Disclaimer: I don't own digimon, I do own Jason Johnson, and Merodi no
Megami (pix changed her name) , who knows - more to the point, Ralph
Wiggum, Demon Spawn, firewall0, Iltatahti and Sarah-chan have been kind
enough to let me use their characters.
Jake: Ok here's the lowdown of what happened in the last chapter: A storm was brewing and everyone wanted to stay out of the rain. While gathering supplies, Michael kissed Meddie, but then Jay showed up. Michael panicked and claimed he didn't have any feelings for her. She burst into tears and "locked" herself in the tent. When Lauren assured her that everything would work out for the best, she came out. As soon as she did Mephismon showed up and attacked. In a valiant act of compassion she protected her partner from certain demise. This caused Pyromon to emerge; she sent that demon packing.
I_NUKEM: Very good you're learning.
Jake: Can I be in the story now?
I_NUKEM: No.but here have a treat. *shoves a cookie in Jake's mouth*
Jake: *Grumbles while chewing*
For Honor
Lightning flashed.
Jason Johnson sat up abruptly. He looked around. He noted that he was in the forest, but something was wrong, something he couldn't quite place. The surrounding area was stale and dreary. He turned around and saw a tree, but this plant, like the forest, was devoid of any life.
"Strange," He said aloud, his voice echoing in the emptiness.
Something hanging from the branches caught his attention. Looking up he could see 7 forms suspended by vines.
"What's that?" He asked.
He moved closer to the tree in hopes to be able to make out the details of the forms. Lightning flashed once more and their figures were illuminated, revealing their true appearance.
Jason shook his head and dropped to his knees. "No," his voice echoed. Tears welled in his eyes. "They can't be."
Hanging above him were the slain forms of his friends, their partners long deleted. He looked at the trunk and saw something etched on it.
No one enters my forest and lives.
Something whizzed by his ear. He turned and saw a golden sword sticking out of the ground, its blade wet with blood.
Lightning flashed again and his perspective shifted to that of a mountainside. He looked around again and this scene was still as dreary as the last. A hint of movement caught his eye. He turned and saw his partner lying on the ground injured.
"Coyomon!" He exclaimed, his voice still reverberating in the void. He knelt down next to his partner and picked him up. "What happened to you buddy?"
Coyomon weakly opened his eyes and was about to say something, but then his words were cut off as his eyes went wide. Jason looked in the direction his partner was staring. Lightning flashed again, illuminating tentacle like strands coming for him. "What's this?" Jason asked confused. The strands wrapped around his arms, and began pulling him into a cave. "No stop, please stop!" He cried. He disappeared and let out an earth- shattering scream.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH," Jason continued in the realm on consciousness. He sat up abruptly, drenched in cold sweat.
Michael jumped. "What? What's going on? Is Titanimon attacking huh?" He sleepily punched his pillow.
"What's a guy gotta do to get shuteye around here?" Washimon complained outside the tent.
"You should be doing your job and be keeping watch. Then you can get shuteye." Another voice reprimanded him.
"Says you.but a feathered beauty like me needs beauty sleep." The eagle countered.
"Feathered beauty, that's a laugh," Jay said as he peeked into the tent. "Everyone alive in here?"
Coyomon rolled his eyes. "Of course we are," He said.
"Something seems to be the matter with Jason though," Bladeramon pointed.
Jason was sitting there breathing heavily; his eyes were open wide. "Jas.you ok man?" Jay asked.
There was no response.
"Hey I'm talking to you," Jay yelled.
Just then the girls were starting to exit their tent, to figure out what the commotion was.
"WHAT'S WITH ALL THE NOISE?" Pixie demanded. She seemed to be very upset about being woken up in the middle of the night.
"Something seems to be up with Jason," Jay explained.
Pixie's eyes went as wide as Jason's as she raced forward, threw Jay out of the tent opening, and crawled inside.
"Jason are you ok?" She asked him as she gave him a reassuring hug.
"Pix do you mind?" Michael grumbled. "This is the guy's tent. Go be kissy with Jason outside; some of us are trying to sleep. It was only a bad dream, kids our age have them all the time."
Pixie stuck her tongue out at Michael. "Well aren't kids our age supposed to blink too?" She gestured to the still wide-eyed Jason.
"Come on Nature Boy," Michael said. "Snap out of it." He snapped several times in front of Jason's face. The last one finally caused Jason to blink and look around.
"Huh?" He asked. "Where am I? What happened?"
"Shh," Pixie quieted him. She held him close. "Its ok Jason, you just had a nightmare."
"Must've been some dream if it caused him to be in shock for five minutes," Savannah said from the tent opening.
"Mind filling us in on what it was about?" Sarah asked.
Jason shook his head. "I really can't remember."
Lauren clapped her hands together. "Ok people nothing to see here, show's over back to bed."
"Well lets go then," Meddie said. "I personally would like to get up rather early tomorrow and leave this dreadful cave."
"Yeah sleep really sounds good," Sarah nodded. With that the girls returned to their tent, save Pixie who was still trying to comfort Jason.
"Pixie, I need to get some fresh air out of this tent," Jason told her. "Why don't you go back to bed?"
The blonde looked into Jason's eyes. "Are you sure?"
Jason nodded.
The duo exited the tent. Pixie gave Jason a quick peck on the cheek before she went into her tent.
Jason began staring into the bleak night through the mouth of the cave. Going over to the opening he leaned on the edge, staring at the outside. Jay and Washimon just gazed at him.
Without turning around, "You two should get to bed, I'll take the rest of the watch.I don't think I'll get any more sleep tonight." Jason instructed them.
"You sure man? You've only slept three hours tonight.you gotta rest," Jay said.
"I'm sure," Jason said. "Good night Jay."
Jay was about to complain further when Washimon ran into the tent and put on an old fashioned sleeping cap. He looked out and called, "Hey Jay if the guy wants to do our work just let him."
"Just don't wake anyone up, not even Coyomon. Ok?" Jason instructed.
"Are you sure you don't want some company?" Jay tried once more.
"Get rested, I have a feeling we've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow." Jason said still staring into the downpour.
Jay nodded and without a word, moved to the tent. After ten minutes Jason could hear the faint sounds of snoring.
Jason moved to the campfire and sat down next to it. He placed his head in his hands and began muttering to himself. "What is wrong with me?" He muttered. "First I supposedly lose my memory, and now this dream. Why can't I recollect what happened to make me so afraid?"
He stood up and walked over to the mouth of the cave once more. "I guess only time will tell."
Morning approached, and light began seeping into the cavern. Sarah was the first up; she stretched and yawned as she exited the tent. She could see Jason standing, unmoved, looking outside. Thinking he had fallen asleep standing up, she tried to tip toe around the cave. "Gotta be quiet," she muttered.
"Good morning," Jason said.
Sarah felt as though she was hit by a bunch of bricks. "You were awake the entire night?" she demanded. "How?"
Jason turned from his vantage point. He looked at the perplexed teenager and smiled. "It's nothing I haven't had to do before."
"Is there anything you haven't done?" Sarah asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Many things," Jason said. He noticed more movement coming from the tents. "Well we should get the camp ready to go."
"Why?" Sarah questioned. "We just got up."
"I don't like caves," Jason said matter-of-factly.
Soon the entire camp was up and about, chatting about the battle, and of the events that occurred in the middle of the night.
Suddenly Jason just stood up in front of everyone. "I'm sorry that we can't stay here a while and rest, but I think we really should get going."
Lauren rubbed sleep from her eyes. "But I haven't woken up all the way yet."
Jason smiled. "Well you try while I pack up the camp. Everyone else can go look for breakfast."
"We won't go that far Jason," Savannah told him.
"You want us to bring something back for you?" Tentomon asked.
Jason bent down and begin taking down the tent, "I'm fine."
"You sure?" Michael asked. "I mean you stayed up the entire night, you need to keep your energy up."
Jason didn't offer any reply.
"EARTH TO JASON!" Meddie called. He still didn't react. By now he had the tent taken down and was rolling it up into his bag.
"He's in his own little world," Himon said.
"I guess we should go eat then," Bladeramon said. The seven digidestined and their partners exited the cave and began foraging for something that could be considered a suitable breakfast.
Pixie was the first back, carrying some fruit in her arms. Jason just finished putting the larger tent in Michael/Jay's bag.
"Jason you sure you're not hungry?" Pixie asked.
Jason looked up. "Oh Pixie it's you," He smiled. "Could you give something to Coyomon, I bet he's pretty famished."
She handed the lupine digimon a piece of fruit, which he ate voraciously. "Jason, what's wrong? You seem.different," She questioned.
"Nothing," he said holding up his hands. "Nothing that you don't already know about already."
"I don't buy that," Kakumon ventured.
"Well that's all he's selling," Coyomon defended.
"Is Jason acting weird again?" Meddie asked as she, Lauren and Michael returned to the cave with their partners.
"Has he ever stopped?" Himon asked.
"That wasn't very nice," Dazemon scolded.
"Look guys are we just going to keep interrogating him, or are we going to plan our next move?" Michael questioned.
"What you're not going to wait for us?" Savannah asked.
"That's rude guys," Sarah complained.
"I can't believe they'd leave us out," Kodokumon purred.
Everyone turned to the entrance to the cave to see the remaining trio emerge from the outside, closely followed by their partners.
"Well now that everyone's here," Jason said. "And I was waiting for you guys, so don't feel left out. We need to figure out where we're going next."
"You mean aimless wandering wasn't good enough?" Tentomon questioned.
Jason pressed the map button on his watch. The holographic map emitted from the face, began growing and eventually showed a wide range of their surrounding area.
"So where do you guys think we should go to?" Pixie asked.
No one said anything. They all looked at Jason. Jason rubbed his chin a little bit before pointing to a mountain. "There."
They examined the map and where Jason indicated. "Hate to break it to you goggles, but we've already been there." Michael revealed.
"That's where we got Pixie's chip." Bladeramon nodded.
Jason shouldered his backpack and pressed the button once more. The map disappeared from view. "That's where I'm going," He revealed.
"But why?" Dazemon asked.
"I don't know, I just have a feeling, that that's where we're supposed to be," Jason revealed. "You're welcome to come along if you want. Otherwise don't get yourselves killed." With that he left with Coyomon following in his wake.
"Well, do we follow the crazy man or do we come up with our own plans?" Washimon asked.
This incited two quick smacks to the back of his head.
"Of course we follow Jason and don't call him crazy," Pixie said. She disappeared into the vast outdoors, followed by Kakumon.
Everyone else gave the green bird a glare before following the pink tipped blonde out into the sun.
Jay shook his head. "You really need to work on your finesse." He told the bird before he too left the cave.
Washimon looked around. When he realized he was alone with the remains of their camp, he shouted, "Wait for me guys." With that, and his wings flapping, he shot out of the cavern. He caught up to the group who were walking the most direct path back to the mountain.
"Glad you could join us," Jason said.
"Wherever you go, I go," Pixie said with great enthusiasm.
"Even the men's room?" Jay asked with a smirk.
Pixie's temple began to grow as she became greatly frustrated. She welled up her fist into a ball and walked over to Jay. She brought her fist back and nailed the teenager right in the jaw. He sailed upwards into the sky and began spinning, until he was nothing more than a flash of light in the distance.
Everyone stared at her in shock. She merely shrugged. "He was getting on my nerves."
They started walking again, and continued for a couple hours before coming to a part of the forest that seemed darker.drearier.
"Anyone else getting a chill up their spine?" Jay asked.
Everyone turned to him and raised an eyebrow. "How did you get back?" Savannah asked.
Jay merely shrugged.
"Anyway to answer your question, yes," Lauren admitted. "Is there a different way we can go?"
Jason shook his head. "This is the quickest way."
"What's with this forest? Everything seems to be dead," Meddie asked.
Jason just shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "Its almost as if the life has been sucked out of everything."
They continued walking until they arrived in a clearing, with a tree in the middle.
Upon seeing the tree Jason stopped. He felt all the color drain from his face as images from the first half of his nightmare rushed through his head. His eyes went wide. He began looking around frantically.
"Jason, what's up?" Michael asked.
"We have to get out of here now!" Jason commanded.
"What's the problem?" Savannah asked.
Jason heard the snapping of a twig. He spun around quickly. "We need to go now!" he repeated.
"It seems safe enough to me," Meddie observed.
There was a sound of beating wings.
"GET DOWN!" Jason warned. He threw himself at the seven humans, and miraculously was able to knock everyone down.
It was a good thing he did too, for if he hadn't the golden sword that slashed right above them would have given them all very close haircuts.
"What is that thing?" Pixie asked with her eyes wide.
"Karatenmon," Michael said. "Ultimate level, wizard type. It says it's a virus." Michael said holding up his watch and pushing the analyze button from his place on the ground.
They all looked to see the humanoid figure land right next to the tree. They could see ravenous wings protruding from its shoulders, complimenting its dark beak and purple armor.
"Who dares to trespass in my forest?" She cawed.
"We didn't know we were trespassing," Sarah defended.
"It matters not, for you have violated these grounds." Karatenmon said, her form casting of the fevered aura.
"What are we waiting for?" Jay asked. "Lets attack!"
"No," Jason said softly.
"What? Why shouldn't we attack?" Savannah asked confused.
Tears began to stream down Jason's face. "Because." He paused. "Because I'm guessing that's how you all died."
"Died?" Pixie asked. "What are you talking about?"
Jason nodded his head to the tree. "In my dream, I saw that very tree.and you all were hanging from it.or rather your corpses were."
"Well if we don't fight we'll end up the same way," Jay said.
"Did you happen to see us digimon in your dream?" Dazemon asked.
Jason gravely shook his head.
"Will you come on?" Karatenmon crowed. "I haven't got all day. Send out your strongest digimon to test their strength against mine. If more than one attack, I'll be forced to destroy you in one quick movement."
"What? Why?" Michael asked.
"I wish to give you honorable deaths in battle," She crowed. "So who's first?"
The rookie with sunglasses stepped forward with his knife drawn. "I shall," Bladeramon said. "And I will give you an honorable fight, though I do not plan on losing."
"So a puny rookie plans on fighting me?" Karatenmon shrugged. "I've destroyed worse I guess. You're on."
Bladeramon gave a small smirk, "I won't be a rookie for much longer. Bladeramon digivolve to." The red light that came from Michael's watch enveloped the rookie and when it dispersed his champion form was in its place. ".Daggermon."
"Is that the best you've got?" Karatenmon taunted.
"Shut up and lets get this over with, that is if you value your precious honor," Daggermon said slowly advancing on the tree.
Karatenmon snarled and began to rise into the sky. She drew both of the golden swords that were on her belt and readied them into a fighting stance. "I make it a point to let my victim make the first move."
"A mistake that will cost you," Daggermon revealed. "Dark Shot." He pointed his staff at the rising warrior crow and let loose three balls of black energy before leaping upwards. The three balls had no effect on the ultimate level digimon; she just let out a screech and dove to meet the ascending champion, her swords at the ready.
There was a clang of metal on metal as Daggermon blocked one of the swords with his staff. He kicked the crow in the gut, separating them. He landed on his feet and kicked upwards again racing to attack the ultimate, who seemed to find his offence to be amusing.
She kicked at Daggermon right when he got within reach, knocking him further into the air. She quickly flew to intercept, wrapping her arms around his sailing body and adjusting their trajectory so that they were flying straight up. After a good distance, she began flying straight down, clutching her prey tightly. The ground was coming up rather quickly. At the last minute Karatenmon pulled up.but only Karatenmon. Daggermon was catapulted headfirst into the ground.
"This is starting to bore me.CROSS SWORDS." She said, crossing her swords to make an X. The golden blades radiated a glowing aura. They finally let loose a concentrated blast of sparkling energy, right at the crater. Daggermon picked that instant to charge his own attack. "Sonic Scythe." The blade energy rippled through the sky, intercepting the cross attack.and then was completely eradicated. The cross energy kept flying true and eventually hit the crater, Daggermon and all. When the smoke cleared, Daggermon was laying on his back, struggling to remain at that level. Karatenmon strode forward and gave him a swift kick.
"You were hardly a challenge. Now to finish you off." She said.
"No! Daggermon, you have to get up." Michael called. "We can't let that overgrown crow beat us. Now are you going to get up and finish this battle or am I going to have to come over there and do it myself? Either way we won't give up."
Michael began walking forward when his watch began to glow. He brought it closer to his head and saw that the face was sliding down. It revealed the crest chip that resided inside. The chip too began to glow as it detached itself from the band.
It shot like a rocket towards Daggermon, before slowly circling him and then finally entering his still form. There was a flash of light and Daggermon was back on his feet. A red energy enveloped his entire body.
"Daggermon chrono digivolve to." Daggermon said. His general form made no alterations in the metamorphosis save for a slight height increase. He gripped his staff in his left hand as it was transformed into a long elegant blade. The light faded revealing that his skin now shines in the sunlight hinting that it is now comprised of metal. ".Metaldaggermon."
"What?" Karatenmon cried in shock. "Its no matter, I shall still destroy you."
She charged forward swinging both of her blades. It seemed that all Metaldaggermon could do was parry the torrent of attacks with his own sword. Karatenmon attacked furiously and eventually backed the newly evolved ultimate to the tree in the center of the clearing.
"Now you die," Karatenmon crowed.
"Before you kill me I think there's something you should know," Metaldaggermon said with his back to the tree.
"What could you say that could possibly interest me?" Karatenmon queried.
"Nothing except for the fact that I am not left handed," Metaldaggermon said with a smile. Before Karatenmon could react, the metal swordsman tossed his blade to his right hand and sliced at Karatenmon's left sword. The two pieces of metal hit with a clang, and Karatenmon's grip failed. The golden sword flew from her hand and embedded itself in the ground.
Karatenmon just stared at the fallen sword. When she finally looked at her opponent she saw that he held his blade behind his back, charging energy for an attack. "SONIC SLASH!" Metaldaggermon cried. He swung the blade at the crow warrior who tried to use her remaining sword to block. Metaldaggermon's long elegant blade cut through Karatenmon's golden blade and sliced the virus crow in two.
Karatenmon began breaking up. "At least I had an honorable death." and then she broke up completely.
Metaldaggermon was breathing somewhat heavily from the attack. He reverted back to a small blue ball with a little torso.but no arms. It had sunglasses over its eyes and a horn over his head.
"I've never seen him before." Pixie commented.
"This is Shadesmon, Bladeramon's in-training form. He was there when I got to this world," Michael revealed.
"Ok tell me again why we came this way," Lauren asked.
All eyes shifted to Jason. He held up his arms defensively, "I.I.I think my subconscious was trying to warn me.about what I don't know. I do know that this clearing jogged my memory of what happened in my dream.I just can't help but feel that there was more to it though."
"Well lets just go and prove to you that that mountain doesn't have anything else of interest so we can plan a real travel plan," Jay said dismissively.
"Hold up a sec," Michael said. He moved over to the sword protruding from the ground. "This could come in handy." He reached for the sword and pulled it from the ground.
With that thought they made their way through the dead forest and were closer to their destination. But what lies there? Is it truly empty as they think? Or is Jason right and there's more there than meets the eye? What were the tentacles in Jason's dream? Find out next time on
I_NUKEM: Well there it is, sorry I couldn't come up with a better ending but there you go. I guess I'm getting back in my groove, posting chapters after only a couple days rather than weeks on end.but the next chapter won't be up for at least a week.I've neglected this project for school that I really need to work on.so until I write 1500 more words for it I'm putting NDW on hold for a little while. Don't worry it shouldn't take me more than a few days.but coupled with my recovery and going back to school on the 20th next week is very optimistic.
Um for a threat.lets see here if you don't review.I'll send you some of my homework.that would make some people shudder, I know it isn't as much as some college stuff, but its still pretty substantial.especially when it all piles on and is due the next day. Ho well l8er.
Jake: Ok here's the lowdown of what happened in the last chapter: A storm was brewing and everyone wanted to stay out of the rain. While gathering supplies, Michael kissed Meddie, but then Jay showed up. Michael panicked and claimed he didn't have any feelings for her. She burst into tears and "locked" herself in the tent. When Lauren assured her that everything would work out for the best, she came out. As soon as she did Mephismon showed up and attacked. In a valiant act of compassion she protected her partner from certain demise. This caused Pyromon to emerge; she sent that demon packing.
I_NUKEM: Very good you're learning.
Jake: Can I be in the story now?
I_NUKEM: No.but here have a treat. *shoves a cookie in Jake's mouth*
Jake: *Grumbles while chewing*
For Honor
Lightning flashed.
Jason Johnson sat up abruptly. He looked around. He noted that he was in the forest, but something was wrong, something he couldn't quite place. The surrounding area was stale and dreary. He turned around and saw a tree, but this plant, like the forest, was devoid of any life.
"Strange," He said aloud, his voice echoing in the emptiness.
Something hanging from the branches caught his attention. Looking up he could see 7 forms suspended by vines.
"What's that?" He asked.
He moved closer to the tree in hopes to be able to make out the details of the forms. Lightning flashed once more and their figures were illuminated, revealing their true appearance.
Jason shook his head and dropped to his knees. "No," his voice echoed. Tears welled in his eyes. "They can't be."
Hanging above him were the slain forms of his friends, their partners long deleted. He looked at the trunk and saw something etched on it.
No one enters my forest and lives.
Something whizzed by his ear. He turned and saw a golden sword sticking out of the ground, its blade wet with blood.
Lightning flashed again and his perspective shifted to that of a mountainside. He looked around again and this scene was still as dreary as the last. A hint of movement caught his eye. He turned and saw his partner lying on the ground injured.
"Coyomon!" He exclaimed, his voice still reverberating in the void. He knelt down next to his partner and picked him up. "What happened to you buddy?"
Coyomon weakly opened his eyes and was about to say something, but then his words were cut off as his eyes went wide. Jason looked in the direction his partner was staring. Lightning flashed again, illuminating tentacle like strands coming for him. "What's this?" Jason asked confused. The strands wrapped around his arms, and began pulling him into a cave. "No stop, please stop!" He cried. He disappeared and let out an earth- shattering scream.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH," Jason continued in the realm on consciousness. He sat up abruptly, drenched in cold sweat.
Michael jumped. "What? What's going on? Is Titanimon attacking huh?" He sleepily punched his pillow.
"What's a guy gotta do to get shuteye around here?" Washimon complained outside the tent.
"You should be doing your job and be keeping watch. Then you can get shuteye." Another voice reprimanded him.
"Says you.but a feathered beauty like me needs beauty sleep." The eagle countered.
"Feathered beauty, that's a laugh," Jay said as he peeked into the tent. "Everyone alive in here?"
Coyomon rolled his eyes. "Of course we are," He said.
"Something seems to be the matter with Jason though," Bladeramon pointed.
Jason was sitting there breathing heavily; his eyes were open wide. "Jas.you ok man?" Jay asked.
There was no response.
"Hey I'm talking to you," Jay yelled.
Just then the girls were starting to exit their tent, to figure out what the commotion was.
"WHAT'S WITH ALL THE NOISE?" Pixie demanded. She seemed to be very upset about being woken up in the middle of the night.
"Something seems to be up with Jason," Jay explained.
Pixie's eyes went as wide as Jason's as she raced forward, threw Jay out of the tent opening, and crawled inside.
"Jason are you ok?" She asked him as she gave him a reassuring hug.
"Pix do you mind?" Michael grumbled. "This is the guy's tent. Go be kissy with Jason outside; some of us are trying to sleep. It was only a bad dream, kids our age have them all the time."
Pixie stuck her tongue out at Michael. "Well aren't kids our age supposed to blink too?" She gestured to the still wide-eyed Jason.
"Come on Nature Boy," Michael said. "Snap out of it." He snapped several times in front of Jason's face. The last one finally caused Jason to blink and look around.
"Huh?" He asked. "Where am I? What happened?"
"Shh," Pixie quieted him. She held him close. "Its ok Jason, you just had a nightmare."
"Must've been some dream if it caused him to be in shock for five minutes," Savannah said from the tent opening.
"Mind filling us in on what it was about?" Sarah asked.
Jason shook his head. "I really can't remember."
Lauren clapped her hands together. "Ok people nothing to see here, show's over back to bed."
"Well lets go then," Meddie said. "I personally would like to get up rather early tomorrow and leave this dreadful cave."
"Yeah sleep really sounds good," Sarah nodded. With that the girls returned to their tent, save Pixie who was still trying to comfort Jason.
"Pixie, I need to get some fresh air out of this tent," Jason told her. "Why don't you go back to bed?"
The blonde looked into Jason's eyes. "Are you sure?"
Jason nodded.
The duo exited the tent. Pixie gave Jason a quick peck on the cheek before she went into her tent.
Jason began staring into the bleak night through the mouth of the cave. Going over to the opening he leaned on the edge, staring at the outside. Jay and Washimon just gazed at him.
Without turning around, "You two should get to bed, I'll take the rest of the watch.I don't think I'll get any more sleep tonight." Jason instructed them.
"You sure man? You've only slept three hours tonight.you gotta rest," Jay said.
"I'm sure," Jason said. "Good night Jay."
Jay was about to complain further when Washimon ran into the tent and put on an old fashioned sleeping cap. He looked out and called, "Hey Jay if the guy wants to do our work just let him."
"Just don't wake anyone up, not even Coyomon. Ok?" Jason instructed.
"Are you sure you don't want some company?" Jay tried once more.
"Get rested, I have a feeling we've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow." Jason said still staring into the downpour.
Jay nodded and without a word, moved to the tent. After ten minutes Jason could hear the faint sounds of snoring.
Jason moved to the campfire and sat down next to it. He placed his head in his hands and began muttering to himself. "What is wrong with me?" He muttered. "First I supposedly lose my memory, and now this dream. Why can't I recollect what happened to make me so afraid?"
He stood up and walked over to the mouth of the cave once more. "I guess only time will tell."
Morning approached, and light began seeping into the cavern. Sarah was the first up; she stretched and yawned as she exited the tent. She could see Jason standing, unmoved, looking outside. Thinking he had fallen asleep standing up, she tried to tip toe around the cave. "Gotta be quiet," she muttered.
"Good morning," Jason said.
Sarah felt as though she was hit by a bunch of bricks. "You were awake the entire night?" she demanded. "How?"
Jason turned from his vantage point. He looked at the perplexed teenager and smiled. "It's nothing I haven't had to do before."
"Is there anything you haven't done?" Sarah asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Many things," Jason said. He noticed more movement coming from the tents. "Well we should get the camp ready to go."
"Why?" Sarah questioned. "We just got up."
"I don't like caves," Jason said matter-of-factly.
Soon the entire camp was up and about, chatting about the battle, and of the events that occurred in the middle of the night.
Suddenly Jason just stood up in front of everyone. "I'm sorry that we can't stay here a while and rest, but I think we really should get going."
Lauren rubbed sleep from her eyes. "But I haven't woken up all the way yet."
Jason smiled. "Well you try while I pack up the camp. Everyone else can go look for breakfast."
"We won't go that far Jason," Savannah told him.
"You want us to bring something back for you?" Tentomon asked.
Jason bent down and begin taking down the tent, "I'm fine."
"You sure?" Michael asked. "I mean you stayed up the entire night, you need to keep your energy up."
Jason didn't offer any reply.
"EARTH TO JASON!" Meddie called. He still didn't react. By now he had the tent taken down and was rolling it up into his bag.
"He's in his own little world," Himon said.
"I guess we should go eat then," Bladeramon said. The seven digidestined and their partners exited the cave and began foraging for something that could be considered a suitable breakfast.
Pixie was the first back, carrying some fruit in her arms. Jason just finished putting the larger tent in Michael/Jay's bag.
"Jason you sure you're not hungry?" Pixie asked.
Jason looked up. "Oh Pixie it's you," He smiled. "Could you give something to Coyomon, I bet he's pretty famished."
She handed the lupine digimon a piece of fruit, which he ate voraciously. "Jason, what's wrong? You seem.different," She questioned.
"Nothing," he said holding up his hands. "Nothing that you don't already know about already."
"I don't buy that," Kakumon ventured.
"Well that's all he's selling," Coyomon defended.
"Is Jason acting weird again?" Meddie asked as she, Lauren and Michael returned to the cave with their partners.
"Has he ever stopped?" Himon asked.
"That wasn't very nice," Dazemon scolded.
"Look guys are we just going to keep interrogating him, or are we going to plan our next move?" Michael questioned.
"What you're not going to wait for us?" Savannah asked.
"That's rude guys," Sarah complained.
"I can't believe they'd leave us out," Kodokumon purred.
Everyone turned to the entrance to the cave to see the remaining trio emerge from the outside, closely followed by their partners.
"Well now that everyone's here," Jason said. "And I was waiting for you guys, so don't feel left out. We need to figure out where we're going next."
"You mean aimless wandering wasn't good enough?" Tentomon questioned.
Jason pressed the map button on his watch. The holographic map emitted from the face, began growing and eventually showed a wide range of their surrounding area.
"So where do you guys think we should go to?" Pixie asked.
No one said anything. They all looked at Jason. Jason rubbed his chin a little bit before pointing to a mountain. "There."
They examined the map and where Jason indicated. "Hate to break it to you goggles, but we've already been there." Michael revealed.
"That's where we got Pixie's chip." Bladeramon nodded.
Jason shouldered his backpack and pressed the button once more. The map disappeared from view. "That's where I'm going," He revealed.
"But why?" Dazemon asked.
"I don't know, I just have a feeling, that that's where we're supposed to be," Jason revealed. "You're welcome to come along if you want. Otherwise don't get yourselves killed." With that he left with Coyomon following in his wake.
"Well, do we follow the crazy man or do we come up with our own plans?" Washimon asked.
This incited two quick smacks to the back of his head.
"Of course we follow Jason and don't call him crazy," Pixie said. She disappeared into the vast outdoors, followed by Kakumon.
Everyone else gave the green bird a glare before following the pink tipped blonde out into the sun.
Jay shook his head. "You really need to work on your finesse." He told the bird before he too left the cave.
Washimon looked around. When he realized he was alone with the remains of their camp, he shouted, "Wait for me guys." With that, and his wings flapping, he shot out of the cavern. He caught up to the group who were walking the most direct path back to the mountain.
"Glad you could join us," Jason said.
"Wherever you go, I go," Pixie said with great enthusiasm.
"Even the men's room?" Jay asked with a smirk.
Pixie's temple began to grow as she became greatly frustrated. She welled up her fist into a ball and walked over to Jay. She brought her fist back and nailed the teenager right in the jaw. He sailed upwards into the sky and began spinning, until he was nothing more than a flash of light in the distance.
Everyone stared at her in shock. She merely shrugged. "He was getting on my nerves."
They started walking again, and continued for a couple hours before coming to a part of the forest that seemed darker.drearier.
"Anyone else getting a chill up their spine?" Jay asked.
Everyone turned to him and raised an eyebrow. "How did you get back?" Savannah asked.
Jay merely shrugged.
"Anyway to answer your question, yes," Lauren admitted. "Is there a different way we can go?"
Jason shook his head. "This is the quickest way."
"What's with this forest? Everything seems to be dead," Meddie asked.
Jason just shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "Its almost as if the life has been sucked out of everything."
They continued walking until they arrived in a clearing, with a tree in the middle.
Upon seeing the tree Jason stopped. He felt all the color drain from his face as images from the first half of his nightmare rushed through his head. His eyes went wide. He began looking around frantically.
"Jason, what's up?" Michael asked.
"We have to get out of here now!" Jason commanded.
"What's the problem?" Savannah asked.
Jason heard the snapping of a twig. He spun around quickly. "We need to go now!" he repeated.
"It seems safe enough to me," Meddie observed.
There was a sound of beating wings.
"GET DOWN!" Jason warned. He threw himself at the seven humans, and miraculously was able to knock everyone down.
It was a good thing he did too, for if he hadn't the golden sword that slashed right above them would have given them all very close haircuts.
"What is that thing?" Pixie asked with her eyes wide.
"Karatenmon," Michael said. "Ultimate level, wizard type. It says it's a virus." Michael said holding up his watch and pushing the analyze button from his place on the ground.
They all looked to see the humanoid figure land right next to the tree. They could see ravenous wings protruding from its shoulders, complimenting its dark beak and purple armor.
"Who dares to trespass in my forest?" She cawed.
"We didn't know we were trespassing," Sarah defended.
"It matters not, for you have violated these grounds." Karatenmon said, her form casting of the fevered aura.
"What are we waiting for?" Jay asked. "Lets attack!"
"No," Jason said softly.
"What? Why shouldn't we attack?" Savannah asked confused.
Tears began to stream down Jason's face. "Because." He paused. "Because I'm guessing that's how you all died."
"Died?" Pixie asked. "What are you talking about?"
Jason nodded his head to the tree. "In my dream, I saw that very tree.and you all were hanging from it.or rather your corpses were."
"Well if we don't fight we'll end up the same way," Jay said.
"Did you happen to see us digimon in your dream?" Dazemon asked.
Jason gravely shook his head.
"Will you come on?" Karatenmon crowed. "I haven't got all day. Send out your strongest digimon to test their strength against mine. If more than one attack, I'll be forced to destroy you in one quick movement."
"What? Why?" Michael asked.
"I wish to give you honorable deaths in battle," She crowed. "So who's first?"
The rookie with sunglasses stepped forward with his knife drawn. "I shall," Bladeramon said. "And I will give you an honorable fight, though I do not plan on losing."
"So a puny rookie plans on fighting me?" Karatenmon shrugged. "I've destroyed worse I guess. You're on."
Bladeramon gave a small smirk, "I won't be a rookie for much longer. Bladeramon digivolve to." The red light that came from Michael's watch enveloped the rookie and when it dispersed his champion form was in its place. ".Daggermon."
"Is that the best you've got?" Karatenmon taunted.
"Shut up and lets get this over with, that is if you value your precious honor," Daggermon said slowly advancing on the tree.
Karatenmon snarled and began to rise into the sky. She drew both of the golden swords that were on her belt and readied them into a fighting stance. "I make it a point to let my victim make the first move."
"A mistake that will cost you," Daggermon revealed. "Dark Shot." He pointed his staff at the rising warrior crow and let loose three balls of black energy before leaping upwards. The three balls had no effect on the ultimate level digimon; she just let out a screech and dove to meet the ascending champion, her swords at the ready.
There was a clang of metal on metal as Daggermon blocked one of the swords with his staff. He kicked the crow in the gut, separating them. He landed on his feet and kicked upwards again racing to attack the ultimate, who seemed to find his offence to be amusing.
She kicked at Daggermon right when he got within reach, knocking him further into the air. She quickly flew to intercept, wrapping her arms around his sailing body and adjusting their trajectory so that they were flying straight up. After a good distance, she began flying straight down, clutching her prey tightly. The ground was coming up rather quickly. At the last minute Karatenmon pulled up.but only Karatenmon. Daggermon was catapulted headfirst into the ground.
"This is starting to bore me.CROSS SWORDS." She said, crossing her swords to make an X. The golden blades radiated a glowing aura. They finally let loose a concentrated blast of sparkling energy, right at the crater. Daggermon picked that instant to charge his own attack. "Sonic Scythe." The blade energy rippled through the sky, intercepting the cross attack.and then was completely eradicated. The cross energy kept flying true and eventually hit the crater, Daggermon and all. When the smoke cleared, Daggermon was laying on his back, struggling to remain at that level. Karatenmon strode forward and gave him a swift kick.
"You were hardly a challenge. Now to finish you off." She said.
"No! Daggermon, you have to get up." Michael called. "We can't let that overgrown crow beat us. Now are you going to get up and finish this battle or am I going to have to come over there and do it myself? Either way we won't give up."
Michael began walking forward when his watch began to glow. He brought it closer to his head and saw that the face was sliding down. It revealed the crest chip that resided inside. The chip too began to glow as it detached itself from the band.
It shot like a rocket towards Daggermon, before slowly circling him and then finally entering his still form. There was a flash of light and Daggermon was back on his feet. A red energy enveloped his entire body.
"Daggermon chrono digivolve to." Daggermon said. His general form made no alterations in the metamorphosis save for a slight height increase. He gripped his staff in his left hand as it was transformed into a long elegant blade. The light faded revealing that his skin now shines in the sunlight hinting that it is now comprised of metal. ".Metaldaggermon."
"What?" Karatenmon cried in shock. "Its no matter, I shall still destroy you."
She charged forward swinging both of her blades. It seemed that all Metaldaggermon could do was parry the torrent of attacks with his own sword. Karatenmon attacked furiously and eventually backed the newly evolved ultimate to the tree in the center of the clearing.
"Now you die," Karatenmon crowed.
"Before you kill me I think there's something you should know," Metaldaggermon said with his back to the tree.
"What could you say that could possibly interest me?" Karatenmon queried.
"Nothing except for the fact that I am not left handed," Metaldaggermon said with a smile. Before Karatenmon could react, the metal swordsman tossed his blade to his right hand and sliced at Karatenmon's left sword. The two pieces of metal hit with a clang, and Karatenmon's grip failed. The golden sword flew from her hand and embedded itself in the ground.
Karatenmon just stared at the fallen sword. When she finally looked at her opponent she saw that he held his blade behind his back, charging energy for an attack. "SONIC SLASH!" Metaldaggermon cried. He swung the blade at the crow warrior who tried to use her remaining sword to block. Metaldaggermon's long elegant blade cut through Karatenmon's golden blade and sliced the virus crow in two.
Karatenmon began breaking up. "At least I had an honorable death." and then she broke up completely.
Metaldaggermon was breathing somewhat heavily from the attack. He reverted back to a small blue ball with a little torso.but no arms. It had sunglasses over its eyes and a horn over his head.
"I've never seen him before." Pixie commented.
"This is Shadesmon, Bladeramon's in-training form. He was there when I got to this world," Michael revealed.
"Ok tell me again why we came this way," Lauren asked.
All eyes shifted to Jason. He held up his arms defensively, "I.I.I think my subconscious was trying to warn me.about what I don't know. I do know that this clearing jogged my memory of what happened in my dream.I just can't help but feel that there was more to it though."
"Well lets just go and prove to you that that mountain doesn't have anything else of interest so we can plan a real travel plan," Jay said dismissively.
"Hold up a sec," Michael said. He moved over to the sword protruding from the ground. "This could come in handy." He reached for the sword and pulled it from the ground.
With that thought they made their way through the dead forest and were closer to their destination. But what lies there? Is it truly empty as they think? Or is Jason right and there's more there than meets the eye? What were the tentacles in Jason's dream? Find out next time on
I_NUKEM: Well there it is, sorry I couldn't come up with a better ending but there you go. I guess I'm getting back in my groove, posting chapters after only a couple days rather than weeks on end.but the next chapter won't be up for at least a week.I've neglected this project for school that I really need to work on.so until I write 1500 more words for it I'm putting NDW on hold for a little while. Don't worry it shouldn't take me more than a few days.but coupled with my recovery and going back to school on the 20th next week is very optimistic.
Um for a threat.lets see here if you don't review.I'll send you some of my homework.that would make some people shudder, I know it isn't as much as some college stuff, but its still pretty substantial.especially when it all piles on and is due the next day. Ho well l8er.