There was nothing to see around the lone figures that were crossing the water of the lake and no sound, other than the splashing of water, could be heard. Tsubasa Matsumoto started to feel uneasy as he sat on the back of Seadramon, the boy and his partner digimon's transport across. He kept looking to where the serpent was going, hoping that the fog would clear but to no avail which disappointed the chosen child. The boy's discomfort did not come unnoticed by Fanbeemon. The bee digimon was hovering in front of his partner. The three left Cherrymon's settlement 15 minutes ago and still no indication of the fog clearing.
"You have to hand it to Cherrymon." The rookie digimon commented seeming astounded. "I heard about what his fog could do but I didn't think it could go like this." Fanbeemon turned often, looking towards different directions and gave small glances towards his partner.
Fanbeemon sighed, knowing he failed at his attempts to help lift his partner's spirits. Tsubasa's head hung low; the boy not moving an inch from where he sat at the beginning of their crossing. "Tsubasa?" Fanbeemon called worriedly. Receiving no reply or seeing no indication of getting one, the insectoid move closer to his partner and tapped the latter on the shoulder. The scream of terror and slap he received after his tap surprised Fanbeemon. He looked towards Tsubasa and saw that he was staring at his left hand, the hand he used to swat his partner, shockingly.
"Tsubasa-" Fanbeemon started but was interrupted by the chosen child.
"I'm sorry." Tsubasa said softly and repeatedly said it while breaking into tears. It was apparent that Seadramon was feeling worried about his passenger as he stopped moving, raised then turned his head to look at the human curiously.
"I'll take care of this." Fanbeemon told Seadramon; the latter lowered his head into the water and started moving again, trusting that the rookie digimon could help the human.
The rookie digimon floated closer to his partner, who kept apologizing and crying for what he did earlier on. Fanbeemon stared sadly at his distraught partner. Fanbeemon landed on his partner's lap and wrapped his arms on Tsubasa and portray the best hug he could do. However, it did not stop the boy from what he was doing; only holding his partner digimon close to him. He then looked up straight into Tsubasa's eyes. "Tsubasa, please don't cry. I'm fine, really." Fanbeemon reassured.
"B-But still, I hurt you. " The chosen child squeaked.
Fanbeemon shook his head quickly. "I'm fine! It's nothing, really. If you really want to hear it, then I forgive you."
Tsubasa apologized once more before he raised his arms, gripped his partner and held him softly in a hug. "I couldn't see anything… I could feel you but at the same time, something was telling me that you weren't there… I know that there's Seadramon but… It's not the same…"
The small insectoid stared at human sadly before lifting Tsubasa's left hand with his right claw and patting the hand with the other. "Tsubasa…" Fanbeemon sighed. "You know that I would never leave you alone intentionally. Even I did, it'll cause me a lot of pain because I am rejecting a part of me. We are connected through your digisoul and that connection could never be broken by any force." The rookie digimon then raised his right claw and lifted Tsubasa's face so they could see eye to eye. "The moment that relationship was formed, protecting you became my duty. I would and could never betray or leave you, remember that." The two continued to look into each other's eyes; one with teary, worried eyes and the other has confident and reassuring eyes.
The boy then raised his hands and wiped his tears away before grinning widely at his partner. Fanbeemon smiled back, nodded then went back to looking out to the fog while staying near the human.
Seadramon gently slithered across the water as his two passengers scanned the area, hoping to see the expanse of the lake. When Tsubasa was about fully convinced that the mist wasn't going to end, a beam of light hit his face. The mist started to clear and the surroundings started to get brighter. As the serpent digimon finally got out of the fog, the digidestined able to see everything.
The shores to their right were connected to a forest with a snowcapped mountain range on the horizon. To the left was a savannah with clear blue skies as far as the eye could see; a herd of monochromons were grazing on the grass. In front of them, land was visible but at the pace they were going, Fanbeemon calculated at will be some time before they reached the other side. On the land, there stood a gigantic tree.
"Is that tree-?" Tsubasa stopped in midsentence, awestruck by the size of the plant. He could clearly see the roots of the tree spreading out and some of the roots were also visible on the savannah and the foot of the mountains.
Fanbeemon nodded then replied with some amazement in his voice as well. "The World Tree, the base of the legendary Royal Knights."
Tsubasa looked towards the water and a lone Ebidramon swim by while a school of digital bass passed underneath it. The sky momentarily went dark as a Brimpmon, humming loudly, passed above the group. As the digidestined duo was taking in the scenery, a figure was watching them from under the water.
"Are digital fish safe for me to eat?" The human asked curiously as he continued to look towards the water. He could only see up to a few feet beneath the water but the amount of aquatic life he was able to see was satisfying enough for his inquisitiveness.
"Some are, some aren't. Digianchovies are considered a favorite among digimons." Fanbeemon laughed. He then suddenly felt Seadramon being nervous about the topic; the serpent was slithering a bit stiffer than usual. The insect was confused at first but then realized something. "Of course, aquan digimons are off the menu." Fanbeemon added with a slight humor. That simple statement took out Seadramon's fear.
All was well for minutes, a few small chit-chats here and there; nothing special until Seadramon came to an abrupt stop. Luckily, Tsubasa did not go overboard. Fanbeemon hovered towards Seadramon's head to ask what's wrong when he saw the water digimon's eyes were producing tears. "What's wrong Seadramon?"
In response, Seadramon raised its tail and swung it to the side so Fanbeemon and Tsubasa could see. The two gaped as they saw a metallic fish biting Seadramon's tail. The fish had a cube head made of silver steel and so was the tail fin. On top of its head, there was a shiny red button. The rest was made of orange metal that was shaped into scales. The digivice started to beep uncontrollably and, after being taken out, produced the data about the fish.
MetalPiranimon-Mega Aquatic Digimon-Virus Type-A carrier of the X Antibody. A swarm of these dangerous Digimon were discovered within the Net Rivers of a particular region, and though it is said that the number of Digimon that have become Ultimates is extremely small, there are schools of these Digimon which will bite into any Digimon who passes into their territory, killing it immediately. There are razor-sharp teeth in its "Metal Head" cranium, and because its tenacious jaw functions like a vise, it bites and completely rends every armor. However, because the feature named "Metal Head" is extremely heavy, it keeps its balance with the weight attached to its tail fin. Also, if the red button on its calvaria is pressed then it will simply come off, and be replaced with a new "Metal Head".
"That's a Mega digimon?" Tsubasa said loudly. "Isn't it little for a Mega?" MetalPiranimon glared at the human, getting a squeak from the latter.
Fanbeemon shrugged as he stared at MetalPiranimon; the latter was wiggling from being away from the water. "You'd be surprised the sizes of some of the digimons compared to their level." Fanbeemon moved towards the fish and poked it with his right claw. MetalPiranimon wiggled once more and Seadramon whimpered. "Tough little guy…" The rookie digimon sighed before pointing his stinger at the mini-mega digimon.
Seeing that the insectoid was about to do something to it, MetalPiranimon instantly let go and drop into the water. The duo riding the serpent stared confusingly at the water while the latter was inspecting his injured tail. The bitten area showed teeth marks and was bleeding a little.
Tsubasa was first to snap out. "That was weird. Probably doesn't have air anymore." The boy commented.
"Probably." Fanbeemon spoke before turning to look at Seadramon's face. "You okay?" The serpent nodded, despite his eyes were showing tears from the pain. Tsubasa just rubbed its skull cap. "We should consider ourselves lucky. It was a lone MetalPiranimon. I hear they're very dangerous when they're in a school." The bee explained.
As if in response, an area of the water to the left started to bubble violently. The three watched the water worriedly until the bubbling stopped. A MetalPiranimon came up and stared at them. "Is that the one who bit Seadramon?" Tsubasa asked. Suddenly, more MetalPiranimons appeared and grinned at them wickedly.
"I'm pretty sure ONE of them bit Seadramon." Fanbeemon squeaked while shaking with fear, knowing that even digivolving would not help their circumstance. The MetalPiranimons squirmed closer to them then Seadramon moved back a little. Again, the MetalPiranimons closed in and Seadramon backed off once more. They continued these movements until a large Digibass passing through was quickly devoured by the mega digimons.
After seeing the fish reduced to nothing but floating bones, Seadramon made a bee line towards the shore where the World Tree was. Tsubasa was screaming while Fanbeemon glared at the school of flesh-eating fishes. From above, one would see a circle of bubbling water chasing the travelers. As the MetalPiranimons start to close in, Seadramon's swimming became more erratic, swerving in any direction, scaring his passengers even more.
At the shore by the World Tree, a large red and white winged dragon, the size of a six-storey building, was sleeping soundly. The dragon had multiple white spike on his head, running down his back, and had an extremely long tail. "No, Volcdramon… I do not think I can eat another bite…" The dragon mumbled before he started to stir. He could hear shouting from somewhere near and it was disturbing his regular afternoon nap. The dragon opened his eyes slightly, yawned and looked towards the lake. He could clearly see a Seadramon passing by with two smaller forms on its back while a group of MetalPiranimons were right on its tail.
"Those ones always cause trouble to the digimons around here." The wings on the dragon opened widely, showing the magnificence of the red scales that adorns them. The dragon stood up and picked up the colossal lance that was lying next to him. "I guess I should help them before somebody gets really hurt." With that, the dragon flew towards the escaping group.
"CAN'T YOU DO SOMETHING, FANBEEMON?" Tsubasa screamed at the top of his lungs; his hands were gripping the skull cap Seadramon wore.
"I can't! My rookie level attacks won't even hurt them and I can't go into the water on both my rookie and champion forms!" Fanbeemon explained trying to be calm and thinking of a way to get out of their mess. Seadramon continued swimming, swerving in different directions. The MetalPiranimon were starting to get closer. One jumped out of the water and tried to land a bite on the serpent but was met with Gear Stinger from the bee, pushing it back.
After a while though, due to their frightened state, the trio did not know that their pursuers already fund a plan to get them. The school separated while a small group continued to chase their target. Seadramon turned once more towards the tree but was met with three MetalPiranimons blocking his path. He quickly turned but again, MetalPiranimons were there in his path. Seadramon was about to turn but saw that he was surrounded in a circle of the flesh eaters.
Tsubasa and Fanbeemon looked at the mega digimons fearfully; the latter getting ready to attack if anyone moved. As the MetalPiranimons were about to move, a loud roar sounded from the air, making even the water surface visibly vibrate from its usual movement. A large shadow was circling the group of attackers and their targets. All on the water looked up and saw a large red dragon, holding a giant spear-like weapon, was flying in circles above them.
The dragon rotated its body so that the tip of his right wing was slicing through the water surface. The flying digimon formed a ring around Seadramon and the MetalPiranimons backed off a little. The dragon then leveled itself then hovered above the trio. "Move, MetalPiranimons." The dragon said sternly. "Find you food somewhere else. I will not allow you to harm these three while I'm around. Go!" With that, the fish digimons hesitantly fled.
The dragon then moved forward then looked towards the three forms on the water. Tsubasa and Fanbeemon were amazed at the sheer size of the digimon above them while Seadramon was just happy he wasn't on someone's menu anymore. "Are you alright?" The dragon asked in a deep voice but concern was evident.
Fanbeemon was the one to reply. "Y-Yes, we're fine. Thank you, sir." Tsubasa, however, was still staring which made the giant digimon uncomfortable but did not show the smaller ones.
The dragon nodded. "Good. You should try to be careful. It is the MetalPiranimon breeding season and some of them can get agitated quite easily." The giant digimon explained. "I will escort you to where you are going. So where to?"
The human then stopped staring and replied. "We are going to the World Tree, the headquarters of the Royal Knights."
The dragon looked at them questioningly before nodding once more. "Alright, I will take you there." The dragon said nonchalantly. It then flew slowly towards the World Tree while Seadramon followed the large digimon.
"Fanbeemon, do you know this digimon?" Tsubasa asked innocently.
The bee digimon shook his head. "No, this is the first time I've seen this type of digimon." He then looked towards his partner. "I'm surprised that your digivice hasn't shown any data about that digimon." The boy took out his digivice and was confused as well.
Shortly after the offer of escort, the group reached the shore near the World Tree safe and sound. Tsubasa and Fanbeemon stepped off Seadramon while the huge dragon landed in front of them. "Here we are. From here on, you two," The dragon pointed towards the human and rookie digimon. "Will stay with me at all times. The World Tree's interior is like a labyrinth. One can get easily lost." The dragon lowered his left hand where Tsubasa and Fanbeemon boarded on. The large digimon started to fly up towards the top of the tree. Tsubasa waved towards Seadramon who waved back with its tail before submerging into the water.
Fanbeemon looked towards the dragon's head, curiosity getting to him. "If you don't mind me asking, how is it that you can get close to the World Tree so calmly?"
The dragon just grinned at them. "Let's just say, I have some strong friends." The dragon stated sheepishly. The partnered looked at each other but did not say anything. They continued the flight in silence.
Past the leaves of the World Tree, the inside is hollowed out for the headquarters. The dragon landed softly in the room then let his companions down. The inside of the tree had pristine crystalline walls and the floor was made of solid rock. Multiple hallways can be seen and there are floating obelisks moving about the room.
One of the obelisks came down and hovered in front of Tsubasa and stayed still. Tsubasa looked towards the dragon and saw the latter smiling at him. "Do not fret. It is just studying you. These obelisks serve as guardians of this fortress. As long as you are near me, they won't attack." The dragon explained. After a while, the obelisk rose up and continued moving about the room.
Fanbeemon glared at the dragon. "Alright, this is really getting suspicious. First, you could get in the World Tree calmly, you said that you have friends here, then you can pass security like it was nothing. Who exactly are you?" Fanbeemon demanded. The only reply he got was a grin.
Just then, they could hear loud footsteps coming from the hall on their left. Hey could also hear voices getting louder and louder.
"The attacks on the northern mountains are getting fiercer by the week. At this rate, the villages in that area, or even the mountains themselves, will be completely destroyed." One voice said.
"We will have to try to talk with Vikemon about this. I am sure he has heard of these incidents and is planning something for it." Another voice rang.
From the doorway, two human-dragon hybrid digimons appeared: One was wearing blue and white armor with a blue cape on his back. He was wearing silver bracers, with oblong parts attached, on each wrist. The most eye-catching this was a huge golden V on his chest. His helm was blue, streamlined, with two white horns on top. His gentle blue eyes were visible through two holes on his helm. The other digimon was wearing white, purple and gold armor with purple wings on his back. His claws had red orbs on the palms. His helm had two horns, one on each side, and had holes that show fierce golden eyes.
The blue armored digimon was the first one to notice the dragon. "Oh, you are awake. We were expecting you at a later time." The blue digimon stated, somewhat confused.
The red dragon chuckled. "My nap was interrupted. If I did not wake, however, these two might be gone by now." The full dragon gestured to the two smaller forms beside him.
The white digimon knelt and stared at the duo. "Another human? And I'm guessing this is his partner?" The white armored digimon asked.
Tsubasa nervously stepped forward. "H-Hello. M-My name is Tsubasa, Tsubasa Matsumoto. Nice to meet you." The boy stuttered. He then looked at his partner. "And this is-?" He saw that Fanbeemon was shocked, at the very least. His mandible was wide open, sweat was forming on his metallic head and he was staring at the two armored digimons.
"Is he alright?" The blue digimon asked, concerned about the insectoid.
"Y-You're…" Fanbeemon said, nervousness getting the best of him.
Tsubasa's head cocked to the side. "Do you know them?" He could hear the white digimon mumbling something to himself.
"Y-You're… Ulf-forceVeedramon…" He pointed his claw towards the blue armor clad digimon then pointed to the white digimon. "A-and y-you're D-D-Dynasmon." Just then, realization came to him. He then faced the red dragon. "T-Then you must be…"
The red dragon laughed. "I should probably introduce myself now." He rose up and floated towards the front of UlforceVeedramon and Dynasmon then faced Tsubasa and Fanbeemon. "I am Examon, the Dragon Emperor and member of the Royal Knights. Welcome to the World Tree." The dragon announced. The digidestined duo just stared at the dragon with their mouths open.
Again I don't own any of the digimons here. All details of the digimons come from Digimon Wikia.
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Thank you.