Digimon - Relics

[cleansinglight]

Chapter Eleven: Voyage toward Destiny

The boat swayed and rocked in the turbulent waters. The blue Digital Ocean stretched out before them in all directions. Sea and sky consumed the horizon as far as the eye could see. The boat was making good time, the breeze pushing against the sails keeping them full for the last two days. The Captain, a weathered old Digimon named Hookmon, had assured the group that they’d be putting into port before another two days had fully passed. Severa, according to the map Sorcerymon had given to them, was quite far South of Fortes Island in a part of the Digital World where the wrath of winter would be far less noticeable. Even now, only half way to their destination, the biting chill that had dominated the sea air on their first night was replaced by a warmer wind.

There was a disadvantage to being stuck on the ship, everyone felt trapped. There wasn’t as much to do on board as back on the island and with no enemies to fight or long hikes ahead everyone was forced to find something else to do. Anselm and Patamon assisted the ships cook, a Starmon with an eye-patch and peg-leg. Vera and Haomon practiced their fighting and a few of the crew even placed bets on which of them would win, most siding understandably with the Digimon. John and Dyrasmon were up in the crows nest relieving the look out unsure what sort of danger they were looking for. Surely the Digital World didn’t have pirates… did it? The only one who hadn’t found something to do was Xander who spent the afternoon napping and encouraging Bogmon to do the same and rest up.

“I’m not sure the sea is for me,” Adlimon growled holding down his lunch.

“You do look rather green, for someone who is usually icy blue,” Thompson noted handing his friend a special bottle of tonic, “Take a sip of this, I got it from the Captain. It’s a sea-sickness remedy.”

“Thanks,” Adlimon said slurping down some of the serum, “I hope its fast acting… I really don’t feel so well.”

“Why don’t you go lay down below decks?” Thompson suggested.

“I’ll try but if Xander is still snoring down there-” Adlimon said with a laugh heading down below.
“He’s wonderful,” Solara said when the icy lizard had gone.

“Yeah, he’s a feisty little guy but he’s used to the cold snows of the village not the constantly swaying seas.”

“It’s amazing how quickly we all became friends,” Solara mused, turning to face him, her hazel eyes had such fire beneath them.

“We didn’t have much choice,” Thompson laughed, “we were taken prisoner in a world where we were the only humans.”

“Yes but, we became friends with the Digimon quickly too,” Solara said.

“You think it’s more than coincidence?” Thompson asked.

“It has to be more, doesn’t it?” Solara asked.

“You look really beautiful,” Thompson said before he even knew what had left his lips.

“Thanks Tom,” she said with a smile. Thompson blushed and looked away toward the southern horizon. He felt so odd at that moment. Back in the real world he was anything but assertive but here he felt able to be brave. Here in the Digital World he had a chance to be a hero, a chance to find something greater than himself, Destiny. He looked back towards Solara as she walked across the deck. Destiny and maybe love too. He shrugged the notion from his mind when he saw what was in the sky ahead. Gray clouds were beginning to form, swarming to devour the sky. Distant thunder clapped rumbling across their eardrums.

“Storms a-brewin,” one of the crew, an elderly Agumon, said.

“Storms a-brewin, storms a-brewin,” a nearby Toucanmon repeated.

“Guys, we got something up here,” John called down from the crows nest, “looks like a Digimon of some sort, in the water up ahead.

The rain began now, coming down slow and easy in bit fat drops. Lightning split the sky and thunder answered only seconds behind it. The wind picked up blowing the ship this way and that forcing the crew to work double time furling the sails. Now the rain came fast and there was a mad dash toward to get below decks. The Digimon showed itself then, as a flash of thunder illuminated the sea in front of the wayward ship. It was a great serpent, a sea orm with a horrible sickly green skin and a maw filled with razor teeth.

“Seadramon!” one of the crew yelled, his voice almost drown out completely by the storm.

“What’s going on?” Xander yelled emerging on deck sleepy-eyed and stretching.

“The Serpent will smash us to bits for sure,” Dyrasmon yelled, leading John toward the hold so they could get below deck.

The great sea serpent reared its head letting out a wave of water from its mouth. The blast splintered wood and threatened to tear the ship apart but it managed to hold. A second blast came this one causing the mast to bend and almost snap. Those still on deck were washed to in fro in the water that now covered the deck, slipping as they tried to make it below. Xander felt like a metal sphere in a pinball machine as he tried to regain his bearings and get away from the horrible serpent. Seadramon was throwing its body against the boat but despite the serpents length it still weighed far less than the ship and the damage was minimal.

Bogmon slipped onto the deck searching for Xander, finding his friend floundering around trying to get up. The amphibious Digimon found it much easier than Xander to get around in the wet conditions. Seadramon slammed against the deck hard causing Xander to once again lose his balance and fall.

“Damn that serpent,” Bogmon grumbled trying his best to get Xander to his feet.

The serpent brought in a breath and an eerie blue light came from within its mouth. Seadramon launched his attack then, a powerful blast of ice aimed right for the deck of the ship. Bogmon saw the attack thinking it too late to act. Xander got hit by a chunk of ice and went sliding across the ship.

“That’s my friend you stupid snake!” Bogmon yelled a little too loudly. Seadramon saw him now and a wicked smile creased the serpent’s lips as it came in for the kill. A light blinded the snake and Seadramon’s head cracked into the side of the ship as Bogmon rose from the deck surrounded in an array of light.

“Bogmon Digivolve to Salbogmon!”

He was bigger now, much bigger, at least twenty feet long. The ship’s deck creaked beneath him so he launched from the deck and into the water. He was longer now, more like a salamander than a toad with a thick yellow frill covered in black markings that looked like skulls, a warning to any who dared mess with him. His maw was filled with long needle-like fangs and his skin was covered in armored scales. Salbogmon cut through the turbulent water like a knife biting into the serpent’s underbelly. It didn’t do much real damage but it caused the serpent’s attention to turn away from the ship and toward its strange new enemy. Seadramon ducked his head underwater now launching a beam of ice energy toward Salbogmon but the amphibious enemy was too fast for the serpent’s beam. Seadramon readied a second strike but before he could attack Salbogmon’s tail came in knocking against the serpents head.

Seadramon was dizzy and furious biting this way and that with strikes of its long body and razor sharp fangs trying to catch the creature it wrestled against. Salbogmon felt those jaws breathing down his neck but he managed to stay ahead of them and launch a second attack with his tail. Finally the great serpent began spitting ice in every direction, a frozen fountain firing from his mouth with abandon some chunks of ice even hitting the serpent’s own coils. Salbogmon knew that this maniacal fit could destroy the ship if it went on long enough.

“Onyx Fang!” Salbogmon unleashed a powerful blast, a set of ethereal fangs reaching from his mouth to strike at Seadramon. The serpent howled in anger and pain, a blast of ice striking Salbogmon and nearly freezing him, the amphibian managed to move fast enough to avoid becoming an icicle. Now he was behind the sea monster smacking against its body with his tail, biting with his jaws, trying desperately to defeat the beast once and for all. Seadramon writhed in the waves as fangs punctured into it blood rising to the surface of the water. The serpent knew it could not hold out against its foe, with shame in its heart it darted away, straight down into the abyss, from its opponent. Salbogmon started to pursue but turned instead toward the boat he’d left behind. After checking the hull for damage he climbed aboard reverting into Bogmon as he hopped onto the deck.

“Remind me again why we couldn’t fly to Severa,” Bogmon croaked, hopping over to where Xander stood.

“You’re safe, thank God, in the storm I could barely see what was going out there,” Xander grabbed Bogmon hugging him but rethought the hug when he came in contact with Bogmon’s slime covered skin.

“It’s a natural secretion,” Bogmon replied with an embarrassed expression.

“So how was Digivolution?” Xander asked as they made their way below deck together.

“Wet.”

The storm soon cleared from the sky but when it finally did the Captain had some rather disappointing news. The turbulent winds of the storm had driven them off course by quite a bit and it would take at least half a day of sailing to correct their course. Still, with the rain gone, everyone alive and the sails full everyone was soon in good spirits again, though their clothes would need quite a while to dry completely. Night was upon them soon enough and the stars came out to dance upon the waters of the deep. Despite their fatigued everyone was ought beneath the stars and the digital moons. They ate above deck that night recounting stories of adventure. The crew of the ship was a seasoned lot and every Digimon among them had a tale to spin or a legend to relate. Stories of Digital Treasure and pirates that pillaged on the high seas.

“I’m not afraid of no pirates,” Xander boasted after one of the crew told a grizzly story of a ruthless pirate lord.

“No but I’m sure you’d find a way to complain about them,” Solara joked and even Xander had to laugh at that.

“Hey Thompson, come on over and tell us a story,” Anselm called. Thompson had moved away from the group after dinner and was staring out to sea.

“What is the deal with that kid?” Xander asked taking a bite of the Digital World equivalent of an apple.

“He’s something of a mystery,” Solara agreed looking over to him.

“I’ll go find out,” Vera hopped up and walked over to him, “Thompson the others want to know why you won’t join us.”

“I will,” Thompson said, “I’ve just been thinking.”

“About home?” Vera asked but she noted Thompson’s gaze had wandered over to the group, to where Solara was sitting.

“I don’t know how to talk to girls,” he sighed, “especially ones as beautiful and full of fire as Solara.”

“Why don’t you just tell her you like her for starters,” Vera advised, “and if there’s a spark just follow the smoke to find the fire.”

“Thanks, that makes sense, at least I think it did,” Thompson chuckled.

“Now come on, let’s hear your best pirate story.”

The next day seemed to race past them. Everyone had found a niche on board the boat, an activity or odd job that helped them kill boredom and pass the time. It wouldn’t be long now, they knew, until the coast came into view. Captain Hookmon had managed to make up the time they’d lost and now they were back on schedule to reach the port city. The map named the city as Harborhail City located on the Western Coast of Severa. As predicted the temperatures continued to climb and by mid-day it must have been eighty degrees. As the sun slipped below the endless horizon of ocean the group said goodbye to another day.

Thompson found himself staring up at those stars as they beamed down through the sparse cloud cover. He’d never really been in love and lately the feelings that stirred within him seemed more and more powerful. Solara was beautiful and more than that she was smart and passionate, so much more than the average shallow self-absorbed teenage girl. Still he couldn’t ask her out in his present state, he was too nervous around her now something that hadn’t been the case when they first met. He cursed his own introverted nature suddenly seeing a way around it. In the bravery of battle. Perhaps he could impress Solara, even steal a quick kiss in the adrenaline of battle or the revelry of victory. A sigh left his lips and vanished into the ocean breeze. He didn’t have to be nervous; he wasn’t the same nerdy kid he’d been back in the real world… now he was one called by destiny.

The shore of Severa came into view barely eight hours after the sun had risen. They’d been nearly four full days at sea and everyone on board, crew and passengers alike, was anxious to set their legs on dry land and perhaps even have a bath. Most of the Digital World didn’t have running water but for big cities like Harborhail it was a must. The howling wind was fairly warm this far south despite the fact that winter would be upon them within a week’s time. By mid-afternoon the ship was docked. The port city was all hustle and bustle. Even out at sea, as they docked the ship, dozens of vessels of a hundred different mismatched varieties dotted the horizon. There were even more boats docked then the ones out on open water, a myriad of colorful craft greeted the eyes of the ship’s occupants as they took their first steps back on terra firma… or Digi-Firma rather.

The group made their way through the busy streets of the city just happy to be out and about. Everywhere were colorful booths and stalls selling fish mainly but also other odds and ends. Thompson found it weird that there were fish in the Digital World that were not Digimon especially considering that he had not seen any birds or other animals that were not Digimon. They made their way toward an area the city the map had marked hoping that Sorcerymon had not sent them to Severa looking for a Celestial Castle they would never find. Luckily the mark on the map did lead somewhere useful, a map store.

“Welcome, welcome,” the little Digimon inside the tent said.

“Demi-Devimon,” Haomon noted thinking it weird to see a generally evil Digimon in such a profession, “I was unaware that cartography was a hobby of your kind.”

“Don’t judge a book, or an atlas, by its cover my friend,” the little bat-winged creature replied sweeping one of his wings under his round body as though bowing graciously, “Now what can I do for you fine travelers?”

“We’re looking for a map of Severa, one that shows a Celestial Castle,” Xander replied cutting right to the chase.

“That will be hard to find,” Demi-Devimon admitted, “The castles whereabouts are not publicly available you see… they are secret.”

“Why would the good guys have a secret castle?” Xander griped.

“Let me go through my scrolls and see if I have one,” Demi-Devimon offered the impatient Alexander. The little demon darted to and fro going over scroll after scroll and map after map before finally returning to where the group stood with a parchment clutched in his talons, “I have found what you are looking for.”

“Good,” Xander growled grabbing at the scroll. Demi-Devimon yanked it out of reach.

“Not until we settle on a price,” Demi-Devimon said with a sly smile, “Selling this illegal map could get me into trouble so I demand a high price.”

“Would you rather sell it,” Haomon asked, “or get caught by the authorities having it?”

“You wouldn’t!”

“I would,” Haomon corrected, “and I’d also be willing to beat you senseless for it.”

“Bullies!” Demi-Devimon spat and even Vera shot Haomon a disappointed look that seemed to take all the fluff out of the feline’s fur.

“We will pay,” Solara said, “but not an inflated price.”

“Fifteen cold coins then,” Demi-Devimon sighed, “but don’t tell anyone where you got the map.”

“Fair enough,” Solara said exchanging the coins for the map and opening it to make sure it was indeed a map of Severa.

They group stepped outside the tent and made their way to a nearby Inn. It took them some time to navigate the winding streets and densely packed crowds of Digimon but eventually they made it to a suitable place to stay. They allowed the Digimon to make the purchase so as not to attract too much attention. Luckily Harborhail was a refuge for the strange and out-of-place, a rogue’s gallery of characters. Digimon from every stretch of the Digital World who could not fit in anywhere else could find a way to blend into the crowded menagerie that was Harborhail. Xander lay the map out on the rooms one bed and stared at it for a good while studying the landmarks and trying to remember them in his mind.

“Looks like it’s quite a ways away from here,” he said with a resigned sigh, “For once I’d like to find adventure just outside the door.”

“We practically did,” Thompson reminded him, “We found this entire world beneath our own familiar city.”

“Its dangerous business walking out your front door,” John agreed, “at least tell me the Castle is on the map.”

“Yeah, it is,” Solara said pointing it out, “but there are two other castles on this map marked as the Celestial Castle.”

“Damn that Demi-Devimon,” Haomon growled, “I knew we shouldn’t have trusted him.”

“Relax, we should be able to figure it out,” Vera comforted her feline friend by running her hands through his fur something which tended to give her little jolts of static.

“Well, we better get some rest,” Solara said changing the subject, “it’s already dark. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

“How are we all going to sleep in one bed?” Xander whined.

“We’re not,” Bogmon croaked, “do you honestly think we would expect that of you?”

“We booked the whole floor worth of rooms,” Haomon explained with a smirk, “Our share of DarkLizardmon’s treasure is really coming in handy.”

They separated them; each room was to house a Digimon and their human partner though John protested that he and Vera should have a room together. Solara sat by herself in her room wondering if the morning would bring with it a sign of her ultimate Destiny here in the Digital World. Perhaps amidst the diversity of Harborhail she would at last find a friend to share the rest of the adventure with. Perhaps the Celestial Palace housed an angelic Prince. With that thought she let out a yawn and lay her head down to rest.

[cleansinglight]

Chapter Twelve: Mister Wright

The dawn sun of the Digital World greeted Thompson’s aching eyes. That night of wondrous sleep had reminded him just how tired he was. Back home on Earth life was much easier, luxury and convenience were paramount and yet, back on Earth, he wasn’t happy. Here in the Digital World things were hard, every journey left them with aching feet and grumbling bellies and yet there was happiness to be had. There was the thrill of adventure in a new strange world and the building of bonds of friendship between them. Thompson sprung to his feet and despite his aching muscles and he smiled. The sun’s first rays peaked over the horizon and a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” Thompson called washing his face at the sink

“It’s me,” Solara said walking toward the bathroom, “I brought you some breakfast.”

“Thanks,” Thompson replied with a smile exiting the bathroom and lifting his shift over his head, he noticed Solara’s expression at the sight of him shirtless and he felt a little embarrassed.

“The guy downstairs in the hotel kitchen says its fruit of some kind, but it looks more like an omelet to me.”

“Is everyone else awake?” Thompson whispered extra quiet hopping not to wake Adlimon, who was still asleep.

“No,” Solara whispered back, “Xander’s still out… it was his snoring that woke most of us up. I suppose I better go wake him, we have a long day ahead of us.”

“Yeah,” Thompson nodded as Solara slipped toward the door silently, “thanks for the breakfast.”

“You like her don’t you?” Adlimon asked with a yawn, “No use denying it friend, I know love when I see it.”

“Digimon don’t even have love do they?” Thompson blurted absent mindedly.

“We most certainly do!” Adlimon grumbled crossing his arms as he did.

“Of course you do,” Thompson said apologetically, “but now that I think about I’m not sure us humans have it either. Maybe we’ve been fooling ourselves all along.”

“Please Thompson,” Adlimon griped suddenly smelling the food, “no philosophical musings before breakfast.”

“Fair enough,” Thompson replied with a smile, “Let’s eat.”

Thompson and Adlimon finished up their food in a feeding frenzy and set out to meet up with the others. Thompson spotted Solara trying to drag Xander out of his room by his ankles. It was a sight made all the more funny by the fact Xander was still snoring up a storm as she dragged him. Once Alexander had been awakened they set out from the Inn with a mission in mind. Thompson, Adlimon, Anselm and Patamon would go out and gather a supply of food for the trip. Solara and the others would head out to find any other gear they needed including some new more comfortable clothing.

The morning air was quite chilly and despite the fact they were now hundreds of miles south of the Fortes Island they could feel the encroaching winter. In the hustle and bustle of the city it was impossible to be cold especially with the sun now a full sphere in the Eastern sky. Patamon was leading the way with Thompson and Anselm struggling to keep up with their Digimon partners. Patamon, his belly already full with one breakfast, seemed just as ravenous about food as if he were starving. His little orange wings pounded as he darted from cart to cart testing an assortment of Digital World fruits and vegetables. Harborhail was a city of variety and produce from all over the Digital World was processed and sold here. While Patamon and Adlimon filled several sacks with fresh produce Thompson eyed what appeared to be canned goods from outside a store window. He entered the store noting one of the humanoid customers was watching him. The Digimon looked more or less human and was dressed in a robe that kept his features hidden. Thompson shrugged it off and made his way over to the shelves of the store picking up several cans and trying in vain to figure out the contents.

“How much for ten cans?” Thompson asked the shop-keep, a bizarre fish looking Digimon.

“You’ve come to the right place traveler,” the shop-keep said, “Divermon has the best canned Ouqu Beans around. Only one gold piece for each can but I’ll let ten go for just nine gold pieces.”

Thompson had a feeling he was getting conned but he shrugged his shoulders dealing out the coins to the Divermon and sweeping the cans into his bag. He left but looked back to the store as he made his way into the crowded city streets. For a moment he thought he saw a figure shadowing him as he left but in the sea of Digimon moving from place to place he chocked it up to imagination. Thompson found the others in the middle of a heated debate. Patamon was attempting to barter the price of his purchase down and the owner of the stall seemed less than happy with the offering price. Anselm was just watching helplessly and Thompson had to chuckle.

“Just give him the money he’s asking,” Anselm said pulling Patamon away for a second.

“That crazy old loon is asking a fortune!” Patamon protested, “I refuse to pay it!”

“What do you think?” Anselm asked Adlimon and Thompson.

“There’s no money in the village I’m from but I understand the nature of bartering,” Adlimon started, “let Patamon do his thing, there are plenty of food carts to buy from.”

“I’d have to agree with Adlimon,” Thompson admitted.

Half way across Harborhail Solara was staring at the handsomest human face she’d ever set eyes on. She cut through the crowd drawing the attention of her companions, who had been busy picking out tents for their journey. Solara saw the man dart away back into the crowd but she was determined to catch him. She saw him lift his hood to conceal himself in the endless sea of pedestrians but still he stood out, like a fire in the darkness. Solara caught him then, grabbing his gray-blue robes and spinning him around to face her.

“It can’t be,” she mouthed, “How can you be human?”

“I should ask you the same question,” the man replied, a smile appearing on his handsome face.

“Solara, what in the hell did you take off for?” John asked running to catch up but he stopped short when he saw the man, the human being, Solara was talking to.

“Another human,” Haomon and Vera remarked simultaneously, arriving to stand beside their bewildered friends. Xander and Bogmon arrived last.

“My name is Ayden Wright,” the robed man said with a bow, “I have been here in the Digital World for three months.”

“Why did you run when I tried to catch you?” Solara asked staring into Ayden’s eyes; they were a deep fiery blue.

“I panicked,” Ayden admitted, “It’s been three months since I’ve seen a human face. I followed you and your friends for a while. At first I thought you were all a hallucination, I thought all this time here alone had driven me mad.”

“This place is pretty maddening,” Xander agreed with a nod.

“Do you have a Digimon or a Digivice?” John asked holding up his device and motioning to Dyrasmon.

“I have one of those,” Ayden said absently, he reached to his robes pulling out a strange looking Digivice that seemed far newer than the ones the others possessed, “but I have no Digimon… I, I become one.”

“What?” Solara asked with a flash of intrigue in her eyes.

“Agunimon,” Ayden said, “When I first came here I found a strange glowing idol, it seemed to dissolve before me into pure energy and enter my, what did you call it, Digivice. Later I found I could become a Digimon. Last night when you entered the city I saw you through Agunimon’s eyes.”

“This is fascinating and all but we’ve got supplies to gather and a quest to complete,” Xander replied with a yawn.

“Xander,” Solara growled elbowing him in the side, “Mister Wright here must be a seventh member of our team.”

“Hey!” Haomon complained.

“Twelfth member,” Solara corrected.

“Yeah, and, so what,” Xander replied, “Look - Ayden was it? - I’m sure you’re a nice guy and all but we are on a mission so if you’ll excuse me I have a jumbo tent to purchase.”

“Shouldn’t you pick a tent that is portable enough to carry?” Bogmon reminded him as the two of them hopped away together.

“Don’t mind him,” Solara said feeling engrossed in Ayden’s endless eyes.

“So you all have Digimon and these Digivice thingys?” Ayden asked.

“Well, actually, I don’t have a Digivice,” Solara said though by the end of the sentence her voice had lost its upbeat tone, “or a Digimon.”

“Yet.” Vera said offering Solara a reassuring smile.

“So will you join our group?” Solara asked offering Ayden a beaming smile.

“What choice do I have? It’ll be good to be among my own kind,” Ayden replied offering his own smile, “No offense to the Digimon of the group.”

“None taken,” Haomon replied.

The group moved off toward the marketplace. Solara recounted every bit of their journey thus far and what their ultimate destination was. She filled Ayden in on every detail from the strange feeling that had drawn them there to the finding of their Digimon friends. Ayden had his own story to tell of course and Solara hung on every word feeling like she was walking on air when she was in his presence. He explained how he came to the Digital World while exploring a cave network near his house. How an odd feeling had coursed through him when he found the doorway, a rift in reality, deep underground. Solara was surprised to hear that he was eighteen and had graduated high school that past year. She felt truly embarrassed explaining to him her origins as an orphan. Ayden gawked at that revelation replying that he was amazed anyone could have abandoned so beautiful a girl. Thompson Anselm and the others rejoined the group less than an hour later and Thompson realized immediately who the robed figure was.

“I saw you at the canned goods store,” Thompson said shaking hands with Ayden, “I knew there was something about you that didn’t fit in.”

“I’m not one for conformity,” Ayden joked.

“Did you guys get the goods?” John asked.

“Yep,” Patamon replied beaming with happiness, “and at a discount.”

“He won his heckle,” Anselm explained.

“Good, we need to get out of the city and get moving,” Solara said, “We have a long walk ahead of us.”

“Where are we going again?” Ayden asked.

“The Celestial Castle,” Xander said, the words seemed magical to him, “Supposedly there’s someone in that Castle that can figure out why in the hell we’re here.”

“Let’s move,” Solara advised, “it’s already afternoon.”

They left the city less than an hour later making their way as quickly as they could across the crowded cityscape. Soon enough the Harborhail Eastern gates were behind them and they were headed out of the city on the main road. It was still crowded, with trade caravans and Digimon of all shapes and sizes wheeling carts and carrying bushels and baskets and buckets of every variety. Ayden stopped for a moment, staring back at the city he’d called home for nearly two months. He’d made his way along the Western coast of Severa for the first month trying to find a refuge where he’d be safe from the curious and sometimes unscrupulous folk. Most Digimon were decent enough to each other but their hospitality was a bit downgraded when it came to bizarre creatures from other worlds. Ayden hadn’t a penny in his pocket but he’d found a home in the colorful and crowded city of Harborhail.

As they put the first two miles behind them the road branched off and the group had to reference the map to find the correct route. The road the map marked as the correct one was narrow and winded through the forests and fields. Now out of the city they came upon several suburban villages including one called New Harborhail. The Digital denizens of these towns cast curious glances at the odd group as they passed through. Soon enough the sun was low in the sky and the air had an autumn chill brought on by the absent sun. One of the Digital moons, the tan one, was reduced to a tiny sliver that night while the other hung full in the sky above them as they made camp near a small patch of trees.

The twelve of them soon had a fire raging and Thompson thought it time to try out his canned goods, Ouqu Beans as the Divermon had called them. He popped open the lid and poured the contents into a small pan they’d purchased. The beans were purplish in color and packaged with a salty liquid likely meant to keep them fresh for a long time. Thompson, being the one who’d risked buying them, was the first to have a taste. He dipped his spoon into his bowl and lifted a steaming spoonful of beans blowing at it to cool if off before poking out his tongue to taste it. Satisfied that it wasn’t instantly deadly Thompson put the whole spoonful in his mouth and swished it around letting his tongue make sense of it. It was salty, but not without a flavor of its own which was unlike anything he’d ever tasted. He took another bite nodding his head as he did to signal the others that it was satisfactory.

“I wonder if beans have the same effect here as they do on Earth,” Xander mused aloud as he woofed down his bowl of Ouqu.

“If so it won’t be just your snoring that keeps us up,” John joked.

“It’s a medical condition,” Xander assured him, “I don’t snore by choice.”

Solara stared across the camp toward the fire but it wasn’t the dancing orange flames she was focused on. Ayden stood some distance away from the others leaning against a tree and slowly, almost sadly, eating his dinner. Solara moved away from the others then, toward Ayden. Normally romance was the farthest thing from her mind, after all an orphan doesn’t get many chances at love but perhaps that was what motivated her boldness.

“Why don’t you come eat with the others?” Solara asked sliding up beside Ayden.
“I’m not sure I’m one of the group. You guys have a history together.”

“Yeah, we’ve been through a lot these past three weeks,” Solara said, “I can’t imagine what it was like, being here for three months, alone.”

“You get to think,” Ayden replied with a smile.

“Bout what?” Solara asked suddenly feeling her stomach turn. She looked away from him toward the moons as they rose.

“About the fact that you don’t want to be alone,” Ayden sighed, “I suppose that’s behind me now.”

“Yep,” Solara confirmed with a smile, “You’ve got me now… I mean us.”

“How lucky I am,” Ayden said.

“So what do you think they’re talking about?” Vera asked turning everyone’s attention toward Solara and Ayden.

“I think Solara’s got her panties all in a bunch over the new guy,” Xander replied getting himself a few more spoonfuls of food.

“That’s a lewd way to put it,” Vera scowled.

“Well I’m a teenage boy,” Xander admitted, “And she’s a teenage girl. We’re all hormone raging red blooded sex addicts even if we pretend not to be and hide our true desires under flowery romantic nonsense.”

“That’s actually pretty much true,” John said as though surprised he was agreeing with Xander’s assessment.

“Some of us are looking for something that’s more than skin deep,” Thompson disagreed, “Some of us would like a little romance alongside our red-hot lust.”

Xander shrugged as though he’d suddenly lost interest in the conversation, he let out a belch and made his way toward his pack. Thompson looked over at Solara and Ayden suddenly feeling stupid for having not made his move when he had the chance. Then again how could he have predicted that she would meet Mister Wright? Besides, he reminded himself, Ayden seemed like a nice guy. At least Solara wouldn’t be falling to some scoundrel and wouldn’t be stuck being alone. Thompson looked to Adlimon and the rest of his friends. He didn’t need romance, he didn’t need lust. All he needed was the open road, his friends, and adventure. He was young after all and there would be plenty of time for romance when he set foot back in the real world where there were actually some fish in the sea. The Digital World wasn’t exactly teaming with women.

Solara’s body lay in her tent but her mind, her heart, was elsewhere. She knew it was silly to be so suddenly enamored, so quickly infatuated, with a man she hardly knew but she couldn’t help it. There was something about those fiery blue eyes and that handsome face that made her feel instantly attracted to him. Solara knew that this kind of man was rare, one that was as attractive outside as he was in. With each word he said she could feel the fire in his soul a fire that she had always believed lived within her. That was why they had named her Solara when the orphanage found her. She had been sick, a weak child almost too ill to cry out. The doctors had given a grim prognosis and she had fought it, she had proven them wrong. The nuns decided to give her a special name, one that reflected her inner fire and the heat of her hazel eyes. Solara felt a chill run through her spine, a faint electricity much like the one that had led her to that forgotten gate three weeks ago. She felt peace cover her then as sleep came to ferry her into the realm of dreams.

[cleansinglight]

Chapter Thirteen: Temple of Flame

The next day the twelve of them set out early in the morning. The air was crisp and cool here, even more chilly than it had been back in town but it was still a tolerable cool. With how much exercise they were getting the heat produced by their hike allowed them to continue on without jackets or coats. They stopped at a local village at lunch time buying a few food items in town and eating their fill before setting out on the road once again.

Solara led the way with Ayden walking alongside her pointing out the sights along the way. He’d been in the Digital World longer than any of them and he knew this area fairly well even knowing several of the villagers and farmers they came across. By afternoon it was fairly warm the sun overhead glowing and fluffy white clouds were floating lazily in the blue Digital Sky.

“So what exactly is this mission all about?” Ayden asked as they consulted the map to see which route to take ahead.

“Well basically Sorcerymon has sent us on this mission to find the Celestial Palace,” Xander replied, “Because apparently we’re some important group. Humans aren’t exactly native to this world if you haven’t noticed.”

“You have no idea what the mission is about do you?” Ayden chuckled.

“Not really. We know that there are evil forces at work here though,” Xander said.

“If we hadn’t come here Podramon might well have found the relics,” Haomon explained but his explanation seemed only to confuse Ayden.

“Relics?”

“The Digivices,” Solara clarified, “they were found in a temple.”

“And Podramon, he’s that smelly dragon you told me about,” Ayden remembered.

“If he had found the Digivices he would have Digivolved for sure,” Patamon squeaked.

“So it’s lucky we showed up isn’t it Patamon?” Anselm said patting his orange little friend on the head.

“Such an odd bunch,” Ayden said absentmindedly.

“You try being normal when you hang around with aliens from another world,” Bogmon and Xander seemed to say at the same time.

“We’ve definitely rubbed off on each other,” Anselm noted.

The group was now fully off the path down a forest trail. The trees had started our sparse but now were densely packed on each side of the small dirt road that grew more and more narrow with each step. Soon enough the path all but vanished into the underbrush of the great forest. The group was on edge as they made their way through the wood; in their experience the wilds of the Digital World were very dangerous. Even more pressing was the rapidly setting sun. Night was coming to the Digital World and with it danger.

The twelve made camp near an ancient stone circle, one marked as a landmark on the map they‘d purchased from Demidevimon. They made a fire hoping to deter any hostile Digimon but managed to keep the smile small so as not to attract anyone either. They sat and ate recounting the stories of their journey thus far and of theirs lives back home which now seemed so distant. Xander told the story of how he had led his baseball team to victory at the regional finals and there was an uncharacteristic sparkle as he told it. Here in the Digital World he was out of his element and that was something he didn’t like but with Bogmon at his side he’d grown accustomed and even fond of this newfound world even if he did have the habit of complaining. Haomon was next telling of a legend of a massive beastly monster called Grizzlymon who would swallow campers whole but Vera’s protests nearly brought the story to a premature end and she was soon cuddling close to John out of fear. About three hours after sunset the exhausted group turned in knowing that at the first light of dawn they would have to get moving. There was electricity in the air though that kept each of them awake after they’d gone to their tents, a brimming excitement just beneath the surface of the world.

Thompson woke with a start. His eyes searched the darkness for the source of the sound that had woken him. It’d been loud, hopefully loud enough to wake the others but as he attuned his ears to the forest he could not make out any distinct noise. Neither his friends or whatever had made that loud crash were moving now. Then he detected a faint snapping and the sound of twigs and leaves crunching beneath feet. Thompson crawled forward toward the opening of his tent peering out into the dark. In the dim light of predawn he could make out the shapes between the trees, dark masses huddled. Whispers came to his ears next and he knew that these were not his friends. He low crawled out of his sleeping bag and toward the others slithering as silently as a snake.

“What the heck is going on?” Adlimon mumbled as Thompson shook him from sleep.

“We have company,” Thompson replied, “keep your voice down.”

Thompson and the icy lizard emerged from the tent to find the enemies upon them. They were hideous, wearing strange leather clothing stitched from the hide of some other Digimon and with four massive muscular arms that looked ridiculous on their rather small four and a half foot bodies. Adlimon stepped to the first one decking it in the face with a fisted hand, and then snapped his lizard-like jaws at another to keep the creature at bay. The commotion had woken the others and that fact bolstered Thompson to pick up arms. Thompson Amos wasn’t much of a fighter but he was determined to become one taking up a knife they’d bought while in Harborhail and lunging at the creatures. At first it seemed his bravery would pay off as he landed a few hits creating gashes on one of the strange Digimon who now whooped and hollered loudly. Thompson recognized that call as a warcry, one that would undoubtedly attract more of the four armed brutes.

“What are these things?” Xander cried emerging from his tent, “I hate fighting before breakfast.”

“Jakimon,” Ayden answered, “I’ve fought these little bastards before.”

“I love fighting before breakfast,” Haomon said with a wink toward Xander cracking his knuckles in preparation. He speeded toward three of the Jakimon hitting the first two hard and fast then spinning around the third one and pushing him into the other two. The three Jakimon lost their balance and fell but sprung right back up hurling powerful punches that Haomon had to dance dazzlingly to avoid being hit by. Even with his fast feet and keen feline reflexes Haomon was in trouble, two more Jakimon joined the fight against him and his peripheral vision told him more were on their way into the fray. Bogmon hopped over then spitting black tar and blinding three of the five long enough to tackle them to the forest floor. Haomon had no time to think about helping his friend as four more Jakimon raced to face him. A blinding flash out of the corner of Haomon’s eyes distracted his enemies long enough for him to go to work charging his fists with all the electricity he could muster so that his punches would count for double. He decked two of the Jakimon sending them sprawling to the ground twitching from the electricity. It seemed hopeless though as even more Jakimon were pouring in from every side of the camp.

Across the camp, unknown to Haomon, a new threat had joined the fight. The bright flash that had distracted the Jakimon had been Ayden’s Spirit Evolution. Ayden no longer stood before them, Agunimon did, a seven foot tall towering warrior of flame armored from head to foot. Each punch landed with devastating force sending Jakimon flying away enveloped in flames. Dozens rose up to meet him and dozens were sent back flailing to the ground rolling about trying to suffocate the fire. Ayden, or Agunimon in his present form, shot out spheres of flame with each punch. Solara stood back in awe as did Vera, Dyrasmon and John. It seemed for a moment as though Agunimon would win the fight himself but then they felt the ground shape and saw the hulking forms of what appeared to be living trees.

“Woodmon,” Dyrasmon cried out, “what are they doing allied with the Jakimon?”

“I’m guessing fire boy can handle them,” John stated but he could see that Ayden had his hands full with the three dozen remaining Jakimon. He leaned over and gave Vera a kiss before charging into battle with Dyrasmon close behind, “You ready for a fight Dyrasmon?”

“It’s been a while since Ogremon… I think I can control myself this time.”

“I know you can,” John said, holding his Digivice out and trying to figure out how to activate it, “come on you piece of junk. Do something. Help me help my friends,” a bright flash lit the woods again as a beam of light enveloped Dyrasmon.

“Dyrasmon Digivolve to: Echodyrasmon.”

“The tables have turned,” John announced with a smirk picking up a nearby stick and swinging at the nearest Jakimon.

“It’s not enough,” Ayden said standing beside John.

“But you’re doing so well,” John protested, “and with Echodyrasmon-”

“No, I can’t do much here without starting a forest fire. We need to get them out in the open so I can fight them.”

“Fair enough,” John agreed, “Guys! Listen up! We’re running for it! Let’s go! Follow Agunimon!”

Agunimon ran headlong through the trees trying to stay close enough to the trail that they could find it again but also keeping his eyes open in search of the tree line. They would need to find a clearing, a meadow of some kind where the danger of a forest fire would be lessened. It seemed like they ran forever. Ayden continued looking back over his shoulder to make sure the Jakimon had not caught and pummeled his friends. Echodyrasmon had stayed behind to handle that, holding off three Woodmon and a handful of Jakimon using her power of flight to elude their attacks. They came out of the forest to find a village but to their horror the Jakimon were already laying siege to the village and they were rushing into a crowd of hostiles. Agunimon stopped in his tracks making sure the others were safely behind before luring as many Jakimon as he could away from the village. Once they were at a safe enough distance he could unleash his fury.

“Pyro Tornado!”

He spun himself into a furious tornado of flame launching it and himself toward his enemies. The Jakimon tried to scatter to avoid the attack but it was too late, the twister scooped them from the grass and launched them every which way patting out the fire to avoid being badly burned as they crashed down to the dirt hard. Agunimon looked back toward the forest breathing a sigh of relief when he saw Echodyrasmon rocket above the tree line on her way to the village. His relief was even greater when he saw that the Jakimon were in full retreat thanks to a version of Adlimon he hardly recognized.

“Incredible,” Ayden said approaching Glacadlimon, “I thought I was the toughest hombre this side of the Digital World.”

“Not by a long shot,” Glacadlimon growled before chasing a crowd of Jakimon back into the forest.

“They won’t be messing with this village for a long while,” Haomon said slapping his hands together.

“Great heroes,” a voice called out and everyone turned to see an elderly Palmon coming down the lane, “you’ve saved our village from the Jakimon tribe.”

“It was nothing,” Xander admitted.

“It was everything,” the Palmon corrected, “You fought valiantly Agunimon, Warrior of Flame.”

“How do you know my name?” Ayden asked, reverting to his human form before the astounded Digimon’s eyes.

“It cannot be, you are a human being!” the Palmon cried and his eyes went wide, “Why human beings have not set foot in the Digital World for at least a hundred years.”

“How did you know about Agunimon?” Ayden asked following the old Palmon toward his home.

“The Spirits of Flame are known to me,” Palmon explained, “a long time ago I was associated with a team of warriors using the Legendary spirits.” I never thought I’d see another human in my life time let alone another who would harness the Spirits of Agunimon and BurningGreymon.”

“BurningGreymon?”

“The Beast Spirit! Of course, you do not posses it because it remains at the Temple.”

“You mean to tell me there is a second Spirit of Fire?” Ayden asked his eyes sparked by inner flame.

“Yes young one. Not far from here to the North and West. The Temple of Vritra, the Temple of Flame, sits there and within it the Beast Spirit, the key to your further evolution.”

“Do you guys think we should go?” Ayden asked turning to the rest of the team with a beaming expression.

“I hate to squash your exuberance pal but we have a mission,” Xander said but he realized that Solara was shooting him an angry glare.

“If it makes us more powerful I think we should go,” Vera said, “I mean we’ve already encountered heavy opposition, any more fire power going forward would be good.”

“Fire power!” Patamon agreed.

“It’s settled then,” John said standing, “we’re headed for the Temple of Flame.”

“Huzzah,” the old Palmon proclaimed, “let me mark the Temple’s location on the map.”

“Is it dangerous? Will we face any opposition?” Haomon asked half hoping for a fight and half hoping to walk into the temple unopposed.

“Most of the Digimon around these woods stay clear of the Temple,” the aged Palmon explained using a dab of ink to make a mark on the map that Demidevimon had sold them, “There is great power there.”

The group set out soon after though they felt odd abandoning the Palmon village the village elder had assured them that the thrashing they’d given the Jakimon would keep the brutes at bay for a good long while. They headed north along an overgrown trail that the Palmon used to enter the forest. Dyrasmon walked along marveling at the exotic flowers and plants and row after row of rare fruit trees planet in an orchard style. The Dark Forest had been her home. She’d grown up around nature and around the beauty of foliage, flowers and vegetation of all kinds but even with her knowledge of plants she was awestruck by what the Palmon had created. She found herself entranced by the magic, the energy field that all living things gave off. As a fairy Digimon she was sensitive to the spiritual energies coursing through plants in particular and she found her heart singing as she hovered over the enchanted orchard.

John noted her happy humming and he was truly glad to see her happy again. After the incident with Ogremon he’d feared her innocence was smashed and that guilt would overwhelm her. To his eyes it appeared as if she had bounced back from that frightful fight in the Umbra Forest. He walked beside her smiling but also turning his attention to Vera, walking hand in hand with the girl he’d been dating for almost a year. She was truly beautiful, the way the sunlight struck her skin and made her sage eyes light up was truly incredible.

Eventually they left the orchard behind entering the full extent of the forest. There were no paths or trails here. There were no signs that any Digimon had been here in ages even the wilder Digimon who might have called such a forest home seemed absent as the twelve made their way toward the temple. The terrain was fairly difficult as well dominated by steep hills and valleys that they couldn’t risk going around the long way. Luckily though the Palmon Elder’s belief turned out to be correct, they would face no opposition in these woods in fact they saw no Digimon of any kind leaving an eerie feeling nesting in some of their minds.

“You know,” Xander said wiping the sweat from his brow as the Temple, in all its glory, came into view, “this place might be cursed.”

“Ever the optimist,” Ayden remarked with a smirk.

“You’ve been in this group for two days,” Xander retorted, “don’t you think it’s a bit soon to be making witty remarks?”

The Temple stood before them cast in tan stone, possibly sandstone though none knew enough of architecture to speculate on its composition. Massive columns that stretched at least fifty feet into the air held the massive roof and its intricate carvings in place. Two statues sat in decay at either side of the door one depicted Agunimon and the other a second Digimon breathing fire. They drew close clearing vines from the door that had grown all over the outer walls as though entombing the place forever.

“What about booby traps?” Anselm asked suddenly taking a step back.

“Better let Ayden go first,” Xander agreed.

“Better let Agunimon go first,” Ayden corrected getting out his Digivice, “Spirit Evolution: Agunimon! Now stand back!”

Agunimon heaved against the door but his impressive show of force was unnecessary. A seam of light burst from the cracks around all four sides of the stone door that blocked the entrance tracing a line around it. The stone creaked and groaned before slipping into the temple and being drawn to the side by some unseen force. Ayden let his eyes adjust, the light had been blinding and in the dim gloom of the temple he couldn’t see much of anything. He took the first tentative step inside feeling a wave rush over his mind as though something was talking to him. The floor seemed to shake beneath his feet and the door behind him slammed shut with a great gust of air that nearly knocked him from his feet. The darkness grew to swallow him now and so he summoned a flame to light his way walking down a flight of stairs that hadn’t been there before the door closed, leading down into the Digital World.

“Great,” John growled, “now what do we do?”

“Should we try to get him out?” Dyrasmon suggested.

“Maybe it’s supposed to do that,” Thompson said thinking aloud.

“Well which one of us is going to break the door down?” Xander asked.

“Solara’s already trying,” Haomon noted.

They turned to Solara watching her fists pound against the stone portal in futility. She looked back over her shoulder, her eyes imploring them to join her, her igneous eyes now so filled with profound worry and sadness that she had just her knight in fiery armor. None of the remaining ten could deny her, she was, after all, their friend. They were all in this together. Haomon stepped to the door and the others followed one right after the other pushing their combined weight and all their strength against the unmoving ancient stone. There was nothing. The door wouldn’t move or budge and no amount of prying could have undone the seal. It was as though the Temple of Flame had just swallowed their new friend whole.

Agunimon found himself in a deep catacomb filled with statues, depictions of fiery dragons and infernal warriors. Images seemed to flash before him bringing an aura of familiarity with them as though some part of him recognized them. He realized then that he was not just Ayden AS Agunimon but that Agunimon was every bit as alive as he was. The Spirit of Fire, of this ancient warrior, lived within him, aiding him and answering his beck and call but with a soul all its own. Somewhere these images, these ancient carvings covered in moss and vine, were burned into Agunimon’s being and now they were entering Ayden’s mind.

He felt Destiny tug at him, felt a thunder in his bones that made him shiver. Ayden could feel it drawing him closer. He darted down a side tunnel barely big enough for Agunimon to pass through entering a massive chamber, a cavernous room filled with fires burning in cauldron pots their smoke rising into a chimney. There in the center of the chamber sat an object shimmering in the firelight. Ayden came near the statuette, the peculiar idol at the center of the room. He’d found one like it before. As his hand reached out to touch it he felt himself become Ayden, merely human once more and saw the idol light up with a dazzling glow. The Spirit exited the idol then, dancing before his eyes before vanishing into his Digivice. He stood then, feeling a wave of recognition overwhelm him… BurningGreymon. Suddenly it made sense. This other side, this polar opposite of Agunimon was the second Spirit of Fire. He felt complete, he felt balance, he felt peace … and yet he felt fire burning within him.

Ayden turned back down the tunnel, his human eyes struggling to see in the dark. He was weakened too, his two evolutions into Agunimon in one day had left him drained and his feet could not carry him fast enough. The air was stagnant and old and he found himself gasping. Somehow he found the fire within to move on and he found the Spirits within him able to guide him to the exit, to the great stone door that might have been his gravestone. Solara watched as the brilliant white appeared around the door. Her eyes lit up with the sudden change. It’d been nearly an hour since the door had slammed behind Ayden and her own hopes had been dashed by consistent failure. Now the door opened, a great whoosh of air knocking her over as Ayden stepped out into the dying daylight squinting.

“We thought you were a goner,” she whispered.

“So did you find the fire power?” Patamon asked.

“Yeah, I found it,” Ayden said, “I’m not quite sure how to use it.”

“What happened down there?” Solara asked hugging him suddenly but then pulling herself away with a look of embarrassment.

“I learned that Palmon was right… This Warrior of Fire thing isn’t new to me. I’m the inheritor of a legacy that goes back centuries.”

“Which means humans have been coming here for centuries,” John postulated.

“We’re definitely not the first,” Ayden agreed.

“The sun is setting,” Patamon noted, “we better get camp set up.”

“Good,” Ayden said as everyone made their way away from the temple toward a clearing they‘d picked out to set up camp in, “I’m starving.”

“Wait Ayden,” Solara said grabbing Ayden by the arm and holding him back.

“Look I was only gone an hour you can’t possibly have missed me that-” his words were cut short by a pair of fiery lips. She pulled back then, her hazel eyes piercing into his brilliant blue orbs filled with longing. She walked away toward the camp leaving the Warrior of Flame with more questions than answers. It occurred to Ayden then that questions were all he ever really got. Even the Temple of Flame had yielded its fair share of unsolved mysteries. He smiled for a moment assuring himself that one day it would all make sense, that his Destiny was upon him and that he was following in the footsteps of those who came before.

[Novaspace]

That was great! Keep posting. :D

[bluefallenangel]

it's so nice ... can u continue it???

[cleansinglight]

Sorry, I was working on a separate fan-fic - a crossover of Half-Life and Assassin's Creed - I'll try to get to work again on this one ASAP

[cleansinglight]

Chapter Fourteen: Fallen Angels Part 1

Demi-Devimon fluttered into the room panting and out of breath. The tiny winged demon landed on a stone stool desperately trying to catch his breath. His beady eyes looked over to the shadowed figure of the one he called Master. The Rookie dare not even look at his Master for fear of retribution. He had called for an audience without the approval of his authorities and now was standing, without the support of his superiors, before the Master himself. He fixed his feathers with one of his talons and cleared his “throat”. His eyes went to the corner where to his surprise and horror his superior, Devimon, stood.

“Well,” his impatient Master demanded tapping his digits against the stone throne, “Why have you called for this meeting?

“I barely beat them here… a group of children sir!”

“Children? What concern are young Digimon to me?”

“No, milord, not Digimon children. HUMAN! Human children. It was a whole group of humans with Digimon traveling with them.”

“Humans? In the Digital World!?”

“Yes Lord, they purchased a map, they are going to the Celestial Palace.”

“Human beings are in the Digital World for the first time in more than a century and you’ve directed them right to the Celestial Palace!?!”

“Not exactly,” the cowering Demi-Devimon replied, “The Map shows the wrong location.”

“Really? Do you know what location it does show?”

“Better, I know the entire route they must take.”

“Good,” the Master cooed wickedly, “Devimon, assemble your forces.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The group set out at the first light of dawn heading back toward the Palmon village. They reached the village when it was still morning entering to cheers from the villagers. Already many of the Palmon were busy repairing the homes lost during the Jakimon attack. Ayden approached the Elder who had told him of the Temple’s existence and location, there was a grin on the old Digimon’s face.

“I found it,” Ayden said, “I found the Beast Spirit.”

“I know, I can see it in your eyes young warrior,” the Palmon replied, “but you mustn’t use it in anger young one. The Beast Spirit is very powerful. Do not call upon it unless you need it.”

“I understand,” Ayden replied patting the little Digimon on the shoulder out of respect, “Thank you.”

“Thank you, Warrior of Fire, for saving our village.”

Thompson watched the display of mutual appreciation and for the first time he saw in Ayden a maturity that the rest of them seemed lack. Ayden was, of course, eighteen, older than all of them by at least a year but there was something more to it than that. Perhaps what had happened in the Temple had changed him more than they had yet realized. He had little time to dwell on it, the group needed to move on. They had time to stop to defend the village and the Temple hadn’t been too far out of their way but now they had a mission to complete. The Celestial Palace was calling, so were the answers to their own presence here in the Digital World. The winds of the Digital World seemed to pull them down the road as they departed from the Palmon village, an ever blowing breeze beckoning them toward adventure.

They started down the road in high spirits, the morning sun beaming down happily and lazy white clouds drifting across the Digital Sky. Xander was the only one of the group complaining, his feet hurting before they had even lost sight of the Palmon village on the road behind them. Xander soon realized that the others weren’t paying any attention to his griping. Even Bogmon had rolled his eyes when Xander had complained to him about his feet. Xander gave a sigh of defeat and continued walking silently, his efforts to get attention foiled. Once he had shut his mouth he began to see the beauty of the Digital World unfold before him. They were traveling down a forest trail but the woods were not densely packed along the road, they were sparsely spaced and arranged in what seemed like neat rows.

Jonathan scratched his chin recalling something Leomon had told them about a time when the forests of the Digital World had been harvested nearly to the point of total destruction. He was curious if this oddly ordered forest was the result of replanting trees after the deforestation but he wasn’t prepared to cut down a tree to count the rings and prove his point. He found himself wondering if trees in the Digital World even had rings like those back home. He could see that Dyrasmon was very at home here, she buzzed lightly between the trunks of the trees pressing her palms to them as if conveying thoughts or feelings back and forth. On Earth such abilities were the topics of pseudoscience and myth but the Digital World didn’t seem tethered to most principles the Earth followed. John was almost certain they were in an entirely separate dimension or at the very least a place where the natural laws worked differently than in Earth’s neighborhood in space.

While Jonathan was concerned with the trees Thompson was, as ever, concerned by Solara. He wanted to like Ayden and allow Solara to be with whoever made her happy but at the same time he was infatuated with her. Her fiery eyes, vibrant and strong and her beautiful face that framed them so well were irresistible to him. He had to admit, however, that it was her personality, as fiery as her igneous eyes that had caused the attraction to her. Pretty girls were a dime a dozen but finding one so brave and fierce was truly rare. Thompson himself was inwardly her opposite, at least until Adlimon showed up, cautious and introverted. He knew that if he hoped to win her over that he would need to make a move, one far more indicative of fire than ice.

Solara walked ahead of the group striding forward and scouting the area. She was surprised that today Anselm walked beside her while Ayden actually brought up the rear. Patamon fluttered by her humming a strange tune while Anselm skipped merrily in an attempt to keep up. She felt a smile come to her lips. As grown-up as they all tried to be most of them were still truly children on some level. This was only confirmed when Vera too came skipping along. She had tried to persuade Haomon to join in the frolicking but the proud warrior refused with arms crossed over his chest and a sour expression.

“Come on sour puss,” Vera said sticking her tongue out at him.

“Absolutely not,” Haomon protested, “A fighter doesn’t skip and a fighter is never giddy.”

“Suit yourself,” Vera said though Haomon’s confused expression told him that the Digimon had never heard that figure of speech before. She shrugged and skipped along humming to Patamon’s tune stride for stride beside Anselm.

Ayden watched from the back of the group. His mind had dwelled on his experiences in the Temple since he had emerged from it the night before. The events down there were more than a little strange. Now he was in possession of the Beast Spirit. Or was it the Beast Spirit that would have possession of him? The Palmon at the village had confirmed his suspicions, the Beast Spirit was indeed very powerful and not something to be trifled with. He resolved not to use it unless absolutely necessary. Only if one of them were in grave danger would he even dare summoning its strength for fear it might consume him. Such power brought with it responsibility and the events within the Temple of Flame told him that there was a lineage of honorable Warriors of Flame before him that also held the Spirits he now possessed.

Thompson moved slowly toward Solara desperately trying to summon the courage to speak to her. It was no easy task and as the minutes moved by he began to feel his knees grow more and more weak at the very thought of trying to flirt with her. His nervousness was only compounded when Ayden moved up beside him and Adlimon.

“So you’re Thompson right?” Ayden asked with a friendly smile.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Thompson replied quietly.

“And your Digimon is Adlimon right?” Ayden asked nodding toward the icy lizard who walked a few stride ahead of them.

“Yep,” Thompson answered.

“Look I know I’m new to the group and everything but I want you to know I’m here for the good of the group and the mission… don’t hesitate to talk to me or ask for help.”

Thompson nearly froze in place, his mind swirled with thoughts. He didn’t want to end up enemies with Ayden and yet he was desperate for advice on how to win Solara’s heart. John might have been able to help, and Vera had offered her advice while aboard the ship. Xander, at least romantically, was a lost cause, although back on Earth he had had several girlfriends, all of them cheerleaders from different sports, he could hardly have been said to have had healthy steady relationships with any of them. On the one level he needed the assistance of someone with charisma and courage on how to win Solara’s heart but he couldn’t ask Ayden. Thompson’s blood boiled just hearing Ayden offer him help as if he was a helpless child being beaten up by bullies.

Ayden walked away from Thompson with a perplexed expression. He was truly unsure what to make of the young man he’d only met a few days earlier. He’d been part of the group for less than a week and already become fast friends with Solara and the others but Thompson remained indifferent and even distant whenever he spoke to him. Ayden stepped up toward the front of the group taking up position beside Solara. She looked over at him with nervous eyes glimmering in the late afternoon sun. Ayden wasn’t one for nervousness, at least not typically, and yet his knees went weak whenever she cast a glance his way. He stifled his attraction and cleared his throat.

“Quite a group you’ve got here,” Ayden said, gesturing to the two frolicking humans and the winged ball of orange fuzz that followed after them humming his tune.

“We’ve been here less than a month, they’ve adapted very well to a life of poverty.”

“What about you?” Ayden asked.

“Well, back home I was kind of… an orphan,” she admitted with great embarrassment, “Sorry I didn’t tell you, its just that it didn’t come up when we talked before and I was kind of embarrassed and-”

“Relax, its fine,” Ayden said lifting her chin, “I understand.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, though I can hardly imagine what it is like to be an orphan, I can understand why you wouldn’t bring it up,” Ayden replied though he could see she was still embarrassed by the whole thing, “So what’s the deal with Thompson?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Ayden elaborated quietly enough that Thompson couldn’t hear, “He seems distant, sort of quiet.”

“He’s a bit of an introvert,” Solara explained, “But when the time comes he’s as brave as the rest of them.”

The group continued along carrying on light conversations as night drew near. Evening set in and with it eerie clouds and flashes of thunder. No rain fell but the overcast sky and howling wind were only made more eerie by the mist that permeated through the trees to cover the road. The Destined walked slowly as they made their way down the road and were sure to check every landmark they came across. There were no road signs out here in the boondocks of the Digital World and with only their map and the light of a lit torch to guide them their journey through the fog was a slow one. There were still four or so hours of daylight left but each of them was hoping they might find a village or a calm place free of the mist where they could spend the night.

They continued on and the fog dissipated slowly. Before any of them could breathe a sigh of relief the gray skies opened up and rain began to fall. They continued on searching for any place where they might be able to pitch their tents but the rain was becoming heavy and the howling autumn wind pulled it at an angle that would have made pitching the tents almost pointless. With their torch out Ayden found himself forced to Digivolve. Agunimon’s flames could not be extinguished by a simple storm and they all felt far safer proceeding with Agunimon taking point. It didn’t take long for the fiery Digimon to sense danger and he gestured back for the others to be still.

“What is it?” Solara asked above the din of the storm.

“Sounds like a fight somewhere down the road,” Ayden answered, “It’s barely audible above the storm.”

“Finally, some action,” Haomon said and Adlimon offered him an eager look as the group moved forward.

Their gray evening surroundings were not yet devoid of light and in the distance they caught sight of the source of the sounds. They saw a Digimon dressed in white and immediately it became apparent this was no ordinary Digimon. This Digimon had wings, magnificent feathered appendages that stemmed from an otherwise humanoid figure. Nearly eight feet tall the being emanated a powerful glow and carried a golden staff. Surprisingly it was a human, and not a Digimon, who was first to identify the strange being.

“An angel!” Anselm exclaimed.

“Judging by the pink sash and the style of the staff I would say that it’s Piddomon,” Haomon explained, “but it could be an Angemon.”

“Angemon!” Patamon said suddenly, “Angemon is supposed to be part of my evolutionary lineage.”

“Those are big words for a ball of fuzz,” Xander said with a snicker.

“Looks like he’s in trouble,” Agunimon noted, “Jakimon are all over him. We better help.”

“Must we always?” Xander asked but Bogmon appeared before him with a gleam in his eye, “Right, saving innocent Digimon time.”

The twelve of them cut through the storm to the angel’s side and immediately began trying to dispel the Jakimon. Agunimon moved in first throwing shards of fire in all directions. Many of the fiery projectiles never hit their targets as the rain came down to extinguish them. It seemed his fire wasn’t without its limits. Once it left his body it could succumb to the same weaknesses of an ordinary fire. Though his Spirit could summon flames on his body that were indestructible they became susceptible when beyond his immediate physical area. Ayden had no time to worry about such things. He summoned fire around his fists and began pummeling the swarming Jakimon who cried out with angry lifting spears. Those that Agunimon could not knock away glanced off his crimson armor. There were a great many of them and the other Rookie Digimon were soon involved.

Adlimon formed a whip of ice, or tried to, the rain quickly melting away the shards. A group of Jakimon surrounded him now and if it wasn’t for the intervention of Haomon, who’s lightning seemed only strengthened by the storm, he might well have been skewered by a spear. The lizard looked for a place to rejoin the battle and noticed Dyrasmon and Patamon were struggling to hold their own against a small crowd of the tribal Digimon. He was about to stride in and lay down the law but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Perhaps we should bring a little more firepower to this fight,” Thompson said with a grin, “Or ice power, you get the idea.”

“Right,” Adlimon said feeling his entire body being devoured by the energy emanating from Thompson’s Digivice, “Adlimon Digivolve to: Glacadlimon.”

The crocodilian Champion roared into the crowd snapping up Jakimon in his jaws lightly enough to not kill them entirely. He thrashed his head to and fro sending those not already in his maw racing away in fear. Vera watched the fight from a distance. She was still not used to the chaos of battle. She was worried more for Haomon than for herself as the fierce feline leapt from enemy to enemy with lightning bolts arcing off his claws to shock the Jakimon into submission. She turned her attention to Piddomon, the strange angelic Digimon they had raced in to help. He seemed uninjured though his motions as he fought the Jakimon beside his new allies were slow as if the fight had raged on for a long time. Something else became visible then, as a flash of lightning brought new brightness to the forest around them, a shadowy figure behind the trees. Vera felt a chill up her spine, wondering if the frightening figure was just a figment of her imagination. She shivered as the autumn rain fell and another flash revealed that the figure was gone.

“Thank you for your help,” Piddomon said with a bow as the last Jakimon scurried off into the woods, “I have been tracking that tribe for days, they have been trying to rob the good Digimon who travel along this road.”

“It’s not problem at all,” Agunimon said with a toothy grin.

“In fact it’s just the sort of thing we’re used to doing,” Haomon said punching one of his Jakimon victims, who was regaining consciousness, as a less than subtle reminder to stay down.

“We need to get out of this storm,” Solara said and she watched the angel’s eyes grow wide.

“A human being! Can it be!?” Piddomon exclaimed, going to one knee so that he could be at eye level with her, “I have lived my life to see this day, the return of the Destined.”

“Yeah, we’re humans, you can pretty much worship us,” Xander said wanting to milk the adoration for all it was worth.

“We’re on our way to the Celestial Palace,” Solara explained elbowing Alexander out of the way.

“You are?” Piddomon asked, “Do you know how to get there? Because this road isn‘t exactly along the right route if that is where you are headed.”

“I knew that Demi-Devimon wasn’t to be trusted,” Haomon said shaking his head, “Damn devil must have given us a bad map.”

“Come,” Piddomon said, “I think I saw an old building nearby, we should take shelter there for the night… I have a great many questions for you.”

[cleansinglight]

Chapter Fifteen: Fallen Angels Part 2

The group headed up the road a bit and quickly found the building Piddomon had mentioned. It was a massive wooden structure that looked far more like a warehouse than a residential home. The inside was in relatively good condition and although many of the windows had been shattered it was still relatively dry inside. John glanced around, using the light provided by Ayden, who had decided to stay Digivolved until they could get a torch lit. All around were old logs decomposing, branches and work equipment and carpentry tools were scattered everywhere. John’s suspicions were confirmed when he caught sight of some metal glinting in the far corner and found a lumber saw there still stuck in the rotting trunk of an old tree. This was a lumber mill from the time of deforestation.

Piddomon slumped into a sitting position and let out an exhausted sigh. For a moment it seemed as if the beleaguered angel was sleeping but his eyes soon opened and as the first torches were lit he began to study the face of each human and each Digimon. An awkward silence gripped the room as the magnificent angel stared in adoration at them. The group exchanged glances hardly able to believe so glorious a Digimon would actually be idolizing them.

“Incredible,” Piddomon said breaking the silence after a long while, “The Digi-Destined have indeed returned to our world.”

“Not more of this Destiny crap,” Xander mumbled, “Can I go to sleep? I’m exhausted!”
“Shush,” Solara demanded, “Do you know where the Celestial Palace really is?”

“Yes, it’s where I was trained,” Piddomon explained, “and I am due back there. I was already late coming back but when I heard the reports of the Jakimon I had to do something. The Celestial Palace will be glad to know that the Destined are here in the Digital World, especially with Ophanimon ill.”

“Ophanimon?” Patamon asked, the name sounded oddly familiar to him.

“One of the three angels, they help maintain the balance of this world and protect the innocent,” Piddomon answered, “Seraphimon, Ophanimon and Cherubimon and each as powerful a Digimon as can possibly be imagined.”

“But if they are so powerful how did one get sick?” Xander asked, honestly hoping the question wasn’t taken the wrong way.

“Ophanimon was poisoned, one of the Digimon working at the palace poisoned her,” Piddomon explained, “It was part of some wicked plot but we’re not sure who was behind it yet.”

Vera listened to the angel explain himself but her mind was elsewhere, on the screeching wind and the crashing thunder - on the figure she’d seen in the forest. The shadows in the warehouse were deep. Only three torches burned and all of those were on one side of the big building. The ceiling stretched up nearly fifty feet above them and the chilly autumn wind was cutting into the building through the broken panes of the windows. She felt the floorboards creak and turned to look over her shoulder, searching for the source. There was nothing but black shadows, ominous darkness that could have housed all manner of monsters. This wasn’t Earth either, where monsters were works of her imagination - in the Digital World monsters were the rule, not the exception. She realized then that Piddomon had stopped his speech and grown silent. She turned to see the angel’s face, alert as if he had heard something.

“Something isn’t right,” Vera said and the angel’s gentle nod confirmed her suspicions.

“There is something in the darkness,” the angel whispered standing with his staff in hand.

From the shadows behind her Vera felt the presence of something evil. She dived into John’s arms soon noticing that even he had goosebumps populating his skin. Adlimon and Haomon, either the bravest or dumbest of the group, were the first to step forward. Both leapt backward as the shadow took shape and the demonic entity in front of them appeared from a black mist and unfurled its wicked black bat-like wings. With eyes that shined piercing red, a height of nearly ten feet and fangs designed to suck blood the devil was as menacing as any monster they could have conjured in their minds.

“Devimon,” Piddomon said identifying their foe, “What are you doing here?”

“Setting a trap,” a smaller voice answered, and each of the twelve narrowed their eyes as Demi-Devimon fluttered out.

“Can we take him?” Solara asked Piddomon.

“Yes but let me handle the other one,” Piddomon said.

“Demi-Devimon?” Xander asked raising an eye-brow at what he mistook for cowardice.

“No,” Piddomon explained, “THAT one.”

The group watched in horror as a massive onyx shadow fell from the ceiling above forming into a twelve foot tall terror wielding a pitch-fork. With crimson-black armor the new Digimon was far more menacing than even Devimon and the wicked smirk on his demonic red face was only more worrying.

“I see my Jakimon tribes finally caught the attention of the Celestial Palace,” the bigger demon cackled, “A pity they could only send a lackey.”

“If you take that back we might just go easy on you,” Haomon taunted.

“Do not tempt this one,” Piddomon advised, “He’s an Ultimate level.”

Phelesmon wasted no more time, he flew full speed at his angelic enemy hitting him head-on and pushing the angel until his back was against the warehouse wall. The devil took in a deep breath and let it out as a demonic scream that shook the walls and floorboards. Before he could complete his Demon Shout attack, however, Piddomon’s knee took him in the stomach pushing the air from his lungs and the fervor from his attack. Piddomon brought his staff’s blunt end down conking Phelesmon in the head with it and slipping out from against the wall. Back on even footing with his enemy Piddomon spread his wings.

“Fire Feather!”

Flames leapt from his wings in the shape of feathers careening across the warehouse toward Phelesmon. The devil Digimon merely spun his pitch-fork dissipating the fiery feathers instantly. The wicked creature smiled his razor sharp teeth and heaved in a big breath. Piddomon was too far away to stop his attack and a blast of evil wind emanated from the demon’s lungs hitting with intensity and sending Piddomon back pedaling. The angel was wracked with pain but he managed to keep on his feet. He had to attack quickly though, the next Demon Shout could come as quick as Phelesmon could draw breath. He threw his staff so that it would hit the demon square in the chest and knock the breath from his lungs but Phelesmon anticipated where it would hit and caught the staff.

“This is much like the one I took from your brother,” Phelesmon said with a wicked smile.

Piddomon felt righteous fury welling within him, he dashed in, carried on white wings and summoning angelic speed. He hit Phelesmon this time, driving the demon against the wall before pummeling him with powerful punches. Phelesmon, however, barely flinched as each blow landed. In fact the demon was laughing, mocking Piddomon even as the angel unleashed his rage.

“Pathetic,” Phelesmon mocked, “Even your brother Angemon hit harder than this.”

Phelesmon took in a short breath and expelled in a Demon Shout attack that didn’t do much damage but pushed Piddomon far enough away to allow the demon to use his pitch-fork in the fight. Now the angel desperately tried to get in range of the demonic Digimon but without his staff, and with the sharp pokers of the pitch-fork in his face, it was going to prove very difficult.

Agunimon made the first strike against Devimon sending in a barrage of fire. The dark Digimon blocked the attack with wind expelled from his black wings before driving his claw into the ground. His hand seemed to vanish into the floor and only after being struck in the back by a powerful swipe did Ayden realize what had happened. The demon had created a portal and essentially teleported his hand.

Adlimon and the others were ready to step in and help when the room seemed suddenly crowded. Small white Digimon were appearing everywhere, their ivory ethereal forms made frightening by razor sharp teeth and soulless black eyes. These ghostly Digimon appeared everywhere in the warehouse, closing with menacing hoots and howls.

“Bakemon,” Patamon said shivering and very afraid.

“More like practice,” Haomon said, “Adlimon you help Ayden out, I can handle these pansy phantoms.”

Vera stood frozen as she watched Haomon tear through the Bakemon ranks. The feline warrior was truly a sight to behold but she could tell that even with the help of Patamon and Dyrasmon the crowd of ghouls was too numerous. She worked up the courage and waded into the crowd. It happened almost immediately, the brilliant light shone forth from her Digivice and enveloped Haomon lifting the little Digimon off the ground and transforming him into Felehaomon. The proud lion roared a thunderous roar lightning leaping from his mouth as he tore into the Bakemon ranks. Dyrasmon followed soon after with a transformation of her own. Now they seemed evenly matched, especially when Patamon appropriately pursued Demi-Devimon, seeking to teach the treacherous salesmen a lesson.

Devimon batted Glacadlimon away, the icy lizard grasping the demon’s hand with his razor teeth sending a chill down his enemy’s spine. Agunimon arrived behind him pummeling the winged Digimon with fiery fists forcing the devil to disappear for a moment. Devimon’s fists were all of him that reappeared, arriving through portals on the floor to deliver two devastating uppercuts to his attackers. Thompson watched from not too far away trying to offer his friend moral support without getting himself killed by the crazy demon.

Piddomon shielded himself with his wings as the Demon Shout rolled over him. It was still painful but this way it was bearable. The feathers provided a fairly good sound cushion to protect the vital areas of his body. The angel opened his wings with fiery results and this time a few feathers did manage to impact Phelesmon though the damage they did was minor Piddomon could see he had singed the demon’s armor. This only served to make Phelesmon angry, the irate devil dived at Piddomon with pitch-fork in hand stabbing it forward and nearly impaling the angel. Piddomon side-stepped the attack just barely and immediately transitioned into a speed attack grabbing hold of his enemy and flying him across the warehouse where they smashed into and right through the wooden wall. Boards flew everywhere out into the autumn as the angel and devil continued their deadly dance.

Agunimon and Glacadlimon knew they were gaining the upper hand on their enemy as the frozen fangs sunk into the back of his leg just before flames struck his chest. Devimon seemed to be exhausted, as though his ethereal fist tricks had drained him of energy. He was stuck using more straightforward attacks now, though his swiping claws were no less painful when they did get a successful hit. The Warrior of Flame looked to the nearby struggle against the Bakemon and saw that they too were tiring of the fight, though nearly two dozen of the ghouls still haunted the warehouse.

“ENOUGH!” a demonic voice screamed.

All watched as Piddomon flew through the building making a new hole in the wall and crashing into the floorboards. The angel was bloodied and bruised but managed to stand up before Phelesmon entered the building once more.

“Devimon,” Phelesmon said with his chest heaving, “it’s time.”

Devimon grew a wicked grin and closed his wings over his body. Suddenly the Bakemon that remained began chanting, each of them started to glow. Their tumescence filled the otherwise darkened warehouse as they coalesced around Devimon swarming over him like insects. The Bakemon then seemed to fade, almost vanishing into Devimon who was now changing before their very eyes. The group turned to Piddomon for support but the angel wore a hopeless expression that stole the courage from their bones.

“I am now NeoDevimon,” the demonic Digimon growled.

He was twice as tall now, crimson wings had replaced his black ones and his ashen gray flesh was studded with red markings. His long arms, nearly longer than his entire body, were tipped with golden talons and spiked with crimson spikes. He was truly a terrifying sight to behold and yet there was one amongst the group who felt no fear.

“Let’s get this guy!” Solara screamed, “What are you all waiting for?”

“Fools,” Phelesmon mocked, “you have no hope of winning against the likes of us.”

“Wrong Phelesmon,” a booming voice, Agunimon’s voice, responded.

Ayden had to believe they could beat both of these Digimon. He had only just met his friends and he wasn’t about to lose their first big fight together. He turned toward NeoDevimon with anger in his eyes. Ayden’s boldness transferred to the other humans who even grabbed whatever they could find as weapons and prepared to fight if they had to. Glacadlimon and Agunimon charged in together but NeoDevimon stretched out his claws. Black lightning arced from each digit paralyzing them with shockwaves of pain.

Dyrasmon summoned a storm of leaves that seemed to merely glance off the demon’s skin. Felehaomon’s attack had better success as he sunk his electrified fangs into NeoDevimon’s right wing for a devastating Thunder Fang attack. Ayden watched as Felehaomon was cast aside and saw a cut appear on the cat’s flesh made by the horrible claws of the powerful demonic Digimon. He had only now regained control of his motor functions. He knew that in their current condition, fatigued from the fight against the Jakimon and the Bakemon, they wouldn’t be able to win. There was no other way. He searched for the energy within and summoned the Beast Spirit.

BurningGreymon appeared before them then. Ayden was now manifested as the Beast Spirit of Flame. He could feel the power of the Spirit of Fire feeding his own spirit within and he truly felt as though he could take on the world. He wasted no time, the guns built into his gauntlets pivoted into firing position.

“Pyro Barrage!”

A powerful fully automatic spray of flames emerged from his wrists and impacted against NeoDevimon. If the devil had any illusions of this fight being an easy win they were destroyed by that attack. NeoDevimon spread his wings and let out a roar clawing desperately at BurningGreymon’s armored hide to no avail. Even the onyx lightning that leapt from each claw did nothing against his new foe. He dissipated, vanishing from sight. Ayden knew to stay on alert but as the minutes ticked by he wondered if the cowardly demon had truly just turned tail and run from him.

“Keep a look-out for him,” he advised the others.

Ayden let out a deafening roar and turned toward Phelesmon. The demon seemed to be toying with Piddomon now, the poor angel bleeding from a set of small wounds and being cut further with Phelesmon’s pitch-fork. BurningGreymon struck him in the back of the skull with a fist wreathed in flame. Phelesmon spun on him then screaming as loud as he could. The pain was intense but Ayden held his ground with feet firmly in place and an unyieldingly angry glower. The demon smiled wickedly when he saw his attack was futile. He began taking in a new breath, one that would likely level the entire building if his estimates were correct. BurningGreymon turned to the injured Piddomon.

“You’ve fought valiantly but now I need you to get these people to safety,” he said and the angel nodded solemnly.

The building was clear in moments and it was a good thing too as the entire structure shook and BurningGreymon smashed through the wall once more this time taking the entire thing out and collapsing the roof. Phelesmon emerged unscathed and fired off a series of shorter screams, each time flying in close to claw at the seemingly indestructible read armor of his new enemy. BurningGreymon knew he couldn’t take another hit like the one that had brought down the building. He punched at his enemy, trying to hit the elusive phantom but Phelesmon was too quick for that. Out in the open he was a much harder target to hit, even with his barrage of flames Ayden only managed to land one hit on the stealthy demon. He thought for a moment that Phelesmon would run away just as NeoDevimon had. Ayden knew he had to end it soon. He reached inside for the wisdom of the Warrior of Flame. The spirit had a suggestion for him.

“Wildfire TSUNAMI!”

The attack sent out a tidal wave of fire that crashed over the dampened forest and cut through the rain to hit Phelesmon as he tried to fly over the wave. It was too late, he was caught in the fiery tempest and he fell to the forest floor. He reached his feet fast with the help of his wings, but not fast enough as a pyro barrage brought him back down to the ground and sent him sliding away in the mud. BurningGreymon caught the demon and grabbed him by the throat.

“Please,” Phelesmon begged, “Mercy.”

“Did you show mercy to us? Did you show mercy to Piddomon’s brother?”

The demon squirmed and tried to break free using his pitch-fork. BurningGreymon took the weapon and broke it in two. Instantly a light surrounded Phelesmon and though at first Ayden worried the demon was Digivolving, of playing a dirty trick, in fact the light transformed the Ultimate level back into a tiny little indigo imp.

“No, you fool!” the little imp protested, kicking the twenty foot tall dragon but getting a bruised foot in the process.

“I see you won,” Piddomon said approaching.

“He won’t be bothering anyone any time soon,” Ayden agreed reverting into his human form, “I don’t know about NeoDevimon though.”

“The Celestial Palace will find someone to pursue him,” the angel said, “Come, we found a small village not far from here, we will be able to spend the night there. The Destined have earned a rest.”

As Ayden entered the village the others each thanked him in their own way. Thompson shook his hand, Vera gave him a hug, Haomon high-fived him and Solara, of course, stole herself a kiss. He felt truly blessed to have such friends and they were truly glad to have him. He had saved their lives and in many ways they had saved his own life from the fate of being stuck in the Digital World all alone. With their sore muscles and aching bruises they all slept well that night. The Destined had earned a rest.

[rain]

That's all so nice. Do you use some kind of story generator? You really should sell this story to company that animates digimon movies/episodes... Or create youtube vids... I am sure these vids would get greater watch count than any original digimon series on youtube.