AC: First of all...The title is pretty generic for this episode. But they will Rock later on.
The world of this story happens in his universe. It is partially based on digimon Xros War season 3 for the place they are going to hunt (Data dome) and Digixros. The evolution system is present in the story but it is more like a power boost. Like in an RPG. Ex: A level 99 Agumon with high stats can beat a level 50 Wargreymon even though it's evolved.
Also, I've written this a few times, but there are no digimon in the digimon world. They are all in the human world now, disguised as humans. With the exception of some wild one and those who manage to find a way to obtain their real appearance by themselves or technology.
Finally, Digimon have 2 names that depend on whether they're in Human or Digimon form. EX: When I write Arrest, he is in his human form. When I write Arresterdramon, he is in his digimon form.
It takes more time for it to be out because I've been helped this time.
I want to thank Supernova Blade for being my Beta Reader. He/She corrects this chapter very efficiently.
Arc 1: Empire Restoration
Episode 3 Part 1: When Digimon rock
Time remaining before the concert: 3 days
Allie and her 3 friends walk through the city, still impressed with what they each hold; a ticket for the concert of the super popular group: Burning Dragon. The concert was in 3 days.
"I still can't believe we managed to obtain such good seats," says Allie.
"I just used my feminine skills to stop those stupid jerks from stealing our places like in the line," Vanessa says with a pass in front of a group of guys wimpering on the ground in endless pain. By feminine skills, she meant kicking those jerks in the balls
"I'm glad you were with us Vanessa. Usually you don't go to concerts," Says Allie.
"That's because I really like the Burning Dragon group," Vanessa replies.
"At least she was here. If not her, it would have been me kicking those guys." Says Sarah.
"They would run away if you approach them," Emilie jokes. "By the way, any progress with the boy you had a crush on? Are you trying to steal him from his girlfriend?"
"Emilie, stop it. Arrest is way out of my league." Way out of her league. As in digital Dragon who's strangely in flesh and blood.
"Yeah, you should stop, Emilie," Warns Vanessa. "You may start to upset her."
"If he likes someone else, you can't force him to love you." Sarah adds.
The conversation ends when they reach the street and wait for their turn to cross. Finally, the green "walk" sign flashed and the group of friends cross. When they reach the other side, Vanessa turns around. As if on cue, something is running in their direction. It looks like a purple blur, but Vanessa recognizes him.
"Looks like he's coming." Says Vanessa.
"What?" The other three turn and see Arrest charging at them. He's still on the other side of the street holding a bag containing pizza. He looks like he is in a hurry. Just when he reaches the street, the red "No walk" sign lights up. Arrest didn't notice it in time, however.
A car moves up a little early, causing Arrest to rush into the side of the car, almost flipping over the hood. Both driver and pedestrian look annoyed.
"Watch where you're going!" The man shouts at him, waving his fist out of the window.
"Just stay behind the line!" Arrest replies. He continues his mad dash across the street, soon passing the group of girls.
"Hi, Allie! Bye, Allie!" He yells as he runs past, not even stopping.
"When will he lose his breath?" Asks Sarah.
"Apparently, not now," Vanessa answers.
"He sure knows you, Allie," Emilie comments, "You know, he was probably running this other girlfriend."
"He can win a marathon if he wants without sweating," Allie answers, "and he's not that type of man!" She shouts at Emilie. Or is he? She really had no way of knowing. Unless she caught him in the act. "And he is not my boyfriend!"
"I believe you Allie," Vanessa says. "But, he sure is familiar with you."
"True, we meet lots of times. But, we are only friends!"
3 hours later: Near Arresterdramon's home
Someone walks in the street discreetly, trying not to draw attention to himself. He walks around and he is searching for the music store of the city so he can obtain cord for the guitar. Sadly, he fails in discretion.
"LOOK! IT'S THE LEAD SINGER!" Screams a fan girl.
"GET HIS AUTOGRAPH!" Screams another fan girl.
"Oh shit!" Says the main singer. Should have listen to the rest of the group and ask our assistant to bring me the new cord for the guitar...But no...I have to do it myself.
He starts running away at fast pace and he already manage to distance them and they have lose sights of him. He passes near the house of Arrest. He sees it and he decides to try asking for help. He is not sure why but his instinct tells him to do so. He also knows he is screw when he was spotted. He runs at the door and he starts knocking.
"Hello! Please! I need help!" Shouts the main singer.
Gum-Gum opens the door and he sees the main singer. It is only partially open because the chain lock is still on. He looks at the singer. He is a boy of the same age has Arrest but a little smaller, 1 feet smaller exactly. He has his green headphone on his ears. He has red hair with a cut that gives a V form on his head. He has blue eyes looking at Gum-Gum and seems as if he's panicking. He wears a white shirt with some screwdriver designs on each shoulders and the arms part are red. He is also wearing red pants. He has white gloves and white boots.
"What is it?" Asks Gum-Gum.
"Is any adult here? I need to hide from some crazy girls!"
"Big bro isn't here." Says Gum-Gum. His eyes widen as he recognizes the person before him. "Hey! You're that cool singer of the Burning Dragon!" He shouts.
"That's cool. I'll hide somewhere else then." Says the main singer not listening to the second part when Gum-Gum was talking to him.
"Wait!" Says the little brother of Arrest while unlocking the door. "You can hide in here!"
"Are you sure?" He hears girls screaming. They're getting close! "Alright." He enters in the house and locks the door. Gum-Gum closes the window and puts the curtain to block the view. The main singer sits on the sofa and he looks at Gum-Gum.
"Thank you. Sorry to enter in your house without parental permission or any adult one." Says the main singer.
"It's alright...Big bro will understand when he gets home." Says Gum-Gum.
Meanwhile, Arrest finally finishes his daily activities and walks to his home. For some reason, he sees a group of fan girls running around.
"He must be somewhere!" Shouts one of them.
"I think he runs that way!" Shouts another one. The girls immediately run toward where they thought the object of their adoration went.
Arrest watches them with a sigh. "Groupies get crazier every year." He keeps walking toward his house, soon reaching the door. "Little bro! Can you take off the chain please?"
"Coming!" Answers Gum-Gum. His little brother runs to the door and quickly unlocks it. He opens it and Arrest enters. He walks into the living room and he sees a stranger in the home.
"Um...Hi there," Says Arrest.
"Hello there...Sorry to barges in like this," says the other guy. Somehow, the voice was familiar for Arrest. It is a far memory but he feels like it is important.
"Can you please wait one second? I'll be right back." Arrest forcibly grabs his brother's arm and takes him to an empty room where they couldn't be heard.
"What were you thinking little bro? I tell you again and again to never let a stranger in without my permission,"
"But he is not a stranger. He is the main singer of the Burning Dragon group I love listening to so much!" Replies Gum-Gum. An excited tone was in his voice
"We definitely do not have the same definition of stranger." Arrest sighed. "From now on, you follow mine. If it is someone you and I don't know, if he wants to enter in the house when I am not here, do not let him in whatever the reason is."
"Alright big bro, I'll do what you ask from now on," Says Gum-Gum.
"That's my little bro," Says Arrest, patting his head with a smile.
The return to the living room and they see the main singer looking at them. "Again, sorry for entering here without any permission."
"Who are you, by the way?" Asks Arrest.
"What?! You don't know anything about him?" Shouts Gum-Gum. "He's one of the best and most popular singers ever!"
"That's alright. Not everyone knows me. The same is Shout." Says the lead singer.
That was a big tip in the arrest's mind.
"Shout..." mutters Arrest. He then recognizes this guy's voice. "I can put a face to this. Shoutmon, is that you?"
"Can you say that again?" Asks Shout looking at Arrest. Did he just say what I thought he said?
"Well, Sorry for not knowing you are a popular singer." Says Arrest. It was the first thing that pooped into his mind. He didn't know why he said it.
A flash of recognition comes into Shout's mind. "Sorry for not recognising you!" He shouts. "Arresterdramon! I'm so glad to see you!"
"Wait a minute..." arrest starts. "You're..."
"Yeah! It's me, Shoutmon!"
"Come here buddy!" They high-five a few times together before spinning around. They stop when they don't hear the slapping sound. In confusion, they each look at the other's ass.
"...Forgot we don't have a tail in human form." They both say.
"You're my brother best friend!" Shouts Gum-Gum suddenly.
"Gumdramon! You're here too! It's been 5 years since we've lost contact! So glad to have finally found you!" Says Shout with a big smile.
"You ended up very well," Says Arrest.
"Compared to you yes," Says Shoutmon. "But you do have a nice little house."
"Does that mean I've done the right thing to invite a stranger in the house? After all, he is not a stranger at all," Asks Gum-Gum.
"...Not exactly. That is not something that will happen again," Says Arrest to his little brother.
Bip Bip! Bip Bip!
"Just wait a sec," Says Shout, "Hello...Yeah...Sorry to be late but fan girls spotted me...I know, I should stop walking around when an assistant can do the job...Alright...I'll be back soon." He hangs up, placing his phone back in his pocket. "Sorry about that. I need to join the band for practice."
"Leaving up already?" Says Arrest sadly.
"Sadly, yes. But, I have something for you." Shout smiles. He searches in his pockets and he gets out 2 backstage passes and 2 tickets. "Here's 2 backstage pass and 2 tickets for you. I always keep some in case I meet someone. Good for me!"
Arrest remembers that Allie and her friends were going to the concert too. "Hey, can you give me 4 backstage passes please? I have a friend and her friends who will like 'em."
Shout smirks. "Don't tell me you are in love with your friend."
"I feel nothing for her." Says Arrest. "She is a friend who saved me and I want to give something in return."
"Alright. Let me check... And, 4 backstage passes coming right up!" Says Shout.
"Thanks, see you in 3 days," Says Arrest.
"Alright," Says Shout. Gum-Gum looks at the window.
"The coast is clear."
"Thanks, bye!" Shout rushes out, heading for the hotel he was staying at.
"That is soooo cool!" Shouts Gum-Gum.
"That's true..." Arrest takes out his phone and calls Allie.
"Allie! Guess what I got for you and your 3 friends?" "...Nope...I got 4 backstage pass for you 4, and 2 for me and my little bro..." Arrest moves away from the phone as she starts screaming with excitement. "I know, I'm glad to hear that,"
2 days before the concert Hotel: Shout's room
Shout was listening to his music while waiting for the big day with a big smile. He has found his best friend house by pure coincidence and they were going to talk some more before or after the concert. It depended on when he showed up.
"This is going to be the best day of my life since the day before the dark day," Says Shout.
Toc...Toc...Toc...
"Who's there? I haven't asked anything," Says Shout walking toward the door.
"There are two guys who want to talk with you," says the assistant behind the door. "One of them is freaky., He adds. "They say it is urgent."
"Sorry but tell them I cannot accept visitors. I'm in the middle of preparing for the concert. I can't take the chance of be trap in here with a fan girl or paparazzi with their crazy stuff."
"Alright," Says the assistant. Shout hears him walking away.
"Those fans never give dudes are going crazy now," Shout sighs. He then starts practicing the song he will sing in 2 days. He practices for an hour until someone knocks on the door again.
"What is it this time?" Asks Shout.
"Can you please open the door? It's important," Says a voice Shout doesn't recognize. He walks toward the door and looks in the small glass that it is fixed near the top. Outside is a man with crimson red hair and matching clothes with another man wearing a mask over his face. Shout could only see is emerald eyes.
"Sorry but I am not going to talk to stranger." Says Shout.
"Not to a fellow digimon?" Asks the masked one. "And not to the digimon who is the dragon emperor?"
"...Wait...You're-" Says Shoutmon.
"Yes, I am Dorbickmon," Says the digimon with crimson hair.
"...Alright...I'll open it," Says Shout. He opens the door and let the 2 digimon in human form enter.
"I didn't think you were here, Emperor. Were you the one who asked to talk to me a while ago?"
"Yes." Says Dorbickmon.
"Guess you're the weird guy in this duo," Says Shout to the masked one.
"Weird?" Asks the masked guy.
"The mask you have on your face," Shout points out.
"Oh...Right...Anyway," He says, directing the discussion at from himself. "We have come here to talk to you."
"What are you doing here?" Asks Shout. "But, you were about to give me the answers, weren't you?"
"True," Says Dorbickmon. "But first, I've notice you ended up pretty well in the human wold, compared to most of us."
"I was lucky. I am a good singer and I found a good group and we have done some awesome albums. But, I also know that most of us are not that lucky." Says Shout.
"My situation is different. Me and lots of other dragon digimon have been living hidden for the last 5 years in an abandoned building and we are starting to assemble ourselves," Says Dorbickmon.
"How's your financial situation?"
"Not that good. We are doing our best to live with what we have," Admits Dorbickmon. "But I'm not here for charity. I have 2 things to talk to you about."
"2 things?"
"Yes, first, I want you to join us when the time comes."
"I need some more explanation."
The masked man buts in. "What our emperor wants is to prepare a plan to have our own territory for all dragon digimon; a place where will not have to suffer from the poverty and not have to live miserably."
Shout looks at Dorbickmon with his eyes wide.
"Are you serious emperor?" Asks Shout.
"Of course I am. We cannot stand living in an abandoned house while the humans can live in prosperity. For this to work, I need all dragon digimon to join me and give their help."
"Well, sorry but I cannot accept this. We are immigrants in the human world and taking it over is something I cannot agree with. The humans also suffer from poverty, you know. But, listen, I can give some money so you can have better quality of food. We are dragon digimon and we have to stick together."
"I shall thank you for it," Says the masked one.
"But I refuse to help you in conquering the city or...more... So, what's the second thing?" Asks Shout.
"Here," says Dorbickmon. He pulls out a bracelet with a little red ruby on it. Shout takes it in his hands.
"Why didn't you sell it to make money?" Asks Shout. "It's a ruby."
"Not exactly. It has just been finish and already tested by the emperor," Says the masked one. "It is a bracelet that can give you the ability to transform into your real form whenever you want. You just have to press the ruby that canalises data floating in the air to allow the transformation."
"Why aren't you wearing one now?" Asks Shout.
"Because we only have a few at our base,"
"Alright, I'll keep it. But before you leave, here's a little check in the name of-"
"Dorbick. I have an account."
"Alright, Dorbick. Here's $30,000. It's not a lot, considering how many dragon digimon you're probably taking care of, but it will be helpful for a while. Maybe I can send you more eventually. I'm a billionaire dragon digimon." Says Shout.
"30... $30,000...It's a lot for us who only buy food." Says Dorbick.
"With the money value divided by 3 or 4, It's like 90,00 or 12,00 before we come here." Says the masked one.
"True..." Says Shout. "I hope you will have enough food with this...And thanks for the gift."
"You are welcome." Says Dorbick.
They 2 walk away and Shout continues to examine the bracelet. "Let's say I just updated my style," he said as he thinks about what his group would say.
The duo is now outside, "Are you sure you want to let him go like that?" Asks the masked person.
"Of course. I don't want to force him to join us. But I'll keep him on my radar." Says Dorbick.
"I know. You've put a GPS on the bracelet."
"I'm not proud of it. But It's best to keep an eye on every dragon digimon. Let's just hope he will not try to get in our way when we strike," Says Dorbick. "I don't want to fight one of our own."
"Agreed."
In an alley
2 beings run after a something. They see a red shape rush past them.
"This way!" Shouts a feminine voice.
"Understood!" Shouts a male one. They run after it until they see the red being with a woman on his shoulder.
"Stop him before he gets away!" Screams the girl.
The red shape suddenly opens a green hole and jumps in it. The hole disappears just as the male figure tries to follow it. He smashes against the wall and falls on his butt.
"Dammit! He escaped." He growls.
"Next time, we will find this wild digimon and find out where he brings the girls he is kidnapping," Says the girl.
"As you wish."
"What do you mean, 'as you wish'? It was just to encourage ourselves."
"Yeah, sure.
"Alright, I'll turn you back into your human form," Says the girl.
She did it and the two walk away. The girl is another digimon hunter who doesn't yet know about the data dome. If she knew, she would have engaged pursuit.
Arrest's house
Arrest and Gum-Gum start looking for some clothes that might be a little in rock style, but they have found nothing. Arrest looks at the money he has and there was no way he could afford to buy some new clothes. Gum-Gum looks at it and he knows they will choose food over clothes. In the end, they both agreed to wear their usual clothes and not care about what other people says.
"Looks like we are ready to meet Shoutmon," Says Arrest with a smile.
"Yep!" Says Gum-Gum happily. "It is so good to see someone we knew before."
"My best friend, I can't believe I'll see him here."
"Allie will not believe it when she will realise that Shoutmon is a digimon in disguise," Gum-Gum says. "She will be so surprised. I can't believe you asked her friends to come too."
"Well, I know a little about Vanessa. She wants to challenge me about something but I always manage an excuse to refuse it," Says Arrest. "Besides, if Allie was the only one, I don't think her friends will be happy about it."
"True...I'm ready, TO ROCK!" Shouts Gum-Gum.
"Just don't get overexcited and it will be fine." Says Arrest laughing with a smile.
One day before the concert: Arrest house
Allie was invited by Arrest to go to his house to receive the backstage passes for her and her friends. She enters and she sees Gum-Gum very excited about the concert tomorrow.
"That is very nice of you Arrest. How did you even get those backstage?" Asks Allie after the usual greetings.
"I have some connections." Says Arrest looking at his brother. They both had a small smile on their faces. However, Gum-Gum couldn't control his excitement for long.
"Connection? Who's your connection?" Asks Allie.
"It's the lead singer, Shout!"Gum-Gum says.
"No way! I can't believe it!"
"Well it's true," Says Arrest.
"And how?" Asks Allie.
"Shout is not a human like you thought. He is a digimon named Shoutmon," Says Arrest. "He was my best friend in the digimon world."
"I didn't know about that," Says Allie.
"I don't tell you everything about me." Says Arrest. "But he is a great friend and trustworthy."
"Woah...I...I didn't expect that you'd have a friend who is a famous singer known over the world," Says Allie.
"What can I say? I didn't expect it either."
"This is gonna be so cool! We'll see the concert and the group backstage!" Shouts Gum-Gum.
"He's right." Says Allie with a smile. "Shout must be a great singer."
"He is mostly a shouter and a singer after that." Says Arrest.
"A shouter?" Asks Allie.
"Yeah. He likes to shout a lot." Says Gum-Gum. He walks into the living room and he turns the TV on. Right then, the news was on.
"If he is one of the best singers, I do not want to imagine who loud he can shout," Says Allie.
"You've got a point there," Says Arrest. He gives her the 4 backstage passes. "Use it well. And... I don't remember if I said it but, thank you for rescuing me."
"You're welcome," Says Allie.
"Another bad thing happened," Comments Gum-Gum, sighing.
"Huh?" Arrest walks over to the TV.
"Breaking news," Says a reporter on the TV. "Another girl was kidnapped today at 3:12. It's is now the second day of the multiple kidnapping of girls around 15 to 21. They have been disappearing one after another. The police are currently investigating these kidnapping. The police have confirmed a few witnesses have seen someone in a red costume taking girls and disappearing with them. The number of victims is currently 6 girls."
They news then describes each girl. The trio just barely listen to rest of the news.
"Do you think it could be a digimon causing this?" Asks Allie.
"I don't think so...Well...I'm not sure." Says Arrest.
"Not sure?" Asks Allie.
"I can never be sure about anything. It could be a crazy human, a desperate human, a crazy digimon, or a desperate digimon," Says Arrest.
Gum-Gum then switches the channel to a cartoon.
"So, we'll see you tomorrow." Says Allie.
"Of course." Says Arrest with a smile.
"Bye Gum-Gum," Says Allie.
"By Allie. Bye MetalTyrannomon." Says Gum-Gum.
MetalTyrannomon grunts to Gum-Gum from within the H-Loader.
"Forgot he was in there," Says Arrest, "Sorry MetalTyrannomon." Allie waves good-bye and she returns home.
Concert day (Before the concert): In Shout lodge
Arrest and Gum-Gum are in the lounge with Shout. Each of the other members of the group is in their own lodge and are currently talking with Allie and her friends. Shout, Gum-Gum and Arrest were talking together for a while about their life when they were in the digimon world and when they are in the human world.
Gum-Gum then starts looking at the guitar and observes the flame and the dragon draw on it.
"It was good time back then." Says Arrest.
"Yeah," Says Shout. "I am so glad to find you. By the way, are you more than 21?"
"No. And you?" Asks Arrest.
"Nope. Just forget my idea. Anyway, Someone payed me a visit yesterday."
"Oh yeah? Who?" Asks Arrest.
"Dorb-" But Shout is cut by Arrest who doesn't want him to say more.
"Hey, what's that?" Gum-Gum asks, pointing at the bracelet Shout is wearing.
"He came to visit me and he offered me this bracelet," Says Shout.
Gum-Gum and Arrest look at it, curious.
"A bracelet with a ruby?" Asks Gum-Gum. "Cool!"
"It is not that, I tried it yesterday and it was amazing!" Says Shout.
"What can it do?" Asks Arrest.
"Want me to show you?" Asks Shout
"Show us! Show us!" Shouts Gum-Gum.
"Hahaha, alright." Says Shout. He locks the door of his lounge. He moves his arms closer to each other and he uses his hands to press the ruby. Shout is suddenly covered with data and the 2 brothers are blinded for a moment.
"Look at this," Says Shout. The 2 looks at him and they are amazed by it.
He is now in his digimon form. He is a small, red dragon with blue eyes, a spiky mouth, a V-shaped forehead and a while belly. He wears green headphones around his ears, and his joints appear to be held together by screws. He is way much smaller than before, even a little more than Gum-Gum.
"Incredible!" Says Gum-Gum. "I want one of those bracelets!"
"Little bro, I don't have enough money to even buy this." Says Arrest. "Just focus on being a good boy and study a lot in school for great grades."
"Yeah big bro." Says Gum-Gum. "But I miss being in my real form. You are lucky to be able to go back to it." He adds sadly.
"Alright, I wanted to do it sooner, but, I want to test out my body now," Says Shoutmon. "Let's go to the roof." He then starts running outside so fast that no one sees him except for smokes he leaves behind.
"What are we waiting for big bro?" Shouts Gum-Gum.
"Alright...Come." Says Arrest taking his brother's hand.
They run after Shoutmon and Allie sees them running. She knows they have something in mind and follows them. She wasn't the only to see them, though. Vanessa also sees them follows behind.
Roof of the concert building
Arrest and Gum-Gum are watching Shout running around with his legendary speed and jumping high in the air.
"Just like the good old days!" Shouts Shoutmon with happiness.
"This is great!" Says Arrest.
"There you are!" Shouts Allie climbing after them. Shoutmon sees her and gulps nervously.
"I'm spotted!" He shouts.
"Do not worry. This is my friend Allie. You know, I've explained to you I'm her main partner for hunting wild digimon." Says Arrest.
"Following in your parent's footsteps?" Says Shoutmon.
"You already said it." Says Arrest, a little exasperated.
"I know, but I love to see that face," Says Shoutmon.
"Allie! Glad to see you here." Says Gum-Gum.
"So this is the lead singer's real form." Says Allie. "You're so cute!" She shouts when she sees him. "You look like a little kid dragon with those big, blue eyes."
"I am not a child. I am just a little younger than Arrest." Says Shoutmon. "It's just that data didn't accumulate for a while and I didn't grow up in my digimon form that fast."
"But you are still cute." She says with a smile.
"I agree with her little cutie friend." Says Arrest.
"Stop where you are, Shoutmon!" Screams a voice. The 4 turn around and they see a human girl with a digimon by her side.
"Shoutmon! It is time to be hunted by us you little kidnapper! If you want to be spared, tell us where you're keeping the kidnaped!" Shouts the girl.
"What?!" Shouts Shoutmon.
"Not answering. Turn him into pixels!" Orders the girl to her digimon partner.
The digimon by her side take his sword and charges at Shoutmon who calls his mic to block the blade. The contact was intense and the space around the roof is suddenly distorting.
"What's going on?" Asks Allie.
"I recognise this! That's how I was drag into the Data dome the first time!" Shouts Arrest.
"We have to-" but Allie sentence ends when everyone on the roof suddenly disappears.
To be continued
AC: This is the end of the first part of the episode.
About the economy context, you can compare it to the economy crisis of 1930 to 1939.