(Author's Notes: Hey, everyone! I'm finally here with Chapter 90. This took a bit longer than expected, partially due to holidays and stuff, but also because this chapter ended up being twice as long as I expected it to. I know I said the last chapter would be the last of the two parters... well I lied! Honestly, given the content of Chapter 90, it was naive of me to expect to be able to fit it all in a single part (roughly 20-30 pages). I cut a couple non-essential scenes, but also when I saw that I wouldn't be able to fit it all in one part, I decided I'd add a few scenes and give the chapter space to breathe, hence the two-parter. As usual, expect Part 2 up next Sunday.
Anyways. Here we are. This is the last chapter before the final battle. Enjoy these moments and prepare yourself! As always, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy.
Update 2/16/25: Hey, all. It seems like some people - myself included - are sometimes having problems accessing both parts of Chapter 90, particularly within the main document of Holy War. Apparently has been having update syncing problems for the past month, from what I've heard it has something to do with the LA fires. That might be the cause of this. If you're having problems reliably accessing any chapters after Chapter 89, I recommend going to the A Dragon in Shining Armour tumblr, twitter, or Blue Sky pages and clicking the chapter links directly. Alternatively, you can try inputting the URL to the new chapters directly. I personally had some success with this. I hope this gets resolved soon. Feel free to message me if you need.)
Chapter 90: The Beginning of the End (Part I)
Sky Colony: Lambent navigated through the turbulent storm.
It was quiet across the Sky Colonies. The air was stiff with a tense, solemn, and uneasy silence. Hardly anyone spoke, unless it was essential to their duties. That heavy, momentous silence was broken only by the loud cracking of thunder.
The Sky Colonies – the Heavenly Choir itself – faced existential destruction. Cherubimon was dead. Seraphimon had been taken captive. The Demon Lords were closing in on the Kernel where God resided. If God were to be destroyed… it would be all over. The Sky Colonies would be the next to fall. That grim reality was on everyone's minds as the culmination of their fates fast approached.
That reality laid heavy on one Digimon's shoulders more so than anyone else.
In the council chamber of the Supernal Sanctum, only one Digimon was present.
Ophanimon sat alone.
Through her sightless helmet, she gazed across the triangular council table that she sat at.
Cherubimon's and Seraphimon's seats remained empty.
Ophanimon bowed her head. Her vision shifted back down to the maps and documents in front of her.
She poured over them tirelessly. She felt the gravity of the situation deeply. She refused to give it anything less than her all, no matter the toll that it took.
A weighty breath escaped her lips.
It was then that a sharp rapping drew her attention. Firm, but respectful knocking echoed through the council chamber. Ophanimon raised her head, looking towards the entrance.
"Enter," she spoke, straightening up and composing herself.
Two archangels entered the chamber and bowed. On the left was Celestial Commander SlashAngemon. On the right, Celestial Commander Dominimon.
"Lord Ophanimon," Commander SlashAngemon formally greeted.
"Rise," Ophanimon calmly told them. "What have you to report?"
"Grim news," Dominimon explained, his voice tense as he spoke. "It is as we feared. The Digital Hazard has been activated. That seems to be the cause of the calamitous weather and the deteriorating situation on the surface of the Digital World."
Ophanimon's hand closed on top of the marble table. "God protect us…" she murmured. "How could that have happened? Is anything being done to contain it?"
"That, we are unsure of," Dominimon answered. "Regretfully."
Ophanimon frowned. "Where is ClavisAngemon? What does he think about it?"
SlashAngemon stepped forwards. "He is conferring with Rasielmon about the barrier of the holy Kernel. He told us that he fears the Kernel's barrier has been weakened in the aftermath of that explosion," he explained.
"This has to be the Demon Lords' doing," Dominimon posited. "They destroyed that relic of Huanglongmon in order to spread chaos throughout the Digital World."
Ophanimon's brows furrowed deeply. "They are hoping to break into the Kernel…" she mused, her voice soft yet dire. "They want to destroy God."
"We must stop them!" SlashAngemon forwardly blurted out.
The outburst earned him a sideways glare from Dominimon. "Commander," he pointedly whispered in rebuke.
Catching himself for speaking out of turn, the Commander of the Powers bowed his head. "I apologize, Lord Ophanimon," he spoke in a half-restrained voice. "However, that is my candid opinion. Our loss is great, but we cannot afford to watch from the safety of our clouds any longer. If we do not intervene, the Demon Lords may commit unspeakable evils upon holy God."
Ophanimon let out a soft sigh and bowed her head. She did not blame the Celestial Commander for speaking so frankly to her. He was only saying what Seraphimon would have.
She did not disagree with him. After the losses of Cherubimon and Seraphimon, the Heavenly Choir was in a state of uncertainty, even for their orderly society – or perhaps especially so. She had been doing all she could to keep the Heavenly Choir going. All of the decisions that were previously shared between the triumvirate were now exclusively decided by her.
Ophanimon was a measured Digimon, and she always thought about her actions before making them. She had many difficult decisions to make. The three Celestial Commanders had their own opinions, and they gave her their advice. Normally, she would have liked to think carefully and build a consensus through debate and discussion.
However, she knew that time was no longer a luxury. The Digital Hazard was active, and the Demon Lords were nearing the Kernel. That morning, she had come to a decision. All that was left was to act on it.
"Yes… you are correct, Celestial Commander," Ophanimon replied, raising her head to look at the two. "What is the current status of the Demon Lords?"
SlashAngemon nodded and stepped forwards. "Our scouts report that the Demon Lords have pushed the Royal Knights back a couple days ago," he explained "The heretics have reached the Chasm of Creation early this morning. The Royal Knights and their allies are mounting a counterattack, but if they are unsuccessful or if they lag…"
"…Then the Kernel and God will be in Lucemon's hands…" Ophanimon grimly finished.
"Yes…"
Ophanimon's fingers pinched the edge of a piece of paper. "…What of Seraphimon's whereabouts?" she asked, her words stiff with bated breath.
SlashAngemon grimaced and bowed his head. "He… appears to be with the Demon Lords' army, in their captivity…"
"I see…" she breathed, although she did her level best to seem calm and confident. "…What is our location right now?"
"We are thirty kilometers east of the Neutral Zone, moving at a north-west bearing," Dominimon informed her.
Ophanimon nodded. "…Then I hereby authorize a full mobilization of the Powers, the Virtues, and the Dominions," she unflinchingly stated. "As of dawn break, martial law will be in effect for the Sky Colonies."
"Yes, Lord Ophanimon," SlashAngemon readily obeyed. "If I may be so bold, the strength of the Demon Lords' is such that I recommend we put everything we have into a full-scale attack."
Ophanimon took a moment to steel herself with a soft, calming breath. This was it. The point of no return.
"…Yes, that is what we will do," she determined, her words bolstered with steel. She stared at the Commanders with authority and resolve. She rose from the table, lifting her hands from its clear, marble surface.
"And I will lead the army myself," she informed them.
Both SlashAngemon and Dominimon were silent. For whatever objections they might have had, they could not bring themselves to voice them. Knowing the severity of the situation, they stayed their misgivings about putting their last leader into danger.
"Of course, Lord Ophanimon," SlashAngemon responded dutifully. "I shall lead the Powers at your command."
Ophanimon nodded. "Dominimon, I leave the Sky Colonies in your faithful hands. SlashAngemon, ready the Powers."
"Also, send a messenger to the Royal Knights," she instructed. "Inform them that we wish to join forces with them in this coming battle. I will see through what Cherubimon started, for the only way we can hope to survive is by working together."
SlashAngemon bowed. "Very well. And Lord Seraphimon?"
Ophanimon remained calm, although her hand squeezed the edge of the table subtly. "…If it is possible to save him during the offensive, then make every effort to do so," she replied.
She looked at the two generals and nodded. "Please, go. And do everything you can. I will put forth my best as well," she urged them. "The Heavenly Choir… If we fail…"
Ophanimon looked down, a brief falter of emotion appearing on her half-covered face.
"We… We cannot avoid this confrontation any longer. If the Demon Lords are victorious here, it is all over… For God… the Heavenly Choir… and the Digital World itself. If we fail… everything will be lost."
Ophanimon's grimace hardened into a calm glare that demonstrated her iron resolve.
"Set the Sky Colony's bearing for the Chasm of Creation…"
"It is time to end this war once and for all."
It was late into the night.
The army of the Royal Knights had come to a stop on a rocky tableland.
They had been marching for the past two days. Upon travelling west and meeting up with the Dramon Corps at the southern mouth of the Chasm of Creation, they began travelling north along the high plain that made up the eastern cliffs of the Chasm. As they took the high path north with Saversburg's army, the Dramon Corps travelled through the Chasm of Creation itself. This two-pronged approach was part of their strategy to encircle the Demon Lords within the Chasm.
Presently, it was a few hours after midnight. The thousand-strong army came to a halt atop a rocky plateau. For thirty minutes, they were allowed to rest to regain some energy before continuing their trek to the northern reaches of the Chasm of Creation.
To their left was a sheer drop, down into the depths of the dark canyon. The blustering wind howled as it blew through the nearby gorge.
The twelve Royal Knights and four Captains had gathered at the head of the resting army, not far from the cliff's edge. Based on a scouting report, the Demon Lords had already arrived at the Chasm of Creation. There wasn't much time left. The Royal Knights used this short amount of time to finalize their strategy.
"Is that perfectly clear to everyone? Is there anything that I must repeat?" Duftmon questioned, judiciously looking around at the Royal Knights and Captains.
"The Ground Strike Forces and the Shield Guards will go ahead north with the Saversburger army and attack southwards from the Primordial Pass. Meanwhile, the Aerial Strikes and Aerial Guards will attack from the sky, while the Dramon Corps are gonna attack from the south," Ouryumon repeated, his claw impatiently tapping on the hilt of one of his scimitars.
"That is correct, Captain," Duftmon confirmed with a terse nod. "And the Royal Knights?"
"We will split up and accompany the main forces based on an aerial-terrestrial division," Alphamon reiterated. "From there, the Royal Knights will act independently. It is our job to engage and eliminate the Demon Lords, and also to provide support to the main army as needed. Duftmon and Tactimon will be directing the flow of the battle, so listen to their orders and be mindful of messengers. Does everyone understand?"
There were nods of acknowledgement from the ten other Royal Knights.
"Good," Alphamon spoke, looking at each and every one of them. "I don't have to remind you what the stakes of this battle are… Do your best. Support one another. Unite as one. The fate of the world rests on our shoulders. We must do everything we can if we wish to preserve the light of tomorrow."
"We will, Alphamon…" Omegamon confirmed with a resolute nod.
"You can say that again…" Gankoomon agreed, cracking his knuckles.
"Er, Alphamon…" Examon spoke up, looking down at the black knight uncertainly. "What do we do if we see Dukemon there…? We don't know what his plans are, but he might be drawn to the fighting…"
Before Alphamon could reply, another voice spoke up in his place.
"I will fight him," Omegamon firmly resolved. "And if I am unable to, then I humbly ask one of you to do so in my place."
"…And if he won't listen?" Dynasmon asked grimly.
Omegamon stifled a cringe, but the determination in his eyes remained the same. "I will do everything I can. And if that is not enough, then I will do what I must. We should all be prepared to do the same…"
The white knight clenched his fists beneath his Grey and Garuru Arms. He looked around at the gathered Royal Knights.
"Try to get through to him. Remind him how much we care about him. Show him your resolve when you fight him, and do not falter, even though he is your friend. Lay your hearts bare, even if he means to cut them out. Show him your passion through your blades. Never forget who you are fighting or why you are fighting so hard," Omegamon ardently told them. "That is what I am going to do, and I expect all of you to do the same."
Duftmon eyed Omegamon pensively. "How can you be so sure that that will work?"
Omegamon closed his eyes for a moment, before he turned to the black knight beside him.
"Because that is how Alphamon was able to reach me…" he responded, gazing meaningfully at their leader. "I can only hope that, underneath the pain, bitterness, and darkness of the Hazard, Dukemon will be able to feel our hearts."
Examon looked down at his claws with a worried frown. "Our hearts…" he mumbled in echo.
Alphamon smiled and nodded at Omegamon. "It is as Omegamon says. If Dukemon appears… we will do our best to confront him, as his dear friends," he agreed. "Until then, however, our objectives remain the Demon Lords."
He looked around at all of them. "If nobody has any questions, everyone is dismissed," he told them. "Take the rest of this break to rest, eat, and compose yourselves. This will be our last break before we reach our destination. I will address the army before we leave."
"Alright, Alphamon," Magnamon agreed.
Alphamon nodded and, with that, the Royal Knights broke and began to make their way back to the army.
As the Royal Knights went their separate ways after their meeting, Examon walked off to the side, so as to not get in anybody's way.
Examon was quiet. As he walked, his brows dipped pensively and his cheek muscles tightened with apprehension.
He was worried about the upcoming battle for many reasons. He knew the fate of the Digital World rested on their victory. He also knew that Dorbickmon would be fighting in battle. However… he would be so busy himself that he wasn't sure if he would be able to look out for him. He worried about him – and his other friends as well.
And then there was Dukemon… Examon didn't know what he would do if he saw Dukemon – ChaosDukemon – there. Would he be able to reach Dukemon? What if Dukemon attacked him? What if… What if he had no choice but to…?
A disturbed scowl formed on Examon's face without him even realising it.
"Examon?" a voice from behind him spoke.
Examon blinked and stood up straighter. He turned around to see Sleipmon looking at him with concern of his own in his eyes.
"Oh… Sleipmon," Examon tentatively acknowledged him.
Sleipmon walked up beside him, moving a little closer to the dragon so that they were in a chummy proximity. The equine knight looked over at his dragon companion, a soft, empathic look in his violet eyes. "…How are you doing?" Sleipmon tentatively asked.
Examon frowned a little at the probing question. "I am… trying to stay focused at the task at hand," he maintained.
Examon wanted to leave it at that terse, unforthcoming reply, but Sleipmon's keen and earnest eyes seemed to draw his honest feelings out of him.
"Yet… I still can't help but worry. About the battle. About Dukemon…" he admitted, looking away a little. "I'm trying not to."
"No… I understand. I'm worried about him too. I'm… worried about a lot," Sleipmon explained with a sigh. "I… Examon, about Dukemon…"
Sleipmon bowed his head slightly, his eyes trailing down with shame. "I'm sorry about the things I said during the last battle. When we were all talking about Dukemon, things were heated… I think I took some of my worries and helplessness out on you…"
"No, Sleipmon, you had every right to be angry," Examon responded, a sigh escaping through his nose. "After all, you were right… I'm a hypocrite."
"No…" Sleipmon argued, a tiny bit of force in his soft voice. "You and I both want to save Dukemon. We both want to bring peace to the Digital World."
Sleipmon gazed up at Examon with a firm look of resolve. "Examon… I won't hesitate in this battle. If I have to, I'll…"
Examon stared into Sleipmon's eyes, seeing his friend's determination, no matter how painful he knew it was for him to say those words.
A small, sad smile formed on Examon's lips. Then, to his own surprise, he reached over and placed his hand on Sleipmon's shoulder, gently squeezing it.
"…You don't have to force yourself, Sleipmon. Only do what you can do," he encouraged him.
As much as he accepted the cold, hard logic of what Sleipmon was saying, for whatever reason, there was a part of him that didn't like the thought of Sleipmon dirtying his hands. He appreciated Sleipmon's words, but he still wanted to spare him that… He knew how big Sleipmon's heart was. Far bigger than his own, he felt…
"I'm going to pull my weight, Examon," Sleipmon insisted.
"You always do, Sleipmon… More than your fair share. Nobody doubts that - least of all me…" Examon assured him with a small smile. "Just fight how you normally do. Having you by my side… I'll be able to fight easier with that peace of mind."
Sleipmon frowned and looked down uncertainly, but he eventually nodded. "…Thank you, Examon… Still, I'll do nothing short of my best…"
"Me too…" Examon agreed, walking forwards alongside him.
Sleipmon walked beside the large dragon. "…Did you get the chance to speak to Dorbickmon?" he inquired.
"No," Examon calmly replied, though there was a whisper of regret in his voice. "We were both too busy when our armies met up."
"I see…" Sleipmon responded. "That's too bad."
Examon was quiet for a few moments as they two walked. The dragon sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
Then he ventured a glance back at Examon, a faint, bitter grin on his lips. "…To be honest, I thought it was best for me to stay away when we met up with the Dramon Corps."
Sleipmon frowned a little. "…Oh?"
Examon nodded. As he walked, his gaze became a little more distant. "I… didn't want the Dramon Corps getting confused about my position if they were to see me… Megidramon is their general. If they saw me… it might complicate things. After all, I gave up my right to lead them…"
"…I see…" Sleipmon responded. This time, however, he placed his hand on Examon's arm. "However, I'm sure they still look up to you, no matter your official allegiance. I bet they still respect you, just like I do…"
Examon looked away a little, a pang of guilt thrumming inside of him. "…Thank you, Sleipmon," he murmured in response.
Sleipmon smiled gently and nodded. "…Come on. Let's prepare while we still can."
Examon nodded in agreement and walked alongside his friend. He tried not to think about the UDC or his decision. He tried to put his worries behind him.
He knew that he had to focus ahead of this final battle…
After all, everything was riding on it.
As the Royal Knights made their way back to army, Dynasmon wandered along, looking up at the dark and turbulent night sky.
As Dynasmon walked over the rocky plateau, a sour look of worry formed on his draconic face. When something was bothering him, he was never very good at hiding it. And, right now, it was hard to not be bothered by everything that was going on.
Even though he knew he needed to focus, he was deeply worried about Dukemon. The thought that his friend was out there, alone and in trouble… it made him sick to think about.
And then there was the battle… He knew that it wouldn't be easy. He knew that lives would be lost. He had to be prepared for that… but that didn't make the prospect any easier.
Dynasmon let out a sigh and looked around. To his right, he saw Craniamon and Gankoomon both walking together. There was nothing he could do about Dukemon or the coming battle right now. Feeling restless, he decided he'd go and talk to them. Just for a minute before they had to resume their journey.
"Hey, guys…" Dynasmon greeted, nodding at the purple knight and the red-haired warrior. "How're you two feeling?"
"Fine," Craniamon answered, sharply and decisively. Despite his words – well, 'word' – he looked a little tense and agitated, though he hid it well.
"Tch," Gankoomon scoffed, folding his arms and coming to a stop, tapping his foot impatiently. "…Restless. I'd rather we got moving already. I hate all this waiting around."
"Yeah, I know what you mean…" Dynasmon agreed, rubbing his neck. "…You guys worried too?"
Craniamon narrowed his eyes and he gripped his spear tightly. "No… Not worried," he stanchly corrected. "Determined…"
Craniamon's hard glare softened almost imperceptibly, and he turned his head, looking away with a hint of some sort of concealed emotion in his red eyes. "…I refuse to allow for any more mistakes. Not when everything is on the line. …Not when our friend needs us. I'll do whatever I can so that we win. Pride be damned…"
"…Yeah… What he said," Gankoomon responded, looking down a little as the corners of his lips turned down. "I stayed home the last time you guys needed me… I'm not going to do anything so damn pathetic and self-centered like that again. I'm giving it my all this time…"
Dynasmon smiled a little. For some reason, hearing the determination of his friends helped to bolster his own courage and resolve. He found that he drew strength from his friends… not unlike how he drew actual power from his friends in the Warrior Ten. Knowing that the Royal Knights were behind him… he felt like maybe they could actually do this.
"Yeah… so am I," Dynasmon declared with a nod. He looked over at Gankoomon. "How's Jesmon feeling? I know it's not exactly his first battle, but still…"
"Anxious, but determined," Gankoomon responded. "I'm not worried about him. He's strong. He knows what's at stake."
"He's a good kid," Dynasmon agreed. "We'll have his back if he needs us. Wyvern will too."
"Yeah. We'll make sure he's fine." Craniamon added with agreement.
As the three continued walking towards the rest of the army, they noticed someone waiting ahead of them.
The tall, slender, pink-armoured figure of RhodoKnightmon stood at the edge of the makeshift camp. He was watching them approach, and he seemed to be awaiting their arrival.
"Hey, Rhodo," Gankoomon greeted with a nod.
"Hello," RhodoKnightmon responded. "May I steal Dynasmon away from you for a moment?"
Perhaps this shouldn't have been a surprise given the circumstances, but RhodoKnightmon wasn't his usual florid self. Even so, the restrained and serious tone of the rose knight still took them all off-guard.
"Me?" Dynasmon asked, pointing at himself. "Oh, uh… Sure, Rhodo."
"We'd better get ready anyways," Craniamon said, nodding at the two. "See you both soon."
Dynasmon returned the nod as the two knights walked past them. When they were gone, he turned to the smaller, pink knight with a curious expression.
"What's up, Rhodo?"
RhodoKnightmon looked up at him. Although his expression was concealed by his face-covering helmet, Dynasmon was pretty good at reading his body language. His posture was rigid, and he held his arm close to his body. He seemed… worried.
"Dynasmon… in the battle tomorrow…" he began, tentatively at first, but then steeling into a sharp and resolute gaze. "Promise me that you will take care of yourself."
Dynasmon blinked. "Rhodo?"
"Especially around Lilithmon, if you see her… Do not let your guard down around her. She is wily and ruthless… she will use your weakness to kill you, if you let her."
Dynasmon exhaled and scratched his cheek with his finger sheepishly. "I know… Don't worry. I've learned my lesson," he assured him. "I won't do anything stupid like that again. I'll be careful."
"You had better be…" RhodoKnightmon murmured. "After Captain Knightmon…"
RhodoKnightmon looked down anxiously. "…I refuse to lose anybody else that I cherish, Dynasmon."
Dynasmon's eyes softened. He reached out and placed his large hand on RhodoKnightmon's shoulder, squeezing gently.
"…You don't have to worry about me, Rhodo. I'm not going anywhere," he promised him. "Me and Wyvern will make sure of that."
"Good…" RhodoKnightmon responded. He then reached up and playfully flicked the nose of his snout. "Now, come along, handsome. We must get moving."
Dynasmon smirked a bit. "Yeah, yeah… Just don't get distracted watching my back, okay?"
RhodoKnightmon tilted his head coyly. "No promises…" he lightly teased.
With that, RhodoKnightmon turned forwards and began walking towards the others with purpose.
"Now, Dynasmon… let's win this."
"…Be careful, okay, Ulforce?"
UlforceVeedramon blinked and looked beside him, down at the owner of the voice.
Magnamon was walking beside him. Behind the knight's golden mask, a concerned frown was resting on his face.
"What?" UlforceVeedramon asked, a little perplexed by the unprompted request. "Where's this coming from, Magna?"
Magnamon looked ahead, his red eyes looking out across the Order's army in front of them.
"We're going into a decisive battle… The decisive battle, most likely," he explained. "Most of the Demon Lords will be there… Maybe all of them. And there's the Digital Hazard…"
"Yeah? And? We already knew all this," UlforceVeedramon responded breezily.
Magnamon looked up at the cobalt dragon man with an annoyed expression. "And you're always so reckless," Magnamon pointedly reminded him. "You take stupid risks because you think you can fall back on your Ulforce program to heal you."
UlforceVeedramon looked away from Magnamon's accusing eyes, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Er, well…" he stammered, unable to exactly deny it.
"And Demon's going to be there," Magnamon added. "Once he sees you, he's going to be after your head, considering you were the one who took him down in the Heavenly War. He's the Demon Lord of Wrath, Ulforce. Something tells me that he's not about to forgive you for deleting him."
"Yeah, well… I'm not particularly worried about Demon. I took him down before and I can do it again. I'll deal with him if and when it comes to that," UlforceVeedramon confidently replied.
Magnamon frowned up at him. "How can you be so lackadaisical about all this? Anyone of us could die. You… me… anyone," he reminded him, his hard voice softening with worry.
UlforceVeedramon lowered his hand and looked down to meet Magnamon's eyes. He could see the trepidation in his friend's face, even behind the mask.
Upon seeing this, UlforceVeedramon gave him a small but sober smile.
"…I know," he assured him, his voice tempered. "I'm not being lackadaisical, Magnamon, I promise… I know that all too well."
He placed his gloved hand on Magnamon's armoured shoulder pauldron. "I know you're worried, Magnamon… I am too," he explained. "I'm worried about Dukemon, about the others, about the whole world… I know I don't show it… This isn't just bravado, either. I just think… I know I'm going to do everything I can tomorrow. Whatever happens, we're all going to deal with it together. We're all going to have each other's backs."
UlforceVeedramon smiled at him. "We're the Royal Knights. We're a team. A family, even. A dysfunctional one, but… I trust all of you with my life. I have to believe in that… That's why I'm not worried."
Magnamon blinked and looked up at him with surprise at the taller knight's reasoned, heartfelt insight. He couldn't help but allow a smile to form as a result of UlforceVeedramon's confidence.
"Yes… you're right, UlforceVeedramon," Magnamon responded. He looked out at the army before them, watching as they picked up their meager equipment and prepared to march once again.
"This Order we've created… The Royal Knights and everyone else in it… I love them. As much as I'm afraid of losing more of them… I can't let myself think like that. I have to believe in them. I have to believe that we're going to be victorious… that we're going to get Dukemon back."
"Yeah… Me too," UlforceVeedramon agreed. "We have to…" He then looked back at his friend, flashing him a cheeky smile. "You're the Knight of Miracles, right? Well… if there's ever a time to work your magic…"
Magnamon grinned. "It doesn't really work like that… but I'll do my best."
Magnamon then looked back up at him. "Still… promise you'll be careful, UlforceVeedramon."
UlforceVeedramon smiled and looked forwards. "Yeah. I will… I promise," he responded. "I want to be standing side-by-side with Dukemon at the end of all this…"
His hand tightened into a firm fist.
"I need to be…"
Magnamon nodded, content with the sincerity of his reply. "Then… I will too. All of us… I have to believe that all of us will be."
"Yeah…" UlforceVeedramon responded, slowly relaxing his hand.
Magnamon exhaled and stepped forwards. "Come on. We have to get ready to go, UlforceVeedramon."
UlforceVeedramon nodded, watching as Magnamon walked ahead of him. As he did, he gazed up at the swirling storm.
"Dukemon…"
Not far off, Wizardmon walked gingerly around the ranks of the resting Order army.
He held his staff close to his body as he walked in the dark. He moved very carefully, careful not to trip over the rough and craggy ground of the rock plateau.
Wizardmon tried his very best not to get in anyone's way. As a non-combatant tagging along with an army, he was keenly aware of his lack of ability to contribute to the nearing battle.
However, there was one way that he – and only he – could contribute. That was what he was trying to do now.
He was trying to find Alphamon.
He walked to the edge of the rest-stop, where he knew that the Royal Knights had been meeting. There, he could see the twelve Royal Knights making their way back to the army, indicating to him that their strategy meeting was over.
To Wizardmon's relief, he spotted Alphamon's dark silhouette walking among them. The mage summoned his courage and started walking towards him.
Alphamon was walking alongside Duftmon. Although it was dark, it wasn't long until Alphamon caught sight of Wizardmon's staff reflecting the dim glow of the heavily filtered moonlight.
Alphamon gave a meaningful nod to Duftmon and then broke off to walk towards the mage.
"Ah, hello, Wizardmon," Alphamon greeted him warmly. "Did you want to speak with me about something?"
"Alphamon… Y-Yes," Wizardmon nervously confirmed. "If you have time, that is. It… well, it's rather urgent. Very urgent, I should say."
"Take your time, Wizardmon," Alphamon gently suggested, perceiving the wizard's anxiety. "If you say it's important, then I have time to listen."
Wizardmon let out a relieved sigh, doing his best to compose himself. He didn't want to mess this up.
"Thank you…" Wizardmon replied. He gripped his staff tightly and looked up at the tall knight. "It's about Bagramon…"
"I… I think I figured out what his plans are."
Wizardmon's words prompted Alphamon to stare at him with surprise. If he didn't already, he now had the Knight of the Empty Seat's full attention.
"Bagramon's plans…?" Alphamon asked, his voice becoming serious. "What have you figured out, Wizardmon?"
Wizardmon looked down with a troubled frown on his face.
"…I've already told you that Bagramon wanted to use the Orb of Yang to weaken the Digital World's security systems – specifically, the barrier to the Hall of Yggdrasil and the Kernel's firewall. Well, he's done that now - by destroying it… Next, he will try to break into the Inner Kernel. It should be possible for him now, using his Astral Snatcher arm," the mage scientist grimly explained. "It seems capable of bypassing Yggdrasil's defenses... as well as dimensional barriers themselves."
Alphamon frowned, but nodded, carefully hanging on to his every word.
"But that's not all…" Wizardmon continued, wringing his staff in his gloved hands. "I can't say with one hundred percent certainty… but I've been thinking about conversations I've had with him – and notes of his that I've read… Alphamon, I think I know what Bagramon intends to do once he breaks into the Kernel…"
Alphamon crouched down so that he was at eye-level with Wizardmon, gazing at him intently. "What, Wizardmon? Please, tell me…"
Wizardmon looked up at Alphamon uncertainly. "Yggdrasil and the entity that they call 'God' occupy different dimensions within the Kernel. It is said that Yggdrasil was there first, and that 'God' developed at some point after. A sub-dimensional barrier was created within the pocket dimension to divide them, so that they would not interfere with the processes of the other… From the theory that I read, an equilibrium was created within the Kernel…"
"I… I think… what Bagramon wants to do is to destroy that equilibrium," Wizardmon explained, grimacing. He looked up at Alphamon.
"I don't know how… but I think that Bagramon wants to use Yggdrasil to destroy God…"
A look of dawning dread appeared in Alphamon's eyes. "…What? Use Yggdrasil? But how?" he asked. "And after he destroys God? What then?"
"I don't know. I remember him saying that Yggdrasil was the stronger program, but I don't know the details," Wizardmon apologetically explained. "As for what happens after… I think he intends to control Yggdrasil… and use It as the basis to create a new world order… a more just one, he said."
Wizardmon looked down guiltily. "I'm sorry, but that's all I know… and a lot of it is just an unverified hypothesis. That's just my best guess based on the incomplete information that I have… I'm sorry, Alphamon."
Alphamon sighed, but shook his head. He reached over and placed his hand on Wizardmon's shoulder. "No, thank you for telling me this, Wizardmon," he appreciatively told him. "You know Bagramon and his plans better than anybody. If that is what you think, then I trust you."
"Thank you…" Wizardmon responded, although not looking any happier. "I'm just sorry that I wasn't strong enough to stop him. I wish I could do more…"
Alphamon smiled a little, trying to cover his worry. "You have done more than you think, Wizardmon. This is extremely valuable information… It gives me an idea of what I should be doing, going forwards."
Wizardmon nodded gently. Then, he thought for a few moments, debating if he should say what was on his mind.
"Is there something else, Wizardmon?" Alphamon asked, detecting his hesitation.
"I don't know if I should be saying this, but…" Wizardmon frowned deeply and hesitated, but he willed himself to continue. "…I don't think that Bagramon is a bad Digimon… He has done some bad things… and he is very misguided. But… I think he genuinely has good intentions. I-I know that's no excuse and that he needs to be stopped, but… well… I just thought I should say that…"
Alphamon let out a soft breath behind his helmet. "…Yes… I wish I could disagree, but I can't. Things are rarely ever as simple as good and evil," he admitted. "I am sure that Bagramon believes that he has the Digital World's best interests in mind, and that we are the ones holding the world back… However…"
"Yes… Yes, I know," Wizardmon agreed, looking down with a bit of sadness. "I agree…"
"Well… I have to go tell Duftmon about what you told me," Alphamon responded, standing back up to full height. "We have another twenty minutes or so before we leave. From now on, we will be heading into battle… Are you sure you don't want to go back to the camp?"
Wizardmon shook his head. "No… I should be here. I can't do much fighting, but you might need me for whatever Bagramon is planning… I won't get in the way."
"Alright… well, the fighting is going to get pretty heavy, I should think," Alphamon advised him. "Just like before, you should stay on the back lines with the Anti-Air group. It will be safer there."
"Alright, I will…" Wizardmon agreed. He frowned and looked up at the black knight. "Um… if I don't see you before then… thank you. And good luck."
Alphamon smiled at Wizardmon and nodded. "…And to you too," the leader of the knights responded. "It takes a lot of courage to do what you did, Wizardmon."
Wizardmon blushed a little and looked down. He nodded at Alphamon, prompting the black knight to turn and begin walking away.
The mage watched as Alphamon walked after the rest of the Royal Knights to speak to their tactician. He let out a shaky sigh and began to follow him.
He was scared… scared of the coming battle, and scared of what Bagramon and the Demon Lords might do if they succeed.
Even so… he had to do this. He had to stop Bagramon. For his own sake… and for Bagramon's.
Then, with the small but unshakable resolve in his heart, and the image of Bagramon in his mind, Wizardmon walked forwards… towards an uncertain future.
The wind continued to whistle as it swept through the Chasm of Creation.
The clouds shifted erratically through the night sky - swirling, separating, and combining tumultuously. Sometimes, they parted wide enough that large holes appeared in the firmament, giving those on the ground a glimpse of the starry sky that lay beyond the violet veil.
Alphamon stood near the edge of the cliff, overlooking the chasm. The sheer drop was long enough that he could not even see the ground. The canyon floor was completely shrouded in darkness, giving it the impression of an endless abyss.
However, he wasn't looking down at the abyss. He was looking up at the stars.
He stood with his head tilted up towards the astral compass breaching through the clouds. Alphamon was enjoying their distant beauty, even amidst the storm. He wanted to enjoy them - their light, their mystery, their hope - while he was still able to see them.
Their light reflected in Alphamon's soft, red eyes. For all the anxiety and calamity he faced, he allowed himself this one indulgence. Their light reminded him of what they were all fighting for.
The light of possibility. The light of the future.
"…They are beautiful, aren't they?" a voice gently mused from behind him.
Those soft foot-falls. That familiar gait. The gentle shuffle of metal and fabric. Alphamon knew who it was, without even needing to look.
"Yes, they are…" Alphamon responded, still gazing up as Omegamon walked up next to him.
Omegamon stopped at his right side, looking over at the black knight. "Are you simply enjoying the view?" he wondered, perhaps probing him in Omegamon's own way.
Alphamon smiled a little bit, lowering his head and closing his eyes. Omegamon had figured him out. He was just too polite to say so.
"Not entirely…" Alphamon admitted. "I needed a bit of time on my own to think..."
This prompted Alphamon to pull his gaze away so that he could properly look at him.
As his gaze landed on Omegamon, he was struck by the white knight's expression. It was curious, but only to the finely-trained eye.
Although there was the soft tension of unease at the corners of his blue eyes, they were also calm… placid. It was as though there was something that Omegamon had been worried about, but he had made peace with it. There was no hesitation in his movements. Only resolve and acceptance.
"Ah… I'm sorry to interrupt," Omegamon sheepishly apologized. "…Would you like some more time alone?"
"No, that's alright," Alphamon responded, gently shaking his head. "I find it easier to think when I have someone that I can talk with… Often times, my mind is like a vortex. I think deeply, but there are times that I end up in a cyclical loop and I lose perspective… It helps for me to have someone who I can vocalize those thoughts to. I find it frees them, in a sense."
Omegamon smiled softly behind his mask. "Yes… I have noticed," he wryly noted. "And your mind works best when it is completely unshackled. You wouldn't be you if you didn't think outside of the box." Omegamon turned to him. "So… what is on your mind? Or is that a foolish question?"
"Apart from the obvious… I am worried about Dukemon," Alphamon responded, looking back at the clouds as they swallowed up the hole to the stars.
Omegamon's face softened with subtle sadness. "I know… So am I," he agreed.
The white knight bowed his head, his sadness turning into guilt. After a quiet moment, he looked back at the Aloof Hermit. "Alphamon… About some of the things I said to you during the battle… I'm sorry."
Alphamon looked over at him with a gentle but reassuring gaze. "Don't be, Omegamon. I understand how you felt completely," he assured him. "I'm sorry about what I said as well. Emotions were running high. Even mine were…"
Alphamon sighed. "…I hope that I get the chance to apologize to Dukemon as well. I know how much I've hurt him… Even putting aside the Digital Hazard and the fate of the world… I want him to know that much."
"How much we've hurt him…" Omegamon corrected, sighing as well. "I'm just as much at fault…"
Omegamon gently looked down into the abyss before them. "I feel it too… The guilt. The worry. I know what Dukemon is going through… It's not the same thing, I know, but I can imagine how alone he feels…" He ventured a worried glance back at his friend. "…I want him to feel my heart, Alphamon. Just as I felt yours…"
Alphamon met his eyes and smiled softly, wanting to show him a small display of confidence despite his own worries. "…Yes… So do I, Omegamon…"
Alphamon glanced briefly up at the tumultuous clouds, the short silence punctuated by the crack of distant thunder. "…We will get him back," he assured him.
"Yes… Yes, we will," Omegamon agreed, forming the quiet promise in his heart.
A soft, comfortable silence emerged between the two knights. Only the lingering rumble of thunder and the soft whistle of the chasm wind served as background noise.
Omegamon looked over at Alphamon, who had gone back to pensively looking out across the dark, craggy horizon. He gazed at the black knight's ruby eyes… They were so thoughtful and composed, even though that Omegamon knew that much more stirred beneath. Just like Alphamon.
As he looked at him, Omegamon felt the subtle glow of heat in his cheeks. Although he was glad for the cover of his helmet, he didn't react nervously. He simply broke his gaze smoothly.
Omegamon reminded himself why he was here. There was something that he wanted to say to Alphamon before the final battle. He knew what he wanted to say and he was prepared for whatever came next. Despite the mild flutter of nervousness in his heart, he was at peace. He wasn't going to shy away now.
"…Alphamon…" Omegamon spoke, prompting Alphamon's attention.
Alphamon looked back over at his friend curiously. "Yes, Omegamon?"
"We have known each other for a very long time now…" Omegamon began, somewhat hesitantly. "We met all the way back in the Second Cycle… Although, admittedly, under regrettable circumstances…"
Alphamon offered a small, but wry smile. "Yes… I seem to recall you trying to blast me under Lord Yggdrasil's orders…" he lightly teased him, although in a way that reassured Omegamon that he bore no ill-will.
Omegamon smiled a bit as well. Although he still felt a little guilty, he knew that they were at a place where they could joke about it with full understanding."…Something to that effect, yes…" he admitted. "However… No matter how it started, it wasn't long until you grew to become one of my very dearest friends… Someone who I could believe in… someone who I could depend on."
Omegamon turned to him, his face burning softly behind his helmet.
"Alphamon, you are very dear to me…" he told him.
Alphamon blinked. He watched as Omegamon's eyes locked with his. In them, he saw a deep, heartfelt passion that took him off guard. "…Omegamon…?" he asked.
Omegamon took a soft, calming breath. "Alphamon… there is something that I have to tell you," he explained. "When I do, I need you to know that I have no expectations. I do not want you to worry about how to respond. There is nothing that you need to do or say. This is simply something that I feel I need to do…"
A small smile was reflected in Omegamon's eyes. "I don't want to leave anything unsaid. Not to you…"
Alphamon swallowed nervously. He didn't have time to think about the fear and anticipation that ignited inside of him. He simply nodded.
"…Go on, Omegamon. You can tell me anything…"
Omegamon nodded, and a tense silence stirred between them as he prepared himself.
His white body stood opposite to Alphamon's black one. With his blue eyes, he gazed bravely into Alphamon's reds, watching as he stared back at him with uncertain expectation.
Before he could even second-guess himself, Omegamon felt his lips parting. The words formed and left his mouth, becoming realised.
"…I love you, Alphamon."
That gentle declaration was like a bolt of lightning and that seemed to nullify all noise around them. In that moment, it was just the two of them.
At first, there was silence…
Omegamon smiled a little, serenely watching Alphamon's reaction. No matter what happened now, he couldn't take those words back. He merely stood and waited, with a strange sense of nervousness and… relief.
Omegamon's honest and heartfelt words struck Alphamon into an astonished silence. The normally calm knight's eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed with warmth.
Alphamon hesitated. At first, he wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't sure how to react to this information. To hear his closest friend confess his feelings to him… The situation was complicated, for many reasons. Whatever he said, it could have ramifications…
Yet… he gazed at Omegamon.
He watched the embarrassed and somewhat nervous look in his bright, blue eyes. He realised how hard this was for Omegamon – especially after everything that they went through. He was bravely baring his heart to him… It was then that Alphamon realised: to do anything less than be completely honest about his feelings would be wholly unfair.
This time, Alphamon set aside his misgivings – his concerns about what the 'right' thing to do was as a leader. He didn't want to lie for the sake of appearances or for what he thought was for the best. He allowed himself to open up and bear what he felt in his heart.
His cheeks were still warm, but he closed his eyes calmly.
"Omegamon…" Alphamon evenly responded.
Omegamon smiled with acceptance and shook his head. "As I said, you don't have to say anything, Alphamon. I don't expect it. You don't have to-"
"Omegamon," Alphamon reiterated, looking back at the knight with beseeching eyes. "Please…"
Alphamon gazed into Omegamon's eyes, matching his own courage and resolve with that of his own.
"The truth is, Omegamon… I love you as well."
As he opened his heart, Alphamon's gaze was passionate, yet also reserved. His words were not a raw, emotional outpouring in the moment, but an old sentiment that had maturated with age.
However, Alphamon's words struck Omegamon in conflicting ways. At first, his blue eyes widened with stunned shock. However, after this automatic response, he tempered himself with reality.
"…Alphamon… You don't have to say that for my sake, you know…" he assured him reticently.
"I'm not, Omegamon…" Alphamon promised him, offering him a small but warm smile. "I wouldn't do that. Not anymore… What I'm telling you is what I truly feel in my heart."
It was as he saw the sincerity in Alphamon's eyes that Omegamon's hidden blush deepened. However, despite everything, he remained serene.
"I see…" he calmly acknowledged.
Omegamon smiled and turned his head, looking out at the army behind them. His eyes rested on Ouryumon, who was dutifully rallying the Strike Forces.
"Yet… things are not that simple, are they?" he soberly admitted.
Alphamon smiled a little, following his gaze over to Ouryumon as well. "No… I suppose they aren't," he gently replied. "For either of us…"
Omegamon looked back at Alphamon meaningfully. "…I have no intention of trying to steal you from Ouryumon. I just… needed you to know. That is, if you didn't already… You didn't seem overly shocked, considering our relationship up to this point."
Alphamon offered his white counterpart a gentle but assuring smile. "I… wouldn't be so audacious to claim that I knew, Omegamon," he sheepishly admitted. "I didn't 'know'… certainly not for sure. I had been so concerned with how all of you would react to my own sexuality, that it didn't even cross my mind until relatively recently. It's possible that I picked up on your feelings subconsciously… but, whenever I wondered, I always convinced myself that I was being an egotistical fool and convinced myself otherwise. I always assumed that you never felt anything other than deep friendship for me."
"And that is true," Omegamon was quick to promise him. "My feelings for you, Alphamon… they have always been deep and true friendship. I have never been dishonest about that… However, my love for you… that is where it comes from. That is to say… my love for you and our bond of friendship… they are inseparable in my eyes. One does not replace the other. They are one and the same."
Alphamon smiled sagely and nodded with understanding. "Yes… Yes, I feel the same way. Two feelings that are often separated… but for us they seem to be entwined."
"If you don't mind me asking, Alphamon…" Omegamon tentatively asked. "When did you come to feel this way?"
As he thought about it, Alphamon sheepishly scratched his cheek with his index finger. "I would be lying if I said I always felt this… You have been one of my closest friends for a long time, Omegamon. However… those deep seeds of friendship, respect, and trust were always there. I always knew that you were there for me. Even when we clashed, I knew that you cared."
Alphamon looked down at his hand. "I suppose… it was after you became Omegamon Zwart that I began to question the nature of our relationship. For my part… I realized just how deeply I cared about you. It felt like something changed."
Omegamon nodded, thinking to himself. "After I became Zwart…" he acknowledged. "I think… my feelings have been this way for a lot longer. I haven't necessarily realized or understood them until recently, but… I believe I understand now."
After a moment, Omegamon frowned. "Even so…"
Alphamon's features softened as he gazed at Omegamon. "Yes… Regarding Ouryumon…" he continued, gazing over at the serpentine dragon.
"I know that he and I are… for all intents and purposes, not together right now… A lot has happened between us, and there are unresolved issues that we have yet to sort out," Alphamon explained. "However… my feelings for Ouryumon haven't completely changed. There is still a big part of my heart that loves him, despite the baggage we have. I love him… yet, I also find myself loving you as well."
"Yes…" Omegamon responded with a small smile. "I know you do, Alphamon. Your heart is big enough that I know you can say that and mean it."
Alphamon grinned and eyed Omegamon with a sly, perceptive glint in his eyes. "And… am I correct in thinking I may have another competitor in your heart as well?"
At this, Omegamon blinked with surprise. His look of astonishment and slight embarrassment turned to a ruminative frown. "…What? I…" he stalled uncertainly.
Alphamon chuckled and reached over, placing his hand on Omegamon's shoulder. "Never mind… " he assured him. "I'm glad you told me, Omegamon…"
"Thank you, Alphamon, for responding in kind…" Omegamon sincerely replied. "It might be selfish of me for telling you right before the decisive battle…"
"Not at all… I'm glad that you did," the black knight spoke. "But where does that leave us now?"
Omegamon raised his hand and placed it on top of Alphamon's. "As I said before, Alphamon… I don't expect anything. As far as I'm concerned, you and I can remain exactly how we were before. …Just being by your side is enough for me."
Alphamon couldn't help but form a soft, ironic smile. "You're not the only one to say that to me, Omegamon…" he softly explained.
Exhaling gently, Alphamon flipped his hand over and gave Omegamon's hand a soft squeeze before pulling it away.
"I suppose there isn't much point in me asking questions about the future right now, is there?" he mused, turning his head up and gazing at the apocalyptic sky. "The truth is, we are hours away from the final confrontation. The Digital World could collapse any day now. There may not be a tomorrow…"
Alphamon looked back down at Omegamon. "However… for as long as we still breathe, know that my feelings are true," he softly but surely promised him. "All of them, for better and for worse."
Alphamon gazed into his dear friend's eyes. "I cannot promise what the future may bring… I cannot even promise that there will be a future," he soberly stated. "However… I can promise that I will fight with every particle of my being for a future for all of us. I will fight for you, for Ouryumon, for Dukemon, for all of the Royal Knights, for Yggdrasil… for the entire Digital World."
Omegamon matched Alphamon's resolve, nodding ardently. "Yes… and I will be right there, fighting beside you," he assured him as his stalwart comrade. "We will defeat the Demon Lords. We will save Lord Yggdrasil. We will save Dukemon. We will save the Digital World."
Alphamon nodded, standing at the precipice of the abyss alongside Omegamon, as the turbulent breeze blew between them.
They both turned and looked up as the rays of soft light fell upon them. They watching as the clouds parted just wide enough for the moons and stars to breach through, just for a fleeting moment.
"Yes… and we will all do it together."
Omegamon nodded, silently reminding himself of the promise in his heart.
Then, he turned away, looking back towards the army.
Behind them, the Strike Forces, the Defence Forces, the Reconnaissance Squadron, and the Rooks were all formed up and ready to go.
In front of the waiting army, the other ten Royal Knights stood at the ready, alongside Ouryumon and the acting Captains. Every one of them stared at Alphamon, eagerly awaiting his words.
Alphamon turned towards them, meeting their expectant gazes with his own unshakable purpose and dauntless resolve.
"Order of the Royal Knights..." Alphamon calmly began, addressing the Order while Omegamon stood at his side.
"This moment, right now, is the time of the Digital World's greatest need…" he loudly spoke, gazing out across all of their watching eyes. "When we founded this Order, we did so for moments like this. We came together for a common cause: to protect the Digital World and preserve its peace. Yet… even knowing this, it is still hard to fathom that it has come to this."
Alphamon looked around. "I am so proud of what we have accomplished together – what we have built. From those of you who were here from the beginning—" He looked meaningfully at Ouryumon. "—to those who have joined us recently-" He gazed over at Jesmon, TigerVespamon, and the other recent recruits. "—we have built this Order together."
"Together, we have fought. Together, we have struggled. Together… we have sacrificed. Side-by-side… hand-in-hand."
"I ask you all, humbly and sincerely… Please, fight together with me," he urged them. "Fight for everything we have done. Fight for everything that we have yet to do. Fight, not just for the Digital World, but for the Digimon standing next to you. I will share your strength, your courage, and your love."
Alphamon stepped forwards. "This is our final stand! More than ever before, the Digital World hangs in the balance! Now, everyone, I need your strength more than ever… From those in the thick of the battle—" He gazed at the Strike Forces. "—To those who defend us from harm—" He gestured to the Defence Forces.
"From our eyes and ears who keep us all together—" Alphamon raised his hand towards the Reconnaissance Squadron. "To those who protect us from the shadows." He turned to the Stealth Forces.
"All of you… no matter your rank or responsibilities… Right now, we are all as one!" he called out, gazing out across the ranks. "Now, I humbly ask you, as the Knight of the Empty Seat… Will you fight with me to preserve the light of tomorrow?!"
A chorus of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the gathered Order, from the Royal Knights and Captains down to the recruits and support personnel. They were all united. They all wanted to fight for tomorrow.
Alphamon smiled, warmly and sincerely as he felt their support and their courage. "Thank you…" he honestly thanked them.
He raised his hand over his head, summoning the Seiken Grad Alpha within the glimmer of magical circles. Then, he held the holy blade high in the sky, the blade shining like a beacon of light.
"Now, Order of the Royal Knights…"
"Move out!"