[AEGIS HQ, Eight Months Ago…]
Director Jones was deep in thought, as was the individual on the other side of his screen. The report off to the side adding context to the situation, he thought carefully as to how to go about this questioning. It was days after Ordinemon's defeat and sleep had been avoiding him severely. Yet as luck would have it, one thing after another has been coming to him.
Just when everything began to die down, SAIBA Enterprise reported a sudden virus attack that crashed Babylon's servers temporarily. Upon investigation, the team sent found the virus itself…
…and it surrendered itself willingly.
"Perhaps we should postpone this interrogation of ours, hm?" The deep voice from the screen suggested, highlighting the bags under Director Jones' eyes.
"And let you get to Drasil? Not a chance." Director Jones straightened up. "Make no mistake, we know exactly who you are and what your goal is. The question I would like answered is this: How in the world did you come back?"
The owner of the deep voice chuckled. "That is a question I also find myself asking…"
The one responding to Director Jones' questions was a very muscular individual with long gray hair and black beard, wearing a white bodysuit with yellow armor across the torso. Three red horns protruded from his hair, two on the side and one on his forehead, along with the right side of his body looking skeletal in nature. His cape and smaller black wings were hidden by the chair they sat in.
"Don't play coy with me," Director Jones' gaze narrowed. "Bear in mind that you aren't the once great king of the Nadir District any longer. You're a prisoner of us humans."
The individual paid that statement no mind. "I am the Nadir District. Though I'm willfully in your custody for now, it won't last."
"What makes you say that?"
"Because I will get bored," the individual's red eye looked back at Director Jones. "And when I finally decide to act, hell will be upon all of you who hold that traitorous king under your protective gaze."
Director Jones leaned back in his chair, giving the individual's words some thought.
"Is something wrong? None of what I said presents any falsehoods."
"The Nadir District…" he side-eyed the paperwork on his desk. "Are victims of the Zenith as the others, are they?"
This caught the individual's attention. "There were other victims, hm? How fascinating."
"Indeed, which brings me to a proposition for you, former king of the Nadir District: Bagramon."
The one known as Bagramon chuckled, "a human, bartering with me?"
"Be an informant for AEGIS." Director Jones stated. "In return, I'll introduce you to the ones who brought you back to life."
Bagramon's expression was of subtle interest and curiosity. Director Jones expression was calculating. This was going to be a gamble. Calculating, yet risky; confident, but cautious.
Bagramon liked that. He favored long games to begin with and he could gain information from him and the ones who brought him into this new world of the Omnians and these humans…
"When do we begin?" Bagramon smirked.
Chapter 16: The Digi-Grand Prix
[OMNI Stadium, Cyber City Babylon, Tournament Day 1…]
"What in the world did we agree to…?" Maxine stood in awe of the crowd that surrounded her and Daniel on this Friday morning. The crowd was a mix of fellow tournament participants, as well as an assortment of Digimon who accompanied them.
"Don't tell me you're getting cold feet." Daniel turned to her, admittedly feeling similar sentiments.
"Just saying; it's one thing to be thinking about what it's gonna be like, and another to actually be here. Starting to see why you were nervous before."
"Well…" Daniel side-eyed his D-Streamer, checking the time. "They're both running late."
"Are you…?"
Daniel shrugged.
The pair nodded to one another and about-faced away from the crowd and entrance. They took one step forward, only for binary to suddenly appear before them, making them both jump back. From the brief streams, came Terrence, Trevor, and a quartet of non-human-like figures.
"Morning you two. Eager I see," Trevor saluted as they all fully materialized.
"Hey…" Maxine waved, pretending that they weren't trying to sneak off.
"Good morning," Daniel meekly replied.
"GUYS!" Terrence jumped forward. "Today's the day!"
The pair were taken aback, not by Terrence's outburst, but by the triceratops that popped up on his back.
"Let's win this!" The triceratops said just as eager.
"Wha—is that a Gammamon?" Maxine recognized.
Trevor nodded. "Sorry, these gifts took longer to get a hand of than I thought." He stepped aside as Jellymon and Angoramon took their steps forward.
"Hiya~!" Jellymon winked.
"Pleasure," Angoramon bowed.
Maxine approached Angoramon and couldn't resist petting its blonde fur. "Fluffy…"
Angoramon voiced its slight discomfort by clearing its throat, making Maxine step back quickly. "Sorry…got a little carried away."
Jellymon meanwhile floated to Daniel and smiled wide, making the latter tense a bit.
"What is it? Is there something on my face?"
"Nope; You're just cooler than I expected." Jellymon replied.
Daniel blinked. "Oh. Thanks…I guess?"
"Well, well well, didn't expect you all to actually show up." Kelly voice made Maxine tense as she turned her head.
The blonde-haired girl, dressed in a sky-blue top and navy skirt stepped forward along with two boys, one with slicked brown hair, goggles, a red t-shirt, and black jeans, and another with short black hair, glasses, a short white and yellow sleeve shirt, and blue jeans. The trio didn't recognize either of the boys, but the cooler looking one of the pair exerted a similar aura to Kelly, who stood defiant before them.
"You must really be confident to try and join a tournament days since you started playing." Maxine called out. "What happened to this being a game for losers?"
"Am I not capable of growth?" Kelly scoffed.
"Hm," Maxine shrugged, "Guess there'd be a first for everything."
Kelly glared. "I'd love to see you back your words up."
"Survive the trials and then we'll talk."
Both Daniel and the glasses-wearing boy stepped in before the pair got physical with one another. Terrence bounced forward. "Looking forward to facing you Kelly!"
Kelly broke from her teammate and smiled. "Likewise!"
The boy with goggles smirked, putting his arm around Kelly, making her smile shrink.
"If you want to get to her, you'd have to get through me first, kid." He stood his ground.
Daniel and Maxine paused, sensing Kelly's shift in demeanor, but Terrence nonetheless was fired up even more. "Oh yeah, you bet! You seem tough yourself."
Finding him humorous, the boy decided to introduce himself. "Name's Ashton."
"Terrence." Terrence answered.
"Gammamon!" Gammamon chimed, with Terrence chuckling.
Ashton scoffed, "Oh yeah, this is gonna be a walk in the park for sure."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that…" Trevor decided to insert himself into the conversation.
Ashton looked over and quickly detached himself from Kelly, the latter taking a wide step to the side. "You're Trevor McKnight!"
"That I am. And these three, are my protégé's."
Ashton blinked. "You're kidding…"
"No, he's totally serious." Maxine spoke. "Don't seem so tough now huh?"
Ashton didn't have a comeback for that, rolling his eyes and walking off. The other boy silently followed behind him with Kelly also at a loss for words.
"You're welcome, by the way," Maxine said.
"I—wha…" Kelly's cheeks flared, not knowing to be embarrassed about. Gritting her teeth she pointed towards Maxine. "You're going down first! Whatever it takes I'm going to make you regret this!" With that she stormed off after the two boys leaving Maxine confused.
"That…ungrateful little…"
"Don't worry about your good deed Max," Trevor reassured her. "By the looks of it, if their team is as dysfunctional as they look, they're not gonna last long."
"Dang Mr. McKnight, that's kinda harsh, don't you think?" Terrence questioned.
"Harsh, but speaking as a pro, he's being objective." Daniel supported.
"Agreed. Besides, did you see how that dude was?" Jellymon pointed out.
"Yeah, dude looks like a lowkey creep." Maxine crossed his arms. "And that lackey of his was quiet himself."
"It's almost as if Kelly found teammates as toxic as she is and doesn't know how to handle it."
"Alright, we get it! You guys don't like her!" Terrence snapped. "But that doesn't mean that I can't be friends with her, does it?"
"You're the only one of us three she tolerates." Maxine explained. "And to think I wanted to fit in with her…"
Angoramon cleared his throat, "Pardon, but I believe I see the referee setting up to begin.
Trevor looked up, "He's right. I can see DJ Devon heading up on stage."
"Where are you going to be? Terrence asked.
"I, along with the other team coaches and spectators will be in the stands watching on the screens," he pointed. "I won't be able to walk you through anything, so unfortunately, you guys are on your own."
"Not that we need it." Maxine reiterated. "Let's go kick butt."
"Bet!" Terrence agreed.
"Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlemons make some noise!" DJ Devon's voice boomed, triggering an eruption of cheers and whistles from the crowd before him. Volcanomon materialized beside him and continued to drive the crowd's hype even more.
"Y'all ain't ready!" Volcanomon exclaimed, getting a reaction. "I said: Y'ALL! AIN'T! READY!"
The crowd cheered harder, objecting even more to his statement. Everyone in the stadium present was not only ready, but they were ready to win it all. Weeks of training and preparation led them to this moment. Each one being driven for their own reasons, small and big. No one was to tell them they weren't prepared for what was to come.
"Aight, settle down people," DJ Devon eased back down. "We get it, y'all hyped like we are. Let's not keep y'all waitin' then. Allow us to introduce the Crest Masters who are ending your runs before they even start!
"Wait they're actually introducing them now?" Maxine questioned.
"Oooh, I wonder what they're gonna look like!" Terrence hopped.
Suddenly though the stadium began to erupt, causing everyone to gasp. Eyes turned up to DJ Devon and Volcanomon, both of whom were smirking. Rainbow binary code encircled the crowd as hesitant reactions grew.
"What's happening—oof!" Daniel found himself suddenly on a dark dirt floor. "Ow…"
As he sat up, he questioned what in the world happened. Were they teleported or something? And if so, where in the world did he end up?
"You guys okay?" He heard a voice ask.
"I'm—" he stopped, not recognizing the voice. He turned around, seeing an unfamiliar trio behind him. Then off to his side, more unfamiliar faces.
"Upsie-daisy." Tendrils wrapped around Daniel's arm, making him jump, before realizing it was Jellymon aiding him. "Are you okay?"
"…Yeah, I'm alright. What in the world just happened?" He took note of the arrangement of flowers in the distance. Bright red roses amongst green bushes that brought color amongst the black backdrops.
"Danny!" He heard Maxine's voice, and he quickly spun. She, Terrence and their Digimon alongside them made their way over, the six altogether then addressing the new space they found themselves in.
"This is creepy…" Terrence commented, a noticeably different reaction than they were used to.
"This must be a Trial, right?" Maxine commented.
"I guess." Daniel looked around. Judging by the group of people, there were about two dozen or so, if he had to guess, not as many teams as the original crowd in the stadium. Assuming this was a trial, then perhaps teams are randomly thrown into one of the five to start? And assuming that, what trial was this one?"
They heard a sudden snap and the room that was once dark was lit. The dark walls were now glass panels, and the sun above illuminated the place, accompanied by a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds. The room was shimmering as well with jade plants and vibrant colors of the various flora.
Maxine couldn't contain her excitement, being a cottagecore girl at heart. "It's a green house! This Trial must be for the Green Crest Master right?"
"That is correct my fair maiden!" A voice replied, drawing the crowd's attention. Directly in front of them were three doors, and from the middle one came a tall handsome man with straight black hair and a goatee, dressed in a white, V-neck button down shirt with a mahogany vest, beige khakis, and brown shoes. On his arm was a silver D-Streamer with gold accents and a lime-green strap.
"Welcome one and all," the mysterious man bowed as everyone gave him their attention. "I am Florentino Fiore, the Crest Master assigned for the Green Trial. "I sincerely hope you all are ready for Day 1 of the Digi-Grand Prix."
"Heck yeah! Team Demolition gonna crush this trial!" A trio of brutish Tamers exclaimed, confidence exuding from their persons.
Florentino looked on and while acknowledging their excitement, it was clear there was an underlying look of detest in his eyes. "Without further ado, allow me to explain the trial set before you all." He stepped a bit forward and presented the trio of passages.
"Figured those doors had something to do with it." Daniel noted.
"Guessing one door is a path while the others are dead ends…?" Maxine added.
"Before you are three passageways. Each member of your team will proceeded through one of these doors. In each section of this labyrinth, you and your teammates must coordinate and decide which two will be forced to 'suspend,' while the other proceeds. To aid in the decision making, each room will have clues that will point to the answer to the correct passage. You'll know you're on the correct path when the flowers around you are blooming, as you can see before you here. At the end of each corridor there will be a switch. Answer correctly, and the locked doors of your teammates will open allowing you to all to move on. If it's incorrect, your allies will be trapped, and you will be forced to restart."
Daniel was quick to get the jist of it. It was a test of trust; trust your team to make the best choice, and either celebrate, or go after one another and become dysfunctional.
"The goal is to reach BloomLordmon's castle, where we will be waiting to challenge the team who successfully reaches the end of the labyrinth. If you manage to defeat us, you will receive this."
The players looked and saw the unique symbol that appeared in Florentino's palm. It resembled a narrow tree with narrow, blooming branches that covered the top in foliage and budding flowers.
"This is the Crest of Growth. Only those who are able to defeat me are the ones who are able to grasp the meaning of it, as well as the trial itself. That said, in order to proceed to the 2nd half of this tournament, teams will need to acquire three of the five total crests by the end of the three days. And even if you are able to achieve this feat today alone, your achievement will not be acknowledged until the confirmation ceremony Sunday evening. And don't even think about running either. Failure to turn in during any of the three days, runs the risk of disqualification."
"That must be to keep players from collecting the Crests and waiting the clock out outside of Babylon…" Daniel pondered.
"That's correct," Jellymon replied. "Because during the tournament, Crest Bearing teams become targets for other Teams and the Crest Hunters."
"Crest Hunters?" Gammamon asked. "What's that?"
"Something I hope we won't have to deal with…" Maxine admitted.
"Final thing before we commence. Rule 1 of my trial: Up to one member of a team may progress at a time unless they're able to release their suspended mates. Rule 2: Once your team decides on a decision, you may not rescind it. And finally Rule 3: If any team opts to forgo the first two rules, through brute force or otherwise, The Royal Guard of the castle will force out of the chamber and deny access from the challenge until the start of the following day. Simple enough?"
That question looked to be directed towards the aforementioned Team Demolition. Their leader scoffed and palmed his fist. "Whatever you say pretty boy."
Florentino didn't respond, only turning to the rest of the crowd. "You'll have three minutes to decide on a strategy and line up before your respective doors. Starting…Now!"
"Okay," Maxine turned to her teammates. "This is the green trial, so I'm in my element. I'd consider ourselves lucky with that."
"Not to mention you're a cottagecore nut," Terrence pointed out.
"Keep talking Digi-Boy." Maxine glared.
"Terry may have a point," Daniel noted. This place is a massive greenhouse after all, with different flowers all throughout."
"You're thinking the passages may have to do with floral facts or something?" Maxine questioned.
"Perhaps? If we're thinking about the color in the game specifically, some of the clues may relate to insects as well."
"Speaking of, what do you think he means by "suspending?" That's green's mechanic alright, but, in this context, what would it be referring to?" Maxine wondered.
"Of us three, two of us need to suspend to let the third proceed. There's no telling how many doors we need to go through to hit the goal, nor if there's a combination on how to proceed." Daniel thought deeper.
"Why think when we all can just bash through?" Terrence brought up.
"Were you paying attention? Doing that will get us banned by the guard." Maxine pointed out.
Daniel looked towards Florentino who was patiently waiting for his time to run out. He then took a minute to scan the space once again now that there was light. The rosebushes from before lined the edges of the room, and vines were coursing from the ceiling, across and pass the doorposts. Where they were coming from was anyone's guess.
"One minute left teams," He called out.
"Any last-minute thoughts?" Terrence turned to Daniel.
Daniel shook his head, "Honestly, I'm not stumped, but…"
"His explanation on the trial's vague?" Maxine asked.
"Maybe we just need to play it out first and get a feel for it."
"I'm down. Terry?"
"Cool with me. Gammamon?"
"Bet. Angoramon?"
"Agreed. Jellymon?"
"Ditto."
"Alright," Daniel clasped his hands together. "Let's do this."
The trio and their partners all lined up with the other teams, Terrence taking door one, Daniel, door 2, and Maxine, Door 3. Seeing the decently sized lines, a new thought crossed Daniel's mind: Were they all going to fit in the forthcoming rooms? What was to be on the other side of these doors?
"We shall see you on the other side. Farewell, and good luck to you all." Florentino vanished in a puff of green binary, and with his departure, the doors swung open, signaling to everyone to make their ways into what was to come…
[SAIBA Enterprise, Cisco City…]
"All participants in the Digi-Grand Prix have safely been transferred to their assigned starting trials."
"Trials are currently underway."
"Crest Hunters are on standby, awaiting deployment."
"All other systems are operational."
Melanie Whitaker breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, glad that everything pertaining to this tournament went without so much as a hitch. The idea that the tournament was even happening was exciting in itself. Just the idea that she was able to participate in something fun for a change was something she wasn't taking lightly.
"Well, looks like things are going on swimmingly in here!"
Despite certain nuisances…
The owner of the mind-shattering voice strolled callously, dressed in a lab coat and a white and red soccer uniform. He moved his red tinted sunglasses on top of his head to see the front of him clearly, catching the back of Melanie's ginger hair.
"There she is, Ms. R&D Lead." He came close to Melanie the latter of which's nails were digging into her palm. "Morning."
Melanie relaxed and exhaled. "Good morning, Dr. Dougenis…"
Dr. Dougenis looked over her shoulder. "Hmm…"
Melanie cleared her throat. "Need I remind you about personal space?"
Dr. Dougenis bought a clue and leaned back, lest he be a victim of her left hook. "Apologies; simply trying to breathe life in this quiet atmosphere."
"I assure you things have been peaceful with Ivan's absence. More importantly, shouldn't you be in Babylon?"
"On standby," He replied. "My role in everything doesn't happen until some of the teams start passing the trials."
"Oh, so that's why you've decided to bug me." Melanie side-eyed him.
"That's why I'm keeping you company." He replied.
Melanie rolled her eyes. "Too bad for you, I already have someone to do that for me."
Dr. Dougenis laughed and grabbed a free chair, spinning himself around it like a kid. "Alas, you're too much of a kid sister for me to see you any other way. Besides," he stopped spinning, "my one and true love will always be science."
"So, you say…"
Dr. Dougenis turned his attention to the screens alongside Melanie, examining the cameras in each of the trials. He paused however, catching a glimpse of two separate streams, rolling closer towards the screens.
"Hold on a moment…" he leaned in and grew a wide smile. "Well, well, small world, isn't it?"
Melanie furrowed a brow, "Someone caught your attention?"
"Not just someone," Dr. Dougenis said, focusing on one screen with Sierra, and another screen with Homura. "Some old friends of mine…"
[Red Crest Chamber, Babylon…]
Compared to the greenhouse that was the Green Crest Chamber, the Red Crest Chamber by comparison was a large open canyon, with a shining sun and azure skyscape. The desert-like surroundings seemed endless in both directions, leaving the teams present feeling stranded.
Kaden and Homura took in their surroundings, contemplating what to expect from such a setting. It gave Southern District vibes, which to Homura, indicated that this was indeed the Red Crest Master's domain. That said, one could only wonder what their trial would entail for them.
"What are the odds this Crest Master is a Southern District denizen?" Kaden threw out there, indicating he was on similar wavelength.
Homura knelt and ran his hand across the rough surface. The realism reminded him of the Southern District, however the lack of draconic digimon roaming the wastelands made this wasteland all the more barren feeling.
"Assuming they are, this trial may prove to be rough, so we need to have our guard up no matter what." He answered, instincts kicking in.
"Why do I feel like that comment was directed towards me?" A third voice joined the conversation.
"That's because you're assuming too much, Justin," Homura replied.
Kaden, noticing the budding stare down interjected, "Thanks for being our third on such short notice, Justin."
"No worries bro," Justin turned his attention to Kaden. "Glad I could make Team Dragstorm a reality."
"No offense, Justin, but I must say I am jealous that Sierra was able to get Rae to join her team in the end." Homura said, thinking about Kaden's rejection and the follow up news soon after.
"Let's…not talk about that." Kaden suggested, reeling from the mistake he made regarding the day before.
"Battling your rival and exposing your secrets…" Justin shook his head. "Happens to the best of us."
"Like she's any better." Kaden argued.
"Yeah but chances are she surrendered before she actually got serious." Justin insisted. "No worries though, by the time we face their team later on, we'll be strong enough to counter them."
"Or they'll be knocked out early." Homura pointed out.
Justin and Kaden side-eyed him.
"Dang, wishing ill will on your girlfriend and her team? What does Sierra see in you I wonder?" Kaden joked.
Homura smirked, "If nothing else, women love a man who can cook."
Suddenly, their conversation was cut short by a sudden screech echoing from the mouth of a nearby opening. The teams turned their attention towards the distant canyon and were startled by a sudden flaming ball of fire that shot from within. Soaring overhead, the massive fireball took on a golden shine, before exploding and raining golden fire from above. Without much hesitation, the teams scrambled off to avoid the flaming rain, the latter dropping down like mini meteors.
"Spread out!" Homura ordered his team, the latter two, not hesitating to follow instructions. Thinking quickly, Homura raised his D-Streamer into the air. "Gaiomon!"
Gaiomon heeded Homura's call and emerged, running alongside Homura. Homura hopped into Gaiomon's palm and was hoisted onto its shoulder, the dragon samurai stopping and turning back. Other teams took note of Homura's action and summoned their own respective Level 5 and 6 Digimon to respond to the sudden attack.
"Someone was ready after all…"
The main golden fireball, revealing itself as the Level 6 Phoenixmon, screeched once more and responded to the oncoming force.
"Crimson Flare!" Phoenixmon called out, unleashing crimson-colored flames from its four wings.
"Cross Slicer!" Gaiomon countered, swiping the space in front of it with its blades, sending light blades to soar and counter the flames. The other Digimon likewise unleashed their respective attacks, all of which hit their mark and filled the space around Phoenixmon in a black cloud of smoke.
"Looks like they got it…" Kaden said, fixated on the smoke.
"You'd think that, wouldn't you…?" A voice came through his D-Com.
A sudden object plummeted from the cloud of smoke, catching everyone off guard. The woman landed perfectly on the ground in a kneeling position, standing and raising her arm to collect the red binary code from Phoenixmon.
"Personally, I'd hate it if the Red Crest Master's trial was nothing but a boring sneak attack…" she said, lowering her arm to rub her opposite shoulder. "Wouldn't you all agree?"
The black-haired woman wore a red midriff tank top and black jean jacket with matching pants and red and white air Jordan sneakers. Her hair was done up in a ponytail, held by a red bird shaped hair tie, and on her arm she wore a red and orange D-Streamer with a pink strap.
Homura and the others returned to the ground and reunited with their respective teams. After which the mysterious woman approach them.
"Welcome, everyone, to my Trial. My name is Jamie Martin, Crest Master of the Red Trial."
Homura was amongst some of the participants who grew tense upon hearing her name. Kaden and Justin took note of her, getting the impression that she wasn't one to be taken lightly.
Jamie on the other hand smirked upon noting the expressions on some faces. "Judging by your reactions, it seems as though some of you know me by another name…
…Lady Amaterasu."
[Green Crest Chamber, Babylon…]
"Looks like that solved it." Daniel spoke into his D-Com. "I'll move onto the next room."
"Ok." Maxine said, twisting the lock on her door.
"Right." Terrence did the same.
As their doors flashed red, Daniel's turned green. He stepped forward and walked through, running to the next location. Pressing the switch he found on the wall, he walked into the following room...
"HOW THE HECK DID WE END UP BACK HERE AGAIN?!" a voice other than his screamed out.
He clicked his tongue. Indeed, how did they end up back at the beginning?
"Any luck?" Maxine asked.
"…No…" He said begrudgingly.
"Like how?! There's no other answer it could've been!" Terrence exclaimed, growing frustrated. "That's it, I'm blasting the door!"
"No, you're not!" Maxine scolded. "Danny please tell me you came up with something?"
"Trust me when I say I've been thinking about it…" He said making his way back into the initial room. As in the previous several attempts before, each room they've entered, they've been given images of Level 2 Digimon. Daniel got Tanemon, whereas Terrence got Budmon and Maxine Yokomon. Before catching up with the others he looked around the chamber. The room was barren of any floral life aside from the vines that ran across the ceiling like veins, as well as the magnified sunlight that warmed the room.
The first two rooms were simple. Daniel and Maxine suspended to let Terrence through and then Maxine went through on the following. But by the time they reached the third, Terrence was thrown back to the beginning. The second time around they solved the question and moved forward. Actually, got pretty far to what they deemed the "Level 5 Room", where the images of Cherrymon, Lilamon and Ajatarmon were present. That was the room that sent Daniel back here and had him brainstorming his way back.
He passed through the Palmon room, and then the Togemon room before he arrived back at the Cherrymon room. "Okay, I'm back in my room."
"Notice anything different on your way back?" Maxine asked, sitting next to her door. Ajatarmon's illustration sat above the doorpost staring down at her like a hunter, making her think of the kind of guards would spring up if she didn't stop Terrence from kicking his door down.
"Nothing yet. The hallways and outer scenery leave much to be desired."
"Hmm…" Maxine leaned her head back. "Well, we know that the questions they're asking relate to the card effects of each Digimon."
"And we know each room we progress through has the next Level displayed, making it a second indicator aside from the flowers." Daniel commented. He looked over and saw his rosebushes were vibrant as the ones at the start.
"Are you sure about that?" Terrence suddenly spoke.
Daniel furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
"Just saying I noticed the flowers in my room look dead."
"What?" Daniel questioned. "How can they be dead; you were the one who unlocked the doors for us in the last room."
"Terry!" Maxine scolded.
"I swear I didn't do anything! I just noticed it as you guys were talking!"
"Maxine how are the flowers in your room?"
"They're fine, why?"
"Just checking…" Afterward, Daniel exhaled and tried to piece together what was happening. The flowers are supposed to indicate progress. The wilted ones indicate a bad choice, where as the blooming ones are correct…
…But then what does it matter if a wrong choice sends you back to the beginning?
Daniel looked at the vines on the ceiling once more and studied them for a moment.
After a moment it pulsated ever so slightly.
"Terry, were your flowers wilted before or after you suspended yourself?" Daniel asked.
"After I guess? Honestly, I'm not sure."
"So why haven't mine wilted?" Maxine questioned.
"I think I might know." Daniel sat on the ground and dragged his finger on the dirt floor. "Terry, I'm gonna need your Digimon knowledge on this."
"Sweet, what do you need to know."
"The types of each Digimon we've encountered. As many as you know."
"Danny, what's that going to do?" Maxine asked. "We don't have time for Terry's sermon on Digimon biology."
"Where do I start?!" Terrence grew giddy.
"We'll start with throwing out the names of the Digimon in our rooms. The first room was Tanemon, Budmon and Yokomon." Daniel made columns and indicated them one by one. "The second was Lalamon, Mushroommon and Palmon. Third was Woodmon, Sunflowmon and Togemon, and now we have Cherrymon, Lilamon and Ajatarmon."
"Okay, now what? I'm pretty sure those first six are all Data type Digimon."
"I don't think the first two rooms make a difference." Daniel explained. "Any of them would've gotten us here. It's only rooms three and forward that really matter."
"Why's that?" Maxine asked.
"Oh! I get it!" Terrence exclaimed. "The viruses!"
Daniel snapped his fingers. "Exactly!"
"Viruses…?" Maxine questioned but then it clicked in her head. "The virus type Digimon!"
"This test is about cooperation right? That means for us to ignore the obvious red herrings—or in this case, red roses, in front of us and understanding the true objective of this labyrinth: To stop everyone else from reaching the goal."
"Wait so, the reasons why my flowers wilted is because…"
"Someone chose a virus digimon to impede our progress." Daniel explained. "We become so distracted by the wilted flowers we don't realize that they're irrelevant. Which leads me to my second hypothesis: These hallways aren't paths to the goal. Their roots leading away from it."
"One problem though," Maxine noted. "We get sent back if we make a wrong choice right?"
"I'm pretty sure that's the point." Daniel continued with his theory. "The problem isn't if we get sent back, but when we do."
"Okay, I kind of get it. So long as we reach the final room, it won't matter if we get sent back to the start."
"Exactly. After the first two rooms, we have two data and one virus. The virus type infects the other teams when it's suspended, while the data don't possess secondary effects. I'm guessing we all have to make it to the final rooms and then get back to the starting point. Basically like a relay race."
"So, then Ajatarmon's a Vaccine…would that mean it has the opposite effect?"
"One way to find out," Danny said. "Ready Terry?"
"Gotcha." Terrence reached for his door.
"Three…" Danny twisted the switch.
"Two…" Maxine turned hers.
The flowers regained a hint of color, indicating the virus' effects wearing off. Terrence looked at his door and twisted. "One!"
His door unlocked and from there he sprinted forward through the long hallway. In his peripherals he could see other teams sprinting as well, indicating they also cracked the code that his team had figured out. But that's not the only thing he saw…
Before he turned back, the clouds in the sky shifted, and between the white masses was what looked to be a green…tower?
Eyes lighting up, he smashed the switch on the wall, allowing Daniel and Maxine to run themselves and as such, the three found themselves together in the final room, worn and out of breath.
"God, even in VR I'm out of shape…" Maxine groaned.
"You're fine the way you are…" Daniel replied.
"Thanks…I guess."
"I—I didn't mean…" Daniel fumbled, realizing his phrasing.
"I get what you mean, don't worry…" Maxine took a deep breath. "Let's figure out what we have to do and get back."
"Wait, before that, I have to tell you guys what I just saw!" Terrence stepped in front of them.
"What is it? We're short on time." Daniel pointed out.
"Seriously! When I was running, the clouds moved, and I saw a tower!"
Maxine blinked. "A tower?"
"'You'll know you're on the correct path when the flowers around you are blooming, as you can see before you here…'" Daniel quoted. "That's not a tower…but a stem!" Daniel realized. "BloomLordmon's castle is above the starting grounds!"
"So, you were right about the starting point being a goal!" Maxine jumped.
Daniel blushed and smiled, "Guess so. Never had to work my brain as hard as now."
"Well bud, we need your noggin to get us through." Terrence pulled him over to the final three doors. Unlike the other challenges, this one had the following Level 6 Digimon: BloomLordmon, Ceresmon and Hydramon.
"A Vaccine, Data and Virus Digimon." Maxine deduced.
"Three final forms, the final stage of one's growth, I guess." Daniel added.
"So…which one do we go for then?" Terrence questioned. "My gut says BloomLordmon because it's his trial."
"That'd be too easy." Maxine countered. "Ceresmon maybe? Most of the doors we've gone through were data, plus with Hydramon being a virus, which would impede everyone else at this stage, right?"
Daniel pondered. "I don't wanna believe it's that simple."
Terrence crossed his arms. "We could just blow it—"
"Shut up." Maxine snapped.
"Actually…" Daniel thought. "Let's."
"Huh?"
"Really?!"
"The pheromones in the plants getting to you or something?" Maxine raised a brow.
"Trust me," he said, summoning Jellymon. Terry!"
Terrence grinned and summoned Gammamon. "Let's go bud!"
Gammamon agreed. "Alright!"
Terrence raised his D-Streamer, and it flashed red, pouring binary from it which wrapped around Gammamon, digivolving it into BetelGammamon.
"Danny, what are you thinking?!" Maxine exclaimed. "Stop it right now!"
"Straight up into the sky!" Daniel exclaimed.
"DANNY!"
"Sol Shot!" BetelGammamon ignited its claws and fired up towards the glass ceiling above them, shattering the digital glass and having it rain down on them. As if by clockwork, the ground beneath them erupted with vines and a loud roar ripped through the chambers, setting everyone on high alert.
"What did you two idiots do?!" Maxine screamed at them. Suddenly vines wrapped around her waist, causing her to scream louder. "Angoramon help!"
Her Digimon materialized and immediately went to work to undo the vines.
"Dude!" Terrence yelped, also being yanked from the ground.
"Trust me!" Daniel insisted, also being yanked.
All of a sudden, a pair of Arbomon appeared, the wooden warriors dropping from the open hole to confront the rulebreakers.
"Look at that, our escorts have arrived." Daniel smirked.
"Stop making light of this!" Maxine barked.
"In light of breaking the rules of this trial, Team Trinity are hereby—!"
"Suspended." Daniel finished their sentence, just as three clicks echoed.
The pair of Arbomon turned around, the trio of Digimon suspending each of the doors.
"What…?" Maxine questioned.
"The only way to go is up, right?" Daniel asked. "So then why not take a shortcut?"
"That's…that's not how this…"
"Growth isn't always about moving forward…" Florentino's voice echoed. "Sometimes, being still, and understanding your surroundings can provide the answers you seek."
The vines relaxed and the Arbomon backed off the trio. Florentino materialized in the room with them with a smile on his face.
"You saw through the trap didn't you?" Florentino asked.
Daniel nodded. "The vines in the room weren't there for show. They're veins, coursing with toxic viruses connected to whatever's behind that door back there, right?"
"The same toxins you all would use to impede one another." Florentino confirmed. "I noticed you caught on early to the roses in the starting point. However, if you played properly, then you would've noticed this…"
Florentino stepped aside and what was suddenly present was a watering can. "Suspending all three doors reveals the final key to my trial. This can, when taken to the main lobby would've opened the true path to BloomLordmon's chamber. Instead, you circumvented this and drew attention to yourselves directly, by breaking the rules and summoning the guards to you.
Daniel paused in shock. Did he overthink this?
"What…does that mean then?" Maxine uttered, further emphasizing his folly.
"Well, put simply, it means…your team is disqualified."