So here we are into some action! Looks like Snow found more than he bargained for. This will be the first action scene I have written in a while, and I have for a long time being tossing up in my head how to present it, without it being either too rushed, or too detailed. Hope you enjoy it how it ended up!
To answer a specific question which was raised from last chapter though – This story is in no way related to "Against Destiny". Although I was inspired to write after reading that (Amongst others), this story is based in its own original, alternative universe. Though elements of the story may feel familiar, the overarching plot will be something entirely unrelated.
Hope people are enjoying what has been written so far!
X-X-X
I sat in the room with the others destined whilst Snow went out to stretch his legs. He had taken it well so far, although these were but the first of many steps he would take in the Digital World, however if he could face them with the courage he had shown so far, he would do well.
I had been glad the other destined had decided not to bring up the 'chosen' aspect of his destiny as of yet. It wasn't that I wanted to hide anything from him, quite the opposite to be fair; I wanted him to know I was open, honest and most importantly, trustworthy. At this time however it would be really difficult to give the message of 'Oh, by the way of the 3 here you are destined for bigger things'. I knew I would need to make him aware of his wider role eventually, but for now it could wait.
Lorna & Regas both knew what their role was to be in the coming storm, to tutor and protect Snow. I just wish I knew exactly from what, or who. The prophecy I had been told of was exceptionally vague about the actual battles and trials we would have to face, with the only actual writing from it being 'The Circle Must Be Broken' whatever that meant.
"What are your thoughts on all this then? You've been pretty quiet ever since you came back" I saw Regas looking in my direction, spinning in his fingers a scrap piece of metal.
"I don't know, is the honest answer"
"You don't know?" responding by standing and stepping around the table, before leading against it, a hint of surprise coming through
"The prophecy, I was just thinking about it again…"
"…any luck with what it actually means? I mean, me and Lorna are all on board and what not, we know what we got to do and all, but Snow. That guy, I just don't see what is so special about him?"
"He is my partner, which is what's special" I shot him a look, giving him a piercing gaze
"Whoa! Whoa! Easy there mon! I didn't mean it like that!" he shuffled a little, putting the metal down on the table "What I meant to say was I don't see what powers, or whatever he might have that could be considered…well, world saving. He seems like a regular kind of guy if you ask me". I couldn't say I was disagreement, Snow as just like any other human I had seen. Fair enough I haven't had that much exposure to many but he was a red blooded, average human – now he was my partner of course and that made him special 'to me' but that rarely translates across into reality.
"There is one thing special about all this though" Lorna spoke up from across the room, having broken off from a hushed conversation with Renamon, and nodded her head towards me "You, a legendary warrior – One of a kind, no other like you in the Digital World, and they have never been partnered with a human, correct?"
"That's right"
"So, I wonder what that all means for Snow? Other than the fact he has a one-of-a-kind partner. The Digital World has reasons for everything"
Regas smirked, giving thumbs up to Lorna "Yeah! That's right! And when we finally get to Central Terminal we can find out what it is! Am I right!" he was excitable, I would give him that. I only hoped he was right though, once we got to Central Terminal and met with the Digi-Elder he would be able to clue us in…I could see it on Lorna' face though, she was as unconvinced as I was, nothing is ever straight forward in the Digital World.
There was a silence, and looking around, I began to wonder what had happened to my partner. However it seems, as always Lorna was on top of the thought process.
"Snow has been gone an awfully long time for what was supposed to be stretching his legs…" Lorna walked over to the window, looking outside as the day was beginning to fade away and give way to the night. Night was not a pleasant time in the Digital World if you were in the wrong neighbourhood.
"You're right…" adding my own thoughts "I'm going to step out and look for him. I still don't think he appreciates you can't just wonder off in this world" I stood up and made my way outside as the other two destined ran behind me
"We can help!" Regas followed behind with Guilmon not far trailing
"Yeah, we can cover more ground" Lorna and Renamon both keen as always.
"Ok, just don't go too far – I don't sense him in any danger, so no need to go all out" my link to him wasn't going off the scale right now, like it did when Harpymon attacked him back in his world, but that didn't mean he hadn't managed to get himself lost, or worse.
Stepping into the evening air, I quickly scanned around me and on the ground I saw a set of footsteps moving towards the bench which was on the other side of the road. Lorna and Regas both moved down opposite directions of the street as I approached the bench, looking down at it. He was here, or had been here anyway, looks as if he had lain down? Seeing another set of steps moving away and towards one of the old wooden buildings…had be gone in there? For what reason? It was then I had remembered earlier he had found that picture frame and photo with it.
When I found him I was going to have to redefine the term 'Stretching his Legs'. We had told him it was dangerous to go off alone in this world; anything could have been waiting for him. I shook my head though, putting it to the back of my mind for now as I found the door he had used to make his way inside.
With ease I pulled the door out from its frame, and put it on the side as I stepped into the remains of his building. It looked like it was ready to fall down at any moment, one stray flicker of flame and it would be gone…so no fire attacks then...well that limited my options.
I only got a few steps inside before I felt a wave of strong emotions hit me like a brick wall – as if a herd of Monochromon had ran over me! I felt panic, anger…fear!? Snow was in danger and as if to give me the a further hint from above I could hear shouting, and a scuffle…
"SNOW! I'm coming!" I took off, and followed the sound of the shouting, flickers of flame emanating from my gauntlets. Whatever beast decided it was a good idea to attack my partner was going to learn the hard way, what happens when you fight Agunimon!
X-X-X
"Got'cha Human!" It wasted no time, and launched straight at me!
I felt its vicious talons latch onto my shoulder, as I cried out in pain, feeling them dig deep into the skin, the jacket I was wearing offering little resistance to the beasts wickedly sharp talons.
Dusting having settled now, I could see more clearly who my assailant was, a large blue beast, just a little taller than I was. Its skins looked like scales; it was some kind of lizard. On its head were bright red spies, creating a form of crown which went to his back, where his wings sprouted out, looking a little worse for wear but otherwise still in one piece.
"Let go of me! Let go now!" I struggled in its grasp as it began dragging me out the room and down the corridor. I kicked and flailed at him however his grip remained firm, tightening it against my shoulder, cringing in pain "ARGH!"
"Silence, whelp – When Lord Devimon finds I have captured you he will be so pleased! Hehe! He does so enjoy torturing your kind! Hehe" the intention dripped from his words clearly enough, and with the mention of that name I immediately knew I was in trouble!
I continued to struggle as I was dragged down the corridor, the various debris cutting my arms and grabbing at me as I was mercilessly taken deeper into the building. "AGUNIMON!" I shouted out as loud as I could, hoping, desperately that he would somehow hear me. I threw all my weight against the beast, but his claws had embedded hard into me, and every time I attempted to pull away, the claws dug in deeper, and deeper, the pain from which causing me to cry out in pain.
At this point Fear, fear and panic like I had never known began to creep into my mind of which I had never felt before. I had stared down bullies in the past, and being at the receiving end of their beatings once or twice, but this was different. At least with bullies they would eventually get bored, and moved on – as they did. This however was not the case, and if he did get me to wherever he intended to take me it was going to be game over for me – I was reminded this was definitely not my own world…the normal rules of engagement didn't apply…
Feeling tears behind me eyes, from both the pain, and the rising realisation in my head that I was in very real danger right now I re-doubled my efforts. Clawing at the ground, kicking out and otherwise doing everything I could to catch myself on anything to prevent this beast from taking me. It worked as I felt the wings on the beast beat faster, harder – but still we moved, it seemed no matter how much effort I put back into trying to escape, it just wasn't enough…
Looking around me, as the corridor was finally left behind, I saw that he had brought me onto some kind of balcony…and looking down and around I realised above me was the broken dome roof I had seen outside. Wait! He didn't mean to drag me off through flight!? That was insane! Looking up to him, he must have made the realisation of what I was thinking, as a cruel smile began to creep up across his face.
"Now, if you struggle, I aint gonna hesitate to drop ya! Whelp!" I felt the air pressure around us begin to change, as he stopped dragging me backwards and now tried to drag me upwards! I felt my body begin to rise. I grabbed to the broke bannister to my side in an attempt to stop him from carrying me off
"AGUNIMON! HELP! ANYONE!" I cried out once more; sheer panic beginning to take over, and the regret I had not gone back inside to reach the others before exploring these old ruins.
…I prepared myself for the worse as my hands on the bannister began to slip, and my body went numb with the realisation…I was alone here, no one was coming. I was going to be dragged away. Tortured, beaten…and perhaps…killed? A tear rolled down my cheek as I closed my eyes, every fibre of my being just wanting to go limp, and, for an instant just disappear…I was done for…My fingers, which had been holding on by a hair-length were finally pulled free of their holdings, and my hand slipped away into the air…
…'Help me'…
"SNOW!" My eyes snapped open as I looked down, and, I couldn't believe it! I could hardly…it was Agunimon! He had reached both his hands out to mine and grasped firmly before they had moved too far from his grasp, and began dragging me down to terra firma, a look of both fear, and anger in his eyes.
"Agunimon!" I called back, the hopelessness in my heart being replaced with sheer joy, he had come, he had heard me…I clasped my other hand onto his forearm and did my best to pull away from this beast whose grip on me began to weaken ever so slightly.
"I got you Snow, just, hold on! Don't give in!" He pulled at me harder, and from above I could hear the Digimon panting, and struggling to take off
"Damn you! Let go!" it spit down at Agunimon, feeling its Talons in me beginning to loosen, as Agunimon pulled harder
"Not a chance, Coredramon! I'm not letting you harm my partner! Now…Let…GO!" with that Agunimon made a mighty pull leaving Coredramon to let go of me, as he flew back into the air. I feel the short distance to the ground. Agunimon beside me and catching me somewhat before my face could take the pull brunt of the impact. He kneeled down beside me, placing his hand on my shoulder, seeing the injury I had sustained "Are you ok? Can you walk?"
Taking a deep breath, I nodded "Yes, I think so"
I pulled myself up with his help, reaching my hand up to my shoulder. The torn fabric had thankfully taken the bulk of the punishment, but still in my right shoulder, where I had pulled the most were three, claw inflicted injuries. The cloth of my shirt had acted to prevent and stop most of the bleeding; however it had saturated it red. Touching it with the ends of my fingers, I flinched away in pain.
"Ok, let's get you to safety!" Agunimon grabbed my arm, but before we could make out way down the corridor, Coredramon appeared above us, still flying around the room, crying out all manners of taunts towards us.
"Going so soon! I don't think so somehow! STRIKE BOMBER!" Watching him descend, and then flip as his tail came down hard towards us. Agunimon pulled me to the side quickly enough to avoid the attack. However the floor where we had been stood shattered into thousands of splitters – the path back down the corridor now blocked, leaving us in this large open area with Coredramon. He snarled at us, as he once more took off to fly above us
"No escape now!" he growled back angrily.
"Snow" turning to Agunimon, I saw him pointing to a place on the other side of the room "Another set of stairs – make a run for it, and I will distract this monster" I saw the path he wanted me to take, run around the entire balcony, then duck into the side corridor. Looking down I saw the exit on the ground level, where another set of doors appeared to lead outside. However…
"What about you?" I asked concerned, looking between Agunimon and Coredramon, he had not the advantage of flight as the dragon flying around us had…
"I'll be fine, don't worry – you just need to run, ok?" I could see the determination, and fire in his eyes, as flames flickers from the gauntlets on his hand. I knew this was not the time to argue, and as if to drive that point further Coredramon descended at us once more, Agunimon again managing to get us both out of the way of the attack, which again further damaged the remains of the wooden platform we were on. "GO! Now!" he pushed me off, and taking the hint I made clear for the other side, looking back to him, as his entire form began to envelop itself in fire…just like with Harpymon!
"Go get em partner…" I stopped for a moment, looking back to him. Stood there, looking like a hero. I smiled, and nodded before continuing on into the corridor. Turning back once I was inside the safety of the doorway.
"Ok, now you are mine! PYRO DARTS!" I watched as his wrists fired off small projectiles of fire up at Coredramon, who seemingly dodged every single one of them! I ducked around the corner and hid behind the wall, just out of sight of Coredramon.
There must be something I can do! I can't just hide whilst my partner takes on that monster! It was then I remembered in my pocket, feeling that slight bump that felt out of place…My digi-vice! I reached into my pocket and pulled it out as quick as I could, almost fumbling with it in panic.
I stared down at the device for a moment, with the realisation I actually had no idea on how this thing worked at all! Ever since I found it the only time it had worked was when I first met Agunimon – since then it had been dormant. I had tried pressing all the buttons but nothing. Hearing the sound of battle behind me though, I had to try. I had to do something! I didn't want to lose Agunimon…
"Come on…there must be some way I can help…" I pushed at all the buttons in a desperate attempt to try and make it work. I could hear the battle behind me going on, slumping down I tired more desperately, clutching it in my hands "Come on…come on!" I shook it violently in hand…it had to work, it just had to!
"Agunimon…" I closed my eyes, in frustration for a moment "I just want to help Agunimon…" I heard again another cry from the room behind me, as I tensed up – sensing from my connection to him that he was in trouble, I could sense the pain, the will to protect and the knowledge that he might well lose…I gripped harder as a tear fell from my eyes, and onto the digi-vice…
"Digi-volution – Standing By…" I opened my eyes, and looked down at the screen as it lit up bright light, which shone in all the colours of the rainbow…bright enough to fill the entire corridor I was in with a shining…power? Staring at it for a moment, I felt something deep within my mind, unlock. As if someone had presented me with the key to some forbidden part of my memory. I knew what I had to do! I stood up, and ran back out into the room, holding out the digi-vice.
From where I was stood, I saw Agunimon on the level below, clutching his side as Coredramon hovered in front of him, flames surrounding and burning at the wooden frame he was on.
"Heh, hardly worth my time! I thought you legendary warriors were tough!" the poison in his voice, the evil. I wanted to end him, I wanted to show him he was wrong, and, that was what I was about to do! I stared down at him, confidence filling me, and bellowed out, as loud as I could – both of them looking towards me, Agunimon with a smile and a nod…
"DIGIVOLUTION…"
"…ACTIVATE!" Agunimon finished off with me and with that, was engulfed in a cocoon of flames…
X-X-X
As soon as I saw Snow had made it out the room, I knew I could go full throttle with this guy! Charging up the flames around me, I waited till he was close enough and then launched myself upwards "PYRO TORNADO!" I leapt up, as flames covered my whole body, and kicked clean against his side. The blow was enough to knock him away, and down into the next level, hearing the sound of crashing wood, and broken timber.
I leapt onto down the level, as the dust began to clear, looking to see if I had taken him down already…however from my side I spotted movement, and too late to counter it, Coredramon grabbed me by my arm, and threw me clear across the room! Attempting to counter-balance myself, I was able to prevent myself going through the wall, but still hit it square on! Slumping as the breath was knocked out of me…I heard the familiar voice laugh
"Haha! Not so tough now are you?"
"Tough enough for you!" I growled and attempted to pull myself up, looking around for him once more…Turning on the spot once, he disappeared…where the hell he gone!?
"Behind you!" I attempted to get my eyes back on him and dodge out the way of his attack, but he flew past me with such speed, and knocked me back once more against the floor…feeling the hit drain energy from me at the same time!? This wasn't normal! Normally a Coredramon would be no problem for me to defeat, what was so special about this one!?
Rolling out the way of his next attack, I was able to leap over to the opposite side – I tried to get a location on Snow – I could sense he was scared, still panicked…he should have gotten out by now! Where was he!? I had no time to go look for him though, as once more Coredramon leaped down at me, jumping against to the side, the flames around my arm began to take on the form of a dragon, and holding them out launched it firmly at Coredramon.
"PYRO PUNCH!"
I watched him take the hit directly! His entire form was enveloped in the flames of my attack; smiling, confident there was no way he could come back from that! Until I heard a dark, disturbed laugh…sending a chill down even my spine as Coredramon, slowly turned to face me.
"Heh…my turn!" I watched, surprised he was absorbing the flames! I saw his body begin to flash a slight shade of blue, as…he took in all the energy of my attack! "MEGA BLUE FLARE BREATH!"
All the flames from around his body, absorbed into his own form came erupting from his maw as the hit me square in the chest. Feeling the flames burn at me, the force knocked me back into the wall. I desperately tried to put them out, whatever this attack was I could feel it eating away at my very being. Not just my armour, but my core itself!?
It then dawned on me what was going on here – somehow, he had been given the ability to attack a digimon's core directly!? I had thought that kind of attack was firmly associated with the dark lords! If…they had shared that power with the minion that served them…that was the only explanation!
I panted, growling in pain, as around me the wood began to burn, and char – hearing the crackling of kindling. I struggled to my knees, and, looking in front of me walking slowly, menacingly – a cold, hard stare in its eyes…Coredramon stood there, looking down at me, as I struggled to kneel
"Heh, hardly worth my time! I thought you legendary warriors were tough!" I couldn't believe it, I was a legendary warrior, and this wasn't what was supposed to happen! And Snow! I couldn't die yet; I still had to protect Snow, to keep him safe!
Watching him prepare for his final attack, I gripped my fist hard, ready to go down fighting if I had to!
Before I could finish I saw from the level above me a bright, warming light, bathing the room in all its glory…and then a familiar voice. I felt a new spring of energy within me, threatening to overwhelm me, and knew exactly what it meant! I looked up at the source, and saw my partner with his digi-vice out in front of him. I smiled up to Snow, nodding as flames erupted from my armour, and began to take form around me
"DIGIVOLUTION…"
"…ACTIVATE!" I finished with Snow, as the cocoon around me filled out to the level above, my wounds healing, my data refreshed – and more importantly. Ready to finish what he started
"AGUNIMON DIGIVOLVES TO…" my form erupted from the cocoon of fire, as I stood upon the burning ground of the platform, and stared down at Coredramon who had already began to back away…
"…BURNINGGREYMON" with my digi-volution complete. I looked to Snow, and smiled warmly, before launching myself once more at Coredramon, who had now lost that cocky look from before, and his expression was filled by a new one…dread, and fear.
X-X-X
I watched as the cocoon around what had been Agunimon grew out, and took out the level above him, the whole room burning with a passionate fire. It lasted only moments but it was enough to fill me with hope…with confidence we could still win this!
Seeing Agunimon's new form I had to marvel in awe. He had growl at least double, if not more so in size and took on the appearance more that of a dragon himself! Wings which looked as if they were made of fire themselves adorned his back, with a pair of wicked looking cannons on equipped to each forearm too. In addition to all this, he had also acquired a long, sleek tail too.
Looking at him like this, I did feel slightly intimidated – this beast was Agunimon, but not at the same time? This was digi-volution? Was he the same partner I knew beforehand? The same friend? Did he have the same feelings, the same objectives? I had no idea – and at the time I didn't really have much time to offer up the idea to debate – Agunimon was in trouble and something told me, inside that this was what had to happen. This was the only way I could save myself, as well as my partner and friend.
I felt some of the uncertainty disappear when he smiled up to me for a moment, before launching himself directly at Coredramon. I suppose the questions could wait until that monster was slain…at least for now we both shared the exact same objective – defeat our enemy!
The building shook violently as BurningGreymon grabbed Coredramon and dive-bombed him into the wall just below where I was standing. Having to hold what remained of the bannisters for balance. I heard a loud roar coming from him, as a moment later my partner retreated back, hovering in the centre of the room as he aimed his cannons towards, where I could only assume Coredramon was looking extremely frightened now.
For a moment, the light from above, from the broken sky dome looked as if it was all flowing into him, the tips of his weapons charging as energy was drawn into the barrel. Feeling the power from it from where I was stood, the energy, the heat was almost over-whelming!
Letting loose a feral roar, the weapons muzzle flashed. As I looked away all I heard the weapon fire, as well as a voice which was much deeper, but un-mistakably my partner
"PYRO BARRAGE!"
If the building had shook before, this time it was a quake! I fell back against the ground and pressed my back up against the wall as his attack connected. It lasted for only a short time…but by the end of it, from below I could hear Coredramon crying out in pain, and agony. I steadied myself against the wall, and looked down through the cracks in the floor, seeing the fires spreading further below as the form of the monster laid there, its image however looking as if it was fading in and out of reality?
"You think…you've won? Heh…others, will come you know? You can't win" He spoke quietly, but his words carried weight. I knew he spoke truth too, on his death bed why speak anything else. There was no doubt others were going to come at us, and if this was I could expect from it, a cold reality had hit me – this was real, and this was extremely dangerous…
"And they shall all meet the same fate" my head shot up as my train of thought was broken, seeing BurningGreymon land on the ground floor, and pointed his weapon one final time at Coredramon…knowing what was coming but not wanting to see it. I quickly got up and ran into the corridor just as I heard the shot – A single cannon shot…then silence.
It was over.
Trying to put what had just happened out of my mind; at least until I was safe I slowly and carefully made my way down the stairs. These ones being stone, so no risk of collapse at least – however all around me I could hear the sound of burning wood, and splintering frames. This building was not long left for this world, and so I picked up my pace ever so slightly.
Reaching the ground floor, I found waiting for me at the end of the short corridor was BurningGreymon. I stepped outside he just stood there as the flames from around the structure reflected off his red armour, almost making him look as if he was on fire himself. Cautiously walking up to him, I got a true sense of his scale now; standing no taller than his thigh he was truly massive, and intimidating. I felt a bit of trepidation enter my mind, as the thoughts I had previously began to slip into the forefront of my mind. He must have sensed this, as he kneeled down, and offered out his rather large hand to me, and a kind smile.
"Don't worry – I'm still your partner. I won't hurt you – remember what I said before? I would never dream of it" his wings folded down around him as his blue eyes locked with mine – seeing the same in what I saw in Agunimon's, a kindness and love reserved solely for him.
"s-Sorry – It's just you…are, so different now" I looked up to him still, but felt my heart ease slightly more now as I stood directly in front of him. I put my hand out and it met with his, his claws closing around mine. I jumped for a second, but realised he was a mon of his word. I felt the same warmth that came from Agunimon flow through his grip.
"I know you still have questions, but they will have to wait, I fear I was a little over-zealous with my fire – can you climb up on my shoulder?" I looked up and nodded my head, realising that around us a burning down rapidly.
I carefully, stepped up his knee, and, tried pulling myself up, feeling my shoulder giving out as the adrenaline began to run out and the pain return from the injuries I had sustained from Coredramon.
"Here, let me help" with the assistance of my partner, using his arm to help me reach his shoulder, I took a hold of his armour. One on his shoulder spike, and another to one of his horns on his head
"Is that, ok?" I asked, not wanting to burden him. He shook his head and chuckled
"You're light as a feather, hold on tight now!" I gripped harder, and watched as he unfurrowed his wings and, with a powerful flap we were off and away! I felt the heat from the flames disappear; to be replaced by the warmth of the evening sun as we took flight from the building. Looking down at it as the fires spread further into the rest of it. Seeing the rest of the town too – it looked, so amazing!
"We are going to land near the Inn." He angled himself forwards, and with as much haste as his take off, he prepared to make landing – seeing Lorne, Regas, Guilmon and Renamon all waiting, waving up at us.
In that one short moment, for a brief second – I felt true freedom in the air with BurningGreymon.