Digimon Idylls: Fracture (PG-13)

[storymasterb]

Yamato Takeshi (Cyberdramon)
Camelot Outskirts

Yamato breathed in the fresh morning air as he strode the cobblestone road. To his sides stretched fields that became forests in the distance, behind him was the road, and ahead of him was Camelot.

The city rose like an island rises from the sea, a sprawl of glorious white stone. The city walls were tall and strong, guards visible atop their battlements as Yamato advanced. The gates were open, welcoming a tide of Digimon of all sorts, for this was a day of celebration and glory. The day Olympus had fallen years before.

Beyond the wall, Yamato picked out spires and towers of that white stone, a cathedral here, a church or shrine there, watchtowers keeping a wary vigil over the metropolis. And at the heart of it, the castle itself. Towering above all else, the keep rose like a mountain, casting the shadow of Artorigus over his realm.

"So this is Camelot... amazing..." Tachibana said from his position at the Cyberdramon's side.

Yamato nodded. "We've heard so much of it, but nothing ever compares to seeing it in person." He smiled, as much as he could with a dragon's jaws. "Let's go. If we're fast, we can find a good spot for the celebrations."

"If we're fast?" Tachibana said with an incredulous downward gesture at his four legs. "We're not all cybernetically enhanced ninjas now, are we?"

The Cyberdramon chuckled. "I am not a ninja. Though I could carry you, if you'd prefer?"

Tachibana weighed this. "Very well," he finally conceded. "But no one we know must ever know." Yamato laughed.

"As you wish," he said, with a slight bow. "Don't worry. We're going to see all the sights today. What could possibly stop us?"

-

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
Camelot City

They walked in procession, heads bowed, hands clasped in prayer. The monks and nuns went about their business solemnly, as in all things their thoughts turned toward Yggdrasil. Bringing up the rear of the procession was Shamsiel, the Meicrackmon's head bowed lowest, hands clasped tightest. As she walked she glanced where she could, taking in the gleaming white stone of the city with wide eyes. No matter how many times she came to Camelot, it always amazed her. The crowds, the grandeur, the beauty, and above all, the knights. Resplendent ideals of chivalry and heroism, just as they had been the day Mars threatened the abbey.

For now, though, the procession solemnly walked through the streets, joined by their faith. At their head was Sarathiel, the MagnaAngemon resplendent, his wings radiant. As he suddenly came to a halt, they all followed suit. Slowly he turned.

“Shamsiel,” he said in his soft voice, a voice that was unyielding as steel regardless.

“Yes, Sarathiel?” she answered meekly.

“We seem to have forgotten the wine, child,” the angel said. “Would you kindly go to get it while we head on?” Her heart sunk. They were going to watch the parade, for Sarathiel deemed it proper and right that they honor the abbey's defenders so. She wanted to see the glorious king again, not shrouded as he had been that chaotic night, but perfect and clear in sight. But at the same time, she did not want to disrespect the abbot with a refusal.

“Yes, Sarathiel,” she said, bowing her head lower. Sarathiel retrieved some coins from his robe and pressed them into her hand.

“Do not tarry, child,” he said, a chill edge in his tone. “It would not do to lose yourself in these streets.” She knew the way to the wine store. She had walked these streets enough times with his guidance to know the route. And if she was quick, surely she could get it and then return in time to see Artorigus and his knights.

She turned as they walked on, racing through the streets. The coins warmed in her grip as she ran, ducking through crowds to try and reach the shop in time.

-

Yamato Takeshi (Cyberdramon)
Camelot Rooftops

“I thought you weren't a ninja!” Tachibana wailed.

Yamato laughed as he leapt again, landing on a tiled roof with surprising grace. His cybernetics hummed as he ran and jumped, his wings beating to propel them across another gap. Tiles clattered as he crashed down. He carried Tachibana in his arms, clutching the Datamon tight.

“I am not,” he repeated. “But one doesn't have to be a ninja to do this.” He paused, gazing out over a sea of tiles, towers and spires. They had come halfway to the castle already. Overhead passed flying Digimon of all sorts, though the space immediately around the keep was kept clear by patrolling knights. Beloved as Artorigus was, it was a common rumor that the remnants of the Olympian regime still seethed and plotted revenge, and clearly no chances would be taken. The guard seemed out in force to prevent any plots on this day.

As he rested and watched, a sound came to his honed ears. A snarling in the side streets below. Though the main roads bustled, the alleyways were near deserted, abandoned by those seeking a glimpse of the great king. The guards were scarce there too, drawn more by the throngs that flooded the major streets to the castle.

“What is it?” Tachibana asked, picking up on his companion's sudden focus.

“Snarling,” the Cyberdramon said. “And I think... panting?” He moved his head to the side, trying to home in on the noise. As soon as he caught it, he began to move.

“It could be nothing,” the Datamon said. “And surely the guards can handle it.”

“I would rather be sure,” Yamato answered. Although he was thinking the same, the hero in him rebelled immediately. The guards were preoccupied with security on the main roads and closer to the castle. They might not pick up on trouble in a quieter part of the city until it was too late. He leapt over a street, gliding to the next rooftop and continuing at speed across it.

“And what is it you plan to do?” Tachibana sighed.

“What I always do,” he chuckled. “My grandmother once said this.” As he ran, he made to lift one hand to the sky, only to stop as Tachibana threatened to slip from his arms. “The man who abandons those in need, will find his soul needing.”

He landed on the next rooftop and through the corner of his eye, he caught motion in the street below. One dark figure stumbled across rough cobblestones, scraping against a wall as they run, and several blurs of darkness followed, snarling as they raced for their quarry. It was a hunt, he realised. Perhaps the quarry was a criminal? But no. Whatever those shadowy blurs were, they were not guards. They did not seem to be bearing the crest of Logres as the guards and knights did.

“Tachibana,” he said, a serious edge sharpening his tone. “Stay here.” He put the Datamon down. “This might get dangerous.”

“Right,” his companion said. “Take care too, Yamato.”

“Don't worry,” the Cyberdramon smiled. “I'm the hero, after all.” And with that, he flung himself to the next roof, racing after the hunters and their quarry.

-

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
Camelot Alleys

Shamsiel rushed through the alleyways, a pail of wine gripped tightly to her chest. It had taken longer than she thought to reach the shop and buy it, but a sympathetic guard had pointed her to a shortcut to get her back faster. She could still reach the parade in time. Surely.

As she raced, arms straining with the weight of the pail, a sound reached her keen ears. The sound of animalistic snarling. Warily she crept to the next corner, still hurrying, and as she rounded it something slammed into her and sent her crashing to the ground. She heard the clattering of armor on stone as she fell, the pail falling from her arms and splintering on the cobbles. Wine rushed over the ground like a pool of blood, soaking her fur.

The Meicrackmon looked up as dark shapes came to a halt before her. A pack of Dobermon, all snarling and baring their fangs, six in total. Three Cerberumon with hellfire licking at their jaws. And a Plutomon with hungry eyes, its red mantle tattered, its multiple jaws all grinding their fangs together.

“How unfortunate,” the Plutomon growled, the words like blades torn from his throat. “I hoped to avoid witnesses.” He raised a hand, his claws gleaming.

Shamsiel glanced to her side as the Dobermon and Cerberumon began moving to circle. The Digimon who had run into her. At first they seemed familiar, but the dark Digizoid of their armor was trimmed in a dark blue, a mantle of the same rich hue wrapped across their body. They bore a great round shield and wielded a conical dark lance in the other hand. A Gallantmon, but not. And something about them seemed... off.

“I'll make this quick, girl,” the Plutomon said with a cold chuckle. “Curse your ill fate.” He took a step forward.

A shadow fell across Shamsiel, blocking out the sun for a moment before something fell to the ground in front of her. Red wings crossed her vision, leathery and dragonic. Dark rubber coated the figure, adorned in steely Digizoid. And a red scarf billowed as the Digimon rose up.

The Plutomon had taken a step back, snarling. “You! Who are you?!”

“Just a hero passing through,” the Cyberdramon said with a voice that was like a confident smile. “Remember that.”

The Plutomon growled. “Urgh! It doesn't matter! No witnesses!” He pointed a claw at the three. “Kill them!”

“Don't worry,” the Cyberdramon said to Shamsiel, glancing back. “I'll protect you.” A Dobermon lunged and the cyborg dragon caught its jaws, lifting the canine and tossing it at the next. Shamsiel caught a whirring sound as he moved.

The Meicrackmon rose up, droplets of wine falling from her fur. She didn't know how to fight, but even so she let instinct take control, baring her claws. “I can help you.” The two stood between the pack of canine Digimon and the fallen Gallantmon.

 

[TheSequelReturns]

// Caius Osmond (Knightmon)
// Camelot City


Caius took another bite of cheese as he waited for the parade to begin. His meager collection of cheese scraps wasn’t exactly festival fare, but it would do. It was all he could scrounge up on his limited funding.

He liked to watch the parade from up here, atop this old spire. At some point it time, the dilapidated structure may have been a monastery or a house of worship. But as the city grew around it and it became trapped in this maze of back alleys it must have fallen into disuse. Caius could relate.

But whatever its origins, the old building had served him well in years past. Offering a hassle free, if not perfect, view of the festivities below without him actually having to mingle with the crowds.

Last year he had shared the small space atop the spire with a rather talkative Birdramon who had seemed as eager as he was to avoid the crowds. Caius never did ask why. The year before, a pair of FanBeemon had managed to talk him out of some food, but they got bored of his company long before the festival started. This year? So far, he was all alone.

The sound of quick, hurried footsteps caught his attention. It was coming from the alleyway down below, but which one Caius wasn’t sure of. He leaned over the railing gingerly, aware that it couldn’t support his full weight, and scanned the city below.

There. A small figure was dashing through the alleys, something clutched in their hands. He couldn’t see what, but no one ran that fast without a good reason. Curious, Caius followed the runner’s path until he saw another figure on the rooftops over yonder, headed this way as if to meet her.

She rounded a corner and disappeared from sight. The figure on the rooftop jumped down afterwards. And then a loud yelp and a crash rang out from that direction.

An ambush? Would a bandit dare strike in broad daylight this close to the parade?

Caius didn’t know, but he wasn’t going to sit here. That little runner might need help, and he was close enough to provide it.

Caius leapt from the spire and landed on the sloped roof below in a single well practised movement and then slid down until he fell into the alley below amid a small shower of loose singles. He landed hard, but on his feet, and shaking it off began moving towards the alley where the fighting seemed to be.


-+-+-+-


// Katarina Akerman (Duramon) & Magnus Strand (RaijiLudomon)
// Camelot City


A Duramon and a RaijiLudomon emerged from a small smithy, both of them looking more haggard than they should, given the early hour of the day and the promise of festivities it contained.

“Well, that was a pointless use of an all-nighter.” Katarina muttered. She had been the one leading the negotiations for the better part of the morning. And it had worn her down tremendously.

Magnus sighed. “You win some, you lose some. At least we got a meeting with the dock master the next time we’re in Venta, so it wasn’t a total loss.”

“Everything is a loss when the guilds are involved.” Katarina said. “I thought sympathizers were supposed to be sympathetic?”

Magnus lowered his voice. They were alone, but you could never be too careful. “We aren’t being arrested by knights right now. That’s better than we’d get in most of these places.”

“True.”

The two of them made for a nearby inn. It was not first class by any means, but with the parade happening today any room at all was hard to come by. And it had cost them triple the going rate for the week.

“I’ll tell you what,” Magnus said, “How about you go back to the inn and make sure they haven't sold our room to someone else, and I’ll go find us some food?”

“No take backs.” Katarina said. She was already heading towards the inn.

Magnus chuckled to himself. He could read her like a book now.

“You say something?” Katarina asked back.

“No, just thinking aloud.”

“Well, go think about food. I’m starving. And if they gave our room away there might not be an inn for you to come back to.”

Magnus laughed. “As you wish.”

Katarina rolled her eyes at him and set off again. She hated when he treated her like a damsel. And he knew it too. But she let him get away with it for some reason.

Magnus turned and floated off, no need to walk when his body could levitate. Finding food would be a simple enough affair. There were digimon of all sorts lining up at food stalls from one end of the main street to the other right now. Finding food quickly? That might be a challenge. But if he stuck to the back alleys he might be able to find something. Maybe an out of the way confectioner or baker. Giving Kat some space was one thing. But cake? That would keep her from venting for a while yet.

The sound of armor boots rushing across the stone streets came echoing from up ahead. Magnus ducked against the wall, not sure what to expect. A figure dashed past, across the intersection up ahead. It went by quickly, but there was no mistaking that silhouette. That was a Gallantmon. But what was it doing here? More footsteps, this time with the sound of scraping claws. Magnus ducked behind a signpost as several smaller digimon dashed past, followed by a few larger ones.

Were they… chasing the Gallantmon? What in the world was going on here? Magnus’ curiosity got the better of him and he followed after the group thankful that he could move about rather silently.

He followed at a distance for a moment, before noticing that they had all stopped up ahead.

They were talking. As he got closer, he caught the tail end of what they were saying and it wasn’t good.

A large Plutomon and several of what had to be his subordinates had cornered the Gallantmon, who lay sprawled out on the ground. But a Cyberdramon and what appeared to be one of the angel digimon stood between them and their prey. Now an angel was involved? This just kept getting stranger and stranger.

“...No witnesses!” the Plutomon finished before pointed a claw at the three. “Kill them!”

Magnus didn’t need to hear any more. He leapt into action, stopping a Dobermon mid leap as it jumped for the Meicrackmon with his force field. The dog digimon hit his invisible barrier like it was a stone wall and crumpled several feet off the ground. Then, with a flash of yellow light he was blasted off to the side of the alley.

“Now what do we have here?” Magnus said towards the Plutomon. “It isn’t right to gang up on people you know.”

Behind them, a well battered Knightmon emerged from the intersection and made for the group. He scanned the situation immediately, sizing up both parties before holding up a hand. “I’m here to help.” he said plainly, before offering his hand to the Gallantmon. He recoiled for a moment, seeing something about the downed Gallantmon that Magnus couldn’t in the dim light, but then he extended his hand fully. “Can you stand?”

Magnus nodded at the newcomer before turning his attention back to fight at hand. “Don’t worry.” he said to the Cyberdramon and the Meicrackmon, “Nothing gets through my shield.”


-+-+-+-


// Elsewhere in Camelot…


A Phantomon busied himself with his cleaning. His shop of endless curiosities was always busy on the night of any celebration. Tonight more so than ever. But the Phantomon known as Yuel Nyctus could feel something in the air today.

Destiny was moving. Threads of fate being teased into or out of place. The data around him was practically humming with anticipation. Or dread. Or something altogether new. Yuel could care less which. But he knew that before the day was done he would have a new enigma to busy himself with.

And he laughed, alone in the darkness of his shop and went about his work with renewed vigor.

---

A Blubmon closed his cargo bay as the workers moved the last crate of supplies out and onto the streets. A parade meant a party. A party meant festivities. Festivities meant sales. The Bulbmon knew this well, and his shipping business had been working double overtime all week in preparation of this very day.

Even now, The Bulbmon called Colossus Rhoades was still on the clock. Still moving last minute deliveries of fruit, bread, lamp oil, confetti, you name it. He’d even carried a few passengers.

With his job completed, the Bulbmon de-digivolved in a flash back into his much more reasonably sized Guardromon form so he could process the payment. He didn’t know it yet, but his simple world of jobs and paychecks would soon change into something much more exciting.

---

In the air above Camelot, a lone Airdramon flew about, watching the procession of angels moving down below. This wasn’t the actual parade of course, but the Airdramon named Tsukiko Hisakawa didn’t care. Angels were resplendent on every occasion and she didn’t want to miss a second of it.

A Kabuterimon was hovering nearby, trying to chat her up. But she couldn’t even hear what he was saying. She was going to get to see the Royal Knights in person. Artorigus himself. In the flesh. This was a dream come true for her. And she wasn’t going to let anything, anything get in the way of it. Not sleep. Not food. And certainly not an annoying bug who thought she was cute.

She didn’t know it yet, but the parade would only be the first step in a long journey for her. A trip to put even her globe trotting adventure to shame. Somewhere, down below in the city, she had a date with destiny.

 

[Kamotz]

Gideon Ddraig (MetalGreymon)
Camelot

Gideon lumbered gingerly through the streets, navigating the outskirts of the security perimeter and checking in with the soldiers and lesser knights of the security detail. Gideon didn't quite understand the need for all this security. In any other case, of course it made sense to protect touring dignitaries. But the Royal Knights were their own deterrent. If the presence of a single Royal Knight could completely change the tide of battle and inspire unconditional surrender of an enemy force, then what kind of lunatic would attack all of them, together, in formation, at once?

And who the hell were they to guard the Royal Knights? What were the odds that their entire security force could handle a threat that the Royal Knights couldn't? Gideon was never the most tactical or tactfull of Digimon, but even he could recognize this was all overkill. There was literally no safer place in the world right now.

"We should've been sent to the outlying regions," Gideon muttered to himself, and nodded to another small platoon. Camelot was already land-locked. Any attack from outside the borders would've been reported. Any attack from within was attacking the Royal freakin' Knights. But the outlying regions? They could be attacked any minute by the Norsemen.

Gideon sighed and soldiered on. He had to assume someone else had accounted for this. He was a dutiful soldier, and would perform his duties to the best of his ability. If that meant protecting the Royal Knights, he'd do it.

He scanned the crowd, his systems whirled and beeped in his head - it was still something he was getting used to as a MetalGreymon, and he was glad for his eventual Digivolution to ShineGreymon down the line. He'd accessed that form only a handful of times, and only in the most dire circumstances, but the full-organic feeling was comforting.

Still, the cybernetic components and the subsequent digital HUD had its advantages. Most importantly, he was able to absorb and process way more audio and visual input than he could in other forms. Gideon scanned the streets and a small warning flashed briefly across his vision before giving the all-clear. A cloaked Digimon moved through the crowd of onlookers. Not particularly odd, of course; why would his systems flag it with a warning?

Gideon froze the image in his HUD and zoomed in. The Digimon's fur -- definitely a beast type Digimon -- was filthy. It'd traveled a long way; many had. There was nothing suspicious about that, except…Gideon noticed a strange set of geometric patterns swirled into the blue-gray fur. They were barely discernible, but Gideon would recognize them anywhere.

Norse runes. There was a damned norseman in their midst.

Gideon set his sights forward and followed the Digimon from a distance.

==\=/==

Ragnar Ulrich (WereGarurumon)
Camelot

So this was Camelot. Now that he'd seen it, Ragnar didn't get what all the fuss was about. It was big, but that was about it. Different architecture, different building materials than, his home in the Norselands, but otherwise unremarkable. And it smelled. The acrid smell of ten thousand other Digimon piled and living on top of one another hung in the air like thick smoke and threatened to choke the breath from his lungs.

He'd been to some truly destitute places in his life; sacked villages, slums, technocratic junk heaps -- but this was something else. This was a dump disguised as paradise, and no one seemed to realize it. Or at least, they all ignored it. It was suffocating here, more so than the other cities he had traveled through on his way down from the North. He hadn't realized how much he missed the crisp, cold air of his home.

Ragnar tried to maneuver his way through the crowds. His cloak was filthy from his travels, his fur matted. Up to a point it would've served to camouflage the runic patterns in his fur and help him blend into the background, but he was no so disheveled that he was beginning to stand out. Other Digimon were giving him sideways glances as he moved through the streets. But he knew it was better to be mistaken for a beggar than a raider.

As he maneuvered he caught the scent of something…distinct. In and of itself that was noteworthy. His sense of smell had been rendered nearly useless among the cluttered mess of these cities. Just about everything smelled like everything else, and it all smelled like garbage, sweat, and greed. But there was a distinct tang in the air now, one that Ragnar had become very accustomed to over his life.

Blood. Freshly spilled.

Ragnar turned quickly and followed the smell. He was grimly surprised that he could track it through the crowded streets, and he followed it through a number of side alleys, winding his way out and away from the parade route into the seedier parts of the city.

==\=/==

Sorin Tolovar (Cerberumon X)
Camelot

He'd been tracking them for six days. He didn't know exactly who they were, but he had followed a trail of violence all the way from Rheged. Most of it was subtle; a few frightened townsfolk here, a few threatened Digimon there. But the rest was a bit less-so. A tavern burned to the ground, all evidence destroyed. A wooded cottage off the beaten path deserted except for shredded furniture and weapon marks everywhere. A child crying for parents who would never return.

Sorin had caught wind of this group, tracked them through forests, marshlands, and mountains. There was a bounty -- not a huge one, of course, not with so little information available and very little proof -- but catching them was the first step in tying them to some more serious crimes. He could always argue for a greater bounty once that was done. He thought he'd lost them at the order of Gorre and Astolat as they wound into Gaunnes. For a few days he struggled to pick up their trail again, before finally catching wind of them at the border of Gaunnes, Astolat, and Logress. But most importantly, he'd picked up their scent.

From there it was easy. He'd tracked them to Camelot, even though he was a few hours behind them. There were more of them than he'd initially thought. Quite a few more -- he could distinguish several distinct-but-similar scents from this band. It gave him pause, almost enough to reconsider his approach…almost. They moved too fast for him to really consider changing his course now. They moved as fast as him -- the only reason he'd caught up was because their numbers slowed them down.

Sorin cut through the streets of Camelot, following their scent. He was close now, close enough to pick out specific individuals from among them. He was thankful for the cover the crowd provided. There were a lot more than he'd initially thought. So what were these cutthroats and murderers doing in Camelot today of all times and places? Were they really thinking of starting trouble when Artorigus and all the Royal Knights were present? Not to mention the hundreds of other soldiers in the area.

A new smell tinged the air, and Sorin sped his way on. Blood...and also wine, but that was probably unrelated.

Sorin heard some sounds; shouting, cries of pain, yelps from feral Digimon. He rounded a corner and dropped back into a network of dark and filthy alleyways. He slowed to glance around each corner, determined not to give his position away and lose the element of surprise. But what he found erased all notions of stealth from his mind.

A Plutomon led a gang of Cerberumon and Dobermon. They were standing over a filthy-looking Gallantmon and across from a ragtag gang of other Digimon who were clearly ready to fight. A wildly-speculating part of him wondered briefly if this was Pluto Dis Pater, having survived the war, and their victim was the Royal Knight Gwalchmai. Sorin had never seen either of them up close, but it was a startling thought, one that he pushed aside with a scoff; if this was Gwalchmai then the whole city would know about it and a thousand soldiers would be out looking for him.

"That explains how you managed to stay ahead of me for so long," Sorin snarled, stepping out into the alley. He stood with the Cerberumon gang on his left and the motley crew on his right and glared at his targets while he flexed his claws. "I've been looking for you."

==\=/==

Traft Ostegard (Aegiochusmon)
Camelot

Traft joined with the church procession and made his way towards the center of the city. He was not a member of this specific congregation, of course, but his travels often brought him into contact with the clergy and various diocese. With the parade scheduled at the same time he was set to make his way through Camelot it only made sense to go. The local church had extended an offer to join them. And it was better than watching a parade alone.

So Traft had joined the procession from the cathedral to the parade route; not with the clergy, of course, but with the rest of the congregation. They kept a wary distance from him, but he was used to that. His form was one that drew derision and scorn from the general populace, even after three decades of peace, anyone who even reminded the people of their former Olympian overlords was kept at arm's length.

Traft had accepted this as his lot in life. He knew this was a lesson from Yggdrasil to teach him humility, to teach him resilience, and make him better. He sighed, it didn't make it much easier though. Try as he might, the looks of disdain from everyone, even those who should have been his friends, got to him.

He hung back to let the rest of the congregation move forward without him. All he wanted was to do some good to help those around him see and experience the light of Yggdrasil, just as he did. The church should have been different, at least. He was an outsider to this congregation, sure, but he was just as devoted as they were. Didn't that common ground count for more than the accident of his birth?

Traft sighed. It was all a bit too suffocating today. He crouched down and launched himself high into the air. He let the cool breeze sweep over him, then angled his descent to land on the rooftops along the street. From higher up he could see just how many other Digimon had flocked to Camelot for the event. He wanted a closer look; he bunched up his legs again and sprinted forward, dashing over tiled rooftops with ease.

When Traft glanced up, he saw that at least one other Digimon had thought to do the same. A Cyberdramon carried a small package, leaping from roof to roof, propelled by a few quick flaps of his wings. But the other Digimon suddenly stopped and dropped down below the roofline. Traft hesitated for a moment; it wasn't an altogether unusual event, but the suddenness of the change felt...off.

He glanced around and decided then to satiate his curiosity. He leaped over, springing from rooftop to rooftop, his hooves clattering gracefully over uneven footholds and sliding tiles. Traft saw, out of the corner of his eye, another form keeping pace with him below in the crowd. A dark figure in sharp-armor wove his way through the mob of Digimon, closing in on the same general area that the Cyberdramon had disappeared into.

"Sorin?" he wondered aloud, and picked up his pace. He lost Sorin briefly, but then found him and a group of other Digimon in a back alley.

Traft launched himself into the air, twisting and flipping. He came down hard in the alleyway, directly across from Sorin, on the other side of the strange group of demon dogs, cyborg dragons, and...this really was a strange collection of Digimon.

"Sorin. What are you doing here?" Traft asked. There had clearly been some sort of commotion not long ago.

"Lookin' for them," Sorin nodded towards the Cerberumon group with a scowl. "The hell are you doing here?"

Traft wondered how to answer -- I saw you and this Cyberdramon, thought you looked suspicious, and followed you?

"Always above questioning, aren't you?" Sorin snarled back.

Traft took a better look at the Digimon around him. A Gallantmon lay beaten on the ground. The demon dogs and a...a Plutomon?! Traft wheeled about. "Are you with them?" he demanded.

"None of your business," Sorin growled. "Stay out of my way."

==\=/==

Reynard Pentaghast (Matadormon)
Camelot

"I still don't understand why we can't just go see the parade," Reynard asked with a sigh. He hop-skipped down the streets with Dakkon right on his heels. Reynard wove between oncoming pedestrians, leaving Dakkon to force his way through. The knight-in-training was still so clumsy by comparison.

"You're a known and wanted bandit lord," Dakkon shouted, shoving his way past a rather large Mojyamon.

"I'm a former assumed bandit lord," Reynard corrected him. He walked backwards for a few feet, dodging more Digimon with his deft footwork. "You cleared me on those charges."

"The law cleared you, not me," Dakkon said with a huff. "Everyone knows you were a bandit."

"Allegedly," Reynard said, waving his hand dismissively. "But if we can't get up close with your good connections, what's the point of even coming?"

"We're here to support the lords of the realm and make sure everything goes off without incident," Dakkon said. They'd emerged into a wider lane and were able to now walk side-by-side. "Even if that means I have to babysit you."

"Do you really think I'd try something here?" Reynard asked.

"Against the Royal Knights? No," said Dakkon. "But against some common folk? One can never be too sure."

"You wound me, Sir Knight," Reynard said, feigning hurt. "I'll have you know that I have only ever, rarely, sometimes conned or swindled the common people...if I was bored. And it looked like I could get away with it. Or fight my way out."

"Well this time if you want to fight your way out you'll have to go through me," Dakkon said with a sigh.

"Lucky for me, you've never beaten me," Reynard pointed out.

"Same goes for you," Dakkon said. "We'll watch the parade from one of the rooftops over here." Dakkon led them away from the main parade route and down into a more removed set of alleyways.

"Ugh, you're no fun," Reynard scoffed. "It's no wonder I'm your only friend."

"You're not my only friend,"

"Fine. It's no wonder you have no friends," Reynard corrected himself. "I was trying to be generous," he muttered.

"I have friends," Dakkon said through gritted teeth.

"Name one."

"I'll name three!"

"Those fiery things that fly around you when you digivolve don't count," Reynard pointed out. "They wouldn't exist without you; they have to like you."

Dakkon snapped his mouth shut with an audible click and Reynard couldn't stop his belly laugh. It was always too easy to ruffle Dakkon's big red cape.

"This is boring. What are we even doing anymore?" Reynard groaned as they left the parade route entirely and wandered a back alley.

"We're going to watch the parade," Dakkon said through gritted teeth. "And keep you out of trouble."

"But we won't see anything from over here," Reynard protested. "I wanted to see some fancy lords and --"

"Pickpocket them?" Dakkon accused.

"No, of course not," Reynard waved him off. "But if we got the chance to swindle some rich women out of their money, I wouldn't say no. Would you?"

"Of course I would!"

"Naturally," Reynard rolled his eyes. So predictable. "Well then can't we do something else, too? I need some excitement in my life. Maybe we could --"

Reynard cut himself short as they rounded an alley corner and found themselves staring down a whole mess of other Digimon. Demon dogs, a dragon, some strange...other Digimon. Reynard was never very good identifying or caring about what other Digimon were.

"What the --?" Dakkon stuttered.

"Oh, yes. This looks much better than some stuffy parade," Reynard said. He glanced around quickly. "Should we find somewhere to sit? I'd really like to watch this."

==\=/==

Dakkon Redblade (SaviorHackmon)
Camelot

He'd only wanted to see the procession. And keep Reynard out of trouble. His superiors had been lenient on the once-bandit given his cult-like following, but they'd warned him that any escalation of Reynard's usual tendencies would land him in a mess of trouble. Dakkon had grown rather…"fond" was too strong a word, but maybe...respectful of the Matadormon. He was much more clever than he let on and a dozen times more dangerous than that.

Reynard was the only Digimon that Dakkon had never been able to defeat, and who in turn had never defeated Dakkon. They were as deadlocked as it came.

And there was a grudging respect between them, even if Reynard needled him at every turn. They'd met up outside of Camelot yesterday, purely by chance, and Dakkon knew Reynard would behave himself better if he was along for the ride.

He'd just wanted to see the parade. What could possibly go wrong?

"Should we find somewhere to sit? I'd really like to watch this."

Dakkon readied his wrist-blades. "I think the situation has escalated a good deal past that," he said. "In the name of Galahad, Lord of Astolat, I order you to lower your weapons and disengage. All of you. There doesn't need to be --"

"Norsemen in the city!" a booming voice shouted from above. A huge orange form came crashing down into the wide alley. The impact of the Digimon landing knocked Dakkon off his feet. The MetalGreymon in question wheeled around and opened the gunports on its chest.

"Everyone settle down! This Norseman is coming with --" the cyborg dragon stopped. "Wait. Where'd he go? He was headed right this way. Who are all of you and what did you do with him?"

 

[Solsabre]

Camelot Alleys

Heavy armored boots clattered across paved stone in an unsteady stride. Pain shot through his side with every step like hot iron. His arm pressed close to the gash in his side. His breath was ragged from pain and fatigue. The exhausted Gallantmon forced himself to keep moving with urgency, despite the heaviness of his limbs.

How? how? HoW? hOw? how...

Two weeks. He’d managed to shake the Plutomon and his pack that long ago. Believing himself safe from one danger, he started to breath more easily.. But the Plutomon had antipacited him, waiting in ambush miles outside from this...city? Images of a cityscape bled through his mind trying to recall its significance, but his attempts at remembering were interrupted by the gleeful howls of the hounds.

Daylight had started creeping around the horizon hours earlier, when the dark-clad knight sought to evade the hunting party in the city’s twisting streets. A mistake. Too many digimon. Far too many.

Nearly running headlong in a thick crowd, the Gallantmon pivoted sharply to the right into a narrow, dark alley between two shops he spotted. However, his quick maneuver didn’t fool his pursuers. The smaller Dobermon easily kept pace in the tight alley. The fleeing knight darted left as the alleyway opened up, grabbing a stack of crates to knock over behind him. A Cerebumon burst through the fallen boxes like tissue, nearly bowling him over. Offbalanced, the knight stumbled across the cobblestone, throwing out a hand to keep himself from colliding with a nearby building.

The feral snarling spurred the Gallantmon on, despite his body demanding him to stop. Glancing over his shoulder, he didn’t see the smaller figure rounding the same corner he was approaching. The pair were sent crashing into the ground, liquid splashing all over him. Pain shot up his injured side, forcing him to drop his lance and pressed his arm against the wound. The deep gash from the Plutomon’s claws bled crimson on his cape, mixing with the stain of the sweet smelling wine.

“How unfortunate,” the Plutomon growled, the words like blades torn from his throat. “I hoped to avoid witnesses.”

The dark-cladded knight’s head shot up, a mild panic forming. The Plutomon was speaking to a feline-like digimon- a Meicrackmon- on the ground beside him.

“I'll make this quick, girl,” the Plutomon said with a cold chuckle. “Curse your ill fate.” He took a step forward.

No! He tried to push himself to his armored feet, but the exhaustion and pain temporarily robbed him of his strength. Then the light filtering in between the rooftops blotted out, a winged dramon-a Cyberdramon- with a long red scarf dropped down from above and stood between him and his pursuers.

An exchange of words carried on, but the fallen knight couldn’t concentrate on what was being said. The abrupt stop caused his fatigue to finally catch up with him, feeling lightheaded and dizzy. His discarded lance laid only a few feet from him. The Gallantmon feebly reached for it, only for agony to rip through his injured side again.

The Plutomon’s growling dragged the Gallantmon back to the present. “Urgh! It doesn't matter! No witnesses!” He pointed a claw at the three of him “Kill them!”

The Cyberdramon caught a charging Dobermon in its toothy jaws before tossing it aside into another canine. The Meicrackmon jumped into action as well, her sharp claws extended. “I can help you.”

The Gallantmon stared at the pair in horror and disbelief. He raised a hand as if to stop them, but it dropped back to his side. No..he couldn’t let them risk themselves...not on his account. “Stop...get out of here while you can…”

His words might have well fell on deaf ears. Two more digimon barged into the wide alley, apparently hearing the commotion. A RaijiLudomon intercepted a Dobermon jumping midair and sent the canine crashing into the side of the alley. Battered metal boots entered the Gallantmon’s field of vision.

“I’m here to help.”A Knightmon said plainly, offering his hand to the wounded knight. For a split second, the offered hand recoiled when their eyes met. The Gallantmon grimaced and looked away, recognizing the expression of shock and wariness often sent his way. However, he was in for his own shock when the Knightmon extended his hand fully, “Can you stand?”

The Gallantmon stared at the offered hand confused and warily. He raised a hand halfway, hesitantly, as if afraid the Knightmon’s hand would suddenly attack him. Instead, the dark-armored knight fumbled for his discarded lance, using it to steady himself as he rose to stand. Even now on his feet, he sagged heavily against a wall.

“I-I’m fine,” he lied, breathing ragged breaths. His vision swam, threatening to send him teetering over again. He gestured to the two dramon and Meicrackmon. “They’ll need you more.”

The dark Gallantmon scanned the alleyway, searching for a way out. He couldn’t stay here. Too many people had seen him. Too many people could get hurt because of him. His eyes darted between the combatants and the way out of the alley. Guilt gnawed at him. He had an opportunity to sneak away, while they fought. But…

The Gallantmon never got the chance to finish that thought as all hell broke loose. Several more digimon charged into the scene, yelling different things. Topping it all off, a massive MetalGreymon dropped in from the sky, yelling, "Norsemen in the city!"

The MetalGreymon in question wheeled around and opened the gunports on its chest.

"Everyone settle down! This Norseman is coming with --" the cyborg dragon stopped. "Wait. Where'd he go? He was headed right this way. Who are all of you and what did you do with him?"

 

[Griff4815]

Coralia Ceto (Scorpiomon)
Camelot City Streets

The rattling of about a dozen blades against stone filled the air around her. Cora scuttled down a busy, Camelot street, her legs quickly tapping against the ground as she hurried down the road. In each of her mandibles was a half-shell clam from which she sucked the slippery, rich, seafoody goodness into her mouth.

"Mmm, delicious!" she exclaimed, tossing an empty shell over her shoulder, inadvertently causing it to bounce off a Gladimon's helmet. "I love Camelot! The food here is so good! And there's so many interesting people!"

As Cora slurped up the innards of another mollusk, she began to think to herself. "Hmm, but which way is it to the Royal Knight parade?" she wondered.

The city was so big and flat. It wasn't like Atlantis, where you could swim vertically and diagonally. Everybody was walking and pushing on the same streets, so there were lots of Digimon concentrated in the same places. It was easy to get lost in the crowds, especially in the middle of a festival.

Cora frowned and squeezed past some Digimon as she walked down the street, careful of her bladed legs and fins. "The smart thing to do would be to follow the crowd, but there's crowd's everywhere..." she murmured pensively.

Being new to the city, Cora didn't know what streets the parade would be held on, nor where those streets even were. She couldn't help but feel daunted by the big city and all of the Digimon.

She looked up at the sky and spotted an Airdramon flying in the distance. "If only I could do that. It would be much easier to find out where I am..." she dreamily said.

However, Cora wouldn't be deterred. She would watch this famous parade no matter what! And she would also find a nearby snack stall!

Cora marched deeper into the heart of Camelot. She tried to follow the crowd of Digimon, but she still couldn't find the area that would surely be cordoned off for the parade. She had walked for a good fifteen minutes, but she didn't feel like she was making any progress.

"I know!" she remarked triumphantly. "I'll ask somebody for directions!"

But who should she ask? Cora began looking around the streets from the corner of an intersection. The first Digimon that caught her eye was a bright, gold, humanoid, whose metallic body shimmered like a radiant star.

Cora's eyes immediately widened, and she couldn't help but find the Duramon's shiny luster quite pretty. "I know! I'll ask that person!" she declared like it was the best idea she ever thought up.

The Scorpiomon crossed the street, excusing herself as she cut in front of a Monochromon. She scuttled in front of the Duramon's path and waved her large flipper. Cora shot her a large smile to the best of her ability.

"Um, hi! Excuse me! You seem confident and like you know where you're going! Are you here for the parade too? Can you tell me where it is? My name's Cora, by the way! Um, what's yours?" she asked the Duramon in rapid succession.

 

[storymasterb]

Yamato Takeshi (Cyberdramon)
Camelot Alleys

Yamato balled his claws into a fist and struck. His blow knocked a Cerberumon reeling, but as it flew back, the Plutomon came in snarling. Hellfire licked at the fangs in all its maws as the dark shadow of Pluto Dis Pater lashed with barbed claws. The Cyberdramon danced back, his scarf billowing as he moved. He sensed the Meicrackmon just behind him and couldn't hide his smile. He'd thought she was a damsel in distress, but here she was holding her own.

"Where did you all come from?" the Plutomon demanded in a growl. Indeed, suddenly the alley was very full of Digimon indeed.

"You picked a poor day to do this, it seems," his opponent laughed. "But tell me. What cause led you to chase this poor soul into the very streets of Camelot? And what is your name?"

"I am Cwn Annwn!" the hellhound knight barked. "But you shall learn nothing more but the name of your killer! Haggard Cluster!" With a roar, Cwn Annwn lashed a bolt of darkness at the Cyberdramon, tossing Yamato back into the Meicrackmon. She yelped as he struck her, their impact coincidentally sending a Dobermon reeling.

"Sorry," Yamato said to her as he recovered, keeping a wary eye on the Plutomon. Around them the fighting continued, until a MetalGreymon crashed down and yelled something about Norsemen. Cwn Annwn looked furious and defeated in equal measure by this point, staring at the mass of Digimon in disbelief. "So much for no witnesses, I suppose," the Cyberdramon quipped.

"This is not over," the Plutomon growled.

"You'd be surprised how many Digimon have said that to me," Yamato chuckled, before hardening his demeanour. "All of them soon found that it was indeed over. And you will be no different."

The dark knight laughed. "You have no idea what you're dealing with, Cyberdramon. And all of you." He scanned the group coldly. "You will regret interfering. I swear that to the utmost." He spread his arms as his pack returned to his side, several limping where blows had struck true. "Hell's Gate!" Darkness burst around the Plutomon and wrapped his group in its folds like a curtain. When it had passed, they were gone.

-

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
Camelot Alleys

Shamsiel stared at the empty space where the hellhounds had been for a surprised moment, before slumping to her knees. She was trembling with adrenaline, a wholly unfamiliar feeling. She wasn't a fighter and yet somehow instinct had seen her through.

"You're hurt." She looked up to see the heroic Cyberdramon stood over her, gazing down through his silver visor. He gestured to her arm, and indeed there was a bite there oozing blood. One of the Dobermon had caught it, she recalled, and she guessed that the thrill of battle had dulled the pain.

"Thank you," she murmured, bowing her head in reflex. The stench of wine filled her nostils and a groan escaped her. No. The wine. The wine that Sarathiel had specifically sent her to retrieve. And it was all over her, the street, the dark Gallantmon...

The dark Gallantmon. She whirled to face him and saw a Knightmon there. The dark Gallantmon was leaning against a wall, breathing heavily and using his lance to stay upright. But as her eyes regarded him, Shamsiel found him almost painful to stare at. It was like when she tried to meet his gaze, his body blurred and distorted and suddenly her eyes had slipped to the right and found the wall instead. She forced herself to correct her gaze, but it happened again the instant she stopped focusing.

The Cyberdramon meanwhile was taking in the horde that had filled the alley. "Ah, MetalGreymon," he said in that smooth cordial tone. "You said something about a Norseman? I fear you have come to the wrong place for that, though as you doubtless saw, there were certainly some villains on the prowl." He gestured at where Cwn Annwn and his hounds had been.

Shamsiel was suddenly conscious of the Duramon beside her. "Forgive me," she said, turning to them. "Thank you very much for your assistance." She turned next to the Knightmon. "You as well, good ser. Thank you." Now she turned to the dark Gallantmon, forcing herself to keep looking at her. "Are you okay?" she asked him, before flinching as she realised how stupid a question it was. "Sorry... what's your name?"

 

[Solsabre]

?????
Camelot Backalleys

“Hell’s Gate!”

Darkness swept through the alleyway as the Plutomon and his minions vanished, but it made little difference to him. His eyes were clenched shut with pain. If not for the wall behind him, he would have collapsed in a heap on the ground. The voices of the other digimon in the alley were muddled to him, even as he tried to focus.

"Are you okay?"

The Gallantmon cracked his eyes open. The Meicrackmon stared at him with concern. Why did she look at him like that? He turned his head aside, not trusting what he saw on her face. The simple motion made him feel sick.

“Sorry...what’s your name?”

Random images flashed through his mind, digimon speaking to him in various instances. Their lips formed the same word repeatedly, but the scenes were without sound or meaning. Even what memories he could dredge up where out of order like a mixed deck of cards, all jumbled up. Since he’d awoken to this form in the midst of a fire and explosions, very little had made sense to the dark Gallantmon.

The dark-armored knight shook his blue-and-black helm, disregarding the Meicrackmon’s question. “You need to forget about me.” He waved an unsteady arm through the air horizontally. “Return to your homes and lives.” The effort to speak was exhausting. His adrenaline from the chase was fading rapidly and with it the strength keep upright.

“That Plutomon...” The words died on his lips as he realized just how many digimon where actually in the alley. All their eyes laid into him. Exposed. Naked. Vulnerable. He pulled the dirty gray cloak, he’d scavenged early on, across his chest in a futile attempt to hide the strangeness of his armor. Then he froze when he saw it.

The crest worn by the Saviorhackmon and MetalGreymon.

Panic rose up within him. He tried moving along the brick wall to get away from the Meicrackmon and Knightmon standing near him, but his body wouldn’t budge. Every part of him felt too heavy to move. Blue lightning bolts started to emit wildly from his lance in response to his stress.

“No!” He exclaimed, throwing the lance to the ground as far as he could, halting the electrical charge to his weapon. But he also tossed away the only thing keeping him on his feet.

“No, not here... not again...” he muttered weakly, sinking to the ground while clutching his lance-bearing hand to his chest. Blue bolts of erratic energy danced along the limb. It took every last ounce of his remaining strength to suppress it.

The final energy bolt vanished, the arm falling limp in his lap. Every muscle in his body ached and pain shot up his side where it continued to bleed. He was spent.

And he was at their mercy.

 

[TheSequelReturns]

// Magnus Strand (RaijiLudomon)
// Camelot City

"Norsemen in the city!" a Metal Greymon shouted as he crashed down into the middle of the alleyway.

Magnus' heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Was Kat found out? Was she okay? Was this guy here to get him?

But the dramon's eyes passed right over him without incident and Magnus held back a sigh of relief. Just what kind of trouble had he wandered into? Kat was going to give him no end of grief when he finally made his way back to the inn. But he would deal with that later.

He turned his attention instead to the little angel he had defended. What in the world had she done to anger professional bounty hunters? She didn't seem particularly dangerous. Was it just wrong place, wrong time and the true quarry was the armored digimon back in the alley? Nothing about this situation made any sense.

"Ah, MetalGreymon," a Cyberdramon said. He had been on the scene before Magnus did. "You said something about a Norseman? I fear you have come to the wrong place for that, though as you doubtless saw, there were certainly some villains on the prowl."

Magnus nodded. "Yes, quite. It says a lot about this city that so many would come to a strangers aid."

"Thank you very much for your assistance." the little angel offered, thanking some of the others in turn.

Magnus nodded curtly, "Of course."

---

// Caius Osmond (Knightmon)
// Camelot City

"You as well, good ser. Thank you." the angel offered.

Caius nodded solemnly, but his attention was still on the Gallantmon.

The man was... Caius didn't have the words to describe the feeling he got as he looked at him. Or rather, tried to look at him. The moment he stopped studying his armor, the second his focus wavered, his gaze would slip elsewhere. It was as if his mind was refusing to acknowledge the Gallantmon's existence unless he forced it to. This was not natural. This was the work of corruption, of sorcery, of some unknown dark force. Caius didn't know. But he also did not fear the unknown. Fear was a weapon. And you never let someone else, or something else, take control of a weapon.

He watched as the angel tried to speak with him, as the strange Gallantmon began to descend into what could only be called a panic attack, and realized just how little he understood what was happening here. Blue lightning began to arc across his lance. Then his arm. By any other standard, it looked like an attack was building. But those eyes... the Gallantmon's eyes were on himself, not those standing around.

When he finally thew down his weapon and his arm went limp, Caius let out a pent up breath and returned his own short sword into its sheath. He should help the Gallantmon. The poor soul was clearly troubled. But whatever foul powers had affected him were obviously still at work. Would they infect Caius as well, if he reached out and touched him?

"Do any of you know what whichery has befallen this poor soul?" he asked the group. He scanned the group for a moment, his eyes landing on the small angel that seemed to be at the center of all this. "You, angel, what can you speak on this matter?"

---

// Katarina Akerman (Duramon)
// Camelot City

Katarina was rather enjoying some time to herself after a long night of negotiations. Espionage and subterfuge have this nice, exciting ring to them when you first hear them. Until you find out that it mostly involves staying at cheap inns, eating cheap food, avoiding anything that could remotely be called fun, and spending long nights discussing the intricacies of international economics.

Not for the first time, she wondered what the rest of her family was up to. It was probably better than this.

Now which way was it to the inn again? This city was like a maze. But she knew well enough from her travels thus far that walking around looking lost was a fantastic way to get mugged. Sometimes, it was best to pick a familiar looking path and just walk forward as confidently as possible. After all, you can't get lost if you already don't know where you are.

Kat was doing just that when a little, buggish Scorpiomon scuttled up in front of her and waved her... arm? around excitedly. Kat raised a brow, not sure what to expect.

"Um, hi! Excuse me! You seem confident and like you know where you're going! Are you here for the parade too? Can you tell me where it is? My name's Cora, by the way! Um, what's yours?" she asked in rapid succession.

Wow, the shrimp could talk a mile a minute. But she seemed harmless enough. "You can call me Kat." she offered. "And as for directions..." Katarina tried to get her bearings, but the tall, cramped buildings made that difficult. Damn these big cites and their tight spaces. It was enough to make her feel claustrophobic.

"Well, your guess is as good as mine, but if your looking for the parade just follow the crowds. It seems like the whole country is in town to watch the parade." A quiet moment passed and neither of them moved. "Tell you what, I don't much care to wander these back allies alone and I'm trying to get back to my inn. Why don't you tag along for now and we'll see if we can't find the main-road together. Sound fair?"

 

[Kamotz]

Ragnar Ulrich (WereGarurumon)
Camelot

"Does anyone know what the Hel this was all about?" Ragnar snarled. He strode forward and brushed dirt and dust from his fur. "Mangy mutt slipped my claws before I could squeeze answers out of him."

"That's an odd choice of words," the Matadormon mused. He turned to the nearby SaviorHackmon. "Is 'mangy mutt' one of those phrases that only certain species of Digimon can use without getting side-eyed?"

"You! Norseman!" the MetalGreymon snarled. He marched forward with his trident arm pointing towards Ragnar. "What have you done here? Who were they and what have you done with them?"

"Are you serious?" Ragnar grumbled. "Do I look like I have anything to do with them?"

"Uh, well," the MetalGreymon stumbled with his words for a beat. "Is that a trick question? Kind of, yes? I mean..." he motioned at Ragnar. "Look at you."

"I don't see you accusing that one!" Ragnar jabbed his thumb towards the Cerberumon X leaning idly with a disdainful scowl against a nearby wall.

"Haven't gotten 'round to it," the MetalGreymon snapped. "But you -- I know your type, Norseman."

"It's not illegal now, is it?" Ragnar sneered.

"It should be!"

"How enlightened and civilized of you," Ragnar snarled.

"Reavers and raiders, the lot of you!" the metal dragon hissed, before glaring over at the Cerberumon. "And you? What are--"

"Save us the stench of your breath, lizard lips," the Cerberumon X. He pushed off the wall and stepped forward towards the group. "I'm Sorin Tolovar, a licensed bounty hunter under the employ of Ser Agravaine."

"A 'bounty hunter'?" the Matadormon gasped. He spun around to face the SaviorHackmon once more. "Dakkon, what is that, a knight with a cooler name?"

"He's not 'cool,' Reynard, he's a nuisance," said the SaviorHackmon, Dakkon. "He's a privately hired half-criminal operating outside the law." As he spoke a dreamy look crossed the Matadormon's face. "Reynard? Reynard!"

"That sounds fantastic! Why aren't we doing that!?" Reynard exclaimed.

"He's not about justice, he's about the money," Dakkon said.

"Yes, and also he looks much cooler than your lot, you don't need to sell me on this any more," Reynard said with a wide grin. "Do you think they have a costume shop around here? I'd like one of those bounty hunters accessories kits like he's wearing."

Sorin bared his gleaming fangs, and brandished his bladed gauntlet. "They don't make these in 'Tiny'."

Reynard shrugged. "I'll just get a women's 'Large'."

"Can we focus for a minute here!?" the Aegiochusmon shouted. He'd briefly joined in the fighting as well before the hellhounds scampered off into the darkness, and introduced himself as Traft. "We should report this immediately to the proper authorities."

"Do any of you know what whichery has befallen this poor soul?" the Knightmon asked the group. He scanned the group for a moment, his eyes landing on the small angel that seemed to be at the center of all this. "You, angel, what can you speak on this matter?"

"She' of low rank, she wouldn't know anything about this," Traft insisted haughty. "And if she's anything like the rest of us she stumbled upon all of this in the same manner we did."

"I'd been tracking those bloody beasts for damn near a week!" Sorin growled with a glare at Traft. "Two minutes with your lot and they get away."

"You should be thanking us," Traft snapped back. "If it weren't for us you'd have had to fight them all on your own. And I'll give you two guesses as to how that would have turned out."

"I've faced worse odds."

"Oh? When?" Traft said with a smug laugh. "That was a Plutomon, who only retreated because we were all making a lot of noise and bound to attract attention. He wasn't scared of us."

"I'd have been fine."

"The sad thing is I think you actually believe that," Traft sighed. "What's it like to live in your own little fantasy?"

"You tell me, altar-boy," Sorin sneered.

"You!"

"Enough!" Dakkon snapped. He cracked his tail like a whip and pulled everyone's attention back towards him. "The Knightmon is right. We need to figure out what's happened here," he glanced pointedly at Traft. "And notify the proper authorities. You, MetalGreymon --"

"Gideon Ddraig, Sir," the cyborg saluted.

"Gideon, are you in communication with the nearby forces?" Dakkon asked.

"I should be," Gideon answered. "But I think our friend here is causing my communications equipment to malfunction." He gestured towards the dark Gallantmon. "Putting out some sort of interference."

"Yes. It's unsettling," Dakkon mused. "Have any of you noticed that none of us seem to be able to look at him for more than a second or so at a time?"

"You sure?" Sorin grumbled, and nodded in the Gallantmon's general direction. Reynard crouched at the knight's side, glancing up and down the darkened armor, poking and prodding at it with his fingers and trying to roll the knight around to get a better look at different parts of him.

"Reynard!"

"Huh, what?" Reynard dropped the knight's arm with an unceremonious thud. "Oh. Right. Yes yes. Intriguing."

"I said 'unsettling'," said Dakkon.

"What's the difference?" Reynard asked. "And why are you in charge all of a sudden?"

Dakkon sighed in frustration and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I'm not 'in charge' I'm just making some suggestions as to what we shou--"

"Because if anything, I think I have the most leadership experience here," Reynard said. He sprung up to his feet and addressed the group. "I supervised and motivated no less than dozens of highly ambitious and loyal --"

"Bandits. You led a bandit cult," Dakkon cut in.

"Not a cult, a cult of personality," Reynard insisted.

"That's the same thing," Gideon said.

"Maybe to those without the nuance chromosome," Reynard said.

"They were still bandits," Dakkon said.

"Allegedly," Reynard waved him off. "Suffice to say, I have a wealth of leadership experience, and I think you all would make a wonderful new crew of," he waved his hands dramatically, "bounty hunters."

 

[storymasterb]

Camelot Keep

The castle of Camelot was abuzz.

As the parade began in the courtyard, regiments of knights marching in perfect step, flights of angels flying overhead, and flower petals raining down, the Royal Knights stood assembled in the great hall. The round table dominated the room, a masterwork of the finest oak etched with golden lettering and carvings. Each knight’s place was decorated with their name in flowing runic script, the Digicode runes seeming to float as though they rested upon water and not wood. At a whim the table’s markings could be transformed, allowing it to serve as a strategic map, a viewing screen to regard and discuss distant events, or a display to impart information when the knights gathered to debate affairs of state with their king.

“It feels like an age since we gathered here last,” Ser Gareth the LordKnightmon remarked from where he admired the fine tapestries that hung upon the walls. Behind each knight’s seat at the table was hung the banner of their realm, and he stood before that of Rheged.

“A year by my counting,” Ser Medrawd deadpanned. “A year since all thirteen of us assembled, in any case.” The UlforceVeedramon rested against the wall in the darkest corner of the room, the humble banner of Orkney beside him.

“I see you can read the date, brother,” Ser Agravaine chuckled, even his jest like the rumbling of thunder. The Craniamon sat in his mighty seat, the black and red colors of Gorre standing out from the rest behind him.

“It is a momentous day, after all,” Ser Lucan interjected from his own chair. “Thirty years since Olympus was toppled. Thirty years of peace.”

“The king is not normally so long,” Gareth commented, turning to the group.

“Perhaps his lady wife entertains him and he has lost track of the time,” Cei jested from his place by the door that led further to Artorigus’s quarters. The banner of Gwent hung behind him. Few among them would joke such about the king, but the Dynasmon had known him longest of them all.

“I had thought that your pastime,” Drystan laughed. The Sleipmon was idly strumming his lyre from before the banner of Lyonesse. Cei laughed with him.

“You know me well, Ser,” he remarked. “But even I could not shirk my duties on such a day.”

“I am sure the king will be with us shortly,” Ser Palamedes said in his light, assured manner. “He understands today’s importance most of us all, I suspect.”

“Palamedes,” Gareth said. “How fares Thanet?”

The Gankoomon shrugged. “Much the same as ever, Ser. The Norsemen crash upon my shore like the waves on the rocks. Eventually they might wear us down, but I think they lack the patience.”

“Oh? I heard from a contact in Gaul that you had been petitioning shipwrights,” the LordKnightmon commented. “Making the oddest requests. I am told, Palamedes, that you do strange things to your ships.” He laughed, amused.

Palamedes fixed him with a stare. “I heard that of late you do strange things to your knights.” The words hung in the air for a moment, then the room erupted with laughter as Gareth started in shock, only the ever-passive Galahad not joining the merriment.

Gareth’s shame was interrupted by doors bursting open. Gleaming white armor trimmed in gold covered cobalt scales. Majestic wings hung folded like a cloak behind the king’s back. His legendary sword was at present sheathed in a space beyond space, but all could feel its power radiating from its wielder regardless, resonating with the lesser shards that each of them wielded.

“I see my knights partake in merriment freely today,” Artorigus said with a smile. “Let us now go forth and share it with our people.”

“Yes, sire,” Ser Lancelot acknowledged, the Omnimon falling in behind the Imperialdramon Paladin Mode as he made his way across the room. Each knight in turn fell in the line, but Galahad hesitated.

“Is all well, Galahad?” Artorigus asked, looking at the Alphamon.

Galahad took a moment to respond. “Something feels amiss, sire.” He was looking without seeing, regarding a view other than the face of his king. A faint golden glow suffused his eyes. “Forgive me, I will be brief.”

Artorigus considered. “We must proceed, Galahad. Please, make haste.”

Galahad nodded. “Forgive me,” he repeated as his fingers traced a pattern on the air. The knights filed out, Lancelot glancing back at the Alphamon curiously. Ser Peredur brought up the rear as they made their way to join the parade.

-

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
Camelot Alleys

Shamsiel looked at the Knightmon. “No, ser, I only ran into him, I’m afraid,” she began explaining, before Traft cut over her. She bristled a little at his dismissal, though she had to concede the point. “Traft is right, I’m afraid. I honestly stumbled into this poor soul.” After an awkward pause, a thought occurred. “I am Shamsiel, but a humble novice. Thank you all for your assistance.”

“And I am Yamato Takeshi,” the Cyberdramon chimed in, regarding the other Digimon with that same easygoing manner. How could he be so calm and cheerful in light of what was going on, she wondered. The conversation continued and after Traft spoke again, Yamato added his thoughts once more. “Yes, I thought the same. Our victory was by no means certain. It wasn’t us that concerned him.” He gestured in the direction of the keep, then listened to the SaviorHackmon's thoughts. Shamsiel kept her eyes on the dark knight near her through the discussion, frowning as Reynard began to poke and prod at him. She was about to step in, seeing how agitated the Gallantmon appeared, before the Matadormon was stopped by a sharp remark. Perhaps fortunately, Reynard proceeded to get derailed hopelessly by a metaphor, leaving the stricken warrior be.

Yamato cleared his throat. "As much fun as being a bounty hunter sounds," he commented wryly, "the only wage I find I need is the smile awarded by helping the needy." He indicated the dark knight leaned against the alley wall. "It seems to me that you are correct," he indicated Dakkon. "Our first step ought to be reassuring this warrior, for he seems quite agitated, learn his name, and then help him to the Royal Knights-"

“NO!” the dark Gallantmon exclaimed in a mad panic, suddenly alert to the others speaking. He frantically tried to push himself to his feet to get away, but his strength failed him. “Not them...not them…” he muttered weakly. Stray bolts of blue energy danced across his body, before vanishing once more.

Shamsiel slowly crouched down beside him, forcing herself to meet his panicked gaze. His mad reaction scared her, but even so, she saw the fear there. Something was very wrong. “It’s okay, it’s okay,” she said gently, glancing at Yamato, who looked just as concerned, then looking back. “We won’t go to them.”

“Thank you…” the inverted knight replied, while struggling to control his breathing.

The Meicrackmon held his gaze. “You never told me your name,” she said softly, trying to calm him with the question.

The dark knight shifted his gaze away from her, clenching his eyes tightly in concentration. “Averitt…” he whispered with a trembling voice, “at least I think so.” He cautiously glanced at the Meicrackmon out of the corner of his eye. “How can you stand to look at me?”

The question made her aware of how hard she had to struggle to maintain eye contact. It wasn’t that he was horrifying to look at, he wasn’t warped or anything of the sort. But somehow, her eyes wanted to slide off of him and over to the brick of the wall. “You’re scared, I can tell,” she said gently. “But I promise that we’ll help you, and that we won’t take you anywhere or to anyone that you don’t want.” She paused, his prior panicked words coming back to her. “Why did you say to forget about you, Averitt?”

Averitt shook his dark helm sadly, “No, no one is safe around me. Truly, it is better for you to forget we ever cross paths.”

Yamato knelt down too, his concern still present. Shamsiel glanced at him, but he gave her a reassuring smile before addressing Averitt. “Friend, believe me, I’m no stranger to trying to tell others it’s better if they leave me alone. No matter how dangerous you think you are, I see a soul in need when I look at you.” The Cyberdramon’s smile turned more serious. “I will not speak for anyone else, but no matter what danger you believe knowing you puts me in, I can’t turn my back on those in peril.”

Shamsiel nodded to affirm his point. “I don’t know what help I’ll be,” she confessed. “But I was always taught to reach out to those who are suffering, and I think you are suffering, Averitt. Please let us share your burden.”

The dark Gallantmon glanced warily at the Meicrackmon and Cyberdramon as though weighing his options. He attempted to push himself up and away from the brick wall again, but immediately released a sharp gasp of pain as he held his injured side. He collected himself after a moment and nodded his head, consenting to their offer of help.

Suddenly feeling the weight of uncertainty fall on her, Shamsiel looked to the rest of the group.

 

[Kamotz]

Sorin Tolovar (Cerberumon X)
Camelot

Yamato cleared his throat. "As much fun as being a bounty hunter sounds," he commented wryly, "the only wage I find I need is the smile awarded by helping the needy." He indicated the dark knight leaned against the alley wall.

"More for me then," Reynard said with a shrug. "I don't see how you're going to afford any of these cool bounty hunter costumes, but that's your problem, I guess."

"It's not a costume," Sorin bristled, but then thought better of wasting any additional energy on the matter.

"It seems to me that you are correct," he indicated Dakkon. "Our first step ought to be reassuring this warrior, for he seems quite agitated, learn his name, and then help him to the Royal Knights-"

With those words the strange Gallantmon went into a fit of hysterics, sparking with bolts of power over his form. A strange, acrid smell filled the air in the alley and Sorin recoiled. It was like rotting flowers and burning hair. Across from him, the Norseman Ragnar cleared his throat with a hack.

"That can't be healthy to breathe in," the big MetalGreymon muttered. "Sensors are all out of sorts with that outburst."

Sorin fought the urge to scrape his tongue against one of the nearby stone buildings. The SaviorHackmon stepped back, giving the Gallantmon a wide berth and focusing on him with all his might, though Sorin wondered whether the effort was being made on purpose or just from the struggle to maintain focus on the Gallantmon.

"That is something foul," Traft murmured. "Not just darkness." Sorin found himself nodding in agreement.

Averitt shook his dark helm sadly, “No, no one is safe around me. Truly, it is better for you to forget we ever cross paths.”

"Chaos Magic!" Reynard gasped, practically gushing with excitement. Of them all he was the only one who seemed to have no difficulty gazing upon the Gallantmon. "This is so cool!"

"What?" Dakkon scratched his chin.

"Chaos Magic," Reynard repeated. "It's not darkness or light or nature or whatever. It's its own separate thing and it explains everything!"

"There's no such thing as Chaos Magic," said Traft, fixing Reynard with a pitiable look.

"There was no such thing as Chaos Magic," Reynard corrected. "Until I invented it!"

"You invented Chaos Magic?" Traft asked skeptically, glancing from Reynard to the Gallantmon and back again.

"Well, not the actual magic," Reynard admitted. "I didn't do this to him, obviously."

"Is it obvious?" Ragnar asked.

"It's obviously obvious," Reynard brushed him off. "I just invented the concept and the theory and the name. Chaos Magic. Cool, huh?"

"When? When did you do this?" Dakkon asked with an exhausted sigh.

"Just now," Reynard answered simply.

"Just now?"

"Well...forty-five seconds ago," Reynard said sheepishly. "But you wanted the whole explanation, so…"

"Oh my god," Dakkon groaned into his hands.

"Stop talking!" Sorin snapped.

"So can you tell us what happened?" Traft asked skeptically.

"I'm confused, am I supposed to answer that or not talk?" Reynard asked, glancing to Sorin. He felt the fur on the back of his neck stand on end in agitation.

"Just -- Reynard, please," Dakkon groaned again. Sorin wondered how the two of them could know each other for longer than five minutes without Dakkon driving his own tail into his brain.

"Fine. Yes, I can answer that," Reynard said confidently. Every set of eyes in the alley turned towards him expectantly. "Oh. You mean right now?"

"Yes!" Gideon snarled.

"Oh, well no, not yet. Obviously," Reynard scoffed.

"You said --"

"Yeah, eventually," Reynard said. "I invented this less than two minutes ago. Gimme some time."

"Why are we still listening to this idiot?" Sorin snarled, glaring angrily at Traft for even deigning to give Reynard a chance to speak.

"What, do I have to do everything? When do you start pitching in?" Reynard snapped back.

"All you've done is make stuff up," Traft chastised.

"Still more than what you've done," Reynard said dismissively. "Though kudos on the sanctimonious arm-crossing," he gestured to Traft, "and the constipated glowering," he waved to Sorin and Ragnar.

While all this seemed to spiral out of control, it was the Cyberdramon, Yamato, who seemed to try and get things back to order. He knelt down beside the Gallantmon and offered his assurance and assistance.

"I am, 100%, on board with whatever we're doing," Reynard volunteered.

"Are you really dragging me into this?" Dakkon sighed. "One easy day. That's all I wanted."

"Please, don't pretend like that iron-clad moral compass of yours would turn this down," Reynard jabbed him. "You were already thinking about how to help."

"Well those hounds still have a sizeable bounty on their heads, so I'm in until we clear that," Sorin said. He clicked his claws together and stepped forward.

"Oh! That's right!" Reynard gasped. "Chaos Magic and bounty hunter-ing! This day gets better and better!"

"I'm in," said Gideon, reluctantly. "I still think someone should report this higher up the chain of command. Especially if -- whatever Chaos Magic is -- is really to blame. Keep him here or whatever," he gestured to Averitt, "but we should let someone know."

"I'll take the blame if this gets out of hand," Dakkon said with a sigh.

"Agreed," Reynard said.

"How noble of you both," Sorin muttered.

"As if you understand 'nobility,'" Traft said.

"'Least my reasons are honest," Sorin shot back.

"Shamsiel is right, it is in the teachings of the Faith that we help those in need," Traft seemed to ignore Sorin's remarks for a moment, but then glared back at the bounty hunter. "Honest enough for you?"

"Who are you trying to convince?" Traft's jaw clicked shut audibly and Sorin sneered.

"I don't suppose you'll let me just walk away, wash my hands of all this?" Ragnar offered. The big MetalGreymon turned towards him with a snarl and glare. "No, of course not."

"I'm still not convinced you're not part of that crew," the dinosaur hissed. The WereGarurumon just rolled his eyes.

"Fine, I'll tag along," the Norseman sighed. "I suppose the gods had me cross your paths for a reason."

"Excellent. Should we get some food?" Reynard asked. "I haven't eaten since breakfast."

"You know that was two hours ago, right?" Dakkon deadpanned.

"Yeah. Two whole hours," Reynard stared incredulously. "I'm wasting away here doing all this work."

 

[Griff4815]

Coralia Ceto (Scorpiomon)
Camelot - Street

Cora listened intently to the big, golden warrior. Her eyes couldn't help but drift towards the Duramon's long, bladed arms, which looked as sharp as they were shiny.

"Well, your guess is as good as mine, but if your looking for the parade just follow the crowds. It seems like the whole country is in town to watch the parade." A quiet moment passed and neither of them moved. "Tell you what, I don't much care to wander these back allies alone and I'm trying to get back to my inn. Why don't you tag along for now and we'll see if we can't find the main-road together. Sound fair?"

"That sounds like a great idea! Thank you, Kat!" she chirped enthusiastically. She raised her bladed flipper and sheepishly rubbed the back of her shell-covered head. "I'm not from around here, so I'm a little lost. It would help a lot to have somebody to walk with."

Cora undulated with her mandible-like appendages towards a nearby alley. "I'm pretty sure that the main road is over that-a-way. The bigger streets are pretty crowded, so it might be faster if we cut through the alleys to get to the parade," she suggested, already taking Katarina's claymore-like arm with her own bladed flipper and pulling her along eagerly. "Come on!"

As Cora walked along the much taller and slender warrior, she looked up at her with a friendly smile, not that her ventral mouth could be seen from Kat's vantage point. Still, the excited look in her eyes radiated brightly.

"So, where are you from, Kat? Are you from Albion? What region?" Cora questioned blithely. "You seem pretty tough; I bet you're from Gorre! You look like you've seen a fair amount of fights in your time, and probably come out on top too! You have that whole 'super cool' vibe to you."

"As for me, I'm from Atlantis," Cora announced, not exactly cluing into the fact that perhaps she shouldn't he telling a complete stranger that she was basically a tourist in a big city. "I ran away from home - well, not home - Father sent me to work for my uncle in Gaul - I ran away from my uncle's home so I could see the world - and then I heard about this big festival and here I am!"

Cora jabbered on and listened eagerly to what Kat had to say for herself as the pair made their way down the back alley. Although she had been leading the way, Cora really didn't have any clue where she was going, and she was distracting herself by talking to Kat, so she ended up just walking down random alleyways.

The Scorpiomon continued scuttling down a long, dark alley aimlessly, looking up at Katarina rather than where she was going. "Do you think they have a lot of street food at the para--"

"NO!" a deep, male voice shouted from down a branching alley.

Cora suddenly stopped and blinked. "...Hey, Kat, did you hear that?" Cora wondered, gazing down the dark alley, which seemed to waft with traces of either smoke or some sort of shadowy mist. She frowned with concern and took a deep breath. There were smoky, metallic notes lingering in the air.

"I can smell smoke too... Do you think somebody's in trouble?" Cora asked, looking up at Kat questioningly. "I think we should go check it out."

Cora scuttled ahead down the dark alley towards the intersection of another alley. Once she reached the cross section, she looked over and saw several Digimon all gathered around a dishevelled looking knight, who was standing uneasily against a nearby wall, half-wrapped in his dark blue cape. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she began to make her way over to them.

"Um, excuse me, is, uh, everything okay here?" Cora wondered, looking at the dark-armoured knight with concern. "Are you okay? Nope, you're not okay, you're hurt."

Cora looked up at the group of gathered Digimon questioningly. "Are you guys here to help him? What exactly happened?" After a moment, she frowned uncertainly, unsure if this odd-looking group of Digimon were the ones who attacked the armoured warrior. She looked over at the dusk-themed knight questioningly. "If you need my friend Kat to step in, blink twice."

 

[TheSequelReturns]

// Katarina Akerman (Duramon)
// Camelot City

Kat wasn't sure what to think as the little shrimp grabbed her arm (a bold move given that it was basically a sword) and started dragging her down back alleys. Was this girl some kind of bait? Had Kat been marked for a robbery? She couldn't help but tense up as her new friend led the way and ran her mouth the entire time.

"So, where are you from, Kat? Are you from Albion? What region?" Cora questioned blithely.

Kat opened her mouth to respond with that same well-practiced line about being from outside Albion but Cora kept going. "You seem pretty tough; I bet you're from Gorre! You look like you've seen a fair amount of fights in your time, and probably come out on top too! You have that whole 'super cool' vibe to you."

"Well, you're not wrong." Kat said, dodging the question of where she was from entirely. "Sparring is kind of my thing. Gets the blood pumping, you know?"

"As for me, I'm from Atlantis," Cora announced, and Kat felt some of her tension fade as Cora described in detail how she had come to this city. This shrimp was sharing way too much to be bait. They were both tourists, apparently. Though could Kat really call her back alley wanderings "tourism" when she had hardly seen a single landmark?

"You'll have to tell me about any cool places you've found." Kat said, trying to keep Cora distracted so she could think of an excuse to bail. Cora prattled on about this and that as they walked and just when Kat thought she was going to snap a loud voice called out from an alleyway ahead of them. And now that she was listening, it sounded like multiple voices. Was something going on back here?

"I can smell smoke too... Do you think somebody's in trouble?" Cora asked, looking up at Kat questioningly. "I think we should go check it out."

Kat had smelled enough smoke in her life to know that whatever was tinging the air now wasn't normal smoke. It was something more acidic, more metallic. It smelled like the air after a lightning strike. Or a battlefield after lightning attacks had been discharged. Now her curiosity was getting the better of her.

Kat nodded. "Yes, let's."

The assembly around the next corner looked about as innocent as a band of pillagers. They all looked like fighters, well all of them except the angel. It was quite the crowd and Kat could think of no good reason for so many strong looking digimon to assemble in the back alley around a sad-looking angel and a Gallantmon who looked like he was wounded. No, wait. Not a Gallantmon. But... Kat's head started to hurt as she studied the fallen knight. She knew that silhouette, but he was different somehow.

There was something else too.

Kat looked at Magnus with a raised brow as if to say what are you doing here?

Magnus looked back with a small shrug as if to say I've got no clue.

Typical Magnus. Getting into trouble before he even knew what was going on. Kat resisted the urge to verbally chew him out and instead tried to see what she could gather from the others. Cora wanted to beat her to the punch.

"Are you guys here to help him? What exactly happened?" Cora said, sputtering into action. She turned to the fallen not-Gallantmon. "If you need my friend Kat to step in, blink twice."

"Oh no, I didn't sign up for any of whatever this is." Kat said, shaking her head.

"I'm not sure any of us did," Magnus said, "But there's something strange going on here and I don't think I can walk away now."

The urge to smack him was growing stronger. They didn't have time for this nonsense. They had a meeting to attend in Thanet in two days and Kat would not let him hear the end of it if they missed it for getting mixed up with this crowd.

A nearby knightmon sighed and Kat turned to look at him.

"How many digimon are going to stumble into this alley?" Caius said. "Perhaps we should find a less conspicuous place to have this gathering while there is still room to move."

---

// Yuel Nyctus (Phantomon)
// Elsewhere in Camelot

No, this wouldn't do. It wouldn't do at all.

Yuel watched in his mirror as events unfolded across the city. A gathering of digimon in a back alley. A strange knight with a stranger affliction. Bounty hunters stalking the streets. An angel, caught up in the middle. So many threads had gathered in one place that Yuel couldn't tell what the result would be no matter how hard he tried to predict the outcome or how many fortunes he cast.

In his entire existence, he had never been so fascinated by a single moment in time.

And yet, there were still missing pieces. He could fix that, of course. But should he? Was it his place to intervene in such an auspicious event? The doubt lingered in his mind for less than the flicker of a candle. Of course he should. He had to know, he had to be there to witness where this chain of events would lead.

He spent only a few precious moments moving about the shop. He stepped in and out of shadows, crossing distances with no regard to the space between, and gathered every item, relic, card, contract, quill, and curiosity he could think to bring before swirling his cloak and vanishing into the space between spaces.

A moment later, the candles blew out and the shop locked itself up for the day.

---

// Tsukiko Hisakawa (Airdramon) & Colossus Rhodes (Guardromon)
// Elsewhere in Camelot

"I'm just saying, I know this place with some great scones and tea." The Kabuterimon was saying.

Tsukiko had been doing her best to ignore him, but she was starting to suspect that the bug thought she was playing hard to get. Still, if she could swing a free meal out of it, would it be all that bad to humor him for a bit?

"If I agree to have lunch with you later, will you quiet down until the parade is over?" Tsukiko asked.

If the bug had eyelids, Tsukiko was sure he would have blinked in surprise. "Oh! Um... yes. Yes, I can do that."

"Good." Tsukiko flicked her tail happily. "Then chill for a bit and let me watch in peace." The Kabuterimon nodded eagerly and hovered just a bit further away and Tsukiko sighed in relief. Now, she could finally enjoy the parade in peace.

Something moved beside her, just out of sight. But as soon as she turned to see what it was, the strange shadow was gone. And so was her bag. Tsukiko turned, looking every-which way but to no avail. Her bag was gone. And with it, every worldly possession she had to her name. And there was no one else around except, the bug.

"What the hell did you do with my bag?" Tsukiko said.

"Nothing! I swear!" The bug held all four of his arms up defensively. "I don't even know what bag you mean."

"My bag. The big brown one I had just a second ago." The bug shrugged in confusion and Tsukiko sighed and went back to looking around at the ground below. Still nothing. There was just too many digimon down there. If her bag had fallen into the crowds, she would probably never find it.

Just as she was about to give up, she caught sight of something in a back alley. A large gathering of digimon all looking like they were having some kind of secret meeting or something. And... was that an angel? And a knight? What in Albion was going on down there?

Intrigued, Tsukiko took one last look around for her bag and turned took off towards the back alley.

The Kabuterimon looked after her in defeat. "So... is lunch still on?"

She didn't bother looking back. She also didn't notice the Guardromon following after her, pushing his way through the crowds below with a brown bag under his arm. Or the Phantomon, who tailed them both from the shadows with a mischievous grin.

 

[storymasterb]

Yamato Takeshi (Cyberdramon)
Camelot Alleys

Yamato chuckled at Reynard's antics, though one point stuck with him as he regarded Averitt. "Novel as Reynard's suggestion may seem, I think we can all agree that Averitt is an exceptional Digimon. Perhaps he is indeed some sort of..." He waved his hand, "ChaosGallantmon?"

"In any case," Shamsiel murmured. "Something is truly amiss." The Meicrackmon had remained at Averitt's side, but Yamato could tell she was having to force herself not to leap back on instinct by how her muscles tensed. If the rest of them were sensing something odd, dangerous even, what was it like for an angel to be right next to Averitt?

Reynard pledged his 'loyalty' to the cause of helping Averitt, along with five of the other Digimon clustered around them in their own various ways. In any case, while Averitt's outburst had Yamato certain that they should avoid taking him to the Royal Knights, he could see where Gideon was coming from. While he would pursue the truth with every effort, and he did not doubt the conviction of those around him, their numbers were small and their resources limited.

A Scorpiomon crept in as he considered this, joined by a Duramon who seemed to know the RaijiLudomon who had assisted them judging by the look he caught them exchanging.

"We all found Averitt here under attack," the Cyberdramon explained. "A Plutomon and his pack were chasing him through the streets. They picked a rather strange if helpful day to do so, for the guards who would normally have intervened are occupied elsewhere." At his side, Shamsiel frowned.

"Do you think they intentionally chased him this way knowing that?" she asked.

Yamato shrugged. "Perhaps, but it would be hard to say. Given their fear of discovery, I don't think that... Cwn Annwn," he audibly stumbled a little over the pronunciation, "would have chosen to come into Camelot, even on a day where the parade could distract the guards." Before he could talk further, another voice spoke up with a sigh.

"Perhaps we should find a less conspicuous place to have this gathering while there is still room to move."

Yamato nodded at the Knightmon's suggestion, having had the same thought. "Indeed." He rose from his crouch, glancing at the ever-increasing number of Digimon. "Alas, I am new to this city, and I do not know a good place." His eternal smile for once twitched mildly downward. "Ah. I forgot something." With an embarrassed chuckle, he rubbed the back of his head, looking down at Averitt and Shamsiel. The Meicrackmon gazed back with curious eyes, her fur still visibly damp. Indeed, there was still a purple puddle that the other Digimon had fortunately managed to avoid.

"Forgot something?" Shamsiel queried.

"My companion," the Cyberdramon elaborated. "I will be right back." With that, he jumped skyward, claws digging into the brickwork above their heads. With surprising speed he clawed his way to the rooftop and disappeared from their view, reorienting himself as he ran. He traversed the roofs as easily as before, easier even now that he no longer needed to follow the action below. In the distance it seemed that the parade was beginning in earnest judging by how the angels swooped and flew in formation around the keep and the faint cheering he could hear even at this distance.

Tachibana glared at him as he returned. "I feel like I've been stuck up here for a year," the Datamon glowered as the Cyberdramon landed.

Yamato gave an apologetic smile. "If it's any consolation, I found something interesting."

For a moment, Tachibana glared, before finally dropping his feigned anger. "Oh?"

"Come with me," the Cyberdramon said. "Quickly, before he ups and vanishes." Grudgingly the Datamon allowed Yamato to pick him up.

---

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
Camelot Alleys

As Yamato disappeared, Shamsiel considered. The Meicrackmon stood up, again lamenting the state of her fur. Sarathiel would not be pleased.

Her eyes widened and she looked back at Averitt. Sarathiel.

As she considered it, a Airdramon followed by a Guardromon approached, only adding to the cramped feeling within the alley.

"Ah, ser," she said to Caius, and then looked to Gideon and Reynard. "I think I know where we can go. I'm not native to Camelot either, but I am here with a group from my abbey. Father Sarathiel... he is my mentor. He can heal poor Averitt, and we have rented lodgings here in the city. If nothing else it will provide us with somewhere to take Averitt while we consider our next moves. I would just need to seek Sarathiel's approval first, but surely he would never refuse to aid a Digimon in need." And perhaps she could bathe at the lodgings and make herself more presentable, she added mentally. She waited both for Yamato to return and to see if the others could offer a better suggestion.

 

[Griff4815]

Coralia Ceto (Scorpiomon)
Camelot - Alleyways

"Oh no, I didn't sign up for any of whatever this is." Kat said, shaking her head.

"I'm not sure any of us did," Magnus said, "But there's something strange going on here and I don't think I can walk away now."

Cora nodded to herself. "Yeah, I don't think that I can either," she agreed, turning her attention from the heavily armoured Digimon who just spoke towards the injured knight who seemed to be known as Averitt. She frowned with concern when she had heard that it had been a Plutomon who attacked him. Had he any connection to the Olympos XII? Cora had first hand knowledge of the danger that Digimon like that posed. She had been forced to live under the tyrannical dominion of Poseidon, after all.

There had been times when she wanted to just ignore the injustice and get herself through it. However, she knew that by turning her back, she was just allowing another Digimon to suffer. Although she wanted to travel and see the world, she also made a promise to herself not to be the sort of Digimon who would turn her back on somebody in need just so that she wouldn't have to get involved. There had been too much of that already. Seeing Averitt's wounds plucked her heartstrings and she knew she at least had to make sure that he would be alright.

Then, Cora heard the fluffy-looking angel speak up. "I think I know where we can go. I'm not native to Camelot either, but I am here with a group from my abbey. Father Sarathiel... he is my mentor. He can heal poor Averitt, and we have rented lodgings here in the city. If nothing else it will provide us with somewhere to take Averitt while we consider our next moves. I would just need to seek Sarathiel's approval first, but surely he would never refuse to aid a Digimon in need," Shamsiel said.

"That sounds like a great idea!" Cora encouraged her. "I think Averitt here - that's your name, right? - should really get those injuries tended to. If something weird's going on, we should definitely try to figure things out and decide what to do, right?" She raised her flipper and waved at everybody. "I'm Cora by the way. Nice to meet'cha!" She then gestured showily to the tall Duramon beside her. "And this is my friend Kat! We got lost together! She's from Gorre, I think."

Cora looked at Averitt curiously. "Do you know why you were being attacked, by the way?" She quickly remembered his injuries. "Oh, sorry, you're hurt. You can answer later when you're not bleeding everywhere, if you want."

 

[Solsabre]

Averitt
ChaosGallantmon
Camelot Back Alley


The injured knight’s gaze darted rapidly between each of digimon present in utter disbelief. He sagged further into the brickwall behind him, overwhelemed as each one pledged to help him. He couldn’t really trust that *this* encounter with other digimon was truly different. Averitt had approached other digimon for help shortly after he’d shaken Cwn Awn the first time, but the tension and distrust was plain in their body language. He wasn’t entirely sure he trusted himself to remain in control while around others. Not after the encounter with those soldiers… The Matardormon just left him baffled.

Averitt flexed his lance-bearing hand carefully to work out the lingering numbness that came whenever his strange abilities decided to run rampant. He could- and had-call it at will if he chose, but was often difficult to control when he was exhausted. At the moment, a fuzzy tingling was the best he could hope for until he could rest some.

"Novel as Reynard's suggestion may seem, I think we can all agree that Averitt is an exceptional Digimon. Perhaps he is indeed some sort of..." Yamato waved his hand, "ChaosGallantmon?"

A sense of unease filled Averitt at Yamato’s suggestion. It was hardly encouraging to him to be called as such, especially since he couldn’t ignore how nervous the Meicrackmon, Shamsiel, appeared.

He’d wanted to protest the notion of informing anyone else of his presence outside of those present, but lacked the energy to say much more. The dark knight cast a warily glance at the insignia the two called Gideon and Dakkon wore. Suddenly more digimon stumbled into the alley.

"Perhaps we should find a less conspicuous place to have this gathering while there is still room to move."Caius, the Knightmon, suggested.

"Ah, ser,"Shamsiel said to Caius, and then looked to Gideon and Reynard. "I think I know where we can go. I'm not native to Camelot either, but I am here with a group from my abbey. Father Sarathiel... he is my mentor. He can heal poor Averitt, and we have rented lodgings here in the city. If nothing else it will provide us with somewhere to take Averitt while we consider our next moves. I would just need to seek Sarathiel's approval first, but surely he would never refuse to aid a Digimon in need."

“Please, so long as it is away from here,” Averitt managed to say. Heavy lids hung low over his dim eyes. Staying awake was becoming very difficult. The Not-Gallantmon nodded absently to the chatty newcomer asking him about his name. He really wasn’t sure what was being said to him anymore. His vision was starting to swim and everyone sounded miles away.

Cora looked at Averitt curiously. "Do you know why you were being attacked, by the way?"

Averitt shook his head in order to focus on the Scorpiomon in front of him.The dark knight cast a warily glance at the insignia the two called Gideon and Dakkon wore. Uncertainty filled him. What could he say, except he wanted nothing to do with Cwn Annwn and anyone barely that insignia. Instead, Averitt opted to say, “I wish I knew."

Wordlessly, a metal armored filled Averitt's field of vision. Caius, the knightmon, extended an offer of assistance to the stricken knight. This time ,however, Averitt accepted with only slight hesitation. The ChaosGallantmon leaned heavily on the knightmon for support, while cradling his injured side with the other arm. "Thank you." Averitt whispered, relief evident in his voice. The knight paused in thought for a moment and then added. "But for your own sake, stand back if you see blue energy again emitting from me."

Averitt may not trust everyone present in the group. However, that didnt mean he wished harm on anybody else. Not after last time.

 

[storymasterb]

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
Camelot Alleys

Despite her unease and the instincts which wanted her to fling herself away from Averitt, Shamsiel stayed close to the dark knight, casting the occasional glance upward to see when Yamato would return from retrieving his 'companion'. What an odd day it had been, she reflected, wearily regarding herself. She hoped that once they got Averitt to the safety of the inn, she could at least bathe and wash the wine from her fur. Doubtless Sarathiel would have a cold remark about that.

But angels existed to help, to serve. That was the creed she had been taught. To protect the weak and uphold order. Surely such a code could not refuse Averitt.

Averitt shook his head in order to focus on the Scorpiomon in front of him.The dark knight cast a warily glance at the insignia the two called Gideon and Dakkon wore. Uncertainty filled him. What could he say, except he wanted nothing to do with Cwn Annwn and anyone barely that insignia. Instead, Averitt opted to say, “I wish I knew."

Wordlessly, a metal armored filled Averitt's field of vision. Caius, the knightmon, extended an offer of assistance to the stricken knight. This time ,however, Averitt accepted with only slight hesitation. The ChaosGallantmon leaned heavily on the knightmon for support, while cradling his injured side with the other arm. "Thank you." Averitt whispered, relief evident in his voice. The knight paused in thought for a moment and then added. "But for your own sake, stand back if you see blue energy again emitting from me."

Shamsiel hung by the ChaosGallantmon's other side, the words making her wonder. What on Idyll had led the Plutomon and his pack to chase the so-dubbed ChaosGallantmon into the streets of Camelot on such a day? She was sure it had something to do with whatever had stained Averitt's form in hues of iron and dark blue where others of his species bore silver and brilliant crimson, but what?

A shadow crossed her gaze and Yamato fell from the heavens. His wings beat to slow his descent, allowing him to land in a graceful crouch despite the burden of a Datamon cradled safely in his grip.

"I thought no one would witness you carrying me," the Datamon snapped as Yamato set him down.

"You specified no one we know," Yamato teased in answer as he rose to his full height and glanced to regard Averitt. "Fine people as these Digimon are, they are yet strangers." He took in the alley. "Ah, introductions are in order. This is my good friend and travelling companion, Tobei Tachibana."

"I am Shamsiel, humble acolyte," Shamsiel answered as she looked at the Datamon, bowing her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Other introductions quickly followed, but Tachibana waved them off as he made to inspect Averitt.

"Strange, most strange," he said to himself as he paced around the pair of dark knights, Shamsiel instinctively moving out of his way. "I have never seen anything like this. I must run tests. Yes, samples and analysis are in order. This is most unusual indeed."

"Perhaps tests and analysis can wait until our poor friend here has a bed in which to rest," Yamato interrupted. "He's gone through quite the ordeal."

"Ah, I think I know somewhere," the Meicrackmon spoke up eagerly, and she relayed her thoughts about Sarathiel and the inn. Once she had finished, Yamato was nodding.

"Yes, a missionary would be the best place," he agreed. "Unless anyone else knows of somewhere better suited to Averitt's needs?" If anyone knew of such, they stayed quiet, and so the Cyberdramon looked back to her. "It seems that you are our saving grace, Shamsiel."

She smiled. It was rare to feel like she was anything other than a nuisance. A mistake, as the others often put it. "Ah, Sarathiel and the others will be at the parade." As if on cue, cheers rang out in the distance, a hundred thousand voices all blending into one wordless exclamation of pride and joy. She knew immediately that the parade must have begun. "Let's go!"

Before she can move, Yamato gently held her by the shoulder. "I think it best if Averitt stays some distance away," he said. "You know who will be on full display at the parade, and seeing them may well stir his panic again." Shamsiel's ears drooped as that thought caught up with her enthusiasm. The Royal Knights would have pride of place, of course. All thirteen assembled on a rare occasion.

Better that Averitt kept some distance.

She nodded. "We should bring him closer at least, so that Sarathiel doesn't have to travel far to tend to his wounds."

"Agreed," the Cyberdramon smiled. "I did not mean to crush your eagerness, Shamsiel. Only to protect Averitt from further trauma."

What had happened to him to make him like this, Shamsiel wondered again with a look at the dark Digimon. His presence made ice run through her veins, that metallic tang assaulting her nostrils once more before she finally turned away.

"Follow me," she called, and led the group out of the alley. They moved as a loose pack through nearly deserted streets, the guards all assigned to posts elsewhere. As Shamsiel glanced up to skies she could now see clearly, flights of angels converged on the keep with brilliant wings. The parade would proceed down the high street from the keep, following a path that would be the safest place in all the realm for its duration.

And yet the source of that safety was what made Averitt panic so.

They cut through side streets, separating where necessary if the larger members of their party were unable to fit smaller gaps but always rejoining at the first opportunity. As they moved, one or two Digimon drew in, curious about this odd procession, some being scared off by that unnatural aura Averitt exuded, others trailing behind to see where their group would end up. Regardless, they soon were but a street away from the parade. The flights of angels soared overhead, guards on the rooftops regarding the street below warily. Their gazes passed over the group with some unease, probably disturbed by such a large party, but after a moment the sentries moved on.

"I'll find Sarathiel," Shamsiel declared, remembering the rendezvous point that had been agreed. "I shan't be long, I promise." She forced herself to meet Averitt's eyes. "Help is at hand, Averitt. I promise."

"Go," Yamato said with that calm tone. "We will keep him safe until you return."

With a smile, she rushed through the connecting alley, and the parade engulfed her. The sounds, the smells, the sheer crushing presence of it all. So many Digimon packed into this space, those able to fly hovering overhead so as to escape the crushing weight of the crowds. Higher still the sentries watched, and she knew that the crowds separated her from a wall of shields and swords held by mustered soldiers from all the realms of Albion. Even on a day of joy, heightened emotions and too much alcohol could lead to spurts of violence, and the king wished his subjects to remain safe as they rejoiced on this anniversary of triumph. The day Olympus fell.

As Shamsiel made to push into the throng of Digimon, a Garudamon reached out. "Ah, a fellow seeker of merriment!" she cheered. "Rejoice! Rejoice! Praise King Artorigus and his great knights! May the wine never stop flowing for as long as he seats the throne!" Shamsiel shied away from the bird-woman's touch and the stench of wine on her breath.

"Ah... sorry, I have to-"

"Join us, join us!" the Garudamon crowed. "Today is a day of joy, my friend!" Her clawed hands made contact and Shamsiel recoiled away even as more merrymakers reached out to drag her into the crowd.

"It is, but please, I have someone I must see," she protested, to their groans.

"Will you not stay awhile?" a Silphymon called. "Join us, friend!"

"It's urgent, I'm afraid," Shamsiel replied apologetically, head bowed. "But I hope you have a good day." With that, she shrugged away from them and carefully pushed through the crowds. Elbows and other appendages jostled her more than once, leers and jeers directed her way several times, but each was shrugged off with an apology and a bow of her head. After several minutes of this, she emerged beside a statue of Ser Galahad. The Alphamon stood carved from marble, wings spread like he was an angel himself, a mighty blade pointed at the heavens. Such statues lined this street, culminating in one of the king right before the gates to the keep.

Sarathiel and their fellow monks and nuns waited by the statue's base. The priestly MagnaAngemon was glancing about with disapproval that only deepened when his eyes found her. He strolled over, his wings tight to his back, arms stiff at his side. Each step was precise, methodical.

"Where have you been?" the angel demanded. "I send you on a matter of some importance and I find you return late, bereft of wine and I am certain of coin as well," as he stopped right in front of her, he sniffed and though his eyes were covered by his visor she knew they narrowed in disdain, "and stinking as though you have been bathing in a vineyard. It seems even the lowest expectation was still too high for you, child."

"I-I'm sorry, Father," she said, though she had to bite back an angrier retort that rose unbidden. "But I came across a Digimon in need, and I could not leave him."

"And yet you stand before me alone," Sarathiel retorted drily. His cold tone somehow cut the din of the parade, the weight of his words forcing her head further down.

"I... he was terrified, and I did not wish to expose him to this crowd, Father," she explained meekly. "I left him with others who came to help, members of the guard."

Sarathiel gave a stern nod when she dared glance up to test his expression. "Yggdrasil forgives transgressions made to help the needy," the MagnaAngemon recited. "It is improper, but perhaps water shall suffice for our needs, and Yggdrasil may yet forgive you for this lapse." But it wasn't my fault, she protested wordlessly.

"Yes, Father." She paused, silenced by the noise and his stern glare. "Father, forgive me, but I came here to ask for your aid. Averitt, the one I aided, he is wounded and exhausted. Hunted by a pack as though he were a beast to be chased. He requires healing and sanctuary."

"And you wish me to provide him such," the MagnaAngemon concluded for her. "Very well. I shall come and tend to this weary soul, and in doing so ascertain your own actions, child." He glanced back to the group, who had all been watching, their eyes judging her with every second. "Moroni." A Piddomon sprang to attention. "Watch over my flock for the time being and lead prayer in my stead. A soul has dire need of my aid."

"Yes, Father," the Piddomon nodded, and moved to the head of the group. The stamping of armored boots became clearer beyond the crowd, a squadron of angels flying in formation above what Shamsiel assumed to be a platoon of soldiers. The angels flew the colors of Corbenic upon banners hung from their spears, so surely the group beneath them belonged to Ser Bors.

"Come, child," Sarathiel said with that stony tone. "Let us tend to your wounded soul." She led him away, head bowed even though his brilliant presence was enough to make the crowd part and silence any more catcalling.

---

Yamato Takeshi (Cyberdramon)
Camelot Street

"I don't understand," Tachibana said for what felt like the hundredth time since Shamsiel had left. The Datamon had spent the time pacing around Averitt, straining to examine the ChaosGallantmon.

"A rare sentence that suddenly feels common," Yamato chuckled.

"I'm serious, Yamato," the Datamon retorted as his mechanical eye whirred. "The readings, these energy signatures, they're all wrong. I can't say I've had the chance to study a Gallantmon up close, but this is extremely strange. My sensors barely want to accept that this Averitt of yours even exists. Half of them are telling me there's empty space there and the other half are telling me that I might as well be looking at some kind of walking biohazard."

Yamato crossed his arms. "Come now, that's cruel."

"I'm not casting judgment on his character, I'm telling you he's a scientific aberration the likes of which I've never seen," Tachibana protested. "What the hell have you gotten us and these innocents into this time, Yamato? You said he was being chased by what, the spectre of Pluto?"

"Cwn Annwn."

"Coon... Anoon?" Tachibana repeated in puzzlement. "Bah, this is getting stranger by the moment."

"It is," Yamato agreed, and for once his mirth was gone. "But I intend to find out exactly what is going on."

Tachibana sighed. "I know I swore I would never try to stop you after that business in Vespucci, but this is screaming at me to tell you to leave well enough alone, Yamato."

"You're not intrigued?" the Cyberdramon replied. "I never thought I'd see the day." His demeanour turned serious again. "But regardless, I can't just turn my back, Tachibana."

"I know," the Datamon murmured. "You'll die of compassion before anything else, I swear." Before the discussion could continue, a faint radiance drew their eyes. Shamsiel emerged from the direction she had gone in, looking distinctly more browbeaten and downtrodden than before. Behind her walked a MagnaAngemon in priestly garb, and it was he who cast that glow.

"Here, Father," Shamsiel said, raising a hand to indicate Averitt. "This is Averitt."

The MagnaAngemon, who Yamato presumed was the Sarathiel Shamsiel had spoken of, nodded and brushed past her without a word.

"Thank you," the Cyberdramon said, staring at the angel as he approached.

"You need not," Sarathiel replied with a cold grace to his voice. "It is the way of we angels to render aid to the helpless, the weary-"

He stopped as though he had walked into an invisible wall. Behind him, Shamsiel had looked up, and when Yamato met her eyes he found only confusion. The MagnaAngemon stiffened, his head fixed in Averitt's direction.

"Sarathiel?" Yamato ventured.

"Father?" Shamsiel added from behind the other angel, worry staining her features as she took a tentative step forwards. "Is all well, Father?"

Sarathiel gave no reply, nor did he move. But from the distance, Yamato heard the cheering of the crowds falter and give way to unease. And something was different. What was it?

The angels.

The flights overhead had stopped moving. They hung suspended in the air, not moving, wings stretched to keep them aloft. The Cyberdramon glanced to the rooftops and found sentries in a state of bewildered urgency, clearly barking questions and concern into their communicators. He tensed as Shamsiel took another step. She was right behind Sarathiel now.

"Father?" she repeated, reaching out to touch his shoulder as though afraid contact would burn her hand.

Yamato had trained in combat for years. His whole body ran through with cybernetic enhancements, eyes that saw better, ears that heard more, muscles stronger than normal for his kind. And his body was supplemented by a honed mind that had faced the trial of battle over and over. While Shamsiel missed the subtle hints, Yamato caught them, the tensing of muscles, the slight spreading of feathers, and the slow clenching of fists.

"Get back, Shamsiel!" he cried, but before his warning could reach the Meicrackmon, Sarathiel's wings exploded outward. The force of them spreading slapped Shamsiel and threw her back, the feline angel tumbling to the cobblestones with a yelp of pain. Like a sword Sarathiel shot forward, beam sword igniting from his wrist and drawing back to thrust at Averitt. The motions were different. Sarathiel's walking had been restrained, true, dignified. But this was robotic.

Before the sword could strike, Yamato was in the way. His fist knocked the arm aside, upsetting the blade's straight path to Averitt's core, and a second blow found Sarathiel's jaw. Bone cracked beneath the impact as the angel was knocked flying by Yamato's full strength. The MagnaAngemon caught himself with those glorious wings, his glow suddenly cold and harsh as he returned to the attack. The sword did not aim for Yamato, still trying desperately to reach the frail form of the ChaosGallantmon while the Cyberdramon desperately protected him. Sarathiel presumably was not a warrior, yet his strength was unnatural. Even with his enhancements, the hero of justice was pressed to deflect each thrust and cut.

Behind the frenzied form of her mentor, Shamsiel stared in horror and disbelief. "Father?" she cried. "Sarathiel?!" But the MagnaAngemon seemed deaf to her voice, like his entire world consisted of Yamato and Averitt.

The beam sword slashed and Yamato ducked backward, then came in with a headbutt. His helm rang as the blow landed, knocking Sarathiel reeling and causing his visor to crack and crumble. A single eye stared as it was exposed, cold, fixated on a point behind Yamato.

What on Idyll was happening?

"Yamato!" Tachibana cried from behind him.

"I'm a little busy, friend!" the Cyberdramon protested as he grabbed Sarathiel's wrist and squeezed, trying to contain the angel's strange outburst.

"They're coming!" the Datamon wailed.

They?

As he wrestled with Sarathiel, he caught a glimpse of Shamsiel, her gaze turned heavensward.

The shadow of wings falling upon her horrified face.

---

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
Camelot Street

They were falling from above.

Angemon. Angewomon. Piddomon. MagnaAngemon. Darcmon.

A host of angels descending on radiant wings, blades drawn, spears pointed, arrows notched. All coming down upon this one point in a terrible unity, helms fixated upon the ground on which the group stood. Arrows rained down as the sentries stared in horror from rooftops. The cheers of the parade had transformed into cries of confusion, of fear, of panic. Even if the crowd did not know the source, they clearly knew something was amiss. And beyond the immediate cloud of angels, more winged silhouettes flew into view and began to spiral down.

All coming for them.

The Meicrackmon rose shakily, feeling the bruises where Sarathiel had knocked her to the cobblestones. Yamato brawled with the MagnaAngemon, claws against sword, and Shamsiel made to try and help. Before she could, an armored MagnaAngemon touched down between them, more angels descending into the street. Angewomon archers held their position above and rained volleys towards the group.

"All squads, evacuate the civilians! All angel forces, report your status! I repeat, report your status!" The cries of the sentries nearby came to her ears and it hit her. Only the angels were part of this cold, focused assault. The knightly forces were left in the same confusion and disbelief that now filled her.

Without a word the new MagnaAngemon ignited his blade and turned, visor glaring at her. Still in that grim silence he struck, thrusting towards her with the beam weapon, and Shamsiel stumbled back in panic. It grazed her shoulder and she hissed in pain.

"M-Modestly Stun!" she cried. The ribbon-like appendages on her shoulders unfurled, wrapping tight around the warrior before he could bring up his sword. Her tail lashed, a wicked stinger at its point, and found the MagnaAngemon's neck. "I'm sorry," Shamsiel whispered as she drew the tail back and let the angel fall, paralysed by her venom.

But more were coming, landing gracefully, others dive-bombing. While Sarathiel had seemed focused on Yamato, it seemed that now the rest of the group was deemed suitable to attack, blades and spears aimed even at the members of the guard. They were forced to gather around Averitt as a press of angels surrounded them on all sides. It was all they could do to not be overwhelmed, desperately fighting against an overwhelming number.

And all around, confusion had consumed Camelot.

 

[Solsabre]

Averitt (ChaosGallantmon)
Camelot Alleys

The trek through the city was a blur to the injured knight. He leaned heavily on the Knightmon’s shoulder, sagging his head in weariness. He heard shouts and cheers, but those voices were distant and muffled. Unfocused eyes peered from his helmet to the ground, struggling to balance and put one foot in front of the other. Averitt was dimly aware of the angel pressed close to his other side.

A comforting, if foreign, reassurance.

"I'll find Sarathiel," Shamsiel declared. "I shan't be long, I promise." She forced herself to meet Averitt's eyes. "Help is at hand, Averitt. I promise." Averitt averted his eyes, knowing he made her uncomfortable being one of the few things he could register. Yet, she stayed by him regardless, to his confusion.

The tainted knight nodded his head weakly. His entire body felt heavy and sluggish, grimacing as he pressed a hand into his injured side. The constant pacing and chattering of the datamon only made Averitt more miserable. He already knew what he was.

A monster. One that hurts people. Look at how other digimon have reacted with fear towards me up to this point...

Averitt jerked his head up with the sudden realization. Up till this point, he’d only been treated with fear and hostility. The dark knight glanced around the group warily still, but relief and a bit of hope let him breath a bit easier.

His vision began to blur and spin on him, causing the ChaosGallantmon to clutched his helmet with a groan. Not again. The adrenaline from the constant running had distracted him from concerning dizzy spells. He could feel heat radiating from his face in the stuffy confines of his armor. Rest. He just wanted to rest.

"Here, Father," Shamsiel said, raising a hand to indicate Averitt. "This is Averitt."

A brilliant light radiated from the angelic priest. His eyes flinched. The light hurt.

But something was wrong. Their eyes met and time froze.

The MagnaAngemon charged like a thing possesed. Nothing else mattered or existed as far as the priest seemed concerned. Abruptly, Averitt staggered back, pushing the Knightmon away from him. The Cyberdramon, Yamato, intervened, eventually headbutting the angel and shattering his helm. Sarathiel’s frozen gaze never left the tainted knight the whole time.

Then the angels descended.

Averitt collapsed to his knees, unable to stand. Panic started to set again, blue energy crackling madly up and down his numb right arm.

NO! Averitt clamped down on his wayward power with the last shred of his willpower. No matter his fate here, he would not risk harming those digimon trying to help him. The crackling energies vanished, obeying it’s master’s will.

But he was not out of the woods, yet. Instead, he lifted his good arm to summon his gray and dark blue shield. However, he’d pushed himself too far beyond his strength. Averitt’s eyes rolled back and fell onto his side, unconscious. His shield hit the ground next to him.

 

[TheSequelReturns]

//Caius Osmund (Knightmon)
//Camelot Alleyway

Caius had seen a lot of strange things in his wandering journey. He had seen a magician who could win the cup game every time no matter how carefully you watched the prize. He had seen a storm cloud dissipate and vanish over the plains without explanation or reason. He had meet a Piximon who could out drink anyone, even him, despite being smaller than the average mug. But none of that compared to seeing the hordes of angels swarming towards them with single minded intent.

His father had raised him to be distrustful of angels. His lessons had told him time and time again that there were two minds watching from behind their eyes. That at any moment they could turn, like flipping a switch. Caius had never seen it for himself, until now. And yet... their small friend the Meicrackmon seemed wholly unaffected by whatever compulsion had come over the angels. She even attacked one of them for the sake of the strange Gallantmon. Curious, but there would be time to puzzle that out later.

Caius drew his weapon without hesitation. The battle had started. There was no more time for words. No time for inaction. You reacted, you conquered, or you died. An Angemon came at him, fist raised for an attack, and Caius cut him down without anger or remorse. Without a second thought. To rend one's enemies is to see them not as equals, but objects - hollow of spirit and meaning. He repeated his grandfathers words to himself as he turned from the crumpled form of his first foe and towards the next. His sword clashed with the energy blade of a MagnaAngemon before Caius pushed him back and the angel took flight for another pass.

The sound of metal hitting stone sounded to Caius's side and the Knightmon turned to see the Gallantmon laying on his side. He looked unconcious, but not wounded. Had he fainted or suffered an attack? No time to inspect him, if the stange power that compelled him to look away would even let him. Caius stowed his Beserk Sword and hefted the Gallantmon's shield onto his back, then lifted the Gallantmom himself onto his shoulder. He would have to fight one handed now, with his smaller, backup sword. But if he left the Gallantmon unattended he would be easy pickings for the swarm of mad angels.

An Angewomon turned, arrow notched in her light bow ready to fire on him, when a cloud of purple fog seemed to shoot out of the wall and blind her just in time to stop the shot. Another curiosity.

Slowly, Caius retreated inwards, towards the center of the group, one arm supporting the Gallantmon and the other lifting high his sword to fend off any attack.

~~~

// Tsukiko Hisakawa (Airdramon) & Colossus Rhodes (Guardromon)
// Camelot Alleyway

"What in the world is going on?" Tsukiko shouted to no one in particular as she dove for cover in the middle of this conveniently well placed group of tough looking Digimon.

"First I lose my bag, then I miss the parade, and now I'm being attacked by angels. Could this day get any worse?" she muttered to herself. She was used to facing tough days on the road, but today had taken the cake and ran with it.

"Excuse me, miss!" A voice called from just behind her.

Tsukiko turned to see a Guardromon who was watching the sky apprehensively and holding a bag out towards her. "I reckon this is yours." the robot said.

"My bag!" Tsukiko lifted it with her tail and a moment later had it secured to her side again. "Thank you sir. But, um, I don't know how to say this but the angels are attacking. Not sure this is the time for pleasantries."

The Guardromon slowly turned and looked around, taking in the the group of warriors all fighting off angels in a circle around them. "That does appear to be the case. Not sure what I can do about it though. This here problem is too big for my hands, yessiree."

A Darcmon dove down at them, sword raised. Tsukiko had just enough time to see the cold, uncaring expression on the angels face before she braced herself to take the hit. It never came.

There was a blast of sparks as the angel bounced off of a shield and flew up and over the group. Magnus looked down at her with a smile. "Careful milady, as you can see its not safe out."

Tsukiko blushed and nodded, not really sure how to respond.

"Less flirting, more guarding." Katarina said from nearby as she crossed swords with a MagnaAngemon.

Magnus winked and moved back into position with the others leaving Tsukiko flustered but thankful.

"Mighty slick, that fella." Colossus said.

"Hush, you bucket of bolts." Tsukiko said. "I can fight too you know."

"I'm sure you can missy, but if its all the same to you I think I'll wait it out over here behind this Knightmon." Colossus said, pointing a thumb at Caius.

 

[storymasterb]

Yamato Takeshi (Cyberdramon)
Camelot Street

No matter how many angels he punched and kicked into unconsciousness or death, more and more came. His limbs grew heavy, even his enhanced strength unable to maintain such a pace for long, and the angels were fiercer combatants than most. Yggdrasil's power burned in their eyes and on their blades, every strike that passed his guard burning his flesh with holy flames. Something was desperately wrong, but he had no room to think, only to act.

Power shook the world from overhead and he spared the merest glance. As more angels swept to join the fray, an arc of lightning the hue of sunlight ripped through the heavens and struck them all in turn. They smashed against buildings with sickening thuds and the cracks of fractured bones as their attacker came into view. At first glance he was like Averitt, but where the "Chaos"Gallantmon was purple and dark, this figure was crimson and radiant. Ser Gwalchmai's blade sang through the air and another strike knocked down a Seraphimon.

Yamato could only frown as the thrust of a sword forced his attention back to the battle. The blade's edge ripped into his arm and came back stained red. Shamsiel bumped against him as Caius's retreat forced her back in turn, the Meicrackmon curiously unaffected by whatever madness had come over the other angels. She fought tooth and nail, but her strikes were clumsy and hesitant, her inexperience plain to see. Though she did her part, she stumbled back from blows clumsily.

"Careful there," the Cyberdramon murmured as their ring of Digimon closed tighter around Tachibana and Caius. The Datamon was no fighter and Averitt had long since fallen unconscious and been picked up by the Knightmon, whatever power he had unavailable to them. As Yamato watched, Shamsiel bled from small wounds, miraculously not seriously injured, but none of them could keep this pace. Their numbers were formidable, but the angels were simply more powerful, more numerous, and fanatically uncaring for their own wounds as they came without relent. It was only a matter of time.

Shamsiel whimpered in pain beside him as an Angewomon's arrow dug into her shoulder, a MagnaAngemon's sword blazing as it raked just shy of her side. Yamato tried to give her some space, but it opened him in turn to attack by a Piddomon's staff. He had never thought to die like this, fighting beside strangers against the very forces of heaven-

One second the angels were relentless, unstoppable, their assault without end. The MagnaAngemon's blade aimed for Shamsiel's throat, lips drawn back in a cold sneer, and Yamato was too slow, far too slow.

The next emerald light dissolved in the air with the echo of unspoken words ringing in Yamato's ears. Every single angel in the immediate space around them was an unconscious Rookie or lower on the cobblestones.

"What-?" Yamato breathed, head lashing about wildly to find an explanation. A bootstep sounded on the stone and he whirled to it, Shamsiel doing the same as she weakly pulled the arrow from her shoulder. Jet black armor stood trimmed in gold, red gemstones bright upon the plate. A mighty blade burned in the knight's grip as feathered wings folded tight to his back from where they had stretched wide, his eyes brilliant gold. A legend in the flesh.

"Ser Galahad-?" Shamsiel whispered, a hand reaching like she needed to be sure he was really there.

The Alphamon gave a faint smile and lifted his sword to the heavens. Power thrummed through the air and their world became naught but light, the wind rushing past their faces. Yamato reached to cling to Shamsiel and Averitt, but the force of Galahad's power tore him away from them and tossed him screaming through a void of binary code.

-

Shamsiel (Meicrackmon)
???

She slammed to earth on dirt and grass, the impact punching the air from her lungs. She gasped for breath, opening her eyes and wincing as pain ran up and down her body.

They lay in a forest clearing, a stream bubbling nearby to her keen ears. The others rose too, Yamato right beside her and looking her over with a concerned smile.

"Pray forgive me." The voice was surprisingly soft, but even so it commanded them all to look to the speaker without exception. Ser Galahad stood before them with his wings folding once again, sword disappearing into motes of radiance. "With time I might have made your landing more comfortable, but I felt it best to leave with all haste." He raised a hand and emerald light washed over them, wounds stitching closed, the ache of their muscles fading as his power repaired their injuries.

"Leave?" Shamsiel echoed, inspecting her now unblemished shoulder with surprise. "We-where are we?"

"A few miles outside Camelot in the forests of Logres," the Alphamon answered plainly. "Enough distance that the angels will have lost your scent, and I expect the king will soon have them under control in any case." He looked across their ranks with curious eyes. "I sensed something amiss, but I did not expect such a violent reaction."

"I don't understand," Yamato ventured after a moment of digesting Galahad's words.

Galahad gave him a wry smile. "I am afraid I can do little at present to rectify that state of affairs." His gaze wandered to where Averitt had fallen from Caius's grip amid the chaos of the teleport and Shamsiel watched curiously as he took a few steps toward the ChaosGallantmon, the hint of a frown playing upon his brow. It was like he was unaffected by the same phenomenon that made her gaze slide off of Averitt, dissecting the dark knight with his gaze in a matter of moments. Whatever he saw seemed to worry him.

"What's wrong?" she asked hesitantly.

"Your friend is in the throes of an illness," Galahad said after a moment. "I have seen its like before, but never so entwined with the patient's flesh and blood. This was no random infection, this was a deliberately engineered plague."

Shamsiel frowned. "He was being hunted when we found him. Do you... I mean, do you think perhaps they were the ones who did this?"

The Alphamon's head inclined slightly and he looked more directly at her. She felt transfixed by his stare, locked down like he was turning her to stone and picking her apart layer-by-layer. Something twitched at the corner of his mouth, but whether it was frown or smile she couldn't tell for certain. After a moment his eyes released her. "I suspect that very much." Galahad glanced about the clearing as though concerned someone else might be there, his eyes stopping as they found Dakkon. Now he smiled more openly. "Dakkon, it warms my heart to see you. However did you come to be mixed up in this?"