Chapter Nine Make a Splash Weddellmon!
After the long rain shower the other day, the sun had finally made appearance. The sun broke away from the gray clouds and began to dry the rain water that was everywhere. However, because there was so much water on the ground it cause the humidly to go way up. You could easily taste the humidly that was in the air right now and it made drops of sweat slide down your back. A small river rush downstream because of the rain. The water was clear and you could see that the river was very deep. The only way to get to the other side of the river was to hop on top of the stepping stones that poke out of the rushing water. And that is what the kids and their Digimon were doing. Jake, Kenta, Iris, Deemon, Houndmon, and Canarymon were waiting on the other side for the other kids and their Digimon. As they were waiting, Houndmon was painting loudly. His eyes were half closed and his long pink tongue was hanging down to his chin. He was looking very tired, even thought he was just standing there. Kenta notice that his partner was acting and said in a considered tone,
"Hey, are you okay?" Houndmon took a gulp before saying,
"Yeah…I'm fine. It's just humidly and my fur, it's really making me sweat a lot!" Kenta look at Houndmon for a moment, then glace over to the river and added,
"You should drinks some water."
"No, no. I'm fine, seriously!" Houndmon said shaking his head and holding up his paw hands. Yet Kenta would not take no for an answer. He bent down to his knees and cup his hands. He place his hands into the cool running water and scoop up some of it.
"You need water, so here!" Kenta said holding the water out in front of his partner. Houndmon look at the water, then at Kenta. He sighed deeply and said,
"Thanks Kenta." And with that he began to lap up the water in Kenta's hand. Kenta had to bit his lower lip, for Houndmon's tongue was tickling him a lot. As Houndmon was getting a drink, Emily was hopping along the last few stepping stones. She was standing on the last stone that was near the other side to where the others were, and it was a very small stone as well. So she had to stand on one leg and try to keep her balance and not fall into the river water. She had a serious look on her face as he tongue was sticking out and her hands were extend out to help her to keep her balance. She was about to make the final hop, when all of a sudden she lost her balance. Her eyes widen as she gasp as she headed for the ground and water. Jake notice that Emily was falling and quickly darted over to her.
"I've got you! I've got you!" he said hold out his arms as he ran over to caught Emily. Then Emily was caught, not by Jake, but by Canarymon! Jake froze in his spot, his mouth wide open and a sad look in his eyes, as Canarymon straighten Emily up.
"Are you okay?" Canarymon asked when Emily stood before her. Emily smile and patted her partner on the head while saying,
"I'm alright! And thanks for catching me back there as well!" Canarymon smile up at Emily as the two of them walk over to Kenta, who was drying off his hands on his pants. Jake let his hands hand down as he sigh sadly. Deemon came up to him and patting him on the back and trying to conferred him by saying,
"So close man. So close!"
"I know! Tell me about it!" Jake mounded as he rolled his head around.
"Hey, Lynxmon! Why don't you come over already!" Iris yelled as she cup her hands to call to her partner. Lynxmon was still on the other side of the river. She was looking down at her reflection that was in the river water. Her reflection showed that she was scared, for her eyes widen and she look a little pale. "Do you want to get left behind or not?" Iris call about to her crossing her arms. Lynxmon sigh and called back,
"I'm coming, I'm coming. Just hand on!" With that, she took a few steps back. Iris titled her head to the side as she watch her partner walk back away from the river. When Lynxmon turn around, she gave a determine stare at the other side of the river. Then, she began to run, full speed, to the river. It looked like she was going to hop onto the stone, when all of a sudden she jumped over the river. Iris's eyes widen as she saw her partner flip in mid air and landed cat like right in front of her, her hands extended out like she had done this before.
"Wow!" Iris said clapping her hands and sounding completely amazed, "Why didn't you do that earlier?" Lynxmon shrugged her shoulders and answered,
"Aw….I didn't want to attract too much attention to me, that's all."
"Well you sure got my attention!" Deemon cried out. They both look to see Deemon standing right in front of them, his tongue sticking out as he was bouncing on his toes. Lynxmon stroll up to him and said,
"Glad you were noticing me." With that she gently flick his nose. Deemon began to melt in front of Lynxmon; his face was blushing everywhere and he was slouching forward. Lynxmon glace up at Iris who glace back down at her. They both giggle lightly as they join back with the others, with Deemon trooping behind them. May was hopping on the last few stepping stones. Caterpillarmon was resting once more on May's shoulder as they were hopping along. Before she hop to the next stone, May took a deep breath. Then when she got to the stone, she exhaled the breath out. Soon she was on the other side with the others.
"I made it over!" she said proudly. She look down at her computer bag to see if her computer was not wet. "And I didn't get my computer wet at all! Bonus!" Caterpillarmon glace back as May was checking her computer. She sighed as she said to everyone,
"It looks like Nate still haven't cross the river yet!" The kids and their Digimon all look to the other side to see Nate. They all saw Nate with one foot still on the ground and the other one tapping on the wet stone on the ground. He had his lips pucker up and was squinting at the stone as he tapping it repeatedly. Suddenly, Sealmon poked his head up from the water and asked in his funny tone,
"What'cha waiting for!" Sealmon sudden question startled Nate, for he jerked back his leg and fell backwards on his butt.
"Don't scare me like that!" Nate exclaimed as he place both hands over his heart. Sealmon gazed at the stone that Nate was testing.
"You know, it's not going to bit you," Sealmon said pointing his head to the stone.
"I know that!" Nate pointed out. He picked himself and began to brush himself off as he added, "I was checking how slippery it was!"
"Why?" Sealmon asked in a rather cute tone.
"Why!" Nate yelled. He pointed at the wet stone and explained, "If that rock is slippery, then I'll fall into the water. And if I fall into the water I get wet, and if I get wet I'll caught a cold, and if I caught a cold I'll get pneumonia, and if I caught pneumonia I could die!" There was a long pause as Sealmon stared at Nate and Nate at Sealmon. The only sound was the rushing water down the small river.
"You know, you ask way too many 'what if' question," Sealmon finally said. Nate was about to argue something back to Sealmon, when Jake called,
"Nate! Come on man! Once you get pass the first stone, the rest are really easy!" Sealmon gave Nate a triumphant grin, turn around, and swam over to the other side. Nate sigh loudly as he look up to the sky. Then, not waiting to get left behind, he began to hop on the stones like the others did. When Nate was on the other side of the river, Sealmon came crawling out of the water saying,
"Now, that wasn't so bad, now was it?" Nate glared at his partner as he and the other made their way back into the woods.
The kids and their Digimon were all marching along the woods. The sun was beating down on them and the humidly in the air seem to grow even stronger. Emily sigh loudly as she wipe some of the sweat from her face.
"It's sure is hot today!" she said licking her dry lips.
"I agree!" May added looking at the sweat that was on her arm, "With this high humidly out and the sun shining it's rays down on us, it can make anyone sweat!" They all nod their head, for it was too true.
"Okay everyone!" Nate suddenly spoke up. He was digging in his backpack as everyone look at him, "I have some sun block that will protect us from getting sun burn." Everyone blinked at him as he pulled out a white tub of sun block.
"Right," Kenta said slowly, "Nate…aren't you being a bit too careful here?"
"No," Nate replied simply as he began to rub the white, creamy, coconut smelling sun block on his cheeks. They all watch as Nate squinted out more sun block and began to rub it on the other side.
"That's it!" Jake began as he shook his head and place a hand over his forehead. He pointed at Nate and added, "What's your story? Why are you so…so….um?" Jake look up to the sky to think of the right word.
"Over compulsive?" May added pronouncing the word clearly.
"What she said," Jake continued, gesturing his head over to May. Nate look at him for a moment, with a confused look on his face.
"What…do you mean?" he asked clearly not knowing what the other mean.
"We mean, everyone here as their story," Iris spoke up. "We all have a story behind us that makes us what we are now. So," she cross her arms before continuing, "What makes you so afraid to take risks?" Nate click the tube of sun block closed and place it back inside his bag. He crossed his arms for a moment and looked up to the blue sky. What make him so afraid to take risk in his life? That question that Iris gave him really puzzled him a while. After a long time, he uncrossed his arms and answered,
"Well to be perfectly honest with you guys, I've never really thought about it that much."
"Well now's the time to give it thought," Kenta said waving a hand in front of him. Nate scratched his cheek as he bit his lower lip a bit. He was going through his mind of what makes him so careful.
"Okay," he began taking his hand off his chin, "I think I got something here." Everyone listen to Nate carefully as he began to explain himself. "Well I guess, now that I think about it a bit, it has to do with my cousin Lexine."
"Lexine?" Jake exclaimed, "That's a strange name for a boy?
"First of all, Lexine is a girl," Nate pointed out. This made Jake blush and look away quickly. "And second, Lexine means 'defender of the people' or so I've been told."
"What do you know, you learn something new every day!" May said nodding to her partner on her shoulder.
"Yeah, she was always wonderful," Nate began sounding as if he was in a dream, "She was talented with a paint brush, she had a voice that could make angles envious, and her beauty I don't know where to begin! Her hair was a like golden strings, her eyes twinkled like the night stars, and her skin was so smooth of that of…"
"Oh My God!" Iris interrupted. Nate stopped his thinking of his cousin and look at blankly.
"What?" he asked wondering what she had to saying. Iris smirk as she pointed at Nate and said,
"You have a crush on your cousin!"
"I DO NOT!" Nate blurted out loud, his voice cracking up high.
"You so do!" Iris added with a nod.
"Do no!"
"Do to!"
"Do not!"
"Do to!"
"DO NOT!"
"Then why is your face blushing," Iris pointed back still having a smirk on her face and with an eyebrow raised. Nate open his mouth, but did not say anything. Nate's cheeks and flushed to a pink color at the mention of his supposed crush on his cousin.
"Aw! I think it's rather cute that you have a crush on your cousin," Emily added clapping her hands together.
"It's kind of weird," Kenta added getting into the conversation.
"Yeah, it's a bit weird," Jake added on to Kenta's comment, "But we're kids! We're supposed to be weird!" Kenta just glace at Jake, who gave him one of his famous grins.
"I don't think it's uncommon," May began joining in a well, "There are bound to be a few kids who have crushes on other family members. I might want to look that up when I get back." Iris looked over to Nate to see how he was. His face was still blushing as he was looking down at the wet ground. He had suck in his lower lip and he had a sad expression on his face. Iris sigh a bit and she walk over to Nate. She patted him on the shoulder and said somewhat kindly,
"Hey! I was only playing around with you. I didn't attend to make you feel bad or anything." Nate look up to Iris who was trying to apologies to him. He felt a little bit better now that Iris was not poking fun with him. By this time Sealmon has spoken up by saying,
"Okay, can someone please tell me what it's so bad to have a crush on your cousin?" The other kids all stop their talking and were silent about the question. Soon their faces flush pink as well at Sealmon's question.
"Right! Nate, getting back to your story!" Iris began to say quickly, her voice cracking a bit. Nate gave a little smile as he went back to his story,
"It all started out….about 2 years ago. Lexine was over at my house having dinner with us. It was getting dark and it was pouring down rain. It was raining so hard that you could barely see anything in front of your face. So when dinner was over, Lexine wanted to leave. My mom and dad begged her not to go! They even said that she could spend the night at our house if she wanted to. But she refused, for she didn't want of make her parents worry about her. So she went outside into this horrible storm! That's when…." Nate took a big gulp as he continue to say, "That's when….she…..got…..into an….accident."
"Oh My!" Emily interrupted putting her hands over her mouth. "Did she…" she did not dare say that word if that what has happen to Lexine.
"No, no, no, NO!" Nate said quickly waving his hands in front of him, "She…she's alive!" Emily sigh in relief for hearing that. "But," Nate added looking down with a sad look on his face, "Now she's paralyzed from the waist down. She's in a wheelchair now." There was a long pause as none of the kids spoke. The Digimon, who were also listening to this, look at each other.
"Okay," Deemon began looking around at the sad looks on the kids faces, "Why is everyone looking so sad? I mean she is alive after all?"
"I agree," Houndmon added still thinking about what Nate had just said, "I mean is the chair with wheels that bad?" Nate sigh deeply to bring everyone's attention back to him.
"So every time I see her, I get this weird feeling in my stomach," he began place his hand on his own stomach. "How can someone I really care about, get into this much…um…trouble just for taking a risk. I guess that's why I'm so, well you know." Nate rubbed his eyes a bit, for he felt like crying. Yet her hold back the tears that were in his eyes. He then felt someone punch him lightly on the arm. He looked to see Iris, not with her usual smirk on her face, but a small kind grin.
"Again," she began sounding sympathetic, "Sorry for making fun of you. I didn't mean it. Are we cool?" Nate nod his head at Iris and said back to her,
"Yeah, we're cool."
"OH NATE, I FEEL SO SORRY FOR YOU!" A crying Emily yelled. She then pull Nate into a tight hug and cried on his shoulder. Nate looked a bit uncomfortable as he was being hugged tightly. Emily soon pulled away from her hug and began to wipe away her tears while saying, "If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here."
"Thanks Emily. I'll keep that in mind," he said touching the wet spot that was on his shoulder. Then all of a sudden, Jake slap him on the back. Nate flounder his arms around a bit, trying not to fall on his face. Jake put his hands on his hips and said to Nate, who had found his balance,
"You know I always thought you were this worry wart! But now, after hearing this, I guess you're not so bad after all!" Jake laugh lightly as Nate glace up at him.
"Thanks Jake," Nate said, "I think."
"Wow," Kenta began looking at the other around Nate, "I wonder how it feels. To have someone you care about that's not gone from this world, but not really a part of this world either?"
"That's a really deep question right there," May answer. Kenta glace over to May as she continue to say, "I guess we can look at Nate as an example." Kenta look back over to Nate, who was getting another slap on the back by Jake. He crossed his arms and said,
"Yup, he does seem like a good example."
"Hey Nate!" Sealmon call to him. Nate bent down to see what his partner had to say to him. "I know it must be hard for you, after what happen to you cousin and all," he began sounding serious, which was really rare for him, "But sometimes you have to take certain risk because there is no other way!" Nate gave Sealmon a confused look. He knew that his partner love to take risk, but could he, a careful little boy, take a risk when there is no other way.
"Maybe," he said standing back up.
The sky was turning a reddish orange color as the sun was starting to set. As the sun was setting, the temperature began to go down a little bit. And it felt good, after the long day of walking in Gigabit Valley. The kids and their Digimon were getting their camp set up. They have been in the valley for a good few days, so they were getting good as setting up camp. As May was getting the fire going, the others were doing normal things that they do when they were camping. Some of the gather food, such as fruits or berries, and others went to find some water for them to drink and put out the fire when it was time to go to be, and a few were gathering leaves together to make a soft bed for everyone. Nate and Sealmon were at the edge of the campsite. Nate was scanning the bushes while Sealmon watch from behind.
"So, what's on the menu today?" Sealmon asked as he saw Nate look at the bush closely.
"I'm in the mood for some berries! I haven't had them in a long time!" Nate said looking away from the bush. Sealmon stuck out his tongue in disgust and added,
"Yuck! I'm not a big fan of berries, so you can have my share."
"Hey, everyone has their own taste," Nate began not sounding hurt at all, "Jackpot!" Sealmon lead his head to the side to get a better look at what Nate had found. On the bush were scarlet, round, pin pong ball size berries. All over these berries were little black dots that seem to be seeds. "Look at this," he began roll a berry he plucked from the bush. He rolled it round is thumb and index finger and added, "It's so big and juicy. I bet is also ripe as well!"
"Yeah, they do look good," Sealmon added, "But they are safe to eat?"
"Of course!" Nate said confidently as he raised the berry up to his mouth to take a bit from it. "You know what they say, 'Red and sweet and good to eat.'" He was about to take a bit of the berry when May called out,
"All right everyone I got the fire going! So let's all bring it in!" Nate pull the berry away from him as he glace back. He saw the fire that May had going, the red flames crackling every now a then. He then turn back to the bush where he found the berries. He quickly plunk as many berries as he can carry and place them in to his arms.
"Come on!" he said down to his partner, his hands were full of the delicious berries he had found, "Let's share this with the others!" And with that, the two of the scamper off back to where the others were waiting for them.
"And so the dog says, 'You Quack me up!'" Jake said as he gave his famous grin after him finish his punch line. It was not dark out, and the moon and stars were out in the black sky. Everyone was around the fire, finishing the meal that were having. Both Digimon and human were laugh out loud at Jake's joke.
"I don't get it?" Kenta said sounding a confused at the punch line.
"Oh Kenta," Jake began stretching his arms back, "What will we do with you?
"And what does that mean?" Kenta protested crossing his arms and giving Jake a serious look. As an argument between Jake and Kenta was about to raise up, Nate was looking at the last of the berries that he picked. Everyone, besides himself and Sealmon, had ate at least one of the berries that he picked. He was about to pick the last berry, when Deemon suddenly snatched the last berry. Nate watched in horror as Deemon toss the last berry into his mouth and began munching on it, some of the red juices were dripping down his face.
"Hey!" he yelled pointing an adducing finger at the Digimon, "I didn't get to try one of these berries!" Deemon swallow the berry that was in his mouth and glace over to Nate.
"Sorry Nate," began as he licked his lips off of the red juices, "Next time you might want to be a little bits faster." Nate slouched his head down a bit. He knew he should have tasted that berry when he had the chance.
"Aw! You didn't get to try one of those wonderful berries!" Emily said sounding sad. She put her hand over her heart as she continued, "And here were are being so greedy with ourselves!"
"I agree!" Canarymon spoke up, "The next time we've berries like these, you'll have first picks of them! Does that sound good Nate?" Nate lift his head up a bit and gave a weak grin. Houndmon notice that this was not making Nate feel any all to better. So to help Nate out, he said,
"Those berries you found, were the best berries I've ever tasted!" Once hearing that, Nate's grin began to grow broader.
"I have to agree," Iris added to the conversation. She snap her fingers and gave the thumbs up to Nate as she said, "Best berries every!"
"I have to agree with mutt on this one," Lynxmon said pointing a claw finger at Nate, "You have a knack for picking out good berries."
"Don't call me mutt!" Houndmon barked at the cat Digimon.
"Those berries you pick were so plum and juicy and so ripe too!" May said licking her lips as she thought about the taste of the berries once more.
"Yeah!" Caterpillarmon looking right at Nate, "You should pick berries from now on!" By this time, Nate was tilting his head side to side our of pride he was getting.
"I don't get what's the big deal of this," Sealmon began raising his paw up and shrugging his shoulders, "They're just berries, they aren't so special!" Nate glared at Sealmon, as he have Nate a cute little smile and said, "What?" Nate sighed deeply as he look at the others.
"I know you guys a trying to make me feel better, and I'm appreciate that," he said to the others. Then he look up to the sky, at the thousands upon thousands of stars that were out tonight. "You know what I miss," he continued not looking down from the stars, "I miss a crispy, juicy, chicken sandwich with Swiss cheese melted on top!" He look down and began to lick his lips as the taste of the chicken sandwich dance on his tongue.
"You're talking my language!" Iris said pointing a finger a Nate. "I so miss chocolate ice cream, with chocolate syrup, with whip cream and little gummy bats on top of it all!" She began to take a spoonful of ice cream and starts eating the ice cream.
"Say where do you buy gummy bats?" Jake asked watching Iris eating her 'ice cream.' Iris stop her eating and explained,
"They normally sell them during Halloween, so you have to buy a whole bunch of them at one. I'm still looking for that store that's selling then year round!"
"If we are on the subject of chocolate," May began with a little glint in her eye, "I would so love to have a triple layer chocolate cake! Aw! I don't know what's better, the chocolate icing or the chocolate icing on the cake!" She had to wipe her mouth a little bit for she was drooling a bit.
"I guess we all miss our favorite meal at times," Kenta said poking at the fire with a stick.
"And what meal do you miss Kenta?" Nate asked curiously.
"Me?" he said pointing the glowing red stick at himself. He scratched the back of his head with his other hand as he continue to say, "Never really gave it much thought. I guess I would say…My sensei's homemade beef ramen. Mmmm," he began to look up dreaming thinking about his favorite meal. "There is something about homemade ramen that's taste so good!" He began to take a pair of imaginary chop sticks and start eating his ramen. Emily put a hand over her mouth and giggle lightly.
"You look funny doing that!" she said between giggles. Kenta stopped with his 'eating' and looked away a bit embarrassed.
"Sorry," he said under his breath, "I just eating that meal, that's all."
"We all miss eating food we love to eat. So don't feel so alone!" Emily said hearing what Kenta had said under his breath. Kenta looked at her and gave her a small grin. "You know what I miss of all?" she began getting to her turn, "I miss a good old chocolate milkshake!" She began to pucker up her lips a bit as if she as sipping her milkshake.
"Milkshakes are always good!" Jake began with a little laugh as he looked at Emily.
"So what meal do you miss the most?" Nate asked coming to Jake.
"Well, I'll tell you a meal I don't miss," Jake began pointing his finger to the fire, "I don't miss my mom meatloaf, that's for sure!"
"Now why' that," May asked crossing her arms and sounding interested.
"Cause my mom puts way too many onions in the meatloaf!" Jake began to complied, "And I don't like onions that much. And the sauce she puts on it…" he shudder a little bit as the foul tasting sauce appeared in his mouth.
"I think we get the point Jake," Iris added shuddering a bit as well, "You don't have to go on."
"I never had meatloaf before," Kenta suddenly said. He looked at Jake and asked, "Is it really that bad?"
"Kenta my friend," Jake began place a hand on Kenta's shoulder, "You are so lucky that you don't have to taste that awful stuff!" Kenta just look confused as Jake took his hand off of his shoulder. "But I do miss a good double cheeseburger with lots and lots of fires!" He licked his lips as he took a big bit out of an imagery sandwich. The Digimon all sat and listen to the strange food that the kids were talking about. Though they did not know what they were talking about, they were glad that the kids were finding so fun in this situation that they were in. There was a sudden silent within the group. Emily look up to the stars with a longing look on her face and asked,
"Do you think we'll ever get out of this place?"
"Maybe…who…who knows?" May added looking deeply into the fire. Nate yawn loudly, and it spread too all the kids and their Digimon.
"I think it's time to get some sleep," Nate said standing up and walking over to the bed of leaves that they had made. So putting out the fire, they all went to sleep. Not knowing that danger was a waiting for them the very next morning.
The sun peeked over the trees with its yellow light and down to the kids and Digimon campsite. It was morning and that means a quick breakfast and another day of walking around the valley. Nate was sleeping on a pile of leaves, with Sealmon using Nate's chest as of pillow for his head. Nate was using his backpack as a pillow as well. It was not a very comfortable, but it was still better than having his head resting on the hard grown. The sunlight shine in his eyes, waking him up from his sleep. He slowly open his eyes a bit, and held out one hand to block some of the light that was coming into his eyes. He tasted his mouth a little bit and stretch his arms as well. He look down at Sealmon, who was still sleeping on his and drooling a bit as well. Nate sigh a bit and he shrug Sealmon up.
"Come you little Dare Devil, time to get up," he said loud enough to Sealmon to hear but soft enough to not wake everyone else up. Sealmon raised his head up bit more, his eyes were half open and his mouth still open.
"Don't wana get up," he said very dreamily, "Wana sleep more!" He was about to place his head back on Nate's chest, when Nate began to stand up.
"Come on! We can't sleep the day away!" Nate said stretching his arms out. Sealmon yawn loudly and he stretched his whole body.
"Whatever," he said sounding a bit more awake, "Once I get a good breakfast in me, I'll be up for sure!" Nate chuckled lightly to himself as he looked at the others. They were all still laying on the leaves beds, still sleeping.
"Looks like we're the first one's up!" Nate said with a grin. Normally he was one of the middle few to wake up. And the last ones to always wake up were Jake and his partner. He treaded over to the others in order to wake them all up. He crouch down to Jake and said softly to him, "Good morning! Time to get up!" That is when he notice something was up. Jake was hugging his arms together and had his knees pull up to his chest. He was looking a little pale and he was shivering a bit as well. His teeth were chattering loudly as he had his eyes shut tight.
"S…..s….so…c…..c…c…..cold!" Jake stuttered between chatting teeth. Nate had a worried look on his face as he raised an eyebrow. He wanted to make sure of something, so he place a finger on Jake's forehead. He quickly pulled his finger away, for Jake was burning up! Nate quickly stood back up and look at the others as well. They too had the same symptoms as Jake did. Wanting to know more, Nate quickly went to each one of them and place a finger on their forehead. They were all burning with a high fever!
"What's going on!" Nate said quickly to himself after he finish checking Kenta.
"Alright sleeping beauties! Time to wake up!" Sealmon said in a bit of a comical voice to wake up the other Digimon. Yet none of the Digimon said anything to him. They did not even make a comment about what he just said. They all had the same symptoms as the kids did, and they were not looking too well! "C…come on guys!" he said sounding worried for the first time. "Get up! Come up, get up!" He nudged Lynxmon with his head, trying to wake her up.
"Well…..someone please….make it hotter….here!" she cried being close to tears. Sealmon stop his nudging and gulp a little bit. Something was definitely up, and it was freaking him out!
"What's the hell is wrong with everyone!" he exclaimed.
"Sealmon!" Nate said seriously looking right at Nate. Sealmon looked back at Nate and shot back a,
"What?"
"Everyone is sick!" Nate explained looking down at a shivering Iris.
"They are?" Sealmon asked wide eyed as he look at a weak Caterpillarmon. Nate nod his head as he look back to his partner.
"We need to get them on their backs!" Nate said quickly turning May on her back. Without even saying a word, Sealmon did the same thing with the Digimon. Once everyone was on their backs, Nate reached over to him bag and was digging around for something. Soon his pulled out a hand full of plastic bags. "We need to get their temperatures down as fast as we can," he said opening one of the bags, "Sealmon, can you fill these bags up with some ice?" Sealmon nodded once more and used his 'Ice Rain' attack to fill the bag up with as much as they can hold. Once the bags were full with ice, they all place them on everyone's foreheads. The ice seem to help, but not much. Nate was pacing back and forth, running his fingers through his blond hair, as he was thinking.
"Okay, what do we do now?" Sealmon asked watching Nate go back and forth.
"All we can do is try to figure this out!" Nate said quickly biting his thumb a bit.
"Yeah," Sealmon said with a nod. Then he look up to Nate and asked, "How come we're not sick like everyone else?" Nate stop his pacing and look at Sealmon.
"I don't know," he answered. He closed his eyes and look up, "I honestly don't know!"
As Nate was trying to figure out how to save his friends, a Digimon was making her way over to the group. This Digimon look to be human, but was fairly different from any human. She had pale smooth skin and shiny black eyes that were kind and wise. She had a cap that look like a flower, with red petals and yellow in the middle, on top of her greenish blond hair. She wore a dark green vest with little yellow flower buttons on, and green shorts with a petal skirt. In her hand was a tall walking stick that seems to twist into a straight line, and on her shoulder was pink bag that seem to be carry something inside. As this Digimon was walking, her bag kept on bumping on her side. The plant Digimon then came to a stop and cross her arms. She looked around at her surroundings and sigh loudly.
"Isn't this peachy!" she said in a smooth cool voice, "I've gotten myself lost…again!" She was looking around, trying to figure out what direction to go next, when she heard someone shout,
"What're we going to do Sealmon! What're going to do!" Curious about who was shouting, the plant Digimon dash over to the direction to where the voice was shouting at. Nate had stop his pacing now, and he was now tossing his hands all over the place in a panic. Sealmon, who had his mouth open at as he watch Nate toss his arms in every diction, said,
"Nate….I don't think this is the time to panic!"
"Not…the time…to panic?" Nate said slowly through clench teeth as he left eye twitch a bit. "THIS IS THE PERFECT TIME TO PANIC!" Sealmon had to close his eyes a bit and leaned back a bit as Nate was shouting. Nate pointed to his friends, who were not looking any better, and continue to shout, "OUR FRIENDS ARE SICK, POSSIBLELY DIEING! AND WE DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT TO DO! I THINK THIS IS A PERFECT TIME TO PANIC!" Sealmon wipe off some of the spit that Nate had spat on his. He sigh a bit as he look at the red faced Nate.
"Okay," he began nodding his head a bit, "I think you need to do some breathing exercise. Now, breath in through the nose," he took deep breath through his nose, "And out through the mouth!" And he exhaled out. Nate pointed a finger at his partner and was about to say that breathing exercise was a load of crap, when they heard a rustling in the bush. They both glace over to the bushes, Nate's heart beating in his chest as he waited for something to appear. Then, out of the bushes, came the plant Digimon. Nate sigh in relief, for he thought it was a dangerous evil Digimon. Sealmon, on the other hand, was blushing a bit as he watch the plant Digimon brush off some of the leaves that was on her. When she was done brushing off the leaves, she look over at Nate and his partner.
"Hello!" she said as she waved to them.
"Hi…" Sealmon said back, completely tongue tied. The plant Digimon did not pay any attention to Sealmon's behavior as she walk over to Nate.
"Yes," she began sounding a bit embarrassed, "I hate to ask this, but can you give me direction to…" she suddenly stop as she the other kids and their Digimon on their sick beds. "Oh my goodness!" she yelled as she push Nate aside and scamper over to the others. Nate stubble a little bit as the plant Digimon knelt down and looked over the kids Digimon.
"Wow! She's really cute!" Sealmon whisper to his friend. Nate glared down at Sealmon and pointed out,
"She's a stranger! And how can we trust a stranger!"
"First of all, why would a stranger help other strangers?" Sealmon said leaning his head to the side. Nate sigh as he look to the side. "And second," he began looking straight at Nate, "If you want to know more about this Digimon, then why don't you just scan her and read her data?" Nate slap himself on the forehead, for he completely forgot about scanning Digimon to know who they are. So he took out his Digi-vice and scan the plant Digimon.
Name: Herbmon
Type: Plant
Level: Adult
Special Attacks: Root Reach, Bay Leaf Blade
Info: Herbmon is very in tune with nature around her. She knows many was to cure Digimon from poisons. She can be protective, but that can sometimes leads to over protectiveness.
Herbmon slowly got back up to her feet. She roll the her walking stick in her hand as she quickly walk over to Nate and Sealmon.
"I know what's wrong with them," she said in a quick soft tone. She look right at Nate and added, "But I need to know one thing; did your friends eat any red berries last night?" Nate gulp at the question. He could have lied, saying that he did not know about the red berries. However, his friends lives were on the line. So he took a deep breath and explained,
"Yes, we all did. I pick some red berries over there and everyone but me and Sealmon were able to eat any of them." Sealmon look up at Nate's face, for he had a sad expression. Herbmon's expression also change as well. Her face had turn red with angry and she stop her rolling of her walking stick in her hand.
"YOU IDIOT!" she yelled as she hit Nate over the head with her walking stick. She did not hit him that hard, but hard enough for Nate to feel pain. Nate bit his lower lip as he place both hand over the spot she had hit him. "THOSE BERRIES OUR POISONOUS!" she added hitting again on the side of the head.
"Okay, okay! I know, I know!" Nate began rubbing both spots of where she hit him, "But is there away to fix all of this!"
"YES!" Herbmon said hitting him a third time on the head. As Nate was rubbing head, Herbmon pointed to the direction she had just came from. "Just about a mile away from here is a lake," she began very quickly and sounding worried, "In that lake there is a tree that grows some very special fruit. Get that fruit so I can cure your friends." As she was talking Nate was digging around for something in his bag. "But you have to hurry!" she pointed her walking stick at him as she continued to say, "If you don't get the fruit to counteracts the toxins. You friends…"
"That's not going to happen!" Nate yelled placing on his famous helmet and tighten it up. He look down at Sealmon with the most determine look he had ever seen. "LET'S DO THIS!" And with that, Nate charged into the wood to find these fruits. Sealmon quickly look back at Herbmon and said quickly,
"Look after our friend, okay?" And with that, he crawled as fast as he can to catch up to Nate.
"I will do my best," Herbmon said under her breath as she squeezed her walking stick tightly.
Nate was charging through the woods as fast as he could. His heart was pounding hard on his chest, and he could feel a boat load of sweat forming under his helmet. He stubble a few times as he was running, but caught himself. He was on a mission, a mission to save his friends from the mistake he made. He was so forces and so determine to find this lake, that he did not see a low branch coming to him. WACK! He hit the low branch and went falling backward to the ground. Lucky he had his helmet on, so it protect his head a lot. However, he still fell backwards hard. There he lay on the grass, his chest moving up and down and his face was scarlet color.
"Nate! Wait up!" Sealmon called out. Sealmon jump over a log and saw Nate laying there on the ground. He quickly crawled over to see if Nate was okay or not. Yet, Nate did not moving at all when Sealmon was near him. "Hello!" he said to his partner. "Digital World to Nate! Are you or are you not okay?" There was a long pause as neither one of them said a word to each other.
"It's all my fault!" Nate finally said biting his lower lip. Sealmon took a closer look at Nate to see that he was crying. Big, huge tears were flowing down Nate's face as he was crying and talking at the same time. "It's all my fault that's everyone is sick and dying!" he continued. He grabbed a fist full of grass as he still said, "It's all my fault! It's all my fault! It's all my fault! I just had to take a stupid risk in taking those berries and look where it got me! This is why I hate taking risks!" Sealmon could not take any more of this! So he jump right on top of Nate's chest, startling him a bit. He pointed a claw finger at him and began,
"Listen to me Nate!" Nate continue to cry, but watch his partner very carefully. "We all make mistakes! Risky or careful, we all make mistakes! I mean look at me! I've done risky things that might wet your pants! And some of those risky things I've made mistakes, and I learn from them! I learn not to do it again, or do it a different way! Mistakes are part of life!" Nate had stop his crying as Sealmon's words went through his ear. He was right, this was a mistake but he could fix it, he could fix his mistake! "Also," Sealmon continue leaning forward to Nate's face, "Don't put the world on your shoulders! It really gives you bad headaches! And remember," he lick his lips before adding on, "I'm here for you. So we can share the weight of the world together." Nate gulp and open his mouth, yet now words seem to came out. Sealmon had to be the best friend he had ever had! He had giving some confidence that he need right now. He was happy to have a partner like him. Nate wipe the tears out of his eyes with his arm and put his hands under Sealmon's arms. He left himself back up and was holding Sealmon at the same time. When he was back on his feet, he pull Sealmon into a hug.
"Thank you," he said to Sealmon with a gulp, "Thank you so much, for being a good friend!"
"Hey! It's all part of my job description," Sealmon joked as he patted Nate on the back. Then all of a sudden he heard something splash not too far away from them.
"What was that?" Nate asked pulling out of their hug. Then they heard the splash again.
"You don't think," Sealmon began looking up at Nate. Nate give his partner a little grin as he dash over to the direction where he head the splashing sound, still carrying Sealmon as well.
They soon emerged to an open area where, to their great enjoyment, was the lake that Herbmon told them about. The lake water was a crystal blue color and was so smooth that it look like glass. Massive line green lily pads were all over the edges of the lake and were big enough for someone to ride on. And there, in the certain of the lake, was a the tree that Herbmon told them about. It was a huge tree, with some leaves falling down into the water. On the branches were purple blue orange like fruits, ready to be picked!
"We…we found it!" Nate said softly. Sealmon nodded, and soon Nate began to swing around in circles chanting, "We found it! We found it! Ha, ah, ha, we found it!"
"I'm gonna barf!" Sealmon said as he made a sick face. Before Nate could stop his celebrating, he heard the same splashing noises before. He stop his spinning and look at the lake. Sealmon's eyes were rolling a bit but soon forces on what was going on in the lake. Their eyes widen as they saw a Digimon jump out of the water and into the air. It looked to be a serpent, but it was the most beautiful serpent they have even seen! This serpent had to be almost 20 feet long and had powerful muscles. Its scales were a mixture of many different colors. The colors shine on the snake Digimon in different ways making it look so beautiful. It had small black eyes that look very claim, even when it glace over to Nate and Sealmon. The two of them seem to be in trances as they watch the snake Digimon slither back down to the water. Waiting to know what this Digimon is, Nate put down his partner and pull out his Digi-vice to get more data on this snake Digimon:
Name: Rainbowserpentmon
Type: Snake
Level: Adult
Special Attacks: Hydro Hiss, Color Eye Beam
Info: Rainbowserpentmon is a very colorful Digimon who spends most of its time in water. Depending on how the light hit its body, the scales will seem to change color. This Digimon is very claim in nature, and will never attack for any unknown reason.
For such a huge Digimon, Rainbowserpentmon made such a small splash. Nate sigh in relief as he read that the snake Digimon has a claim nature.
"That's very good to hear," he said putting a hand on his chest.
"What?" Sealmon ask not taking his eyes off the spot where the snake Digimon splash into.
"That snake Digimon will not attack us while we are trying to pick the fruit!" Nate explain to him partner.
"Cool," Sealmon said shaking his head, "So how do we get over there?" Nate did not answer at first. He was looking around the ground, as if he was missing something. His face light up when he found what he was looking for. He pick up a long stick that was laying on the ground. He point at the large lily pads and finally answered,
"Why the lily pads, of course!"
"Of Course!" Sealmon answer back, trying to sound that he knew this all along. The two of them marched over to the nearest lily pad and jump right in. The lily pad rocked a little bit, but it still stayed afloat. Once everything was ready, Nate push off the edge and they were off to the tree in the middle of the lake. Nate paddle on his stick in the water to help them move, as Sealmon up front with his eyes glued to the tree. While the two of the were making their way to the tree, Rainbowserpentmon was peacefully swimming underwater. The snake Digimon did not care what the two strangers were doing. They were not bothering him, and he will not do the same as them. The snake Digimon was slithering around in the water, when it came to a sudden stop. It thought it had heard something moving around in the water. Eventually it gave up the search and was about to go back to its swim. When suddenly a huge pain came over the Snake Digimon. A black spot had came out of nowhere and attack itself on Rainbowserpentmon's back! The snake Digimon trash around in pain, trying to get the spot off it, yet the black spot did its job. The snake Digimon's eyes rolled back into its head as a few bubbles came out of its mouth.
"Did you hear something," Nate asked looking at the spot where bubble appeared.
"No, not really," Sealmon answered back, "But look at this!" Nate turn around to see that they hand finally reach the tree!
"All we have to do now, is climb up and pick a few," Nate said carefully making his way to the tree.
"Have you climb many trees before?" Sealmon asked in a sarcastic tone. Nate hesitated for a moment, with one foot on the roots of the tree.
"I have a helmet on," he answer back patting his helmet hard.
"I didn't ask that!" Sealmon said with a smirk on his face. Nate was about to make a comment back at Sealmon, when the water around them began to make waves. These waves cause the lily pad that they were in to rock a lot. Nate fell on his back and look up to see Rainbowserpentmon raise form the water. Its scales were a reddish orange color and it was glaring at them with cold eyes. Sealmon took a step back as he stared up at the snake Digimon.
"I think it's angry with us!" he pointed out glancing over at Nate.
"But why?" Nate asked trying to get back on to his feet, "We haven't done anything wrong!"
"Hydro Hiss!" The snake Digimon shot out a long thin wave of water right at them. The two of them scramble to different sides as the attack hit the lily pad. The attack slice the lily pad in half, and Nate was on one side and Sealmon was on the other. Water was gushing into the lily pad, making Nate's feet wet. Nate watch as the snake Digimon began to swim around them in a circle. Its eye were fix on them and it was growling at them as well.
"Nate stand back! I'll try to hold him back as best I can!" Sealmon yelled to Nate on the other lily pad. They were starting to spin a little bit now as Rainbowserpentmon began to circle them faster. Nate was breathing quickly now, for he was scared for his life. He was scared to die right here and now. He shut his eyes tight, and tried to think of something, anything. Then he thought back to his friends. How they were laying there on their sick beds, waiting for him to bring back the cure to save them. Nate's eyes burst open and he clenched his fist. Then he did the most risky thing he has even done before in his life; he jump off the lily pad and grab onto the snake Digimon's back! Nate held on to the leathery skin tightly as he we being spin around. "Nate what the hell are you thinking!" Sealmon yelled as her watch his partner spin around on the snake Digimon's back.
"Take….ing….a…..risk!" Sealmon heard Nate yell as he continue to spin around. "I'm….not….letting….this….overgrown….worm….stop me….from….saving….my….friends!" Rainbowserpentmon stop its circling and turn around. It saw Nate crawling up its back, dizzy from his spin, but still climbing up his back. The snake Digimon hiss at Nate and flick its tail up sending Nate up as well. Nate felt weightless as he look down at the water. Rainbowserpentmon had its mouth open up wide, showing its powerful white fangs, and ready to eat Nate in a single sallow! Nate gulp as he shut his eyes. "This is it!" he said to himself, "Goodbye everyone!"
"NATE!" Sealmon cried out as he watch is friend fall into the jaws of the snake Digimon. Then it happen; Nate's Digi-vice began to beep like crazy and glow a bright white. The same thing was happening to Sealmon. His whole body was vibrating uncontrollably and he felt an incredible energy burst out of him. He was glowing all around and changing shape. "SEALMON DIGI-VOLE TO…" his body grow larger and larger, white thick fur began to cover his body, his claw began to grow out more and become a white like ice, long pointy whiskers shot out of the side of his nose, tusks began to grow out of his mouth and they were 6 feet long, and a picture of an blue ice burger was on his chest, " WEDDELLMON!" The snake Digimon was about to close its jaw around Nate, when something knock it out of the way! The snake Digimon roll on the water as Nate fell on something furry and soft. At first, Nate did not open his eyes. Be eventually he open them and saw that he was not being digested in a snake's body. He crawl to the edge of this strange Digimon and look down.
"Sealmon? Is that you under all that fat and fur?" he ask waiting to make sure it was his friend.
"Hey!" the Digimon yelled taking offence about being called 'fat' "You want me to toss you back into that snake's mouth, do you?"
"It is you!" Nate exclaimed knowing that kind of humor anywhere! He quickly pulled out his Digi-vice to see who this Digimon was.
Name: Weddellmon
Type: Aquatic Beast
Level: Adult
Special Attacks: Ice Ball Bomb, Frozen Claw
Info: Weddellmon is an incredible swimmer who can survive intently cold waters. He knows to be able to take attack as well as give attacks as well. He even goes around the seas rescuing Digimon who are lost at sea.
The snake Digimon swing itself back up and glared at Weddellmon.
"Hang on tightly, Nate! This is going to be a bit rough!" he said to Nate. Nate held on tightly to Weddellmon's fur. The snake Digimon swam quickly to them, with its mouth wide open ready to attack. Weddellmon also swam fast right at Rainbowserpentmon. The snake Digimon was about to snap his jaws on Weddellmon, when he dodge to the left. It snake at nothing and wonder where his foe was. That is when Weddellmon slam to the side of the snake Digimon. Rainbowserpentmon stubble a little bit on the water, but then regain itself. It brought its tail out of the water and began to whip Weddellmon from side to side. Weddellmon took hit after hit of the snake Digimon tail. And poor Nate was still hanging on for his life. He look a bit pale as he put one hand over his mouth and said,
"I think I'm going to be sick!"
"Don't you even think about barfing on me!" his Digimon said taking another hit to the face. Rainbowserpentmon was about to whip Weddellmon again, when the seal Digimon bit down hard on the snake Digimon tail. Rainbowserpentmon hiss loudly in pain as Weddellmon bit down harder.
"Color Eye Beam!" A rainbow color beam shot out of the snake Digimon's eyes and right at Weddellmon. Weddellmon let go of the snake Digimon's tail as he took the hit. There was a huge explosion and there was a gray smoke cloud everywhere. Nate cough into his shoulder as he ask,
"Are *cough* are you okay *cough*?" There was a long pause, until.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" his partner answer back. Nate sigh at the fact that is partner was okay. Then out of the smoke, leap Rainbowserpentmon. Its mouth with wide open, ready to crunch his foe. Again, Weddellmon was about to dodge the snake Digimon's attack. As they were dodging the attack, Nate notice something on Rainbowserpentmon's back. It was clear to see, because it was the only thing that did not change color like the rest of the snake Digimon's body; it was a black spot!
"Hey!" Nate called to his partner, "There's a Black Spot on this snake's body!"
"Really!" Weddellmon exclaimed dodging another attack.
"Yeah," Nate added. He pointed to the snake Digimon's back and continued, "It's on his back!" Knowing what to do, Weddellmon circle around to the snake Digimon's back. Rainbowserpentmon did not have any time to react as Weddellmon lunch his attack.
"Ice Ball Bomb!" A colossal ice ball formed near Weddellmon's mouth. He then lunch his attack right at the Black Spot that was on the snake Digimon's back. The attack hit dead on the Black Spot! There was a huge explosion as the snake Digimon fell down to its belly. The Black Spot that was on it was rip up and destroy. Nate raised his hands in the air and laugh loudly.
"Ha, ah! We did!" he said sounding proud of himself, "We…" Yet, before he could finish, Weddellmon began to glow again and was shrinking back down to Sealmon. Nate flounder his arms and legs as he fell down to the water. SPLASH! He was drench from head to toe, and all through his clothes with water. Sealmon pop his head up from the water and said cheerfully,
"Well, at least the water is somewhat cold!"
"Great!" Nate said as he took a big sniff, "I bet I'm going to catch a cold!" Rainbowserpentmon slowly left its head up from the water. It blink a few times as it try to remember what had just happen to it. Nate notice that the snake Digimon was back to its normal self, so he waved to it and call out, "Hey! Hey pardon me!" The snake Digimon heard Nate and turn around to look at him. "Um…yeah. Can you do us a small favor?" The snake Digimon listen closely at what Nate had to say. He pointed out the fruits on the tree and continue to say, "We need to get some of that fruit up there. So can you um….give us a left?" He was not sure if this was going to work or not. After all, they were fighting with the snake Digimon. Rainbowserpentmon thought about this for a moment. These strangers did, in fact, get rid of the pain it had on its back. So why not help them out for a bit. Without even saying a word, Rainbowserpentmon dunk its head under Nate and Sealmon and raised them up to the branches of the trees.
"Aw Yeah!" Sealmon said excitedly as he look down at the view, "Now this is a way to pick fruit." Nate chuckled a little bit as he pluck as many fruit as he could carry.
After their little adventure on the lake, Nate and his partner dash over to the others as quickly as they could. Herbmon, who was still waiting for them, was thrill that they had brought back the fruit in time. So with her help, she was about to cure the others and their Digimon. Once everyone was feeling a bit better, Nate began to explain what had happen to him and the snake Digimon.
"Oh my goodness!" Herbmon said putting her hand over her mouth, "You two have been through such an ordeal." Nate had just finish telling everyone about how Weddellmon took down the Black Spot that was on the snake Digimon.
"Yeah, it was tough," Sealmon began puffing out his chest so that he could look important, "We got the job done, and that's all that matter."
"Oh brother," Lynxmon said rolling her eyes while Caterpillarmon giggled lightly.
"Well you are quite a brave and noble Digimon," Herbmon said to Sealmon. And with that, she kiss him lightly on the forehead. Sealmon's face went pink and his tongue was sticking out of his mouth. Herbmon look a bit confused as the other Digimon laugh at Sealmon's 'love sickness.'
"Guys," Nate said to his friends. He was looking down as he was saying, "I'm really, really sorry for what I've done today!" They all looked at him for a moment when May said,
"Nate don't beat yourself up for what happen. You were able to fix it and that's all what matters."
"But…" Nate began to protest.
"Dude!" Jake began, "You really came through for us! If I could have anyone be my wingman, it would be you! Cause I know I can rely on you!" Nate laugh lightly as he rub the back of his head. He thought of his cousin and understood her reasoning more. Sometime we have to do some risky things in order to help our friends and family. And that is something he need to know how to do more.
"Another one of my Black Spots have been destroy?" said a clear deep voice in a dark room far away from the kids and their Digimon, "What is going on in Gigabit Valley?"
