Holy War

by Griff4823

The sequel to "A Dragon in Shining Armour". The Royal Knights secured victory, and peace set over the continent, but it isn't to last. The autocratic Metal Empire, a team of amoral mercenaries, and a mysterious Digimon in the shadows; it's up to the Order of the Royal Knights to intervene. Can they stop things from spiralling out of control, all while dealing with their own issues?

58. Chapter 40 Part 1: Seclusion

(Author's Note: Here it is! Enjoy Part 1 of Chapter 40!)

---

Chapter 40: Seclusion (Part I)

The rhythmic chugging of wheels on metal rails reverberated below. A long melodic whistle of pressurized steam chirped out from the locomotive's smokestack to alert the passengers that they were approaching their destination.

As Alphamon stared out the window of the Locomon, he could see the vast, river city of New Terminal in the near distance. He was able to spot the tops of the buildings beyond the city wall. To his relief, he could see no smoke or fires. Only the early dawn light provided a dim illumination against the dark blue sky as the sun peeked over the horizon. The city still stood.

The Locomon's passenger cars were completely empty apart from the eleven passengers in the front carriage. These eleven passengers consisted of Alphamon, Examon, UlforceVeedramon, and Gankoomon. The others were a team of Strike Forces Digimon led by Ouryumon: it consisted of Ouryumon, Paildramon, the Greymon Five, and SaviorHackmon. Alphamon, Examon, and UlforceVeedramon sat in one pair of booths, Gankoomon, Ouryumon, SaviorHackmon, and Paildramon sat in another, and the Greymon Five sat in the pair of seats behind them.

It was too early for most Digimon to travel, and those who did were ushered off at Gold Keep when the Royal Knights informed the Locomon of the dangerous situation in New Terminal. They arranged it so that they were the only ones travelling to New Terminal. Once they reached their destination, Locomon agreed to transport the evacuating civilians south to Free Area, where it was safer than in New Terminal. He wouldn't be able to transport all of the civilians, but he would make as many trips as he could while it was still viable.

Despite the fact that there were eleven Digimon in the same carriage, there were long bouts of stiff silence. The atmosphere was tense and uneasy. Nobody was really in the mood for lighthearted discussion. The drumming of claws on the window sills and the tapping of feet were the only real noise that the advance team made outside of planning their course of action.

VictoryGreymon fidgeted with the end of his tail, his large fingers nervously running over both the tip and each other. He looked around at his friends. All of them, even the normally upbeat and lively ShineGreymon, were serious and subdued. He knew why, especially in ShineGreymon's case… but he still didn't want them to worry.

"It'll be fine," VictoryGreymon assured everyone, putting on a smile. "The Demon Lords haven't even begun to attack New Terminal yet, see?" He gestured out the window to the still-intact city of New Terminal. "The combined forces of the Royal Knights and the Republic military will be able to drive them back!"

"Yeah, I'm sure you're right, VictoryGreymon," KaiserGreymon agreed, attempting to be positive and aid him in encouraging team morale.

WarGreymon grumbled and folded his arms acerbically. "Whatever…"

His ebony counterpart, BlackWarGreymon, frowned and turned to look at the frowning ShineGreymon, who was tapping his foot impatiently. "…Are you okay, ShineGreymon?" he asked his friend. "You're quiet…"

Seeming to be snapped out of his trance, ShineGreymon sat up and looked at BlackWarGreymon. "Huh? Oh. Yeah, I'm fine," he insisted, flashing his usual confident grin. "I just want to get there soon so we can start kicking ass. I'm thinking about how awesome I'm going to look mid-battle!"

VictoryGreymon stared across at ShineGreymon. Although VictoryGreymon could be dense and naïve at times, ShineGreymon was his best friend, and the veneer didn't fool him. He knew how worried and angry he must be. After already having lost one parent…

"I know that everyone is worried. Once we arrive, everyone can go and find their loved ones," Alphamon spoke up, looking around the train car. It was easy to sense the unease that he too felt. "Tell them to escape to safety. We will all meet up outside of the Council Building about half an hour afterwards."

"Thank you, Sir," KaiserGreymon appreciatively but respectfully responded, looking at the other side of the train car at his superior. "I'll make sure that we are there on time."

"Thanks so much, Sir Alphamon," VictoryGreymon added graciously, his smile warm with relief. "And thanks for letting me come along…"

Ouryumon turned his head and looked between both VictoryGreymon and SaviorHackmon. "Just because we're letting you two come along, don't think that this means you're out of trouble. This trip isn't included as part of your punishment. However long we're gone, you're both still going to be making up these days back at the castle helping with maintenance. I don't believe in special treatment."

"When it doesn't apply to you," Alphamon thought with a knowing grin. He turned and looked at Ouryumon. "Ouryumon, can I ask a favour from you?"

Ouryumon, who had been frowning with worry for most of the trip, glanced over. "Huh? Yeah, sure. What?"

"When you find your parents, can you please find mine as well? I have something else that I need to attend to, so I am unsure that I'll have time to search myself. It would be a weight off my mind," the black knight asked him.

Ouryumon managed a small smile and nodded. "Of course, Alphamon. I'll make sure they're safe," he promised his friend.

Alphamon smiled and nodded. He knew he could trust Ouryumon to do this for him, so it put his mind at ease. "Thank you… I will meet you all outside of Terminal Hall then," Alphamon stated.

"About that… Do you need me to speak to my father, Sir?" Paildramon dutifully asked, looking over at Alphamon for confirmation.

Alphamon shook his head. "Not just yet… There is something that I want to investigate before we address the Council. You are free to find your loved ones first, Paildramon."

"Yeah, Paildramon. Go find your brother. I'm sure you're worried," UlforceVeedramon explained, giving her a smile.

"Sir…" Paildramon responded respectfully. Despite her formality and her calm disposition, she sighed through her nostrils at the permission to find her brother. Although she didn't show it, she was deeply worried about him. She needed to make sure that he got to safety. Then she could find her father and attempt to get him to do the same. As long as he wasn't inflexibly stubborn about it, she thought.

Sitting beside her was Gankoomon. He sat with his arms folded and one foot raised up above his other knee. The crimson-haired Royal Knight stared across at SaviorHackmon, who sat opposite him. "You're staying with me," he told him in no uncertain terms.

SaviorHackmon folded his arms and looked away in embarrassment. "Sensei…" he grumbled.

Gankoomon gazed at him sternly. "You wanted to tag along so badly – you're playing by my rules. That was the deal," he decisively explained. "There will be fighting, and you're not strong enough or experienced enough to take on an army of demons on your own, so I want you where I can see you. Understood, SaviorHackmon?"

SaviorHackmon sighed. "Yes, Sensei. I understand…" he obeyed. The metal dragon man leaned against the window. He gazed out beyond the glass, staring across the emerald fields of grass towards the distant metropolis.

As much as he hated to admit it, he knew that Gankoomon had a point. All the previous times that he attempted to take on something bigger than himself, he failed. He had failed over and over again. He began to wonder what he was doing there at all. He was just a recruit, not like all the others, who were experienced fighters.

However, when Gankoomon told him and the Sistermons that New Terminal was going to be attacked by the Demon Lords, he knew that he had to be involved. He wanted to help the Digimon of New Terminal. Even through all of his pain, self-doubt, and hesitation, he knew that he couldn't just sit around and feel sorry for himself when there were people who needed help. SaviorHackmon's golden eyes softened as he reflected on Sleipmon's words… That seeing just one Digimon smile at the end of the day made everything else worth it.

He wanted to make Digimon smile…

Gankoomon stared across at SaviorHackmon. He could see the determination in his pupil's eyes. That was a good start, at least… The main reason that he let SaviorHackmon join them was to help the young dragon warrior regain his confidence and spirit. Not that he would ever admit that to him. "Good. As long as you know," he firmly emphasised. Craning his head to the left, Gankoomon gazed across the aisle to his fellow Royal Knights. "So, what's the plan, exactly?"

"After we meet up outside Terminal Hall, we need to speak with the Council of Seven," Alphamon informed them. "We must work together with them and their military to organise a defence of New Terminal. It will require cooperation to hold off the Demon Lords until our reinforcements arrive."

Examon nodded, calmly reflecting on the situation. "So, what's our objective for this operation, Alphamon?" he asked.

"We are to defend New Terminal. At this point, we cannot attempt to destroy the Demon Lords. Although, if we are able to strike one down in the battle, all the better," Alphamon answered. "We'll work out the exact tactics once we speak to Gaioumon - or whoever is planning the defence."

"Will we?" UlforceVeedramon questioned, staring at Alphamon with obvious doubt. "The last time we came to New Terminal, we pretty much had to use thumb screws on the Councillors to get anything out of them. Dynasmon had to bark like a Garurumon! It was a pretty frosty reception for what should have been a pretty common sense idea."

"Yeah, well, blame DORUgoramon for that," Ouryumon responded acerbically. "He's always had it out for the Royal Knights."

"Yeah, I gathered that from all the daggers he shoots at you two," the blue knight replied. "But why?"

"It's… a long story, Ulforce," Alphamon diminutively explained. "I'll tell you another time."

"I think you said that last time, too…" he murmured. "…But is it going to be a problem?"

"Less of a problem than the Demon Lords will be, I think," the obsidian paladin said. "They are the primary concern."

"Yeah… well, I'll see what I can do," UlforceVeedramon said, leaning back against the seat. "It won't be easy though… Six Demon Lords are there. Right now, it's just the four of us. It took four of us to fight three Demon Lords back in the Cathode Tundra. I guess we weren't going all-out at the time, but still, if they use Leviamon to breach the walls, it'll be trouble."

Alphamon nodded. "It won't be like fighting the Metal Empire. The D-Brigade was organised, disciplined, and surgical. Demons fight differently… They still fight using tactics, but they're more wild and chaotic. They're relentless in their bloodlust. They won't just attack soldiers, but civilians as well. We can't afford to hold back this time."

Gankoomon smirked. "Good. That's how it should be," he proclaimed, shoving his fist into his palm and popping his knuckles.

"Don't be reckless, Gankoomon," Examon discouraged the red haired, humanoid knight. "This will be our first fight against the Demon Lords. We need to gauge their strength and abilities first."

"What better way to do that than by laying the beat down on them?!" Gankoomon enthusiastically retorted.

"We will definitely need to be the ones to fight the Demon Lords. Our power will keep them occupied and draw their attention away from the weaker Digimon," Alphamon stated. "We can't get carried away though. The soldiers will be looking to us for guidance. We will have to lead them as we fight."

"Understood, Alphamon," Examon agreed.

"Yeah, I know…" Gankoomon complied, folding his arms. He looked at SaviorHackmon. "Hear that, SaviorHackmon? You'll probably have to work with the Greymon Five and Paildramon, so do what they say."

"I will," SaviorHackmon obeyed, nodding at Paildramon and the Greymon Five behind her.

"Don't worry, Sir. We'll take care of him," ShineGreymon assured Gankoomon, grinning over his shoulder.

"Actually…" KaiserGreymon spoke up, turning around and looking at Ouryumon. "Will you be leading our team, Sir?" he asked the Captain of the Strike Forces.

"At first, yeah," Ouryumon responded, his large, brown body wiggling in the cramped train seat. He turned his draconic face towards Alphamon. "We'll see how the fight goes. Alphamon might need me at some point, in which case, I'll transfer control of the team to over-sergeant Paildramon, with you as second-in-command."

"Yes, Captain," KaiserGreymon responded.

"Attention, passengers," Locomon's voice announced over his speakers. "We are approaching the southern edge of New Terminal. I will be decelerating and coming to a stop in New Terminal Station in roughly five minutes. Please remain sitting until I reach a complete stop. Good luck."

"Thank you, Locomon…" Alphamon said gratefully to the transport Digimon.

He reclined against the green seat, his armoured wings pressed against the leather cushions. Although externally calm, he found himself unable to relax. The plight of the citizens of New Terminal… The threat of the advancing Demon Lords and their army… The knowledge that Bagramon was there with them, planning such an act…

As Alphamon stared out the window at the city, the sun began to break over the horizon. The rays of light shone into his golden eyes for but a moment before being overtaken by the darkening, grey clouds.

He knew that this wouldn't be easy.

---

New Terminal was bustling even more than usual. Digimon were running around, the streets were packed, and there was a steady flow of foot traffic.

However, this wasn't the sign of a busy market day or a festival. The atmosphere was tense. Digimon were fearful. Nerves were on a knife edge. The bustle of city Digimon was faster than usual. While the denizens of New Terminal weren't in the throes of panic, they were definitely uneasy and scared of what was going on. The rumour of an advancing demon army had spread throughout the city. Tensions were only heightened as more and more reports kept coming in from scouts and eye witness accounts.

The Republic military was on high alert. Battalions of soldiers could be seen all throughout the city, trying to herd civilians towards the southern exit. The corps of the army was both deployed to maintain order and begin bolstering the northern defences of the city walls. Numerous patrols were already flying north to where the demon army was headed – Hope's Crest, a village about four kilometers to the north of New Terminal. It was the point at which New Terminal's north road passed through before heading to the northern reaches of the Republic of Node and the Neutral Zone. Right now, unbeknownst to the Royal Knights, that village was at the demons' mercy – or lack thereof.

Alphamon walked down the stone road that led away from the New Terminal Station. He looked around and saw the various Digimon herding down the busy street. They were organised, but they were rushing. Many of them carried large bags or pulled wooden carts full of their belongings. Alphamon could tell by the fear in their eyes that they weren't sure if they would have a city to come back to.

He stepped forwards with Examon, UlforceVeedramon, and Gankoomon. Many Digimon in the steady stream of evacuees began to notice their arrival.

"The Royal Knights are here!" one Tyrannomon exclaimed.

"Maybe New Terminal will be saved after all!" a Kongoumon joyously posited.

Alphamon looked around. He saw the civilians all turn towards them. They stared at him fearfully, desperately looking for hope.

He couldn't deny them that sliver of hope that they needed to push themselves on. He spread his wings and flew into the air, commanding the attention of the numerous Digimon. "Listen, everyone!" he announced, looking around as all of the eyes suddenly turned to him. "I am Alphamon of the Royal Knights! I am here to assure all of you that we are here to help! UlforceVeedramon, Gankoomon, Examon, and I have come to aid New Terminal and defend it against the threat of the Demon Lords. Not only that, but the other Royal Knights and our Order are on the way to reinforce your military. The Order of the Royal Knights is coming to your aid!"

Nobody spoke. The mass of fleeing civilians seemed to freeze in their place for that moment and stare up at Alphamon with reverence.

Alphamon looked around at the gathered crowd, his eyes warm and his posture soft but proud and confident. "…I am sure you all have your doubts. I know you're all scared. You must wonder about the fate of this grand city… I know you don't want to see this city destroyed. I don't either. I may live down in Castle Albion, but New Terminal is my home. It will always be close to my heart. Therefore, I will not allow the Demon Lords to do with it as they please. I will not allow New Terminal to be destroyed! …I swear that I will do my very best to ensure that all of us have a home to come back to. I will not turn my back on New Terminal! I will not take one step backwards!"

The Royal Knight's words of encouragement were met with rapturous cheers and applause. This was the relief that the scared Digimon needed to hear in this time of crisis.

"Now, please, continue evacuating in a calm and orderly manner! Those who cannot travel by foot or wing easily, please head to New Terminal Station. Locomon will be making trips south for as long as it is safe to do so. He will fill himself to capacity, but those who can travel on their own, please do so. There is only so much space, and only so much time," Alphamon reasoned to the crowds. "Please, stay vigilant, and help each other. Unity will overcome any crisis."

The hordes of Digimon reacted positively and, now with calmness eased into their hearts, they began to evacuate south with a greater degree of confidence.

The Royal Knight descended in the air, his wings tucking back in against his back, and his metal boots touched down on the stone road. He turned around and faced his fellow three Royal Knights.

"Always the orator," UlforceVeedramon said playfully, grinning at Alphamon. "You could even talk Barbamon out of his riches, I bet."

"We may have the chance to put that to the test," Alphamon answered, his words wry yet direly serious.

He turned his attention past UlforceVeedramon, Examon, and Gankoomon, as Ouryumon and the Strike Force team caught up. To his surprise, he could see VictoryGreymon wiping the tears out of his eyes. "…VictoryGreymon? What's the matter?" Alphamon asked the tearful dragon man.

"Your speech… It was… so amazing…!" VictoryGreymon sniffled, rubbing his eyes with the inside of his arm. "I'm so inspired, sir!"

"It was really inspiring, Alphamon-shishou!" SaviorHackmon concurred enthusiastically. "I'm so roused!"

"Yeah, I'm also aroused!" VictoryGreymon innocently agreed.

"So totally inspiring!" ShineGreymon reaffirmed, giving Alphamon a wide smile and a thumbs up.

UlforceVeedramon laughed while Gankoomon merely rolled his eyes. "Fanboys…" Gankoomon muttered.

A bead of sweat dripped down the back of Alphamon's head. "I didn't think it was that good…" he murmured, scratching the cheek of his black helmet with a finger.

Examon stepped up beside Alphamon, smiling slightly as he gazed upon the knight in sable armour. "We don't have a lot of time. Should we split up now?" he inquired.

"Yes, we should," Alphamon agreed, spreading out his wings. He rose a meter from the ground and turned around to the others. "Meet outside of Terminal Hall in about half an hour. That should be enough time, I presume. While I don't expect to be late, in the chance that I am held up, I want you to go in without me. As Examon says, we don't have much time."

"Are you sure you don't want some back up?" UlforceVeedramon offered, giving his rose and azure wings a soft flap as he touched off of the ground as well. "You're going to Bagramon's right?"

"I'll be fine, UlforceVeedramon," Alphamon assured him. "I highly doubt that he is even there. There are more important things that you could be doing."

"Well, if you're sure, Alpha-kun," UlforceVeedramon complied with a shrug. His red eyes darted over to the nearby dragon. "Okay, Ex-sama. Want to go check out New Terminal's defences? We're going to need to see how they're situated."

"Sounds good, Ulforce," Examon agreed, sweeping out his broad Caledfwlch wings and drifting into the air. He craned his draconic head down at Gankoomon. "Are you coming, Gankoomon?"

The land-bound Royal Knight gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "Nah. Me and SaviorHackmon will go on our own. We'll cover more ground that way," he answered. "Got it, SaviorHackmon?"

"Yes, Sensei," SaviorHackmon agreed. He turned to VictoryGreymon and the rest of the Greymon Five. "I hope you find your families okay."

VictoryGreymon smiled at him and nodded. "We'll see you soon."

Paildramon nodded. "We'll be there on time, Sir," she maintained.

"Alright. Good luck everybody," Alphamon spoke in conclusion. The leader of the Royal Knights nodded at them and performed a one-eighty spin in place. With his back to them, he angled his body forwards and started climbing into the sky.

As he flew away from the team, the others broke off into five groups, with UlforceVeedramon and Examon going one way, Gankoomon and SaviorHackmon another, Paildramon heading to the eastern part of the city on her own, Ouryumon heading north west, and the Greymon Five going north east together.

Alphamon ascended above the building line and continued soaring at a diagonal incline. He headed westwards, flying over the Fountain River that bisected New Terminal horizontally down the center. Wasting little time, he made a direct path towards the tall, silvery, Argent Mountains that towered over New Terminal from its west. He headed towards the mountains which one of the roots of the World Tree coiled around.

He told himself that that was one more reason why he couldn't let New Terminal fall – for the sake of Yggdrasil.

Alphamon's eyes hardened as his golden irises fixed on the hilly, craggy mountain peaks in the near distance. The last time he was there, he poured his heart out to Bagramon. However, all that time, Bagramon was lying through his teeth. Although he doubted he would find Bagramon at home, he had to check. He wouldn't shy away from facing him.

Alphamon would not be tricked by him again.

---

Paildramon flew across the Fountain River. The sparkling water flowed steadily eastwards as it poured down from the Argent Mountains on the opposite end of the city. She headed to one of the eastern boroughs of the city – the wealthy part of town. The borough was positioned along the northern bank of the Fountain River, with the Republic of Node's military base to the right, on the eastern outskirts of the city, and with downtown New Terminal to the north.

As she crossed the river, she could see the numerous, gated mansions. From the air, everything looked so serene. New Terminal was such a beautiful city. Paildramon almost couldn't believe that it might not be here tomorrow. She refused to let that happen. She was determined to protect the city, and her friends and family in it.

She turned her head and looked over at the military base. On closer inspection, she could see the military at full alert. The different divisions were organizing into battle groups and heading out of the base. Paildramon wondered what the strategic situation was at the moment. How close were the Demon Lords? How much damage have they caused already? What actions were being taken to defend against them? Paildramon regretted that she couldn't find out. She was still a member of the Republic military, but she was working for the Royal Knights; she wondered if there were things that they wouldn't be able to tell her. She could only hope that the Royal Knights would be given the full situation when they met with the Council.

Shaking her head, Paildramon decided to focus on what was in front of her. She had a job to do: find ExVeemon. He was her greatest priority right now. She needed to make sure that her little brother was alright.

When Paildramon reached the other side of the Fountain River, she began to descend. With the cool, spring air against the undersides of her four wings, the dragon woman swooped down towards a long street running parallel to the river, which contained several gated mansions. She gracefully touched down on the ground in front of her family's house.

The neighbourhood was like a ghost town. She couldn't see a single Digimon in or around any of the other houses. She hadn't seen any civilians on any of the other nearby streets as she was flying either. The wealthy, aristocratic Digimon must have been the first ones to evacuate when news of the Demon Lords' army first arrived. Paildramon assumed that the only wealthy or aristocratic Digimon left in New Terminal were the politicians and those who were officers in the military. As she looked around, there was only one source of movement.

A wooden cart, pulled by a Unimon, clattered and bobbed back and forth as its wheels rolled against the cobblestone road. The cart was filled to the brim with valuables – a chest of money, paintings, boxes of jewellery, sculptures, busts, ornamentation, and generally any pricy household artwork or adornments that weren't nailed down. Sitting on top of the mound of valuables was a gelatinous, platinum slug that was adorned with jewellery.

The PlatinumNumemon turned his eyeballs towards Paildramon. "Looters won't be stealing my riches! They won't get their grubby claws on a single cup! Not on one single bit! Eheheheh!" the miserly Digimon laughed as the cart passed Paildramon and continued down the street.

A bead of sweat dripped down Paildramon's head as she watched the PlatinumNumemon escaping with seemingly all of his possessions. She supposed he really was the last one to evacuate. Even so, she needed to be sure. She needed to check on her house to see if her brother was still there.

The armoured dragon stepped off of the road and walked up the stone path to the entrance of her house. As she approached the front doors, she rang the metal knocker to announce herself. Unsure if there was anybody in to hear it, she placed her hand on the curved, iron knob of the door and twisted it. To her surprise, the door gave way and opened after a soft push. This must mean that there was somebody home, as their butler always remembered to lock the doors.

As the door opened, she was greeted to the sight of a Tyrannomon in a suit walking over. The Tyrannomon blinked and stopped at the sight of her. "Lady Paildramon? What are you doing here?" the butler asked with shock.

"I came with some of the Royal Knights as an advance vanguard. We heard about the Demon Lords' army heading towards New Terminal," Paildramon explained, frowning questioningly at him. "Didn't you hear about it? Everybody is evacuating the city. It isn't safe here."

"I know… However…" Tyrannomon winced and tented the tips of his claws together. "I am waiting…"

"Waiting? What for?" Paildramon asked, arching her eyebrow.

Tyrannomon stalled, reluctant to say out of not wishing to worry her. However, she could see the hesitation and concern in his eyes, and he couldn't lie to her.

"…I am waiting for ExVeemon to return," he admitted.

Paildramon blinked. Her stomach began to tighten ever so slightly, although the expression on her face barely changed. "…ExVeemon? You mean he isn't here?" she questioned, her words becoming hurried with urgency and concern.

"No, he isn't…" Tyrannomon responded. "He wasn't in his room when I checked. That was first thing in the morning… He must have gone somewhere before dawn…"

"But that's… I don't understand. Why would he do that?" Paildramon questioned aloud. Her brows furrowed and she looked at Tyrannomon, hoping that he would give her a rational reason for why he was gone.

Tyrannomon shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't know…" he apologetically replied.

"Yesterday, he didn't say that he was planning to go anywhere?" Paildramon pressed, her tone subtly becoming more insistent. "Does he know about the invading demon army?"

"No, he didn't say anything about his plans. And, yes, he knows," the dinosaur butler confirmed. "A messenger came for your father last night, summoning him to Terminal Hall. When Councillor Imperialdramon returned, he informed both ExVeemon and me about the present threat of the Demon Lords and that I should not come in today."

"Then… why are you here, Tyrannomon?" Paildramon questioned.

The red-scaled theropod smiled. "I could not leave your family and your house unattended at such a critical moment. There are still things to attend to before the evacuation. More importantly, I had to know that Master ExVeemon was safe."

"You really shouldn't have…" Paildramon gently told him, although gazing at him appreciatively. She walked over to him and placed her hand on his forearm. "But thank you, Tyrannomon…"

Tyrannomon smiled sweetly. "I am merely doing my job. I told your father as much this morning," he insisted.

"You saw Father this morning?" Paildramon probed.

Tyrannomon nodded. "Yes, I just caught him at the break of dawn. He was leaving for Terminal Hall for an urgent council meeting. I don't think that he slept all night, judging by the state of him. I cannot blame him; as a Councillor, he must have a lot to deal with at the moment."

Paildramon frowned deeply at his words. "Then… perhaps he knows where ExVeemon is. He might have spoken to ExVeemon. Maybe he told him to evacuate…" she deliberated.

"It is possible…" Tyrannomon mused.

Paildramon nodded and began to turn. "…I am going to speak to Father at Terminal Hall," she informed him.

The butler nodded. "Very well. I will stay here."

The dragon soldier stopped and looked at Tyrannomon. "No… I am really grateful for your loyalty, but you really need to evacuate, Tyrannomon."

"I appreciate your concern, Paildramon, but I would sooner stay here in case Master ExVeemon returns," he insisted with a subtle zest of stubbornness in his otherwise polite and deferential tone. "I must insist."

Paildramon closed her eyes. She thought about his point and a large part of her wanted to let him stay. Her main priority was making sure that ExVeemon was okay. If Tyrannomon were to stay in case he did come back. It would put her mind at ease, just a little…

She sighed and opened her eyes, staring at the loyal butler firmly but appreciatively. "I can't let you do that, Tyrannomon…" she responded, deciding that she couldn't be that selfish as to put him in danger, even if a part of her was still tempted. "It's too dangerous. If the Demon Lords attack within the day, there is no guarantee that our defences will hold. The city is in danger, and I can't ask you to stay here." As Tyrannomon opened his mouth to speak, she cut him off with a slight smile. "And before you say that I didn't ask you to, I still can't let you put yourself in danger."

"Grm… Even so… I cannot rest easy knowing that Sir Imperialdramon and Master ExVeemon are in danger…" he resistantly said.

"I will find ExVeemon," she promised him. The resoluteness and determination in her words was unshakeable. It was as much a promise to herself as it was to Tyrannomon. She wouldn't let ExVeemon be in any danger. "I will make sure he gets to safety. And I will convince Father to evacuate too, even if he decides to be stubborn."

Tyrannomon released a resigned sigh. "…Very well. I will evacuate. I will just make sure that all of the valuables and precious items are moved to safety before I go."

"Thank you, Tyrannomon," Paildramon told him, smiling graciously. "Don't be too long."

"Don't worry about me, Lady Paildramon, I won't," he responded with his own smile. He chuckled. "Pardon me: 'over-sergeant' Paildramon. I know you dislike it when I call you 'lady'."

"It's fine. Just 'Paildramon' will do," she assured him with a small grin. She gave him a soft nod and turned back towards the front door.

As the humanoid dragon opened the thick double doors, Tyrannomon watched her, his smile disappearing gently and becoming replaced with a concerned frown. "Be careful, Paildramon…" he told her.

"I will," she responded, not turning around. "You as well."

A long, tempered breath escaped her nostrils. The warm air heated up her face as it blew against the metal interior of her crimson helmet. She stared out into the grey morning, hesitating for but a moment as she gazed upon the dark clouds in the distance.

Paildramon stepped out of the mansion with determination, shutting the heavy doors behind her. Her clawed feet touched onto the cold, stony pavement, briefly stinging her scales to the touch. Her ruby eyes hardened and she strode forwards, heading to the meeting place outside of Terminal Hall.

She planned to go meet with her father, and then she planned to find ExVeemon.

She would ensure her brother's safety, no matter what.

---

VictoryGreymon walked down a large street with his four friends. Given the amount of civilians they saw earlier, it wasn't as bustling as they expected. There were still some families and solo Digimon walking down it with a few belongings, but as they continued on, there were fewer Digimon to be seen, apart from the couple patrols of soldiers that had just passed them. At first, the thoroughfare had been crowded – congested, even - with civilians, but the further north that they got, the less Digimon that they saw. This was obviously due to the fact that the demons were said to be heading from the north and people were fleeing south to get away. There were still a few civilian Digimon here and there, but there weren't many now, apart from the most stubborn.

The street was filled with closed shops – both those of merchants and craftsmons. There were a few large buildings like warehouses and the nearby brewery. The road continued north, heading towards a few residential boroughs where the families of the Greymon Five lived.

The five humanoid dragon men meandered down the long, spacious street, nodding at another squad of familiar soldiers that passed them. KaiserGreymon and ShineGreymon led the way, their metal boots clacking against the road. Meanwhile, VictoryGreymon, WarGreymon, and BlackWarGreymon followed them from behind. Despite being barefooted, they had tough scales that didn't mind walking over the smooth, stone surface.

"I sure hope that Mom evacuated already," ShineGreymon said, walking with his hands behind his head in a relaxed manner. "I'm sure she did. It's almost like a ghost town."

"I'd still feel better checking for myself," KaiserGreymon mused as he looked down a side street for any stragglers. "There's a chance that not everybody heard the news."

WarGreymon shrugged and looked around edgily. "Your parents own a bakery; I'm sure they heard," he grunted in insistence.

"Yeah, the patrols around here have been making sure that the civilians evacuate," ShineGreymon agreed, trying to be optimistic given the dire situation.

"Still, there must be people left behind…" BlackWarGreymon soberly said.

VictoryGreymon's eyes tightened within the dark of his helmet. He had been quiet for most of the walk. He didn't want to say anything, but he was extremely worried. A demon army was threatening to destroy his home. His father, his friends, and his city were in danger. He knew that if the Demon Lords attacked, a lot of people would die…

BlackWarGreymon noticed VictoryGreymon's look. "Is everything okay, VictoryGreymon?" the black dragon man questioned, turning his head and looking at his friend inquisitively. "You've been quiet."

Surprised that BlackWarGreymon noticed his inner turmoil, VictoryGreymon swiftly straightened up and plastered his usual smile onto his face. "Oh, sorry," VictoryGreymon replied, rubbing the back of his head and smiling sheepishly. "I guess I'm just thinking."

Both ShineGreymon and KaiserGreymon turned around to look at him. "Are you worried about your father?" KaiserGreymon asked him considerately.

"Nah, I'm sure that Dad's fine," VictoryGreymon insisted, still smiling positively. "I'm not worried. The Royal Knights are going to save the city, so none of us have anything to worry about! We'll beat the demons back and our families will be fine. I'm sure of it!"

KaiserGreymon smiled warmly at the largest of the five dragons. "You're right, Vic… We have to think positively. We'll all pull together and succeed."

ShineGreymon stared at VictoryGreymon for a moment. However, a smile soon cracked onto his own face. "Yeah, we're gonna kick those demons' asses all the way back to the Dark Area!" Despite his carefree smile, his ivory fists clenched tightly and there was flicker of light within the lenses on his body. "…We'll defeat them for sure…"

"Well, obviously," WarGreymon chimed in, rolling his eyes. "As if we're gonna let a bunch of ugly demons touch this city."

BlackWarGreymon nodded, signalling his silent determination. He turned his head as the five reached another side street. "This is our stop," he spoke up, nodding at KaiserGreymon and WarGreymon.

KaiserGreymon nodded and turned his head back to the two smiling dragon men. "Good luck finding your parents," he said to VictoryGreymon and ShineGreymon. "We'll meet you two in half an hour. Try not to be late, okay?"

VictoryGreymon smiled and nodded. "Alright. Good luck. Make sure they evacuate…" he gently pleaded.

"We will," KaiserGreymon answered. The sergeant gave them a soft nod and turned down the side street, walking alongside WarGreymon and BlackWarGreymon. The trio of dragon men increased their walking pace just slightly, and walked down the smooth, stone road to find their families.

This left just VictoryGreymon and ShineGreymon alone together. ShineGreymon turned his bright blue eyes towards VictoryGreymon and flashed him a smile. VictoryGreymon curved the corners of his snout up and responded with a smile of his own.

ShineGreymon turned forwards and began walking beside VictoryGreymon. They continued down the long road, towards where their parents' homes were. As ShineGreymon's gaze shifted away from his friend, VictoryGreymon's smile faded. This didn't go unnoticed as the dragon of light glanced out of the corner of his eye.

For a few minutes, the pair of dragon men walked in silence. It wasn't tense, which is a testament to how close the two were, but there was something off and they both knew it.

ShineGreymon peered over VictoryGreymon. He watched the large, muscular dragon warrior lug the giant, three-pronged broadsword over his armoured shoulder. The lithe dragon could see the distant gaze of thought in VictoryGreymon's green eyes. It was a look of pensiveness and faint concern that was barely noticeable unless one knew where to look.

"…So, Vic," ShineGreymon finally spoke, catching VictoryGreymon's attention. He turned his head and gazed at him directly, looking to see how his expression changed. "Wanna talk about it?"

VictoryGreymon suddenly put on a smile and looked back at ShineGreymon innocently. "Huh? Talk about what?" he asked, playing dumb.

ShineGreymon's gaze flattened and he shot his friend an unconvinced look. "You don't fool me, Vic… I know there's something bothering you. You're good at hiding it, but I know when you're putting on a front." To soften the accusatory nature of his words, ShineGreymon grinned and winked at him. "As your best friend, it's my job to get these things outta you, y'know."

VictoryGreymon blushed and glanced down, embarrassed and a bit ashamed at being found out. He unconsciously rubbed his neck and ventured a shy glance at ShineGreymon. "It's nothing really…" he diminutively insisted. "Besides… aren't you putting on a front too?" VictoryGreymon stared at ShineGreymon emphatically. "I know this isn't easy for you…"

ShineGreymon's smirk vanished and he instinctively looked away. "I dunno what you mean," he answered tersely. "Besides, I was talking about you. Don't try to change the subject."

VictoryGreymon winced a bit, his hand now having ventured to the back of his head to rub his fiery red hair. "Sorry, it's just… There's nothing wrong, really. I'm just… a bit worried," he insisted, still attempting to downplay his concern. "I mean… we are facing the Demon Lords and their army… so, of course I'm a little worried…"

ShineGreymon gazed into VictoryGreymon's eyes steadily. "But… that's not all, is it?" he pressed, knowing that there was something more to it. "You can talk to me, VictoryGreymon. You know you can…"

VictoryGreymon's lips tensed and pressed together. His eyes tightened, as did the grip around the Dramon Breaker's hilt. Finally, he closed his eyes and relaxed his muscles, exhaling through his nostrils in resignation. "…Okay… I know…" he said, his deep voice soft and heavy. He looked over at ShineGreymon with a small smile. "Yeah, I'm… I'm a bit worried…"

ShineGreymon remained silent. He just stared at VictoryGreymon and allowed him to speak.

"I'm worried about what's gonna happen to the city if we don't stop the Demon Lords. Our homes, our friends, our families… they're all in danger unless we can stop them…" VictoryGreymon explained, his brows lowering behind his helmet. "I'm worried that… maybe we won't be able to hold them off until reinforcements arrive. Or… what price will we have to pay?"

"…Yeah, I know what you mean, dude…" ShineGreymon answered, staring ahead, down the street and off into the distance.

VictoryGreymon stared at his best friend. "…I know you're worried and angry. I know you're pretending you're not… You don't have to pretend for my sake," he insisted.

"Even though you're pretending for mine? Isn't that kinda hypocritical, Vic?" ShineGreymon bluntly responded, matching his gaze. He sighed and looked away, hating that a flash of his true feelings came through. "…Sorry. Yeah. Maybe I am…" he admitted, folding his arms.

"You don't have to… Nobody would blame you. You're allowed to be angry at the demons. They killed your dad, after all…" VictoryGreymon empathetically responded, shifting his sword to his left hand. He raised his right hand and placed it on ShineGreymon's shoulder, squeezing gently. "I know it's hard for you, having to deal with demons after all these years."

ShineGreymon's blue eyes narrowed bitterly, his honest emotions starting to become more apparent as he let his guard down. "Yeah…" he spoke, his voice flat and cold – a stark contrast to his usual upbeat, animated tone. "It isn't just that, though… It's the fact that the demons escaped at all. It's everything that Dad had been working to prevent. The Kerberos Team… They were tasked with keeping the demons from leaving the Dark Area after that first breach years ago. But… now the Demon Lords are running amok, trying their damn best to destroy everything again… It's like he died for nothing…"

"…I know…" VictoryGreymon said understandingly, rubbing the skinnier dragon's shoulder. "But he didn't."

"I need to find Mom, Vic. I need to make sure that she's safe. I can't lose her to them too…" ShineGreymon promised vehemently. Without realising it, his voice had become heavy and urgent, and his white fists had clenched into tight, trembling balls.

"…You won't. We'll make sure she's safe, ShineGreymon…" the buff dragon man promised him, wanting to do his best to reassure him. "I won't let anything bad happen. I promise."

ShineGreymon caught himself and managed light smirk on his worried face. "Yeah… I've got the great hero knight looking out for me, right, VictoryGreymon?" he playfully said to his friend. He chuckled and elbowed him teasingly. "'The Brick Wall of Fire', right?"

VictoryGreymon managed a smile. "Yup! The Brick Wall of Fire never turns his back on someone in need!" he said with a hearty chuckle. "But don't call me that in front of the Royal Knights – I'll get embarrassed."

The broad-winged dragon man laughed softly, but his eyes remained fixed on his friend. "And what about when the Brick Wall of Fire needs help, himself?" he asked pointedly.

VictoryGreymon's features softened. "I… I'm fine… I just… I'm worried…" He looked into ShineGreymon's eyes, concern and fear flickering through his greens. "I still remember, Shine… I remember that day, when we were kids…"

ShineGreymon's smile vanished and his face became wistful and serious.

"I remember when you found out that your dad had been killed by demons…" VictoryGreymon said sadly, his green eyes growing sorrowful and tight. "You didn't come to school that day… I remember that I thought you were sick so I came to your house afterwards to check on you. I remember seeing you in the backyard, so I walked over to you… You were just sitting alone, holding your new football."

"…Yeah…" ShineGreymon wistfully remembered, his voice nearly a murmur.

"At first I thought you were skipping, but… I remember how sad you were. I asked what was wrong and then you told me… You said that your dad was killed." VictoryGreymon looked forwards, bowing his head bitterly. "It hit me like a stone wall. ...I… I remember how much you cried. …That was the first time I ever had an experience with death… Yeah, my mom died when I was young, but… I don't remember her, so it was just kinda like I never had a mom… I didn't feel that sense of loss that Dad must have felt… I didn't really understand the pain until that day."

VictoryGreymon's arm fell to his side and he gently closed his fingers into an orange fist. "That day, I learned how much death hurts people. I didn't really get it before, but… seeing how much pain you were in… I understood. Losing somebody you love… having them ripped away from you… I know how much it tears people apart." He bowed his head, his voice a near whisper. "…I hate it…"

"…Vic…" ShineGreymon caringly said, gently placing his hand on his friend's bicep.

"…That's why… That's why I refuse to kill Digimon." He raised his draconic head and looked at ShineGreymon. "I want to prevent that pain from happening to anybody else… That's why I want to be a hero like the Royal Knights. That's why I'm going to do my best to keep the Demon Lords from attacking our home and hurting the people that we love…"

ShineGreymon grinned at him warmly. "Heh. That's… you, alright," he said, patting VictoryGreymon's back. "Always thinking about other people. That's what's great about you, and that's why you'd make a great hero, pal. You wouldn't hurt a fly… You may be a bit dense sometimes, but you've really got morals strong enough to put you on par with the Royal Knights." ShineGreymon rubbed the spot between VictoryGreymon's shield wings and he stared at his friend seriously. "But… we're in a situation where we're going to have to hurt people, VictoryGreymon. We have to fight those demons to stop them from hurting the people we care about. We'll probably even have to kill them… It's too dangerous to try to have it both ways…"

VictoryGreymon frowned and looked down. "I… I know… but… I can't do it, Shine. I can't kill them… Not even them…" he apologetically responded.

"Then… stick with me. I'll do it for you…" ShineGreymon said to him, that bit of ice returning to his voice. "Because I'm not going to hold back, Vic. And I'm not gonna let you get yourself killed."

VictoryGreymon grimaced. "…Yeah… I'll stay with you."

ShineGreymon grinned, his carefree energy returning. He ruffled the back of VictoryGreymon's head, messing up his hair. "Good. Don't worry, dude. Things'll be okay. Especially with the awesomest fighters around defending this place: The Royal Knights, Ouryumon – and me, of course," he playfully boasted.

VictoryGreymon smiled and chuckled a bit, taking a bit of comfort in ShineGreymon's confidence. "Yeah, you're right. Things'll be fine. I know it…" he agreed, his sunny demeanour returning as well.

"Damn right they will," ShineGreymon reaffirmed, placing his hands behind his head and walking in a casual strut.

The pair, having been a bit distracted from talking, looked around the familiar residential neighbourhood. Further down the street, an expansive, free-standing, two-story building could be seen over the tops of the other houses. It took up a good portion of the block that it was on. The building was very wide and made of stone bricks, with large, barred, warehouse-like windows.

"Well, there's the brewery," ShineGreymon mused, looking at his friend as they reached an intersection. "Why don't you go ahead and see if your dad or anybody else is inside? I'll go home and see if Mom's there."

VictoryGreymon nodded. "Yeah, okay. Knowing Dad, he's probably still working. Haha," he chuckled.

"Okay, dude. Good luck," ShineGreymon said, patting VictoryGreymon's muscular shoulder.

VictoryGreymon suddenly turned and pulled ShineGreymon into a warm hug. "…You too, Shine…" he said, holding the skinnier dragon man close.

"Gah!" ShineGreymon exclaimed with a laugh. He lightly hugged VictoryGreymon back, patting his broad back. "Heh. Okay, okay. See ya soon, buddy."

VictoryGreymon pulled away with a wide smile. "Yeah. Meet you after. We can't hold the Royal Knights up," he said positively.

ShineGreymon gave VictoryGreymon a confident thumbs up. "Yep. Later." He then shot VictoryGreymon a wink and a pair of finger guns. "Don't keep me waitin' dude. I've gotta show off my skills to all the ladies," he cockily said, turning around and heading off down the residential side street.

This left VictoryGreymon alone on the corner. He watched for a few seconds as ShineGreymon spread his sparkling wings and flew down the length of the street. Then, he looked forwards and stared down the road towards the brewery ahead of him.

VictoryGreymon took a deep breath and crossed the street, heading towards the large building. As he approached the warehouse, the dragon man quietly hoped that his father had already evacuated and that he had left a note at home telling him as much. However, he knew how stubborn his father could be.

The orange-scaled figure stopped in front of the familiar brick building. Unlike the many other times he had visited it, this time it seemed to loom over him. He felt as if he was standing at the foot of an imposing tower... one that was about to collapse around him at any moment. Even with this unease, VictoryGreymon would not only stand his ground, but continue moving forwards. That was what a Royal Knight would do, after all…

VictoryGreymon approached the front entrance of the brewery: a pair of auburn, wooden doors guarding the threshold. Uncertainly, he looked up, gazing up the brick wall of the building. It stood at five times his height, and the exterior's surface seemed rough, cold, and unwelcoming. His thick, orange fingers hesitated before touching the smooth, wooden surface of the door.

He wasn't sure why he felt so fearful… He put it down to the threat of the Demon Lords attacking his home. That was likely the cause of this strong sense of unease…

VictoryGreymon took a deep breath to steel his will and summon his courage. Remembering why he was here, VictoryGreymon frowned with resolve and slowly pushed against the doors.

To his surprise, the doors gave way and swung open. They weren't locked like he had hoped. As the reinforced, wooden slabs parted, the first thing that VictoryGreymon sensed was the warm gust of air from inside. He was greeted with the pungent, malty aroma of fermented wheat, barley, and hops. His nostrils, though familiar with the scent, twitched and narrowed slightly behind his helmet.

The brewery had a warehouse-like interior. It was almost like a medieval version of a Metal Empire industrial plant, but more primitive. VictoryGreymon walked inside of a wide, open area like that of a factory floor. The brewing area was filled with large, metal vats and drums that were as twice as tall as he was. There were several of these factory-scale tanks that were used in the brewing process.

Mash tuns, lauter tuns, brew kettles, fermenters… VictoryGreymon knew the names by heart. Having grown up the son of a famous brewer, he knew how the whole process worked. He wasn't the smartest Digimon around, so he didn't entirely understand the science of it, but he knew how his father's craft was performed. Part of him felt that his father still expected him to take over the brewery from him eventually. That was what WarGreymon had wanted from his son. VictoryGreymon's dad never really approved of him going to join the military when he was young, but he didn't put up much of a fight to prevent him from joining either.

However, to his relief, there was nobody manning the brewery equipment. The whole area was empty. VictoryGreymon didn't hear any noises coming from the adjacent bottling area and shipping bay over on the right hand side of the building either.

Overlooking the brewery floor was a metal catwalk that surrounded the large room's perimeter. The catwalks were accessible by a few sets of stairs that led up to the second floor. The second level was where the offices were located. The series of rooms took up the final quarter of the brewery.

It didn't make any sense to VictoryGreymon. There was nobody there, but the doors were unlocked. Even if he was in a hurry, his father wouldn't have forgotten to lock the doors. He was too fastidious for that.

VictoryGreymon wasn't about to give up searching. He ventured into the brewery and walked over to the left wall. There, he found a set of metal stairs leading up to the catwalk and the second level. The dragon Digimon began to mount the stairs, his toe claws clicking against the metal steps as he carefully climbed them. His grip was tight against the metal railing, and the orange scales of his palm pressed firmly against the hand rail.

As he reached the apex of the catwalk, he looked down the length of it towards a set of doors along the far wall. He could hear the faint shuffling of papers and the creak of a wooden chair along the floor.

"Hello? Who's there?" a deep, serious-sounding voice tersely asked. "I told all of you to leave while there's still time."

VictoryGreymon blinked. The pitch and cadence of the voice was unmistakeable. Suddenly a troubled squeeze gripped his heart.

"…Dad?" he spoke up apprehensively.

There was silence. WarGreymon didn't reply at first. The quietude hung heavily in the pungent brewery air.

"…VictoryGreymon?" the older, gruffer voice finally inquired.

VictoryGreymon moved down the walkway and approached the open doorway at the end of it. Beyond the door was a short hallway with a couple rooms on each side. VictoryGreymon approached the first door on the right and stepped into the office.

He could see an older WarGreymon sitting at a desk which sat in front of a window overlooking the brewing area. Rather than armour, he wore a suit. The armour in question was mounted on the wall of the office, along with his Dramon Killers. The WarGreymon's red hair was trimmed short with a few grey strands here and there.

The desk's surface was covered with a small, orderly stack of papers, a few different quills and ink bottles, charcoal pencils, and other stationary materials. WarGreymon stood over the desk, hovering over the wooden chair beneath him, pouring over the brewery's paperwork. As VictoryGreymon walked in, WarGreymon glanced at his son, but didn't turn away from the desk or the papers.

"VictoryGreymon…" the older Greymon spoke, staring down at what was in front of him.

There was a soft silence after his words. VictoryGreymon expected him to say something more – maybe even give him a hug. It had been a few months since they'd seen each other last. However, he didn't. His father had always been like that. He was always so focused on his work…

VictoryGreymon's eyes softened slightly. But he smiled uncertainly. "Um… Hi, Dad…"

"I wasn't expecting you," WarGreymon responded.

"Yeah, um…" VictoryGreymon stalled. In the moment that they saw each other, he had forgotten about why he was there. Now, the urgency of the situation was returning. He was here for a reason. "…Dad? What are you doing here?" VictoryGreymon asked him urgently. "Didn't you hear about the Demon Lords' army? It's advancing towards New Terminal! They might even attack today!"

"Yes, I heard about it… That's why I sent everybody home. I told them to get their loved ones and evacuate as soon as they could," WarGreymon explained plainly. He flipped a page over and started to read the one beneath it. "They didn't need to stay under these conditions."

VictoryGreymon frowned with confusion. "But…" He tentatively took a step towards his father. "I don't understand. If you know about the demons' army, what are you still doing here…?"

"I have things that I still need to do," WarGreymon responded. There was an undertone of determined finality in his voice.

"What…? Like what?"

WarGreymon pointed down to the ledger in front of him. "Tomorrow is pay day. I need to sort out my staff's wages for when they get back. I also have to make sure that our next shipment will be ready to go," he simply replied, still not looking up as his clawed finger trailed down the page. It sounded more like he was talking to himself than he was to VictoryGreymon. "The next batch should be finished by sunset..."

VictoryGreymon found himself taking the tip of his tail and mindlessly twiddling the end of it between his fingers. He stared at his father with worry and veiled restlessness. "Um… Dad… It's really not safe here in the city…" he timidly spoke up, trying to smile a little.

"…I'm aware. That's why I sent the staff home," WarGreymon reiterated, flipping the page and continuing to mentally add the amount of bits owed.

"Then… why are you still here?" VictoryGreymon asked, trying not to sound too forceful. "If you know it's dangerous…"

"Like I said, VictoryGreymon, I still have things that I need to do here," he asserted. He was blunt, nonchalant, and, most of all, focused. "Besides, the Republic's military will drive them off…"

VictoryGreymon winced a bit, his inner frustration beginning to grow. "Dad… I don't think you understand the situation… It's serious... It's really dangerous here. An evacuation order has been made…" he insisted, his green eyes large and pleading. "There's no guarantee that the military can hold them back… And… and there's nothing so important here that it's worth risking your life over…!"

Finally, WarGreymon tore his gaze away from the papers on his desk. He turned his head and looked over at his son with a firm, unwavering stare. "…Whether or not Demon Lords are attacking, this brewery still needs to run. Villains come and go. This brewery still has orders that it needs to fill, shipments that need to be delivered across the Digital World. I can at least see to some of that…"

VictoryGreymon grimaced. His hands released his tail and they were half way to becoming fists. "Dad… They might break through the walls. They might start destroying the city…! This isn't just a band of demon bandits; these are the Demon Lords! And they have a whole army! The Ultimate level Digimon who held their own against the Royal Knights and the Warrior Ten… They dropped a Sky Colony…! If we… If we can't stop them, they could…" VictoryGreymon bowed his head, shutting his eyes and gritting his teeth together. "Is… Is the brewery more important than your safety…?"

WarGreymon's green eyes hardened for a moment. "…VictoryGreymon…" he spoke, his voice calm, but smooth and firm like steel. "…What are you even doing here?"

VictoryGreymon opened his eyes and looked at his father with confusion. "What…?"

"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be back at Castle Albion with the Royal Knights?" WarGreymon asked.

"Oh, um… No…" VictoryGreymon answered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alphamon came here leading an advance team of Examon, UlforceVeedramon, and Gankoomon and a few of us from the Strike Forces… My friends are here too. The rest of the Royal Knights and the Order are on their way. We came early to organise the defences and stuff."

"…Then I have nothing to worry about, do I?" WarGreymon insisted, turning his attention back to the ledger. He took a quill out of the ink pot and began jotting numbers down on the rough surface of the paper. "If the Royal Knights are coming, they'll be able to push back the Demon Lords. You, yourself, have said many times how powerful and capable the Royal Knights are."

"Yeah, but… What if they don't arrive in time…? Alphamon and the rest of us are going to help fight, but… there's only so many of us… And the Demon Lords are really strong…" VictoryGreymon murmured.

WarGreymon frowned softly. "…Then you shouldn't have come here."

"What?" VictoryGreymon asked, confused.

"If it's that dangerous here… you should leave. Go back to Castle Albion. Get somewhere safe," WarGreymon advised him, his eyes glancing back at his son.

"I… I can't, Dad. I'm here with the Royal Knights. I could never leave my post. Ever!" VictoryGreymon insisted, suddenly drawing out his inner determination. "It's my duty to fight the Demon Lords! I'm going to stand side-by-side with the Royal Knights to protect New Terminal!"

WarGreymon's grip around the feather quill tightened, and the inked tip stalled on the page. "VictoryGreymon!" he shouted suddenly.

VictoryGreymon tensed up and shrunk back instinctively at the scolding. His courage suddenly retreated back inside him. Wincing, he cocked open an eye and looked at his father tentatively.

WarGreymon released a breath and collected himself. He looked down at his desk, but his hand remained tight around the quill. "…You shouldn't be here, VictoryGreymon. You shouldn't even be with the Royal Knights," he told him bluntly. "This is more than you can handle. You aren't just playing hero with your friends in the backyard any more. If you fight against the Demon Lords, you could die." WarGreymon frowned at him. "You can't defeat them…"

The dragon man grimaced and bowed his head. The words stung, especially coming from his father. The doubts that he routinely thought about himself began to surface. His clenched, emerald eyes softened for but a moment.

However, he wouldn't let himself be deterred. He knew the flaws that he had. He wouldn't let them stop him. He couldn't…

"I… I know. I'm not very good at anything. I could never be like the Royal Knights…" VictoryGreymon murmured, looking at his father. "But… I have to fight, Dad. Not just because it's my duty… I want to fight. I want to protect the people that I care about! I want to protect my friends and family! That's why… That's why I'm going to fight! Please, Dad. Evacuate. I want you to go… Please…" There was a soft glisten of moisture in his eyes as he made his heartfelt plea to his father.

WarGreymon closed his eyes and turned his head away. "…I can't…" he spoke. "Not right now."

VictoryGreymon's heart sunk into his stomach. His insides lurched and a sense of despair washed over him. "But…"

WarGreymon raised his head and looked towards VictoryGreymon, his demeanour softening slightly. "…I'll evacuate before things get bad, okay? Just worry about yourself out there…" he told him.

"…Yeah…" VictoryGreymon answered reluctantly. He supposed that, with his father's stubbornness, that was the best that he could hope for. He couldn't bring himself to fight him anymore. He felt that he just had to accept it and hope that his father would evacuate in time. He had to believe that he would…

So, VictoryGreymon put a small smile on his face as he looked at his father. "Yeah, okay. Thanks, Dad. Just… evacuate when you're done here, okay?" he beseeched him, smiling with his usual optimism.

WarGreymon nodded. "I will, Victory…" he told his son. He pulled himself away from the desk and turned to face VictoryGreymon directly. "…Be careful, okay? Take care of yourself…"

"I will, Dad," VictoryGreymon assured him brightly. "Don't worry about me."

"…Don't try to be a hero…" WarGreymon asked him, his eyes grave and concerned. "Leave that to the Royal Knights… Just… run if you're in danger… Do the smart thing."

VictoryGreymon smiled more sincerely. "I'll just do my job… I won't be reckless…" he assured him.

WarGreymon nodded. "Then… good luck. I hope you have as much victory as your name promises…"

With those words, he turned away and focused his attention back onto his work. VictoryGreymon nodded and waited for a few moments.

As his father refocused on his ledger, VictoryGreymon began to feel out-of-place once again. VictoryGreymon's smile melted away and he turned around.

He made his way to the door of the office and stopped within it, placing one hand on the wooden frame. He braved a glance over his shoulder, to the dragon man who settled back in front of his desk.

"Be safe, Dad…" he whispered.

With those words, VictoryGreymon grabbed the Dramon Breaker from its resting place against the wall and walked into the hallway. Despite the fear and uneasiness within him, he placed those feelings aside, not allowing them even a moment's breath. Shouldering his blade, VictoryGreymon quietly left his father to his work and made his exit. All that he could do was hope for the best and do what he was told to do.

He just hoped that it would be enough.

---

The wind flowed beneath Alphamon's armoured body. It drifted underneath the small, armoured, golden wings that extended from his back. The spring breeze buffeted him gently as he ascended higher.

Alphamon soared up the rocky peaks of Yggdrasil's Mount. The slopes were steep and the rocks were made of a silvery-white stone. As he climbed the mountain air, he flew above a massive tree root – one that was larger than most buildings – that coiled around the tall mountain. As he did, he felt a gentle wave of warmth and encouragement from the hallowed appendage.

The Argent Mountains that overlooked the west of New Terminal at least assured Alphamon that the Demon Lords wouldn't be attacking from that direction. It was too treacherous of terrain for an army. However, Alphamon wondered if they might want to capture the mountains for their significance to Yggdrasil. One of the World Tree's three roots was intransigently linked to the mountain, after all.

Though to do that, the Demon Lords would need to capture the city. Alphamon would not allow that.

The ebony paladin continued to rise. About thirty meters above him, he could see a cliff edge that levelled the peak off before continuing up further. That was his destination.

He spread his wings and soared up, passing above the cliff. He stopped in the air, a few meters above, and looked around the area beneath him. It was a plateau, fixed to the side of Yggdrasil's Mount, with only an unbeaten path travelling up from a forested area further down the mountain. The ground was matted with emerald grass and vibrant flowers.

In the middle of the plateau was a small hut. Beside it was a bed of flowers that seemed to be thriving.

It was Bagramon's hut. It felt like so long ago that Alphamon had last been here… It was under such different circumstances…

There was a faint bubble of anger and anticipation within Alphamon's body. The last time he was here, he came to tell Bagramon about what he had done. He had felt so guilty. He had killed DarkKnightmon, Bagramon's brother and Alphamon's once-friend. He had come expecting wrath… seeking forgiveness… desperate for solace. Yet, the entire time, Bagramon had been playing him for a fool. He had been plotting against the Royal Knights while keeping up the pretense of being an understanding seer. As angry as he was at Bagramon, he was even angrier with himself for not having seen it.

Alphamon released a calming breath and tempered his emotions. He would not let his feelings get the better of him. If Bagramon was inside, he would confront him calmly, in a capacity befitting of the leader of the Royal Knights. However, he would not be soft with him.

The shadowy paladin descended, floating down to the surface of the vernal plateau. His ebony boots touched down on the grass, managing to avoid a nearby patch of mountain-growing sky flowers. His white and blue mantle fluttered in the mountain breeze as he turned towards the lone hut. It was time to see if the Sage of Death was in.

Alphamon strode towards the hovel dauntlessly. Without announcing his presence, the Royal Knight walked up to the three meter high, wooden door and placed his left hand on the handle. Moving slowly, he furtively turned the doorknob. Finding it unlocked, he slowly pushed the door open. His right hand was spread, and the gem of his palm shimmered with gathering energy.

He crept inside the hut and raised his hand up, aiming the gem. Upon entering, he found that there was nobody in the front living area. The room was empty apart from the furniture and the many shelves of books, herbs, potions, and mystical baubles. However, there was a coronaform – a gathering of light data – that hovered in the center of the ceiling, illuminating the hut's interior.

Alphamon looked across the room to the pair of doors on the opposite wall. The one on the left, which led to the kitchen, was open, and there seemed to be nobody inside the room. The other door, which likely led to the bedroom and bathroom, was closed.

After listening for a few moments longer, it seemed to Alphamon that there was nobody home. A bittersweet blend of disappointment and relief washed over him. He decided that he had might as well look around to see if there were any clues as to what Bagramon's plans were.

Alphamon walked into the hut and closed the door behind him. He gave a final glance around the austere room. Apart from the shelves of books and the furniture on the right hand side of the room, the rest of the objects lying around were not personal possessions – they were mainly items to be sold. Bagramon played the part of the ascetic hermit well. Alphamon quietly wondered how much of his existence here was truth and how much was deceit.

The Royal Knight walked towards the right side of the living room, where Bagramon's possessions were arranged against the wall. This mostly consisted of a large, wooden desk, and a few large bookshelves flanking it from both sides. It was most likely that any useful information would be either there or in Bagramon's bedroom.

As Alphamon's foot pressed down on the old, wooden floor, the hut creaked. The scent of old paper mixed with the fragrant aroma of herbs filled his nose. He identified a few of the scents as herbs that he would sometimes use in his teas and coffees.

As the knight approached the bookshelves, he noted that all of them were crammed full of books. They weren't simply novels either; the books were mostly tomes, religious texts, and scientific literature. They were the sorts of books that only the likes of Duftmon would ever peruse; many of them were doorstoppers on either broad topics, like history or natural science, or hyper-specific ones, such as the passing of Digimon data into the Dark Area or the schism between the Yggdrasil faith and the Religion of Light. Alphamon noticed that many of the books had to do with religion, not just the Religion of Light, but the Two Faiths as well. Topics included the Heavenly War, the banishment of the demons to the Dark Area, criticisms of the Religion of Light, and general histories of the three faiths. However there were a wide range of books on many other topics too – some were linked, such as books about the Demon Lords and the Dark Area, while others were unrelated such as a bestiary and an encyclopaedia.

Alphamon turned to Bagramon's desk. On top of it was a thick tome. Its cover was old and the style of the Digimoji on its surface was archaic. The Royal Knight approached and pressed his hand to the cover, reading the title of the book; 'the Codex of Eschatology'. It was a book about death, psychopomp, apocalyptic ideas, and the destiny of a Digimon's soul. Alphamon supposed the fallen angel still followed the topics despite losing his title as the Archangel of Death.

Suddenly, there was a noise behind him. The sound of metal clicking and wood creaking sent a twitch of surprise up Alphamon's spine. He whirled around to see the closest door to him, the door leading to Bagramon's bedroom and bathroom, swing open. He could see a short silhouette – too short to be Bagramon – emerge in the light.

A small, cloaked mage emerged in the doorway. He was looking down at himself, past his collar, as he was in the process of zipping up his yolk-coloured jumpsuit. With his hat angled down, he didn't notice Alphamon immediately.

"Blitzmon? Bolgmon? Is that you?" Wizardmon asked, pulling the zipper up to his cowled neck. "Did you manage to find-…" Wizardmon trailed off as he finally looked up.

His gaze landed on the tall, imposing, regal body of Alphamon, whose eyes locked onto Wizardmon's. The mage felt his legs go numb, and his body turned to jelly. All he could do was freeze in his tracks as his stomach sank and his eyes enlarged with terror. He was inwardly glad that he had just used the washroom a minute ago.

Alphamon stared down Wizardmon with firm, serious eyes that were enough to give almost any Digimon pause. He slowly raised his arm and aimed his outstretched hand at the terrified Wizardmon. There was a soft glint of light within the ruby gem in his palm, making Wizardmon think twice about attempting to try anything. "I'm afraid that I let myself in…" he spoke, his powerful stare unwavering.

"A-Alphamon…" Wizardmon whispered, finding that his mouth had suddenly gone dry. "…Are… Are you here to buy something…?" he feebly attempted to play dumb.

"I think we both know that I am not…" Alphamon responded, his voice deep and threatening like the soft roll of distant thunder. Despite the hidden warning, he continued to speak in a polite and diplomatic manner. "I suggest that you sit down, Wizardmon." He picked up the nearby desk chair with his free hand and placed the wooden seat beside the hapless wizard. "Right there, if you would be so kind…"

Wizardmon swallowed dryly and submissively nodded. He walked around the chair and sat down. He bowed his head hopelessly and folded his clenched hands on top of one another. He almost seemed like he was a scolded student sitting in front of a headmaster.

"Do you know why I am here?" Alphamon asked him.

"Uh… no…" Wizardmon meekly replied, ducking his head behind his collar.

"Given how much you're trembling, I think that you do know…" Alphamon replied, standing in front of him. "I'll be blunt, since I am short on time… I know what Bagramon is up to, and I know that he was the mastermind behind the Seven Great Demon Lords' escape. I know that he is the reason why the Demon Lords are now at the doorsteps of New Terminal…"

Wizardmon looked up with wide eyes. "What…?"

"What I want to know from you, Wizardmon, is what he is planning…" Alphamon stated.

Wizardmon grimaced. "I… I don't know!" he fearfully exclaimed. "I don't have anything to do with all that!"

"Then why are you here? You know Blitzmon and Bolgmon – Bagramon's hired lackeys. You must be involved," Alphamon pressed, narrowing his eyes. "Don't lie to me, Wizardmon. I'm somewhat impatient right now."

A shiver of dread shot down the short wizard's body. "I-I-I swear, I have nothing to do with what Bagramon is doing now! I didn't even know that the Demon Lords were attacking New Terminal!" he insisted desperately. "All I've done was be the intermediary between Bagramon and Black Pincer Company! Everything else was just research!"

Alphamon cocked an eyebrow. "Research…?" he questioned.

Wizardmon looked down. "I… I'm a scientist. I study dimensional barriers. I met Sir Craniamon and Sir Examon back in Dusk Forest when I was studying the adverse effects of a dark rift… Ever since, I have been focusing my research efforts on those dark rifts…"

"About a year ago, Bagramon contacted me directly. He told me that he could help me in my research. There isn't really any easy way to find and study the dark rifts, so when he said that he wanted to help me and that he had a vested interest in my work, I really wanted to work with him. He funded my research project, and in exchange, I told him all about how the dimensional barrier between the Digital World's plane and the Dark Area worked. He even took me to some Dark Rifts to collect samples. I have no stake in whatever Bagramon and the Demon Lords are doing. We just helped each other for our own interests! I only worked with him for the sake of research! I don't condone hurting anyone and I never have!" Wizardmon rapidly babbled, spilling his guts out under Alphamon's modest inquiry.

"…I see…" Alphamon responded. He closed his eyes and took in everything that Wizardmon had said to him. "So… you think that it was acceptable to unleash the Seven Great Demon Lords onto the Digital World just as long as you were able to satiate your curiosity?" He clenched his fist and snapped open his eyes. His golden eyes suddenly gleamed with a dangerous crimson hue. "You think that the ends justify the means, Wizardmon? …I know what happens when scientists overstep the bounds of what is right and moral. …Tell me, Wizardmon, does the Death-X Incident mean anything to you?" His eyes narrowed into a livid scowl and the tips of his fingers pressed firmly into his palm. "Tragedies like that happen when scientists flout their ethics. I remember all too well…" he reprimanded, his tone suddenly turning firm and angry.

Wizardmon grimaced and shrunk back in his seat, trying to make himself as small as possible. It wasn't just fear that swelled inside of him but also guilt. "I'm s-sorry! I didn't want anything like that to happen!" he insisted. "I didn't know what Bagramon was planning from the beginning! He didn't tell me until he needed me to study the largest rifts! I don't want the Demon Lords to be free, but there's nothing I can do about it! I just wanted to learn more about the Dark Area… I… I didn't want this…"

Alphamon took a soft, calming breath and unclenched his tightly scrunched fist. "…Even so, you cannot distance yourself from this, Wizardmon. Perhaps you're naïve, but you willingly helped cause this to happen," he explained, his voice becoming composed and even again.

"I'm… I'm sorry…" Wizardmon whispered, shutting his eyes tightly. "I… I didn't think… I didn't think about the consequences…"

"I can see that…"

The Royal Knight sighed again with irritation. He knew that time was running out. He had to get back to the others soon, but he couldn't just let Wizardmon go. He still needed to talk to him.

"I need to go. Time is running short," Alphamon explained.

"What… What are you going to do with me?" Wizardmon asked, his voice choked and trembling. "I swear I'll never look at a dark rift ever again. I don't know what Bagramon's exact plans are, but…"

Alphamon took a step towards Wizardmon. "I'm going to do this," he said. Flashes of white light suddenly formed in his hand, and he aimed his palm towards the frightened mage.

Wizardmon let out a panicked cry and shut his eyes. He braced himself for what was to come.

However, after a few seconds, the searing pain that he expected never came. Instead he felt a pressure around his chest and arms. Wizardmon tentatively opened an eye.

To his surprise, he saw that Alphamon was holding a rope of light in his hands. Alphamon was in the process of wrapping the luminous cord around Wizardmon's upper body, binding him to the chair that he sat on.

Wizardmon panicked for a second and squirmed. "W-What are you doing?!" Wizardmon asked with concern.

"I apologise for this, but I really do have to go," Alphamon explained as he tied the harmless rope of light. "I can't let you leave, and it's too impractical and dangerous to bring you with me, so you're going to have to stay here until I come back. And I will come back."

"But-but what about the Demon Lords' army?" Wizardmon asked, wincing as Alphamon tied the knot that kept him in place. "What if you can't stop them and they destroy the city?!"

"We will stop them," Alphamon assured him. "To be honest, this is the safest place that you can be, Wizardmon. You'll be here, safe and sound, while the battle is taking place. Nobody is going to come near this hut, all the way up here in the mountains. And they especially won't attack the hut of Bagramon, the one who is behind the Demon Lords' escape."

Wizardmon grimaced and wiggled uncomfortably. "Y-Ye-Yes, but…"

"I promise that I'll be back as soon as I can. Just stay put," Alphamon said to him, standing up from behind Wizardmon's chair. "I won't keep you waiting any longer than a day."

"A day…?! B-But, Sir Alphamon…!" Wizardmon meekly protested.

"I'm sorry, but that's the best I can do," Alphamon responded. "I must go now. I don't know when the Demon Lords will strike, so we have to prepare."

Alphamon walked around Wizardmon's chair and made his way over to the front door of the hut. He stopped in the doorway and turned around, giving Wizardmon a look of knightly reassurance. "You aren't in any danger. I promise," he said, hoping to assuage the nervous Digimon's fears.

Wizardmon shut his eyes but nodded, causing his wizard's hat to bobble up and down his dishevelled head.

Alphamon smiled a bit and exited Bagramon's hut.

As he stepped out onto the plateau, he supposed that this meant that Bagramon was currently with the Demon Lords. Alphamon considered it a relief, as he wasn't sure he was in the right mindset to fight Bagramon, and he couldn't have afforded to with the pressing circumstances of the Demon Lords on the imminent horizon either.

He walked towards the cliff and gazed over the city of New Terminal. The sky was grey and growing darker by the moment. The whole city seemed uneasy.

The last time that he had exited this hut, he had felt as though a weight had been removed from his heart. Now he felt as though another had been added.

Alphamon stared out across his home. His eyes were solemn, but determined and courageous. He stepped off the cliff and dropped, spreading his wings and catching himself on a gust of mountain air. As the Royal Knight flew down Yggdrasil's Mount and descended back towards New Terminal, he silently promised that this would not be the last time he gazed upon this beautiful city. He would not allow it to go up in flames.

He would not allow a repeat of the Death-X Incident.