Daybreak. Adam watched the sun rise with dread. It only meant that time was running out.
His eyes stung, but no tears came out. Hadn't he spent the night crying in his sister's embrace? He couldn't remember. He remembered waking up on a mattress strewn inside JD's ward, with a blanket over him. Dr. Abu then stepped in and quietly asked him to join him for the dawn prayer and he had obliged, before heading towards the hospital's rooftop to be alone, with the exception of Patamon's company. JD was still sedated; Abu said that it was the only way to keep the pain out of JD.
A gust of dawn wind blew upon him. The chill didn't bother him; it couldn't be compared with the chill he had running down his spine whenever he thought about JD's impending doom.
"Adam."
He turned around. Dina stood at the edge of the door, Lalamon floating close beside her. Their eyes met, and she approached him. A hand held the door open and Liu Ying and Gayathri walked out before Manny stepped out and closed the door behind him. Their faces harbored the same emotion; Adam didn't even have to sense it. They were feeling what he was feeling. He cast his eyes away, too ashamed to meet his friends' gazes. Their partners – except Dina's – had fallen to evil because of him.
"Kak Lisha told us you might be here," continued Dina.
"I don't think you should be alone," said Liu Ying. "We're all in this together."
"I'm sorry." Adam said that without looking at his teammates.
"Sorry for what?" asked Gayathri, puzzled. "You haven't done anything wrong."
Adam whirled around and stared towards Manny. Manny shook his head a little. Adam realized that Manny hadn't told the girls about what he had done. But if he was ever going to get a sense of peace in his mind, he must be truthful to his friends. How they would react, Adam would accept it. He was at fault. "There's something I should tell you…"
He told them everything, leaving no details out, from his training with Lucemon to his affiliation with their partners' corruption. He saw their faces changing, he sensed their resentments, but to his surprise all those changed in split second and he felt understanding radiating from them.
"Lucemon tricked you," said Liu Ying gently. "He told you what you wanted to hear. I understand. I had the same experience with Barbamon."
Adam was touched. Liu Ying really meant what she said. She would know what he was feeling. Gazing upon the others, he understandably caught on the hesitation, doubt, understanding and disbelief all intertwined in one from Gayathri and Dina, while Manny was beginning to cope with what he had learned the previous night.
"I'm sorry," said Adam finally. "I'll fix this. I don't know how, but I'll do my best."
"Adam, don't," said Lalamon. "Not just yet. Lotusmon, Sakuyamon and Neptunemon are incredibly powerful. The only reason why I and the others are still alive is because we faked our death. They left because they thought we didn't survive the building they sent crashing upon us."
Adam frowned. "Then I'll wait for the other Digidestined," he decided, looking at Liu Ying, "Have they come?"
Liu Ying nodded glumly. "They were here, but there's a force-field surrounding Kuala Lumpur and the towns around it, ours included. They couldn't break into the force-field despite using their strongest Digimon's power, and they couldn't enter from the Digital World too."
"Willis mentioned the same thing too," murmured Gayathri.
"A force-field?" Suspicion dawned to Adam. "That's got to be the Shield of Waja."
"The what?" Manny asked.
"The Shield of Waja. It's the same thing that's trapping SkullSatamon."
"How do you know that?" Liu Ying asked.
"From my so-called training. Only a single power greater than the shield's caster can break the shield. SkullSatamon was trapped by Grademon when Grademon was beyond Mega level. It would take a Digimon even more powerful than that to break the shield surrounding SkullSatamon's fortress."
Manny frowned. "Single power?"
"Multiple attacks won't work in destroying the shield. As far as I know, so are combined powers; the Darkshadows tried to free SkullSatamon, but they failed." Adam considered something as his teammates awaited his further explanation. "Both Lucemon and Lilithmon know how to cast the shield, but Lucemon's probably the one who generated it."
"This is freaky," said Gayathri. "You, knowing all these. But that's not a bad thing," she added hastily.
Adam gave her a reassuring smile. Gayathri looked relieved.
"It could work to our advantage," said Liu Ying. "Maybe I can ask Izzy whether they have a Digimon more powerful than Imperialdramon Fighter Mode." She took out her D-Terminal and began typing on it. Within a couple of minutes, the device beeped.
"Imperialdramon is powerful, but Omnimon is by far our strongest arsenal," she read aloud. "It's too bad we can't form Imperialdramon Paladin Mode again. It is the only combination that's stronger than both Omnimon and Imperialdramon Fighter Mode, but apparently it's only a one-time deal when we fought Armageddemon three years ago. We couldn't form it when we fought the Demon Corps a year after Armageddemon. I'll ask Tai and Matt whether they can take a leave from school today to aid you. They probably would jump at the chance, but I'll get back to you on that in a minute."
"I doubt even this Omnimon can destroy the shield," muttered Adam.
"Have faith," said Lalamon. "An Omnimon is a product of two Mega Digimon, DNA-digivolved, and not to mention a co-leader of the famous Royal Knights. Centuries ago, the Royal Knights played an instrumental role in bringing the downfall of the Seven Great Demon Lords."
"No, I'm not belittling Omnimon. It's just that…Lucemon has a Mega form I've never seen. He's already as strong as a Mega in his current form. His Mega form would be stronger than most Megas. He'd be in equal ground with Omnimon," said Adam worriedly.
"Nonetheless, we should try out all the options we've got," said Liu Ying, as her D-Terminal beeped.
"Tai, Matt and Omnimon are on their way. The juniors couldn't come – their parents have strictly prohibited them from skipping school for Digidestined business outside Japan. Sora and I wanted to come too, but with Mimi in America and Joe swamped in his med school schedule we wouldn't be of much help. However, good luck. I hope Omnimon will be able to destroy the force-field."
"I'd give anything to be able to go to school again," said Gayathri wistfully as they observed the sunrise.
Adam sighed, before something stirred in his mind. A ghost of a pain rose over his chest. "Guys, Josh's awake," he said.
Liu Ying looked at him strangely as she pocketed her D-Terminal. "How do you know that?"
"I don't know," admitted Adam. He knew that he was feeling his cousin's pain, but to a lesser degree. "It's as if…I'm feeling what he felt."
"Empathy," said Manny knowingly. "Usually an empath can feel other people's emotions, but as the power evolved an empath can also experience other sensations." He gave Adam a long look. "You might also be able to channel other people's powers, or project your powers to anyone…with a psychic ability. That explains how JD was able to combust Barbamon's shield."
"And how would you know that?" Gayathri gazed at her boyfriend curiously.
"Jackie and I discussed about it earlier," replied Manny, smiling a bit towards his girlfriend. "Couldn't sleep much," he added.
Adam tried not to sigh. He could sense what Manny was feeling. Manny was suspicious of him, but it wasn't because he was thinking that Adam was still aligning with the villains. Manny was more suspicious about the nature of Adam's powers. And Adam couldn't blame him. He had given his friends a lot of reasons to be suspicious of him. What Manny did was to be expected.
"Let's go see JD," said Liu Ying. "He'd be wondering about us."
"I hope there won't be any attack today," said Dina. "It's JD's…last day."
What Dina said ripped Adam's heart, but it was also true. There was no use trying to sugarcoat it. "I hope so too," was all he managed to say.
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When they came by JD's room, JD had already been put back to sleep. Jas was crying and Jade was comforting her.
"He was too much in pain whenever he's awake," Abu informed the DigiWira.
Adam nodded numbly. He knew what his cousin was feeling. How he wished he could do something about it, other than feeling it as well.
It's Josh's last day, and we couldn't even talk to him, thought Adam sadly, as he watched Liu Ying left the room in the verge of tears. Gayathri and Dina went after her, while Manny remained by his side. They exchanged a look, and Adam saw how miserable Manny was. Then the other boy placed a hand on his shoulder, and Adam felt a wave of emotion.
"Adam, I'd just like to say…" Manny hesitated. He was blinking rapidly while taking in deep breath. "If it were me, I probably would have done the same thing you've done."
"Don't say that. You have more common sense than I do to strike a deal with devils." Looking at his friend's face, Adam knew that there was something else Manny wanted to say. He voiced that out. Manny blinked, before looking somewhat sheepish.
"Adam, yesterday, back here...did you notice a change on your face?"
"No. What change?"
"When JD said that he accepted the curse, you said that the deal's off and tried summoning our partners back," explained Manny, watching him with a calculating look. "The thing is, when you did it, your face changed It's…" Manny hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Scary. Your eyes turned black, and your face became sort of a gray shade…and veins became clearer. You sure you don't remember any of it?"
Adam was taken aback by Manny's inquiry. "I didn't realize," he admitted.
"It happened so quickly, but surely you remembered our reactions? Kak Lisha was there too, you can ask her." Manny leaned slightly towards him. "Just… be careful, okay Adam? Jackie mentioned that the power of empathy needs proper controlling or the emotions could consume you." He patted Adam's shoulder twice, and stepped out of the ward.
Adam thought of it, but cast that thought away as he approached his cousin's sleeping form. Jade looked at him sadly as he guided Jas out of the room.
"Mom, Dad and Bibik couldn't come," said Jade. "They were on their way here but there was…something…blocking entrance to Subang from the highways. I'd have told you about it last night but you were already asleep."
"It's a force-field," informed Adam. "The bad guys don't want us receiving help from the other Digidestined around the world."
Jade grimaced. "That explains it. Can't you teleport them here?" he asked hopefully.
"I'm sorry. I tried that once before…nothing gets past the shield."
"How unfortunate. Josh's…I think they'd really want to be by his side…" Jade cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable. "Do you want something from the café? Jas and I are heading there."
Adam shook his head. "I couldn't eat."
"Aren't we all?" said Jade wistfully. "I'll get you a sandwich. Look after Josh while we're gone, okay?"
"I will." And he was left alone with his cousin.
The tattoo was glowing – the cat looked almost dissatisfied of JD not experiencing the pain it was exerting. Adam would have felt satisfied if it weren't for the fact that the painkillers were only taking away the pain, not the curse. He gazed down upon his cousin, focusing on JD's face despite the tattoo practically screaming for his attention. You look so peaceful; it's hard to believe that by this time tomorrow you won't be here with us.
Lilithmon did this, thought Adam. He felt a rush of anger towards the demoness. Lucemon lied to me. SkullSatamon wanted to use me to break the shield surrounding his fortress. No way am I doing it…I'm going to turn this all back against them. So they wanted to make me stronger. He felt his eyes burning. I'm in control of my powers now. I'll show them. Starting with her. No. All of them.
At that moment, he caught a glimpse of his reflection on the mirror. He gasped out loud, almost not recognizing the boy staring back at him. Black eyes, gray veiny face…those fitted Manny's description. Curious, he went to the mirror closer and saw the black irises slowly returning to their usual gray hue. The veins subsided and his face returned to their light peach complexion.
His knees buckled; he was struck with how malevolenthe had looked. Those black eyes were nothing like Liu Ying's calm obsidian irises – they looked unnaturally pitch black, while Liu Ying's were bordering on dark brown. Hers looked natural, his did not.
Adam leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes, sighing with despair. I don't know what's going to happen to me, Josh, if you die.
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WIRA DIGITAL
Chapter 74 – In a Heartbeat
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"Just a few more hours," said Lilithmon, watching the late afternoon sky from the tip of the KL Tower, which she had seized to become her dark fortress.
"I've never seen you look this happy," noted Lucemon, who was floating by her side.
"Well, I've never had the privilege to see my Blight of Bastet takes its effect," replied Lilithmon, smiling evilly. "I've inflicted a lot, but I've never really stuck around to see what's going to happen to the victims. I was never really this patient. Had I known how enthralling the waiting is, I'd have done so earlier."
"The first Persiamon who created the death curse had inflicted it on her former love, who left her for another female," Lucemon recollected.
"And just what are you insinuating?" snapped Lilithmon. "That I like the boy? I'd have your mouth ripped apart for that!"
"Relax. I wasn't insinuating anything. Aren't you aware of the interesting history of your Persiamon ancestor? It was said that she still loved the BanchouLeomon she had cursed, that she had taken the curse instead when the BanchouLeomon was at the verge of dying. That was how the counter-curse for the blight was created."
"And the BanchouLeomon realized how much that stupid great-great-great…whatever, of mine, loved him that he took his own life after she died," Lilithmon finished with a bored tone. "I won't do the same mistake. That unfortunate DigiWira scorned me when he'd beaten me that day, so he received the curse. No big deal. There was nothing minutely romantic about that."
"I know," said Lucemon, amused. "You've inflicted the curse a hundred times back in the old days. You couldn't have loved them all."
Lilithmon glowered at her fellow general. Lucemon shrugged.
The two generals cast a look towards the horizon. The sun was going to set in an hour or so.
"Did you see the Omnimon who tried breaking the Shield of Waja this morning?" said Lilithmon, changing the subject.
"Yes. I was somewhat glad that we combined our powers to create the shield," said Lucemon. "As Seraphimon, I'm confident that I can match his strength, but it was lucky that I didn't risk it. That Omnimon might possess a fraction of strength greater than mine; he could have broken the shield if I generated it on my own."
"That Omnimon is probably the other Digidestined team's greatest asset," deduced Lilithmon. "We won't have to worry about any other intrusion. I can watch JD die in peace."
"In peace?" Lucemon snorted. "Why are you being so kind all of a sudden?"
"I was referring to me, not him!"
"Ah. That explained it."
"As for the rest of the DigiWira," smirked Lilithmon, "why not make their lives miserable by sending in all we've got? They only have Aldiyamon, GuardiAngemon, Rosemon and Valkyrimon now in their arsenal. They couldn't win if we send the three partners, the Four Terrors and the brutes all at once."
"Ah…Aldiyamon," said Lucemon. "That one we should be cautious about. The Master doesn't want him dead."
"What in the digital world does he want with that boy?" snorted Lilithmon. "It's clear now that Aldiyamon won't want to break the shield surrounding his lair."
"I don't know. The Shield of Waja blocks my psychic power," said Lucemon. "I couldn't read his mind."
Lilithmon was so surprised that she laughed. "And here I thought you're totally devoted to him. And what's that you've said to me a long time ago? He was like a father to you, for raising you ever since you were an In-Training? Why Lucemon…"
"Enough," said Lucemon sternly. "Yes, I am loyal. No doubt about that. But it's nice to know what he's thinking about. We're playing a dangerous game here. Aldiyamon is a fairly powerful even without the power of an empath. Having that power at half-strength, his might already matches GranDracmon that it took GranDracmon and Belialvamdemon to drive him away. Adam's control of his empathic ability is wayward without my psychic interference. Aldiyamon is no better. The Master knows that, and still he wants the boy alive."
"You know, I have never seen you look this worried," said Lilithmon. "I thought you and GranDracmon have agreed on working together to control Aldiyamon's power?"
"Yes. But we both know that the Four Terrors can't be fully trusted. I've read their minds. They're not content having to ally themselves to us."
"They know that they can't match our powers. We have the Nine Negations – that gives us the advantage. That should keep them leashed."
"True, but I suspect that it's going to change when JD is dead."
Lilithmon blinked. "What's that boy got to do with all this?"
"JD is the only one who can snap Adam out of GranDracmon's voice charm. I can't fathom why. GranDracmon seems to think that it's because of their close bond." Lucemon halted, as something crossed his mind. "During Adam's training session with me, while Barbamon was fighting the others…there were a time when I've telepathically picked up something from Adam's mind. I heard JD calling out to him, and Adam unwittingly responded by projecting his powers towards JD. My telepathic web enabled me to see the battle with Barbamon, and I saw JD utilizing Adam's power of combustion to break the shield Barbamon had trapped him in."
Lilithmon frowned. "So what are you saying?"
Lucemon's expression mirrored the demoness's. "I don't know for sure. I've told you about the empathic window. As the window opens his power grows. An empath is not limited to only perceiving other people's emotions; as their power grows they can also perceive various sensations – pain, for instance. Adam had felt painon his chest – a pain JD was feeling when he exerted himself, the pain induced by your curse. When powers are concerned, an empath can also channel other people's powers for his own use, but I have not seen Adam using this yet. He was, however, able to project his power to another, so it's going to be a matter of time when he's able to do it the other way round. If he does, he will be…unstoppable."
"So you're thinking that Aldiyamon is going to come after us, and we actually can't kill him because the Master wants him?" Lilithmon clarified.
"The more pressing matter is," said Lucemon, glancing down towards the ground where the Four Terrors and three corrupted partners were assembled, "is GranDracmon's voice charm power. I can perhaps instigate some psychic blocks inside Adam's mind to cage his powers. But with JD's dead, GranDracmon will have full reign over Aldiyamon. He can easily convince Aldiyamon to fight us. GranDracmon's voice charm is more or less another form of mind power, which can disrupt my own power."
"So it's going to be a power play between you and GranDracmon to win Aldiyamon over."
"More or less," said Lucemon grimly.
"So kill GranDracmon," suggested Lilithmon lightly. "Or control his mind. That's what psychics do, isn't it?"
"Not so easily," said Lucemon. "I don't have that capability to fully influence other people's actions, yet, and GranDracmon's voice charm is very useful in influencing Aldiyamon. The flow of emotions he will get after JD's death will propel his power to greater heights and I might lose whatever control I currently have over his mind, but GranDracmon's voice charm works on all angels. So…" He gave his female companion a meaningful look.
Lilithmon caught it without missing a beat. "You need me to keep GranDracmon in leash."
"You and your three new underlings, against GranDracmon and his other Terrors," said Lucemon grimly. "That is, if they are against us. The Four Terrors are aware of your cursing capability; they won't dare cross you. And with your mastery over the Shield of Waja they couldn't even touch you."
Lilithmon considered it. "I can do that."
Lucemon nodded. "Be prepared then, for the battle will take place tonight."
"So much for wanting to watch JD die in peace."
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"Don't sedate me," said JD, staring at the needle Abu was holding with distaste.
"But, Josh…you're in pain," protested Abu, as JD clutched his chest, snarling.
"I don't care," snapped JD. "The curse won't kill me before midnight. I want to be able to see and speak with everyone before I die. Restrain me, I don't care, but don't put me to sleep."
"I'll give you a milder dose, then," said Abu. "It won't put you to sleep, I promise," he added, when JD glared at him.
"Fine. Thanks, doc."
JD looked around him. Everyone was there except his parents and Bibik. That saddened him; he suddenly felt that he wanted them to be by his side at this time. But it also relieved him somewhat; seeing his siblings, cousins and friends all miserable was all he could take. Jade looked stoic, though there was no escaping the misery displayed from his blue eyes. Jas's eyes had swelled due to the amount of crying she had done – he suspected that she had never stopped crying since the previous night. On his other side, Adam and Alisha stood by the bed – Adam holding a small towel to wipe the sweat off his face and body. JD gazed at the boy, the younger brother he had sworn in, and saw that while he wasn't crying he was as good as.
Casting his gaze beyond his family members, he saw Liu Ying, her eyes damp as she was held close by Gayathri and Dina on each side. It seemed that after Belinda's death, Gayathri and Dina had taken Liu Ying in, and for that he was glad. He knew how miserable Liu Ying was, despite her strong front. She had exhibited her vulnerability and her feelings during the fight with Barbamon, and afterward. Manny, standing at the edge of the bed by his foot, was silent as he usually was. As their eyes met, Manny gave him an encouraging smile, and mouthed be strong to him.
He resisted the urge to snort; if he wasn't strong enough he would have succumbed to the pain.
Now that he thought of it, his pain did seem somewhat suppressed. It was still there; it was a bit painful when he inhaled, but at least it wasn't causing him to trash about. It was then he saw Abu and Alisha placing their partners by his side – their holy charms were glowing.
"We can't heal you, but perhaps we could relieve your pain a bit," said Gatomon, when she realized he was looking at her.
"How are you feeling?" asked Salamon.
"Thanks, you guys. It's working," said JD. His eyes trailed towards the clock. Ten thirty. An hour and a half to midnight.
Adam followed his gaze. JD caught the dreaded look on his face. He searched Adam's eyes and saw the gray irises darkening. At first he thought that he was seeing things, but it wasn't the room's lighting. The irises were turning black, but Adam didn't have that zombie-like look like he had the previous night. His cousin also seemed to be in daze; he didn't seem to realize that he was being gazed. JD cleared his throat, and Adam started.
"Hey, you look like you're lost in thoughts."
Adam bit his lip. The blackness in his eyes receded. "It's…it's nothing."
"If you have something to say to me, then you should say it now," said JD, skeptical.
Adam opened his mouth, in a verge of speaking before he seemed to change his mind. He grimaced, before finally whispering, "I don't want you to die."
"Adam…we've been through this." JD then saw the most remarkable thing taking place.
"No!" snapped Adam, surprising everyone inside the room with his sudden outburst. JD saw the blackness returning in Adam's irises, like spilled ink. "You don't understand. You helped me cope with my first loss. You helped me move on." The blackness became more prominent. "And now I'm going to lose you too." Adam's voice broke. The blackness began to bloom out from the iris, darkening the white sclera. The facial veins became more prominent as Adam's face took on a slightly gray hue – the zombie-look JD had seen on him the previous night. "I don't know if I can take anymore losses." By now, everyone had noticed the change. Jade and Jas were both wide-eyed, staring at Adam. Adam had glanced away, probably hiding the tears that began to streak out from the brims of his eyes, inadvertently allowing the others to the changes. The other DigiWira gasped. Adam's brows tightened, a permanent fissure could have formed in between his brows. He let go of the towel he'd been holding, shared one quick look towards Patamon, and then together they vanished in swirls of purplish white orbs.
"Damn…" was all JD could say, as the others began to panic. Adam's disappearance wasn't the only thing bothering him; it was the changes on his face and the color his light orbs had adapted.
White orbs with tinge of blue were the ones usually exhibited by Adam and Aldiyamon. White orbs with golden dashes only happened once, and that was during Aldiyamon's first appearance. Purplish white orbs, however, were the ones adopted by Aldiyamon Fury Mode.
The pain returned, despite the painkiller and the Saintly Siblings' influence. He gasped out for breaths; inhaling was like having blades jabbed into his heart. Something was closing in around his heart, like claws squeezing the life out of it. The agony was unbearable. He screamed.
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Lucemon cursed softly and opened his eyes. Lilithmon saw a hint of surprise in Lucemon's icy blue orbs, and wondered what could have riled him that much.
"Incredible…" Lucemon had just visited the astral plane, attempting to keep track on Adam's empathic window during JD's final hours. What he saw was what he had not expected to happen. How could he have lost control over Adam's psychic power? His telepathic web had been perfect. It wasn't even midnight – JD couldn't have died yet. What was causing such strong emotion?
"What?" Lilithmon asked, lounging over the throne. "You look like you have seen a ghost, and that's really saying some-"
"Adam's empathic window," said Lucemon, evidently disturbed. Their eyes met; Lilithmon raised a brow questioningly. Lucemon took a deep breath before revealing, "It has shattered."
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A white firebird with dark purple dusts flowing out of its wings sailed towards the KL Tower at top speed and landed on the grounds. It simmered down, forming into the visage of Aldiyamon. His arrival shook the Digimon that had gathered there. The Velgemon shrieked upon the intrusion, the Duskmon ready to strike. Lotusmon, Sakuyamon and Neptunemon all pointed their weapons towards him. The Four Terrors balked upon the sight of the angelic knight.
"I'm here for the cure," snarled Aldiyamon, watching as three Velgemon sent crimson orbs towards him. A soft snarl escaped Aldiyamon and the orbs combusted into data particles. And a blink of the eye later, so were the three Velgemon, without much effort at all from the angel. "You can tell me by your own accord," he said, his voice hard and deadly, and two Duskmon combusted, "or I can make you."
Lotusmon, Sakuyamon and Neptunemon cornered Aldiyamon from three sides, and simultaneously launched their signature attacks. Aldiyamon hissed, and the three attacks were teleported off-course; Sakuyamon's Amethyst Mandala lambasted upon Neptunemon, Neptunemon's Vortex Penetrate hit Lotusmon straight onto her chest and Lotusmon's Seventh Fantasia blasted upon Sakuyamon. To further add to the insults, Aldiyamon unleashed the Heavenstar Slasher in a circular motion, blasting the three Mega Digimon away from the tower grounds.
"Just stay out of this," Aldiyamon muttered. "Until I figured out a way to revert you back."
Sword in hand, he turned his attention towards the Four Terrors. Wary of GranDracmon, without warning he lashed out with the Transcendent Purification. The attack had adopted a dark purple tinge; Aldiyamon knew that his combustion power was also channeled by the attack. The light attack had now become a combustion wave of power. It wouldn't hurt a strong Mega such as GranDracmon on a first blow, but it would show him who he was messing with. His ears caught buzzes of incoming attacks from the back. Yet before the attack could reach him, they shattered into data particles without even inflicting injuries upon him.
Something was telling him that this was all wrong, but he didn't care. He had to force them into telling him a way to heal JD. And he didn't have much time.
"LILITHMON! LUCEMON!"
"No need to shout," said a loud, cool voice. Aldiyamon looked up and saw Lucemon and Lilithmon descending.
"It wasn't even midnight," said Lilithmon, smiling snidely, "Shouldn't you be with dear cousin's side?"
"Give me the cure," demanded Aldiyamon.
"There is no cure," said Lilithmon, her heavily-lidded dark eyes narrowed to give her a mocking expression. "Other than a sacrifice. I'm sure you know all about it." She saw the angel tremble slightly. "What's the matter, Aldiyamon? Don't love your cousin enough to take his place? I thought he's like your own brother?"
"Don't provoke him!" hissed Lucemon. "The Master wants him alive."
"Stop worrying. He doesn't have the guts to do it," Lilithmon sneered. "Why would he come here, then?" She turned to face Aldiyamon, and laughed at him contemptuously. "If you're here for an alternate cure, then you can forget it. There is no other way. Either JD dies, or someone else dies in his place."
Aldiyamon was about to attack Lilithmon before a dark, fascinating voice halted him.
"She is lying, Aldiyamon," said GranDracmon. Aldiyamon whirled around, looking at the demonic centaur curiously. "She is. Trust me. A curse invoker always knows of a way to cure it. It's logical, because if the curse is used on her she would need a cure. Just look at her; who'd love her enough to take the curse on her behalf? She must have the cure."
"Turncoat," snarled Lucemon.
GranDracmon smiled, continuing to egg on Aldiyamon. "She simply wants your cousin to die. She was sore when Satriamon beat her fair and square. She had to use a dirty trick, for Satriamon was superior to her. She is a sore loser. Don't you see, Aldiyamon? She couldn't win, so she played dirty. She cursed him instead."
"GRANDRACMON! How dare you!" Lilithmon screamed. "Darkness Love!"
The energy hearts flew towards GranDracmon, but in split seconds later they were surrounded by light orbs, hovering momentarily in stasis before being blasted back towards Lilithmon. However, she was quick enough to counter her corrosive energy hearts.
"What in the world? Shield of Waja!"
The hearts slammed upon the bell-like shield Lilithmon had called upon. The deafening sound of a ringing bell was heard and the hearts dissipated into data.
"You see, Aldiyamon?" said GranDracmon, grinning as his voice charm worked its way upon Aldiyamon's mind. He simply would have to keep talking to rapt the angel's attention. "I was telling you the truth, and she is angry. Perhaps you will have better luck in making her tell you about the cure."
Lucemon narrowed his eyes. "Stop influencing Aldiyamon!"
"Don't just tell him to stop, make him!" Lilithmon shouted, for Aldiyamon began releasing a wave of Transcendent Purification towards her. The attack couldn't break through the Shield of Waja, but Aldiyamon pressed on, his mind somewhat influenced by GranDracmon's mind now.
"Keep him busy. I'll take care of GranDracmon," said Lucemon.
Belialvamdemon, Deathmon and Murmuxmon stepped forward, obscuring GranDracmon. "Not so fast."
"You think you can stop me?" Lucemon said coolly. Twinkles of black and white lights danced around his body, and armors began coating his body and extremities. They were mostly white, with bronze and black linings and designs. His boots and gloves were black. A white helmet descended upon his head, black demon wings adorned the side as the bronze star on the helmet's front rotated, forming an X-shaped star instead of a T-shaped. His wings remained the same. Dark aura radiated about the armored demonic angel. "I've beaten you once, I can do so again."
"We'll see, Seraphimon," said Belialvamdemon. The three Terrors summoned their strongest attacks.
"Insolent fools," said Seraphimon Chaos Mode. "Seven Heavens!"
Seven brilliant white orbs blasted upon Belialvamdemon, Deathmon and Murmuxmon all at once. The Terrors however managed to launch an attack of their own, and Seraphimon became the receiving end of a furious red laser, a stream of dark fire and a fiery vulture blast. Those however were deterred by his strong armors. The Terrors weren't able to hurt him.
Belialvamdemon clutched his stomach – having received three out of the seven holy-charged orbs. Seraphimon was indeed very strong; Belialvamdemon was already injured with the first blow he had received, the next two blows had aggravated it to the point of wrecking his ivory armor. Glancing sideways, his eyes met GranDracmon, and launched another attack towards Seraphimon.
"I can read minds, you know," said Seraphimon, intercepting the blast. "I know what you're going to do even before you do it."
"It doesn't really matter anyway," said Murmuxmon, firing a Gehenna Flames towards him as he intercepted Belialvamdemon's attack.
Deathmon followed suit from Seraphimon's back with a focused Explosion Eye. The two attacks singed Seraphimon's wings but did nothing else.
Seraphimon grunted, annoyed. "This ends now. Seven Heavens!!"
Deathmon, Murmuxmon and Belialvamdemon were all blasted away once again. Seraphimon was unbelievably strong and he was using holy powers against them, manipulating the Terrors' weakness to gain the upperhand. However, he gasped when something piercingly sharp jabbed upon his shoulder pauldron. Looking up, he realized that Aldiyamon had fired an arrow of light upon him. He set his sight towards GranDracmon.
"Clever, GranDracmon," Seraphimon said, preparing to blast GranDracmon with an attack. "Turning Aldiyamon against me?"
"He was never by your side in the first place," said GranDracmon calmly, summoning his Crystal Revolution to intercept Seraphimon's Seven Heavens. The seven light spheres were absorbed by the seven crystals, and were sent back towards Seraphimon.
"Neither by yours. Seven Hells!" Seraphimon nullified the incoming light orbs with a darker version of his former attack. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the other Terrors retreating away and smirked beneath his mask.
To his surprise, GranDracmon soared towards the sky, sailed past Aldiyamon, heading towards Lilithmon. Lilithmon had the Shield of Waja raised, but GranDracmon began assaulting the demoness with the Eye of Gorgon. The dark centaur fired multiple laser beams from his eyes towards the shield, pushing Lilithmon away. And Lilithmon, by summoning the Shield of Waja, couldn't retaliate without risking being blasted by GranDracmon's attack.
"We're on equal grounds, GranDracmon!" shouted Lilithmon. "You're no stronger than I am! You can never break the shield."
"I don't have too. You're not worth my time," calmly replied GranDracmon. He turned to Aldiyamon, looking at him coyly. "Perhaps you should make a point for Lilithmon to reveal the cure," he halted, satisfied upon seeing that the angel of light was listening to him, before continuing dramatically, "by killing the Hellion General."
"Hmm." It wasn't a confirmation or a rebuff, but Aldiyamon sounded as if he approved of the idea.
Seraphimon cursed. I've seen this coming. Now I have to make sure that I can break GranDracmon's voice charm with my psychic power. He's insinuated that a strong psychic rapport is the only thing that's able to break the charm…I have to use that to my advantage!
"You better hurry," urged GranDracmon. "Time is running out."
Aldiyamon descended before Seraphimon while GranDracmon watched on from the sky.
Seraphimon recalled the psychic link he had established with Aldiyamon's mind, but to his surprise he was met with a resistance that was not there previously.
"Stay out of my head!" the radiant angel snarled. That surprised Seraphimon; he hadn't even said anything telepathically. He tried again, and his psychic presence was thrown out. The only thing he had done was to infuriate Aldiyamon even more. Aldiyamon's silver manteau shattered into data particles, revealing his black fiery eyes and a face shadowed by fury. His appearance surprised Lucemon; there was nothing angelic in the face he was staring at. Those eyes…he had a distinct impression that he was looking in the eyes of a demon.
"Perhaps you should listen to him, Seraphimon," said GranDracmon with glee. Seraphimon shot the demonic centaur a disgusted look.
He had to regain control of Aldiyamon's mind. But he couldn't. It was as if there was a wall blocking his path. It couldn't be. The only way for one to block my telepathic probe is by being a telepath as well. Aldiyamon is an empath. A dawning suspicion crossed his mind. Could it be? Is it possible that his psychic power has evolved? Is he now a telepath? That would make him a teleempath…
He continued probing, and Aldiyamon continued resisting. White flames began to burst from Aldiyamon's body, taking the form of a firebird. The flaming bird wrapped its wings around Aldiyamon, causing the angel to scream. His scream echoed and everything around them was obliterated in rapid pace. The earth shook before cracking, fissures formed all over the ground and some parts were swallowed by the widening cracks. Seraphimon saw a shadow looming upon him. It was the tower! The foundation had been destroyed and the tower had lost its hold. He was forced to stop probing to move out of the falling tower's way. It crashed onto the cracking grounds; its heavy weight wrecked everything.
Seraphimon saw a dark figure forming within the bird of flames. A man in a fetal position was there before he stretched up, digivolving from Aldiyamon to Aldiyamon Juara Mode, before flames, lightning bolts, a cyclone and glittering stars spiraled around him, shifting the hues of his armor – the whites became dark gray, the golden linings turned white. His spiked hair lost their hold and fell down his shoulders, adopting the shades of red and orange; the fierce winds around him made his hair flaring like raging flames. His feathery white wings shone brighter and brighter in purple and white, making them appear energy-based. Unlike his previous form, he wore no facemask, revealing his face for all to see. His black eyes glared towards Seraphimon, and Seraphimon was hit with a wave filled with combustion power that it exploded upon contact with his armor. To his surprise, his armor was dented. He looked up, and saw that the new, rage-filled Aldiyamon was far from content.
Seraphimon had never sensed so much power from one Digimon. Aldiyamon had transcended beyond Mega level; the shattered empathic window had allowed flows of emotions to invade Aldiyamon's mind the fullest. He had expected it to happen after JD had died, when the sorrow would become too great for Adam to handle. He had been preparing to create psychic blocks inside Aldiyamon's mind so that he would not turn into what he had become now. Seraphimon realized now, that he was too late. Looking into those black eyes, blacker than nights, blacker than darkness, he sensed fury. Pure, unbridled fury, offset only by the tears leaking from his eyes.Sorrow.
There was no time; he had to start putting up the psychic blocks now before Aldiyamon became too uncontrollable.
"I warned you," snapped Aldiyamon. His black eyes flashed once and Seraphimon was blasted by another combustion wave just as he was able to get a glimpse of the angel's mind.
Pain. Seraphimon looked down, and saw that the second blast chipped off the armor, sending traces of data floating. It shocked him; his armor was made from Chrome Digizoid. It shouldn't be that easily destroyed. He summoned the Seven Heavens, but the seven holy orbs were teleported back towards him, blasting him so hard that he nearly tripped.
He had to try again. The brief glimpse he had gotten revealed the fact that Aldiyamon was in pain as well. Seraphimon heard someone screaming in Aldiyamon's mind. At first, he thought that it was Adam or Patamon, but the voice was harder, huskier – it was JD. It all suddenly made sense to him; Aldiyamon was fueled by JD's pain, combined with his own fury and misery. He had to make Aldiyamon let his guard down, to be able to control the raging power.
"Aldiyamon, we have the cure!" He used what GranDracmon had used on Aldiyamon. "I'll give it to you, if you would just listen."
"No!" shouted GranDracmon. "Aldiyamon, he is lying!"
"Both of you lied!" Both GranDracmon and Seraphimon were blasted by another combustion wave. "No more lies…" A ring of light was seen in each of his blackened eyes.
Suddenly Seraphimon felt his body being numbed by an unseen force. He couldn't move any of his limbs. Something had frozen his senses. He saw Aldiyamon slowly inclining his head upward…and he found himself being levitated from the ground. This is not his power! Seraphimon gasped, realizing that his suspicion had proven to be true. Before long, a furious cyclone erupted around him and thunderbolts streaked down from the sky, blasting him straight onto the head. One blast cracked his helmet and the next blast destroyed it, revealing his face. The third blast electrocuted him severely, but the armor on his body protected him from the worse part of the attack. His long, crisped hair was blown haphazardly by the winds, obscuring his face. Telekinesis, wind power, lightning bolts… he is channeling the powers of the other DigiWira!
Aldiyamon's eyes flared again, and Seraphimon found himself at the receiving end of a continuous wave of combustion power. He stopped attempting to reach out for the angel's mind, fearing that it would only make things worse. He couldn't attack or defend himself – the telekinetic power Aldiyamon had drawn from his friends had prevented him to do so. The lightning bolts and the cyclone continued to inflict abuses on him, and the combustion waves were slowly corroding his armor. Pain like one he had never experienced before shot the nerves all over his system. Its effect was severer that the ones he had experienced back in the real world's past. Even the Legendary Blades didn't inflict him this much pain. Such power…
He gritted his teeth. He tried calling out the Shield of Waja, but could not concentrate for Aldiyamon was relentless. The next combustion wave successfully destroyed Seraphimon's armors. It left him vulnerable. He realized, to his horror, that he was doomed.
The only thing he could do was to plead for mercy.
"Aldiyamon, I have the cure…"
Aldiyamon responded by slowly raised his arms. Time seemed to have halt – the cyclone and the lightning bolts subsided.
To Seraphimon's surprise, the firebird wrapped its wings around the angel and he vanished in showers of light orbs. It befuddled him. The telekinetic hold on him was then lifted – he was able to move. Everything became deathly quiet around him. He allowed himself a relieved breath…
A violent shriek was heard and Seraphimon howled, feeling his insides being ripped apart – the last sensation he had felt before everything became black.
"Incredible…" muttered GranDracmon, too stunned. It all had happened too quickly. Aldiyamon's reappearance was from within Seraphimon, obliterating Seraphimon completely as the firebird stretched its wings wide. It simmered down as Aldiyamon landed on the tip of the fallen tower.
Lilithmon, from the protection of her shield, was horrified. Lucemon…gone? This is impossible! He's the strongest. The most powerful…And he's gone, just like that. Fear crept all over her as she watched GranDracmon laughed heartily at Lucemon's destruction. He's convinced Aldiyamon to destroy Lucemon…he's going to make him go after me next!
"My plan works!" GranDracmon laughed. "So much for the mighty Hellion General!" He gazed towards Aldiyamon, who appeared dazed after all that happened – his black eyes were slowly reverting to their original states. The other Terrors were slowly emerging from where they had been seeking refuge, disbelief evident in their faces. Even the corrupted partners had woken up, confused of what had happened around them. Everyone was setting their eyes on Aldiyamon, who seemed oblivious to what had just taken place. The radiant angel was looking up towards the full moon, and GranDracmon knew instantly what he was thinking. He is powerful, nearing invincible. He cannot be allowed to live. He is like a time bomb; one wrong move could mean our undoing.
He looked directly towards the Four Terrors, gesturing towards the dazed angel. Slowly they closed in on Aldiyamon.
They made a mistake when Deathmon accidentally crashed a boulder he had stepped on. The noise alerted their target.
Aldiyamon blinked, and his eyes turned black once again.
xxx
xxx
Since Adam's sudden departure, JD hadn't stopped trashing about in pain. With every scream everyone in the room felt as if a portion of their heart had been ripped apart. It was killing them to know that they couldn't do anything to alleviate his pain. Salamon and Gatomon had both digivolved into MagnaAngemon and Angewomon, with hopes that their healing power would be more potent. Nonetheless their efforts were all in vain. It hadn't worked before, it wasn't working now.
The heart monitor suddenly blared the alarming sound everybody had been dreading.
"Vitals are dropping!" gasped Jade. JD stopped screaming and trashing about. His pupils dilated and the lids began to close as he slumped upon the mattress.
"Oh no, Josh!!" screamed Jas, shaking her brother's body. "Josh!!"
"Get the defibrillator!" shouted Abu, and the nurse who had been with them inside the ward scrambled out. She came back, wheeling the device. Abu jumped towards it, grabbed its paddles. "Everyone back away," he said, rubbing the paddles together. "Clear!"
Alisha winced as Abu slammed the paddles on JD's chest. JD was jolted up, but remained unconscious. "CLEAR!" shouted Abu again, repeating the procedure.
"Josh, wake up, wake up," pleaded Jas, crying as Jade restrained her.
"Josh, please," whispered Jade, "if you can fight it…then fight it. Don't die. Not like this…don't leave us."
"Vitals are still dropping," the nurse said fearfully. "Doctor…"
"No, we try again!" Abu shouted, glancing once towards the clock. Eleven forty. He'd fight to save the boy until the dreaded midnight, when the curse would take effect. He had no idea where Adam had gone to, but that proved that Adam still hadn't given up looking for the cure. So shouldn't he; he'd continue his very best to sustain JD until that moment where Adam would return, with or without the cure. "CLEAR!"
The DigiWira all watched as JD began to slip away, transfixed and horrified, as the heart monitor began to display a familiar, dreaded flat-line, screeching the horrific familiar sound all the time.
xxx
xxx
"Adam…"
Aldiyamon stopped short from his attempt to send an explosive wave towards the Four Terrors. Josh?
His vision blurred. The fallen tower, the Four Terrors, the destroyed site, all of them gradually fading from view as he – as Adam – was transported into a realm where there was nothing but whites. It was where he had met Grademon, after he had sacrificed himself to destroy the faux Puaka Generals.
Adam's heart skipped a beat upon seeing JD walking towards him. Both of them were in their DigiWira suit. "Josh?"
"Hey, Adam," said JD, sadness evident from every syllable. He looked around, frowning. "Where are we?"
"We're…" He shook his head. "Josh, how did you…?"
JD sighed, taking a step forward. "Adam, my time's almost up. The last thing I remembered was being in the ward, screaming, in pain… then all of a sudden I'm here." He smiled a bit. "I remembered wanting to see you. You took off so suddenly…"
"It's almost time?" Adam gasped softly. He hadn't realized of the time passed during the battle he had with Lucemon. His body trembled. "Josh…I tried. Really I did."
"Don't worry about it," JD replied. Adam stared at him. "It's okay," continued JD, his voice a comforting whisper.
"No, it's not. I…"
Adam suddenly coughed violently, feeling as if his body was being slammed by boulders from various sides. What's going on?
He suddenly realized what was going on. His physical body was still at the tower site, now vulnerable against the Four Terrors' assaults. He was suffering the attacks from the Terrors, without the ability to fight back, for his mind was in this astral plane. He suddenly knew that Patamon had taken over their joined body, fighting in his place. However, as their Wira Digital form determined the DigiWira as the dominant half, Patamon couldn't fight as good and refined as Adam could. Patamon was merely holding out, knowing how much seeing JD for the last time would mean to Adam.
He could let go of this plane to resume the fight, perhaps winning it too, since he had beaten Lucemon once and for all. But he wanted to be with JD. It was all he wanted to do now, the only thing he could think of doing. They would part soon. He would bear with the pain, it wouldn't be long, and surely it couldn't be compared with what JD had felt all these times.
His heart ached as the prospect of JD leaving him became more real. Could he do it? Could he move on? It was JD who had helped him to move on properly with his own ways. The pain of losing his parents and brother had long since passed thanks to JD, but now he would lose someone equally as important, someone he had let in after so long. Could he really move on after losing JD too? Would he end up as he had been previously?
He had asked himself those countless times, and every time the answer was the same.
xxx
xxx
"Adam, what's going on?" asked JD, frowning. Adam's face harbored the strangest of expressions, as if he was in a process of making a difficult decision. JD had seen it plenty of times.
"No. It's nothing." Adam wiped the tears that were going to fall from his eyes. He gazed up, wanting to remember each and every detail of JD's face before they parted ways.
JD was unconvinced, but decided to let it pass. At these last few moments he had with his cousin, brother, and best friend all in one, he wanted to make the best out of it for Adam's sake. It wouldn't matter if Adam was being his secretive self. Perhaps he was just trying to be strong for him.
"Are you going to be okay?" he asked, placing both hands on Adam's shoulders.
Adam's smile was sad. "Can I hug you? Before we part?" he said with a small voice. "One last time?"
The request nearly broke JD's heart. He knew it was going to be difficult for his cousin, having suffered enough losses throughout his very young life. "Sure, Adam. You don't have to ask," he said, a tear trickled down without warning as he pulled the boy close for the requested hug. In his mind, he thought that at least Adam looked like he was taking it well. Perhaps Adam had begun to accept it, and JD found that oddly reassuring compared to how his siblings and the other DigiWira were reacting. He could even hear their cries and shouts now, in this strange world of nothing but white, and that didn't bode well with him. Adam was obviously miserable but he wasn't crying, nor was he doing the emotional-suppressing thing that JD had seen him done so often for the past few days. He tightened their embrace, half-expecting Adam to protest. Yet, no complain came. Adam was unusually quiet and rigid.
"Josh, tell Kak Lisha I'm sorry."
The words chilled him to the bones. Suddenly he felt a burning pain from his chest…and then it was gone. The pain – the one that had been with him for a long one month, the phantom pain that was always there, tormenting him despite not actually inflicting the real pain – was gone. He heard Adam gasp, and pulled away from their embrace. His eyes widened in surprise.
Black smoke, with the front shaped like the head and front legs of a cat, spiraled around Adam's body as Adam gave him that sad smile. It yowled fiercely before slamming straight onto Adam's left chest and disappeared. Adam clutched his chest, gasping in pain, while at the same time looking up at him as he dropped on his knees.
"Adam…no… Why did you do it?"
Adam merely smiled back before his body slowly becoming transparent. JD reached out for Adam, but his hands went through the other boy's body. He tried again, but failed. Raising a shaking hand he held it before the semi-transparent Adam.
"It's midnight," whispered Adam, placing his fading palm before his cousin's. "Take care, Josh."
Adam vanished. JD screamed in anguish.