Disclaimer: I do not own Digimon. This story is written solely for the enjoyment of its readers and it is not meant for profit.
Author's Note: Any constructive criticism on any elements of this story is greatly appreciated.

Digimon: Perspectives
Book One: Prologue


Chapter 2: Dreams

To bio-emerge into the human world had always been my dream. The legends of old told that humans were the keys to unlocking our hidden potential. Many believed that the humans -- our divine creators -- could grant us unlimited power and allow us to digivolve further than any Digimon had ever gone before.

Of course, the current rulers of the Digital World told us that humans were despicable, heartless scum-bags. They blamed the humans for the Great Deletions that occasionally annihilated entire tribes of Digimon. They dismissed the ancient lore as a fabrication of the humans, meant to perpetuate our subservience to them. Well, I thought, I guess I'll find out for myself what these humans are like.

For, suddenly and miraculously, I found myself in the realm of my creators.

The last thing I remembered was being in the Digital World as Yarimon, my in-training form. Everything after that was just a blur. I don't even know how I digivolved to . . .

"Nekomon?" a feminine voice asked.

I suddenly became aware of my surroundings. I was in a small room, and scattered at my feet were various pieces of thick paper with pictures and information of various Digimon on them. Directly in front of me was a very surprised looking creature. I would later learn that this was my Tamer, Valerie Star, a thirteen-year-old human female.

Val was about 1.2 meters tall and she had long blond-colored hair reaching to about her shoulders, perhaps a little longer. She wore a light blue tank-top and tan shorts. Her blue eyes stared at me in amazement.

I looked myself over. Somehow, and I still do not know how, I had digivolved to Nekomon, my rookie form. Standing at a height of about 1.5 meters tall, I had a tall, lean, feline-like body. Unlike most other Nekomon who had shiny, black fur, mine was orange, with black stripes running along the back of my arms, legs, and spine.

"Wow!" the girl stammered, still in amazement. "Digimon are real."

Equally amazed, I remarked, "The legends of humans really are true."

Val slowly approached me. Her hand slowly stroked my fur, as if she needed to touch me to assure that I was real.

"You are real."

"As are you," I replied. Too many thoughts raced through my mind to describe. I had finally made it to the human world and accomplished that which all warriors strove for. Those who still believed in the ancient texts said that only the strongest of Digimon could bio-emerge into the realm of the humans; they considered it a divine reward for those who endeavored to become more powerful. Yet, I had always been considered the weakest Digimon in my tribe, singled out and derided by my peers. I was not as weak as they thought. This was my chance to show them all that I was no weakling. I was strong and I would become even stronger. With the help of this human, I could become the most powerful Nekomon ever; no, the most powerful Digimon ever!

"This is amazing . . . unbelievable. This is like a dream come true. I created a Digimon."

"You created me?"

"Yeah," Val picked up a notebook and showed me a picture she had drawn. It was a crude replica of me. "One day, I drew this picture of you. Then, today, I found a Nekomon card in a booster pack. But, the Nekomon card was not a normal one; it looked exactly like the one I drew, with the orange, striped fur. I thought it might be a fake, but when I scanned it into my card reader, the card reader turned into this."

Val held out a small, white device, a D-Power. On it were various black buttons, and a circular screen surrounded by a light blue ring.

"Then, the Nekomon card then turned into this really weird, blue card," continued Val. "... hey, where did it go?"

"Where did what go?" I asked.

"The blue card, the card I slashed through my digivice to make you appear."

Val frantically searched through the pile of cards trying desperately to find the elusive blue card.

"That's weird. . . . Maybe it just disappeared."

Suddenly, I sensed something; my ears stood erect on my head as my whole body tensed: an opponent was near. Finally, I had a chance to prove myself in battle to my Tamer. This battle would be my first step toward my ultimate goal. I closed my eyes, trying to focus and get a better sense on my prey.

"A Digimon is nearby," I growled softly.

"What?!" exclaimed Val.

"Let's go!" My senses tingled as I made my way to the exit of the room. Like a piece of meat hung in front of a ravenous Feralmon, my prey's presence enticed me.

"Wait! We can't go now!"

"Why not?!" I shouted, turning abruptly to face my Tamer. Why was this human hesitant to join the hunt? The hunt, the catch, and the kill were all what I lived for.

"People will see you."

"Why does that matter?"

"This isn't the Digital World, Nekomon. People aren't exactly going to think a Digimon walking around is normal."

I sensed a bit of fear in her voice. Was this human a coward? Is that why she didn't want to fight? Well I wouldn't let her get in my way; battle is my way of life. Combat is the only way for a Digimon to get stronger. How could I get more powerful if I didn't fight?

"What's the matter? Are you afraid?"

"No . . . I mean, yes . . . err . . . I'm scared that people will think you're some kind of monster."

"Monster?"

"Yes, if they find you, they'll lock you up in some cage like you're some kind of menace. They'll study you like they do with aliens in the movies. They might even kill you!"

"I can defend myself," was my simple reply. I was becoming impatient with her.

"The Real World isn't like the Digital World."

"I'll take my chances." I continued toward the door of Val's room. "Whether you like it or not, I'm going."

"Okay, fine," Val acquiesced. "Just don't go out that way. My parents will see you. I don't know how I'll ever explain a five-foot-tall, talking tiger to them." Val put on a denim jacket and donned a pair of goggles, which she put around her forehead. She also grabbed a stack of cards from the floor, which she put into her pocket.

"We'll go out the window," said Val. We silently climbed down a series of stairs and ladders to reach the ground.

"Good thing it's dark out already," commented Val, "or else, I'm sure someone would spot us."

My mind was focused on the digital energy I felt. "This way," I muttered, heading out.

"Hey, wait up!" Val yelled, struggling to keep up. I was completely engrossed in tracking my prey. Buildings flew by as I ran down the narrow alleys.

After crossing an empty street, Val and I emerged in a fairly clear area, with many trees and other plants.

"Oh, I remember I used to love to come to this park and play here when I was younger," Val commented. I ignored her idle prattle and continued seeking my prey. It was close now, I could sense it's presence. I closed my eyes letting my instincts guide me. This is what I lived for: the thrill of the hunt, the exhilaration of the chase, the adrenaline of the intense battle, and, especially, the rewards reaped from victory.

"I wonder what this thing will do anyway," Val said to herself as she examined her D-Power. Didn't this foolish girl know anything about hunting? When stalking prey one must be completely silent, as to keep the element of surprise. It was much easier to pounce upon and kill an unsuspecting, terrified victim. While I glided silently through the foliage, Val noisily and clumsily stumbled through.

"Wha . . . " I turned to see her D-Power emitting a holographic display. Text and a picture had appeared on it. "Prariemon . . . " read Val.

"Sonic ear!" shouted a voice. Val and I covered our ears as a harsh, high-pitched noise filled the air.

Seeing a glint of metal out of the corner of my eye, I turned to see a blur of brown zoom toward me. I felt metal blades ripping at my flesh as the blur flashed by.

I grunted, clutching my injured side as the blur slowed down. I growled in anger at Val. That idiot's incompetence had revealed our position to my prey! Now, instead me of having the element of surprise, my prey had gained that advantage.

I looked toward the Digimon as it came to a stop. My attacker must have been the Prariemon that Val's D-Power was displaying. The Prariemon was a short, rodent-like Digimon, with long brown fur. Its hands were covered with sharp, metal gauntlets.

"Nekomon!" shouted Val. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I grunted as I charged toward the Digimon. "Spear of light!"

An energy spear formed in my hands and I thrust out at the Digimon. My assailant deftly dodged the spear and lashed out with its metal claws.

I blocked his slash with my spear, but the attack dissipated the energy from the spear. I leapt backward into the air.

"Leaf blades!" I drew my right hand back and shot it forward. From it, scores of sharp, green projectiles rained down toward my foe.

"Dimensional hole!" the Digimon shouted. Right before the attack hit him, he disappeared from sight.

"Where did he go?" I asked, looking about frantically.

"Behind you!" shouted Val.

I felt the Prariemon's claws tear at my back. But, before I could turn and attack, the agile Prariemon had already zipped away.

"Leaf blade!" I fired another blast of razor-sharp blades at the Prariemon, but again it disappeared.

Another energy spear formed in my hands as I waited for the Prariemon to reappear.

The Prariemon appeared about ten meters away from me and charged forward. I readied my spear then swung horizontally at the Prariemon as he came forward.

The Prariemon nimbly leapt above my swing and came straight for my face bearing his razor-edged claws. All I saw was the flash of a shining streak of metal as the Prariemon's blades ripped across my face. I fell to the ground clutching my face.

The Prariemon viciously leapt on me and ferociously tore at me with his claws.

"Digimodify!" shouted Val. "Strength activate!"

I could feel strength returning to me and dulling the unbearable pain from the cuts all over my body. I flung the Prariemon off of me, and picked my spear up off of the ground.

The nimble Digimon landed on its feet and charged back. By the look in its eyes I could feel it was going in for the kill.

"Digimodify!" shouted Val. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her swiping one of her cards through the D-Power. "Hyper-speed activate!"

I gripped the energy spear tightly as I fixed my eyes on the Prariemon charging toward me. Looking death in the eye, I hurled the spear with lighting-fast speed. In the blink of an eye, the spear traveled from my hand and through the Prariemon's fragile head. The swift Prariemon didn't even have a chance to flinch before the spear hit him.

A loud, satisfying crack rang throughout the park as the Prariemon's skull splintered to pieces from the impact of the spear. The Prariemon fell to the ground and dissolved into data.

I felt relieved as the data from my fallen foe flowed into my body. The painful injuries I suffered were all worth it, for this moment of victory was what every Digimon works for and savors. There is nothing more satisfying than the sensation of victory. As I absorbed the last morsels of data, I already began to feel stronger and more powerful. This was, after all, the beginning of my quest to become the strongest Digimon ever.

"Nekomon!" shouted Val. She ran over to me. She had a strange look on her face, an expression I hadn't seen before. It looked as if she was sad or unhappy. Why would she be unhappy about me becoming stronger?

"You're hurt . . . " she said.

"I'll live," I replied brusquely.

"How can you just shrug it off like that?! That Digimon almost killed you!"

"If you fear death, you will never get anywhere," was my cryptic response. I disliked talking to this human. She seemed so distraught over such trivial matters. I could sense numerous other Digimon nearby, though none were very close. Yet, I felt an insatiable hunger grow within me. I craved the feeling of victory just once more tonight. I decided that I would fight again this night; if I were to become stronger, I'd have to work as hard as I possibly could. While I was thinking, the human kept babbling on about her nonsense.

I walked away, following my senses toward the nearest Digimon.

"Where are you going?" Val demanded.

"To fight another Digimon."

"What!? But, you can't."

"Why not?"

"Look at yourself! You're hurt. You can't possibly fight in that condition!"

"So?"

"So, don't you think you should at least rest a while?" she asked.

Why was this human so set against me fighting? Did she now want me to grow stronger? I was beginning to think of humans not as a tool to help us tap our full potential, but as an impediment to our growth and evolution.

I continued walking toward the foe I sensed.

Val muttered something under her breath and followed reluctantly.

"Why are you doing this?" asked Val.

I ignored her.

"Are you listening to me? I asked you a question. Why are you so intent on fighting?"

"When we absorb our opponents data," I replied, "we grow stronger and more powerful."

"Is that the reason? Just to grow stronger? Sounds like a pretty stupid reason to me."

The way she slighted my dream of strengthening myself angered me. It was apparent that this human understood little of how my world worked.

"Shows how much you know," I replied.

"Hey! Let me tell you something . . . " Val rattled on about more of her pacifist drivel. I ignored her, focusing my mind on my prey.

Soon we came close to the foe I was seeking.

"Nekomon, are you even listening to me!" Val said, finishing her pointless tirade.

"Shh!" I said, silencing her. I silently approached my target.

I charged forward toward my enemy.

"Stand back, Andrew!" I heard a voice shout. "Telekinesis!"

"Andrew!?" shouted Val in surprise.

I suddenly felt my body freeze, as if gripped by an invisible hand.

"Val?" I looked forward. In front of me were a Digimon and a human. The Digimon, a Scienmon, was covered in a white cloak which covered most of his body. His two hands hung out in front of him as he held me still with his telekinetic powers.

I saw Val walk forward to the human. The human was a male with messy brown hair and wore a tattered navy blue jacket.

"Val . . . what are you doing here?" asked the male.

"I was about to ask you the same question, Andrew," she responded. "I see, you're a tamer, too."

The human named Andrew nodded his head. "I never thought that Digimon would be real, living, breathing creatures." He paused, looking over toward Scienmon and me. "I guess I should let your Digimon go. Scienmon, you can let the cat Digimon go. She's a friend."

"I'm afraid not," replied the Scienmon. "This one is intent on attacking me and loading my data."

"You're damn right!" I yelled. "Now go of me so I can kick your . . . "

"Nekomon, please," Val pleaded again. "Don't attack Scienmon. He's a friend."

I sighed. "Very well," I conceded. I wouldn't get anywhere frozen solid by Scienmon's psionic grip. Scienmon gently began to release me. I considered attacking the Scienmon after he let me go, but as the thought passed through my mind, I felt the psionic grip tighten. Of course, the Scienmon were a telepathic species; any betrayal could not be hidden from his perception. As I dismissed the idea of retaliation, the Scienmon continued to release his psionic grip. When he finished, I silently cursed him, knowing that he'd be able to read the disparaging remarks from my mind.

Val then began talking frantically to Andrew. I ignored their trivial conversation and turned away. How was I supposed to grow stronger with this incompetent Tamer following me around and stopping me from battling?

"It appears our tamers are good friends."

"Humph," was my reply.

"Do you resent me for using my psionic powers on you?"

I answered him with silence. Couldn't a mind reader like him figure out that I wanted to be left alone?

"If it makes you more comfortable, I will leave your thoughts to yourself."

"I'm in no mood to speak to you," I replied sternly. "Go away."

"You could try to be a little more friendly with both you tamer and me."

"This is a waste of time. There is no need for you and me to talk."

"But, if you take the time to talk to others, then maybe you'll have someone to talk to when the need arises."

"I doubt the need will ever arise."

"There is more to life than battling, you know."

"Shows how much you know." Was I surrounded by people who wanted to stop me from fighting -- stop me from achieving my goals?

"True strength lies not only in physical power, but also in the power of friendship and trust. Listen to your tamer. From what Andrew tells me, she can teach you much about that."

Ha! Friendship. The Scienmon was sorely mistaken: friendship is useless. Friends are only your enemy in disguise, for they can betray you. Trust is only something that is all too often misplaced. The only person you can ever rely on is yourself. If you trust in others, you'll soon find yourself dead. For, trust and friendship do not make one stronger, only battle, pain, suffering, and conquest make one stronger. And, strength is all that maters. What use are friends if an Ultimate-level Digimon suddenly descends upon you and deletes you in an instant? Strength is the only measure of a Digimon's ability, for only the strong can survive. In essence, strength is what gives us life; thus, without power we are nothing. All else is irrelevant.

"I don't need any friends," I replied coldly.

"Are you so sure about that? Friends may become more important than you think. Val is more than just your tamer; she is your partner, your friend."

"Partner . . . What use is a partner?"

"The ancient lore states that humans can help us tap our hidden powers, but that can only be achieved through cooperation with humans."

"Well, then I guess I'll have to get stronger without these pathetic humans."

The Scienmon sighed "Well, if you feel that way then there's nothing I can do but urge you to just at least listen to your tamer. You owe her at least that much."

"Scienmon, we'd better go," called out Andrew. "I'll see you at school tomorrow, Val. And, don't worry. I'm sure everything will work out fine."

"Thanks, Andrew," replied Val. They both gazed at each other briefly, and something in their faces expressed something ineffable. Something about them being in each others company seemed to revitalize their spirits and to relieve themselves of their anxieties. I felt a twinge of envy at seeing the strength of the bond between them.

Bah! What use are these emotions? Emotions only cloud one's judgement; they serve only as a distraction. All they do is prevent one from doing what is necessary.

"Let's go, Val," I said, interrupting their silent gaze.

Val reluctantly turned to me. "Bye, Andrew." She waved at him as we walked back toward her home.

*~*~*

When we arrived, Val talked to me. I decided to listen to her this time, as Scienmon suggested. After all, she did help me defeat the Prariemon. I felt I owed her at least that much, no matter how weak she was.

Val told me to be sure not to be seen by any humans. For some reason she greatly feared that I would be found by a human. I surmised it must be because some humans were wild and dangerous creatures that might attack something strange or unknown to them. If they were so dangerous, then perhaps they'd make good opponents. I pondered whether human data would be as satisfying as a Digimon's.

Keeping my presence a secret, however, meant that she wanted me to hide during the daytime and to only leave my coverture when she was present. Despite my protests, she insisted that it be this way, for my protection. Thus, I was imprisoned in an unused storage shed on the roof of her building.

Why was I stuck with such a tamer!? Were destiny's wishes against mine? Did fate desire that I stay a weak rookie Digimon forever? For, if I obeyed my tamer and cowered in fear all day, I would never be able to fight and grow stronger. I would be nothing!

Well, fates, I defy you! I will take matters into my own hands and reject the Tamer you have thrust upon me. Destiny may have brought me into this world with the intention of taming me and breaking my warrior's spirit, but it has only succeeded in setting me free.

It is not my destiny to be weak. It is not my destiny to be second to anyone, Digimon or human. It is my destiny to be the strongest, most powerful Digimon ever! I will be so powerful that no one, not even the Sovereign can challenge me. Not even the stare of death will deter me. No one, not even the supernatural can control what I do. This is my life and I can do what I want with it. Therefore, I choose the way of the warrior, the path of the conqueror, and the journey of the champion. Fate will be the first of my many victims to perish. Yes, I will create my own destiny.

Nothing can stop me; nothing can destroy this dream of mine. Neither Val's pacifism nor Scienmon's talk of friendship can obstruct the realization of my goals, for this dream of mine is far more important to me. I will ignore them all for only I know what is best for me. I don't need Val, and I don't need Scienmon; I don't need anybody.

I walked boldly out of my hiding-place and gazed over the vast human realm beneath me. I am free.