Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. If I did, I would be sitting around in Hawaii ordering drinks and hitting on girls rather than sitting in my room and writing this story.
Author Notes: I got many reviews! Yay! Thanks all! This chapter marks the end of arc 1 and after this starts the new Arc! As always, if you like this story, throw a review to keep it strong! After a couple of chapters, I will release a template so you guys can throw your favorite Digimon in the story OR your ORIGINAL creations! Be creative!
Many people think life as a candle. Truth is life a bright torch that continues to light for ever, until you are completely forgotten by even time itself. So if you want to live forever, you have to scribe your name deeply in the memories of humans.
LOST
Chapter 6:Will and Army
Daisuke was really relieved he had met Vamdemon. If he hadn't, he would be long lost deep in the Misty Trees. Airdramon proved to be a great guide.
The Misty Trees were covered, as the name suggest, by a thick mist. Not only that, the woods themselves were all alike and were bound to trick someone to the wrong direction. To top it all, many wild Digimon lived there, but as Vamdemon and Airdramon had both pointed, they were more like beasts. They didn't have the ability to speak and their only purpose is to destroy anyone who comes in the woods.
Earlier that morning, Vamdemon had taken upon his time to say some of the history of the Misty Trees. Daisuke listened closely while Chibimon was gulping down food. Apparently, the Trees were once called the Green Forest, but some time 300 years ago, everything changed. Nobody knew how or why, but the Forest suddenly became foggy and soon were covered in a mist. The Digimon that lived there were unable to find their way out and were trapped inside. Soon they lost their thinking and speaking ability and grew to be beasts.
An interesting theory said that the protector of the forest, a really ancient Digimon, probably even more ancient that Jijimon himself or close to each other's years, did this to the Forest so he could protect the area from the new threat, the Dark Masters who evolved during that time. One thing was for certain though; during the time the first Crests were created, a light suddenly would lit up the Misty Trees once in a while.
"That could be your Crest. I have heard that only someone with a really strong will would be able to return the Trees back to their original state. So we can deduce that your Crest, if it really is your Crest, it's the Crest of Will." had finished Vamdemon before they set off on Airdramon's back.
Chibimon had still not fully recovered after the fight with AeroVeedramon and Daisuke had advised him not to move too much till he got his energy back. Even with Airdramon's speed and somewhat guide knowledge of the Trees however, all the group could see was trees and mist. Sighing, Daisuke tried to find a more comfortable place in Airdramon's back.
"You sure this is the way?" he asked. Airdramon tilted his head lightly to look at Daisuke.
"Of course I am sure. Me and Lord Vamdemon had traveled inside the Trees once. Of course, I can't know the exact location of the Crest but I do know the overall one. Now if you may, stop bugging me and enjoy the ride while it lasts." replied Airdramon.
"What ride? All we can see is mist and trees. We don't have much to sightsee I think." said Chibimon. Daisuke nodded and yawned. Airdramon didn't reply; he was too busy making sure they were on the right way.
While the group was silent, Daisuke kept thinking about his Crest. Vamdemon had said that it might be the Crest of Will. Daisuke however didn't feel he had that much willpower though. He kept wondering about his Crest till they reached a dead-end.
"So we are lost huh?" dimly said Daisuke.
"No we aren't. At least, we are not lost because of me that is." said Airdramon.
"What do you mean? You guide us here!" said Chibimon.
"Yes, but it's not my fault we got lost either. Did you forgot what Lord Vamdemon said? In this forest many get lost due the forest's guardian. He somehow moves the ground as he pleases and that's why he blocks the entry to us. Don't worry, it has happened before. Actually, I was waiting for this." calmly said Airdramon, as if he was trying to explain to a three year old that one and one equal two.
"You were waiting for this? For us to get lost?" asked Daisuke.
"Well, I did hope we wouldn't get lost but I know what to do in times like this. Lord Vamdemon said to me once we find ourselves lost, we just need to head straight on." replied Airdramon.
"Sorry to dissapoint you, but ahead is only a line of trees." pointed angrily Daisuke.
"No. It's an illusion." came the calm answer of Airdramon and flew at full speed towards the trees.
"We are going to crush!" yelled Chibimon.
"Hang on Chibimon!"
However, the crush that the pair was expecting didn't come. Airdramon slipped through the trees. Daisuke couldn't speak at first but then he had to breathe. A second later, that same breath was cut off.
"What the hell is this!?" he yelled, looking at the scenery in front of him.
Instead of the usual mist and trees, a very alive and green scenery awaited. Daisuke could see a few Digimon just lying around there, healing their wounds as time slowly passed. Airdramon continued to fly as Daisuke and Chibimon were looking in awe. At the center of this oasis, besides a very clean river, a very large tree Digimon was waiting for them.
"So you have come Chosen One." said the Digimon. Its voice was as old as Jijimon's, was the first thing Daisuke thought. However, it was also different. Jijimon's voice was old but it had care and sympathy. This Digimon's voice was sad and cold.
"You knew we were coming?" asked Chibimon.
"Indeed I did. I have been waiting for countless years… Finally, my long wait is over. You have come Motomiya Daisuke, Chosen of the Will. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Oakmon."
Digimon Analyzer
Oakmon! An Ultimate tree type Digimon! Oakmon is one of the oldest Digimon in existence today! He can create illusions with his special attack, Make Illusion!
"How you do you know my name?" asked Daisuke, staring in awe Oakmon.
"Even though I am isolated, I still hear news from outside. You Daisuke, alongside with the rest of the Chosen Children have stopped the Digimon Kaiser. Now, let us get down to business. You are here for your Crest. Take it." said Oakmon and raised a tired arm. At his fingertrips, a Crest could be seen. Daisuke's Tag lighted up and the Crest entered it, finally becoming complete.
"This is my Crest? The Crest of Will?" said Daisuke.
"Indeed. Last night you showed your powerful will by not leaving your partner behind. I could hear the fight, the trees were describing every detail of it. That's why I allowed the barrier that I set up to lift up for some time, so you could evolve." said Oakmon.
"Thanks Oakmon. That really saved our necks back then. But still, I am surprised! I didn't expect to find any Digimon here! I can see a bunch of them now!" said Daisuke.
"Just this morning, this place was full of it. However, I sent away most of them. Ningenmon discovered this place. He is coming right now. In just the short while I lifted the barrier, he managed to pinpoint the last part of the Green Forest. It's a shame really. This place was one of the few safe places left in the Digital World." said Oakmon sadly.
"You mean.. Because of us you were discovered?" asked Daisuke, his heart starting beating really fast.
"Unfortunately."
"Then why are you still here? Leave this place!" yelled Chibimon.
"I will not leave my home. Even if it costs my death."
"This is crazy! Life is more important than any place!" roared Daisuke.
"You really think so? I have lived most of my life here. I care deeply for this place. If I am able to protect it, I will. By doing so, Digimon will come to live once more here." said Oakmon.
"I am sorry. This all happened because of me.." said Daisuke and lowered his head.
"This place would be found out sooner or later. I am just glad we managed to give you your Crest before it was discovered. I would love to tell you more information about your Crest, as well as the location of the others but it's impossible right now. You must leave at once." said Oakmon.
"I can't leave! I will stay here and fight! Now that we have the Crest, Chibimon can evolve to Paildramon!"
"Our opponent is an Ultimate. No Perfect, especially a fresh evolved Perfect would be able to fight such a level. Besides, Ningenmon is even more powerful than the average Ultimate. He is truly… strong. That's why you must leave." said Oakmon.
"Let's hurry Daisuke. By the time we return back to the Mansion, the represantive from the Digital Army will have arrived. We can talk about our next course of action there." nodded Airdramon.
"Too late."
Daisuke froze. He turned slowly and he saw Ningenmon. He was really humanoid, resembling very much a normal human. Only his large armor was really showing what he was. At both hands, two swords could be seen. He was calmly standing there, studying his moved in front of Daisuke and Chibimon.
"I see I was too late to send them away. Alas, I can still buy them enough time for them to leave this place. Know this Ningenmon; you are up against Oakmon!" yelled the old Digimon.
"I am sorry old man, but I don't have time for this. I am going to have to kill you." said Ningenmon. Chibimon jumped at Airdramon's back.
"Daisuke! Let's retreat for now!" he yelled.
"No way we are leaving Oakmon! Let's go!" yelled Daisuke and drew his D3. It shrieked as it emitted light from the screen…
"Chibimon Shinka! V-mon!"
"Daisuke! We must leave!" yelled Airdramon.
"Hurry up Daisuke!" roared V-mon.
"Leave Motomiya Daisuke. You are far too important to stay here." said calmly Oakmon, not moving an inch from his spot.
"I decided I won't run away! We are in this together Oakmon! Let's do this V-mon!"
The Digivice shrieked once more. V-mon evolved to XV-mon. Cursing his luck, XV-mon fired his X-Ray towards Ningenmon. The later simply casted it away, like someone casting a fly away.
"In that case, let's go Perfect! Let's do it!" yelled Daisuke and raised his Crest. However, nothing happened.
"What's wrong Daisuke?" asked XV-mon.
"I don't know! It's not reacting at all!"
"You still don't have the requirements to use that Crest. Just having it doesn't automatically give you power. See now? There is nothing you can do at this point of time." said Oakmon.
"And before you are able to use that Crest, I will make sure you die kid." said Ningenmon and charged. Oakmon raised his hands.
"Make Illusion!"
Daisuke found himself floating in air.
"What happened!?"
"Relax. This is an illusion. But it won't hold much. Daisuke, you must leave." said Oakmon.
"But!"
"No buts boy!" roared Oakmon. "If you think you are any help here, you are deadly mistaken! Listen up, go back to Vamdemon's mansion. That old vampire truly wants to repent for his sins. He will definitely help you. Now leave!"
Daisuke had no choice but to leave at this point. He rode Airdramon and the Digimon flew at top speed. Soon they found themselves at the Misty Trees once more. After a long five minute ride, Daisuke looked back.
Meanwhile, Oakmon was preparing for his last attack. Ningenmon was still under that illusion. His attack needed some time to prepare.
"This will teach you, breaking in my home." said Oakmon.
"I am truly sorry for doing that. If you could just let me kill the boy, or at least destroy the Crest, none of this would have happened."
Oakmon's eyes widened from the surprise. Ningenmon had broke free from the illusion. Around him, the few Digimon that stayed behind were decaying into data. Ningenmon's goons had killed them all. Only he, the protector, was still standing. He clenched his teeth.
"Damn you to hell! Illusion Nightmare!" roared Oakmon and fired his incomplete ray. Ningenmon crossed his swords and the attack was deflected. Oakmon's attack killed a few Digimon, but the target it was intended to was unharmed. Ningenmon quickly attacked without mercy at the old, unable to do anything Digimon. Oakmon started too, decaying.
"I might as well die scum. Hope is not yet lost." were the last words of Oakmon, the protector of the Green Forst.
"Hope is forsaken." came the reply of Ningenmon.
Daisuke saw Oakmon's bits flowing in the air. Rage once more filled him. He truly was pathetic. How many deaths would he have to endure? How many Digimon would he be unable to save? The price for the Crest of Will was too heavy. Although he never had the chance to meet Oakmon, it was unbearable to see him die. Oakmon died protecting him, just like his mother did…
"Daisuke…" said V-mon worried.
"I am fine. But I won't let it end like this."
Grey Lord's Mansion
Half a day later, Daisuke, V-mon and Airdramon slipped inside the mansion. Vamdemon was relieved to see them to say the least. Airdramon quickly recounted their story. Vamdemon sighed.
"Another one has fallen. Our list of allies grows really thin. However, I bear good news. The represantive of the Digital Army has arrived, just ten minutes ago. Let's hear him. This way." said Vamdemon.
Daisuke would really like to go and sleep, but he knew he had to meet the guy. After all, he was the only Chosen here, not to mention the only one who had a usable Crest. The group followed Vamdemon. A Bakemon served the guests tea and made its leave.
"Where is he?" asked tiredly Daisuke.
"I am right here."
Daisuke turned and saw a lion type Digimon. Although he had never seen him, he immediantly realized who it was.
"You are.. Leomon."
"Correct." said the lion Digimon and sat across Vamdemon.
Digimon Analyzer
Leomon! Vaccine Lion type Digimon Adult! Leomon met the old Chosen Children at File Island and helped them defeat Devimon! Later on he fought MetalEtemon and died during the battle! After being reborn, he joined the Digital Army as he continues to protect the weak! His special attack is Juuoken!
"Leomon. I would like to hear about our enemy. Who is he?" asked Vamdemon.
"We don't know who he is. What we know is that he is a human, holding a gold Digivice. Besides him, lies a Digimon that we have never heard of. Vamdemon, have you heard about the Red Towers?" said Leomon.
"Red Towers? Koushiro-san said something about them the other day!" broke in Daisuke.
"At first I thought it was a new devilry made by the Digimon Kaiser. But seeing he destroys his Dark Towers, I can't say this is it." replied Vamdemon.
"Ichijouji destroys the Dark Towers?" yelped Daisuke.
"Indeed. Anyway, Red Towers appear in every area, indicating this human's control. I don't know their use, but I do know it steals your energy little by little. Some Digimon even got devolved to their previous level." said Leomon.
"That is truly worrying. If we ever find ourselves in such an area, we would be fighting with a time limit. Not only that, we would get weaker by the minute." said Vamdemon.
"Not only that, but this human is not the only human here. With him, three more humans exist. One even has a V-mon as his partner Digimon." said Leomon.
"Ivan.." said Daisuke darkly.
"The Digital Army is always fighting this new threat, but with many losses. We have managed to find what he is after. Vamdemon, Daisuke ever heard of the Elemental Stones?"
"You mean the ancient stones holding the powers of nature? I have, but I have always casted them away as myth." replied Vamdemon, a bit shocked.
"They exist."
"What are the Elemental Stones?" asked Daisuke. Leomon turned to Daisuke.
"The Elemental Stones are said to be ancient stones, each holding a power of nature's attributes. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Ice, Light, Dark. Eight of them in total. Each stone has tremendous power. They say that the one who gathers them together and is fit to do so, he will be able to recreate everything. Or destroy everything. We know for fact that he has the Light Stone." explained Leomon.
"He already has one of them?" yelled Daisuke.
"Yes. The Army is doing its best to locate the Stones before he manages to find them. Besides the Stones, we know of his battle commanders as well." said Leomon.
"Besides the humans?" asked Vamdemon.
"Yes. He has a group of Ultimate Digimon that he calls the Digital Captains. Each of them has a small army for themselves. One of them is Ningenmon." said Leomon.
"That humanoid Digimon? I have never seen such Digimon before." said Vamdemon.
"That is all I know. Now, it's your turn Vamdemon." said Leomon.
Vamdemon got over the attack at the mansion the other day and informed Leomon about Ivan and his partner V-mon.
"I see. Our enemies are many. And strong."
"Even if that is the case, I will fight. I can't leave this place, but I will gladly make it into a fortress. Let me join the Digital Army Leomon." said Vamdemon and rose to full height.
"I thank you Vamdemon. You are welcomed to join us."
"Wait a sec! I will join as well!" yelled Daisuke.
"I want to fight as well!" roared V-mon.
Leomon laughed hard.
"Of course. However, you don't need to be in the Army to fight Daisuke. You are a Chosen Child after all."
"That's right! Now that we have the Crest of Will, we can fight those guys! Digital Captains? I will beat them to the ground!" said proudly Daisuke.
"I see Daisuke. Well, it's time for me to leave. We have managed to find the location of one of the Stones. I am heading there after this." said Leomon and stood up.
"I will come with you." said Daisuke.
"It's too dangerous Daisuke. First you must master your Crest." said Leomon.
"I am coming either way. I am not the type who will learn that stuff by sitting here and knowing there is a fight out there." said Daisuke.
"And you know the rule! Where Daisuke goes, I go!" shouted V-mon.
"Hahaha! What a truly reckless child! Fine then Daisuke! You may come with me." said Leomon.
"Where are we headed?" asked Daisuke.
"Our destination is the Ice Kingdom. There, the Ice Stone waits." answered Leomon.
"It's time to rock then! Ice Kingdom, here we come!" yelled Daisuke.