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Chapter 18

The Battle of Cleansing Lights

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               â€Narwith! The armies of the dark one are marching in from the west! Your orders,†Shouted the gabumon brining the grim news to Taka, Datamon and Narwith as they sat over maps of the digital world. The three looked to each other before standing up and nodding.

               Narwith cracked his knuckles walking to their messenger with a nod and a stern voice, â€Ready all able to raise their hand in defiance to a fate worse than death.†Walking to the balcony out front of their treetop building he looked down on the population of the village. Digimon of all shapes and sizes had come here to seek refuge in one of the few places able to hold their own against SkullRenamon.

               The human was soon to follow as he looked down at the masses with a bit of a frown, â€This time feels different. I think she means to crush us once and for all…â€

               The weregarurumon nodded as he gaze lifted to see the dust kicked up by the army marching on his home. The village of the Garurumon had indeed grown by leaps and bounds after Rukan had helped hold off a direct attack from SkullRenamon herself. The word spread and with it came hope for an end to the nightmare.

               Datamon hopped up onto Taka’s shoulders to look as well as he handed his tamer the D infinity that was normally on his wrist. Takeshi strapped the device to his wrist before letting out a bit of an exhausted sigh, â€Let us meet them then…â€

               The village was in a hustle at the announcement of the incoming attack as Taka and Narwith made their way through the crowds to the front line. It wasn’t long before the others were behind them standing in formation, waiting for the attack they knew to be ahead.

               At least a month had passed since the events at the mountain, since the loss of Michi and Shade and Renamon had gone missing. Taka held in his hands the remnants of the events at the ready making a small grim grin come to the corner of Narwith’s mouth. Taka didn’t have the same grace and agility with the blades as their master but he was trying.

               They were useless in his hands anyway. The blades required the hands of a demihumon in order for their power to work. The loss of Renamon had been greater as it only left insult to injury. Their journey to find her eventually led them back to the Garurumon village where they set up a base of operations.

               Little news turned up in the past month as to the only known sane demihumon’s location. Little whispers of a powerful group of digimon calling themselves the Vaccine Rebellion had reach their ears but it was only a rumor that Renamon was with them. At least few ever seemed to see this rebellion first hand.

               Narwith knew though that she was out there and that was the hope that kept him running these days. It was hard sometimes to keep up that hope but the flame never went out, just had moments of faltering flicker.

               The attack came just as vicious as any other. The front line always made up of weak low level digimon. These were cannon fodder to the Weregarurumon and Taka but what came next was completely unexpected, a very real threat.

               Towering above them the skeletal wings of a skullgreymon spread as its terrifying screech could be heard over the din of battle. Narwith and Taka both stumbled backwards as its tail swiped through the riff raff of both sides sending digimon flying, many of them bursting into data on contact. This powerful creature was simply too much for them.

               Narwith and Taka looked at each other and saw the worry in their eyes. Narwith frowned and shook his head before picking Taka up and putting him up on his shoulders before running headlong into the fray. Narwith leapt high above the others tossing Taka onto the bone dragon’s back as he spun and a wave of power came off his leg.

               The Skullgreymon shrieked at the impact of the wave on his wings as they cracked slightly even as Taka jabbed the Digicarbide blade into the monster’s back. There was an unforeseen problem though. Taka, try as he might, could not remove the blade from the bone after he had stuck it in. The skeletal was enraged at the attack whipping about violently.

               Narwith leapt again this time catching Taka as the human lost his grip and flew free. This left them in a vulnerable position though. Narwith’s eyes went wide as the Skullgreymon was already collecting dark fire in his jaws. They couldn’t change direction in their decent. He spun quickly to put his back to the attack and in a fair world save Taka.

               The two hit the ground hard as the flames were let loose. A great cheer came up from the digimon as the powerful shout of, â€FINAL ELYSION!!!†came over them all. Narwith turned himself over groaning slightly with Taka as they both were a bit beaten from the fall. There between them and the skullgreymon was a powerful Dukemon. Just as the words were spoke the Dukemon’s shield lit up brightly firing a wide and powerful beam of energy at the beast.

               The skeletal dragon reeled in pain as the blast from the shield struck it squarely. Dukemon looked surprised slightly as it didn’t seem enough to take the creature down. It was then that the yellow streak ran along the tail of the beast and tumbled up to grab the dagger still jabbed into the creature’s back.

               Something amazing happened then. A bright light washed over the entire battlefield as the cries of pain from the skullgreymon became more intense. When the light faded where once was a powerful creature of the dark now stood a wargreymon holding a Renamon and they both looked angry. Not missing a beat Renamon got to her feet tearing through the army of the damned cutting away.

               Narwith and Taka stood in disbelief at what fortune had just smiled upon on them. Of all the places and times to show up the vaccine rebellion appeared out of the wastes and flaked the army of the damned. The infected creatures were retreating from the moment the powerful group cut into their ranks.

               Renamon panted hard as she ran through the infected dodging their attacks adeptly while nicking and cutting any one she could with the enchanted blade. The blade itself carried a cure capable of freeing them from Skullrenamon’s grasp. Blinding white lights appeared wherever she scored a hit lighting up the battlefield as darkness fell over the world.

               The infected ran in fear from her now making Renamon grin. The fear they displayed was not their own but their dark queen’s own. It was then that the tide of battle changed. A familiar and bone chilling voice echoed above them all shouting, â€ENOUGH! You will all pay for your insolence! You didn’t honestly believe that your meeting here was coincidence did you!?â€

               Wrath spread his leathery black wings as he took flight above the battlefield laughing in a high pitched cackle that made the armies cringe and reel back in fear. Narwith’s voice was the first to rise to meet the demon, â€You’re a fool Wrath! You are hopelessly out numbered and we have the cure now! Surrender and we will administer it to all of you. Continue and many lives will be lost!â€

               The creature turned its reptilian gaze to Narwith and cackled again diving at him as he reached back pulling a great scythe from the nether. Narwith tossed Taka aside and back flipped to avoid it’s swath. The weregarurumon’s hackles rose as he gnashed his teeth, â€You’re more than this Rukan! Don’t let him control you anymore!â€

               â€Rukan? Who’s that? Kehehehahahaha,†Replied Wrath as he took another swing. Narwith avoided this one as well but several were cut down by the blade. A frown crossed the lupine digimon’s face as he saw them almost instantly turned into twisted versions of themselves. The virus was working faster than ever.

               Taka threw Narwith Rukan’s Tonto which the digimon caught and was able to stop the scythe’s next swath with it putting him face to face with Wrath. The two starred each other down from some time with hackles raised. Locked in combat now the two were using more and more powerful abilities against each other as their battle became the deciding point of the larger one going on.

               â€This what you want Rukan? To be the lapdog of the Dark Queen? You’re not even a shadow of the hero you were,†Shouted Narwith as he threw a powerful punch shooting a shockwave from it which Wrath dodged laughing again.

               â€You believe your petty insults will sway me dog? You’ll be horribly disappointed! Mwehehehehe,†Replied Wrath with a return wave from his scythe. It appeared though that the wave from the scythe was more powerful than the one from the fist. Narwith’s eyes went wide as he saw the swath headed his way. He lifted his arms to try and protect himself but this would be the second time this day he was saved by another.

               Renamon stood firm between Wrath and Narwith with the digicarbide blade in hand. Her glare pierced Wrath’s façade making him take a few steps back with a frown, â€You! How is this possible!? Berserkermon said he killed everyone in that cave!â€

               â€He missed one,†Was the cold reply from Renamon as her heart was screaming for Rukan’s embrace once again. She rushed forward then quickly swiping at Wrath’s chest with the blade in hand, â€Give me back my Rukan!â€

               Wrath dodged quickly having to use his wings as extra power though he simply couldn’t muster the ability to attack. Rukan was fighting him harder than ever before. Just seeing her made his grip weaken on the powerful warrior within. He barely dodged the second attack ducking and landing on his back.

               Renamon leapt into the air trying to drive the glowing blade home in hopes that it would remove the monster from her lover. Wrath was too quick though rolling to the side and taking wing as fast as he could. Fear reflected in his crimson eyes as he flew as fast as he could away from that place. He held his arm knowing that he had been just a moment too slow on his last dodge. He had been just barely nicked by a fiery pain shot through the arm.

               Cheers arose from the vaccine rebellion troops as well as Narwith’s band. This battle was over. What remained of SkullRenamon’s forces was being mopped up or cleansed by Renamon at the wicked blade. It was nearly dawn before they finished things up and Renamon was finally able to see Narwith and Taka.

               She found them in the infirmary with a doctor as Taka was being patched up from scrapes he had gotten in the battle. He stood up quickly and waved only to cringe and pull his arm back with a frown and a groan. Narwith stood as well smiling broadly as Renamon made her entrance, digicarbide blade still glowing from its workout.

               â€Renamon! Of all the places and times to show up you pick now! Thank the gods you showed when you did. There is no way we would have won against Wrath himself without you wielding that blade,†Said Narwith rubbing the back of his head, â€I guess the rumors of the Vaccine Rebellion were real huh… You’ve been with them all this time then?â€

               Renamon nodded slowly as Taka lay back on his cot nursing his wounds gently. She sat down at the bedside looking at the blade curiously, â€Then this is it? The blade that will cure the world? Why didn’t you use it before?â€

               Taka spoke up softly then, â€It will only work in the hands of a demihumon. It’s why SkullRenamon has been so forward lately. I think she assumed you dead meaning no one was able to wield the cure. Seeing you here I’m sure has startled her. She will be holding up in the black citadel for sure now.â€

               Narwith nodded to that, â€We have a weapon that can beat her now. I’m sure she’s up there pissing herself in fear. We made Wrath run like a coward…â€

               Renamon lifted her paw with a frown at the mention of Wrath. Her heart was screaming again for that familiar embrace. The smell of his hair, the touch of his hand on her cheek, the sweet sound of his voice as he whispered words of love and encouragement in her ear; they could be a reality. She had the power to return that in her hands now.

               â€We march on Digicentral… It’s time to end this,†Was the only reply that came from the vulpine as she stood herself up. Walking out of the infirmary she was met by the captains of the 5 squads and they made their way off to the rebellion camp.

               Narwith and Takeshi were left looking at one another before nodding at the words. Narwith grinned slamming his fist into his other paw, â€Looks like it’s time for some real payback. I am going with and I’m taking as many able bodies with us as I can.â€

               Taka nodded, â€It seems the logical step from here. We have pushed them back and now they are running scared. I don’t know if she will expect us to actually strike against her. She is a bit conceited.â€

               The lupine pat his human companion on the shoulder before standing up and stretching, â€Then we leave tomorrow morning. I will send the word out to all of the captains that we march on Digicentral. She will be made to pay for what she has done to this world.â€

              Â

               â€So you believe that now we have this weapon there is a chance to save him?,†Asked Magnamon softly. The five captains and Renamon all sat around a fire on the outskirts of the village. Tired and many of them wounded from the hard fight all of them knew the hardest fight of the whole war lay ahead of them.

               A voice came from the outside of the ring as the wargreymon saved from the virus spoke up, â€I’m positive this weapon can save the digital world once and for all. For too many years have the others and I been under the puppet master’s control. If it has the power to cut the strings that bind us then this blade is capable of eviscerating the master.â€

               The captains and Renamon all stood in respect for the powerful digimon. Renamon herself nodded in his direction and spoke, â€Should you not be resting? You’ve been through a lot today…â€

               â€No. I plan to join you when you march tomorrow on my old home. The strike came so quickly when she stormed through the city. Her virus spread like wildfire. There was little I or the other captains of the guard could do. I still remember the sting of her claws and it’s time I did my job after all these years. I lead the legion of the cleansed you freed today my lady,†Repied the Wargreymon as he crossed his arms across his chest.

               Omegamon chuckled softly, â€Well isn’t this a change for the better. Instead of her walking away with more soldiers we do…†turning away from the others he walked off into the dark chuckling to himself as the other captains went to join their men and tell them of the next day’s siege.

               Renamon remained though sitting herself down by the fire as she looked over the curved blade in her paws. The Wargreymon decided to join her sitting next to the much smaller digimon as quietly as he could. It took him some time before he finally spoke softly, â€He’s your mate… I can see it in your eyes…â€

               The vulpine looked up and gave a quiet nod before looking back into the fire. Wargreymon put a hand softly on her back letting out a worried sigh, â€You worry you can’t save him with the blade… I tell you to worry not. Your heart beats for him and because of that he will be saved. Wrath was always unstable even as we left digicentral you could see the fight he held inside. Your lover fights harder every day and doesn’t give up.â€

               Renamon let out a little heh as she spoke up, â€That’s just like him… He used to be human you know. He took on a centarumon by himself once. He even fought through a few dokugumon in an effort to save me in the real world,†He words wavered as she spoke and the tears began to well up, â€It’s my turn… I have to face impossible odds and save him this time.â€

               Wargreymon nodded looking to the dark sky with a frown, â€Yeah… Remember though that you aren’t alone in this. You’ve got the digital world backing you this time. I believe that the gods are smiling on us now as we take back a world in need. You’re strong for taking this burden on yourself.â€

               â€It’s what he would do… I can’t let him down. Rukan is a real hero. I’m just along for the ride,†Said Renamon with a frown as she looked into the flames and sighed.

               â€That not true Renamon,†said the annoyed sounding voice of Narwith causing the two by the fire to look back and see him walk into their circle of light. â€Who was it that sat by his side in my village for a week waiting for him to awaken from his nightmare. Who was it that always supported him as he fell into madness? You would have stood and faced him in Shamanmon village if I hadn’t stolen you away. Renamon you are more hero than any of us here. The hope of the digital world still rides on your shoulders alone.â€

               Renamon hugged her legs close to her chest as she looked into the fire again and spoke softly, â€You’re coming with us… You know this could be the last stand of the digital world… It could end with all of us dead or worse.â€

               Narwith put his paw on her shoulder as he shook his head, â€Their all behind you Renamon. The squad captains just came to me to discuss the strategy. We have all agreed upon what to do… all that remains is to do it. We will reach the citadel tomorrow evening if we leave in the morning.â€

               The vulpine remained quiet before leaning against the wargreymon she had saved earlier that day. Narwith sat down next to her taking her paw into his own, â€Be strong for them… Face fear and spit in its face. It’s what he would have you do…â€

               Wargreymon looked down and smiled slightly before looking to Narwith and shaking his head as he whispered, â€She was more tired than she looked… She sleeps.â€

               Narwith chuckled a little rubbing the back of his head before speaking softly, â€I’ll take her to a bed.â€

               â€No… let her stay like this. I believe I am the glimmer of hope in her heart. Let her rest here. I’ll keep watch over her. You should get some sleep yourself though. A battle awaits after a long trek,†Replied Wargreymon as he shifted her slightly so her head rest on his lap and hand draped lightly against her back to keep her warm.

               The lupine stood himself up patting the wargreymon on the back with a smile, â€You’re alright, you know that?â€

               The Wargreymon nodded to Narwith as he walked back to the main village and the night was once again quiet for savior and saved.