{Author's Notes: Here's Part 2 of Chapter 13. Like I said, different chapter name, but that's intentional. Enjoy!)
Chapter 13: I, Dukemon (Part II)
The next day came about. A beautiful, sunny morning had followed the night. Rays of warm light beamed down on Castle Albion and the surrounding landscape, giving it a warm radiance. The grass glowed with a verdant green colour, and the nearby river shimmered as it flowed east.
Dukemon stood at the edge of one of the castle terraces, leaning against the stone parapet. He gazed out into the distance, watching as the sun rose. The warm, orange rays cast across his body and were reflected in his thoughtful, gold eyes.
He admired the beauty of the sunrise as it rose from the sparkling horizon. More than that, he admired the beauty of the Digital World.
"I thought I might find you here," a calm, amicable voice said from behind him.
Dukemon glanced over his shoulder and saw Grani hovering behind him. He gave him a friendly smile. "Am I that predictable?" he asked lightheartedly.
"Worrisomely so," Grani teased, floating up beside him.
Dukemon laughed softly. "I can't help if I like the view."
The Zero ARMS smiled inwardly. "There is much to enjoy about it, on several levels."
"Yeah…" Dukemon agreed with a contented expression. He then turned to Grani with a grin. "You sound like an art connoisseur."
"Many artists gain inspiration from nature because of its beauty," Grani pointed out. "In terms of aesthetics, nature is rather similar to art: it is both pleasing to the eyes and it can inspire meaningful dialogue about deeper subjects."
Dukemon blinked and looked at Grani with surprise. "Really…"
Grani glanced at him lightly. "I may be a Zero ARMS, but I can still appreciate abstract concepts like beauty," he said in a voice that concealed a smile.
"I know," Dukemon said with a chuckle. "I just didn't expect there to be a philosopher hidden under all that chrome digizoid. It takes me off guard when you're not being your usual logical and professional self."
"You are the romantic one. It's probably your fault," the Zero ARMS remarked, staring into the distant, sunny horizon. "I suppose you have rubbed off on me a bit."
"I call it progress," Dukemon joked. "Anyways, what are your plans for the day?"
"I'm informing the scouts of their objectives this morning," Grani stated. "Then I am going on a scouting mission in the afternoon. And yourself?"
"Nothing really, at the moment…" Dukemon mused, resting on his arms.
"Hmph. Aren't you supposed to be the Royal Knight?" Grani dryly teased. "You should have plenty of responsibilities."
Dukemon shot him a grin. "Hey, I'll think of something. I won't be accused of not pulling my weight."
Grani smiled. "I know you won't. Well, I'll be off now. Enjoy the sunrise, Dukemon," he said to him.
"See ya, Grani. I'll catch up with you before you leave," Dukemon replied.
As Grani flew off the raised garden terrace and swooped down to the castle grounds, Dukemon turned back to the rising sun.
The crimson knight admired the light emerging over the Digital World. A smile rested on his lips as it heralded a beautiful, new day.
However, UlforceVeedramon was unable to enjoy the nice weather. It was now the late morning, and he was still stuck in bed in the medical bay. After a few days of rest, physiotherapy, and healing, Duskmon deemed that UlforceVeedramon could freely use his right arm now. However, his leg was still healing and he wasn't able to walk on it.
The dragon knight was frustrated that the Ulforce hadn't completely healed him by this point. He felt that Duskmon was being overly cautious. He was also annoyed that Duskmon wouldn't let him rest in his bedroom instead of the medical bay, as Duskmon thought he would use the opportunity to escape (which was probably true).
On the small table beside his bed were a few books that were stacked up. Most of them had been read. There was another book lying open on UlforceVeedramon's broad chest. He drummed his fingers against the cover impatiently. Instead of reading it, he just stared up at the ceiling with a look of discontent on his face.
Duskmon walked over to the bed, the large eye on his chest staring at a notebook in his hand. It allowed him to write while also focusing on UlforceVeedramon. "How are you feeling?"
"Wonderful," UlforceVeedramon sarcastically replied.
"I can tell," Duskmon answered just as sarcastically. "Do you want anything? More books?"
"I want to move around," UlforceVeedramon explained emphatically.
Duskmon sighed. "Your bone is still healing, UlforceVeedramon. Putting pressure on it could risk damaging it again. Just be patient for a few more days," he urged him.
"But I can move my leg a little now," UlforceVeedramon responded, looking down at his splinted leg, wiggling it a bit. "I think the physiotherapy and the Ulforce are helping."
"Even so, you don't have a full range of motion yet and I'm not comfortable with letting you walk on it yet," Duskmon told him. "Maybe I'll give you a crutch tomorrow if you've made more progress by then."
UlforceVeedramon sighed and closed his eyes. "Fine," he curtly said.
"By the way, you have visitors," Duskmon said, gesturing to the medical bay's entrance.
UlforceVeedramon opened his eyes and saw Dukemon walking over to him.
Dukemon made his way over and stopped beside the bed. "Hey, Ulforce," the crimson knight greeted cheerfully.
The cobalt knight wasn't in the mood for cheer. "Hey…" he answered spiritlessly.
Magnamon popped out from behind Dukemon, having been obscured by Dukemon's body and cape. He smiled behind his helmet and waved. "How are you?"
"Bored. Restless. Confined. Fidgety," UlforceVeedramon answered without his usual mirth.
Dukemon grinned and placed his hands on his hips. "I heard you were in a crummy mood so Magna and I thought we'd come cheer you up," he informed him.
"Yippee…" UlforceVeedramon muttered sardonically.
"You have your work cut out for you," Duskmon told Dukemon and Magnamon before heading off to do some paperwork.
"Sure looks like it," Dukemon light-heartedly stated.
UlforceVeedramon gave them an unamused, sideways glance. "I'd kind of rather be left alone, guys," he said to them, closing the book on his chest and moving it over to his bedside table.
"So, I guess you don't want to know what's going on?" Dukemon tempted him, smirking.
UlforceVeedramon fell for the bait and turned his head towards them a bit more. "…What?" he asked curiously. "Is something happening with the Metal Empire?"
"There's going to be an operation in a week," Dukemon explained. "One of Karatenmon's spies says the D-Brigade is on the move. Our scouts have confirmed that there's activity too."
"Do we know what they're doing?" UlforceVeedramon questioned, a bit more into the conversation now.
"The spy only knows that a regiment of D-Brigade soldiers led by Suijinmon is starting a mission," Magnamon answered. "Duftmon thinks they're going to into the hills south of the Mamemon Kingdom. They probably want to secure that area before beginning the main assault."
"And what are we doing?" UlforceVeedramon followed up.
"The Strike Forces are going to head north through the Free Area, the Republic of Node, and then Saversburg," Dukemon explained. "Then they're going to build a bridge across the Champion River since the only other one nearby was destroyed. A handful of Royal Knights are going to head up after and then we're going to intercept the D-Brigade."
"I'm going," UlforceVeedramon declared adamantly.
"Maybe if you're better by then," Magnamon reasoned with a smile.
"Yeah, see how you feel," Dukemon advised him. "You don't want to overdo it in your condition."
UlforceVeedramon seemed to deflate again. "It's a broken leg, not a corrupted digicore," he said irritably. "It's hardly even broken. I can already move it."
"Good, so you're recovering quickly," Dukemon said. "Why the bad mood then?"
The blue dragon man sighed. "I hate being stuck in bed. I feel useless here," he answered. "Forget the medical bay; I'd might as well be in the dungeon."
"Don't be so dramatic," Dukemon told him. "Some of us have been stuck in bed for weeks."
"So you should know how it feels," UlforceVeedramon responded, folding his arms across his chest.
Magnamon sat down on the edge of his bed. "Look, I know you're not the most patient Digimon and you hate sitting around, but you can't force this stuff," he explained to him.
UlforceVeedramon just closed his eyes and simmered.
Dukemon exchanged looks with Magnamon. He looked back at their injured friend. "Why don't I come back later with a few beers from the tavern?" he offered.
"I'm not allowed to drink," UlforceVeedramon informed him bitterly. "Even if I could, I'm not really in the mood."
Dukemon stared at him with bland incredulity. "Yggdrasil, you are depressing…" he dryly mused.
"Want to hear the latest gossip?" Magnamon suggested, trying to think of a light topic to improve UlforceVeedramon's mood.
"Not really," UlforceVeedramon answered apathetically. "I'd rather be left alone."
Magnamon looked at Dukemon for help. Dukemon shrugged. "We got a letter from Dorbickmon saying that he found out something big about Black Pincer Company. He wants some Royal Knights to come down to meet him, so Examon and I are going down to the UDC this afternoon," Dukemon explained. "He said that they're still down there, so this might be our chance to catch them."
"Wonderful," UlforceVeedramon replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's nice to know what I'm missing out on. Thanks a lot."
Dukemon frowned with annoyance. "Magnamon and I came here to cheer you up, Ulforce. You don't have to be such a jerk," he pointed out to him irately.
UlforceVeedramon opened a crimson eye and stared at Dukemon. "Yeah, well, I don't want cheering up," he explained firmly. "Can you both just leave?"
Magnamon frowned and stood up from the bed. "I guess if that's what you want…" he replied uncertainly.
Dukemon narrowed his eyes at UlforceVeedramon, his temper starting to flare at his attitude. "Not until I say this!" he declared.
Magnamon sighed and looked up at Dukemon. "Is there any point, Dukemon?" he asked him, hoping to prevent an argument from breaking out.
"Yeah, there is," Dukemon answered. "Just because he's in a bad mood, it doesn't mean he gets to be an ass to people."
UlforceVeedramon shot an annoyed glare at Dukemon.
Dukemon matched his gaze. "Enough, UlforceVeedramon! You have a broken leg. Yeah, it sucks. Deal with it and stop feeling sorry for yourself," he told him firmly. "It's not the end of the world."
UlforceVeedramon narrowed his eyes. "Stop feeling sorry for myself?" he asked him incredulously. "This coming from the guy who won't shut up about his Digital Hazard. But hey, I guess when that flares up, it really is the end of the world, isn't it?" he acerbically snapped.
"Ulforce!" Magnamon scolded, incredulous that he delivered such a low blow.
Dukemon didn't reply. He just stared at UlforceVeedramon, stunned by his friend's painful words. Initially, he couldn't believe what Ulforce just said to him.
After a few moments, Dukemon grimaced and turned away, showing his back to UlforceVeedramon. "Fine. Suit yourself," the Royal Knight muttered, obviously hurt by the outburst. "At least I have a good excuse."
Without another word or even a glance, Dukemon strode away and left through the door of the med bay.
Once Dukemon was gone, Magnamon turned towards UlforceVeedramon with an angry glare. "What's wrong with you, Ulforce?!" he chastised him. "I can't believe you said that to Dukemon! Talk about a low blow."
UlforceVeedramon winced subtly and chose not to respond.
"You've been like a different person these last several days," Magnamon said, frowning with both disapproval and concern. "You never would have said something like that. It's just not like you…"
The azure Royal Knight raised a hand to rub his face, sighing into his palm. "It's not like me to be sat on my ass being useless to the world either," he informed him. "I can't deal with it… It feels like everything's going on without me."
Magnamon folded his arms. "That's no excuse to be mean," he reminded him.
UlforceVeedramon groaned. "I know… I just can't help feeling like this," he explained, turning his head to look at Magnamon. "Look, you'd better go too before I end up saying something to you too."
"If it's about my height, I've heard it all before," Magnamon told him with a half-smile. He grew serious again. "You should apologise to Dukemon later… You know that's a sensitive spot for him."
The injured Royal Knight turned his horned head on the pillow so that he looked away a bit. "Yeah… Me and my big mouth, huh?"
"It usually is," Magnamon mentioned. He turned and prepared to leave. "Rest, Ulforce. And try to cheer up."
UlforceVeedramon glanced at Magnamon and watched as he walked out of the medical bay. When he was gone, he sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "Yeah… Right…"
Meanwhile, Examon walked down one of the castle corridors with Craniamon and Gankoomon. His toe claws tapped against the stone floor, harmonizing with the metallic rattle of Craniamon's boots and the wooden clicking of Gankoomon's red geta.
"So, when are you an' Dukemon heading to the UDC?" Gankoomon questioned, walking with his arms folded and looking over at Examon.
"In about an hour," Examon replied levelly. "I just need to prepare some ammo."
"Expecting a fight?" Craniamon asked, glancing at him.
"I just want to be prepared," Examon explained. "Dorbickmon said that Black Pincer Company was still in the UDC. If we have the opportunity, we should capture them."
"Why bother?" Craniamon wondered. "We haven't heard from them since they stole those blueprint things from Facture."
"Maybe they know something," Examon suggested. "Dorbickmon wouldn't be mentioning them if he didn't find out something important."
"They're pretty vicious guys," Gankoomon pointed out. "I've heard stories about some of their jobs. Once heard they blew up a whole bar in Dark Point because their target barricaded himself inside and refused to come out. Apparently everyone inside was deleted. Then again, it's one of those rumours you hear over a few beers, so who knows if it's true?"
"All the more reason to take them down," Examon calmly answered.
"I guess so," Gankoomon agreed, popping the bones in his neck. "I'm kind of curious to know how they fight."
"They probably fight dirty," Craniamon suggested indignantly.
"I can handle that," the red-haired knight said with a grin. "I'd insist on coming along, but I've gotta make sure my apprentice doesn't sneak off from his duties again."
Examon grinned as the three walked down the corridor. Ahead of them was an intersection between two of the castle hallways. "I'm sure Dukemon and I can handle it. The way you talk, it sounds like looking after BaoHackmon is more trouble."
"It can be," Gankoomon explained. "He's starting to get mouthy and thinking he knows best."
"I bet you were ten times worse at that age," Craniamon joked.
"You must have been a nightmare," Examon added with a chuckle.
Gankoomon rolled his eyes, although he couldn't really deny it. The three continued to walk down the corridor and they approached the intersection where the two hallways met. Out of the corner of his eye, Gankoomon could see somebody around the corner, walking up the hallway to the left.
He recognized the Digimon as Dukemon. The white and red armoured Royal Knight was striding swiftly, fast enough for his cape to flow behind him somewhat. Gankoomon stopped and raised a hand to hail him. "Hey, Dukemon!" Gankoomon called out to the dragon knight, initially not noticing his demeanour. "I heard that you-…"
Gankoomon trailed off when he watched Dukemon walk past them, crossing the intersection to go down the corridor to their right. Dukemon didn't acknowledge them in the slightest; he seemed to be completely absorbed in his thoughts. They weren't good thoughts judging by the expression on his face. At first glance, he seemed a mix of angry and sullen.
"What's with him?" Craniamon wondered aloud, after Dukemon disappeared down the corridor.
"Did I piss him off?" Gankoomon asked.
Examon frowned and looked down the hallway that Dukemon had gone down. He wondered what was wrong.
"Eh, He gets moody sometimes. Maybe he had a run-in with Duftmon," Craniamon supposed, shrugging it off.
"Yeah, maybe. Dukemon does have a short fuse," Gankoomon agreed.
"Look who's talking," Craniamon said to him.
Examon turned and began to head down the right corridor, after Dukemon. This prompted the attention of Craniamon and Gankoomon.
"Hey, Examon," Craniamon called out, looking up at the dragon who stood a head and shoulder taller than him. "You're not going after him, are you? Better to let him cool down."
The draconic Royal Knight stopped and turned his head. "Oh, uh…" he said, pausing. He had been planning to follow him to see what was wrong and if he needed somebody to talk to. "I was just heading to my room to prepare."
"Before you go, I've been meaning to ask," Gankoomon said to him. "BaoHackmon asked me a question and I wasn't sure how to answer it."
"Let me guess. It's about sex?" Craniamon said with a smirk. "You didn't give him the talk yet?"
Examon turned around and rubbed the back of his head, suddenly getting nervous. "Uh… It's not, right?" he cautiously probed.
"Nah. It's more science-y. For example… As Ultimate level Digimon, we all have big data sizes," Gankoomon began, rubbing the back of his neck. "You have the largest data size of the Royal Knights, right? Like an exabyte or something, yeah?"
"Well… I suppose. It is around that much, but it isn't vastly larger than the rest of yours," Examon humbly confirmed.
"Uh huh. Well, if your data size is so big, then why aren't you massive in size?" Gankoomon asked. He then shrugged. "I'm not good with science and that stuff, but I need to look smart in front of BaoHackmon."
"He is the tallest of the knights," Craniamon muttered, looking up at Examon for emphasis.
"You know what I mean. Why isn't he fifty meters tall – like - Armagemon-size?" Gankoomon clarified.
"Oh, uh, well…" Examon began, thinking. "Why are Ultimate level Digimon often smaller than Perfect level Digimon, yet have much bigger data sizes than they do?" he responded with a question. "The data is highly compressed. I know when one thinks of 'data size', they think of one's physical size, but it really has more to do with data density. That's why our attacks are stronger and our armour is able to withstand more damage as an Ultimate. It's part of the reason why I can use Dragonic Impact without hurting myself."
Gankoomon folded his arms. "Huh. …Okay, I think I got it," he said, thinking.
Craniamon smirked. "Maybe you should write it down to be sure."
"Shut it," Gankoomon told him, knocking on Craniamon's helmet with a fist. He looked over at Examon. "Good luck in the UDC. If you get to face Black Pincer Company, punch 'em once for me."
"Better yet, save them for me," Craniamon added.
Examon smirked a bit. "We'll see, Craniamon," he said to him. "And thanks, Gankoomon. See you in a bit."
"Later," Gankoomon told him with an offhanded wave. Craniamon nodded at Examon.
The dragon turned and continued heading down the hallway while the other two Royal Knights kept walking straight. Examon went in the direction that Dukemon travelled, which he noted was towards the stairway near the back of the building. He deduced that Dukemon went up to the second floor where the sleeping quarters were.
When Examon reached the end of the wide, stone hallway, he folded his wings and walked up the stairs to the second level. He emerged from the stairs in the long hallway that contained the Royal Knights' sleeping quarters and a few guest bedrooms. The red Royal Knight looked down the corridor but could only see the small form of a Gabumon who was sweeping the passage diligently.
"Excuse me, did Dukemon come by here?" Examon asked the Gabumon.
The Gabumon looked up. "He went into his room with Captain Grani," he responded. "May I clean your room?"
"Yes, thanks," Examon told him. As the Gabumon went inside Examon's room to tidy, the Royal Knight walked by and made his way down to the other end of the hallway, where Dukemon's room was.
He stopped at the room before Dukemon's room. He definitely heard Dukemon talking with Grani. The tall dragon was curious, but he didn't want to interrupt. The door wasn't completely closed, so Examon decided to listen in for a bit.
Inside, the Royal Knight and the Zero ARMS talked.
"Dukemon? What's wrong?" Grani asked him with concern in his voice.
Dukemon sighed and walked over to the other side of the room where a door led out to a small balcony. "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine."
"You certainly aren't. Don't lie to me, Dukemon; I know you better than anyone," Grani told him calmly yet caringly. "What happened?"
"I just need a few minutes to cool off. I'll be fine," Dukemon insisted with a wince on his face.
"That doesn't answer my question," the large, red dragon-bird stated, floating to Dukemon's side.
Dukemon grimaced. "Ugh… I pushed Ulforce too hard and told him to stop feeling sorry for himself… He got annoyed and called me a hypocrite, saying that I did that with the Digital Hazard," he explained, rubbing at his chest.
Grani narrowed his eyes with tempered anger. "He did…? That's uncalled for. I ought to have a few words with him…"
Dukemon gave the Zero ARMS a look. "Don't, Grani. Please…" he beseeched him. "It's no big deal… Maybe he's right. Maybe I do feel sorry for myself when it comes to that."
The crimson bird sighed and floated around in front of Dukemon, hovering at eye level with him. "It's not as if you let it control you or constantly go on about it to everyone. You're insecure about it. We all have insecurities. It is probably insecurity that caused UlforceVeedramon to say that in the first place."
"Or maybe they all think that," Dukemon muttered, his gold eyes glancing away.
"Now you really are feeling sorry for yourself," Grani said to him disapprovingly. "Don't be ridiculous, Dukemon. Give your friends more credit."
"Am I being ridiculous? If UlforceVeedramon of all people said something like that, then what do the others think?" Dukemon asked him pessimistically.
Grani looked at him sympathetically. "He's hurt. You were probably telling him things that he didn't want to hear. He lashed out," the Zero ARMS explained reasonably. "He's a good friend of yours; you don't really think he thinks that badly of you…"
"Maybe…" Dukemon replied half-heartedly.
"'Maybe'?" Grani asked. "These are your friends, Dukemon. I know how important they are to you. You should trust them more; don't think the worst of them. Give them a little credit."
Dukemon sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah… Yeah, you're right. You're making sense, as usual…" the crimson Royal Knight told him with a faint smirk.
"It is my job to. Somebody needs to keep you grounded," Grani explained.
"I thought you were supposed to keep me airborne," Dukemon joked.
Grani chuckled a bit. "You know what I mean," he answered. He turned his calm, blue eyes up to Dukemon to gaze at him seriously. "So… You are going to have a little faith in the others, correct?"
"Yeah… I am," Dukemon responded, smiling a bit.
The Zero ARMS closed his eyes with satisfaction. "Good… Then perhaps you should prove it through action," he suggested sagely.
Dukemon raised an eyebrow and looked at Grani sceptically. "Uh… How, exactly?"
"Perhaps by telling them how you and I met," Grani answered, opening an eye to give Dukemon a meaningful look.
The Royal Knight winced and rubbed at his chest uncertainly. "…I don't know…" he hesitantly said.
"You need to trust them, Dukemon…" Grani explained. "But if you feel that that is too big, then perhaps just tell one of them and see how they react. Maybe Omegamon, Magnamon, or Examon. Work your way up."
Dukemon sighed. "I'm not sure, Grani. Maybe?" he answered noncommittally.
"Well, if you're too afraid…" Grani said nonchalantly.
"That reverse psychology is really obvious, you know," Dukemon replied, managing a grin and raising a hand to poke Grani's beak. He folded his arms. "Look… I'll tell someone. Just give me some time to think about how to say it."
Grani nodded. "Alright," he agreed understandingly. He then looked at Dukemon with a light expression. "It was obvious, but it seemed like it still worked."
Dukemon chuckled and placed his hand on Grani's head. "Don't push your luck, bird."
"I don't need to push my luck; I know how to push your buttons," Grani said with a devious smile.
A smirk grew on Dukemon's face. "You're evil sometimes, Grani," he pointed out.
"Simply looking out for your best interests," Grani calmly chimed.
Examon stood outside of the room, thinking to himself. He was surprised that it was the Digital Hazard that was bothering him. He was also surprised that the first meeting between Dukemon and Grani was such a secret; he knew that nobody really knew how they met, but he had no idea why. Apparently, there was a reason why Dukemon didn't want to tell anybody.
Examon also couldn't help but feel a little offended that Dukemon thought that he and some of the others judged him over the Digital Hazard. He didn't feel that way in the slightest. He knew he couldn't blame Dukemon too much, since he knew that it was a sensitive issue with the knight. Even so, Examon wanted to assure Dukemon that he completely supported him.
Deciding that he didn't want to be caught eavesdropping, Examon knocked on the door to Dukemon's room. "Dukemon?" he asked.
Dukemon looked over and Grani turned around. "Uh, yeah? Examon?" he asked, wondering if Examon heard any of that.
Examon opened the door and stood in the doorway, making himself known. "Hey… I just wanted to know when you wanted to leave for the UDC," he asked.
"Oh. Huh… How about an hour? I need to get ready and I wouldn't mind getting something eat before we go," Dukemon explained. "That okay with you?"
Examon nodded. "Sounds good to me."
Grani glanced over at Dukemon. "Perhaps I'll come along. I am heading that way for a scouting mission, so I can take you one-way, Dukemon," he informed him.
"Okay. Thanks, Grani," Dukemon said.
Examon looked at Dukemon. "…Are you alright, Dukemon?" he asked him knowingly. "Gankoomon called out to you a few minutes ago."
"Oh, uh, yeah. I must have been distracted," Dukemon responded sheepishly. Before Examon could press the issue, Dukemon made the first move. "Anyway, I'm going to go get some lunch. You want to come?"
"Sure," Examon responded.
Dukemon nodded and walked past Examon, leading the way down to the cafeteria. "You coming, Grani?"
"No, thank you," the Zero ARMS answered. "I'll meet you outside the gate in an hour. I have to meet with my leftenants."
"Alright. Have fun," Dukemon called over his shoulder.
Examon looked at Dukemon for a few pensive moments before following him.
Grani floated out of Dukemon's bedroom and watched as the two Royal Knights disappeared down the stairs. He closed his eyes thoughtfully. He knew that Dukemon was putting up a front for Examon in order to avoid talking about what was bothering him. He just hoped that Dukemon would think about what he said and open up a little bit. He remembered how long it took to convince Dukemon to open up about the Digital Hazard to others. He just hoped that he could feel comfortable enough to do it again.
By the time a few hours passed, it was mid afternoon.
Examon and Dukemon, who stood on Grani's back, soared through the azure sky. The sun shone softly down on their backs with only a few clouds in the sky.
Examon glided on his broad Caledfwlch wings, which skimmed the currents of air gently. His Ambrosius lance rested at ease in his claws. To the dragon's left, Dukemon was positioned comfortably on Grani's back. His boots were placed evenly on Grani's wings so that the avian dragon wouldn't be put off balance. Dukemon held his Aegis shield in his left hand and had his Gram lance lowered in his right.
The two Royal Knights were in the western part of the Free Area, heading west to the UDC. Dorbickmon had said that he was going to meet them in a town near the east border of the UDC that connects to the Free Area.
Examon flew across the grassy plains and over a small pond. Every so often, Examon would glance over at Dukemon. He kept thinking about what he overheard Dukemon speaking with Grani about.
Dukemon primarily didn't address it. He was mostly focused on his own thoughts. The knight thought about what UlforceVeedramon said to him, and also what Grani had said. He didn't realise it, but as his mind focused on these things, he took on a serious expression. His gold eyes were furrowed behind his helmet and he stared into the distance, almost forgetting that Examon and Grani were there.
Both Examon and Grani were aware of Dukemon's faraway expression, as well as his overall quietness on their travels so far. He was usually the first to strike up a conversation, so the silence was quite noticeable.
"So, Dorbickmon is meeting you both in Drakrieg?" Grani asked them.
"Just around the entrance," Examon responded, recalling the letter. "Probably near the fountain."
Grani nodded. "I will drop off my passenger there and be on my way."
Examon turned his head slightly and looked over at Dukemon to see if he'd react. He saw that Dukemon didn't.
The dragon frowned with concern. "Dukemon?" he asked, trying to get his attention.
Dukemon blinked and looked over. "Sorry. What?" he responded.
"It's nothing," Examon said, thinking better of asking him outright.
The red-caped knight's expression softened and grew lighter. "Are you sure? Is there something on my face, Examon?" Dukemon asked him with a small grin. "Because you keep looking at me."
The crimson scales of Examon's face turned slightly more crimson. "Sorry. No. I just…"
"Something you want to ask?" Dukemon wondered.
"Uh, well…" Examon began, uncertain whether to proceed. "I was wondering… Are you okay? You seem distracted."
Dukemon looked forwards and raised his shield a little. "Uh…" he stalled, put on the defensive. However, he realized he was a bad liar and decided he had no choice but to give in. "Have I been that obvious?"
"You've been pretty quiet," Examon explained. "It's not like you. What's wrong?"
"Not much…" Dukemon answered in a minimizing way. "I just had an argument with Ulforce."
Examon frowned. "…Why?" he asked, probing for more information.
Dukemon sighed. "I gave him a hard time for feeling sorry for himself. Some words were exchanged," he dismissively said. "It's my own fault."
"He's upset because UlforceVeedramon said that Dukemon felt sorry for himself because of the Digital Hazard," Grani nonchalantly informed Examon.
The news caused Examon to blink with surprise. "That's not like him… Are you okay, Dukemon?" he inquired.
Dukemon shot Grani an annoyed glare. "I'm fine, Examon…" he said with exasperation. "It's not like I'm going to break down every time the Digital Hazard is mentioned. I'm not that weak."
"Oh, good," Grani stated, ignoring the glare. "Then perhaps you should do that thing we talked about."
The crimson Royal Knight gave Grani another look. "Don't push me, Grani…"
"I seem to recall Examon being quite sympathetic when you told him about the Hazard. He seems like a good Digimon to try it out on. Think of it as practice," Grani suggested.
Examon looked between the two quizzically. "…Tell me what?"
"How Dukemon and I met," the Zero ARMS informed him.
Dukemon winced and reflexively looked away.
The dragon looked up at Dukemon with an arched eyebrow. "I have always wondered. Apparently none of the other Royal Knights really know either…"
"There's a reason for that," Dukemon pointedly explained. After a few moments, the knight looked back at Examon. He conceded. "But I guess I can tell you…"
Examon sheepishly readjusted the weapon in his claws. "You don't have to, Dukemon… I'm not trying to be nosy," he reassured him.
Dukemon sighed. "I know… But maybe I should."
The crimson dragon turned his green eyes to the armoured knight. "You don't have to if it's hard for you."
A shake of his head was Dukemon's response. "Grani's right… It's because it's hard for me that I should tell you." A small smile formed behind his visor. "I should really be telling Omegamon this first, but, well… we'll see how it goes."
"No pressure," Examon promised.
"I've already decided to tell you; quit trying to talk me out of it before I decide to change my mind," Dukemon responded with a grin.
Examon chuckled lightly. "Okay. Sorry."
Within a few seconds, Dukemon's smile waned and he began to think. "So, uh… How to begin…?" he asked aloud.
Grani glanced up at the Digimon standing on his back. "Why don't you start from the beginning?" he suggested, although allowing Dukemon to tell the story.
"Yeah…" Dukemon spoke, becoming engrossed in his thoughts. He closed his eyes and remembered the pivotal moment in his life.
"MEGALOGROWMON, SHINKAAAA!"
"…Dukemon!"
The light of evolution surged from the Digimon's body. He was a cyborg dragon no more. Once a hulking reptile, half made up of mechanical equipment, the Digimon stood on weak, uneasy legs. He had been a massive, twenty foot dragon. His scales were crimson with black markings along his sturdy legs, thick tail, and rugged face. He had a white underbelly that matched the alabaster hair that flowed from the back of his head. His arms had been largely mechanical, fitted with two massive Pendulum Blades. His upper body was fitted with chrome digizoid, completed with cannons, vernier boosters, and an Assault Balancer cord that extended from his back.
However, his MegaloGrowmon changed as he evolved to his Ultimate form. He was no longer the hulking berserker that was MegaloGrowmon. As the light faded, a new form stood in its place.
He was now a knight, clad in shimmering, white, chrome digizoid armour finished with gold trimming. The metal plates on his knees, boots, and shoulders were a strong, crimson red. In his hands were a long, thick lance and a massive, circular shield. Hanging from his back was a flowing, scarlet cape that matched the colour of the belts around his waist and the fabric underneath. A long, white ponytail hung from his helmet, which covered all of his face but his eyes. These gold eyes were wide and the pupils were narrow and shrunken.
Dukemon stood on a raised hill, overlooking a grassy plain. In the visible distance was a town.
It was consumed in a roaring blaze. Many of the buildings were either completely destroyed or enveloped within an inferno. The flames spread from one building to another, leaving blackened, smouldering remains in their wake. The village was at the mercy of the conflagration. The wind served to add fuel to the blaze, causing the flames to ignite more and more of the town. The gusts swept towards the hill that Dukemon was standing on. The pungent stench of smoke and burnt wood blew across the landscape. Grey ashes and glowing cinders floated on the wind and rained down around Dukemon like snow.
Dukemon's wide, feral eyes stared straight in front of him. A Chimairamon stood before him. The monster was a fusion of the body parts of several different Digimon, making it a mess of incongruent limbs. There was a beam simmering in the Digimon's mouth, but he didn't fire it.
The newly formed knight looked down and saw that his Gram lance was embedded in the Digimon's orange chest. Dukemon yanked the bloody spear out of the Chimairamon's body. The hybrid beast released a weak snarl and burst into data before him.
Dukemon dropped his lance to the grass and then released the Aegis, which fell with a thud.
Dukemon's new armoured body was cracked in several places and dripping with blood; the wounds carried over from when he was a MegaloGrowmon.
He looked down at his body with wide eyes. His heart was racing and adrenaline was coursing through his form. Pain, uneasiness, and vigor overwhelmed him like never before.
As he looked down at his armoured body, he realized that he was no longer a MegaloGrowmon. He had evolved. But that wasn't all… He briefly noticed symbols on his body. The symbols were that of four triangles – three connected to a central one by the vertices. Around the center triangle was a circle. He had this black symbol on his previous forms too. Now there was one on the center of his chest armour and one on each knee.
The Digital Hazard symbols were glowing. That had never happened before.
Dukemon took a tentative, uneasy step forward after the Chimairamon's data had dispersed in the smoky breeze. However, as he tried to walk forward, his legs buckled and he fell to his hands and knees. He wasn't used to having a humanoid form.
But more than that… there was something wrong with him. Dukemon breathed heavily and he could feel sweat dripping from his body. It started to soak the inside of his armour.
He remembered the attack on the village… trying to defend it… He remembered wanting more than anything to protect his home. He also remembered feeling fury. A blinding rage. Everything else after that was a blur.
Dukemon heaved and crawled forwards a few steps. His arms and legs trembled. The Digital Hazard symbols glowed a fierce red. Something shot up his body, causing him to tense up and release a yell. Dukemon keeled over more and dug his fingers into the grass, gripping the earth. The knight panted and shut his eyes with pain and distress.
Something was going on inside of him. He wasn't entirely sure what it was. However, he knew that it was bad and unnatural. His heart felt like it was working in overdrive and his body felt like it was collapsing. At first, he thought it might just be because he evolved, but that had never happened to him before. It felt as if his digicore was becoming unstable. He knew something was wrong.
Dukemon's eyes snapped open and the wild look in his gold eyes returned. However, his body tensed up with pain, forcing him to close them. He opened them again and they returned to normal. He stared at the grass desperately.
"What's… going on…?!" he groaned, his voice quivering and strained. Inside his body was an intense flood of energy and power. It felt as if it was trying to burst out. Dukemon didn't know what would happen if he let it, but he didn't want to find out.
"What's happening to me?" Dukemon asked, now with a snarl to his voice. "What's wrong… with this form…?!"
For a split second, his armour flashed dark. Dukemon snarled and tried to keep whatever was inside of him at bay. He staggered forwards a few paces on his hands and knees. His cape was draped over his back and his hair hung beside his face.
Suddenly, a surge of burning pain shot through his body, tearing an agonised howl from his mouth. His back arched, his muscles tensed, and his hands crushed the grass beneath them. The Digital Hazard symbols flared brightly and the grass around him began to burn.
"Yggdrasil…" he whispered, his voice hoarse. "What's happening to me…? Is it… that?"
Dukemon shut his eyes and collapsed to his elbows as another stab of anguish ripped through his body. His digicore felt like it was burning. He clutched the glowing symbol on his chest. "No… No!" he roared with hopeless defiance.
Fear and anger flooded through his body. The fear was all him, but he wasn't sure whether the anger was his own or something else's…
"Damn it!" Dukemon shouted, pounding a fist deep into the ground, strong enough to make a crater around his fist.
He was terrified. He felt himself losing control. It was like something was trying to take him over. A foreign entity… except it wasn't foreign. It was another part of himself: a darkness inside of him. He felt unstable, like his form was fluctuating. There was a primal power inside him. It was savage, instinctive, ruthless, dark… Dukemon was having trouble keeping him as himself. It felt as if he was fighting a losing battle and his consciousness was gradually slipping away.
Dukemon's body ached and trembled as he tried to stay in control. The power within him was so strong. Trying to keep a hold of himself was like trying to swim up a waterfall. With every inch that it seemed like he gained, it felt like he was being swept back under the crushing power that threatened to consume him.
He turned his wide, distressed eyes up from the ground. Dukemon gazed into the sky. To his shock, the vast firmament wasn't the clear blue that it had been a few hours ago. Instead, it was chaotic.
The weather grew unsettled with terrifying swiftness. Unnatural, violet clouds swirled overhead tempestuously. Lightning flashed within the clouds, crackling overhead with a thunderous symphony. The bolts lit up the clouds like explosions and caused eerie flashes inside the purple-red billows. Dukemon knew this sudden storm wasn't random; it had been caused by him.
Soon, there was a red glow in the clouds. It began to manifest as the Digital Hazard sign. The cataclysmic weather raged on above and the very ground beneath Dukemon felt like it was trembling. Dukemon began to feel despair and hopelessness at the calamity he was causing. He saw his vision begin to blur. He felt his spirit diminish and he could feel his consciousness begin to slip away faster. The knight could feel himself sinking further into the darkness inside himself.
"No…" Dukemon whispered, bowing his head hopelessly. "This is my doing… It's my fault… Can't stop it… Too… weak…" Dukemon balled his trembling fists up and shut his eyes tightly. He released a vicious snarl as tears dripped from his eyes and fell to the grass. "I just wanted… to protect everyone…"
A light in front of him suddenly shone into his vision. He opened his desperate, golden eyes and gazed at the light. At first, he thought a bolt of lightning had struck, but the radiance didn't go away. Instead, the lambency remained despite the darkness and calamity of the world around him, as if it was defying the destruction.
"It is too soon for you to give up," a calm voice advised him.
Dukemon squinted into the light. He watched as a large, winged figure emerged from within the light and floated towards him. The figure was clad in red, chrome digizoid metal and had the form of a draconic bird. Dukemon had never seen a Digimon like that before.
The knight winced as a surge of pain seemed to rip through his body again. He tensed up and became focused on what was happening inside him again. "G-Get away… Before it's too late… P-Please…" Dukemon begged him, narrowing his pained eyes. "H-Hurry…"
The crimson dragon hovered up to Dukemon and floated in front of him, leering calmly. "You are still giving up…" he observed. "At this rate, it probably would not matter where I went; it would make no difference."
Dukemon winced and gripped his fists tighter. "Go… Leave me… I can't fight it…"
"I respectfully disagree…" the creature said to Dukemon.
At the back of his mind, Dukemon was bewildered and astonished at his stubbornness. "Who… are you…?" he asked him.
"My designation is Zero ARMS: Grani. I am a digital life form," Grani informed him, completely ignoring the cataclysmic weather and burning village in the distance.
"Z-Zero ARMS…?" Dukemon questioned, his voice haggard.
"Short for Zero Artificial Monster," Grani explained. He locked his blue eyes with Dukemon's gold ones. "Specifically, Dukemon… I am your Zero ARMS. It is my duty to serve you…"
"W-What…?" Dukemon asked with disbelief. As another spike of pain caused his body to tense up and spasm, he grimaced and spat out a mixture of blood and saliva through the gap in his visor. "Rrrrgh! Damn it! Y-You're… too late… Run…"
"The Digital Hazard feels like it is too much for you. You are new to this form, so you are having trouble controlling it. The immense power of your new form makes the Digital Hazard harder to control than before. This is because the Digital Hazard has developed enough to reach its parameters, and it is trying to surpass them. You must contain it, Dukemon, before it is too late," Grani explained to him.
"It's already too late!" Dukemon shouted with frustration. "They destroyed my home… I wasn't strong enough to stop it…! Not strong enough… to stop… this!"
Grani frowned at him disapprovingly. "You are stronger than you know…" he advised him. "Focus, Dukemon… You are the only one who can stop the Digital Hazard from corrupting you."
"I can't…!" Dukemon responded, shutting his eyes. He could still feel himself slipping beneath the increasing pressure around his consciousness.
Grani looked down at Dukemon with firm, stoic eyes. "The moment that you give up is the moment that the Digital Hazard wins."
Dukemon looked up at Grani. He grimaced and bowed his head, snarling as he tried to contain the great, primal, dark power within him. As blood, saliva and sweat dripped from Dukemon's body as he put every ounce of his being into resisting the force within him. But even with the effort, he felt himself being pushed back. "Nngh…! I… I can't!" he yelled, digging his fingers deeper into the grass as he tried to hold on.
"You can…" Grani said to him. "You are Dukemon."
The knight in questioned stared at Grani with wincing, questioning eyes. "W-What…?"
"You are strong… You are a good Digimon," Grani explained to him. "As your Zero ARMS, I, Grani, will do everything in my power to help you fight this. Even if that means giving up my life, new though it is. I believe that you are strong enough to fight this."
Dukemon gazed at him for a few seconds. Although he was interrupted by another spike of pain, Dukemon released a snarl of defiance rather than rage. "Grah!" he roared in a strained, exerted voice. "I'm not going to… give up…! Won't let it… beat me!"
The knight dug his boots, knees and hands deeper into the ground, ignoring the clouds spiralling and lightning flashing overhead. He shut his eyes hard and focused on his willpower, trying to fortify it against the swallowing darkness.
"Yes, Dukemon… Don't give up. Don't ever weaken your resolve," Grani advised him, floating to Dukemon's side. "You can fight it… You can always fight it."
"I am…" Dukemon hissed, his body shaking. A tear formed the corner of his eye. "I will… I won't ever let somebody else suffer because I'm not strong enough… Never again!"
"What do you want to do with your new power?" Grani asked him.
Dukemon's eyes snapped open and he gazed forwards, not with feral rage or darkness, but determination. "I want to protect the Digital World!" he declared with strength in his previously fractured voice.
"Then do it… Only you can do this, Dukemon. Have faith in your strengths, and don't doubt yourself based on any perceived weaknesses," Grani said to him in a logical yet warm voice. "You are far stronger than you give yourself credit for. Pick up the Gram and Aegis, and rise as the knight that you are."
A snarl of effort rumbled in Dukemon's throat. His arms reached behind him and he placed his hands on his lance and shield. As he focused on fighting the intense power inside him, he managed to slip his hands into the slots of the Gram and Aegis.
Once he did this, he pushed himself to his knees. He pressed the tip of the lance and the rim of the shield against the grass to steady himself. Dukemon narrowed his eyes and soon the growl morphed into a full on roar. He released a thunderous cry as he pushed himself to his feet, even as the Digital Hazard symbols on his chest glowed intensely.
Upon standing to his feet, the crimson knight's body began to shine with holy light, contending with that of the Digital Hazard. "I…" he spoke, standing steadily on his feet. "I…"
"I, Dukemon, will not be defeated!"
Dukemon's body flashed in a mighty burst of light which swept across the surrounding landscape. The dark, violet clouds scattered and the lightning was snuffed out as quickly as they appeared.
When the light faded, Dukemon collapsed to his knees.
The Digital Hazard symbols ceased shining and they dulled into their natural black colour. Dukemon stared down at his chest in relief.
Seconds later, exhaustion overtook him and he crashed to the ground, slipping into unconsciousness.
"Dukemon…" a voice said to him.
Dukemon winced and slowly opened his eyes, He realised he was lying on his back. Above him, the form of Grani hovered over him. Behind Grani, he was relieved to see, was a normal, cerulean sky.
"Huh…?" Dukemon uttered, hardly able to speak out of sheer physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
"Good. You are awake," the Zero ARMS spoke formally.
Dukemon winced and pushed himself onto his elbows, attempting to sit up. However, his strength gave out and he collapsed back onto his back.
"You should not push yourself," Grani advised him. "How do you feel?"
"Terrible…" Dukemon replied honestly, a grimace on his face.
"And the hazard…?" the Zero ARMS questioned with a hint of concern.
The knight reached up and rubbed the Digital Hazard symbol on his chest. "I think… it's contained…" he explained. "It doesn't feel like it's trying to take over anymore…"
Grani sighed with relief. "Good… See? I knew that you could do it."
"I wouldn't have been able to if you didn't show up…" Dukemon replied, forcing himself to sit up. He gave Grani a meaningful look. "Thanks…"
"I merely advised you. You did all of the work," Grani told him. "Besides, it is my duty to serve you."
Dukemon leaned forwards on his knees to use them for support. "What does that mean…? Why are you here, exactly?"
"It is like I said. When you became Dukemon, I was created to aid you," Grani explained. "I am a Zero ARMS, not a Digimon."
Dukemon arched an eyebrow. "Created? Like, by Yggdrasil?" he wondered.
"I do not know. I just know that it is in my programming to serve you, Dukemon," the Zero ARMS said.
The knight shook his head and pushed his lance against the ground to help him stand to his feet. "If that's the case and you're going to be hanging around me, enough of this 'servant' talk," Dukemon told him. "As far as I'm concerned, we're equals."
Grani blinked. "However…"
"No buts," Dukemon said with a weak grin. He turned to Grani and offered his free hand. "Here… Let's make it official."
Grani blinked again and stared at his hand. "I… Pardon me, but what should I do with that?" he asked quizzically.
"Shake it. As a gesture of mutual respect," Dukemon answered.
Grani's blue eyes glanced around uncertainly. "With what?"
Dukemon smiled. "Use your claw thingy," he suggested, gesturing to the two, golden appendages extending forward from Grani's winged body.
"Understood," Grani answered, tentatively floating forward to press the claw against Dukemon's hand, allowing the knight to shake it.
"Nice to meet you, Grani," Dukemon said to him.
"'Grani'?" the Zero ARMS asked.
"Yeah. Mind if I call you that? Your whole name is kind of long and formal," the crimson knight explained.
"I suppose so…"
Dukemon smiled and nodded. However, the smile immediately vanished once he looked past Grani. In the distance, he could see his village smouldering and destroyed. He couldn't see any Digimon around.
The knight grimaced and balled up his fist tightly. "My town… It's gone…" he said softly. He turned his head away bitterly, trying to hide his sorrow.
"Yes… It is," was all Grani could think of to say.
"A lot of them were deleted…" Dukemon said, remembering the attack on the town.
"It is possible that there are survivors, although the town itself is largely decimated," Grani explained, scanning what was left of the distant town.
Dukemon gazed down at his hand. "…What am I supposed to do now?" His sorrowful, gold eyes stared contemplatively. "You said that it's your purpose to serve me... Then what's my purpose?" He clenched his fist as he thought about the Digital Hazard. "To destroy the Digital World…?"
Grani floated to Dukemon's side. "…Your purpose is what you make of it," he explained to him.
A sharp breath escaped Dukemon. "It is, huh…?" he wondered sullenly. He glanced at Grani. "Then isn't that the same for you, too?"
Grani quietly gazed up at him in response.
Dukemon looked up, towards the ruined town. "I want to be able to protect Digimon… I want them to be able to have happy lives, free of pain and random violence."
"That is a start…" Grani concurred. He turned his gaze from Dukemon to the blackened, desolate town. "Would you like to go there…?"
Dukemon grimaced at the idea, but nodded. "Y…Yeah…" he responded reluctantly. "I… need to."
Grani closed his eyes. "Very well…"
The crimson knight picked up his Aegis and gripped the shield tightly. He released a shaky sigh and began to walk down the hill of burnt grass and ash, towards what was left of his home.
"Let's go, Grani…"
As Dukemon finished recounting what had happened, Examon stared at him empathetically.
"…So, that's pretty much it," Dukemon explained, rubbing the back of his neck and glancing sideways at Examon insecurely. "Uh…"
"That's terrible, Dukemon," Examon replied, causing Dukemon to wince. "I'm sorry about what happened to your hometown."
Dukemon blinked and looked over at him in surprise. "What?" he asked, expecting an entirely different reaction.
"It must have been difficult…" the dragon Royal Knight said sympathetically. He frowned. "But… I don't understand… Why did you want to keep it such a secret?"
Dukemon arched an eyebrow and looked at Examon incredulously. "…Did you miss the part where I lost control of the Digital Hazard and nearly caused a catastrophe?"
"No, but… Well… you didn't. You regained control. Calamity averted," Examon responded. "It's not as if you destroyed anything."
"Examon has a point," Grani concurred, glancing up at Dukemon.
The crimson Royal Knight frowned. "I nearly let it take over though… I nearly let the Digital Hazard loose," Dukemon explained with a wince, regret lacing his words. "It shows my weakness… If it happened once, it could happen again. Doesn't that bother you?"
Examon closed his eyes and folded his arms, thinking about it as his Caledfwlch wings carried him through the sky. "…Not really. It hasn't happened since then, correct?" he asked Dukemon.
"Well, no…" Dukemon admitted. "But…"
Examon smiled a bit. "'But' what?" he asked him. "It happened when you first evolved to Dukemon. You weren't used to your form. But you're in control of yourself now, so there's no problem; just because it happened that one time doesn't mean that it will happen again. I'm not worried about the Digital Hazard at all," he said with an honest, reassuring smile.
Dukemon stared at Examon with disbelief. "R-Really…?" The warmth of relief and gratitude flooded inside Dukemon's chest. "I… Thank you, Examon…"
The dragon raised an eyebrow. "What did you think that I would say?" he asked him with a reassuring grin.
"I don't know…" Dukemon answered, smiling and shaking his head. "I guess I'm still insecure about it…"
"You shouldn't be," Examon told him.
Grani smiled smugly and looked back at Dukemon. "What did I tell you, Dukemon?" he said knowingly. "You were worrying over nothing."
Dukemon smiled a bit and looked into the distance. "Maybe…" he answered wistfully. "I guess I should probably tell Omegamon and the others at some point, huh?"
Examon nodded. "I'm sure they'd like to know."
The humanoid Royal Knight released a breath. He still wasn't sure about it, but he felt a bit better after seeing Examon's response. It didn't seem like Examon was lying to him. "Okay…" he said. "I'll do that sometime…"
Dukemon glanced over at Examon. He had to admit, it was a relief to get that off his chest. It was a hard thing for him to do, not just reliving that moment, but acknowledging it to both himself and others. But he was pleased that Examon didn't seem to judge him for it.
Likewise, Examon felt good knowing that Dukemon trusted him enough to tell himself so obviously personal. He was pleased that he was Dukemon's close friend.
After a few moments of introspection, Examon couldn't help but be a little surprised that he felt this way; before he joined the Royal Knights, he never would have made those kinds of bonds as defender of the UDC. He had stayed away from those kinds of relationships after what he did to Dorbickmon.
Grani looked ahead of them. In the distance, his keen eyes spotted a large town with stone walls and buildings. "That's Drakrieg, isn't it?"
Examon glanced forwards as well. "Yeah, that's it," he confirmed, recognizing the familiar town.
"Let's begin our descent," Dukemon said, prompting Grani to gently begin to decrease altitude.
The nearby dragon followed their lead and spread his wings wide to descend at a soft angle. The two Royal Knights flew down towards the grassy terrain and a broad, cobblestone path that led into the town. There, they hoped that Dorbickmon was waiting for them.