In order to keep everybody updated, here's who's who and what's what so far:
Digimon Protectors (DPs):
DP: M
Partner: Lunamon
Armor Digivolution: Tylomon w/Digi-Egg of Reliability Data Chip
DP: Reth
Partner: Hawkmon
Armor Digivolution: FlameWizardmon w/Digi-Egg of Courage Data Chip
DP: Amari
Partner: Patamon
DP: Ashur
Partner: Kudamon
DP: Maddy
Partner: Salamon
DP: Elizabeth
Partner: Strabimon
Armor Digivolution: Flybeemon w/Digi-Egg of Knowledge Data Chip
Digimon Protectors
Episode 3: Glowing Kindness
After about an hour of walking, Salamon led the group through a valley. Since everything was dark, they could barely see anything, except for each other. They did notice when Salamon walked them up to a large, thick wooden fence as tall as the trees from the forest they'd occupied earlier.
"We've reached out destination," Salamon said.
"Point me in the direction of food and a bed," Reth said, "and you don't have to hear from me for the rest of the night."
"Just point me in the direction of a bed," Elizabeth said. "I need my sleep."
"Not used to all this exercise and fresh air," Strabimon said in an exhausted breath.
"Don't mess with me, I will snap you like a twig!"
Everybody stared blinking, confused and little scared, at Elizabeth. She nervously laughed. "I'm sorry. I'm just tired. I'm used to my 10 hours." Ashur knocked on the wooden fence catching everybody's attention.
"I figured somebody should do it," Ashur said.
"Everybody needs to calm down," M said. "I know it's been a long day, but we can't lose it this early in the game." She glanced over at Elizabeth giving her the eye. Elizabeth nervously laughed. Ashur banged on the fence.
"They're probably all sleeping," Lunamon said. Ashur and Amari banged on the fence together.
"Shouldn't we be careful," Maddy asked. "What if these Digimon aren't happy about us interrupting their sleep?"
"She has a point," M said," and we don't want anymore trouble. I'm too tired and too hungry to do any more running or fighting." Nobody had come to the fence. Ashur, Amari, and Elizabeth were about to bang on the door when Patamon interrupted them.
"Let me try," Patamon said. "Boom Bubble!"
"Patamon," Lunamon, Salamon, and M shouted.
"We don't want them to think they're under attack," Lunamon said. She jumped, grabbed his ear, and pulled him away. The attack shook the fence but didn't harm it. Ashur, Amari, and Elizabeth started banging and kicking on the fence. Ashur and Elizabeth were shouting for food and beds. M shook her head, Maddy watched them, and Reth laughed.
"What Digimon stay here," Lunamon asked Salamon. Before she could answer, Hawkmon, who was hovering beside Reth, heard a sound.
"I heard something," Hawkmon said.
"Heard what," Reth asked. The whole group heard a low growl.
A large Digimon resembling a Doberman Pinscher leapt from the shadows. Clearly infected with the virus, the Digimon watched them while data spewed from its mouth like foam from a rabid dog.
"An infected Digimon," Hawkmon said. "Everybody attack!"
"Tear Drop!"
"Boom Bubble!"
"Bullet Whirlwind!"
Lunamon, Patamon, and Kudamon left their partners to fight. The Digimon took their ineffective hits before it dispatched the trio. They collapsed exhausted.
"Feather Strike!"
"Puppy Howling!"
"Light Slash!"
The Digimon grabbed Hawkmon with its jaws and threw him to the side. He knocked Salamon and Strabimon to the side with two swipes of his claws. They collapsed exhausted.
"What are we going to do," Elizabeth said. She took her Digivice out of its case. "The Digimon can't fight or Armor Digivolve while they're hungry and tired."
"We'll continue fighting," Kudamon said.
"We don't have a choice," Strabimon said.
"Dobermon," Elizabeth read the info. "He's a champion level virus type that uses two attacks: one called Growl Realm and the other Black Laser."
"A virus type that has a virus," Reth said. "Is that redundant or ironic?"
"Wait," the group heard a voice say," don't fight him." Ashur noticed a small Digimon climb from a hidden doggie door built into the fence. He took out his own Digivice. Everybody watched as the small Digimon walked before the menacing Dobermon.
"Dobermon," the voice said softly, "don't hurt anyone. Don't let the virus control you."
Upon seeing this Digimon, Dobermon went crazy before running off into the darkness.
"Who are you," M asked.
"Labramon," Salamon said. "We're at the Labramon Village."
"She's right," Ashur said. Kudamon had wrapped himself back around Ashur neck and helped provide his Digivice with Labramon's information.
" The Labrador Monster," Reth said.
"A rookie vaccine type with two attacks of its own: Retrieve Bark and the other one's Cure Liquor."
"Really," Elizabeth questioned. "Cure Liquor. Sounds like an odd name for an attack. I've heard of it but can't remember what it does. It's been a while since I've read up on her or seen her in her movie."
"You're so cute," Maddy said. She ran before Labramon, bent to her knees, and petted Labramon while she played with her ears. "I love dogs."
"Thank you," Labramon said nuzzling up against her hands.
"She's different from the Labramon I've seen," Elizabeth said.
"Why didn't you want us to fight Dobermon," M asked. "I don't know how we would have won, but he can come back and destroy your village."
Labramon stopped nuzzling against Maddy.
"Dobermon is my twin brother," Labramon said. "I don't want anyone to hurt him because I'm going to save him."
"He's your brother," Maddy said. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry we tried to hurt him." She hugged onto Labramon.
"You don't have to worry, but thank you for your sympathy." Maddy broke their embrace and stood. "Who are you?"
"They're humans," Salamon said.
"They're here to help the Digital World," Lunamon said. "They came here from the Real World." The humans introduced themselves.
"They're going to rid our world of the virus." Hawkmon said while Salamon eyed Labramon and Maddy.
"Are you serious," Labramon questioned Maddy. She seemed unsure of how to answer her.
"They are able to cure infected Digimon," Kudamon said.
"We can cure the virus," Maddy said, "so if you need us, we'll help you."
Elizabeth's thoughts were elsewhere. Labramon's words had her thinking: another pair of Digimon twins like Terriermon and Lopmon, and a Labramon who's appearance differs from her movie counterpart. Thinking about it, most of their Digimon had different appearances from their Real World anime counterparts. Maybe they're different because they're real, she thought, or maybe, this is just something unexplainable. She shrugged it off.
"We were hoping though," M said, "tonight you'd be able to help us. We need a place to stay and food if you have any to share."
"If you're here to save the Digital World," Labramon said, "I have no choice but to help you. I'm Labramon, half the leadership concerning the Labramon Village. My brother was the other half." She went silent for a moment. "Let's get everybody inside."
"I don't think we're going to make it through the doggie door," Ashur said.
"I can open the gate. It's a lot bigger than the doggie door."
"Got anything to eat," Reth asked.
"I can give you a place to sleep, but you'll have to wait until morning to eat. Everybody is sleeping."
Reth whimpered. Everybody let out a collective sigh. Everybody thought they heard Dobermon again, but it was Reth's stomach.
"Look at it this way," Lunamon said. "We don't have to stay in the forest."
"Instead," Reth said, "we're going to starve." Lunamon frowned.
"That would be great," M said. "Thank you for your hospitality." M elbowed Reth. "You should apologize for your stomach."
"Sorry I'm hungry," Reth said. M elbowed him again. Labramon climbed through the doggie door and opened the fence. When everybody was inside, she quickly shut it. Everybody looked at their surroundings. They saw doghouses everywhere.
"Follow me," Labramon said. "You'll all stay with me." She started walking and Maddy started to follow her, but everybody else just stared.
"I'm sorry," M said frowning, "but unless you have twelve extra doghouses I don't think we're all going to fit in yours."
"My house is bigger compared to the ones you see here. My brother and I use to share it. Since he's gone, I'm sure you'll all fit." Labramon had a sad expression on her face for a moment. No one but Maddy had noticed it.
"I'm going to have to take your word for it. Lead the way." After walking a short distance, they arrived in front of a doghouse slightly larger than the average doghouse.
"We're here," Labramon said. "I hope you all can squeeze through the door."
"I hope so too," M said. "I hope I can get my big butt through the door."
"I think your big butt will be fine," Lunamon said.
"Thanks Lunamon." M narrowed her eyes and frowned. Reth and Ashur tried to hold back their laughter. "I'm still trying to figure out how six humans and six, I mean seven, Digimon are going to stay in this place."
"We've already seen some strange things here," Amari said. "If I can believe six strange creatures telling me they need our help to save their world, If Labramon says we'll fit, I'm inclined to believe her." Amari watched Labramon climb through her doggie door along with Maddy and then Salamon. "I'm right behind you." He climbed through the door and Patamon followed him. Everybody else stared at the doggie door.
"Why not," Ashur said and shrugged at M, Reth, and Elizabeth before going inside.
"You guys aren't going to believe this," Maddy said laughing. "It's amazing."
"I didn't know Digimon could live like this," Patamon said flying around the room inspecting everything.
"If this place had a kitchen," Amari said, "I'd say it's just like being at our own homes. It's like a dog's dream house. This place even has power." He was glancing at the lights and few lamps scattered around the doghouse.
"You've got to be kidding me," Ashur shouted holding onto his cap while he stared around the doghouse's interior.
"I would say she has more than enough room to accommodate us," Kudamon said.
"This is impossible." Hearing Ashur's words, Elizabeth climbed through the door with Strabimon behind her.
"OMG," Elizabeth shouted, "I'm staying here forever. The rest of our stay in the Digital World will consist of us staying in this doghouse."
"I think the fireplace is the best part," Maddy said.
"She has a fireplace! Look at the two king-sized beds! Thank you Labramon." Elizabeth ran and jumped on the bed making herself comfortable.
"You are definitely one wild human," Strabimon said. "One embarrassing wild human."
"Oh shut up." Elizabeth already had her glasses and shoes off and eyes closed clutching onto one of the many pillows. M, Reth, Lunamon and Hawkmon entered the doghouse.
"It's a mini-mansion," Reth said. "Nice carpet, rugs, beds, and a fireplace. I could get used to this. No blankets on the beds, but I don't wear these jackets for nothing."
"The girls can share the bed Elizabeth grabbed," Labramon said, "and the boys can share the other one. We rarely use them. My brother and I prefer the rug or recliner in front of the fireplace. I'll sleep on the rug tonight."
"We won't all fit. You two can take the bed. I'll be fine on this comfy carpet with my blankets." Reth addressed Amari and Ashur.
"We don't want to put you out," Maddy said.
"It's fine," Labramon said, "really."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm happy to make you guys comfortable." Maddy nodded.
"The bed would be nice, but something tells me Elizabeth's a wild sleeper. "She watched Elizabeth toss and turn. "I'll keep you company if you don't mind. I can take the recliner."
"Sure, I'd like the company."
"I don't care what kind of sleeper she is," M said. "She better make room if she doesn't want to get hurt." After she made herself comfortable in bed, having pushed Elizabeth to one side, she addressed the group. "We should turn in early you guys. We have a lot to discuss in the morning."
"The faster we go to sleep," Patamon said, "the faster we can eat breakfast."
"I'm with Patamon," Reth said.
"You can sleep in my lap if you want," Maddy said to Salamon. Labramon had settled on her rug and Maddy in the recliner with Salamon laying beside it.
"I'll be fine on the floor," Salamon said. Maddy seemed saddened.
"I'll sleep in your lap," Labramon said. "You might get chilly during the night when the fire goes out."
"Thanks," Maddy said. She hugged Labramon close as she leapt in her lap. "You're so fuzzy. I love it." Salamon rose her head and eyed Maddy and Labramon before lying her herself down to sleep. " Do I smell chocolate?" Settled in their sleeping quarters, everybody looked around the room, except Elizabeth who was knocked out.
"I smell chocolate," Ashur said.
"I think somebody has a Snickers."
"What's a snickers," Lunamon asked.
"Food," M said. Maddy glanced from her chair. She saw Reth underneath his jackets. "It's Reth," M and Ashur shouted at the same time. Ashur and M pounced on him.
"He was holding out on us," Ashur said.
"Where's the rest," M asked holding him down.
"I don't have anymore," Reth said. "Get off me."
"You're lying."
"I told you I don't wear these jackets for nothing. Six pockets for a variety of tools or snacks. Unfortunately, I packed light today since we had detention. I only have a bag a fritos left, and I need those for traveling. I might need the energy pick-me-up later because I get tired easily."
"Stop lying ho."
"You can still share," Ashur said.
"I'm sorry," Reth said. "One thing I don't play about is my food. These fritos are mine." Reth held onto his jackets. M and Asher scowled.
"Let's just go to sleep," M said. "There's breakfast in the morning." M and Ashur returned to their beds.
"What are we going to have for breakfast," Maddy asked.
"Oh," Labramon said. "We Labramon tend to our meat farms. We usually have steak for breakfast and eggs if we're lucky. They show up from time to time."
"They show up from time to time," Amari questioned puzzled under his breath.
"We might have steak and eggs for breakfast," Reth said. "I think I'm with Elizabeth. We're staying here forever."
Lunamon, Hawkmon, and Strabimon were already sleeping. Lunamon was curled up beside M. Hawkmon sat beside Reth. Strabimon stood leaning in a corner with his arms crossed close to Elizabeth.
"Everybody's falling asleep,"M said taking off her glasses. "We should sleep, and stop being so loud." She gave Reth a look, and he nodded in agreement. They watched Labramon leave from Maddy's lap, who had drifted off to sleep herself, to turn off the lights. Salamon opened one eye before closing it again. The group fell asleep thinking about what tomorrow would bring and breakfast.
"Dobermon," the servant of the fortress Digimon said, "I finally found you."
Dobermon and several other Digimon were ravaging a part of the forest infecting other Digimon and the land. The data they drained from the land made it appear dark and decaying. She walked from the darkness beside him. "Our master has a job for you. You will destroy Labramon village, and make sure to destroy the humans." Dobermon drooled white data. She had a disgusted look on her face. "Of course, you best not fail."
She slunk back into the darkness and left Dobermon to carry out his mission. He started barking as he chased a helpless Digimon before he bit and infected it.
Labramon and Maddy were the first to wake up. Labramon had to tend to the meat farms, and then set up for breakfast. Maddy offered to help her. They were the first to leave the doghouse while everybody slept. M and Lunamon woke next. M wanted to explore the village. They left the doghouse next. Reth and Hawkmon woke up as M and Lunamon left. Seeing Amari, Ashur, and Elizabeth asleep, Reth decided to catch up with M and Lunamon. Hawkmon went with him.
"Are you okay," Lunamon asked as she and M walked.
"I'm fine," M said. "I wanted to walk around to clear my head and think. Everything here in the Labramon Village is beautiful, but I noticed everything from before looked different, as if drained of color."
"The virus effects the land as well as Digimon. The forest where we found Ashur and Elizabeth would be a good example. The corruption had a large impact on it draining its life and scattering the wild Digimon there."
"I'm guessing infected Digimon help spread the virus around areas of the Digital World."
"Yes, soon our home will look like a wasteland." M couldn't help feel bad.
"Cheer up, I'm not going to let that happen. You helped save my life. I'll do what I was brought here to do: save your home. You should know better than anyone you can rely on me."
"I don't need cheering up. I'm fine too. You're right, we're partners. We'll kick butt and take names. We'll show that virus who's boss!" Lunamon threw her fist up with confidence, and the two started laughing. The two watched as Labramon ran around the village. M noticed they looked different from Labramon. She checked her Digivice and received the same data as Ashur had. They just looked different. She thought that was interesting. Some worked. Some played. M and Lunamon introduced themselves and met with the locals.
Reth looked for M and Lunamon but couldn't find them.
"We lost them," Reth said to Hawkmon. "We probably went the wrong way." Hawkmon just flew beside him taking in the fresh air. "Oh well, everything looks cool. The doghouses are unbelievable. Are they all the same? It'd be nice to have a place like that to hideout when you wanted to be alone. I wish I could take one home. Which reminds me Hawkmon, how will we get home?" Hawkmon listened as he flew.
"I can't answer that question," he said. "I suspect after you finish your mission you'll leave. Are you in a hurry to get home?"
"Not really. I live in a boring middle of nowhere place. Nothing ever happens, and I never go anywhere. I'm not in a hurry to get home. I see this whole thing as an adventure. How many people can say they traveled inside a computer, met with strange creatures, and helped them fight? Not many, I can tell you that much."
"You're quite the character." Hawkmon had a smile on his face.
"I'm eccentric, what can I say."
The new visitors intrigued the locals, and Reth and Hawkmon found themselves surrounded. The Labramon had questions, and they had answers. After their interrogation, the Labramon and some other Digimon pulled them into a game of frisbee. Reth checked his Digivice. The others were Shaomon. They were the data, in-training form of Labramon. Reth and Hawkmon objected to physical exertion but found they had no choice in the matter.
Spending time together in the fields, Labramon and Maddy brought back breakfast together. Labramon found the mystery eggs that popped up once in a while. While Labramon cooked the meat with the breakfast team, Maddy cooked the eggs on the hot rock the Labramon used to cook their meat. Labramon told Maddy they usually boiled them using river water, and she was glad to learn new ways to cook them. Maddy scrambled the eggs using a well-shaped rock and made some sunny side up fried eggs.
When they arrived back at Labramon's doghouse, Amari was just getting up.
"Need any help," he asked Maddy. She was carrying the food on a large rock with Labramon. They placed the rock on the large, round dining room table Labramon had.
"No, every thing's kind of together on this platter. They don't have plates here or knives and forks just dog dishes."
"Well, anywhere I can clean up before we eat?" The smell of food brought everybody else from their sleep.
"Do I smell breakfast," Patamon asked flying around the table. "Is it time to eat?"
Elizabeth tossed and turned fighting hunger and the urge to sleep for five more minutes. Ashur was up getting dressed. Reth strolled in tired with Hawkmon. He and Hawkmon collapsed on the bed. Reth jumped back up and went to the table when he realized he passed the food.
"When do we eat," Reth asked.
"Now," Patamon said.
"Actually," Labramon said to answer Amari's question, protecting the food from Patamon and Reth, "I was going to take us down to the river. Then, we all could clean up there."
"Maddy," Salamon said walking up to her with a serious expression on her face, "where have you been?"
"I went with Labramon to help."
"Try not to run off without me. I'm supposed to know where you are at all times."
"Don't worry. I was with Labramon. I was okay." Maddy patted Labramon on the head, and Labramon nuzzled against her hand. Salamon narrowed her eyes at the pair.
"Just don't run off."
M and Lunamon came through the door.
"I saw you guys carrying the food," M said. "I've been waiting for this. I figured I'd follow you back."
"Before we eat," Maddy said, "we're going to the river to clean up. We're going to have to get her out of bed first," Maddy glanced over to Elizabeth.
"I got her," Strabimon said. He lifted the bed and rolled her out.
"Ah," Elizabeth cried out as she toppled to the floor. "I'm going to kill you." She jumped up and Ashur grabbed her as she extended her arms to wrap her hands around Strabimon's neck. Strabimon snickered to himself. "I was already up!"
"Put your shoes on, so we can go," Ashur said gently guiding her to her glasses and shoes . M stood next to Reth as he eyed the food. Reth tried to sneak some, but M smacked his hand before he could.
"Hey," Reth said with a laugh.
"Don't touch it," M said. "I don't know where your hands been."
"They're clean. My hands haven't been anywhere." Reth laughed. M just gave him a look.
The river was deep behind the village. They trekked together for a long time before they reached it. They did get to see a lot of the village settled in a rocky and scenic river valley, the fence surrounding it. On their way, they passed the meat farms. They went out the gate at the back of the village to reach the river. When they reached it, they rested, washed up, and then went back to the doghouse. When they got back, they had to rest again. After the break, they dug into the food.
"How can you eat so much," M asked Reth as he put it away. "You look like a rail."
"Fast metabolism," Reth said taking a bit out of his steak.
"This is going to ruin my diet," Elizabeth said picking at the steak.
"Mine too," Maddy said.
"Well, I guess I can cheat while I'm here. I wonder if data food carries extra calories."
"I hope not." Maddy laughed.
"That made no sense," Reth said laughing.
"Data food," Amari asked himself.
"This food tastes real to me."
"It's real," Elizabeth said. "The Digimon are real. Every thing's real. I never thought this place existed, but it does. The Digital World is a real place." Everybody stopped eating to listen to her. She was fascinated by the Digital World, and everything thought it interesting they were in a different world as real as theirs.
"You did a good job on the eggs Maddy," Amari said.
"They're delicious," Reth said with a mouthful of them.
"They are," M said, "especially since they don't have any seasoning. Not even salt or pepper." She shook her head.
"What's a seasoning," Lunamon asked.
"Something that makes food taste better."
"I'd like to try a seasoning."
"Well, if you're ever visit me, I'll hook you with a good meal. I learned how to cook from my Mema. I can throw down."
"Mema?"
"My grandma, that's what I call her."
"I'll accept that invitation," Reth said. "I'd love to try some of your cooking."
"Shut up fatty." Reth faked looking hurt. Everybody laughed.
Once they ate a bit, they started their discussions.
"I remember you saying you had waited for me," M said to Lunamon. "What exactly did you mean?"
"Yeah," Ashur said, "why were you waiting for us?"
"Someone sent us," Hawkmon said. "He said you were coming."
"All of this happened so fast," Lunamon said. "We were brought to a strange place, he explained we needed to fight, and sent us to greet you. He said you would solve our world's problems."
"Who's he," M asked. Lunamon looked to Salamon. They looked back to M and shrugged.
"He didn't give us a name," Salamon said. "He wasn't any Digimon we knew, but he was a Digimon. He said the Digital World was in danger, and we knew that already."
"Strange that he was a Digimon," Hawkmon said. "When he gathered us together, we were outside the Digital World. At least, I think we were."
"I agree. I got a sense we were somewhere else when we met with him. No place I'd ever seen in the Digital World."
"If he's outside the Digital World, that means we can't meet with or question him."
"We were chosen to remedy the Digital World's situation and restore peace," Kudamon said. "Before he summoned us, I only remember wanting to accomplish that goal. Currently, I believe that's the only fact of importance. "
"I waited," Patamon said, "I think we all waited, for a chance to do something besides hide from danger. I wanted to fight."
"That Digimon," Strabimon said, "he told us we would be able to change everything."
"But he also said," Lunamon said, "everything would start with you." She said this looking up at M.
"With me," M asked. She thought about the devices appearing from the computer when she sat down to it.
"With all of you," Kudamon said.
"I think I heard his voice," M took her device from its case and gazed at it. Everybody started examining their devices. "Before we ended up here, we got these." She held up the devices. "I heard a voice. Maybe, he's the one who brought us here."
"Probably," Strabimon said.
"I wouldn't doubt it," Hawkmon said. Elizabeth wondered if it could have been Gennai, but she realized Salamon had said the guy had been a Digimon.
"He brought us here for a reason," Elizabeth said.
"Can we meet with him," Maddy asked, "Can you guys take us to him?"
"Oh Maddy," Ashur said. He hugged her.
"What?"
"No," Hawkmon said. "We don't know where he is. Didn't I mention that earlier?" Reth shushed him. Maddy felt a little uneasy, but Labramon licked her hand and put a smile on her face.
"Something tells me we'll hear from him again," M said. "Right now, we have a top priority: get rid of the virus. Anybody here know how or where it originated?" The Digimon shrugged.
"Not really," Patamon said. "It just started showing up. Everywhere."
"It's called the Shadowbyte Virus," Lunamon said. "That's what he called it."
"It originated over the mountains," Labramon said. Everybody focused their attention on her. "My brother and I saw an abundance of trouble come from behind Mt. LAN. Infected Digimon flowed from over the mountain, and they tore the forest a part. We were able to keep them from our river valley until everything quieted down."
"How was your brother infected," Maddy asked.
"He went to find the cause of the virus. When he never came back, I worried about him. Finally, he showed up, attacking the village, and I could only talk him into leaving. I couldn't fight him. Now, I just want to save him."
"How'd you and your brother manage to fight so many Digimon without becoming infected," Lunamon asked.
"You're a rookie," Elizabeth said. "Even if your brother had been a champion at the time, you'd have needed more power."
"The whole village fought," Labramon said. "We fought for our village. We lost a lot of friends. We found out the hard way how the virus affects Digimon through Digivolution. We had to fight our friends and some times-" Labramon looked depressed.
"It's okay," Maddy said holding onto her. "You don't have to say anymore." She felt so sad for Labramon and her village. Everybody went quiet.
"Like I said yesterday night," Elizabeth said to change the subject, "I have a confession to make." Everybody turned their attention on her.
"The reason I've been so excited since we've been here, in the Digital World, is because I know a lot about it."
"How could you possibly know about this place," M asked looking at her as if she was crazy.
"What Amari was going to tell us yesterday," Ashur said, "that's how she knows."
"Digimon was a TV show," Elizabeth said. "I used to watch it religiously. As soon as we got here, I knew we were in the Digital World. I knew about our Digimon. "
"Yep," Reth said snapping his finger and pointing at Elizabeth, "now that you mention it, I remember that show."
"She knows a lot. She helped Strabimon, what did you call it, Armor Digivolve, using our-"
"Digivices," Elizabeth cut him off, and then apologized. She held up her Digivice. "These are Digivices. In the show, they gave the human partners the ability to have their Digimon Digivolve. We have that same ability."
"After I Armor Digivolved," Lunamon said, "I came to that same conclusion. You guys are our partners, we're supposed to work together, but I felt a deeper connection with M. When she cheered me on, I felt stronger, and when she was falling, I wanted to save her. With her on my side, I felt like I couldn't lose or fail either." Lunamon smiled at M. She hugged her leg, and M felt a little
embarrassed.
"Falling," Ashur questioned,"what happened to you guys?" Lunamon explained what happened with Patamon's help.
"We should all talk about what happened yesterday after we split up," Ashur said.
"To keep us informed," Kudamon said. Reth and Hawkmon told their story, and Ashur told Elizabeth's and Strabimon's.
"After I DeDigivolved," Lunamon said, "M received a pair of Data Chips. I believe they'll help us accomplish our goal."
" I didn't really do anything," M said.
"You were with me, fought with me, and that was enough."
"Yes," Elizabeth said, "the Data Chips are the keys. They possess the powers of Armor Digi-Eggs, and they allow our Digimon to Armor Digivolve. It's an ancient form of Digivolution. For us, it'll be pretty handy."
"Because with it," Salamon said, "we Digimon won't contract the virus." Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"I saw it with my own eyes," Patamon said. "Lunamon Digivolved, and she didn't go berserk."
"My belief is this form of Digivolution comes from the Digital World's past," Kudamon said, "and our partners have resurrected it to allow us to fight."
"Reth received two Data Chips after I DeDigivolved," Hawkmon said. "I understand having one of the chips, but I wonder about the other. Reth, show them your second chip." Reth held up his Biyomon Chip, M held up her Gomamon Chip, and Elizabeth held up her Gabumon Chip.
"I used the power of that chip to use an attack that rescued M," Lunamon said, "Marching Fishes." Hawkmon and Strabimon agreed the chips had allowed them to use new and different attacks.
"These Digimon on our chips resemble the first team of Digidestined's Digimon," Elizabeth said. "Maybe, they're just for assistance. They did come in handy."
"If that's what they're for," Strabimon said, "we can use them as support." M, Reth, Elizabeth agreed.
"We all have this ability," Amari asked. Everybody turned to him surprised to hear his voice.
"You opened your mouth," Reth said. "I knew you could talk." Amari frowned. Reth laughed.
"Stop messing with him," M said and hit his arm.
"Ouch, I wasn't. You're abusive."
"Don't make me hit you again." M noticed Amari smile.
"Kudamon thinks so," Ashur said. "I think we do. Besides, why else would we be here. Oh Elizabeth, you should tell us how you made Strabimon Digivolve. We might need to know for later."
"Once you have a chip, you activate it by calling out it's name. For example, I have the Digi-Egg of Knowledge. I say Digi-Egg of Knowledge, Digitize, Armor Digivolution Activate."
"Digitize," M said, " I heard the voice say that before we arrived "Digital Gate, Digitize"."
"When my Digi-Egg Chip activated, that phrase crossed the screen."
"Probably some kind of connection," Reth said. "He could be behind it."
"We won't know until we meet with him," Salamon said.
"M, Reth," Elizabeth said, " let me see your other chips." They handed them over to her. "We all have different chips because they represent different Digi-Eggs. M, you gained the Digi-Egg of Reliability Chip, and Reth, you got the Digi-Egg of Courage Chip. Each Digi-Egg represents a certain personality trait. Only exhibiting a certain trait will activate a Digi-Egg for the rest of you. Until you activate a Digi-Egg, you won't have the ability to help your partner Armor Digivolve."
"I got courage," Reth said. "That's a surprise."
"Reliability fits M," Amari said. M smiled and Amari nodded.
"And Elizabeth would get knowledge," Ashur said, " but what about us? What will we get?"
"There are a lot of Digi-Eggs. I don't know."
"Are you going to tell us what they are?"
"No, too many to list. We'll wait and see what you guys get. It'll be a surprise." Ashur frowned.
"I won't get one," Maddy said. "They probably don't have a Digi-Egg of Stupidity." She laughed.
"You'll get one," Reth said wrapping an arm around Maddy, "a good one. Don't get down on yourself. You're not stupid."
"She's a hug ho," M said, "but she's not stupid." Everybody laughed.
"Don't say that."
"I'm playing with her. Maddy knows I love her." Maddy blushed.
"Yesterday night," Labramon said, "Maddy said you guys could cure the virus. Is that true?"
"Yes," Hawkmon said. "The Digivices our partners have can remove the virus from the infected."
"When Hawkmon beat Tuskmon," Reth said, "Download came up on my Digivice's screen. I pushed the button on the side, and the virus was drawn out of Tuskmon. He got up and walked away."
"Same happened when we beat Airdramon," Ashur said.
"Does this process hurt the Digimon," Labramon asked.
"I don't think so," Reth said, "but the fight probably does. I don't think we can cure a Digimon without fighting it first."
"I don't want to fight my brother. I don't want to hurt him."
"Well, we can try it out, you know, using the Digivice to Download the virus without fighting."
"What if that doesn't work," Maddy asked watching over Labramon. Reth didn't say anything for a moment.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
"I want to give it a name," Elizabeth said standing up from her seat and smiling.
"Give what a name," Maddy asked.
"The Digivice. I don't want to call it that all the time. We should call it the D-AVD, D - A V D."
"What's that mean?"
"Digital-AntiVirus Device."
"Works for me," Reth said.
"I like it," Maddy said. Elizabeth got all excited and sat down.
"It was killing you wasn't it," Strabimon said. She shot him a look but then continued smiling.
"We can't forget about the map," Amari said. "We should all know about it in case we ever have to separate again."
"That's how you guys found us," Ashur asked. Amari nodded.
"My D-AVD has a Map icon on it now."
"They can do a lot: Analyze Digimon, Armor Digivolution, the Download Effect, and a Map."
"I found icons for each one on my D-AVD," Elizabeth said working with hers.
"Hawkmon said they, along with the chips, might be tools we're supposed to use," Reth said.
"Hawkmon was right." Everybody went quiet thinking.
"Where do we go from here," Maddy asked.
"Based on what Labramon told us," Salamon said.
"We're going across the mountain," Patamon shouted. He started flying around the room excited. "That means more battles, and I'll get to Armor Digivolve."
"Patamon," Lunamon said frowning, "calm down."
"He's right though," M said. "The source of the Shadowbyte Virus is over the mountain. We have to find the source."
"We need to fix Digivolution too," Strabimon said.
"I believe a Digimon is behind this whole mess," Labramon said.
"My thoughts exactly," Elizabeth said. "It would make sense. With a bad Digimon in town, we have to stop his reign of terror." She had a fire in her eyes.
"Just stop," Strabimon said.
"Did anybody ask you for your opinion?"
"No, but I figured I'd offer it anyway."
"Why do you believe a Digimon's behind it," M asked ignoring Elizabeth and Strabimon staring daggers at one another.
"A while before the virus turned up," Labramon said, "we used to leave our village to visit other Digimon and travel. I remember noticing a fortress appear, one I'd never seen before, on our travels. Since it popped up near Mecha City, I never gave it a second thought. If any problems arose, I was sure he'd take care of it. A powerful Digimon protected that city. Soon after it's appearance, we started getting attacked. We built the fences to keep wild Digimon out."
"We have two destinations then," M said. "We can try to find this powerful Digimon who might be able to help us, and then we can go to the fortress to get some answers."
"Who was the Digimon," Ashur asked.
"Nobody knows, he never showed himself. The Digimon who lived there followed him, but they never told anyone who he was. They said he always had work to do, and he wanted to be left alone to work. You'll have to find him when you reach Mecha City."
"The fortress sounds suspicious," Elizabeth said turning away from Strabimon. "If a Digimon is staying inside it, I'm sure that Digimon's behind the Shadowbyte Virus and Digivolution's corruption."
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Salamon said.
"Well, it's just a theory. We'll see for ourselves."
"I guess we won't be going home anytime soon," Ashur said.
"We won't be going home until we finish what we were brought here to do."
"We're not in a rush," M said. "We have a job to do, and you've had enough examples already to show you this place is dangerous."
"For right now," Lunamon said. "When things get back to normal, you'll see how great a place the Digital World is. You'll love it."
"I can't wait to see it," Maddy said.
"Until then," M said, "we'll be cautious and careful while we're here. Agreed?" Everybody agreed.
"I knew you'd be perfect as our leader," Reth said. He grabbed her from behind and squeezed her tight.
"Get off of me," she said laughing. Everybody laughed.
"If we're done here," Labramon said. "I guess you guys will be leaving soon."
"Before we go," Maddy said, "I still wanted to help you."
"Help her with what," Salamon asked.
"We're going to the river to gather water," Maddy said.
"I forgot to get some for the house when we were there," Labramon said. "I told Maddy when we were headed back, and she offered to help me." Everybody dreaded the trek back to the river, but they offered to help because of Labramon's hospitality. "We don't all need to go. I only need a couple buckets full. You should stay here and rest before your trip."
"That is a long walk," Ashur said. "Thank you for letting us stay." Ashur went and collapsed on the bed.
"Not only that," Maddy said. "We're going to save Dobermon too."
"It's the least we can do before we leave," Amari said.
"While you're gone," M said, "we'll wait for him to show up then."
"I'm going," Salamon said.
"You don't have to go," Labramon said.
"I'm going. Maddy's my partner, and we're supposed to be together at all times. Dobermon might attack as well, I do have to go."
"He never attacks during the day, but you're welcome to join us."
"If he doesn't attack during the day," M said.
"That means we're free to relax," Ashur said.
Labramon went and grabbed four buckets from the back, and with a smile Maddy took two from her. Salamon took one from Maddy to carry around her head on her back. Afterwards, the threesome left together.
"Salamon seemed a little off," Patamon said hovering beside Amari who was relaxing in the recliner. "I wonder if she's okay."
"She's fine," Strabimon said who was standing nearby. Elizabeth had thrown herself on the bed, and Strabimon could only shake his head and walk away. "For some reason, she's letting Labramon get to her."
Maddy, Salamon, and Labramon started on their journey. They spent a majority of the walk in silence. Salamon kept eying Labramon as she walked beside Maddy.
"We're won't leave," Maddy said, "until your brother's cured."
"I don't want to hurt him," Labramon said.
"We won't fight him. I'm sure we'll be able to cure him without fighting."
"You don't know that for a fact," Salamon said.
"We won't know unless we try."
"I hope you can," Labramon said. "Maddy, I didn't explain the whole story. We were lucky last night. When my brother has attacked, he's caused fellow Labramon to Digivolve infecting them. Not only have I lost friends, but some have joined him. They weren't with him last night, but if they had been, we might have been in trouble. The situation grows worse each day, and I feel like there's nothing I can do about it."
"I'm so sorry," Maddy said. "We're going to help you."
"I'm tired of seeing my brother this way and tired of seeing my fellow Labramon suffer. I'm going to make everything okay, and I'm sure you'll help me do it." Maddy was all smiles. They reached the river, gathered the water, and then decided to rest.
Eventually, after such a good meal, everybody at Labramon's house took a nap. Strabimon, on the hand, went out to enjoy some fresh air. About an hour later, Amari woke up and checked his watch. Maddy, Salamon, and Labramon had been gone for a while. Everybody had figured they would be. The trip to the river was a long one. As Strabimon rested his eyes sitting on a hill cross-legged, young Shaomon annoyed him, but he shrugged them off. They said he wasn't any fun. Strabimon noticed a change in the wind. Amari went to the door, and he saw that the Labramon were in a panic.
"Is Labramon here," one ran up to him asking hurriedly.
"No, she went to get water."
"Dobermon's group is attacking, and they're about to tear down the fence." Amari started hearing frantic cries. They were waking everybody up.
"What's going on," M asked waking up a bit annoyed.
Looking out toward the front of the village, Amari saw the fence get blown to pieces.
"M," he said calling for her. M jumped up putting on her shoes and glasses. She ran to the door. Strabimon appeared beside them. Digimon were coming through the valley attacking the Labramon.
"Everybody get up," M shouted. "We got trouble! Lunamon!"
Lunamon ran beside her, Elizabeth appeared with her, Ashur and Kudamon, Patamon, and then Reth, who looked still asleep, with Hawkmon. When he saw what was going on, he was wide awake.
"What happened," Reth asked watching the scene. Some Labramon were fighting while others were running past them with Shaomon in their arms. They said they were heading toward the meat farms.
"Doesn't matter," Strabimon said. "We've got to fight." He leapt at the nearest infected Digimon.
"Let's go Amari," Patamon said already flying toward the infected Digimon. "Boom Bubble!" He hit one of the infected, but the attack did no harm.
"Doggymon," Elizabeth had her D-AVD in hand. "champion data type. They use Mega Chomp for close combat, but their Jesting Howl and Quick Shot attacks are what make them dangerous."
"Amari, you and Patamon, Ashur and Kudamon, should round up the villagers and lead them toward the back of the village. Reth, Hawkmon, Elizabeth, Strabimon, we'll Armor up and take them on." Amari, Ashur, and Kudamon nodded.
"Patamon," Amari shouted, "we're going to help the villagers. Send them toward the back of the village."
"You're kidding," Patamon said still firing off attacks that were having no effect. "Alright, but I want to fight next time."
Amari, Ashur, and Patamon and Kudamon started rounding up the villagers.
"Light Slash," Strabimon shouted. He managed to prevent a Doggymon from infecting a Shaomon. The Doggymon brought a red sphere in his hand. He threw it up and down while laughing hysterically as white data fell from his mouth.
"Quick Shot!" Doggymon threw the sphere and it exploded blowing Strabimon back beside the others.
"Strabimon," Elizabeth said, "let's get serious." He leapt to his feet beside her and nodded.
"Lunamon," M said. "Let's go." Lunamon stood before M and nodded.
"I'm with you Hawkmon," Reth said. Hawkmon saluted Reth before turning toward the Digimon.
"Jesting Howl," Four Doggymon shouted. They released sonic howls that blew Labramon doghouses a part. M, Reth, and Elizabeth took their D-AVDs and Digi-Egg Chips in hand.
"Digi-Egg of Reliability," M shouted, "Di-gi-tize! Armor Digivolution Activate!"
"Digitize now," Reth shouted, "Digi-Egg of Courage! Armor Digivolution Activate!"
"Digi-Egg of Knowledge," Elizabeth shouted, "Digitize! Armor Digivolution Activate!"
"Lunamon Armor Digivolve To Tylomon, Surging Reliability!"
"Hawkmon Armor Digivolve To FlameWizardmon, Flaring Courage!"
"Strabimon Armor Digivolve To Flybeemon, Illuminating Knowledge!"
The threesome started battling. M, Reth, and Elizabeth watched as Labramon fought back too. They also saw as Doggymon bit and infected some Labramon changing them to Doggymon.
"Fire Cloud," FlameWizardmon shouted. He managed to blow a group of Doggymon a part. Tylomon sliced through Doggymon using her shark fin blades. She couldn't use her second attack because they weren't near water. Flybeemon was using his poison stingers to dispatch Doggymon left and right. M, Reth, and Elizabeth cheered their Digimon on. They were doing well. Whenever the threesome started gaining an upper-hand, the Doggymon added to their numbers. Using jesting howl, some Doggymon were tearing up the village while other Doggymon launched quick shots at the threesome and villagers. Flybeemon took out the long range foes with his lighting stings. As Doggymon went down, all of the teams D-AVDs vibrated. The Download Effect became an option on their screens. Everybody used it to cure the infected. Another part of the fence blew to pieces beside Amari just as he had grabbed up a few Shaomon. FlameWizardmon made quick work of a Doggymon, and then everybody saw the new foe. Patamon fired upon him.
"FlameWizardmon," Reth shouted, "get Amari out of there!" FlameWizardmon leapt beside Amari and took him away. He returned to Patamon's side who was keeping the Digimon busy.
"I'll take it from here," FlameWizardmon said.
"Yeah," Patamon said, " I know." The Digimon tried to grab him, But FlameWizardmon used a fire cloud to send him stumbling backwards.
"He's a big daddy," M said running up beside Reth from curing an infected.
"Big daddy's got a name: Wendigomon. The Wendigo Monster."
"Why do you always do that?"
"Do what?"
"Add the, the blank monster."
"Because I can."
"You trying to get choked." Elizabeth came up after curing a few infected. Flybeemon flew in to keep Doggymon from interrupting the battle between Wendigomon, Tylomon, and FlameWizardmon. Ashur, Amari, Kudamon, and Patamon led the newly cured toward the back of the village before they were infected again. They cured the Digimon Flybeemon took out. "He is ugly. Woo, he's upsetting my stomach. He's one ugly ho."
"He has two attacks. He relies on Cable Crusher but his Howling Destroyer can decimate many foes at once." Tylomon sliced past his legs and injured Wendigomon.
"Cable Crusher," Wendigomon shouted falling to his knees. He extended his arms, grabbed FlameWizardmon, and threw him at Tylomon. He picked them both up, slammed them together a few times, and then dropped them to the ground.
"He's tough," Tylomon said.
"Yes," FlameWizardmon said, "but I'm wondering where Dobermon is."
"He might be going after his sister. If that's the case, Maddy and Salamon are in trouble."
As FlameWizardmon was about to suggest the team split up to go to the river, six cannons protruded from Wendigomon's chest.
"FlameWizardmon," Reth shouted, "don't let him pull off that attack. I think that's the second one."
"Howling," Wendigomon tried to shout, but Flybeemon shot lightning stings down his throat. He still managed to get off his attack before he fell unconscious. "Destroyer!" He fired energy bullets from his chest. They went up in the air and came raining down on the village. Tylomon, Flybeemon, and FlameWizardmon protected their partners. Amari, Patamon, Ashur, Kudamon and the villagers took cover. When the attack subsided, M ran out and cured him.
"That was too crazy," M said.
"We're not out of the woods yet," FlameWizardmon said.
"We think Dobermon is going after Labramon," Tylomon said.
"I'm going now," Flybeemon said.
"Me too," Elizabeth said. He flew down, swooped her up, and they went toward the river.
"Be careful ho," M shouted. She went and stood beside Reth. "That's one crazy ho." Reth laughed.
Maddy had dozed off leaning against a tree near a creek. They had walked along the river for a while before resting. She found Labramon beside her with Salamon in her lap. She smiled. Labramon's nose sniffed the air, and she woke up.
"The village," Labramon said, " There's trouble. We have to get back."
Salamon woke up and hopped from Maddy's lap. Labramon left the buckets behind and started back toward the village.
"Wait Labramon," Maddy said, "you shouldn't go on your own. I'm not much of a runner either." Labramon had gained quite a lead, her mind on her village, when her nose caught another scent. Maddy was trying to catch her breath, and Salamon was making sure she was okay. Labramon ran back as Dobermon leapt across the river and charged toward them. Salamon saw him and ran towards him. "Puppy Howling!" The attack didn't have much of an affect, but it annoyed Dobermon. He started snapping his fangs at Salamon, and she jumped back staying out of range. Labramon sent Maddy to hide behind a nearby tree, and she went to help Salamon.
"Dobermon, you shouldn't do this," Labramon said. "You have to stop attacking Digimon. You can't let the virus control you." Dobermon went wild barking and howling. He went to swipe Labramon, but Salamon tackled her out of harm's way. "He's never acted like this before." Labramon and Salamon had to keep avoiding his jaws. "I don't want to attack him. Please don't hurt him, I can reach him." She stood up and walked toward Dobermon pleading. "Dobermon don't do this." Salamon had to tackle her again.
"He's not listening to you," Salamon said.
"The humans," Dobermon said drooling white data. "Where are the humans?" He sniffed the air. " I know where one is." Salamon used her puppy howling as Dobermon headed for the tree Maddy was behind. She ducked his claws and jumped over them, but she still got swiped and knocked to the side. Dobermon tore into the tree with his fangs, but Maddy had ran back to Salamon.
"We can't take him by ourselves," Maddy said. "We need help. I can't do this by myself."
"You can do this," Salamon said. "We can do this. Come on, you said you would help Labramon. You're not by yourself either because I'm here with you."
"I want to help Labramon." Labramon was distracting Dobermon by trying to calm him down and get through to him. Dobermon wasn't listening, and Labramon had to dodge his claws and fangs as she spoke.
"That's what we're going to do." Salamon rescued Labramon once again.
"Growl Realm," Dobermon shouted as she got to her feet. Salamon used her head to roll Labramon from danger. Unfortunately, Dobermon's growling produced waves that paralyzed her. She couldn't move or attack.
"Salamon," Maddy shouted.
"Salamon," Labramon said getting to her feet. "I'm sorry." Salamon stared in Maddy's direction. Dobermon was headed toward Maddy, and Maddy was frozen in her tracks. I want to help, she thought. Labramon deserves to have her friends and her family. She's done so much for us. I want to save Dobermon.
"Dobermon," Maddy said, "stop. Please, stop hurting your sister. " Maddy tried to use her D-AVD to cure Dobermon, but it wasn't working. She kept pushing the button, but nothing happened. She sighed frustrated and sad. "You're breaking her heart." He stopped coming at her, looked back at Labramon for a moment, and then leapt with jaws open at Maddy. Labramon ran toward Maddy. "Maddy," Labramon shouted. "Dobermon don't!" Labramon jumped into his mouth as he was about to bite into Maddy. Maddy fell back stunned.
"Labramon," Maddy reached out to her. Dobermon shook Labramon's body injecting her with the virus. Maddy ran to Salamon realizing Salamon was the only one who could save Labramon. She tried grabbing on to Salamon, but she couldn't move her. As Dobermon continued to shake Labramon's body, Labramon saw Maddy and Salamon.
"Cure Liquor," Labramon said. A bottle appeared in her paws, and she let it fall. When it fell to the ground, the bottle shattered. It emitted a light, releasing bright data that washed over Salamon causing her to recover from the effects of Dobermon's attack. When Dobermon dropped Labramon's body to the ground, Labramon started changing. White data started covering her body.
"Labramon Digivolve To Seasarmon."
"Seasarmon is a champion vaccine type," Maddy said reading the information from her D-AVD. "She has two attacks Holy Arrows and Brave Shine. It says here she's an ally of those with pure hearts, gentle, and loyal to her friends." Maddy started crying. "But now, she's infected because of me." She hugged onto Salamon.
"Don't cry," Salamon said softly. Dobermon and Seasarmon had their attention on the two partners. They slowly walked toward them dripping white data from their mouths.
"You can't take them on your own. You can't Armor Digivolve either because of me."
"That's not going stop me from fighting to protect you." She sighed. "I have to admit I was jealous of how you were treating Labramon since we got here. I thought you were fickle."
"Fickle?" Maddy wiped away her tears.
"Changing your affections quickly to whoever you thought was the cutest. However, your tears over Labramon make me realize you genuinely care. Not just about Labramon or me, but everybody. You have a good heart. I want to apologize for being jealous."
"You don't have to apologize. I should apologize to you for being such a crappy partner. I'm not as great as M and Elizabeth."
"No, you're better. You're just you. I'm glad you're my partner."
Seasarmon and Dobermon leapt at the two, but Elizabeth and Flybeemon arrived to help. Flybeemon had dropped Elizabeth off, and she came running up as he used Lightning Sting to shock the two infected Digimon back to the ground. Maddy gasped.
"I know we aren't supposed to hurt Dobermon," Elizabeth said, "but I didn't want him to get you. Where's Labramon and who's that Digimon with Dobermon?"
"That other Digimon, Seasarmon, is Labramon."
"I should have recognized her. That is her champion form." Maddy had a dazed look on her face.
"Sometimes," Salamon said, "you have to fight Maddy." Salamon looked at her as Flybeemon kept Dobermon and Seasarmon busy. "To survive, we have to fight. Do you realize and understand what I'm saying?" She snapped Maddy back to reality. Maddy nodded.
"All she wanted to do was save her brother and keep her village safe," Maddy said. "I don't like fighting, I don't want to fight, but I want to save her. Labramon risked her life for me, and she Digivolved and became infected. I want to cure her of this virus. I'm the reason she's infected. I won't let another Digimon go through the tragedy of this virus. Not only will I save her and Dobermon, but I'll help save the Digital World. This is what I'll do for her."
Maddy's D-AVD vibrated. Seasarmon broke from Flybeemon and ran towards Maddy, Elizabeth, and Salamon. A small chip emerged from her D-AVD.
"Flybeemon, a little help over here!" Elizabeth stomped her foot.
"Hold on," Flybeemon shouted. "I'm busy!"
"Growl Realm!" Flybeemon managed to dodge the attack's full effect, but one of his wings was hit, and he fell to the ground. Dobermon ran towards his body while he fired off Lightning Stings.
"You won't get me that easily!"
"Flybeemon," Elizabeth shouted. "Get him!" She picked up a stick to go help him when she noticed Maddy's D-AVD. "Maddy, a Data Chip." Maddy took the chip in her hand.
"I think that fits you perfectly," Elizabeth said seeing the symbol on the chip. "The Digi-Egg of Kindness. Use it." Staring at the chip, Maddy nodded and smiled after hearing Elizabeth's words.
"Please, Digi-Egg of Kindness, Digitize..." The chip exploded. "Armor Digivolution Activate."
Maddy's D-AVD emitted a bright light. The chip, containing the image of the Digi-Egg of Kindness on it, exploded and a stream of data traveled around Salamon. It became a transparent Digi-Egg of Kindness. It appeared before Salamon.
"She's right," Salamon said. "It fits you perfectly." Maddy smiled even broader. The Digi-Egg radiated light.
The Digi-Egg exploded into data and covered Salamon's body. Beams of light shot from her.
= Maddy's D-AVD read: Digi-Egg of Kindness, Digitize! Armor Digivolution Activate!
"Salamon Armor Digivolve To -," Salamon shouted.
*Salamon appears surrounded by a black background. The Crest of Kindness appears underneath her and glows magenta. It becomes data as large pink flower petals sprout from it. They wrap around Salamon, along with the data, until she's consumed. The flower explodes, causing small petals to fall, and then, a fairy creature hovers among the petals.*
"- Pucchiemon, Glowing Kindness!"
= End Armor Digivolution (See Footnote)
Pucchiemon hovered above the ground.
"You're a cutie," Maddy shouted, "but not Salamon anymore."
"I'm Salamon," Pucchiemon said, "but I've Armor Digivolved to Pucchiemon. Your intentions toward Labramon and the Digimon of the Digital World brought me to your aid. We're not going to hurt them, but we're going to fight back. We're going to save them." Maddy nodded
"Let's see what she can do," Elizabeth said. Maddy checked her D-AVD. "Pucchiemon is an armor level vaccine type. She uses Heavy Beam and Talon Arrows to defeat her enemies. She has the power to harmonize her opponents. I'm glad." Another chip, containing a Palmon image, emerged from Maddy's D-AVD.
"First, I'll take care of Seasarmon." The Palmon chip exploded and sent data into Pucchiemon's body. "Poison Ivy." Using one hand, Pucchiemon shot ivy toward Seasarmon, picked her up, and set her beside Dobermon.
"Next, I have to save Flybeemon."
"I don't need saving," Flybeemon shouted.
"Yes, you do." Dobermon was dodging the Lightning Stings after he was hit by a few. He was about to leap on Flybeemon. Using her other hand, she used ivy to grab Flybeemon pull him to her side. Dobermon looked at the ground confused. "You can sit this one out Flybeemon. I'll take care of everything."
"I'm not sitting anything out," Flybeemon said.
"Don't make me wrap you up in ivy." She winked at him, and he grumbled. Dobermon and Seasarmon set their sights on the group. Dobermon started gathering dark energy energy into his mouth while Seasarmon started gathering light energy into her mane.
"Black Laser," Dobermon shouted roaring the attack in the team's direction.
"Brave Shine," Seasarmon shouted as she emitted her attack beside Dobermon's.
"Talon Arrows," Pucchiemon said. She aimed her two antennae at the attacks and split them firing an abundance of heart-shaped arrows. Pucchiemon flew towards Dobermon and Seasarmon as Dobermon charged her.
"Holy Arrows," Seasarmon shouted. She used her arrow-shaped mane to fire arrows of light toward Pucchiemon, but Pucchiemon just dodged them. She had a calm and smiling expression on her face. She raised her hands and pointed in their directions. "No more fighting. Heavy Beam."
After direct hits, energy overwhelmed Dobermon and Seasarmon. They glowed and stopped charging. The attack removed negative feelings from its targets. Once they stopped, they started being friendly towards each other. "You can cure them now."
"I like her," Elizabeth said. "She's good." Maddy and Elizabeth ran up to Dobermon and Seasarmon. Using the Download Effect, they cured the twins.
"You didn't take them down this time," Elizabeth said going to Flybeemon, "but you did good work." Flybeemon DeDigivolved to Strabimon. He grunted, and she laughed. "Next time." She wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
Maddy was ecstatic. She ran and hugged on Seasarmon's paw.
"Pucchiemon," Maddy said, "you did it."
"We did it," Pucchiemon said. Maddy nodded, and then rubbed her face in Seasarmon's soft fur. Pucchiemon flew toward Maddy and DeDigivolved to Salamon. The streams of data that had covered and entered her flowed into two Data Chips. Salamon grabbed Maddy's attention.
"You're going to need these," Salamon said. Maddy took them in her hands and put them in her pocket. "Thanks Salamon for being with me." She hugged her, and Salamon embraced the hug.
"I'm so glad you're okay Labramon. Well, you're Seasarmon now, but I'm still glad you're not infected anymore." She turned back to Seasarmon. "Dobermon's okay too." She looked over at Dobermon who was wondering what was going on with her and his sister.
"You did it," Seasarmon shouted seeing her brother well. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. She licked all over Maddy's face, and Maddy laughed.
"No, I should thank you. You saved my life." Maddy had said this as she let her go, and Seasarmon pounced on her brother and licked all over his face.
"Welcome back," she said. "And don't worry about it," Seasarmon said because she had heard Maddy's words, "you gave me back my brother and saved me."
"Finally," Dobermon said, "It's good to be back."
"We should head back," Elizabeth said. "The village was attacked. We managed to protect it and cure the infected, but your village needs you."
"Since I've Digivolved," Seasarmon said, "we should get back in no time. Maddy, Salamon, Elizabeth and Strabimon, climb on my back." As they were about to leave, Dobermon held back. "Are you coming?"
"I don't know if I can go back," Dobermon said. "I've done a lot of bad things."
"Nobody can blame you. The virus had you under its control. You're not infected anymore. You're going to help me lead and rebuild the village. You'll show them you've changed. Follow me." Dobermon nodded, and the group headed back to the village.
The fortress Digimon's main servant appeared from behind a tree. She watched as the group ran off.
"My master will not be pleased," she said. "I wonder what he'll plan for the humans next." She turned toward the river, leapt across it, and headed back to her master's fortress.
After Maddy and her group returned, everybody jumped when they saw them, especially Dobermon. Seasarmon and Salamon explained everything. The group congratulated Maddy and Salamon on their Armor Digivolving.
"I know you all are worried about Dobermon," Seasarmon said, "and the rest of the group that was with him. You need not worry. These humans saved Dobermon and our friends. They're going to rid our world of the virus. We will also continue our fight when necessary. For now, we will rebuild our village and renew old relationships. I'm marking a new start for all of us."
Everybody clapped and cheered. Soon after, everybody started working on cleaning up the village.
"Seasarmon," Salamon said pulling her off to the side, "I just wanted to apologize for giving you attitude earlier. I did grow jealous of the relationship you and Maddy had started to share. I should thank you also. I wanted to fight, thinking that was the answer to your problems, but you and Maddy showed me there are other solutions."
"You grew," Seasarmon said, "and learned a valuable lesson. I did too. I apologize for monopolizing her. She showed me so much attention, and I was drawn to her good heart. And you taught me, sometimes, you do have to fight or you risk losing everything. I learned that from you. We're even." They nodded toward one another before returning to the cleanup.
Once they repaired the damaged fences and rebuilt a few doghouses, the group and villagers settled down for the day and to have dinner. Maddy suggested they add new doors to Seasarmon and Dobermon's doghouse. They wouldn't be able to get into their doghouse otherwise. Since it was early evening, the team worked on the doors. As thanks, the villagers presented them with dinner. Seasarmon asked them to stay another night since everybody was exhausted. Nobody turned down her offer.
"We're leaving in the morning," M said. "Get a good night sleep. This'll probably be the last time we have it this good in this world."
They got comfortable in their same sleeping positions, except Salamon slept on the arm of the recliner near Maddy. Seasarmon and Dobermon slept on the rug beside one another in front of the fire.
"Seasarmon," Maddy said, "are you awake?"
"Yes," Seasarmon said opening her eyes. Dobermon lay with his head on his paws and his eyes closed.
"I wondered why you didn't change back to Labramon?"
"DeDigivolving isn't that easy. Some Digimon opt to do it, but once you Digivolve, you usually stay in that form because you're stronger. If you lose a lot of energy, you DeDigivolve."
"We DeDigivolve to help regain the energy we use during fights," Salamon said.
"That makes sense," Maddy said. She yawned. "I'm just glad you and Dobermon are together." She started dozing off. "Now, you guys are stronger and can better protect the village." Seasarmon turned to Salamon.
"She's had a long day," Salamon said. "She's asleep."
"Take care of her on your journey," Seasarmon said. "She's a sweetheart."
"You have my word," Salamon said, "I'll protect her always."
In the morning, Seasarmon issued the villagers to prepare to go bags for their guests. Dobermon, Wendigomon, and the Doggymon continued repairing the village. M and Lunamon were up first. Hawkmon, Salamon, and Strabimon were up next. Salamon told M Seasarmon didn't want them to leave until she said goodbye. Reth joined them as they waited for Seasarmon to return. M tried to wake Amari up, but he swatted her away. When Reth tried to help her, Amari started growling. M and Reth agreed to let the others sleep for a while longer. Amari and Elizabeth were sleeping good. Ashur and Kudamon were pretty much just lying there resting. Patamon was zooming around the room ready to go. After yesterday, he was ready for whatever would come next. He looked forward to his Armor Digivolution. Some Labramon brought them some buckets of water, and they started washing up. Around this time, Amari and Elizabeth started stirring. Ashur got out of bed to get ready. Amari and Elizabeth followed his lead after he finished. Seasarmon and Labramon returned with the to go bags. The to go bags were leaves sewn together with meat and boiled eggs inside them. The villagers said their goodbyes and wished them luck. Seasarmon lead the crew to the back fence near the river. Dobermon came with them.
"Through here," Seasarmon said, " should take you toward the Mountain Path."
"Before you go," Dobermon said. "I remembered something I thought you all should know."
"During the early morning, after our first encounter, a strange fox Digimon met with me. She stirred the virus in me. That's what caused me to attack the village. She wanted me to destroy you humans."
"We'll make sure to keep an eye out of her," Elizabeth said.
"You came after Labramon though," Maddy said. Everybody turned to her. "You could have attacked everybody at the village, but you didn't. Why?"
"Deep down," Dobermon said. "I wanted Labramon to stop me. I always knew she would find a way to save me." Maddy and Seasarmon smiled.
"Thanks again for everything," Seasarmon said. She opened the gate. "Good luck on your journey. I know you all will save the Digital World." Dobermon nodded in agreement.
"We'll see each other again," Maddy said. Seasarmon licked Maddy's face. Everybody waved as they walked down a trail. Seasarmon closed the gate, and Maddy was the last to wave goodbye.
"Master," the fox Digimon said, "they defeated Dobermon."
"Yes," the fortress Master said, "I saw. They're headed in this direction."
"What should we do?"
"Send more infected to destroy them. I've already placed Digimon in position. But you, you'll make sure they don't make it here either."
"Is there anything else you need from me?"
"Go to Mt. LAN, and Be of use."
"Yes Master." She nodded and bowed out.
"Our destination," Amari said. Everybody saw the mountain in the distance.
"We've got a long walk ahead of us," Hawkmon said. "You all can handle it."
"Says the bird that can fly," Reth said.
"Sounds like you're whining."
"Don't get cut bird. I've walked miles before, and I'm on the track team. I run the mile. I got this." Hawkmon couldn't help laugh.
"We'll be hiking soon," Ashur said. "You good at hiking?"
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Reth said. Hawkmon slowly shook his head. "Hey, I was thinking earlier. We need a name."
"A name," Amari asked.
"A name for our group."
"Why," M asked.
"Why not?"
"I like that idea," Elizabeth said. "Digimon Fighters or Digimon Virus Busters."
"Lame," Ashur said in a long-drawn out breath.
"You want to end up on my list," Elizabeth asked with narrowed eyes aimed at Ashur, " because you'll end up on it right underneath Strabimon."
"You've got a list," Strabimon asked, "and I'm on it?"
"Yeah, you're on there a few times." Elizabeth turned her glare on Strabimon. He smirked.
"How about," Maddy said as she walked with Salamon thinking about Seasarmon, "Digimon Protectors." Everybody thought about it for a second.
"I like it," Reth said. "DPs for short."
"That's what we'll call ourselves," Elizabeth said, "when we help Digimon. Then, they can spread the word to whoever's behind the virus. They'll let that Digimon know we're going to put an end to his reign." A silence settled into the air. "No comment Strabimon?"
"I'm done," Strabimon said walking with his arms crossed looking away from her. Ashur laughed.
"I just thought we needed a name," Reth said, "but that's a good idea too."
"We're going to cross Mt. LAN," M said. "After we make it to the other side, our first stop is Mecha City. We'll try to find the city's leader, maybe get his help, and find out more about the fortress. We can try to get information about the Digimon that inhabits it."
"We have a plan," Hawkmon said. Everybody agreed and continued walking together along the trail.
"What are we going to do for the next few hours," Reth asked.
"Walk," Amari said.
"See, you trying to treat me. I can see that for myself."
"You asked a question. I answered it."
"We've got a lot of work ahead of us," Lunamon said to M.
"I have a feeling we're good," M said. "You all are amazing."
"This is going to get dangerous," Hawkmon said. "Even though we've won some battles so far, we can't lose focus." M and Lunamon agreed.
"He's right," Ashur said, "especially with that strange Digimon who sent Dobermon after us. Do you think she sent the other three after us too?"
"Quite possible," Kudamon said, "but we shouldn't draw conclusions about her when we lack information . If she crosses our path, we'll inquire about her motives."
The group walked the trail, and they started to notice how bad everything looked. The trees were bent over, sparse, and everything was black as tar. The trees and grasses looked decayed while the trail had an off white color, and even the mountain too. They could tell now that they were closer to it. They decided not to focus on the damage. They walked in silence for a while walking the trail.
"You used to watch Digimon," Elizabeth asked coming up beside Reth.
"I watched up to the third season," Reth said. "After they put the fourth season on at six thirty in the morning, I lost track of it, but I loved the first season."
"I know! The first season was so good, but I thought the second season was good too."
"A lot of people didn't really like the third season, but I liked the concept behind it, and I felt it had a mature feel to it. I loved Henry and Jeri."
"Jeri was cool, but Rika was awesome. Have you ever heard of Bleach or Naruto?"
"Rukia's awesome, and no matter what anybody says, I like Sasuke."
"Oh, you're going to make these and all future treks so much more enjoyable." Elizabeth hit him on the arm excitedly and then grabbed onto it.
"You're going to keep abusing me though, aren't you?"
"Sorry." She pulled her arm back to her side. Reth laughed.
"You're okay."
"How does it feel Armor Digivolving," Patamon asked Strabimon flying along side him. Strabimon shrugged.
"When it happens," Strabimon said, "you gain more power. Then, you use that power to fight."
"Once I Armor Digivolve, they'll be no stopping me."
"You shouldn't rush to fight," Amari said. "Even if it's inevitable, you should enjoy your peace while you can."
"I can't help be excited," Patamon said. "Fights give me a rush." He flew into a backflip. "They give me something to do."
"You need a better reason to fight," Strabimon said.
"Mine's good enough. I can fight, and I'm fighting for the Digital World. That doesn't mean I can't like it."
"Amari just wants you to know," Lunamon said, "since you're not fighting now, to calm down."
"Are you okay," Salamon asked Maddy as she hadn't spoken in a while. The group was getting away from them.
"I'm okay," Maddy said. She had been thinking about everybody and her thoughts went back to Seasarmon and Dobermon. "Just thinking. I feel we're going to do a lot of good work here."
"I think I would agree. We'll see won't we."
"Don't fall behind ho," M said. "Get up here before we lose you."
"Don't call her that," Reth said.
"Shut up ho, I'm just playing."
"Why are you such a hot mess?" Everybody laughed.
Maddy laughed, ran, and playfully leapt into the group as they walked. Before she rejoined the group, Salamon looked back one last time. The village and fence were out of sight. Walking alongside Maddy again, now with the group, the base of the mountain drew near.
To give you a sense of the Armor Digivolution:
*Digi-Egg of Kindness Clip