Chapter 32—The reminiscent rose—

Hugh, Kayla and I all traveled further south through the mountain until the temperatures began to increase a bit and the snow gradually started to melt. It wasn't long until we arrived in the next area—the wilderness area Zachary and I had explored where Lillymon had joined us when she was still an Arukenimon…

As we stepped into it, Hugh and Kayla went on ahead while I couldn't help but be taken aback as I looked around… it felt strangely pleasing to be back… "So this is the next area, huh? It's not much warmer… but at least I can't see my breath anymore." Kayla said as Hugh said: "Just don't let the cold get to you—it won't help us get done any faster if you do." and I heard Kayla reply: "Yes, you're right…" before I heard her say: "Hey Mark, what's going on? What do you see?"

And I snapped out of it as I shook my head and turned to them before I said: "Oh… sorry." "What is it? I didn't have you pegged for the type to get distracted like that…" Hugh said before I said: "It won't become a problem. I'm sorry. It just… feels good to be here again." "Huh? Again? I thought you were a tamer from Ikaruga Server?" Hugh said. "I was, but I've been to this part of Amaterasu Server before—I came here with a friend from Amaterasu Server who helped me get here. We used to explore on this server for treasure sometimes and he took me through this area once…" I said as Kayla said: "Ah, I see. No wonder you feel at home here! And now we're the friends you're exploring with!" and then I smiled before I said: "Yes, that's completely true. Well what about the 2 of you? Have you ever been to a different server than you started in?" "Aside from now? No. I was only active on the Yamato Server." Kayla said. "Yeah, I'm in the same situation; I never went to another server other than Asuka before I was brought here." Hugh said. "I see. So even though we've all been to the same number of servers, it looks like I'm the only one who visited one before I came here." I said before I went on: "But I haven't forgotten our mission, either. Where's our next destination?" and then Hugh checked his digivice before he pointed straight ahead and said: "That way! Let's get in there and finish the job!" and Kayla and I nodded as we started walking off.

We kept going until eventually we saw 5 Digimon jump out at us! One was a Magnamon (like the one Zachary had used), another was a Lotosmon, the next one looked humanoid and walked on 2 legs with mahogany-colored fur over its arms, torso and all of its legs down to its ankles. It had pale purple skin everywhere else. Its right arm was longer than its left arm and they both had long, sharp, crimson nails. Its feet had toenails of the same color, along with a spike at the back of each heel (it also had a black, shackle-like ring on its right foot). It had 2 silver horns that curved upward, 2 purple wings that were tattered and had black edges with 4 red spikes on each and it had black spiky hair. It had a silver colored, metal belt around its waist and 2 metal bands of the same color around each of its arms, one on its bicep and one on its forearm. It looked 6'3 tall. Then there was a SaberLeomon and finally, there was a Machinedramon!

I then felt my digivice vibrate and I checked it (and Hugh and Kayla checked their digivices too) and it said: "Left to right: Magnamon scan data: 5%, Lotosmon scan data: 10%, Creepymon scan data: 5%, SaberLeomon scan data: 10%, Machinedramon scan data: 10%." Naturally I already knew that Magnamon was a holy elemental, Lotosmon was a nature elemental, SaberLeomon was an earth elemental and Machinedramon was a machine elemental, but my digivice also said that Creepymon was a fire elemental. Needless to say, this was a balanced, well-covered bunch…

"5 Digimon, eh? Heh… it looks like this just got interesting." Hugh said before he went on: "Go, HiAndromon!" and he called out a Digimon… it was humanoid and walked on 2 legs. It had black-colored metal legs with silver knees and a slate-colored patch over the middle of each thigh. Its torso was covered with black metal (except for its shoulders and the sides, which almost looked like bright red flesh…) and it was very thin. It had a black helmet on its head with red sides that covered up its eyes (although it had an opening around its cheeks where everything beneath its nose was visible, which consisted of very pale blue skin and its mouth…) and it had a silver jetpack attached to its back. Its shoulders each had a giant pad on them—the left shoulder pad was blue while the right shoulder pad was red. Each one had black paint on them that looked like eyes and nostrils and they also had a row of silver teeth painted on as well, in addition to a spike on the top of each one and a silver stripe at the bottom… each shoulder pad was connected to a bicep covered with black metal that was connected to a red, flesh-like elbow joint that connected to its forearms and hands, which were covered with black metal—each forearm also had a slate-colored patch over the middle of the top and looked noticeably larger than its biceps, somehow… its hands had red stripes around the joints on its fingers too. It looked 6'1 tall.

Kayla then said: "Go get 'em, Minervamon!" and she called out a Digimon like a young girl—it wore a yellow, scaly-looking bra and had nothing over its midriff. It wore black and red undershorts and a tan skirt that was slit in a 'v'-shape around the front. It had yellow and red shoes, bluish-gray shoulder pads with red sides, black sleeves around its arms and yellow gloves like snake heads that its hands came out of. It had a yellow, scaly snake-shaped helmet on with blue eyes painted on (although its real eyes were covered by it) and white wings coming out of the sides. It had a black necklace around its neck, waist length light blue hair in 2 braids (some was also bound in the front and went down to its chest) and it held an enormous sword that looked taller, wider and perhaps even heavier than it was! Yet somehow, it could hold it over its head comfortably. It looked shorter than any of us at 4'11 tall.

When I saw this, I stopped and thought for a moment—it looked like Hugh's Digimon had to be machine elemental, but I wasn't sure what element Kayla's Digimon was… of course having fought Machinedramon before, I knew how dangerous they could be, so I decided not to take any chances. I then turned around and said: "BanchoLeomon, you're up!" and he ran in as he said: "You've got it!"

Hugh then said: "HiAndromon, use atomic ray on Magnamon!" and his Digimon said: "Atomic ray!" and fired an electric beam from his hands at Magnamon—it looked like it worked well, too! Magnamon then recovered before he said: "Shining gold solar storm!" and he conjured a massive blast of golden light! It engulfed the entire area, but our Digimon were still okay after it ended. SaberLeomon then followed up and said: "Howling crusher!" and he leapt at HiAndromon and swiped at him with each of his paws—he took it hard, too! "Minervamon, get Machinedramon! Use strike roll!" Kayla said before her Digimon said: "Strike roll!" and she spun through the air before she slammed her sword down on Machinedramon, hard! It looked like it worked well, too! Creepymon then said: "Trapping inferno!" and 3 giant flames that towered up high into the air suddenly appeared around Minervamon… they moved in towards her from different angles and converged on where she was before they came together and caused a fiery explosion! When the flames subsided, Lotosmon said: "Bramble twine!" and she conjured thorny vines that wrapped themselves around BanchoLeomon! They constricted him and held him in place so he couldn't move (and I could hear him growling in pain…) before they disappeared. "BanchoLeomon, get them! Use mudslide!" I said and BanchoLeomon said: "Mudslide!" and a massive torrent of mud, bark, dirt, rocks and debris appeared and came flying at Magnamon, Lotosmon, Creepymon, SaberLeomon and Machinedramon! It slammed right into them and then they got up before Kayla said: "Wow, what an attack! Good job, Mark!" and I grinned before Machinedramon said: "Glitch program!" and he made an odd distortion wave appear around BanchoLeomon… and then BanchoLeomon suddenly turned into an 8-bit version of himself… he was pixilated…

Machinedramon then laughed before Hugh frowned and said: "So you like pixilating Digimon, eh? Well let's see how you like being treated like you treat others! HiAndromon, use glitch program on Machinedramon!" and HiAndromon said: "Glitch program!" and he made a distortion wave appear around Machinedramon… and he was pixilated too! I smiled when I saw this and said: "That was a great idea, Hugh! Good one!" and Hugh grinned before Lotosmon said: "Verdant barrier!" and she made a wall of flowers, vines and moss appear in front of her before it vanished. SaberLeomon followed up and said: "Howling crusher!" and leapt at HiAndromon and swiped at him with his paws again… "BanchoLeomon, get Machinedramon with those blocky bubbles!" I said before BanchoLeomon sprayed them at him. Creepymon then said: "Cry in the night!" and the entire area went pitch black before several giant bolts of white lightning zapped Minervamon! "Ahhh!" she said before the area returned to normal. Machinedramon then sprayed blocky bubbles back at BanchoLeomon before Kayla said: "Minervamon, get them with mudslide!" and Minervamon said: "Mudslide!" and she attacked with another torrent of earth, hitting each Digimon on the enemy side! Magnamon then said: "Plasma shot!" and he fired 3 orbs of glimmering, golden energy at HiAndromon.

"BanchoLeomon, get Machinedramon with the blocky bubbles!" I said and he sprayed them at him again… Lotosmon then said: "Verdant barrier!" and made another wall of flowers, vines and moss appear, this time in front of SaberLeomon. Magnamon followed up and said: "Defense boost!" and cast a spell on Lotosmon to raise her damage resistance to physical attacks. "HiAndromon, get Magnamon! Atomic ray!" Hugh said before HiAndromon said: "Atomic ray!" and he fired another electric beam from his hands at Magnamon! SaberLeomon then said: "Mudslide!" and used it against us this time before Creepymon said: "Trapping inferno!" and he caused 3 giant flames to move in towards BanchoLeomon and converge where he was before causing a fiery explosion. "Minervamon, attack them! Mudslide!" Kayla said before Minervamon did so… and Machinedramon attacked BanchoLeomon with blocky bubbles.

By now, several Digimon on both sides were looking tired… Hugh then said: "HiAndromon, attack Magnamon! Use atomic ray!" and HiAndromon said: "Atomic ray!" and he did so… but Magnamon just barely got up… "Minervamon, go for it! Mudslide!" Kayla said before Minervamon did so… and then Machinedramon returned to normal before he collapsed! Magnamon did too! SaberLeomon then said: "Mudslide!" and he attacked our Digimon with it… and took HiAndromon and Minervamon down! Creepymon then joined in and said: "Trapping inferno!" and used it on BanchoLeomon before Lotosmon said: "Bramble twine!" and ensnared him with those thorny vines before he returned to normal and went down too…

I smiled before I said: "That was great work on everyone's part. Now come on back, BanchoLeomon!" and I called him back before Kayla said: "I'll say! Way to go, team!" and she called Minervamon back as Hugh said to HiAndromon: "You did well turning the tables on them. Now come on back." and he called him back. I then said: "Gryphonmon, go on!" and he ran in before Hugh said: "Let's finish this up, MetalGarurumon!" and he called one in (like the one Josh and I had fought in the previous area of Amaterasu Server) before Kayla said: "Go, go EvilCherubimon!" and she called in a Digimon that looked almost exactly like the GoodCherubimon that I had encountered in the realm of the angels in Ikaruga Server, only its body was colored purple and had a dark teal underbelly. Its ruff was colored blue-violet and had a purple interior ruff. Its face had purple sides with dark teal vertical stripes next to them and the middle of its face was colored blue-violet. And its ears were colored purple, but they didn't have any rings around them…

SaberLeomon then said: "Howling crusher!" and he attacked MetalGarurumon with it before Hugh said: "MetalGarurumon, get Creepymon! Use metal wolf claw!" and MetalGarurumon said: "Metal wolf claw!" and he drew his head back… before he started to blast Creepymon with icy cold breath! He took it really hard too! As Creepymon could barely get up, I began to think… he was a fire Digimon, making him strong against Gryphonmon, yet he could barely stand… I couldn't help thinking it may be wiser to attack him. I then said: "Gryphonmon, finish off Creepymon! Use lightning strikes twice!" and Gryphonmon said: "Lightning strikes twice!" and the sky turned purple and filled with dark, stormy clouds before Creepymon got zapped by a lightning bolt! Then a second one zapped him again and he collapsed! Lotosmon then said: "Bramble twine!" and she attacked MetalGarurumon with it—and he took it hard too! "EvilCherubimon, get Lotosmon! Use cry in the night!" Kayla said and EvilCherubimon said: "Cry in the night!" and the entire area went pitch black again before he zapped Lotosmon with giant lightning bolts and she cried out before the area returned to normal.

"Gryphonmon, attack SaberLeomon! Use supersonic voice!" I said as Gryphonmon said: "Supersonic voice!" and he started to screech as a powerful soundwave came out of his mouth and blasted SaberLeomon, hard! Kayla then followed through and said: "Alright EvilCherubimon, take SaberLeomon down! Lightning spear!" and EvilCherubimon said: "Lightning spear!" and he conjured a gigantic red bolt of lightning in his hand before he threw it at SaberLeomon… and it soundly took him down! Lotosmon was starting to look nervous now as she said: "Seven's fantasia!" and conjured a rainbow-colored beam of light from her staves before she sent it at Gryphonmon, MetalGarurumon and EvilCherubimon!

EvilCherubimon took it a little hard before I said: "Gryphonmon, use lightning strikes twice!" and he did so before Kayla said: "Finish her off, EvilCherubimon—cry in the night!" and he followed up with it and took her down! Then Magnamon, Lotosmon, Creepymon, SaberLeomon and Machinedramon all got up and ran away!

When they were all gone, Kayla smiled and said: "Yay! Way to go, team!" and I said: "Definitely! That was a good team effort!" and Hugh said: "Darn right. 5 Digimon and they were still no match." and then I called BanchoLeomon back out before I said to him: "Great job out there, BanchoLeomon. You did a great job leading the attack… I hope this makes it all worthwhile." and I used an HP total recharge on him, restoring all of his health. BanchoLeomon then stood up and said: "Thank you, Mark. It's a relief knowing I can always count on you." I then heard Hugh say: "That's not a bad idea, Mark. Healing up your Digimon immediately after a battle's over… I think I'll follow your lead." and he called out HiAndromon before he healed him too and Kayla called Minervamon out before she healed her too.

When our Digimon were in good health, we all continued en route to our destination. We kept our eyes open for more would-be enemies, but never saw any, and eventually Kayla said: "Looks like it's quieted down now. So tell me, Mark…" and then she turned to me and said: "What do you like to do in your spare time?" "I enjoy making almost any kind of art that you could imagine. But I also like playing video games, card games and even singing sometimes." I replied. "Ooh, you're a singer? How interesting!" Kayla said back before she went on: "Well I'm not as artistic as you, but I will do things like that on occasion—I like writing poetry and making jewelry myself."

And I grinned before I said: "Just like Ariel. You and her must have bonded over that." and then Kayla whirled towards me before she said: "That's right! How did you know that?!" I then explained how Ariel and I were friends from being assigned to the same server. By the end, Kayla grinned and said: "So you and Ariel are old friends… how nice. But to think you remembered that about her just like that… that's really something."

And I smiled before she turned to Hugh and said: "What about you, Hugh? What do you do with your free time?" "I like learning about computers and coding… but I'll also play video games or see my friends, too." Hugh replied. "Wow… to think your studies even continue into your free time…" Kayla said before Hugh said: "Well that's just how I do things. I've been inspired by how powerful technology is ever since I was a little kid and I enjoy learning about it. I've actually been getting pretty close to the point where I can build my own computer. I've only got a little way to go before it'll happen." "That is amazing. I couldn't imagine building my own computer… you're good Hugh." I said. Hugh chuckled before he said: "Maybe… but I do like knowing that there's always something new to learn too."

And then we came into a clearing surrounded by some trees… where we could see some interesting flowers growing around… Kayla then smiled and said: "Ooh, pretty! I'll go take a closer look!" and she went on in… but my attention was focused further ahead… I thought I saw movement through the trees on the other side… "Kayla, hold on!" I said and she turned around and it seemed Hugh noticed the same details I did, because he said: "There's something across from you! Get back here!" and then Kayla turned around… before we saw some Digimon View staff members come out from behind the trees! Kayla then ran back to us and we had to defeat them before we sent them running away.

By the end of the battle, Kayla turned to us and said: "Thanks, guys! It's a good thing you were there!" and then Hugh frowned before he said: "How could you be so nonchalant?! What if we hadn't been there to help you?!" "Well that wouldn't have happened… because we always work in teams, silly!" Kayla said. Hugh sighed before he said: "Just be more careful next time. We all depend on each other and your safety is important." And I nodded before I said: "I agree. Everyone's safety is important, including yours, Kayla. We'll do all we can to help you, but you should help yourself too." And Kayla smiled before she said: "Thanks, guys… okay, I'll be more careful." and we all grinned before I said: "Good." and then I turned to Hugh and said: "By the way Hugh, are we getting close?" "I'll check my map. Hold on…" Hugh said before he looked down at his digivice and he paused before looked up and said: "Yeah, it looks like we're closing in. It's not too much further now!" and Kayla and I grinned before Hugh went on: "Okay, let's move out!" and we all headed off.

Eventually we knew we had arrived at our destination when Hugh said: "Alright, we're here. Now take out your contagion remotes." and we did so before we installed the malware. Once we were done, I said: "Okay, that's done! Now all we need to do is contact the other teams—" and then Kayla said: "Leave it to me! I'll let them know in a jiff!"

And she texted the other teams to let them know we had installed the malware. And then she took out her contagion remote and looked at it… she must be checking how the other teams were doing… and soon she smiled and said: "Wow, nice! We installed the malware first!" "Great! It was all thanks to our hard work!" I said before Hugh said: "Although we did have the advantage of being the largest team this time…" and then he went on: "Well, now there's nothing to it but to wait for the other teams to finish up and come to us, since we're the closest to the next area." "Right. Alright, let's get situated for now, because it'll probably be a while." I said. And then I went on: "Still though… it was nice meeting you, Hugh and Kayla. You were good team members." "Hey thanks, Mark! I feel exactly the same!" Kayla said before Hugh said: "Yup, I agree. You both were really helpful."

And then we all smiled together before we waited. It wasn't long before the other teams finished installing their malware, although it took a while for Ariel and Josh to arrive, as it did for Xavier and Tiffany. But when they did arrive, Hugh nodded and said: "Alright, everyone's here—good job, everybody. And now we should let our Digimon rest at our Digihomes before we get into our new teams." and we all nodded before we went to our Digihomes!

When we arrived in mine, I turned to my Digimon and said: "You all did a great job! Now how about you take a well-deserved rest?" "That sounds great! We'll see you soon, Mark!" Sakuyamon said as they went to their hammocks and dozed off.

When they all woke up, they came over and Mastemon said: "Well, it looks like we're off again… it's excellent that half of all the malware we need to install has been installed already…" "I know! That'll really help everyone back at the base and eventually everyone in Mark's world!" Hudiemon said before she turned to me and said: "Are we all ready to go, Mark?" I then stopped and thought for a moment… it had been a long time since I had checked if Lillymon could digivolve and she had gained experience in several battles… maybe it was time now…

"Well maybe we should hold off for now… I was thinking it would be wise to check if Lillymon could finally digivolve first." I said before Lillymon smiled widely and said: "Yeah! I like that idea! Let's do it!" and then I smiled and said: "Alright, it looks like we've got a new plan! Come on, everyone!" before we all went into the house.

When we arrived, I booted up the computer and checked to see if Lillymon could digivolve… and she could! "ALRIGHT! It's time at last!" I said before Lillymon said: "Then you mean…?!" and I said: "Yes! Your patience has paid off, Lillymon—it's time!" before she smiled and said: "That's great! Do it, Mark!"

And I nodded before I digivolved her into a Rosemon, like Hudiemon had accidentally digivolved into so long ago… it said Rosemon was a nature Digimon, so she still was going to fight enemies the same way in battles. When the process had finished, I smiled and said: "And that's that! Congratulations, Rosemon—now you've finally assumed your ideal form!" and Rosemon smiled before she said: "Thank you, Mark! It was all because you were so kind and you were willing to do this for me… I'm so grateful." I smiled before I said: "You're welcome. That's what I do for my Digimon. I'm hoping you're happy with it?" "Of course I am! I feel more confident and satisfied with how I am now than I ever have! It was as I knew it would be—it was absolutely worth the wait!" Rosemon said.

I smiled back before Hudiemon flew over and said: "Great job, Rosemon! I'm happy for you. And it looks like you've finally become the big sis now! Congratulations!" and they laughed together before Rosemon said: "Perhaps… but after all we've been through together, it really does feel like we're sisters now. I'm so happy I met you, Hudiemon."

And then they hugged each other. I smiled as I saw it and then they backed out and Hudiemon said: "I feel exactly the same… big sis." and then they laughed together again before Rosemon turned to me and said: "And of course, I'm happy I got to be your Digimon, Mark. Thank you so much for taking me in." and I smiled before I said: "It was my pleasure. I'm glad I did."

And then I smiled before I said: "And it was here in Amaterasu Server that it all started… it was great to see it again." "I know… the last time I was here, it was when I was an Arukenimon and still under Zachary's care. I know we'll have to leave soon… but…" Rosemon began and then she went on: "It almost hurts to leave a little… this was where I met you… and Hudiemon." and Hudiemon and I smiled before Hudiemon said: "Aww, thanks Rosemon! I know how you feel though—I have the same sentiment." And I nodded and said: "I know how you feel… but to be honest, I'm a little surprised I fit into that when you first came here as Zachary's Digimon—"

And then Rosemon said: "Well… that's because I believe you're a better tamer than Zachary." and I was genuinely surprised to hear her say that… Rosemon then went on: "Don't get me wrong, of course—Zachary was a good tamer and I'm happy I met him. But you… you're really special, Mark. You surpassed expectations… equal to those that I held of Zachary." and then she continued: "I guess I really don't tell you this enough, but… you're such a great tamer. You're the best of them all and I always count my blessings that I ended up in your care." and I smiled before I said: "Thank you so much, Rosemon… you don't know how grateful I am to hear you say that."

And then all of my Digimon smiled before Sakuyamon said: "And I guess we don't tell you that enough either… but that's how we all feel too. Thank you, Mark." and I smiled again before Rosemon said: "So thank you again, Mark. It's because of you that I became my ideal self: Rosemon. I will always embrace who I am with pride." and I smiled again. I was so happy to hear her say that… and then ShineGreymon said: "That's great. Congratulations, Rosemon! You know, Hudiemon used to be a Rosemon once too, but—

And then Hudiemon turned to him (looking embarrassed) as she said: "Sh-ShineGreymon!" and then Rosemon turned to Hudiemon and said: "Oh? You used to be a Rosemon like me, Hudiemon?" "W-well yes, but only temporarily…" Hudiemon began before Rosemon said: "Temporarily? What do you mean?" "It was an accident… we were all walking through a forest with these giant flowers with Mark and I was careless and went up to smell one… but then it sprayed me with spores. When I inhaled them, they made me digivolve into a Rosemon and changed my personality—" Hudiemon began before Rosemon said: "It… it changed your personality?! How frightful! I'm glad you're back to your old self, then!" and then Gryphonmon said: "Yeah and you should have heard her talk! I've never heard her sound so ladylike before!"

And then Hudiemon turned to them angrily and said: "Stop that! Both of you! If I hear one more word out of either one of you on this subject, you'll both be infinity dreaming in no time!" and then ShineGreymon and Gryphonmon suddenly looked nervous before I said: "…Well now that everyone's all rested up and Rosemon is finally in her ideal form, shall we return to the others? It seems like we've been here for a while." "Yes, that sounds like an excellent idea, Mark!" Hudiemon said, still sounding annoyed… I then used my digivice to leave the Digihome.

Once we were back in the wilderness, I saw everyone was there and then Hugh said: "Alright, now that Mark's back, we can finally get into our new teams and move on to the next area. The teams are…" and then he went on: "Kayla and Josh…" and then they got into a team before he went on: "Ariel, Xavier and Mark…" and we all got together and then he turned to Tiffany and said: "And Tiffany… you're with me." and she went with him as he went on: "And that's that. Now let's head south to the next area and stick it to those developers!" and we all nodded as we went off. I started to go myself… before I felt something tug at me!

I immediately turned around and saw it was Hudiemon. "Hudiemon? What are you doing?" I asked before she said: "Don't take off without Rosemon! She's still behind us!" "What?" I asked as I looked around… and saw her staring at the wilderness area… I saw her put her hand over her heart and look down as she said: "Land of cherished memories… goodbye." and then she put her hand down as she quickly sped over to us. I smiled and then we hurried over to Ariel and Xavier. When we arrived, Xavier said: "Ah, there you are Mark. Did something happen?" "No, not really." I said back before Xavier said: "Well… alright then. We'd best be off to the next area of Amaterasu Server—I sure am excited to see what it'll be like!" and then Ariel turned to me and smiled as she said: "It's good to see you again, Mark! I noticed your Lillymon digivolved, too…" and I smiled as I said: "Nothing gets by your eye, Ariel! Yup, she digivolved when I went to the Digihome. Now she's a Rosemon!" and then we laughed together before we continued onward further south into Amaterasu Server.