A.N. Thank you for all the reviews!
In a long hallway, footsteps could be heard echoing across the marble floor.
Between the imposing stone pillars that flanked the walls, a lone figure walked with a measured pace. His gaze held firm at the two doors located at the end of the hall, not sparing a glance at the craftmanship surrounding him. Reaching the end of the hallway, he stopped. A few seconds passed before the two doors slowly began to open by an unseen force, letting crisp air run inside the building and make his cape flutter.
Behind the doors a balcony greeted him. Just like everything else in the Great Pandemonium, this observation post was built with size in mind; you could comfortably hold over forty Digimon of various sizes here and there would still be plenty of room left.
Continuing his walk the figure was soon met by a single person leaning against a parapet, their back turned to him and watching how the mist that filled the scenery from the fortress to the distant canyons slowly glided around without destination, while the last rays of sunlight could be seen illuminating the horizon.
Stopping a respectable distance away from the watcher the figure knelt, left hand coming to a rest on his bent knee while his right hand hung freely. Looking downward with reverence, he announced his arrival.
''Your Highness.''
''Tactimon,'' Turning around Bagramon greeted the soldier, his deep and gravelly voice commanding attention.
Tactimon felt his Lord's gaze linger on him for a moment before continuing. ''Come, let us talk.''
Having permission to stand he rose, eyes turning towards Bagramon whose left hand was pointing to a vacant place for the soldier to take.
Bagramon seemed just as same when Tactimon last saw him. His Highness' robes and cape were white as snow and without a blemish. A series of golden plates decorated his front and a silver-grey gemstone adorned on the middle of the breastplate. Bagramon's clothes came from the best tailors found in the Dress Zone who used only the best high-quality materials: the fabric was soft as velvet yet almost as strong as low-purity Chrome Digizoid. As beautiful and masterfully crafted his garments were, it was the right side of the Fallen Angel's body that garnered the most attention. Where there used to be flesh and bone was replaced with carved pieces of ivory wood from head to toe, the most notable part being the skeletal right hand which was almost as long as Bagramon himself. Not many knew the origin of Tacimon's master's prosthetics and even fewer the godly power and knowledge he had been granted by them. With eight beautiful ashen wings sprouting from his back and five red horns growing from the head, Bagramon truly seemed like the angel of death in Tactimon's eyes.
While his Lord's appearance was formidable, scarlet eyes shining full of strength and danger, Tactimon could also see kindness and empathy in them, reserved for the lives that the evil his master commanded had claimed. There was also weariness that had slowly yet steadily taken place in his countenance; the uncounted years and the Xros War that was still going on after centuries were getting on to him, even if Bagramon tried his best to hide it.
It seemed like a lifetime had passed since Tactimon had last seen his master, bringing a feeling of nostalgia to the soldier which was strange. He remembered seeing Bagramon just a couple of weeks ago.
It was then that Tactimon noticed how his head ached a little. While rare, he sometimes got these for not letting his mind rest enough.
I must have spent a bit too much time in the command center, Tactimon reasoned while he cleared his head and focused back on the present.
After coming to stand to his Lord's side, Bagramon returned to marvel at the misty sights, to which Tactimon felt compelled to join. Neither of them said a word, enjoying the silence for what it was. Yet Tactimon's headache was growing and the soldier tried his best to ignore it.
''I hope I didn't pull you away from anything urgent?'' As always, Bagramon voiced his concerns to Tactimon even when he knew the answer ahead.
''Your summons will always take precedence over other matters, Your Highness,'' Tactimon assured.
''If you say so. Your constancy is always appreciated,'' Bagramon replied.
''I am unworthy of such praise. It's only natural for a samurai to come when his Lord is calling,'' Tactimon insisted in a hurried tone, not being used to the praise of his master.
Glancing from the corner of his eye, Bagramon saw how Tactimon had his head lowered. A short and barely heard chuckle came from the Fallen Angel while a small contained smile formed on his lips. ''Hmh. Indeed.'' Even after the two had known each other for several lifetimes worth, Tactimon still acted formally around his Lord, no matter the situation.
Seeing that he wasn't getting anywhere with this, Bagramon decided to change the subject for the real reason he had asked Tactimon to come.
''How is the situation on obtaining the Code Crowns progressing?''
''The rate at which we have conquered Zones has seen a decline first time. Bamboo Zone's conquest has come to stall since the Blue Fire arrived there and the Lava Zone's code crown has fallen to the Xros Heart. We are also experiencing an unusually high amount of resistance from the City Zone and I believe we won't be able to hold it, should either of the Human General's forces arrive there,'' Came ready answer.
''I see. Continue your good work, Tactimon,'' Bagramon said, satisfied with what he heard.
While many would have found Bagramon's answer unusual or even insulting, Tactimon knew better.
All Three Head Officers, the closest people to Bagramon, knew the Xros Wars were started because His Highness wished to see the end of the injustice that inhabited the Digital World, but only Tactimon was entrusted with the true objective of his Lord's plan. Conquering the world was not Bagra Empire's end goal like many Digimon feared. What Bagramon wanted was to have a war between light and dark and find which side prevailed. It didn't matter if their Empire faced defeat or success, as long as those human children were facing tribulations everything would proceed as His Highness had planned with none the wiser.
Yet again Tactimon was left impressed as he remembered the time Bagramon had revealed his true plan to him. Truly, you should have to search through oceans and stars to find someone as wise as you, Your Highness! he silently admired.
While he wasn't sure how much his fellow Head Officers suspected they were being left out, and even if they held some unvoiced suspicion, Tactimon knew it wasn't something worth getting worried about. Lilithmon had sworn to defend her beloved Lord to her last breath and Blastmon was someone who simply didn't care, being happy to just admire himself in the mirror and search which Zone held the most gems to devour. Tactimon himself would follow his Lord without a question. After all, unwavering loyalty was one of the traits Bagramon had ensured the perfect soldier would carry.
Thinking about his two close associates brought gloominess to Tactimon, which was starting to bother him. What was it with these suddenly emerging emotions? His headache was also getting worse by the second, almost like something was trying to worm inside his head. On top of that, he felt that something was plain wrong here and a looming feeling of unease was starting to take hold of the soldier. He had to voice these thoughts to his Master.
''Your Highness, do you feel as if something is not as it should be?'' Tactimon asked and looked at Bagramon, who continued to gaze at the misty scenery where dusk was starting to fall.
''Hmm. Please elaborate on what you mean.''
''I apologize,'' he bowed his head instinctively while fighting the headache, the pain was starting to become distracting, ''but it's hard to put into words. I feel something is very wrong here. When I try to concentrate on what this could be, the answer eludes me, like a dream that one tries to remember after waking.'' There was something important Tactimon was missing, something he shouldn't have forgotten.
''Curious. I feel no such thing.''
Was he the only one who felt this then? Perhaps he should inquire if Lilithmon or Blastmon had noticed anything unusual.
No wait, Blastmon was absorbed by Dark Knightmon, Tactimon remembered and chided himself for forgetting something so essential, before catching on to what he had just thought.
Like a flash of lightning, realization struck Tactimon as his memories came flooding back to him: how he had died, found himself in a limbo of sorts, and then… everything after that was hazy. Deciding to drop that part for now his head snapped in Bagramon's direction.
''There was a battle raging right outside the gates of the Great Pandemonium, You Highness!'' Realizing he had raised his voice, Tactimon composed himself, not letting the pain inside his head get the better of him before continuing. ''The Xros Heart and Blue Fire, we fought them here. I fought against them and they bested me.''
Seeing how his hands were squeezing the parapet with such force that cracks were starting to appear, Tactimon let go of the stone structure and fully turned towards Bagramon.
''Your Highness, you finally found your answer and with that the path that had to be taken,'' Tactimon looked around as if seeing everything for the first time before focusing back on his Lord. ''How can we still stand here if the world ended?''
The feeling of wrong was starting to become oppressive.
''I do find this strange indeed,'' the Fallen Angel remarked, still facing the misty landscape.
''I have a question for you as well,'' Bagramon said in a lifeless and apathetic tone that sounded plain wrong to the soldier.
Bagramon turned around and black eyes met Tactimon's visor. As his Lord opened their mouth, the soldier heard a lifeless and apathetic voice that sent chills down his spine, ''Why do you smell Red?''
What is this?! Tactimon took an involuntary step away from his Lord and witnessed in shock as everything started to collapse. The sky, the floor, even Bagramon, everything before his eyes was crumbling away while shadows rose. Before he knew it, the all-too-familiar darkness greeted him.
But this time Tactimon wasn't alone.
He found himself surrounded by countless reptilian eyes. Twice his size with slitted pupils, the black orbs somehow illuminated the otherwise lightless place with their ethereal glow, the aura they were emitting threatening to make his skin crawl. The eyes formed a single impossibly long line, making twists and turns seemingly at random, continuing so far that the necklace of stars became distant constellations until disappearing from his sight. Everywhere he looked, he saw how the black eyes circled him lazily like a snake. Every eye, from the closest to the distant ones and beyond was staring at him, never blinking.
This thing was the origin of the wrongness he had felt in his mind and with horror, Tactimon realized that he had somehow let this entity enter his mind unknowingly.
The shock was quickly replaced by anger. How dare this thing sully his inner sanctuary with its presence, to allow it to stay in His Highness' most trusted officer mind any longer was to spit in his Lord's memory!
Tactimon sprang into action. His first response was to strike at closest eye to him in hopes of breaking the assailant's concentration, effectively severing the connection they shared, or at least hindering them enough so he could force them out of his head, but to his alarm, he couldn't move. His limbs felt like lead as if El Doradimon's weight had been applied to his body.
Switching in approach, Tactimon gathered whatever strength he had to raise his mental barriers in a desperate attempt to shield his memories, but this turned out to be futile. The power this alien presence wielded seemed as infinitely great as the number of eyes it had and his previously unconquered mental fortresses' gates were left open, allowing the entity to devour all the knowledge he held unopposed.
To his small relief, the unknown assailant didn't seem to have made any attempt to dig the deepest parts of his mind where his most closely guarded secrets were, being content in going over his surface memories, for now at least.
Tactimon was not letting this window of opportunity be wasted. Seeing how outmatched he was, only one approach was left, one born from desperation and hopes of buying time.
Having invaded his mind, the creature had to also form a mental connection between the two, meaning Tactimon should be able to relay his thoughts and feelings to the opposite party and vice versa. This creature in question seemed to possess at least some intelligence, so he hoped this worked. Otherwise, things would become much more dire.
Taking a nonexistent breath, he reached out.
[Begone, out of my head! The memories of the dead are not for sharing!] Saying his piece with all the authority and emotion the former Head Officer of the Bagra Army could muster, Tactimon saw how the eyes surrounding him suddenly halted their movement and felt the alien presence mostly withdrawn from his mind.
[You are conscious,] thousands of beings spoke as one from everywhere.
Unprepared, the tidal wave of voices came crashing down, making Tactimon's head ring. Three words, yet they carried such strength.
[I thought you would never wake up,] the creature continued in their thundering voices.
Having gotten back his bearings, Tactimon was ready this time, bracing himself against the torrent. While the chorus reverberated throughout his whole body, he sensed no anger or other strong feelings imbued with the message.
Having guessed right he was dealing with an intelligent being, Tactimon carefully chose his next words. [While this soul might be at the end of its journey, the knowledge I possess is still mine. Who are you, who is so interested in what I hold?]
[I am the Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis. Dragon God born from Nothingness, the embodiment of Infinity,] the now appointed Dragon God's voice rumbled.
Ophis, the soldier repeated in his head. A name he was not familiar with. It seems he had ended up far from home. And then there were the titles, confirming what the soldier had already deduced. He was dealing with someone he should avoid offending.
Since the other party had given their name, he felt compelled to do the same.
[I am Tactimon, Ophis, Dragon God of Infinity,] Tactimon respectfully announced.
He felt no need to add any titles for himself. In Tactimon's eyes, not having a master to serve anymore meant he was just a warrior who had lost their live to an enemy.
[You are not from here, Tactimon,] Ophis stated, their eyes beginning to circle him once more.
[It seems to be so,] Tactimon else have you learned from my mind?was left unsaid.
Deciding to take the lead in their conversation, Tactimon braced himself and prepared to ask a question that would decide the course of this conversation, fearing what the answer might be, [Tell me, Ouroboros Dragon, for what reason have you sought me?]
The few seconds that passed before Ophis answered felt like an eternity to Tactimon, [I came here after sensing Great Red's presence outside the Dimensional Gap.I found your soul, halfway vanished from existence and got curious. By connecting our minds I can keep you here, at least a while longer.]
So I had been found on the borderline of annihilation? Tactimon mused.
It would explain what had happened. He had been hallucinating in a near-death state and while being at his most vulnerable, had unknowingly offered Ophis straight access to his prided mind. Be it the truth or not, the soldier agreed that his life was nearing its end. He felt old and weak, so very weak...
But I can't give up just yet! Tactimon reminded himself and gritted his teeth. He still wasn't sure what Ophis' intentions were, seeing that they were still keeping his data from scattering to the winds of the cosmos.
Better make the most of this then, he decided. He at least wanted to make some sense of this bizarre afterlife he had arrived.
[Pardon my ignorance, Ouroboros Dragon, but as an outsider, this 'Great Red' and 'Dimensional Gap' are not something I am familiar with.]
[The Dimensional Gap is a plane of absolute silence located between the various worlds. I was born there, enjoying its silence,] The thousands of eyes slightly narrowed and Tactimon could feel faint anger coming from Ophis, the Dragon God displaying emotion for the first time. [Then came Great Red, a dragon who invaded my home and deprived me of the silent existence.]
So this Great Red was someone that Ophis regarded as an enemy and was powerful enough to drive out the Embodiment of Infinity? Tactimon's mind began to work on this new information. Could this be a trap created by Great Red to lure Ophis here by using me as bait? He speculated. If so, Great Red must have found me when I was unconscious. He tried to remember what had exactly happened after his death, but the memories were spotty and blurry at best. The last thing he could remember during his time in the darkness was being swallowed by Zeed Milleniummon.
Seeing no progress on that part of the puzzle, Tactimon decided to focus on Ophis' revelation of the existence of more worlds.
While the Digital World had been split into many Zones that could be thought of as worlds of their own, they still existed within the digital realm just like the Dark Area. Theories and hypotheses of alternative dimensions had been proposed by scholars throughout the times but nothing concrete was ever found to support these claims. To hear that there were more universes out there than his own, not counting the Human World, was quite a revelation with all the implications it carried.
The more answers I get, the more questions I am left with, Tactimon sighed. There were too many unknowns and if he wished to get a full picture, he would need to ask more. This he believed would not be a problem; his conversation partner was being very open about their past which was most likely because they didn't consider him a threat at all. As much as he loathed to admit it, Ophis' assessment was accurate.
But is this something I need to know? Tactimon asked himself. He had fulfilled his duty, there wasn't anything else left for him was there? He only needed to ascertain what the dragon's plans were for him.
[Your realm is interesting Tactimon. Similar yet different. Does there also exist a place between dimensions?] Tactimon's ruminations came to a halt when the thousand-eyed dragon decided to break the silence.
So that's what you want to know, Tactimon realized. Having lost their residence, the dragon was looking for an alternative place where they could migrate. It all made sense now. But here came the problem: his world had ended, and he didn't know how Ophis would react to this.
Should he lie or tell the truth? Tactimon was seriously debating now what he should say. In the end, he decided to be truthful, not wanting to take the risk of the dragon discovering they were fooled.
[There was something similar, yes. We called it Digital Space. Unfortunately, I cannot say if it could have been described as a place of silence akin to your home.]
[You speak in the past tense of your world. Does it not exist anymore?]
He was expecting the dragon to notice that.
[You are correct in your assumption, Ouroboros Dragon. While I did not personally witness the end, I saw the beginning of it.] Tactimon had to pause before continuing, not just because he was worrying how Ophis would react to what was said next.
[I do not believe anyone could have stopped what had been set in motion,] he forced the words out.
Tactimon knew that destroying their world had been the correct action, only ruin would have followed had Bagramon not done so. He should feel relieved but he didn't. There was just emptiness inside him.
Ophis was silent, mulling over what they had heard.
[You refer to The red-black two-headed dragon, Zeed Milleniumon,] The Dragon God stated and Tactimon could thankfully only feel faint disappointment coming from them. He could empathize with the dragon.
[Yes.] he confirmed in a subdued tone, wondering just how much had Ophis managed to glean from his memories.
With the mention of Zeed Millenniummon, one thing began to nag Tactimon. If he had been able to arrive in this new unknown world, couldn't the Beast of Apocalypse follow him here?
[The Beast, will it be able to enter this world?] the soldier worriedly asked.
Ophis' eyes turned away from him, pupils shrinking and becoming narrow strings as the dragon gazed into the distance, seeing something no one else could.
[I have not sensed any more disturbances in the Dimensional Gap since your arrival.]The Dragon God said, their pupils returning to normal before adding,[Great Red would not allow it to enter.]
Ophis seemed confident in her home's invader ability to protect this world, Tactimon noted. He wanted to believe so as well.
Then this is it, Tactimon concluded. He could at least perish knowing this world would have the opportunity to avoid the Digital World's downfall. The soldier hoped the denizens who lived here would have the strength to persevere and overcome the injustice and ugliness of the world, living their lives true to their beliefs.
[Thank you Ouroboros Dragon. If you do not have any more inquiries, I ask that you leave me be and allow this weary soul to lay rest,] Tactimon told her and tried his best not to let the tiredness he was feeling seep into his message.
He hoped the dragon would grant him this last wish, he could hear the eternal sleep start calling him. He was even ready to go so far as to part some of his knowledge (nothing too confidential of course) in exchange.
Still gazing in the distance, Ophis' eyes returned to stare at Tactimon, [Pledge yourself to me Tactimon, and help me kill Great Red.]
What? Tactimon couldn't believe what he had just heard. The dragon must have been jesting.
[What use would someone as mighty as you have from me? Surely I would only be in the way?] Tactimon's voice was laced with suspicion.
[In your memories, I saw you leading others to battle many times. You knew what steps to take to achieve victory and seldom did you know defeat. If you join me, I believe that I can also obtain victory.]
Tactimon's back straightened upon hearing Ophis's words and he could feel pride swelling inside him. For all his prowess with the blade, his true sharpness came from his mind. Wars were not won just by strength alone after all. No matter how powerful someone's kingdom is, if you can't lead your men or know when and where to strike, you have no hope of winning. It was one of the basis of warfare and Tactimon was pleased Ophis had recognized where his merits were, even if the dragon had learned it by reading his mind.
[From my first to the last breath, I proudly served my Master to the end, for he was everything I could wish for. I was content after knowing I fulfilled my duty and readily embraced death. To ask this old soldier to rise from his grave and pick up his sword once more… What would this entail?] Tactimon asked while staring at the sea of eyes.
[I have others who serve me. I lend them my power and in return, they scour the worlds, searching for ways to end Great Read. You will have the same accord: I give back your life and you will seek how to dispose of Great Red from the Dimensional Gap.]
Those terms left quite a leeway. It sounded too good to be true for Tactimon.
[That is quite a generous offer, Ophis. You seem to hold a lot of faith in someone who you've just met.]
[Why should I doubt you to not hold your end Tactimon?]
The dragon had him there.
[And if I were to decline?] Tactimon boldly asked.
This was the moment of truth, to see what were Ophis' true colors. Did the dragon intend to force him to become her servant no matter what, or would they settle for ravaging his mind, sucking every bit of knowledge he held, and only then discarding him to face death?
[Then I will leave and let you face oblivion.]
There was no deceit in Ophis' words. During their conversation the dragon had been blunt and outspoken, perhaps even a little harsh, but Tactimon hadn't felt he'd been lied to at any point.
Having finally realized what was being offered to him, relief and excitement came at the same time. A new chance and purpose stood right in front of him! Tactimon was openly laughing now, filling the void with rapturous sounds of joy.
Could this be the future you were speaking of, Shoutmon? He wondered while his laughter started to die down. To think that a day like this would come to me…
[You are a strange one Tactimon,] It seemed Ophis did not understand his joy.
Finally sobering himself, the soldier took a serious stance.
[Before I give my answer, I have one request, Ouroboros Dragon. While my master has the full right to know me and use me the way they see best suited, there are things I would like to be kept between the two of us. I humbly ask for your understanding on this matter and a promise that you keep what you have learned from my memories only to yourself.]
Knowledge was power, and he wouldn't trust handing anyone else his. You never knew what weaknesses your opponents would learn from them.
[This I can do,] Ophis agreed almost instantaneously, seeing no problem with this.
[Thank you for your understanding,] Tactimon's shoulders would've sagged in relief, should he'd been able to move.
With that out of the way, his answer was clear.
[I will accept your offer, Ophis. From this moment onward your will is my law. Until my body turns to ash and my soul ceases to be, I will devote my life to serving you, Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis, Dragon God born from Nothingness, the embodiment of Infinity.]
[Take my snake Tactimon. It will give you strength and will be the sign of our pact,] Ophis instructed as a small black snake manifested before him.
The serpent's black oily body slithered lazily around, tasting the air. After smelling Tactimon it shot towards his face, somehow passing through his faceplate, wriggling inside him. He felt the snake's power seeping into him, and he welcomed the rejuvenating feeling. For Ophis, it was a drop of water given from the ocean but for Tactimon, it was a flood that he had to be careful not to drown in as he thirstily drank the liquid, so exhilarating was the raw power that had suddenly surged inside him.
As his strength began to return, Tactimon noticed how the darkness surrounding him had started to give way to brightness, revealing blurry spots. As more light continued to seep in, the spots began to take shape and sharpen.
Soon a rocky and barren landscape greeted him. Looking up he could see the sky mostly hidden by clouds that glided toward the distant horizon trying to hide the sun as its beams peeked behind the grey curtain. Here and there tall and steep rock formations rose from the dryland breaking the otherwise flat surface.
Realizing how blind he'd been to the world around him, Tactimon now understood how close he had been facing oblivion. Basking in the sun's warmth, he could feel the slight breeze trying to make his cape and sash flutter while marveling at the barren landscape. Taking a breath, Tactimon felt how the air burnt his nonexistent lungs. He was starting to remember what it meant to be alive.
Seeing movement in his peripheral vision, the soldier turned and was greeted by the sight of a small female, coming a little short of his chest.
The petite woman wore black shoes and a dark dress that was left open, revealing her white underwear. Her otherwise bare front was covered only by two scarves around her abdomen belonging to a large purple bow on her back, along with some verymodest coverings on her chest area. Lastly, she had a pink bow tied around her neck and a bonnet on top of her head, from which a black down-hair was growing till her hips. For being in such a revealing outfit, she showed no signs of embarrassment. Appearance-wise, she could have been easily mistaken for a human child, were she not sporting two pointed ears and almost lifeless black eyes unbefitting for a girl of such age; two eyes that were watching the soldier with the sharpness of millions.
While the form was different, the creepy aura she emitted belonged unmistakably to his new master. A moment of silence followed as Tactimon's faceplate stared back at Ophis' equally blank countenance.
A shape-shifter then, Tactimon guessed. He would have preferred something more regal and less revealing for his master to wear until he reminded himself Ophis wasn't Bagramon. The Dragon God could wear whatever she wanted. At least he now had an easier time choosing which eye to look at.
''There was something linked to your soul. While the essence is separate, it bears your presence,'' Ophis said, having seemingly grown bored of their staring match.
Gone was the cascade of voices speaking as one. Ophis's new voice had taken a soft and light tone, making it more pleasant to hear, but the way she spoke in a monotone made it seem like life was sucked out of her. It was jarring.
But it didn't matter what Ophis sounded like for Tactimon, be it a rumbling thunder or a whisper of a wind. The world would quiet when the Ouroboros Dragon spoke.
Ophis raised her slender arms in the air and dark data particles started to gather around her fingers, expanding into an elongated form that overshadowed her before taking shape.
An audible gasp escaped Tactimon.
A massive sword several times Ophis' height was held in her left hand while her right hand held a scabbard which, while not as large as the blade, was still almost twice her height. For an outsider, the scene would have been bizarre: a small girl was holding a sword and sheat several times her size in the air with straight arms as if she had found two interesting looking sticks she wished to show others.
The massive sword oozed malevolent energy, its blade one big bolt of lightning frozen in time, with a wide, serrated form ready to cut anything that would come touching it. Circling the blade was a snake made of shadows, its eyes many, searching for its next prey.
It was his sword, Jatetsufūjin-maru, 'Snake Sealed in Iron by God'. A sword that was made using the data of an ancient weapon belonging to the god of regeneration and could bisect the world in half. Imbued with tens and thousands of years of hatred and regrets left by fallen warrior Digimon, it was without a doubt Bagramon's greatest creation in Tactimon's opinion. Seeing it again made the soldier realize how much he had been yearning to hold it again.
The snake noticed Ophis and made a round around her, letting a hiss. Its forked tongue came fingerbreadth away from her nose, before returning to circle the blade.
"Rude," the Dragon God said, still wearing the same blank expression as before.
The blade started to lose its shape, becoming a black shrinking mist to which the snake retreated. Unsheathing the blade, Ophis presented it to Tactimon, holding the scabbard horizontally.
Tactimon kneeled, staring and waiting.
Seeing no more prompt her, he finally took the sword to his hands, feeling the familiar handle in his grasp. Having his other half back he felt full, all the limbs had finally returned to the body. Holding his sword, Tactimon could feel the ever-raging storm settle a bit as it recognized the holder.
"What is your command, Your Highness?" Attaching his sword to his belt, the samurai addressed his new Lord.
''I will take you to my base now.''
''Very well, Your Highness.''
''I, am Ophis.''
''Forgive me, Ophis,'' Tactimon lowered his head. You have barely started and already made a mistake, you are supposed to be better than that! he chastised himself for the faux pas.
''You are forgiven,'' Ophis pardoned him, not seemingly minding (it was hard to tell what she was thinking) to the latter's great relief.
''Let's go,'' continuing with her monotonic voice, Ophis' hand clasped the hem of Tactimon's sash. The air around the Dragon God and her new servant started to vibrate before they both disappeared, leaving the dryland deserted once more.