Puspamon sighed as she stirred back into consciousness. She felt her body being very weak. Her arms were chained, and a large metal clasp was fixed around her slim waist.
"You're finally awake," Samudramon's voice echoed hollowly, drawing her attention.
Puspamon saw that everyone else had awoken. All of them suffered the same fate as her – chained to walls, and looking terribly drained. Samudramon no longer retained his legs which suggested that he had lost a considerable amount of power. Xianamon's shoulders were sagged and her head was hung down. Satriamon, defiant as ever, was the only one who wasn't leaning against the wall. The red dragon-man was staring towards the stairs leading towards a metallic door, as if his glare could melt the door.
"I feel…weak," she said, looking at Samudramon.
"It's those candles," Samudramon said, gesturing towards a pedestal where four candles were burning. From the wax residues that accumulated around the candles, one-fourth of the candles were used up. "They're draining our powers."
Puspamon sighed. Her thoughts rolled back to her most recent memory. She remembered being trapped inside Mephistomon's dark dome barrier along with the other Wira Digital. A monstrous being with enormous wings came to mind. VenomDevimon – Puspamon remembered him well too.
She choked a sob as a certain dark angel crossed her mind. The angelic knight was countering VenomDevimon's attack with his own to protect the other DigiWira.
Aldiyamon.
She was reminded of an explosion of harsh white light. When the lights subsided, Aldiyamon and VenomDevimon were no more. Aldiyamon had sacrificed himself to save them, only for them to end up being captured by the real Puaka Generals.
Adam was no more. Patamon was gone too.
Not wanting to believe the cold, hard truth, Puspamon felt a tear trickling underneath the pink visor she was wearing, trailing her left cheek before hanging momentarily at her chin. Her head hung down in defeat, and the tear dropped onto the freezing floor. One tear followed another, before Puspamon – her human half – allowed herself to cry freely. Within Puspamon, Gayathri thought despairingly of her classmate.
No more Adam sitting beside her if they ever managed to escape this prison. No more Adam to complain about having too much homework, as she had often heard him complaining to Hakim. No more Adam to lead the DigiWira team. And…how was she ever going to tell Dina that Adam had died? Despite not getting any confirmation from her demure, pretty friend, Gayathri knew Dina adored Adam. She'd caught her best friend taking a glance once or twice whenever the boy happened to be around the vicinity. Belinda was more vocal in teasing her, but Gayathri had always remained silent, for Adam was her close friend too…and she knew that Adam had liked the girl too. The boy would blush so often if Dina's name was brought up. Adam however, hid his feelings better than Dina. Gayathri then realized that Adam hid A LOT of stuffs from them, and deploying a happy façade to cease them from questioning him.
She had so much to ask Adam.
How were he and his family before the accident? Where had he been staying then? Had he liked any other girl before Dina? What happened to him when the then-evil JD and Manny captured him? What did he experience while being imprisoned by the ShadoWira for one whole night? Gayathri wondered how Adam had the strength to live with so many deaths in his family…she couldn't imagine her parents being gone – it would rip her to pieces. How did Adam stay strong?
She'd never going to have the chance to ask those questions…for Adam was no more.
Her head hung limp, the fairy Wira Digital then sobbed quietly, grieving for the loss of a dear friend.
Watching Puspamon crying, Samudramon knew exactly the reason. He inhaled his breath deeply, for he too was grieved.
Adam was a good friend to him. Despite his earlier misgiving due to Manny being evil, that animosity evaporated instantly when Manny had retrieved Adam's lost DigiSphere. That night after the battle with evil-Satriamon and the fake-Karatenmon, Adam had offered Manny to stay at his apartment. They weren't the closest of friends then, as Manny was new to the school and wasn't Adam's classmate. That night however, the boy was nothing but warm and friendly, making him felt like they'd known each other for long. Despite their grave situation then, they had somehow managed to discuss a lot of stuffs and both boys had found out that they had a lot of similar interests other than computers. For instance, both loved the Harry Potter storybooks and followed the movies diligently. Adam had just begun to develop interest in anime, and Manny had considerable amount of anime collections which he had then promised to share with Adam. Adam also had expressed an interest to try climbing Mount Kinabalu – Malaysia's highest peak located at the state of Sabah – the mountain which Manny had climbed once until its low peak. Manny had said then, should Adam had the opportunity to visit Sabah then Manny would be only too happy to take him for a hiking trip to conquer the mountain.
That night alone, they had become friends. But those memories were now only memories…
Samudramon's body shivered slightly and a tear trickled down his cheek.
Xianamon had been mourning her deceased friend for two hours now. For Liu Ying, Adam's death brought back memories of her late father, who also had passed away in an attempt to protect others. Her father had been a policeman, and a renowned Inspector as well – Liu Ying had heard his father's colleagues referring him as Chief Inspector Chang. Liu Ying was twelve years old when her father had passed, for shielding a distinguished member of the parliament he was assigned to protect from a stray bullet, during a major function at a famous shopping complex. There had been an armed robbery and the parliament member and her father had been at the wrong place at the wrong time.
And now, seeing how Aldiyamon had sacrificed himself to destroy VenomDevimon, ultimately killing himself, had reopened the wound she thought had long since healed.
Her first impression on Adam had not been good when the boy first joined the team; Liu Ying had thought that the inexperienced boy was too gullible to become a DigiWira, let alone lead the team. The boy had been late for school even, the morning before his anointment as the DigiWira leader. Then she saw how warm the boy was to her despite her initial misgivings to him, and they had become good friends. Once, the boy had confessed to her that he'd thought that she would make a better leader, and that he'd felt that Liu Ying was still, the de-facto leader of the team. Liu Ying then had promised the boy that she'd give nudges every now and then to help Adam improve and live up to the responsibility the carrier of the White DigiSphere had. In time, the boy had become a natural. This was proven during that time when Gayathri had fallen prey to Sorcerymon's spell, and Adam had employed both skill and wit to get close enough to her in order for him to give her the antidote. Pretending to become evil would never cross Liu Ying's mind at that time; she followed everything close to the book while Adam had some flexibility, if not a bit impulsive.
Aside from that, Liu Ying realized that there was still so much she didn't know about Adam.
And the thought of not being able to do so only aggravated her pain.
Satriamon sighed; realizing that he alone was the only one who had maintained his tough exterior, although deep inside he was the most tormented. Not too long ago, before Puspamon woke up, the Puaka Generals had come by again to check on the candles. Satriamon had spat out various threats towards them, but Mephistomon's cool, snide retort had silenced him until now.
"Why, JD…wasn't it YOU who have tried to kill Adam so many times before, when you were evil? I thought you should be happy that we've done the job for you."
It was a huge blow for JD. Adam had insisted before that JD had more than made up for his past deeds; when JD chose to stick with him at the Dark Ocean rather than accepting Dragomon's offer to leave him there. But truthfully, JD thought that was not enough and he was still figuring out what ways could he make up for his actions. He had seen how hurt Adam had looked during the revelation of JD being the Red ShadoWira. He had thought that it was because they were friends then.
It was true that he had felt a certain kinship with the boy, which he himself couldn't understand. If Adam had actually thought that he had been like a brother to him, JD felt honored. Not many people liked him that much – even with his own brother and sister JD didn't get along well. They had just drifted apart.
Were there really similarities between him and the real Aizad? Manny had pointed that out, but it turned out that 'Aizad' had been Mephistomon in disguise. But Phelesmon had said that Mephistomon had given a very convincing act – he even had fooled Adam completely. He'd wanted to find out more about this, but he never knew how to bring that up.
'But it's too late,' JD thought despairingly. 'I'll never have the chance to do even that.'
As the Wira Digital grieved for their friend, little did they know that their 'deceased' friend was actually pretty much alive, and was now rushing towards the Lost Mountain for their sake.
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WIRA DIGITAL
Chapter 33 – White Light, Part I
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The cool winds of midnight rushed against his face, making it difficult for Adam to open his eyes. In fact, it was near impossible until he raised one arm just to block the winds, and peered through the spaces between his fingers to get a good look at a mountain that was covered with mists. Another hand was secured against a tight knot on his chest – he had bundled all three DigiEggs inside Jackie's beige robe and had carried all of them along with him on his journey towards Lost Mountain. Sure, the orange polka-dotted DigiEgg looked like it would've been Patamon's DigiEgg, but Adam was not sure. And neither were Jackie or TobuCatmon. He didn't want to choose the wrong egg and ended up with NeoDevimon or LadyDevimon instead of Patamon. Come to think of it…NeoDevimon's wings had been reddish-orange sort of color, so to be on the safe side Adam packed up all three and brought them along with him.
Adam was lucky that he didn't have to make the journey on his own. Time was of essence and if he set foot towards the Lost Mountain it would take him more than a day to reach the place where the mountain materialized…and the mountain only appeared for one day every one hundred years. He wouldn't be able to make it in time. Luckily, he was a DigiWira – and the only DigiWira who was not captured by the Puaka Generals. Thus many Digimon were more than eager to help him get to the mountain. Jackie and TobuCatmon however had procured the aid of one of the fastest and strongest Digimon they could've found in such short notice – the leader of Zephyrus City, MachGaogamon.
MachGaogamon had learned of Adam's plight and took pity on him. Despite still healing from the sneak attack upon him two days back, he was still the swiftest option they had for such a short moment notice. Besides, the Ultimate Digimon had lived long enough to know the exact location where the fabled mountain was set to appear, so he was Adam's best bet to get there in time. MachGaogamon was confident that he would be able to take Adam to the Lost Mountain within five hours. It was the best that he could do, and nobody could top that.
And right now, he was nestled safely on MachGaogamon's left forearm as the leader of Zephyrus City flew him to the mountain. The jet propellers affixed on the Ultimate Digimon's back whirred softly, taking them at a speed of 140 miles per hour. The misty mountain became closer and closer, and MachGaogamon halted when they were less than half a mile from it.
"We're here," MachGaogamon informed as he landed on the ground. He let the boy slid down his arm, careful not to let him fall. "Do you need me to wait for you to come down?"
"It's alright," Adam said, securing the bundle of DigiEggs he was carrying. "I'll get my powers back after I meet Lady Ophanimon, and I can teleport myself back. You don't have to wait for me."
MachGaogamon looked down at the young dark-haired teen with worry. "But, what if…"
Adam's eyes narrowed edgily. "There is no what if. I have to get back my powers."
MachGaogamon heard the determined tone in Adam's voice, and nodded. "Very well. We'll part here, DigiWira. I hope that you will be successful."
"Thanks for taking me here, MachGaogamon," Adam said, the sternness he had just exhibited was gone.
MachGaogamon nodded and took off towards the dark heavens. Adam sighed and took a deep breath as he began walking towards the mountain. The ground around him was barren, yet the mountain stood there, thick and lush with trees and shrubs growing all over them. Faint mists around the mountain gave it a mysterious aura. Looking up, Adam could see its peak but he couldn't see anywhere that had the possibility of being Ophanimon's dwelling place. But still, he had made it that far and all he needed to do now was to climb towards the peak.
'I've told Manny once that I wanted to climb Mount Kinabalu…' Adam thought contemplatively. 'I guess the Lost Mountain is a good way to practice.'
He increased his pace and noticed the change of texture of the grounds. The ground where he was right now was bare and dry. The soil of the steep hill of the mountain looked dark and anything but dry, although it was far from being wet or muddy. There were no signs of vegetations on the ground he was at, but there were a plethora of plants growing on the rich soil of the Lost Mountain. Even the air seemed a lot cooler at the hill, and it was already rather cold at where Adam was at. The mist that blanketed the mountain gave it an aura of mystery.
'This is it. I'm going in.' Adam was about to step on the dark soil of the mountain, when a clear authoritative voice stopped him.
"Halt, stranger!"
Adam observed the place where he thought he'd heard the voice and saw the owner. It was an angel, coming from the top where the sky was darkest. The angel was female, and she was a stunning sight seen gliding in on shining golden wings with faint pink aura glowing about her. She swooped down fast, nearly reaching Adam before pulling back and brought her descent to a halt. With a couple more beats of her four wings she made the final landing right beside Adam.
Adam blinked – the female angel stood at a couple inches shy from six feet tall. There was an aura of mystery and regality that permeated from her being. Her eyes were masked with yellow visor, but the eye parts were holed, revealing a pair of intelligent blue eyes. She had golden hair that escaped the large red beret she wore on her head. Red shawl was draped around her neck. Her skin was light tan. She had on a bikini-style golden armor which covered her breasts, and a pair of belts crisscrossed her exposed abdomen. A blue tunic extended down her waist to her knees, and a pair of long toned legs escaped the sides of the tunic. Her forearms were protected with golden armor, and her boots were gold as well. She was wielding a golden scepter, and a sword was secured on its holder slung on her back. She was a magnificent sight to behold.
"Lady…Ophanimon?" Adam croaked.
The angel stared at him with curious eyes. "No. I'm d'Arcmon, Lady Ophanimon's page." She pointed her scepter onto Adam's chest. "Now identify yourself stranger, and state what business you have on this sacred mountain."
"I'm Adam Ariff, and I'm a DigiWira. I come here to seek audience with Lady Ophanimon."
"She does not wish to see anybody. You can turn around and leave."
"I can't!!" Adam cried out, which caused d'Arcmon to tilt her head in surprise. Quickly the boy composed himself and reiterated, "I can't. Not when my friends' lives are at stake and I'm their only hope. I really need to see Lady Ophanimon."
The angel's eyes softened. She pulled away her scepter from Adam. "Elaborate."
So Adam explained to her his current situation. He also took care to mention that he was in the possession of the White DigiSphere, which power was granted by Lady Ophanimon three centuries ago. d'Arcmon listened to him, not interrupting at all.
"Very well," d'Arcmon decided, after Adam had finished regaling his plight. "Your cause is worthy. However I can't guarantee that Lady Ophanimon will agree to see you."
"I have to meet her – my friends' lives are at stake!" Adam said intensely. "I'll appreciate it if you take me to her. I'll figure out how to convince her to see me when we get there."
"That much I can do," d'Arcmon agreed. Her blue eyes sparkled with mirth. "You seem different from the rest who came here only to seek power and fortune."
"You'll help me?" Adam asked hopefully.
The female angel answered him by turning around, and with a wave of her scepter a path was cleared. Trees moved aside and shrubs slinked away, leaving a straight path leading up. d'Arcmon glanced towards Adam and nodded her head.
"Come. If you wish to seek the lady's audience before the mountain disappears, I suggest we get moving now."
Adam didn't need to be told twice. He immediately followed d'Arcmon, noticing that with every step he took the path behind him began to close back up. Gulping at the mysterious phenomena, he secured the bundle of DigiEggs he was carrying and increased his pace to catch up with d'Arcmon, who was walking with a very fast pace.
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"We'll stop here for a while," d'Arcmon announced as they reached a waterfall.
Adam nodded, grateful of the break. He could hear the sounds of waterfall cascading down the stones, and despite the darkness of the night Adam had no doubt that the view would be breathtaking. He lowered the bundle he was carrying and massaged his sore shoulders – the DigiEggs had turned up to be quite a weight for him as he trekked his way up the mountain. They had been walking for a couple of hours now, and according to Adam's watch it was thirty minutes to six in the morning.
"We'll continue after sunrise – that's thirty minutes from now," d'Arcmon said. "You may refresh yourself and the water is safe to drink."
"Where are you going?" Adam asked, seeing the angel stepping away.
"I'll look for some fruits for you to eat, and I trust that you might need some privacy," d'Arcmon answered bluntly. She then spread her wings and fluttered away.
Looking around, Adam noticed that he was alone. He had thirty minutes. His body felt filthy and being dead and brought back to life in the span of one day was not something he'd want to experience again. He also felt tired and weary, and the waterfall looked very tempting. He could do with some freshening-up. He shrugged off his torn jacket and the white shirt he wore underneath, and ripped off a portion of Jackie's garb. He dipped the cloth inside the river, rinsed it slightly and began wiping his body, before washing his face and hair. Despite the fact that he was alone, there was no way that he would go skinny-dipping inside the river, no matter how tempting. The water was cold but not actually freezing; Adam was able to adjust to the coolness of the water after a few seconds passed. Then, satisfied that he was clean enough, he ripped another piece of cloth from Jackie's garb and dried himself off, before wearing back his shirt and jacket. Remembering d'Arcmon's words about the water being safe for drink, Adam scooped some water with his hands and gulped them generously. He felt refreshed instantly.
Faint reds were seen across the horizon and it was now dawn. Adam marveled upon the breathtaking sight, made even more so when the golden-winged angel appeared. She had taken off her beret, and Adam saw that she was holding it with one hand. She landed beside Adam and handed the beret – which contained what looked like apples.
"Meat apples. Eat these. You'll need the strength as it will take us until dusk to reach Lady Ophanimon's citadel," d'Arcmon urged.
Adam obliged, and was surprised to find that the apples actually tasted descent. He ate a couple of apples and took a drink at the waterfall. They then resumed their journey in silence.
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Adam wondered whether he should really press his luck by even thinking about it…but so far, the journey had been, well…easy.
With d'Arcmon as his guide, he encountered no difficulties. The angel, while aloof, was perfectly civil to him. Adam dared not to ask her a lot of questions, but when he did, the angel had answered them with simple, as-short-as-possible sentences. When she felt that Adam was beginning to ask more questions, all she needed to do was to increase her pace and the boy was forced to clam up and catch up with her.
Morning turned to afternoon without interruption and Adam felt that they'd made quite a progress. It was rather cool there despite the blazing sunrays – Adam was briefly reminded of his holiday at the Cameron Highlands with his family when he was very young. It made him smile fondly, thinking about the memory he had with his family. His heart still stung with sadness, and Adam suspected that it would never go away. But he also felt that it was getting more and more manageable. When Kak Lisha woke up, Adam wanted to have a long talk with her. He knew that his sister would wake up one day, and until then, he'd wait and pray.
"You're awfully quiet," d'Arcmon's voice brought Adam back to reality.
"Just thinking about stuffs," Adam said. He looked at the time and saw that it was one o'clock in the afternoon. "How much further?"
"We should be there by dusk, as scheduled."
"Can we go faster?"
The female angel tossed her blond hair back in mild haughtiness. "I can, but you can't."
Adam's shoulder sagged and he secured the knot of the bundle to make sure that it was perfectly balanced on his back. He then wiped off the sweat on his forehead. They resumed their journey in silence once again, and Adam had to divert his attention away from constantly watching the angel, who wasn't exactly decently dressed according to his book.
They suddenly heard a soft whimper, followed by a wheezy cough. Adam looked around and could see no one, but upon walking further both he and the angel saw a short, grandmotherly figure in green robes. Her gray hair was pulled up in a bun but still some hair managed to cover her eyes. She was slumped over a thick black tree trunk, and was clutching a broom. Her mouth was stitched and she had very pale skin.
"YOU!" d'Arcmon roared. The old woman looked up with beady black eyes at the angel, and whimpered again.
Adam looked at the old woman pitifully, and was surprised to hear the hatred evident in d'Arcmon's voice. "Who's she?"
"Babamon." The angel had practically spat out the name. "I've told her to always remain at her hut – she's not fit to go to this far up the mountain. She should've just stayed by her hut."
"I was looking for herbs for my cough," Babamon defended herself, sounding very weak. "Unfortunately, child, you are right. I am old, and I'm not fit for this kind of journey. But my cough is getting worse and I couldn't stand it. The cough remedy I have concocted before had all been used up. I need to brew a new one." She sighed and looked up at d'Arcmon. "Child, would you be so kind to accompany me back home? I…I am afraid that this cough will get the better of me."
"Not today, Babamon," d'Arcmon said tersely. "I'm on a mission. I need to guide this human boy to Lady Ophanimon's citadel."
"Please, child…" Babamon pleaded. "I might not make it on my own."
"Then consider it a lesson, Babamon!" d'Arcmon said. "I seem to remember that you had thought that I, a young Champion, was not fit to advice a Mega old crone like you!"
"I was mistaken, child," Babamon said, and coughed violently. Her whole body shivered. "I was a fool. And I apologize. Now, can you…?"
"My answer is the same, Babamon. It is no, and it is final," d'Arcmon said coldly. "Adam, come. Don't pay attention to her. She is perfectly capable of making her way back to her hut without aid."
Adam looked at Babamon worriedly. The old woman was coughing again violently, and Adam gasped softly upon seeing that the Digimon was crying. She was rubbing her chest and looked as if she was having a real difficulty in breathing. In fact, she looked like she was about to pass out.
"She looks sick," Adam said, taking pity at the ancient-looking Digimon.
"Grandchild…" Babamon looked up at Adam hopefully. "Will you...help an old woman like me?"
"The boy's on a mission, Babamon. He has no time to entertain you," d'Arcmon snapped. "Come, Adam, we must be off."
"Please, grandchild…I need your help…" A tear trickled down the wizened female's face and she gasped for breath once again. "At least…if something were to happen to me, I'll have someone to help me. I don't want to be left alone…"
Babamon's words immediately stirred Adam's heart. He understood completely the fear of being left alone – he'd always have that. He knew that he had a bigger mission to fulfill, but he couldn't leave this old woman on her own when she was obviously sick. His friends' lives were at stake and he couldn't afford to lose time…but then he didn't have the heart to leave Babamon here when she was most vulnerable. If he were placed in Babamon's situation, he'd want to be saved.
"d'Arcmon, you say that we can reach Lady Ophanimon's citadel by dusk, right?" Adam asked.
"Indeed."
"But the Lost Mountain will still be here until midnight?"
"Precisely, but…surely you don't want to wait that long? You'll want to complete your mission as soon as possible."
Adam sighed. "I do. But…" he looked at Babamon, "I can't leave her on her own like this."
"She'll distract you from your mission," d'Arcmon said. "Don't jeopardize your mission only because you feel that it's your responsibility to help her. Remember, you need to seek Lady Ophanimon's council, it is best that you arrive there as soon as possible."
"But I can still make it, right? She stays somewhere by the waterfall, and I can just make a run for it after making sure she's safe and sound at her home…I can do that, right? I can still arrive at the citadel before the mountain disappears."
"Only you know your own capabilities, Adam. But I will ask you this: are you willing to take such risk?"
Adam was silent. Babamon's whimpering and coughing could be heard. He looked down on the ground.
"I thought so," d'Arcmon said. "Come on, we better get moving."
Adam didn't budge. He looked up at d'Arcmon. "I have to help her," he insisted, gesturing to Babamon. "I'll take her home, and then I'll come back here. Will you be here for me?"
"I cannot guarantee you that, Adam. If you walk away now, you might not even make it here. The treks you have journeyed so far were easy because they were chosen by me. I know the ropes around the mountain like I know the back of my hand. Besides my magical scepter is able to clear a path or make a new one wherever I can't find the correct one, and I have made your journey considerably easier by using the shortest possible way. I will not follow you to help this old woman – my order is only to screen out those who seek Lady Ophanimon and guide those who are worthy. I have advised her against venturing the harsh jungles; that much I have done. I don't see that it's my problem to help her when she was the one who was too stubborn to listen to me."
Adam nodded. "If you can't wait for me, I understand. And I thank you for helping me out today. Can you point me to the direction of the citadel then?"
d'Arcmon sighed. "Consider what you're doing, Adam. Your mission is more important."
"It is important," Adam said. "But…I can't just leave her here. If the mountain will be here until midnight, I still have time."
Babamon's cough and gasps of breath were heard again. d'Arcmon saw that there was no changing Adam's mind.
"Fine…follow the direction of the setting sun and you'll find the citadel." She leaned against a tree trunk and watched as Adam knelt beside Babamon and helped the ancient woman up to her feet.
"Come on, grandma, I'll help you out," Adam assured Babamon, holding her hand. The old crone was only until his shoulder in height, so Adam had to lean down slightly to be able to support her. This was not easy, as he was also balancing the bundle of DigiEggs which wasn't very light.
"Your heart is good," Babamon wheezed, as Adam led her down the hill, towards the waterfall. "I'm sorry, grandchild, for being a bother."
"It's alright. I can still make it. For now let's get you back to your house, alright?" Adam cast a parting glance towards d'Arcmon, and saw that the angel was staring him with an unreadable expression. He nodded once before turning his attention towards Babamon.
d'Arcmon watched the retreating figures of Adam and Babamon with a thoughtful smile. Sighing, she then vanished in swirls of golden data particles.
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"Abang Zad…I'm tired…" five-year-old Adam whined.
Ten-year-old Aizad shook his head. "Just a little bit further, Adam."
The brothers were exploring a small forest nearby their house, following the river stream which would eventually led them to the sea. They had been on what Aizad had called a mission to find some hidden treasures inside the forest. Of course, there had been no such thing, but it was school holidays and Aizad had been bored. So he'd dragged his still very young brother along with him, and Adam had followed his older brother blindly. They had been inside the forest for about three hours now and it was already noon.
"I'm hungry too…" Adam muttered, and winced as he accidentally stepped inside a small hole. His foot was caught inside the hole and he sprawled onto the ground. A sharp pain exploded from his right ankle and it was so unbearable that Adam cried tearfully.
"Adam!" Aizad immediately crouched down and paled upon seeing the ugly bruise on Adam's ankle. "Oh no…"
Hearing that only caused little Adam to become more worried, and coupled with the pain – it was something every five-year-old could NOT bear. As a result he cried out even more bitterly.
"It hurts…-hic-…it really hurts, Abang Zad…it's broken, I know it is…'
"Shh…shh…don't cry…" Not knowing what else to do, Aizad immediately turned around and glanced across his shoulder. "I'll carry you back, ok?"
Adam nodded and struggled to get on his brother's back. He wrapped his arms around Aizad's neck and folded his legs around his brother's body, feeling slightly better although the pain was still throbbing. But it wasn't as intense as before. In fact, he could even laugh as his brother zoomed out of the forest, pretending to be a speeding jet fighter.
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The memory caused Adam to smile fondly as he was walking down the hill with Babamon. It eased his worry of his impending task, and Adam found that he was now put in a somewhat similar situation to how his brother had been placed years ago. Adam was lucky that he didn't have to carry Babamon; the old woman was rather plump and Adam doubted that he could carry someone her size. Besides, the DigiEggs were already heavy enough. He wondered then how exactly his brother had managed to carry him back to their house.
Suddenly, Adam paused as something odd crossed his mind. Somehow the forest had gotten darker and cooler. The canopies were thicker there. It was actually pretty normal, but Adam couldn't shake off a feeling he was now having. The fine hairs on his neck stood up. Something about this place was uncanny…Adam got a feeling like they were being watched. He would have brushed off this feeling as a figment of his imagination, but the last time he'd felt like this it turned out that he was indeed being followed.
"Something wrong?" Babamon asked slowly.
Adam looked around carefully. "I don't know…" His eyes widened as a sound of snapped twig was heard, followed by rustles of shrubs.
A feminine chuckle was heard and a woman suddenly stepped out from behind a thick trunk. She leaned beside the trunk and smiled at Adam.
"Hello there," she said seductively.
Adam gulped and he felt Babamon froze. Something about this woman spelled 'DANGER', but Adam couldn't take his eyes off her. She was easily one of the most beautiful women he had ever set eyes upon with a figure to-die-for. Standing tall at around six feet three, her height was accentuated even more by the high-heeled black boots she was wearing. The boots wrapped around her shapely legs like a second skin and extended until her mid-thigh. A contrasting deep red outfit was worn by the woman, boasting her perfect figure and made by leather so thin and fine that it looked like it was painted on her natural snow-white flawless complexion. Yellowish-green vines crisscrossed her cleavage, accentuating the shapes of her bosom before spiraling around both her gloved arms. On her right arm the thick vine hung limp, like a whip, while on her left arm the vine was stiff, straight and pointed – much similar to a rapier. Dark green mantel with high leaves-like collars and silver interior was clasped on her back, secured by a spherical pink jewel. Her lips were painted violet but her eyes were not visible as she was wearing a rose-shaped headdress which was placed on her head like a helmet. Blond hair escaped the back of her headdress and cascaded down her cloak.
Adam couldn't find his voice to return the woman's greeting. The woman didn't seem to mind, though. She cat-walked towards Adam slowly, seemingly eyeing Adam with intent although her eyes were not visible. Her smile grew wider, as if she liked what she was seeing.
"You're even charming up close…" she said, and placed a hand on Adam's right shoulder. The hand then was pulled softly so that it grazed his collarbone before ending right under his neck. The hand then propelled Adam's chin upward and Adam flushed slightly upon noticing that his face was dangerously close to the woman's body.
"Rosemon, let him go," Babamon said tersely.
"Be quite, hag," Rosemon replied coolly. "You two have trespassed on my turf. I have the power here and I shall do what I please."
Adam wanted to turn his head anywhere but at Rosemon, but Rosemon's hand held his head in place. Her grip was surprisingly strong for a woman with a frail figure. Yet again, Rosemon seemed to have an imposing aura around her, accentuated even more with her choice of apparel and her weapons, which in all made her appear like a dominatrix. He looked even way up and saw that the rose headdress Rosemon had on was glowing, and blooming. Sweet smell of roses permeated from her body and Adam found himself increasingly captivated by Rosemon's beauty.
Babamon pointed her broom towards Rosemon. "I'm warning you, fairy…"
"Thorn Whip!" Rosemon effortlessly flicked her right arm and whipped Babamon off her feet. The old woman rolled over the earth and was slammed into the nearest tree trunk. Rosemon smiled in satisfaction and turned her attention back towards the DigiWira.
Adam blinked slightly in confusion as Rosemon knelt in front of him – Adam was only 5 feet 4. She then slipped her left arm around Adam's back and pulled the semi-captivated boy towards her. Her right hand was tracing Adam's chest, collarbones and shoulders. It caused the DigiWira boy to flush with embarrassment.
"What…what are you doing?" Adam asked nervously. He sweated and his heart pounded faster when Rosemon undid the topmost button of his gray jacket.
"From the moment I saw you, I knew I must have you," Rosemon said with a deep, throaty female voice. Adam was confused, and Rosemon smiled. "I saw you this morning…while you were by the waterfall. I could not take my eyes of you, and I blame you for that…" she said with a sultry grin.
At the revelation Adam blushed as red as Rosemon's outfit. He'd thought he had been alone. 'Thank God I didn't go skinny-dipping…' But still, it was pretty discomforting but that soon turned to annoyance, and Adam scowled.
"Oh come now…don't scrunch your face like that," Rosemon chuckled, and leaned closer to Adam. Her voice dropped into a whisper as she said, "I didn't say that I wasn't enjoying the view then."
Adam was speechless. But then the cloudiness he was experiencing evaporated and his eyes narrowed. He suddenly didn't find Rosemon that beautiful anymore. What she had done, and what she was doing now to him…it made him sick. He placed a hand on Rosemon's arm and pushed it away.
"Hey! I'm only thirteen, you know!" he said indignantly.
Rosemon shook her head. "It does not matter to me. You're a male, and I happen to know what all males want. But I can see that you've yet to mature. I wonder…how you'll look like when you're fully grown." She smiled again, seemingly having a wicked idea. "I know; I'll keep you with me and wait until you've grown into a man. Then we'll have lots of fun."
The rose headdress bloomed even more and Rosemon glowed with pink aura. To Adam's astonishment all of Rosemon's clothes evaporated, and he blushed furiously as Rosemon merely chuckled in amusement. Her whole bare body was glowing pink and she leaned closer onto Adam's face. Her lips were puckered up slightly and she loomed close towards Adam – having the intention of kissing him. Adam closed his eyes tight and bit his teeth together, drawing his lips in while looking away.
'She can't be serious! I'm just a kid! I'm still a kid! This is…this is…'
An image of a pretty demure girl with straight dark hair, dark brown eyes and very fair complexion suddenly crossed his mind. She was smiling at him. For a brief moment, Adam was entranced.
Then he found renewed strength.
"BACK OFF!!"
Without thinking, Adam let out a guttural roar and raised his leg – kneeling Rosemon sharply over the gut. The flower woman grunted and stopped glowing. When Adam opened his eyes, he saw that Rosemon's clothes had reappeared and her headdress had returned to its original state. Her grip on Adam was released and Adam immediately retreated a few steps back, eyeing Rosemon warily. He sweated nervously. 'Uh oh…now I've made her mad. But what else was I supposed to do?'
"Ok, look here…I'm sure one day you'll meet a guy who will love you back, but it won't be me," Adam said quickly. "Right now, I have a mission to complete after I send Babamon home. I can't be with you…and even if I can, I don't want to. I don't even like you, and I don't think I can. If you catch me, I'll do whatever I can to escape."
"All I have to do is restrain you until midnight, and then you'll have to wait for another century before you can go back to the digital plains," Rosemon pointed out.
Adam faltered. "But…you can't make me love you." It was a very weak argument, Adam knew, but it was all he had. Rosemon looked like a powerful Digimon who would have no problem in forcing Adam to bend to her will. That much she had proven earlier.
To his surprise, Rosemon nodded. A smile tugged on the woman's lip – but it was not a sly smile nor was it a seductive one. It was a neutral smile…a knowing smile.
"Of course I can't. You're in love with somebody else," she declared bluntly. She sounded disappointed too, but it was hard to tell. Her tone was as neutral as her smile.
"I…what?" Adam blinked in confusion. His cheeks colored ever so slightly upon Rosemon's declaration.
"No one breaks off the charm of my Forbidden Temptation like that unless he's in love with someone else and stays true to the one he loves," Rosemon pointed out. "You might not realize it yet, or maybe that love hasn't really blossomed, but it's there. Of all people, I should know." The flower-woman sounded forlorn.
Adam thought about it and shook his head. He decided that he really didn't like this flower woman. "I don't know what you're talking about…but I really need to go. I can't waste any more time than I've had…no thanks to you." He glared at Rosemon.
Rosemon stepped aside, unfazed. "Then go. I won't stop you."
Adam blinked. "But…just now, you were…"
"I can still change my mind…"
"Ok, I'm gone!" Adam rushed towards Babamon and saw that she was relatively unharmed. Adam took her hand and guided her away from Rosemon, who merely was watching them with an unreadable expression. Adam wanted to get away from the seductive woman as far as he could – what Rosemon would have done to him hadn't he been quick enough to knee her on the gut. Adam shuddered and refused to think more about it. 'Who knows what would happen if I just gave in to her? Probably her slave…ewwwww…'
Rosemon watched the retreating figures of Adam and Babamon before letting out a wistful smile. She waved her arm in front of her and vanished in red data particles.
xxx
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The afternoon sky had begun to darken when they finally arrived back at the waterfall. Adam sighed as he allowed Babamon to pull him along towards the house. His legs were very sore with all the walking he'd done, and he was beginning to feel very weary. They went along the river and towards the cascading waters. The view was as beautiful as Adam had thought it would when he was here in the morning. The two of them went past the waterfall and climbed the hill slightly. There, nestled amongst the stones and over a small clearing in the middle of the steep ground, was a small wooden hut.
"We're here," Babamon said happily. She trotted past Adam and clutched the boy's hands. "Thank you so much for accompanying me back here, grandchild. I couldn't imagine what the journey would have been without you."
Adam shook his head, smiling wistfully. Other than their encounter with Rosemon, nothing much had happened. "It's alright. I'm happy that we're safe. Now that we're here, I better take my leave now, grandma." His knees buckled. He didn't know whether he could make a run for it in time – he was exhausted.
"Won't you come in first, grandchild?" Babamon asked. "I have something I want to give to you…as a token of my gratitude."
"It's not necessary, grandma," Adam politely said. "And I really can't stay."
"I insist, grandchild. You'll need it more than I do to aid in your quest. Come on," Babamon said, and tugged Adam's hand to follow her.
Sighing, Adam obliged. Adam supposed that Babamon would want to offer him a drink, and he could do with that. His throat felt dry. And a drink might energize him for the run he'd have to do to make up for the lost time. They arrived at the hut, which looked bare from the outside. It was an old hut too, but was kept clean. There were windows, both closed. There was nothing extraordinary with it.
"Come in with me, grandchild," Babamon said soothingly. "Don't worry too much; I'm sure you'll be able to complete your quest. You have a really good heart, and you're a good boy."
Adam cast a look at the darkening sky, noticing that the sun was now setting behind the hut. He sighed, and allowed Babamon to steer him in. The wizened woman opened the door, revealing a dark interior, and beckoned for Adam to go in. The entrance however was too short for Adam to walk in, so he had to bend his body slightly. When he glanced back in, trying to look for Babamon…his mouth hung wide open in utmost shock.
The interior of the small hut suddenly morphed into a magnificent chamber with marble floors and glittering gold pillars supporting a shining white roof in swirls of glittering stars. The chamber was so spacious that it was practically impossible for a small hut to have such big interior – the chamber was easily three times as large and five times as tall. The windows were opened and Adam saw not the forest, but a magnificent view of sunset. The door had changed as well into two ivory doors with intricate designs and golden knobs.
His eyes fell upon Babamon, who glimmered with soft green light as she transformed into a regal, green-armored angel with ten sets of golden wings. Her armor covered her whole body save for her toned abdomen. Her helmet covered the upper half of her face and had a golden star marks. Deep orange hair with blond highlights framed her face and flowed down to her ankle. Pristine white silk gown ruffled softly underneath armor she was wearing. She stood at 6-feet-5 tall, and she was smiling warmly towards the shocked Adam.
"One who sacrifices his need for others' sakes will always be greatly rewarded, Adam," she said with a gentle, echoic voice that reflected wisdom and power. "I am very proud of you."
"Lady…lady Ophanimon?" Adam whispered. She had to be Ophanimon. A grandiose name such as that could only befit a magnificent being such as the woman in front of him now.
"Indeed I am," Ophanimon confirmed.
"But…but…how?"
Ophanimon smiled. "Hadn't d'Arcmon told you that you will reach my citadel by sundown?"
"Yes…but…"
"And is it not sundown now?" Ophanimon gestured towards the window.
Adam nodded, and saw glitters of red and gold appearing behind Ophanimon. Rosemon and d'Arcmon stepped out from the glitters and both knelt in reverence before the grand angel. d'Arcmon's appearance didn't surprise him, but he was flabbergasted upon seeing Rosemon again. Granted, the flower-woman wasn't paying him any attention.
"You have tested him well," Ophanimon said to the two female Digimon. "He deserves to be here, and more."
"I…I don't understand," Adam said.
Ophanimon smiled her mysterious smile and said, "Many who come here desire only power that I can give them, but every so often they are blinded by their thirst of power that they failed to observe the basic fundamentals that make them truly deserving the power I can bestow upon them. Many forgot that kindness is a great virtue. The will to help others in great need – that is very admirable. And it was funny that while many were so focused on gaining power, the same bunch would also fall prey to temptations. That is why I would always have d'Arcmon and Rosemon – my two pages and friends – to screen out those who were unworthy, and Adam…you are the second one that has made it to the end."
"Who's the first?" Adam automatically asked, still trying to grasp in what Ophanimon had just said.
"I believe you already know the answer to that," Ophanimon answered.
When he thought about it, Adam realized that since he was the second one to have made here, the first and only other could only be… "Grademon."
"Exactly."
"But…what would happen if I decided not to help Babamon…uh…you…?" Adam asked curiously.
Ophanimon smiled, but shook her head once. "You don't have to know that…nor do you need to know what would happen if you succumb to Rosemon's temptations. All that matter is that you are here. Three hundred years ago, when Grademon came to me wanting my power to power up the White DigiSphere, I've had my reservations. I was worried that the one who'd be chosen to wield my powers would use it for evil, or for personal gain. After spending the day with you, Adam…I realize that my worries were senseless."
She placed a hand on Adam's shoulder. "You embodied everything that I could have ever hoped for to wield my powers. You have a good, loyal heart with capacity for kindness and love. You always place others above yourself. Your purpose in seeking me had not been because you wanted the power for your own gain, but because you needed it to save your captive friends. Despite your dire situation, there was still room for you to extend a kind act to one in need, and you were still willing to help me even with d'Arcmon's constant warnings. And you were able to resist Rosemon's sensual temptations - there was a saying that mentions 'even the strong and mightiest men fell to women'. You have kept your guard up and your mission remained your top priority – you have no idea how many would easily abandon their quest for power just to spend a night with Rosemon…"
At this, Adam turned a shade of pink.
"We have other important things to deal with other than idle chitchat, I think," Ophanimon said. "Hold out your Digivice and DigiSphere, Adam."
Adam quickly obliged and took the devices out from their compartments on his belt.
Ophanimon's mouth was pursed slightly. Then she smiled. "They are damaged badly…but it's nothing that cannot be fixed. But it will need the help of another artifact which I believe is currently in your possession. The Ivory Gem; is it with you?"
"Yes," Adam said, and produced the white diamond-like gem from the D-Terminal.
Ophanimon smiled and extended a palm towards the broken Digivice and the DigiSphere. Both devices floated from Adam's hand and were bathed with a flash of gold.
When the light receded, Adam marveled upon the sight of his glowing White DigiSphere, restored to full power, and admired his restored Digivice – which had different coloration and design. The Digivice was now more symmetrical, with a circular dark screen in the middle surrounded by gold ring with runes inscribed on it. Two identical gold-colored buttons were placed below the circular screen. The Digivice's body was silver white. The Ivory Gem however, was nowhere in sight.
"This is your upgraded Digivice – the Juara Digivice," Ophanimon said with a touch of pride in her voice. "The Ivory Gem's power is used for the repair work and the upgrade, but rest assured that you can still summon its power, now with the Juara Digivice."
"Whoa…" Adam said in awe as the Juara Digivice landed on his extended hands. The device felt warm in his hands. He looked up and saw Ophanimon placing her palm gently on his chest. A flash of gold erupted from the angel's hand, and when the light subsided Adam felt his body invigorated, clean and refreshed. His exhaustion was gone. The stiffness and soreness he'd felt before had evaporated. Even his dry throat was moist, as if he had just taken a cool drink.
Looking down, Adam was more amazed to see that his uniform had undergone a transformation too – they were no longer gray with white lining, but white with silver linings. He still retained his black boots and belt. His whole body was radiating with pristine white aura.
"With your light, you are now truly a bane for creatures of darkness such as Mephistomon and Phelesmon," Ophanimon said with a thoughtful expression.
"You know the Puaka Generals?" Adam asked.
Ophanimon nodded. "Three centuries ago, Mephistomon and Phelesmon had seen potential threat in whoever managed to procure the power of light from me. They may be strong, but their greatest weakness is the radiance of the light. Three centuries ago, they had awaited my mountain's appearance, ready to attack. However…" at this, Adam could see a brief smirk appearing at the ravishing female angel's serene face. "…they were no match for Grademon and the newly empowered White DigiSphere, and were driven away even further by my own power of light."
"Nice…" Adam grinned, but was almost thrown off balance when the bundle of DigiEggs he was carrying shook wildly.
The three DigiEggs flew out from the garb and orbited around Adam, basking in the light that was radiating from Adam. Then the DigiEgg with pink hearts hatched and a cute white kitten with large ears, blue eyes and tail striped with violet lines emerged. The kitten landed gracefully on its hind feet and stood with it, looking up at Adam with admiration in its eyes. The DigiEgg with beige stripes followed, and a cute beige-furred puppy with blue eyes and drooping ears emerged, landing on all fours beside the kitten. It too then looked up at Adam with sparkling eyes.
Adam would have sweatdropped if his attention was soon turned towards the remaining DigiEgg. It landed on his extended hands and cracked. To Adam's delight, Patamon emerged from it, staring at Adam with wonder. However, Adam soon remembered TobuCatmon's words about reconfigured Digimon not having their past memories, and his eyes became damp with tears. He was happy and sad at the same time – happy to have regained his Digimon partner, sad that Patamon had no memory of their past adventures and lives together. He hugged Patamon close and tried in vain to suppress his tears.
"Adam…why are you crying?"
Adam pulled back in shock after hearing Patamon's words. "You…you remember me?"
"Of course I remember you. How can I forget? You're my partner!" Patamon declared. "And you're my dear friend," he added with a smile. Adam laughed happily and the two reunited DigiWira partners embraced each other in joy, watched by Ophanimon, Rosemon, d'Arcmon and the two new hatchlings.
"Who are they?" Adam asked, looking at the new hatchlings.
"Sa-la-sa-la…" the puppy said with a smile and an innocent, somewhat sing-song voice. "Sa-la-mon!"
"Ga-to---mon," the kitten said with a childlike voice. Both of them sounded so. They looked up at Adam admiringly.
Adam stared at the two hatchlings with wonder. If they had been reconfigured along with Patamon, then that could only mean that they were once NeoDevimon and LadyDevimon, the decoy Puaka Generals. It was hard to believe that these two adorable Digimon would digivolve into menacing creatures.
"Adam, Salamon and Gatomon were once good before they fell into the Puaka Generals' trap three hundred years ago. They were known as the Saintly Siblings while in their Ultimate forms, before Mephistomon and Phelesmon captured them and corrupted them wholly, transforming them from angels to fallen angels. You have done them an invaluable favor when you deleted VenomDevimon – it was the only for them to be saved," Ophanimon explained, as if sensing Adam's doubt. "And now, they are both reborn…and I suspect they will want to follow you."
"Me? Why?" Adam asked, perplexed.
"Look at them," Ophanimon smiled, "You have cared for them the same way you cared for your own partner. They could feel that while in their DigiEggs, and I don't think they will want to part with you." She nodded towards Salamon and Gatomon. "Both of them are holy beasts Rookie Digimon for now, similar to Patamon, but in future they will recapture their latent memories and when that time comes they will also regain their heavenly forms, and become great assets for you and your team. I suspect great danger coming for you, your friends and your world…you will need all the help you can get."
"We come with you?" the kitten, Gatomon, asked Adam. The way Gatomon talked indicated Adam that the kitten was female. Her tail was flicked up, and a golden ring was there.
"We help!" Salamon declared exuberantly. It was jumping up and down excitedly – it was clearly male. Around his neck was a similar golden ring to Gatomon's, but larger and formed a collar.
"I suppose you can," Adam said, and the two Digimon squealed with delight and trotted towards Adam, latching on his feet like pets. Adam sweatdropped.
"You have fulfilled your quest, Adam," Ophanimon said. "And now, I think it's time for us to part ways. Your friends need you now." She gestured towards the twilight sky outside.
"Will I see you again, Ophanimon?" Adam asked, suddenly felt heavy-hearted to part with the great angelic Digimon. He couldn't understand it.
"I'm afraid not," Ophanimon answered with a sigh. "However, I am glad that we have at least met, for I now know what a fine young man the White DigiSphere has chosen to wield the powers I have bestowed upon it. I can rest assured that my power now lies in good hand. I could ask for nothing more for an heir to my power."
Adam nodded, feeling his eyes blurring with tears. He wiped them, and took a deep breath. "Can I ask one more question before we take our leave?"
"Of course, Adam."
"You mentioned great danger coming for us – me, my friends and our world. What did you mean by that?"
Ophanimon's warm face became slightly grim. "The Puaka Generals may be your greatest threat and your greatest enemies now, but they are not the only enemies you will have to face."
"You mean SkullSatamon?"
"That vile Digimon is your ultimate threat, but he is not the only ultimate threat you have to worry about."
Adam stared at Ophanimon blankly. "Uh…you lost me there."
"Adam, Adam…" Ophanimon shook her head, her smile returned. She ruffled the boy's hair affectionately before taking a few steps back. "No matter how many threats you will be facing, I have great faith in you and your friends to be able to deal with it. Things that will take place will take place, and when that time comes you and your friends will deal with it the best way you can. But there is no point in worrying yourself prematurely about things that have not yet to come. Focus on the Puaka Generals first, Adam. They alone are a threat dangerous enough; you don't need to worry about others yet. When the time comes, you will be ready for them, but the time will not be now." She smiled, and her two pages rose from their kneeling position.
"Good luck, Adam," d'Arcmon said with a smile. "I knew that you were going to make it when I first saw you."
"What she says," Rosemon said, amused to see that Adam had recoiled in fright when she spoke up. "Don't worry, Adam. It was merely a test back then." Seeing Adam's uncomfortable gaze, the flower woman sighed. "Would it make you feel better if I told you that while I did see you while you were by the waterfall this morning, I did not let my gaze go astray? I didn't see anything inappropriate…I was just teasing you."
"That's a relief," Adam said with a weak smile. His cheeks reddened again.
"Whoever that has stolen your heart is truly a lucky girl," Rosemon said bemusedly, earning a deeper blush from Adam.
"I think it's time we take our leave," he said with a scarlet face. The three women chuckled and nodded. Adam bent down and scooped Salamon and Gatomon into his arms, while Patamon held on tight from his favorite location – Adam's head. "Goodbye, everyone."
He closed his eyes, and thought, 'JD, Liu Ying, Gayathri, Manny…I'm coming for you. Just hang on.'
With that, Adam held out his Juara Digivice and White DigiSphere. "Ready, Patamon?"
"I'm with you, Adam."
"Digital Access Digivolution!! HAAAAA!!"
xxx
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Author's Notes:
The Adam-Rosemon scene is something I've come up with at the spur of the moment, just to add more spice in this chapter. Hopefully I didn't go too far with it. But I kind of liked how the scene turned up, along with the other scenes. As for the somewhat 'fanservice' part of Rosemon's appearance…well, her Forbidden Temptation works that way in Digimon Savers…so…uhh…never mind.
Adam calling Babamon 'grandma' doesn't indicate that she is actually Adam's grandmother, but rather, she looks old enough for Adam to call her grandma in a respectful way. It's very different from how Fairymon would call Shutumon 'grandma', which she did simply to spite the evil bird-woman.
The Adam-Patamon reunion scene is inspired (copied, more likely :P) from Masaru-Agumon's scene in Digimon Savers.
The Gatomon you're seeing here is the Rookie version of the Champion-level Gatomon. I saw an entry of a child-level Tailmon in 'Wikimon Encyclopedia' and thought that I'd add her in the story. The entry mentioned about her not having a Tail Ring, but I decided to modify it as Salamon has a golden ring around its neck, and take away the gloves instead. That idea stems from Digimon Adventures, where Gatomon mentions that she uses her gloves to hide the scar inflicted upon her by Myotismon's severe lashing. And Salamon is male in this story.
More about the Juara Digivice will be revealed in subsequent chapters. The upgrade is inspired from Digimon Savers. (Digivice iC to Digivice Burst)
Glossary:
Juara – A Malay word which means victor / champion.