(Author's Notes: Chapter 16 is finally here! I've made some good progress with the story as well.
Since I can't reply via private message, I'll say it here. Thanks to Anony-mousse for the review. It's much appreciated. I'm glad you're enjoying it! Also, thanks to everyone for the reviews. It's always helpful to get feedback. Enjoy!)
Chapter 16: Sanctuary
"DAMNIT!"
Bolgmon fired a blast from his arm as he tore across a pinkish, rose-hued landscape. The burst of electricity slammed into a 'falling rocks' traffic sign ahead of him, despite the fact that they were in the middle of an open field that spanned for kilometers, with not a mountain in sight. The metal sign melted and crumpled upon being struck by his blast. It then burst into particles when the structural integrity of its data was destroyed.
It was a sunny morning as Black Pincer Company headed north. The temperature was mildly warm and the sweet scent of flowers drifted on the wind.
GrandisKuwagamon looked down from the air as he flew several meters above the cyborg insect. Bolgmon was pissed; he was never one to hide his feelings. GrandisKuwagamon grunted and glanced over at Blitzmon, who flew beside him. Blitzmon, on the other hand, was definitely one to hide his feelings. It made him hard to read, even for GrandisKuwagamon. He had been flying quietly ever since they escaped the Forest of Memories the previous night.
GrandisKuwagamon himself was kind of pissed off from the whole situation.
"I can't believe we came away empty-handed!" Bolgmon angrily stated as he rolled across the pink field.
"We tried and failed," Blitzmon said philosophically. "It's not like we lost anything else during that side job."
GrandisKuwagamon grunted and glanced away. "We didn't get our money back. That would have been nice."
"If nothing else, there's the reward money that we'll get for deleting that patrol," Blitzmon explained.
A sigh escaped the black insect's mouth. "I guess. So, we should head to Fulminus to meet up with Wizardmon," he stated. "Good thing we headed north when we escaped."
The dark blue beetle nodded. "We'll need to be frugal for awhile," Blitzmon added. He turned his head and matched his green eyes with GrandisKuwagamon's own red one, leering at him emphatically. "And we'll need to keep up that contract."
"Tch," GrandisKuwagamon looked away grudgingly at the idea. "Yeah, I know… Barring anything damn near suicidal."
"Fair enough," Blitzmon agreed.
Bolgmon glared ahead of them. "Just as long as I get a chance to vaporize those bastards…" he responded balefully. "I'm getting really sick of those damn Royal Knights."
"Yeah, great idea, Bolgie. Look how we ended up last time you tried to vaporize them," GrandisKuwagamon reminded him with bitter sarcasm.
"That wasn't my fault, damn it!" Bolgmon fired back. "Would you shut up about that already, Grandis?"
GrandisKuwagamon rolled his eye and continued flying through the air. "Whatever. Just focus on making sure we get to Fulminus. If we get lost, it will be your fault," he told their logistics expert.
Bolgmon glared up at him and drove ahead. "Fine, whatever," he responded curtly.
GrandisKuwagamon beat his wings rapidly and glided along the wind. As he soared across the field, he reflected on the events of the previous night.
"…Stupid kid."
Meanwhile, there was Metal Empire activity in the north of the continent. After the tactical victory in the battle against the Royal Knights' Strike Forces, the D-Brigade flank was in position, cutting the Mamemon Kingdom off from the south. This allowed the D-Brigade's main forces to advance and prepare for the main assault, which was to take place within the coming days.
As the preparations took place, a small but powerful team of D-Brigade soldiers moved away from the temporary military camp where they had been staying. They were headed to the rear lines, where the command and support base was located.
The D-Brigade team in question was a team of ten Ultimate-level Digimon, plus Commander Fujinmon. A strong team was required, since they were escorting the two prisoners taken during the last battle: Dukemon and Dynasmon.
Dukemon and Dynasmon walked side-by-side down a dirt road leading west. They were surrounded on all sides by the eleven elite D-Brigade soldiers. Four Darkdramon encircled them as they walked, three moving along the road and one flying overhead to make a pyramid formation. Lingering at the back of the column was the towering, mechanical body of an UltimateBrachimon, who lumbered along and used his long, saurian neck to watch from a high altitude. Walking behind the Darkdramon group was a HiAndromon and Gundramon, while a Justimon and MetalGarurumon walked in front of them. Flying along to the right of the group was a MagnaGarurumon, who kept his watchful eye on them. Lastly was Fujinmon, who flew back near the UltimateBrachimon. He floated along on the wind as he kept focused on the two Royal Knights below.
Dynasmon and Dukemon were led down the road by the armed escort. Their arms were crossed behind their backs and bound with sturdy, metal chains – enough to be certain that they wouldn't escape. The two Darkdramon behind them each held one of the chains in one of their hands and their sharp Gigastick Lances in the other. Both Royal Knights eyed the formation on their captors, but didn't put up any resistance.
Dynasmon grunted and fidgeted with the chains binding his large claws. His hands were positioned in such a way that his palms faced inwards, in order to prevent him from blasting anybody. Likewise, Dukemon's Gram and Aegis had been confiscated, and were currently being carried by the HiAndromon several paces behind them. Upon realizing that he wasn't getting anywhere, Dynasmon momentarily gave up and looked over his shoulder at Fujinmon.
"Hey, Fujinmon!" the wyvern knight called out to the Hurricane Commander, forgoing any formality. "Isn't all this a bit overkill for us? Shouldn't these guys be preparing for the upcoming invasion?"
Fujinmon hovered forwards, his Critical Arms resting at his sides as he increased his flight speed. "I don't really think so… You shouldn't underestimate yourself, Dynasmon. You are both Royal Knights after all. The two of you are more than capable of wreaking havoc if given so much as a centimeter," Fujinmon lightly responded, knowing what he was angling at. "Besides, you did just try to kill us a few days ago. I know from first-hand experience how dangerous you both are. I'm sorry about the extensive precautions, but I hope you can appreciate why we needed to impose them on you."
Dynasmon grunted and clenched his fists with annoyance. "Flattery doesn't make me feel any better," he muttered under his breath.
Dukemon looked over his caped shoulder as well. "Where are you taking us?" he asked Fujinmon. "We've been moving from military camp to military camp for the past couple days."
Fujinmon floated closer, over the Gundramon and HiAndromon, so that he could talk at a normal volume. "We are taking you both to our command base where you will be placed inside one of our Valvemon transports. From there, you will be transported back to the Metal Empire. Facture, specifically."
Dukemon eyed the green-armoured cyborg suspiciously. "And then what?" he questioned.
"That is not for me to say. That decision will be made at Emperor Chaosdramon's discretion," Fujinmon explained. "I doubt he would do anything too horrible… Although, I imagine that, since your Order is at war with us, it would be in our best interests to have you both removed from action."
Dynasmon frowned dangerously at the slender Commander as he gracefully glided on the wind. "So, we're going to be locked up in some rusty Facture prison?" he asked him directly.
"Like I said, it is up to the Emperor. I'm just hypothesizing," Fujinmon assured them. "Maybe he'll be lenient…" The Hurricane Commander didn't sound convinced by his own words.
"Great…" Dukemon muttered blandly. "And when will we get there, exactly?"
"In a few hours," the green mecha Digimon answered. When he saw both of the Royal Knights turn forward again, Fujinmon floated back to his place near the back of the spread out column.
After a minute of walking, Dukemon feigned stumbling over a rock and used Dynasmon's larger body to catch himself. Dynasmon glanced over at Dukemon curiously and helped to steady the crimson knight using his broad shoulder. "Sorry," Dukemon told him, before leaning in and whispering. "We need to escape before we get to that command base," he stealthily said to him in a hushed tone.
"Easier said than done," Dynasmon whispered back. "These chains are tough; might even be chrome digizoid. Their formation is well-thought out too. It'd be hard to make an opening in it." He glanced around the area. "Where are we, d'you think?"
"Eastern outskirts of Chessmon territory, I'd say. Terrain south of here isn't too rough for a little while. There's a river that we'd need to cross, though. Further south is forests and mountains that we can disappear in," Dukemon explained, his voice still quiet. He glanced over his shoulder at the HiAndromon behind them. "I'll need to get my gear back. When do you want to do this?"
Dynasmon frowned as he thought about it. "We should probably wait… Keep an eye out for an opening," he suggested quietly. "We've only got one shot at this. If we blow it and get caught, we're really screwed. They wouldn't let us get away with it twice."
Dukemon nodded. "Yeah… We need to pick our moment," he agreed. "There's no guarantee it'll work, but we have to try."
"What are you two whispering about?" asked the Darkdramon who was holding Dukemon's chains.
"Nothing," Dukemon replied, not looking over his shoulder.
The Darkdramon leered at them suspiciously. "Are you sure about that?" he pressed him.
Dynasmon turned his horned, draconic head and looked at the guard. "If you have to know… I was talking about how a lady talked me into doing something like this once and it was pretty kinky," he stated all-too-convincingly. "I can go into details if you want."
The Darkdramon guard flushed and looked away, thoroughly unprepared for that response. "I-I see… I'd prefer if you didn't," he replied. "If you need to talk, keep it audible."
Dynasmon couldn't help but smirk. "Well, okay. So, I was standing there, naked, and then—"
"I didn't mean about that!" the guard protested.
"Refined as always, Dynasmon," Dukemon told him with a smirk behind his helmet.
Dynasmon chuckled a bit. "Hey, it worked," he muttered in response. He leaned over towards Dukemon and whispered. "So… When you're ready and see a good opportunity, give me the signal. No rush."
Dukemon nodded and continued to be led along. He kept a watchful eye on the state of their guards as he walked. It wouldn't be an easy escape and there was no guarantee that they would even get past a few meters, but he couldn't live with himself if he didn't try.
Back at the Royal Knights' castle, it was around noon time. The sun was at its peak in the sky, and it cast light down across the castle grounds. The training grounds were crowded as the Strike Forces and Defence Forces drilled in preparation for the war. Most members of the Order were busy with their various jobs and responsibilities at this time.
The same was true for SaviorHackmon, who stood in the great hall with a large mop and bucket. He hummed to himself mirthfully as he mopped the floor, spreading water and suds across the smooth, marble tiles. He held the long mop carefully in his clawed hands and partially used it to keep himself steady on his legs as he cleaned the floor.
The new Perfect-level Digimon cleaned the great hall's floors diligently. He was about a third of the way done, but it was a big great hall with a lot of area to cover.
A deep but jovial voice called out from behind the dragon man Digimon. "Is that you, Bao—sorry—SaviorHackmon?"
SaviorHackmon turned around and spotted Imperialdramon Dragon Mode walking into the great hall. He smiled upon seeing his friend. "Hey, Peri," he greeted, pleased to see the larger dragon.
"Did you get a personality upgrade when you evolved to that form? Because I swear that you're in a good mood while mopping the entire great hall," Peri observed light-heartedly. "Aren't all these chores supposed to be punishment for running off, doing stupid stuff, and worrying all of us?"
SaviorHackmon maintained his grin despite Imperialdramon Dragon Mode's ribbing words. "I don't mind it. It's good practice for getting used to this new form," he explained in his deeper and more mature voice. "Besides, I'm in a good mood. …But your claws better not be muddy."
Peri chuckled and waved his large foot to show that it was clean. "We've been doing evasive flight manoeuvres all morning, so we haven't seen much ground. I just came in for some lunch," he explained. "So, spill. Why are you in a good mood?"
The white dragon man smirked proudly and used a claw to polish the blue crystal on his chest. "Guess who's joining the Strike Forces?" SaviorHackmon explained with a smug grin on his face.
Imperialdramon blinked. "Really? That's great! …You're not pulling my leg, are you?" he asked, shocked by the news.
"Gankoomon-sensei said I could," SaviorHackmon told him excitedly, his jubilation obvious on his face. "I'm trying out in five days!"
"I'm glad to hear it, but I have to admit, I'd rather you joined the Reconnaissance Forces," Peri told him with a soft smile.
"Sorry, Peri. It's just not my style," the caped dragon responded with a confident smirk. "I'm an offence kind of guy. I mean, look at his body!"
Imperialdramon chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Bladey. I noticed," he snarked at him. "You'll probably start small, you know. Like I did. It won't be high-stakes rescue missions right away. Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah, sure I am," SaviorHackmon replied contently. "I'm sure I'll have to do a lot of training and busy work first. It's one step closer to becoming a Royal Knight, though. I'll do whatever it takes."
"That's surprisingly mature of you. Before, you couldn't wait to do some daring mission to prove yourself, and you weren't satisfied until you did something of that calibre," Peri pointed out to him.
SaviorHackmon gave him a knowing smirk. "Yeah, and look where that got me. Taken hostage by mercenaries," he responded. "I know that I'm going to have to put the effort in if I want to become Royal Knight material. I know they all had to do the same thing to get as good as they are. I'm just happy that now I have the chance to improve myself."
Peri smiled at him. "Well, good. I don't have to worry about you pulling anymore reckless stunts, then," he teased.
"Hey, I wouldn't go that far. Look at who my sensei is," SaviorHackmon countered with a laugh.
The large, blue dragon laughed a bit. When his snicker faded, he began to grow more serious. "…So, uh… What was it like…? Being with those mercenaries?" he wondered, frowning as he thought about it.
"It's not something I want to happen again," SaviorHackmon admitted, his eyes tightening as he remembered. "They were so tough, cold-blooded and violent. Bolgmon was the worst… he seemed like it, at least. He kept threatening and insulting me. I think he enjoyed it…"
Peri glowered faintly. "And the other two? Blitzmon and GrandisKuwagamon?"
SaviorHackmon continued to mop the marble floor. "Blitzmon… I don't know. He seemed reasonable, but I couldn't get a good read on him. The way he sometimes looked… It was unnerving," the dragon man Digimon explained. "As for GrandisKuwagamon… He was the one that I talked with the most. He's so cynical and dismissive of everything. He was kind of a jerk too. But…"
"But…?"
"…But, for some reason, I get the feeling that he's not a bad guy deep down," SaviorHackmon explained, although uncertainly. "He just seems angry and resentful rather than evil. I mean… I got the feeling he wasn't all bad. Maybe it's true for the other two, as well. I don't know exactly what they must have gone through. It must have been bad though."
Imperialdramon Dragon Mode looked at SaviorHackmon sceptically. "I don't know. Don't get too sympathetic, SaviorHackmon. Are you sure he wasn't playing mind games with you? They might have been doing that 'good guy - bad guy' thing," he responded. Imperialdramon narrowed his eyes. "Besides, don't you think they were the ones who deleted our patrol? Or do you think it was the Metal Empire like they said?"
The humanoid dragon sighed and stopped mopping. "I don't know, Peri. Examon-shishou did say that they were hired to delete one of our patrols. Some of the stuff GrandisKuwagamon said about it being the D-Brigade made sense too though. It's hard to know for sure."
"I guess so…" the large dragon admitted. "…Hey, is it true that those Black Pincer guys are data absorbers?"
SaviorHackmon frowned and looked down. "I'm not sure. I didn't exactly ask…" he admitted.
Peri smiled at him. "Well, you definitely had a lucky escape." He began to turn around. "Anyway, I'd better go get lunch before my break is up. Good luck with the mopping."
SaviorHackmon nodded and began gliding the mop across the golden-beige marble again. "By the way, Peri… How's the search for Dukemon-shishou and Dynasmon-shishou going?" he asked him, a look of concern emerging on his face.
The dragon turned his helmeted head as he began to walk down towards the double doors leading to the foyer. "I don't know the details; the elite patrols are the ones searching for them. They're behind the Metal Empire's lines, so it's difficult for us scouts to penetrate, but we're able to slip past every so often. The teams involved are focusing on the routes back to Facture, since that's where they're probably being taken," Peri explained. He gave SaviorHackmon a slight smile. "I'll keep you updated if I can. I know a rescue operation's being prepared."
"Thank you…" SaviorHackmon answered, turning his attention back to cleaning the floor. He had to take a deep breath to calm his impulses. He wanted to help two of his most respected heroes, but he knew that in order to do that, he would need to become stronger and more disciplined, rather than running off again.
However, he knew that this would take time. He hoped that Dukemon and Dynasmon would be fine, even if he couldn't personally help out.
A few hours passed from noon.
The D-Brigade prisoner escort continued to walk down the stone-paved road. The two captive Royal Knights remained in the middle of the column, led along by the Darkdramon guards directly around them.
Dukemon walked alongside Dynasmon, both of whom gave subtle glances to each other as they inspected the nearby D-Brigade Digimon. They glanced upwards when they saw Fujinmon fly overhead.
"We are almost at the command base," Fujinmon explained to them, looking forwards. In the distance was a series of shapes, mainly small, makeshift, metal buildings. More prominent than them was a giant, golden octagon with legs. It was the Valvemon that the two Royal Knights were to be transported in for the rest of the journey.
Dynasmon and Dukemon exchanged looks with each other. They both knew that if they were put inside that Digimon, it would be even harder for them to escape. These last two kilometers would be their last chance.
Dukemon eyed Fujinmon as he flew forwards to speak with the MagnaGarurumon at the front of the column. The crimson knight turned towards Dynasmon. "Dynasmon," he said to him to get his attention.
Dynasmon slowed down slightly so that he was a pace behind Dukemon. "Yeah?" he asked him. Dynasmon looked down at Dukemon's chain-bound hands, which were tied over his cape so that the fabric didn't conceal them. This allowed for Dynasmon to see Dukemon give him a quick thumbs up gesture.
"I was just wondering— Grah!" Dukemon's words were interrupted by a sputter of pain. Dynasmon had stepped on Dukemon's long, white ponytail, causing his head to jerk back and for Dukemon to stop suddenly and fall to a knee. "Damn it!" he uttered, feeling genuine pain at the motion.
"What's going on?" the Darkdramon holding Dukemon's chains demanded, walking forwards to see what was wrong.
The Darkdramon that was walking in front of them also stopped and turned around see what was going on.
"Crap! Sorry!" Dynasmon exclaimed, stopping his walking and moving his foot off of Dukemon's hair. "I stepped on his hair! Are you okay, Dukemon?"
"Y-Yeah…" Dukemon said with a wince, adrenaline beginning to flow through his body. He looked over his shoulder and gave Dynasmon a look. Dynasmon nodded.
The Darkdramon who was holding Dynasmon's chains stepped over to them. "Get him up," he told the other guard.
Just as Darkdramon in question approached Dukemon from the side to pull him up, the Darkdramon who was speaking stepped up behind Dynasmon.
Dynasmon suddenly spun around to face his Darkdramon captor, who had been looking at his comrade. Just as the Darkdramon tensed up and looked back at Dynasmon, the wyvern knight acted. Unable to use his hands, he headbutted the end of the Darkdramon's snout with his armoured forehead, sending the dark dragon man staggering back. Dynasmon then jerked his head to the side and slashed one of his draconic horns across the Darkdramon's jaw.
As the Darkdramon snarled with pain and dropped to the ground to clutch his bleeding face, the Darkdramon attending to Dukemon turned in shock. This gave Dukemon his opportunity. He sprung up and drove his own helmeted forehead into the guard, colliding painfully with the Darkdramon's chin. As the guard was sent reeling back, Dukemon spun around and unleashed a powerful back kick to the Darkdramon's abdomen.
As the second guard was floored, the remaining two Darkdramon sprung to attention. "Commander! They're resisting!" one of them shouted to Fujinmon.
Fujinmon spun around with shock. Upon seeing what was happening, his crimson eyes narrowed.
Dynasmon snarled and raced towards the Darkdramon in front of them as the guard raised his lance to fire. The dragon knight rushed the guard like a charging bull and slammed his armoured shoulder into the Darkdramon. The Darkdramon was knocked off of his feet and sent crashing onto his winged back.
Once the guard was temporarily dealt with, Dynasmon looked over his shoulder. "Dukemon!" he called out to him.
Dukemon looked over and saw that Dynasmon's body emit bright blue power. He watched as the draconic energy of Wyvern began to consume the Royal Knight's form and rise up. Dukemon leapt over to Dynasmon, standing behind him.
"Breath of Wyvern!" Dynasmon roared, sending Wyvern shooting from his body and ascending into the air.
The first thing Wyvern did as he surged out of Dynasmon's body was grab hold of the Darkdramon overhead that was about to use his 'Terrible Gaze' paralyzing attack on the two Royal Knights. Wyvern then roared and hurled the Darkdramon from his claws, straight into the HiAndromon that was holding Dukemon's weapons.
As the two tumbled to the ground, Wyvern then turned to Dynasmon and grabbed hold of all of the chains binding the Royal Knights wrists, breaking the metal bonds with his strong aura claws. Wyvern moved his attention to Dukemon and broke the chains restraining him as well.
Dukemon smirked and pulled his arms away. "Thanks, Wyvern!" he thanked the large dragon as he dashed over to the HiAndromon. He leapt into a roll as the Gundramon began to open fire on him with his revolver arms, sending sparks and chunks of stone road and metal shooting up around the Royal Knight. Just as Dukemon stopped moving, he picked up the Gram and Aegis just in time to move his shield in front of him. A barrage of bullets slammed against his holy shield before ricocheting off harmlessly. "Dynasmon!"
"Gotcha! Let's make our move, Wyvern!" Dynasmon shouted, pointing at the Justimon and MetalGarurumon. Wyvern roared and made his final action by swooping down and crashing into the two D-Brigade Digimon, crushing the road under his might and throwing the two Ultimate Digimon through the air.
Fujinmon and MagnaGarurumon winced as they were blown back through the air from the shockwave after trying to fly over to support their comrades.
Using the explosion as cover, Dynasmon flapped his wings and began flying to the left, heading south across the grassy field. "Royal Sabre!" Dukemon shouted, firing a beam of light from his lance into the mechanical gun dragon. Using the opening, Dukemon dashed off with Dynasmon, quickly catching up to the dragon man as they made their escape south.
Fujinmon glared as he saw the two Royal Knights making a break for it. "Apprehend them! Open fire!" the Hurricane Commander ordered. "Gundramon, UltimateBrachimon, fire! The rest of you, after them!"
For emphasis, Fujinmon began tearing through the sky after the two Royal Knights, commanding the wind so that it was at his back to boost his speed. "Marut Cyclone!" he shouted, unleashing a high powered blast of wind towards Dynasmon from behind.
Dukemon glanced over his shoulder. "Incoming, Dynasmon!" he warned him.
Dynasmon sensed the coming blast of wind and spun onto his back so that he was briefly flying upside down. He raised his claws in front of him. "Dragon's Roar!" he shouted, unleashing dual blasts of wind from the crystals on his palms. The blast of wind slammed into Fujinmon's own surge of condensed air. Although Dynasmon's was weaker, it served to weaken and negate Fujinmon's attack enough so that only a strong gust of wind impacted Dynasmon, sending him flying faster through the air.
Fujinmon narrowed his eyes and raced to catch up with him.
"Ultimate Blast!" the UltimateBrachimon roared, firing a cannon blast from the golden gun port hidden on its chest. As a giant beam surged across the grass towards the two Royal Knights, Gundramon began unleashing a salvo of gunfire with the multitude of guns making up his body.
Dynasmon glanced over as he could see a flood of light coming from behind them. "Heads up!" he called out to Dukemon, swerving to the right as he continued to fly as quickly as he could.
Dukemon held the Aegis behind him to protect his back from bullets as he ran. He heard Dynasmon's warning and lunged diagonally to the left. The sizzling beam streaked by him, passing in between the two Royal Knights, and scorching the grass. Dukemon winced and glanced towards the beam, feeling its heat as he kept up his sprint. "Damn, that's some firepower!" he exclaimed. As the beam began to fade, Dukemon glanced up to see Fujinmon closing in on Dynasmon. "You've got company!"
"I know!" Dynasmon shouted back, hearing the whirring of Fujinmon's two Critical Arms behind him.
The Hurricane Commander closed the gap between himself and Dynasmon. Just as he got into arm's reach, he raised his right Critical Arm over his head and then swept it down towards Dynasmon's wing. Dynasmon veered to the left suddenly, narrowly avoiding the reddish-yellow laser blade that brushed by him. The wyvern knight then wheeled around and drove his fist towards Fujinmon.
Fujinmon swiftly avoided the punch and flew parallel to Dynasmon. "You won't escape. Critical Arm!" he stated, elongating his blades and slashing them vertically down on Dynasmon.
Dynasmon gritted his teeth and quickly raised his hands to catch the blades. "Dragon's Roar!" he stated, shooting energy from the palms of his hands right as the blades descended on him. Using this concentrated energy, he was able to stop the beam blades from cutting into him. With the momentum of Fujinmon's strike halted, Dynasmon used his superior strength to overpower Fujinmon and push him back.
Fujinmon narrowed his eyes and retreated a few meters. "Marut Cyclone!" he called out, unleashing hurricane force winds at close range that Dynasmon wouldn't be able to avoid. The winds swept up Dynasmon and threw him through the air violently.
"Dynasmon!" Dukemon called out. He glared and outstretched his right arm to the side, aiming his Gram lance at Fujinmon as he ran."Royal Sabre!"
Energy spiralled around the lance before shooting from the tip in a flood of light. The laser shot up at a diagonal angle, slamming right into Fujinmon's side. The emerald armoured commander grunted with pain as the engulfed him and he was thrown some distance away.
With Fujinmon's attention diverted, Dynasmon was able to flap his wings and catch himself. He looked over at Dukemon and gave him a thumbs up before flying forwards. He looked ahead of him and could see a rushing river. A span beyond that was a dense, far-reaching forest that stretched a long way.
"Dukemon! There's a river up ahead!" Dynasmon shouted to him. "Can you make the jump?!"
"Only one way to find out!" Dukemon called back in response, sprinting towards it. "Let's try to lose them in it!"
"Agreed!" Dynasmon responded, flapping his wings powerfully as he rushed forwards. He veered downwards as a large, glowing laser flew over his head and burned into the ground far ahead of him. He glanced behind him and saw several of the Darkdramon, the Justimon, the MetalGarurumon, the MagnaGarurumon, the HiAndromon, and Fujinmon all chasing them. He grunted as the two Garurumon Digimon launched a salvo of missiles towards them. "Breath of Wyvern!"
Wyvern aggregated from Dynasmon's body and coursed outwards from his back. The three-eyed dragon flapped his powerful, blue wings, sending strands of draconic energy out with every flap. Wyvern rushed out and swept through the barrage of missiles, creating a series of detonations in mid-air which kept the pursuers at bay. He then soared along the ground, tearing up the earth, before driving himself into the ground several meters in front of the D-Brigade Digimon. This created a giant explosion that billowed into the air with a shockwave strong enough to blast many of the Digimon back. The blast also served as a cover for the two fleeing Royal Knights.
Dukemon and Dynasmon reached the edge of the rushing river. Dynasmon flapped his wings and began to fly over it. Dukemon, meanwhile, took a running jump to try and lunge over the river. He managed to just barely clear the river and land on the other side. "Dynasmon!" he called out, continuing to run upon landing.
"Got it!" Dynasmon responded, spinning around and raising his claws. "I picked up this trick from a certain, goggle-wearing Greymon! Dragon's Roar!" he called out, unleashing blasts of fire energy from his hands. The flames tore along the length of the river. As soon as fiery power touched the water, they began to hiss and sizzle. The fire evaporated to create a thick haze of steam all along the river. The veil of hot, smoky, water vapour further helped to conceal their retreat.
Dynasmon swooped down beside Dukemon and landed so that he could run alongside the crimson knight. The two Royal Knights sprinted across the grassy bank and into the thick forest, where they disappeared into the concealing terrain.
Fujinmon shot through the lingering energy cloud of Wyvern and was incensed to see a second cloud of smoke a hundred meters in front of them. He couldn't see the Royal Knights at all and assumed that they had slipped into the forest. That would make finding the pair of escapees extremely difficult.
He turned around and swept his Critical Arm outwards with frustration, realizing his situation. The blast of wind from his swipe cut through the veil of steam and caused it to disperse more quickly. The group of D-Brigade soldiers stopped when Fujinmon did. He looked over at the HiAndromon, who was the last to catch up with them. "You, HiAndromon!" he said, flying over and landing in front of him. "Why in the Digital World were the Royal Knights not restricted with power inhibitors? Why were they able to use their abilities?!"
The HiAndromon froze and rigidly saluted his superior. "I, er, wasn't ordered to implant power inhibitors on them, Commander!"
"Royal Knights are Class-A prisoners; protocol requires that prisoners of that class be restrained with power inhibitors on top of everything else. You shouldn't need to be ordered!" Fujinmon rebuked him in frustration. "The security of the prisoners was your and the Darkdramons' responsibility."
"I-I'm sorry, Commander! I have made a grave error!" the HiAndromon apologized profusely.
"Never mind that now. There may still be time to catch them. Search the forest!" Fujinmon ordered, turning around and pointing a Critical Arm towards the forest.
"Yes, Sir!" the chorus chimed.
The D-Brigade team obeyed and began to advance towards the river. Fujinmon led the way, flying through the air and clearing away the steam with an irritated, determined expression. "I am not going to be held accountable by the Emperor and the other Commanders for this screw up!"
Meanwhile, as the Royal Knights made their south, Black Pincer Company continued heading north.
GrandisKuwagamon grunted and reached the peak of a tall hill. He climbed up the verdant mound and stood at its apex for a good vantage point of the surrounding landscape. Blitzmon flew up and landed beside him. Bolgmon lingered behind, putting his engine into full gear to make it up the slope.
The black insect narrowed his red eye as he gazed out across the grassy landscape. In the far distance, to the northwest, he could see a sizeable forest filled with lush trees. Surrounding the forest's perimeter were grassy fields and hills. It was a humble forest, and it wasn't as nearly as busy as others. It had a serene quality about it. GrandisKuwagamon's gaze softened when he could just make out a small dirt road leading out of the forest.
"Restart Forest…" GrandisKuwagamon muttered, gazing from the top of the hill at the forest in question.
"Just like we thought… The landscape was familiar," Blitzmon stated, folding his arms as he stood beside GrandisKuwagamon.
Bolgmon finally made it to the top of the hill, releasing a burst of steam from his vents when he did so. He rolled up behind GrandisKuwagamon and Blitzmon. He looked to see what they were staring at. "Damn…" he murmured. "Sure brings back memories, huh?"
"Not good ones," GrandisKuwagamon muttered, walking away from them and beginning to walk down the opposite slope of the hill.
Bolgmon frowned and followed GrandisKuwagamon, prompting Blitzmon to descend down the northern face of the hill as well. "We're not gonna have to go in there, are we?" he asked them. "I think we can bypass it."
"Yeah, let's do that. No reason for us to go there anyways," GrandisKuwagamon replied with a nonchalant shrug.
"Agreed," Blitzmon concurred bitterly, making his way down the hill. "Let's just head straight. There's a road ahead, so it shouldn't be hard to find Fulminus using that."
"Yeah," Bolgmon agreed, speeding up down the hill.
"We're not being chased anymore. You don't have to rush," Blitzmon told him.
"Let's just get there," Bolgmon stated irritably. "I'm sick of sleeping outside."
As GrandisKuwagamon made his way down the hill with an informal saunter, he couldn't help but glance over at the distant forest. "Yeah, me too," he muttered. "Let's get to an inn and get smashed."
"I hear that," Bolgmon agreed, although without his usual enthusiasm.
Blitzmon walked silently behind the pair. "Sure."
Bolgmon smirked over his shoulder. "Hell, even Blitz wants to get blitzed," he joked. "It must be bad."
The three mercenaries of Black Pincer Company made their way to the bottom of the hill and started walking across the grassland. They took a direction that avoided Restart Forest completely. Instead, they headed for a dirt road that curved along the beautiful, rolling grasslands.
They trio walked up the path, wordless as they passed by the distant forest.
Dukemon dashed over roots and bushes as he ran through a forest. Dynasmon was hot on his heels, running just a few meters behind his fellow Royal Knight. They had been running for hours. It was no longer the afternoon but the early evening. The sun was descending in the sky in its cycle around the Digital World. They could tell by looking through the spaces between the forest canopies that the sky was a deep orange and that the sun was setting.
The Royal Knights were no longer even in the same forest that they had entered in. They had left that one a few hours ago, crossed several plains, and travelled south into a completely new forest. In the rush and chaos of their escape from their pursuers, neither of the Royal Knights realized it, but they were heading through the Forest of Equilibrium.
It was a forest filled with rays of light, soft streams and verdant trees. It was a place of tranquility. It was also a spiritual place with connections to Huanglongmon.
The two dragon knights jumped over a log and passed around some trees and underbrush. Finally, Dynasmon slowed to a walking pace and called out to his comrade. "Hey, Dukemon!" he yelled out to the crimson knight ahead of him. He placed his clawed hand against a tree and leaned forwards, panting heavily. "Let's stop… We've gotta be in the clear…"
Dukemon stopped and turned around to look at Dynasmon. He was breathing heavily behind his visor as well. "D'you think so?" he asked him, heaving in air.
"I haven't seen any D-Brigade since before we crossed that plain awhile back. I think we're good," Dynasmon insisted, still gasping for air.
"Thank Yggdrasil…" Dukemon stated, leaning back against the tree trunk behind him. "We need a break."
Dynasmon nodded and started walking at a relaxed pace. "That wasn't fun…" he remarked, raising an arm to wipe the sweat from his face.
"Yeah… I've had some rough escapes before, but that one's definitely up there," Dukemon agreed.
"My legs are killing me… so are my arms," Dynasmon muttered, walking up beside Dukemon.
"Same. I'm exhausted," Dukemon replied, walking with Dynasmon through the forest. He glanced around the forest and up at the sky. "We should keep moving. It's getting dark… Don't know about you, but I don't feel great about sleeping in the forest with Fujinmon and the others potentially at our heels. Wouldn't want to wake up in a cold cell in Facture."
"You've got a point," Dynasmon concurred. He looked around quizzically. "But where the hell are we?"
"…Good question. And how much forest is left?" Dukemon wondered. He turned and looked at the winged dragon man. "Want to fly up and check it out?"
"Sure," Dynasmon replied, flapping his mighty, violet wings. He flew up from the ground and ascended towards the canopies. He soared upwards and rose above the canopies before stopping and looking around from his vantage point.
He was relieved that he wasn't able to see any pursuers behind him. This prompted Dynasmon to look forward. There was forest all around them, but they seemed to be close to the end of the forest. There were only a few kilometers of woods left before the landscape turned into beautiful, green hills and fields. Dynasmon could also see some sort of large building at the edge of the forest. It piqued his curiosity.
Dynasmon flew back down to Dukemon and landed beside him. "We're almost at the edge of the forest. Just two more kilometers, I'd say. We can probably be out in a half hour," he explained to his friend. "I also saw some kind of building, I think?"
"A building?" Dukemon asked, continuing to walk forwards. "I hope it's an inn or something."
"Please, let it be an inn. I'd give anything for a beer right now. And maybe a cute lady…" Dynasmon said with a grin.
Dukemon chuckled and rolled his eyes as he walked forwards with Dynasmon. "I'll try not to feel insulted," Dukemon teased playfully.
The two Royal Knights continued walking through the forest. It was no longer than half an hour of walking until they could see the edge of the woodland. Dukemon and Dynasmon walked to the edge of the forest and looked out from the trees. They were stunned at the landscape before them.
They stepped out to see rolling, emerald hills and grassland spanning for kilometers in front of them. The setting sun cast orange light across the blades of grass, causing them to glow and shimmer. The whole landscape was beautiful and tranquil. It was an idyllic scene.
Further down along the tree-line was a large building complex constructed at the forest's edge. It extended some distance into the forest and seemed to go underground as well. The architecture was adorned with stylized ornamentation and religious symbols.
Upon closer inspection, it looked like it was a humble monastery. The largest building was a divine temple. While large enough to loom over the nearby trees, it wasn't grandiose like the shrines to Yggdrasil and Huanglongmon, or like the grand cathedrals of the Sky Colonies. It looked very much at home around the natural landscape of the forest, so much that the environment was incorporated into the building's design. The monastery added to the beauty of the landscape. Around the front of the building was a large garden of beautiful flowers, and there were groves, orchards, and vineyards further down along the fields.
The Royal Knights looked at the main cathedral. It was through that temple that the rest of the monastery could be accessed. There were no walls or gates, so it was to be assumed that all were welcome.
"A temple?" Dynasmon asked.
"Looks like it. It must be for the Religion of Light since the Two Faiths don't have buildings of worship like this. But I'm kind of surprised to see a cathedral of the Heavenly Choir here of all places… they usually stick to the Sky Colonies," Dukemon responded, wondering to himself.
"Think they take guests?" the violet dragon man stated with a slight grin. "Maybe they'll take pity on a couple of sorry escapees."
Dukemon chuckled and began to walk over to the dirt path leading up to the cathedral. Dynasmon followed him and walked up to the cathedral. The building was long and tall. It extended deep into the forest, where other parts of the building expanded out from it. It was all made from stone, which had been polished and sculpted with ornamentation. Although the monastery seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, it had elegant architecture.
The Royal Knights walked up to a pair of large, wooden doors. The double doors were polished and engraved with beautiful, floral carvings. Dukemon took hold of one of the metal door knockers on the door and proceeded to knock with a deep, echoing clang. He then released the metal rung and the two waited patiently for somebody to answer.
It took nearly a minute, but finally, the two doors slowly opened. Both Dukemon and Dynasmon stood up straight in an effort to make their dirty and tired bodies look more presentable. Given that this monastery was affiliated with the Heavenly Choir, or, at least the Religion of Light, they both expected to see an angel Digimon on the other side of the doors.
Both of the Royal Knights were surprised when the doors opened to reveal a tall, slender, insect man. Both the warm glow of the setting sun and the equally hearth-like radiance of the cathedral's interior seemed to make his body glow. His form was humanoid in stature and it shone with a resplendent, golden hue. Over top the lustrous, gold carapace, there were black stripe designs. They covered his forearms, his uniquely jutting upper body, his thighs, knees, and feet, giving him a hornet-like appearance. His body was lean, agile, and lithe. His insectoid form had a sleek, somewhat jagged design. He had dull spikes protruding from his knees. He also had a set of three, narrow, gold pipes that came from behind his biceps and curled around them to connect to the thick, gold plates over his shoulders.
Most strikingly, the insect Digimon had a long, crimson scarf tied around his neck. The two ends of the red muffler draped down his back, between the two pairs of thin, clear insectoid wings that extended from his back and pointed downwards. The TigerVespamon turned his bug-shaped head to look at the two Royal Knights. He had large, red, compound eyes on the sides of his face. Above them was a black, V-shaped crest that has a curious design of three, glowing green dots at its base. The triangular design of the dots matched the ones on his lower abdomen and his shoulder armour. As the Royal Knights looked at him, his black, vertical, insect mouth opened to speak
"Good evening," the TigerVespamon greeted. His voice was calm, serene, ethereal even. It was tranquil and stoic, yet light and wispy at the same time; it made the insect Digimon sound unexpectedly enlightened. "How may I help you?"
Dukemon and Dynasmon exchanged brief looks. "Is this a cathedral of the Heavenly Choir?" Dukemon asked inquisitively.
"It is, indeed," the golden insect man replied courteously. As he spoke, he quickly looked the two Royal Knights over. "Are you in need of aid?"
"Actually…" Dynasmon responded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Do you happen to offer sanctuary? It's getting dark and we're in a bit of a predicament."
The TigerVespamon quietly thought for a few moments. "…We do… however… Is the predicament grave enough that I will be required to get my swords?" he cautiously questioned.
Dukemon shook his head reassuringly. "No, we lost our pursuers a few hours back. Even so, we don't really want to sleep outside, given the circumstances. Would we be able to stay here for the night?" Dukemon asked him. "Or, if it's too great an inconvenience, would you be able to direct us to the nearest town?"
"I will have to ask Father Angemon," TigerVespamon serenely explained, bowing his head politely. "Please, come in."
The two Royal Knights thanked him and wiped their feet off before entering. Dukemon and Dynasmon both believed that Yggdrasil was the creator of all things, so they were somewhat unfamiliar with the Religion of Light. They knew some of the basic tenets of the faith, and the fact that it originated from the Yggdrasil faith before splintering off and becoming its own thing. It was followed largely by Angel and Fairy Digimon, most of whom populated the Sky Colonies – large, floating cities in the clouds.
TigerVespamon pushed the doors closed with his black, humanoid hands. He turned around and walked further inside the cathedral, his movements soft and graceful like a soft breeze. The Royal Knights followed him.
They began to walk down the long nave of the cathedral. The walls were made of stone and the floor smooth, white marble. There were no seats – just open space. The only objects in the nave were the stone arcades, which were a row of beautiful archways that separated the center of the nave from the side aisles. The two Royal Knights looked around curiously. There were grand, colourful murals of angel Digimon and celestial light on the high ceiling of the monastic cathedral. Dim rays of light shone through the large oculus of the ceiling, casting light down into the otherwise dark hall. As they walked, their heavy steps echoed down the nave to the other end of the large room, where the apse and altar was.
"There is no need, TigerVespamon," a soft, deep voice spoke.
Both TigerVespamon and the Royal Knights looked to see a humanoid Digimon walk out from a corridor attached to the wing of the cathedral. He was a tall, slender male Digimon garbed in a pristine, white body suit that covered all but his face. Six, majestic wings filled with white feathers extended from his back. His long, golden hair flowed behind him as he walked out onto the transept. The hair hung down from a metal helmet that covered the top half of the Digimon's head, concealing his eyes beneath. The angel Digimon also wore a belt with a sun-shaped buckle, from which a long, blue sash hung down between his legs. The colour of the sash matched the long, digi-letter emblazoned ribbon that coiled around his right leg and left arm.
The Angemon smiled warmly at the guests as he stopped in the middle of the floor and waited to greet them. TigerVespamon walked up to the angel Digimon and then stepped to the side in order allow the two Royal Knights to speak with Angemon.
"It is an honour to have the Royal Knights visit our humble monastery," Angemon spoke with a smile. "Of course you are welcome to stay here."
TigerVespamon looked at the Angemon curiously and then at Dukemon and Dynasmon. "The Royal Knights?" he questioned. "These are…? Forgive me, I had no idea…"
Dukemon removed his Gram lance as he approached and extended his hand. "Hello. Thank you for generosity," he politely greeted. "I'm Dukemon and this is Dynasmon."
Angemon reached out and shook their hands. "My name is Angemon, Keeper of the Light," the angel Digimon explained. "I am the one in charge of this monastic mission." He looked over at TigerVespamon with a smile.
"Pardon me. My name is TigerVespamon," the golden insect man stated, remembering that he forgot to introduce himself.
"It's nice to meet you both," Dukemon said to them. He looked at Angemon curiously. "So… Father Angemon – that's the correct title, right? – this is a mission? I was wondering what this cathedral was doing so far from the Sky Colonies. The Heavenly Choir is a highly organized, structured theocracy, so it's a little odd to me to see this little place way out here, isolated from the Three Great Angels." Dukemon scratched his cheek sheepishly, hoping he wasn't being insulting. "Uh, no offence."
"No offence taken, Sir Dukemon. Indeed, you're correct. In fact, this place was built a few decades ago to help spread the word of the Religion of Light," Angemon explained with a smile. "I was assigned here personally by Archangel Dominimon, Celestial Commander of the Dominions, acting under the authority of the Three Great Angels. I know that the Heavenly Choir is generally very insular, but we occasionally make some attempts to branch out and gain followers. I suppose you could say that this mission was an experiment."
Dynasmon nodded and looked at TigerVespamon. "I see… So, are you a convert?" he asked curiously.
"Oh, um… No… Well, I suppose, sort of…" TigerVespamon awkwardly replied, a bit tongue-twisted at how to reply.
Angemon smiled and placed a reassuring hand on TigerVespamon's shoulder. "TigerVespamon, here, is an orphan. I found him and took him in a couple decades ago, after he lost his hometown. He grew up here, and, currently, he is a novice thinking of joining the monastery permanently. Before that, he assisted me and the others here with various duties."
TigerVespamon nodded quietly and politely.
Dynasmon arched an eyebrow at him. "Oh, you are? Wouldn't the Royal Base take care of you, in that case?" he asked innocently.
TigerVespamon winced faintly and sheepishly tugged at his scarf with a finger. "No, um… I am not from the Royal Base, actually… Despite the fact that I am a TigerVespamon, I have no connection to the Royal Base… to be honest. My base evolution line is not that of FunBeemon," he responded, starting to grow self-conscious.
Dynasmon frowned curiously and rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, sorry… But didn't you say that your name was TigerVespamon…? Isn't 'Tiger' the codename given to the Royal Commandos of the Royal Base's 'Covert Honey Corps'? Wouldn't it just be, well, Vespamon?"
TigerVespamon looked away, still subconsciously fiddling with the collar of his red muffler. "Err… I… perhaps? This is just the name that came to my mouth when I evolved from JewelBeemon… It was not my intention to deceive anybody. I am not trying to pass myself off as a Royal Commando…" he insisted, his voice remaining calm despite his obvious discomfort.
Dukemon elbowed Dynasmon and shot him a look. "Dynasmon…" he muttered to his comrade, rebuking. "You're insulting the poor guy."
"Huh?" Dynasmon asked, blinking. He realized his faux pas and rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, uh, sorry… I wasn't trying to accuse you of anything. I was just confused."
"I-It's an honest mistake," TigerVespamon assured him, looking away just as sheepishly. "I should be the one apologising."
"No, no…"
Angemon looked at TigerVespamon and smiled. "What's in a name anyways…?" he asked rhetorically. "Right, TigerVespamon?"
After a moment, TigerVespamon composed himself and nodded calmly. He looked at Dukemon and Dynasmon. "Is there anything that we can get you?"
"Can you tell us where we are?" Dukemon asked them.
"This place is located on the southern edge of the Forest of Equilibrium," Angemon explained. "Several kilometers south of here is Restart Forest. There is a town called Vernal Spring that is a few kilometers east of here, as well. I hope that helps."
Dukemon smiled. "Thanks. It does." He looked at Dynasmon. "We could probably just head there and sleep at an inn. We don't want to inconvenience these guys."
"Yeah, but we pay the innkeeper with what exactly?" Dynasmon countered. "I didn't exactly bring my coin purse into battle the other day."
"Please, please. You are both more than welcome to stay here," Angemon insisted. "It is no trouble at all."
"If you're positive," Dukemon replied, smiling. "We'll make it up to you somehow."
Father Angemon smiled and shook his head. "There is no need. All are welcome here in their time of need," he explained. "On the contrary, you have both done more than enough to help us. The Heavenly Choir may live atop the largest clouds in the Sky Colonies, and we may have a different faith from the majority of Digimon, but, despite those differences, we haven't forgotten how you aided us in the past."
TigerVespamon looked at the Angemon beside him. "You mean during the Night of Falling Stars, Father Angemon?" he inquired, remembering the infamous event.
"The climax of the Heavenly War," Dukemon said, frowning and folding his arms. "The civil war in the Sky Colonies between the Heavenly Choir and Lucemon's rebel faction. Between the Three Great Angel loyalists and the heretics."
Angemon responded with a pensive, solemn nod. "It is not my place to make judgments, but, yes, that was the crux of it. Apparently, Lucemon had broken from the canon some time before, and was secretly gaining followers who questioned the truth of the Being of Goodness – God. It was a schism," the learned angel explained. "News of the heresy was leaked to the Heavenly Council. I can't say for sure who made the first move against the other, but soon, fighting broke out inside the Sky Colonies. Both sides branded the others as heretical. Many of our brothers and sisters ended up falling and becoming demons in the process. The war culminated in the Night of Falling Stars, the heaviest, bloodiest, and final day of fighting in the Rebellion."
Dynasmon nodded. "The day that the Seven Demons tried to drop Sky Colony: Empyrea onto the Digital World… That was the moment that us Royal Knights knew we had to step in and intervene. We were still comparatively small at the time, and we were divided on whether to step in and fight in the war or not," he explained. "Some of us didn't think that we should be intervening in the schism of a splinter religion."
"We are eternally grateful that you did," Angemon explained, bowing his head politely. "Although Empyrea was completely destroyed from the fighting, the Digital World was spared a catastrophic, cycle-ending calamity that would have ensued if all of it had hit the ground. Though, that is not to understate the devastation caused by the Night of Falling Stars…"
"Yeah… Fair dues, though; the Warrior Ten stepped in before we did," Dynasmon explained, smiling and rubbing the back of his head. "I remember getting a few choice words from AncientGreymon saying that we were dragging our heels with politics. I'd been friends with them before, but that was the first time we officially worked together with the Warrior Ten."
"The Royal Knights, the Warrior Ten, and the Three Great Angels defeated the Seven Great Demon Lords and the surviving heretic leaders. Then they stripped them of their powers, and sealed them away in the Dark Area, correct?" TigerVespamon questioned thoughtfully. "I have read a great deal of Heavenly Choir history. The official Heavenly Choir sources omit this part, but there was an inquisition in the Sky Colonies afterwards, attempting to root out heretics and Lucemon supporters. Is that true?"
Dukemon nodded grimly. "Yeah… Both our Order and the Warrior Ten warned them not to, but there was only so much that we could do to stop them. It was hard for us to dictate to them from the ground of the Digital World," he explained. He looked at both Angemon and TigerVespamon curiously. "Pardon me for saying so, but you both seem to have an… objective view when it comes to these things. It's a bit untraditional, given your ties to the Heavenly Choir…"
Angemon chuckled a bit. "We don't disagree with the canon of the Heavenly Choir, by any means. However, we live down here, far removed from the Sky Colonies. We have to accept certain facts; not everything is entirely black and white," he explained. "For that reason, our ideas may diverge slightly from that of the current Heavenly Choir."
"Like what?" Dukemon asked curiously.
"The nature of the Being of Goodness in relation to Yggdrasil and Huanglongmon," Father Angemon replied. "There has been a long running debate among our theologians, even before the Exodus to the Sky Colonies. Some believe that God is, in fact, the same being as both Yggdrasil and Huanglongmon. However, others believe that God is an individual entity separate from Yggdrasil and Huanglongmon. Within that, some acknowledge the existence of Yggdrasil and Huanglongmon, while others believe that the Being of Goodness is the only creator being."
TigerVespamon nodded in agreement. "Here at the monastery, we believe that God exists along with Yggdrasil and Huanglongmon. We respect the rights of others to believe in what they choose, and we hope that others respect us as well," he explained.
"That's fair enough to me," Dukemon replied with a grin. "I did wonder why you guys made a monastery here, right at the edge of the Forest of Equilibrium. I don't know the details exactly, but didn't this place used to be occupied by Huanglongmon before the Great Sealing?"
"That's correct," Angemon responded, nodding. "Although, we believe that the forest may have special qualities related to the creation of the Digital World. Some of our brightest scientists have been studying it."
"Yeah?—" Dynasmon began to speak, but a large growl sounded out from his stomach. He smiled sheepishly and scratched his cheek with a claw. "Uh… Sorry. I'm pretty hungry. We haven't really eaten much the last few days."
Angemon chuckled lightly and turned to TigerVespamon. "TigerVespamon. Please go and fetch Brother Pidmon from the cloister. Ask him to prepare something extra to eat for our guests," he gently instructed him.
"Yes, Father Angemon," he answered. He turned away and walked down one of the corridors, going deeper into the building.
"Thanks. I'm on the verge of passing out from hunger." Dynasmon said to the angel Digimon, as they followed Angemon down a different corridor.
"How are you both otherwise?" Angemon asked them. "Do either of you need healing? We have some very good physicians here. TigerVespamon has also been studying the medical field for a few years now, actually."
"We'll be fine, thanks," Dynasmon assured him. "Nothing some food and rest won't cure."
"May I ask what happened?" the holy abbot inquired as he led them down a stuffy corridor. Like all the hallways in the monastery, it was lit with floating pockets of holy light within stylised sconces on the walls. "If it is confidential, I understand."
Dukemon smiled a bit behind his helmet. "Oh, no. We were just reckless in battle and ended up getting taken prisoner by the Metal Empire. We made a daring escape earlier and then we were chased by the D-Brigade, but we shook them off awhile ago," he explained nonchalantly.
Angemon couldn't help but smile. "I see…" he mused. "What it must be like to be a Royal Knight… The romantic and daring adventures you must have. I might have liked to do something like that in my younger years."
Dukemon chuckled and placed his hands behind his head as he walked. "Yeah, I bet it seems like that. Nobody ever talks about all of the reports and administrative stuff that we have to do, though."
Dynasmon groaned. "Ugh… We'll have to write reports of what happened to us during and after the battle. Maybe we should go back to Facture after all…"
Dukemon laughed and patted the wyvern knight's shoulder. "I can understand that. I'm not looking forward to the chewing out I'm going to get from Grani. Not to mention the others," he stated light-heartedly.
The angel Digimon smiled and looked over his shoulder at them. "You are free to stay as long as you want," he offered.
A chuckle escaped Dynasmon's mouth. "Tempting, but I think we'll head out tomorrow morning, if that's okay," he explained. "We've already been missing for a few days, so the sooner we get home, the better."
Angemon nodded. "Very well," he responded serenely. "Until then, please, make yourselves at home. After you eat, I'll have somebody show you to your sleeping quarters."
Dukemon smiled appreciatively. "You're very kind," he thanked him.
Angemon shook his head and continued walking ahead. "It is our policy to take in anybody who needs help. Please, relax and recuperate. It sounds like you have had a hard couple of days."
The two Royal Knights nodded and reached the end of the hall. As they turned the corner, the aroma of delicious food entered their nostrils, and they were suddenly very glad that they stumbled across this remote monastery. They decided it was a very good idea to follow Angemon's advice. They would eat heartily and then crash out in their beds for a long, much-needed rest.
The next morning, both Dukemon and Dynasmon were on the move again. After a long, fulfilling sleep at the monastery, both Royal Knights were refreshed and ready to go. After thanking Father Angemon and his fellow monks for accommodating them, the two Royal Knights set off from the cathedral and began heading east towards Vernal Spring.
Vernal Spring was a trading town that served as a stopping point for many travellers and adventurers. This was built around a crossroads that led in many different directions across the continent. It served as a handy point from which the Royal Knights could begin to travel home from, as a road would inevitably lead back to the Free Area.
A third companion accompanied the two Royal Knights, however. TigerVespamon guided Dukemon and Dynasmon from the monastery to Vernal Spring.
It was a sunny day out, and the warm light beamed down across the green landscape. The sky was a clear blue, and there were only a couple clouds floating overhead. They walked down a smooth, dirt road, surrounded by grassy fields on all sides. Not far ahead of them was the town of Vernal Spring. It looked pleasant and lively for a town of its size, but it wasn't as nearly as big or busy as a city. The group of three wasn't far from one of the several entrances to the town – the western entrance, in their case.
TigerVespamon walked ahead of the two Royal Knights by a few paces. Dukemon and Dynasmon walked side-by-side and looked at the golden insect man as he strode with a smooth gait.
"You really didn't have to guide us, you know," Dynasmon insisted. "We could have found it on our own. I mean, it's appreciated, but… you didn't have to go to the trouble."
"I know. It isn't any trouble," TigerVespamon responded calmly. "I had to go to town to run some errands regardless."
"For Angemon?" Dynasmon wondered. Upon seeing TigerVespamon nod, he thought for a moment. "What's it like living there?"
"It is quite enjoyable," the hornet Digimon replied. "There is a substantial library, so there is a lot to read and study."
"A library, huh? Are you a bookworm?" Dynasmon asked him with a smile.
"I suppose you could say that. I enjoy reading, and I also practice meditation. Father Angemon often tests me with thought-provoking questions, dialogues, and stories, as well," TigerVespamon responded, nodding to himself. "However, I am also learned in combat and the art of precision self-defence. HolyAngemon – a former Captain of the Heavenly Choir's Powers – has educated me in these things. As one of the few Ultimate level Digimon in the monastery, it is my duty to defend it from those who would threaten it. Fortunately, I have not had to put those skills into practice very often." He looked over at Dukemon and Dynasmon.
"Impressive," Dukemon mused, thinking to himself as he walked along.
TigerVespamon flushed a bit. "I was not trying to boast, by any means. I was just attempting to explain," he insisted. He looked over at Dukemon and Dynasmon with a light look in his red, compound eyes. "I am confident that my abilities are nowhere near the calibre of yours."
Dynasmon grinned. "Hey, you never know. Come to think of it, I can't think of the last time I've fought with somebody from the Heavenly Choir," he thought aloud. "I'd be kind of interested to see your fighting style."
"Perhaps next time you visit, I might be able to demonstrate," TigerVespamon suggested. "However, please do not overestimate my abilities. I would hate to be a disappointment."
"Maybe you're being too humble," Dukemon said with a chuckle. "You've done pretty well for yourself with somebody of your past."
TigerVespamon looked at the crimson knight curiously. "My past? Oh… You mean 'that'."
Dukemon nodded. "Both Dynasmon and I lost our hometowns too, so we know what it's like. It could have ended a lot worse for us," he explained empathetically. He then thought to himself, "Me especially…"
TigerVespamon looked forward and nodded. "Yes. Thank you," he calmly answered. "However, that was a very long time ago. I have moved on from it, and I choose not to let it define me. I do not see the point in dwelling on the past. I am simply grateful to Father Angemon for giving me a new life."
Dukemon smiled and nodded understandingly. "That's the right idea; make the most of what you have. That's what we did."
"Yeah. Eventually," Dynasmon agreed, placing his claws behind his horned head as he walked forward. He looked ahead and saw that they were almost at the entrance to Vernal Spring. He could see a multitude of Digimon meandering around the roads of the town.
The main roads were busy but not crowded. There was plenty of room to walk on the streets. The three walked into the town and looked around. Along the busy roads were various shops, inns, taverns, and other places attractive to travellers. There were stores selling food, adventuring equipment, weapons, and various other supplies.
The Royal Knights walked with TigerVespamon up one of the primary roads of Vernal Spring. It led straight through the town to the eastern edge, while also connecting with other main roads that branched out in different directions. They walked past a few Digimon: the large, green reptilian body of a Tuskmon, the slender lupine body of a WereGarurumon, and the short, hobbling, rocky figure of a Gotsumon. There were many more Digimon like them wandering around the busy town.
As they walked up the wide, stone street, Dukemon turned and stared into a nearby bakery and café with outdoor seating. There was a fragrant smell of baked goods that wafted into the street. "Ooh, a café," Dukemon stated, gazing at the building, very tempted by the delicious smells as he stepped up to the window. He had to keep himself from drooling. "Do you think they have croissants…?"
"Focus, Dukemon. You can ask Rhodo to make you some when we get back," Dynasmon told him with a grin, pulling the Royal Knight along before he could wander over.
"Hey!" Dukemon protested.
"We don't have money, remember?" Dynasmon pointed out. The violet Royal Knight looked at TigerVespamon. "So, where are you going, TigerVespamon?"
"I am just going to the other edge of town where the market is located. I need to buy some ingredients for the week's meals," he explained.
Dukemon looked at Dynasmon. "We should look for a map and find out how to get home from here," he suggested.
"What? Please. We don't need a map. I've been through here a bunch of times," Dynasmon insisted indignantly.
"Uh huh. I don't trust you not to get us lost," Dukemon stated with a grin. "I'm finding a map."
"No maps! I can lead us home blindfolded!" the larger dragon man said stubbornly.
"Riight… You do that, I'm still looking a map," Dukemon replied.
Dynasmon shot him smirk. "Did you leave the directions to Grani all the time? No wonder he's the Captain of the Recon Squadron while you need a map," he joked.
"I did not."
As the two Royal Knights walked and talked, TigerVespamon slowed down in order to reach into the brown satchel that was slung over his shoulder. He began to pull out a coin purse to check to make sure that he had enough money. However as he did, the large, broad-shouldered body of a Volcamon brushed past him, accidentally nudging the insect man well enough to drop the purse to the ground.
"Sorry," the Volcamon grunted half-heartedly as he continued his walk.
"Pardon me," TigerVespamon politely responded. He stopped and bent down in order to pick up the coin purse, allowing the two unaware Royal Knights to walk ahead without him.
He took the bag in his hand and secured it within his black fingers. As he began to stand up straight, he heard a door swing open several meters to his left. Three figures emerged from the café there, talking loudly amongst themselves. TigerVespamon couldn't help but overhear.
"Okay, we've slept in real beds and now we're fueled up. Now let's move our asses and get to Fulminus. Then we can go to Shroud for a breather."
TigerVespamon turned and saw the body of a black insect man walking out of the café. He didn't recognize him, but something about him put him ill-at-ease. He watched as the GrandisKuwagamon walked out onto the street, followed by a Blitzmon and a Bolgmon.
"Sounds like a plan," Blitzmon agreed, following him out onto the street and rubbing his satisfied gut.
Bolgmon rolled after the two insect men. As his treads began driving on the solid, stone road, Bolgmon glanced around and noticed TigerVespamon looking at them. "Looks like we've got an admirer."
GrandisKuwagamon glanced at the TigerVespamon with a mixture of suspicion and irritation. "What the hell do you wan—Shit!" GrandisKuwagamon interrupted himself when he looked past the hornet Digimon and saw Dukemon and Dynasmon several meters up the road. He recognized Dukemon from their encounter in the UDC.
Just as the rest of Black Pincer Company turned to notice the two Royal Knights, both Dukemon and Dynasmon began to turn around to see what happened to TigerVespamon. Dukemon looked over at the golden insect Digimon. "TigerVespa- ?! Dynasmon!" he suddenly warned, spotting Black Pincer Company and swinging around to face them.
"Black Pincer Company!" Dynasmon shouted, glowering at the three and raising his claws in preparation. Dukemon glared and readied the Gram and Aegis.
The three insect Digimon of Black Pincer Company tensed up as well and took defensive postures, raising their arms in front of them.
TigerVespamon was initially confused by the rapid developments. He looked between the two sides and immediately felt hostility. He summoned his dual beam swords, the Royal Meisters, and took several steps back towards the two Royal Knights. Once at their side, he looked at the three insect Digimon guardedly. "Black Pincer Company…?" he asked with both curiosity and wariness. His crimson eyes began scrutinising the three.
"A mercenary company with a lot of crimes to answer for," Dukemon explained, narrowing his eyes at the insects. "They recently attacked us."
"Mercenaries…?" TigerVespamon questioned, gazing suspiciously at GrandisKuwagamon and the two, azure bug Digimon beside him.
"Easy now…" GrandisKuwagamon warned the two Royal Knights, glaring at them with his Gran Killers poised to strike at a moment's notice. "You really don't want to do this right now."
Dukemon grunted and took a cautious step forwards, prompting the three mercenaries to put their guards up even more. "As if we'd let you escape after last time," he threatened.
"You got the damn kid back; what do you care?!" Bolgmon snapped, aiming his cannon arms at them. The mechanical appendages began to rotate in order to build up electricity.
Dynasmon cocked an eyebrow. "Kid?" he asked. "What are you talking about?"
GrandisKuwagamon deduced that this meant that they didn't know about when they took BaoHackmon as a hostage. "Look… Royal Knobs…" the dark insect began. "It's in nobody's best interests to start a fight right now. Let's just go our separate ways… You get me?"
"You're joking. You think we'd just let known criminals walk free?" Dukemon challenged, not lowering his lance for a moment.
TigerVespamon kept taking in the situation. Although he appeared calm, his mind was working quickly. He felt edgy for some reason. Something unsettled him about those three.
GrandisKuwagamon tilted his head back and smirked at the Royal Knights. "Okay… So, attack us. Give us your best shot," he challenged Dukemon and Dynasmon. He then gestured around at the busy street. Their standoff was beginning to attract a crowd of onlookers who were hoping to see a street brawl. Even those Digimon who were just walking by caused the street to be crowded.
Dukemon and Dynasmon exchanged cautious glances.
"Come on, Royal Knights. Come and deliver your holy justice onto us. We're just vile scum," GrandisKuwagamon said with a confident smirk. "…But I gotta warn you… Attack us, and things are gonna get messy real fast. This is a busy street after all… You really want to start throwing beams around here? A lot of Digimon could get hurt, and that'd be a real shame, wouldn't it? Not that we care, but I doubt it'd be very good for your image…"
TigerVespamon locked eyes with GrandisKuwagamon, calmly reading him. GrandisKuwagamon turned his crimson eye to return TigerVespamon's stare. It was then that TigerVespamon suddenly dropped his two beam swords to the ground. He recoiled in shock and stared at the three mercenaries, visibly stunned.
Dynasmon glared at them. "You'd use these Digimon as hostages?!" he snarled angrily.
Blitzmon smirked darkly. "If it means surviving, of course we would," he added onto GrandisKuwagamon's threat.
"You don't want to know how much destruction I can cause when I really let loose," Bolgmon warned with a savage grin.
"That's disgusting," Dukemon spat, shooting them a furious leer. He glanced around at the crowd. Although several of the Digimon were frightened by the threat and began to get out of the way, there were still enough Digimon around the area for the Royal Knights to worry about their safety.
"So what's more important to you?" GrandisKuwagamon asked them, grinning. "Getting the bad guys? Or saving the good guys? I know you like to view things in that black and white sort of way."
TigerVespamon clenched his trembling, black fists. "Un…thinkable…" he whispered.
"Yup. We're rotten to the digicore," GrandisKuwagamon exclaimed. "That's how you know we're not messing around here."
"You're bluffing," Dynasmon challenged, gritting his teeth angrily.
"Want to take that chance?" GrandisKuwagamon asked him, crossing his Gran Killer claws in front of him.
Dukemon and Dynasmon exchanged wordless looks that exchanged subtle cues of communication. Neither of them wanted to let Black Pincer Company go, but they both knew that starting a fight in a crowded place like this would be a disaster. Even if they were careful with their attacks, there was no guarantee that their three bug opponents would care about who got in their way. Dukemon and Dynasmon exchanged reluctant nods.
"Get out of our sight," Dukemon ordered the three mercenaries. "Don't make yourselves regret this opportunity."
"We never let an opportunity go to waste," Blitzmon assured him, keeping his sparking fists up as he slowly began to back away.
"Sometimes the peaceful option is the better option," GrandisKuwagamon said with a smirk, also slowly backing up and refusing to turn his back to them. "And don't bother following us. I'm really good at giving people the slip."
"I still prefer blowing shit up," Bolgmon stated, although driving in reverse as well.
Dukemon and Dynasmon stood where they were, their weapons still poised. They watched warily as Black Pincer Company retreated, but they didn't pursue. When there was a large amount of distance between them and the Royal Knights, the three mercenaries finally turned around and made a break for it. They turned a corner and ran up another busy street leading further into the town.
When Black Pincer Company disappeared from sight, the two Royal Knights slackened.
"Damn it…" Dynasmon muttered. "That could've been a good chance."
"We couldn't risk it," Dukemon said with a sigh. "I'm not up for fighting in the middle of a crowded town."
Dynasmon grunted and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, me neither. Still… it's frustrating. Even if we wanted to go after them, GrandisKuwagamon can escape through those portals, right?"
Dukemon then turned towards TigerVespamon curiously. "Are you alright?" he wondered, briefly recalling his reaction during the standoff.
TigerVespamon leaned down and picked up his Royal Meister swords. It wasn't immediately easy to tell with his insectoid facial features and his calm demeanour, but he was visibly shaken. He picked up his blades and began walking down the road the way that he came. "I… Pardon me… I must… I need to go…" he explained, his serene voice now completely aloof. He walked away from the Royal Knights and headed back in the direction of the monastery.
Dukemon frowned and watched as he walked away. "Didn't you say that you had to go shopping?!" he called after him.
The golden insect Digimon either completely ignored him or was too distracted to hear him. He just kept walking.
The crimson knight frowned as he got further and further away. The crowd of Digimon had dispersed as well. He looked at Dynasmon. "What's with him?" he wondered.
"It was probably his first time being in a real confrontation before. I doubt he gets that kind of adrenaline sitting around reading books in a monastery. It probably shook him up," Dynasmon suggested.
"I guess so…" Dukemon supposed. "What do you want to do?"
"He'll be fine," Dynasmon reasoned. He thumbed over his shoulder, down the road heading east. "Let's go home. We've wasted enough time."
Dukemon sighed and nodded. "Yeah… You're right," he agreed with his fellow Royal Knight. He turned around and began walking beside Dynasmon down the sun-lit road. Ahead of them were rolling, green fields that gave off a sense of optimism in response to the dire situation they had faced yesterday.
"Let's go."