"I'm sorry, Gabe..." Sierra leaned up against the wall as she spoke into the phone. More than the call with Miranda, she dreaded this conversation since Riley got hurt. When her friend, Gabriel, entrusted Sierra with Riley's care, she was hesitant, to say the least. She was an only child, not to mention trying to figure out how to be an adult herself. She didn't know the first thing about how to be someone's caretaker. But then, after she learned the reasoning behind it, her attitude changed. From that day, she made a promise to keep Riley safe. And yet, in the span of a few minutes, that promise felt broken.
"Listen, what happened to Riley was an accident. Don't blame yourself for it."
"I'm trying, but..." Sierra's voice caught. The imagery of Riley being pinned with the knife to her face made her throat tighten.
"You have a habit of beating yourself up; you know that?"
A tear streamed down her face while she broke into a sad smile. "You keep reminding me of that..."
"So then stop. Remind yourself that Riley's safe and sound and that you can't blame yourself for an accident."
Sierra wiped her eyes and sniffled, nodding.
"How is she doing, by the way?" Gabriel asked.
Sierra took a moment to compose herself before answering, "They're keeping her for observation… she, um, the concussion she had, the doctor said, resulted in short-term memory loss and other issues that need to be followed up on. She doesn't seem to remember the moments between being at the store or here in the hospital."
Gabriel took a moment to process that. It sounded better than Sierra initially presented the news, yet he insisted on asking anyway. "Do you think there will be other side effects? You know, with the—"
"I..." Sierra stammered for a moment. She had a feeling he was going to bring that up. That was a concern of hers as well. "The doctor wants us to follow up with her neurologist as soon as possible. I'm going to call Doctor Woods first thing in the morning and bring her on Monday. After that, we'll see—!"
Screams reverberated down the hall, startling her.
"Sierra?" Gabriel spoke, noting her sudden pause. "Sierra, are you okay?"
Sierra quietly watched the RN and her aide run from the opposite direction, and once she saw them turn into a room, Sierra sprung forward. Switching to panic mode, she hung up her phone and raced for Riley's room. By the time she reached there, the two hospital staff members were attempting to get a handle on the frantic girl.
"Riley!" Sierra exclaimed as Riley's eyes peered open.
The sight of blonde hair made Riley freak out even more, "NO! NO! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!"
"Riley, stop! I'm here, relax!" Sierra's voice exclaimed as the aide holding her was attempting to pin her. The RN switched with the aide, making a better effort to hold her steady. She then looked at Sierra. "Help me hold her down!"
Obediently, Sierra got on the other side and held Riley's arm and shoulder, the girl continuing to spiral into a panic attack. "Riley, I'm here!"
Riley reactively followed the voice, catching a glimpse of Sierra. Upon seeing her, she started to cry. Sierra impulsively hugged Riley praying that Riley would calm down. The startled medical staff hesitated to move but gave it a few seconds before the aide injected Riley with the syringe.
Riley winced, but Sierra was already caressing her hair, attempting to distract her long enough for her to calm down. "It's okay; I'm here…I'm here…"
Riley broke down in Sierra's arms, allowing her emotions to spill. "I saw her…" Riley cried. "Syl's in Omnia…"
Sierra paused upon hearing that and hugged her tighter. "Oh, Riley…"
After a few minutes for the medicine to take effect, Riley eventually calmed down. As the medication took effect, Riley calmed down, and Sierra laid her back in bed.
"Let us know if you need anything else," The aide told them before following the RN out of the hospital room.
"…Where am I?" Riley asked, only then realizing who those two women were.
"We're still at the hospital," Sierra said. "Don't you remember the doctor saying that they wanted to keep you overnight for observation?"
"What?" Riley questioned. "No—we were in the ER, but…didn't the officer bring us home?"
Sierra shook her head. "You were brought upstairs."
"But I swear I was talking with Milo and Kaden!"
"They stopped by before they left. We've been here ever since."
Riley was in disbelief, unable to fathom whole events not happening the way she remembered. She reached for her ear, realizing that her D-Com wasn't present, nor was her D-Streamer. Her breathing quickened back up.
Riley asked Sierra, "Was all that a dream then…?"
Sierra was afraid to reply, scrambling to be tactful in her response, "What was a dream?"
"I was in Omnia," Riley replied, "And...I heard her voice and followed it! I'm telling you; I swear I saw Syl, I saw—!"
"Riley…" Sierra interjected before she went into another panic attack. "Syl—I mean, Sylvia…she's gone, remember…?"
Riley froze for a moment. That confirmed that what she experienced was a dream. She was finally able to swallow the lump in her throat.
"You're right..." Riley said, lying on her pillow.
"Sylvia's dead."
Chapter 4: Riley
Riley was afraid to go back to sleep after that nightmare. Sierra sat in the chair next to the bed, curled up in the blanket the aides provided her. She looked so peaceful, Riley thought. She was happy for her. Though she and Kaden were hurt, she was dealing with the stress. Riley wasn't built for that level of responsibility; after all, she could barely manage the voice in her head, let alone being a caretaker or manager.
She rose out of bed and washed her face in the bathroom. She might as well wake herself up fully if she wasn't going to sleep. After using a washcloth to wipe her face, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked exhausted herself, her short black hair all over the place.
Sparkles filled the air between her and the mirror after a few moments. Then, glimmering wings unfurled from behind her. Riley stayed still and relaxed as a pair of arms snaked over her shoulders and gently hugged her from behind. She didn't resist the embrace. Syl leaned into the reflection and nestled her head on Riley's shoulders.
"Hi," She said softly.
Riley exhaled, "what do you want?"
"Just to say hi…" Syl stared at Riley's reflection. "Have you noticed how beautiful you are without that makeup on?"
"I don't care about that," Riley answered. "Besides, you were always the prettier one…"
"So you say…" Syl said with a slight smile. "Yet you could attract a crowd without trying."
"That was also you…" Riley corrected.
"Oh yeah…" Syl giggled. "Oh, Riley…what am I to do with you…?"
As Syl's hand caressed Riley's cheek, she shuddered, taking deep breaths, reminding her that this was in her head. All of it was in her head.
All of this…was in her head.
"My precious little sister…" Syl whispered in Riley's ear. "…why must you be so troublesome...?"
Riley reactively swung her arm, knocking her hand on the side of the open door and sending a sharp shock of pain across her arm, enough to make her realize that Syl was nowhere to be seen. She held onto her head and leaned against the sink, taking deep breaths to calm down. She looked at the mirror once more for good measure.
"You're one to talk…" she muttered to her reflection, "…you damn ghost."
After shutting off the water, she returned to her bed and kept the ceiling company until the sun eventually began rising…
"Good Morning, Doctor Woods; this is Sierra Levan; how are you?" Sierra found herself outside the hospital, needing air after being cooped up in the depressive interior for over twelve hours. It was still early, the sun barely peeking over the skyscrapers before her.
"My, it has been a while, my dear. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Dr. Woods's voice was chipper, especially for a Saturday morning.
"It's about Riley," Sierra answered. "I'm sure you're aware of what happened yesterday?"
"Why yes, I have been in touch with the physician overseeing her treatment at Mount Sinai. I've already arranged a car to pick you up as we speak."
"Really?" Sierra was surprised. "I didn't think-!"
"That the situation was that serious?"
Sierra didn't respond. She admittedly wanted to dismiss everything, but the nightmare Riley had, indicated something worth worrying about. "What did the Neurologist tell you?"
"I'm still looking over the test results they sent over. Once you arrive, I should have a definitive answer."
"Understood. We'll be in touch then," Sierra said, going to hang up.
Dr. Woods's voice returned through the speaker: "one more thing, Sierra?"
"Yes?" She asked, bringing the phone back to her ear.
"I've learned from my grandson that Cobalius has begun working at your store; is this true?"
Sierra had a slight hint of hesitation over her. "It is…"
There was another pause. "How have his interactions been with Riley thus far?"
"They're like cats and dogs," Sierra admitted. "Constantly bickering with one another."
"I see…"
"Do you think it has to do with Sylvia?"
"I can neither confirm nor deny anything until we get a full understanding of Riley's current state. That said, I would like you to keep an eye on their interactions to determine if his presence has any effects on behavior from here on."
"Yes, I understand."
"Very good. I'll see you later this morning, then."
"Thank you again, doctor." Sierra hung up. She leaned up against the wall again and looked up. The sun was still peeking over, not making much progress over the few minutes she was on the phone.
"Oh, Riley..." Sierra exhaled. "Didn't realize you'd be such a handful..."
Not long after the conversation, Riley was discharged, and the pair were picked up by the livery driver sent their way. Throughout the trip, Riley was quiet; the only sounds coming from here were periodic yawns.
"Are you okay?" Sierra couldn't help but ask, watching Riley resist the drowsiness plaguing her.
"None of this makes sense," she said. "Are you sure I didn't just have a panic attack, making me go back to the hospital?"
"I wish that were the case," Sierra admitted. "But unfortunately, you remember the same conversation completely different from how it happened."
"I don't believe that."
"I know it's a lot to take in... especially when you consider—"
"The voices getting worse?" Riley finished. "Last night, in that nightmare, was the first time those voices took shape. That shadow monster became Syl..."
Sierra didn't respond to that, looking out the window as they exited the other side of the Holland Tunnel, the sunlight, and bright blue sky out to greet them. They were now in New Jersey, more than halfway to the facility they needed to go to.
"I thought, after everything I was done with her..." Riley began bitterly, "...and yet she hangs over my head like a ghost, torturing me for something beyond my control..."
"I...I can't imagine what that's like..." Sierra reluctantly admitted. "...but no matter what, I won't stop supporting you..."
She took Riley's hand, drawing the girl's attention. Sierra nodded for added assurance, and Riley turned back to the window. "Thanks, I guess..."
Sierra, after a moment, pulled away. This was a deep-rooted problem, one she wasn't personally equipped for. If at all else, she appreciated that Riley deemed her trustworthy enough to allow herself to be vulnerable with these feelings she carries.
They were quiet for the rest of the ride...
[STREAM Corporation, Trenton, New Jersey]
STREAM Corp was one of the current leading companies in virtual streaming technology, providing tools and assets to ensure safety and security in the ever-expanding world of digital connectivity. Their technological advancements and partnership with SAIBA Enterprise resulted in the usage of Saibatars and connectivity to Omnia in general. Of course, their technology has touched other facets of the technological golden age, but alas, these feats are minuscule compared to the overwhelming popularity of Omnia's connectivity.
Pulling up to the front of the building, the car stopped. In front of the building was an older African American man in a white lab coat with a pleasant smile. With an emerald cane keeping him steady, he waved as Riley and Sierra exited the vehicle.
"Doctor Woods!" Sierra called out to him. "Thank you so much for seeing us on such short notice."
"It's my pleasure, dear," He smiled. He adjusted his bifocals and looked at the sleepy-headed teenager. "Miss Ocasio, my word, you've grown."
Riley yawned. "Nice to see you too, Doctor."
He chuckled as she walked past him and into the building, "as energetic as ever, I see."
"It was a rough night for her..." Sierra admitted.
"As was for me," Dr. Woods yawned, the pair following her into the building. "I've been working tirelessly to decipher what her physician sent me."
The lobby of the building was that of an office facility; the front desk sat in the far back wall, while everything between them and the desk was small seats and tables, along with advertisements of either the latest tech or a V-Streamer's livestream. STREAM Corp indirectly introduced V-Streaming as a concept and was one of several companies overseeing and managing V-Streamers as an agency.
"Is the situation that complex?"
"In a way," he answered, "but truthfully, there's a reason why I oversee Riley's developments."
"Oh." Sierra realized the implication quickly. "Well...had we known the situation would be so dire, I would've..."
"It's not your fault, my dear," he said as they caught up to Riley, "accidents happen, and situations befall us when we least expect them. That is how life is."
Nico leaned against the wall across from the elevator, glued to his phone screen. The cream-colored rabbit hologram on his shoulder looked up, focused on the distress of his user. "Should we do something?"
"Sierra needs to know about this before this spirals into a bigger mess."
"But what about Riley?" the Digimon pointed out.
"So long as Sierra and I can take care of this before the examination ends, we're good," Nico answered directly. "According to Granddad, this procedure should be an hour or so, depending on what he finds."
The Digimon pondered the words, drawing Nico's attention. "What?"
"Nothing; timing just sucks." The Digimon admitted.
"Tell me about it…" Nico sighed. The elevator alerted the pair, and the trio appeared on the other side when the doors opened. "Didn't expect you guys to be here so soon."
"I can tell how happy you are to see us," Riley quipped, drawing a smile from Nico.
"Ah, I never get tired of seeing your brooding face," He noted, causing the girl to roll her eyes.
"Come along, Riley," Dr. Woods instructed, "the sooner we get through this, the sooner you'll be home in your bed."
"I know she's looking forward to it," Sierra said. As she went to follow them, Nico grabbed her arm. She quickly turned, and he didn't hesitate to speak up. "Need you right quick."
Sierra blinked in surprise. "What's wrong?"
Nico tapped on his phone and showed her the screen. Sierra's heart jumped into her throat upon glancing at the screen. On it was a blonde-haired boy in dark blue knight armor, battling against another boy in a beige tunic, dark red pants, and purple armbands. And a matching sash around his waist. The latter commanded a pair of dinosaur Digimon to rush his opponent, breaking his security.
"This was streaming early this morning. It cut out after about 15 min in."
"you've got to be kidding…" She said in disbelief. "Do you know the results?"
"He got his butt kicked. The Southern District hasn't said anything yet, which is why I think we need to catch him before it gets worse."
Sierra exhaled, her mind racing. She needed to be there for Riley, but Kaden encountering a Southern District affiliate was a problem. The truth was that he was accused of cheating during the exhibition match between him and the Southern District's Gurenmaru, and his reputation was ruined. The last time she saw him in Omnia was a day she regretted; instead of being a proper mentor and aiding him in proving his innocence, she allowed her standing as the Eastern District's Representative to get in the way, driving him out of Omnia.
The timing was beyond horrible, and yet she didn't have any other choice, did she? She had to address this now.
"Buy me some time," She told Nico. "I'll have Leomon and Gorillamon join you in searching for him and that other user, whom I'm guessing is a friend of his. Afterward, bring him to the Azure Palace."
"You have a plan in mind?" Nico asked as she turned to catch up with Riley and Dr. Woods.
"Kaden left Omnia for more reasons than just the accusations thrown at him. He's been through a lot regarding Syl…and I blindly let my responsibilities get in the way of his pain. I've always planned to have a talk with him, so now's as good a time as ever—as Lady Azurena."
"Sounds like you're prescribing tough love."
Sierra turned and smiled, "you know me so well."
"I've…been hearing a voice in my head recently. Up until last night, it's been distorted, taunting me…"
"What has this voice been saying?"
"That all I'm good at is running…and that eventually, I'll have to accept what I've been running from…"
"And you said in your dream…the voice has taken the shape of—!"
"Sylvia…"
Dr. Woods jotted that note down. He studied what he had written so far and looked up at her. "What happened to Sylvia…how long have you held onto these feelings?"
"I don't remember…"
"Are you feeling guilty for what happened?"
"I don't know…maybe, but I know I couldn't change anything. She knew that too…"
"What about the assault from yesterday? You suffered a concussion, hence why you remained at the hospital. Do you believe that—!"
"Excuse me, Dr. Woods?" Sierra poked her head in.
"Yes, my dear?"
She motioned him to come to her, leading Riley to furrow her brow. Sierra looked, and before she could say anything, Dr. Woods was already in front of her. The pair went outside the room momentarily, leaving Riley to reset her thoughts. He was going to ask if the concussion she suffered triggered something; she knew that much. She wouldn't be surprised if it did, especially since Syl was sitting in his chair, legs crossed and leaning to one side.
The fact that she was still in her Saibatar persona—like in the bathroom early that morning—only emphasized that this was another hallucination on her part.
"Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Syl asked, keeping her gaze on Riley.
"It does...for better or worse." Riley replied, afterward wondering why she kept entertaining her.
Syl rose from the chair and paced the examination room, glitter floating about in her wake. "I miss this...I miss everyone...we used to have so much fun together."
Riley watched as Syl went down memory lane. Riley knew what she was referring to; the collaborations, the events, the concerts, and the matches Syl and the other STREAM Corp. V-Streamers participated in. It was a world foreign to Riley to a degree, and as much as Sylvia tried to encourage her to take part along with them, Riley never could. She could never bring herself to take part in it.
"You hated me, didn't you?" Syl finally looked back at Riley.
"No," Riley said definitively.
"Liar," Syl replied. "You were jealous of me; I know you were..."
"I was never jealous. Unlike you, I don't care for people's opinions about me."
"Is that why you dress like a circus freak?"
Riley was taken aback, "excuse me?"
"Is that why you changed your appearance so drastically? Trying to show the world how 'edgy' and 'sad' you are?" Syl crossed her arms. "I'm your sister; I know when you're trying to act out."
"You don't know me!" Riley hissed.
"I'm in your head," Syl reminded. "I know everything."
"SCREW OFF!" Riley screamed from her chair, causing Dr. Woods and Sierra to swing the door open. The startled Riley looked at them, quickly realizing she was that loud. "Sorry, I..." she looked back, and no trace of Syl was present. Riley dropped back in her chair and exhaled sharply.
Dr. Woods looked to Sierra, "Leave Riley to me. Go and take care of your 'other' problem child."
"Thank you, Dr. Woods," Sierra told him. "I'll see you afterward, Riley."
Riley didn't bother to look up as she waved Sierra off. Dr. Woods closed the door behind him and sat back down before Riley. "Now, where were we?"
"You were asking me about the concussion; FYI, everything between me being in the store and ending up at the hospital is completely fuzzy."
"I am aware," Dr. Woods acknowledged. "Speaking of, let's switch topics slightly."
"To what?" Riley asked.
"To Cobalius," Dr. Woods answered, "According to Sierra, it seems the two of you have a bit of a rocky beginning."
Riley scoffed and looked away from him. "He's Sylvia's friend...not mine."
"Although he saved you."
"I don't remember that happening,"
"But you have no trouble accepting that as fact?"
"That's because I believe Sierra's word."
"I see..." Dr. Woods said, slowly nodding. "You two have grown close since everything happened."
"She's been more of a family to me than the people I'm forced to be related to."
"Including your uncle?"
Riley paused. "Excluding him...I mean..."
"Do you see yourself expanding your circle of trust anytime soon?"
"No."
"And why is that?"
"Why are you asking me these questions?"
Dr. Woods looked up from his pad and saw the look on Riley's face. She looked slightly agitated, which was to be expected. He removed his glasses and pondered his following few words.
"I'm not Syl," Riley stated before he could get a word in. "I will never be her, let alone be like her."
Dr. Woods heard that loud and clear, "I apologize if my questions came off a certain way. But understand that the growth of you two was so intertwined that to get to the bottom of what's happening to you, I need information such as this. I understand that—!"
"What do you understand?!" Riley snapped. "No one understands what I've dealt with! How I had to live in her shadow and was always compared to her! How I was blamed for her getting sick! I didn't ask for that, but I'm forced to accept it! I am the scapegoat, and the worse part is that no matter how far and fast I run from it, Syl hides in my head, reminding me repeatedly that it's all my fault..."
Dr. Woods waited for her to finish before he spoke up. "You do understand that you're not the only one who's been through such matters."
"...I understand," Riley reluctantly admitted, "But—!"
"But this is why I'm encouraging you to widen out." Dr. Woods insisted. "Escapism at its core is a valuable asset when one needs a break. However, how better would you be if you had someone to escape towards?"
"Escape towards...?" She repeated. Kaden and Milo came to mind, and in turn, she curled up in her seat.
"Friends exist to help one another through their trials. My grandson loves it when you visit him at his job."
"Even though it's just because he gives me free coffee?"
Dr. Woods chuckled, "it's because you allow yourself to be vulnerable around him, whether or not you realize it. You two have known each other for a long time, so especially now, he feels like he's helping you in his way."
Riley felt a slight wave of guilt, thinking about how she always takes advantage of his generosity.
"And based on what Sierra has told me, I also believe that Cobalius—or Kaden, rather, is also trying to make himself available for you."
Riley also remembered Milo's concern and how she reacted. She began blushing, realizing that the three she tried to keep her distance from were boys. Syl was always the more popular one when it came to guys.
Dr. Woods noticed that her fair skin was changing colors, and he chuckled, which only made it worse. "I didn't mean to imply anything by my words."
"I know you didn't..." She replied, her voice muffled in her lap. She peeked over her knees, saw him still smiling, and shied away again.
The rest of the session proceeded as such...
"I'm amazed at how he didn't put two and two together," Nico noted to Sierra as she sat slouched over the table. While Riley sat in her examination with Dr. Woods, the pair raced into Omnia to reach Kaden and get to the bottom of his sudden appearance. One thing led to another, and Sierra, as Lady Azurena, battled him, allowing the pair to rekindle their relationship. What she didn't realize she was doing was using Kaden's real name as opposed to his username in Omnia...
"I got so into the match I didn't realize what I was calling him..." she groaned. "I hope he doesn't look too much into it..."
"Is there a reason why you, the representatives, keep their identities hidden?"
"Per STREAM Corp standards, an outsider learning of my identity as Azulongmon's representative runs a major security risk and my potential disqualification; the same goes for the other three members, including your grandfather."
"No wonder Granddad almost had a stroke that one time I asked about it." Nico crossed his arms, reminded of the incident. To keep him quiet, he was bribed to become a STREAM Corp V-Streamer to avoid potential controversy.
It was a good thing he was able to keep secrets well.
After all that happened in Omnia, Nico and Sierra opted to wait for Riley in the facility's courtyard. Here, employees congregated, from staff workers to streamers and all in between. Some on-site physicians would also partake in their lunches, and who wouldn't on such a nice day?
Sierra sighed and pressed a button on her D-Streamer. From it appeared a mono-blue deck that she was tinkering with. Nico looked over, "new deck idea?"
"Yup. Believe it or not, seeing Kaden's rush deck last week gave me some ideas. I was hoping to test it with Riley, but that plan fell through with what happened. Do you think I can use one of the training rooms?"
"Maybe...?" Nico said, unsure. "Maybe wait until Grandad is done with Riley to determine that."
"Determine what?" Dr. Woods asked, his voice drawing their attention. The pair looked over and saw him and Riley approaching. Though the tree above them shaded her face, Riley reactively shied behind the doctor upon Nico making eye contact with her.
"So, how did it go?" Sierra asked.
"In addition to running some scans on her brain—all of which came out well—we talked for a while. It seems that she had a lot on her chest, and, well, she's promised to try to draw closer to everyone, isn't that, right?"
Riley didn't respond, her shy nature catching them off guard. Nico was the first to respond, "I'd never thought I see Riley so..."
"Docile? Yeah, me neither..." Sierra added.
"Both of you bite me." Riley hissed.
"And she's back," Nico stated.
"Dr. Woods, I wanted to ask, are any of the training rooms available?"
"I can see to it; why?"
"If you're up for it, Riley, do you mind helping me test a new deck?"
"I guess..." Riley seemed hesitant.
"You don't want to?" Sierra asked, picking up on her demeanor.
Riley looked at her sister figure and shook it off. "No, let's do it."
"Follow me then," Dr. Woods motioned, leading the group back into the building. He brought them back to the elevator and took them downstairs to a vast office space where workers were at their respective desktops monitoring various live streams. V-Streamers of various varieties were on the larger holographic monitors, doing let's plays, reaction videos, and other forms of entertainment. They walked past all that and pushed through a set of doors into a hallway with a wide windowpane down to the other side. On the other side were rooms, some blank, while others displayed various augmented scenes, like a forest area, beach, desert, snow field, and other realistic imagery.
Riley looked through some as they walked past; they were mostly staff workers on break or V-Streamers borrowing a room for their live streams. The rooms were designed to create the illusion of being in a foreign space. In the case of V-Streamers, the technology even enabled one to overlay themselves with their personal Saibatar Models, technology coming about thanks to the advancements of mocap and face rigs in recent years.
Dr. Woods finally chose a room and unlocked the door for Riley and Sierra. He and Nico would stand outside to not interfere with the projections. Both girls took their positions across from one another and activated their devices.
Dr. Woods pressed a button on the intercom, "For safety's sake, how about we forgo the scenery this time? I hope you don't mind the blank canvas."
"Do you?" Sierra asked Riley, to which the girl shook her head.
Dr. Woods pulled off the intercom and turned to his grandson, "I take it Sierra handled that matter with Cobalius?"
"Yup, water under the bridge for now at least..." Nico replied. "God knows, though, that it's not gonna last."
"Let's enjoy the match for now," Dr. Woods suggested. "After which, I'll worry about Lord Vermil."
"Sounds good." Nico nodded.
Meanwhile, Sierra and Riley took their stances back inside as the Security and Memory Counter materialized before them.
"Ready?" Riley asked.
"Always," Sierra nodded.
DIGI-GATE: OPEN!
"I'll start by hatching Kokomon," Riley began. "It'll then digivolve into Gabumon; then I play Psychemon from my hand to end."
Gabumon and Psychemon appeared in Riley's Raising Area and Battle Area, respectively, the pair of Digimon looking at one another and then forward towards Sierra.
Kokomon (BT7-006)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
Gabumon (ST6-03)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Psychemon (BT8-071)
Color; Purple
Level: 3
DP: 3000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Sierra)
Sierra drew. "I'll hatch Xiaomon; then it will digivolve into Labramon. I'll follow that by playing my own Gabumon, who'll draw me a card, then I play Jeri Katou from my hand, who'll play a Leomon from my hand for free."
Riley watched as a pink-eared puppy and another Gabumon appeared first in their respective areas, followed by a young brown-haired girl wearing a small side ponytail, a yellow shirt, and a green dress. She held a yellow device in her hand, summoning Leomon to her side of the field to join Gabumon.
Xiaomon (EX2-002)
Color: Blue
Level: 2
Labramon (EX2-013)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Gabumon (BT1-029)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 1000
Jeri Katou (EX2-058)
Color: Blue
Leomon (EX2-017)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
3-0
0-4 (Turn Change: Riley)
"Only four memory?" Riley noticed. "Shouldn't Psychemon's effect kick in?"
Sierra wagged her finger, "I didn't reduce the cost; I played it for free."
"What's the difference?"
"Wording matters. Jeri's effect plays the card without paying the cost; it does not reduce it to zero." Dr. Woods expanded on.
"Fine, whatever," Riley said. "I draw, move Gabumon forward, then digivolves Psychemon into Devimon.
Psychemon embraced the purple binary and roared, transforming into the devilish figure.
Devimon (ST6-08)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
4-3
"Gabumon will digivolve into Loweemon, then Security Attack!" Riley followed as Gabumon lunged forward, transforming into the humanoid warrior in midair.
Loweemon (BT7-071)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
3-1
"Kokomon's IE effect: I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck and discard a tamer from amongst them while the rest goes to the bottom." She said as three cards materialized. She snapped her fingers, revealing Kari, Wendigomon, and Lopmon. Kari was discarded, and the others went to the bottom of the deck. "Gabumon's IE allows me to draw, and I discard Koichi Kimura from my hand."
"And Jeri will suspend, drawing me a card since you're attacking me," Sierra drew. "Also, Leomon blocks!"
Riley hesitated as Leomon drew its blade and met Loweemon in midair. "It has Blocker too?"
"So long as I have a Tamer, of course. You should know how loyal Leomon is to me after all," Sierra smirked.
Loweemon: 5000 DP
Leomon: 4000 DP
Both warriors dropped back onto the ground and pulled their fists back, Loweemon gathering dark energy in the shape of AncientSphinxmon's head and Leomon charging energy in the shape of a flaming lion head. They both punched the air, sending their respective blasts flying forward. They clashed in the middle, struggling until Loweemon's managed to push with a bit more effort. They both flew into Leomon, who dispersed upon impact.
"Nice!" Riley exclaimed. "Now I'll—huh?" She looked up, seeing the counter tick to one on Sierra's side.
"Leomon, when deleted, gives me plus two memory and a card draw." Sierra smiled, drawing. Riley glared and surrendered the turn to her.
MEMORY
1-1(Turn Change: Sierra)
Sierra drew, moved Labramon forward, and played an Option. "Howling Memory boost to get rid of Loweemon's sources. After which remains in my Battle Area."
The Option Card appeared, empowering Labramon to unleash a visible blue howl that blasted Loweemon, sending its sources out of it in purple balls of binary back into Riley's D-Streamer.
MEMORY
1-2(Turn Change: Riley)
With a soft growl of frustration, Riley drew. "Loweemon digivolves into NeoDevimon."
Sierra watched as Loweemon had the binary rain down on him, resulting in energy bursting from its armor. Crimson wings jutted from underneath while the rest of the armor broke, revealing toned, grey skin, a gold mask lined with six red eyes, and the red orbs lining the left side of his body.
NeoDevimon (BT4-084)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Sierra)
Sierra drew for her turn and hatched another Xiaomon, the Digimon resembling a ball-sized Labramon. "I activate the delay of my Option Card to gain two memory; then I digivolve my Xiaomon into Gomamon and my Labramon into Seasarmon."
Xiaomon transformed into a white sea lion-like Digimon with orange hair, while Labramon digivolved into a white lion dog with a yellow mane and curly tail.
Gomamon (BT1-030)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 3000
Seasarmon (EX2-015)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
1-3
3-1
"Gabumon, Security Attack!" Sierra declared.
"Devimon blocks!" Riley countered, opting not to lose her blocker so easily.
Gabumon: 1000 DP
Devimon: 5000 DP
Devimon held up a claw to block Gabumon's linear blue flame and slashed it with its claw afterward. Seasarmon, meanwhile, got ready to launch.
"Seasarmon gains +1000 DP from Xiaomon thanks to it being a Level 4 Digimon," Sierra said, catching Riley's attention.
Seasarmon 6000-7000 DP
"Go, Security Attack!"
Riley braced herself as Seasarmon leaped and spun like a wheel in the air, coming down to crash into her Security.
Riley
Security: 5-4
Upon being revealed, it became Lucemon, graying out and fizzling. It wasn't the biggest setback, but it stung.
Labramon also grants me a memory, which I will use to play an Ice Wall and digivolve Gomamon into another Leomon.
As her Gomamon transformed into a second Leomon, a streak of ice also ran between them.
MEMORY
1-2
2-1
1-1(Turn Change: Riley)
"You can try to be a bit fairer, can't you?" Riley grumbled.
"That's adorable to think I'd hold back against you. If Kaden didn't get it, then neither will you."
"Kaden? When did you battle him?"
Sierra realized she had misspoken and tried to play it off, only for Riley to glare hard. "You went to Omnia, didn't you?"
Sierra stared blankly at Riley. "It's your turn."
"That's not fair!" Riley exclaimed.
"Oh, come on, I didn't have a choice!" Sierra defended. "Nico, help me, please!"
Riley directed her glare toward the window, and Nico instinctively backed up. "I can't believe you two..."
"Aww...poor Riley..."
Riley felt the abrupt chill shoot down her spine and the contrasting warm embrace on her back. Syl leaned in on her shoulder like before, amused by her mild outbursts.
"Get off of me..." Riley hissed without looking at her.
Syl pouted, "at least let me watch for a bit. It's been a while since I've seen Lady Azurena in action."
"I said get off!" Riley swung back as before, except instead of catching the open door, her fist swung across the air. Syl was gone just like that.
"Are you okay, Riley?" Sierra asked, noticing Riley's action just then.
"Yeah...I'm-!" Riley's eyes widened upon seeing Syl standing next to Sierra. Sierra seemed none the wiser of the ghost leaning over her shoulder.
"Like I said, it's your turn," Sierra noted. Syl smiled, getting comfortable, leaning on her back.
Riley took a deep breath. She wasn't going to let Syl get into her head again. "I hatch Kokomon, digivolving it into Lopmon and Devimon into Antylamon. Antylamon's effect brings Kari back from my trash.
Lopmon and Antylamon took their spots on Riley's field, summoning Kari from Riley's trash.
Lopmon (BT7-068)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Antylamon (BT7-074)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 7000 DP
Kari Kamiya (BT4-097)
Color: Purple
MEMORY
1-2 (Turn Change: Sierra)
Sierra drew. "Leomon moves into the Battle Area..."
Riley swore she heard that in Syl's voice just then. She focused as Leomon moved forward and Sierra spoke again. "Both Leomon and Seasarmon gain +1000 DP from Xiaomon's IE effect..."
Leomon: 4000-5000 DP
Seasarmon: 6000-7000 DP
Syl was mimicking Sierra. Riley was visibly disturbed, getting a giggle out of Syl, one of whom Sierra was deaf; she was completely oblivious to her.
"Leomon Security Attack!" Sierra and Syl declared, sending the Lion Digimon flying forward.
Why wasn't she blocking? Riley had about a half second to ask herself because Leomon was armed with a blazing fist before her. He punched the Security that swooped in to protect her, and it shattered.
Riley
Security: 4-3
"Security Trigger: Grave Memory Boost to the Battle Area!" She countered, placing the card into her Battle Area. "In addition, Kari suspends to give me a memory."
MEMORY
2-1
"Seasarmon Security Attack!" Sierra followed, her Digimon spinning about like a golden wheel once more to smash her third security.
Riley
Security: 3-2
The card revealed Rhihimon, but it too was jammed, greying out and dispersing without any chance to counter.
"I end by playing the Option Card, Fist of the Beast King; This allows Leomon to unsuspend."
MEMORY
1-1(Turn Change: Riley)
"What are you going to do…?" Sierra asked though Riley heard it in Syl's voice. Syl broke from Sierra and approached Riley, weaving past the present Digimon to get close to Riley's face. "Well?"
"I'm not afraid of you…"
"Yes, you are."
"You're already dead."
"I'll never die so long as you continue to hold onto me…" Syl stated, looking down.
Riley looked down, realizing her hand was gripped around Syl's wrist. She looked back at the girl, and Syl smiled.
"You've been running aimlessly, Riley. Running for the sake of running, escaping for the sake of escaping, dragging me along for the ride."
Riley pulled her arm back, realizing her grip was firm on Syl's wrist. She tried to let go, but it was locked in place.
"Let go…" Syl told her.
"…no…" Riley said subconsciously.
"You have to let go of me." Syl insisted. "Stop running…and just accept that I'm gone…!"
"NO!" Riley screamed, tears welling in her eyes. "It's bad enough that you got sick…but it's worse when they blamed me for it!"'
"I never blamed you, did I?"
"Yes, you did!" Riley argued. "You said it was my fault…"
Syl chuckled a little and raised Riley's chin. "My dear little sister… it's your fault that I'm like this," she held up the arm Riley was cuffed around, "tethered to you and trying to get you to accept that none of what happened to me is your fault."
Riley blinked. "What?"
"You want to believe you're responsible for what happened to me. You feel it easier to bear the guilt. However, you couldn't save me…no one could."
The tears streamed down Riley's face.
"So please, do me a favor…" she hugged riley and whispered in her ear, "…and save yourself before it's too late…"
Riley began sobbing as her emotions finally came through. Syl hugged tighter and continued to whisper. "Don't run, walk. Take things slowly, day by day. Don't define your life by how I lived mine. Walk your path. And make me proud to be your sister…"
As Riley crumbled to her feet, Syl vanished from around her. Sierra sprinted over to Riley and cradled her while Dr. Woods held Nico from joining them.
"Granddad…" Nico turned to him.
"It seems Riley is taking some steps to cope finally. Allow them to finish the battle, and then you may spend needed time with her."
Nico sighed and followed the instructions, watching as Sierra helped Riley back on her feet.
"Are you okay?" Sierra asked concern in her voice.
Riley wiped her eyes, "I'll explain later…Let's finish."
"Are you sure?"
Riley nodded, "Syl would want me to…"
Sierra took a moment to process that and accepted that answer, breaking from Riley and returning to her spot. Riley wiped her eyes and drew. "Lopmon moves out, and I activate the delay of Grave Memory Boost to gain two Memory."
MEMORY
1-3
"Lopmon digivolves into Devimon, and Antylamon digivolves into the Fallen Beast King Cherubimon!"
Lopmon and Antylamon took on their respective transformations, with Cherubimon towering over them, its size taking up a decent part of the medium-sized room compared to everyone else.
Cherubimon (BT7-079)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
MEMORY
3-2
2-2 (Turn Change: Sierra)
"Cherubimon revives Koichi from my trash per its effect," Riley stated, summoning her tamer.
Koichi Kimura (BT7-091)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
"Koichi, when played, allows me to draw, and then I'll discard Gabumon. Lopmon's IE, when playing a tamer, grants me a Memory."
MEMORY
2-1
"Finally, Cherubimon's other effect deletes one of your Level 4 or lower Digimon for each Tamer on my side. I have Kari and Koichi, so Leomon and Seasarmon are deleted!"
Cherubimon summoned the red lightning in its hands and threw them down at the pair, deleting them without much effort. Sierra, noting the setback, was prepared. "Leomon's effect draws me a card, in addition to giving me two memory. Gomamon's IE also adds a memory for being deleted as well.
MEMORY
1-4
Sierra drew for her turn. Examining her hand, it didn't have permanent answers for Riley's beefy army. "I hatch Xiaomon and digivolve it into Gomamon. I'll then digivolve it into Frigimon and play a second Howling Memory Boost to discard Devimon's sources.
From there, a bear-shaped snowman Digimon appeared in Sierra's Raising Area, looking cuddly and robust. It ran its hand on the ground, emulating scooping snow, and formed the binary in its hands. It then smacked Devimon with the snow, knocking its sources out.
Frigimon (BT1-032)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
4-2
2-1 (Turn Change: Riley)
With nothing to block her, Riley had all the opportunity to go full offensive. She drew, hatched another Kokomon into Gabumon, and went in for the attack. "Cherubimon!"
The giant beast monster conjured more lightning and had it rain down on Sierra, her first Security revealing Gorillamon, who was burnt upon its emergence.
Sierra
Security: 5-4
"NeoDevimon, Security Attack!" Riley declared, sending it towards Sierra; golden claw pulled back to slash. It came down on her second Security, and said card revealed itself.
Sierra
Security: 4-3
"Security Trigger: V-Nova Blast goes to my hand." She took the card.
"I end by playing Gazimon," Riley stated, playing the grey weasel Digimon.
Gazimon (BT3-077)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
1-2(Turn Change: Sierra)
Gazimon's mere presence put more pressure on Sierra, as she was locked out of gaining memory from Gomamon and the other methods she had. The weasel noticed her slight discomfort and snickered.
She made a mental note to add bouncing cards to this deck.
"Frigimon moves out and gains +1000 DP thanks to Xiaomon."
Frigimon: 4000-5000 DP
"Security Attack!"
"Devimon blocks!" Riley countered immediately, causing Sierra to grit her teeth.
Frigimon: 5000 DP
Devimon: 5000 DP
Frigimon dug into the ground, summoning a mass of binary that turned into a giant snowball. Chucking it forward, Devimon took to the sky and shot a finger laser through the ball, dispersing it and piercing Frigimon. Likewise, the dispersed snow pelted Devimon, making it crash from the cold.
"And thanks to Gazimon, Gomamon's IE is jammed." Riley stuck her tongue out. "No Memory for you."
Sierra ended her turn by playing Gabumon and drawing, passing the turn reluctantly to Riley.
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Riley)
As Riley drew, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked over and found Syl standing beside her. Syl looked at Riley and smiled, and Riley found herself smiling before proceeding. "Gabumon moves out into the Battle Area!"
Gabumon moved out, joining the other three Digimon—one Security for each and one Direct Attack for the final. Sierra's deck didn't seem to have any more tricks up its sleeve, so it was time to make this count. "Cherubimon, Security Attack!"
Another ball of red lightning decimated Sierra's Security, revealing Syakomon, a pink clam Digimon with a green body on the inside of it.
Sierra
Security: 3-2
"NeoDevimon Security Attack!"
Another swing, another Leomon.
Sierra
Security: 2-1
"Gazimon, Final Security Attack!"
Gazimon pounced and slashed the last Security, Jeri appearing, though her presence did little for Sierra as her last Leomon was in Security.
Sierra
Security: 1-0
Before declaring her final attack, she looked at Syl one last time and took a deep breath. Syl mimicked Riley's motion, raising her arm forward and gesturing.
"Gabumon, Direct Attack!" They synchronized, with their rookie Digimon roaring and firing off a blast of blue flames.
Sierra blocked herself as the flames made their mark, and when it was over, she relaxed. "Good game."
Riley herself relaxed, feeling a headache from the adrenaline come on. Feeling lightheaded, she allowed herself to collapse onto the ground, alerting everyone again. Nico was allowed to go into the room and help Riley up, the girl surprisingly giddy with a smile. It took him aback as she wasn't brooding as usual.
"Are you feeling all right, Riley?" Sierra asked. She then noticed the tears on Riley's face as she continued to laugh.
"I'm fine…" she said. "I'm just grateful for you guys…all of you…"
Hearing that warmed the pair's hearts, taking Riley by each arm and helping her walk.
Syl remained in the center of the room, watching as Riley and the others met back with Dr. Woods. A finger pressed against the side of her face, she gave a small smile and dispersed in yellow binary, as if she was never there…
[Mydoion Manor, Nadir District…]
"In the eternal darkness and endless forests of the Nadir District lies Mydoion Manor, home of us Nadir denizens," the Digimon explained to the Saibatar as they trekked through the dense foliage.
The Saibatar followed quietly, wearing a cape and hood that hid their full appearance. They didn't know where this little goblin of a Digimon was leading them, nor were they paying attention. All they knew was that he was promised an opportunity to gain strength. Strength in this nightmarish place that reminded them of things they once forgot.
Said goblin was known as Dracmon, a vampiric Digimon dressed in black, his mask having painted eyes while his real eyes were embedded in the palms of its hands. It also always had a smile on its face, which bore its fangs.
They finally reached the clearing, and Dracmon bounced to face them. The Saibatar looked up and stared at the gothic mansion that sat in the dead center of the area, shined onto by the moonlight.
"Welcome to Mydoion Manor," Dracmon presented. "From this day forward, you will submit your loyalty to our cause and help us reclaim this world for our own."
"And in turn…" The Saibatar started.
Dracmon dropped his arms and sighed. "And we'll also see what we can do about the humans…"
The Saibatar gleefully smiled, though it was clear Dracmon wasn't keen on the idea. Orders were orders at the end of the day.
…all this to revive their king.
[A/N: And this marks the end of the introduction of Twilight Requiem! So, I hope that from these first few chapters, you got a taste of Riley's personality. We got an idea of her past trauma in the form of Syl, who seemed to be haunting her. We also got to see the introduction of the STREAM Corp agency (my take on Twitch and VTuber agencies if that wasn't clear; if it wasn't, I apologize, and I'll try harder) and the role they play, especially when it comes to Sierra and the other Sovereign Reps. With Riley making peace with Syl, will she begin to open up more with the others? Or…is this just the start of an even bigger nightmare? And if so, she'll have Sierra and the others to bail her out…right?
I hope you all are as excited as I am for what's in store; as long as I stick with my roadmap, things will get wild, especially as Kaden becomes a bigger factor in his own way. I won't spoil anything, so you guys will have to read. In the meantime, now's a good chance to catch up with Imperial Advent if you're inclined to see Kaden's side. Given the stats, though, it's clear that you guys favor Riley's side more; is it because these opening chapters have been dramatic compared to the slice-of-life tone in Kaden's opening chapters? Or because of the female lead? It leaves me curious, but even then, it shows I need to work harder for Kaden's sake.
Of course, we have that closing scene in the Nadir District…I'm not saying anything about that yet.
In any case, that's all from me; thanks for reading, and I'll catch you guys later!]