John spent the next year back in the real world. For awhile he sensed that his duty was over. Relief set in, but there was also worry. Although the arrangement between himself and Protomon seemed to work well, he knew that Protomon would have to be reconstituted someday. It was a constant thought every time the messages from his small merged companion came to his brain. So far, there had been no complaints from the inside, just messages of support.
Weather conditions were funny. It was summer, but the satellite images that showed weather patterns around the world didn't seem to make sense. Reports stated that snow was falling in Japan. John was fairly sure that couldn't be right. However, being no meteorologist, he dismissed it as a random event. At least until he saw the first message in his email box. It had big bold letters: URGENT!! IT'S GENNAI!
John quickly moved to his computer and double-clicked on the message. The message went big. It read. NEED YOU TO COME TO DIGIWORLD NOW!!! PIEDMON IS ON THE LOOSE...DIGIDESTINED HAVE ARRIVED, BUT THEY CANNOT FACE PIEDMON YET...COME QUICKLY TO SERVER...WILL EXPLAIN MORE WHEN YOU GET HERE...
John lined up his shoulder to the computer and the digivice dragged him in. He appeared again on the beach at Server. Even from this distance he could tell something was up at File Island. There seemed to be a dark power on its top. Then he felt his body shake. The Dokugumon poison which had become dormant inside of the part of him that was Protomon while he was on Earth, now struck with redoubled vengeance. In his in-training/human form he could not take the surge. He went out cold...
A herd of Monochromon wandered by. They had been lured in this direction because they sensed one of their own. There were six of them and they had just finished a long trek from the forests of the interior to the coastal plain. It was a trek that they made constantly. Once they came upon the body of Jonomon they weren't sure what to do. His smell seemed to be like one of their own, but he looked nothing like a Monochromon. In a symphony of torts and rumbles they decided to bring the strange digimon with them. Intuition had beat out safety this time. Meanwhile, Gennai waited for John. And after some consideration he noticed the tracks leading into the hill country. Gennai wondered...
The strange creature finally woke up and found himself on the back of one of the Monochromon. The Monochromon herd torted at him. The strange figure only nodded. The Monochromon realized he understood their language and quickly knocked down a fruit tree. Thy presented some food to him with snorts and rumbles. He took some of the fruit and began to eat. The lead Monochromon looked into his new charge's eyes to see if anything could be learned there. They were blank. The poor creature must have had amnesia. The lead Monochromon then looked at his shoulder and saw the digivice. This interested him and he nuzzled it as the creature was eating. There was a bright light, and the Leader had to back off as the figure changed into a new figure, even stranger looking than the last. The herd moved on with their newcomer.
As they proceeded, the Leader began to twitch. He could feel an enemy close by in the hills. The herd closed in with the newcomer in the middle, but they continued onward. That is until a DarkTyrannomon appeared from behind a hill. The Leader torted and the six Monochromon formed a circle and kept their horned heads outside where the DarkTyrannomon couldn't get to their vitals. DarkTyrannomon made a flying leap though and caught the Monochromon unawares. He succeeded in knocking the newcomer to the ground, dispersing the Monochromon, and pinning the smallest one underneath him. He pulled back to lay the final bite on him. The newcomer recovered from his spill. The fruit had done its work, he noticed no signs of the poison, but who was he. A name kept bouncing in his head. Protomon...Protomon...wait a minute...okay, Protomon, let's do it! A flash settled on the field.
Butchmon...digivolve to... Coàllamon!!!
Coàllamon's appearance distracted the DarkTyrannomon, who turned to face his new challenger. He kept his foot on the prone Monochromon in front of him. He doubted the strength of any foe of himself. Coàllamon realized who he was, but not why he was in the digital world or where he was. He fully recognized the threat of the DarkTyrannomon. He poised himself to make an attack, but the delay had caused the DarkTyrannomon to lose interest. He glanced over at the other Monochromon. The herd was stunned into inaction. They held a linear formation, but they could not move. Torts of fear accompanied torts of resistence. Coàllamon could understand this language somehow. They were looking for a reason or a decision to either engage or run away. This led Coàllamon to believe that DarkTyrannomon must be some kind of Ultimate digimon, because a crowd of Champions were scared to death by it.
Coàllamon thought quickly. It was obvious he had been a member of the Monochromon herd recently, since they seemed to look to him for direction. He also could have sworn that some the low rumbles from the Monochromon said things 'please do something' and 'what's up with the newcomer.' Coàllamon knew what he had to do. He swiveled the euphonium on his arm took aim for the DarkTyrannomon's head and fired. BARTIONE BLASTER!!!
The blast hit DarkTyrannomon's head with a thud. He jerked back, and his leg came off of the prone Monochromon at his feet. He shook his head to figure out what happened, but he didn't get the time. Coàllamon felt for the conversation of the herd, found it was promising, and motioned at the Leader to follow him as he charged the DarkTyrannomon. The six Monochromon followed his lead and a horned assault wave brushed into the DarkTyrannomon. The dark digimon was caught by surprise and a rap on his head by Coàllamon didn't help the situation. He was driven from the hills until he finally turned tail and ran. Coàllamon walked to the nearest Monochromon and patted his horned head.
"My friends, I want to thank you for the aid you rendered to me while I was not who I was. I am very glad for your company and that I could help you in return. But I still don't know why I was brought back here, and I fear it must be important," said Coàllamon.
"It must be. We have heard old rumors of one called Coàllamon, who fought his enemies with blue flame from a bronze object, but you can see why we did not recognize you seeing as it has been several centuries since you last appeared. Most of us were not even Gotsumon when rumors began to spread," rumbled the lead Monochromon.
"Several centuries? But I was here only last year!" said Coàllamon.
"Impossible. World travels fast in the digiworld and last year was uneventful at best. Well other than Etemon beginning to make incursions with his minions and network. We know of no other news of the last year," said the lead Monochromon.
"Maybe the stranger did appear last year, and we just did not know it. They say Coàllamon just vanishes after he appears," suggested a younger Monochromon.
"Right, I do vanish, I suppose. Actually what I do is return to my world," said Coàllamon.
"Your world. That makes sense, but there's no way you could have been here last year. The Koromon village which we encounter once every year would have known, and they've said nothing of it. No news can occur on Server and hope to be mainstream without hitting the Koromon village. However, as a young Gotsumon I remember the village being excited about a strange visitor called Coàllamon. I assume they meant you. Most of the village's Koromon of that time have evolved as we have. I'd wager they'd be Tyrannomon or Greymon by now. That's the reason we can talk to the village. They're not big enough to threaten us like that DarkTyrannomon was," said the lead Monochromon.
"Wait a minute. The Koromon I saved from Demidevimon one year ago, my time, are Tyrannomon now? That's two natural digivolutions! That's crazy! Hold it, when I went back to my world, I came back to the second that I left it. Yet there seemed that so much had happened in the digital world. There has to be a time difference then. It would explain our confusions. However, there's still some things I don't understand. How am I able to communicate with you if I am not a Monochromon?" asked Coàllamon.
"We've been wondering that too. When we came upon you, you had a Monochromon-like smell that we associate with members of our type. Gotsumon have it, and it's rumored Triceramon have it, though we've never seen any and it would take years for one of us to get to that level. Maybe the answer lies in your past, for you certainly a strange digimon," answered the lead Monochromon.
"Well, originally I was simply human, but when I got here, I met a Protomon, I can still..." started Coàllamon.
"He said Protomon! He can't be serious, boss, because you know what that means..." muttered another herd member.
"Silence! I know full well what that means, and why should you doubt it. It would certainly explain some things," said the lead Monochromon.
"Explain what? Protomon merged with me long ago according to yourselves, what would it explain?" asked Coàllamon.
"Well, there was a time when we had a different group composition. Normally all Monochromon evolved from Gotsumon when the time came, but there were others, the Leptomon, who also became Monochromon. It is hard to understand our origins as Gotsumon, there are not that many similarities. Leptomon, though, bore the neck frill that so characterizes our species. They were not quite as mobile as Gotsumon, because though they could walk bipedally, they were more used to all fours as Monochromon are. When the Leptomon evolved they had already been used to four-legged life. They became sort of an elite group of Monochromon. They would lead herds, or scout territory, or perform heroic acts, but they incensed the other Monochromon, who after a time became jealous..." said the lead Monochromon.
"You mean there really were Leptomon? I thought they were a myth!" chorused the youngest Monochromon.
"Well, they weren't. As boss was saying, the reputations of these few post-Leptomon Monochromon spread far and wide, even unto our enemies. This didn't help us really, because there was no difference in color between the two groups, just a twinkle that they say existed in their eyes. One day a suspicious digimon named Piedmon showed up and he noticed the abilities of the Monochromon who had been Leptomon. He also knew that our Gotsumon-evolved ancestors resented their talents. So began to do away with them, one at a time. The Leptomon slowly began to die out. Piedmon began his warping skills on the Leptomon-evolved Monochromon. He succeeded in altering their programming to have them come back as Gotsumon, and so they disappeared," said the herd member who had spoken briefly a moment ago.
"But why would Piedmon target the Leptomon? And why did the Gotsumon-evolved Monochromon let it happen?" asked Coàllamon.
"We don't know why Piedmon targeted the Leptomon-evolved Monochromon. We do know that our ancestors hungered after the talent and influence they possessed. For this reason they did nothing when Piedmon began to diminish the Leptomon. That is, most of them did nothing. A few groups of Monochromon shielded their Leptomon-evolved members. They understood the genocide that they were propagating. Indeed, their efforts were in vain. But the last Monochromon who came from Leptomon stock grew old and told us several wisdoms we attempted to take to heart. One was that all Monochromon were equal. Our birth did not decide our fate. We took this to heart, but it had grave consequences on our previous actions, for if we had surrendered our brethren to Piedmon on this notion that digital DNA had meant everything—then we had been sadly mistaken. We protected this last Leptomon-evolved member until he finally died of old age. We could only assume that he was reconfigured at Primary Village, since Piedmon had no opportunity to change him. We don't know what happened to his egg," said the lead Monochromon.
"Rumors say the egg was taken by a mysterious man and was never seen again," muttered the beta member of the herd.
"Leptomon are a controversial subject even today. I'm sure that even among this small herd, there many opinions on how where they stand," said the lead Monochromon.
"So what does this mean for me? And how come we can understand each other," asked Coàllamon.
"There are old stories, far older than yourself even, that say what will happen when the Leptomon return. The stories say we will be punished for our negligence, but that ultimately, a Leptomon originated being will light a candle that will lead us through our darkest hour. We have hope and fear then of the day a Leptomon originated being would appear, and here you are," responded the lead Monochromon. The other Monochromon became increasingly nervous by this realization offered by their leader. Coàllamon now became different things for each one of them. Some feared their newcomer, others felt lucky to be near him.
"So I am Leptomon-originated...how can that be? I've never been near a Leptomon. Does this explain how we understand one another?" asked Coàllamon.
"Forgive me, Coàllamon, I believe I have not revealed the crucial piece of information you are seeking. Protomon is the in-training form of Leptomon. When you merged with Protomon, as you said has happened, Protomon could no longer digivolve to Leptomon. Instead the two of you became a digimon, Jonomon I think you called yourself and then Butchmon and Coàllamon instead of Leptomon and Monochromon. This is why we understand one another, because as a form that includes Protomon you know our language," said the lead Monochromon.
"If he is who you say he is, what are we to do? You have told him of our past. If he seeks to punish us, he now has rationale for it. What are we to do then, boss, huh?" said the herd member.
"Quiet. We know full well what we've done. What ever happens and is meant to happen will happen. When it does, we can all know that we asked for it," said the lead Monochromon. His voice had a authoritative and desperate sound. The other Monochromon seemed not to know how to react.
"I can't hold you responsible. Piedmon must have been searching for the digi-destined digimon and the Leptomon must have looked like good candidates. In a way he was right. I am a human. My digimon partner was a Protomon who would have been a Leptomon had there ever been the chance. You all took care of me when I didn't know who I was. When I did know, you told me more about myself than I had any clue about," said Coàllamon.
"Then why are you here then? What purpose could you have other than to punish us Gotsumon-Monochromon who have willingly wished for your kind's extinction? You once punished a Demidevimon for oppressing Koromon, what makes us so different? The fact that you weren't there? I doubt it. Boss, the longer we allow him to stay, the better the chance we could become his next victims. I think 6 on 1 is good odds, only that rascal Etemon might resist that," argued the herd member. His rumbles seemed urgent. Another Monochromon was uneasy back in the group.
Coàllamon thought about things. He was slowly regaining more memories. He could remember his mission now. He had to intercept Piedmon. Gennai had once said that with his crest and his Ultimate form he might do it. He turned to the lead Monochromon. "I'm sorry I can't argue this with you, but I have to go find Piedmon. I'm here to stop him from finding the digi-destined. My last favor to ask of you is to tell me how to get back to the coast...I'm supposed to meet..." Coàllamon was interrupted.
"Me," a Mekanorimon landed. His sudden appearance spooked the Monochromon who dispersed into a circle around the newcomer and Coàllamon. It was a much older Gennai.
"Gennai? How did you find us?" asked Coàllamon.
"Your friends have big feet and big prints. I followed them this far. Kind of tricky too, having to avoid that DarkTyrannomon to get here. That sucker was sure in a hurry! Oh well. Coàllamon, Piedmon's search for the digi-destined is coming to the desert of Server. He could be here tomorrow, or he could be here two weeks from now. We simply don't know which route he'll take. You must go to the desert though, where he must cross. You must hold him back. We cannot lose now, and we must not lose now. Any cost that could be spent you must be willing to spend. The digi-destined are due any day," said Gennai.
"Your directions said they were here. Are you pulling my chain again?" asked Coàllamon. He had hoped for something more solid. Centuries ago, evidently, they had played similar mind games.
"In the need for speed, I had to resort to that tactic, yes," said Gennai. After hundreds of years, it was still frustrating to have to explain it all. But, wait had he promised to do that once, many years ago?
"Ok, fine. I have to know something. What is the truth behind Piedmon's attacks on the Leptomon and where do I fit in?" asked Coàllamon.
"To be honest, Piedmon had reached his logical conclusion quicker than we did. He began his genocide of them before we had considered their usefulness. When we decided to send for you to test our work, we decided a Leptomon to be the best experimental subject because Piedmon was targeting them, so we stole the last digiegg of the species from Primary Village and set it aside for you. Of course we never could have predicted the events that followed. With that I must leave you. My precense will certainly only attract Piedmon and his minions," said Gennai.
"Hold on..." but Coàllamon was too late. Gennai was gone. He was alone with the Monochromon watching the sky. The Monochromon shifted nervously. Coàllamon thought to himself. He knew that Piedmon had to be big business. A Mega digimon, something he had never seen before. How was he to know.
"We want to help you face Piedmon," rumbled the lead Monochromon. Coàllamon was caught by surprise, but he remembered the fight with the DarkTyrannomon. Monochromon seemed to be reasonably competent at teamwork and tactics. Indeed they understood the kyklos, the circle, keeping their horns out at the enemy, keeping their less defended sides protected. "We feel that it's our right to be able to avenge those of our kind injured by Piedmon."
"Your help would be appreciated. But we'll need more help. I have an idea," said Coàllamon. He had remembered the words of the lead Monochromon. The Koromon had grown up. They would be Tyrannomon now. Tyrannomon might tip the balance if they could be gathered in any number. Coàllamon led the herd to the coast. As the Monochromon neared the Koromon village they began to balk. They could sense the presense of something other than Koromon.
"We go no further, friend, not til you prove to us that it is safe," said the lead Monochromon. Coàllamon walked to the Koromon village. He was greeted by stares. No Koromon dared to bubble attack him. Some seem to have some conception that they might once have been told of a strange figure such as this. No one made any move. Coàllamon walked through the town told the sound of stomping. He moved a branch from a thicket and found himself staring at a mouth full of teeth. The nose sniffed at him, and the mouth closed. The face backed up and suddenly there was a smile.
"You are the one. I remember you well. Coàllamon...I think you were called. You freed us from the Demidevimon, an awful creature. We have grown up much since then, but we have never forgotten you," said the blue striped orange creature. He had a horned helmet and muscular arms with three figures in each. He was not Coàllamon's idea of a Tyrannomon.
"You're not my idea of a Tyrannomon. I've seen DarkTyrannomon before, and they have no horns and their mouth is more crocodilian. You seem better put together, more compact. What are you?" asked Coàllamon.
"I am a Greymon. We are special digimon. We do not often occur among the Koromon. They say that we have to be exposed to a digivice that changes our genetic structure. That, I assume, would be your doing if I remember correctly. Tyrannomon usually don't return to the village, but as a Greymon I feel obligated to defend my brethren from all threats, including that herd of Monochromon out there," said Greymon.
"I see so you are like the Monochromon who come from Leptomon. Don't worry about the herd, they won't be any threat. Say, the other Koromon who were there when I was there- did they become Greymon too?" asked Coàllamon.
"No, they are just Tyrannomon. Even I was surprised when I became a Greymon. The looks on their faces...but I digress. To what do we owe the honor of this visit? I doubt that you're here only because the Monochromon are in their migration pattern. I suspect some higher purpose that does not bode well for us Koromon folk," answered Greymon. He was quite friendly now that he knew who he was dealing with.
"Well, it's like this. There's an island not far from here where the digidestined digimon are growing up. Piedmon, an evil Mega digimon has been hunting for them now for centuries and he has finally come to the deserts of Server. My mission is to intercept him and either defeat him or divert him away from his current line of search. However, since he's a Mega, I can't defeat expect to face him alone. You and your brethren have known me as this form, Coàllamon, a Champion digimon. I can go farther however, to Ultimate. Still that doesn't put me in good stead to defeat Piedmon. I need an army. I already have the six Monochromon back on the hill, and I would like you and as many of your brother Tyrannomon as you can find to join us. We would stand a far better chance of things if you joined us. We may eventually also hope to find others that would help us, but we don't have too much time, and things will have to be done if we are to be ready," said Coàllamon.
"We would be delighted to help you. It would be a great honor. The day the Koromon can finally repay their debts to Coàllamon. It will take me about a day to locate my seven brothers that are Tyrannomon. I'll meet you back here at the village. When we strike down Piedmon it will be a great day for digimon everywhere!" exclaimed Greymon. He turned and ran into the forest, roaring to his brothers. With any luck, they would all be there tomorrow. Coàllamon signaled to the Monochromon and the herd cautiously moved into the meadows around the village. There they laid down to sleep after an exhausting day. Coàllamon too felt tired, but he also was nervous and excited. He had a plan, but it needed pieces.