"For our freedom, we challenge you to a Dance Off!"
...
"WHAT!?"
All were stunned to hear such a declaration, and that included Marc himself. But it was the only thing he could think of. Tlalocmon prided himself on dancing—that much was obvious by everything so far. So, maybe the only way not to fight a super powerful Mega with an entire army that could destroy them all in an instant was to do what Dorulumon said and set the field into favorable conditions.
Challenging a powerful being to a dance-off was something one would see in the movies. It didn't stop the fact it was the only thing Marc could think of.
Tlalocmon narrowed his eyes on Marc. "What did you just say?"
"I challenge you to a dance-off! You think we're Paladins of Ragna Lordmon! But we're not! We'll prove it in this challenge!"
"A dance-off?" Kentaro looked over to the afroed teen. "Care to explain your thought process, Marcy?"
"Don't call me Marcy, dang it!" Marc shouted before looking over to Tlalocmon. "And besides, it shouldn't be a problem for you to defeat a bunch of "Paladins" in a dance-off. Or are you just too UNGROOVY to face us fairly?"
"Oooooo!" The surrounding Digimon collectively gasped.
"Oh no you didn't! Nu-uh!" Tlalocmon looked livid as he jumped into the dance floor. "I don't think so! No way did you just call me ungroovy!" The child-size Digimon walked up to Marc with a glare. "You're gonna pay for that. Alright, bring out the DANCE DUEL!"
All the Digimon started to cheer as they cleared the dance floor. The ground shook. To Marc's sheer disbelief, he saw a pair of giant DDR pads rise from the floor of open latches. Tlalocmon tapped his staves and soon, a powerful gust of wind blew all the Restorers and their partners into the left dancing pad.
Jackson groaned as he got up. "You just had to go here without waiting—didn't you, Rose!?"
The blonde winced. "...Umm I..."
"And now we'll be killed! It's all because you couldn't just control yourself for one second!" He shouted again at Rose.
"Hey!" Kentaro stepped in. "Look, blaming people doesn't do anything. I understand your upset. But Marcy here gave us a fighting chance against a Mega."
"I'm never getting people to stop calling me that, am I?" Marc put a hand on his forehead.
"Don't be upset, Jack. I was actually having some fun dancing..." The Algomon spoke up. "Now we get to do it together!"
"I'm... sorry..." Rose looked down.
Jack looked away but still seemed upset.
"Alright party mons!" Baronmon's voice called out. "It's time for a Dance Duel! For our newcomers, allow us to explain how it works! Or rather, we'll let the reigning champ show it how it's done! Hit it!"
Music started with a slow rise as a tablet appeared in front of Tlalocmon. Similar to the platform, it also had arrows. Soon, the arrows on the tablet lit up in tandem with the beats. Tlalocmon, true to his mega status, used his movement to stylishly land on each corresponding arrow making him in tune with the music.
"So it is like a regular dancing game: you have to step on the arrows at the right time," Kentaro put a hand on his chin. "He's moving pretty well, but with 8 of us, we should be able to..."
The music picked up. At that moment, the tablet's sides opened up to reveal squares with odd grooves before they were fired at the dancing Mega. Without missing a beat—literally—he swung his staves and cut down the squares by matching the line they were in while avoiding black cubes completely.
"Hey, is that Beat Saber?!" Marc's eyes widened as he recognized the popular VR game. "This Dance Off is Beat Saber and Dance Dance Revolution combined!?"
"Hmm," Kentaro clicked his tongue when he mentally thought of Tlalocmon making such a fast game look so easy. "This... might be harder than we thought..."
With a flourish, Tlalocmon cut the last squares shot at him and landed in the middle of the giant dancing pad stylishly.
"And that's how it's done!" Tlalocmon smiled as the crowd went wild.
Baronmon spoke up after he cheered for their emperor. "The challengers must defeat Tlalocmon in a contest of dance! For five minutes, the eight of you must match the arrows and cut the squares at a specific angle all while avoiding the black dud squares! Failure to do so will make a team lose a point they've gained! And for this round, we won't go lower than zero!"
"Which is the exact chance you have of beating me!" The Mega spun his rain staff before leaning on it.
"I'll give you guys 5 minutes to prepare! Since you guys are new, we're putting in an extra tablet that will show you which arrows and slashes will be coming after your current ones. Then, I will begin the game!" Baronmon said.
Kentaro and Marc turned to everyone else. "Alright, please tell me you have some cards that can help us out?"
"I've got super speed," Marc showed his card. "But moving fast is one thing. We've gotta land on the right spaces and cut those squares at the right angle."
"I'm familiar with Beat Sabers. Kind of wish Rikku was here, but Kotemon is probably better! Isn't that right, buddy?" Kentaro looked to his partner.
"Tlalocmon had better swordsmanship than I imagined. While it's best if I don't cross blades with him now, I am willing to match his pace this way." Marc blinked as he saw Kotemon take out his blade. From what his Digivice showed him, Kotemon had wooden Kendo blades. Why was his looking more like an ornate black sword?
But they were low on time; Marc looked at the other two. "We're gonna go into teams. Bibi and I will handle the arrows while Kentaro and Kotemon will be ahead and handle the incoming squares. Which do you two want to do?
"Ooo! Ooo! I wanna help with the dancing! We just gotta hit the arrows at the right time, right?" Algomon happily waved.
"Mistress, if I may, Digivolve me, and I can assist with the Beat Saber portion of our duel." Labramon turned to Rose.
"Oh!? You mean that thing you do when you change forms!? I still don't know how you do that with my help but!" Rose lit up as she took her Digivice.
"Should we all Digivolve then?" Kentaro asked.
"I'm not Digivolving Bibi. She'll be too big and might get in the way while moving around here," Marcus said. "I'll rely solely on my cards for this."
"Good idea. I'll Digivolve Kotemon. His Champion level isn't that big." Kentaro took out a Digivolution card in his hand. "Digi-Modify!"
"Kotemon Digivolve to!" Again, similar to how Bibi Digivolves, an egg of data aggressively overwrote Kotemon's data until he transformed into a new being.
"Gladimon!" Marc and the others saw their Digivice reveal the stats of the new Champion Digimon. However, Marc noticed the ornate blade was now split into two blades that Gladimon wielded.
"Alright, now... how do I do it again?" Rose looked at her Digivice.
"Focus on your partner. They gain strength through emotions." Marc told Rose what Karatenmon once said.
Rose did so, concentrating on her partner. It wasn't long before Rose's device began to shine.
"Labramon Digivolve to Darcmon!" As the transformation was completed, Rose's partner transformed into an angel Digimon that exuded a battle-hardened aura. With a flourish of her sword, Darcmon readied herself. "I will help protect my mistress!"
Marc quickly read the fluff on his Digivice for Darcmon, but he wasn't expecting such a radical change from a dog to an angel... then again... Gatomon turned from a cat to an angel...
He shook his head. Baronmon and MirrorBallmon fixed the second layer, a rock with an electronic screen for its inside, atop their tablet.
"Alright! We're about to get started! Teams, on your mark!"
Even if they had 100 years, Marc still couldn't see them matching Tlalocmon. But he had to believe that they could—oh who was he kidding? At best, he bought time to think of a different way to escape. Unfortunately, they had no idea where the exit was as they entered and were pushed around in utter darkness before the dance lights went on.
"Get set!"
"Come on, Marc. You can do this... I hope?" Dorulumon felt conflicted that their only chance of survival was through a dance-off. But this was the Digital World. Perhaps there would be a Miracle?
... Something told Dorulumon Miracles don't happen for these types of situations.
"Dance!"
Music blasted as Tlalocmon wasted no time in dancing to the groove of the song. At first, the melody was fairly slow, and with the indicator above for the Human's side, the Champions were able to cut the incoming squares at the right angle while avoiding duds. Similarly, Algomon, Bibi, and the humans were able to hit or jump on the arrows as they lit up.
However, the music picked up the pace almost without warning. Cubes and duds started to fly out faster, making Darcmon and Gladimon start to sweat as they cut and dodged. However, with some of the squares they avoided, the obstacles kept flying and barely missed Marc.
"Ah!"
"Crap!" Kentaro cursed as he also avoided a dud. "This challenge wasn't made for a team! That's why this dance pad is so big! It's supposed to give enough space for the challenger to cut the squares, avoid the duds, and hit the right arrows!"
Jackson looked over to Tlalocmon, who had no issues with all the obstacles thrown his way. Instead, he used his powers in tandem with the exotic movements and hitting the squares correctly. In fact, he looked amazing doing this.
Kentaro and Marc both panicked as they heard the music speed up. At the tempo increase, they saw a slew of squares, and the timing for the arrows tightened. The team of humans started to miss a few of the cubes and arrows.
But it only got worse. The song increased its tempo again, forcing the sword-wielding Champions to focus on the squares. Jackson was distracted as his eyes widened. "Rose, look out!"
He yelled as he pushed her out of the way of a dud cube. However, at the speed it was going, it smashed into the side of his head and knocked him over.
"Jack!?" Algomon looked away as well. Which was bad timing as Darcmon avoided a dud cube that hit him.
While Rose and Darcmon were worried, Marc and Kentaro knew that they had to pick up the pace or else they'd lose.
"Digimodify: Hyper Speed!"
"Digimodify: Zanmetsu Arms!"
Marc and Kentaro drew a card and quickly slid it into their D-Arc slot. The two abilities activated: Bibi received Hyper Speed, now being able to catch up with the arrows with her improved mobility. Kentaro's card was that of an Ultimate Level Digimon with multiple sword arms. As such, Gladimon gained four more phantom limbs, and a tail, armed with the blades the Digimon usually bore. With now seven blade arms, Gladimon was able to match pace even with Tlalocmon.
But it did give some reprieve to let Rose run to Jackson. "Jack! Are you alright!?"
"Uhhh," Jack muttered as he got back up. "W-What happened to Algomon?"
"He's right here," Kentaro's voice made the two look over to Marc and Kentaro carrying the rookie to a safer spot.
"We have to think of something. Bibi and Gladimon can use the card abilities to help, but they're not as precise or have the stamina to keep up." Marc looked over to Tlalocmon—who by all purposes—looked as if he was one with the music. Meanwhile, even though Bibi and Gladimon had extraordinary boosts, they looked like they were struggling to even hit their cubes/arrows in time.
"Hmm," Kentaro put a hand on his chin. "How about, if we can't beat him fairly, we do something to make him slip up? Quick, show me what cards you have and I'll show you mine."
Marc had a feeling he knew what was about to happen, but he took out his deck and opened his cards.
"Ah!" Kentaro picked one from Marc's deck. "I'm borrowing this! Digi-Modify!"
A fog started to fill the area. However, many didn't notice as there were times when mist filled the dance floor to set the ambiance. Tlalocmon paid no mind... until he got hit by a dud box he didn't see.
The Mega Digimon blinked as the cube surprised him more than hurt him than it did the humans. But as he landed on one of the arrows, he heard a harsh noise, indicating that he had missed several arrow steps.
Tlalocmon was confused as he kept being hit by duds, missing his cubes, and apparently missing the wrong step. Then, he realized what was going on.
"Oh!? You wanna play dirty, huh!? Tempesto Gales!" Tlalocmon spun his staves as he slid to a stop. Rain and Thunder gathered before he hit them together and a storm-like wind blew away the mist.
"Crap, he figured that out too fast!" Kentaro said as he was giving back Marc's card: Cherrymon's Illusion Mist.
"Fine by me! What's a competition without stakes!?" Tlalocmon began to use his lightning staff to cut the cubes and began to dance on the correct arrows. In the meantime, he spun his rain staff as water swirled with it. "Aquos Swamtiept!"
The water around Tlalocmon's staff turned muddy and opaque before three rings flew and slammed into the faces of Darcmon, Gladimon, and Bibi.
"Ah! I can't seeOOF!?" Bibi shouted before she got hit by a dud cube.
Gladimon also had a similar problem as the muddy water obscured his sight and made duds and actual cubes knock him over at the speed they were going. And when Gladimon fell, Darcmon followed soon after.
"Guys!" Marc and the others ran for the Digimon.
"No!" Dorulumon panicked as Tlalocmon was easily widening the gap between them. At this rate, they'd lose!
Yet, despite that low moment, Jackson was distracted as Algomon forced himself to fly back into the field, hitting the arrows while avoiding the flying cubes.
"Algomon, what are you doing?!" Jackson had to dodge a cube heading his way.
"I'm going back in and getting points! I won't let them hurt you, Jack!"
"Why!?" Jackson looked at the Digimon. "Why would you do something like that? We've only known each other for about a week! You could probably even just leave me alone to save yourself! Staying with me will..."
"I won't leave you!" Algomon interrupted as his tentacles formed into spike arms and he punched some of the arrows that he could reach while his lower tendrils sharpened and hit one of the cubes correctly, but missed many more. "You're my friend!"
Jackson froze as he heard that. His mind flashed to the past where many came into his life, only to leave him alone. To be honest, he imagined there was no one back home to even miss him. But some alien named Algomon was willing to risk its own life just because they met? Logic told him that these kinds of things were a trap...but Jackson's heart knew this wasn't a lie as Algomon braced himself from more hits from the cubes to keep hitting the points.
Jackson's true feelings rose. He cared more than everyone thought he did, he was just hurt each time he tried. But now? Someone else was hurting, and all he could do was...
"YOU CAN DO IT, ALGOMON!" Jackson yelled, his emotions sparking his Digivice to life.
"Algomon Digivolve to... Algomon!" If Algmon's appearance was unsettling, his Champion form dropped into an uncanny valley as he took on a more monstrous, cybernetic form of himself that was larger. The other DigiDestined were surprised that despite the Digivolution, Algomon's champion form shared the same name as his rookie form?
"What the heck?" Kentaro looked at his Digivice before looking at the new Digimon. "He's even creepier than before."
"Electro System!" Suddenly, Algomon expanded and unleashed his hundred or more tentacles outward with electricity. A multitude levitated over the arrows, sending light shocks that allowed the dancing pad to accept someone "landing" on the arrows at the same time as they lit up. And, with the extra tentacles, including Algomon's tongue, they whipped and shocked the cubes with electricity, cutting them in the right way. Not only that, Algomon did something even more incredible: he used his tendrils as a combination of a web and slingshot, catching the dud cubes and shooting them... into the cubes on Tlalocmon's side!
"What!?" Tlalocmon shouted as he missed his chance to hit the cubes as they changed trajectory mid-flight, making it count like misses. "Oh, you're not stopping me again! Thundeus Zom!" Spinning his electric staff, Tlalocmon decided to aim for Algomon's cubes. However, he didn't expect the electricity to get redirected into one of Algomon's upper tendrils.
Marc's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. "No way! The Digivice said Algomon's new form had high computational speeds. But he already figured out how to use his body to conduct electricity like a lightning rod and distribute it to his body to help him score more points! His tendrils are moving faster!"
Algomon, despite technically being stationary, moved his tendrils like clockwork, making everyone watching see what almost looked like multiple waves of a beat. He still was "dancing" and with Algomon taking the field and disrupting Tlalocmon's points, he was quickly closing the gap between them.
"Come on, Algomon! You got this!" Jackson cheered on louder than even he realized. Gripping his Digivice as it shone like a star.
"Here it comes, folks! We're in the last part of the song!" Baronmon shouted as the tempo increased.
"Huh, not the way I expected, but you've got moves! In that case, I've got to take you seriously! Spiritus: Aquos Deus!" No one expected Tlalocmon to toss his staves aside, less so when they quickly turned into a water and electric clone of Tlalocmon. All three of them moved in synchronization, the electric one cut down the cubes faster than Algomon could disrupt them. The Water clones created a ring of water that sent and captured the duds on either side before boomeranging them at Algomon.
Algomon could use his tendrils to catch and redirect them, but the speed at which Tlalocmon increased the game was giving even Algomon's Champion form stress in attempting to juggle and protect itself. Not to mention, with Tlalocmon's clones, he was once again controlling the pace of his dance.
A shrill whistle blew from MirrorBallmon, ending the dance battle. Algomon gasped as it recalled all its tendrils, fell to the side, and regenerated back to its rookie form.
"Algomon!" Jackson and the others ran up to the bizarre Rookie.
"Jack...?" The usually excitable Digimon sounded slow and tired. "Did... I... do it...?"
"I don't know. I DO know that you were bloody amazing, Algomon." Kentaro said.
"I couldn't have... done it... without... Jack..." Algomon fainted, making Jackson tear up and hug the bizarre Digimon close to his heart.
"You did it, Algomon. I'm sorry I ever doubted you!" Jackson couldn't believe someone would do something so amazing for him. "And thank you! Thank you for saying I'm your friend!"
"And here we are with the score!" Baronmon shouted as he opened up an envelope. Silence filled the dance floor as the Digimon's eyes widened when reading the paper.
"And the winner is... The HUMAN TEAM!" Baronmon pointed to the Digidestined. "With a huge upset, they've just barely overthrown Tlalocmon's top score!"
All the Digimon watching couldn't help but cheer. They saw some amazing—if weird—dance moves they'd never seen before.
The Digidestined and their Digimon also cheered as they realized Algomon won the dance duel for them!
Yet, silence came again as everyone, including the Digidestined, saw Tlalocmon walking over to the humans. For a second, they couldn't tell what he was feeling. Was he mad that he lost?
...
"Hahahahaha!" Tlalocmon unleashed a booming laughter despite being a size smaller than Jackson. "That... was a lot of fun! You proved it. There's no way you peasants are Paladins!" They could deal without the peasant comment, but Tlalocmon went on. "Your attempts to stop me were all non-violent: the illusions and disrupting my own cubes? If you were more cutthroat and attacked me, I would have ended you all right where you stood!"
Marc and Kentaro shared a nervous laugh. The idea DID cross their minds, but since Tlalocmon was a Mega, it was more than likely all they'd do was make him angry.
"Well, I am an emperor of my word! You are free to go!"
The humans and their Digimon partners all sighed in relief. It was unorthodox, but they survive—
Tlalocmon spun and threw his hands out. "After the great Victory Dance! Come on! Everybody on the dance floor!"
The wild cheers of Digimon rose as they all flooded the dance floor as the same battle music blasted again at a fun pace. A shame the humans couldn't enjoy the thought of a mob of Digimon running at them from every corner to cover the dance floor.
The Digimon partners, and Algomon when he woke up, were more than happy to dance again. They were especially happy when the spotlight shone down on their human partners, who were all peer-pressured to solo dance.
Thankfully, Digimon had no idea what was good or bad human dancing. Marc made everyone swear to never speak of the event again. Kentaro never verbally agreed to it.
[Later.]
It took a while, but the West Group was finally making their way out of Tlalocmon's secret underground Rave Kingdom.
"Rose?" Everyone looked at Jackson, who was prodded by Algomon. "I wanna say I'm sorry for being so hard on you. I was just annoyed that you'd put yourself in danger so quickly. I'd been having a bad few days even before I came here, and it hasn't been helping my attitude. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."
"I'm also sorry," Rose started. "I just wanted to know. Because... I don't know anything. I don't even know my last name if I even have one. And I'm not even sure about my age. I don't like this feeling of just being... nothing. That's why I wanted to know more about everything. But it was stupid of me to put everyone else in danger because of it."
"Oh. I guess I didn't think about it that way. I'll help you with that, and if you can't really find your old memories, well. Let's try to make some better ones." Jackson looked at his Digivice. A small smile came up his lips as he recalled how Algomon stood by him and inspired him. Those words weren't only for her. Jackson had this odd feeling that despite the danger, the Digital World showed him promise Earth didn't.
Kentaro looked between everyone but made his eyes land on Dorulumon. "Hey, about what you said?"
"Hmm?" Before Dorulumon could respond properly, Algomon and Rose pointed ahead and shouted about the light at the end of the exit.
Seeing sunlight again was such a relief to the Digidestined. Imagine being publicly and literally executed on a dance floor: it almost happened! The Digital World was bizarre like that.
"We're out from underground, and I can activate this beacon." Kentaro fished and pressed what looked like a PDA.
"Beacon?" Marc and Dorulumon's eyes widened as they turned to Kentaro.
Soon, a shadow cast over the group.
"It's them!" "How fortuitous. And just as I got signal again."
Or rather, multiple shadows. Marc's eyes widened as he saw Kari again. However, instead of Ofanimon, she was on top of a sphinx-like Digimon that his Digivice told him was Nerfertimon. But she wasn't alone. There was a massive, bipedal insect Digimon beside the two who carried a human with purple hair and dark purple eyes. Marc's and other Digivices revealed the insect Digimon was called a Stingmon.
"Ken! Over here!" Kentaro waved specifically to the Digidestined with a Stingmon. It didn't take long before the four landed in front of the Restorers.
"Marc! Bibi! Dorulumon! You're alright!" Kari shouted as she got off from Nerfertimon.
"Kari! It's good to see you too! What happened to you and TK?!"
The other Digidestined spoke up as he landed with the Stingmon. "Lucky you, Stingmon and I were in the area. It's... disconcerting to see what happened to TK. I promise we'll find a way to save him, Kari. Him and Davis."
"Thanks, Ken," Kari sighed deeply before she looked back and spotted the confused look on Marc's face. "Oh, right! Marc, this is Ken Ichijouji. He's a True Second Generation like me."
"You give me too much credit, Kari," The one named Ken calmly spoke. "Before I was a "true" 2nd generation, I was a Paladin, the first Paladin."
Marc, Jackson, and Rose's eyes widened, alongside their partners. "You're a Paladin!?"
"Whoawhoawhoawhoawhoa!" Kari threw her hands out and shook them to get their attention. Kentaro also seemed shocked. "It's a long story. Ken here was influenced by an evil force when he entered into the Digital World. He's better now."
"That doesn't excuse what I did," Ken looked to Kari. "I'm the one who helped create Ragna Lordmon's Tower and gave him the idea to start the Paladins."
"Ken, please. Don't be too hard on yourself," Stingmon held a kind voice despite looking battle-hardened.
Kari looked back at the others. "But yeah. Ken and Stingmon arrived and helped fight off TK. He left when he knew he was outnumbered and outmatched," The Digidestined of Light looked over to Rose, Jackson, Labramon, and Algomon. "So, you guys must be the newcomers Ken heard were around the area."
"Yeah," Kentaro rubbed the back of his head as he gave a nervous smile. "Found them like you said, Ken. Things got a little dicey and weird for a bit with the area's Mega, but Marcy here pulled through." He motioned to Marc.
"It's Marc!" The afroed teen corrected.
"So, I was trying to do this a while ago, but everything there happened," Kentaro looked over to Marc, Bibi, and Dorulumon. "You guys are... part of Xros Heart, right?"
"What's Xros Heart?" Rose tilted her head.
"Right, you two are very new," Ken looked over Jackson and Rose. He then gave a brief rundown on what Xros Heart was before introducing himself and Kentaro as another similar faction: Blue Flare.
Dorulumon's eyes widened as he heard that. "What!? Blue Flare is still active!? But Kiri—their previous leader and founder was captured in the last war by Ragna Lordmon! Who's leading them now!?"
"Tai might be surprised and not at who is currently leading Blue Flare, but I can't say any more than that. For all intents and purposes, the leader is adamant in keeping our presence hidden as much as possible. With Ragna Lordmon's focus on Xros Heart, it gives us more freedom to weaken key strengths we can deal with currently," Ken looked at Kari. "That being said, do you mind if I ask? I know we talked about it briefly."
"I have to admit, I still don't like the idea. But I can't stop you or anyone else from their choice." Kari frowned.
"What? What choice?" Marc raised his brow.
"Recruitment," Kentaro answered for Ken before looking over to Rose and Jackson. "We came here to find these two. But running into you Xros Heart members works out as well. So instead of being with Marc, Bibi, and Dorulumon here. How would you four like to join Blue Flare? Unlike Xros Heart, who is currently being hunted by Ragna Lordmon, Blue Flare offers a more active manner in fighting back against Ragna Lordmon. The gear you see Kentomon has helps boost their abilities. We could offer your Digimon that as well. That also extends to you, Marcy. What do you say? You can join Blue Flare and we'll also help you grow stronger."
"What but...!?" Dorulumon looked to Kari, who only shook her head. Dorulumon winced as he realized that was what Kari meant earlier. They didn't like the idea of Marc leaving, but they couldn't force him to stay. Sadly, if Blue Flare was becoming active again, and with Ragna Lordmon and the Paladins after Xros Heart, Marc and Bibi would probably be safer with Blue Flare than with them. Kentaro offered this point out loud.
"I want to join!" Everyone turned to Rose as she stepped forward. "I mean! I was super curious when you used those weapons! How'd they change? How do they power up Digimon? Also, I feel like with you guys, I might find out about Ragna Lordmon's secret!" She scratched her chin before looking over to the others. "Sorry, I think you're all neat people. And Marcy over there can really bust a move! But like I said before, I really do want to find my memories."
"Wait. What did you just say before that last sentence?" Nerfertimon tilted her head.
"My name's not Marcy!" Marc shouted indignantly. But Nerfertimon didn't process the name calling.
"Welcome," Ken greeted Rose as she walked up to Blue Flare, though, he did look confused as well from that interaction.
"Ugh! Fine, if Rose is going, so am I. She'll need someone to watch over as she makes a mess of things. A-And I'm not doing it because I'm worried about her or anything! I just don't trust you guys to help her!" Jackson's stammer made everyone wonder if the gloomy boy was actually one of those types who never liked to say what they actually felt... but he did turn to Marc as he and Algomon walked after Rose and Labramon. "Good luck, Marc. And... thanks... for saving us. I... also had fun."
The newcomers had chosen to side with Blue Flare, but that offer also extended to Marc. To be honest, Marc had to admit that the offer of more power and safety from Paladins was incredibly tempting. He too wondered how they powered up their Digimon with the strange gear.
...
"I'll stick with Xros Heart. I made a promise to help find the Digidestined sent west. I'm gonna keep it. Besides, I also want to learn what Dorulumon offered me. Not to mention, if Ragna Lordmon's gaze is focused on us Restorers in Xros Heart, I should stay and take the heat off you guys. If I wasn't with them, Ragna Lordmon might turn his attention to you."
"Aww man, and here I thought you'd have a lot of fun with everyone in Blue Flare if you came with," Kentaro walked up to Marc before offering his hand. "But for whatever it's worth, I do hope Ragna Lordmon's men don't get you."
Marc took the handshake. "And I hope you do weaken his forces on your side. It'll make our journey a lot easier."
Ken nodded as he took out his D-3 in a flash of light, Stingmon changed into a larger, robotic version of itself with charcoal-colored armor. Marc's Digivice told him the Mega in front of him was Grandis Kuwagamon. The Digimon kneeled, allowing the others to climb up into his arms while Ken's Digivice brought him up to Grandis Kuwagamon's shoulder.
"Good luck, Kari. I hope you find those Taiki sent, and that they found a Digimon to bypass Ragna Lordmon's immortality," Ken looked at his fellow Generation before he nodded to Grandis Kuwagamon.
Grandis Kuwagamon's lone eye shined before it called out, "Blur Cloak!" Soon the Digimon, and those he was carrying, started to blur until their form disappeared into thin air.
"Wormmon, Grandis Kuwagamon's rookie form and the usual partner of Ken," Dorulumon stepped forward, "May look intimidating, but he was an invaluable ally when a part of Xros Heart. It's good to see him and Ken again. Though...I admit, it's a bit sad we had to say goodbye to other Restorers before we got to know them." The champion said.
Marc sighed. "Yeah, I wanted to know more about Rose, Jackson, and their partners too. But they made their choices. All we can do is respect them. I guess we should get going too."
Everyone agreed with Marc, as they took another giant tree branch for a path, Gatomon, after regeneration back to her smaller form, looked over to Bibi.
"So, why did Rose say Marcy was good at "busting a move"?"
"You see!" "Bibi, no!"
Sadly for Marc, Bibi was far too proud of her partner's dance moves to not tell Kari and Gatomon. Seeing the looks on his seniors' faces, Marc sorely wished he had actually gone with Blue Flare after all.
[South]
"È così bello!" Stefania cooed as she and GD ran ahead to look at the area before them.
It looked to be an old, abandoned castle. But even cracked and dusted, it didn't deter from the fact it was beautiful. Especially considering how the place was filled to the brim with flowers to the point they grew even on the surface of the old paths and walls. Even abandoned, the chaos of colors made it look like one abstract painting that could soothe and allure any weary eyes.
"You're telling me!" Mimi walked beside Stefania as they saw the expansive ruins. "I can tell you're impressed as well!"
"This place might be worthy of GD's future home!" Stefania's partner huffed before bolting. "Now, what else can we glean from this place!?" After his cry, the Gumdramon raced ahead. Zero and Palmon followed after.
"Oh! I want to see this too!" Stefania excitedly ran. To her, how many chances would she get to visit such a beautiful ruin? Maybe there was even treasure left behind.
"I want to see this place as well!" Mimi held her hat as she stepped forward. However, she didn't see that she was on an elevated mound and slipped. "Kya!"
"Whoa!" Lucky her, Tai was there as he caught her by the waist before helping her regain her balance. "You gotta be careful there, Mimi."
"Thanks, Tai. And wait, You telling me to be careful? Are you sure you haven't been replaced by a Bakemon?"
"I can be careful!" Tai sounded hurt that his friend would suggest such a thing..
But because Mimi was a friend, she could say those things. "Says the one who just pointed to whatever place caught his eye with his telescope."
Of course, Tai wasn't one to back down. "You were always looking for a spa!"
"It's not my fault that the Digital World lacks many of the necessities of skin care!"
Stefania turned back, watching the two bicker. However, instead of worrying, she found herself interested. Sure, the two were part of the first group of Digidestined, but the thing that made her laser-focused was Tai, the first of the Chosen and their "fearless" leader. Tai always had this air of legendary status that everyone seemed to regard the guy with. And to be fair, he earned it: He was part of the Legendary 100 Percent Combination, a pair of Digimon that have rarely, if ever, lost a one-on-one battle and has had multiple draws against the Immortal Tyrant. But aside from teasing from his sister, whose family always had a special connection, Stefania noticed how... relaxed... even silly Tai was with one of his own back in the fold. From what little she knew about their fearless leader, it was uplifting to see him relax and in good spirits despite needing to meet one of his former enemies.
And it was simply because he was talking to Mimi.
Stefania didn't realize she was smiling in a way that would unnerve the Grinch as an idea formed in her head.
Mimi went ahead, most likely to catch up with Palmon. As Tai trailed behind, Stefania excitedly went to him while making sure Mimi was out of earshot.
"Is something wrong—" "How long have you and Mimi been dating!?" "Well, I only knew her when we arrived in the Digita… what did you just say?" Tai's mind finally processed what Stefania just asked. If his neck was a door, one would hear it make a slow creaking noise as it turned to the green-haired young lady.
"You two have to be dating! You're both so close to each other!" Stefania fought the urge to squeal as she clasped her hands together.
"N-NO!" Tai coughed into his mouth. "No, we are not dating! I'm just happy she's back! I thought we lost her and another after they got turned into Eaters!"
"But you two look so cute together! Ah! I get it: our fearless leader is just shy around an amazing girl like Mimi. Don't worry, good ol' Stefania will surely be your number one wingwoman! I'm going to get GD and we can begin planning right away!"
"Wait, Stefania—" Unfortunately for Tai, it wasn't just Arshan who had problems listening. Stefania was already off, racing towards her partner.
Tai felt a headache coming and figured he'd just tell Stefania to stop later. He had to let her spirits and morale relax after all the events these past few days. Though, he wished it wasn't for something a bit…
"So, what were you two talking about?" Tai yelped as he almost lost his footing this time. When he caught himself from falling, he looked up to see Mimi giving him a mischievous smile. The Zero Tamer suddenly had a bad feeling.
"I was just uh…listening to some ideas about Stefania. I didn't agree with them, but she seemed excited, so I didn't stop her right now."
"I saw. She looked so happy to speak to you," Mimi giggled. "It was kinda cute."
"Err?" Tai's mouth moved despite his thoughts not working.
"You know what? I'm finally glad you got over Sora. Stefania is a stand-up gal and quite the catch. An Italian beauty? Who knew you had it in you~?" Mimi elbowed Tai with a sly smile.
"W-Wha-wa?" Tai could not form words as he looked at his friend.
"Don't worry, Tai. Palmon and I will help make sure that you get the girl! Think of me as your wingwoman! I'll go tell Palmon now! We have to make battle plans."
"Mimi—wait—no!" Alas, Tai was too late as his friend raced off to her partner, obviously already thinking of her "battle plans" while Stefania was thinking of hers. Tai wished the two would actually wait a minute and explain all of this as a huge misunderstanding!
…
Tai found himself saying, "I can't believe I wish I was fighting Ragna Lordmon right now."
[Later]
"Tai! Tai!" Zero's voice called them all over to one area. "Check this out!" It wasn't long before everyone followed the Agumon. To their surprise, they saw a nomadic tribe playing exotic music while dancing and cooking food.
Stefania's Digivice lit up, revealing many of the species were Burgermon. Some Burgermon Digivolved into Burgermon (Adult). Stefania thought that was just lazy. Why would a Digimon keep its name after Digivolution?
[Meanwhile…]
"Hey, Jack, should I be sneezing right now?" The creepy but excitable Digimon pawed(?) on its eye face.
"Algomon, what are you talking abou—"
[Back in the South]
One of the Burgermon, carrying a plate of food, smiled and found the South Team. "Hello, there strangers! You're just in time for the Gourmet Festival! Burgermon tribes from around the Digital World come over to compete to see who can make the best burger! Besides that we've got dancing, romance, and games! We welcome all who aren't currently trying to kill us!"
"I gotta admit, the food looks and smells really…" Tai blinked as he replayed what the Digimon just said. "Did you say romance?"
"Oh yes sir! The Gourmet Festival is also a great way to meet new people and start their own chain restaurants with others! Lots of Burgermon have proposed to each other here. My grandparents did, too! Not to mention, look how pretty this place is! The dates here could be amazing! Come on, I'll show you around. My Aunt is whipping up her special fish burger this year and some fresh tongues may give her more inspiration."
"Fish burgers?! I gotta try that!" Zero yelled as he went forward. Tai had a feeling that he shouldn't look behind him. Unfortunately for him, Mimi and Palmon rushed forward, with Mimi winking over at him with a knowing smile.
Before he could say anything, he heard Stefania gasp before she elbowed him the exact same spot Mimi did a while ago. "Was that a wink?! Sei un ragazzo figo! Here you are already making progress when I promised to help you! I'll need to step up my game!"
"Stefania, it's not what you think." How could Tai explain to Stefania that she was winking at him to get them together?
"Nonsense, fearless leader! O'l Stefania will help at all costs!" Unfortunately, Stefania misunderstood and went ahead.
Tai only hoped the food was good enough to mitigate the headache that he was currently having that would no doubt only get worse.
It wasn't long before the South Team got to a large tent behind a grill booth that was one of many. The booth had the title: Coral's Feast!
"Auntie! Potatmon!" Burgermon walked through the tent entrance. "I'm back, and I brought new fellas to taste test!"
"Excellent!" A voice cried out from behind the kitchen. "Have them join the other taste testers Potamon found over there! I'll be whippin up a few more of these!"
At the confirmation of other taste testers, the South Group looked at the table and were surprised to see the others: two of them being humans!
The first human was pale in a way that showed he really needed more sunlight, but the heavy bags under his eyes showed that even with a lack of sun, he sorely needed a good rest. He was young, assumedly 14 years old. He had short, messy black hair with bangs almost covering his eyes, but had circular-rimmed glasses over his eyes instead. He wore brown pants, black dress shoes, a collared shirt, a green sweater over the collar shirt, and a bib obviously to prevent his clothes from being too dirty. Beside him was a Digimon Stefania's Digivice recognized as a Huckmon.
One was a boy, the other was a girl. Now while the boy looked fairly normal, the girl was well-dressed. She had lightly olive-tanned skin, white pale hair styled in a high ponytail, and had ruby colored eyes. She wore a blue scarf, a shawl that covered mostly a layered tunic with a shirt underneath, fingerless gloves, a sash belt, black skirt, turquoise leggings, gray boots with light heels, and she had a black backpack.
Tai noticed the glow on her mint green watch—which showed a Digimon image of his Agumon and the others. Was it a Digivice in the shape of a watch? He had not seen that before, was it the true 7th Generation Digivice? Also, it was on her right hand—did that mean she was left handed? He also spotted both teens, eying them from head to toe, meaning they were cautious about them—
"Magnifico!" Stefania was more than excited to meet new humans. She didn't hesitate to ask a slew of rapid-fire questions, already throwing the two teens off their game.
"Ah-ha! It appears more humans and Digimon will watch the glory of GD, The God Dragon!" GD beamed as he climbed up the table and huffed proudly.
Mimi was also excited, but was able to make the two with strong first impressions calm a bit. Tai, Zero, Mimi, and Palmon introduced themselves. So it wasn't long before the newcomers did so as well.
"I'm Itsuki Watanabe. This is Huckmon." The boy introduced himself. "He uhh… likes to think of himself a hero?"
"I am a hero! I've got a cape. Like that guy! He OOZES heroism!" Huckmon pointed a paw at Tai.
"Our Fearless leader here can go toe-to-toe against Ragna Lordmon himself! You should have seen how amazing he was in fighting a Digimon strong and skilled with Future Sight!" Stefania beamed.
The white-haired girl didn't seem that impressed. "I'm Kaede Rei Amamiya. I mostly go by Rei. And this little one is Alph."
"Wait, Alph? I thought you were calling me Arf?" The Loogamon looked up to the girl.
"Alph. ALPH," Rei repeated again, though many could tell she had a thick German accent in her second pronunciation.
"You know, now that Huckmon mentions it, you do look strong! How about a battle!?" Loogamon growled at Zero.
"Now what be this about a battle!?" A booming voice that spoke in a Jamaican accent came from the kitchen. "If you break anything, me wil have you scrub and sew till all damage look like them were never there!"
With so many Potatmon, Burgermon, and Burgermon Adult, the South Group expected another Burgermon to appear, at least an Adult one. However, no one expected a silly-looking pink dino to walk out with a chef hat and an apron. For the South Group, their Digivices quickly explained that the Digimon was a unique one. Shoucutemon, a fusion between a Shoutmon and a Cutemon, both being fairly rare. Tai and Zero held in a laugh as they saw the silly-looking mon.
"Auntie! I got more taste testers!" Burgermon told the strange pink fusion.
"That be well and good! I be cooking more than needed. Now get the seats and be ready to eat!" It didn't take long before the group was set up. Shoucutemon set a plate in front of each of them, and it didn't take long before everyone noticed the Burger in front of them was subtly different. Instead of meat for the center, like Burgamon said earlier, it was seared salmon. There were also a lot of other nuances to it, but hungry stomachs barely paid attention.
It didn't take long for the group to start eating, and less time to finish.
"Hmmm! Bellissimo!" Stefania swooned as the taste washed over her mouth like an ocean.
"This is amazing!" Mimi concurred.
All of the other humans and Digimon agreed.
"Now that be music to mah ears then! The best part: it can be even better! Turns out, there be digital fish that come out during night. I tend use them for me burgers later, and I'm gonna be needing help to fish for them!"
"You gave us a good meal. Free too. In exchange, we'll help out." Tai looked over to Shoucutemon.
"Now ain't you a breath of fresh air, mon! And they say you humans are nuthin but bad juju." Shou Cutemon looked to Potamon and Burgamon. "Getting the fishing gear, dearies."
The two Digimon rushed through the back. Though, the Digidestined weren't expecting the two rookies to come back with harpoon guns and camouflage uniforms and paint.
"Uhh, are you sure that's fishing gear?" Stefania asked as she turned to Shoucutemon.
"Why, deary!? Don't ya know how to fish from where ya humans come from!?"
Stefania, and by proxy, the others, looked over to Tai for some explanation.
The current leader of Xros Heart furrowed his brow until his eyes widened. "Wait a second. Is this what I think it is?"
[Later that night.]
Places like the lake north from the Burgermon Festival, would make one forget that the Digital World is decaying. The whispering breeze giving the image of the nearby flowers a quiet dance, the glow of the shattered moons painting a picture in the sky with the stars, and the glow of the lake reflecting that light back.
In a way, it was breath-taking.
What wasn't was how Tai got approached by both Mimi and Stefania, they didn't say much, but the looks on their faces screamed they were about to pull their "ideas" off in this place. And Tai had no idea how to say no or to even explain the situation that he was currently in.
"Okay!" Stefania made sure she and GD were out of earshot before starting their meeting. "So, plan one to get Mimi and Tai together under this romantic setting!"
Also, on the opposite side of the thick woods were Mimi and Palmon. "Alright, Palmon, this is the perfect place to have Tai go on a date with Stefania!"
"You got it, Mimi!"
"Ha! You think a God Dragon such as I can't bring happiness of two people together? Banish such thoughts, for I will help the Zero Tamer for paving the way!"
Palmon and GD agreed to their respective partners.
"What are you doing?" Mirroring the two schemers, Huckmon and Itsuki found Mimi while Rei and Alph made their way to Stefania.
"Oh! Do you want to help me, Rei?" Stefania couldn't stop her smile as she went close to the young teen. "I'm setting up a romantic evening with Tai and Mimi!"
"Itsuki! Great! Hey, do you and Huckmon wanna help me with Tai and Stefania!?"
Of course, being complete newcomers, Itsuki, Rei, and their partners had no context as to why Tai needed to be set up with.
"Err, why?" Itsuki asked.
"I feel like I shouldn't be involved." Rei didn't know how to react to this.
Mimi, for Itsuki, bowed her head and put her hands together as if to beg. "Please! I know Tai: he's a great leader, a great Digidestined, and a greater friend. But I wanna help him out. He tries to hide it, but I know the stress of fighting too long is getting to him. He's… had a lot of rough things that even I don't know that happened to him. I just want him to be happy because I know he deserves it. And Stefania? She's a wonderful girl. We've bonded over such a short time, but I've always felt as if she's trying harder than she needs to. Reminds me a bit of a certain goggle head. I feel like the two have the potential to really be comfortable with each other… So please help me…?"
The young woman looked up with pleading eyes. Itsuki hated the begging, it reminded him of his life before. But at least in these circumstances, he supposed he could help. That, it was probably for the best that their leader and the guy who could actually fight the Tyrant of the Digital World was relieved of some of his stress.
But while Itsuki was bitter about everything, he heard sniffling and looked down at Huckmon, who was practically crying. "The path of a Hero is a lonely one! But it must not always be like that! I, Huckmon, and my sidekick Itsuki, will aid your noble ambition!"
"What!? Hey, don't speak for me!" Itsuki tried to say.
"Aww, thank you both! Now, we gotta hurry!" Mimi looked to Palmon. "I've got a plan!"
For Stefania, she opened her mouth. "I admit, I thought they would look cute together. But the more I think about it, the more I want them to be happy. Tai is a great leader, he's the reason why none of us newcomers fear so much whenever he's around. Mimi is an absolutely amazing gal. She's spunky, brave, and sincere. But, the times we do talk, I can tell there's this disconnect between her and the others. She only recently returned due to circumstances beyond everyone's control, and I can tell it bothers her despite her smile. I feel like the two could get closer through their feelings!"
Rei was less hesitant than before. However, similar to Itsuki and Huckmon, it wasn't quite her decision.
Alph was teary-eyed. "Your words have won the fight against my unprepared heart. To defeat the great fight against loneliness…is a fight worth taking. I, Alph the Loogamon, swear my soul to help your cause!"
Rei looked over in disbelief at Alph. From what little she knew of Alph, he was always stoic and a battle-hungry, so seeing him open like this caught her off guard long enough to be silent and have Stefania take that as a yes.
"Magnifico! Now, we have to get ready! ShouCutemon should almost be done!"
While the "teams" were forming, Tai, as he listened to ShouCutemon teach them how to use their harpoons, felt a migraine coming. The sad part was that he had a suspicion as to what—or more accurately—WHO—was causing it.
"I'm the Zero Tamer, I can handle just telling two friends to stop trying to set me up with the other! …Alright, no I can't."
"Now then, that be for the harpoon gun. Don't be givin yourself a new hole ya ain't gonna use," ShouCutemon facepalmed. "How could I be forgetting? I talked about the gear more than our prey!"
"Yeah, what are we hunting?" Zero asked as he fiddled with the harpoon gun.
"Rumor be spreadin' around that an old digital fish has resurfaced around these parts: the Singing Bread Fish."
"Che cosa?" Stefania and the others walked out of the clearing and heard what Shoucutemon just said.
"The Digital World is made from the echoes of Computers… and the internet. So expect some weird things that don't make sense. One time, when we were hungry, a fridge filled with eggs appeared before us."
"I remember that. Poor Joe…" Mimi muttered.
"Their voice is as velvety as their taste! Best of all, they double as perfect buns to shape me burgers. Now, be careful, mons, they swim mighty fast. That why we be using both harpoon guns and fishing rods. I' be leaving Potamon and Burgamon to help some of ya with the rods, while the tougher ones and I be goin' to the rapids area. There be no Digimon, but the area itself may try to shift and turn. Tai and Zero her be offerin' to help."
"Perfect! Stefania should join you two! She and GD love challenges!" Mimi began to say.
"Oh, thank you, Mimi. But I'm not as experienced as you and Tai. You two should team up, so it'll be easier to finish!" Stefania smiled.
"Why, don't say that! I'm sure you and GD are capable in your own right. If anything, perhaps you two can reach newer heights helping out Tai and Shoucutemon."
GD beamed at the mention of reaching new heights, and in turn new legends for himself, but he shook his head. "As amazing as I am, I am also the greatest humble person I know! I imagine it would be fine for you and Palmon to continue catching up on lost time with Zero and Tai!"
Palmon's eyes widened. "Why thank you! But I believe that you and Stefania should join! You guys are so talented, maybe Tai and Zero could teach you two some tricks that will really make you look more godlike, GD!"
"Uh, what's happening?" Zero asked as he looked to Tai.
"I wish I didn't know." Tai felt himself aging by the second, and it only got worse when he saw the newcomers pitch in.
"Maybe it should be Mimi and Palmon," Rei spoke up. "I have this feeling she's more used to areas like forests and jungles. They'd be a big help if things go wrong with their group."
"That experience might actually help us," Itsuki fixed his glasses. "I feel like it would probably better to have our most experienced seniors split. So incase something does go wrong with the fishing group, we have someone like Mimi and Palmon to protect us."
"Errrrrr! Yes! It's a Hero's duty to protect the weak!" Huckmon concurred with his partner. "Mimi can also show us different forms of Heroism if she stays behind!"
"Uh! Uh! Stefania should stay! She uh… she can teach Rei to fight!" Tai disliked how Alph wasn't even half as subtle as Rei was.
"Huh, actually," Stefania turned to Rei. "Can you do DNA Charge?"
"What's DNA Charge?" The white-haired girl raised her brow.
"Basically, you can weaponize your soul and use it to punch Digimon!"
"Wait! Rei CAN fight!? Great! Let's do it now, Rei!" Alph turned to a battle stance to spar against his partner.
"Wait, does that mean Itsuki can too!? You have human super powers!?" Huckmon shouted at his partner.
"... I don't know!?" Itsuki yelled back.
Alright, Tai thought, this was going long enough and would keep going on if he didn't say anything. "Enough!" With all eyes on him, he did his best not to sigh and pinch his nose. It was a greater battle than he expected. "Mimi, Stefania, both of you come with me."
"Ah? A bit too many for this group," Shoucutemon noted aloud.
"In that case, Zero can stay behind. He knows what to do when we're separated. Is that alright?" Tai looked back at the group.
The other "teams" looked at each other before they all agreed.
And soon, the group split in two: one to do regular fishing, and the other to travel deeper towards the rapid area.
3 Plans went into motion.
One was to make sure Tai and Mimi were alone.
The second one was to make sure Tai and Stefania were alone.
And the 3rd was Tai, struggling on how to get the two ladies to stop this madness in a delicate way… that they would actually listen to.
Shoucutemon was just confused as to why humans were so weird.
As the groups split, Zero felt the urge to look beyond at the top of a far away cliff. Was it him, or was someone standing there just now?
[Later.]
Shoucutemon was able to lead the five towards the rapids area. Water roared as currents crashed against jagged stones.
Yet, even with that sight, the group started to hear… singing?
"TELL ME HAVE YOU SEEN THE MARVELOUS BREADFISH? SWIIIMMMINNNG AT THE OCEAN WATERS?"
Sometimes, from out the raging river, a fish would jump out where most of its body, except for the tail and head, were made of bread.
"Huh. Very on the nose." Palmon commented as those must be the Singing Breadfish. If not, the Digital World had a really screwed up naming sense.
"Ah! Now be careful, mons," Shoucutemon aimed. "Ya gotta shoot em while they be in the air. Otherwise, when you pull them in too late, the current be pullin' yous instead." When a Bread Fish popped up, Shoucutemon did not hesitate to pull the trigger and harpoon the fish mid-air. With a quick pull and a press of the harpoon gun, the singing fish.
"IT'S LIKE AN INVERSE SANDWICH FOR FISHERMEN AND SHARKS." The loud fish sang as it wriggled.
Tai nodded as he flowed Shoutcutemon's example. His eyes narrowed until he saw a shadowy figure start to surface.
Water burst open and he fired… hitting… a… tentacle?
"Marvelous… bread…ocean…" A soft, erratic, and static-like voice echoed as the tentacle wrapped around the harpoon.
It was only then that Tai, and everyone else, realized what type of tentacle just came out: an Eater's.
Tai had forgotten how weird the Digital World could be. It was one thing to deal with obviously obscure and weird internet humor that appeared in the Digital World. It was another thing completely when bizarre internet humor got infected and mixed with the eldritch body horror of the Eaters, who like to lie in wait in freshwater.
A number of conflicting feelings rose when a giant Bread Fish, with three faces, human arms, a giant loaf torso, and over a hundred eater Tentacles rose out of the rapids while singing the internet song in a soft and static-like tone.
"Tai!?" "Let go!"
The Zero Tamer realized his mistake too late. He was so distracted by the sight, that the Bread Fish Eater pulled the harpoon, yanking Tai into the rapids.
[?]
"... How careless of you, Zero Tamer. Though, I suppose I can't fault you too much at the… sight. Now then… where's that ghost?"
[Author notes]
A much "shorter" chapter. I wish I could show off the East group dancing more, but eh. We finally get to South Group! After the last two, I'm genuinely trying to keep things short and sweet. (Also, points if you know the Bread Fish song!)
I've had a lot of fun ideas that hopefully, this one will be actually lighter than the last two. Maybe. (Sees Notes. Groans.)
Anyway, I'm excited. After this group, I finally get to my boy, Arshan! And it was brief, but we'll get to meet more of Itsuki Watanabe (by oddlyillregular) and Kaede "Rei" Amamiya (by ShadowWolf223)!
Is it harder with more people? Yes. Am I stopping? No. Am I also having a lot of fun? Yes.
I hope I'm making you all enjoy the fun story as well. Don't forget to support the fic with reviews please!