The episode begins as we come upon the pink haired boy who, after leaving the estranged museum, seems to have landed in a tree. His arms hung off the sides of the tree branch. His legs seemed to have perfectly landed on the trunk itself. His hat, on the other hand, happened to snatch itself on the branch above him. The boy rubbed his eyes before opening them. Everything was a blur. He reached for his glasses above his head and placed them upon his face. Once his vision became more clear he had realized how high up from the ground he had been. His stomach turned a little from the sudden shock of realization. He sat upright and sighed. Pull yourself together, Robbie. Come on. He thought to himself. He pressed his back against the trunk of the tree and took a minute to breathe.
"How did I end up here?" He looked around. "Where is… here?"
When Robbie looked above to see through the tree tops he noticed his black, snapback hat was dangling before him. "How the hell did that get up there?" Robbie placed his right hand against the tree trunk as he tried to carefully leap up and snatch his hat back. Each attempt he made failed. The hat was too high. "Okay, Robbie. You got this. Just do it! Pull yourself together." His pep talk to himself seemed to help boost his courage. He crouched down as low as he could and then pressed both his feet off of the branch he stood on and his hand off of the tree trunk for an extra boost. With succession, he managed to swipe his hat while breaking the twig it hung on as he went back down. Robbie landed on his feet, but waved his arms ferociously as he tried to maintain his balance so that he wouldn't fall.
"Jesus!" He proclaimed.
After catching his balance, Robbie swept his fingers through his hair as to brush it back so that his hat could conceal the radiating pink color beneath it. He placed his hat on backwards so that just a little flock of hair poked through the front. He smiled in victory.
"HEY! WHAT'RE YOU DOING UP THERE IN A TREE?!" Cried a loud, adolescent voice.
Robbie was completely thrown off guard from the sudden shrieking and fell backwards off of the tree. Robbie cried out in fear as he fell for what he felt like was his soon to be death. However, he managed to just latch on to the branch he once stood with his left hand. He struggled to pull himself up, but it was no use. He wasn't able to support all of his body weight with his one hand.
"I don't wanna die!" He cried out dramatically.
He tried to swing his right arm up to grab the tree, but instead he could only grip the bark causing it to break and losing his handle. Screaming during his fall, Robbie landed on his back with a loud thud. He felt the wind get knocked right out of him. He lay there motionless staring up at what he could almost see was the sky. If it hadn't been for the many trees blocking the light, he could be getting a really nice tan right now. If only I had worn more suitable clothes for this weather.
Soon, Robbie's view became shadowed as a hairy figure hovered over him. "Ouch." It spoke. "That looked like really nasty fall. You should have held on longer. You probably could have just landed nicely if you hadn't flailed so much."
It became more apparent to him, finally, as to whom had been standing over him giving him advice on how not to fall out of a tree. It was a talking lion cub with a red mane that formed to what looked like it's hair. A golden ring draped around its neck like a collar or necklace. A large green jewel lay in place in reflection to what would normally be a tag on an animal. Robbie bolted up right and crawled backwards as far as he could until his wrist gave out and caused him to roll back on his back and hit his head on another branch that had hidden itself underneath a batch of leaves. Robbie groaned as he sat upright and rubbed his aching head. The lion slowly moved its way towards Robbie and sat in front of him with his head tilted in curiosity.
"You sure seem to fall a lot, don't you?"
Robbie looked up at the lion and fear struck his face so to where the hairs on the back of his neck stood up like a frightened cat.
"How– How are you doing that? How can you talk?!" Robbie was so confused. He was in a new place. He woke up in a tree. A lion was talking to him. "Was I roofied?"
The lion licked his paw. "You sure are strange."
Robbie grew irritated. "I'm strange?! You're talking! You can't talk!"
The lion raised an eyebrow. "I can't? Why not?"
"Well…" Robbie hesitated. "Because you're a lion! Lions and animals don't talk."
The lion laughed. "Oh, I'm not an animal. I'm a Digimon!"
Robbie was confused. "A what now?"
*Analyzed by Leormon*
Name: Leormon
Type: Holy Beast
Bio: I'm a Digimon. In fact, my name is Leormon. I'm a golden lion digital monster with sharp claws and a bite with an explosive force not to be reckoned with. My golden fur allows me to store static electricity so I can ward off unwanted guests. Pretty nifty, huh?
*End analysis*
Leormon returned to licking his paw. Robbie sighed. "Well… I can't argue with facts now, can I?" He looked at the Digimon with much interest. Who was he to argue with reality. After all, to him he always prophesized that anything in the world is possible. In this case, Digimon. Beings from a different world in which he was not familiar with at all existed before him. This actually spiked a lot of curiosity to Robbie.
"So, how many others of you are there? Are there other Digimon that live in this area?" He asked kindly.
Leormon nodded. "Plenty. Not exactly this specific area here, but there are quite a few. We're also only in a forest. A small forest, actually."
This is small? Robbie thought. He looked around. These trees definitely did not define what he would call "small".
"There are much bigger forests and villages that are three times as big." Leormon continued. "By the way, you never told me your name."
Robbie didn't hear him. He was too busy scanning the area. Nothing but trees and leaves. Where was he?
"Hello? Earth to mister Fall a Lot." Leormon waved his paw to gain his attention.
Robbie snapped out of his daze and looked at the digimon. "Oh, sorry." He apologized. "I guess I wasn't paying attention."
Leormon moved closer to where his claws barely touched Robbie's boots. "You never told me your name. You really are a strange one."
"My name is Robbie." He stated.
"Well Robbie," replied Leormon. "It's nice to finally meet you." He closed his eyes and giggled.
"Finally? What do you mean by 'finally'?" Robbie inquired.
"I've been waiting here this whole time just for you. When I got the sense you were coming I got overjoyed. Except I was surprised to see you standing in a tree. Not what I quite expected for a first impression." Leormon explained.
"Uh, what? This whole ti… Wha… How…" Robbie was thrown in a spiral. "What was your first impression of me?" Now he was curious. Forget the rest.
"Clumsy. Uncoordinated. Quirky." He listed a few.
Robbie leaned in forward so he was closer to Leormon. "Hey! I'm not clumsy! You just caught me off guard, that's all."
Leormon started licking his paw again. "You could've fooled me."
Robbie groaned.
"But hey, don't sweat it. I prefer you to be more unorthodox and weird than normal, plain and boring." Leormon added.
Robbie smiled slightly. What a sweet thing to say. "Leormon. What is a Digimon if you don't mind me asking? I'm curious."
Leormon smiled and placed his wet paw on Robbie's lap. "Glad you asked! We're digital monsters. We're basically created out of data. Pixels. Hard drives. However you want to look at it, I guess. Each Digimon you meet will basically give you a different story no matter how many times you ask. We also come in three different variations. Some are vaccine, such as myself. Others are strictly data. There are also some Digimon who are considered to be a virus of sorts. Majority of virus Digimon are usually evil or easily tempted with greed and hate. But not all of them."
"Really?" Robbie asked in such fascination.
"Mhm!" Leormon continued. "I've met a few Digimon who weren't all bad. This one Digimon was a real sour puss at first, but it turned out that he was just lonely. Though he was kind of a nut if you ask me. So we parted ways."
Robbie gazed upon the beautiful, golden Digimon sitting before him. Fascinating. I still can't believe this is happening. "And I'm assuming I'm in your world. Is that right?"
Leormon nodded again. "That's right! This is the digital world."
Robbie blinked. "I see." He stood up and brushed off his pants. He was wearing tight, black jeans with multiple rips along both his legs. He wore brown folded over boots for maximum comfort. His shirt was white with two buttons sewed in below the V line. His sleeves were yellow and leopard printed that came to about three quarter in length.
"Well? Aren't you coming?" Robbie motioned Leormon to follow him.
"Huh? Where are we going?" Leormon asked excitedly.
"Well I was hoping to find my friend. I've accepted the fact that I'm definitely not in my own world. That worry has passed. I just assumed that since you're from here and the fact that you've supposedly been waiting for me all this time; that must mean we're supposed to stick together right? In that case, I figured you could walk me through this forest. I'd like to find my friend, Triny." Robbie stared at Leormon for approval. He had hoped that the small lion would help him. "Plus. If we get into any trouble you can just zap things with your fur, right?"
Leormon took a moment to study the human. He wasn't dumb. That's for sure. Leormon admired that. "Of course! I'm all for an adventure! It beats sitting in this forest for all of eternity. Let's do it!" He licked his paw one last time before prancing alongside Robbie. "So, mind if I ask who this Triny person is?"
Robbie nodded as the started walking. "Not at all. Triny's my best friend, actually. To be quite honest with you, between us, she's really the only friend that I have."
Leormon looked concerned. "Why is that?"
Robbie shrugged. "I don't know to tell you truthfully. I don't know if it's how I am as a person or if people just don't find me interesting enough. It's a bit of a mystery. I've learned to just not let it bug me."
Leormon brushed against Robbie. "It's probably because you're so clumsy they're afraid you'll fall on them." He laughed.
Robbie looked down at him. "Hey! Again, I'm not a clumsy person! I just really have a tendency to get side tracked and unaware of my surroundings sometimes. That's all."
Leormon giggled. "I'm just messing with you, Robbie. To be honest myself, I don't think you're all that bad. I'm glad to call you my friend."
Robbie smiled. "Really?"
Leormon smirked. "It's not like you'll ever get rid of me so you might as well get used to it."
Robbie nodded. "We don't speak of this to anybody else."
Leormon shrugged. "Speak of what?"
Robbie laughed. As they continued walking he reached in his pocket for his iPhone. "Maybe I can call her." When Robbie pulled out his hand, instead of his phone he held a black, oval shaped device with yellow outlining.
Leormon looked at the confused human. "Everything okay Robbie?"
"I'm… not sure." He showed the technology to his Digimon. "I thought I had my phone in my pocket, but I pulled this out instead. Does this look familiar to you?"
"I think so, but to be quite honest I can't tell you for sure. I'd suggest you hold on to it just in case. If it was in your pocket, then maybe it's important. Who knows."
Robbie gazed down at the device as they continued walking before shoving it back in his left pocket. "Maybe you're right. We'll see." And they continued journeying through the forest in search for his friend.
- Meanwhile -
Not far off back where Robbie and Leormon first met, a blue dragon-like Digimon knelt before a tree. His body was coated in blue fur with a white snout and belly. A large, blue shape in the form of the letter V was etched in his chest. A small red scar in the shape of an X was marked just below his right eye. A long, sword-like horn had erupted just above his nostrils. Two more straight, demonic looking horns had grown on top of his head. His dark, blood red eyes glistened with evil and hate. His tail waved around impatiently.
"We were too late. The boy has discovered his Digimon. They're already on the move in search for the others." He spoke as he stared into the tree.
A small, black hole hovered in front of the trunk like a mirror. Behind the other side was a barely visible, shadowy figure. However, what could be seen was similar to the feathered demon man from before. Only this time, his beak and wings could be seen. The rest of his face and body were masked in darkness.
"Unacceptable, Veedramon. I expected more from you." Spoke the demon man in complete disappointment. "We cannot afford to have those humans and their Digimon to reunite like this. Your job was simple. Capture the humans and destroy their Digimon. What part of that order was so hard for you to grasp?"
*Analyzed by the demon man*
Name: Veedramon
Type: Mythical Dragon
Bio: Veedramon. You are but of an ancient rare species that I do admire. You are far beyond more powerful than any champion Digimon I've come to pass which is why I've employed you. Your Hammer Punch is of nothing but a mere decoy to lure in your opponents for a close range V Breath Arrow. I've seen you destroy mountains and villages. There is no reason for anyone not to fear you.
*End Analysis*
Veedramon stared into the mass shadow. "With all due respect your lordship. The human had already discovered the Digivice. There was no chance of destroying his Digimon. It makes them stronger. Without it they–"
"You think I don't know that?" He interrupted. Veedramon growled. "With the digivice in their possession, they're Digimon grow stronger. You were supposed to find and destroy those Digimon before they connected with their chosen partners. Tell me again how you managed to let this one slip away."
Veedramon looked down at the ground in anger. He had no response.
"You are a magnificent agent and comrade, Veedramon. I employed you for many reasons beyond what anyone might believe. However, your rage and personal gain seems to get in your way. I will spare you as you are very valuable and a loyal subject to me. Do NOT fail me again. Understood?" Spoke the mysterious man who grew more irritated with each minute that passed.
"Understood." Grunted Veedramon.
"Good. Take the two new recruits with you. I don't want you messing up this time. There is still one of them left that has yet to be found by the others. With these two, maybe they'll be able to help you accomplish your mission. Without any distractions getting in your way. Do not disappoint me."
With that the shadow portal faded away. Veedramon closed his eyes to calm his mind. If only he could do this mission by himself. He hated working with others. Especially…
"Well don't you look like a bundle of joy." Called a male voice. A blue penguin looking Digimon flapped its wings as it fell from the tree.
"Pipe down. You pipsqueak." Veedramon growled.
*Analyzed by Veedramon*
Name: Penguinmon
Type: Bird
Bio: Penguinmon. I may see through you, but your appearance fools many. Despite your petite and cute stature, you're cocky and quite aggravating. Your quick and resilient. I'm relying on your Ice Prism attack to freeze those humans where they stand.
*End analysis*
"Don't be such a stick in the mud, Veedramon." Called a shaky, female voice. A similar looking Digimon, but red followed in suit. She seemed taller, but less intimidating then her brother.
*Analyzed by Veedramon*
Name: Muchomon
Type: Bird
Bio: Muchomon. You're timid and shy nature still bewilders me as to why you are here. Though your power is by far more powerful than many other Rookie Digimon, I suppose. I expect your Ardent Flame attack to set flame to those brats.
*End Analysis*
Muchomon flapped her wings at Veedramon. Penguinmon stepped in front of her. "So, Veedramon. When do we attack?"
Veedramon opened his eyes and stared at the two rookie leveled Digimon. "Now."
- back to Robbie and Leormon -
"Are you sure we're going the right way?" Robbie questioned. It felt like they had been walking for hours and there was absolutely no sight of anything, except for trees.
"I'm positive." Leormon stated. "I think." He said under his breath.
"What?" Robbie asked.
"Nothing!" Leormon assured. Close one.
"Well hopefully we find her soon. She can't be too far off from here can she?" Robbie pondered the possibilities as to what could have happened to Triny. Maybe she hadn't come after all. Maybe she was still at the museum. Robbie couldn't be certain for sure. There was no sign of anyone else in the forest.
Robbie came to a halt to see Leormon still before him. "What is it?" He asked concerned.
Leormon growled. "Someone is approaching." His fur began to spark static electricity. This was the first time Robbie had gotten to see this. Leormon looked frightened. "Robbie, no matter what happens, stay behind me. Alright?"
"Leormon. What's going on?" Robbie demanded to know.
"Like I said. This forest isn't known for gentle, kind-hearted Digimon to inhabit. Someone's approaching and I'm not sure who, but I'm not taking any chances. Just trust me and stay behind me at all costs." Leormon growled again. This time it was louder. Robbie was concerned. Not for what was approaching, but for Leormon. He seemed to be willing to protect him and fight anything and anyone whether they were good or bad.
Robbie jumped in surprise as a rustling of leaves sounded behind him. Before he knew it, Leormon dashed right through his legs and jumped through the bushes.
"Leor Claw!"
Robbie heard the lion cry out his attack as he disappeared. Robbie stood in silence. Fearing that Leormon may not return. Though it was only a few short seconds, to Robbie it felt like hours had flown by. He grew impatient. He started to move towards the bush in hopes to find Leormon, then suddenly…
"Nightmare Syndrome!"
Another voice cried out and Robbie witnessed a purple flash of light dawn from a far. Next thing he knew, Leormon was thrown from the bush and tumbled into Robbie knocking both of them backwards. Leormon growled as he stood back up. Robbie reached for his Digimon.
"Leormon! Are you okay?"
Leormon shook his body. "I'm fine. Stay back!"
"Nightmare Syndrome!"
Another purple beam of light shot through the trees. Leormon managed to jump to his right and dodged the oncoming attack. The bush rustled and out came a floating, tapir like Digimon angered. Robbie stood up and watched as his Digimon squared off against the floating beast. Leormon continued to swipe his claws as the other continued to headbutt in a counter attack.
"Hey! Bakumon! Enough!" Robbie heard a familiar voice call out.
Running through the bushes came Trent. Robbie looked on at the tall, purple haired boy as he came rushing to his Digimon's aid grabbing Bakumon in an attempt to yield the fight from continuing on. Robbie blushed.
"What's gotten in to you?" Trent asked his partner as the tapir continued to struggle.
"Ugh!" He grunted. "This guy attacked me out of nowhere and nearly clawed my head off."
Trent sighed. "Was that a reason to fight back?"
"He swiped through my tail, Trent! What do you think?!" Asked the irritated beast.
Leormon growled before retreating back to Robbie. "Hmph! I could have taken him." Leormon stuck out his tongue causing Bakumon to put up more of a fuss.
Trent held on tight to his Digimon in hopes to calm him down. "Would you stop already?"
"No! Not until I see him finished!" Bakumon stuck his tongue back at the lion.
"I'm sorry about this." Trent told Robbie. "He's very sensitive about his tail. Hey. Weren't you at the museum with us?" Trent recognized Robbie immediately.
Robbie blushed. "Uh. Yeah. That's me."
"My name is Trent!" Trent would have held out his hand, but Bakumon was still fussing to break free.
Robbie looked down at Leormon to avoid Trent's eyes. "My name is Robbie." He said calmly.
More rustling came from the bush behind Trent causing Leormon to get into another stance of attack before three more humans emerged with their Digimon. Leormon huffed.
"Why do we always have to cut through the forest? Can't we just stay on the trail like normal Digimon beings? I have so many thorns stuck in my tail!" Commandramon was brushing his tail and slamming it against a tree. "Ouch!" He cried. The tree only pressed the thorns deeper.
"You're telling me." Renamon agreed as she emerged from the trees. Her fox tail was covered in twigs and leaves.
"Hey Conner! Are you even listening to me?" Commandramon poked his partner in the rib.
"Ouch! Would you stop doing that?" Conner exclaimed.
"You weren't responding. I had to make sure you weren't a zombie." Commandramon joked.
"You know, sometimes I can never tell if you're joking or being serious." Conner's confusion towards Commmandramon never let up.
"It's the element of surprise." He boasted. "Ain't that right, Sweet Cheeks?" Commandramon nudged Renamon.
"Touch me again and you'll find that gun of yours up somewhere that'll have you screeching like a dying pig." Renamon warned.
Commandramon chuckled as he nervously side stepped himself away from Renamon before jumping on Conner's back again making him groan in annoyance.
"Must you tease him so much?" Jade asked Renamon.
"What can I say? I'm a sight for sore eyes." Renamon joked monotonously. Jade burst out laughing. Renamon raised an eyebrow at the sight of her tamer. She was being more sarcastic rather than making a joke, but it'd do for now she thought.
Cassandra walked up behind Trent with Dokunemon on her shoulder. "So who's this guy, Trent?" She asked rather annoyingly. She too seemed to have been irritated with the path they had taken to get here.
"Cassandra this is Robbie. Robbie this is Cassandra and her partner Dokunemon." Trent pointed back and forth as he introduced the tamers to each other.
Robbie waved and smiled as one by one, each tamer and their Digimon made introductions with one another. Leormon still seemed bothered by Bakumon, as so did he with him. Robbie began telling the group about his search for his friend Triny. Trent seemed eager to help Robbie.
"Of course we'll help you! She can't be too far from us, right? I mean if the rest of us ended up here that's got to mean she's here too!" Trent cheered to Robbie.
"Boy, aren't we persistent." Cassandra commented. Trent shot her a look.
"No. I'm not going. I refuse to help Leormon." Bakumon protested. Leormon growled in spite. Robbie and Trent both looked at each other, annoyed by their Digimon's antics.
A loud, boisterous laugh cried through the trees. "Well, well, well. Isn't this a shocker. Fighting already, are we?"
Everyone looked around to try and identify the being behind the voice.
"There! In the tree!" Cried Dokunemon.
It was Veedramon. He was hanging upside down from a tree by his tail overlooking the crowded area full of humans and Digimon. He looked rather disgusted in the face.
"Bakumon, who is that?" Trent asked.
"That's Veedramon! He's an ancient Digimon species with unspeakable power!" Bakumon warned.
Commandramon grabbed his gun. "But I thought Veedramon species were extinct."
Veedramon laughed again. "You thought wrong pee brain. I'm alive and well in the flesh. As you can see." Veedramon swung himself from the tree and landed in front of Commandramon. "You might want to put that away before you hurt yourself."
Commandramon pointed the weapon at Veedramon's face. "You don't scare me you old geaser."
"Commandramon don't!" Conner requested his Digimon to pull back.
"I don't trust him, Conner. He smells like bad news." Commandramon responded.
Veedramon smiled. "You should listen to your pathetic human."
"Don't speak about him like that! M16 Assassin!" Commandramon pulled the trigger, but Veedramon was too quick. He swept in a blink of an eye to his side and pummeled Commandramon in the gut with his fist.
"Hammer Punch!" He cried.
Commandramon soared through the air and slammed into the tree. He groaned in sheer pain. Conner ran past the others to reach his Digimon to make sure he was alright.
"How dare you!" Trent cried. "You'll pay for that, Veedramon!"
Veedramon chuckled. "Weakling." He turned to Trent and the other Digidestined. "My quarrel is not with you. I have other matters to attend to. Your friend is awaiting my arrival." He looked at Robbie who suddenly flinched in fear. "I wouldn't dare try to follow if I were you." With that, Veedramon jumped high into the trees and darted off south.
Cassandra, Jade and Trent rushed after him only to be stopped by embers of fire striking right before their feet. Trent held his arms out shielding the girls. As Robbie and Leormon approached Conner and Commandramon, shards of ice hailed past them stopping them in their tracks. Two bird Digimon came leaping through the trees and stood in front of them all keeping them from chasing after Veedramon.
"You're not going anywhere." Penguinmon protested. He laughed in satisfaction as the Digimon and the humans stood frozen unsure as to what to do.
"That's Muchomon and Penguinmon. They're known as the Delinquent Duo in this forest. They may be only rookie Digimon, but rumors have it that they've destroyed Digimon much stronger than them. Ultimate level, even." Bakumon analyzed the Digimon with as much information he had on them.
The two birds leaped in the air and shot more fire and ice at the group.
"Ardent Flame!" Muchomon roared. More streams of fire burst from her beak and struck the ground creating a ring of fire around them.
"Ice Prism!" cried Penguinmon. The bird lifted his tiny wings above his head and created a giant cage of ice and threw it.
The ice shattered through the fire throwing Trent and Bakumon out of the ring of fire. Trent struggled to get up before Conner reaching him and pulled him to his feet. The two watched as the bird duo entrapped their friends in a ring of fire. Their screams could be heard over the roaring fire. Conner grabbed Trent's shoulder and nodded.
"We'll go and free everyone. You need to run past those guys and save Triny before Veedramon gets to her."
Trent nodded and looked at Bakumon who agreed. This was more important than his quarrel with Leormon. Trent picked up Bakumon and dashed towards the raging flames. As they jumped through the fire, Trent nudged Jade with his shoulder pushing her into Robbie causing them to fall out of the fire. Leormon's cry could be heard behind him as a shock of electricity sparked from the flames and broke the circle. Trent continued to run towards the direction Veedramon had gone. Penguinmon attempted to stop him, however he was suddenly thrown aside as though he had lost his balance. Trent could see through the corner of his eye, Renamon and Dokunemon fighting Muchomon. This was it. He made it through. Now to save Triny and stop Veedramon.
- Meanwhile – Triny -
"Would you stop following me?" Triny cried out. She was walking along the edge of a river outside of the forest's walls. She was wearing a yellow crop top laced together in the middle. She had seemed to have changed her clothes since entering the museum. She had a backpack on which carried quite an amount of accessories for all occasions. Behind her was a flopping red tadpole. She seemed really eager to catch up to Triny.
"Please slow down, Triny! I can't go that fast." She cried out.
Triny looked back at the water Digimon with guilt felt eyes as she continuously bounced her way towards Triny. There's no way she could leave that poor thing behind, but everything was so new to her that Triny was still in shock with everything. She didn't want to face a talking unfamiliar creature. She didn't want to face the fact that this was all real. Falling through a computer. Waking up on a raft in the middle of a river with a red tadpole sleeping next to her. How was this normal? How could this even be possible. Triny looked down and groaned. She didn't know what to do.
"Triny, please! Let's talk about this!" The Digimon cried out again in plea.
Triny threw her nose up in the air and continued walking. "No! Go away." She continued along the edges of the water towards the waterfall up ahead. The red tadpole grew worrisome. The girl wouldn't even look at her.
"You know you're a real stubborn ass!" cried the Digimon.
Triny turned around. "No I am not!" She insisted. "And why are you following me anyway?"
The round Digimon stomped her hand on the ground and growled. "Ugh! I tried to tell you, but you won't even stay long enough for me to explain!"
Triny turned around. "There's nothing to explain. I just want to get home and forget this place."
"Would you please slow down! Triny, please!" The Digimon continued to plead the human, but her stubbornness was too much.
"You know, you're small enough and somewhat like a fish I could totally eat you right now, Otamamon or, whatever your name is." Triny retaliated.
Otamamon stopped. She couldn't' believe what Triny had just said to her. "If that's how you really feel then…" She started to cry. "Then just go! Leave me here! I don't care!"
Triny's head sunk. Was I too harsh?
A laugh echoed from the distance. "Fighting already, are we?" It was Veedramon. He stood on the rocks that led up the hill towards the waterfall. Triny looked at the dragon Digimon and backed away a couple feet. She was frightened.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"Didn't your mother teach you never to talk to strangers?" Veedramon teased. He jumped from the rocks and landed in between Triny and Otamamon. "Then again. I guess you could say I'm your friend and I'm only here to help you."
Triny was quiet. She didn't know what to say. The Digimon had held out his arm towards her. Otamamon shouted from behind him. "Don't listen to him, Triny! He's a bad Digimon!"
"Shut it. You sushi bred idiot." Veedramon lashed out. Otamamon shrieked.
"Don't talk about her like that!" Triny protested.
"Why defend her though? Wasn't it just earlier you were threatening to eat her? We could do it together if you really wanted to." Veedramon insisted.
Triny covered her mouth in disgust at realizing what she had said. "I didn't mean any of it. I just wanted to scare her off."
"You're frightened. I can help you. After all, you're all alone in this world. None of your friends are here with you now are they? None of them came to save you. But I did. I want to help you find your way back. Just take my hand and I'll lead the way." Veedramon continued to press the girl into following him. If this worked, Karatenmon would be overjoyed with his success.
"He's lying! Triny don't listen to him." Otamamon shouted back.
"How did you know there were others besides me? I didn't say anything to you or Otamamon." Triny confessed. "Who are you and what do you really want?"
Veedramon grew angry. He had given himself away. It was now or never. Veedramon swung his tail and sent the aquatic Digimon flying. Triny ran towards Otamamon to try and save her, but before she could even make it passed Veedramon, he had grabbed Triny by her jet black hair and started tugging at her causing her to fall and be dragged across the grassy field. She screamed at the top of her lungs as Veedramon pulled harder and harder. The pain was agonizing. Never had she ever been dragged by her hair before and Veedramon didn't seem to show any sign of sympathy.
"Otamamon! Help me! Somebody!" She cried. Tears began to sweat down her face. Veedramon started climbing up the rocks as he continued to tug at her hair. The amount of force he had to use to pull her upward was too much for Triny to handle. Her hands reached above her as she tried to grab the Digimon, but her hair was so long that her hands could not reach very high. She felt like her hairs were being ripped from her skull. She couldn't even manage to kick her feet off of the walls made of rock to help pull him back down. Her screams echoed like sirens. Veedramon laughed as he was winning.
"There's no chance for your little Digimon friend to catch me now. With just those two little arms of hers, she'll never be fast enough." He laughed and laughed and she cried. She finally realized that this was most definitely real. No dream could cause this much pain to happen. So much fear swept through her. Was she going to die? Was he going to eat her? These were thoughts that ran through her head over and over again as she struggled to break free. They had reached the top of the waterfall. Triny could hear the heavy water crash below her. Veedramon didn't seem to stop though. He was taking her further than she had anticipated. How long was this agony going to last?
"Hey! Let her go!" Trent cried out. Before Veedramon could see who had shouted at him, a great force rushed over him as Trent tackled the Digimon to the ground causing him to lose his grip on Triny. Before he went down he threw her with all his might into the river.
"No!" Trent cried out.
"Get off me human!" Veedramon swiped him with his tail throwing Trent towards the river as well. Bakumon came hovering just in time and was able to catch him by his arms before falling in.
"Thanks Bakumon!" Bakumon gently set down his tamer and darted for the champion leveled Digimon.
"Nightmare Syndrome!"
Bakumon opened his mouth and a jet of purple light shot out towards Veedramon.
"V Breath Arrow!"
Veedramon opened his mouth as well. Bright blue flames erupted from his throat before firing a V-shaped arrow towards Bakumon's purple beam. The two collided creating an explosion. However, the explosion only lasted for a short while before Veedramon came bursting through and slamming his fist into Bakumon's gut.
"Hammer Punch!"
Bakumon clenched his stomach as he flew into Trent who caught him in his arms.
Triny felt the pressure of the waterfall tug at her legs pulling her under. She couldn't keep her strength up long enough to pull herself to shore. Suddenly, a tiny arm wrapped around her wrist and pulled her towards the edge of the river. The moment she could see, she reached for the sturdy boulder and climbed up top and out of the water. She looked down and saw Otamamon smiling at her.
"You saved me." Triny started crying again. Except they were not tears of pain.
"Of course I did! I'd do anything for you Triny." Otamamon promised. "Now you stay here out of harms way. I'll go help out. He'll pay for what he did to you."
Triny nodded. "Make him hurt."
Otamamon dove under and out of sight.
"You fool! You are no match for me." Veedramon cracked his knuckles and smiled as he began walking towards Trent and Bakumon. "Now. Where were we? You intervened with my plans. Now you're going to die."
Otamamon instantly jumped out of the river like a bullet as her claws glowed bright red.
"Lava Claw!"
"Hammer Punch!"
Her claws collided with Veedramon's fist. This caused Veedramon to be pushed back. His feet still grounded. Otamamon landed next to Bakumon and Trent looking unscathed. Veedramon roared in anger. Otamamon looked at Bakumon for support. Trent released his hold on his Digimon. Bakumon and Otamamon moved forward towards Veedramon.
"You won't get away with this Veedramon!" Bakumon warned.
"You'll pay for what you did to Triny!" Otamamon added.
Veedramon cracked his neck. "You think you two rookie Digimon can match my power. You're both fools to even think you can fight me alone!"
"No, but we can most certainly try! You don't scare us." Bakumon clapped his hooves together to show he had no fear in front of his enemy.
"V Breath Arrow!"
Blue flames once again erupted from his mouth as he shot another v-shaped arrow of flame towards the two lower leveled Digimon. Otamamon jumped to her left as Bakumon hovered above merely missing the oncoming attack.
"My turn!" Otamamon shouted. Her mouth lighted up as she began to shoot red bubbles towards Veedramon.
"Boiling Bubbles!"
Bakumon shot another purple beam of light alongside Otamamon's red hot bubble blow.
"Nightmare Syndrome!"
Veedramon took the oncoming attacks with a mighty blow. He knelt on one knee as he felt the sting of the two attacks that had come in contact with him. They dealt a lot more damage than he had anticipated. When he looked up he noticed the two humans behind them. A white light was shining from their hands as the two held their digivices. The power of the digivices had provided just enough additional strength for their Digimon to fight Veedramon equally.
"I see." Veedramon stood up calmly. "Our battle ends for now. But we will meet again."
Otamamon and Bakumon were thrown completely off guard. "Did he just surrender?" Bakumon questioned.
They're too strong. Veedramon thought to himself. Even if I fought them it would only be a matter of time before the other Digidestined arrived and overpowered me. I should have destroyed that human when I had the chance. I need more time. Forgive me my lord.
"Do not take this as a sign of victory. This is merely a postponement of our battle to come. Next time I will not spare you nor your human's lives." Veedramon leaped into the air and disappeared within the trees once more.
Trent stood there completely confused. Bakumon turned and hovered over the river so he could grab Triny and bring her back across safely to reunite with her Digimon. Triny picked up Otamamon and held her tight to her chest as she cried.
"I'm so sorry for the things I said Otamamon. Forgive me."
"I forgave you a long time ago." Otamamon assured her.
Trent and Bakumon high fived. Bakumon then turned to Otamamon. "It's nice to meet you Otamamon. I must say, it's not every day you come across one of you in red."
Triny looked at her partner. "What does he mean?"
*Analyzed by Bakumon*
Name: Otamamon
Type: Amphibian
Bio: Otamamon are notoriously known for their sapphire blue body color. She, however, is red which is very rare. That means she's a data type Digimon rather than a virus. And from what we witnessed, her Boiling Bubbles attack is nothing to joke about. She blew away Veedramon with one powerful blow.
*End analysis*
"I helped, of course." He added.
Triny turned to Trent. "Thank you for saving me. I owe you."
Trent smiled and scratched his head. "Aw it was nothing. I wouldn't sweat it. No worries."
The two introduced themselves to one another as so did their Digimon. Trent started explaining everything to Triny that had happened. He included his battle experience with SandYanmamon and shared all the knowledge he had regarding the Digital World and Digimon alike. With Bakumon and Otamamon's help of course. After their conversation came to an end, Triny pulled out a foot-long water bottle from her back pack and began filling it up with the water from the river.
"So I guess we should head back now and find the others. Especially Robbie. He's really worried about you." Trent proposed. Triny agreed and the four set off towards the forest. Before they could even step one foot on the trail Robbie came running straight towards Triny and hugged her as tight as he could. Triny hugged back in relief to see her friend again. Trent smiled at the happy reunion. Jade, Conner and Cassandra came running up behind him. Commandramon was clung to Conner's back. Dokunemon had been riding on Renamon as she leapt through the trees and stealthily landed on the ground.
"So? Did you beat him? Veedramon." Jade asked curiously as she couldn't spot him anywhere.
"I was about to ask you the same thing for those other two back there." Trent replied.
"They disappeared." Dokunemon spoke. "A voice called out telling them to retreat. We thought it might have been Veedramon, but we weren't sure."
Connor grabbed Trent's shoulder. "We wanted to make sure you guys were okay. If that was Veedramon like we thought, we weren't sure if he had gotten you guys or not."
"Well. By the time I had arrived I caught him holding Triny by her hair. So I tackled him." Trent explained the whole story and how Otamamon and Bakumon had managed to blow him away and made him flee. Conner added as he explained how Commandramon's camouflage ability allowed him to confuse the two bird Digimon on where they were targeting and who was talking to them.
"Renamon had that penguin pinned. That is until the red one struck her in the back with her beak." Jade rubbed Renamon as she groaned. She seemed uneasy for everyone to hear how her guard was let down.
"They're surprisingly tough for rookie level Digimon." Said Bakumon. "Two against four. You would think that you guys would have easily won."
Renamon clenched her fist. "They were too experienced. There was something off about them and I can't make out what it is. There's absolutely no way those two could over power all of us."
Robbie held Triny's hand. "I'm just glad you're safe." Triny smiled and Otamamon mimicked the gesture as she was happy to have connected with her tamer and new friends.
"If it wasn't for Trent I might have drowned." Triny said as she pointed at Trent. Robbie glanced over at Trent to meet his eyes long enough to smile and nod before blushing and turning his head away. Trent giggled.
"So now what?" Leormon asked as he continued to lick his paw. "We're not just going to sit here all day are we? This waterfall gives me the creeps."
"Scared of water, are we?" Cassandra mocked.
"No. I just don't want to get my fur wet. It's not easy keeping it this golden and shiny." He continued back to licking his paws.
"I still want to know how we got here." Jade looked at Renamon and then the rest of the group. "Why were we brought here? Do you think maybe…?" Jade noticed the sudden shift in position Trent made as he veered behind him. "What is it?"
Trent looked back at her. "Did you hear that?"
Bakumon relaxed on Trent's head. "Hear what, Trent?"
Trent looked around as he could have sworn a voice called out to him.
"Go to Spring Village."
There it was. That same voice from before.
"Hey. Do any of you guys know where Spring Village is?" He inquired to the Digimon.
"It's just over that mountain." Informed Commandramon. "Why?"
"I…" Should he tell them the truth? "I heard Veedramon mention it. I figured if Veedramon was heading that way, then maybe we should follow him. Maybe he knows more than he is letting up."
Bakumon nudged Trent in the cheek. "I'll tell you later." Trent assured him.
"I'm game." Cassandra chimed. "It beats doing nothing."
"Me too." Said Conner.
"Me three." Said Robbie. Leormon nodded in agreement.
"Commandramon. Lead the way!" Triny shouted.
Commandramon pointed his gun in the air. "Alright! Listen up maggots! We're going on a journey. But this isn't no ordinary journey. We're going to war. I expect you all to be on your best behavior. Just stay close and follow me. Keep your legs and tails in line at all times. Do not trail away from the group as you might get lost and we will not take a break to come find you. This mission is critical and we cannot have casualties. Now. Move on out!"
Robbie looked at Conner. "Is he always like this?"
Conner sighed. "Pretty much. You kind of get used to it after a while." He patted Robbie on the back as he followed his Digimon.
As the group followed Commandramon towards Spring Village, Trent followed last in line as he explained what had occurred to Bakumon.
"This isn't the first time I've heard that voice. She spoke to me before. Back in my world. I was driving to go meet Conner at a movie theatre and she called from my phone and told me to go to the museum so I did."
Bakumon, still attached to Trent's head, looked worried. "So what do you think this means?"
Trent shrugged as he looked down at the digivice in his hand. "I don't know. But whoever she is. I hope she's there. So that way she can explain to us all how we got here. I also want to know more about what this thing is and why we're here to begin with."
"Are you going to ask her how to get home?" Bakumon didn't want to ask because he was afraid of the answer he'd get.
"No. I don't think so. At least not now." Trent replied. "I'm more interested in meeting her. Going home is the last thing on my mind."
Bakumon was relieved. "Good! Because I don't want you to go."
Trent chuckled as he patted Bakumon on the head.
Who is this mysterious voice that keeps calling out to Trent? Who is this mysterious figure Veedramon answers to? What lies for our heroes at the Spring Village? Find out next time.
