A/N: Something compelled me to write a digimon fanfic once more.
Digital Æther
Bradrak
Chapter One: Fearless
My name is Frei. That is what my partner called me since I was born. Would I call her a partner, or a mother who cared deeply for me? Who knows, I feel strong whenever she is near. And that strength is what bonded us together.
Her mother is used to my company, but I tend to surprise her whenever I grow up and evolve. When I first hatched, she was going to throw me out in the cold weather, but my partner's cries of protest convinced her mother that I was completely harmless. I was, to be honest, harmless, or better yet, protective.
I took care of my partner when she is alone, hurt, or sick. I think her mother gets a little jealous when I help my partner, but she considers me as some sort of a baby sitter when she's away on a business trip.
My partner and I always take walks down the street and talk to each other. She was a little slow to understand my existence, but was quick to learn what I can and cannot do. However, I told her that there were a lot of factors that play into my power and abilities. One of them is courage.
During a particular walk, when I was a Chibimon, we approached a bunch of large boys beating up a younger one. The kid was bawling in pain and was hunched over, receiving the all the force of the older boys. I looked to my partner and asked:
"Are you going to do something about it?"
My partner, ten years of age, was still, as if frozen in fear. I snuggled close in her arms and muttered.
"There is no reason to be afraid. All you need to do is to stop it."
Somehow, those words cleared the dark look in her face and she inhaled. In the top of her voice, she yelled, "Stop it!"
The boys stopped and looked around. Their eyes were set on my partner; eyes of malicious intent. I sensed a struggle between right and wrong, dark and light, and good or evil, but behind those masks are kids who want to prove their worth. Nevertheless, I had to beat some sense into them.
I jumped from my partner's arms and feel power seeping into me from her heart.
"Chibimon evolve!"
I lunged forward as I continued to change into a larger version of my previous form, but with a V-shaped marking on my forehead and a horn on my nose.
"V-mon!"
My fist connected with the face of the leader of the group, stunning him as he fell over. I landed and brought my fists to a guard position. Sensing my partner was holding back, I asked what was wrong.
"You shouldn't hit him, Frei."
I scoffed as the remaining boys ran away from me.
"Tch. You should understand. To have peace, one must fight to protect that peace," I replied, "It's the most convenient way to get your point across, but it does hurt."
"But it kills people."
Ah, the dilemma of violence was what held my partner back.
"But it also saves people." I pointed out the huddled beaten boy, who was carrying a dragon-like digimon in his arms. Instantly, my partner recognized him.
"Chitate? What are you doing here?"
The young boy with brown short spiky hair rubbed his head.
"Ow…"
His blue eyes gazed at my partner, who was scratching her head.
"I just got back from the Digimon Chasers Headquarters."
"Digimon Chasers…?" I asked skeptically. I didn't like the sound of that.
"They were recruiting people like us and their partnering digimon, so they can get rid of monsters that were appearing recently."
"So, did you get in?" my partner asked.
The boy shook his head with disappointment and hugged his injured partner digimon. It had a leaf-like horn on his large brown head and a small brown body with tiny paws and sharp claws.
"Mineradramon didn't pass. They said his power wasn't strong enough for the requirement standards."
My partner squatted down next to him. "It's okay. You can train with me then."
"Oh? Do you want to join the Chasers?"
She shook her head. "No, but I want to show you that it's the bond between two partners that determine the power of the digimon. That's what Frei taught me."
She gazed at me, and I merely replied in a nod.
"What's that then?" Chitate asked in curiosity.
"Courage," I bluntly replied.
Chitate's had been our friend ever since. He did have a slight interest in computers, and he enjoyed taking them apart and examined every possible aspect to their functions. Let's just hope he doesn't dissect digital creatures like me or Mineradramon.
Through his knowledge about how electronics truly work in a human's perspective, the bond between my partner and I grew strong. In return, we taught him how to overcome the simple fears, such as talking to a stranger for directions or help.
We had our run-ins with the Digimon Chasers, and they persuaded us to join their ranks. My partner declined every offer, because we had no reason to join. We were happy, which was brought by peace, and we intended to keep it that way.
My name is Frei. I am a digimon. On August 17th, I have to say good-bye to my partner. She has grown, and so have I. I look into her bright hazel eyes as she smiles. Tying her dark brown hair back, she is a sight to see. Emblazoned on her short, black, hooded jacket is a sun pattern similar to my own that is engraved on my armor. She has a red turtleneck underneath her jacket, and her black boyish cargo pants reach inches below her knees.
My partner is leaving for America to study as an exchange student. It is heart-breaking to see her go into an unknown world, occupied with many people who carry fear in their hearts. But, she considers this trip as the ultimate test of our friendship and trust.
"When will you return?" I ask as she fumbled with her new laptop into a bag.
"About four years. Heh. It is awkward to leave school in the middle of the semester just to attend the first day of high school somewhere else."
"Maybe I should come with you."
"No, Frei. It would be a hassle. Chitake and mom will take good care of you while I'm away."
"…" Her decision is final. I will miss her.
"Besides, you do have a job to protect this area from the digital anomalies, Frei."
I bow my head as my partner zips her luggage shut. Her hand rests on my forearm as I look down on her. Then she hugs me.
"Promise me this, Frei. That you'll be stronger after I come back."
"Stronger…?"
"Yes, that no ocean will break our bond!" She smiles with determination.
"No ocean…How about nothing?" I gave her a toothy grin.
"Alright then, Frei. Nothing will break our bond." She laughs.
"I promise then."
My name is Frei. I am one hundred percent courage, and zero percent fear.