Posted on: July 29th, 2009
Fernclaw's Rant of the Month
Hey everyone! Fernclaw, the author of D-Force here, wanting to share some very important information with you guys! I'm sure most of you American readers (myself included) have seen the commercials for Walt Disney's newest 3-D movie starring FBI agent guinea pigs. Now I would like to point out that I did not copy the title. D-Force has been well over a year at work, only just debuting not too long ago.
G-Force, I'm sure has been in production for a lot longer than my dear fic, BUT I want to put it out there that I DID NOT copy. D-Force had its name since it first came into my head (About February of '08). G-Force and D-Force have absolutely NOTHING in common besides the names. I am not encouraging a boycott besides the fact it seems like Disney is losing its touch when it comes to movies.
This has been a Fernclaw Rant. Please enjoy the feature presentation.
Chapter 7
Minervamon, the Wise
"Hail! Gotsumon!" Leomon shouted at what seemed to be a barren stretch of land. Greymon and Leomon stood still as statues waiting a response that didn't appear to be coming.
"Who goes there?" a timid voice called back.
The eight Digidestined jumped hearing the disembodied voice. "We are friends of the Three Angels and the Harmony. We seek refuge and wisdom from Meteormon," Greymon called back to the voice.
A small gray rock appeared before them. It had bright yellow eyes, dimmed by the troubled times. He stood before the group brandishing a spear at them. "We cannot house any more refugees! If you keep bringing more here, we'll be discovered by BlackWarGreymon for sure! Now get!" he shouted, thrusting his spear at them.
"We shall seek refuge elsewhere… but we need to see Meteormon. It is of the utmost importance," Leomon insisted, taking a step closer.
Gotsumon held up his spear fearfully, "No! Begone! All of you!"
"Gotsumon!" a sharp voice rang out. Gotsumon jumped and turned. A large white Digimon that looked almost exactly like Gotsumon had appeared behind Gotsumon. He looked rather annoyed at the young guard. "Gotsumon, it is not up to you to decide who can and cannot have an audience with me."
Leomon and Greymon dropped to their knees, heads bowed in respect. The Digidestined quickly followed suit. "Meteormon," Greymon breathed.
Meteormon looked at the rag-tag group of warriors, eyes scanning each one carefully. His eyes landed on Kouji. "It can't be- Kouji Minamoto? Impossible! Could it truly be you?"
Kouji's head jerked up, "You know me?"
"Of course I do, the day we met was the same day you became KendoGarurumon. How quickly you humans forget," Meteormon said with a sly grin.
The original spirit holders' mouths fell open. This was the Gotsumon that Kouji had befriended on their journey through the Forest Kingdom... the same Gotsumon that had released Kouji's Beast Spirit, Kendogarurumon from its slumber. Now he was one of the oldest and wisest Digimon of all…
"I still can't believe it; you're the leader of your village! That's incredible!" Kouji replied enthusiastically. Everyone else tried to shrug off Kouji's sudden switch of attitude and get some rest in the underground tunnels that made up the Gotsumon village.
"Believe it, old friend. It's good you all came back. The world is in complete shambles. With you humans back, the Digimon will finally see that the stories were and still are true- that the Legendary Warriors have returned," Meteormon said grimly. "It seems that the hope that propelled the Digimon to fight back has faded."
Leomon and Greymon shifted, knowing that they had given up on the last hope of the Digital World themselves. "Is their presence alone truly enough? There are only eight of them… And there are ten warriors. The Balance will not be righted until all of the warriors have returned."
Meteormon looked back at the children, noticing Danny and Sam for the first time. "Newbies, eh? I'm guessing the young lady is the Warrior of Water and that dark haired boy is Earth, Wood, or Steel…"
Sam shook her head. "We- Danny and I- We're the Warriors of Life and Death."
"AncientGaiamon and AncientSeishinmon live on!? Then the legend is true!"
JP and Takuya exchanged puzzled looks. "Which legend?" JP asked curiously
"One that told of your arrival the first time. Should Lucemon of Pride ever arise, Warriors Ten shall bring his demise. Lucemon wrought with retribution, Life and Death bear his Execution. It is an old verse, foretold by a Shamanmon many millennia ago. When the first half became true, the world waited holding their breath for Lucemon's inevitable second revival. Hundreds of years passed and nothing happened… but when dark Digimon began to rise up, many thought it was Lucemon's doing. Unfortunately that is not the case- yet. The Celestial Angels have assured the Elders and Harmony he is still sealed away."
The group fell silent shocked to learn that that Seraphimon had lied to them. What heck was going on?
"What should we do now, Meteormon?" Kouichi asked quietly when no one else spoke up.
Meteormon paused thoughtfully. "I'd say you need to relocate those Spirits of yours and go straight go the source. Seraphimon may have called you all for the wrong reason but with the right intention… the Digital World does need you, all of you," He paused glancing at Sam and Danny briefly, "Lucemon was one trouble the world didn't need; now there are many Digimon just like him rising and wreaking havoc. You need to stop them."
Kouji glanced at everyone, who nodded in agreement. They were shocked to see that even Danny and Sam, who had obligation with this world agreeing. "You'll stick with us?" Takuya asked, hopeful.
"Why not? It's not like we have any other option anyways." Sam replied with a determined grin.
"We'll do it." Kouji said finally.
Meteormon looked ecstatic. "Thank you my old and new friends. The Digital World is in good hands. Your next journey will be a long one, wrought with dangers. It would be best if you went to the Temple of Wisdom, not too far from here and received a blessing from one of the Twelve Olympian God Digimon."
"Twelve Olympian God Digimon?" Kouichi repeated quizzically.
"Yes. Long ago, not too long after you guys first saved the world, Twelve God Digimon joined forces with the Ten Legendary Warriors. The Warriors were burned out so to speak. It is a large task restoring an entire world. Anyway, the Twelve God Digimon offered the Ten Warriors a place to rest their tired spirits, and keep watch in the stead."
"Of course, the Noble Warriors were hesitant… Especially Lobomon and Löwemon, but all soon agreed. The Twelve God Digimon kept their word, and looked after the world. In time, they decided the world no longer needed them and returned to their home. It wasn't long after that these horrible happenings began- but neither the God Digimon nor the Spirits reappeared.
"Many Digimon go to the Temple of Wisdom, hoping to find guidance in these dark times. I have a feeling you lot will gain something from visiting there," he finished.
Kouji stood up, "Let's go then; the sooner we get moving the sooner we find our spirits."
The rest of the group jumped up eagerly. Danny and Sam clambered to their feet. "Which way, Meteormon?" Takuya asked with enthusiasm.
"What do you think we'll find at this temple?" Kouichi mused aloud. The group set off shortly after receiving directions and some supplies from Meteormon and the Gotsumon. Dusk had fallen quickly. Danny joined Takuya up in the lead lighting the way with brilliant green, ectoplasmic energy.
"Hopefully not trouble" Kouji muttered darkly, earning some concerned expressions in response.
Zoe and Sam walked quietly behind the twins. "You must be used to it by now," Zoe whispered to Sam.
"Hmm?" Zoe gestured towards Danny's glowing hand. "Oh that… yeah… It's normal for me."
The blonde tilted her head to the side thoughtfully, "It's a bit unnerving at first, but- It's very cool when you get right down to it. Your best friend is the local superhero! How cool is that?!"
Sam blushed a bit, "It's pretty cool actually."
"So, uh- how did it happen? Him becoming half-ghost?"
The dark haired girl paused, "It was kinda my fault. We, Danny, Tucker and I, were messing around in Danny's parent's lab in the basement. They had built this enormous portal that was supposed to reach the alternate side of the human world, the Ghost Zone. It didn't work, and Mr. and Mrs. Fenton gave up on it. I convinced Danny to go inside it; we thought it didn't work too. Once Danny was inside it, the machine fired up and turned on. Somehow, Danny became half-ghost."
"How did his parents react?" Zoe asked, curiously.
Same shook her head. "They don't know. Danny's afraid to tell them… I can kind of understand why. He's Danny Phantom, the ghost his parents vowed to rip apart molecule by molecule. He'd rather go on being hunted as the ghost boy than possibly as their son…"
Zoe fell silent, letting the group around the girls chatter quietly. She looked up ready to respond to Sam, only to be cut off by Takuya. "We're here."
The Digidestined fanned out around Danny and Takuya. A large stone structure stood before them. The stone was colored like the night sky. A steep row of steps led up to several Roman-like columns, giving the temple a Grecian-Roman feel. Takuya went to take a step forward.
"HALT!" a voice barked angrily.
The group jumped as they glanced around trying to find the owner of the voice. "Show yourself!" Kouji shouted back, challengingly.
A large red, yellow, and silver Digimon swooped down from one of the columns, landing at the top of the steps. It looked like a four legged eagle-griffin with a silver, metal, winged helmet. It clicked the large white claws on his forepaws impatiently, "I am Halsemon, Guardian of the Temple of Wisdom. What is your business here?" he demanded.
"Meteormon advised us to visit here to find guidance," Kouichi explained quickly, locking eyes with Halsemon's fierce gaze.
He snorted. "Meteormon is an old fool. This temple, along with the other Temples of the Ancients, has long since forbidden visitors from entering. These grounds are sacred; one more step and you're trespassing."
"I'm sorry; we didn't mean to intrude," Zoe said bowing her head slightly; "Maybe you can help us. We need to find the spirits of Ten Legendary Warriors and report to Seraphimon's castle. We can help stop the destruction of the Digital World!"
The red guardian fought the urge to laugh. "You scrawny humans? Don't make me laugh. Humans are not capable of wielding such power. Even if it were so, the Spirits have long since left this world."
"This is the Temple of Wisdom, a Temple dedicated to one of the Twelve Olympian God Digimon right?" JP asked, winking at the others.
Halsemon nodded, "Yes. This is the Temple of Wisdom, once home to the goddess Minervamon."
"Maybe we could appeal to her spirit, and ask if she knows where we may find the Legendary Warriors' Spirits."
"I cannot allow that." Halsemon said curtly, "This Temple is sacred. Only Digimon deemed worthy by Minervamon may enter."
"Well how do you know who's deemed worthy?" Kouji asked shortly, looking relatively annoyed.
Halsemon eyed Kouji, "The Worthy ones can answer Minervamon's riddle. All about, but cannot be seen, Can be captured, cannot be held, No throat, but can be heard. "
Everyone looked to the others hoping someone had a clue. They spent a good hour trying to come up with an answer, making Halsemon Impatient.
"You clearly are not worthy of Minervamon's audience. Please continue on your way." Halsemon said finally, very irritated by the Digidestined by that point.
"Well this was a waste of time!" Takuya grumbled. The rest of the team nodded in agreement. They didn't have the slightest clue to the answer of this vague riddle. They turned to leave frustrated and with no indication to their next destination or the locations of the spirits.
Zoe glanced back at the beautiful black temple. A light breeze caught her hair. She could almost hear it whisper, "It's the wind…"
She blinked and ran back towards Halsemon. "Wind. The answer is Wind."
Halsemon looked nothing short of shocked that Zoe had figured out the riddle. The rest of the team stood near the base of the steps waiting for his response. "Very well… it seems, I was mistaken. You… but you alone may enter."
The girl nodded, and entered the temple. To her surprise, the temple was light by low torches, guiding her down a long narrow hall. It turned a corner and Zoe swore she heard someone giggle lightly, giving her sudden, fearful chills.
"Do not be afraid of the familiar."
Zoe jumped. She whirled around, not seeing anyone. She turned back to continue down the hall and jumped again. A ghostly, short, human, Digimon stood before Zoe. She had a golden snake helmet that obscured her eyes, light blue hair and golden Roman-like armor.
"I am Minervamon. I have waited a long time for your return," the Digimon said softly. She turned, beckoning Zoe to follow. "There is much to be said, but so little time."
Minervamon glided down the hallway and disappeared into a darkened room. Zoe cautiously stepped inside, trying to keep her fear of the dark at bay. Torches flared to life along the walls. Minervamon stood before Zoe.
"I have guarded her spirit for a long time, young one. She was a friend to me in my lifetime. It is now time for you to reassume the other half of your identity, Warrior of Wind." Minervamon stepped to the side, revealing a simple white stone pedestal. On it, familiar light lavender colored armor sat waiting.
"Kazemon…" Zoe breathed. Minervamon nodded. Zoe held up her D-Tector, allowing the Spirit of Wind to return to her device after years of absence. The screen light up with the Symbol of Wind, filled with life now.
Minervamon stood quietly, beside Zoe. "Take care my old friend... The other spirits are waiting in the Temples of the Ancients. Time is of the essence now." Minervamon's image began to fade and disappeared entirely. The torches blew out as a strong gust of wind swept through the Temple.
Zoe began to panic, but old habits took over. She held her hand out if front of her, causing a ring of glowing blue data to appear. The ran the data ring across the scanner on her D-Tector, "Execute! Spirit Evolution!" she shouted. More swirling blue data wrapped around her body, changing her form almost entirely.
A silver visor appeared over her eyes. Light color lavender boots, gloves, and armor took the place of her human clothes. Her hair turned purple and grew longer, reaching to her knees. A thin pair of fairy wings sprouted from her back.
"Kazemon!" Zoe shouted, having become her Digimon self once again after almost two years since the last time she did so. She quickly jumped into the air and fought against the air current, making her way to an exit. She flew expertly against the air flow, like she had done it just yesterday. She found the front entrance to the temple and burst out into the open night air.
Everyone below gasped. "Zoe has her spirit!" someone shouted happily. Sam, Danny and Halsemon looked on in awe as Zoe landed and returned to her human self.
"It seems I was very wrong about you humans…"Halsemon said sincerely. He bowed his head, "The Warriors have finally returned…"
SEMI-IMPORTANT
Hey all, 'tis Fernclaw one final time before I wrap up this chapter. I want to make the announcement that I will be doing a question and answer segment regarding D-Force. It will be a live recorded thing… I may even throw in a bit of a sneak peek of what is yet to come.
So, send in your questions! I'm curious to know what you want to know. If all goes well, I'll do more than this one. Maybe in several chapters…I; post this up on Youtube once it's all finished! I'm ready so hit me with your best shots!
EDIT
Visit my Profile and follow the Link to the Interview!!!
