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Chapter Text

"Blitzmon!"

"Fairimon!"

"Chakmon!"

It was their only chance. Takuya is in Sephirothmon and is about to die soon. They couldn't let that happen.

Fairimon picked up Chakmon, soaring high in the air with Blitzmon behind her. The unmoved eye of Sephirothmon staring at the group, expressionless. "Lightning Blitz!"

Blitzmon charged his horn with electricity, crackling at the body of the beast. "Ready?" The warrior of wind asked the younger warrior.

Chakmon nodded. He was soon thrown into the air, yelling and pulling out a snowball launcher; "Blizzard Blaster!"

Fairimon wasn't about to let herself out of the attack and followed their attacks with "Hurricane Wave!"

With all their might and powers, the three remaining warriors tried to break in. Sephirothmon did not let up. The translucent barrier barely moved with their might.

And inside, Takuya was ever so closer to his death. The false angel, ShadowSeraphimon looked down on the boy. He couldn't even get up. How pathetic. He step closer to him, echoes of heavy footsteps coming with his arrival. "Fear not. Soon it will all be over." He stated, crouching down to the boy's height.

ShadowSeraphimon ever so gracelessly picked up boy by his hand. Takuya winced at the demon's nails dug into his scalp. He was hanging off the floor and he could barely move. Completely at the mercy of his enemy. Was he some kind of toy that ShadowSeraphimon could dump out at any moment? "What? No witty quips?" He said, mocking the boy as he grasped harder.

"Why waste my breath on a jerk like you?" Takuya rasped.

His voice could honestly die out at any moment with how much he screamed over the past month. Heh, at least he had humor in his final time here. "It will be purest pleasure to destroy thee!" ShadowSeraphimon's grip got worse and with only a little force, could Takuya's head pop like balloon.

This can't happening. And it won't! Fairimon repeated to herself as her attacks did nothing over and over.

"If you can hear me Seraphimon, please, please help us!" Bokomon cried out.

Fairimon had to change forms now. Fairimon wasn't going to cut it anymore. She released herself from the assault of Sephirothmon. Fractal code surrounding and was gone as it arrived. "Takuya!" They all cried out outside.

If Seraphimon could hear them. Now would be time. "Hurricane Gale!" She raised her arms to release thousands of pink wind.

It surely would have done something. But Sephirothmon did not budge. It did not react and the others were getting more worried. The digiegg wasn't reacting, they couldn't see inside anymore, none of their attacks were working, and Takuya was groaning in pain-.

Then there was a crunch. A horrible, disgusting crunch. No attack was made. No, it couldn't be. They all thought. But it was. Sephirothmon said, and in a sick sense of humor, showed them Takuya. Dead on the floor of a cathedral. Blood trickling down his head, and eyes glazed and ghostly. Blitzmon carefully got Chakmon who looked like he was about to cry. ShadowSeraphimon did not react. He simply took Takuya like a rag doll. The coffin drew opened and ShadowSeraphimon threw Takuya in there, the door slammed shut. They can't say goodbye. They can't do a funeral because ShadowSeraphimon had already done it for them. And Kouji wasn't even with them. He was off fighting Duskmon. How would he react?

Then the peer inside Sephirothmon was done. The three warriors landed on the ground again. There was silence. Perhaps of shock, perhaps of tribute. But it was silence all the same. Blitzmon let go of Chakmon. Chakmon swiftly burst into tears. Zephyrmon and Blitzmon ran towards the younger warrior, trying to calm him down. "Pah, how pathetic. Someone has to die evidently in war!" A familiar booming voice called out.

"Shut up, you absolute monster! Takuya's dead and it's all your fault!" Chakmon yelled, stomping his foot.

"Of course! I take full responsibility for my actions." Sephirothmon said, like this was normal for him.

"Is this some of kind of sick joke to you?!" Blitzmon shouted, his fists ready to spark again.

"Ah, but humor is subjective, is it not?" Sephirothmon said, lips now appearing on the beast spirit, "This is what I call dark humor and comeuppance." 

The group wanted to kill him right now. "The boy whose words outclassed his abilities. This was his end." He stated.

"Oh, I'll show your end! Hurricane Gale!" Zephyrmon said.

Sephirothmon quickly got into formation. Collapsing all his yellow pillars onto himself and absorbing the attack of Zephyrmon. "Thou should know, this form isn't just locale!"

Suddenly, spirit's orbs shifted around until one faced the warriors. The symbol of wind briefly appeared on the eye. "Hurricane Gale Reflection!"

Zephyrmon was struck down from the sky with her own attack. The force of it more powerful then she expected. "I can't believe it! How was I hurt by my own attack?" She groaned, picking herself off the ground.

"Most apt! The invention returns to plague thee inventor!" Sephirothmon laughed.

"Here, let me try. Thunder Fist!"

Just as Blitzmon spoke the command, the thunder he summon was stripped away into Sephirothmon. A new orb had seemingly appeared and then, "Thunder Fist Reflection!" It was back.

Blitzmon rolled out of the way. Thunder spazzing out at the location where he could've been zapped. Chakmon quickly got into the action, eyes now dry. "You little bully! Blizzard Blaster!"

Sephirothmon wastes no time. "Blizzard Blaster Reflection!"

A flurry of snowballs rained down on the group. They all tried to dodge them, and almost fell at those that did succeed. Spehirothmon was cackling at the children who looked like a circus group. "Oh dance for me! Dance for me! All your attempts are futile! Thou cannot defeat me, or rather, thou cannot defeat thyselves!"

Who could do this? Who could do this without even a shred of guilt? Chakmon was fuming. Takuya was dead, stuck in Sephirothmon. And this monster wouldn't even talk about it or give it more thought. He wouldn't release Takuya from himself! Chakmon wanted for Sephirothmon to crumble down. He wanted that bastard to feel the pain Tomoki felt when he saw his friend die in front of him. He wanted him to die. Fractal code surrounded Chakmon and out came a hulking beast. "Korikakumon!"

The beast spirit of ice leaped into the air. There was a shine of steel on the axes as Korikakumon came crashing down on Sephirothmon. "Avalanche Axes!"

Sephirothmon giggled. He swerved the orbs around. As soon as the axes came into contact, they disappeared into the steel spirit. Korikakumon lost his balance and crashed down on the hard dirt. He growled at the other beast spirit, now knowing what he would do. "Avalanche Axes Reflection!"

His axes came swinging back. Korikakumon jumped out as the axes hit the ground. He quickly took them, now glaring at his opponent. "Kori?" Zephyrmon said, flying over to the beast spirit.

Blitzmon flew over, now speaking; "Korikakumon, I don't think we can defeat him."

"What do you mean? We defeated Petaldramon! You defeated Grumblemon! She defeated Calmaramon! We can't give up! Not for Takuya!" Korikakumon snapped.

"We're not giving up! We need to retreat! We can't defeat him like this." Blitzmon explained.

"Takuya wouldn't do something like this! He could find a way to defeat Sephirothmon!" Korikakumon rebutted.

"Well, how would you know? He's dead!" Blitzmon snapped back.

"Junpei!" Zephyrmon shouted.

"Guys, stop fighting! Now isn't the time!" Bokomon and Neamon begged.

"We're all fighting! We've been fighting this entire time! We need to start thinking now and retreat!" Blitzmon stated, eyes glaring at the two rookies.

"Blitzmon, how would know that he won't follow us! He knows our history. How couldn't not easily find us!" Zephyrmon stated.

"Splendid! There's nothing like discord to make friends become foes!" Spehirothmon stated, butting into the convseration.

The beast spirit of steel unrevealing itself, spreading out in a circle on the ground. Now all the warriors and rookies were trapped by the spirit once more. "Oh great we're surrounded!" Blitzmon cried, looking for a way out.

Korikakumon growled again. He charged at the beast spirit with his two axes. "Avalanche Axes!" He dug the axes into the skin of Sephirothmon.

"Ouch, that hurt." Spehirothmon mocked, "How about this? Pyro Barrage Reflection!"

Korikakumon stopped any movement he could have done. The flames of an old friend burned away at his furry body. Korikakumon fell to the floor again. "How could you?" Blitzmon yelled.

"Oh please, I have more!"

"Blizzard Blaster Reflection! Bolo Thunder Reflection!"

A wave of snowballs were thrown onto Zephyrmon as Junpei's beast spirit's attack hurled towards its owner. Now all three warriors were down. "Shriveled up and die, thou cowards. Perhaps thoust can join thy friend?" Sephirothmon commented.

Zephyrmon peered into the sky. Sephirthmon wasn't covering the top of himself obviously. "Junpei, Tomoki. Follow me." She said.

Zephyrmon quickly grabbed Bokomon and Neamon in her arms. She took to the skies, flying over Sephirothmon even with his copies of her friend's attacks. Blitzmon got up and followed, dodging a Blizzard Blaster and Hurricane Wave. Korikakumon finally got up. Fractal code took him back to being Chakmon. Chakmon prepared his skis. He took a few steps back. "Let's see thou try." The beast spirit whispered to him.

"Let's see." Chakmon hissed with vemon.

Chakmon built up momentum, skiing over to Sephirothmon and then jumping. Just by the hair of his snow body, Chakmon managed to dodge a flaming Pyro Tornado. he quickly regrouped with the the others. "Are we really retreating?" Chakmon asked.

"Yes." Zephyrmon said, solemnly, "We have no other choice."
Chakmon didn't say anything. He wasn't going to argue again. Sephirothmon from behind them, rose to a serpentine shape. "What now, mortals? Running away?" Sephirothmon mocked.

"Hurricane Gale!"

"Crystal Breeze!"

Zephyrmon whisked up a pink storm and Chakmon breathed in and out extremely cold air at the same time. The frozen air mixed with the large storm and hit Spehirothmon in the face. Zephyrmon called out for the group to finally leave.

They didn't know how long it was when they escaped from Spehirothmon. There was no clear indication of day in the Dark Continent. Nobody had any watch, not even Bokomon nor Neamon. So the group paid no mind to how long it was when they saw human death for the first time in their lives. They paid no mind to how long it was when they faced against a seemingly unbeatable opponent nor the mental anguish he inflicted upon them. They just wanted to find Kouji. In their minds, they wanted him alive. Because if he wasn't, then it'll two dead and them, three legendary warriors and two rookies. All up against Duskmon and Cherubimon. 

Zephyrmon was high in the air, looking for any sign of a fight or Kouji or even Duskmon. Blitzmon and Chakmon followed her, not letting themselves become human. Bokomon and Neamon did their best to catch up. "Gosh, can't we take a break. My knees hurt!" Neamon complained, stopping for breath.

"We cannot! We must find Kouji!" Bokomon replied, stopping himself.

"But you just stopped walking?" Neamon pointed out.

"Oh, you nincompoop!" Bokomon then slapped the waistband of Neamon.

"I'm right!" Neamon stated.

"No, you're not!" Bokomon replied.

"Yuh uh!"

"Nuh uh!"

"Could you guys knock it off? I know we're all tired but we gotta find Kouji." Blitzmon said, landing down with the rookies.

"Yeah." Chakmon agreed.

"Sorry, I thought we could take a break soon. I'm out of energy." Neamon said.

"Me too, bud. I feel like turning into liquid anytime soon." Chakmon stated.

"Guys, look!" Zehyrmon called out.

The two rookies and warriors turned their heads around to find a large bird digimon in the distance. One completely made out of maroon skulls and bone armor. It was humongously bigger than Zephyrmon ever could. "What in the world is that!" Blitzmon said, disgusted at the sight of it.

Zephyrmon saw resemblance in the blonde hair of the beast as it dived below. Then it clicked. "Kouji!" She said, zipping through the air.

"Izumi!" The rest called out and followed her.

Zephyrmon swerved through the ruins of an old palace. Ducking under rumble and ceiling alike. In the distance, she could hear the roar of a beast spirit becoming louder as she drew closer. Zephyrmon doved out of a makeshift door of the ruins. She stayed back as soon as she saw light coming from Kouji's d-tector. Right there was Kouji, not in his fusion form or any other form, clearly hurt. But his D-tector was admitting a certain light driving away the skeletal bird. "You must remember now. Remember. Remember your life in the human world, Velgrmon." the voice she heard plenty before spoke.

Human world? What in the world did she mean by that? Could he be- no way, the others weren't human and she had no reason to believe either Duskmon or Mercuremon to be human at all. Apparently Velgrmon agreed with her, because he too was baffled by that statement. "You must remember. It is time." She said.

The bird was lost in thought. He stayed there, only the movement he made by the recurring flapping of his wings. Zephyrmon stayed where she was too. Her claws ready with elemental power in case that bird tried anything. Luckily, it didn't anything else but fly off. Zephyrmon devolved as she sighed. A young girl in her place now. Izumi jumped down the pit. "Kouji?" She called.

In time, the others were arriving. Blitzmon flew out with Chakmon in his arms. The two planted on the enormous carter. Neamon and Bokomon tried their best to get down but landed on their butts. "Guys? You here?" Kouji said, now rising up.

Blitzmon and Chakmon devolved back to their human forms. "Kouji? Oh thank goodness you're alive!" Junpei said, barreling over towards Kouji into a bear hug.

Kouji tensed up at the hug but only let it slide for a few seconds. "Alright, big guy, I think that's enough." Kouji said, before maneuvering out of Junpei's grip.

"Sorry man, but it's just-"

"We saw leave you Sephirothmon to try and find Duskmon and we didn't know where you two were heading!" Tomoki finished for Junpei.

 "Don't worry, Tommy, I am fine now." Kouji stated.

"That bird thing. That was Duskmon's beast spirit, wasn't it?" Izumi guessed.

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"It looked like it could be his. They looked similar." Izumi answered.

"Yeah, yeah, they do." Junpei agreed.

Kouji looked around, noticing someone gone; "Hey, where's Takuya?"

Everyone fell silent. All their looks turned to distraught or despair. "Guys?" Kouji said, now worried.

Nobody said anything. In fact they looked worse. Tommy was almost on the brink of tears. It couldn't be, could it? Surely he was just lost like Kouji was? Right?

Tomoki was the one to say it. "He's dead. Takuya's dead." Tomoki said, tears in his eyes.

Kouji couldn't say anything. His throat lodged with immediate grief. "And we couldn't even beat Sephirothmon. He was too strong for us." Junpei elaborated.

"No, it wasn't that he was stronger. It's just that he's the greatest copier that ever was!" Izumi yelled, "All he can do to copy others and steal the data of more powerful digimon just so he can feel fucking better than anyone else!"

"Izumi!" Bokomon chastised.

"I- look, Zoe. Guys. I'm sorry. If I hadn't left, maybe he-"

"No, Kouji, don't blame yourself for that. Maybe if you were with us, it would have stayed the same. Takuya's dead and that's final." Junpei interrupted.

Kouji nodded. He spoke, this time more positive. "Listen, I think I'm pretty sure we'll find a way to defeat him. We defeated plenty of other foes like Grumblemon and Arbormon." Kouji stated.

"Yeah, I managed to beat up a guy with a disadvantage." Tomoki stated.

"And I managed to finish off Ranamon for good!" Zoey added.

"And I beat myself, and Grumblemon. Mercuremon is just a bigger and more advanced version of that troll punk!" Junpei joined.

"Indeed, you guys are Legendary Warriors yourself! You can beat that copycat warrior!" Bokomon cheered.

"And we can also make Duskmon paste!" Neamon added.

Kouji didn't seem all too enthusiastic about that one. But still, he yelled out, "Alright then, let's get going! For Takuya!"

"Yeah! For Takuya!"

Chapter Text

The air was warmer today. It had been a cool period Swanmon noticed these past days. Now it was something out of summer and the tree's lights seemed much brighter. Maybe the tree was finally relaxing after all these years Swanmon thought to herself as she watered some of new digieggs. Their colors like children's drawings. This year was plentiful with new eggs in the village and it was horrible. So many lives lost to the war. While digimon could be reborn, Swanmon could only imagine the suffering and loss of innocent and not-so innocent digimon's lives. She wondered about their families and how they would react to their losses. She thought about it all the time, even after all these years and the feeling was becoming numb.

At the least, Swanmon now had help from an Elecmon and Leomon. The amount of Digieggs coming to the village was overwhelming. She had a mental breakdown because of it! It was better now, with their help. Still, anxiety lingered in her mind. But that was for good. Anxiety is good for many reasons. It strive her to be better and to do her job right.

She drained the last bit of water in her can. Swanmon tucked it into her feathers and finished her afternoon routine. Swanmon on her way back, kept her eyes peeled. You may never know when a digiegg decides to hatch. She knew that very well. It was also very comforting to see the flora around her. All the flowers containing new life in their petals like a cradle for a baby. Off in the distance was her little home. It fit right in with the nature of the plant life around her. The house was now home to three but wasn't that big. Her, and Elecmon had to share the same room. Elecmon had to sleep in a cot for a very long time until a Trailmon delivered a bed for him. Leomon somehow wanted to sleep on the couch for the remaining time he was here. The shared house was only made out of wood and it was painted to be a little darker than it was. Swanmon always felt clam and steady whenever she stepped into her home. Swanmon entered the kitchen, readying herself a small snack.

He awoke. After a long time in a nap. Or a coma, it might have been a long time in there.

He was groggy. Really groggy. His head was hurting and dizzying. Must've been a long time he had slept. He tried to place his hand on something solid. But just ended up falling flat on his face. Now he had a terrible bruise on his noise. A throbbing sensation burning at the button-like nose. The table rubbed at his legs in the worst possible way. Ignoring his trembling legs, and letting the table be a support, He quickly picked himself up, readjusting again. The digimon looked around the room. It was plain wood with little to no furnishing or decorations. There were a couple of boxes and the room was actually mostly junk. But he didn't count junk or boxes as nice decorations for the guests to see. He was sleeping in a storage room. A storage room. Not the best room for someone to sleep in. And- Hey, was that a pillow? One pillow. One tiny blanket where he could only assume he rested. That's all they gave him?! Great, he was going to have to formally complain to whoever let him in their home. Or workplace, he didn't know. He was in a couple of workplaces for rest. He thinks so.

Wait, what can he remember. Well, there was his name. His name is Flamemon. Or is it? No, it had to be. That's what his mind told him. But his mind also told him that it isn't.

Then what is it?

Flamemon tried to remember. Remember any small detail to clue in his actual name. But nothing, his mind was a foggy maze of nothingness. He could only feel the trace, the imprint of a memory. He might've remember he had friends and family. He could remember that death on his mind many times. He remember he had fights and enemies. But never their names. What they looked like. Did he have a favorite food? Did he have a favorite color? Was he even a digimon in the first place?

He died. He died and now, he was reborn. That was going on. His breath felt faster. His chest was now heaving. Where were they? How long was he dead for? Where any of them hurt? Where any of them killed like him?! His head now hurt and was spinning around him. No, no, please god or Yggdrasil, let them be safe. He didn't know their faces or names but their pain. He couldn't bear that he wasn't there and could have helped them. How did they reacted? How could this have happen? He had to find them. He had to-

Then there was a scream. Flamemon snapped out of his panic attack and found the door ajarred. In the door frame was a Swanmon, catching her breath. "Sorry there, Sir. You just scared me." She said, then stopped herself.

"What are you doing here?" She questioned, her eyes peering at him.

"I was just- I just got-" He stuttered, trying to find a way to make it sound believable.

"You what?" She repeated, now glaring at him.

Flamemon wildly gestured at the table he was at. Swanmon looked over at a pillow, a turned blanket, and a missing digiegg. Then she shrieked, "Did you steal that digiegg!?"

"I AM THAT DIGIEGG!" Flamemon shouted.

Swanmon gasped at the sudden sound. Suddenly, a Leomon appeared in the door frame next to her. "What's going on?" He asked, hand gripping the door frame.

"Oh, it's just the digiegg I was holding in the storage had finally hatched." Swanmon explained, reassuring the Leomon.

"Really, after all this time?" He said, now looking at the rookie, "And it's a rookie level. No wonder that digiegg wasn't hatching for so long."

"Uh, how long exactly?" Flamemon asked, his eyes darting at the two adult digimon.

To which Swanmon quickly ignored the question and changed the topic; "You must be hungry. I mean you were just born. Listen, I was cooking up a snack for me. You can have it if you want."

Flamemon was quickly swayed by the idea of food. Swanmon went out of Flamemon's way as he scurried over to the kitchen.

There was an oven, a couple of countertops, and cabinets. They seemed to be the only metal items in the building. On top of the stove was a pan filled with strips of meat. The smell was beautiful and it reminded Flamemon of a mom who would cook bacon. He didn't know what bacon exactly was. But it sounded great. Flamemon got closer to sniff the waft of the meat. Which resulted in grease getting in his eye. "Oh dear, are you ok?" Swanmon rushed over to the rookie covering his eye.

"Fine." He muttered, his right eye crying out in pain.

"Could you repeat that again?"

Flamemon repeated, louder, "Fine, just got grease in my eye."

"Good grief." Swanmon chuckled, "Don't get too closer to the pan, honey. You never know when it decides to flip you off. Metaphorically."

Flamemon grumbled as if he heard this a thousand times before. Leomon enters the kitchen. He checks the meat; "They don't cook that long, do they?"

"Nope, they don't!" Swanmon says as she turns off the stove.

She places the tender meat on one plate. Flamemon in a flash, swipes one piece and runs off. Flamemon chomps on it, feeling a savory taste of pork. He takes a chair from the dining room, sits down, and continues munching on the pork.

Elecmon just got back from placing new digimon in the nursery. Who in the dark area is he? He wonders. The flaming monkey digimon cheerfully finishes a snack of digi-meat. Swanmon and Leomon enter the dining room. "There ya are, Elecmon." Leomon said.

"Who is he?" Elecmon asked, staring at the other rookie.

"Hey, no formalities?"

"Don't worry, he is another newly hatched digimon." Swanmon explained.

Elecmon raises an eyebrow; "I never seen a baby digimon that tall or with limbs."

"Well, that's because he's a rookie." Swanmon continued.

"Why did a digiegg spawn a rookie? I only seen them hatch fresh and in-training digimon." Elecmon questioned.

"He was that digiegg that never hatched before. He had time to incubated."  Leomon stated.

"Yup!" Flamemon butted in, pushing through the older digimon to get back to the kitchen.

Elecmon hummed. "That egg did hatch, huh. But why now?"

"I don't think you can ask a question like that and expect an answer." Swanmon said.

"But three years! Three years Swanmon, that egg did not hatch." Elecmon questioned, "What digiegg takes that long?"

"Well-"

"He has the symbol of fire." Leomon blurted.

"What, really?"

Three years. He was dead for three years. Flamemon couldn't believe that. He was gone for three years. His stomach dropped. His friends... where were they? If he was gone for that long. He couldn't stay here longer! He had to get out! He had to find them! This world was dangerous, they could have been killed or badly damaged during that time. "Flamemon?"

Damn it, Swanmon was now talking to him. "I..." He stopped himself, he could he really say it?

No, this was more important than comfort and safety. "I have to go."

"Right now? You only had a couple of digi meat sticks." Leomon stated, confused.

"Right now. I can't stall any longer. I got to find some friends." Flamemon replied, sturdy in his voice.

He came back to the kitchen. He swung open a cabinet and lucky for him, it was filled with a couple of fresh meat apples. He had the power of fire. He could roast them in a pinch. He stuck them in his pockets. Flamemon dashed out the kitchen and towards the door. "Wait!" Swanmon called out.

It fell on deaf ears. Flamemon was already gone.

There was a strange tension in the room. "We never got that rookie's name." Leomon said.

Elecmon sighed. He knew what that rookie was. "Not like it matter. He's got a lot coming up ahead of him." Elecmon spoke, leaving to his room.

"If he is the warrior of fire then," Swanmon gulped, "Perhaps this war would finally stop."

Leomon shut his eyes. "Or drastically change. The last warrior is finally here, Swanmon."

Leomon smiled. It might get better or worse. But with a new player in this. There might be hope.

Chapter Text

Today was June Tenth. Three years since Takuya Kanbara's death.

It was that long when the worse of the war came. When the warrior of steel disbanded from Cherubimon's forces and made his own. And since then, the five warriors truly got to know what war was like. Ophanimon entrusted children to take leadership. To become generals in a war they never was theirs to begin with. But they had five of the legendary spirits. Two in possession of Cherubimon and the other two rebelling together.

Kouichi Kimura used to be part of Cherubimon's forces unwillingly. Under his control, the boy never got to know Takuya personally. Only getting redeemed just after the poor boy had died. He only heard stories from the other kids like Kouji, his brother. From what he had heard, that kid was stubborn and hot-headed but always wanted to do the right thing even if he got hurt in the process. He was their leader for the travels in the digital world; all lost and alone without the help from others.

He was in the memorial house. A separate building from the one Ophanimon's forces resided in. It was an open roofed house filled with memorials of loved ones lost in the war. The first one in this war and in this house was Takuya himself. Kouichi admired the crafted memorial for him. There was no picture of the boy. None of the warriors had gotten a picture due to more pressing issues and despite his ability, Kouji didn't want to draw him. Said, It wouldn't be accurate no matter how hard I try. There was no body because they couldn't get it. They said, and never had any idea where it could be. It had his plating telling others who he was and flowers of different kinds in the digital world. Ones that mean friendship, and grief. The black and red coffin shined in the surprisingly bright day.

"Kouichi?"

The boy turned in break neck speed at the uttering of his name. Mostly of instinct fighting in a war. Luckily, it was Izumi, their new de facto leader. But they all listened to Ophanimon no matter what. "Hey Izumi." the dark haired boy replied.

"How are the preparations?" Kouichi asked.

June Tenth was special and saddening day for all of them. They took it as like a holiday. One in remembrance of Takuya like Memorial Day in America. As far as Kouichi heard. Izumi repsonded, "I think they're doing great. Junpei is setting up the decorations. Kouji's helping with some of the steel work."

"Let's hope he isn't any closer to getting glasses." Kouichi interrupted, knowing that Kouji was using his laser eyes to merge steel together.

Izumi giggled; "Oh yeah, let's hope not. I don't even know if there's any Otolaryngologists around in the digital world."

"That'll be Ophthalmologist actually. I'm pretty sure that Otolaryngologist are for the respiratory systems and your head's bodily parts." Kouichi corrected.

"Well, how was I suppose to know? It seems like you know everything about doctors. That and I can barely pronounce the damn word anyway." Izumi joked.

"I actually don't and I don't think my mother knows either. I just know the classifications." Kouichi responded.

Today was a day of remorse and remembrance. But it didn't mean it had to be all sorrow and gloom. The other kids were sure that Takuya wouldn't want them moping around in his death.

Outside, Junpei, in his human spirit form, was conducting a group digimon on planning out the memorial. He waved towards the two humans passing by. Izumi waved back with her black gloves. Kouichi, little less so. Even with a new group of friends, Kouichi was meek.

Their base of operations was a enormous tree, spanning into the sky. It's leaves, unlike anything in the digtial and human worlds, were brimming with unnatural colors. If the lighting were just right, the leaves would like look gemstones from far away. The tree was said to be the first tree planted by the warrior of wood.  Well hidden from rest of civilization, it proved to be a secure place for the army of Ophanimon. But that didn't stop Ophanimon from placing a spell on the land surrounding it. If you were to speak certain words, then you'll be allowed in. Which was a pain to deal with when you're traveling back from a mission.

Izumi and Kouichi headed up to the stairs to the door. Just before they could knock, Bokomon popped out. "Kouichi! Izumi! There you two are! Kouji was looking for you. The metal poles and that little machine that Andromon was working on are completed." The little white rookie said.

"Really? And he asked you to get us?" Kouichi stated.

"Essentially yeah." Kouji responded, popping right behind Bokomon.

Poyomon floated above the warrior of light. The fresh digimon made a couple of babbling noises nobody could understand. "Oh, is Tomoki making cinnamon rolls? oh, how delightful!" Expect for Bokomon apparently.

Then again, Bokomon did raise this Poyomon from Seraphimon's egg. He definitely understood the reincarnated Seraphimon better than anyone else. "Want to stop by and get a treat?" Izumi said, nudging Kouichi.

Kouichi nodded and soon, the two ended up in the cafeteria. While it wasn't the time for dinner or the festival; it was still packed with chefs laying food entrees. Tomoki was politely ordering around the multiple chefs in the area. He then moved onto the Frigimon next to him and began a conversation. Ever since he made those delicious burgers, Tomoki became a brilliant chef. Plus, it was a good outlet for anger, sadness, and any other negative emotion Tomoki needed out. "Hey Tommy!" Kouichi called out.

"Hey guys! What are you two doing here? We're not starting." Tomoki asked, moving away from Frigimon who was also busy doing something else next.

"Oh, just wanted to check on a friend of ours." Izumi said.

"And we heard that there was cinnamon rolls being made." Kouichi added.

"Kouichi." Izumi chastised.

"What? I like cinnamon rolls."

"Well, we just finish baking them. I suppose Poyomon babbled about it and Bokomon told you guys that." Tomoki explained.

"Yup, that's it." Kouichi replied.

"And besides almost everything is done." Tomoki stated.

"And Junpei is doing great with the decorations and Kouji finished the metal working. It looks like I'm taking a trip to Ophanimon's chambers before this starts." Izumi said.

"What are you doing, Warrior of Light?" A random digimon yelled.

On the one of the rearranged tables, Kouji had grabbed jam filled pastry from a plate and had begun eating it. "What? I'm hungry." He said, food still clearly in his mouth.

The random digimon, a Musyamon, groaned in frustration; "Now isn't the time for that. Don't you have snacks, young warrior?"

"I want a pastry, not a cracker." Kouji stated, finishing his stolen treat.

"Ugh! Just leave!" Musyamon said.

"Hey, I'm a legendary warrior, it's weird to be ordering around someone higher in rank than you." Kouji responded.

"Not if the general is a human child, stealing pastries from the kitchen." Muysamon rebutted.

Tomoki hurried over to the commotion; "Stopping fight you two. Kouji, I am asking you to not steal any treats before the memorial starts."

"I am not stealing them. It's not like they have price tags." Kouji argued.

Tomoki pouted, using his child-like charm to convince Kouji. The warrior of light sighed. It worked.

The warrior of light walked out the cafeteria. "Hey, Junpei." He said.

Junpei was standing by the doorway to the cafeteria. "Hey, Kouji." He said back.

"Wanted to get a snack too?"

Junpei paused for a moment. "Yeah."

"Junpei! Are the decorations done?" Izumi interrupted, suddenly in the conversation.

The other two were behind her. "Uh, yeah, we just finished!" Junpei stated.

"Great, looks like everything is done. I'll contact Ophanimon and get it started." Izumi said, clapping her hands.

The memorial was going swimmingly. The cafeteria was packed with digimon soldiers. All enjoy conversing with one another and enjoying the food. Kouji and Junpei finally got their snacks and food. The two of them chatting with Kouji's only other friend so far, Gotsumon. Kouji mostly let them talked as he just nodded and made a couple sounds in turn of the conversation. Tomoki was chatting with a couple digimon himself, mostly about the food and their lives so far.

Outside, digimon were getting drinks, and talking. Kouichi, at the memorial house, was talking about Takuya Kanbara. Izumi was surprised on him taking the role of telling Takuya's story but he agreed to do it. To Izumi's eyes, he was doing great. Even with him not meeting the kid himself, he did an excellent job doing it.

She wished Takuya was here. Even if this event wouldn't be here without him dying. She wished he was here. He'll probably try and do something cool to impress Tomoki and young digimon. He'll swallow a whole bucket of food along with Kouji and Junpei. She hoped that if he had lived, he would liked Kouichi and joked with him about the stuff Takuya did. It just wasn't this event. She wanted this responsibility of leader off her. Yes, this was selfish of her to think. But the truth was that. Takuya used to be their leader. He was their leader and he was getting better in the dark continent and then he was killed.

Izumi stared back at the cafeteria. She was just going to get a pastry and that was it. But she lost herself in thought again. "Hey, Zoe?"

She almost jumped. She turned around to find it was just Junpei. She breathed a sigh of relief. "Hi, J.P."

"Sorry for disrupting you but you looked worried." Junpei noted.

"I- yeah, I guess so. I was thinking about Takuya." Izumi replied.

"Who isn't?" Junpei stated, "We're thinking about him and the life he could've taken. If Mercuremon didn't take his."

"Yeah." Izumi pondered out loud, "I just wonder how this war would turn out if Takuya was still alive."

"Like how?" Junpei asked.

"Maybe this war would have stopped at the time we arrived at Cherubimon's castle. Takuya would have spirit evolved and beat Mercuremon's head in. We would get Kouichi, storm Cherubimon's castle and save Ophanimon. Maybe even defat Cherbuimon in the process." Izumi rambled.

"Ok, that was a lot. You definitely would be right about beating Mercuremon. He probably only killed Takuya when he had the chance before Seraphimon's egg could do anything else. Kouji and Kouichi's situation will probably stay the same. But, listen, Zoe. Cherubimon is a formidable enemy. I don't think having Takuya could change a thing to be honest." Junpei reasoned.

"Maybe. I'm just tired. Tired of being a leader. Tired of being in this war. I still think about my mom." Izumi confessed.

Her eyes watering in despair. Junpei swiftly ran to her side. Then stopped. His family. Yeah, his family. Sure, they weren't the best. But god, it's been three years and while they didn't seem to grow all that much in those years. Even with Ophanimon stating that the digital world's time works faster then the human realm. It still hurt to imagined their parents worried about them. Would they think they were dead like Takuya? God no, how would his family react to their son's own death? Ophanimon couldn't tell their parents where they were but with a death already at hand, there was no way they would allow them to fight a war. "Izumi." He breathed, hoping to get this right, "I get it. I want to go home but this world is counting on us. We can't just leave it now. Not when Cherubimon and ShadowSeraphimon are around."

He placed his hand on her shoulder. Their eyes met with each other's. Izumi sniffled; "I know that, Junpei. I wanted it off my chest."

"Well, I'm glad you did. This past week might have been great for us. But I suspect the worst is coming along to rear it's ugly head again." Junpei said.

Izumi gave a soft smile.

"Everyone, come along, Andromon is showing us his machine!" An Angemon announced.

Like he commanded, practically everyone left the cafeteria. Some taking their last pastries with them. A couple of digimon already outside had to control the commotion going on at the doorway. Izumi and Junpei were placed slap dab in the middle of it. They could the brush of furs, scales, and armor against their skin and clothes. Izumi was very glad she swapped her first day in digital world clothes with a more reasonable long hoodie shirt and pants. It was a struggle to get through the crowd. Izumi was honestly done with this. She took out her D-Tector and spirit evolved into Fairimon. She flew above the others and over the crowd to make to the fountain in the middle of plains area. The fountain was topped with a Hangyomon wearing a dress holding a jug where water sprouted out. It said something about beauty. She heard a buzzing sound as Blitzmon followed her. In the distance, she could see Andromon talking with a devolve Ophanimon, Angewomon.

"Hey, what's going on?" Kouichi shouted, heading towards the warriors of wind and thunder.

"Andromon is about to show off his machine." Fairimon explained.

"And It looks like a... cannon?" Blitzmon noted.

"A cannon? Guess he has found some way to improve it." Kouichi said, sitting down on the fountain's edge.

"I guess so." Blitzmon said.

"Guys, there you are!" A familiar voice yelled.

Hurried over to them was Kouji, as BeoWolfmon, holding Tomoki in his arms. He placed the young boy down on the ground. "Thanks Kouji, I thought we were going to get stuck in the mob." Tomoki said.

"No problem." BeoWolfmon replied.

"And besides it's not a mob until they start rioting." Blitzmon clarified.

"Maybe they will if Andromon's machine doesn't work." Izumi joked.

"Don't worry Zoe, Andromon and I got it working perfectly. We tested before." BeoWolfmon stated.

Tomoki looked at the fusion warrior and two human spirits. In a flash, Tomoki replaced himself with Chakmon. "Hey, are we all just turning into digimon now?" Kouichi said, looking rapidly at his fellow warriors.

"Of course we are! Digimon love our digimon forms!" Blitzmon said, making a cool action pose.

"I guess so?" Kouichi spoke.

He got his D-Tector and examined it. He got himself up and swiped his hand on the device. Instantly, Kouichi was replaced by a ten foot tall lion known as Loweemon. "Welp, can't wait for some back pain." Loweemon joked.

"I thought you gotten used to Loweemon's height." BeoWolfmon said.

"Everyone! Everyone!" Andromon proudly announced, "I have gathered you all today to show my latest invention!"

The cyborg stepped out of the way to make room for his machine. He gestured to it, excitedly. It looked like your standard cannon you'll find in pirate ship. Just that it was fully metalized and had one tread to move it. "This here is the newest design in cannon making. This here beauty is more traversal with one tread mill and is stronger than your average cannon." He explained, patting the behind of the machine.

"Yeah, ok. It's sturdier and is more travel ready. What else does it do?" An Apemon stated, "Because if you didn't notice, this here is a memorial event for a dead child."

Andromon stammered. Before quickly gaining his composure.  "Well, this here cannon is three times faster than your average one." Andromon continued, walking to the other side, "But you can also adjust it's speed like so."

He twisted a knob on the side of the cannon; "And with only one press of a button, you can watch sparks fly!"

Andromon slammed the cannon on the back. Within milliseconds, the cannon spurred to life and began shotting out fireworks. They first, exploded into red, black, golden, and white batches of color against the evening sky. As digimon oohed and aahed, Andromon adjusted the speed, and out came a familiar face on the sky. The face had a wide grin to it's ears and wore a hat backwards with goggles on it. Then came another face, this time, more tan and serious. He wore a red mask over the top of his face. A horn for a nose and two horns sticking out of his fiery, blonde hair. The last face was a dragonic and seemed to be wearing a white mask on top of it's head. It's eyes gleaming with blue fury even in firework form.

The fireworks continued, this time with the other kids as well. The five legendary warriors watched in awe as they saw their faces and their spirits' faces in the sky. "Hello all." A Bitmon came up to them, holding a tray of fruit drinks, "Would you like some refreshments?"

"Oh definitely!"

"Sure!"

"I'll be glad to!"

"Oh man, I was getting thirsty!"

Kouji was last to get his drink. Somehow by fate, the kids had gotten drinks with color similar to their palettes. Kouji had a bright blue lemonade as his drink. Kouichi had a dark grape juice drink. Tomki had gotten lime, Junpei had standard lemonade, and Izumi had gotten a pink tinted raspberry drink. "Before we drink, boys. Let us make a toast. A toast to Takuya Kanbara." Izumi announced.

"Indeed, a toast to Takuya Kanbara, warrior of fire!" Junpei added.

"To Takuya Kanbara!" They all said, their drinks raised high to cling against each other.

Chapter Text

For the past few days, Flamemon has been on the road, searching for people he didn't have a name for. He only knew two things about them, that they were human and that they were his friends. The digimon only came across one town to ask about his friends. It was his first stop after leaving the Village of Beginnings. The town wasn't special and didn't yield any results. The digimon there thought he was crazy for talking about human friends. Perhaps it was a glitch in his head. Flamemon knew that it wasn't the case.

He has been surviving on meat apples and the occasional other fruit he'd found. He had eaten a couple of apples that always made him a bit happier or bananas that he could eat with the peel on. They were only sustaining for a rookie like him. He could've eaten something different at that town but the restaurants want money which he didn't have. He could have also gotten a map but no money.

So Flamemon had currently set up a campfire with two meat apples over it. The night was settling in. The three moons were starting to shine on the sky. The forest waved with a soft breeze. Flamemon yawned. It almost felt uncomfortable; the way his mouth would stretch wide open. It was like he didn't expect his mouth could reach that far. But he paid no mind to it. If he did, than what else would he question about his body?

He should paid attention to the meat apples. The fire flickered and danced in the dusk of the forest. He liked fire. It was majestic, how it was fierce and beautiful it was, but extremely dangerous to those who use it incorrectly. Flamemon knew who he could use this power too. It was in his name after all. He could instantly put his hand on fire and it would not burn. That was nice to feel. Sudden warmth on his hand. Fire was always amazing to feel in small doses.

The meat apples were close to being done. The thin lines of black crisp starting to sit in with the apples.

Snap.

Who was that? Flamemon had seen other digimon in another forest. But he had found no one in here. The snap was muffled, clearly far away. But that didn't stop Flamemon's hairs standing up. He grabbed a meat apple off the stick and chomped a good chunk of it. He didn't mind a little rawness with hamburger meat. And besides it's better to fight on a full stomach. The rookie carefully followed the direction of the sound to the nearest tree. His ears perked up to find another sound like that.

Snap!

Another one, this time more closer. Flamemon ventured forward. Flamemon tried his best, hiding in the small shadows there were. But the bright tail of a flame he had didn't help. His hair was sparkling with fire in preparation. He peered through the subtle darkness. Looking for an outline of any digimon.

A branch was snapped in half. Flamemon turned around to face the mysterious digimon. In front of him was a large wooden cyborg. Their size dwarfed the rookie with yellow pupil-less eyes staring down at them. Not a hint of emotion was on their "face" which was merged with their body. "Oh hey, didn't see ya dere!" It said, a hand up and eyes closed.

Huh, somehow he had expected that voice. Despite the silliness of the strong Brooklyn accent, Flamemon barely let his guard down. "Hi." Flamemon responded, trying to be friendly as possible.

"Pleasure to meat youse! Was just taking a walk through dis here forest. What might be your name?" The larger digimon asked.

"Flamemon. Yours?" He said while his head was blaring with warning bells.

"I'm Arbormon, warrior of wood. What might youse be doing in dis forest?" They introduced themselves.

"I'm... traveling."  Flamemon said, only giving a half-truth to this friendly digimon.

"Ah, so you're one of dose digimon? I hope dese years aren't too rough for ya." Arbormon explained.

"No, they're not that rough."

"Den you're one lucky digimon to not engage with dis war."

War. He should have known that. Three years and he knew that he had fought before. He was in this war once. But he couldn't say that. That was revealing too much to this complete and utter stanger that was putting him on edge despite his friendly attitude. All he said was; "I suppose I am."

"Heh, yeah." Arbormon chuckled, arms crossed.

The wooden robot looked like he was about to leave. Flamemon sighed, grateful that he was gone. Then he stopped and turned around. "Hey, do youse wanna walk with me?" They asked.

"Uh... no. I have- I have to check on my meat apples!" Flamemon shouted, realizing what was going on at the campfire.

The rookie scurried back into the small clearing. The fire was roughly the same but the apple remaining on the fire was burning up; the skin turning blacker by each second. Flamemon grabbed ahold of the stick that perched it up and took out the fire with his pants. The other one was on the ground. At the least, the bitten side wasn't on the ground. Flamemon grumbled. Those were the last two meat apples he had on himself. He could get more but damn it, he was just about to rest. His legs were killing him at this point. The fire rookie plotted down on the grass, holding the stick with the burnt meat apple. Now he was complementing on whither he should eat the apple.

Suddenly there was the sound of leaves crunching and Jesus Christ, they were back. The large figure came back into view, shadows lingering over them. It put Flamemon into a sense of both danger and Deja vu. "Hey, what's- oh." He said, noticing the burnt apple and ground apple.

"Yeah, it got burnt and I left one on the ground because of you." Flamemon explained, eating burnt fish.

"Sorry for dat, but when life gives you lemons, youse can make lemonade!" Arbormon stated, picking up the remaining stick.

He took the dirty apple off the stick and potted into his mouth. Ew, but ok then. "Not bad! I always like hamburgers!" Arbormon said, laughing in glee.

Flamemon gave a weak smile. It was nice to someone smiling or laughing in this case. Arbormon couldn't emote that much. But there's a sense as to what they thinking and their eyes could easily give away on they thought. Flamemon realized that as Arbormon's eyes, once reminiscent of a crescent moon, went back to circles. They were examining the stick or dissociating. They sighed, and said, "I aought to be going now. Ranamon might be getting worried."

"Ranamon?" Flamemon questioned. That name was oddly familiar.

"Ranamon, warrior of water. She's my coworker and quite a popular idol. Or used to be. When she got her beast spirit, many of her fan clubs disbanded. Now she's an "acquired taste". I say dat they're cowards." Arbormon explained.

The rookie just hummed in response. He was sure that he agreed with those fan clubs yet he didn't even know what that spirit looked like. And didn't he have a beast spirit too? Wait, where did that come from? He asked himself.

The warrior of wood left the scene. That distraction was as gone as it came and now Flamemon was focusing on that beast spirit thing.

Beast spirit. He knew that he knew something about it. But he couldn't gather any information about it. Like his brain was locked away by a safe that needed a certain passcode to access. What did that safe need in order to open?

Well, what was a spirit? No answer, just that he might be one and so was Arbormon and Ranamon. Great, so they were related somehow. But Flamemon did not feel comfortable around that wooden bot. They were friendly and charismatic in a dumb way but Flamemon felt that he shouldn't trust them. And Ranamon was similar with how her name didn't incite any good feelings and that feeling of Deja vu. The answer to this question was that they had to be enemies before. But why? And why didn't Arbormon recognize him? Was he not originally Flamemon?

Who was he before? He was looking for his friends who were human and-

He was human. He was once human before. He- fuck. Fuck no, it couldn't be. But his brain was telling him that it was right.

Then the floodgates came crushing down. A fury of a tornado of memories, both good and bad.

His name was Takuya Kanbara. He had a brother and a mom and a dad that he left in the human realm for three years. He used to have the spirits of fire in his possession. His friends had the other spirits that weren't in Cherubimon's hands. They had relied him as their leader. Izumi was the weakest, Tomoki was the youngest, Junpei was the most argumentative, and Kouji didn't even want to be a part of the team. What in the world were they doing without him for three years? Did they make it to the rose morning star?

Their work was undone as it was clear that Arbormon was still alive. What happened? Did they die?

Bang!

A bullet had come grazing behind his head. Flamemon instinctively covered his ears and ducked down. His ears now ringing with the loud noise. Then he looked ahead, hands ready to start a fire.

Peeking out of the bushes was only a pair of eyes and a large hunting rifle. They weren't Arbormon, Flamemon was sure. They were more yellowish and were more oval. "Damn it, had him in my sight and-" The digimon stopped his talking as he saw the rookie standing up.

His voice was coarse and sounded like he was smoking a lot. Flamemon didn't waste any time, as he hurried over to the offending digimon. The digimon sputtered curses as Flamemon bum rushed him with a flaming fist. "Flame Toss!"

He fling a ball of fire against nothing. Just setting the ground on fire. Flamemon quickly turned around to find the digimon again. The digimon was the bush itself. A seemingly dragonic digimon disguising itself in the forest. The digimon grumbled and loaded it's gun again. Flamemon made good use of instinct and dodged the second bullet. He hopped up to the tree branch above. Now readying another fireball. "Who are you and what do you want?" Flamemon demanded.

"Why do you want to know?" The digimon questioned, firing off another bullet.

Flamemon jumped over to the next tree. "Answer the question!"

"How about no?" The digimon said.

Another bullet was shot as Flamemon jumped over to another tree. This time on the other side of the sniper digimon. The digimon took the shot, this time missing completely. Flameon took the opportunity to fire up another flame toss. The digimon scampered away from the toss, barely grazing the digimon. Somehow it did not light the digimon on fire. Just the surrounding ground. What a lucky day.

The digimon reloaded and Flamemon leaped over to another tree. "Listen I don't know who sent you, but tell him I'm not dying again!" Flamemon yelled as a bullet hit the tree he was on.

"You're quite talkative for a digimon who can't fight back like a real mon!" The digimon snickered as he shot again.

Flamemon hopped off the tree and said, "Says the digimon who can't shoot! Baby Salamander!"

The rookie caught himself on fire. He grabbed a hold of the bush digimon and let the fire consumed the costume of the digimon. The digimon rose to a panic, shooting wildly at the trees and ground. Flamemon grabbed ahold of its horns as it ran around letting the bush burn away. Flamemon was about to throw up as the digimon hit tree after tree. Then in a sudden blur, Flamemon was knocked over and fell to the ground. The rookie almost hurled at the movement. Then pain. A bullet lodged itself into his shoulder. He gasped and clutched the target shoulder. "Y'know I was about to give you a fast death but apparently you like making things harder for yourself." The digimon stated.

Flamemon looked over his hurt shoulder. The digimon's garb was burnt away. The ultimate level digimon was only but a dull blue larvae-like dragon digimon. He had a spiked mouth and was glaring at the rookie. He aligned his rifle towards Flamemon. The thing was awfully furry for a simple rifle. The rookie tried to get away but was met with another sharp pain. "If you want to know so bad, name's Ghilledhumon and you want to know why I was sent here?" He spat.

Flamemon groaned out, "Just tell me."

"ShadowSeraphimon sent me. Ring any bells, kid?" Ghilledhumon said.

Oh, it did. Something clicked in the mind of Flamemon. A sudden urge or realization, it did not matter. In a blur, Flamemon was on top of the Ghilledhumon. He was fighting off the rifle with only one hand, staring daggers at him. Ghilledhumon tried to fire off the gun, only to realize that it wasn't pointing at him. It then struggled against the sudden strength of the rookie. The rookie firmly grasped the gun, not showing any sign of stopping. Then the gun was heating up. Ghilledhumon yelped, releasing its gun. "ShadowSeraphimon will not kill me again, you got that?" Flamemon said.

"Please I won't hurt you, oh warrior of flame! I was actually just looking for the warrior of wood and but then I found you and you had the better bounty if you were revived-"

"I had the better bounty?!" Flamemon yelled as he banged the gun against its owner.

The digimon whimpered. Flamemon did it again. The digimon whimpered again. Flamemon winced as a thought settled into him. Instead, Flamemon set his good hand on fire and cleaved right through the core of Ghilledhumon. The digimon roared in pain as the body turned into shadow. The fractal code surrounding him and Flamemon with the flick of his hand, let the fractal code come to him. The opponent vaporized into thin air and was sent where Flamemon once was.

The rookie took the ground and its fuzzy grass as he fell face first into it. Good grief, was he tired. The night was finally in and he needed sleep. Yes, he had a damaged shoulder and the realization of who he once was. But he needed sleep. Maybe then his brain could fully process all of what happened.

Chapter Text

The night was fully in. The sky twinkled with white and yellow stars. The three moons were all fully gleaming. Which made Petaldramon hungry obviously. That hamburger meat apple didn't satisfied the beast spirit and Arbormon wasn't about to pig out this time.

The road back home was fine as ever. No random booby traps or surprise attacks. It was a calm walk back to that tunnel. The trees in the forest were quiet and timid, and so did not speak, as Arbormon had heard other trees before. As he made his way down the forest, he noticed the rock. It was a standard big stone, with nothing unusual about it. But that was what make it a brilliant cover for a tunnel. Arbormon lifted up the boulder. The robot then leaped down the ground tunnel. Dirt and dust did not bother them and they continued on.

The earth subway was dirty and decrepit. The wooden bars were ready to bust open at any time. It had been like this for months and they still hadn't gotten a miner to fix it. Patience was a virtue, but this was pushing it. He was the only one using it, so maybe that's why no one had fixed it yet. They could mention it to Cherubimon, but their master has enough on their plate. He found the end faster than expected. But time flies when you're having fun. The warrior of wood let the passage take him up to the lair.

Light dimmed them, letting darkness set into the lair. Shadows made the already frightening lair even more haunting. The purplish maroon color made the lair feel odd and out of place in the forest. It was only the fog that truly made it hidden. Even then, ShadowSeraphimon knew where the hideout was. He was once a part of Cherubimon's forces. He didn't attack in the three years of the war. Was it because of a moral code or guidelines? Old compassion still lingering? Maybe of honor in this war?

Yggdrasil, he hated thinking about ShadowSeraphimon or the warrior of Earth. It reminded them of times long past them. He regretted eating that meat apple. It was like Grumblemon had cooked for him again. The earth warrior was the most hardworking out of everyone. He even missed Mercuremon. His snarky comments, his leadership, and his advice. Mercuremon was an anchor to the group's chaos. Now all there was them and Ranamon. There was the warrior of Darkness gone, too. Having instead deferred to Ophanimon's side, but after what happened between them, Arbormon would not care less where the warrior of darkness ended up.

He needed to find Ranamon. Say hi to her before he leaves for bed. He'll know she needs it. He steeled his will to venture deeper into the lair.

The hideout was wide with recently added bars to the edge of the building (Thank Yggdrasil for that). Arbormon, however, knew the lair from the back of their hand. The warrior of wood knew where the warrior of water would be resting. On the darker side of the lair, there was a pool. At the edge of that pool, there was a blue computer that looked like Ranamon's helmet and inside the waters was Ranamon herself. She was "swimming" in the pool or lying above the water like she does when life is shit. Arbormon kneeled down at the pool's edge. The water nymph turned her head to face him, eye to eye. "Well, look who it is? Arbormon, what are you doing here?" Ranamon asked, her southern belle accent as beautiful as ever.

"Just wanted to check on ya. See how youse was doin'." Arbormon answered.

"You were out for a long time, Sugah."

"I took a walk. Wanted a fresh breath of air." Arbormon explained.

"That tunnel is way too damaged for you to be usin' it willy-nilly." Ranamon said.

"I know, and I don't know how that happened. It's just- hard in these times. There's light at the end of the tunnel, but it's a long and windin' tunnel for sure."

"Glad we could agree on something here." Ranamon rose up from her lying position, griping her own hands. "Everything has gone to shit all because of that damn tinhead pike of a warrior."

"I get it, Ran. I-"

"You missed them, Arbormon. I know you do." Ranamon interrupted him, staring at him.

"I-well, yeah." Arbormon stammered, his eyes darting away.

"You miss Grumblemon, you miss Mercuremon. We miss them. They might be rockheads or know-it-all know-nothings but,"

"They were our friends." Arbormon finished, an argument and agreement that happened all before.

"I just don't get it" Arbormon added.

"Get what?"

"Why would Grumblemon join him?"

"Ah thought it was obvious, piney. That traitor had promised Grumblemon his beast spirit. Out of everyone to have it, Mercuremon was the most likely one." Ranamon explained.

Arbormon winced at the thought of the kid's death. It was awful to hear and to even think about. Arbormon sighed, "I know dat. But Grumblemon was loyal to Cherubimon first and foremost. He argued with de warrior of steel many times. I don't get why he would join Mercuremon's side, right?"

Ranamon blinked. He was right, but what answer could she give him? "Ah don't know for sure, hon. But ah am sure he's regretting it, now playing housewife to that Shakespearean mirror demon sephiroth or whatever form he's got now." Ranamon stated, lying back to the cool water.

"Who knows." Arbormon said.

Ranamon swam, her legs kicking as she made loops around her personal pool. He admired her form. She was the best swimmer, for obvious reasons. Arbormon was a massive log when it came to swimming, and Grumblemon was an okay swimmer. He only swam to save his life. Mercuremon, okay, to be honest, Arbormon did not know how he swam. Ranamon dived into the deep side of her pool for a minute. Then she emerged, water spraying off her. "What are you still doin' here, Arbormon? I thought you were goin' to bed, Sugah?" Ranamon asked.

"Oh, I got distracted by your swimmin'. You're a nice swimmer." Arbormon stated.

"Of course I am, Sugah." She made a rather cute face in order to emphasize it.

There was now an awkward silence between them. Arbormon wasn't sure how to say something, and Ranamon was waiting for him to say something. "Do you actually want to go to bed?" She queried.

The sudden question threw Arbormon off. "I, uh, yes, just dat- It's lonely here." He blurted.

"Yeah, it is. What? Do you want me to accompany you to bed?" Ranamon asked.

"Uh... Ok, dis sounds weird, but I really don't like de dark. To de point dat I have a nightlight." Arbormon explained, hands clasping.

"Nightlight? It sounds more like you're afraid of the dark, piney."

"Not really, it has gotten better over de past years, Ran, and said before, it gets lonely around here."

"And I worry for youse, Ranamon." Arbormon continued.

"What do you mean, worry?" Ranamon cocked an eyebrow in complete astonishment.

"Your fanclub is dying and youse haven't gone out lately in the past year."

"So what? I still have members left, and just because I'm not contributing to the war or going out much doesn't mean dat anythin' is wrong with me," Ranamon snapped.

"I'm not sayin' dat! I'm sayin' that your behavior worries me. You're usually more active." Arbormon clarified.

"Just you worry about me doesn't mean you get to know everything about me." Ranamon argued.

"Youse can say nothing, I ain't demandin' you reveal anythin', but I was just askin'," Arbormon said.

He had his shoulders slumped. Looking down at the floor again. Then they picked themselves up from their position. Ranamon stared at them as they left the pool's edge, their movement looking sluggish. Ranamon felt a dark cloud of guilt over her. They wanted to ask how she was feeling and why she  was acting weird, and she snapped at them. Just brilliant, Ranamon. She swam towards her personal computer. As she was about to log on, she peeked at Arbormon about to go a level up the lair. "I thought the war would be over." She confess out loud.

"Hm?"

"I thought this stupid war would be over by two years ago." She said, falling on top of her keyboard. "Then the kids came along and they killed Grumblemon, and Mercuremon got Seraphimon's data, and then everything else happened. If they hadn't entered the digital world for who knows what-"

"Ranamon." Arbormon interrupted her, "Even if dey hadn't entered our world,  Mercuremon would betray us. And the other spirits would have been found by other digimon. Whatever youse like it or not, it was bound to happen anyway."

"It just isn't fair."

"Life- y'know what! I agree! Nothin' feels right, and it feels like we're fightin' an uphill battle. Sometimes it feels like this shouldn't happened! Maybe if that kid has survived, we would be reborn and have better lives after this war. But here we are!" Arbormon ranted, walking back to the pool.

Arbormon looked like their would be steam coming off their body. As they made back to the pool's edge, they plotted down to the ground. They stared at the ceiling, lying down. Ranamon swam up to where Arbormon was. "You ok now?" She asked.

"Yeah. Feels better when it's off yourself, Ran." He responded.

Hard to disagree with that one. She smiled, genuinely. After a long talk, she was smiling. "Well then Aubrey, you can finally sleep now." She stated.

"Can youse turn into Calmaramon and drag me up to my room? I'm ready to hit the hay any time now." Arbormon asked.

Ranamon rolled her eyes. She hopped off the water to the ground. In a blue flash, she was gone and instead, a large parasite on top of a squid was here. With one of her tentacles, she snatched the human spirit of wood off the floor. Arbormon muttered something about a dream come true. Calmaramon ignored him while blushing and carried him off to his bed. As soon as they felt the warm blanket, they were out like a light. They made no sound, unlike Grumblemon who snored like a Locomon. The wood warriors looked peaceful like that. Calmaramon slide evolved back to Ranamon. She could not see into the bed room anymore. But with a breeze of air, she was in the room physically.

The bedroom was messy. There were a couple of trinkets and oddities Arbormon had found around the digital world lying around. She could not find any one made by Grumblemon this time. There were two pots of succulent plants with a light over them on a night stand. Another light was next to the bed, the aforementioned nightlight. Ranamon walked over to it. Upon examination, it was a green light dragon. Arbormon was now leaning on their side, for their cannons behind their back was reportly awful to feel. Ranamon went to the other side of the bed and laid herself under Arbormon's arm. He was oddly warm. She never hugged him before or really felt their body temperature. So this was not really a surprise. It was either that he was warm or cold. And nobody really excepts a wooden robot to be cold to the touch or feel. He was warm as a fireplace but not warm enough. So she wiggled under Arbormon's other arm away. Thankfully he slept like a rock and did not wake. She took the maroon blanket and tucked away it under herself. Ranamon yawned as she got comfortable and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Flamemon woke up. The sun shone through the trees like an angel coming towards him. He immediately got blinded by the light as his eyes blinked open. Flamemon struggled to get up with a hurt shoulder and was blind as a bat. The rookie used the stones of the unlit campfire to get himself up

So everything before. Where to start?

For one, he now knows that he was once Takuya Kanbara.  His hands were now claws, skin replaced with short velvety fur, and a long line of sharp teeth all over again.Now he's Flamemon. It wouldn't be the first time he was a full-on digimon, but he hoped that this would be the last. If he were to turn back human after this. No, he would. He can ask Ophanimon, or any other higher than hers. He heard of the the Digital God, Yggdrasil. Flamemon had to. He was not going to dwell on that more for the sake of his sanity and optimism.

He remembered his friends, who could be anywhere god knows where or even alive right now. Flamemon wanted them to be alive because what could be anywhere god knows where or even alive right now. Flamemon wanted them to be alive because what could happen next if one was dead or all four? Would they have the same fortune as him being turned into a digimon? He didn't want to be alone, not again. He had to find them, he will.

A sharp sting reminded him of another problem: his hurt shoulder. An open hole with black smokey residue ruined his jacket. A tiny spot of blue data resided there on the right. No sign of the bullet. Had he digivolved there, his shoulder would have healed. But burning off the clothes of a digimon, then punching through their digicore would off an ultimate digimon. The only way now to heal it was to go back to town and a find a healing digimon or hospital. All while being secret. Cherubimon's and even ShadowSeraphimon's forces could be listening and watching. That is a good plan, so long as there aren't any other distractions happening and he can keep it subtle. If ShadowSeraphimon's forces noticed Ghilledhumon missing; then he's dead meat.

Flamemon sighed, hoping for a day to relax. He dug into his left pocket to grab a normal apple and began his journey back.

Flamemon clutched his shoulder, making his way down to the town. The high black arch with the sign "Welcome!" signified that he was here. Inside, the town was more buzzing this time around. Little fresh and in-training digimon were playing around on the sidewalk with balls and drawn chalk. Getting some playtime but they had to go to school or be ushered back home. Champion and rookie digimon were talking and walking. The whole town seemed to be happier and friendlier. Flamemon looked out of place and awful in this town. That was for good. He needed help. He rookie fully entered the village. Bricks of dark gray stone replacing the soft tan road. A couple of town folks noticed him: A Stingmon and a Searchmon. Flamemon took the chance and shouted, "Hey! Do you guys know where the nearest hospital is?"

"Hospital? What's wrong?" The Searchmon asked, with a voice very gruff.

Flamemon jogged over to the two insect digimon. "Got shot." He plainly stated.

"Shot? Must've been one of those Shadow's cronies. They're gun crazy!" Stingmon said.

Flamemon nodded. "Hospital is down by the right side," Searchmon explained, "Near Angel's Dining. You know where that is?"

"Yeah, by the town's fountain." Flamemon answered.

"Alright. You want to climb on my back?"

Stingmon glared at him like a disappointed mother. "What do you mean 'climb on my back'? That child's shoulder is damaged!" Stingmon reprimanded him.

"Ok, sorry! Forgot about that!" Searchmon responded.

"How do you forget a detail like that?"

The two insects started to argue with each other. Flamemon left the bickering two and towards the hospital by himself. Looking back at the entrance to the town, all he saw were a hurt Caprimon and an Angemon leaving town. He faced back to the upcoming fountain. The fountain, made of white marble, had a glittering look to it. Passing by it, there were tons of bits in the pool of water. The similar traditions between digimon and humans charmed Flamemon. Angel's Dining looked less crowded from before and there was a smoking digimon outside. What was he smoking? In honesty, he had no answer to that.

The hospital next to it was bright white and taller than most near it. If he could see the buildings behind it. Flamemon walked up to the doors, and they opened up! Flamemon stood pause for a second, and scampered inside. It was sterile white like outside with only a few colors breaking up the monotone white. It didn't seem all too busy. A few digimon were on the couches (one was even an ultimate). There was a tiny Cutemon at the receptionist desk. She sat on a raised spinning chair, black as her coffee. The rookie waltzed on over to the desk that was as tall as him. "Hello there. Did you schedule an appointment?" She said, with her attention towards her magazine and flicking a pen.

"No?"

"Well, you need to schedule one. Just list the date for-"

"This is an emergency!" Flamemon blurted.

"Listen here kid, we already have so many emergencies with what the last fight over to nearby town did. So if you could be kind enough to-"

"I got shot!" Flamemon interrupted her.

The Cutemon sneered at his abjection. "There are many other digimon who got shot and a lot more who got worse injuries than you do." She stated, her words dripping with contempt.

"What worse injuries?" Flamemon demanded.

"I don't know, mutilation, beheading?"

"How in the word is a digimon supposed to survive that?" Flamemon questioned.

"You'll be surprised at what a digimon can survive."

The pain struck again, and Flamemon clutched it in response. He glared at the receptionist, and she glared back. It might have been hours when they stared at each other. That was unlikely, but it sure did feel that way for Flamemon. The door open wide for a tall, black figure to enter only after a few moments. It was a beast man digimon with very tan skin. It wore pitch black armor of lions with golden trims. Flamemon felt weary around the new digimon. The new digimon was foreboding to the rookie and looked horribly familiar. But there was an almost excited happiness about the digimon too. That digimon could have been a friend or enemy in a past life.

"Loweemon, I didn't expect you so early!" Cutemon said, as Loweemon walked over to the desk, towering over the two rookies.

"Some of my coworkers are going out to secure this town and I wanted to stop by for any help for you guys." Loweemon explained, his voice rough but friendly.

"Please do, the building is still packed both with brave soldiers and poor souls from the other town." Cutemon sighed.

"And this mon?" Loweemon asked.

Before Cutemon could say anything, Flamemon butted into the conversation: "Emergency care. I've been shot at!"

"Oh! Let me get you to care quickly!"

"Loweemon!" Cutemon chastised.

Loweemon pretended that he didn't hear her and let Flamemon through the other pair of double doors.

The sterile white continued through the building. Though a golden tan broke up the white. The hallway was indeed packed. While the Digimon hospital wasn't as advanced as other hospitals he had seen as a human; there was standard equipment he had come to see in it like rolling beds and wheelchairs. He saw so many different digimon that he couldn't even begin to list them as he and Loweemon made their way down the hallway. "Sorry for Cutemon. She used to be sweeter, but this war. It has gotten to her." Loweemon apologized.

"Still she couldn't be so rude." Flamemon muttered under his breath.

They made a couple of turns as Loweemon waved at some doctors. Soon, they found a free room in the emergency area. It was a pleasant shade of tan, but still looked like a hospital room. Flamemon hopped on the large, and frankly, sturdy bed. He sat on it as Loweemon wheeled in a small steel table. "So where do you get hit?" Loweemon said, grabbing a pair of medical tweezers and what could be assumed to be bandages of the digimon kind.

"Right shoulder." Flamemon said, pointing at it.

"Small bullet. Didn't cause any data leaking. What were shot by?" Loweemon continued.

"Sniper rifle. Not too good on guns." Flamemon stated.

"Sniper rifle?!" Loweemon exclaimed.

"Yeah?"

Loweemon sighed and quickly grabbed another tool from the table. It was an instrument that Flamemon had no name for. But it was a long and strong tool with a blunt end coming forwards up. "This will cause some pain but it won't last long if you haven't been moving your right shoulder too much." Loweemon stated as he scooted the red jacket.

Flamemon gulped and looked away. He did but he wasn't going to tell him. Loweemon opened the tiny spot on the rookie's skin. He screamed as Loweemon dug into the code of him. Flamemon clenched his teeth down. Loweemon prodded and poked at his data. "Dear God, how deep is this bullet?" Loweemon muttered under his breath.

But in a second, Loweemon grabbed a hold of the bullet with the tweezers. Loweemon carefully took the silver bullet out. Flamemon gasped in pain. His eye watering at the open wound. "Don't worry, the worst is over. I'll just have that shoulder wrapped up and you'll be good to go. Just don't use that shoulder too much." Loweemon stated.

Loweemon unwrapped the roll of bandages and took a piece out. He dabbled on the running wound to clear loose data off. Then he wrapped a chunk of the bandage around Flamemon's shoulder. Flamemon saw the bandage get tinted as Loweemon began cleaning his supplies. "So digimon do bleed?"

"Hm?"

"Digimon bleed?" Flamemon asked, rubbing his shoulder.

"Yeah they do. It's less like blood and more data. It's a filler to when a digimon is punctured or sliced. That way the fractal code won't be given up immediately." Loweemon explained, placing everything back to where it was and carting the table away.

"Wait. How do you know about blood?" Flamemon asked.

"I could ask the same thing for you. And why did you ask a question that all digimon know already when they're a rookie?" Loweemon retorted, oddly calm.

Flamemon glared as the back of his head. He did have a point, but he was dodged the question Flamemon asked. "I was born like a week ago. I'm struggling to survive as it is."

Loweemon stopped in his tracks. Only a week old or even less! He was already getting shot at! This poor rookie.

How in the world did a digiegg spawn a rookie? They only spawn baby level digimon. How much power was stored in that egg? How long was it incubating? Those were the only questions that could get him an answer. But he was sure that the rookie could not answer that. Loweemon stated back at the rookie and-

The symbol of fire was there, written in the belt buckle of the rookie's pants.

That had to be the answer. There, sitting on a medical bed filled with cotton, was the reincarnation of the warrior of fire or... Takuya Kanbara. That left so many more questions. How? Why? Why now? They have been fighting a war for three years! And now the warrior of fire comes along, born as a rookie!

Thinking about it now. Maybe he should be glad that he was here now. If he was born normally at the fresh level, it would've taken too long to get him to a fighting position. Even longer to train him. The other sides could also kidnapped him or kill him of the reincarnation was reckless. "That symbol..." Loweemon trailed off, trying to stop himself from saying anything more.

"What symbol?" Flamemon asked, even with a sneaking suspicion of what Loweemon was thinking.

Loweemon brought it up on himself to say it, and he could've done worse. "The one on your belt buckle."

Flamemon looked down. Instead of a golden or silver ring of metal to keep his belt together, he had large plate with the kanji of fire on it. Loweemon knew what he was before, didn't he? "It's the symbol of fire, if you didn't know." Flamemon said.

Stupid! Stupid! He already knows! The fire rookie chastised himself. But, of course, Loweemon did not care. "I know. With that symbol, It makes you an easy target. Please be careful." Loweemon cautioned.

"Loweemon, are you done yet?" A bark came outside of the door.

"Uh, yes! Just let me say something to the patient!" Loweemon yelped.

"Better hurry up!" The voice replied.

Loweemon scurried over to the rookie. "Ok, I have a job to do, but I do want to talk to you more. Here, have this," Loweemon stated, handing him a strange piece of machinery.

It looked like a cross between a phone Takuya once had and the D-Tector he used to have. It was primarily black, with some white breaking it up. The phoen-thing had a number pad and a square-ish screen. "It's a D-Caller. You can call me on it whenever you like. But I will call you after my shift is done." Loweemon explained.

"Alright and I can do anything after that," Flamemon said, "But can I have some money? I don't have any."

Loweemon raised his eyebrows. "Sure, just-"

Loweemon dug into his lower armor, where his pockets would be. Then took out a tiny satchel of money. "Are you done yet?" The voice came back.

"I am." Loweemon said, jumpy at the voice.

The two swiftly got out of the room to not face the wrath of a grizzly Apemon. Loweemon made a slight wave to the rookie. Flamemon hurried down the stairs, a small bag in his back pocket. He passed the hallway and got to the waiting area. He ignored the receptionist, who was now drinking alcohol from her coffee. Flamemon felt bad for the Digimon who had to deal with her.

Flamemon finally got out of the hospital. The clean air allowed for Flamemon to calm down. Let himself relax for a bit. The rookie looked around the town. There were many stops he could now pass by and do something with the bits he now had. Where to next?

His stomach growled in response. He got his answer and skipped to the nearby restaurant. He just hoped that the Musyamon wasn't there from before.

As he walked in, Flamemon felt relief at Musyamon not being at the host's stand. There was an Aegiomon at the desk, looking over something Flamemon could not see. The host noticed the rookie and welcomed him in. He did he usual speil as a host, and Flamemon obliged. Angel's Dining was cozy. Cozy like a summer's day in a cabin log. Maroon colors lined the walls with paintings of angels of the digital world fighting and being worshipped. The lightning was a lovely red color that didn't make it look hellish. But it was a pleasant contrast to the paintings. Being here was relaxing, despite Flamemon's eviction lat time for non-payment and his begging for a scrap of food. The small warrior sat in a booth next to one of the paintings and examined the menu.

"And I said to him, 'Buddy, I ain't lookin' for a fight but if it's a fight youse want, den it's a fight youse'll get.' and he agreed." Arbormon said, popping a rib into his mouth. "He was a good fighter, Ran. Should've seen how he pulled his punches!"

Ranamon nodded, taking a sip of her blue raspberry soda. She liked seeing good fights and hearing about was no different. From his account, this MachGaogamon was an excellent fighter. Arbormon rambled on about the fight from how he almost lost until he struck against the ribs of the ultimate and won. "So, this is what you do in your free time? Pickin' fights with strangers until you get what you wanted for us?" Ranamon stated, picking a bite with her waffles.

"Hey, it ain't dat worrisome, right? I quite enjoyed it. Gets the data pumping. Exercising everyday keeps your body strong." Arbormon replied, showing off a muscle to prove their point.

Ranamon rolled her and plainly asked, "Suppose so. But don't you got anythin' else to do?"

"Hey, fightin' is not bad! It's like an Art form." Arbormon said, holding a rib.

Ranamon cocked an eyebrow at that. "It's like your dancin'. Youse make your body move in certain ways to get de results youse want. And digimon love it! Dere's more thought in it den youse realize," Arbormon explained.

He ate the rib in one go, as he always does with his food. Ranamon smiled. They might have been right on that. Who knows, not that she actually cares about it. Just something to talk about before any real fighting goes on. A nice break.

The nymph relaxed into the booth. She turned her head to see the other customers. Most didn't catch her eye. But in a far left corner of the restaurant, next to an open passageway, there was a lone rookie. It was taking with a Lilymon waiter. It seems nervous, as if this was its first time in a dining place. It's right shoulder bandages. But as she glanced under the table, she could see half of the symbol of fire.

The warrior of fire in a booth, next to the paintings of Seraphimon in his original Eldritch horror form during the Legendary Warriors' war. This was layers of fate and symbolism that she wasn't going to dive into.

"What youse lookin' at, Ranamon?" Arbormon asked.

"I found the warrior of fire." Ranamon said 

"What?! But I thought he was dead?"

"Well, not anymore, Sugah, he's a full digimon. Look over there." Ranamon said, pointing to the corner.

Arbormon leaned away from the table to find him. His red, striking, and long head of hair, a bold statement in the room. "Holy shit, I saw dat mon on my walk."

"You found him?!" Ranamon screeched.

A couple patrons made side glances at the sudden scream. Arbormon's eyes widen and he explained, "We just passed by each other. I didn't know it was dat warrior of fire."

"But you got a clearer look at him. What do you mean you didn't recognize him?!" Ranamon snapped.

"Sorry, I look at digimon's faces when we're talkin'!" Arbormon argued.

"I-ugh." Ranamon put her face in her hands. "We have got to rectify this. We have to get him in our side."

"Here are your breakfast burritos." The Lilymon said, placing a large plate of two breakfast burritos and a mysterious sauce.

Flamemon swiped a burrito and chomped on it like a hungry Agnimon. He mumbled "Thank you", and Lilymon understood what he said.

The burrito tasted heavenly. Flamemon was only eating serotonin-making apples, meat apples, and fruits, but goddamn, did this burrito tasted delicious. A welcome break from the same old foods he was eating. After days of hardships, this was amazing. He had to thank Loweemon for the money. Today was going swimmingly for once.

Expect that there are Cherubimon's two greatest warriors, Arbormon and Ranamon, in the same restaurant. He knew of their presence when Ranamon had shouted. Something about not knowing. They must have known that he was here, too. They were certainly talking about him and that was more than just a worry. It was detrimental to have his presence known by them. What could they do to him if they catch him? No, he was determined not to let that happen once he finished his proper breakfast. But how?

He couldn't leave town. He had to meet up with Loweemon. Loweemon, Loweemon had to be the answer... But Flamemon didn't know how long his shift was and he didn't want to bother during like an important surgery. He didn't know how long his shift was. Loweemon's shift could last hours, and Flamemon might be kidnapped by then. He didn't know anyone else. He'll just have to avoid Cherubimon's warriors. That wasn't as easy as it sounds. The town was the largest he had been in but that did not mean anything to warriors who traveled more of tbe world than him. But that was the only choice he had.

Flamemon finished his first burrito, the taste of freshly scrambled eggs, sausage meat and spicy salsa lingering in his mouth. He went on to the other one satisfying his craving. He ate, using his non-dominant hand to grab the burrito. His right shoulder was turning numb and the blue bleeding had stopped. That had to be a sight for sore eyes and gossiping mouths.

He glanced at the rest of the restaurant and- Ranamon was out of her booth. She was out of the booth and was walking towards him. She, Ranamon, warrior of water and from Cherubimon's side was walking towards him!

Flamemon tried to stop his heart from racing but you can't stop your heart from doing anything. Else it will die and you'll die too. He tensed his body up. He put a brave/neutral face on as the fish nymph treaded over to his booth. "Hiya there, you seem lonely." She said nonchalantly, as if she was making conversation with a stranger and not a previous enemy.

"Yeah, I'm the only one here." Flamemon said, sweat dripping down his scalp.

What kind of answer is that, Takuya?! He thought. Mentally beating himself up as all she did was smile. But he knew that deep down, she was laughing about it. "Well you don't mind company, do you?" She asked.

"No, uh yes, actually. I just want to treat myself today." Flamemon stuttered.

"Oh well, but me and Arbormon over there were about to shop. You could come over with, Hun, If you want to after breakfast." Ranamon said.

She left after that excruciating moment. Flamemon let his muscles relax and went back to the burrito. But his hunger was getting satisfied, and he was full before he knew it. The waiter came over and Flamemon paid for his food. He learned a few things there: that he had to sign for his payment and that he was grateful for credit cards. Didn't know how exactly it worked, but God did he need it after pouring out bits and trying to pay the waiter and restaurant. "First time out on the town?" She asked as she grabbed the bits and her waiter's clipboard.

"Yeah." He said.

"Just figured you were. I know a newbie on the streets when I see it." Lilymon said.

"Newbie?" He repeated.

"Oh, just a term I use for any new working digimon." She explained.

Flamemon nodded. He quickly stepped outside the restaurant, after confirming his order.

Now where to?

Chapter Text

Flamemon took in the fresh air once more. The morning sky was truly bright this time around. Looking around town, he could less digimon out. The buzzing morning start having faded off as digimon were now at work, school, shops, or back home. Now what should he do now?

First of all, can't go out to shop. Ranamon and Arbormon were most certainly out shopping right now.(They were on opposite sides but he was slightly praying for Arbormon right now dealing with a girl shopping.) But Flamemon didn't know where the two where exactly. He barely knew the town layout at all. So he had no idea on where a main shopping district was. He was only in the main area.

He could ask someone where the others were. He knew their names now and give clear descriptions. But with what happened yesterday, it would be risky. Maybe he could ask someone important figures in the town like the mayor or the guards. Yeah, that seems right.

Flamemon headed over to the other side of the street. Only a few digimon were out, some Veemon and Agumon, and a couple of Gazimon with mean glares. What caught his eye was an Angemon. They were walking or flying off from a conversation with a Gazimon. Angemon had quickly noticed him. They waved and Flamemon waved back. "Hello!" The Angemon said, with a perky tone.

"Hi," Flamemon said, trying to be polite, but he couldn't help his confusion settle in. "Who are you?"

"I'm an Angemon. I just work as the town's guard." Angemon explained, now standing beside the rookie.

A town guard. Today must be his day! "Oh really? What are you doing out and about?" Flamemon asked.

"Working on a case, obviously." Angemon said, in that same old polite tone.

Flamemon winced at case being muttered. He instantly thought of the Ghilledhumon he had deleted. "You got hurt." Angemon noticed.

The rookie was startled by the sudden comment. But he obliged in the details: "Yup, got shot by one of.. ShadowSeraphimon's cronies."

"And who may the culprit be? That is a heinous crime just to attack a rookie like that," Angemon said.

"Don't worry, the digimon is already dead. - He was trying to take my life. But if it pleases you, it was Ghilledhumon." Flamemon answered.

Angemon's face was unreadable. Mostly by the fact that a helmet was covering half of their face. Their mouth was only a thin line. But their body suggested surprise; taking a step back at the information. "Really? A Ghilledhumon is an ultimate digimon and you only seem to be a rookie level." Angemon said, tilting their head.

"Well," Flamemon said, "I am a Fire Elemental."

In demonstration, he raised a hand from his good shoulder and lit it ablaze. Angemon had a slight smile on them, impressed by the rookie's handiwork they never got to see. Flamemon smiled back at the angel digimon. Completely relaxed now, Flamemon asked, "So do you know any humans? Perhaps ones with D-Tectors?"

"Human? D-Tectors.." Angemon muttered under their breath.

"Oh you mean the human children from Ophanimon's side. I don't agree with the idea of having human children as generals, but they are important figures. This town is quite associated with Ophanimon. In fact, one of them works as a doctor here." Angemon stated.

"Thank you!" Flamemon exclaimed, "I need to see them."

"It sounds like you do." Angemon said, "How about this. I can show you the arcade is and I can contact the surrounding legendary warrior here."

"There's an arcade?!" Flamemon questioned, eyes wide.

"Oh absolutely! Here, follow me." Angemon floated off, waiting for Flamemon to come along.

The fire rookie hurried over to them. Angemon led him down the alleyway and into another street. It wasn't too much different than the other one. Few digimon out, and similar structures for different or same purposes. Flamemon was stuck to Angemon's side like a puppy. He let the angel digimon dragged him through lefts and rights of the town; diving in deeper to the town. Just how deep is this arcade in? They even crossed by a school building. The population of digimon was dwindling down.

Angemon soon let the rookie take the lead as they said, "The arcade is right ahead. It'll be behind that wall. I can give you the code to pass through."

That's odd for an arcade to be hidden. Unless it was for the high elites of the digital world who somehow had a liking to playing arcade with the equivalent of Pac-Man or Space Invaders. Which would be very expensive. Wait how in the world would an Angemon guard know about that?

Flamemon stepped into the alleyway. The rookie stood in front of the gray bricked wall. Behind him there was trash bins and other useless junk along with Angemon. "So what's the code?" Flamemon asked, weirded out by where the arcade was located.

"Well, it's-"

A sudden chill came upon him. His fur standing on the very ends of him. Everything seemed to come to a slow. Angemon with their hand raised and a dagger in that hand. Letting his sixth sense take over, Flamemon turned around and swiped the dagger away. His hand burned with power. Angemon scowled at him. The rookie took a fighting stance, and made sure that his right shoulder was covered. "You damn bastard." Flamemon scowled himself.

The angel smiled once more, not of pure generosity or politeness. It was a maniacal, ready to rip apart the rookie. "You're stupid and instinctual. But it looks like it's serving you right." The Angemon noted, his fighting pole now in his hands.

"I like to believe the best in digimon and people alike. You might be avenging Ghilledhumon, but you sure are taking the coward's way." Flamemon barked, his eyes glaring only on the angel digimon.

Angemon tsked, "Me and Ghilledhumon have no relationship towards each other, other than pure professional curtsey. We don't even work together. I'm just here following orders and getting a good bounty for my troubles."

"The fact that you don't even care about a coworker is telling of someone in ShadowSeraphimon's army." Flamemon snarled, baring his teeth.

Angemon's face scrunched in anger; "Don't you dare say that about ShadowSeraphimon!" The angel raised a fist in rage and no aura surrounding it.

Flamemon leaped out of the way as Angemon struck against the ground. They snapped their head towards the rookie. The rookie in return, flung a fireball towards them. The angel shrugged it off, their anger only rising. Flamemon jumped over on the top of a nearby town. Angemon raised their fist again and Flamemon grabbed onto the water pole next to him. His right shoulder flared in pain. Flamemon tried his best, quickly climbing up the pole. As he rose to the top, Angemon levitated above the roof of the building. Ah, yeah, they can fly.

In a reckless decision, Flamemon hurdled over to the angel and was ready to strike. The rookie only continued and somehow passed through the angel. He crashed down onto the pavement of the roof. Before he could even questioned what happened, Flamemon looked up to the angel digimon with their pole ready. They bashed the pole against the stomach of the rookie. As they were ready to strike again, Flamemon rolled over to dodge the blow of the pole. He rolled into a ball to make contact with the edge of the square roof. He forced himself up by the help of the edge. Angemon readied their golden rod. "Alright, what's got you so loyal to him?" Flamemon asked, staring at the enemy.

"I am not loyal." Angemon stated, "I simply want a better tomorrow from ShadowSeraphimon."

"A better tomorrow!?" Flamemon almost laughed at the idea.

Angemon scowled. They swung their pole which Flamemon ducked under. The rookie dashed away. Fire danced around his body as Flamemon leaped towards the next building. Time slowed as he felt the wind behind him. Was this how Izumi felt when flying? He already knew that answer. Once, as Vritramon, he could fly. Maybe one day, he could fly again. But for now, he had to deal with an untouchable angel 

Flamemon clutched onto the edge of the neighboring roof. Flamemon hopped over it and swung his body to face Angemon. The angel digimon almost looked heavenly with the morning sun behind them. Flamemon roared and hurdled towards them again. The rookie was now a fireball of destruction and heading towards them. This caught Angemon off and let them freeze in place. Yet, Flamemon only passed through them. Flamemon snapped their head to find out what the fuck was going on. Behind him was Angemon with a giant hole in their body. He could see the building and the sky through the damage he caused. But there was no fractal code and definitely no data leaking out. There was, however, steam coming Angemon's body which had a liquid texture to it.

Suddenly, Flamemon's face planted against the alleyway. His jaw and arms taking a good chunk of the force. His jaw was throbbing with pain. Blue data was dribbling out of the right side of his jaw. Bruises covered his arms and tiny rocks embedded in his skin. Flamemon trembled to pick himself up. Instead, by horrible luck, another force picked the rookie up. The new digimon grabbed the rookie's neck with sharp claws scratching his fur. His fur also felt unreasonably and uncomfortably damp. He was now off the ground. Flamemon felt more like a stray cat that was about to be sent to the pound than a hurt warrior. The two made it out of the alley and into concerned crowd of Digimon.

"Hear the! Hear the! All Digimon. Meet a legendary warrior!" The digimon cackled.

Gasps and cries of the digimon crowd echoed into the sky. Flamemon turned his head to meet his kidnapper. The digimon was taller than the Angemon from before. It wore a skintight white suit with zippers covering it. All features of their face were visible with cat-like eyes and two white stripes on their cheek. Their hair was reflective and blue, just like water. The digimon in front was a Splashmon. He could only growled in frustration. "You heard right! This puny little monkey is a legendary warrior. The legendary warrior of fire." Splashmon continued.

The water digimon stretched out their other pair of claws, shining in the light of digimon. "You heard of this warrior? Perhaps through the tales of a young kid with the spirits of fire, or more likely, how ShadowSeraphimon has once crushed the little head of this tyke."

Flamemon lifted their left hand and- slice! Splashmon cut through the skin of Flame's arm. Data splatter on the sidewalk. Splashmon gave their best slasher grin at him and turned to face the crowd. "Now for a bounty of a million bits, let's see him die!" Splashmon announced.

Splashmon has a look of pure and terrible glee on them. Their free claw prepared to kill at the neck. Flamemon closed his eyes. Only a few days alive. What a cruel fate for him to live again, only to snuff it out. In those moments, he cursed Yggdrasil. He cursed Cherubimon, Ophanimon, and even Seraphimon to let him fight. He cursed ShadowSeraphimon for killing him. He cursed himself to agreeing to all of this. He could have stayed home with his family, celebrating Shinya's birthday. What a fool he was.

"Roadhouse Punt!"

The familiar cry swiftly opened Flamemon's eyes. A loose brown and tan was speeding towards Splashmon. It hits its target, with the only mention of an attack by Splashmon's face being spilt to dodge. Before Splashmon could counterattack, or repair their face, or make a noise. A green vine hurled over their direction. Splashmon was in terro and so threw the rookie away to miss the attack. Flamemon yelped with the sudden velocity. Just as Flamemon hit the ground again, another digimon had picked him up again.

Looking up to his new savior, it was none other than Loweemon. This time wielding a lance in his free arm and a shield attached to the arm carrying Flamemon. The lion man rapidly got them away from the conflict and placed him on his feet. Flamemon grabbed this bleeding arm to stop any more data from leaking. Next to the two was a large and golden bug. The digimon gave the bug's equivalent of a smile. "Stay with Kongoumon." Loweemon commanded, " Kongoumon, patch him up. He will not die."

"Can I-"

Loweemon immediately cut him off: "Absolutely not!"

The warrior of darkness turned back to the current fight. Arbormon and Ranamon were doing a good job of keeping Splashmon on their feet. The water tiger kept their distance away from the warring digimon. But not from Loweemon. Splashmon onto had a flash of a second before the darkness came into fight. "Shadow Lance!"

Loweemon swung his lance towards the water of Splashmon. It effectively did nothing. But it was an excellent distraction. He swung again, this time horizontally. Splashmon glared at the new fighter. They recovered their arms and swung too. Loweemon stepped away. Then the lion's chest armor opened up. "Shadow Meteor!"

From the darkness within, a ball of purple malice came sprawling out. It bolted through the town street. It fizzled out soon enough and Splashmon wasn't there no more.

Instead the other two warriors were staring at him. Ranamon looked like she was ready to kill him. Arbormon's expression was unreadable as usual, but his eyes were furrowed. He didn't know which one was worse. "Hello." Arbormon said, strikingly monotone.

"What are you doing here? Trying to steal our deletion?" Ranamon said, a lot more emotional.

"What no-"

An uppercut cut Loweemon off directly on his chin. The water tiger came back to their humanoid form. Loweemon raised his sphinx shield to block the claws coming down. Splashmon put all their weight on his shield. Loweemon crotched down, trying to push back the surprising weight of the tiger. "Drainin' Rain!"

Splashmon backflipped from the warrior of darkness, sending him to the floor. They were grinning ear to ear as Loweemon stood up realizing what was going on. The warrior got back to the floor as he took the full force of Ranamon's attack 

Splashmon continued with Arbormon. They masterfully dodged the vines, ducking down and jumping up like a circus performer. At the end as Arbormon wasted all their vines, Splashmon rested their feet on Arbormon. The sudden weight caught Arbormon off. Unfortunately, the wood warrior could not keep the water tiger on top of their own head, and fell onto the street. Splashmon just jumped away and onto a fire hydrant. They were grinning. They were just brilliant!

Off to the side, the warrior of darkness rose to their feet. Not all too bad with some armor less solid from before. But next to him was a ball of fractal code. The code dissipated as the beast spirit of water spawned. Digimon in the crowd we're finally leaving, either disgusted by the sight of her or realizing the severity of the situation. The water tiger did not budge. They hopped off the water tiger and hoisted their fingers to the air out wide. "Hydro Blaster!"

Extra water spurted out of their fingertips. Calmaramon lifted a tentacle up. It blocked all the water Splashmon had created. Worse, Loweemon had come out of the shadows. The warrior held his lance up and sliced down the enemy's right arm. Splashmon growled and swiped at the offending warrior. All Loweemon did in return was raise their shield once more. "Roadhouse Punt!" Arbormon freed their leg from his body.

The chained leg came swinging towards Splashmon. Splashmon shifted their head back. Their smirk only lasted a second as the leg boomeranged back, cutting through their neck. It did not hurt them, it was wildly uncomfortable to have the neck and head separated. Next, Loweemon strikes again with his lance. Splashmon punched the warrior at the side of his head. Loweemon groaned in pain and made it out of harm's way. "Acid Ink!"

Splashmon gasped in horror as the beast spirit hurled corrosive ink. They swiftly put themselves together. But the time pulling themselves allowed the ink to invade their body. Splashmon screeched in pain as the acid burned and muddled with their glorious water. The water tiger flowed back into a puddle of odd liquid. Loweemon, not wanting to make the same mistake again, used his shield to block their path. Liquid, however, always finds a way. The warrior couldn't do anything as Splashmon trickled down the sewer drain.

Loweeemon smashed his shield on top of the drain. Arbormon and soon enough, Ranamon walked up to the warrior of darkness. "Long time no see," Ranamon stated.

"I don't want to talk about it." Loweemon snapped 

"I was tryin' to make conversation." Ranamon replied.

"But who wants to talk to a murderous traitor, right?" Arbormon added, glaring at Loweemon.

Loweemon huffed. A dance that was done over and over before it began. "Let's not talk about that. We have other things to focus on." Loweemon stated, now standing up.

"You mean the cowardly Splashmon that escaped our grasp?" Ranamon asked.

"I wouldn't call it cowardly. If they're getting the information about the warrior of fire's revival to ShadowSeraphimon."

"If the gossip doesn't reach Spiralmon and ShadowSeraphimon first." Ranamon expressed.

"Yeah, dat's great and all, but what about Flamemon?" Arbormon asked.

"Takuya!" Loweemon shouted.

The warrior of darkness rushed over to the other side of the sidewalk. Ranamon and Arbormon followed him. Loweemon stopped in his tracks and breathed a sign of relief. Flamemon was doing fine, and in fact, he was doing great with his properly bandaged arms and jaw. The rookie was chatting with Kongoumon. "Hello, Loweemon! Today's has been a day- What the fuck are you two doing here?" Kongoumon yelled as he pointed at the two digimon behind Loweemon.

"Hey!" Ranamon said, "We helped! Why can't we see the poor victim for ourselves?"

"Hey Flamemon, youse doin' ok?" Arbormon asked, holding hand up high.

"Doing a-okay." Flamemon replied, waving a hand at him.

Kongoumon ignored the non hostility between the group and explained to Ranamon: "We are not working together! You might've helped, but I can assure you, this will be the last time!"

"Like you would know, buggy." Ranamon responded, arms folded, and an eyebrow cocked.

Kongoumon gasped and said, "How dare-"

Loweemon interrupted the two, hands blocking the two digimon. "Who cares what is going on now and what side we are on? We just saved a life from ShadowSeraphimon's hands. I think that's all that matters."

Kongoumon and Ranamon glared at each other. If they were staring anymore intensely, they would have been attacking each other already. Instead, they looked away and crossed their arms.

Loweemon turned to find Flamemon and Arbormon talking. Arbormon was putting the good shoulder of Flamemon. Then the rookie laughed. Arbormon joined in too, having a good chuckle. Suddenly, the wood warrior saw Loweemon and their demeanor changed. Loweemon softened his body language and stated, "Sorry, but I do want Flamemon with me and Kongoumon."

"What?! Since when did you say that from before?! Me and Arbormon saw him first!" Ranamon yelled.

"I was the first one to help him! And I think that was before you saw him first." Loweemon retorted.

"Like you know that, traitor!" Ranamon growled.

"Yeah, I actually found him first before any of youse did. So beat dat!" Arbormon addressed proudly.

Flamemon mentally facepalmed at the argument folding right in front of him. He groaned as each side tried to explain why they should have him. No, not going to deal with this, he thought. He stood up and shouted, "You guys know that I'm here!"

The rest blinked. Ranamon's mouth was agape. Then she closed as she said, "Of course, it's just-"

"How about I decide who I'm going with? I do what I want, don't need another digimon or person to tell me." Flamemon stated, planting their feet firmly on the ground.

Loweemon stated at him, bewildered. But he thought for a moment. The warrior of darkness nodded and replied, "Of course, It will be your choice to make."

Loweemon stepped back, joining sides with Kongoumon. The group spilt into those siding with Ophanimon and those siding with Cherubimon. Flamemon stood in the middle, weighing his options. Arbormon and Ranamon were so far nice and polite as a change. But the rookie knew that they desperately needed more warriors and didn't out right knew that he was Takuya Kanbara. Really, Flamemon knew who he was going with. "I'll go with Loweemon."

Chapter Text

Trailmon roared as the wheels moved to a steady pace. The forest zoomed past by the window of the train cart. Flamemon sat in the booth, eyes closed, trying to drift off to sleep. The last night and morning drained him of any semblance of energy. Kongoumon sat by him, chatting with the warrior of darkness. The conversation they had passed through Flamemon's ears and out. It was a pleasant background noise for sleep. It reminded him of his friends. Flamemon couldn't wait to see them again: to hug them, to hear their voices, to talk with them, to fight with them again. No matter how Cherubimon and ShadowSeraphimon will plan, Takuya Kanbara lives.

The morning had passed by. The clock ticked behind him, a constant reminder of what was coming soon. A dim light cast over him, making the blues of the room look darker. The screens in front buzzed with maps of the Digital World separated. Many places that once were there were blacked out. Spiralmon, commander of the spy and sniper division, sat in his swivel chair, using one three-toed foot to sway it back and forth. He was an insectoid digimon with hardened black armor. Other than that, he looked like a stereotypical mime besides the pendulum in his chest. The digimon was top heavy, and with two black beetle wings behind his back.

His division was doing poorly this, no, month. The spies had gathered little to no information about the other factions. There were two other sides, for Yggdrasil's sake! How in the Digital World did you fail that? His snipers weren't going well either. One, this last night, had just died and the spy he sent needed to be reporting now. The clock was ticking behind them and him.

Spiralmon stopped their swinging and slid closer to the console. He began bidding his time, checking on the other spies. Most were doing fine. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Scrolling down the list, found Splashmon's tag and where he was at. He was in the building right now. The commander swung their chair around to face their own employee. Splashmon stood under the doorframe. Their body posture straightened upon first look from Spiralmon. "Hello, Sir!" Splashmon said.

Spiralmon studied Splashmon's nervousness. Many digimon were put off by him with his piercing red eyes and uncanny pure white face. He enjoyed those digimon put in their place by only a look. "Report in, Splashmon. You have only spoken to me once with the news of Ghilledhumon's death." Spiralmon commanded, getting out of his chair.

The insect hovered over the water tiger's face. He crossed his arms behind and with eyes, examined Splashmon like a new fest on the dining table. "You see, sir, I had to attend to myself after a fight." Splashmon began explaining, trying his best not to break eye contact with Spiralmon.

"A fight." Spiralmon repeated, clicking his teeth.

"Yes, a fight, sir. I had found the culprit of Ghilledhumon's demise."

"And who might they be?" Spiralmon pestered, eyes peering deeper into Splashmon who gulped.

"The warrior of fire, sir." They said with chittering teeth.

Spiralmon took a step back. His back reverted from their hunched posture. "The warrior of flame?"

"Indeed. I tried to kill the little rookie, but three other legendary warriors stopped me in the process."

"Three other legendary warriors? Who were they?" Spiralmon demanded.

"They were Loweemon, warrior of darkness, from Ophanimon's side, and Arbormon, warrior of wood, and Ranamon, warrior of water, from Cherubimon's side. The last one managed to get a hit in."

Spiralmon paused for a moment. His wings completely still. Splashmon hadn't stopped contact, and neither did he. Then, out of the blue, their commander stated, "Let me get this straight. You had the warrior of fire in the palm of your hand."

"Uh, yes, literally." Splashmon answered.

Spiralmon moved closer to Splashmon. "And you failed to kill him!?!" Spiralmon shouted, grabbing Splashmon by the throat.

Splashmon did not move as he was hoisted above the ground. Nobody disobeyed what Spiralmon does. "You had him in your grasp, you-" Spiralmon sputtered, "Do you know what ShadowSeraphimon will do if he finds out about this?!"

"No.." Splashmon whimpered.

Splashmon's eyes grew wide, desperately seeking escape. They clutched onto Spiralmon glared at them and then lowered them down to face him. "However, I can give you a better future here." Spiralmon stated.

Splashmon nodded. Anything out of certain death and to be made as an example. "Good." Spiralmon said as his eyes glowed, "Braid Hypnosis." He muttered.

He raised his voice and told the humanoid, "Do straight to Medicinimon's lab and force yourself into one of those free jars. Stay there as long as possible for any horrible experiments that Medicinimon wants."

The water tiger went into a daze, with his eyes glazed over. Spiralmon let go of them as they plopped into a puddle. Then out came a proper full-fledged digimon and walked out of the room.  Spiralmon's eyes stopped glowing. He rubbed them as he went back to his chair. Shoving it back to the console, he saw the clock read 11:47 pm. He planted his face on a barren part of the console. He had to do drinks, that was for sure.

The coffee maker in front of him was running. One of Conductormon's patents he had. Spiralmon will admit, Conductormon was an exceptional inventor. He was a disgusting cretin and asshole, but he was a business mon, and one of the leading generals that Spiralmon had to deal with. One, he was forced to give drinks to, because of a stupid rule that all generals were doing because of tradition. This was, thankfully, the last drink.

Ding! Splashmon grabbed a hold of the large plate with the other drinks. He carefully picked the mug from its handle and placed it on the plate. A smile was given at the head chef, working on a luscious meal. Spiralmon walked out of the general and high ranking's longue, and into the nearby hallway. No digimon was roaming around due to it being most digimon's lunchtime. Of course, it was for him, the other generals, and ShadowSeraphimon's time too. But also a meeting for each month. They'll all come together to discuss plans, the previous events, and anything else of importance.

They treaded down the hallway, and found the door to the meeting room. He unlocked it, opening it up to a grand, lengthy room. Bronze in color with golden swirls lining the corners and walls. Above the warmongers was a chandelier older than all of them, even MarineBullmon. It swayed back and forth slowly. ShadowSeraphimon sat at the end of the supplementary grandiose table. Next to each side of him were Medicinimon, a fat and grotesque leech with tiny legs and hefty arms and a syringe at the tip of his tail slowly swinging back and forth, and Quakemon, the fusion warrior of earth with a barely armored and bulky physique. To Quakemon's side were the generals of aerial and ocean with Vulturemon shining his gun arm and Marinebullmon primming his tentacles behind him. On Medicinimon's side was-

"Hey, delivery insect! You better not have poisoned those drinks!" Conductormon joked, shouting across the room.

Conductormon, head inventor and business, a zombie figure with a copper lance for one arm. He had that stupid shit-eating grin when facing Spiralmon's own tired expression. Spiralmon twitched his eye and hissed, "Says the mon who drugged my drink with an actual drug! I was panicking about nothing!"

"Medicinimon wanted to try it out sometime and I thought it would be great to do it that same say." Conductor replied, leaning into their chair.

"I didn't want you to test it on another general." Medicinimon stated.

"Like I cared, he was fine afterwards." Conductormon said.

"Oh my yggsdrasil." Spiralmon muttered.

"Enough, we are professionals. We have business to attend to." ShadowSeraphimon commanded, shutting everyone off, "Spiralmon, the drinks?"

Spiralmon went to work, as he brought each member their drinks. Marinebullmon murmured about digimon these days, and Quakemon was the only one to thank him. Spiralmon sat at his spot near Conductormon. He gave the inventor a stink eye, who replied with a wide grin.

Regardless of them, the meeting had finally started. A hologram appeared, showing off a picture of the digital world. ShadowSeraphimon began his usual spiel of what this war meant for digimonkind, and their goal to make tomorrow a better place for digimon. Then with a button press on a tiny device, he ran general reports on their group and the other sides. It was a tie between the three. Cherubimon had taken most of the land from the first half of the war. But as ShadowSeraphimon came in; Cherubimon had to stop and start defending his himself. Ophanimon's side was doing much better this year. Perhaps of how the children generals were getting more mature over the years, Medicinimon hypothesized. They, as a group, were doing their best against the attacks from Ophanimon and Cherubimon.

Then Quakemon expanded on what ShadowSeraphimon said about their faction. He started with him, and the other army leaders' results. Most wouldn't usually listen to the nasal voice of Quakemon and his horrible speech impediment. But the last time someone did that, they ended up with a migraine and a crushed head. Plus he was a legendary warrior, and the other two, Marinebullmon and Vulturemon, believed in him.

Next was Spiralmon. His wings stuck to each other. His antenna flicked as he walked up to the screen. Marinebullmon gave him the remote and patted him on the back. Spiralmon straightened his back towards the small crowd of ultimate and mega digimon. The insect clicked the button on the remote. It didn't take any pressure off him, but he liked the noise of a clicking button. The screen fluttered to another slide, and explained in his usual style. Trying to keep it engaging and making side comments and remarks. "Unfortunately, during this month, we lost one of our snipers to a certain individual. Adding more to our death total."

Marinebullmon rolled his metaphorical eyes at Spiralmon's statement. However, Vulturemon's interest peaked. "Certain individual? Who do you mean by that?"

"It's mean that anyone in the factions did not killed the sniper. But someone not affiliated with any side." Medicinimon explained, than he barked with laughter, "Killed by an outsider! That's got to hurt."

"Indeed, I heard it hurt. He was burned alive and punched through his digicore." Spiralmon stated, examining everyone's reaction.

The rest sat there in silence. Some were confused, wondering what Spiralmon was getting at. Medicinimon, and Quakemon, however, clearly knew what he was talking about. Quakemon glared at him like Spiralmon opened an old wound. Medicinimon looked shocked, as if Spiralmon was to die if he dare mention it. ShadowSeraphimon's face was unreadable, covered his helmet. But he had a reaction. He stood up: "Bid me, who is't this digimon?"

Spiralmon stared at his leader. A demonic digimon that had killed many without a thought or care. He could crush Spiralmon's head in an instant. SO Spiralmon obliged and dropped, "The warrior of flame. He's back, sir."
"It can't be!" Vulturemon claimed, getting off his seat and slamming a fist down, "He was dead for three years. How in the world are you going to back up such a proposal?!"

"Not only that there, but ShadowSeraphimon saw 'is death. It been a human child that there 'e killed. Human children do not get to be reborn into a digiegg, Spiralmon." Marinebullmon added.

Spiralmon smiled and tilted his head. "Well, I have the evidence from a Splashmon of my division. One of you saw him today."

Medicinimon grinded his teeth as he craned his neck towards the fellow general. "Oh! That explains why I saw Splashmon in one of my glass jars. I needed that, y'know!" He growled.

"You saw worse, doctor." Spiralmon replied.

"Oh, enough!" Quakemon yelled.

The legendary warrior grabbed Spiralmon's neck, sending him down to face the six foot troll. "Where is Flamemon now? Me will disregard any other plan if means killing the kid back to a digiegg!"

"As far as I know, the warrior of fire was last seen with the warriors of darkness, water, and wood. He had to been a rookie at least, and to be going with Loweemon as far as I know." Spiralmon stuttered.

"So now, Ophanimon's side got six warriors, be that there what ye be tellin' me??" Marinebullmon said.

All eyes were fixed firmly on him. All with a venomous glare, even from a certain masked digimon. The entire group could here and now maul him to death. Medcinimon would find a him a worthy specimon of research, Quakemon would use him as a test dummy, Vulturemon and Marinebull would plainly torture him, Conductormon can have his last laugh and prank, and ShadowSeraphimon would have not cared if Spiralmon can't find a way out of here. "Listen-"

"I shall not beest listening anymore, Spiralmon," ShadowSeraphimon stated, "I asketh thee anon yond thee findeth the warrior of fireth soon. If he can regain his might, the tides art certes to turneth to out greatest enemies. Understood?"

"I understand." Spiralmon said, being let go from the fusion's grip.

ShadowSeraphimon turned to the others. "I suggesteth thee lot doth as well."

Everyone in the room agreed. Nodding their heads and vocally saying it. Those who had stood up sat back in their seats. Spiralmon took a sip of wine as the tension died down. He relaxed his shoulders. Then they stood back up as the door flew open. Weddinmon, the best chef they ever had, entered, proudly announcing herself. A couple of Shortmon held plates of food from all around the world. She said hi to the men in the room, even to Vulturemon, who wasn't paying any attention to her face. As she left with a hearty laugh, ShadowSeraphimon took his helmet, revealing a fair face with black hair and dazzling green eyes. "Gentlemen," He said, raising his glass, "A toast to the glory of our empire and to the future of digimonkind."

The rest took their glass up to meet ShadowSeraphimon's. "A toast!" They all said on unison, either chugged or sipped.

The group soon dug into the plates of delicious food. Spiralmon pecked at the chicken wings that sat by his plate. The group seemed to have moved on as they chomped, consumed, and swallowed the meals in front of them. Quakemon and Medicinimon were sharing edible digigems for the two. Between the two mon shouting was ShadowSeraphimon eating his shaksuka. Vulturemon practiced horrible manners with said Conductormon, trying toget himself drunk with a cranberry cocktail. Said it made him more smart, Spiralmon heard. MarineBullmon was silently biting his fish fillet. The mollusk glanced up at Spiralmon. Unfortunately, Spiralmon and MarineBullmon made eye contact. Spiralmon darted his eyes away, but it was too late. MarineBullmon whispered loud enough for Spiralmon and only Spiralmon to hear. "Are you ok, matey?"

His eyes widened, and his body went through the five stages of grief. Not a question he has heard in what, nine years? Stared back at MarineBullmon, a question that threw him off. But why should he know? It was none of his business what he felt. "I don't think that's relevant here." Spiralmon stated, biting a chunk off his chicken wings. He didn't eat, just chewed on it like stim toy.

MarineBullmon narrowed eyes that weren't there. They said, "What's relevant to a conversation o'er the dinner table?"

Spiralmon continued chewing on the chicken wing bite. "You're worried about the warrior o' flame. Nobody wants to feel like they did somethin' wrong when it's out o' their control. We're all worried about there damn to depths kid doin' a thin' that there could cost us the war."

"I don't understand why you should intrude on what I feel about the situation." Spiralmon spat, louder than he should.

As the table stared at him, of either confusion and anger. Marinebullmon tried to continue, but Spiralmon took his plate and slammed the chair back to the table. He left the room. Rest of the table heard ShadowSeraphimon's groaning. Medicinimon placed his hand on the demon's shoulder. "This war shall either beest mine own revival or the deletion of me." The demon lord whispered under his breath.

"Don't worry, no matter what, you'll be remembered as a legend." Medicinimon said 

All ShadowSeraphimon responded with was a glare. Medicinimon had a forced smile on him. He sighed, and let his hand off the green, gold, and white armor. "Listen, Ophanimon has numbers, but numbers no mean anything if can't use properly. Ophanimon has power of the world but can't use it to fusion evolve her other warriors.". Quakemon added.

ShadowSeraphimon chuckled. Once in a while, Quakemon was extremely right. It was a miracle to have him on his team. He wouldn't have to be the only legendary warrior on his side. Even if he also had Medicinimon, Quakemon proved to be quick-witted and a superb listener. The two were vital to his cause.

Spiralmon came back, holding an empty plate. He went to his seat as if the past minute didn't happen. With that, practically nothing else of value happened. Spiralmon finished off where he left off and the others did their part. All summaries that Quakemon heard a thousand times before. Earlier than expected, the meeting had ended. The others had now new information that he didn't already know. Conductor sped out of the room, clearly had an idea. Vulturemon and MarineBullmon walked, shoulder to shoulder, talking to each other. Spiralmon left his chair last. ShadowSeraphimon strutted up to Spiralmon, his helmet back on. "Bid me, what hath happened with MarineBullmon? To maketh thee act liketh a child level?" ShadowSeraphimon asked.

"I was not acting like a child, sir. MarineBullmon was poking their nose where it doesn't belong." Spiralmon explained, standing tall to ShadowSeraphimon's chin.

ShadowSeraphimon said nothing. He hummed and walked to the door. Yet Spiralmon spoke more, "I will not fail you, my lord."

The demon lord stopped and turned to face Spiralmon. Spiralmon continued, "I will bring the fire warrior's head to your doorstep."

Spiralmon went by ShadowSeraphimon. The insectoid left the three highest members in the room. "I will bring the warrior of fire's head. He's moving to try and slay the warrior of fire." ShadowSeraphimon realized, sitting in the nearest chair.

"At the very least, he'll do a better job at it then Gigasmon." Medicinimon stated.

ShadowSeraphimon howled with laughter, and Quakemon swerved their head towards Medicinimon. "Hey! Me had him in mine grasps. Fire against Earth. You wanna knows what wins most of time." Quakemon explained, arms crossed.

Medicinimon giggled in a low, raspy tone. ShadowSeraphimon turned to face the two digimon, playfully argued over a fight that happened a long time ago. The demon lord added in, "Of course, the hasn't hath lost the fight. A child more smarter than thee." (Quakemon gave him a glare that'll make Lucemon cry.) "But thee anon has't more might than yond sniveling child stuck in a digimon's corpse. I suggoseth he's joyous anon."

Quakemon slammed both fists together, creating a small shockwave. "I can crush the kid if Spiralmon can't. Then have the digiegg hidden away unlike before."

"Forsooth. I hasn't madeth a foolish mistake to never checketh for a digiegg. I shouldst has't known yond the peat and the world wouldst not beest content with having that gent beest completely deceased. That gent wast the first to digivolve. That gent hath known the might of a legendary warrior more intimately. But we shall rectify yond mistake, right?"

ShadowSeraphimon stated, clutching his fist.

Medicinimon nodded, tapping his clawed fingers on the table. A click following it, an uncanny wide smile. "A human turned digimon. I understand brutal murder for this problem. But I do wonder how much human remains in that digimon. Does this digimon actually cross the line between human and digimon? So many answers, so little time." He said, a tint of revolting cheeriness.

Quakemon smiled. "Maybe. But other human children do good too."

The leech agreed, his syringe tail lightly tapped against the ground. "They couldst. They'll beest better subjects than thee has't." ShadowSeraphimon stood, then began cackling. "Oh, those children shall ruleth the day they crossed me!"