Chapter Four: New Faces

Alvis slipped off his seat as he watched Dracomon pushed himself against the window, comically squishing his long snout against the glass of the window. The Digimon was so close to the glass that his breath began to fog it up, watching with wide eyes at the upcoming DTA. Alvis walked up alongside his partner and his breath was likeiwse stolen from him as he stared on at the sight of the DTA, it was like nothing that he had ever seen.

It was a great mixture of a castle and a spire; it pointed regally to the sky, and around the many towers Digimon flew. It was like a medieval castle brought to the modern age as upon the many walls great turrets could be seen. Dracomon tilted his head at the sight of that, confusion etched across his face. Why were such defenses needed? Dracomon could even make out the sight of a few warships around the school itself. He looked up at Alvis in confusion, who simply let out a shrug in turn.

Suddenly the airship jolted, and from where he was laid Bill suddenly woke with a start, slipping off where he slept with a yelp. "Gosh darn it to heck!"

There was a thud as he hit the floor which was then followed by a loud groan.

Dracomon walked over to where he laid looking down at the Digital officer, "Mr. Bill what's with all the guns and stuff?"

Bill grumbled as he stood up, gently pushing Dracomon to one side so he could look to where the dragon Digimon was pointing. Bill placed his own face against the glass before letting out a smile.

"Just admiring tha' defense were ya'?" He asked, looking down at Dracomon. "Ah' had a bit of ah' say in what goes where, ya' know."

Dracomon was still confused, "but why are they needed?"

"Ah," said the cowboy, a knowing smirk to be found on his face. "That'll be 'cause of the wild Digimon. We get all sorts of Digimon on ah' island. Some good and some bad, and tha' bad ones can be a nasty to threat ta' those not ready for them. Best ta' keep prepare just in case." The cowboy shrugged one shoulder. "Despite it all, ah' can't help but be taken back by it all."

Alvis nodded eagerly as he stared on at the great structure. "It's really impressive!"

Bill nodded and suddenly the airship came to a jolting stop, it seemed that they had landed. Alvis and Dracomon grabbed their bags. The pair were followed by Bill, who trudged behind them grumbling still about his head and how little sleep he got. Soon the trio got off the airship and look about the busy crowds of teens and their Digimon. Bill scanned the crowd before letting out a sigh.

"Gotta disappear, kid," he announced as he gestured to the crowds. "Clearly ah' got a lot to get ready for this semester. Stay safe, kid!"

Dracomon and Alvis both waved to the teacher as he left, "Will do!"

The teacher soon disappeared into the crowd only stopping to give directions to lost students or simply to give an autograph to those bold enough to ask. Watching the departing Bill Alvis suddenly came to a realisation: he had no idea where to go from here. That could be a problem. He cast a nervous look at Dracomon, who seemed too busy to take in the sights of the DTA to care about such things.

"Hey," a cool, calm voice said behind them. "You're lost too?"

The pair turned to look up a lean figure. It was a boy, who looked just older then Alvis. He wore a grey shirt with a blue jacket over it. His hair was a bright blonde, and was styled through gel. He work matching blue trousers and red sneakers, and thrown over one shoulder was a simply rucksack. His eyes were a sea-green and he likewise wore glasses. Alvis nodded at his question, glad to know he wasn't the only one that had no idea what's going on.

"Hmph," added a more angrier voice, the voice thick with disdain. "I say we don't need them, Castor."

Alvis watched in a mixture of fascination and horror as six spindly legs suddenly appeared out of Castor's bag and began to climb his body. It was a Digimon, of course. Looked like a great blue-gray crab with red highlights across its carapace. Its left pincer was larger than its right and the claw itself had what looked to be scissor-like blade, that was sharpened to an edge that shined in light of the sun.

The boy, who appeared to be called Castor, looked over his shoulder before giving it a slight shake. "You're so crabbish, Crabmon."

The crab Digimon let out an irritated yelp as it clung to its partner's shoulders. "I don't like them. They haven't introduced themselves. That's too rude for my liking."

"That's because you haven't given them chance," Castor said, rolling his eyes in annoyance. "Sorry about him. So who may I be talking to, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Alvis Koh," he said with a slight bow.

Dracomon bounded up to him and shook his hand. "I'm Dracomon!"

Castor inclined his head to Alvis while he shook Dracomon's hand. "Name's Castor Mayne and the angry crustacean with a bitter expression is my partner Crabmon."

"I'm not bitter," came the response from Crabmon which he said somewhat bitterly.

Alvis stared between the two, the happy expression of Castor very much clashed with the sneer about Crabmon's face. He shrugged, this was no odder then Fredrik and Hagurumon. Or him and Dracomon for that matter.

"Soo…" Alvis began, not really sure what to say as he didn't have many friends his own age - even back in Analog when he was younger. "You have any idea where to go from here?"

Castor let out a hearty laugh. "Not a clue! But hey, two heads are better than one."

"And four is better than two," stated Dracomon, clearly proud by his maths.

Castor nodded over at Dracomon. "That guy gets it."

"You wanna trade?" asked Crabmon to Alvis, his voice seemed resigned.

Castor laughed loudly at that before motioning the small group to keep walking. The four of them made their way through the crowd taking in the sights, and the sounds and the people. Various teens each with their own Digimon made their way through the DTA grounds.

Alvis spied a few security forces: some wore armour reminiscent medieval knights and others reminder Alvis of the old musket militia. But most of the adults seem to be members of staff then members of the army, stilll it was a curious sight. And as they walked Castor talked, and Alvis had to say he was a fast talker. Not Dracomon fast but fast nonetheless. The group walked and talked as they tried to figure out the first thing to do at DTA was.

"So you're from Analog?" Asked Castor as the group walked - and in Crabmon's case carried - through the crowds of other students. "Must've been a quick trip for you."

Alvis nodded, "pretty swift, just quick hop from the airport to here if anything. Though I was of a bit last minute addition."

"I gathered. Hope you don't mind me saying but I saw you and Bill chatting. Family friend?"

Alvis winced and shrugged one shoulder, given how Samuel and Bill treated each other he wouldn't say they were friends. "Of a sort, I guess. So where are you from?"

"Cool, you kinda friends with Bill Kreeley," said Castor, in amazement. "Oh, as for where we're from me and Crabmon are from downtown part of Analog. You ever -"

"YOU!"

Alvis turned at the sound of the very familiar voice and the crowd of students began to part as the very angry form of Fredrik stomped forward. He pushed aside others like a bull and his gaze locked with Alvis who could only swallow down a gulp in fear as the angry giant teen stomped towards him. Behind him Hagurumon floated, its own face twisted in worry. Castor arched up a eyebrow at Alvis - clearly curious to how he got on the bad side of this newcomer.

"You've been making friends behind my back," Castor remarked, with a wry chuckle at the sight of a charging Fredrik.

Dracomon let out a low growl at the approaching teen, his eyes once again narrowed. "Not a friend."

"Nope," agreed Alvis at the sight of Fredrik who now stood in front of them with his arms crossed, a disdainful look on his face. "Never that."

"So the punk kid was telling the truth after all," Fredrik said to Hagurumon, who simply nodded - or more bobbed up in down in the imitation of a nod. "Who'd of thunk it, eh? Well, who cares really, you and I have unfinished business."

Alvis went to step forward but to his surprise it was Castor who made the first move. The teen stepped towards Fredrik and the pair were practically face to face. "Nah mate, you've got no business with him. You move on now."

Fredrik seemed somewhat put off by the new addition to the argument but didn't look as if he was going to back down. Dracomon took a step forward and let out a low whine, and on Castor's back Crabmon clicked his pincers threateningly. Hagurumon let out a low mechanical whine in retort but Fredrik merely continued to glare down at Castor. Meanwhile, a small group of students had come to see how this would all unveil, Hagurumon seemed very unnerved by the attention. But Fredrik seem to pay the crowd little to no mind.

He then looked past Castor to Alvis before grunting. "Ready to let others do the fight for you, huh?"

"No I'm not," Alvis said, as he gently pushed Castor aside to look at Fredrik. "I don't what your problem is but you need to back off. I faced worse then you and came out the better."

Behind him he heard Castor let out a short laugh. "Dude, have you been eating red meat?"

The retort caused some among the brewing crowd to let out a few laughs, something which clearly angered Fredrik. He let out a low growl and before anyone could react he threw a punch at Alvis. It was only quick reaction time that caused Alvis to duck out the way, and he stumbled into the dirt, he quickly held up a hand to stop the advancing Dracomon. Castor made to move forward until another figure stood between the two. It was a girl from the crowd who was watching the upcoming argument, and her face was wrapped in anger.

She was tall, almost looking Fredrik in the eyes. Her eyes were a bright lilac and her hair was black as midnight, which cascaded over her left shoulder and down her back to her rear. She wore what could be considered the cross between a biker outfit and school uniform. The skirt that she wore came down to her knees, showing of well-developed legs, clearly refined through constant exercise. Her arms were covered with two long black gloves and her left hand was covered in a segmented gauntlet. Alvis could make out the muscles on her arms, and his gaze drew to ample chest before looking away with a red flush. Alvis wasn't one to stare and his father raised him better then that.

Th newcomer crossed her arms across her chest as she looked Fredrik up and down. Fredrik sneered at the sight of being so blatantly judged and the girl simply scowled back.

"Real big man you are, huh," she said, her voice matching the authority she seemed to exert. "First day at the DTA and you thought it'd be best to pick a fight. Yeah, real tough."

Castor and Alvis stared at one and other. "You know her?"

Alvis shook his head, it seemed today was one full of unexpected surprises. Fredrik leered down at the newcomer, and Hagurumon looked as if he wanted to be anywhere but here. Alvis could understand that sentiment, he wish he wasn't here as well.

Fredrik poked a finger into the shoulder of the girl, and as quick as a flash she grabbed the arm before twisting him over her hip and sent colliding into the ground. A gasp went up from the crowd, and the girl planted a foot on Fredrik's chest causing the boy to let out a grunt of pain. Hagurumon looked as if he would intervene but a pointed glare from the girl caused him to think otherwise.

"So here's what's gonna happen," the girl explained, her tone like she was chastising a child. "I'm gonna let you go and you can walk away with your tail between your legs," she turned her gaze onto the crowd, and quite a few students suddenly found their feet or the clear sky more interesting. "And the rest of you are going to make your way too!"

Fredrik roared like a wounded bull. "Like -"

She dug her heel further into his chest causing him to wince some more, it looked as if Fredrik might protest longer but eventually he looked to the side avoiding the girl's gaze. He conceded defeat. With that the girl lifted her foot off Fredrik's chest, and the teen rolled to his feet before stomping through the crowd, with Hagurumon in tow. The crowd quickly disappeared, and Alvis turned to the girl.

"Thanks for that," he said, as he stroked Dracomon's head calming him down. "That's the second time I've had to deal with that jerk."

To his surprise the serious expression on the girl's face was now replaced with a beaming smile, she offered her hand. "Sienna Moss, nice to meet you!"

Alvis was once again taken back by Sienna's enthusiasm, he wasn't expecting such a intimidating young women to be so friendly. He looked her in the eyes and for a brief second forgot what he was about to say.

"Alvis Koh," he mumbled shyly, and Dracomon pounced up to Sienna and shook her hand like he did Castor. "Dracomon!"

Sienna returned the hand shake with vigor and Dracomon seemed shocked by her strength. "Nice to meet you too, big guy!"

Castor sent her a nod, "Castor Mayne's the name. And this here is Crabmon."

Crabmon didn't say anything and just continued to glare at Sienna. Alvis had come to the conclusion that Crabmon very much lived up to his name, and Sienna playfully pouted back at the crab Digimon. Which actually threw him off as he sent a bewildered look at Castor. It appeared Crabmon didn't understand humour.

"Moss, huh?" Castor remarked, stroking his chin. "Odd second name if you don't mind me saying. You from Analog or a bit father?"

Sienna shook her head. "A bit farther than that. I'm a Tribal, and mum and dad thought it'd be funny to have a silly second name. Moss, who has their second name as that?"

Alvis let out a gasp at that, as Castor let out a low whistle. Tribals were a group of nomadic peoples that lived in the wilderness of the World. Their tribes often worked alongside the more wilder Digimons to be found, and were known to be fierce warriors - after all they faced threats from both old age mechs and dangerous Digimon. Though the odd tribal sometimes came down to the city for work as their expertise with the more dangerous locations made such skills highly valued. But Alvis had to say he hadn't heard of any becoming Digital officers, but then again it did not seem that far fetched. In truth, it seemed the perfect profession for them.

Sienna noticed Alvis' look of wonder and sent him a wink. "Don't be scared, sweetie. I don't bite even if you do look delicious."

Alvis went bright red at that, he didn't have much in terms of experience with girls so had no idea how to respond. "T-thank you?"

"You're welcome."

Dracomon could only tilt his head in confusion at why his partner was now a spluttering mess. "Alvis, why are you so red?"

"That explains the fancy work back there," Castor congratulated, drawing attention away from the blushing Alvis. "Thanks for the assist but we had it covered. I was two seconds away from laying that guy out."

Crabmon rolled his eyes. "Liar."

Sienna laughed at that. "Oh, I could tell but I'm not a big fan of bullies so I couldn't help myself," she sent Alvis another flirtatious look, and placed a finger on her cheek. "And I couldn't let this one's pretty face get messed up."

Alvis stammered and choked at that causing Castor to grin, and Dracomon smacked his back. "Breathe Alvis, breathe!"

Sienna laughed at that as she watched the crowds looking for something and she sighed. "I go off to protect one cute boy and now I've lost her."

Castor stood next to her surveying the crowds, "looking for who? We could be of some -"

"Sienna!" Came a shrill cry and Sienna nodded to the leaping shape approaching the group.

"Ah, found her."

A Digimon was bounding across the heads of students towards the trio, getting many irritated looks and yelps in return and causing Sienna to wince in slight embarrassment. Alvis saw the Digimon and could say this much: it was adorable. It reminded him of a rabbit, with brown fur that that is striped with pink on its collarbone, paws, and the tips of its ears. Its most prominent features are its long, frayed ears and three horns on in its forehead. It landed right on Sienna's face and its ears wrapped her head.

Castor and Alvis looked at each other wondering if they should do something. Sienna let out a muffled response and she managed to tear the Digimon off her face.

"Hey, Lopmon." She greeted nonchalantly. "Found you."

Lopmon looked at Sienna angrily, "you just ran off without me. Do you know how hard it was to find you!?"

"Sorry," mumbled Sienna. "But look on the bright side we made some friends."

It was then Lopmon looked at the group and let out a shocked squick before diving into Sienna's hair in fear. Castor approached her slowly before giving her a reassuring smile, while on his back Crabmon could only scowl at the display.

"'Ey now," Castor said softly. "No need for that, we ain't gonna hurt you."

Dracmon nodded as he bounded up to Lopmon. "Yeah!"

Lopmon seemed to visible calm at that and clung to Sienna's shoulders before giving a small wave, "hey."

"See," said Sienna. "They're not going to hurt you."

Castor clapped his hands getting the group's attention. "Well then, now we have all these introductions out the way, Sienna I must ask you something."

"What?"

"Do you have any idea where to go?"

Sienna nodded and looked at the guys in confusion. "You don't know."

It wasn't a question, more of a statement of fact. Alvis gave out a helpless shrug, while Dracomon yawned. Castor scratched his head embarrassed, while Crabmon complained about how it was unfair that someone did know where to go and he didn't. Sienna nodded to the raised platform over near a great looking hall. Alvis and Castor looked at each, each silently accusing the other for not noticing it. Sienna rolled her eyes at the fact that the two boys hadn't realised that where they meant to go - despite it being obvious.

"The headmaster's gonna give a speech," she explained. "How did you two not know about this?"

"I was a last minute addition," explained Alvis, while Dracomon nodded at each word to back up Alvis.

Sienna nodded at that before giving Castor a stern look. "Your excuse?"

"I… didn't know?" Castor stated lamely, and Crabmon placed a pincer on his face in embarrassment.

"He didn't do his research before coming here. Despite me saying we should." Crabmon said, ignoring the look of faux-betrayal in Castor's eyes.

"Stop snitchin'."

Sienna rolled her eyes again at that before nodding towards the platform where many of the other students were gathering. She then linked arms with Alvis as she, him and Castor made their way over to the platform. Alvis could merely smile up at the tribal warrioress, while Dracomon and Lopmon traded looks at that. And Castor let out a wry grin, as for Crabmon; he didn't seem to care at all.

As the group made their way towards the platform where others waited, Alvis made out the corner of his eye that another group of teens were gathering, watching something. Alvis looked at Sienna, who had her eyes narrowed other by where they were gathered.

"I swear if it's that brute again," she swore as she made her way over.

To the trio's surprise, the crowd were gathered around a young girl who was posing like a model on a runway. She look elegant, like she was born for the life of royalty. Not that of a Digital officer. She wore a regal blue dress, and her hair was tied into a long ponytail going almost all the way down to her waist. Her eyes were two different colours; one blue, and the other green. And by the look on her face, she was very much enjoying the spotlight.

Next to her was a Digimon, it look like a diminutive tropical bird. It was covered in an array of red feathers, its eyes were yellow just like the tip of its green beak. It underside was covered in an odd symbol with yellow and red feathers. And its wings ended with three claws, just like its feet. Alvis knew that Digimon was called Muchomon.

Castor sniggered at the bewildered look on Sienna's face. "Looks like we stumble into a right scuffle."

"What is this!?" Exclaimed Sienna angrily, catching the attention some of the crowd. "We're meant to be the next line of defenders. Not bullies, brutes and models!"

"Do you not know her?" Alvis asked, Sienna gave him a look and Alvis realised how silly the question was. Of course she didn't, the tribals' lifestyle meant that they didn't keep their ear to ground when it came to city news. "That's Hanna Rose. She's the daughter of the CEO of the Junk Factory. More or less a celebrity herself, if the attention didn't give that away."

"She doesn't look it. How does she dress so fancy if her dad runs a place called the Junk Factory?"

Castor coughed from where he stood next to the pair, "the title of the Junk Factory is a bit of a joke. An oxymoron if you will; as the Junk Factory very much doesn't make junk. Heck, I've heard they're one of the richest cooperation this side of the Great Sea."

Sienna nodded in understanding, realization now kicking in. "They make weapons, right. For the DTA and other security forces."

The two boys nodded and looked back at the girl, Sienna let out a grunt of annoyance but before she could comment further her attention was drawn to the platform where four figures now could be seen. It looked like it was time for the speech and for everyone to figure out what was to happen next. Sienna gave one more contemptuous look before walking off to where the platform was. Alvis and Castor followed her, but now she didn't link arms with Alvis, though walked close enough to him to be shoulder to shoulder.

If she wasn't taller than him that is.

Stood at the platform three figures, no doubt the head of staff at the DTA, could be seen alongside their Digimon. Bill stood with Deputymon, and the pair sent a nod of the head when they noticed Alvis and Dracomon in the crowd. With Jasmine stood a Digimon resembling a golden fox, it wore purple sleeves across its arms. Its hand ended with three fingers with three claws.

Next to Jasmine stood a balding, bookish man with a large paunch, who looked as if he'd been dragged out of bed and slapped his clothes on in a rush. His blue shirt was just tucked in and his large spectacles covered his eyes, while his white walrus mustache moved slightly in the breeze. His Digimon was smaller than most Rookie level but exuded far more power then any other Rookie. It had four spindly, spider legs. It look like a machine with two slender limbs ending with three large metal fingers. It's head was a glass dome where machinery ticked.

Finally, Headmaster Dunban marched up the steps and looked on at the assembled group of students, behind him came his Digimon, Leomon. Leomon looked like a cross of a man and a lion, and had the proud nobility that was to be expected of such a combination. It shaggy mane glittered in the sun and it looked on at the students in a bemused manner at its appearance. It looked like a true king of beasts.

Jasmine approached the microphone, catching the students attention. "Welcome all to DTA's academy, I hope you all had a pleasant journey. I am Prof. Jasmine, and the Digimon next to me is Renamon. And to my left is combat teacher, William Kreeley and Deputymon." Bill mumbled something under his breath, but Jasmine ignored it. "And to my right is Prof-"

"Doctor! I didn't get that PhD for the fun of it!"

Jasmine gritted her teeth, the sound made audible by the microphone, which caused Bill to let out a jackal grin. "Dr. Nathaniel Dart and Datamon. We shall be your teachers for this coming semester, to help guide you down your chosen paths and make you ready. Before we begin the Headmaster would like to say a few words."

Dunaban tapped on the microphone a few times before giving it testing blow. He nodded, satisfied that it was working despite Jasmine already used it which caused Bill to shake slightly with laughter. "It pleases me to see so many new faces here in my school."

His great eyes scanned the sea of new students. "And I want you all to know that I feel that you can achieve the best of your ability. But know this: I and my fellow teachers," he gestured to the staff. "Shall not coddle you nor shall we demean you by treating you like children. You are here to learn how to fight those threats born of both the Digital and Human world. Threats far older and dangerous then you."

As his tone changed, the other teachers gave sideways glances, as some of the students murmured in confusion. But Dunban bulled on. "These threats shall kill you if you are not ready but we shall make you as ready as you can possible be, for to do otherwise is a cruelty unthinkable. This is not a life of luxury! The path you have chosen is one of hardship and sacrifice for both you and your Digimon. That is the burden you have chosen to bear, so bear it proudly. For in the end we are all counting on you."

With that he stood back, nodding proudly to himself as the students gave a few unenthusiastic claps, while the other teachers did not at all look pleased with what he had to say. Alvis could only look up at the stand and wonder what he gotten himself into. He felt a nudge next to him and saw Dracomon give him a thumbs-up before mouthing: We have got this. Castor bumped his shoulder into Alvis grinning at him, and Sienna gave Alvis a wink.

Alvis steeled himself, he had Dracomon and people already willing to call him friends.

Like Dracomon said: they've got this.

A/N: New characters ahoy, and finally got to showing the core cast that we'll be following. And man, Dunban really knows how to work a crowd, doesn't he.

Anyhow, hope you all enjoyed this chapter, feel free to review and have a good one!