Chapter 9

Preperation

….

Ryu groaned as Clive slammed an knee into the man's stomach, Clive stepping back gracefully and lightly as Ryu fell on one knee and took several deep breaths to relieve the pain he was feeling in his abdomen.

The two chosen had been sparring for around an hour now, a silent Victor acting as their referee in case things went too far. Although the sparring had remained tame enough for now he had been able to remain silent and had seen no need to intercede in their combat.

After a few minutes, Ryu would slowly stand with a deep breath and asked, "Where did you learn to move like that anyways, Clive?"

Clive, mid-stretches, responded with a prideful smile, "Simple usage of experience as an acrobat thanks to the influence of my Mother."

"You used that to train yourself to fight?"

"If one is the greatest, one must be able to defend himself," Clive took a wide stance that acted as the base for certain kick based techniques, "Although even I must admit I once had to start low."

Ryu would snort and took a more orthodox stance that seemed rather street fight worthy as he taunted Clive with by saying to their referee, "Hey, Victor. Remind me what the score is again?"

The reserved man would give them a simple response, "Three to two."

Clive merely smirked in response, "Consider the third to be a pity win."

"Fair," Ryu would respond as Clive closed in, only for the massive doorway to open and Craniamon to enter. The duo stopping immediately upon the shadow of the knight looming over them.

The red dots that constituted his eyes stared them down for a few moments before he stated, "The time has come for us to gather for a final meeting."

Clive looked at Ryu before suddenly going for a sweep, the bulkier man anticipating a more underhanded move from Clive and jumping it before rushing in an effort to pin him down. Only for Clive to drop down low and swing a kick diagonally, showing off the flexibility he had gotten from both training and as an acrobat as his shin slammed into Ryu's side. The man stumbling to the side as Clive flipped himself back onto his feet, "Three to three."

Ryu shrugged it off and took a quick breath before responding, "Not yet."

As the two went to go at it again however, Craniamon's hand would go between them, "I ask that you continue this sparring session later."

It clearly was not a request however by the way his red eyes stared deep into the two of them, the duo simply nodding at the knight because of that stare, although they looked at each other and gave silent validation that they would indeed finish this later. It seemed Ryu enjoyed a good fight and that Clive of course had his pride to keep up.

In those few moments of combat, Victor had silently made his way to the door, although subtly he made a glance of dislike towards Clive for unknown reasons.

Craniamon would stand straight before turning to guide the two to the meeting room. Both of them stretching and twisting as they walked so that they wouldn't cramp up later.

A few minutes of silence would be enough for Clive as he asked, "What is this meeting for exactly? Is there much to say beyond our leaving this castle?"

"Although you are aware you will be ejected upon the Digital World, you all will be divided into two separate groups to see the digital worlds wider range. It will enable you a greater perspective of the world you fight for. Not all digimon are such as the Royal Knights or the Knightmon. Some are not even aware of the war that rages on the surface of our world."

"Ah, like a knight surveying his kingdom," Clive clearly meant it in a way with him as a towering hero, a smile climbing his face at the thought.

Ryu would miss this, taking it in a more adventurous exploration manner which clearly pleased him, "Can't wait to get rolling then. I'm sure Tiamat's excited for the idea of roaming too."

"The goal will be you all garnering the strength needed to combat our foes through your travels."

Clive would note something however, "Would it not be more strategic to keep us in a single group for relative safety and ease of protection so as to avoid foes that are... Outside our partners current range?"

"The situation has changed," was the response given to the chosen, although it was clearly unsatisfactory as they approached the dining hall. Where they could see the other chosen, and their partners waiting for them alongside Dynasmon, Gallantmon, Omnimon, and Alphamon.

Although the other chosen were speaking among one another, the knights were quiet. As though pondering a regrettable choice.

As Clive and Ryu went to sit next to their partners, Ryu would ask Tiamat, "Have you spoken with him yet?"

It was fairly obvious that Ryu was referring to Gallantmon as Tiamat's yellow eyes settled on her partner, "Not yet. Neither of us seem to want to be the one to start that conversation."

Ryu would open his mouth to respond, only for Alphamon's voice to keep him from continuing the brief conversation, "The situation has changed, chosen. For the worse."

This got different looks from all of them, mostly concerned ones, with the exceptions of Clive and Victor. Clive's face twisted into one of smugness, as though the start of his grand position in this adventure were beginning, while Victor's face said that he was already aware things were not at their best.

"We have lost two fronts as of the last week, and have been pushed back deep into our territory on another. Although we have attempted to secure our inner borders, you have all already witnessed that our enemies have hidden themselves among us. Even as one of our fellow knights," Alphamon gestured to Gallantmon, referencing the Crimson Knight's sibling, "Having discussed this with my fellow knights, we have decided two things. The first, is that you will all be divided into two groups of four, guided by Gallantmon or Dynasmon. The second thing, is to reveal to you the eighth of the chosen."

As Alphamon said these words, it would suddenly dawn upon the group that there was an eighth human among them, but had she been there before? It was as though she were suddenly inserted into their minds, an illusion that had always been there but had been hidden from their eyes.

She couldn't have been too old, maybe ten or eleven years of age. Younger than both Jordan and Cecilia. The excessively large blue bow on her head seemed as though it might tip her over at any moment as it dug into her short brown hair, which hung over a rather large brow. Her outfit was a simple light blue frilled dress that covered her feet at as well, although it had no sleeves to cover her notably thin arms that were rather pale as well. Her green eyes however, were rather eerie as they stared at everyone, as though she did not understand her own emotions.

In her arms was a rather large fishbowl that contained what was likely her partner. A piranha-like digimon that was triangular in shape. Green scales covering most of its body, with varying shades of red, blue, and orange providing eye-blinding patterns along its body and fins. It's large animalistic golden eyes stared at the partners as much as the girl's eyes stared through the chosen, tooth filled beak flexing open and closed every few moments as though judging them.

A few silent moments would be followed by Alphamon making a coughing noise, the girl taking this as the opportunity to introduce herself, "I am Ysanne Draughan. Daughter of millionaire Scott Draughan. This is my partner Swimmon, she doesn't really like to talk."

Clive would make a quiet note about the fish-like digimon, "If she can talk..."

Black would jab him in the side with her elbow as Alphamon began to speak again, "I had hoped to keep Ysanne out of this conflict, as she is only ten-and-a-half years of age. But with the failure to slow the approach of the Demon Lords, and the apparent presence of our enemies everywhere. There is no choice but to send her with you."

"I'll make sure the young noble remains untouched by the harmful side of digital nature," Clive would declare.

"You will not be accompanying Ysanne, Clive," Dynasmon would suddenly state, although Clive's pride refused to let him deflate, "You will be accompanying me alongside Alizee, Victor, and Jordan."

"W-wait," Jordan interjected, "Cecilia isn't part of the group?"

"Nay," Craniamon would respond, "For the sake of your own growth. It was deemed we should split you from her."

Jordan's face twisted, clearly not content with the decision and about the mouth off at the knights when a tug on his pants would get him to look down at Luna. The lunamon quietly giving him the sign that the knights were correct, speaking a few words to give clarification, "We need to for the sake of us both."

Jordan's eyes looked at the ground as Alphamon continued to speak, "It is as Dynasmon says. Jordan, Luna, Alizee, Victor, Sif, Clive, and Black. You all will be accompanied by Dynasmon directly to the South-west. Kyou, Blaze, Cecilia, Avani, Ryu, Tiamat, Ysanne, and Swimmon. You all will be accompanied by Gallantmon, and headed to the North-west."

Gallantmon's eyes narrowed as Alphamon spoke, as if in some unknown protest. Of everyone present, Tiamat would be the one to notice the Crimson Knight shuffle and grip his armor that bit harder.

"If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them."

Victor would be the first to raise an arm to ask, "What should we expect?"

"Of that, I am unsure. The Digital World is in a state of turmoil, enemies we have not seen in centuries are resurging. I imagine there are many digimon even we have not seen outside our time as knights. However, that is exactly why Gallantmon and Dynasmon will be accompanying your groups."

As Clive raised his arm to ask a question however, Omnimon would be the one to ask, "Alphamon. Perhaps it would be better to allow Gallantmon and Dynasmon to address any concerns they have once they have left."

Alphamon would look to Omnimon and simply responded, "Perhaps so."

Omnimon having taken their opportunity for answers, Alphamon would dismiss them, "You all have two hours to gather what you need before meeting either Gallantmon at the North gate or Dynasmon at the south gate. I ask you leave all else here."

Their current plan addressed, the knights would dismiss them as Ryu and Tiamat walked up to Clive and Black.

The bulkier man would say to Clive, "Looks like we'll have to finish our challenge at a later date."

"So it would seem," Clive responded as a smug look took place on his face, the four of them beginning to make their way to the halls that would lead to their rooms, "Although we both know what the inevitable result would be."

Ryu would respond confidently but with a relaxed tone, "That we do."

As the different chosen and knights left however, Omnimon would stop Cecilia, Avani, and Lancelot, "You three. Come with me."

Cecilia and her two partners would quietly do as the legendary knight asked, following him down a side hall before he stopped and turned, kneeling before them and holding something out to Cecilia, "I have prepared this for you three in preparation for my absence."

The girl would take it and look at it, the item resembling that of a journal as she asked, "What's in it?"

"A list of all possible routes for Avani. I made a brief description of each digimon and the moves it may it use in combat."

Cecilia didn't question how the knight made such a small journal, but only gave the knight a kind smile as she simply responded, "Thank you, Omnimon."

"It is my duty to ensure you and your partners success, Cecilia," Omnimon's eyes looked at the wormmon and eyesmon.

Lancelot, as with any dog-like creature, seemed simply content to be near its master.

Avani gave her own thankful nod to Omnimon before asking, "What are you going to be doing?"

Omnimon remained ominously quiet for a few moments before responding, "Aiding Alphamon with a plan he has to push the Demon Lords back to the border before it is too late."

Cecilia and Avani both gained a worried look at his quiet before Cecilia asked, "Can you keep yourself safe?"

The Royal Knight simply nodded and gave the half-answer, "I will try."

Cecilia let out a sigh of relief, content with that answer. Avani on the other hand, felt something was simply off about his vagueness, but did not voice it as she couldn't put her finger on it.

As she continued to ponder this however, she would suddenly be snapped out of her thoughts as Cecilia's voice echoed from down the hall, "Avani! Come on! We need to grab out stuff and go!"

The wormmon nearly fell out in panic as she realized she was being left behind, the eyesmon accompanying Cecilia giving Avani a mocking look as she bounced after them, "Wait for me! Wait for me! I was just thinking is all! Don't leave me behind!"

…..

As the chosen, their partners, and the royal knights left, Ysanne and Alphamon would remain in the room. The swimmon in her fish bowl quietly spinning within it as the little girl spoke, "They seemed to buy your story."

"I believe they did, Lord Drasil," Alphamon responded as he ensured that none were listening on their conversation, "It is only a matter if it comes to it that their belief in your human form tricks our foes as well, and that they do not search you."

The little girl tilted her head downwards before looking back up at Alphamon, "I must admit I am uncomfortable with this change. I... Feel. Yet my mind feels closed and clowded. Uncertain in what I am doing compared to when I am full."

"I am certain you will adjust in time, Lord Drasil," Alphamon responded, "I am certain that you and the chosen will not fail... But that is not what bothers you, is it?"

"... No. It is not, if I am to be honest," Ysanne would turn and look up at Alphamon, "You are my most loyal knight, born not from Dorumon but from DemiDevimon. A digimon people once thought was only evil. You are the odd one out in few of the lineage of Alphamon brought up to the status of my royal knights, and it is in your judgement I trust the most."

"Which is why I must ask again, when I am like this, are you certain of your plan? Are you certain that the costs will be worth the rewards?"

Whatever this plan was, Alphamon remained silent some moments, as though contemplating his lord's concern before responding, "I am certain."

Ysanne would stare quietly at him as the sound of water swishing inside Swimmon's bowl filling the void of silence before she responded, "Then watch for our own success, Alphamon. Just as I will ensure your safe return on the winds and seas of data that flow through me."

"Of course, Lord Drasil," Alphamon slowly kneeled before her, eyes settling on Swimmon, "I will not fail you, nor do I imagine that she will fail you as your guardian."

"... Alphamon."

"Yes, Lord Drasil?"

"If I am destroyed. Please, ensure that Lucemon goes with me at all costs. Even if it costs their lives."

"... I cannot make such a promise, even to you, milord."

Ysanne's eyes settled down, that uncertainty about her own feelings clear, "I know, but without my full power, I just have to make sure..."

...

Authors note

That moment when it's been just short of THREE MONTHS since your last update.

Life loves taking kneecaps. Especially mine apparently, but don't worry. My mental state is stable and there ain't no plans for the train to stop. Just a lot of slowness apparently.

I'm wondering if I should make a Discord for those of you hanging on. Just so you can confirm that I am in fact not dead and have no plans of the train dying.

Yeah, this chapter is about half the length of usual and definitely probably wasn't worth the wait since I can definitely smell its a bit lower in quality(About the same as the prologue). It is a transition chapter and a chapter I wanted to get out to confirm that this story is not dying. I am just busy cause I'm balancing three other major things, I am not dying. I'm hoping with this over I can get rolling into the more exciting aspects of this story soon. Don't worry, the next chapter will definitely be 8,000 words minimum. Hopefully it doesn't take me three months to get it up this time though. I'll also make sure to catch up on reviews by next chapter as well.