Posted on: October 27, 2009
Fc: Okay, I have officially put out a VERY Long Chapter. This one beat the first chapter WITH the prologue! Longest one to date, uhm... EVER!!!
Chapter 11
Daughter of the Moon, Dianamon
"Will you stop fussing with it? It'll only make your injury worse."
"I'd listen to her Kouji…"
"Shut up Kouichi."
Sam carefully readjusted the bandage on Kouji's injured shoulder. He wouldn't stop pulling at the tightly wound bandages. Kouji sat still, grumbling to himself quietly as the Warrior of Life worked.
"You're really good at this." Kouichi commented lightly, having to do this himself for his mother.
Sam smiled, "Thanks, I've had a lot of practice."
Instantly, Kouichi glanced over at the rest of the group sitting not too far away near the campfire. His eyes rested on Danny, who lay asleep with the rest of the team doing the same around him. Sam caught his gaze, "Ghost fighting isn't exactly on the top of the safety list…" she added with a light smile.
"I can imagine; saving the world isn't either." Kouji commented.
She nodded and finished the last wrap around the Child of Light's shoulder. "That should hold it. Now leave it alone this time will you?"
Kouji smiled weakly, not wanting to face Sam's wrath. "Let's get some rest, we'll need it."
Sam stood up with Kouichi and they helped he younger twin up. "I'll take the watch," Kouichi offered, "You both look tired."
"You're kidding right? You, JP, and Zoe have fought like crazy the past few days! You need to sleep. You both do. I'll take the watch." Sam objected, putting her hands on her hips. She switched into her lecture mode, a tactic she often used when arguing with Danny.
Kouichi looked at the inexperienced Warrior of Life tiredly, "You sure? What if something happens?"
The dark haired girl snorted, "I raise the alarm, nothing too hard." She grinned, "You two really need to rest-"she paused, addressing each twin, "You with your shoulder, and you from fatigue."
"We get it, we're going. Good Night." Kouji replied settling down beside Kouichi and Tommy.
The twins slipped off into a light slumber shortly after lying down and getting as comfortable as one could get on the forest floor. Sam watched the group sleep, blissfully unaware of the world around them. She sighed, this being one of the few moments she had to herself in the Digital World. She half wished Danny was awake to have some company but she needed the peace.
So many things happened since Zoe first arrived in Amity Park with her friends. So many mysteries and secrets once securely guarded now stood open like doors. Sam never imagined something like this happening to her. Then again, she couldn't have imagined Danny becoming Half-Ghost in a freak lab accident… or protecting her home from frequent ghost attacks.
The thought alone struck a nerve, how is the town coping without us…? Suddenly Sam desired a way to contact home, and make sure everything was alright. Could she forgive herself if something happened in her absence? Could Danny forgive himself? She glanced at the sleeping boy, caught up in his dreams.
Her gaze shifted from Danny to the sleeping figure of Tommy, the youngest member of the group. His maturity outstripped his age by far, thoroughly impressing Sam. Her eyes fell upon the twins next; she found it strange how alike and so very different they were. Zoe lay not far from him, nearest to Takuya. Sam knew Zoe harbored feelings for the goggleheaded brunette, who was also too clueless to get a hint.
Takuya. He was an interesting person as Sam found. He could be quite loud, stubborn and had a fiery temper. He could also be calm, quiet and reserved. The self-proclaimed leader took the time to help Sam try to figure out why her spirits wouldn't respond as the others slept some nights. He was very much like Danny in many ways.
The rest of the team looked serene and peaceful as they slept. Takuya however, looked troubled, as if his dreams weren't as pleasant as he'd hoped…
He opened his eyes in a familiar place. The once lush landscape destroyed and charred. The air was thick and hazy. This was where he met the other Warrior the first time.
"So you have returned."
Takuya jumped, the voice was not that of the first Warrior. The first Warrior had been male. This voice was female. The Warrior of Flame turned to see alone figure standing before him. She was probably as tall as Kazemon, her body lithe and thin. Her skin was pale, almost white, heavily contrasting the long black hair that cascaded down her back. Her armor was light blues and whites. She carried a long spear in her right hand. Her face was not hidden, her features delicate and smooth. Her ears were pointed much like an elves, and pierce with a navy earring.
"Who are you?" Takuya asked, remember the first Warrior failing to name himself.
She gazed at him calmly, "A friend."
He stared at her, "We came back." He said finally.
She nodded, "But one of your own are wounded. Time is critical now." She took a step towards Takuya, her shining blue eyes, clearly upset by this news.
Takuya gritted his teeth, "What else can we do?"
"Find the Spirits- Awaken the Sleeping Ones." She said softly.
He tilted his head to the side, "The Sleeping Ones?"
"The spirits that slumber, the ones who remained dormant when first called upon."
He sighed, confused by her explanation "Where do we go next?"
"Seek the Moons, for they reveal the way," The female Warrior whispered before she began to fade like the first warrior had.
Takuya blinked and called out, "Wait! Just who are you?"
She smiled, "We will meet again Warrior of Flame. I have faith in your leadership." She vanished, leaving Takuya alone in the desolate plain.
The sun rose sooner than the chosen children would have liked. Takuya growled to himself upon rising, knowing that the visitation last night would drive him insane all day. The group began to trek in a pretty much random direction. They had no bearings to run on at this point and were winging it. The twins took the lead, as Takuya fell into deep thought about his dream.
Just who was she? Is she related to the first Warrior? If so, who are they and why am I the only one who's seen them? Or have the others seen them too and not said anything… The brunette was about at wit's end when he was jarred from his thoughts.
"Takuya!" Zoe was standing in front of him, hands on her hips, scowling mildly. "Earth to gogglehead, Anyone home?" she waved her hand in front of his face. The others were standing not too far ahead, staring at him as well.
"Yeah, sorry, zoned out." He mumbled.
She snorted, "So we noticed." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice, "Is something up? You've been acting weird lately."
Takuya hesitated, "I'll tell you later," he whispered back.
Zoe sighed and nodded, "You'd better…" She turned to join everyone else. He followed her back to the rest of the team. They shrugged it off and continued walking.
"So, do think I'll be able to keep up with you guys if I evolve?" Sam asked enthusiastically, resuming her conversation with Kouichi and JP.
JP grinned, "Well we can hope so."
"You said you've fought before with Danny right?" Kouichi asked, "Like fighting ghosts?"
She and Danny nodded. "She's a pretty good shot. That and she can kick your butt eight ways to Sunday." Danny replied.
"You'll have no trouble keeping up then; either of you."
"Hey guys! Look at that!" Tommy interjected suddenly, pointing ahead of them. The group came around some large boulders, joining Tommy who took up the lead at that point.
They followed his gaze seeing a brilliant sight before them. Glittering in the strong sun light, like a faceted gem, stood a city. Tall spires of silver skyscrapers shone in the sun, reflecting light onto the similarly sleek buildings below.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go check it out!" Takuya suggested. They nodded in full agreement and picked up their pace as they approached the city.
The team reached the city limits within minutes of spotting it. The buildings were so much taller in the digital world, and more abstract than in the human world. The structures were a work of art by the architects who built them, each elegant and extravagant in its own way. They stared in awe at the buildings, as a tall ostrich like Digimon approached them.
The bird Digimon was predominantly pale yellow, with bright orange feathers on his head and bushy tail. He was clad in black and purple ninja-esqe clothing, with a long yellow scarf tied around his neck.
"Excuse me," the Digimon began politely, "are you are new to town?"
Kouichi stepped forward, "We are new here actually. Could you tell us where we are? We're kind of lost"
"I'm Peckmon." He said with a smile, "You, humans, are in Crescent City, the central hub of the Celestial Arc."
JP raised an eyebrow, glancing first at his friends, who looked equally confused. "The Celestial Arc?"
Peckmon nodded, "Yes, yes. The Celestial Arc was built many years ago during the time of the God Digimon. Crescent City is in the center of the Arc, making it easy for Digimon to find their way to any of the other cities in the Arc."
"Wait, did you say the God Digimon? As in the Twelve Olympian God Digimon?" Takuya asked
"Yes, Yes! The Olympus Twelve! You've heard of them! Yes, these cities were built by the God Digimon and the Spirits during the Great Resurrection. Surely you've heard of the Spirits too-"
Zoe smiled, "You could say that."
Peckmon eyed her carefully, "No, no. It can't be! You are the human children called by Seraphimon! Everyone knows about you!"
"You've heard of us?! How?" Kouji asked, suddenly wary of the bird Digimon.
"Many a Digimon have heard of your deeds, but never, never had we thought you would return." Peckmon said excitedly, "Many thought you to be a mere legend, a fairytale told in a book! But you're real!"
The Digidestined weren't entirely sure about Peckmon or his over enthusiasm. Yet he seemed like a knowledgeable Digimon, if he knew about them, he must know something about the Temples. Takuya decided he, of all the Digimon they'd encountered, was probably a good one to ask.
"Hey, Peckmon, have you heard of the Temples of the Ancients?" he asked, hoping the bird Digimon had a clue.
Peckmon blinked and thought about it, "I believe so, why do you ask?"
"We're looking for them." Kouji interjected, feeling it was better that Peckmon didn't know of their quest.
The bird Digimon looked delighted, "Ah, sightseeing! And a very good choice I'll say! On a quest for knowledge!"
"Eh, you could say that."
"Come! Let me be hospitable to you! I have much information about the temples you seek back at my home!" Peckmon offered, "We can talk over some lunch, if you like!"
Kouji glanced at Takuya nervously, knowing full well this could be a trap. Takuya seemed to catch his concerns, thinking about the offer carefully. "I guess it wouldn't hurt." He said finally.
"Oh very good!" Peckmon said with delight, beaming. Kouji tried not to cringe at the Digimon's happiness.
"Bokomon actually wrote a book about us?!" JP said excitedly.
Peckmon nodded, "Yes, yes. Bokomon wrote many books. He wrote about the temples you seek, the three moons that shine each night, the Olympus Twelve, but the best one was the one about the humans who inherited the spirits and saved the world!"
The team was seated in Peckmon's massive library. The room was circular and very tall, sort of like Ophanimon's. Peckmon graciously prepared lunch with Sam, Tommy, and Zoe's help. Not long after everyone had eaten, Peckmon invited them into his library so he could share information about the temples.
"So you've seen the Temples of Wisdom, of War and of the Seas, no?" Peckmon asked, as he flipped through a thick book with a blue binding. "That leaves the Temples of the Moon, of the Sun, and of the Messengers- Oh you simply must see the Temple of the Moon! It is probably the grandest of the temples!"
"Temple of the Moon?" Danny inquired.
Peckmon nodded, "Yes, Yes! It's actually one of the temples that lie in the Celestial Arc! The Temple of the Messengers is the other, but it's much farther off."
Takuya blinked, Seek the moons… "Where could we find it?"he asked.
"Finding the Temple of the moon is no easy task. It is located in the heart of the Silver Moon Woods. Most find it by accident, if they find it at all!"
Their faces fell hearing that news. "Is it really that difficult to find?" Kouichi asked, knowing that if they found it, there would be another spirit.
"Only to those who have never been there before; Fortunately, I have been there before, but only once."
"Could you take us Peckmon? It's really important that we find the temples as soon as possible."
Peckmon shifted, "It only appears through the mists on the night of the full moons- Which is very rare with three separate moon cycles."
"This just gets better and better." Takuya grumbled.
Zoe smiled sympathetically. "Don't worry, we'll figure it out… hopefully."
"You're a good leader Takuya, I have faith in you." Sam said quietly. Takuya stared at her, feeling a slight sense of déjà vu.
Peckmon rose to check his calendar, and the moon cycles. He gasped, shaking Takuya from his thoughts and putting everyone's full attention on Peckmon. "I don't believe it, The Full Moons… It's tonight!"
"This is truly an honor! Traveling with humans! Such an honor indeed!" Peckmon chirped happily as he led the way through the Silver Moon Woods. Kouji glanced at Takuya trying so hard not to gag. Takuya tried not to laugh at Kouji's clearly disgusted feeling. Peckmon took enthusiasm one step- okay several steps too far.
Obviously, Peckmon had figured out that the children were the same Chosen Children from legends past. It took a fair amount of persuasion, but they were able to convince him to keep his mouth shut about his encounter with them until after they had secured the spirit located at the Temple of the Moon. Then he could tell anyone he pleased about it.
"How much farther Peckmon?" Danny asked, growing tired from the non-stop traveling he was unaccustomed to. He couldn't figure out how Peckmon was leading them through the forest of silver birch trees.
The ninja bird chortled happily, "Not much farther now!"
"And no farther shall you come," A strong, female voice boomed, startling the entire group.
A large, winged-snake Digimon appeared before the group. She was mostly white, with bright red and gold accents, and a green feathery mane. Her eyes were fierce, crystal blue.
"Please, we need to continue on to the Temple of the Moon." Zoe urged the winged snake.
The Digimon eyed them carefully, and then inspected Peckmon. "You are the human warriors." She stated finally.
"Yes, and we really need to get to the Temple." Takuya repeated, with a bit more of an edge to his voice.
She stared at them for a long time. "I see, very well. I am Quetzalmon, Guardian of the Temple of the Moon. To pass, you must answer my riddle."
"Oh Riddles! I love Riddles!" Peckmon burst out happily. The rest of the team glared at him as Quetzalmon eyed him dangerously.
"Here is your riddle." She stated simply, "I am the first you ever saw, what greets you every morning and what goes out in the end."
That wasn't a very hard riddle to figure out at all, given the remaining spirits. Actually, it was relatively easy in any regard.
Kouji grinned at Kouichi, stepping forward with his answer before the others had time to even think. "Light."
The great snake nodded, "yes, Warrior of Light. You may pass."
She moved to the side, allowing Kouji to pass into a clearing. In the clearing a mausoleum-like structure stood shining in the light of the three moons. It was made of stark white marble and elegant stained glass. It felt almost foreboding at first, but Kouji approached the building. He laid his hand on the ornately carved silver door, but found no way to open it.
He cursed lightly under his breath. "You have to be kidding me…" As he spoke, the door opened inwards.
"Well that convenient."
He stepped inside, feeling the cooler air raise the hair on his exposed skin. The door shut suddenly, making Kouji feel very trapped.
"At long last, Warrior of Light." A feminine voice echoed in the darkness of the room.
Kouji whirled around, instantly regretting the action. His injured shoulder did not enjoy the sudden and rapid movement and the muscles were now screaming in pain. "Show yourself!" he shouted.
Torches along the perimeter flickered to life, glowing brightly. The ghostly figure of a female God Digimon. She was tall and slender, clad in pure white, moon-shaped armor. She carried a long staff, with a crescent shaped blade on either end.
"I am Dianamon, Digital Goddess of the Moon, and keeper of the Spirits of Light."
Kouji blinked, realizing that while she was transparent, Dianamon was standing before him.
"You must be swift young warrior." She said her voice clear like a bell. She stepped to the side revealing the Human Spirit of Light sitting beneath a silver arch. "You have many challenges ahead. You will face foes familiar and foreign to you."
Kouji nodded, as he held out his D-Tector. The Spirit flew into the device, lighting it with the familiar symbol of Light.
"Take care old friend. You're in safe hands now." Dianamon whispered. "Go, time is not your ally now." She urged, as her image began to dissipate. The room plunged back into darkness the instant the God Digimon's spirit left.
Kouji did what he his instincts told him to do. Evolve. He summoned up a single ring of brilliant blue data that spun in a perfect circle around his hand. He ran the data across the scanner on the top of his D-Tector.
"Execute! Spirit Evolution!"
The data burst from his hand, covering him in a veil of blue streaming data. He felt his body grow and change to the size of Lobomon. White and silver armor covered his arms legs and chest. His lavender scarf appeared, tied around his neck. A wolf head shaped visor appeared over his eyes.
"Lobomon!"
He quickly lit the room with one of his light kendo, and escaped the same way he came in. Well mostly, he slashed the silver door off its hinges.
He burst back into the clearing, and saw his friends, Quetzalmon, and Peckmon waiting. Peckmon looked completely awestruck, as did Danny and Sam at the moment. Their amazement never ceased to amuse Kouji as he devolved back into his human state.
"Thank you Peckmon." Kouji said finally, knowing they would have missed the temple's rare appearance if it weren't for him.
Peckmon beamed, "It was my pleasure!"
"Where should we head to next?" Takuya asked the ninja bird, anxious to know the next spirit 's location.
The bird Digimon looked thoughtful, "The Temple of the Messengers, I'd say…then the Temple of the Sun. The Temple of the Messengers is due north from here, and the Temple of the Sun is Northwest from it."
"Thanks Peckmon. That's really going to save us time."
Peckmon nodded, "It was my utmost pleasure, helping the Legendary Warriors! What an honor. I can hardly wait to tell everyone when I return!"
With that, they bid farewell to the large bird Digimon, happy to be rid of him but thankful they found him.
"WHERE ARE THEY?" the first of the figures demanded harshly.
Peckmon eyed the two figures nervously, scrambling to his feet. "Who?"
"The Children! The Blasted Human Children! Where are they?!" the first raged again.
The second chided his partner lightly. "Now, Now, I think we can persuade our friend here into telling us…" He finished almost with an evil grin, if you could see his face.
Peckmon shivered, never feeling more terrified in his life. These Digimon… they were going to kill him, and go after the Chosen next.
"Now, where have they gone?"
The ninja bird swallowed, "They've gone to the Temple of the Seas"
The first Digimon growled, "Wrong answer." He struck Peckmon hard, nearly knocking the data out of him.
"Let's try that again, where have those brats gone to next?" the second one demanded.
Peckmon sighed, defeated, "The Temple of the Messengers."
"Beautiful."
Peckmon didn't feel the second blow hit, it happened too fast. He was reduced to a mere digi-egg before pain could even take him by surprise.
Fc: Okay, that's horribly mean, but ya know what? I'm sure you guys can figure out this mystery.