(Author's Notes: Here's Chapter 11. I'm about three chapters ahead of this one now, and I've got more time now, so I'll be making faster progress, I think. I'll post Part 2 of this in a bit. Enjoy!)
Chapter 11: The Judgment of Miracles (Part I)
The twelve Royal Knights were seated around the table in the council room. Although the room was grey and formal, sunlight shone in through the stained glass window. The rays cast dim, coloured light across the floor and table.
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode was there as well, standing next to Alphamon and Ouryumon. He had returned from his meeting with the Dark Area overseers.
Magnamon sat in his seat, leaning forward on the table and frowning lightly. He glanced between Alphamon, Dynasmon and Craniamon.
"So…" Alphamon spoke, his brows furrowed and his tone was serious. "You're saying that, not only did you find a dark rift outside of Caer Ygg, but a group of five Phantomon escaped to the Digital World from the Dark Area?"
"Yeah," Dynasmon confirmed. "We deleted them all and I sealed up the rift the best we could, but we still need to send one of the special teams up to close it for good. We got the mayor's permission."
Craniamon nodded. "I don't think my father will deny our help after that," he explained.
RhodoKnightmon looked at him with surprise. "Your father?" he asked curiously.
"Never mind all that," Duftmon stated dismissively. "This is calamitous news. The Dark Area situation seems to be deteriorating more swiftly than we imagined."
"Let's not overstate things, Duftmon," Imperialdramon Paladin Mode responded, looking over at the tactician. "I spoke with Plutomon and Anubismon. While it's true that the barrier around the Dark Area isn't exactly stable at the moment, we're not about to be facing a massive prison break anytime soon."
Duftmon looked at him sceptically. "You don't think? What about those Phantomons, then?" he asked him.
"That was just a fluke," Imperialdramon assured him. "The Dark Area's external and internal barriers are strong enough to keep Digimon with large data sizes – Ultimate levels like the Seven Great Demon Lords, GranDracmon, and so on – trapped inside."
"DarkKnightmon was able to escape," Magnamon pointed out.
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode nodded. "That was only because Dorbickmon created the window of opportunity for him. Although Dorbickmon didn't seal up the Dark Area perfectly, he still did enough to keep the big players trapped inside."
Ouryumon nodded but frowned. "But even so…"
"Yeah, we still have to fix this problem," Imperialdramon agreed. "I'm not trying to downplay the need to fix the Dark Area's security by any means, but we shouldn't think that we're on the verge of catastrophe either. We need to think about this with level-heads."
"You're right," Alphamon stated. "If we panic, we could end up making the wrong decisions."
"I'm not panicking," Duftmon insisted, sitting up straight in his seat and folding his arms. "However, I think that this issue needs to take top priority."
Magnamon shot him a look. "What about the Metal Empire? We can't just forget about them… They're an actual and present threat, not just a potential one like the Dark Area. They just attacked us, for Yggdrasil's sake."
"We haven't forgotten about them, Magna. Trust me," Alphamon assured him. "We just have to think of the smartest way to respond to them."
"That said, we can't neglect the Dark Area either," Dukemon mentioned.
"Did anything happen while we were gone?" Craniamon asked.
RhodoKnightmon shook his head. "Not particularly. There have been no further attacks or signs of hostile activity in our territory. The Metal Empire has also refused to accept our envoys."
"These past few weeks haven't exactly been a shining victory for diplomacy," UlforceVeedramon said with a half-grin.
"Unfortunately," Sleipmon spoke, frowning. "What do we do?"
"About the Dark Area or the Metal Empire?" Examon questioned.
"Let's focus on the Dark Area for this meeting," Alphamon said. "We don't want to get sidetracked."
Magnamon folded his arms. "Okay, so, the Dark Area…" he began, although a little reluctantly.
"How's that coalition coming?" Imperialdramon Paladin Mode asked them.
"Good," Alphamon responded. "King Spinomon assured us that the Mesozoic Kingdom would help us. Although they tend to be neutral on most issues, this is something that they can get behind without much fuss."
"The United Dramonic Coalition is in talks about our proposal, as well," Examon added. "The Four Great Dragons are discussing it, but they will probably agree."
"It would be good to get the Jungle Troopers on board. Thunderhead Rainforest is large and dense, and there's insect patrols constantly scouting around in there," Magnamon explained. "It would be hard for us to look for dark rifts without their help. They know the forest like the backs of their claws."
Ouryumon nodded with agreement. "That makes sense. Perhaps one or two of us should go down there and speak to King HerakleKabuterimon," he suggested.
"A sensible idea," Alphamon agreed. "Are there any volunteers? RhodoKnightmon? What about you and Magnamon?"
"Oh, I suppose so," RhodoKnightmon agreed, although somewhat apathetically. "I guess I could buy some lovely herbs, mushrooms, and honey from the High Branch Market in Evergrowth."
Duftmon looked at him blandly. "That is not the point of the trip…" he deadpanned.
"I'd rather not, Alphamon," Magnamon replied, folding his arms and frowning.
Alphamon looked over at Magnamon with surprise. "Why not?" he asked him.
"I think it's a waste of time," he explained directly. "I'd rather stay here, if it's all the same to you."
The leader of the knights raised an eyebrow. "Well, sure… I won't force you to go…" he responded, a little taken aback by Magnamon's uncharacteristic bluntness.
RhodoKnightmon eyed Magnamon. "But I think I will bring him along anyways," he exclaimed.
"What?" Magnamon protested with irritation, eyeing the pink-armoured Royal Knight. "I want to stay here."
"I think you could use the distraction, don't you, Magna?" RhodoKnightmon said to him, looking at the golden Royal Knight directly. "The castle will be well looked after."
Magnamon sighed with reluctance. "Fine. I'll go…" he responded, although it seemed like he was dragging the words out of his throat.
"Good," Alphamon said. "But we need to start thinking long-term about how to solve the Dark Area stability problem." He turned to Imperialdramon Paladin Mode, who was standing beside him. "Did your talk with Anubismon and Plutomon produce any results, Imperialdramon?"
Imperialdramon folded his arms and shook his head. "We brainstormed a lot, but it seemed like there was an obstacle around every corner. At this point, we're open to ideas."
"This is above my pay grade," Gankoomon stated. "I don't know anything about how the Dark Area works, let alone how to fix that. I leave that to the nerds like Duftmon."
Duftmon shot him a glare. "Pardon?"
Sleipmon smiled sheepishly. "Don't worry, Gankoomon. You're not the only one. We usually leave the Dark Area stuff to Imperialdramon, Alphamon, Ouryumon, and Duftmon."
"I don't think we have any fresh ideas, do we?" Alphamon said, looking around the table.
Silence answered his question.
Duftmon frowned. "Part of the idea behind forming this coalition was to bring together some of the sharpest minds," he stated. "I know of a place where we can do that."
"You do?" Dukemon asked him.
Duftmon folded his arms and nodded proudly. "The Xuanwumon University in Saversburg. My university," he explained. "It's where the brightest minds go to challenge themselves. Perhaps one of my mentors will have an idea."
"That's a good idea, Duftmon," Alphamon said. "Perhaps a few of us should travel up there. Is today alright?"
Duftmon nodded. "Very well. That suits me fine," he replied.
"Does anybody else want to come along?" the black-armoured Royal Knight asked.
"May I come?" Sleipmon politely asked. "I've always been curious to see the academy that Duftmon always talks about."
Alphamon nodded. "Of course."
"I think I'll tag along too," UlforceVeedramon stated. "I don't really feel like staying around the castle, so…"
Duftmon eyed them. "Do try not to embarrass me…" he told them.
"I'll stay here at the castle. See how everything's going here," Imperialdramon explained.
Magnamon frowned. "Only Imperialdramon, Ouryumon, Dukemon, Dynasmon, Craniamon, Examon, and Gankoomon will be staying at the castle? After that attack? Is that enough?" he asked aloud.
UlforceVeedramon looked at Magnamon with a grin. "Seven super powerful Ultimates is plenty, Magna," he assured him with a chuckle.
"It's more than enough," RhodoKnightmon agreed. "Now, we should get ready to leave shortly. It's a long travel down south to Thunderhead Rainforest, Magna."
Magnamon winced but nodded. "Alright…" he agreed tentatively.
"Our group will take the Locomon Rail north to Saversburg in a few hours," Alphamon stated. "We have a long trip too."
"I guess we're done here?" Imperialdramon Paladin Mode asked, idly flicking one of Alphamon's horn-like protrusions on his head.
Alphamon gave Imperialdramon a look and then stood up. "It seems so. I know you're getting impatient."
"Who, me?" he asked, grinning at Alphamon playfully.
"Yes, you," Alphamon responded, giving him a slight smile. "Are you this bad when you're meeting the Four Holy Beasts?"
"Huh? I'm always well-behaved," Imperialdramon Paladin Mode insisted, striding around the table and heading to the door leading to the great hall.
Alphamon grinned and followed him. The rest of the Royal Knights rose to their feet and began flocking to the door.
As they walked into the great hall and began to disperse, RhodoKnightmon walked up beside Magnamon.
"You need to relax, Magna," RhodoKnightmon told him. "You've been sharp and on-edge for the past few days."
"I'm fine," Magnamon insisted dismissively.
"You might think so, but nobody else does," the pink Royal Knight told him.
Magnamon frowned and continued walking.
"Go and visit Metallife before we leave," RhodoKnightmon suggested. "I will meet you by the castle gates in about half of an hour."
The Knight of Miracles sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I'll do that…"
When they reached the octagonal foyer, the two Royal Knights broke off in opposite directions. RhodoKnightmon turned right and started heading up the stairs to the upper levels. Magnamon swerved to the left and began walking down the hallway.
After turning a corner at the end of the corridor, he walked down the adjacent hallway towards the computers room. He saw a light emanating from the room, which indicated to him that MetallifeKuwagamon was probably in there.
Upon reaching the doorframe, he was proved correct. MetallifeKuwagamon was sitting in a chair, typing on the large keyboard. There was a large cast over his right leg and various bandages were patched on other parts of his body. A pair of metal crutches were propped up against the desk nearby.
"Metallife?" Magnamon asked, walking inside the room. He gave a cursory glance to the computer screen before focusing on the wounded insect Digimon.
MetallifeKuwagamon rotated his swivel chair to look at the Royal Knight. "Hello, Magnamon," he greeted, adding a light tone to his words.
Magnamon frowned. "You should be resting," he advised him.
MetallifeKuwagamon shook his head gently. "This helps me relax," he responded. "Besides, there's loads that I need to do."
"Don't overwork yourself," Magnamon said. "There are other Digimon in the Technical Division who can cover for you."
The metal bug Digimon frowned and continued typing. "I need to do this, Magnamon…" he answered, his voice determined and serious.
"What?" the golden knight questioned, puzzled.
"It's my fault… The Metal Empire never would have attacked the castle if I wasn't being harboured here," MetallifeKuwagamon explained, his eyes narrowing grimly as he turned back to the monitor and continued typing. "I put everyone in danger."
Magnamon frowned and walked up to MetallifeKuwagamon, gently placing a blue hand on his shoulder. "Don't say that, Metallife. They were just looking for an excuse. This is all down to them, not you," he assured him.
MetallifeKuwagamon was silent as he continued typing.
"Nobody blames you for what happened, so you shouldn't either. We were attacked because Chaosdramon is a cold-blooded dictator who can't stand anybody opposing him," Magnamon told him. "You're an asset to the Order, Metallife. I don't want you thinking otherwise."
After a moment, MetallifeKuwagamon closed his eyes and smiled. "…Thank you, Magnamon. You cheered me up," he told him. "I suppose I was just demoralized because my fears came true…"
Magnamon smiled a bit. "We'll look out for you. It won't happen again," he promised him.
MetallifeKuwagamon looked over at him. "Thank you…" he said. "Anyway… What are your plans for today?"
"I was dragged into going on a diplomatic mission down to Thunderhead Rainforest," Magnamon explained.
"Ah, I see. Good luck," the insect man Digimon said to him. "Is TyrantKabuterimon still in charge or did HerakleKabuterimon win the vote? I'm a bit behind on world affairs…"
"HerakleKabuterimon was elected," Magnamon responded. "Anyway, will you be okay?"
"Hm? I'll be fine. Don't worry about me," MetallifeKuwagamon assured him.
Magnamon paused and nodded. "Okay… I'd better get ready," he said to him.
"Very well. Thanks for checking up on me," MetallifeKuwagamon replied.
"Goodbye. Get some rest," Magnamon advised him, turning around and walking out of the room. He walked back the way that he came, not noticing Sistermon Blanc standing a little ways behind him.
She had overheard his conversation with MetallifeKuwagamon and gazed at him as he walked away.
"He's so kind and considerate…" she thought to herself with a starry look in her grey eyes.
Sistermon Noir suddenly appeared behind her and leaned in with a grin. "Stop drooling, sis," she told her cheekily.
Sistermon Blanc tensed up and turned bright red. "I-I-I wasn't! N-Noir!" she complained.
Sistermon Blanc stormed off in a huff while Sistermon Noir laughed at her sister's embarrassment.
Many hours passed since RhodoKnightmon and Magnamon left the castle and began their travel. They travelled down through the southern states of the Free Area as they headed towards Thunderhead Rainforest.
They walked down a path in the southern-most Free Area state. Surrounding the two Royal Knights was a beautiful, emerald landscape that was rich with lush plant life. The open fields of grass were a bright, healthy green. There was also an amalgamation of thick, mossy trees, fan-like ferns, and patches of vibrant plants and colourful flowers decorating the fields.
The path they walked on led down a slope towards a long, wide, stone bridge. The bridge passed over a thick river full of rushing water. On the other side of the bridge, the path led into a thick forest – Thunderhead Rainforest. The river served as a natural border between the Free Area and the Jungle Troopers' territory.
Thunderhead Rainforest was a cross between a temperate and subtropical rainforest. The weather was typically warm in the region, but not swelteringly hot or faintly cold. The Thunderhead Rainforest and its neighbouring territories saw heavy rainfall but very rarely was there a risk of flooding. As a result, the soil was very fertile and the rainforest was incredibly verdant. This was obvious by how vibrant and healthy the forest looked. The plant life within the forest was extremely diverse and there were trees, plants, and flowers of many different shapes and colours. It was also one of the biggest forests on the whole continent and possibly the eastern continent as well.
The rainforest was home to the Jungle Troopers. They were predominantly insect Digimon, but some plant Digimon also lived among their society.
Magnamon and RhodoKnightmon walked over the arching bridge, leaving the Free Area and nearing the mouth of the Thunderhead Rainforest.
The gold Digizoid clad Royal Knight strode with a soft frown on his face.
RhodoKnightmon glanced over at him. "Problem, Magna?" he asked him.
"No, it's nothing," Magnamon responded. "Do you think they'll agree to help us? The Jungle Troopers are all for trading, but when it comes to alliances and coalitions, they generally shy away and remain neutral."
"We aren't looking for a military alliance with them. We just want their help securing their territory against dark rifts," RhodoKnightmon replied nonchalantly. "I can't see why they wouldn't agree. Even the Republic of Node agreed and their relationship with us is – shall we say – ambivalent."
"A war with the Metal Empire might be on the way," Magnamon explained. "Helping us could be seen as picking our side over theirs. They might not want to risk it."
RhodoKnightmon folded his arms as the two reached the other side of the bridge. "I am not sure how likely that is," he stated. "I think you're overthinking it."
"You think so…?" Magnamon asked, furrowing his brows behind his gold helmet.
RhodoKnightmon gazed at Magnamon. "You really ought to relax, Magnamon…" he advised him. "You've been on edge and irritable ever since the attack."
"Can you blame me?" Magnamon retorted, glancing at the slender, pink Royal Knight.
"No. I know MetallifeKuwagamon is a good friend of yours," RhodoKnightmon stated. "However, going on the warpath and getting frustrated when people disagree with you isn't helping anybody."
Magnamon folded his arms indignantly. However, after a few moments he sighed and bowed his head. "I know… I know I've been unreasonable lately. Sorry. I just hate seeing my friends get hurt."
"I understand that. None of us like what happened, and we don't plan on letting the Metal Empire get away with it," RhodoKnightmon explained. "However, it's better to be productive in events like this."
The golden Royal Knight rubbed the back of his head. "You're right… I shouldn't dwell on getting revenge on evil Digimon…" he agreed, frowning. "I'll just try to focus on the task at hand."
"Wonderful!" RhodoKnightmon exclaimed. "Now we can enjoy the beautiful scenery!"
Magnamon managed a small chuckle as the two entered the forest, continuing to follow the trodden dirt path which was built around the flora rather than over it.
As they walked through Thunderhead Forest, the two Royal Knights were surrounded by the rich green of broad leaves, some small, others massive. They were attached to the large branches stemming off from the thick, brown, occasionally mossy tree trunks. Both the thick canopies and the forest floor was coated with emerald plant life. Although green and brown dominated the rainforest, there were plenty of other colours as well. The leaves of certain trees were all sorts of colours – blue, red, yellow, pink, white, and the list goes on. This extended to the flowers and plants on forest floor as well. There were rainbow-coloured plants, climbing vines, fragrant herbs, bioluminescent moss, giant mushrooms, and colourful flowers, among a wealth of other things. The flora was diverse and exotic throughout the rainforest.
However, it wasn't thick overgrowth throughout – there were plenty of glades, streams, and cleared sites that allowed for a more open area. The rainforest itself wasn't particularly thick; the space between the trees was usually large enough for a Kabuterimon to be able to fly through. This was provided that they flew beneath some of the larger, thicker branches up near the canopies.
RhodoKnightmon walked down the wide path, admiring the scenery. "Isn't it gorgeous, Magna? What a wonderful place for a date!" he remarked.
"Yeah…" Magnamon said, looking around as well. After a moment, he suddenly blinked and twisted his head to look at RhodoKnightmon questioningly. "Hold on. What?"
"Generally speaking, of course," RhodoKnightmon coyly responded.
"R-Right…" the knight of Miracles mumbled uneasily, walking along as well. "I guess it is pretty nice."
"We didn't have any scenery like that back at my estate," RhodoKnightmon noted. "Just rolling fields and a pond."
"Yeah? At least you were near water. Brighthelm is totally landlocked," Magnamon responded, remembering his own home.
RhodoKnightmon grinned. "Oh yes. That was the basis for your swimming difficulties, wasn't it?" he asked, looking over at Magnamon with amusement.
Magnamon's cheeks tinted and he looked away, unamused. "Hey, I can swim better than most of you now," he reminded him pointedly.
"That's true. I remember seeing you train as hard as Craniamon in that pool. You really pushed yourself," the rose knight recalled.
"Well, I didn't want to be the only Royal Knight that couldn't swim," Magnamon murmured. "Especially not after that embarrassing situation…"
"Where you fell in the water and needed rescuing?" RhodoKnightmon asked as he plucked a flower from the base of a tree and took a sniff of its fragrant scent.
Magnamon winced and flushed at the memory."Yes. That," he responded. "Imagine if somebody saw that apart from you guys. I'd have been a laughing stock. Not to mention the Order's prestige would be tarnished. That's how I felt, anyways."
RhodoKnightmon put the flower back down and looked at Magnamon. "Did you really feel that way?" he asked curiously.
"Well, yeah," Magnamon answered as he walked down the path, deeper into the rainforest.
"You really need to relax, Magna," RhodoKnightmon told him. "We Royal Knights are prestigious and respected, yes, but we are still just Digimon when it comes down to it. We can't be 'on' all the time."
"I know, but we should act dignified in public," Magnamon debated. "We have a reputation and an image to uphold."
RhodoKnightmon folded his arms. "Oh my. Now you really are starting to sound like Craniamon and Duftmon," he hummed aloud. "I don't know if I accept that. As Royal Knights, we are respected because of our actions, not our appearance."
Magnamon looked at RhodoKnightmon incredulously. "Are you, RhodoKnightmon, honestly telling me that you don't take pride in your appearance?" he teased him knowingly.
"Yggdrasil, no!" the slender Royal Knight stated adamantly. "However, that's a different sort of appearance. I agree that it's important to hold oneself with at least some dignity. However, if you constantly worry about what people think of you, then you will never be able to accomplish what you want to accomplish. Am I wrong?"
Magnamon frowned to himself. "…No… I understand what you mean, Rhodo," he acknowledged. "I shouldn't take it so seriously. I guess it's still something that I need to improve on, to a degree."
"Is that why you're reacting so badly to the attack?" RhodoKnightmon wondered. "Because the Metal Empire had the gall to attack us in our own castle?"
"No…" Magnamon told him sincerely. "I guess it does annoy me a little, but it really is because they hurt members of the Order. I can't stand people who hurt my friends."
"You mustn't take it personally, Magna," RhodoKnightmon reasoned with him. "As far as the Metal Empire is concerned, we're simply an obstacle or interference. They don't look at us on an emotional level, and we mustn't act against them on an emotional level. When you bring emotions into a mission, you lose sight of the bigger picture and end up focusing on the immediate."
Magnamon furrowed his eyes. "I don't agree with that, RhodoKnightmon," he told him. "Emotions are important. They fuel desire and a thirst for justice but they also allow for empathy, which leads to restraint and understanding. If you close your heart off and act with only cold logic, that can also lead to a narrow vision of things. Morality could be compromised."
RhodoKnightmon tapped his cheek with a finger. "So, you're saying that being too detached is just as dangerous as being too emotional," he mused. "I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this. I believe that you're of Sleipmon or Dukemon's school of thought whereas I'm of Duftmon or Craniamon's."
"That's fine. It's important that we're able to disagree amicably," Magnamon said to him thoughtfully. "Otherwise, it could end up like DarkKnightmon and Alphamon again."
"How very true," he agreed as they both walked through the labyrinthine forest.
The two Royal Knights walked through the forest for another hour. The deeper they travelled into the rainforest, the more bug Digimon they saw buzzing around. Surrounding them was the soft fluttering and deep droning of wings as insects flew past and soared overhead.
They were nearing the outskirts of Evergrowth. Both Magnamon and RhodoKnightmon were able to see it ahead of them, through the colossus trees. The colossus trees, as the name suggested, towered around them. Their trunks were tens of meters wide and they reached high into the sky. While they weren't a fraction of the World Tree's size, they were still mighty and majestic in their own right.
The city of Evergrowth itself was a beautiful city. It was constructed around the thick base of the trees with many large, wooden buildings erected on the forest floor. It was one of the largest cities in Thunderhead Forest, second only to Under Forest.
However, there was a whole second level to Evergrowth; there were wide, sturdy platforms built on the boughs of the colossus trees, as well as around their trunks. These platforms were interconnected with bridges and walkways. The balconies of Evergrowth were an architectural wonder; they were made with an incredibly dense type of wood and were built against the side of the trees in such a way that they were structurally sound, even enough to support heavy bug Digimon. On top of these platforms were single storey buildings – things like stores, public buildings, the High Branch Market, and other mainly non-residential buildings. Around the edges of the city were also lookouts that surveyed both the forest floor below the canopies and the sky above the canopies. Also, for Digimon who weren't flight-worthy, there were wide, spiral stairs built around the trunks of certain trees that led up to the canopy level of Evergrowth. The city was completely harmonious with the nature around it.
The two Royal Knights walked into the city after being eyed by some Stingmon guards. There were plenty of insect Digimon walking and flying around the flattened, dirt streets. The wide, main street that they walked down led through the city and over the small tributary that ran by the southern edge of the city. There were several inns and shops on each side of the road to welcome travellers. While there were plenty of bug Digimon, there were also some plant Digimon mulling around.
As they entered the city, the two Royal Knights saw a silver insect Digimon with a radar dome on its back perched on the branch of a tree. It looked at them with interest.
"We sure saw a lot of those Searchmon on the way here," Magnamon commented, briefly eyeing the small bug Digimon.
"I suppose we have," RhodoKnightmon responded offhandedly. He looked around the area with interest. Evergrowth was one of those cities where you would have to crane your head up to get the whole picture. This was due to the sheer verticality of it.
Magnamon glanced over at RhodoKnightmon as they walked down the main road. "So, what do you want to do?" he asked him.
"Would you like to get some lunch at a restaurant?" RhodoKnightmon responded. "Then we should keep going to Under Forest in order to meet with HerakleKabuterimon."
"Didn't you want to stop by the market?" Magnamon questioned.
"We can do that on the way back from Under Forest. It's more efficient that way," the rose knight explained.
"Excuse me," a voice said from nearby. "Are you Royal Knights?"
Magnamon and RhodoKnightmon turned and saw a Honeybeemon who had been flying nearby looking at them. Magnamon stood up straighter and puffed his chest up. "Yes, we are," he stated.
"And did you say that you were heading to Under Forest to visit King HerakleKabuterimon?" the small, yellow Honeybeemon questioned.
"Indeed we did," RhodoKnightmon answered curiously.
The Honeybeemon smiled. "Then you're in luck! The king is here right now," he informed them. "I just saw him up at the Evergrowth Command Post."
"Oh, thank you very much," Magnamon said to him appreciatively. "Is that on the canopy level?"
"Yup. Just take those stairs over there and take the left bridge. It's near the edge of the city, so it's not very far from here," the small, round bug advised.
"We appreciate the help," RhodoKnightmon said, pulling out a rose and handing it to the Honeybeemon before walking past him.
"U-Um. Th-Thank you…" the Honeybeemon said in surprise, sniffing the flower.
"Thanks again," Magnamon told him before going after RhodoKnightmon.
A ways down the road was one of the giant colossus trees, which stretched into the sky from its place beside the road. It was one of the trees with stairs spiralling around it, allowing Digimon to travel up to the canopy level. The two Royal Knights decided to approach the tree and make their way up the stairs.
They ascended the stairs and admired both the architecture and the view as they went. It was several minutes until they reached the canopy level and the two Royal Knights emerged underneath a stylized, wooden arch that was in the shape of an insect's pincers.
The canopy level was just below the actual forest canopies, so the multitude of spacious platforms and bridges were mostly concealed by a veil of big, evergreen leaves overhead. The sturdy, wooden platforms had railings along most of their edges and there were numerous bridges connecting one to the other so that there was a network between the trees
Magnamon and RhodoKnightmon walked out onto the platform which had a few buildings and many Digimon walking around on it. They walked to the bridge on the left side of the platform and crossed it to another platform. They then made their way across another bridge to a larger one, which spanned the boughs of three separate colossus trees and seemed to be big enough for a small staging ground. It looked like it was a military headquarters judging from its appearance.
In the center of the platform was a giant, golden, four-armed beetle Digimon. He had an imposing appearance that was accentuated by his giant horns and mighty, clawed limbs. It was King HerakleKabuterimon, the new leader of the Jungle Troopers. He was surrounded by an entourage of royal bodyguards, although it looked like he would be able to take care of himself if the need arose. HerakleKabuterimon was talking to a DinoBeemon, who seemed to be in a position of rank judging by the dutiful way that he stood and his other body language.
Magnamon looked at RhodoKnightmon. "Maybe we should wait until they finish," he suggested.
"I suppose so. Now that we don't have to travel all the way down to Under Forest, we have plenty of time," RhodoKnightmon agreed.
However, one of the king's guards noticed the two Royal Knights and nodded over to them, prompting HerakleKabuterimon to look over his shoulder and elytra. He turned his head back, said a few things to the DinoBeemon, and then turned around fully to face the Royal Knights.
The Royal Knights exchanged glances and then began walking across the courtyard towards the insect monarch. As they approached, HerakleKabuterimon placed two of his four hands on his hips and watched as the comparatively smaller Digimon approached him. His eyeless face observed the two Royal Knights standing before him, a large grin growing in his mandibles.
"Now this is a surprise!" the booming voice of the giant beetle exclaimed as he looked down at the two Royal Knights.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty," Magnamon greeted politely.
"You are looking well," RhodoKnightmon added.
"To you as well, Sir Magnamon and Sir RhodoKnightmon," HerakleKabuterimon responded, formally yet amicably. "I wasn't expecting to see two Royal Knights on my visit to Evergrowth!"
"We're sorry if this is inconvenient," Magnamon told him. "We were actually headed to Under Forest, but then we heard that you were here."
"Oh, I was just speaking with High Sentinel DinoBeemon, here, of our Forest Defence Forces. He's in charge of the Evergrowth sector of Thunderhead Rainforest. Apparently there's a problem," the king of the Jungle Troopers explained.
"Should we come back?" RhodoKnightmon questioned.
King HerakleKabuterimon shook his massive head. "No, no. It's fine. It's rude to keep guests waiting. Let's get right down to business," he stated with a smile in his insectoid maw.
Magnamon looked around uncertainly. "Erm… Right here?" he asked him.
"Yeah! Why not?" the monarch said. "This doesn't have to be overly formal, does it? Besides, I haven't prepared to receive guests and I can't think of a particularly suitable venue here in Evergrowth. This is fine, isn't it?"
Magnamon was sceptical of the idea. An informal chat didn't exactly suit the mission that they were on, and their information was rather sensitive. "Er… Well…"
"That's fine, Your Majesty," RhodoKnightmon spoke up.
The Knight of Miracles shot him a look. He was a bit annoyed that RhodoKnightmon undermined what he was about to say. "I suppose so… Though it's not information we want to make public," he added.
"Ah, I see," the king spoke. He turned and nodded at his bodyguards to leave them be. As the DinoBeemon began to go as well, HerakleKabuterimon stopped him. "You can stay, DinoBeemon."
The reptile-bug hybrid stopped and turned around, although a bit surprised. "Yes, sir."
HerakleKabuterimon smiled at Magnamon. "That reminds me. I knew your father, Sir Magnamon. He's a great Digimon. I'm sure you're just like him!" he exclaimed in a complimentary way. "Strong, noble."
Magnamon shuffled uneasily, rubbing the back of his head. "Thanks… Although I don't know how similar we are… We've had very different careers, after all."
"I suppose that's true. Now… what was it that you wanted to see me about?" HerakleKabuterimon asked the two Royal Knights.
"Well, we have come to ask for the Jungle Troopers' assistance in a very important matter," RhodoKnightmon begun.
Magnamon nodded. "The Dark Area has become increasingly unstable since DarkKnightmon's escape, and these dark rifts have been appearing all over the Digital World. They, themselves, are quite dangerous since they have the ability to corrupt data, but they're also emblematic of the weakening barrier of the Dark Area," he explained.
"Oh, yes. I have heard about that," HerakleKabuterimon explained, scratching his chin with his claws. "It's very troubling. One of our deep forest patrols came across one of these rifts a few months ago."
"Is that so?" RhodoKnightmon questioned. "So… You would be sympathetic to the idea of helping us locate and secure more of these rifts? We are forming a coalition to help do this across the Digital World. It's important that we seal the Dark Area and prevent dark data and other things from seeping out into this plane."
Magnamon nodded. "The Thunderhead Rainforest covers a lot of territory, and the Jungle Troopers know its terrain extremely well. That's why we're so eager for your help," he added. "It's important for the safety of the Digital World."
"Ah, that's a valid point indeed," HerakleKabuterimon hummed, thinking to himself. "I would be interested in having the Jungle Troopers help out with this…"
RhodoKnightmon frowned at his lingering words. "However…?"
HerakleKabuterimon smiled at him. "However, there's something getting in the way of our ability to help," the king said, his smile disappearing.
"What's that?" Magnamon asked him.
"We're facing a security crisis at the moment," HerakleKabuterimon informed them.
RhodoKnightmon folded his arms and tilted his head to the side. "What sort of security crisis?"
"There's a Digimon going around deleting Jungle Troopers in the rainforest," HerakleKabuterimon stated, his deep voice becoming grave.
Magnamon narrowed his eyes. "What?"
HerakleKabuterimon turned to DinoBeemon. "I'll let you take over, DinoBeemon," he spoke.
DinoBeemon nodded. "We confirmed that there's a Digimon going around killing other Digimon. As far as we can tell, the pattern's indiscriminate. It just seems to be random Digimon in the rainforest. Most recently, it was a squad of our soldiers who went to check out the disappearances. They were attacked and only one Okuwamon made it back alive to report what happened."
"That's terrible…" Magnamon said with a wince. "How many Digimon have been deleted?"
"As far as we know, about nine," DinoBeemon explained direly. "The Digimon is strong. He can easily face a Ultimate-level Digimon one-on-one. Apparently he's a Boltmon."
"And there's more," the insect king added.
"There's a strong chance that this Boltmon is one of the worst kinds of Digimon…" DinoBeemon stated. "We think that he's a data absorber…"
Magnamon's eyes widened. "You think he absorbs Digimons' data after he deletes them?"
"Despicable…" RhodoKnightmon said with a hiss.
"That's what the Okuwamon said he did," DinoBeemon explained, frowning. "It really is sick… When a Digimon's data is absorbed by another, their data can't pass into the Dark Area, so they can't be reborn at the Village of Beginnings."
"We checked with the Village of Beginnings to confirm that their digi-eggs haven't been reformatted," the bug monarch explained. "Needless to say, this needs to stopped before we can consider anything else. However, this Boltmon appears to be quite powerful. I'd rather not risk my forces…"
"Ah…" RhodoKnightmon said knowingly. "You want us to deal with this data-absorbing Boltmon."
"Well…" HerakleKabuterimon responded with a grin. "If you did, I would be more than willing to go along with any proposal you put forward."
"Naturally we will," Magnamon stated, folding his arms. "We Royal Knights can't overlook such an atrocious crime. We'll help out on that basis alone."
RhodoKnightmon nodded with agreement. "We will gladly rid you of this evil scum."
"We would be in your debt if you could do that," HerakleKabuterimon said to them. "But please be careful. They say that data absorbers grow stronger with the more data they consume."
"Thank you, King HerakleKabuterimon," Magnamon told him. "We will. Where do you think we can find the Boltmon?"
"Since the attacks started, we sent out many Searchmon to cover most of the rainforest," DinoBeemon explained. "The most recent sighting was about an hour ago in Tera Sector a few kilometers away. I could send a team of scouts to guide you if that's okay with the King."
"Of course," HerakleKabuterimon agreed. "Will you need reinforcements?"
"We should be fine," Magnamon insisted. "I guess we'll head out whenever the scouts are ready."
DinoBeemon nodded. "I'll get them to prepare."
RhodoKnightmon looked at Magnamon. "Why don't we get something to eat while we wait?"
Magnamon nodded. "I guess we could use the energy."
"I'll cover the bill!" HerakleKabuterimon stated amiably. "It's the least I can do. I know a great place to eat too. It has some of the best local cuisine!"
"Oooh? Do tell!" RhodoKnightmon chimed with interest, beginning to walk alongside the giant bug monarch.
Magnamon smiled a bit and began to follow them. He hadn't been expecting a fight when he first heard he was coming down to Thunderhead Rainforest, but it was his duty as a Royal Knight to stop this Boltmon before he could cause anymore damage.