Part Three: The Digital World

Hilltop Forest

The Digital World

EXE Mountains

1:30 P.M.

Monday, May 21st, 2018

"The previous partner Digimon…" Takuya gasped as Lopmon explained. "So, the Digidestined who came before us, their partners became these 'Royal Knights', and they are the ones who are leading the attack on Kyoto?"

"Well, that's not exactly it," Lopmon replied, "Perhaps I should explain more thoroughly. Before there ever were Digidestined, the Royal Knights were a group of warriors who protected and defended the digital world from internal conflict." She explained. "But then one day, something called a dark beacon came to the digital world. Similar to the virus, it eliminated all Digimon it came across, but only those of the champion level or higher. The Royal Knights were helpless to stop it, and all of them were reduced to digi-eggs, save for one, who called the first group of Digidestined to come and save the digital world from the creators of the beacon. When the Digidestined came to the digital world, many happened to be partnered with the Digimon who used to be Royal Knights, and in their efforts to save the digital world, were restored to their previous power. A number of Knights have resurfaced since then, although their numbers never recovered from the original dark beacon."

"So the Royal Knights are doing what they've always done, then." Mimi observed. "They're protecting the digital world by trying to eliminate the source of the virus in Kyoto."

"By attacking innocent humans," Alice growled, "It doesn't exactly seem very noble to me."

"No, that it is not." Lopmon shook her head. "But understand, the knights have been through hardship since the beacon has appeared. Three have disappeared, and one has died to the virus, leaving them weaker than ever before. The digital world has lost most of its population as well, leaving them in the most vulnerable state they have been in since the dark beacon appeared."

"You sound like you're defending them." Alice was concerned.

"No," Lopmon shook her head, "The Knights are desperate, and as their friend I respect that they're only trying to do what is right. However, us Devas were opposed to their plan from the start; but the Knights are much stronger than us, and were we to get into open conflict with them, we would surely lose. That's why Makuramon sent me in secret. My job was to find the partners of the Royal Knights, to warn them about what the Knights were doing. If the original Digidestined could persuade their partners to call off the attack, and find another way, the crisis in Kyoto might never have happened."

"But then you lost your memory." Takuya spoke.

"Yes, an oversight on mine and Makuramon's part, to be sure. However, it does not matter. The entire time I was there, I never met anyone that I now know to be a Digidestined."

"You did, though." Alice argued. "Jian was one." Lopmon was surprised by her words. "He changed his name though. I don't know much about it, but apparently he, and one of the monster makers, used to be Digidestined. Jian's name used to be Henry, and the Monster Maker he spoke with was named Koushiro, but he called him Izzy."

"Izzy is the partner of Rapidmon, one of the Royal Knights." Lopmon smiled. "It's unfortunate that we had to come here so fast. Had I known that he was there before we left, and given enough time, he might have been able to help us."

"And Jian?" Alice inquired.

"Henry is not partnered with a Royal Knight." Lopmon shook her head. "However he is a Digidestined nonetheless, and knows all too well of the corrupting powers of evil in the digital world. He would have been a powerful ally as well."

"I don't mean to sound abrupt, but none of that matters much right now, does it?" Dinoster asked rhetorically. "They're back in Kyoto, and we're here."

"That is correct." Lopmon nodded as she stood back up. "What matters now is finding Willis. To do that, I believe the best course of action should be to find Makuramon, my leader. I need to report the status of my mission and the situation in Kyoto, and he can help us find out where Willis has been taken."

"And where do we find Makuramon?" Palmon inquired. "I don't know much about the Devas, but I've heard the name before. Don't they live somewhere far away in the digital world?"

"Yes," Lopmon replied, "The Devas live on an upper plane within the digital world, separated from the digital world proper, where we are now. We cannot travel there by conventional methods."

"Then how do we get there?" Palmon shrugged.

"We will have to find somebody who can open up a data stream for us. I believe the best place to do that would be on File Island." Lopmon answered.

"How far away is File Island from where we are now, if you even know where we are?" Takuya looked out over the mountain terraces.

"The rice farms of the EXE Mountains are well known." Lopmon said. "However, we are currently on the continent of Folder, near the northwestern corner of the continent. File Island is not far off the southeastern coast of the continent of Server, which is to the east of us."

"On the other side of two continents?" Mimi exclaimed. "How long would it take us to get across?"

"On foot, the journey might take months." Lopmon answered, causing the three tamers to cringe. "However in the air, I believe we could reduce the journey to just a few weeks."

"That's still such a long time." Mimi sighed. "Who knows what Willis is going through right now."

"Unfortunately this is where the data streams decided to bring us," Lopmon lamented, "Our journey into the digital world was not coordinated by any technology, we merely piggybacked along the portal that Asuramon created. Quite frankly, I'm surprised we all managed to end up in the same place."

"I remember something from before I woke up," Takuya interjected, "I thought it was just a dream, but it felt so vivid, even though it was kind of surreal at the same time. I was in a white room, and I couldn't move or speak. Some Digimon that I had never seen before then appeared, and told me that we had been scattered, but that he was putting me back together and would make sure I got to the right place."

"Hm…" Lopmon pondered. "It's possible that it wasn't a dream. Perhaps we were in error in entering the portal after Asuramon. If that were the case, we would have had to be reassembled by the digital core."

"You mean… we weren't… alive?" Mimi was confused.

"It's complicated." Lopmon answered. "Data and matter are one and the same in the digital world. When we entered the data streams through the portal, our data was scattered, and our matter with it. However, we still existed in whatever form the data took at the time, until we were repaired by the digital core. The truly distressing thing, however, is how long it took for us to become reassembled."

"It feels like we just got here from Kyoto." Dinoster noted.

"Yes, to me too, but if we were disassembled for a long period of time and then put back together, we might not have even realized it. It was a stroke of random chance that Takuya was even aware that it was happening. Unfortunately, we might be hours, days, weeks, or even months behind Asuramon."

"Then we need to get moving as soon as possible!" Takuya jumped to his feet.

"Yeah, there's no telling how much time has passed. We need to hurry!" Mimi cried. "Willis needs our help right now!"

A tall figure landed in the middle of the pool with a splash, washing water over the group, causing them to roll away. Dinoster snatched Takuya back towards the dirt path, while Palmon yanked Mimi away to the nearby terrace where Impmon had been sitting. Alice and Lopmon were drenched as they climbed up to the upper terrace. Having recovered from the explosion, the group turned in to see who had appeared. A well-built man stood in the center of the pool, dressed in a black, form fitting suit that revealed his muscles. He wore a white cloak, with a metal visor that covered his eyes. Flaming red hair stuck out from the top of his head.

"Most Digimon know not to bother around these parts," He cracked his knuckles, "But I suppose I can give you the same warning I gave them." He surveyed the group, his muscles relaxing. "Although I suppose you're not all Digimon, are you?"

"We're Digidestined." Mimi proclaimed with Palmon at her side. "A friend of ours was taken, and we're here to get him back."

"Be careful Mimi," Palmon tugged at her shirt sleeve, "Most Digimon don't look too fondly on humans right now."

"You claim to be Digidestined?" He looked to the three humans. Alice and Takuya nodded in agreement. "Do you have digivices?" Mimi moved first, grabbing her digivice from her hip and revealing it to him. The cloaked figure dropped his fists and relaxed his shoulders. "Well then, forgive me. I apologize for my aggression, but many Digimon come here seeking to take our resources. I must warn them off every so often. Clearly, you are here for a different purpose. Come, though our worlds may be in strife, the Digidestined will always be welcome around here." He waved them towards the forest, and then jumped out of the pool, landing on the dirt path near Takuya and Dinoster, then walking up the hill and into the trees.

"Should we follow him?" Alice turned to her partner.

"I've never seen that Digimon before." Lopmon replied. "But he was only about to attack us because we were intruding on his territory, and when we explained ourselves, he didn't pursue it. I believe he is safe company, and we'll not get many friends in the Digital World, so we best take what we can get." Lopmon convinced them, and the group set off into the forest, following the mysterious, cloaked Digimon. He led them up the hill to a flat alcove, where a few household items lay scattered about, mostly blankets and baskets of fruit.

"Come on out everyone, we are safe." Gankoomon called into the trees. Moments later Digimon began dropping from above, an assortment of small, rotund-bodied Digimon with varying degrees of coloring and short appendages.

"In-training Digimon," Lopmon explained, as the Digidestined had only ever met rookies, "The form before rookie. These Digimon hatched not too long ago."

"These Digimon live with me in this forest," The muscular Digimon explained, "They come from various villages across Folder, though most came from the farm villages along the mountain terraces you just saw. Their families have been wiped by the virus, and they have no one to care for them, except for myself and Gabumon." He indicated to another Digimon coming down from the trees, this one larger than the rest, with thick blue fur and a horn protruding from its head.

"And what have you found here?" Gabumon inquired as he approached the group. The various in-training Digimon gathered around as well, eyes wide with curiosity.

"The Digidestined," He explained.

"Ooh!" The in-training Digimon all cooed.

"Pardon me," Dinoster gained the attention of the man, "But who are you, and are you even a Digimon?"

"Of course he's not a Digimon, ya bozo." Impmon scoffed. "Look at 'im. Nothing more human that I've ever seen."

"I am in fact a Digimon," He answered, causing Impmon's eyes to pop open, "My name is Gankoomon. Now, if you'll all have a seat, I'll round up some food, and then you can tell me more about why you're here." Gankoomon pointed to the ground as he walked over to the baskets of fruit. The Digidestined sat in a circle with Gabumon, leaving a space for the caretaker, while the in-trainings continued to sit in a circular field around them. Gankoomon returned with the fruit, passing it out to everyone in the circle, as the Digidestined told their tale.

"Where should we start?" Mimi asked.

"Well, it's been a long time since we've had a good story around here," Gankoomon answered, "Why don't you start at the beginning, if it's not too much trouble?" The tamers nodded, and took turns with their partners covering the events that had led them to the digital world, starting with the invasion of Kyoto, the various members of the digital army they had battled, and the attack of the Gizumon, all leading up to their defeat of Kimeramon and Asuramon. Mimi and Takuya exchanged stories with Alice as well, learning more information about the two camps of Digidestined as they spoke. When they were done, night was coming upon them, and the in-trainings were drifting off to sleep.

"Well now, that's quite a tale." Gankoomon sat with his legs and arms crossed, listening intently until they had finished. "I am glad to hear that the human world has such devoted protectors as yourselves to defend it, and I'm sure the ones called Koji and Tommy will do just as well to keep it safe while you're gone."

"I hope so," Alice murmured, "I hate to leave them all there alone, with how many enemies are still around."

"Still, it seems you have a job to do here. You say the best way to find this friend of yours is to find your way to the plane of the Devas?" He turned to Lopmon, who nodded ferociously. "Well, you're in luck, because I happen to know somebody who can take you there, and it won't take months to reach him, like it would File Island. Besides, File Island is one of the least safe places for humans I can think of."

"Why is that?" Takuya inquired.

"Well, many of the original Digidestined were partnered with the Royal Knights, as you might know." He began. "But there were also many partner Digimon who were not Royal Knights. Most of them live either on File Island, keeping it safe, or control the port towns along the eastern and southern borders of Server. They sympathize with the Royal Knight's cause, and while I don't think your lives would be in danger if you ran into them, you would probably be arrested on sight."

"If we're Digidestined like they are," Mimi spoke, "Then why would they try to stop us? In fact, shouldn't the Royal Knights be helping us?"

"We live in complicated times, unfortunately." Gankoomon answered. "The defense of the digital world has become the number one priority among most of the Digimon that live here, and while you are Digidestined, you were not summoned to protect the digital world, at least not from what I can deduce. You were summoned to protect the human world, and for that, they will consider you enemies."

"He's probably right," Lopmon agreed, "Unfortunately. I was hoping to rely on my status as a Deva to secure us passage to the upper planes, but it would be quite dangerous there for you all." She said, referring to Alice, Mimi, and Takuya. "If Gankoomon has an alternative plan that'll take less time, then we should consider taking that route instead."

"I know of many Digimon around these parts," Gankoomon said, "Some come looking to steal our food, but many are just looking for companionship. Some have led me towards the coast to the west, and I've found many fishing villages that are friendly towards me, and will provide me with fish at little-to-no cost. It's quite beneficial for the young ones." He looked out over the in-training Digimon, who had all fallen asleep. "Tomorrow, I shall draw you a map to these villages, where a seafarer by the name of Captain Hookmon frequently makes port. With a letter of recommendation, he'll gladly get you where you need to go."

"Thank you, that'll help a lot." Takuya smiled. "But if I may ask, if humans are so distrusted here, wouldn't it be safer if you came with us, especially since you know the way there, and you are friends with Hookmon?"

"I cannot," He shook his head, "Or rather I will not. I am glad to offer all I can to help you, but I will not leave the little ones behind. They need me to protect them. And the village is more than a week away from here: I would be gone for too long."

"Gankoomon," Gabumon spoke, "I can digivolve to my champion form, Garurumon, at will, as you've seen. I would be happy to protect the Digimon here until you return. Besides, you've made the trip before, without me here as a champion to protect them. Surely they need your help more than we do right now."

"It would be greatly appreciated, Gankoomon." Lopmon added. "As ultimates, we can protect our partners if need be, but we'd rather not get into fights with the Digimon of this area if we don't have to. We're only here to save Willis. Once we're done we need to head back to Kyoto and stop the Gizumon and eliminate the source of the virus, so everyone can be free."

"Please Gankoomon, you could prevent a lot of conflict just from your presence alone." Gabumon urged.

"Gabumon, are you sure that you can adequately protect my charges for such a long period of time?" Gankoomon inquired.

"I am sure, and if I may, it would be an honor." Gabumon nodded.

"Hm…" Gankoomon tapped his foot against the ground. "Very well then. I'd hate for any Digimon to lose their lives while you all were just trying to defend yourselves. I will accompany you to the village, and ensure your passage onto Captain Hookmon's ship."

"Thank you Gankoomon, we really appreciate it!" Mimi and Palmon cheered.

"Yes, yes, now I suggest you all get some sleep. I will make the necessary preparations, and awaken you in the morning. Please, feel free to grab some blankets." He pointed over to the piles of bedding that lay in the field. The Digidestined thanked him again, and then stood up from the circle, retrieving some blankets and finding places to sleep in the clearing. Gankoomon retrieved some blankets as well, and began placing piles of fruit within them, wrapping them into sacks. As he worked, he watched Impmon move to the edge of the clearing and sit up against a tree. From his spot the Digimon could see across the open fields below.

"Why are you here, if I may ask?" Gankoomon inquired as he temporarily abandoned his work and sat down next to him. "You have no partner, nor did it seem that you were particularly invested in the events that have occurred in the human world."

"Er…" Impmon groaned, "Listen, I don't have any love for these bozos. I came to Kyoto with the digital army because they forced me to join, said that I would be saving the digital world. I didn't really buy into their doctrine, but I thought It would be a pretty cool change of pace, ya know? Then when I got there these guys back here defeated my unit, and I wasn't about to die for nobody's cause, so I dipped. Turns out, that makes you a traitor too, and even though I couldn't care less if they won or lost, the digital army came after me as much as the rest of 'em. I didn't do much during the fight, but that guy there," He pointed to Takuya, "And the one we're looking for, Willis, they looked after me when I was down."

"You are repaying a debt?" Gankoomon observed.

"Exactly," Impmon nodded, "I owe them one. Nothing more, nothing less. The second we get Willis back, I'll be on my own again, just like it should be."

"That sounds awfully lonely." Gankoomon sighed. "Are you sure that's what you want?"

"I do better on my own, always have, always will." Impmon shrugged.

"I wouldn't be so quick to deny the power of a team," Gankoomon warned, "As you may have witnessed, those Digidestined have accomplished some fantastic feats by working together as one unit. Humans and Digimon are stronger together, both by working within our own species, and with the other. You said it yourself, when you were vulnerable, they looked after you."

"I never said I was vulnerable!" Impmon growled. "I just uh, I was just in a bad position, that's all. I could have gotten out of it myself, I just thought I'd let them do something useful for a change, ya know? Those humans are always standing on the sidelines, letting their partners do all the work. Makes me sick. Thought they should finally get their hands dirty."

"If that were true, then why do you feel as if you owe them?" Gankoomon inquired.

"Hey now, what's with the third degree?" The rookie grumbled. "What is this, entrapment or something?"

"My apologies," Gankoomon stood back up, "I did not mean to offend you. I was merely interested in why you were here."

"Well, now you know, and you can go about your business while I get my beauty sleep." He turned over onto the ground, closing his eyes.

"If I may say one more thing?" Gankoomon nudged the rookie's side with his foot.

"Er… what?" Impmon sat back up.

"I know what it's like to be alone. I have been for most of my life. It can feel daunting at times, the weight of it all. You have no one to help you with your burdens, no one to care for you, no one to listen. It's easy to become defensive, to not allow anyone in, to refuse the help or the friendship of those around you. I understand better than most, believe me. But I just want you to know, that it's okay to let others in. Sometimes the reward outweighs the risk, in my opinion." Gankoomon began walking back towards the fruit.

"Yeah, well if I had wanted your opinion, I'd have asked for it!" Impmon barked before turning back over to go to sleep.

"My apologies, I'll keep it to myself next time." Gankoomon returned to his task, wrapping up eight bundles of food of various proportions, for each of the travelers to carry. "This world isn't safe for those who live alone, on the edge."