Old Ones Return (VII)

Taiyo already said she'd accept Euryale's choice despite the obvious downsides, so she just holds on to Euryale.

*Euryale looks back.*

E"I guess that means we have to go ask him...."

*She then bows to Gallantmon.*

E"Thank you, once again!"
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Ts"How many Bio-Hybrids are left?"

Th"Vanessa can become Megidramon, Kurata Belphemon."

G<That's it? Wow, we might actually win this...I mean--I knew we'd win this!>

Drasil<This is still a waste of energy.>

Th"How much harder could it really be than searching through rubble to make sure Kurata didn't escape?"

Cameron:<Seeing as he escaped to our world the last time he was defeated...>
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*Kylie looks up at Gallantmon*

Kylie:<Thanks for cheering Euryale up!>

So Taiyo stops hanging off Euryale, so they can walk hand in hand.

*Euryale's hand is cold & clammy, & as they approach King Drasil, he's living up to his usual standard.*

Drasil<...You make a persuasive argument. However, I still have no intention to spare those who chose to ally themselves with this madman.>

A<What's going on?>

G<Discussing how we're going to take down Kurata, you?>

A<We think we're gonna accept the King's help.>

G<Etemon?>

A<Wha--no, not Etemon!>

Lyra:<...So, you have decided to join the Royal Knight?>

*Cameron looks from Thiera to King Drasil, eyes wide*

Cameron:<...Not all of them might have chose to join Kurata. Kinda like how he converted digimon and forced them to serve him...>

Biyomon:<...Except when you kill a human, they aren't reborn.>

Taiyo nods, reluctantly. Renamon shares her displeasure, but is much better at stoicism than Taiyo could ever hope to be.

Drasil<And how is that any of my concern? Lest you forget, the Digimon that those humans have tampered with are removed from the cycle of rebirth.>

*He looks next to Taiyurle, eyes narrowing. Euryale looks away.*

Drasil<And what leads you to believe that you are still worthy to serve me? Not only have you spat on my generosity in the past, but your fear & weakness is plain to see. It is doubtful that you could Digivolve to a higher level even with my aid.>

*Cameron opens his mouth, then closes it and looks over at Thiera. Everyone else stares at Euryale, waiting for her to respond*

Kylie:<...W-why not give it a try?>

The three who chose to ignore Drasil because it's the right thing to do peer outside of their hovels, the stench of ego clinging to the air, letting them know Drasil is still present.

*Euryale doesn't answer, merely stares at her feet, & Thiera continues to stare at King Drasil blankly, so he instead looks about the area. He lingers particularly on the blasted-out, charred wreckage of the play equipment.*

Drasil<I see you've all but lost the Village of the Beginnings.>

Ts"We saved the babies, though."

Drasil<Not if the enemy is not destroyed soon. I will see what I can do to repair your failed fortifications. Do not speak to me about joining my Knights when you can't even resume Mega form. I am in no mood for jokes.>

*He heads for where the grounded Ceresmon & the Chessmon encampment is, & Thiera shifts her gaze to Euryale instead.*

Taiyo: "You can so do it, Euryale."

Kylie:<Yeah! Of course you can. You're the mighty Euryale!>

E"I know what you're all expecting of me, but...."

Th"When is the last time you Biomerged? What happened at the time?"

E"I think--Tactimon. We clashed. I broke his sword. Why?"

Th"I told you I have a plan. If we're lucky, your anxiety should drop."

E"And if not?"

Th"Try not to think about that. You already won't like it even if it goes well. No one will."

Ts"Will you just spit it out already?!"

Th"We will use the Monitamon to create what Euryale is most afraid of, or regrets most. Once she confronts the fake, she should be able to handle the real thing."

*Euryale finally looks up, once again a shadow of determination on her face.*

E"Unacceptable. I can't ask Taiyo to relive being a slave, or you to--well--y'know."

Cameron:<If I understand Thiera's plan correctly, Taiyo won't actually have to...you know...>

As punching Drasil in the face isn't a viable option even though it is the best option, Taiyo gives Euryale's a hand a reassuring squeeze as she isn't keen on Thiera's idea.

Th"Of course not, but for the most effect, Euryale will need her friends. Which means we will have to watch too."

E"Which is unacceptable!"

Th"Do you have a better plan?"

Taiyo: "You can do it. We'll be fine."

*Kylie and Lunamon give Euryale thumbs up. Cameron clears his throat*

Cameron:<If this will help Euryale biomerge again...do you think it could help someone biomerge for the first time?>

*Euryale chews her lip & squeezes Taiyo's hand, doubtful.*

Th"How should I know that?"

I don't know what is expected of Taiyo beyond any more displays of support.

Cameron:<I don't know...I was just thinking about useful the Royal Knights are going to be, and if we could get Hitomi and Azuma to digivolve to Mega, that'd be two more mega level digimon on our side.>

Th"If they know what's blocking them, they can tell the Monitamon and see if it can generate a simulation. But let's focus on Euryale's problem for now."

*She enters her stick hut, motioning for them to follow. They can faintly see the glimmering of the Monitamon's screen within.*

Taiyo presumably has to lead Euryale inside, so she does.

*Everyone follows Taiyo and Euryale inside*