Labrys and I raced up the tower as fast as we could. As we were running, we noticed some Shadows pursuing us.
"Pepper Breath," Agumon shouted.
Agumon fired multiple fireballs from its mouth at the Shadows. Although some melted or were knocked off the tower, more continued to crawl towards us. Soon, another group of Shadows attempted to barricade us from the front.
"Not on my watch," Labrys yelled.
Labrys swung her axe at the Shadows, cutting them in half as they disappeared. When we looked down, we saw more Shadows trying to crawl up the tower instead of going through the front like everyone else.
"There's no end to these bad guys," Agumon stated.
"The only thing we can do is push forward and keep fighting. Let's head to the top of the tower quickly," I replied.
Episode 16
At last, Labrys and I reached the summit of the tower. In the center, a large crystal pulsed like a beating heart for an unseen entity. Eerie humanoid monoliths lined the edges, their hands raised in prayer for a sinister summoning. A solitary figure, familiar yet entranced, stood before the crystal, drawn in by its power.
"So, you've come. I heard you'd be showing up sooner or later. Just looking at you makes me sick," Sho said, turning to us.
"Which one is this one," I asked Labrys.
"It's Sho. His other self is more calculating and deliberate," Labrys answered.
"What are you two goody-two-shoes blabbering about? Do you guys think you can stop me after we've come so far? I'll kill you. I'll destroy every last one of you! That way, no one will be in my way," Sho replied.
"Wait, Sho. There's something I want to talk to you about. It's about your father," Labrys said.
"My dad," Sho asked.
For the first time, Sho stopped his threatening aura and lowered his guard.
"Sho, I know Ikutsuki, your father, planted a Plume on Dusk on you. When he didn't get his desired result, Ikutsuki threw you aside, right," Labrys continued.
"Is that all you have to say to me? He's the only person I've ever known, so what if this is my way of expressing anger? You can have all the fun you want with your so-called friends, but the last thing I want is to spend another second in a world with people like him and you," Sho angrily yelled.
"Solitude isn't your wish. You want the courage to reach out to someone again after having your trust broken. I understand that feeling all too well," I replied.
"Great, now you're also spewing gibberish. Are both of you malfunctioning robots? Give me a break," Sho cackled.
Labrys revealed a memory card from her hand.
"This microchip has a recording of Ikutsuki's diary on you. It mentions how you only know how to interact with others via combat because of their experiments. You see, you want to create bonds with others like everyone else. You were lonely," Labrys explained.
"Is that all you have to say? So, what if that's the only way I can communicate with others? What's so wrong about that? If you want to be my friend, let me tear you apart," Sho screamed.
Sho was about to raise his blades, but he stopped moving. Instead, a calm figure stood before us.
"Forgive him; he can get emotional," Minazuki replied.
"Minazuki, you heard what Labrys said. You know of Sho's pain the most. That means you also know this isn't the way to solve Sho's problem," I responded.
"As I said earlier, my role is to grant the boy's wish. Your view on our actions is merely one perspective," Minazuki answered.
"But you should know more than anyone that solitude isn't want he wants. He wants a friend," Labrys replied.
"True, but his yearning for a connection only amplifies his sorrow, suffering, and pain. I know Ikutsuki discarded the boy when he was of no use to him. With that sole connection, the boy disregarded everything and wanted the world to disappear," Minazuki said sadly.
"It's not too late to create a new bond. Give him a chance to try again, and he will know this isn't the way," I stated.
"I am a Plume of Dusk. I resonate with his heart. I know everything there is to know about the boy. If he wishes for death unto others, I will use my true form to make it so," Minazuki dutifully remarked.
Minazuki's eyes glow red as he summoned a dark figure clad in black with a helmet full of black flames.
"That big guy is powerful, Tai. I sense all sorts of emotions coming from it: anger, despair, rage, sadness," Agumon replied.
"Personas represent a part of who we are. If that's how Sho feels, we must wake them up," I informed.
"Sho, Minazuki, we will save both of you from your pain. We promise," Labrys said.
"Silence the world, Tsukuyomi," Minazuki coldly spoke.
Tsukuyomi launched two dark shockwaves at us, which immediately separated us.
"That was so fast that we barely had time to react," I said, catching my breath.
"Let's show them what it means to help others, Tai," Agumon replied.
"You're right. It's time to Digivolve," I announced.
"Agumon, Six Card Arcana Digivolve to... WarGreymon," Agumon shouted.
"Lend me your strength, Ariadne," Labrys whispered to herself.
A metallic figure with white robes appeared before Labrys. Ariadne created a construct of a bull and charged at Tsukuyomi. Tsukuyomi used its dark-flamed blades to block the attack.
"War Driver," WarGreymon shouted.
WarGreymon charged his gauntlet and rushed towards Tsukuyomi. Tsukuyomi created another dark-flamed blade to block WarGreymon's attack. When the two attacks collided, they exploded. Labrys used this opportunity, ran towards Minazuki, and attacked him with her axe. Minazuki gracefully moved around the axe until he found an opening to exploit. As Minazuki readied his blade toward Labrys, I kicked my soccer ball at him, forcing him to alter his attack. His blades barely grazed Labrys as she moved out of the way.
"Minazuki, listen to us! We don't want to fight. We want to help," Labrys pleaded.
"Preventing the boy from realizing his dream when he is this close to completing it is not the assistance he needs," Minazuki retorted.
Minazuki continued to rush towards Labrys with multiple sword swings. Meanwhile, Tsukuyomi pushed Ariadne and WarGreymon away and fired two more dark shockwaves at them. Ariadne and WarGreymon continued their pursuit of Tsukuyomi. Each clashing blade and strike generated shockwaves that rattled our skeletons.
"If you resonate with his heart, you should know that his dream isn't for solitude. It's to form a bond," I replied.
I continued to kick the soccer ball at Minazuki, who dodged the ball and focused his attention on me. As he zipped towards me and prepared to swing at me, Labrys extended her arm and wrapped her hands around Minazuki's wrist before he was able to slice me.
"Sho said the only way he knows how to connect with others is through fighting. You say he wants to be alone, yet you are battling us. Doesn't that contradict your statement about knowing how Sho truly feels," Labrys asked.
"Don't talk as though you understand everything about him," Minazuki gritted.
Minazuki grabbed Labrys's chained arm and swung her at me. When Labrys hit me, we flew near the edge of the tower. Meanwhile, Tsukuyomi dashed through Ariadne and WarGreymon and sent multiple blades down at them. Ariadne shattered, and Labrys felt the pain. WarGreymon fell to its knee but remained standing.
"That is the extent of the power of bonds. It is weak and can crumble easily. Since we live and fight for ourselves, we become stronger by ourselves. We don't need companions for strength. That is our might," Minazuki said, pointing his blade at us.
"Did you even hear what you said? We? Our? You were never alone. You were fighting for Sho. Isn't that where your power comes from? Isn't that relationship a bond," I questioned.
"What are you talking about," Minazuki asked.
"You call him a boy, but deep down, you care about Sho. And I bet Sho wants to protect you, too. You've been watching over each other, but you've never realized it," Labrys continued.
Labrys resummoned her Persona and brought Ariadne out. Ariadne constructed multiple arrows and fired at Minazuki. Minazuki stepped back from all of them, but WarGreymon rushed over to him from behind and smacked him with its gauntlet. Minazuki flew towards the pulsating crystal and fell in front of it. Tsukuyomi used its dark wings to launch one large shockwave at us.
"Brave Shield," WarGreymon shouted.
WarGreymon took out its shield and blocked the attack for us. Ariadne constructed multiple spears from the ground to trap Tsukuyomi in place.
"Great Tornado," WarGreymon shouted.
WarGreymon spun swiftly and flew towards Tsukuyomi, piercing through it and shattering it. Minazuki felt the pain as he struggled to stand and fell on one leg. With strength, I kicked the soccer ball at his face, knocking Minazuki backward as he collapsed. Soon, Minazuki's red glowing eyes dimmed, and Sho took his place.
"Wait, he lost? No, he can't lose. I can still fight. Our battle isn't over yet," Sho said, trying to get up.
"Sho, you still don't understand what's happening? Destroying everything isn't your desire," I reasoned.
"Stop talking like you're some big shot. What do you know about me? What do you know about us? I have nothing. Shouldn't the world know the same pain I feel," Sho asked.
"That's not true. You were never alone. You had Minazuki with you all this time," Labrys answered.
"What are you saying," Sho questioned.
"Do you know the reason why Ikutsuki discarded you? He was trying to get rid of Minazuki. Ikutsuki wanted to create Persona-users artificially. His experiment on you was a bust, but you created Minazuki, who did harbor a Persona. Ikutsuki wanted to control Minazuki, but Minazuki fought back. Ikutsuki wanted to remove Minazuki while keeping the Persona in hand, but Minazuki protected you from him. Had he done so, you would have truly been alone. But you were never left out. Minazuki's bond with you made you strong this whole time," Labrys explained.
"You think the whole world is against you, but Minazuki has always been by your side through the good and bad. No matter how often you fall, your bond with each other gives both of you the power to stand up and fight for someone else. Minazuki had been protecting and supporting you this whole time, and you were willing to continue the fight when Minazuki was down. That bond is unshakeable," I added.
"Have we been supporting each other this whole time? What kind of sick joke is this? It's not funny. Then, what was I fighting for," Sho asked, trying to sort out his complex emotions.
"Is this sob story over yet? Honestly, you are testing my patience," a familiar voice echoed.
Labrys and I turned to the sound of the voice. We couldn't believe our eyes. General Teddie paced towards Sho, yet we could not sense his presence.
"I can't believe that a weak brat like you was trying to summon me. You failed, so get out of here," General Teddie smiled.
"Kagutsuchi, are you going to cast me aside, too," Sho yelled.
"Are you saying General Teddie wasn't Teddie's Shadow, but that mysterious entity this whole time," I asked.
"General Teddie - no, Kagutsuchi - step away from Sho at once," Labrys stated.
"Sho, you were bested by these two buffoons? I thought you would be better than that. However, I still have to perform my duties as the overseer of this operation. Congratulations, Tai and Labrys, you are our P1 Grand Prix Champions! Your prize is your swift execution," General Teddie cheered.
Before Labrys and I could blink, Sho stood up and skewered General Teddie with his blades.
"I won't let you or anyone else make a mockery of me and get away with it," Sho gritted.
"Is that the best you could do? No wonder why you lost. Don't you want me to grant you your wish, a world of absolute solitude," General Teddie teased.
Soon, the air changed, and General Teddie's eyes glowed yellow. Unfazed by the blades sticking out of his body, General Teddie grabbed Sho's head and slowly squeezed it.
"Sho," I shouted.
"I wouldn't come closer if I were you. One small step and my hand might slip," General Teddie sneered.
"Let him go! You don't gain anything from harming Sho," Labrys shouted.
"What are you talking about? I'm only fulfilling his desires; a world of solitude where only I exist, a place all for myself," General Teddie announced.
"I know that voice. It's the same voice that tempted me to live my life in the TV World and the one who possessed me into fighting you guys," Labrys said.
"That means you were the one who brainwashed those people that threw Labrys into the TV. Do you know how many people have suffered because of your selfishness? All you know how to do is use people, just like how you used Sho to do your bidding," I shouted angrily.
"Why do you imply that I used him? He was the one who used me. This red fog and the sudden surge of power were all loaned by me. Isn't it about time that he repaid his debt? Besides, this body was only temporary. A couple of Shadows could not handle the power that I possess. However, this boy and his body still have some use for me. Now that I have all these Shadows at my call and the Persona fragments in my possession, I will fuse everything into this boy's body to call upon my true form. I am Hi-no-Kagutsuchi, the one who will kill all to have this world for myself," General Teddie declared.
The red fog dissipated from General Teddie's body as it melted back into blobs of Shadows. Meanwhile, the red fog choked Sho and began fusing with him as Sho struggled to break free from it. As Labrys and I rushed over to Sho, the red fog blocked us from entering further. Soon, all the red fog entered Sho's body, and he stood limp. When he came to, his eyes glowed red. The immense pressure hit us like a ton of bricks, and we dropped to our knees.
"This was the power you were referring to. So, you are Hi-no-Kagutsuchi," I barely spoke.
"Don't worry, I'll let you live long enough to see my true form. Then, you two will be the first sacrifices for my power. Afterward, your so-called companions will be next in line. Given how long you have been fighting here within this red fog, you have all become too weak to surpass me. I was hoping the robot would be able to do this much for me, but when that failed, I had to pivot," Hi-no-Kagutsuchi publicized.
"I knew it. You were the one who possessed me. You were the one who enabled all those needless battles. You did all of this," Labrys uttered.
"Personas are manifested from the deep desires of one's heart. There is no power more fitting to control all these Shadows. Now, witness this new form that you have given me," Hi-no-Kagutsuchi stated.
Hi-no-Kagutsuchi, the Persona fragments, and the horde of Shadows floated toward a dark, ominous swirl in the sky. As they began merging, the sky turned ablaze. A giant flaming figure emerged from the vortex, and a maniacal chuckle echoed throughout the sky.
"So, that is Hi-no-Kagutsuchi's true form," I said.
"My sensors are unable to gauge its strength. It's too powerful. Were we too late," Labrys questioned.
"Hey, don't think like that. Labrys, listen to me. Listen to your heart. Think about everything we have fought for thus far: your group, Yu's group, and mine. They are all trying their best to make sure we succeed. They're counting on us, and we will not let them down. Stand up for your friends. Fight to get Sho back. Our only option is to win at all costs. Feel their strength and use it to fight against the one who looks down on us as our bonds," I reminded her.
Labrys took a second to recollect her thoughts, her memories, and what her friends would say to her at this time. After taking a deep breath, she readied herself and stood up.
"Thank you for supporting me, Tai. Let's end this once and for all," Labrys said.
"That's the Labrys I know. Let's show that hothead what the power of bonds can do for other people. Let's do this, WarGreymon," I exclaimed.
"WarGreymon, Eight Card Arcana Digivolve to... VictoryGreymon," WarGreymon shouted.
"Ariadne, lend me your strength," Labrys stated.
Labrys called out to Ariadne once more. VictoryGreymon and Ariadne flew towards Hi-no-Kagutsuchi. Hi-no-Kagutsuchi showered them with multiple fireballs from the sky. VictoryGreymon and Ariadne maneuvered around the fireballs to get closer to Hi-no-Kagutsuchi. When they got too close, Hi-no-Kagutsuchi used its giant hand to swat them away, but VictoryGreymon and Ariadne moved out of the way. Ariadne constructed multiple gears and mowed down one of Hi-no-Kagutsuchi's arms. Hi-no-Kagutsuchi used its other hand to crush Ariadne, but VictoryGreymon knocked the hand away. Enraged, Hi-no-Kagutsuchi spat a massive fireball from its mouth at both of them.
"Victory Charge," VictoryGreymon shouted.
VictoryGreymon used its sword to reflect the fireball at Hi-no-Kagutsuchi. The fireball exploded on its face, and Hi-no-Kagutsuchi howled. Desperately, Hi-no-Kagutsuchi wildly flailed its arms at the two of them while showering multiple fireballs from the sky at them. No matter how often it tried, Hi-no-Kagutsuchi could not land a solid hit on VictoryGreymon or Ariadne.
"What is the meaning of this? Why will you not surrender? How can your powers be greater than mine," Hi-no-Kagutsuchi asked.
"With so many people supporting us, you will never win," Labrys declared.
"The power that we wield - no, the power that everyone in this tower wields - will never submit to your will," I added.
"Silence! You two are merely a monkey and a machine. I will not lose! I refuse to lose to anything," Hi-no-Kagutsuchi roared.
Hi-no-Kagutsuchi brought its fist to the sky and swung at us. The impact would be enough to shatter the tower and destroy us and everyone inside. Ariadne quickly constructed multiple chains to bind its arms in place. Hi-no-Kagutsuchi tried to move its arms, but Ariadne denied any movement. In a last-ditch effort, Hi-no-Kagutsuchi generated a giant fireball from its mouth and prepared to aim it at the tower.
"Trident Gaia," VictoryGreymon shouted.
VictoryGreymon converted its sword into an energy barrel and attached it to its arm. VictoryGreymon absorbed all the energy from the atmosphere and fired it at Hi-no-Kagutsuchi. The fireball erupted inside of it, and Hi-no-Kagutsuchi began to crumble.
"I won't lose! I will never lose to this sorcery that you claim as bonds! I will never," Hi-no-Kagutsuchi growled.
Hi-no-Kagutsuchi's body dissipated into thin air as it spoke its final words.
*To be continued*