[The night before…]
"Looks like all that smack talk about making a comeback were just empty threats, huh?!"
"One would think that wouldn't they? Armor Purge! Flamedramon reverts to Veemon and attacks you directly!"
"LET'S GOOOOOO! COBALIUS TAKES ANOTHER ONE!"
Maxine curled up in her chair, studying intently the match wrapping up on her screen. The crowd's roaring tearing through her headphones, she imagined herself amongst them, watching as the blonde-haired boy in cobalt knight armor toppled another challenger stupid enough to cross his path.
One would think, with the various shades of green in her cottagecore bedroom and the woodland animal plushies lining her bed, that this would be far from unusual. However, her box of fantasy figurines she keeps meaning to toss, makeup either stolen from her mother's dresser or bought with her allowance, and open tabs on her browser involving tips to survive high school would hint otherwise.
Maxine Schaffer was anxious about High School and the challenges she would face. At the age where cutesy stuff wasn't considered cool, and social media dictates popularity, she held onto the notion that this was her opportunity to break from the shell of adolescence and become what she believed to be her new life for the next four years. All that aside however…
…she first needed to crack the case of "Cobalius the Imperial Knight—aka her cousin Kaden."
All attempts to get info out of him was expertly dodged and avoided during the family dinner yesterday evening, so to get to the bottom of it, she decided to use her Sunday to investigate, the internet providing all she wanted. So far, she's found out that her cousin was not only a streamer, but a V-Streamer, who went by the name Cobalius. V-Streamers were streamers who took on online avatars and would portray them, as if they were actors in specific settings. Like their VTubers predecessors of decades past, V-Streamers embodied their roles, surpassing what was considered a live-action Voice Actor. And similar to VTubers where their identities are usually hidden, many V-Streamers do the same…except for Cobalius, who, up until a certain point wore a Dragon helmet that tied with his armor. At some point he took a break, and when he came back, he forwent the helmet, allowing himself to embrace the role.
V-Streamers did a multitude of activities, especially if they were contracted by companies like STREAM Corp. or Mindscape Inc. Even SAIBA Enterprise had their own V-Streamers who'd advertise upcoming products, if not using Digimon-based AI to do so, like Volcanomon the tournament commentator. From her investigation, her cousin—Cobalius—despite affiliating with the Eastern District on Omnia, considered himself a free agent, detached from STREAM Corp. Records between Omnia's shutdown, and now are scarce, and the one or two links she tried…ended with her computer security going nuts.
She closed the tab and tried to look up other V-Streamers related to him in the search engine. After hitting enter, names such as Lady Azurena of the East, Lone Shot, and Desniper came up, all having some tie to him. Former V-Streamer Idol Syl appeared as well; apparently, they were rivals…and there were theories of romantic speculations between the two?
Maxine was scared to open the link and check that rabbit hole.
Holding back her curiosity, she scrolled. There had to be a reason why he retired. And not only that, the look on his face and his avoidance to answering her questions…what happened between then and now?
"Hold on…" she paused and red the result. "Cobalius and Gurenmaru rematch?" she clicked the link, with it taking her to a social media news post. "The long-awaited rematch between Cobalius the Imperial Knight and Gurenmaru the Crimson Blade is set to take place later this month…this is the first time they interacted after news broke of…cheating accusations?"
"Hmm, y'know is it me, or does it seem like the SAIBA Enterprise guy has had the advantage this whole match?"
"I'm sure the AEGIS dude called him out on it. Everyone was so hyped about what the SAIBA guy did to notice though. That said, cheating in an exhibition match seems…"
"Stupid?"
"I'd argue the AEGIS guy just has bad luck."
"I agree," "I know them both on a personal level, and both are really honest guys. Ivan wouldn't screw over a fly let alone Jesse."
"So, why's he giving him that look?"
"Theatrics."
That conversation from earlier came to mind. "This was an exhibition match, right? Yeah…Kaden would never cheat. He's too honest for that…"
She closed the tab and pushed herself from the desk. Afterward she was pacing and wracking her brain over it. "I mean…the streams I've seen so far are from after that announcement so…besides, they were accusations, there's no proof of it. There never was and even if there was…" a realization crossed her mind. "…but then why does he not want to talk about his V-Streaming career?"
"MAX! Bedtime, you got school in the morning!" Her father could be heard from the other side of the doorway.
"Okay!" She responded. After the footsteps quieted, she went back to her deep thought.
She hoped that this wouldn't keep her up tonight...
… And yet that wasn't up to her to decide, was it?
Chapter 2: Stars of Trinity Part 2
"Ladies first," Trevor stated to the new players. "Maxine, you have first play."
Turn 1: Maxine
Maxine nodded. Between the exhibition match and Terrence's match just now with Trevor, she had the general idea. Any questions otherwise she'd just ask. "I hatch Bosamon."
A brown-faced blonde rabbit-like ball digimon materialized on Maxine's side, its bangs covering its dark eyes.
Bosamon (BT9-003)
Color: Green
Level: 2
"Bosamon digivolves into Angoramon, then from my hand, I play Floramon."
Bosamon transformed into the large fluffy rabbit digimon, all the while a sentient humanoid flower digimon with reptilian traits materialized within the Battle Area as well.
Angoramon (BT10-044)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Floramon (ST4-02)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 4000
MEMORY
0-2 (Turn Change)
Turn 2: Daniel
"Okay, guess it's my go." Daniel drew. "I hatch Puyoyomon."
In Daniel's raising area came about a small blue jellyfish digimon with pink spots on its face and bluish-pink eyes. Its tiny tendrils frilled about as it floated happily.
Puyoyomon (BT9-002)
Color: Blue
Level: 2
"Puyoyomon digivolves into Jellymon, then from my hand I play Gabumon."
Daniel's hatched digimon then transformed into the Jellyfish girl digimon, while holding a mischievous grin on her face. Meanwhile, Gabumon appeared in the battle area, staring down Floramon, who reactively got into a stance.
Jellymon (BT9-021)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Gabumon (BT1-029)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
2-1
"When Gabumon is played, I draw a card." Daniel said, taking an extra card from his deck. "My turn ends from there."
Turn Change
Turn 3: Maxine
Maxine drew. So far this seemed easy enough. "Angoramon moves into the Battle Area, and then…Floramon attacks your Security!"
Twisting the card sideways sent Floramon lunging forward across the arena. Unleashing hidden tendrils from her unbloomed hands they shot forward and lashed the appearing Security, breaking it.
Daniel
Security: 5-4
"Security Check…" Daniel picked the card up. "Security Trigger: Kiyoshiro Higashimitarai.
Terrence took a moment to process what he said. "He got sushi-what?"
"Higashimitarai." Daniel repeated.
"It doesn't help by saying it again." Maxine pointed out.
Daniel sighed. "It's a Tamer." He stated, playing it. Afterward, the grey-haired boy materialized in the Battle Area, dressed in a blue school uniform, loosened mahogany tie and hands covered in bandages. On his arm was a device, not too de-similar to a D-Streamer, but different enough.
Kiyoshiro Higashimitarai (BT9-086)
Color: Blue
"Fine, two can play that game." Maxine took a card in her hand. "I play the Tamer Ruli Tsukiyono and end my turn."
A girl with long brown hair, with a beige school uniform and green bow tie materialized, ruby pink eyes glistening as she stood confidently, hand on her side. Like Kiyoshiro, she also had one of those devices on her arm.
Ruli Tsukiyono (BT10-091)
Color: Green
MEMORY
1-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 4: Daniel
Daniel drew. Examining his hand and field, he looked to Maxine. "Don't hate me for this."
"I'll hate you no matter what you do." Maxine glared in response.
"Jellymon moves into the Battle Area, then she'll digivolve into TeslaJellymon!"
The mischievous mollusk looked above her and saw the stream of binary beginning to rain down on her. She began to glow blue, and before them her body began to reshape and grow, transforming into a teenage-esque variation of its previous form, the cap that sat on her head now covering her eyes, green-tipped blue "hair" now appearing out of it to drape her neck. She had longer purple-tipped tendrils as well, her black and red jumpsuit now exposing her midriff, the latter also having extensions resembling a skirt to hide her shorts. The "sleeves" on her arms also covered the matching gloves she wore.
TeslaJellymon (BT9-025)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
3-1
"TeslaJellymon, attack Floramon!" Daniel ordered, sending his mollusk warrior forward. "Kiyoshiro's effect: When my Digimon with "Jellymon" in its name, or if its Level 5 or higher attacks, I can suspend him to draw a card so long as I have 7 cards or less in hand. Since I have exactly 7 cards, I draw. In addition, Jellymon's Inheritable Effect: Since a card was added to my hand by an effect, one of your Digimon that's Level 3 or less is returned to your hand. I choose Angoramon."
Maxine growled and reluctantly took her bunny back.
"Puyoyomon also gives TeslaJellymon +1000 DP for the same effect. Take out Floramon!
TeslaJellymon: 6000-7000 DP
Floramon: 4000 DP
Floramon dodged Tesla's electrified punch to the ground and swiftly retaliated. TeslaJellymon however dodged and sidestepped Floramon, moving so quickly that by the time Floramon reacted, it was being sent skyward with a thunderous uppercut. Floramon shot up into the sky and dispersed.
"Huh, so he has 8 cards in his hand." Terrence turned to Trevor. "Does that mean he's gonna have effects go off because of it?"
"Not necessarily," Trevor noted. "The deck I used needs as many cards as possible to maximize the effects. His deck may be the same at first glance, but it may be different in other ways."
"He's right. For example," Daniel took two cards—Gaomon and Boring Storm—and toss them in the trash, following it by unsuspending TeslaJellymon.
"What hold on!" Maxine exclaimed. "What are you doing?!"
"TeslaJellymon's effect: At the end of my attack, I discard two and I unsuspend my Digimon. TeslaJellymon now attacks your Security."
"You've got to be kidding me…"
"Told you you'd hate me." Daniel said.
TeslaJellymon brought her gloves together and charged a violent electrical current between them that only grew in size. Pulling her arms back, she thrusted, firing a charged beam of energy that melted the intercepted Security.
Maxine
Security: 5-4
Maxine flipped the card, and her demeanor shifted. "That's what you get! Toropiamon with 7000 DP!"
In response to Tesla's attack, a raging flower dragon stomped outward and charged the unsuspecting TeslaJellymon.
TeslaJellymon: 7000 DP
Toropiamon: 7000 DP
TeslaJellymon tried its best to dodge the dragon's blue talons and retaliate with small bursts of energy, however the dragon latched onto one of its tendrils, following up with a whip that carried TeslaJellymon overhead and slamming her into the ground, where she dispersed. Afterward, Tesla's gloves remained intact, and as Toropiamon leaned in to examine, they went off, self-destructing point blank.
"Well, that sucks… Gabumon digivolves into KausGammamon and I end." Daniel said, transforming Gabumon into a tall, blue, lanky variation of Gammamon, its legs having boosters on the sides of them, as well as two black box-like attachments with yellow slits in them.
KausGammamon (BT9-023)
Color: Blue
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
1-1 (Turn Change)
Turn 5: Maxine
Maxine drew her turn. Losing both Angoramon and Floramon wasn't what she expected to happen so she hoped she could recover. "Ruli sets my Memory to 3."
MEMORY
1-3
"I hatch Bosamon and digivolve it into Terriermon." She said, transforming Bosamon into a cream and green-colored rabbit dog digimon.
Terriermon (EX2-025)
Color: Green
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"And from my hand, I'll play Togemon and end my turn." She said, summoning a sentient boxing-glove-wearing Cactus digimon.
Togemon (EX1-036)
Color: Green
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
3-1 (Turn Change)
Turn 6: Daniel
"Wouldn't it have been better if she digivolved Terriermon?" Terrence asked.
"Sometimes it depends on the situation." Sierra said. "There's no rule that says you have to digivolve with anything Level 4 and above. In an attempt to recover, if you have the memory, why not use it?"
"In this case though…" Trevor began, "Which is faster, the recovery or the assault?"
Daniel drew. "Kiyoshiro sets my Memory to 3."
MEMORY
1-3
"I hatch Puyoyomon and digivolve it into Gaomon."
Gaomon materialized on Daniel's side within the Raising area, punching the air, as if challenging Togemon on the other side.
Gaomon (BT4-021)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"KausGammamon, Security Attack!" Daniel declared. KausGammamon swung its arms back, and the attachments on its back ejected a yellow cape-like appendage. This plus the boosters, sent KausGammamon up into the air, the gliding triceratops diving down to crash into Maxine's Security.
It made a direct hit before pulling up.
Maxine
Security: 4-3
She flipped the card over and in response, Rapidmon, a 7000=DP cyborg rabbit appeared and fired off rockets towards KausGammamon.
KausGammamon: 6000 DP
Rapidmon: 7000 DP
KausGammamon zipped back and zigzagged to break the direction of the missile, however its heatseeking capability made the former's attempts meaningless. KausGammamon exploded near the top of the area dome.
"TeslaJellymon, digivolve into the queen of the undersea network: Thetismon!" Daniel exclaimed, as a torrent of blue binary surrounded TeslaJellymon. Moments later, TeslaJellymon emerged, transformed into Thetismon, the boss digimon of the deck, a cybernetically enhanced Jellyfish woman digimon in a purple bell dress and upgraded armaments on her hands, feet and tendrils.
Thetismon (BT10-023)
Color: Blue
Level: 5
DP: 7000 DP
MEMORY
3-0
"Thetismon, Security Attack! Kiyoshiro's effect triggers, allowing me to suspend him and draw." Daniel drew. "And now I activate Thetismon's effect, discarding Veemon and Jellymon to unsuspend her. Puyoyomon adds +1000 DP as well.
Thetismon: 7000-8000 DP
"Go, Shock Smasher!" Daniel declared as Thetismon aimed one of her fists. Charging it with electricity, she fired it off like a rocket, crashing it into Maxine's Security.
Maxine
Security: 3-2
Emerging from the Security was Gargomon, who aimed its gatling gauntlet at Thetismon.
Thetismon: 8000 DP
Gargomon: 5000 DP
Thetismon, with a smirk, took her gloveless hand and whirled her finger around, redirecting her launched fist to collide with Gargomon from behind. The fist, carrying it upward, have Thetismon enough room to teleport herself up to it, and deliver an axe kick that sent it spiraling back onto the ground.
"Thetismon, once more, Security Attack!" Daniel followed, having Thetismon continue to direct her fist back to Maxine's Security.
Maxine
Security: 2-1
The pressure on Maxine's side was building, as she felt more vulnerable with every break. She turned to Kaden who was still tending to customers at the counter.
Was he pushed into a corner too? Is that why he…
She shook the thought out of her head and flipped the card. "Oh, thank God! Lamortmon with 9000 DP!"
Thetismon: 8000 DP
Lamortmon: 9000 DP
Her deck's boss Digimon Lamortmon caught the flying fist, crushed it, and hurled it back at Thetismon before chasing after it. Reactively Thetismon shot her other fist to blast it out of the sky, however Lamortmon used the explosion to its advantage, launching a surprise attack on Thetismon and tackling it out the sky, where it continued to tear into it aggressively until only, he landed, surrounded by blue binary.
"Guess I'll end it there then." Daniel said, passing turn.
MEMORY (0-3 Turn Change)
Turn 7: Maxine
"Someone's done their homework," Trevor said, sounding impressed.
"Yeah well, something told me after the weekend we'd be dragged into playing. Call it cautious preparation." Daniel explained.
"Just admit it's fun," Terrence grinned wide.
Daniel looked at Maxine before he answered that. "I…don't think that's a good idea."
Maxine glared, making him tense.
"And neither was that answer," Sierra giggled.
Maxine drew and moved Terriermon forward. "Togemon digivolves into Rapidmon, and then into Rosemon!"
Togemon, showered with a blitz of green binary reformed rapidly and transformed into a humanoid woman digimon with a clear rose aesthetic, her body mostly red with a rose crown covering the upper half of her face, and green leaves sporting a collar to incite a royal feel to her design. White petal-like cape draped down her back along with long blonde hair, she stood tall with black heeled boots and toyed with the yellow thorn whip that covered her arms and upper body.
Rapidmon (EX2-027)
Color: Green
Level: 5
DP: 7000
Rosemon (EX1-042)
Color: Green
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
MEMORY
3-0
0-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 8: Daniel
Daniel drew. "Gaomon moves forward, Digivolves into Gaogamon, Digi-Burst 2 to draw 1 card, Gaomon returns to hand, and then then I play Ice Wall, so if you attack me, you lose two memory. I end my turn."
MEMORY
3-1
1-0
Turn Change
Turn 9: Maxine
Maxine went to draw, but her hand retracted. "Forget it; I give up."
Daniel was taken aback. "Hold on, seriously?"
Maxine's Rosemon vanished and her cards were collected. The terminal registered her actions as a forfeit and displayed Daniel as the winner subsequently. By this point, Kaden came back, after handling the customers that came in in the meantime.
"Did I miss anything?" he asked, realizing the awkward silence.
"It's all your fault..." Maxine muttered.
Kaden looked over to her, growing concern after hearing her sniffling. "Are you okay Max?"
"It's your fault that I lost!" She blurted out, fighting tears.
Kaden blinked. "Time out, what's going on?"
"Danny kicked her butt." Terrence explained straightforwardly.
"Did you really have to word it like that?!" Daniel snapped.
"What? It's the truth."
"The wise learns from the mistakes of others..." Trevor said to himself, looking at Terrence.
"You should've been here helping me!" Maxine spat.
"Um..." Kaden gestured to his apron, "I'm working? Sorry I can't be in two places at once."
Maxine realized her folly and backed down a bit. "Whatever, the point is that if I want to get good at this game then I need to practice. So, help me practice."
"No thanks, I'm good." Kaden rejected.
"Why not?"
"Because I'm retired."
"Then unretire!"
"That's not how that works!"
"I don't care just do it!"
"No!"
They continued to go back and forth like this until Trevor and Sierra broke them up.
"Okay children settle down," Trevor said. "Tell you guys what; I'll coach all three of you."
"Seriously?!" Terrence beamed at the sound of that.
"That was the plan from the get-go," Sierra highlighted. "He couldn't help but see how engaged you three were during the Exhibition Match and thought that if there was ever a time to foster new talent, it'd be now."
"Well, that explains why you bought us the decks..." Daniel pondered. He jumped when Terrence came inches from his face.
"So...? You down too?"
Daniel thought for a second. While fun would his family allow him to juggle this and school work? Maybe he can convince them that this could be a social outlet for when he needs a break.
Throw in the strategy that's required and he can argue its educational.
"I'll have to check with my family but for now...sure."
"YES! I'll take that. How about you Max?"
"Only if Kaden coaches me."
"For the last time I said no!"
"Why because you can't hope to beat a girl without having to-!" She paused, reminding herself of the information she looked up.
"Having to what?"
"...nevermind. Forget I even asked..."
"I may not be Kaden but..." Sierra began to offer, "I did teach him everything he knows."
"Mostly." Kaden looked to her. "But she's right. Sierra may not be me, but she'll teach you everything that made me as skilled as I was. I can promise you that."
Maxine looked to the two and thought about it. If what he says is true, then...
"Okay, fine. On one condition though."
"What is it?" Kaden asked.
"When I become a skilled Digimon player, you owe me a match, retired or not. Deal?"
Kaden could see how serious she was. Could he really commit to that though? After everything that happened...can he really look at the game the same way? But more importantly, what if she, or the others for that matter...
...what would he do if their lives are put in danger as well?
"Deal. But only when you become strong enough to beat me."
Hearing that seemed to erase whatever tears she'd shed otherwise. With a budding smile she turned to Sierra. "Teach me whatever you know. I won't back down."
Sierra smiled at the sound of that. "Okay, let's get started then. Kaden, go on break."
"You sure? I only have an hour left; I can work through it."
"Don't worry about it. Brandon will be here in a bit and better you get some air. Don't worry if anything I'll throw Trevor an apron."
"Could only imagine how that'll blow over." He said.
Kaden was still iffy on taking off. Agreeing to Maxine's request made him anxious already. "Still..."
"Alright, you leave me no choice." Sierra turned to the doorway and gestured for the individual to come in. Kaden grew puzzled and turned, only to be surprised by the sight of the Asian man coming into the store.
"What's up Kaden? Been a while."
His neck snapped to Sierra. "You got Homura to drag me out?!" He pointed accusingly.
"Go on, shoo." Sierra motioned him to scram.
"Homura…?" Trevor heard the name before and took a moment to remember. "Right! Homura Oda, the Asia Circuit runner up."
"Runner up?" Terrence slowly turned. "Another pro...!"
Upon hearing his full name, Homura looked over. "Well, well, didn't expect to see Trevor McKnight here in NYC. Did you come for the recent Exhibition Match?"
"That and to visit family," Trevor said. "I take it you're going to be participating in the Digi-Grand Prix this year?"
"I intend to if time allows me," Homura admitted. "And you?"
"I've thought about it…" he turned to the younger teens. "But I think I wanna take coaching for a spin this time around."
"Wait…" Daniel began, "You mean you want us to participate in the tournament?!"
"BET!" Terrence exclaimed, agreeing without a second thought.
"No bet!" Maxine snapped. "We only just learned the game today, and the tournament starts in like two weeks or something right? We can't be ready that soon?"
"It's definitely possible." Trevor reassured, "If anything its mostly for the experience. Besides, didn't you want to be strong enough to beat this guy at some point?" He pointed behind him to Kaden. "Playing in a tournament is the greatest way to see what to expect when that time comes."
Maxine pondered the idea for a moment, long enough for Kaden to turn and head toward the escalator across the lobby. "I'm going to the food court."
"Sounds good," Homura said before turning to Sierra.
"I leave him to you, Homura." She told him.
With a nod, Homura went to catch up with Kaden. Maxine continued to watch as Kaden widened the distance between them, leaving her bothered all the more.
"So, you said he was the runner up?" Daniel asked Trevor.
"Mhmm, about two years ago during the Asia Circuit, he narrowly lost to Ren Igarashi. Rumor has it they've been rivals and friends since childhood but had a falling out towards the end of the Circuit that year. Don't know what happened that sparked it, but that last battle was the end of it.
"Yikes…" Terrence thought.
"But for now that's ancient history." Trevor said. "Let's get started with our first lesson: deck types and Color associations!"
"Yeah!" Terrence agreed.
Daniel silently supported.
"You want to join them, Maxine?" Sierra asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah…sure."
Sierra noticed the girl's hesitation but didn't press her on it. Instead, she stepped aside so she can listen in on Trevor's lesson…
"So, how have things been with you?" Homura sat at the table, having retrieved two coffees from the nearby Starbucks booth.
Kaden during the time Homura was gone was watching the counter. His friend and rival, Nico Woods, used to work there whenever he wasn't at his grandfather's clinic in New Jersey. As one of the victims of Raesyl's rampage, Nico was one of the ones who took longer to wake up from the induced coma.
Looking at it from a wide range, there were a little over a dozen volunteers that made up the X-Streamers. Milo, despite having RizeGreymon X didn't count technically. Nico did have an X-Antibody either, but even so he was affected after attempting to stop Raesyl when they first awakened. In the end, He, Milo, Adara, Lucas, Mason and Homura were the X-Antibody users who managed to make it out the least unscathed.
However, where Kaden didn't suffer from the physical side effects, he definitely was affected mentally. Other X-Streamers who recovered suffered from PTSD among other things as well.
Seeing how many people suffered traumatized Kaden. He was stupid for taking on so much responsibility and thinking that he was a chosen one. Everyone who pushed him into thinking like that are at fault too, yet its as if they washed their hands of it and moved on.
It wasn't fair…
"Yo, earth to Kaden!" Homura waved, snapping Kaden back out of his thought.
"Sorry, what's up?"
"How have you been? It's been a while since we had a moment to talk."
"Yeah, tell me about it." Kaden said, sipping the drink. "It's like I blinked and it's summer already. It's almost a year since Syl and I first met…"
With Kaden saying that, it didn't take Homura much effort to see where Kaden's head was.
"So, what's up? I'm guessing Sierra called you to give me an impromptu older brother talk?"
"If you want to see it like that," Homura didn't deny. "I've been told I'm a great listener."
Kaden chuckled. Kaden couldn't deny that since they made amends, Homura's been one of the people he wanted to foster a friendship with—especially since he and Sierra have developed a not-so-secret-secret relationship.
Kaden took another sip and began to talk, "Milo's moving to Cisco City."
Homura didn't respond, right away, waiting to see if there was more to that. "Sorry to hear that."
"Yeah…what sucks is that after everything, I've distanced myself from everyone. Started doing school virtually, cut off communications with Raelyn, Milo and everyone, I've only got back to school after spring break and when I got back…
"Speculations and rumors?"
Kaden scoffed, "People claimed that Riley was manipulating Nico, Milo and me. Some went as far as to say that she had Dawson 'taken care of.' After Omnia shut down and the war was over, Milo came back to school first and then I came back at some point. By the look of it, he seemed fine, meanwhile I tried to block out the rumors and be my old self.
"How well did that work out for you?"
"People caught on really quick that Milo and I weren't talking, which only added fuel to the fire. On top of that, people were pestering me about the others, and refused to let it go. Then when people found out that I didn't move onto Babylon from Omnia, they tried getting on my case with that. All I could do was laugh it off while I kept the truth hidden…
…it hurt like hell."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"If only they knew what I saw inside Ordinemon…" Kaden's voice began to break. "Raelyn suffered…Riley and Syl too. And after everything all I could do was put them out of their misery…!"
Kaden took a deep, shuddering breath, wiping his eyes. "It's not fair…! None of this is fair…!"
Homura moved his chair closer to Kaden and massaged his back to comfort him. He sounded so similar to Sierra, only difference was he wasn't drowning himself in Sake.
"…And worst of all…" Kaden tried to calm down, "My younger cousin wants to play." Kaden turned to Homura. "I don't want her to be exposed to what we went through. I can't let her, or her friends end up like us—end up like Riley."
"…So, what do you want to do?"
"I don't know. I told her…that I'll battle her when she becomes strong enough but…"
"Then don't back down on your promise." Homura told him. "While she gets strong, you get stronger. Then when the day comes where danger arises, be the Cobalius that saved Omnia, and do your duty."
Kaden didn't respond to that, letting the thought simmer in his head.
"You'll be okay man. Sierra and I won't let you go through this on your own. I can promise you that much."
Kaden nodded, wiping another tear before verbally responding, "thanks man…"
"Of course…" Homura nodded.
"Of course…"
"So, tell me, what have I missed while I've been away?" the man asked as the limousine drove out of the airport pick up station.
He, Bianca and Justin, after having a delicious lunch, were now heading home in Manhattan, New York. While the man had more unfilled curiosities he wanted to humor, something more pressing was on his mind, to which the young former Sovereign of the West had answers.
Omnia has experienced relative "peace" under the guidance of the Zenith District over the span of several thousand Omnian Years," Bianca began to explain. "However, with the introduction of humans, they saw a threat from their influence on Digimon. The Nadir District saw this early on and attempted to capitalize on that factor. Ornismon, who hailed from another world, introduced the idea to the remnants of the Nadir District, whereas Grandracmon your former servant, manipulated the powerful Alphamon with the use of the forbidden Death-X Evolution. Both were defeated by the humans in separate conflicts, the latter of which—in a last-ditch effort—created the monster Ordinemon, using another fallen servant of Drasil to that end. That particular individual, from my understanding, was coaxed into believing that Drasil would deliver their beloved human back to them. Actually, come to think of it, Grandracmon, while seeking to resurrect you, also fell for Drasil's temptation for power. A fitting end for someone so foolish."
"I see," her father rubbed the dark hair on his chin. "And of Drasil? The Sovereign of the Zenith is in AEGIS custody, correct?"
"That's correct. We were able to confirm it during our stay there. Drasil is currently under tight security, whereas his representative is in prison due to his crimes, including obscuring Drasil's plans for Omnia among other things."
"Fascinating…" He nodded, understanding. "So, tell me, what of Omnia now in its current state?"
In response to that, Bianca raised her D-Streamer and pressed a button, summoning a knight-like digimon in black armor, its chest plate, which made up its body, resembling a skull with red eyes, matching the twin lance arms it had.
The digimon upon seeing the man took a knee. "Lord Bagramon, it's an honor to meet you once more."
"Please, in this form I prefer it if you call me "Mayor Negri." He responded.
"Very well." The digimon responded. "To answer your question, with the fall of Ordinemon, Omnia has been left in a state of reconstruction. A power vacuum has occurred due to the mass exodus of many survivors, leaving the world almost desolate."
"Hmm, but from my understanding, it's nearly been one Earth Year since the war. That should equate to thousands of years in Omnia, correct? Shouldn't the recovery have proceeded faster?"
"Its because Drasil isn't around to oversee it," Justin answered. "In short, it's a 'godless' world."
"I see…" Mayor Negri crossed his arms. "A godless world, a power vacuum, and a mass exodus…my oh my, how have the mighty fallen."
"The Western District was the least affected out of the seven Districts." Bianca continued, "Therefore, we've been able to expand our territory."
"For what purpose?"
"For the next threat to touch upon our world." The knight digimon answered.
"I see…so you know then."
"Rumors at best." Bianca clarified. "Some at AEGIS are too scared to keep quiet."
"Well then, I can say with confidence that when the time comes, I look forward to seeing Drasil's response. But until then…" he said with a smile.
"…I have a new world to explore."
Later on, that night, Maxine was back on her computer once more. Overall, the afternoon was surprisingly eventful, more than what she expected. Between committing to this game that she just the other day vowed to never be caught dead with, and on top of which, getting coached by her cousin's mentor and a well-known professional, it was safe to say that this summer was going to be quite something.
When it was pointed out by Daniel earlier about her sudden commitment to the game, she told him that since Kaden is famous, and Trevor is too, imagine the street cred she could use in High School, especially since it was confirmed that both she and Terrence were going to CS High in the fall. However, that's what she told him…
Sierra may've picked up on her real reason. She seemed like she was shrewd like that.
At the end of the day, she wants to know why Kaden retired. Why was he accused of cheating? She wanted to know the Cobalius side of him, the V-Streaming world that he kept hidden from her all this time.
One way or another she was gonna make that happen.
Returning to the article from before, she read the familiar headline and continued to read. "In relation to the announcement, the Imperial Knight has been making waves recently in the Central Collesium in Omnia's Central District, sporting an entirely new strategy, his signature Imperialdramon absent. Could this be a reinvention on his part, or is the best yet to come? While some are happy for his return, others are skeptical, saying its bold of him showing his face after ruining his reputation. Even so, it seems as if Cobalius is focusing on the crowds of fans who believe he's innocent, as each exhibition match, he partakes in draws in crowds. Will his support continue on for the upcoming rematch? We'll have to wait and see…"
Maxine leaned back in her chair. With the many dead ends she was running into; she was growing irritable. Maybe if she searched up the rematch, she'd find something…
Typing in the date of the rematch she skimmed through the results. What she found though…
"It was cancelled?!" She exclaimed. She clicked on the link and read through. Slowly her breath left her lungs, and she quickly closed it out, terrified of what she read.
"a Cyber Terrorist attack?" she repeated out loud. "What the…" she paused as she realized something. "Wait a second…" she pulled it back up and looked at the date. "This was in the fall…?" She opened another tab and googled big events that happened during that time.
"CLAUDE SHANNON HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER GOES MISSING."
"GAS LEAK AT CLAUDE SHANNON HIGH SCHOOL CAUSES EXPLOSION LEAVING SEVERAL INJURED, ONE CRITICAL."
"EARTHQUAKE STRIKES EAST SHORE, STATEN ISLAND, SEVERAL INJURED."
"CYBER TERRORIST ATTACK ON STREAM CORP FACILITY IN TRENTON!"
"STREAM CORP UNDER INVESTIGATION, FORCED TO SHUT DOWN POPULAR MMO VIDEO GAME."
"MASS HOMICIDE AT STREAM CORP FACILITY IN TRENTON AMID AEGIS INVESTIGATION! DOZENS DEAD"
"THE FALL OF STREAM CORP: HOW THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR V-STREAMING SERVICE CAME TUMBLING…"
Maxine was at a sheer loss for words. Forget processing any of this, the mere fact this all happened in that brief period of time…there couldn't be any way Kaden didn't at least know about this…
Was he…involved in any of this? Not that she was accusing him but…the thought that he was twisted her stomach.
Not him. Not Kaden. There was no way he was put in danger like this. Sure, he was reckless at times and always stuck his nose into things but…
She had had enough. The day was already overwhelming, and she didn't need to worsen it.
Closing her computer—and her investigation into her cousin—she got ready for bed, dismissing any thought that her cousin's retirement had to do with these crazy headlines.
Her only goal now was to become strong enough to battle him, and win.
More than anything, she wanted to be on equal footing with her role model, and be as great as he was…