This is the longest chapter I've ever made. Amelia belongs to Jeabird, Kyle belongs to Heisei255, and I thank them, and Black Cat Angel for helping me with this story. The Corealmon mentioned later belong to TheArtsyDigimon of Deviantart.
The DigiDestineds hunted high and low for their D-Tectors, but some rotten Digimon took off with them. When they tried to swim after them some Gomamon stopped them which is good since they were about to swim into some nasty whirlpools. So they all set sail on a raft they built, but wouldn't you know it? Lilithmon attacked. She knocked the girls out and Kazemon into the ocean floor, but there, Zoe found her Beast Spirit and evolved to Zephyrmon! The whirlpools calmed and the Demon of Lust was defeated. But the Digimon and the guys D-Tectors have already left.
With the Autumn Leaf Fair their objective, the group was taking the quick route. The path they took was a quick moving river carried the raft quickly downstream. The sail caught by a strong wind that was only helping the group to travel faster. The group was staring forwards – Tommy still hiding in his barrel. Takuya and Meredith both had their goggles on while the girl had wrapped herself up in a blanket.
"Wow, this is working great! We should get to that Autumn Left Fair thingy in no time." Takuya made the observation as they continued onwards without any problems.
"Let's hope so." Bokomon rubbed Seraphimon's egg as he made the comment.
"And let's hope our D-Tectors are there." Tommy hopeful – he also loosened his grip on his barrel.
"They're gonna be there, I can feel it." Kyle spoke up, being a bit optimistic.
Tommy turned his head when he heard a strange noise, slightly afraid of what he'd see. The sight that greeted him was surprisingly. Neemon was laid out on the floor beside him, fast asleep.
Tommy stared at Neemon surprised, "Augh, how can anyone sleep at a time like this? Doesn't he know we have important things to do?"
J.P. waved his hand, "Like, what, sweep up the raft? Relax."
Upon the ocean floor there was an explosion. Out of the dust emerged Beelzemon. He stretched as he yawned.
Beelzemon cracked his knuckles, "They're going to pay for taking the D-Tectors and making me work so hard."
: The Autumn Leaf Fair :
Walking down the rows of the Autumn Leaf Fair were two Digimon that looked the exact same. They both of them were bird type Digimon. Their feathers were mostly brown but their arms were covered by green feathers that went around their necks however brown feathers stilled poked out over, making it look like a double layered collar. Dark brown feathers typed with red extended from the top of their beaks and into the air.
"Why did you trade the D-Tectors for that thing?! What were you thinking?" The one with free hands gestured towards the old wooden box like camera the other was holding. They could've have anything much higher value to trade, but no, his companion had to choose for them.
"Shh, at least I can think. Now let's see," The one holding the camera held it up to his eye, "Hey! I can't see a thing! It's all dark!"
They stopped walking, standing the middle of the walkway.
The one without the camera placed his hands on his hips, "I bet he swindled you. I told you the trade wasn't worth it. You won't ever listen to me, will you?"
The other turned to look at him, "What? You say something, Falcomon?"
Falcomon just sighed at his friend's antics. Why bother with his wasted efforts?
: The Gang:
The gang was still on the waterway. Ahead of them they it fanned out and there were rocks on either side, making three different ways to go.
"Man, we are cooking along now!" Takuya made the exclamation as they went down the middle.
As they continued forward it became clear that the rocks weren't rocks. The rocks were glaciers. Cold air wafted from the glaciers and the air surrounding them was chilled by them as well.
Takuya rubbed his arms shivering, "Well, maybe 'cooking' isn't really the right word."
"I think we're in the freezer now." Kyle attempted the joke as he rubbed his arms.
"Yeah, I can't feel my fingers." Zoe's whole body was shaking.
Koji glanced at Zoe before sighing. He shrugged off his jacket and offered it to her. She stared at it surprised. Koji wouldn't looking at the blonde though as he held the jacket towards her.
"Take it." Koji stared forwards.
Zoe stared at Koji, "Yeah? You sure?"
He nodded, "Mmhm."
She took the jacket, "Grazie. You're the best."
Meanwhile, Meredith looked down at herself, staring at the blanket, then looked to the shivering Takuya. Taking a deep breath and she turned to him, "Takuya, do me a favor and don't say anything."
Not giving Takuya time to respond, Meredith lifted a part of the blanket over her head. She covered the gogglehead with the blanket part. It took a couple of seconds but their heads popped out, both of them now wrapped in the blanket. It was quite an adorable moment.
"Any better?" Meredith asked a bit quietly.
"Y-yeah." Takuya responded despite the blush – they were both blushing which lead to them looking away from each other. Oh man, they were really close. They're shoulders were touching and their breaths caressed their cheeks. He'd barely noticed the cold will all this heat.
Amelia just stared at the scene that had happened between Koji and Zoe then looked away, 'Why does it bother me?' Koji definitely wasn't into her. Maybe it would be better if Koji offered her his jacket instead of Zoe… no way, she shouldn't feel uneasy about Koji's interest. If he liked Zoe, she'd be supportive 100%... maybe 65% supportive.
Amelia grabbed Kyaromon and just held him to her chest, hoping his fur would offer her some warmth. Kyaromon just snuggled into her when he realized how badly she was shivering.
Tommy stared forwards then glanced to the side to, "Huh?"
When Tommy saw that Neemon was still asleep he started to freak out. His freak out drew everyone's attention. So, now everyone was looking at the rabbit Digimon.
Kyle was startled, "What's wrong Tommy?!"
"Neemon, wake up! You can't sleep in the cold! You'll freeze to death!" Tommy shouted at Neemon, hoping to wake him up.
Neemon's snot bubble popped which caused him to wake up. He sat straight up with wide eyes – terrified. Everyone stared at Neemon as he reacted to the snot bubble popping.
Bokomon turned back so he could looked forwards, "Hey, look at that."
Everyone looked forwards. Ahead of them was water but there seemed to be something on the horizon.
"Huh?" Everyone was confused.
"Um, what are we looking at?" J.P. asked the question that everyone was thinking.
Bokomon pointed ahead of them, "Land ahead!"
The group reached the edge of the water but instead of hitting the shore they hit a ramp of ice pretty much. They were in the air for a couple of seconds before coming back down the ground. The momentum they had was carrying them across the land.
Kyle laughed, "That was fun." It was like going to a water park. The thrill remains in the rush.
J.P. looked to Kyle – giving him a look that clearly spelled out that J.P. thought he was crazy.
"That was way better than I thought it'd be, but where is that Autumn Fair thing?" Takuya asked as he calmed down and looked to Bokomon.
Bokomon pulled out the book, "Hm, it should be just up ahead."
Zoe looked from Bokomon and in front of them, "Well, there is something ahead..."
At Zoe's words everyone else looked from Bokomon. With everyone looking forwards they saw what the blonde was able to see – a drop.
"...but it doesn't look very fair!" Zoe's voice shook as she finished her statement.
Everyone started to freak out seeing what was ahead of them.
"Everyone, hold on to something so we don't fall off the raft!" Koji was quick to call out the words.
Everyone was quick to grab onto the raft since no one wanted to fall off. As they got ramped up into the air once again they all let out various sounds of surprise or terror. The mast also came off as they hit the ground.
"It's not over, yet! What is that?!" Tommy exclaimed quickly, slightly scared.
Looking ahead they all saw what he had drawn attention, "A snowman?!"
They stopped holding on and instead ducked, covering their heads because impact was unavoidable and it was imminent. The group slammed into the snowman and tore past it – sending snowman pieces into the air.
The raft came apart, flinging everyone off. The ropes that had held the raft together came undone and the trees rolled a bit apart from each other since they were no longer being held together. The barrel that Tommy had been was broken open.
Takuya groaned, "Now that's more what I was expecting..."
Everyone groaned, feeling their crash landing. Zoe was laid out on the ground on her back while J.P. was face first in the dirt. Tommy was laid out on the ground with Neemon's head on his stomach. Takuya and Meredith were also face first on the ground but they were tangled up in the blanket still. Bokomon was laying on his back, clutching the Digi Egg tightly. Koji had managed to land in a sitting position while Amelia was beside him, having landed on her back – she was still holding tight to Kyaromon. Kyle had landed face first.
Koji sits up a bit straighter and places his hand on the grass below him, "Hey, it's warm here."
Zoe slowly sits up, "It's warm? Why is it warm?"
"I'm just glad that we didn't land on ice." Amelia forced the words out as slowly sat up.
Kyle pushed himself up, "I second that."
Takuya noticed something in front of him and quickly tried to get out of the blanket. Once he was untangled from the blanket he sat up and pointed forwards.
"Maybe that!" At Takuya's words everyone looked forwards.
Everyone had sat up and they were all now looking forwards. Before them laid a town but towards the center of the town and towering above everyone was what appeared to be a giant sized furnace.
"Hey, hey! It's the fair thingy!" Takuya was quick to make the declaration once it dawned on him.
"So, we're here?" Kyle asked it, looking towards Bokomon since he would know.
"Before that, Takuya, can you please get off of me?" Meredith's question drew attention.
Takuya looked down and went bright red when he realized that he was on top of Meredith. He scrambled off of her and was sort of sputtering things that didn't make sense. Kyle was the first to laugh at the scene but the others quickly joined in. He was so going to remind Takuya when they're alone.
"H-hey! Stop laughing!" The group slowly calmed down after Takuya's shout – by then though Meredith was also a bit red. This was so embarrassing! He wished he could shrink into a speck with how red his face gotten.
Turning their attention back to the town - well... fair - in front of them they noticed how crowded it was. There were all different kinds of Digimon at the fair. There were all sorts of stands run by different types of Digimon as well.
Bokomon groaned, "How I despise crowds."
Despite Bokomon's words the group approached the fair from their crash landing. As they walked though Zoe handed Koji's jacket back to him – nothing was said between the exchange, Zoe just gave a smile to him. They stopped and stood together in a group as they looked around their surroundings.
Zoe frowned, "Even if those Digimon are here, it will be like finding the tiniest needle ever in a million haystacks." She spoke as though it might take days to find the boys' D-Tectors.
Takuya turned slightly and his movements brought everyone's attention to him, "So, should we split up and get looking?"
Everyone nodded at Takuya's suggestion and went their separate ways. It's a very plausible explanation… surprising coming from Takuya.
Takuya ended up going to a shop that was run by a Digimon that looked like a golden beetle wearing a necklace of purple beads - Kongoumon. Weapons lined the walls behind the counter. When asked about the D-Tectors, the Digimon shook his head.
Meredith and DemiVeemon went to a shop that was run by a bird Digimon that had was mostly red – Hawkmon. There was a variety of little knickknack types of things on shelves and behind the counter, the more expensive looking ones were behind the counter. When asked about the D-Tectors, Hawkmon shook his head, having no information to give to Meredith.
Koji ended up in a store that was run by a Pandamon – books and various other items littered the shelves of the store. He looked around the store before approaching the Pandamon and asking if he had seen the D-Tectors. He was rewarded with a shake of a head as well.
Amelia and Kyaromon took to the streets seeing as it seemed everyone else went towards shops and stalls. The two approached a white cat that was wearing gloves, Gatomon, and a Wizardmon. Amelia asked the two if they had seen anything that might help find the D-Tectors, but the two hadn't seen anything. They wished Amelia luck in finding the items that she was searching for though.
Zoe found her way to a shop that had armor. The knight Digimon that held a lance and shield towered above her - Gallantmon. Zoe showed no fear in approaching the Digimon and asking if they had seen the boys' D-Tectors and even if the Digimon wanted to help they weren't able to help since they had no information.
J.P. entered a restaurant and approached the owner of it, a Digimon that seemed be a walking egg - Digitamamon. When asked if the Egg Digimon had seen anything there was a murmured 'no'. With the trip being a bust J.P. deflated slightly, let down and bummed about the prospect of the hunt.
Bokomon found his way to a shop that was run by a KaratsukiNumemon. Bokomon was bright and happy until he got a shake of the head about having seen the D-Tectors. Bokomon sighed in disappointed.
Neemon was high in a tree, looking around. He was just looking around without knowing what to look for. Neemon was just being Neemon.
Tommy was walking around the streets and seeing if anyone had seen the D-Tectors. The tadpole like Digimon - Otamamon, had nothing to offer Tommy which caused the kid to get depressed once the tadpole Digimon left.
Tommy hangs his head, "What if we never find them? The Digital World is doomed and we'll never get to go back home.", He quickly shakes his head, "I'm gonna find them no matter what!" The little boy had determination written in his eyes.
Not too far away from Tommy was Kyle. He had just finished talking to a Monzaemon when he saw Tommy looking down before talking to himself.
"Tommy!" Kyle called out to the hat boy, and Tommy looked back.
"Kyle, how'd your search go?" Kyle shook his head at Tommy's question.
"Nothing, no one seems to have seen the D-Tectors. It doesn't help any that we don't know what Digimon took them either." Tommy sighed hearing that.
"Yeah, I didn't find anything either." Tommy tried to stop himself from getting disappointed but it was hard.
"Well, we can't give up yet. Someone is bound to have seen something – we'll find our D-Tectors eventually." Kyle offered a hopeful smile – hoping to try and cheer Tommy up a bit.
"Yeah, we just have to look harder. We'll find them no matter what." Kyle nodded.
"You got that right, Tommy." Tommy didn't get a chance to respond because something hit his head.
"Ow." Tommy rubbed his head and turned around.
"A ball?" Kyle picked up the ball that hit Tommy before rolling towards him.
"Where'd that come from?" Kyle shrugged at Tommy's question and spun the ball in his hands.
"Maybe the same place our D-Tectors are." Kyle made the offhand remark as he attempted to dribble the ball that sort of reminded him of a basketball – it did bounce back up but it wasn't a very good bounce. The ball dribbled so fast you can see the motion of each movements.
"Either this ball is flat or it's not a weirdly colored basketball." Tommy shrugged.
"How would you even know it's flat?" Tommy eyed the ball – trying to see what Kyle saw.
Kyle shrugged, "Just a feeling – I play basketball after all."
"You do?" Tommy was interested now.
"Mister, mister! Can you give us our ball back?!" Kyle looked to the group of Digimon that called out – they were all pretty young.
"Of course!" Kyle tossed the ball back to the Digimon who all cheered once they had their ball back.
Tommy smiled as he turned back to Kyle but he stopped before his eyes reached him. He stared down an alleyway and noticed that there was a shop there. His eyes widened when he realized what kind of shop it was.
"Kyle, a trading post! Maybe the Digimon stopped in there." Tommy shouted and pointed down the alleyway.
The two went down the alleyway and headed for the shop. It was worth a shop – it might at least give them a lead. If not they had one more place crossed off the list.
Tommy opened the door slowly and looked in, "Anybody home?" This could be his last hope in finding the D-Tectors. Their one chance in defeating the bad guy and go home.
Kyle poked his head in above Tommy's head but there wasn't much to see. Most of what they could see was just a bunch of different machines. None of them looked like they were working though. When there was no response, Tommy opened the door all the way and the two of them entered. As they walked forward they reached the end of the aisle of machine they had seen and looked around the corner. They caught sight of a Digimon standing on a stool messing with some machine.
"What do you think he's doing?" Kyle asked it softly, not taking his eyes off of the Digimon.
"I don't know." Tommy whispered back, also watching the Digimon.
After sharing a look the two of them nodded to each other. They left their 'hiding' place and started towards the Digimon. Tommy approached hesitantly since he was a bit worried about how the Digimon would react while Kyle was watching for any sign of hostility.
Tommy rubbed his thumbs together, nervously, "Hello?'
The Digimon didn't even turn to look, "Yeah, what? Can't you see I'm busy here?" Snooty little 'mon.
(Datamon is great with any kind of machine or electrical device, but he's not so good with people.)
Tommy leaned forwards to see what the machine shaped capsule Digimon, Datamon, was doing. Tommy wasn't the only curious one though. Kyle though was tall enough to look over Datamon's head and not have to lean as forward as Tommy.
"Come on, come on." Datamon had his eyes fixed on the game in front of him.
The game that Datamon was so focused on seemed to take place in space. There were Pagumon in lines and a Togemon at the bottom shoot something, cactus needles perhaps, at the Pagumon to destroy the Pagumon.
"That's being busy?" Tommy was surprised.
Datamon was starting to get worked up, "Yes, it, is!"
"If only parents would buy that." Kyle muttered it under his breath. In the Human World adults wouldn't buy that excuse and resort in taking the gaming device out of their kids' hands.
The two continued to watch him get worked up – perhaps annoyed with the game. On the screen of the game a yellow and red ship came into view.
"Come on, come- oh! No!" Datamon's words devolved into sounds that words couldn't be made out of.
Datamon made the Togemon that was controlling barely dodge fireballs that the ship was spitting out towards him so he could take out the Pagumon on the other side. He managed to get one of the Pagumon before one came at the Togemon. As Datamon made the dodge he managed to end up in the path of the fireballs.
"Ahh!" Datamon cried out.
The screen only held the two dreaded words, Game Over. Out of frustration Datamon grabbed his head.
"Now I have to start all over again!" Datamon started to cry slightly.
Tommy pointed to himself, "Hey, why don't you let me take a shot at that?"
Datamon turned to look at Tommy, "Do what? You're just a human child."
Tommy grinned and placed a hand on his chest, "Video games are my specialty."
Tommy stepped forward so he was at the machine. As the game reloaded he placed one hand on the joystick and the other hovered above the blue and red buttons that were on the machine. Once the game loaded up Tommy focused on the game.
"Ok now, be careful with that- oh- you got em'." Datamon watched, a mix of worry about Tommy losing, but surprised at how good he was doing.
Datamon looked back to the game, "And watch out for that- oh, ok he missed you, good."
"So tell me, are all human children as good as you?" Datamon asked it after looking from the screen that Tommy was so focused on.
"Nope, just me." Tommy grinned.
Kyle laughed slightly, "You are pretty great at the game, if I do say so myself Tommy."
"Mmhmm." Datamon stared at Tommy rather than look back to the game.
"It's the mother ship!" Tommy's words got Datamon's attention back to the game.
"Ok, ok, don't panic. Don't- oh- ok, ok- oh, ok you can do- oh, excellent!" Datamon exclaimed in surprise from Tommy winning the game flawlessly.
The screen displayed the mothership blowing up and the explosion's sound was put into a word that flashed across the screen. A bell rung as well upon the completion of the game as well.
Tommy threw his arms up as he cheered, "Oh, yeah!"
Datamon clapped as he was laughing. Kyle patted Tommy on the back and grinned. When the game terminal started to left off and different sound other than the bell Tommy and Kyle looked at the machine.
Tommy stared at the screen, "Hey, it looks like I've won something. So what did I win, anyway?"
Datamon stared at the screen as well, "Oh, that. Oh, it's just nothing."
Datamon looked down and looked at the side of the machine. Out of it came a white floppy disk kind of cartridge. The machine Digimon took it out and raised it in the air. The cartridge held both Tommy and Kyle's attention.
"So what are you going to do with it?" Tommy asked it out of curiosity.
"That's none of your business." Datamon turned and jumped down after that.
"Well, what is it?" Kyle asked.
"That is also none of your business." Datamon retreated behind the counter as he tossed the answer back.
Datamon walked over to the safe that was behind the counter. Tommy and Kyle shared a look before shrugging and following him over to the counter. As Datamon opened the safe they reached the counter and looked over the counter. The two of them managed to see what was in the safe. Within the safe laid five very familiar devices – the boys' D-Tectors.
Tommy's eyes widened, "Oh! Wait a minute, our D-Tectors!" Their search was over! They just needed to convince Datamon to give their D-Tectors back to them.
Datamon turned around to face the two, "Really? These things are called D-Tectors, huh?"
Datamon looked to the D-Tector that he held in his hand. It was the familiar black and red that belonged to Takuya. He surveyed the D-Tector – glad to have a name for the odd contraption.
"They belong to me and my friends," Tommy reached across the counter, "Give it!"
Datamon looked to Tommy, "You must have a cracked transistor. These are mine, kid."
"Tommy's telling the truth, man. We've been searching high and low for them for a while now." Kyle stepped closer to the counter as he spoke. His voice can vouch for Tommy's… it should be enough, right?
Tommy gave a pleading look to Datamon, "It was some bad Digimon. They stole them, then they came here and traded our stuff to you."
Datamon narrowed his eyes at the two of them, "The Falcomon? Yeah, right. You should write books if you can think up stories like that."
"It's not just a story, it's the truth, I swear. You have to believe me!" Tommy stared hard at Datamon, imploring Datamon with his eyes to believe him.
Datamon held his hand out, "Yeah, yeah. I don't have to do anything. Do you have any proof?"
"What kind of proof do you want?" Kyle asked it – trying to not to get angry at the way Datamon was treating them. Okay, so their word wasn't enough proof, but it was all they got!
Tommy looked at the counter sadly, "Not really," then his head shot up, "Wait, give me one, and I'll Spirit Evolve!"
Datamon narrowed his eyes at Tommy, "Nice try, kid. I give you this thing and you'll run right out the door with it," He raised a finger, "Ha, you remind me of me when I was younger."
"The Falcomon really stole them." Tommy stressed it again.
Kyle narrowed his eyes slightly, "You have to believe us if you're not going to let us show you."
"Knock it off and get out of here!" Datamon's raised voice caused Tommy to flinch.
Datamon turned his back on them as he fiddled with Takuya's D-Tector. The two stared at him not sure what to do next. They had to get the D-Tectors back, but Datamon wasn't really working with them. He was being borderline unreasonable.
Tommy stared sadly at Datamon's back, "Isn't there there anything I can do to convince you?"
"I think we're wasting our time, Tommy." Kyle sighed and scratched his head – what would be their next step? Should they find and regroup the others, and use their numbers against Datamon?
"Look, I'm running a business. If you want them, you'll have to trade for them." Datamon's statement was firm.
"I don't think we have anything that'll interest him Tommy." Kyle was quiet about telling Tommy.
Tommy brushed it off lifted his hat off his head, "Well, will you give them to me for my hat?"
Kyle face palmed at Tommy's offer – he knew there was no way that Datamon would take a hat for the D-Tectors. It was thoughtful of him to care, unfortunately, if they didn't find something of equal value they'd never get those D-Tectors out of Datamon's safe.
Datamon turned around to face Tommy, "No sale!"
Tommy bent down and took his shoes off before placing them on the counter, "Will you trade them for these?"
Datamon turned away from them, "Hmph. Come on, what are you trying to do? Make me puke?" Who does these humans think he's running? A charity store?
Datamon sat Takuya's D-Tector on the ground.
"Ohhh..." Tommy deflated, defeated.
Datamon raised two things that were attached to a some kind of reader that was mounted on the wall. When he touched them to Takuya's D-Tector, the needle on the gauge began to move and went all the way into the red zone.
"Wha-what are you doing?" Tommy questioned, worried.
Datamon stared at the gauge, "I have to test these out. Make sure they're good for the next person to buy them."
Datamon walked over and placed Takuya's D-Tector away and pulled out the blue and green one – Tommy's. Tommy and Kyle watched as Datamon sat Tommy's D Tector down and tested it as well.
"Unlike you, I don't lie about my stuff." Datamon's words barely registered to them since they were caught up on the last part of his previous statement.
The gauge didn't move nearly as much as it did for Takuya's D-Tector when it came to Tommy's D-Tector. The needle only reached half way.
"Next person?!" Tommy couldn't help but shout in disbelief.
"You're not going to really sale our D-Tectors, are you?!" Kyle didn't know why he was so surprised, but he was.
"They aren't yours anymore, they're mine unless you can trade for them." Datamon popped off the grip of Tommy's D-Tector after speaking.
"Hmm, this one needs fixing." When Datamon managed to pop the grip off Tommy and Kyle were alarmed.
Tommy started to frantically wave his hand, "Ahhhh! No, cut it out! You're gonna break it!"
"Oh yeah? I can do what I want with this thing. It's mine now, kid." Datamon didn't even look at Tommy as he continued.
"You say we can trade for them and then give us no time to find anything to trade for them." Kyle spoke up but things went a bit quiet.
There was no response to Kyle because Datamon had managed to pop the D-Tector apart – the face plate of the D-Tector popped off and golden light poured out of it. Datamon looked at it for a second before continuing to try and 'fix' the 'broken' device.
"Please mister!" Tommy bursts out in tears.
Datamon groaned but stopped working because the phone began to ring, "Hmm... Alright, alright, don't blow a gasket." He picked up the phone, "Yeah?"
"Watch it – you dealt with the puny Falcomon, right?" The voice that came from the other side of the phone was rough.
Datamon looked confused, "Huh?'
Leading onto a familiar beach was a trail of footprints. The footprints led right to a phone – the phone that was being used to call Datamon. Standing at the phone was none other than Beelzemon.
"I'm not repeating myself." Beelzemon growled the words out.
The shack that belonged to the Orcamon was in shambles. Pieces of the roof were caved in while some decorations littered the beach in front of the shack.
"They brought the Spirits to you." Beelzemon tossed a glare to the Falcomon that were covered in food.
The Falcomon sat in the corner huddled together. The food that they had ordered was all over them and the ground around them. The Orcamon cowered behind the counter, not wanting to attract the wrath of Beelzemon.
"Oh, yeah, right." Datamon's voice betrayed that he was still confused.
Beelzemon wiped off some grim that stuck to him, "I'll be there in an hour – you don't give them to me then you'll regret it."
Datamon flinches at the harsh tone, "Yeah, sure, I understand," Datamon hung up the phone, "I have no idea what he's talking about."
Datamon walked back to the D-Tector and started to work on it once more. The moment he started to work on it Tommy started to cry again. The light that poured from the inside of the D-Tector was bright.
"Look, knock it off, would you, kid?!" Datamon practically yelled at Tommy.
There was a sudden growth in the light that the D-Tector let off. The sudden brightening of the light startled Tommy and Kyle while Datamon just watch. The light quickly died down to dull gleam though.
Tommy stared at Datamon, "You broke it!"
Datamon stared at the dully glowing circuit board, "Quit your bellyaching, I didn't break it!" Datamon lowered his voice, "I think I broke this thing." And to think he was threatened not to get rid of them. What would happen if he broke the trinket? The sheer thought of pieces foreshadows his demise. Datamon shivered.
Datamon turned around, "Nope, I can fix it. I'll open up some of the other ones to see what's supposed to look like."
Datamon pulls out Takuya's D Tector and starts to open it up. As Datamon worked on opening up Takuya's D-Tector he was muttering to himself. Upon opening it up there was a bright glow emitting from it.
"No, stop! I don't care about mine," Tommy burst out crying once again, "...but don't break another one!"
Datamon sighed and turned to Tommy, "Look, what's with all the brew-ha-ha?" There was no way he could work in peace if the brat was wailing constantly every minute!
"Besides the fact that you're breaking our stuff right before our own eyes?" Kyle's voice was low as he glared at Datamon.
Tommy sniffled, "It's not just that either – I know I'm just a little kid and I get in the way most of the time, but Takuya and J.P and Koji and Meredith and Amelia and Zoe and Kyle, they're different."
Kyle looked at Tommy, surprised by his words. Tears started to stream down Tommy's face once more no matter how much he tried not to cry.
"They're going to save the world, but they have to have those D-Tectors to do it." Tommy's heartfelt words seemed to get to Datamon. Tommy wasn't strong like his friends. All he could do was freeze things in his evolution as Kumamon. The big kids could do so much more of use. The least he could do is get everyone's D-Tectors so they could be true heroes. He was better off in the sidelines anyway. He was no hero; he was just a little kid. What was his true role here?
Datamon stared at the small boy before humming and looking towards the ceiling, "I'll tell you what."
Tommy wiped his tears away, "What?"
"I owe you for winning the game. I'll give you one hour to find something to trade." Datamon held out a hand as he explained.
Hearing that cheered Tommy up quite a bit. He grinned and laughed slightly. Kyle eyed the dismantled D-Tectors, a bit uncertain about the deal. What was more or equal to the value of their D-Tectors, and could they reach their goal in a short amount of time? Not to mention Kyle's common sense in letting Datamon remain holding onto the D-Tectors.
'Will they be in working condition if we do get them back?' Kyle worried over that.
Despite Kyle's inner worry Tommy laughed. When there was a chime the two glanced at the clock. According to the clock that hung on the wall, it was two o'clock sharp.
"But just an hour, got it? Not a minute longer. And don't you dare breathe a word of this to anyone. I can't have customers thinking that I've gone soft around the dials, you know what I mean?" Datamon stared the two down.
Tommy nodded, "Right, one hour."
Datamon raised a finger, "Actually, now it's just 58 minutes." Not reassuring that the boys were wasting their time in the shop.
"You won't regret this, I swear!" Tommy turned and started to run out while Kyle followed after him with one last look at Datamon.
"Mmhmm." Datamon watched them before turning around to face the open D-Tectors once again, "Alright, now back to fixing this thing."
Looking between the two D-Tectors Datamon realized the 'solution', "Oh, of course! I just have to find the circuit that leads to the relay switch, simple!"
With the idea in mind he stared at the two. Which one would he experiment on to try and fix the other?
Datamon pointed at them both, "Eenie meenie miney mo, catch a tig-"
Meanwhile Tommy and Kyle were racing through town trying to find the others. They started back the way they came and peeked into a few stores, but there was no one.
"We don't have time to waste looking for them." Kyle scanned the crowd as they stood still, getting their breath back.
"What do we do Kyle?" Tommy watched Kyle.
He shook his head, "I hate to say it, but let's split up. It'll be easier if we split up."
Tommy nodded and didn't even hesitate to turn and run off. Tommy ran towards the snowy part and didn't even stop running. He had a goal in mind and he was going to accomplish it. Kyle turned the direction that they hadn't come from and took off that way – they had to find the others.
"Wow, that Tommy sure can run fast," Neemon was sitting in a tree as he watched Tommy run, "Hey, wait, where are you going?" Neemon fruitlessly yelled out to the little boy.
As Kyle was coming up to a conjunction he saw four people. He grinned and ran faster towards the group of four. The group that Kyle was running towards had just met up themselves. Ahead of him laid Takuya, Meredith, Koji and Amelia.
Takuya looked to Koji, "Nobody's seen them. You have any luck?"
Meredith shook her head, "Nope."
"Came up empty, sadly." Amelia sighed and ran hand through her hair to get her bangs from her face as she spoke.
"Nothing!" Koji punched his left hand with his right, "Those dumb Digimon probably traded the D-Tectors and left!"
"Guys!" Kyle's call reached them all so they turned to look.
"Kyle!" Takuya called out to him – a tad worried seeing how Kyle was barreling towards them.
Kyle reached them and panted. He tried to regain his breath to tell them that he and Tommy had found the D-Tectors. Just as he got his breath back and was going to blurt it out, a pink ball with wings, Pixiemon, flies by. Everyone looked to where the Pixiemon went, only to see a crowd that was chanting eat.
"Another plate..." The voice was faint as it made it from the other side of the crowd.
Takuya wasn't sure if he heard right, "Is that J.P?"
"Come on." Koji lead the group to the crowd.
Kyle stood back and watched for a second before following the group of four. They were all trying to squeeze their way to the front. As they were maneuvering around the crowd they kept muttering 'excuse me'. Once they get to the front they can clearly see J.P. sitting at a table with empty plates all around him. He was shoveling away at a plate of rice and curry while another full plate was being held by a Bakumon.
J.P. gave a funny look before sitting back and burping, "I'm finished."
Takuya and Koji rushed forwards, both of them not looking happy. Meredith also approached with her hands on her hips. Amelia groaned and facepalmed at the sight before her. Kyle urged Amelia forward before approaching J.P. like the others did – not exactly wanting her to get lost now that he had found the majority of the group.
"J.P, what are you doing?" Koji had barely stopped himself from full out yelling at J.P. Unbelievable that someone could be eating at a crisis spewing!
The older boy gave a nervous smile, "Well, I thought that maybe those Digimon ate here, and turns out they did, but then I saw that sign."
J.P. pointed towards said sign to get attention off of him. The five who were giving him looks, looked at the sign.
""Eat 30 plates and win an Amazing Prize"?", Takuya groaned, "Oh, brother! Listen buddy, you're supposed to be finding the D-Tectors, not stuffing yourself!"
J.P. gave another nervous smile, "Yeah, but finding is tough work and I had to keep my strength up."
Takuya had the face of someone not buying a story. Koji sighed and face palmed while Meredith crossed her arms. Amelia closed her eyes and just took a deep breath – hoping to retain the urge to yell at J.P. for wasting time or slacking off, maybe both. She wasn't sure. Kyle though smiled slightly – since he knew the location of the D-Tectors he was able to find a pinch of humor in the situation.
"Plus, I thought that maybe those Digimon payed with the D-Tectors and they're the prize, well Zoe thought that." The moment the words left J.P.'s mouth everyone stared at him.
"Zoe's here?" Takuya asked it out of disbelief.
"More food!" Zoe's voice traveled to the group, which caused them all to look.
Zoe was shoveling food in as well. She looked like she was faring better than J.P.
She held out her empty plate, "Come on! Can't you see I'm done here?! Give me the next plate!"
Takuya stared at Zoe unbelieving while Koji wore a confused smile.
Takuya was in shock, "Zoe ate all of those?! Where does she put it all?!"
"Well, she is a growing girl." Koji responded but he sounded uncertain of his answer.
Soon, Takuya, Koji, Meredith and Amelia began to leave the tent. They weren't really sure what to do there, so they were going to leave and continue the search. Chants of 'eat' filled the air behind them.
"30 plates..." Takuya muttered the words unbelievingly.
Meredith nodded, "Unbelievable..."
The four of them let out groans of disgust – DemiVeemon and Kyaromon were staring back at the food. Those two weren't disgusted – they were eyeing the food, hungrily. The poor things were so hungry, tiny drools pooled from their little mouths.
"Hey!" Bokomon's shout grabbed everyone's attention.
Takuya, Koji, Meredith and Amelia looked to Bokomon. Bokomon wasn't alone though – Neemon was tagging along as per usual. The two of them were running and they were both looking a bit worn out.
Takuya eyed them worriedly, "What's wrong?"
As the two of them came to a stop, Kyle emerged from the crowd. He noticed the tired and slightly flustered Bokomon and the panting Neemon quickly.
"I was looking for those Digimon and I saw Tommy leave town." Neemon got the words out.
"What?!" Takuya, Koji, Meredith and Amelia all shouted worried.
"That's right!" Kyle rushed over to the group and they looked at him.
Takuya turned on Kyle, "You knew this and didn't tell us this before?!" The nerve of this guy, sheesh!
"Kind of – I was with Tommy and we split up. Tommy probably went out to look for the Falcomon while I came to try and find you guys."
"Falcomon?" Amelia question it and Kyle nodded.
"A pair of Falcomon took our D-Tectors apparently, they traded them in to a Datamon that has a trading post in town." Kyle's words shocked the group into silence.
"Let's go get them then." Koji was the first to say anything.
Kyle groaned, "That's the thing. Datamon isn't going to let them go without something in return. Tommy and I were given an hour to find something to trade for them." He reasoned them before they did something rash.
"We need to go and find Tommy too. He's out there defenseless at the moment. Who knows when one of the Demons will show up." Amelia stressed the words that she spoke – worried about Tommy. He was the youngest one in their group and without his D-Tector, the poor kid wouldn't stand a chance.
"You guys need to get the D-Tectors back as well. Might I propose you guys splitting up?" Bokomon spoke up.
"You have something for us to trade for the D-Tectors? If not, we also need all hands to try and find something to trade to Datamon." Meredith spoke – she didn't like the idea of leaving Tommy alone, but also not liking their odds of trading for the D-Tectors.
Kyle spun on his heel, "Perfect! The eating contest! If we can win it somehow, we can trade the prize for the D-Tectors!"
"How about we leave the trading detail to Kyle, J.P. and Zoe? The four of us can head out to find Tommy?" Koji spoke up.
Takuya grinned, "Sounds like a plan."
"I think Zoe's done though, so unless you can eat thirty plates, I don't think the eating contest is going to work out." Amelia spoke up hesitantly – the crowd had long since stopped chanting and since there was no cheering it was clear that Zoe was out.
"I'm hungry!" DemiVeemon and Kyaromon looked at each other since they had said the words at the same time. Lightbulb.
Kyle turned to look at the two In-Training Digimon, "How many plates do you think you two could eat?"
"What's a plate?" DemiVeemon's question made the group chuckle. How adorable.
"Kyle does have a good idea though – In-Training Digimon can eat quite a lot considering that they are growing and need energy to grow stronger and eventually Digivolve." Bokomon spoke up as he looked between DemiVeemon and Kyaromon.
"Melia." Amelia looked at Kyaromon – a bit surprised.
"Melia?" Amelia parroted back what Kyaromon had said.
Kyaromon stared into Amelia's eyes, "I'm hungry, if I can help by eating then let me help."
"You're in charge of making sure he doesn't get hurt, Kyle." Amelia looked to Kyle and stared him down – her eyes hard.
"I promise I'll do my best." Kyle tried his hardest to make sure that Amelia knew that he was serious. It was like going up against a mother bear.
"And the same goes for DemiVeemon," Meredith looked to Kyle, "Don't take your eyes off of him. He's energetic, and if he wants to play, it's best to play what he wants to play – he sometimes gets restless too." Okay… make that two mother bears.
Kyle nodded once more. He respected how much they cared about the two In-Training Digimon. DemiVeemon was let down and he went to Kyle. Kyaromon jumped down from Amelia's shoulder.
"Now then let's get going." Takuya spoke up – worried about Tommy and what might be going on.
The group split up after that. Kyle grabbed DemiVeemon and Kyaromon before diving back into the crowd of Digimon. Takuya, Koji, Meredith and Amelia followed Bokomon and Neemon.
Meanwhile Datamon was back at his shop still working on the 'broken' D-Tector. He was at a table that also housed a computer.
"Just a little more, and...", Datamon adjusted something inside of the D-Tector, "Ok, that circuit is fixed up."
Datamon reached for the 'reward' that Tommy had won from the game earlier and inserted it into the port on the computer before him.
"Now I'll just transfer the data. Simple." Datamon flipped a switch as he spoke.
It took a couple of seconds but the switches being flipped did cause a reaction in the D-Tector. The faint light that it let off at first grew brighter only slightly but then it just lit up brilliantly all at once.
"Ooh.." Datamon laughed seeing the reaction of the D-Tector.
The machine Digimon grinned, "This baby is gonna sing!"
Datamon watched as it shined brilliantly, but the light slowly started to die down. As the light faded to a dull shine, he turned and grabbed the front of the D-Tector. As he picked it up and put it back together, the light had dulled to a low shine.
"There, at last, my masterpiece is complete." Datamon laughed and fastened the face of the D-Tector back on. It had come to life.
Datamon turned to look at the clock, "Fifteen minutes. I almost hope the kids make it."
Outside of town, Takuya, Koji, Meredith and Amelia were running up the snowy slope that lead into the barren icy land they had flown over on the raft. Bokomon and Neemon were following them at a slower pace since climbing the hill was a bit harder for their short legs. As the group reached the top they stopped since they saw Tommy slowly walking towards them, his head was hung though.
"Tommy?" Takuya gave a sigh of relief seeing Tommy.
"Tommy!" The gogglehead shouted his name as he took off running towards the little boy. Thank goodness he's safe and unharmed. Sadly, the sad look on the kid's face said otherwise.
Takuya wasn't the only one who ran towards Tommy either – he was just the one that led them. Upon drawing close, Tommy launched himself at Takuya. Though he tripped, he was still caught by Takuya, leading them to be kneeling on the ground. He clung tightly to the gogglehead and that caused him to grow concerned – that and he could tell that Tommy was crying.
"Hey, what's the matter?" Takuya's words were met with no response from Tommy besides a whimper.
Meredith frowned from worry, "What is it?"
Tommy pulled away from Takuya which revealed his tear stained face to everyone. Tears still poured out of Tommy's red face. Despite that he tried to hold it together for the others, he failed and burst out sobbing. Feeling a tad ashamed, Tommy ended up burying his head in Takuya's chest. Everyone watched him sadly – not really knowing what to say since they didn't know what happened.
No one said anything as Tommy cried his eyes out – figuring it would be best for him to get it out of his system. As they stood still though, Amelia shivered and rubbed her arms – the warmth from running all the way there was already leaving. Unconsciously , she shifted towards Koji whom she stood beside.
"Can you tell us what happened?" Koji awkwardly asked it when Tommy pulled away from Takuya. He wasn't used to seeing little kids being upset.
Tommy nodded slowly as he wiped tears away with his arm. He took a few deep breathes to try and calm down a bit more before speaking though. No one was rushing him though – they were waiting on him. He took a deep breath.
"I thought the Falcomon might be out here so, I ran out here to try and find them. I, I found them and I t-tried to convince them to give me the camera that they traded our D-Tectors for." Tommy stopped and sniffled.
"Did they do something?" Amelia asked it worried – Tommy didn't have a camera with him so she knew something happened.
"They laughed and ran away, but the ice cracked. I was able to grab the camera since they d-dropped it, but I couldn't leave them in the freezing water. I h-helped them out, but they took the camera and ran off." Tommy bit his lip and hung his head – fighting another round of tears.
"You tried your best." Takuya's attempt at being encouraging made Tommy whimper.
"I'm sorry! W-we won't be a-able to get our D-Tectors back now!" Tommy cried out the words and wrapped his arms around himself as he started to cry again.
"Hey, hey no more tears." Takuya gently grabbed Tommy's shoulders, "Kyle is getting something as we speak. We'll get our D-Tectors back."
"Yeah, we should head back to town now. Once we're back, I bet Kyle will have already traded for the D-Tectors." Meredith put a smile on as she spoke – hoping to help calm the boy down.
Tommy looked up, "R-really?"
"Yeah." Takuya affirmed it.
Tommy wiped his tears away once again before nodded. He and Takuya both stood up. With Tommy in front of the group, they turned towards the Fair and began to head back. Their only hope is Kyle winning the contest with the In-Training Digimon. Or else they could kiss those D-Tectors goodbye.
The door to Datamon's shop rattled and cracks spread across the wall. The wall broke and the door came down to reveal Beelzemon, "Pardon me," the sarcasm was drawn out, "pays to be polite." Like the demon ever knew the meaning of such a word.
Datamon approached Beelzemon, "Yeah, you were real polite to my door." He pointed to now broken door.
Beelzemon moved the bag that he had over his shoulder – this action caused Datamon to cry out. The bag opened enough that the contents fell out. The contents were two bound Falcomon and a camera. The Falcomon laid on the broken door while Beelzemon looked down on Datamon.
"I want what these bird-brains traded." Beelzemon leered down at Datamon threateningly. The Demon wanted his hands on the D-Tectors! Oh, the humanity!
The clock chimed and Datamon looked toward it. Beelzemon didn't like the fact that Datamon looked away. He should focus on the business right now! His goal was in the midst; an inch away from his grasp.
Beelzemon growled, "Take the stupid thing back and give me what they traded you."
Datamon stared up at him, unflinchingly, "Maybe, but first I have to check out the goods." There's still time before the kids come back. He was really hoping to trade off with them instead of this 'mon before him. The least he can do is stall for time.
Datamon's arms extended and he picked up the camera that had dropped to the ground harshly moments before.
"Make it quick." Beelzemon was unamused by Datamon.
Datamon flicked a button on the side and a video began to play. The video revealed the act that Tommy had done earlier. Datamon watched as the hat boy pulled the Falcomon out of the frigid water.
Datamon continued to watch with interest, "Huh? Oh. Sorry buddy, looks like I'm gonna have to turn down your generous offer."
"That's what I thought, wait, what did you say?" Beelzemon hissed the words out. He didn't just been neglected?!
…did he?
Datamon looked back to him, "I have another customer."
Beelzemon raised a fist in the air, "Give it here now or else!"
"Darkness Claw!" Beelzemon called the words out in pure anger.
The destruction that Beelzemon's angry attack caused could be heard from across town. That meant that Tommy's group heard it. Takuya, Koji, Tommy, Meredith and Neemon all were caught off guard and were shocked. Bokomon had a similar action but he also gripped the egg protectively. Amelia grimaced at the sound and looked more worried and scared than the others did. Though, much like their track record, the group didn't run away – they rushed to the commotion.
Datamon's shop was completely destroyed. Dust lingered around the destroyed shop that had pieces of debris letting of flickers darkness as if it was flames. The ground had groves left in it from Beelzemon's attack. Despite the damage though Datamon was still standing – in fact he was squaring off against Beelzemon. The nerve of this digimon, destroying his shop! With all the treasures he held dear!
"That's it! No one messes with my store! Nano Swarm!" Out of Datamon's out stretched hand came a swarm of orange nanos that despite having legs and arms looked shark like.
The attack slammed into Beelzemon, but there seemed to have been no effort to dodge the attack on Beelzemon's part. Datamon though grinned triumphant since his attack landed. The smoke that had been caused by the impact of Datamon's attacked cleared to reveal Beelzemon still standing. Not only was he still standing, but there wasn't even a scratch on him.
"Huh?" Datamon took a step back unnerved and staring at Beelzemon.
Beelzemon pulled out his gun, "Double Impact!"
The bullets tore through the air and slammed into Datamon before he had time to react. The attack forced Datamon back before knocking him off of his feet and flinging him into the counter that he had stood in front of. The wood of the counter cracked from the force that he slammed into it with.
As all of this was happening though the group arrived – running onto the scene behind Beelzemon. Takuya, Meredith, and Bokomon stared in shock while Tommy looked like he stared in horror – Neemon was shaking a bit out of fear. Koji and Amelia though looked a tad more annoyed by Beelzemon's presence than anything though.
"Beelzemon!" Koji's shout alerted Beelzemon to their presence.
Beelzemon looks over his shoulder, "Hmm?"
Takuya and Koji rushed forwards, both of them picking up weapons. Takuya's weapon of choice was a pipe while Koji picked up a piece of wood. Just because they didn't have their D-Tectors didn't mean they weren't going to try and fight.
Beelzemon laughed, "You're kidding me, right?" Then again, these children were nothing more than insects waiting to be stomped underneath his feet.
With Beelzemon focusing on Takuya and Koji the others rushed to Datamon. Bokomon and Neemon on one side and Tommy on the other. Meredith and Amelia had approached Datamon but they were keeping an eye on Beelzemon – they were ready to jump in if they had to.
Bokomon looked at the condition that Datamon was in, "Oh my."
Tommy helped Datamon sit up, "Hey, are you alright, Datamon?"
Datamon turned to look at Tommy, "Yeah, I'm fine. Oh, it's you."
Tommy looked down, "I couldn't find anything to trade," tears started to gather in his eyes, "And I tried so hard."
To Tommy's surprise, Datamon raised his hand and reached out. Datamon softly rested his hand on the side of Tommy's face – the surprise of this action caused the tears to leave Tommy.
Datamon sat forwards and drew closer to Tommy, "Heh. You did just fine, kid. You ever hear that expression that the truth is the greatest treasure?"
Tommy blinked, "No."
Beelzemon laughed and looked away from Koji and Takuya since he saw them as no threat. The two of them though did charge him. Koji and Takuya both managed to hit Beelzemon with their makeshift weapons and he was quick to focus on them. He glared at them. This bore him every second they were standing before him.
Datamon held out Tommy's D-Tector, "Go on, take it."
"Huh?" Tommy was surprised. Why is Datamon giving him his D-Tector? He didn't get anything to trade with it nor didn't he kept the agreement in time. So why?
"You know, at first I thought you were making up stories because you wanted these things so badly, but you truly deserve to have them." Datamon's words caused Tommy to smile and nod.
"Here." That was the last thing that Datamon had to say to cause Tommy to take the D-Tector.
Tommy looked at his D-Tector, "Thanks, Datamon."
"But, uh, don't tell anyone I've gone soft, ok?" Datamon sounded a bit embarrassed.
Tommy shook his D-Tector when he sensed something off. Upon shaking it there was the sound of something shifting around inside.
Datamon laughed, "It's not broken, but I did add something."
"Like what?" Tommy asked and stared at Datamon.
"What you won in the game. It's really yours after all." Datamon's words caused Tommy to look back to his D-Tector.
The screen lit up and against the blue background appeared a white sphere. The sphere had arrows wrapping the sides and ears atop it. Tommy knew what he was staring at even if the image was only there for a matter of seconds before it faded away only to be replaced by the Symbol of Ice.
Tommy grinned, "My Beast Spirit! You're awesome, Datamon!"
While Datamon laughed at Tommy's reaction, the words that he spoke grabbed Meredith and Amelia's attention. The two girls had drawn out their D-Tectors and had been about to intervene in the battle that they knew was coming – a battle that Koji and Takuya wouldn't truly be able to compete in. In that moment though, Takuya and Koji also charged Beelzemon once again – despite how angry he looked. Since Beelzemon was actually paying attention, he was able to knock the weapons away and throw the two of them to the ground. Beelzemon raised his claw and dark matter surrounded it. Despite knowing what was coming their way the two boys were unable to move and they just watched in horror.
"Takuya!" Meredith called out in panic.
"Koji!" Amelia cried out in horror.
Seeing the scene unfolding made Tommy angry. He stood quickly and raised his D-Tector, growling slightly. The Fractal Code surrounded his hand and despite the situation, he grinned as he scanned the Fractal Code.
"Execute, Beast Spirit Evolution!" Tommy's words stopped the two girls that had been seconds from starting their own Spirit Evolutions because they were caught by surprise.
Tommy screamed out as he was surrounded by Fractal Code – arrowheads attached to what looked like steel cable moving around the ball of Fractal Code that had swallowed him. Snow seemed to be blowing around him as well. As the cables passed over his limbs they shifted into the form of the Beast Spirit. As the Tommy emerged from the static like form after the armor covered him he appeared in the form of a white furry beast with patches of brown – his eyes a deep brown. A breath of air was let out through his nose which caused a cloud of white. As he jumped down to the platform the arrows that were attached to what seemed to be cables flowed in the air behind him. Axes followed after him, spinning in the air. As he landed the axes fell and embedded themselves into the platform. Wasting no time he reached out and grabbed the axes.
He slashed the air in front of him, "Korikakumon!"
Beelzemon was jerked to a stop when Korikakumon's arrow tipped hair grabbed the tail that he had - the hair having extended in a split second. Beelzemon turned to look at what had grabbed him only to find Korikakumon pulling him backwards with the hair. Amelia watched as stunned as Neemon and Bokomon – unable to find words. Meredith though watched in horror – a bit of fear mixed in upon seeing the Beast Spirit of Ice enter the field.
"Korikakumon! Legendary Beast Warrior of Ice!" Bokomon exclaimed the observation in surprise.
Datamon was stunned, "So it really is true. Humans have the power to turn into Digimon!"
Korikakumon managed to yank Beelzemon towards him but the demon was able to catch himself. Despite that fact it left an opening for Korikakumon to punch him. The strength behind the punch was enough to knock Beelzemon off of his feet and crashed to the ground. Korikakumon took a deep breath as he turned to the side. Reaching up, the Ice Beast grabbed his muzzle with both hands – a sound that was a cross between growls and purrs emitting from him as it did so.
Bokomon's worry was seen through the way he hunched slightly, his whole face changed. Neemon gasped and stood up a bit straighter. Datamon also watched on, a bit worried.
"Tommy, what in the world are you doing? This is no time for reflection!" Bokomon called out, hoping to get through to him.
Datamon stood up, "Behind you! Look out!"
Datamon's warning wasn't fast enough because Beelzemon was still able to strike Korikakumon. Beelzemon hit Korikakumon hard enough to knock him off balance - thanks to losing his balance, Korikakumon crashed to the ground. The demon laughed at him – not to mention the looks of concern that Neemon, Bokomon and Datamon gave seeing Korikakumon hit the ground.
Bokomon gave a sympatric groan, "That's going to leave a mark!"
Beelzemon forced Korikakumon farther into the ground using the foot that he had planted on Korikakumon's back. The smug grin that Beelzemon had though was wiped off of his face when Korikakumon forced himself up – the arrow tipped hair managed to exert enough force that it not only forced Beelzemon's foot off but threw him off balance. Before Beelzemon got anywhere though the hair had wrapped around his leg and flung him. He crashed to the ground and slid.
"Avalanche Axes!" Korikakumon's call caused two axes to fall out of the sky – around him though had shifted as if aurora borealis had over taken the space.
Korikakumon bent forwards and grabbed the axes – for a moment his eyes were unfocused but he closed them. His eyes popped back open quickly though – fully focused once more. Korikakumon moved so face that he was a blur – less than a blur in truth since only his very first move was even slightly visible. Beelzemon stared at where Korikakumon had been, surprised. The Ice Beast was high in the sky and was coming down with the axes aimed at Beelzemon. His attention was drawn upwards when Korikakumon made a noise and due to that it gave him clean swipes at Beelzemon's chest with his axes – or so it appeared. Korikakumon released a fury of axe strikes. Beelzemon was forced back by the force of the last one. Takuya, Koji, Neemon, Bokomon, Datamon, Meredith and Amelia all watched on as Korikakumon started to dance and laugh.
"There's something you don't see everyday." Koji spoke the words – still staring at Korikakumon.
"He can't control his Spirit." Takuya scratched his head before continuing, "He sure looks silly, doesn't he?"
"Not as silly as you looked trying to beat up your friends, Mr. Pot-Calling-The-Kettle-Black!" Bokomon's words pulled attention from Korikakumon to him.
"Do you have to keep bringing that up?!" Meredith shouted the words at Bokomon – highly annoyed about it having been brought up since despite it having been Takuya, she was sensitive about what happened.
Beelzemon stood up, "That's your final mistake, Double Impact!"
Datamon grabbed the other D-Tectors, "Here, catch! Help out your friend, guys!"
Takuya and Koji caught their D-Tectors. With them in their hands, Takuya and Koji looked at each other before nodding. Meredith and Amelia readied their D-Tectors as well.
"Execute! Spirit Evolution!" The four of them called the words out in unison.
"Agunimon!"
"Sakanamon!"
"Lobomon!"
"Legnamon!"
"How about we heat things up a little?" Agunimon punched forwards – sending the fire at Beelzemon.
"Lobo Kendo!" Lobomon's attack joined with Agunimon's fire.
The combined attack slammed into Beelzemon's back. Growling, he turned around and aimed for them. Wordlessly he pulled the trigger of his gun.
"Tempest Whirlpool!" Sakanamon's attack swallowed the bullets, protecting the group from the attack.
With attention off of him Korikakumon charged forwards but Beelzemon heard him due to the growling. Beelzemon turned around but before he could attack Korikakumon he was bound by wood that shot out of the ground. The demon turned his head and looked at Legnamon who only smirked at him. He was unable to attack due to her bind which allowed Korikakumon to run right at him unhindered by attacks. Beelzemon was released from the wood when Korikakumon was close enough to grab him but the demon had no time to react to stop Korikakumon from throwing him into the air. Beelzemon flew through the air from the strength behind the throw.
"And now... Frozen Arrowheads!" Korikakumon's arrows hit Beelzemon mid-air and sent him flying even farther.
Beelzemon hit the icy ground but he didn't stop. Due to the force of Korikakumon's attack he was sent sliding across the icy and into the sunset.
"You'll pay for this!" Beelzemon shouted it as he exited their eyesight.
Korikakumon took the sense of being huddled over with his hands clasping his muzzle once again. Sakanamon hesitantly approached Korikakumon – she was shaking slightly. She stopped when Korikakumon opened his eyes and looked at her. Seeing how afraid she was of him made tears gather in Korikakumon's eyes.
"Don't be scared." Korikakumon spoke softly.
Sakanamon's eyes softened hearing the words. A soft smile took over her face as well – Tommy was the same old Tommy even as the form of Korikakumon.
"I'm not." Sakanamon's words made Korikakumon smile.
The others shared a smile. The scene was a nice one – it gave a bit of hope as well where Beast Spirits were concerned.
: Later :
Outside of the festival everyone was gathered together. Tommy, Bokomon and Neemon stood in the center of the circle that everyone had made. DemiVeemon was sleeping soundly in Meredith's pull-string backpack while Kyaromon was slowly dozing off in Amelia's arms – the two In Training Digimon were stuffed and with full tummies, they were tired.
"Molto Bene." Zoe exclaimed it after hearing what had happened.
Tommy nodded, "I'm just glad I didn't hurt you guys when I got my Beast Spirit."
"Why does everybody have to bring that up?" Takuya was annoyed that it was brought up yet again.
Meredith crossed her arms, "Yeah!"
"Digi-Destined" The voice resounded from the D-Tectors.
Takuya looked started, "Huh?", he pulled out his D-Tector, "Ophanimon."
Everyone copied the Takuya and pulled out their D-Tectors. Bokomon and Neemon looked over Tommy's shoulders.
"Seraphimon turned into a Digi-Egg." Zoe delivered the news sadly.
"Yes, I know." Ophanimon's voice was low and sad sounding.
"So what are we supposed to do about it?" Koji asked the question while staring at the symbol that looked to be a cross between a compass and a cross that was on the screen of the D-Tector.
"Before I tell you, you must know this is a crucial point. You can stop now, or face the dangerous road ahead. Will you accept the risk?" At Ophanimon's words everyone looked at each other.
They nodded to each other, "Mmhmm."
"You better believe we will." Takuya declared it with confidence.
"You must be certain. All of you." Ophanimon stressed her words.
Zoe looked to her D-Tector, "I don't think I've ever been more certain of anything in my life."
"Me neither." Koji's voice was firm.
"Yeah." Tommy's voice was strong as he agreed.
J.P. nodded and looked to his D-Tector. Amelia chewed on her lip and glanced to Kyaromon who looked at her tiredly.
"I'm in." Kyle spoke up.
Amelia looked around the group, "It'll be hard but, we can manage it."
"I'm sorry, but I can't be certain right now." All eyes turned to Meredith at her words.
"Meredith?" Takuya called her name, surprised by her statement.
"I just can't," Meredith shook her head.
"Yes you can Meredith, you're strong." Takuya received a tired look from his best friend.
"You think it's easy for me to admit this, Takuya? I know you all need me, and I want to help more than anything, but... I... I'm scared."
Takuya offered a smile, "There's nothing to be scared of if we're together."
"You're wrong there, Takuya," Amelia stepped to Meredith even if she had addressed Takuya, "It's alright to be scared."
Meredith looked Amelia in the eye, "We don't know what will happen with the Beast Spirits – I don't know what will happen with my Beast Spirit."
"I believe you'll be strong enough to handle it, but it's alright to fear the unknown. Even if I may speak in support of getting them, I'm afraid too, Meredith." Amelia gripped her D-Tector tighter at her words – she hated admitting her fears out loud and allowing others to know.
Meredith looked to the others, "I don't want to let you guys down, though."
"If assurance is what you need, allow me to make a suggestion." Ophanimon's words drew Meredith's attention back to her D-Tector.
"There is a village of Corealmon – they may be able to offer some help to you." Ophanimon's voice was soft – understanding even.
"If there's any hope at all there, I'll take it." Meredith sounded determined.
Koji looked to his D-Tector, "And what will we do after that, Ophanimon?"
"Head for the Rose Morning Star, and then-" Ophanimon was cut off as the signal failed – the symbol vanished from the D-Tectors' screens at the same time.
"What did you say?! Ophanimon!" Koji shouted at his D-Tector.
Seeing as there was no response they looked dejected. Lowering their D-Tectors the group shared a look.
Neemon looked to Bokomon, "What is a Rose Morning Star?"
Bokomon started to turn his head, looking left and right repeatedly. He was searching the sky for something. Once he found what he was looking for he pointed towards it.
"That right there." Everyone looked in the direction that Bokomon pointed.
In the sky some distance away there was an aura in the sky that looked to be a rose. The rose seemed to be made of red clouds almost but it stood out against the purplish blue clouds that hung in the sky in that direction.
"A star? How are we supposed to get there?" J.P.'s question was borderline whining it sounded like.
Bokomon sighed, "We're not going to the star, we're going to what's beneath it. And the Corealmon village is on the way there."
"All that way?" J.P. questioned unbelievingly.
There was a collective sigh from the humans of the group. J.P.'s shoulders fell while Zoe's eyes dropped to the ground. Takuya scratched his head and Koji eyed the direction that they would need to be. Tommy hung his head slightly while Meredith looked determined though. Amelia closed her eyes and just took a deep breath. Kyle scratched his cheek, thinking.
"Yeah, it looks pretty far," Takuya turned to Bokomon, "We have to walk there?"
The group as a whole managed to sigh in unison. Eyes closed and head hung at the thought of walking all that way.
Zoe gasped, "Presto!"
Zoe held up twelve cards, fanning them out. She had a victorious smile on her face as she held them up for everyone to see.
Takuya stared at the cards, "What are those?"
"These are Trailmon tickets. Remember that eating contest? Well this is the runner-up prize for scarfing down nearly 30 of all that horrible food in an hour. Do I rock, or what?" Zoe's words had everyone cheering.
"Wait, what was the grand prize?" Tommy asked it.
Zoe, J.P. and Kyle all shared a look and a laugh at that. The three of them looked to DemiVeemon and Kyaromon – who both seemed wide awake suddenly, even though DemiVeemon had been sound asleep moments before. He jumped into Meredith's arms.
"This!" DemiVeemon called it out as he held up the drawstring bag that he had fallen asleep holding.
"DemiVeemon and I won it earlier!" Kyaromon was excited as it added in.
"Yeah, look at the pretty stones, Mama!" DemiVeemon shouted it as he proudly held the now open bag up for Meredith to look in.
The redhead peered into the bag. When she saw what it was she was a bit surprised. Out of curiosity the others crowded around to try and get a look. DemiVeemon though proudly showed it off to the others.
"Marbles?" Amelia questioned it.
Koji stared at the marbles, "How is that the grand prize?"
"Don't know, but they sure were excited when they won them. You should've seen them! They were playing with them after winning them." Kyle laughed as he thought back to when the two had been presented with the marbles.
Takuya smiled at the two, "Good job you two."
DemiVeemon grinned at his Daddy while Kyaromon smiled a bit shyly. Kyaromon shifted in Amelia's arms so he could cuddle a bit closer to her. He shut his eyes and everyone shared a laugh at his reaction.
Takuya turned towards the Rose Morning Star, "Well, then come on, guys! Let's head for that star!"
"Takuya, the village. We're going to the village first." Takuya deflated slightly at Meredith's reminded and his reaction got a laugh out of everyone.
The gogglehead gave a slightly embarrassed laugh, "Right, the Corealmon Village. But still, let's go!"
Stilling laughing slightly everyone through their fists into the air, "Yeah!"
To their luck they were able to find a Trailmon that was headed in that direction pretty quickly. They climbed aboard the Trailmon who proved that it was easily able to cut through the snow that covered the tracks. They all watched out the windows as they rode forwards – thinking about what trials they may face.
For once, things seem to be going ok, which is usually where everything falls apart. Find out if they can keep it together on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters!