A Digimon Frontier Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez
Author's Notes:
Ah, I am so glad to be able to update this fanfic today. I had thought that I would not make it on the deadline I have set myself.
Anyways, this is a wee bit longer (okay, maybe not a 'wee' bit) than the previous chapter. For this chapter, I hoped to allow everyone to read and know a little bit more about the history between Lumina and Chaos. I want everyone to catch a glimpse of how they once were and how things ended up the way it did.
Anyways, you guys will understand once you read the whole thing. So, on that note, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
End of Author's Notes
The Rabbit on the Moon
The Price of Arrogance
In pride, in reas'ning pride, our error lies;
All quit their spere, and rush into the skies!
Pride still is aiming at the blessed abodes,
Men would be Angels, Angels would be Gods.
Aspiring to be Gods if Angels fell,
Aspiring to be Angels men rebel.
- Alexander Pope
"Humans are queer creatures, don't you think?" A man with hair that has the color of all known shades of red spoke, his eyes, golden and somewhat feral, stared at a large basin atop an intricately designed pedestal. He wore an armor that could have made armor-smith's mouth water, for it would be something they would not be able to make.
The armor sparkled with and dimmed, as if it were made of night sky and then exploded into color, like dawn. Any normal person's eyes would have been destroyed by such spectacle in his garments but, it did not seem to bother the person this man was talking to.
A black circlet wrapped itself around his forehead, the runic and ancient symbol of the sun, death and rebirth were etched on it.
His skin was like the color of honey, and his complexion was fair. He was a handsome man but, he was no mortal.
"I find them fascinating and intriguing creatures." The woman standing beside him said. She too starred at the large basin made of pure and precious celestial gold.
The man laughed, his laugh was vibrant and strong. "You find all creatures fascinating and interesting, Lumina."
The Goddess turned her attention towards the man and said, "And you do not find them such, Chaos?"
"Their lives are fleeting, even the Elven Folks." Chaos said. "What is it that makes them interesting to you, dear sister? The humans, the elven, and all the creatures we have created are so short-lived, their minds fail to comprehend the most important of things, and they are fragile. I see nothing worth mentioning other than that."
"Then you are blind, Chaos." Lumina sighed. "If you could only walk among them and feel the things as they do then, perhaps, you will then find the beauty and wander in them."
"Then maybe you should let me walk freely among them and not confine me in this place." Said Chaos grumpily.
"And risk the destruction that may occur in the world when you do?" Lumina retorted, they had had this discussion before and yet, no matter how many times she forbade him, Chaos continued to show his desire to walk on the world below. "We cannot risk it, Chaos. Though God of Rebirth you may be, you are also the God of Destruction."
"And I have the great Celestials to thank for that." Chaos said which as much sarcasm as he could muster as he remembered the Celestials that gave birth to them.
He whirled around, blocking an attack that was directed at him. A powerful attack that, if he had been weak, would have spelled his doom.
The energy from the attack dissipated at the impact of his gloved hand. Using his own powers, he converted her attack into energy to use at his own disposal. Yes, that was one of his powers, nay, his ability.
Lumina seemed undeterred as Chaos reminded him of what he can do and reminded him that he was not just the God of Darkness and Destruction but of Rebirth as well.
The Crystal Castle of Lunesca is now only a fraction of the beauty it once was, as shattered walls and remnants of collapsed pillars littered the floor. Holes the size of elephants allowed them a glimpse of the view outside the castle with the distant world of Endlessia looming in the panorama.
Of course, no matter how ruined the great castle was, Lumina could easily repair it with her magic as soon as the battle was over and won. This allowed her to unleash her power upon Chaos and Chaos upon her.
"If that is the extent of your power," Chaos said, in a disappointed and mocking tone. "then I have to say that I won't feel as much achievement as I would have thought in defeating you, dear sister."
Lumina did not reply, however, he made known to him that she did not like what he said by sending an array of attacks using all known elements at him. Her attacks were not only fast and unrelenting but much more powerful than before, sending Chaos crashing to the other side of the great hall and causing another part of the Crystal Castle's wall to crumble.
Chaos laughed as he stood, wiping away the blood that had trickled down his chin from a wound in his mouth. He may be a god but he was still using the body of Seraphim, a mortal.
He knew that, unless he can ascend the stairs and place his hand upon his throne to regain his godly form, he would not pose much of a threat to Lumina. He also knew that at the rate he was going, Lumina could very well prevail in defending the throne from him. He needed to come up with something that would make the goddess drop her guard and allow him the chance to climb the stairs and sit into his throne.
The question now was: What can give him that opportunity?
Chaos hated every moment of it. He hated having to watch over Lunesca and Endlessia every time Lumina decided to thread in the mortal world. He hated watching her sister give up her power from time to time in order to become a mortal and live amongst humans and the other lesser races. He hated seeing his sibling and fellow god and guardian of Endlessia fall in love with a mortal man - human or elven - and give birth to a demi-god, a halfling. He hated being helpless and unable to interfere when death takes the toll on her mortal self before regaining her godly powers and form.
Yet, underneath all of that hate which he had came to know and accept as part of his being, he knew that, more than anything, he was jealous of her.
He was jealous that she can walk among those that they had created and be one of them. He was jealous that she can learn so much about them. He was jealous that mortals loved her as a mortal, even when they are unaware that she was the Goddess of Light.
Whether she was in her mortal or godly form, people loved and adored Lumina. Whereas, people feared and were wary of him. Of course, he felt he understood why. He was the God of Darkness, Destruction and Rebirth. Although, many fail to remember the rebirth part of his title.
Even though he understood, he could not help but be jealous. Lumina can do as she pleased while he was locked and forbidden from entering the world of mortals.
He had tried once to live among them but death, famine and war broke lose. That was how he and Lumina came to realize that he could not and never will be able to walk amongst men.
He had tried to, as Lumina did, live a life of a mortal. It proved useless as, even as a mortal child growing to adulthood, he was shunned and regarded as a bad omen. And for good reason, for the same power of death and destruction seeped through his mortal being and unto the world. Even when he tried to demonstrate that he had the power to revive and give life as Lumina can, people feared him even more.
A 'cursed' child. They had called him during his stay as a mortal. Their fear caused them to act irrational and commit a sin - killing his mortal self just when he had reached the age of adulthood. It was the first time that he hated humans so much that he wished Lumina would consent to his request to annihilate that village.
Of course, Lumina did not. Although, she did punish them in her own way - a way she thought was just. It did not satiate the desire for revenge that lingered in Chaos' heart, however, he was not able to act on that feeling. He was bound by the rules of the Celestials and he loved Lumina so much that he did not want her to be angry of him. More than anything, despite the jealousy he felt, he wanted Lumina to love him more than she loved those that they created.
"Why do you still pursue this, Chaos?" Lumina asked. She had asked that question over and over again, every time they would meet. She knew the answer but, she asked because of her hope that Chaos would surrender and have a change of heart.
"Because it is my desire." Was Chaos' reply. It always has been.
"To destroy the world and its denizens? The world and the creatures we have both created with our power? To destroy that which we are tasked to protect?" Lumina asked. She could never comprehend his actions, even and most certainly during the war many eons ago. The war where Chaos made known his intention of ruling both the heavens and the earth.
Chaos stared at her with his eyes full of hatred, and then, there were no need for words. No words could sway him. He had dedicated every fibre of his being in seeing this through.
The battle between the two gods resumed thereafter. No words were further said. Instead, both concentrated on what it was they wish to accomplish: Lumina on defending the thrones while Chaos with his fervent desire to regain his godly status.
The blows they exchanged with one another was enough to destroy mountains and split open oceans.
It was during this exchange that Takuya and the others found when they finally arrived. They were awed at how the gods fought one another. There weren't any physical contact during this battle and the gods only fought with magic - magic that they did not think existed.
"She's beautiful...and fierce." Kouichi managed to say, when they laid their eyes on the goddess.
The others nodded. Agreeing with him and his sentiments.
"This place is dangerous..." Teppei managed to say amidst gawking at the fight that was flowing before their eyes.
The roar of the powers that clashed was intense that they all did their best not to be blown away. If the gods noticed their presence, they did not let it bother or distract them in their battle.
Once again, Takuya felt that tingling sensation. And once again, he felt Izumi's presence as if she was with him, though he knew she was in a far-off place, under the grace of Milanai.
He looked around and realize that no one else felt what he felt, nor saw what he saw when he saw Izumi standing beside him. She was only visible to him, and he knew the reason why: their strong bond.
She did not open her mouth but words flowed to his mind, and conveyed what she wanted to say.
"Lumina would not hold out much longer." She said, her voice seemed to echo in his head.
"What do you mean?" Takuya asked, his attention divided between her and the battle that was raging before them. "She is in equal footing with Chaos..."
"Not for long." Came Izumi's grave reply. She then faced him and explained. "Chaos has learned how to convert the negative human emotions into energy. The actions done by evil men allow him to become stronger, feeding him like how spiders feed on ants. The more chaos, war, hatred, anger, and fear there is in the world, the more powerful Chaos becomes."
Izumi then turned her attention at the battle. Her holographic-like self flickering. She looked like a ghost to him.
"The battles being waged around Endlessia are feeding him. The anger and resentment the people feel towards Seraphim and his Empire is fueling him. The fear that the rebels have within their hearts, as well as the fear that everyone feels for they believe the end is at hand, is making him stronger than Lumina." Izumi went on. "If no help is given to Lumina, it could very well spell the end of the goddess and the beginning of Chaos' assent to power once more."
"What would you have us do, then?" Takuya found himself asking. He was unsure. One thing he does know is that Izumi has the wisdom of Milanai and the guardians past to help answer his question.
"You must all combine your efforts and fight. Fight with courage and with the desire to protect the world and all you hold dear." Was Izumi's answer before her holographic image flickered and vanished.
Lumina paced back and forth in front of him and the scene that hovered above them. She was very much troubled and she did not bother to conceal that fact.
"How can this be?" She wondered aloud. "How did humans came to know such violence?"
"How can they not?" Chaos asked which earned him a glare from Lumina.
"I hope you have nothing to do with this Chaos." Lumina said, her hopes mirrored what she firmly believed and know to be true, and which Chaos assured him.
"I may be the God of Death but I do not revel it." Chaos replied. "You, yourself, admired what humans are capable of. Perhaps, you missed the fact that they may also be capable of evil deeds. They have proven that to me in my mortal form, or have you forgotten, dear sister?"
Of course, she hadn't forgotten, and she told him that. It appalled her to know that humans could kill one of their own out of fear, a fear that was unwarranted.
The image hovering above them depicted men slaughtering one another in an effort to gain control over a small piece of land. The bloodshed was something neither god approved of.
"It would appear," Chaos said as he watched Lumina continue to pace back and forth, trying to find what caused humans to act so...evil. "that even if I do not walk among them, they would still end up the same way if I had."
"I hope you are not implying that I allow you to walk freely among them at a time like this, Chaos." Lumina said.
Chaos waved his hand in defence. "Of course not. It just...amuses me to find humans capable of evil. It would appear that they are as much capable of doing evil as they are doing good. Though, at the present, their ability to do kindness to others is obscured by their bestial instincts to kill one another and do harm to the earth."
"Your hatred for their kin is quite obvious, Chaos."
At that, Chaos laughed. "Perhaps. But, you have to agree that there is some truth in what I had said."
Lumina closed her eyes. She hated to say it but she did agree to what he was saying. Ever since witnessing the murder of Chaos' mortal self, she had grown farther apart from the humans and had learned to lessen her trust and faith in them.
"The Elven Folks are wise to hide themselves from the humans." Chaos continued to speak, watching the spectacle of war between two small villages unfold before his eyes. He saw how one man struck an old man in the head with a silver hammer, cracking the old man's skull and drenching the earth with the crimson liquid that is blood. Chaos recoiled as he remembered how the village had attacked him the same way. Without mercy. "Humans have learned far more than what would do them good."
Lumina nodded. Slowly as it may have been but it had came apparent to her that humans have learned of the shadow that veiled the world and all that lived in it - the shadow that is called 'evil'.
It didn't take much convincing to make the others agree that the time was at hand to fight Chaos and that Lumina needed their help.
As Takuya had also believed, his companions also believed that Lumina was in fair ground in her battle against Chaos.
"We may just get in her way." Tomoki had also said.
What surprised Takuya was how eager Kouji was. Takuya was not the only one surprised with Kouji's eagerness to fight alongside the goddess and against Chaos. Even Kouichi, who had come to know his brother well, was surprised.
"He seems so reckless now." Kouichi observed as Kouji did not bother to listen to whatever plans they were discussing on how to attack Chaos and defend Lumina.
Kouichi then decided to confront Kouji to which Kouji answered.
"I am not reckless." Kouji said as he adjusted the gauntlets that were wrapped around his lower arm and hand. "I know full well what we need to do. Now is the moment when the prophecy will be fulfilled, Kouichi. Our moment to bring honor to ourselves and our nation has come. We wil be the one to defeat Chaos. The prophecy said so."
Puzzled and surprised, Kouichi shook his head and said, "Don't depend too much on the prophecy, brother. They are only words. What will determine our battle is not the prophecy, regardless of whether or not it is about us, but of how well we stand together with our comrades and how well we fight."
If Kouji had heard Kouichi's wise words, he didn't show it. All his mind could think about was the glory in defeating Chaos.
He glanced over at Takuya who was getting ready, with Shinya beside him. Kouji gritted his teeth in anger and frustration. Takuya had been a promising force and had been regarded as the person who can possibly turn the tides of battle against the Empire, prior to the whole Chaos-thing.
"Takuya is nothing more than a failed Knight's Apprentice." Kouji found himself thinking. "It is I who shall become the beacon of hope and be the one to destroy Chaos, not him. I am the one who has Commander Orimoto's confidence not him. He may have taken Izumi's heart but that is the only thing and the last thing he can take away from me."
Somehow, the blood feud between the two villages escalated until it it was a war between the northern set of villages and the western villages.
Chaos can not help but find the humans pathetic all the more.
"To fight and kill for the sake of a small piece of land..." Chaos muttered to himself, he was alone at the moment, for Lumina was resting. "How poorly and how little humans care for life. They kill and do wrong amongst their kin for the pettiest of things."
He was in his reverie when, as he watched men kill even those who cannot defend themselves - women, children and the elders - something powerful stirred within Chaos.
Confused at what the tug of power could mean, and wondering if it was a sign from Lumina, Chaos left the pavilion and went to find the goddess of light.
"Did you call for me?" He asked as soon as he arrived at her garden where all known plants - flowers, bushes, shrubs, and trees, grow and where Lumina was resting, sitting down around a carpet of an assortment of flowers.
Lumina looked at him, obviously surprised by his presence and his question.
"No." She answered, and then asked, "Why?"
Chaos shook his head and scratched his chin. "Nothing. I just thought that I felt you calling me."
"Perhaps you are tired, Chaos." Lumina said, worried that maybe keeping watch by himself was taxing the god of darkness. "Maybe you should join me and rest for a while."
Chaos smiled but shook his head. "No, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern but, someone has to keep watch so that those foolish humans do not end up destroying that which we had worked hard to create."
Lumina nodded and watched as Chaos walked out of the garden and went back to the pavillion where the giant basin on the pedestal and where they can view the going-ons in Endlessia.
At that time, Lumina felt something different with Chaos but shook the thought from her mind thinking that it may only be because the god of darkness refused to rest.
Kouji did not wait for much longer as he initiated his own attack. Everyone of his companions and allies had to scramble after him, changing tactics, just to ensure that Kouji would have someone to assist him. It was not the best of plans but, granted the circumstances, Takuya and the others had no choice but to make do with what they have.
Shinya didn't know if he hated Kouji for not thinking things through or if he was amazed with how determined Kouji was. The look in his eyes displayed a hunger. A hunger for revenge and victory. Normally, that would be a good thing but, Shinya cannot help but see the recklessness in Kouji's actions.
"He's going to endanger us all!" Shouted Shinya over the roar of the attacks that was being pummeled into Chaos on both fronts while Kouji didn't bother to use what remained of his power but instead went head-to-head with Chaos using nothing but his sword and his swordsmanship.
"We don't have a choice!" Grunted Junpei as he helped Tomoki deflect a powerful blast of energy that was directed at Kouji, who seemed not to take notice of what just happened but, instead, continued hacking and slashing at Chaos to no avail. "Kouji looks like he wants to do things his way!"
"Well, there goes our teamwork!" Retorted Teppei, who is obviously annoyed at how Kouji is jeopardizing their mission.
Chaos seemed to be enjoying himself however, while Lumina took this reprieve to regain the energy that she has lost.
Just then, Kouji managed to bruise Chaos' shoulder. Chaos, angered that such an attack slip through his defences, decided to counter-attack. Summoning as much strength as he could muster at a short time, Chaos called forth a small ball of dark energy, writhing in his hands and emitting crackling noises. He then hurled the ball of energy towards Kouji who tried to deflect it using his own power.
The difference between their powers were staggering. It wasn't much of a contest as Chaos' energy ball attack sent Kouji flying, as if he was a grain of rice being flicked away.
Chaos laughed, "Is that all you can do, human?"
As Kouji crashed towards the side of the hall, Kouichi immediately jumped in to attack Chaos, hoping that he could do enough to keep Chaos busy while the others tend to his brother.
"Now it's my turn." Cried Kouichi as he went about attacking Chaos with such a speed that only he could muster. If a normal person were to watch them, they would not see Kouichi but rather only see blurs of shadows.
He slashed and thrust with his twin daggers, parrying and dodging whenever Chaos decided to attack him, and yet, he could only do so much before he began to slow down.
Kouichi looked over at his side to see how the others have fared and if they had managed to help Kouji. Seeing that Kouji was back to his feet, Kouichi jumped back. Sweat trickling down his forehead, his neck and his back.
"This is too much..." He muttered in between breaths. Fast as he may be, he was still easily fatigued.
"Speed can only do so much." Laughed Chaos once more. For a moment, the Chosen Ones wondered if he had forgotten about Lumina, who was still resting and watching for an opening that she could use to end the battle quickly. "And you humans are so fragile and weak. Nothing you do can opt to hinder me from my plans...from my revenge!"
"You won't be victorious." Gasped Kouichi, blood trickling from his arms. He was badly wounded and none of his companions were adept in healing as Izumi was. "The prophecy..."
"I care not what the prophecy states!" Belowed Chaos. He bent over as if he was going to throw a bowling ball and said, "How well do you think you have understood the prophecies of old? How confident are you on your interpretation? You are not the only one who mirrors light and your brother, darkness."
Kouji didn't seem to want to hear what Chaos wanted to say as he roared a war cry and, before anyone could stop him, he had dashed towards Chaos.
Chaos grinned, this is what he was expecting the human to do. Suddenly, an insurmountable amount of energy erupted from his hand, and, without prolonging what was inevitable, he hurled the energy towards the Chosen Ones.
The tingling sensation returned to Takuya and he heard Izumi say, "Defend!"
In a quick flash of movement, one that Takuya could not comprehend nor remember what he did, he had managed to summon a barrier around him and his allies.
The barrier was enough to reach Kouji and it struggled with the strain of the energy Chaos' attack had. The two powers colliding, one in offence, the other in defense, was enough to cause the earth the rumble, the crystal castle to shake and break and lighting to flash at the site where the two energies collided.
Takuya maintained his ground, surprised that he was able to use such power - a power that only Izumi had. He knew the others realized the element by which his barrier was of, and he could only imagine the confused and surprised look on their faces. He knew what their question would be and he became worried on what and how he would answer to them.
"Don't think, Takuya! Focus!" Izumi reminded him. "Let go of your thoughts for now!"
Takuya felt himself nod.
As surprised as he and his allies were of how he is able to summon such an advanced and powerful wind barrier, surprise was also evident on the Dark One's features. But, such an expression only lasted for a short while before Chaos grinned once more.
"What's the meaning of this, Chaos?" Questioned Lumina, she did not bother to hide the fact that she was angry. Very, very angry.
"I think you know. I don't need to explain myself to you, Lumina." Chaos retorted. "The time of your rule has come to an end. Endlessia is only so big to allow only one god to rule it. And I have found that I am just the very god qualified enough to do it."
"Have you gone mad?" Lumina asked. She did not dare believe that what she heard was correct. "We are no rulers of Endlessia. We are its guardian and sustainers!"
"And I have grown tired of that responsibility." Chaos said. "The world needs not a guardian and a sustainer. What the world needs is a supreme being who will rule with an iron hand. See how humans have become because of our lack of intervention?"
"You say those words trying to hide in a veil of justice but what you are proposing is unjust and is not for us to decide!" Lumina tried to reason with him. "Evil as humans had become, not all of them possessed a dark heart. You are being clouded by your own hunger for vengeance, Chaos... and... I fear that you too have become corrupted by the evil force that binds all darkness."
"And why should I not make use of such force?" Chaos asked, his voice mocking. "I am the God of Darkness. It is my right as it is also to wield the Holy Sword, Eos!"
"The right to wield Eos is a right you have forsaken, Chaos." Lumina said, there was a hint of sadness and regret in her voice. Though her face did not betray those feelings. "You are now a tainted guardian, a tainted god and a tainted sustainer. If you continue to pursue this path, I will have no choice but to strip you of your godly form and powers and cast you into an eternal exile."
"I see that war is what you desire to wage upon me, Lumina." Chaos said. "I see now that it was pointless to talk to you. If it is war that you desire then it is war that you shall have. I swear unto you that all the forces of darkness will not stop so long as you sit on your throne!"
To be continued...
Post Author's Notes
And this is where we stop for now.
I hope you guys got a bit of a clear view regarding Chaos and Lumina. The stories here regarding them will have an impact on the later chapters (and even the end) of this fanfic.
I know I said that I plan to finish this within the week. Unfortunately, I think that it could take until Monday or Wednesday next week to finish. Although, I can't say for certain but, I will still try to update and finish the fanfic within the week's time.
Anyways, I hope you guys continue to give me your reviews until the end of this story, which is now inevitable. It really makes me happy to read the reviews that you guys give and I appreciate you guys for taking the time to share your thoughts. So, thanks.
Having said that, I am planning to update the fanfic on Friday (if I can) or Saturday. So, until then, this is Sakura Martinez, saying "PEACE" and signing out. Ja ne!
End of Post Author's Notes