Chapter Four: Chains of the Past
The light from Abyssdramon's Digivolution bathed the battlefield in an eerie glow. Alex could hardly believe his eyes—his partner was now twice as imposing, his wings sharp as blades, and his claws crackling with dark energy.
Abyssdramon spread his wings, the air around him distorting as power radiated from his body. He stared down Wraithmon, his voice deeper and more commanding. "You've tormented him enough. Now it's your turn to feel fear."
Wraithmon hissed, its chains snapping forward like serpents. Abyssdramon dodged with ease, his movements swift and calculated.
Alex clenched his fists, his nerves still raw from the confrontation. "You've got this, Abyssdramon! Show that thing what we're made of!"
Abyssdramon turned his head slightly, smirking. "I don't need you to tell me twice."
With a powerful flap of his wings, Abyssdramon shot forward, his claws glowing with dark flame. He slashed at Wraithmon, the impact sending shockwaves through the clearing. Wraithmon staggered but retaliated, its chains whipping wildly.
As the two Digimon clashed, the Book of Darkness hovered next to Alex, glowing faintly. Its pages turned again, stopping on a new inscription: "Break the chains, and the truth shall set you free."
Alex frowned. "Break the chains? What's that supposed to mean?"
Grimdramon—no, Abyssdramon—heard him. "It's not just about the fight, Alex! Look closer—this thing is more than it seems!"
Alex squinted at Wraithmon. The chains that bound it weren't random. Each one glowed faintly, with symbols etched into the links. As he focused, the symbols became clearer—images of moments from his life. A broken toy. An empty room. A hand letting go of his own.
"They're my memories..." Alex whispered, his voice catching.
Suddenly, the realization hit him. Wraithmon wasn't just some random enemy—it was a manifestation of his pain, his loneliness, his anger. The chains binding it were the same chains binding him.
"Abyssdramon!" Alex shouted, his voice steady now. "We can't just destroy it. I have to face this. I have to break the chains myself."
Abyssdramon hesitated, glancing back at Alex. "Are you sure? If you're wrong, it'll destroy you."
"I'm sure," Alex said, stepping forward. He held out his Digivice, its light growing brighter. "This thing is part of me. If I run from it, I'll never move forward."
Wraithmon snarled and lunged, but Alex didn't flinch. Instead, he raised his Digivice higher, the Crest of Shadowflame glowing brightly around his neck.
The light struck Wraithmon, freezing it mid-attack. The chains binding its body began to rattle and glow, each one cracking as the symbols etched into them flickered.
Alex closed his eyes, focusing on the memories tied to each chain. The loneliness of the orphanage. The fear of being abandoned. The anger at the world for leaving him behind.
"I'm not that scared kid anymore," Alex said, his voice firm. "I'm not alone. I have Grimdramon. I have the strength to keep going."
One by one, the chains shattered, the memories dissolving into light. Wraithmon let out a final cry before its form began to fade, breaking apart into data that swirled around Alex.
When the light subsided, Alex opened his eyes. Wraithmon was gone, and in its place stood a small, glowing fragment—a piece of data shaped like a jagged flame.
The Book of Darkness hovered forward, the fragment drawn into its pages. A new symbol appeared on the book's cover, matching the Crest of Shadowflame around Alex's neck.
Abyssdramon reverted back to Grimdramon, his body slumping with exhaustion. "You did it," he said, his voice softer now. "You broke the chains."
Alex walked over to him, helping him stay upright. "No, we did it. I couldn't have done this without you."
Grimdramon smirked. "Don't get all sappy on me now."
As they stood together, the forest began to shift, the darkness receding. The air felt lighter, and the oppressive weight Alex had felt since arriving in the Digital World began to lift.
The Book of Darkness glowed again, its pages turning to reveal a map. A new location was marked—a sprawling city of data in the distance.
"Looks like we've got our next destination," Alex said, holding the book. "Ready for the next challenge?"
Grimdramon chuckled. "With you? Always."
With renewed determination, the two began their journey toward the city, unaware of the new dangers—and allies—that awaited them.
Duskdramon, still in his Digivolved form, stood tall, his breathing heavy. His massive wings folded as the glow from his transformation dimmed. Alex stumbled forward, adrenaline still coursing through him.