"Would you mind telling me how you and Mikami became friends?"
Daiki blinked upon hearing the question and glanced over at Renamon. The fox had a contemplative look on her face as she eyed the girl walking in front of the duo. Mikami was laughing at a joke made by Impmon, who had turned to her with his cheeks puffed outwards and his tongue sticking out of his mouth. Daiki looked at his friend, a small smile on his face at seeing how happy she was.
He couldn't blame Renamon for being curious. Despite sharing a few personality traits, Mikami didn't seem to be the kind of person who would want to be his friend.
"We met when we were kids," he answered wistfully. "Though we weren't close. I just thought she was cute, so when she scraped her knee at the park one day I used it as an excuse to talk to her."
Unable to stop herself, Renamon let out a laugh that made Daiki stare at her.
With a wry grin and sarcasm dripping from his voice, he said, "Oh, I know. Even as a child I was a romantic gentleman."
"You have her wrapped around your finger," Renamon replied with a smirk. "When did you become close to one another?"
"Let's see…" He paused to scratch his head as he tried to remember. "I think she was around nine when we actually started to hang out. It was after the sheriff adopted her."
"Adopted?"
Silently cursing himself for mentioning it, Daiki nodded. He wouldn't tell Renamon the whole truth because it wasn't his place to really say, but he owed her some answers now that he had opened his big mouth. "She lost her birth parents. Mom and I lived near the sheriff at the time, so Mikami and I saw a lot of each other. We started talking and just ended up becoming friends."
Renamon watched as Mikami reached down to push Impmon to the side. Impmon huffed and swatted her hand away from him.
"I can see why. You are different, yet alike."
"What about you and Impmon? He's loud and annoying, and you're pretty composed. Doesn't seem like you two would be all that close."
"When Impmon first joined our group, he was rather…unreceptive to us. I suppose I was partly to blame for that. I did have to knock him out to take him with us."
Daiki pressed his hand against his mouth and coughed to cover his laughter. It wasn't until he reined himself in that he said anything. "You knocked him out?"
"Yes. It took quite some time for him to accept his place with us. As for how close we are, well, that is because I often insisted that we talked. We got to know each other."
"Hard to believe he'd want to sit down and chat."
Renamon smirked for a moment before her mouth shifted into a frown. Her ears perked up and twitched as she came to a stop. Daiki came to a halt to stare at her with a questioning gaze. Mikami had paused when she noticed that Impmon had stopped walking to stare back the way they came with an annoyed expression. A second later, Renamon's fur stood on end and she glared into the forest shadows.
"Something is coming," Renamon growled.
"Damnit! Can't have one good day," Impmon snarled, moving closer to Mikami to protect her. "Renamon, knock down some of those trees. We gotta get outta here."
Giving Impmon a curt nod, Renamon accepted the order without a word. She leapt at the nearest tree, swinging her foot out as she did, and then proceeded to do the same to several more trees. The force of each strike was strong enough to snap the trunks. This caused the trees to topple over and form a hurdle between them and whatever was after them. As soon as she landed beside him, Renamon seized Daiki by the arm to drag him along. It was struggle for Daiki to keep up with the fox. Once he had found his footing, she let go and continued ahead. Mikami, Impmon in her arms, was running just a short distance behind them.
Whoever their pursuers were, Daiki could tell they were in a large group by the sound of movement through the trees.
"Pick it up!" Mikami shouted as she bounded ahead of him. "They're coming over the trees!"
Daiki dared a quick glance over his shoulder. Strange bipedal plant Digimon were swinging over the downed trees using vines coming from their hands. They looked almost sickly in appearance, the green of their bodies a wilted color and the purple of the flower and their heads dismal in color. The other Digimon were deep purple with white underbellies. The pudgy Digimon had what he assumed were ears that looked like bat wings which they were using to fly.
When he looked ahead again, he blanched, the blood visibly draining from his face. Mikami skidded to a halt, feet barely stopping in time to avoid the drop off in front of her. Renamon grabbed the girl's arm to steady her. Meanwhile, Impmon jumped down and let out what Daiki guessed were Digimon curses. The group was standing on a sheer cliff with a drop that was at least a hundred feet if not more. The only thing in front of them was open air and the sight of trees below. Turning around, Daiki watched as the strange Digimon continued to close in on them.
It was fight or flight. At that point, fight was no doubt the better option. None of them felt like jumping off a cliff to certain doom.
Pulling his Digivice from his pocket, Daiki glanced at Renamon. She returned the look with a nod of agreement and stepped forward to standing between the approaching Digimon and the two humans. Mikami breathed through her nose as she grabbed her Digivice. Impmon hopped forward to stand beside Renamon, his gloved fists raised in preparation for battle and a pleased look on his face.
Mikami stared at her Digivice in doubt. "Alright, Digivice... Enemy info?"
With a short beep, the screen of the device lit up and projected a circular hologram with a picture of the plant Digimon on it. Mumbling under her breath, she eyed the information with a frown. Daiki tried to look, but he couldn't read the writing very well.
"That plant is Aruraumon. Rookie level, Virus type." The image shifted to show the flying purple Digimon. "Second one is Tsukaimon, another Rookie Virus." She let out a huff when the hologram disappeared.
"Sounds easy to handle," Daiki said, though his uncertainty was showing on his face. "Can you guys take them?"
Impmon knocked his fists together. "Easy."
"We may have some trouble," Renamon stated while hitting Impmon on the side of the head. "There are approximately twenty or more of them."
Daiki clutched the Digivice tighter in his hands. "Fantastic."
"Just when we need the others," Mikami grumbled. "Our luck."
~0~
The group barreled through the forest, dodging around trees, jumping overs roots, and maneuvering through thick undergrowth. At the rear of the group Shizuka was keeping an eye out behind them. Though they were making good progress, she could still feel the ground tremble beneath her feet. She knew they wouldn't be able to outrun their pursuer long enough to find a place to hide away. They would have to stand and fight eventually; it was only a matter of time as to when they would.
Stupid ass Greymon! Shizuka thought vehemently as she gritted her teeth.
The massive Digimon had managed to track them down not long after they left the cave. At least ten minutes had passed since it had started chasing them. She knew they couldn't risk a fight because the others. It would be too easy for everyone to get caught in the crossfire between Leomon and Greymon. But if they didn't fight soon… She swore under her breath, annoyed at the entire situation while glaring ahead. They did need to fight. She would just have to make sure that they others were out of harm's way when Leomon tangled with the annoyance.
She had to pick up speed and leap over a small downed tree to catch up with the others. She slipped through to stand beside Leomon.
"Listen, Leomon, we need to find a clearing. We can't keep running like this. We've got to fight it."
"I agree."
"Good. Just make sure you're careful," she said. "If anyone but that Greymon gets hurt, there'll be hell to pay."
"I will do my best."
She turned her attention to her partner, who had moved to fly beside her. "Biyomon, can you scope out a clearing?"
"On it!" With that, the pink bird disappeared over the treetops.
Concerned, Yoko stared at Shizuka. "What're you up to?"
"It had better not be dangerous," Salamon said.
Shizuka turned to them both with a grin. "Don't worry. Once we get to a better place, Leomon is taking him down."
"Good," Judai puffed. "I'm tired of being tired of running."
"Me too," Dorumon moaned.
Tadashi and Gabumon rolled their eyes at the same time while Shizuka looked away. Biyomon swooped down through the foliage towards Shizuka.
"I found a clearing just up ahead," she said.
Shizuka nodded. "Good." She looked to Leomon with a raised eyebrow. "Ready?"
He grunted a 'yes' as they burst into the clearing. Shizuka grabbed Yoko and Judai by the hand to drag them to the far side with Biyomon flying alongside them. Tadashi followed behind, and Dorumon and Gabumon joined them shortly after. Leomon paused near the middle to spin around. The Greymon stormed after him, the ground shaking with each of its steps. Locking eyes with the enemy, Leomon crouched and let out a low growl. Greymon roared, lashing its massive tail back and forth.
"Move, kitty, before I crush you," the dinosaur ordered.
"You will not harm these children," Leomon stated, narrowing his eyes.
"Fine. I warned you."
Greymon lunged, feet causing the ground below to tremor. Leomon dodged to the left and rolled across the grass as the dinosaur swung its massive tail. As soon as he felt the accompanying air caused by the movement, Leomon raised up, kneeling on the ground. The tail soon came back around, forcing Leomon to duck his head down and wait until it passed over him. He stood as soon as it had, wrapping an arm around the appendage. Digging his claws into the dirt, he pulled, pivoting on his feet to drag Greymon through the air.
Greymon slammed into its side, though was quick to get back on its feet and roar.
"Fire Wall!"
Flames gathered in its mouth until it released them, causing the blaze to spread outwards. It stretched to form a literal wall of fire that was quickly surrounding Leomon. The lion took a moment to consider his next move before he leapt upwards, flipping around. The flames barely missed him, the intense heat grazing his fur. He rotated, angling himself as he hit the peak of his jump. Greymon seemed to sense the coming kick, as it whipped its head upwards and forwards with a snarl.
"Great Tooth!"
Knowing he wouldn't be able to move out of the way in time, Leomon braced himself. Pain flared through his leg as Greymon latched onto his appendage, its teeth digging in deep. He let out a shout as he was flung through the air. He twisted, legs slamming into the ground as he landed and began to slide backwards. He winced, hunching over to place a hand on the ground for a brief moment. To keep himself from crying out, he took in a deep breath. Greymon was already lumbering towards him yet again, a vicious smirk on its face.
What was it about this Greymon that made it so strong? He knew the limitations of this species of Digimon well. It shouldn't have been possible for it to overpower him as easily as it just had shortly into the fight.
A foot came crashing downwards, forcing Leomon to leap to the side. He rolled, only stopping once he was a good distance away. His leg throbbed as he crouched in preparation. It took a bit of effort for him to push against the pain. Greymon's tail came around again and slammed into ground. Leomon lunged forward, whipping out his short sword from the sheath on his back. When he swung the blade sliced through the tail, effectively cutting it in half. Greymon bellowed in pain, the remaining half of its tail twitching as the part of it that had been removed disintegrated. In a single moment, Leomon was in front of the beast, poised to strike.
When the Greymon snapped its jaw forward, Leomon jumped.
"Crushing Kick!"
The heel of his foot slammed into the Greymon's head, causing it to stagger backwards. However, before he even touched the ground, his opponent recovered. The moment their eyes met, Leomon felt the Greymon's head slam into his stomach. His sword was knocked away and he collided roughly with a tree that cracked under the force.
"Leomon!" Yoko shouted as she made to step forward.
Tadashi, with Judai, held her back. "There's nothing you can do!"
"Yeah, he's right! Listen to him!"
"Yoko, please!" Salamon begged, as Gabumon muttered, "This is bad."
"Damn it!" Shizuka snapped. She turned her sights on the Greymon, furious. "I told him not to get hurt…"
Greymon stomped forward, reaching down to grasp Leomon tightly in its clawed hands. The lion shoved against it in an attempt to escape. In response, his opponent smirked and tightened its grip. Leomon hissed in pain, narrowing his eyes as he gritted his teeth.
"For a so-called 'hero' among Digimon, you're a weakling," Greymon said. It chuckled. "I'm going to torture you before deleting you."
Leomon mustered the deadliest glare he could manage when Shizuka suddenly snapped, "No!"
Greymon turned to look at her just as the Digivice in her hand sprung to life, light filtering out of it. Holding it tightly in her grip, she sneered.
"I will not let you hurt my friend any longer!" she shouted. "I don't care who or what you are, you are going down!"
The light engulfed Biyomon, who began to shift, growing as she rose above the others with a cry of, "Biyomon, Digivolve to…!" As the light faded, a fiery bird hovered above the group and shouted, "Birdramon!"
"Alright, Birdramon," Shizuka said. "Let's teach this overgrown lizard that you don't mess with the DigiDestined!"
"Mach Grinder!"
Birdramon dived downwards with an angry screech, talons outstretched. As she slammed into the Greymon, she dug her talons into the dinosaur's arms. Greymon was forced to let go of Leomon, who fell to the ground with a groan. The lion did his best to drag himself away from the fight before collapsing. Birdramon released the Greymon to spin around mid-air while her enemy recovered. There was a shocked look on its face, as if it couldn't believe she had landed a hit so easily. That surprise turned to fury as it turned, arm lashing out to grab Birdramon. The bird simply avoided the clawed hand by rising higher into the air.
As she dived back down to claw it again, the Greymon raised its hand and trapped her by grabbed hold of her feet. Squawking in irritation, she fought to get loose from its grip, digging her claws into its hands. Greymon smirked and responded by squeezing tight. It pulled, stepping backwards and dragging the bird with it. It another step and, with a growl, flung the bird away. Birdramon recovered, flaring out her wings to stop herself, and glared.
"You made a mistake hurting my friend," Birdramon warned.
"What are you going to do about it?" Greymon replied in a taunting voice.
"Fire Storm!"
She flapped her wings, a stream of fire bursting outwards in front of her. Greymon growled as it raised its head.
"Nova Blast!"
The fiery ball slammed into the flaming streams, pushing back against them. Birdramon dodged out of the way as the attack connected with the trees, setting them ablaze. As she struggled to move away from the blaze, Greymon charged, its head slamming into her stomach. She flipped backwards before righting herself, beating her wings furiously.
"Alright, Birdramon, let's end this!" Shizuka shouted.
Birdramon nodded as she looked at Greymon with an intense stare. She dove forward, slamming one of her feet into its face to knock it off balance. As it struggled to regain balance, she spread her wings out.
"Meteor Wing!"
She swung her wings inward, throwing several small flaming meteors from them as she did so. They hurtled towards Greymon, leaving behind a fiery trail. The impact against Greymon caused them to explode, sending it toppling over. Birdramon dropped down, slamming one of her clawed feet onto its stomach to pin it down. Shizuka let out a soft growl as she stepped forward.
"I'm giving you two choices. Give up, stop working for the crazy ass-hat that's after us and live, or struggle and get deleted."
"Go to hell," the Greymon replied.
"Birdramon."
The bird nodded. She raised her foot and then slammed it onto Greymon's head. Yoko looked away just as Birdramon crushed the dinosaur's head. Its entire body disintegrated, the data flowing into Birdramon as she glared at where her enemy had been. Shizuka turned her attention to Leomon. The lion was passed out against one of the nearby trees. Muttering several choice words, she dashed over. Tadashi and Judai followed, along with their Digimon, leaving the stunned Yoko and Salamon to stand there. Yoko opened her eyes, locking onto Birdramon with fear before hurrying over to where the others had gathered.
"Leomon!" Salamon whispered, eyeing the unconscious Digimon with apprehension.
Gabumon turned to his partner and quietly asked, "Is he gonna be alright?"
Tadashi, for once, was quiet as he stared at Leomon. Judai fidgeted while Dorumon paced around his feet. Shizuka bit her lip as she looked up at Birdramon.
"There's a healer at the village," Dorumon said. "But…how are we gonna get there?"
"Do you have enough strength left to carry us all to the village?" she asked.
"Of course," Birdramon rumbled, crouching. "I can only carry so many on my back, however."
"We'll ride on your feet," Tadashi said. "We just need to get Leomon there."
Shizuka moved to kneel beside the injured Digimon. She grabbed his upper arm with both hands and draped it over her shoulders. She then wrapped her one arm around his chest. She glared at Tadashi until he moved to Leomon's other side to help his sister. The duo stood, pulling their friend up with them. A moan came from Tadashi at just how heavy Leomon was. Grunting in effort, they dragged him forward. Birdramon settled herself onto the ground as they paused beside her. Glancing at her brother, Shizuka let go and hopped onto her partner. She turned and crouched so she could reach down.
"Come on," she said, frowning.
"You expect me to lift him up?"
Before Shizuka got a chance to respond, Birdramon craned her neck around and bumped her beak up against Tadashi. This caused him to let go of Leomon. The lion slumped over onto Birdramon's beak.
"Climb up."
Dumbfounded, Tadashi nodded and clambered onto her back. She raised her head enough for him and Shizuka to pull Leomon off her beak. Once he was in a good position, Shizuka jumped back down.
"Tadashi, get back down. You and Judai are riding on Birdramon's feet with me." Choosing to ignore the indignant look from her brother, she turned to Yoko. "You ride on her back with Leomon."
Confused, Yoko nodded and whispered, "O-okay."
Tadashi slid off and landed by Shizuka. Judai joined them and pouted.
"Everyone else rides on Birdramon's back," Shizuka said.
She helped Dorumon and Gabumon climb on by lifting them up. Yoko placed Salamon down so that Shizuka could give her a boost up. Shizuka then scooped Salamon up to hand her to Yoko. The four settled down around Leomon to keep an eye on him. As Birdramon stood, the others situated themselves on her feet. With a flap of her wings and a shriek from Yoko, they were airborne.