(Author's Notes: As promised, here's Part II of Chapter 61. You can probably tell how this was meant to be a full chapter. But anyways, here it is. Read, review, and enjoy!)
Chapter 61: Shifting Stars (Part II)
Jesmon followed his two superiors through the entrance of the citadel. They had made their way up the entrance hall and crossed through the foyer to the great hall on the opposite side.
The three armoured, dragon men made their way down the center of the illustrious great hall. The shimmering, pale gold marble was still impressive to Jesmon, even now. It displayed the majesty of the Royal Knights, without being too pompous or glitzy.
The new Ultimate level Digimon walked daintily after them. He was glad that he could form those magical circles underneath his feet to cushion his blades now. He had always been worried about scratching the expensive marble with his blades as a SaviorHackmon. That stabilizing magic made him feel more at ease.
Jesmon was also decently comfortable walking on his new legs now, but he still stumbled a little while turning. Thinking about it, he made a note not to turn in front of the Royal Knights if possible.
Jesmon looked ahead at the two Royal Knights. Dynasmon carried himself with purpose and determination. Magnamon seemed a bit more subdued than usual, but it was clear that he wasn't letting recent events get in the way of his professionalism.
The three made their way down the length of the vast reception hall. With every pair of pillars that they passed, Jesmon began to feel more nervous. They had been told by the castle guards that the Royal Knights were currently in session in the council room. He felt a bit out-of-place and unworthy to be attending a council meeting while it was in session, but Dynasmon and Magnamon insisted that he come. He was honoured for the privilege, but he also felt a bit uneasy and embarrassed. He was sure that Gankoomon would be there, and knowing his Sensei, he would probably make a big scene when he saw that he had evolved. He didn't feel like he should be the center of attention when there were more pressing things that they likely wanted to focus on.
The trio reached the end of the great hall, where two guards were standing on duty outside of the doors of the council chamber. Dynasmon gave them a nod and walked forwards, pushing the doors to the chamber open.
Jesmon watched as the doors swept open to reveal the interior of the room. Looking past Dynasmon, he could see nine of the Royal Knights sitting around the round table. His stomach began to churn nervously as all of the seated knights turned their gazes towards them, but he stood up straight with poise and dignity. He wanted to make a good first impression.
Alphamon looked up from the Empty Seat, directly across the table from them, facing the door as they entered. "Magnamon, Dynasmon," he greeted, his yellow eyes looking back and forth between the pair. "You're back…?"
Alphamon trailed off, arching an eyebrow with surprise and interest upon setting eyes on the third Digimon. He immediately noticed that, while similar, SaviorHackmon's body was definitely different from before. The realisation caused a small smile to form on his face. "Intriguing…"
Jesmon steeled himself and forced himself to pass the threshold. He followed the two Royal Knights into the room, walking gracefully on his slender, bladed legs, causing his hooded cape to flow behind his metallic body smoothly. Although he entered the room, he made sure to always stay standing behind Dynasmon and Magnamon, not daring to put on any pretensions by standing beside them.
As he entered the room, he subconsciously noticed that there were three vacant seats. If he had taken the time to count each of the Royal Knights present, he might have noticed that the math didn't add up. However, he was so caught up in the moment that he didn't think anything of it.
Jesmon sheepishly glanced over at Gankoomon's seat on the right side of the table. He watched as his sensei turned to look at him. Gankoomon set his eyes on his charge, and his look of curiosity morphed into one of absolute disbelief. His eye twitched behind his visor and his jaw dropped, his mouth agape.
Omegamon blinked and looked at the new Digimon as well, briefly wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him. "Is… that SaviorHackmon?" he questioned.
"HACKMON?!" Gankoomon slammed his palms down on the table's stone surface and leapt to his feet. Turning towards his student, he raised his visor and gawked at him with his bare eyes to make sure the device wasn't playing tricks on him. He looked over SaviorHackmon's new body, seeing the brilliant crystals and the sharp, shimmering blades that set him apart from his old form. "You… You evolved?!"
"Yeah, he did!" Dynasmon declared with a cheeky grin in Gankoomon's direction. He grabbed Jesmon's arm and pulled him up beside him heartily. "Actually, he probably saved our asses when he did, right, Magnamon?"
Magnamon shuffled uncomfortably, but he smiled and looked up at Jesmon encouragingly. "…Yeah. It really was a miraculous evolution. He probably saved us from the jaws of defeat," he concurred.
Sleipmon smiled proudly. "Really? That's amazing. Well done, SaviorHackmon," he commended him.
UlforceVeedramon whistled, impressed as he looked over Jesmon's shiny, heavily bladed body. "Wow, I think I cut myself just looking at him!" he said with a chuckle. "Seriously, though. That's an awesome Ultimate form. The wrist blades are a nice touch, aren't they?"
"You look simply fabulous, darling~!" RhodoKnightmon complimented him. "Those blue and gold accoutrements truly compliment your white body and red cape very well! Sleek and dashing are the words that come to mind."
"Congratulations, Hackmon!" Dukemon spoke up, putting on a positive smile. "I'd love to hear how you got it. I bet Gankoomon would too," he added, casting a playful look over in Gankoomon's direction.
Gankoomon was still standing and gawking at his student in disbelief. The muscle in the upper corner of his mouth twitched and his open mouth began to grow dry as he forgot to swallow. It was plainly clear that the sudden evolution of his student to Ultimate level was a lot for him to process.
Jesmon felt blood rushing to his steel cheeks as praise was heaped upon him by his heroes. He thought that he would be swollen with pride at the idea. After all, he had long since dreamed of not only achieving an Ultimate level, but being recognised by the Royal Knights.
In reality, he felt embarrassed and a bit uncomfortable at all the compliments and attention being heaped upon him. He felt proud, for sure. However, while Gankoomon had always been one to encourage pride in one's accomplishments, he had also told him never to be arrogant or show pride when it was unwarranted. Knowing that Angemon had been killed, and that they had been unable to retrieve the orb or defend Dark Point, Jesmon didn't feel that he should be patting himself on the back. Instead, he began to feel humble. He remembered that it wasn't just his actions that saved as many people as they did: it was a team effort. It wasn't just him and the Royal Knights, but the militia too. He knew he couldn't take credit for all of their pain and effort.
Jesmon bowed towards the Royal Knights, deeply enough that his red cape draped and settled over his ridged, silvery back. "Thank you, Sirs," he responded appreciatively and humbly. "It wasn't just me though… It was everyone. Sir Magnamon, Sir Dynasmon… Grandis, Cyberdramon, TigerVespamon… and the whole militia, too – it was everybody working together."
"It would be helpful to know what exactly we are meant to be commending," Duftmon inquired with an arched eyebrow. His hands were clasped on the table and he eyed the returning knights with logical dispassion. "Unless it is merely his evolution, in which case that is something that we have all done. Bravo, I suppose. I am more interested to know the details of your mission."
Dynasmon shot a smirk in Duftmon's direction. "Don't worry, Duftmon; we'll get there. Don't ruin the moment. Let's just enjoy the good news while we can," he told him.
Jesmon looked down a little as his blush refused to subside. This was what he didn't want: to interrupt their meeting by being the focus of attention. He supposed he should just be glad that his Sensei didn't overreact—
Without warning, Gankoomon tore across the room. In what felt like an instant, he grabbed Jesmon by the cape collar and started shaking him aggressively. "WHO SAID YOU COULD EVOLVE WITHOUT ME BEING THERE?!" he shouted boisterously in Jesmon's face.
"Gah! S-Senseeeeeiiii!" Jesmon complained, his body rocking back and forth limply under Gankoomon's yanking.
"Grr, come here, you!" Gankoomon growled, proceeding to put Jesmon in a headlock. "After the decade of hard work and training I put into carving you into a man! You're not supposed to achieve that highest peak behind your Sensei's back! How could you deny me the satisfaction of seeing the final result of my effort?! Go back and do it over so I can witness it! Well?! I'm waiting, Hackmon!"
"Shishou! I'm soooorryyyy!" Jesmon whined, squirming and trying to pull himself free from his Sensei's clutches.
The Royal Knights watched the struggling teacher-student duo with bemusement. With a bead of sweat dripping down his helmeted head, Omegamon turned to Alphamon. "Is this how Gankoomon shows his pride?"
Alphamon chuckled and scratched at his cheek with a finger. "Despite how emotional he is, he can be a little awkward in showing how he feels sometimes," the Knight of the Empty Seat deduced.
Despite the comical scene unfolding in front of him, Alphamon studied Jesmon with interest. He inspected the Ultimate level's body, particularly the glowing crystals in his armour and the Digimoji inscribed on each of his blades. Each blade had a different word: 'INITIALIZE', 'OVERWRITE', 'TRANSFER', 'COMPRESSION', and 'FORCED TERMINATION'.
"Fascinating," Alphamon said to himself with an enigmatic glint in his eyes. He leaned forwards in his seat. "What did you say your name is now, Hackmon?"
Jesmon blinked and stopped struggling, looking up at the first Royal Knight trying to get his attention. He suddenly felt sheepish and embarrassed that his Sensei was making him look unprofessional. "Oh, apologies... I'm 'Jesmon', Sir," he explained, trying to salvage some of his dignity, even while still being stuck in Gankoomon's headlock.
"Well, then, Jesmon. Congratulations for reaching your Ultimate form. I don't believe I have ever seen a Jesmon before…" Alphamon mused with a smile before looking over at a quietly impatient Duftmon. "Have you, Duftmon?"
Duftmon frowned ponderously. "No, I have no recollection of ever seeing or hearing about a 'Jesmon' before… and I have read every respectable bestiary that has ever been written. As far as I know, Jesmon is a singularity… Interesting…" he deliberated, his impatience shifting into curiosity. "However, that matter is for another time. Can we please get back on topic?"
Jesmon managed to squirm his head out of Gankoomon's muscular grip. Once free, he stood up straight and took a step back. "Shall I leave?" he inquired, looking around at the Royal Knights.
"For the time being," Alphamon told him. "Thank you for your hard work."
Jesmon bowed. "It was my pleasure, Sir…" he insisted, before glancing up at Gankoomon.
Gankoomon stood up straight and looked down at his bowing apprentice with folded arms. The corners of his mustached mouth started to flick upwards into a proud grin.
"…Hmph," Gankoomon huffed aloofly, quickly catching himself. He turned away slightly and cast a sideways glance at his young student. "Get some rest, Hackmon. You've earned it."
This time, Jesmon smiled with pride. He was familiar with the half-compliments that Gankoomon would give him when he was impressed. While he kept his ego in check, it did feel good to be praised by his Sensei, as well as the rest of his heroes.
He stood up straight, saluting Gankoomon and the rest of the Royal Knights. "Thank you, Shishou," he responded professionally. Jesmon gave a polite nod to the Royal Knights and excused himself, opening the doors to the chamber and walking into the great hall.
As the doors closed behind him, the twelve Royal Knights remained in the council chamber.
"Hm, it seems like your young charge is quite the blossoming little sprout, isn't he, Gankoomon?" Alphamon reflected with a playful look in his yellow eyes. "Already, he has achieved his Ultimate level like the rest of us. You have done a commendable job in molding a pliable piece of clay into the makings of what could be an incredible sculpture."
Gankoomon glanced at Alphamon with a cocked, crimson eyebrow. He shrugged and began making his way back to his seat at the table. "I guess," he said, planting himself back down and running his fingers through the back of his crimson hair as he did. As Gankoomon leaned back in his chair and relaxed, the muscles of his face creased subtly.
Omegamon eyed the black knight next to him with an intuitive, questioning gaze. Alphamon gave him a coy smile and tilt of the head before turning his attention back to the gathered Royal Knights.
"Anyways, where were we?" Alphamon asked to refocus their discussion.
"You guys are meeting without us," Dynasmon noted, gesturing to himself and Magnamon. "Did we miss anything?"
Alphamon nodded. "Apologies. Dukemon, Examon and Craniamon returned from their diplomatic mission to Dragons' Peak. We were not sure when your group would be returning, under the circumstances…"
"We also met to discuss a disturbing rumour," Duftmon added, peering over at Dynasmon and Magnamon.
"Yes, but first, please continue, Dukemon," Alphamon said, shifting his focus to the nearby crimson knight. "What happened on your trip?"
The Royal Knights all turned to look at the silver armoured and red caped knight, who was sitting in his seat between Alphamon and Dynasmon.
Dukemon looked around the table as all of the Royal Knights' gazes landed on him. There was a falter in his usual confidence as they looked to him for his reply. He felt like their eyes were burning into his soul, seeking for the truth that he was keeping hidden. For just a moment, he hesitated.
"Well… basically, the three of us travelled to Dragons' Peak and were allowed an audience with the Four Great Dragons. We wanted to find out what their position on the war with the Demon Lords was…" Dukemon explained with a casual shrug. He looked over at Examon. "We learned that the Four were split amongst themselves as to whether to declare war or not. They were deadlocked, much like how the Council of Seven is. Basically, we made a plea to them to help our cause."
Examon frowned thoughtfully as he remembered the events of their visit. He remembered the feeling of upheaval as so much of his home had changed from what he once knew. And then there was that other matter… The matter that he had told nobody about, that nagged at the back of his mind…
Examon looked back at Dukemon, hesitantly meeting his gaze. "…The UDC now has a professional and well-trained standing army," he explained. "They completely overhauled their military structure. They seem like they would be a capable fighting force, and would likely be a boon to our cause."
Dukemon nodded. "Ultimately, we were able to sway the Great Dragons to join us in war, but they agreed only under the condition that they would direct their own military efforts."
Duftmon narrowed his eyes with annoyance at the prospect of not having oversight on their military actions. "Pardon? Why?" he wondered with thinly-veiled irritation.
"As a matter of pride," Craniamon explained. "They didn't want to be seen as working for us, especially when their military is just standing on their own two feet."
Examon nodded silently. He chose to keep the part where the Four Great Dragons asked him to lead the Dramon Corps a secret. He didn't want to worry the other Royal Knights with that, especially when he didn't even know what he wanted himself. It was a big decision… He didn't want his friends to know just yet.
"Hmph," Duftmon scoffed, closing his eyes disdainfully. "Why is it that dragons are always so proud and unreasonable?"
"Nobody wants to hear that from you, Duftmon," UlforceVeedramon pointed out with a teasing grin.
"Still, it's good to have an ally," Dynasmon stated, walking forwards with Magnamon. "We don't really have any at the moment. We haven't even heard from the Heavenly Choir, have we?"
Sleipmon shook his head with a concerned frown. "No… I haven't heard back yet. I actually sent another letter to Cherubimon today, asking what the situation is up there," he explained, trying not to sound too uncertain.
"Dynasmon is right. We need as big of a coalition as we can get right now," Alphamon agreed, looking ahead as the two Royal Knights approached.
As Magnamon and Dynasmon walked closer, the Royal Knights began to notice the dents and cracks in their armour, particularly Magnamon's battered and mangled chrome digizoid. It was battle damage if they ever saw it. It wasn't until they reached the table did they see the full extent of the damage on their bodies. Magnamon's armour was torn and shattered in some places, particularly his pauldrons and helmet. That was no small feat for chrome digizoid.
"What the hell happened to you guys?" Craniamon demanded, narrowing his eyes as he saw the details of their injuries.
"Goodness, Magnamon, honey, you're hurt," RhodoKnightmon remarked with concern, inspecting the various wounds he could see on Magnamon's body. "Dynasmon, are you wounded as well?"
"Magna's worse off than I am," Dynasmon insisted, glancing down at the smaller Royal Knight.
"You should both head down to the med bay to get checked by Duskmon at once," Omegamon suggested.
"After the meeting," Magnamon responded, his features becoming grim. "We need to explain what happened…"
Dynasmon sighed and nodded. "Yeah… This needs to be said," he insisted. "In short, we went to Angemon's Monastery to protect the Orb of Yang, but… we were too late. Blitzmon and Bolgmon had already showed up and killed almost everyone inside. TigerVespamon was spared, but they stole the orb and took Angemon hostage. We followed them to a demon outpost outside of Dark Point and ended up fighting the legion there. Angemon was killed in the fighting and we had to retreat…"
Dukemon's eyes widened with shock at Dynasmon's bad news. "No…" he murmured bitterly. The knight grimaced angrily, tightening his gauntleted fists on the table.
When he and Dynasmon had escaped from the Metal Empire, Angemon and the monks had been kind enough to give them food and shelter. They had all been so kind. They were genuinely good Digimon… It hurt him and angered him to know that they had been killed for no reason.
"Is it true that the Demon Lords captured Dark Point?" Duftmon inquired, his posture rigid and his expression serious.
"…Yes," Magnamon regretfully confirmed. "Demon arrived with a cadre of his officers and took over command of the legion there. They marched on a village that was en route to Dark Point known as Shadow Retreat. Our team came to the village's defence. We were able to allow the villagers time to escape, but we couldn't hold out against Demon and his legion. SaviorHackmon evolved to Jesmon, and that allowed us enough time to retreat."
Dynasmon nodded with a faint glower. "From there, Demon had a free pass to Dark Point, which was already in chaos due to internal divisions. There was nothing else we could do to stop them," he explained. "Seems like they surrendered immediately."
Alphamon frowned a little but nodded. "I see…"
Duftmon released a sigh and tapped his finger on the table irritably. "That is… most unfortunate," he spoke, attempting to dull the sharpness of his words. He flicked his blond locks back and looked at the pair. "And what of the Orb of Yang?"
"We were unable to retrieve it," Magnamon answered, turning his head down with an embarrassed wince. "We were too overwhelmed. …It was my fault. I accept full responsibility. I apologise," he told them, bowing before them contritely.
"We all did our best," Dynasmon added, glancing down at Magnamon sympathetically. "Unfortunately, it wasn't enough…"
Alphamon exhaled and stroked the chin of his helmet with thought. "I understand… Losing the Orb of Yang is certainly disappointing, but it's not the fault of either of you. We couldn't have anticipated that Demon would appear and unite with a legion. Asking your team of six to defeat all of them is much too tall of an order."
"Alphamon's right," UlforceVeedramon encouraged them, putting on a slight smile. "Don't beat yourselves up over it."
Duftmon leaned forwards on the table and kneaded his temples. "I… look forward to reading your after action reports on the matter…" the feline tactician methodically spoke, doing his level best not to be accusatorial.
Magnamon stood up straight and glanced away awkwardly. "Thank you… My report will be thorough," he demurely replied. He looked around at the round table of Royal Knights. "I promise that I'll make up for it."
"Don't push yourself," Alphamon told him. "Just try your best, like you usually do."
Magnamon nodded introspectively before hobbling his way over to his vacant seat.
Craniamon looked at Dynasmon with annoyance as the large dragon man walked over at sat beside him. "…I can't believe you two got to fight Demon," he complained. "Again, I get left out of a mission and miss out on fighting the Demon Lords."
"It wasn't exactly a fun walk in the park, Craniamon," Dynasmon informed him, as he sat down with a pained grimace.
Craniamon folded his arms and glared down at the smooth surface of the table. "…Next time. I'll make sure of it…" he muttered to himself.
"I'm not sure I get it," Examon spoke up with a confused tilt of the head. "Why would the Demon Lords capture a city that's so far away from their stronghold in the Gloaming Fields? It doesn't make any sense to capture a city for the sake of it. Dark Point would be more-or-less indefensible if we were to attack it, as the Demon Lords wouldn't be able to easily reinforce their position. Surely, there must be some strategic objective."
"It is a quandary…" Duftmon agreed, trying to make sense of the Demon Lords' logic. He assumed that it was Barbamon's idea, if not Lucemon's or Demon's. He tried to put himself into their positions to try to glean their goals. "Was it simple opportunism and the need for an easy victory? Or is it the case of any port in a storm?"
"Perhaps I can shed some light on the Demon Lords' recent movements," Grani spoke up, floating forwards from behind Dukemon.
"Go ahead, Grani, please," Alphamon encouraged him.
"According to the reports of my scouts, the Demon Lords have consolidated the whole of the Gloaming Fields under their control," Grani explained, his eyes slowly shifting from one end of the table to the other. "In addition, the Demon Lords have sent a single legion westwards into the Desolate Moors. Speculation: they wish to capture the Port of Souls."
"Yes, that makes sense," Duftmon agreed, his head bowed and his eyes closed with thought. "With the Port of Souls, they can easily resupply Dark Point by sea with the help of Leviamon. That way, they can control much of the trade of the Delta Ocean, as well as use Dark Point as a point from which to launch attacks on the south of the continent. Dark Point could become a strategic battleground now that the United Dramonic Coalition to its south has entered the conflict."
"That's a lot to process right now…" Dynasmon groaned, rubbing his sore head.
"Does any of this change our plans, cat?" Gankoomon asked, looking over at the tactician with eyes that demanded a straight answer.
Duftmon opened his eyes and considered it for a few moments. "Hm…"
"Addendum: the remainder of the Demon Lords' army is gathering on the southern border of the Gloaming Fields, with one legion forming around the northern border," Grani explained. "Among their ranks are the captured armies of the nobles in the region, including one large brigade of manufactured Troopmon. A few kilometers away, I spotted three brigades carrying the markings of Kowloon Company, with each brigade containing one thousand Digimon."
"They hired Kowloon too?" Craniamon asked with narrowed eyes. "Damn it…"
"Well, then. That settles it," Duftmon proclaimed confidently. "We proceed with our campaign as planned. We need not worry about Dark Point right now. Judging by their positions and troop concentrations, the Demon Lords are very likely preparing to advance south from the Gloaming Fields. We must advance north to stop them."
Alphamon nodded. "If that is your assessment, Duftmon, then I am inclined to agree," he concurred. "We will continue to prepare the logistics of our campaign. We should aim to leave within a week's time."
"Can't wait…" Craniamon declared, looking down and cracking his knuckles with anticipation.
"Are there any other orders of business, Alphamon?" Examon wondered, looking across the table at the ebony armoured, holy knight.
"There is one garish, lingering thread," Duftmon noted, casting a pointed leer in the direction of a vacant, thirteenth seat that was positioned in between Gankoomon's and Sleipmon's. "Would you care to shed some light on this, Alphamon?"
"Yeah, what's with the thirteenth seat?" Dynasmon wondered, having since noticed the new seat that was nearby.
"And why has my chair been moved five centimeters to the right?" Duftmon criticized. "I understand the need for uniform equidistance between the seats; however, I demand to oversee the rearrangements personally."
Alphamon smiled exasperatedly, feeling a bead of sweat drip down the back of his head. "Apologies, Duftmon. You and I can work out the kinks later," he assured the finicky knight. "As some of you already know, I have been contemplating the idea of a thirteenth Royal Knight for awhile now."
"A thirteenth Royal Knight?" Sleipmon asked, blinking and sitting up with interest.
"Really?!" UlforceVeedramon inquired with an excited grin.
"Yes, and they will likely be the final one," Alphamon explained. "I have been considering it since the end of the Metal Empire War. It dawned on me that with the even number of twelve Royal Knights, there was no fair way to break an impasse between us. While compromise is always the best course, I know that a lot of us are passionate and resolute in our opinions. The best choice is for there to be thirteen Royal Knights, with me stepping back and only casting the deciding vote if absolutely necessary. That is the fairest way, befitting of my role as the balancing Royal Knight. I should avoid having to put my hand on the scales, wherever possible."
"There are also the other obvious benefits of having another Royal Knight," Omegamon agreed, looking up at Alphamon from beside him. "Namely, their immeasurable power and abilities, as well as having another leader on the battlefield. It wouldn't hurt to further diversify our collective abilities."
"Judging from the fact that you have already installed a new seat, is it safe to say that you have somebody in mind?" Duftmon sceptically wondered.
Alphamon smiled and stroked his chin enigmatically. "Perhaps…" he half-confirmed. "I know that, in the past few years, I have dropped my new Royal Knight choices on you without any consultation, and I realise that it has caused some unintended bother, even though I am quite happy with how the choices turned out," he explained, nodding over at Sleipmon, Examon, and Gankoomon.
"Namely because your recent choices have been rather… controversial," Duftmon bluntly noted, earning him bland looks from the newest three knights. "Nor do I like the way you went about inviting them without discussing it with us."
Alphamon smiled wryly. "Perhaps, but if I hadn't, you may not have ever considered them for superficial reasons, despite their diverse talents," Alphamon lightly debated. "However… with that said, I understand your frustrations. I don't like making decisions unilaterally if I can help it. This time, I want to put my choice forward to all of you so that we can discuss it, as a team."
"A laudable, if long overdue decision," the brown tactician dryly said.
"I'm sure we can all keep an open mind about it," Dukemon said with a keen expression behind his helmet. "Right, guys?"
Most of the Royal Knights around the table nodded. Duftmon did not, but he continued quietly leering at Alphamon with feline curiosity.
"I am glad to hear that, because it may seem like an unorthodox choice," Alphamon explained. He couldn't help but smile when he saw Duftmon bristle at the word 'unorthodox'.
He was well aware that he and Duftmon shared very different perspectives when it came to leadership. After all, Duftmon was often his loudest critic and his biggest rival. Still, he valued his opinion, even when they often clashed with his own. As a leader, he needed to be challenged and to be made to consider different perspectives. Duftmon constantly kept him on his toes.
"Don't dismiss it out-of-hand, Duftmon," Alphamon said to his strategist with a coy grin.
"I shall consider it," Duftmon submitted, although his words were stiff and sceptical.
Alphamon clasped his hands on the table, intertwining his black and gold fingers meditatively. "Thank you. I have actually been considering this Digimon for some time now. The more I have seen him grow, the more confident I feel about his potential. I think this is something that Magnamon and Dynasmon can both speak to. However, Gankoomon, I think you can speak to him most of all."
Magnamon and Dynasmon both exchanged glances before looking over at Gankoomon, who arched a red eye brow with confusion.
Alphamon smiled enigmatically, his soft, golden eyes landing on Gankoomon. "The Digimon who I would like to suggest as the Thirteenth Royal Knight is… Jesmon."
There was a beat of silence as the announcement sunk in. As the slow realisation washed over the room, everybody slowly turned their heads towards Gankoomon.
Gankoomon blinked, his cheek twitched, and then his face dropped.
"WHAT?!" he shouted, his jaw dropping and his eyes widening incredulously behind his helmet. He placed his hands on edge of the table to stand himself up, prompting several of the Royal Knights to hold the table down on reflex. He leapt to his feet and gawked at Alphamon with disbelief. "Hackmon?! That Jesmon?! You want Hackmon to become a Royal Knight?!"
"Why, yes," Alphamon calmly responded.
Duftmon's eye twitched as well and he slowly looked at Alphamon with obvious doubt. "…Please explain your reasoning," he requested, trying his best to rein himself in.
The leader of the Royal Knights nodded, expecting he would have to do so. "When we first met Hackmon, I noticed something about him," Alphamon explained. "He had this sense of hope and idealism that I recognised immediately. It wasn't simple childlike naivety, but a sincere desire to make the world a better place and the determination to make such a thing possible. For a young Digimon who has been through so much, he had such lofty dreams, and I could tell that he was working earnestly towards them every day. He had the lofty ambition of one day becoming a Royal Knight."
Duftmon shook his head dismissively. "As do thousands of children. We cannot make one a Royal Knight for that reason alone," he contended.
"Of course not," Alphamon agreed. "But within Hackmon, I saw something… I saw potential." The black knight turned and looked at Gankoomon. "I am sure you noticed it when you first found him. Otherwise, you wouldn't have taken him in as your student and trained him so vigorously."
Gankoomon frowned reluctantly. "Yeah, but… it's too soon!" he argued. "He's not ready. He still has so much training that he still needs! He's still just a teen, really…"
"I disagree. Since coming here, Hackmon has grown up very fast in quite a short time," Alphamon explained. "He is not a naïve child any longer. He is a mature and capable Ultimate level like the rest of us. He hasn't just grown in terms of power, but he has evolved mentally and emotionally too."
"Don't talk like you know him better than I do, Alphamon…" Gankoomon challenged, levelling the foremost knight a fearless glower.
"I couldn't claim to do so," Alphamon admitted, calmly meeting Gankoomon's passion. "However, I do have a detached perspective which you may not have from being so close to him."
The red-haired Royal Knight folded his arms and grunted. "I'm not saying he hasn't grown, but… I still don't think he's ready. He's not up to our level yet," he reluctantly growled.
Duftmon tapped his finger rhythmically on the smooth, stone surface of the table. "Not to mention all of his past mistakes. He ran off and got himself captured by Black Pincer Company. He went against protocol and all logic to remove that same mercenary's inhibitor virus, leading to GrandisKuwagamon's escape. And then he nearly got himself killed in Hope's Crest, did he not?" the leopard knight argued. "Are those the sort of qualities of a Royal Knight?"
Gankoomon and Dukemon both opened their mouths to argue his point. "—Not you," Duftmon interrupted, swiftly shutting them down without even looking at them.
"I won't deny that Jesmon has made reckless mistakes in the past," Alphamon debated. "However, each time he makes an error, I've seen him recognise his mistake and learn from it. I've watched him struggle through his blunders and self-doubt, and every time, he comes out stronger." He looked over at Gankoomon. "Do you disagree?"
Gankoomon's brows dipped tightly behind his metal visor. His teeth clenched together, but he couldn't deny the truth when he saw it. "No… I've seen him grow first hand. He's been through a lot of pain… but that pain has made him stronger…" he admitted. "He has a strong heart. That's for sure…"
"I meant it when I said that he was like a piece of clay. Hackmon has a lot of potential – the fact that he has evolved into the singularity that is Jesmon is no coincidence. He is strong, both inside and out. That potential is blossoming before our eyes, and I truly believe that we can mold him into a capable Royal Knight," the dark knight explained. "In turn, I think that he would bring a fresh, idealistic perspective to us Royal Knights that could help us grow as well."
"I agree with Alphamon," Dynasmon spoke up, shooting Magnamon a nod. "We both witnessed SaviorHackmon showing strong and capable leadership during our last mission. It was his passionate plea that convinced me to go along with the plan to stand up to Demon at Shadow Retreat. Once we were there, he organized all of the militia in the village and led them in battle while us Ultimates held the first line of defence."
Magnamon nodded with agreement, wincing faintly. Although he was ashamed of his own performance, he couldn't detract from Jesmon's accomplishments just to spare his blushes. "Dynasmon's right. When our first line of defence fell, SaviorHackmon held the line and made sure that all of the villagers retreated to the safety of Dark Point. Then he came to help us while we were struggling against Demon. That was when he evolved to Jesmon… It was thanks to him that we were able to rally and escape in one piece."
"Is that so?" Omegamon inquired with an interested tilt of his head.
"I see. He also displayed capable leadership when he tried to rally the militia and remnant soldiers in Hope's Crest," Alphamon added. "The result was a failure, but given the impossible odds, I'm not sure that that can be held against him."
Dukemon grinned and folded his arms confidently, shooting Gankoomon a wink. "Well, I'm convinced," he decided. "I think we might be on to something."
"Me too," Sleipmon agreed with a smile. "We've all made mistakes, but I've seen how much he has been learning from them."
Gankoomon raised his hand brushed his fingers along the ridges of his mustache. His head was lowered and he seemed deep in thought at the idea. "…I don't know," he uncertainly replied. "I still don't think he's ready."
"I'm surprised you're so against it, Gan-kun," UlforceVeedramon teasingly noted. "I'd have thought that, as his teacher, you'd be the first one to speak up and support him to help him achieve his dream."
Gankoomon stalled, his fingers stopping at the edges of his pencil mustache. "…I do support him," he gruffly insisted, glancing away from UlforceVeedramon's questioning gaze. "Of course I want him to achieve his dreams. I just… think it's too soon."
"I have to agree with Gankoomon," Craniamon spoke up. "I'm not against the idea of him becoming a Royal Knight, but isn't he still a recruit in the Strike Forces? He's still inexperienced with how we operate."
"I don't disagree," Alphamon conceded. "The only thing that gives me pause is his inexperience. However, Sleipmon, Examon, and Gankoomon were all inexperienced in structured military matters when they first started, to some degree." He looked around the table and undulated with his hand. "My proposed solution to that is that we make him a junior Royal Knight. He will be a Royal Knight, but he will continue his training as a recruit, while also receiving specialized Royal Knight training from us. After all, the only way to counter inexperience is with experience."
"That could work…" Magnamon considered, nodding. He then placed his hand on his cut cheek with a wince. "Ow."
"I support that," Examon agreed with a thoughtful nod. "The specialized Royal Knight training has been very helpful for me when it comes to improving leadership and understanding organization and strategy. The basic Strike Forces training will fill in the rest of his gaps."
"That sounds reasonable to me," Omegamon agreed.
"I am all for having that precious darling as our thirteenth Royal Knight," RhodoKnightmon exclaimed. "I don't doubt that he will be a useful asset to us in our fight against the Demon Lords. We do need every advantage we can get right now, do we not?"
Craniamon shrugged. "Well… I guess I'm a 'maybe'. I need to see what he can do in combat before I make up my mind."
Duftmon bowed his head and closed his eyes thoughtfully. "I, too, am curious about his specific abilities," the tactician stated, slowly and methodically tapping his arm. "As our foremost strategist, until I learn more about what this 'Jesmon' can do, I cannot make an informed decision. I must know how his abilities would affect our team composition before I can hope to decide whether he is a good fit for us."
Alphamon smiled at the tactician's words. He noted that that wasn't a no. "Naturally," he agreed.
Duftmon opened his eyes and raised his head up superiorly. "I suppose it is at least good that he actually looks like a Royal Knight, unlike a few of your other recent foundlings…" he pointedly added, earning him leers from Sleipmon, Examon, and Gankoomon.
Dynasmon looked over at Gankoomon with a grin. "Well, Gankoomon?"
Gankoomon sighed and rubbed the skin above his visor. "…I need to think about it," he responded, standing to his feet.
"That's fair. We can take some time to give it some thought," Alphamon agreed. "Perhaps we can ask Jesmon to demonstrate his abilities tomorrow."
"Maybe I can fight him," Craniamon mused, quietly excited at the thought of fighting a new, untested opponent. Although calm on the surface, he was raring to blow off some steam.
"You're not fighting him, Skull face," Gankoomon brusquely told him, readjusting the white jacket over his shoulders. He began walking away from the seat and towards the exit.
Alphamon watched as Gankoomon began to quietly walk away. The caped, black knight rose from his seat as well and looked around the table at the eleven knights. "Let's leave it there for now, shall we? It's getting late. Also, Magnamon is bleeding on the table."
"I am?" Magnamon asked, not realizing that he had agitated one of his cuts and was dripping crimson on the white surface. He quickly put a hand over his cheek and flinched sheepishly. "Sorry…"
UlforceVeedramon chuckled and went to help Magnamon stand up. "Come on, Magnamon. Let's get you to Duskmon," he told him, hoisting an arm around his body. "And after how much you complain at me for not following doctors' orders, I better not hear any backchat from you."
Magnamon looked away huffily. "Fine," he indignantly agreed. "I'm nowhere near as bad as you are."
Alphamon watched as the Royal Knights rose from the table and made their ways towards the great hall as well. The group of knights began to funnel out, allowing space for Magnamon and Dynasmon to leave first as they were injured. He waited for the others to get a head start before he turned to walk around the table. As he pivoted, he saw Omegamon and Dukemon waiting for him nearby.
"See? That wasn't so bad," Omegamon lightly told him.
Alphamon smiled a bit. "I suppose it wasn't… I wonder if, had I done this for Sleipmon and Examon, there would have been less of a backlash amongst the Royal Knights?" he sheepishly wondered.
"I feel like it would have been less intense, but still present," Omegamon considered with a small smile. "Even so, I think we've all learned that it's better to communicate with each other."
"Yes, I think you're right, Omegamon," Alphamon agreed with a playful look of levity in his eyes.
Dukemon looked away uncomfortably.
In that moment, he wondered if he should mention the Digital Hazard. Should he mention that shared dream that he and Megidramon had? Should he mention Megidramon's ominous words, the ones that crept into his mind and caused him unease? Or Megidramon's taunting suggestion that Yggdrasil was somehow behind the Digital Hazard?
He wondered how he could possibly bring those things up. There was no easy way to do it. He wasn't sure he should even be letting Megidramon get into his head. It was clear that the acerbic dragon enjoyed messing with him.
"Dukemon?" Alphamon asked, drawing his attention as he stood beside Omegamon. "Are you coming?"
Dukemon looked up alertly, pulled from his uncertain thoughts. "Oh, right," Dukemon agreed with a friendly smile. He walked over to the pair and stepped alongside them.
Alphamon smiled and looked at the pair beside him. "The Thirteenth Royal Knight…" he mused, pensively stroking his chin with the back of his bent index finger.
"It really is something," Omegamon agreed, looking at his black counterpart. "We started with just six, but now we have grown to a total of thirteen. I feel archaic thinking about how long it has been since we started this."
Alphamon chuckled softly. "Me too, yet I can't help but be excited by the hope and possibility that a young knight like Jesmon represents… I believe that Yggdrasil will recognise his value too, don't you?"
Behind his pure, white helmet, Dukemon's crimson brows furrowed.
He thought about their distant creator, hesitating only for a few moments. He crushed his doubts, eager to push Megidramon's incendiary comments to the recesses of his mind. He knew that Megidramon was a firebrand and an instigator. There was no reason to question himself over him.
Dukemon strode forwards and walked beside his friends with confidence and resolve.
"Yeah, I'm sure It will."
It was Evening Light in the city of Dark Point. The sun was just beginning to set over the watery horizon, bestowing upon the shadowy city a few hours of deep, amber rays before returning Dark Point to its natural state of perpetual darkness.
The fiery, orange light spread across the waterfront of Dark Point, causing the murky, harbour water to shimmer. The dark, amber-touched water was largely calm. No boats were sailing at the moment, and there were hardly any marine Digimon in the harbour. This disruption of the city's shipping had been due to the unrest, the gang violence, and warfare within the city.
However, all that seemed to be over, at least for the moment. Once Demon and his legion of Nightmare Soldiers entered Dark Point with the mayor's and commander's good graces, they suddenly began cracking down on the divided syndicates. The rioting and attacks came to a stop, and much of the syndicates' leadership were taken down in a few short days. The coalition of Demon and the Night Guard were enough to bring the criminal organisations to heel.
Despite all the chaos that had disrupted the city over the past few weeks, the waters finally seemed calm again.
The mouth of the harbour rippled with rolling, irregular waves, as if something was pushing the water from beneath the surface. Something stalked through the murky depths of the harbour, slowly making its way towards the wharf.
Count Murmuxmon stood on the concrete quay, gazing out across the harbour. His expression was stern and superior as he eyed the watery harbour. The salty, pungent aroma of sewage-laced water caused his nostrils to curl as the sea breeze blew against the green robes of his body.
"This damn city was more effort than it was worth," Murmuxmon hissed frigidly. He turned around and gazed towards the dense, urban skyline of the dark city "But, at least, Dark Point is ours."
Viscount SkullSatamon, who was standing behind the Demon Lord, bowed his head. "We are fortunate that it is, Lord Murmuxmon. Demon chose to look past our transgressions as a result," the lesser noble stated.
"I detest grovelling to him, but his power is outmatched only by his ruthlessness. He is a fearsome enemy to have," Murmuxmon responded with a resentful scoff. "The other Demon Lords are much more pliable…"
The red-winged demon stepped away from the edge of the wharf and walked down the waterfront. Murmuxmon clasped his grey, clawed hands and eyed his skeletal subordinate. "Has Demon left?" he suspiciously wondered.
"I saw him off personally," SkullSatamon explained. "He said that he was in a hurry to return to the Gloaming Fields. They are planning to launch an operation in the north towards Shroud and Saversburg, and he needs to be there."
"And he left us to oversee the Mayor of Dark Point to ensure that he stays loyal to the Demon Lords," Murmuxmon mused. "I would sooner just kill him and take the city for myself, but the Demon Lords wouldn't like that."
"What shall we do, Lord Murmuxmon?" SkullSatamon asked, turning his hollow, glowing eyes towards the fallen angel.
"I suppose we should do as Demon requested. We need to continue to bring the city under our command," Murmuxmon explained. "How has the mop up operation of the syndicates been going?"
"Most of their leaders are dead, imprisoned, or exiled," SkullSatamon informed him. "The only groups who haven't pledged obedience now are the Night Fangs and the Black Ocean Sect."
"Make examples of them," Murmuxmon commanded, unaware of the pair of eyes that slowly emerged from the harbour water.
"And the mayor?"
"The squid?" Murmuxmon scoffed. "Put some spies on him to make sure he doesn't try anything against us. We need to constantly remind him who's in char—"
A thunderous splash of water from behind the two demons caused them to spin around. They watched with incredulous gapes as a massive, crimson snout wrenched out of the harbour, a geyser of water splashing all over the wharf.
Leviamon breeched from the murky depths and swam forwards, raising his snout into the air and crawling onto the wharf. Water poured down his gargantuan body as the Demon Lord of Envy placed his front legs on the stone waterfront, which cracked beneath his sheer weight.
Murmuxmon and SkullSatamon stepped backwards, raising their heads and looking up at Leviamon with absolute confusion. "L-Lord Leviamon…?" Murmuxmon exclaimed, his eye twitching as he processed the unexpected arrival of a second Demon Lord.
Leviamon straightened his back and lowered his snout, gazing across the darkening city before him. For a moment, he admired its size and dark, aquatic aesthetic. It was a large city; a city suitable for him.
The sun dipped below the watery horizon and darkness crept back across Dark Point. As the darkness set in, Leviamon's reptilian eye darted towards Murmuxmon and SkullSatamon, leering down at the two demon nobles.
Darkness took over Leviamon's body and moonlight replaced the sun's gleam on his glistening back. A large, toothy smirk crawled across Leviamon's massive snout.
"Hello, fellas!" he greeted the two demons amiably.
His grin darkened victoriously and he gazed across his new domain.
"There's a new sheriff in town…"