So sorry for a super late update between these two chapters. A lot of events have been going on in my life, so the many hiatuses have commenced. :(
I don't know when I'm going to update again, but maybe in October or possibly November. I hope everyone likes this chapter! :D
Chapter 12: You Weren't a Dream
? - Digital World, Tordenmon's House: Magomon
"Touch anything, and I'll fling a thunderbolt," Tordenmon placed her fan to her face, keeping an eye out for Magomon.
"Those days are past me." Magomon raised his hands. His mask covered his smirking face.
"Lies." Tordenmon threw her fan, and it sent Magomon's mask flying. His glowing red eyes reflected against her dull, black eyes. "I'm not a dunce you know."
"Says the digimon who tried to bring eternal sleep." Magomon picked up his mask and wore it again.
"Says the digimon who was trying to steal everything he could get his hands on." A new fan reappeared in her hands, and Tordenmon fanned herself. "Ah, so much work. If I could only sleep just a little longer." She yawned and led Magomon into her Japanese styled home. It was huge, but the majestic beauty of the house was wasting away in the isolated area it resided in.
"I might not have what Llamamon needs, but it's a start." Tordenmon opened several doors, or in better terms, destroyed doors with thunderbolts. Surprisingly, the doors seemed to repair themselves. "That narcissist asking me for everything and anything. Why couldn't she go to Éclatmon instead?"
Magomon ignored her complaining. Geez, for someone so lazy, she sure talks a lot. Not like I wanted to be here or anything... Buryamon isn't a talker, she's more of a fighter. Llamamon really couldn't do this herself? He sighed as they finally entered a somewhat cluttered grand library. Every piece of literature was written in scrolls.
"Okay, start searching." Tordenmon sat down on the only empty cushion and closed her eyes.
"Hey hey hey," Magomon shook her a bit, "we're looking together."
"I've already led you in here," Tordenmon threw her fan again, and Magomon's mask fell onto the floor, "I believe that's enough."
"I don't. Not one bit." Magomon glared.
"I see, and someone like you was able to recruit two digimon on your side, including me." Tordemon glared in return. The mark of the donkey on her leg became visible as she shifted her violet kimono with the lavender butterflies trailing down one side. Her long, straight white hair was all over the floor. The violet butterfly accessories in her hair glistened in the light. She cracked open an eye, pitch black as the darkness when one's eyes were closed.
"My lady," a small wolf-like digimon approached the two bickering digimon, "it would take less time if all three of us searched."
"Spíthamon, what a great idea!" Tordenmon sat up, with new vigor. "Less time means more sleep on my part!"
"That's because you couldn't think of it yourself." Magomon dodged the incoming thunderbolt. It dissipated before it could damage any of the literature.
"So... let's get searching." Spíthamon began looking into some scrolls. His white fur bristled with a bit of electricity.
Tordenmon and Magomon began searching too. Rubbing his eyes, Magomon pored over dozens and dozens of scrolls.
"What are we looking for anyway? Any specifics?" Magomon tossed some scrolls to the side that wasn't any use to them.
Tordenmon was skimming some over. "You told me Llamamon wanted some kind of scroll for her world conquest of some sort? About Schneemon's empire." Not that I would let her rule the world.
"Before my lady discovered the joys of slumber she traveled the land extensively to judge whether the world was unfit for us digimon." Spíthamon was cleaning up the scrolls on the floor that Magomon and Tordenmon ruled out. "Along the way, my lady gained much information sought for by other digimon. She had visited Schneemon's empire multiple times and compared it to Llamamon's."
"Fire and ice," Tordenmon stated as she threw another scroll which Spíthamon caught," they couldn't be more different. Personally, I'm rooting for Schneemon as I can't stand Llamamon at the moment. Scratch that," she yawned, her eyes watering, "I would like both of them to fall. That would account for a more peaceful world."
"Isn't Llamamon your friend since your rookie days?" Magomon asked as he kept reading scroll after scroll.
"Oh yes, but that was long ago. If your friend was trying to rule the world, would you stay with her? I got out of there as soon as I could." Tordenmon threw several scrolls in the air. Spíthamon was able to catch each and every one. "This really isn't my forte. This is more Éclatmon's job."
"Who is this digimon you keep mentioning?" Despite recruiting the two of them, Magomon barely knew much about Tordenmon and Buryamon.
"Éclatmon is a digimon from Tordenmon's rookie days." Spíthamon answered. "Including Llamamon, the three were a trio of bicker yet they were close."
"Emphasis on the were especially." Tordenmon stressed. "We were close. Tch. Another miss." The scroll dropped to the ground. "For now, Spíthamon and you are the closest digimon to me right now. Buryamon's just a little... loud."
"So what happened?" Magomon inquired. "Llamamon almost killed me just by the mention of your name."
"And why not? Just hearing her name irritates me to no end." Tordenmon huffed. "The cause is a secret. No stranger needs to know."
After some more reading, their search was fruitless. There was still much more to go through as well. The three digimon rested in silence, their eyes strained from all the literature they had gone through. Tordenmon was falling asleep, as usual, with Spíthamon on the lookout.
*Bang* *Crash*
"Teacher Magomon?! Lady Tordenmon?! I, Buryamon, has come to assist you!" Buryamon's voice rang throughout the house. Several more crashes were heard. "The doors got in the way of my assistance! Please forgive the damage and intrusion!"
Magomon sighed. Let the noise commence. Tordenmon tried to cover her ears with two cushions. Spíthamon folded his ears, so he couldn't hear anything. Lucky.
Feet stomping and heavy armor clinking could be heard coming closer and closer. The door was open wide by Buryamon. Tordenmon groaned and aimed a bolt which Buryamon deflected easily.
"Lady Tordenmon, Teacher Magomon, and Sir Spíthamon! Let's keep searching all night! Queen Llamamon sent me here, telling me she was impatient with the results. With my help, the four of us will definitely find the scroll she seeks! Don't worry, Sir Dynasmon will be coming soon to help us search, as well as Sir Craniamon." Buryamon lifted several scrolls and began scanning them. "Don't worry Teacher! I'll show you how proficient I am! I won't let you down, just watch!"
"More guests!? All of a sudden this house is becoming crowded." Tordenmon was trying to peel off Buryamon. " Spíthamon, I'll greet the two coming so please continue searching with these two." Tordemon, with a visible popped vein, left as soon as Buryamon was off her.
Buryamon was reading two scrolls at a time. Spíthamon tugged on Magomon's pants. He bent down to listen to Spíthamon.
"Even though it doesn't seem like it, Lady Tordenmon is quite happy with the number of people." Spíthamon whispered.
"... She is?" Magomon hissed. "You call that happy?"
"Well," Spíthamon flicked his bushy tail," this is the first time in a while she's ever talked and stayed awake for a long time. Lady Tordenmon is still quite irritated about her plan failing though, but Buryamon and you should be able to relate to that. Your plans have also fell short as well."
Magomon froze at that comment. I was so close too. "Then, let's keep bringing her spirits up."
"Even so... Tordenmon dislikes Buryamon and just about everybody else except for you and me." Spíthamon asserted.
"You call that nice?" Magomon asked incredulously.
"Yes. Lady Tordenmon treated others much differently back then," Spíthamon chuckled," if only you saw her during her early years. Éclatmon and Llamamon could attest to that."
"Where and who is this Éclatmon anyway? Tordenmon kept mentioning him."
Spíthamon seemed concerned. "As I mentioned earlier, Éclatmon is the childhood friend of both Llamamon and Lady Tordenmon. He went missing a while ago. It's been eons since anyone last saw him. Tordenmon also went exploring the world while trying to find Éclatmon by Llamamon's request. As he's not here, it's evident that he wasn't found."
"Interesting!" Buryamon butted in the conversation. "Lady Tordenmon has gone through much." Her stormy eyes were deep in thought. "Teacher Magomon, Sir Spíthamon, let's do our best to get closer to her!"
"How much... were you listening?" Magomon asked, quite jumpy from the surprise.
"The whole thing!" Buryamon put her hands to her hips.
The three could hear Tordenmon's heavy stomps along with Craniamon's and Dynasmon's light ones.
"Let's pretend we were looking through these scrolls." Magomon suggested.
The trio nodded and went back to reading.
Day 12 - Digital World, Cliffs of Tapirmon: Kiyoshi Suzuki
After the quite frightful jump from the cliff, Kiyoshi could see the temple from a distance. Two digimon he presumed as Guardromon and Kotemon were in sight. The Guardromon looked quite friendly, but the Kotemon kept glaring at Sasha and Minoru for some reason.
"I see you're back, you brat." The Kotemon sounded as if being angry was his natural mood. "And you've brought painter boy with you."
"Um... do I know you?" Minoru bent down to meet the Kotemon on eye level. The Kotemon returned a bamboo sword to Minoru's forehead. "Ow!"
"Kotemon!" The Guardromon punched down on Kotemon's head. "Remember your manners. Sorry kiddo, he's the Musyamon from earlier."
"Oh, him." Minoru rolled his eyes. Hitomi giggled at Kotemon's furious expression he was directing towards Minoru.
"Guardromon, any digimon attack you and Kotemon?" Schneemon brought his ice cloak closer to him.
"Not any that I saw. Is someone coming after you?" Guardromon scratched his head.
"From Sir Schneemon's guess, it's a Centarumon, a Boarmon, and the other digimon... are still unknown." Buryamon stated, her claymore at her side.
Kiyoshi then heard some galloping in the distance. He began to sweat. Where are they?
Hitomi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go inside. There's no use if we stay here. We'd only hinder the digimon on our side."
The humans all backed into the temple. Sasha and Seiko stayed behind to check up on their partners when the digimon fought.
"So go down that hallway," Sasha pointed straight, "and then down that way once you see an intersection." She pointed to the left. "Germogliomon's restin' down the end there. Only Kiyoshi can wake her up with a touch kind of like Sleepin' Beauty."
Minoru, Hitomi, and Kiyoshi advanced to Germogliomon's resting area. Kiyoshi was excited to be useful for once. I can finally do something. I don't have to sit in the sidelines. But... can I? Will everyone hold me back because I'm younger than them? He remembered the black haired woman.
"He's just a kid. He wouldn't understand."
"You'll know when you're older."
Kiyoshi gritted his teeth. He balled his hands into fists. That's all my mother says to me. Whenever I want to help her shoulder all her burdens, she dismisses me with the back of her hand.
"You don't have to do anything. Just let me do everything."
Always, she always says that!
"Kiyoshi?" Hitomi slightly bent to meet his eye level.
"Uh, yeah?" Kiyoshi snapped out of his little world.
"We're here." Minoru pointed to Germogliomon.
Germogliomon was suspended on the ceiling in vines, presumably created by her. Kiyoshi sucked in his breath. Germogliomon seemed so peaceful and serene that he thought it would be rude to awaken her. Kiyoshi stepped forward and touched the vines. Responding to his touch, the vines began to disappear and gently lowered Germogliomon to the ground. The mark of the snake trailing up from her hand to arm was very noticeable. Minoru propped her up with the help of Hitomi. Stirring, Germogliomon cracked one eye open.
"Kiyoshi?" Germogliomon's carnation eyes stared at Kiyoshi's black eyes. Her eyes had little flower designs in them.
"That's me." Kiyoshi nodded, stepping forward.
"I waited so long..." Germogliomon drifted into silence, hearing the commotion outside. "Enemies?" The voice she spoke with was very soft, yet it was unique in some sort of way. It pulled everyone's eyes to her.
"We kind of led them here." Minoru muttered at the dreamy looking Germogliomon.
Germogliomon stared long at Hitomi. Hitomi seemed to be communicating something without speaking. Germogliomon nodded, and supported herself up.
Germogliomon summoned a bow out of nowhere. It was designed with nature in mind, as the carved flowers in the wood showed. She notched a green energy arrow, and led the three into the battlefield, where Seiko and Sasha were waiting.
"Great timin' everyone!" Sasha was behind a pillar. "There are currently five champions out there. We have four. Throw Germogliomon into the mix, and our numbers will equal theirs!"
"That is if Germogliomon has the capability to digivolve." Seiko pointed out. "She just woke up."
"Champion or not, I'm fighting." Germogliomon aimed her arrow, and let it fly to one of the two Boarmon in the open. It wedged itself in the Boarmon's thigh. The Boarmon screamed in pain, but shook off the arrow quite easily. Germogliomon sighed and readied another arrow. She let go, and the arrow hit the other Boarmon. The Boarmon did the same as the other.
"There's a Centarumon, two Boarmon, and a Gargoylemon." Minoru was able to identify the Digimon easily. "Where's the fifth?"
"No clue." Hitomi was looking around. "It seems to hide itself from the rest. Maybe a digimon that's good at ambushing."
"Then we must be on the defensive." Seiko asserted. "Be on the alert."
"Fall back!" Schneemon shouted. "We'll regroup back at the temple! When all of us enter, shut the door!"
"Roger!" Sasha shouted back.
Their Digimon started to retreat. "Now, close it!" Lueurmon shouted. Buryamon barely got inside as everyone began closing the door.
However, as soon as the door was shutting, Hitomi was grabbed by a flying digimon. "Kya!" Hitomi was being carried away.
Kiyoshi impulsively grabbed Hitomi around her waist as she was carried away. Germogliomon grasped one of his legs, and she gave Kiyoshi a determined look.
"Hitomi! Kiyoshi!" Minoru yelled desperately. Kiyoshi could hear him running. Kiyoshi wanted to say something, but he couldn't. The fear of being taken away kept his mouth shut.
Kiyoshi heard some more yelling but they were soon inaudible as they were carried away. Several digimon greeted them. Germogliomon aimed an arrow at a Centarumon's throat.
Day 12 - Digital World, Cliffs of Tapirmon: Yoshi Takahashi
"What!" Yoshi exclaimed. "Tell me you're lying."
Yoshi could see the other digimon except Assombrirmon become rigid.
"No, see for yourself." Isamu took out his D-Links and pointed it towards Illusionistamon.
A profile popped up on the D-Links screen.
Illusionistamon
Rookie
Moves: Copycat, Illusion Knife
Illusionistamon is the rookie form of Magomon, the renowned thief. Long ago, Illusionistamon was defeated by the Royal Knights. He was granted the task of gathering the Digimon Tsumi.
Just as Yoshi just finished reading the profile, Honomon snatched the D-Links out of Isamu's hand.
Isamu and Yoshi stared at Isamu's empty hand. "Hey!" Isamu reached for his D-Links. "Honomon, what was that for?"
Honomon gave the D-Links back to Isamu. "I didn't want you to be distracted while we were walking. Someone could ambush us any second. We should all be looking out."
Yoshi looked at Isamu. Isamu did the same. The two knew they were thinking the same thing. What a load of bull.
"Whatever Honomon, I don't need you to tell me that." Isamu huffed and walked a little forward with Assombrirmon who was now holding Illusionistamon. Honomon lagged behind with Yoshi. Isamu and Assombrirmon seemed to be discussing something.
"Um, Yoshi." Honomon twiddled his fingers. He seemed embarrassed by something. It's kind of weird to think that this intimidating digimon could do something so gentle when half the time he's trying to go after the digimon nearest to him.
"... Yeah?" Yoshi didn't really like Honomon (whether he was Kasaimon or not), but Yoshi did feel that he had to do something about Isamu and Honomon.
"Since Isamu's angry at me, what do I do? Nobody's ever been angry at me before unless it's someone who's angry at everybody twenty-four seven."
Yoshi internally rolled his eyes. Oh boy, what do I do? Why go to me in the first place? Seiko seems to be the better option. She's known the two of them longer than me. I've just met Isamu and Honomon not very long ago. He answered as honestly as he could. "I don't really know. What I would do in your position would be to let the other party cool down and then make up afterwards by a heart to heart talk. It's different for everyone though. Isamu might be the person who likes resolving problems quickly, or a person who dwells on them first." I'm the latter myself, but no one needs to know that.
Honomon looked wistfully at Isamu. It seemed like he wanted to be in Isamu's good graces again. Yoshi did start feeling worse now. It felt as if old friends were fighting. I guess they are, considering the past. Why can't I remember a single thing? Why can't all of us remember everything? All I know is that part with Seiko (when she had brown hair?) using her D-Links, and the part with Hitomi and Dynasmon?
"Thanks Yoshi. I know that you didn't think you'd help a lot, but you did. I just needed some encouragement." Honomon and Yoshi still walked behind Assombrirmon and Isamu. Honomon was keeping a close eye on Isamu. Yoshi could feel that very scary overprotective instinct Honomon had at times.
"This the place?" Assombirimon said and bent down to inspect the abyss before them. They were technically in an abyss in an abyss. Yoshi kept thinking if there were more abysses in this abyss. Before he could think of more abysses in the abyss of this abyss, several figures shot up.
"Uwah!" Yoshi avoided a hoof that almost crushed him. He felt something trying to grab his arm. Panicking, Yoshi swatted at the limb reaching for him, but he was grabbed.
"Hands off Yoshi! Spearing Chains!"
Assombrirmon aimed some shadows to grab at several digimon. Yoshi was let go by the one of the two flying digimon. Assombrirmon managed to capture one pig-looking Digimon by it's legs.
"Squee!" The pig-looking digimon acted more like an animal than any other digimon Yoshi had ever met. It was squirming in the bondage that Assombrirmon created.
"Pentagon Fire!"
Honomon aimed the fire at each of the five digimon. The pig digimon caught in Assombrirmon's shadows was vaporized, and it's digiegg was heading to Primary Village. The other digimon were too far away to get hit.
"Yoshi, Isamu!" Kiyoshi could be seen from a centaur-like digimon's grasp. "Help!" A humanoid digimon was grabbing onto Kiyoshi's arm. A bow was dangling in one of her hands.
A girl with ebony hair similar to Kiyoshi's could be seen struggling in the grasp of the talons of the owl-like digimon. Yoshi instantly recognized her as Hitomi, Magomon's partner. He saw her with a green arrow in her hands. She threw the arrow, aiming for the centaur-like digimon's eyes. Startled, it whacked the arrow away and dropped Kiyoshi.
"Hitomi!" Kiyoshi yelled. "Hitomi!" He began to futilely run after the four digimon.
"I'll be fine. Get Minoru-" Hitomi's mouth became muffled as she was being carried away.
Kiyoshi stopped running as soon as he couldn't see Hitomi anymore. Everyone could hear the digimons' footsteps rapidly disappearing.
"That was Hitomi?" Isamu was still processing what just occurred. "Kiyoshi, you okay?"
"Fine..." the digimon with Kiyoshi answered. She pointed to herself. "Germogliomon. Kiyoshi's old partner."
"Hitomi's not okay!" Kiyoshi grabbed Yoshi by his sweater. "What do we do?"
"Calm down Kiyoshi." Yoshi was thinking what to say next. He placed his hands of Kiyoshi's shoulder to calm his quivering figure. "First of all, why is Hitomi here?"
"Minoru, Minoru thought of her up. He said that Cliffs of Tapirmon could manifest dreams into reality if they were super strong or something. But I don't believe in that. I'm pretty sure this Hitomi's just an imposter or real or something, I don't know. Nobody else seems to believe in it except for Minoru." Kiyoshi spoke quickly. "Hitomi popped out of nowhere, and now she's gone!"
"Hitomi..." Illusionistamon stirred.
"You're too weak to fight." Lopmon mumbled as Honomon forced him down.
"Illusionistamon, leave it to me." Germogliomon knelt down and took one of his hands in hers. "I will take charge." Her eyes seemed like it was calculating something dark. She stood up and readied her bow. "Let's hurry, time's ticking."
"Did you just say that Hitomi's Minoru's manifestation?" Assombrirmon questioned.
"Yeah, but I said I didn't believe it." Kiyoshi nodded.
I don't believe it either. Who is this Hitomi? She looked older than three years ago. How could Minoru think up of exactly how she looked in the present day? When Seiko were together in the castle, she showed me the drawings of Hitomi. None of them looked like her. Similar yes, but not exactly. If Seiko was here, she would have figured this out as well. With the Hitomi here and the one on earth, which one is the real one? Or are the both of them fakes?
"How do these dreams come to life anyway if they do? I mean, Minoru's pretty weird and loony in the head. So if Hitomi just appears outta nowhere, does this mean he's delusional or wants to see Hitomi really badly? Maybe he likes her! Like how Yoshi likes Sasha!"
Yoshi coughed loudly. "Besides that, where did you come from?"
"There's a temple down below. It housed Germogliomon, a Guardromon which is an android digimon, and a Kotemon. Kotemon's the Musyamon you apparently met at the factory." Kiyoshi explained.
Yoshi flashed back to the very loud Musyamon. Are digimon reborn and hatched that fast?
"Then probably where Illusionistamon wanted to guide us." Honomon suggested.
"Yes." Illusionistamon nodded weakly.
"No sign of a Witchmon, Boogeymon, or a fox-like digimon?" Isamu asked.
Germogliomon shook her head. "None at all. Was the fox-like digimon blue or yellow? And did it have a yin yang symbol somewhere?"
"Yes. How did you know that?" Yoshi frowned.
A glint of ill intent shined in her eyes. A little grin formed from her emotionless face. Yoshi didn't know how to feel about Kiyoshi's digimon anymore.
"Should we wait for everyone else to get here?" Isamu asked.
"We have to go now." Germogliomon answered. "Others will catch up. I'll leave behind clues. Follow me." Germogliomon ran to the direction of the digimon. Yoshi could see her leaving behind seeds spilling from a bag. Little plants instantly sprouted when they hit the ground. They cast a little glow in the darkness.
With their new party, Yoshi set off, determined to rescue the figment of Minoru Yamamoto's mind. Or not.
Day 12 - Digital World, Cliffs of Tapirmon: Minoru Yamamoto
Minoru's fingertips brushed Hitomi's before she was taken away. A thousand things flashed through Minoru's mind as Kiyoshi disappeared as well.
This can't be happening. Please tell me that this isn't happening. Don't let this be like last time! "Hitomi! Kiyoshi!" Minoru felt as useless as he was three years ago. Just imagine that Hitomi's next to you, saying how much of a good job you did today. Think that it's back on earth and none of this ever happened. Yes, the Digital World doesn't exist. It doesn't exist. It doesn't exist. It doesn't exist. It doesn't exist!
The last thing Minoru remembered was hitting the floor.
"Hello! My name is Hitomi Suzuki. It's a pleasure to meet you. What should I call you?" A hand extended towards him. "Yamamoto or Minoru? Or Minoru Yamamoto if you're those kind of people."
Minoru stayed silent. He noticed a little boy hiding behind the girl named Hitomi Suzuki.
"Kiyoshi Suzuki." The boy hid behind Hitomi.
Minoru just stared at the two.
"A silent guy, huh? Well, I think we'll be great friends from now on!" Hitomi put her hands of her hips.
Minoru didn't care. All those people said the same thing. And where did those relationships go? What relationships? Those didn't exist. His brother was the only person he could trust. Even then, it was very slim. They didn't see each other that much since Mamoru was always busy.
"Here! A gift. It isn't much, but it's the thought that counts! My little bro here did the coloring." She shoved something in his hands. It was a messily stapled and colored book. "You like drawing, right?"
Minoru read the messy wording. 'Chró̱ma's Wonderful Gallery' He skimmed through some pages.
Chró̱ma had a wonderful gallery. It was full of color and variety. Every second you were inside, everything popped. There was nothing that didn't catch attention. Except that last sentence was a lie. There was one thing that was dull and forgettable. That was Chró̱ma herself.
A picture of Chró̱ma showed a girl wearing extremely casual clothes. She looked like everyone else in the crowd.
Chró̱ma was dull and nonexistent. Whenever she visited her own gallery, nobody would recognize her. They would think she was just a visitor just like them. Not that she minded. She liked being alone. But sometimes, being alone felt bad.
A small girl always came everyday to stare at a painting that Chró̱ma herself had forgotten. One day, the painter drew up the courage to meet the young girl.
"Hello. I see you look at this picture every day. Can you tell me why?"
"The man seems lonely to me. I wanted to keep him company."
Chró̱ma stared at the painting she once had long drawn and then at the girl. The simple, innocent answer shocked her. When did she ever draw that? The painter didn't remember anymore. The man in the drawing appeared to be sleeping. He was all alone.
"Do you really like this painting?"
"Yes!"
"Then how about this. I'll give you this painting for free. You see, I drew this."
"Really? You drew this? You're so amazing! But, can I really have this?"
"Yes, I insist."
"Thanks so much!"
Chró̱ma gave the girl the painting during closing time. Seeing it go, Chró̱ma thought she would feel sad, but she felt strangely happy. The stars outside was sparkling with an inviting atmosphere. Chró̱ma put on her jacket and welcomed the night.
Right when Minoru finished the story, he started crying. He didn't know why, but he just did.
"Eh? Ah, don't cry." Hitomi started to shift back and forth waving her arms. She seemed flustered by his sudden moment. "Oh no, what to do."
Then Kiyoshi started crying because Minoru started crying.
"Wanna hear a pun? I'm glad I know sign language. It's pretty handy." As Hitomi said 'handy,' she brought up her hands for emphasis. She created some motions with her hands. "I really do know sign language by the way."
Minoru started laughing while crying. The joke was that bad. Kiyoshi was still crying. Hitomi was trying to think up more jokes.
"When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds."
Day 12 - Digital World, Cliffs of Tapirmon: Sasha Alkaev
"Minoru!" Terriermon yelled. "Someone, catch him!"
"Got him." Sasha caught Minoru like she would with Yoshi, except Minoru was a lot taller and heavier. "Ugh. Someone... help." Seiko assisted Sasha and they gently placed him on the ground.
"Hitomi..." Tears began to slowly drip down from his eyes.
Wait as second... Sasha had a sudden revelation. "He must love Hitomi very much." Sasha murmured to Seiko.
"Did you realize this just now?" Seiko furrowed her brows. "Well, not like you've noticed Yoshi or anything."
"Not that she ever notices." Lueurmon shifted his lantern to the side.
"What about Yoshi?"
Seiko flipped her hair and sighed. "Nothing. Schneemon, would you be kind to carry Minoru for us?"
Schneemon hoisted Minoru over his shoulder. "No problem Seiko."
"Come on brat," Kotemon tugged Sasha's shirt, "we need to chase after those baddies!"
"Yes yes," Sasha rolled her eyes," comin' you squirt."
Guardromon led them to the cliffs again. "It's going to take a while. Those digimon are fast ones." Guardromon kept walking. "Well, I hope someone from the other group finds them soon!"
"Where is Sir Yoshi and Sir Isamu anyway? We haven't seen them at all. It's already nightfall outside." Buryamon regressed back to her rookie form to avoid trouble for Wizardmon's lift.
"True." Wizardmon answered. "I worry for Yoshi especially. He's very vulnerable." Everyone landed safely.
"Why?" Sasha asked.
"Nothing." Wizardmon changed the subject. "Isn't that..."
"Plants? What the heck?" Sasha bent down and pulled one up. "Ew!" It shriveled as soon as she plucked it.
"Germogliomon?" She is plant or earth based, correct?" Seiko inquired.
"Yes. It seems that they were after someone. That means Yoshi and Isamu were here before, and Germogliomon got out. It's still unknown if Kiyoshi or Hitomi escaped. Let's just assume both are in trouble since Germogliomon is chasing after them." Schneemon deducted.
"Then what are we waitin' for? Let's do this!" Sasha fist pumped the air.
"Our members keep changing." Seiko pointed out. "There has never been a time when all seven of us were ever together."
Sasha pondered a bit. "Well, after we save everyone, we'll have all the time to talk everything out."
Minoru stirred and woke up. "Where am I?"
"Minnow!" Sasha exclaimed. "Let's get back your crush."
"What are you talking about?" Minoru blushed. "I don't have a crush, none at all! And why did you call me Minnow?"
"Sorry, I stuttered." Sasha laughed heartily. "Let's save Hitomi and Kiyoshi okay?"
Minoru mumbled something under his breath and took her hand.
Day 13 - Digital World, Cliffs of Tapirmon: Hitomi Suzuki
I'm all alone again. Hitomi was slowly cutting the bars of the cage she was thrown in with a Swiss army knife. Luckily, they hadn't searched her for anything. I'm so glad I didn't make all the digimon smart. The metal bindings were intricately pieced together in complex patterns. It reminded Hitomi of one of those gilded cages mentioned in literature. If she ever thought of a "pretty" cage, it would be this one.
That's not what's important though! What's important is that Minoru's digiegg is just sitting there along with my D-Links! Sure enough, resting on an altar of sorts was Hitomi's confiscated D-Links and the purple digiegg. The Digimon Tsumi had already gotten a hold of it. How? That's not possible. I entrusted it to Lopmon's group. Unless... Hitomi paled at the thought.
"Whoa, are we late?" Witchmon rushed in, dumping Boogeymon on the cold floor. She was also healing a wounded Youkomon. The Youkomon that attacked Magomon and her earlier.
"Oof. Couldn't you have treated me more gently?" Boogeymon complained.
Witchmon huffed. "Tch. I don't treat useless digimon nicely.
"Took you three long enough." The Centarumon gruffed. "We almost ran into trouble with the new awakened digimon partner. If she'd have been able to digivolve, then we would have been turned to Digieggs."
"Ah, Germogliomon, or better known as Gemmamon. She has no qualms of using every trick in the book." The Youkomon finally spoke. It was chilling and monotone. "That's what happens when you used to represent the sin of envy. At least Magomon changed for the worse, acting like a savior and using more honorable methods. It makes it easier see through him."
That I can't let go. "Whatever you say, Magomon will always be the strongest! He's better than the one, two... eight of you combined!" Hitomi yelled through the bars. A Centarumon, two Boarmon (guess they had three with them), a Gargoyelmon Witchmon, Youkomon, and a Boogeymon, Another new digimon evolution without my knowledge? It's an owl with some kind of weird gray headgear like night vision scopes. If I had my D-Links, I could identify it!
"Who is that?" Youkomon motioned his head. "Didn't I say to retrieve the human named Yoshi Takahashi?"
What do they want Yoshi for? I better keep a closer eye on him...
"Well, we're using her to lure him here." The Centarumon explained. "We couldn't grab him. He was well protected by that Assombrirmon you told us about. She's not strong, but she's good at capturing digimon in her shadows."
"As long as Éclatmon or another digimon isn't with her, she isn't a high level threat." Witchmon wiggled her finger. "Just separate her from the rest of the group. She isn't experienced as the rest of the other partners."
"So, what do we do with the girl?" The Gargoylemon jabbed a finger in her direction. "Do we just wait it out?"
"Do we have her D-Links?" Youkomon stood up, fully healed.
The Centarumon answered. "Yup!"
"Then dispose of her. It's not like we need her anyway."
"Roger that!" Witchmon made a salute. She snapped her fingers. The cage became a glass dome. "Aquary Pressure! There, I hope you know how to swim."
I do... but there's only so much I can do until the dome completely fill with water. Hitomi started to panic as water began to fill the container. Hitomi was somewhat glad that the dome was large due to it apparent use of containing several people or digimon. She could last for a little like this.
"Nature Cinque!"
Five light green, high speed arrow tried to crack the glass, but was caught by Boogeymon.
"Come out wherever you are!" Witchmon shouted. "If not, we'll speed up the process of this girl's death!" As a display, the water speed did increase.
This wasn't fast?
"Don't show yourselves! Just leave me and go!" Hitomi shouted. "I'm not even real anyway!"
Isamu emerged from the darkness. "It doesn't matter if you're real or not. If Minoru thinks you're that important, we'll do all we can to save you."
The water was halfway up Hitomi's body.
"Spearing Chains!"
A fury of chains appeared out of nowhere, pursuing its targets.
"Pentagon Fire! Crimson Fists!"
Honomon's fists blazed up, and he went after Boogeymon. The fireballs were circling around the two to keep away any other digimon that would interrupt their fight.
Water reached Hitomi's mouth.
"Lopmon, now!" Germogliomon's voice could be heard from the haze.
"Blazing Ice!"
"Nature Cinque!"
Hitomi was freed as the glass shattered. She coughed to rid of the water she had swallowed. Hitomi was drenched but glad to be alive. She felt a hand grab her.
"Hitomi, follow me!" Isamu pulled her up, and the two ran amid the chaos unfolding.
"Wait, my D-Links and Minoru's digiegg is still there." Hitomi yelled to be heard over the noise.
Isamu looked over his shoulder to spot the pedestal behind them. "You're right, but I'm going to get you to safety first, alright?"
Hitomi knew that there wouldn't be enough time. Either that, or we'll be overpowered before anything can happen. The amount of champions on our side to theirs is too much. We'll lose once the battle is drawn out long enough. "We have to go Isamu. Trust me. Right now, there's still time."
Isamu looked hesitant. "Kiyoshi and Yoshi are already aiming for it, okay? It's fine. Yoshi thought up of everything. Once we get a hold of it, we're bolting out of here."
"Yo-Yoshi!?" Hitomi squeaked.
"Yeah, why?"
Hitomi dragged Isamu the other way. "Yoshi is the last person we want to be moving around here!"
"Why?!" Isamu seemed surprised by Hitomi's sudden strength. Hitomi could see Yoshi and Kiyoshi gently lowering the two items.
"Yoshi, Kiyoshi, over here!" Isamu waved to them.
"I'm glad that you're alright. You're not hurt?" Hitomi bent down and checked Kiyoshi for injuries.
Kiyoshi blushed. "I'm alright. I'm worried about you more."
"Isamu, what are you doing here with Hitomi? Follow the plan!" Yoshi ran up to them. "Besides that, let's retreat. Come on!" Yoshi gave back Hitomi's D-Links and Minoru's digiegg to her. "Keep it close."
Hitomi winked. "Of course!"
The five humans ran as a unified group. "Honomon, let's go!" Isamu signaled by waving his D-Links in the air, letting off a red light.
"Fall back!" Honomon signaled to everyone else.
"I'll ward them off, okay? So don't worry, just go!" exclaimed Assombrirmon. "Spearing Chains! Shadow Scythe!" Assombrirmon began waving her scythe in random motions to ward off the digimon trying to edge closer.
Witchmon kept her pretty little smile as she tried to break Assombrirmon's frenzy. However, it proved too much, and she fell back.
"Jaenryu!"
The fire dragon appeared and aimed straight at the retreating group. Honomon aimed his fire balls at the dragon, and they canceled each other in an explosion.
"Nature Cinque!"
The five arrows served its purpose to ward off the digimon.
"Wah!" Lopmon tripped, and she started to fall behind.
Yoshi ran back for her. "You alright?" He looked up to see Witchmon almost upon him. He shut his eyes as Witchmon grabbed him by his sweater.
"Yoshi!" The last person Hitomi wanted to see in danger. She turned around in horror.
"Icicle Needles!"
A flurry of icicles landed squarely in Witchmon's arm, causing her to drop Yoshi.
"Gotcha!" Sasha caught him in the nick of time.
Yoshi coughed a bit. "Thanks Sasha, for the umpteenth time."
"No worries man, glad you're alright." Sasha grabbed Yoshi and held him in a bridal carry, with Lopmon in his arms. He squeaked in protest. "Let's just get out of here. Buryamon, cover me!"
"Yes, Miss Sasha! Storm Claymore!" Buryamon engaged with Witchmon. Wizardmon assisted her.
"Yoshi, digivolve me!" Lueurmon suddenly appeared at his side.
"R-right!" Yoshi aimed his D-Links at Lueurmon who digivolved into Éclatmon.
Éclatmon took out his gun and began pointing it at the Centarumon. He began shooting. Assombrirmon slashed at the Centarumon. She was making sure the Centarumon purposely dodged her attacks to land in certain spots to ensure Éclatmon's accuracy.
Hitomi was suddenly grabbed from behind, in a tight embrace. He rested his head on hers. She could feel tears wetting her hair. Not that it mattered, since Hitomi was already wet anyway. "Minoru, geroff me." She handed him his resting digimon partner, Spíthamon. "Here, ready to meet him again?"
"Of course." Minoru took the digiegg. It hatched automatically. Spíthamon emerged. He was a white wolf with a violet marking of a donkey on his forehead.
"It's been quite a long time Minoru."
"Ready to digivolve?"
"Anytime."
Minoru's D-Links became enveloped in a purple aura. He aimed it towards Spíthamon, who began to digivolve.
"Spíthamon digivolve to Vrontí̱mon!"
A majestic, taller, and handsome wolf replaced the little one from earlier. Vrontí̱mon had purple anklets around his legs and one around his tail as well. The violet donkey still remained on his forehead. He looked very intimidating with his narrow yellow eyes. Hitomi gulped for a second, but she relaxed when Minoru held her hand and led her to Kiyoshi and Kotemon to the side.
"Kiyoshi, are you okay?" Hitomi pinched his cheeks.
Kiyoshi struggled and got her hands off. "Yeah, don't worry about me." He was scowling a bit.
"Just stay here and don't worry about us? We'll make it out." Minoru placed his hands on Kiyoshi's shoulder in a brotherly way.
"Yeah, I know. I'm just a squirt compared to all of you anyway." Kiyoshi blushed. "I'm not just going to throw myself in danger knowing I can't do anything. Don't think I'm stupid enough to actually do that. Anyway, there's someone behind me who wanted to see Hitomi."
Illusionistamon emerged from Kotemon's back.
"Illusionistamon! Are you okay!" Hitomi knelt down to meet with her partner. "I was wondering why I couldn't find you!"
"Hitomi, are you alright?" Illusionistamon peered through his mask to meet Hitomi's eyes.
"Don't think about me. Think about yourself." Hitomi huffed and fussed over Illusionistamon. "Wow, you really hurt yourself this time. Did Lueurmon heal you?"
"Yes," Illusionistamon twirled his arms in circles, "I feel young again."
"You're not that old." Hitomi snorted. "But, I'm glad you're alright now. Don't go throwing yourself to protect others."
"Like you should be one to talk." Minoru brought up. "You're such a hypocrite."
Hitomi blushed. I do have to admit that I did that a lot back then. Even now, I would earnestly sacrifice myself for anyone. I mean, isn't it natural to risk yourself to protect the ones that you love? If I started back then, how can I stop now especially when we're now in constant danger?
"Ready to go Illusionistamon?" Hitomi brought out her D-Links.
Illusionistamon nodded.
"Illusionistamon digivolve to Magomon!"
Magomon stood in full regal glory. His battered clothes had been repaired, exemplifying his elegant air. The only thing that was still in poor condition was his mask since it was still scratched up on one side.
"Trick Staff!"
Magomon summoned his magical staff which turned blue signaling the water property. He shot a jet of water at one of the Boarmon. "Vrontí̱mon, now!"
"On it! Lightning Speed!"
Vrontí̱mon ran, purple electricity sparking up all around him. In a blink of an eye, he passed by a Boarmon who squealed at the electricity that coursed through his body. He reverted back into a digiegg.
"Kotemon, guard Kiyoshi!" Seiko yelled at the little kendo lizard.
"You don't have to tell me twice!" Kotemon stood guard.
"I can protect myself. Germogliomon, you're going to digivolve now!"
"Got it." Germogliomon stepped in front of Kiyoshi.
Kiyoshi seemed like he knew what he was doing. Well of course smart one. He's probably saw this a million times already. Hitomi internally rolled her eyes.
"Germogliomon digivolve to Gemmamon!"
A tall, radiant digimon stood before Kiyoshi. Gemmamon had long flowing hair tied up in two loose pigtails that reached to the end of the green striped beige skirt. She was wearing a corset that had a dark green pouch tied to it. A hair clip of a carnation budding flower that matched Gemmamon's eyes was pinned to keep her long bangs out of her face. The white top she wore had a long sleeve on one side, sleeveless on the other. The bare arm showcased her green snake mark against her skin. The half gloves she wore were brown and seemed crafted for her the long, pink bow she possessed.
The bow itself was mostly the same as her rookie form. The flowers at the ends were the same, but engraved to be just waiting to burst into color. The bow's main body created the stems of the flowers, and two leaves in the middle marked the place where the arrows were most likely notched.
"Veleno Shot!"
Germogliomon aimed a noxious colored arrow at the Boarmon trying to trample down Honomon and Guardromon. As the arrow sunk in it's skin, the Boarmon began to slow down. Sweat began to form, and it was panting hard. Honomon and Guardromon went in for the kill.
"Pentagon Fire!"
"Grenade Destroyer!"
Guardromon's missiles came out of his forearms and aimed for the Boarmon along with Honomon's fire. After the smoke cleared from the explosion, another Boarmon egg was headed for Primary Village.
Éclatmon and Assombrirmon were busy engaged with Centarumon. With every swish of a hand, Éclatmon's orbs obeyed his every command. Assombrirmon used them to her advantage to slide around the terrain with ease. While she jumped high using two, Éclatmon shot several bullets out of his revolver. While he was recharging, two orbs stayed by his side. Thinking Éclatmon's guard was down, Centarumon aimed his mechanical hand.
"Solar Ray!"
A yellow laser beam fired from Centarumon's hand. With a hand, Éclatmon used the two orbs to cancel out the ray. Centarumon, surprised, was about to fire again when...
"Shadow Scythe!"
Assombrirmon fell from the sky, swinging down with her scythe. At the same time, Éclatmon finished reloading his revolver and aimed for the Centarumon. He shot, and Assombrirmon sliced down simutaneously. The Centarumon yelled in pain as he formed into an egg.
Buryamon was in an intense battle with Witchmon. She swung left and right, here and there, but Witchmon managed to dodge them aside and defend herself with her broom. The two were at a stalemate. Even if Witchmon was faster, she took a longer time to recover from the recoil of Buryamon's blows. The two were focused, blocking out everything around them.
"Found you." Gemmamon's voice rang throughout the chasm. She was staring at the Youkomon, an arrow poised. "If you are the same Youkomon, I wonder how many times it's been that I've sent you to Primary Village. You've been a very bad bad digimon, and it's time to send you there again."
"More than I can count." Youkomon's voice quavered a bit, breaking the usual monotone. "Please go easy on me."
Gemmamon scoffed. "I never show sympathy and mercy to my enemies. You should know by now. Dieci Buds!"
The arrow in her bow split into ten flower shaped arrows. The buds acted as the shaft, and they all homed towards the blue fox. Youkomon managed to dodge all of them except one that nicked his right side.
"This is going to be quite bothersome." Youkomon said as Gemmamon shot the next wave.
"Eiswords!"
Ten ice swords appeared before Schneemon. Grabbing two, he aimed them towards Boogeymon.
"Ruby Eye!"
Boogeymon's red beam shattered the two swords and aimed straight for Schneemon. Schneemon covered himself with his cloak, and the ray was unable to penetrate the icicles. When the dust cleared, Schneemon threw three swords and charged in with two. Boogeymon broke the three and readied his pitchfork and attacked Schneemon.
"Come on Antler Prince, just go down already." Boogeymon grimaced at Schneemon's strength. "Just like your empire."
Hitomi looked to Schneemon. That's the worst thing you could say. He was emotionless. Then, in a millisecond, Schneemon's face contorted in pure, lucid rage.
"How... HOW DARE YOU!" Schneemon pressed down on Boogeymon's pitchfork to the point where his swords broke. Retreating back, Schneemon threw one sword and charged forward with unnatural speed. Boogeymon began to notice his mistake.
Hitomi looked to Seiko, and there was a look of disbelief and confusion. There must have been a thousand thoughts running through her mind. Isamu, noticing her distress, let her lean on him. Wizardmon, the champion protecting the kids, noticed Seiko as well. He whispered something in her ear, and she calmed down a bit. However, Seiko still looked quite troubled.
"Freezing Wing!"
A white statue appeared from Gargoylemon's hands, and he threw it towards Magomon. He dodged and aimed his dice. The contents exploded everywhere, and the statue was decimated. Éclatmon assisted.
"Lumière Orbs!"
Summoning the seven orbs, he aimed each and every one to surround the Gargoylemon to prevent escape. Aiming his revolver, he emptied his gun on Gargoylemon. Every bullet hit the Gargoylemon's wings, and he began to fall from the sky.
"Trick Staff!"
The staff turned to the color yellow. Lightning struck down and electrocuted the Gargoylemon to an egg.
What the-
Suddenly, a big, skeleton hand appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Hitomi, Wizardmon, all the rookies, and the rest of the kids. It was the same hand that had taken Isamu, Seiko, and Kiyoshi into the Digital World. Everyone's eyes grew big by the sudden realization.
"Let them go!" Assombrirmon dived in to save them.
Éclatmon, in a sudden realization, yelled in discouragement. "Assombrirmon, stop!"
Like strings controlling her, Assombrirmon stopped in her tracks, her scythe just an inch away from the hand. As much as she tried to bring the blade down, her body wouldn't move.
"Just don't. If we don't attack it, it'll just stay there. It's expecting us to stop fighting with the enemy." Éclatmon brought out his revolver, and he edged close to Assombrirmon. He shoved her paralyzed body towards Schneemon who caught her struggling body. Pointing his gun at the hand near Yoshi's position, Éclatmon's grim expression showed through his eyes. "Let them go, and I promise to spare these comrades of yours. No harm will come to them or you."
The hand, as in a response, stuck out a gnarly finger to his allies.
"Okay, we'll do this. Release some of the kids. For every ally, you have to release a number of them."
The finger slowly unraveled itself to let Kiyoshi, Minoru, and Sasha go first along with Terriermon.
Youkomon began to fall back near the hand, and Gemmamon tried to follow.
"Stop." Éclatmon pointed his weapon towards her. "I'll see this through."
Gemmamon looked extremely infuriated, but she kept her mouth clamped shut. Stamping once in frustration, Gemmamon went over to Kiyoshi to see if he was alright. Assmobrirmon, now free of her binds, questioned Éclatmon.
"What are you doing? Just take the guy out!"
"Assmobrirmon," Magomon shook his head, "that's a lost case. Just leave it to Éclatmon."
This time, Isamu, Lopmon, Wizardmon, and Seiko were released. Witchmon and the owl-like digimon with the night gear clambered over to the hand's side. Schneemon, hurried over to Seiko and took her huge hand in her petite one. She smiled to assure she was fine.
Finally Kotemon, Hitomi, and Yoshi were released last in exchange for Boogeymon. Hitomi stayed super close to Yoshi in fear of what the enemy had in store for him. Éclatmon readied his gun in case anything happened and spoke in a cautious voice. "Okay, deal's over."
The group disappeared in the fog. Éclatmon lowered his guard when Assombrirmon made some signals. Those signals probably meant that the cost was clear? Sighing, he put his gun away.
"What was up with that dude?" Sasha asked in an incredulous tone. "That's the hand that took Isamu, Seiko, and Kiyoshi in this crazy place!" Sasha twisted one of her hands back and forth to make her point.
"They could attack us again." Honomon brought up a flaming hand. "We should be on the alert."
"It's fine. He won't." Spíthamon piped up.
"And how do you know?" Yoshi questioned. "Is he or she someone you know?"
"I guess you could say that. I'll tell you when we get back." Schneemon tilted his diadem up straight.
The whole group reverted back, and everyone began to make their way onto the surface. Except for Hitomi.
Right before they reached the Trailmon, Hitomi let go of Minoru's hand. She took a step behind him. Minoru turned to face her. "Hitomi?" Everyone else wanted to see what was happening. Hitomi crushed a paper in Minoru's hands. She squeezed him and Kiyoshi tightly.
"Sorry. We'll meet again." With that, I bring my D-Links out. "Illusionistamon!"
"Illusionistamon digivolve to Magomon!"
He whisks me away while everyone on the ground stares in shock. I wipe my tears away when they get farther and farther away.
Sorry... let's be apart a little longer.
Day 13 - Digital World, Cliffs of Tapirmon: Minoru Yamamoto
You weren't a dream. I knew that you were real. Minoru crushed the paper in his hand more at the thought.
Hey everyone! Thanks for reading and please leave a review or pm or anything! I want feedback. Sorry for sounding so demanding... :( Honestly, if you don't want to, don't.
Thanks again for my sister for editing. She really helps me with all my errors. :D Here's an imaginary fluffy white cat for you! By the way, her name is LightDawnTwillight. You should check out her stuff too if you're interested in Pretty Rhythm or Katekyo Hitman Reborn.