Chapter 7: Stories of Far-Off Lands
Day 8 - Digital World, KedakaiLeomon HQ: Yoshi Takahashi
A few days had passed since the events of Musyamon Factory, known now as Clockmon Factory. Sasha and Yoshi had gone back a few times to greet the Hagurumon and Solarmon there. Sasha had tried to get to Clockmon, but he was always out of sight. Yoshi too, knew that he was hiding something after Sasha had confided in Vetermon and him of Clockmon's advice to her. Also, he tried multiple times to figure out the workings of the D-Links, but he found nothing. All he usually ended up with was a yelling Sasha and Vetermon telling him to keep his D-Links intact every time he tried to dissect it.
Reading a book, he was by Minoru, who was awake. The slash from the arm earlier was now a thin line, but he still had a bandage around it in case it reopened. He was healed of course, but he tired easily. Minoru was drawing by his side in a sketchbook. His bed was cluttered with art supplies. Yoshi was nervous, this was the first time he was alone with him.
"So, that book any good?"
Minoru put down his drawing and clipped his white hair with purple clips. The way he did it, it formed the roman numeral seven on the side of his face.
"Yeah, it's about digital data and the like. You know, with computers. If we're really in the Digital World, I would like to know everything about it."
"What was that other book about?"
"Oh, anti-gravity. I thought it would be a nice read."
Minoru flinched.
Yoshi took note.
"I..I see. Do you read a lot?"
"I do. My eye sight's pretty bad because of that. I'm wearing contacts at the moment." Yoshi took them out and placed them in their case by the side. He closed the book and rubbed his eyes, strained from all the reading he had done in the past five days. Minoru was a bit blurred now, but he didn't mind.
"So what were you drawing?"
"Secret." Minoru closed the sketchbook.
By the way Minoru always avoided certain subjects, anyone could tell he had secrets. It wasn't hard to tell, especially about the past. Yoshi knew that he had been here once with Sasha and probably Minoru too. Magomon left hints, and Minoru reacted to his name. Also, Minoru knew Lopmon and what their D-Links were. Ever since they've entered the Digital World, he's been nicer than he had been before the snowstorm, but he was extremely cautious about everything. He was super overprotective. The slightest trip, usually(always) Yoshi himself, caused Minoru always checked to see if he was hurt. Like a parent. Yoshi didn't really like it when anyone fawned or fretted over him. You could blame it on his parents.
Even then, despite all the rumors abound in their school, Minoru was actually a pretty nice person, just socially awkward. Yoshi had transferred from another school and entered during the second year. He didn't know what those people were thinking when they told him that Minoru was crazy and he should be avoided. All he knew was that a girl named Hitomi in his school was well and alive, but Minoru refused otherwise. Yoshi never saw this girl but he never saw Minoru either. He only remembered seeing him once giving the third year's second representative speech during the entrance ceremony to replace the second rank student who hadn't come. Minoru was third and the first was a girl named Seiko Sasaki. As for Yoshi himself, he was second year's first rank but everyone in his year said that Hitomi was unofficially rank zero, whatever that meant.
Whatever people say, they're wrong. Minoru's actually an okay guy. Sure he does snark a bit, and yeah, he's never dropping the princess bit, but he's already thrown himself into danger for us twice while Sasha and I were in danger.
To describe more about Minoru, he always pretended to be asleep when anyone besides Lopmon, Vetermon, Sasha, and himself entered. In this way, he hadn't even talked to KedakaiLemon yet. It was forbidden to look through his drawings as well. His white hair was almost passing his neck, and it was all ruffly and unkempt. Those red eyes of his were either blank, cautious, or had a nostalgic look to them. This was the first time that Minoru and him had been alone together. Sasha was making another trip to Clockmon Factoy with Vetermon and Lopmon.
"Oh, Minoru. I heard you were missing something. Another sketchbook was it?"
"Yeah." He looked out the window of the room they were in. It was quite a sight, with all the little rookie Digimon playing around. They waved and Minoru returned them. He began tearing out pages of the sketchbook he currently had, with drawings of Digimon on them. "I bumped into a girl with fish hair bands. She had blue hair." Minoru spoke as if blue was a common hair trait.
"Blue hair? Doesn't that mean she dyed it?" Yoshi contemplated on the possibility of blue hair. There were no diseases he knew that turned hair blue. He even read fifteen thick books on viruses and genetic mutations. But those fish accessories sounded familiar...
"It was her natural color. It's uncommon I guess, like how my hair's white." Minoru began folding the drawings into paper airplanes.
Yoshi didn't know how that was possible at all. He remembered that the girl in his vision had sienna hair and gray eyes. Those sapphire fish bands of hers stood out against the rich, long lengths of her hair. Her gray eyes looked almost blue, a blue-gray is what people called it. He knew for sure that was genetic. Her mother had the same eyes. Yoshi also knew the girl too, albeit indirectly. Whenever a party was thrown, he would seclude himself in his parent's grand library. Yoshi greatly disliked the parties held, they were noisy and all those people wanted was to get on his parent's good side. That girl, fancily dressed as he was, would come with him every time. She was an year older, like Minoru, and was Seiko Sasaki who was the third year first rank in school. Her parents were actually genuine friends of his so he didn't mind her presence. Seiko would be equally absorbed in her literature as he was.
"Well, from what I've read, blue hair's impossible."
"After entering into the Digiworld, does it really matter? I mean, I think blue hair's possible if this world exists." Minoru aimed and threw the paper planes out the window. Little rookie Digimon caught them and awed at Minoru's skill.
Yoshi took his contacts in and was about to put one in. After placing one on his right eye, he looked down to see a picture of a black haired girl. It was a then and now piece. She was quite pretty, but in a mysterious way. The smile on her lips were turned up in a playful manner. The 'now' parts had several different looks and hairstyles as well as fashion choices.
"Who's that?" Yoshi was about to place the second contact in."Is it someone you know?"
Minoru slammed the book and stared at Yoshi in bewilderment.
"Hey sorry if-"
"Yooshii!" Sasha's voice could be heard coming, and fast.
*Bam*
Yoshi dropped his contact in surprise. He tried searching for it. Right when he was about to pick it up-
*Crush*
He looked at the remains of his contact.
"..."
"Sorry."
Lopmon swayed with great timidness. She was frightened.
"Ah, it's okay. I've got glasses right here." Yoshi pulled out his case and took out his glasses. They were rectangular and amber in color. A mix of orange and yellow, which he liked.
"Yoshi wears glasses?" Sasha was now in the room with Vetermon. She got really close to his face. "I think it looks great on you."
Yoshi blushed and backed away. He tripped on the chair he had been on. Sasha caught him again like the last gazillion times.
"Yoshi, you fell again! I'm beginnin' to think you're doing this on purpose. Or that you really have a bad sense of balance." She laughed and pushed him back up.
NO! You're just so oblivious. How did I fall in love with someone like Sasha? It was love at first sight too, even if she's totally not my ideal girl. Even the way she talks is strange. She didn't even start using it until we entered the Digital World. Some superhero show. Yoshi wanted to bang his head against the bedpost.
Minoru stifled a laugh. "Well, a princess needs a knight, do they not?"
"I'm fine," Yoshi turned tomato red. "and Minoru, stop that."
"Yes, Sir Yoshi has had enough."
Yes! Vetermon understands!
"It should be queen by the way. Sir Minoru, princess is too low of a position for Sir Yoshi."
Wha- NO!
Yoshi rushed to the window and let out a yell. Several Digimon were startled but waved back. Some looked love struck. Sasha always kept away his unwanted admirers for the past five days. He was extremely glad for that. Yoshi waved back to the Digimon outside, some still dazzled by his presence.
"So, I see that you're all here. Ah Minoru, finally awake I see."
KedakaiLeomon chuckled as he entered the doorway. He still radiated that charisma of his. Yoshi felt like it could blind him any minute. Minoru's knuckles whitened as he clutched to the sheets, his face matching the color of his hair. He looked hesitant and cautious.
"Let me formally introduce myself," KedakaiLeomon took a deep bow, "my name is KedakaiLeomon. I'm a champion level Digimon and for the past three years I have been leading the resistance against the Digimon Tsumi. I've heard so much about your previous exploits."
Minoru turned to face the window, not looking towards them. "That's...great."
"And for your loss, we are sorry."
"What loss?" Minoru was clueless.
"For Hitomi and Kiyoshi's partner."
"..."
Minoru was silent. His eyes widened. He stared down and became immobile, like the time during the snowstorm.
"Get out." His voice was dangerously low.
"Excuse me?"
"Get out!"
Minoru began frantically throwing anything he could get his hands on. All four of them rushed out of the room. They could hear things hitting the door, even though they had already left.
"Um, wow." Sasha was shocked by Minoru's sudden bipolar outburst. Yoshi was too.
"KedakaiLeomon! I told you it was a touchy subject!" Lopmon's little form exploded in fury.
"Sir KedakaiLemon, that was extremely foolish of you." Vetermon's storms raged in her eyes. "Even if you are quite young as a leader, you must pay attention to your subordinates' sensitivity."
"Eh? I'm terribly sorry. Terribly so." KedakaiLeomon sheepishly put one hand behind his head. "I didn't think it was that serious. Hasn't it been three years?"
"Wounds can heal but the scars remain." Vetermon clucked her tongue.
"By the way, who's Hitomi? And Kiyoshi for that matter?" Yoshi piped up, trying to change the subject.
"Come, lets talk somewhere else." Vetermon motioned to another room, far off from Minoru's.
They all sat down in the kitchen area. Digimon were bustling around getting orders and others chowing down on their food. Yoshi ordered some black coffee while Sasha was next to him, eating a parfait. It looked quite delicious, but he wasn't a sweets person. While the others and him were waiting for the coffee, Sasha was admiring the glass that contained the parfait.
"See here, The earliest known glass artifacts are from Egypt. They date back to 1350 BC. However, it was the Romans who first produced transparent glass to admire the color of their wine."
"Really?" Yoshi was pretty interested. He never really read any books on glass or glass art.
"Yeah, glassblowin' is still done the same way today, and the method was created durin' medieval times. It takes years and years to master. I just started last year. Even my parents say that they aren't perfect. They say that they need to constantly practice to create pieces."
"Really? Are you're parents both glass blowers?" Lopmon was sipping some cocoa.
"Yeah. It was actually their hobby a long time ago. They were mechanical engineers back then."
"That's cool." Yoshi closed the book he was skimming through. "You seem to know a lot about this."
"Yeah, I'm not very smart but I guess this is one area I'm good at," Sasha smiled sweetly and Yoshi thought that for a second, she was incredibly pretty. "I mean, I really want to follow in my parent's footsteps and create awesome stuff too. Like see here, I made this with my parents." She brought up a glass whistle shaped like a bird. It had small details that helped refine the bigger picture. It seemed very realistic. "Pretty sweet huh?"
"It's beautiful." Yoshi smiled back. "It matches you well too."
"Ah, thanks Yoshi!" She slapped him on the back, a little hard if he had to say.
Their food arrived, and Sasha still had room to stuff her face. Yoshi only ate some food here and there and felt full pretty fast. Everyone else ate tons more than him. After everyone was done, they ordered Minoru some food too. They didn't know exactly what he liked but Vetermon said that it was the thought that counted. Lopmon nodded in agreement.
They were all content when they were finished. Sasha put in two sugar cubes in his coffee and brought it to him.
"Here you go."
"Oh thanks," he took the coffee and sipped a bit. Then he frowned. "How did you know I liked my coffee this way?"
"I dunno, pure dumb luck Yoshishi?"
"You got my name wrong!"
"Sorry, I stuttered."
Yoshi still drank the coffee anyway.
"Well you see," Sasha was now eating ice cream. She pointed the spoon towards Yoshi, a scoop of the dessert on it. "I remember this kid who liked bitter cocoa with two sugar cubes." She ate the ice cream off the spoon.
"That was me just about three years back." Yoshi was curious. "Maybe we met back when? Magomon did say that we already came here."
"I know right?" Sasha clanged her spoon against the empty bowl. "That's exactly what I was thinking. So that means we know Minoru too! And the goggles boy I told you about."
"Also the girl with the fish hair bands."
"Miss Sasha, Sir Yoshi, you indeed know them."
"Then does that mean we know Hitomi and Kiyoshi?"
"Yes, you do."
"Then everyone back then must be here right?" Sasha fist pumped in the air. "Let's go lookin' for them!"
"I'm afraid that's not possible Miss Sasha." Lopmon and Vetermon stopped eating and stared into their cups.
"Why?" Yoshi and Sasha didn't like where this was going.
"Hitomi is...dead, and Kiyoshi's Digimon partner is missing." Vetermon quietly spoke to the circle.
Sasha lowered her fist and Yoshi set down his cup. They both had a distraught look. One dead and another missing.
If a partner is missing, then doesn't that mean someone's in danger if all seven of us came? Hitomi... isn't that the girl at school? Wait, is it the same girl at our school? I don't know her last name so I can't be for sure. I did hear that Minoru and her were childhood friends. Since we were all here three years ago, then I'm sure it's her. That must be why Minoru's acts like he does. Does he remember our time here? Then wait wait wait, who is the Hitomi at our school?
"Is this why Minoru's so cautious of everyone?" KedakaiLeomon had a worried look, like a father who had a quarrel with his son.
"Yes, and you want to check on my Digiegg. It's missing."
The five of them spun their heads around to see Minoru leaning against the wall of the entrance for support. He looked very tired, but he had a furious look on his face.
Vetermon and Lopmon gasped.
"Spíthamon's not here?" Lopmon was astonished. "And Minoru, get to bed right now! You aren't fit enough."
"Not until we find Spíthamon. I think I'll be fine by tomorrow too. So let me go and find him."
"Your partner is not here?" Kedakaimon was confused. "We made sure to keep extra care of your Digiegg. That's not possible. Unless-"
"There is a traitor in our midst."
Everyone went silent.
"KedakaiLeomon, a new Digiegg sighted and another missing!" A Lillymon flew up to them swinging her arms up and down in a panic.
"Calm down, calm down, we know the missing one is Minoru's. Where is the new Digiegg sighted?"
"At Witchelny Crossway."
"Sasha, Vetermon, Yoshi, and Lopmon will go and retrieve the Digiegg." KedakaiLeomon was walking towards Minoru and stared down at him. "We will send a search team for Spíthamon. You will not be joining."
"I will go." Minoru glared up, unafraid of the towering figure.
"And what makes you think that?" KedakiLeomon bent down to face him eye to eye. Well, almost due to KedakaiLeomon's huge height.
"I-I have to." Minoru started stuttering, nervous. "I-I can't...can't fail again. I can't give-give up." His legs were shaking and they gave out. He collapsed and KedakaiLeomon caught him.
"Bring him to his room." KedakaiLemon handed him to Lillymon. She nodded and slowly glided away.
"I will investigate the break in and go with the search team. Be ready to depart to Witchelny Crossway." He walked out of the kitchen, his cape majestically swishing in one fell swoop.
XXXXX
Day 8 - Digital World, Witchelny Crossway: Yoshi Takahashi
The gondola was making it's way towards the island, illuminated by lamps and other lighting devices of all kinds. Yoshi and Sasha gawked at the sight. All of them began playing with the lights around them. Yoshi stopped as he wanted to keep an image of a mature individual. Vetermon told him to continue as he was just a thirteen year old kid. So he gave in. Sasha began blabbing about how the gondolas and the Victorian style lamps in the sky reminded her of Otaru, her home.
"Pretty aren't they?" The Sorcermon rowing them struck up a conversation.
"Yes." Yoshi smiled. They were pleasing to the eye. He pushed up his drooping glasses by the bridge. The lights gave the sea a colored reflection, so the water appeared to be colored. Some formed patterns and pictures. Yoshi knew that Minoru would be interested in this place since he was an artist. He sighed peacefully as he watched Sasha and Lopmon fingering the lights around, changing the forms in the water. For the first time in awhile, Yoshi felt as if he was completely safe.
"We've arrived!" The Sorcermon docked the boat in the harbor. Yoshi helped Lopmon get off while Vetermon did the same for Sasha.
As soon as they reached the entrance, they were amazed by the sight. Many Digimon were selling magical wares at many booths. Several Digimon were flying in the air. The whole place was crowded with Digimon pushing each other to get through.
Sasha ruffled her short, boyish hair. "Well, how are we going to find a Digiegg in this place? We don't even know whose it is." She rubbed her arms, cold due to her short flannel shirt. The gray checkered shirt wasn't the greatest in this chilly weather. The wind breezed some more and she shivered.
"Ah, here you go." Yoshi draped his sweater around her.
Lopmon whistled. Yoshi blushed.
"Wowza, thanks a bunches Yoshi." She wore it and laughed. "It doesn't even fit though." Sasha was totally unaware of what Lopmon just did.
Vetermon sighed at Sasha's obliviousness. By this time, even she was aware of Yoshi's obvious affection for her.
"Here let me help." He rolled up the sleeves blushing all the way through.
"Yoshi, your red again, feelin' sick?" She brought a hand to his forehead. She was close, too close!
Yoshi instinctively backed away. As much as he was kind to her, he didn't like or want any physical touch. You could blame that again, on his parents. Yoshi tripped and instead of being caught by Sasha, it was a wizard-like Digimon.
"You okay? If not, try one of my potions? I guarantee it's effectiveness."
"Sorry, but no thanks." Yoshi stood up quickly and became embarrassed due to his clumsiness.
"I forgot to introduce myself, huh? The name's Wizardmon." He brought his hand out.
He had a wizard hat with a skull smack dab in the middle. Wizardmon had blue skin and his face was mostly covered by his long cape. There was some Digicode written on the inside of his cape, but Yoshi didn't know what it said since he wasn't fluid in the language yet. His clothes were yellow and orange with a bunch of huge zippers everywhere. He wore brown leather gloves and shoes. These four items had moon accessories on them. To finish the look, he was carrying a sun staff. Compared to the other Wizardmon Yoshi had seen, the difference was that this Wizardmon had an X scar on his forehead.
Yoshi and everyone shook it in return. Yoshi boosted up Lopmon for help.
"I'm your guide at Witchelny Crossway. If you follow me you won't get lost. I have the Digiegg safe in my possesion."
They began to squish their way towards Wizardmon's place. The Digimon began whispering around the area as their eyes befell on the humans they saw. Yoshi was reminded of Sapporo Factory all of a sudden due to the feeling of the shops and Digimon reminding him of the busy hours. He was finally happy to be a part of the crowd, but at the same time it felt as it if he was just a small part of the world. Well, two worlds now.
The group ended up at a huge square in the middle of Witchelny Crossway. There was a statue of King Yggdrasil and his Royal Knights all lined behind him. They all sat down and Wizardmon gave them the names of each and descriptions. Saving King Yggdrasil for last, Wizardmon explained how he was like a god, but that sometimes even a god could weaken. Wizardmon also talked about a few battles and it felt as if he was right there fighting alongside them, the way he described them. Yoshi let Lopmon rest on his head and the two talked about Wizardmon's lectures.
Yoshi suddenly felt like someone was watching him, and not in a good way. Just like in the mansion the other night. Except that was with Magomon.
"Ruby Eye!"
It aimed for Yoshi and Sasha. Vetermon and Wizardmon stepped in front of them.
"Air Burst!"
"Blink Breeze!"
The two Digimon canceled out the beam. The marketplace exploded into chaos. Digimon were running every which way trying to find the culprit. Yoshi and Sasha grabbed hands to avoid being separated. Yoshi was extremely uncomfortable with the sudden contact but he withstood it due to their situation.
"Silence!" Wizardmon was now up in the air. Everyone grew quiet.
"It's Wizardmon! The number one Digimon here!" A Sorcermon was energetic.
"Yes!" A Wizardmon next to him nodded his head faster than the speed of light.
Yoshi didn't know that Wizardmon was such a big name here.
"Everyone, silence. The Vortex Warriors will arrive shortly. No one was hurt, and no property was damaged. The culprit will be apprehended soon enough."
"If Wizardmon says so!" Several Witchmon squeed like fangirls.
All the Digimon began clapping, as if assured by just a few words alone. Sasha and Yoshi weren't too sure the danger was over yet. The Baluluna Gale targeted them, not anyone else.
They soon reached Wizardmon's little cottage. When they went inside, the outside was a lie. It was like the mansion they stayed in during the first night, except it wasn't abandoned or falling apart.
"Well here you go." Wizardmon dumped a Digiegg into Yoshi's hands. "It's yours."
"Eh?" Yoshi muttered as he and Sasha peered down. The Digiegg was a mixture of light and dark. It was a swirling vortex of yellow and black. The two colors seemed to be clashing against the other, trying to win over the main spot.
It was that easy!? I thought we would be attacked again. Does the market incident count? If so, then compared to Sasha's, that was a piece of cake.
"Magomon personally handed it to me." Wizardmon's eyes closed. Yoshi could imagine him smiling under his cape.
"Wizardmon, your back!" A Witchmon landed on the floor and picked up the broom it used for flight. "We were waiting all day for you!"
"Welcome," A Flawizarmon entered and bowed deeply, "we heard of the commotion down in the square. None of you or your guests were harmed, correct?"
"Well of course Flawizarmon!" Witchmon jumped up and down in excitement. "Look at them, they're obviously fine! The two of us will set dinner right away!" She dragged Flawizarmon away.
"Haha, those are my two friends." Wizardmon chuckled. "Without them I wouldn't have been able to be where I am. Even though they tend to act as my servants more than friends by the sheer amount of chores they do for me. In three years I've become somewhat of a town hero. Hungry everyone? Let's have dinner!"
Dinner was even more extravagant than lunch would ever be. It reminded Yoshi of his parent's dinner parties, except that it actually enjoyable. He silently laughed at Sasha's amazement of all the food she'd never seen before. The food was made with magic, so plates refilled instantly. Wizardmon and others made a huge show floating food and eating utensils around. It was a glorious sight. Yoshi felt like he was in the fairy tales and fantasy stories with those witches and wizards he always read about. He also ate more than he ever had, something his parents tried to make him do so long ago. He felt like he wasn't restrained by someone and could act like himself. Everyone had a great time.
Wizardmon suggested they stay for the night. It was also due to protection of the Digiegg and themselves because of the attack earlier that evening. The group agreed one hundred percent.
After dinner, everyone slept, except for Yoshi and Lopmon. He holed himself up in Wizardmon's extensive library. Lopmon followed him to make sure nothing happened to him. He skimmed through some books while glancing back at the Digiegg every now and then. For some reason Yoshi knew it was his, but he didn't know why. It's not like he had any evidence.
From what he read, Witchelny was an alternate dimension to the Digital World. Well, that was three worlds now. Digimon from Witchelny came to hone their skills in the Digital World. A Digimon called MedievalDukemon helped further ancient Withcelny to become what it was today. He was more of a legend now.
Then, another book caught his interest. It was titled Stories of Far-Off Lands.
He opened the first page. Lopmon moved closer, curious of Yoshi's reaction to the book.
This book is dedicated to my parents, little brother, and everyone else close to me.
I thank my friend, Minoru Yamamoto, for the illustrations.
"Wha...Minoru Yamamoto!?" Yoshi skipped to the end.
Written by Hitomi-
Her last name was cut off, or more like ripped off.
Okay, for sure this was the Hitomi from school. No doubt about it. Minoru's full name is here, and he did the illustrations. Who else has the exact same names and who else can draw immensely well? Then wait, who is the Hitomi in our school? Yoshi decided to fully investigate when he went back home.
"Yoshi! The curiosity is killing me!" Lopmon was now full of energy. "Read it!"
He began reading from the first chapter. Judging from the context, it was short stories and each chapter was a different story.
The first story had a picture at the beginning. It showed a young boy with a little crown in his head. He was looking outside a window. His face was full of curiosity.
"The Sheltered Prince"
A prince lived in a magnificent castle.
It was white and adorned with banners. Tall and mighty, it was impregnable.
This was especially true for the prince.
The outside was bright and sunny. It was a perfect time.
"Mother, father, may I go out today? The weather is fine."
"No you may not," the queen clucked her tongue, "the weather is not suited for you."
"No you may not," the king shook his head, " the heir to the throne must ALWAYS be in top condition."
So the boy obeyed his parents.
Shortly after, another day arose.
The outside was bright and sunny. Children just like him were playing with each other. It was a perfect time.
"Mother, father, may I go out today? The weather is fine and I could play with the other children."
"No you may not," the queen clucked her tongue, "the weather is not suited for you. The children are not like you, you need special care."
"No you may not," the king shook his head, "the heir to the throne must ALWAYS be above others."
So the boy obeyed his parents.
Years passed and the prince grew up into a strong, young man.
His coronation was coming up.
The outside was bright and sunny. Children were playing with each other. A festival was happening because of him. It was a perfect time.
"Mother, father, may I go out today? The weather is fine, and I could greet my fellow subjects."
"No you may not," the queen clucked her tongue, "the weather is not suited for you. Your subjects do not need to see their ruler. The coronation is enough."
"No you may not," the king shook his head, "the heir to the throne must ALWAYS be ready to lead from inside the castle."
The prince grew up and became king. Just like his parents taught him, he never set foot outside his castle grounds.
He married and had children.
One day his own children came up to him.
The outside was bright and sunny. It was a perfect time.
"Mother, father, may I go out today? The weather is fine." All his children stated one by one.
"No you may not," the queen clucked her tongue, "the weather is not suited for you."
"No you may not," the king shook his head, "the heirs to the throne must ALWAYS be in top condition."
"But mother, father," the youngest spoke up, "what do I do if I disagree with you?"
The sheltered king took one look at his children and was at a loss for words.
The last page had the boy, now a grown man turning away from the window, a face afraid.
Yoshi just stared at the book, his hands sweating.
How, how does it know?
"Yoshi?" Lopmon looked to him in a motherly fashion.
"You alright there?"
Witchmon appeared out of nowhere. Yoshi and Lopmon jumped out of their seats.
"Sorry, sorry, didn't mean to scare you two."
"No, it's just me." Yoshi closed the book.
"Nice Digiegg you got there."
"This? Well I wish it would turn itself into my partner."
"That would save a lot of lives."
"Yes it would." Lopmon added in.
"It sure is dangerous, isn't it?" The Witchmon sat down in front of Yoshi. "Weren't the lights pretty on the gondolas?"
"Yes," he smiled. Witchmon looked lovestruck. Yoshi became a bit nervous because of this.
"And the way you guys looked at the water, your faces were so cute!" She giggled uncontrollably.
Wait...
"How we looked into the water?" Lopmon caught on too.
"Yes, why?"
"For the record, we didn't meet you until we came to Wizardmon's house." How would you know how we looked back then?" Yoshi was suddenly suspicious.
"What are you talking about?" Witchmon's smile seemed transfixed into her face, now sinister. "Everyone has an awed face when they first see Witchelny Crossway."
"When we were attacked, a little of the magic was taken away from this place." Yoshi sighed, still alert. He took his Digiegg and cradled it in his arms.
"Yes, the Boogeymon who attacked was quite vicious, was he not? Attacking in the middle of the crowd." Witchmon let out a haughty laugh.
"He was quite insane for doing so, he could have been caught easily." Lopmon agreed with her.
Yoshi suddenly stood up and grabbed Lopmon, the Digiegg, and Stories of Far-Off Lands.
"I think we should be going now." Yoshi tried to rush out the door.
"No, I suggest you to stay." He bumped into Witchmon who suddenly blocked his way.
"I should be checking up on Sasha now. And Wizardmon. I want to ask him for this book."
"Can't you do that tomorrow?" Her sweet, sweet smile made his stomach feel sick. "I have someone who wanted to meet you very much. He's been waiting for hours, days even. After we're done with you, we need you for something else. But don't worry, the other one's very kind as well."
Yoshi backed away. Lopmon stood in front of him, facing Witchmon.
"Is it Boogeymon? Am I right?" Yoshi questioned.
"Why don't you ask him for yourself?"
"Yoshi! Behind you!"
He dodged out of the way and saw a pitchfork stuck in the ground where he had last been. Yoshi looked up to see what he imagined a cartoon devil would appear to be. Except that it was even more demonized and the red reminded him of his own blood. He blinked as he noticed that one of his eyes was damaged to the point of blindness. Whoever did that must have survived to see another day. Maybe he could too.
The Boogeymon swung again and he rolled out of the way. He let go of his Digiegg by accident. Yoshi ran to get it.
"Baluluna Gale!"
"Tiny Twister!"
The two winds canceled out. Lopmon and Witchmon began to fight. Yoshi could hear Sasha and the others coming.
Just as he was about to reach his Digiegg-
"Death Crush!"
His Digiegg took the brunt of the attack.
"NO!"
Yoshi took the Digiegg in his arms. There was a crack straight down the middle. The two colors seperated into the two halves.
"Ready?" Boogeymon raised his pitchfork. He swiftly brought it down as if did it a hundred times.
"Yoshi! Vetermon, hurry!"
"Vetermon digivolve to Buryamon!
Explosive Currents!"
"Blink Breeze!"
Buryamon's attack knocked Boogeymon off balance. Wizardmon's blew him and he hit the wall.
"Yoshi, you alright? Not hurt?" Sasha knelt down close besides him.
"I am, but the Digiegg isn't." Yoshi brought it up for her to see.
"Oh." Sasha put an arm around him in comfort. Yoshi accepted her sympathy.
Buryamon inspected the injured Digiegg. She was anxious.
"In all my years, this has never happened before. Sir Yoshi, do you want me to tell you exactly who your partner was?"
"Yes, I do."
"His name was Lueurmon. He balanced our group well."
"Balance?"
"Yes, he always seemed to solve anything handed to him. Luerumon put other's interests before himself, even if it wasn't what he wanted. He looked out for all of us indirectly or directly."
"Really?" Yoshi stared at the Digiegg that might not hatch.
"He was actually quite rowdy at first. Always refusing to participate in anything. Luerumon changed because of you."
"Me? I don't even remember anything I did three years ago."
"Well, if he hatches, just ask him." Buryamon went off to fight Boogeymon. Wizardmon aided Lopmon.
Sasha and Yoshi continued to watch the Digimon fight. Blows were exchanged and the library became a mess.
"Wait, where's Flawizarmon?"
As soon as Sasha blurted the words, an arm gripped her.
"Sasha!" He managed to grab on of her free hands. He glanced up and was face to face with Flawizarmon.
"Let go."
Yoshi shook his head. Scared as he was, he wasn't going to let Sasha taken away.
Witchmon and Boogeymon flew up to where FlaWizarmon was and joined them.
"You have two options before you, Yoshi Takahashi. Surrender now and be taken away. If not, the other option is to watch Witchelny Crossway burn."
What is up with these options? Just because there's two provided, that doesn't mean they're the only ones. There must be a third, or a fourth, maybe even a fifth. Yoshi was trying to get his mind working. Sasha yelled some words he was better off not knowing. Yoshi then decided.
"Neither."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me Flawizarmon."
Yoshi then kicked Flawizarmon's ribs and with a grunt, let Sasha go. Buryamon caught her.
"Take me only. I'm defenseless and everything."
"Yoshi! Don't!" Lopmon was shocked by his words.
"I'm only kidding. Here's a better idea. Just aim for them now." Yoshi was betting his whole life on this plot.
"What are you saying?" Wizardmon lowered his staff. "There's no way I or anyone else will attack them. You're in the way."
"Even the more."
"Then I shall."
"Buryamon, what are you sayin'! You can't just do that."
"Miss Sasha, I am sure Yoshi has a plan."
And with that, she aimed an Explosive Currents straight towards him.
"Drop him!" Witchmon ordered. "We can't have him damaged beyond repair! Boss still needs him!"
He fell. As he was falling, Wizardmon was flying to catch him while Witchmon was doing likewise. Still holding onto Luerumon's Digiegg, he braced himself for his fate.
Then his Digiegg somehow hatched. With a dull and bright light, his egg split into two Digimon. They whisked him away from both Witchmon and Wizardmon and they set him gently on the ground.
"T-two?" Buryamon just stared.
"And exactly what do we have here?" The taller one sighed and looked around. He had no shadow. "The last time I checked, I wasn't in danger. Nor was Yoshi. This place is filthy too, isn't it Dimon?"
"Yes!" The Digimon leaped up and down in excitement, her shadow changing lengths constantly. She also inspected her surroundings. "Luerumon, it's Buryamon and Sasha!"
"I can see that." He looked down at Yoshi, who was quite shocked by two Digimon coming from his Digiegg.
"Luerumon ready to do your bidding." He bowed.
"I, Dimon, also am ready to help!" She bowed even lower, as if trying to out compete Luerumon.
? - Minoru Yamamoto
"Hitomi, what are you doing?" Minoru sat besides her, pulling out a sketchpad.
"Writing stories of some far-off land." She hummed a tune.
Relaxed, Minoru listened to the tune. It was a bit melancholic for his tastes. Peering over her writing, he began to illustrate. His bangs began to get in the way again. He needed a haircut. When? He didn't know.
"Here you go!"
She clipped her own hair clips onto his hair, getting it out of his eyes.
"See, a perfect roman numeral seven!" She laughed a bit. "Why is the number six so scared? Because seven eight nine!"
Minoru groaned. As much as he enjoyed her company, well she was his only company besides her brother, her puns were extremely lame. As he saw her laughing frame, her bangs got in the way of her face.
"Ah these, Don't worry, I'm getting a haircut soon! Keep those."
"Sis!"
Her brother had come.
"Do you want to listen to my new story? It's quite different from my previous ones."
"Of course! And bro here is going to do the illustrations, right?"
"Yes." Minoru ruffled his black hair. The little boy beamed at him. So small compared to him, Hitomi was too.
The three sat down in a circle and Hitomi began her tale.
"The Sheltered Prince"
So much stuff happened in this chapter! Thanks for all the views so far. Each one really makes me happy. :D
Thanks again for my sister in fixing errors and whatnot. So many Digimon! Well doesn't KedakaiLeomon sound incompetent if he lost Minoru's Digiegg? Well Minoru's annoyed at his loss. And we all know where his Digiegg is in the first place... may Hitomi retrieve it for him. Yeah, sorry for writing Minoru out technically. He doesn't do much of anything really besides being annoyed and angry and dreaming in this chappie. Well, he'll get action soon enough!
Now Yoshi has two Digimon! Haha. Hope that you got insight to his character in this chapter. Next time, his Digimon will be fully introduced.
Also, Hitomi is the writer of the book. Did you notice the part in chapter 4 where Minoru mentioned Hitomi was writing stories of far off lands?