A/N: Correction from the last chapter: no there are no introductions to any new digidestined in this chapter. And there probably will not be in the next chapter. Or maybe. But definitely not this one. I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote that. So thank you so much for reading my story! I hope you like it and the direction it is going.
Disclaimer: Bandai, Toei Anime, and Akiyoshi Hongo own digimon. I am not them, so I do not own digimon… too bad.
We followed the swamp to its mouth by the lake. The forestry cleared to reveal a sparkling beach with clear blue water. We walked along the edge of the beach as we searched for a way to cross the expanse of water. Unable to formulate an effective plan, we sat defeated on the sand.
"What was that thing that attacked us earlier?" I thought aloud of our recent encounter.
"That was Woodmon, a champion level forest digimon," Veemon answered thoughtfully.
"How did you know that?" I was surprised that he knew so much for only being a few days old.
"Well he was made of wood and it took both of us to defeat him," he replied with naive cheer.
"Oh... Well that makes sense!" (At that age, I wasn't very logical either)
As I started out towards the horizon, I noticed a disturbance in the water. At first, I only regarded a bubbling on the surface of the water. Slowly, amidst the bubbling, a slender horn emerged from the lake. Soon to follow, an small submarine-like creature surfaced.
"Hello, I'm Submarimon. I was sent by Ophanimon to help you cross the lake." Though it was definitely a living creature, as it spoke, I could not detect and movement of a mouth and it had a mechanical voice.
"Oh, thanks for coming! We were starting to get a little worried!" Veemon sighed with relief.
"Hey wait, how do we know we can trust him?" My skepticism made me think twice before completely trusting this digimon. "Give us a minute to sort this out." I pulled Veemon to the side to discuss this matter.
"That's fine by me. But you know, they say I'm the most reliable transportation for water travel in the digital world," Submarimon informed us with a chuckle.
"So, can we trust this guy?" Veemon asked with a new suspicion.
"What if we do and he turns out to be a bad guy? We will be on water and we won't be able to do anything about it. But, we don't have any other way to cross the lake," I carefully calculated.
"How about we go with him and if he's bad, we attack once we reach land. Then if he is good, we'll be at the castle with no problem!" Veemon's plan seemed wonderful to me.
"Good call, let's go," I instructed as we returned to the water's edge.
"So you decided to come with me." The clear hood opened for us to climb into the small vehicle. Once it closed, there was little space for both me and Veemon, but we fit inside. We sat in silence as Submarimon dived deeper into the water. Looking through the window, I could perceive various creatures swimming through the area. They all seemed to resemble aquatic creatures that I had learned about in school but much more imaginative looking.
Upon reaching the shore, I stepped onto the short sand bar. Preventing the bar from fully becoming a beach was an extensive field of flowers. Amidst the fragrant field loomed a monumental palace which I assumed to be the castle of Ophanimon. The fortress was similar to the castle belonging to Seraphimon but appeared more like fairytale. White stone pillars transcended the field and contrasted the background of the setting digital sun.
We thanked Submarimon for the ride and began our shuffle through the field. The aroma of the field surrounded us and calmed our minds as we began to feel the weariness of our adventure. As we neared the castle, we were greeted by a very lithe figure guarding the palace.
"I am Nefertimon. Welcome to Ophanimon's castle." Her introduction was curt as we followed the angelical beast through the greeting archway.
We were initially acquainted with a voluminous library then led through an elegant hallway to a spacious glass room. The setting sun touched all surfaces with a golden light which reflected a shimmer over the glass walls. With a moment of stillness in the golden room, I regarded the exalted figure in the center of the enclosure. A royal creature donned in slender armor and golden wings posed with a powerful and calm disposition. So this was the great Ophanimon.
"Welcome Samara, to the digital world. I can see that the bond with your partner digimon is already strong. This is critical to reach your full potential as a leader."
Though her speech was distinct, I had trouble comprehending the meaning of her words. Noticing my confusion, she continued.
"Let me explain, you came to the digital world because your destiny is intertwined with digimon. And you, being the first of your generation to receive your digivice and partner, are the leader of a select group of other digidestined."
"But why am I the leader? And what does that even mean?" I interrupted with questions.
"Your natural qualities of a leader have brought you here. You were summoned by the digital world in this time of danger to lead a resistance to forces threatening the balance between the human and digital worlds. I know it may appear to be a lot of pressure, but for now, you will start small. Your goal for the near future is to assemble and strengthen your team of digidestined."
"Uh, ok," I responded with uncertainty. For the time being, my task didn't seem too daunting. But save the balance? How was I supposed accomplish something of that quantity?
"I will return you and Veemon to your world to begin your search. Recently, a tear has been made between the worlds allowing low level digimon to escape the digital world. You may begin your training by defeating these digimon and preventing them from interfering in a world where they do not belong. It would appear that the tear is close to your home so you two will not have to go far to find the digimon."
Veemon anxiously raised a hand decorated with sharp claws and danced around. "Uh I have a question," he spoke up while waving a hand around. "Can we have something to eat? I'm starving!"
"Yeah me too and tired!" I added.
"Of course. You young ones have been through a lot today. You can eat and rest here for the night and I will send you home tomorrow," Ophanimon answered graciously.
After thanking Ophanimon and being led through another grand corridor, we entered a splendid room with a large bed and table. I vaguely noted the intricate details of the decor as Veemon and I ravenously ate all of the food presented to us. Following our generous meal, we turned off the lights and lay down.
"I can't wait to take you home. I can show you my home and my school and the beach and the great food. It'll be so much fun and we can play all of the time!" I rambled to my friend as we fell asleep.
"Mmmm what's your favorite...food," he replied drowsily.
Too tired to respond, I smiled and fell into a deep slumber.