"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
– Lao Tzu

Digimon Adventures
Chapter One:
Falling Up

The sun was already beginning to dip behind the mountains, painting the summer sky in shades of orange and lavender. A gentle breeze stirred the trees surrounding the campsite, rustling the leaves in a rhythm that felt strangely… off. It was peaceful, but something about the air felt charged — like the calm before a storm. At least, that was how it felt to Ken, whose grey eyes kept darting around the mountainside, not really knowing what put him so much on edge.

"Okay, guys, gather up!" Jo Kido's voice, steady but laced with exhaustion, carried across the open field where the group was spread out. His navy-blue jacket was tied loosely around his waist, and his glasses slid down his nose as he waved the others over. As the oldest at sixteen, Jo had naturally assumed the role of group babysitter, though he wasn't exactly thrilled about it.

"Jo, we've been 'gathered' like five times already," Yamato Ishida muttered, arms crossed as he stood a little apart from the others. His blond hair caught the last rays of sunlight, but his mood was as cloudy as ever. "If you keep rounding us up, we're gonna start thinking this is military school."

"Matt, chill," Taichi Yagami chimed in, flashing his signature grin as he adjusted his worn soccer ball under one arm. His brown hair was spiked as always, and there was a gleam of restless energy in his eyes. "Jo's just trying to keep us from getting eaten by a bear."

"Do bears even come out at this time?" Sora Takenouchi asked, brushing a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. She was leaning casually against a nearby tree, her calm demeanor masking the fact that she was constantly keeping an eye on everyone. Old habits.

"Technically, no," Koshiro Izumi piped up, eyes glued to the device in his hands. His dark red hair reflected the dimming light as he pushed his glasses higher on his nose. "But black bears are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they'll eat just about anything if given the chance."

"Great," Mimi Tachikawa sighed, dramatically brushing dirt off her designer shorts. Her pink cowboy hat tilted slightly as she pouted. "So if I go missing, it's because a bear wanted a fashion upgrade."

"Don't worry, Mimi," Takeru Takashi said with a grin, his blue eyes shining with mischief. As the youngest of them at thirteen, mischief was something he was prone to. "I'm pretty sure the bear would spit you out after one bite."

"Hilarious, Takeru," Mimi deadpanned, though the corners of her mouth twitched.

"Alright, knock it off," Jo interrupted, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I swear, keeping you all together is like herding cats."

A quiet laugh came from behind the group. "You're doing fine, Jo," Ken Ichijouji said softly, standing a little to the side. His black hair was neatly combed, and his green windbreaker looked like it had never seen a speck of dirt. The fourteen-year-old always seemed more comfortable on the fringes of the group, but his words carried a warmth that made the others take notice. "You're keeping us safe."

Jo gave him a grateful, if tired, nod.

"Well, I'm bored," Taichi declared, tossing a small rock into the nearby lake. His spiky chocolate hair caught the breeze as his hazel eyes scanned the horizon. "When does something interesting happen?" His tone was playful, but there was an underlying impatience that hinted he wasn't one to sit still for long.

"Seriously, Tai?" Saki Kimishima asked softly, sitting cross-legged nearby. Her long, blonde hair flowed down her back, and her gentle eyes were focused on a butterfly that had landed on her knee. "Maybe we should just enjoy the quiet for a while… I kind of like it here."

Taichi shrugged, flashing a grin. "Yeah, yeah. But don't say I didn't warn you when things get boring."

"I think I found something!" Koshiro suddenly exclaimed, his voice breaking through the easy banter. Everyone turned toward him as he squinted at the strange device in his hands.

"Found what?" Taichi asked, curiosity piqued as he jogged over.

"I'm not sure…" Koshiro murmured, turning the sleek black object over carefully. It was about the size of a smartphone, but it felt heavier, almost… alive. The screen flickered with symbols and unreadable text, flashing in pulses that seemed to sync with his heartbeat. "It was just lying here… I'd say it's a Pear iPhone, but the operating system doesn't look like an iOS. Actually... I don't recognize the operating system at all."

"Let me see," Mimi said, peeking over Koshiro's shoulder. "Maybe it's some kind of limited-edition phone."

"Doesn't look like any model I've ever seen." Yamato stepped closer, his frown deepening. "Is it even turned on?"

"It's… doing something," Koshiro replied, his fingers hovering over the screen. "But I can't seem to —"

Suddenly, a loud BEEP echoed through the clearing.

Everyone froze.

"Uh… guys?" T.K. murmured, pointing up.

The sky… was changing.

A second sun was rising.

No — on closer inspection, it wasn't a sun. It was a planet. Blue and green, just like the Earth!

"What the…?" Jo's voice trailed off, his face paling.

The sphere in the sky grew larger, its surface shimmering with strange symbols and pulses of color. It hovered, impossibly close, casting a strange glow over the forest.

"Is that… a moon?" Sora whispered, but even she didn't sound convinced.

"No…" Koshiro's eyes widened behind his glasses, his mind racing. "It's something else."

The strange device in his hands flashed again—and suddenly, the pull began.

Gravity shifted.

"W-What's happening?!" Mimi screamed as her feet left the ground.

"We're falling—up?!" Jo's voice was strained as he tried to grab hold of a nearby tree, but his grip slipped.

"This isn't possible!" Koshiro shouted, his mind reeling, but even he couldn't explain what was happening.

"Hang on!" Taichi shouted, his instincts kicking in as he reached for Ken and Takeru, their youngest members, pulling them closer.

But it was too late.

The planet's pull was absolute.

One by one, they were yanked upward, weightless as they hurtled toward the strange world looming above.

"Taichi!" Sora's voice echoed, distant and terrified.

"TK, hold on!" Yamato's shout barely reached them as the group was scattered across the sky.

"Guys!" Ken's heart pounded in his ears as the light consumed them.

Then—

Impact.

Taichi hit the ground hard, the impact rattling his bones as the air rushed from his lungs. He gasped, trying to suck in a breath, but it was as if the atmosphere itself was different here—thick, heavy, and unfamiliar. His body rolled instinctively, skidding across soft, sponge-like ground that felt both alien and strange. He coughed, trying to clear the sudden sting in his throat, blinking against the blinding light above. "Ugh… where…?" he muttered, pushing himself upright, his hands sinking into the ground.

"Ow…" Ken groaned beside him, his voice raw, as he too struggled to sit up. His black hair was a mess, tangled in clumps as he rubbed his head, trying to focus. His grey eyes flicked around rapidly, the confusion in his gaze replaced by something sharper, more alert. He scanned their surroundings, his expression flickering from bewilderment to concern. "That was… intense."

Taichi rubbed his ribs, still recovering from the impact. As he shakily rose to his feet, he noticed the difference in the landscape around them—an odd, almost surreal landscape. The trees that towered overhead were like nothing he'd ever seen, their trunks black as obsidian, stretching up to a sky that was unnaturally bright. The leaves of the trees shimmered in hues of neon blue, their glow flickering like distant stars.

Ken stumbled as he got to his feet, his arms flailing for balance as he took in the strange, vibrant world around them. The ground beneath his boots was spongy, and each step sent a slight ripple through the soft earth. He could feel the ground pulse underfoot, as if it were alive. "This… this isn't Earth," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath, as though speaking too loudly would break the fragile reality around them.

"No kidding," Taichi muttered, his hand instinctively going to his head as he tried to rub away the dizziness. He squinted at the landscape, the surreal colors of the sky casting an eerie glow across the foreign terrain. His gaze darted from the trees to the bizarre, glowing foliage, but something felt wrong. "Where is everyone?" he asked, the worry creeping into his tone.

Ken's brow furrowed as he surveyed the surroundings. He took a slow breath, the unsettling stillness of the air pressing against him, a sense of quiet oppression settling in. His eyes flicked around the area—empty, silent. The vibrant colors of the strange forest didn't mask the emptiness beneath. There were no sounds of birds or animals, no movement—just the quiet hum of the place. "We're alone," Ken said, his voice quiet but heavy. "They're not here."

Taichi's stomach twisted at his words, the realization settling like a rock in his gut. He glanced around again, the weight of the situation sinking in. No sign of the others, no familiar faces, no comforting voices. It felt… wrong. The silence was oppressive, the air too still. His jaw clenched as he pushed off the ground, determination flashing across his face. "We need to find them."

Ken nodded, his grey-eyed gaze still scanning the horizon, lingering on the glowing trees and the way the light seemed to pulse from the land itself. He knew the older boy was right; they couldn't waste any time. But even as he agreed, there was an unsettling feeling gnawing at the pit of his stomach. Something wasn't right, something lurking just beyond his reach. He turned to Taichi, his voice softer, more careful. "Yeah… but I don't think we're the only ones here."

Taichi shot the younger boy a glance, his brows furrowed, and for a split second, he wondered if it was the same feeling tugging at him. He didn't like it. But there was no time for second-guessing. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice taut with urgency.

Ken didn't reply immediately. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the distant treeline, where the faintest flicker of movement caught his eye—a shadow, fast, almost too quick to register. His instincts screamed at him, but there was no sound. No growl, no rustling of leaves—just a presence. A feeling. It was watching them.

"I'm not sure," Ken muttered, his hand instinctively going to his side, as if looking for something to defend himself with. "But I think we should move. Fast." His voice was tight with unease.

Taichi nodded without hesitation, his heart racing as he gripped the ground for balance. "Right. Let's go."

They moved in sync, heading into the unknown terrain, each step heavier than the last as the unsettling silence pressed in around them. Every creak of the trees, every shift in the air, seemed amplified, like they were being stalked. As they ventured deeper, the atmosphere thickened—an unnatural stillness that made their blood run colder.

And somewhere, deep within the shadows, something was watching them. Something waiting.

Elsewhere…

Yamato and Koshiro found themselves standing atop a jagged rocky outcrop, overlooking a vast expanse of desert that stretched endlessly beneath a sky tinged with an unnatural orange hue. The wind howled around them, carrying with it the scent of dry earth and an underlying metallic tang. The air was thick with an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional gust that swept across the barren landscape.

"Great," Yamato muttered, running a hand through his messy blond hair, his eyes narrowed in frustration. "Lost in the middle of nowhere." His voice betrayed his annoyance, though a flicker of concern lingered beneath his words. The desolation before them was unsettling, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

Koshiro, ever the analyst, adjusted his glasses and scanned the horizon with keen interest. His mind raced to process their surroundings, trying to make sense of their sudden displacement.

"We're not alone, Matt," Koshiro murmured, his voice tinged with apprehension. He pointed toward the horizon, where a disturbance in the air created a shimmering effect over the sand dunes. As the mirage cleared, a dark, looming figure became discernible, moving steadily toward them.

Yamato followed his gaze, squinting against the harsh wind. At first, he thought it might be a trick of the light, but the shape grew more distinct with each passing moment. It was large, its form casting a long shadow over the sands.

"You sure about that?" Yamato asked, his tone skeptical. He adjusted the strap of his bag, eyeing the approaching figure warily. The last thing he wanted was to confront whatever that was.

Koshiro didn't respond immediately. His eyes remained fixed on the figure, analyzing its movement and size. He reached into his bag, retrieving a small handheld device — a gadget he had been tinkering with back at camp. He powered it on, but the screen flickered with static, offering no useful information.

"I don't know," Koshiro said finally, his voice steady but laced with caution. "But I don't like the look of it."

The figure drew closer, and the air seemed to vibrate with an unsettling energy. A low, mechanical hum resonated from the creature, sending a chill down Yamato's spine.

"What do you think it is?" Yamato inquired, his hand instinctively moving to the pocket where he kept his harmonica. He wasn't sure if it would help, but it was a comfort nonetheless.

Koshiro's gaze never wavered from the approaching entity. "Could be some sort of creature native to this place," he speculated. "We should stay alert."

Yamato glanced at him, brow furrowed. "Great," he muttered under his breath. "Just what we need."

The creature finally emerged from the haze — a massive, insectoid being with a sleek, chitinous exoskeleton and multifaceted eyes that gleamed with an eerie intelligence. Its legs were long and spindly, ending in sharp, claw-like appendages. It had the appearance of a giant dragonfly, with two massive wings that flitted and hummed as it moved. The air around it buzzed with the intensity of its presence.

"We need to move," Koshiro said urgently, his voice low. He turned, scanning the rocky terrain for a path that might lead them to safety. "Now."

Yamato hesitated, eyes locked on the creature. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, and the primal part of him screamed to run. But he trusted Koshiro's judgment.

"Agreed," Yamato replied, his voice tense. Together, they turned and sprinted toward the narrow passages between the rocks, hoping the creature's size would hinder its pursuit.

Behind them, the Yanmamon let out a shrill, buzzing screech, its wings cutting through the air with alarming speed. It chased after them, its clawed legs clicking against the rocky surface as it closed the distance. The creature's body shimmered as it moved, its wings creating gusts of wind that threatened to knock them off balance.

Yamato and Koshiro pushed themselves harder, adrenaline surging through their veins. They could hear the Yanmamon closing in, the ominous hum of its wings growing louder by the second. There was no time to waste.

"Faster!" Koshiro urged, his voice strained with urgency.

Yamato shot a glance over his shoulder. The Yanmamon was relentless, a creature of pure instinct and hunger. Its wings beat faster, and the sound of its screeching reverberated in the air like a warning.

They rounded a corner in the rocks, hoping for a momentary reprieve, but the creature followed, undeterred. Yamato didn't know how long they could keep running, but one thing was clear — the Yanmamon wouldn't stop until it caught them.

Jo and Mimi landed with a soft thud near the edge of a crystal-clear lake, the cool water shimmering under the eerie light of the unfamiliar sky. The surface of the lake was perfectly still, reflecting strange, shifting shapes that danced beneath the water's surface. The shapes seemed almost alive, moving in patterns that defied logic, like creatures of light or shadows.

Mimi blinked rapidly, her breath coming out in shallow gasps. She stood, her legs shaking as she took in the surreal landscape. Towering trees stretched their gnarled, twisted branches toward the sky, their leaves glowing faintly in shades of purple and blue. The air was thick with the scent of something sweet and pungent—something alien to her. And yet, despite the beauty of the surroundings, an unsettling feeling gnawed at her stomach.

"Tell me this is a dream," Mimi whispered, her voice trembling. Her hands were clenched at her sides, as though she were trying to hold herself together, trying to will herself to wake up. But no matter how many times she blinked, the world around her refused to vanish. Instead, it became more vivid, more real with each passing moment.

Jo, his face pale and his glasses slipping slightly down the bridge of his nose, didn't respond immediately. He simply stared at the shimmering lake, his mind racing as the situation settled into his bones. There was no denying it now. They were no longer at camp. They were somewhere else, somewhere unfamiliar.

"I wish I could," Jo muttered, adjusting his glasses nervously as he stared at the unfamiliar world around them. His voice was low, almost strained, as though speaking the truth made it somehow more unbearable. He reached a hand out towards the water, but as his fingers hovered just above the lake's surface, he pulled back. It felt... wrong. Like the water wasn't water at all. But he couldn't bring himself to touch it again to find out.

Mimi looked down at her feet, the ground beneath her soft, like moss or something otherworldly. Her gaze shifted to the lake once more, where the strange shapes beneath the surface had started to swirl more violently, as though they were aware of her presence. A chill ran down her spine as she instinctively took a step back.

"Do you think the others are here?" Mimi asked, trying to ignore the growing sense of dread tightening in her chest.

Jo's lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes scanning the distance. The trees, the lake, the strange creatures flickering in the water... nothing about this place seemed familiar or welcoming. It all felt like a trap, a carefully laid snare, and it was starting to close in on them.

"I don't know," Jo admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But I don't think we're alone here. And I don't think we're getting back anytime soon."

Mimi looked around, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. The silence around them was oppressive, thick, and unnatural. Even the air seemed to hum with a faint, ominous energy, like something powerful and ancient was watching them. Something that didn't want them to escape.

"This... this isn't what I thought Summer Camp would be like," Mimi muttered, her voice a mixture of awe and dread. "I thought the wild outdoors would be bright and colorful, with rabbits and badgers that we could pet and the occasional bear or panther that we could stay far away from. Not... this."

Jo didn't answer the rambling fashionista, his gaze still fixed on the lake, his mind working in overdrive. It was as if the very landscape had a life of its own — alive, but dangerous. He could almost feel the eyes of unseen creatures on him, watching from the depths of the forest and the water, waiting for the right moment to make themselves known.

"We need to find the others," Jo said at last, his voice more determined now, though the undercurrent of fear was still there. "Before anything else happens."

But as he spoke, the water in the lake rippled unexpectedly. Without warning, a massive shape broke through the surface of the water—a creature with sleek, blue scales, sharp fins, and glowing red eyes. It was a Seadramon, its long, serpentine body coiling as it emerged, its teeth gleaming in the faint light like a jagged row of daggers.

Mimi gasped, stumbling backward into Jo as the Seadramon's terrifying form became fully visible, its eyes locking onto them with predatory intent. It let out a low, guttural growl, the sound vibrating through the air like a distant thunderclap.

"What... what is that?!" Mimi screamed, her shrill voice carried by the air, filled with a mix of awe and horror.

Jo's heart pounded in his chest as the Seadramon slithered forward with unnerving speed, its movements fluid and almost liquid-like. It hissed, flicking its tongue in and out, eyeing them as if deciding which one to strike first.

"I don't know, but we need to move!" Jo shouted, pulling Mimi toward him. His voice was rough with urgency as he yanked her away from the creature's line of sight, but there was nowhere to hide. The Seadramon had already spotted them.

The creature lunged, its sharp tail slicing through the air. Jo barely had time to react, and in a panic, he pushed Mimi to the side, narrowly dodging the Seadramon's attack. The creature's jaws snapped shut with a sickening sound just inches from his face.

"Run!" Jo cried, his voice breaking as the Seadramon turned, readying itself for another strike.

Mimi scrambled to her feet, her legs shaking as fear surged through her veins. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing the Seadramon closing in on them. Its powerful tail whipped through the air, striking the ground with a thunderous crack.

The two of them bolted, running as fast as they could along the shoreline, the Seadramon's pursuit relentless. Behind them, the creature's hiss echoed, its form cutting through the water with frightening agility.

Jo's heart raced in his chest, but he couldn't stop now. They had to get away. The others had to be out there somewhere, and they needed to find them. "We can't let it catch us!"

The sound of the Seadramon's growls filled the air, but it wasn't the only sound. Jo could hear something else, a distant rustling in the trees — another presence, something else was lurking. He glanced at Mimi, her face pale and determined, and they both knew the same thing: this were in extreme danger.

Sora and Takeru landed in the dense forest with a soft thud. The air was cool and filled with an eerie stillness, and the soft glow of the leaves created an ethereal atmosphere. The trees were massive, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that barely let any light through.

"Sora?" Takeru coughed, rubbing his shoulder as he slowly sat up, looking around at the strange environment. "Where... are we?"

Sora pushed herself up from the ground, her eyes scanning their surroundings. The forest seemed to stretch on forever, the faint light reflecting off the vibrant leaves. "I don't know, but I don't think we're anywhere near Shibuya anymore."

Takeru looked around, his eyes wide with awe and confusion. "Yeah, no kidding."

Sora adjusted her stance, making sure to keep her bearings. "Let's just keep moving. We need to find some answers."

They walked through the forest, the quiet hum of the environment surrounding them. After a while, they came upon a small clearing and found a strange village up ahead, its buildings crafted from wood with thatched roofs, smoke rising from chimneys. It was peaceful, almost like something out of a dream.

"What is this place?" Takeru whispered, taking a step forward, drawn to the village.

Sora nodded, her curiosity getting the better of her. "We won't find out standing here. Let's go."

As they approached the village, a small creature trotted toward them. It was orange with pointed ears, its tail flicking behind it, and it looked like it was grinning.

"Hey there!" the creature called out, stopping in front of them. "Welcome to the Village of Beginnings!"

Sora and Takeru jumped back slightly in surprise.

"You can talk?" Takeru asked, blinking in disbelief.

The creature chuckled. "Of course! I'm Elecmon, and I'm here to show you around. You two look lost."

"What... are you?" Sora asked, still trying to process what was happening.

Elecmon's fangs flashed in a wide grin. "I am a Digimon! And you two are in the Digital World now."

Takeru stared at him in awe, his voice barely a whisper. "The Digital World? What does that mean?"

Elecmon's face softened, and he motioned for them to follow him into the village. "It's a world full of Digimon, like me. But not just any Digimon. You've been brought here for a reason. There's something important about you two."

"What do you mean?" Sora asked, her eyes narrowing as she tried to understand.

Elecmon led them deeper into the village, where other Digimon of all shapes and sizes walked around. Some resembled animals, others looked like plants, and there were even a few that resembled humanoid figures. The village felt peaceful, almost magical.

"This is the Village of Beginnings," Elecmon explained. "It's a safe place for Digimon, and it's where newcomers often arrive. But don't get too comfortable. There's more going on in this world than you know."

Takeru looked at Elecmon with curiosity. "What do you mean, 'more going on'?"

Elecmon paused for a moment, his expression turning serious. "There's a prophecy," he began, his voice growing quieter. "A long time ago, the ancient Digimon foretold that in a time of great darkness, a group of Chosen Children would come from the human world. These children would have the power to save the Digital World from the forces of evil that threaten it."

Sora looked at Elecmon, her eyes wide. "Chosen Children? Us?"

Elecmon nodded gravely. "Yes. You and the others like you are part of that prophecy. You are the Chosen Children, and you'll need to work with your partner Digimon to face the challenges ahead. Together, you'll have the strength to stop the darkness and protect both the Digital World and your own."

Takeru swallowed, the weight of Elecmon's words sinking in. "What kind of evil are we talking about?"

Elecmon's gaze darkened. "I don't know all the details yet. But there are dangers in this world — Digimon who are not so friendly, and forces that want to corrupt it all. But you'll discover your true power as you go."

Sora and Takeru exchanged a glance, the seriousness of their situation slowly sinking in. They had been pulled into an unknown world, and now they learned that they had a role to play in saving it.

"So, you'll be our guide?" Sora asked, a small smile crossing her face.

"For now, anyway," Elecmon said with a wink. "But it's up to you and your partners to figure things out. I'm here to help, but the real work starts with you."

Takeru nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Alright. We'll do what we can."

Elecmon grinned, clearly pleased with their determination. "That's the spirit! Now, let's get you settled. There's a lot more to this world than you can see right now, and you'll need all the help you can get!"

Saki Kimishima had no sense of direction, her body disoriented from the sudden displacement. When she landed, the ground felt wrong—cold, unnatural, like it was made of some alien substance, slick and uneven beneath her feet. Her golden hair shimmered faintly in the low light, but the dull glow only highlighted the oppressive darkness around her. The silence was unnerving — thick, suffocating, as though the very air had been pressed down by an invisible weight.

Her breath caught in her throat as a sudden flash of dread filled her chest, cold fingers wrapping tightly around her heart. She couldn't see her friends. No familiar landmarks, no signs of life. Just the consuming emptiness.

"Guys?!" she called out, her voice trembling in the overwhelming quiet. It was swallowed immediately, disappearing into the eerie silence that blanketed the air. Her pulse quickened. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Something was wrong — terribly wrong.

Her feet shuffled on the uneven terrain, instinct driving her to move forward, though every part of her screamed to turn back. Before she could take another step, there was a subtle shift in the air behind her. It was like a disturbance, an unnatural ripple. Saki froze mid-step, an unshakable sense of unease crawling up her spine.

Then, it happened.

A shadow stirred, slow and deliberate, just beyond her peripheral vision. At first, it was barely more than a twitch of movement—like a whisper of the darkness itself stirring. But as it moved closer, Saki's breath caught in her throat. The shape was unnatural—its outline twisted and fluid, a thing of darkness and malice, shifting as though it were made of smoke, but far heavier, far more sinister. The air grew colder, colder than anything Saki had ever felt, and an overpowering sense of dread wrapped around her like a vice.

The creature's eyes — glowing crimson — blazed from within the shifting darkness. They blinked once, twice, before narrowing with intent. And then, it smiled. A smile that wasn't a smile at all, but a grotesque curl of jagged teeth, impossibly wide and filled with a hunger that made Saki's stomach drop.

"Ah..." The voice came first as a low, predatory purr, crawling across her skin like a thousand whispers in the dark. "The lady of vitality..."

Saki's breath hitched in her throat. Her legs felt like they were made of lead. She couldn't move, couldn't even scream. Her whole body locked up, a paralytic terror taking root in her chest. Every instinct screamed at her to run, to flee, but her body refused. The creature's presence filled the air, thickening it, pressing down on her chest. It was too much. Her body simply… stopped.

The creature stepped forward, its form distorting with each movement — its shape never fully defined, always shifting, always changing. It was too large to comprehend, too vast for its form to fit into the reality she knew. A dark tendril, like a finger of shadow, unfurled from its form with liquid ease, slithering toward her. She didn't have time to react before it wrapped itself around her wrist. The moment it touched her skin, a violent cold surged through her, biting deeper than anything she had ever felt, leaving a trail of burning, icy fire in its wake.

Saki gasped, her knees buckling under the sudden onslaught of pain. Her heart pounded in her chest as her vision blurred, her mind scrambling for clarity, but the cold tendril dug deeper into her, sucking the life from her with every second it stayed in contact. Her skin burned where it touched, the pain sharp and cruel, as if the creature was draining her very essence.

"No…" she whispered, her voice barely audible as the creature's shadowed form loomed over her. The weight of its gaze crushed her, the malicious smile now all that she could focus on. "Please... no..."

The voice — low, guttural, and insidious — slithered into her mind, poisoning her thoughts. "You belong to me now," it murmured, the words a curse that reverberated through her skull. "All that you are... all that you could be... is mine."

Saki's chest tightened, her breaths becoming shallow as she struggled to pull away. But the tendril, now tightening, would not let go. The cold seeped into her bones, spreading through her veins like ice. She was trapped, bound by a force she couldn't comprehend, let alone fight. Her vision swam, the world around her turning black as her will began to slip away, piece by piece.

The creature's form seemed to grow, to loom over her, its fanged grin stretching impossibly wide, showing rows upon rows of jagged teeth. The darkness around them seemed to pulse in rhythm with its every movement.

"You are nothing," it whispered, its voice dripping with contempt, as though her very existence was insignificant. "A tool... a vessel. You will be the first to serve me, and the others shall follow in your wake."

Her mind spun, a swirling vortex of terror and confusion, as the cold tendril's grip tightened. Saki's strength waned, her body slowly succumbing to the darkness, unable to escape. The weight of the creature's power pressed down on her soul, suffocating her, and she could feel her will bending to its demands.

"No…" she gasped, but the sound was weak, a hollow echo in the emptiness. Her mind, once vibrant, began to fade under the crushing weight of its influence.

With a final twist of its tendril, the creature drove its power deep into her, and Saki's body went limp, her eyes glazing over. The last remnants of her resistance vanished, her light dimming as the creature's darkness consumed her.

Its smile widened, its fanged teeth gleaming in the abyss.

Author's Note: Digimon Adventure is my childhood; the first world an eight-year-old me ever imagined wanting to be a part of. So, prompted partly by the Digimon Adventure: Beyond short released by Toei, I've finally decided to write what I have spent decades daydreaming about. This will be an AU; it may follow the original Adventure series in some respects, but I intend to introduce fresh ideas, plots, villains etc. Which includes partner Digimon and Digivolution lines. Yes, I am not limited to following canon partners or canon lines for these characters, so suggestions are open. The Chosen Children (with their ages in parenthesis) in this adaptation are, initially: Tai (15), Yamato (15), Sora (15), Jo (16), Koshiro/Izzy (14), Mimi (15), Takeru (13), Ken (14) and Saki (adapted from Digimon Survive, 14). More may be added with time, if I feel like it. Kindly review!