The Crest of a Master

by PizzaSpino

When the Digital World is in peril it doesn't just turn to a regular group of kids. It turns to a group of kids raised in a world centralized around raising and battling monsters! Join Ash and Agumon as they make new friends, battle an army of monsters, and hopefully save both of their worlds from an ancient evil.

6. Garurumon Howls

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fan fiction written by someone who enjoys creature collector franchises. Pokémon is owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, The Pokémon Company, Creatures Inc. and Satoshi Tajiri. Digimon is owned by Bandai, WiZ, Toei Animation, and Akiyoshi Hongo. If you want to support the official releases, worry not. Lord knows there is plenty of merchandise to choose from.

Listening to as I plot: The Hunt (Daniel Herrera)

The Crest of a Master Chapter 6: Garurumon Howls

Modern Mountains

One would think that the only reminder someone would need to that they were in a fantasy world would be to wake up in a log cabin with a Teddyursa making breakfast and a Sawsbuck sitting on a couch reading a book. But as someone who grew up with an encyclopedia's worth of Pokémon species crawling around his house and backyard Gary found the scene he walked into when he awoke to be fairly quant.

The real reminder that he was out of his element came when everyone hit the road. At first glance the forest was similar to some of the coniferous forests found back home. Large trees, moss coded rocks, and the occasional babbling brook decorated the scenery for a majority of the hike. But then there were the more uncanny elements.

There were no Pokémon on the mountain trail, instead there were non-Pokémon bugs, birds, and the occasional rodent. Back home most non-Pokémon animals save for humans, bugs, and some aquatic life were as good as extinct. So when a squirrel came scampering out of the bushes both Gary and Lillie had to stop and watch.

"It's like something out of a natural history museum come to life," Gary whispered in awe.

"I know, right?" Lillie excitedly whispered back.

For their part, the Digimon were more amused than annoyed. Moosemon, who was kind enough to escort the children, was even willing to name all the different birds and plants as well as some fun facts.

Another oddity was the lack of Digimon. Sure, Gary was expecting to see little to no Pokémon given that Digimon were clueless on the subject, but this was their world. Surely some other mountain dwelling Digimon would pop up on their hike. The best guess that Gary had as to why was that Moosemon was leading them away from any Digimon encounter. Which was probably for the best given the occasional loud THUMP or snapping of a tree that Gary would hear from time to time.

But the local flora and fauna paled in comparison to the final oddity.

Every so often the natural looking landscape would be broken by some manmade object. First there was a telephone booth which was constantly ringing ("Don't answer it. It only spouts gibberish"). Then there were the tiny power lines ("They're just saplings"). And just like the island there were patches of circuitry on the trees, pixilation in the moss lawn, and a vending machine.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Some of the out of place technology did come in handy.

"Remind me to thank whoever is restocking the soap dispensers in these outhouses," Gary commented as he stepped out of a latrine that seemed to grow out of the ground.

"Why? Do the bathrooms in your world not come with soap?" Lunamon asked, her nose scrunching in disgust.

"No, they just don't grow out of nowhere," Gary swung his backpack back around his shoulders. "Seriously, giant batteries, fully stocked refrigerators, and I don't think there were any tracks left by that one trolley cart. Who littered all over the place?"

"I don't think its litter," Lillie chimed in. "I've been reading through the books back at Moosemon's cabin and I found that these fixtures have existed as far back as recorded history. I even found a description of a space shuttle in a journal that looked like it was written in what would be a colonial period from our perspective."

"So what are you saying?" Gary huffed. "That this stuff just popped out of the ground? I get that we are on some parallel world, but this just seems so far-fetched."

"That fridge was plugged into the ground," Lillie debated.

"Lillie's right," Gabumon piped in. "Outside of urban areas Digimon don't build these objects. They just are."

"That is not a satisfactory answer," Gary argued. "Nothing ever is 'just because.' Either it's there because of some natural force or because someone intervened and put it there."

"It seems to me like we are having a culture clash," Lunamon said thoughtfully. She then took out a pen and small book from the saddle pack she was riding on Moosemon's back. "So, what you are saying is that some of these objects do exist in your world, but not naturally."

After taking down some notes the rabbit then turned to address the humans. "Do you mind if we recap every object and creature you stopped to ogle at? For science."

"Okay, I'll bite," Gary rolled his eyes. "What's going on here?"

"Lunamon's an anthropologist," Lillie explained. "She wants to study humans."

From her perch, Lunamon nodded. "Despite playing a starring role in one of the most notorious moments in history, we know very little about humans. I'm hoping to correct that. I've already begun filling in some of the blanks with Lillie in exchange for telling her about the Digital World."

Lillie nodded. "It's really amazing. The Digital World has such a deep lore. Knights, holy beasts, demon lords, schools of magic…"

"Does any of this lore go into the expiration date of those eggs in that fridge?" Gary jerked his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of a fridge they had come across an hour ago.

"I'm not sure about that," Lillie smiled. "But if these appliances really are sprouting food the same way a bush sprouts berries it would be an interesting area of study, don't you think?"

"Oh yeah," Gary watched a non-ekans snake slither across their path. "I'm pretty sure most of Gramp's friends would give a left arm just to spend a day here."

"Exactly!" Lillie picked a circuitry leaf off the ground. "One of the careers I've been considering is Pokémon researcher. But so long as I'm here I'm going to work on researching Digimon! How about you? Do you want to help me?"

Gary shrugged. "I can help out, but my main area of focus is battling. Not research."

"Really?" Lillie tilted her head. "You seem like you're pretty observant and ask a lot of questions. I think you'd be a pretty good researcher."

"I'd be good at a lot of things," Gary bragged. "But I've chosen Pokémon Trainer. Or Digimon Trainer. I couldn't turn down a chance to work with someone as rare and unique as Gabumon."

"Aw shucks," a blush crept up on Gabumon's face. "I'm not really that special. I'm not as strong as Agumon or smart like you guys. I'm just…me."

"Won't be a problem," Gary waved Gabumon off. "Like I've already told you, I'm an excellent trainer. By the time I'm done with you, you won't even recognize your own reflection."

"Be still!"

The party came to a complete stop at Moosemon's command. The armor level was staring into the bushes with its ears leaning back against its face. He smacked his lips, lowered his head, and stomped forwards. There was a high-pitched squeal from the bushed followed by some shuffling. The bush shook and stilled before, like a series of dominos, the other shrubs followed suit signaling that whatever was hiding in the foliage had run away.

"We are being hunted," warned Moosemon. "No more sightseeing. We need to finish our journey to the farmlands before nightfall."

No one complained or questioned. They just moved along with the occasional glance at the surrounding vegetation while Moosemon walked behind them, guarding their backs.

The Platter Fields

By the time dusk rolled around Gabumon perked up. He lifted his head and took in a deep inhale. "We are close. I can smell the crops."

That comment earned a collective sigh of relief. The sun was setting and everyone was feeling tired. They had just spent the entire day hiking and half of that hike was in a state of paranoia. Every sound, every movement, even the ones caused by a simple squirrel, could have been that something that was supposedly hunting them. But now that the stop was within reach all they had to do was just push a little more and they would be able to rest for a while.

Lillie gave Moosemon a weary smile. "Thank you so much for guiding us on our journey."

"You are welcome, but I will not be guiding you on your journey," responded the guardian. "Come tomorrow I must return to my village."

"So, we're on our own?" Gary questioned. Leaving the kids who were prophesized to save your world on their own didn't seem like a good idea to him.

"You will not be left alone," assured Moosemon. "There is a herd of armor level Digimon guarding this village. They have agreed to spare a couple of members to escort you to your destination."

Gary was about to ask for some more details, when a heavy scent hit his nose. His stomach began to growl. "I smell meat. Is this a ranch?"

"Ranch?" Gabumon inquired.

"You know, where you raise animals so that you can eat them?" Gary wasn't sure what to make of Gabumon's reaction. He knew these guys ate meat. They had fish when they first met and the sausage they ate with their breakfast. Sure they could have just gotten the meat for that sausage from hunting, but right now he could defiantly smell the heavy aroma of meat. That great a quantity of meat must have meant this was a meat processor of some kind nearby. Or maybe they just stumbled upon a field filled with stocked fridges. Wouldn't that be something?

"Is that how you guys get meat?" Lunamon asked. She jotted down some notes in her book.

"Well usually we hatch a livestock Pokémon and raising it until it's good to eat," Lillie explained nervously, probably trying to figure out how to not give the Digimon the wrong idea. "We don't do it to be mean. It's just that we are omnivores and need to eat both plants and animals to stay healthy."

For her part, Lunamon didn't seem too concerned. "So, humans have to eat other life forms in order to get protein," She studied her notes for a moment before exclaiming. "I have just made a discovery!"

"That humans don't know how to garden meat?" Gabumon supplied.

"That we don't know how to do what?" Gary asked skeptically.

Lunamon ignored him. "No. Humans, just like large fish and snakes, hunt and eat animals to live. Also, humans and Digimon are most certainly not related in anyway meaning that if we are to find out what humans are biologically associated with we must look to creatures who exhibit similar ways of living. Which must mean one thing!" Lunamon raised a tiny paw in the air as if to strike a pose. "Humans must be magical, talking animals!"

At this conclusion Gabumon looked awed while both Gary and Lillie looked exasperated. Moosemon just continued walking as if the conversation wasn't happening.

"Uh, we aren't exactly magical," Lillie tried to correct.

"Time out," Gary interrupted. "I'm still stuck on that 'garden meat' part."

"Well, if you wish to see how Digimon farm meat, just look ahead," Lunamon pointed forwards.

Sure enough, as the group rounded a corner, there were the farmlands. They looked fairly similar to human farms with wooden fences separating the crops from the untamed wilderness and various scarecrows stationed across the fields for added protection. Off in the distance Gary could see some large silos and other buildings he could only assume were for storing and shipping out the harvest. Closer, but still a fair walk away, were some less industrial looking buildings which Gary assumed were the living quarters for the farmers or farm hands. But that's not where Gary's attention was right now.

Gary had to stop and blink a couple times to make sure, but yes indeed, the crops were not plants. They were meat. Bones sprouted from the ground with varying degrees of flesh growing on them next to heads of lettuce made of bacon. There were even stalks with ears of different kinds of sausages as appose to corn. Off in the distance he could see an orchard, though he was getting the feeling that it wasn't growing fruit.

"Huh," Gary mused. "Do you think a vegetarian would be willing to go for this stuff?"

Before anyone could respond a high-pitched voice rang out. "Seed Blast!"

A barrage of seeds rained down in front of the travelers blasting the ground and kicking up clouds of dust. Gary was about to order Gabumon forwards when a sweet smell hit his nostrils. Suddenly his eyes began to water and his throat started to itch until he broke into a coughing fit.

"What," Lillie tried to say before she was also overcome by her own dry cough. "Is going on?"

Gabumon tried to step forwards but was also reduced to a sneezing and hacking fit. Moosemon, who was rounding a tree behind the group, dashed forwards to deflect another volley of Seed Blast with his antlers.

"Farmers of Platter Fields!" Moosemon bugled. "Is this how you treat weary travelers? Where is your hospitality!?"

"Hold you fire!"

The dust began to settle and Gary could make out a group of Digimon carefully coming out from behind some crates along the farmland's borders. There were two types. The first were bipedal reptilian Digimon with purple and white flowers for arms and petals serving as makeshift fingers. Decorating their heads were red petals that were either sticking out from their necks like frills or laying on top of their skulls acting as helmets.

The second kind were egg shaped with a pink head and green bodies. They had tiny limbs and holes for eyes and mouths. On top their heads were yellow twigs which spun around like propellers allowing the Digimon to levitate.

Gary took out his Digivice to scan the first set of new Digimon. "Floramon, rookie level. They use," He paused his reading for another bundle of coughs. "Rain of Pollen. To stun their enemies by inducing allergic reactions."

Spotting the Gary use the button used for scanning Lillie used her own. "Lalamon, they are also rookie level." Lucky for Lillie her cough was clearing up. Though she did wheeze a little as she read. "They can use their singing to make their opponent drowsy and then attack with their Seed Blast."

One of the Lalamon floated forwards. "We're sorry Moosemon. Times have been trying. When we spotted an unknown group of creatures heading towards our fields, we opened fire. We didn't see you, honest."

Moosemon's glare didn't let up. "Whether or not I was with these children is irrelevant. You should not attack travelers unless they mean you harm."

The Lalamon shook her head (which basically meant she shook her entire body). "It's not that simple. Come with us and we'll explain."

And so, the plants lead the travelers to their town. Upon closer inspection Gary could tell this place had seen better days. Paint was peeling from the farmhouses, holes were in the roofs, large gashes were slashed in the wood, and those were the houses that were still standing. There were sectors that were completely demolished.

Approaching the town center Gary could see two more structures. The first was a large barn which looked a little sturdier than the other buildings, but it too had seen better days. The second was a massive water tower which gently swayed to and fro leaving Gary to wonder if a miniature flood would form the next time a stiff breeze picked up.

Once the group arrived in the middle of town another Digimon trotted into view. This one was slightly shorter than Moosemon and looked like a pink Mareep with curled, red horns and a pair of missile launchers on its back. Oddly enough the missiles had little, yellow smiley faces painted on them.

Lillie whipped out her Digivice. "Sheepmon, armor level. It makes up for its slow movement with its Wool Grenade which can put its opponents to sleep."

"Moosemon," bleated Sheepmon. "It has been a long time."

"Sheepmon," Moosemon acknowledged. "Where is your flock?"

At this question Sheepmon bowed its head. "They are no longer with us."

"Oh no," Lillie sympathetically lamented. "What happened?"

The sheep turned towards the mutilated buildings. "For the last few months we have undergone wave after wave of wild Gaossmon attacks. Every other night they show up and start stealing crops and destroying the facilities."

"Gaossmon?" Lillie said, still holding down the scan button on her Digivice. The device must have also had a microphone because its hologram switched over to a new image. This one displayed a blue reptilian creature with large jaws, thick tails, and a pair of muscular legs with no arms.

Though she looked surprised at this new vocal capability of her Digivice, Lillie went ahead and read the Digimon's profile. "Gaossmon, rookie level. It says here that they are fast on land but cannot swim. Their special attacks are Kilo Flame and Head Strike."

Lunamon frowned at this new information. "I understand why they would attack. Wild Gaossmon are found of meat and would target your fields. But don't you have any defenses? This can't be the first time a pack of them tried to steal your crops."

A Floramon piped up. "Normally we could handle them. But they now have a new alpha. A Sangloupmon."

Gary decided to try out Lillie's new discovery for himself. He spoke the name of the Digimon, and a hologram popped up. This one displayed a Mightyena looking Digimon with grey fur, purple, bladed boots on its paws, and Zubat wings acting as a collar around the neck and blinders for the eyes. "Sangloupmon, champion level. They are vampiric canines who can attack with their Sticker Blade or ambush their prey by teleporting into the shadows using their Black Mind. Sounds nasty."

"It's not just a nasty animal," Sheepmon's voice turned dark. "It's a sentient Digimon. Able to think and plan. I suspect it's either a bandit or more likely a stray Chaos soldier who was able to use his teleportation powers to sneak past the blockade. Ever since that Sangloupmon showed up the Gaossmon have gone from pests to plagues."

Sheepmon continued. "Instead of gnawing at the fields the Gaossmon have been attacking the farmers. He would strategically place them so that my flock would have to separate in order to catch them and that would be when he would strike and absorb their data. I am now the last of the guards."

"So, he's taking advantage of a war-torn countryside for a cheap power boost," Gary surmised. "How can we help?"

"You won't be," Moosemon said sternly. "You humans are our greatest hope for ending the war. I will not have you risking yourselves over some bandit and his pet attack Digimon."

At the mention of humans, the farmers began to stare and whisper excitedly. Some even looked at Gary and Lillie with hopeful eyes. The same awed and hopeful eyes the tiny villagers were looking at him with before Kurisarimon attacked.

Hand reached out. Hesitating eyes. Rocks fall.

"Look," Gary beseeched. "You guys expect us to take on Millenniummon, right? If that guy is really strong then we shouldn't go fighting him or any of his followers without any experience. We should first get some practice by fighting a bandit then move up to the warlords."

Both the armors regarded Gary for a moment before Sheepmon spoke up. "I suppose we could use some assistance. We were attacked last night, so assuming our invaders don't break pattern you can rest tonight and defend tomorrow. If things get too messy, you can retreat to the barn with the injured. The Gaossmon haven't penetrated it yet."

"Hmm," Moosemon mulled it over. "Very well. You will help the farmers ward off the Gaossmon and that's all. Leave the Sangloupmon to Sheepmon and I."

"Deal!" Gary grinned. He turned to the rest of his team. "Alright. Let's get some rest. Tomorrow we can talk with the farmers to find out more info on the Gaossmon and figure out an attack plan."

Gabumon nodded. "Sounds good to me."

"Um," Lillie fidgeted. "I want to help, but I'm not a trainer. The most I've done in a Pokémon battle is watch my classmates' fights."

Gary groaned. Right, Lillie never at any point indicated that she knew anything about Pokémon battling. Heck, she couldn't even touch them. He really hoped that the seven other humans knew how to fight because between Lillie and Ash (who was defiantly not dead) it was starting to feel like he was going to have to carry this team. "Well, that's going to have to change. Get some shut eye tonight because tomorrow you're getting a crash course in monster fighting. Your instructor is Professor Gary Oak."

The Next Morning

After a hardy breakfast of meat, meat, meat, and berry juice. Gary took Lillie and the Digimon out to a clearing for battle practice. As in traditional Pokémon battles, they stood on opposite ends with their Digimon standing before them.

Gary (Gabumon) vs Lillie (Lunamon)

"Alright," Gary called out. "You've got the first move. Let's see what you've got."

"Right!" Lillie called back. "Lunamon, use Tearing Shot!"

The rabbit summoned an orb of water from her hair lock and shot it forwards at Gabumon.

"Dodge it and move in," Gary ordered. Gabumon leapt to the side and charged forwards.

"Uh," Gary could hear a tone of panic in Lillie's voice as Gabumon closed the distance between him and Lunamon. "Lop-Ear Ripple!"

Lunamon's ears glowed as she twirled around creating a vortex of bubbles. The vortex shot forwards away from Lunamon to Gabumon.

"Wait until it gets closer to pop it with your Blue Blaster. Then get behind her."

Gabumon allowed the bubble tornado to close in before releasing a Blue Blaster which broke apart the vortex. He then ran through the dispersed bubbles and circled behind Lunamon putting himself right behind her with his arms inching forwards to grab her.

Lillie tried to give another order but was cut off by Gary. "Okay, stop there."

Gary marched across the field past the Digimon and straight up to Lillie. "Do you know where you went wrong?"

"I gave the wrong orders?" Lillie supplied, though she didn't sound too sure.

"That's putting it mildly," Gary scoffed. "Look, my dad's a professional trainer. He's been all around the tournament circuits and you know what he told me? He said that there is one sure fire way to tell the pros apart from the amateurs."

Gary looked Lillie dead in the eye. "Amateurs just spam attacks. Pros know when and how to use those moves. Did you really just think that if you kept calling out attack names Gabumon was just going to stand there and take it?"

"Well, I didn't want Gabumon to reach Lunamon so I thought that if I got a good hit in he would stop or at least slow down," Lillie defended, though even she sounded like she knew that was a bad strategy.

"Why didn't you retreat?" Gary probed.

"Lunamon's legs are too short to run fast and while she can jump high, she's slow in the air so I was afraid she would still be an easy target."

Gary studied Lillie for a moment before turning around to look at Lunamon. "Show me."

Gabumon backed away from Lunamon to give her some space. Despite having short legs, the rabbit was able to leap up high into the air. For a moment it looked like she was stuck there, but as Gary watched he could tell the Digimon was descending, just very slowly.

"Gravity has a loose grip on me," Lunamon explained. "Once I've reached the peak of my jump I will still fall, just not as fast as other Digimon."

After a moment Gary spoke. "I can see why you hesitated on this strategy. She would be a sitting Psyduck. But you could have also used this," Gary gestured at the battlefield below. "From up there she's got a good vantage point and can snipe at her opponent on the ground. Though you might want to add a bit of a spin to that jump or do it in the corner of the battlefield so that her target can't get her from behind like I did."

Lillie lite up at these suggestions. "I didn't think of those!"

"Well," Gary swaggered. "I am a champ in the making..."

"Let's train some more!" Lillie declared.

The eagerness in her voice caught Gary off guard. He gave Lillie a look over. She still had a protected look, holding her arms in close to her body. But despite being so easily defeated there was a fire in her eyes. Kind of reminded him of…

He's not dead. He's not dead. He's not dead. He's not dead. He's not dead. He's not dead.

"Alright," Gary returned to his side of the field. "Let's take it from the top."

Dinner Time!

Gary splashed some water from the basin into his face. So much for spending the day coming up with a strategy. Instead he spent the day getting Lillie up to speed on battling. Sort of. She still had a long way to go.

Tired of training both Digimon and person alike, Gary decided to use what remained of daylight to rest up in a spare cabin. Outside he could see the Floramon and Lalamon getting ready for the evening. They were heading out in the fields with various tools and torches for defense making them look like an angry mob.

From what Gary gathered the strategy was to have the Floramon release their pollen to drive away the Gaossmon while the Lalamon would help by shooting at the reptiles form the air. When Gary asked why the Lalamon didn't use their singing power to put the Gaossmon to sleep they said that they would if there were just Lalamon in the area as they were immune to the song. However, if anyone else was nearby they would also be affected and therefore vulnerable if the Gaossmon didn't fall asleep fast enough. Sangloupmon was strong enough to resist the song long enough to flee or kill the Lalamon singing.

The short strategy session ended with a Floramon handing Gary, Lillie, and their Digimon filtered face masks to protect them from the pollen. Well, they handed them to Gary who handed Lillie hers as she freaked out when said Floramon accidently touched her while trying to hand her the mask.

As Gary plopped down onto an old bed, the door creaked open. "Hello," Gabumon ventured in with a bowl of apple wedges. "I brought you dinner, Gary."

When Gabumon handed Gary the bowl, Gary stared. "Apples?" That was a change of pace for this farm.

"Meat apples," Gabumon supplied. "The farmers grow them in the orchard on the other side of the farm."

Gary picked up a slice. It didn't feel or smell particularly meaty, though it was clearly grilled judging by the burnt sides. He popped it in his mouth and chewed. True to the fruit's name it didn't taste like an apple rather his mouth was filled with the same texture and consistency of cooked poultry. "Tastes like Torchic." Literally.

"Pretty neat, huh?" Gabumon smiled and took a seat next to Gary. "Each apple tastes like a different meat dish, so I asked the cook to chop up multiple apples for you to try. It's actually a pretty popular party food amongst Digimon."

"I can see that," Gary agreed picking up another wedge. Meatloaf flavored this time.

"You did a good job today," Gabumon complimented. "Well, you were a little rough at certain points, but I think it was really nice of you to help out Lillie. I think she'll make a great trainer."

The exhaustion of that day's training session returned. "I don't know about that," Gary swallowed a piece which was buttered Corphish flavored. "It'll take more than just a day's training session for her to be a competent trainer and even then I doubt she'll ever be a pro."

"That's harsh," Gabumon frowned.

"That's reality," Gary shrugged. He took a bite of a Tepig stir fry apple and continued. "It's nothing against her, it's just statistics. Most people who try to become trainers only make it through one, maybe two, league tournaments. Once they get smacked around by people with actual talent they realize how hardcore the competitive scene is then move on to get different jobs. It's the reason most of the competitors are kids."

"And you said your dad was a professional," Gabumon mussed. "I guess that makes him really good."

"He's the best!" Gary grinned. He could still remember all the times he got to see his father in a match in person. The roaring crowds, the victory music once his team won, the look on the opposition's face when his or her Pokémon ate dirt.

"Hmm," Gabumon stared forwards for a bit before turning back to address Gary. "Gary, do you mind if I ask you a personal question. Or at least, I think this a personal question."

"Shoot," Gary leaned back and popped in another slice. Mmm, Tauros tenderloin.

"Can you tell me about your family?"

Gary slowed his chewing before swallowing. "Do you even know what families are?" As far as he knew Digimon were just reborn from pre-existing ones.

"Well, you were talking about your dad today and Lunamon wanted to know more about that, so she asked Lillie," Gabumon explained. "She told us that dads are family members and that families are groups of humans that make other humans that they raise and look after."

Gabumon then shifted and bowed his head uncomfortably. "Lunamon then asked Lillie about her family and Lillie got really quiet and said it was 'complicated.' We didn't really ask anything else after that."

Probably for the best if that reaction was anything to go by. "Well," Gary began, "My family has five people. Me, my sister, my mom, my dad, and my grandpa. Basically, my grandpa made my dad with my grandma, who's dead now, and then Dad met Mom while they were out on their Pokémon journey. They fell in love sometime down the line and made me and my sister."

"What's a sister?" Gabumon asked.

"A pain in the butt," responded Gary. Spotting Gabumon's questioning gaze he decided to elaborate. "It's what you call someone else your parents created if they're a girl. The guy equivalent is a brother."

"That's sounds pretty fun," Gabumon got a dreamy look on his face. "It's like your creators gave you an instant friend."

"A friend who breaks into your room, hogs the computer, and snitches on you all the time," Gary scoffed. "Trust me Gabumon. It's not as glamorous as you probably think it is."

"Well, maybe," Gabumon conceded. "But it sounds like an easy way to get a pack started instead of having to look for one."

Now it was Gary's turn for questions. "You're a pack Pok-Digimon?"

Gabumon nodded. "Yeah, well, sort of. Gabumon can live fine on our own, but we work best when we live with someone we trust."

"Like you and Agumon?" Gary supplied.

"I guess," Gabumon shrugged. "He and the other islanders were my pack for a while, but…" Gabumon trailed off for a moment. He stared at the wall for a good minute before gripping at the bed and taking a deep breath. "They weren't my first pack."

Filetropolis, Years ago

Though the downtown park was once a shining jewel in the urban jungle of Filetropolis, now it was a dumping ground. Years upon years of war had broken down public moral to the point that most Digimon just didn't care. After all, why bother with upkeep when an eldritch monster was on the verge of breaking out of his cage?

But never fear, for there was one kind of Digimon who was willing to step up. One kind of Digimon who could clean up this city. That Digimon was Gabumon, the groundskeeper's assistant! Sure, it wasn't the most glamorous job, but Gabumon liked to think that by helping to maintain the park he could give the remaining local Digimon someplace to relax and let go of their troubles, even if it was just for a little while.

Plus, he felt he kind of had to work at this job for a good while since he destroyed the assistant cap when his horn stabbed right through it. It was his cap now and he was going to wear it with a sense of purpose.

For the most part Gabumon's job just required him to go around the park and spear the litter which would build up over the day, but every so often he found himself helping the random Digimon who would visit. There was that one Rurimon who was looking for some spare bird feathers for a spell and that lost Ghostmon who was afraid of the dark. Then there was that time he tried to help an agitated Flybeemon find a cheap flower shop, though he was almost stung multiple times during that adventure.

Of course, he had to be careful. Though most of the Digimon who strolled through the tract were well-mannered and just wanted to be left alone, there were Digimon who could sneak up and…

Suddenly a pair of pink hands covered his eyes. "Guess who!" exclaimed a feminine voice.

"Psychemon, cut it out!" Gabumon whined.

The assailant removed her hands and stepped in front of Gabumon. She looked just like him, save for the color scheme. Her body was a vibrant magenta while her hide's stripes were purple instead of blue. Standing out from the sea of pink were her belly and claws which were various shades of green as appose to her horn which was a bright lavender. Psychemon smiled and put her hands on her hips. "Is that anyway to address your meal ticket?"

Gabumon tilted his head. "Meal ticket?"

Reaching into her purse, Psychemon drew out a wade of cash. "Guess who just won my job's lottery!"

"Wow! That's great, Psychemon!" Gabumon congratulated.

"Isn't it?" Psychemon grinned and put the money away. "I'm planning on saving most of it for a rainy day, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to treat my two best friends to a dinner."

Before Gabumon could respond, another voice joined in their conversation. "Have you considered donating that money to the needy?"

The pair of mammalian reptiles turned to see another Digimon. This one was green with ratty brown clothes, a bright orange Mohawk, pointed ears, and tusks with an even sharper point. In his hand was a wooden club. Gabumon recognized this newcomer as a Goblimon.

"Needy?" Psychemon said skeptically, eyeing the club at the Goblimon's side.

Gabumon sucked in a breath when he saw a couple more Goblimon come out from the bushes. "Yeah, as in we really need some cash," said the leader. "You see, we have a friend who's very sick and could use some help."

Psychemon held her purse close and stood next to Gabumon. "Sorry, I don't donate to fishy causes."

"Oh, he's really sick. His body has turned black, blue, and red all over," The leader raised his club. "And it turns out it is very contagious."

Before the leader could swing his weapon, a blast of black fire knocked the club out of his grasp. The leader turned and snarled. "Who?"

There leaning up against a tree was another Gabumon, but this one had a black pelt with white strips, a white horn, and white scales on his body. His belly stood out from the rest of his monochrome body with a yellow pattern. The BlackGabumon eyed the Goblimon and blew out some exhaust smoke from his attack. "Evening." He greeted politely.

"Get out of here, this doesn't concern you," the Goblimon leader snarled.

"Oh, really?" The BlackGabumon advanced towards the Goblimon and spoke with a less polite tone. "Because it looks to me like you're trying to steal money that was going to be used to treat me to dinner."

Despite the other two Goblimon grabbing their clubs, the BlackGabumon continued until he was nose to nose with the leader. "And I don't like Digimon who steal from me."

"Goblin Strike!" cried out one of the other Goblimon as he blasted a fireball from his club. The BlackGabumon retaliated by grabbing the leader and shoving him in front to intercept the blast. "Bullseye!" He taunted once the fireball sent the leader flying.

"Why you AUUUGH!" the Goblimon couldn't finish his threat as BlackGabumon maneuvered around him and breathed a powerful stream of flames into the Digimon's back sending flying just like the boss he landed on top of. The final Goblimon tried to come up from behind and smash BlackGabumon on the head, but BlackGabumon just caught his club and used it to throw its wielder onto the pile of green Digimon.

"This is your warning!" The BlackGabumon snarled placing himself between the Goblimon and the other Gabumon variants. "If I catch any of your ugly mugs in this park again, I'll finish the job!"

"You can't kick us out," yelled one of the Goblimon. "This is a public space!" He then shrieked when BlackGabumon shot more fire at him.

"Did I stutter? Go!" shouted BlackGabumon.

The BlackGabumon waited for the Goblimon to leave his site before he turned to his friends and smiled. "So, about that free dinner?"

Gabumon sighed in relief. "Thanks for the assist BlackGabumon."

"Yeah, you were awesome!" cheered Psychemon.

BlackGabumon grinned. "Hey, what are pack mates for?"

The small pack made their way across the park all the while discussing where they should eat when they noticed a large crowd of Digimon. Curious, the three wondered over. In the center of the crowd was a stage with several Digimon. These Digimon would have resembled large, white Seadra with purple wings and speaker like muzzles to the average citizen of the Pokémon world. Here they are known as Seahomon and they were making lot of noise.

"Hear ye! Hear ye!" Cried the lead Seahomon.

"Have we always had a town crier?" Gabumon asked. It made sense with most tech degrading due to technologically inclined Digimon going to help the war, but that didn't make the scene any less bizarre.

"We bring tidings of good news!" The Seahomon continued. "The Digivice, a device which was used to defeat Millenniummon long ago has been reactivated!"

At this declaration all the assembled Digimon began to whisper excitedly. Gabumon felt his heart beat wildly. The Digivice reactivated! Did this mean the human was returning? Or would there be a new human? Either way he was ready to adventure again.

Wait, where did that thought come from?

"The Digivice has split itself into ten new Digivices!" explained Seahomon. "The head of the Temple of the Crests, Lord Wisemon, has decreed that all Digimon are to report to the temple to be tested by the Digivices to see if they are chosen to be partnered with a human!"

With that the troop of floating seahorses left the stage to spread the news across the city. The remaining Digimon all continued to chat about the new revelation with some even leaving to go to the temple itself.

Psychemon turned to her friends. "Should we go now?"

"Nah," BlackGabumon folded his arms behind his head. "Let's get some food first. Every Digimon is going to want a shot at those Digivices, so that line's going to take forever."

"But what if one of us is a chosen Digimon?" Psychemon pressed.

BlackGabumon shrugged. "Then the Digivice probably won't choose anyone else until we get there. No rush."

"I suppose you're right," Psychemon began walking again. "Still, it's exciting to think about. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a human? We can finally get the Digital World back to how it used to be."

"Or better," BlackGabumon's stare hardened. "The stories say that the human was able to bring together the eight kingdoms and united them in a new age of harmony. He didn't just return the world to normal, he and his Digimon made it better."

BlackGabumon's arms came down into fists. "I swear, if one of those Digivices chooses me I'll get my human to help me clean up this world. No more powerful Digimon crushing weaker ones under their claws. No more swarms of bullies taking advantage of honest Digimon. We'll finish what the first human started and bring around real peace."

"Nice stump speech," Psychemon said sarcastically while she slowly clapped. She then smiled took her friends hands. "Now let's go eat."

As Gabumon followed his friends he soaked in the feeling of comfort from their presence. Psychemon was always cheerful and kind, even on her worst days. BlackGabumon may have had an attitude, but he also had a strong sense of honor and would always hop in to protect someone in need. As far as Gabumon was concerned either of them would make wonderful chosen Digimon.

Back to Today

"I lost them when the city was destroyed," concluded Gabumon. "Psychemon dissolved right in front of me and BlackGabumon disappeared. I'm not sure if he made it."

Gary sat there uncomfortably. Gabumon choose to open up to him, probably as an attempt to bond, which Gary could appreciate. But what was he supposed to do with this information? Comfort him? Shoot, how do you do that? Maybe he could thank Gabumon for sharing the story? What would he say? 'Thank you for telling me about your two dead friends. Hope you feel better soon!' Eh, no. That didn't sound right.

Before he could decide, a Floramon opened up the cabin door and called in. "Sun's setting! If you want to help out grab your masks and head out. Unless you changed your mind and want to take cover then get in the barn!"

Feeling oddly relieved that they were about to be attacked, Gary grabbed his mask and fastened it around the lower half of his face. It muffled his voice slightly, but he could still speak. "You ready, Gabumon?"

Gabumon nodded and grabbed his own mask. This one was a bit longer to accommodate the muzzle and had hinges that allowed it to open up for breath attacks. "I'm with you."

The two headed over to the barn where they could see Lillie with her own mask. Lunamon was with her, but instead of a mask she had some cloth tied around the lower half of her face. Looks like the farmers didn't have any spare masks her size.

Once Gary reached the barn, he took charge. "Since we aren't familiar with the farm's layout, we are going to stay here tonight go on the defense. If any Gaossmon show up, we blast them away. If this becomes too much, we follow Moosemon's instructions and get in the barn. Gabumon, I know I've been putting you up close to our opponents so far, but we're going to have to change to long range tonight. Can you handle that?"

"I may need to take a breath every once and a while, but I should be fine," Gabumon nodded.

"What do you want me to do?" Lillie beseeched.

"Cover me," Gary couldn't let Lillie fight. She was too inexperienced and may actually be a liability if left to her own devices. "If we get swarmed Gabumon is going to need another Digimon to hold the line."

With that a loud howl was heard in the distance and the kids felt their heart beats quicken. The night had begun. For a while, nothing happened. Gary could hear some rustling in the crops, but no Digimon appeared.

"Look there!" Lunamon pointed to one of the farmhouses.

There, right beside a porch, was a Gaossmon peeking out. Noticing that it had been spotted it decided to forgo the stealth and charge forwards with a snarl.

"Blue Blaster!" Gabumon unleashed a stream of fire at the Gaossmon. The flamethrower hit its mark and the Gaossmon was pushed back. It pushed into the fire for a bit before turning tail.

Before anyone could celebrate, Lunamon's ears twitched. "Two more!" She announced. "They're coming from the right."

The kids moved to the right side of the barn and there they could see two more Gaossmon popping out.

"Sweep them!" Gary ordered. In response Gabumon released another Blue Blaster sweeping his head back and forth to whip his flame between the attacking Digimon.

And so this pattern continued. Lunamon would use her sensitive ears to detect some incoming Gaossmon and Gary and Gabumon would go to intercept. At first, they were able to hold this pattern and keep the Gaossmon at bay, but as the night rolled on the Gaossmons' numbers continued to swell. Gaossmon who had initially been scared away would return with at least two more. Before long the kids and their Digimon would have to back track to areas of the barn to pry off Gaossmon who were breaking through the wood to get at the farmers within.

"SQUEEE!" screamed a Gaossmon as he was smacked away by a shovel Gary grabbed. At some point during the onslaught the kids had to snatch some farm tools to either defend themselves or help drive off the Gaossmon.

Gary let out a sigh. Most Pokémon battles were one on one, so he hadn't had too much practice with swarms. Gabumon was also looking pretty tired and Gary was sure that he could hear the reptile's breathing going horse from beneath the mask.

But just as it looked like the two were about to get a break, a high pitch scream sounded off from the other side of the barn. Shoot! At some point during the scuffle Gary got so caught up with the Gaossmon that he forgot all about Lillie.

Both Gary and Gabumon sprinted to the other side of the barn only to see that Lillie and Lunamon vanished. All that was left were some tracks, drag marks in the ground and the occasional rustle in the meat stalks.

Gary and Gabumon were about to give chase when another squad of Gaossmon flung themselves at the boys forcing them to go back on the defense.

In the Meat Fields

At some point after Lillie was jumped by a group of Gaossmon her voice gave out from the screams. Now she was just squirming and hyperventilating. Despite her best efforts the group of Gaossmon who had grabbed her legs were able to drag her away from the barn. Fortunately, the manufacturers of her boots took into account that some Pokémon are prone to biting and tailored their clothing to make them durable, but Lillie could still feel the pressure of the teeth through the boot holding her like a vice.

Lillie tried to shake her head, but she could also feel an extra weight pulling at her hair. Her hands tried to grab at the ground, but they were not strong enough to even slow down the muscular reptiles.

And so here she was, trapped. As she was dragged to an unknown fate Lillie's vison began to flicker. She flashed back and forth between the meat stalks and a cold room. The greasy soil would harden into a cold floor and the scent of meat was replaced with the sterile, clean smells of a laboratory.

The vision of the room would then change to that of tentacles. Cold, smooth, glass like tentacles that grabbed at her and constricted her. No matter how much she squirmed their grip was firm and she couldn't escape.

"Lillie!"

Who was that? She could make out the fuzzy form of some people. Was one of them calling out to her?

"Let go of her!" That was two voices. Both were familiar. One high pitched and feminine, the other of a boy.

"Tearing Shot!" cried the feminine voice.

There was a splash and multiple squeals before Lillie felt another presence place a tiny paw on her side.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" Lillie screeched as she scrambled back.

"Lillie! It's me!" Standing in front of Lillie with a concerned expression was Lunamon. "I was able to keep up by holding onto your hair. Are you alright?"

For a moment Lillie said nothing. She just pulled the mask away from her face to better hyperventilate while her heart beat as though it was trying to break out of her chest. Her entire body was shivering and the skin beneath her boots was bruising, but she was fine.

"I'm sorry, Lillie," Lunamon's ears leaned back in shame. "I was so busy fighting the Gaossmon in front of me I didn't notice a group sneak up on you."

"I-I-it's fine," Lillie's breathing was finally calming down. She wasn't coughing, so the Floramon must have been elsewhere in the fields.

"Can you stand?"

Lillie nodded and slowly rose. She took in her surroundings. The two of them were standing in a clearing in the field probably used by the farmers to traverse the fields. The air was deathly still, but Lillie could still hear a commotion off in the distance. No doubt that was the barn where Gary and Gabumon were still fighting.

Suddenly there was a rustling in the stalks. Lillie, having lost her tool, got behind Lunamon and stood perfectly still. When the rustling died down, the duo began to make their way back to the barn.

"SKREEE!" Suddenly, a Gaossmon jumped at Lillie from the stalks on the other side of the clearing. Lillie screamed and ducked allowing Lunamon to fire a Tearing Shot at the mouth on legs. The Gaossmon screeched and retreated into the bushes.

"Okay," Lunamon panted. "They didn't get you that time."

"Yeah," Lillie said eye the puddle left by Lunamon's attack. She didn't notice it before, but the Gaossmon that where hit by Lunamon's attacks were quick to flee. With Gabumon's fire they pushed back a bit before the pressure of the flame overwhelmed them, but one hit from what was basically a water balloon thrown at high speed and they were quick to turn tail.

Wait a minute.

Lillie took her Digivice back and to double check the Gaossmon entry. "Lunamon, if we see another Gaossmon, could you fire another Tearing Shot. But not at the Gaossmon, just right before them."

Lunamon looked puzzled, but she complied. The next Gaossmon that charged out from the stalks was met with a large splash of water right in front of its face. The water didn't even need to get close to its target, the Gaossmon ran away yipping in fear.

"What was that about?" Lunamon tilted her head.

"It's the water!" Lillie declared. "Gaossmon can't swim, so they've developed an instinctual fear of water! Lunamon, we're going to try and make a barrier using Gary's earlier suggestion. Could you leap up in an arch while spinning and firing Tearing Shots? You probably won't hit any targets, but if the presence of water is all it takes to scare them away then you won't need to."

Lunamon nodded and followed Lillie's plan. Sure enough, once she sent her orbs of water out into the field they resulted in a bunch of scattered squeals. Their progress back to the barn wasn't fast but considering that Lillie was developing a limp in her leg with the larger bruise, speed wasn't going to be easily achieved anyway.

As the two broke through the stalks leading into the barnyard, Lillie called out to Gary. "Gary! They are afraid of water!"

The Barnyard

"Gary! They are afraid of water!"

At the moment, Gary was of two minds. A part of him was relieved that Lillie was not riddled with bite marks while another part wanted to throttle her for being an idiot. Now that she was yelling at him a large target was placed right on her chest.

Sure enough, the Gaossmon decided to stop crowding the armed human and fire breathing Digimon to go attack the newly arrived prey. Gary was about to give chase when he saw Lunamon shot down a couple of the reptiles with Tearing Shots. Upon seeing that the Gaossmon were indeed sent packing from the mere sight of water Gary's mind began to race.

Spotting the water tower, Gary turned to Gabumon. "Gabumon, I need you to use your Blue Blaster where the supports are weakest for that water tower. Hit the two on the side that's facing where all the Gaossmon are crowded."

Gabumon nodded and did as Gary said. He hit the tower in the middle of the support beams which caused the top half of the tower to lean forwards almost dropping its load.

"Do you want…"Gabumon began.

"No," Gary cut him off. "I'll do it. Stay here in case I need to give you any more orders."

With that Gary grabbed onto the tower's ladder and ascended as fast as he could. Once he reached the top he just needed to lean into the tank on top for the unstable structure to collapse onto the ground below. Upon impact the tank burst open spilling water everywhere and turning the yard around the barn into a muddy swamp. That was enough for the Gaossmon to decide they were done with hunting for now and to scatter.

Looking down from his spot on the still standing legs of the tower, Gary could see Lillie limp across the yard. "Lillie," he called down to her. "Get in the barn before anything else shows up!"

"Oh, I'd say it's a little too late for that."

A shiver went down Gary's spin. There, crawling out from a shadowing behind him as though it was an underground tunnel, was the Sangloupmon. It was almost a story tall putting it in the same weight category of some of the larger Pokémon Gary was familiar with, yet moved with a fluid grace showing that its large size was not a hindrance.

Gary's eyes darted between Lillie, who was almost at the barn door, and the wolf. "Where are Moosemon and Sheepmon?" Just get it talking. Every second counted.

"I got bored of them," responded the wolf. "I've been feasting on lamb chops for the last few raids, and the deer wasn't really doing it for me. But imagine my surprise when I smelled something alien on his hide. Something unique."

Sangloupmon stalked forwards to the mud. Gabumon dashed between him and Lillie and Lunamon who were right next to the barn door. Gabumon raised his fists and growled, though all this got him was a low chuckle out of the lupine.

"And now here I am," the Sangloupmon licked his lips. He was facing forwards so Gary couldn't tell if he was looking at Gabumon or Lunamon who was ushering Lillie inside. "When I heard the tower crash I was hoping to find a break from the monotony of sheep hunting. Looks like I got my wish."

Grabbing onto the ladder with one hand, Gary removed one of his boots and chucked it at Sangloupmon's head, "Hey, if you're looking for someone exciting, try me on for size."

Instead of snarling at the interruption, the Digimon smiled showing off his sharp teeth. "Trying to distract me and get me to change targets? Sorry human, I wasn't hatched yesterday. Oh yes," the Sangloupmon's grin widened. "I know what you are. I've heard all the stories about your kind. So let's play a game. Me and you. If you can successfully coach this rookie in a battle against me, I'll take my pets and retreat for the night. If I win, well, let's just say I've always been curious what human blood tastes like."

"You're going to regret this," Gary's teeth gritted. "Gabumon, Blue Blaster the ground! Send the mud his way!"

From what Gary could understand, Digimon were handicapped in that they had nowhere near the variety of attacks or combos a Pokémon could learn. So to make up for this he would have to improvise. Gabumon may not be able to learn Mud-Slap, but if he could simulate one they might be able to bring down Sangloupmon's accuracy.

Unfortunately, when Gabumon sent a small wave of mud at Sangloupmon the larger Digimon just leapt over the mud and swatted Gabumon away. Okay, that was fast. The next step would be to find some way to lower that speed, but the only move Gary could think of to try and simulate was Mud Shot. And the best way he could have Gabumon do that was to do what he just did.

Alright, time to switch gears. He wasn't sure if Digimon moves could cause status conditions, but maybe if they hit Sangloupmon with a hard enough Blue Blaster they could get some kind of injury that could slow it down.

"Gabumon! Use your Blue Blaster!" ordered Gary. "Aim for the legs!"

But when Gabumon unleashed his attack Sangloupmon just raised an armored paw to block the attack. "Let me show you a real attack." Sangloupmon sneered. "Sticker Blade!"

Sangloupmon leapt into the air and spun. As he did so knives rained down at Gabumon. Gabumon tried to retreat back, but in his exhaustion from the night of endless fights he ended up just slipping on the mud and sliding back into the barn. His foe out without some much a fight, Sangloupmon landed just outside the mud pit right next to the remains of the water tower.

"So, this is the famed battle tactics of a human? How disappointing," Sangloupmon snorted. "But I suppose it was able to slow me down thus expanding your friend's life for a few minutes. As a reward, I'll let you have a head start while I dine. I'll hunt you down later."

With that Sangloupmon began to stalk towards the barn. A million thoughts rushed through Gary's head. Gabumon was down and he along with Lillie and Lunamon were now at the mercy of a Digimon who was strong enough to take down village guardians. The only logical option was to take the opening the monster gave him and run for his life. But…

Hand reached out. Hesitating eyes. Rocks fall.

Before Gary knew what he was doing, his body flung itself onto the head of Sangloupmon. Gary's legs wrapped themselves around the neck while his hands slide under the wolf's blinders and scratched at the eyes.

"LITTLE BRAT!" Sangloupmon roared as he shook and bucked in a vain attempt to knock off his new hitchhiker. "Is this how you repay my kindness!? GET OFF!"

The Barn

Gabumon groaned as his eyes fluttered open. They then widened at the sight in front of him. The Sangloupmon was shaking itself wildly in an attempt to buck off its new rider: Gary. The boy was holding onto the wolf's head for dear life.

Finally, the Sangloupmon was able to knock off its hitchhiker onto the ground before it. The Digimon snarled and began stomping the ground in an attempt to slice the boy open. To his credit, Gary was able to quickly roll around and avoid most of the blows, but soon his luck ran out. One of the blades nicked his shoulder causing the kid to cry out in pain. His pray finally holding still, the Sangloupmon opened its jaws and bent down.

Seeing this Gabumon sprang to his feet and charged forwards. As he ran the rural countryside vanished. In its place was Filetropolis, burning to the ground. He could still hear the explosions as sky raids from airborne Digimon as they fired their attacks onto the city below. Buildings collapsed, citizens screamed, and there, right in front of him, was Psychemon laying on the ground. Her form fizzling.

"Well, I guess I wasn't meant to be the hero who saves the world," She looked up at Gabumon, tears in her eyes as she dissolved into the air. "But I saved you, so no regrets."

The vision ended and Gabumon was back at the farm with his new friend about to lose every ounce of blood to a rogue bandit.

No.

With strength Gabumon didn't even know he had, he leapt right at the Sangloupmon and pushed it back placing himself between the vampiric wolf and his trainer. He was not losing anyone else!

Then, from the corner of his eye, Gabumon saw a light burst form the Digivice on Gary's belt. Suddenly Gabumon felt himself get lifted into the air as energy encased him into an unbreakable sphere.

"Gabumon Digivolve to…"

Gabumon felt his bones shift into a quadrupedal stance while his horn sunk down into his head. There was no pain, just an exhilarating burst of power. The energy continued to flow through him as his pelt stretched and fused with his skin becoming his actual hide. Gabumon's tail wiped around, no longer thick and stiff but long and flexible. And was it just him, or was everything looking smaller?

Finally, Gabumon's muzzle stretched out making room for a jaw filled with sharp teeth which snarled at his opposition. No, his prey. When the bubble burst, he gracefully fell to the ground below and let out a howl, announcing his new form for all to hear. "Garurumon!"

Inside the Barn

From her spot in the barn Lillie was able to see Gabumon fling himself at Sangloupmon. She called out to him, but the rookie seemed to go deaf in his charge. Worried for the reptile Lillie opened the barn door to hopefully give her teammates somewhere to escape to. It was when she creaked the door open that she was met with the site of Gabumon transforming into a larger, stronger looking Digimon.

Said Digimon was now dodging around the knives being thrown by Sangloupmon. Lillie noticed that Garurumon's movements lead Sangloupmon away from his injured partner giving her an opening to retrieve him. Not wanting to wait for the Sangloupmon to realize he had a possible hostage; Lillie ran as fast as her bruised leg would allow.

Meanwhile Gary had been watching the dueling lupine chase each other around the town. Every so often Garurumon would get close to the Sangloupmon to snap at it, only for the vampire to dive into a shadow and pop out behind the stripped canine.

"Gary," Lillie said in a low voice. The Sangloupmon was clearly occupied, but as far as Lillie was concerned the less attention she drew to herself and Gary the better. "Can you move?"

"Yeah," Gary responded, his eyes never moving away from the combatants. As he attempted to push himself up, he hissed in pain. Lillie assisted him and brought him over to the barn where Lunamon was waiting with a first aid kit.

While Lunamon patched Gary up Lillie brought out her Digivice. "Garurumon, champion level. When in battle his fur hardens to the consistency of Mithril. They are intelligent, loyal, and fierce and can breathe fire using their Howling Blaster attack."

Garurumon and Sangloupmon were now in the midst of a melee. Each Digimon had reared up onto their hind legs and were holding onto the shoulders of its opponent all the while starling and snapping at each other in a similar manner that Lillie had observed rival Lycanrocs do. Eventually the more experienced Sangloupmon was able to push Garurumon onto his back where it began looking for a weak part in the armor-like pelt to sink its fangs into.

"His belly is exposed!" Gary called out. "Use your back feet to push him off!"

Following the instructions, Garurumon slammed his hind legs into Sangloupmon's belly sending the canine into the nearest cabin.

"Now, before he can teleport or attack back, blast him!" Gary ordered.

Blue fire sprang from Garurumon's mouth. Unlike the thin, steady stream that Gabumon made, these flames came out in as a roaring river. "Howling Blaster!"

The fire made contact with both Sangloupmon and the wooden debris creating a large bonfire which engulfed the wolf. With every corner of the wreckage lite up, there were no shadows for the wolf to jump into. Sangloupmon cried out like a yelping dog before bursting into data.

After a few moments of silence, the barn doors creaked open and the farmers hiding inside began to pour out. One of the Lalamon saw the flames of the cabin die down and carefully floated above the wreckage. It dived down into a clearing in the middle and came back out with a grey egg covered in purple, Zubat wing patterns. She held the egg up for all the farmers to see.

Cheers burst out amongst the farmers at the sight of the fallen monster. For his part, Garurumon didn't seem to care about the celebration nor the townsfolk thanking him. He just carefully plotted up to the rest of his team. "Are you guys alright?" He asked in a deep, growling voice.

Immediately Lillie backed up. Now that the battle was over and Garurumon was up close, she realized just how big he was. The canidae was almost twice the size of an Arcanine had a powerful set of jaws to match. She tried to reminder herself over and over that this was just Gabumon evolved, but the monster's size in combo with Lillie's already acute phobia was driving her back against the barn wall.

Gary, on the other hand, walked up to the wolf and reached out with his uninjured arm. The wolf responded and stretched his snout forwards for the boy to pet. "Yeah," Gary said breathlessly. "I'm feeling pretty good right now."

The Next Morning

For the rest of the night the farmers drove the rest of the Gaossmon off allowing the kids and their Digimon to rest. When the morning came Gary awoke to a sore shoulder and a platter of meat and meat apples for breakfast. Outside he could see the farmers were hard at work cleaning up the mess from last night and rebuilding their town.

"Guess there's no victory party when you've got a town to repair," Gary mused taking a bite of a grilled Slowpoke tail apple.

"Gary!" Gary turned to see Lillie jogging up to him with Lunamon sprinting not far behind. "How is your arm?"

Gary lifted his sleeve. The spot was still red and tender, but the gash had been sealed. "It's probably going to scar, but I'll take that over being sliced open. We're going to have to ask where these guys get their healing salve, that stuff's strong."

"Yeah," Lillie looked down at her leg. Gary could see a smear of white ointment coding the bruise sticking out from her boot.

Alright, time to do something he hasn't done with anyone in his peer group for a long time. "Hey, uh, Lillie." Gary tried to look as casual as possible. "That part when you figured out the Gaossmon's weakness…that was a good observation. Nice job."

Lillie stared at Gary for a moment before a blush brushed her features. "Well, it wasn't anything too special. It wasn't like that idea you had with the water tower. That was resourceful."

"Don't sell yourself short, Lillie!" Lunamon pipped up. "You were an excellent commander out in the fields."

Now Lillie's face was completely red. "W-well, the real hero of the night is Garurumon," she stuttered.

At this comment, everyone turned their attention to the large lupine sitting at the other end of the cabin looking over his reflection in the window. Gary approached the wolf. "Told you that you wouldn't recognize yourself once I was done with you."

"You're right," Garurumon commented. He turned his large head to face Gary. "Do you like it?"

It seemed that despite his more ferocious appearance Garurumon still maintained Gabumon's low self-esteem. Which was kind of jarring because Garurumon was an impressive sight. An intimidating size which dwarfed most Pokémon, sleek fur that could serve as both armor and blades if anyone got too close, and one of the strongest flamethrowers Gary had ever witnessed. Gary grinned with pride at HIS monster. "Are you kidding? You look fantastic."

"You have made a great stride last night, Garurumon," Moosemon came down the street followed by Sheepmon. Both ungulates' strides were tired and had a slight limp, but they were also both alive and intact.

"Moosemon! Sheepmon!" Lillie greeted. "You're both okay!"

"Relatively speaking," Moosemon looked towards the toppled water tower. "We were both taken out by Sangloupmon, but I believe you're battle last night was able to draw his attention away from us before he could strike the final blow."

"And it looks like he bit off more than he could chew. 'Bout time that wolf's pride caught up with him," snorted Sheepmon. He then bowed his head towards Garurumon. "Thank you for protecting my charges and avenging my flock."

"Speaking of which," Gary pondered. "What happened to Sangloupmon's egg?"

Moosemon's tail came around to gently pat the saddle bag he was carrying. "I'll be taking him back to my village. Hopefully a new environment will encourage him to make more virtuous life decisions this time around. Which brings me to what I wanted to talk to everyone about."

"Garurumon," at Moosemon's words the lupine straightened up. A somewhat comedic sight seeing as how Moosemon was now smaller than him. "I can no longer guide you and your team on this journey as not only have I strayed too far from my charges in the mountain, but I am still recovering from my battle with Sangloupmon. Sheepmon also must continue to guard the farms while he waits for reinforcements to protect the farmers and their crops. As such, I must ask you to serve as the sentinel of this group as they travel. Can you handle this?"

Taking one quick look at his team, Garurumon said in a very serious tone. "For both my friends and the world at large, I will protect them with my life."

At this Moosemon smiled. "I believe you will make a fine warrior, Garurumon. Good luck." With that, Moosemon turned around and headed back towards the mountains.

Once everyone was done waving and shouting good-bye to Moosemon and Sheepmon took its leave to help the farmers Gary turned to the rest of the team. "Alright, we should probably take a quick check of our supplies before we head out. We'll need food that lasts long without refrigeration, medical supplies, and…"

Before Gary could continue both his and Lillie's Digivice began to beep. Both trainers curiously picked up their devices. After pressing a couple of buttons, the devices' holograms projected a screen with several icons. One of the icons, a picture of an Agumon with a speech bubble coming out of its mouth, was wiggling and shaking reminding Gary of a ringing phone.

Intrigued, both kids pressed the icon. The holograms then switched over to what appeared to be a chatroom where several other people have begun a conversation.

"I think these are the other humans in the Digital World!" exclaimed Lillie. "This is great! We can share information and figure out how to meet up and…"

But Gary wasn't paying attention to Lillie. His eyes were locked at the conversation that was happening on the screen. As he read, he felt a wave of relief carry away a weight he'd been feeling for the last few days. "He's alive."

AN: Happy HOWLoween. Nuk! Nuk! Nuk!

And now we have Greymon's complement: Garurumon! He also works well for Gary because in both the anime and in the games Gary's team tends to feature Arcanine on his team. Another tiger doggo.

Those of you who are familiar with Digimon biology may have noticed that I added in a new feature to Garurumon's physiology: that his fur's hardness can be turned on and off. I did this because I have a hard time picturing anyone riding that wolf without getting hundreds of needle stabs in the leg. Seriously, Yamato/Matt must have the most calloused legs in the world if he can casually ride a mount whose fur is as hard as magic metal.

Originally, I was going to have the Gaossmon corner Lillie in the barn, but then I realized I have a (sort of) corn field. How often am I going to be able to work with that?

Speaking of corn, let's address the Donphan in the room: yes, people eat Pokémon. It's glossed over, but its cannon…and I'll admit a bit of my dark humor may have been shining through there. Just a smidgen.

On another note, I'd also like to address the characters' ages. As it is firmly documented in Pokémon lore you can't go on a Pokémon journey until you reach the mature and level-headed age of 10. And since Ash has bumped into a number of characters who were just starting out when he had been through multiple leagues, we can assume Ash is older than them in cannon (I think, the guy looks like he hasn't aged a day). For this fic I'm taking some liberties with the timeline so unless I say otherwise just assume the main character (like Lillie) is around Ash's age.

And now for the Reader Response Recess.

Ashpoke55: Though I am drawing out the character introductions, I will be dropping some heavy handed hints as to the identities of the other children pretty soon.

The one who reads and writes: Glad to see you're still enjoying the story. In regards to your question about Lillie, you make a very good point. The anime and games do present this character in two very different story arcs. To figure out which Lillie we are dealing with I shall do as all great minds do when they are at a crossroads: flip a coin!

….Weird. It just landed on its side.

To everyone else tuning in, thank you for reading! I'm going to take a brief break for Halloween festivities (parties, trunk or treat, and festivities galore!). God loves you and so do I. Have a fun spooky season.

Digimon Introduced:

Garurumon: Champion, Vaccine, Beast

Floramon: Rookie, Data, Vegetation

Lalamon: Rookie, Data, Vegetation

Sheepmon: Armor, Free, Mammal

Sangloupmon: Champion, Virus, Dark Beast

Gaossmon: Rookie, Virus, Reptile

BlackGabumon: Rookie, Virus, Reptile

Psychemon: Rookie, Data, Reptile

Goblimon: Rookie, Virus, Demon

Seahomon: Armor, Free, Aquatic

Next Time: After rafting across the ocean on fish back Ash's team has hit land! There they find a seaside village which is plagued by a hungry sea beast! Luckily Ash and Agumon will not have to take on this monster alone for they will be meeting the next chosen child and her shy partner.