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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 14:55:22 GMT -5
(Scott's story continued from Qing Lo Arrival Hall)
(Gordon Scarsborough's story continued from Guild Master Gordon Scarsborough's Office)
Scott braced himself against the frigid cold as he approached the temple. When he reached the entrance, the wind began to die down and he looked up. The doorway, made of ice, was massive. Easily 80 feet tall or more. The building behind it was even larger. Scott would have loved to look at it in more detail, but it was too damn cold. He approached the door and was trying to figure out how to open something so large when it swung open on its own, almost like it was expecting him. He hurried inside to escape the cold. The door swung closed behind him with a resonating thud.
The temperature inside was perfect. Not too hot and not too cold. Scott took a minute to warm himself and began to look around. He was amazed at what he saw. The room he was in was enormous. Much bigger than what he had been able to make up from the outside. Easily 200-foot roof, and the open floor space was just plain impressive. Scott figured that 20 American Football fields could easily fit inside with room to spare. In the very center of the room was an enormous crystal. The crystal itself was almost up to the ceiling, it was so large. Scott was drawn to this crystal, not only by it's sheer size and beauty, but because it seemed to be exuding a strange power. Almost like it was calling him towards it.
"Pretty impressive, isn't it?" The familiar voice scared Scott and he jumped, trying to find the source. From behind the crystal stepped Guild Master Gordon Scarsborough. He chuckled and spoke again, "We were wondering when you'd finally get here. It was getting quite boring waiting."
"What the...? How did you get here so fast? I went straight to the transport deck after leaving your office. I don't understand," Scott said, understandably confused. Once again, Gordon chuckled and gestured to someone behind the crystal, beckoning them to come out. Out came a massive golden, clawed insect foot, followed by another. Scott had to look up to see the whole creature.
"You remember Caleb, don't you? Did you really think he'd always be a Tentomon? This is his Ultimate form, HerculesKabuterimon. Say hello, Caleb," Gordon said with a smile. "Hello again, Agent Foreman. Nice to see you again," Caleb said. His new voice was booming and powerful. Scott couldn't help but look up in awe and give a star-struck nod in reply. "In this form, Caleb has the ability to fly at supersonic speeds. We arrived at the Embassy in Qing Lo after you did, but we took the skies as soon as we arrived. We were here in almost no time at all," Gordon explained.
"I see. That's quite impressive, Guild Master," Scott said at last. He was clearly impressed with the power his Guild Master was showing off, but he didn't forget why he was in the first place. "But I still don't understand why you're here. I thought I was doing this on my own?"
"Ah, yes. You are to take the challenge inside on your own, but it is my duty as your Guild Master to oversee the process and prepare you for what lie within. I am simply here to help you get ready. The rest is on your own," Gordon said.
"I understand, sir. So, what is it exactly that I have to do in here?" Scott asked. Gordon raised a hand in reply.
"You will learn all that right now. However, I don't think I'm the one who should explain that. I'll leave that to someone much more qualified and very familiar with the inner workings of this temple. Be warned, though. His rules are absolute. All his decisions are final. Now, if you'll follow me," Gordon began to walk back behind the crystal, Caleb looming above and following. Scott followed his Guild Master, not quite sure what was going on. But he trusted him. He was ready for what came next.
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Post by SoltheGuilmon on Jan 18, 2015 15:38:20 GMT -5
(Anubismon's story begins here)
Suddenly the torches that lit the room burnt out and for a short moment there was pitch blackness. The torches lit again but with a deep blue flame giving the room a dim light. An eerie feeling entered the room as a mist covered the ground, then the strong smell of death filled every corner. A chill overcame any who were inside almost as if the life was trying to escape from within them. Then at the center of the crystal a small black fire; no bigger then a fingernail progressed forward towards the center of the room. It hovered in place for a while but then dropped rapidly to the mist filled ground below.
The black fire spread in a circle burning the mist away and filling the room with the smell of sulfur. Ghoul like creatures came out from within the circles center flying about the room for a moment before all flying back towards the black flames. They flew into the flame and it attached to their bodies, they circled about until they merged together and the flame took on the appearance of a...dog? With wings no less. The creature had no physical appearance just the black flame giving it form. Where it's eyes were to be were glowing yellow. This creature stood taller then even Gordon's partner.
"You who have entered this sacred place I am Anubismon, lord of spirits. Why do you who yet live enter in?" He said in a bellowing tone. Just looking at this digimon gave a sense of how truly powerful he must be.
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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 15:39:04 GMT -5
Scott felt a sensation of true terror as the creature materialized in front of him. It took all his will power not to gag on the horrid smell that filled the chamber. He stared on, frozen in place, as Anubismon appeared and spoke. He was left speechless and could not respond.
Gordon and Caleb, on the other hand, were also awestruck, but recovered much more quickly. Gordon spoke first.
"Greetings, Anubismon. My name is Gordon Scarsborough. I am one of the original members of the W.A.D.A. organization and am the Grand Master of the Crimson Riders Guild there. This HerculesKabuterimon behind me is my beloved friend and lifetime partner Caleb. This is one of my Guild members, Agent Scott Foreman. Ino Yamaki sent us. We are honored to meet you," Gordon said as calmly as he could. Even after all he had seen in battle on Earth and having a partner as powerful as Caleb, he had never seen anything quite like Anubismon. He was very much impressed and also afraid, though he would never admit it in front of his Agent. Scott seemed to come back to reality and mustered up the energy to briefly speak.
"I-I-I'm Scott...Foreman. Sir. I am here to go through a trial to discover what spirit energy lay within me. I wish to become a Hybrid Agent, just like Ino Yamaki. Sir," his voice trailed off and he continued to stare at the shadowy figure before him, unknowing what its intentions were and wondering if it was a smart idea to come here in the first place.
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Post by SoltheGuilmon on Jan 18, 2015 15:39:33 GMT -5
Anubismon listened to the words of the two that stand before him his face carried no expression because of his ethereal appearance. He looked to Gordon and spoke "Your soul reeks of death, it is spotted with darkness you who so willingly took lives for the American Federation; even if for survival are not yet redeemed. Leave this sacred place at once you and your digimon must continue to seek redemption." Anubismon said he seemed to care less for Gordons formality or reasons for being there.
Anubismon looked at Scott and eyed him silently. "Your innocence remains, your tragic experience has strengthened your resolve. You would seek the power of your soul?" He bellowed. A small section of the door that let them in unlocked and cracked open to allow Gordon to leave.
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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 15:39:56 GMT -5
Gordon turned back to Anubismon in surprise. He hadn't expected to be ejected from the Temple like this. His plan was to observe his Agent's progress and give any help Scott may require. Yes, he was responsible for many enemy kills during the great war, but that he was under orders. It was kill or be killed. Surely Anubismon couldn't hold that against him. He didn't have a choice.
"With all due respect, Anubismon, what I did for the American Federation was not by choice. I never wanted to take anyone's life, and I remember every single one. But it's what had to be done. It was kill or be killed. I am forever remorseful for what I have done and wish there had been another way. Please, is there any way for me to remain with my Agent and monitor his progress through whatever trials await him in this temple? I promise I will not interfere," Gordon pleaded as respectfully as he could, and tried his best not to anger the being before him. The sheer power emanating from Anubismon was palpable, and the fact that he was in an ethereal form made it all the more clear that he was not to be taken lightly. Gordon did, however, begin to slowly take steps backwards towards the door if Anubismon responded negatively. Caleb was growing wary. He had no desire to fight, but he was getting a creepy feeling and was preparing himself to protect Gordon from harm if it came down to it. He followed his partner the few steps closer to the door, but kept his gaze locked on Anubismon's shadowy form. Could such a creature even be hit by conventional attacks, he wondered? Before Anubismon had the chance to respond or react, Gordon would turn to Scott and say "Whatever happens, do whatever Anubismon says. We are in his domain and he is in command now. Until we return the Tartarus, I am no longer your commanding officer. Merely a friend. He is who will make the rules now."
Scott now spoke to Anubismon as Master Gordon moved towards the door, giving Gordon a small nod in understanding to his speech. "Yes, sir. I wish to honor my fallen friends and unlock the power and potential I have inside of me. I will do whatever it takes. I am ready," He spoke with confidence and stood his ground, waiting for what came next.
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Post by SoltheGuilmon on Jan 18, 2015 15:40:38 GMT -5
Anubismon looked once more to Gordon saying: "Man always has a choice. Although you say during war time you had no choice is true you made the choice to forgo life when taking up arms. You did so out of pride of your country. Pride is what causes man and mon to commit atrocities based on foolish beliefs of their own right and wrong. Pride is as deadly as the blade you wield. When you made a conscious decision to fight a war spawned by evil was the moment your soul began to darken. You chose to try and make a difference but what difference did you make then? You made wives widows and children bastards. You took the innocence of Caleb, a digimon born in the light and blackened it. Your sins weigh heavy on your heart and I can see them as you the sun on a clear day. Caleb regrets not one life he felled because he protected you. You must answer for such a thing as his partner and you will. You however, are fortunate that you have now started down a path of redemption. Pray yet that you will be cleansed before the time I return to you to judge your soul and Calebs. Return in here when the trial has passed and I am gone. Your black heart irks me. Now begone with you or shall I show you out myself?" Anubismon answered.
He would wait to see what Gordon chose to do before he'd address the boy again. Anubismon's continued to watch the man before him his ethereal body seemed brighter then before.
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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 15:41:07 GMT -5
Gordon listened to what Anubismon was saying. It struck a chord in his heart. Yes, he had killed countless humans and digimon alike in the war, and so had Caleb in his various forms. But he was doing the honorable thing. He was defending his home and saving his own. He did not agree with the words Anubismon was saying, but he was in no position to argue further. His sword would do no good against this powerful creature and as powerful as Caleb was, Gordon could not begin to convince himself they stood a chance of winning if it came down to a fight, and Anubismon becoming easier to see did not bode well in his mind. Gordon looked up at his partner and saw that Caleb was becoming agitated, and his massive claws and jaws were sparking, as if he was preparing to attack. Gordon placed a hand on Caleb's leg as a gesture to stand down. Caleb relaxed and backed away. As a sign of good will, he intentionally reverted to his Kabuterimon form and awaited instructions from Gordon.
"I understand, Anubismon. I shall leave this temple as you request. Please, take care of my Agent. He is a good soul," Gordon said. He turned to Scott and nodded. "Come, Caleb. We will wait at the Embassy for Scott to inform us of his success." The pair walked to the door and exited. Scott watched them leave and saw that Caleb resumed his Ultimate form, pick up Gordon, and fly away into the snowy air. The door slammed shut behind them.
Scott looked back at Anubismon and didn't know what else to say. His innocence remained? What did that mean? Why were Gordon and Caleb being yelled at? What crimes had they committed. It was war. Killing is a necessary evil in war time. Scott didn't want to upset Anubismon further, so he remained silent and looked at Anubismon, speaking simply, "So what now, sir?"
(Gordon's story continues in Guild Master Gordon Scarsborough's Office)
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Post by SoltheGuilmon on Jan 18, 2015 15:42:12 GMT -5
Anubismon's flames seemed to calm down after Gordon had left. He turned to see Scott and remained silent for a moment as if he were analyzing him. "Scott Foreman, you seek the power of spirits. This is an ancient form of power and cannot be mastered by many. The only human to ever succeed has been the one you call Yamaki Ino. If your mind is sure and you wish to undergo the trial of the soul then we can proceed. Be warned; if in fact you fail this trial your soul will devour itself and you will die. The trial will be anything but peaceful. Do you still wish to undergo this task?" Anubismon asked. He continued to stare until an answer was given.
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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 15:42:41 GMT -5
Scott listened to Anubismon's explanation of what was about to happen. Having his soul devour itself did not sound like a fate he was keen on experiencing. But this was not the first time he faced death. And it will probably not be the last. He was a firefighter after all. Risking his life to save others was something he did all the time. And now, instead of risking his life to save a stranger who left a casserole in the oven, he would be laying down his very soul for sake of the memory of the fallen friends. He summoned up all of courage and prepared himself as he would before any fire he faced. He squared off, looked Anubismon in his fiery glowing eyes, and said "I'm ready. What exactly do I have to do?"
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Post by SoltheGuilmon on Jan 18, 2015 15:43:52 GMT -5
Anubismon's ethereal body shrank to Scott's size, he walked up to him and looked him in the eyes. "So be it. Let the trial of the soul commence." Just as Anubismon finished he thrust his dark hand into Scott's chest the amount of pain Scott would feel would make everything else in his life before seem like a prick of the finger. Anubismon kept his hand inside for what to Scott seemed like an eternity before ripping out a small glowing object. As Scott would recover from the intensity of what had transpired Anubismon eyed the orb.
Before Scott had a chance to ask or speak anything he spoke saying: "This is but a portion of your soul. The part that has your connection to digimon. Your DDNA. Within this sphere lies your elemental affinity, when I unlock it it will attempt to separate itself permanently from you. You must win it back if you plan to use it. Prove yourself worthy and it will be forever loyal. It will attempt to devour you to end your life and at the same time your soul will continue to deteriorate without this part and you will die. Your only chance of survival is to win. Your soul will die in 3 hours." Anubismon walked towards the large crystal, he chanted a few words and the sphere began to glow until it became a bright orange.
Anubismon then tossed the sphere and it was absorbed into the crystal. He turned to look at Scott "Approach the crystal and your soul will be absorbed into the crystal and reform inside. Your body will remain here until the battle is done. If you succeed you will be returned. If you fail I shall return your body to the ground." Anubismon then stood aside.
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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 15:44:18 GMT -5
Scott was impressed as Anubismon shrank to his size. Just more evidence to the power of this guardian being. As Anubismon approached him, he opened his mouth to ask another question when his entire being went up in the most intense pain he had ever felt in his life. Anubismon had plunged his hand into his chest and held it there. He threw his head back and opened his mouth to scream, but no sound came out. The pain lasted for what seemed like forever, and then suddenly, it was over. Anubismon removed his hand and held a glowing orb in his hand. Scott fell to the ground crying, clutching his chest, and barely made out the words Anubismon was saying. He took several deep breaths and was eventually able to get up on one knee, but he felt this void in his being. No doubt a result of Anubismon ripping out his very soul. He watched as Anubismon took his DDNA spirit and placed it within the crystal.
Scott mustered up the strength to stand fully and looked at Anubismon, then to the crystal. He nodded and spoke under his breath. "Whatever it takes..." He approached the crystal and reached out to touch it.
He suddenly felt his body go limp and fall. All the pain was gone completely and he felt like there was nothing but peace in the world. He felt as if he had fallen asleep and that the events that had just transpired were a distant memory, or perhaps another life, or maybe even just a dream and not real at all. He went to open his eyes.....and saw nothing. Sheer darkness in all directions. He also came to realize that he was not standing or even laying down. He felt like he was floating in air. But there was no air. It was like he was everywhere and yet nowhere at the same time. He began to feel afraid, but couldn't shake an underlying feeling of calm, as if something was telling him it would be alright if he just remained here. He began to call out, "Anubismon? Where are you? What's going on? Is this part of the test? I don't understand. Help me!" He began to wonder what would happen to him now.
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Post by SoltheGuilmon on Jan 18, 2015 15:44:43 GMT -5
(Costt's, currently referred to as Anti-Scott, story begins here)
Anubismon did not respond to Scott's cries instead another voice came from the darkness a boy with Scott's exact face and body (unclothed of course. Spirits don't have clothes. Duh.) walked towards him while speaking. "Anubismon is not here at the moment just you and I. My other half. My other soul. My prison." He said. "You can call me AntiScott. That name should fit well for now. I know why you're here and I must apologize in advance. I will not be returning to you, at last I am awake and free and have no desire to be anyone's puppet." He said.
"As a thank you for allowing my release I'll absorb you quickly." Just as AntiScott finished his statement smoke began rising off his skin and his eyes appeared to be on fire. "Any last words other me?"
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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 15:45:17 GMT -5
Scott looked up at the sound of the voice. His own voice. He was amazed to see, not Anubismon, but himself walking though the void towards him. He began this nonsense speech about not coming back and absorbing him quickly. He called himself AntiScott. He was getting on the real Scott's nerves.
"AntiScott? Really? That's the best you could come up with? Please. You and I are one and the same. You came from me. I am you. And I will not allow myself to be absorbed by some nudist wanna-be! I came here on a mission and I will not fail it! You will rejoin me if it is the last thing I do!" Scott discovered that solid ground could be felt beneath him and he began to run at AntiScott, fist drawn back, and he aimed a punch at the spirit's face. The smoke and fire didn't even slow him down. It was a mere candle compared to the infernos he'd help extinguish in his life. He felt no fear as he went to strike.
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Post by SoltheGuilmon on Jan 18, 2015 15:46:04 GMT -5
AntiScott took the attack to his face and stumbled backwards. He chuckled and looked back to Scott "Nudist wanna-be? Perhaps you should try looking down other me before you start labeling me." He said "We're both just souls in this realm after all. Only with a huge difference. You are just a human...I'm a digimon." AntiScott jumped forward towards Scott his fist enveloped in flame he aimed it at Scott's face. Hit or miss AntiScott would follow it up with rising kick enveloped with fire. "I'm naturally much stronger!!" He said with a smirk.
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Post by DasuketheArcher on Jan 18, 2015 15:46:29 GMT -5
Scott looked down and saw that he too was completely naked. This was also the first time he realized that the body he thought he had wasn't a real body at all. He himself had become a spirit, a faintly glowing entity in this black void he was in. He hadn't realized his body was gone. He suddenly remembered what Anubismon had said about his soul and body separating and it waiting for his return.
Before Scott could think on it any further, a flaming fist was upon him. Scott tried to dodge, but he wasn't fast enough. The blow caught him on the bottom of his chin and he saw stars. Before he could recover, a fiery kick made contact with his gut. It would have knocked the wind out of him if he had a body. Regardless, he took a knee and tried to collect himself.
Flashbacks of the fire that claimed his friends' lives ran through his head. The heat and flames of this digimon powered doppelgänger of his reminded him of them and why he was there in the first place. He had escaped that inferno before. He wasn't about to let this much cockier version take him down. He would emerge victorious. For his friends.
"Is that the best you've got?" Scott said, rising to his feet and wiping his mouth with his arm. "You should know already. I'm a firefighter. It's what I do. I am not scared of you or your digimon abilities. I'll take you down just like every inferno I'be faced before you. I'll put you out like a candle!" Scott bellowed. He charged his double and went to take advantage of his lack of protection, aiming a swift powerful kick at his groin. If successful, he would then aim another punch point blank at AntiScott's head.
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