Author's notes:
I removed this part from the original Tanomoshii no Sugoroku line since
it's more of a side story than an actual part of the continuity. This and
Domino's stories take months and occur at the same time the Digidestined
are wandering around the Digital World, but before they met Etemon. At
least my part does. It ends just as the Digidestined reach Datamon, time-
wise.
Hikari and I came to a part where our respective Digimon would go face the world on their own. Each of us chose a style to write the story, mine was a mix of first and third person, while her own was all in 1st person. We really didn't know what would happen to Domino (in my case) or Dice (in hers), other than a few minor details, which made things more interesting! ^_^ Previously in Tanomoshii Sugoroku: Domino and Dice have decided to leave Primary village in search of adventures. Each finding that the other's plans weren't really like their own, they had to part ways, Domino in search of the famed Digidestined, and Dice after his hero: Leomon.
-----
Tanomoshii Sugoroku Special Dice's Story by : Wanderer D (wandererd@hotmail.com) -----
Immediately after leaving Primary Village I regretted it. But I couldn't go back, not now that I could reach Leomon and ask him to train me, so I could become as strong as he is. I'm gonna miss everyone, specially Domino. Come to think about it, this is the first time I've been truly alone, and that thought scares me like nothing else I've felt before. At least, from what I heard from the other Digimon, this road will take me to the beach, where Leomon was going to build a boat to get to the other containment, or whatever it's called. I really wonder what's so important about these kids, but I gather that the best way to find out is going with him!
* * *
Leomon was adding the finishing touches to his boat, namely a veil, when the bushes behind him rustled. He stopped working and watched amused as a black puppy-like Digimon struggled out of the bushes. He was all black, except for two white patches, one on the tip of the tail, and another on the right eye. Leomon knew who he was, since he was partly responsible for his Digivolution, but what he didn't know was what it was doing here of all places, when it should've been at Primary Village. "Dice? What are you doing here?" he asked. Dice looked up at him and smiled, shaking a little to get twigs free of his pelt. "Well, what do you think, Leomon? I came here to help you!"
"Help me?"
"Yes! Remember you told me you'd go to that containment and help the Digidestined?"
"Containment? Ah, you mean Continent!" Leomon clarified. "Yes, but I don't know, Dice..."
Dice ran up to him, and looked up. "Listen, Leomon, I want to grow up and be as strong as you are! Will you teach me how to fight?"
Leomon thought about it for a moment. It seemed that Dice had decided to make a life of his own, and although he was still not strong enough to face larger Digimon, Leomon had trained him to be stronger than the average Salamon. But, if he wanted to fight, it would be for the best that someone responsible took care of him. Otherwise he might end up like Ogremon.
"Okay, Dice, but you have to promise me you'll follow orders." "Yes! I promise!" Dice answered, jumping around happily. Leomon smiled. "Well, let's gather food, and we'll be on our way!" the Lion Digimon ordered. Dice nodded and started into the forest, in search for food. * * *
The next few days were a thrill, Leomon taught me many things, including some of his fighting style. He explained that the way you fought was your 'style' and that he used techniques that other Digimon didn't know.
Most of my endurance training was done by swimming, and the rest was meditating, and fishing. Leomon turned everything I did into training, and seemed to be happy with my progress. We even stopped for a day at a small island and there he taught me how to fight using my head. It wasn't that easy, but I'd never had so much fun... except perhaps with Domino.
I couldn't help but wonder what had become of her. My distraction didn't escape Leomon, and after explaining it to him, he said he understood, but that I should learn to control these emotions... and so I started yet another meditation as we took to the sea again. With any luck, we would reach the Continent in a few days.
* * *
Leomon stared at the clouds for a moment, judging their altitude. With the small boat he would be unable to change course in time. He just hoped that the storm wouldn't be that strong.
* * *
My head hurt... what had happened? Where was I now? I could hear the comforting sound of waves hitting the shore close to me... but shouldn't I be in a boat? I was afraid to even open my eyes, even when I felt the sunlight hitting me relentlessly. I could wish for a cloud... but... wasn't a cloud... there was something about clouds... yes, I remembered something about clouds.
But... there's another noise...
* * *
Dice opened his eyes and looked around. He was lying next to the water, in a strange beach. A jungle could be seen a little beyond the sand, which was powdery, white, and warm in the sunlight while, the water in front of him, was clear as crystal up to where the horizon met it.
A little confused, he got up and stared at the flotsam that had washed ashore next to him.
Dazed, he started walking along the shore. Then, when he found what seemed to be a piece of the boat he and Leomon had been in, he sat down and stared at it. He suddenly stood up and stepped back from the water, looking fearfully at it. Turning around, he ran into the jungle.
He stumbled through it in a panic, not letting roots or other nuisances stop him. He ran and ran, until he couldn't hear the sound of the sea, or feel the sunlight, until he stumbled and fell, face first, to the ground.
The black Salamon couldn't feel his legs, and the fear and panic that had taken control of him had been changed for simple tiredness. He ignored the aching, and the weird position he had ended up and just closed his eyes.
* * *
"What have we here?" Was the first thing I heard in who-knows-how-long, then felt something hard poking at my head. Opening one eye I noticed a stone-like Digimon holding out a branch and poking at my head.
"Hey! Cut it out!" I said, as I tried to stand up.
He poked me again. "Why?"
"Because I don't like it!" I said, finally giving up.
"Oh, leave him alone, Gotsumon." Someone said. I looked around and found a Pumpkinmon looking at me.
"He shouldn't be resting around!" Gotsumon said. "He should be up and about, having fun!"
"I don't want to have fun..." I said, remembering for the briefest of moments Leomon.
"I just want to be left alone!"
The Gotsumon and Pumkinmon shared a look, then picked me up, each by one leg.
"Hey!" I shouted, but as much as I tried to struggle I was too weak to get free,
"We're taking you with us!" Gotsumon announced, as they started marching. I noticed that after a few minutes we reached a trail.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked.
"We're going to the city!" Pumkinmon said. "You'll get better in no-time and you'll be able to play with us!"
* * *
The city was like no place I had ever seen before. There were structures here, like those at Primary Village, but different. Digimon lived in there and there were places for food, and shops and clothes and even places to sleep! Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon dragged me into one of these and let me sleep in a small room for the rest of the day, and by nighttime, I was almost completely rested. Pumpkinmon came for me and we both walked out to where Gotsumon waited.
"Hello, there!" Gotsumon greeted.
"Um... hello," I answered. I felt bad about mistreating them that morning, and decided to let them know. "Listen, about this morning..."
"No problem!" Pumpkinmon interrupted.
"Huh?"
"That's right! We're always glad to have new friends!" Gotsumon added.
"Even if I treated you like that?" I asked, unable to believe my ears. Gotsumon shrugged. "Come on, let's get some Ice Cream!"
My stomach grumbled. Back at Primary Village, Frigimon had appeared from time to time bringing Ice Cream for everyone, and boy, did I like Ice Cream!
"Sure! Let's go!" I shouted, and started running after them. We passed several parlors, which was a little confusing, since we could have gotten it there, instead of crossing half the city!
Finally, they turned a corner and we stopped inside an alley. From there, we could see another parlor. There weren't any other Digimon in the area, and the Veggiemon that was tending it looked a little distracted.
"Okay," Pumpkinmon started. "Here's the plan, I will ask for three ice cream cones, and when Veggiemon gives them to me, you and Salamon run around, as if you were playing, confusing him and I make a break for it."
I looked from the stand to them. "Are you serious?!" I asked.
Gotsumon nodded. "Yeah! We need to eat, you know?"
"B-but that's stealing!" I said accusingly, taking a step back.
Pumpkinmon looked at me. "It's okay, Veggiemon has lots of parlors around town, this is just the only one he manages. We would've bought them, but we had to pay for the rooms too!"
I suddenly felt a little guilty, since I had slept all day in the rooms they had paid. Well, even if I didn't like it that much, I'd help them out. After all, I owed them.
"Dice." I said.
"What?" Gotsumon asked in chorus with Pumpkinmon.
I smiled. "My name is Dice, not Salamon."
Understanding crept into their faces and they smiled back. "Well, Dice! Let's go!"
* * *
Gotsumon walked into the small room he shared with Dice and Pumpkinmon. The two of them had become real good friends with the black Salamon. This time, like many others, he didn't find him.
He sighed. How was he supposed to organize tonight's raid if Dice stayed at the forest all the time? Giving in to the inevitable, he decided to go look for him at his favorite training ground.
* * *
Ok, concentrate, breathe. breathe. feel the heart beating. call the strength inside, the spirit of the beasts, the ancestral power of your predecessors. breathe. there's the target, don't blink! Focus the rage, the fear in one point. in the center. breathe. and. attack!
* * *
Gotsumon walked out of the jungle into the rocky area. He looked around, trying to find Dice when suddenly large rock standing next to him blew up.
He dove for cover with a surprised shout, then looked up at the place where the stone used to be. There, amidst the rubble, was Dice, with a goofy smile and.. unconscious. if he were dead he'd become Digidust.
Gotsumon sighed and picked the Salamon up, looking askance from his goofy smile to the rubble. "I guess he finally did it." He murmured, walking into the jungle opposite of the rock.
* * *
I woke up with a splitting headache, but still. as the last memories of the destroyed rock entered my mind, I couldn't suppress a smile. I had finally managed what Leomon had told me I would achieve after sufficient training. True, it was still to uncertain and required too much power, but still. hey, I had finally done it! My first secret technique! This is so cool!
I looked around and spotted Pumpkinmon.
"Hey!" I said.
He looked at me and nodded. "Hey. It's about time, you know! I say, if I didn't know better I could swear you like being unconscious!
"Not so!"
He just shrugged. "If you say so. Anyway, tonight's the big one! We've finally managed to do it after the last few weeks of effort!"
* * *
Dice's eyes brightened. "You mean we got the job?"
Pumpkinmon nodded just as Gotsumon entered. "Well, not exactly."
"What do you mean 'not exactly'?" Dice asked, eyeing his friends closely.
"Well. you see. remember that place we 'jumped' last time?"
"You mean that place you and Pumpkinmon. wait a minute." Gotsumon nodded. "It's owned by Chronomon."
"And he wants us to find the 'brigands' that did it as our first job." Pumpkinmon added.
". but since it was you." the Salamon ventured.
"Well, we couldn't tell him that!" Gotsumon argued. "So we told them it had probably been one of those loose Modoki Betamon that started trouble last week!"
"And?"
"Well. um, our first job is to capture those Modoki Betamon." Pumpkinmon finished.
"But. those are more than a dozen!" Dice shouted.
Both Digimon cringed.
"We know! We know!" Pumpkinmon said.
"But, we've got a plan!" Gotsumon insisted.
"Ok, shoot."
"First." Pumpkinmon said as he and Gotsumon stood closer to Dice. The Black Salamon nodded as he listened, and after a moment smiled. This might just work!
* * *
"HEEEEEY! I WAN'T MOOOORE OF THISSSS thing." one of the Modoki Betamon shouted drunkenly.
"On it's way!" Shouted the black Salamon that was transporting the trays on his back. He stopped next to them and carefully set them down by letting it slide from his back with a paw keeping balance. The 13 or so Modoki Betamon dug into the plates full force.
"I hope those two move it." Dice thought as he grabbed the tray with his mouth and took it back to the bar. "Those guys are pretty drunk. and they might leave soon enough." he concluded. He left the tray in the bar just as Gotsumon came out wearing an apron.
"It's done. He didn't even know what hit him. I mean." Gotsumon stopped and faced the glaring Salamon. "Um.."
"Didn't you ask his permission?"
"Ah. yes. I mean. sorta."
"What do you mean sort of? I don't see that net on the roof!" Dice muttered looking around and up.
"Well, we decided that there was a better way of capturing them. with the net."
"Really? How so?"
"Well." Gotsumon started, when suddenly Dice raised an ear.
* * *
What was that sound? It was almost inaudible. but it seemed to be like a soft scrap against wood. I concentrated on it as I looked around, ignoring Gotsumon for the moment.
Then, as I looked to the area where the Modoki Betamon were drinking, I caught a glimpse of something shiny moving around them slowly. then I noticed what seemed to be a thin black line going around the place they were standing.
I stared for a moment, then turned around for confirmation, ignoring a huge Monochromon that passed right next to me. "Surely that is not."
"A saw!" Gotsumon finished proudly, and gave me a 'thumbs up'. "What's the case of working as Digimon Hunters if it's not fun!"
"But." I didn't finish as the Monochromon walked up to the Modoki Betamon.
"Here you are!" He shouted, drawing everyone's attention. The Modoki Betamon stopped their drinking immediately. "Boss!" One of them squeaked.
"You know there's a price on our heads and yet go out in public!? We're leaving! Now!" He shouted.
The wooden floor creaked.
I groaned. "This can't be happening." I muttered just as it gave in and all the Modoki Betamon fell in, along the Monochromon. which was a little too heavy for the net.
Just as the first crash registered into the minds of the present Digimon, a surprised shout and another crash emanated from within the hole.
Gotsumon and I exchanged worried glances. That shout had been Pumpkinmon. and those other shouts were also his. and from the Modoki Betamon. and the roar was probably the leader Monochromon.
"He's dead.:" Gotsumon muttered worriedly as he and I ran towards the hole, the rest of the Digimon gathered around and peered down.
* * *
The gathered Digimon laughed and cheered as Dice and Gotsumon pushed their way to the edge of the hole, and looked down.
Pumpkinmon was jumping and running around as the confused Modoki Betamon tried to shock him, but only ended shocking each other. However, Monochromon managed to hit him full force, and Pumpkinmon went sprawling, as the Modoki Betamon organized under their leader's orders.
"Great." Dice muttered as Gotsumon jumped down to help Pumpkinmon.
"So, you are the ones that were paid to get us?" Monochromon asked, sneering. Gotsumon helped Pumpkinmon up and looked at the group defiantly. "NO!"
"huh?" was the general consensus. Everyone looked at each other as Monochromon looked slightly confused. "No? What do you mean no?! Did you just try to kill us for hobby?"
"No, actually, we were contacted to get you, but we haven't got paid," Pumpkinmon clarified.
"Riiiight," Monochromon muttered. "My fault for the confusion. I hope I didn't offend you in any way."
He was dripping sarcasm and Dice just hoped that his friends would just get out.
His hopes however were broken by Gotsumon's answer.
"Nah, none taken."
Monochromon smiled. "Good. Kill them."
* * *
I sighed.
This was just getting better.
As Monochromon stepped forward I jumped down and landed on his head, covering his eyes. and grabbed on for dear life!
Monochromon shouted and started shaking his head, I almost lost my grip but hanged on harder. I looked at Gotsumon and Pumkinmon who were laughing their heads off.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" I demanded.
"You're doing great, Dice! Keep on!" Pumpkinmon shouted back.
"WHAT?!" I shouted as Monochromon shook his head from side to side, sending Modoki Betamon flying all around us. "THIS ISN'T A GAME, YOU KNOW!"
"This is most unsettling," Monochromon said suddenly, stopping. What was with this guy and proper talking? Suddenly, he stood on his back legs and stomped down hard, moving his head down. and sending me flying towards the wall.
I guess that I would have laughed at the expressions on Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon's faces if I hadn't been about to crash against the wall!
* * *
Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon dove to the sides as Dice flew past them and crashed against the wooden wall, cracking it and bringing it down on him.
They were about to go help him when the Modoki Betamon jumped at them.
Dice struggled out of the wooden pile in time to see Monochromon hit Gotsumon with his tail. Gotsumon also sailed through the air and landed next to him.
"I see your plan is working along nicely!" Dice shouted as five Modoki Betamon attacked them.
"Well, I didn't know they had a Monochrome for a leader! Did you?!" Gotsumon shouted as he used his power to let rocks fall on top of the Modoki Betamon, stopping them for a moment.
"What are we going to do?!" Asked Pumpkinmon grabbing his axe. The attacking Digimon stepped back as axes started falling on them.
"Do something!" Gotsumon shouted at Dice.
"Like what?! BARK?!" Dice shouted back. He tried to analyze the situation, like Leomon had told him to do. Of course, he had never fought these odds. There were about four unconscious Modoki Betamon, which left nine being held back and Monochromon, who was organizing them. That gave him an idea. He started jumping on the heads of the Modoki Betamon.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Gotsumon shouted.
"Just handle the MB's!" Dice shouted over his shoulder, as he landed in front of Monochromon.
* * *
Monochromon looked at me askance. "Don't tell me you intend to fight me alone, little Salamon."
I didn't bother to answer, and that seemed to be enough for him. He charged, and I dove to the right, barely missing him, when he passed next to me, I slammed his ribs with a head butt.
The Digimon above us cheered as he turned around and looked at me. "Nice try, Salamon, but you're too weak to really harm me!"
"That's what you th-" I was cut short by a tail slap that sent me rolling. I slid painfully to a stop, then stood up defiantly. There was one thing I could do. but I would probably kill him.
Again he charged, and I tried to avoid him, but a pain in the ribs slowed me down, and he hit me full force. I slammed against the other wall. This one was rock, not wood like the other three, since this one was to the side where the street would be.
It was painful. I felt rage inside me, I wouldn't let him kill me! I would become the strongest Digimon ever and protect Domino.
That thought stopped me short. I couldn't die. Not because of being a warrior. But because I had promised to protect her if she was in danger. I stood up and concentrated.
Monochromon sneered. "Still trying, Salamon?"
I ignored his words as I felt the power inside me and focused my concentration on his armored forehead.
"It's about time you die, my dear boy!" Monochromon shouted as he charged at me.
I could hear shouts from above and from Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon shouting at me to dodge, but I had reached the point of no return.
* * *
As Monochromon raced towards Dice, the black Salamon suddenly shot forward, a defiant shout escaping his lips. Suddenly, Dice's form seemed to waver and he became three colored shadows that slammed Monochromon.
The sound of the impact broke the windows, and a flash prevented everyone from seeing exactly what had happened.
When everyone could look again, they gasped. Monochromon was slowly standing up, but his armor was cracked all along his body, and his horn had been ripped off.
The gigantic Digimon could barely stand up, and stumbled a little before regaining his balance. Just in front of him was Dice.
Dice could barely stay conscious, he had spent all his energy on that last attack, but it hadn't been enough.
Monochromon kicked the Salamon across the room, and buried him under a wooden box full of fruit. He then turned around and signaled the Modoki Betamon. The remaining Betamon surrounded Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon as Monochromon walked up to them.
"Okay, you could've given up, but you had to insist on fighting us and now I really have to kill you." He said.
Dice, on the other side of the room, heard the announcement, and felt again the rage building inside him. He wouldn't let him kill any of them! He struggled to get up, but the weight of the boxes was too great.
"If I were stronger. like Leomon, I'd be out of here and kicking their hides." he muttered. But he didn't give up, and kept on struggling.
Monochromon and the others noticed the light coming out from under the boxes, and looked at it a little unsettled, until it was lifted and thrown aside, then they stared in surprise.
A black Gatomon stood amidst the debris. The only things he had different were white patches of fur on his right eye, white stripes around the tail a white tip. Dice smiled as he pulled his arm back, closing his paw into a fist.
"Fist of the Beast King!" the Gatomon shouted, punching forward. A ghostly image of a lion slammed into Monochromon, and slammed him against the wall. Monochromon fell forward and became Digidust.
Everyone stood in quiet surprise.
"He. killed him!" someone said.
Dice stared at the place where the Monochromon had been. The Modoki Betamon shouted and ran away from him, as his two friends stared at him.
* * *
Three days have passed since I killed Monochromon. The Modoki Betamon surrendered and we took them in, but still. Gotsumon and Pumkinmon have treated me much more differently since I Digivolved and killed my first Digimon.
And I hate myself for that. I hate myself because I don't feel bad about it. And I think I should. What would Leomon think? Heck, Domino would hate me if she ever found out! Now, I fear Gotsumon and Pumkinmon won't even want to come close to me.
The other Digimon treat me with respect, although it's more the kind of respect I get from fear, not out of merit.
I even retired to my training grounds for a couple of days, and although I knew they came from time to time, they never spoke to me. They just stayed in the shadows while I meditated, then when I started my training, they would leave.
I've got far, since turning into a Gatomon. My special technique takes much less energy than before, and I can still use the 'Fist of the Beast King', curiously enough, and have trained for hours to perfect it, and I feel I've managed to do so. Time will tell.
Now, I have decided to talk to Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon and see what happens.
* * *
Dice walked down the path to the city silently thinking about his actions. Why didn't he feel bad about Monochromon?
He couldn't get the thought out of his head and it bothered him a lot more than he dared think.
When he got to the room they shared, he stopped for a moment outside the room, breathed hard and went in. Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon weren't here. But another Digimon was.
He had a blue suit, and a red cape, his face was covered by a red bat-like mask and he had two protruding fangs.
His eyes half closed as he looked at Dice.
"You. you're not the Gatomon I'm searching for." he said.
"Gatomon?" Dice asked incredulous. Could it be that Domino had Digivolved too?
The man turned around as if considering. "Well, it's strange enough to find another Gatomon around."
Dice snapped back to reality. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
"My name is Myotismon. Tell me, Gatomon, are you interested in joining an army?"
"An. army?" Dice asked. "Why would someone need an Army?" Myotismon smiled. "Well. I have discovered another world, and in that world creatures called humans live."
"Humans. like the Digidestined?"
Myotismon's eyes narrowed. "Where have you heard that name?"
"From." Dice looked away. "Leomon. before he."
Myotismon's eyes flashed. Leomon, dead? Hardly, but it seemed this Gatomon believed so, and Gatomon seemed to be strong soldiers, if his own Gatomon was any indication. Perhaps he could use him.
"Hmm. I don't know if he's dead. maybe we can find out."
Dice's eyes lit up as he nearly jumped in excitement. "You can do that?"
Myotismon nodded. "But first, I will need your help, Gatomon."
Dice nodded eagerly. "What?"
"Well, I'm looking for another Gatomon," Myotismon looked curiously at Dice's coat. "Only. she's white. With purple stripes on the tail."
Dice nodded. "I can find her! I hunt Digimon for a living!" Dice said without thinking. The idea of hunting evil Digimon and bring them to justice for a price had been his, and so far they had found and captured quite a few Digimon. The Modoki Betamon had been the last job. and he'd screwed that one when he killed Monochromon unintentionally.
Myotismon seemed to like the idea. "Okay, Gatomon, if you find my friend Gatomon and bring her to me, I'll show you what happened to Leomon with my magic. Do we have a deal?"
"I accept." Dice said, walking up to Myotismon and shaking his hand. "By the way, my name is Dice."
* * *
After Dice had left Myotismon slowly flew out. He was intrigued by this 'Dice' Gatomon, he would have to look for more information about him.
* * *
To be Continued... Author's notes:
I would like to thank all readers who've taken a moment to leave an encouraging review, it helps to know our work is appreciated!! ^_^
About that 'no' part previously missing in the title: Well, It just so happens, that after much discussion, it was revealed that: While you might skip the 'no' in casual conversation, as a title it would have to include it for proper grammar. So there.
Hikari and I came to a part where our respective Digimon would go face the world on their own. Each of us chose a style to write the story, mine was a mix of first and third person, while her own was all in 1st person. We really didn't know what would happen to Domino (in my case) or Dice (in hers), other than a few minor details, which made things more interesting! ^_^ Previously in Tanomoshii Sugoroku: Domino and Dice have decided to leave Primary village in search of adventures. Each finding that the other's plans weren't really like their own, they had to part ways, Domino in search of the famed Digidestined, and Dice after his hero: Leomon.
-----
Tanomoshii Sugoroku Special Dice's Story by : Wanderer D (wandererd@hotmail.com) -----
Immediately after leaving Primary Village I regretted it. But I couldn't go back, not now that I could reach Leomon and ask him to train me, so I could become as strong as he is. I'm gonna miss everyone, specially Domino. Come to think about it, this is the first time I've been truly alone, and that thought scares me like nothing else I've felt before. At least, from what I heard from the other Digimon, this road will take me to the beach, where Leomon was going to build a boat to get to the other containment, or whatever it's called. I really wonder what's so important about these kids, but I gather that the best way to find out is going with him!
* * *
Leomon was adding the finishing touches to his boat, namely a veil, when the bushes behind him rustled. He stopped working and watched amused as a black puppy-like Digimon struggled out of the bushes. He was all black, except for two white patches, one on the tip of the tail, and another on the right eye. Leomon knew who he was, since he was partly responsible for his Digivolution, but what he didn't know was what it was doing here of all places, when it should've been at Primary Village. "Dice? What are you doing here?" he asked. Dice looked up at him and smiled, shaking a little to get twigs free of his pelt. "Well, what do you think, Leomon? I came here to help you!"
"Help me?"
"Yes! Remember you told me you'd go to that containment and help the Digidestined?"
"Containment? Ah, you mean Continent!" Leomon clarified. "Yes, but I don't know, Dice..."
Dice ran up to him, and looked up. "Listen, Leomon, I want to grow up and be as strong as you are! Will you teach me how to fight?"
Leomon thought about it for a moment. It seemed that Dice had decided to make a life of his own, and although he was still not strong enough to face larger Digimon, Leomon had trained him to be stronger than the average Salamon. But, if he wanted to fight, it would be for the best that someone responsible took care of him. Otherwise he might end up like Ogremon.
"Okay, Dice, but you have to promise me you'll follow orders." "Yes! I promise!" Dice answered, jumping around happily. Leomon smiled. "Well, let's gather food, and we'll be on our way!" the Lion Digimon ordered. Dice nodded and started into the forest, in search for food. * * *
The next few days were a thrill, Leomon taught me many things, including some of his fighting style. He explained that the way you fought was your 'style' and that he used techniques that other Digimon didn't know.
Most of my endurance training was done by swimming, and the rest was meditating, and fishing. Leomon turned everything I did into training, and seemed to be happy with my progress. We even stopped for a day at a small island and there he taught me how to fight using my head. It wasn't that easy, but I'd never had so much fun... except perhaps with Domino.
I couldn't help but wonder what had become of her. My distraction didn't escape Leomon, and after explaining it to him, he said he understood, but that I should learn to control these emotions... and so I started yet another meditation as we took to the sea again. With any luck, we would reach the Continent in a few days.
* * *
Leomon stared at the clouds for a moment, judging their altitude. With the small boat he would be unable to change course in time. He just hoped that the storm wouldn't be that strong.
* * *
My head hurt... what had happened? Where was I now? I could hear the comforting sound of waves hitting the shore close to me... but shouldn't I be in a boat? I was afraid to even open my eyes, even when I felt the sunlight hitting me relentlessly. I could wish for a cloud... but... wasn't a cloud... there was something about clouds... yes, I remembered something about clouds.
But... there's another noise...
* * *
Dice opened his eyes and looked around. He was lying next to the water, in a strange beach. A jungle could be seen a little beyond the sand, which was powdery, white, and warm in the sunlight while, the water in front of him, was clear as crystal up to where the horizon met it.
A little confused, he got up and stared at the flotsam that had washed ashore next to him.
Dazed, he started walking along the shore. Then, when he found what seemed to be a piece of the boat he and Leomon had been in, he sat down and stared at it. He suddenly stood up and stepped back from the water, looking fearfully at it. Turning around, he ran into the jungle.
He stumbled through it in a panic, not letting roots or other nuisances stop him. He ran and ran, until he couldn't hear the sound of the sea, or feel the sunlight, until he stumbled and fell, face first, to the ground.
The black Salamon couldn't feel his legs, and the fear and panic that had taken control of him had been changed for simple tiredness. He ignored the aching, and the weird position he had ended up and just closed his eyes.
* * *
"What have we here?" Was the first thing I heard in who-knows-how-long, then felt something hard poking at my head. Opening one eye I noticed a stone-like Digimon holding out a branch and poking at my head.
"Hey! Cut it out!" I said, as I tried to stand up.
He poked me again. "Why?"
"Because I don't like it!" I said, finally giving up.
"Oh, leave him alone, Gotsumon." Someone said. I looked around and found a Pumpkinmon looking at me.
"He shouldn't be resting around!" Gotsumon said. "He should be up and about, having fun!"
"I don't want to have fun..." I said, remembering for the briefest of moments Leomon.
"I just want to be left alone!"
The Gotsumon and Pumkinmon shared a look, then picked me up, each by one leg.
"Hey!" I shouted, but as much as I tried to struggle I was too weak to get free,
"We're taking you with us!" Gotsumon announced, as they started marching. I noticed that after a few minutes we reached a trail.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked.
"We're going to the city!" Pumkinmon said. "You'll get better in no-time and you'll be able to play with us!"
* * *
The city was like no place I had ever seen before. There were structures here, like those at Primary Village, but different. Digimon lived in there and there were places for food, and shops and clothes and even places to sleep! Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon dragged me into one of these and let me sleep in a small room for the rest of the day, and by nighttime, I was almost completely rested. Pumpkinmon came for me and we both walked out to where Gotsumon waited.
"Hello, there!" Gotsumon greeted.
"Um... hello," I answered. I felt bad about mistreating them that morning, and decided to let them know. "Listen, about this morning..."
"No problem!" Pumpkinmon interrupted.
"Huh?"
"That's right! We're always glad to have new friends!" Gotsumon added.
"Even if I treated you like that?" I asked, unable to believe my ears. Gotsumon shrugged. "Come on, let's get some Ice Cream!"
My stomach grumbled. Back at Primary Village, Frigimon had appeared from time to time bringing Ice Cream for everyone, and boy, did I like Ice Cream!
"Sure! Let's go!" I shouted, and started running after them. We passed several parlors, which was a little confusing, since we could have gotten it there, instead of crossing half the city!
Finally, they turned a corner and we stopped inside an alley. From there, we could see another parlor. There weren't any other Digimon in the area, and the Veggiemon that was tending it looked a little distracted.
"Okay," Pumpkinmon started. "Here's the plan, I will ask for three ice cream cones, and when Veggiemon gives them to me, you and Salamon run around, as if you were playing, confusing him and I make a break for it."
I looked from the stand to them. "Are you serious?!" I asked.
Gotsumon nodded. "Yeah! We need to eat, you know?"
"B-but that's stealing!" I said accusingly, taking a step back.
Pumpkinmon looked at me. "It's okay, Veggiemon has lots of parlors around town, this is just the only one he manages. We would've bought them, but we had to pay for the rooms too!"
I suddenly felt a little guilty, since I had slept all day in the rooms they had paid. Well, even if I didn't like it that much, I'd help them out. After all, I owed them.
"Dice." I said.
"What?" Gotsumon asked in chorus with Pumpkinmon.
I smiled. "My name is Dice, not Salamon."
Understanding crept into their faces and they smiled back. "Well, Dice! Let's go!"
* * *
Gotsumon walked into the small room he shared with Dice and Pumpkinmon. The two of them had become real good friends with the black Salamon. This time, like many others, he didn't find him.
He sighed. How was he supposed to organize tonight's raid if Dice stayed at the forest all the time? Giving in to the inevitable, he decided to go look for him at his favorite training ground.
* * *
Ok, concentrate, breathe. breathe. feel the heart beating. call the strength inside, the spirit of the beasts, the ancestral power of your predecessors. breathe. there's the target, don't blink! Focus the rage, the fear in one point. in the center. breathe. and. attack!
* * *
Gotsumon walked out of the jungle into the rocky area. He looked around, trying to find Dice when suddenly large rock standing next to him blew up.
He dove for cover with a surprised shout, then looked up at the place where the stone used to be. There, amidst the rubble, was Dice, with a goofy smile and.. unconscious. if he were dead he'd become Digidust.
Gotsumon sighed and picked the Salamon up, looking askance from his goofy smile to the rubble. "I guess he finally did it." He murmured, walking into the jungle opposite of the rock.
* * *
I woke up with a splitting headache, but still. as the last memories of the destroyed rock entered my mind, I couldn't suppress a smile. I had finally managed what Leomon had told me I would achieve after sufficient training. True, it was still to uncertain and required too much power, but still. hey, I had finally done it! My first secret technique! This is so cool!
I looked around and spotted Pumpkinmon.
"Hey!" I said.
He looked at me and nodded. "Hey. It's about time, you know! I say, if I didn't know better I could swear you like being unconscious!
"Not so!"
He just shrugged. "If you say so. Anyway, tonight's the big one! We've finally managed to do it after the last few weeks of effort!"
* * *
Dice's eyes brightened. "You mean we got the job?"
Pumpkinmon nodded just as Gotsumon entered. "Well, not exactly."
"What do you mean 'not exactly'?" Dice asked, eyeing his friends closely.
"Well. you see. remember that place we 'jumped' last time?"
"You mean that place you and Pumpkinmon. wait a minute." Gotsumon nodded. "It's owned by Chronomon."
"And he wants us to find the 'brigands' that did it as our first job." Pumpkinmon added.
". but since it was you." the Salamon ventured.
"Well, we couldn't tell him that!" Gotsumon argued. "So we told them it had probably been one of those loose Modoki Betamon that started trouble last week!"
"And?"
"Well. um, our first job is to capture those Modoki Betamon." Pumpkinmon finished.
"But. those are more than a dozen!" Dice shouted.
Both Digimon cringed.
"We know! We know!" Pumpkinmon said.
"But, we've got a plan!" Gotsumon insisted.
"Ok, shoot."
"First." Pumpkinmon said as he and Gotsumon stood closer to Dice. The Black Salamon nodded as he listened, and after a moment smiled. This might just work!
* * *
"HEEEEEY! I WAN'T MOOOORE OF THISSSS thing." one of the Modoki Betamon shouted drunkenly.
"On it's way!" Shouted the black Salamon that was transporting the trays on his back. He stopped next to them and carefully set them down by letting it slide from his back with a paw keeping balance. The 13 or so Modoki Betamon dug into the plates full force.
"I hope those two move it." Dice thought as he grabbed the tray with his mouth and took it back to the bar. "Those guys are pretty drunk. and they might leave soon enough." he concluded. He left the tray in the bar just as Gotsumon came out wearing an apron.
"It's done. He didn't even know what hit him. I mean." Gotsumon stopped and faced the glaring Salamon. "Um.."
"Didn't you ask his permission?"
"Ah. yes. I mean. sorta."
"What do you mean sort of? I don't see that net on the roof!" Dice muttered looking around and up.
"Well, we decided that there was a better way of capturing them. with the net."
"Really? How so?"
"Well." Gotsumon started, when suddenly Dice raised an ear.
* * *
What was that sound? It was almost inaudible. but it seemed to be like a soft scrap against wood. I concentrated on it as I looked around, ignoring Gotsumon for the moment.
Then, as I looked to the area where the Modoki Betamon were drinking, I caught a glimpse of something shiny moving around them slowly. then I noticed what seemed to be a thin black line going around the place they were standing.
I stared for a moment, then turned around for confirmation, ignoring a huge Monochromon that passed right next to me. "Surely that is not."
"A saw!" Gotsumon finished proudly, and gave me a 'thumbs up'. "What's the case of working as Digimon Hunters if it's not fun!"
"But." I didn't finish as the Monochromon walked up to the Modoki Betamon.
"Here you are!" He shouted, drawing everyone's attention. The Modoki Betamon stopped their drinking immediately. "Boss!" One of them squeaked.
"You know there's a price on our heads and yet go out in public!? We're leaving! Now!" He shouted.
The wooden floor creaked.
I groaned. "This can't be happening." I muttered just as it gave in and all the Modoki Betamon fell in, along the Monochromon. which was a little too heavy for the net.
Just as the first crash registered into the minds of the present Digimon, a surprised shout and another crash emanated from within the hole.
Gotsumon and I exchanged worried glances. That shout had been Pumpkinmon. and those other shouts were also his. and from the Modoki Betamon. and the roar was probably the leader Monochromon.
"He's dead.:" Gotsumon muttered worriedly as he and I ran towards the hole, the rest of the Digimon gathered around and peered down.
* * *
The gathered Digimon laughed and cheered as Dice and Gotsumon pushed their way to the edge of the hole, and looked down.
Pumpkinmon was jumping and running around as the confused Modoki Betamon tried to shock him, but only ended shocking each other. However, Monochromon managed to hit him full force, and Pumpkinmon went sprawling, as the Modoki Betamon organized under their leader's orders.
"Great." Dice muttered as Gotsumon jumped down to help Pumpkinmon.
"So, you are the ones that were paid to get us?" Monochromon asked, sneering. Gotsumon helped Pumpkinmon up and looked at the group defiantly. "NO!"
"huh?" was the general consensus. Everyone looked at each other as Monochromon looked slightly confused. "No? What do you mean no?! Did you just try to kill us for hobby?"
"No, actually, we were contacted to get you, but we haven't got paid," Pumpkinmon clarified.
"Riiiight," Monochromon muttered. "My fault for the confusion. I hope I didn't offend you in any way."
He was dripping sarcasm and Dice just hoped that his friends would just get out.
His hopes however were broken by Gotsumon's answer.
"Nah, none taken."
Monochromon smiled. "Good. Kill them."
* * *
I sighed.
This was just getting better.
As Monochromon stepped forward I jumped down and landed on his head, covering his eyes. and grabbed on for dear life!
Monochromon shouted and started shaking his head, I almost lost my grip but hanged on harder. I looked at Gotsumon and Pumkinmon who were laughing their heads off.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" I demanded.
"You're doing great, Dice! Keep on!" Pumpkinmon shouted back.
"WHAT?!" I shouted as Monochromon shook his head from side to side, sending Modoki Betamon flying all around us. "THIS ISN'T A GAME, YOU KNOW!"
"This is most unsettling," Monochromon said suddenly, stopping. What was with this guy and proper talking? Suddenly, he stood on his back legs and stomped down hard, moving his head down. and sending me flying towards the wall.
I guess that I would have laughed at the expressions on Pumpkinmon and Gotsumon's faces if I hadn't been about to crash against the wall!
* * *
Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon dove to the sides as Dice flew past them and crashed against the wooden wall, cracking it and bringing it down on him.
They were about to go help him when the Modoki Betamon jumped at them.
Dice struggled out of the wooden pile in time to see Monochromon hit Gotsumon with his tail. Gotsumon also sailed through the air and landed next to him.
"I see your plan is working along nicely!" Dice shouted as five Modoki Betamon attacked them.
"Well, I didn't know they had a Monochrome for a leader! Did you?!" Gotsumon shouted as he used his power to let rocks fall on top of the Modoki Betamon, stopping them for a moment.
"What are we going to do?!" Asked Pumpkinmon grabbing his axe. The attacking Digimon stepped back as axes started falling on them.
"Do something!" Gotsumon shouted at Dice.
"Like what?! BARK?!" Dice shouted back. He tried to analyze the situation, like Leomon had told him to do. Of course, he had never fought these odds. There were about four unconscious Modoki Betamon, which left nine being held back and Monochromon, who was organizing them. That gave him an idea. He started jumping on the heads of the Modoki Betamon.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Gotsumon shouted.
"Just handle the MB's!" Dice shouted over his shoulder, as he landed in front of Monochromon.
* * *
Monochromon looked at me askance. "Don't tell me you intend to fight me alone, little Salamon."
I didn't bother to answer, and that seemed to be enough for him. He charged, and I dove to the right, barely missing him, when he passed next to me, I slammed his ribs with a head butt.
The Digimon above us cheered as he turned around and looked at me. "Nice try, Salamon, but you're too weak to really harm me!"
"That's what you th-" I was cut short by a tail slap that sent me rolling. I slid painfully to a stop, then stood up defiantly. There was one thing I could do. but I would probably kill him.
Again he charged, and I tried to avoid him, but a pain in the ribs slowed me down, and he hit me full force. I slammed against the other wall. This one was rock, not wood like the other three, since this one was to the side where the street would be.
It was painful. I felt rage inside me, I wouldn't let him kill me! I would become the strongest Digimon ever and protect Domino.
That thought stopped me short. I couldn't die. Not because of being a warrior. But because I had promised to protect her if she was in danger. I stood up and concentrated.
Monochromon sneered. "Still trying, Salamon?"
I ignored his words as I felt the power inside me and focused my concentration on his armored forehead.
"It's about time you die, my dear boy!" Monochromon shouted as he charged at me.
I could hear shouts from above and from Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon shouting at me to dodge, but I had reached the point of no return.
* * *
As Monochromon raced towards Dice, the black Salamon suddenly shot forward, a defiant shout escaping his lips. Suddenly, Dice's form seemed to waver and he became three colored shadows that slammed Monochromon.
The sound of the impact broke the windows, and a flash prevented everyone from seeing exactly what had happened.
When everyone could look again, they gasped. Monochromon was slowly standing up, but his armor was cracked all along his body, and his horn had been ripped off.
The gigantic Digimon could barely stand up, and stumbled a little before regaining his balance. Just in front of him was Dice.
Dice could barely stay conscious, he had spent all his energy on that last attack, but it hadn't been enough.
Monochromon kicked the Salamon across the room, and buried him under a wooden box full of fruit. He then turned around and signaled the Modoki Betamon. The remaining Betamon surrounded Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon as Monochromon walked up to them.
"Okay, you could've given up, but you had to insist on fighting us and now I really have to kill you." He said.
Dice, on the other side of the room, heard the announcement, and felt again the rage building inside him. He wouldn't let him kill any of them! He struggled to get up, but the weight of the boxes was too great.
"If I were stronger. like Leomon, I'd be out of here and kicking their hides." he muttered. But he didn't give up, and kept on struggling.
Monochromon and the others noticed the light coming out from under the boxes, and looked at it a little unsettled, until it was lifted and thrown aside, then they stared in surprise.
A black Gatomon stood amidst the debris. The only things he had different were white patches of fur on his right eye, white stripes around the tail a white tip. Dice smiled as he pulled his arm back, closing his paw into a fist.
"Fist of the Beast King!" the Gatomon shouted, punching forward. A ghostly image of a lion slammed into Monochromon, and slammed him against the wall. Monochromon fell forward and became Digidust.
Everyone stood in quiet surprise.
"He. killed him!" someone said.
Dice stared at the place where the Monochromon had been. The Modoki Betamon shouted and ran away from him, as his two friends stared at him.
* * *
Three days have passed since I killed Monochromon. The Modoki Betamon surrendered and we took them in, but still. Gotsumon and Pumkinmon have treated me much more differently since I Digivolved and killed my first Digimon.
And I hate myself for that. I hate myself because I don't feel bad about it. And I think I should. What would Leomon think? Heck, Domino would hate me if she ever found out! Now, I fear Gotsumon and Pumkinmon won't even want to come close to me.
The other Digimon treat me with respect, although it's more the kind of respect I get from fear, not out of merit.
I even retired to my training grounds for a couple of days, and although I knew they came from time to time, they never spoke to me. They just stayed in the shadows while I meditated, then when I started my training, they would leave.
I've got far, since turning into a Gatomon. My special technique takes much less energy than before, and I can still use the 'Fist of the Beast King', curiously enough, and have trained for hours to perfect it, and I feel I've managed to do so. Time will tell.
Now, I have decided to talk to Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon and see what happens.
* * *
Dice walked down the path to the city silently thinking about his actions. Why didn't he feel bad about Monochromon?
He couldn't get the thought out of his head and it bothered him a lot more than he dared think.
When he got to the room they shared, he stopped for a moment outside the room, breathed hard and went in. Gotsumon and Pumpkinmon weren't here. But another Digimon was.
He had a blue suit, and a red cape, his face was covered by a red bat-like mask and he had two protruding fangs.
His eyes half closed as he looked at Dice.
"You. you're not the Gatomon I'm searching for." he said.
"Gatomon?" Dice asked incredulous. Could it be that Domino had Digivolved too?
The man turned around as if considering. "Well, it's strange enough to find another Gatomon around."
Dice snapped back to reality. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
"My name is Myotismon. Tell me, Gatomon, are you interested in joining an army?"
"An. army?" Dice asked. "Why would someone need an Army?" Myotismon smiled. "Well. I have discovered another world, and in that world creatures called humans live."
"Humans. like the Digidestined?"
Myotismon's eyes narrowed. "Where have you heard that name?"
"From." Dice looked away. "Leomon. before he."
Myotismon's eyes flashed. Leomon, dead? Hardly, but it seemed this Gatomon believed so, and Gatomon seemed to be strong soldiers, if his own Gatomon was any indication. Perhaps he could use him.
"Hmm. I don't know if he's dead. maybe we can find out."
Dice's eyes lit up as he nearly jumped in excitement. "You can do that?"
Myotismon nodded. "But first, I will need your help, Gatomon."
Dice nodded eagerly. "What?"
"Well, I'm looking for another Gatomon," Myotismon looked curiously at Dice's coat. "Only. she's white. With purple stripes on the tail."
Dice nodded. "I can find her! I hunt Digimon for a living!" Dice said without thinking. The idea of hunting evil Digimon and bring them to justice for a price had been his, and so far they had found and captured quite a few Digimon. The Modoki Betamon had been the last job. and he'd screwed that one when he killed Monochromon unintentionally.
Myotismon seemed to like the idea. "Okay, Gatomon, if you find my friend Gatomon and bring her to me, I'll show you what happened to Leomon with my magic. Do we have a deal?"
"I accept." Dice said, walking up to Myotismon and shaking his hand. "By the way, my name is Dice."
* * *
After Dice had left Myotismon slowly flew out. He was intrigued by this 'Dice' Gatomon, he would have to look for more information about him.
* * *
To be Continued... Author's notes:
I would like to thank all readers who've taken a moment to leave an encouraging review, it helps to know our work is appreciated!! ^_^
About that 'no' part previously missing in the title: Well, It just so happens, that after much discussion, it was revealed that: While you might skip the 'no' in casual conversation, as a title it would have to include it for proper grammar. So there.