Meanwhile, Rurimon was much more cautious and moved between buildings and bushes. It had decided to avoid the streets because the humans reacted extremely negatively to it. Rurimon would have understood if they had first reacted skeptically to him, after all, it came from another world. But no, the humans seemed to be really afraid of him. This increasingly unsettled the traveler. Nothing was going as planned. Prismamon had promised that everything would get better. That they would travel to the human world and get help there. The human world part had come true, but Prismamon was gone. It had abandoned Rurimon. No, it must not think like that. His friend was surely already looking for him. Should Rurimon do something to draw attention to himself? Maybe cause a big commotion? No, if it showed itself to even more humans, they might try to catch it. Or worse. It was foolish that the two had not agreed on a meeting point before.
But where was Rurimon actually heading? The strange thing was that it felt that it was not moving blindly. It was being drawn to something. It was a feeling that was hard to describe. It had something to do with familiarity. A familiar feeling. But here in the human world? Where it had never been before? That was actually not possible. Nevertheless, the feeling became stronger the closer it came to the source. Rurimon now reached a settlement with several houses. It jumped over a fence, directly into a garden. It saw some children playing and hid because of it. When the father of the children stepped out of a door, his face was not visible at first. He spoke to his offspring and then turned around again. When Rurimon saw his face, it flinched. Now it understood this feeling of familiarity.
Takeshi had packed his backpack and prepared everything else. He could feel that Prismamon was there, which also motivated him. It was the weekend, and so Takeshi and his friends had plenty of time. They had decided to intensify the search for Prismamon's friend. Tsubasa had researched and collected new sightings on the Internet. They wanted to split up and search the areas around them. In the last few days, both Shun and Tsubasa had been attacked by hostile Digimon. They were also eager to find Rurimon. They must not allow them to succeed.
So they left the house and headed towards the meeting point. This was of course the ramen shop, which had meanwhile become something like a headquarters. Tsubasa and Shun were already on site. When Takeshi recognized that Davis had already supplied them with a bowl of ramen, he also felt his stomach growl. Quickly he sat down with them and ordered a portion. Davis fulfilled his wish and passed the order on to Veemon. This one knew Takeshi's preferences quite well by now and decided to prepare the best ramen to strengthen the DigiDestined for today's day.
"They're endlessly delicious! I think I've found a new regular hangout," the girl raved.
Takeshi, still waiting, rolled his eyes.
"Hey, I discovered it first," he reminded her, but was sure that the owner would certainly be pleased about more regular customers. Shun, as usual, did not let on whether he liked it or not. Then he pulled out his cell phone.
"I've summarized the locations of the sightings and divided them up. I've sent you everything, geographically, so that you can search one after the other," he explained.
Takeshi patted his friend on the shoulder. He could always rely on him. The entrance door of the local opened, and another guest entered. It was a young man in a suit and with a briefcase. He was clearly a businessman, probably from some office. The DigiDestined looked uncertainly at their partners. Actually, Davis should have put up the "Private Party" sign outside. Now there could be trouble if their Digimon didn't behave like stuffed animals.
The man came to a stop in front of them and bowed briefly.
"Ah, you must be the new ones. Nice to meet you. Please be patient with Davis, he's doing his best."
The three nodded slowly.
"Hey, hey, what's that supposed to mean? I can support them just as well as anyone else," Davis came out of the kitchen and lectured the newcomer.
At his feet they recognized another Digimon. It resembled a green caterpillar that now seemed to be happy to see the man. It crawled towards him and fell into his arm.
"Ken! I helped Veemon and Davis make ramen. That's really hard, you know?", it said.
The man showed a smile and picked up the caterpillar. He looked at Davis, who only raised his arms.
"He tried at least. But as it turned out, you need arms to prepare ramen."
This now demotivated the caterpillar a bit.
"Wormmon will probably never be a talented ramen cook," it let its antennae hang down.
The man named Ken smiled mildly.
"Don't worry, Wormmon, you have other qualities," he assured him.
Then Davis took over the introduction of his friend. It was Ken Ichijouji, also a member of the team.
"Kari and TK are unavailable today. They said I should take their place and help you with the search," he said now.
Davis raised an eyebrow.
"What? You not working? How come?"
Ken sighed.
"Since my promotion, I can pass on some of my duties. Now that the wedding is getting closer, I'm taking it a little easier. You have no idea how much planning this takes."
Tsubasa immediately jumped up.
"Wedding? You're planning to get married?"
Takeshi was little surprised that the girl was most interested in this news.
Ken confirmed it to her.
"In a few weeks. My fiancée... it still sounds strange. Anyway, she's beside herself. Every day she comes up with a new idea, I can't keep up. But of course I try to fulfill as many of her wishes as possible. Even if it takes more energy than a day of overtime."
Davis smiled.
"You should have known that before, when you proposed to Yolei."
Ken abruptly restrained himself.
"I don't regret it! I never will, until the end of my life!"
Tsubasa clapped euphorically.
Davis clenched a fist.
"That's the spirit! That's how it will be when I marry Kari!", he decided.
Tsubasa put a finger to her lips.
"Oh, you and Yagami-san are a couple? I didn't notice that. I rather had the impression that she and Takaishi-san were a couple."
Davis let his shoulders droop and leaned his head against the wall.
"He meant more in his wishful thinking," Ken clarified.
Tsubasa understood and patted Davis on the shoulder.
"Don't worry. Love will reach you too," she said confidently.
The ramen specialist thanked her, and his facial expression became more hopeful again.
"Thank you. I wish I could still have as much hope and faith in love as you do at your age."
Takeshi and Shun exchanged glances. They were definitely out of place here. While Shun was briefing the new helper on the plan, Takeshi finally received his bowl of ramen.
A little later they were strengthened and decided to set off. Davis formed the interface as usual. Prismamon was the first to head towards the door. It was determined to find its friend this time.
Takeshi's first destination was a playground where some children were said to have seen a small blue dragon. This could just as well be a toy. The description did not say a word about whether the dragon had moved. Nevertheless, Shun had included it in the search; his friend was extremely careful.
Takeshi turned his gaze in all directions, Prismamon also looked out of the bag. The boy didn't know if Digimon had better eyes than humans. This was often the case with animals, but with digital creatures? Soon they had reached the playground, but no clues. There were also no children playing at the moment. Since it was the weekend, they were probably doing something with their parents right now. Takeshi sighed. They wouldn't achieve anything here either. So he continued on his way and studied Shun's plan to see where he should search next.
He had already taken a few steps when two children stormed the playground and immediately took possession of the swing. Takeshi stopped and tried to look as friendly as possible. He didn't want to scare them right away.
"Hey, kids! How's it going? I'm looking for something, maybe you can help me. Were you here the last few days?"
The children hesitated for a moment, but then shook their heads. However, Takeshi had not hoped for more. Nevertheless, he did not want to give up and asked if they had not seen a blue dragon.
The one boy looked at his sister.
"That's Dad's dragon, isn't it?"
The girl nodded.
"Yes, sounds just like Dad's."
With that, Takeshi had full attention.
"Your dad? Can you tell me where you live?"
With that, he had been a little too direct. Of course, the children had been told not to reveal such things. When he noticed their uncertain glances, he promptly took Prismamon out of his backpack.
"Look! I have one too. They are called Digimon and are quite tame."
Surprised, the little ones looked at the crystalline Digimon. Takeshi whispered to it to smile. Immediately the children were enthusiastic and wanted to play with Takeshi's partner. This one did them the favor, even though it disliked that they pulled on its ears. Then it took the initiative.
"It's called Rurimon, isn't it? Ruri is my friend, I want to see him so badly!", it said then.
The children looked at each other and then nodded. They were willing to take Takeshi with them.
Ken studied the plan that the boy named Shun had sent him. It was very detailed and well thought out. The boy reminded him a little of another DigiDestined who was now working as a doctor. He was sure that he was a good addition to this new team. A team that would make its own experiences; that much was certain. Most of them they would not be able to take away from them. Ken was also very limited in time. But he was sure that they had found the best mentors in Davis, TK and Kari. It was still a strange feeling to be an adult now. The fact that he would be getting married soon still felt surreal. That Yolei was the right one, on the other hand, did not. Even though the preparations meant pure stress for him. Going on a good old Digimon mission, on the other hand, felt relaxing. That's why he had quickly agreed to help the new DigiDestined.
"Wormmon, if you were new to the human world, would you hide?", he asked his partner, whom he carried in a wide bag.
However, this one could not answer his question.
"No idea. I never had to find my way alone, you showed me everything and explained it to me," said Wormmon.
Ken had to agree with him. Rurimon would rather be shy of humans and would not show itself so easily. Probably his search would be in vain, and today's day would not be fruitful.
He should have been wrong. But when the first person rushed past him, Ken still assumed that they were simply in a hurry. After all, the train station was nearby. But by the second time, he was already thinking more about it. And when an entire group hurriedly rushed past him, he knew that something was not right.
"Wormmon," he whispered to his partner.
The Digimon nodded and got ready. Ken set off in the direction from which the people were fleeing. Soon he arrived at an intersection and saw the source of the commotion.
A Digimon stood in the middle and had already caused a considerable amount of destruction. Ken stopped in front of it and examined it. It wore armor, and not least the sword at its hip was unmistakable. It was lion-like and had blue fur with a white mane.
"Leo...mon?", stammered the DigiDestined.
The enemy turned to him and snorted out of its nostrils.
"Do not compare me with this weak sub-species. I am LeoHeartmon, the brave warrior! The king himself recruited me because he trusts in my abilities!", it explained.
Ken was not put off by this.
"Tell us about this king. Why are you after Rurimon and his book? What exactly is your goal?", he asked.
LeoHeartmon reached for his sword.
"Our goal is to get rid of the humans! Again and again you disturb the peace of the DigiWorld!", it justified itself.
Ken clenched his fists.
"Do you know how often we have saved you? It was evil Digimon who wanted to enslave you. We fought against them!", he pointed out to him.
The fact that he himself was the Digimon Emperor and thus would have confirmed LeoHeartmon's criticism, he deliberately left out. That would only complicate things at the moment.
"And in doing so, you left a trail of devastation behind! You interfered instead of entrusting us inhabitants with the solution to our problems. You took this right for yourself and put yourself above us!", LeoHeartmon countered.
Now Wormmon jumped out of the bag.
"That's not true! You couldn't protect yourselves, so we had to take over. We protected the weak because that's the task of everyone, not just inhabitants of the Digital World!", it said.
But this was not what LeoHeartmon wanted to hear.
"So you're saying I would have been too weak anyway?"
Wormmon confirmed this to him, while Ken was not sure if this was the right strategy.
"Of course! You didn't do anything, did you? That's just the reality. Don't make us responsible for your passivity and that of your comrades!", Wormmon said.
It was not the right approach. The Digimon became angrier and drew its sword. It attacked Wormmon, which was just able to dodge.
Ken drew his DigiVice and got ready.
"Wormmon digivolves to... Stingmon!", he called out.
Immediately, it was able to counter the attack. But LeoHeartmon's sword cut through entire streetlights and cars with just one blow.
"Stingmon! The enemy is strong, don't underestimate him!", Ken warned.
The insect Digimon was aware of this and therefore kept its distance. But it did not have to fight alone. Attracted by the commotion, Shun and Tsubasa finally appeared.
"We will fight with you!", the girl decided.
Ken nodded.
"Good, but proceed with caution. Your Digimon don't have much experience yet. LeoHeartmon, on the other hand, seems to be an experienced fighter.", he warned.
The two young DigiKnights promised and then activated the DigiVices on their wrists. Immediately, Hebimon and Koemon began to glow.
"Hebimon digivolves to... Julungumon!", Shun called out.
"Koemon digivolves to... Lianpumon!", Tsubasa added.
The battle began, and LeoHeartmon proved to be a tough opponent. The ninja-like Digimon on one of the rooftops registered this with satisfaction. It was right to recruit an uncontrollable Digimon like LeoHeartmon. It was quite capable of eliminating the enemies.
The children had led Takeshi down a street that led directly to a residential area. They lived fortunately not far away, otherwise their parents would hardly have let them go to the playground alone. Soon they stood in front of a house, and Takeshi wondered if Rurimon was really inside. They led him and his partner into the garden. The terrace door was open, and they went inside. Takeshi made his presence known as he entered the house. He felt a little uncomfortable just entering a stranger's house like this.
A man came out of the hallway and greeted his children back. Just as he was about to ask why they were back so quickly, he noticed the DigiDestined.
The man hesitated.
"You... know about Digimon?", he asked.
Before Takeshi could reply, Prismamon jumped out of the backpack and stood in front of him.
"I want to talk to Rurimon! He's here, isn't he?", it asked.
The man looked at the newcomer in surprise. It didn't take long before Rurimon was attracted by the voice. He hurried into the room and stood face to face with his friend. They hugged each other and were glad to have finally found each other. The man's expression brightened.
"Now I understand. Young man, could it be that you are also a DigiDestined?", he asked. Takeshi was taken aback. "Also? Does that mean... you are one too?"
Only 10 minutes later, the children were busy, and the man had made tea. For Prismamon and Rurimon there were leftovers of a cake. Takeshi had sat down and looked at the blue dragon. So that was Prismamon's best friend. He still carried a bag. Did it contain the book that Koemon and Hebimon had mentioned? The man, who had introduced himself as Saito in the meantime, sat down opposite him.
"I have already heard of new DigiDestined, but that there is a whole new generation is new to me.", he said.
Takeshi told how he and Prismamon had met and how Gennai had given them the mission. Saito was not unfamiliar with this name.
"That was 20 years ago when I and my friends were transported to the Digital World. That's where I met Rurimon for the first time.", he began to tell. Takeshi was amazed that the man was actually a DigiDestined.
Rurimon was also a Digimon partner.
"We... haven't seen each other for so long. Back then, when we fought against the Masters of Darkness.", Rurimon reported. Prismamon nodded.
"That's right. You told me about it. I couldn't believe at first that you were such a hero and saved the DigiWorld.", it said.
His friend felt visibly flattered.
"That was only possible thanks to Saito.", he said.
The man lowered his head slightly.
"If Digimon didn't keep invading our world... I would wonder today if all that was really real. Back then it felt like a fantasy. Sure, it was dangerous, but it's been so long since I said goodbye to Rurimon. And the others from back then... Maki, Daigo... I haven't seen them since then either.", he reminisced. Takeshi put his hands on the table.
"Unfortunately, it seems that Rurimon's world is in danger again. There seems to be a kind of king who blames humans for all the devastation. That's why he's after your partner.", he said.
Saito looked at the dragon in horror.
"But why? What does he want from you?", he asked.
Rurimon hesitated for a moment and clutched his bag tighter.
"It's... a book that I found. It's very powerful.", he revealed.
Saito understood.
"So they want to catch you to increase their power with it. It seems that not much has changed. I'm sorry that I just left back then.", he said.
Rurimon shook his head immediately.
"No, not at all. We had won the last battle, and you and the others deserved to return to your world. Besides, I had friends. Prismamon, for example! He always supported me, and together we came into this world.", he said.
Saito stroked his partner's head.
Now Takeshi's cell phone rang, and he looked at it. With concern, he read Shun's text.
"Damn! Apparently, there's a new Digimon attack. Prismamon, we have to hurry!", he informed his partner.
Immediately, it got up, and Rurimon did the same.
"Yes! Saito! Are you ready?", it asked.
But the man did not seem exactly euphoric.
"I... can't leave. My children, do you understand?", he said.
Takeshi recognized the problem.
"Rurimon, you'd better stay here too. After all, the enemy is after you. It would be bad if you ran straight into his arms now.", he said.
The little dragon wanted to protest at first, but then he saw the point.
"We'll come back right away.", Prismamon promised, and Rurimon wished him good luck. Then the two of them left and left Saito and Rurimon behind.
In the meantime, LeoHeartmon had managed to cause even more devastation. All the windows were shattered. Just then, a police car turned into the street, which did not escape the Digimon's notice. Ken ordered Stingmon to scare off the car before the enemy could cause serious damage. The giant insect landed on the hood, causing the police officers to flee immediately. Julungumon's poison sickle crossed LeoHeartmon's sword, but Tsubasa's partner was immediately thrown back by the blade. Lipanpumon tested a new mask that allowed him to grow vines from the ground that first tied up the enemy. But they knew that this would not hold him for long. Ken immediately considered their options. One possibility would be to digitize to a new level. However, he lacked Davis for this. He wished that he had accompanied them, but there was nothing to be done about it. Stingmon attacked again, but LeoHeartmon freed himself from his bonds and struck the Digimon with a blow. This was enough to make Stingmon lose his balance and digitize back to Wormmon. Quickly, he ran to his friend and caught him.
"I'm sorry...", gasped the caterpillar Digimon.
However, Ken assured him that he had done everything right. Julungumon and Lianpumon faced the enemy again, but they were no match for him. But then reinforcements arrived.
"Hey! Sorry you had to wait!", Takeshi came around the corner.
LeoHeartmon turned away from his opponents to size up the newcomer.
"Hmpf! One more or less doesn't make a difference. You lack the will, that will be your downfall.", the king growled. Takeshi and Prismamon stood in front of him, and the DigiDestined activated his DigiVice.
"You'll soon get to know our will!", Takeshi called out determinedly. Prismamon began to glow.
"Prismamon digivolves to... PrismKnightmon!", Takeshi called out.
A new opponent faced LeoHeartmon. However, he seemed unimpressed.
"A knight, huh? Then show me what you've got!", the king challenged.
Takeshi's partner drew his sword and rushed at the enemy. Their blades met.
"Be careful! The enemy is strong!", Shun warned.
Takeshi had also realized this. LeoHeartmon radiated a different aura. It didn't just feel like a raging Digimon. Besides, he had managed to push back PrismKnightmon. He attacked with his sword, but the knight simply jumped over it. Takeshi realized that his friend was much more agile. This might be because he was made of crystals, while LeoHeartmon wore heavy armor. They had to use this to their advantage.
"OK! Stay in motion all the time, OK? Only attack him when he's not right in front of you!", Takeshi called out to him.
Done. LeoHeartmon had to turn first, but then PrismKnightmon was already jumping against a house wall and over the enemy. With a sword strike, he damaged the opponent's back armor. A curse from LeoHeartmon. A heavy blow to the back, but Takeshi's partner parried with his shield. Now followed a light blade attack against the enemy's chest, which seemed to be successful. The armor broke open, and LeoHeartmon fell to the ground. Immediately, he wanted to get up again, but the tip of the sword was pointed at him. A gesture that was supposed to make LeoHeartmon give up. At first, he did not want to think about it, but then he recognized the determination in the eyes of his challenger. Finally, he put his sword back in its scabbard. The others were still not convinced of LeoHeartmon's resignation and remained on guard, especially when the enemy got up again. But Takeshi seemed to have no doubts and joined his partner.
"Hm. So I was convinced of the opposite.", LeoHeartmon said.
"Opposite?", Takeshi asked.
The Digimon nodded.
"The king told me that humans are weak and only exploit Digimon. That's why I wanted to check for myself whether this was true. Now I know that it was a lie. I was able to watch how you respect each other and fight together.", it said.
"Wait a minute! Does that mean you're no longer our enemy?", Tsubasa asked.
LeoHeartmon denied it.
"No, because I only call malicious warriors my enemies. The assumption that you were also some was wrong. That's why I'm ending our dispute. And I'm also leaving the king's army.", it said.
Everyone seemed glad to have heard this.
"Can you... tell us something about the enemy? About this king and his army?", Ken tried.
LeoHeartmon looked at him.
"I can only warn you. You have made a powerful enemy. You may have noble intentions, but the king seems to despise you. Well, that's his view, I have no problem with you. I can only advise you to train and prepare. Because if I don't do my job, someone else will.", it said.
He walked into one of the destroyed stores, where there seemed to be an still open portal. Soon he had disappeared into it.
"Hey, we should get out of here too.", Shun suggested.
None of his friends objected. Takeshi already had the perfect retreat. So they left the battlefield as quickly as possible. Before the rescue workers arrived, only the ninja-like Digimon was still on the scene. It was disappointed, especially since it had to report immediately. It scurried through the open portal.
Rurimon was glad that nothing had happened to his friend. Especially since the enemy was a bit stronger this time. Ken shook hands with Saito while Tsubasa introduced herself and Shun to the children. Of course, the children were thrilled to meet the new Digimon. The little girl began to pull Hebimon at both ends, which complained loudly. The boy was very impressed with Koemon's slingshot. However, he was not allowed to try it out.
While they left Tsubasa and Hebimon with the children, the others sat down in the kitchen and exchanged information.
"It's really bad that Digimon are attacking our world again.", Saito said.
Ken agreed with him.
"We're doing our best to find a solution as soon as possible.", he assured him.
"Hey.", Shun said, "Could the book that Rurimon is carrying help us with that?"
The little dragon clung to his bag again. But Prismamon calmed him down.
"Don't worry, they're on our side. If we can trust anyone, it's them.", it said.
Rurimon nodded. If his best friend told him that, it had to be true.
"Why don't we just destroy the book? Then Rurimon would be out of danger too.", Takeshi suggested.
Shun hit him on the back of the head.
"Then these guys will find another way to increase their power. Their goal is to take action against us humans, right?", she said.
Ken agreed.
"Yes, in the Digital World there are many ways to become stronger.", he said.
After a while, Saito spoke up.
"Then... could you please take Rurimon with you and take good care of him?", he asked.
His partner could not believe what he was hearing.
"What? But... I'd rather stay here with you. We haven't seen each other for so long!", he reminded him.
Saito seemed to be struggling with himself.
"But I can't. My children are in this house. I must not... expose them to danger.", he said firmly.
Rurimon stared at him, then jumped up and ran off.
Takeshi nodded to Prismamon, and it set off in pursuit. In the hallway, it had caught up with its friend.
"I... don't matter to him anymore.", a tear ran down Rurimon's face.
Prismamon walked up to him.
"What are you talking about? Of course you matter to Saito. Friends are not unimportant to each other! Saito is now simply a father and has to think of others. That doesn't mean that you're not important to him!", it said.
Rurimon looked into the room where Tsubasa was still playing with the children. Saito closed in on them and looked sad.
"Rurimon...", he said.
The little dragon threw itself into Saito's arms.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to put your family in danger.", it said.
Saito shook his head.
"But no. You are part of my family. You always have been.", he assured him.
Rurimon wiped a tear from his face.
"But... you still can't stay here.", it said.
His partner understood.
"Yes, I would rather stay with Prismamon and the others.", it said.
Saito was glad that they had cleared that up. He promised, however, that Rurimon could visit him whenever he wanted.
He and Ken exchanged contact information, and soon after they said goodbye. Saito hugged Rurimon once more, then turned his attention back to his children. These would certainly remember this day for a long time.
They decided to go back to the ramen restaurant and have a debriefing. After all, they had achieved the goal that Gennai had given them. Rurimon and his book were safe. But how should they proceed?
The ninja Digimon felt a queasy feeling as it entered the throne room. It had advocated for recruiting LeoHeartmon. It knew that he only followed his own code. He was not reliable, but the ninja still thought it was a good idea. Now he had to justify himself.
The king stood at a window, looking deep into the Digital World. His realm. He now turned around, and his servant immediately bowed.
"Fumamon, you're back. But without the book. So LeoHeartmon has proven to be disloyal.", he said.
The Digimon apologized.
"I'm sorry, revered Takutoumon-sama. Apparently, I was convinced by the humans that I was not their enemy.", it said.
The king stepped in front of him, his expression speaking volumes.
"No! Humans are responsible for the catastrophes in the DigiWorld. We must not let them get away with it.", he said.
He wore armor like LeoHeartmon, but with more colors and his sword also looked much more impressive.
Fumamon agreed with him.
"Yes, Your Highness. I will immediately find a new warrior as a replacement.", it said.
But the king did not seem to want that.
"No, you will correct your mistake yourself and get the book yourself. And in doing so, of course, destroy our enemies.", he said.
Fumamon could not believe what he was hearing.
"But... Your Highness! I alone have no chance!", it said.
The king seemed to be aware of this. That's why he reached into his robe and pulled out an object. It was a blue, oval ball, which he now handed to his servant.
"This is one of the five balls that I was able to collect in the DigiWorld. Take it, it will make you stronger in battle.", he said.
Fumamon hesitantly took the ball and stowed it in his clothing.
"Your Highness, thank you for entrusting me with something so important.", it said.
The king nodded and walked back to the window.
"Soon... very soon we will have taken care of the humans and then our world will finally belong to us again.", he said confidently.
Then Fumamon set off to get the book that would decide the outcome in this war.