Everyone: Happy anniversary!
Tai: Today, we're celebrating the day it all started, August first. That was when my friends and I were transported to the Digital World from summer camp. Since then, the adventure has evolved in so many ways but every time, with your support, we come out triumphant.
Takato: We just wanted to thank all of you were cheering us on over the years and we hope you continue to support the franchise through Tri as well as the fics. This involves leaving reviews because it would be pretty helpful and encouraging.
Kouichi: For now, we'd like to answer a few guest questions. The first asks us who we were reporting to in the previous chapter.
Thomas: That's easy enough. You see, those of us staying on Earth have no idea what's going on in the Digital World. So to keep us up to date, we've asked the younger kids to send us audio reports from time to time. It's important that we watch out for our friends.
Kari: Our next question is for the Hunters and the Generals. Aside from Tagiru's Goldramon, what other new Digimon have you guys attained?
Taiki: Oh… Well, Digimon didn't appear that often in the DigiQuartz and when they did, most of us didn't bond with them unless they wanted to. So I don't think there's anyone really new in my collection you guys haven't met.
Nene: It's true, you guys have met most of our partners already. If there are others, we'll be sure to inform you guys though!
Veemon: Don't forget to support Zero's other fics. So in case you want to know about Robert's adventures, be sure to check out Children of the Past!
Neemon: If you're looking for something cuter, check out Fifty Fluffy Drabbles! Though I don't know why you would… I'm not in it.
Terriermon: But if something for adults is more your speed, fufu, then I highly recommend Zero's newest M-rated story, Love and Lost! You'll have to read Love or Lust first though since it is a sequel. I don't know what kind of inappropriate stuff happens in it since Henry won't let me but I hear it's got the fluff and realism that his other stories don't.
Kristy: Okay, that's enough shameless promotion from the Digimon. Just… continue cheering us on, okay?
-X-
December 22: Sapporo - 11:04 AM
The sound of a motorcycle could be heard getting closer towards the wreckage that was Hokkaido's capital. It was kind of ironic that five years ago, the destruction of the island by Yggdrasil and the Royal Knights had been blamed on a tsunami. This time, the deed really had been done by a massive tidal wave.
The two-wheeled vehicle came to an abrupt stop behind the police tape where the men in blue were standing guard. They had to make sure that no one randomly walked into the destroyed site in case remnants of the enemy were still lurking. Though the rider didn't seem at all bothered by the possibility of running into a fight.
"Excuse me sir," one of the policeman said. "You aren't allowed to go in there."
The rider took off his helmet to reveal his dark-skinned face and dyed blond hair. He had a rather pissed expression to being told what to do as he marched right up to the tape and tried to force his way through. "Out of my way."
"Sir, we told you, you can't be here!"
"Shut up! I know more about this than you do!"
Behind the yellow tape, there was a woman with her long blonde hair tied in a ponytail over her shoulder wearing a lab coat. Upon hearing the man's voice, she looked up, recognizing it as belonging to a person who once shared the same fate as she. But while the woman had moved on the greater things, the rider seemed to be stuck in the past.
"Let him through," the woman stated authoritatively.
The rider finally stopped trying to push through when he saw the scientist. "Nanami…"
A scholar who could not be rivaled until the day she fought Thomas in battle. After she was saved by the doctor, she was given the opportunity to work for DATS as a researcher where her intellect could be challenged daily. She now works everyday to atone for the sins of her past.
"It's good to see you too," Nanami greeted, she crossed her arms over her chest. "Kouki."
Kouki and Nanami walked through the rubble as the latter explained that she was there to see if there was any important data lying around. If Splashmon left just one of his creations or if a Voidling somehow dropped a piece of their data, it was impertinent that she brought it back for testing. As for Kouki, he was simply drawn to places that were struck down by Digimon.
The pair met up with the third person who once shared their same fate, Ivan. Just like them, the muscular westerner fought on the wrong side against the Data Squad. But when he lost to Yoshino, it was found out that he had done it for money in order to support his many younger siblings. He was then offered a job as a policeman so that he could continue sending support to them without having to live with a guilty conscience. He too, works for atonement.
"Kouki, what are you doing here?" Ivan inquired.
"To breathe in the dust," Kouki answered curtly. His hands were shoved into his sweatpants as he kicked a broken chunk of concrete around. "What the hell happened to this world?"
Ivan and Nanami, both working for DATS thanks to the people who saved them from their fate, knew everything that had occurred. With the chaos starting back in September when Yagami High accepted several first-year Chosen Children into their student body. That was how the various teams met.
They fought several battles, a few of them even unlocking new evolutions along the way like Jeri, Kouichi, and Ken. Tai and his team regained the power of their crests at the end of October, during a battle in the cemetery. It was there that the Hunters and Generals entered the picture with their ability to combine the powers of two or more Digimon.
The following month, Armageddemon reared his ugly head once again, along with hundreds of thousands of his pre-evolutions, wreaking havoc all across the globe. Even against multiple powerhouses, they were unable to make a dent in him due to his ability to regenerate. A fact that was exposed by Masamune Kurosaki, a former teacher of Yagami and the person who threatened Ken to murder Henry Wong.
But thanks to MagnaAngemon's glorious return to the team, they were able to send the behemoth packing. Though not everything was okay yet.
Three of the Demon Lords showed up in their world a few days ago, taking lives and destroying property. The DigiDestined were absolutely helpless as their partners were defeated one by one. In order to save the children, Yamaki reactivated a debugged Juggernaut. In the last second, Barbamon destroyed Shibuya train station and the surrounding area, kidnapping Impmon while he was at it. So what started as a mission to protect the Digital World, became a rescue operation as well.
"I honestly believed this Digimon business was over five years ago," Ivan sighed. "But then this happens."
Nanami shook her head. "Even after the events that had transpired five years ago, there was trouble. The Legendary Warriors, the Generals, they were born from the strife that happened in their respective Digital Worlds. And now, they've all met for what I hope to be the last time the multiverse is ever in danger."
"What about everything happening now?" Kouki asked.
The man barely paid attention to the news conferences and information outlet headlines. To him, the media was going to twist the information in any way possible to make Digimon seem evil. So rather than get pissed at biased reporters and articles, he decided to get the information right from the source. Unfortunately, that source was miles away in Tokyo, so he was going to have to settle for this.
"You know what happened here," Ivan sighed, kicking up random debris. "Splashmon showed up with his mechanical minions and roughed up the place. Yoshino showed up with these three other girls and took care of things though. I think the youngest one, still really cute though, helped her partner evolve to a further stage than usual."
"Akari Hinomoto and Dorulumon to JagerDorulumon," Nanami filled in before using her clipboard to hit Ivan's bicep. "And leave your unnecessary thoughts of this!"
Of course, Hokkaido wasn't the only place to be targeted by a Dark General.
In Tokyo bay, there was a pirate ship that appeared with Olegmon and the rest of his brainwashed crew. Zenjirou was able to hunt him after evolving Ballistamon to AtlurBallistamon. And in Aokigahara forest, trouble brewed in the form of a flood of dragons. Marcus and Tagiru together were able to take down the leader, Dorbickmon, while Tai and Matt found a way to evolve to Mega to defeat Alphamon.
"Sounds like these kids have had a full past few days," Kouki grimaced.
"I'll say," said Nanami.
Ivan nodded. "We should do our best to support them from the sidelines."
Nanami hit him again with the clipboard because it was definitely the wrong thing to say in front of Kouki. If there was anything their friend didn't want, it was to be watching 'from the sidelines' when he could help on the frontlines! But it's not like he had a Digimon partner and he no longer had the ability to become one himself. The best he could do was cheer them on.
The blond man turned away from the other two, trying to take deep and controlled breaths like his therapist told him to whenever he started to get angry. Without someone to guide him onto a better path like Ivan and Nanami did, he ended up blowing up at every little thing that made him mad. That was when his two former co-workers convinced (more like forced) him to get someone to help his anger management.
Kouki had no friends or family to take care of them, Ivan and Nanami felt responsible for him because of that. So for the past five years, they've watched over him. It was just like how they were watching him now as he silently counted to one hundred.
Nanami walked over to their friend, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I was recently asked by Thomas if I could go to Tokyo to help create a way for the children to return to Earth. If you want, the plane is big enough for a few more passengers."
"Go all the way to Tokyo?" Kouki muttered.
"It's the epicenter of this madness," Ivan put in. "I'll be transferring there myself since there aren't enough police officers there to quell the riots and anti-Digimon protests."
Kouki punched his open palm. "Does quell mean pound?"
"Not even close," Nanami shot down.
At that moment, there was a man's scream coming from the south end of the quarantined area. Even though two out of three of them had no training in protecting the peace, they still instinctively turned to the sound and raced there. That was how they found a petrified policeman on the ground, staring at three Voidlings slowly approaching him.
"What are those things?" Kouki frowned.
"Remnants of the battle here," Nanami answered. "And the things I was supposed to receive a sample of to take to Hypnos for research and analysis."
Ivan pulled out his handgun from his holster, aiming it at the shadowy creatures that had knives for right arms. But Nanami stopped him, explaining that conventional weapons didn't work unless they were imbued with a DigiSoul. It would just be a waste of ammo. But Kouki seemed elated to hear this news.
"Then I guess that means it's my time," he grinned as he lunged forward.
The other two watched as their third was ducking under slices as he tried to get his blows in. However, these creatures were nimbler than they looked and it was as if they learned to defend themselves after their previous fight with Yoshino and Daisy. They were as evasive as flies and just as annoying.
"We need to help him," Nanami concluded. "But try to get a skin sample!"
Ivan's eyes bulged out of his head for a moment. "Those things have skin?!"
"Oh, just grab something that can be analyzed!" Nanami huffed before the pair ran in.
Ivan was the first to take his foe down as his larger build allowed him to crush the enigma underneath his frame, with his bulky arm pinning the Voidling down by the throat. With a feat of his strength, he yanked out the knife, the only physical part of the creature's body, which dripped from the end with dark droplets.
"Yeah… I guess this counts as a sample," Ivan murmured.
Kouki was next as he batted away the knife with the back of his forearm and then landing six consecutive punches into the Voidling's stomach. With a roundhouse kick, he tore off the creature's head, letting the thing melt into a puddle of blackness.
Nanami had no martial arts training of any kind, unlike the other two. But she was smart and had much better control of her DigiSoul. She knew how to infuse objects with it unlike the other two thanks to so much contact with digital information in DATS. She even swiped Ivan's firearm when he wasn't looking as well as the frozen officer's. Three bullets into the head was all it took to bring the creature down.
"There," she smiled. "All done."
"When and where did you learn to do that?" Kouki inquired.
"From watching old records of the Data Squad fighting," she answered. "Ivan, bring me the sample before all that dark stuff finishes dripping."
The three of them didn't really speak as they made sure the cop was going to be okay and the Voidlings were down for good. Even without having to discuss it though, they were all mentally preparing themselves for a trip to Tokyo. After all, they had a feeling they would want to be there for when it all goes down.
December 22: Hypnos - 11:04 AM
Due to recent events, the streets of Shinjuku were filled with people throwing cautious looks around as they shopped for groceries and panicked dissenters blaming the government for what's been happening. But what made this an odd scene was the fact that there were barely anyone younger than adults outside. Teenagers and children were being kept indoors at all times because of the paranoia that came along with the destruction.
It made a particular group of four, making their way towards the Hypnos building, feel even more awkward as people sent stares in their direction. After all, the only kids that would have the guts to be outside are either Chosen Children or those with parents who don't care. And while the latter wasn't true… neither was the former.
"You youngsters must be crazy!" a drunken old man had cried out to them. "Do you really think those, those, those monsters are good?!"
The tallest male in the group stopped the other three from arguing with him. This man wasn't there when those kids had been to the Digital World. Where they were constantly being protected and watched over and taken care of by a certain angelic Digimon. Those four humans were the ones who had done him wrong at the time, not the other way around.
"There's no point in arguing," the boy had said. "He wouldn't understand."
The drunkard snorted. "Ha! It's you four who don't understand!"
Finally, they had made it to Hypnos, Katsuharu, Teppei, Teruo, and Chiaki. The four of them were humans that rode a Trailmon into the Digital World along with the Legendary Warriors. But when they were told to return because they weren't the chosen ones, they refused, wanting to experience an adventure for themselves. Thus, their destinies were locked along with that of the Digital World.
"Takuya's friends?" Yamaki repeated into the phone. He had received a call from the receptionist in the lobby downstairs. But he had expected it to be about another reporter wanting the scoop on the kids in the other world. This was rather unexpected. "I supposed they do deserve a right to know what's been happening, send them up."
The imposing building along with the rushing scientists and stoic men in suits was rather unnerving for the teenagers who were in a white waiting room. There wasn't much aside from a window that showed the outside bustle of the city, a brown couch they were sitting on, and the coffee table where platters of tea was being served to them. It was... rather strange for them.
Megumi and Miki were the ones to give them their beverages but they were also tasked with the duty of conversation. They seemed like the best options to talk to the four kids.
"Please… Can you tell us about our friends?" inquired Chiaki, the only one brave enough to break the silence.
Teruo fidgeted in his seat. "We haven't heard from any of them in over twenty-four hours so we're really worried. What's happened to them?"
"They're fine," Miki reassured them in a motherly tone. She could see where they were coming from though. Just thinking about what Keenan, Kristy, and Relena have gone through on day one was enough to age her a few years. "A little worse for wear, but doing fine."
Katsuharu, the one who seemed to be the leader of this group, took a deep breath, uncrossing his arms and leaning forward. "Can you tell us everything?"
The women told the kids about the events that had transpired just the day before, knowing that they could trust these four not to run to the media and spout half-truths about how two DigiDestined went missing and others were brought to the brink of death. After all, Katsuharu and his friends were the ones leading rallies in support of Digimon. They were the ones running through every neighborhood in Tokyo, getting people to donate clothes, food, anything they could spare to the homeless victims in Shibuya.
"For Tommy's group on File Island," Miki continued. "Like they said, ships came to take them to the Kingdom Town just five hours ago. Good thing too, because after every human, Digimon, and egg was on board, legions of the enemy army landed. Most likely to take back the island."
Megumi nodded as she continued to the next group. "Kouji's and JP's group is still traveling through the underground network. Nothing much has changed and hopefully it will remain that way until they reach their destination."
"Zoey and Kouichi are on a Trailmon with their team. Though they keep transferring vehicles in order to keep bad guys off their tracks and as a result, keep the refugees of Fire Terminal safe. It'll take them a whole week later to actually make it but things seem to be progressing okay."
"Thanks to the medicinal herbs Glare had, Takuya is doing much better. His group is traversing towards their rendezvous point by caravan. Despite moving the fastest, they're the furthest away so it will still take some time before any truly positive news reaches us."
The teenagers understood. But they had been hoping to communicate with their lost friends. It would seem that until they reached the Kingdom Town, nothing would be exchanged verbally anymore between Earth and the Digital World. It was always a possibility for the Demon Lords to be tracking them through their communication signals. Once they were in Kingdom Town, Wisemon could work out some way of hiding those signals.
"We'll wait…," Katsuharu murmured. "However long it takes."
"They'll come back safe, I know it," said Miki, not quite sure who she was saying it to. Them… or her.
December 22: ? - 12:00 PM
When Ryo woke up in this large room with a white canopy bed, he wondered if he had fallen asleep in some socialite's pristine estate. But when a creepy shadow-like creature entered the room carrying an unconscious Suzie in its arms, he knew for sure it wasn't a time to be relaxed. The youngest Tamer was also covered in wounds and blood, but upon being placed on the bed, she immediately started healing.
Noon, one day later, Suzie suddenly opened her eyes. Ryo, who had been sitting on the edge of the bed, spun around immediately to make sure she was okay.
"I'm fine," she answered. Better than before anyway. "But… More importantly, where are we?"
The brunet wished he could give her the correct response. "My guess is that we're in the stronghold of the Demon Lords but I haven't seen anyone in this place aside from you and this weird humanoid creature made of shadows."
There weren't even any windows in the place so it's not like they could check the outside. There was, however, a bell of some sort somewhere because it would ring on every hour. Ryo figured this out the day before when he noticed how the chimes increased by one every time before resetting after twelve. It just so happened that the first gong of twelve happened after Suzie's awakening.
"The last thing I remember was snapping at NeoMyotismon," Suzie muttered. "Nothing else after that."
Ryo had a theory as to why he was taken but he couldn't understand why they would want Suzie. Sure, she had a lot of power and all but was that really enough of a reason to abduct her? Or was it her partner that was important? After all, Lopmon was one of the twelve Deva.
Suddenly, the doors flung open and a voluptuous female Digimon entered, her dress fluttering with each step. The pair of humans recognized her immediately as the Demon Lord of Lust, Laylamon. So this could only mean bad news from here on out.
"Good, you're both awake," Laylamon giggled.
Suzie was quick to bite as she pushed herself off the bed and marched right up to the Digimon's face. "Why are we here? Where are our partners? I swear, if you've done something to Lopmon, I'll personally tear you apart!"
"My, my," Laylamon laughed, pushing Suzie's threatening yet non-threatening finger out of her face. "You are a feisty one. I can see why IceDevimon decided on you."
"Decided on me?" Suzie frowned.
That was it! While Ryo didn't know all the details, he was aware that IceDevimon originally targeted Rika in order to gain her as a partner, as his Tamer. But it would appear that he had changed his mind due to the changes she has gone through over the years. Likewise, Suzie's overall demeanor has been altered as well, but in the opposite direction.
"Suzie would never be that freak's partner," Ryo spat. "She has one already."
Laylamon ignored him as she stepped past and sat down on the bed, bouncing a little before settling down. It irked the humans to see how much fun she was having while they were in distress. "But wouldn't it be nice to have more partners? Suzie, we can give you full control of the twelve Deva and Ryo, wouldn't you love to be in control of the Megadeath Monsters?"
"Megadeath Monsters?" Suzie repeated. As if she couldn't be more confused. To add to her outrage, she reached for her D-Power to look up these creatures but it wasn't in it's usual place. Then again, what did she expect? For the Demon Lords to leave her the only possession that could be used as a weapon to get out of here?
"A trio of powerful Digimon," Ryo muttered. "Each of them possessing almost twice as much power as Justimon."
"Twice?!" Suzie blanched. "But Justimon is nearly on the same level as a Royal Knight!"
"That's why they're called monsters," Laylamon grinned.
The Tamers kept glancing towards the open doorway, both considering making a break for it. But even if they tried to escape, they didn't know how big this structure was or even where the exit was supposed to be. Not to mention, if Laylamon was here, then there was the distinct possibility of running into one of the other Demon Lords. One that would prefer to destroy them rather than keep them around for amusement.
Just then, Kuzuhamon came through the open door, with Impmon following right behind her. Ryo and Suzie were both shocked to see him but relieved to find that he was unharmed. The dark creature bounded up to them, happy to see that they were okay as well even if they were in a precarious situation.
"Monodramon and Lopmon are locked up where I am," Impmon told them. "I was able to persuade the Demon Lords to let me see you at least so I can tell you they're okay."
"Thank you Impmon," Suzie told him. It wasn't enough to extinguish her seething rage but it would have to do for the moment.
Ryo stood back up and glared at Laylamon. "If you hate humans so much, why are we here? What is it that you want from us?"
The Demon Lord leaned back and closed her eyes, as if she was listening to a wonderful lullaby that was sending her off to sleep. The humans and Impmon wished that was the case. Maybe then they could try to find some way out.
"True, we do hate humans," said Laylamon. "But it's so much fun when the tables have been turned and they become our slaves. You two will have your old and new partners but the word 'Tamer' won't exist. We should probably think of a new name for you two then… Ooh, how about… Akumako?"
"Demon child?" Ryo grumbled distastefully.
"Your eyes full of scorn match that of a true demon." She stood up then. "Akumako fits perfectly."
The one thing she refrained from telling them was that there was no way for the Demon Lords to leave their castle. As the Sovereigns were being captured, they used the last of their energy to erect a firewall around their stronghold, making it impossible for the Demon Lords to leave until the lives from the Digimon gods were fully drained. Until then, revived Digimon from the past were highly depended upon. Oh, and the two Akumako if things went well.
December 23: Hypnos - 5:16 PM
Nanami's plane had arrived that morning and they were able to retrieve the Voidling sample for research and analysis. The Chosen Children that chose to remain on Earth, various civilian allies of theirs, and even Kuroku were there as the Monster Makers and other scientists typed away at their keyboards. The screen showed what looked to be microscopic images of the black goop but while they were similar to cells, they weren't sure of what.
"Demon cells!" Kuroku gasped when it hit him.
"What?" Yoshino frowned. "You mean cells from an actual demon? But how is that possible?"
Izzy shook his head. "We shouldn't cross it off as an impossibility. After all, there are possibly hundreds of worlds out there in the multiverse. Who's to say that one where demons reside doesn't exist? The only question is, how did Apocalymon get his hands on them?"
Marcus had an idea but he wasn't sure if he should say it. He didn't even know if that time he saw three actual demons was real! Though he suspected that it had been reality, it was uncertain as to whether or not Apocalymon received the cells from those specific beings.
"There should be one that can move between worlds," said Marcus, surprising them all.
"A demon?" Thomas frowned. "Did the Sovereigns tell you this bit of information as well?"
The brunet shook his head. "No… I met him before."
The entire room froze when they heard this. Kuroku seemed to be the most unsettled by this revelation as he started asking Marcus some questions concerning the demon's appearance, the one that could move between worlds. After a while, it was as if the old man's wildest and most irrational fears had been confirmed as he fell back into his chair.
Akari leaned forward, handing him a handkerchief so that he could wipe the sweat off his brow. "Are you okay, Kuroku? Does that creature ring a bell?"
The old man stared at Akari as if she was a stranger entering his house unannounced. "Yes." He sat up, taking deep breaths. "I've met eight demons in my long life and each one had devastating amounts of power. But the one who could destroy an entire planet with a literal blink of an eye would be the one Marcus just described. You see, the seven sins don't just have manifestations in the Digital World but the Demon World as well. The one we spoke of… is Wrath."
"The power to destroy an entire planet just like that?" Mimi shivered.
"So why hasn't he done it before?" asked Matt. "If he can move between worlds and he can destroy this planetjust like that…"
Kuroku wasn't quite sure himself though he had a faint idea. "Negative energy and emotions. That's what they feed on. The purest form and the heaviest supply… comes from humans. They must be keeping the human race alive to make all of the demons strong enough to break through the barrier between worlds."
"But would they want to?" Sora asked. "What purpose would that serve them?"
"For the twins of Gluttony, they'd have a feast of sinful humans to devour," Kuroku started. "For Envy, platters of talented and attractive humans to destroy. For Greed and Lust, they'd want all the money and lovers in the world. And Pride despises the self-entitled humans who think they are better than others. They all have their reasons."
There was one thing Marcus didn't understand. "If the one I met was Wrath… Why… did he just take my punch without so much as a pinch in return?"
There was no answer for this. Even so, there were still numerous questions. For example, why would the digital Demon Lords be working together with the actual ones? Were they going to use the Mount Olympus wish in order to allow the demons through? And the most important question, were they even in cahoots with each other?
Yamaki suddenly spoke up. "Well, I guess we have a new plan. Gather the twelve Olympians before they do… And make a wish to bring peace to the multiverse."
December 25: Miracle Sea - 1:14 PM
Shinya let out a heavy sigh as he hung over the side of the railing. Kristy grabbed the back of his collar when he started drooping too far, reeling him back in. They docked not too long ago to restock their supplies and he was cheerful the previous day, so it was unlikely that he was seasick. In all likelihood, he was just hungry, they hadn't eaten since this morning.
"The crew is working on lunch right now," said Kristy. "You'll be able to eat soon."
Biyomon was leaning his head against the wooden railing, his pink wings over his stomach and his beak on his chest. "I hope so because I'm starving!"
Shinya sank down to the deck, hugging his knees to his chest. "It's not that. I was just wondering if I could really find a Digimon partner of my own so I could help out. Everyone else is working so hard to keep Ai and me safe… But I don't want to be a burden."
Kristy couldn't help thinking back to five years ago, before Biyomon had come into her life. She would always be standing back while Marcus, Thomas, Yoshino, and even Keenan would protect her from danger. She never considered herself a burden, her involvement in the Digimon incidents were limited to arm's length. As a matter of fact, before Biyomon, she never even desired to have a partner.
But then Yggdrasil showed up in their world. Kristy realized that she couldn't be depending on DATS officers to protect her and her mother. No matter what happened, she was willing to defend the Earth that she loved so much and the people who have always protected it and her. That was when she realized how much she wanted to be like her older brother.
"You love Earth, right?" Kristy asked.
"Eh?" Shinya blinked. "Well… Things like homework and slave-driving teachers suck but there are also a lot of fun things to do and great people as well. So yeah, I guess I do."
"What about Digimon?" Kristy continued. "How do you feel about them?"
The younger boy wasn't quite sure where she was going with this. "I haven't met a lot, not like you guys. But just like humans, they're all very different. So I suppose, if I think about, there are a lot of great Digimon as there are humans."
"Well, if you love them, that means you'd be willing to protect them with everything you've got," said Kristy. "And I'm sure a Digimon will understand those feelings, and will want to be by your side. You don't have to force that kind of bond with a Digimon. It'll happen, I'm sure of it."
Shinya smiled. "Thanks Kristy. I just wish I could have a partner now."
Suddenly, a gunshot rang through the salty air, causing Shinya to flinch in shock. Kristy was just as surprised, though not by the bullet that had made a dent right next to Shinya's head. She was simply stunned by the fact that the other human had hugged her so abruptly out of fright. They turned to the shooter who happened to be Commandramon.
"If you have time to mope, you have time to train," Commandramon told Shinya before tossing him a handgun. "Come on."
The two humans without Digimon partners to protect them were learning how to handle firearms from the private. The older kids didn't think it was a good idea but it was true that they needed to learn how to defend themselves. Everyone else was going through combat training already with Turuiemon and Musyamon, in case the need ever arises.
"So long as my partner isn't someone like Commandramon, I'm good," Shinya whispered.
Commandramon whipped his head around with a scowl on his face. "What was that?"
"Eep! Nothing!" Shinya stood and ran over to the armed dragon's side.
Biyomon sat up. "Geez, poor Shinya."
"You think so?" Kristy giggled. "I kind of think he's having fun." The pink bird gave his partner a confused expression. "Shinya's clearly an adventurous spirit but everyone continues to coddle him as if he needs to be protected. So far, Commandramon is the only one to treat him as someone who can protect himself."
"Well," Biyomon nodded. "Humans in the Digital World do tend to grow up faster."
The pair looked up when the sound of two metals crashing into each other caught their attention from the main deck. There, Taiki watched as Musyamon and Koh danced around each other, blades cutting through the air in an intricate dance as sparks flew to the wooden floor. They were both fast, skilled, and while the strikes they made were perfectly timed and deadly, there was something beautiful to their movements as well.
"I never thought a human could match a Musyamon in swordsmanship," Shoutmon gaped.
"I'll say," Taiki muttered. "But Koh did say that he's been training with a blade since he was five."
"Yeah, but you know kendo, right?" the king interjected. "Isn't that swordplay as well?"
That may be true but it was obvious that Taiki's skill was leagues away from these two. When they disconnected and stood apart from each other, they were hardly sweating and their breathing hadn't increased at all. It was as if all they had done for the last three minutes was take a leisurely stroll along the shore at sunset!
"Taiki, you want to spar now?" Koh asked.
"Right," the General nodded, standing up. "I don't want to make a mistake like before."
Coronamon, who was outside the Data Burst Digivice, and watching on the sidelines with Shoutmon, stood up. "Taiki reminds me a lot of Koh, no wonder I was so drawn to him."
"What do you mean?" Shoutmon looked up just as their partners made the first clash.
"Fun, laid-back, but determined to help those in need," Coronamon explained. "Though my partner can be a little clumsy at times. And he always forgets his prior engagements. I can't tell you about how many meetings he's come late to."
"Oi! No need to paint me in a bad light!"
The two Digimon glanced at each other and snickered.
As for the other mentor Digimon, Turuiemon, she was watching over Jeri's training which involved increasing stamina and lots of meditation. It was likely that when and if she bio-merged with her partner that she would be a combat oriented Digimon. If Jeri wasn't prepared, she'd just end up holding back Leormon in a fight.
Tommy was asked to help Jeri out since he's taken karate classes and obviously, Turuiemon's skill level was much too great a difference. The Champion also implied that she had no idea how to bring herself down to someone else's level. So the two humans were sparring with each other though it wasn't to beat one another, it was simply to see who tired out first.
"Jeri is already out of breath," said Leormon. "She'll collapse at this rate!"
The bunny Digimon let out a heavy sigh. "My expectations for humans were set too high after training Janyu. It seems this pupil's no good."
The humans had broken away from each other, one was generally in decent shape while the other was huffing and puffing and coughing her lungs out. Jeri looked up at her mentor, sweaty palms on her knees as she tried to look fierce. It wasn't very effective.
"Tommy, don't stop," the brunette huffed. "I can keep going."
"Are you sure?" Tommy asked though he was already setting himself up into his stance.
Turuiemon clicked her tongue and shook her head, walking over to the Tamer. "You put too much force into your punches and kicks. You're not going for a death blow immediately. While flashy moves are a good way of ticking off your enemy, it won't do you any good in a test of endurance."
Leormon bounded over to his partner's side, wanting to make sure that she knew he was there for her if she needed his support. "I know you can do it, Jeri."
The Legendary Warrior would be lying if he said he wasn't envious of the relationship between these two. Jeri was working hard so that she could keep her partner from facing deletion while Leormon was fretting over the Tamer to make sure she didn't fall into depression. The boy's spirits were always by his side as well, but he hoped to protect them as they did for him. That's why this training was also to improve his own skills at the same time.
"If you want to continue, then let's," Tommy said to Jeri. "Otherwise, I'll be training on my own."
Jeri straightened out her spine and held her clenched fists out in front of her. "I'll keep going. I'll push my body to it's limit and keep going onwards!"
"That's the spirit!" Turuiemon cheered.
At the wheel, CaptainHookmon was showing Ai how to steer the ship without having her actually spin the wheel on her own. The young Tamer was even given a pirate's hat so she could really feel like the captain with the ocean's spray in her face. In a time of crisis, it was important to the humans that she continued to feel like a child.
Takato and TK were leaning over the railing with their backs to the captain and girl, watching as the Dolphmon jump out of the sea beside them. The pair had been talking about their next course of action. A lot had happened back on File Island and only more developments would be made in the future. It was impertinent that they tried to stay at least one step ahead of the enemy.
"How are your injuries?" Takato asked.
"Better than they were yesterday," TK answered, flexing his fingers.
The Tamer held up a card, changing it from blue to green and back to it's original form, the one-of-a-kind Grani card. It was almost like he was a performing a sleight of hand magic trick rather than sending his wishes into it. "Those Cutemon cards that we asked the Monster Makers to create work wonders."
Patamon ruffled his wings from atop TK's head. "Speaking of them, why do you think they were all so quiet when we asked about NeoDevimon?"
"There's something off about him, that's for sure," the blond boy nodded. "And of course, there's Devimon as well. We can't ignore him."
Takato understood where they were coming from. But there was just too much to worry about at once. The wish that could be made on Mount Olympus, the Demon Lords in general, the possibility of the D-Reaper coming, and the two kidnapped Tamers were all at the top of the list. However, the most prevalent worry on Takato's head was the fact that things had been so quiet lately. Did the Demon Lords really not know their location?
"We should stay on our toes, no matter what," said Takato.
"If anything bad happens, I'll just become MagnaAngemon and seal them away," Patamon suggested.
TK looked up at his partner. "According to what the Demon Lords implied, it would only be a temporary fix. We need to figure out a plan that can take even one of them down for good. But nothing comes to mind without the involvement of every single Digimon in the world."
"We'll just have to do what Kuroku said," Takato resolved, gripping his D-Power. "We have to surpass our peaks from back then."
TK frowned. "How? I don't think you can get any stronger than Gallantmon Crimson Mode."
"There's a way, I'm sure," Takato retorted with a shake of his head. "We'll find out, we'll exceed our limits, and we'll save this world and ours."
That was easier said than done. But if they believed in those words strongly enough, perhaps they could come out on top. However, as TK was about to respond, Guilmon abruptly started growling, pulling his head out from between the wooden railings to turn to the humans.
"Takato!" the red dino snarled, loud enough for the whole boat to hear.
The school of Dolphmon had started clicking erratically as they started swimming away from the ships in a panic. There was no sign of an enemy anywhere but judging from the way Leormon was bristling and the way Guilmon was glowering, it was clear that it was somewhere nearby. Whether it was high in the sky or deep under the surface, everyone was trying to catch a sight of this unseenfoe.
"Whoa!" Kristy yelped as the ship started rocking.
"Did I ever mention that I have slight seasickness?" Tommy groaned as he grasped onto the railing for dear life.
From the head of the ship, a creature began emerging from the water headfirst, and everyone was shocked by what they saw. Of all the creatures they would have to fight, it was going to be Armageddemon again?! TK had been right, MagnaAngemon's Gate of Destiny really was only a temporary fix.
"All hands on deck!" CaptainHookmon bellowed. "It is time we slay the beast!"
-X-
Things in the human world seem to be going okay. Generally. Though the bad news of anti-Digimon dissenters, actual demons, possible conversion of Tamers into Akumako, and the latest return of Armageddemon definitely doesn't make things look good. It looks like the Chosen Children are going to be spending their Christmas on the battlefield. Keep cheering them on in the next Digimon: Children of the Future!
So I realize I am one day early for the anniversary but I think it works. I also realize, looking back, that some of my writing was atrocious technically speaking. So I've decided to actually edit works before posting. Working on Love and Lost that way has really boosted my patience. Anyway, hope you enjoyed, happy anniversary, and please leave a review! Ciao!