08 - Light and Dark

Akira had never taken this kind of ride in her life. Even though she has taken the airplane when she’s young, it had never been so intense. Unlike the airplane, where you are seated finely within something confined and safe, this…

She’s riding a BIRD!

A freaking FLAMING BIRD!

She couldn’t believe this, and neither does the Glademon behind him that’s looking at one Triceramon getting carried by another Birdramon… with a puzzled look on his face – and fear. Fear that the Birdramon couldn’t suppose his weight and fall down, or the earth down below him and how will he turn into if he were to fall. And he was trying so hard not to scream, or cry because he’s a MAN. He should deal with this as a MAN. He shall not show any weaknesses, albeit how much he feared for the worst.

Well, not that he’s able to hide them all though.

This made Akira to think back how did they got into this in the first place.

She remembered how Mahogana told them to go to the City of Luminas, and the fact that the money they earned was for the pass to go to the Empyrean Skies. It was not really easy for anyone to go there, especially when they do not have the transport to go, since the Empyrean Skies was situated above the clouds. Sure, MetalGreymon X and RizeGreymon were able to fly, but they couldn’t go pass the security check as it’s pretty much illegal for them to arrive to the sky in that way – it wasn’t a law before, but it is right now, after the destruction of several places in the Digital World by some digital terrorists.

At that same time, Enjin also told them all about his client – Magnum the ClavisAngemon (who seemed to be connected to the source of information of Mahogana) and what he asked him to do – to go along with the other client’s plan, and reach the Whitewater City. From there, they will unravel some mysteries regarding the Dragon’s Tear. However, it did not specify why Sora’s client was willing to pay for the Dragon’s Tear. How could he not know that it was not possible? Or maybe he KNEW that it was not possible, that’s why he let them do it? Perhaps they have planned for Akira to turn into a dragon, and use the Dragon’s Tear to control her – albeit it’s a fake one (since the fake one was able to control a Super Mega… why not?).

After some while, they deduced that City of Luminas is the best choice for now, as the fake Dragon’s Tears seemed to be sold in the Dark Area, and not much holy Digimons were able to go through that place – as the people from Dark Area were unable to crossover to the holy area.

And that’s how they got here – flying in the air with the Birdra Transport Corp. Shiro and Kuro were having fun in their ride though – awing at all the beauties down below, calling “Mino~~~” to view the pretty sceneries beneath them… but of course, Minoru seemed to be a little bit overwhelmed by all of these and not sure what to feel anymore – from awe, to fear, to happiness, to depression… all in one pack together as his mind wandered through all the possible worst case scenarios while the reality kind of fought with the negative thoughts. Sora was sitting with Akira, and he had a very serious and calm-looking demeanor – looking far forward towards the city in the sky. However, if you see closely, you could see his trembles and cold sweats coming down from his face… and his pupils dilated a lot.

Akira was the same though. Even though she has experience on clinging onto some flying Digimons into battles before, riding a Birdramon to fly in such a speed and going so high above the ground… this is really her first time. She wanted to close her eyes and just enjoy the wind and the ride, but part of her wanted her to enjoy all of these views in front of her – it’s a “once in a lifetime” kind of thing, and she didn’t want to miss. So, she forced down her fears, and be positive about this journey…

…until some DexDorugamon appeared in front of them and started to blast metal balls at them – or at Akira’s Birdramon, to be precise.

“GET DOWN!”

The Birdramons screamed as they attempt to evade all those attacks.

“HOLD ON TIGHT!”

The Birdramons went on a faster speed and tried to outspeed them – which was possible if there’s nothing standing in front of them.

Yatagaramons.

“KREEEEEEEE!!!”

“Holy Arrow!”

“Heaven’s Knuckle!”

Beams of lights rammed towards the attackers, and safely secured the Birdra Transport Corp along with the passengers. Most of the Birdramons have broken through the attack range – well, because they were not the targets of these attackers. However, there were still some of them being held up by the attackers.

“Hurry up. We shall fight them back.”

“There will be D’Arcmons guiding you guys back to the City of Luminas.”

“KREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

The Birdramons did not waste their time to thank them, and just shot faster into the safe space of the radiant Empyrean Skies, and entered the space of Avalon Fields. In the field, it was an absolutely gorgeous field of crystal-like flowers and shining golden trees, lined with the most beautiful of ruby red apples that any mortals had EVER laid eyes on. It wasn’t securely guarded by a lot of Angel Digimons usually, but today, it seemed that there’s a huge pack of angelic guards standing by and fending off any intruders that intent to harm their citizens and visitors. And as the Angel guards that helped them below, a D’Arcmon was there, waiting for them – with a huge pack of angelic bodyguards readied.

“You must be the Dragon Bearer, and the party. Please, follow me.”

The Birdramons – along with the misfit party on board – followed the D’Arcmon and the angel guards. Soon, they reached a majestic, holy, much golden and many white lights, LUMINOUS city. Truly, the City of Luminas – it definitely lived up to its name. The D’Arcmon showed the Birdramons the way, and after unloading the passengers, they rested and waited for their second shirt. The misfit party followed the D’Arcmon, while they looked around the City of Luminas.

The inside was actually very similar to Terminal City – the only difference was that, this is more golden and white, and… holier. In a lot of sense. There were no senses of pressures, malice, or any slight of sinister thoughts. Everything here is purely peaceful. There are no crimes and violence – they are NONEXISTENT within these bright golden walls. The residence of this city mostly consist of angel Digimons, as well as the better natured Digimons – especially Vaccine-typed. There were some virus-typed Digimons dwelling around here as well, but they seemed to be pretty rare. Also, their faces and aura were a lot of friendlier and docile. Even the normally bad-looking Daemon and RAREMON. RAREMON – even the RAREMON – seemed so docile and cute in this city! Could you believe that?! Imagine a friendly Raremon guiding you through the sewer, and the Garbagemons were helping out in keeping the cleanliness of the city… Well, rumors said that City of Luminas is the holier twin of Terminal City. In this case, it’s actually very much true.

Soon, they came into a huge palace of gold and white – which pretty much reminded them of how Christian’s heaven looks like. They were greeted by a MagnaAngemon, who guided them inside. They couldn’t look straight into the holy buildings, since they were too shiny and too bright for their eyes (or their pitiful souls). Soon, they came into a large building, where a ClavisAngemon stood in within, waiting for their arrival.

“You must be Seieiki Akira,” The great angel with a large keyblade walked forward, and greeted the group. “Yamanaka Sora, Chan Minoru, Kuro the BlackAgumon, Shiro the WhiteAgumon, and Enjin the BushiAgumon,” He acknowledged everyone, and personally escorted them into a private meeting room. “Here, have a seat.”

“So, you’re… Magnum, the ClavisAngemon,” Sora spoke, right after they have been seated.

“Yes I am,” The angel Digimon nodded. “I am the client of Enjin, the BushiAgumon, and also an enemy to your client, Domino, the Dorbickmon.”

“Dorbickmon?”

“Yes,” A few Tailmon came into the room and served teas to everybody, where Magnum took the leisure and took a sip. “He is a Dorbickmon, and one of the descendants of the True Dragon Bearer.”

“You mean, the ones that has related to the Dragon’s Tear or something.”

“Correct,” Magnum nodded in delight as they were quick to catch up. “And… I am also one of them.”

“…YOU WHAT?!”

“B-B-But you’re not… dragon!” Minoru was the first who voiced out the question.

“Yeah! You’re an angel!” This time, it’s Kuro.

“Human-raised, don’t you know that angel Digimons could Digivolve into a dragon as well?” Enjin, the only one with the superior Digimon knowledge, explained. “And, look, even a bug can digivolve into a dragon as well, like Dinobeemon into Imperialdramon, or an Angewomon into a Magnadramon. There were also cases of aquatic creatures digivolving into dragons too, like Betamon to Seadramon, or Gazimon to Ebidramon-”

“Wait, Ebidramon is a Dragon?”

“I thought it’s a prawn or something.”

The ClavisAngemon just sat there and grinned, feeling pretty amused at the different discoveries of the humans along with their Digimon that has less knowledge of their own mother world. He just drank his tea, and watched the entertaining scene in front of him. He didn’t even try to stop them or correct them, and left the explanation of their world and their different possibilities in Digivolution to the BushiAgumon. However, the blonde man was not as amused as they were, and just focused his attention onto him.

“Does it mean that… you can use the power of the Dragon’s Tear as well?”

That question brought everyone into silence again, and waited for the ClavisAngemon to speak.

“To be honest… yes, yes I could.”

“WHAT?!”

“But,” The angel Digimon sighed, putting the cup down. “I have been trying to destroy every single one I found, since my mother’s death.”

The party blinked at the sudden emo-ness and be quiet again.

“This… goes back to twenty years ago…”

==============

~ FLASHBACK ~

==============

Back then, I was just a small Patamon, Domino was a Guilmon X. We were close friends – our parents were, too, best friends. We were connected in a way that we are both descendant of the True Dragon Bearers – which is actually pretty rare nowadays. Since young, we have always been interested in the Dragon’s Tear, and the ways to make it happen, despite the fact that our parents actually disagree with our attempts… which was funny, because they did researches about the Dragon’s Tear as well – albeit for different reasons, perhaps.

In a way, Domino and I were very fond of Dragon’s Tear in a passage, that we were researching and trying very hard to study and revive the black arts that created this. Who knows, it might benefit us someday! So, one day, we stole our parent’s sealed Dragon Tear and experimented on it. But then, our researches have gone wrong and the Dragon’s Tear that we had was releasing so much crimson lightning bolts that we had no idea how to stop it. My mother – a Magnadramon – came in and try to stop whatever was happening, but instead was possessed by the Dragon’s Tear and went on a rampage. It was weird, because my mother was supposed to be the descendant of the bloodline – by theory, she should be able to control the Dragon’s Tear and remained as herself!

But she’s not the descendant, my father was.

Though, during that time, my father was already dead… then what kind of researches were Domino’s dad and my mom was doing? I have no idea, until my berserk mom went and destroyed the palace and killed a lot of innocent people. Domino’s father – a Gallantmon – noticed the event and quickly set out to stop the rampage. However, he could not do so without killing my mother. He revealed that they have been trying to revive my father through the Dragon’s Tear, but instead, the Dragon’s Tear was having its own conscious and started to possess objects – of course, it failed. They realized this, and sealed it within a box – which Domino and I had released.

In the end, Domino’s father could not stop or even kill my own mother. He decided to do a suicidal attack against my mom, which it worked, and temporary peace has come back. Still, this event gave a huge impact towards everyone that witnessed it, or listened to the story. From that day onwards, I swore to destroy all Dragon’s Tears, while Domino went and continued on his researches in how to control the Dragon’s Tear, and also allow any creatures to use the Dragon’s Tear without any penalty. This way, everyone could remain their conscious. I tried to convince him that it will not be possible, but it did not work.

Soon, we parted ways. Domino became more obsessed in researching the Dragon’s Tear, to never let anyone to go berserk, and become stronger. I was trying all I could to collect every single Dragon’s Tear – that may or may not be the gem – and destroy them. At the same time, I found out ways to destroy the Dragon’s Tear without using the Dragon Slayers, while giving protections to those that wasn’t part of the Dragon Bearer to not be able to use it, but able to contain it. I thought my plans were successful, and I could do this and eradicate all Dragon’s Tear from this world! However, unbeknownst to me, the Dragon’s Tear that took over my mother’s body that day, was taken by Domino.

==================

~ END FLASHBACK ~

==================

“…When I realized it, I brought a huge corp of Digimons and even hired mercenaries to hunt him down before it’s too late. Alas, that coward fled into the Dark Area, and continued his research until today. It also seemed that he has found out ways to enhance the Dragon’s Tear – in order to defend himself against me, I guess. He also made a lot of copies of the Dragon’s Tear. He has hired mercenaries to acquire some of the Dragon’s Tears, while selling the fake ones as research materials towards the others. The fake ones, while considerably weaker than the original, are still devastating when it comes into the hand of non-Dragon Digimons. They will turn into dragons, and start to destroy everything in their area. We tried to contain them, but it was getting too hard.”

Kuro seemed to be sleeping already as the story of the ClavisAngemon seemed to be pretty long, but was awakened by Shiro’s vigorous shook. He tried to yell, but was silenced by Enjin’s glare.

“Cheh…” The BlackAgumon grumpily sit straight. Why all of these people are so serious about this long grandma story anyway? They could have just asked for the main point, and figure out the rest, or something!

“It also seemed that he has deprived from his original goal of enhancing the Dragon’s Tear. I heard that he has started to create manipulation devices in the Dark Area.”

“What?!”

“That’s… I can’t believe it. It’s actually possible?!” Enjin was very shocked by this news. “I thought he needed a lot more Dragon’s Tear for that!”

“It seemed that by copying the Dragon’s Tear, he was able to take in the souls of those that used the ‘traps’ and provide more energy for the original,” Magnum sighed, and took a sip of the tea as he got a bit tired from telling his tale. “I have no idea that the Dark Area could affect an originally pure-hearted Digimon into such… monster…” This made the group to raise their eyebrows against such… comments towards the possibly final evil boss of the story. How was he pure-hearted anyway? “…or maybe it was because of the Dragon’s Tear, which wanted to exist forever and does not want to be destroyed…?”

“…wait, what do you mean by that?” Sora stopped his tea-sipping, and asked a question.

“Well, perhaps from the failed experiment of both our parents, they have given the Dragon’s Tear self-awareness. Perhaps the gem realized that I was set to destroy all of the Dragon’s Tears – including itself. It does not want to be destroyed, thus, slowly possessed Domino and gradually corrupt him into the wrong path. Perhaps, in the end, the gem would consume Domino’s soul, and became an individual being… To exist eternally and never die…”

“Is that even possible-”

“Excuse me,” A Sakuyamon entered the private room in all of the sudden. “I heard that the Dragon Bearer was here. May I request her presence in the shrine?” Even though her voice sounded compromised, the tone was eager and enthusiastic. It seemed that she was in a hurry, or delighted that Akira was finally here?

“Ah, yes, I forgot to mention,” The ClavisAngemon stood up, and greeted the Sakuyamon. “This is Reimu, the Sakuyamon. She is the apprentice of my personal seer – Yakumo the Sanzomon.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.”

“Hurry, the seer wants to meet her!” Finally the Sakuyamon could not contain her eagerness, and wanted to hasten this lengthy introduction.

“Ah, ok…” Magnum chuckled slightly, before he turned towards Akira. “Miss Seieiki, could you please follow her to meet Yakumo?” Seeing that the rest are ready to go as well, the Sakuyamon stopped them.

“I’m very sorry, but, this is personal, so only Seieiki-san could come with us,” The miko-Digimon spoke. “Are you ok with that?”

“S-Sure… I guess…?” Akira blinked – it’s not like she has a choice actually – while wondering why the seer wants to meet her – personally, that is. “Let’s go?”

= = =

After going through a long passage of white with blue-digital linings on the side, they came to a sanctuary-like hall. A holy Digimon sat in the middle of the sanctuary, meditating. Her eyes opened as soon as Akira stepped into the hall, and she gave a warm stare with her golden eyes. It was very mesmerizing, and clear… as if you’re willing to tell her anything that troubles you. The Sakuyamon walked towards the side, and left Akira and the Sanzomon alone.

“Seieiki Akira.”

Sanzomon’s voice pierced through the whole body of Akira, and made her kneel in front of the divine Digimon. Her voice was very clear even though her mouth is being covered by the red-colored sutra, acting as a muffler around her neck. Even though she has her bosoms revealed, it did not hinder the fact that she’s a very pure and holy Digimon, and an elderly one that was to be respected without a doubt.

“I… am Yakumo, the Sanzomon. I am the seer of Lord Magnum, the ClavisAngemon. And I…” The Sanzomon looked into Akira’s own red orbs. “…am the one who brought you here.”

“W…what?” Normally Akira would be yelling, but in front of this Digimon, she just couldn’t be rude or dynamic. She just… muttered her own surprises in form of whisper.

“I was the one that contacted with your D-Tector, and brought you here. Though, this is a little bit unfeasible… But…” The Sanzomon looked into the redhead’s eyes. “You are from the future.”

“…the future… what?”

“I will explain about that later. The reason I brought you here… was this,” The Sanzomon closed her eyes, and gave out a golden aura. She started to float, and she made Akira to float with her. In the next instance, they were in a totally different place – another dimension – which images started to flow.

“In this timeline, you were not present,” Yakumo narrated as she showed the scenes where Enjin and the other party battled the Vitramon, without Akira being there. However, due to the lack of innocents here, they did not get along to secure anyone at all, and just focused on themselves and how to let the other party die. The Dragon’s Tear eventually consumed the Vitramon, and empowered him greatly. He became a Megidramon, killing everyone in that battle and started to destroy cities by cities. Domino, the Dorbickmon, found him, and managed to control the rampaging dragon with his own enhanced Dragon’s Tear. He consumed the Megidramon, and became more powerful. He successfully conquered the whole world with his army of superior dragons, turning the Digital World into a horrifying hell filled with chaos. Soon, Domino’s soul was consumed by the Dragon’s Tear that he owned, and the gems merged together with his body, taking over him. They forever existed in the Digital World, and planned to eradicate the human world next, as they fear that the humans would eventually came up with a program and reset or destroy the Digital World, including the Dragon’s Tear themselves.

“G-God…” Overwhelmed by the possible bad-ending for the Digital World, Akira couldn’t help but limped down with horror in her eyes. “What… Why… How…?!”

“Now, do you understand the importance of your role in the current timeline?” In another instance, they were back to the original sanctuary of white and blue linings. Akira was mentally exhausted by the horrifying images and the possible future of the Digital World, panting heavily as the weight began to sink into her body.

“W-Why… Why me…?”

“You are the only human that made contact with the ancient Dragon Bearer,” Yakumo closed her eyes and tried to explain. “A human would be most likely able to fight back the dragon’s impulses to destroy, and the Dragon’s Tear’s influences as you are not a pure Digimon yourself. You are not just a normal human that would prefer destructions, especially not after you have experience the horror of destructions yourself.”

“Y-You…!” Akira was even more surprised that the seer actually knew what happened to her before all of these adventures. That one thing that she has yet to get over, and has never told anyone before. “How did you-”

“I am a seer, and I have long researched about you before I chose you to be the savior,” The Sanzomon gave the redhead a warm stare once again. “I knew about all your past, and how you felt. This is why I took you in after you gone through your first stage of depression, and started to live a much more normal life. This is when I think you have the most qualification to go through the challenges in this world once again. The ‘you’ right now would not be able to comprehend such madness.”

“…then you should know that I would not want to be a savior, even now…!” Akira clenched on her fist tightly. She was reluctant to rage at anyone about this, but she couldn’t contain her angers and her depression any longer. “You would understand my fear and my pain to go through that nightmare again! Why… Why me?! I am nobody. I lost my humanity to that beast, and was forced away from my most loved ones! How many nights you think I have relived that hellish moments again?! Do you really understood how afraid I am, to go through the whole ordeal again?!”

Yakumo did not speak a single word. She just let the teen lashed it out on her – verbally, that is. Akira was furious, but not more than her fears. She just ranted and let her inner feelings out, telling the divine Digimon how much she could not bear with the consequences, and had to go through the same phase as she did in the first place, before she managed to be a human again, to survive her days while coping with her nightmares. She has been keeping all of these negative emotions and thoughts within herself, and told no one about it. The Digimon felt that it was appropriate to at least listen to her, rather than forcefully convince her.

That would definitely backfire.

“How… How could I…?! No. What happened if I actually gave into my bestial side?! What happened if I actually hurt those that I’m close to?! No… No! I’m telling you, no. I am not going to be your savior. I just want to be normal, ok? I just want… to live my life as a normal person and… And… And… URGH. Just remove this… nightmare from me!”

“…” Yakumo sighed. She knew that this was going to happen. Still, she hoped that she could change her mind… even by a little. “I could not help with your bestial side – however – Lord Magnum should be able to remove the Dragon’s Tear from you.”

“Then, what about the Dragon Spirit-”

“You do not have your D-Tector with you, don’t you?”

“…you knew.”

“Then you should not worry about that,” The Sanzomon gave a little smile through the muffler, which eased the young girl’s heart a little bit.

“…then… You will not force me… to…”

“No, I will not force anyone,” Yakumo went forward to trembling girl, and gave a light pat on her head, easing her more. Slowly, the girl calmed down, though her tears started to roll. “Even though you’re the best choice, I will not force you.”

“…thank you…”

= = =

When Akira came back to the private meeting room, her eyes were red – not that it wasn’t red-colored in the first place – and the group was a bit curious about what happened in the “sanctuary”.

“A-Are you ok, Aki-nee-san?” The young boy immediately rushed towards his cousin’s side, and hold onto her hands. The redhead only smiled towards her affectionate cousin, patting on his head, and telling him that she’s fine. Through time, their bond has grown deeper and Akira has allowed Minoru to call her by her nickname ‘Aki’ instead of her full first name. Though, the respectful cousin still preferred to add on the honorifics, which Akira did not stop him.

“Aki-nee! Did that seer bullied you or anything?!” Even Kuro got pretty close to her by now, along with Shiro. Still, Minoru was the top of their heart, and no one could ever replace that.

“Hahaha, gosh you guys. I’m really fine!” Their worries made the redhead to chuckle – until she realized that Enjin and Sora shared the same worries as the others, she had to laugh. “GOD! Not you guys too!”

“Human girl. Do not let the others bully you away from my sight.”

“Akira-san, please, if anything happened-”

“God! I’m really fine! Sheesh… I never knew you guys could be such worrywarts!” It was funny. First, they only treat her like a delivery item. Then, through the adventures that they have gone through, they started to bond with each other and start to do things for each other. She saved Minoru’s lives plenty of times, while the cousin cared for her the most throughout the whole journey. Akira respected and appreciated both Enjin’s and Sora’s talents, while the other two taught her a lot of stuffs and find themselves rather joyful in doing so. The two contrasting-colored Agumons were only grateful to Akira at first, before they found out that she could be a very good company for funs and laughters.

It was through this journey that she got to meet all of them, bond with all of them, and appreciate each other. So no, she would not be the whatsoever savior and risk their lives in the process.

“So… What was your answer, miss Seieiki?” Magnum, obviously being the boss of Yakumo should already knew why she asked for Akira’s presence secretly in her sanctuary, asked her a question that puzzled the rest of the people in the room.

“What answer?”

“What?”

“Akira-san?”

“…the answer is…” The redhead slowly raised her palm out, showing the ruby towards the ClavisAngemon. “Please remove this nightmare from my body.”

“…sigh. Very well then,” The angel Digimon gave a defeated smile, but was willing to comply with her decision. He stood up, and so was everyone else as he walked towards the door. He gestured for everyone to follow him.

“Now… Please follow me to the Spring of Life.”

= = =

Past the Avalon Gardens lies a massive stone fountain adorned with several smaller statues of the Royal Knights – a group of thirteen Mega-level Holy Knight Digimons, who are also named as the Digital World’s sacred guardians. Most of the Royal Knights seemed to be humanoids like Dukemon and Omnimon, though they were a few with bestial forms like Examon and Kentaurosmon. They were overlooked by a statue of the fallen Yggdrasil. The fountain of the Springs of Life is constantly flowing a brightly glowing, amethyst-colored, liquid-like data that was almost similar to wine in appearance. It captured the misfit group’s attention to the beauty of the fountain.

Of course, they did not forget their purpose of being here.

“This is the Spring of Life,” Magnum introduced, as he brought them to the fountain. “Drinking these liquids will heal and revitalize the drinker’s energy and stamina, and curing them of any bodily ailments. However, those of a darker or more sinister nature who drank it will suddenly be wracked with a horrible, bodily pain.”

“…ouch,” Kuro was planning to take a sip, but hearing that, he wondered if he qualified in that “dark natured” category, and stopped his tracks under Shiro and Minoru’s watchful eyes.

“Well, I don’t assume that you’re going to just heal us by being here, right?”

“Of course,” The angel Digimon continued. “We shall be conducting the ritual within the fountain itself.”

“Eh?”

“…won’t that dirties the fountain-”

“Of course not. The holy liquids will cleanse anything dirty and sooth all evils that came into contact,” He smiled at the group, and looked at Akira. “That is why we require miss Seieiki to bath within the water, while I conduct this ritual.”

“Uhh… Does it mean that I need to strip in front of them, like, again?” Akira remembered when she first came back to the Digital World, they accused of her for having the parcel, and made her strip.

“Holy Azulong- Of course not. Unless you’re willing to, that is,” The ClavisAngemon found that thought a little bit disturbing and was embarrassed by it. “You just need to step inside the fountain, and let the water cleanse you.”

“…ok…” Reluctantly, Akira stepped into the fountain with her bare feet – well, at least she need to take off her shoes, right? It’s disrespectful even though the water COULD clean her shoes for her (for free even), after putting her jacket aside. “So… How long should I… uh, bath?”

“Until the ritual is complete. Please do not move around and remain inside the water.”

“O-Ok…”

Akira’s full body sunk into the water, leaving only the head on the surface – to breath, of course. The amethyst liquids had an immediate effect on her body – soothing her fears and chasing away her troubles. She felt very relaxed and refreshing within the water. Her palm felt a little bit hot, though it’s in a way that it’s warm and welcoming, not the heat that would threaten people.

“The water from the Spring of Life was one of the way that I found out that could protect any bearer from harm – even if they’re not the natural Dragon Bearers,” Magnum started to explain, while waiting for Akira to fully sink into the water’s grace. “The water could quell any negative emotions and sooth all evils, which includes the Dragon’s Tear. With that, the Dragon’s Tear shall be pure and without any ill-intend. They will not forcefully turn anyone into a dragon to punish them, or control the bearer in order to survive. This allows us to extract it from the bearers without any punishments to the bearers themselves.”

The party nodded as they understood the explanation. Soon, the ClavisAngemon casted a spell, and removed the ruby from the redhead’s palm. Nothing happened after that, and there’s no holes in Akira’s palm as well (Minoru was relieved by that). After that, Magnum took the ruby and went to a special room to destroy it. Enjin and Sora went along with him to witness the procedure. The rest were released to the city and rest, while they waited for the result.

= = =

As soon as they reached the city, Akira saw a very familiar face that caused a lot of emotions within her that starts to run – happy, guilty, fear, sadness, yearning, and escaping… all at once. The bluish white silky hair, along with that azure dress. It was no doubt that that was the person that she has been thinking a lot throughout the journey.

“Sa…pphira.”

“Aki-nee-san?”

“Aki-sama…!”

She lost her chance to run away as the older lady’s sight connected towards her own. Akira watched frozenly as the sapphire lady noticed her presence and ran over to her, hugging her tightly. The redhead had no idea how to react at all. She was conflicted by her inner emotions and thoughts that she couldn’t give a proper response towards the sapphire lady.

“Sa…Sapphira… I…”

“Do you have any idea how worried I am? What if you got caught by some weird ojii-san or obaa-san and got xxooxoxo and oooxoxooxoxo?!”

“…W-W-W-WHAT?! SAPPHIRA! WHAT ARE YOU?!”

“Uhh… Aki-nee-san?” Minoru couldn’t help but make a curious voice. This girl was getting a little bit too close to his cousin, and… he’s just too curious about it.

“…ho…” Sapphira blinked as she finally realized that Minoru was standing right beside her mistress, and… she didn’t enjoy it that much, to be honest. However, she did not let out her dissatisfaction, and just put on a nice smile on her face. With a touch of ice, that is. “Aki-sama, so this is your girlfriend? How cute…”

“H-Huh?!”

“No Saph! This is not what you think!” The redhead waved her arms violently. For god’s sake, how many people have mistaken Minoru for a girl already?! Even though he properly dressed up as a guy this time… Sheesh! “This is Chan Minoru, my cousin. And he’s a guy.”

“…oh. I was wrong. I am so sorry Minoru-sama.”

“I-It’s fine…” Minoru waved his own arms as well. “I-I thought you’re my cousin’s girlfriend instead…”

“W-What?!” Akira’s face suddenly went beet red. “I-I-I-I-It’s not…! I mean, I wish--- NO! I-I-I mean…!”

“Well, it would be a great joy to be Aki-sama’s girlfriend,” Sapphira chuckled, having so much fun seeing her mistress’ embarrassed face. It has been so long… “But to be precise, I am her servant – Sapphira the Arakuni.”

“S-S-Servant…!”

“Oooh~ Kinky~”

“K-Kuro! What are you thinking?!”

“NO! I-I-IT’S NOT LIKE THAT-”

The happy moments did not last long as they heard explosions in the city. As they turned around, they saw armies of angelic guards flying out non-stop to meet with the enemies. Quickly, Sapphira held onto Akira’s hand, and dragged her into a safer place.

“Mistress, please stay here,” The taller lady spoke to her on the ear with a smile of a trickster – which made Akira a bit flustered despite being in this crucial situation. “I shall handle them for you.”

“W-Wait! Sapphira!”

“Kuro, Shiro! Go!” Minoru took out his digivice, and pointed at the twin Agumons – whom started to digivolve into their ultimate forms.

“BlackMetalGreymon X!”

“WhiteShineGreymon!”

Sapphira’s body started to distort a little as she shifted from her human form into her Digimon form. The sapphire Arukenimon was very different than the ordinary Arukenimons, whom seemed to be much beautiful than her normal counterparts.

“Sapphira! Don’t destroy the city!”

Knowing the spider lady, she probably would bring down the buildings as long as the enemies were brought down along with them, and to secure her own mistress in the best way possible. However, having that command on her forced her to shift that tactic a little bit.

Of course, it was nothing for the Arukenimon.

“Yes, my mistress.”

With a seductive smile, she leaped and started to web the buildings to her liking, right before the enemies barged into the scene. Kuro and Shiro were already fighting a BlackMegaGargomon, having a little bit of a bad time because of the massive size and the weaponries of the gigantic Digimon. A BlackMetalGarurumon entered the scene, and shooting blasts at them, before they were intercepted by a group of MagnaAngemons and Angewomons.

“Miss Seieiki, please, to the hall! Hurry!”

“We shall fend them off from here! Go now!”

Seeing that they have cleared a way out for all of them, and it seemed that it was urgent, the group plus Sapphira ditched the enemies and went straight towards the hall of Luminas.

Along the way, they have seen a lot of attacks on the golden white city buildings, and a lot of innocents’ lives were ruined. Was it all because of a single Dragon’s Tear? Akira couldn’t watch this, and couldn’t imagine that her existence brought pain towards the others…!

“Mistress.”

Suddenly, Sapphira took the redhead up – who seemed to be very light at this moment – and carried her in a bridal style. She gave her a warm smile with a tint of seduction within, as she kept on going.

“S-Sapphira…!”

“You are not a burden.”

Akira’s eyes widened as she heard that from her. How did she guessed what was in her mind? Well, then again, Sapphira has been with her for quite a long time – even after she went to find the Beast Spirit. However, after that incident, she closed her heart away from Sapphira and asked her to leave her… in a very aggressive commanding tone. It probably hurt Sapphira’s feelings as well, since she couldn’t do anything for her mistress, whom exit harshly. Still…

Hearing this from her, it makes Akira wanted to cry out a little.

They reached the hall in quite a short time, and Magnum was already there waiting for them along with Enjin and Sora.

“I am sorry, Miss Seieiki, but it seemed that Domino has found out about this and sent his army here,” Magnum explained.

“A HiAndromon hacked the servers in the city and brought down all the defenses,” Sora pushed his glasses. “Perhaps it was done by an insider.”

“Never mind that right now, we could handle those ourselves, just…” The ClavisAngemon walked towards Akira. “…I am very sorry that I could not finish my job in time. So, in order for this Dragon’s Tear to not fall in other people’s hands, I wished for you to carry it.”

“W-What…?!” Akira’s eyes widened, and she was ready to refuse, but another explosion in the city revoke her chance to do so.

“Please! You are our only hope! There was no one else-” And another explosion. The whole City of Luminas was SHAKING!

“God Fanglongmon, we have not much time left…! Please Seieiki Akira!” He placed his hands onto Akira’s shoulders – the pendant dangled from his hand. “Do not let more lives be sacrificed!”

“…I…” Akira’s eyes were wavering, and hesitating. Her whole body trembled with fear and anxiety. The great pressure weighted on her whole body as she saw the pendant. She looked at Enjin and Sora, who seemed to hope for her to take the pendant. Her eyes went towards Minoru, Shiro, and Kuro, who hoped for Akira’s best future. Then, she felt a hand holding onto hers – it was Sapphira.

“I will protect you, no matter what.”

Was what she whispered.

The redhead gulped upon that, and closed her eyes. Sapphira’s normally very cold like her tone color, but this time, her hand was very warm. It gave Akira enough courage to calm down and think of the possibilities. She heard the screams coming from the city, and the screams from her nightmare – they overlapped each other. One was when she’s a monster, and one was when she’s human. Even though she’s a human now, she still couldn’t stop the terrors from happening in front of her.

She might as well take the gamble.

“…fine,” Her hand took over the pendant, and looked into the ClavisAngemon’s… helmet. “I will do it. But… teach me how to use this thing, and become a controlled dragon.”

The ClavisAngemon was a bit surprised at her request, but more of joy that she actually took the responsibility. “Understood.”

= = =

The misfit gang and the angels went to battle the intruders, hoping to buy some time for Akira to learn all she could about the ruby. Sapphira stayed back to watch over them, while giving some comfort towards her mistress.

The angel told her the methods, and Akira attempted it. The ruby started to glow, and it engulfed her whole body. She began to grow bigger, into a Leomon’s height, and her hair grew longer. She could feel the familiar power rushing back to her, along with one extra source of energy that’s possibly from the Dragon’s Tear. She felt more powerful than ever, and she opened her eyes, realizing that she has transformed back to her Human Spirit form:

Ryuujinmon.

She could see her scales, and felt her coat. The flaming tail was whipping behind her, and her strong body was ready to fight.

Seieiki Akira is back in the town.

Sapphira smiled as she watched her mistress was back to her old self – albeit just the appearance – while Magnum was happy that she has chosen this path.

“Please, defeat Domino on my behalf.”

“Heh, I will…”

They rushed out to the city, and attempted to fight their way through. A Valkyriemon was seen exchanging blows with the BlackMetalGarurumon, while a Magnadramon, a Majiramon, and a Makuramon was holding back the BlackMegaGargomon, Canondramon, Bulbmon, and a Bolgmon. Magnum was caught up with the issues in the city, but he had a batch of angel guards to escort the misfit gang up and out from the City of Luminas - down to the earth. However, during the fight, Sapphira was caught up by the explosions, forcing her to part ways with them and did not follow them up to the sky.

“SAPPHIRAAAAA!!!”

“Aki-sama!!!”

The Ryuujinmon tried to grab onto the Arukenimon’s hand, but failed as they were already leaving and the enemies were right behind them. If they were to slow down, they would never get through this and get out from the Empyrean Skies.

“No…!”

“STEADY! AKIRA!”

Missiles came, flying into their position, and the ShineGreymon managed to dodge the first batches. They encountered a group of airborne fighters, and the sky battle has started. A Kongoumon flew along with its golden companion – Magnamon, the only Royal Knight on board – to fight against a JewelBeemon, a Hisyaryuumon, and an AeroVeedramon. A Knightmon riding a Hippogriffomon entered the battle alongside with them, while battling a DexDoruGreymon. The Super Mega Dominomon and Goldramon were fighting off the Okuwamon, DarkRapidmon, Shadowmon, Karatenmon, Parrotmon, and an Eaglemon.

“GO!”

They made paths for the misfit group to move on, but they were forced to face against some more Digimons. Kuro and Shiro exchanged blasts with the Cyberdramon and Kimeramon duo. Their battles were very matched, as they cooperated almost the same way as they did. Sora, in his Ice Insect Spirit: GrandisKuwagamon form – a large black humanoid beetle with huge claws – fought against his bestial counterpart: a GranKuwagamon. Enjin was holding back a SkullBaluchimon, and it wasn’t a pretty sight.

“Ugh…!”

Unlike any other Digimons he fought before, this skeleton beast Digimon fully reacted through its instincts and felt no pain. He did not stop even though Enjin had caused immense damages that would probably stop a Digimon from moving on, or scream pain. However, the SkullBaluchimon just went forward, mowing down Glademon’s defenses again and again. However, the fact that the SkullBaluchimon felt no pain has caused himself to not realize that he could not go further, and he slowly dissolved into datas from the immense injuries he sustained from the Glademon’s tactical attacks.

Just as when the Glademon wanted to help out the others, a challenger arrived: It was a Buraimon, a bird samurai with a fiery attire.

“I have seen you fight,” The Buraimon spoke, looking at the Glademon without even drawing his swords. “I normally do not fight by my own self, but it seemed that you are a worthy opponent that could match my blades.”

“…heh,” Enjin was quite honored to be praised of his battle skills, but now is really not the time to accept such challenges. “I am truly honored, but, I don’t think this is the best time to fight,” Especially after fighting an exhausting opponent – the SkullBaluchimon.

“No,” The Buraimon grinned, with a dark look. “This is the best time to fight.”

The bird samurai charged towards the golden warrior, and drew his both swords. In a reply to his challenge, Glademon was forced to take out his swords as well. They exchanged blows from the east to the west, soaring over the sky as their own personal battlefield – ignoring the other ongoing battles as they have their eyes on each other. The Buraimon, though a Champion Digimon, managed to match Glademon’s swords. Perhaps he has sustained too much damage from the skull Digimon previously, and he could not fight with his full strength. However, he still managed to pressure his opponents with his devastating techniques as he unleashed the rage upon the bird samurai. The bird samurai was forced back by the technique, and was nearly decapitated by the blades of the golden warrior if he had reacted slightly a bit later.

“I had to admit, you are very good…” The Buraimon smirked, thought that he could win this Ultimate at this stage with himself as a Champion. “Sadly, I have a job to be done… and you’re a fearsome opponent that I cannot let lose…” Slowly, his body started to glow, and he let out a loud shriek.

“Oh no…!” The Glademon noticed what was going on – his eyes filled with dread as he tried to reach the cocoon of data before it hatches. Sadly, the Buraimon has managed to complete his digivolution, and pushed the Glademon away with a shockwave. The crimson red mechanical samurai was huge, larger than the Glademon himself. With a burst of speed from his wings, the Butenmon charged towards Enjin, with his halberd in hand.

“HRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!”

The Glademon tried to block the attack with his dual swords, but found it impossible as he was forced back by the sheer power of the red samurai. He can’t win this opponent like this!

I need… more power…!

Once again, this reminded him when he lacked of the power to defeat the were-Fangmons. This situation was about the same, albeit this time, the Butenmon was at the same stage as he is… of course, Enjin was brutally injured by the beast Digimon, but there’s no excuse to this!

Still, he had hoped to have a fair fight with a Digimon of such league.

However, looking past the red samurai, he noticed the struggles of Kuro and Shiro against the other two draconic Digimons, while the angel Digimons were not able to fight back their enemies who rained them down with their sheer numbers.

Perhaps, this was not the time to hang onto his pride… he had a job to do too!

“I’m sorry, but…” The Glademon spoke through his clenched teeth, still trying to fight back the Butenmon’s halberd. “I… have a job to do too…!”

His resolution to protect his allies granted him a massive burst of power from his body. Nope, the damages to his body should not be anything to be compared to the others, and he WILL protect these weaklings!

But first, he shall defeat this cowardly opponent, who stroked him during his weakest!

 “HaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

He managed to overcome the Butenmon’s strength, and pushed the halberd away from him. His body was heating up, and he felt the same thing as he first attained his Ultimate form again. This might be it, the strength that he will be attaining!

The key to victory!

“Get… lost!!!” With the twin blades, he sliced and diced the Butenmon’s attacks, while feeling that his own core started to grew. His armor started to crack as his body mass increased. His helmet started to change – to grow and to reform and prepare for the next stage. He felt his twin blades burning up, starting to crack with glows as if they were reacting to the Glademon’s transformation. Soon, his armor’s color started to fade, and to be replaced with shining, onyx black. His form started to stabilize as he grew into the same size as the Butenmon, and his form started to distort and reform. His twin swords burst and what he held onto seemed to be a mass of energy, trying to stabilize and solidify. Soon, he let out a great shockwave, as his transformation into a Mega Digimon was complete:

“Gaioumon!”

He yelled out his new form’s name, and was very proud of what he had digivolved into – his ancestor’s best form, and also the forms that every Agumons in the family have wished to attain. Holding into the odd-shaped katanas, he raged towards the Butenmon through the sky, and gave a nice cut on its halberd.

“W-What…?!”

The red samurai was shocked by such surprising outcome of the Glademon – and he thought he had got him good there, and the burst of strength was just a sacrificial resolution, his last attack! But no, he has attained Digivolution into his Mega level, which was something that Butenmon couldn’t defeat, at all!

“No…! NO!”

With the halberd split into half, he had to swung it differently – however, due to his ineptness in using the weapon in another way, he was quickly cut down by another slash from the Kikurin – Gaioumon’s katana.

“Y-You…!”

“Hmph, weakling.”

The Gaioumon looked at the fallen Butenmon with an arrogant face, before he dismissed him and move onto the two Ultimates that gave the two Greymons a bad time, only to find that they managed to outwit their enemies and bring them down in a nick. They joined in the rest of the battle, and fought the attackers off. Soon, they were free from the ordeal and moved on to the Dark Area. The angel Digimons could not follow them to the end, as the dark energies were not pleasant to their skin. They prefer to go back to the Empyrean Skies, after wishing the misfit group a good luck and gave them each a vial of water from the Spring of Life.

Now, they are on their own.

“Sapphira…” Akira’s head was all about the sapphire lady that she had left behind. Will she be ok? Will the City of Luminas be safe? Will Akira herself be safe? She agreed to come to the Dark Area because Sapphira gave her strength to move on, but right now… right now, there’s no more Sapphira. Could she finish this without the sapphire Arachne?

“Aki-nee-san…!” Minoru moved closer to the Ryuujinmon, while pulling a little on her coat. “It’s ok, Sapphira-san will surely be fine! W-We’ll just need to get rid of Domino, and that’s all?”

“Do you think it’s easy…?” The redhead turned around, finding herself unable to cope with the emotions that’s rushing through her ever since she failed to catch onto Sapphira’s hand. “Do you think… we can just barge into their mass of army, with just the five… no, six of us?!”

“A-Aki-nee-san!”

“Even if I count you in there won’t even be any difference isn’t it? They’re still going to run us down with their numbers! Look at what they sent to us – an ARMY! An army that’s not even just Champions… it’s with Ultimates, Megas, and at least one Super Mega was in there if I’m not mistaken…! How can we fought against such numbers, how could we even agreed to them to do this shit?! No… NO! I… I don’t want to… You guys are gonna die if we’re gonna continue this…!”

“Akira! Calm down!”

“Akira!”

“NO! This is… this is not going to work! I’m scared… The beast within me… I… No! You know what? Let’s just go back already, or you guys go back and I’ll just go a suicide mission against them- no that won’t work. He’ll definitely manipulate me! T-This is not a good idea either! Either way I’ll still hurt all of you! This… I should just… die already-”

“AKIRA!”

*SLAP!*

Everyone’s (safe Enjin) eyes widened as they witnessed Sora slapped against Akira. Akira has long lost her dragon state since she started to lose her faith – the slap definitely got across her face and marked a clear red on the cheek. In that instance, she stopped thinking about anything, only with her eyes widened in surprise.

“Good. You stopped,” Sora gave a sigh, and ran his hand to his head to clear off the bangs. “Listen, Akira, I know this is hard, but none of us has the intention to die here,” He gave a stern look at the redhead through his own amber eyes. “I might not know you that much, but being with you for almost half a year I understand that you’re not that kind of person that would just give into death. Look, look at Minoru,” Sora turned the girl around to face her own cousin. “Look at him. Think of how many times you have saved him, as a human. Now look at Kuro and Shiro. You saved their master, and gave them assurance to fight with their best efforts. You did not betray their trust in you, even when you’re requested to be sacrificed. You did more for them and they will do the same for you.You let them fight so that all of us can be more secured. Now look back at me.”

He forced the girl to turn over to face back to him – her eyes seemed clearer than before. “You have gave me good ideas and warnings every time when things were about to go wrong. I learned to think more out of the box rather than being confined. If you’re not there to save my skin, I would’ve rot outside somewhere already. And I’m pretty sure everyone else thought the same as well. Even Enjin – you managed to even secure his alliance with us, and you trusted him as he trusted all of us.”

“Shut up human, this is so embarrassing,” The black samurai looked away, before he decided to move forward and grabbed the girl’s shoulders. “But the strategist’s right, Akira. Don’t think of death when you’re a hope for all of us. Perhaps none of us are prepared to die here, but if it’s necessary, we will make sure anything for you to finish your job.”

“Hmph, of course, I’ll make sure that I’ll still survive, and everyone of us,” Sora grinned darkly as he pushed his glasses up – though, he seemed pretty assuring despite that darkness.

“Y-Yes!” Minoru jumped out from the side and entered the circle. He caught onto Akira’s hands, and looked into her eyes. “We’ll be fine, Akira-nee-san! I’m sure of that! And don’t you dare to die… B-Because if you die… I… I… Maybe I’ll die as well…”

“GAH! MINO! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!”

“That’s right Mino, we’ll not let you, or anyone die!”

“And remember,” Enjin smirked, giving a pat towards the two Agumon’s head. “Do not waste on those lives that have been slain. If you truly want to amend to them, you should walk forward.”

“And you’re not alone, Aki-nee-san!” Minoru gave the girl a huge grin, despite a moment ago he was the one that’s shivering in fear while encouraging his own cousin.

“I…” The redhead could only blink at the misfit people who actually managed to talk her through. Her worries remained, but her fear subsided a lot. It gave her strength to at least stand up and face the challenges that are waiting for her in the future. “Thank you guys…”

She concentrated on the pendant, and draws out the power within the Dragon’s Tear. Her body started to grow as her mind was filled with courage. She became Ryuujinmon once again, and step forward with a more determined face.

“Let’s do this, guys.”

With everyone smiled at her, they moved forward into the darkness, despite that each of them knew that at least one of them is going to die in here. Still, they will make the necessary sacrifices, for Akira to move forward, even though she herself had the same worry as they did. All of them are ready to die, but not until they are meant to die. They will mow through all the challenges as far as they go, and help each other out to succeed like usual.

They will battle, to the end, and for the future.