(Author's Notes: Hey, everyone. Chapter 61 was intended to be a full chapter, but as I was reading it, I realised that it turned out to be longer than I intended. I decided to cut it into two mostly equal parts, with part two being posted next week. Sorry about that! Sometimes when I'm writing, I lose track of length. On the plus side, it means that you get another chapter next week. Just note that the two parts were meant to be part of a whole, rather than two standalones. As usual, read, review, and enjoy!)
Chapter 61: Shifting Stars (Part I)
Demon gazed across the city standing before him.
Dark Point stood in and around a peninsula on the coast with the Delta Ocean. From the open plain, the city stretched from side to side as far as the eye could see. Long, black walls guarded most of the city, stretching from the northern edge of the peninsula to the southwestern coast. To accommodate the growing size of the city, there was a growing district that formed beyond the walls. This part of the city had been all but abandoned when the news of Demon's advancing army spread through the city. Most of the city dwellers had retreated inside the city walls for protection.
Due to the digital aberrance in the sky above Dark Point, the entire landscape was dark like the night, despite the fact that it was only noon. The stars flickered dimly in the ebony canvas of the sky, and the large moon could be seen waning in the dusky horizon.
Some pillars of smoke could be seen funnelling into the darkened sky. Some of the buildings glowed within Dark Point's black walls, their exteriors painted orange from a few isolated blazes. The city had been in chaos the past several days. Riots broke out in the main squares and the Digimon syndicates started attacking each other to settle current grievances and past grudges. The chaos was spurred on by the Deliverers, following the Demon Lords' behest. The Night Guard, who served as the city's law enforcement, had lost control of all but a few key districts.
Demon stood at the head of his makeshift army. The combined group of Murmuxmon's legions, the cultists, and Demon's own personal guard, stood at about two hundred strong now. They had lost almost a hundred soldiers in their two skirmishes with the Royal Knights, but with a couple hundred bloodthirsty soldiers, a handful of Ultimate levels, and the Demon Lord of Wrath himself, they were still a force to be reckoned with.
He gazed across the awaiting city. There had been no army to meet them. He took his to mean that their plan was working.
Demon stared down the road leading through the other district of the city. He watched as the city gates began to open outwards, as if to greet them. As soon as the doors parted, he could see the forms of several Digimon emerge from the dark interior.
The Demon Lord narrowed his eyes and raised a hand to get his army to stand down, but to also remain cautious. He walked forwards, ahead of Murmuxmon and his own elite guard. His deep red robes rippled against his body as he moved, his demonic, rosary pendant jangling with each step. Concealed by his hood was the cheek wound that Jesmon had given him. It had been crudely stitched together and treated with a minor healing spell. It stopped bleeding, but the flesh was yet to heal and it still stung when he spoke.
Demon flapped his wings and flew down the road towards the shadowy figures. Walking down the middle of the road were two Digimon. The one walking in front was a creature with a mollusk-like, humanoid body. The Dagomon wore formal, almost religious attire. The other foremost Digimon of the group had the body of a quill fish. The Pukumon floated just behind the Dagomon, but eyed Demon suspiciously as they grew closer.
The pair was flanked by a cavalcade of Perfect level Digimon of the Night Guard, all of whom seemed ready to attack if need be. As Demon approached, the team of bodyguards all raised their weapons, but Dagomon raised his tentacled arm and ushered them to stand down.
The robed Demon Lord flapped his bat-like wings, causing dirt to blow out beneath him as he halted and landed. He touched down gracefully and straightened his back with dominant poise. Then he set his eyes on the group of Digimon before him, particularly the demonic octopus at the front of the group.
"You must be the Mayor of Dark Point," Demon stated, facing the group in an assertive posture.
"Yes, I am Mayor Dagomon," the abyssal beast greeted in a deep, echoey voice, the small tentacles over his upper lip wiggling slightly as he talked. He brought his tentacle hands together and bowed formally. He then stood up straight and gestured with his hand to the puffer fish Digimon beside him. "And this is Commander Pukumon, formerly the sub-commander of the Night Guard. He replaced the previous commander, who is now in self-imposed exile after a… difference of opinions."
"I see… I wish to talk terms," Demon explained. "However, know that we will not hesitate to do to Dark Point what we did to Shadow Retreat if this is a ruse."
"There is no ruse," Dagomon assured him. "Pukumon and I both received your messages, as well as your generous gifts. We speak in good faith…"
"Then you know of my demands," Demon brusquely replied. "I demand that you capitulate and surrender this city. Otherwise, we attack, or do you fancy your chances in a siege?"
Dagomon calmly shook his head. "We have no appetite for war. I think you would prefer to avoid a battle too," he debated. "What are your terms?"
Demon's cold and ruthless eyes constricted. "You are to open the gates to the city and surrender to us unequivocally. Henceforth, you shall answer to the Seven Great Demon Lords, Mayor. The city of Dark Point will be put under our jurisdiction, with the port being used as we see fit. The Commander and the Night Guard will answer to Count Murmuxmon, who will act as our viceroy. Together, you will bring the syndicates to heel and their leaders will be dealt with accordingly. In exchange, you will be allowed to maintain your power within the city," Demon dogmatically informed them.
"That seems fair…" Dagomon responded, stroking his long, monstrous chin with his tentacle fingers. "Do I have your word that you will spare the city and the rest of the Digimon within it? I want a cessation of violence…"
"You have my word," Demon rigidly replied. "If one of my soldiers steps out of line even slightly, they will be killed. After all… a city without any Digimon to fill it is useless."
"Then we have an agreement," Dagomon spoke, bowing forwards slightly. "Lord Demon…" He offered the mass of tentacles that made up his hand towards the Demon Lord of Wrath.
Demon watched quietly as Dagomon, Pukumon, and the guards surrounding them all bowed before him. "Good…" he hissed darkly, taking Dagomon's hand and shaking it. "Just remember… the Seven Great Demon Lords do not forget treachery. If you betray my good faith, we will march on you again and burn the city to the ground."
"I understand," Dagomon answered.
Demon raised his hand and looked over his shoulder, prompting Murmuxmon to approach the robed Demon Lord. "Murmuxmon, did you hear all that?" he questioned, watching as the Ultimate level demon approached.
"Yes, Lord Demon. I shall humbly rule on your behalf…" Murmuxmon pledged with a bow.
"Good. Get the legion moving into the city. Secure the administrative district and restore order," Demon commanded.
"We shall lead the way and make preparations," Mayor Dagomon explained. "The gates shall remain open."
The two groups began to turn away and walk in opposite directions. Demon strode beside Murmuxmon, back towards the small army of Nightmare Soldiers.
"I shall accompany you in and oversee the transition of the city into our hands," Demon lowly explained. "However, I cannot wait around for long. We are beginning our campaign in the north soon. I must return there. I will leave tomorrow."
"Yes, Lord Demon. I will take care of everything and ensure that the city of Dark Point remains our loyal subject," Murmuxmon promised. "I will use an iron fist to maintain control."
"Good," Demon answered, walking ahead of the Count. "Do not let them forget who is in charge."
Demon stopped in front of the gathered army and looked over his shoulder. Through the darkness that spanned for tens of kilometers, he set his eyes upon the city. Dark Point stood in the shadows, looming over the ocean. Its gates were wide open for him and its port was ripe for the taking.
The Demon Lord clenched his fist with dark satisfaction. He stood triumphant over the city of Dark Point. He would make sure that this would be the first of his many military victories.
"First, Dark Point. Next, Heaven itself…"
Elsewhere, Magnamon sat beneath a tree.
His helmet was torn and fractured. His armour was dented, and his pauldrons were mangled. The normally shiny, golden lustre of his chrome digizoid was tarnished with black scorch marks.
Wrapped around his arm was a two meter-long broadleaf. It was sturdy enough that TigerVespamon was able form a makeshift sling to support Magnamon's injured arm. Sealing the cut on his cheek was a smaller, more pliable leaf that TigerVespamon had stuck to him with tree sap. It was the best he could do with the limited resources available to them at the time.
They had spent the night at the southern-most edge of Analog Forest, far from where they had engaged Demon and his legion in combat. It seemed as though they weren't followed, meaning that the Nightmare Soldiers probably continued straight to Dark Point.
Morale wasn't particularly high. Although they had saved the villagers of Shadow Retreat, they had been forced to flee and they were also unable to stop Demon from taking the village and pressing on to Dark Point. All of that was on top of losing Angemon in the previous battle.
Magnamon in particular seemed subdued. He had been largely quiet since they retreated. Due to Magnamon's injuries, Dynasmon had taken over the leadership role in organizing everyone after the battle. He had led them to that secluded part of the forest and made sure that they weren't followed. Dynasmon was currently out scouting, leaving Magnamon to oversee the others.
The golden Royal Knight pressed his back against the tree for support. A soft sigh escaped his snout and he slowly bowed his head. He gazed down at his bruised and cut hands, cautiously folding them on his lap. His vision lingered on his injuries before turning to the dents in his armour. He had taken pride in his golden, chrome digizoid armour and its supposedly durable defensive capabilities. Yet, he had still gotten so badly pulverized.
His eyes grew tight and introspective. His bruised body ached with every movement. His motions were slow and tentative. He could still taste the residual tang of blood in the crevices of his lips and gums. Worse than the physical pain, which was just about bearable, was the sting of shame in his heart.
Magnamon glanced up and looked around the small gap in the forest where they had spent the night. Cyberdramon was standing guard behind one of the trees, while GrandisKuwagamon was helping SaviorHackmon adjust to his new body in the center of the small, makeshift camp.
He turned his head and looked over at TigerVespamon, who sat cross-legged beneath an adjacent tree. The bug seemed to be meditating, breathing lightly to find a sense of calm and inner peace. Magnamon's heart twisted as he set eyes upon the former acolyte. TigerVespamon had lost so much. He knew that picking up the pieces must feel like an impossible task. The Royal Knight couldn't help but feel like he had a part to play in that as well…
He had done so little. Throughout those two battles, Magnamon felt as though he had only gotten in the way. He hadn't been able to do anything he had set out to do. They had lost the Orb of Yang. They had failed to save Angemon. He couldn't stop Demon, and he couldn't prevent the Demon Lord from marching on Dark Point. It was only because of SaviorHackmon's timely evolution that they had all been able to escape.
Magnamon hunched over and he balled up his claws into tight fists. He felt so frustrated. He was supposed to have been the leader and yet, even now, he felt like a liability. He had to at least do something…
"TigerVespamon," Magnamon spoke up, forcing himself to look over at the insect.
TigerVespamon was pulled out of his meditation by the voice. He sat up straight and looked over at the Royal Knight with calm curiosity. "Yes, Sir?" he questioned.
Magnamon winced and looked down. "…I'm so sorry. About Angemon," he told him softly. "If I had been more aware, maybe we wouldn't have been spotted."
TigerVespamon went quiet for a few moments, taken off guard by the statement. He pondered over Magnamon's words. It was clear to him that the Royal Knight was feeling responsible for Angemon's death. The notion hadn't even crossed his mind, so he took a few seconds to process it.
After a few moments, TigerVespamon breathed out and softly shook his head. "Thank you for your kind words, Sir Magnamon. However, you have nothing to apologise for. It was not your fault that he was killed," he told the Royal Knight solemnly. "The ones who I hold responsible are Murmuxmon, the Demon Lords, and Black Pincer Company. They are the reason why all of this sadness has happened."
Magnamon frowned and looked down. The guilt inside of him didn't subside so easily, but he didn't argue with TigerVespamon's response. He knew that, despite what he felt, he was still supposed to be a leader. He couldn't sit around and feel sorry for himself. He certainly wasn't going to expect his grieving subordinate to make him feel better. He wasn't that weak-hearted.
Magnamon turned forwards and looked ahead at GrandisKuwagamon and Jesmon. GrandisKuwagamon was leaning against a tree, teasing Jesmon as the inexperienced Ultimate level struggled to get used to his new body.
"Having some trouble? It looks like you've got two left feet. Or should I say two left swords?" GrandisKuwagamon ribbed him with a smirk.
"It's not funny, Grandis; I'm not used to not having feet," Jesmon protested, wincing as he stumbled forwards and backwards, trying to catch his balance on his slender legs. He had trouble standing on the tips of his blades on his own, but he also had trouble controlling the timing of when the magical circles would appear beneath his legs to stabilize him. Sometimes he would bring his foot down, but the cushioning circle would either appear too early or not at all. There was definitely a learning curve.
"It is kinda funny," GrandisKuwagamon pointed out, chuckling as Jesmon wobbled around like he was standing on a raft in the open sea. "You were fine last night. You were pretty much dancing through the sky when you were fighting. You looked like you did it a hundred times before."
"That was all instinct and adrenaline!" Jesmon retorted, wincing as he stumbled from one tree to another. "It's a lot harder now that I actually have to think about it!"
GrandisKuwagamon smirked and tilted his head with amusement. "So, don't think about it, kid," he told him.
"That's easy for you to say; how do I not think about it?" Jesmon complained, planting his sword legs on the ground and trying to stand comfortably on his own. He turned and shot the former mercenary a glare. "And I'm an Ultimate-level now. You're not allowed to call me 'kid' anymore."
"Eh, we'll see," GrandisKuwagamon teased in response. "Come on. It can't be any harder than when you transitioned from four legs to two."
The scarab mercenary extended his hand and beckoned to himself. "Try walking over here. Just don't overthink it. Close your eyes and let your instincts take over."
Jesmon sighed and nodded. He cleared his mind and tried not to think so hard about walking and forming the circles at the right time. He closed his eyes and let go of his reservations. The dragon knight began walking forwards with the same poise and confidence that he had as a SaviorHackmon.
To Jesmon's surprise, it was working. He wasn't losing his balance at all, and he could sense the magical circles cushioning beneath his feet, stabilizing his legs. He began to walk with a little more confidence.
"See?" GrandisKuwagamon's voice said from ahead of him. "Behind all the glitz and civilized pretensions, Digimon are instinctual creatures at their core. We come from nature, so we have to stay in touch with our baser instincts. Too many Digimon lose sight of that and—watch out for my foot!"
"Ah!" Jesmon cried out, suddenly overcome with shock and apprehension. His eyes snapped open and he staggered backwards and then forwards. Tripping over his legs, Jesmon stumbled forwards, towards a laughing GrandisKuwagamon.
"Gotcha," GrandisKuwagamon laughed impishly. His smile faded when Jesmon suddenly tripped and fell forwards, grabbing onto GrandisKuwagamon's shoulders for support. "Hey! Watch it!" he exclaimed, catching the caped dragon before he was dragged down.
Jesmon steadied himself and glared up at GrandisKuwagamon with embarrassment. "Grandis, stop making me look bad!" he complained. "I want to get this down for when we return to the castle. I would like to look professional in front of the Royal Knights."
GrandisKuwagamon smirked. "Couldn't resist," he told him, letting go once the dragon was standing on his own. He folded his arms and eyes Jesmon smugly. "Really, you should be thanking me. You only ever seem to evolve when I'm around."
"You want me to thank you for fighting you and having to save you…?" Jesmon dryly wondered.
"That was hardly a save. And you're welcome," GrandisKuwagamon irreverently replied, grinning cheekily at the dragon knight. "Just keep practicing like that. None of us want to carry you on the return trip. We're beat up enough without getting cut up by your swords too."
Jesmon sighed and stood up straight, not letting the beetle's teasing ruffle him. He turned away and continued practicing.
Magnamon watched as Jesmon got used to his new form. He hadn't really been able to appreciate the evolution until now. He was impressed at the speed at which Hackmon was able to evolve, even under these extreme circumstances. It hadn't been clear to him until now. Now that he could see it for himself, he was amazed by Hackmon's potential…
Magnamon frowned. Alphamon must have seen that potential long ago, yet it hadn't been until just these past few days that he had noticed it. Hackmon – or Jesmon, he supposed – had shown impressive leadership during the crisis. …Perhaps even more than he had. It was now clear to him why Alphamon had asked him and Dynasmon to bring him along. He was just disappointed that he hadn't realised sooner.
The Royal Knight looked up when he saw a familiar silhouette descend through the canopies. Magnamon pressed his back against the tree and placed his hand against the bark. With a groan, he pulled himself to a stand, keeping himself steady against the tree behind him.
He watched as Dynasmon swooped down from the arboreal ceiling. The wyvern knight pulled up as he neared the ground and flapped his wings, slowing his descent until he touched down on the ground in front of him. Dynasmon's arrival drew the others' attention, prompting them to gather around the two Royal Knights.
"Dynasmon," Magnamon spoke, hiding his wince as he held himself up. "What's the situation? How's Dark Point?"
Dynasmon sighed and shook his head. "There was no battle. From the looks of it, Dark Point surrendered. I think whoever's in charge cut a deal with Demon, because I could see them walking straight through the city."
"Damn it," Magnamon grunted, looking aside with a frustrated grimace. "So, they've captured the city…"
Jesmon stepped forwards, looking at the two Royal Knights with concern. "But what about the citizens?" he worriedly asked. "What about the villagers from Shadow Retreat, Sirs? Are they going to be alright?"
"I don't know," Dynasmon admitted with a wince. "If the mayor let Demon and the others in voluntarily, I have to think they won't just start killing randomly."
"Yeah, but you gotta think that some scores will be settled," GrandisKuwagamon pointed out, folding his arms. "They'll probably want to flex their power over the city. It's naïve to think everybody's going to make it out alive, especially the crime bosses."
Dynasmon bit back his scowl and clenched his fists. "…I know," he grimly responded. "But there's nothing we can do now. They hold the city, and, the condition we're in, we're far too weak to even think about attacking them again."
Magnamon slowly dug his claws into the bark of the tree behind him. However, he didn't say anything. His anger and disappointment clung in his throat like he had just swallowed tree sap.
Jesmon frowned and looked up at Dynasmon with worry. "But… can we really leave them?" he asked reluctantly. "What if—"
"We have no choice!" Dynasmon said with frustration, fighting back the growl that threatened to rise in his throat. "I don't like it either, but we can't do anything about it… If we couldn't beat Demon before, we definitely can't beat him now. I hate that I'm even saying that, but we have to face facts…" He sighed and rubbed his horned head, trying to rein his emotions back in. "I'm sorry, but we just have to hope that they're okay…"
TigerVespamon's eyes tightened and he bowed his head defeatedly. "It doesn't sit well with me…" he bitterly admitted. "But I know you are right, Sir."
GrandisKuwagamon sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah… Nothin' we can do, really," he agreed. "Blitzmon and Bolgmon are probably with them too. I doubt we can even sneak into the city. We'd get found out immediately. We can't even get that orb back…"
"So, we leave empty handed," Cyberdramon said, trying his best not to let his obvious distaste show.
Dynasmon turned and gave Magnamon a pointed look. "That's the only option…" he said in a heavy, baritone voice. "Don't you think, Magna?"
Magnamon grimaced and nodded. He could sense the accusatory words, quietly telling him not to fight a lost cause. He understood Dynasmon's underlying message – for him not to let his pride get in the way of everyone's safety once again.
"Yeah…" he downheartedly agreed. "We have to retreat."
Dynasmon breathed a sigh out of his nostrils and nodded at his friend appreciatively. "We shouldn't wait around. Everybody get ready."
Magnamon nodded and held his head up, not wanting to look browbeaten in the face of defeat. As the team leader, he knew that he had to appear positive, despite whatever he felt on the inside.
"We'll head back to Vernal Springs, and then travel to Falconhead," he told the team with the veneer of confidence. "From there, we'll take the Locomon Rail back to New Terminal, and then transfer to Gold Keep. If we're lucky, we'll be back before dark."
"Yes, Sir…" Jesmon complied, although not without a flash of reluctance in his yellow eyes.
"Yes, Sir," TigerVespamon quietly concurred. He turned away and collected his Royal Meisters from the ground, his crystal pendant gently knocking against his carapace as he stood back up.
GrandisKuwagamon shrugged and looked over at Cyberdramon, who walked over to him in preparation to leave.
As everyone prepared to leave at a moment's notice, Dynasmon placed Magnamon's arm around his body and helped his shorter friend walk away from the group.
As soon as they were at a safe distance, Dynasmon leaned down and looked at Magnamon with a deep frown on his face.
"I know what you're going to say," Magnamon replied, wincingly gently.
"Do you?" Dynasmon asked him, his red eyes hardening. "I'm not angry – well, yeah, I am angry – but I'm confused… What were you thinking? Running ahead to attack Demon like that… You completely screwed up our front line." Dynasmon frowned, watching as Magnamon broke their gaze. "First, you run ahead, and then Vespa did, but Vespa I can at least understand – he just lost his family. I don't get it, Magna! It's usually you reining my reckless ass in…"
Magnamon's teeth gnashed together and he turned his face away from Dynasmon's penetrating gaze. "Look, I was angry, okay? I saw Demon and I lost control. I… thought I could take him down on my own. I wanted to make him pay for Angemon, and Saversburg, and everything else they've done…" the golden Royal Knight bitterly explained. "I screwed up. I was wrong… I'm sorry."
Dynasmon's angry eyes began to soften as he gazed down at his injured friend. He knew Magnamon for longer than he could remember. He could see there was something else. "Yeah, but… there's more to it than just that, isn't there?" he bluntly mused.
Magnamon's eyes tightened and he continued to look away. He didn't respond to Dynasmon's penetrating question.
Dynasmon sighed, but he decided to leave it at that. They were both exhausted, and he knew there wasn't any point digging into it now. They had to focus on getting their team home. "Let's just get everyone home," he told his fellow Royal Knight.
Magnamon nodded and slowly pulled away from Dynasmon. "I think I can fly on my own," he insisted.
"If you're sure…" Dynasmon replied, though he inwardly made sure to fly behind Magnamon in case he ended up faltering.
The two Royal Knights took into the air and turned around, prompting their four subordinates to ascend behind them. As the six met in the air below the forest canopy, Dynasmon set his eyes on one Digimon in particularly.
"Uh… Hey, Vespamon," Dynasmon awkwardly spoke up, drawing the hornet man's attention. "Did you want to stop by the monastery on the way back for anything or…?"
TigerVespamon froze, if only for a split second. The acolyte went quiet as the tender wounds inside him began to ache and hemorrhage at the thought of his empty home.
GrandisKuwagamon frowned and looked at his brother with concern, as did Jesmon.
"Oh…" TigerVespamon began, a bit at a loss for words. "I…" He winced faintly the more he thought about it. The thought of going back there, when he still hurt so much… it was difficult to bear.
"…Thank you, but no. I don't think I am ready," TigerVespamon answered, looking down. "It is still too fresh…"
"I understand…" Dynasmon replied, beginning to feel bad for bringing it up at all. "Uh… Is everybody ready?"
Magnamon nodded, as did everybody else.
Dynasmon nodded and turned around. "Cyberdramon, you're first. I'll bring up the rear," he told the group of six.
Magnamon ascended as all of the others began flying out of the canopies and into the noon sky. They then turned and began heading eastwards, beginning their trek home.
As Magnamon rose into the sky, the sun reflected off of the few untarnished segments of his golden armour. He was battered and bruised, but he was determined to hold himself aloft on his own. He felt that it was the least he could do.
Magnamon sighed and looked forwards, his eyes sparkling as the sun shone down on his face. He watched as Jesmon, GrandisKuwagamon, TigerVespamon, and Cyberdramon all flew ahead of him. He could sense Dynasmon lingering behind him, ready to catch him if he fell.
He raised his hands and adjusted the fractured, golden mask that covered his face, trying to make it fit comfortably against the damaged surface below. When he was satisfied enough, the Royal Knight of Miracles straightened his body and held his head up high.
Swallowing tightly, Magnamon took off. He began his long trek home in defeat.
It was a long journey, and it had felt even longer.
It was just becoming night when the group of six arrived back in the territory of Splendor's Reach. The larger of the two moons was at the periapsis of its orbit, causing it to appear gigantic as it ascended over the horizon. Its reflected rays lit the grassy landscape around Castle Albion with a pearly glow.
Magnamon's team had flown from Analog Forest, following the western highway east to Vernal Spring. From there, they flew to Falconhead and caught the Locomon to New Terminal. Once they arrived in the Republic's capital, they transferred to a different Locomon with as little fanfare as possible, riding it south to Gold Keep in the Free Area. They travelled the rest of the journey by air, finally arriving back at Castle Albion a few hours after sundown.
It had been a quiet trip, even while travelling on the train. There had been only slight dialogue between them to break the silences, and it was largely about SaviorHackmon's new form. After losing Angemon, being forced to retreat, and learning of the capture of Dark Point, nobody was really in the mood for chatter. Knowing that they failed their objectives and that the world was worse off for it, morale was low. Everybody was exhausted.
The group of six walked up the road leading to the gates of Castle Albion. Dynasmon raised his hand and hailed one of the castle guards that were keeping watch on the ramparts surrounding the gate. The Gladimon guard waved back and disappeared inside the gatehouse to lower the drawbridge and raise the portcullis. As they waited outside of the tall, stone walls for the wooden bridge to lower and the sturdy bars to rise, Dynasmon turned and looked at Jesmon.
"Hey, Hackmon— sorry, I guess that should be 'Jesmon' now, huh?" Dynasmon corrected with a grin, his typical jovial personality making an appearance to keep everyone's spirits up. "I can't wait to see Gankoomon's face when he sees that new form of yours. He's going to lose it!"
Jesmon smiled sheepishly and chuckled a little. "He just might…"
"Why 'Jesmon'?" GrandisKuwagamon asked. "Why not 'JesHackmon' or something? It kinda clashes with your whole naming scheme, doesn't it?"
Jesmon shrugged. "I don't know. It's just the name that came to my lips, so that's my name now…" he explained, not really questioning it.
"At least it's not a mouthful like some people," Cyberdramon spoke up, giving GrandisKuwagamon a digging glance.
"I'm so sorry for making you speak in more than single-syllable words," the beetle sarcastically responded.
TigerVespamon and Magnamon both stood quietly, watching as the bridge lowered across the moat. The wood settled against the edge of the path and the portcullis entered its locked position inside of the gatehouse. The two golden warriors silently walked ahead, making their way past the gate walls and into the castle grounds.
Dynasmon stared at the two Digimon as they proceeded ahead of the group. Releasing a sigh, Dynasmon gave the three Digimon beside him a nod and followed after them.
"What do we do now, Sir?" Jesmon wondered, looking at Dynasmon as they walked into the entrance courtyard of Castle Albion. It was dark, so there was only the usual night shift of Castle Guards around. All of the merchants had long since closed their shops and made their way home by that time of night. Everybody else was likely either in the barracks or in the castle itself.
"It's getting late, and I know you're all exhausted," Dynasmon said, looking around at the group as they stopped in the middle of the road. "TigerVespamon, Cyberdramon, Grandis, you three can go to your barracks and get some rest. You guys need it," he encouraged them, looking at TigerVespamon in particular.
"Is there anything else, Sir?" Cyberdramon asked.
"Don't worry about writing after-action reports right now. Those can wait a few days," Dynasmon added.
Jesmon blinked with confusion, wondering why his name wasn't included with the others. "Uh, what about me, Dynasmon-shishou?" he asked him.
"You?" the Royal Knight told him with a teasing grin. "You're coming with Magnamon and me. We need to show you off to your sensei, after all."
"Yes, Sir," Jesmon replied, looking down at his new body uncertainly. On the one hand, he felt really proud of himself for managing to evolve to the Ultimate level. This had always been a dream for him. It was a major milestone on his path of hopefully becoming a Royal Knight. There was a part of him that wanted to show off, but…
Jesmon glanced over at TigerVespamon guiltily. He could see his fellow recruit standing off to the side of the group, waiting for the Royal Knights to dismiss them. The hornet man looked solemn and exhausted. Jesmon understood completely. Knowing what had been lost was enough to make him think long and hard before launching any celebrations.
"Okay, guys. You can go now. Dismissed," Dynasmon told them.
As the three Digimon in front of them began to turn and walk down the road, Dynasmon watched them with consideration. He knew that spirits were low. He felt he should say something else before they left. He and Magnamon were their leaders, so they ought to say something positive.
"And good work, everyone," Dynasmon told them, offering them half of a charming smile.
Magnamon blinked and looked up. These words snapped the golden Royal Knight out of his introspective trance. Hearing Dynasmon verbalizing his gratitude made Magnamon feel guilty, but in a different way from how he had been feeling before. It made him realise that he was supposed to be the team leader. Ever since the battle, Dynasmon had been picking up his slack, literally in some cases. He felt frustrated that he was letting himself sulk rather than be a leader to them, when they clearly needed it. Even though it was late, he felt he had to do something.
Magnamon turned around and walked towards the group with purpose. "Yes… Thank you. All of you," he told them, his eyes looking at each of the four Digimon, starting with GrandisKuwagamon and ultimately landing on TigerVespamon. His gaze lingered on him meaningfully.
"I know things haven't turned out like we wanted, but… I want to thank you all for doing your best. I'm sorry that we couldn't have had a better result. There are things I wish that…" Magnamon trailed off with a sigh, shaking his head. "But we can't give up hope. I know it's hard to think so right now, but the future will be brighter… Together, we'll make sure of it. If nothing else, we saved that village…"
Jesmon allowed an optimistic smile to form on his face at the Royal Knights' encouraging words. He felt his uneasy heart stir upon feeling the warmth and hope in the inducement of the Royal Knight. "You're right, Sir," he chimed in agreement.
Dynasmon smiled at his friend and placed a hand gently on Magnamon's shoulder. "Yeah… And if any of you need anything, come straight to us," he added.
"Even me?" GrandisKuwagamon dryly wondered, pointing at himself.
"We'll see," Dynasmon ribbed the mercenary with a smirk.
Cyberdramon saluted the two Royal Knights and grabbed GrandisKuwagamon's shoulder, ushering him down the road. "Come on, you."
"Hey, watch it!" GrandisKuwagamon complained, wresting his shoulder away. As he began walking, he glanced over at his brother with concern.
TigerVespamon turned to the two Royal Knights, as well as Jesmon. After a soft silence, he spoke up. "Thank you… for trying to rescue both Angemon and I. I realise that we were not your main objective, but thank you regardless…"
Then, TigerVespamon saluted his superior officers and began walking up the road towards the barracks.
Magnamon and Dynasmon exchanged sad, pitying glances as the former acolyte walked off. Dynasmon sighed and turned away. "Come on, guys. Let's go," he told them, beginning to walk up the stone courtyard that led to the castle's entrance hall.
Meanwhile, GrandisKuwagamon frowned gently and watched as TigerVespamon caught up to him and Cyberdramon. The bee man's long, graceful strides were enough for him to briskly pass them and walk ahead of the pair.
There was a twisting, uneasy feeling in GrandisKuwagamon's chest as he watched his brother walk ahead in the dark alone. That tight, bothered sensation inside him had been lingering that whole time, but the thought of TigerVespamon being separated from him, where he couldn't keep an eye on him, caused the feeling to strengthen.
"Yeah… Uh… Hey, Ko, want me to come with or anything?" he sheepishly inquired.
"That is not necessary," TigerVespamon responded despondently. "We live in separate barracks, and you cannot leave Cyberdramon's side."
His voice wasn't sharp or frigid like it usually was when they argued. Instead, his words were weak and downtrodden. He sounded like he was too tired to fight, or even to correct the nickname. Still, he was insistent.
GrandisKuwagamon hesitated reluctantly, but he knew that he had a point – he couldn't leave until the restraint system was deactivated. "D'you - I don't know - have any friends or anything who're with you?" he asked, at least wanting to be sure he wasn't alone.
"I share a room with ShineGreymon. Don't feel that you have to worry," TigerVespamon calmly informed him.
"That sparkly guy?" GrandisKuwagamon asked with distaste. "Better than nothing, I guess…"
TigerVespamon nodded and strode ahead of the pair, making his way towards the Strike Forces' barracks on his own.
GrandisKuwagamon watched as TigerVespamon walked ahead of them, his golden body growing dimmer the further he walked into the moon-touched darkness. GrandisKuwagamon allowed him to go off alone. It seemed like the only option under the circumstances. He got the hint that TigerVespamon wanted to be left on his own anyways. He certainly couldn't blame him.
The dark insect continued to walk along beside Cyberdramon towards their barracks. He watched as TigerVespamon turned and walked towards the large, communal dwelling to the left. Their paths diverged, as GrandisKuwagamon and Cyberdramon walked past the Strike Force's barracks towards their own building, Barracks Delta, on the right. GrandisKuwagamon gave TigerVespamon a lingering glance as they parted ways.
"He'll be fine," Cyberdramon said, though walking ahead of the bug without even casting him a glance. "He's strong."
GrandisKuwagamon scoffed and turned his pincer-adorned head to one side. "I'm not worried," he casually responded, folding his arms as the cool, spring breeze brushed against him.
"Right," Cyberdramon aloofly grunted, continuing to walk ahead to the entrance of the barracks. He stretched his sore muscles and walked up the front steps, eager to get some rest.
GrandisKuwagamon skulked after him, not in the same hurry that Cyberdramon was, but just fast enough that he wasn't left behind. As he shuffled up the stone pathway, he boredly looked around the darkness. The training grounds and the shooting range seemed shut at this time of night. There was hardly anybody around, apart from the few guards who were on night shift.
However, as he turned his head, he caught notice of something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head and looked down the long road that turned right from the main courtyard, separating the training grounds from the castle. About a third of the way down the stone street, he could see a familiar silhouette walking towards them from the direction of the staging grounds.
As the Digimon approached, their features became clearer in the darkness. Blue scales, black and green armour, two contrasting sets of wings, one striking, red helmet… He saw that it was none other than Paildramon. It surprised him to see her walking around at this time.
"Paildramon?" he asked, nodding at her to get her attention.
Paildramon heard her name and saw the dark figure ahead of her. She blinked with surprise at the sight of seeing GrandisKuwagamon wandering out and about in the dark. "GrandisKuwagamon?" she wondered with not a little bit of scepticism in her voice. "What are you doing out here?"
"I didn't escape, if that's what you're worried about," GrandisKuwagamon assured her with his usual sardonic voice. "I was on a job."
"A job?" Paildramon asked, arching her brow quizzically behind her helmet.
Cyberdramon stopped in the doorway of the shared barracks of the Recon Forces and the Rooks. He noticed that GrandisKuwagamon wasn't behind him, but was, instead, walking down the road towards Paildramon. Conscious of the proximal restraint system still connecting them, he called out to the new Rook. "Bug? What are you doing?"
GrandisKuwagamon glanced over his shoulder at the rubber-armoured dragon man. "What's it look like? I'm talking to someone."
"I'm not waiting around for you outside," he informed him, tapping his foot impatiently.
"So, go in without me," GrandisKuwagamon told his handler with an impertinent grin. "It's not like I can go anywhere. Don't be so clingy."
Cyberdramon sighed and rubbed his skull-encompassing, metal helmet. "Fine, but stay near the building. Don't go wandering far enough to get zapped again, because I'm not coming after you," he informed his mutually-reluctant charge.
"Yeah, yeah," GrandisKuwagamon responded, dismissively waving his hand.
He watched as Cyberdramon shrugged and walked inside Barracks Delta, closing the door behind him. He thought it was at least fortunate that the invisible tether between them went through walls. As soon as the doors were closed, he turned back to Paildramon.
"I hope you are getting along with your new chaperone," she said to him with a slight look of levity in her eyes.
"Oh, yeah, we're thick as thieves," the ebony insect dryly told her, smirking back. "They actually managed to give me somebody who has even more of a stick up their ass than you do."
Paildramon folded her arms and gazed at him with a matter-of-fact expression. "Really. That is impressive…" she replied with tongue very much in-cheek.
GrandisKuwagamon gestured with his head for her to walk with him. She stepped up beside him and the pair walked along the side of the large barracks building. They passed underneath some of the balconies as they walked to the edge of the road. They stopped walking as soon as they stepped off of the pavement and onto the grass of the training grounds.
As they stopped, Paildramon looked over at GrandisKuwagamon and inspected him. She noticed battle damage on his armour. His chest was smeared with dirt. His hair was frazzled, dirty, and caked with mud and leaves. She could also smell with her keen, draconic nose that, in addition to sweat, there was the distinctive metallic tang of blood on the air. It was obvious to her that he had seen combat.
"So, this 'job'…" Paildramon began, watching as GrandisKuwagamon turned and leaned his winged back against the barracks wall. "What did it involve? Or are you not allowed to tell me because it was a confidential Rooks mission?"
GrandisKuwagamon pressed against the stone surface behind him, taking some of the weight off his legs. "Eh, I don't mind telling you. I doubt it's that confidential…"
Paildramon eyed him warily. "On second thought, don't tell me. I don't want either of us breaking protocol," she insisted.
"It's too late; you already asked now," GrandisKuwagamon teased her, knowing how she hated to break the rules. Seeing the look on her face was enough to make him chuckle, if only a little. "Heh. Oh, relax; I'll redact the sensitive part."
Paildramon sighed and kneaded her helmet-covered forehead. "As long as you do…" she conceded. The dragon Digimon looked up at him curiously. "So? What happened?"
Rather than one of his pithy remarks at the ready, GrandisKuwagamon found himself hesitating. Paildramon's question caused him to have to think of a response. Since the mission had started, he had played everything minute-by-minute, taking the hits as they came and then moving onto the next thing. It hadn't been until now that he was forced to put everything into perspective. It was in that moment of trying to contextualize everything that the weight of all that had happened caught up with him.
Paildramon watched GrandisKuwagamon's face as his smirk faded into a pensive and uncertain frown. She noticed a subtle change in his demeanour. He folded his arms and shuffled uneasily. After readjusting, he turned his pincer-flanked face to the left and glanced out across the dark, grassy, training field.
She patiently waited for an answer, but after as the seconds of pensive silence went by, she realised that there was more going on with GrandisKuwagamon than he had let on. Paildramon stepped closer to him and eyed him inquisitively. "Is… something wrong, GrandisKuwagamon?" she wondered.
GrandisKuwagamon's face sharpened as he reinforced his aloof, outer carapace. "No? Why would it be?" he flippantly replied with a nonchalant shrug.
Paildramon arched her brow and placed her hands on her hips. "Because you seemed fine just a few moments ago, but now you're acting defensive," she pointed out, feeling comfortable enough in their relationship to be plainly blunt with him. "Something must have happened."
GrandisKuwagamon's eye twitched. It was obvious that she had him pegged. He realised that his kneejerk instincts had kicked in and that he had brought his shields up without meaning to.
The mono-eyed insect sighed frustratedly and brought a hand up to run the side of his neck. After a few moments of thinking, GrandisKuwagamon ventured a glance back towards Paildramon.
"Honestly? I don't even know where to start…" he admitted, his voice an uncharacteristically sheepish murmur.
Paildramon stepped up beside him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you start at the beginning?" she encouraged him.
GrandisKuwagamon breathed out of his tiny nostrils and leaned his pointy, orange-haired head back against the stone surface behind him. "Yeah… I guess that's a good a place as any. At least I don't have to explain the whole backstory to you…" he acquiesced, his compound eye softening pensively. He turned his head towards her just slightly. "…You know how I told you I had a brother?"
Paildramon frowned as she remembered the bleak tale of his past that he had recounted. "Yes… Kokuwamon, wasn't it? You said that he died during that horrible attack on your village…" she tentatively confirmed, unsure of where he was going with this.
GrandisKuwagamon raised his hand and slid his fingers into his messy, red hair, rubbing his head unconsciously. "Yeah, he did… I was so sure he did…" he replied in a near mumble. He turned his head towards her, fixing onto her eyes. "But I was wrong… He's not dead."
"What…?" she asked, blinking with shock and her voice dripping with incredulity. Her first instinct was to think that GrandisKuwagamon had lied to her before and manipulated them and was just confessing to it now. However, his wording made it sound like he was just as surprised as she was. She silenced her impulses and kept calm, deciding to act for more information before judging. "What do you mean, GrandisKuwagamon?"
GrandisKuwagamon sighed and began rubbing his head a bit more intensely, his frustration beginning to show through. "I was so damn sure. I saw him caught up in the blast. We searched everywhere…" he murmured, more to himself than to her.
"Grandis," she spoke firmly, placing her hand on his shoulder. "What happened?"
"You know when we last spoke? In the dungeon?" GrandisKuwagamon asked, looking at her. "A few hours later, somebody else came to see me. TigerVespamon."
"TigerVespamon? From the Strike Forces?"
GrandisKuwagamon nodded. "Well… He told me that he was my brother," he explained, watching as Paildramon's ruby eyes widened with shock. "Heh… I didn't believe him at first, but then he told me stuff that only we would know. When they let me out for a day, I got the chance to follow up with him. He's definitely my brother…"
"What…? But… Him? How?" Paildramon wondered, staring at him with disbelief.
"He says he got knocked out and buried under debris in the blast. Angemon and some other monks from a Heavenly Choir monastery found him after we were gone. Apparently they treated his wounds and took him.," GrandisKuwagamon explained, gazing distantly into the night. "So, he got raised as a monk while we were fending for ourselves on the streets."
"I see…" Paildramon responded, her surprise giving way to thoughtfulness. "But, it's a good thing, isn't it…? You must be overjoyed. I know I was relieved when I found out that ExVeemon wasn't dead…"
"I am… Of course I am." GrandisKuwagamon slid his hand out of his hair and sighed. "But it's more complicated than that. We had an encounter awhile back in Vernal Springs. He recognised me and, ever since, he has me down as an unscrupulous merc. I mean, it's no surprise that I offend his virtuous sensibilities…" the black beetle informed her with an ironic grin.
Paildramon smiled a little. "I suppose that's not a huge surprise, no," she agreed.
"Anyway… You might have heard that I had a run-in with an angry bull in the cafeteria. That kinda confirmed his perception of me as a heartless killer. After that, me and Ko had a big argument, and he said he was going home to his monastery," GrandisKuwagamon responded, his face beginning to darken under the shadow of the moon's rays. "Then, the Knights got a tip that Blitzmon and Bolgmon were on a mission for Bagramon to steal some object… which just so happened to be under the protection of the same monks who raised my brother."
Paildramon's gaze hardened. "You don't mean…"
"Yup," GrandisKuwagamon casually said, placing his hands behind his head and leaning back more emphatically. "My former best friends stormed the monastery while Ko was visiting, and dusted all the monks, kidnapped Angemon, and stole the redacted object." He flippantly shot her a gallows' smile. "You can't write this stuff. Chance is a hell of a bitch, isn't it?"
Paildramon flinched with sympathy at the terrible news. "GrandisKuwagamon… I'm sorry," she said, her voice pausing with uncertainty. "TigerVespamon…?"
"He's fine. He was lucky; he just got beaten up. Or, you know, as lucky as you can be to watch your family get killed in front of you for the second time in your life," GrandisKuwagamon replied with a dark, seemingly-lackadaisical shrug. "Anyway, as soon as Big A heard about it, he sent a team down to protect the orb from Blitzmon and Bolgmon. It was me, Cyberdramon, SaviorHackmon, and a couple Royal Knights. We arrived too late; we found Ko, but everybody else was gone…"
"I see…" Paildramon responded, a little annoyed that Grandis specified the object, but more concerned about him and TigerVespamon to give it much thought. "That must have been terrible for him… How was he?"
"After losing everything? Oh, just peachy," GrandisKuwagamon sarcastically responded. "Blitzmon and Bolgmon weren't around, so naturally the one he blamed was me. It got ugly and physical."
Paildramon sighed and folded her arms, gazing at GrandisKuwagamon thoughtfully. "He was grieving… People sometimes do crazy things in the raw stages of grief. I'm speaking from experience," she explained with a sad smile. "I'm sure he didn't mean it."
"He meant it," GrandisKuwagamon muttered with a bitter sigh. "Anyway, we tried to follow them. We came across a demon camp outside Dark Point – those same guys we met inside the city. Long story short, they saw us, a big fight broke out, and Angemon got killed. Naturally, Ko was in bits and the tide was turning against us, so we had to retreat."
"Poor TigerVespamon," Paildramon said with a grimace. "What about Blitzmon and Bolgmon? Did you see them?"
"Yeah… They kept going with the legion. Demon joined them and he was gonna torch a village on their way to Dark Point, so we had to stop them. We managed to give the villagers a chance to escape, but I had to go after Ko to keep him from getting himself killed. I ended up confronting Blitzmon and Bolgmon…" GrandisKuwagamon leaned his head back against his hands and gazed up at the night sky. "Well… Let's just say I guess there's a line in the sand now…"
He scoffed a little and glanced over at Paildramon. "Anyway, we had to retreat, so we carried our sorry asses back here," he explained. "Oh right. And SaviorHackmon evolved. That's something, I guess."
Paildramon arched her brow with surprise. "I see… SaviorHackmon evolved?"
"Yup. He's even more blade-y now," GrandisKuwagamon said with a shrug. "Anyways, that's everything."
"I see… That's… a lot to take in," she responded as she processed all that he had told her. "Still… thank you for telling me all of that," she told him appreciatively.
"Don't be too flattered; I only told you so I could ask if you could write my report for me," the beetle mercenary dryly quipped.
Paildramon's gaze flattened and she stared at him with an unconvinced look in her eyes. "Really…" the dragon wondered. "So, you aren't bothered by any of this at all?"
GrandisKuwagamon tilted his head in her direction. "Why should I be?" he casually retaliated.
"You just found out that your dead brother is alive, you had a falling out with him, he lost his adopted family, and the ones responsible are none other than the friends who turned on you, whom you told me you just confronted in battle," Paildramon enumerated. "Don't try and tell me that none of that matters to you."
GrandisKuwagamon crossed his arms but he couldn't help avert his gaze from her piercing eyes. "Should it? Just another day in my wacky life at the moment, right after attacking cities for the Demon Lords and getting shot," he wryly explained.
Paildramon's stare became stony. "The whole 'cool, aloof' façade isn't working on me, GrandisKuwagamon," she told him. "I don't know if you're just trying to look cool or if it's easier for you to pretend you don't care. Either way, I can see right through it."
"Well, aren't you perceptive?" the humanoid scarab standoffishly replied. He shot her an annoyed glare, feeling his guard instinctively come back up. "You might act like it, but you don't have me all figured out, you know. Spare me the armchair therapy."
Paildramon placed her hand on her hip, staring right back at him. She didn't back down for a moment. It was clear to her that he was trying to push her away. That told her that she was close to the mark. "Is that so?" she challenged him. "You obviously wanted to tell me all about it, but now you're pretending like you don't. Would you rather act like a moody teenager than have a mature conversation? Or are you going to try being honest with yourself? I thought you were strong enough of a Digimon to know your own mind."
There was a pause between them. After hearing the stern words, GrandisKuwagamon couldn't help but smirk. They were enough to puncture through his hard, outer shell and give him a bit of perspective. They always were.
He let out a defeated sigh and turned to face Paildramon directly. "Whatever you say, over-sergeant," he told her with a faint grin. "I guess I can't argue with you when you put it like that…"
Paildramon smiled and folded her arms. "Good to know," she good-naturedly responded. "So… You're worried about TigerVespamon."
GrandisKuwagamon shrugged a little. "I guess…" he half-admitted.
"You're very bad at this," she dryly informed him.
GrandisKuwagamon rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Sorry. I'm not used to talking about… you know… 'feelings'," he explained. "Growing up on the streets and working in the mercenary trade, they're seen as weakness. They are weaknesses; unchecked emotions are things that can be exploited. It's something I do to others all the time."
"I understand. I've always been pretty even-tempered to begin with," Paildramon assured him. "Talking about my feelings has never come easy to me. And with what I want to achieve for myself, I can understand feeling the pressure of wanting never to show weakness."
"Yeah… I guess that's how things built up into a pressure cooker with your dad, huh?" GrandisKuwagamon guessed, looking her in the eyes. "But… yeah. I guess I'm worried about TigerVespamon."
Paildramon nodded softly. "Then why don't you go and comfort him?" she suggested.
"I'm the last person he'd want to see… He hates me, P," he explained to her with a sigh. "Because it was Blitz and Bolg who caused all of that, he blames me for his adopted family dying."
"He doesn't hate you," Paildramon assured him. "He's in a lot of pain and it's easy to blame you. Once he has a bit of perspective, he'll realise that it wasn't your fault. He'll need your help to get through it…"
"I dunno…" GrandisKuwagamon responded uncertainly. "I don't think I'd be a very big help to him. I'm not exactly good at the whole 'sensitivity' thing or making other people feel better. I kinda prefer making people feel worse," he added with a joking grin.
Paildramon smiled. "I noticed…" She reached over and placed her hand on his arm. "You don't have to be good at comforting him. You just need to be there for him. Just show him that you care and that he can rely on you if he needs to."
GrandisKuwagamon glanced down at her hand, feeling its warmth against his dark surface. "…You think?" he wondered with doubt clinging onto his words. As he looked at her, he allowed some of his uncertainty to seep through. "…I'm way outta my depth, Paildramon. I… don't remember how to be a brother."
Paildramon rubbed his arm a little, comfortingly. "You will…" she assured him. "As long as you still care about him, it will come naturally."
GrandisKuwagamon frowned thoughtfully, but nodded. "Yeah… I'll try," he responded. He lifted his head and gazed at Paildramon appreciatively. "…Thanks, Paildramon."
"It's my pleasure," she assured him with a soft nod.
As she stopped talking, a smooth silence replaced their conversation. In the place of words, the only sound that could be heard in the night was the gentle trickling of moat water on the other side of the wall. It wasn't a strained silence between them. It was comfortable… however, there was an invisible hesitation lingering within its serene stillness.
GrandisKuwagamon continued gazing at her. The moonlight shone down on Paildramon's toned and statuesque form. The pale light reflected in her crimson eyes, causing them to shimmer like refractive rubies. Within her calm, he could feel her strength.
Paildramon looked back at him, her eyes locked with his. She watched as he turned towards her, the moonlight merely a faint, pearly lustre on his black carapace. He took a step towards her, beginning to close the gap between them. She suddenly felt the tightness of apprehension inside her stomach as she watched him open up his pincers receptively.
As he stepped up to her, her insides compressed and hardened like steel. She gently placed her clawed hand on his smooth and muscular chest. For a moment, she paused, but her common sense quickly took over. She knew that whatever was about to happen probably shouldn't. As he began to lean forwards, Paildramon gently kept him at bay with her hand.
"GrandisKuwagamon," she spoke, her voice cutting through the tension between them like an invisible wall. "…It's late. You must be exhausted. We should both return to our barracks for some rest."
As soon as she spoke, GrandisKuwagamon caught himself, releasing the breath that hitched in his throat. He realised what he was doing and looked away sheepishly, but he quickly tried to play it off casually. "Oh, uh… Yeah, probably should," he smoothly replied, hoping that sudden rush of blood to his cheeks wasn't visible in his black shell.
He stepped away and looked back at Paildramon with a bold smirk. "Like you of all people would ever break curfew. I bet you're the type to ask for extra credit in school too," he teased her, trying to smooth over the awkwardness with playful humour.
Paildramon smirked a little. "While I'm sure you were a drop out."
"Eh, I technically was," he casually pointed out.
The two began walking along the wall of Barracks Delta until they reached the entrance. Once they arrived, they stopped in front of the steps.
"It must feel nice to be out of the dungeons now," Paildramon noted, glancing up at the barracks.
"Yeah, but I'm still under house arrest," GrandisKuwagamon answered with a grin. "Guess I'd better go in before Cyberdramon starts complaining."
Paildramon smiled and nodded. "I need to get to my barracks too," she agreed. "I'll make sure to check on TigerVespamon for you too."
"Thanks, P," GrandisKuwagamon responded, feeling a bit more at ease knowing that she'd be keeping tabs on him.
"It's the least I can do," she insisted. The draconic over-sergeant began to turn away so she could head towards Barracks Alpha. As she did, she stopped mid-turn and cast a look over at the black insect.
"Goodnight, GrandisKuwagamon. Get some rest," she said to him kindly.
GrandisKuwagamon nodded and casually waved. He watched as she started walking down the road, making her way towards the other set of buildings. As he watched her disappear into the dark, he sighed and sheepishly ran his fingers through his orange hair.
He did his best not to think about the weird emotions that were stirring inside of him. He knew that he had a long and emotional couple of days, so he guessed that they were having more of an effect on him than he liked to admit. He was pretty sure that the strain around his brother and Black Pincer Company were the source of his actions, so he tried not to give it too much further thought. After all, it was rare that he allowed himself to open up and become vulnerable in front of somebody else…
Still, GrandisKuwagamon's eye lingered on Paildramon as she turned around the corner and disappeared behind the barracks. He couldn't deny that she had managed to quell the tumult and uncertainty in him. Whatever may have happened, he was secretly glad to know that they were friends.
GrandisKuwagamon opened the door to the barracks and prepared to enter the communal dwelling. Before doing so, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder, gazing out into the night.
"…Night, Paildramon."