Chapter 3: Class D
Disclaimer: This story is for entertainment purposes only. Digimon is owned by Saban Brands and Toei Animation. Also the story is based around The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel So it may sound familiar if you know the game but don't worry. I'll be sure to keep it fresh.
August 1, 2030
Location: ? ? ?
With a bit of effort, the Digimon of Group A were able to destroy the Archaisms. The remains of the machines lay strewn about along the path and before everyone's eyes they burst in a flash. Everyone shielded themselves and took a step backward.
"Aaah!" Tori shrieked.
"Tsch, cowards if they have to self-destruct..." Renamon scoffed.
"We're running out of time. I'll go on ahead. Don't follow me unless you're sure it's safe to-" The Lionoid was cut off as the cannon extended forward more and took aim towards the island in the water. "No no no...!"
"What the-!?" Justin gasped.
"No... Don't...!" Thomas rasped, holding his hand over his chest. He shut his eyes and grit his teeth before shouting out. "STOP!" The sound of the cannon firing was the last thing they heard. Then silence...
March 31, 2030
Location: Ruins?
"Wait, what!?" Jeremiah asked in shock as Elijah agreed to travel with them.
"You seem surprised... why?" Elijah asked, genuinely confused by Jeremiah's reaction.
"I-it's just you seem like the kind of person who would fly solo..." The younger boy replied, scratching the side of his face.
"While I do prefer to travel alone in this case, it'd be idiotic on my part to follow her example." Elijah said while shaking his head. "I'm sure you can at least understand that." Jeremiah just nodded and everyone else just sighed.
"Let's get moving then." Gumdramon said, taking charge of the situation. With Deseree and Patamon out of the scene, they were quickly replaced by Elijah and Renamon. However, this only made the situation more unnerving for the initial trio since they knew virtually nil about these two. For even longer strides no form of dialogue or contact was made between the three and this new kid. When compared to Deseree, Elijah just felt unapproachable.
'I wanna break the ice between us, but he's just so imposing.' Jeremiah thought as he stared at Elijah. Elijah noticed this but didn't comment on it, since Jeremiah didn't say anything.
Instead, Elijah brought up a point that everyone knew. "It feels like we're going in circles in this place."
"We probably are." Renamon said, looking down at Gumdramon with a glare.
"D-don't look at me like that! I know exactly what we're doing!" Gumdramon retorted. The purple dragon looked around feverishly until he saw a light streaming from a hall. "See!?" He pointed. "That's the way!"
"...How did we miss that?" Thomas asked in confusion. They all walked towards the light and found a room with the largest space imaginable. On top of a perch sat a statue of a dragon-like beast with shredded wings and four eyes on its head. At the far end of the room was a staircase leading to a door with light streaming through. "That light up there..." Thomas pointed to it.
"It must be the way out, right?" Justin asked.
Terriermon licked the tip of his claw and held it up. "Yep. I can feel a breeze coming from there."
Renamon scoffed and shook her head. "This was nothing more than busy work. Nothing but a complete waste of time..."
"A-are you sure you're a rookie?" Veemon asked. "I feel like I've been stretched to my limits..."
"Yeah, I'm exhausted from all this walking too." Jeremiah said, putting his hands on his knees.
"Well, it's all over now. So let's get out of this ruin already and go-" Gumdramon was saying with a smile, but was cut off by the sound of something crackling and moving.
"What was that?" Thomas asked with trepidation. Everyone looked around but it was the purple dragon to notice the statue crumbling apart.
"There!" Gumdramon cried out, and before everyone's eyes the statue shattered and revealed a large black dragon Digimon. It bellowed out a roar and leaped down in front of all the boys and Digimon. Everyone took a step back from shock and gasped out.
"Wha-!?" Jeremiah gasped in shock, losing all sense of words.
"Is this... common place in this world!?" Justin asked in disbelief.
"Not outside of fairy tales!" Terriermon snapped. The Digimon took a step forward preparing to fight. "That's Devidramon, a really nasty evil dragon Digimon! It's Champion level too...!"
"What does THAT mean!?" Elijah asked.
"It means this won't be an easy fight for us." Renamon replied.
"It's blocking the our route to the surface..." Veemon said. "We've got no choice. We need to force our way through!"
"We'll keep it busy! You guys focus on getting out of here!" Gumdramon said, charging forward. "Ran-gum Break!" It cried as Gumdramon used its tail as a hammer and bashed the head of Devidramon. It roared out and slashed out with its claws, Gumdramon narrowly avoiding making contact.
"But what are you going to do!? What if you can't beat this thing!?" Thomas shouted.
"Just go!" Gumdramon shouted, going in for another hit with its tail.
"Petit Twister!"
"Bunbun Punch!" Veemon and Terriermon shouted simultaneously. Terriermon spun around and generated a small tornado while Veemon went in and punched the tough hide of Devidramon.
"We don't have much room to argue here." Elijah told Thomas. "The best thing we can do to help them is to get out of the way."
"Bah, fine." Thomas shook his head. "Let's go then!" The four boys started to run around the beast and make a straight shot for the stairs. Devidramon noticed this and took to the air.
"Oh no you don't!" Renamon exclaimed. "Fox Leaf Arrowheads!" Renamon created more projectiles and fired them at Devidramon. Unfortunately it didn't seem to do much in terms of damage as it barely left a scratch on the beast. "What...!?" Renamon was shocked that their attack wasn't doing much to the large demon. It flew towards the boys and used its Demonic Gale attack, causing them all to lose balance.
"Agh...!" Jeremiah cried out.
"Tsch..." Elijah grunted.
"Looks like we can't leave..." Justin muttered. "Crap..."
Thomas just looked up defiantly as Devidramon landed in front of them. 'This isn't good. We can't even go a few feet without him tailing us... We have to be able to do something... Anything!' He pleaded to any force that was listening to his cry of desperation.
"Thomas!" Gumdramon cried out. He felt something start to well up inside and-
"Stand back!" A familiar voice cried. Gumdramon was shocked as Kotemon charged passed him with a flaming kendo sword. "Fire Men!" He shouted as he smacked the Devidramon in between its eyes. The fire disoriented the Digimon's line of sight as it shook its head to regain direction.
"Iai Blade!" Ryudamon shouted as it fired a sword of iron from its mouth at the monster. Of course, it didn't do much but confuse it even more.
"Tear Shot!" Lunamon cried as it fired an orb of water from its antenna. Tori, Chidori, and Kathy helped the four guys back on their feet and move out of the way as all the Digimon began to surround the Devidramon.
"You guys came at the right time!" Thomas said.
"Believe me, I've never been more relieved to see you." Gumdramon remarked.
"Now's not really the time for your comments, is it?" Kotemon sighed.
"I'm just glad you're all okay." Tori stated.
"Agreed." Chidori nodded. "This monster seems much more powerful than all the others we've encountered."
"But with this many of us, it doesn't stand a chance." Ryudamon pointed out confidently.
"That may be true, but we need some kind of opening..." Renamon said.
"I guess I'll help out too." Dorumon's voice cut in. At the door was Dorumon and Seiya with Deseree and Patamon.
"You guys started the party without us." Deseree said.
"You..." Elijah gasped.
"Chew on this, creep!" Patamon cried, flapping forward. "Air Shot!" Patamon fired and air bubble at Devidramon. It shook the attack off with ease however from behind Dorumon was suddenly there.
"Dino Tooth!" Dorumon chomped down on a hind leg of Devidramon, causing the large dragon to wail out in pain. It seemed its weak point as it lost its footing.
"Now, everyone attack!" Gumdramon commanded. As if on cue, everyone began to be covered in a pale blue light. Humans and Digimon alike were enveloped by the cooling light as the Rookies began their assault.
"Fire Vortex!"
"Fire Men!"
"Blazing Fire!"
"Fox Leaf Arrowheads!"
"Iai Blade!"
"V-mon Head!"
"Tear Shot!"
"Air Shot!"
"Metal Cannon!" They all gave it their all with their strongest attacks. It actually seemed to be working as the monster seemed to be weakened.
"This one's mine!" Ryudamon cried out. Everyone cleared the way and gave Ryudamon room. Devidramon gave one last attempt to attack with its claws but Ryudamon was faster. "Tera Burst!" He cried as several explosions covered the dragon's body, causing it to shatter into pieces. The body was in fact, made of stone the entire time as it eventually dissolved into nothing. The light surrounding all of them had faded once danger had passed.
Everyone then stood around in a circle and tried to take in what just happened. "So... anyone have any idea what just happened?" Thomas asked.
"Beats me." Kathy sighed. "Although, I did notice a light around all of us."
"You noticed too..." Justin said. "I doubt its nothing, because it felt like I could feel everyone's breathing."
"That's kinda creepy." Seiya stated.
"It may have just been our adrenaline causing us to hallucinate." Chidori suggested. "But I felt like I could see everyone's movements in precise detail."
"I doubt it was your imagination." Elijah pointed out.
"It seems we were somehow... connected." Tori suggested.
"That's really bizarre." Deseree commented. "Though not entirely implausible."
"Do you guys know what happened?" Jeremiah asked.
"Nope. I'm just as shocked as you." Veemon replied.
"Its not a normal phenomenon in the Digital World..." Renamon stated.
"I think what we just experienced was-" Kotemon was saying before they were cut off by a masculine voice.
"-The selling point of the mighty D-Resonance? Someone give this mon a prize!" Everyone was shocked to see at the top of the stairs was a lionoid Digimon wearing a white coat and black pants. He had a long white mane and blue eyes. His physique was that of a well built human male.
"Y-you?" Deseree stammered as the students spread out a bit more to have a better view of the Digimon.
"You're the mysterious 'Mr. B'?" Tori asked.
"Indeed I am. Very pleased to finally meet you all face to face. Congrats on clearing the special... orienteering... exercise..." The Digimon said. "The B is short for Bancho. I'm BanchoLeomon." He noticed all the students and Digimon were just staring blankly at him as he approached . "What's the matter? I thought you'd all be happy..."
"What are we supposed to be happy about. This entire situation WAS your fault." Deseree pointed out.
"I have so many questions..." Kathy sighed. "Where to even start?"
"I'll take a stab at it." Elijah said. "Just what is this 'Class D' business about?"
"I get that it's supposed to be some kind of... melting pot between a broad cross section of people, but why the nine of us?" Tori asked.
"An excellent first question." BanchoLeomon replied. He took a moment to relax before saying "What indeed. There isn't one soul reason as to why the nine of you were selected for this, but one of the major factors has to involve the use of those D-Resonances you've been given."
"These things?" Thomas asked, while everyone pulled out the smart phone like objects and stared in awe.
"I forgot to mention it earlier, but these are actually highly experimental Digivices currently in the prototype stage in a joint union between the Toei company and the Digital World Guardians. Like previous models, it has the capability of evolution and armor-evolution when certain 'conditions' are met. Unlike the others, these have communication functionality that work like mobile phones. The crowning feature of these devices, however, is known as linking. Which was that phenomenon you all just experienced now." BanchoLeomon explained.
"I see. That's what that was." Kotemon said, almost as though the reptile Digimon had something confirmed.
"Honestly, what DON'T you know?" Gumdramon scoffed.
"It did feel that way." Jeremiah added. "Like all of us connected; unified in a way."
"Look at you, aspiring to be a real linguist." Veemon quipped with a chuckle.
"Precisely!" BanchoLeomon exclaimed. "Doesn't take a genius to realize how much of an advantage it is to have during combat. Two units being able to act as one, but fight twice as hard, acting in perfect sync even in the most chaotic conditions. You can't even begin putting a price on that! This could bring about a revolution in the way Digidestined are brought together with their Digimon and teammates!"
"It does sound kinda cool..." Seiya admitted.
"Though, a little too idealistic..." Dorumon added with a head shake.
"Yeah, this isn't the most profitable product or the easiest to use. Some people, like yourselves, have a natural aptitude for it. Others just... don't." BanchoLeomon said. "And since aptitude trumps placement exams in Class D. Well! ...here you are." He went on with excitement in his voice up until the end where the Digimon dropped all excitement from their voice.
"Oh." Justin put plainly.
"What gives us all this aptitude when compared to others?" Deseree asked. "Seems a little to random if you ask me."
"You do raise a good point." Chidori admitted. "And why doesn't our placement exams matter in this Class? Aren't we all divided by a capacity of sorts?"
"All I can say on the exams is that your aptitudes turned out right for the devices." The older looking Digimon elaborated. "And the little Rookies here with you share the precise aptitudes for their partners. It's kind of like a match made with mathematics and science heaven."
"D-did you just ignore me!?" The ponytail girl snapped.
"No, I did not." BanchoLeomon replied. "I'm just making sure I cover everything now so that way none of you are helplessly lost later. But, I think that about covers the hows and whys of this situation. So, if any of you have any objections into being in this class you may speak now. Or forever hold your peace." BanchoLeomon paused for a moment to let the words sink in before he continued. "As you might know this program isn't cheap to run. So we're not about to force anyone into it if they don't want to be here. Also, you should know Class D's coursework will definitely be much more vigorous and unorthodox than the other three classes. Just a bit of a warning. So, now you know. Which leaves you with one final decision: stick with Class D and take on the responsibility of being Digidestined in training. Or don't..." BanchoLeomon paused once again, looking at all the kids and Digimon while they each had furrowed expressions. "Oh, if you choose to opt out then you'll just be reassigned to the Class you would've been assigned to otherwise. And since its the first day there's no real making up you have to do. Especially since the school year officially starts tomorrow for you guys anyway..."
Everyone had grown pensive about the situation. The younger ones all looked around, sharing the same level of consideration into all of this. It wasn't just a simple exercise anymore, this was a serious responsibility. This meant that they were the ones who had to stand up when other people and Digimon couldn't. They were the ones who needed to be diligent until the end. Still, someone had to step forward.
Whether it was a sense of justice and morality or a sense of pride, Thomas was the first to step forward. "I'll do it. Whatever you have to throw at me, I'm game." This surprised everyone else.
"W-wait, what!?" Kathy gasped in shock.
"Just like that!?" Jeremiah asked in awe.
"So, you're the first then." BanchoLeomon stated.
"D-don't think you're leaving me behind pal!" Gumdramon said, taking a place in front of Thomas. "You need someone like me to pull you out of a jam. You just seem like the type to be danger prone..."
"Right..." Thomas sighed.
"Though I can't help to ask, any particular reason?" BanchoLeomon inquired.
"Not really. I guess its just me but, I feel like getting this full ride to the school I can't turn down these opportunities I'm being given." Thomas answered.
"I see..." The lion purred.
After a few more moments of silence, both Chidori and Justin stepped forward. "Sign me up, as well." Chidori said. "I came here to excel and succeed. Like Thomas, I can't turn down these opportunities otherwise I feel I wouldn't be challenged enough."
"I feel the same." Justin said. "This might be a good opportunity to start broadening my horizons too..."
"I shall follow Chidori and continue to hone my skills." Ryudamon said as he stepped in front of Chidori. "I traveled all the way from my hometown to get stronger, and I intend to strive against all odds."
Terriermon stepped in front of Justin. "I'm just in it for the ride. So better strap yourself in, little boy." Terriermon taunted the bespectacled boy.
"That puts the lady twin and our walking prodigy on the roster." BanchoLeomon commented. "Any more takers?"
Tori and Lunamon were next. "Let me take part as well. We were only be able to come because of the schools generosity after all. Why would I turn that down? Also, I feel this gives me the proper way to give back to the school." Lunamon nodded in agreement as they stood in front of Tori.
Jeremiah finally worked up the courage to get behind Veemon. "S-sign me up too!" He stammered. "It has to be more than just numbers and logic, y'know? Like fate maybe. And you guys seem pretty easy to get along with so maybe it won't be so bad..."
"About time partner. We're now stuck together like glue!" Veemon laughed.
"Maybe I spoke too soon..." Jeremiah grunted a sigh.
"That's a yes from our two wall flowers." BanchoLeomon quipped.
"I'm in too!" Kathy burst forward with Kotemon. Thomas and Gumdramon looked at them with surprise.
"Oh? Well I'm surprised." BanchoLeomon said. "Given your track record, I assumed you'd just opt out on general principle."
"It is true I'm not the greatest academic out there, but after hearing everyone else's reasons I'd be afraid that if I said no I wouldn't amount to much." Kathy explained.
"I'm standing by her side. Katherine shows promise in every sense of the word." Kotemon added. "It'd be a shame to have her potential wasted."
"So now, that brings us to a solid six." BanchouLeomon counted.
Chidori turned to her twin and asked "What about you, Seiya?"
He turned to her and said. "I honestly don't care either way. You can choose." Everyone sighed in exasperation at his blatant laziness.
Chidori only gave him a stern look and replied with "Not this time. Seiya, you need to start making choices on your own and gain control of your life."
Her scorning seemed to affect Seiya in a way as he shook his head and sighed. "Bah. Fine, I'm in." He stepped forward with Dorumon and everyone just sweatdropped this time around.
BanchoLeomon tried to laugh it off with "At least he committed..." And finally, Deseree and Elijah were the only ones left undecided. "Which only leaves you two." They both grunted in displeasure as the lionoid pointed out the obvious. "Alright, you both have your grievances with one another. I understand that. But you should at least try working together. Who knows, you might wind up the best of friends-"
"-Like hell we will!" Deseree snapped. "People like him are the reason the school system is completely imbalanced and biased. If we don't do something about it, then the future of society will only resort back to the hierarchy of the olden age."
"Look, I appreciate your... erm, passion for the thoughts of your future. But I doubt you'll benefit from it by lecturing me about this." BanchoLeomon admitted.
"At least that makes this simple." Elijah spoke up. "I, Elijah Masahiro, claim my place as a member of Class D."
Everyone was shocked and turned their heads to him as he stepped forward, Renamon not too far behind. "Huh?" Thomas let out.
"W-what!?" Deseree asked. "But all those opportunities and those better curriculum courses... I can't believe you aren't being disgusted by the fact that you're screwing yourself up..."
"I'll thank you not to tell me how I'm supposed to feel." Elijah responded. "Besides, here I feel like I won't have to be dressing up like a doll trying to earn my spot into higher society. Plus, I think this is crucial that we go our separate ways since I have no intention of being drawn into your silly arguments. We can at least agree on this, right?"
"Fat chance." She said. She stepped forward, holding Patamon in her arms and defiantly stood next to him. "I'm in! Come hell or high water. I'll make sure that you aren't going to be coasting through simply because your "Class A material". Be ready to read it and weep on our next exam."
"Ehehe... We'll see about that." Elijah laughed.
Patamon only sighed. "I'm afraid you'll never change..."
Thomas and Kathy looked to one another and laughed. "They're gonna be like this all year, aren't they?" Kathy sighed under her breath.
"Yeah. I won't ever bet on them seeing eye to eye any time soon." Thomas murmured. He realized that they were looking at each other in the eyes and he quickly looked away with a flush on his face.
"Oh..." She sighed.
Jeremiah only laughed and twisted the knife. "The pots shouldn't be too hard on the kettles after all."
"Give me a break..." Kathy whined.
"Nine out of nine!" BanchoLeomon applauded. "With that, I'd like to congratulate you all on being the first ever Class D! I hope you keep those high spirits all year, cuz with the workload that we have planned for you... you'll need it."
From the doorway at the top of the stairs, a person and a Digimon were watching the students as one by one they watched each of the students assume responsibility of Digidestined. "I never imagined that Class D would be so... colorful." A person said.
"While they are still young and have much to learn, I do believe they are who we need." The Digimon said.
"What do you mean?"
"Ever since 2002, the tension within the Digital World has been growing slowly. And I feel that one day in the near future it's finally going to boil over. However, with youths like them, I feel like they'll be a light in the clouds when the time is right."
"You were always one for riddles, old friend."
"I hope you have the strength to guide them. They're your students, after all."
Note: Yes. Trails of Cold Steel is prevalent in this. I'm an unoriginal sack of shit so what the hell do I know? And finally, the exercise draws to a close to finally give way to a more grand adventure waiting them. What exactly? Well, you just need to read it and find out.
While yes, it IS based on ToCS I decided to make something original with the premise. Hopefully I avoid taking after the game too much and make something actually worthwhile. Anyways, have at the reviews all you people and criticize me with all your might.