And here's the next chapter!
We were a bit stumped halfway through this one, but we figured out what to do.
And we also figured out some more future events that will certainly shock all of you.
Look forward to them!
Atlas Chronicles - Part 3
Ironwood went over a number of files, compiling data for a report he was making. This move had been viewed rather...mixed...by most of the council. On one hand the majority was indeed for the idea of forming an alliance with the Digital World, but on the other hand, that was only a relatively slight majority, with the rest unsure. He could understand the ones who felt that way out of uncertainty of how best to approach an apparent ruling body of the creatures, especially with how they had their own way of thinking and values. The ones he couldn't understand though were the few who seemed dead set on denying the reality that was in front of their eyes, namely that the Digimon were more than just creatures. They were fully sentient and intelligent, and very much capable of being on the same level as humans and faunus.
As he thought of this, he glanced towards Kudamon a bit, who was reading one of the books in his office curiously, before he looked down at his desk, where what was apparently a Digivice rested. It certainly looked like Winter's own before it had changed not too long ago.
It was a strange thing really, being apparently bonded to a Digimon. He didn't feel all that different, and yet he could also feel a subtle feeling of not being alone. Not the kind that would normally have him reaching for his guns, Due Process, but rather the kind that could be described as the feeling of knowing someone always has your back. It was strange...but honestly...it wasn't unpleasant.
Still, the changes to his own life aside, he had to focus on the report he was making. While his actions had opened the door, it would be for naught if the majority vote swung in favor of being against the alliance. And with everything that had happened lately, he had a feeling it would be in Remnant's best interest to work WITH the Digimon rather than following outdated views that would lead to being against them.
Just as he finished putting his report together, his console started beeping, letting him know he was getting a call, and there was only one call he was expecting right now.
"Let's hope this goes well." Kudamon said as he floated over, resting on the desk next to him.
"Cross your fingers." Ironwood told Kudamon with a sigh, before accepting the call.
"General. How did your… expedition, go?" immediately, one of the council members said.
"All things considered, quite well," Ironwood nodded. "Aside from some issues with the terrain and a few of the less than negotiable Digimon, negotiations went well."
"Negotiating with animals." another council member scoffed "As if that were possible."
"You DO realize animals aren't able to speak, plan, create, or really a lot of things that we're doing right now," Kudamon said, not really rising to that but rather just stating the obvious. "If I recall, some of the repairs in various places are being actively helped and even improved on by Digimon if some of the reports here are true," he chuckled.
The council member in question seemed to decide on fuming silently at being proven wrong.
"If there are no further outburst of that kind…" another council member said with a pointed look to the one that had scoffed "Perhaps send us your report and talk us through what happened General?"
"Of course," Ironwood nodded, sending them copies of the report. "I'll skip the details of reaching the location where the ruler of the region we'd entered in resides, but once we arrived, entering was fairly easy," he began.
"Rather...empty place," Clover mused as they walked through the halls of what was apparently known as the Infinite Ice Wall.
"That's just what they want you to think," Kudamon said, before he unfurled himself and picked up a small pebble, which he tossed to the side, hitting something lightly...to which a part of the wall unfurled to reveal a small Digimon with a chestnut shaped body that had red garb that made one think of a ninja. The Digimon gave Kudamon a small glare of annoyance before it soon vanished again. "Like I said, this is the castle/fortress of one of the rulers of his continent. They probably saw us coming and he's decided to hear us out on what we want. Just remember to be on your best behavior," Kudamon said.
"Was… that Digimon a ninja?" Winter said in surprise, looking back at the spot even as they kept on walking.
"An Igamon to be precise and yes, they're Digimon that have data of ninjas and their abilities," Kudamon nodded. "Perfect to act as a bit of living security in case any enemies try and storm the base, or in this case, any guests overstep their boundaries in severe ways."
"...gee, thanks for adding the pressure," Clover said dryly.
"Would you prefer he not be fully honest?" Lunamon quirked an eyebrow.
"Fair enough I guess," Clover shrugged.
"That aside, I'm surprised Dr. Kurata opted to stay behind. I'd have thought he'd be interested to see this place up close," Lunamon mused.
"Well...I suppose the temperature here IS rather...uncomfortable...at times, seeing as a good chunk of this location IS made of permafrost," Kudamon shrugged.
"The doctor always did prefer staying inside where it's warm." Ironwood said jokingly, before the group continued on, keeping an eye out to see if they couldn't spot any other Digimon watching them.
Before long however, they reached a large set of doors, with two Digimon standing in front as guards. The first being a thin being wearing noble looking clothing… with a pumpkin shaped head, and the other being a short golem of white stones.
"NoblePumpmon and Meteormon. They are two of Mercurymon's elite guards." Kudamon said.
"Welcome, people of Remnant, our leader is expecting you." Meteormon said.
"Do be on your best behavior when you speak to him. It wouldn't do to anger your host after all." NoblePumpmon said with a grin.
"We'll keep that in mind," Ironwood said, keeping his voice neutral.
The two of them seemed to acknowledge that as the doors they were guarding opened by themselves, allowing them entrance. What lay beyond the doors was a massive throne room...which had it been for a human would have been the image of excess. Not so much when you considered the fact that the one sitting on the throne, Mercurymon no doubt, was just the right size for the giant throne.
"Ah yes, people of Remnant. I have been expecting you," Mercurymon said. "My usual security aside, I bid you welcome to my domain."
"It's an honor to meet you…" Ironwood said, before pausing "I'm sorry, I'm not sure how I should actually address you."
Mercurymon chuckled a bit at that. "Customarily my followers refer to me as 'Lord Mercurymon'," he started. "But then you're not one of my followers are you?" he smirked good naturedly. "Just Mercurymon will do."
Ironwood nodded, quite pleased to see that Mercurymon had a rather reasonable personality. "It's an honor to meet you, Mercurymon," he said.
"An honor to meet you as well. You are James Ironwood of the Kingdom of Atlas, correct?" Mercurymon said, surprising Ironwood a bit, to which he elaborated. "Ever since the connection between our worlds became much stronger, we of the Olympos XII have been looking into the world of Remnant. You are among the more prominent names present in the data streams," he explained.
"Is that so? Then I imagine you have an idea why we are here?" Ironwood asked, to which Mercurymon nodded.
"If I were to guess, you are here in hopes of opening diplomatic ties between our worlds, or at the very least your Kingdom and this Continent," he said.
"That's correct." Ironwood said with a nod "I was hoping to have a beneficial alliance for both of us, especially since I know how beneficial partnerships are between humans and faunus with their digimon partners."
"Understandable, considering the state of your own world," Mercurymon said, adopting a thoughtful look. "I am inclined to agree to the idea of this alliance," he said.
Ironwood smiled at that, pleased at the answer. It seemed he was getting some help for Remnant, help that is sorely needed to make sure nobody else would ever fall to the Grimm ever again.
"However," Mercurymon said, cutting into his moment. "There will be a few conditions I want to set if our alliance is to work," he said, his tone hard, showing whatever the terms were they would likely be non-negotiable.
"...what are the terms?" Ironwood frowned. The tone may have cut into his mood a bit, but he had to at least hear the terms first.
"If our alliance goes through, I am willing to send some of my troops and even share some of our resources with Remnant," Mercurymon said. "However, while I sympathise with Remnant's plight, my concern is to my people first and foremost. Your world has an unfortunate past of less than good tolerance to those who are different, and though recent events have helped, the fact it still exists is...concerning. If I am to send my people to aid yours, you must promise that they will be treated as equals to your people. I will not send my people just to have them be used as tools or slaves at your peoples' convenience."
Ironwood squared his shoulders "You have my word that I will treat your men as if they were my own soldiers. Trained in the same ways, and treated the same as well."
"Which is actually pretty good, for reference." Clover cut in with an easy smile.
Mercurymon smirked a bit in amusement at that intervention. "Very well. I shall deliberate with the other Olympos XII and we shall give you our answer. Ensure your people are aware of our terms and our alliance may well be the start of a new future for both our worlds," he smiled...before his expression hardened. "But remember this, that should you fail to uphold your end of the promise, we will take back our people. By force if we must," he said, the threat clear. "Can you accept these terms?"
Ironwood paused, carefully considering the terms in his head, and as far as he could see it, the demands were simple enough, and reasonable. Mercurymon simply desired what was best for his people nothing more nothing less. A feeling he could fully understand. As such, he gave a firm nod. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that our promise is honored."
"Very well then. May our people join hands and walk alongside each other in the near future," Mercurymon nodded with a smile, though not before extending a hand...clearly aiming for a handshake until he remembered that well...Ironwood could fit in the palm of his hand. "Ah...pardon me," he said, extending a finger.
Ironwood chuckled lightly before accepting the attempted handshake all the same.
"And that concludes my report on the matter. As you see, Mercurymon is willing to give our people a chance, one that we shouldn't waste. Integrating Digimon into the Atlesian Military will allow for people to have better protection, more so if our troops can form partnerships with their new allies. At the same time, they are offering us one of the rare materials unique to their world that they use for all sorts of weapon and armor, Chrome Digizoid, which Pietro Polendina has already analyzed small shards of the metal we had obtained earlier, and we know it's more durable than anything Remnant has. In return, we offer to lend them troops of our own, as well as Atlesian Knights to help protect their villages, and Paladins for the smaller Digimon to pilot to help that endeavor." Ironwood explained.
The council members had thoughtful expressions at this one, the ones who had already been for this plan looking quite pleased at the arrangements, even finding the terms cheap considering the benefits. However, a few of them still seemed uncertain, and though Ironwood didn't see it, one or two of them seemed almost...sick for some reason.
"Well, it's nice to know everything went so well." one of the council members who had been on board with the plan said with a pleased smile "Continue the good work general, and hopefully you'll bring us more good news in the future."
"I hope so as well, councilmember." Ironwood said with a smile of his own, before the call finally ended.
A few hours later…
One of the council members, one of the ones who'd looked sick at the report and the responses of the report, walked through the halls of the building with almost desperate purpose.
Pushing the door he reached open, he saw Kurata on the other side, typing away at a computer "You were right." the council member growled.
"I know." Kurata said dryly, turning his head slightly to look at the council member.
"He's going to bring more of those disgusting creatures to our world, and he's PROUD of himself for doing it too!" the council member raged on. "And as if that's not enough he expects us to treat them like they're one of us? He must be out of his mind!"
"I know." Kurata repeated with a roll of his eyes "I had to play nice in front of the one he decided to keep on his shoulder."
"We can't just let this happen." the council member said, coming closer.
"Indeed. That's why I have a few plans I think you'll like." Kurata said with a rather cruel grin, tilting his monitor towards the council member who looked closely, before gaining a similar grin. "What do you think?"
"I think you just got your funding." the council member said with a laugh.
At the same time, Ironwood was busy drawing out plans and preparations for the alliance, as well as going over potential candidates for DATS. The starting members would undoubtedly be from Atlas, but he also had to consider potential candidates being found in other Kingdoms. If they were going to be a group that may eventually operate throughout the Kingdoms, it would do well to include members from all over Remnant.
"You're certainly one to think in advance, aren't you?" Kudamon chuckled, looking at his new Partner work.
"If we're going to make this work, we need to be prepared," Ironwood nodded.
"Perhaps, but sometimes looking TOO far ahead might make you miss things in the present," Kudamon said. "At any rate, things seem to be moving smoothly for now. With luck they will continue at this pace long enough."
"You sound like you expect something to go wrong," Ironwood frowned.
"James, I may not look it, but I've been around long enough to know that life is RARELY that kind as to allow plans like this to go off without a hitch. There's always going to be someone who will oppose it for their own reasons. The only question is how much damage are they willing to cause to force their own beliefs on others," Kudamon frowned.
Ironwood frowned as well, before sighing "You're right… after all, we know what happened during the Vytal Festival a year ago. It's a good thing Summer's friends in the resistance arrived to help when they did."
"As such we'll need to prepare, but at the same time, we have to take things one step at a time. Look at too many possibilities and you'll just end up making yourself feel daunted," Kudamon said. However, before any further conversation could happen, Ironwood received a message.
"Ah, it seems the last of the expedition has returned," he mused.
"I imagine they'd have found something. There's never a shortage of things to discover and learn in our topsy turvy home world," Kudamon chuckled.
With that said the two went to the gate area, where a base was slowly being built around it that would serve as the headquarters for DATS, and they could see the last members of the expedition team come through the gate, before one soldier carrying something large and wrapped in cloth noticed him and ran up to him "Sir!" he snapped into a salute with his free arm.
"At ease soldier." Ironwood said with a smile "I take it everything went well."
"Yes sir." the soldier nodded with a smile as he relaxed a bit "The researchers got plenty of samples of local foods that they want to analyze and see if they couldn't help solve any potential food shortage on Remnant."
"Wonderful news." Ironwood nodded, glad to hear about that potential problem being nipped in the bud.
"Yes sir." the soldier said, before holding up the wrapped up object "We however also found this here. We thought you'd want to see it." he said, before undoing the cloth, revealing a tablet of some kind.
Ironwood looked it over. It was roughly the size of a home gaming console, making it a bit heavy, and inscribed on it were characters that were unfamiliar to them. However, what seemed most prominent was the other side of the tablet, which had what appeared to be a carving of a Digivice Core...surrounded by 13 strange symbols...two of which he felt like he'd seen before somewhere. Taking a closer look, his eyes widened when he remembered where he'd seen these. The symbols that appeared during that incident several months back.
"Well well well, I didn't realize one of these survived," Kudamon mused.
"You know what this is?" Ironwood asked, to which Kudamon nodded.
"There's probably more data hidden in this Data Tablet, but considering the carving, I'm positive this may well be one of if not the last surviving recordings of Yggdrasil's prophecy, the prophecy that foretold the coming of the Chosen Children who would light the Digital World's darkest hour," Kudamon said.
The soldier stilled a bit "Ok, so… absolutely going somewhere it can be preserved and not damaged in any way." he said, now feeling nervous about holding what would be the equivalent to an artefact from before the moon's destruction for them.
"Without a doubt yes." Ironwood said, carefully holding the tablet with the cloth, before a thought crossed his mind. "Can you read it?" he asked Kudamon.
"Nope," Kudamon said cheerfully. "These things are OLD, like so old that there are barely any Digimon from that time who are still alive. The script is different from more modern script. There might be some similarities, but don't expect me to try and translate the whole thing in one shot. Even then you'd be better off asking a Datamon to do it, or better yet, try getting help from Mervamon as a favor next time we contact Mercurymon."
"I suppose that makes sense," Ironwood chuckled lightly. "For now, let's get this somewhere safe."
A short while later saw the tablet inside of a facility that had been built to house and analyze such artefacts, albeit of Remnant origins. "Remarkable," one of the scientist said. "At first glance it seems to be made of stone, but this tablet seems to contain a large amount of information," they said.
"Everything is made out of data in the Digital World. That doesn't change even when you remove it from the Digital World," Kudamon said. "At any rate if you can decipher the script, it should reveal whatever secrets were hidden in this thing a long time ago," he said.
"I know you said you couldn't read it, but is there anything on it you can decipher?" Ironwood asked his partner.
"Not much, but here's one part I DEFINITELY can read," Kudamon said, going over to part of the text on the back of the tablet, under the carvings. "When evil awakens and darkness encroaches on the world, when its forces hold the world in an increasing grip, Children from another world will appear. Joining hands with Digimon to form an unbreakable bond, the holy light will be unleashed, and by the Crests of Virtues, the dawn will return, and peace shall reign once more."
"Virtues… is that what those are?" Ironwood said, looking at the image of the 13 crests around the digivice.
"Yes, the 13 crests granted to the Chosen Children to empower their Digimon. The crests themselves are actually the names written in ancient digi-code." Kudamon said, before starting to point at each one "Courage, Friendship, Love, Purity, Knowledge, Reliability, Hope, Light, Kindness, Miracles, Determination, Compassion and Fate."
"Sounds like something out of a fairy tale," one of the scientists said skeptically, to which Kudamon's tail lashed out and dope slapped him.
"This 'fairy tale' as you call it has not only already come true, but it is a message from what is basically our God," Kudamon said dryly. "I'd appreciate it if you treated it with a bit more respect."
"Yes, the Ace Ops DID mention something in their report," Ironwood mused.
"As I told them, the time you could see our world in the sky and vice versa, was at the peak of the Dark Masters' reign. A reign that was cut short by the very Chosen Children that the prophecy speaks of. They have awakened and already they are waging battle against the evil forces that would plunge our world into destruction," Kudamon said.
"Wait, so they're active at this very moment then?" one of the scientists asked in shock.
"Now that he mentions it… Courage and Friendship… didn't we see those two Crests during the missile incident months ago? When those two Digimon appeared, fused together into a white knight and defeated that devil looking Digimon." another scientist remembered.
"I think I remember the white knight having two kids on his shoulders." a third scientist said, before bringing up a recording of the fight from when it happened, and pausing right when Omegamon was on screen, and they could make out what looked like two teenagers on his shoulders.
"Enhance the image and focus on them," Ironwood said with a frown. The scientists did just that, and well…
"Hey, isn't that Pyrrha Nikos?" one of the scientists blinked in surprise.
"The other one...wasn't he in the Vytal Tournament too? Gyro Vermillion, right?" another scientist blinked.
Ironwood was...understandably very surprised. However, he quickly regained his composure. "If they are indeed the 'Chosen Children', then this information can't leave this room," Ironwood frowned. "Delete any and all existing recordings!" he ordered, to which the scientists obeyed.
"Sir, if I may…" one of them spoke as they worked. "Why exactly is it so important nobody else knows about this?"
"Because I don't want anybody to stumble onto this information and use it to harm them. We're doing this to protect them from anybody that would want to abuse the power they wield." Ironwood said seriously.
"A wise decision," Kudamon said. "Even if it is a power that was meant to save the world, if abused, it could itself bring about a calamity."
The scientists gulped at the thought, and doubled their work. All except one.
Kurata smirked a bit as he did as Ironwood told him...but not before saving a copy of the data for himself. A power that great doesn't deserve to be in the hands of children. Honestly, whoever believed that these powers were drawn from something as childish as those Virtues must be complete fools.
Speaking of Ironwood, as he and Kudamon watched the scientists work, Kudamon looked at him. "You're thinking of something, aren't you, James?" Kudamon said.
"Is it that obvious?" Ironwood chuckled a bit. "But yes, even though I want to keep this secret, I can't help but consider the idea of finding them and recruiting them into DATS. If they are to save the world, perhaps they can save Remnant as well."
Kudamon shrugged at that. "Who can say? The prophecy only ever said what they would do. How they did it wasn't specified. I just think that it should be their choice whether or not they join or simply co-operate."
"True. I can't exactly force them into joining. It's their decision in the end," Ironwood said thoughtfully.
And there you have it for the Atlas Chronicles!
Yeah, that was the final chapter of that side story, since after this, the rest of the Atlas related stories will be told in the main story itself.
So, look forward to the next chapter, because...
The Adventure Evolves.