"Its obviously a trap," said Blackweregarurumon, crossing his arms over his massive chest. "I mean, come on, the Big Bad Monkey 'repenting of his evil ways' just because little Exveemon showed him the light?"
"He didn't say he was 'repenting'," argued Rosemon. "He said he wanted to stay king and to get us off his back."
"So," said Lillymon. "In order to do that, he would have to become the type of king that we couldn't object to."
"So he's only become a better ruler just so we can't attack him," concluded Weregarurumon.
"But how do we know its not a trap?" questioned Zephyrmon. "How do we know its not an elaborate scheme to get us to drop our guard before he strikes?"
"How do we know it is?" put in Leomon. "I for one believe him. He wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to be king and get us off his tail. But he knows he can't track us down; even if he captured one of us he still doesn't know where we are, otherwise he already would've striked."
"And he knows we wouldn't rest until he was gone," said Lobomon. "But that's because he's a tyrant. But if he became the type of king that was a good kind, then we wouldn't have any reason to attack him anymore."
"I still say its a trap," shrugged Blackweregarurumon.
"Wargreymon," said Rosemon, turning to the Rebel leader. "Its your decision. Either go to the Black Palace to accept Metaletemon's terms, or don't go and we'll continue on with the war."
All eyes were on the mega digimon. Wargreymon was silent for a very long time.
"C'mon," whined Blackweregarurumon. "While we're still young!"
"SHH!" said every other digimon (except Wargreymon).
The black werewolf-digimon snorted indignantly, but made no other noise.
Wargreymon remained silent... thinking...
"I think..." he finally said. "Considering the circumstances, that we should have a vote. Who thinks I should go and accept his terms?"
"You won't be going alone!" cried Weregarurumon. "I'm coming with you too!"
"So am I," stood up Leomon.
"Me too!" said Kazemon.
Wargreymon held up his hands before any other digimon could volunteer. "Metaletemon said for me to come, not anybody else. He might not be so agreeable if I don't come alone. Don't worry," he added with a smile. "I'll be fine."
He was only met with concerned faces (although Blackweregarurumon looked sarcastic).
"So. We vote. Who votes that I go?"
Metaletemon stood atop one of the many roofs of the Black Palace. It was flat, broad, and was closest to the entrance, where he would be able to see Wargreymon arrive - if he arrived.
Exveemon stood behind him, tied and gagged to a pole. The dragon-digimon was slightly indignant at being tied up again, but the android-digimon had explained it was "just for looks", as Exveemon was still technically a captive, so the champion didn't mind as much.
"What a beautiful sunset," Metaletemon commented, and Exveemon had to agree: the sky had become a deep golden color with streaks of rose-red and cheerful orange.
If there had been anything good about being tried up again, it was that he was finally out in the open fresh again, and he was able to watch the sun in its glorious descent towards the horizon.
Metaletemon began to pace. He had been pacing on and off ever since they had come outside to wait for any arrival of Wargreymon.
Exveemon hoped the Rebel leader would come; it was such a marvelous set-up he and Metaletemon had come up with, it would be such a shame to pass it up. He watched the mega digimon walk up and down the flat rooftop, and suddenly wondered what would happen if Wargreymon didn't show up. He wished he could ask the android-digimon that, but he was still gagged.
Suddenly Metaletemon came and leaned his elbow on Exveemon's shoulder, heaving a rough sigh. "I meant what I said when I said I wouldn't offer this deal again if Wargreymon didn't show up. I'd hate to put you back in the interrogation room again, but I wouldn't be able to release you either. It'd go against the principle of the nature."
Exveemon nodded; he already understood. He was also relieved that all would happen to him would just be the interrogation room again.
The sun, a red orb surrounded by thick golden clouds, was inching closer and closer towards the horizon when-
"Metaletemon!"
The two looked up to see Wargreymon himself hovering above them.
Metaletemon brightened up. "Ah, Wargreymon! So nice to see you again. I hope you're well?"
"Fine, thank you. And I trust that you're in good health too?"
"Very good, in fact-"
"Pardon my interruption, but I was told that if I came here, you would make good your offer of becoming a better king to the Digital World?"
"You were told true," the android-digimon answered. "And since you arrived before the sun set, the offer is still good. Now why don't you stop floating around and come down here so we can discuss a few things?"
"First untie Exveemon."
"Oh, right, the prisoner..."
Two Etemon appeared on either side of Exveemon; they released his arms and begs from their bonds before disappearing.
As Exveemon untied his gag, Wargreymon stepped onto the roof beside him.
"Are you alright?" the mega asked concernedly.
"I'm fine," the champion replied.
"I take good care of my captives," put in Metaletemon. "Now then, let's get down to business. By coming here, Wargreymon, you have shown that you and the Rebels have agreed that you will no longer try to take away my kingship, just so long as I stop with the bullying guards and high taxes and whatnot."
"Yes, I know all about the details of your offer. And I do think its a good offer, and most of the Rebels agree with me."
"'Most' of them?" questioned Metaletemon.
"Some of them think that you're setting a trap," Wargreymon stated quite frankly.
The android-digimon chuckled. "I suppose they would think that. But I'm not, I plan to make good this promise and hold up my end of the deal. Can you give Exveemon your word that you'll do the same?"
Wargreymon blinked. "Er, give Exveemon my word?"
"Yes. See, you and I haven't exactly built up a very trusting relationship, whereas me and Exveemon here have. So I'm promising him that I'll hold up my end of the deal. That alright with you?"
Wargreymon looked from Metaletemon to Exveemon (who nodded encouragingly), and back to Metaletemon before finally settling on Exveemon.
"Very well. Exveemon, I promise you that the Rebels will hold up their end of the bargain - so long as Metaletemon does."
"And I will," the android-digimon stated.
"Good," smiled Exveemon. "Now the both of you shake hands. It makes it official."
After some brief hesitation, the two megas clasped hands, shook firmly, and let go.
"Alright," said Wargreymon, stepping back. "That's it, then. Let's go, Exveemon."
"You go on ahead," the champion said. "I want to say good-bye first."
Looking even more surprised, Wargreymon nodded and flew off.
"Well," said Exveemon, turning to Metaletemon. "I guess this is good-bye."
"Yeah... I... guess it is..." the mega replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
The two became silent for awhile.
Exveemon was surpised at himself; at first, he couldn't wait to get out of the Black Palace, and now, he was hesitant to leave. But then again, his overall stay here hadn't been so bad. He hadn't been tormented, and any pain or humilation he'd suffered he'd brought on himself (nobody had told him to hit Metaletemon, and he should've remembered that the challengee in a duel was the one who chose what the challenge was about).
Metaletemon was no less surprised; at first he thought of Exveemon as just an intruder who was his ticket into getting rid of the rebels... but in a way, he turned out to be just that! The champion also turned out to be someone that he could talk to, someone other than his Gazimon that he could sing to, and even share a few laughs with...
"Well," said Exveemon, breaking the silence.
"Well," nodded Metaletemon. "If you're ever in the neighborhood, don't be afraid to drop by. We could have another sing-off, or gorge on some more chocolate."
"That sounds great," the dragon-digimon smiled. "And if ever you find the free time to go swinging through the woods or go for a stroll on the beach, look me up. Maybe we can have that surfing contest I suggested, and snack out at one of the seaside diners."
"That'd be nice," smiled the android-digimon.
Silence reigned once again.
"So," said Metaletemon. "I guess this is where we should start parting ways..."
"Oh hey, wait...!"
"What?"
"Er... never mind."
"What? Tell me."
"Well..." Exveemon hesitated, then decided to throw caution to the wind. "Do you think we've developed enough trust between us for you to finally tell me how you're able to conjure up Etemon?"
Metaletemon stared for a moment at the champion digimon before glancing around and beckoning to him. "Alright, fine," he whispered. "But only if you promise never to tell anyone."
"I promise," Exveemon nodded as he stepped closer, listening eagerly.
"Well," the mega began. "I once heard stories of another universe or demension where a digimon could conjure up different levels of himself. That always intrigued me, the idea of willing other me's into existance to form my own army. Then I heard that the Digital World was like that universe in some ways, and I began to wonder, 'Could I download or upload any of that data that would enable me to make more of myself?'
"So I began researching, and it took me a long time to figure it out. I can't even remember all the technical details, but suffice it to say, I ended up absorbing the data necessary to make a number of Etemon appear when I wanted them. I actually also ended up absorbing the power to mold Chrome Digizoid with my mind as well, only I did that more accidentally, because I hadn't had that on my mind at the time."
Exveemon silent for a second before saying, "So that's it. That's how you're able to do all those things!"
"Yes, and I would like to remind you that you promised never to tell anyone that-!"
"I know, I know, and I won't. I plan to keep my promise."
"Good. Thanks, I appreciate that."
Another quiet moment came upon them.
"I also think," Metaletemon blurted, "that maybe you absorbed some similar data that enabled you to make that chocolate appear."
"Yeah, I must have, and didn't realize it," Exveemon nodded.
Yet again silence came.
"Well..." said Metaletemon.
"Well..." said Exveemon. "I guess I should be going now... should we..."
"Should we what?"
"Should we... I don't know, I think we should... at least shake hands before we part ways."
The android-digimon nodded. "I agree." He stuck out his hand.
The dragon-digimon accepted it, noting that the other digimon was careful not to squeeze.
They let go... and they still didn't turn and walk away!
"Um... that seemed a little formal," said Exveemon. "Maybe... maybe we should... hug?"
Metaletemon stared for a moment before giving a small shrug and a smile. "Yeah, sure. That does seem like a more suitable farewell for us."
At first neither moved.
Then, simultaneously, both digimon stepped forward, stretching forth their arms.
Once their arms touched, they paused.
Then Exveemon moved forward so that their chests touched.
Then Metaletemon moved forward so that their bellies touched.
The two then stared into each other's faces, Exveemon's red eyes reflected in Metaletemon's sunglasses. Each of their bodies felt so warm to the other, probably because they had been standing out in the sun for awhile.
Finally they moved their faces forward...
...and at the last second turned their faces so that they just simply hugged. Each felt more than a little disappointment.
When they pulled their heads back, however, their arms remained intwined around each other. Again they looked into each other's eyes. Again they moved their faces forward.
And this time, they didn't turn away.
The End
A/N: Here it is, the end of my first digimon fic! I hope you all liked it. I don't know if I'll write any more or do a sequel; maybe if inspiration hits me. But in the meantime, I hope you all enjoyed it. Farewell. :)