Chapter 37: The Lost City of Shicheng:
This chapter takes place during the Eighth Child Arc
Patamon fires a Boom Bubble and TK tries to take a picture. "I just wish it would last," says TK.
"It's just its nature," says Patamon.
Patamon: The sun must set at the end of every day
And the curtain must fall at the end of every play
And every little bubble ever blown must someday pop
TK: Like presents on Christmas Day
It doesn't seem to stay
Or a cheese soufflé
It doesn't last all day
Patamon: I will try again...
Backup Singers: Try again...
Patamon: ...To make a bubble...
Backup Singers: To make a bubble...
Patamon: ...That will last all day
Backup Singers: To blow a bubble that will last...
TK: ...All day!
"Hey, what's that," asks TK.
They found a half a broken amulet.
"What is it," asks Patamon.
...
TK and Patamon take it to the museum. "Sir, what's this," asks TK.
"That is the missing half of the Amulet of Shicheng," says the curator.
"What's an omelet of Shicheng," asks TK.
"Amulet, not omelet! It's the key to untold riches!"
"I heard untold riches," says Gomemon, "think of all the food I could buy!"
"The streets are lined with gold, and the street lamps are made with diamonds."
"Diamond light bulbs! I wonder what they make the money out of," says Gomamon.
"For reasons unknown, this great city disappeared one day, but no ruins were ever found. All the inventions that you take for granted, were given to us by the people of Shicheng! Their advances in art, financial wealth and weaponry were eons ahead of their time!"
"Why is this bubble painted on the mural," asks Patamon.
"That's just the oldest living... I just realized there are two monsters!" The Curator then breaks through the wall and runs away, screaming.
"I heard everything," says Mimi, "think of the fashion..."
"The cash," says Gomamon.
"And the science," says Izzy, "legend says, that when the two halves are joined, the path to Shicheng is opened!" Izzy and Mimi put the halves back together and... a bus comes.
"The magical path to Shicheng is a bus," asks Mimi.
"Nice hot rod flames," says Gomamon. They then entered.
"Aren't you coming," asks Izzy.
"Palmon and I do have that book club," says Tentomon.
"It's the only book club that allows weird creatures like digimon," says Palmon, "it includes a duel monster, a clow card, and an akuma."
"Okay then," says Izzy.
...
Now we're taking a look inside the bus.
"Greetins," says a robot, "welcome aboard the sky ship Shicheng. This is a nonstop trip, so please take a seat, relax, and we'll be on our way. But we lack fuel. The engine of this vessel is fueled by song. The more you sing of your desires, the closer to Shicheng you will get. Let us commence singing."
"Does that make sense," asks Mimi.
"No, but I'll give it a shot," says Patamon.
Patamon: Sing?
Sing a song?
A song of wanting to move along
To a land where all our dre-e
To a land where all our dddddrrrrreeeeeaaaaammmmmsssss, can finally come true
A bubble I long for, that so eludes me, but soon enough I will see...
Gomamon: Well, that's just splendid, boy
A land where it rains money
That I can always spend
And I can buy some food and even pay for my friends...
DemiDevimon: Ha, ha, ha. Such a valiant desire, he, he, he
The lost weapons of Shicheng - the most advanced of all time
As soon as this dopey song is done
I plan to make them mine...
Izzy: Did you hear something
A city that's so advanced
I'm so excited to see it's inventions and discoveries
I might just wet my pants
Mimi: As someone with so much style
I have to say
I've always seen things in my own special way
I can't wait to see a place with so much fashion
That is where I have all my passion
TK: (Chewing something, but because he can't sing with his mouth full, the bus starts to fall)
Everyone's screaming. "Look, it's Shicheng," says Mimi.
"Pretty," says Patamon.
They continue to scream and the bus smashes through a city wall of Shicheng. We see that it has futuristic blue and purple buildings with spires and bubbles. The bus suddenly skids to a stop, unearthing some trees in the process. The five emerge from the bus.
"Welcome to Shicheng. I've been expecting you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Supreme Head Emperor, but my friends call me SHE." For the record, it's pronounced S-H-E.
"My friends call me Patamon."
"Come and I'll give you the grand tour," says SHE. They then all walk away.
"They're gone," says DemiDevimon, "now to find those weapons!" He's stuck in the glove box. "Trapped! Okay, what do I have to work with here? What's this? Owners manual!? Looks like I found my escape route!" Laughs maniacially, but then hits his head.
...
"For centuries, we spent, nay, wasted our talents and energy building the most sophisticated weaponry to defend ourselves from invaders. But we abandoned the idea of warfare long ago and now all these weapons gather dust behind this locked door as an example of what must be done if one wishes to live in harmony with all creatures of this, or any, world."
"Yeah, great," says Gomemon, "when do we get to the treasure?"
"But of course, follow me," says SHE.
They then all walked away.
"They leave a room full of the most advanced weaponry unguarded? No wonder they got lost," says DemiDevimon. He then enters. "Oh, my! There will be no one to stop me this time!"
...
"It is both an honor and a pleasure to welcome you to Shicheng. We haven't had visitors in some time. You see, being in a lost city has certain disadvantages which I digress. Now if you follow me, I'll show you some of our grandest achievements..."
"Hey, I found the treasure," says Gomemon, "I don't suppose you can let me borrow some. I'll pay you back!"
"Long ago we abandoned our obsession with wealth to focus on the pursuit of knowledge. So, help yourselves to as much as your pockets can carry," says SHE.
"Think of all the food I could buy," says Gomamon.
Gomamon: Pizza can be expensive
And burgers cost a lot
Tacos need cash
And all the other foods I've bought
When you don't have money of your own
It can be a pain
But if I had all this
I could pay for all the money I have gained
I won't have to ask Joe
If I could borrow some from him
I won't have to sneak into everyone else's house
Or steal from a guy named Jim
Because I could use this treasure
To pay for my food
And I have to say
That sounds really good!
"We're off to see the bubble," says SHE.
"You guys go on ahead," says Gomamon, "I'm gonna find the food court!" Gomemon then leaves.
...
"I was wondering if I could see your lab," asks Izzy.
"Of course," says SHE, "this is our Hall of Science!"
"It's amazing," says Izzy, "what does this do?"
"It's a biomass converting device. It can take any household object- this comb, for example- and turn it into say, ice cream. Would anyone like to try?" TK and Patamon try it.
"And what about this," asks Izzy.
"This machine allows us to watch one's thoughts on a TV screen," says SHE.
The screen then shows Gatomon. Izzy, Mimi, and TK are confused.
Patamon quickly changes the channel to a western. "I think one of the scientists here might be thinking about Gatomon," says Patamon, chuckling nervously.
"And this is our most amazing invention ever," says SHE, "this grand machine allows the user to be broken down to nano-stature, enabling them to battle germs hand to hand."
"How's it work," asks Izzy.
" Please have a seat and I'll explain. Now, here's how it works…" says SHE.
They then all sit down, but Patamon disappears.
"Where's Patamon," asks TK.
"Right now, his molecules are being broken down into data which is assembled in this computer and is stored on these tapes, then re-assembled on a much smaller scale..."
"You just created a way to turn someone digital," asks Patamon, "the Digital World does that all the time!"
"And finally passes through this tube and into this tank which contains every element known to..." He then peers closer. "Oh, dear heavens! It looks like our scientists were working on a very aggressive case of the sniffles! He could be in trouble."
"I'm coming, Patamon," says TK as he disappears.
"I'm outta here," says Mimi as she disappears.
"I'm going in," says Izzy as he disappears.
...
Now they're all in the computer. "I think this computer gives me the power to fight them," says Izzy.
Izzy: Look out, germs
The end is near
Your days are numbered
Because I'm here
I'll get these germs, and make 'em pay
I'm going to make them rue the day
If I borrow some elements from the periodic table
I can mix up a brew that is sure to disable
Any virus, bug, or sniffle that steps into my path
And make them feel my microscopic wrath!
...
TK, Patamon, and Mimi get out. "We're safe," says Mimi, "Izzy, I could kiss you! Izzy? A simple no would've been nice!"
"Actually, I'm still in the machine. I figured I could take this oppurtunity to study more of Shicheng's database."
"Then let's get back to the tour," says SHE.
...
DemiDevimon: Oh, what a beautiful sight
Weapons as far as the eye can see
But which one will be right for me?
How do I pick?
Which one will do the trick?
Which is best to guarantee eternal rest?
So many weapons
How do I choose?
Look at this one with a beautiful fuse
And with this one I couldn't lose
That one will surely give them the blues...
And this one here matches my shoes
Come on, DemiDevimon, just pick one and forget about your shoes!
Eeny, meeny, minie moe
I pick you, now let's go!
...
"And here is where we do our fashion," says SHE.
"It's so amazing, it looks like it could come to life," says Mimi.
"We are," says the clothes.
"This is incredible," says Mimi.
Mimi: Isn't this great
Isn't it neat
I'm wearing a miracle from my head to feet
From the loin clothes worn by people in caves
Fashion has been what the heart and soul craves
So I like to sew a dress
And I always like to look my best
Looking good is how I like to feel
And it always has to be real
Take it from this pink wearing woman
I can even style up your van
Anyway you crave it, it looks good to me
Ask your mama or your dada to tell you about the uh, schism
Just ignore the racism and sexism
My personality may be of the cynical type
But I've finally found something that lives up to the hype
I can say honestly and with great certainty
The Shicheng is where I want to spend eternity!
"Hey, can you not sing? I'm trying to model here."
"Wait, I think this girl is a better choice!"
"I guess I'm sticking around," says Mimi.
TK and Patamon then leave with SHE.
...
"Now this section of town is known for its advances in the science of fondue cooking," says SHE.
"Excuse me, sir, this tour has been great and all, but uh, can we see the bubble now," asks Patamon.
"Do excuse me. Most folks don't stay with the tour this long. Of course you can. But first, remember this. This bubble is over one million years old. It was brought here when the first ones colonized this place. Deftly hand carried over billions of light years from our home planet. It is our people's most beloved and treasured ancient relic. But most importantly remember to have fun!" He points to the bubble and Patamon and TK walk to it. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to make ready for tonight's dinner. So I'm just going to leave you two friendly strangers alone with our most beloved ancient and fragile relic. Join us in the dining hall when you've had an eye-full!"
"Thank you, Mr. Supreme Head Emperor," says Patamon.
"I'm gonna take a picture," says TK. He does so and the bubble pops.
TK and Patamon are horrified.
...
"So sorry I'm late. The tour ran a little long. So, how are you all enjoying our beloved city," asks SHE.
"I'm never leaving this place. I've learned more about fashion then I ever have anywhere else," says Mimi.
"Absolutely marvelous and how'bout you, Gomamon," asks SHE. Gomamon's eating the food he bought. "And Izzy, how did you find our laboratory?"
"I created a time machine," says Izzy, "and found out I'm the one who caused the extinction of the dinosaurs."
Patamon and TK arrive. "Patamon, TK, tell me. How did you enjoy our rarest and most prized possession," asks SHE.
"We have to go back now," says Patamon.
"Why would you want to leave a paradise like Shicheng," asks Mimi.
"We destroyed your most prized possession," says TK.
SHe laughs. "That is a good one," says SHE, "that's not the real bubble. It's just a prop for the tourists. This is the real deal." He holds up the real bubble. TK takes a picture and it pops. "Summon the Royal Guard! Seize these hostile bubble poppers!"
"Henry, are you threatening to arrest people for a bubble again? I'm so sorry about my son," says this random woman.
The five are relieved.
"Margot, stop pretending every authority figure is your son pretending to be an authority figure! You don't even have kids! I'm so sorry, Supreme Head Emperor!"
"Steve, will you let me have some fun," asks Margot.
The two then walk away.
"I have no idea what that had to do with anything," says SHE, "but seize these hostile bubble poppers!"
The five then run away.
...
"Don't let them get away," says SHE.
They all then run into DemiDevimon in his tank. "Cower to me, fools! I have commandeered the most powerful weapon in their arsenal! Now bow before the new king of Shicheng and prepare to taste my wrath," says DemiDevimon. He stomps on the switch, and the switch didn't budge. "Yeah! Huh? Uh, uh I mean, uh, prepare to taste my wrath!" He stomps on the switch rapidly harder, but it still didn't budge. "Oh, you!" Grabs a rock while struggling. "Prepare to taste my wrath!" Throws the rock on the switch, and the switch budged.
"Launch sequence deployed," says the computer.
The tank shakes and DemiDevimon laughs diabolically, everyone gasps, and they hold onto each other. The tank shoots out ice cream instead of missiles and a cow's moo is heard. TK and Patamon taste it.
"DemiDevimon's wrath tastes like ice cream," says Patamon.
"It shoots ice cream," asks DemiDevimon. He flies out of the tank. "An oversized ice cream maker!" He kicks the tank, but hops around in pain.
"A talking bowling ball," says SHE, "this talking bowling ball will make a fantastic replacement for our recently deflated national treasure."
"What," asks DemiDevimon. They then put him in a glass case. "You can't do this!"
...
"You haven't seen the last of me! When I get out of here, I'll hunt you all down like a pack of-" Someone takes a picture. "Hey, can't you read?"
"So nice to meet you all. I hope you have a safe journey back home. And do come back any time," says SHE.
"So long. And thanks for the tour," says Patamon.
The door closes and SHE takes the amulet. "Dispose of this quickly," says SHE, "we can't survive anymore visitors like these."
"Yes, Sir," says the guard.
He runs to the dumpster and throws the amulet in there.
"They are nothing like the anime," says SHE.
...
Patamon: Goodbye Shicheng
But we really have to go
Back to a little town
That is the only Earth place I know-oh-oh-oh-oh
Back to Odaiba
I can hardly wait
Gomamon: But what about the treasure
And the food I ate
Patamon: I love Odaiba
It's where the rest of our friends are
Izzy: But Shicheng had the computers and advanced cars
Patamon: Soon, I'll see our friends
That will be so wild
TK: Plus we still have to find the eighth child
Patamon: You can't beat Odaiba
No place is so nice
Mimi: But Shicheng was a fabulous, artistic paradise
Patamon: Sorry, but it's the end of our vacation
Mimi: And now I feel devastation
Patamon: Goodbye Shicheng
We're Odaiba bound
Mimi: Please turn this bus around
Patamon: We had our fun
TK: We sure did
Patamon: But now we're done
Izzy: And I'm bummed
Patamon: We're on our way
Izzy: Can't we stay
Patamon: So now we say goodbye
Gomamon: I think I'm gonna cry
Patamon: Goodbye, Shicheng
We're Odaiba bound
There's no place like home
Gomamon: There's no place like Shicheng.
Patamon: I can't wait to get home
Gomamon: I don't wanna go back!
Patamon: We're Odaiba Bound
Izzy: Please, don't make us leave.
Patamon: We're Odaiba Bound
Mimi: Stop saying that!
Patamon: I even love the sound
All: Goodbye, Shicheng
Patamon: Odaiba is the greatest place to be
I can-
All: Goodbye, Shicheng!
