Digimon Ruins of Babylon

[Daneel Rush]

Disclaimer: Digimon does not belong to me. That is a good thing.

********************************

RUINS OF BABYLON
Chapter 01
The World That Still Spun Around That Boy û Amphitheater of Anarchy

********************************

ôWe have another successful Realization, sir!ö Ootori Reika announced from her high seat in the middle of the Hypnos operation room. The perpetually dark abode flashed with only the light projected by the screens that seemingly made the entirety of the room. What had once been a 2D representation of the digital networks was replaced by a map of the bustling metropolis of Tokyo.

ôPut it on the screen,ö Mitsuo Yamaki demanded in a restrained growl, his uneasy right hand fiddling with a worn-our steel lighter.

ôSir, I canÆt find the Wild One anywhere!ö Onodera Megumi almost desperately announced as her hands blurred in front of her, alternating between the keyboard over her thighs and the touchscreens in front of her and to the sides.

Watching her from the floor two meters below, Katou Juri thought the Hypnos technicians looked rather cool when they were at work. For the first time ever, she considered Hypnos as a career path.

Unnecessarilyùit was a habit that developed strangely quicklyù, Juri brought her right hand to the wireless headset attached to her right ear. At the same time, she adjusted her left arm so that it could take the full weight of the large red-pink clam-like Digimon she called partner, Shakomon.

On top of her head, the former Digi-Enthelechy, Calumon, struggled not to slip off. Juri winced a little when the little beast pulled at her hair to get a better grip, but ignored it for what she knew was truly important.

ôRuki, do you see anything?ö

ôOther than Chrysalimon every-goddamn-where, no, I donÆt see a thing!ö

The conference call was coordinated by HypnosÆ private network, and the same voice Juri could hear through her headset filled the entire room as well. It was a simple thing, but it was an important element in the renewed cooperation efforts between Hypnos and the Digimon Tamers after that day.

Juri frowned. RukiÆs statement was certainly odd. The tracer on Sakuyamon indicated that she was pretty much on top of the Wild Oneà

She quickly noticed the oddity in the way the unknown Digimon moved. It simply rushed past streets and blocks as if they were not even there. It was as if it could walk through walls, butà

ôOf course,ö she whispered to herself before raising her voice.

ôOnodera-san, please show me theùö

The screen changed before she could finish her instruction. The map of the streets of Tokyo had been replaced by an even more complex network of wide paths and gigantic chambers: the cityÆs water flow control system. Looking to the side, Juri noticed Yamaki pulling his right hand off a touchscreen.

There was something roughly resembling a smirk on the manÆs otherwise steeled face.

Juri nodded. Great minds think alike, and all that.

ôRight!ö She turned her attention back to the ones connected in the conference call with her mobile. ôRuki, the DigimonÆs traveling through the water control system!ö

ôGot it. In which direction? IÆll intercept itùö

ôWe have another confirmed Realization!ö the red-headed technician, Reika, loudly announced from the center of the room.

ôRuki!ö

ôI heard that, Katou. Where is it?ö

Onodera Megumi answered that question even without being cued.

ôA hundred and forty meters east from here!ö

ôEh?ö Juri uttered. ôIsnÆt the Keio Plaza in that direction?ö

ôWe donÆt see anything from here.ö The clear voice of Lee Jenrya replaced RukiÆs in JuriÆs right ear and the roomÆs speaker system. SaintGalgomon was on the buildingÆs heliport, so he had a vantage view of the entirety of Shinjuku Ward. ôThere are no signs of additional Realizations hereùaw CRAP!ö

Juri did not even need to ask. A frighteningly close explosion rocked the entire building and made the power in the room waver for a few moments. The girl in the Hypnos control room did not even pay attention to the fact that those last two words came from more than one person.

ôWhat theà!?ö Juri shrieked. ôLee-kun!ö

ôI saw it!ö Ruki spoke instead. ôIt came from the sky! ItÆs attacking from over the clouds!ö

ôDamage report, now!ö Yamaki howled.

More information came from the Tamer-Digimon pair on the heliport.

ôIt hit Kumano Shrine!ö Jenrya announced. ôDid you hear me!? It hit Kumano Shrine! Send the rescue teams over there right now!ö

ôWeÆre on it,ö Yamaki responded with far less urgency in his voice than he actually felt. ôDeal with whatever did that before it kills us all!ö

ôOn my way!ö Ruki announced. ôIÆd recognize that beam attack anywhere! I didnÆt know that bastard could fly! I have a score to settle with him!ö

ôAlright,ö Juri agreed with RukiÆs change of plans.

ôIn that case,ö Akiyama Ryo made act of presence. ôIÆll tackle the one undergroundùö

ôNo!ö Juri immediately retorted. ôPlease stay with SaintGalgomon! Shao-chan!ö

ôHai~!ö The youngest of the ôofficialö Digimon TamersùImpmonÆs partners were not part of the rosterùcheerfully announced herself. ôLee Shiuchon here~!ö

ôPlease follow my directions to intercept the Digimon traveling underground! WeÆll be counting on you!ö

ôUm! Leave it to us!ö

ôComplete power failure in Minato Ward!ö A male technician suddenly announced from the edge of the room. ôChuuou is at 80 percent! Chiyoda at sixty-threeùah! We just lost Sumida as well! I repeat, complete power outage in Sumida!ö

Juri did not flinch at the sudden attention she got from Yamaki.

ôYou have to do something about those, Tamers!ö

ôJuri-sanàö

ôNo,ö the girl insisted. ôLee-kun, I know youÆre not ready yet, so please hold on a little bit longer.ö

She moved her gaze to return YamakiÆs concealed stare without hesitation.

ôI believe in Hirokazu-kun. He said he could do it, so I will trust him.ö

ôJuri.ö

Many human eyes fell on the one Digimon in the room who had stayed silent since the very beginning of the crisis.

ôThose Chrysalimon are not only draining the cityÆs power,ö Impmon explaine as he stepped forward. ôTheyÆre using the power lines to break down all digital equipment and absorb all kinds of data.ö

The small demon Digimon looked up at the diagram showing the extent of the damage to the twenty-three special wards of Tokyo. Six whole wardsùShinagawa, Minata, Koutou, Edogawa, Katsushika and Sumidaùwere already completely lost.

ôIf those things merge into Armagemon, it will be a disaster far worse than D-Reaper.ö

ôI know,ö Juri admitted. Her expression was unflinching, even in the face of disasters coming from every direction. ôBut I still choose to believe.ö

She nodded to herself before turning her eyes to the large screens presenting the development of the crisis in real-time.

ôWe can do this.ö

Against the threats from the Dark Area, the Digimon Tamers fought valiantly and unhesitatingly.

To protect the world that boy sacrificed himself for.

 

[DeathGod666]

damn...do they have anyone up to that level?

He's like what? Upper-Class Ultimate no?

 

[RJL333]

Disclaimer: Digimon does not belong to me. That is a good thing.

Lies, would be a great thing.
Glad that it is starting up again.

 

[ranmatoushin]

Disclaimer: Digimon does not belong to me. That is a good thing.

Lies, would be a great thing.
Glad that it is starting up again.

Agreed, i would pay a Lot to see a season of digimon with a plotline writen by you Rush, the battles would be nothing less than awesome.

 

[sytang]

While I agree that a season written by Rush would be awesome... it wouldn't tide over well. You see, Digimon is a franchise aimed mainly towards children, if GoB got animated... it would traumatize a bunch of children with scenes such as: Takato bleeding from every orifice of his body, Ruki getting mangled by Leviamon, Takako (in general), and many others.

If he was forced to dumb down those scenes, then the writing quality would decrease as well.

If he aimed the series towards an older audience... then the TV ratings/toy sales would probably go down and it'll get cancelled due to executive meddling. D:


But I'm getting off topic.

Anyway, it's nice to see a new snippet. I assume Barbamon's in charge of the attack since Lucemon stepped out of the game temporarily and all. Plus, the whole attacking multiple locations at once strategy seems to fit his earlier style.

Though I have to wonder, did Juri explain the situation about Lucemon and the other Demon Lords to the other Tamers? Since the other Tamers did see Magus Mode carry her, and they probably asked questions about her new Digivice and partner.

Hopefully, we'll get a flashback or something.

 

[ranmatoushin]

While I agree that a season written by Rush would be awesome... it wouldn't tide over well. You see, Digimon is a franchise aimed mainly towards children, if GoB got animated... it would traumatize a bunch of children with scenes such as: Takato bleeding from every orifice of his body, Ruki getting mangled by Leviamon, Takako (in general), and many others.

If he was forced to dumb down those scenes, then the writing quality would decrease as well.

If he aimed the series towards an older audience... then the TV ratings/toy sales would probably go down and it'll get cancelled due to executive meddling. D:


But I'm getting off topic.

Anyway, it's nice to see a new snippet. I assume Barbamon's in charge of the attack since Lucemon stepped out of the game temporarily and all. Plus, the whole attacking multiple locations at once strategy seems to fit his earlier style.

Though I have to wonder, did Juri explain the situation about Lucemon and the other Demon Lords to the other Tamers? Since the other Tamers did see Magus Mode carry her, and they probably asked questions about her new Digivice and partner.

Hopefully, we'll get a flashback or something.

True, Gardens of Babylon wouldn't make a very good childrens show, but Tamers Forever would be mostly tame enough, and if Rush had the job i'm sure he'd rise to the occasion.

 

[Daneel Rush]

SaintGalgomon stood on the Metropolitan Government BuildingÆs heliport. He was not alone; Justimon stood with arms cross in front of his chest some distance away. However, the huge Machine Digimon was the one with a mission.

Jenrya had always known that SaintGalgomon was not a Digimon for urban warfare. Its destructive power was simply too reckless and risked unacceptable collateral damage. That day, for example, he could have easily unleashed his Burst Shot to eradicate the swarm of Chrysalimon flooding the streets. However, if he do that, he would probably take out half of Tokyo with them.

JuriÆs idea was simple. She called it ôaimingö.

The original Burst Shot was like carpet bombing. However, was it not possible for him to calculate the trajectory and destination of every single shot before unleashing the barrage?

The answer turned out to be ôyesö. It is possible. It only takes time.

ôNot yetàö the boy muttered to himself within the enveloping warmth of SaintGalgomonÆs core. The Chrysalimon were small but did not move much, preferring to lump around the power lines to feed off them like babies suckling on their motherÆs teats.

However, the Chrysalimon were HirokazuÆs duty. SaintGalgomon would only fire if RukiÆs classmate failed. After all, there was no guarantee this ôtargetingö thing would actually work.

Juri trusted the boy. Jenrya wanted to trust as well, butàit was hard.

ôDonÆt worry,ö the former-Tamer-turned-Tameragain had said to ease him. ôHirokazu-kun has the best motivation to succeed.ö

ôDonÆt we allà?ö

ôJenà?ö

ôAh, noàitÆs nothing,ö the boy spoke a bit louder, having drawn his partnerÆs attention.

ôI hope we can wrap things up here soon,ö Terriermon commented. ôI was in the middle of updating my blog, you know.ö

Even without him, Lee Jenrya and Terriermon would fight.

To protect the whole world from the pain he took upon himself.

***********************************

ôRuki, IÆm really sorry; we canÆt even send satellite imagesùö

ôItÆs okay, Katou; itÆs BelialVamdemon,ö Ruki interrupted. She had a rather unsettling grin on her face. ôI feel it in my guts.ö

ôDo you need support? I could have SaintGalùö

ôNo.ö A second interruption. ôStick to your plan. ItÆs a good plan. IÆll take care of things here; you look after everyone down there.ö

ôAhàum. Thank you.ö

It was a strange yet somehow natural turn of events, how Katou Juri became their unofficial ôleaderö after that day. She simply knew more: about the Game, about the Dark Area and the enemies they would face.

Juri was not Takato, and she intended to keep the secrets to a minimum. From her, they learned of the Seven Great Demon Lords. Normally, they would be imprisoned in the Dark Area of the Digital World, but they had somehow found a way into the material world by attaching themselves to ôsuitable hosts.ö They learned that these seven Digimon were amongst the most powerful Ultimates, and their leader, Lucemon Falldown Mode, possessed power which far surpassed that of ôordinaryö Ultimates. Furthermore, they possessed the fearsome ôCrests of Deadly Sins,ö which gave them further unique and dangerous abilities.

The Seven Great Demon Lords were playing a ôGame.ö The objective of the Game was to kill Matsuda Takato. The prize was the incredible power in TakatoÆs data. It was this power which allowed Takato to fight beyond what their card-based enhancement allowed Jenrya and Ruki to do. The Game had started at the beginning of the school term, but Juri claimed that Takato had caught the attention of Lucemon long before that day.

Juri explained to them that she had been possessed by Leviamon of Envy. However, Takato had defeated it, released her from its invasion, claimed its Crest of Envy for himself, and used LeviamonÆs remaining data to create a Digi-Egg.

There were things Juri could not answer; things only Takato knew. There were also things Juri chose not to reveal, like HegemonÆs Sovereignty and The Black Covenant. However, Juri did not hesitate to voice her thoughts.

She hypothesized that, just like she was a suitable host for Leviamon of Envy, Takato would be the ideal host for Lucemon of Pride. However, the power that contained the greatest of the Demon Lords was stronger than that which contained the others, and thus it could not be overcome in the same way they had done so. Unfortunately, Juri did not know what conditions had to be fulfilled for Lucemon to take over TakatoÆs body.

Ruki did not know everything. She was not really interested in knowing everything.

That was the æfightÆ Takato had been fighting all this time, in secret.

How long had he been involved in that?

Could it be that the same boy who cooked miso soup for her, who allowed himself to be dragged to the arcades when she felt like loosening up a little, who even went as far as to cross-dress only to pull pranks on heràcould it be that, at the same time, that boy was crying in pain and struggling for his life, all by himself?

"Why not?"

On ChristmasÆ Eve, he was drawing Lucemon, was he not?

"àfor as long as I'm alive, Ruki."

Those words he said on ValentineÆs Dayàhe had truly meant them, in every way. Back then, she had not seen them in their full significance: to Takato, the end of his life was something palpable; a looming threat that could become truth very soon.

But, until that day arrived, he swore to stay by her side.

"HehàRuki, reallyànever change. Stay like this forever."

ôStop itàö Ruki whispered within the core of Sakuyamon as she flew towards the stratosphere.

ôRukià?ö her partner inquired, but she was completely ignored.

This time, she could hear it: the dreadful, hated voice which confirmed her suspicions.

ôPandemonium Flame!ö

Two identical cannons of high-temperature radiation merged into one. It was but an instant, but they still failed to devour Sakuyamon. Instead, they clashed against a barrier she conjured; the same barrier that attack had broken through the first time they clashed.

But that would not happen this time.

Matsuda Takato had made sure of it.

Within the translucent spherical barrier, three golden concentric circles appeared along its surface. There were words written between the two larger circles.

æAPO PANTOS KAKODAIMONOSÆ.

HypnosÆ research had revealed it was Romanized Greek. It meant something like ôaway every evil spirit.ö

This was Matsuda TakatoÆs last act in this world. He put the last of his power into a spell to protect his pieces while he was gone.

A persistent, contingent enhancement spell that increases both offensive and defensive power against æFallen AngelÆ, æUndeadÆ and all æDarkÆ, æDevilÆ and æDemonÆ-type Digimon.

A spell that makes them stronger against exactly the kind of enemies they would be fighting.

ôStopàö Ruki repeated. The barrier was holding without wavering. Type Advantage no longer meant a thing.

With a sorrowful war cry and unshed tears in her eyes, Sakuyamon continued her inexorable advance, undeterred by the high-temperature beam attempting to obliterate her. The barrier stood strong all around her, and the God Man Digimon approached her enemy by speeding her way through the beam itself.

ôStop acting like you need to protect us all!ö she cried out, overcome by regret, doubt and a feeling of hollowness she could not name.

ôStupid Gogglehead!ö

Even without him, Makino Ruki would fight.

For the sake of those peaceful days they once shared.

Even if they were nothing but lies.

 

[sworded]

So did either Juri or Impmon reveal his true status, or is that one of the secrets she held back?

And of course I'm really curious as to when Takato is going to finish repairing/reformating himself and what he'll be like afterwards.

 

[RJL333]

Still like it.

ôDonÆt worry,ö the former-Tamer-turned-Tameragain
I believe a space is missing between the two last words.

 

[Daneel Rush]

The Sodegaura Power Plant can be found on the other side of Tokyo Bay from the metropolis, on the western coast of Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. It is an impressive thing; a gas-fired power station with an installed operated capacity of 3600 MW. It stands next to the Anegasaki Power Plant, another 3600 MW monster.

But it was in the first one where Shiota Hirokazu was building his counterattack on the swarm or Chrysalimon striking his city through the gigantic power network. If the Chrysalimon were using the power network to tap into all connected electronic devices, they would then use the same network to reach them all without exception. æA killer indigestionÆ, he had called it, and everybody had groaned.

Merely meters away, confused and scared plant workers quietly watched him at work.

Of course, at the moment he was not æjustÆ Shiota Hirokazu.

LEVEL: 888 SYSTEM: BEATRICE CODE: DREAMS
CAUTION! PARADISE LEVEL 9

Those were the words he could read, circling him around the warm comfort of HiAndromonÆs kernel. One of the Wild Bunch, Daisy he believed, had immediately identified the reference to DanteÆs La Divina Commedia, the greatest work of Italian literature. Beatrice was the authorÆs ideal woman, as well as his guide through the numerous stations of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. At the end of the tale, Beatrice becomes one with the rose representing the immense love of God, and Dante is led by Saint Bernard to meet with the Creator Himself.

In the tale, God is represented by three concentric circles, all of them equally large and æoccupying the same spaceÆ. It made an interesting contrast with the three concentric circles of different sizes in TakatoÆs Crest of Dreams. Daisy then suggested it could mean æthe power of a False GodÆ. Babel had called it an æincomplete Seder HishtalshelusÆ, but nobody really got that one, except apparently Shibumi, who claimed to be surprised to find out Babel was Jewish. Babel denied it, though, furthering the confusion of everybody else.

Hirokazu watched the floating letters around him while his partner handled the bulk of the work. They appeared on his Digivice whenever he initiated the evolution process as well. Al those who had been present on that day had received the gift of æprotectionÆ from Takato in his last conscious breaths. Hirokazu had received an additional gift; the one thing he had wished for the most.

Finally, at long last, he could truly and proudly stand on the front lines.

ôNot like thisàö he whispered miserably.

He had refused to see Takato in the hospital. After watching his agony and how he æbrokeÆ before their eyes, it was too much. Ruki called him coward, and he did not disagree.

He could not bear the idea of looking at the broken form of his friend a second time.

He could not bear the thought of that being the price for his new power to evolve to the Ultimate level.

Shiota Hirokazu had always wished to become one with his partner, but never like this.

Regardless, Shiota Hirokazu still fought, even without that boy.

Making full use of the power he received from that boy who cannot fight anymore.

**********************************************

ôI thought the smell would be worseàö Lee Shiuchon pondered under the dim underground lights.

Lopmon chuckled quietly. ôShao, weÆre not in a seweràwhoa.ö

It was not a sewer, indeed.

The small duo watched in awe as the admittedly-already-huge waterway gave way to the biggest enclosed space either of them had ever been into. The largest pillars of reinforced concrete she had ever seenùthough admittedly she had never really seen many of thoseùsupported the weight of the colossal chamber and the ground over it.

Between the columns, somethingùno, a collection of somethingsùslithered with the quietness of a predator, its full form partially concealed by the poor illumination.

A terrifying hissing sound echoed throughout the chamber, making the true nature of the digital invader awfully obvious.

ôShaoàö Lopmon muttered warily.

ôUhhàö the girl willed herself to stop trembling. She did not like snakes very much. ôNo holding back, huh?ö

As if in response to the young TamerÆs intent, the patient slithering abruptly changed into a blur of motion, unreasonably fast for something so large. Merely a moment later, a huge silver and scaled head was looming over the two; its gleaming yellow eyes looking down upon them with blatantly obvious hunger.

The girlÆs pink Digivice finished the joke by beeping and announcing its recognition of the threat.

Orochimon
Demon Dragon
Perfect Level
Virus Type
Attacks: Ame no Murakumo, Sake Breath

It said.

ôAahàahahaàhahaàö Shiuchon laughed nervously as she sweatdropped. ôUmmàhi?ö

The giant snake head inched back a bit before ramming the place where the girl and her Lopmon stood.

The impact, however, was blocked by a beautiful burst of golden radiance.

LEVEL: 888 SYSTEM: BEATRICE CODE: DREAMS
CAUTION! PARADISE LEVEL 9

The concentric circles of the Crest of Dreams grew larger and larger beyond the spot where Shiuchon had been standing, and their light elicited a howl from all eight heads of the Demon Dragon Digimon.

MATRIX EVOLUTION

ôLopmon, evolve toà!ö

A tall figure, far taller than any human, leapt out of the then-receding light, effortlessly landing on top of the nearest snake head.

ôàCherubimon.ö

It was the standard Ultimate evolution of Lopmon and one of the Three Great Angel Digimon. Had Takato been able to use the power of the æAeon of HorusÆ, then perhaps the fusion of Shiuchon and her partner would have resulted in something completely different. However, his blessing was still deeply entrenched in the æAeon of OsirisÆ, which ælimitedÆ the possibilities to the æstandard, existing choicesÆ.

Shiuchon did not know this and, even if she knew, she probably would not understand it. She probably would not care, either.

She was a goddamn Ultimate.

ôHai, hai!ö the girl exclaimed gleeful in her new, rabbit-like form. Two white spears of heavenly lightning came into being in her overly large hands. ôWould you please nicely line up to be beaten? Pwetty pwease?ö

Digimon Tamer Lee Shiuchon enjoyed the thrill of power a little too much.

But even that young girl gave it her all and fought in his absence.

To show her gratitude to that boy who put that gift of power in her hands.

 

[NeoSeether]

Been meaning to ask, but how long of a time-skip took place between the closing events of 'Gardens of Babylon' and the initial scenes here?

 

[Daneel Rush]

Twenty minutes later, Katou Juri picked the last white piece off the board.

ôAnd with BelialVamdemonÆs retreat, this is our victory.ö

She was responded to with effusive clapping.

ôYay! Pachi-pachi-pachi-pachi!ö

Juri made an odd expression at the unexpected onomatopoeias.

She had never visited the ôformerö Game Room, so there was no way for her to know almost everything was different. What once had been an almost-claustrophobic circular kiosk with a gothic-church-of-decadence kind of feeling had for some reason become a more spacious room. Their Game Room was built with a wood lattice patched together with feltùit was a yurt, the traditional portable dwelling used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia.

Her opponent rested comfortably and majestically on a bed of cushions with most ornate embroidery, truly like the queen of an exotic land of fantasy.

ôExcellent, Katou Juri!ö the Avatar of Lust honestly praised the young teen. ôYou have really learned how to use your pieces most efficiently!ö

Lilithmon grinned naughtily.

ôI think you have been most underestimated all these years.ö

Juri nodded curtly, only barely acknowledging the praise.

ôPlease do not call them that. They are not my pieces.ö

The Demon Lord shrugged and relaxed on her bed of exotic cushions.

ôAre you even taking this seriously?ö the girl remarked somewhat scathingly.

The smiling Digimon raised an eyebrow.

ôDo you want me to take it seriously?ö

It may sound cliched, but a chill scurried its way down JuriÆs spine. It was a simple, straight-forward and frighteningly effective reminder of the fundamental difference between Digimon and humans.

ôYouÆre the one whoÆs taking things too seriously, Katou,ö Lilithmon countered. ôYou need to be aware of your position. WeÆre just stand-ins for onii-sama and Lord Lucemon.ö

ôOnii-sama.ö

Lilithmon demurely covered her lips with a single hand, as if acknowledging an indiscretion.

ôItÆs not like I donÆt know whose body youÆre using.ö

ôAra, now thatÆs awfully rude,ö the lusty demoness complained. ôTakako-chan and I have reached a most satisfactory agreement. We are of one mind and one soul.ö

ôI highly doubt that,ö a grimacing Juri responded. Lilithmon shrugged, and the human girl found her eyes drawn to the unnatural bounce of the DigimonÆs generous breasts.

ôThink what you want. Soàö

LilithmonÆs gaze narrowed and Juri shuddered as she became the target of a chillingly salacious stare.

ôWill you leave now or will you stick around for moreàphysical games?ö

ôBuh!ö A strange sound escaped the outraged and embarrassed girlÆs lips. ôWhaùwhat are you saying!?ö

ôWhy not?ö the Demon Lady proposed. ôWe could call it practice for when we get onii-sama to join us.ö

Katou Juri was swiftly betrayed by her own mind. Then by her face, which became a beacon of red amidst the cacophony of colors around them.

ôWhaùwith Takato-kuùno, Iàah, aaaaahhhàö

The Mistress of Darkness laughed heartily at the sight of a pitiful young teenage girl burying her face in her hands with shame.

*****************************************

ôOh, thank you for the hard work, Katou, Doll.ö

Kuroyama Takako greeted the two girls the moment they stepped into the hospital room. For obvious reasonsùto people in the knowù, Takako no longer called Juri ôLizard.ö

RukiÆs nickname was there to stay, though, and it remained unexplained and utterly annoying to the ôdollö in question.

It had taken a lot of effort for Ruki not to stomp her way to the Kuroyama mansion and strangle the girl the moment she was told her true identity. Juri had to remind her of what she had been capable of as Leviamonùthe fact Ruki and Jenrya survived that day was nothing short of miraculous.

The truth of RukiÆs actual death and æreconstructionÆ Juri would take with her to the grave if she could help it. She had spent hours and hours hopelessly crying on her bed upon coming face to face with the realization of what Makino Ruki truly was. She could not find it in herself to reveal that secret.

They knewùand Takako had admittedùthat Lilithmon is weaker than Leviamon.

ôThat does not mean, however, that I could not kill you all if I really wanted to.ö

She had said.

ôWe won. Again,ö Ruki retorted in as smug a tone as she could muster. Which was very smug.

Takako grinned and nodded, turning her gaze away from the two girls.

ôThen you should thank him.ö

Peacefully, disconnected from the world of strife which surrounded him, the boy slept.

It is the second week of August.

Almost three and a half months have passed since that day.

 

[SleepyNin]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this is a sequel right?

 

[sytang]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this is a sequel right?

...At the end of Gardens of Babylon, it says

The Game continues in ôRuins of Babylon.ö

Or have you not read that?

---

Anyway, it's good to see this updated. What is Lucemon doing during all this anyway? He said it was going to "tighten his leash" on Barbamon, but surely that doesn't take 3 months.

 

[Ryuugi]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this is a sequel right?

...At the end of Gardens of Babylon, it says

The Game continues in ôRuins of Babylon.ö

Or have you not read that?

---

Anyway, it's good to see this updated. What is Lucemon doing during all this anyway? He said it was going to "tighten his leash" on Barbamon, but surely that doesn't take 3 months.

His only opponent is Takato, remember?

Takato's unconscious, so he doesn't give a damn at the moment.

...Or that's what I assume.

 

[SleepyNin]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this is a sequel right?

...At the end of Gardens of Babylon, it says

The Game continues in ôRuins of Babylon.ö

Or have you not read that?

Nah, never heard of it. That's why I was confused.

 

[sytang]

His only opponent is Takato, remember?

Takato's unconscious, so he doesn't give a damn at the moment.

...Or that's what I assume.

Yes, I know Lucemon doesn't give a damn about the game at the moment. That's why I'm asking what he's doing now. We know Lucemon was playing games similar to the one that's going on right now before meeting Takato. He's played at least two other people before Takato (including GranDracmon), and it's implied he's played a lot more.

And I'm assuming the reason why he played those games was because he got bored of sitting around doing nothing in the Dark Area. And I can't really see this Lucemon do nothing for 3 months and I'm wondering what he's doing at the moment.

Is he preparing some sort of plan for Takato once the 'real' game resumes?

Is he trying to find out what exactly Takato did with his crest?

Or is he just screwing around and playing video games?

 

[shioran toushin]

he is beating barbamon black and blue, reinstating the frear of him into his army for the lulz while napping and screwing with reality (and creating abominations like MLP lemon fics) while Takato awakes and his amusement scale goes up.

 

[Crystal shadow]

Hooray, I feared this was dead. Very happy to see more of that.

My satisfaction stated Ill go back to lurking, thanks for the update

 

[KageX]

Hey Daneel, check this out

<a href='http://forum.fanfiction.net/topic/88086/41169280/83/' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://forum.fanfiction.net/topic/88086/41169280/83/</a>

Dammit I couldn't get the write post so I just posted a link to the page.
Well searching for his name on the page isn't that difficult.

Gabriel Blessing just dressed up Kuu as Sayuri in order to break the fourth wall and explain that he was starting the next chapter of In Flight. I guess he is a fan of yours.

 

[Daneel Rush]

ôHey, Gogglehead,ö Ruki said, having taken TakakoÆs seat next to the hospital bed.

ôVery well! I am kind, so I will give you your privacy, doll. Serve him properly!ö

ôYour sister is incredibly annoying,ö the redhead muttered between gritted teeth. ôItÆs like sheÆs trying to outdo herself every single day.ö

She had utterly hated the first six weeks. Back then, Takako had been in another room; a special division of the ICU where he was kept isolated. Only family was allowed to go inside, so Ruki could only see him from behind a tiny, round panel of glass.

She had only seen that many machines in the Hypnos control room. And all those wires, probes and tubes coming out of those machines to invade his bodyà

The first time she saw that, she had to quickly excuse herself and dash to the toilet. Her stomach, somewhat fortunately, was empty.

She had heard the doctors and stolen peeks at the medical reports on YamakiÆs desk. Back then, all of TakatoÆs vital values had reached impossible lows. The fact his heart still beat and his brain still delivered signals for the organs to work was described in every page as an unexplainable miracle.

It was not a miracle, though. Juri had said it back then.

ôTakatoÆs power has a will of its own. It wonÆt let go of him easily.ö

The Crest of Dreams.

Ruki remembered the Crests: they were a plot point in the Digimon animated series, and there had been a series of commemorative trading cards involving them at one point. But thisàthis went beyond anything those Crests had been capable of doingàwhich was admittedly not much.

It had been months since then. The machines were gone, and Takato rested placidly on a comfortable, pristine bed. Only a single catheter provided him with valuable nutrients which, the doctors said, his body metabolized at an inhuman pace. It seemed that TakatoÆs powers, automatic as they were, still were working at a frantic pace and claiming all of his energy.

The body of Matsuda Takato had long stabilized: all damage had been repaired, and all numbers were within normal ranges. The truth was that nobody knew why Takato had not awakened yet.

ôYouÆre taking your sweet time, arenÆt you, Gogglehead?ö

Even if the doctors said Takato had ærecoveredÆ, it just did not seem like that to her. He looked thin, almost famished, with sunken cheekbones and pale skin that received little sunlight.

Matsuda Takato was like a sun. How could thisàvestige, this flickering candle, be called a æhealthyÆ Takato?

ôNot that weÆre having problems here,ö Ruki pointed out in a dismissing tone. ôEverythingÆs alright here. We won again today, no biggie.ö

A pause.

ôBut I swear, next time BelialVamdemon shows up IÆm taking him down, the bastard.ö

Ruki stared at the unmoving form, only his chest rising and falling with a slow and steady pace. She allowed her crossed arms to rest on the edge of the bed and her head to fall on them, turned right so she could look at TakatoÆs face.

ôàstupid Gogglehead,ö she whispered, her throat suddenly painful. ôStupid, stupid, imbecile, retarded Gogglehead.ö

It had taken a lot of thinking and analyzing to realize the full significance of the thing Katou Juri had taught them.

Lucemon.

Demon Lords.

The æGameÆ.

ôDamn it, Takato, how long has it been!?ö she whispered in utmost complaint. ôHow long have you been hiding this stuff!?ö

How long had he been fighting? How long had he been hiding such a thing from everyone?

ôYouÆre my best friendàö

Her best human friend, yes. Her bond with Renamon was something special and unique that she found hesitant to label merely as friendship.

Just what was she to Takato?

What did he think on those days when they joked together, teased each other and hung out at the arcade?

What was really in his mind on those days he cross-dressed to mess with her, and on the nights he stayed over at her place and watched her win Digimon card matches online?

On all those daysàwas he even looking at her?

ôJust whatàwhat was in your eyes?ö

She remembered, she clearly remembered, that Christmas Eve.

He was drawing Lucemon.

ôWhy not?ö

Just how many emotions must have swirled in his chest as he said those words?

But the unconscious boy would not answer. And Ruki could not stop the guilt eating away at her heart.

She knew it was unreasonable, but she believed that, as her friend, she should have noticed something. She should have seen the pain and the sadness in his eyes. She should have prodded further; she should have tried harder to learn her friendÆs secrets, the things he would not share with anyone.

ôStupid Gogglehead, wake up soon,ö Ruki concluded with a hint of venom in her voice. ôAnd donÆt think IÆll let you stay quiet after this.ö

************************************

At one point, the bleak shades of gray that made the Dark Area gave way to a thing of beauty.

The hard, dark soil became grainy sand clear as glass, and the monotone grey sky became a cleaner shade closer to white, tinged with streams of violet- and red-colored data. Digimon life did not exist in this realm, and the flora became completely inorganic. Forests of crystal surged out of the glass desert, and their irregular shapes created wondrous displays of color like auroras in the sky as they refracted the dismal lights of the Digital underworld.

In the center of this kingdom of wonder stands a castle of violet crystal.

Colossal shards of glowing stone jut out of the land like tumors, arranged in no regular or logical sense. The castle itself was a crystal underground complex; the massive pile of shards nothing but an outrageous landmark for the entrance.

To this castle, few can enter uninvited, and none can enter unnoticed.

Kuzuhamon was a member of SororitÚ Salace but, long before she swore loyalty to Lilithmon, she had belonged to the lord of this castle and his unbreakable charm. Landing by the base of the gigantic geode-like structure, the wicked shaman stepped into the underworldÆs underworld.

With walls, ceilings and floors of crystal, natural illumination was not lacking. The labyrinthine passages she crossed with the confidence only experience can give somebody, even if she knew that, from time to time, the layout of this network of tunnels and rooms changed in unpredictable ways.

It was an odd place; a bizarre refuge not mean for habitation. It was the playground of the lord and only inhabitant of this region of the Dark Area.

Eventually, she made it to the ôthrone roomö: the main and largest chamber where the lord of the underground fortress resided and welcomed his sporadic visitors.

Inevitably, KuzuhamonÆs eyes were drawn to the new feature standing conspicuously on the very center of the room. She stared at the nine-feet-tall octahedral crystal for a second or two, but she did not try to make anything of it. Besides, it would be very rude and potentially lethal to not address the looming figure at the far end of the chamber.

Walking past the huge and perfectly regular crystal and bow by the base of the pompous staircase that distanced her from the lord of the fortress. No greetings were necessaryùno æmilordÆ or any other title. In this fortress, nobody spoke before the all-powerful lord.

The numbers of Digimon forever imprisoned within the crystalline walls attested to the price of defiance.

ôSpeak,ö the huge figure spoke from above; its quadruped bulk casting strange shadows all over the room thanks to the myriad light beams constantly crisscrossing within the crystal walls.

It was the greatest of demon beasts, the Lord of Vampires, GranDracmon.

Kuzuhamon spoke without raising her head.

ôLady LilithmonÆs latest invasion of the human realm has met with failure. From what she has communicated, she does not seem very bothered by this.ö

ôàunderstandable,ö the Vampire Lord admitted. ôShe is currently residing in the world of humans, is that right?ö

ôYes. As per Lord LucemonÆs orders, she was able to reach the world of humans by merging with one of them.ö

GranDracmon already knew this, of course, but it made sense to ask these questions nonetheless.

ôAnd the others?ö

ôLord Barbamon has not made further moves after beingàcastigated. His troops engage in mass combat exercises regularly, however. Lord Belphemon shows no signs of awakening.ö

ôNot that such a thing can ever be foretold. And Demon?ö

ôLord Demon is still missing. Lord Barbamon has claimed full command of Exercitus Excelsii and Kakiß TaxiarchÝa.ö

ôHmphànot wasting time. Not that it will help him much. Anything from Lucemon?ö

This was the really important issue. The Leader of the Seven Great Demon Lords was the one creature GranDracmon could not track.

ôàafter hisàretribution upon Lord Barbamon, there have been no further sightings of Lord Lucemon. With the Game on temporary hiatus, it is not know where he might be or what he might be doing.ö

Kuzuhamon said no more after this, hoping against all hope that this utter lack of information would not result in her destruction.

GranDracmon released a deep sigh.

ôàI see. Very well, here are your next orders: you will not return to SororitÚ Salace. From this moment onwards, you will stay here and guard the main entrance. Understood?ö

Even if the instructions were most unexpectedùguard the main entrance against what?ù, even if there were several things Kuzuhamon would have wished to ask, she could only nod and voice her assentment.

ôYes, sir.ö

Such was the power of GranDracmonÆs domination.

ôYou may leave.ö

The God Man Digimon stood and turned her back to the Vampire Lord, only to find an unexpected yet expected new guest.

ôAstamon.ö

The mercenary prince of the Dark Area grinned, showing twin rows of saw-like white teeth. He made a greeting gesture, but Kuzuhamon paid closer attention to the motion of his machine gun as his swayed his left arm.

ôYo,ö the Demon Man Digimon saluted with his usual, charming voice. ôSeems like weÆll be working together from today onwards.ö He made an exaggerated and overly elegant bow. ôPlease take care of me.ö

Kuzuhamon snorted.

She should have known this particular Digimon followed no allegiance. For all she knew he was a double agent.

Secretly hoping GranDracmon would smite him for speaking out of turn, the female Digimon walked past Astamon, once more gazing at the crystal standing in the middle of the room like a monumentàor a trophy.

This thing. This thing was the first and most important question she really wished to ask.

Astamon tapped her left arm with a gloved finger. Noting the glint in his ruby eyes, Kuzuhamon followed him out of the lordÆs chamber.

ôSo youÆre interested in him tooà?ö the Perfect Digimon inquired as soon as he decided they were far enough. ôGranDracmon promised me the chance for a rematch if I help him in his new Game.ö

Kuzuhamon frowned.

ôI justàI donÆt understandùhow is heàwhat is he doing there?ö

Astamon shook his head and shrugged.

ôI have no ideaàbut IÆm sure you know what this means.ö

KuzuhamonÆs frown became more pronounced, but she nodded anyway.

The moment Lucemon learned of this, it would be waràand Kuzuhamon then understood that was exactly what GranDracmon desired.

A long time ago, long before Kuzuhamon and Astamon first came into existence, Lucemon and GranDracmon played a Game, and the original and mightiest of fallen angels was the victor. No longer interested in playing with the Vampire Lord, Lucemon never gave GranDracmon the chance for the rematch he very much wished for.

But, under these circumstances, there was no way Lucemon could refuse.

Kuzuhamon could not take the unexplainable image out of her mind. Her thoughts were fixated on the crystal in the middle of GranDracmonÆs throne roomàand in the figure imprisoned within.

It was, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the Avatar of Dreams, Matsuda Takato.

ôJustàwhat is going onà?ö

Astamon only grinned. As long as it was exciting, nothing else mattered.

 

[Lucemon]

That bastard!

:lol:

 

[KageX]

:jawdrop:

Well fuck, I was not expecting that.

Dammit you truly are one of the best authors I have ever come across in the cast and varied collection we call Fanfiction. I cannot help but eagerly await the next update. Awesome job as always.

Oh and remember this, they are supposed to be releasing more members of the Olympus Twelve in the new Digimon Jintrix set. In addition it looks like ChaosDukemon is getting a new card featured quite prominently.

<a href='http://wikimon.net/images/4/41/Jintrix4_poster.jpg' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://wikimon.net/images/4/41/Jintrix4_poster.jpg</a>
(Note what appears to be a new form of Asuramon, but might be something completely different) Edit: Knew it, it looks like it is a Hephaestus/Vulcan mon. I hope we get more Royal Knights next.

There is some chance we might see those featured in the advertisement in the new season of Xros Wars. (ChaosDukemon in animated form would be awesome) I cannot help but hope that with all the attention that lesser used Digimon get out of that show we might see Grandracmon in action one day. Unfortunately I am secure in the knowledge that he could never be as awesome as your version of him.

 

[MTing]

The length's someone will go to get a rematch...

 

[Daneel Rush]

It was a dark place, completely devoid of features. It was no clear ceiling or floor, yet Takato could feel something solid under his feet. He could walk, thus he did.

The former Matsuda Takato would have found this place as unsettling as it was boring. The current Matsuda Takato only stared ahead, uncaring of his surroundings and building no opinion on them.

GranDracmon waited for him in silence, its quadruped bulk resting like an ancient sphinx ready to impart judgment. In front of him, an empty chessboard rested on a short, chalice-shaped table.

ôWell then?ö the huge Digimon spoke the moment Takato made it to the table.

ôI am ready,ö Takato replied, not bothering to take his eyes off the black and white checkerboard. ôWe may begin now.ö

ôGood,ö GranDracmon returned with noticeable satisfaction in his tone. ôThe pieces, then.ö

Like that, the board was no longer empty. On one edge stood a single black figure, in the position of the King. It was GranDracmon himself. Aside from the main piece, his half of the game board was covered in a purple mist that rendered GranDracmonÆs side completely invisible.

Takato stared at the mist for all of two seconds before looking down at his side. Interestingly, unlike in LucemonÆs Game Board, Tamers and Digimon were being counted as a single piece. Instead of Makino Ruki and Renamon, he had Sakuyamon. His eyes quickly recognized SaintGalgomon, Justimon, Cherubimon and HiAndromon. There was a smaller figure: Katou Juri, carrying her partner Shakkomon in her arms. There were three new and welcome pieces: Lilithmon, Barbamon and Beelzebumon, while Kitagawa Kenta and MarinAngemon shone by their absence.

The boyÆs inexpressive eyes fell on his own piece, standing alone as the King. His pieces were already split into groups, representing their different locations. The board looked rather like a game already in progress.

He then looked at the empty space next to his pieceÆs.

ôàIÆm missing one piece.ö

The golden concentric circles of the Crest of Dreams spun in his irises as a new white piece came into being in his right hand. GranDracmon recognized it when it was placed on the table and chuckled darkly in reaction.

ôYou are most amusing, Matsuda Takato. Just how do you intend to control that piece?ö

TakatoÆs right index finger fiddled with the Lucemon piece. The boy still did not bother raising his head to look at the looming shape of the Vampire Lord.

ôI donÆt intend to do so. I wonÆt be directly controlling any of my pieces.ö He allowed himself a vestige of a smile. ôTheir own choices will be good enough.ö

The Ultimate Digimon frowned at that.

ôàyour overconfidence disappoints me, child.ö

ôOverconfidence?ö Takato repeated. ôNo, I merely believe you are a fool, GranDracmon.ö

He picked the Lucemon piece and grasped it in his right hand once more.

ôBut let us begin; IÆd rather get things moving again.ö He snorted quietly. ôI have another Game running so IÆd rather make this quick.ö

GranDracmon glared at the boy, and the full might of the Crest of Dreams flared to life around him.

ôDonÆt bother; your charm doesnÆt work on me. I came here of my own volition, and I accept this Game at my whim.ö

He twirled the Lucemon piece between his finger.

ôWhite gets first move.ö

***************************************

Alone in the seemingly endless expanse of Matsuda TakatoÆs soul, the Avatar of Pride walked placidly. The patches of dead flowers no longer drew his attention. There was no point in further surveying the damage caused by TakatoÆs transformation into Magus Mode.

Matsuda Takato was broken.

The Gardens of Babylon looked like they were eternally caught in the aftermath of an earthquake. Fissures disrupted the lay of the land, and the ground was littered with the remnants of what had once been beautiful expanses of flowers.

But LucemonÆs interest was fixated on the one new feature of the gardens he had been completely unable to explain: the beautiful golden moon pasted on the dark sky. No matter how long he walked or how high he flew, the moon remained unchanging and unapproachable. He believed it was some manifestation of the Crest of Dreams, but that did not really tell him much.

Obviously it was some sort of plan from TakatoÆs part, and the fact he could not make anything of it bothered Lucemon substantially. But it was mysteries like these that made the Game interesting, after all.

There were no preparations he needed to do. After all, technically, he could have won the Game any time he wanted by overwhelming TakatoÆs pieces with his own. Even if there was a physical limit to how many Digimon he could send through the Gate of Deadly Sins, numbers were numbers were numbers. Hell, Lilithmon was already there. Even if Magus Mode could definitely beat her, she could probably exterminate the Digimon Tamers before losing to Takato.

So, no, there was not much in the way of strategizing Lucemon needed to do. Besides, everything was going according to plan. If nothing is broken, why fix it?

He was musing on how to welcome Takato upon his return when an utterly arctic gale coursed through the Gardens without prior warning. As his many pristine wings moved to cover his body, LucemonÆs eyes became fierce and attentive.

Nothing this unexpected should occur in the sanctuary of TakatoÆs soul.

His eyes sharply scanned his surroundings.

The flowers and the leaves, both the living and the dead ones, were frozenùno, crystallized.

As if to confirm the dire suspicion, the world began to shake and huge spikes of violet crystal jutted out of the ground like banners of conquest.

Lucemon knew this power. He could not understand how it could manifest in this placeùmore like; he could understand but could not see how it could be happening. Regardless, its presence was an unwelcome annoyance.

ôAway with you!ö the angel growled threateningly, invoking the power of his Crest to counter this invading forceà

The moon began to shine.

Lucemon watched the symbol of the Crest of Dreams come to life on the surface of that distant moon, and its presence was enough to shatter the invading forest of crystals. The leftover dust refracted the CrestÆs golden light creating a wondrous display of sparkles in the night sky.

Knowing Takato could reject GranDracmonÆs power so easily filled Lucemon with a strong feeling of relief.

Lucemon quickly turned around, aware of a sudden presence standing closely behind him. In an instant, he not only turned his body but placed a considerably distance between himself and whoever it was who dared sneak up onà

ôTaàö

Matsuda Takato greeted his opponent with a placid smile. However, it was not really Takato; his translucent visage betrayed its true nature as a mere projection, even vaguer than everything else in this metaphysical realm.

Lucemon frowned.

ôàif you can do something like this then why will you not meet me in person?ö

Behind him, the moon with the shining Crest engraved on it began to shine radiantly once more. A ring of golden light appeared behind the phantasmal Takato, and the space enclosed by this light began to ripple and become fuzzy.

Lucemon looked at the false Takato, wordless asking for an explanation. The figure remained silent, however, merely staring at the angel with a weak smile.

The space within the ring no longer showed the Gardens behind it. Instead, it showed a murky realm in which hair-thin trails of light painted the darkness with lame tones of gray. It was a strange, mysterious realm different from the Dark Area. Lucemon did not recognize it.

ôWhat isà?ö

His eyes switched between the Takato ghost and the strange gate, but the ephemeral figure would give him no answers.

ôYouàyou want me to go in there?ö

Finally, a response: the ghostÆs smile widened a millimeter, and its head tilted up and down almost imperceptibly. Rather than a ghost, it was more of a mindless automaton with pre-programmed responses to specific inputs.

Lucemon was for once completely confused by this sudden turn of events. He could make absolutely no sense of the avalanche of events of the past minute or so. He had kept tabs on GranDracmonÆs plotting, even if his rule over the Dark Area ended at the very entrance of the Vampire LordÆs realm. Just how did that cursed vampire get close enough to Takato to use his charm on him? Just what was Takato up to? What was the meaning of this move? Was it even a move?

Why was he thinking so much about this?

Planting his open right hand on his face, Lucemon laughed darkly at himself.

WasnÆt this kind of unknown challenge precisely what he had wished for? HadnÆt he demanded Takato to provide him with an interesting challenge?

He was Lucemon! No matter what may come, he would crush it! Nothing would prevent his plans to come into fruition!

Laughing like the arrogant lord he was, Lucemon swiped his right hand over his golden hair.

ôFine!ö He declared. ôI shall play along, Takato, so you damn better impress me!ö

Without hesitation, he walked towards the Gate, only barely sparing a glance towards the false Takato before stepping through.

The translucent effigy smiled brightly with gratitude before dispersing into a cloud of tiny golden lights.

ôHmph,ö the Avatar of Pride harrumphed while scratching his slightly reddened right cheek with a single finger. ôIf you can still smile like that, do it in person, idiot.ö

********************************

GranDracmonÆs huge shape suddenly leaned closer, as if pulling his face closer to the Game Board could help him make sense of what just happened.

LucemonÆs piece had completely disappeared.

It was different from LilithmonÆs and GranDracmonÆs powers to occlude parts of the Board. GranDracmon had clearly seen LucemonÆs white piece standing on the QueenÆs square one moment, and the next it was gone.

The Ultimate Digimon glared at the utterly calm boy standing across the tiny table.

ôWhat did you do, Matsuda Takato!?ö

TakatoÆs left index idly poked his left cheek, while the arm it was attached to rested on the boyÆs crossed right arm. The Avatar of Dreams smiled coldly at his utterly flabbergasted opponent.

ôI believeàö he began, interrupting the sentence to chuckle. ôàthat is your job to figure out.ö

It was a strange feeling: the satisfaction of watching everything flow according to plan.

ôSaa,ö he urged. ôYour turn.ö

His cold eyes glinted with the promise of a challenge.

ôLetÆs see what the Lord of Vampires can do.ö