[Manhattan, New York, six months ago…]
…Even though they never met until after the fact…
… even though they fought constantly, and got on each other's nerves…
…The reason the Core took on her face at the very end…
…The reason why they supported him in destroying it…
She—they were always watching him...
...He was their escape…
Kaden's parents burst into his room upon hearing the screams on the other side of the door. They found their son curled on the floor, hysterically crying, holding his head steady and hyperventilating.
"Kaden!" His father quickly knelt down to his son. "Kaden what's wrong?!"
Kaden's voice was robbed by his sobs and heavy breathing. He couldn't think of anything else except for the girl who he failed to save. She wasn't here because of him. Everyone was suffering because of his failure. Everything was his fault in the end.
I killed them…
I killed them…
I'm sorry…!
I'm so sorry…!
I'm no hero…
I never was a hero…!
[AEGIS HQ Research Wing, Six Months ago…]
Director Jones and Zack entered the laboratory where the former's team of researchers monitored Veemon's condition. The digimon on the screen floated as if it resided in a vat, unconscious, with data appearing on the sides of him.
"Talk to me," Director Jones stated.
The approaching researcher shook her head. "Nothing yet, sir. The digimon continues to be unresponsive."
Director Jones rubbed the stubble on his chin in thought. "Your opinion, Zack?"
Zack shook his head. "Few individuals can synchronize with Digimon, and fewer can desync with one another. At least, that's based on what Melanie has explained to me, in addition to my own observations. Though, I guess it can be like a signal being disconnected from a multitude of reasons, impeded by interference.
"The interference being from Kaden, correct?"
"His mental state is out of whack, so I'd say that's likely the cause. When it came to myself and Ryusei, taking on the DeathXDigivolution forcefully severed our connection, which allowed me to be elusive as I did what I did. At the same time, our bond was also deep enough to be able to reconnect with one another when Grandracmon stripped it out of me."
"Then are you implying that the synchronization between Mr. Grant and Veemon isn't as strong?"
"That's one theory," Zack noted. "I'd be willing to argue too about the interference, in which case, we're at the mercy of time with that."
"Well, it's a good thing that we don't have any immediate threats on the horizon…" Director Jones crossed his arms.
Zack turned to him, "Bagramon agreed to your demands?"
"We compromised. I'll leave it at that." Director Jones stated.
Zack didn't press further. "I took a gamble when it came to defying Drasil. Unfortunately, it's still too early to see if it was worth it in the end."
"You've spent countless years taking on a gamble to ensure EOS' Idealistic Future came to fruition," Director Jones reminded. "Your decisions have yet to lead us astray, wouldn't you agree?"
Zack looked at him and had to smile. Even after all this time, Director Jones…or from his perspective, BanchoLeomon, still had that fatherly way about him. "Noted."
Director Jones nodded and looked back at the screen. "As we proceed forward, we're gonna need more heroes like you and Kaden Grant. We need to be prepared for any scenario, good or bad, that comes our way, regardless of who makes the first move.
Zack nodded in agreement. "Right, after all…
…I feel as if the war in Omnia was only the prelude of what's to truly come…"
[AEGIS HQ Medical Wing…]
Kaden found himself in his own room in AEGIS' medical wing alone, staring through the window towards the outside world. Between his initial visit to the facility post war, and finding himself back here under different circumstances, it was as if he never left…
His D-Streamer was confiscated. He understood why, but without Veemon's presence, there was a sense of emptiness that lingered. Every now and then, physicians would drop by to check on him. Their presence from time to time only reminded him of the situation he was in. He was convinced that seeing her again would fix him. That reassurance that in the end, she lived on; that his struggles weren't in vain after all.
But that was wishful thinking. An escape from reality. Fact of the matter was that Riley, Sylvia, and Raelyn…they were gone, along with Ordinemon's destruction. The X-Streamers were all injured, physically and mentally by the war. Omnia was gone, the Representatives were disbanded. Everything came back to him not doing enough.
And yet somehow life moved on. Life, as callous as ever, continued to move forward, unwavering all the same.
That wasn't fair.
That was far from fair.
Why must it move forward? Why couldn't it turn back; have him do things over with the knowledge he has now?
He'll do better…he'll talk Milo out of taking Dexter's offer, he'll ignore Riley when she tells him to go to work instead of waiting for them to get out of detention. He'll protect the principal by distracting her to avoid getting between Milo and Barry. He'll stay with his friends at the hospital when they needed him…
Every mistake he made, every moment of hesitation. He'll do it over if given the chance… so please, Time…
…please turn back around.
Chapter 13: Twilight's Arbiter
"Are you still willing to answer…?"
Terrence let out a gasp as he awoke suddenly. A clear blue sky stared back with the warm blanketing of the sun shining above. Soft blades of grass tickled his hands as he slowly sat up.
"Where am I…?" He looked around at the setting around him, recognizing it after a moment. "Wait a sec…I remember this place…"
As he turned, a gust of wind shot past him, causing him to react in kind. Looking before him, he hesitated as Canoweissmon sat before him. Terrence scrambled onto his feet, captivated by the life-sized dragon.
"Canoweissmon! Are you real?!" Terrence excitedly exclaimed.
"Terrence…you have yet to answer my call toward you…"
"Your call…?" Terrence questioned. He thought back to the last time he found himself in a similar setting; it was during the battle between Ivan and Jesse during the exhibition match, where RagnaLoardmon and Jesmon clashed with one another before him. Back then he answered a question posed to him.
"Back then I said I was to become the strongest tamer ever and that with my friends, there'd be nothing to stop us!"
Canoweissmon hummed to itself. "…Then I ask, how far do you believe you've succeeded?"
Terrence paused and regressed. Maxine was kidnapped and Daniel was knocked out. He was even caught off guard by Bianca's accusation and found himself in this dreamscape. "Well…"
"Were those girl's words true…?" Canoweissmon pressed. "Do you take joy in this, being willfully ignorant of the dangers presented before you?"
"I mean…" Terrence tried to protest. "Is that truly wrong?"
Canoweissmon took a moment before the great white dragon bellowed with laughter. The mixed messaging left Terrence questioning the dragon's motives.
"You are an interesting human…perhaps that is why I sense the potential for strong ties between ourselves…" Canoweissmon explained.
"What…do you mean?"
Canoweissmon lowered its head to be more on level with Terrence, "You are innocent, not unlike me in my early days, trying to find my way in the world. That said, the path I'm asking you to take will do all in its power to rip that innocence away from you. Hence why, as I ask my question, I wish to see if you are willing to bear the responsibility to not only grow stronger, but to maintain that purity within your heart, against foes who crave to destroy such a trait."
"But…if I lose then…"
"Then don't." Canoweissmon replied flatly. "Win. Win and keep on winning."
Terrence sat on the dragon's words, reflecting on what Bianca told him. Despite her words, he was in fact scared. More so, he was terrified. He didn't know what happened to Maxine, or what she did to everyone in the room, including Danny.
But what he did know was that he managed to shake her. And her words were an attempt to distract. He let his guard down and that's why he ended up like this. So, what if it got him excited to live in a real-life superhero moment? So, what if his responses to her were nonchalant? Or childish in the face of a dangerous individual? What did it matter in the end except that he was confident in his success?
"Canoweissmon, I want to win. I don't care if I'm seen as a naïve kid, or someone who doesn't care. I know that winning means that I get to save my friends—that I can be a hero. Please give me the power to beat her!"
Canoweissmon scoffed, amused by Terrence's words. "Very well, my young friend…" Canoweissmon unfurled its wings and took off into the sky before arcing above Terrence. "Consider this the beginning…
Terrence eyes widened and reactively he shielded himself as Canoweissmon opened his jaws.
…of a grand partnership!"
Bianca lowered her hand just as Terrence collapsed onto the floor, out of her sight. As the light from her eyes dimmed, she too had to keep herself steady. Dizziness kicking in, she realized that she was overexerting herself. Talking about Terrence's callousness, she too was allowing her adrenaline to manipulate her. Regardless, now that she got her fill of entertainment, it was now time to check on Veemon to view their progress…
…Or, so she thought.
"I said…Gammamon…digivolves into BetelGammamon…!" a hand latched onto the other side of the terminal, to Bianca's surprise. Terrence forced himself back up onto the, leaving the girl shocked at his quick recovery.
"That's twice now you've resisted my powers…!" she said, unable to make sense of Terrence's disposition. Meanwhile, the seething tween took the card from his hand and set it on top of Gammamon, transforming it.
BetelGammamon (BT8-013)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
4-2
"Don't act surprised…" Terrence snarled. "After all you said it yourself, you wanted to see how much I've grown, right?! Well?!
Bianca barked back, "Don't suddenly think you can defeat me! The gap in our skills is vast, we both know this!"
Terrence responded by taking another card from his hand, "then allow me to close it! I play the Option Card Breaclaw!
MEMORY
2-1
"When played I'm able to give BetelGammamon 2000 DP for the turn."
BetelGammamon: 6000-8000 DP
"On top of that, by sliding KausGammamon into BetelGammamon's sources, I'm able to draw a card." Terrence stated, sliding the blue card underneath and then drawing a card. A smile came across his face, as if fate were answering him. "Gotcha."
This reaction was enough to make Bianca fixate on the card itself.
"BetelGammamon, for the sake of everyone, digivolve into the shooting star that lights the night with sapphire flames!" Terrence whipped his arm out before him and flashed the card. "Grant my wish and become Canoweissmon!"
Terrence slammed the card onto the terminal, causing the machine to shine brightly with a white light, making Bianca wince back from the sheer brightness. Canoweissmon emerged from the light and roared to announce its triumphant birth.
Canoweissmon (BT10-011)
Color: Red
Level: 5
DP: 8000-10,000 DP
MEMORY
1-2
"Inheriting the effects of both BetelGammamon and KausGammamon, Canoweissmon gains Blitz and is unblockable!" Terrence exclaimed, causing his dragon to roar for emphasis.
Bianca had no words to express her growing frustration.
"Canoweissmon, Security Attack! Hiro suspends to give it an additional 2000 DP!"
Canoweissmon: 10,000-12,000 DP
"When Canoweissmon's DP hits 12,000 or above, it also gains Security Attack 1! And not only that, but with Gammamon's IE effect, since its DP is 6000 and above, DeadlyAxemon is axed!"
The realization of that was finally enough to make Bianca react as Canoweissmon conjured white energy in its jowls before beaming forth towards her. DeadlyAxemon was caught in the crossfire, melting into binary along with her two securities: a second DeadlyAxemon, along with the reveal of a Security Trigger in Pride Memory Boost, which made itself present in the Battle Area.
Bianca
Security: 3-1
"With that I end my turn…" Terrence said, as Canoweissmon eased on its attack.
(Turn Change)
Turn 7: Bianca
Bianca silently drew, reeling from the transpiring moments. The atmosphere around her was shifting. This was uncomfortable. Very, very uncomfortable. She needed to end this, before the room became more suffocating.
She smiled, "You've truly grown stronger in such a short time…I must say I feel somewhat proud I've contributed to your growth."
"Patronizing doesn't suit you." Terrence shot back at her. "I'd suggest you finish your turn or end it here so I can win already."
Bianca's eye twitched. "How dare you…! Fine! Chikkurimon moves forward and digivolves into SkullKnightmon!"
The small band of mines marched on before joining together to convert into the miniature knight with the crimson dual lance.
SkullKnightmon (BT7-058)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 3000
MEMORY
2-0
"I activate the delay effect of Pride Memory Boost to regain 2 Memory, then I use one each to digivolve both SkullKnightmon and Shademon into SkullKnightmon Cavalier mode!"
MEMORY
0-2
Both Digimon then transformed, the former SkullKnightmon gaining the stead beneath it, whereas Shademon converted into a doppelganger of the former.
SkullKnightmon: Cavalier Mode (BT8-062)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 5000
"Both my digimon have Blocker and Jamming, in addition, the former SkullKnightmon's IE effect kicks in, giving it Security Attack 1 for having Knightmon in its name!" Bianca stated. "It's over for you. Double Security Attack!"
The first SkullKnightmon charged towards the unflinching Terrence as it leapt across and smashed two Security, the first of which was a Canoweissmon, who was jammed out of emerging from its card.
Terrence
Security: 3-1
"As long as I have a blocker present, you can't get past my second SkullKnightmon." Bianca stated.
"Shows what you think," Terrence said, as the second Security broke. "I said I'm going to win this. And I meant it! Security Trigger: Terra Force!
Bianca let out an audible gasp as her second SkullKnightmon became victim of a sun like ball of fire careening across the terminal and into her remaining digimon. With no blocker to defend her, and her initial SkullKnightmon incapable of rebooting, she was left with no defense come Terrence's next turn. Even with one security remaining, could she be as lucky as he was…?
Luck…? Was she questioning her losing to him that much that she's relying on luck…?
"…I end my turn." She said bitterly.
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 8: Terrence
Terrence drew and moved Agumon forward. "Agumon, Final Security Attack!"
Agumon crossed its arms with a deep breath and belched out a fire ball that crashed into Bianca's final Security.
Bianca
Security: 1-0
DarkKnightmon roared from the Security and slammed Agumon in a fit of anger. It then looked up as it faded, as Canoweissmon hovered above charging its final attack.
"It ends here! Canoweissmon direct attack—!" Terrence was interrupted by a sudden force that knocked his head back once more. He staggered back from the Terminal, leaning back into a separate terminal behind him for support.
"That's right…I'm ending it here…" Bianca began to heave, relaxing her arm. "Dangerous brat…I admit I severely underestimated you, but never again…Now then, to see about—what the?!" A surprised Bianca felt a force hit her at the side of her head before the room around her began spinning. She crashed onto the floor, left dazed and semi-conscious confusion and horror setting into her being.
"…how…?" She gasped as she scraped her hand on the ground for stability. "How…in the world did that…" her eyes rolled back into her head, and she fell unconscious afterward. A glowing, red-eyed Terrence knelt before her, staring at her before scoffing.
"Serves you right." Terrence said, before sensing the approaching presence of another. As he stood, Mayor Negri made his presence known to him, the pair making eye contact.
"I see," the older man said, taking note of the room. "Could've been worse."
"What are you doing here?" Terrence rudely demanded.
"I'm here to pick up my daughter. Is that a problem?"
"I don't know. Do you want to make it one?"
"As a parent with a busy schedule as is, not really." Mayor Negri walked up to Terrence and flicked him in the head. While externally it seemed minor, the internal effects shook Terrence's senses, causing him to stumble out of the way. Mayor Negri picked up Bianca bridal style and turned to Terrence as he came to his senses.
"Ow…my head…" Terrence blinked. "Huh…? Mayor Negri?"
The mayor smiled. "Everything's all right now. I have the police and AEGIS outside and have alerted your parents of your whereabouts."
"What happened…?" Daniel suddenly groaned as he came to. Hearing his friend's voice, Terrence spun around and reached for him.
"Danny! Are you good?!"
"I'll live, I guess…" he rubbed his temples. "Where's…Max?"
Terrence upon hearing that grew emotional, shaking Daniel. Meanwhile, the other unconscious agents, including Trevor began to awaken one by one.
What in the world happen…?" Trevor helped himself up. He looked over to see Mayor Negri and Bianca in his arms. "Mayor Negri…?"
"Long time no see, Mr. McKnight. I assure you that the current matters are being handled as we speak. I'm told that AEGIS have deployed their special unit to quell our mystery assailant."
Trevor's head was throbbing, preventing him from catching all of what he said. "Nevermind that. Explain what in the world happened to my men?"
"Your guess is as good as mine. When I arrived, I've found my daughter amongst that unconscious. I believe somehow she learned about the sting operation happening and became too curious for her own good, knowing it involved some classmates of hers…" Mayor Negri looked over to Terrence and Daniel, but Trevor caught that and stepped in between them.
"With all due respect, Mayor, your daughter has a bodyguard, correct? Shouldn't he have been keeping watch over her?"
"I'm afraid Mr. Schwartz is deserving of a day off every now and again. But you are correct in implying this falls on me being negligent of my daughter's wellbeing."
"Mr. Mayor!" Terrence rushed up between them. "What happened to Bianca…" he wiped his eyes, "I'm sorry."
Surprised by the apology, Mayor Negri shook his head. "No need to apologize. Of all that were involved, you children are most definitely the innocent ones in all of this."
Trevor couldn't refute that. That being said, why in the world would the former Sovereign of the West come here, knowing she was putting herself at a potential risk of getting hurt?
"Terry!" Terrence's mother's voice came through the doorway.
"MOM!" Terrence cried as he rushed past the two adults. Without hesitation, Terrence burst into tears in his mother's arms, whereas she did the same. Behind her, NYPD and paramedics stormed the room, tending to the recovering agents, and escorting anyone conscious outside to follow up with more personnel. Afterward, the building was taped off, while news vans and nosy spectators began to flood the crowded center street, wanting to know what was happening.
On the surface, this mission was a disaster. Factors no one considered sprung onto them at the last minute, and by the looks of it, Maxine and Veemon were gone. Ideally, Trevor thought, like the mayor said, Veemon was likely intercepted by the AEGIS unit on the other side. Hopefully, that meant this mission will end in a success, albeit a very messy one…
"Emergency maintenance?! You're joking right now!"
The user stomped and raved as the sudden bulletin from Babylon's server indicated that the social hub was going under last minute maintenance to tackle a sudden detrimental bug. For the user on the other hand, he was fuming. The tournament was literal days away and the weekend was one of the few times he could earn himself as much practice as possible.
That went for other users across Babylon, who were receiving the same message in real time. There was chatter among them about what exactly was happening for the servers to suddenly go down during peak hours. Perhaps they were overloaded, some theorized. Others, regardless of the reason, weren't having it, especially given the season they were in.
The user growled as his partner Digimon, Gigadramon, equally shared his frustration. It too was as eager for the tournament and was disappointed that their training had to be abruptly cut short. The grey-toned cyborg serpent digimon looked to the sky and caught something shoot past.
"What's up Gigs?" The user asked his partner.
Gigadramon narrowed its gaze and scanned the air above them. It wasn't imagining things; it was sure of it. "I was sure I saw something shoot across the sky just now."
His partner looked up, not seeing anything aside from the digital ceiling they called a sky. "Your optics bugged or something? I don't see anything—!" Suddenly an explosion went off from the top of the skyscraper before them, raining debris and virtual fire from above.
Gigadramon didn't hesitate to wrap its tail around its partner and take off, yanking them into the air to avoid being pelted. "Reggie you good?!"
The one known as Reggie clawed his way up Gigadramon backside. "What in the world was that?!"
"Don't know. Let it be Babylon's problem to figure out." Gigadramon suggested.
Begrudgingly he didn't argue with Digimon. Reggie proceeded to then log them both out, just as a second blur shot across the air in pursuit of the first. The silver bullet sped quickly towards the disoriented black armored being, as they flailed, unable to get their bearings quickly enough.
Veemon, in his Altered State, narrowly avoided the mysterious Saibatar's strike, firing a torrent of black flames from their hands, both in retaliation, as well as using it to propel them further away. The opposing Saibatar clapped their hands together and summoned what looked like a black hole in their hands, which swallowed the flames and allowed them to rapidly inch closer to them. Realizing this, Veemon attempted to strike, and yet, once more they were overpowered and backhanded through several skyscrapers below, finally crashing onto the ground level hundreds of feet below them.
Veemon groaned agonizingly while its opponent met them at the bottom. They were in the middle of a Babylonian Street, the marks they left etched into the buildings behind them.
"Just…what are you?" Veemon forced out as they got back onto their feet.
The silver, Mastemon-esque Saibatar held their left arm in the air, their armored forearm converting into a gauntlet. "We are the ones assigned to put you to rest finally."
The statement caught Veemon by surprise. Rather than be put on edge, it only infuriated him further. "Put me to rest?!" They then converted their forearm into a battling gauntlet and readied themselves. "I'll give you credit for having such audacity. But aside from that, don't expect me to continue to entertain your nonsense. You people are keeping me away from Kaden…so be it, the more blood I spill the more he'll have to come out of hiding! Whatever it takes!"
The Saibatar shook their head. "Your rampage ends here, before the Arbiter of Twilight."
DIGI-GATE: OPEN!
Turn 1: Veemon
"I'll begin by hatching Gigimon!" Veemon began hatching Gigimon. "Gigimon digivolves into Guilmon, and then I play Veemon from my hand."
Both Guilmon and Veemon appeared in their respective zones, Veemon's turn beginning similarly to his previous bouts.
Gigimon (BT5-006)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
Guilmon (EX3-056)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 3
DP: 3000
Veemon (EX3-004)
Color: Red
Level: 3
DP: 1000
MEMORY
0-3
"When Veemon enters play, I can discard one card with 'Free' in its traits or an Imperialdramon, to draw 2 cards. I discard Shadramon from my hand to draw 2."
(Turn Change)
Turn 2: Arbiter
The Arbiter took their turn and drew. "I hatch Nyaromon."
On their side came a yellow cat ball-like digimon with purple stripes and a joyful expression.
Nyaromon (ST10-01)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
"Nyaromon digivolves into Candlemon, and then I play Salamon from my hand."
As Nyaromon transformed into the sentient candle digimon, Salamon, a cream-colored puppy digimon appeared within the Battle Area.
Candlemon (BT8-035)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Salamon (BT9-072)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
3-0
"When Salamon enters play, I reveal the top 4 cards of my deck and I'm allowed to add one two-colored Purple card from among them to my hand, sending the rest to the bottom."
The top cards revealed themselves as: BT4 Kari, Angewomon, Devimon, and a dual-colored tamer known as Mirei Mikagura, a card that Veemon was unfamiliar with. Since it fulfilled the requirements, the Arbiter took the card to hand.
"Next, Salamon will X-Digivolve into Salamon (X Antibody)."
Veemon paused as they watched the puppy digimon transform, losing its fluffy appearance for a slimmer build and blonder fur. The holy ring around its neck expanded and hung around it as opposed to it resembling a collar.
Salamon (X Antibody)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 3000
"You're in possession of an X Antibody digimon as well?" Veemon questioned.
"Salamon X allows me to look at the top card of my Security. If I add it to hand, I recover 1." The Arbiter drew the top of her Security, proceeding to add it to hand and replace it thereafter. "I end my turn by playing Mirei Mikagura."
Before them materialized the aforementioned Tamer card, taking the appearance of an attractive purple-haired woman in an office attire, including a white blouse, black skirt, and glasses. She carried a rather smug look on her face, as if she were hiding something, giving herself a more mysterious aura about her.
Mirei Mikagura (BT11-094)
Color: Purple/Yellow
MEMORY
0-5 (Turn Change)
Turn 3: Veemon
Veemon drew, gaze trained on his opponent. "Your silence speaks for you. But no matter, I have no intention of toying around with you. Guilmon moves forward, while Veemon Armor Digivolves into Flamedramon!"
A torrent of flames encircled his digimon, transforming it into Flamedramon.
Flamedramon (EX3-008)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
5-3
"When my digimon digivolves into Flamedramon, I'm able to digivolve one of my other Digimon into a level 4 purple digimon with free in its traits from my trash, paying its cost. With its effect I digivolve Guilmon into my discarded Shadramon for 2 Memory!"
What came around Guilmon was a torrent of purple flames encircling it, transforming it into the bug-like digimon beside Flamedramon.
Shadramon (EX3-058)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
3-1
"Utilizing Veemon's IE effect, Flamedramon gains 2000 DP as I have a purple digimon present in my Battle Area."
Flamedramon: 5000-7000 DP
"And with that, we shall begin the massacre! Flamedramon, Security Attack!"
Flamedramon ignited its first and launched into the air, punching the air rapidly to shower the Arbiter with a volley of flames. They stood unfazed as a Security appeared to block the attack.
Arbiter
Security: 5-4
Devimon appeared and attempted to fire laser beams towards its target, however, the volley of enforced fireballs allowed Flamedramon to survive the counterattack.
"Shadramon!"
Shadramon responded to the declaration, its wings glowing before it furiously flapped them, sending waves of energy that sliced through the second Security.
Arbiter
Security: 4-3
"Security Trigger: I play Kari Kamiya into my Battle Area.
The child-like version of Kari materialized in the battle area, joining Mirei in providing support to Salamon X and Candlemon.
Kari Kamiya (BT4-097)
Color: Purple
"Why stop there, however?" Veemon took a card from their hand. "Flamedramon and Shadramon will continue their rampage, DNA Digivolving into Paildramon!"
Both digimon glowed in their respective colors and zooming up towards the Digital Gate above them, returning as the fused Paildramon, who landed and shook the foundation beneath them.
Paildramon (EX3-010)
Color: Red/Purple
Level: 5
DP: 8000-10,000 DP
"DNA Digivolution unsuspends my digimon, allowing for me to attack you for a third time! Go Paildramon!"
Paildramon whipped its two waist guns up and locked onto the Arbiter. In the next instance, a flurry of energy bullets shot across the field, and a third security was shattered before the Arbiter, putting Veemon at an incredible advantage.
Arbiter
Security: 3-2
Veemon smirked as the Arbiter was covered in a cloud of smoke. For all of the hassle they posed for him in the beginning, this opponent of his wasn't much of a threat after all…
And it was then that his optimism deflated, the sight of a young, winged angel floating from the smoke.
Lucemon: 10,000 DP
Paildramon: 10,000 DP
"It…it can't be…!" Veemon's voice shook.
Lucemon smirked and vanished, which was followed by Paildramon suddenly being launched into the air. The two battlers watched Paildramon's recovery and Lucemon's ruthless pursuit. Paildramon was forced on the defensive as Lucemon zipped around it, striking it whenever it left its blind spot open. Paildramon sprayed all around it and managed to snip Lucemon's wing, but not before Lucemon, with an illuminated fist and sadistic smirk, crashed into him, taking them both out.
Veemon shook his head, dismissing the obvious upset and continued with the turn. "When Paildramon is deleted, I can play one Veemon from my trash."
Veemon reappeared into his Battle Area, looking visibly worn after the brief chaotic moment.
"Kari's effect activates since my security was reduced, gaining me a Memory." The Arbiter drew Veemon's attention back into the battle.
MEMORY
1-0
"I end my turn…" Veemon announced, unable to do much further. Granted, they were able to take out 3 security all in one turn, so if anything, that was more than most. The real question was how was the Arbiter to respond?
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change)
Turn 4: Arbiter
"At the start of my turn, Mirei grants me a Memory regardless of the state of the Memory Counter," The Arbiter announced before drawing.
MEMORY
3-4
"Candlemon moves forward, and Salamon X attacks your Security!"
Salamon X stood its ground and howled, sending an aggressive sound wave that zoomed across and crashed into the materialized Security.
Veemon
Security: 5-4
Growlmon emerged from the broken Security, roaring and rushing Salamon X, using its arm blades to slash the puppy digimon into binary with one quick, powerful strike.
"Next, my Candlemon will digivolve into Angemon, and then into Angewomon."
Candlemon embraced the double dose of yellow binary code and transformed into the feminine angelic digimon.
Angemon (BT11-038)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 5000
Angewomon (BT11-042)
Color: Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 6000
MEMORY
4-2
2-1
"When my digimon digivolves into Angewomon, I can search my security stack for 1 card for an Angel, Archangel, or Fallen Angel digimon to add to my hand, after which I recover the taken card." The Arbiter took the two remaining Security in her possession and revealed one of them. "I take LadyDevimon, and then recover my security."
Mirei adjusted her glasses and looked at Angewomon, who shifted slightly and looked back at her.
"Mirei's effect triggered the moment Angewomon arrived in the Battle Area," the Arbiter explained. "When my digimon digivolves into either Angewomon or LadyDevimon while Mirei is present, my tamer can then suspend to allow me to play its counterpart without paying the cost."
"What?!" Veemon exclaimed.
"So then, using Mirei, I play the newly gained LadyDevimon directly into the Battle Area!"
A torrent of shadows stirred on Mirei's other side, her screen on her tablet glowing purple. It was then that LadyDevimon materialized, grinning as she formed completely.
LadyDevimon (BT11-083)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 6000
"Angewomon's second effect activates, with LadyDevimon's appearance, as does Candlemon's IE effect, both giving me memory and therefore prolonging my turn."
MEMORY
1-0
MEMORY
0-1
Veemon couldn't find their voice, rendered silent as the Arbiter was able to do so much with so little during their turn. And something told them this wasn't the end of it.
"Angewomon and LadyDevimon, DNA Digivolve into the Twilight Tactician, Mastemon!" The Arbiter commanded, as both beings took off to the skies, yellow and purple beams of light intertwining with one another into the Digital Gate and re-emerging into Mastemon.
Mastemon (ST10-06)
Color: Yellow/Purple
Level: 6
DP: 13,000
"Mastemon's effect places the Lucemon in my trash as a security. Then, if their digivolution was the result of a DNA digivolution, I can look at my security and play one Level 5 or lower Digimon and play it without paying its cost!"
Veemon's eyes widened, knowing exactly what was meant to happen. As they guessed, after Lucemon was recovered back into security, they immediately were chosen and were re-summoned into the Battle Area, joining Mastemon.
Lucemon (BT4-115)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 10,000
"Kari's effect activates once more; since Lucemon was removed from my security, I suspend her to regain a memory. In addition, Lucemon, when played, recovers a security, and then using Mastemon's effect, since a Digimon was played, they're allowed to delete one of your digimon with equal level or less than the summoned digimon!"
MEMORY
1-2
Arbiter
Security: 2-3
"No!" Veemon shouted, as his digimon in front of him quivered. Mastemon felt no remorse, holding her right arm forward to conjure a light arrow, one that when fired pierced them and deleted them. Veemon reacted as if his own core were pierced, and they seethed, anger building as they could finally sense the potential gap in strength between them.
"Mastemon, Security Attack! Nyaromon allows me to draw a card per its effect."
Using her other arm, Mastemon launched a blast of dark energy that shattered Veemon's next security, revealing Imperialdramon Dragon Mode on the other side. The titanic dragon lashed out towards Mastemon, forcing the angelic being to dodge and take to the air, as Imperialdramon desperately snapped after her.
Mastemon: 13,000 DP
Imperialdramon: 12,000 DP
Mastemon, unlike Lucemon, spent the majority of this encounter dodging, zooming through buildings and skyscrapers as Imperialdramon chased after her, reckless abandon taking the helm as it blasted building after building to take her out. Mastemon continued to cut corners every now and again before she eventually took to the air. Imperialdramon took one final gaze at her as it charged its laser one final time, only for her to clasp her hands, summoning a powerful volley of arrows that erupted in a surrounding circle around Imperialdramon underneath. Imperialdramon realized too late that Mastemon wasn't dodging, as much as setting up a trap for it. Imperialdramon burned in a volley of holy light, just short of claiming vengeance on Mastemon.
"I end my turn finally by playing Kari Kamiya from my hand." The Arbiter ended, summoning a second Kari beside the first, this one being the slightly older variation of the young Tamer.
Kari Kamiya (BT8-090)
Color: Yellow
MEMORY
2-2 (Turn Change)
Turn 5: Veemon
"What's the matter? Shaken all of the sudden?" The Arbiter asked Veemon.
The Digimon angrily hissed as they drew. "You have some nerve, you know that? Why must you stand in my way, huh?! Why is Kaden hiding after one person after another instead of confronting me?!"
"Because he has more important things to focus on as opposed to the tantrum you're throwing."
The snappy comment took Veemon aback and made it angrier. "I'll show you! I hatch Gigimon!"
Gigimon reappeared in the battle area, growling.
"Gigimon digivolves into Guilmon, Shadramon and then finally Paildramon to end my turn!"
In mere seconds, Gigimon cycled through evolutions until a new Paildramon stood within the Raising Area.
MEMORY
2-0
0-4 (Turn Change)
Turn 6: Arbiter
"Mirei gains me a Memory at the start of the turn," The Arbiter stated as they drew.
MEMORY
4-5
"I hatch Nyaromon and then digivolve it into Salamon." They continued, with Salamon appearing in the Raising Area. "Next, I play Gatomon from my hand."
A purple striped-white cat digimon with yellow gloves and a tail ring materialized in the Battle Area before them, standing on its hind legs effortlessly as it stretched its limbs.
Gatomon (ST10-04)
Color: Yellow/Purple
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
5-0
"When Gatomon enters play, I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck, taking one purple and one yellow Digimon from among them into my hand, while I send the remainder to the bottom of the deck."
Of the revealed cards: Lucemon Chaos Mode, Reinforce Memory Boost and Angemon. The Arbiter acquired Lucemon and Angemon, sending the sole Option card to the bottom.
"Lucemon Chaos Mode as well…?!" Veemon stammered. "What is the meaning of this, that Digimon was destroyed alongside Ordinemon!"
"You're really slow on the uptake, aren't you?" The Arbiter came out with another snappy comment.
"What was that?!"
The Arbiter cleared their throat. "Excuse me. With Gatomon's summoning, Candlemon's IE effect from Mastemon triggers, gaining me a Memory."
MEMORY
0-1
"Now, Lucemon, Security Attack! Nyaromon's IE effect draws me a card once more."
Lucemon flapped its wings and raised its hand, conjuring a ball of light. Crossing its arm against their chest, Lucemon whipped their arm back, hurling the ball of light down towards its target.
Veemon
Security: 3-2
Veemon reeled as the tables attempted to turn. With a counter of his own they whipped their arm forward to reveal the Security. Security Trigger: Terra Force!"
A sun-like ball of flames erupted abruptly overhead and wasted no time careening into Mastemon, its target. This, however, did little to shake the Arbiter.
"I end my turn by digivolving Gatomon into LadyDevimon."
Gatomon embraced the purple binary code and reformed into LadyDevimon, matching Mirei's mysterious gaze towards Veemon.
MEMORY
1-2
"LadyDevimon's effect: I discard Lucemon: Chaos Mode to return Mastemon to my hand."
(Turn Change)
Turn 7: Veemon
"Do you really think I'm going to allow you to bring back Mastemon so easily?" Veemon drew and moved Paildramon forward. "I play DinoBeemon directly from my hand!"
To the Arbiter's slight surprise, DinoBeemon was directly summoned to the Battle Area, buzzing harshly as its veins popped from its arms.
DinoBeemon (EX3-061)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
2-6
"He's growing desperate…" The Arbiter muttered to themselves.
"Get ready! Because I'm about to unleash hell upon you!" Veemon exclaimed. "At the end of my turn, Shadramon's IE effect will trigger a DNA Digivolution between my two digimon!"
Both Paildramon and DinoBeemon resonated with Veemon's words, glowing vibrantly before taking off into the skies above.
"Now my digimon, become the Obsidian Meteor that'll set the world in Crimson Flames! Become Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode!"
Imperialdramon blasted from the gate above and roared, ferocity and rage shaking Babylon with violent vibrations all around. Like Paildramon before, Imperialdramon slammed down, to assert dominance and leave an imposing effect with its presence.
Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode (EX3-063)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
Veemon's chuckling turned into a hysterical outburst as it rose and merged with Imperialdramon. Imperialdramon then began to echo the cackling before narrowing its gaze towards the Arbiter. "Choose!"
The Arbiter was reminded of Imperialdramon's ability. Begrudgingly, they turned to Lady Devimon. "I delete Lady Devimon to keep Lucemon on the field."
Lady Devimon didn't seem bothered by this outcome as it watched as Imperialdramon raised its claw to bring it down on it. Lady Devimon was smashed into binary, and then Imperialdramon turned its focus onto Lucemon, who was prepared to retaliate already.
"You were foolish to try and stand in my way. Could it be that Kaden put you up to this? Because I can't fathom why anyone would humor him. You claim that he doesn't have the time to humor me, ha! Admit that he's terrified to see his handiwork in full display!"
The Arbiter was about to say something but then hesitated. They sighed, their body relaxing and catching the dragon off guard by the subtle gesture. Then, they decided to reply to their statement.
"If Kaden was here, he wouldn't have hesitated to destroy you."
Imperialdramon paused. "Again, with these assumptions?!"
"Could you really kill Kaden if it came down to it?" The Arbiter asked, voice noticeably less stiff. "You hesitated before when Milo asked you the same thing."
"Why don't you fools believe my words?!"
"Because Kaden's has long since committed to put you down if need be." They reiterated. "Milo and I are here because we've been able to convince him to try and be peaceable about this."
Imperialdramon roared. "DON'T PATRONIZE ME! DinoBeemon's IE effect allows unsuspended digimon to become targets for attack! With a 2000 DP boost and Blitz, Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode attacks Lucemon, and Mode Changes into Fighter Mode!"
Lucemon narrowly avoided an explosion of binary surrounding Imperialdramon, watching as Imperialdramon transformed into its humanoid form. The latter then launched after Lucemon to unleash its pent-up rage.
Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode (EX3-073)
Color: Purple/Red
Level: 6
DP: 13,000-15,000 DP
MEMORY
6-8
Lucemon found itself on the defensive this time around as the black dragon warrior pursued the smaller being. As the two warriors blasted one another and zipped around the air, Lucemon was able to defend itself well enough, though it was increasingly clear that it would be deleted. With a final attempt, Lucemon fired a white beam from both hands, while Imperialdramon fired a beam back from its arm cannon, the blast colliding with one another before Lucemon was ultimately overpowered and deleted.
Imperialdramon's chest mouth unhinged and swung open, the snake-like tongue inside slurping up the remaining binary for Imperialmon's second ability. "With piercing, your Security also takes a hit, along with any triggers nullified for the turn as well!"
The Arbiter braced themselves for the blast, as the massive blast rained down on them. Two Security, per Paildramon's IE effect erupted to cover the blast, and were broken as a result: Flame Hellscythe and Ophanimon were revealed, neither of which could change the outcome.
Arbiter
Security: 3-1
Imperialdramon dropped back down to the field, still agitated by the Arbiter's words. Still, that didn't keep them from pressing on. "Was it your intention to push the Memory Counter to its limit?"
Imperialdramon questioned her words and looked up towards it. Sure, enough the counter sat at 8 for them.
"Kari suspends per her effect, gaining me a Memory."
MEMORY
8-9
(Turn Change)
Turn 8: Arbiter
"And at the start of my turn, Mirei pushes it further."
MEMORY
9-10
"10 Memory…" Imperialdramon uttered.
"You've realized how futile this fight is, right?"
"You say that, but what can you possibly do to prevent me from winning?" Imperialdramon scoffed. "I admit, I may be growing weary, but that's only because you all continue to waste my time."
"If wasting your time saves you in the end, then l'd drag this on for as long as it took..." The Arbiter stated. "But I made a promise to do what I could to rescue you, and that's what I'm going to do."
Imperialdramon growled. "I don't need saving!"
"You don't need to die either!" They retorted.
Imperialdramon grew quiet. Something internal awoke in that moment, and for the first time in all of this, they found themselves truly questioning the state they were in.
"…Don't buy it…"
"…Don't dismiss your anger…"
"Justify it…revel in it…"
"Destroy…destroy…destroy!"
Imperialdramon grabbed the side of their head as the mysterious voice continued to motivate them. They began to groan and cry out as the voice became forceful and intense, paralyzed by the waves of emotions flooding their minds.
"Oh no…!"
"Switch back!"
"But—!" The Arbiter's body jerked forward before straightening. "I'm sorry, but this needs to end now." They drew and moved Salamon forward. "Salamon digivolves into Angemon and attacks your Security!"
Salamon rushed forward as it transformed into Angemon, the latter swinging their staff towards the appearing Security. The Arbiter drew for Nyaromon's effect.
MEMORY
10-8
Flamedramon appeared from the Security, the matching DPs resulting in its flaming fist countering the staff swing and ensuing explosion triggered.
Veemon
Security 2-1
"Angemon's effect: So long as I have a purple Digimon or Tamer in play, I can revive Devimon from my trash for no cost!"
A cackling could be heard from the amidst the explosion site, as the devilish Devimon appeared in Angemon's place, rushing toward Imperialdramon.
Devimon (BT11-080)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
"As long as I have a yellow Digimon or Tamer, Devimon gains Rush and Retaliation!"
Devimon exhaled a purple mist that the Security intercepted, the latter of which melted into a Wormmon who ended up being choked out by the poisonous gas.
Veemon
Security: 1-0
The Arbiter took a card from their hand, "Now it's time to finally put an end to this. I play the Option: Dead or Alive! By reviving a Level 5 Purple Digimon from my trash, I summon Lucemon: Chaos Mode to the field!"
MEMORY
8-0
A purple Digital Gate appeared on the ground and from it, rose a tall, androgenous digimon with long blonde hair and muscular build, dressed in a regal attire as well as being adorned with a set of white and black wings. A purple streak going down the side of its left eye, it smirked with dark red lips as it locked eyes with the agonizing Imperialdramon.
Lucemon: Chaos Mode (BT7-111)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 12,000
"Do it!" The Arbiter commanded to which the regal digimon obliged. It rushed Imperialdramon and unapologetically punched its chest with a mixture of light and dark energy. Imperialdramon roared in agony, not by the impact, but rather the energy that was forced out of it from behind.
"NOOOOOOO!" The second voice howled as it was expelled. Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode's form began to show cracks, as it was forced onto its knees. Lucemon kept at it, until the cracks covered their entire body, after which it pulled away and let the effects do the rest. Once the mysterious energy was expelled, Imperialdramon's form shattered, Veemon' Saibatar form and Wormmon dropping onto the ground afterward.
As Lucemon floated back, the Arbiter took note of the mysterious black cloud of data hovering over them.
"You wretched fools! How dare you stand in my way!"
"So, you're the true culprit in all of this…" The Arbiter stated.
The cloud growled, but then chuckled, realizing the humor in all of this. "Ah, to think my link could actually be broken in such a way…you humans should be given more credit. It's no wonder Drasil has taken such a fondness of you…"
"Hold on, so who was its target then, Kaden or Drasil?" The softer voice echoed in the Arbiter's mind.
"Explain why you took control of Veemon!"
The cloud chuckled, "Because we synced. Nothing more. Besides, I must say I've enjoyed the time I've spent watching you all scramble about. Wondering who I was going after next and what our motives were. It was true that he has resentment for his former partner, but I was the one who influenced the destructive nature that took root in their core. What a delicacy it was to feast on…until you ruined it!"
The cloud then combined itself with the Wormmon, causing it to digivolve into Shadramon. Shadramon buzzed, readjusting to its form. "Drasil's stench is all over you; It was them who gave you the ability to Alterize, wasn't it? Otherwise, there's no way a mere Digimon nor human, could so much as defeat me like this."
"Does it bother you if that were the case?" The Arbiter inquired.
Shadramon scoffed, "Not at all, if anything it makes this game of 'Cat and Mouse' more all the more alluring. Besides, you and I are the same; lowly foot soldiers for the powers beyond us."
"Is your goal truly to get to Drasil?" The Arbiter pressed.
Shadramon shrugged, "Who's to say? Since you've beaten me, you have the capability to discover the answers yourself. Until then…" It aimed one of its arm cannons towards Veemon.
The sound of a shot firing, mixed with the sound of an impaling blade echoed simultaneously with one another. Shadramon gasped, leaning its head forward against the Arbiter's shoulder to mock them further. "…have…fun learning… the truth…!"
Shadramon collapsed into binary, the Arbiter silently cursing for being a second slower than ideal. Veemon meanwhile was blasted onto its back, the shot connecting, and the damage done. Everything else pertaining to the game vanished, leaving the Arbiter rushing to the Saibatar's side.
They let the softer voice take over this time.
"Veemon!" The exclaimed, picking up the body. "Hey, Veemon! Veemon, wake up!"
Groaning, the human-eyes of the Saibatar peered to see the metallic face of the Arbiter staring back. Despite its stoic expression, Veemon could faintly see the person beneath. "It… it really is you…"
"…Yeah…it's me Veemon." The Arbiter said. "I'm here to pay my debt…"
Veemon gave a weak smile, recognizing the voice. "Is…Kaden here…?"
"He…"
Veemon's smile shrunk. They knew the answer already.
Still, it was to make what was happening less scary.
"I'm so sorry…" The Arbiter began to sniffle. "If only I was sooner, then…"
"Hey…" Veemon weakly spoke up, regaining its smile.
"…yeah?"
"I'm glad…you've recovered…" their breathing grew labored, "my only regret…is that we couldn't…get to know one another…"
"Don't say that! We'll have plenty of time for that I promise!" She hugged the Saibatar. "I'll tell you about how school is…the stuff I've learned…my favorite color, my favorite foods…I'll make up for the lost time I swear so please…give me a chance to be friends…"
The Arbiter couldn't hold it in and began to cry, hugging Veemon tighter. Veemon rested its head on their other shoulder and slowly closed their eyes as its body began to glow. "I wonder…if Kaden was lucky to know you…"
Amidst their tears, they felt the Saibatar collapse from their embrace, starling them. Veemon's core floated before them and the remaining binary code enveloped it as it reformed into sapphire egg with white zigzags going across the shell of it. Finding the egg in her lap only made the Arbiter break down further.
From behind, Rasenmon hopped from skyscraper to skyscraper with Milo and Maxine in tow.
"I see them!" Rasenmon said, soaring over a pair of skyscrapers. They used their spirals to change trajectory, landing just past where the Arbiter knelt. Milo hopped off while Maxine watched with Rasenmon the events unfold.
"Where's Veemon?" Maxine questioned, noting the regenerating structures around them.
"Things must've wrapped up." Rasenmon answered. "By the looks of it, she did it."
Maxine watched as the Arbiter rose with an egg in her arms. This was the one that Milo was stalling for. As for the egg…could that've been…?
"I'm sorry…" the Arbiter said, clutching the egg in her arms.
Milo took note of it and hesitated to say anything immediately, using his silence to pay respects. He raised his hands to his D-Com and spoke into it. "Mission Complete. Target neutralized."
"Excellent work," Director Jones replied on the other end. "Both of you."
"How are things on the outside?" Milo asked.
"Calmer now, thanks." Trevor answered, joining the call. "Terrence claims to have gotten into it with the former Western Sovereign while we were all briefly out of commission. And he managed to defeat her. It's left me with more questions and no answers, though."
"As we all. We'll follow up tomorrow. For now, have the Arbiter secure the egg and log out. Afterward, you all get some rest. You've earned as much."
The call cut out and Milo turned to the Arbiter. "You heard the boss. How are you feeling?"
"Everything hurts…" the Arbiter whimpered. "This was painful."
Milo felt his chest tighten. He knew of the physical pain the process had brought, of which she seems to have gotten used to. But he'd be remised to say the last several weeks weren't painful in its entirety. It was just as preventable too.
But the worst part? There was no doubt, that this was the beginning of an entirely new war on the horizon…
[Forrest Star Middle School, the following morning…]
"Ladies and Gentlemen, once more, please give a round of applause for Forrest Star Middle School's class of 2051!" The auditorium erupted in cheers as the sea of navy-blue middle school graduates threw their caps in the air, celebrating their achievement.
Despite the climatic events of the last several weeks, Terrence, Daniel and Maxine all managed to muster up enough willpower to proceed with their graduation ceremonies, Daniel being the most awake of the three (given he slept through most of the major conflict).
When all was said and done, Daniel was filled in by Maxine and Terrence about their respective experiences. Maxine explained how she was saved by Milo, a friend of Kaden, and how Veemon was Kaden's former partner, and how they were both saved by a mysterious robotic angel who finally beat them. Meanwhile Terrence expressed the intense battle against Bianca, without going into too much detail, leaving the latter speculating why she was there in the first place. Trevor promised to meet up with them all to help them understand what took place, but to also keep it amongst themselves until AEGIS gave them the OK to divulge the information, as everything that happened was to be classified.
They more or less agreed to this, whether it be out of fear, or a solemn respect toward those who protected them. One thing was for sure, their curiosity was peaked, and like the older ones amongst them, they had their own set of questions as the tournament loomed over them.
"Terry~!" Kelly's voice bounced in her graduation gown as she ran up to the exhausted boy. Maxine gave her a look and Kelly likewise brushed off the girl.
"What's up Kel?" Terry asked, following up with a yawn.
"Look what my tutor got me?!" Kelly flashed a white and cyan D-Streamer, to the shock of the trio. "Now you can teach me to play Digimon like you promised!"
As if the surprises kept coming.
"You actually got a D-Streamer?!" Terrence nearly squealed.
"You actually graduated?" Daniel crossed his arms.
"I thought Digimon was for losers?" Maxine pointed out. She paused and turned to Terrence. "Wait, you promised to do what?!"
"Remember when we were in detention? As we were talking she started asking me why I liked Digimon and promised to teach her how to play. Her tutor went to TCG Tower that same day to build a deck for her graduation present, she said."
"Her tutor…?" Maxine questioned, thinking back to that day. "Oh god…"
Daniel looked at her, noticing the face she was making. "Let me guess, that girl you battled at the store…?"
"What are you three talking about?" Kelly crossed her arms.
"Hush, I'm thinking!" Maxine put a finger up towards Kelly, making her huff. She then groaned at the realization, awkwardness gripping her like a vice. "And she was so cool too…!"
"Anastasia's cool, but not as cool as me, right?" A new voice entered the space, grabbing their attention. The voice especially shook Maxine out of her brief spiral, but upon seeing Kaden, she felt she was on the verge of a separate one. He waved, his and the other's parents present as well. "Congratulations!"
The group of younger teens were startled at the sight, with Maxine fixated on the smile on Kaden's face. She felt her heart racing and before she knew it, tears were welling up in her eyes.
"We did it!" Terrence exclaimed, jumping ahead. Daniel followed, with Kelly also feeling compelled to join them. Maxine on the other hand, took a step back. Just how…
…After everything, how can he stand there, smiling…?
"Max?" Kaden noticed her hesitation, and she jumped.
"I…I need to—!" she felt her stomach and chest pulse. Throat growing warm and heavy, she covered her mouth and raced for the bathroom, leaving the small crowd, especially Kaden, stunned. Though, Kaden also had a twinge of guilt.
He took a chance with being here.
Her reaction… he deserved as much…
In the bathroom, Maxine vomited out her anxiety. Her stomach was twisting as she fought to keep a grip. After some deep breaths and some shed tears, she came out of the stall and washed her face, her little bit of makeup running down her face. She took a moment to clean her face completely before leaning against the sink, continuing to take deep breaths.
She raised her arm and pressed a button on her D-Streamer, the Digi-Egg appearing as a small hologram on the screen.
"…If you happen to see Kaden…please deliver this to him…
…I…I can't bring myself to break it to him…"
The Arbiter put this burden on her. And now, thinking back on it…could she really bring herself to do it?
She didn't have an answer…