Part 1: Attack on Kyoto
Chaigidel
"And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went."
Otsu, Kyoto
4:30 P.M
Mimi strained to see in front of her as she walked down the mostly deserted sidewalk, the mist clinging to every surface as she tried to make her way home. She watched scattered groups of people rushing inside, as if trying to flee the fog. She looked over to her right where her companion stepped beside her. Willis had tried to strike up a conversation with her after, school, but once the fog began to settle, she insisted on going home. Having so graciously offered to walk her home, Mimi begrudgingly accepted, waved goodbye to her friends, and walked with the boy. While she wasn't too fond of him, she didn't exactly dislike him either, and didn't see the harm in getting to know him on the walk home.
"This fog sure is weird," Willis broke the short silence between the two, "It's practically deserted out here, like a ghost town."
"I know what you mean," Mimi curiously peered down an alley as they passed by, "It's sort of like a horror movie, where the fog rolls in and monsters follow in the dead of night to feast on the unsuspecting people who wander the streets!" Mimi stopped once she realized Willis was staring at her inquisitively. She looked away, blushing slightly, as Willis let out a hearty laugh.
"Yeah, you're right. It does look like that out here." He let out a big smile, and Mimi quickly let down her guard. "Pretty spooky isn't it?"
"Only if you believe in that sort of thing." Mimi scoffed. "Monsters are only for fairy tales and Hollywood blockbusters these days."
"That's a shame." Willis shrugged. "I think it could be kind of exciting."
"Exciting huh?" Mimi groaned. "Try horrible. What would you do if a bunch of monsters jumped out of the mist and tried to eat us right now? I bet you'd run away like a little girl."
"Look who's talking." Willis smiled. "You wouldn't do the same?"
"I have an excuse. I am a little girl." She laughed. "Besides, I wouldn't run. I'd stand my ground."
"That's believable." Willis laughed.
"I would too!" She protested.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah!"
"Prove it."
"And now just how am I supposed to do that?" Mimi grumbled.
"RRRROOOOAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!"
An angry booming voice bellowed from the mist as a black lizard-creature as tall as the two children leaped into view. "Humans!"
"Agh!" Mimi and Willis jumped, grabbing each other in fear. "Willis run!" Mimi exclaimed, snatching his arm and bolting into the nearest alley. The lizard's eyes darted after them, and his feet followed moments later.
Otsu
4:30 P.M
Takuya and Koji stood behind the two dragons, who stared intently at Akatorimon and Kokatorimon. The two rooster Digimon had managed to recover, and were huddled together, eyeing the Dragon-Digimon nervously.
"Dinoster, what did you just do?" Takuya mumbled quietly, trying not to gain the attention of the two avian Digimon.
"I digivolved to the champion level. I'm a Coredramon now." Dinoster answered. "Keep quiet, I'll explain it all later." Takuya nodded in response.
"Kokatorimon, what do we do about this?" Akatorimon hissed to his ally.
"We don't have much choice…" Kokatorimon answered, "This is their first time Digivolving. With the added digivolution energy we don't stand much of a chance against them. For now, we retreat, and report on what's happened."
"It sounds cowardly." Akatorimon hissed.
"No, we need to get this information back to them. Even if we somehow defeat these two, there could be other traitors within our ranks. And we can always come back to these two after they've degenerated and the digital activation energy has worn off."
"Very well." Akatorimon agreed.
"What are they talking about over there?" Koji inquired, watching the two roosters murmur to each other from behind Majester's back.
"Hold on." Majester replied. Soon after, the two Digimon darted away, disappearing into the mist.
"We should go after them." Dinoster growled.
"No, we're not likely to be able to catch them anyway. Those two are much faster than us." Majester argued.
"Very well." Dinoster sighed, uncurling his tail from around the human boy next to him. "How are you feeling Takuya?" He looked to the boy.
"That… was… insane…" Takuya said as he quivered.
"Why did they run away?" Koji inquired. "And what happened to you two?"
"We digivolved." Majester replied. "Digimon can receive an influx of energy to transform into a more powerful form. They ran away because it was the first time Dinoster and I had done such a thing. Digivolution, while common, isn't easy, and the first Digivolution usually requires enough energy to get over the initial activation barrier of transformation, leading to an increased amount of power after the first digivolution compared to subsequent digivolutions, when the activation barrier is gone and transformation is easier."
"Kokatorimon and Akatorimon knew we'd kick their ass and so they ran away like… well, like a couple of chickens." Dinoster smiled down at Takuya.
"So… is that it? Did we fight them off?" Koji inquired. "Are we safe now?"
"Dinoster said that the digital army is coming in from different entry points all over the city." Takuya replied. "I think this has only just begun."
"I've got to find Tommy." Koji pushed past the dragon next to him and began walking down the street.
"Woah, wait a second man, we've got to do something about this!" Takuya called after him.
"And what exactly are we supposed to do?" Koji barked. "We're just kids."
"The boy is right Koji." Majester spoke. "Look at that device in your hand." Koji looked down at the digital watch-like object he had pulled out of the crater. "It's called a digivice. Legend has it that when our world, the digital world, was in terrible danger, human children like yourselves were called to save it. They were given devices like those and partnered with Digimon with the crucial task of fighting off the scourge threatening our world."
"You and me," Dinoster turned to Takuya, "We're partners. Digidestined. All of us are."
"Koji, only with your help and the help of that digivice can I achieve this form." Majester continued. "It wasn't random chance that led us both to digivolve: you shared energy with me when you grabbed the digivice, and that boy did the same with my brother. The digivices have come to us for a reason. We need to work together."
"Work together and do what? Fight off an entire army?" Koji snapped. "Do you really expect the four of us to be able to do that?"
"Koji, right?" Takuya ran up to the boy. "Listen, if we don't help these guys, then who else will? Otsu's in trouble: scratch that, all of Kyoto is in trouble, and right now, we're the only ones who can help." Takuya held out his hand.
Otsu Prince Hotel
5:00 P.M
People fled in fear as a flood of Digimon swarmed the streets. The advanced party for the digital army had landed unopposed, and cleared the landing zone for the platoon of monsters that were now storming in from the digital world. Above them all, a gigantic serpent flew through the sky, overseeing the army of rookies that were establishing a perimeter as he hovered over a large parking lot. His blue body contrasted with his orange, tattered wings, and a bone-mask over his eyes and snout had long horns protruding from it, as well as a mane of red-and-yellow hair. He watched as a squadron of Tsukaimon closed off the north side of the beach, while another squadron of Kotemon took the south side. Good, the flying Digimon thought to himself, we've already established our beachhead with no resistance. The humans were not prepared for our arrival in the slightest.
Below the flying serpent, one of the invading Digimon leaned against the building that the portal had opened nearby, cowering behind an air conditioning unit. The small Digimon, a walking plant with purple appendages and a pink flower growing from the top of its head, looked up at her commander in fear. I hope he doesn't notice me, the Digimon sighed, I didn't even want to come here in the first place. I don't want to hurt anybody; I wouldn't even be here if they hadn't conscripted me. Maybe if I hide here they'll move on after a while and I won't have to fight anymore.
"Palmon!" A voice bellowed from the sky. The Digimon cringed as her commander addressed her. "What are you doing there? Why are you not with the rest of your platoon?"
"Sorry sir," The Palmon bowed with respect, "I was inspecting the perimeter of this building. It looks like a good base of operations."
"I'm sure," The monster growled, "Although you make a fair point; this building could quarter a substantial number of our forces," He looked upon the towering structure, casting a shadow over the lakeside. Its half-cylindrical structure was made of glass, and stood far above where he was flying. "It makes a good vantage point as well. Return to your squad Palmon."
"Yes sir: right away Captain Airdramon." The Palmon nodded nervously and then ran off towards the direction of the other members of her squadron.
5:00 P.M
"This way!" Mimi pulled ahead of Willis, dragging him down the alley and around a bend. "Move faster!"
"What the hell is that thing?" Willis cried as he tried to keep up with the girl. "You just had to make jokes about monsters in the mist, didn't you?"
"You started it!" Mimi barked back, turning another corner. "Oh no!" They screeched to a halt as they ran into a dead end: they alley led to a number of doors with a few trash cans up against the side. Mimi ran for the nearest door and grabbed at the doorknob in futility. Willis did the same to no avail. The doors were locked.
"What do we do?" Willis whimpered.
"You can die!" The black lizard appeared at the end of the alley, staring down the two helpless children.
"What do you want?" Mimi cried.
"I want all of you humans to die!" It lunged deeper into the alley, straight for Mimi. The girl swerved to the side, ducking behind the trash cans. The creature stumbled to avoid them, skidding to the side as Willis took advantage of the monster's focus and slipped past him. Mimi looked past the receptacle she was hiding behind and saw the creature adjusting its trajectory. Seeing her chance, she shoved the trash can forward, where it smashed into the monster. The black lizard stumbled back as the bin clattered on the ground, and she jumped forward to join Willis.
"Let's go!" She urged.
"Wait." Willis stopped her. He ran back into the alley, scooped up the lid to the trash can, and as the monster tried to stand, he slammed it against the monster's head, throwing him back onto the ground. Willis then smashed it down on the monster again, knocking it out cold. "That worked!"
"Great job, now let's get out of here!" Mimi rushed over to him and grabbed his sleeve, pulling him away from the unconscious monster.
5:16 P.M
"Keep close Palmon!" Floramon, the flower-headed plant Digimon leading the squadron, beckoned for timid Digimon to follow. Palmon was scuffling behind the rest of the group, composed of their Floramon sergeant and three Aruraumon, Digimon much like Palmon, aside from the violet flower crowning from their heads.
"Sorry, coming!" Palmon picked up her feet and joined the rest of the group. She had wanted to keep her distance from the other Digimon, lest they find any humans, but the squadron was keeping too close an eye on her. She quietly sighed upon rejoining the group, and followed them into an alleyway on their hunt for humans. "Hey, don't you think this might be pointless?" She inquired. "Shouldn't all the humans have cleared out of this area anyway?"
"We're looking for stragglers." One of the Aruraumon rolled their eyes.
"Well what are we going to do with them?"
"That's up to the captain," Floramon answered, "But I believe he's going to make an example out of them."
"I see…" Palmon sighed.
"You wouldn't be feeling sympathetic towards-oopf!" Floramon was cut off as a young girl tripped over her, running out of the alley.
"Mimi!" A boy scrambled out of the alley as well, grabbing for the fallen girl.
"Nemesis Ivy!" Two of the Aruraumon snagged the arms of the two children by shooting vines out of their forearms, ensnaring the two.
"Good job," Floramon brushed herself off and got back on her feet, "That was simpler than I thought it was going to be. Let's return."
"Let go of us!" The girl squirmed in futility, trying to escape Aruraumon's tight vines.
"No sense trying to resist, you'll never break these!" The two Aruraumon snickered as they began dragging the two human children along.
"Looks like the captain found his example…" Palmon muttered.
5:29 P.M
Airdramon watched gleefully as the plant squadron returned with two human prisoners. He let them approach the grassy courtyard before swirling around them.
"What have you brought me Floramon?"
"Humans, sir, as per your orders." Floramon bowed.
"Excellent." He surveyed the group before him. The two humans looked up at him in terror, while the Floramon and the Aruraumon bowed respectfully. The Palmon had bowed as well, however he couldn't help but notice that she was glancing over to the humans, a look of concern on her face.
"Palmon, I leave this task to you; destroy the humans. Let the other humans know that we will respond in kind to their vicious attack upon our world."
"Wait: me?" Palmon cried. "Are you sure that's such a good idea?"
"Your commanding officer gave you an order!" Airdramon boomed.
"Yes sir…" Palmon lowered her head in defeat, turning back to the girl, who had a look of sheer terror on her face.
"Please, don't hurt me." She whimpered.
"I'm sorry." Palmon raised her arm into the air. "Poison Ivy!" She shot vines from the tips of her fingers, aiming for the girl.
"No!" The girl shrieked as the vines came upon her. She flinched, closing her eyes, but the strike never came. The girl slowly opened her eyes and saw the vines hovering in front of her, quivering along with the body of the Digimon ordered to attack her.
"I'm sorry, I can't do it." Palmon sighed. "This girl hasn't done anything wrong."
"This girl is a human and is as guilty as the rest of them!" Airdramon bellowed.
"Then you're just going to have to find somebody else to do it, because it won't be me!" Palmon snapped.
"You insolent little-!" Airdramon lashed his tail at the Digimon, knocking her onto the ground.
"Palmon!" The other members of her squadron were stunned, and the Aururaumon loosened its grip on the female captive. She took the opportunity to break free, running over to the plant Digimon who now lay on the ground.
"Mimi, be careful!" The boy tried to follow her, but the other Aruraumon had tightened its grip after what had happened.
"Hey, are you okay?" The girl picked the monster up in her arms.
"I'm fine, I'm just glad you're safe." Palmon smiled. "Hey, what's your name?"
"Mimi," Tears formed in the girl's eyes, "Mimi Tachikawa. Thank you so much for defending me Palmon."
"It was no problem," She replied, "I couldn't let an innocent girl like you get hurt for no reason. It's true our world is in chaos, but I refuse to believe that all humans are responsible."
"I don't even know where you're from." Mimi replied.
"Stupid girl," Airdramon growled, "You should have run when you had the chance. Coming to this traitorous idiot's aid will cost you dearly."
"She was only trying to protect me!" Mimi yelled to the flying snake. "I didn't do anything to your world, and you attacked me for no reason! If there's anyone who needs to pay for what they've done, it's you!" A sphere of light suddenly exploded in front of her, stopping Airdramon from moving forward to attack.
"What's that?" Palmon looked at the light in wonder. Mimi felt mysteriously drawn to it, moving her hand forward. She reached into the light, and wrapped her hand around a small object. The light then disappeared, and she looked into the palm of her hand to see a device that looked similar to a digital watch with no strap.
"What's this gizmo?" Mimi asked with wide eyes.
"Is that… a digivice?" Palmon grunted.
"What's a digivice?" Mimi inquired.
"I don't know what trick you just tried to pull, but it clearly didn't work." Airdramon snarled. "I tire of this. I'll destroy all three of you right here and right now!"
"Stay away from Mimi!" Palmon jumped to her feet, suddenly invigorated.
"Palmon, be careful!" Mimi protested.
"Don't worry Mimi: nothing can stop me as long as I'm with you." Palmon smiled. A tear dropped from Mimi's eye, landing on the device in her hand. It suddenly sprung to life, its screen shining brightly. A stream of energy burst from the small object, enveloping the plant Digimon in a sphere of wondrous light.
"Palmon digivolve to… Togemon!" A massive creature emerged, towering as high as Airdramon. Covered head-to-toe in sharp barbs, the cactus Digimon stood on two feet, and wore boxing gloves on its arms. Three holes in the shape of eyes and a mouth were on its face, and a tuft of orange hair grew from the top of its head.
"Palmon?" Mimi whimpered.
"Don't worry Mimi, it's still me." The monster answered in a raspy voice. "I'll protect you now."
"How did you digivolve so quickly?" Airdramon gasped.
"I knew it wasn't right to come here the second I got recruited; and I was right!" Togemon bellowed. "That girl is a Digidestined, which proves that the digital army is up to no good!"
"A Digidestined: impossible!" Airdramon barked. "Our orders come from the highest authority!"
"This is what I think of your authority: Light speed Jabbing!" Togemon flashed in front of him and slammed her gloves into the flying Digimon, letting out a flurry of strikes that tore into the unguarded snake.
"Ayah!" Airdramon spiraled away to avoid any more damage.
"Hey, I'm not done yet: how about a little Needle Spray!" Togemon puffed out her chest and let out a stream of barbs that dug into Airdramon's body, causing him to squirm in pain.
"Blue Flare Breath!"
"Green Flare Breath!" A pair of monsters swooped in from the air and let out a burst of hot flames at the serpent, which was thrown to the ground as a result, cracking the pavement underneath him.
"Looks like we were late for the action!" Coming up across the field were two boys Mimi recognized from class. Takuya, along with a boy in blue, accompanied the two dragon creatures.
"Mimi!" Willis had taken the opportunity to slip from the Aruraumon's grasp, who was now running away along with the other two Aruraumon and the Floramon. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Willis, thanks. Togemon here really saved the day." She smiled up at the cactus Digimon, who blushed.
"Looks like you aren't the only Digidestined." The dragon Digimon swooped down from above and joined the reunion. "Do we have another ally against the digital army?"
"Definitely." Togemon nodded. "There's just one thing I have to take care of…" She looked across the parking lot, where the snake was slowly making his way back into the air.
"I see I am outnumbered," The monster hissed, "I'm in no condition to fight all three of you, and I'd rather not risk my rookie forces this early. Very well: you win this round. Everybody, retreat!" Airdramon took off before the trio could respond, zooming into the air and flying down the beach. A horde of rookie Digimon followed him, clambering over each other in a rush to escape the three champions.
"We did it!" Takuya cheered. "We fought off the second wave of the digital army! We saved Otsu!"
"Takuya, as much as I want to share in your enthusiasm, I think it would be pretty great if you could explain to me what's going on." Willis grumbled.
"I don't think your town is free yet." The blue Dragon warned. "Airdramon had to retreat, but he's probably heading for the north side landing zone. From what I remember of the maps, and from what you've explained to me of this area, I think it's in the northern part of Otsu. He'll regroup with the other faction and attack again with reinforcements. And this time they'll be ready."
"He's right." Koji said solemnly. "Our element of surprise is gone now. We need to start strategizing."
"Excuse me," Mimi interrupted, "But I'm in the same boat as Willis is; I'd really like to know what's going on around here. Who are all these monsters, and why are they attacking us? No offense Togemon." She looked up to the towering floral Digimon.
"None taken Mimi, but you're right. There's a lot you need to know, but now that you Digidestined are here, I think I've finally found the right side of this fight to be on."
"Excuse me," A familiar voice drew Togemon's attention away from the group and off to the side. Floramon was standing with the three Aururaumon, bowing respectfully.
"What are you four still doing here?" Togemon growled. "Your captain told you to retreat, didn't he?"
"Togemon please," Floramon replied, "You are a member of my squadron, and I was appalled by what Airdramon did to you."
"What do you want?"
"The girl has a digivice, yes?" She asked, looking towards Mimi.
"We all do." Takuya answered. "We're the Digidestined, apparently."
"May we see them?" She inquired. Takuya and Koji looked at each other suspiciously, but complied and revealed the digivices in their hands, making sure to keep a tight grip on them.
"Oh dear," Floramon dropped to her knees, and the Aururaumon did the same, "We're so sorry. If we had any idea we'd be fighting against the Digidestined, of course we'd have protested." She stood back up and walked towards Mimi. Togemon came between them, but Mimi patted her on the leg, assuring her it would be alright. "Please, accept my sincerest apologies. What we did to you was cruel and unjust. Our world is in turmoil; over 90 percent of our population has been destroyed, and our commanders told us that the humans were to blame. They convinced us the only way to stop the madness was to invade the human world and find the source of the virus that has plagued us, crushing any humans who were to stand in our way. But if you're the Digidestined, then that means the humans aren't to blame, and that the digital army does not fight for the side of the just. Please, I beg you: forgive me, forgive us, and let us fight by your side to ensure the safety of both of our worlds."
"What do you think Togemon?" Mimi looked up to her towering partner.
"This fight will be dangerous; we could use the manpower." Togemon replied. "And I know these guys. They're usually pretty cool Digimon."
"Then if it's fine with Togemon, it's fine with me." Mimi nodded. "Now how about explaining exactly what you guys are? What is a Digimon?"
"Let's find somewhere safe to talk." Majester suggested. "Perhaps this building will do?" He looked up to the towering Otsu Prince Hotel.
"We might be able to use this as a base of some sort." Koji pondered.
"Let's get inside, then we can all explain everything that's happening to Mimi and Willis." Takuya led the way towards the safety of the hotel as the sun began to set over the hills.
