Long time no speak! I want to apologize for my prolonged absence but school and other interests kept me from writing. I hope to be updating all my chapter stories (ones hosted off site as well) this summer so be on the lookout for more updates. On with the story!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Stop the World of which this chapter was named after.
The Digital World was definitely a lot plainer than Seger had expected it to be. They were standing in what appeared to be a desert, the far off mountains glittering in the pale afternoon sunlight. Seger glanced to his right, glad to see that Morgan and Salamon were still there, before checking to his left, his eye catching sight of PawnChessmon, Sarah, Biyomon and Demi.
"So," Morgan said, breaking the silence. He coughed slightly, the dry air tickling the back of his throat. "Somehow I thought it would be more …"
"Like home?" Sarah suggested.
"Er, sure," Morgan said, glancing around. Seger certainly had his doubts. They were now stranded in the middle of the desert and he was sure that if it weren't for the swirling lines of fractal code in the sky, they could just be somewhere in Nevada.
"I guess we should get out of here," Sarah said, breaking the silence. She was clearly looking around for a destination to walk towards, but the only thing for miles appeared to be the mountains. The rest of their line of sight was taken up by sand, more sand than Seger ever hoped to see in his life.
"What's that?" Biyomon asked, nodding her pink feathered head towards something that was behind the skier. The group turned automatically, kicking up clouds of sand in their wake and gazed out across the desert.
Approaching quickly was a large cloud of dust. Seger recognized it as the sort of clouds that you kicked up while you were moving quickly, having observed enough skiers in his time to be able to transfer the knowledge to their current setting.
"Something's coming," he said quietly. He glanced at the others, looking to see their reactions, when he realized something was wrong. "Where's Demi?" he asked, craning his neck in the other direction for any sign of the girl who had brought them there. She would have been easy to spot in the desert but there was no indication that she was anywhere in the vicinity.
"She was here just a moment ago," Sarah objected but Morgan cut her off.
"We have more pressing matters," he said. "That dust cloud will be on us in a minute."
It seemed to dawn on the group that they were about to immerse themselves in their first Digital World experience. PawnChessmon, Biyomon and Salamon took up defensive positions, their expressions wary as they watched the approaching dust cloud.
"By my calculations we have five … four …" PawnChessmon's voice sounded strained as he fought to be heard over the soft thud of feet approaching. " … three … two … one."
The Tamers and their Digimon were thrust into chaos. Seger had but one glimpse what looked like tall, metal beetle creatures before he was thrust to the ground by PawnChessmon who them promptly yelled, "Pawn Spear!" and jabbed at one of the attacking Digimon. They continued to battle as Biyomon soared above their heads, releasing green spirals of fire, and Salamon let loose a high pitched screech that stalled the enemy in their tracks.
Seger crawled through the sand towards where Sarah and Morgan had managed to huddle behind a small sand dune. Sarah had pulled out her Digivice and was now consulting it as the battle raged on before them.
After another moment, the device lit up and Seger and Morgan leaned in to get a better look. "Kokuwamon, Rookie level. They're not supposed to be aggressive, so what are they doing now?" Morgan asked as he read the description of the metal bugs.
"Beats me," Sarah replied. "But if we don't do something quickly then we're going to be in deep trouble. Our Digimon are getting pounded out there!"
Sure enough, their Digimon certainly seemed to be taking quite a beating. There were several dents in PawnChessmon's armour and Biyomon had landed on the ground, one of her wings held at an awkward angle. Salamon had been swallowed by the crowd to the extent that she couldn't even be seen anymore.
"Salamon!" Morgan shouted, concern rising in his voice. Instantly, a few of the Kokuwamon turned their mechanical heads to stare at the teenager who had risen slightly from the sand.
"Morgan," Sarah hissed, tugging on his shirt and dragging him back to the ground. But it was too late. A small troop of Kokuwamon had detached themselves from the main group and were stomping their way through the sand towards them.
Quick as a flash, Morgan's little Digimon disentangled herself from her own legs and raced forwards to defend her Tamer. "Sledge Crash," she cried, ramming into the nearest Kokuwamon.
"Power Surge!" Several of the metal bug-like Digimon let loose bolts of lightning from the horns glued to their heads. Seger felt Sarah turn her gaze away as Salamon shrieked in pain, accompanied by Morgan's own yells of despair.
Suddenly, a bright white light overcame Salamon's smolderig body. The Tamers as well as the Kokuwamon watched in awed silence as the Digimon continued to glow.
"Morgan," Sarah whispered. "Look at your Digivice!"
Sure enough, Moran's handheld device was emitting a light green beam of light. Instinctively, he aimed it at Salamon and let out a yelp of surprise when her form began to glow the same colour as the beam.
"Salamon Digivolve to … Gatomon!"
Salamon's Digivolution was a little astounding. Seger and Sarah had both anticipated another dog-like creature to stand in her wake, but Gatomon was far from dog. In fact, she was a cat, pure white in colour with a long striped tail and huge gloved paws which she effectively put to use, slashing at the Kokuwamon who yelped and wailed and promptly retreated.
"Alright, Gatomon!" Morgan cheered as his partner charged back into battle to aid Biyomon and PawnChessmon.
His joy was short lived, however. No matter what Seger and Sarah did, they could not get their own Digimon to Digivolve. It wasn't long before they were getting swamped again and Seger could not help but feel that this would be the worst entrance into the Digital World by humans in the entire history of the universe.
"Do you hear something … buzzing?" Sarah asked from behind her hands which she was using to cover her eyes from the sights of the battle.
Seger opened his mouth to retort but promptly shut it again. Now that Sarah mentioned it, he did hear a buzzing sound, like an over-grown fly. He turned his head sharply and ducked just in time: a large fairy-like Digimon had just soared over his head and landed amongst the fray, quickly followed by a second fairy, though she looked more like a giant pink tulip with wings than anything, Seger figured.
There was a flash to his right and a small cloaked wizard disappeared into the swarm of Kokuwamon. With these new allies helping out, PawnChessmon, Biyomon and Gatomon made quick work of the remaining mechanical bugs. Seger cheered, feeling Sarah hug him tightly in her joy, but the smile was wiped from his face almost immediately. The newcomers turned quickly on them and their Digimon stood their ground, growling and attempting to sound menacing.
"Stand down, brave ones," the wizard said. "We are not here to hurt you."
"Who are you then?" Morgan asked, stepping forward slightly so that he partially shielded Seger and Sarah. "And what do you want?"
"To take you to where your friends are," the tulip girl said. "I am Lillymon and these are my comrades Kazemon and Wizardmon." The second fairy and the wizard waved as their names were mentioned, grinning somewhat cheerfully given the situation.
"How do we know we can trust you?" Seger asked, prying himself from Sarah's grip. "How do we know you're not going to just finish us off in the dead of night or something?" His blue eyes roamed the motley group in front of him and he swore he heard the Digimon named Kazemon whisper, "She said he'd be suspicious." The skier was about to open his mouth to retort when Wizardmon held up his hand.
"This is the best I can offer as proof," he said, tossing something towards Seger, who caught it easily. "You with the suspicious mind might think that I simply looted this off your friend, but I believe she left you a message inside in hopes that you would join us."
With Morgan and Sarah gazing over his shoulders, Seger opened his clenched fist to reveal the cheap, golden, heart-shaped necklace Seger had won for Judi at Playland when they had been six. She wore it every single day and as far as he knew, she had been wearing it when she disappeared. Glancing warily at Wizardmon, Seger pushed it open with his thumb, snatching up the tightly folded piece of paper that fell out. His own face was staring back at him from the back of the locket, accompanied by Judi's. The picture had been taken a few days before they had gotten in a fight and it made Seger ache a bit inside.
A sharp elbow to his ribs snapped Seger out of his revere. He glanced sheepishly at Morgan before unfolding the note. In Judi's hastily scribbled handwriting were two words: trust me. Judi would have known that when the Tamers met Wizardmon and his companions they would have a hard time trusting him, but Seger could not help but remain cautious. He had but only a small idea of what these creatures were capable of.
"Let's say we accept your help," Sarah said, surprising Seger. "You have to help our friend Demi too. She came with us to the Digital World but when those Kokuwamon attacked us she disappeared. We have no idea where she went."
Wizardmon and Lillymon exchanged worried glances while Kazemon rose into the air.
"I cannot do anything for your friend for I fear she was a spy. We should leave immediately," Wizardmon said quietly. "We have already wasted too much time. If I had known …"
"Too late," Kazemon said, landing with enough force to stir up a small cloud of sand. "We've got company."
A second cloud of dust was winding its way towards the Tamers and their guard, though it was moving much faster than the Kokuwamon had. Whoever was creating it was extremely nimble, setting everyone on edge again. The attacker stopped, showering them with sand, which was cleared quickly by Kazemon.
Standing in front of them was what looked like a ten-year-old girl, but Seger knew better after meeting Venusmon. The girl had long blue hair braided tightly at the sides of her head and gold plated armour. Her boots were a striking mixture of black and red that matched the designs embedded in the great sword she held at her side.
"Going somewhere?" she asked with a cackle that did not suit her. "Let me take those Tamers off your hands. Jupitermon is most interested in them."
"Back off, Minervamon," Lillymon said venomously. "You Olympians are letting your pride and your ignorance blind you. The Tamers are needed together to find the Flame."
Minervamon scowled and swung her sword up to meet with Lillymon's stomach. "You will give me the Tamers," she growled, "or I will skewer you."
"Their lives are far more important than mine," she replied. "Now, Wizardmon!"
Seger had been so entranced by the conversation being held between Lillymon and Minervamon, he hadn't noticed Wizardmon, who had been circling them quickly, spreading dust from a small pouch at his waist and murmuring words under his breath. At Lillymon's command he drove his scepter into the ground, resulting in a blinding flash. Seger had one opportunity to see Minervamon shriek in outrage before he couldn't see anything but blackness.
[Heroes]
"Judi, maybe you should step outside and get some fresh air."
The skater looked up from the table she was sitting at towards Liam who was watching her anxiously.
"Yeah, you know, maybe that's a good idea," she said. Her stomach felt like it was tied in a serious of complicated and unrelenting knots and one glance at Jarred told her he was feeling the same. The news that four humans had arrived in the Digital World meant only one thing to Judi: that Seger, Morgan and Sarah had arrived. She didn't know who the other person could be, but frankly, she didn't care. She'd be glad enough just to see Sarah, whom she had never really had a fondness for.
Standing shakily, Judi edged herself out of the tent with Terriermon on her shoulder. She had not had time to explore the camp very thoroughly and the only thing driving her towards the forest was her memory of it from that morning. The trees comforted her in the sea of tents; they were at least something she could relate to.
"Is that Kazemon coming out of the trees?" Terriermon asked, tapping Judi with one of his long, floppy ears.
Judi looked up, her bright green eyes seeking the purple-haired fairy. Sure enough, she was emerging through the trees looking battered and bruised.
"Kazemon!" Judi shouted, bounding towards her friend. She reached her just in time to catch the tired figure from falling to the ground.
"Judi," Kazemon gasped as the Tamer lowered her slowly to the grass. "Wow, what a rough rescue mission."
"So, you found them then?" Judi asked, trying to keep the excitement from her voice.
Kazemon smiled a little. "Yeah, but we only nearly got away. We were ambushed by one of the Olympus Twelve. If it weren't for Wizardmon, we'd all be goners, but even so, his magic seemed a little too potent. Everyone else is passed out in the forest. I came to get help."
"I'll go," Judi said automatically as a Gomamon came shuffling forward to help Kazemon.
"Judi, don't," Kazemon said. "You don't know what's in that forest."
"I came through it this morning with Wizardmon," the skater said defensively.
"Exactly," the fairy retorted. "You came through it with Wizardmon. Nothing would have touched you with him around." But Judi had heard enough. With a meaningful look at the Gomamon who began to lead the tired Kazemon towards a few more Digimon who were rushing out to help, Judi disappeared into the forest.
Despite it being mid-afternoon, the denseness of the Boreal Forest let in as much light as there had been early that morning. Judi pushed her way through the trees, following Terriermon's instructions as he scouted out the path that Kazemon had likely taken.
"The branches are broken here too, Judi," he called from up ahead. "I think this is the right way." Judi followed the little rabbit-like Digimon, but she couldn't help but think about what Kazemon had said. There were supposedly no ghosts in this forest, but she had no idea what kind of rogue Digital Monsters might live there either.
Judi had just realized she could no longer hear Terriermon when someone grabbed her from behind. She made to shriek but a hand covered her mouth, muffling the sound.
"Shhh," the voice said and Judi recognized it. Turning, she was very surprised to see Ben O'Brien standing behind her.
"Ben!" she exclaimed, but he held his finger to his lips. "I thought … I thought you were just a dream. I mean, I thought that you being here was just a dream."
Ben grinned his trademark mischievous grin and said, "Can't get rid of me that easily Miss Gretzinger."
"Hey," Judi said, "you haven't happened to have seen Seger or Sarah around here anywhere, have you? They just-" But Ben shook his head.
"Listen, Judi," he said. "I can't stay long. I'm already pushing it as it is, but you need to use that Manteiopter, and soon. That war I told you about? If we're not quick, it's going to blow full scale soon and the Olympians aren't going to care if they have the Tamers or not. You guys have to put an end to it." The look on his face was a mixture of anxiousness and … pain.
"Ben, are you alright?" Judi asked and the boy shook his head.
"Ah, no," he hissed, gripping her shoulders tightly. "Listen, just use it quick and …" He snapped his fingers weakly and a path seemed to illuminate itself in the dense foliage. "Use that path to find your friends. I got to go." He kissed her forehead, shocking Judi into silence and disappeared into the trees behind him. It took only a moment for his footsteps to fade to nothing.
[Heroes]
Judi followed Ben's path in silence. Sure enough, it led her straight to Terriermon, who was already waiting with a conscious Lillymon and Sarah.
"Judi!" Sarah exclaimed, and despite the fact that they had never really been friends, the girl threw herself upon the skater, who hugged her back fiercely.
"Sarah!" Judi squeaked from between the hug. "Are you okay? Do you need anything? Are you hurt?"
Sarah laughed. "I'm fine. I could maybe do with a lie-down once we get out of this forest, but yeah, I'm pretty good thanks." She released Judi from her embrace and glanced back over her shoulder. Judi followed her gaze and felt the knots in her stomach tighten. Her brother and best friend were still sprawled on the ground, their Digimon and Wizardmon next to them.
"Boys," the skater said weakly. "Always lying down on the job."
Sarah smiled consolingly and went back to sit beside Lillymon, who looked about as bad as Kazemon had.
"When Kazemon went to get help, I was expecting Leomon or Darcmon. Not you," she said a little sharply.
"Well, sorry," Judi retorted. "My help is better than no help, am I right?" Lillymon didn't say anything but shifted slightly as Wizardmon began to stir.
"Oh," he groaned. "Did we make it?"
"Indeed we did," Lillymon said, helping Wizardmon sit up. When he saw Seger and Morgan still unconscious next to him though, he sprang to his feet, snatching up his scepter from the ground.
"I knew some of them wouldn't be able to handle it well," Wizardmon muttered and he began to wave his wand over them, saying words under his breath. There was a soft glow around each of the boys before their eyes opened and they sat up.
"Wow, I feel like I went through a blender or something," Morgan muttered, grabbing his head. "Where are we?"
"The Boreal Forest," Judi said before she could stop herself.
Her brother looked up, his eyes seeking out the voice he had yearned to hear in person after a long and tumultuous week.
"Judi," Morgan breathed, sounding relieved. Shakily he pushed himself to his feet and stumbled over to his sister, wrapping her in his arms.
"Where did you say we were?" Seger asked from behind Morgan.
Letting go reluctantly, Judi slipped out from under her brother's arms and dropped to her knees beside her best friend, throwing her arms around his neck. Seger looked a little taken a back but quickly let his arms hug Judi in return. It felt good to not be fighting anymore.
"The Boreal Forest," Judi repeated, helping Seger to his feet. "Jarred and Liam are back at the camp, along with this girl I know from the skating club named Jasmine."
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Jasmine since breakfast," Terriermon said thoughtfully.
"She probably went to play with some of the other Digimon," Judi said. "I don't blame her. This must be a very traumatizing experience for her."
"Enough of the chit chat," Wizardmon announced. "I have important things I need to share with general." With help from Lillymon, he stood, motioning for the others to follow him through the forest.
Despite the fact that they had just been reuinited, Judi found she could not think of a single thing to say to brother, best friend or acquaintance. It was like the forest had sucked all the words out of her mouth. Terriermon, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying himself as he chatted happily with Biyomon, PawnChessmon and Gatomon.
When they emerged from the forest, a large group of Digimon were already waiting for them. Judi recongized Kyubimon and Leomon amonst the crowd and could see Jarred and Liam running down the hill from their tent.
"Let us through, please," Lillymon announced, parting the Digimon before her and letting the Tamers walk down the newly parted walkway. Seger rushed off to meet his brother and Morgan hurried after him, eager to reunited with his best friend. Judi could tell Sarah was feeling a little awkward, like a third wheel to all the happy reunions, so Judi took her by the wrist and led her over to where Liam was standing.
"So, we're all here now," Liam said as Sarah and Judi arrived at his side. "Something's going to happen, isn't it?"
"Something always does," Judi replied quietly. Even as she said it, though, she felt Kyubimon brushing past her, growling low. The skater turned, watching as the flaming fox advanced towards the front of the crowd where something was causing an uproar.
Suddenly, a giant snake reared above the crowd. Judi heard Sarah shriek and latch tightly onto her arm. Attacks rained down on it but above the noise, the Tamers could just hear it yelling for truce.
There was a pause in the attacks and a murmur swept through the crowd as three figures made their way towards the snake. Judi recognized Wizardmon in his shabby coat and his short demeanour, but the others she did not know.
One was a evidently a girl with her long flowing hair and and patterned battle skirt flowing around her as she walked. She had four large feathered wings extending from her back and a red sash tied around her head. In one hand she held a staff, similar to Wizardmon's, while the other gripped the pommel of a sword at her hip.
The final figure was clearly the leader of the entire camp, the one that had not been able to make it to rescue Judi, Jarred, Liam and Jasmine on their night in the concrete city. Armour covered every inch of his body and a long red cape billowed behind him.
"General Gallantmon. Lieutenant Darcmon. And you brought Wizardmon. Charming," the snake hissed, leering at the trio as they stepped forward.
"Sandiramon, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Gallantmon asked, his voice low and hollow sounding from under his helmet.
"Simply a warning from my master," Sandiramon replied. "He wishes you to know that you must prepare for battle, for the Olympians are ready to start war."