Digimon Dark Worlds 02: Crests of the Sins

The sky was a bright blue color, despite it being a bit later in the afternoon, as Axel’s group continued their way down a path, making their way up a small hill, now looking for a place to rest their heads, as they currently didn’t have a job or mission to do at the moment. As they were walking, Axel spoke to Taeka on a call, chatting about everyone’s next plans. “Yeah, thanks so much for the update, Taeka...Bye!” Axel hung up, taking a deep breath. “Guys, I just got done talking to everyone, and...You all want the good news, or the bad news?” Axel asks.

“Get the bad news out of the way first.” Lily responds.

“Alright...Well, the bad news is, we still don’t know where any of the Demondestined kids currently are, and still have no idea how to get rid of them.” Axel states.

“And... What’s the good news?” Lopmon asks.

“That’s all we have to do, actually. As of now, the other groups only have one mission each to deal with, and we have nothing, so...We’re almost done with saving the Digital World!” Axel says, with a slight smile.

“Urgh, those stupid Demondestined are always hiding somewhere in the Digital World...” Tsukaimon grumbled, pounding his fists together. “We need to just... Find them, and finally take out their Digimon partners!”

“Easier said then done. Those Demondestined are impossible to find with the amount of land we have to cover.” Lopmon says.

“Yeah, but for now, until we find the Demondestined...Let’s take the day off and relax!” Axel says, everyone stopping when they reached the top of the hill, which was a flat, grassy area with a few trees, overlooking a small, lush forest.

“Whoa...This place is a perfect rest stop for the day...” Axel says.

“Gosh, it’ll really be nice to rest my feet for the day...” Lily smiles, her and Axel sitting down on the grass next to each other, everyone looking up at the sky. “Guys, look at how beautiful the sky is today...” Lily says, with a sparkle in her eyes.

“I know...Remember how creepy it was when we first arrived here?” Veemon says. Memories flash through Lily’s eyes, as she remembered that day, where the sky was a dark, crimson red that looked like it would swallow up the whole world...Now, it was bright and beautiful, allowing everyone to finally feel at peace.

“It must be a sign...That we’re really doing some good for the Digital World.” Lopmon says.

“Then let’s keep up the good work!” ExTyrannomon cheers happily...As his stomach suddenly lets out a loud growl. “Oops, heh...I am pretty hungry...” ExTyrannomon chuckles.

“We should go look for food then. I’m sure there’s some in that forest over there.” Lopmon says, pointing towards the forest.

“Ooh, yay! Let’s go look for some food then!” ExTyrannomon says.

“I’ll help you guys too! Let’s race to the forest!” Lily giggles, quickly standing up. “Axel, wanna come with us?” She asks.

“Nah, I wanna rest for a bit.” Axel says, pulling his laptop out of his bag. “Besides, I got a few things to do anyways.”

“Alright, then on the count of three...Two...One...Go!!” Lily yells, the three quickly sprinting away, into the forest. “Uh, you guys can do whatever you want.” Axel says, turning to Logan and Allison. “Just try not to wander too far away from here.” The two silently nod to Axel, walking as they both sit down on the ground, Logan and Veemon leaning against one tree, and Allison and Tsukaimon sitting next to one a few feet away. Despite everyone else in the group feeling pretty cheerful, Logan and Allison didn’t feel the same, both having different things on their minds that only lowered their moods... And both their partners easily noticed this.

“Hey Logan, what’s wrong?” Veemon asked, Logan not responding. “Come on... Cheer up!”

“Allison, what’s your problem?” Tsukaimon asks, Allison only looking away from her partner. “Come on, we’ll defeat those stupid Demondestined eventually!”

“Logan... Don’t be sad! Look!” Logan looked up at Veemon, who started making a bunch of silly faces, getting Logan to chuckle and smile a bit. “Sorry Veemon, I just...” Logan sighed, frowning again. “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

“Logan... You can tell me what’s going on.” Veemon says softly, patting Logan on the shoulder. “I’ll listen.” Logan was silent for a moment, thinking, before he let out a sigh.

“I don’t know, it’s just that... After we’re all done fighting, and saving the Digital World... We’re all gonna have to say goodbye, right? And go back home?” Logan asks.

“Yeah, that is true, but I’m sure we’ll see each other again someday!” Veemon says.

“I know we will, it’s just... It’s really weird. At first, I didn’t even wanna become a Digidestined... To do any of this fighting.” Logan states. “But all the Digimon, and the other Digidestined have been so kind to me, I just... I don’t even wanna leave. Or maybe, it’s just the fact that... After all this... I really don’t wanna go back home.”

“You don’t? But wouldn’t your parents miss you?” Veemon asks.

“Yes, but... I just can’t stand being around them anymore, Veemon! All they do is just... Yell at eachother. I’ve heard them doing nothing but scream at each other for years, and I can’t take it anymore...” Logan says, his voice clearly sounding hurt. “It’s gotten so bad to the point where... My home doesn’t even feel like home anymore. That’s why I spent all that time at the library before you met me... Why I was always so... Angry. As much as I hate fighting for my life, I’d rather spend my whole life fighting in the Digital World, then ever hear those two scream at each other again...” Logan’s voice sounded like he was choking up, tears in his eyes, as Veemon reached his arms out, the two enveloping each other in a tight hug for a moment. After a little bit, Logan let go, wiping the tears off his eyes, with a weak smile. “Thanks for listening to me, Veemon...” He says. “I really appreciate it.”

“Of course. I’m always here for you, Logan.” Veemon says. Logan then looks away for a moment, thinking. “That day I left for the Digital World... My moms probably still mad about that...Since I never got her permission technically.” Logan says. “Oh my gosh... Veemon, is it possible that my parents think I left for the Digital World... So I could get away from them?” He says, going wide eyed. “Oh no...”

“It’s probably too late to tell them now...” Veemon says, sighing.

“Yeah, you’re right...” Logan says. “I just wish there was... A way I could go back home and talk to them... Even if it was just for a few minutes.”

“Hey! Where the heck are you going?” Tsukaimon’s voice from nearby cuts through their conversation, the two looking over to see Allison stand up, walking away and out of sight, as Tsukaimon follows her.

“Allison! Slow down! What are you even doing anyways?” Tsukaimon kept calling out, but Allison kept ignoring him, until she eventually stopped, turning back to him with an angry expression on her face.

“Trying to give myself some space from everyone!” Allison snaps.

“Wait...Even from me?!” Tsukaimon asks, with a shocked expression. Allison didn’t respond to his question, her glare already giving him his answer. “Allison, come on... If this is about the Demondestined, then don’t worry... We’ll destroy them all soon!”

“Is that all you care about, Tsukaimon? You just care about fighting?!” Allison snaps. “I don’t care about the Demondestined!”

“Then what the heck are you so angry about?!” Tsukaimon says, a baffled and annoyed expression on his face. 

“...Like you’d really care...” Allison mumbled.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tsukaimon asked. Allison was silent for a bit, taking a big, deep breath. “Tsukaimon, I... I don’t feel like you care about being a serious Digidestined...Like you don’t actually care about the others... Or me. Like you’re just using me to become more powerful...”

“What...? Why on earth would you think that?” Tsukaimon asks, sounding offended.

“It’s just that... That day, when we fought Scorpiomon in the underwater cave...” Allison stated quietly. “When you Digivolved into Devidramon, you we’re suddenly able to fight perfectly fine, without fighting the others, like you usually did before... It just... It makes me think you’re doing all that on purpose, like all you care about is fighting others...” Allison’s words shocked Tsukaimon, not able to mutter a single word now.

“Tsukaimon...Are you hiding something from me?” Allison asks, weakly.

“What... No, I’m partner! I can’t believe you’d ever say that!” Tsukaimon says, shocked and dumbfounded. 

“Sorry Tsukaimon, it’s just that... For being someone who hates the Demondestined a lot... You sure act a lot like them.” Allison says, shocking Tsukaimon again, who was at a loss for words. An awkward silence formed between the two of a moment, before Allison sighed, sinking to the ground slowly. “Allison... Is that... The only thing you’re upset about?” Tsukaimon asks, his voice getting softer.

“...I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. Not that anyone would care, though.” Allison mumbles. Tsukaimon then flies down to the ground, sitting next to Allison.

“Come on, Allison, I’m still your partner... Whether you like it or not. You can listen to me.” Tsukaimon says softly. Allison was silent, all these thoughts swirling through her head, before she finally took a deep breath.

“It’s just that... I’ve been thinking about my mother a lot lately... About whether or not she’ll even want me back after all this is done.” Allison states.

“What? Come on, why would you think that?” Tsukaimon asks.

“Because she doesn’t care about me, obviously...” Allison says. “But after what happened with dad, I... I can’t say I blame her.”

“Your... Dad? You never told me anything about him... What happened?” Tsukaimon asked.

“He died a couple years ago. When I was around 10.” Allison says.

“Oh... Sorry to hear about that...” Tsukaimon says, frowning. “You must’ve been pretty close to him, I’m guessing...”

“Yeah, you’re right. Ever since I was a baby, I was never really good at making friends, but my dad was always like my best friend to me, so it never bothered me much...” Memories flooded through Allison’s head, as she smiled a bit. “He really was the best dad I could have... He was a retired orchestra player, and he always loved playing on his instruments for me... He also played music for me too, like at nighttime, when I couldn’t fall asleep... No matter how I was feeling, his music could always calm me down.” Allison paused, her smile quickly then faltering again. “But, there was this one day... I found this video game that I wanted desperately. I constantly begged my parents to get it for me. Told them I needed it now, and I didn’t care how busy they were. My dad caved in one day, went out to get it... And... He...” Allison was getting choked up, struggling to speak as tears started to form in her eyes. “He got... Into a car crash... On the way there. And died.” Allison was silent for a moment, wiping some tears off, as Tsukaimon softly patted her on the arm.

“After that, my mom... My mom became completely broken when he passed.” Allison continued. “Completely distanced herself from everyone... Including myself. I know she’s never said it outright, but... I know she blames me for what happened to dad.” Allison kept crying, tears falling down her face, as Tsukaimon hugged her softly.

“I’m so sorry, Allison...” Tsukaimon says softly. “You shouldn’t blame yourself, though... You couldn’t have possibly known that would happen to your dad.” The two stay encased in each other’s grasp for a moment, before finally letting go, Allison wiping her face dry.

“Thanks for listening to me, Tsukaimon... And I’m sorry for what I said earlier, I just... After everything that’s happened, the only person me and my mom have left is eachother... I just wish there was a way I could make things up to her right now... Where I could go back... Even if it was just for a few minutes.” Allison says.

“I... I wish I could help you with that.” Tsukaimon says.

“HEY EVERYONE, LOOK!!” The moment was interrupted with Axel’s yelling in the distance, Allison and Tsukaimon exchanging glances, as they quickly stand back up, walking through the trees as they arrived back in the area, where Axel, Logan, and Veemon waited... Alongside a familiar face.

“There you are, Allison! Look who I found!” Axel says excitedly, Allison’s eyes widening with shock. “Woah... Maildramon? Where the heck did you come from?” Allison asked.

“I just saw him flying past us in the sky, and waved him down here.” Axel says.

“Maildramon, how come you’re not with the others?” Veemon asks.

“We all completed our tasks pretty easily, especially with Toropiamon and Surgemon’s medicinal powers...” Maildramon says. “So we all split up, and headed back to our own places. I’ve just been flying around, since I have nowhere to go, but... I’ll stick with you guys for now, and help with whatever you need.” Maildramon yawns, then stretching his wings, as he walked over to the trees. Logan and Allison both exchanged glances with their partners, and at that very moment... Knew exactly what they all thought.

Later that day...

The sun had now set, the sky a dark purple color, as most of the group... Axel, ExTyrannomon, Lily, and Lopmon in particular, where all asleep. Allison, Logan, Veemon and Tsukaimon were only pretending to be asleep, looking over at Maildramon, who was still wide awake. The four all slowly crept out of their sleeping bags, Logan and Allison exchanging confused glances, but saying nothing to each other, as they all approached Maildramon.

“Maildramon, I... I need to ask you something. I need your help.” Logan says.

“Um... So do I.” Allison adds.

“Ah, at this time of night?” Maildramon says, stretching as he stood up. “This better be important.” Logan and Allison both took a deep breath...

“We need to go back to our world!” They both said simultaneously, gasping and exchanging wide eyed glances. “Wait... You wanna go back as well?!” Logan says.

“Yeah... It’s a long story.” Allison sighs.

“Wait... You guys are serious? You wanna leave the Digital World right now?” Maildramon says.

“Yeah, but I only need to be there for less then an hour or so... Then we can head immediately back here afterwards...” Logan says.

“Yeah, same for me...” Allison adds. Maildramon was silent, looking away as he thought of his answer.

“Please, Maildramon... It’s really important to the two of them.” Veemon pleaded, Maildramon nodding as he finally gave his answer.

“Alright. Hop on. But let’s make this quick.” Maildramon strictly says, everyone quickly hopping onto his back, as he flew into the air...

“PORTAL DIGITIZE!!” Maildramon then formed a portal, quickly flying through it... And out of sight.

Sometime later...

Maildramon had quickly arrived back in their world, gently flying down towards the ground, getting closer to Allison’s house.

“Wait a minute... So you’re seriously telling me you never told your mom about the Digimon? At all?!” Logan says, shocked by what Allison was telling him.

“Yeah, so?” Allison scoffed nonchalantly. “You left with out your parent’s approval as well.”

“I mean yeah, but atleast I told them about the Digimon!” Logan says. Before Allison can respond, Maildramon softly lands in the grass in Allison’s backyard, Allison and Tsukaimon hopping off of him.

“We’ll come right back here as soon as Logan is done.” Maildramon says strictly, Allison nodding in response, as he quickly flies off. Allison looked up at her house, noticing that most of the lights in the house were off, except for one, that she could barely make out was in the kitchen. She took a deep breath, slowly walking towards the back door, looking over at Tsukaimon.

“Don’t worry, Allison. I’m right here with you.” Tsukaimon says, Allison nodding, as she finally opens up the door, opening it as slowly as possible, to avoid making any noise. Allison quietly crept through the hallway, towards the kitchen, finally making her way inside. When she entered, the first thing she saw was her mother, crawled into a ball on the floor, sobbing. The rest of the kitchen was a mess, with an empty wine bottle on the counter, and dirty dishes everywhere.

“Oh god, what have I done...” Mrs. Archer sobbed quietly to herself, Allison nervously stepping towards her mother, who still didn’t know she was there.

“...Mom?” Allison quietly alerted her mother, who slowly looked up to her, her eyes widening with pure shock as she quickly stood up.

“Oh god... Allison?” Mrs. Archer slowly approached Allison, suddenly encasing her in a quick hug, as she started sobbing again. “Allison, thank god you’re alright!” She whimpered, quickly letting go of Allison, with a glare on her face. “For god sakes, you’ve been gone for months! What the hell happened to you?! I’ve been so worried!” Mrs. Archer scolds Allison, her gaze finally looking over at Tsukaimon, gasping with shock as she slowly backed away. “Wh- Why is that thing moving?! I thought that was a plush!” Mrs. Archer says.

“Hey, I’m not a plush lady! I’m a Digimon!” Tsukaimon snapped.

“Um, he’s my friend, Tsukaimon...” Allison mumbled. “We’ve been in the Digital World this whole time, fighting to save the world...”

“WHAT?! You mean to tell me, this whole time you’ve been gone... You’ve been playing some weird video game or something?!” Mrs. Archer snapped.

“No, it’s not like that at all!” Allison snapped back. “It’s... A lot to explain. Me and my friends have all been fighting recently, to save both our worlds... You wouldn’t really get it...”

“Allison, if all of this is so important to you, how come you never told me any of this until now?” Mrs. Archer asks.

“I... Honestly didn’t think you’d care... I didn’t think you’d care if I ran away.” Allison mumbled weakly, Mrs. Archer’s eyes widening, with horror and realization, as she looked away, covering her mouth to prevent more sobs from coming out.

“...Mom...? Do you think it’s... My fault, for what happened to dad...?” Allison mumbled, struggling to speak, as tears formed in her eyes. “That it’s... My fault that he’s dead?”

“What?! God no, I...” Mrs. Archer leaned down, hugging Allison as the two starting sobbing again. “Maybe I did at first, but... If I ever thought that, it’s only because I was hurting too... God, I’ve been such a horrible mother to you... I’m so sorry, Allison...” Mrs. Archer wept.

“I just... I can’t believe it took me... Running away for you... To finally notice me...” Allison sobbed. “I just want my mother back... I need somebody in my life to protect me...”

“I know, and I’ll be... There for you now... I promise, Allison...” Mrs. Archer sobbed, the two of them staying in each other’s embraces for a long moment, until they finally let go, wiping their faces off of the huge tear streaks down each of their cheeks.

“Er, Allison? I don’t mean to interrupt this moment, but uh... We should probably leave soon.” Tsukaimon says, awkwardly butting in.

“Wait, you have to leave again? Allison, what’s your friend talking about...?” Mrs. Archer says, wide eyed.

“I’m sorry mom, but... There’s still trouble going on in the Digital World, so... We have to head back now.” Allison says. “B-but don’t worry, I’ll be heading right back here again after I’m done, and after that, I won’t be fighting in the Digital World any longer! I’ll be back, I... I promise...” 

Mrs. Archer looked away for a moment, a worried and hurt expression on her face. “I... Really wish this wasn’t the case...” Mrs. Archer then walked over to Tsukaimon, kneeling down to his level. “I really don’t understand all this, but... Can you please promise to keep my daughter safe? She’s all I have left in this world...” Mrs Archer pleads softly.

“Yeah, don’t worry, lady! I’ll protect her with my life!” Tsukaimon happily shouts, Mrs. Archer smiling and laughing a bit. Allison then looks over at the back door, her and Tsukaimon starting to walk towards it again, Allison waving goodbye.

“Goodbye mom, I... I love you.” Allison says.

“Yeah, good luck! I... I love you too.”

Meanwhile...

Maildramon had finally arrived at Logan’s house, promptly dropping him and Veemon off a safe distance away from the front door. “Good luck.” Maildramon muttered, Logan nodding to him, as him and Veemon made their way to the front door. Before entering though, Logan put his ear against the door, not hearing a single sound, but knew that someone was home, due to the lights in the house being on. Logan then took a deep breath, his hands shaking as he slowly opened the door, entering the house and walking into the kitchen. There, he saw his mom, who was pacing around, but stopped,  quickly noticing Logan, as she ran up to him, with widened eyes.

“Oh my god...” Mrs. Mitchell quickly hugged Logan for a moment, quickly letting go with a hurt and upset expression in her eyes. “God, I can’t believe you’ve been gone this long... And without my permission!” Mrs. Mitchell paused, looking over at Veemon as she raised an eyebrow. “And you’re still hanging out with this thing?! Why?!

“Mom, he’s not a thing, he’s my friend!!” Logan angrily snaps. “And before you yell at me for leaving, maybe you should look at how you and dad have been acting lately!!” Logan’s eyes widened with shock and regret and what he just blurted out, covering his mouth. This statement also softened Mrs. Mitchell’s expression to hurt and sadness, awkwardly looking away from Logan.

“...You did leave because of us... Didn’t you?” Mrs. Mitchell muttered, Logan looking away as he thought about his answer. “It’s a long story...” Is all he can say, as he looks around the room. “Mom... Wheres dad?” He asked. 

“He’s not here right now.” Mrs. Mitchell responds. “Don’t worry, he’s fine, it’s just that... After you left, we sort’ve guessed that you of the reasons you left, was... Because of us... When we figured it out, we decided that we needed some space from each other, so he’s been living with your uncle ever since... And I’ve just been here.” Mrs. Mitchell pausing, sighing. “After all this, we also decided that... Me and your father should get a divorce.” Logan’s expression softened then, looking away from his mom. 

“Yeah... I expected that.” He says, his mother kneeling down to his level.

“Honey, don’t worry about this decision too much... And I don’t want you to blame yourself for this happening... Me and your father just... Had a lot more differences then we realized.”

“No no, it’s fine mom...” Logan says, giving a light smile. “I think this is actually better for us all anyways...” The two’s eyes both started tearing up a bit, as they both tightly embraced each other for a long moment. “We’re both gonna be better parents for you now...” Mrs. Mitchell says. “I promise... Me and your father both.” The two finally let go of each other, with warm smiles as they wiped their tears off.

“Um... Logan? I hate to interrupt this, but uh...” Veemon awkwardly says. “I think we should get going soon...?”

“Logan...?” Mrs. Mitchell looked down at Veemon, who suddenly covered his mouth in embarrassment, him and Logan exchanging shocked glances. “Um... Why’d your friend just call you that? And what’s he talking about?” She asked, Logan looking away in a panic as he tried thinking of an answer, taking a deep breath. “It’s a long story mom, I... I’ll tell you when I get back. You and dad both...” Logan turned around then, trying to shift his way back towards the front door.

“Hey, wait! You’re seriously leaving again?!” Mrs. Mitchell says, following closely behind Logan.

“I’m sorry mom, but I have to...” Logan says. “You just... You...”

“...I wouldn’t understand. I know.” Mrs. Mitchell finishes his sentence, kneeling down to his and Veemon’s level. “Just... Please stay safe, ok?”

“Yeah... I will.” Logan nodded, waving goodbye as he and Veemon left the house, running over to Maildramon. “...Let’s go get Allison.” He says, hopping onto Maildramon’s back. 

Maildramon quickly flew back to Allison’s house then, quickly picking her up as well...

“PORTAL DIGITIZE!!” As they made their way through the portal, now back in the Digital World, just as fast as were gone. The group looked over at Lily and Axel, sighing with relief as they were still asleep, almost as if nothing had happened.

“Hey... You two alright?” Maildramon asked, Logan and Allison both looking up at him, with genuine smiles, as they both had the same answer...

“Yeah. We are now.”