END GAME:
DESTINY'S END
CHILD OF SHADOWS MINI SERIES PART 8
Chapter 58
Forsaken
A few months ago.
"How are you feeling son?" A middle aged man kneeled next to a young boy in a rat infested alley. As bad as things were before, they had gotten worse when the revolution happened. All the good digimon, as few as there were, were converted with black spirals. The black spires had appeared, and now whenever someone let there temper take over, they became a mad raving lunatic. Thousands of people died from friends and family.
The boy coughed and smiled. "I'm okay, dad." And he coughed again.
The father smiled back, but it was only a mask. Meningitis, or Bronchitis, or influenza. A thousand ailments ran through the father's mind. When he was a child, he would be at a doctor, receiving whatever treatment he needed. Now here his own son was, sick of something that could have been cured weeks ago with a few antibiotics. The father dug into his sack. "That's good sport." The father pulled out a can of beans. "This should help, we need to put some meat on those bones."
The son smiled, when all of a sudden he heard a dull thump. His father's eyes went wide, and he slumped to the ground. "Dad!" The son screamed he rushed forward to his father's aid.
"Back off!" A young boy, about his age was behind his father. His clothes where ripped and mangled, his wild uncut brown hair hid most of his dirt caked face. But the son focused on the rusty sword pointed at him.
"You.." The son's breathing became labored, his lungs feeling like they were on fire.
"I said BACK OFF!" The new arrival said in a more demanding tone. He kept one sword pointing at the sick son, while his other hand wrapped around the bag with the food.
"That's ours!" The son yelled, anger filling him.
"Was." The sword wielding youth, who went by the name of Cody, backed out of the alley, sword held high. When he was a good distance away, he turned, and ran with his ill gotten loot, leaving the sick child and injured father alone.
Cody moved the metal plating hiding what he laughingly referred to as home, an old library, half collapsed. He had been on his own for years. His father and mother died in a horrific plane crash, one in which Cody himself barley survived. It was the first time Cody saw a digimon, a red and green four armed insect, the one responsible for the plane crash. Cody was nursed back to health by his grandfather, and they stayed together. For a while. Then one day a Council of Five member, named Alpha, was engaging in sport downtown, sport being terrorizing any human he could find. Alpha looked like a gray suited clown, with his face painted black and white, but his power, and skill with a sword, was almost unimaginable. Innocent people were dying, all in front of Cody's terrified eyes. Cody's grandfather, probably the finest human swords master in Japan, let his morality take over. Cody, maybe six at the time, begged his grandpa to stay with him. But his Grandfather refused. Cody's grandfather confronted Alpha, and challenged him in a one on one sword fight. An awesome battle ensued, one that still burned in Cody's memory. Alpha seemed to be impressed, and finally stopped. Cody remembered Alpha's words. "You are an fine swordsman. You have managed to even impress me. So I will honor your wishes. I will leave this place." Alpha pulled a white handkerchief from his sleeve. "But not without a souvenir." Alpha threw the white cloth at Cody's Grandfather. The cloth expanded, and complete covered the elderly man. The white sheet slowly floated to the ground, and then vanished. Alpha walked up to the spot, and picked a tiny doll off the ground. Cody watched in horror as Alpha left back to his funhouse, laughing the whole way with his prize. Cody ran up to the spot his grandfather disappeared, and found his ancient sword. Cody picked the blade up, tears in his eyes, and ran from that spot as fast as he could.
Cody harbored deep hatred for Alpha, but he hated his grandfather almost as much. His child mind could not comprehend why his Grandfather would leave him on the streets to die, for the sake of unknown strangers. Cody barely survived, relying on thievery and luck. When theft failed, Cody turned to outright mugging, with his rusty sword his Grandfather left him. Cody did not have the material to keep the sword properly maintained. He barely had enough to eat.
Cody ripped a few more books from the wall. Reading had no interest to him, but warmth did. He threw them in a barrel in the corner, filled with dying embers. The books quickly caught fire, filling the room with a red glow. The smoke flew up an air vent, and into the sky.
"Oh that's much better. It was getting so chilly in here."
Cody's sword was up in an instant. "Who?!"
A figure dressed in a red cloak became visible as the blaze grew. She must have been only four or five years old, judging on her height. Cody couldn't tell much more since it was so dark. "You look like you've seen better days."
"Get out!" Cody ordered.
"Not very nice to guests either." The red cloaked figure moved closer to the fire, and placed her hands over the pail. "Hard to believe you are a Digidestined, Cody."
"How do you know my name?! What is a digidestined?! Who are you?!" Cody was growing angry, he didn't like surprises.
"A little birdie told me. You're a digidestined." The cloaked figured rubbed her hands. Cody looked down. And then his eyes grew wide in horror. The hands weren't soft and pink, but flat and green with long spindly fingers. They slowly moved up to the hood of the cloak, and pulled it back. A green face with a large flower became visible in the flames. "And as for who I am."
"A digimon!" Cody screamed.
"Not anything as common as a mere digimon." Palmon smiled. "I am called Palmon, but more important, I am also called Epsilon. One of the Council of Five members. Ladydevimon wanted me to find you, so here I am." That was a lie of course, it was Izzy who ordered her to find Cody. But only her, Ladydevimon, Matt and Myotismon knew about Izzy, and Izzy planned on keeping it that way. Palmon went back to rubbing her hands over the flames.
Cody broke up in a cold sweat. An actual Council of Five member. Almost anyone who saw a Council member never lived to tell them what they saw. "Wh- what do you want with me?"
"Ladydevimon has requested your presence. Please come with me." Palmon smiled.
"No!" Cody took a step back.
"I'm sorry my fault." Palmon apologized. "I made it sound like you have a choice." Cody screamed and lunged forward, hoping to strike Palmon down. "Poison Ivy!" Palmon's finger tips suddenly shot out, wrapping around Cody's arms. Cody was quickly thrown to the ground, his tarnished sword flying out of his grip. Palmon smiled as Cody struggled against the vines. "Now come on. Ladydevimon is waiting."
"Will you quit squirming?!" Palmon dragged Cody through her lair. "We would have been here an hour ago, had you just cooperated!"
Cody was beyond terrified. Epsilon was pulling him around her biodome, Ladydevimon wanted to see him. Cody figured he be dead within the hour if he couldn't break free. And human instinct for survival was causing him to fight, even though he knew there was no escape. "Let me go!"
"Anxious to see Ladydevimon?" Palmon had Cody's neck and arms bound with one hand. With her free hand, she opened a door. It was a rather impressive bathroom, with Floramon servants on hand, cleaning and polishing the room as per the daily routine. The bath was huge, and made out of marble. Lush gardens grew on the sides, and exotic perfumes and soaps were on hand. There was even a waterfall pouring into the far side of the pool.
"Master Epsilon?" One Floramon spoke as she bowed.
"I want this child cleaned up." Palmon pointed to three Floramon. "He needs new clothes. Top quality. And you have an hour."
"Yes master Epsilon." The three Floramon didn't need anymore encouragement, and were off. Palmon smiled and threw Cody with a grunt of effort. Cody went head over heels, and landed in the water.
Cody came up sputtering. "What are you doing?!" He shouted as the he stood up to his stomach in warm water.
"Now we can't have you seeing Ladydevimon look like some vermin." Palmon smiled. She grabbed some soap, a rather flora blend, and threw it to Cody. Cody instinctively caught the bar. "Now clean yourself up. At least scrub of that top layer of grime."
"I'm not playing your game!" Cody threw the soap hard at Palmon, who merely batted the projectile away.
Palmon placed her hands on her hips. "Listen. To you want me to strip you naked and wash you like a baby?" Cody grabbed another bottle of shampoo and arached his arm back to throw. "Oh please."
Cody, now panic striken, began to throw the bottle, but two of the remaining Floramon had already jumped in the water, and grabbed Cody's arms and pulled them behind his back. "Let GO!" Cody struggled, but the Floramon held fast.
"Bring him here." Palmon ordered as she stood on the side of marble bath.
Cody struggled as he was being pushed through the water. He looked up, lip trembeling, as Palmon held out her left hand. Cody braced for the feeling of the vines wrapping around his neck, choking him to death. (At least it'll finally be over.) Cody winced.
Palmon's vines snaked passed Cody's face, then retracted after a few seconds, clutching a bottle of scented shampoo. "Sorry it's a bit flowery, but it is what I prefer." Palmon squirted a genrous helping of shampoo on Cody's head. Palmon placed her hands on his head, and began to work up a lather. "Man this is like a rat's nest." Palmon looked behind her at another Floramon. "You. Scissors. And find someone who knows how to cut hair."
The Floramon bowed and left quickly. Cody regained himself. "Stop teasing me! Let me go!"
"Oh come on, you are having your hair done by Epsilon, one of the most powerful beings on the planet." Palmon smirked as she grabbed a bar of soap. "I mean, do you want me to get Ladydevimon here to do your nails? Now come on, let's see if there is anything human under there." Palmon ran the bar of soap over Cody's face.
"Why does Ladydevimon want me cleaned just so she could execute me?!" Cody closed his eyes to keep the burning soap out.
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Palmon brought a face cloth over Coy's face "If Ladydevimon wanted you dead, you'd be dead." Palmon wiped Cody's face clean. "Ladydevimon would not have sent me, a Council of Five member, unless it was something important." Palmon motioned for the two Floramon to let Cody go. "She wants to offer you a job."
"A job?" Cody blurted, forgetting his fear for a bit, but not for very long.
Palmon heard the door open behind her. The two Floramon had returned, with clothes that looked like they would fit a young boy. "I'll let Ladydevimon fill you in on the details." Palmon stood up, the Floramon getting out of the water. "We will let you have some privacy. There is no need to escape, you are in no danger. Not that you could anyway." Palmon looked at the Floramon with the clothes. "Very efficent. Leave them for him." Palmon looked back at Cody. "Try and have a quick bath. You still need to get changed, and have a hair cut." Palmon looked at the soaking wet Cody, notcing how skinny he was. (I was told to make him comfortable.) "Are you hungy?"
"Huh?" The question caught Cody off guard. "Well yes..."
"I will have the Floramon prepare you a meal." Palmon nodded. "What would you like to eat?"
Not food. A meal. Cody's mouth watered. To actually be offered a choice, not old canned food he found in a cuboard, or a moldy piece of bread he swiped from someone. But a meal... and his choice. "Riceballs?" Cody asked apprehensively, one of his favourite treats as a kid.
"Of course." Palmon looked at the Floramon. "You heard the man. Rice balls. Also, some green tea. And some peach ice cream I think." Palmon looked at the hungry boy, who was rubbing his stomach. "In fact, I am feeling a bit hungry myself. Some spring water for me. And digi sugar vines."
"Digi sugar vines?" Cody asked confused.
"A delicacy from the Digital World. I will explain that, over lunch." Palmon smiled as she walked to the bathroom door. "Try and be quick. Even I don't like to keep Ladydeivmon waiting."
Cody and Palmon where in front of a strange looking pad. Cody had been washed, had a haircut, and given new clothes. He also was given a quick meal, better than he had had in ages. Palmon had explained about the Digital World, and why she became Epsilon. Cody felt sorry for her. Apparently, she had been trapped in a cell a prisionor for centuries, until she was rescued by Ladydevimon. Cody felt sorry for her, but idntified with her. He, was in the same postion. Trapped in the streets, afraid, starving, hungry. But now, Cody felt great, better than he had in years. He had already made up his mind to accept Ladydevimon's offer, no matter what it was. Probably as a servant or spy, but anything would be better than his previous life. The pad shone with a white light, and Ladydevimon's holographic form took place. "Welcome Cody." Ladydevimon smiled as the young boy. "I trust Epsilon has treated you well."
Cody was still nervous, despite Palmon's reassurances he would be safe. "Ah, yeah she did." Cody nodded as Palmon gave him a little smile.
"Good then, on to business." Ladydevimon pointed to a panel, which popped open. A shiny sword came out. Cody's hand almost magically ran over the blade. "Take it. It's yours."
"Thank you." Cody gasped in surprise as he held the sword. It was of a metal that Cody had never seen before. Cody tried to flex the blade and it was surprisingly strong. Cody had an urge to try it out. A wooden table was in the corner. In a flash of motion, the table was sliced in half. Cody couldn't believe at how effortlessly the blade went through solid oak.
Ladydevimon smiled at the young boy's skill. "It's made out of digizoidium, and sharpened with a laser to no more than a few molecules thickness. It is a fitting weapon for the new Delta."
The phrase caught Cody completely off guard. "Pardon?"
"It seems in that rebellion we had a few days ago, nothing major happened, but the first Delta was unfortunately killed by that rebel rouser Ken." Ladydevimon shook her head. "But I was thinking of replacing him anyway, so it was a blessing, at least to you Delta."
Cody couldn't believe it. It was like a childhood dream, pulled from the gutters, and given a kingdom to rule over. It was all too much. "You're kidding!"
"I may be many things, but I am not a kidder." An image of Delta's castle flashed on a screen beside Ladydevimon. "This is yours now. You can refurnish the place anyway you see fit."
"Th.thank you." Cody stuttered.
Palmon placed a palm leaf hand on his shoulder. "Told you you'd like it."
"But first, I'd like you to meet the rest of the Council of Five." Ladydevimon motioned to two door besides her. They swung open, and three figures walked in. You've met Epsilon of course, and here are the remaining members."
A blond haired youth, about six or seven years older than Cody, went first. "The name's Matt, but everyone calls me Gamma." Matt shook Cody's hand. "It's about time we had another human on the Council of Five." Matt knew the council was of course run by Izzy in secret, but he was the only human on the Council of Five, for all intensive purposes.
A tall vampiric creature with red and blue garb and fangs spoke next. "I am Myotismon, but I rule as Beta." Myotismon smiled at the young boy. "Ladydevimon speaks highly of you. I hope that we will not be disappointed." Myotismon still thought taking one so young was a mistake, but Izzy testified to his abilities. And Izzy had been right about everything so far.
The fourth member was less than all encompassing. He wore bright red, and had four swords on his back. "I still think Ladydevimon's making a mistake." Piedmon sneered. "A world full of powerful digimon, and she takes a human baby under her."
Cody sneered. "So you're Alpha?"
"My real name is Piedmon, Alpha is the title bestowed upon me." Piedmon turned around with a wave of his hand. "I have more important matters to take care of then talking to a mere child." Piedmon began to walk out, when he felt a tearing motion across his leg. Piedmon looked down, his leg bloody. Then he looked at Cody, his new sword just put to use.
Cody scowled at him. "You killed my grandfather. I owed you that."
A look of pure rage covered Piedmon's face. "Why you insolent CUR!" Piedmon grabbed a sword from his back. "I will slice you in two for that!"
"Alpha. Put the sword down." Ladydevimon calmly replied.
Piedmon scowled at Ladydevimon. "This imp has dared to strike me!"
"And if what he said is true, then you deserved it." Ladydevimon replied.
"I demand vengeance!" Piedmon turned to Cody. Myotismon, Matt, and Palmon were all at a respectable distance. They knew how powerful Piedmon was.
"Alpha. Remember the other Dark Masters?" Ladydevimon simply replied.
Alpha shook with anger. Puppetmon, Machinedramon, and Metalseadramon all were deleted years ago. Piedmon never figured out how Ladydevimon acquired so much power, but he wasn't foolish enough to go against it. Piedmon looked at Cody. "You are not worth my effort." Piedmon replaced his sword and walked out of the room with what remained of his dignity.
"Impressive!" Matt slapped Cody on the back. "I've never seen anybody stand up to Alpha like that!"
"True, but I would not press your luck.." Myotismon warned. "Alpha is not known for his patience."
"Beta's right. I wouldn't go cheesing a Mega digimon off." Palmon smiled. "It's not healthy."
Cody examined his sword. Alpha may be powerful, but this sword was too. All he needed to do was wait for the right moment, now that he knew it could hurt Alpha. "You're right. I guess I lost my temper. It won't happen again." At least for a little while. But for now, Cody got all he could ever dream. Power, wealth, and soon revenge.
"Very well then." Ladydevimon smiled. "Epsilon, show Delta to his new lair. Make sure he is properly settled in. I will be contacting you shortly to see how it goes." And with that, Ladydevimon's form blinked out of existence.
Back on Mount Fuji, Izzy sat in his chair, clad in his Digimon Emperor outfit. Ladydevimon's form appeared on a screen in front of him. "Well?" Izzy simply asked.
"Just like you said. The boy Cody was swept up by the power. It is hard to believe he is a digidestined from your time line." Ladydevimon answered.
"I was too." Izzy reminded his mother. "But that fact means nothing now. To me, to Matt, and to Cody."
"I'm afraid him and Alpha had a bit of a scuffle. Seems Alpha killed his Grandfather. I had to keep Alpha from gutting the kid on the first day of his job." Ladydevimon reported.
"Interesting." Izzy mulled. "It seems Piedmon is starting to outlive his usefulness." Izzy's eyes turned red again. "I have had years to perfect my powers. I should delete Piedmon now." Izzy turned off his powers. "But it is still not without risk. Perhaps Cody will be of some value to that end. We shall see how this plays out." Izzy nodded. "Cody will be a valuable ally, I am sure of it."
DESTINY'S END
CHILD OF SHADOWS MINI SERIES PART 8
Chapter 58
Forsaken
A few months ago.
"How are you feeling son?" A middle aged man kneeled next to a young boy in a rat infested alley. As bad as things were before, they had gotten worse when the revolution happened. All the good digimon, as few as there were, were converted with black spirals. The black spires had appeared, and now whenever someone let there temper take over, they became a mad raving lunatic. Thousands of people died from friends and family.
The boy coughed and smiled. "I'm okay, dad." And he coughed again.
The father smiled back, but it was only a mask. Meningitis, or Bronchitis, or influenza. A thousand ailments ran through the father's mind. When he was a child, he would be at a doctor, receiving whatever treatment he needed. Now here his own son was, sick of something that could have been cured weeks ago with a few antibiotics. The father dug into his sack. "That's good sport." The father pulled out a can of beans. "This should help, we need to put some meat on those bones."
The son smiled, when all of a sudden he heard a dull thump. His father's eyes went wide, and he slumped to the ground. "Dad!" The son screamed he rushed forward to his father's aid.
"Back off!" A young boy, about his age was behind his father. His clothes where ripped and mangled, his wild uncut brown hair hid most of his dirt caked face. But the son focused on the rusty sword pointed at him.
"You.." The son's breathing became labored, his lungs feeling like they were on fire.
"I said BACK OFF!" The new arrival said in a more demanding tone. He kept one sword pointing at the sick son, while his other hand wrapped around the bag with the food.
"That's ours!" The son yelled, anger filling him.
"Was." The sword wielding youth, who went by the name of Cody, backed out of the alley, sword held high. When he was a good distance away, he turned, and ran with his ill gotten loot, leaving the sick child and injured father alone.
Cody moved the metal plating hiding what he laughingly referred to as home, an old library, half collapsed. He had been on his own for years. His father and mother died in a horrific plane crash, one in which Cody himself barley survived. It was the first time Cody saw a digimon, a red and green four armed insect, the one responsible for the plane crash. Cody was nursed back to health by his grandfather, and they stayed together. For a while. Then one day a Council of Five member, named Alpha, was engaging in sport downtown, sport being terrorizing any human he could find. Alpha looked like a gray suited clown, with his face painted black and white, but his power, and skill with a sword, was almost unimaginable. Innocent people were dying, all in front of Cody's terrified eyes. Cody's grandfather, probably the finest human swords master in Japan, let his morality take over. Cody, maybe six at the time, begged his grandpa to stay with him. But his Grandfather refused. Cody's grandfather confronted Alpha, and challenged him in a one on one sword fight. An awesome battle ensued, one that still burned in Cody's memory. Alpha seemed to be impressed, and finally stopped. Cody remembered Alpha's words. "You are an fine swordsman. You have managed to even impress me. So I will honor your wishes. I will leave this place." Alpha pulled a white handkerchief from his sleeve. "But not without a souvenir." Alpha threw the white cloth at Cody's Grandfather. The cloth expanded, and complete covered the elderly man. The white sheet slowly floated to the ground, and then vanished. Alpha walked up to the spot, and picked a tiny doll off the ground. Cody watched in horror as Alpha left back to his funhouse, laughing the whole way with his prize. Cody ran up to the spot his grandfather disappeared, and found his ancient sword. Cody picked the blade up, tears in his eyes, and ran from that spot as fast as he could.
Cody harbored deep hatred for Alpha, but he hated his grandfather almost as much. His child mind could not comprehend why his Grandfather would leave him on the streets to die, for the sake of unknown strangers. Cody barely survived, relying on thievery and luck. When theft failed, Cody turned to outright mugging, with his rusty sword his Grandfather left him. Cody did not have the material to keep the sword properly maintained. He barely had enough to eat.
Cody ripped a few more books from the wall. Reading had no interest to him, but warmth did. He threw them in a barrel in the corner, filled with dying embers. The books quickly caught fire, filling the room with a red glow. The smoke flew up an air vent, and into the sky.
"Oh that's much better. It was getting so chilly in here."
Cody's sword was up in an instant. "Who?!"
A figure dressed in a red cloak became visible as the blaze grew. She must have been only four or five years old, judging on her height. Cody couldn't tell much more since it was so dark. "You look like you've seen better days."
"Get out!" Cody ordered.
"Not very nice to guests either." The red cloaked figure moved closer to the fire, and placed her hands over the pail. "Hard to believe you are a Digidestined, Cody."
"How do you know my name?! What is a digidestined?! Who are you?!" Cody was growing angry, he didn't like surprises.
"A little birdie told me. You're a digidestined." The cloaked figured rubbed her hands. Cody looked down. And then his eyes grew wide in horror. The hands weren't soft and pink, but flat and green with long spindly fingers. They slowly moved up to the hood of the cloak, and pulled it back. A green face with a large flower became visible in the flames. "And as for who I am."
"A digimon!" Cody screamed.
"Not anything as common as a mere digimon." Palmon smiled. "I am called Palmon, but more important, I am also called Epsilon. One of the Council of Five members. Ladydevimon wanted me to find you, so here I am." That was a lie of course, it was Izzy who ordered her to find Cody. But only her, Ladydevimon, Matt and Myotismon knew about Izzy, and Izzy planned on keeping it that way. Palmon went back to rubbing her hands over the flames.
Cody broke up in a cold sweat. An actual Council of Five member. Almost anyone who saw a Council member never lived to tell them what they saw. "Wh- what do you want with me?"
"Ladydevimon has requested your presence. Please come with me." Palmon smiled.
"No!" Cody took a step back.
"I'm sorry my fault." Palmon apologized. "I made it sound like you have a choice." Cody screamed and lunged forward, hoping to strike Palmon down. "Poison Ivy!" Palmon's finger tips suddenly shot out, wrapping around Cody's arms. Cody was quickly thrown to the ground, his tarnished sword flying out of his grip. Palmon smiled as Cody struggled against the vines. "Now come on. Ladydevimon is waiting."
"Will you quit squirming?!" Palmon dragged Cody through her lair. "We would have been here an hour ago, had you just cooperated!"
Cody was beyond terrified. Epsilon was pulling him around her biodome, Ladydevimon wanted to see him. Cody figured he be dead within the hour if he couldn't break free. And human instinct for survival was causing him to fight, even though he knew there was no escape. "Let me go!"
"Anxious to see Ladydevimon?" Palmon had Cody's neck and arms bound with one hand. With her free hand, she opened a door. It was a rather impressive bathroom, with Floramon servants on hand, cleaning and polishing the room as per the daily routine. The bath was huge, and made out of marble. Lush gardens grew on the sides, and exotic perfumes and soaps were on hand. There was even a waterfall pouring into the far side of the pool.
"Master Epsilon?" One Floramon spoke as she bowed.
"I want this child cleaned up." Palmon pointed to three Floramon. "He needs new clothes. Top quality. And you have an hour."
"Yes master Epsilon." The three Floramon didn't need anymore encouragement, and were off. Palmon smiled and threw Cody with a grunt of effort. Cody went head over heels, and landed in the water.
Cody came up sputtering. "What are you doing?!" He shouted as the he stood up to his stomach in warm water.
"Now we can't have you seeing Ladydevimon look like some vermin." Palmon smiled. She grabbed some soap, a rather flora blend, and threw it to Cody. Cody instinctively caught the bar. "Now clean yourself up. At least scrub of that top layer of grime."
"I'm not playing your game!" Cody threw the soap hard at Palmon, who merely batted the projectile away.
Palmon placed her hands on her hips. "Listen. To you want me to strip you naked and wash you like a baby?" Cody grabbed another bottle of shampoo and arached his arm back to throw. "Oh please."
Cody, now panic striken, began to throw the bottle, but two of the remaining Floramon had already jumped in the water, and grabbed Cody's arms and pulled them behind his back. "Let GO!" Cody struggled, but the Floramon held fast.
"Bring him here." Palmon ordered as she stood on the side of marble bath.
Cody struggled as he was being pushed through the water. He looked up, lip trembeling, as Palmon held out her left hand. Cody braced for the feeling of the vines wrapping around his neck, choking him to death. (At least it'll finally be over.) Cody winced.
Palmon's vines snaked passed Cody's face, then retracted after a few seconds, clutching a bottle of scented shampoo. "Sorry it's a bit flowery, but it is what I prefer." Palmon squirted a genrous helping of shampoo on Cody's head. Palmon placed her hands on his head, and began to work up a lather. "Man this is like a rat's nest." Palmon looked behind her at another Floramon. "You. Scissors. And find someone who knows how to cut hair."
The Floramon bowed and left quickly. Cody regained himself. "Stop teasing me! Let me go!"
"Oh come on, you are having your hair done by Epsilon, one of the most powerful beings on the planet." Palmon smirked as she grabbed a bar of soap. "I mean, do you want me to get Ladydevimon here to do your nails? Now come on, let's see if there is anything human under there." Palmon ran the bar of soap over Cody's face.
"Why does Ladydevimon want me cleaned just so she could execute me?!" Cody closed his eyes to keep the burning soap out.
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Palmon brought a face cloth over Coy's face "If Ladydevimon wanted you dead, you'd be dead." Palmon wiped Cody's face clean. "Ladydevimon would not have sent me, a Council of Five member, unless it was something important." Palmon motioned for the two Floramon to let Cody go. "She wants to offer you a job."
"A job?" Cody blurted, forgetting his fear for a bit, but not for very long.
Palmon heard the door open behind her. The two Floramon had returned, with clothes that looked like they would fit a young boy. "I'll let Ladydevimon fill you in on the details." Palmon stood up, the Floramon getting out of the water. "We will let you have some privacy. There is no need to escape, you are in no danger. Not that you could anyway." Palmon looked at the Floramon with the clothes. "Very efficent. Leave them for him." Palmon looked back at Cody. "Try and have a quick bath. You still need to get changed, and have a hair cut." Palmon looked at the soaking wet Cody, notcing how skinny he was. (I was told to make him comfortable.) "Are you hungy?"
"Huh?" The question caught Cody off guard. "Well yes..."
"I will have the Floramon prepare you a meal." Palmon nodded. "What would you like to eat?"
Not food. A meal. Cody's mouth watered. To actually be offered a choice, not old canned food he found in a cuboard, or a moldy piece of bread he swiped from someone. But a meal... and his choice. "Riceballs?" Cody asked apprehensively, one of his favourite treats as a kid.
"Of course." Palmon looked at the Floramon. "You heard the man. Rice balls. Also, some green tea. And some peach ice cream I think." Palmon looked at the hungry boy, who was rubbing his stomach. "In fact, I am feeling a bit hungry myself. Some spring water for me. And digi sugar vines."
"Digi sugar vines?" Cody asked confused.
"A delicacy from the Digital World. I will explain that, over lunch." Palmon smiled as she walked to the bathroom door. "Try and be quick. Even I don't like to keep Ladydeivmon waiting."
Cody and Palmon where in front of a strange looking pad. Cody had been washed, had a haircut, and given new clothes. He also was given a quick meal, better than he had had in ages. Palmon had explained about the Digital World, and why she became Epsilon. Cody felt sorry for her. Apparently, she had been trapped in a cell a prisionor for centuries, until she was rescued by Ladydevimon. Cody felt sorry for her, but idntified with her. He, was in the same postion. Trapped in the streets, afraid, starving, hungry. But now, Cody felt great, better than he had in years. He had already made up his mind to accept Ladydevimon's offer, no matter what it was. Probably as a servant or spy, but anything would be better than his previous life. The pad shone with a white light, and Ladydevimon's holographic form took place. "Welcome Cody." Ladydevimon smiled as the young boy. "I trust Epsilon has treated you well."
Cody was still nervous, despite Palmon's reassurances he would be safe. "Ah, yeah she did." Cody nodded as Palmon gave him a little smile.
"Good then, on to business." Ladydevimon pointed to a panel, which popped open. A shiny sword came out. Cody's hand almost magically ran over the blade. "Take it. It's yours."
"Thank you." Cody gasped in surprise as he held the sword. It was of a metal that Cody had never seen before. Cody tried to flex the blade and it was surprisingly strong. Cody had an urge to try it out. A wooden table was in the corner. In a flash of motion, the table was sliced in half. Cody couldn't believe at how effortlessly the blade went through solid oak.
Ladydevimon smiled at the young boy's skill. "It's made out of digizoidium, and sharpened with a laser to no more than a few molecules thickness. It is a fitting weapon for the new Delta."
The phrase caught Cody completely off guard. "Pardon?"
"It seems in that rebellion we had a few days ago, nothing major happened, but the first Delta was unfortunately killed by that rebel rouser Ken." Ladydevimon shook her head. "But I was thinking of replacing him anyway, so it was a blessing, at least to you Delta."
Cody couldn't believe it. It was like a childhood dream, pulled from the gutters, and given a kingdom to rule over. It was all too much. "You're kidding!"
"I may be many things, but I am not a kidder." An image of Delta's castle flashed on a screen beside Ladydevimon. "This is yours now. You can refurnish the place anyway you see fit."
"Th.thank you." Cody stuttered.
Palmon placed a palm leaf hand on his shoulder. "Told you you'd like it."
"But first, I'd like you to meet the rest of the Council of Five." Ladydevimon motioned to two door besides her. They swung open, and three figures walked in. You've met Epsilon of course, and here are the remaining members."
A blond haired youth, about six or seven years older than Cody, went first. "The name's Matt, but everyone calls me Gamma." Matt shook Cody's hand. "It's about time we had another human on the Council of Five." Matt knew the council was of course run by Izzy in secret, but he was the only human on the Council of Five, for all intensive purposes.
A tall vampiric creature with red and blue garb and fangs spoke next. "I am Myotismon, but I rule as Beta." Myotismon smiled at the young boy. "Ladydevimon speaks highly of you. I hope that we will not be disappointed." Myotismon still thought taking one so young was a mistake, but Izzy testified to his abilities. And Izzy had been right about everything so far.
The fourth member was less than all encompassing. He wore bright red, and had four swords on his back. "I still think Ladydevimon's making a mistake." Piedmon sneered. "A world full of powerful digimon, and she takes a human baby under her."
Cody sneered. "So you're Alpha?"
"My real name is Piedmon, Alpha is the title bestowed upon me." Piedmon turned around with a wave of his hand. "I have more important matters to take care of then talking to a mere child." Piedmon began to walk out, when he felt a tearing motion across his leg. Piedmon looked down, his leg bloody. Then he looked at Cody, his new sword just put to use.
Cody scowled at him. "You killed my grandfather. I owed you that."
A look of pure rage covered Piedmon's face. "Why you insolent CUR!" Piedmon grabbed a sword from his back. "I will slice you in two for that!"
"Alpha. Put the sword down." Ladydevimon calmly replied.
Piedmon scowled at Ladydevimon. "This imp has dared to strike me!"
"And if what he said is true, then you deserved it." Ladydevimon replied.
"I demand vengeance!" Piedmon turned to Cody. Myotismon, Matt, and Palmon were all at a respectable distance. They knew how powerful Piedmon was.
"Alpha. Remember the other Dark Masters?" Ladydevimon simply replied.
Alpha shook with anger. Puppetmon, Machinedramon, and Metalseadramon all were deleted years ago. Piedmon never figured out how Ladydevimon acquired so much power, but he wasn't foolish enough to go against it. Piedmon looked at Cody. "You are not worth my effort." Piedmon replaced his sword and walked out of the room with what remained of his dignity.
"Impressive!" Matt slapped Cody on the back. "I've never seen anybody stand up to Alpha like that!"
"True, but I would not press your luck.." Myotismon warned. "Alpha is not known for his patience."
"Beta's right. I wouldn't go cheesing a Mega digimon off." Palmon smiled. "It's not healthy."
Cody examined his sword. Alpha may be powerful, but this sword was too. All he needed to do was wait for the right moment, now that he knew it could hurt Alpha. "You're right. I guess I lost my temper. It won't happen again." At least for a little while. But for now, Cody got all he could ever dream. Power, wealth, and soon revenge.
"Very well then." Ladydevimon smiled. "Epsilon, show Delta to his new lair. Make sure he is properly settled in. I will be contacting you shortly to see how it goes." And with that, Ladydevimon's form blinked out of existence.
Back on Mount Fuji, Izzy sat in his chair, clad in his Digimon Emperor outfit. Ladydevimon's form appeared on a screen in front of him. "Well?" Izzy simply asked.
"Just like you said. The boy Cody was swept up by the power. It is hard to believe he is a digidestined from your time line." Ladydevimon answered.
"I was too." Izzy reminded his mother. "But that fact means nothing now. To me, to Matt, and to Cody."
"I'm afraid him and Alpha had a bit of a scuffle. Seems Alpha killed his Grandfather. I had to keep Alpha from gutting the kid on the first day of his job." Ladydevimon reported.
"Interesting." Izzy mulled. "It seems Piedmon is starting to outlive his usefulness." Izzy's eyes turned red again. "I have had years to perfect my powers. I should delete Piedmon now." Izzy turned off his powers. "But it is still not without risk. Perhaps Cody will be of some value to that end. We shall see how this plays out." Izzy nodded. "Cody will be a valuable ally, I am sure of it."