Carvedilol Ch.1 Arrowhead
Nov 10, 2023 3:38:27 GMT
Post by capelinecutemeister on Nov 10, 2023 3:38:27 GMT
Nivimon clenched her eyes as a spray of grit and rubble bounced across her face. She grit her teeth and reached another trembling talon above her head to grasp at the sheer cliff face.
She didn't know how long she had been climbing, or how high up she was. Fear gripped her heart whenever she thought of how far away the ground must be, so she put her focus instead into reaching the top of the cliff.
A deafening scream shattered what little tranquility was left in her and the valley, clawing at her ears. Her grip loosened, and she let out a shrill scream in terror.
Nivimon quickly dug her feet into the rock, sending gravel scattering down her scales as she scrambled for a new grip; her talons digging themselves deep inside and securing her. She gulped nervously, resisting the urge to look down and instead beginning to quickly pull herself up higher with burning muscles. She didn't rest her arms until her talons dug into the cliffs edge, and she hauled herself over it and onto steady ground.
A shiver raced up her spine as she pushed herself away from the cliff and up onto unsteady legs. That had been far too close for her liking. Although, the rewards for her perilous climb didn't seem any sweeter in comparison.
Nivimon took a deep breath as she stared up at the sky. In between the clouds of smoke, she could see the massive blue body of Azulongmon writhing, the sovereign struggling to subdue whoever his opponent was in the blazing forest ahead of her.
She gritted her teeth as she limped towards the treeline. She had come to this valley almost explicity to avoid perfects and ultimates, and yet just above her head a Sovereign was waging a battle; tearing apart her home. The closer she got to the treeline, the more she could hear subdued voices beyond the rustle of leaves and the crackling of the dying flame.
Pushing aside the branches, she let out a loud gasp at the sight of the Four Great Dragons in the clearing. Although it would be much more accurate to say she saw Megidramon trapped, Azulongmon's chains coiled tight around him and bolstered by the strength of the other two dragons.
Upon entering the clearing, Azulongmon's massive eyes immediately turned towards her, "Who are you? Why did you choose to come somewhere so dangerous?"
"M-my name is N-Nivimon." She suddenly felt very small, curling in on herself underneath the sovereigns gaze. "I-I live here in the valley and I saw you fighting, so I came to see what was going on…."
"You mean that other digimon life here?" A groan brought Nivimon's attention to Goldramon, who floated down next to her. "We fought him here specifically because its supposed to be uninhabited. And yet you're saying that was all for nothing?"
Annoyance bubbled inside of Nivimon, but she breathed in, staring blankly at Goldramon. "I'm the only one who lives here, and I wasn't hurt, so it wasn't for nothing. But your battle destroyed a lot of my home, somewhere that I came specifically so that perfects and ultimates would leave me alone."
"I'm sorry that we disrupted your peace, Nivimon." Magnadramon bowed her head. "But our brother lost control of himself. We had to stop him before it was too late."
"But why did he lose control of himself. Azulongmon turned back down to Megidramon, who was struggling in Azulongmon's chains. "You may be bitter, but you were never beyond reason like that before, Megidramon."
"Its because of the Hazard" Megidramon snarled back, his massive forearms pressing against the sparking chains. "You all abandoned me and left me to guard it alone!"
Nivimon winced at the wounds leaking data all over the red dragons body, scratches digging deep into his forearms and chest; which looked as though someone had attempted to cave in. The mention of the Hazard perked Nivimon's ears up however, and she turned her gaze to Megidramon's curiously.
"If it is the Hazard, then we need to destroy him!" Goldramon turned to Azulongmon, pounding his fists together. "We can't risk this happening again, especially if we aren't there to rein him in."
"Megidramon is no beast, Golddramon." Magnadramon spoke warningly, glaring at the snort the gold dragon gave in response. "But, you do have a point. We can't just let our brother go, not after this. Something will have to be done to ensure that it doesn't happen again."
"I- I understand why you want to protect the world from destruction," Nivimon began, approaching the bound dragon while she spoke to its captors. "But aren't any of you capable of the same destruction? The Hazard merely made him loose control, not activate its true strength. What if what happened to Megidramon happened to any of you? Would there be anyone to stand against you and subdue you?"
"We could never fall victim to this." Goldramon scoffed. "None of us are inherently violent like Megidramon is."
"Spoken like a true Ultimate." Nivimon muttered under her breath, peering at closer at the virus dragon in front of her.
Megidramon gave a bitter laugh in agreement, staring Goldramon down with disgust.
"Its possible." Magnadramon spoke, "That in his long years as the sole steward of the hazard, our brother has become corrupted by its influence."
Nivimon nodded her head, about to agree with Magnadramon's assessment before Goldramon interrupted, whirling on Megidramon. "Then he shouldn't have chosen to be its guardian! His inability to resist it falls squarely on his shoulders!"
"I didn't choose anything, Goldramon." Megidramon's snarl broke through their bickering, fixing Goldramon with a steely glare.
"He's right Goldramon," Azulongmon spoke, "Megidramon was the only one that recognized the dangers of the Hazard and that it needed to be guarded. To say that he chose to guard it is to ignore our role in this disaster. You never liked and refused to help him, I was too busy as a Sovereign to watch over it-"
"And Magnadramon thought that I could handle it myself." Megidramon growled out, "So you all left me to handle it myself."
"Yes, we did." Magnadramon spoke with a cool gaze. "And we were wrong to do that. But my brother, if you loose control, we may not be so fortunate again."
"That's right. We saw the trail of destruction you left. You destroyed entire regions and towns, hordes of digimon deleted in your path." Goldramon glared at Megidramon. "We can't let that happen again, it would be simpler to destroy you now."
Nivimon's eyes widened as they argued what to do with Megidramon, and she quickly stepped in between the two, laying her hands protectively on Megidramon's snout. "You can't do that, if you destroy him now, you'll only make the problem worse!"
"And who are you to interfere?" Goldramon leaned down to meet her gaze. "You can't be any stronger than a rookie."
A lump formed in Nivimon's throat, but she stood still in front of the dragon. "I know about the Hazard. I know more than you do."
"Really." Magnadramon spoke dryly and settled beside Goldramon. "Why should we believe you know more about our brother's affliction than any of us?"
"You don't have to believe what I'm saying." Nivimon glared at the pink dragon. "But I know that if you kill Megidramon then then Hazard will just infect someone else. Is that really a sacrifice that's worth making?"
"Then we remove the Hazard and destroy it." Goldramon clenched his fist.
"It isn't that easy Goldramon," Azulongmon interrupted, turning his gaze to Nivimon and Megidramon. "If you could do that, you would have done so already right?"
"Yes, Megidramon grumbled, pulling away from Nivimon and causing her to stumble as he faced the Sovereign. "The Hazard has altered my core data. It is as intrinsic to me as the world is to us. I can no longer live without its presence in my being."
"So you can't remove it, nor destroy the original source of the Hazard." Nivimon spoke, "It's a natural force, one that can't be removed from this world. The only option you have is to safeguard it, like you all abandoned Megidramon to do."
"If that is the case, and you knew that all along, then why didn't you reach out to us? We would have helped you Megidramon." Azulongmon pleaded
"Why didn't I reach out? I told you! I told you all of this and still you left!" Megidramon snarled, an orange glow rising in his throat before a wet cough interrupted him and he fell forward. He barely managed to catch himself on his scared forearms, data streaming from the corners of his mouth. "None of you thought to check on me, and I had no way of sending a message."
Nivimon winced, resting a hand on the dragons snout.
Megidramon stared at her for a moment before he pushed himself back upright with a sigh, speaking with a weary voice. "I eventually believed that you had all abandoned me, and didn't care what happened to me. By that point it was too late, and I had to turn my focus elsewhere."
"You mean you had to focus on the Hazard's infestation…" Nivimon spoke softly, staring at the symbol on Megidramon's caved in chest.
"Yes." He sighed.
"Then if the Hazard cannot be removed from you, and you cannot live without it; you admit that you're dangerous, and need to be taken care of." Goldramon crossed his arms against his chest. "And if the Hazard appears again we will stop that digimon too. And the next, as many times as it takes."
"What, no!" Nivimon whirled toward the ultimate in shock, staring at him with a slack jaw. "Killing him won't solve anything!"
"Indeed Goldramon, be just." Azulongmon thundered. "Megidramon did not choose for this to happen to him, he was merely trying to protect others. Something that we are all guilty of."
"And in doing so he proved what we all feared about his inner nature." Goldramon scoffed, "All this debating has done is prove how much of a liability he is."
"Stop it!" Nivimon stepped fowward, pushing against Goldramon's massive forearms. "Can't you see how horrible you're being? You just see him as a weapon!"
Goldramon's nostrils flared at the rookie pushing against him, his thick forearm slamming into her ribs and tossing her aside like a pebble. Nivimon sprawled into the dirt with a choking gasp, clutching her stomach and curling in on herself.
"And you claim that I'm the lethal one. I haven't been able to fight much since you abandoned me, but from what I remember; a Rookie never stood a chance against us." Megidramon snarled, his claws pulling at the chains holding him. "Tell me Goldramon, does it feel good to crush those weaker than you?"
"Enough!" Azulongmon roared out, lighting striking the ground between the two as his thundered. "Megidramon is right Goldramon, whether you wish to see that or not. If we had assisted him, none of this would have happened. You are just as much to blame for this as any of us, and no amount of fighting will change that!"
"Deleting Megidramon won't solve anything, brother." Magnadramon came to Goldramon's side, reaching a talon out to Nivimon. "We should focus on where to go from here, not senseless violence."
"And what do you suppose we do?" Goldramon stared down at the rookie as Nivimon took the offered claw, slowly pulling herself up onto her unsteady feet. He inhaled sharply before turning to the other dragons. "We can't just let him go."
"We will leave him, and offer him another chance." Azulongmon spoke. "But I do agree in some respects. He will need to be supervised."
"Very well." Goldramon crossed his arms. "Who will this supervisor be?"
"L-let me help…" Nivimon groaned, stepping towards the Sovereign.
"I mean you no offense Nivimon," Magnadramon spoke, "But how can we expect you to prevent him from going on a rampage. You coudn't even stop Goldramon."
Nivimon winced, but dipped her head in acknowledgement. "I may not be the strongest here, but I know about the Hazard. I'll take him away from it, to diminish its influence over him. Maybe the time spent travelling with someone weaker will help him learn to control himself and his power."
"And if I go, who will guard the Hazard." Megidramon hissed. "Someone ust be there to protect others from falling prey to it."
"We will guard it." Azulongmon spoke, causing Megidramon to turn his head in surprise. "If you go with Nivimon, then we will safeguard it in your absence."
"I don't like this." Goldramon snarled.
"Too bad." Nivimon stuck her tongue out as she limped over to Megidramon's side, who was slowly being released from his bindings.
"Take this Nivimon." Azulongmon floated one of his cores down to the rookie, who grasped it reverently in her clawed hands. "Use it if you need to contact us."
Nivimon nodded, the digicore glowing with a bright light before shrinking down and hovering over her shoulder. Turning back to Megidramon she met his eyes with a quiet, soft voice. "Is this okay with you Megidramon?"
The large dragon stared down her silently before nodding with a sigh. "It's better than the alternative. Lead me Nivimon, I want to be gone from this place."
A harsh breeze rushed through the crisp ferns and burnt grass, knocking loose boards to the dirt. The air was dry underneath the moonlight, but the cool night air didn't do anything to quell the few lingering flames in the crumbling buildings. Instead it seemed to mix with the fire, casting eerie shadows that highlighted the destruction. What remained of the some buildings was fragile, groaning under the weight of charred debris, their inhabitants slowly picking up the pieces of their lives with a blank stare.
Portions of the once thriving settlement were now crumbling in on themselves, black walls cracking under the strain put on them from blazing fires, burnt timbers and debris scattered throughout the village. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke, the crackling of embers and dying fires the only noise breaking the silence over the village.
Renamon breathed in deeply, hugging herself and trying to tune out the panicked cries and whimpers of her fellow digimon. Nestled within a nearby hill, she knelt before a once sturdy Torii gate, which had weathered the eons untouched; until their attacker had arrived. Parts of it were now collapsed, the red paint chipped and blackened, much like her fur.
The vixen had her ears pinned to the side of her head as she tried to come to terms with the senseless destruction. The day had started out just like any other. She had barely finished her morning rituals before that dragon shattered the town's tranquility, his anguished screams tearing at her ears; his acidic saliva scarring the ground as he tore through their lives.
He didn't even stop to pause as he crushed and razed their town, his massive claws leaving deep gouges in walls and earth alike; his mouth frothing with the flames he spread throughout their forest. The few defenders the village had tried hopelessly to deter the monster, but the battle had been futile. One by one the strongest of them had been loaded, it was all Renamon could do to hide insider her home and pray she was lucky enough to be spared.
Even long after he had left, it had taken the digimon the entire day to quench the fires, which had spread deep into the forest.
Renamon squeezed her eyes shut, trying not to think about the digimon the dragon had almost carelessly deleted on its way through their town. Trembling, she rose to her feet, brushing off the charred dirt clinging to her fur. She tried to steady herself as she moved away from the Torii gate, but she couldn't hide the way her body shook , or how her fur bristled as she climbed through the blackened husks of the once vibrant forest.
She paused on top of the hill, looking down at the digimon that were, even know, putting out the last glowing spots of flame. From where she stood they seemed so small. So weak.
That's what she was. She was weak. If she had been stronger, then this wouldn't have happened. That dragon wouldn't have destroyed her village and her friends. It wouldn't have crushed her elder beneath its drooling jaws as its red eyes glared into her soul.
She took a deep breath. She needed to get stronger. She needed to become strong enough to defeat that beast. Closing her eyes, she gave a silent farewell to her former home, stepping over the crest of the hill and blocking it from sight.
Towering mountains clawed at the sky in the horizon. She remembered from when she was young, a story that their elder would tell her. She was always so excited to hear his wizened voice crackle as he sat on a log and repeated it for her, time after time after time. He spoke of a mighty warrior beyond those mountains, a digimon that embraced strength and skill. Her elder had always joked that maybe someday they would meet.
She had always wanted to meet that digimon. To train under them and make her elder proud. Renamon felt her throat constrict, a wetness beginning to overflow from her eyes. She rubbed it off with a purple glove, sniffling to herself as she continued her walk down the hill.
Ping-chk
Ping-chk
Ping-chk
Ping-
"Would you please stop that infernal habit of yours Yamaki." Riley Ohtori turned to the suited man with a chiding tone. "Put the lighter away. For now at least."
He stared at her through his sunglasses with a blank expression, before nodding, closing the lighter and burying it in his pocket. "I'm sorry Mrs. Ohtori."
"Yamaki please. Just call me Riley." The purple haired woman frowned gently at him and put a hand on his shoulder. "You trust me enough to bring me here, you don't need to stick to formalities."
"Of course Riley." Yamaki sighed and took off his sunglasses.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Riley said. "I won't mind if you wan't me to stay behind. I understand it can be-"
"No," Yamaki forced a small smile, stepping onto the small gravel path "Please come with me."
She nodded, and he turned leading them along the gravel paths. The leaves of nearby sakura trees covered the path at points, and Yamaki choked down the lump forming in his throat as they stepped past the gravestones and deeper into the cemetery.
The two walked in silence, the gravestones becoming more ancient as they entered older portions of the graveyard, climbing up the hillside and stepping into a secluded clearing. The duo came to a stop in front of a gravestone resting next to two larger ones. It was not as weathered as the rest of the gravestones resting in this portion of the cemetery.
Yamaki clenched the flowers in his hand as he stood before the young gravestone. The engraved symbols spelling out "Haruka Yamaki."
Slowly, he settled to his knees, reaching out with a trembling hand and setting the lilies into the vase delicately. He bowed his head, closing his eyes and beginning his prayer. He didn't notice Riley squatting down next to him, rubbing a soothing hand into his back.
The silence went on for minutes as Yamaki rested in darkness, whispering under his breath.
"Haruka, get away!"
Yamaki's eyes flashed open, seeing not the gravestone of his sister in front of him, but instead grey and stormy skies. He stood in an abandoned construction site, mud clinging to his shoes as the rain fell softly to the ground around him. He gasped, taking a step back. "N-not again…"
"Haruka!" That same voice echoed, panic and desperation bleeding out.
"No, no!" Yamaki muttered as he tore his shoes free from the mud, beginning to stumble towards the voice. He tossed his jacket to the side as he picked up speed, running through the mud and towards the noise. His body felt sluggish as he ran, the world moving slower as he ran faster. He turned a corner, entering a concrete skeleton for a skyscraper. He scanned the unfinished room, before a cry drew his attention to a higher level.
"It's not safe!" The voice was pleading, almost screaming the girls name, and Yamaki found himself reaching forward with it, tearing open the doors as he got closer to the roof of the building.
"Haruka, no!" Yamaki burst through the roof access doors, his breathe catching in his throat, eyes widening in fear.
A Darcmon was standing in front of him, a thick crimson fluid dripping from the end of its blade. The digimon slowly turned around, its wide eyes trembling behind its visor as it faced Yamaki. The lighter in his pocket began to burn his leg. The world blurred as it burned deep into his thigh and Yamaki quickly tore it out, tossing it to the floor with a gasp. It was glowing a burning orange, the heat still stinging his fingertips.
It called to Yamaki to pick it up, even as it melted the concrete around it, sinking deeper into the skyscraper. Yamaki's breath's became harder and more forceful as he stepped away, the world fading into obscurity as it became focused around the lighter.
"No," he rasped out. "No… no, no!"
"MITSUO YAMAKI" He jolted in shock, straightening his back at the shout of his companion, staring at her with a sweating face.
She looked at him with concern, gently pulling him to his feet. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yes. I'm fine." Yamaki brushed himself off, wiping the sweat off his nose with a cloth. He blinked wearily, looking up at the sky. The sun was setting behind a nearby hill, the shadows filling the clearing.
"Are you sure?" She leaned closer to him, peering closely at his eyes before pulling back in shock. "Yamaki are you-"
"I'm fine," he choked out. He quickly unfolded his sunglasses and put them on. "C'mon, lets get back to Hypnos."
"O-okay Commander." Riley nodded her head, stepping to his side.
"Thank you Riley." He bowed his head, returning to his steady voice before turning on his heel and leaving the cemetery with a calm gait. He opened the door for her and stepped into the drivers seat, the ignition humming to live as he drove down the empty streets of Shinjuku.
In the distance the towering spires of Hypnos rose into the sky, their state of the art radio communication dishes aimed at every possible angle across the eastern half of the globe.
Yamaki allowed himself a bitter smile as they grew larger. Once Hypnos was activated, his job would become easier. He wouldn't let what happened to his sister happen to anyone else. And Hypnos was his key to making sure that happened.
Rapidmon glided down the halls of his God's castle with haste, his wings slicing through the air as he passed by the grand columns at a breakneck speed. Upon his approach to his Lord's chambers the imposing stone doors opened before him, and he gracefully slowed to a halt, kneeling before the massive brazier in the middle of the room, whose fire cast long shadows dancing along the walls. "I have returned, my god."
The shadows on the wall contorted from the fire's flickering light, before fading away as the brazier's flame roared into the air. When those flames fell, the colossal form of Zhuqiaomon was revealed, the sovereign unfolding his wings and staring down at the Deva.
"Rise Rapidmon." Zhuqiaomon spoke, his voice seemed to roar throughout his chambers. "I've summoned you here to inform you that there has been a change in your task."
"My task?" Rapidmon rose to his feet, looking at his god in confusion. "I thought you wanted me to find the light of evolution and bring it back to you."
"The other Deva's can assume that responsibility." Zhuqiaomon replied, his beak barely moving as he spoke, "Azulongmon has informed me of a more immediate concern."
"And what would that be?" Rapidmon leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.
"It appears that one of his brothers," Zhuqiaomon spat the word out with a snarl of disgust, "has recently lost control. The situation is contained now, but they have chosen to spare this….. Megidramon."
"For Azulongmon to speak of a digimon like that, they must be very powerful. Megidramon must have been the cause of the trails of fire and destruction that I passed through on my way here my lord." Rapdimon said. "A digimon that powerful must indeed pose a threat. What is it that you would like me to do?"
"At the moment, nothing."
Rapidmon's formerly stiff posture deflated, the perfect standing limp in front of the phoenix. "Then why did you call me here?"
"Stop your moping." Zhuqiaomon shoook his head in bemusement, "I need you to find this Megidramon, and report back to me. Azulongmon has said that his brother is better now, but I prefer to keep track of wandering disasters myself."
"Understood my God." Rapidmon bowed his head, "Do you have anything that I can use to find this digimon?"
"He is travelling with a small rookie, Azulongmon told me that it was named Nivimon." Zhuqiaomon spoke. "But that is all."
"Thank you." Rapidmon nodded once more, before kneeling in front of the sovereign. "Before you dismiss me, I apologize for the time it took for me to respond."
"Hmm?" Zhuqiaomon turned his beak to the side to get a better look at the Deva. "Oh, yes. It is of no consequence. Your absence afforded me a moment to deal with something on my mind."
"Thank you my lord." Rapidmon spoke softly before turning towards the door. "I will find this 'Megidramon' as soon as I can and report back to you."
"Remember, if he proves to be a threat to us, you have my permission to neutralize him," Zhuqiaomon cautioned, his crimson eyes narrowing for a moment. "I trust you to use your judgement wisely."
"I will." Rapidmon affirmed. With that, he gracefully departed from the chamber, the colossal stone doors closing behind him, leaving Zhuqiaomon alone to contemplate in the crackling silence of the fire.
Zhuqiaomon remained silent for a few moments before sighing, the flames rising to engulf him before they died down once more, his massive body no where to be seen.
Briiiinggggggggggg!
The school bell rang out with such force that Takato had to cover his ears as he walked down the hallway of his highschool, groaning as the ringing finally subsided. He climbed the stairs up to the top floor of his school, walking into an empty classroom. He waved a greeting to the science teacher, before rushing over to his friends.
Kenta, Hirokazu, and Jianling were all leaning over a large table, their decks already pulled out of their bags. Takato took a seat next to Hirokazu, pulling his deck out and resting it on the table. "Sorry about taking so long to get here guys. The hallways are really crowded today for some reason."
"It's because of the basketball game Takato" Hirokazu rolled his eyes. "Jeez I swear, sometimes its like you're oblivious to the world around you."
Takato laughed the comment off, shuffling his cards and pulling out a card reader. "Maybe Hirokazu, but at least I'm not going to lose at this game today."
"Is that so?" Hirokazu adjusted his cap, fixing Takato with a determined but friendly grin. "I'll make you eat those words."
"Hold on now, make room for me and Kenta here." Jianling shook his head in amusement, his deck already ready to play. "I only have time for one game before I have to meet my sensei, I want it to be a good one."
"Then a four player free for all should give us all the challenge we need." Kenta pushed his glasses up and put his cards forward with a grin. "I'll start with Hawkmon. Lets see how you handle his aerial attacks!"
The other three kids at the table let out a groan as Kenta got the drop on them, their own cards soon hitting the table as the game progressed. With each draw and shuffle of the cards their excitement grew; the classroom echoing with laughter and friendly banter as they teased each other over their card choices and strategies.
Jianling smirked as he countered a play from his friend. "Nice move, Takato, but my Angewomon won't be defeated so easily!"
Tako met his friends challenge with a laugh. "You say that, but my MetalGreymon's about to evolve into WarGreymon! You better start praying Jianling!"
Kenta leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "I activate my Digivice card! It lets me draw two extra cards and unleash Garudamon's special attack!"
Hirokazu grinned triumphantly. "Looks like WereGarurumon is unstoppable today! Better prepare yourself, Takato!"
The teenager groaned in disappointment, shuffling his Wargreymon into his graveyard before returning to the card game. He didn't like to admit it, since it made him sound like a geek, but times like these he couldn't help but get immersed in the fights raging across the table. If he closed his eyes, he could imagine the classroom fading away, and being transported to the digital world to fight alongside a real digimon.
As the final moves were made, Takato leapt out of his stool in excitement. "I win! Azulongmon's lightning whip!"
The others groaned in defeat as the brown hair boy claimed his victory, humming happily to himself as they all gathered their cards. But they couldn't hide the smiles on their faces as they packed up.
"Thanks for the game guys," Jianling waved with a smile, getting up to leave. "Next time ill be sure to beat you, Takato!"
"Hey Jian, wait!" Takato waved the darker skinned boy over with a smile.
Jianling stepped over with confusion "What is it?"
"The locals for this years digimon tournament are happening next week!" Kenta leaned across the table, his dark green hair falling in front of his eyes. "You should come with us!"
"Yeah, it would be great Jianling!" Hirokazu raised his fist in the air, "You've gotta come with us. We've been friends since middle school, it wouldn't be right if you weren't there."
"Alright alright, Ill talk to my parents about it." Jianling laughed, before stepping away once more. "But I really gotta go, if I waste anymore time ill be late!"
"Goodbye, best of luck with your training!" Takato called out with a wave, before sitting back down in a stool.
"You wanna come with me and Hirokazu, Takato?" Kenta called out as he pulled on his backpack. "We're stopping for ice cream on the way home."
"Thanks, but I think I gotta sort my cards one more time."
"You gotta stop bringing that metal tray of them in all the time Takato!" Hirokazu joked, stepping towards the door. "Have a good night man, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow Hirokazu." Takato smiled before setting his tray on the table, carefully opening the aged lid and pulling out his cards to sort them. Despite the inconvenience that others saw in the act, he found it strangely therapeutic to sort through them all.
A strange card caught his attention, the corner just poking out beneath the piles of other cards. He stared at it for a moment, before reaching his fingers in, pulling the plastic card out and staring at it in confusion. There was nothing on the card except that of a pixelated Dinosaur emerging out of a capital 'D'. Takato scratched his hair as he examined it in confusion.
"Blue?…"
"Are you ready Rika?"
She nodded her head, years of practice stopping her from flinching as bright lights washed over her as he photo was taken. The sound of the flash was all she heard for the next few minutes as she changed her posture and expression ever so slightly for the cameraman, hiding her true expression behind her eyes.
She hated this, hated being here. She never understood how her mother could handle being a model. Ever since Rika had been introduced to this, she hated how it felt; to have those eyes gazing on her, as if they were tearing into her tender flesh like a delicious morsel.
It had been at least eight or nine years that she had been doing this now, but the feeling never changed. No matter how many times they did it, or the outfits she wore. From swimsuits to dresses to jeans, she wanted nothing more than to escape the flashing lights and the advertisements on the street.
"Rika, are you even listening to me?"
She jolted in surprise, her head snapping up to meet her mother's exasperated gaze. "S-sorry. I must've gotten lost in thought."
"Of course you did." Her mom sighed before putting on a smile. "I said the photoshoot is over. Lets get you home."
Rika smiled, nodding her head and following her mom out of the studio. This was the best part of the shoots, as far as she was concerned.
Her mom settled into the car with her, turning the ignition and pulling onto the highway. "Rika, I know we've talked about this before, but you don't have to go to those photoshoots if you don't want too."
"And leave you to do it all yourself?" Rika scoffed. "I'm not that cruel mother."
"Rika, you know that I like doing this." Her mom turned to her in confusion. "I don't know whats so hard to understand about that."
"I just don't get it is all." Rika murmured, before shaking her head and smiling at her mom. "But that's not important. I value the chance to spend time with you."
Her mom frowned. "Well, I appreciate that, but don't you have friends at school that you could be hanging out with instead of me?"
Rika's expression fell and she turned away, staring at the passing scenery.
She heard her mom sigh, but neither of them said anything, travelling in silence down the gentle roar of the highway speeds.
The scenery slowly changed from urban to suburban, and then the familiar view of her home estate graced Rika, those gray walls towering above the street as they pulled into the garage. Stepping out of the car, she grabbed her school bag, hauling it over her shoulder as shut the car door.
"Rika, don't forget your clothes from the photoshoot." Her mom called out as she stepped inside.
Rika groaned as she turned around, grabbing the bag the studio had stuffed with free clothing samples for her to try out. Her closet was getting full of this crap. She was going to have to throw some away soon.
A piece of paper sticking out of the top of the bag caught her attention, and the ginger pulled the slip out curiously. On one side, the card had all the usual information about the studio; but the other caught her attention immediately. Omnimon was standing over a table, staring at a card tournament taking place.
She couldn't believe she had almost forgotten about the Digimon tournament that was happening in Shinjuku! She allowed herself a small smile, quickly turning and striding down the estate halls to her room. She tossed the bag of clothing on the bed, before quickly pulling out her desk drawers, rows resting upon rows of sleeved digimon cards glittering under the light.
She reached in and plucked a card from one of the drawers, knowing what it was before she even turned it over. The shiny surface of an Angewoman card met her, and smiled once more. Quickly she set it aside, pulling more cards out and laying them on the table, her computer screen flickering as she pulled up her favorite game to play, another screen showing all the current strategies in the competitive digimon scene.
She had a deck to build
Authors note:
Thanks for reading, I hope that you enjoyed. Im trying to enjoy myself with this fanfiction. I know it isn't perfect; but I'm having a lot of fun writing it and coming up with ideas for the story
I would really appreciate reviews on the story. I'm trying my best to make it good and presentable for everyone; but I'm not perfect by any means.
Anyways, ill keep chipping away at this as time goes on. Have a good one.
Also if youre interested in reading this in the more proper format (I am lazy and not retyping all the italics for this upload), here: www.fanfiction.net/s/14296575/1/Carvedilol and archiveofourown.org/works/51442942/chapters/130001176
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She didn't know how long she had been climbing, or how high up she was. Fear gripped her heart whenever she thought of how far away the ground must be, so she put her focus instead into reaching the top of the cliff.
A deafening scream shattered what little tranquility was left in her and the valley, clawing at her ears. Her grip loosened, and she let out a shrill scream in terror.
Nivimon quickly dug her feet into the rock, sending gravel scattering down her scales as she scrambled for a new grip; her talons digging themselves deep inside and securing her. She gulped nervously, resisting the urge to look down and instead beginning to quickly pull herself up higher with burning muscles. She didn't rest her arms until her talons dug into the cliffs edge, and she hauled herself over it and onto steady ground.
A shiver raced up her spine as she pushed herself away from the cliff and up onto unsteady legs. That had been far too close for her liking. Although, the rewards for her perilous climb didn't seem any sweeter in comparison.
Nivimon took a deep breath as she stared up at the sky. In between the clouds of smoke, she could see the massive blue body of Azulongmon writhing, the sovereign struggling to subdue whoever his opponent was in the blazing forest ahead of her.
She gritted her teeth as she limped towards the treeline. She had come to this valley almost explicity to avoid perfects and ultimates, and yet just above her head a Sovereign was waging a battle; tearing apart her home. The closer she got to the treeline, the more she could hear subdued voices beyond the rustle of leaves and the crackling of the dying flame.
Pushing aside the branches, she let out a loud gasp at the sight of the Four Great Dragons in the clearing. Although it would be much more accurate to say she saw Megidramon trapped, Azulongmon's chains coiled tight around him and bolstered by the strength of the other two dragons.
Upon entering the clearing, Azulongmon's massive eyes immediately turned towards her, "Who are you? Why did you choose to come somewhere so dangerous?"
"M-my name is N-Nivimon." She suddenly felt very small, curling in on herself underneath the sovereigns gaze. "I-I live here in the valley and I saw you fighting, so I came to see what was going on…."
"You mean that other digimon life here?" A groan brought Nivimon's attention to Goldramon, who floated down next to her. "We fought him here specifically because its supposed to be uninhabited. And yet you're saying that was all for nothing?"
Annoyance bubbled inside of Nivimon, but she breathed in, staring blankly at Goldramon. "I'm the only one who lives here, and I wasn't hurt, so it wasn't for nothing. But your battle destroyed a lot of my home, somewhere that I came specifically so that perfects and ultimates would leave me alone."
"I'm sorry that we disrupted your peace, Nivimon." Magnadramon bowed her head. "But our brother lost control of himself. We had to stop him before it was too late."
"But why did he lose control of himself. Azulongmon turned back down to Megidramon, who was struggling in Azulongmon's chains. "You may be bitter, but you were never beyond reason like that before, Megidramon."
"Its because of the Hazard" Megidramon snarled back, his massive forearms pressing against the sparking chains. "You all abandoned me and left me to guard it alone!"
Nivimon winced at the wounds leaking data all over the red dragons body, scratches digging deep into his forearms and chest; which looked as though someone had attempted to cave in. The mention of the Hazard perked Nivimon's ears up however, and she turned her gaze to Megidramon's curiously.
"If it is the Hazard, then we need to destroy him!" Goldramon turned to Azulongmon, pounding his fists together. "We can't risk this happening again, especially if we aren't there to rein him in."
"Megidramon is no beast, Golddramon." Magnadramon spoke warningly, glaring at the snort the gold dragon gave in response. "But, you do have a point. We can't just let our brother go, not after this. Something will have to be done to ensure that it doesn't happen again."
"I- I understand why you want to protect the world from destruction," Nivimon began, approaching the bound dragon while she spoke to its captors. "But aren't any of you capable of the same destruction? The Hazard merely made him loose control, not activate its true strength. What if what happened to Megidramon happened to any of you? Would there be anyone to stand against you and subdue you?"
"We could never fall victim to this." Goldramon scoffed. "None of us are inherently violent like Megidramon is."
"Spoken like a true Ultimate." Nivimon muttered under her breath, peering at closer at the virus dragon in front of her.
Megidramon gave a bitter laugh in agreement, staring Goldramon down with disgust.
"Its possible." Magnadramon spoke, "That in his long years as the sole steward of the hazard, our brother has become corrupted by its influence."
Nivimon nodded her head, about to agree with Magnadramon's assessment before Goldramon interrupted, whirling on Megidramon. "Then he shouldn't have chosen to be its guardian! His inability to resist it falls squarely on his shoulders!"
"I didn't choose anything, Goldramon." Megidramon's snarl broke through their bickering, fixing Goldramon with a steely glare.
"He's right Goldramon," Azulongmon spoke, "Megidramon was the only one that recognized the dangers of the Hazard and that it needed to be guarded. To say that he chose to guard it is to ignore our role in this disaster. You never liked and refused to help him, I was too busy as a Sovereign to watch over it-"
"And Magnadramon thought that I could handle it myself." Megidramon growled out, "So you all left me to handle it myself."
"Yes, we did." Magnadramon spoke with a cool gaze. "And we were wrong to do that. But my brother, if you loose control, we may not be so fortunate again."
"That's right. We saw the trail of destruction you left. You destroyed entire regions and towns, hordes of digimon deleted in your path." Goldramon glared at Megidramon. "We can't let that happen again, it would be simpler to destroy you now."
Nivimon's eyes widened as they argued what to do with Megidramon, and she quickly stepped in between the two, laying her hands protectively on Megidramon's snout. "You can't do that, if you destroy him now, you'll only make the problem worse!"
"And who are you to interfere?" Goldramon leaned down to meet her gaze. "You can't be any stronger than a rookie."
A lump formed in Nivimon's throat, but she stood still in front of the dragon. "I know about the Hazard. I know more than you do."
"Really." Magnadramon spoke dryly and settled beside Goldramon. "Why should we believe you know more about our brother's affliction than any of us?"
"You don't have to believe what I'm saying." Nivimon glared at the pink dragon. "But I know that if you kill Megidramon then then Hazard will just infect someone else. Is that really a sacrifice that's worth making?"
"Then we remove the Hazard and destroy it." Goldramon clenched his fist.
"It isn't that easy Goldramon," Azulongmon interrupted, turning his gaze to Nivimon and Megidramon. "If you could do that, you would have done so already right?"
"Yes, Megidramon grumbled, pulling away from Nivimon and causing her to stumble as he faced the Sovereign. "The Hazard has altered my core data. It is as intrinsic to me as the world is to us. I can no longer live without its presence in my being."
"So you can't remove it, nor destroy the original source of the Hazard." Nivimon spoke, "It's a natural force, one that can't be removed from this world. The only option you have is to safeguard it, like you all abandoned Megidramon to do."
"If that is the case, and you knew that all along, then why didn't you reach out to us? We would have helped you Megidramon." Azulongmon pleaded
"Why didn't I reach out? I told you! I told you all of this and still you left!" Megidramon snarled, an orange glow rising in his throat before a wet cough interrupted him and he fell forward. He barely managed to catch himself on his scared forearms, data streaming from the corners of his mouth. "None of you thought to check on me, and I had no way of sending a message."
Nivimon winced, resting a hand on the dragons snout.
Megidramon stared at her for a moment before he pushed himself back upright with a sigh, speaking with a weary voice. "I eventually believed that you had all abandoned me, and didn't care what happened to me. By that point it was too late, and I had to turn my focus elsewhere."
"You mean you had to focus on the Hazard's infestation…" Nivimon spoke softly, staring at the symbol on Megidramon's caved in chest.
"Yes." He sighed.
"Then if the Hazard cannot be removed from you, and you cannot live without it; you admit that you're dangerous, and need to be taken care of." Goldramon crossed his arms against his chest. "And if the Hazard appears again we will stop that digimon too. And the next, as many times as it takes."
"What, no!" Nivimon whirled toward the ultimate in shock, staring at him with a slack jaw. "Killing him won't solve anything!"
"Indeed Goldramon, be just." Azulongmon thundered. "Megidramon did not choose for this to happen to him, he was merely trying to protect others. Something that we are all guilty of."
"And in doing so he proved what we all feared about his inner nature." Goldramon scoffed, "All this debating has done is prove how much of a liability he is."
"Stop it!" Nivimon stepped fowward, pushing against Goldramon's massive forearms. "Can't you see how horrible you're being? You just see him as a weapon!"
Goldramon's nostrils flared at the rookie pushing against him, his thick forearm slamming into her ribs and tossing her aside like a pebble. Nivimon sprawled into the dirt with a choking gasp, clutching her stomach and curling in on herself.
"And you claim that I'm the lethal one. I haven't been able to fight much since you abandoned me, but from what I remember; a Rookie never stood a chance against us." Megidramon snarled, his claws pulling at the chains holding him. "Tell me Goldramon, does it feel good to crush those weaker than you?"
"Enough!" Azulongmon roared out, lighting striking the ground between the two as his thundered. "Megidramon is right Goldramon, whether you wish to see that or not. If we had assisted him, none of this would have happened. You are just as much to blame for this as any of us, and no amount of fighting will change that!"
"Deleting Megidramon won't solve anything, brother." Magnadramon came to Goldramon's side, reaching a talon out to Nivimon. "We should focus on where to go from here, not senseless violence."
"And what do you suppose we do?" Goldramon stared down at the rookie as Nivimon took the offered claw, slowly pulling herself up onto her unsteady feet. He inhaled sharply before turning to the other dragons. "We can't just let him go."
"We will leave him, and offer him another chance." Azulongmon spoke. "But I do agree in some respects. He will need to be supervised."
"Very well." Goldramon crossed his arms. "Who will this supervisor be?"
"L-let me help…" Nivimon groaned, stepping towards the Sovereign.
"I mean you no offense Nivimon," Magnadramon spoke, "But how can we expect you to prevent him from going on a rampage. You coudn't even stop Goldramon."
Nivimon winced, but dipped her head in acknowledgement. "I may not be the strongest here, but I know about the Hazard. I'll take him away from it, to diminish its influence over him. Maybe the time spent travelling with someone weaker will help him learn to control himself and his power."
"And if I go, who will guard the Hazard." Megidramon hissed. "Someone ust be there to protect others from falling prey to it."
"We will guard it." Azulongmon spoke, causing Megidramon to turn his head in surprise. "If you go with Nivimon, then we will safeguard it in your absence."
"I don't like this." Goldramon snarled.
"Too bad." Nivimon stuck her tongue out as she limped over to Megidramon's side, who was slowly being released from his bindings.
"Take this Nivimon." Azulongmon floated one of his cores down to the rookie, who grasped it reverently in her clawed hands. "Use it if you need to contact us."
Nivimon nodded, the digicore glowing with a bright light before shrinking down and hovering over her shoulder. Turning back to Megidramon she met his eyes with a quiet, soft voice. "Is this okay with you Megidramon?"
The large dragon stared down her silently before nodding with a sigh. "It's better than the alternative. Lead me Nivimon, I want to be gone from this place."
A harsh breeze rushed through the crisp ferns and burnt grass, knocking loose boards to the dirt. The air was dry underneath the moonlight, but the cool night air didn't do anything to quell the few lingering flames in the crumbling buildings. Instead it seemed to mix with the fire, casting eerie shadows that highlighted the destruction. What remained of the some buildings was fragile, groaning under the weight of charred debris, their inhabitants slowly picking up the pieces of their lives with a blank stare.
Portions of the once thriving settlement were now crumbling in on themselves, black walls cracking under the strain put on them from blazing fires, burnt timbers and debris scattered throughout the village. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke, the crackling of embers and dying fires the only noise breaking the silence over the village.
Renamon breathed in deeply, hugging herself and trying to tune out the panicked cries and whimpers of her fellow digimon. Nestled within a nearby hill, she knelt before a once sturdy Torii gate, which had weathered the eons untouched; until their attacker had arrived. Parts of it were now collapsed, the red paint chipped and blackened, much like her fur.
The vixen had her ears pinned to the side of her head as she tried to come to terms with the senseless destruction. The day had started out just like any other. She had barely finished her morning rituals before that dragon shattered the town's tranquility, his anguished screams tearing at her ears; his acidic saliva scarring the ground as he tore through their lives.
He didn't even stop to pause as he crushed and razed their town, his massive claws leaving deep gouges in walls and earth alike; his mouth frothing with the flames he spread throughout their forest. The few defenders the village had tried hopelessly to deter the monster, but the battle had been futile. One by one the strongest of them had been loaded, it was all Renamon could do to hide insider her home and pray she was lucky enough to be spared.
Even long after he had left, it had taken the digimon the entire day to quench the fires, which had spread deep into the forest.
Renamon squeezed her eyes shut, trying not to think about the digimon the dragon had almost carelessly deleted on its way through their town. Trembling, she rose to her feet, brushing off the charred dirt clinging to her fur. She tried to steady herself as she moved away from the Torii gate, but she couldn't hide the way her body shook , or how her fur bristled as she climbed through the blackened husks of the once vibrant forest.
She paused on top of the hill, looking down at the digimon that were, even know, putting out the last glowing spots of flame. From where she stood they seemed so small. So weak.
That's what she was. She was weak. If she had been stronger, then this wouldn't have happened. That dragon wouldn't have destroyed her village and her friends. It wouldn't have crushed her elder beneath its drooling jaws as its red eyes glared into her soul.
She took a deep breath. She needed to get stronger. She needed to become strong enough to defeat that beast. Closing her eyes, she gave a silent farewell to her former home, stepping over the crest of the hill and blocking it from sight.
Towering mountains clawed at the sky in the horizon. She remembered from when she was young, a story that their elder would tell her. She was always so excited to hear his wizened voice crackle as he sat on a log and repeated it for her, time after time after time. He spoke of a mighty warrior beyond those mountains, a digimon that embraced strength and skill. Her elder had always joked that maybe someday they would meet.
She had always wanted to meet that digimon. To train under them and make her elder proud. Renamon felt her throat constrict, a wetness beginning to overflow from her eyes. She rubbed it off with a purple glove, sniffling to herself as she continued her walk down the hill.
Ping-chk
Ping-chk
Ping-chk
Ping-
"Would you please stop that infernal habit of yours Yamaki." Riley Ohtori turned to the suited man with a chiding tone. "Put the lighter away. For now at least."
He stared at her through his sunglasses with a blank expression, before nodding, closing the lighter and burying it in his pocket. "I'm sorry Mrs. Ohtori."
"Yamaki please. Just call me Riley." The purple haired woman frowned gently at him and put a hand on his shoulder. "You trust me enough to bring me here, you don't need to stick to formalities."
"Of course Riley." Yamaki sighed and took off his sunglasses.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Riley said. "I won't mind if you wan't me to stay behind. I understand it can be-"
"No," Yamaki forced a small smile, stepping onto the small gravel path "Please come with me."
She nodded, and he turned leading them along the gravel paths. The leaves of nearby sakura trees covered the path at points, and Yamaki choked down the lump forming in his throat as they stepped past the gravestones and deeper into the cemetery.
The two walked in silence, the gravestones becoming more ancient as they entered older portions of the graveyard, climbing up the hillside and stepping into a secluded clearing. The duo came to a stop in front of a gravestone resting next to two larger ones. It was not as weathered as the rest of the gravestones resting in this portion of the cemetery.
Yamaki clenched the flowers in his hand as he stood before the young gravestone. The engraved symbols spelling out "Haruka Yamaki."
Slowly, he settled to his knees, reaching out with a trembling hand and setting the lilies into the vase delicately. He bowed his head, closing his eyes and beginning his prayer. He didn't notice Riley squatting down next to him, rubbing a soothing hand into his back.
The silence went on for minutes as Yamaki rested in darkness, whispering under his breath.
"Haruka, get away!"
Yamaki's eyes flashed open, seeing not the gravestone of his sister in front of him, but instead grey and stormy skies. He stood in an abandoned construction site, mud clinging to his shoes as the rain fell softly to the ground around him. He gasped, taking a step back. "N-not again…"
"Haruka!" That same voice echoed, panic and desperation bleeding out.
"No, no!" Yamaki muttered as he tore his shoes free from the mud, beginning to stumble towards the voice. He tossed his jacket to the side as he picked up speed, running through the mud and towards the noise. His body felt sluggish as he ran, the world moving slower as he ran faster. He turned a corner, entering a concrete skeleton for a skyscraper. He scanned the unfinished room, before a cry drew his attention to a higher level.
"It's not safe!" The voice was pleading, almost screaming the girls name, and Yamaki found himself reaching forward with it, tearing open the doors as he got closer to the roof of the building.
"Haruka, no!" Yamaki burst through the roof access doors, his breathe catching in his throat, eyes widening in fear.
A Darcmon was standing in front of him, a thick crimson fluid dripping from the end of its blade. The digimon slowly turned around, its wide eyes trembling behind its visor as it faced Yamaki. The lighter in his pocket began to burn his leg. The world blurred as it burned deep into his thigh and Yamaki quickly tore it out, tossing it to the floor with a gasp. It was glowing a burning orange, the heat still stinging his fingertips.
It called to Yamaki to pick it up, even as it melted the concrete around it, sinking deeper into the skyscraper. Yamaki's breath's became harder and more forceful as he stepped away, the world fading into obscurity as it became focused around the lighter.
"No," he rasped out. "No… no, no!"
"MITSUO YAMAKI" He jolted in shock, straightening his back at the shout of his companion, staring at her with a sweating face.
She looked at him with concern, gently pulling him to his feet. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yes. I'm fine." Yamaki brushed himself off, wiping the sweat off his nose with a cloth. He blinked wearily, looking up at the sky. The sun was setting behind a nearby hill, the shadows filling the clearing.
"Are you sure?" She leaned closer to him, peering closely at his eyes before pulling back in shock. "Yamaki are you-"
"I'm fine," he choked out. He quickly unfolded his sunglasses and put them on. "C'mon, lets get back to Hypnos."
"O-okay Commander." Riley nodded her head, stepping to his side.
"Thank you Riley." He bowed his head, returning to his steady voice before turning on his heel and leaving the cemetery with a calm gait. He opened the door for her and stepped into the drivers seat, the ignition humming to live as he drove down the empty streets of Shinjuku.
In the distance the towering spires of Hypnos rose into the sky, their state of the art radio communication dishes aimed at every possible angle across the eastern half of the globe.
Yamaki allowed himself a bitter smile as they grew larger. Once Hypnos was activated, his job would become easier. He wouldn't let what happened to his sister happen to anyone else. And Hypnos was his key to making sure that happened.
Rapidmon glided down the halls of his God's castle with haste, his wings slicing through the air as he passed by the grand columns at a breakneck speed. Upon his approach to his Lord's chambers the imposing stone doors opened before him, and he gracefully slowed to a halt, kneeling before the massive brazier in the middle of the room, whose fire cast long shadows dancing along the walls. "I have returned, my god."
The shadows on the wall contorted from the fire's flickering light, before fading away as the brazier's flame roared into the air. When those flames fell, the colossal form of Zhuqiaomon was revealed, the sovereign unfolding his wings and staring down at the Deva.
"Rise Rapidmon." Zhuqiaomon spoke, his voice seemed to roar throughout his chambers. "I've summoned you here to inform you that there has been a change in your task."
"My task?" Rapidmon rose to his feet, looking at his god in confusion. "I thought you wanted me to find the light of evolution and bring it back to you."
"The other Deva's can assume that responsibility." Zhuqiaomon replied, his beak barely moving as he spoke, "Azulongmon has informed me of a more immediate concern."
"And what would that be?" Rapidmon leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.
"It appears that one of his brothers," Zhuqiaomon spat the word out with a snarl of disgust, "has recently lost control. The situation is contained now, but they have chosen to spare this….. Megidramon."
"For Azulongmon to speak of a digimon like that, they must be very powerful. Megidramon must have been the cause of the trails of fire and destruction that I passed through on my way here my lord." Rapdimon said. "A digimon that powerful must indeed pose a threat. What is it that you would like me to do?"
"At the moment, nothing."
Rapidmon's formerly stiff posture deflated, the perfect standing limp in front of the phoenix. "Then why did you call me here?"
"Stop your moping." Zhuqiaomon shoook his head in bemusement, "I need you to find this Megidramon, and report back to me. Azulongmon has said that his brother is better now, but I prefer to keep track of wandering disasters myself."
"Understood my God." Rapidmon bowed his head, "Do you have anything that I can use to find this digimon?"
"He is travelling with a small rookie, Azulongmon told me that it was named Nivimon." Zhuqiaomon spoke. "But that is all."
"Thank you." Rapidmon nodded once more, before kneeling in front of the sovereign. "Before you dismiss me, I apologize for the time it took for me to respond."
"Hmm?" Zhuqiaomon turned his beak to the side to get a better look at the Deva. "Oh, yes. It is of no consequence. Your absence afforded me a moment to deal with something on my mind."
"Thank you my lord." Rapidmon spoke softly before turning towards the door. "I will find this 'Megidramon' as soon as I can and report back to you."
"Remember, if he proves to be a threat to us, you have my permission to neutralize him," Zhuqiaomon cautioned, his crimson eyes narrowing for a moment. "I trust you to use your judgement wisely."
"I will." Rapidmon affirmed. With that, he gracefully departed from the chamber, the colossal stone doors closing behind him, leaving Zhuqiaomon alone to contemplate in the crackling silence of the fire.
Zhuqiaomon remained silent for a few moments before sighing, the flames rising to engulf him before they died down once more, his massive body no where to be seen.
Briiiinggggggggggg!
The school bell rang out with such force that Takato had to cover his ears as he walked down the hallway of his highschool, groaning as the ringing finally subsided. He climbed the stairs up to the top floor of his school, walking into an empty classroom. He waved a greeting to the science teacher, before rushing over to his friends.
Kenta, Hirokazu, and Jianling were all leaning over a large table, their decks already pulled out of their bags. Takato took a seat next to Hirokazu, pulling his deck out and resting it on the table. "Sorry about taking so long to get here guys. The hallways are really crowded today for some reason."
"It's because of the basketball game Takato" Hirokazu rolled his eyes. "Jeez I swear, sometimes its like you're oblivious to the world around you."
Takato laughed the comment off, shuffling his cards and pulling out a card reader. "Maybe Hirokazu, but at least I'm not going to lose at this game today."
"Is that so?" Hirokazu adjusted his cap, fixing Takato with a determined but friendly grin. "I'll make you eat those words."
"Hold on now, make room for me and Kenta here." Jianling shook his head in amusement, his deck already ready to play. "I only have time for one game before I have to meet my sensei, I want it to be a good one."
"Then a four player free for all should give us all the challenge we need." Kenta pushed his glasses up and put his cards forward with a grin. "I'll start with Hawkmon. Lets see how you handle his aerial attacks!"
The other three kids at the table let out a groan as Kenta got the drop on them, their own cards soon hitting the table as the game progressed. With each draw and shuffle of the cards their excitement grew; the classroom echoing with laughter and friendly banter as they teased each other over their card choices and strategies.
Jianling smirked as he countered a play from his friend. "Nice move, Takato, but my Angewomon won't be defeated so easily!"
Tako met his friends challenge with a laugh. "You say that, but my MetalGreymon's about to evolve into WarGreymon! You better start praying Jianling!"
Kenta leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "I activate my Digivice card! It lets me draw two extra cards and unleash Garudamon's special attack!"
Hirokazu grinned triumphantly. "Looks like WereGarurumon is unstoppable today! Better prepare yourself, Takato!"
The teenager groaned in disappointment, shuffling his Wargreymon into his graveyard before returning to the card game. He didn't like to admit it, since it made him sound like a geek, but times like these he couldn't help but get immersed in the fights raging across the table. If he closed his eyes, he could imagine the classroom fading away, and being transported to the digital world to fight alongside a real digimon.
As the final moves were made, Takato leapt out of his stool in excitement. "I win! Azulongmon's lightning whip!"
The others groaned in defeat as the brown hair boy claimed his victory, humming happily to himself as they all gathered their cards. But they couldn't hide the smiles on their faces as they packed up.
"Thanks for the game guys," Jianling waved with a smile, getting up to leave. "Next time ill be sure to beat you, Takato!"
"Hey Jian, wait!" Takato waved the darker skinned boy over with a smile.
Jianling stepped over with confusion "What is it?"
"The locals for this years digimon tournament are happening next week!" Kenta leaned across the table, his dark green hair falling in front of his eyes. "You should come with us!"
"Yeah, it would be great Jianling!" Hirokazu raised his fist in the air, "You've gotta come with us. We've been friends since middle school, it wouldn't be right if you weren't there."
"Alright alright, Ill talk to my parents about it." Jianling laughed, before stepping away once more. "But I really gotta go, if I waste anymore time ill be late!"
"Goodbye, best of luck with your training!" Takato called out with a wave, before sitting back down in a stool.
"You wanna come with me and Hirokazu, Takato?" Kenta called out as he pulled on his backpack. "We're stopping for ice cream on the way home."
"Thanks, but I think I gotta sort my cards one more time."
"You gotta stop bringing that metal tray of them in all the time Takato!" Hirokazu joked, stepping towards the door. "Have a good night man, see you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow Hirokazu." Takato smiled before setting his tray on the table, carefully opening the aged lid and pulling out his cards to sort them. Despite the inconvenience that others saw in the act, he found it strangely therapeutic to sort through them all.
A strange card caught his attention, the corner just poking out beneath the piles of other cards. He stared at it for a moment, before reaching his fingers in, pulling the plastic card out and staring at it in confusion. There was nothing on the card except that of a pixelated Dinosaur emerging out of a capital 'D'. Takato scratched his hair as he examined it in confusion.
"Blue?…"
"Are you ready Rika?"
She nodded her head, years of practice stopping her from flinching as bright lights washed over her as he photo was taken. The sound of the flash was all she heard for the next few minutes as she changed her posture and expression ever so slightly for the cameraman, hiding her true expression behind her eyes.
She hated this, hated being here. She never understood how her mother could handle being a model. Ever since Rika had been introduced to this, she hated how it felt; to have those eyes gazing on her, as if they were tearing into her tender flesh like a delicious morsel.
It had been at least eight or nine years that she had been doing this now, but the feeling never changed. No matter how many times they did it, or the outfits she wore. From swimsuits to dresses to jeans, she wanted nothing more than to escape the flashing lights and the advertisements on the street.
"Rika, are you even listening to me?"
She jolted in surprise, her head snapping up to meet her mother's exasperated gaze. "S-sorry. I must've gotten lost in thought."
"Of course you did." Her mom sighed before putting on a smile. "I said the photoshoot is over. Lets get you home."
Rika smiled, nodding her head and following her mom out of the studio. This was the best part of the shoots, as far as she was concerned.
Her mom settled into the car with her, turning the ignition and pulling onto the highway. "Rika, I know we've talked about this before, but you don't have to go to those photoshoots if you don't want too."
"And leave you to do it all yourself?" Rika scoffed. "I'm not that cruel mother."
"Rika, you know that I like doing this." Her mom turned to her in confusion. "I don't know whats so hard to understand about that."
"I just don't get it is all." Rika murmured, before shaking her head and smiling at her mom. "But that's not important. I value the chance to spend time with you."
Her mom frowned. "Well, I appreciate that, but don't you have friends at school that you could be hanging out with instead of me?"
Rika's expression fell and she turned away, staring at the passing scenery.
She heard her mom sigh, but neither of them said anything, travelling in silence down the gentle roar of the highway speeds.
The scenery slowly changed from urban to suburban, and then the familiar view of her home estate graced Rika, those gray walls towering above the street as they pulled into the garage. Stepping out of the car, she grabbed her school bag, hauling it over her shoulder as shut the car door.
"Rika, don't forget your clothes from the photoshoot." Her mom called out as she stepped inside.
Rika groaned as she turned around, grabbing the bag the studio had stuffed with free clothing samples for her to try out. Her closet was getting full of this crap. She was going to have to throw some away soon.
A piece of paper sticking out of the top of the bag caught her attention, and the ginger pulled the slip out curiously. On one side, the card had all the usual information about the studio; but the other caught her attention immediately. Omnimon was standing over a table, staring at a card tournament taking place.
She couldn't believe she had almost forgotten about the Digimon tournament that was happening in Shinjuku! She allowed herself a small smile, quickly turning and striding down the estate halls to her room. She tossed the bag of clothing on the bed, before quickly pulling out her desk drawers, rows resting upon rows of sleeved digimon cards glittering under the light.
She reached in and plucked a card from one of the drawers, knowing what it was before she even turned it over. The shiny surface of an Angewoman card met her, and smiled once more. Quickly she set it aside, pulling more cards out and laying them on the table, her computer screen flickering as she pulled up her favorite game to play, another screen showing all the current strategies in the competitive digimon scene.
She had a deck to build
Authors note:
Thanks for reading, I hope that you enjoyed. Im trying to enjoy myself with this fanfiction. I know it isn't perfect; but I'm having a lot of fun writing it and coming up with ideas for the story
I would really appreciate reviews on the story. I'm trying my best to make it good and presentable for everyone; but I'm not perfect by any means.
Anyways, ill keep chipping away at this as time goes on. Have a good one.
Also if youre interested in reading this in the more proper format (I am lazy and not retyping all the italics for this upload), here: www.fanfiction.net/s/14296575/1/Carvedilol and archiveofourown.org/works/51442942/chapters/130001176
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