Chapter 12
Life in Peradium

The next morning, the tamers and digimon woke up to a cloudless sky. It was absolutely beautiful out, and already they could see that Peradium was coming alive again. Digimon were leaving there homes, heading to the fields, the mines, or other parts of the city where they held their jobs. That morning, Leamon served the tamers and their partners in the cafeteria a second time.

As the tamers ate, Henry looked around and asked, "So, where is Tijjgmon?"

Leamon turned to the tamer, setting down a plate in front of Calumon as she said, "He had to go to the temple early this morning. He leaves his apologies, and asks that you would all meet him at the temple sometime this afternoon, when he isn't as busy."

Kenta looked up from his plate, "Why is Tijgmon so busy?"

Leamon turned, setting down her last plate in front of Impmon, "Well, Jason did make Tijgmon the high priest of the entire city. After last nights light show, which I personally thought was absolutely beautiful, there are going to be a few digimon who are not thankful their lord woke them up at midnight."

Rika nudged Renamon in the side a bit, "I wonder who would be responsible for that." Renamon blushed a bit, and the rest of the tamers chuckled as they finished their breakfast. Soon, the group was about to head out the front door and explore the town. Just as Takato reached out to open the flew open, pounding the goggle wearing tamer in the head and sending him flying back. In the door stood a pair of digimon. One was Meramon, the digimon that had captured the tamers a few days before. The other was a digimon that was another champion. He was panther like digimon, but stood up right like a werewolf. The panther digimon held his side tightly, blood trickling from a wound.

Leamon rushed up to Meremon as he said, "Doctor, he was hurt at the granary. He got caught by a piece of the windmills grinding wheel when it shattered."

Leamon quickly took the panther digimon from Meramon, slinging his arm over her shoulder, "Thank you Meramon." Leamon then began to help the panther digimon to one of the emergency rooms.

Jeri looked back, rushing up as she asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Leamon looked down at Jeri, nodding her head, "Yes, but I can't have you all helping. Jeri, you can stay and help me with this patient. The rest of you, go ahead and head out into town."

Takato, who had just got up off the floor while rubbing his head, said, "All right, we'll catch you later Jeri."

Jeri nodded her head, and then began to follow Leamon as she went towards the emergency wing. The rest of the tamers turn, and exited the hospital. There first stop was going to be the Trident, hoping to make sure the train and its conductor, Axle, were all right. However, Impmon soon became distracted when he saw something had been set up beside the hospital. It was his motorcycle, Behemoth. On the black motorbike was a note.

Impmon ripped the paper off, tossing it to on side as he digivolved into Beezlemon. The biker digimon reached into a pocket, pulling out a set of keys that he gently slipped into Behemoth's ignition. The bike roared to life, and before the tamers knew it Beezlemon was gone, riding towards the mountains where he was planning to enjoy some dirt biking.

Takato reached down, picking up the paper that had been on Behemoth. It read,

Dear Tamers,

I hope Impmon enjoys the fact I brought Behemoth from the Trident. Now, as to the train itself it has left Peradium. I recently got word a large group of digimon want to come here, but are composed entirely of Rookie and In-training level digimon. They were afraid they might get attacked while making the trek here. So, I asked the Trident and that strange robot Axle to go pick them up. They will be back in a few days, and hopefully bearing a large load of young digimon.

Thanks Again,

Jason

Kazu put his hands behind his head, smiling a bit, "Well, that's one thing off our to do list for day. Next, just hang around and explore the town." Kenta nodded his head, and before the others could say anything he, Kazu, Guardromon, and MarineAngemon headed off on their own.

Takato groaned, "I thought we were all going to explore the town together?"

Henry smiled, "Don't worry about it Takato. We will be fine, just the six off us." Takato nodded his head, and the trio of original tamers and their digimon headed off into town. After a few minutes of walking, the tamers found themselves in the market. Digimon off all types, colors, and sizes walked about the wide streets, traveling between different stalls that lined the paths.

The stalls sold a variety of goods. Some had different kinds of fruits, vegetables, and meats while others carried jewelry, weapons, and other trinkets. The tamers were in awe, but Terriermon was more interested in something else. In a nearby plaza there was a large crowd of digimon.

Henry, who had been looking at a necklace for his sister, felt Terriermon pulling on his ears. Henry groaned, looking at the bunny rookie as he asked, "What is it Terriermon?"

Terriermon stood up on Henry's head, pointing to the plaza, "Well, excuse me, but I thought you liked to know I can hear a fight going on down the street." Henry looked to where Terriermon was pointing, and soon all three tamers and digimon were heading for the scene.

When the tamer arrived, they saw a square box had been lined out in the middle of the plaza, and two digimon were pacing around each other in the middle. The box they were in resembled a boxing ring, and the two digimon in the center were only using physical attacks.

Terriermon turned on Henry's head, asking a nearby, bull looking, digimon, "What is going on?"

The Minotaur like digimon turned and said, "This is the Struggle. It's just a bit of friendly competition held once a week. The digimon battle each other for title as strongest in the city. They can't us special attacks, or any weapons, just hands and feet. There are four classes, each one having a champion. One class for each level of digimon ranging from rookie to mega. Right now this is the title match for the champion level."

Terriermon nodded his head, looking back at the fight as one digimon landed a round house kick and sent the other flying. The crowd burst into applause, and an Angemon walked into the ring and said, "We have our Champion of the City. Now, we'll move onto the match for the Rookie of the City. This match will be between Keymon and Vexmon."

Two digimon stepped into the ring. The first was a digimon with the body of a key. He had cartoon like hands and feet, and his eyes were on either side of what you would consider the handle to the actual key.

The other digimon walked into the ring wearing a cloak. His face was hidden, but the second he reached his spot in the ring he ripped the cloak off, and threw it into the air. What the tamers, Guilmon, Terriermon, and Renamon saw made them gasp. It was a digimon that looked a lot like Renamon.

The digimon, Vexmon, was just a bit taller then Renamon, putting him at about 5' 4". His fur was a dark orange, like a normal fox. His armguards were a dark blue in color that went well with his orange fur. He did not have the swirls on his legs like Renamon, and also lacked the purple marks under his eyes. He did, however, stand like the digital vixen, have a tail almost exactly like hers, and the same blue eyes. The biggest difference between the two was the general build of the body. While Renamon was lighter and more graceful Vexmon was muscular, and more masculine in his appearance.

Renamon felt her mouth growing dry. Vexmon was the most stunning digimon she had ever met. Vexmon looked over at Renamon, noticing that he was not the only fox digimon in the area. He smiled, winking at Renamon before he turned and looked at Keymon. The battle began shortly after.

While Vexmon darted around quickly, landing light punches against his opponent Keymon was more calculating. Like trying to open a lock, he was hoping to see Vexmon weakness and exploit it. Vexmon darted in, his fist clenched as he tried to strike Keymon right in the face, or his eyes at least. Keymon blocked the attack, slipping down as he kicked Vexmon's shin. Vexmon cringed in pain, pausing a second as he flinched. Keymon smiled, taking that opportunity to rear back and punch Vexmon squarely in the jaw.

Vexmon went flying back a few feet, crashing onto the ground. He laid motionless, and Keymon was smiling as he slowly crept up. Keymon stood over Vexmon, smiling as he asked, "Do you give up?"

Vexmon turned over, a smile on his face, "Never." With that Vexmon put his hands above his head, going into a handstand before he spun around quickly. Vexmon spread his legs out, and landed a powerful kick to the side of Keymon's face. Keymon went sprawling, and was knocked out.

The Angemon moved back into the ring, holding up Vexmon's hand as he said, "We have our strongest Rookie in the City. Now, since this was supposed to be our last fight, is there anyone who think they can take down one of our champions?"

Rika looked over at Renamon, who just smiled. It was an invitation the pair couldn't refuse. Renamon slowly stepped into the ring, Rika bringing out her D-power. The Angemon looked over at Renamon smiling as he called out, "We seem to have a challenger. Now, the only question is will the Champion of Rookies accept the challenge?"

Vexmon smiled, "Of course, but I wish to make a little wager with this nameless challenger."

Renamon took her spot in the ring, standing calmly as she said, "The name is Renamon, and what kind of wager were you thinking of?"

Vexmon turned to face Renamon, "If you win I'll give you the title as Champion of the Rookies, and the medal that goes with it."

Renamon raised an eyebrow, "And what do you wish to gain from this contest?

"Simple, I would just like the opportunity to take such a beauty out on a date."

Renamon blinked a few times, caught off guard by Vexmon's request. She glanced back at Rika, who also had a slightly dazed look on their faces. They were both worried about what would happen should Renamon lose the fight. Renamon was sure Jason would not appreciate the thought Renamon was out on a date with someone else, even before they had ever had a real one. Sure, they had met at night before, but they had never called it a date. It was more of a coincidence.

Well, luck would have it that a certain set of hands were flying over the plaza where the struggle was taking place. Jason noticed Renamon standing in the ring, and his interest peaked. He flew down, a bit of a chuckle in his voice as he said, "Well, what do we have here?"

The crowd looked up, but only Renamon and the Angemon referee had heard what Jason said, the only ones in the crowd having the special temple medallions. Angemon bowed slightly as he said, "My lord, it is a pleasure to have you at the Struggle today."

Jason waved the Angemon off, floating over beside Renamon as he asked, "So, can I ask what you are doing in the ring?"

Renamon glanced over at Jason, "Well, the Angemon called for a challenger that could defeat the Champion of the Rookies. Rika and I stepped up. We would be fighting all ready if Vexmon hadn't proposed a bet on the match."

Jason turned a bit, looking back at Vexmon, "Oh really, what did he propose?"

Renamon blushed a bit, "Well if I win I get the title and the medal, but if he wins he wants to take me on a date."

Jason fumbled a second, but chuckled to himself as he floated over the Angemon referee and whispered something into the celestial digimon's ear. The Angemon nodded his head, taking the center of the ring as he said, "Our lord as heard of the bet between our two combatants, and wishes to propose a new one. If Vexmon wins, he will be given his date and also be given the power to achieve the champion level, and sustain it. Should Renamon win, the Lord will give her the title as Champion of the Rookies, and also a special surprise. The lord has also set some special limitation to the match. Each combatant will start at their Ultimate level. Then, they will be allowed five special attacks in each form. Once they have spent those five special attacks, they will dedigivolve until they reach the rookie form. After that, normal Struggle rules will apply."

The crowd cheered, and Jason looked over at Renamon as he asked, "I hope that's all okay with you?"

Renamon smiled, "You just better have something really special planned for this so called surprise. Otherwise, I might just have to teach you some common sense." Jason chuckled, nodding his right hand as his left hand flew up to the altar. He gathered up a set of digivolved and dedigivolve miracles and mixed them together before bringing them back to the match.

Jason split the mixed miracle in two, and one half over Renamon while the other flew over Vexmon. The two quickly began to digivolved, and in a few seconds Taomon stood at the ready, staring down her opponent. Since Vexmon was so similar to Renamon, he followed a similar digivolutionary line. In his ultimate form he was dressed in a mixture of black and purple monk robes, a staff in his right hand. His face had become more human, but he now had a set of beads around his left hand.

Rika pulled up her D-power, and read the ID screen, "His name is Miromon, Ultimate level monk. He has great spiritual power, and channels them either through his staff, the beads on his hand, or paper sutras. His special attacks include Purify, Binding Beads, and Celestial Whip."

Taomon stood perfectly still, her long robes swaying in the wind as she stared down the ever smiling Miromon. Then, the Angemon referee called out for the match to begin. In an instant Miromon launched a Celestial Whip attack, lunging it out at Taomon. Taomon slowly floated out of the way, dodging each attack like a feather dancing in the wind.

It wasn't long before Vexmon had used his five Ultimate form special attacks, and dedigivolved to his champion form. In his Champion form, Vexmon wasn't very different from Kyuubimon. The only differences were he didn't have the elaborate necklace thing, and his fur was still its deep orange. Still Vexmon continued to attack, trying to take advantage of his Champion form, Nintalmon.

Taomon, however, had yet to throw a punch. While the other tamers and digimon were beginning to get worried, Jason and Rika just watched with a silent confidence. Renamon was playing out the battle in a very smart manner, one Jason was sure would ensure her victory.

Nintalmon ran around the ring, his tails catching fire as he called out, "Fire Tornado." The ring became engulfed in a tornado of fire, and the crowd had to step back to keep from getting burned. When the fire died down Nintalmon was smiling, but his smile disappeared when he heard someone say, "Is that the best you can do?"

The crowd looked up high above the ring, and saw Taomon floating in a mystical barrier. She smiled down at Nintalmon, "Come now, is that the best you can do?" Nintalmon smiled back, his tails fanning out as he called out, "Foxtail Rapid Fire." His tails began to spin around, and then he began to launch a barrage of fireballs out of his tail. Taomon flew back, her long sleeves arching out as she smacked most of the fireballs away, the others not accurate enough to strike her. Nintalmon used the remainder of his champion level special attacks, and dedigivolved back to Vexmon.

Vexmon was breathing hard, watching as Taomon slowly descended back down to the ring. She smiled, glancing over at Jason as she asked, "Want to make this a fair fight again?"

Jason laughed, "Well, I don't know about that. To make it a fair fight he would have to be an ultimate and you a rookie. Still, if you want me to turn you back into a rookie I would be more then happy to. Besides, you are at your loveliest when you are in your most regal and graceful form."

Taomon blushed, "Enough, I still have to win the fight after all."

Jason smiled, bringing up a dedigivolve miracle as he said, "That Taomon is merely a technicality."

With that, Jason gave the sphere of energy a gentle toss and Taomon dedigivolved back to Renamon, and the vixen digimon took a battle pose as she said, "Now, where were we?" Renamon moved forward, her hand forming into a fist as she prepared to punch Vexmon.

Vexmon smiled, preparing to dodge the punch, but at the last moment Renamon drove her fist into the ground, spreading her fingers out at the last second to do a hand spring. She went over top of Vexmon, landing softly before she turned and attempted a roundhouse kick. Vexmon moved out of the way just in time, doing a forward flip to escape Renamon's attack.

Renamon continued her attack, rushing forward as she prepared a second punch. Vexmon turned to face the vulpine digimon, but once again Renamon's attack was not as it seemed. She swung her punch early, starting a spinning motion in her body. She added to that motion by jumping up, and then Renamon landed a firm leap kick right in Vexmon's chest.

Vexmon went flying back, crashing into the rope fence surrounding the area. He slowly stood, up holding his chest as he smiled at Renamon. Then, it was Vexmon's turn to go on the offensive. Vexmon leapt up onto the rope, using it to get a vantage point on the ring before he leapt high into the sky. Renamon followed her opponent's motion as he flipped over in the air. He flipped a few times, his body spinning faster and faster as he began to near the ground. For the first time in a while, Renamon didn't have a clue what to expect.

Vexmon continued to twirl until he was about a foot away from the ground. At that moment he put his hands up beside his head, getting a firm grip on the ground before he stretched his body out. His feet connected with Renamon's jaw, and sent her flying. Renamon turned over in the air, landing on her feet. She stood up, rubbing her now sore jaw as Vexmon stood up. He smiled, getting into a battle pose as he asked, "So, when should I pick you up for our date?"

Renamon smiled, slowly stepping forward, "Half past never." Renamon then began to run forward, balling up her fist. Vexmon shook his head. She was going to pull some special move again. He got ready, tuning his senses so he was ready for anything. Well, almost anything. This time, Renamon wasn't trying anything special, and she landed a punch firmly in Vexmon's gut.

Vexmon bent over in pain, but before he could hit the ground Renamon grabbed him by the skin on his back, and with a great burst of strength threw him out of the ring. For a few moments, the crowd was silent. Then, they all burst into applause as Angemon rushed up, raising Renamon's arm to the sky as he shouted, "Unbelievable, but we have a new Champion of the Rookies. Renamon!"

The whole crowd was cheering, and Jason was doing the best he could by clapping his hands together. Rika got up into the ring, moving up to Renamon before giving her a high five, "Way to fight Renamon."

Renamon smiled, "Well, you and I have had a lot of battle experience, when you think about it."

Rika nodded her head, watching as Jason flew forward. He snapped the fingers on his left hand, making a medal appear in his right. Then, with a gentle touch he hung the medal over Renamon's neck. The crowd cheered, and the applause grew louder as the other three champions came into the ring to receive there medals. The Champion of the Champions was a Togamon, the Champion of the Ultimates was a Lilymon, and the Champion of the Megas was an EmperorGreymon.

The crowd around the plaza began to disperse. Takato, Henry, Guilmon, and Terriermon walked up to Rika and Renamon, smiling as they congratulated the vixen digimon on her victory. Jason had to spend a few minutes congratulating the other champions, but he soon made his way over to the Tamers.

Jason laughed, nudging Renamon in the shoulder, "Now, I do believe there were some special conditions with your victory."

Renamon looked back at the pair of floating hands that was Jason, chuckling, "Yes, I do recall that you promised a very special surprise for me if I won."

Jason nodded, "And I plan to deliver, but you'll have to wait till this evening. Now, since it is nearing lunch time, how about I show you all to the best restaurant in Peradium, my treat." Henry, Rika and Renamon smiled, nodding their heads as Takato, Guilmon, and Terriermon cheered and jumped into the air.

Just before the group could leave, Vexmon walked backed into the ring. He walked up to Renamon, offering her his hand as he said, "A very well fought match."

Renamon turned to face Vexmon, shaking his hand, "Thank you."

Vexmon pulled his hand away, smiling as he rubbed the back of his head, "Now, I know I didn't win, but I would still be honored if I could by you lunch. I know this quiet little place that is never to busy, and has a very comfortable atmosphere."

Renamon looked over at Jason, her eyes questioning. Jason chuckled, waving her on, "Go ahead. After all, he was going to be the champion of the rookies. I guess it is only fair you give a little back after stealing away his title."

Renamon smiled, nodding her head, "So, I'll meet you at the temple at sunset."

Jason nodded, and soon floated above the streets as he led Rika, Takato, Henry, Guilmon, and Terriermon to lunch. Renamon and Vexmon watched until the tamers and their digimon disappeared into the crowd before they turned and left the struggle arena. Vexmon led Renamon through the streets, taking her about ten blocks away from the struggle arena. He showed her into a very small restaurant hidden between a sword smith's workshop and a fabric store.

The restaurant was small, with only about five tables for digimon to sit at, and there were only two chairs to a table. Vexmon helped Renamon into a seat before sitting down himself. A Patamon flew into the room, smiling as he carried a single piece of paper in his hand. Patamon handed the paper to Renamon, and said, "Can I get you two some water?'

Vexmon nodded his head as Renamon looked over the menu. Thirty minutes later, Renamon was enjoying a plate of blue spaghetti in green, vegetable sauce. Vexmon had ordered a salad, which turned out to be a mixture of red colored lettuce leaves in a variety of tints. As the pair ate, they talked about a variety of topics, the entire time a smile slowing growing on Vexmon's lips.

Renamon finished her spaghetti, and waited for Vexmon to finish his salad before she sat up and said, "Well, I had better be going."

Vexmon sighed, nodding his head, "All right, but is there any chance I could see you again."

Renamon raised an eyebrow, not liking the tone of Vexmon's voice, "Why?"

Vexmon sighed, standing up, "To tell you the truth Renamon, I just feel like you and I should be together. We are like Angemon and Angewomon, a pair of digimon made to be together." Renamon paused, looking at Vexmon as those words bounced around in her head. She had wondered about that just a few nights before, as she laid on the Trident's roof. Then, an image of Jason popped into Renamon's head. He was smiling, back in his human form.

Renamon smiled, setting her arm on Vexmon's shoulder, "I am sorry Vexmon. At another time, another place, it might have been just like you said, but I am afraid we could never be more then friends."

Vexmon's eyes bulged, his voiced filled with disbelief, "What, why can't we?"

Renamon walked past Vexmon, her voice flowing back to him like a phantom on the wind, "Because my heart already belongs to someone else, and his heart belongs to me." With that, Renamon stepped out of the restaurant. Vexmon stood in a state of shock, but his shock soon turned to rage as he pounded the table.

Vexmon paid the tab at the restaurant, and stormed out into the street. He quickly began to walk back towards his house, a death glare waiting for anyone that considered bothering him. Renamon walked down another street, soon catching up with the tamers. The group spent the rest of the day exploring the city. The only time things went sour was when they passed a digimon selling bread from a cart in a street, and Guilmon couldn't resist. Enough said.