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?

82. Chapter 58: A Second Life

(Author's Notes: Chapter 58 is here! It's on the hefty side, so feel free to take breaks if you're so inclined. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!)

---

Chapter 58: A Second Life

Dawn broke the following day.

Alphamon lay in bed, nestled comfortably below the blankets. As the sun peaked over the horizon, its rays shone through his open window and cast across his face. His eyes tightened before slowly opening. He tilted his head, causing his golden irises and his ruby digicore interface to shimmer in the morning light.

As he adjusted to his surroundings, Alphamon began to hear a strange noise coming from above him. It was like the sound of somebody flipping the pages of a book, but it was far too rapid and rhythmic.

Alphamon frowned curiously and sat up, the sheet falling down his chest. As he collected his bearings, he raised his head to look upwards, where the sound originated from. Above him, he noticed what seemed to be a paper bat flying in place above him.

The Royal Knight blinked and made sure that he wasn't seeing things. It definitely appeared to be some sort of magical bat creature made of paper. He quietly wished that he had his morning coffee before dealing with something as odd as this.

"Very curious…" Alphamon spoke. He slid out of the large bed, his large body garbed in white, buttoned pajamas as he rose to his feet. With an open hand, the Royal Knight reached out to the paper familiar, which didn't pull away from him. "Now, what are you doing here…? Do you have a message for me?"

Alphamon carefully took the bat in his hand. As soon as his finger took hold of it, the paper creature immediately glowed and unfolded into a single page. When the creases vanished and the page was flat, the Digimoji on the page glowed faintly.

Suddenly, a voice came from the letter in tandem with the words. It was a soft, uneasy voice that rang a bell in Alphamon's memory.

"Dear Alphamon," the voice began.

Alphamon blinked with shock as the contents of the letter revealed itself to him, along with a voice he wasn't sure that he would hear from again. He listened carefully as the enchanted letter relayed the familiar mage's tale.

"It's Wizardmon…"

---

Elsewhere on the castle grounds, GrandisKuwagamon wandered lazily down a stone corridor.

It was early morning, right around the break of dawn. He had only woken up that early because a guard began drumming his sword on the bars of his cell in order to wake him. A few choice cuss words later, he had shambled out of bed and used the few minutes he was permitted to ready himself. Apparently he was supposed to meet his handler and also be brought to where the Rooks lived.

The corridor he walked down was not in the main castle but in the third of the three, large barracks buildings, known as Barracks Delta. Barracks Delta housed the Rooks on half of the second floor of the four storey building. The rest of the barracks belonged to the Reconnaissance Forces. Seeing as most of the Recon Squads were avian or flight-able Digimon, they generally took up a large amount of space, though most were encouraged to use smaller forms when possible. In addition, there were several balconies and landing pads on the upper floors of the building for them to land on.

The hallway he traversed was several meters wide to accommodate for different body types. While it was fairly accessible, it was probably a bit too tight for him to fit in his GranKuwagamon form, so he opted to use his smaller, humanoid form for convenience.

GrandisKuwagamon looked down the hallway at the Digimon walking ahead of him. The Digimon in question was a humanoid dragon, about his height. The dragon was clad from head to toe in black armour that was made of an advanced, durable rubber. It almost seemed like something the D-Brigade might produce. He wasn't sure how comfortable it was, but it looked effective and stylish. Extending from the dragon's back were four blood red wings, scarred and partially tattered from battle. Covering his head and parts of his armour was a bronze-hued metal. These metal plates shimmered under the glow form that lit the hallway from overhead.

The dark dragon grunted and glanced over his shoulder at him, despite his eyes being hidden under the helmet that encompassed the top half of his snout. "You're falling behind, bug," he told him in a low, draconic voice.

"Bug? That's offensive, you know," GrandisKuwagamon dryly replied. "I'll tell Karatenmon that you're being hurtful."

The dragon in rubber armour shrugged. "Hm. And I didn't even mention the fact that you're a virus ex-con with a big mouth and a stupid face who I have to babysit," he gruffly answered.

"Gee. Y'know, I'm already starting to miss Paildramon. She might have a stick up her ass and have tried to kill me, but at least she's polite," he said with a goading smirk. "Do you really have to be my handler?"

"The proximal restraint system's already been installed in the both of us. Which is the reason you shouldn't fall behind," the cyborg dragon answered, looking forwards.

"That's just great. And you're not even an Ultimate level," GrandisKuwagamon questioned. "How's a flimsy Perfect level like you supposed to keep up with me?"

"Didn't over-sergeant Paildramon take you down?" he retorted smugly without turning around.

GrandisKuwagamon leered at the back of his horned head. "When she was a super-charged Ultimate level, maybe. Oh, and it was technically a draw," he insisted.

"Uh huh. Well, I can evolve to Ultimate level too, so don't take me lightly," the dark dragon informed him.

"Considering you're still in your Perfect level, I'm guessing it's just a temp evolution," GrandisKuwagamon quipped with an air of smug victory.

"Think what you want."

"I usually do," GrandisKuwagamon flippantly said. "…Well, I guess we're stuck with each other, Cy."

"It's 'Cyberdramon'," the gruff member of the Rooks irately corrected. He stopped in front of a door and thumbed inside. "This will be our room."

GrandisKuwagamon stared at the room and then flatly looked at the dragon. "…I have to bunk with you?" the scarab mercenary asked, making his lack of excitement known.

"I'm not sleeping in the dungeons like a criminal, so, yes," Cyberdramon answered with finality.

"What? Not even a date first? What kind of a guy do you think I am?" GrandisKuwagamon followed up with a teasing smirk.

"A smart ass who isn't funny," Cyberdramon responded, raising his snout as if he was rolling his eyes behind his helmet.

GrandisKuwagamon leaned against the door frame and folded his arms. "Well, you sure are fun… This is going to be a long and excruciating partnership at this rate. Or did they just stick me with the most hard-boiled and boring member of the Rooks as punishment?"

Cyberdramon grunted and folded his arms across his muscular chest as well. "Look, bug. I don't like you. But I respect Karatenmon. He asked me if I was up to watching you and I told him I would, so I'm going to do my best." The dragon turned and stared at GrandisKuwagamon directly. "If you're serious about this, I suggest you do the same."

"Oh, I plan to, Cy," GrandisKuwagamon replied, matching his stare with one of his own.

"You'd better. You have a lot to prove before we accept you as one of the Rooks," the cyborg dragon explained to the scarab.

"Cyberdramon's right, merc," a voice said from outside of the room.

GrandisKuwagamon stood up from the door frame and turned around. He looked down the hall and saw that it led to the Rook's lounge area in the center of the floor.

Glaring at him from the room's entrance was a Black WereGarurumon. Behind that black-furred werewolf were more members of the Rooks, who were eyeing GrandisKuwagamon with obvious distrust. There were several Digimon among them.

There was a short, cybernetic Appmon who was armed with a sniper rifle, eyeing the bug cautiously out of the corned of his scouter - a Scorpmon. There was also a short, round Digimon garbed in purple ninja apparel, who looked up from sharpening his ninjato – a Kougamon. Above him was a blue, bat-like Digimon who hung from the ceiling by her sickle-like feet – a Pipismon. The only other Digimon that he could see was a tall, slender, fallen angel who was garbed in white robes, the cape of which seemed to be made up of paper amulets. The Baalmon merely sat in the corner of the lounge, quietly reading a book while, unlike the others, not paying GrandisKuwagamon much mind.

The obsidian-stained werewolf stepped forwards and pointed a finger at GrandisKuwagamon, his other fingers tight around his brass knuckles. "If you think you're automatically gonna be one of us, think again," the Black WereGarurumon warned him, glaring at him before folding his arms. "I sure-as-hell don't trust you, and I doubt anybody else here does either."

GrandisKuwagamon smirked and looked at the Black WereGarurumon antagonistically. "You guys sure have a lot of guts for little guys, talking to a notorious Black Claw merc like that. But don't worry, mutt, I'll play nice. That said, just because I'm trying to reform, that doesn't mean I'll take crap from you, got it, pup?"

"Tch," Black WereGarurumon scoffed, taking a step forwards to prove that he wasn't going to back down.

"Alright. Cut it out," Cyberdramon said, walking out of the room and into the hallway so that he could step between the hostile duo. "You've both made your points."

"You can't be happy about this either, Cyberdramon!" the Pipismon said in a high pitched voice from her upside down position. "He's obviously a bad guy!"

"Look, I don't trust the bug, but I trust Karatenmon," Cyberdramon plainly responded. "Don't all of you?"

"Well, of course we do," Scorpmon replied coolly from beside the wall.

"Then, we'll just have to get used to him and hope he gains our trust," the dragon explained, looking around at the group. "Even if he is a jerk. Now, don't you guys have a project you're supposed to be working on?"

"Tch," the black werewolf scoffed. With a rough pivot, he turned around and walked back into the lounge. "We'll see…"

GrandisKuwagamon watched as the wolf man walked off in a huff. The other suspicious, but less-hostile Rooks turned their attentions away awkwardly and returned to doing whatever they were doing. The Baalmon merely flipped to the next page of his book.

With the tension diffused, Cyberdramon glanced over at GrandisKuwagamon. "You've seen the room. You've met some of the Rooks. We should leave," he spartanly explained.

GrandisKuwagamon looked at him with a beleaguered gaze. "…Really? Already? Don't I at least get to move my stuff in?"

"What stuff?" Cyberdramon dryly asked. "Anyways, we're in a hurry. We have a meeting to get to."

"Huh? A meeting? With the boss crow?" the ebony scarab man inquired.

"With the Royal Knights," the dragon replied. He walked out of their room and placed his claws on the handle, closing the door behind them.

GrandisKuwagamon stopped in his place and cocked his head to the side with confusion. "…The Royal Knights? Why are we going to meet them?" he wondered suspiciously. "Is this about that guy attacking me in the cafeteria? …They're not gonna renege on our deal, are they?"

"I doubt I'd be instructed to show you to your dorm if they were," Cyberdramon explained, already beginning to walk back down the hall of the Rooks' dormitory. "I don't know what it's about. All I know is that Alphamon asked the both of us to meet them in the Council Room an hour after dawn. The way he talked, it sounded like it was about something other than you."

GrandisKuwagamon frowned and made to follow him. "So, if it's a team meeting, why would I be there?"

The dark dragon man turned his head and glanced over his shoulder. "Beats me. I'm as confused as you are for why they'd want to include you in a meeting."

GrandisKuwagamon grunted and strode after him. "Well, I'd hate to be late for my first official meeting…" he sardonically declared.

Cyberdramon merely looked back forwards and continued walking without a reply. He reached the barracks stairs and began making his way down to the first floor. The mercenary rolled his eye and followed him.

The barracks was quiet. GrandisKuwagamon noticed that the building seemed fairly empty, even for the morning. Most of the soldiers were still away on leave. It was clear to him from looking around that only a handful of soldiers remained. He remembered that TigerVespamon was one of the ones who had left. He had apparently returned 'home'.

GrandisKuwagamon went quiet as he thought about his long-lost brother. They hadn't exactly parted on good terms. In fact, they had had a pretty big argument. It seemed to him that TigerVespamon wanted to wash his hands of him.

As angry and frustrated as it made GrandisKuwagamon to think about the things that TigerVespamon said, he desperately wanted to see him again. He had only just found out that his brother was alive. After such a life-changing revelation, it was only natural that he was desperate to reconnect with him. Even if his brother viewed him as a criminal, GrandisKuwagamon wanted to prove to him that he was different now – or at least trying to be different. He didn't want to lose him again. He couldn't after just finding him again.

Still, he didn't know what he should do. How could he prove to TigerVespamon that he was seriously trying to change who he was? He was already trying to prove to the Royal Knights and the members of the Order that he was trying to reform. Should he just keep doing what he was doing? Should he try to really sell it or would trying too hard come off as disingenuous? The last thing he wanted was to seem desperate. Should he just be his usual sarcastic self and hope that his actions would speak for themselves or would that make him seem too cold and acerbic?

He didn't know. He wasn't good at this sort of thing. He knew that his personality was an acquired taste - one that might be too spicy for the vanilla flavours that a monk was used to. Still, it wouldn't make much of a difference what he chose to do if TigerVespamon decided to quit the Order.

It still bothered him that his brother didn't just make the effort unconditionally. It seemed to him like TigerVespamon was so willing to just write him off without even trying. It was like he didn't even care that he was alive. Like, he wasn't happy at all. It frustrated him. Weren't devoted monks of the Religion of Light supposed to be forgiving? Even if he had made mistakes, he thought that TigerVespamon should at least try to see his point of view. He knew he had done a lot of bad things in his life, but…

GrandisKuwagamon sighed and clenched his fists. He had been so busy thinking about TigerVespamon, that he had barely realized that he and Cyberdramon were now outside and at the other end of the castle courtyard. He looked down the short, stone path leading from the courtyard up to the citadel's entrance.

Whatever TigerVespamon thought, he knew what his own feelings were. He wasn't ready to throw in the towel. Not when he had been given a second chance. He knew that he had to make the most of it.

"Okay then, Cy," GrandisKuwagamon declared, stepping past the dragon man to move towards the pair of guarded doors. "Let's see what this big meeting is all about."

As he made his way forward, he knew one thing:

He wasn't about to give up.

---

Two figures walked out of the castle foyer and began making their way down the ostentatious great hall.

Gankoomon walked at the front, his white jacket flowing behind him as he strode past the first set of marble pillars. His wooden sandals clapped resonantly each time they struck the smooth floor.

SaviorHackmon ambled behind the Royal Knight as they made their way to the council room at the other end of the gold-hued hall. The steel dragon man moved carefully so as not to accidentally scuff the marble surface that he had so recently polished as part of his punishment.

"Hurry up, Hackmon," Gankoomon instructed without turning around.

"You don't have to tell me that, Sensei…" SaviorHackmon murmured indignantly. Despite that, he dutifully followed after him and tried to speed up. "I was the one who told you we were going to be late if you didn't leave quickly."

Gankoomon glanced over his shoulder. "That's enough backchat from you."

SaviorHackmon rolled his eyes. The dragon's brows furrowed and he readjusted the crimson scarf that attached his cape and hood to his back. "Sensei… Why am I allowed to come to the Royal Knights' council meeting? I'm just a recruit. I've never been allowed to come before…" He frowned and looked at the back of Gankoomon's head. "You didn't say anything to the others, did you?"

"What do you take me for?" Gankoomon answered with annoyance. "I don't even know what the meeting's about. Alphamon just said to bring you along."

"I don't get it…" SaviorHackmon replied, brooding to himself as he walked down the great hall.

"You've always wanted to attend one of these meetings. What are you grumbling about?" the red haired man gruffly pointed out to his student.

"I just don't want special treatment, Sensei," SaviorHackmon emphatically explained.

Gankoomon scowled and shook his head with dismay. "Rather than worrying that you're unworthy to be there, you should feel honoured that Alphamon even asked you to come. Don't disappoint him or yourself by being a coward. That's not how I trained you."

"Yes, Gankoomon-shishou," SaviorHackmon responded formally, standing up straighter and puffing his chest up. "You're right…"

The Royal Knight and his apprentice reached the end of the great hall and stopped in front of the pair of guarded council room doors. The pair of Knightmon saluted and made to open the doors, but Gankoomon pre-empted them and stubbornly opened them himself, not wanting to be treated like a noble.

As soon as Gankoomon entered, the first thing he saw was Duftmon's cool, judgmental eyes leering back at him.

"You are late yet again," Duftmon remarked from his seat on the other side of the round table. "While your lack of professionalism is thoroughly predictable, it is inconvenient to everybody else. Please be more considerate in the future."

Gankoomon scoffed and rolled his eyes at the punctilious Royal Knight. "We're only a couple minutes late," he indignantly replied.

SaviorHackmon followed him into the room and bowed formally. "We're terribly sorry about our lateness, Sirs," he replied with embarrassment.

"Don't apologise for me, Hackmon," Gankoomon rebuked him.

"At least your student has manners," Duftmon said, folding his hands over the surface of the table. "However, why did you decide to bring him to what is supposed to be a council meeting? And for that matter, why is the fugitive mercenary of all Digimon here?"

SaviorHackmon frowned and looked up. It was only now that he was able to get a good look around the chambers. Of the Royal Knights, Alphamon, Omegamon, Magnamon, Dynasmon, RhodoKnightmon, UlforceVeedramon, Duftmon, and Sleipmon were in attendance. Dukemon, Craniamon, and Examon weren't present – apparently they were off on a mission. Ouryumon and Karatenmon were also there, but the Digimon he was most surprised to see was GrandisKuwagamon, who stood nearby, next to a Cyberdramon. As he stared at the beetle with surprise, GrandisKuwagamon eyed him curiously in response.

"I asked them to come," Alphamon explained, looking around at the quarter-vacant table from his place in the Empty Seat. "The reason why should become clear soon."

Magnamon frowned and turned his attention towards Alphamon. "Did something happen, Alphamon?" he asked curiously. "Usually we would wait until Dukemon, Examon, and Craniamon came back before holding a meeting, unless something urgent was going on."

"There have been some sudden developments," the knight clad in full, black armour confirmed.

"Is it the Demon Lords?" Gankoomon asked, striding over to his seat and planting himself firmly on it.

Meanwhile, SaviorHackmon stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do with himself. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to stand behind Gankoomon or just linger near the door like Cyberdramon and GrandisKuwagamon. To be on the safe side, he opted for the latter. He stood up as straight as his spine would allow, wanting to be as formal as possible. However, he couldn't help but glance over at GrandisKuwagamon.

"Yes," Alphamon replied, looking down at the letter in his hand. "Or, rather, Bagramon, in particular. The situation appears to be an urgent one."

"Would you care to enlighten us?" RhodoKnightmon requested, leaning forwards slightly on the table.

"Yeah. What're those angel rejects up to now, Alphamon?" Dynasmon agreed from beside the pink knight.

Alphamon nodded and gestured to the letter in his hand. "This morning, I received a message. It was sent to me by somebody in Bagramon's inner circle. It contains sensitive information regarding Bagramon's current plans."

"What?" Dynasmon asked, blinking with surprise. "A traitor? Or one of your spies, Karaten?"

Karatenmon shook his head. "Not one of mine. We have yet to infiltrate even the lesser nobles beneath the Demon Lords, let alone their inner circle," he explained.

"So, who is it?" Gankoomon directly asked the Knight of the Empty Seat.

Alphamon paused. "I will tell you all after. Their identity is classified information; I cannot jeopardize their position right now."

"You had might as well tell us so that we might be able to discuss the credibility of their information, Alphamon darling," RhodoKnightmon encouraged him.

"I would, but we are in… mixed company," Alphamon diplomatically replied.

GrandisKuwagamon smirked and folded his arms. "I'm guessing you mean me, huh, Boss Knight?" he dryly remarked. "Would it be easier if I covered by ears?"

Duftmon tapped his finger on the surface of the table and turned to give Alphamon a dry stare. "Why invite him at all if you knew we were dealing with sensitive information?"

Alphamon gave a glance in Duftmon's direction, before facing the mercenary directly. "Apologies, GrandisKuwagamon, but you will not be trusted with this information. With that said, we need him here, Duftmon…" he explained, flattening out the creased letter on the table. He slid the letter to his right side, where Omegamon was sitting. "We can pass the letter around to the Royal Knights and the Captains. It is a simple, if unsophisticated, solution. Omegamon, if you please."

Omegamon nodded and quickly skimmed the letter before passing it down to Magnamon, who then passed it to UlforceVeedramon, until the letter made its round around the circular table.

"That guy?" Dynasmon declared upon reading Wizardmon's name.

"But why?" Magnamon asked, frowning deeply.

"Rather, why should we trust him?" Duftmon questioned, staring at Alphamon. "It could be false information designed to trick us."

"I don't think so, Duftmon," Alphamon replied. "When I opened the letter, it came with a spell that recorded his voice. He seemed distressed. After having spoken to him previously in New Terminal, I believe that he is genuine."

"Do not take this the wrong way, but could it be that you are too trusting, Alphamon?" RhodoKnightmon asked him, though not without giving a pointed look in GrandisKuwagamon's direction.

A self-aware smile formed on Alphamon's face. "Should one trust a map that has been gifted by an enemy cartographer…?" he philosophically mused. "I cannot deny that I have been lenient lately. However, no, I don't think that that is the case. I truly believe that the Digimon in question regrets his actions and wishes to make amends by helping us. That isn't just my wishful thinking; I believe the information in the letter is too specific and revealing to be a trap. It makes too much sense from what I know about Bagramon."

"So…" GrandisKuwagamon spoke up. "You don't have to say his name, but can you at least tell me what you need me here for?" he asked, earning him a glare from Cyberdramon for his impertinence.

"I, too, would like to know," Duftmon agreed with mild impatience, swatting his tail back and forth.

"I suppose that's only fair…" Alphamon submitted, turning his yellow eyes towards the newest member of the Rooks. "According to this letter, Black Pincer Company are on the move."

These words caused GrandisKuwagamon to go silent. His casual grin disappeared and his face grew deadly serious.

Dynasmon's eyes narrowed and he cracked his knuckles. "Where?"

"Our source says that Blitzmon and Bolgmon have travelled southwest. Their destination is a monastery of the Heavenly Choir that is located in the Forest of Equilibrium."

"Why there?" Magnamon wondered.

"It seems that Bagramon has asked them to steal an important artifact that is being protected there: the Orb of Yang," Alphamon explained direly.

Duftmon frowned and leaned forwards with interest. "The Orb of Yang…"

"What? One of the orbs that contain half of Huanglongmon's stabilizing essence?" UlforceVeedramon asked, his eyes widening like moons. "Why do monks of the Religion of Light have that?"

"More importantly, what does Bagramon want with it?" Omegamon asked, looking at Alphamon.

"I can only theorise, but whatever the case, it can't be good," the black knight responded.

As the others spoke, Dynasmon's face was scrunched into a brooding frown. He was thinking hard, as if on the cusp of remembering something.

"Is there something wrong, Dynasmon?" Sleipmon asked, noticing the indigo dragon's expression.

Dynasmon placed his large palms on the table and nodded. "I think I know the place… It's the only monastery I know that's around the Forest of Equilibrium," he explained. "It's gotta be the place where Dukemon and I ended up after we escaped from the D-Brigade."

Duftmon frowned and glanced in Dynasmon's direction. "I see… And did they mention that they were the caretakers of the Orb of Yang?"

"It didn't exactly come up, but it sounds like it was supposed to be a secret."

"Regardless, we need to stop Black Pincer Company," Alphamon informed them, looking over at GrandisKuwagamon. "That's why you're here. You know how Blitzmon and Bolgmon operate. Can you tell us how they might proceed?"

"Sounds like a pretty standard heist," the mercenary insect explained. "Bolgmon would figure out the best place to infiltrate and exfiltrate. Me and Blitzmon would come up with the plan. It'll take place at night, when everyone's asleep. They'll probably try to sneak in as quietly as possible, may or may not take out any guards, possibly capture somebody to make them talk if they really can't find the object… The idea is that we would steal the object as stealthily as possible, but if they screw up and get spotted, then they'll toast whoever's standing in their way."

Dynasmon snarled and clenched his fists tightly. "Damn it! We can't let that happen," he growled adamantly. He looked around at the other Royal Knights. "Where's TigerVespamon? Has anybody seen him?"

"He went on leave a couple days ago, like most of the soldiers," Ouryumon explained with a confused tilt of his head.

GrandisKuwagamon frowned at the sudden mention of his brother. Why was TigerVespamon being brought up suddenly?

"…He said he was going home," the dark bug explained uncertainly. As he responded, he watched for the others' reactions around the room. He saw Dynasmon's draconic face turn into a grimace. The faint feeling of dread inside him only increased when he watched as Karatenmon turned to make eye contact with him, the Spymaster's usually flippant expression turning deadly serious.

It was then that the gears of GrandisKuwagamon's mind clicked. His eye slowly enlarged and his veins ran cold.

"Why is any of this relevant at all, Dynasmon?" Duftmon questioned, unsure of what the dragon knight was getting at.

"TigerVespamon's in danger!" Dynasmon explained. "That monastery's his home!"

GrandisKuwagamon's stomach plummeted and his heart began pounding in his chest. As he stared ahead of him, it was like all of the voices in the room became muffled. His peripheral vision seemed to warp and his sight became hyper focused on what was in front of him.

"No… No…" he whispered, his eye like a crimson full moon. "This can't be happening. Damn it! Fuck!"

"And this uncivilized profanity is why we should not invite common street ruffians to our meetings," Duftmon declared.

Frowning, Magnamon looked at GrandisKuwagamon with surprise and confusion over the mercenary's strangely distressed reaction. "What's wrong, GrandisKuwagamon?"

"They're going to run into each other…" GrandisKuwagamon replied, his insectoid face dark and dire. His pincers twitched irritably and his hands were balled into tight fists. "TigerVespamon knows who they are…"

"You are not making a single data particle of sense," RhodoKnightmon stated, staring at the mercenary with exasperation.

Karatenmon walked over to GrandisKuwagamon and Cyberdramon, who was leering at the mercenary with confusion. "Should I tell them? Or do you want to?" he asked, being the only one present who knew of GrandisKuwagamon and TigerVespamon's true relationship.

GrandisKuwagamon growled a bit and released the tension from his hands and forceps. He looked up at the raven spymaster. "I'll do it…" he responded, his voice a tense, breathy mixture of resignation and concern. The black beetle raised his head and looked around with a restrained intensity. "TigerVespamon… is my brother."

The revelation was followed by a beat of stunned silence.

SaviorHackmon blinked dimly as he took in the shocking revelation. After a brief moment, his yellow eyes widened with disbelief. "W…What?!" he exclaimed, spinning towards GrandisKuwagamon.

"…Your brother?" Magnamon asked him with incredulity.

"You've got to be kidding!" Dynasmon uttered boisterously. "Our TigerVespamon?"

"Fascinating…" Alphamon answered, philosophically stroking his chin as he stared at GrandisKuwagamon. "This is quite the coincidence… Or, perhaps, this is proof of the interwoven threads of fate.

"Did either of you know about this?" Duftmon questioned critically, looking between Alphamon and Karatenmon for further information. "This is a glaring security oversight."

"Not even in the slightest, Duftmon," Alphamon replied. "This is the first I've heard about it."

"I've known for a couple days," Karatenmon sheepishly admitted, casually rubbing the black plumage at the back of his head. "Before that, I had no idea. It seems the only one who knew before that was TigerVespamon."

"How can that be?" Omegamon wondered with a perplexed frown.

SaviorHackmon stared at GrandisKuwagamon with disbelief and outrage. "You… You told us he was dead!" he exclaimed, his kneejerk reaction being to assume that GrandisKuwagamon had mislead him yet again. "I've talked with TigerVespamon a lot—he never said that you two were…"

"I only just found out myself when he told me…" GrandisKuwagamon sheepishly admitted, glancing back at SaviorHackmon. He shifted in place uncomfortably. It made him feel ill at ease having his dirty laundry aired publically like this. He hated talking about his personal issues – even more when it was with a room full of strangers. "I really thought he was dead… I was certain that that explosion killed him when our village was attacked."

SaviorHackmon winced softly. "Grandis…"

"So that's why TigerVespamon freaked out when he saw you guys in Vernal Springs!" Dynasmon declared triumphantly. "It all makes sense now!"

"Ah! Two long lost brothers meeting again after so many years!" RhodoKnightmon proclaimed. "How beautiful!"

Growing somewhat impatient, Duftmon fidgeted and glanced down at the book in his lap. "While I am certain that this is all very interesting, and undoubtedly an emotionally trying moment, may I politely suggest that we redirect course back to the important matter at hand? Namely, the Orb of Yang," he suggested as diplomatically as was possible for the noble tactician.

GrandisKuwagamon growled and turned towards Duftmon. "What's more important than my brother, you pompous fop?!" he acerbically grilled him.

Duftmon narrowed his eyes into a glare and he was about to drop any pretense of politeness.

"Yes, thank you, Duftmon," Alphamon replied, redirecting the conversation before Duftmon could retort. He gave the blond-haired Royal Knight a glance that asked him not to exacerbate tensions. "With the Orb of Yang being targeted by Bagramon, learning that TigerVespamon is also in danger is all the more reason why we must send a team down there."

"Hmph," Duftmon haughtily replied, brushing his locks of blond hair back and sitting up straight in his seat to prove that he was above GrandisKuwagamon. "Very well. We shall send a small task force. However, the timing of this is very unfortunate."

"Yes," Alphamon agreed. "I am aware that most of the Order's soldiers are away on leave. We were confident that the Demon Lords wouldn't make any sudden movements with the Nightmare Soldiers in the meantime, but we hadn't accounted for Bagramon."

"It is mostly the Castle Guards, a couple Reconnaissance Squads, and a few members of the Strike and Defence Forces who remain here," Omegamon explained. "We can't afford to pull the guards or the scouts from their tasks."

"How big of a team do we need?" UlforceVeedramon asked.

"Four?" Alphamon suggested.

"It might be easy to underestimate Blitzmon and Bolgmon since they use those weak-looking base forms, but they both have access to the Ultimate level," GrandisKuwagamon explained. "Plus, they both have the X-Antibody. I'd go with five."

The scarab swordsman stepped towards the Royal Knights' table, leering at all of them assertively. "By the way, I'm going," he explained in a firm voice. He made it clear that he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Alphamon smiled with knowing resignation. "I was considering suggesting that, even before I heard of your brother…" he responded. "Very well. That means Cyberdramon will have to go too."

"Sir," Cyberdramon said, giving him a slight salute. "I'll gladly go."

"Do you really think it is wise to allow a deceptive criminal to embark on a high priority mission?" Duftmon asked, leering sceptically at Alphamon. "Especially one which involves his former mercenary team? That is an illogical idea."

Magnamon glanced at Alphamon uncertainly. "Duftmon has a point, Alphamon… I don't know if we can trust somebody like him with those guys. It could be putting our lives at risk," he sceptically reasoned.

GrandisKuwagamon scowled and turned to face Magnamon. "Blitzmon and Bolgmon stabbed me in the back! I've got no loyalty to them. And my brother's in danger because of them. What more reassurance do you need from me, shorty?" he challenged the blue dragon man.

Magnamon narrowed his eyes at the bug Digimon's comments, but he didn't reply.

"I have to agree with GrandisKuwagamon here," Gankoomon declared, folding his arms as he glared at the mercenary with unwavering attention. "…That passion in his eye speaks for itself."

Dynasmon nodded. "Yeah, I think so too. Besides, Cyberdramon will be there, and they have that shock collar thing, don't they?" he agreed.

"GrandisKuwagamon's knowledge of Black Pincer Company could prove valuable," Alphamon concurred. "I would rather he and Cyberdramon go."

The black knight smiled and looked at SaviorHackmon. "Now, SaviorHackmon, I'm sure you are wondering why you are here? …How are your wounds?" he asked him.

SaviorHackmon blinked and pointed at himself. "Me, Sir? They're all healed."

"In that case… Would you be up to joining the task force as well?" Alphamon questioned with a kind smile.

SaviorHackmon's jaw dropped. "M-M-Me? You want me to go, Sir?" he stammered in absolute shock.

"What? You want him to what?!" Gankoomon demanded, taken off guard enough that he jolted upright in his chair.

"But-but-… I- I don't understand, Sir. I'm just a recruit. And I've already screwed up so many times before," SaviorHackmon unsurely reasoned.

Alphamon continued to smile at him, almost enigmatically. "Perhaps… but I believe that this may be a valuable learning experience for you," he encouraged him. "If it helps, part of the reason is that we are short-staffed at the moment. With Paildramon and VictoryGreymon still recovering from their wounds, and most of the other remaining soldiers busy, you are one of the few that I can rely on."

SaviorHackmon looked down and frowned. His automatic reaction was uncertainty. His past string of blunders and failures left him with a lot of self-doubt. Still… even after the mistakes he had made, it was clear that Alphamon was putting a lot of trust in him. How could he deny the faith of the leader of the Royal Knights, a Digimon who he respected and idolized?

Not only that… After Hope's Crest, he made a promise to himself. He promised that he wouldn't give up on Digimon – or himself. TigerVespamon needed their help. That was what he focused on. SaviorHackmon cast his doubts aside and steeled his determination. If Alphamon had faith in him, he could have faith in himself.

"When you put it like that… I would be honoured, Sir," SaviorHackmon answered with a formal salute.

Gankoomon gritted his teeth and looked at SaviorHackmon apprehensively. "Wait a minute. Don't I get a say in this? He's my student."

SaviorHackmon shot Gankoomon a sharp look, urging him not to embarrass him. "Sensei…" he gently warned him.

"As his teacher, would you not want to give your student the chance to prove himself?" Alphamon persuasively asked the red-haired Royal Knight.

Gankoomon gritted his teeth. He turned to look at SaviorHackmon. His student was staring at him with impassioned, pleading eyes that couldn't help but strike a chord inside him. He could see that SaviorHackmon really wanted this. And this was a chance for him to rebuild his confidence. Gankoomon didn't see how he could deny him that chance in good conscience. Still…

The red-haired Royal Knight glanced over at GrandisKuwagamon suspiciously. He didn't entirely trust the mercenary with SaviorHackmon. He had hurt his student in the past. If it was just the three of them going, he didn't put it past GrandisKuwagamon to try something sneaky. He had to be sure that that wouldn't happen. He had to be there himself.

"Tch. Fine… But I'm going too!" he declared adamantly.

"No, Sensei," SaviorHackmon insisted stubbornly.

Gankoomon's red eyebrows furrowed at his student's audacity. "What…?"

The caped dragon turned towards his master and stared at him passionately. "I can't keep relying on you all the time," he told him. His hard, yellow eyes softly gave way as he stared at his master. "Whenever you would train me, you always told me how I needed to be independent and that I had to stand on my own two feet. But, whenever I'm really in trouble, you keep coming to my rescue… You did it with Black Pincer Company, in Hope's Crest, and lots of other times too."

Gankoomon quietly clenched his fists as he stared into SaviorHackmon's ardent eyes. He could see how much his student wanted this.

"You're an amazing sensei and I love you, but I need to do this on my own. I need to stand on my own two feet like you taught me! Please, Shishou!" SaviorHackmon passionately beseeched him, bowing forwards emphatically.

Gankoomon's eye twitched and his face began to heat up with a red flush at SaviorHackmon's heartfelt words. He could hear some stifled laughter from the likes of UlforceVeedramon, Dynasmon, and Ouryumon, which only served to get him further flustered. He was also certain that he could see RhodoKnightmon swooning in the corner of his vision.

Grinning, Dynasmon winked at Alphamon and then looked at Gankoomon. "The kid has a point. Besides, if you doubt your student's abilities, what does that say about you as a teacher?"

Sleipmon smiled at SaviorHackmon encouragingly. "Have faith in him, Gankoomon. SaviorHackmon has a lot of heart and potential."

Alphamon smiled slyly and nodded, gazing at Gankoomon calmly. "I think that your young apprentice will end up surprising all of us."

"He usually does," Duftmon cattily muttered.

Gankoomon folded his arms and looked away uncomfortably. He felt like he was being ganged up on, especially after SaviorHackmon's emotional plea. Despite his indignity, he looked over at his student. He couldn't deny the passion in the dragon's eyes.

As much as he hated to admit it, deep down, he knew that his student was right. Despite all of his tough training and stern words about independence, he kept coming to SaviorHackmon's rescue. He wasn't even following his own advice.

How was it that he ended up coming to coddle his student? Was it that he didn't have faith in SaviorHackmon? Was he being overprotective? Were SaviorHackmon's weaknesses caused by his own weaknesses as a teacher? Was he the one who was holding SaviorHackmon back from reaching his potential?

Gankoomon's grip around the hem of his jacket tightened. He lowered his head slightly and felt his teeth press together as mulled over his decision.

Despite the uncharacteristic uncertainty that he felt, he came to a decision. He realised that he had to let his student go. As much as he had his doubts, he realised that he would be a hypocrite if he didn't live up to all his talk about strength and independence. He knew that SaviorHackmon had to walk ahead without him if he was ever going to grow stronger…

"Tch…" he scoffed, trying to regain his cool composure. He turned his visor-covered eyes back towards his bowing student. "…Okay. You can go," he told him.

SaviorHackmon's eyes widened and he stood up straight. "Thank you, Sensei!" he exclaimed joyously, resisting the urge to go over and hug Gankoomon in front of the Royal Knights.

Alphamon smiled with quiet triumph. He folded his hands on the table and nodded at Gankoomon appreciatively. "Good… With that said, it is necessary to have a few Royal Knights join the team as well," he explained.

Duftmon nodded with agreement. "No more than two should go," he added. "With Dukemon, Craniamon, and Examon away, we cannot spare too many Royal Knights for other ventures. We must have several Royal Knights on standby at the castle in case of any unexpected developments."

"Two sounds sufficient," Alphamon agreed. He looked around the table at the gathered knights. "Are there any volunteers?"

Magnamon immediately raised his hand. "I'm going," he resolutely declared.

UlforceVeedramon looked over at him. "No hesitation, huh, Magna-chan?" he teased him.

Magnamon's eyes hardened, but not even because of the nickname. "I'm sick of letting the Demon Lords have their way. On our honour as heroes and Royal Knights, we need to stop them at every turn. Even if it's just Black Pincer Company, I'd rather be out there stopping them than waiting around the castle."

UlforceVeedramon smiled a bit. "That's quite the change from you. A few days ago, you were saying that everybody needed rest and recuperation."

"You do need it," Magnamon emphatically replied. "And that's why I'm going. I'm one of the ones in the best condition to go. It's different from before; TigerVespamon is in danger and we can't let Bagramon or the Demon Lords get any more momentum. I have to stop him from getting the Orb of Yang."

"If you're sure, Magnamon. That sounds fine," Alphamon agreed with a nod. "Anybody else?"

Dynasmon raised his claws. "I'll go," he volunteered. "Since Dukemon's not here, I'm the only other one who knows for sure where the monastery is. Besides, I owe it to Angemon and the others for taking us in. I want to make sure they're alright."

Knowing that Gankoomon was probably burning up that he wasn't going too, Dynasmon gave his red-haired friend a short nod, quietly telling him that he'd keep an eye on SaviorHackmon.

Gankoomon grunted and folded his arms, slumping back in his seat. However, he quietly appreciated the gesture.

"So, that's Magnamon, Dynasmon, SaviorHackmon, Cyberdramon, and GrandisKuwagamon," Omegamon said, looking at Alphamon.

Alphamon nodded and rose from his seat, placing his black hands onto the table. "Good. Magnamon, Dynasmon, you two are in charge. Make whatever preparations necessary and leave within the hour," he told them. "GrandisKuwagamon, don't cause them any trouble."

GrandisKuwagamon scoffed and folded his arms, but he conceded. Rescuing TigerVespamon was the most important thing to him at the moment. He didn't want to get in the way by being obstructive. "Fine," he replied.

Alphamon looked at each of the five members individually. "Do your best. Protect TigerVespamon and that orb."

Magnamon nodded and gazed back at Alphamon with proud determination. "We will, Alphamon," he promised.

"Yeah, we'll work our asses off," Dynasmon agreed, standing to his feet and stretching his broad wings.

Magnamon stood up as well and looked over at SaviorHackmon, GrandisKuwagamon, and Cyberdramon. "We'll meet at the gates in no later than an hour. From there, we'll fly to Gold Keep and catch the fastest Locomon to New Terminal, and then to Falconhead. That should get us close enough for us to be able to fly the rest of the way. We can probably make it there by early evening."

"Sounds like a plan," Dynasmon agreed as he stepped out from behind his seat. "Don't be late, guys. If you're ready early, head to the gates as soon as you're done. We don't have time to waste here."

"I know that," GrandisKuwagamon muttered impatiently.

Karatenmon turned towards the mercenary and then looked over at Cyberdramon. "Cyberdramon, bring him to Duskmon to get his inhibitor virus removed. He's going to need to be able to attack."

Cyberdramon looked over at his insect charge. "Alright. Let's get that virus out, bug," he said to the Ultimate level Kuwagamon.

"Finally…" GrandisKuwagamon replied, not waiting for permission before going and opening the doors that led to the great hall. As the mercenary walked out, Cyberdramon saluted his superiors and followed him.

SaviorHackmon watched with concern as the scarab man exited the chamber. His yellow eyes tightened softly. After learning the shocking news that GrandisKuwagamon and TigerVespamon were brothers, his mind was racing. He had so much that he wanted to ask him. However, he was sensitive enough to know that now wasn't the right time. He knew that GrandisKuwagamon must be really worried. He knew that he probably needed space.

"Come on, Hackmon," Gankoomon said from behind him, placing a hand on his spiked shoulder and pushing him along. "We're going to see the Sistermons and make sure that you're ready."

"Y-Yes, Sensei," SaviorHackmon obeyed, walking along with him out of the room.

Alphamon watched Gankoomon and SaviorHackmon as they began to walk out of the council chamber as well. After a few seconds of reflection, he turned his gaze over to Magnamon and Dynasmon, who were beginning to walk away with the rest of the Royal Knights.

"Magnamon, Dynasmon, a moment, please?" he requested.

"Huh? Sure thing, Alphamon," Dynasmon agreed, walking over to him with Magnamon.

"What is it?" Magnamon asked, looking up at the black paladin.

Alphamon looked past them and gestured with his head down the hall towards SaviorHackmon. "I'd like you both to monitor SaviorHackmon's progress during the course of this mission," he told them.

"Monitor his progress…?" Dynasmon asked, tilting his head with confusion. After a moment, he blinked and grinned. "Oh, I see…"

"I was wondering why you wanted him specifically," Magnamon replied with a nod. "Don't worry. We'll be good mentors."

Alphamon gave them an appreciative smile. "Thank you," he replied. His smile disappeared and he looked between his two friends. "And good luck."

"We know how important this mission is," Magnamon assured him.

"Yeah, we'll make sure they're both safe," Dynasmon agreed.

"We won't let you down," Magnamon assured him. The golden knight's eyes narrowed and he tightened his claws into soft fists. Magnamon took a soft, centering breath and relaxed his muscles before turning away from the pair. He moved away from them and began striding out of the council room with purpose.

"I'll make sure of it."

---

No later than an hour later, the team of Magnamon, Dynasmon, GrandisKuwagamon, SaviorHackmon, and Cyberdramon set out as planned.

They flew to the Free Area city of Gold Keep in the neighbouring province of Aurum. From there, they took the Locomon Central Line to New Terminal, which had since resumed regular train service. Upon arriving, they transferred onto the Locomon Western Line to travel to Falconhead. Once there, they immediately departed the cliff-top city to travel by wing westward, out of the Republic of Node's territory and into the Western Reaches. They quickly reached the crossroads town of Vernal Springs and, from there, continued west.

Their journey took them off the main road to Dark Point and onto a long, quiet road that passed by stretching plains of farmland and peaceful pastures.

By the time that they reached the southern perimeter of the Forest of Equilibrium, the sun had nearly set over the horizon. The waning pink and orange glow was slowly replaced by the deep blue palette of dusk.

The five-Digimon team flew through the burgeoning night sky. They soared low, just around the canopy line of the nearby forest to their right. The idea was not to attract attention, and now that it was getting dark, they needed to stick close to the ground in order to follow the path.

Dynasmon flew in front, as he was the only one who knew the way to the monastery. GrandisKuwagamon followed behind him, with Cyberdramon not far off, due to the proximal restraint system that connected them. GrandisKuwagamon was fixated solely on getting to the monastery before it was too late. For his part, Cyberdramon made sure not to risk activating the restraint system. For whatever thoughts he had towards GrandisKuwagamon, he was professional and not a cruel Digimon. SaviorHackmon flew behind them, quietly worried about GrandisKuwagamon and TigerVespamon. He made sure to do whatever Magnamon and Dynasmon told him to do. Finally, Magnamon took up the rear, overseeing the team and making sure they weren't ambushed.

The team of five moved quietly in the evening. After leaving Vernal Springs, talk became fairly minimal outside of practical matters.

Every so often, GrandisKuwagamon glanced off to the left, gazing across the darkening fields. He knew that Restart Forest was in that direction. It wasn't that far, only about twenty kilometers. As he gazed into the dark, he couldn't help but think about the destruction of Manu village. He supposed he shouldn't have been that surprised that Kokuwamon ended up here after the attack. He wondered what would have happened if he, Blitzmon, and Bolgmon had travelled this way after the attack. He might have been reunited with his brother. Things may have been so much more different.

GrandisKuwagamon shook his head and focused his thoughts. There was no point thinking about 'what ifs'. He had given up doing so long ago. He told himself that he needed to focus on what was in front of him right now.

SaviorHackmon looked ahead at the quiet mercenary. The usually mouthy and smart-alecky beetle had barely said a word since they left. He knew that he must have a lot on his mind right now. He felt like he should say something… Everything was obviously burdening the dark insect. "Hey, Grandis?" he spoke up. "Are you okay?"

The scarab warrior paused, resisting his kneejerk instinct to fire back with a bitingly sarcastic quip. "…Look, I know you mean well, kid, but don't talk to me right now, okay? I'll only end up snapping your head off," he advised him honestly. "Maybe ask me again when we get there…"

SaviorHackmon looked down sheepishly. He expected as much, but he at least appreciated that he was honest about it. He knew GrandisKuwagamon must be going out of his mind with worry, even if he didn't outwardly show it.

Meanwhile, at the front of the formation, Dynasmon flapped his wings and glided along the dirt road. As he looked ahead of him, he couldn't yet see the monastery. It was dark ahead and there was only a deep blue glow on the horizon to light the way as the vestiges of day became night. However, he recognised a few familiar landmarks in the surrounding area. He saw a familiar tree with strikingly curved branches, and he could see a water well in the distance.

"We're almost there," Dynasmon informed them, glancing over his shoulder. "I'd say we're about two or three kilometers away."

"Then what are we waiting for?" GrandisKuwagamon replied, flying a bit faster in response.

"Don't fly ahead of the group," Magnamon told him from behind. "We're going as fast as we should be."

"It's not fast enough. Blitzmon and Bolgmon might already be there," GrandisKuwagamon argued.

Magnamon narrowed his eyes at the insect on probation. "Or they might not. We also have to consider the possibility that they might have already reached the monastery. I don't want to think so, but our source sent that message a day ago, and it sounded like Black Pincer Company was already en route."

GrandisKuwagamon clenched his fists and hissed with frustration, but he couldn't deny the possibility. Blitzmon and Bolgmon weren't ones to wait around.

The group continued flying in silence for a couple more minutes. It was at this point that Cyberdramon's nostrils twitched. Cyberdramon began sniffing at the air with his honed sense of smell. His teeth clenched and a soft growl rolled in his throat.

"Sir… Do you smell that?" he questioned, looking ahead to Dynasmon.

Dynasmon frowned and took a deep sniff as well. It was the unmistakeably pungent aroma of smoke. As the traces of smoky fumes reached the group of five, a sense of dread began to settle in. His face hardened into a frustrated glower. "…Smoke."

The group looked ahead into the dark. While there was no towering inferno, they could see a tiny, orange glow flickering in the dark. It was about a kilometer away, just near the edge of the tree line. If one wasn't looking closely, it could easily be confused for one of the Forest of Equilibrium's will-o'-the-wisps.

However, as they continued flying, they began to see the incandescence more clearly. It was a series of small, smouldering flames. They cast a dim light across a stone surface and illuminated a small pillar of smoke that rose into the dark sky.

It became grimly clear to them that what they were looking at was the black silhouette of a cathedral. It was just barely visible against the darkness of the forest behind it. Small flames burned outside of the monastery's exterior, and there was a faint, fiery glow coming from within the shattered, stained glass windows. Smoke poured out of the monastery's oculus and stained the night sky.

Dynasmon grimaced and stopped in the air. "…It's the monastery," he bleakly explained.

GrandisKuwagamon came to a sudden stop, his eye widening with horror. That same sense of dread and helplessness began to return to him, encompassing his heart and crushing it.

"No…" he whispered in a hollow breath. His body tightened and he took off without permission. GrandisKuwagamon began racing towards the ruined monastery.

"Wait!" Cyberdramon growled, immediately speeding after him.

Dynasmon turned and looked over at Magnamon with a dire gaze. "Let's go. We don't have time to waste."

Magnamon winced and nodded, flying forwards with resolve. "Come on, SaviorHackmon. There might be Digimon who need our help."

SaviorHackmon nodded with a grimace of his own. He looked forward at GrandisKuwagamon, who was already beginning to get further ahead of them. He hoped to Yggdrasil that TigerVespamon was okay. For him to lose his brother so soon after reuniting with him would be way too cruel…

With that, Magnamon and Dynasmon's team raced down the dark path leading to the monastery. All they could do was hope that there were still survivors…

---

His mind was a dark haze.

He felt like he was spinning. It was as though he was stuck, like he was lying down but his muscles refused to budge. The sensation was similar to being stuck neck-deep in thick mud, slowly sinking deeper beneath the surface. Everything was black. He couldn't see anything, only the glimmering specks of electric sparks that flickered in the darkness of his mind.

Even just trying to think made him feel as if he was wading through a misty bog. He was barely conscious. However, with every passing second, his mind began to stir. He slowly grew more and more cognisant.

Everything was still dark and blurry. However, he could hear muffled voices. They spoke in deep and distorted, yet smooth and feathery voices. It was like he was listening to them speak from underwater. There was a faint, high-pitched ringing in his ears which further obstructed his hearing. He could only barely make out a few words as his addled mind drifted in and out of consciousness.

The more aware he became, the more he began to notice how much his head ached. There was a numb, throbbing pressure in the back of his head. It was a dull pain, but it was persistent. The soft ache nearly pulled a pained groan from his mouth, but no words came out. His throat was itchy and tight. His exacerbated throat made it hurt for him to breathe, and he felt the nagging urge to cough. These pains compounded the dizziness and disorientation that he felt. He felt as though he wasn't entirely present.

His eyes slowly began to flicker and react to the surrounding stimuli. A blinding light was shining onto his face, causing his sensitive eyes to ache. His headache intensified and his vision blurred as the light painted his vision red.

Despite the pain it caused him, the light casting across his body made him feel warm. While it was overshadowed by the pain he felt, the insect appreciated the warm rays against his carapace. While his eyes adjusted to the light, he faintly listened to the voices that kept cutting in and out of his hearing.

"…back here?" a deep and authoritative voice asked. "What are… with him?"

"…couldn't leave… hurt…" the other voice responded, this one soft and kind, yet quietly forceful. "…alone… survivors… badly hurt, so…"

"…nobody?" the first voice said, his words still a haze to the bug Digimon's shaken and disoriented mind. "…understand… but then what…? …they escaped?"

"…am unsure… seems unlikely…" the second voice contended. "…can be sure… needs us… responsibility…"

"…It's your decision… You are in charge… will follow your lead…" the deeper voice said.

The voices became clearer as the ringing in his ears faded. His mind became alert and less confused. The oppressive pressure in his ears began to equalize the noises around him became sharper.

"It seems he is waking up…" the softer voice said. "Can you please leave us in peace? I need to talk with him alone."

"Very well… I doubt I would be much solace in this situation," the gruffer voice solemnly agreed. "Break it to the boy, gently."

The insect Digimon's eyes gradually adjusted to the light shining in from the nearby window. His vision cleared and centered at the exact moment that the Digimon entered his field of vision. He looked up to see a humanoid Digimon standing over him.

The light struck the figure's body, causing the white fabric covering his chest to shimmer radiantly. The steel helmet, the silver studs embedded in his chest and the golden piece of metal covering his shoulder sparkled like stars in the sunlight. The six wings of pure, white feathers that extended from his back glistened like silk.

Angemon's body glowed with soft, holy warmth under the gentle glow of the morning sunlight. A small, reassuring smile formed on his youthful face as he gazed down at him.

"Hello, there… You are finally awake, I see," he gently greeted.

The insect Digimon slowly sat up, wincing with the movement. As soon as he was sitting, he looked down at himself. To his hazy confusion, rather than the two, metal arms with steel claws that he was accustomed to, instead, he had three legs with long, brown claws. He also realized that, instead of a small metal body, his form seemed to have a striking, yellow carapace, ending with a metal stinger.

Blinking, he weakly looked down at himself with confusion. His left foreleg was wrapped in a sling that rested over his right shoulder. His body, no longer bipedal, rested on its side on a soft, white bed. It wasn't until now that he noticed that bandages were wrapped around his insect head, which seemed to have a pair of long, black antennae.

He briefly looked around the room with his green eyes. Along the other two walls were small beds, like the one he was sitting on. They were dressed with white sheets and tucked in perfectly. On a nearby table was a plate with water, berries, reagents, and a pile of bandages and sponges. This wasn't a familiar room to him.

FunBeemon raised his head and looked up at the angel Digimon uncertainly. "W-Who are you…?" he cautiously asked him. He didn't want to let on how confused and frightened he was.

"My name is Angemon," the angel Digimon responded in a soft and kind voice. "What's your name?"

"Mrm… I'm Kokuwamon…" FunBeemon responded, wincing at the pain in his head and looking down at his lap.

Angemon crouched down beside the bed so that he was at eye level with the young bug. "Kokuwamon…?" he asked curiously, noticing that the child's bee-like body did not match the description of a Kokuwamon. "I think you might be a little confused, little one."

FunBeemon frowned with confusion at the Digimon's strange words and he shook his head a little. "N-No… I'm Kokuwamon…" he insisted.

Angemon frowned, but decided to not to press the issue. "I see… Hello, Kokuwamon. It is a pleasure to meet you…" he responded gently. "Now, can you tell me how you feel? Does it hurt anywhere?"

"My head hurts… and so does my arm," the small bug Digimon answered, looking down at the sling his arm was resting in. "I feel dizzy too…"

"I see... You should avoid trying to stand then," Angemon advised him. "You have likely had a concussion."

FunBeemon flinched and looked up at Angemon before glancing around the room. "Where am I…?" he asked uncertainly. He raised his right arm and pointed behind Angemon. "And who's that?"

Angemon turned around and saw SlashAngemon lingering in the doorway, checking in on their conversation. Upon being pointed out, SlashAngemon awkwardly began to duck out of the way, but decided against it halfway through the motion. "Er… Hello there, boy," the Ultimate level officer stiffly greeted.

Angemon smiled. "That's SlashAngemon, a friend of mine. Don't worry, he looks scary, but he is actually quite sweet."

SlashAngemon looked away with embarrassment and held his arm blades behind his back. "I will leave you alone to talk," he responded. "I will be nearby if you require me."

"Thank you, SlashAngemon…" Angemon replied softly, although his lingering words revealed a glimpse of his inner hesitation. As SlashAngemon nodded his head and stepped away from the door of the room, Angemon turned back forwards and looked at Kokuwamon. "As for where you are… you are in our monastery."

"Huh? Monastery…?" FunBeemon inquired, never having heard the word before.

"I am the Keeper of the Light here," he explained. Upon seeing FunBeemon's confused expression, Angemon smiled and decided to clarify. "I was put in charge of the monastery. We came all the way from our homes in the Sky Colonies to live here. This monastery is a place for us to learn and study, as well as spread our beliefs to those who wish to learn."

"Oh…" FunBeemon answered, still trying to wrap his head around the strange and confusing situation that he found himself in.

Angemon smiled at him a little, although there was a faint touch of sadness on his lips. "Living here and being entrusted with this important job… it is all very new to me… This place was just built a few months ago, and we only just moved here recently. Being so far from home and in a place that you are not accustomed to…" He hesitated and gazed at FunBeemon sadly. "…It's easy to feel like you are all alone. It can be… frightening…"

FunBeemon slowly raised his head to look up at Angemon with his big, nervous, bug eyes. "W…Why am I here?" he asked him. "I d-don't remember—I…" He paused and grimaced. "Wh-Where's my mom and dad…?"

Angemon went quiet and he did his best to prevent a grimace from forming on his face. He was trying to be strong for the child.

It was then that FunBeemon looked back down at his body. As he began to grow more lucid, he slowly began to realise that this body that he had was not the same as the one that he remembered. It was different… His exoskeleton was supposed to grey and metal, not yellow. His wings were supposed to be fixed, not thin and flexible. He was supposed to stand on two legs, not six. This wasn't right. He was supposed to be a Kokuwamon…

"W…Why do I look different?" he asked, beginning to grow a little panicked. "I'm… I'm a Kokuwamon. Why do I feel different? Why do I look so weird?!"

Angemon frowned with worry as he watched the child's growing distress. It was then that he began to realise that this boy's insistence that he was a Kokuwamon wasn't just concussion-induced confusion. Amnesia was unlikely. It seemed as though this FunBeemon may really have been a Kokuwamon after all, and that some sort of unwitting slide-evolution occurred.

"I… Oh dear…" Angemon grimly spoke. "You really were a Kokuwamon…?"

"I am!" FunBeemon insisted, his wide eyes starting to shimmer. "I'm… I'm supposed to be! What… What happened to me…?"

"I'm not sure…" Angemon admitted, looking at the small bug Digimon carefully. His gaze lifted and the angel began staring at the three, glowing, crystalline dots on his forehead. "Could it be an X-evolution…?" he murmured, more to himself than to FunBeemon.

As FunBeemon became more aware, the faint glints of memory began to break through the cloud of his mind. The more that he thought about it, the more he began to remember. His mind still felt hazy and bewildered, but fragments were beginning to come back to him. He remembered being with his brother. He remembered it being a day like any other day.

But… then he remembered the explosions, the lasers tearing up the night. He remembered the sight of his neighbours' houses being torn apart. He remembered the trees falling, the flames spreading across the village, the shouts and screams drowned out by the explosions…

FunBeemon's eyes began to widen as the panic and trauma began to set in. He felt the sudden rush of fear and adrenaline exploding inside him. His face began to feel numb and a deep, primal shiver of fear coursed through him. His claws gripped the sheet of the bed and he began to back away.

As the memories came flooding back to him, the deep panic and dread inside him intensified. The memory of his parents saying goodbye to them as they went out to battle the attackers had resurfaced. He had been scared. He didn't want them to leave. He wanted to go with them, to make sure they were alright. He remembered running outside after them… and then a loud noise. Then, nothing.

Where were his parents? Were they alright? Did they fight off the attackers? What about Tentomon?

Then it struck him. Tentomon… They had been hiding in the house together. Tentomon had begged him not to go. But he went anyway. He had left him alone in the house. His twin brother had been so scared…

"W-Wh-What happened? W-Where are my parents?! Where's Tentomon?!" FunBeemon cried out. "Where's my brother?!"

"Tentomon…?" It was in that moment the grim realisation washed over the angel's heart. Upon hearing the news that not only was FunBeemon missing his parents, but his brother as well, Angemon's calm façade began to crumble. A tight grimace began to form on Angemon's face, but he was just able to hold himself together. "…FunBeemon… Kokuwamon…" he gently spoke. "I… need you to be strong for me, okay?"

"Wh-What? No! I want my mom and dad!" FunBeemon shouted desperately, inching his way forwards on his bed until he was at the edge, ready to hop off. "Where are they? Where's Tentomon?! I need to make sure they're okay!"

Angemon reached forwards and gently placed his hand on FunBeemon's shoulder. "Please… I need you to listen…" he urged him as softly as he could, knowing how worried and delicate he was right now. Angemon took in a soft breath and carefully chose his words.

"...Two nights ago, your village was attacked by raiders…" he began, staring into FunBeemon's eyes.

"I-I know but—"

"Please, FunBeemon…" Angemon tenderly said, trying not to let the wince show on his face. "Yesterday, I was flying near Restart Forest. That was when I saw the smoke… I decided to investigate, and…" He paused to think of how best to describe the situation. "…When I arrived, your village was in ruins."

The news caused FunBeemon's heart to jump into his throat. He didn't reply or interrupt. He couldn't. The feeling of terror and dread that was filling him was too intense. His grip on the bed sheets began to loosen.

"I called out, but received no response. I looked all over what remained of the village, but…" Angemon grimaced and hesitated. He didn't need to go into any unnecessary details. "There was nobody left… I looked for an hour before returning to the monastery. I asked the others to come and help search the village for survivors. We scoured the ruins, but the only one we found left was you… You were unconscious and buried under the ruins of a building and a fallen tree."

FunBeemon's heart froze. He could feel his mouth beginning to go dry. He felt like he could barely move…

"But… But… Did you check my house? T-Tentomon was hiding there! He… He might still be there…" FunBeemon desperately begged.

Angemon forced himself to stare into the child's large, shimmering, pleading eyes, no matter how much it broke his heart. "We checked everywhere, FunBeemon… We overturned every stone… We scoured the surrounding area long and hard… You were the only Digimon we found…" he gently explained.

FunBeemon's arms and legs trembled. He could feel tears beginning to enter his eyes."But… But… My mom and dad… they… they must have protected Tentomon and… and…"

Angemon bit the inside of his lip to restrain his grimace. He gazed at the child and slowly his slid his hand down FunBeemon's arm, until he carefully held FunBeemon's clawed hand.

"…Kokuwamon… I'm so very sorry… There were no survivors…"

The words struck FunBeemon right in the pit of his chest. The dam broke and the overwhelming feeling of despair washed over him.

It… It couldn't be true. His parents and his brother were…

The feelings of sorrow threatened to overwhelm his heart. He suddenly felt all alone. His mom and dad, who he loved… Tentomon, who he always looked out for… They were gone. The news was too much for him to bear.

"You… you liar!" FunBeemon yelled, glaring at Angemon through tearful eyes. He wrenched his hand away from the angel's roughly. "You're lying! They're not gone! You're lying to me!"

Angemon looked at FunBeemon sadly. "Kokuwamon… I'm sorry… It's the truth."

"NO, IT'S NOT!" FunBeemon shouted, the antennae on his head suddenly tensing and radiating dangerously as his emotions surged. Despite his fiery glare, tears began pouring down FunBeemon's face. "Lemme go right now! Bring me to my family! Or… or else!"

Angemon didn't reply. He didn't get angry. He didn't try to resist the child's words. He knew that this was something that FunBeemon needed to do. All he could do was gaze down at FunBeemon with sad, sympathetic eyes.

"Yo-You're lying! They're not dead!" FunBeemon cried out as his tears rolled down his chin. With all of his strength, the small bug lashed out and pushed Angemon back a few paces.

Angemon merely stepped backwards and knelt down on one knee.

"I… I want my mom and dad!" the child who previously had the form of Kokuwamon cried out. "I want my brother! W-Where are th-they?!"

"I'm so, so sorry…" Angemon softly told him, reacting to FunBeemon's hostility with nothing but love. "They're gone…"

"No… No!" he protested, his tearful eyes narrowing dangerously. "They're… They're not dead!" he shouted defiantly.

FunBeemon suddenly jumped off the bed and threw his right arm towards Angemon in a desperate punch.

In a smooth, gentle motion, Angemon raised his left hand and effortlessly caught FunBeemon's claw in his hand before it could hit his face.

In the same motion, Angemon lift his right hand and gently cupped his palm against the side of FunBeemon's hard cheek, wordlessly trying to reassure the distraught child.

FunBeemon glowered fierily and attempted to push his fist past Angemon's hand, but found that the angel's soft hold wouldn't budge. It was in that moment of violent resistance that he felt the warmth of Angemon's hand pressing comfortingly against his cheek.

It was that gesture of love and kindness that broke through the haze of anger and denial that clouded FunBeemon's mind.

FunBeemon's resistance began to yield and his quivering arm slackened. The fury in his eyes became replaced with unadulterated sorrow and desperation as he finally accepted the heartrending truth in Angemon's words. He slowly lifted his face, looking hopelessly lost as he stared up at the angel. A fresh trickle of tears began to run down his face and onto Angemon's fingers.

Angemon looked down at him with a sad but reassuring smile. He kept his hand cupped against FunBeemon's cheek.

"It's going to be okay, FunBeemon…." he gently assured him.

Those simple words of reassurance caused FunBeemon's heart to give way. All of his resistance disappeared and the lost and lonely bug broke down.

FunBeemon burst into tears and leapt forwards, wrapping his forelegs around the angel's waist. He buried his face into Angemon's chest and began bawling against him.

After a moment, Angemon grimaced and reciprocated the sorrowful hug. He closed his arms around the young, overwhelmed insect, pulling him into a warm and caring embrace. As FunBeemon sobbed, he rubbed the back of the insect's head consolingly.

"It's going to be okay…"

---

TigerVespamon's eyes flickered.

Sharp, aching pains in his body drew him out of his unconsciousness. He felt the same, splitting pain in the back of his head. The same dark, disorienting haze from before persisted in his mind. He felt dizzy, like the world was spinning and the ground he was on was twisting back and forth. He felt the urge to lean, but he couldn't. His body ached and felt numbingly stiff.

As he regained consciousness, the darkness of his mind parted, and golden insect began to stir. His senses reactivated and TigerVespamon began to slowly reorient himself with his surroundings.

The first thing he noticed was the sharp, metallic tang that laced the inside of his mouth. The dull pain on the inside of his cheek told him that it was likely his blood that he tasted. Accompanying the unpleasant taste was the nose-curdling aroma of smoke that he smelled on the air. It caused his throat to itch and he found it slightly hard to breathe. His mouth was dry and he tasted dust on his tongue.

Despite his concussed, disoriented state, TigerVespamon realised that he was in a sitting position, with his winged back resting against something hard. His whole body felt cold. He slowly lifted his head and looked around through his blurry eyes. All that he could see around him was darkness.

The wounded acolyte slowly bowed his head. It had occurred to him that there was a tight, painful pressure around his midsection. He couldn't move his arms at all; they felt stiff and numb. At first, he had wondered if he had been paralyzed, but he realised he was able to move his fingers, despite the pins and needles. He looked down and saw that ropes were wrapped around his arms and abdomen, just below his thorax. The ropes were tied around the large pillar behind him, keeping his arms bound to his sides and his body pinned to the column behind him.

He realised that he was in the nave of his monastery. The interior of the chapel was desolate and ruined. The walls and pillars were crumbling or destroyed. Rubble littered the floor. The small embers smouldering further down the nave were the only source of light within the darkness. Tiny wisps of smoke climbed upwards and poured out of the oculus. This wasn't the monastery that he had remembered. It was a lifeless, desecrated shell of what it once was.

Where was the warmth and light that he remembered? Where was his family? Where was the kind, loving embrace of Angemon's arms?

And then he realised.

It was all just a dream.

The warmth of the sunlight had turned into the cold darkness of night. The soft hold of Angemon's arms was traded for rough and painful rope. The feeling of love and safety inside him had morphed into the pervasive sense of emptiness.

The feeling that everything would be okay was replaced the grim realization that he had lost everything once again.

Despite the indescribable pain that he felt when he had been told his family was dead, at least Angemon and the rest of the monks were there for him. What little comfort he found in that tragedy was the fact that there were people who were still there to support him. They took care of him and raised them as one of their own. Even though he was different from them, they loved him just the same.

He looked around at the destroyed and hollowed-out chapel. TigerVespamon slowly turned his head towards the end of the nave. He looked at the giant, burnt out trench that had been torn across the transept. He remembered… That had been the last place that he had seen them. There was a flash of light, and they were gone in an instant. And then, SlashAngemon had been killed right after…

Dread and emptiness began to fill his body.

They were all gone… All but Father Angemon… Each and every one of them.

Each monk was dear to him. He had a different relationship with each of them, no one less precious than the other. He valued each of them… He loved each of them. They were his family… And now they were gone.

He felt that familiar sense of oblivion growing inside of him. It was that same feeling of loss that he felt back then, when his family had been taken from him. First, it had been his biological family… His mother… His father… His brother…

Now, it was his adoptive family who had been taken from him. They had been ripped from his arms by senseless violence. SlashAngemon, who had taught him everything he knew about combat… Tailmon, who had always been there to listen to his problems when he didn't want to bother Father Angemon… HolyAngemon, who introduced him to medicine… Pidmon, who helped him study… They were all precious to him.

But, once again, he found himself all alone.

The pain in his body became an afterthought compared to the stabbing pain that he felt in his heart. As TigerVespamon weakly raised his head, tears began to form in his compound eyes.

Again, he found himself helpless, unable to do anything to protect those that he cared about. He had been forced to watch as his family was killed for no reason. Once more, he was powerless to stop his home from being destroyed around him…

His tears fell down his face and he silently wept as he was forced to accept the horrible reality once again.

He had nothing left.

They were all gone. Even Father Angemon, who had taken him in and done everything in his power to protect him, was gone. Angemon had gone out of his way to put TigerVespamon's safety ahead of the priceless Orb of Yang. Even then, Angemon was putting his safety ahead of his own – or even his responsibilities to their faith as a whole. Angemon had done so much for him; how could he repay him now?

He didn't understand. Why did these things keep happening to him? He tried his best to be a good Digimon. He tried to be kind and helpful wherever he could. He was devout and charitable. All of the monks were. So, why…? Why did God allow this to happen to them? Why was it that there was so much evil in the world? Why did the likes of Blitzmon and Bolgmon get their way while he suffered? Why were they able to kill his family without any retribution?

Was it because he and the others had strayed from the path? Could it have been because they had taken in the Orb of Yang? Was it because they had opened their minds to other realities that differed slightly from the strict doctrine of the Religion of Light? Did such a minor transgression really provoke such a devastating punishment? Or could it be that what happened was outside of God's control? If so, then what was all their hard work for? Why did he give his prayers and toil to a being who couldn't affect change? Was this simply his destiny? If this was God's design, could he accept a fate so painful?

His grief and hurt addled his thoughts. His anger and pain swelled within him. His confused questioned were aggravated by his negative emotions. He didn't understand why this had to happen. He needed a reason for why he had to live through that trauma again. He wanted somebody to blame.

TigerVespamon bowed his head and stared down at his bound body. His tears trickled off his mandibles and stained the crimson scarf around his neck. He didn't make a sound other apart from his long, shaky breaths. He tried to use deep, meditative breathing techniques to calm himself, but the pain he felt was too great. His throat was tight, making him feel like he could hardly breathe. What breaths he could take just resulted in him sniffling.

Despite the tears that stained his face, his features began to harden. His inner anger began to take hold of his heart. He didn't want to feel angry, but he couldn't help it. He had built up enough control over himself to keep his anger from running rampant. He didn't let loose and yell or wail. He didn't try to break free of the restraints around him. He kept his rage and bitterness under control.

However, just because he controlled those feelings, it didn't mean that he let go of them. He kept his rage and frustration in a cage. It was all he could hope to do. It was all he wanted to do.

As he centered himself, his tears began to cease their flow. TigerVespamon's face darkened coldly and he stared calmly into the darkness ahead of him.

Blitzmon and Bolgmon… Black Pincer Company. They were the ones who had caused this. They were the ones who had taken his family away from him. Those morally bankrupt mercenaries were to blame.

He knew that they had taken Angemon prisoner. Despite the grief that he fought, Father Angemon was still alive. That meant there was still something that he could do. He needed to stop them.

As TigerVespamon's evened out his breaths, his black fists gently closed. The Ultimate level hornet leaned forwards slightly, pressing against the ropes that bound him to the pillar. They were tight and durable. He didn't have much leeway, even with his flexible body. The ropes grinded against his metal abdomen, but made no signs of breaking.

TigerVespamon turned his eyes towards the chapel's entrance. He could see his Royal Meisters lying on the ground right beside the doors. They were placed several meters away, moved far out of his reach. His mouth tightened with frustration. There had to be something he could do to escape…

He began to try to wiggle his body to see if he could free one of his arms. It was difficult, given the angular nature of his body. Still, he didn't give up. He couldn't, for Angemon's sake.

After ten minutes of struggling, TigerVespamon ceased his effort and released a sharp breath of frustration. His progress was no further than when he had started. He was about to alter his tactics, when he suddenly froze.

Voices.

There were voices coming from outside.

TigerVespamon turned his head and gazed towards the front doors. He heard several voices speaking harshly from beyond the entrance. It sounded like they were arguing.

TigerVespamon's body tightened and he prepared himself. Perhaps Blitzmon and Bolgmon had returned to finish the job. Maybe it was Nightmare Soldiers coming to loot the place. His gaze hardened with quiet defiance and he awaited whoever was on the other side of those doors.

A moment later, the pair of doors burst open violently. A dark figure dashed in from the shadows of night, his long, bladed gauntlets at the ready.

TigerVespamon's hardened eyes momentarily widened at who he saw. It was none other than his brother, GrandisKuwagamon.

"Grandis! Wait!" a deep voice bellowed from behind him. Dynasmon dashed inside and pointed the gems on his palms around, ready to blast any enemies with the elemental power charged up in his hands. As soon as he took a quick scan of the chapel's nave, Dynasmon's eyes landed on TigerVespamon's restrained body. "TigerVespamon!"

GrandisKuwagamon spotted his brother at the exact same moment and immediately began dashing over. "Ko!" he shouted, a mixture of concern and relief blending into his voice.

Magnamon flew into the desolate monastery, his golden body brilliantly illuminating the darkness around them. He looked around vigilantly and landed in front of the doors, ready to attack at a moment's notice. "Dynasmon, Cyberdramon, secure the other end!" he ordered. "SaviorHackmon, help with TigerVespamon."

"Sir," Cyberdramon complied, dashing down the nave to the destroyed back half of the chapel. He and Dynasmon each stopped in front of the partially destroyed hallways and looked down the corridors to see if there were any signs of enemies.

Meanwhile, GrandisKuwagamon ran over to TigerVespamon and swept his Gran Killers downwards. His gauntlet's bladed claws sliced through the bindings and the ropes separated around TigerVespamon's form.

"Ko! Are you okay?" GrandisKuwagamon demanded, kneeling down beside him and reaching for the injured hornet.

TigerVespamon's tearful eyes narrowed bitterly and he turned his head and body away from the black insect. He placed his hand on the pillar beside him and attempted to stand on his own.

"TigerVespamon!" SaviorHackmon rushed over and placed TigerVespamon's arm around his neck, placing an arm carefully around his waist to help him stand. As he helped the hornet man stand, he noticed the dried blood on the back of TigerVespamon's head. "You're hurt…" he observed with a worried frown.

TigerVespamon averted his gaze away from the dragon man, but he allowed him to support him. Truth be told, he felt uneasy on his feet and he was unsure if he could stand on his own. "It is merely a concussion…" he dourly replied. Now that his hands were free, he took the opportunity to wipe the tears that stained his face.

Once SaviorHackmon was certain that he was holding TigerVespamon steady, he turned towards him. It was then that he saw the acolyte rubbing the tears away from his face. "You're-…" he hesitated, his eyes growing wide with worry, realising that something was very wrong. "…What happened?"

GrandisKuwagamon clenched his teeth and walked closer, placing his hand on TigerVespamon's shoulder. "Ko, talk to me. You hurt?" he asked him.

TigerVespamon's body tightened up at the touch. He immediately shrugged his brother's hand away with cold brusqueness.

As GrandisKuwagamon retracted his hand and the two pulled away, TigerVespamon slowly looked over his shoulder at the former mercenary. In his eyes was the coldest, most intensely emotional glare that GrandisKuwagamon had ever seen from him. It was enough to give even him pause.

"My name is Vespamon," TigerVespamon bitterly corrected him. He turned his head forwards and forced himself to relax as much as he could. He knew that he had to try to remain calm, to keep the torrent of emotions inside of him at bay.

GrandisKuwagamon winced faintly at his brother's words and actions, but he backed off. He could see that he needed space, probably from him. He was pretty sure he knew why, but he almost didn't want to know for sure now.

"It's all clear, Sir," Cyberdramon explained from the right hand side of the destroyed altar. He glanced back down the rubble-strewn corridor that was near the massive hole in the right wall. "It doesn't look like there's anybody down there."

"Yeah, there's nobody in sight. We can search deeper inside, but…" Dynasmon grimaced and looked at the desolate chapel, seeing the carnage and debris all over the place. He could see that the dust had settled on the floor and there were only tiny flames remaining. "…this destruction looks too old."

Magnamon's frowned and walked over to TigerVespamon and SaviorHackmon. He looked up at the slender insect man. His fists tightened as he saw the state of the hornet man, but as a Royal Knight, he knew he needed to stay professional.

"TigerVespamon…" he addressed him, his voice gentle but urgent. "We need to know… what happened here?"

"We were attacked…" TigerVespamon responded, his deep, ethereal voice lingering on his words. "They were after the Orb of Yang…"

"So it was true…" Magnamon murmured, frowning bitterly to himself. "Please, tell us exactly what happened."

"If you can…" SaviorHackmon sympathetically added, looking at the hornet Digimon against him with worry.

"It was around midnight. They were posing as travellers seeking sanctuary for the night. Father Angemon invited them in," TigerVespamon explained. He slowly turned his head and stared directly into GrandisKuwagamon's eye. "It was Blitzmon and Bolgmon of Black Pincer Company."

GrandisKuwagamon could see the accusation in TigerVespamon's eyes. Even if he didn't say anything, the simple look was enough to show his despair and resentment.

TigerVespamon looked down, his face darkening. "I walked in and we recognised each other from Vernal Springs… As soon as we did, a fight broke out," he explained, his calm voice beginning to waver. "We fought against them, but…"

Dynasmon flinched at his ominous words and walked over to the group. He knew there was something wrong. It was too empty here…

"Vespa… What happened to everybody?" the dragon man tentatively asked him. Despite his question, the tightened expression on Dynasmon's face revealed that he already had a pretty good idea of what the answer was. "Father Angemon, SlashAngemon, and the others…"

TigerVespamon bowed his head and grew quiet. "…Father Angemon was taken as a hostage," he grimly responded. Although his expression didn't change and his voice remained even, a single tear escaped his eye and fell to the ground. "Everyone else… is dead." He turned and looked back over at GrandisKuwagamon with pained, contemptuous eyes. "They were murdered by Black Pincer Company."

"No…" Magnamon whispered.

"No… Damn it!" Dynasmon shouted with frustration, wheeling around and driving his fist into the half-destroyed pillar behind him. The crumbled column shattered and sent fragments scattering across the cluttered floor.

SaviorHackmon looked at TigerVespamon with shock. As the horrible realization set in, his face morphed into a sad, sympathetic grimace. "I… I'm so sorry…"

GrandisKuwagamon's eye widened with dread. The familiar sense of guilt tightening around his stomach returned. The image of Blitzmon and Bolgmon coldly taking out the monks entered his mind. He knew how they operated. He had hoped that they would slip in without any bloodshed, but… He was prepared for the chance that this might happen. This was exactly what he feared. They were too late.

He felt himself at a loss for anything to say. What could he say? What could he possibly do to make things better for TigerVespamon? Knowing that his friends were responsible for killing his brother's adoptive family… He knew the pain and suffering that TigerVespamon must be feeling right now. He had been there before. But, this time, it had been Black Pincer Company that had caused it.

He knew how much TigerVespamon must hate them right now. GrandisKuwagamon was sure that he hated him too. After all, GrandisKuwagamon was associated with Blitzmon and Bolgmon, and he and TigerVespamon hadn't exactly parted on good terms. He wasn't sure what he should do.

"I…" he tried to say, but found himself at a loss for words. He wanted to say something, but he knew that any attempt at comforting him was pointless.

Magnamon looked around at the destroyed monastery. He saw the devastation around him. For such a peaceful place to be targeted by the Demon Lords… For more innocent Digimon to die… The revulsion and injustice ignited inside of him. The golden dragon knight's ruby eyes narrowed with rage.

"More senseless killing…" he murmured, the bones of his fingers popping as he slowly tightened his claws into compact, trembling fists. He forced himself to take a deep breath, and he looked back up at TigerVespamon. "I'm… really sorry for your loss."

Dynasmon grimaced and walked over to the hornet man. He placed his hand on TigerVespamon's winged back and gently rubbed it. "Yeah… I'm so sorry that this happened, Vespa," he gently told him. "I know how hard this must be…"

TigerVespamon nodded weakly and looked away. "There… is nothing I can do for the others now…" he bleakly responded. "All I can do is rescue Father Angemon."

"We'll rescue him. I promise," Magnamon assured him, showing him the determination in his eyes.

"Thank you…" TigerVespamon replied, although he still in a bit of a daze. After a moment, he frowned with confusion. "How did you know to come here?"

"Somebody with the Demon Lords told us that they were after the Orb of Yang here," Magnamon explained.

Dynasmon frowned and looked at TigerVespamon a bit sheepishly. "Uh… I hope you don't mind me asking, but… Why didn't they kill you too?"

Magnamon shot him a look. "Dynasmon!"

"What the hell kind of question is that?" GrandisKuwagamon added with an angry scowl.

"Sorry, that came out wrong," Dynasmon said with a wince. "It's just…"

TigerVespamon nodded contemplatively. "It's alright. It is a fair question…" he answered with a shaky sigh. "After the others were…" He paused and began to trail off into a bitter grimace.

"It was just Angemon and I left. The fight had been settled. I could no longer fight… Blitzmon was asking for the Orb of Yang. They said that they would spare me if Angemon told them where it was located." Guilt settled over him and TigerVespamon gazed down at the ground. "Angemon wanted to protect me, so he told him where the Orb was located. I was knocked unconscious after that. They must have stayed true to their word. They likely restrained me so that I would be unable to follow them."

GrandisKuwagamon's pincers tightened and he gritted his teeth. He supposed he should be grateful that Blitzmon was good to his word, but that didn't stop him from being furious at them for the pain they caused his brother. "You're sure that they have Angemon?"

"Yes. Blitzmon wanted to take him with them," TigerVespamon answered stiffly, his voice becoming decisively colder when responding to his brother.

"Is there anything you can remember that might help us find them?" Magnamon asked him.

TigerVespamon frowned and tried to think back. He wanted to remember, but he had trouble doing so. His mind ached and he was still shaking off the residual dizziness from the concussion. He had been in a daze for most of Blitzmon and Bolgmon's conversation, fading in and out of consciousness. Not to mention, he was still processing the grief from everything that happened. He felt like he was on the cusp of remembering something, but nothing came.

"I… I cannot remember… I'm sorry, Sir," TigerVespamon said with a soft grimace of shame. "Only that they are bringing him to Bagramon…"

"It's not your fault," SaviorHackmon assured him. "You've been through a lot."

Magnamon nodded and smiled. "We'll find them," he encouraged the bug Digimon. The blue scaled Royal Knight turned around and looked at the others. "Cyberdramon, do you want to take GrandisKuwagamon and look around for a trail? He might know more about Black Pincer Company's movements."

"Yes, Sir," Cyberdramon obeyed, walking over to the group. "I'm good at finding trails."

"I'll see what I can do…" GrandisKuwagamon agreed, though he kept glancing over at TigerVespamon.

"I'll look around inside, just in case," Magnamon said. "Dynasmon, why don't you look outside too? And, SaviorHackmon, you can patch up TigerVespamon's wounds."

"Yeah, okay," Dynasmon agreed.

"Actually…" TigerVespamon spoke up. He lightly pulled away from SaviorHackmon so that he could stand on his own two feet. "If you don't mind, I would like to be on my own for a little while."

Dynasmon arched an eyebrow and looked over the bruised and bloodied insect, noticing the cuts on his head and the bruises on his face. "Uh… Are you sure, Vespa?" he asked uncertainly. "You're pretty beat up…"

TigerVespamon shook his head and stepped away from SaviorHackmon. "My concussion has passed and my injuries are not serious," he insisted.

Magnamon and Dynasmon exchanged sceptical glances, feeling uneasy about leaving TigerVespamon alone right now.

"Please," he requested, looking over at the Royal Knights with gently pleading eyes. "Allow me to say goodbye to my family…"

Dynasmon winced and looked down at Magnamon, shrugging. SaviorHackmon grimaced as well, and he could feel sympathetic tears threatening to enter his eyes.

After hearing the heartfelt words and seeing his fellow knights' acquiescent gazes, Magnamon felt his heartstrings become taut. They could hardly refuse such a request.

"Alright…" Magnamon agreed.

"Thank you…" TigerVespamon answered grimly. He turned away from them and looked towards the front doors, gazing out into the night. "I will be in front of the monastery. I promise I won't go anywhere else."

"Okay. Do what you need to do," Dynasmon encouraged him.

TigerVespamon nodded and began walking away. Although there was still a lingering sense of unbalance, TigerVespamon was graceful enough to stay steady and walk in a straight line. He breathed in a heavy, meditative breath and attempted to keep himself together as he made his way towards the exit.

GrandisKuwagamon watched with a grimace as his brother began to walk away. His heart was aching for him. He could see his sorrow and he wanted to help somehow. As an aloof mercenary, he had never been good with sentimentality or talking about his feelings. However, at the same time, he couldn't just let his brother walk out without saying anything to him. Not when he had been so closely linked to what happened. He felt a sense of obligation to him.

The black beetle began walking after him, quickly starting to catch up with the hobbling wasp.

"GrandisKuwagamon…" Magnamon warned him, immediately seeing that going after him was probably not the best idea right now.

Nevertheless, GrandisKuwagamon ignored him. He knew what he wanted to do. He needed to say something.

"Bro, wait a sec," he said to him, closing in on him from behind.

TigerVespamon came to a halt in front of him, stopping in front of the opened doors of his home. His body was tense and still. Despite stopping upon hearing his words, he didn't make a move to turn around.

GrandisKuwagamon winced faintly and stopped about a meter behind his brother. "I…" he tentatively began, hesitating as he thought about what to say.

"I'm really sorry…"

At this apology, TigerVespamon paused.

After a few moments, he slowly turned his head. His body didn't move, but, of the corner of his ruby eye, he cast an icy glance over his shoulder.

"Are you…?" TigerVespamon wondered. His voice was airy and detached, yet beneath its wispy cadence was the weight of judgment.

GrandisKuwagamon frowned. "What? Of course I am," he insisted.

The clouds overhead parted and the moonlight shone in from the crumbled oculus, the rays catching the hornet's slender body. There was a gentle shimmer in TigerVespamon's compound eye as he leered over his shoulder.

"It was your friends who did this, GrandisKuwagamon," TigerVespamon calmly explained.

The mercenary grimaced and took a step forwards. "I know it was! But I'm not with them anymore, damn it! I didn't want any of this to happen," he urged defiantly.

"You say that…" he began. TigerVespamon turned his head forwards, no longer sparing him so much as a gaze.

"Yet, if they hadn't betrayed you, you would still be with them now, wouldn't you?" TigerVespamon continued. He bowed his head, causing the moonlight to cast a cold shadow over his face. "And if you were still with them, you would have come here with them."

The hornet turned his head and levelled a cold, bitter glare towards his brother. "You would have killed my family without hesitation, all the same…" he coldly replied. "So, do not pretend as if you are any better than they are. The only difference between you is circumstantial."

GrandisKuwagamon opened his mouth to protest, but all he could do was end up grimacing. He tightened his fists, wanting to object vehemently. Yet, he couldn't deny there was truth in his words. If he had been with Black Pincer Company, maybe he would have done what they did. But… he knew he had changed.

Although there was a cold, bristling aura around him, TigerVespamon turned forwards. He looked over at the Royal Meister blades that lay on the ground beside him. As much as a part of him that wanted to grab them and take off, he knew that he had something that he had to do right now. He had rites that he needed to give to his family.

As TigerVespamon began to walk away, GrandisKuwagamon made to follow him. However, he was stopped by a large hand that tightly gripped his shoulder.

"Leave him be, Grandis," Dynasmon advised him, looking down at the bug from behind. "He's hurting."

Magnamon nodded. "Besides, we have things that we need to do. Get searching for tracks; they already have a day's lead on us, so we don't have a lot of time."

GrandisKuwagamon sighed and nodded. "Yeah, fine…" he conceded dismissively.

His eye lingered on TigerVespamon for a few moments, but he turned away and began walking over to Cyberdramon. He walked with the senior Rook, and the two began heading towards one of the holes leading outside. Likewise, Dynasmon, Magnamon, and SaviorHackmon separated and began making their way towards the back of the nave to conduct their own investigations.

As the others parted behind him, TigerVespamon approached the monastery entrance and stopped in front of the opened doors.

He hesitated in the threshold, gazing out into the lonely and foreboding night. As the moonlight fell upon his gold and black body, he lifted his head and gazed up towards the starry heavens. He stood there for a few moments, quietly pondering his existence, if only for a moment.

Then, without another word, he walked out into the night. As he stepped into the moonlit darkness, the doors of what was left of his home closed quietly behind him…