First Chapter
Zuko Goes Digital
Chapter 1 – When 2 Dragons Meet
It had been at least a week since Zuko had left the Earth Kingdom village he fought to protect. And how did the villagers repay him? The cast him out, much like his own father. The voice of the young boy Zuko met there still rang in his head.
'I hate you.'
Those words had a much more harsh effect on Zuko than anyone could have expected. He gripped the reins of his Ostrich-Horse to prevent himself from breaking down.
'How can such a simple statement make me feel so horrible?' Zuko thought, trying to clear his thoughts. 'He was just an Earth Kingdom peasant. Not even worth my time! I shouldn't care… but why do I? Why do those simple words hurt so much?'
Zuko was too stuck in his thoughts to realize that his ostrich-horse had abruptly stopped. He looked over, wondering why the animal stopped, only to see a small creature son the ground before it. Zuko got off the horse and looked at the creature. It seemed to be some sort of blue reptile with long arms, big hands, short leg and feet, a long tail, and two long extendants from its head Zuko could only believe to be ears. "What is it?" he asked.
He turned the creature, revealing it to have a white underbelly, mouth and hornlet, and a small yellow V-symbol on its forehead. "What kind of animal is this?" Zuko asked. It looked to be some kind of dragon, but not one Zuko ever heard of.
The creature's eyes flutter open, revealing big red eyes. The creature jumps out of Zuko's arms and says, "Hi there, my name's Veemon!"
Zuko's jaw hit the dirt. He couldn't move. He was frozen in place, staring at the blue talking creature. After a few seconds… "AAAAH!" Zuko quickly rushed backwards until his back hit a tree.
"Hey! Calm down!" Veemon exclaimed, surprised by Zuko's reaction. "What? Haven't you ever seen a Digimon before?"
Zuko still couldn't speak. The creature was talking as if it was nothing important. Ever since he first found the Avatar, Zuko became more used to seeing things out of the ordinary, but talking dragons? Too far.
"Hey buddy," Veemon said, walking over to the scarred teen. "Are you okay? You look a little pale."
After what felt like an eternity, Zuko finally found his voice. "H-H-How can you talk?"
"I don't know," Veemon replied. "Same way everyone does I guess. You know, 'mama, dada, digi.' You pick it up."
Zuko shook his head and managed to regain his composure. "What are you?"
"I'm a Digimon!" Veemon said proudly. "Short for Digital Monster. So pal, what's your name?"
"It's Zuko," Zuko replied, forgetting his secret alias at the moment.
"Zuko huh? Cool name," Veemon said cheerfully. "I'm Veemon, but you can just call me Veemon."
"O-Okay," Zuko managed to reply. He was still fairly shocked to see a talking blue dragon. "Veemon, what is a Digital Monster? And how did you get here?"
"Call us Digimon, it's easier," Veemon replied. "As for your questions, I'm not sure. Digimon are powerful beings capable of incredible power and have the ability to evolve into stronger forms. Take me for example – I'm at the Rookie level. But I'll get stronger soon! As for how I got here, I'm not sure. I was playing in a forest with some friends of mine before I got blinded by this bright light and then I saw you."
Zuko cocked an eyebrow. "So you don't know how you got here?"
"Not a clue," Veemon replied. "Where are we anyways?"
"We're currently in a forest of the Earth Kingdom," Zuko replied.
"Earth Kingdom? What's that?" Veemon asked. "I never heard of an Earth Kingdom in the Digital World."
"Digital World?" Zuko asked in confusion.
"Yeah, that's the home world for Digimon," Veemon replied. "Uh oh. I think I'm definitely not in the Digital World anymore."
Zuko, completely exasperated, sighed. "I've been travelling alone for too long." That was an understatement. He was hungry, tired, and his inner demons were causing him hell. He got up and walked back over to his ostrich-horse.
"Hey! Where you going?" Veemon called out.
"I think I should keep moving. I've had enough hallucinations for one day," Zuko replied.
Veemon growled. He jumped high into the air before aiming his head to the earth.
VEE HEADBUTT!
A large quake shook the ground, scaring Zuko and his ostrich-horse. Once the dust cleared, Zuko gaped at the sight of a large pit in the middle of the road with Veemon in the center, cross-armed and smirking. "Hallucination, am I?" he said sarcastically.
"H-H-How?" Zuko tried to say, but his voice failed him.
"Like I said, all digimon have incredible powers, and that was just one of my attacks," Veemon said proudly before jumping above the Ostrich-Horse's head and landing in Zuko's lap. "Now, care to tell me a little about yourself, Zuko?"
Zuko was still too stunned to talk. After a few seconds he shook his head and his face hardened. "Why should I?"
"Because right now I'm alone in a world I don't know," Veemon replied. "And as much as you don't want to admit it, I can see you're alone too."
Zuko was about to yell, claiming he was not alone and that Veemon didn't know what he was talking about. But then Lee's voice rang through his mind again. 'I Hate You.' Zuko clenched his fist, and opened his eyes. "Alright Veemon, I guess I can tell you a little bit."
"Alright!" Veemon said cheerfully. He then flipped around so his back was facing Zuko and pointing forward. "Mush! Onward and forward to our destination!" Zuko shook his head and snapped the reins, telling the ostrich-horse to go around the pit Veemon made earlier and continue on forward. "By the way, where are we going?"
"I'm not sure," Zuko replied, in all honesty.
"Sometimes that's the best place to go," Veemon replied with a cheerful tone. Zuko was confused by the reply, but shook it off. "So tell me a little about yourself Zuko."
And Zuko did. He told Veemon about the Four Nations and bending, and of the 100 year war that was started by his ancestor. He told him that he was banished, but not the reason why or why he had his scar. He told Veemon that the only way he could return to the Fire Nation was to capture the Avatar, master of all four elements. He explained that he and his uncle were considered traitors, and he left his Uncle so he wouldn't burden the old man. He explained he had been going along on his own, just trying to find some sort of clue to what he should do.
"Sounds like you had a pretty rough time," Veemon said after hearing Zuko's story. "But Zuko, may I ask why are you banished? Did you do something horrible?"
"I lost my honor," Zuko replied simply. "I need to restore it."
"Really?" Veemon asked. "What did you do to lose it?"
"That's not your concern," Zuko stated sternly. In the short time since he met Veemon, he actually began to grow fond of him. Despite this, he was not willing to tell anyone the story behind his banishment or his scar.
Veemon immediately dropped the subject and turned away. He looked up and saw the stars in the night. "Hey Zuko, maybe we should call it a night. I'm getting kind of sleepy."
"Then sleep, we're not stopping," Zuko replied. Veemon however could clearly see the dark circle beneath Zuko's good eye.
"You're tired too. Come on Zuko, just stop and let's make camp. What's the big deal?" Veemon asked.
Maybe it was the fact that he was extremely tired, or it could have been he had not eaten in some time, or maybe it was the inner turmoil he had been feeling for the last couple of days. Whichever it was, Zuko snapped. "The big deal? The BIG DEAL?" he yelled. "I'll tell you what the big deal is! The big deal is that I need to catch the Avatar if I ever want to see home again! I just want to go home!"
Veemon, while surprised by Zuko's outburst, could see this had been a long pent up rage. And he was determined to have Zuko release it. "Why can't you go home huh? You're the prince, shouldn't you be free to go home?"
"I can't because I'm banished!" Zuko yelled, his self-control crumbling.
"WHY?" Veemon yelled.
"BECAUSE I SPOKE OUT OF TURN!" Zuko finally yelled, releasing the long pent up flood of emotions. "I was banished because I spoke out of turn! Because I didn't want some of our soldiers to die! And what did I get? I got BURNED IN THE FACE BY MY OWN FATHER!" Tears rolled down Zuko's good eye. As much as he didn't think it, he needed to release it.
And at last, Veemon understood. All throughout Zuko's telling of his life and journey, he could see some parts missing. Now that last piece of the puzzle was in place, he understood. Zuko shook violently, letting the tears he held in for so long finally fall. Veemon did the only thing he could – he hugged Zuko.
Zuko wrapped his arms around the diminutive Digimon, needing the comforting touch of someone, even if they weren't human. He needed someone to understand his pain, to understand the hell he had gone through all his life. And it seemed Veemon was that someone.
"Hey, it's okay," Veemon said kindly. After a few minutes, Zuko seemed to calm himself and pulled away from Veemon. "Zuko, can I say something honestly?"
"I-I guess," Zuko replied.
Veemon nodded. "You told me of how you've struggled to prove yourself to your father, and from what I can see, all you want to do is go home. You don't care about the Avatar, or the war, you just want to go home and have your father love you." Zuko nodded to Veemon's reasoning. "But answer this, what kind of father would burn and banish his own son, just for speaking out of turn? All you've done is try to prove yourself to him, and he turned you away. I'm starting to think he does not really care for you." At the sight of Zuko about to counter, Veemon raised his hand. "Hear me out. What kind of father hurts his own son? Or play favorites with his own children? Zuko, you're father sent you away to get rid of you. He never wanted you."
Zuko tried to protest, but his voice failed him. All those years of neglect and pain finally made sense. All those years trying to earn the love of a man that may not have ever cared. His hand rested on his scar. Not a single day went by that Zuko did not remember the pain he went through getting it. All this time, he believed it was a mark of shame he believed he deserved. Now, he realized it was a mark that he was hurt by a man he loved for trying to do the right thing. Not only that, he sent him on a wild goose chase. The fact that the Avatar returned was a coincidence, one his father did not wish would happen for it would mean he'd have a chance to return. But if his father never cared for him, and his search for the Avatar was useless, what was there left for him?
After a few minutes, Veemon spoke again. "Zuko, despite what your father did, that doesn't mean you're alone, or that no one cares for you." At this, Zuko looked up. "From what you told me, I can easily tell your Uncle loves you, and you love your Uncle very much. And from what you told me, I can see you loved your mom too, and that she loved you too and you really miss her. They're still with you, even if you can't see them. They're in here," he pressed his hand to Zuko's chest feeling the firebender's heartbeat. "Not only that, you got me!"
"Y-You?" Zuko managed to ask after finishing his sobs.
"Yeah, I'm your friend now," Veemon said proudly. "And friends stick together to the end."
Hearing these words, made Zuko feel strange. He never had a friend in his life. He was banished from his nation and hated by the others. And in his search for the Avatar, he never attempted to make friends. But seeing Veemon, a creature he had only met a few hours earlier, claim to want to be his friend, well, it made Zuko's heart soar.
Zuko managed a small honest smiled and wiped the tears from his eyes. "T-Thank you Veemon," he said, and Veemon smiled back.
"Come on you big lug," Veemon teased. "I see a clearing over there just fine. We should rest, you've had a big day."
"Yeah, meeting a creature from another world really take it out of you," Zuko teased back, having for the first time in many years, some fun. Zuko led the ostrich-horse to the clearing and got off with Veemon. He made a fire and set out his sleeping bag. Zuko got in and rested his head, enjoying the feel of finally resting.
Veemon set his head on Zuko's lap, and strangely, Zuko did not mind. For the first time in his life, he felt light. Somehow, realizing his father did not love him felt like a relief. It was never his fault, it was his father who did not act like a real father. He never lost his honor, he earned it the day he fought to protect those innocent. With that knowledge in mind, Zuko fell asleep.
oOoOoOo
The next day, Zuko and Veemon woke up better than they had before, for now they each had a friend in this messed up world. They ate before mounting on the Ostrich-Horse, which Veemon nagged Zuko to name. Zuko named her Nya, after several failed tries. They travelled in the same direction they had before, uncertain where they were going.
After Zuko woke up, and his realization of his father's cruelty, he was deeply concerned on what he would do now. He was hunted by the other nations, and even if he got the Avatar, he probably wouldn't be allowed back to his nation. Now that he thought about it, Zuko never believed in capturing the Avatar. He seemed like a nice kid, and a talented one at that. Not to mention he was the last of his kind. Zuko couldn't help but feel sad for the airbender.
As they travelled, Veemon got the urge to speak. "So Zuko, you said you were a firebender, right?"
"Yeah, I'm a firebender," Zuko replied.
"Well… I showed you one of my moves. Can you show me one of yours?" Veemon asked with gleaming red eyes.
Zuko cocked an eyebrow before looking around. No signs of anyone, not to mention they were in a clearer part of the forest, so nothing would get burned. "Alright, I suppose I can show you one move." Zuko hoped of Nya and took a few steps forward. He took a deep breath and did the motions for one of his favorite moves. He took a deep breath before releasing the Breath of Fire, the technique his Uncle developed that got him the Title the Dragon of the West.
"Whoa! Awesome!" Veemon said in awe as he held Nya's rein, preventing her from running off. After a few seconds, Zuko's displayed. "That was so cool Zuko! If I didn't know you were human, I'd think you were a Digimon."
Zuko smirked at Veemon and began to walk back, but stopped. He heard a very loud rumbling noise. Zuko turned and gasped at the sight of five Komodo Rhinos running towards them, each with a differently dressed man with Fire Nation armor. Zuko knew who they were – they were the Rough Rhinos. "We need to get out of here!" he yelled, but it was too late. By the time he reached Nya, the three of them were surrounded.
"Well, well, well. Look what we have here boys," said the leader of the Rough Rhinos, Colonel Mongke. " Ex-Prince Zuko. You've made quite a bounty out of yourself, haven't you?"
"Colonel Mongke," Zuko growled, making sure to hide Veemon from the view of the five men. "Well, I must say it is an honor to see the Rough Rhinos, legendary warriors and singers." Zuko failed to hide the smirk at mentioning the last part.
"Well then, it should be a bigger honor to know that we will be turning you into your sister, Princess Azula. And after that, we're going to find your little old uncle."
Zuko growled as these men mentioned his uncle. "I'm afraid I cannot allow that. I'm not going anywhere." Zuko took his stance ready to fight.
Colonel Mongke only laughed, and signaled one of his men to attack. The Archer was ready to shoot Zuko in the back when-
Vee Headbutt!
The archer was struck in the stomach and knocked off his rhino. Everyone turned to see Veemon standing proudly where the Archer was and smirking. "Giddie up!" he yelled, smacking the Rhino's side, spooking it. The rhino roared before running off with its rider in tow. "That's one bozo down, four to go."
Zuko couldn't help but smile at Veemon. He turned to see the shocked expression of the other Rough Rhinos. "Oh, Colonel Mongke. Allow me to introduce you to my new friend, Veemon."
"W-What is that thing?" Mongke spoke, too shocked to speak.
"Veemon, let's do it!" Zuko exclaimed.
"Alright!" Veemon replied. "Vee Punch!" Veemon jumped up with spinning arms before punching another one of the Rough Rhinos in the face. "High ho, Rhino!" he yelled before smacking the rhino on the ass and sending it running like the one before it.
"Get them!" Mongke yelled after snapping out of the shock of seeing Veemon. The only others of the Rough Rhinos remaining were the one with the chain and the other that carried explosive. Mongke firebended a massive blast of fire at Zuko, but Zuko easily blocked it and sent his own.
Veemon was hopping around, avoiding the attacks of the other two me. He dodged the chains and explosives with great speed. "Got to be faster than that!" He dodged the chain once again before grabbing it himself. "Yah!" he yelled as he pulled the chain, bringing the man off his own rhino. "Now for the other guy."
While Veemon took care of them, Zuko was showing of his firebending skills against Mongke. He may not be as advanced as his sister, but he can manage. Zuko landed some successful hits while avoiding all of Mongke's blasts. "Is this all you got Mongke? I thought you'd be more of a challenge." Zuko teased, actually enjoying himself in the fight.
Mongke growled. He was trying to find Zuko's weak spot, but his Uncle was missing. Then his gaze caught the blue digimon bouncing around. He figured that if it were helping Zuko, it must care for him, and he must care for it. "Well prince, you may be able to block my attacks, but I bet your little friend can't!"
At the sound of Mongke's words, Zuko realized what it meant. He watched as Mongke sent a fireball at Veemon who was distracted as he beat the explosives guys. "VEEMON!" Zuko screamed, trying to alert the digimon. Veemon turned and saw the fireball heading his way and froze. He did not expect the attack, and was too scared to move. "VEEMON NO!"
Suddenly, Zuko was blinded by a flash of light.
oOoOoOo
"W-Where am I?" Zuko asked as he opened his eyes, finding himself in a large white void. "Am I dead?"
"No young warrior, you are not!" called out a powerful voice. Zuko turned and came face to face with a beautiful older woman with extremely long blonde hair, blue eyes and wearing a bluish-green and gold armor with 10 golden wing and a golden lance and shield. "Do not alarm yourself young one, I am Ophanimon. I am a Digimon, like your friend Veemon."
"A Digimon?" Zuko asked is shock. "But your face, it's human."
"Yes, many Digimon share similar qualities to human, including physical features. However, I normally wear my helmet, but this is a special occasion. You are one of the only two to have ever seen me without it." She then took a deep breath and spoke. "Prince Zuko, we are both in grave times. Our two worlds have both been at war, however it seems that our war has caused a greater destruction."
"What do you mean?" Zuko asked.
"Our world, the Digital World, was once a peaceful place. But all that changed when the Dark Masters came to power. They destroyed many innocent Digimon in their conquest for world domination. I, along with my husband led the battle against their power for freedom and peace. However, our war destroyed our world, and brought our kind to yours." Ophanimon explained. "Zuko, your world is now dealing with two wars, and I fear soon, it may become one."
"What do you want me to do about it?" Zuko asked in confusion.
"Zuko, you must become the link between Human and Digimon. You must partner with other Digimon beings and help them fight the forces of the Dark Master. I know it is a lot to ask, but we need you Zuko. I am trapped in this realm, so I cannot go and find my people. But you can. You are of noble heart, and a brave soul. I know with your strength, you can face the Dark Masters and end our war." Ophanimon explained.
"But what about my world's war? I can't just abandoned it!" Zuko exclaimed.
"I know. And I fear that our two wars may merge. Evil forces have a tendency to join together. Zuko, I fear that your father will join with the Dark Master to take control of the war. You must stop it!" Ophanimon told him.
"Even if I could, how would I go about doing that?" Zuko asked the angelic Digimon.
"With this," Ophanimon said with a wave of her hand. From her hand, a strange red metal device appeared. "This is a Digivice. A powerful device capable of using your will and transcending Digimon to more powerful forms. You can use this to help you Digimon Partners exceed their levels and reach even higher levels of power. It will also allow you to capture Digimon and make them into you allies. Use this." The Digivice floated over to Zuko and he grabbed it. "Zuko, I know this is a lot to take in, but we need your help."
Zuko thought for a moment. What was his life going to be? He realized that his father would never want him back and Azula will not stop until he is dead. There would be no point to finding the Avatar, so what was left for him?
Then his thoughts went to Veemon. He was the first being to help him through his pain besides his uncle. Not to mention, he the only one who's ever looked beyond the scar. He was his first friend. And now, Zuko's world was infested with other Digimon creatures who were dealing with their own battles. Zuko wanted to fight, to help his friend fight. He turned back to Ophanimon and said, "I'll do it."
"Thank you Zuko," Ophanimon said kindly. "When you need to, say Digi-Access along with your Digimon's name. That will help reach new levels of power you never imagined."
And with that, they were gone.
oOoOoOo
When Zuko opened his eyes again. He realized he was back in the forest and he was watching the fire head towards Veemon. But things seemed to be going in slow motion. Zuko gripped his hand and felt a familiar feel. He looked and saw his red Digivice, and he realized what just conspired was true. He looked at the device and then back at Veemon. 'Well, it's now or never!'
"Veemon! Digi-Access!"
A beam of light shot out of the Digivice, hitting Veemon dead on.
Di-Di-Digimon
"Veemon Digivolve to-"
Veemon's body transformed. His body changed from the small petit blue dragon into a larger more muscular dragon. His five-digit hands transformed into three clawed fists. His nose-hornlet turned into a long sword like horn and his snout became longer. Two white wings sprouted from his back, and his white underbelly now sported a large silver V with two small lines beneath it, making it look like an X.
"EXVEEMON!"
Di-Di-Di-Digimon!
The new evolved Digimon stood proudly glaring at the shocked expressions of everyone. He smacked off the fireball as if it was nothing. Zuko stared in shock the most, considering he never expected this kind of transformation to occur. After a few minutes, he found his voice.
"V-Veemon?" Zuko asked in surprise.
"I'm ExVeemon now," the new blue Digimon replied.
"Do whatever you want big guy," Zuko said with a smirk.
"RAAR!" ExVeemon roared before charging into battle. He flapped his powerful wings and flew into the sky before circling around and heading towards the two Rough Rhinos he had been facing earlier. "Hearty Shatter!" ExVeemon crashed his fist, just before the two animals, forcing them onto their backs, squishing their riders beneath them.
"Nice," Zuko stated in awe. He was barely able to avoid a fireball sent his way by Mongke who tried to use his distraction as an advantage. "Just run away Mongke. You've lost."
"Not today!" Mongke yelled out, charging at Zuko. But Zuko easily avoided his attacks, and landed several of his own fire blasts on Mongke. Mongke was knocked off his rhino, and was about to get up, but Zuko's foot was pressed hard onto his chest.
"I wouldn't," Zuko growled. He then reached down and grabbed Mongke by his collar. Despite his lack of energy, Zuko was still strong enough to pick the muscular man up. "Hey ExVeemon! Heads up!" Zuko tossed Mongke into the air.
"I got it!" ExVeemon exclaimed, catching the horrified firebender in his claws by with neck. "I suggest you never try to attack me or Zuko again, comprende?" Mongke nodded rapidly like a child. ExVeemon smirked. "VEE LASER!" A golden beam of light shot from ExVeemon's chest, sending Mongke flying far across the sky and far into the forest.
"Nice going ExVeemon!" Zuko exclaimed as the blue dragon flew back down. Before he landed though, he was coated in a white light and transformed back into Veemon. "Whoa, what happened? Why didn't you stay ExVeemon?"
"I'm still kinda new to Digivolving Zuko," Veemon replied. "I can't stay like that forever, it takes a lot of energy."
Zuko chuckled. "I guess that makes sense. And in a way it's good. It's a lot easier to travel when you this size."
Veemon then noticed the red Digivice in Zuko's hand. "Hey Zuko, what's that thing?"
"I'm not sure," Zuko replied. Ophanimon called it a Digivice." Zuko explained.
"You met Queen Ophanimon?" Veemon exclaimed. "What was she like?"
Zuko thought a moment before answering. "Beautiful." He took a few minutes before regaining his composure. "Veemon, you didn't tell me you world was in war."
At this, Veemon turned away. "I didn't want to worry you. I mean, you got your own war to deal with."
"Well, now our two wars are one," Zuko stated strongly. "From what Ophanimon told me, your world has merged with mine. She's entrusted me to help fight the evil Digimon with you, and I won't let her down."
"Alright! I'm with you the whole way Zuko! Who knows, maybe we can end your war at the same time," Veemon said cheerfully.
"Maybe," Zuko replied with a smirk. "Come on, let's keep moving." Veemon nodded and the two hopped onto Nya and rode off. Zuko still wasn't completely understanding of these new developments, but he was ready to face them with Veemon at his side. All his life, all he wanted was a family, but now he has found something better – a friend.
Hey guys,
Sorry for not posting for a long time. I've been incredibly busy, not to mention computer problems left and right. However, I am happy to declare I will be returning to updating my stories here! This means you better prepare yourself for new chapters in "Sora and Ash" and the long awaited finale to "Return of Brothers!" However, I will also be removing "Kingdom Heart: Digital Hazard and "Amazon Boy" from this sight. Reasons why are personal, but I will think about reposting them sometime in the future.
Now, the idea for this story came when reviewing "Partners in Pokémon." I'm more of a Digimon fan than a Pokémon fan, and I've been in love with Avatar the Last airbender since it came out. I originally wanted to make a sequel to Partners in Pokémon, which would include Avatar the Last Airbender, but then I thought that might be adding too much. Another thing is that I've been testing to see what Digimon work with which media character, and Zuko and Veemon was my favorite. Veemon's a very friendly Digimon, and Zuko needs a friend. Besides, Veemon's long line of Digivolutions offers much room for experimentation.
Now, some of you may be wondering which Digimon Season this will most the most like. I've decided to make it a combination of several, mostly between Adventure 02 and Xros Wars 02. Zuko will capture many more Digimon. If you have a suggestion, feel free.
If you have any suggestions on how to make this story work, please tell me.
See you soon! Please Review!