Chapter 20: The King's Spirit
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...We came back to The Base. Right away as usual, one of the Navis, namely Cutemon to us, accomanied by Gatomon ran up to us joyfully. Aegiomon did so as well. However they all stopped in place once they saw how absent I looked; How I was hugging myself then looked back at Morphomon, who was afloat in the same spot, with a saddening look on her face with her eyes slightly opened. Quickly, everything felt off...Truly off, and an unsettling atmosphere was being made here. The few that were able to break out of the stupor noticed that my state wasnt the only thing that seemed absent...
"[Gatomon] H-hey...Where's...*tears up* W-where's everyone else..? T-they're ok, right?"
"[Renamon]...I know you three have seen the aftermath.."
"[Cutemon] I-I didnt..I was eating while the team was fighting..You guys did win..Did you?"
"[Renamon] We...Did..But.."
"That's right, Basty..We did it."
"[Cutemon] But..I dont see Bastemon. Where is she?"
"Basty is right here..She was always here... "
"[Cutemon] ! No...Please...Not her..Please tell me she isnt dead! o"
"[Aegiomon] Mommy? Is mommy...gone?"
"She's still here...How is it that none of you hear of her? . "
"[Cutemon] STOP THAT! *beats on my chest* STOP LYING TO ME! YOU'RE JUST TRYING TO MESS WITH ME! SHE'S GONE SHE'S GONE SHE'S-! TTOTT"
"[Renamon] CUTEMON! *sees her look back this way* Leave him...I'll take care of it.."
"[Gatomon] So everyone else is really gone?! But how?! You've all done so well together! TTOTT"
"[Morphomon] Mother...Father...*feels a tear dropping* I...Cannot see through Minervamon's eyes...Or feel the others' pulse.."
"[Renamon] That's..That's because we lost them, Morphomon..."
"[Morphomon] But mother...Bastemon was just able to meet my brother..They bonded...They meant so much to each other...They.."
"[Renamon] Im sorry Morphomon...She was stuck in her digivolve state..Your brother had to kill her."
"[Morphomon] Brother...No...Not my brother.. "
"[Cutemon] Why'd you tell her that?! She didnt need to know!"
"[Renamon] She needs to start accepting the death in many things if she is to be a Ruler. Even within the family."
"[Cutemon] But this isn't the way to do it! You scarred her, dammit!"
"Bastemon...?"
"[Cutemon]...*cries some more* Basty...Ranny...*hics* Crescemon...Minervamon..Why..Why'd all have to leave like this! TTOTT"
"[Gatomon] No...Ranny too..*hics* I wanted...I wanted us to practice singing together! All of us! Even if we sounded awful, I know it would've been really fun! TTnTT"
"They'll be ok, Basty..We did what we could... . "
"[Cutemon] No..I cant let it end like this! I want them back! I WANT THEM BACK RIGHT NOW! BRING THEM BAAAAACK! TTOTT"
"[Renamon] Listen..Things may be at an all-time low now..But crying and whining doesnt change anyhting. Allow me time to get the Human in order. We cannot move forward unless he is situated. *holds my hand* Come with me, Human. You have to pull through..Even at this time..(Or else, he may never come out of this soundly...Let alone, fulfill his promise of becoming a Ruler..)"
"It's just Renamon, Basty...No..She's just worried about us.."
"{Bastemon} Ok...She makes me worried for everyone too.."
"I promise, Basty...We'll find a way..They aren't dead...Just.."
"{Bastemon} Shhh...*holds me* You shouldn't worry yourself either..You fought the hardest out of everyone there.."
"Basty..."
"{Bastemon} I did my best too...I really did.."
"I know you did, Basty...I couldnt ask for a better partner.."
"{Bastemon} You know..I always wanted to be your's...No one else could ever replace you in my heart..I dont know what I'd do if you weren't in my life.."
"Me too, Basty...Even if I love Renny more than anything..I can't stop thinking about you at times..You're so wonderful...It makes me glad that were able to have a child together.."
"{Bastemon} Yes..And I'd do it all over again! It was the best moment of my life when he came into this world! TTuTT Being there for the other kids was the best too!"
"I wish..I wish Renny could learn more from you..Basty...You're the most encouraging if people let you..I'll let you talk to her tomorrow...To straighten her out."
"{Bastemon} I've tried before..But she can be a real stick in the mud. I know means well..I know I can reach her.."
"[Renamon] How can you when you're dead?"
"! R-Renny? When'd you come from?"
"[Renamon] I never left, Human. Now I'm in here with you."
"In here? What do you..."
"[Renamon] Wake up, Human. She's dead."
"That's not true...She's here.."
"[Renamon] Your son killed her right in front of you."
"THAT'S A LIE!"
"[Renamon] Human, listen to me. I know it hurts. I know we've lost precious people in our lives, but we still need you. The Digiworld still needs you. Dont let anyone's death deter you from moving forward in life."
"Renny..."
"{Bastemon} You're good enough here. You need some rest anyway. Esepecially after experiencing all that.."
"But..But Basty.."
"[Renamon] Whatever she is saying, just block it out. What matters is what I say. Aren't I your true love? The one you want the most?...Are you saying I dont matter anymore? All because of what a dead person is saying?"
"She's not dead...She cant be...SHE CANT!"
"{Bastemon} Why cant she hear me? If only she could.."
"[Renamon] Human...You can deny all you want. Here's what we know. I was your first. I may've..Been rather distant from you..But I've been seeing how wrong that is to you..How unfathomable your mistreatment is. Anyone can feel it firsthand, even without Bio-Merge. So for once, Human...I dont want to just be part of you. I want to be part of your world."
"Part of...My world?"
"[Renamon] Be it the world you make, or inside and out of your being..If you can take away from anything I say..Dont let this be the end. This is another battle you must win. Fight hard. Like you've always have."
"{Bastemon} What is she saying? What does this mean for us?"
"This is no different...This is no different..."
"{Bastemon} Now what are you saying? I dont get this.."
"As in...Basty...*swings a big blade across her body, making her fade* THERE'S NO DIFFERENCE FROM THIS AND ALL THE BLOOD I'VE SHED! O "
"{Bastemon} *holds me from behind* But haven't you fought enough? You could rest here with me..Forever.."
"...No...! *pushes her away and slashes through her as well* I wont stop fighting...NOT FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE!"
"[Renamon] Hmhmm. *sees me looking back this way* What're you swinging with? You dont even have a sword."
"I dont huh...*looks around, seeing the tent's roof above* Im here...Im still alive after all.."
"[Renamon] I can only imagine how far gone you were..Are you...Your normal self again?"
"...Tch. What even is normal anymore? All I know is that there's stll unfinshed business."
"[Renamon] That's more like it. So you are back."
"{Bastemon} So you want to move on without me after all.."
"Hmph..Think what you will. I know it doesnt matter now."
"[Renamon] I see..So you still hear her..."
"It doesnt matter, Renamon. I cant bring her back...I know that. Just like with PX..."
"[Renamon] I-Indeed..Shall we touch up on our next course of action?"
"...Give me a few minutes to myself.."
"[Renamon] Not a problem...Very well" she complied, leaving me in that space to myself. I hate to admit it...I hoped. Even with the slightest inkling of a chance, I hoped I could bring her back...But I know that it's pointless. Once you're dead in either world, it's over. You're gone for good. Nothing will change that...If only it were easier to do something about what's going on in my head. I dont really lose it these days and go off the deep end. Now it's this...I have to get Bastemon off the mind. Why's it so difficult..I cant believe Renamon had to talk some sense into me..I wont let this get in the way. I know I cant. I'll kick this problem in the ass just like everything else. Then there's the issue of getting the others back. It aint like they got themselves killed. They're just somewhere else. Should I bring the boy for this? He has gotten much stronger...I'll give him a bit more time, so tomorrow, I'll have him with us til we get the group back. Now then...How'll we do this..As I thought long and hard about this on my bed in this tent, a few ideas did come to me but I ended up drifting off into slumber.
NaitoRenamon found herself searching the Digiworld doggedly for Renamon, but was finding a mix of regular mons and Dark digis instead. This was happening to her for a few hours and frustration was setting in. "*stops on a mountain top, looking down for miles below* Ugh! What the hell is this! Where the hell is other me now?! They better not be having the best party ever all cuz they killed all of the Rulers -V-. Dooooh that Digivice Wesly has needs to take me to that hidden base if that's the case! V *sees Strabimon and his team roaming below* ! Aaawwwww, look at my lil boy growing up big and strong on his own. He made a team for himself and everything! Why dont we pay him a visi- owo *sees a massive amount of darkness occuring behind them, making them stop* Uhhhh...Wuzzat? ~3~" NaitoRenamon said in uncertainty. "*sees a huge, 30ft tall black sphere come out of the ground with glowing red eyes piercing through it* Strabi! What the hell is this thing?!" BlackGatomon asked in a panic, "I've never seen this before..It looks too strong for us, everyone! We have to run!" Strabimon told them, "*lands in front of them, looks back at Strabimon with a big, devilish smile* Hey theeere~, my lil Strabi! ^w^" NaitoRenamon greeted, "Wh..What're you doing here..? *sees a big tail lunging out of the sphere* Mom! Watch out!" he warned, "*dodges out of the way, seeing it deleting layers of the ground that it stung into* This thing deletes data it touches..That's a big no-no for us" NaitoRenamon comments in a more serious tone, "This is way too strong for us, mom! We gotta-!" he was saying, "Gotta nothin'! I'll just take care of it" NaitoRenamon insisted, surprising everyone. She uses her Fox Switch Deception to clone herself many times and they all gave it many barrages of attacks while landing Diamond Storms, all trying to break through the outer shell. "Strabimon! Leave it to her! This isn't our fight in the first place!" told by Hackmon, "R-right. (She's not making so much as dent in it..Why is she trying to fight so hard against it?) *sees Ranamon come out of the dark-stained ground below the black sphere, unconscious* (Ranamon?! Is that her?!) *uses Light Leg to dash under the sphere, snatching her up, and goes back while carrying her* Ok everyone, we're running! Move!" Strabimon then told his team, making them run away with him and leaving NaitoRenamon to continue her assault. She kept rushing down this large creature but no progress in sight, losing my clones in no time and still it doesnt budge from anything. "(Uuuuuuggggh! Why wont this thing take any damn damage?! It's no fun this way! I might as well not even Digivolve if I just do nothing to it!) *feels it moving forward on it's own* ! *backflips away, sliding backwards* It's moving. What could it- *sees it's tail stabbing into far away Digimon, both normal and dark ones, retracting them into it's black, layered shell* Is it chowing down on them? Oh great, now it's getting stronger. That's no fun at all! What the hell're we supposed to do now? *sees it taking it dozens of Digimon at a time with each strike* Drrrrrrgh! I gotta find out what this is all about! This thing is just super mean! V" NaitoRenamon said while running away in her own direction. She didnt want to admit but this was really a scary experience for her. The very first time she had no idea what to do against an opponent. Even worse. It felt like someone she knew. She couldnt put her finger on it, but it disturbed her all the same, making her desperate to find out more.
In a white, familiar space, I was being held by Bastemon in a close embrace, but this was very off...I wanted to stay like this...At least a bit longer. "I love you...I really miss you..*snuggles head into my chest* You're my love...I wish you could want me more..." Bastemon told me, "..I do..I have plenty desire for you, Basty.." I told her, "*holds me from the front, putting claws into my back* Say it again..For me.." Bastemon told me, "*puts claws on my face from behind, slightly pressing them in my cheeks and over my eye with a few other Bastemons* You're everything to me.." she said, "Basty...I love you..But this.." I replied, "Human" I heard a moment later, snapping me out of my delusion, preventing me from being swollowed whole by ilt as I got up, "It's urgent. Come to the Navis" Renny then told me before walking away, "Right...On my way.." I reply, standing on my feet and made my way to the Navis' room. It looks like I'll still have some problems with this...Dealing with PX being gone was one thing...But Basty..She had so much love for me...She was such a good mother, and was so quick to put her neck out for others, in and outside the group. Still...Like Renamon said, I shouldnt let this be it for me. I promised not only her, but everyone here that I'll be the Digiworld's Ruler. They believe in my cause and now's the time as always to see it through to the end. Soon the group- Well, Renamon and Navis, I mean- They see me as I was approaching them. I immediately felt some optimism from them. Guess something good was picked up. Renamon did say it was urgent after all.
"[Calumon] So what do you, ? The good news or bad news?"
"We have both this time?...Alright then, bad news."
"[Calumon] Wow, even after all that stuff yesterday? Okay then. A huge Digimon was spotted earlier."
"[Gatomon] We aint sure what it is but it was a big ol' black sphere with red eyes. It was taking it a whole lotta mons and was making a big buffet outta them! It was terrible!"
"! Oh no..Was Strabi and them-"
"[Calumon] I saw him an hour ago, he has-"
"[Cutemon] Hold it hold it, that's the good news part! Danggit, you already gave it away! m"
"Then what's the good news?"
"[Cutemon] Well that big dumb ballmon disappeared before it could cause too much damage to the Digiworld. We're guessing it's one of the Rulers. Renny here told us how one of them that your group killed went through Death-Digivolution and seem to've disappeared."
"(Dammit! So he was done hiding huh?)"
"[Cutemon] Now the good news. That son of your's has Ranamon with him."
"! He- He has Ranamon with him?! But how?!"
"[Calumon] We aren't sure but he has her safe and sound. Even fought off a bunch of Ultimate-level mons and everything. ouo"
"What a relief...No sign of anyone else?"
"[Gatomon] Hmmmm, wish we could say..But like alwaats we'll keep an eye out. They oughta pop out of nowhere like Ranny did. Maybe even Basty will too."
"[Renamon] I thought we made it clear yesterday..I know no one wants to admit it but she was killed. Everyone else wasn't. It is now evident that they were simply warped away. We just dont know where they are."
"So there's hope for them...We can actually get the others back..TT\ /TT"
"[Renamon] One of you has Strabimon's location, right?"
"[Calumon] I do! It was as clear as day to me."
"[Renamon] Then what'll it be, Human? Do you entrust that the boy has her secured, or will you return her to us now?"
"Before I decide...There's something I wanna say.."
"[Renamon] Oh?"
"I was thinking...Yesterday...I wanted to stop...My weakness for Bastemon was on full display..After we talked, it hit me. It'll be a major diservice to her and everybody else if I gave up. Failing myself like that would've been the worst thing I could ever do, especially to myself."
"[Calumon] I knew you had it in you all along, . -u- It was just a really big blow to us, that's all."
"[Renamon] You say this even when I had to wake you from losing your head to it again?"
"I know it'll keep coming back..But Renny...I want you there too. Not just physically, but in spirit too. Despite what I hear in my head, in her voice, having you there like that and moving forward is something she'd truly want."
"[Renamon] And Palmon-X?"
"And Palmon-X. I cant forget her too."
"[Renamon] Hmph. *smirks* That's the Human I know. UuU"
"Great find, everyone. We'll be back! oVo"
"[Cutemon] Your lil girl wants to talk to you when you come back by the way."
"I'll make sure."
"[Gatomon] They're right here! *shows me where on the monitor and I nod* We'll be watching! ^w^" she told us before me and Renny warp away with my Digivice, beaming us onto the grounds of the Digiworld, in a familiar ruined city area where Strabi and others have taken refuge in. The group took some injuries here and there, with Hackmon suffering the most with his deep back wound but nothing that they cant handle, especially with Kudamon wrapped around his body. Lopmon and BlackGatomon were calming Strabimon's nerves as he needed time to rest as well.
"[Biyomon] ! *flies down* Hey Strabi, your dad's back!"
"[Strabimon] Dad?! He's here for me? o/o"
"[BlackGatomon] I think you know what that means, Strabi. You've been doing great after all. Not one of us has died on you too."
"[Strabimon] *scratches behind head* Heheh, I guess I really have been doing good huh? /u/"
"[Renamon] You sure have, little one."
"[Strabimon] Yep ^u^. H-huh?! *looks up to the right, seeing Renamon leaning against the wall a few inches away* R-Renamom? When'd you get there? o.o!"
"[Renamon] I didnt say it was ok to call me that...-V-"
"[Ranamon] What's wrong, Renamooooom~? TuT *sees the force of her Power Paw pass by, hitting head's tentacle, making it really sore and pulsate in pain* TuT;;;;...Pretend I didnt say thing... "
"Heh. Relax, Renny. He'll get it."
"[Strabimon] *sees me walking close to the group* Daaaad! You really are back! OuO"
"Glad to see you too."
"[BlackGatomon] So this is your dad? I still cant believe he's actually a Human. Figured I'd be cat food before I ever see soemthing like this."
"[Lopmon] He has such a beautiful Renamon too. Im kinda jealous.././"
"[Hackmon] Heheh..Im just as surprised as you guys are..Just wish they didnt have to see me all banged up like this."
"[Kudamon] Blame yourself for your recklessness. Taking on most of those high-level Digimon on your own like that. We'll have to lay low for an hour because of it. *looks up at me* So, you're here for the girl or this son of your's?"
"Heh. Both are tempting. Really I wanted to say how proud I am for you, Strabi..*pets him* You're keeping up the good fight, just like your old man."
"[Strabimon] T-thanks dad...I try my best. I really do. TTuTT"
"[Ranamon] Awwww, dont do this to me. I get teary-eyed too easy for things like this. "
"[Kudamon] How touching. As expected of father and son reuninons. U U"
"[Biyomon] You should've seen him out there too! He really does make sure none of gets hurt. Half the time it's like he wants to get hurt. ouo"
"[Strabimon] Y-you didnt have to say it like that o o;. *looks back at me* So...Am I really coming with you? Do you think Im ready to join?"
"After a bit of thinking...Not only will you be coming with me and Renny, but everyone else too."
"[Strabimon] *GASP* W-we are? o/O"
"[BlackGatomon] I am? OxO"
"As strong as Ranamon has gotten with her forms, we'll need you and Hackmon to pick up the slack for two of our missing heavy-hitters. You'll be training with your sister so she can do even better in battle. Everyone else here will need more time to catch up before I consider them too."
"[Strabimon] *turns to everyone* Did you guys hear that? A few of us will actually be fighting with dad! ^o^"
"{Bastemon} This is great. I know they'll do amazingly well from here on. ^u^"
"I know they will, Basty.."
"[Strabimon] Hmm? Dad, did you say something?"
"It's nothing. Cmon, let's get outta here" I told him before I warp everyone back to The Union Base, in the usual greenery area. Quickly, Morphomon flew to us, immediately shaking hands with Strabimon, putting a smile on both of their faces. "Morphomon. *sees her head turn to me* You seem really smart for your age. We're gonna want to train up in case more threats pop up. What do you suggest?" I asked her, "Before I say, father..I want my 2nd oldest brother to join us, but he is in turmoil, so you will have to speak with him soon" Morphomon told me, "I can imagine why he'd be...Ok, but when Im back, I'll help with the training by then" I replied, "Also father...I hear her too" she also said, "!? Y-you can?! T-That's-!...Im..Sorry for hearing all that.." I respond, "(Amazing. I may not know what they mean but sis' hearing is incredible. She can hear things from dad that no one else can)" Strabimon thought, "As for the training, I suggest that me, brother and his guardian spar against Renamon and Ranny -.-" Morphomon decided, "Does that sound thrill enough for you, Renny?" I asked, "Hmmm. I would've preferred to face these little ones by myself to make it feel more even, but I suppose this will suffice" Renamon comments, "Heheh, you feel that Ranny at your side is a bit much eh? Alright then. Maybe it'll be a bit more even when I come back. Dont have too much fun without me" I said to her before walking away, "(I still remember how ruthless it was fighting dad the first time. I might be much stronger than before but how knows how much stronger he got too. It might get too hard if we face him and Rena at the same time)" Strabimon thought more to himself, getting mentally prepared for a really intense sparring session, but wanted to prove himself worthy of being part of our team. The ones that knew how outclassed they were, namely Biyomon, Lopmon and BlackGatomon, went to train with other mons in The Union Base that can found in other Farm rooms, each having 10 in them. They may need a few days to train with them before deciding to go hunting, to be more likely to Digivolve. Now then. Let's see how much I can help with Aegiomon's problems..I know this isnt my strong suit, but I owe it to him to at least try since I dont usually speak to him. I find him in the barn that me and Renny tend to sleep in, seeing him huddled up in a corner.
"Aegio..It's me."
"[Aegiomon] *turns to me, face completed in tears* D-D-...D-Dad..? I-Is..? TT TT"
"Son, I know...Im really sorry for everyone that we couldnt save her..It feels so unreal.."
"[Aegiomon] W-why...Why did mommy have to die?! Why her?! I wanna see mommy! I want her back NOW! TTOTT"
"Aegio please...Dont remind me..If I could bring her back, I would've in a heartbeat.."
"[Aegiomon] T-then..*hic* Then..What am I gonna do without mommy! What am I supposed to do now?! TTOTT"
"It's really hard for us too, Aegio..But we have to move forward."
"[Aegiomon] B-but daddy..Mommy...I really really want mommy..I..*sniffs* I-I..TT_TT"
"(I dont feel like Im geting anywhere with him..He's way more difficult to talk down than Strabi. I was afraid of this..)"
"{Bastemon} It's alright..If you become more honest with him, he'll be more likely to understand. He's going through alot right now.."
"I realize that, Basty..It's just that.."
"{Bastemon} You shouldnt give up! Not on your closest sons! You owe this one your time, remember?!"
"You're right, Basty..I really shouldnt give up.."
"[Aegiomon] D-Daddy..? Wh..Who're you talking to? I dont..See mommy anywhere.."
"! (That's right. My mind's still slipping when it comes to her...Though. Maybe this time it isnt a bad thing. Yeah..Not at all, in fact) She's here, Aegio. She's talking to me now."
"[Aegiomon] ! S-she is?! Tell me, tell me! What's she saying now?"
"She..."
"{Bastemon} Tell him...That I'll be ok. Renamon is helping me speak to you."
"She's being helped. Thanks to Renny, I can hear her voice. Saying she'll be fine."
"[Aegiomon] She'll..She'll be fine? *wipes tears, gives a big sniff* Ok...TTMTT Im glad to know she's ok...At least you can hear her..That..That makes me a bit more happy..TTuTT"
"Honestly, Aegio..Me too...I wouldnt trade not hearing her for anything. She did mean alot to me and everyone after all."
"[Aegiomon] U-uh huh..Do you..Tell everyone else what she's saying?"
"Well..It's best that I keep it between you and me. Ok kid?"
"[Aegiomon] Im fine with that..Umm..Is she..Saying more to you? What else is she saying?"
"(Heh...Didnt think thid'd happen. Im glad it did. We can help each other out this way)" I thought to myself, slowly but surely feeling less bad about losing Basty as I told Aegiomon more about what I hear in my head with voices of her coming to me. I know I cant ever bring her back, but what I know hope for..Is if this is really her voice, instead of it all being thought up by my imagination..Maybe it's both..Even if I can have the slightly bit of Basty somehow with me..I want that to be a part of me. Well...For now..What's important is that Im here for Aegiomon. Unironically, he needed not only me to speak to, but Basty, his mom, as well, and I'll tell him whatever I think Im hearing her say to me for however long he needs.
Back at The Base, Ranny finds herself holding off Hackmon's assault while using her water whips with one hand to keep Morphomon busy with dodging them. "*dodges Hackmon's slashes and Pepper Breath* ('Don't Diguvolve against them. I won't go further than my X form but we're trying to push them in our lower forms as much as possible.' Ugh this would've been fine if they weren't so fast against me! They even figured I'd be slower anyway and ganged up on me from the start! *looks at arm covered in bzlue scales* This lil girl even numbed my arm in no time. What am i gonna do now? )" Ranamon was thinking to herself, struggling to keep up at the moment. Strabimon was able to land a few cuts on Renamom's arms but she dodged all of his attacks for minutes on end afterwards. "Light Leg! *illuminates legs, zipping to her; head gets grabbed and slammed into the ground by her* (There's...! No way I'm this predictable to her. Am i?) *swipes both claws across her head, making her jump back* (! Did I get her again?) *jumps to feet, seeing no scar on her* But how? I felt my claws digging in your skin and fur. *sees a head retract back into Renamon's body* H-huh?! What was that? O o" Strabimon reacts, "I'm afraid you'll have to attack faster than that. Otherwise I can use Fox Switch Deception twice like that to make a clone and a switch so it can take the hit just now" Renamon explained, "Wow. You really are amazing, Rena...Maybe a bit..too amazing.. ;" Strabimon replied before Renamon put him back on guard by seemingly warp in front of him and exchanges fists with him. Her rapid downward strikes were cutting him half the time, making bits of blood fly from him in seconds, while his strikes seem to phase through her. Though surprised, he quickly pieced together that she was still too fast, since he's seen her use speed clones before (which are made purely from her speed instead of the Fox Switch technique). "Power Paw! *thrusts paw down at him, blowing a crater in the ground from the force of the attack; sees him jump out of the blindingly strong force, but notices that his hands and legs are covered in blood from it as he lands* (That's right. Don't give up. You seem familiar with this but fight through the pain)" Renamon thought to herself. "Dark Vapor!" Strabimon heard, surprised at seeing a puff of dark clouds coming his way, and when he jumped away from it, he noticed some coming to Morphomon, who was still busy dodging her water whips. "Sis!" he shouts, jetting to her, going through the dangerous cloud and enduring deep bruises from Ranamon's whips to get a hold of his sister, bringing both of the way of Ranamon's attack. "(She didnt react to that gas..She must not be able to hear it. Did Ranamon figure out that it was one of the few things that she cant hear coming?)" Strabimon was figuring out, "Thank you brother. I can tell that Ranny took some time thinking up something sneaky" Morphomon said, "Draining Rain!" Ranamon called out, making alot of rain happen around them, which Renamon quickly dashes out of, leaving the fight to Ranamon. "*sees Ranamon's oppositions struggling to stand with the drops heavily impacting into their bodies* This is quite a conudrum now. How will they get out of- *sees Hackmon blast the ground with strong Pepper Breaths, blowing the rain away as well as Ranamon* Ah, good thinking!" Kudamon reacted from afar, "*lands upside down on head and flops over* Uuuuugh..They're actually getting better..I was about use my whips some more.._, _ *sees Renamon dash back in at them* (Like this! \u/)" Ranamon was saying, immediately hatching another scheme as she tailed her Whipping Waves behind Renamon. "*sees Morphomon jetting in head-first with her Therapy scales on her head* (Not bad, little one) *dodges it with swift turn of the body; looks back, seeing her redirect her attack this way and flings her away with the tail* (But you still have a ways to go) *quickly exchanges fists with Strabimon and elbows him away, through all of his attacks* (Same goes for you) *gets bit on the bicep from below by Hackmon after his sudden upward leap* Hmph. Depsite all those dents in your armor, you show plenty of promise too" Renamon said with eyes slightly opened in surprise, "Pepper Breath!" he shouts, blowing her backwards from the fiery shot he blasted from his mouth while bitting Renamon's arm, "*sees some blood dripping from the burned spot; holds arm* I see. A favorite maneuver of your's?" Renamon said, "You can..Say that..*gets slammed into the ground from above by a fast press from Ranamon's water whips* GYYUUUUHHH! *gets whipped further into the ground by them* Gggghn..! Gaaaah...HHHaaaaah! Teen Ram! *rotates tail; uses it to swirl and slash away the water whips; gets back up, tries to catch breath* (We're doing all this sparring...But I can tell..She's really holding back..Even this Ranamon girl..Im reaching my limit faster than that big battle we had an hour ago...)" Hackmon was realizing, "Hackmon, you look really tired. *coughs a bit of blood into wrist* Im not looking too good myself..But you'll have to follow up with me and sis, ok?" he tells him, "Like I had a choice..As long as I can breathe..I wont stop..Im fighting at your side after all" Hackmon tells him, giving Strabimon a couragous smile to push forward and bloomed a slight flutter in Morphomon's heart to do the same. The three-on-two sparring continued for two and a half hours before Renamon, now in her X form saw that Strabimon's team could barely move; They were exhausted and short of breath while on their backs, with dozens of bruises on their bodies. "*reverts to Renamon form, cracks neck* It seems to me they're at their breaking point. Kudamon, assist me" Renamon told him, "R-Right! I'll be right there!" he replied, wrapping himself around Strabimon's arms as he cuffs them together, healing him with his touch this way, "*goes to Morphomon, putting a palm on her head* You did very well. Better than the boys if you ask me" Renamon said to her, "Mother..Is this..What it is like? To be tired? I..Cannot seem to move one bit - -" she asked, "Yes. Yes it is, little one. This means you've made some progress" Renamon told her, "Pheeew..I was starting to get a bit tired myself. Thought they'd never stop..3;; *looks around* Say, wasnt your love-partner supposed to be here by now?" Ranamon asked, "It was faint, but I could hear father talk to my older brother in the barn house" Morphomon informed, "Oh there? Ok, I'll be right back to check on 'em. You guys sit tight and heal up some more" Ranamon decided, going to the barn where Im at.
Once she shows up inside, she sees that Im sleeping there with Aegiomon wrapped in my arms, in my lap. "Daaawwwww~, isnt this a precious thing to see? Looks like father-son bonding to me u" Ranamon comments, "h...huh..*opens my eyes, seeing Ranamon at the door* Oh Ranny. It's you..Came to check on us?" I asked, "Well you were gone from us after a few hours there. You said you'll be back. Kinda took forever yknow" Ranamon told me, "Oh. Yeah..Sorry about that. *stands up, putting Aegiomon over my shoulder* Little guy needs some more sleep. I was talking to him for so long that I guess we both ended up passing out. Well, I'll be right with the gang in a sec" I replied, walking back to the group with her. I shortly see them being healed by Renny and Kudamon, with them now able to sit up.
"Look at this. Renny and Ranny really did a number to everyone."
"[Renamon] That's putting it mildly. I thought they'd never heal."
"So you beat 'em half to death without me?"
"[Ranamon] Hmmmmm not half to death per seee but..Let's say this'll take a while. ~ ~"
"Tch. Way to take the fun away from me. Knew Maybe Ranamon should've handled the boy after all."
"{Bastemon} Dont say that! He needed my help along with your's! You're his father so you need to act like it! "
"I know, Basty..Im just..Saying is all."
"[Strabimon] Dad...I can hear that.."
"Hm? Oh sorry about that."
"[Strabimon] Dad...You've..Always acted really off to me..What's been wrong with you?"
"Strabi...There's...Alot wrong with me..I haven't said anything about it cuz I didnt wanna worry you...Your brother doesnt know this, but lately I've..I've been hearing Bastemon. She's in my head...Talking to me.."
"[Strabimon] Wh...What...? But how? Is she..."
"*grips my arm* Son..I know...I know better than anyone...You and me both, in fact..It's unbearable how painful it is.."
"[Strabimon] It's not just you, dad! Im hurt too! *sees my eyes jump while widening* You think that I wanted to kill her?! You think that I didnt know how painful it'd be to do that?! I knew! She was a mother to me! A real one! I did it for us! FOR YOU!"
"Strabi..."
"[Renamon] L-Little one, ple-"
"[Morphomon] *grabs her shoulder* No mother. Please, let brother speak. -.-"
"[Strabimon] Even when I just met her...She meant so much to me, dad..She meant just about everything to me...I've never felt so happy in my life...Seeing her like we did after you've all won against that Ruler..I hated seeing that...She...That wasnt her...She couldnt be herself anymore..I didnt want to see her like that..Not for another second..TT\ /TT"
"{Bastemon} Strabimon..You're such a perfect child..I couldnt want more..."
"...Me either..Out of all the other Digimon I've killed..I couldnt bring myself to do it...Thank you for..Putting her down for me.."
"[Renamon] I second that..It shows you've grown tremendously..Even at a great cost.."
"[Ranamon] She's...B-Basty's actually gone...? *drops to knees, covers face; hics* Why'd I get warped away by that stupid card?! I should've been there! TTOTT"
"Listen..Im...Still hurting from losing PX..Then this made that so much worse...I know this pain wont go away but.."
"[Strabimon] Dad...Why do you enjoy hurting whoever you fight so much?"
"[Renamon] (! I..Didnt think he'd ask out-right so suddenly)"
"...Now you're asking that...Of all times..."
"[Strabimon] There's nothing good about hurting anyone, dad..Do you not see that?"
"Hmmhmhmhmmhmmm..ahahahahahahah...AAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAA! *sees the lost look on his face* Son..You may not wanna hear it...But like pain..I like hurting anyone that've wronged me..No matter how much pain they go through..! "
"[Strabimon] But dad! You enjoyed hurting me too! I remembered!"
"[Morphomon] *puts hand to mouth* (F-Father..How cruel..)"
"Maybe it's habit that I just do that in battle."
"[Strabimon]...Maybe that's why you couldnt kill her..You didnt want to enjoy killing Bastemon.."
"! WHO SAID I WOULD?! I SURE AS HELL NEVER SAID I WOULD! I'D-!"
"[Renamon] Human. *sees me stop, and turn this way* Your child has a point. Hurting and killing shouldnt be seen as a pleasure. It's a weight that one must bear when thrown into many fights."
"...Honestly..The thought never crossed my mind..It felt..Natural this way.."
"[Renamon] Remember my words, Human. There is no death meant to be taken lightly. Death is not always the answer."
"Right..I really should've thought about it more..If only the Digiworld wasnt so ruled by strength."
"[Renamon] I understand that it can be difficult to draw the line in these battles, but also remember that killing is easier than sparing. Speaking of which...What if you were told that killing Verge and NaitoRenamon wasnt the answer? What then?"
"Then...What'd be the point..? Do I just let them..Get away with messing up the Digiworld more?"
"[Renamon] Sadly, that could be possible. We just do not know. However, it is up to you to find a higher purpose for them, to solve the problems they cause."
"[Strabimon] Umm..Who's this..Verge guy?"
"[Renamon] It's someone we cant even tough. He lacks shape. Yet he wants to end us all."
"[Strabimon] So he cant be killed.."
"[Ranamon] So he doesnt need to eat!"
"[Renamon] Yes Ranamon..We figured as much. -x-"
"Then what do we do?"
"[Morphomon] *opens eyes* I used to see him...But now all I see is black.."
"[Strabimon] Then..Shouldnt we meet him again? To see what he'll say?"
"I guess. Since he hasnt done anything yet, I can just go there by myself, but I'll take Renamon just in case."
"[Renamon] That seems sound enough to me."
"[Strabimon] Before you go..I'll owe you a spar with me..But please dont enjoy hurting me again."
"Old habits die hard, son. But for you, I'll my best alright?" I told him before me and Renamon warp away with my Digivice, going to Verge's lair. It gave me a visual of it this time. Could be because of how we've been there before, and it's a function that recently got added. Either way, there's more than a few things we need to clear up with him. We sat foot in his mechanical room, which now is shrouded mostly by darkness, giving us little to see. Great. How're we gonna conduct our business here?
"[Renamon] Verge, I know you can hear us."
"[Verge] *forms a head, looking back at us from above* What is it?"
"So you can still hear us. Now tell us what you're doing with all this darkness."
"[Verge]...Norn..I must have her..."
"(Norn...That was..) You mean the girl in your test tube?"
"[Verge]..Correct..."
"[Renamon] Well you seem to be making alot of progress in doing so. What a way to spread yourself thin."
"What is she for anyway? I dont really get any of this."
"[Verge] She will help me..To end it all..."
"Hold on..Didnt Crescemon say that she's connected to King Drasil? Then...What if she's actually him?"
"[Renamon] I believe it is. It explains why he is trying so hard to corrupt her with his being. If we didnt establish this, he's the main cause of bugs in the Digiworld and the Anomalies in the real world."
"Cant you see then...This is why we have to kill him..We have to!""
"[Renamon] Calm down, Human. Let's be careful about this."
"[Verge] I want this all to end...I want to cease to exist just as much as you want me to..."
"Ok then..How'll you help with that?"
"[Verge] What if..I told you that you've been losing your humanity?"
"Have I...? *looks at my hands* I..Did start feeling different weeks ago.."
"[Verge] Your power...With the Rulers you absorbed into your Digivice..You are barelly using 2& of their strength..Your humanity is holding you back..There is one more Ruler that's still alive.."
"Then..If we kill him...Maybe I'll be able to bring you."
"[Renamon] Wait a minute, Human. *gets my attention* This must be what he planned. That girl in the container has to not be Human, especially if she is indeed King Drasil, making her all-powerful, yet he is confident he can control her."
"[Verge] (...What a pest..)"
"[Renamon] With your lack of a body, you currently cannot hope to have the Digivice for yourself, now can you?"
"[Verge] No...I cant hold anything.."
"Then...Who's to say I'll lose my humanity entirely if I killed this last Ruler for good? You piece of shit..You really are trying to trick us...! oVo"
"[Verge] I guess...There is no point..I tried with that charade.."
"And you failed. Now last thing...Crescemon and Minervamon...Where the hell are my friends? And how do I get them back?"
"[Verge] I am afraid I cannot disclose that.."
"WHAT?!"
"[Verge] I am also afraid...I will have to summon Her for assistance. To get rid of you all."
"[Me & Renamon] ! You're going to what?!"
"[Verge] Yes...*makes a void of darkness to the right* With your help of killing most of the Rulers..I now can create a warp hole from anywhere to here. And I always know where She is. Now then...She is right...About...HERE."
"[NaitoRenamon] *hops in from it, waves to us* Hey there guys! OwO"
"Not her again..Im tired of seeing your damn face...!"
"[NaitoRenamon] Oh relax. I was looking for RennyRenners anywhere. I'll come for you a bit later. ewe"
"[Renamon] *takes a fighting stance* Im warning you..If you try anything funny.."
"[NaitoRenamon] *giggles* Funny you say that, cuz I got a surprise for yoooou~. *sees her eyes widen upon showing her the other Digivice* Tadaaaaaa~~~! I have Wesly's lil' Vice thingie! ^W^"
"(Shit! When the hell?!)"
"[Verge] Good..Just as I planned.."
"Hmm?!"
"[Verge] I did not want to do this too soon...But this way...I can have at least one of them..O O"
"(W-what the hell is he talking about...?) *sees him start surrounding himself around NaitoRenamon* WHAT THE-?!"
"[NaitoRenamon] Hmm? What got into you? *turns around, seeing Verge attaching to an ear and a shoulder* Uh ohs. oxo"
"[Renamon] Get away from him! Before you-! *sees her near-instantly wrapped in darkness and a black shell encases her* No...This wont be good in the slightest.."
"[?] *gains black eyes with white outlines for pupils, with all {but one} of the Rulers' symbols moving around body and dark specks emit wildly from hands and feet, making a gray hood around head with a glitchy coat* Oooooo look at this! Im like a SuperNaitoRenny! OWO"
"*heart starts racing with sinking dread, seeing inverted in one eye* ! (No no! I...! I can actually feel it! She's far stronger than ever now! We have no chance! Dont tell me we're gonna die here! Ve;;)"
"[NaitoRenamonV] Now that Im this powerful..I have an idea..What if I killed the last Ruler and absorbed all of his data with this? OwO"
"[Renamon] OxO! You wouldnt!"
"(Think dammit! Think! Come up with something now!) *sees her make a warp hole* (! Hold on..If she's still just data..) *raises Digivice* (This may screw up the Digivice alot..And I may not know what'll happen..But it's the risk!) Haaaaaaaaaah!"
"[NaitoRenamonV] Hmm? *starts getting tons of data drained by me* NOOOOOOO! Stop iiiiiiiiiittt! O"
"*feels the Digivice shake violently and start shocking me* Gggghhhnnn! (It's not reacting well at all. It'll blow my damn hand off at this rate!)"
"[Renamon] Human! Keep going! This is the only way we can-! *sees a girl covered in magical girl-like attire, in all white appear behind me* H-huh? Is that..?"
"[?] *puts fingers between mine, grabbing the Digivice with me; noticing how initially suprised I was* Do not worry. Call me Mikihara. Please. Allow me."
"Huh..? Since when did you- *sees the Digivice shake less and less* (No way..She's actually reducing the damage happening to the Digivice!)"
"[Verge] *gets pulled out of NaitoRenamon's body from the powerful force of the Digivice* Ghnnn! What is this...I..Was dragged out..?"
"*sees Mikihara disappear* (So..That was what she was called. She's gone but that's fine) Not only that...*shows how I am holding the 2nd Digivice and that NaitoRenamon is my first one* But I have the other Digivice and that fake Renamon was even easier for me to absorb! Now you dont have anyone else to rely on to take control of!"
"[Verge] No...You're wrong..*makes another warp hole* (Lucemon...Your Falldown form may be incomplete and that may persist into this next form..But they will not be able to stop us...) I have one last plan when all else fails..A trump card..If you will.."
"[Renamon] What does he...Unless he means-! *sees him gather his entire being of darkness and rushes himself into the warp hole* Human! We must go to the Digiworld! He's plannng something for us there and we might not be able to stop it!"
"I wouldnt worry, Renny..*sees her eyes jump in surprise, catcing her gaze this way* I think we've made enough stars aligned for ourselves. This is all starting to make much more sense than before...Not only that. But this will be the final battle. The last time we'll see this asshole."
"[Renamon] H-Human..W..Why are you so certain now?"
"Guess you didnt see. It was really dark after all. Well let's just say we got a really special friend at our side" I told her with a smile, with a brilliance of light coursing through my body from both Digivices. He's about to go to Infinity Mountain, so we'll go ahead and be there. This new power..I know it wont last long but...Same time, I've never felt so ready in my life. It all comes down to this. The last time...I use this Digivice.