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Digimon: The Great Crimson Tamer Prologue Part 1: Invisible Ties/Stark Reality...
Though many will contest that, Digimon and the Digital World were always a creation by mankind... That statement is ultimately untrue. There was once a time, when mankind and Digimon shared the world together. It was about two thousand years ago, when it seemed like the world was very much stable but not without some cracks in the work. This is merely but a small part in the overall scale that this world presents. It takes place on the continent of Archanea, along with it's neighbor Valm. Archanea was a continent that seemed to be very peaceful with it's three countries ruling it. Ferox, Plegia and Ylisse. Ferox was a cold and somewhat barren mountain range, where only the strong survived and the people within the country upheld that rule since it's conception. It is ruled by two Kahns, the East Kahn and the West Kahn. Whoever can defeat the other, rules over Ferox. Feroxi, don't really wish to use Digimon since they believe that, reliance on these creatures would diminish the strength of their troops. The country of Ylisse is an area where peace has been upheld for many years.
Unfortunately, the King and Queen of Ylisse have been murdered by it's neighboring country Plegia. Their eldest daughter is the current ruler of the nation, and it's capital city Ylisstol. Most say that Ylisse is what's well known for using the creatures known as Digimon for warfare, but some are kept as pets and others as assistance to many of the workers. The people within the country worship the Divine Dragon known as Naga, and it's royalty bear a brand that marks them as such. Some people would even regard the royals as the people who have received Naga's wisdom. But with the light, there's always darkness. And that brings us to Plegia, Ylisse's western neighbor. Unlike Ferox, Plegia is far from an ally to Ylisse. For they are quite potentially their worst enemy. They are ruled by two factions... One being the mad king, who wishes for any excuse to go to war, while the other are the grimleal... Who worship the Fell Dragon, Grima. And that, is ironically where our story begins... With two warriors, fighting one last battle... Against the leader of the Grimleal, Validar...
One of the two appeared to be clad in a blue shirt, with blue pants to match. A shoulder pad on his left shoulder, while exposing the Brand of the exalt on his right. Though it would seem that Chrom's left arm has a sleeve that throughly covers it along with a pair of gray gloves on both of his hands. Below his shirt's collar, he wore a white and blue colored cape. Which seemed to flow along with some dramatic wind, that would reveal itself in this fight. His boots appeared to extend all the way to his knee caps. One was mostly gray while the other was as blue as the rest of his clothing. He also carried a double edged sword, with a golden pommel, red grip, a golden crossguard that bared resemblance to the brand on his shoulder. The gold in the crossguard would extend all the way to the fuller of the blade, which ran almost the entire length othe blade. He also carried it's scabbard on his right hip. The other appeared to be a white haired individual with a purple robe, gray inner shirt, black pants and gray boots. He seemed to be carried with him, a steel sword and a yellow book that appeared to have steel engravings over it.
That would be a fabled thunder tome... More specifically, Thoron. The strongest thunder tome. They were fighting what appeared to be a dark skinned man, with a similar purple robe, albeit minus the hood. He also seemed to be wearing a pointed head piece. And it would seem he's carrying a dark tome along with him. His hair had a white streak running down the middle along with his ponytail. This man was very skinny, and seemed to be only made of skin and bones. His devil's goat beard made it pretty obvious who's the bad guy of this story. But I digress, the two had charged him head on, and it would appear that with their combined skill, it was easy for them to take him down. Although, the man who was known as Validar appeared to be giving our heroes trouble, he knew deep down that whatever scheme he's planning... Would likely come to fruition. And so, after retreating nearby the throne room where he would sit he goaded the two into attacking him. The man with blue hair looked at the hooded individual and said "This is it! Our final battle! You're one of us Robin, and no "destiny is going to change that. Now let's kill this dastard and be done with it!"
The hooded individual identified as Robin, looked over at the blue haired man and nodded. Though, it would appear that he was somewhat shy of speaking. The two appeared to be thinking of a plan, in order to kill the man known as Validar. Once they had a plan they looked at Validar who said "Gya ha ha! Fools! Struggle all you want! You cannot unwrite what has already been written!" As though taunting them. Robin had decided to go with a tome in order to start out, while the blue haired man had decided to wait for Validar to let his guard down. They went one at a time, and together, they conquered Validar. The man in question appeared to be bursting in purple flames. While the blue haired man seemed to vouch for a celebration... This was far from the time. Validar in the flames then screamed "This isn't over... Damn you BOTH!" Before firing a purple sphere at the blue haired man, whom was spared that fate by Robin.
Though now, it would appear that Robin was barely alive, and the blue haired man approached him and asked "Are you alright?" Robin silently nodded, and the blue haired man pulled him up and said "That's the end of him. Thanks to you, we carried the day. We can rest easy now. At long last..." Suddenly, a seductive voice beckoned to Robin which told him "Now is the time... Kill your friend..." Suddenly, Robin was clutching his head in pain and saw darkness trying to take him. Though he tried to fight it, the darkness just seemed too great. "...What's wrong? Hey hang o-" The blue haired man said before a great pain shot up in his abdomen. That pain being a large bolt of lighting, sticking out. The blue haired man gripped his abdomen and said "This is not your-Your fault... Promise me... You'll escape from this place... Please, go..." Before finally succumbing to his wounds. Robin backed away out of fear, and both Validar and the mysterious seductive voice, laughed at Robin's newfound despair. And it would appear that, all hope was now lost...
Two years earlier...
Nearby the Plegian castle, was the somewhat small castle town. It seemed as if there were many who were poor, and almost the majority of royalty would shun them. Just out of spite. In this town, a teen mercenary class warrior wandered. He would frequent the town, just to see if there was anything needed some form of improvement. The teen wore a helmet that only covered the sides of his head, where most enemies would strike to instantly kill someone. He had brown boots, tan pants with stripes on them. A tan shirt below a leather vest, that seemed to improve his defense in some way and what appeared to be a shield on his back. Though, that was mostly to go against the norm of mercenaries wearing it on their shoulders. His shield was circular, and seemed very metallic. The sword was within it's scabbard on his left hip, like most soldiers. However, he had made inscriptions on the blade which appeared to be writings from tomes that mages and dark mages would use. The inscriptions were in the fuller of the blade, just to make sure it didn't interfere with attacking.
As he continued to look around, he came into an alleyway and saw a couple barbarians blocking his path. "Excuse me sirs? Could you please step aside, I need to continue my regular patrol." The teen said to the barbarians, who then looked at the teen and responded "Well, if it ain't new guy Konner Ackerman... Heard you no longer do the night duty... I wonder why?" Konner looked away and answered "I'd rather not talk about it to dastards like you. I need to continue and you're interfering with my duties." One of them then said "Oh I bet it has to do with those Ylisseans who keep scaring you with their Digimon! Oh poor Konner! Scared of a few monsters, oh boo who!" Konner then cringed visably and remembered the first time he did a night guard duty three years ago. He saw that something was out there, and then suddenly, large creatures with pupil-less eyes looked at him as though they wanted to eat him. Konner was visibly terrified and every night he would have to go out there, he dreaded it. That was, until he pleaded with the captain of his squad to give him the day patrol. Which was all in all, a very nice deal for him.
Konner then shoved the barbarians out of his way and continued his patrol. "Tch, always the coward. And never willing to take risks! That's exactly what you are Konner!" The barbarian said, which caused Konner to feel even more ashamed. He continued his patrol, trying to hold back his emotions... Knowing that if he had made any form of outburst, that would cause him to get kicked out of Plegia. After his patrol he met up with his captain, who was a Great Knight wearing a large amount of red armor. And it seemed that his horse was also one that wore the armor. There were many mercenaries like Konner, Cavaliers and even some Dark Mages in this squad. However, when Konner was in the Military academy, he applied for many positions... But found that he may have had an affinity for magic, but he could not use a tome. He found some likeness in a sword, but that was mostly due to it being a very simple and easy weapon to use. The captain in question appeared to be a man with blonde hair, and red eyes. However, he seemed to have a tan based on how often he trains outside.
Due to Konner's paranoia with being outside for too long, he decided to train exclusively inside and thus making him an outcast amongst his fellow soldiers. "Alright, and don't forget... Tomorrow we head into a nearby cave, to investigate Ylissean activities! If we can safely ward them out of our country, then we can prevent warfare... Don't neglect your training! Practice and study on the hour! Dismissed!" The other soldiers left the training ground, until Konner was the only one left. "Captain... Could you tell me something?" Konner asked the Captain who then said "Sure! Anything you like Konner." Konner then shyly walked towards him and asked "Um... Do... Do you think that I'm... A coward?" The captain had looked at Konner's eyes, which seemed to be pleading for an answer. "Konner... Being neglectful towards training with your fellow men doesn't translate to cowardice... Willingly taking part in the army, as well as whatever risk comes with it is also far from cowardice." Konner cringed at the Captain's answer.
"Captain... Do you think that... I deserve to be in the army? And don't say that you've known me for years. Cause I need a real captain's response." Konner asked the Captain who sighed before looking at Konner and answered "I Captain Kenneth, think that you're still fit to be in the army... Despite your fear." Konner then felt tears welling up inside of him. "Kenneth! Don't! I don't like it when people mention my fear! I don't want people to use this to get me kicked out! I don't need coddling, and I don't need pity! Digimon attacking us is a fear I should've gotten over years ago!" Suddenly, tears started falling from his eyes. "Konner. No one is pitying you. You're a great trooper. And we appreciate everything you do here. I'm gonna need you on this mission, and more specifically the front line." Kenneth said to Konner who then pulled out his sword and said "Elfire..." And the sword magically lit up and seemed to gleam with fire magic. "For that?" Konner asked Kenneth while wiping his tears. Kenneth nodded, before Konner used his will to make the sword stop. He then sheathed it, and headed for his training quarters. "Konner! Just remember... You're a very important asset to this squad! Everyone in their own way is!" Kenneth said to Konner who nodded before continuing his path.
Once he came into the quarters, he put away his sword and scabbard before studying from his books. He looked and marked down the location where Kenneth said. "It was a cave to the east... Nearby the borders. It looks like we might be able to make peaceful negotiations with the Ylisseans at last!" Konner told himself before removing his boots, gloves and shield. He then fell asleep, and tried to dream anything that wasn't a Digimon. Konner may be a young kid, but the only reason he joined the army... Was because he felt no other job would help him, since the orphanage he grew up was taken down... Due to a lack of efficiency. Many children were starving, and their mothers couldn't provide their newborns with the nourishment they needed. All in all, Konner was hoping that the negotiations would help better his kingdom's economy. Though, he felt that he couldn't lead an army like Captain Kenneth... For he felt he was too timid for that kind of position...
Meanwhile, in Ylisstol...
This kingdom was the exact opposite of Plegia. Here, it seemed that even the common folk matter. Royalty takes it's time to tend to those who can't take care of themselves, and show them the path to peace. Here, it seemed that there were many Digimon that were either doing meanial tasks for humans, either for money or for their partner's own benefit. Here, if a Digimon finds a human partner to bond with... They become almost inseparable. Even with other animals like dogs and cats, they still felt like additions to various families... So pets didn't seem like an issue. There were three Digimon in question that appeared to be wandering around Ylisstol looking for someone to bond with. Those three were currently headed towards Ylisstol's castle itself. One of them was a blue draconian Digimon, with blue and white skin. He had claws at the ends of his fingers and toes. He also had red eyes, two strange ear like projections from his head, and a horn further indicating that he is a dragon. Another was a large green worm, that appeared to have a purple mouth, and green antennae attached to it's head. Last but not least, is another dragon... Only purple, and appeared to have strangely shaped head, that looked more like a person just got out of bed.
He had a red chest plate attached to him, and mostly white on his stomach. There also appeared to be an X shaped mark on his head, unlike the blue dragon's V marking. The purple dragon was looking around, as though he were worried about something. "Hey Gumdramon? You shouldn't always be worried if someone needs help or anything. This kingdom is pretty peaceful." The blue dragon said to Gumdramon who sighed and responded "Sorry V-Mon, it's just that... I feel like, if I help someone I'll be more than likely to have a partner. That way, I'll finally have someone to bond with and maybe tell stories to!" V-Mon then looked to the worm and asked "So Wormmon, why are we going towards the castle anyway?" Wormmon then answered "Well... I think that if we help out some royalty, we might get some recognition... Though, I don't think we should just announce ourselves." V-Mon tried to find some kind of argument against that plan, but it seems like he decided to go along with it. Gumdramon decided to be a part of the plan since he wanted to help someone regardless.
Inside the Castle, there appeared to be a talled brunette haired man with bulky blue armor. Though, this man seemed quite cultured in comparison to many other warriors in the army. He walked with his arms behind his back, pondering what might happen next. Little did he know, he was being followed by the three small Digimon. Occasionally, he turned around to see if anyone was following him. Only to see that, nobody was behind him every. Single. Time. That is until he got fed up and said "Alright, that's enough. Show yourself now, otherwise I will personally present you to Queen Emmeryn as prisoners!" Before turning around to see Gumdramon, not even trying to hide. "What? You said not to hide? So... Here I am. My friends on the other hand thought it'd still be funny." Gumdramon said to the man, who seemed very confused as to why a small dragon is standing before him. "Excuse me... But, who are you exactly? Because, I can't help but notice that you're..." The man said to Gumdramon who then finished saying "Not human? Well of course! Me and my friends are Digimon. My name is Gumdramon!" V-Mon then came out of his hiding place and yelled "We were supposed to be sneaky! Not doing what he says!"
The man blinked a few times and then asked "So, if you were hiding there... And you said there was a third one... Where is he?" Before looking up at the ceiling to see Wormmon hanging on top. The man sighed before giving a hand signal to cue the trio to follow him. "Don't worry, none shall harm you. I just wish to take you to the exalt." The man said to the trio who then decided to follow him. After they reached the throne room, they saw a blue haired man and his little sister, who was wearing a large yellow dress... Likely meant for celebrations and not combat. She also seemed to have long pigtails on her blond hair. She was also carrying a metallic staff, simply known as a stave. That classified her as a healer. "Milord, and Princess Lissa... I apologize if I interrupted an important meeting. But it seems we have a few intruders, who would like to have a word with you..." The man said to the blue haired man and Lissa. The exalt appeared to be a slightly older woman than the two nearby her, and she seemed to be wearing a sage robe along with a sash that dictates that she's the queen of the land. The brand of the exalt is located on her forehead, below her hair which was as blond as Lissa's, only a bit more refined.
"Frederick, don't tell me you've tried to deceive me after all these years..." The blue haired man said to Frederick who shook his head. "Trust me lord Chrom, these intruders are quite harmless." Frederick responded to Chrom while revealing the trio of Digimon who have been following him. When they were in the throne room, they seemed to be in awe. As though too shocked to come up with a response. Chrom then approached the trio with his hands on his hips. "I thought you hated woodland creatures Frederick. What happened?" Chrom asked Frederick who shook his head and answered "These aren't like the wild creatures or Digimon in the woods. These are very much harmless." V-Mon looked at Frederick and then back at Chrom before asking "Is he really afraid of woodland creatures?" Chrom and Frederick both face palmed at V-Mon's question. Emmeryn seemed to be very amused by these creatures in the castle, while Lissa looked on... Possibly wanting one of them for herself. "Lissa, maybe one day... But for now, you're still just a healer." Emmeryn said to Lissa who responded "Yeah, I know... But someday, I wanna prove that I can fight just like Chrom!"
After a little bit of introductions, it seems that both V-Mon and Wormmon gravitated towards Chrom... Seeing the kindness within the prince of Ylisse. "Well, since we kind of bonded with you... We're partners!" V-Mon declared while sitting on Chrom's shoulder pad. Wormmon felt happy for Chrom, but felt that he didn't want him on his shoulder. "Sister... I know that we just got back... But I think that, in order to find this one's partner... We'll have to go and patrol around the border and then south town." Chrom said to Emmeryn who seemed disappointed. "I see... So we're still waiting for "that" possibility huh?" Emmeryn asked Chrom who answered "I'm sorry... But this is how it's been. If we see any form of hostility, we need quell it before it escalates." Emmeryn nodded in understanding and stood up from her throne. "Then go Chrom... And on the way, make sure the people of the nearby towns are safe." Emmeryn said to Chrom who nodded before grabbing his supplies and heading out with Lissa and Frederick. Gumdramon was very much enthusiatic about wanting to save people while on patrol, but even more so for finally being able to find a partner...
Back in Plegia...
Kenneth's squad had readied themselves for their hopeful negotiations with Ylisse. Little did they know, two Grimleals were tailing them from a distance. "So then... How far into the cave?" One of them asks the other who responds "Wait until they are far enough from the light... And then send our DemiDevimon in to kill them." The grimleal then gives a hand signal to a group of small bats that seemed to have just a head with wings and legs attached. Each of them grinned at the sight, and potential killings for their lords. As the squad entered the caves, they followed Konner's flame sword which was their only source of light. "Alright, just a little further and we'll find the Ylisseans." Kenneth said to Konner and by extension the soldiers behind him. Unfortunately, as they kept going the soldiers dropped one by one. Mercenaries, Dark Mages and Cavaliers alike. Once Konner and Kenneth reached the center of the cave, they came across some Ylissean armor. "Hey Captain! I think I found them!" Konner said to Kenneth who dismounted his horse, and came to look at the armor...
Only to find the corpses of the Ylisseans. "Konner... We've been set up." Kenneth said to Konner who at first didn't really understand, until Kenneth pushed him out of the way of an attack. The horse started freaking out, but was later calmed by Kenneth who once again mounted it. "Show yourself! Right now!" Kenneth yelled, hoping to get the attention of their attackers. Unfortunately, when Konner pointed his sword at the direction they were looking at... He saw several dead bodies, being carried by DemiDevimon. "D-D-D-Digimon... Everywhere..." Konner said quivering in fear. He was visibly shaking in terror, pointing his sword at the DemiDevimon. "Damn. And to think, it was captain Kenneth who saw that coming." One of the grimleal said before they appeared in front of the two soldiers. "You. You're Grimleal... Why are you doing this? How do you have Digimon?" Kenneth asked the Grimleal, who both laughed at the two. "Captain Kenneth, you are an admirable captain, and your army did serve us well. Unfortunately, since Ylisse couldn't cooperate and attack us first. We need an excuse, and seeing the Ylissean armor around those corpses, we could easily frame them and have Plegia provoke Ylisse." One of the Grimleal explained.
Konner felt his resolve drain, and gradually lower his sword. "You mean... We're just cannon fodder for your war?" Konner asked, and receiving a confirmation in the form of a sadistic nod. Konner then could only stare in shock, as the two Grimleal ordered the DemiDevimon to attack Konner. As they were slowly closing in on him, Kenneth thought to grab Konner and ride further into the cave with the horse. "Kenneth! Why are you-?" Konner tried asking, only for Kenneth to interrupt and answer "Ackerman! I'm not going to let you die! If either one of us is alive, we'll be able to deliver the message to Ylisse and warn them of Plegia's deception!" Konner saw the resolve in Kenneth's eyes and chose to believe that. When he looked back and saw the dead troops, he tore his gaze away as though he were trying not to cry. After a while of going through the cave, and Kenneth suffering an injury from one of the darts. Surprisingly, there wasn't any poison in these darts... But that was probably due to the fact that, it's no longer a surprise.
Konner sees how much pain Kenneth is clearly in, and sees that so far there's no way out. "Kenneth, stop the horse! No matter how far we go, they're just so much faster! They'll find us no matter what! Right now, we can only fight and die with our swords in our hands!" Konner said, trying to dissuade Kenneth into continuing. "Konner stop talking!" Kenneth said, making Konner quiet. "We're going to get out of here no matter what, even if we have to claw our way out! You really want to martyr yourself just so that they'll win! That's the coward's way out! And right now, we need to stay alive and get this information to Ylisse!" Kenneth said, trying to inspire Konner to keep going. Unfortunately, the DemiDevimon got the idea to stab the horse with the darts and it fell down, along with Konner and Kenneth. The horse was writhing in agony, until it finally keeled over from the poison in the darts. Konner looked at Kenneth who was further injured by the fall. Unfortunately, a DemiDevimon approached the two, only this dart was aimed for Konner. Kenneth shoved him out of the way and took the hit himself. "Kenneth!" Konner shouted the captain's name out of concern.
The DemiDevimon then decided to try that again, until Kenneth stood over Konner... Taking hit after hit. Konner's concern for his captain was growing even more. But then, two darts hit Kenneth in the chest. The wounds were so great that it caused his legs to nearly give out... Only for him to try standing and he threw a Javelin at DemiDevimon. "Kenneth!" Konner shouted his name once more, holding him up by his arm. "Konner, don't worry... I got him real good." Kenneth said, trying to reassure Konner who then tried helping him walk to the end of the cave. "Hey now, there's no need to worry about me. Just go and I'll catch up." Kenneth said to Konner, hoping that he'll listen. "Kenneth, I've known for a few years, and I even vouched for your leadership. I can tell when you're injured. You were the one who said we'd get out of this alive. And once we get to Ylisse we'll have a healer use a stave and help you. So for now, I need you to stop talking and walk."
Kenneth sighed and responded "Konner... To be honest... Most of my words are just talk... I'm not exactly good at backing them up... You're probably the only reason why I can back them up..." Konner then looked at Kenneth and said "I just told you to focus your energy into your legs... I need you to walk, you hear me?" Kenneth then looked down and thought to himself "This is it? Am I really going to die here? Without being there to see Konner show his bravery?" Konner then looked at Kenneth, who's eyes were growing very heavy. "Konner... You're a very brave person deep down... And I know... That you can overcome your fears... Of Digimon... Just believe in yourself... And you can... Do... Any... Thing..." Kenneth said before he had finally closed his eyes... And passed away. Konner looked down at Kenneth, and tears started flowing freely. "Kenneth... I can't do this without you..." Konner said to the recently deceased Kenneth... Before looking and realizing that he's at a dead end. He turned to see the DemiDevimon closing in on him... And said "Someone... Anyone... Please... Help me..." While holding his sword in front of him to defend himself.
Meanwhile...
Chrom, Lissa and Frederick were camping earlier that day, nearby the border between Ylisse and Plegia. At first, it seemed like everyone was accounted for. But then Frederick said "Milord, while we were sleeping... I think one of us has wandered off somewhere." Chrom looked around to make sure that everybody was okay. "We're all here and accounted for Chrom!" Lissa said to Chrom who responded "For once you are..." Lissa then got offended and shouted "Hey!" Before turning to Frederick who shook his head and said "Chrom, I believe one of the Digimon went missing." Chrom looked at V-Mon and Wormmon, before realizing that Gumdramon appears to have gone missing. "Where did Gumdramon go!? He was here last night!" Chrom said frantically while looking around to see if he was anywhere. "I dunno... Maybe he did run off somewhere..." Lissa said, worried for the poor Digimon's sake. Frederick then remembered what Gumdramon wanted to do. "I think he might be past the border between our countries!" Frederick said, realizing that Gumdramon might have gone to save someone in Plegia. They then ran towards the west, hoping to catch up to him.
Gumdramon on the other hand, seemed to be a bit lost... Since he didn't bother taking one of the maps that Chrom had on him. "So... Where in Plegia should I go to..." Gumdramon said to himself before finding a small crack in the ground. And remembered that if there's a crack, then there's likely a cave down there. He then heard something from the crack. "Someone... Anyone... Please... Help me..." He heard a voice say. And to that he immediately grinned and transformed the tip of his tail, into a hammer. He then jumped in the air, and spun before hitting the ground with the hammer. In the cave, Konner was still reeling in fear... Seeing the DemiDevimon preparing to finish him off, he closed his eyes for the inevitable impact... Only to be interrupted by a Digimon that seemed to ward them off with a wall of fire from his hammer tail. Konner saw this Digimon and it looked back at him... Which caused him to point the sword at Gumdramon. "Thank goodness I got here in time! I don't wanna think what those guys would've done to you if I hadn't shown up." Gumdramon said, oblivious to the sword being pointed at him. Konner continued to back away, until his back met the wall behind him.
Gumdramon looked at the fearful Konner in confusion and felt concern wash over him. He then snapped his fingers and said "Oh I get it! Those DemiDevimon must've hit you with one of those poison darts. Only this one is causing you to feel immense fear... I'll get you to Lissa! She'll fix you up in no time!" Gumdramon then grabbed Konner and jumped out of the cave, and ran back dragging a screaming Konner behind him. From that day forward, Konner's life would forever change. Whether it would be for better or for worse... Is entirely up to him. Chrom and co. kept on looking for him, until they saw Gumdramon in the distance. "Hey guys! I'm back!" Gumdramon said to them, while very ecstatic. "Gumdramon, you weren't supposed to break formation and go where you please. And who is that in your hand?" Chrom asked Gumdramon who then remembered Konner. Who seems to have lost his helmet, and kept a very, very, very firm grip on his sword out of fear. He then finally passed out, and laid on the grass below him. "He got hit by a DemiDevimon's dart. Only instead of the usual lethal poison, it was one that caused him to become utterly afraid of everything. So, I figured I would come here to have Lissa heal him." Gumdramon said regarding Konner's condition.
Lissa looked over the unconscious boy, and saw that there were quite a few bruises over his body. "Gumdramon, you shouldn't drag someone across the dirt! You'll cause him to get bruises like this. Alright... Heal." Lissa said before raising her healing stave and completely healing Konner's bruises. Unfortunately, he didn't wake up. He seemed to remain unconscious, which concerned Gumdramon... Who sat on top of him and waited for him to wake up. Chrom got a good look at his clothing's color, and saw that he was Plegian mercenary. "What's a Plegian doing this close to the border? Unless they're trying to invade..." Chrom said to himself before Gumdramon answered "He was surrounded by a few DemiDevimon, so I just thought he needed help. I didn't know he was a Plegian. And besides, are all those people bad like you say?" Frederick shook his head and said "No, it's just who they're ruled by is probably what's garnered their reputation." Chrom sighed and then said "Alright, we'll camp out here, and wait for him to wake up!" The others then decided to build another campfire using leftover firewood...
Later that night...
Konner woke up that night to the smell of smoke, and he assumed that earlier was a bad dream and he was out on a campfire with Kenneth. Unfortunately, the sight of Gumdramon on top of him was proof that it wasn't a dream. "Oh good! You're awake!" Gumdramon said to Konner, who looked at his sword nearby him. He then screamed and pulled out his sword "STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Konner shouted at Gumdramon, while pointing his sword at him. He then Chrom, Lissa and Frederick staring at him. "I see you're awake now. And don't worry, Lissa checked you for toxins so you're all clear!" Chrom said to Konner who responded "I'm stuck... With Ylisseans... And their... Battle... Digi...Mon..." In realization to what's currently happening. But then another realization struck him and he approached Chrom saying "I'm sorry for the initial reaction. My name is Konner Ackerman, former mercenary of the Plegian army and last of my squad. We were out looking for Ylissean activity in Plegia, so we could negotiate a peace treaty, or fight just in case you were hostile... Only to find out that the men in the cave were utterly decimated by Grimleal who appear to have command over Digimon that ended up murdering my whole squad, along with my captain." As fast as he possibly could, only taking breaks to breathe deeply.
"You said battle Digimon correct?" Chrom asked Konner who nodded in confirmation. "I'm sorry, but our army rarely relies on Digimon. And they are mostly in our capital to be companions to people." Chrom explained to Konner who then asked "Wait... What?" Before Frederick answered "It's likely that the Grimleal were the ones who use the Digimon to scare your people into believing that we're the enemy. And judging from your reaction to Gumdramon... You likely have a deathly fear of Digimon." Lissa was quite shocked to hear that somebody, was actually afraid of these small creatures... While Chrom was angered by that thought. Konner then said "So... My own country... Lied to me... And made me fear... Digimon... For war...?" Before getting a nod of confirmation from Chrom. Konner then collapsed on his knees, held his abdomen, fell over and cried his heart out. Everybody watched in shock, as this young Plegian mercenary, cried in front of their eyes. After a while of breaking down, he wiped his tears and said "I need to be alone..." Before walking away. Gumdramon saw this and said "I'm going to help him no matter what." Without waiting for any objections...
In the outskirts of the campsite, Konner appeared to be curled up into a ball... Thinking about the recent events. Gumdramon slowly approached him, cautious of his reaction to his prescience. "Um... Hey there Konner. I know you said that you wanted to be alone, but I came here hoping that I could help you..." Gumdramon said, somewhat nervously. Konner then drew his sword and threw it nearby Gumdramon. "There's no point. There's just no point in fighting for a country that did nothing but lie to you. Adding to the fact that I was too cowardly to defend my own commanding officer from some DemiDevimon, and not willing to fight until the bitter end. I'm nothing but a disgrace. Just... Put an end to me. Take that sword, and stab me with it." Konner said to Gumdramon who looked at the sword sticking out of the ground. "Hey now, you don't need to do that. I mean... Oh, I don't know what to do about this..." Gumdramon said, but couldn't come up with words of reassurance. "Chrom may not notice a lot of things that go on, but nothing gets past me. Whether it'd be a small mosquito, or even an assassin targetting my lord... I always see to it that the problem is solved. You meanwhile, seem to be teetering on depression out of anxiety." Frederick says as he walks closer to the suicidal Konner.
The boy looks back at Frederick and asks "Why do you care? I'm a plegian. Though I don't even worship the stupid fell dragon, I can still tell that nothing will ever change. I've practically begged for that little Digimon to kill me, and yet he won't do it. Doesn't he get it!? I'm the enemy! There's no where else for me to go except to my own death! So just leave me with my sword." Frederick looks over at Gumdramon who feels quite depressed. "Your fear is based on something that your own country told you. And don't you see? We came here because Gumdramon wanted a partner. He wanted to help you, no matter where you came from." Frederick says, putting a hand on Konner's shoulder for reassurance. The boy looked at the two, with tears still staining his face. He then faced Frederick and says "Yeah, but even though you'll spare me... What's to say my own country won't hunt me down? Where do I go from here?" Frederick was about to answer, but then Chrom showed up to the scene.
"Well, two options actually... You can march up to the north where Ferox is... Or you can come join with us, as Shepherds for the Ylissean military force." Chrom said to Konner, who then got a good look at Chrom's shoulder and asked "Excuse me, what is that brand on your right shoulder?" Chrom then answered "It's the brand of the exalt." Konner then remembered that Frederick was referring to Chrom as My lord, and came to a realization... "Your majesty! I'm so sorry for my behavoir today! I swear it will never happen again!" Konner said, while kneeling before Chrom. He was confused by Konner's act and responded "It's alright. There's no need to bow. After all, on the battlefield you and I are equals. If you wish to join us, then take my hand... And I can show you a better way." Konner looked up into Chrom's eyes and saw the resolve within them. He grasped Chrom's hand and stood back up. "My sword is yours, my lord." Konner said to Chrom who responded "As long as you don't die, that's fine. And now that you're part of the Shepards, I should introduce myself. I am Chrom. And as you deduced, I am indeed the exalted prince of Ylisse. My younger sister playing with V-Mon over there is named Lissa. The man who has spoken to you today, is Frederick who has been our escort for quite some time."
Konner felt honored to meet such royalty in these distant lands. And now, he's even going to fight alongside them. However, Gumdramon looked up at Konner and said "Hey, I know that it's a bit much but... Would you like to be my partner?" Konner looked at Gumdramon, but instead of immense fear and paranoia... It was a very cautious look. "Actually, now that I think about it... Maybe it'd be good for me to be paired with a Digimon. Though, one thing is for certain... There's going to be a boundary. Gumdramon... I need you to walk about two meters away from me." Konnor answered Gumdramon's question. Although the purple dragon in question nodded quickly regarding the boundaries, and said "Okay! And from now on, we're partners!" Suddenly, a light appeared from Gumdramon that linked a tether onto Konner. And it then faded. "Just like with V-Mon and Wormmon..." Chrom said to himself before having Konner, Frederick and Gumdramon return to the campfire. From then on, it would seem that their adventures have only begun...
To be continued...
