Chapter 1: The Return of Guilmon
Seven years ago, the Digital World and the Real World were both under threat by the rampaging Devas and the terrible mass of destroying data known as the D-Reaper.
The D-Reaper, an artificial intelligence guided by its programming, sought to destroy all which it touched. So driven, it attacked the Real World. Its algorithm saw humanity as the source of chaos, corruption and pain. Therefore, it must be eradicated. Once the planet was purged, only then could salvation be obtained.
Fortunately, a small faction of Digimon had allied themselves with a group of humans known as the Digimon Tamers. They succeeded against the D-Reaper, rendering it as harmless as a calculator.
However, the victory came at a great cost. The Digimon were forced back to the Digital World. Hopefully, to live quiet and normal lives.
Unfortunately, two years later, a new group of Digimon organized themselves into a terrorist cell. They tricked a recently built group into funding their misdeeds. Eventually, they framed it for terrorism and had the leader arrested.
Five years passed. The cell grew, eventually calling itself "The Regime". They plot to conquer the Digital World. Initially, they believed nobody could stop them and their power. However, there were whispers and hushed talks that worried them
There was one Digimon who went by the title "The Digimon Hero", who would rise up to put an end to their reign once and for all.
Emperor Duskmon sent his greatest warrior, Darknessmon, to search every inch of the Digital World to eliminate this so-called hero once and for all.
On a misty mountainside sat a small village. Most of the town consisted of several small, Japanese-style huts. The streets were busy as the local population of Digimon went about their day
High above the village, near the top of the mountain, was a temple hidden by the mists. The courtyard was filled with majestic trees dotted with cherry blossoms. The air swirled with the graceful, flowing petals. Any visitor was immediately struck by a sense of calm tranquillity by their surroundings.
A golden-scaled Digimon emerged from his hut. He resembled a dog with his blue and white striped pelt and bright friendly eyes. However, he was actually a reptilian creature. A single horn extended out from his forehead.
Gabumon kept his firm maroon coloured eyes peeled upon the surroundings within as he had done for years to keep his people safe.
Although he saw no troubles within the village, a concern continued to gnaw itself within his core, fearing the Regime Empire would find them.
"Elder Gabumon?" A sincere voice questioned, earning his attention.
Turning around, the Gabumon elder found a small Lalamon floating before him. "I hope you slept well?" She asked.
"I did. Thank you, Lalamon." Gabumon replied with appreciation toward the Lalamon's kindness.
"You know, it's reassuring that one of the Digimon Knights is now the elder of our village." A Balistamon said as he commented from Lalamon's side.
While he found solace as the head elder of the village, Gabumon found his mind drifting to the past.
While the Digimon Tamers battled the Mother Reaper, the Digimon Sovereigns formed a faction of chosen warrior Digimon to fight in the Digital World. These warriors were dubbed Knights. They were tasked with fighting the remnants of the D-Reaper which threatened the Digital World. With the sealing away of the D-Reaper, the knight claimed a great victory. But now only a handful of the Digimon Knights were left. One of their most trusted number had betrayed them all.
"Hey! That's not fair, Gumdramon! You got to play as Terriermon for four times now!" A childish voice shouted.
The adults then turned around and saw younglings arguing, mostly a Gumdramon with a Bearmon, Gotsumon and Palmon.
"But I'm just like Terriermon. I'm funny and cute." Gumdramon said back.
"But you got to be Terriermon every time! Just like how Gammamon always play Guilmon and Veamon plays Renamon!" Bearmon snapped.
"It's because we've got the same personality as them!" Gumdramon spoke in defence.
"Now, now, kids..." Gabumon spoke up as he approached the arguing Digimon, before he then asked. "What is this about, and why are you fighting among yourselves?"
"Elder Gabumon? I am sorry. We are playing Digimon Tamers, but Gumdramon keeps getting to pick himself as Terriermon" Palmon told Gabumon in reply.
"Digimon Tamers, huh?" Gabumon asked with a small chuckle. "Like the stories of how they saved the Digital World?"
"Yes! They are legends! And we wanna be just like..." Gotsumon began to say with a great enthusiasm, which faded when they heard a sudden yell.
"Dammit, Gammamon! Will you stop pinching our food?!" An Orgemon chef shouted as two Digimon were seen fleeing the scene.
One was a white bipedal Digimon which had three small horns protruding from his face, similar to that of a Triceratops. A row of black lumps ran along his back. A blue bandana was tied around his neck. In his black claws he carried a large pile of riceballs.
The second Digimon held a draconic and feminine structure in her appearance. She had deep purple skin, with white scales running from her chest down passed her stomach. She had shimmering red eyes and a small horned nose similar to her companion's. She wore a small brown-coloured top and a matching a mini skirt hung about her waist
"Gammamon, you must stop stealing food like that. One of these days you would get into trouble!" The female Digimon told Gammamon firmly.
"But Gammamon's hungry and it tastes so good, Veamon!" Gammamon said back with a mouthful of rice balls.
His antics causing Palmon to sigh. "Gammamon, you're such a pig! Can't you just wait until dinner?"
"C'mon kids, play nicely." Lalamon cut in, to stop the bickering amongst the younger Digimon.
Gabumon was about to speak when he noticed something in the distance.
He saw several black ships closing in from the sea and moving toward the shore.
"The Regime!" Gabumon called out. Everyone in the village was called to attention.
"The Regime?! Oh no!" Bearmon said with a great fear within his voice, which was shared alongside Gotsumon and Palmon.
"Are they bad people?" Gammamon questioned after he finished stuffing his face.
"Gammamon, bad guys like them are causing havoc across the whole Digital World." Gumdramon pointed out, before he expressing a great excitement. "But this is perfect because now we can be heroes and fight them!"
"Gumdramon, we're nowhere as powerful as the Regime or its top warrior." Veamon pointed out.
"Children, go and hide somewhere! Make yourselves safe! Any warrior Digimon who can fight, come with me! Darknessmon is among those ships and we must be ready!" Gabumon ordered. Doing as they were told, the young Digimon went to hide within the nearby buildings.
However, Gammamon began to run toward the old temples above the village, uncertain to why he felt compelled to do so.
"Gammamon! That temple is deserted. We've been ordered not to go in there!" Veamon called with a great concern in her voice.
"But Gammamon thinks we can hide in there since the Regime would focus on the village." Gammamon said.
"Well, we might as well investigate, so who knows? We might find something interesting!" Gumdramon said in approval, before he, Gammamon and Veamon hurried up the pathway and toward the hidden temple.
When the Digimon trio arrived, they found the place was indeed deserted.
"The wind might be peaceful, but it will be a hurricane soon." Veamon warned.
"Why are we hiding from the Regime when we could be fighting them?" Gumdramon questioned. "Come on, if we want to be Warrior Digimon, this is the perfect chance, right?"
"Gumdramon, we're outnumbered and overpowered. There's no way we can win. All we can do now is rely on Elder Gabumon," Veamon protested.
Gammamon was about to chime in, but stopped. He sniffed the air with his nose. An unfamiliar scent filled his nostrils.
"Guys, we're not alone." Gammamon stated. Gumdramon and Veamon immediately went on alert.
"Gammamon, what are you talking about?" Gumdramon asked in confusion.
"Gammamon smells someone new," the white dino followed.
"I also sense someone is here" Veamon said. "But they don't share the same dark aura as the Regime." Her ears wiggled with unease.
"Should we go see?" Gammamon inquired.
"We might as well." Gumdramon said. They followed the more innocent of the Digimon.
Arriving at a small clearing, the three Digimon found a stream. And near it was a Digimon they had never seen before, doing martial arts training.
Keeping silent, Veamon, Gammamon and Gumdramon watched him from behind a tree. The Digimon was as tall as a grown up human and and his body has a muscular form.
He appeared to be a reptilian based Digimon, with pure golden eyes and red skin. Black markings are seen along his face, chest, arms and his legs. He had a white stomach and muscular pecs with a six pack stomach. A Digital Hazard symbol was seen below his chest.
He was clad with a torn red kasaya that mostly covered the left side of his body. A golden ring on his shoulder kept it in place. He also wore orange karate pants held up by a blue belt.
The trio continued watching the dinosaur-like Digimon. He delivered a powerful roundhouse kick. The falling flower petals swirled around with his movement.
"Wow. Such grace and style." Veamon said in awe.
A red aura circled around the red dino Digimon. He balled his right hand into a fist. The muscles of his arms bulged up. He then launched himself upward with his fist in the air. The aura took the form of a powerful red dragon that spiraled through the air. Flower petals danced around him as he did this.
The red digimon then landed on his feet, flexed his arms and exhaled. The three observers watched in awe at the spectacle.
"Wow, he's so amazing. He may be as good as Elder Gabumon, or better." Gumdramon whispered to Gammamon.
However, he noticed his friend was no longer standing next to him.
"Hi!"
Gumdramon and Veamon gasped. Gammamon had approached the unknown Digimon in a friendly way.
"You look strong. Me Gammamon." Gammamon said happily with a wag of his tail. "Are you a new friend here?"
"Gammamon!" Veamon and Gumdramon called. They rushed over and tried to pull their curious friend away.
"C'mon, Gammamon. We don't even know this guy. He could be with the Regime!" Gumdramon argued.
"But Gammamon smelt him. He's not bad Digimon. Gammamon knows it." he replied.
"You shouldn't assume that just because he's strong! He may be evil or..." Veamon scolded. She was cut off when the dino Digimon placed a hand atop Gammamon's head and softly stroked it.
"Seeing you reminds me of myself when I was a kid," the red dino commented with a calm and uplifting voice, Gammamon chirred happily.
The unknown digimon then looked at Gumdramon and Veamon. "Relax. No harm will come to you or your friend. I only came here to train is all," he told them.
"You did? But... who are you?" Gumdramon asked.
"Me? I am just a wandering Digimon seeking out further strength. I'm also trying to stop a certain someone," the red dino Digimon replied. The smile remained on his face as he told his three guests. "My name is Guilmon Matsuki."
"Wait... Digimon don't get surnames, unless they were partnered to a human," Veamon remarked.
"You're right about that. Seven years ago, I was created from drawings made by a human. I honor him by having his surname." Guilmon responded with a smirk, crossed his arms, and nodded.
Surprised to what they had been told, Veamon then asked. "But does that mean you are...?"
"A Digimon Tamer's Digimon?!" All three questioned as one.
"A Digimon of the Tamers in our area?" Gumdramon asked, before stars filled his eyes as he exclaimed. "We've heard so many stories about you and your friends! This is so cool!"
"You and your friends are legends!" Veamon added with her own amazement.
"I wouldn't call us legends if I am totally honest." Guilmon said with a fair modesty within his voice.
"Wow. Digimon Tamer Digimon here! Gammamon happy!" Gammamon said.
Expressing some curiosity, Guilmon then inquired. "I haven't heard from my friends for a while, but would you know how they're doing by any chance?"
Astonished, Veamon asked in confusion. "You haven't heard?"
"Well, I have been traveling a lot and all." Guilmon commented, scratching the back of his head.
Confused but also understanding Guilmon, Gumdramon remained grinning and suggested. "I am sure Elder Gabumon could fill you in on everything you've missed."
Thinking further upon the elder, the concern amongst the three Digimon grew as Veamon said with a great tone of concern. "The Regime! Elder Gabumon!"
"The Regime?" Guilmon questioned, expressing a clear confusion as to who or what the Regime was.
"We'll come back and tell you later, but right now we have to go back and help Elder Gabumon!" Veamon said back, before the trio turned and hurried back to the village.
Watching the Digimon leave, Guilmon had many questions on his mind.
As he remained uncertain to who the Regime were, but from the worry Veamon, Gammamon and Gumdramon expressed Guilmon knew they were bad news and knew he had to step in. He slowly after them down the mountains.
At the village entrance, the Digimon warriors remained united to confront their invaders.
Digivolving to WereGarurumon, the elder and his Digimon group saw the battleship dock itself upon the land, before a great mass of Dark Digimon emerged from out of the ship's sides.
Off to the side lines and hidden amongst the trees, Gammamon, Gumdramon and Veamon silently watched the oncoming conflict.
The trio then saw two Digimon emerge from out of the ship, the first looked to be a dinosaur-like Digimon whose appearance was concealed by a black life-support outfit. A black helmet accompanied alongside a black mask covered the Digimon's face and kept the Digimon breathing. They had glowing red eyes and a black cloak draped itself down their back.
Silently observing the dark forces himself from behind one of the trees, Guilmon took note of the Dark Digimon, before a sense of shock filled him when he noticed a familiar figure amongst the invading enemies.
"Cyberdramon?" Guilmon questioned, his tone a combination of shock and confusion.
Cyberdramon was still the same as he remember but now he wore a tattered red cape behind his back.
Keeping an eye upon Cyberdramon, Guilmon noticed the dark armored Digimon made his way toward WereGarurumon, the pair bracing themselves for combat.
Surrounding himself in an aura of darkness, there were notable changes within the Digimon's appearance, revealing he looked to be somewhat taller and now wielded a black shield on his back.
"I've finally found you, Gabumon. We meet again at last. The circle is now complete." The black armored Digimon commented through his mask. "When I left you, I was nothing but the learner, but now I am the master."
"Only a master of evil, Darknessmon!" WereGarurumon snapped. He charged toward the Dark Digimon and yelled. "Wolf Claw!"
Darknessmon blocked the attack with his own claw and repelled WereGarurumon back with his sheer power.
"Your powers are weak, old man." Darknessmon remarked, unimpressed toward WereGarurumon's strength.
"I'm not going to let you harm these innocent people. Follow me so we can settle this somewhere else." WereGarurumon said as he hurried himself toward the forest.
"As you wish. Minions, take care of these weaklings. This one belong to me." Darknessmon told his minions before lifting up in the air and flying after WereGarurumon.
"Wow. It's a war!" Gumdramon then said with a great awe in his voice.
Trying to stay silent despite her worries, Veamon whispered to her friends. "I think it's best if we get out of here. We're no way near as powerful as they are."
"I'm afraid it is too late." Veamon, Gammamon and Gumdramon heard a dark voice say, which caused them to turn around.
Their expressions changed to dread to see Cyberdramon glaring down at them.
"And what are you kids doing here? Shouldn't you be cowering?" Cyberdramon questioned with a further darkness in his tone.
Although afraid, Gammamon stepped forward and snarled a little toward Cyberdramon and the dark energies which radiated through his being.
"Breakclaw!" Gammamon then bellowed as he lunged forward and tried to strike down Cyberdramon.
Before Gammamon could make contact with his enemy, Cyberdramon swung his claw and swatted him away, the impact of the attack sending him crashing into Veamon and Gumdramon.
"You're brave, I'll give you that." Cyberdramon commented as he stared down the three Digimon, before he brought his right arm up and looked ready to strike. "I don't want to do this, but as a member of the Regime, you must be eliminated."
But before Cyberdramon could bring his claws down on the three Rookie Digimon, he sensed something was wrong as he stopped in mid attack.
Turning around, Cyberdramon found that many of the armored minions of the Regime had been taken down. A familiar red dino Digimon stood among the piles of defeated foes. He glared at Cyberdramon, his pupils shrunk to slits.
From the sight of the defeated Digimon, the villagers expressed a great awe toward the red dino Digimon.
"That was... Conqueror Gaze!" A Beastmon commented.
"A technique that could knock out an army of Digimon with just a simple glare. To see it used, then this one must be..." Ogremon said in astonishment.
"The Digimon Hero!" Everyone said with a great awe within their voices.
"Hey, it's Guilmon! What is he doing here?!" Gumdramon questioned.
"He must have gotten curious about the Regime and followed us down here." Veamon said.
"Wow! Guilmon's amazing!" Gammamon said joyfully.
Cyberdramon ignored the hope that expressed in the village. He kept his focus on Guilmon.
The cyber ultimate digimon then surrounded himself in a black aura. In response, the former tamer digimon leader glowed with a red aura.
"That's Tamer Search Aura. Only a Digimon who bonded with a human could do that." Lalamon silently whispered.
The auras then vanished as soon as they appeared.
"No mistaking it. You definitely are the Guilmon I know." Cyberdramon growled.
"Let's talk, Cyberdramon." Guilmon spoke up.
The two former friends face off against each other.
Guilmon growled. He had questions that only Cybermon could answer
To be continued...