Chapter Ten: Journey to the Fortean Coast Part II
It'd been two days since they left the Frigimon village. The landscape spread out before their eyes as far as they could see in every direction. Behind them the mountain loomed and before them endless hills and plains, small patches of trees dotting the landscape, wild long grasses covering the area. Every so often as they made their way along they would come across a house, a cottage, sometimes even a small village of Digimon. They would stop often, and though the folk of Fortes Island were wary they were also quite open to travelers. The news of their victory over the DarkLizardmon helped solidify their legend here, Xander in particular retelling the tale as they moved from village to village.
Finally though, half way through the third day, they reached the dense forest marked on Sorcerymon's map as the Umbra Forest. Still most of them were used to the shadows by now, having spent much of their digital journey in the Dark Forest. Xander even joked about the foreboding names Digimon seemed to give the nicest of places. Still, despite their light-hearted demeanor, there was something oddly eerie about these woods. Even Dyrasmon, usually so at home in nature, felt unease and flew close to Jonathan, who was busy holding Vera close as well. As dusk came darkness quickly came in the forest and there was barely enough time to set up their rudimentary camp. Once the fire was roaring everyone gathered round. The forest, once eerily silent during the day, now was taken over by howls, hoots and hollers that sent chills racing down human and Digimon spines alike.
"Are you sure Sorcerymon's map told us to come this way?" Xander asked, suddenly thinking the Umbra Forest a fitting name for the place.
"Yes," Haomon replied though he too watched the shadows carefully, his feeling eyes better turned to the darkness.
"Even if it hadn't been on the map," Anselm thought aloud, "we wouldn't be able to cut around it and make it to the boat on time."
"You guys aren't seriously scared of this place are you?" Adlimon asked, "With me around you guys never have to fear."
"You're assuming you'll be able to Digivolve again when the time comes," Bogmon croaked, "That might not be the case."
"The fires burning pretty low," Patamon remarked, his orange wings shivering.
"We better find some more firewood," John agreed standing, "Who wants to come with me?"
"I will," Anselm announced.
"Me too," Vera chimed.
John, Dyrasmon, Vera and Haomon moved away from the others using Haomon's night vision to guide them toward any scraps of wood they could find. They weren't even a hundred feet from camp and yet the darkness seemed to swallow them up. Vera found herself afraid ambling back toward the twinkling firelight of camp. John started back carrying a load of firewood thinking Haomon, Dyrasmon and Anselm would be alright by themselves. He hadn't taken more than a few steps when something came out of the darkness to hit him. He fell to the ground, wood flying everywhere and let out a yelp that alerted the others to danger. In the dim light of the distant fire it was hard to see but John made out several humanoid shapes huddled in the trees around the camp as though about to ambush. Then he saw it, the hulking form that had knocked him for a loop.
Even in the darkness he could see the strange green pigment of its skin, and the ivory white tusks protruding from its horrible maw. It stood over eight feel tall and carried with it a massive club, likely the one that had knocked him aside. Like some sort of troll, or ogre from the depths of man's nightmares. The foul smell of its breath sent John backpedaling but as soon as he started to move the massive monster bore down on him - only to get by a flying feline tackle. Haomon's attack barely even fazed the towering ogre, who swatted Haomon aside with his free hand and lifted his club menacingly over John. The blow surely would have killed him had he not been pushed out of the way by a powerful burst of light. A second burst blinded Jonathan to his surroundings but as the flash died out he saw Dyrasmon changing.
"Dyrasmon Digivolve to Echodyrasmon!"
John could barely see her as the flash of blinding light that had come from his Digivice died down. Still he could hear her fight and every so often he saw a burst of light from one of her attacks. She was a magnificent sight, though he saw only glimpses. She'd grown to be taller than the ogre now with long limbs that seemed to be made of bark and yet moved with the ease of normal limbs. Her face was even more lovely and her head was adorned with a wreath and her fairy-wings spread out behind her elegantly.
John turned his attention back to camp where Haomon had now rejoined the others. His friends had been attacked as well by smaller, but no less repugnant, little Digimon. These appeared almost like miniatures of the massive ogre. He heard a sound behind him and spun around to find Dyrasmon and the ogre creature just beside him. Mustering his courage and wanting to help his dear friend he grabbed the sharpest stick he could find and rushed at the back of the Oni jabbing into its flesh and drawing a bit of blood before being swatted away by a powerful arm. Content that he had done his part and bruised from landing twenty feet away John decided to stay out of their way as the two titans faced on. He grabbed his stick, which he found nearby, and headed for the nearest goblin-like little monster smacking and stabbing with all his might.
"This forest is mine Fairy!" Ogremon growled through its gaping mouth, its noxious breath wafting her way.
"This forest is alive you cretin, it is a living entity, and it cannot be owned," Echodyrasmon replied, her voice booming and filled with malice. She came at Ogremon then hitting him with her tree-like fists, which stung him badly and left splinters in his flesh. Ogremon battered her with his own barrage of blows, and then swung his club hitting her back hard; she fluttered to a stop, her eyes glowing a deep shade of green. She could feel the forest's energy feeding her, as well as the distant energy of John's Digivice, seeping into her.
"LEAF TEMPEST!"
A wall of leaves rose up like a tidal wave rushing against Ogremon with a powerful blast of energy. The ogre had braced himself but was unable to cope with the continuous leaf storm that danced around him. Sharp edged leaves cut his skin and the wind dragged him from his feet and sent him rolling along the ground. Echodyrasmon could feel the power of the forest and the anger and the rage in that place toward this creature. Clearly this foul ogre had done terrible things, had stained this place forever with the blood of both tree and Digimon alike… but not anymore. Not ever again. The leaves continued to cut at him, the wind stole his breath away, waves of natural energy rolled over him damaging him to the core. Ogremon gasped in horror as he felt it happening, as he felt his body dying.
"TRUNK SMASH!"
Echodyrasmon, with no mercy in her heart, crushed Ogremon's skull in one swipe. The ogre's body twitched and fell and from it emerged swirling bands of energy that lit up the forest. Echodyrasmon turned away, with shame in her heart. She knew what she had done… she had killed Ogremon so completely that his Data, essentially his soul, was emerging. Normally when a Digimon died its soul passed on to be reborn but if its death was violent and sudden enough the soul would remain for a time but eventually vanish forever. It was at this time that some Digimon absorbed the essence of their enemies, gaining new strength. Echodyrasmon felt her body returning to normal, her heart sinking as she saw Ogremon's soul dissipate into the open air. He was gone, his very being completely obliterated.
"Dyrasmon!" John yelled, "Where are you?"
"Here!"
"You changed back already you-," John started but he paused when he considered her saddened demeanor, "are you alright? That thing didn't hurt you did it?"
"No," Dyrasmon sighed, "I'm afraid it was the other way around.
"Well come on and join the others, "John suggested with a smile, trying to cheer her up, "the Goblimon have retreated."
The next morning came too quick and the tired tattered group was slow to pack up and get moving. Still, despite their hardships in the forest the night before, they knew that the boat Sorcerymon had readied would not wait forever. Winter was fast on approach for the Fortes Island and though they were sailing south into warmer weather they would need to do so soon or be stuck on Fortes Island until the thaws of early Spring.
They moved steadily and with a purpose and made it out of the Umbra Forest early in the afternoon moving out onto a vast plane of meadows and farmland that the map assured them would take them to the coast. They found a road a little later and after double checking the map decided it would be best to follow that trail for a while. When the sun was low in the sky they stopped at a small village paying a few coins to stay at a local farmhouse inhabited by a Renamon and two Lopmon.
As the night deepened Thompson stepped outside for some fresh air gazing up at the vast array of stars in the Digital sky. He found Solara outside already, her breath hanging in the moonlight that chilly autumn night.
"You couldn't sleep either eh?" Thompson asked standing beside her.
"Who could with Xander snoring like that?" She asked with a laugh, "Where's Adlimon, I hardly ever see you without him tagging along."
"He's asleep, he deserves a good rest. Seems like this world barely gives us a moments rest. One day everything is fine and the next we're fighting for our lives against some giant monsters."
"We don't do that much of the fighting ourselves," Solara admitted sadly and Thompson understood what she meant.
"I'm sure you'll find a Digivice eventually," Thompson assured her putting a friendly hand on her shoulder, "and a Digimon to fight beside."
"I'm not sure I need to find a Digimon… there's something deeper I'm looking for… my destiny." She turned to Thompson then with a grin, "This place has offered me a chance at rebirth and I want to make the best of it."
"Good," Thompson smiled, "you can start first thing in the morning, for now I think it's time to rest."
"Fair enough," Solara agreed starting for the door with a yawn, "I wonder if the Digimon here know where I can get some ear plugs."
"He does snore something fierce," Thompson admitted with a chuckle.
They set out early the next morning making there way along the winding path that the map indicated as the correct road. If the map was indeed accurate it they would likely be arriving at the docks by nightfall. Before the sun had even reached its apex they began to smell the scent of the sea. Apparently here in the Digital World the oceans were just as salty and the smell wafted into their nostrils filling Digimon and Human alike with a sense of adventure. Though Haomon, by nature, was a bit nervous about a long sea voyage, the twinkle in Vera's sage green eyes relieved his trepidation.
John walked alongside Vera noting the way her eyes shined. Everyone, in fact, seemed to be beaming as they made their way across the island, everyone except for Dyrasmon. The poor fairy flew with head slumped and even Patamon and Anselm's attempts to cheer her up with their antics had failed. John felt a pang of guilt as he walked over to her, certain that he should not have neglected her sadness for this long.
"What's the matter Dyrasmon?" John asked startling the fairy from her despondent stare.
"I'd rather not," she mumbled faintly, "I don't think a human would understand anyway."
"I can try, it's the least I can do. You saved my life," John offered with a smile but it quickly faded as Dyrasmon's frown only seemed to grow.
"Ogremon," she growled, hovering in place she allowed the others to get far away before she continued, "I killed him."
"Well, it was self-defense," John said as though the entire thing was a non-issue, "I know it seems like a really bad thing but-"
"No! You don't know!" She screamed, alerting the others ahead of them, "I didn't just kill his mind or his body but his very being. The forest was so angry John and I couldn't control myself I… I… I feel so loathsome."
She floated to the ground now with tears welling in her eyes. John stopped, his face wearing genuine concern, genuine empathy, for his digital friend. He lifted her chin.
"What you did was to save our lives," he started softly, looking into her otherworldly eyes, "And now that he is gone he can never, in this life or the next, hurt anyone again."
"I know that," Dyrasmon admitted, clearing the tears from her face, "but still, I've just never felt rage like that before… or that kind of power. It was like the power from your Digivice, and the power from the forest, overwhelmed my judgment."
"Come on," John said lifting her into the air, "let's catch up with the others. Next time we get into a fight just try to show some restraint but don't beat yourself up about it if you can't… you still saved all our lives."
They continued on their way down the road passing farmhouses and villages as they made their way toward the shore. As mid-afternoon arrived the autumn sun was dipping low in the sky and the village Sorcerymon had sent them towards was in sight. Something else consumed their vision though, the march of half a dozen black-robed figures down the road toward them and the black shadow hanging in the sky above them.
"Podramon," Haomon meowed under his breath, "damn that dragon."
"How could he find us all the way out here?" Xander moaned, "We're far from the Dark Forest!"
"Doesn't really matter how he found us," Bogmon croaked.
"Right. This is the guy who's been harassing you guys?" Adlimon asked cracking his reptilian knuckles.
"Yep, that's him," Thompson replied.
"He doesn't look so tough," Adlimon boasted, "I could take him."
"Well, it looks like you'll get to put that idea to the test," Anselm gulped.
The Tulismon ran in now, charging with abandon towards the group once they were sure they'd been spotted. Thompson though the behavior odd and alerted the others to be on the lookout for a surprise ambush. His fears turned out to be well-founded as the obvious attack was a ruse and four Tulismon crawled from the bushes around the road and moved in. They were ready though and before the four bandits could strike a bright light enveloped Adlimon the beam stretching from Thompson's relic to transform the icy lizard into Glacadlimon once more. The Tulismon were caught off guard at the sudden appearance of both the bright light and the massive carnivorous beast that came with it but they quickly regrouped and headed in with swords drawn. They began swinging swords at the Humons who had once escaped one of their work camps. It was the Humons that Podramon had wanted dead.
Podramon watched the battle from up above. The smelly creature had witnessed the bright flash and the emergence of Glacadlimon and suddenly possibilities flashed through his mind. The flash had surely come from the relics of power the children had taken from the Temple. A dark smile overtook his face as he watched his Tulismon land their first blows on the icy flesh of their foe.
Glacadlimon felt the sting of the sword cutting into him. His claw came out swatting at the Tulismon. Then came a burst of icy energy from his lips, his Tundra Breath sending the Tulismon back and reeling to keep on their feet as the ice crystals formed on their clothing. The other six Tulismon were upon them then but again the group was ready, a second powerful flash of light devouring Dyrasmon in the power of Digivolution. Though as she made the change to become Echodyrasmon she felt reluctant to let the power take her as soon as she stood in her Champion form she knew that they would need all the help they could get to survive this assault. Her eyes flashed their deep green as she released a storm of leaves upon the six Tulismon who came down the road. The attack hit them back, knocking two from consciousness instantly, the other four made their way around the Leaf Tempest toward the fairy who turned now to face them directly. Dyrasmon was not alone though as John, Vera, Haomon, Bogmon and Xander stood beside her ready to aid her. Haomon and Bogmon managed to distract one of the Tulismon leading the clueless bandit down the road away from Echodyrasmon.
Podramon could see that his bandits would be beaten if he remained separate from the battle, already the Tulismon morale was likely verging on retreat. The fowl dragon swooped down upon them then letting out a powerful Putrid Flame, a green-brown flame sending the Digi-Destined and their Digimon scrambling away. Echodysramon was hit by the flames, though she rolled out of the main blast wave and avoided serious injury. Podramon landed with a thud letting out a horrible screech and turning around to face the humans who'd given him nothing but trouble. They were vulnerable now, without Leomon or Yasyamon to protect them he was sure they would fall before him. One of his talons stretched out trying to scratch at them but they all seemed so spry, so agile. A Boom Bubble struck him, followed by a feline thunder punch. A blast of tar from Bogmon hit the dragon square in the face leaving him momentarily blinded. Podramon thrashed about heaving in a great breath and releasing another Putrid Flame attack. This time Vera was right in the blast radius. Haomon saw the attack and cringed grabbing the monsters head and pulling it back angling the flames to miss Vera ever so slightly. Vera had rolled out of the way in the nick of time, but Haomon was still angry. He felt a rush of power overtake him then, seeing a beam of light appear in the air between him and Vera.
"Haomon Digivolve to Felehaomon."
Felehaomon stood before them all, arcs of electric dancing through the air. He was on all-fours now looking very much like a majestic lion but one surrounded by an aura of electricity. His mane was made of arcing bolts and all of his fur was standing on end due to the energy he emanated. In fact if any of them could have taken their eyes off of the lion they would have noticed their own hair standing on end. Podramon eyed the feline carefully but if the odiferous dragon felt any fear at the sight he did not show it. The Tulismon had taken this momentary cessation of hostilities to move into more strategic positions in their fight against Glacadlimon and Echodyrasmon. Felehaomon was the first to move, leaping with shimmering white teeth aimed for Podramon's neck.
"THUNDER BITE!"
The attack missed the dragon's neck landing instead on his leathery wings. Pain wracked Podramon's body as the electricity coursed through him powerfully. The Dragon let out a river of rotting fire from his mouth forcing Felehaomon to release his hungry grip on Podramon's wing. Podramon seemed to test the wing as his fire stopped flowing as if to make sure it would still work he took off flying at Felehaomon with anger in his eyes.
"Septic Wing!"
The great dragon swung his wings in they let out a burst of energy not toward Felehaomon but toward his friends. Felehaomon blocked it as best he could taking the brunt of the blow. Podramon was on him then raking at his skin with those horrific talons. It did little good though as touching the lion directly got Podramon zapped and jolted. The dragon reared its head and let out another burst of green flames, but a fury paw over his mouth stemmed the flow and turned his head aside.
"Time to put an end to this," Felehaomon growled, his voice resounding like thunder, "Electro Hunter!"
A rush of energy overtook the lion, a ghostly form of himself, formed from pure energy, separated from his body and leapt at the dragon leaving Podramon writhing in agony along the roadside as the ethereal lion jolted him into submission. Seeing their leader in such pain spurred the Tulismon on and soon they fought with extra fervor but the great cat was upon them then. The tide had turned and the bandits left, running into the distance now fearing these new enemies more than the wrath of their master.
"You fools, you have not beaten me!" Podramon crowed finally finding his feet and lifting in breath to ready an attack. He was stopped short by a blast of icy wind, a jolt of electricity, and a powerful blow to the back of the head by what felt like a tree trunk. He stumbled forward his mind filled with blurred rage at what was happening to him, "Those relics are mine! I need them! You do not know the power you possess!"
"I think we've just witnessed that power here today," Vera said standing in awe of Haomon's new form, "Now fly away dragon, fly away and never come back."
"Away!" Felehaomon growled, a blue-yellow bolt of electricity shocking the point home and sending Podramon into the air immediately. The dragon flew away and didn't look back; too ashamed of his failure, too angry, too worried about what his superiors would say when he explained that he failed.
A victory cry went up from everyone, praising Haomon as he returned to his Rookie form and stood before them. Everyone was tired, the fight had left them weak and with quite a few new bruises, cuts and nicks. Still, the boat would be leaving that night and they were determined to make the docks in time to set sail and so none of them complained as they rushed down the road. Already the sun had dipped below the horizon leaving the sky pink and orange but they were determined to make it. Glacadlimon offered to allow riders on his back but the icy chill of his skin and the sharp quills of ice on his back were hardly inviting.
They made it to the village as the last light slipped from the sky and the town's torches flickered to life. The whole town was talking as they, dirty and bruised, made their way toward the docks. Without a moment to spare they found the Captain, a Digimon by the name of Hookmon, and after tossing him a few coins they boarded their ship.
It was an ordinary vessel, seeming very much like the ships in the days of exploration Earth had once had. With great sails that had been stained by the ocean spray of a hundred such voyages. It was the experience of the crew and the discipline or everyone around them that allowed the vessel to sail from the docks at night. As they left the Fortes Island behind the ones Called by Destiny found themselves reflecting on their journey thus far and on the friends they left behind. Leomon and Yasyamon would be far from them, unable to help them and even more pressing, alone on the island with an angry brooding Podramon. That night they stayed huddled below decks, the cold of the sea breeze too much to stay above. Their quarters were sparsely furnished and the beds were no more than rigid wooden bunks. Still, compared to camping on the cold hard ground, compared to being in constant danger in the wilds of the Digital World, the ship was a haven of comfort.
"I wonder what people are thinking back home," Vera mused aloud to John, who had agreed to share her room, with Haomon and Dyrasmon of course.
"All this time we've been debating whether or not this is real or all a dream," John said sitting beside her, "and yet back home there are people looking for us. I wonder if it all seems like a dream to them to."
"Still," Vera said, looking to Haomon who was sleeping soundly in one of the bunks, "I don't want to leave yet. There's a reason we were allowed to come here."
"Destiny my dear," John said kissing her goodnight, "Destiny."
"I thought you didn't believe in Destiny," she reminded him but he just shrugged and offered her a disarming smile as he crawled into his bunk.