Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. Clearly...
A/N: Hello, everyone! I'm really sorry about the delay, but I've been busy with my relatives coming from the States this past week. I'm back now, though, with a new chapter! I'll probably be updating my Kingdom Hearts fanfic next, just to let you all know. Also, the OC voting polls are now up on my forum, and there's still time to vote, so please make sure you do. Thanks and enjoy the new chapter! (I'll check tomorrow for any missed mistakes.)
Following the Footsteps of Destiny
Chapter 198: The Embers of the Heart
Daichi 'Dai' Motomiya
File Island, Eastern Hemisphere, Digital World
Though he had already known what was going to happen, Dai still could not help staring at his digimon partner in amazement, humbled by the astonishing amount of power that he, the leader of the Digidestined, had been able to release from deep inside his heart. It was truly awe inspiring, and yet at the same time he was aware of the fact that having such power required a lot of responsibility to control, and even more importantly, to wield effectively in battle. It was a lesson he had ended up learning the hard way, and realizing just how much he could have lost he felt a huge wave of relief wash over him, one that was so powerful it nearly sent him falling to his knees again.
He had done it, but he hadn't done it alone. Thanks to Tai and his father, his heroes who were both amazing role models whom he looked up to and admired, and the best group of friends a leader of the Digidestined could ask for, he had finally been able to overcome the fear in his heart in time to prevent himself from having to witness a huge tragedy that would have undoubtedly been entirely his fault. Thanks to his friends, his eyes had been opened and his head was clear, and now, for the first time since reaching the peak, he knew exactly what he had to do.
The safety of my friends comes first. I'm going to save you, Kara. I'm going to protect all of you and once you're all out of danger, we're going home. Forget Vampiramon. She can battle herself for all I care. We're getting off this mountain and no one is going to get left behind. Not as long as I'm the leader of the Digidestined!
Turning, Dai glanced at the glowing message carved into the pedestal where the Spirit Chip of Bravery had rested only moments ago, and staring in surprise he realized the message was no longer written in the ancient language of the Digital World. His D-Coder Digivice had translated the message into a language he understood, and now for the first time since reaching the peak he could clearly read what the message said:
"Courage is the fire that ignites the embers of the heart. Bravey is the symbol of the one who wears the mark."
The mark of a leader. D-Coder Digivices. I get it now!
And apparently so did the Child of Courage.
Behind him, Dai suddenly felt Tai's hand come to rest gently on his shoulder, and running his fingers over the inscription written on the pedestal, the former leader smiled and said in satisfaction, "Nice. Let's see Vampiramon take this message back to her great and powerful Ruler of Darkness!"
As far as Dai could tell, the written inscription had been the key to breaking the final seal surrounding the Spirit Chip of Bravery. It was only after he had truly begun to believe in what was written in the inscription that the Spirit Chip had finally responded to him and his D-Coder was able to decipher the message.
"Don't just stand there, you three!" Vampiramon suddenly shrieked, overcoming her surprise at this unexpected turn of events. "Destroy the digimon, or for the love of Hades at least render them all unconscious again to get them out of the way. I want that Spirit Chip!"
"We know, we get it," Spritemon grumbled, leaping into the air and twirling around in a circle. "Pixie Dust!"
Earlier, her attack more than likely would have finished off every single one of the unconscious digimon sprawled all over the peak of the mountain, perhaps even taking out WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon, but now that their partners were fully awake, alert, and full of newly restored energy, thanks to the Spirit Chip of Bravery, her crippling dust didn't stand a chance.
Leaping into action, as one FireDragermon and the rest of the digimon began to shoot their attacks at the three evil megas, and caught off guard by the sudden barrage of deadly blasts coming from eleven different digimon, Spritemon and her dark companions were forced to go on the defensive.
I can't believe it. All of our partners, other than Dovemon, have not only had their energy restored, but they're all at their highest state of digivolution to date so far. Talk about an amazing amount of power...
Dai stared at the Digivice in his hand, Dovemon's cheek nuzzling his arm, and turning to look at the little rookie, he smiled, his arms reaching out the pull the little digimon into a hug.
"I knew you could do it," Dovemon said softly in his ear, beaming at him with obvious pride and affection.
Thanks, Dovemon, for never giving up on me.
Turning to look at his partner, Dai shouted, "Dragermon, you did it! You digivolved!"
"It's FireDragermon now," his partner responded, swooping up Spritemon's small body and sending her flying with his large fist.
Though FireDragermon was still quite a large digimon, he wasn't nearly as big as Dragermon, nor did he take up as much space. His build and the contours of his body were very similar to that of Flamedramon, and like Flamedramon he stood upright on two feet. He was also approximately twice as big as the armoured digimon, giving him a slightly more human look than that of his champion form.
Dai had never seen Flamedramon before, but from the description he had gotten from his father he knew FireDragermon slightly resembled the armoured digimon. Unlike Flamedramon, though, FireDragermon's leathery skin was bright scarlet, and the armour covering his arms, chest, back, knees, thighs, lower legs, and head was a brilliant gold. Several golden rings circled the length of his scarlet forked tail, and the claws on his hands and feet looked sharp enough to rip the little fairy digimon he was currently fighting to shreds. Another difference setting him apart from Flamedramon were the two, large scarlet wings sprouting from his back, giving him the ability to fly. Almost his entire head was covered in golden armour, but Dai could still see his partner's intense green eyes, which were currently narrowed in concentration.
"FireDragermon," Davis said quietly, sitting up and gingerly rubbing the back of his head. "Ultimate level vaccine type digimon. His attacks are Dragon Pistols, Serpentine Blast, and Fire Meteor."
Glancing at his father in surprise, Dai said slowly, "How did you..."
"Don't thank me, thank Matty," his father replied, holding up the D-Terminal in his hand and nodding his head towards the younger twin. "Matty scanned your partner's data and sent it to Izzy for conformation. Izzy just sent me back an email at Matty's request to inform you, since you clearly haven't check your own D-Coder as he states it, to let you know."
Dai jerked around in astonishment, his face turning pink, and staring at the younger twin, who was gazing back at him from across the battle field, he lowered his eyse to the ground, uncertain of what to do. So, instead of responding to Matty, he quickly flung his arms around his father in a tight hug, relieved that his earlier behaviour had not caused any permanent damage. "Dad, I...I'm really sorry."
"Don't be. It doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're safe."
"But..."
"I told you, it doesn't matter. I know you didn't mean it," his dad said quietly in his ear, hugging him back just as tightly and gently ruffling his hair. "I'll always love you just the same, no matter how many mistakes you make."
"Oh, Dai, I'm so proud of you," his mother whispered, flinging her arms around both of them in a tight squeeze. "I love you so much."
This, coming from his mother, who was normally scolding him, was very high praise indeed.
"We're all proud of you, Dai," his uncle added, reaching over to give is shoulders a quick squeeze.
Nestled between his parents, Dai could still feel Matty's eyes on his back, and closing his own eyes he let out a deep sigh, one that contained both relief and uncertainty.
Dragermon might have digivolved, but there are still a lot of things I have to make up for...
"Hurry up, you fools!" Vampiramon shrieked, glaring at her fellow megas. "What are you waiting for? Destroy them and knock them unconscious. Do something!"
"We're trying here!" BlackWidowmon snapped, ducking under Dracomon's arm and roiling to the side to avoid Angelicmon's Celestial Star attack. "Now that they're all back at full strength, it's going to take a few minutes to subdue them again, you know!"
"I don't need your excuses, just do it!" Vampiramon snarled, shaking her head in disgust. "I'm taking the Kamiya girl back to Airdramon. When I get back, you'd better have this situation under control, or else. I want that Spirit Chip, and we're not leaving until we get it, understand?"
"And now the real game begins!" Jestermon cackled, launching his deadly black spheres at Zudomon, ExVeemon, and Tirimon, who scattered to avoid being hit.
Realizing Vampiramon intended to leave, Dai wriggled out of his parents' arms, and leaping to his feet, he gasped, "Kara!"
"Dai!" she shrieked, struggling in Vampiramon's grip.
FireDragermon must have sensed there was something amiss because he suddenly abandoned his fight with Spritemon, and swooping towards Vampiramon he sent a warning blast from the deadly gun on his right gauntlet, which had the look of a pistol, at the vampire digimon's feet, obviously taking great care to keep his aim well away from Kara.
Hissing, Vampiramon quickly transformed herself into a bat, and clutching Takara securely in her sharp claws, she proceeded to dive over the edge of the cliff in hopes of reaching Airdramon before FireDragermon could catch up to her.
"Kara, no!" Dovemon wailed, hopping anxiously up and down at Tai's feet.
Kara!
In response to the energy in Dovemon's voice, FireDragermon streaked through the air at a remarkable pace, considering his size, and grabbing onto the bat digimon's left wing just as she prepared to dive, he pulled her against him, his other hand reaching out to snatch Takara from the vampire digimon's grip.
"Good one!" Matt shouted, smiling at the new ultimate.
"Way to go, FireDragermon!" Ryoko cheered, pumping his fist into the air.
With Takara now resting comfortably on his shoulder, FireDragermon opened fire on the vampire digimon, his small flaming bullets punching into her leathery skin.
Awesome! My partner is so cool!
Unable to stand up to the barrage of bullets, which had caught her by surprise, Vampiramon tumbled out of the sky, her body slamming into the ground hard enough to create a small crater, and turning back into her human form, she hissed, "Ill get you for this!"
"More like the other way around," FireDragermon snorted, aiming the guns on both of his gauntlets at the vampire digimon. "Ready for round two? Dragon Pistols!"
Vampiramon quickly scrambled to her feet and raced across the peak of the mountain, a trail of flaming bullets following behind her, and leaping into action, WarGreymon shouted, "Terra Force!"
"Yes! That'll teach her!" Sam shouted, and then blushed when he realized he was showing too much enthusiasm for someone who was supposed to be currently hating his father.
Sam...You can't fool me.
Engulfed in a flaming ball of fire, Vampiramon had no choice but to stop, and nodding his head at FireDragermon, WarGreymon said quickly, "I'll keep Vampiramon occupied for the moment while you get Kara to safety."
"Okay, but save some of the action for me!"
"FireDragermon, over here!" Tai shouted, waving his arms to get the ultimate digimon's attention.
Transferring Takara gently to his hands, FireDragermon quickly headed towards them, and running to meet his partner, Dai came to a stop in front of FireDragermon, his intense gaze focusing on his female friend. He wanted to say something, but seeing as how he was unable to wrap his head around the fact that she was finally safe, he barely managed to stutter, "Kara, I..."
Kara didn't respond. Instead, she leaped out of FireDragermon's hands and flung herself directly into his arms, knocking both of them right off their feet.
Landing on his backside, Dai quickly scrambled up so he could wrap his arms around his female friend's waist, and holding her tightly against his chest, he whispered softly in her ear, "Funny, I didn't think you were the damsel in distress type."
"I'm not," Kara mumbled into his neck, her arms tightening around his shoulders, "but I'll let you save me this time. Just this once."
"I'm really sorry, Kara. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."
"What are you talking about? Look where I am, Dai! If you ask me, I'd say you did a pretty good job."
"But..."
"I'm right here, Dai," Kara said softly, lifting her head to kiss his cheek. "I'm right here with you, where I belong."
Not quite sure what to say to that, Dai blushed and mumbled, "I have your dad to thank for that."
"Huh?"
As if on cue, Tai raced over to them, his arms circling Kara, effectively causing Dai to be pulled into the hug as well, and kissing the top of his daughter's head, the former leader said in relief, "Don't ever scare me like that again."
"I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to frighten you."
"Not your fault. I'm just glad you're safe. I...there's a lot I need to tell you."
Turning slightly so she could wrap an arm around her father's waist, Kara said quietly, "I figured as much."
"Kara, I..."
"It's okay, Dad. If Dai can handle it then so can I. I'm not your daughter for nothing, you know."
Instead of responding, a faint smile appeared on Tai's face, and resting his cheek against his daughter's dark hair, he nodded in agreement.
"Kara, you're safe!" Dovemon cried, throwing herself into her partner's arms and rubbing her cheek affectionately against the female Digidestined's heart. "I was so worried about you."
"I know. I'm sorry for making you upset. Are you up for a little bit of friendly combat?"
"You bet I am! I've been itching to be part of the fight."
Kara nodded, and pointing towards the battle field, her hazel eyes narrowing into angry slits, she said confidently, "Then let's show these jerks it's not very nice to keep people hostage! Get them, Dovemon."
"Right! Dovemon digivolve to, Ibismon!"
Leaping into the air, the female champion proceeded to dive directly into the heart of the battle field, and completely abandoning the use of her special attacks, she punched Spritemon directly in the face, sending the female mega sprawling onto the ground.
"Oh my," Gabrielmon remarked, his lips twitching into a small smile.
"That was for our leader!" Ibismon snapped, glaring at the female mega and kicking her sharply in the ribs. "And that one was for Tai. This one here is for me!"
Shrieking in fury, Spritemon tried to roll away, but seeing as how Ibismon had only just digivolved and was full of energy, she was able to plant her green knee-length boot into the female mega's stomach before Spritemon could escape. The look of determination in Ibismon's green eyes made Dai smile, and pointing her fist directly into the female mega's face, she shouted, "And this one is for Kara! Emerald Flare!"
As Dai watched in fascination, Spritemon's head disappeared in a blast of green sparks, and due to the force of the blow at such close range, Spritemon's small body went flying past Gabrielmon and Angelicmon, who were both trying not to smile and failing miserably.
"Nice one!" ExVeemon called out, giving the female champion a thumbs up.
Waving her hand at the carnage she'd created, Ibismon said cheerfully, "That was so satisfying!"
"I bet," Angewomon said dryly, fluttering past to shoot an arrow at the energetic Jestermon.
"What do you think, Dai?" FireDragermon shouted, weaving between Vampiramon's deadly bolts of lightning and shooting his fiery bullets at her head. "Time to make our exit?"
Taking Kara's hand, Dai climbed quickly to his feet, and without even looking at the golden-haired Digidestined who had come up suddenly on his right, he wrapped an arm around Ryoko's shoulders, who in turn slipped an arm around his waist, an affectionate gesture that Dai knew was not something Ryoko tended to perform while in his presence, and gazing across the battle field at Sam and the twins, who stood gazing back at him with smiles on their faces, Dai quietly nodded, his hand tightening around Takara's fingers and his arm tightening around Ryoko's shoulders. "Let's do this!"