Chapter 11: Waltz to the Heartstring Facade
"Do I really have to wear this? I've never really been the kind of person that dresses up for, well, anything."
"The Head Master insists upon it, Master Andreo. It is one of the few requirements he asks for in return for allowing you to stay at the manor. In my honest opinion, it seems like a very fair trade-off."
"Yeah, but tuxedos have never really been my thing. They're not exactly slimming if you know what I mean."
"Nonsense, you look very presentable."
"Whatever you say…"
Within his private chamber, Andreo stood atop a pedestal with arms stretched out as a meticulous Beakmon worked his magic tailoring a suit for the husky Digi-Destined. Holding still in front on a three way mirror, he watched the Digimon's reflection as he quickly made his way around, adjusting various pieces of the tuxedo to ensure the human was more than adequately groomed for his upcoming luncheon. Andreo was not alone in the primping, as his fellow Digi-Destined had been stripped of their loose-fitting clothes in exchange for high quality tuxes and ball gowns. Even the Digimon themselves were outfitted with bowties and hair ribbons to spruce their appearance, which didn't bode well with some of them. Cubmon and Coppermon in particular were on the lookout for any opportunity that presented itself to remove the strangling collars from their necks.
"Hey, where did the new guy come from?" Cubmon asked Erri, directing towards Chitalmon.
"Beats me," Erri replied. "Hey Trio, whose your friend?"
"His name's Chitalmon. He's a little shy, but he's my partner. I'll tell you the whole story later."
Moving downstairs into a separate wing of the estate, the Digi-Destined were herded into a wide hallway lined with a continuous array of sculptures, paintings, and velvet drapery. Coming upon a gold-plated doorway engraved with flowing scrollwork, Beakmon halted the group.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began formally as he addressed the Digi-Destined. "Before you meet the Head Master, there are a few guidelines you need to be aware of. First and foremost, please be on your utmost best behavior when in the presence of His Excellency. Remember, you are his guests and he is not the kind of Digimon you would want to offend. Second, do not address the Head Master unless he addresses you first. Third, follow in His Excellency's lead. If he wishes for you to partake in festivities, I advise you to follow. Basically, don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Don't worry, I try to avoid being a tool," Andreo whispered jokingly, nudging Croix in the arm.
"Now then," Beakmon continued, oblivious to Andreo's remark. "Please follow me."
Pushing open the doors, the Digi-Destined were led into an extravagantly decorated dining hall. Underneath a massive crystal chandelier, a long wooden table enveloped with delicacies of every kind lay ready for their consumption. Bowls of fruits and vegetables stood alongside tender mounds of simmering roast. Layers upon layers of iced cakes and sweets were arranged meticulously on golden platters. Beyond the smorgasbord at the head of the table sat an extremely portly looking Digimon in a black pinstripe suit. Beneath a pinstripe fedora of the same material was a beige face that drooped and scowled, giving the resemblance of a bull mastiff. A stogie protruded from beneath the wrinkled lips of the Digimon; puffs of smoke rising with each deep breath he took in. From a distance, the figure seemed to be asleep in his chair, eyes closed and inattentive.
Flying over next to the Digimon, Beakmon raised a feathered wing and whispered something into his ear. Giving a hearty laugh, his eyes opened widely as he became alert. Sliding his chair back, he quickly stood up from his seat and pushed the cigar from his mouth into an ashtray. Although it was difficult to make out at first, the Digimon was as tall as his belly was round. Making his way around the table, he approached the Digi-Destined with arms stretched outward cheerfully.
"Welcome my friends," he boomed, catching Erri in a suffocating hug. "Welcome to my humble home. I am Puzomon, the Head Master of this estate. Please, please, make yourselves comfortable. Help yourselves to as much food as you like."
Gasping for air, the strong-chinned Digi-Destined writhed and wiggled before being released from the Digimon's hold. From first impressions, Puzomon didn't give off the tyrannical persona that he had been painted with. In fact, he seemed downright jolly. However, Trio and Kiela remained on the alert, deciding it was best to reveal the truth about the Head Master to their fellow Digi-Destined after they were through with the meeting. Despite their suspicions of Puzomon and what he was supposedly capable of, they couldn't help but marvel at the sheer amount of food that he had prepared for them.
"Beakmon," the plump Digimon called. "Why is it that two of our guests are without a place to sit?"
"Oh dear," Beakmon muttered to himself aloud. "My apologies, I forgot that we have two extra guests now. I'll go fetch some more chairs for you immediately."
"You don't have to do that," Kiela interjected. "Diosamon will be fine sitting in my lap. And I don't think Chitalmon needs a chair, do you?"
"I'm alright standing," the antlered Digimon answered shyly.
"Very well then," the bluebird replied before taking his leave.
"Now then, let us eat!" Puzomon thundered, clapping his hands together in anticipation.
Taking their seats, the Digi-Destined consciously reminded themselves to behave like courteous ladies and gentlemen. Driving back their urge to dig into the mountains of delicacies presented before them, they calmly and politely took enough food to fill their plates before eating. Meanwhile, Puzomon, seated at his throne at the end of the table, took no joy in such formalities. Grabbing and chewing with a bottomless appetite, the Digimon devoured every morsel of food within his reach. Barely a minute into their feast, Puzomon had already gobbled down every scrap from his end of the table, leaving only a pile of bones and fruit stems remaining.
Astounded by the volume of food he was able to consume, the Digi-Destined and Digimon picked up the pace for fear that they may not get to eat at all. Plucking a small red fruit from a bowl, Lona eyed it with curiosity before placing it in her mouth. After a second, her eyes began to water as her mouth puckered tightly. Not wanting to be rude in front of their host, she painfully swallowed.
Spying the blonde in her misery, Puzomon let out another echoing laugh.
"I'm sorry, Miss," he stated, picking the fruit from the bowl. "I should have warned that these fruits are far too sour to eat by themselves. You place them in your water glass, like so."
Dropping the fruit into her goblet, Lona cautiously took a small sip. A look of satisfaction spread across her face.
"It's sweet," she stated, taking another larger swig. "Almost like drinking candy."
"Isn't it?" Puzomon replied happily. "It's my personal favorite thing to drink. These berries are very difficult to grow, but we have managed to create a bountiful garden for them here. Is everything else to your liking, Digi-Destined?"
Looking up from their meals, a cheery reply echoed through the dining hall.
"Very good. Very good."
Having tended to the momentary needs of Puzomon and his guests, Beakmon slipped quietly into one of the abandoned hallways and made his way to a seemingly random section of the corridor. Raising a feathered wing, he tapped lightly on the molded paneling until he heard the distinct echo of the hollow compartment he was searching for. Removing the panel from the wall, he revealed a small metal keyhole hidden inside. Pulling a chain from beneath his crimson uniform, he slid the slender key inside, unlocking the mechanism. Silently pushing the panel inwards, the Digimon slipped inside unseen and disappeared down a dimly lit staircase.
Walking down into the damp depths of the tunnel, the bird came upon a series of catacombs lined with only a handful of flickering orange bulbs that dangled from the ceiling. Casting their long shadows upon the cold concrete walls, the lights barely made out the outline of a steel door. Sliding the small metal window aside, Beakmon peered inside.
Bound in a series of heavy chains and cuffs, the creature within was barely visible in the darkness of the cell. With its hands, feet, and neck bound, only the sound of shallow breathing indicated it was even alive at all. Lifting its head up, a glimmer of light reflected off the silver faceplate it donned.
"Tell me, Beakmon," it spoke in short, heavy breaths. "Is everything going according to plan?"
"Everything is in place, my Lord."
"Very good," the shadow replied. "And what of my army?"
"Unfortunately, my Lord, I was only able to recruit one of your former lieutenants. But you will be most pleased to know who it is."
The bound figure could only unleash a menacing growl of anger.
"It better be who I think it is," it hissed. "Otherwise your incompetence will be severely punished!"
Despite the chains that bound the Digimon and the steel enclosure that separated them, Beakmon reeled at the threat.
"It is, I assure you. However, there is one…unforeseen predicament, my Lord. It seems…"
"Spill it, you useless sack of feathers!"
"The new Digi-Destined have taken up refuge in the manor, my Lord!" Beakmon stuttered quickly.
Bracing himself for the onslaught of curses and threats, the Digimon was surprised and relieved when none came. For a moment, the shadow remained silent before bursting into a chorus of maniacal laughter.
"New Digi-Destined?!" he cackled. "This is all too perfect! I can rise from this wretched pit and put an end to them at the same time!"
"What would you like me to do with them, my Lord?" the bluebird inquired.
Behind the concealing darkness, a sinister grin took shape.
"Let them have some fun with our old friend. We'll continue on with the rest of the plan as scheduled."
Externally, Beakmon remained stone-faced. Internally, he was frightened beyond all comprehension.
"As you wish, Lord Sollozzomon."
Closing the peephole, the feathered Digimon retreated back up the stairs, leaving the prisoner to embrace the darkness once more.
Upon completion of their meal, Digimon and humans alike patted their swollen stomachs in satisfaction. Blatantly breaking Beakmon's second rule about addressing the Head Master, the Digi-Destined conversed merrily with Puzomon, swapping stories and jokes. With the ice broken between them, Erri decided to inquire about their arrival in Gravestone City.
"Mister Puzomon, Sir?" he asked in his most polite tone. "If you don't mind me asking, we've all been wondering how we got from the desert into your mansion. Would you mind telling us?"
"Ah, yes. It is quite an interesting story if I do say so myself," Puzomon replied, taking a bite of cake. "I would be more than happy to tell you… on one condition."
"And what would that be?" Erri questioned quizzically.
Rising from his chair, the wrinkled Digimon walked over to a small bell hanging on the wall and gave it a ring. Within half a minute, a small army of green amphibious Digimon had assembled in front of the Head Master with an assortment of stringed instruments.
"These here are Gekomon, some of the most musically inclined Digimon there are. Normally they sing, but these Gekomon have been taught to play as a symphony. I'll tell you all how you escaped from the desert, if I could be bold enough to steal a dance from one of the lovely young ladies."
Turning their attention to the two females, Digi-Destined could only look on as Lona and Kiela exchanged bewildered glances at their predicament. Neither seemed overly eager to volunteer for the challenge, although both understood that failing to do so could potentially upset their host. This wasn't due to the notion that they found Puzomon repulsive, but rather that the condition had caught them so off guard they didn't know how to react. Bowing her head, Lona let loose an indecipherable sigh of defeat. Sometimes one just had to take one for the team.
"I'd be happy to dance with you," she replied, putting on her best charming face.
"Wonderful," Puzomon responded cheerfully. "Gekomon, 'The Lady of Midnight Sun', if you please."
Striking up their instruments, the crazed-looking frogs began to skillfully fill the hall with a mesmerizing melody. Taking his position as the lead, Puzomon placed an oversized hand on the back of the blonde's violet gown, nearly enveloping her entire body in the process. Taking her petite right hand in his gigantic left, the pair began to slowly drift and sway to the rhythm of the orchestra.
At first glance, it would have been safe to assume the mismatched partners would have made for an awkward and rather clumsy dance. In fact, quite the opposite occurred. With a unique display of grace and class, the Digimon and the blonde seemed almost at home as they twirled and waltzed to the Gekomon's song.
"She's pretty good," Croix commented, turning to Ry. "And she ain't too bad on the eyes either."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ry snapped in a hushed tone.
"Just sayin' she's a pretty cute girl. Is there a crime against that?" the cowboy retorted.
"No, but…"
"Ah, don't worry I'm just yankin' your chain," Croix replied, giving him a friendly pat on the back. "I've seen you eyeing her like a lovesick pup all day long. And I ain't one to come between a guy and his gal. But just because I won't don't mean someone else won't come in and sweep her off her feet. You better make your move before she runs off with somebody else."
Turning his attention back to the swaying pair, a concerned expression spread over Ry's features. He couldn't help but be transfixed by the purple-clad girl, twisting and stepping gracefully alongside the Digimon. Despite how much she seemed to grow on him each day, he still couldn't bring himself to come to terms with his exact feelings just yet. Their mishap in the washroom and his conversation with Jurassimon from earlier that morning still replayed itself inside his head, tearin
At last, the final notes of the song came to a close. With a final twirl, the duo ended their dance and parted.
"Thank you very much for humbling my request," Puzomon said, taking a deep bow.
Smiling politely, Lona curtsied the Digimon back.
"You're very welcome."
With a clap of his hands, Puzomon dismissed the Gekomon and made his way back to his seat at the table. Pouring up another glass of fruit water, he made himself comfortable again.
"Now a deal is a deal, and I am a Digimon of my word," he began, setting his fedora on the table. "Let's see, where to begin? As you can see, I've come to acquire quite a fruitful lifestyle over the years. As such, I have a good number of Digimon that I provide employment for, such as the Gekomon and Beakmon. In fact, many of the Digimon within the city are employed by me. I provide them with adequate payment and protection, and they provide me with their loyalty and service. However, some Digimon have seen this as an attempt to rule the city, and because of that I've made many enemies along the way. These accusations are misleading, mind you, but that's beside the point. Anyways, beyond the outskirts of the city I have aerial Digimon that scour the area for signs of these enemies that may return. Coincidentally, a squadron of Gourmandmon assigned to this task never returned back. I believe you may know something about this particular incident?"
Seeing where Puzomon was going with the story, the Digi-Destined apologized for the misunderstanding.
"Oh there's no need for that," Puzomon responded. "I don't blame you for what happened. Gourmandmon are impossible to control when they decide it's time to eat. So when we sent out a search party for them, who should we find buried face down in the sand but the Digi-Destined themselves? And so we gathered you up and brought you back here where we nursed you back to health."
Upon the completion of his story, the Digi-Destined couldn't help but look on in astonishment. Turns out it really was a small Digital World after all.
After their encounter with Puzomon, the Head Master allowed the Digi-Destined and Digimon to wander freely about the mansion. Instead of partaking in the invitation, they chose to retire back into one of the bedroom chambers to collaborate on what they had just heard. Changing out of their formal attire back into their street clothes, they assembled on the massive bed and in numerous chairs. In contradiction to Puzomon's background story, Trio and Kiela revealed their expedition into Gravestone City and what they had learned from Gadolmon, as well as their discoveries of their new Digimon partners.
"Something just isn't right about this whole situation," Erri pondered, rubbing his hand under his chin in contemplation. "One of them is lying to us, but from what I've seen and heard, both of them seem like pretty genuine Digimon."
"Hey, anyone who's willing to shell out that kind of money on a meal in my honor is alright in my book," Cubmon added.
"Your honor?" Erri scoffed. "Aren't you being a little pompous?"
"Only because you know it's true."
Sharing a laugh, the Digimon's remark helped put them slightly more at ease. They were growing to learn that Cubmon's narcissistic wit was often just the medicine they needed to take their mind off their worries.
"So where do we go from here?" Andreo asked.
"Our only option is to wait," Lutramon stated, curled in Lona's lap. "We cannot act until we know more about the situation. Even then, we may be unable to intervene. As much as I regret to say it, this may not be our battle to fight."
"I agree with Lutramon," Kiela interjected. "If Puzomon really is as ruthless as Gadolmon made him out to be, then we're already in deeper than we expected. If Gadolmon is lying, we would need to understand his motive before we did anything. Either way, even if we wanted to do anything, both of them are stronger than any of our Digimon."
"Not if we Digivolved," Jurassimon chimed.
"Hate to break it to you, but even then we wouldn't be strong enough," Coppermon stated. "They're both ultimates. So unless you got a magic wand up your sleeve that can jump us up to their level, we're stuck in the mud. "
A wave of concern swept over the group. Here they were at a standstill, unable to do anything to help the city other than stand on the sidelines.
"What about the crests?" Trio remembered, thinking back to the lecture Otec and Matka had given them before their arrival into the Digital World. "They're supposed to make Digimon really powerful right?"
"True," Kiela stated. "But Ma and Paw said they would reveal themselves when they believed we were worthy, if I remember correctly. Who knows when that will be? So we can't rely on them to just show up out of nowhere."
"So basically we're dead in the water until we find out more info on Puzomon?" Trio repeated to no one in particular.
Everyone nodded their head in agreement.
"I guess in the meantime all we can do is lay low and try to keep out of trouble," he concluded.
With the last band of crimson sun drifting below the horizon, Andreo found himself alone on the balcony of his chamber. Watching the first glitter of stars appear in the night sky, he had found himself surprisingly at a loss of appetite and decided to skip out on dinner. Following a drifting cluster of dots in the night sky, he heaved a heavy sigh.
"You doin' alright amigo?"
Walking up next to the depressed Digi-Destined, Croix placed his arms on the guardrail and looked out into the night.
"Just thinking about some stuff," Andreo responded half-heartedly. "Where's Coppermon?"
"Oh, he's off stuffin' his face," Croix replied.
Taking note of the unusual behavior of his friend, Croix couldn't help but be concerned and curious.
"You wanna talk about it?"
Continuing to watch the moving planets, Andreo avoided eye contact as he spoke.
"Just…," he began. "I guess it's a little demoralizing knowing everybody else already has their Digimon partner, and I don't. I feel a little left out, you know? I've seen everyone else's Digimon do these incredible things, and I've been kinda useless every time."
Giving Andreo a reassuring pat on the back, Croix did his best to console his friend.
"Don't worry about it," he consoled. "You'll find your partner soon enough. And when you do, I bet it'll be able to beat down every opponent we face. Knowing you, you'll probably end up with someone like Giganta-Kickassmon or somethin' like that."
Grinning from the idiotic comment, Andreo began to feel better about his situation.
"Giganta-Kickassmon?" he chuckled.
In an instant, the thundering of a blood-curling cry shattered the moment. Startled by the raging roar, the two Digi-Destined peered over the edge of the balcony in an attempt to locate the source of the call. Looking carefully, the eruption of a second cry directed their attention beyond the manor gates and into the streets of the city. Towering over the darkened skyline, a shadowy mass loomed in the distance, steadily moving closer to their location. When the creature was closed in enough for them to identify it, a cold tingle of fear spread throughout both men.
"What the hell is that thing?!" Andreo uttered, overcome with shock.
"Trouble."
