X-X-X
The morning came and I and Flamemon got ready for the journey on ahead.
Flamemon had helped me locate some nearby food we could eat for breakfast, some purple coloured berries which had a taste of strawberries to them...odd but not unpleasant. After not having eaten well since the mines I wasn't going to say no.
Whilst we ate and prepared, we mapped out a route in our head for how we would get to Central Terminal. In the light of the day Flamemon confirmed we were close by a day or two, and that the mountains in the distance were actually a part of the wider range we had crossed before being teleported to the forest. We would head South East, and eventually come to the Central Plains, and then from there to the city proper.
He also gave me some insight as to what to expect, apparently Digimon themselves were also fond of large buildings, and as such apparently it was not too dissimilar to the cities of home. A large metropolis with many digimon working together to keep it safe...though as Flamemon was quick to remind me it may not be as dangerous as being in the fields, it had dangers of it own...dangers to which I was more accustomed to, and therefore more prepared for.
With that all set, I put Flamemon on my back once more – still unable to walk fully due to his injuries I resolved to carry him for as long as it took for him to gain his strength. He was reluctant at first, not wanting to be carried a second day in a row, but I insisted.
Looking back once more to the camp, I made sure once more that I could see nothing in the distance, and happy we were safe made my way through the forest.
Progress was steady, although at least this time a little more interesting as I had someone to talk to. With Flamemon on my back he would point out minor changes in course, and dangers here and there like low hanging branches, or overgrown roots – although I thought he might be overdoing it on the backseat driving, it kept him happy at least.
Between that we would just casually chat about events so far, and life back on Earth. I took great pleasure going into the details of the nuisances of home, the various social rules people followed, and were restrained by. Some of these Flamemon didn't seem to think were too odd, but others like the idea of bartering for goods seem to just confuse him, which was adorable.
However, as we walked...I remembered something from earlier, back in the castle which had been in the back of my mind, and had me confused.
"Hey, remember back in the Castle, when you were Aldamon and fought Devimon?"
"I remember, I remember it well" the sound of pride in his voice certainly confirmed that.
"Something's been bugging me since we escaped that place..." I could feel his head cock in confusion "...the room I was in was sealed, three doors and only one of them was open, the one I came from and it was a dead end...where did you come from? The other two doors weren't opened until that voice opened one for me" remembering it clearly, as the door was blasted open right in front of me.
There was a pause for a moment, and through my sentence I thought for sure I could feel Flamemon tense up...
"...That voice, what did it say?" he sounded concerned...something was up
"It simply said it wanted to help me, then blew open the door and I followed a white trail of light out of the castle...leading me to the exit" I could definitely feel him tense that time, he knew something "...Flamemon, what is it?" I was getting concerned now
"It's just..." he paused, I could feel him fidget slightly "...When I reached the throne room it was sealed with a dark magic, and I couldn't break through. It was only after a light appeared, and spoke to me that I was able to use your power to digi-volve, and enter the room – Snow, he even froze time"
"He froze time?" that made sense of the whole suddenly feeling like I was in a freezer moment when Devimon was holding me "...he didn't sound like he was speaking from everywhere at once and...Echoing, did he?" I felt Flamemon nod his head
"Yeah, he said he wasn't my friend, but not my enemy either...and something about balance, and you had to live"
"I...had to live?" I certainly wasn't going to argue with the living part, it was my preferred state of being, but the fact that this being not only helped me, but my partner too... "Have you, ever encountered anything like it before?" I hoped...
"No – this was new, the power it had, and the way it existed. I could sense it was digimon, in a way but also something different too, something I had never felt before" my hopes faded at that. I wonder what the being had wanted, and why it felt I had to be saved for balance? Light and darkness, good and evil perhaps?
Whilst we seemed to be discussing all the enigma's we had come across as of late, it made me remember something else, something Devimon had said to me.
"Devimon...when he was 'talking' to me, and I use that work liberally, he mentioned information I had, information I didn't even know I have – and that he could use it to overthrow his master, who I assume is Shadowmon, right?" I felt Flamemon nod "...he also mentioned something else, which is related...that Shadowmon seemed to know Devimon would die, calling it a 'constant' that he could not change – that you would arrive and then defeat him..."
"Wait, what!?" Flamemon shuffled on my back, which caused me to stop for a moment, and let him down. As he stood on the ground in front of me, I turned around, and took the opportunity to rest as I sat down on the log next to him, Flamemon giving me a wide eye look of shock. We both had the same thought...
"Yeah, I know...Devimon knew he was going to be defeated, and that voice said he had to be defeated too...they both knew his fate, but while Devimon tried to change it, the voice tried to make sure it happened...it doesn't make sense" Flamemon stood there for a moment, seemingly lost in his own thoughts
"...I feel as though we are part of something, something which no one has decided to let us in on..." Flamemon sighed, and moved to sit beside me "...Snow, do the words 'The Circle Must Be Broken' mean anything to you?" as he spoke those words I immediately was drawn back to my dream from before arriving in the Digital World, hearing it clearly in my mind once more, over and over...
"The Circle...must be broken?"
'The Circle Must be Broken'
The sound echoed through my head, as if mocking my own words. I shook my head and felt my focus return, realising Flamemon had placed his hand on my arm
"What just happened?" I asked, a little confused and dazed as I pulled myself back up, realising I had almost nearly fallen off the log I was sat on.
"You were about to collapse, are you ok?" he sounded concerned, but also worried. I just shook my head and got my balance back
"I must still be exhausted, been a long couple days..." I sighed, taking a deep breath "Those words, I heard them once before – they were spoken to me in a dream the night I met you. I couldn't recognise the voice, it was changing, morphing, altering...but it sounded familiar, sounded almost...like me" I groaned as I made the realisation...could it...no, it couldn't be, I had never even heard the statement before!
"I see...nothing else though?" Flamemon scooted closer, and put my hand on my shoulder, seeing that I was still a little out of it after my little episode. I just shook my head
"Just, something about choosing my fate – I've not had the dream since, but it left an indelible impression on me, it felt...so real, so...like I should know but I didn't..." I looked at Flamemon with a smile "I'm not making any sense, am I?" he shook his head
"No, no I think I know what you mean..." he paused and moved his hand away "...the reason I ask is because Devimon mentioned the words, and that you had to die..." I tensed up myself at the mention of that, but Flamemon turned quickly and shook his head once more "...whatever he meant by that, will never come to pass, I promise – the only ones that will die are the ones who challenge us!"
His expression changed suddenly, as he threw up his hands in the air and started to playfully shadowbox at the air, I smiled and placed my hand on his head and ruffled his hair
"Heh, thanks buddy" leaning back and stretching I stood back up and looked around, and to the sky – looked to be around midday "...Well, I suppose we should carry on? I don't think we are going to come to any answers on our own. Let's get to the Elder in Central Terminal; he might be able to shed some light on this!" Flamemon nodded, and stood up himself.
With Flamemon back on my back we continued on our way through the forest, the lingering discussions weighing heavily on my mind...I felt as if there was a much larger plot going on which I wasn't privy too, but was a major part of. Like an actor who had no lines but was expected to go onto the stage and play along...I felt lost and confused – I really hoped the elder could give us some answers...
For now all I could do was walking forward, and continue going along the path before me. I could see the trees around us were beginning to thin out, and the ground even out too – seemed like we were almost out of the forest! Sun began to pour in from between the gaps in the braches and leaves and before too much longer we were effectively at the edge of the forest.
The Central Plains lay ahead of us...and they were beautiful.
Deep, emerald green grass danced in the wind, as petals floated through the air. It was like a scene from a picturesque movie, perfect. Trees dotted the landscape, as it seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance...where, only just I thought I could see something.
It took me really squinting but I was sure it was tower, skyscrapers rising high on into the sky...
"Central Terminal is over the distance" Flamemon once more jumped down from my back and walked to my side "Our journey is nearly over...though I think this may be the place to rest tonight, and finish the rest of the way tomorrow"
Nodding in agreement, he was right. The sun had already began to crest the horizon and the light fade – even though we could see for miles around is now I bet this place was as dark as the forest was at night...and alot more exposed too.
"Agreed – Not far now at least" I smiled and together we gathered up some food and prepared camp for the night.
In the distance as darkness descended I watched the lights glimmer in the far distance, shining brightly – like a dome of light.
It was watching this that I began to be reminded of home. It had been about four days since Is started my journey, and now looking at something which felt so familiar out in the distance I couldn't help but be reminded of home – and the people I had left behind to come here, like my family, friends and work.
I wonder if anyone had called at my apartment, or reported me missing. I know I called my parents before I left and gave a really vague answer phone message, but did anyone else find out that I had gone, or had they just discovered me missing? I could see it now, man hunt for someone who just vanished in the middle of the city.
I guess I should have left a note or something to let people knew was going somewhere and to not let them worry – no doubt when or even if I got back I was going to have o answer a number of questions about where I had been, who I had been with, why and all that – not something I was looking forward to if I was honest, but...
Suppose I was just feeling a little home sick. That was natural, right?
Looking to my side Flamemon had already fallen asleep by the fire, no doubt still exhausted himself – it seemed like his injuries and strength was coming back to him though which was good, recovering slowly. I am sure he will be back to full strength in no time, and would probably become Agunimon again too.
Watching the lights for a little longer, I laid back after a while with my arms behind my head as looked to the sky. The trees were much thinner where we were now and I could see so much more of the night-time sky as the stars shimmers and shined.
I had really seen nothing like it back home – in this place I could see all the gas clouds and even the dimmer stars in the blackness of the void...it was nice, I could see why Flamemon enjoyed sleeping under the stars so much – despite my anxiety about everything, all the discussions and my home-sickness I could still feel a sense of calm from it all...
Just what I needed too, tomorrow I was going to meet this Elder and perhaps finally get some answers to all the questions I had going around in my head, and the ones which me and Flamemon had discussed earlier today...so many things that didn't make sense. In a way I didn't know if I wanted to actually get there – at least to this point I had been able to act in some form of blissful ignorance, going from place to place and just enjoying my time here with my partner, meeting new friends and the like – but once we speak with him, and if he does indeed prove as helpful as the others have said he would, then we may possibly have a goal, something to aim for, something to go on after.
Only now did I realise the gravity of it all – I hadn't really thought about it until now but really all it had been so far was a kind of road trip, sure I knew the final destination but we knew it wasn't where this journey would end itself...just, guide us onto the next part.
From all accounts too, it would be much more dangerous. Sure we had faced a Dark Lord and beaten him in combat, but he was not the big boss, he was just another run on the ladder leading up to him...was I ready for that? Were we all ready for that?
Turning on my side I covered my head with my arms, trying in a way to escape my own thoughts, closing my eyes and trying to get some sleep. Despite whatever worries I had it was too late to turn back now...we had already put ourselves out on the radar and gotten the attention of this world – Couldn't stop now until it was finished.
Eventually I faded into a restless sleep, the same thoughts running around in my head the whole time, but reassuring myself that so long as Flamemon was with me, everything would end up alright in the end...he had already proven that several times. I trusted him.
Another morning, and this time we were heading out the forest and into the plains, exchanging the slightly humid and temperate woodland, for windy and warm flats, the sky above us clear and bright.
Flamemon was strong enough to walk on his own steam today so taking off early at a steady pace we walked through the massive plains onwards towards the city. I decided to keep the thoughts of last night to myself for now, seeing no reason to share what were really just my own insecurities. Instead we made conversation about what to expect in the city.
Flamemon had been there a couple of times in the past, generally not for any extended period of time though mind you, but long enough to know what to expect and how to get around in the city proper.
It was apparently located on the coast, facing out into a large open bay of water known as the 'Central Sea' which then lead out into the much larger 'Great Digital Ocean' separating the various continents.
The city itself was split into six sections. You had the cardinal cross sections, North, East, South and West which each specialised in something.
North was where the docks and storage areas were – ships from other continents would land here, and let off passengers and cargo. East was the shopping district where you could pretty much buy anything from all accounts. South was the residential district where the bulk of the people lived and socialised and West was the training area, where Digimon went to get stronger and train to be better fighters, tacticians, even cooks!
The two remaining areas were special; you had the area known as 'The Hub' where the shrine in which the digi-elder lived resided. In here was also where the 'Celestial' digimon lived – just like they had Dark Lords, these Digimon were considered Light Lords, peaceful with a wish to preserve all life, offering safety and security – hence why the city was built.
Finally was 'The Core' the absolute centre of the city – this was a blue crystalline tower, the tallest structure in the entire city and had been apparently what I saw in the distance. It emitted a signal to let any digimon know where the city was, and could be used to hone in and locate somewhere safe. It also provided power and security; a barrier covered the whole city from any kind of attack emitted from the crystal tower. No one but those specifically instructed by the Celestial Digimon were allowed into the tower.
Flamemon admitted he didn't know the exact origins of the city itself, but that the Tower had been there for as long as anyone had remembered, and it was the Celestial Digimon who built the haven around it.
None the less it sounded impressive. And as we got closer and closer it looked it too. Now having a much better view, I could not say I disagreed.
The tower dwarfed the skyscrapers around it by a good height, reaching seemingly impossible to the sky. Around it were clusters of buildings which would look pretty normal in any city back home...and finally around the base of the city spanning the entre perimeter was a large, white wall – flawless and immaculate, on top of which I could see structures which looked like guard posts at regular intervals.
Even from this distance it looked massive, and I could only imagine it would be even bigger when we would be stood at the base.
Flamemon pointed out to a opening in the wall, we would be approaching the West Gate and could enter there, before making our way to 'The Hub' district.
It was about midday when we finally arrived, having walked for several hours we came to the base of the gigantic wall – rising high into the air, at least hundred foot tall, with an equally large metal door stood open in the middle – Digimon of various shapes and sizes passing through carrying items, riding in wooden wagons or walking with others...Thinking about it reminded me of the old medieval towns, traders visiting to sell good and wares, as farmers went out to tend to fields – the modern of the city itself, with the old of the way of life, it was definitely unique.
As we approached the gate, a large centaur approached us from the side, easily topping out at around ten foot, holding an even larger spear he put up his spare hand indicating for us to stop – Flamemon seemed to have no issues and complied silently, and I stopped right beside him as this Digimon bared the path in front of us.
"New Travellers? I don't recognise your faces, state your business in Central Terminal please" he spoke clearly with a firm tone, but was at least polite. Not missing a beat, and at a loss for words myself Flamemon took the initiative.
"I am Flamemon, and this is my human digi-destined partner Snow. We are here to see the Digital Elder" I shuffled on the spot a little as he mentioned human, and the large centaur fixed his gaze on me, as if judging me. Feeling a little uncomfortable being referred to by 'human' – mainly because it was not something I was used to hearing.
There was a pause, a moment of silent and we heard no response. I was beginning to fear he might bar our entry, and tell us we could not enter, however that was not to be the case thankfully as he stepped to the side and bowed his head
"Ah, my sincere apologies! Welcome young destined to our city, Of course a digimon and their human partner would be most welcome. Please proceed down Western Avenue towards 'The Hub' district, you are expected at the shrine" both I and Flamemon nodded our heads in unison.
"Thank you" I smiled in reply back, and with that we both made our way into the city, the centaur guard waving us through and then returned to his duties.
"Is that...normal?" I looked down to Flamemon, replying only when I was sure we were far enough away for us not to be heard.
"This place is well guarded, between the celestial Digimon and Digimon like Centarumon who act as arbiters of law and order. They keep the peace, and for the most part trouble away from the Digimon who live here – I bet he was just curious to see a human up close, not a common thing here – I wouldn't be too worried, he let us through at least, and even said we were expected!" he gave me a playful smirk as I blushed a little, realising that in a way I was the exotic creature to many here, when in fact I also considered it the same with all the Digimon around me
"Are we really...that strange?" pointing to myself as Flamemon chuckle
"Strange, Unique, Rare. Whatever you want to call it. Humans don't often appear in the Digital World, usually if they do they quickly end up going back to their own world, having somehow being sent here accidently by one means or another – those who end up staying though usually end up doing great and heroic things in the Digital World, like we will!" giving me a thumbs up – he was obviously confident, couldn't say I disagreed.
Walking down the Western Avenue I got to see various kinds of Digimon of all shapes and sizes – some smaller even than Flamemon, and even a couple who would give Aldamon a run for his money in terms of sheer scale! Good thing this Avenue was really wide. Either side was flanked with buildings or open dirt fields, different kinds of things going on inside or around each one.
In one shop I could see sewing machines; in the fields I saw those practicing different attacks on wooden dummies, and bales of hay. Various sides' roads lead down and away, smaller the main Avenue but still busy...a veritable hub of activity!
"Really is a hectic place, huh?" I moved to the side as I brushed shoulders with a rather stocky Digimon, who muttered an apology as he went past.
"Yeah, during the day this place is full of Digimon looking to get better at something...think of it like work back in your world – this is how Digimon fill their day"
"Suppose that makes sense..." I trailed off, as I watched another Digimon, a pink knee high bird running past, but kept looking at us as she did – feeling that sensation we were being watched again "...I guess we are going to get alot of looks?"
"Unfortunately...Don't worry though; they are just like the guard – curious about you. One of two might stop to look at you, maybe even mutter something to a friend but none of them will attack, they wouldn't dare. You can't see it but Arbiters are swarming this place, anything kicks off they would be on it...if they could beat me to it that is" he grinned and pointed to a large structure at the end of the road "That's the entrance into 'The Hub'"
Continuing on, making our way through the hordes of Digimon walking the streets we finally got to the entrance – a large ornate door built into a marble white wall, similar to the one that surrounded the perimeter, this one was only about twenty foot high, but still looked as sturdy.
Flamemon reached up and placed his hand on one of the panels on the door.
"Put your hand on one door, like this" indicating to his own, I nodded and followed his example, reaching my hand out and placing it flat on one of the square decorative panels. I could feel a strange and powerful heat emanating from it. Pressing my weight slightly against it, not expecting it to move I heard a soft click coming from the other side.
Pulling back just in time to avoid falling over, the door slid open to the side, leaving me amazed, my jaw nearly hitting the floor with what I saw on the other side.
It was a garden, but not just any garden...the most beautiful garden I had ever seen!
Stepping forward, the door slowly closed behind us as I took a moment to take this place in. We were stood on a set of stone tiles which continued on up to a set of stairs, leading into what I could only describe as a roman shrine, pillars on either side as high arches with intricate decorations ran around the top. On either side was well kept short grass, with various flower beds planet, plants of different size and colour growing – some looked like flowers, others vegetables, and trees too offered shade over part. Ponds of water, built into the ground with stone borders were along the side of the garden, small ankle high lights leading up the path and towards the building ahead. On either side were more pillars which had doors, likely leading to other parts of this place...It felt like a villa of sorts or perhaps...
"...is this the shrine?" I spoke breathlessly, taking a step forward as I turned on the spot, the sunlight from the sky shining bright, the tower in the centre rising high into the sky behind the main building.
"Yes, this is the Shrine of the Digital Elder, his sanctuary. This is where all digi-destined come to learn their destiny...our destiny Snow" Flamemon walked beside me, and put his hand on my own. Looking down I smiled, turning my palm so I could hold his for a moment
"Let's do this, together" and with that we walked along the marble path through the centre towards the stairs, beginning our ascent upwards. Each step felt heavy with meaning, and as we approached the top I saw quite the sight.
Through the columns and into the main building was a large open chamber with a statue in the centre – the statue was black stone, and looking at it I realised I recognise what it was representing...
"Earth..." I muttered, as we got closer I was sure of it – the landmasses, the tilt – that was Earth.
"Indeed, the world of our birth...Welcome chosen"
A soft and frail voice echoed from the side, and both I and Flamemon turned to see an old man of about five foot with a wooden walking stick, dressed in simple grey robes stood in a doorway leading out of the chamber. His face looked weathered, with various wrinkles, and with his hood been down could see he was completely bald too. He looks fragile, as if a strong enough wind might be enough to make him fall over, but as with all things in the Digital World, I could sense a power from him, one which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end ever so slightly.
"Are...you?" I asked, uncertain if this old man was who I thought he was, though he nodded his head in recognition to my half statement.
"I am the Digital Elder...it is a pleasure to meet you Jaredin Snow, and Flamemon too. Please, follow me and everything shall be explained" He indicated with his hand to the door behind him, standing slightly to the side seeing light flicker from inside.
Looking back to my Partner, he nodded his head to me and we made our way over the short distance to the Elder. As we walked close to him I studied him through the corner of my eyes trying to see if I could spot anything which might account for the odd feeling I was getting – but nothing. So far as I could see from a cursory inspection he was just a regular old man.
As we got to the door he began walking beside us and then took the lead as we entered into the much narrower stone corridor, leading us deeper into the shrine, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the walls around us.
I had a feeling I was finally going to get some answers soon...