIA wanted to destroy the world in the same way he did in the past. Kari was frightened indeed. However, the dream also revealed the identity of the Avenger. He was known as True GAIA.
Everyone found the name interesting. In a way, it fit the Avenger and his role in a poetic sense. The Avenger and Overlord GAIA, were both products of Esteena's GAIA project. However, Overlord GAIA was flawed from his very conception and became something his creators did not intend. True GAIA, on the other hand, turned into what humanity wanted. He fought Overlord GAIA to the bitter end to stop his tyranny.
**************************************
Away from the surface of the Digital World, in outer space, dark hearts plotted their next move. The Kernel Zone was an amazing construct made of the highest technology. It orbited the planet of the Digital World like an artificial moon. Its surface was fragmented into millions and millions of transistors and metal plates. It was a barren world, with no trees or vegetation of any kind. There were only two gigantic towers to break the metallic monotony of the landscape.
The first tower had flaps that opened to reveal the interior of the tower. Several humans and Digimon were gathered around the tower, setting up infrastructure for a full-scale military assault. This tower was Chaos Tower, the main headquarters of the Blood Knights. A Mammothmon had harnesses placed onto its body, and attached to carts covered with a large cloth. When the Mammothmon towed the cart to its destination, a Birdramon removed the cloth to reveal a missile launcher underneath.
Several other Birdramon came to the aid of their comrade. Blood Knight workers fastened ropes to the Bird Digimon and they pulled the missile launcher into an upright position. Other Blood Knight workers opened some panels on the ground, pulling out several wires. An engineer connected the wires to ports along the side of the launcher and fastened them in place. Several other workers followed their cue and began to oil the pivots. The workers gave a signal and an operator entered instructions to swivel the launchers.
The launcher installation was only what was occurring on the surface. Under the ground was an enormous metal factory complex filled with bustling workers. They moved like ants to and fro preparing for winter. A scientist in a sealed environmental protection suit gazed at the chemical in his beaker. It was a sickly green liquid that bubbled and churned in its container. This liquid was a sample of the vile toxin, Blight. The scientist looked over the beak and authorized the shipment of the biochemical agent.
"Alright, that's the last of them. Send it to the missile boys so they can load it in."
A worker came in and rolled a cart loaded with several Blight-filled barrels to a missile construction site. Several workers unloaded the cart and placed the barrels onto a marked platform. Several Devimon in cranes lifted the barrels to engineers on top of the nearly completed missiles. They attached tubes to grooves on the barrels and loaded the barrels into a compartment in the missile.
The engineers cleared the newly completed missile and attached a rope to the head. A ceiling crane slowly pulled the missile upright and moved it over the opening of a missile launcher tube. A Blood Knight worker below gave directions to the crane operators to lower the missile slowly into the tube. With the missiles loaded, the launcher was placed onto a cart being harnessed to a Mammothmon.
**************************************
In the command room of Chaos Tower, a man in his thirties stood in the darkness and gazed upon a cocoon of wires. The man's greyish blue spiky hair, and was clad in a bluish grey uniform with red markings. He was a Blood Knight, but not just any old foot soldier or Tamer. He was Crimson, leader of the Blood Knights and even he was accountable to another. The wires frayed and then tore, revealing the figure, Crimson's superior, within.
"So my lord, you have awakened," commented Crimson.
"Indeed, and now I will purge the Real World just as I did before so long ago! How goes the operation?" asked the shrouded figure with a twisted, mechanical voice.
"The missile launchers are almost set up. There are only a few more to go."
The figure had a face like a robotic harlequin, twisted into an evil sadistic grin. Wires hung from the ceiling and travelled to its massive metallic robe-like body. Its metallic skeletal arms fluttered about with a will of their own. The figure was pleased with their work, cracking what seemed like a twisted smile. This being was Overlord GAIA, soon to be the destroyer of several worlds.
"Excellent! We shall begin the operation now."
"Yes master!"
The comm officer announced Overlord GAIA's orders to the Blood Knights. The workers finished setting up the missile launchers and positioned themselves to fire the launchers.
"Launcher A01 online! Standing by."
"Launcher A02 online! Standing by."
All the firing crews announced their readiness to fire the missiles. Overlord GAIA raised his hands into the air, drawing upon the limitless energy of the Kernel Zone. On the monitor, a large tear in the time-space continuum began to emerge. The tear widened and widened until a lush green planet could be seen in the distance on the other side. Overlord GAIA was opening a portal to the Real World to begin his assault. The Kernel Zone broke out of its orbit, moving towards the dimensional rift.
**************************************
In the Digital World, Gennai sat before the four Guardians. The demanded an audience with him to announce something vital to the future of the Digital World. In flashes of light the four Harmonious Ones appeared. They were Ebonwumon of the North, Baihumon of the West, Azulongmon of the East, and Zhuqiaomon of the South. Gennai patiently awaited the word of the Guardians.
Azulongmon began: "Gennai, my friend, it has been a long time. As you know, our world is under siege. The evil one known as Overlord GAIA is making his move as we speak. Long ago, a being of goodness, the Avenger of Humanity, True GAIA, descended into our world and sealed the evil one away. He asked us to bless the humans so that they may one day be able to stand against the evil one..."
"...However, some of those filthy humans violated their sacred oaths!" continued Zhuqiaomon. "They serve Overlord GAIA now, seeking to destroy the Digital World they once sought to protect! Already there have been wars, and the defenders of the Digital World have prevailed. But now, the evil one will soon make his presence known. Our forces can't defeat him, but we know who can. We must find the Avenger!"
"The Avenger sealed away the evil one and peace reigned at last, or so everyone thought... Overlord GAIA's seal has broken, and soon he will be free to spread his tyranny across our world. GAIA must not be allowed to succeed! Our only hope is an ancient prophecy which foretold of the Avenger's second advent," added Baihumon.
The prophecy was told in the form of three quatrains. Each of Ebonwumon, Baihumon, and Zhuqiaomon each told a third of the entire prophecy:
====================The Prophecy of GAIA====================
Ebonwumon:
From a world of hope and vibrant life
Come winds of change and violent strife.
Fourscore hours shall last his Blight,
And worlds fall to tyranny and might.
Baihumon:
So comes a Hero who tames the beast;
To find the Avenger and free the East.
So returns the Dark Lord, scourge of all,
Veil'n the light in an eternal pall.
Zhuqiaomon:
Ere the Avenger's time comes nigh,
Born of a Child doomed to die...
With Memories of an age long ago,
A Hero's destiny he will know.
"After the battle, the Avenger was wounded and needed to recuperate. He split himself into two parts; one remained hidden, sealed with the evil one on the Kernel Zone. The other became a human and walks among them. Gennai, you mission is clear; find this human and bring him to us. We shall guide him on the path to his destiny," finished Azulongmon.
Gennai bowed before the Guardians and began his search for the avatar of the Avenger. He began his search by working his network of Digidestined allies.
**************************************
Back in Digital City, the Guard Tamers were working around the clock to reconfigure their captured gateway. Their spies have learned about the Kernel Zone, and also what the Blood Knights intended to do. Intelligence determined that the Kernel Zone was a massive battle station that orbited the Digital World like a moon. The enemy intended to launch Blight-filled missiles from the Kernel Zone to annihilate the Real World's population. The Kernel Zone has begun its move to the Real World. The Guard Tamers decided to launch a massive counter strike on the enemy's heart to put an end to them once and for all.
Akira, Kari, and Tai reported their discoveries to each of the Guard Teams. Each Chief asked for assistance from the Digidestined, including those from outside of Japan. The Digidestined siblings gave their word to work their network of Digidestined and call in as many allies as they could. The three went to the site of the portal that first brought the Guards Tamers to the Real World. Teams of technicians worked as though they were possessed. The tension was very evident on everyone's face.
"So, it has all come to this," remarked Akira. "This the battle all of us have waited for and feared. We are going to fight the Blood Knights on their own turf."
"Are you nervous, Akira?" asked Kari.
"Yeah..." admitted Akira.
"We're all afraid," noted Lillith.
"...But we're Digidestined and Digimon, and we don't back down. It was like this before every battle. Remember when we fought the Dark Masters?" asked Gatomon.
Kari remembered the images and sensations from that time. "Of course!"
"We fought those battles anyway. We knew that we were the only ones who could fight them. We knew that we were the ones who could make a difference!" stated Agumon.
"You said it, Agumon!" cheered Tai.
Akira was concerned. "Tai, remember what the Chiefs told us? Make sure to tell our allies exactly what they're getting into. It is vital they go into battle with confidence."
"Don't worry, Akira," said Tai. "They will know. We're Digidestined and we know the risks that come with being one." "Okay, tell everyone to meet here."
**************************************
In the Real World, commuters were on their way to work for the day. Several people on the streets were walking along, going to where they were supposed to for the day. Unknown to them, a great, epic event was about to unfold. A Digiport began to open in the space between the Earth and the Sun. The sky gradually darkened as the Digiport widened.
The people of Earth soon took notice of the encroaching darkness. The city was covered by the shadow of the object in the sky. They saw the gigantic spot that blotted out the Sun. At first, it looked like a mere solar eclipse and nothing to worry about. Some astronomers set up telescopes to take pictures of the "eclipse" without damaging their eyes. On closer, inspection, there was something odd about the spot. From their photographs, the eclipsing object looked like a hole that led to another world.
In the hole was a celestial body the size of the moon. As time passed on, the object slowly grew larger and larger. Everyone thought this was a mere illusion. However, astronomers realized that the celestial body was real and moving towards the Earth. If it came too close, or even struck the Earth, the results would be disastrous. The Real World militaries learned of this and began to grow concerned. They put further research into the object.
"Breaking news! Authorities have determined that the object in the sky is real and not an illusion! This object appears to be moving closer to the Earth. Scientists are baffled as to what the object is and why it is there. The world's militaries are mobilizing to destroy the object. We'll be back with more as the story develops."
News stations all over the world reported the crisis. The most terrified people feared the end of the world was nigh. Preachers and other religious figures prayed for mercy and salvation in their time of crisis. Panic began to grip the populace of the world, with riots breaking out in many major cities. Cars were toppled and stores were vandalised and looted. Several people had already been trampled and injured by panicking rioters. The police were taxed to the limit trying to maintain order. All the while, the world's military forces prepared to launch several nuclear warheads to wipe out the object.
At such a launch site, military technicians scrambled to ready the launch of a warhead. The mission control initiated a count down and the nuke was launched, soaring straight to its target. The military watched everything through a mounted camera. Everything seemed to be in order until a violet field of energy encased the celestial body, the Kernel Zone. The nukes exploded upon impact with the barrier and Overlord GAIA mocked humanity's pitiful attempt at self-defence.
A blinding flash of light lit the skies, which was followed by a massive burst of intense orange flames. A huge cloud of smoke blanketed the object. Once it cleared, the Kernel Zone was still there, apparently unharmed by the blast at all. The military found out about the powerful barrier and realized their efforts were futile. Throughout the whole ordeal the other Digidestined watched in awe.
They were over at TK's home as guests for dinner. TK gazed outside of his window upon the explosions of light in the sky. All the Digidestined crowded around the window. The explosions soon stopped and the darkness returned. They looked at the object in the sky in fear and concern. It was then that TK remembered what Gennai said.
"Does anyone remember the prophecy Gennai told us?" asked TK.
"Yeah, it fits," said Cody.
"So returns the Dark Lord, scourge of all, veil'n the light in his eternal pall."
**************************************
Back in the Digital World, Akira, Kari, and Tai returned to Digital City. The news about the events in the Real World has reached the Guard Tamers as well. In Akira's room, the three watched the Digital City news. The Guard Tamers tapped into the world's communications network and discovered the initiation of Overlord GAIA's plot. Time was running out.
At this time, a strange vision came into Akira's mind. In it, he saw True GAIA himself fighting his nemesis, Overlord GAIA. True GAIA attempted a slash with his sword of darkness, cutting into the metal chassis of Overlord GAIA. All around them were explosions and shots being fired. Akira saw gigantic inhuman shapes fighting, and recognized them as various species of Digimon. Eventually, his vision shifted into the view of a massive tower that he had never seen before.
The tower was beautiful and made of a shiny metal. It was tall, possibly thirty stories or greater in height. It seemed out of place in the vacant world he was envisioning. The world was made completely out of metal and circuitry. From the descriptions he heard from Guard Tamer intelligence, it must have been the Kernel Zone. Akira believed that he was seeing the battle that was coming up. The tower suddenly lit up, as though something had turned on its power...
"Akira, wake up! Are you ok?"
Akira looked around and found himself lying on his bed. "Where am I?"
Kari was relieved. "I'm glad you're okay. You gave us a scare!"
"Yeah, we thought you were sick!" said Darkfryer.
Tai told Akira what happened while he was unconscious: "While we were watching the TV, you suddenly fainted! This strange glowing symbol appeared on your forehead. It resembled our Crests. This weird beam of light came from the symbol and shot into the sky."
Akira asked about the symbol, and Kari gave him a description. The symbol resembled three points of light in a downward pointing, equilateral triangle. The top left point was black, and the top right point was blue in colour. The bottom point was gold. At the centre of this triangle was a vaguely eye-like icon. The eye looked like it could pierce the veil of time itself, and see into the past and future.
"What could it be?" asked Akira.
"Are you a Digidestined, Akira? Do you have a Digivice?" asked Tai.
"No, I don't have one. I'm not a Digidestined."
Everyone thought about what had happened until Kari came up with an idea. "Let's call Gennai, he might know what's going on."
Almost immediately after the call, Gennai materialized in the room in a sparkle of rainbow-coloured light. Everyone told Gennai what happened and in return, he told them about his mission. Everything soon became clear. Gennai believed that Akira was the human half of the Avenger, True GAIA, who hid and walked amongst humans. This surprised everyone, especially Akira. Gennai wanted Akira to go with him.
"I can't just go, I'd be abandoning my post! I could get into a lot of trouble for that!"
"Don't worry about that. It was the Guardians of the Digital World ordered me to take Akira away. I'm sure your leaders will understand. Tai, Kari, make sure to tell the Chiefs about this."
"We will, Gennai," they promised.
"Okay Akira, don't worry about anything now. We're going to meet the Harmonious Ones now. They will tell you everything you need to know."
Tai and Kari left to inform the Guard Tamers chiefs and locked the door behind them. Gennai teleported Akira and his Digimon to the meeting site of the Harmonious Ones. They were possibly the hugest Digimon Akira had ever seen. Akira stood in awe of each of the Guardians, looking upon their divine countenances in reverence. Each was surrounded in a noticeable glow of light shifted to their respective colours.
Gennai spoke: "I have returned with the human half of the Avenger. His name is Akira, a member of the Guard Tamers."
"We shall see if he is truly the one," replied an unconvinced Zhuqiaomon.
The Guardians looked over Akira, as though they were looking into his very soul. Akira was bathed in the light of the Guardians and the image of an angel superimposed over his body. The angel had wings and a halo of golden flame. His body was made entirely of a bluish mystical metal. The angel's eyes were filled with divine power and gleamed a golden light. The Guardians huddled together and discussed what they saw. When they were done, they reported their results.
"You have done well, Gennai, for he is indeed the one," congratulated Baihumon. "We Guardians can see the power of the Avenger coursing in his veins."
"Akira, before you lays a burden that only you must bear," said Ebonwumon. "Listen well to the prophecy that we will tell you."
The Guardians recited the prophecy just as they did to Gennai.
"The Blood Knights have broken the seal on their master, Overlord GAIA. You are the Avenger spoken of in the prophecy. You must defeat Overlord GAIA once and for all!" said Ebonwumon.
"Are you ready to began your journey?" asked Azulongmon.
Akira was unafraid. "I have seen enough of the Blood Knights' atrocities. I will do everything I can to stop them! I am ready."
"So be it. We will bring you to the base of Core Tower on the Kernel Zone. Your goal is at the top. You must climb all the way to the top and merge with your other half. The Crest of Memories, the symbol of True GAIA shall lead you to Core Tower."
The Crest of Memories appeared on the ground. It was the same symbol that Kari described! The crest glowed and shimmered, as if beckoning Akira to come. A column of light rose from the Crest to the sky. Akira gazed at the light with an ominous feeling creeping into his body.
"Darkfryer, Lillith, go with Akira. Help him on his journey," asked Ebonwumon.
"We will help Akira by any means necessary," responded Darkfryer.
"We will protect him with our lives," swore Lillith.
Akira and his Digimon stepped onto the Crest of Memories. Their forms were turned to energy and vanished.
**************************************
In another part of the Digital World, the Guard Tamer technicians finished their configurations. Slowly but surely, Digidestined and Guard Tamers began to gather. Soon, the crowd grew into a massive horde of Guard Tamers, Digidestined and Digimon. Each individual knew the stakes of the upcoming battle and gathered hoping their help could make a difference. It seemed that every Digidestined that ever existed in the Real World was there. The leaders of the Guard Teams gave their address to the assembly.
"Guard Tamers, Digidestined and Digimon. Today we stand united against a common foe. We have come far in fighting the evil that now threatens our home worlds and still further we must go. As a seemingly desperate act, Overlord GAIA has moved his Kernel Zone to attack the Real World. If he is not stopped soon, billions will die from his deadly Blight," announced Vandar.
"It is your efforts that brought us to this point. We will enter the Kernel Zone and crush the last of GAIA's forces. We will be brave and strong and we will be victorious!" cried Cecilia.
"The time for speaking is over. We must take to the field of battle! For the Digital World! For the Real World!" cheered Skull as he thrust a fist defiantly into the air.
The assembly cheered in unison with an unheard of fervour. Their morale surged to an all time high. The technicians fired up the gate. Electricity crackled and an image of a metallic world appeared in a rectangular portal. The ground rumbled as the amassed army filed into the gateway. One by one each individual marched into the portal, and the final battle.
**************************************
In the Real World, the effects of the Kernel Zone's presence were visible to all. Severe storms wracked the land. Hurricane force winds devastated coastal villages all around the world. Chaos continued to ensue on the streets of the rest of the world. In New York, police were swamped trying to calm the terrified populace. The situation was so bad that the military had to be called in for assistance. Mimi's parents were justifiably scared out of their wits.
Looters and rioters continued to ransack the city they lived in. Inside his house, Keisuke Tachikawa, Mimi's father, peeked through the curtain to see outside. He could hear the raving screams of deranged rioters. Every once in a while, the clanging of metal and shattering of glass could be heard. On the street, the rioters overturned a car and another was reduced to flaming wreckage. He could see his neighbour across the street peeking out from behind the blinds. Mr. Tachikawa felt the same way; both were too terrified to leave their homes.
He went to check up on his wife, Satoe. She was watching the TV with great intent and concern. The TV screen was filled with images of sheer pandemonium. Images of rioting, and fierce tempests occupied the screen every minute. It looked like the world was coming to an end. The news brought a live broadcast of the chaos.
"The situation around the world grows worse and worse," informed the reporter.
The image shifted to an image of the Kernel Zone in the sky. "The object continues to approach closer and closer to the Earth. The gravity of this object has disrupted weather patterns across the world. Authorities are trying their best, but the magnitude of this disaster has stretched them thin. Authorities have advised that everyone stay in their house and lock their doors. More on this as the story develops."
"I'm scared! What if Mimi's out there with those crazed rioters!"
"Don't worry honey, Mimi's smart enough to avoid those people. I'm sure she's coming home, she's just playing it safe and avoiding the riots," said Keisuke in an attempt to comfort his wife.
**************************************
In TK's apartment, his mother felt the same way as the Tachikawas did. She feared for TK's safety with all the violence and destruction going on outside. Nancy thought all the Digital World stuff would be finished after TK fought the Dark Masters. Now, the world seemed on the verge of ending with the Kernel Zone approaching the Earth. All she could do was watch TV, for going outside would be tantamount to suicide.
"This just in! Our sources have informed us that the UN has received an informant from the Guard Tamers. Viewers may remember the Guard Tamers as the military force who aided the US and Japan against attacks perpetrated by monsters. We take you live to the UN assembly in New York."
The scene shifted to a massive meeting hall. Leaders of hundreds of Real World nations gathered to discuss plans to stop the object. At the podium, a violet-bearded man prepared his speech. He wore the black leathery uniform of a Black Sword Guard Tamer. He adjusted his papers as he waited for silence to fall.
"People of the Real World, I am Commander Chris Conner of the Black Sword Guard Team. I have been authorized by my superiors to inform you about the crisis at hand. Your world is under attack yet again by the Blood Knights. This time, their own leader Overlord GAIA is using his Kernel Zone as a platform to launch deadly biochemical weapons onto your planet."
Chris paused to let the magnitude of his words sink in. The attempt to stop Blood Knight acquisition of biochemical weaponry failed. Even with the Guard Tamers and Real World' efforts, the Blood Knights were able to gather the needed supplies. Annihilation was closer than ever before. The assembly broke out into small groups who conversed amongst themselves. The arbiter called for order and Conner continued his speech.
"The Kernel Zone is a massive space station the size of your moon. Overlord GAIA used his power to transport the Kernel Zone from our world into yours."
Chris activated a handheld holographic projector. A holographic Kernel Zone appeared for all to see. Chris paused to allow the crowd a good look at it. The crowd once again burst into chatter. Chris continued telling the crowd about who Overlord GAIA was. He told the assembly everything from Overlord GAIA's birth as an AI, to the evil he brought upon the world in which he was born.
"Overlord GAIA has already destroyed one world and the Guard Tamers will not allow him to do the same to a second. We have mobilized on the surface of the Kernel Zone to prevent the launch of biochemical weapons."
Chris finished his address within moments and gave the podium to the next speaker. Flashes went off as photographers took pictures of Chris leaving. He moved into a nearby pressroom to find it already filled with reporters starving for information. He took a seat on a press table beside other Guard Tamer brass the conference began.
**************************************
Akira and his Digimon reappeared outside of the massive Core Tower. He remarked that it was Core Tower in the vision he had while unconscious. Core Tower was a monument to the heights that can be reached by technology and science. Circuitry ran through every inch of the walls of the tower. The walls hummed and Akira and his Digimon could feel a strong power radiating from all around. This power also had a sensation of goodness in it.
The interior of the tower was surprisingly cool for having so much circuitry in it. Akira thought it would be much warmer. The walls were a golden colour and radiated the same sensation as the exterior. A set of metal stairs led further up the tower. Akira followed the endless stairs upwards with his eyes, and dreaded the long climb ahead. The feeling was mutual in his Digimon.
"We have to go up all that?" gasped Akira.
"Looks like I'm going to soak my sore feet when this is through," commented Lillith.
"Why can't they make smaller towers?" commented Darkfryer shaking his head. "I can never understand the need to build such tall towers. It boggles the mind."
"Well, at least we know which way to go..." admitted Akira meekly, in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Toei and Bandai is own Digimon. Bandai owns Digimon World 2.
Guard Tamer: Blight of GAIA
By: RB3
Chapter 8: A Hero's Destiny
Kari was perplexed. "Is she someone you know?"
"Not really," admitted Akira. "But like I said, the name is so familiar."
"What could this dream mean?" pondered Tai.
Lillith remembered the other strange dreams that random Guard Tamers had had before. "Maybe it's a sign that something bad is going to happen."
"Now I'm worried," admitted Agumon. "Those Blood Knights have weapons that will kill a lot of people. Maybe that dream is what will happen in the future."
Darkfryer was unconvinced. "Yeah, but you don't need some fancy psychic dream, mumbo jumbo to tell you that..."
"That still doesn't explain the role of the girl, Esteena. From the way my dream happened, it almost looked like this was someone else's memories rather than a vision of the future."
Kari's suggestion puzzled everyone and spawned new questions. If this was a dream about someone's memories, then whose memories were they? They wondered why they were seeing this now of all times. They suspected that there was much more going on behind the scenes than previously thought. Whatever it was, everyone had the feeling that deep down, it was not a good thing.
Akira pressed for more details: "Can you tell me more about the dream?"
Kari repeated her story, this time being as detailed as possible. Akira latched on to her mention of Overlord GAIA. "Our spies have told us that that was the name of the Blood Knights' leader!"
This revelation instantly drew Tai's attention. "What?"
"That's right," confirmed Lillith. "Overlord GAIA is the name of the Blood Knight leader."
"This can't be a mere coincidence," stated Akira. "It just can't!"
Akira told them about what the Guard Tamers found when they searched the abandoned Blood Knight base. The Guard Tamers found documents authorizing the acquisition of materials for the creation of biochemical weapons. These Blight warheads were to be launched from a platform located in space. The orders came from Overlord GAIA himself. Suddenly, the dream made more sense to Kari and the others.
"I saw that in my dream!" proclaimed Kari. "You don't think he's going to do that to our world?"
Now Kari began to realize just how grave the situation truly was. It was becoming clear that her dream was the events of the past. Deep down, she knew that Overlord GAIA wanted to destroy the world in the same way he did in the past. Kari was frightened indeed. However, the dream also revealed the identity of the Avenger. He was known as True GAIA.
Everyone found the name interesting. In a way, it fit the Avenger and his role in a poetic sense. The Avenger and Overlord GAIA, were both products of Esteena's GAIA project. However, Overlord GAIA was flawed from his very conception and became something his creators did not intend. True GAIA, on the other hand, turned into what humanity wanted. He fought Overlord GAIA to the bitter end to stop his tyranny.
**************************************
Away from the surface of the Digital World, in outer space, dark hearts plotted their next move. The Kernel Zone was an amazing construct made of the highest technology. It orbited the planet of the Digital World like an artificial moon. Its surface was fragmented into millions and millions of transistors and metal plates. It was a barren world, with no trees or vegetation of any kind. There were only two gigantic towers to break the metallic monotony of the landscape.
The first tower had flaps that opened to reveal the interior of the tower. Several humans and Digimon were gathered around the tower, setting up infrastructure for a full-scale military assault. This tower was Chaos Tower, the main headquarters of the Blood Knights. A Mammothmon had harnesses placed onto its body, and attached to carts covered with a large cloth. When the Mammothmon towed the cart to its destination, a Birdramon removed the cloth to reveal a missile launcher underneath.
Several other Birdramon came to the aid of their comrade. Blood Knight workers fastened ropes to the Bird Digimon and they pulled the missile launcher into an upright position. Other Blood Knight workers opened some panels on the ground, pulling out several wires. An engineer connected the wires to ports along the side of the launcher and fastened them in place. Several other workers followed their cue and began to oil the pivots. The workers gave a signal and an operator entered instructions to swivel the launchers.
The launcher installation was only what was occurring on the surface. Under the ground was an enormous metal factory complex filled with bustling workers. They moved like ants to and fro preparing for winter. A scientist in a sealed environmental protection suit gazed at the chemical in his beaker. It was a sickly green liquid that bubbled and churned in its container. This liquid was a sample of the vile toxin, Blight. The scientist looked over the beak and authorized the shipment of the biochemical agent.
"Alright, that's the last of them. Send it to the missile boys so they can load it in."
A worker came in and rolled a cart loaded with several Blight-filled barrels to a missile construction site. Several workers unloaded the cart and placed the barrels onto a marked platform. Several Devimon in cranes lifted the barrels to engineers on top of the nearly completed missiles. They attached tubes to grooves on the barrels and loaded the barrels into a compartment in the missile.
The engineers cleared the newly completed missile and attached a rope to the head. A ceiling crane slowly pulled the missile upright and moved it over the opening of a missile launcher tube. A Blood Knight worker below gave directions to the crane operators to lower the missile slowly into the tube. With the missiles loaded, the launcher was placed onto a cart being harnessed to a Mammothmon.
**************************************
In the command room of Chaos Tower, a man in his thirties stood in the darkness and gazed upon a cocoon of wires. The man's greyish blue spiky hair, and was clad in a bluish grey uniform with red markings. He was a Blood Knight, but not just any old foot soldier or Tamer. He was Crimson, leader of the Blood Knights and even he was accountable to another. The wires frayed and then tore, revealing the figure, Crimson's superior, within.
"So my lord, you have awakened," commented Crimson.
"Indeed, and now I will purge the Real World just as I did before so long ago! How goes the operation?" asked the shrouded figure with a twisted, mechanical voice.
"The missile launchers are almost set up. There are only a few more to go."
The figure had a face like a robotic harlequin, twisted into an evil sadistic grin. Wires hung from the ceiling and travelled to its massive metallic robe-like body. Its metallic skeletal arms fluttered about with a will of their own. The figure was pleased with their work, cracking what seemed like a twisted smile. This being was Overlord GAIA, soon to be the destroyer of several worlds.
"Excellent! We shall begin the operation now."
"Yes master!"
The comm officer announced Overlord GAIA's orders to the Blood Knights. The workers finished setting up the missile launchers and positioned themselves to fire the launchers.
"Launcher A01 online! Standing by."
"Launcher A02 online! Standing by."
All the firing crews announced their readiness to fire the missiles. Overlord GAIA raised his hands into the air, drawing upon the limitless energy of the Kernel Zone. On the monitor, a large tear in the time-space continuum began to emerge. The tear widened and widened until a lush green planet could be seen in the distance on the other side. Overlord GAIA was opening a portal to the Real World to begin his assault. The Kernel Zone broke out of its orbit, moving towards the dimensional rift.
**************************************
In the Digital World, Gennai sat before the four Guardians. The demanded an audience with him to announce something vital to the future of the Digital World. In flashes of light the four Harmonious Ones appeared. They were Ebonwumon of the North, Baihumon of the West, Azulongmon of the East, and Zhuqiaomon of the South. Gennai patiently awaited the word of the Guardians.
Azulongmon began: "Gennai, my friend, it has been a long time. As you know, our world is under siege. The evil one known as Overlord GAIA is making his move as we speak. Long ago, a being of goodness, the Avenger of Humanity, True GAIA, descended into our world and sealed the evil one away. He asked us to bless the humans so that they may one day be able to stand against the evil one..."
"...However, some of those filthy humans violated their sacred oaths!" continued Zhuqiaomon. "They serve Overlord GAIA now, seeking to destroy the Digital World they once sought to protect! Already there have been wars, and the defenders of the Digital World have prevailed. But now, the evil one will soon make his presence known. Our forces can't defeat him, but we know who can. We must find the Avenger!"
"The Avenger sealed away the evil one and peace reigned at last, or so everyone thought... Overlord GAIA's seal has broken, and soon he will be free to spread his tyranny across our world. GAIA must not be allowed to succeed! Our only hope is an ancient prophecy which foretold of the Avenger's second advent," added Baihumon.
The prophecy was told in the form of three quatrains. Each of Ebonwumon, Baihumon, and Zhuqiaomon each told a third of the entire prophecy:
Ebonwumon:
From a world of hope and vibrant life
Come winds of change and violent strife.
Fourscore hours shall last his Blight,
And worlds fall to tyranny and might.
Baihumon:
So comes a Hero who tames the beast;
To find the Avenger and free the East.
So returns the Dark Lord, scourge of all,
Veil'n the light in an eternal pall.
Zhuqiaomon:
Ere the Avenger's time comes nigh,
Born of a Child doomed to die...
With Memories of an age long ago,
A Hero's destiny he will know.
Gennai bowed before the Guardians and began his search for the avatar of the Avenger. He began his search by working his network of Digidestined allies.
**************************************
Back in Digital City, the Guard Tamers were working around the clock to reconfigure their captured gateway. Their spies have learned about the Kernel Zone, and also what the Blood Knights intended to do. Intelligence determined that the Kernel Zone was a massive battle station that orbited the Digital World like a moon. The enemy intended to launch Blight-filled missiles from the Kernel Zone to annihilate the Real World's population. The Kernel Zone has begun its move to the Real World. The Guard Tamers decided to launch a massive counter strike on the enemy's heart to put an end to them once and for all.
Akira, Kari, and Tai reported their discoveries to each of the Guard Teams. Each Chief asked for assistance from the Digidestined, including those from outside of Japan. The Digidestined siblings gave their word to work their network of Digidestined and call in as many allies as they could. The three went to the site of the portal that first brought the Guards Tamers to the Real World. Teams of technicians worked as though they were possessed. The tension was very evident on everyone's face.
"So, it has all come to this," remarked Akira. "This the battle all of us have waited for and feared. We are going to fight the Blood Knights on their own turf."
"Are you nervous, Akira?" asked Kari.
"Yeah..." admitted Akira.
"We're all afraid," noted Lillith.
"...But we're Digidestined and Digimon, and we don't back down. It was like this before every battle. Remember when we fought the Dark Masters?" asked Gatomon.
Kari remembered the images and sensations from that time. "Of course!"
"We fought those battles anyway. We knew that we were the only ones who could fight them. We knew that we were the ones who could make a difference!" stated Agumon.
"You said it, Agumon!" cheered Tai.
Akira was concerned. "Tai, remember what the Chiefs told us? Make sure to tell our allies exactly what they're getting into. It is vital they go into battle with confidence."
"Don't worry, Akira," said Tai. "They will know. We're Digidestined and we know the risks that come with being one." "Okay, tell everyone to meet here."
**************************************
In the Real World, commuters were on their way to work for the day. Several people on the streets were walking along, going to where they were supposed to for the day. Unknown to them, a great, epic event was about to unfold. A Digiport began to open in the space between the Earth and the Sun. The sky gradually darkened as the Digiport widened.
The people of Earth soon took notice of the encroaching darkness. The city was covered by the shadow of the object in the sky. They saw the gigantic spot that blotted out the Sun. At first, it looked like a mere solar eclipse and nothing to worry about. Some astronomers set up telescopes to take pictures of the "eclipse" without damaging their eyes. On closer, inspection, there was something odd about the spot. From their photographs, the eclipsing object looked like a hole that led to another world.
In the hole was a celestial body the size of the moon. As time passed on, the object slowly grew larger and larger. Everyone thought this was a mere illusion. However, astronomers realized that the celestial body was real and moving towards the Earth. If it came too close, or even struck the Earth, the results would be disastrous. The Real World militaries learned of this and began to grow concerned. They put further research into the object.
"Breaking news! Authorities have determined that the object in the sky is real and not an illusion! This object appears to be moving closer to the Earth. Scientists are baffled as to what the object is and why it is there. The world's militaries are mobilizing to destroy the object. We'll be back with more as the story develops."
News stations all over the world reported the crisis. The most terrified people feared the end of the world was nigh. Preachers and other religious figures prayed for mercy and salvation in their time of crisis. Panic began to grip the populace of the world, with riots breaking out in many major cities. Cars were toppled and stores were vandalised and looted. Several people had already been trampled and injured by panicking rioters. The police were taxed to the limit trying to maintain order. All the while, the world's military forces prepared to launch several nuclear warheads to wipe out the object.
At such a launch site, military technicians scrambled to ready the launch of a warhead. The mission control initiated a count down and the nuke was launched, soaring straight to its target. The military watched everything through a mounted camera. Everything seemed to be in order until a violet field of energy encased the celestial body, the Kernel Zone. The nukes exploded upon impact with the barrier and Overlord GAIA mocked humanity's pitiful attempt at self-defence.
A blinding flash of light lit the skies, which was followed by a massive burst of intense orange flames. A huge cloud of smoke blanketed the object. Once it cleared, the Kernel Zone was still there, apparently unharmed by the blast at all. The military found out about the powerful barrier and realized their efforts were futile. Throughout the whole ordeal the other Digidestined watched in awe.
They were over at TK's home as guests for dinner. TK gazed outside of his window upon the explosions of light in the sky. All the Digidestined crowded around the window. The explosions soon stopped and the darkness returned. They looked at the object in the sky in fear and concern. It was then that TK remembered what Gennai said.
"Does anyone remember the prophecy Gennai told us?" asked TK.
"Yeah, it fits," said Cody.
"So returns the Dark Lord, scourge of all, veil'n the light in his eternal pall."
**************************************
Back in the Digital World, Akira, Kari, and Tai returned to Digital City. The news about the events in the Real World has reached the Guard Tamers as well. In Akira's room, the three watched the Digital City news. The Guard Tamers tapped into the world's communications network and discovered the initiation of Overlord GAIA's plot. Time was running out.
At this time, a strange vision came into Akira's mind. In it, he saw True GAIA himself fighting his nemesis, Overlord GAIA. True GAIA attempted a slash with his sword of darkness, cutting into the metal chassis of Overlord GAIA. All around them were explosions and shots being fired. Akira saw gigantic inhuman shapes fighting, and recognized them as various species of Digimon. Eventually, his vision shifted into the view of a massive tower that he had never seen before.
The tower was beautiful and made of a shiny metal. It was tall, possibly thirty stories or greater in height. It seemed out of place in the vacant world he was envisioning. The world was made completely out of metal and circuitry. From the descriptions he heard from Guard Tamer intelligence, it must have been the Kernel Zone. Akira believed that he was seeing the battle that was coming up. The tower suddenly lit up, as though something had turned on its power...
"Akira, wake up! Are you ok?"
Akira looked around and found himself lying on his bed. "Where am I?"
Kari was relieved. "I'm glad you're okay. You gave us a scare!"
"Yeah, we thought you were sick!" said Darkfryer.
Tai told Akira what happened while he was unconscious: "While we were watching the TV, you suddenly fainted! This strange glowing symbol appeared on your forehead. It resembled our Crests. This weird beam of light came from the symbol and shot into the sky."
Akira asked about the symbol, and Kari gave him a description. The symbol resembled three points of light in a downward pointing, equilateral triangle. The top left point was black, and the top right point was blue in colour. The bottom point was gold. At the centre of this triangle was a vaguely eye-like icon. The eye looked like it could pierce the veil of time itself, and see into the past and future.
"What could it be?" asked Akira.
"Are you a Digidestined, Akira? Do you have a Digivice?" asked Tai.
"No, I don't have one. I'm not a Digidestined."
Everyone thought about what had happened until Kari came up with an idea. "Let's call Gennai, he might know what's going on."
Almost immediately after the call, Gennai materialized in the room in a sparkle of rainbow-coloured light. Everyone told Gennai what happened and in return, he told them about his mission. Everything soon became clear. Gennai believed that Akira was the human half of the Avenger, True GAIA, who hid and walked amongst humans. This surprised everyone, especially Akira. Gennai wanted Akira to go with him.
"I can't just go, I'd be abandoning my post! I could get into a lot of trouble for that!"
"Don't worry about that. It was the Guardians of the Digital World ordered me to take Akira away. I'm sure your leaders will understand. Tai, Kari, make sure to tell the Chiefs about this."
"We will, Gennai," they promised.
"Okay Akira, don't worry about anything now. We're going to meet the Harmonious Ones now. They will tell you everything you need to know."
Tai and Kari left to inform the Guard Tamers chiefs and locked the door behind them. Gennai teleported Akira and his Digimon to the meeting site of the Harmonious Ones. They were possibly the hugest Digimon Akira had ever seen. Akira stood in awe of each of the Guardians, looking upon their divine countenances in reverence. Each was surrounded in a noticeable glow of light shifted to their respective colours.
Gennai spoke: "I have returned with the human half of the Avenger. His name is Akira, a member of the Guard Tamers."
"We shall see if he is truly the one," replied an unconvinced Zhuqiaomon.
The Guardians looked over Akira, as though they were looking into his very soul. Akira was bathed in the light of the Guardians and the image of an angel superimposed over his body. The angel had wings and a halo of golden flame. His body was made entirely of a bluish mystical metal. The angel's eyes were filled with divine power and gleamed a golden light. The Guardians huddled together and discussed what they saw. When they were done, they reported their results.
"You have done well, Gennai, for he is indeed the one," congratulated Baihumon. "We Guardians can see the power of the Avenger coursing in his veins."
"Akira, before you lays a burden that only you must bear," said Ebonwumon. "Listen well to the prophecy that we will tell you."
The Guardians recited the prophecy just as they did to Gennai.
"The Blood Knights have broken the seal on their master, Overlord GAIA. You are the Avenger spoken of in the prophecy. You must defeat Overlord GAIA once and for all!" said Ebonwumon.
"Are you ready to began your journey?" asked Azulongmon.
Akira was unafraid. "I have seen enough of the Blood Knights' atrocities. I will do everything I can to stop them! I am ready."
"So be it. We will bring you to the base of Core Tower on the Kernel Zone. Your goal is at the top. You must climb all the way to the top and merge with your other half. The Crest of Memories, the symbol of True GAIA shall lead you to Core Tower."
The Crest of Memories appeared on the ground. It was the same symbol that Kari described! The crest glowed and shimmered, as if beckoning Akira to come. A column of light rose from the Crest to the sky. Akira gazed at the light with an ominous feeling creeping into his body.
"Darkfryer, Lillith, go with Akira. Help him on his journey," asked Ebonwumon.
"We will help Akira by any means necessary," responded Darkfryer.
"We will protect him with our lives," swore Lillith.
Akira and his Digimon stepped onto the Crest of Memories. Their forms were turned to energy and vanished.
**************************************
In another part of the Digital World, the Guard Tamer technicians finished their configurations. Slowly but surely, Digidestined and Guard Tamers began to gather. Soon, the crowd grew into a massive horde of Guard Tamers, Digidestined and Digimon. Each individual knew the stakes of the upcoming battle and gathered hoping their help could make a difference. It seemed that every Digidestined that ever existed in the Real World was there. The leaders of the Guard Teams gave their address to the assembly.
"Guard Tamers, Digidestined and Digimon. Today we stand united against a common foe. We have come far in fighting the evil that now threatens our home worlds and still further we must go. As a seemingly desperate act, Overlord GAIA has moved his Kernel Zone to attack the Real World. If he is not stopped soon, billions will die from his deadly Blight," announced Vandar.
"It is your efforts that brought us to this point. We will enter the Kernel Zone and crush the last of GAIA's forces. We will be brave and strong and we will be victorious!" cried Cecilia.
"The time for speaking is over. We must take to the field of battle! For the Digital World! For the Real World!" cheered Skull as he thrust a fist defiantly into the air.
The assembly cheered in unison with an unheard of fervour. Their morale surged to an all time high. The technicians fired up the gate. Electricity crackled and an image of a metallic world appeared in a rectangular portal. The ground rumbled as the amassed army filed into the gateway. One by one each individual marched into the portal, and the final battle.
**************************************
In the Real World, the effects of the Kernel Zone's presence were visible to all. Severe storms wracked the land. Hurricane force winds devastated coastal villages all around the world. Chaos continued to ensue on the streets of the rest of the world. In New York, police were swamped trying to calm the terrified populace. The situation was so bad that the military had to be called in for assistance. Mimi's parents were justifiably scared out of their wits.
Looters and rioters continued to ransack the city they lived in. Inside his house, Keisuke Tachikawa, Mimi's father, peeked through the curtain to see outside. He could hear the raving screams of deranged rioters. Every once in a while, the clanging of metal and shattering of glass could be heard. On the street, the rioters overturned a car and another was reduced to flaming wreckage. He could see his neighbour across the street peeking out from behind the blinds. Mr. Tachikawa felt the same way; both were too terrified to leave their homes.
He went to check up on his wife, Satoe. She was watching the TV with great intent and concern. The TV screen was filled with images of sheer pandemonium. Images of rioting, and fierce tempests occupied the screen every minute. It looked like the world was coming to an end. The news brought a live broadcast of the chaos.
"The situation around the world grows worse and worse," informed the reporter.
The image shifted to an image of the Kernel Zone in the sky. "The object continues to approach closer and closer to the Earth. The gravity of this object has disrupted weather patterns across the world. Authorities are trying their best, but the magnitude of this disaster has stretched them thin. Authorities have advised that everyone stay in their house and lock their doors. More on this as the story develops."
"I'm scared! What if Mimi's out there with those crazed rioters!"
"Don't worry honey, Mimi's smart enough to avoid those people. I'm sure she's coming home, she's just playing it safe and avoiding the riots," said Keisuke in an attempt to comfort his wife.
**************************************
In TK's apartment, his mother felt the same way as the Tachikawas did. She feared for TK's safety with all the violence and destruction going on outside. Nancy thought all the Digital World stuff would be finished after TK fought the Dark Masters. Now, the world seemed on the verge of ending with the Kernel Zone approaching the Earth. All she could do was watch TV, for going outside would be tantamount to suicide.
"This just in! Our sources have informed us that the UN has received an informant from the Guard Tamers. Viewers may remember the Guard Tamers as the military force who aided the US and Japan against attacks perpetrated by monsters. We take you live to the UN assembly in New York."
The scene shifted to a massive meeting hall. Leaders of hundreds of Real World nations gathered to discuss plans to stop the object. At the podium, a violet-bearded man prepared his speech. He wore the black leathery uniform of a Black Sword Guard Tamer. He adjusted his papers as he waited for silence to fall.
"People of the Real World, I am Commander Chris Conner of the Black Sword Guard Team. I have been authorized by my superiors to inform you about the crisis at hand. Your world is under attack yet again by the Blood Knights. This time, their own leader Overlord GAIA is using his Kernel Zone as a platform to launch deadly biochemical weapons onto your planet."
Chris paused to let the magnitude of his words sink in. The attempt to stop Blood Knight acquisition of biochemical weaponry failed. Even with the Guard Tamers and Real World' efforts, the Blood Knights were able to gather the needed supplies. Annihilation was closer than ever before. The assembly broke out into small groups who conversed amongst themselves. The arbiter called for order and Conner continued his speech.
"The Kernel Zone is a massive space station the size of your moon. Overlord GAIA used his power to transport the Kernel Zone from our world into yours."
Chris activated a handheld holographic projector. A holographic Kernel Zone appeared for all to see. Chris paused to allow the crowd a good look at it. The crowd once again burst into chatter. Chris continued telling the crowd about who Overlord GAIA was. He told the assembly everything from Overlord GAIA's birth as an AI, to the evil he brought upon the world in which he was born.
"Overlord GAIA has already destroyed one world and the Guard Tamers will not allow him to do the same to a second. We have mobilized on the surface of the Kernel Zone to prevent the launch of biochemical weapons."
Chris finished his address within moments and gave the podium to the next speaker. Flashes went off as photographers took pictures of Chris leaving. He moved into a nearby pressroom to find it already filled with reporters starving for information. He took a seat on a press table beside other Guard Tamer brass the conference began.
**************************************
Akira and his Digimon reappeared outside of the massive Core Tower. He remarked that it was Core Tower in the vision he had while unconscious. Core Tower was a monument to the heights that can be reached by technology and science. Circuitry ran through every inch of the walls of the tower. The walls hummed and Akira and his Digimon could feel a strong power radiating from all around. This power also had a sensation of goodness in it.
The interior of the tower was surprisingly cool for having so much circuitry in it. Akira thought it would be much warmer. The walls were a golden colour and radiated the same sensation as the exterior. A set of metal stairs led further up the tower. Akira followed the endless stairs upwards with his eyes, and dreaded the long climb ahead. The feeling was mutual in his Digimon.
"We have to go up all that?" gasped Akira.
"Looks like I'm going to soak my sore feet when this is through," commented Lillith.
"Why can't they make smaller towers?" commented Darkfryer shaking his head. "I can never understand the need to build such tall towers. It boggles the mind."
"Well, at least we know which way to go..." admitted Akira meekly, in an attempt to lighten the mood.