[AEGIS HQ, Eight Months Ago…]
She couldn't get his screaming out of her head…
Exhaustion weighed heavily on Sierra; the images of the conflict left burned in her mind. The sounds of Ordinemon's screeching forever etched on her eardrums, and the thought that her disciples were the ones put in the center of it all. It was only after a few long nights that she was finally able to sleep soundly.
It wasn't just her though. While the conflict may've ended, the last few days have been nothing short of questioning, surveying, damage controlling. The AEGIS Headquarters where everyone was evacuated to regroup wasn't met with celebrations for a job well done, but a frantic recovery effort. The X-Streamers who were absorbed into Ordinemon's miasmic pit were left in a comatose state, what was left of Raesyl, was no different; despite the insane mental toll on the girl's body, somehow, some glimmer was miraculously holding on. Stubborn as it may've been the grip wasn't much. But it was strong enough that the medics at AEGIS were desperate to grip hard back.
Kaden wasn't in a comatose state, but he may have well been. Since being pulled, he's been under surveillance. No one's been able to see him due to the severity of his situation, which only added more stress on Sierra. Homura, when she needed him most, was constantly being pulled away with Cyrus Asghar—Lord Vermil—to assess their losses on their side of the conflict, in addition to providing any info that AEGIS could use in the recovery efforts. Knowing him, he probably won't be able to sit still and will likely aid them in whatever way he can. As for her though, after everything that's happened…
…did she have the right to call herself a Representative? That was the question that wouldn't leave her alone.
The door slid open for Sierra as she dragged herself into one of the AEGIS lounge rooms. Inside, she saw Mason, Dr. Woods, Cyrus and Bianca, along with Homura and Justin respectively behind their Representatives.
"Good," the older Persian man took note of her, uncrossing his arms, "we can get started then."
"Get started with what?" She questioned, making her way further in the room. "Mason, why did you call us here so early in the morning?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Cyrus replied. "The fighting may be over, but we have questions that need answers."
Sierra checked her D-Streamer for the time before turning her narrow gaze back at him. "And you choose six in the morning to discuss this?"
"We're short on time," Mason explained. "There's a lot to explain and no time to do so."
"I'm also to blame for this as well," Dr. Woods raised his hand. "I recently learned of the charges I face as the former director of Project X-Stream."
Sierra turned to him. She knew Dr. Woods was to face some kind of punishment for his role in STREAM Corp's disastrous handling of the conflict—they all played a part in it. "AEGIS isn't waving it after we held back Ordinemon?"
"I was the one who ignorance lead to the birth of Ordinemon. And in my position, it would be hard to argue that I didn't know that Noah's actions were to proceed the way they have."
"Besides, did we Representatives even do much other than bicker with one another?" Bianca chimed in, the blunt tween making a valid point. "All we did was argue and wait for your Vassal to fail at his job."
"Fail?!" Sierra scowled. "Kaden used the Omni Sword to save everyone! If we went along and dealt with Ordinemon ourselves, there wasn't any guarantee we'd have the same results!"
"The X-Streamers are all in a coma, not to mention the surviving digimon have been displaced." Bianca continued to stand her ground. "Ordinemon may be dead, but the mark we humans have left on that world have left it permanently scarred."
Sierra, fueled by anger, wanted to speak more, but the words failed to come to her. In her frustration, words flowed.
"…I should've never taken this position…"
Sierra's sudden words caught the attention of those in the room, especially Homura. His grandfather, Asahi Oda, also known as Lord Arashimaru, was the original Eastern Representative—or at least he was supposed to be. Upon the formal indoctrination of the Representatives, he volunteered Sierra for the position, and with enough insistence on his part she took up the mantle, not knowing the full extent of her role at the time. She grew into it however, becoming the powerful and affectionate Eastern Representative, Lady Azurena. With all that said, her words came as a bit of a surprise to them, as she took pride in those she mentored, not to mention the pivotal role she played in Riley's development post-accident.
"Do…you really mean that, Sierra?" Homura prodded, wondering if she truly meant her words.
Realizing what she said, she tried to backtrack only to be interrupted by Bianca, "With that in mind, do you think to yourself if we ever belonged in that world…?"
Sierra looked at her, confused by her question. Bianca's curiosity was short-lived, her words becoming food for thought as she turned to Dr. Woods, in which case he cleared his throat. "Drasil has surrendered itself to AEGIS, and along with it the Four Sovereigns."
"…What?" Sierra uttered. "Why am I just now—!"
"Its for their protection." Mason stated.
"…their protection…?" Sierra questioned. She turned to Cyrus for answers, and he side-eyed her first before elaborating.
"You don't need me to explain this do you? Lindberg proved to AEGIS that he was untrustworthy, and incapable of handling the responsibility of maintaining Omnia as the Zenith Representative."
"So, what does that mean?" Sierra looked at each of them. "Without the Sovereigns, what's to come of Omnia—of us?"
"It doesn't matter." Cyrus insisted, his tone indicating for her to just accept his word as fact. "You said it yourself that you should've never been the Eastern Representative in the first place."
Cyrus walked to her side and put his heavy hand on her shoulder. "You got your wish…" He broke off and left the room. The room fell silent, putting Homura in an awkward position. As he saw Sierra begin to crumble before him, he reluctantly followed Cyrus out of the room, compelled by a duty that was more or less nulled at this point.
Dr. Woods stood and guided Sierra to sit down. Mason, meanwhile, continued talking, "For now, this is the safest option until we determine where to go from here. Director Jones will soon fill us in on details as they become available."
The words took time to register fully before she could speak, "…what about Slayerdramon? BloomLordmon, Marsmon…Even DarkKnightmon had nothing to say about this?!"
"They too are under AEGIS's 'protection' for now." Cyrus added.
"You call it 'protection,' but to me, it sounds like imprisonment." Sierra's confusion was evident. "This is insane!"
"What does it matter?" Bianca turned, "Like Vermil said a moment ago—!"
"That's enough!" Dr. Woods scolded. "Sierra, I'm deeply sorry that you had to find out like this, but its evident that for now, Omnia needs time to recover naturally.
"Do you know where they are?" She looked up at Mason, desperation now coming through.
"I'm afraid not…"
Hearing that triggered something in Sierra. A wave of anger began to erupt inside her, her gaze sharp towards him, "You liar…! She jumped from the chair, and it took Justin to step in and hold her back. "Don't try and pretend that you didn't sell us out!"
Mason remained steel-faced while Sierra melted into a sobbing mess, her stress and emotional state all coming to a head. It was clear that they were all at their breaking points.
It just so happened, that Sierra was the first to crack under it all…
Chapter 5: Legacy of the Broken
Turn 1: Stranger
"I'll start by hatching Gigimon." On the stranger's side materialized Gigimon, a red lizard-like digimon with small nubs for limbs, and tiny wing-like ears.
Gigimon (BT5-006)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
"Gigimon will digivolve into Guilmon, and then from my hand I play Veemon."
The red lizard digimon reformed into Guilmon, whereas a blue dragon-like digimon materialized before them, taking Sierra by surprise. What struck her particularly about this specific Veemon, was the red border the card sported.
Guilmon (EX3-056)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Veemon (EX3-004)
Color: Red
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
0-3
"When Veemon is played," the stranger took a card in his hand and flipped it around. "I can discard either an Imperialdramon, or a digimon with Free in its traits from my hand to draw 2 cards. By discarding Paildramon, I draw 2."
Sierra watched as the abnormal dual-colored card was trashed in favor of two cards from the top of their deck. She had enough sense to be suspicious, but this was the furthest thing she expected.
(Turn Change)
Turn 2: Sierra
She drew for her turn. "I hatch DemiVeemon."
In her breeding area came a baby-fied variation of Veemon, its longer arms, claws and horn were non-existent replaced with small blue nubs and a flat white face.
DemiVeemon (ST8-01)
Color: Blue
Level: 2
"DemiVeemon digivolves into Patamon, and then I play Gatomon from my hand for 4 Memory."
The small baby dragon digimon reformed into a flying orange and white mammalian digimon. In addition, in the Battle Area, a bipedal white cat digimon with purple stripes and ends on its ears and tail, as well as a small gold ring on the tail, and yellow glove-like paws, materialized.
Patamon (BT8-020)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 3000
Gatomon (EX3-030)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
3-1
"When Gatomon enters play, I reveal the top 4 cards of my deck. From among them, I can add one yellow card with 'Angel' in its traits, and a card with 'Four Great Dragons' in its traits to my hand. The rest go to the bottom of the deck.
Gatomon hopped from the ground and slashed the air several times, each strike summoning one of the four revealed cards before them: Sora Takenouchi and Joe Kido, Angewomon, Salamon and Magnadramon. Sierra took Angewomon and Magnadramon, each fulfilling a requirement, and sent the others to the bottom of the deck.
(Turn Change)
Turn 3: Stranger
The stranger drew. "Guilmon moves forward, and then attacks your Security!"
Guilmon snarled and took a deep breath, conjuring a ball of flames in its jaws before firing towards Sierra. Embers licked stone brick pavement of the bridge as it shot ahead, leaving singe marks as the Security card revealed Shakkoumon on the other side.
Guilmon: 2000 DP
Shakkoumon: 8000 DP
The totem-looking mutant digimon towered over Guilmon, its slit-eyes glowing red before beaming down Guilmon with them. Red and purple binary rose and disappeared in the gate in the sky, the burnt stone the only evidence of its existence.
Sierra
Security: 5-4
"Guilmon's effect: If deleted, I'm allowed to delete one of your digimon with 3000 DP or less..."
Sierra examined her field to ensure that the effect would fizzle. Patamon was safe in the Breeding Area, and Gatomon has 4000 DP; neither were targets. So why mention its effect?
"…however, if it be the case that that can't happen, then Guilmon has an alternative."
"An alternative?" Sierra repeated, not expecting that.
"We both trash the top 2 cards of our deck." The stranger revealed the two cards materializing over his device. A new digimon known as Shadramon, as well as the Option Card Demonic Disaster materialized and dispersed before Sierra. Meanwhile she looked at her own device, saw Angemon and Veemon appear, and also disperse, indicating they were sent to her trash.
"To end my turn, I play Wormmon." He revealed the purple bordered card before the green worm digimon materialized before him in the Battle Area.
Wormmon (EX3-055)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
1-2
"When Wormmon enters play, I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck. I add one purple or red card with Free in its traits or Imperialdramon in its name into my hand, send another card with said requirements into my trash, and the remaining go to the bottom of the deck.
The cards revealed were a purple and red Imperialdramon card, a mono-red Flamedramon and finally a purple and red Growlmon. Imperialdramon was added to the hand, while Flamedramon was sent into the trash and Growlmon to the bottom of the deck. Sierra only felt more tense as she tried to piece together what exactly was taking place in the moment.
"Surely the Eastern Representative is aware of the cards in my possession…?" The stranger took note of the look of confusion on her face.
"Who are you exactly?" she asked defensively. "And why do you have an Imperialdramon of that color?"
The stranger simply laughed. "Who I am isn't as important as to the why. To reach my goal is to begin by hunting down you representatives one by one.
Rather than feel shaken by his words, Sierra only felt a twinge of anger. Instead of taking on his intimidation, she read his words as a challenge, audacious in nature. "Bold words; truly bold words…"
(Turn Change)
Turn 4: Sierra
"Since you feel so strongly about that, then I have no reason to be cautious any longer…" Sierra drew, and then glared at her opponent. "Patamon moves into the Battle Area, and then Armor Digivolves into Pegasusmon!"
Patamon's bright smile as it fluttered about juxtaposed the intensity of the current situation. Yellow and blue binary code rained down and encircled Patamon, as it was reformed into a golden armored Pegasus, armor covering its legs and face, with golden wings and a blonde mane.
Pegasusmon (BT9-038)
Color: Yellow/Blue
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
2-0
"When my digimon digivolves into Pegasusmon, one of your digimon receives Security Attack -1!"
Pegasusmon, whose demeanor lacked the same joyous expression Patamon shared, galloped into the air and took aim at Wormmon. Its wings glowed, and a strong flap, sent down a shower of stars that crashed into the trembling Wormmon, subduing it for the moment.
"Pegasusmon and Gatomon now will DNA Digivolve into Shakkoumon!" Sierra swiped, causing Pegasusmon to glow blue and Gatomon to glow Yellow. Both took off as beams into the Digital Gate above, twisting around one another as they slipped through the gate. Then, emerging from it, came Shakkoumon once more, illuminating the area with its appearance.
Shakkoumon (BT8-038)
Color: Yellow/Blue
Level: 5
DP: 8000
"When my digimon digivolves into Shakkoumon, I recover a card to Security."
Sierra
Security: 4-5
"Then, if it was a DNA Digivolution, one of your Digimon whose level is equal to or less than the number of Security Cards present gets bounced to your hand. Using this effect, I send Veemon back!"
The hatch of Shakkoumon's torso opened and shout out clay disk that careened into Veemon, blowing it backwards and back into a binary stream that reformed into a card for the stranger.
"I end by playing Kari Kamiya from my hand," Sierra played, summoning a brown-haired girl with a pink and white top, pink arm warmers, yellow shorts and pink sneakers.
Kari Kamiya (BT8-090)
Color: Yellow
MEMORY
0-4 (Turn Change)
Turn 5: Stranger
The stranger drew and hatched Gigimon. "You love to hear it. Gigimon digivolves into Wormmon, and then I play Veemon once again. I discard DinoBeemon to draw 2 cards." The stranger did just that, discarding the card and drawing, stacking his trash further.
MEMORY
4-1
"Veemon, Armor Digivolve into Flamedramon!"
Streams of red binary encircled Veemon and transformed it into a mature variation of itself, flamed decaled red amor covering its fists, joints and face, a blade-like horn extending from the snout of the face mask.
Flamedramon (EX3-008)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
1-1
Only adding further to her building tension was the sight of the iconic armor Digimon. A Mono Red Flamedramon was just as unusual as everything else she's seen up to this point.
"Now, Flamedramon activates its digivolution effect: For its digivolution cost, one of my other digimon may digivolve into a level 4 purple digimon with "Free" in its traits. From my trash, Wormmon will now Armor Digivolve into Shadramon!"
"Shadramon?" Sierra questioned as the purple binary around Wormmon sparked into purple flames. They swirled around Wormmon like a cocoon and moments later, it emerged as a butterfly-like insectoid digimon, with matching flame decal patterns on its body as Flamedramon.
Shadramon (EX3-058)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
1-3
"What is…that digimon?" Sierra questioned.
The stranger chuckled, "Do you really need me to tell you? Activating Shadramon's digivolution effect, my two digimon will now DNA Digivolve into DinoBeemon!"
Both armor digimon glowed in their respective colors and took off into the skies above, with DinoBeemon shooting back down to the earth moments later, shaking the ground with its aggressive impact.
DinoBeemon (EX3-061)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 5
DP: 8000
The draconic bug locked gazes with Sierra. Its jittery, feral movements made it almost unrecognizable to her, a Digimon whom she was familiar with thanks to its normal affiliation with Blue and Green.
"To wrap things up, my DinoBeemon uses its effect to revive Paildramon from the trash." The stranger announced, as Paildramon suddenly materialized in red and purple binary.
Paildramon (EX3-010)
Color: Red/Purple
Level: 5
DP: 8000
(Turn Change)
Turn 6: Sierra
Seeing the counterpart besides DinoBeemon made the feeling in her stomach worse. This went beyond unfamiliarity; this was outright disgusting.
"Uttered speechless, are we?" The stranger taunted.
"I have nothing to say to someone who tramples on the legacy of Imperialdramon so casually," Sierra drew. "Whoever you are, and whatever you plan on doing to us matters little at this point. Just worry about where you'll be once I'm through with you! I hatch!"
DemiVeemon materialized in her breeding area. Followed by its digivolution into Sierra's own Veemon.
Veemon (EX1-013)
Color: Blue
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Shakkoumon, Security Attack!" Sierra declared, triggering Shakkoumon's eyes to glow before firing off lasers that shattered the Stranger's Security.
Stranger
Security: 4-3
Veemon flew from the Security and dispersed in red binary, unable to withstand the impact sustained.
"Come Forth, Great Dragon of Rose! Shakkoumon digivolve into Magnadramon!"
The Digi-Gate in the air erupted with binary, sending beats of thunder all around it. Bystanders off in other areas of the neighborhood and park who hadn't taken note of the mysterious gate in the sky were now glued, watching as golden specks rained down, only to be followed by a ferocious roar, and a pink colored beast serpent emerging from the treetops.
Magnadramon (EX1-032)
Color: Yellow
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
MEMORY
3-0
Whether her play summoned spectators or not didn't concern her. All that mattered was neutralizing the threat before her, to keep the legacy of the Eastern District's hero from being tainted further. "By trashing my top Security, Magnadramon unsuspends!"
A security card appeared and dispersed, revealing itself to be the Option Card: Sourai. Afterward, Magnadramon absorbed the data and became reinvigorated and ready to strike.
"When I attack, DinoBeemon will lose -3000 DP thanks to Shakkoumon's IE effect. Go! Security Attack!"
Magnadramon conjured pink flames in its jowls and blasted it towards the stranger in a pink spiral. Passing through DinoBeemon who roared in response, her opponent remained unflinching, allowing the impact to connect. The Security materialized blocked the attack.
Stranger
Security: 3-2
As Magnadramon ceased its attack to witness the results, the smoke around the stranger cleared, and he stood with an Option card in hand, and an angry Guilmon joining them.
"Security Trigger: Demonic Disaster revies Guilmon from the trash."
Sierra snickered in response to that. "I end by playing Tinkermon." She stated, summoning the fairy. "Paildramon gets Security Attack -1."
Tinkermon (BT10-030)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 7: Stranger
The Stranger drew and chuckled after seeing his drawn card. "You say I trampled on the legacy of Imperialdramon?"
"I don't believe I'm mistaken in making that accusation." Sierra defended her words." Imperialdramon was the Eastern District's legendary hero, the Paladin whose blade subdued the ancient ruler of the Nadir District and ushered in an era of peace across Omnia."
"That's not what I heard though..."
"Your attempt at gaslighting is laughable."
"As is your denial of the true facts." The stranger continued. "After all, after what happened, how can you stand there and proclaim that the history that Drasil set is factual?"
The shift in her expression made the stranger grin. "Allow me then to unveil the true form of your so called 'hero.'" The stranger moved Wormmon forward. "Wormmon Armor Digivolves into Shadramon!"
Shadramon's silhouette overlaid on top of Wormmon, and the later converted into its new form.
MEMORY
3-1
"Shadramon's effect activates: From my trash, I'm allowed to digivolve one of my digimon into a red level 4 with "Free" in its traits for its cost. Guilmon Armor Digivolves into Flamedramon!"
Guilmon roared as red binary encircled it and transformed it into another Flamedramon.
MEMORY
1-1
"And now Flamedramon's effect now activates: DNA Digivolution into Paildramon!"
Sierra grit her teeth as the area rocked once more, the two level 4s combining to become the 3rd Level 5 on his field.
"Can you guess what happens next?" He taunted.
"...The DinoBeemon you discarded..."
He snapped his fingers, "Bingo!"
DinoBeemon materialized alongside it.
Sierra couldn't help but admit to herself that the current sight was daunting. However, with the memory gauge passed over, it was her turn, and she was about to-
"You're probably thinking that you're free to do your turn, right?"
Sierra felt a cold chill rush down her spine. "There's more to this...?"
Though she whispered her words, the Stranger could feel her sudden anxiety. "Shadramon and Flamedramon have the same IE effects. At the end of the turn, they can enable a DNA Digivolution."
Sierra's eyes widened as the quartet of level 5s glowed in their dominant colors, the Paildramon red, and the DinoBeemon Purple. As the four shot up into the sky and into the gate, the Stranger unveiled a pair of cards in his hand, of which terrified Sierra.
"Now my servants, become the obsidian meteors that will burn this world in crimson flames! I command you to DNA Digivolve into Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode!"
The sky roared violently, blood red lightning piercing the clouds in the sky, creating a terrific spectacle. People in other areas of the park and in the surrounding area outside the park either watched in anxious curiosity or sought shelter from the ominous storm. Sierra however was left in awe as from the gate came forth two black Imperialdramon, who rivaled the snarling Magnadramon in stature. The dragons were clad in black armor with gold bladed claws and blood red wings, their demeanors ferocious and predatory, unlike the strong, heroic demeanor of the Imperialdramon that Sierra was familiar with.
Imperialdramon (EX3-063)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
The stranger pointed. "Choose."
Sierra blinked. "Choose what?"
"Which of your Digimon you're going to save. After all, both of my Imperialdramon have the ability to delete all of your Digimon except the one of your choosing, when DNA Digivolving. And no, it's not simultaneous, so don't get slick."
Begrudgingly she turned to Tinkermon. "I'm sorry…"
Tinkermon perked up and turned towards her, only to suddenly feel the destructive presence of one of the Imperialdramon over her. Sierra turned away, not being able watch as Tinkermon was devoured by the monster.
At least it was quick.
"Before you get any ideas to retaliate, best let you know one other thing…"
"What?!" Sierra snarled. Her answer came in the form of the very Imperialdramon attacking her dragon. She shielded herself from the force of the impact as she processed what happened.
"Blitz." The stranger answered. "In addition to +2000 DP.
Imperialdramon: 12,000-14,000 DP
Magnadramon: 11,000 DP
Magnadramon clashed with the aggressive dragon, flying into the turbulent skies above both for safety of its tamer as well as more open space to let loose. Both Digimon clashed and swirled about into an awe-inspiring spectacle, drawing eyes to many ever curious about the chaotic situation. Fearful onlookers ran through the streets as the neighborhood spiraled. Imperialdramon, taking note of the screams dove down, baiting Magnadramon to pursue.
Imperialdramon shot pass skyscrapers, blowing out the windows of the upper halves of the building, and showering Magnadramon in glass. In its disorientation, it narrowly avoided a blast from Imperialdramon's cannon before retaliating with a spiral of flames from its person.
As the pair tried to tackle one another out of the skies, certain onlookers watched intently, taking heed in the unfolding situation for reasons known to themselves…
Eventually the pair of dragons returned, and it took one final strike with its claws to fell Magnadramon, the great rose-shaded dragon collapsing and crashing in the middle of the battlefield between Sierra and her opponent. In the smoke, Imperialdramon returned to its tamer, and roared in its victory.
"And now, for my other Imperialdramon, Double Security Attack!"
Sierra had no time to react as two Security cards materialized to block the black positron laser shot at her. The force of the impact blew her off the bridge and she rolled on the paved pathway where the air was knocked completely out of her. She burned with the newly added scrapes on her hands and face, while her side ached from the initial impact of it all.
How nice it would be to just lie here and fade, her disoriented thoughts tempted her. Shame it wasn't a luxury she had.
Through the searing pain, she could her the vicious growls of her summoned dragons, AeroVeedramon and Coredramon, who were summoned from her security. She forced her eyes open to acknowledge their presence and protection.
Imperialdramon: 12,000-16,000 DP
AeroVeedramon: 8000 DP
Coredramon: 4000 DP
Both lesser level digimon lunged for the 2nd Imperialdramon, however unlike Magnadramon who was able to put up a fight, AeroVeedramon barely stood a chance and was blasted away, whereas Coredramon barely fared better, only surviving thanks to its Security effect.
Sierra
Security: 4-2
Sierra forced herself on her feet, the incessant beeping of her device to draw the two cards provided from Coredramon's effect in her ear, keeping her conscious. She wasn't going to win this, that much was clear. Even so, she had enough sense that summoning real Digimon into the world like this would draw attention—if the screams she heard was any indication.
She just needed to hold out a little longer…
(Turn Change)
Turn 8: Sierra
"Kari…sets my memory to 3…" Sierra said before drawing, one of her legs feeling strained from being stood on.
MEMORY
1-3
"Veemon moves out… and Coredramon Security Attacks!" She declared through the pain.
Coredramon flapped its wings and conjured air in its chest before belching a spiral of fierce winds at the stranger. He cackled as the security blocked the attack and revealed itself.
Stranger
Security: 3-2
"Security Trigger: Atomic Megalo Blaster!" He revealed. "All of your digimon with a total of 10,000 DP are deleted."
Sierra accepted that as much. Twin blue beams fired back towards her, incinerating both of her Digimon.
She ended her turn.
MEMORY
3-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 9: Stranger
The stranger drew. "I can tell you were holding back."
Their words sparked her curiosity.
"Could it be you were gauging me? Or protecting the city? As the Representative of the East, you have the power of Azulongmon at your fingertips, so why not utilize it?"
Sierra gave them a weak smile. "Why should I let a worm like you bask in their glory…?"
The stranger smirked. "Fair enough. Imperialdramon!"
One of the two Imperialdramon roared and got into position to fire its cannon. Charging it, it unleashed the attack, blasting away the two Security that materialized before Sierra. Angewomon and Salamon appeared but were overwhelmed by the energy.
Sierra
Security: 2-0
"It was a pleasure, Representative. I'll be sure to send the other slaves of Drasil right behind you... Direct Attack!"
The Second Imperialdramon charged its cannon and fired towards Sierra. She looked on as the plasmic energy approached rapidly.
She closed her eyes and silently reassured herself that her duty was complete…
The last time he was at Mount Sinai West was when Milo's mom died…
Kaden sprinted at top speed towards the hospital after getting the news early that following morning. News outlets were all over the reports of the strange phenomenon that shook the city the night before; reports of crimson lightning striking windows, creating intense winds and such in an isolated area along the Upper West Side.
The way Homura described it over the phone, it was implied that Sierra was on her way back from her workshop and got caught up in it. No one knows what caused it, though videos are circulating on the internet like wildfire, along with conspiracy theories. Mayor Negri made a statement, persuading citizens to take any videos on social media with a grain of salt, as well as warning of potential natural disasters that may spring up due to the changing seasons. Even when prompted of a potential correlation to the freak earthquake that took place in Staten Island the previous fall, the mayor only used that to bolster his point of the precautions that need to be taken.
After making it to the hospital, he made his way to the room where Sierra was at and found Homura and Trevor standing outside the room mid conversation. Homura naturally looked distressed, while Trevor was shifting between comforting and being inquisitive. They stopped as Kaden approached, the latter out of breath and anxious for more reasons than one.
"You're quick, huh?" Homura tried to smile.
"What happened to Sierra…?" Kaden asked as he caught his breath. "Did she…was she caught up in that storm or something?"
"Not only was she caught up in it," Trevor spoke for Homura, "She was part of it."
"Part of it…?" Kaden questioned, though it didn't take him long to piece it together in his head. He held back, however, as Trevor's response only now came off as odd.
Homura stepped in before it got more awkward. "She was hit by a car that ran shot onto the sidewalk. Don't worry, she has some injuries, but the doctor says she'll need a few days to recover."
Mild way of putting it, Trevor told himself.
"Oh…" Kaden tried to sound a bit relieved, but his face was still strung with anxiety. "Um…okay, that's a relief."
"Are you good?" Trevor asked, taking note of Kaden's stance.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm…" he exhaled, "Sorry, it's just my brain is racing a mile a minute." He wanted to be upfront about what he was actually feeling, but he didn't know Trevor well enough to delve into his personal troubles. "Um…I need some air."
Kaden turned around and ran back to the elevator, out of sight of the two older men. Trevor turned to Homura and pointed in Kaden's direction, "I'll handle him. If she wakes up, try and see if she remembers anything from last night."
"And if she does?"
"Call me immediately." Trevor instructed, following it by breaking off from him.
As Homura watched Trevor disappear around the corner, he felt a pit in his stomach. He hasn't seen Kaden like that since the end of the war. Not only that, but he can empathize with that feeling of helplessness. It was a miracle that Trevor just so happened to be in the area when things were thrown into chaos, otherwise she might've been a goner for sure. That said though, as he stepped into the doorway and made eye-contact with the weakened—albeit awake and concerned—young woman, one question lingered in his mind…
…Which Representative was going to be their next target?
Kaden made it outside before he crumbled on the side of the wall in tears. It became too hard to hold it in. Why was Homura downplaying what happened? Was he trying to save face for Trevor, or could it be that he didn't want him to worry anymore than necessary? Maybe it was both? Maybe Homura realized how triggering this was for him and tried to dismiss the severity of it? Kaden didn't know, nor was his mind letting him.
What it was doing was reminding him that Sierra got hurt because of his lack of action.
Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. He used Digimon and that costed him is friends. He avoids it altogether, and he nearly lost Sierra. He couldn't win.
"There you are," Trevor said as he popped outside and saw Kaden sitting on the ground. Passersby took note but kept to themselves, assuming their own perceptions of Kaden's state. Trevor knelt to him and softly grabbed his shoulder.
"Let's take a walk..."
[Mayor's Office, New York City Hall…]
Mayor Negri rewatched the footage that circulated on social media, notably the clash between Magnadramon and Imperialdramon. There wasn't any doubt that they were Digimon, and that's what was fascinating about it to him. One of the Four Great Dragons of old was present in all of her rosy-pink glory, and her opponent was none other than an alternate-colored Imperialdramon. It certainly raised questions not amongst the citizens of New York, but himself personally. And so, when the man sitting across from him requested to discuss the matter at hand, who was he to object?
"I presume that your search for information yielded no results, Officer Garretson?"
"I assure you, Mayor, if it did then we wouldn't be coming to you for your input."
Mayor Negri smirked, "I can see even now after all this time I'm still under AEGIS' radar." He rose and walked over to the window to open the blinds. "As you're aware I have, and continue to, uphold my end of the bargain."
"As have we." Garretson replied.
"So why the animosity if we're on good terms? The war is over, and my revival has gone relatively unnoticed to the survivors of Omnia. And as much as I loathe the idea of Drasil under your protection, I respect you humans enough to play the role given to me as ruler of this city."
"As a reminder, being the mayor is a role of public service, not a dictatorship."
Mayor Negri chuckled and turned away from the window, "fair enough. So then, you want my input on the black Imperialdramon that ravaged the streets around Central Park yesterday evening, correct?"
"If you don't mind."
"I have none."
Garretson furrowed his brow.
"That creature may bear the data native to the Nadir District, but its data that's foreign to even myself. If anything, I find myself more curious with the one who has synced with it."
"As are we. All we know is that they're hunting the Representatives."
Mayor Negri got the implication right away. "I see…"
"Therefore, as the Mayor of New York, as well as for Bianca's safety, we ask you to cooperate with us in this matter."
Mayor Negri sat on his desk and stroke his beard, giving this some thought. "How long have your been looking into this?"
"Long enough to turn to you for aid." Garretson answered.
"I see…" Mayor Negri pondered. "So, that's how it is?"
"Pardon?" Garretson inquired.
"Drasil…they're scared, aren't they?"
"Scared?" Garretson questioned. "Scared of what?"
"Of what's coming." Mayor Negri answered. "I'm afraid it's only speculation for now, but what if I'm to say that my forces and I weren't the only ones who loathe Drasil and all that they hold power over?"
"…There are other Nadir rulers other than you?"
"I never said they were affiliated with me…just that they also have scores to settle with Drasil. And like you all, who fought in a war they orchestrated, vying for them to take action, this 'hunter', is doing the same. And until they reach Drasil, they'll drown this world in a sea of red to reach their goals…"
Garretson picked up on his ominous warning and left the conversation at that. "I appreciate your input. If you have any more information that may contribute to our investigation, let us know.
"Likewise. The fate of my city is in your hands, Officer Garretson. Don't hesitate to return if you seek more questions about the war that's soon to take place…"
With that the two gentlemen agreed to their future meeting, Garretson taking his leave with the latest information in tow. Meanwhile Mayor Negri looked back out the window, chuckling to himself. "And here I thought after so many centuries asleep, I would have the chance to start fresh. But alas, my dear king, it seems that your time of retribution is fast approaching…
A/N: Hey readers, apologies for taking so long with this chapter. Been a crazy few weeks. If writers block wasn't enough, some family drama on top of work stuff and other things requiring my attention needed addressing. In any case, just wanted to pop in and encourage you guys to check out Digimon Liberator if you haven't yet. I'm really enjoying it thus far (the novel moreso and I wish they'd update it already) even though I'm stuck feeling like they took most of my ideas from Digimon TCG Cyber Drive and just executed it better if I'm being honest. But like I said, I'm enjoying it a lot and I hope you guys are too. I of course have my own work to focus on, and I'll keep doing that. Speaking of which, Revisions for Digimon Cyber Drive have been underway (been doing that while dealing with the writers block), and in addition to revising and reuploading chapters here, they're also going up on AO3 in my attempt to branch out and build my audience. With AO3, I even discovered the feature to add card images (similar to the Digimon Liberators novel), so if you guys are interested in checking out the revision, I encourage you to do that as well. The amount of traffic hitting Cyber Drive has been crazy since the start of Liberators funny enough, and what better time to tighten up the story like now, right? Anyway, that's it from me. I'll try to be better consistent with the updates as we proceed into the summer, so look forward to it!