Shattered Light
By: Linkmaste
Chapter Nine: Diplomacy is as Good as a Dull Edged Sword
Author's Note: A quick jump back to our Tamers still in the human world to see how they're holding up-and Kenta get's his moment to comfort Jeri. I'll be frank-this was added in last minute but I felt it needed to be addressed and hopefully clear up some questions on the tournament. Poor Kenta...I love this guy-really I do. Just...he got his moment in Successors (at least he will-I'm still reediting that...)
Anyway, we're going to jump back with our Tamers in Primary Village and see what their ingenious plan to stop the Holy Angels, Demon Lords, and the Royal Knights is. I'm sure you can't tell by the chapter title...nope, not at all.
Oh, and now I will have to address the pronoun problem. Since biomerge digivoultion technically has two beings merged as one, you could either identify the mega as 'they' or 'he'/'she'. But technically, they become one being, shouldn't it be addressed as one? But, there are two beings, so it should be 'they'. Well, I'm going to use both. That's right fuck it-I'm using both. Depending on the situation on if they are talking within themselves-they will be addressed as plural. When they are one and doing actions or speaking-they are 'he' or 'she' or 'it'. Like I said, it's a bullshit scenario because the digimon creators shot themselves in the foot...I can list forever how many inconsistencies there are in the franchise.
Sarcasm and ranting over, enjoy the chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon, nor do I own Fate and Destiny. BookWormGal owns those two. I also do not own Gale-KingKaiju owns her. I own Azazel.
Destiny and Fate jumped out of the portal and onto the driveway of the Katou residence. The home was full of warm lights, and quiet chatter. Several vehicles were parked outside, and figures could be seen through the windows. Some were talking, others were staring out into the night sky. It was a fairly sized home that looked like it had nice touches to it such as hand painted wind chimes, the small shrine dedicated to Leomon, and a cherry blossom tree in the backyard. The area held a nice garden where someone had taken care of it. Shrubs were trimmed like orderly solders which lined along the back fence, and the beautiful, fragrant flowers were free of any weeds.
It was in the serene backyard that a young woman with brown hair was sitting on the grass, texting on her phone. A white digimon was beside her, trying to soothe her. He tried making silly faces, doing little dances, and even tried to sing-but nothing was working. Destiny and Fate walked closer to her, knowing they had a barrier to protect them from being seen. It was an excellent tool to use for their jobs. From there, they observed...
"Jeri, please I'm sure they're okay..." Calumon shrunk his huge white ears and whimpered a little. He hated seeing Jeri all worried and sad like this. It wasn't like her as she was more cheerful and bubbly. Jeri pounded the screen with her thumbs as she texted Takato's phone for the hundredth time, asking where he was. Him, Rika, Henry, Ai, Mako and all their digimon had gone missing since this afternoon! She sent the text and slumped pathetically on the grass. Her eyes were filled with worry and she could feel her gut twisting uncomfortably. Where had her friends gone?
"Calumon...where could they be?" Jeri asked, looking up at the sky. "Could they..." she trailed off looking at her D-Arc. Her mind snapped to the thought of them being taken into the digital world...or maybe there were kidnapped. But that made no sense, they all had digimon who we're strong. It wasn't possible all of them got kidnapped.
"Maybe they went for a really, really long walk?" Calumon suggested, plopping his body next to Jeri. She grimaced,
"I don't think so Calumon...something must have happened."
It was then that someone rushed into the backyard breathing heavily. The young man had coughed, wheezing and trying to take several gulps of air. It looked like Kenta had ran a marathon as his volunteer paramedic clothes were drenched in sweat and he was pure red in the face. Jeri stood up alarmed,
"Kenta-are you alright?"
Kenta knelt down, breathing hard. MarineAngemon had kissed his cheek and with a small heart, the young man felt revitalized. He gave a quick word of thanks to his partner and looked at Jeri with an earnest expression,
"MarineAngemon and I got a message from CalvisAngemon! We were nearby Shinjuku Park when an Angemon came out of nowhere-"
"Wait, CalvisAngemon, the leader of the Holy Angels?" Jeri asked. Kenta nodded,
"He asked if we could report to the head quarters for an important mission."
"Wha-What kind of mission? What about Takato? Guilmon?" Jeri asked, looking concerned. "Half of our friends are missing!"
"He doesn't know where they are, I asked." Kenta replied, adjusting his glasses. "But, that's not all that's weird. The digital world shut off! "
"Shut off?"
"Like it shut down! None of the portals are working and the digi-ports are busted like they won't respond! Whatever our leader wanted us to do-we can't even go see him. It's so strange. Calumon, didn't CalvisAngemon talk to you?"
Calumon looked confused at first, like he had been asked to solve world hunger. Then, his eyes sparkled as he remembered what had happened a little while ago. He let out a gasp,
"Oh, yeah! A pretty angel man came to tell me to come to the digital world! But, I said no because Jeri here was upset! He looked like a grumpy meanie then-but I didn't care. I can't leave Jeri all alone here." Calumon's explanation was happy at first but finally, he looked miserable. It wasn't a good thing that the digimon was sad-it was the happiest one around, making sure everyone was having a good time. Sometimes, he could be a little sad-especially when he didn't get his cream puffs from the bakery or when no one wanted to play with him, but he could pick himself back up with ease. This time, it looked like a black rain cloud was going to rain over his head. Jeri scooped him up,
"Calumon..."
"Well, the only ones that got through into the digital world was Suzie and Lopmon. They practically jumped into it when they heard Henry and Terriermon went missing."
"They still weren't on good terms were they?"
Kenta gave a shrug,
"I hadn't seen Henry leave Hypnos in weeks. I think...I think he was avoiding her. I hope those two are okay..."
"Me too. Suzie is still so young to be going to the digital world. Who else knows the portal's are down?" Jeri asked.
"MarineAngemon and me." Kenta looked worried over to the house. "We should tell the others..."
"We should..." Jeri's voice was faint. She looked at her house where parents, and other Tamers were inside.
Once Jeri couldn't get hold of her boyfriend, she tried getting Henry but he wasn't there at the Expo. Neither was Rika. There she managed to get Kazu and Kenta to search the whole area despite Kazu's protests of competing in the tournament-which to his dismay got cancelled. It turned out that the splash damage would have been too great and the audience could have gotten hurt.
On the brighter side, the final match was between Canadian Tamer Cam Seleski, with his partner Agumon and an American Tamer named Gale with Ryudamon. It was a pretty neat match with lots of clever tactics and power. In the end, Gale and Ryudamon won and took the money.
It was then that Jeri knew something was very wrong. Rika should have been there for her match and Henry didn't arrive to congratulate the American Tamer and her partner. Takato's parents were worried and asked Jeri if she had seen their son. She explained she had been looking for them for hours. By the evening, it had turned into a full search with Ryo, Monodramon, Kazu, Gaurdromon, Kenta, MarineAngemon, Suzie, Lopmon, Jeri, Calumon and even some other Tamers helped with the search. Yu had sent out Hana to look around the city, even ask some contacts in Tokyo. Police was contacted and a missing persons reports were filed. All they could do is keep their ears peeled, phones close, and wait. That was hardest part. Waiting was always the hardest part in times like these.
"Takato's a strong guy," Kenta gave his friend an assuring hug. "I know him and Guilmon are okay."
"Thanks, Kenta." Jeri hugged back tightly, comforted by the gentle Tamer. "I'm glad I have friends like you to look out for us."
"Uh, thanks Jer." blushed Kenta. He wasn't used to getting open complements like that. Fumbling with his next words, he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Pi, pi, pi!" MarineAngemon tugged Kenta's jacket.
"O-Oh right, sorry MarineAngemon. Jeri, let's go inside and tell everyone."
With that, the three walked into the home. Destiny and Fate stood by idly watching the house, taking in the moment of silence. Then, the purple rookie digimon disrupted it.
"Dee," Fate asked turning to his partner. "Are you sure we can't just tell them a little of what's going on."
"You know the rules."
"Rules suck! Everyone's clearly worried about them! We can't just give a sign-or a riddle-or something?" Fate looked flustered, erratically moving his hands and tail as he tried to come up with some kind of loophole, or solution. Unfortunately, their orders were clear. Observe and ensure Suzie and Lopmon made it into the portal. No giving away any information to the others.
"We can't Fate."
While the digital world was closed officially, the two had special portals-almost like finding a back door to a building or a secret entrance way. Data is manipulated in a different way for the two and things that could be impossible to someone, was just a little bit of a hiccup to the duo. They could even jump dimensions and realities if they wanted to-not just worlds.
Fate made an annoyed sigh, "I don't know-just-ugh." The digimon let his shoulder slump. "Let's just move on, I don't wanna watch this anymore. We got what we came for. Those two made it into the digital world."
With that, they jumped back into the portal to their next task.
Dominimon had a strict routine since it had became the sole guardian of Primary Village. Every day, after a night of patrolling, it would attend to any security issues the barriers might have acquired and fixed them. Afterwards, it had to account for all eggs and baby digimon in the village. Walking through the eggs, it was pleased that none had stirred through the night. The fresh digimon were still sleeping soundly, snuggled up one another for protection and warmth. A rush of pride made Dominimon smile. It was a good guardian, despite various jokes and prods made to it from older comrades back in the good old days. It remembered the first day coming to the village:
"Welcome, it is always good to have another comrade here in the village. Please follow me, and I'll show you around." A Dominimon spoke, patting the newly arrived guardian. Walking behind, the smaller Dominimon looked slightly nervous at the taller and older Dominimon. While they did not have any digivoultions, its strength resembled that of a rookie. It was nothing compared to this mega leveled Dominimon. It turned its head to speak to the newbie,
"Are you excited to be here?"
"Well, I suppose I am. I just have this…insecurity about baby digimon. I don't know if they will like me."
The mega Dominimon let out a hardy laugh that boomed loudly. A few Dominimon cuddling with their assigned eggs, glared at the laughing gaurdian before resuming to the task at hand. Dominimon put an assuring hand on the new arrival.
"Everyone here was the same way, I can ease your worry there. Come, we shall meet some newly hatched digimon. Sink or swim!"
The two strolled through the peaceful village, bypassing willow trees, and following the river down to a 'pen' area full of fresh digimon. Their squished bodies were tumbling on top of one another to take a look at the new Dominimon. The rookie level guardian gave a slight hesitation before reaching out a hand. The curious digimon sniffed it, taking a moment to become familiar to its scent. Like the others, it smelled like metal but a calming lavender scent lingered with it. As well, a refreshing zest of lemon came with this particular Dominimon. With a squeal of happiness, several of them attached themselves to the new Dominimon, who staggered back in surprise. The love and affection warmed it, making it laugh.
"Please, calm yourselves. I am here to take care of you as your guardian, children."
To the mega levelled guardian, this Dominimon would make an excellent addition to the team. Especially with the problems it had with those three groups. No matter what, the village had to be kept safe.
Dominimon heard several voices bursting into the quiet morning. It belong to no one else but those humans and their digimon. Any louder, and the little ones would be roused from their slumber-which was not on routine. With an annoyed sigh, it decided to see what the commotion was all about. It walked along the eggs, bypassing some that served as a landmark where it left the group to their sleep. With a turn, it passed a willow tree to see the group.
The girl and her partner, a Renamon, were standing by idly, crossing their arms. They seemed to have an expression that resembled annoyance towards the others. The one strange human with goggles was shouting at the other human with dark hair. As Dominimon walked closer, the dialogue between the two was pronounced.
"You don't have to yell at Guilmon like that, Henry! He's still learning things and didn't mean to make it sound rude. It was just a question-"
"A question that was none of his business. I said I'm fine. Don't ask me again." snapped Henry. He turned on his heel and marched away, with the Terriermon running after him, calling out. The goggle head teen sat down, shaking his head, and holding it.
"Excuse me," Dominimon announced, stepping forward. "I may allow you all to be here, but that does not mean you may shout and scream-awaking my children. What is the commotion?"
The boy that had the goggles upon his head, had looked up and mumbled a sorry. Picking at the grass, he mentioned that Henry had lost his father recently, and Guilmon had made an awkward question about it. Then, he snapped and caused the string of shouting and cursing that Dominimon had heard.
"He's trying to pretend he's okay. Henry just needs more time, Takato." The red head said placing a hand on Takato's shoulder. She looked up to Dominimon, "We're sorry about the noise. Did any of the digimon wake up?"
"Thankfully, no. They can sleep through a lot of things. Have you found a strategy to help defend the village?"
Takato stood up and told Dominimon about talking to each of the three groups. Diplomacy was a better strategy than just waiting around for them to show up at the door. If they could convince them to leave Primary Village alone-then the matter would be resolved. Dominimon learned that Takato and Guilmon was a Royal Knight-as Gallantmon. With a tense voice, the guardian put up a hand.
"I do not like the idea of a Royal Knight being here. Even though you have been kind and unthreatening, I must ask you not to return here unless it is absolutely necessary. Digimon and humans leaving and entering here can cause unwanted attraction. Do I make myself clear?"
"We understand. We're just about to leave." Renamon made her eyes connect with Dominimon in understanding. "How may we depart from here?"
"I will arrange a data stream to take you where you need to go. It isn't simple, but I am capable of changing the course of it. Collect your other friends and meet me up north near the statue. I will be there waiting."
An half hour later, everyone had arrived to the statue of a large digi-egg and Dominimon was there awaiting them impatiently. It was pacing around the statue, mumbling to itself about schedules and which digi-eggs need to be tended to. It perked it's mood when it saw they were eager to leave and start their mission.
"Where will you all be going?"
"Guilmon and I will be heading to the Royal Palace. We're going to talk to the Royal Knights." Takato announced, holding a grim expression.
"Rika and I will be going to see the Demon Lords, so we will head to Lucemon's Castle." Renamon made her statement known but Dominimon could sense a twinge of dismay and bitterness. It guessed they were not happy with the task of talking to Demon Lords.
"And we will be flying to see the Holy Angels. I hope they will let us through." Henry muttered. The Terriermon shouted 'Momentai' and made a joke about not receiving the crappy end of the stick. Rika growled at Terriermon and made a threat.
"Alright, enough," silenced Dominimon. "You all argue like a couple of Kiimon. I will send you all at once to each of your location. I hope for the village's sake, we do not meet again."
"We do as well. Thank you again for your hospitality, Dominimon. You make an excellent guardian."
If Dominimon could blush, then it would have at the Renamon's complement. Faltering a little, it replied a 'thank you' and clasped it's hands. With a flash of pink light, each pair were sent to their own location, dealing with the task of diplomacy. Dominimon called out the command loudly, using its power,
"Data Stream activate! To the Royal Palace! To Lucemon's Castle! To the Holy Sanctuary!
Gallantmon stared at the Royal Palace with awe. It has been awhile since he had returned to where he met with Alphamon the first time. The various parts of the building was built with light stone and trims of darker rock, making it vibrant. Red, white, and blue flags were presented near the front gate, showing the crest of the Royal Knights. It was a large place, with various sections as high as a sky scraper back in Shinjuku, and some as low as a house. Outside, a few Knightmon were standing guard, watching Gallantmon.
"Here we go." Takato and Guilmon muttered together. They were excited and nervous to be back. Alphamon was considered a friend to them and had a good head on his shoulders. Surly, he would listen to them.
"Attention! Sir Gallantmon!" Knightmon called, giving a proper salute. Gallantmon faltered a little but returned the salute. "It is a honour to see you! May you require an escort today?"
"Um, sure. That would be nice, thank you."
"Are you to see someone?"
"I am here to see Alpha-I mean Sir Alphamon." Gallantmon corrected himself. No need to offend Alphamon before meeting him again.
Knightmon nodded and with a loud whistle, called out for someone to escort the knight mega. A few minutes later, a white PawnChessmon ran out, breathing heavily.
"Forgive me for the wait, Sir Gallantmon! Please, follow me."
"Uh, okay." Gallantmon looked at who was escorting him. He was a small digimon with white amour covering his body. A tiny spear and shield was equipped to him but sheathed. His face was concealed completely by a full helmet that had a golden feathered plume perched upon his head.
They walked through the grand wooden doors of the palace, where ornate rugs of a royal blue colour covered the marble floor. Upon the marble pillars, were dark blue banners with gold trimming. A large double staircase was in the foyer, lined with more rugs and décor. A large portrait of Alphamon was at the top of the grand staircase-posed noble and regal. Even as just a painting, Alphamon possessed great power and leadership just by his appearance.
"Sir Alphamon will be glad to see you. He has been preparing us for battle." PawnChessmon chatted nervously, glancing back at Gallantmon every few seconds.
"Battle?"
"Well, we found the secret Primary Village, sir. Can you believe that? Alphamon told us we need to claim it as soon as we can and protect our unborn brothers and sisters. Who knows what would happen if a Demon Lord came across it. I wouldn't know what to do if I ever met one."
Somehow, Gallantmon couldn't bring himself to explain that the Demon Lords were not necessarily 'evil'. Sure, they were rude like Beelzemon, or liked to stir trouble like Lilithmon, but in the end, they had to protect the world too-just like the Knights did.
The white and red knight looked at several more paintings of the Royal Knights. An older painting of the original group was near the end of the hall, all posed together. It looked strange to Gallantmon with all the knights there posed rigidly. Their eyes were cold and distant-not wanting to unveil their true personalities. Gallantmon almost forgot that he was supposed to be following PawnChessmon, and ran to the door where he waiting patiently. Coughing, he told Gallantmon to wait.
The grand door opened and the small digimon stepped inside. Guilmon took this time to ask Takato what they were going to say.
"I have no idea, Guilmon. I guess we start by saying we should keep it a secret."
"What if he doesn't want to keep it a secret? By the sounds of it, he wants to prepare for battle! I really don't want to fight, Takatomon. Haven't we done that enough already?"
"Yes, we have Guilmon. We'll have to make sure he knows that."
The duo ceasing their talking when both wooden doors opened and berthed for Gallantmon to enter. Cautiously, he did. Gallantmon's strides turned into more pronounced ones. He was a Royal Knight, and he was going to act like it.
Inside, it was more like an office than a throne room. It was long room, and a desk was at the end instead of a throne. It was polished wood with golden trim, large enough to hold the leader of the Royal Knights, who was sitting at the other end. Fire torches crackled lazily, and sunlight streamed through the stain glass windows providing a beautiful rainbow light to shine throughout the room. PawnChessmon shouted,
"Presenting, Sir Gallantmon!"
"Thank you PawnChessmon, you are excused." The black and gold amour digimon waved a hand. The little white digimon bowed and left, without another word. When the double doors closed and the Knightmon returned at attention, Alphamon rose from his seat.
He had looked the same since Gallantmon last saw him. Still sanding with poise of a lion, grand and lethal. His black amour shone brilliantly, vacant of any nicks or dents that were there last time. His amber eyes stared confidently into Gallantmon's. A few seconds later, Alphamon raised his arms,
"Praise the digi-gods! I was about to summon for you, Gallantmon!" He gave the white and red knight a tight bear hug, making the squeeze uncomfortable for Gallantmon. He forgot Alphamon was a hugger. "You have heard, eh? The good news on Primary Village, I trust you know. The whole castle's talking about it."
"Yeah, we heard. But Alphamon, that's why we are here-"
"How are the others? Crusadermon? Omnimon? I admit, it is strange not all of our brothers and sisters are here at the Palace-but alas, they have places to be. We keep our hold here very well."
The questions were annoying Gallantmon. He did not come here to do small talk!
"They are well. I learned you're preparing for battle? After such a short amount of time." Gallantmon walked around, looking at one of the stained glass windows that reflected beautiful colours of gold, emerald green and cerulean blue. It depicted Magnamon battling a hand of UltimateChaosmon valiantly.
"Alas, the world goes on. We need to make sure, Primary Village is protected and our digi-eggs are safe." Alphamon stood beside the white and red knight.
"Alphamon," Gallantmon began trying to pick his words very carefully. This was it. "Do you think it is...wise that we rush into Primary Village? Dominimon is very territorial and protective of its children."
For a second, the mega didn't think Alphamon heard him. Then, he rumbled in a deep voice.
"You are unsure about my leadership, Gallantmon? What are you not telling me?"
Gallantmon turned around, whipping his red cape behind. With a grim expression, the knight digimon explained their predicament, how the other two groups would feel that the knights would rule over the future of their digimon kind. In conclusion, Gallantmon understood Alphamon's initiative.
"In the end, I think we should just leave the place be. Dominimon has been doing a good job."
"I understand your concern. However, I need to you to think about this. If we do not claim that village, then who's to say the Demon Lords won't? Or the Holy Angels? We are indifferent to all kinds of digimon, of course. But, there has to be order. The place is simply too important not to ignore. I apologize Gallantmon, but I can not stand down on this decision. Our group will march forward. I was hoping I could convince you to come with us."
It felt strange-like for a split second, both Takato and Guilmon wanted to agree with Alphamon and do what was right. Then, it sadly dawned on them. A part of them were bound to the Royal Knights and it would be like slapping Alphamon in the face if they refused. Confused, Takato turned inward to consult Guilmon.
"What are we going to do, Guilmon?"
"I think we should at all costs protect those digi-eggs. A life is a life."
Takato smiled.
"Sometimes, you have some pretty neat wisdom."
"It's those Nutella pockets Lindy gave me. They make me smarter," Guilmon said in a matter of fact voice. "Do you think we can find more when we go home?"
Well, there goes his wisdom. Takato laughed and the duo joined as Gallantmon. Firmly, he stated he will try to find a solution to the problem before the Royal Knights began their quest. He asked Alphamon how much time they had. The leader of the Royal Knights let out a grunt folding his arms and staring at the same blue and green stained window in engrossment. His voice rumbled,
"Three weeks, Gallantmon. Then we will leave."
Deep within the depths of Lucemon's castle, was the grande council of the Seven Great Demon Lords. It was a dark and sickening place to any sensible 'mon. The dark halls, the cold drafts, the screams of agony within the dungeons-it would make anyone tremble in fear and run away.
All except a pissed off Sakyuamon, who was dragging a DemiDevimon through the castle, threatening to rip off his little wings if she didn't see Lucemon CM.
"Ah! Quit it! I swear-I was just told-"
"I asked you nicely and I am losing patience." growled Sakyuamon. The shaman mega was not in the mood for the antics. Virus digimon in the castle loved to cause trouble or be mean spirited and this DemiDevimon was no different. When the bat digimon toured her through another part of the empty castle, she changed from annoyed, to infuriated. Her hand gripped the bat digimon and brought him close to her face.
It was the bat digimon's lucky day as a voice brought the shaman out of her thoughts of torture. There Lucemon CM stood with a raised eye brow and a smirk. Behind, Lilithmon prowled giving a flirty wink to Sakyuamon.
"Easy Lilithmon, she looks like she had enough fun today. DemiDevimon, you are excused." The tall demon digimon waved a hand lazily and walked into the hallway from where he came. With all the confusing twists and turns of the castle, Sakyuamon did not waste any time to follow. Her heels clicked rhythmically, echoing in the corridor. Flames were lined along, creating a eerie green glow. Creepy factor was high in this place Rika thought. Renamon told her to stay on track, even though they helped out with UltimateChaosmon, it was not quite certain where the Demon Lords lay between peace and war.
Lucemon CM lead Sakyuamon and Lilithmon into his chambers which was a dark throne room. Decorated to describe the Demon Lords as what everyone thought what they were: dark, over dramatic, and a little tacky. Even a few Devidramon were stationed behind Lucemon CM's throne, growling at the presence of Sakyuamon. Lucemon CM spun around and with smooth grace, sat down on the throne and folded his hands.
"It is nice to have some company here," Lilithmon spoke in her usual salaciousness tone. Lilithmon licked her lips. "We were getting bored with just playing with ourselves."
"Do you think we can just speak alone?" asked Sakyuamon, fighting the urge to smack the demon of lust. She just wanted to get under her skin. Lucemon CM nodded and sent Lilithmon away. With visible annoyance, she parted. Not without grumbling about "never being able to have fun."
"I apologize for my servant's behaviour. It indeed has been a long time since someone has paid us a visit, I was not being amusing on that. It is strange that you have come. What is the meaning of your visit, Sakyuamon?"
"We wish to discuss with you about Primary Village. You have heard of it, we presume." Sakyuamon stood proudly. When dealing with the demon of pride, one must show confidence and self-control. The shaman digimon had plentiful amount of both. Lucemon CM raised an eyebrow.
"Why, yes I have heard of it. In fact, I was about to hold a meeting with the others. I suppose you came to warn us against pursuing the village?"
"You know how it would look for the Demon Lords to have control of Primary Village. It would cause an uproar. What you seek to control, cannot be controlled." Her lips twitched into a smirk. Sakyuamon just quoted a part of the prophecy.
Lucemon CM sighed and stood up from his ornate throne. With a snap of his fingers, he was brought forth a Devimon who stood stoic.
"Everyone here?"
"Indeed, my Lord." replied the devil like digimon. "They await your presence."
"Good, you may leave. Try to keep them entertained. Any word on Lord Beelzemon or Lord Daemon?"
"Lord Daemon declined and Lord Beelzemon has not been seen." The last part was spat out with disgust. Lucemon CM made a face but turned away.
"Very well. Thank you, Devimon."
"Wait!" Renamon spoke out, surprising Rika. Her voice perked slightly, almost concerned. "You said Beelzemon was not found? May I ask where you looked to seek for him?"
"Why at that 'Tamer Expo' you were hosting. I sent some of my servants down there to bring him here about our meeting. It isn't too hard to find him. He does have a reputation for being loud and obnoxious."
"And no where you could find him?"
"While I am interested in playing twenty questions with a beauty like you-why are you so damn persistent with him? He can't be found. I had my 'mon look for him. Either, he went off the grid as his human form very well, or he simply does not want to be found. I can't control what the demon of gluttony wants to do. I'm a little more angry that Lord Daemon declined, those two are walking a thin line."
He was referring to Luke Gilliss and Bakemon-the two that were chosen to be the demon of wrath. They were not very excited to be a Demon Lord, and would rather just start their auto shop and be with Marianna and Tiguramon.
Inwards, Renamon spoke to Rika with an uneasy tone. The fox digimon always had a watchful eye over the imp, even after all this time. It became a habit of Renamon to stop by and made sure he was not causing too much trouble. The fact that he had gone missing was not normal.
"Renamon, let's focus on this first. We will worry about Beelzemon later."
"You are right Rika, I'm sorry."
Rika settled Renamon's worry by saying that he was fine and the two focused together as Sakyuamon to talk to Lucemon CM.
"We will keep an ear out for Lord Beelzemon. However, you need to think about the consequences of pursuing Primary Village. The Royal Knights and Holy Angels will not stand down for this! They will think you are going to destroy everything-"
"WHY IS IT YOU DIGIMON THINK WE ALWAYS DESTORY?!" Bellowed Lucemon CM. His eyes showed great anger, making Sakyuamon take a step back. The power was just a taste of what he was capable of. With a quieter voice that was still in outrage, he chastised the mega, "We want to protect our digimon too! Our kind are still getting deleted for being virus digimon. What do you think will happen if the Holy Angels will gain control over the village? They will either try to destroy the eggs of our kind, or worse-try to enslave them! Make them 'see the light'. Sakyuamon, we have every right to exist. You can not deny us that."
It was a conflict. Did virus digimon simply had no right to exist because of something in their code? If so, that would mean digimon like Guilmon, Impmon or even Lindy didn't have the right to exist. It was quite a predicament.
"And may I need to remind you that virus digimon are not only capable of doing such evil things? I can name those that caused chaos in the digital world that were not even digimon! Erika Rose? D-Reaper? You are an even bigger fool to think that everyone else is innocent!"
Sakyuamon felt defeated. There was going to be no way to change his mind. He wanted to protect his own kind. A selfish reason, but a reason nonetheless.
"Is there any way I can convince you other wise to hold off the plan to capture Primary Village?" The mega asked, changing into a soft voice. "Putting the three groups in conflict is something we do not wish to happen. Friends will be put against each other-even lovers."
"The needs of our kind outweigh the pettiness of 'alliances'. If we have to go to war to protect virus digimon, then we will go to war. We do not care for our appearance but we will be feared and not easy to mess around with. Is that all?"
Lucemon CM strolled down the hallway, showing Sakyuamon the front entrance of his castle. The lord's dark blue eyes were cold and hard, but somehow the mega could sense some sympathy for the shaman's predicament. Perhaps, he wanted a word of luck to the two but his pride had the best of him.
"One more thing. How long until you will strike?"
The Demon Lord leader gave his final words of goodbye and spoke in such morose, it was like he was a doctor giving his patient a life threatening diagnosis.
"Three weeks, Sakyuamon. You have three weeks."
One cloud.
"Thirty-three."
Another cloud.
"Thirty-four."
Another cloud.
"Thirty-five!"
"Terriermon...please. Enough counting clouds." Henry groaned from within MegaGargomon. Even within the bonds of being in their mega form, Terriermon seemed to have a knack of annoying his Tamer playfully.
"Sorry, Hen. It's just that we have been waiting forever for ClavisAngemon." The new leader of the Holy Angels was running late.
The welcoming was gracious, even delightful. It was Magnadramon who opened the door, a pink, dragon digimon that almost was big as MegaGargomon himself. She let them into the open courtyard, where beneath the skies, flowers grew large and beautiful. The whole sanctuary was peaceful and serene. White marble buildings lined with green grass. White, puffy, clouds decorating the skies and around them. A group of Patamon were meditating peaceful off to the side, paying no heed to the large, green digimon. It was even easier to breathe up high in the sky sanctuary, much to Henry's surprise.
"Patience is a virtue, Terriermon. We are going to need it." spoke Henry, calmly. The mega knelt, trying to take in the peace and zen of the sanctuary. It would work if Terriermon didn't fluster up bountiful amounts of energy.
"You needed it back in Primary Village. Henry, are you okay? You can talk to me you know." the pleading would had made Henry wince. It was pretty useless to hide his feelings while biomerged with Terriermon. Combined, they were both open books.
"I'm...hurt. It's not easy to get used to the fact that my dad is gone. It seems like yesterday he was with me at breakfast, and now...he's not."
"Henry! He's always with us. In spirit, just like your mom said. And you're not alone in the pain, I want to help you too. You're my partner and I really liked your dad."
The Tamer smiled fondly. Inside, he felt a little better with Terriermon's comfort. Still, the memory of Janyu Wong stung and made Henry become more protective of his siblings and family. Especially Suzie.
"MegaGargomon?" a soft voice spoke.
The mega twisted around to see a digimon that resembled an Angemon. However, he was decorated with white and gold clothing, and a key blade rested upon his hip, unused. No hair showed from his helm which was white, gold and red. Mechanical wings rested upon his back and a gold cross was adorned across his chest. The gentle leader of the Holy Angels smiled, and gave a bow.
"I apologize for my lateness. I was preoccupied with a meeting. How may I be of assistance to you?"
"It is nice to meet you under normal circumstances, CalvisAngemon." replied MegaGargomon in a pleasant voice. "We wish to talk to you about Primary Village."
The smile disappeared from CalvisAngemon's lips instantly. His body looked more tired all of a sudden, as his shoulder slumped and his wings fell a little. The mega held out a hand towards the cluster of white buildings beside the Patamon group.
"Might we go to our office and speak about this? I'm afraid it is not big enough to hold your form."
MegaGargomon nodded and with a burst of light, changed back into Terriermon and Henry. CalvisAngemon gave a look of awe at the sight.
"It is still amazing that can occur between the bonds of Tamer and digimon. I need to have another encounter with my brothers and sisters of the group that have a Tamer. I'm afraid I am still ignorant of many things, despite my will to research. Come with me, I will prepare some tea."
Inside CalvisAngemon's office, it was studious with many books and scrolls full of knowledge and stories. Henry looked around, impressed with the collections. There were scrolls depicting ancient times in the digital world, copies of the Quran and other human religion, and even profound literature from around the world. CalvisAngemon saw Henry's curiosity and settled the tea down.
"I like to collect literature. It is a nice past-time whenever I have a break from being leader of the angels. Do you read?"
"Yes, quite a lot actually." replied Henry sitting down with Terriermon, accepting some tea. "Thank you."
The angel digimon sat down across them, not with a desk in front of them but empty space. Desks always seem to formal, so he decided to get rid of it and make everything more casual. Couches were put in, with comfy pillows and soft colours of red and white.
"That was something the old Lindenmon would never stand for. She loved making sure everything was formal and polite." CalvisAngemon smiled fondly at the memory but then frowned, remembering why the two in front of him were present. "Let's talk about Primary Village. Why don't you tell me what you already know."
"Well, from what we learned it is a rebirth place. All digimon who were deleted and had their data let go, return there to change into eggs and the cycle begins again. Until recently it was unknown to us all. We wanted to come and talk to you about letting the village stay unsoverigned by the three groups. My friends are talking to the Demon Lords and the Royal Knights as we speak. CalvisAngemon, it is not hard to see why you should not try to claim Primary Village. It's fine on it's own."
"Besides, this is a sweet place. I can get used to living in the sky." Terriermon complemented, gulping his entire tea. CalvisAngemon gave a little laugh at the bunny digimon and let his arms rest on his knees, leaning forward to Henry.
"I can believe that right now, Primary Village is safe. However, learning that our kind is rebirthed there-and that knowledge is upon the Demon Lords and Royal Knight's minds... it makes us uneasy. What would happen if they decide that vaccine digimon shouldn't be allowed to live? We would have no defence against it, and this Dominimon is excepted to fight Demon Lords, and Royal Knights? It is a silly thought."
"They wouldn't do that." Terriermon frowned, taking on a sombre tone. "All digimon are born there. It would be a dumb move for the others to just attack it."
"But they seek to control it." replied the angel digimon, sipping his tea slowly. Grimacing, he added a cube of sugar. "And that worries me. What they seek to control, cannot be controlled. It is life."
The wisdom sparked surprise through Henry and Terriermon.
Henry folded his hands calmly.
"So, you are not interested in harming virus digimon?"
"No," replied CalvisAngemon curtly. "I am not. I seek to monitor the activity of it. Ensure that digimon are not being...influenced by the Demon Lords or recruited straightaway by the Royal Knights. We understand there is a balance and it needs to be kept. Simply deleting the virus digimon would be...unethical."
"Why are you going to strike the village then? Do you want those eggs to be in danger?" asked Terriermon, standing up. His beady, black eyes glared at the mega, unconcerned that he was speaking at an Holy Angel.
"I am only responding to what the Holy Knights and Demon Lords are doing. If they stand down, then I will as well. However, it is impossible to speak sense to Lucemon, and Alphamon is very stubborn. Therefore, I will bring Mangdramon and some of my trusted brothers and sisters and we will make our stand there. The needs of many outweigh the needs of the few. I summoned Lindenmon to come but no one has seen her in the human world. It is strange, like she disappeared completely."
"That's impossible. We have seen her yesterday when we hosted the Tamers Exposition. She was there kicking her boyfriend's butt." Terriermon gulped some more tea. Henry frowned.
"I still need to lecture her and Impmon on changing like that at the match. They could have hurt a lot of people going mega."
"My brethren told me she was not there. Nor in Canada, nor anywhere in the digital world. If you do see her, please send her to me. I already called upon Cherubimon, Calumon, Ophanimon, and Seraphimon. So far, only Cherubimon replied saying she will arrive as soon as they can. If I remember correctly, Suzie is your sister Henry?"
"Yes, she is. She shouldn't be coming here." Henry warned, shaking his head. "I understand she has her role as an Holy Angel, but she's just a kid."
"Henry-" Terriermon was cut off by CalvisAngemon's voice.
"You are a brother, it is understandable that you want to protect your sister. However, she has her duty to help us out. And Lopmon is bounded as well. They will fight with us at Primary Village if it is necessary. Even to the death-"
The angel digimon did not notice Henry's tight grip on his tea cup, nor did he notice the tense shoulders hunching, a trait that Henry had when he was getting angry. It was when Henry slammed the tea cup down on the table beside him and departed without saying another word that caused the angel to stop his discussion in surprise and stand up. Terriermon held up an ear to the leader.
"Trust me, you do not want to chase after him. It's been...rough between him and Suzie. You sure don't know any 'tact'." The word made Terriermon almost laugh. There he was telling an angel mon that he didn't have any tact. "Is there a certain time when you're leaving to Primary Village?"
"Well, we heard three weeks from some scouts that were watching Alphamon so that would be our time. I hope it will not come to violence. It is not our nature to fight, but if we must..." CalvisAngemon shook Terriermon's ear in politeness. "Keep your Tamer safe. And please, let him know I am sorry for offending him."
"Will do."
Terriermon left, chasing after Henry. He did not notice a robed man standing idly by, eyes glowing bright yellow. He strolled into the office watching CalvisAngemon clearing away the tea.
"Humans. So...temperamental. I don't know how you can stand it, CalvisAngemon."
"I thought we were finished with our meeting, Azazel." The tone took on a defensive edge. CalvisAngemon subconsciously felt his hand trace the key blade on his hip. "Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"
"Just overhearing bits and pieces. Nothing to be concerned about. Anyway, I need to get things moving." Azazel came forward, making CalvisAngemon very uncomfortable. He reached for his key blade while Azazel dug into his robe to have something closed upon his fist.
"What are you-
"Shattered Light!"
The dust that was tossed from the mysterious being's hand and glittered over CalvisAngemon's body, making him tense and seize up. A few grunts came from CalvisAngemon and all went quiet.
Humming happily, Azazel sat down and put some sugar into a fresh cup of tea. He stirred the tea and took a sip. Summer berry-a favourite of his. Nonchalantly, Azazel spoke and gazed around the study,
"Oh, CalvisAngemon." he stirred his tea. "Be a dear and let me know when Cherubimon arrives. I need to prepare Suzie before she has her family reunion with her dear brother."
Author's Notes: Well, that didn't go well. Diplomacy didn't solve any problems here.
So, as I'm writing dialogue for Alphamon, suddenly I heard Mufasa (James Earl Jones) from Lion King pop into my head. If I had to give Lucemon CM a voice actor I would say Clancy Brown (Lex Luthor), and CalvisAngemon would get Dave Mallow-you know the Angemon voice actor from Season 1. Okay, I'll stop giving characters voice actors-you should have your own voice in your head already.
Also, it makes sense that some Champion digimon might cause problems at the tournament. Imagine a Birdramon trying to battle against a Gatomon. So, they had to play it by ear to see if it would work-turns out it didn't. That happens in tournaments especially something like this that has never been done before.
See you later!