(Author's Notes: Sorry for the long wait. I had exams a month ago and, after that, I had to write two chapters before I could post a new chapter here.
Here's Chapter 5. Enjoy!)
Chapter 5: Objective Updated
The aromatic, earthy scent of tea filled the clement, morning air. The shining sun beamed down warmly on the Royal Knights' castle on a cloudless day.
Four figures sat in the pavilion that stood freely from the main building of the castle. It was raised up, on level with the second storey of the castle, and it was connected to the main building via a stone foot-bridge. There was a second bridge leading over to the nearby, free-standing tower. The pavilion had a smooth, washed, stone flooring and was several meters in diameter. Although it was open-air so it had no walls, there was a simple-yet-elegant roof held up by eight posts. Since it was on the north side of the massive building, it overlooked the nearby training grounds, where a group of Order soldiers were doing training drills. Around the edges of the pavilion were ornate railings and a stone bench. From that vantage point, they could see the sea of emerald grass both within and beyond the castle walls.
Sitting on the bench were Alphamon, Imperialdramon Paladin Mode, Omegamon, and Ouryumon. Each had a cup of warm tea in their hands.
Imperialdramon released a contented sigh. "Thanks. It's been too long since I've had a good cup of tea," he said, looking at others as he rested his greyish-white wings against the metal railing behind him.
"Eh. I like the tea that Gankoomon makes more. The jade kind from the Eastern Continent," Ouryumon said between sips of his dark, steaming tea.
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode smiled and looked at Alphamon. "Your friend doesn't approve of your tea-brewing skills."
"I know," Alphamon responded dryly.
"What skills? When we were younger, there used to be whole pieces of leaves in the cups," Ouryumon explained, looking at Alphamon with a pointed smirk. "It was more like a salad."
Alphamon crossed his arms as Imperialdramon and Omegamon chuckled. "Let's not open the conversation of embarrassing things that we did when we were younger, Ouryumon. You'll lose for certain," Alphamon warned him with a faint grin.
Ouryumon placed his cup beside him and raised his claws up in front of himself. "Okay, okay," he conceded.
Omegamon smiled, took a gentle sip from his ceramic cup, and looked to the blue dragon man beside him. "So, you're heading out today, Imperialdramon?" he asked him.
"Yeah," Imperialdramon Paladin Mode answered. "Anubismon and Plutomon are meeting me the next day."
The white Royal Knight nodded understandingly. "It was nice that you could stay for this long."
"You're welcome to stay over any time," Alphamon added, picking up his teacup from beside him.
"Thanks," Imperialdramon told them. "What do you guys plan to do after I leave?"
"Continue waiting for Karatenmon's and Dorbickmon's reports on the Facture incident," Omegamon responded.
"Also… I've been thinking," Alphamon stated before bringing his cup to his mouth and sipping. He swallowed the tea and looked over at the other three. "I think we should collaborate with the other states about this Dark Area business."
"Is it a good idea to publicise this stuff, Alphamon?" Ouryumon asked him, looking down at the three. "The more people who know, the more dangerous it is. What if someone has the same idea as Dorbickmon and wants to free the prisoners?"
"If we work with the other states, especially ones with large amounts of territory like the Republic of Node, the UDC, or the Mesozoic Kingdom, then it will be easier to find and contain any rifts that we may have missed. And they might have ideas on how to secure the Dark Area," Alphamon responded.
"I told the Four Holy Beasts last week," Imperialdramon Paladin Mode informed them. "That means the Devas probably know too, and since Majiramon is Qinglongmon's viceroy for the UDC, it's possible that the Four Great Dragons know as well."
"And since Anubismon knows, then the Warrior Ten also likely know," Omegamon added pensively.
"Then I guess it makes sense to coordinate our efforts, but you should still be careful," Ouryumon advised.
Alphamon nodded. "Next week, I'll take a few volunteers and travel up to New Terminal to meet with the Council of Seven. We'll send a letter in advance so they can prepare themselves," he explained.
"Why start with the Republic of Node?" Ouryumon inquired curiously.
"I need to head up that way anyways. Personal business," Alphamon responded.
Ouryumon cocked an eyebrow. "Something to do with your parents? You never said anything to me…"
Alphamon frowned. "No, not that. There's something else that I need to do. Although, it would be nice to see them…" he responded.
"Mind if I come along?" Ouryumon asked. "I wouldn't mind visiting my parents too."
Alphamon smiled slightly. "Sure. We can visit both of them while we're there."
"I'll stay here. Dukemon and I will look after things while you're away," Omegamon assured him. "Assuming that he doesn't want to go too."
"Thank you, Omegamon," Alphamon told him.
Omegamon shook his head, signalling that it wasn't a problem. "Tell your parents I say hello."
"He will. They always liked you. They think you're really polite and gentlemanly," Ouryumon teased him.
Imperialdramon laughed. "He's a great guy to bring home to the parents, isn't he? Unlike Ouryumon here," he said, teasing Ouryumon right back. Omegamon grew embarrassed at the exchange and slouched in his seat.
Ouryumon folded his arms indignantly. "I can be charming!"
A smile grew on Alphamon's face. "You can?" he asked wryly. "Is this in front of a mirror?"
Ouryumon rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm no gentleman like you are, but I have my appeal."
Alphamon chuckled. "I guess you must," he half-joked.
Ouryumon shot him a good-natured smile.
"Come on, Alphamon," Imperialdramon Paladin Mode announced, standing to his feet. "I want to thrash you in billiards before I leave this afternoon. And no excuses about you having stuff to do."
"I guess I can't get out of it, can I?" Alphamon relented, standing up and collecting his empty cup of tea.
"Not a chance, Sir Lord of the Empty Seat," Imperialdramon insisted, waiting for the others to stand up before heading inside.
Omegamon smiled and stood up with Ouryumon. The four cleaned up and proceeded to head inside.
Outwardly, Imperialdramon played off lightly the dangerous situation that they faced. He often did this. However, both Alphamon and Omegamon couldn't help but be concerned about the Dark Area...
The data storm surged over the city of Shroud perpetually. The greyish-purple clouds swirled in the sky, accented by big, blocky, fragments of data. That day, the data storm melded with a rain storm, so droplets of rain came showering down over the darkened city and the surrounding grass landscape.
Dorbickmon walked up the well-traveled road to the southern gate of the city. Despite taking the Locomon Rail most of the way, he still had to walk a few kilometers from the station to the city. His body was dripping wet and the bag under his arm was fairly soaked as well.
He released a hiss and approached the massive walls and gate. There was a bulky Rhinomon and a svelte WereGarurumon guard on duty. They both held oversized leaf umbrellas over their heads to protect against the rain. The mercenary walked up to the toll station to the left of the gate. Once there, he leaned his arms on the counter and looked in, gaining some relative shelter from the rain.
Inside was the Evilmon attendant, who was reading a book and snickering to himself.
Dorbickmon rolled his eyes. "Hey, Evilmon," he spoke, catching his attention. "Put the porn down for a minute. I want to get in."
Evilmon peered over the top of the book with an annoyed glance. "You got a year plan, right? Let's see your ID."
Dorbickmon reached into his bag and pulled out his card to show it to him. "Happy?"
"No. It's pissing out and I've got people distracting me. You can go in, though," the Evilmon replied with a dismissive wave. "Rhinomon!"
"Hey, at least you didn't have to walk in it," Dorbickmon stated as the Rhinomon moved to open the gate. "Oh, by the way, you seen a GrandisKuwagamon, a Blitzmon, and a Bolgmon come in here over the past week?"
"Maybe, maybe not. Beats me," the Evilmon responded with a shrug, his buggy eyes turning back to his dirty book.
Dorbickmon grunted and reached into his bag. He pulled out a twenty. "Think this'll refresh your memory?" he asked, flashing the money in front of him.
Evilmon lowered his book and peered up at it with interest. "…The going rate is forty. You're not the first person to ask me that today, and that's how much he offered me," he told him.
"Tch. Fine, whatever. Forty and you tell me who else asked about them too," Dorbickmon replied, pulling out some more money and putting it on the counter.
"Deal." Evilmon collected the money and stuffed it into his belongings. "To answer your first question, yeah, the three bugs came in here a few days ago. As far as I know, they haven't left yet," he explained. "As for who asked me about them, it was a Darkdramon. There was a MagnaGarurumon, a BlackRapidmon, a Gigadramon, and a bunch of Sealsdramon with 'im."
Dorbickmon swore under his breath. He didn't like the sound of that. It sounded like a D-Brigade taskforce cell if he ever heard one. "Thanks. Keep the change," he muttered sarcastically.
As the dragon man began to step away from the booth, Evilmon eyed him. "I don't know what's going on, but don't cause any trouble or else Shroud Patrol will come down on your asses hard."
"I know," Dorbickmon responded with a dismissive wave while turning around. "I'm just here to catch up with some buddies of mine."
The Evilmon shrugged and returned to his book.
Dripping with rain water, Dorbickmon walked through the gates of Shroud. Due to the weather, there were barely any Digimon on the main road. While the buildings were open, the open-air stalls that usually littered the street were packed up and closed. There were still a few Digimon who ventured out in the rain: aquatic types and the ones that didn't mind the rain much.
Dorbickmon turned left down a side street and began heading towards the Severed Arms pub. As he walked, he looked around at the familiar buildings. He had been to Shroud many times before. Sometimes he had come because he needed a place to lay low after taking some dangerous or unsavoury jobs. Other times, he had come to get information. In many other instances, he came simply for the nightlife. Things were always lively in Shroud, despite its dreary name and appearance.
It wasn't long until Dorbickmon reached the Severed Arms. He opened the doors of the rough-looking bar and stepped inside to escape the rain. Rivulets of water ran down his armour and body. He shook himself off on the doormat before heading over to the bar counter and sitting down in front of it, still dripping mildly.
There were only about six other Digimon present in the bar, from what Dorbickmon could tell. None of them were GrandisKuwagamon, Blitzmon, or Bolgmon. Dorbickmon settled in on the bar stool. He didn't expect it to be that easy.
The Sagitarrimon bartender acknowledged him with a grin and walked over. "Hey, Dorbickmon," he greeted, recognizing him. "Crappy weather out there, even for Shroud, huh?"
"You're telling me; I can't wait to dry off," Dorbickmon responded.
"Before you do, want something to wet your tongue? Like a dark lager?" the Sagitarrimon suggested.
Dorbickmon smirked toothily. "Yeah, but just one. I'm on a job," he explained, leaning forward against the counter.
"Yeah? What sort of job?" the four-legged bartender asked as he grabbed a clean mug and started pulling a pint of the dark brown drink for the mercenary.
"Sorry. Can't tell ya. You could help me out with something though," Dorbickmon said to him.
"What's that?" the Sagitarrimon inquired as he placed the mug of beer in front of his customer.
"Have you seen Black Pincer Company around here? I need to talk to 'em," the spiky, red dragon man asked.
"Black Pincer?" Sagitarrimon repeated with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah. It's a bit early for them now, but they've been in here every night for the past few days. …Why?"
"Like I said, nothing bad. I just need to talk to them about something," Dorbickmon responded, bringing the mug of beer to his lips and drinking. "I could use their help."
As the two talked, a door opened down past the far end of the bar counter. A BlackWarGreymon stepped out of the male's washroom and began to head towards the table where his friends and drinks were. When he spotted Dorbickmon, he froze in his tracks.
"Crap," he whispered under his breath, spinning around and ducking his head to hide his face from the mercenary. He placed his black hands in his pockets and began to innocuously walk away in a different direction to avoid being spotted.
"Hey! Look who it is!" Dorbickmon's voice rang out.
Before BlackWarGreymon could react, Dorbickmon's arm reached out in front of him and suddenly pulled him back, into a strong headlock.
"My old buddy BlackWarGreymon!" Dorbickmon exclaimed with a dangerous grin, headlocking the black dragon man with intentional strength.
"Grgh! Guh… D-Dorbickmon…" BlackWarGreymon grunted sheepishly, grabbing Dorbickmon's forearm with his hands and trying to pull it off. "Hey…"
"It's been awhile!" Dorbickmon stated with a broad, affable smile that managed to show off all of his fearsome, jagged teeth. He tightened the headlock and pulled BlackWarGreymon closer. "The last time I saw you was in Lupolford! Yeah! We were fighting the Royal Knights, and you and your friend turned tail and ran while leaving me at the mercy of those damn, pompous tin cans!"
BlackWarGreymon swallowed hard and glanced over his shoulder to see Dorbickmon's grinning face. He assumed that hiding beneath that grin was a scowl that showed how much Dorbickmon wanted to kill him. "Uh…"
"So, how're the Cimmerian Adventurers treating you?" Dorbickmon asked him, raising his other hand to the back of BlackWarGreymon's head and playfully messing up his blond hair with his claws.
"F-Fine. Look, Dorbickmon. About Lupolford. There was no chance we'd win! I mean, we asked you to come with us!" BlackWarGreymon insisted, squirming and struggling to get out of Dorbickmon's hold. He inwardly wished that he brought his Dramon Killers with him.
Dorbickmon let out a fiery laugh. "Yeah, I remember that! I wanted to rip your head off when you did that!" he stated good-naturedly while also subtly squeezing the mercenary's neck and pushing his hand against his head harder. "But hey. You gotta look out for number one, right?"
A bead of sweat dripped down BlackWarGreymon's forehead. "Uh…"
Dorbickmon placed the tip of his horned snout right next to BlackWarGreymon's ear and spoke in a near whisper. "But it's good to help each other out too. So, maybe you can do me a favour. Then we'll call it even… buddy."
"S-Sure thing. Whatever you want, pal," the black dragon man told the red one. "You can count on me."
"Glad to hear it," Dorbickmon responded curtly, finally releasing him. "I need you to do a bit of information gathering for me."
BlackWarGreymon immediately stepped away from him and turned around, reaching up with a hand to rub his free neck. "…What sort of info?"
"About Black Pincer Company. Know 'em?" Dorbickmon asked him, folding his arms.
"Yeah. Aren't they those weird insect guys?" BlackWarGreymon responded. "I heard that they're data absorbers."
"That's just a rumour," Dorbickmon dismissed sceptically. "But yeah. The GrandisKuwagamon, Bolgmon and Blitzmon."
"What do you want with them?" BlackWarGreymon queried, walking over to the bar counter with Dorbickmon.
Dorbickmon hailed the bartender to get a drink for BlackWarGreymon. "I want to know what they're doing. I need to find out what the blueprints they stole were, what their job is, what they're going to do, and who their client is."
"Is this for a job or just personal interest?" the black-scaled mercenary asked, collecting his drink from the Sagitarrimon and beginning to sip.
"It's for a job. There's a lot of interested parties focused on them right now," Dorbickmon answered as he reached over and took his own drink.
BlackWarGreymon licked his lips and lowered his drink, glancing over. "Who'd they steal from?"
"Metal Empire."
"Damn. They're either brave, crazy or stupid," BlackWarGreymon muttered.
"Or all of the above. Anyway, apparently they're staying at the Spirits' Rest Inn a few blocks away. I'm gonna book myself a room there." Dorbickmon looked over at his fellow mercenary. "Just keep tabs on them without being obvious. Don't let them know you're following them. They're on the run from the D-Brigade, so they might end up assuming you're one of their agents and end up killing you."
"Great. Now you tell me it's dangerous," he muttered with humourless sarcasm. "Anything else?"
"I'm more dangerous than they are, so don't get any ideas about running off again," Dorbickmon reminded him with a sharp elbow, causing the BlackWarGreymon to spill a bit of beer over his claws. "Or selling me out."
"I won't, Dorbickmon. As long as we're definitely even after this," BlackWarGreymon told him with a sideways leer.
"Deal," the crimson dragon answered.
"And I get a cut of the reward," he suggested innocuously.
"Don't push your luck."
Back at the Royal Knights' castle, the afternoon had set in. A meeting in the council room was called to announce the departure of Imperialdramon Paladin Mode.
Dukemon, Examon, and Craniamon walked down the majestic, gold-hued great hall towards the council room. At the end of the hall they could see Gankoomon talking with BaoHackmon. Beyond them, inside the council room itself, they could see most of the Royal Knights in their seats around the table.
"What's this meeting about?" Craniamon asked his two fellow Royal Knights.
"Imperialdramon is leaving, isn't he?" Examon asked, looking at Dukemon.
"Is that all? I was in the middle of training too," Craniamon said with a sigh, crossing his arms as he walked.
"You're allowed to take a break, you know," Dukemon reminded him with a grin behind his visor. "And it's not just that. Karatenmon is back."
"How do you know that?" Craniamon questioned, eyeing him with his glowing, red dots. "He was gone when I checked this morning."
"A little, red bird told me," the crimson knight explained with a smile. "Well, 'complained to me', I suppose. Something about Karatenmon being tardy and not finishing his report until later. Grani can be really talkative when he's upset. Then he goes all tight-beaked."
"You'd know that best," Craniamon replied, implying that Dukemon was as bad as Karatenmon in that regard. "…Karatenmon's back? Guess he's found something about the Facture thing."
"He went personally?" Examon inquired.
"Given how tight Metal Empire security is, especially after what happened in Facture, we only felt comfortable leaving it to a top ninja like him," Dukemon explained. "Even for most of the Stealth Forces, it would be risky."
"If surveillance in Facture is so good, then how did those Black Pincer mercenaries get in?" the dragon followed up.
Dukemon shrugged. "Good question. I guess they must be pretty skilled. We shouldn't underestimate them," he answered.
"That's why we should be taking the time to train," the violet Royal Knight spoke up.
"Again with that…" Dukemon said with a soft laugh.
"Maybe you should try training BaoHackmon," Examon suggested, nodding ahead of him to the teenaged dragon Digimon.
"I wouldn't want to upstage Gankoomon," Craniamon replied confidently.
Dukemon chuckled. "Yes, you would. You'd just terrify the poor kid if you tried."
Examon smiled. "I don't know, Dukemon. I think BaoHackmon would jump at the chance. Look at him." He nodded over at the dragon talking animatedly with Gankoomon.
"Come on, Sensei! Why can't I come into the meeting?!" BaoHackmon complained.
"Because it's an official Royal Knight meeting and you're not a Royal Knight," Gankoomon told him plainly.
"But I'm going to be a Royal Knight! One day!" BaoHackmon insisted, looking up at his sensei with eager yellow eyes. "Think of it as training!"
"Uh huh. If and when you become a Royal Knight, then you can sit in on our meetings," the jacket-wearing Royal Knight explained. "If you're so focused on becoming a Royal Knight, go practice your combat form."
"But Karatenmon's in there. He isn't a Royal Knight," Gankoomon's apprentice attempted to argue.
"He's the Captain of the Stealth Forces. You run errands and help out around the castle," Gankoomon countered, folding his arms. "Not the same thing."
"Ugh. This is so unfair, sensei," BaoHackmon complained.
"I don't even know what you want to be there for. These meetings are usually as exciting as watching grass grow." Gankoomon glanced over at Dukemon, Craniamon, and Examon. "Right, guys?"
"It's not as glamorous as it sounds, BaoHackmon," Dukemon told him with a grin before walking inside with the others.
"But Imperialdramon Paladin Mode is in there. The founder of the Order of the Royal Knights! This is my chance to meet him in person!" BaoHackmon stubbornly pleaded.
"You can get his autograph when he leaves," Gankoomon told him firmly. "No complaints."
"But—" BaoHackmon was silenced by a stern glare from his teacher. He glanced to the side and muttered under his breath.
"And don't sulk or eavesdrop either," Gankoomon told him, patting the shoulder-high dragon's smooth, metallic head. He turned around and walked inside, closing the doors of the council room behind him.
BaoHackmon let out a huff and then wandered down the great hall while muttering to himself.
Gankoomon took his seat at the table with the other eleven Royal Knights. Also in the room were Imperialdramon Paladin Mode, who stood behind Alphamon and Omegamon, and Karatenmon, who lingered off to the side of the room.
Alphamon looked around the room to make sure that everyone was present. "Alright, let's begin," he spoke, placing his arms on the table.
"We don't have to draw this out," Imperialdramon stated cheerfully, placing his hands on his hips. "I'm heading out now. If I'm late, Plutomon might end up hunting me down."
"You will let us know how it goes, won't you, Imperialdramon?" Duftmon asked him.
Imperialdramon nodded. "I will. I'll check up with most of you at some point next week to go over what we talked about," he explained.
"Most of us?" RhodoKnightmon inquired. Many of the Royal Knights excluding Alphamon and Omegamon looked at each other quizzically.
"Oops," Imperialdramon said, sheepishly looking at Alphamon. "And now I will hand things over to your leader."
Alphamon sighed. "Thank you, Imperialdramon," he said. "I'm planning to travel to the Republic of Node this coming week. There is some business in New Terminal and elsewhere that I need to attend to."
"What kind of business?" Dynasmon asked him.
"Some official and some personal," Alphamon answered coyly.
"What is the official business?" Duftmon queried, unconcerned with his personal business.
"I was planning to meet with the Council of Seven to discuss the matter that Imperialdramon brought up: the instability of the Dark Area," Alphamon explained, giving a quick look over to the white armoured dragon man as he spoke. "I think it would be best if we coordinated with other groups to secure the Dark Area. What do you all think about that?"
"That's a good idea," Dukemon stated. "The security of the Dark Area affects the whole Digital World, after all. Everyone would want to make sure that the prisoners don't escape and run amok."
"That makes sense," Duftmon concurred. "Although not necessary, it would be more expedient to use a greater number of Digimon to locate and isolate all of the rifts."
"That way, there's a greater chance of coming up with a permanent solution," Magnamon suggested in agreement. "If the brightest minds from the continent can think of something."
"Is it a good idea?" Craniamon asked, a doubtful frown emerging in his eyes. "To let information as sensitive as the weakness of the Dark Area out?"
"Who in the right mind would want to let the prisoners of the Dark Area out?" UlforceVeedramon asked with an emphatic shrug. "They're all nut jobs."
"Dorbickmon did with DarkKnightmon. He's sane. Stupid, but sane," Craniamon reminded him.
Examon rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, blaming himself more than he did Dorbickmon. "It wasn't entirely his fault," he asserted diplomatically.
"I'm not blaming the lizard, I'm just making a point," the violet Royal Knight stated concisely. "If he did it, there are some psychos who would jump at the chance."
"Pigtails is right," Gankoomon stated, nodding over to Craniamon. Craniamon's eyes shot over to glare at Gankoomon for the loathsome nickname, an atmosphere of ice and warning suddenly emanating from around his body. Gankoomon ignored him and leaned back in his seat. "I'm sure there's still some leftover rebels of the Heavenly War somewhere who'd want to release the Demon Lords."
"GranDracmon is extremely charismatic as well," RhodoKnightmon added. "There is a precise danger that he could manipulate Digimon through those dark rifts."
"We wouldn't be releasing this information to every single Digimon," Alphamon ensured them. "Only the top leaders of states and our allies will hear about it. We'll consider this information top secret."
"It's still a risk," Craniamon spoke.
"It doesn't take a genius to know that the Dark Area's security isn't running at top capacity when one thinks about the fact that DarkKnightmon escaped," Duftmon countered. "It shouldn't deter us from maximizing our resources."
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode folded his arms. "Most Digimon don't even know that the Dark Area is anything more than a purgatory for data. And I think those who do assumed that we fixed the security after that incident," he explained.
"Alright," Craniamon said, casually raising a hand in front of him and closing his eyes. "I'm just saying to be careful."
Alphamon nodded. "There are no objections, then?" he asked. Silence was the response, giving him his answer. "Good. Then I would like a couple volunteers to come with me. I already have Ouryumon coming along. I'm leaving Omegamon in charge of things here."
Imperialdramon grinned and looked at Dukemon, thinking that he might volunteer himself. "Why don't you help Omegamon out, in case he ever needs to make a speech or get angry," he joked.
Omegamon gave Imperialdramon an annoyed look. "You mean like right now?" he said to his friend.
Dukemon chuckled and glanced at Omegamon. "Sure. I don't mind staying."
"I'm good here," Gankoomon stated. "I'll leave that politics stuff to you guys."
"I would love to go to New Terminal, but it is a long way away," RhodoKnightmon explained. "It sounds like too much effort for me."
"I'll come, Alphamon," UlforceVeedramon offered cheerfully.
"Yeah, me too," Dynasmon followed.
UlforceVeedramon thought for a brief moment. "Why don't we bring along Paildramon too? Her father is Councillor Imperialdramon, isn't he?"
Alphamon nodded. "Very well. I suppose that's not a bad idea. Five should be plenty."
"Now that that's dealt with," Imperialdramon Paladin Mode spoke, placing his hands on Alphamon and Omegamon's shoulders. "I should get going now."
Both the black and white Royal Knights stood up. "We'll see you soon," Omegamon told him, taking Imperialdramon's hand and shaking it.
"Yes, have a safe trip," Alphamon said to him warmly.
"Hopefully I'll return with good news this time," Imperialdramon replied, beginning to walk around the round table and towards the great hall. "Bye, guys."
The Royal Knights said their friendly goodbyes to the founder of their Order as he headed to the doors of the council room. "By the way," Gankoomon included, "Can you give BaoHackmon your autograph? He won't shut up about it if you don't."
Imperialdramon Paladin Mode chuckled. "Sure thing," he spoke as he left the room and closed the doors behind him.
Alphamon and Omegamon watched the doors close before sitting back down in their seats. The Lord of the Empty Seat adjusted his chest armour and looked around at the other Royal Knights. "So, the next order of business. Karatenmon?" He looked over to the wall where he last saw Karatenmon, but found that he was no longer there.
"Where'd he go?" Dynasmon asked, looking around the room.
"Right here," a voice suddenly said from behind Dynasmon, right near his ear.
"Gah!" Dynasmon hollered with a start. He clenched his fist and spun in his chair to glare at Karatenmon with flustered embarrassment. "Stop doing that!"
Karatenmon smiled innocently and stood up straight. "Sorry. I couldn't resist."
"There you are," Alphamon said, looking across the table with a faint grin. "You told me you finished your investigation in Facture."
Karatenmon nodded and held his taloned hands behind his back attentively. "For the moment, at least. I've figured out all that I can for now."
"Do you know why Black Pincer Company stole those blueprints?" Dukemon asked him.
"Dorbickmon is our best bet for that," Karatenmon replied. "I was in Facture, and the machine Digimon were as clueless about it as we were. The most prominent theory is that there's a competitor."
"Did you find out what the blueprints were for?" Duftmon questioned next. "A weapon? Defences? A new Digimon?"
"That's just it," the humanoid raven answered. "I discovered what they were, but they were just blueprints for a new design of an electric arc furnace. It's not anything special; it's just used for making metal alloys. There's no real military application, and in order to even use it, you'd need access to certain technology that only the Metal Empire has."
"Then why would they steal it?" Magnamon wondered.
"Maybe it really was the act of mercenaries who needed money," Sleipmon suggested.
"I'm not so sure… It might be more political than we thought," Karatenmon said. "I heard something while I was in Facture. It's about the Mamemon Kingdom."
The Royal Knights looked at him with confusion.
"The what?" Dynasmon asked.
The silence that followed was interrupted by the sound of the council room doors swinging open.
Alphamon looked over, expecting to see Imperialdramon walking back in for one reason or another. However, he didn't see anybody there. Whoever opened it was blocked by the height of the table and the Royal Knights. "Imperial—" he began.
"'Imperial Highness'… Yes, I quite like the sound of that! Good thinking, Alphamon! Address me as that from now on," a high, eloquent voice spoke.
All of the Royal Knights turned to see who it was, some standing up in order to see the Digimon.
PrinceMamemon strode in as if he owned the place, his face haughty and his cape flowing behind him. Flanking him on both sides were his personal guards, four MetalMamemon. The spherical soldiers were shorter than him and were cyborgs possessing cannons on their left arms that were nearly as big as their bodies.
Alphamon palmed his face and muttered. "You must be joking…"
Behind the royal procession was one of the Royal Knights' guards, who followed PrinceMamemon in with an increasingly pleading and worried expression. "S-Sir, you can't just walk in during a meeting," the bulky Monochromon told him. He looked at the Royal Knights and bowed his horned head sheepishly. "I'm sorry about this."
"Oh, poppycock," PrinceMamemon dismissively replied. "This is my summer castle; I can do what I please."
Examon immediately cocked an eyebrow. "Summer…"
"…Castle?" Gankoomon finished, folding his arms and looking at PrinceMamemon incredulously.
Sleipmon tilted his head and turned to Alphamon. "Do we know him?"
"Oh, that's right! You three must be new here!" PrinceMamemon proclaimed, fabricating a reason for why they didn't know him. "I am PrinceMamemon; your king and monarch! The Royal Knights are my loyal vassals! You may kiss my hand whenever you're ready," he explained with a large grin while outstretching his gloved hand.
A stunned silence overtook the council room. Sleipmon, Examon, and Gankoomon looked first at each other and then the other Royal Knights. The other Royal Knights stood with an assortment of irritation, incredulity, embarrassment and pity. The shocked silence grew uncomfortable. The Monochromon blushed at the indignity and even some of the MetalMamemon began to avert their eyes with humiliation. For what felt like a minute, the only sound that could be heard was Karatenmon's awkward cough.
"…This is a joke, right?" Gankoomon asked. He turned to Alphamon. "Please tell me this is a joke."
Alphamon rubbed his forehead with exasperation. "PrinceMamemon, for the last time, the Royal Knights are autonomous. We are not your—"
"Oh, yes. I know. I allow you to do your own thing, but just as long as you help your humble king," PrinceMamemon replied with a wink.
"The sheer absurdity of this… We are the Royal Knights!" Duftmon protested. "We are not some lackeys for your tin-pot, trifling, sorry excuse for- mm?!" The Royal Knights' strategist found himself muffled by Dukemon's hand.
"I agree," Dukemon whispered to him, "but we don't need to make a diplomatic incident out of it. Nobody else takes him seriously, so why should you?"
Duftmon settled down and folded his arms, although still frowning with disapproval.
The Monochromon guard looked at Alphamon with a look asking if he should escort PrinceMamemon out. Alphamon softly shook his head, so the guard bowed his head and walked back out.
"What do you want?" Craniamon asked sharply, leering over at PrinceMamemon.
PrinceMamemon became frightful at Craniamon's intimidating gaze and picked up one of his MetalMamemon guards, holding him in front of him as if he could hide behind him. "Th-That's no way to speak to your king!"
Magnamon sighed. "I think Craniamon's wondering if you just came in for a fly-in visit or not," he reiterated more diplomatically.
"I think it has to do with what I wanted to talk about," Karatenmon stated as he glanced at the Royal Knights.
"I came here to discuss some official business," PrinceMamemon explained, placing his bodyguard back down. "I am sure you are all aware of what happened in Facture."
"More or less. We were there," Alphamon told him.
PrinceMamemon's eye twitched momentarily. "Oh, yes! If you were all there and I wasn't, my invitation surely must have gotten lost in the mail! Oh dear!"
"That must be it," Craniamon sarcastically muttered.
"Now where was I? Oh yes…" the Mamemon king remembered. "Blueprints of the Metal Empire's technologies were stolen, yes?"
Omegamon frowned. "How did you know about that?" he asked him.
"Oh, I have my sources, my dear Omegamon," PrinceMamemon responded with an audible wink.
"I cannot suffer this much longer," Duftmon muttered.
"Deep breaths," Dukemon said, sitting down beside him.
Karatenmon took a step forwards. "The rest of you had better sit down as well…" he suggested ominously.
"What is this about, PrinceMamemon?" Alphamon questioned suspiciously, although he sat down as well.
"I had the most wondrous idea the other day!" he boasted, placing his hands on his round hips proudly.
"What was it?" Dukemon asked him.
"Here it comes," Karatenmon murmured.
PrinceMamemon grinned. "The Mamemon Kingdom would pretend to be the ones who hired the mercenaries who stole those blueprints!"
A second silence swept over the council room. PrinceMamemon smiled innocently and expectantly as he waited for his praise.
"…That's a horrible idea," Duftmon stated plainly.
"I agree," Sleipmon concurred.
"Yeah," Dukemon spoke.
"Terrible," RhodoKnightmon added.
"Awful," Craniamon said.
Nods and utterances of agreement came from all of the Royal Knights.
PrinceMamemon's proud grin suddenly vanished. "…W-Wait a moment. Hear my reasons before you say that…!"
"Do you want to provoke the Metal Empire?" Duftmon asked him. "Do you know how seriously they treat industrial sabotage? Their technology is their pride and joy. Threatening that is tantamount to a declaration of war."
PrinceMamemon's face began to pale. "W-What? But it would make us seem like legitimate competitors to them!" he protested.
"Chaosdramon has been known to crush his competition," Dukemon explained. "Not to mention those who threaten the security of his technology."
"The D-Brigade is massive and incredibly disciplined," Magnamon added. "They could mobilize for war faster than most."
"But they don't declare war with other Digimon!" PrinceMamemon countered.
"They might if they were threatened like that," Alphamon stated. "In the best case scenario, you would find yourself in a cold war with them."
"I s-see…" the Mamemon king spoke, his lip quivering a bit. He then smiled nervously. "I suppose we will have to hope for the best then!"
Alphamon frowned at him. "What do you mean…?"
PrinceMamemon began to twiddle his fingers sheepishly. "Well… the thing is…" he began.
Karatenmon palmed his face.
"…I already made the announcement saying that we were responsible…"
A third silence crept over the room.
"…PrinceMamemon…" Alphamon spoke, slowly rising to his feet.
"Yes, Alphamon?" he asked with a proud grin.
"What in Yggdrasil's name were you thinking?!" Alphamon chastised him severely.
PrinceMamemon yelped and leapt back with surprising agility to hide behind his bodyguards. "I-I-I-It seemed like a fantabulous way of bringing the Mamemon Kingdom onto the world stage! Perhaps you just don't understand it!"
"I understand that it is a 'fantabulous' way of wiping the Mamemon Kingdom off of the world map," Alphamon warned him steadily.
"Is it even on a world map?" Craniamon sarcastically muttered.
"But-but-but surely they won't attack us!" PrinceMamemon protested.
"Do you want to risk being wrong?" Dynasmon asked him.
"…But if they did, you would protect me, wouldn't you?" he pleaded to the Royal Knights. "Chaosdramon is just a big, oafish bully!"
"We are not about to let you put us in that situation for no good reason," Alphamon told him firmly. "We don't want to risk a war with the Metal Empire and neither do you."
"But Alphamon…!" the self-appointed royal whined.
"No buts. I want you to go home and recant the announcement that you made," Alphamon calmly ordered him. "Publically assert that you were fibbing and that you did not steal the blueprints. The Metal Empire is looking for somebody to blame, and they would love an excuse to get rid of a competitor. You need to listen to me, PrinceMamemon. Is that understood?"
PrinceMamemon sighed. "Yes, Alphamon…" he conceded, although looking down and sulkily pawing at the floor with his boot. "You are my royal advisor, so I will do as you say…"
"Thank you…" Alphamon replied with a soft exhale. "And please do it within a couple days. If you leave it too long, the Metal Empire could take advantage or begin mobilizing its forces."
"I understand," PrinceMamemon replied, his voice noticeably downcast. "I will take my leave now."
Alphamon nodded. "Have a safe journey."
"I shall. Come along, my bodyguards," PrinceMamemon told the four MetalMamemon around him.
"Sire," the MetalMamemon obeyed in unison, although they all looked relieved to be getting out of there.
"I bid you good day, Royal Knights. I am grateful to have such capable and loyal subjects," PrinceMamemon said with a polite bow.
The Royal Knights were silent.
PrinceMamemon promptly turned around and marched out of the council room with his head up high (so to speak). Even though he had to back down, he still held himself with royal elegance and pride. When PrinceMamemon and his entourage of bodyguards left down the great hall, Karatenmon walked over to close the council room doors behind them.
"…Is that guy, serious?" Gankoomon asked aloud.
"Does he really think that we're his subordinates?" Examon followed up blandly.
"Somehow he got it into his head that he's a member of an elite royal family and he automatically assumed that we were his subjects," Alphamon said in a composed voice, although his eyes were closed and he was rubbing his temples, which indicated that he was barely containing his annoyance.
"I hate that guy," Craniamon muttered.
"I think he's hilarious," UlforceVeedramon said with a laugh.
"Oh, he's not a bad guy," Magnamon attempted to defend him. "He's harmless. He's just… delusional."
"And he might just provoke the Metal Empire into war," Dukemon countered. "I wouldn't call that harmless."
Omegamon looked over at Karatenmon. "Was that what you were going to warn us about?"
"Yes," Karatenmon answered. "I heard about it while I was in Facture. You can assume that Chaosdramon knows about it as well."
"Great," Dynasmon said with a sigh.
"Hopefully he won't take him seriously," Sleipmon put forward.
"Even if he doesn't, there is a chance that the Mamemon Kingdom could be used as a scapegoat," RhodoKnightmon explained.
Examon frowned. "Perhaps we should capture those mercenaries - Black Pincer Company," he suggested. "If we can get them to reveal their client, then the Metal Empire wouldn't be able to blame it on the Mamemon Kingdom."
"That might not be a bad idea, Examon," Alphamon replied pensively. "The only problem is that, depending on the real client, it could end up causing a whole other problem."
"Should I try to find out?" Karatenmon asked them.
"Let's leave it to Dorbickmon for now," Omegamon answered. Alphamon nodded and there didn't seem to be any objections.
"Alright," Karatenmon responded. "The last thing I have to report is that the Metal Empire has sortied a D-Brigade reconnaissance and capture team to go after Black Pincer Company. They seem to be heading to Shroud."
Examon frowned with concern.
"If Dorbickmon's smart, he'll stay out of it if a fight breaks out," UlforceVeedramon said.
Examon frowned harder.
"He might be compelled to get to Black Pincer Company before the D-Brigade does," Magnamon proposed.
"Hopefully he doesn't do anything reckless," Examon said, more to himself than the others.
"I'm sure he won't," Alphamon reassured him before looking at the other Royal Knights. "Unless there's anything else, I think we're done here." He turned to Karatenmon. "Thank you for your diligent work."
Karatenmon nodded. "I'll try to write up the official reports tonight or tomorrow. Try to tell Grani not to worry, Dukemon," he said with a coy smile.
Dukemon laughed and stood to his feet to leave. "That's asking a lot, Karatenmon."
Examon rose along with the rest of the knights, all of whom began funnelling towards the exit. He left the room with a pensive look on his face. Dukemon walked alongside him and suddenly reached his hand up and placed it on Examon's spiked shoulder.
"Don't worry about Dorbickmon. He'll be fine," Dukemon reassured him.
"I hope you're right," Examon responded, looking at the crimson knight. "I know he's street smart, but I've also come to realize how reckless he can be."
Dukemon gave him a comforting grin. "Reckless isn't always as bad as it's made out to be. Sometimes reckless works, as long as you can adapt."
Examon smiled a bit but retained his sceptical expression. "I think we'll have to agree to disagree on that, Dukemon. The few times I've been reckless have ended up with me falling flat on my snout."
Dukemon chuckled. "Okay, but give Dorbickmon more credit. As someone who's fought against him a few times, you know how tough and resourceful he is. Don't be so pessimistic."
The dragon Royal Knight sighed and smiled. "Maybe you're right…"
By the time the night settled in over Shroud, the rain had mostly died down. Just the regular data storm swelled over the city, giving the sky a gassy, grey appearance that was thick enough to veil the moons. However, the soaked roofs of buildings continued to drip and there were still small puddles of rainwater sitting in the various streets and pathways.
A few blocks away from the Severed Arms pub was the Spirits' Rest Inn. It was larger than the tavern, standing at a few storeys high in order to accommodate the many rooms that Digimon could stay in. The inn, like 90% of the city, wasn't in the wealthier district of Shroud. It wasn't exactly a first class bed and breakfast, but it was acceptable. On the first level was the check-in area, a lounge, and a bar that served food. Everything else above it were bedrooms.
Dorbickmon ordered one of these bedrooms for a few nights and he was currently sitting at a table on the ground level, eating a palatable plate of ribs. Every so often, he gazed across the dim but warmly-lit room to a row of booths against the far wall.
Sitting in the corner booth, near the edge of the bar counter, were Black Pincer Company. GrandisKuwagamon and Blitzmon sat opposite to each other while Bolgmon, who was too big for the seating, stood beside the booth.
Dorbickmon had staked the place out when he came in to book his room. Once he spotted the Black Pincer Company there, he had left to tell BlackWarGreymon the plan.
He took a bite of one of the ribs, using his sharp, vicious teeth to tear the meat from the bone. He licked the juice and sauce from his lips and dropped the bone on his plate before wiping his clawed fingers on a napkin. The sound of the inn's front door opened, causing him to glance over and see BlackWarGreymon walk into the inn.
BlackWarGreymon walked in and pretended that Dorbickmon wasn't there. He gave a quick scan around the room and saw Black Pincer Company sitting in the far left corner. When Bolgmon glanced over at him, BlackWarGreymon looked away and walked straight to the bar counter on the other side of the lounge.
Dorbickmon, not wanting to be suspicious, focused on his meal. However, he kept track of BlackWarGreymon using his peripheral vision.
The black dragon man stepped up to the bar and hailed the bartender. A Honeybeemon flew over. "Good evening," he greeted. "How can I help you?"
"Just a beer and a meat pie," BlackWarGreymon answered.
The Honeybeemon nodded. "Would you like them at the same time?"
BlackWarGreymon quickly thought about what would be best. "Please."
"I'll bring them over if you want to find a seat," the Honeybeemon told him before flying off to the kitchen.
The mercenary glanced over at Black Pincer Company. He took a calming breath and stood up. He walked towards them, garnering the trio's passing attention. BlackWarGreymon ignored their glances and walked up to the booth next to theirs. He sat down and waited nervously while trying not to be too suspicious.
Black Pincer Company continued their conversation, ignoring the nearby patron.
"This is getting really old, really fast," GrandisKuwagamon said before bringing his glass of beer to his insectoid mouth and drinking it.
"Just be patient, Grandis," Blitzmon told him from across the table, taking a swig of his own potent beverage.
"How can I be patient, Blitz?" the night-black insect Digimon asked him. "We've been here for a few days already and we still haven't heard from the client."
At the mention of a client, BlackWarGreymon perked up inwardly. However, he didn't make any suspicious movements like turning his head. The Cimmerian Adventures mercenary group were generally adept in stealth, so he knew how to handle simple eavesdropping. Instead, he just pretended to look bored and drummed his claws on the table as he waited for his drink and meal.
"Maybe he screwed off," Bolgmon suggested with an annoyed shrug. "Better not have, but he might've."
"Don't be stupid," Blitzmon said to his large comrade. "He paid us a quarter of the final payment upfront. Why would he do that if he wasn't serious about the job or if this was a set up? If he's messing with the Metal Empire, he has to know what he's doing."
"Sure, but don't act like they didn't send the D-Brigade after us," GrandisKuwagamon said. "If we keep sitting around here, it's only a matter of time until they show up here with their sticks up their asses and their guns aimed to kill. I don't even know how our client's supposed to find us, so excuse me if I'm a bit on edge."
"I get ya, Grandis, but all we can do is keep our guards up and wait until he shows himself or sends us some kinda message," Blitzmon reasoned. "We knew it was a risky job when we took it."
"Tch," GrandisKuwagamon scoffed, leaning back against his wings and folding his arms. His red eye darted over when he saw the Honeybeemon approaching their direction with a pint of beer and a plate with a steaming meat pie on it.
BlackWarGreymon, who had been listening intently, tensed up slightly when the Honeybeemon flew over to him, drawing Black Pincer Co's attention to the fact that he was sitting adjacent to them.
"Here you go," the Honeybeemon told him, placing the meal and the alcoholic beverage in front of him. "Enjoy."
"Thanks," BlackWarGreymon muttered, taking a knife and cutting into the savoury pie to release the steam from inside. He focused solely on his food and drink, pretending that the three insectoid Digimon behind him didn't even exist.
Dorbickmon glanced over momentarily. He felt a twinge of nervousness when he could see that GrandisKuwagamon was leering at BlackWarGreymon suspiciously.
The Honeybeemon flew back behind the bar upon noticing the front door of the inn open. BlackWarGreymon continued to cut up his meat pie and shovel a piece into his mouth, well aware of the crimson eye burning a suspicious hole into the back of his draconic head.
However, both GrandisKuwagamon and BlackWarGreymon were distracted by the Digimon who entered the inn. BlackWarGreymon looked up and saw a Digimon walk straight in their direction, walking along the row of booths against the wall.
He seemed to be a Wizardmon, judging from the distinct, pointed cap, the long, violet cowl, and the yellow and red jumpsuit that contained many zippers.
The Wizardmon made a bee-line for Black Pincer Company's table. He passed the booth that BlackWarGreymon was sitting in and hopped onto the seat next to Blitzmon, casually sitting at their table.
GrandisKuwagamon looked across the table at him with an 'Are you serious?' expression. "…The table's taken," he deadpanned.
"Black Pincer Company?" the Wizardmon asked them, looking around at the three mercenaries calmly.
"Yeah," Bolgmon replied. "Who the hell are you?"
Dorbickmon gazed across the room with scrutinizing eyes at the Wizardmon. He wondered if that was their client.
BlackWarGreymon continued to eat as he listened in.
"Wizardmon," the wizard Digimon answered simply. "I believe you have something for me."
"Wait a sec. You aren't our client," GrandisKuwagamon pointed out with a suspicious frown. "You're half his size."
"I'm simply an intermediary," Wizardmon responded. "He couldn't be here today, so he asked me to come in his place."
"Oh yeah? Prove it," GrandisKuwagamon said. "You could be a Metal Empire agent for all we know."
Wizardmon pulled a wand with a sun-shaped head from his cloak. He waved the wand over the table, causing the staff to glow brightly. Suddenly, a metal case appeared on the table, open and full of money. "It's real and it's all there," Wizardmon explained. "Count it, if you want."
"I'll do it," Bolgmon said, extending a fine needle from his large, right cannon arm. He then began shifting through the currency and counting in his head.
"It's yours, provided that you have the blueprints," the intermediary explained.
Blitzmon looked over at GrandisKuwagamon, who nodded to him. Upon receiving the affirmation, he took the blueprints out of his bag and showed them to the Wizardmon.
He looked them over studiously. "Good… The payment is yours. …But how would you like to double it?" Wizardmon asked them. Blitzmon looked over with interest.
"We would," GrandisKuwagamon replied. "Depends how. If it involves going back to Facture, forget it."
"No, it's much safer than that," Wizardmon assured him.
"Too bad," Bolgmon said, still counting their money.
"What is it?" Blitzmon asked him.
Wizardmon nodded. "My client wants you to take those blueprints and give them to PrinceMamemon of the Mamemon Kingdom."
GrandisKuwagamon frowned. "Up north again? …Who the hell is your client?" he asked him.
"Even if I knew, I would not be at liberty to say," Wizardmon responded simply.
"Why does he want to give the blueprints away after all that trouble?" Blitzmon followed up.
"I don't know. I'm just his intermediary," Wizardmon told him. "Does it matter?"
"The squirt's got a point. Who cares as long as we get paid?" Bolgmon replied.
"Guess so," GrandisKuwagamon said with a shrug. "Dunno why he'd bother kissing the ass of anybody in the Mamemon Kingdom though. I've seen outhouses more prestigious..."
"Would PrinceMamemon even want the blueprints?" Blitzmon quizzed the envoy.
"If he doesn't, it's your job to make him want them," Wizardmon stated. "You will only get paid if he accepts them. My client will know if he does or doesn't."
The black insect folded his lean arms and sat back against the seat's back rest. "So… He'll pay us double in exchange for us holding onto these blueprints while the D-Brigade are after us?"
"You've taken more dangerous jobs than that," Wizardmon told him. "All you have to do is not get caught. You three are pretty good at that, aren't you?"
GrandisKuwagamon looked down and thought for a few moments. He glanced between Blitzmon and Bolgmon. "What do you two think?"
"Hey, a job's a job," Bolgmon responded casually. Secretly, he hoped that he would get a chance to blast the D-Brigade. "It's better than nothing."
"It is risky holding onto these blueprints, but I like the sound of that paycheck," Blitzmon responded pensively. "Besides, it sounds like it'll get us some goodwill."
GrandisKuwagamon looked across at the Wizardmon. "Okay. You got a deal."
Wizardmon nodded. "When my client sees that you've completed the mission, I will meet you here with your payment. Is a week enough time?"
"Sounds fine," GrandisKuwagamon said, holding his hand out.
Wizardmon reached out and shook it with his gloved hand. "Thank you."
"Anything else we should know?" Blitzmon questioned.
The emissary shook his head and stood up from the table. "I'll see you in a week," he told them. "Good luck." He gave them a nod and walked towards the exit.
BlackWarGreymon glanced up and watched as he left. Dorbickmon momentarily eyeballed him as well.
Blitzmon eyed the large amount of cash in front of Bolgmon. "We'd better stash that at our hideout," he said to them. "Only idiots walk around Shroud with that much money."
"I'll take it," GrandisKuwagamon said, taking the case from Bolgmon and closing it.
"Why you?" Bolgmon countered, a bit miffed at that.
GrandisKuwagamon rolled his eye. "Because I can't be followed, remember? Not when I use Zone Black Hole," he explained. "Get it, bolts-for-brains? I'm not gonna pinch more than my cut, if that's what you're worried about."
"I was just sayin'. Don't get all touchy," Bolgmon replied, wheeling into reverse away from the table. GrandisKuwagamon stood up, prompting Blitzmon to do the same.
"Whatever. I'll be back in a few hours," GrandisKuwagamon said, taking the handheld case in one hand and beginning to walk past BlackWarGreymon.
BlackWarGreymon avoided eye contact and took a drink from his beer.
Suddenly, GrandisKuwagamon stopped right beside him, prompting Bolgmon and Blitzmon to look over. GrandisKuwagamon turned his head so that he glanced at the dragon man out of the corner of his eye.
"Hey, blondie," Grandis said to him with a pointed edge to his smooth-yet-gravelly voice.
BlackWarGreymon's stomach churned and a sense of dread washed over him. "What?" he asked, trying to mask his worry with confidence.
"Why're you sitting there?" he questioned him, his pincers momentarily widening.
"I'm eating…" BlackWarGreymon answered lamely.
"I mean, this place is practically empty. Why sit next to us when there's all these other places to sit?" GrandisKuwagamon asked, narrowing his eye slightly.
BlackWarGreymon's eyes darted around anxiously as he tried to think of an explanation or an excuse. He briefly saw Dorbickmon shrug at him. His eyes then landed on Blitzmon and he blurted out the first thing that game to him. "I, uh… It's nothing… I sort've wanted to buy your friend there a drink…" he muttered with embarrassment.
GrandisKuwagamon and Bolgmon both turned and looked at Blitzmon, who blinked in surprise. They both burst into a fit of laughter.
"Haha, him, huh?!" GrandisKuwagamon asked through chuckles, thumbing at Blitzmon.
"What d'you think, Blitzie? He looks like a catch!" Bolgmon guffawed, putting an arm around Blitzmon and trying to push him forwards.
"Get lost," Blitzmon scowled, both at his friends and BlackWarGreymon. He turned around and headed towards the stairs that led up to the bedrooms.
Bolgmon continued laughing as he rolled after him. "Come on! You could use someone to loosen you up!" he teased. "It's not every day you get a suitor!"
GrandisKuwagamon glanced at BlackWarGreymon and chuckled. "Looks like you struck out. Better luck next time," he told him, gripping his case and walking to the exit of the inn.
When GrandisKuwagamon disappeared out the door and into the night, BlackWarGreymon released a sigh of both relief and embarrassment. "This better not get back to the Cimmerians…" he muttered to himself.
After a minute of making sure that Black Pincer Company was gone, the black dragon man stood up and walked over to Dorbickmon, who finished his meal. "Dorbickmon," he said to him.
"Get everything?" Dorbickmon asked him, getting straight to the point.
BlackWarGreymon nodded. "Pretty much. Are we square now?" he replied.
"Assuming you got good info. Meet me upstairs in my room," Dorbickmon told him. "You can tell me what you heard. Room 304."
BlackWarGreymon nodded again. "I'll finish up here so it doesn't look suspicious," he explained.
"Just don't get drunk and end up forgetting everything," the red mercenary ordered with a grin.
The two then parted, with BlackWarGreymon heading back to his table, and Dorbickmon walking to the bar counter to pay for his meal.
Dorbickmon then headed upstairs to his room. He hoped that BlackWarGreymon overheard something from their discussion from that Wizardmon. With any luck, it would give him a lead to give to the Royal Knights.
A few blocks away, in dark of the night, a faint silhouette could be seen against the dim, grey clouds that loomed over the city of Shroud. It was a cyborg dragon Digimon that was clad in blue armour. Behind his transparent visor were yellow eyes that gazed across the dark streets below him. The Darkdramon occasionally glanced up at the tumultuous skies overhead. He folded his arms and waited, watching vigilantly.
After a few moments, the quiet sound of scuffing entered his ears as boots landed on the roof behind him. Behind the Darkdramon was a smaller, leaner dragon Digimon who was clad in dark combat armour.
"Sir," the Sealsdramon said formally while saluting.
"Recon Team One, what's your report?" the Darkdramon asked, glancing over his shoulder.
"We've located Bug Delta Black, Sir," the Sealsdramon replied, raising a hand to his ear where there was an earpiece that acted similarly to MetallifeKuwagamon's Long Range Audio Communicator.
"Why didn't you relay it over the comm?" the Darkdramon questioned.
"I tried, Sir, but the data storm is disrupting all communications," he explained to his superior, tapping his ear emphatically.
The Darkdramon hissed a bit. "Never mind. Where are Bug Delta Black?" he asked him.
"They are staying in an inn seven blocks away from here," the Sealsdramon responded, turning and pointing. "The Spirit's Rest Inn, it's called. I told the other two to stay behind and keep an eye on them."
"Good," the Darkdramon said, glancing up in time to see three Digimon swooping down to the roof.
The first to arrive was a blue, mechanical wolfman Digimon who was armed with a long cannon on his right arm, and a missile launcher on his left arm. The second was a black, cyborg rabbit Digimon who had a missile pod on his back, two cannons for arms, and large radar ears. The final arrival was a violet, serpentine dragon Digimon who had metal wings and who also had cannons for arms.
"MagnaGarurumon, BlackRapidmon, Gigadramon," the Darkdramon acknowledged.
"Team Leader," the MagnaGarurumon said with a nod.
"Could you use the data storm as cover?" the D-Brigade team leader asked.
"Negative," the Gigadramon responded. "We underestimated the amount of turbulence up there. It was too powerful, even for us."
"It's no wonder nobody can get in that way," the BlackRapidmon stated.
"Damn. Acknowledged," the Darkdramon spoke. "We've located Bug Delta Black."
"They are at coordinates sigma twenty, gamma twelve," the Sealsdramon told them.
"What are your orders?" the Gigadramon asked the Darkdramon.
"MagnaGarurumon, drop your heavy gear and switch to your blade. You're with me," the Darkdramon ordered. "BlackRapidmon, Gigadramon, you two secure the area from the air. Make sure they don't escape." He turned to the Sealsdramon. "Sealsdramon, Recon Team One will be come with us."
"Sir," the Sealsdramon answered with the D-Brigade salute.
"We'll infiltrate that inn and neutralize Bug Delta Black," the Darkdramon explained. "Try to take them alive. If not, make sure to leave at least one. The blueprints are top priority, but the secondary priority is information."
"Understood," the MagnaGarurumon answered.
The Darkdramon team leader nodded. "We'll come with a plan for infiltration. In one hour, we'll execute it," he told them. "Tonight we bring Bug Delta Black to their knees… as well as whoever tries to get in our way."