Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“August First, Two-Thousand Thirteen… It was the coldest recorded summer day in history. But… It was also the day that kick started our biggest adventure… ”

Mt. Mikami, Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan…

In this mountainous region of Japan, many children from Odaiba Junior High School were gathered together to camp out, and enjoy a wide variety of activities provided by their respective camp counselors. 

One student however, found himself resting on a tree branch high above many of his peers. He didn’t even bat an eye at anyone who passed by, and acted like there was nothing in front of him except the sky. The boy had fair colored skin, brunette colored hair in a slightly disheveled manner, and hazel colored eyes. He sported a pair of black laced sneakers, a pair of blue denim jeans, a matching zipped up hoodie, and a pair of red goggles attached by a black elastic strap.

He also had a backpack hanging off of the same tree branch colored in gray.

Name: Simon Ackerman

Age: 13

Grade: Second Year

Birthdate: July 12th, 2000

However, what woke him from his nap was the strange feeling of something cold touching his face. He then felt the air get slightly colder.

“ I should probably find somewhere else to hide. ” He thought to himself as he jumped from his vantage point down the branches and to safety.

Meanwhile, another student sporting an orange vest over a black t-shirt, brown pants, and a pair of yellow and gray sneakers felt the same thing. He had short blue hair, gray eyes and tanned skin, and a pair of white wristbands. On his back was a brown backpack. He felt a similar snowflake touch his hand.

Name: Jianliang Li

Age: 13

Grade Second Year

Birthdate: July 22nd, 2000

The little girl next to him had a wide-eyed look on her face as she went to touch the snowflake near her. Her skin was a lighter shade than the boy, her hair was colored dark purple with two pigtails, and her eyes matched her hair color. She wore a pink cheongsam-style vest with yellow trimmings, purple shorts and yellow slip-on sneakers. Her backpack matched her shoes. 

Name: Xiaochun Li

Age: 11

Grade: First Year

Birthdate: August 5th, 2001

“Um… Xiaochun? We should get going.” Jian said, taking hold of her hand.

“Aw… I wanted to build a snowman.” Xiao complained.

“ Okay, I know for a fact that’s absurd. It's summer, not winter. ” Jian thought to himself.

Elsewhere, a fierce looking girl with fiery red hair tied in a spiked-up ponytail. Her purple eyes wandered around the woods. She had fair colored skin, and wore a white t-shirt with a blue broken heart on the chest area and turquoise colored sleeves, short button-fly blue jeans, belt buckles around her waist and left leg, and red sneakers with steel toes. She also carried a turquoise backpack that looked quite stuffed.

Name: Ruki Makino

Age: 13

Grade: Second Year

Birthdate: July 21st, 2000

“ Great… As if Mom’s nagging about keeping myself safe from bugs in summer camp wasn’t bad enough. Now it’s snowing. ” Makino thought to herself as she walked towards the nearest shelter away from the campsite.

At another part of the mountain, a girl with pale blue/blonde hair and peach colored skin wandered about as though she were in search of something. Her blue eyes were still in awe at the landscape she never got to see before. She sported a dark pink hoodie, with a lighter pink t-shirt and light blue colored pants. Her sneakers were just as pink as the top portion of her outfit. The bag she carried on her shoulder was green.

Name: Nia Esthein

Age: 13

Grade: Second Year

Birthdate: July 30th, 2000

She then squinted her eyes and saw what appeared to be Simon headed up the hill. Though she would’ve called out to him, she too felt a snowflake touch her skin.

“ I didn’t know it was winter already… Guess it was a good thing I wore this today. ” Nia mused to herself as she followed the boy up the hill.

In yet another locale on the mountain, a tan skinned boy with burgundy colored hair and dark brown eyes kicked around a soccer ball. Though, his expression appeared to be a bit of a distant one. As though what he was messing around with was only there to keep his mind elsewhere.

He sported a dark blue bomber jacket with red and yellow flame patterns on it, dark olive green shorts, and orange and white boots. He also had a pair of goggles that were square shaped. His dark-blue backpack was lying against a tree.

Name: Daisuke Motomiya

Age: 13

Grade: Second Year

Birthdate: July 15th, 2000

The moment he felt a snowflake on his face, it broke his streak, causing the soccer ball to land with a thud on the ground. He went to grab the soccer ball, while checking the weather on his phone.

“ Snow wasn’t in the weather forecast, so what gives? ” He asked himself as he saw more snowflakes falling from the sky. 

“ Better find a place in case it gets worse… ” He added, rushing up the incline with his backpack slung over his shoulder.

Near the Hokora at the top of the hill, a blonde haired, blue eyed fair skinned boy. He sported a white bucket hat, a high collared yellow and teal long sleeved shirt, teal shorts and green boots with white soles. He looked noticeably depressed and a tad scared of this prospect. He felt very alone, and in need of some companionship. He carried a pale-blue backpack that looked to be a tad stuffed.

Name: Takeru Takaishi

Age: 12

Grade: First Year

Birthdate: June 8th, 2001

He sighed before he moved inside of the shrine and curled up in a corner. The boy pulled out his phone and looked quite sadly at the picture of himself with what appeared to be his older brother.

“ Yamato… Wish you were here, big brother. ” Takeru mused to himself.

Suddenly the door slid open and he saw quite a few unusual people inside the shrine. The first person who entered turned around and noticed the other hypothetical occupants of this shrine.

“I guess we all had the same idea.” Simon said, going to take a seat in a separate area of the shrine. 

Everybody else had gone to take a seat in the shrine as the sounds of howling wind and an immense cold overtook the campsite outside. Takeru looked over on the other side of where he sat and felt a bit more depressed at the sight of two siblings together. 

Their silence as the storm raged on outside grew more and more apparent as they awaited for it to pass. They were all hoping that the building would hold long enough. 

All of a sudden, the wind appeared to stop. The first person to approach the door was Nia who slid the doors open and saw that the landscape was now covered in snow, but the sky remained slightly cloudy.

“Well, looks like it’s a winter camp this year!” Nia cheerfully exclaimed.

Everyone then followed her and exited from the shrine to take a look at the area in question. Some were in awe, while others were very confused. 

“Look, Jian! What are those bright lights?” Xiaochun asked, pointing to the sky.

The group looked up at where the youngest was pointing, and they witnessed what appeared to be an aurora in the sky.

“I think that’s the Aurora Borealis…” He answered, still quite confused by the phenomenon happening around them.

Though, as everyone was amazed by the sight, the only two who weren’t impressed were the fiery redhead, and Simon. The former looked very unimpressed by the Northern Lights, while Simon had an inquisitive expression on his face.

“ First a sudden snowstorm out of nowhere, then an aurora appears right in front of us… Something’s going on here… ” He voiced in his head.

All of a sudden, seven bright lights shot straight out of the Aurora and the kids immediately avoided getting hit by moving away… But then, the lights rose out of the ground slowly until they were at eye level with each of the children. The first to reach out and grab the light was Simon, who upon opening up his hand found a small blue device with three buttons and strange glyphs written in a circle around the screen.

Everyone else then reached out for the lights as well, and found the exact same thing that Simon did.

“These look quite old fashioned compared to a lot of technology these days.” Simon commented.

“Really? That’s the first thing that comes to your mind?” Jian questioned.

“Hey, I’m just saying. Big snowstorm, the northern lights, and then these devices. I don’t think nature is done messing with us.” Simon responded.

“I think they’re cute.” Nia added.

“Um… Guys?” Daisuke said, getting everybody’s attention as he pointed in front of him. “Remember when you said that nature wasn’t done with us?” He further asked.

The group then looked in front of them, and suddenly, a gigantic wall of water appeared in front of the group. The wave then parted in front of everyone and a force from within the water sucked all of them inside the opening. They screamed as they tumbled into this strange phenomenon and into the unknown…

Unknown location…

“Ugh… My head…” Simon groaned as he regained consciousness. 

When he awoke, the boy sat up from his position and took in his surroundings… Trees and plants as far as the eye can see. It looked to be a tropical sort of jungle, like those found on deserted islands. He scratched his head in confusion at the landscape.

“Geez… I guess that tumble really did a number on me, huh?” Simon said to himself, while he rose to his feet.

“Oh! You’re awake! That’s great!” A voice exclaimed.

“Uh… Who said that?” Simon demanded, looking around for the source. “Hello! If anyone can hear me, speak up!” He further shouted.

“Down here.” The voice answered.

Simon then looked down and saw what appeared to be a small four-legged dragon-like creature. It had black markings under its yellow eyes, bat-like ears, and a black ring marking on its tail. 

“So… This is what my brother meant when he told me to be careful of what I ate in the wild.” Simon commented.

“What do you mean?” The creature asked.

“Obviously, you and this whole forest are part of some kind of hallucination from something I ate earlier today. It’s gonna turn out that I’ll be walking around in circles like a complete dope, and everybody’s gonna laugh about it at my expense.” Simon explained, though the creature was only more confused.

“I’ve been real. Me and some others were waiting here for you.” The creature said.

“Before you go on any further, I need to test something real quick…” The boy responded, before pinching his arm. After he winced in pain, and saw that everything was still as it was… He sighed.

“Now do you believe me?” The creature asked.

“Unfortunately, I’m now very much inclined to believe you, small dragon thing.” Simon answered.

“My name’s Gigimon. What’s yours?” The creature known as Gigimon introduced himself.

“Simon.” The boy responded.

“Si-Mon?” Gigimon asked.

“No. It’s Simon. There’s no hyphen between the ‘I’ and the ‘M’.” Simon answered.

“...I didn’t know Humans had Digimon names.” Gigimon commented.

The boy sighed again, slumping against a tree. He then went through his backpack and found a nutrigrain bar. Gigimon watched as he unwrapped the contents with a very excited expression.

“You sure you want this? It’s not exactly something all kids enjoy eating.” Simon asked, but the bar was snatched out of his hand and Gigimon began to tear into it like it was nothing.

“Mmm… Yummy…” Gigimon said, satisfied with the bar.

“You ate not just the bar… But also the wrapper. Are you okay?” The brunette asked, worried about the creature.

“Do you have more?” Gigimon asked, not even deterred by Simon’s question.

Before Simon could answer, both heard some rustling in the trees. He quickly turned behind him, narrowing his eyes at the foliage. Just then a loud roar sounded from the area and out came a large red saw stag beetle with four arms and legs. Its teeth were ferocious as it bore down on the two.

“That’s a whole lotta nope!” Simon exclaimed, scooping Gigimon in his arms as he ran from the beast. 

The beast then gave chase to the duo as Simon continued to beat a hasty retreat. Just before it could grab onto Simon with its massive mandibles, the boy quickly dove to the ground, narrowly avoiding the strike as it flew back up. He then rolled into the bushes near the trees for some cover in the hopes that it won’t come back down.

He breathed a sigh of relief as the eyeless insect flew off in search of its prey. As he exited the bush, he watched the insect continue its path until it was well outside of hypothetical earshot.

“Geez. That thing was relentless. What the hell was that, Gigimon?” Simon asked.

“Oh. That’s a Kuwagamon. They’re big virus type Digimon who prey on weak Digimon like me.” Gigimon answered.

“You’re talking as if this is a regular thing around here.” Simon said.

“Of course it is. It’s survival of the fittest in this place.” Gigimon replied, albeit soberly.

Simon took notice of the otherwise cheerful Digimon’s downcast expression. He couldn’t help but feel a familiar sense of despair and acceptance in this creature. It reminded him of another time when he saw this look… But in someone else. 

As Simon remembered this time, he heard a loud thud in the distance. He turned toward the direction of the noise and found what appeared to be a large samurai warrior sporting red worn out armor. The warrior had many gaping wounds, and what appeared to be a blue substance leaking out. 

In his hand was a shining blue sword, though his other arm was notably missing, clearly cut off. Simon cautiously approached the warrior and knelt before him. He took notice of the pained expression on his face.

“Hey, are you okay?” Simon asked the warrior.

“That’s Musyamon, Simon. He’s a well-known warrior.” Gigimon introduced.

He groaned, gazing upon the young boy over him, but what took him by surprise was the pair of goggles on his head.

“Human child… Where did you get those?” Musyamon asked, pointing to his eyewear.

“My goggles?” Simon responded, with Musyamon giving a nod.

He hesitated for a moment, as though the mere question of his goggles were trudging up something unpleasant.

“ Big brother… Where’s dad? And… What are those…? ” 

His mind flashed back to an earlier time, he saw in an older man’s hand were a pair of goggles left behind.

“...They were the last thing my dad left for me. It was a birthday gift.” Simon answered, touching the lens of his eyewear. 

“I see… And what is your name, young one?” Musyamon inquired, straining his right arm.

“It’s… Simon… Simon Ackerman…” He replied, unsure of why he’d ask until…

The bright blue sword was run right through the boy’s torso. In shock, Simon barely registered that he’d been stabbed by the creature who looked to ask for help. Gigimon snarled at the warrior, his pupils transformed into thin slits.

“Worry not, little Digimon… I did not kill your human. I was given one final duty… Before I passed on… To locate… The… Ackerman…” Musyamon spoke with shaky breaths as he felt himself fading away.

Little by little, small chunks of data from this creature flowed into the sword embedded in Simon’s chest. The sword gave off a very bright glow as this occurred. Musyamon smiled as he felt his duty was done. Even the sword itself dissolved into the boy as though mending the large wound that was inflicted onto him.

Simon fell to his knees, still gasping in shock. His backpack also appeared to be undamaged despite the large sword that was run through it. Though, just before Simon could process what had transpired, the trees behind them were torn asunder, and Kuwagamon’s loud roar sounded through the area. Gigimon had instinctively hid underneath the boy, just as the large insect charged them. 

All had seemed lost for these two…

But then…

A powerful slash, far faster than most can track sliced right through one of Kuwagamon’s pincers like a hot knife through butter. Gigimon stopped trembling as the pincer fell to the ground, dissipating into data. The boy he cowered behind stood up, and in his right hand was a massive Katana with a bronze tsuba that had gently curved edges around it, as well as stylized flame patterns on the long portions of it.

A green wrapping was around the handle, with two light blue tassels attached to the handle’s base. Though, just as he leaned the blade against his shoulder, a white shitagi, black kosode, and black hakama appeared over his normal clothes, with his hood sticking out of the back, and his shoes were replaced with a pair of tabi and waraji over them. Attached to Simon’s hip was his Digivice on the belt.

“So… It’s survival of the fittest, right?” Simon asked aloud, as Kuwagamon cried out in pain.

Gigimon was now in awe at the sight before him. Simon had instilled a sense of hope and confidence that he never knew prior to meeting him.

“Well then, let’s see which one of us is the fittest!” He cried out, gripping his sword in both hands.

Kuwagamon attempted to charge him, but Simon was already mid-swing by the time he started moving. The blade cleaved right through Kuwagamon, splitting him in two. His data scattered, but was then absorbed into the blade that Simon held. 

Just as the boy wondered where to sheathe his blade, it then returned into the Digivice, much to his relief. He approached Gigimon, whose face looked to be beaming at the mere sight of him.

“You alright, little buddy?” Simon asked, kneeling down in front of him.

“Amazing…” Gigimon uttered in sheer admiration.

“I mean… I wouldn’t really call that amazing. I’d just say that was…” Simon said, but found himself unable to explain what had transpired himself.

“You gotta meet my friends! You gotta!” Gigimon exclaimed, hopping around Simon, but then headed off at a fast pace.

“Slow down, will ya!” Simon called out, but then he broke into a run, following the little creature.

As he ran, he looked inside of the new robes on his person, and was relieved to see that the clothes he wore to the summer camp were still on him. Though as he followed Gigimon through the thick forest, a question had popped into his head.

“Hey! Gigimon! How do you know where you’re going?!” Simon demanded.

“I can smell them! They’re close by!” Gigimon excitedly answered.

“ One minute this little guy was going about like it was the end of him… Next thing you know, he’s suddenly a ball of positivity. ” Simon thought to himself.

He was confused the minute Gigimon stopped in front of a large tree in the middle of the forest. He inhaled the smell that was in the area.

“Um… Gigimon? Why’d you stop?” Simon asked.

“My friends are here.” Gigimon replied, turning towards the boy.

Simon looked around, but only found the foliage that he was used to at this point. Thankfully he didn’t spot any insects, small or large.

“Where? I don’t see anyone.” Simon further asked.

“In here.” Gigimon answered, gesturing to the tree.

“...In the tree?” Simon questioned, approaching it.

“Look inside!” Gigimon shouted, jumping with glee.

“There isn’t a hole for me to peer into, so how am I supposed to-” Simon said, but found that his head phased right through the tree. He looked down and saw both Daisuke and Jianliang, but they had two Digimon of their own.

“For the record, I’m just as confused as you two are.” Simon said.

“Hey, at least you’re not trying to eat us.” Daisuke replied, scratching the back of his head.

Simon looked down at the two Digimon with them. One was a small green blob whose primary feature was its head resting above its slug-like foot and has a single horn. The other Digimon appeared to have a whole body unlike the other two that Simon met. It was primarily blue and white, though it had two ear-like appendages, big red eyes, a large tail, and two small little hands.

“Have you seen any of the others?” Jian asked, getting up to a standing position.

“Sadly, I’m just as lost as you or anybody else in this messed up world.” Simon replied with notable disappointment in his voice.

“Well, we might as well go and find the others!” Daisuke exclaimed. 

“There you are, Gigimon! You ungrateful schmuck!” A rude sounding voice made itself known to the group.

The three boys and their mons exited the tree, with Gigimon looking apologetic at another Digimon that looked to be a head with two purple horns curved downward. Its white face sneered at Gigimon with big beady green eyes. 

What threw the group off the most was the fact that despite this Digimon’s demeanor, he was in the hands of Nia, who, with her cheerful smile waved to the three of them.

“We’ve been looking all over for you!” Nia shouted, as the purple imp head jumped out of her arms and started yelling at Gigimon, though to the group in question, it was unintelligible. 

“Simon… It’s been a while since we last met.” Nia said, looking into Simon’s eyes with her big blue ones. 

“Weren’t we both in the shrine earlier today? And out in the snow?” Simon asked, though Nia shook her head.

“No, silly. I’m talking about before summer camp.” Nia replied, though Simon gave a deep sigh.

“Worst part is… I kinda wish you forgot about that…” He said, turning away from her. “...And me for that matter.” He quietly muttered. 

The other Digimon, having heard that despite how low it came out, stopped their argument and looked over at the brunette. Daisuke was especially confused by that response, and he noticed that Nia was somewhat saddened by what he said. 

“Jiiiiiiiaaaaaaaannnnnnn!” A voice cried out in the forest.

Jianliang turned to the source of the voice, and out came Xiaochun, with what appeared to be a brown version of the Digimon Jian had, only it had three horns instead of two. 

“Hey, Chocomon. Where were you?” The blob in Jian’s hands asked as it jumped down to greet its brown counterpart.

Meanwhile, Xiaochun crashed into Jian crying into him. The older sibling held her, relieved that he was able to find her.

“Jian! It’s so scary! There were these huge bug Digimon! And Chocomon tried to save me! And we got lost and… And…” Xiaochun cried out as she let her tears spill out.

“You know… It kind of makes me think of Jun in a way… Though… I don't think she's ever been this caring for me.” Daisuke commented, as everyone watched the siblings’ exchange.

“Oh. So that’s where you’ve all been.” A voice with an attitude made itself known. 

They all turned to see that it was Ruki Makino, and along with her was Takeru. Both had Digimon of their own. One was like Gigimon, only it looked more like a fox Digimon with bright yellow and white fur. The other was one with snow white skin, four stubby legs, two ribbon-like eyebrows, and a pair of small fangs protruded from its upper lip.

“Oh. Hey, Makino.” Simon said, rolling his eyes at Ruki’s attitude.

“The fact that you of all people had to be with us really annoys me, you know that?” Ruki replied, though Takeru slowly and quietly made his way towards the group.

“I’m aware. Not like you’re a ball of sunshine either, but hey, we can’t pick who we want to get isekai’d into another world with, now can we?” Simon retorted, causing Ruki to sneer at him.

After all of the Digimon had been gathered, the group of students all looked on at the creatures that found them. 

“Okay, so… Now that we’re all together, why don’t we introduce ourselves?” Simon requested.

“I’m Gigimon!”

“I’m Gummymon!”

“Yaamon!”

“Viximon.”

“Chocomon!”

“Demiveemon!”

“Tokomon!”

“And we’re Digimon! Digital Monsters!” All of them called out.

“What? Like the toys?” Ruki asked.

“What about the card game?” Jianliang added.

Those two questions had confused this group of Digimon, but they ultimately decided to pay it no heed.

“Um… So, why did you guys seek us out?” Takeru asked.

“Because we’ve been waiting for you, Takeru!” Tokomon answered.

“Yeah, and of course, Mr. Ungratefulmon here couldn’t be bothered to WAIT until we’re all together!” Yaamon angrily shouted at Gigimon, who flinched.

“Enough! What matters is that right now we’re all here together, and we’ll try to figure this out.” Simon said, breaking up the argument.

“Easy for you to say, Gogglehead, where do we go first?” Ruki mockingly asked.

“Why are you being so mean to him?” Nia questioned, as though she were offended by Ruki’s tone.

“Guys! Now’s not the time to argue! There’s another bug chasing us!” Simon exclaimed, pointing up in the sky as a Kuwagamon roared at the sight of the group. 

The group scooped up their Digimon and ran into the forest in the hopes of losing it. However, once they exited the forest, they suddenly found they were right near the edge of a cliff. And down below was a fast-flowing river.

“Crap! Guess we gotta fight!” Simon shouted, before he reached into his Digivice and summoned his sword.

“We’ll fight for you!” Gigimon declared, sporting a brave face.

“Can’t believe I’m doin’ this… But what the hell? Why not?” Yaamon added, jumping into the fray. 

“No! Guys!” Simon called out, and the others were just as worried.

Each of the Digimon attempted to attack the large insect with a series of bubble attacks that came out of their mouths. All that seemed to do to Kuwagamon was mildly annoy it. The insect threw the Digimon back at the kids, who all gathered to help their Digimon.

“Gigimon… Why?” Simon asked.

“Gummymon, please… You shouldn’t have to do this…” Jianliang said, cradling his partner.

“Chocomon, don’t go…” Xiaochun pleaded.

“Viximon…” Ruki uttered, though Viximon could sense a hint of caring in her voice.

“Yaamon. Don’t do this…” Nia begged.

“Demiveemon, just stay put. We’ll find a way out…” Daisuke said, hoping the little creature would listen.

“Tokomon, stop this…” Takeru said out of desperation.

However, none of the Digimon appeared to listen to any of the children and once more charged the insect, as though to perform a last stand. Simon saw that Gigimon again led the charge.

“ Was this… Was this because of me…? He saw me stand up to one of these things… And now he’s leading a charge… No… I refuse… I’m not letting it end this way! ” Simon thought to himself, but before he and the others knew it, their Digivices shone brightly and a powerful light hit each of the Digimon, imbuing them with new power…

Gigimon Digivolve To… Guilmon!

Gummymon Digivolve To… Terriermon!

Viximon Digivolve To… Renamon!

Yaamon Digivolve To… Impmon!

Demiveemon Digivolve To… V-Mon!

Chocomon Digivolve To… Lopmon!

Tokomon Digivolve To… Patamon!

Together, the seven Digimon had drastically changed from small little creatures that could barely stand, to much more powerful forms. Though they were still dwarfed by the insect Digimon, they all continued their charge.

Guilmon and Renamon charged at the legs, with the former giving a shoulder tackle, while the other lit their fists and feet with blue fire and targeted the knee, which appeared to shatter on contact. 

Kuwagamon buckled under the sudden loss of its knees, before V-Mon rushed in with a powerful charge before he leapt into the air head first into the insect.

“V-Headbutt!” V-Mon called out as his head crashed into Kuwagamon’s skull, cracking the head of the insect in question. 

Though, just as it attempted to retaliate with its pincers to crush V-Mon, Patamon and Lopmon swooped in with the latter rotating with its massive ears like a propellor and the former taking in a deep, powerful breath.

“Boom Bubble!” Patamon called out as a powerful gust of air rushed right out of its mouth and hit one pincer.

“Tiny Twister!” Lopmon cried out as a whirlwind fired off from its body and impacted the other pincer.

Kuwagamon cried out in pain as both its pincers fell to the ground in front of it. But then a series of small flames appeared around it in a circle. It then noticed Impmon with a mischievous smirk with its hand on the ground.

“Terriermon, I believe you have the honors.” Impmon said, and Terriermon jumped off of Impmon’s head and did its own variation of the attack Lopmon performed.

“Terrier Tornado!” It called out as a powerful whirlwind spun around the flames that Impmon had summoned, engulfing the insect in a powerful maelstrom of fire and wind.

Its data had dissipated, and was absorbed into the group of Digimon as a whole. The kids were all stunned by the display of power and teamwork by each of the Digimon. The kids and Digimon all rushed towards each other, except for Ruki and Renamon.

“That was awesome! But what happened to Gigimon?” Simon shouted out as he hugged Guilmon.

“I’m Guilmon now! See?” Guilmon replied.

Simon got a good look at his Digimon’s new form. He appeared to be more akin to a bipedal theropod with red scales and yellow eyes. Three claws appeared on his hands and two claws on his feet with his limbs being much longer and muscular than his prior appearance. There was one claw on the back of each foot. His ears were the same as before, and there was a biohazard sign on his white belly.

Jianliang and Xiaochun noticed the changes on both Terriermon and Lopmon, who then opted to balance on their respective human’s heads. The former looked to be a bipedal canine with white fur and green stripes, though his most prominent features were his long, frayed ears and a singular horn.

The latter appeared to be similar but brown fur with pink stripes and three horns on her head. However, it was a bipedal lagomorph as opposed to a dog.

“Are you unharmed, Ruki?” Renamon asked.

Ruki was now taking the appearance of her partner, who now was a bipedal fox with white fur on the tip of her tail, underbelly, hands and legs from the knees down. She bore purple futatsudomoe symbols on her thighs and there were wing-like tufts of yellow fur on her shoulders and a mane-like tuft of white fur on her chest. The purple sleeves that covered her forearms had the yin-yang symbols on each. She also had three fingers for each hand.

“I’m… Fine.” Ruki answered, while looking away from the Digimon.

“Daisuke! Daisuke! Did you see that? Did you see that?” V-Mon shouted as it hopped for joy.

“Yeah! You were awesome, V-Mon!” Daisuke replied happily.

This Digimon looked like a much bigger version of his previous form. Though his hands looked to have fingers, and on his head was a yellow V mark. There were similar markings under his eyes as well. 

“So… You’re Tokomon?” Takeru asked his flying partner.

“I was, but now I’m Patamon.” Patamon answered.

Patamon had the appearance of a flying guinea pig with bat-like wings which double as his ears and a short, stubby tail. His underside was cream colored, while his back and head were colored orange.

“Yeah, I know I’m bad. I’m the baddest mon out there-” Impmon boasted, until he felt Nia lift him off the ground.

“And yet you’re still as adorable as when I saw you…” Nia commented.

Impmon now had a body beneath the head with longer curved horns, gloves on his three-fingered hands, with three toes on his feet, a toothy smiley face on his belly with a bandanna on his neck. He, like V-Mon, now had a tail.

“I ain’t adorable! I’m menacing!” Impmon exclaimed, though he couldn’t change Nia’s expression.

Though, just before the group could continue to bask in their moment of triumph, they all suddenly heard a crack. Simon looked in front of him and saw the area where Kuwagamon’s pincers were embedded, and the area around it began to crack even further.

“Let’s make for the forest, move!” Simon shouted.

None had voiced any objection as they followed, but then another Kuwagamon took the place of the one that was killed.

“How many of these guys are there?” Simon asked, gripping his sword, poised to fight.

As though to continue what the previous insect started, the Kuwagamon embedded its pincers into the ground and the area around the group had begun to crumble as it was being flipped over. Simon and the group started to fall into the rapids below..

To Be Continued…

Songs used in this chapter...

Wager of the Soul from Bleach Rebirth of Souls

Brave Heart by Ayumi Miyazaki

Chapter Text

As the group fell off the cliff, Simon with his quick thinking ran his sword right through a portion of the cliff, and grabbed onto the nearest hand. Nia had held onto Simon very tightly with Impmon clinging onto her. Meanwhile, she had also grabbed Takeru’s hand who also held onto Terriermon through his ears. The dog had also held Lopmon, who had Jianliang. 

All the while he had Xiaochun on one hand, and Renamon clinging onto his leg, while she had Ruki, who barely held onto Guilmon at the bottom. V-Mon and Daisuke meanwhile clung onto Simon’s leg. Patamon meanwhile had flown about, pondering what to do, and could only fret for his Tamer.

“Everybody alright?” Simon called out, though he groaned at how dumb that sounded.

“Ruki! Hold on!” Renamon shouted, but amidst her attempts to hold onto her partner, she lost her grip on Guilmon.

“No!” Ruki shouted, and Simon looked down to see that his partner had fallen into the rapids.

They clung onto the cliff for a while, until eventually the portion Simon’s blade was in started to give in. 

“Everybody hold on!” Simon exclaimed.

They then landed right into the rapids… Or so they thought. Instead, they were saved by what appeared to be a large school of fish.

“I have… Several questions.” Simon said, confused by the scenario.

Guilmon had then popped out of the water with another aquatic Digimon next to him. Simon studied Guilmon’s face, and noted what appeared to be gills underneath his chin.

“So… You can breathe underwater the whole time?” Simon asked.

“Yep. I swam all the way to find some help, and Gomamon happened to have been around.” Guilmon explained.

“He told me that you guys were in danger, and so, I came to help.” Gomamon added.

“Well, that’s a relief.” Daisuke said, glad to be safe.

Once they got to a floodplain, they disembarked from the fishes, further relieved to be away from danger. 

“Thanks, Gomamon.” Guilmon said, bowing his head.

“You’re welcome, friend.” Gomamon replied, before he headed back into the water.

Simon had then put his sword away into his digivice and pondered what their next direction should be.

“While we’re away from that third Kuwagamon, I think it’s best if we keep moving.” Simon said.

“And go where? I don’t think you’ve noticed, but those creatures are everywhere!” Ruki pointed out, which got everyone else thinking similar concerns.

“Simply put, we’ve just arrived on what I assume is some sort of island. If the environment around here is any indication…” Simon surmised, before looking to Guilmon who nodded in confirmation. “I say we scope out the place, and see if we can find a way home. If there’s any better ideas, do let me know, Makino.” Simon added, though he sneered at her with that last word.

“Well, we were camping, so I think that might be a good idea.” Takeru said.

“Yeah! Usually camping’s all about exploring and seeing where’s the best place to pitch a tent!” Daisuke added in agreement. 

“Only problem… We don’t have a tent.” Jianliang stated.

“Well, there’s always campfires.” Nia suggested.

“But no marshmallows.” Xiaochun said with disappointment.

“All right. Since we seem to be in agreement, let’s stick together and get a lay of the land.” Simon said, and everyone ended up agreeing, though Ruki was very reluctant to follow.

They followed the dirt path through the forest, hoping to avoid any more sudden encounters with the indigenous wildlife.

“So… Guilmon? Got any other surprises regarding your apparent anatomy?” Simon asked, hoping to make conversation with his partner.

“What’s anatomy?” Guilmon replied, confused by his Tamer’s question.

“Well, it’s essentially what makes up what you are. People like us have skin, muscle, bone, internal organs, etc.” Simon explained.

“Oh… I still don’t get it…” Guilmon responded, much to Simon’s dismay.

“Jian? Are we going to get home safely?” Xiaochun asked out of concern.

“Momentai, Xiaochun. We’ll be home before you know it.” Jian answered, hoping to reassure her.

“What does ‘momentai’ mean?” Terriermon inquired.

“It’s Cantonese. It means either ‘Take it easy’ or ‘Don’t worry.’” Jian explained, which intrigued both the dog and rabbit.

“If it makes you feel any better, Xiaochun, I’ll protect you.” Lopmon said, though that made her hold onto her like a stuffed animal.

“You know, Nia… It REALLY ruins my image if you keep holding me like this!” Impmon complained, but made no attempts to escape.

“I’ll let you down if you like.” Nia responded, going to put Impmon down.

“I’m only letting it slide cause you’re cute!” Impmon shouted, though tried to march forward with a pout on his face.

“So, now you’re Patamon, right?” Takeru asked his flying partner.

“Yup. Sorry I couldn’t really help out. You all seem a little too heavy for me to lift. Next time I’ll do better.” Patamon replied, feeling guilty about not putting his skills to the test.

“Eh, don’t worry about it! Besides, it all worked out in the end.” Takeru said, as Patamon landed on his head.

Renamon and Ruki didn’t seem to say a word to each other, though the former was tempted to ask any sort of question. However, the vixen Digimon merely put her thoughts aside and continued walking down the path laid before them.

Eventually, the group arrived at a beach overlooking a vast ocean. Though the strangest thing on the beach was a group of seven phone booths lined up right near the ocean. 

“Pay phones… In the middle of a beach… On a deserted island…” Simon said, growing more suspicious of the strange conveniences. 

Though, he wasn’t the only one giving a skeptical look. Both Jianliang and Ruki had also felt this was a very strange predicament. However, Daisuke and Nia both started rummaging through their own pockets to see if they had any change.

“What? We might as well give it a shot.” Daisuke said, feeling a bit of judgment from the three skeptical ones.

“I think I have a phone card somewhere…” Takeru added, also feeling around his pockets.

Simon then slumped and reached into his pockets, surprised that he was able to find something given his outfit. Everyone then approached a pay phone with their Digimon waiting outside as they all inserted some yen, or in Takeru’s case, the phone card and dialed a number.

“I swear if he’s not home, I’m gonna-” Simon said, before the call connected him to… Something.

“ With Karate I’ll kick your ass! From here to Tiananmen Square! Oh yeah-” The voice sang before Simon hung up.

“Who was that, Simon?” Guilmon asked.

“Wrong number, that’s who it was, apparently.” Simon answered.

“Come on… Pick up Dad…” Jian said hoping to get through to his father, but then the dial tone stopped.

“ It’s been one week since you looked at me-” The voice on the other end sang before Jian hung up, and slumped on the floor.

“Jian… Who was that?” Terriermon inquired.

“I honestly don’t know anymore, Terriermon.” Jianliang answered, placing his hand on his temple.

“ Slash the Life! Pawaa wo ageyou! Kaardo Surasshu!!” The voice sang on Ruki’s phone and she went and hung up on it.

“I presume that wasn’t all too useful, Ruki?” Renamon asked.

“Hardly. Though it did sound catchy.” She replied, before huffing, and looking away from both Simon and Jianliang.

“Dad… I know you’re probably furious with me for running away, but please-” Nia pleaded, much to the others’ surprise, before she received an answer.

“Your thirty-day trial has expired. Would you like to purchase win… Rawr…?” The voice asked, and Nia hung up the phone dejectedly.

“You alright?” Impmon asked his dejected Tamer.

“I’ll be fine…” She replied, though nobody was convinced of her statement.

“Come on mom… Pick up…” Takeru said, but then he ended up getting an interesting answer.

“ You think it’s strange, that there’s a way-” The voice sang, but like the others, Takeru hung up.

“Couldn’t get a hold of your mom?” Patamon asked.

“Sadly, no.” Takeru replied.

“Xiaochun… Why didn’t you call?” Jianliang asked.

“Well… You didn’t get an answer, so I figured not to bother.” Xiaochun replied.

“ You don’t need money, don’t take fame. Don’t need no credit card to ride this train-” The voice on Daisuke’s phone sang, but unlike everyone else, he and V-Mon appeared to be jamming to the tune.

“That’s the power of love!” Daisuke sang, exiting the phone booth.

There was a breeze in the distance as the group looked at Daisuke with curious expressions all around. The silence was deafening, until someone had broken it.

“Well, at least somebody enjoyed their musical number.” Simon commented, before they all moved away from the phone booths.

Daisuke sheepishly scratched the back of his head in embarrassment before he regrouped with the others. Everyone had sat down with their Digimon partners in a circle in an attempt to discuss their next move.

“Well, we can rule out the phone booths being a trap.” Simon stated.

“Why do you say that?” Takeru asked.

“Simply put, if that was a trap, we’d be dragged into the ocean by the phone wires.” Simon explained.

“Or they could’ve had explosives underneath and blown us sky high.” Daisuke added, though Xiaochun and Takeru were a little scared.

“I didn’t know you had quite a vivid imagination.” Nia said, though it seemed her smile had returned.

“Sorry, I just… I thought we were… Y’know…” Daisuke replied, starting to sound even more shy.

“Yeah… Let’s not do any escalations in front of our youngest members of the group.” Simon suggested.

“At what point were we considered a ‘group?’” Ruki questioned.

“Let’s see… We all bunched up in that little shelter during the snowstorm, we were all sucked into a vortex of water, which landed us here, the partner Digimon themselves were hoping to assemble us and we contributed to the defeat of a Kuwagamon, and oh yeah… We don’t exactly have anywhere to go aside from sticking together, now do we?” Simon ranted, and the two continued to sneer at each other.

“Guys, c’mon! Let’s be reasonable here. We’re not gonna get anywhere if we keep arguing with each other.” Jianliang interjected, placing himself between the two tamers.

Suddenly, the collective groaning of stomachs broke everyone out of their thoughts. Each of the Tamers looked to their Digimon who all held their stomachs.

“Simon? I’m hungry.” Guilmon said.

“You just ate a whole nutrigrain bar and the wrapper.” Simon pointed out.

“But I want more…” Guilmon whined.

“...Fine… I know that oaf packed more than one in here…” Simon replied as he reached into his bag to find more bars.

“Do any of you have sweets?” V-Mon inquired, which made his tamer cock an eyebrow.

“Why sweets specifically?” Daisuke asked, reaching into his bag.

“Well… I have a bit of a sweet tooth…” V-Mon admitted.

Daisuke then found a chocolate bar in his bag, while breathing a sigh of relief that it hadn’t melted. He broke it in half and gave one half to V-Mon, who hungrily devoured it.

“Here…” Ruki uttered, handing Renamon a nutri-grain bar, who took time to carefully unwrap it before she consumed it.

“Thank you, Ruki.” Renamon said, showing appreciation to her Tamer.

“Here you go, Patamon.” Takeru said, handing Patamon a bar from his bag. Patamon then went to eat the whole thing, wrapper and all.

“Uh… Simon, does Guilmon do-” Takeru was about to ask, before he saw Guilmon with at least four in his hands, having devoured them all.

“Yes.” Simon replied, bluntly.

“How many are in there?” Takeru asked.

“That oaf who helped pack my things told me there was enough. I never really bothered to check how many.” Simon answered.

“Impmon, are you hungry?” Nia asked, attempting to hand him a chocolate bar.

“As if!” Impmon exclaimed, unconvincingly. 

His stomach growled in protest, and Impmon gave in to the temptation and ate the bar. As each of the Digimon were fed, Simon noticed that despite how well packed they were, rations were short.

“Okay, so from here on, we’re probably gonna need to find another way to acquire more food for us, and our partners, cause at this rate, a few days worth of sweets and health bars aren’t gonna cut it.” Simon said.

“I could always go find fish in the water to cook.” Guilmon suggested.

“Really now?” Simon asked.

“Yup!” Guilmon replied enthusiastically.

Though, before he could act on that suggestion, Simon noticed that his once cheerful and wide eyes turned into slits and he started to give off a very animalistic growl.

“Uh… You alright, Guilmon?” Simon asked as Guilmon turned around.

“Methinks there might be somethin’ here.” Impmon said.

True to his word, a large waterspout appeared in front of the group from in the sand, destroying the phone booths as it went across. Everyone immediately backed away as the booths fell to the ground.

“Everyone alright?” Simon asked, while he pulled his sword out of his Digivice.

Meanwhile, Guilmon stood by his tamer’s side and a drill sound made itself known to the group. Out came a turtle-like mollusk creature. It was pink with blue spots and a gray turban shell. On its head were green anemone tendrils, and sucker-like fingertips on its hands. Its blue eyes gazed at the Tamers as its mouth with interlocking lips opened up and let out a guttural roar.

“What’s that thing?!” Jianliang exclaimed, as Terriermon clung onto his vest for dear life.

“That’s Shellmon. We appear to be encroaching onto its territory.” Renamon explained as she stood in front of her Tamer.

“Well, guess we continue our ‘Survival of the Fittest’ then. Right, Guilmon?” Simon declared, with Guilmon giving an earnest nod.

The Digimon all charged, being led by Simon and Guilmon. Terriermon puffed his ears up and V-Mon immediately clung onto his feet ready for an airborne attack.

“Fox Leaf Arrowhead!” Renamon called out as she jumped up and glowing arrow shards fired from around her at Shellmon, who barely registered the attack.

“Pyro Sphere!” Guilmon cried out as a fireball launched from his mouth and into Shellmon’s which caused it to cringe in pain. 

“Alright, V-Mon, crack his shell!” Terriermon shouted as V-Mon released his grip.

“V-Headbutt!” V-Mon shouted, but he was tossed aside by the tendril.

“V-Mon!” Daisuke shouted, rushing to V-Mon’s aid.

Unfortunately, Terriermon was also on the receiving end of a powerful slap from Shellmon that landed him directly in front of Jianliang and Xiaochun.

“Terriermon!” Jian exclaimed, rushing to his partner.

“Momentai…” Terriermon uttered, clearly delirious from the pain.

“Alright, if fire’s the way to do it, then how about a little of this!?” Impmon declared, as he summoned up more flames to attack Shellmon, along with Lopmon, who attempted to do the same combo that deleted Kuwagamon.

Unfortunately, they found that Shellmon hid itself in its shell, avoiding any damage.

“Ah, crap. This isn’t gonna end well.” Impmon muttered, just before he and Lopmon were tossed aside.

Patamon also tried to help with a powerful shot, but he was tossed aside before the attack could even come out.

Meanwhile, Renamon and Simon attempted to go in for an up close and personal attack, as the latter reared his sword back ready to strike… Only for a pair of green tendrils to wrap themselves around both.

“I don’t think I’m gonna like where this is going!” Simon shouted.

Renamon struggled to get out of the tendril’s tight grasp, only to find it almost impossible to do so. Meanwhile, Shellmon wasn’t allowing Simon to get a single slash in.

Guilmon turned to look at the others, all with their partners, all wounded. He then looked back at his tamer and Renamon, who were struggling to break free. At first, he felt the same level of defeat as when he and Simon first met. Despair had started to take hold. That is…

“ Are you really about to let this happen? ” A voice that sounded like his own echoed in his mind.

“ Huh? Who are you? ” Guilmon asked the voice.

“ I’m no one of consequence for now… But, are you about to let your tamer and one of your friends die? ” The voice replied, repeating the question.

Guilmon then continued to eye his tamer, seeing him still struggle despite the futility of it all, as well as Renamon doing the same.

“ No… I won’t… NEVER! ” Guilmon shouted in his mind.

Suddenly, a wild, powerful pressure started to weigh on the group. Shellmon was confused, and unsure as to what was happening. Renamon looked around where the source of this could possibly be. The only one who seemed to know was Simon.

He looked and saw his partner exuding a powerful red aura around him. At the same time, his digivice shone a bright red, and changed shape. It grew larger and the screen had a red circle around it. It clung onto Simon with a new strap that was built onto it.

“Guilmon…” Simon uttered, awed by the sight in front of him.

“ As time goes on, your power will grow, and you will be able to protect no matter who comes your way. Remember this feeling, never let doubt cloud your judgement again. ” The voice continued.

“ I will… Protect… My friends… And… MY TAMER! ” Guilmon loudly exclaimed in his head, before letting out a powerful roar.

The shockwave from this roar caused the tendrils on Simon and Renamon to loosen and they were able to land safely. However…

Digivolution …_

Guilmon Digivolve to…

Simon’s Digivice formed a field around Guilmon whose skin started to peel away inside revealing the code and data. Though it was a very painful process, Guilmon grit his teeth and bore it as new skin formed around him, making him bigger and more powerful. 

His appearance was now that of a grown-up version of himself with white hair growing behind his head. Two horns now adorned his head as well, and black stripes were added to thighs, tail, arms and neck. Both of his arms now had spikes on the forearms, and now even his shoulders bore the biohazard symbol.

Growlmon!

The brunette looked on in further amazement as his partner now easily towered over everyone. Growlmon proceeded to get into a power struggle with Shellmon, who found it difficult to hold back Growlmon.

“Leave. My friends. ALONE!” Growlmon shouted with a snarl. 

Though, when Shellmon tried to fire a spout of water at Growlmon, he easily dodged and retorted with a powerful wave of fire from his mouth, turning the water into steam. After Shellmon exhausted its water, Growlmon grabbed its arms and swung it around before tossing it into the air. He then took a deep breath…

“Pyro Blaster!” He cried out, firing a powerful ball of fire into Shellmon’s shell, sending it further into the air before it landed in the ocean.

Growlmon roared in triumph over his opponent, though as he did this, a light shone over his form and he then started to shrink and eventually return back to Guilmon.

“Guilmon!” Simon shouted, rushing to his partner, who started to feel woozy.

“Is it sleepy bye nappy time, Simon?” Guilmon asked, before he fell to the ground.

Both he and Renamon approached him and heard loud snores from him as he rested.

“Guess that’s what happens when you guys Digivolve, huh?” Simon asked.

“I would presume that his form would’ve maintained itself upon transformation, but I guess he overexerted himself.” Renamon surmised.

“You guys okay!?” Simon shouted to the others.

“Yeah! We’re fine. Just winded, that’s all!” Jian answered.

“Welp. Time to get our big fella here to the others.” Simon said, while he put his sword back into his Digivice. 

He strained as he hoisted Guilmon on his back, carrying him by his legs. Ruki looked to be relieved to see Renamon was alright, but at the same time, she huffed at the sight of Simon.

“Look, we won, alright, Makino? So how about we save the attitude for later?” Simon suggested as he laid Guilmon near a portion of the incline.

“Okay, so while Guilmon rests, what’s our next step?” Simon asked.

“Well, logically speaking, if there’s phone booths out here in the Digital World, that should mean there are people or some form of civilization around here.” Jian answered.

“What if that ‘civilization’ turns out to be an ancient one full of weird curses?” Daisuke asked, which made Xiaochun a little frightened.

“I think we should save our overactive imaginations for something a little more… Productive.” Simon replied, hoping to alleviate Xiaochun’s worries.

“I’m with Jian. If there’s pay phones, there’s people, right?” Takeru surmised.

“Well, Impmon?” Nia asked her partner.

“Don’t know why you’re askin’ me. Frankly, you shouldn’t trust me, or anybody of my species.” Impmon answered, which confused Nia.

“Well, Makino? What do you think?” Simon asked Ruki.

“It’s a dumb idea on Brainiac’s part, but I guess it’s better than no ideas at all.” Ruki answered with a huff.

“Alrighty. Then it’s decided. We go and look for people… As soon as Guilmon wakes up, that is…” Simon declared.

After Guilmon awoke from his nap, he noticed Simon reaching out for him, and he lent him his hand to help him up. The two, followed by the other six children and their partners followed behind Simon as they began their trek away from the beach. 

To Be Continued…

Music used…

Karate by Tenacious D

One Week by Barenaked Ladies

Slash!! By Oota Michihiko

All My Best Friends Are Metalheads by Less Than Jake

The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and The News

Awakening by Shoji Meguro 

Will Power by Shoji Meguro

Chapter Text

Our heroes continued their trek atop the incline as the waves crashed into the rocky shore down below. Simon seated himself near the edge of the incline, looking off into the horizon. Many thoughts had plagued his mind, while the others were simply right behind him.

“Are you okay, Simon?” Guilmon asked, waving his hand in his tamer’s face.

“I’m fine. It’s just… I know everybody else could feel your power… But, I don’t think anyone was able to see it… Except me.” Simon answered.

“So what? Do you think that makes you special or something?” Ruki questioned with a sneer.

“Makino, it’s simply an observation. What did you see when Guilmon was exerting all that pressure?” Simon inquired, turning to face the fiery redhead.

“Hmph!” She grunted, turning away from him.

“Well, we didn’t really see anything, Simon. We just felt this massive weight on us. What did you see?” Daisuke answered.

“I saw this red aura, and it was connected to my digivice… Which appears to have changed.” Simon responded, while holding up his new digivice.

He pressed the two buttons on the device to see if they did anything, and he eventually pulled up a display that had a render of his partner on full display. It had his partner’s name, level, type, and attacks listed.

“Cool…” Daisuke said, complimenting the new digivice.

“Makes you wonder if that’s something we’ll all end up getting after digivolving.” Jianliang added.

Simon then got a scan of each of the other partner Digimon around him, but then an unusual scan came up. It looked like a dinosaur with black armor covering its face, which extended into bony frills with red stripes. The grayish build was armored on the back, which reached up to its tail and it also had white bone armor on its stomach. There was also a single black horn on its nose.

“Where’d this come from?” Simon asked.

“Uh… Mr. Fearless leader, I think that’s your answer.” Impmon answered, pointing towards the Digimon in question.

“Monochromon, Data Type, Champion Level.” Simon listed off.

“Momentai, guys. Monochromon are normally very docile.” Terriermon said, hoping to reassure them.

“Uh… Terriermon, I don’t think that’s a docile look.” Jianliang quickly pointed out.

Xiaochun tugged on Jian’s vest, and pointed towards another Monochromon behind the group.

“Everyone, into the woods!” Simon exclaimed.

They all ran towards the woods, though Takeru tripped briefly, causing Simon to skid to a halt and rush to his aid.

“I got you! Go!” Simon shouted, hoisting Takeru up and pushing him towards the group.

He dove towards the rocks and maneuvered over them. Meanwhile, the two Monochromon in question charged at one another, their horns caught in a power struggle.

“Guessin’ we just walked right into a territory dispute.” Simon commented.

“I’ve only ever seen these kinds of things on TV. Never in real life.” Nia added.

“I’m sure the local zoo would kill to have something like these guys on display.” Daisuke chimed in.

“Not that any zoo could hold them…” Ruki commented.

“Yeah, for once we’re in agreement there, Makino.” Simon said.

Though, as they watched the spectacle go down, the Monochromon fell off the cliff and into the water below…

Later, in the forest…

It was nearing sunset, and the children and their partners were beginning to feel signs of fatigue from all the walking they’ve done. Though, Xiaochun was feeling it the worst among the whole group. 

“Jian… My calves hurt…” Xiaochun complained.

Her older brother cautiously approached her as she leaned against a tree, hoping to set her down and try to help ease the pain. This didn’t go unnoticed by the unofficial group leader.

“Renamon, can you climb up and see if there’s anything nearby?” Simon requested.

“Why are you bossing around my Digimon, Simon?” Ruki questioned.

“It’s fine, Ruki. I’ll go and have a look.” Renamon spoke up, while placing her arm in front of her.

Renamon rushed ahead of the group and climbed the tallest tree in the vicinity. She narrowed her eyes and saw that beyond the forest was a lake, thankfully it wasn’t too far away. She then got down from the tree and resumed her initial position.

“There’s a lake just a bit further down. We can rest there.” Renamon said, and Simon nodded.

“Well? You heard her. We’ll camp out at the lake!” Simon exclaimed.

“You sure you can make it, Xiaochun?” Jian asked.

“I think I can…” Xiaochun answered, slowly getting up, with Lopmon offering some support.

“You should learn to momentai, Jian.” Terriermon chimed in.

“Oh, pipe down.” Jian replied.

True to Renamon’s word, the group had arrived at the lake in a short span of time. Though, what had caught the group off guard was a trolley car having come to life and made itself known to them at the center of the lake. There was even a bridge connecting the center and the lakeside.

“Well, Simon? What do you think?” Jian asked.

“I think it’s probably either a trap, or a neat little convenience out in the middle of nowhere.” Simon answered.

They opened up the doors, and noticed that no one was inside to operate the car, or turn the lights on. However, Xiaochun was quick to lay herself down on the seats.

“This feels so nice and cozy…” Xiaochun said.

“Well, as long as we don’t take up too much space, it should be fine to sleep in.” Simon added.

“So, what now?” Takeru asked.

“Well, first we fish for food around this lake, and with this new thing allotted to us, I believe we’ll all get some much needed sleep.” Simon answered.

They all seemed to nod in agreement, though, Ruki hmph’d at his statement and opted to go alone. Guilmon elected to jump right into the water to catch some fish for the group. Meanwhile, Jianliang had tied a long thread he found onto a stick that he used for a makeshift rod.

Renamon found herself atop a tree branch and found some healthy berries to contribute to the group’s food supply, and Impmon was quick to point out which mushrooms were edible, and which ones were poisonous. After Guilmon came back with a large catch in his mouth, they set up the campfire and roasted fish on the open fire.

Later, That Night…

After the fish were thoroughly cooked, the group finally had food to help them get through the night. Guilmon and the others helped themselves with the fruit they found in the pile, as well as the mushrooms. 

“Um… Simon?” Takeru asked as the leader consumed his fish.

“Could you help with the bones?” He further asked.

“All you gotta do is bite through the head and keep going. It’s pretty easy.” Simon replied, and Takeru did as he was told.

“I’ve noticed that you keep looking over at Jianliang and Xiaochun. Any particular reason?” Simon asked as Takeru was chowing down on the fish.

The blonde immediately stopped and swallowed the parts he had in his mouth, though thankfully there weren’t any bones.

“Well… I was supposed to go to camp with my big brother, Yamato.” Takeru answered.

“Yamato? Wait, you mean that guy who’s part of a band?” Simon asked.

“Yeah. Though he and I have different last names, we’re brothers.” Takeru explained.

“That always did bug me when I noticed how close the two of you were at school. You always called him ‘Big brother’ and I kinda thought it was… Never mind.” Simon started, but stopped his thought mid sentence.

“What?” Takeru asked.

“Just forget it.” Simon replied. 

“You know, I keep looking for the North Star to find our way, but I can’t seem to find it.” Jianliang pointed out, looking up at the starry sky.

“Yeah, those aren’t any clusters I’m familiar with. By the way, we did stock up on water as well, right?” Simon replied, and everybody showed their filled water bottles.

He breathed a sigh of relief, but then he noticed that each of the Digimon were starting to get sleepy, except for Renamon.

“Alright. Time for bed.” Simon commanded.

They put out the campfire and went into the trolley car. Jianliang and Xiaochun leaned into one another, with their respective partners doing the same. Daisuke and V-Mon were snoring while the latter rested on Daisuke’s lap. Impmon, despite all his tough bravado, found himself curled up on Nia’s lap. Patamon rested calmly on Takeru’s head, though his Tamer was shivering.

Simon, unable to sleep, took notice of this and nudged Guilmon’s shoulder, waking him up.

“Guilmon, can you do me a favor? I think Takeru needs somebody tonight.” Simon said.

“Okay, I know what he needs.” Guilmon replied, before he approached the blonde and nuzzled into him, warming him up with his body heat.

Simon was happy to see the blonde soothed by Guilmon, and he left the trolley car. Though, Ruki was quick to pick up on his absence. She peered out one of the windows and saw him swinging his sword. He swung it about in a repetitive motion as though to get practice in.

Mentally, Simon tallied each and every swing he took with the sword, focusing more on the action itself as opposed to anything else around him. Memories came flooding back into his mind, days of when he’d be satisfied practicing kendo under a strict, but understanding instructor.

But then, he felt a sudden surge of anger come with those memories. He altered his swings, as though he were fighting someone. His breaths became erratic and then…

“ Wow… What kinda weirdo wears goggles these days? I betcha you and Motomiya will get along swimmingly with how dated you both look! ” 

He vividly remembered the ridicule, on top of all of the other mockery that his peers would provide.

“ You’re nothing but scum, Ackerman! Your dad, everyone in your family! Just go back to America where you belong! ” 

His last strike caused a portion of the ground to flatten, as well as kicking up some of the dirt around him. He grit his teeth in frustration, those last few comments always stung in his mind.

“Like I could go back!” Simon shouted in anger, kicking up more dirt with his foot.

“Huh, and here I thought you were supposed to be on the first watch.” Ruki’s voice mockingly said, as she stepped forth.

“Any particular reason you’re out here? Or are you just here to complain at me again?” Simon asked, stabbing his sword into the dirt.

“I just came to see what you were doing. And I see you’re just being angry again.” Ruki answered, which seemed to elicit some more frustration out of Simon.

“I guess being around you just DOES that to me, huh, Makino?” Simon snapped back at her.

“And I’m sure you must be feeling SO happy that everybody’s pretty much following you, huh, Ackerman?” Ruki retorted.

“What’s that supposed to mean, hm?” Simon snarled.

“Oh, don’t act like this isn’t what you always wanted. You’ve humiliated me at school, and being stuck with you must’ve been the perfect way to get me to follow you, huh?” Ruki ranted.

“I. Didn’t. Humiliate you. That was some rando that I cornered.” Simon growled.

“I never asked for you to do any favors, nor do I want any favors.” Ruki retorted.

“You know something, Makino? That day I saw you on the swingset, I was going through some personal problems of my own that day. I didn’t say a word, I didn’t do ANYTHING wrong. I just offered company. And THAT. Was it. Yet, almost every day at school, you have to bitch at me like I was the single worst thing that happened to you. And you wonder why I have problems with you, it’s because you act like you’re above ALL of this, when in reality, you’re just as scared as the rest of us. After all, why else are you still here?” Simon went off on her.

Ruki didn’t seem to have an answer for all of his anger, and felt like she had nothing to respond with.

“And before you try to get on my case about being the leader. I never asked. If any of the others would have a direction to go that’s better than mine, I’d gladly take it. Hell, I would’ve followed you if it meant getting out of here.” Simon snarled at her, before he pulled his sword out.

Renamon watched as Ruki legs buckled and she was left kneeling in the dirt. Meanwhile, Simon simply continued his routine elsewhere near the bridge. However, just as he finished one swing, he saw Ruki’s partner standing on the flat end of his sword.

“I’m genuinely not in the mood, Renamon. If you want to complain about how I treated your Tamer. Save it for later.” Simon said, though Renamon didn’t move from the blade.

“...” Renamon didn’t seem to speak, but only continued to sneer at him.

“Since you’re not gonna get off…” Simon spoke, before placing his Digivice on the handle, which then took in the whole blade. “I presume you want to pound my face in? Cause that seems like something your type would do.” Simon added.

“You won’t make an attempt to defend yourself?” Renamon asked, and Simon shook his head.

“Why should I? You’re probably way stronger than I am physically. And on top of that, you seem much more skilled and agile as well. So, I’d stand no chance against you.” Simon replied, folding his arms behind his back. 

“What I mean is why won’t you defend yourself from what you’ve said to my Tamer?” Renamon clarified.

“Because, I don’t justify my actions.” Simon answered.

“That is very strange of you to say that.” Renamon commented.

“There’s no point in trying to justify, or explain why I did what I did, or said what I said. Because in the end, they’re always right about me.” Simon explained.

“So, you did humiliate Ruki?” Renamon asked, but Simon shook his head.

“That’s not what I mean. What I mean is that they’re right about the contents of my character. I’m not a nice person. I’m scum. As is my Dad, and just about anyone with my family name.” Simon answered.

“You don’t really believe that, do you?” Renamon questioned.

“You literally watched as I went off on your tamer about how I felt about the way she acted with me before all this. How can you not assume that I’m scum?” Simon replied.

“But do you believe that Ruki is the way you describe her?” Renamon further inquired.

“I don’t know who the hell she is aside from her name, the fact her mom’s a model, not that I read those magazines, and nothing else.” Simon replied.

“Then why did you spend time with her on that swingset?” Renamon asked.

Unbeknownst to them, Ruki had snapped out of her state of shock and listened in on the conversation. She was quite surprised to hear about these things.

“Because… It’s because… It’s because when I saw her on the swingset… I saw someone who needed someone there for them… That’s it.” Simon answered, still unsure.

“That doesn’t sound like the quality of what is considered ‘scum.’ If anything, that sounds like someone who looks out for others.” Renamon surmised.

“And yet, my only response when people go out of their way to make others I know look bad, is to either beat them, or threaten to beat them.” Simon added.

“So, even though Ruki has repeatedly treated you the way I’ve seen her act around you… You never once raise a hand to her? All you seem to do is use words.” Renamon pointed out.

“If anybody wants to go at me directly, that’s fine. I don’t really care. Besides, at least Makino has the guts to try getting on my case directly. That much, I can actually appreciate.” Simon responded.

“So, you care more if they target you through others, is that it?” Renamon surmised.

“...Yes. Though… There was one time that also cemented how much of a horrible person I am… But, that’s not something I want to discuss.” Simon said.

“I had heard what you said regarding ‘going back’... What does that mean?” Renamon asked.

“I’m not from Japan. I moved here from America. My mom got a job helping to make the Digimon card game, and my dad and I moved to Japan to be with her.” Simon answered.

“Where are your parents?” Renamon further asked.

“...I’d rather not say…” Simon answered, soberly.

Ruki wasn’t sure how to process all of this. She still had half a mind to lash out for his words, but at the same time, hearing all of this… She couldn’t bring herself to do it. Even when Simon’s back was facing her, his guard was completely down.

“At any rate, I intend on getting everybody back home safe and sound, as per my promise.” Simon said, breaking the silence.

“Who did you make that promise to?” Renamon asked, unaware that he even made such a thing.

“...”

“I see… I understand if you’d rather not say anything.” Renamon inferred based on the boy’s apparent silence.

“ It’s not that I don’t want to… It’s just… I don’t know who I even made this promise to. ” Simon thought to himself.

“However, I must ask. After you succeed in this endeavor, where do you go from here?” Renamon asked.

“Then everything pretty much goes back to the way it was. We’d all be spending whatever amount of time of summer vacation doing stuff, before getting back to school in September.” Simon answered.

“But what of you?” Renamon further asked.

“I just go back to my usual solitude. After all, I’m not exactly a guy with a whole lot of friends.” Simon answered.

“So, you genuinely believe that you’re alone in this world?” Renamon inquired, still not satisfied.

“What more do you want me to say? Everyone goes back to their lives before all this, and I go back to being alone all day, every day. That’s just how it is. Hell, they’ll just believe that this was all some make believe story, and write everything that’s been done off.” Simon replied.

“I don’t believe you.” Renamon said, voicing her skepticism.

“I’ve been completely honest with you, and Makino. Nobody’s gonna want to wait for me, nor should they. After all, it’s what I deserve.” Simon responded, though his tone became somber with that last part.

“Again. I don’t believe you.” Renamon once more said.

“Renamon, if you knew what came with my surname, you’d change your tune just like everyone else.” Simon replied.

“I don’t judge based on what family they’re from. I judge based on the contents of their character. And as far as I’m concerned, Simon Ackerman… I believe you are far better than you make yourself out to be.” Renamon said, immediately rebuking Simon’s claim.

Simon breathed a deep sigh, before he turned around to head for the trolley car. He opened the door and found there wasn’t a single sleeping occupant in the car. 

“What?!” Simon uttered, which then made both Renamon and Ruki rush to his location.

Simon investigated the inside of the trolley car, and found a huge gaping hole down in the center. He rummaged through his belongings and found a flashlight. He turned on the light and saw that the hole went deep. 

“Whoever took the others must’ve waited for the opportunity to strike. A group of ambush predators, I surmise.” Renamon said, looking down the hole as well. 

“I’m going in. Whoever’s got the others is gonna pay for this.” Simon declared, before jumping into the hole.

Renamon glanced over at Ruki, who seemed very hesitant to follow him. Though, her look wasn’t one of judgement, it was rather one of empathy.

“I understand if you don’t wish to follow Simon. But I fear whatever has attacked the others will be coming for us next.” Renamon pointed out.

“I know that! It’s just… How can he just do this without hesitation, or even without his partner?” Ruki questioned.

“I believe it’s due to a resolve to see things through. He’s stubborn, and won’t give up until he’s dead.” Renamon answered.

“...Fine. I’ll go after him. But only because I don’t want him to die before I can give him a piece of my mind.” Ruki said, though Renamon can see through her Tamer’s words.

“Very well. Hold on tight to me.” Renamon replied, scooping up Ruki in her arms before jumping down the hole. 

Once they landed, they saw that Simon hadn’t moved all that much either. He turned to face them, and was surprised to see that Ruki had come along.

“Guessin’ after all that I said, you’d want to settle things between us afterward?” Simon asked. 

Ruki slowly approached Simon, before she did a slight twirl, followed by a kick lead by her heel. Simon quickly blocked the attack, but made no attempt to counter.

“Consider us even for now.” Ruki said, as both backed away.

As they traversed through the tunnel, Simon shone the light over the surrounding area of the cave, and found that whatever dug this was either really big… Or in a group. Eventually, they came to an incline that appeared to go up from their perspective. 

Once they exited, they found a dense portion of the forest, only covered in a large amount of webbing. Simon put away his flashlight and pulled out the sword from his digivice.

“This seems like the work of Dokugumon.” Renamon stated, looking at the webbing.

“And I think I found our friends.” Simon added, and everyone looked where he was looking.

On a large web, each of the children and their partners were stuck on the webbing with no means of escape. They all grunted with effort, pulling at it, but they were unable to get off of it.

“Don’t worry guys! The cavalry’s here!” Simon shouted out, hoping to get their attention.

“My, my… We didn’t know we were missing two whole humans… And one rookie…” A voice called out in the trees.

Three large spider-like creatures appeared before the two children, spinning webs from their abdomen. On the abdomen was a large skull and crossbones. Their hind legs had one claw on the end of each, four of their legs had flattened toenails, and the front legs appeared to have three fingers.

Their eight green eyes narrowed at the tamers, a pair of horns curved slightly upward on each side of the head, and they each had ginger colored manes growing from their heads. Their mouths opened and a strange corrosive substance poured out from their mouths.

“My guess is those are who you were talking about, Renamon.” Simon surmised, gripping his sword with both hands.

“They have a powerful venom in them. Be careful when getting up close to them.” Renamon advised.

“I’ll take that into consideration. Try to take out the webbing holding our friends!” Simon replied.

Renamon nodded, before she spread out her arms, summoning her usual projectile.

“Fox Leaf Arrowhead!” She called out as the arrowheads shot out and tore through the webbing holding their comrades.

“Simon!” Guilmon shouted in excitement.

“You alright, buddy?” Simon asked, but just before they could reunite, two of the spiders landed in front of them.

“Welp, time to digivolve!” Simon exclaimed, and Guilmon nodded.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

Simon’s Digivice shone a brilliant red color as Guilmon’s form once more began to change.

“Guilmon Digivolve to… Growlmon!” Guilmon shouted as he turned into his Champion form once again. 

Growlmon charged at one of the spiders taking it head on. Meanwhile, another went at Simon, who reared his sword back for a horizontal strike. A purple web shot out at Simon, but he then took a single step and as he swung his sword, suddenly, a green flame surrounded the blade and burnt right through the webbing.

“No way! Impossible! Unless he is… The Ackerman!” The Dokugumon shouted in surprise as its webs dissipated amidst the green fire.

Just then, Simon jumped forward prepping a powerful vertical slice as the spider Digimon stood in fear of the boy. The blade was plunged right through the head of the spider, splitting it apart, and causing it to dissipate into data. Which was then absorbed into the sword.

“Not sure what’s going on, but I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Growlmon!” Simon said, before his attention was turned to his partner who appeared to be easily winning his battle.

“Pyro Blaster!” Growlmon shouted before firing a powerful blast from his mouth to stop the poison webs, and destroy the digimon.

He roared out in triumph as he absorbed the data from the spider, but then their attention was turned to Renamon and Ruki, who aimed to get everyone out of the forest, while evading their pursuer. 

However, as Ruki was focused on the others, Renamon had been bitten by their pursuer. She turned her attention and was horrified by the sight.

“Renamon!” Ruki cried out.

The vixen was then tossed aside onto another web, and the spider turned its attention on Ruki.

“Simon! We have to help her!” Growlmon shouted, but Simon made no move to defend her.

“I was thinking back to my days in Kendo. And my instructor had taught me something important. There are two kinds of battles. One to defend honor, and one to defend others. Ruki seems to be defending the others… While Renamon is fighting for her and her Tamer’s honor.” Simon replied, as he watched intently.

“I have you now, little human!” Dokugumon shouted as poison gas spewed from its mouth aimed at the scared girl, who could only act as a shield for the others.

Though, just before it could hit her, Renamon moved fast enough to take the hit for her tamer. And between both the wound she sustained earlier, and the gas that landed its mark, Renamon collapsed to the ground in pain.

“No, Renamon! Why?” Ruki called out, rushing to Renamon’s aid. 

Jianliang and Daisuke both nodded and rushed to help her, just in case. 

“Renamon, please! Don’t do this! Don’t leave me!” Ruki pleaded, trying to help her partner.

“Ruki… I am your partner. There is… No greater honor… Than to give my life… To save yours…” Renamon weakly said.

“No! Renamon! RENAMON!!” Ruki screamed out.

Just then, Ruki’s digivice gave off a bright blue glow, and a familiar pressure weighed down on the group. Simon and Guilmon both then saw Renamon exuding a blue aura.

“ If you go… You will be left with too many regrets… ” A voice spoke in Renamon’s head.

“ What? Who… Who are you…?” Renamon asked.

“ That isn’t important. What’s important is are you willing to just leave your tamer, when she needs you? ” The voice further asked.

“ No… I won’t… Ruki… She needs me… And I will… Protect her… ” Renamon further spoke as she began to stand up.

“ Good… Glad you agree. Now, do you accept my power? ” The voice once more asked.

“ Yes… Whatever it takes… I will… Protect Ruki! ”

Ruki’s Digivice then took on a similar shape to Simon’s but her digivice had a bright blue ring in center around the screen as opposed to the red on Simon’s. Same as with the strap tied to it.

DIGIVOLUTION …_

“Renamon Digivolve To…” 

Much like with the sphere that transformed Guilmon, this one tore apart Renamon’s skin to reveal the data and code within. As the new skin formed on her, her posture was then changed for her to walk on all fours. One tail became nine, and blue flames emitted off of the paws and tips of the tails.

Her yin-yang symbol was now on her forehead and wrapped around her neck was a giant red and white ribbon. 

“Kyubimon!”

Kyubimon stood between the three tamers, staring down the threat. Meanwhile, Simon and Growlmon were awed by her new form. Kyubimon turned to look at her Tamer, who seemed very relieved by this.

“Everything will be all right now, Ruki. I shall take it from here.” Kyubimon said, before taking up a widened stance.

Her nine tails were spread out, each one lighting up with a similar blue flame. The spider tried to fire another poisoned web at her, but then…

“Fox Tail Inferno!” Kyubimon called out as the nine onibi shot out and destroyed the web. 

Even the surrounding webs were burnt away by these flames. She then jumped up and spun around wreathed in blue flames. 

“Dragon Wheel!” She exclaimed as she charged into the spider, reducing it to nothing but data, which she then absorbed into her being.

“Well… That was something, huh?” Simon asked.

“No kidding.” Jianliang added.

“You kidding, she was all like ‘Woosh’ and ‘Fwoo’ and-” Daisuke sounded out as he voiced the sound effects.

Even V-Mon and Terriermon got in on describing the sound effects to their friends. Growlmon felt bad and approached Kyubimon with caution.

“I’m sorry… But, Simon didn’t want me to intervene.” Growlmon said, apologizing.

“No need to apologize. He believed in my strength, as well as my Tamer’s. Therefore, I would assume if we were bound to lose, he’d have stepped in.” Kyubimon surmised.

“I swear, Simon Ackerman… If it wasn’t for the fact you ended up being right, I’d pound your face in!” Ruki angrily said.

“I’d have accepted your punishment if I was wrong, Makino. Plus, I think we all ended up learning a little something today.” Simon replied, as he looked at his sword.

“We should probably head back to the others, huh?” Daisuke suggested.

The group then left the woods, reunited with the others… And found that the forest was just a little bit away from the lake. 

“Honestly, I probably should’ve seen this coming. I’m back to first watch.” Simon said, but he felt Makino’s fist on his chest.

“No, gogglehead. I’m taking this shift. You go to bed.” Ruki demanded, and Simon shrugged his shoulders and agreed to it.

Inside the trolley car, everyone was asleep in the same positions as before, though Takeru was quick to rest on Simon. Meanwhile, Simon and Guilmon added to the loud snoring in the car. 

Ruki leaned against the car as Renamon sat atop it. The vixen looked down at her Tamer as though she had a question.

“What’d you want to ask me?” Ruki asked.

“Why did you agree to take the next watch?” Renamon inquired.

“A couple things. First, I’m sure Simon could use some rest since he’s probably worked himself up today. And second… He’s… One of the few people in my life who didn’t leave me…” Ruki explained, though, that last part had her looking over at the snoring tamer…

To Be Continued…

Songs used in this Chapter...

Evo by Wild Child Bound

Chapter Text

“I shoulda been able to do somethin’ against those damn spiders. Woulda burnt their webs, then went ‘Bada boom!’ on them!” Impmon boasted as our heroes wandered once more through the woods.

“Okay, Impmon. Next bad guy’s gonna be up to you and Nia in that case.” Simon suggested, which then caused Impmon’s forward momentum to cease.

“Hey! I’m the baddest mon there ever was! If anybody’s gonna be bad, it’s gonna be me!” Impmon further boasted, even pulling down his eyelid and sticking his tongue out at Simon.

“I’d be more than willing to help out, Impmon.” Nia said, before scooping up Impmon in her arms.

At first, Impmon was tempted to protest against being held in this manner, but he merely let himself be carried by the young bubbly girl. 

“Did you ever have anyone hold you like that, Daisuke?” V-Mon asked, while sitting on his Tamer’s shoulders.

“Honestly, I dunno. I think maybe mom and dad… Though, of course Jun also had to get in on that.” Daisuke answered.

“Is she your sister, Daisuke?” Nia asked, taking an interest in the Tamer’s family.

“Well, yeah. She just always gets on my nerves though.” Daisuke replied, somewhat bitterly.

“At least your sister’s around…” Takeru added, somberly.

“You alright?” Daisuke asked, concerned for the sudden shift in tone from Takeru.

Their thoughts were disrupted by a loud whirring noise up in the sky. They all looked up and saw what appeared to be a black circular shaped object floating around.

“Was that a UFO?” Jianliang asked.

“At this point, I’m open to the possibility of aliens existing in this world.” Simon replied.

“It looked more like a gear of sorts.” Renamon added.

Though, when they mentioned a gear, Nia noticed that Impmon looked like his blood had frozen over. 

“Is everything alright, Impmon? You’re shaking.” Nia asked, concerned for her partner.

“I’m… Just… Peachy…” Impmon answered with hesitation.

Though, meanwhile, none of the Tamers or their partners believed Impmon for a second. All it did was add onto the myriad of questions on their minds about the little demon Digimon.

“Oww!” Takeru yelped as he fell on something.

Simon immediately went up to him and examined his injury. He had scraped his knee on a portion of the small incline they were on top of. 

“You alright, Takeru? Looks like you had a nasty fall.” Simon asked, looking at the scrape.

“It’s alright. I’ll just bear it for now.” Takeru replied, hoping that would satisfy.

However, Nia gently placed Impmon near a tree and reached inside of her pack to find both disinfectant spray and some bandage.

“Need any help with that?” Simon asked, but Nia shook her head.

Takeru cringed at the feel of the disinfectant spray on his knee. Once she was finished, she wrapped it in the bandage and bit into it to cut it. She then placed a small piece of tape onto the bandage to hold it in place.

“There. Much better now.” Nia said, proud of her efforts.

“Okay, so was there any other form of medicine in that bag of yours?” Simon asked.

“Oh, I have gauze and a cloth to help apply it for serious injuries.” Nia answered.

“Takeru! Are you all right?” Patamon shouted.

“He’s already fine! No point in sayin’ that now!” Impmon shouted back.

“Impmon, there’s no reason to be mean to Patamon. He was only asking if his partner was okay, that’s all.” Nia scolded, and Impmon immediately sported an apologetic expression.

“Sorry…” Impmon muttered, turning away from Patamon, who seemed very confused by his sudden change in demeanor.

“Lopmon, do you know anything about Impmon?” Xiaochun asked her partner, who also seemed confused.

“Honestly, I don’t think a lot of us know much about Impmon, other than him helping Guilmon in getting us all together.” Lopmon answered.

Nia couldn’t help but listen as she once more picked up Impmon in her arms, who didn’t seem to voice any hint of an objection. She only seemed more curious about her partner, whose expression became distant.

“Well, I think we just found a way out of the forest.” Ruki pointed towards the land ahead of them.

“I dunno… That place looks a little… Dry.” Simon replied, noting the landscape.

Beyond the forest were telephone poles and wires stretching far across the land, with what appears to be sand going on for kilometers on end. 

“Well, hey, what’s the worst that could happen?” Daisuke asked, immediately rushing to the area with V-Mon.

“I swear he was never this bold at school.” Simon pointed out.

“What’s he like at school?” Takeru asked.

“Usually shy. Not as outgoing.” Simon explained.

“He and V-Mon seem to be two peas in a pod.” Guilmon added.

“Which is… Troubling.” Renamon chimed in.

The moment our heroes stepped into the dry land past the forest, all of them felt the severe lack of moisture in the air, and the heat in the ground.

“I feel like I’m dying…” Daisuke groaned out.

“Me too…” V-Mon added, also feeling the heat.

“Jian… I’m feeling so tired…” Terriermon complained, before Jianliang hoisted him up and onto his head.

“Are you okay, Takeru?” Patamon asked.

“It’s… So… Hot…” Takeru groaned.

“It’s like a summer day in California. Only a hundred times worse.” Simon pointed out as he looked to also be in a similar disposition.

“Renamon… Are you… Okay?” Ruki asked.

“I don’t wish to answer that. We just have to keep moving Ruki…” Renamon strained out, urging her Tamer forward.

“Lopmon… Can you cool me off?” Xiaochun asked.

“Of course, I believe Terriermon can as well.” Lopmon answered, standing atop her Tamer’s head and puffing out her ears.

Both Xiaochun and Jianliang felt immediate relief to be in the shade. Though, just before they could proceed any further, Simon slipped his goggles over his eyes.

“If anybody’s got eyewear, put them on. Who knows if we might get hit with a sandstorm.” Simon stated.

At that, Daisuke immediately slipped his goggles over his eyes as well, meanwhile, Ruki and Jianliang put on a pair of sunglasses, hoping to at least keep the sun out of their eyes.

For some time, they walked through the “desert” and much complaining was heard from everyone. There was a point where Simon told them to stop and take a water break, and he had told them to make sure to conserve their water.

“So, gogglehead. Any idea where we’re supposed to be going?” Ruki asked.

“Don’t ask me. I’ve just been moving forward.” Simon answered.

“So, in other words, we’re lost?” Renamon asked.

“What else is new?” Simon replied, and Renamon merely shrugged her shoulders.

“Jian? Didn’t dad pack a compass for us?” Xiaochun asked.

“I don’t think it’ll be much use, Xiaochun.” Jian replied, before going to look at the substance they’re walking on.

“This is powdered iron. It’ll cause the magnet in the compass to go haywire, meaning that yes, we’re still very much lost.” Jianliang explained while picking up a small sample of the iron.

“Momentai, Xiaochun… We’ll be fine. But first, we’ll need to get more water.” Lopmon said.

“Agreed. We’ll continue to conserve what we have, then get some more at the nearest locale we find. Let’s pray we don’t run into any mirages here.” Simon added, agreeing with Lopmon.

“What’s a mirage?” Guilmon asked.

“Think of it as an optical illusion caused by light that is bent by multiple layers of air with different temperatures. They often commonly appear as an oasis.” Simon explained.

Elsewhere…

In the rock that the black gear embedded itself in, a humanoid creature wreathed in fire with stitches on its lips heard the sounds of it spinning into the rock from the spring it stood by.

Back with our heroes…

More complaints about the heat were voiced by the children, even some expressing that they should’ve returned to the forest. However, Simon had come to an abrupt halt, causing everyone to stop as well.

“I think we found ourselves a village, people.” Simon pointed out, and true to his word, there was a whole village.

Wooden huts as far as the eye can see, and even a lake with what appears to be a half sunken ship in the middle of it.

“Well, maybe we’ll find civilization after all!” Jianliang proclaimed.

“I wouldn’t get my hopes up.” Impmon chimed in.

“Sure there’s civilization, but none of it would be considered what you humans call ‘civilization.’ It’s probably a Digimon village.” He explained.

“Well hey, if the Digimon in that village are nice, who knows what they might give us?” Daisuke asked, with V-Mon even raising a fist in agreement.

“Though, on second thought… I think we should just keep going.” Impmon suggested.

“Impmon, we need more water, and some more food for all of us.” Nia replied.

“C’mon, Impmon. No need to be a big baby. Let’s go.” Simon said, before heading forward.

The others followed in tandem, with Impmon now letting out an anguished sigh. 

Elsewhere…

The black gear spun even faster, breaking through the mountain, much to the fire Digimon’s surprise, and then it embedded itself into his body, causing immense pain. He then felt a destructive urge well up withinside him, and he let out a sinister chuckle.

Back with our heroes…

Once the group arrived at the village, they noticed the huts were much smaller than they initially thought, and they were surrounded by pink bulb-like Digimon with small flowers blooming from their heads. 

“Welcome to our village!” The Digimon greeted them simultaneously.

“And I’m guessing you guys are In-Training level Digimon?” Simon asked, and they all nodded as his Digivice scanned them.

“Yokomon, Data Type, In-Training Level.” Simon said, noting their analytics. 

“So, you must be the Ackerman…” A voice said among the Yokomon.

It was a pink bird Digimon. It had arm-like wings, a feather mane, red beak, blue eyes, blue stripes on its chest, and blue borders on two of its head feathers and tail feathers. It walked towards the group with its yellow legs that had red claws on the talons, which were also on its hands. 

“Biyomon. Vaccine Type. Rookie Level.” Ruki said, scanning the bird Digimon.

“You know, you’re the third Digimon that’s mentioned me by surname, and that hasn’t exactly been a name of good luck where I’m from.” Simon pointed out as it flew near him.

“As your friend had pointed out, I am Biyomon. And I am the proud guardian of these little Yokomon.” Biyomon introduced itself.

“Well, my name is Simon. Just call me Simon.” He replied, introducing himself.

“Although, I have to question, why have you brought him of all Digimon to us?” Biyomon asked, gesturing to Impmon, who sported a very regretful expression on his face.

“Impmon, what did you do?” Nia asked her partner.

“You don’t wanna know. You really don’t. Point is-” Impmon said, jumping out of her arms.

“I ain’t welcome here, so I’ll just be waiting outside until you guys are done.” He added before exiting the village.

“Well, if that’s the case, then I guess I’m not welcome here either!” Nia angrily said, exiting with her partner.

“So… What happened here?” Guilmon asked, wanting to know about one of his first friends.

“How do you not know about him? He’s a scourge! A monster!” One of the Yokomon replied, shocked that Guilmon didn’t seem to know.

“Look, Yokomon, maybe we should let them explain themselves. After all, if Simon here trusts Impmon, I think we should give him a chance, no?” Biyomon suggested, hoping to calm them down.

They all sneered at the retreating imp and his Tamer, though, when they looked back at Simon, they sighed.

“Good, now, I believe you all need food and water for your travels?” Biyomon asked.

Everyone all nodded in agreement, though, Simon noticed that Nia and Impmon were still outside the village.

“Nia! You guys can come back now! We’re getting food and water!” Simon called out.

“Impmon, why don’t we head back?” Nia suggested, before hoisting him up.

“Why do you even ask for my compliance anyway? You’re gonna keep pickin’ me up anyway.” Impmon asked.

“I’d just like to understand my partner, that’s all.” Nia answered.

“...Okay, let’s go back.” Impmon replied with hesitation in his voice.

As Nia and Impmon returned to the village, the latter noticed the looks that the Yokomon were giving him, though Biyomon seemed to be the only one among them that was willing to give him a chance.

The group approached a fountain that appeared to be full of plentiful water that kept pouring out from below.

“Where’s all this water coming from?” Takeru asked, looking at the clear water.

“It comes from the nearby Mount Miharashi. Feel free to take as much as you need!” One of the Yokomon said, offering the water to Takeru.

“Wait, isn’t Meramon guarding this place?” Impmon asked, looking in the fountain.

“Of course he is. He’s guarding the spring in Mount Miharashi.” Yokomon explained.

Though suddenly, the water that was once plentiful dried up to the confusion of everyone around.

“That’s not a good sign. Takeru, get back!” Impmon shouted, pushing both Takeru and Patamon away from the fountain.

Just then, a pillar of flame erupted from the fountain. The heat radiated off of the flame, though thankfully the kids and Yokomon stood away from it.

“What just happened?!” Simon exclaimed in shock as everyone else seemed to panic.

“I think somethin’ happened to Meramon on our way here!” Impmon answered.

“Does it have something to do with that gear we saw earlier?” Nia asked.

This piqued everyone’s interest, and Impmon at first would’ve attempted to avoid speaking, but he breathed a deep sigh.

“Those gears ain’t just any ordinary ones. They’re evil. Pure, unadulterated evil. Once inside a Digimon, it drives them insane. I think one flew right into Meramon and now he’s causing all this. Look at the lake over there.” Impmon explained, before pointing to the lake.

Much like the fountain, it dried up, leaving behind the sunken ship without any water surrounding it.

“Daisuke, let’s check the well!” Simon yelled.

The two goggle wearers went straight to the well and dropped a bucket tied to a rope. They only heard a loud clatter as it landed on the ground.

“I’ll pull it up.” Daisuke volunteered. 

However, once he got the rope all the way up, he noticed the end tied to the bucket was now burnt, and the bucket itself wasn’t tied to it anymore.

“This is messed up…” Jianliang commented.

Simon rummaged through his things and found a pair of binoculars inside his bag. He looked over to the mountains nearby, and saw a flaming pillar coming from one of the mountains.

“Guessin’ that’s Mount Miharashi?” Simon asked.

“Yes… But, what happened to Meramon?” Biyomon replied, which prompted Simon to zoom in with his binoculars.

Once he zoomed in, he saw Meramon burning the forest as it slid down the incline on his way to the village. The flames spread through the burnt trees, destroying the forest near it. 

“Burning!” Meramon shouted.

“Burning! I’m Burning!” Meramon continued to shout with sheer lunacy evident in his voice.

The fire digimon rushed right through the woods, running at a breakneck pace, still repeating how he’s burning up inside as the trees nearby were torched around him. Once he cleared through the forest, he ran through the desert, easily clearing the distance that the children walked through.

“Go! I’ll do somethin’ about this guy!” Impmon ordered.

“Well, I did say you could handle the next guy. Nia, we’re counting on you and Impmon.” Simon replied, while looking over at her.

“Leave him to us!” Nia said.

“Everyone! Retreat!” Simon shouted and everyone present ran with the Yokomon towards the now empty lake.

The tamers helped to get every Yokomon inside the hole of the sunken vessel, while Simon looked on in worry for Nia and Impmon. However, they noticed that someone else was missing.

“Um… Guys? Where’s Biyomon?” V-Mon asked.

“I think she said something about going to help.” Terriermon answered.

“Dammit! She’s supposed to evacuate with the others!” Simon shouted, but he was stopped by both Ruki and Renamon.

“Simon, you stayed out of our fight to help us grow, now you need to do the same!” Ruki demanded.

“If it will ease your mind, I will observe from the top of this ship.” Renamon said, before she swiftly moved atop with Simon’s binoculars.

“Worst part is, I’m not even mad that she took my binoculars.” Simon uttered, before he continued to help with the Yokomon’s evacuation.

Renamon looked on as Nia, Impmon and Biyomon all stood against the fiery Digimon. 

“Hey! Eyes down here ya big palooka!” Impmon shouted, getting Meramon’s attention.

“ Night of Blizzards! ” He called out, summoning a powerful ice attack from his hands that launched itself into Meramon.

He cried out in pain as the pellets of ice pushed him back. Biyomon flew up into the air, also gaining Meramon’s attention.

“ Biyomon Attack! ” She cried out, as she spun around, encasing herself in an ethereal green flame and dive bombed the enemy.

Though after the push back from that attack, Meramon seemed to absorb a portion of the impact, and increase in size.

“Um… No offense, but do you have any attack that’s not covered in fire?” Impmon chastised.

“I wish I did…” Biyomon soberly replied.

“Look, just leave it to me and my Tamer, you help with keeping the others safe!” Impmon commanded.

Though as Nia looked on she saw how daunting her opponent had become. It held out an open palm with a powerful flame radiating off of it. Impmon fired another powerful ice blast, only for Meramon to retort with a fire ball, completely shooting down the ice.

“Impmon!” Nia cried out, catching Impmon as he was sent careening from the attack.

“Impmon! Are you okay?” Nia asked, concerned about her partner, only for him to get out of her hold.

“Why the hell do you care about me, huh? Just go to the others! I’ll try to hold him off!” Impmon ordered.

Nia then felt an odd sense of familiarity with Impmon’s words.

“ Look! It’s risky for you to even associate yourself with that boy! If he doesn’t wish to talk, then maybe just respect his wishes. ”

“No…” Nia uttered.

“What?” Impmon asked.

“Didn’t you hear me? I said no! I won’t leave you!” Nia answered.

“But why? You saw how they acted around me! There’s no reason for you to help me!” Impmon cried out.

“Because you’re my friend! We may not have known each other for long, but I won’t abandon you!” Nia exclaimed in response.

“ So… We meet again, little Impmon… ” A sinister, yet familiar voice spoke in Impmon’s mind.

“ What the hell do you want? Go away! ” Impmon replied, not wanting the voice to continue.

“ I’ll go away, but as soon as you accept that you need my power. ” The voice answered, though Impmon grew even more frustrated with it.

“ Listen here, bub! You’ve caused me nothing but trouble ever since I was reborn! I never wanted to hear your voice EVER. AGAIN! ” Impmon further shouted in his head.

“ But what about the girl? And the others down there? Would they feel the same way if Meramon were to destroy everything? ” The voice argued, and suddenly, Impmon felt a tinge of guilt well up inside him.

“ We were reborn with the sole purpose of a second chance, right? So, why not use this to do a little good? ” The voice questioned.

“ Fine… But, if this all goes wrong… I will NEVER forgive you. ” Impmon said, and just like Guilmon and Renamon, he exuded a powerful purple aura that pushed Meramon back. 

He clenched his fists as the pressure weighed down on everyone nearby. Though unlike before, now Ruki and Renamon could see this aura as well.

“Well, I guess I see what you mean now, gogglehead.” Ruki said, gesturing to the aura.

“Huh… I guess maybe after one digivolves, everyone can see the aura.” Simon replied.

“Impmon…” Nia uttered. 

She then saw her Digivice turned into the same thing Simon and Ruki had, only hers had a purple ring in the center.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

Impmon Digivolve to…

He was encased in a sphere that ripped apart his skin and exposed his data. He was then reformed into a new being.

This was a humanoid Digimon sporting a red pointed hat and matching cape to go along with it. He was clad in a yellow jumpsuit with multiple “mouths” that can be opened up via the zippers. The collar of the cape obscured his mouth with only his green eyes and blonde hair being visible. He also wore brown shoes with crescent moons on the ankles and matching brown gloves. In his right hand was an egg shaped wand that looked like the sun.

Wizardmon!

Nia was awed by this new champion form of her partner. He looked over at her, and it appeared that he was much calmer now than he was before.

“Nia… Everything’s gonna be okay now.” Wizardmon said.

“...Thank you, Wizardmon…” Nia replied, before she stood with her partner.

Meramon attempted to rush the two of them, only for a bolt of lighting to shoot right out of Wizardmon’s wand, sending it back.

“Listen here, bub. I know what’s causin’ this burnin’ pain you’re feelin’. And I know the best cure out there.” Wizardmon said, floating above Meramon.

The fire Digimon growled at Wizardmon, and threw a fire ball at Wizardmon, who merely blocked it with a shield. He once more pointed his wand at Meramon, and fired a powerful bolt of lightning at Meramon, but it appeared to be targeted at a specific portion of his chest.

Nia watched as the black gear was pulled right out of Meramon’s body, and it was brought towards Wizardmon, who studied it with a quizzical expression.

“So… I see what’s goin’ on here… You’re using his creations…” Wizardmon said, before another surge of electricity destroyed the black gear.

“Nia! Is everything alright?” Simon asked out of concern.

“Of course. Wizardmon took care of it. We’re all safe now.” Nia answered, as Wizardmon floated back down to the others.

Meramon, meanwhile, lay flat on his back, clearly winded from the battle, but thankfully shrunken back down to his original size. The flaming pillar from the fountain, as well as the one from Mount Miharashi and the forest finally died down.

Later in the day…

“Meramon? Are you okay?” Biyomon asked.

“I’m fine now… Though, it’s thanks to this Imp’s unexpected aid.” Meramon replied, looking over at Impmon, who seemed to look away from Meramon.

“All I did was correct a mistake. I didn’t do anything to help.” Impmon said.

“You still saved many lives here today, Impmon. And for that, I owe you my life.” Meramon said, insisting that Impmon did good.

“So, you were just by the mountain, and a black gear got inside of you?” Daisuke asked.

“Yes. Though, from what I can tell, it seemed that Impmon knew not only of its potential origin, but how to remove it.” Meramon explained.

The Yokomon looked at Impmon, who breathed a sigh and expected the worst, though, strangely enough, they wanted to hear what he had to say.

“I don’t know who’s usin’ those gears, but I never particularly cared for em’.” Impmon said.

“Why?” Biyomon asked.

“Because, even back then, I’d have rather worked alone than drive others mad.” Impmon explained.

“It’s strange… I should be mad at you, Impmon… But, it seems that your aloof nature has made you innocent in this regard.” Biyomon said.

“Eh. Whatever floats your boat I suppose.” Impmon replied.

Meramon had then stood up and walked past the Yokomon and Takeru who was soaking his legs in the fountain to help ease the pain in his legs. Thankfully, he had removed his bandages beforehand.

Though he wasn’t alone in his travels to Mount Miharashi, Biyomon had opted to escort him back up, and he waved goodbye to everyone behind him.

“Be good, Meramon!” Nia called out.

“Nia, I don’t think he wanted to be a bad guy in the first place.” Simon commented.

“I know.” Nia replied, though she seemed to be clinging onto Simon’s sleeve.

Suddenly, Impmon and the other Digimon felt their stomachs give off a collective groan.

“So… Do we get a feast?” Impmon asked.

“Feast! Feast! Feast Feast!” The Yokomon exclaimed.

Though, their enthusiasm seemed to be curbed the moment the feast turned out to be bowls full of seeds. Every Digimon around seemed to start eating, though the Tamers were reluctant to attempt to eat.

“Oh well! No fighting an empty stomach, right, Takeru?” Daisuke asked, as both he and Takeru dug into the seeds.

“If you can’t beat them, join them.” Jianliang said, taking whole chunks of seed and chowing down, along with Xiaochun.

“Impmon…” Nia said, getting her partner’s attention, while he stuffed his face with seeds.

“Thank you for saving us all…” Nia added, before she started to eat from her bowl.

Impmon then felt not guilt, but rather gratitude well up in him, and he couldn’t help but give an honest smile to his tamer…

To Be Continued…

Songs used in this chapter...

Awakening and Will Power by Shoji Meguro

Gentle Rain by Shogo Sakai

Chapter Text

Once more, our group of heroes found themselves wandering through the heat. Though they stocked up on food and water thanks to the Yokomon, a few were quite exhausted from walking in the heat.

“I can’t… Keep… Going…” Xiaochun groaned out, falling to her knees, with Lopmon looking on in concern.

“Me… Neither…” Takeru strained out as he fell on his back, with Patamon flying to him.

The others meanwhile, turned around to see that the youngest of the group had become too exhausted to continue moving.

“Well? What’s the plan?” Ruki asked, with Simon cocking an eyebrow at her question.

“Wasn’t expecting you to ask me that, Makino. Alright! We’ll rest here!” Simon declared and everyone indeed sat down on the ground.

Jianliang rummaged through his belongings, and found a green Fujitsu laptop that he opened up. Though, when he tried to turn the power on, nothing came of it.

“Jeez, you must’ve been loaded, Jian.” Simon commented, looking at the Laptop in question.

“My dad was a part of a little international group that worked on the card game. They’re called ‘The Monster Makers.’” Jian explained.

“Huh… Small world.” Simon mused to himself, though Jianliang appeared to have heard him.

“Well… My mom was part of the American branch of that. Though, she wanted to work directly with others in Japan. So, she herself was a Monster Maker as well.” Simon said, explaining to Jianliang about what he meant.

“I’m surprised nobody’s really talked about that, Simon. I mean, sure it’s not the biggest thing around, but the Digimon card game is really popular.” Jianliang replied.

“Yeah… They’d rather talk about other things regarding my family.” Simon said, with his voice becoming a bit more somber.

Just as Jianliang’s curiosity was piqued about the ‘fearless leader’ his laptop somehow came to life.

“Guys! My laptop’s working! But… It’s out of battery.” Jianliang shouted out, before getting deflated by the battery life.

“Goddammit Bill Gates!” Daisuke shouted in the sky, with V-Mon joining in by punching the air.

Simon and Nia were quick to cover both Takeru and Xiaochun’s ears from hearing Daisuke say that.

“What did Daisuke say?” Takeru asked.

“You don’t need to know. Nor do we need him to repeat it.” Simon answered.

“Jian always does this when mom says certain ‘no-no’ words in the apartment.” Xiaochun said, which made Nia curious, and Jianliang nervous remembering some of the times his mom swore.

Ruki seemed to feel a hint of jealousy over the fact that some of the others had sibling dynamics, but she also took notice that Renamon could see through that tough act.

“If it makes you feel any better, I never had a sibling growing up. The only one who acts as my sibling is that oaf who’s my legal guardian.” Simon said, though Ruki did recall seeing Simon go back home with another man.

“Hey! I think I see some smoke in the distance!” Nia called out, with the others turning to see what she saw.

“What? Do you think someone made an Outback Steakhouse in the middle of nowhere?” Simon asked.

“What’s that, Simon?” Guilmon questioned.

“It’s a restaurant. Mostly known for their meat. There’s one in Shibuya.” Simon explained.

“Ooooh…” Guilmon sounded out, intrigued by the meat.

“Do they have candy shops in Shibuya?” V-Mon asked Daisuke.

“Well, yeah. But all the best stuff is in Akihabara.” Daisuke replied, still pondering his partner’s sweet tooth.

When the group followed the trail of smoke in the air, what they found wasn’t what the unofficial leader assumed, but rather a massive, sprawling factory with three large smoke stacks. 

They toured the facility, noting the massive silos, pipes that stretched all throughout, the gears that turned to make it all function. As they ventured deeper inside, their sense of wonder continued.

Takeru noticed an assembly line where small little machines were being built by small crane arms that attached the parts together, while welding it all in place.

“Hey, Simon? What do you think they’re building?” Takeru asked.

“Haven’t the foggiest idea. But, we can look around and find out.” Simon replied.

“You know, after our run of luck, I’m really thinking that there’s no people around.” Daisuke commented.

“And what gave you that impression?” Renamon asked, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

“Very funny… Well, it’s just that, even though we’ve found pay phones, trolley cars, telephone poles and wires… There hasn’t been a single human being on this island.” Daisuke answered.

“Well, you guys are the only humans in this whole Digital World.” Terriermon said.

“Though who would be operating the machines in this facility?” Jianliang asked.

“Maybe there’s a friendly Digimon who’s making all the machines work!” Xiaochun chimed in.

“All right. We’ll split up. Makino, Nia, Takeru and I will go and look for the ‘friendly Digimon’ and see if they can help us.” Simon said, with the group nodding in agreement, except for Daisuke, who didn’t know where he was going.

“Um, so what are we supposed to do?” Daisuke asked as Simon and the others took off, leaving him with Jianliang and Xiaochun.

“I think we should also try to find out what’s running this place.” Jianliang said, and they all went off in a different direction than the others.

Simon’s Group…

As they continued to wander about, Guilmon’s ears twitched at the sound of whirring machinery.

“Simon. Something’s been turned on.” Guilmon said.

“Y’know, if you had good hearing all this time, ya should’ve warned us about the spiders!” Impmon chastised.

“I’m sorry. I was really tired.” Guilmon apologized.

“Either way, we’re going to investigate.” Simon said, and the others followed him further into the facility. 

Once they were further inside, Patamon noticed something down a separate corridor. It looked to be a mechanical Digimon with a humanoid structure trapped under some gears.

“Hey, guys! There’s someone trapped in here!” Patamon called out.

They all rushed to where Patamon was talking about and saw the machine Digimon.

“Huh… I guess this guy might fit Xiaochun’s description.” Simon commented, gently nudging him with his foot.

“Shouldn’t we help him?” Takeru asked.

“Of course we’re going to help him. I was testing to see if he was alive, that’s all.” Simon replied.

“This Digimon is Andromon. He’s much stronger than the previous Digimon we’ve encountered on this island.” Renamon explained, as Simon, Ruki, and Nia all analyzed him.

“No kidding. Vaccine Type, Ultimate Level.” Nia listed off, amazed by this Digimon’s attributes.

“All right, we need to wedge something between the gears so we can pull this big guy out.” Simon said, looking over the machinery.

Jianliang’s group…

The trio and their partners found themselves at a door labeled ‘Power Supply R.’ and Jianliang went to open the door to find a massive power battery with spinning gears.

“Unbelievable! All this is run by this massive battery? No wonder this place is still going!” Jianliang said, fascinated by the battery.

As they ventured further inside, Jianliang pressed his hands against the battery, pondering its structure. Though, when he reached the side of the structure, he found an odd door leading inside.

“Um… Shouldn’t we NOT be going inside the power source when it’s on?” Daisuke asked.

“I’m a little curious. So, I’ll go in.” Jianliang replied, opening the door.

Once he entered, he and Terriermon were surrounded by a brightly lit cylindrical room with strange lettering all over. Xiaochun, Daisuke and their partners all ventured inside the cylinder.

With Simon’s Group…

Each of the Tamers looked around for something to wedge in between the gears to leverage it off of Andromon.

“So, why can’t you use your sword, gogglehead?” Ruki asked.

“Makino, my sword would probably break on something like that. I’m not willing to test its durability on something like this.” Simon explained.

“Hey guys! Why don’t we just use this?” Takeru suggested, pointing to a lever.

“What? Should we rip it off and use it? Cause I’m up for that.” Simon asked, though Takeru sighed and pushed the lever.

The gears came to life, and suddenly, there was space between them and Andromon. However, unbeknownst to the children as they pulled him out, a black gear embedded itself within the organic leg.

Once they got him out, the group looked him over, hoping that nothing was damaged.

“Oh! I think he’s waking up!” Nia excitedly said, as Andromon opened his eyes and spotted the young girl.

“Uh… Nia, I think there’s somethin’ wrong with him.” Impmon replied, urging her to be cautious.

All of a sudden, Andromon’s arm swept down to Nia’s leg and grabbed her, shocking everyone in the room. He stood upright with her dangling off of his arm.

“Let her go!” Simon demanded, drawing his sword, striking the android.

It only accomplished making a slight scratch to his armor. Impmon summoned several flames and threw them at Andromon, enraged that his Tamer was being held hostage. In response, the android threw Nia at Simon, who dropped his sword to catch her.

“Thanks, Simon.” Nia said in appreciation.

“Wish I could say I did anything to this guy.” Simon replied.

“And here I was hoping he would be a friendly Digimon.” Ruki snarked, though Renamon sensed something was off as well.

“There’s gotta be a black gear inside of him. There’s gotta be!” Impmon declared.

“Must. Eliminate. Intruders.” Andromon said, slowly approaching the group.

“Guilmon, aim for the ceiling!” Simon shouted.

Guilmon looked up and saw multiple support beams dangling above the android, and fired a single shot from his mouth. The wires holding them up were burnt through and the beams fell onto Andromon, pinning him to the floor.

“Think that’ll hold?” Ruki asked.

“No, but it’ll give us time to vamoose and digivolve!” Simon responded, grabbing his sword and bolting along with the girls.

They rushed through the tight hallway, with Andromon slowly straining himself to be free of the steel beams that held him down.

With Jianliang’s group…

Each of them studied the strange lettering on the walls. Though there were legible letters and numbers displayed, it wasn’t enough to appear coherent to them.

“I think it might be some kind of computer program…” Jian uttered, still fascinated.

Jianliang then looked at a bit of the coding on the wall, and swiped his thumb across it, erasing a portion. Suddenly, the lights in the room went out.

“Uh… Jianliang? Did you just turn out all the lights?” Daisuke asked, confused by the sudden darkness.

However, Daisuke and V-Mon both noticed that Xiaochun instantly clung onto her brother, trembling and afraid. Both Lopmon and Terriermon were confused by this sudden scenario.

“Jian… I’m scared…” Xiaochun nervously said.

“Sorry about that. I didn’t know what would happen.” Jianliang replied, pulling his sister closer to him.

“You’re afraid of the dark, Xiaochun?” Lopmon asked, and her Tamer nodded, while clinging onto her brother.

“Guessing nighttime isn’t something you’re afraid of?” Terriermon inquired.

“It’s different when it’s nighttime. Plus, I have a nightlight in my bedroom.” Xiaochun answered.

“Haven’t had one of those since I was five.” Daisuke commented.

With Simon’s group…

Just as they ran down the hallway, suddenly the lights in the factory turned off. 

“Uh… Simon?” Takeru asked.

“Hold on…” Simon uttered, reaching into his bag to find his flashlight.

Once he did, he turned it on, just as Impmon lit up a flame on the tip of his finger.

“Huh… Guess we’re both leading the way, huh, Simon?” Impmon said.

“Guess so… Though, I don’t think we should turn around for any reason.” Simon replied.

“Why? You think there’s ghosts in here?” Ruki snarked.

“No. I believe if myself or Impmon turn around, the one who’s chasing us is gonna be right behind us.” Simon answered.

“Oh, give me that!” Ruki exclaimed, snatching Simon’s flashlight and shining it behind them.

True to Simon’s word, Andromon was standing right behind them. Albeit, in a very stationary position.

“Um… Run to the hills?” Ruki suggested.

“I’m up for that, and running for our lives right about now.” Simon replied.

The group then ran from the android, whose hand spun around at such a fast speed, that it became akin to a drill.

“Spiral Sword!” Andromon called out, firing a powerful slice from his hand.

They dove to the side as it collided with a nearby wall, and Simon saw that it appeared to leave a minor scratch into it.

“Don’t stop now, guys!” Simon shouted out, and they all continued to run.

With Jianliang’s group…

“So… If the lights are off, does that mean all the machines and doohickeys are turned off?” V-Mon asked.

“Probably, yeah.” Daisuke answered.

“You didn’t have to come in here, Daisuke. You could’ve gone to explore, you know.” Jianliang said.

“Figured I’d be better off with a group than off on my own again… Not that I’m fond of being by myself that is…” Daisuke replied.

“Putting that aside, you think maybe restoring the part you erased will bring the power back on?” Terriermon suggested.

“We could always try that…” Jianliang replied, before looking at Xiaochun.

“I got a marker in my bag.” Xiaochun said, pulling a black magic marker out.

“What’d you have this for?” Jianliang asked.

“Oh… No reason…” Xiaochun answered, seemingly playing innocent.

“You know, Jun sometimes does the same thing to me, Xiaochun.” Daisuke commented as Jianliang restored the portion of the missing code.

“She did?” Xiaochun asked.

“Uh huh. Still have some marker smell on my face no matter how many times I bathe.” Daisuke answered.

Just then the power came back on. Much to the relief of everyone in the battery. Daisuke peered outside, and saw that the same applied to everywhere in the factory.

“Hey, what do ya know? Power’s back on!” Daisuke proudly declared.

“This whole place is very mysterious…” Jianliang said, which got the attention of the other two.

“Batteries create electricity through a chemical reaction between a metal and a solution. But here, it’s like the program on these walls is what gives the factory its power.” Jianliang explained.

“Okay, that’s a little complicated.” Daisuke said.

“Yeah, my brain hurts…” V-Mon added.

“Momentai you guys. I’m sure Jian has an abridged explanation.” Terriermon replied.

“In other words, what’s written on here is how the factory is powered.” Jianliang added.

“Wow… You seem like you figured it out pretty easily, Jianliang.” Lopmon chimed in, impressed by Terriermon’s tamer.

“He takes after our dad. And he’s REALLY smart.” Xiaochun added.

Jianliang then turned on his laptop, which still operated in spite of the dead battery and typed away at the keys.

“I’m gonna try to analyze this program. And maybe I’ll have some things figured out.” Jianliang said, continuing to type away.

“Well, guess I should’ve brought a deck of cards with me.” Daisuke said.

“Why’s that?” V-Mon asked.

“Because then I’d have something to do with you. But hey, I can see if my phone still plays Tetris.” Daisuke answered, before he pulled out his phone and booted up the game.

“Is this what you humans do when you’re bored?” V-Mon asked as Daisuke played the game at speed 9 to start with.

“Sometimes. I usually like to mess with a soccer ball. But, I kinda lost it before I got sucked in here.” Daisuke replied.

Xiaochun walked over to see the game Daisuke was playing, and was certainly fascinated. Though, she was confused how he was able to keep up with the speed of the blocks.

“What about you, Jianliang? How do you usually pass the time?” Daisuke asked.

“Oh! Aside from spending some time on the computer, I usually practice Tai Chi. It’s a Chinese form of martial art. It practices slow, low-impact movements, deep breathing, and meditation. It was also meant more for self-defense.” Jianliang replied.

“Oh, cool! Think you could teach me some?” Daisuke asked.

“Oh! Me too! Me too!” V-Mon added, hopping up and down.

Jianliang gave a nervous chuckle, but this ended up bringing up some memories from within.

“ Xiaochun! Are you okay! Oh god… What did I just do…? ” 

His mind flashed back to a time when in saving his little sister, he inadvertently hit her. He stopped in the middle of analysis, much to Terriermon’s confusion.

“Jianliang?” Terriermon asked, snapping his Tamer out of his flashback.

“Oh! Sorry about that! I was just… Nevermind…” Jianliang responded, though Daisuke and V-Mon were unsure as to what happened. Though, unfortunately for the former, he ended up losing the game.

“Aw man! I lost! I didn’t even beat my high score.” Daisuke shouted in frustration.

V-Mon inspected his phone to see the high score, and realized that his Tamer might’ve spent a long time playing the game before.

“Can I play?” Xiaochun asked.

“Sure.” Daisuke replied, handing Xiaochun his phone.

She booted up the game, but when she tried it at the speed Daisuke was at… She was quickly overwhelmed.

“Look, if you need to lower the speed, try it at level 3, and then work your way up.” Daisuke suggested.

“Okay.” Xiaochun replied, before resetting the game and playing it at the speed he suggested.

“Um… Jianliang, the text is moving on its own.” Terriermon pointed out.

“Huh?” Jianliang uttered, and as Terriermon said, the text on Jianliang’s screen started to move about.

He was transfixed by the text moving around seemingly at random. And just then, his Digivice’s screen lit up. 

“Even my Digivice is acting up… I wonder…” Jianliang said, and just like Simon, Ruki, and Nia’s… His changed to a similar shape, but with a green ring in the center. Though, Terriermon wasn’t digivolving.

The screen then displayed a 3D outline of the battery silo they were inside of, before zooming out to the whole factory, and then it zoomed out to reveal that Simon’s suspicions were correct, and they were indeed on a very large island with a mountain at the center. Though, just before Jian could comment any further, Terriermon looked at himself and saw that he was glowing.

“Jian… I feel so hot…” Terriermon groaned out.

Jianliang looked over at Terriermon to see that he was indeed not only glowing, but steam also seeped out from his body. He then immediately turned off his laptop to stop the analysis. Terriermon felt himself cool down and was immediately relieved.

“ Terriermon! Are you okay?” Jian asked out of concern.

“Momentai, Jian… You didn’t mean to…” Terriermon replied.

Once more, he felt memories come back to him. Though, instead of Terriermon, it was Xiaochun.

“ Big brother… It’s okay… You didn’t mean to… ” 

He immediately went to cradle Terriermon in his arms, as tears spilled out from his eyes. Daisuke was very confused by the sight, but didn’t say a word.

They then left the battery, and as they wandered further in, Daisuke noticed that what was being assembled earlier, is only being taken apart.

“What’s even the point? You put something together, then just take it apart? That makes no sense.” Daisuke asked.

With Simon’s group…

The four ran until they got onto an open catwalk, but Andromon appeared to be still on their trail. Simon, seeing an opportunity to fight once more, brought out his sword.

“You can’t fight him! He’s much more powerful than any of us!” Renamon shouted, trying to dissuade Simon.

“Maybe. But I can still stall him!” Simon responded, pointing his sword directly at Andromon, who once more made his hand spin while it gave off a small hint of energy.

“Spiral Sword!” He once more called out, firing off his beam of energy.

Simon made a diagonal slice at the energy, which then caused it to dissipate. Renamon was quite astonished by this. However, Ruki looked over at a nearby crane, and she glanced over at Nia and Renamon.

“Gogglehead! I’ve got a plan!” Ruki called out, before she jumped off the railing.

“Okay! Try not to get yourself killed!” Simon responded.

Andromon charged at Simon, who responded with a swing of his sword. With his firm stance and the strength of his blade, the boy was able to hold off Andromon’s charge.

Ruki landed on the operator’s seat and pushed the lever that turned the crane to the left. Andromon’s charge was ceased by the hook that lodged itself in his back. Ruki then pulled on the red lever to raise him off the ground. Renamon swooped in and picked her up before jumping back onto the catwalk.

“Alright. That should buy us a bit more time to rendezvous with the others. Run!” Simon said, and they all ran.

Simon dismissed his sword once they got into another indoor portion of the factory, but Andromon was quick to fire another projectile to cut the cable on the crane.

With Jianliang’s group…

They eventually got outside of the factory as well. Though Terriermon had helped to wipe Jianliang’s tears, he realized something important.

“If a program like that can run this factory, then other forms of data and programs have all sorts of power in this world. Making them far more real than in our world.” Jianliang explained.

“Huh, who knew?” Daisuke asked.

“Guys!” A voice called out.

The trio and their partners turned to see Simon’s group who all appear to be in quite a rush. 

“Simon, what happened?” Jianliang asked.

“There’s a big android Digimon who’s been chasing us, and we need to vamoose!” Simon shouted.

But, just as he was about to close the gap between himself and the half-Chinese Tamer, Andromon popped out of the ground between them and made himself known.

“Intruders locked…” Andromon uttered, scanning Jianliang’s group.

“Gatling Missiles!” Andromon called out, and his chest plate opened up to reveal a pair of missiles inside. 

They appeared to be like him and were cybernetic, with plates covering their faces, though they appear to be no more than large mouths. They fired on the group, and while Jianliang and Daisuke ran with their partners, the former stopped in his tracks as the missiles were closing in on Xiaochun.

“Xiaochun! Lopmon! Move!” Jianliang shouted, but it appeared that Xiaochun was frozen in fear.

Just then, the missiles were sliced in half and exploded. When the smoke cleared, Xiaochun was looking up at Simon, who stood between her and Andromon.

“You alright?” Simon asked.

“I’m fine…” Xiaochun uttered.

“Jian! If you have that new Digivice, now might be a good time to Digivolve and help!” Simon shouted out as Xiaochun headed to Jianliang.

“I… I just…” Jianliang uttered, unsure of what to do.

“Either way, time to Digivolve guys!” Simon exclaimed, raising his Digivice in the air.

Ruki and Nia both followed suit, with Guilmon, Renamon, and Impmon all nodding in agreement.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

Guilmon Digivolve to… Growlmon!

Renamon Digivolve to… Kyubimon!

Impmon Digivolve to… Wizardmon!

The three champion levels and Simon all charged at Andromon for a simultaneous attack, only for the android to use Growlmon’s momentum against him and toss him into Kyubimon.

“Growlmon!” Simon cried out, worried about his partner.

He then struck with all his strength, but was only able to make a slight cut into the android’s armor. Andromon then bent his knee and with a powerful kick to Simon’s abdomen, sent him flying into the silo where Jianliang and Xiaochun were hiding behind.

“Simon!” Daisuke shouted in concern.

“Daisuke, I know I haven’t digivolved yet, but I’m not sitting around!” V-Mon declared.

“Yeah, let’s get him!” Daisuke exclaimed, before he and V-Mon also charged at the android.

Growlmon and Kyubimon both got up, as Wizardmon let out a powerful bolt of lighting that struck Andromon, but he found that the electricity couldn’t find the gear, unlike with Meramon.

“Okay, this is bullcrap! How was I able to dislodge the last one, and now I can’t even get to this one?” Wizardmon questioned himself.

“Spiral Sword!” Andromon called out, about to fire another laser blade at Wizardmon, who prepped up a barrier.

“V-Headbutt!” V-Mon shouted, striking at Andromon’s organic leg.

This caused the android to buckle under the pain, and Wizardmon had just gotten a good look at where the black gear might be.

Simon groaned as he rose to his feet, with the wind knocked right out of him.

“Simon! Are you okay?” Jianliang asked out of concern.

“I’m sorry, but what the hell are you doing here instead of helping us!?” Simon demanded, harshly grabbing Jian’s vest.

“Why are you-?” Jian asked, but Simon sneered at him, cutting him off.

“We’re fighting for our lives against an android who has us severely out-matched and probably out-gunned! Yet, here you are sitting here, hiding from the fight!” Simon ranted.

“Xiaochun’s my responsibility! I can’t just let her get hurt!” Jianliang replied, but Simon then held him against the silo.

“Listen to me, and I’m only going to tell you this one time. You are more than free to stay here and wait until we’re either done or dead. However, you come out from behind this silo, and this applies to your sister as well… And you are required to fight alongside us, got it?!” Simon said, sneering at Jianliang.

“But… I can’t… What if Terriermon or someone else gets hurt?” Jianliang asked.

“This isn’t the time or place where we get to choose who’s put in harm’s way, and who gets to stay and watch! This is the time for action. Now, I’m gonna go back out there and help the others! Takeru and Patamon have found themselves a place to hide, and Daisuke’s out there fighting with a rookie level.” Simon explained, before releasing his grip on Jianliang.

“But, why are you fighting? You don’t stand a chance against him!” Jianliang asked.

“Because… Fighting is all I have. It’s what I do best.” Simon answered, before rushing back into battle alongside his partner and the others.

Jianliang sat there, contemplating Simon’s words. He was blunt, yet he felt his words cut deep into him. Not one insult was thrown at Jianliang’s way, but at the same time, he felt that he might as well have been called a coward. Xiaochun, Lopmon, and Terriermon all looked in worry at Jianliang, who couldn’t seem to form a word.

“ You should probably say something, you know? ” A voice spoke in Terriermon’s head.

“ Oh great, now I’m hearing voices in my head. ” Terriermon commented in his mind.

“ Eh, you’ll like me in due time. Anyway, just say something to him. Because he needs you more than ever. ” The voice responded.

“ Okay, I guess… I just hope he’s not dead inside. ” Terriermon thought to himself, before he held Jian’s head with his ears.

“Jian… You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine…” Terriermon said.

“But, when I analyzed the program, you were getting hurt.” Jianliang replied.

“The reason I say that is because as long as I’m with you, we can do just about anything. At least, that’s what I think. Especially since that’s what Simon and the others believe.” Terriermon stated.

“I just… I don’t want someone to get hurt because of me… But, at the same time…” Jianliang said, but then he felt Xiaochun gripping his hand with both of hers.

“Jianliang… It’s all right. Besides, I feel the same way as Terriermon. My big brother is here, and that means we can do anything!” Xiaochun added, and it seemed to move Jianliang.

“You guys… I just… Hold on…” Jianliang said, but then he reached into his bag and found a set of Digimon trading cards.

“What are those for?” Terriermon asked.

“I think… If data and programs are made real, what if this Digivice can act like a card reader?” Jianliang asked.

“Guess it’s worth giving it a shot.” Terriermon answered.

“Okay, then let’s do it. Xiaochun, stay here with Lopmon. Don’t come out until I say so.” Jianliang said, and Xiaochun nodded.

“ I can’t believe I’m doing this… But, this is something Terriermon and I have to do! ” Jianliang thought to himself before stepping forth.

He held out his Digivice and a card in his hands, ready to go on the offensive.

“Hey! Andromon! Check this out!” Jianliang exclaimed, amidst their fighting.

The android looked over at Jianliang, who with his card made a series of fast movements with his hands, before swiping it through the Digivice. 

“Digi-Modify…! Training Grips Activate!” Jianliang called out.

Suddenly, Terriermon’s ears had a pair of training grips on them. 

“Uh, Jian… I don’t think training weights are gonna help Terriermon all that much.” Daisuke commented.

Terriermon then tossed the two grips from his ears onto Andromon, which then wrapped themselves around the android, holding him down.

“Yes!” Terriermon shouted in excitement.

“That’ll hold him!” Jianliang replied, before looking through his deck to find one particular card.

“Terriermon… I just want you to know… That I believe in your strength. Whatever that may be.” Jianliang said, before he pulled out a new card.

“Digi-Modify…! Digivolution Activate!” Jianliang exclaimed, and just like with before, a powerful green aura made itself known and Terriermon exerted a similar pressure to Growlmon, Kyubimon, and Wizardmon.

“Okay, did he just say ‘Digivolution?’” Simon asked.

“Huh, I guess Brainiac here knows how to play the card game.” Ruki replied.

Both her and Simon looked at the sides of their Digivices and found that indeed there was a possibility for cards to go through them.

DIGIVOLUTION… _

Terriermon Digivolve to…

Just like with the others, Terriermon’s skin was pulled apart by the sphere he was placed in, exposing his data, but just then, it reformed into a much larger form. His body became much bigger as did his arms and legs. This time, he sported a pair of jeans, two mini-gun gauntlets on both hands, with movable extremities that posed as fingers. Bullet magazines were strapped to his chest over his shoulder and he struck a firing pose.

Gargomon!

Jianliang and the others were now in awe at the new Champion Level before them. He launched himself from the ground, just as Andromon was about to rip off the weights on him, and pummeled him with his gauntlets.

“Okay, I’ll be damned, looks like you came through for us, after all, Jian.” Simon said, though he was quick to rally the others.

“The black gear is in his organic leg! Aim for that!” Wizardmon exclaimed, pointing to the area V-Mon struck. 

“Growlmon, hold him down!” Simon ordered.

Gargomon backed off as Growlmon charged at Andromon, pinning him to the ground with his foot. Andromon attempted to pry him off, but Simon moved in and grabbed one of Andromon’s arms before wrapping his legs around it as well.

“Do it now!” Simon shouted.

“Fox Tail Inferno!” Kyubimon called out, as nine blue flames shot out from the tips of her tails.

“Thunder Bomb!” Wizardmon cried out as a sphere of lightning was fired from his wand at the leg.

“Gargo Pellets!” Gargomon shouted as bullets from his mini-guns fired into Andromon’s leg.

Together, their combined attacks were able to damage the leg enough for Wizardmon to attract it to him, and he once more destroyed it.

“I… I’m free from the evil…” Andromon uttered as he appeared to return to normal.

Later…

The group gathered in front of Andromon, the Digimon having returned back into their rookie forms.

“I apologize for all the trouble I caused you children. This all happened because I tried to get that black gear out of the machinery. Unfortunately, as you no doubt saw, I got stuck.” Andromon said.

“Momentai, Andromon. You’re safe now, and that black gear’s no more, thanks to us.” Terriermon replied.

“I wish I could answer some of your questions, but unfortunately, I fear I may not have the answers for you all.” Andromon said, as though to pre-empt what any of them would’ve asked. “The most I can do, is give you advice as to how to leave from this place.” He added.

“Okay, so how do we leave?” Takeru asked.

“The sewers. Take this path, and you’ll be out of this facility in no time.” Andromon answered, gesturing to the path behind him.

“Thank you very much, Andromon. We appreciate your help.” Jianliang said, expressing gratitude.

“Young Ackerman… I wish you the best in helping them get home.” Andromon said, though Simon sighed at his surname being used again.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence.” Simon replied.

“As for you, Impmon… You are quite different from what I remember of you. Which is good.” Andromon said, his attention now on Impmon.

“Eh. I guess it has more to do with wanting a new life.” Impmon replied.

The group then entered the sewers, but Xiaochun was the last to get in. Though, to her relief, the area they were in was surprisingly well lit.

“Alright, so we just follow this path, and then we’ll be out of here.” Simon said.

“I swear, this place is so clammy and disgusting.” Ruki commented.

“Tell me about it.” Renamon added.

“So, Jian… How did you figure out that you can use the trading cards to enhance our Digimon?” Simon asked.

“Well, it came from my findings of how this Digital world functioned. I figured that if messing with the programming of the factory could turn the power on and off, and that I could potentially trigger Terriermon’s digivolution with a program in my computer… Then these cards should do the trick.” Jianliang explained.

“Oh, good to know. Also, I apologize for how I treated you earlier. I shouldn’t have acted that way.” Simon replied.

“Simon… I realize now that, if I hadn’t acted… People would’ve gotten hurt because of my inaction. I didn’t really like fighting… But, you were right. This isn’t the place where I can pick when to fight.” Jianliang said, though Simon didn’t seem sure how to respond.

“Well, hey. Think you could teach me some Tai Chi?” Daisuke asked.

“...Sure! We’ll just have to get out of these sewers first.” Jianliang answered.

To Be Continued…

Songs used in this chapter...

Regret and Swear to my Bones by Shoji Meguro

Never Look Back and Only a Plank between One and Perdition by Nobuo Uematsu

EVO by Wild Child Bound

Li Jianliang - Mirai from Digimon Tamers

Chapter Text

As the children moved through the sewers, they had opted to pass the time in an… Interesting manner.

“Big and bigger, biggest dreamer! Dreaming is the start of everything! That’s the answer! I’ll fly farther than anyone! Through all of the tomorrows.” Simon and co. sang in sync.

Though, as Guilmon led the Digimon on the walkway, he studied the way that the Tamers were singing, and he decided to have the Digimon themselves sing.

“After an endless dream, in this miserable world! That's right, maybe not using common sense isn't so bad after all! Even with these unreliable wings, covered in images that seem to stay! I’m sure we can fly, on my love!” The Digimon sang, though in the last part, Guilmon sang off key.

“Different song, guys. Also Guilmon, you might wanna look into getting singing lessons.” Simon commented.

“Would you want to teach me? I thought we did pretty good.” Guilmon asked.

“We were kind of carried by Xiaochun and Makino’s voices. I can barely sing.” Simon answered.

“I wasn’t aware that you sang, Ruki. Your voice does sound lovely.” Renamon complimented.

“Hmph!” Ruki grunted as though offended by the compliment.

“Xiaochun, I think you have a very sweet sounding voice.” Lopmon complimented.

“Thank you, Lopmon very much!” Xiaochun replied, bowing her head in respect to her partner.

“Oh my!” Nia exclaimed, and everyone stopped in their tracks.

“What’s wrong, Nia?” Simon asked.

“I felt a small drop of water fall on me. It was… Strange.” Nia answered, looking up at the top of the tunnel.

She felt another drop land on her face. It didn’t appear to unsettle her, but rather filled her with curiosity.

“You do realize sewer water is nasty, right?” Simon asked.

“I’m aware… But, it’s just so… strange.” Nia answered.

“Normally, people would be disgusted by this.” Ruki commented.

“Last I checked, not a lot of us could be classified as ‘Normal.’” Simon responded.

“Hey, I have a question; When and if we make it out of this… What did you guys want to do?” Daisuke asked.

“I think I’d want to play some online stuff with Yamato. Though, hopefully he’s still around.” Takeru answered, while visualizing a controller in his hands.

“Admittedly, I kinda wanted to get back into practicing some Tai Chi, and then maybe emailing some friends back home.” Jianliang said, reminiscing about his days doing those activities.

“I want to play with all my stuffed toys that Mom and Dad bought me!” Xiaochun chimed in, remembering all the plush toys she had back at the apartment.

“ I think… When I get back… I want to finally try to reconcile with my father.” Nia confessed.

“Hey, if you need any help with that I-” Simon said, but cut himself off before he could finish.

“It’s nothing… What about you, Makino? What do you want to do when you make it back?” Simon asked.

“I’m gonna get back into the card game. Now that Brainiac here has shown us that the Digimon cards work with our Digivices, I wanna get back into that, and beat the tar out of that idiot in the tournament!” Ruki declared, which surprised quite a few people there.

“I was just thinking of going back home, and taking a nice relaxing bath. Then… I might finally get back to what I said to someone earlier.” Daisuke said, visualizing himself in a warm tub filled with water, and not a care in the world.

“Alright, Gogglehead, why don’t you tell us? Since Daisuke here made us talk, what about you?” Ruki demanded.

“What is there for me to look forward to, going home?” Simon replied, confusing the others.

“Besides, not like I’m missed back home anyway. I’m not like you guys at all.” Simon explained.

“What do you mean? Do you have any family?” Takeru asked.

“...No… My mom died years ago of a disease. My dad tried to find a way to pay off the funding for a cure, but by the time he had the money… It was too late. He then pooled everything he got into setting me for life… But, then…” Simon answered, his voice becoming more somber as he went on.

“What about that oaf you keep talking about?” Ruki asked.

“He’s my legal guardian. Though he tries to act like he’s my older brother, he’s just crazy. Guy looks at me as though he has all the faith in the world in me… But, my faith had left me years ago.” Simon answered.

“Simon… Momentai…” Xiaochun said, approaching him slowly.

“You know… You’re a very pure soul, Xiaochun… I hope you never lose that purity.” Simon responded, trying to force a smile on his face.

“Everyone’s so tired…” Terriermon said.

“It’s quite a sad sight.” Renamon added.

Just then, Guilmon’s ears perked up, and he smelt something else in the air other than the dankness of the sewers themselves.

“Um… Guys? We might have to go now.” Guilmon said.

“What now, dino boy?” Impmon asked, as Guilmon’s pupils turned to slits.

“Is it a big one?” Simon asked, ready to draw his sword from his digivice.

“No… They’re weak… But numerous and… Nasty.” Guilmon explained.

Renamon, upon hearing that, rushed to Ruki and held her before running off. This gesture seemed to confuse everyone. Suddenly, everyone started to hear loud, obnoxious voices from down the tunnel.

“Ah, crap… Numemon.” Impmon uttered.

“What’s so bad about them? Guilmon said they’re weak.” Xiaochun asked.

“Well, let’s just say that there’s a good reason why they’re so hated in the Digital World.” Lopmon answered.

Just then, the group saw a whole horde of green slugs with red eyes, and blue spots on their backs.

“Welp, time to make like trees and get the leaf out of here!” Simon proclaimed, and immediately everyone ran like hell.

“Any reason why we’re running?” Jianliang asked as Terriermon clung onto his bag.

“Well, you’ll find out.” Terriermon replied.

As they ran, the Numemon pulled out pink wads of… Poop. And they threw them at our heroes at such a rate, it almost mimicked automatic gunfire. Many of them hit the walls and the water near the children. 

“Remind me to never question this again!” Jianliang shouted.

“This way, everyone!” Renamon called out, she gestured to them to follow her into the pipe to their left.

They rushed into the pipe, however, the Numemon were quick on their trail. As they beat a very hasty retreat, the pipe started to become more akin to a cave tunnel, and then…

The children had finally gotten out of the sewers and saw daylight once more. However, Simon and Guilmon turned around as the Numemon retreated.

“Oh god! Natural light!” They cried out before running back.

“Yeah! That’s what I thought!” Simon shouted before he raised his middle finger at the Numemon.

“Numemon hate sunlight. They prefer dark places.” Guilmon added.

“Lemme guess, they mostly come at night…” Simon replied, which slightly frightened Xiaochun.

“C’mon, Simon. You don’t need to do that.” Jianliang said.

“Relax. As long as we’re not in the sewers, I think we’ll be fine.” Simon responded.

Later…

They wandered through more of the land, this time filled with dried up grass and small puddles of water here and there. Takeru and Xiaochun were once again worn out by the heat. Just then, they saw several vending machines out in the middle of the grassland.

“It’s a trap.” Ruki said.

“Yup. And if I had an axe, I’d retrieve it.” Simon added, before drawing his sword.

“But we’re so thirsty…” Xiaochun complained.

“Check your water bottle, see if you still have any.” Jianliang suggested.

Xiaochun did check, and was relieved to find that there was still plenty of water. However, Takeru was quick to go and check the vending machines. At first, Daisuke was also tempted to join him… But, he felt Jianliang’s hand on his shoulder.

“3… 2… 1…” Everyone except Xiaochun counted down, and just as Takeru was about to get a cola, the door to the vending machine fell over, and a Numemon was inside.

“Should’ve seen THAT coming.” Simon snarked as Takeru ran back to him and the others.

Though, just before anyone could make a comment about the sunlight being less than ideal for them, clouds appeared over the sky to obscure the sun.

“Great…” Simon said, and just then, another horde of Numemon popped out and rushed the group.

Once more, they ran to the hills as the Numemon chased them down.

“Guys! Let’s try not to split up! It could be a very bad-” Simon shouted, but found everyone had split up anyway.

“Dammit!” Simon exclaimed as he and Guilmon ran from a group of Numemon.

With Xiaochun…

Xiaochun and Lopmon ran from three Numemon who broke off from the main group, and started flinging poop at them. They immediately rushed to trees to the side, but then Lopmon removed herself from cover, ready to face them. 

“ Tiny Twister! ” Lopmon called out, ready to attack.

Just then, the Numemon panicked, and immediately ran from the rabbit Digimon. Xiaochun breathed a sigh of relief, hearing that their pursuers fled.

“Thanks a lot, Lopmon!” Xiaochun praised, while bowing her head.

“Um… No offense, Xiaochun… But I didn’t do anything.” Lopmon replied, very confused.

However, the ground shook beneath them as huge thundering steps came closer and closer to the two. Towering over them was a large yellow teddy bear with a white underbelly and two red eyes. There was also an ‘x’ shaped bandage on its belly and a zipper behind its back.

“T-T-That’s… Monzaemon!” Lopmon fearfully exclaimed.

“Welcome to Toy Town.” Monzaemon said with a deep, yet soft sounding voice, much to the two’s confusion.

“What is he? A Digimon?” Xiaochun asked.

“Yes. Though he looks soft, he’s actually much stronger. He’s an Ultimate Level just like Andromon.” Lopmon explained. “He loves toys, and the toys love him back. And, he’s the mayor of Toy Town.” Lopmon added, with Xiaochun imagining him being surrounded by toys that are close by.

“So… He’s a good Digimon?” Xiaochun inquired.

“I hope so…” Lopmon nervously replied.

“We have waited so anxiously for your arrival, little miss.” Monzaemon said, his voice now taking on a more sinister tone.

Just then, beams from his eyes fired at the two, who ran the moment his voice changed its tone.

“Why is it that every nice Digimon wants to kill us?” Xiaochun asked in fear.

“I’m not sure! Though, if I had to guess, he might have a Black Gear like the others!” Lopmon responded, though they were still on the run.

“Why are you running, little miss? Enjoy yourselves!” Monzaemon said, giving chase.

“It’s an honor to meet you!” He further added, continuing with his pursuit.

“Hey! Sweetheart! This way!” A Numemon from afar exclaimed, gesturing to her to follow them.

Xiaochun looked at the creature, then back to Monzaemon and weighed her options. She immediately scooped up Lopmon and bolted for the Numemon. The two of them hid in a large rut, which made for the perfect cover from Monzaemon, who couldn’t seem to find them.

“Come on, let’s play together! We can have all sorts of fun!” Monzaemon shouted, stepping over the rut they were in.

Once he was far enough away, Xiaochun and Lopmon both popped out to see where he was. He continued his trek into the nearby forest.

“That’s weird. He left.” Xiaochun commented.

“I’m guessing something’s happened at Toy Town.” Lopmon surmised.

“So… Wanna date me?” Numemon asked, his face taking on a more… Lecherous one.

“No!” Xiaochun shouted, utterly rejecting Numemon, who slumped over.

Xiaochun and Lopmon exited the rut and ran to keep pace, while making sure to stay far enough behind Monzaemon.

“Man… That girl is blunt…” Nuemon mused to himself.

As the two ran further in, Xiaochun was amazed at the sight in front of them. It looked to be an abandoned European-style village, but the houses are a bright pink with the occasional blue on the roofs. 

“So beautiful…” Xiaochun said, gushing about the place.

“Yup. This is Toy Town.” Lopmon added, pointing to the locale.

“It’s just like an amusement park!” Xiaochun further gushed.

The two walked into the town, walking along the pavement, noting the other residences that look to have other bright colors than just the pink structures that stuck out to them.

“Huh… No one’s here…” Xiaochun commented, noting how odd it was.

Though, just as they stepped onto the portion of the pavement with Monzaemon’s face on it, Lopmon heard someone coming.

“Who could that be?” Lopmon asked herself.

“This is fun… This is fun…” A voice repeated. 

Xiaochun watched and saw that it was Daisuke, who appeared to be running from a wind up toy car.

“Daisuke…?” Xiaochun nervously asked.

“Toy Town is so much fun! I never want to leave!” Daisuke shouted, before he continued repeating how fun it was.

“I hope my big brother’s okay…” Xiaochun uttered.

“This is so… This is so interesting…” Another voice said, and it was Nia.

She appeared to be running away from a wind up toy monkey, who appeared to be smashing his symbols.

“Lopmon, I don’t think I like it here anymore.” Xiaochun said.

“I’m happy. I’m happy… I’ve never been happier.” Jianliang’s voice said as he ran away, this time by wind up toy soldiers. 

Xiaochun covered her mouth as she gasped at the disturbing peace in Jian’s voice. From there, she knew that something was horribly wrong.

“Xiaochun…?” Lopmon asked, now unsure of where her green counterpart is.

“Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga choo choo!” Ruki’s voice sounded out as she ran by the two, being chased by a toy train.

“Banzai! Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!” Takeru shouted as he was chased by a toy helicopter.

“Wait… Where’s Simon?” Lopmon asked, which caused Xiaochun to snap out of her thoughts.

“And what about the other Digimon? It’s like everyone lost their emotions, but where’s our friends?” Xiaochun asked, now looking around.

As they explored further into the town, the two heard noises from inside a small house. They peered into the window and saw a locked up treasure chest that looked to be filled with the Digimon inside.

“ Yeah… Monzaemon got us alright…” A familiar voice sounded.

Xiaochun turned around, and saw Simon, who, unlike the others, appeared to be utterly miserable.

“Simon! There you are! We need your help!” Xiaochun shouted.

“I can’t… There’s not much point anyway…” Simon uttered.

“What do you mean? You’ve helped us before! And you helped Jian!” Xiaochun further shouted.

“Everybody else looks so happy though… And yet… There’s nothing I want to do. Nothing I want to play with… Nothing at all…” Simon uttered, and Xiaochun saw how dead he looked inside.

She gritted her teeth in frustration as tears threatened to spill out from her eyes as Simon’s expression continued to remain deadpan.

“Just leave me here… I’m no good to you… No good… No good…” Simon muttered.

“Shut up! That’s a lie! Now snap out of it!” Xiaochun screamed out, before rearing back her fist, and throwing a mean haymaker at Simon’s face.

Blood seeped from the boy’s lip after he bit into it. She saw that he still had an utterly defeated expression on his face. 

“I thought fighting was all you had, Simon… I want you back… I want everyone back… I want… I want my big brother back!” Xiaochun cried as she buried her face in Simon’s robe. 

His eyes, lacking in any emotion, looked at Xiaochun, who still cried into him. However, this sight appeared to elicit another memory in him.

“ Mom…? Wake up… Mom… Mom! No, please no! ”

He vividly recalled bawling his eyes out in the hospital room, after watching his mother die right in front of him. In spite of many concerns from the medical staff, Simon remained by her side.

Just then, he snapped out of his state. He once more looked down at Xiaochun, before he pulled her in for a hug.

“I’m sorry about all that, Xiaochun…” Simon uttered.

The two tamers and Lopmon entered the room with the treasure chest, and as Simon looked at the lock, a question popped up in Xiaochun’s mind.

“What happened to all of you?” Xiaochun asked.

“When we made the ill advised decision to split the party, we all got attacked by that giant teddy bear. Everyone was deprived of their emotions and made to be toys for the toys… Meanwhile, when he removed my emotions…” Simon answered, though it was hard for him to answer the last part.

“Simon?” Xiaochun asked.

“I just… Became disinterested… I didn’t want to do anything… And… No toys wanted to play with me…” Simon sadly uttered.

“Why was that, Simon?” Lopmon asked.

“I guess… I just sat in a corner… I didn’t move or do anything… Honestly, it’s actually thanks to you, Xiaochun. I remembered a very important point in my life. And, that memory got me back in action. So… Thank you.” Simon answered.

“So, the toys were playing with them…” Xiaochun surmised based on the earlier portion of Simon’s explanation.

“Hey guys! What happened to Monzaemon?” Lopmon asked, placing her ear against the box.

“I dunno…” Guilmon replied.

“Then, can you get out of the box?” Xiaochun asked, hoping for a potential escape.

“We tried, but it’s no use! It won't break.” Terriermon answered.

“Then perhaps we’ll need a little maintenance.” Simon said, brandishing his sword.

Though, just before he could attempt to break open the box, Monzaemon pried the roof off of the building, and Xiaochun and Lopmon looked on in fear, while Simon only looked in anger.

“ You were always such a disappointment, Ackerman… You couldn’t be happy, and instead, you were just miserable… Why couldn’t you play like the rest of them?” Monzaemon said.

“Happiness hasn’t been something I was allowed to have for some time. You’re barking up the wrong tree on that end!” Simon shouted.

“I had even brought you and the little miss some balloons…” Monzaemon said, offering a whole bunch of colored balloons shaped in his likeness.

“Go! Get out of here, now!” Simon ordered, and Xiaochun had reluctantly complied.

Simon then jumped to the top of a nearby building and once more pointed his blade at Monzaemon.

“ Lovely Attack! ” Monzaemon called out as blue hearts shot out from him and were aimed at Simon.

He made a horizontal slice with his blade, and once more, the blade was wreathed with green flames that dissipated the hearts.

“Aw…” Monzaemon uttered.

“Hey!” Xiaochun shouted, getting Monzaemon’s attention.

“I want you to give back my brother and my friends’ feelings! Now!” Xiaochun demanded, as her face contorted to anger.

Though, in response, Monzaemon looked at Xiaochun and Simon saw the glow in his eyes. He immediately rushed to block the attack, but was blown into another building. 

Just after Simon crashed through the building, a swarm of Numemon rushed right out of there, shocking the unofficial leader.

“We’re here to save ya, babe!” The Numemon declared.

“Um… What?” Simon asked.

They threw wads of poop at Monzaemon, which proved to do nothing to him, except make him angry.

“Numemon… Why?” Xiaochun asked, watching as they continued their onslaught.

Monzaemon took one step, and they were all sent flying. Xiaochun couldn’t believe it. They were defending her.

“They’re protecting me…” Xiaochun uttered.

“ Is your resolve as strong as theirs? ” A voice asked Lopmon in her mind.

“ Wait… Who is this? ” Lopmon responded.

“ Answer my question… Is your resolve as strong as theirs? They’re no more than slugs… Yet, they’re willing to put their lives on the line to save your partner… ” The voice continued.

“ If it is a question of resolve… I swore that I’d protect Xiaochun. And I will! ” Just as Lopmon thought that, an aura of brown-ish pink energy emitted off of Lopmon, and a similar pressure was felt throughout.

“ Good… I shall lend you some of my strength… Just as the others had. One day, you will know me… And you will remember your true power… ” The voice said, as Xiaochun’s digivice changed into a similar shape as the others, only now with a similar colored ring to her power.

“Lopmon… Alright then, just like my big brother!” Xiaochun exclaimed and pointed her Digivice at Monzaemon.

DIGIVOLUTION… _

Lopmon Digivolve to…

Lopmon was enveloped in the same sphere of energy as the others, tearing apart her skin. But then, she was given a new form. A larger form that changed her fur color to purple. The pink stripes on her ears were gone, and only a small bit of white was on the tips of them.

She now sported a sleeveless yellow jumpsuit on which the characters on it read ‘Armed struggle’. A blue bandanna was wrapped around her neck, and it had a black belt around her waist, with matching shoes. She wielded two red gloves with iron claws on the back of them. She then struck a strong, fighting stance.

Turuiemon!

Xiaochun was amazed at the sight of her partner. Despite her still being dwarfed by Monzaemon, she was not intimidated in the slightest. Monzaemon moved to take another step onto the two, but Turuiemon caught his foot, causing him to gasp.

“I’m not just some small little bunny you can step on, pal! I’m Xiaochun Li’s partner! And don’t you forget it!” Turuiemon exclaimed before she threw a mean uppercut at Monzaemon’s foot, causing him to stumble.

Just then, Turuiemon unfolded the claws, and jumped at the teddy bear, prepping up a ferocious combo.

“ Gauntlet Claw! ” She called out as she pelted him with a series of powerful punches that did a number on him.

Monzaemon then attempted to grab her, before she leapt off of his hand and went over his head and onto the zipper. She pulled at it, which caused some stuffing, and a black gear to pop out. It rolled onto the street, before she quickly pummeled it into nothingness.

“Turuiemon! That was amazing- Ohmygosh! Simon!” Xiaochun praised, before realizing that Simon was injured from the fight.

She and her partner rushed to his aid as moved out of the building, brushing off debris from his sleeves.

“I’m so sorry, Simon. Please forgive me.” Xiaochun apologized, while getting on her knees and bowing to him.

“Considering you saved me twice, Xiaochun, there’s no need to apologize. Besides, you did pretty good. You too, Turuiemon.” Simon replied, while Turuiemon also bowed her head.

Later, Sunset…

Monzaemon, much like the others, had snapped out of his evil phase, looking very apologetic towards the children and their partners, whom he released from their prisons.

“My apologies little ones… When people grow tired of their toys, they’re readily tossed away like trash. And I for one, couldn’t stand that. Which is why as Mayor of Toy Town, I wished to raise the social status of toys.” Monzaemon explained, his voice now taking a more, genuine and softer tone.

“Social status of toys?” Xiaochun asked, unsure what he meant.

“I think he means that he wanted us to realize how important toys really are.” Jianliang explained.

“But, I love all my plushies. Every single one!” Xiaochun cried out.

“You are correct, little one. For toys shouldn’t be toyed with. They should be played with. And I can see that the little miss here does love her toys.” Monzaemon further added.

“So that’s why you wanted us to play for the toys, huh?” Daisuke surmised, while scratching his head sheepishly. Monzaemon nodded at his statement.

“Once more, I apologize for getting carried away. Especially when the Ackerman appeared to be unresponsive. All the toys appeared to leave him alone.” Monzaemon apologized.

“It’s fine… Besides, after a while, I felt the only thing I could really attach myself to were these…” Simon said, before he pulled his goggles over his head.

Monzaemon took a look at the goggles and saw within the strap an inscription. It read ‘To Simon, Happy Birthday. Love, Dad.’ 

“You know… Nice guys like you shouldn’t finish last.” Monzaemon said, before gently patting Simon on the head.

“I hate to tell you this… But I’m not exactly nice.” Simon soberly replied.

“I don’t think you’re mean, Simon. Plus, I understand Monzaemon’s love for toys.” Xiaochun said, tugging on the pants.

“Lopmon. I have to thank you and your tamer for bringing me back to my senses. And to show my gratitude I shall show you all happiness. This one’s for real.” Monzaemon said, before more of his hearts shot out from him. This time, they were colored red.

Everyone was taken inside of the hearts, and unlike before, they felt true happiness from his gesture. Though, Monzaemon noticed the confused expression on Simon’s face when this emotion hit him.

“Babe! Kiss me!” Numemon shouted, popping out of a sewer panel.

“Nope!” Xiaochun cheerfully replied.

“Aw… Nothing’s changed.” Numemon sadly uttered, before retreating back inside.

As everyone laughed in a cheerful manner while floating around inside their heart bubble, Simon continued to hold his hand to his chest, as though he thought about a time that could’ve sworn was long behind him… A time, where he felt happiness. And Guilmon, seeing this, felt his smile grow even wider.

To Be Continued…

Songs used in this chapter...

Here to Stay by Shiro Sagisu

Alleycat and Keeper of Lust by Shoji Meguro

EVO by Wild Child Bound

Chapter Text

A powerful gust of wind blew by in the distance, ruffling many of the coniferous trees near the mountain. A series of black gears floated about in the air, unbeknownst to the children and their Digimon who journeyed through the forest. The majority of the group appeared to be fine, though when Nia turned around, she saw the two youngest members rubbing their arms with their hands.

“It’s so cold…” Takeru complained.

“I should’ve packed my jacket…” Xiaochun lamented, just before Lopmon climbed down onto her bag and rubbed her arms with her ears.

“You seem pretty energetic, V-Mon.” Daisuke said, pointing out V-Mon’s enthusiasm.

“Cold doesn’t really bother me. Same with Guilmon here.” V-Mon explained.

“Is that true, Guilmon?” Simon asked.

“Yep. I can sleep through all sorts of cold weather.” He answered.

“Yeah, and meanwhile I can make whatever amount of fire’s necessary.” Impmon chimed in.

“I’m sure you’re not cold, Simon. How many layers are you wearing, anyway?” Jianliang asked.

Simon pulled back the Hosode to see the Shitagi, before he pulled that back to view his hoodie, and then pulled that back to view his shirt.

“I count at least four layers.” Simon answered.

“Lucky.” Ruki muttered.

“You know, it’s weird. I ended up wearing this jacket, and my shirt, but I guess I didn’t think about bringing any pants. Just shorts.” Daisuke commented, looking down at his wardrobe.

“And what about you, Nia?” Ruki asked.

“This has always been my favorite jacket to wear. Plus, I think it looks cute.” Nia answered, with a bright and cheerful smile.

“Well, if we get snow, I’m sure there’s a bunch of activities we could try out.” Simon said, hoping to brighten the mood.

“Oh! How about a snowball fight?” Takeru suggested.

“I’d like to do a snowball fight too!” Xiaochun shouted, agreeing with Takeru’s enthusiasm.

“Daisuke? What’s a snowball fight?” V-Mon asked, tugging on Daisuke’s sleeve.

“Well… You gather up a bunch of snow, turn it into a ball, and then throw it at someone. And they do the same to you.” Daisuke answered.

“How is that fun?” V-Mon further asked, unsure how that could be considered fun.

“Hey, so long as nobody puts any cold water onto the snowball, it’s not gonna hurt anyone.” Daisuke answered.

“Never got to have an actual snowball fight with anyone.” Simon commented.

“Really?” Jianliang asked.

“You keep forgetting I didn’t have a whole lot of people I’d call friends, Jianliang.” Simon replied with a cocked eyebrow.

“How about we make an igloo while we’re at it?” Xiaochun suggested.

“We’re gonna need A LOT of ice for that one.” Jianliang commented.

“What’s an igloo, Daisuke?” V-Mon asked his tamer.

“It’s a house made entirely out of ice.” Daisuke answered.

“Well, all funsies aside, I think we should set up camp and find food while we can. If it gets any colder, we might not be able to do that.” Simon said, which then dampened the others’ spirit.

Though, amidst the complaining, Daisuke watched from a distance at Simon, who appeared to excel at the leadership position despite not initially wanting it from what he heard. It appeared to inspire something within him.

“Simon… I know you’re just trying to protect everyone here. On top of that, you’ve tried taking on so much of a burden by yourself… I wish I could be more like you…” Daisuke thought to himself.

Flashback, two years ago, Shinjuku Park…

Daisuke was being held down by a pair of older kids from the middle school, while another held his goggles.

“Give those back! My big sister got them for me!” Daisuke demanded, trying to break out of their grasp.

“And your sister is nowhere to be seen. Nobody’s around this time of night, except for all the cute couples!” The one holding his goggles replied, spinning the goggles by the strap in his finger.

The others laughed at the predicament, which only caused Daisuke to look down, about to cry. Just then, they heard footsteps go by as someone passed by with a pair of earbuds connected to his phone, presumably listening to music while on a stroll.

“Huh? And just who are you, punk?” The kid holding Daisuke’s goggles asked, but the boy paid him no heed.

His expression seemed distant, like he was deep in thought, rather than worried about anything around him. His thoughts were disrupted when the kid with Daisuke’s goggles rudely ripped out the earbuds from his ears. 

“Oh, I’ve heard of you… You’re that Ackerman kid my little brother told me about…” The bully said, his face now contorting to a sneer.

“Ackerman? What’s that supposed to mean?” Daisuke thought to himself as the other bullies continued to hold him there.

“So what if I am? Just leave me be.” Simon said, putting his phone back into his pocket.

“And look at that… Just like that loser, you happen to have goggles on you…” The bully commented, pointing to Simon’s goggles.

Though, just before his finger could reach the eyewear, Simon quickly grabbed the bully’s hand and twisted his arm into a joint lock.

“Ow! What the hell?” The bully cried out in pain.

“Here I was on an evening stroll, and I found three middle schoolers treating their Kouhai like a piece of crap. I hardly view that as an example one should follow.” Simon said, forcing the bully to his knees from the pressure he applied to the joint.

Bones started to pop as the pressure continued. Daisuke went from fearful to astonished. Here was this kid around his age, getting someone bigger than him to get down on his knees.

“American scum!” The bully shouted, before Simon picked him up by his arm and then delivered a sweeping kick to knock him to the ground.

“For the record, using an Ad Hominem to try and distract me wasn’t going to work. See, now you made it easier for me to cause you pain.” Simon replied, before he stepped on the bully’s wrist, causing him to release his grip on Daisuke’s goggles.

Simon picked them up and looked at the two other bullies. He glared daggers at them, and at first they debated whether or not to fight him, but as Simon approached them, it became clear that trying wouldn’t benefit them.

“Take your buddy, leave, and never cross paths with me or this kid again.” Simon demanded.

Out of fear, the two grabbed their leader, who at first wanted to say something at Simon, but the boy glanced back at him.

“Next time, be a better Senpai.” Simon sneered as he immediately ceased speaking.

The trio fled from the park, just before Simon gave a huff and presented Daisuke with his goggles.

“I believe these are yours…” Simon said, handing Daisuke his eyewear back.

“...” Daisuke didn’t seem to say a word, which caused Simon to sigh.

“Great… I did it again. I tried not to hurt them badly, yet here I am scaring somebody again. Fine…” Simon uttered to himself, before carefully placing the goggles back on Daisuke’s head.

“Just… Forget you ever saw me, kid.” Simon said, before he put his earbuds back in and continued his stroll.

Daisuke watched him continue to walk on, he felt the goggles on his head, but it just seemed so strange to him.

“No, Simon… You had the wrong idea… I wasn’t scared… I was just… Amazed… And surprised… That’s all…”

End of Flashback…

“Daisuke…?” V-Mon asked his Tamer, tugging on his sleeve.

“Oh! Sorry, V-Mon. Guess I got caught flashbacking, huh?” Daisuke replied, scratching the back of his head out of embarrassment. 

Amidst Daisuke’s thoughts getting the better of him, the group appeared to have been surrounded by the snow that they just mentioned.

“Jian! It’s snowing again!” Xiaochun exclaimed, pointing to the ground.

Her, Takeru and their Digimon then proceeded to frolic amidst the snowy field that now covered the ground.

“Jeez, twice in a whole week? What are the odds?” Jianliang asked.

“I feel like we’ve been here longer than just a few days.” Simon commented.

“I count at least four days.” Nia added.

“Well, what do you think we should do?” Jianliang asked Simon.

“There’s a mountain right in front of us, but there’s snow around here… Either way, we do need to keep moving.” Simon answered, but then Guilmon’s nose picked up something.

“What’s up, buddy?” Simon asked.

“I smell something weird… Anybody else?” Guilmon replied, before turning to the others.

Everyone else then started sniffing the air, and amidst the cold that was mixed in, they were able to pick up on something peculiar. 

“It kinda stinks, to be honest.” V-Mon commented.

“I smell smoke.” Renamon added.

The group turned to where Renamon was sniffing, and true to her word, there was smoke off in the distance.

“Perhaps… That could be an onsen.” Daisuke suggested, and immediately the two youngest stopped in their tracks.

Simon shrugged his shoulders and the children followed him as they headed towards the onsen. Though, once they arrived, they couldn’t help noticing the coloring of the water, or the fact that it was boiling hot.

“Looks more like a boiler, methinks.” Simon commented.

“Yeah, no kidding.” Daisuke added, looking disappointed. 

“So… Do you guys bathe in this stuff?” Impmon asked.

“Not at this temperature, no.” Nia replied.

“And even if we were to bathe right here and now, there’s the problem of no dividers.” Ruki added. “Not that anyone would want to see gogglehead here in the nude.” She further added, pointing to Simon.

“...Why me specifically, Makino?” Simon questioned, meanwhile Nia’s face turned a beet colored red.

“Well, at least it’s not cold anymore.” Takeru said.

“Um… Jianliang?” Xiaochun asked, getting her brother’s attention. 

Once he turned to her, she pointed to what appeared to be a large refrigerator in the middle of the springs. 

“Xiaochun, we should probably be careful about this…” Lopmon said.

“Alright. Let’s check the fridge and see what’s going on.” Jianliang replied.

The two approached the fridge cautiously with the others watching and waiting for it to be a trap. They opened the door, and found several shelves worth of eggs inside.

“Hey guys! There’s eggs in here!” Jianliang exclaimed.

The others walked over to see the eggs, and at first, many would’ve voiced an objection… Until the collective groans of their stomachs said otherwise.

“Guess we’re having eggs tonight.” Simon said.

As time went by, the group had gone about making the eggs in their own ways. Nia and Impmon cooked a couple of yolks on a rock, with the latter providing the flames. The other Digimon went about making bowls out of the bark on the trees nearby, with Guilmon and V-Mon clawing at the trees.

Meanwhile, Takeru and Patamon were near one of the springs with a vine attached to a basket full of eggs, waiting for something.

“They’re done! We’ve got hard-boiled eggs right here!” Takeru exclaimed, pulling out the eggs.

“And we’ve got the firewood!” Simon said, as he and Daisuke both came back with piles of wood.

Night fell, and the group gathered around a makeshift table as the fire went on. Simon had carved each of them pairs of chopsticks using his sword and they dug into the eggs on the table.

“It’s been so long since we had an actual meal!” Jianliang commented.

“So, how do you hold those?” Terriermon asked, hoping to get an explanation.

“Well, I’m not sure how I could explain it since you don’t have thumbs.” Jianliang replied, sheepishly.

“I have thumbs. And so do Impmon and Renamon.” V-Mon chimed in.

“You’ve got a full set, we’ve only got three.” Impmon replied.

“You know, guys… I remember my mom making some of the best omelettes out there. Man, I miss those times.” Daisuke said.

“Me too…” Xiaochun sadly added.

“I wonder how everyone is doing?” Takeru pondered aloud.

“I’m sure mom’s off doing a modeling gig as we speak.” Ruki said.

“I hope that my father isn’t too furious with me…” Nia added, while looking down at her meal.

Daisuke now sensed that the mood went down drastically, and he elbowed Simon for suggestions.

“So… What do we put on the eggs? Personally, I just eat em’ as is.” Simon asked.

“What? You don’t like salt and pepper?” Daisuke inquired.

“I’m a very plain kind of guy.” Simon answered. 

“I put soy sauce on my eggs.” Jianliang chimed in.

“Oh! Oh! Mayonnaise for me!” Xiaochun shouted, raising her hand.

“I personally prefer placing some ponzu on mine.” Ruki answered.

“Excuse you?” Simon questioned, emphasizing the ‘you’ part.

“I at least put something on my eggs, and I’m sure you’d eat them raw, gogglehead.” Ruki retorted.

“Touché.” Simon replied, knowing she was right. “What about you, Nia? What do you put on top of your eggs?” He asked.

“Sugar and Natto of course!” Nia proudly answered.

“...” Everyone seemed very perturbed by that, except for Xiaochun.

“I like Natto…” Xiaochun replied.

“Guess everybody’s got different tastes, huh?” Daisuke asked.

Later on in the night…

Simon and Ruki, with Jianliang’s mapping on his computer, have drawn a detailed map of the island they’ve visited thus far with a pair of sticks.

“Gotta hand it to you, Makino. You’ve got much more artistic talent than I do.” Simon complimented.

“You act like you didn’t draw the shape of the island, or the mountain in the middle.” Ruki replied.

“You drew everything else…” Simon said.

The group gathered around as Simon and Ruki stood with sticks ready to point to where they'd been.

“Okay, so now we know for sure thanks to Jianliang here that the area we’ve been walking on is a huge island. Only question is… Where do we go from here?” Simon spoke, pointing to the area.

“We’ve been to a beach, in the forest, at a village, a factory, and then toy town.” Ruki added, pointing to each of the locales she drew out. 

“So now… We’re left with this forest near an onsen and a snowy field… And the mountain that’s been in the center of the island.” Simon pointed out.

“The mountain looks pretty dangerous. Even if a majority of our party has Digimon who’ve digivolved, it still seems risky.” Jianliang pointed out.

“And I understand that. Hence why we’re going to weigh our options and if we do go to the mountain, we’re gonna have a formation that covers everyone who hasn’t gotten to Champion level.” Simon replied.

“So, what are our options?” Takeru asked.

“Either we continue wandering through the woods until we find another shoreline… Or we head up the mountain and see if we can find any leads that might get us home.” Simon answered.

“How do you figure the mountain’s our best course of action?” Ruki inquired.

“I’ve seen some of the black gears flying around near the mountain, and I figured that if we bust the source of our current troubles, there might be a chance that we’ll get to go home.” Simon explained.

“So you’re basing this assumption off of doing a good deed?” Ruki asked, narrowing her eyes at Simon.

“It’s all I’ve got, honestly. Another reason would be to get a good vantage point.” Simon answered.

“Okay, and how will we scout out the danger beforehand? We could just end up getting attacked.” Jianliang questioned.

“Guilmon and I will scout it out, and then we’ll give you our report.” Simon answered.

“By yourselves?” Jianliang asked.

“I can’t risk all of us getting killed, now can I?” Simon replied.

Daisuke was quite surprised to hear Simon volunteering to take on such a heavy burden. He wasn’t sure what he could add to this conversation, or what he could contribute in terms of directions. He wanted to say something, but he just couldn’t.

“Okay, so who do you want to go if something happens to you?” Ruki asked.

“What are you saying, Makino?” Simon replied.

“I’m saying that you should consider that somebody should also go if something happens to you.” Ruki answered.

“Very well… Since you’re the one who made the suggestion. If something happens to me, I want you to go next.” Simon responded.

“And I accept.” Ruki simply said.

Though, just before Simon would say anything further, he went to approach Nia and whispered something in her ear.

“Takeru, Xiaochun, would you mind coming with me for a little while?” Nia requested, and though both were confused, they followed the girl away from the group, along with their partners.

“Um… Simon? Why’d you do that?” Jianliang asked.

“There’s something I need to tell you guys before we continue on. It’s kind of important. Plus… I’d rather they not hear it.” Simon answered, before taking a seat. 

“...It’s about my surname.” Simon added, which further intrigued the group.

“Digimon here would call me ‘The Ackerman’ or whatever, but… At home, that name belongs to a family of mercenaries.” Simon explained.

“Mercenaries?” Daisuke asked.

“Yup. My dad was a mercenary, as were the vast majority of my family preceding him. It’s a generational sort of thing. One that he never wanted me involved in.” Simon answered.

“Okay, gogglehead you now have my attention.” Ruki said, sitting down with the others.

“Thing is… Mercenaries may seem like cool guys to some people… In reality, they’re anything but. Loyalty to money is not something one would consider a good thing.” Simon continued.

“How come?” Daisuke asked.

“Let’s say hypothetically I were a merc. You had two-hundred yen, and Makino here had two-thousand yen. Which one looks more appealing?” Simon replied.

“The one with more money.” Daisuke answered.

“Loyalty to a cause doesn’t pay rent. It doesn’t pay for much, including curing one’s disease. That’s why my dad went out in the field. He did the nasty business so that way our family would be provided. Unfortunately, he died in the midst of battle just after sending more money my way.” Simon explained.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Jianliang said, expressing sympathy to Simon.

“I’ve already proven to be quite a violent individual towards a number of our peers at school. I hurt people to the point of scaring those I’m trying to help. And… I especially felt that I ended up hurting someone I never wanted to…” Simon went on, his voice becoming more somber.

“Though, in hindsight, maybe that’s for the better. If my parents had left me, who’s to say that anybody else that gets close to me won’t just… Leave?” Simon added.

“Gogglehead…” Ruki said.

“That’s why, after this business is done and we’re finally back home… I’d rather you all just forget about me and go about your own lives.” Simon further said.

Ruki, frustrated with Simon’s negativity approached him and grabbed him by his robe. She glared at him, but he wasn’t fazed at all.

“That’s it? Just cause people at school know about your family automatically makes you a bad person!?” Ruki yelled at him. “No! That’s stupid! And you need to stop being stupid!” Ruki demanded.

“Makino… I feel like you’d have wanted to forget about me after all that’s gone on between us.” Simon replied.

“And leave you to sulk? No! You don’t get to lead us around then tell us to treat you like you’re nobody! Because… Because… You’re somebody…” Ruki said, as her voice started to break.

“I didn’t want to say this in front of everyone here, but… I heard what you and Renamon talked about. And… You’re the only one… The only one who’s been there… For me…” Ruki added, as her hands started to tremble. 

Simon wasn’t sure how to approach the fiery redhead. Especially given their history. The fact that she admitted that to him, made him more confused. His first instinct would’ve been to pull her into a hug to console her… But he didn’t know if he should.

He opted to throw caution to the wind and brought her in for a hug, which surprised both Jianliang and Daisuke. Though, Ruki had opted to move away, before she bumped her fist against his chest.

“Don’t you EVER. Go acting like you shouldn’t matter again. You hear me, Gogglehead?” Ruki requested.

“...If you guys think I should matter to you… I guess I’ll try. Nothing’s changed about the plan for tomorrow. First thing in the morning, I’ll scout out the mountain.” Simon replied.

“No… You’re not taking on that burden on top of all that… I’m going…” Daisuke thought to himself, his eyes filled with determination.

Unbeknownst to the group that were with Simon, Nia was just within earshot to have heard the whole conversation. She was quite saddened by Simon’s outlook on life, especially given his background.

“Y’know… I met an Ackerman once… He was a good guy. They’re not bad people, Nia. He just felt the full brunt of a bunch of’ kids’ cruelty. It’s absolutely ridiculous.” Impmon said, which made Nia curious about her partner.

“Kids can be cruel. Outright horrible, especially if they’re enabled by peers or society. Hell, even their parents could enable them if given the chance.” Impmon continued.

Though, Nia easily understood Impmon’s words, feeling portions of her hair.

“What’s with your hair? Nobody’s hair is this color you freak!”

She remembered vividly how she was treated just because of her hair. But, she also recalled the feeling of a much more gentle touch. One that came from the boy she watched very carefully…

The Following Morning…

Before even the sun rose over the horizon, Daisuke quickly woke up, giving off a quiet yawn as he looked around. Everyone was still asleep, even Simon. Though, when he looked down at the unofficial leader, another memory came to mind. One that he felt changed him for a long time to come… 

July 30th, 2013, Hikarigaoka Apartment Complex…

Daisuke walked down the hallway, with his hands folded behind his head, excited about the prospect of going to summer camp. He was on his way to meet up with a friend, but as he passed by one apartment, he heard a loud, albeit, muffled voice coming from the door. 

“C’mon, Simon! You can’t tell me you don’t have anybody you wanna hang out with at the camp!” A deep, but cheerful voice exclaimed.

“I can, and I still don’t! There’s not a single person I’d want to be around at that place! I don’t even know why you signed me up for it!” Simon argued.

“I mean, there’s that one kid I saw at your self-defense class who’s got cool goggles!” The cheerful voice suggested.

“Who? Motomiya? I don’t talk with him, and all I can tell about him is that he’s way too shy to say ANYTHING to ANYBODY!” Simon replied.

Daisuke was a little disheartened to hear someone he looked up to say something like that about him. But, ultimately, he knew that Simon was correct about him.

“Plus, at school I see him just gazing at that Kamiya girl like he likes her or something! At this point, he should just say it to her!” Simon continued to shout.

“Simon. Love’s a little more complicated than just saying ‘I love you’. There’s steps to this.” The optimistic voice lectured.

“Oh, please. I’ve seen them talk to each other every now and then. Hell, they’re neighbors! The worst she can do is say ‘no!’” Simon retorted.

The burgundy-haired boy moved away from the door, realizing that despite Simon’s cruel words… He was right. The young boy continued down the hall and found the apartment labeled ‘Kamiya’ before knocking on the door. 

When the door opened, he was greeted by a woman with fair colored skin, brown hair tied in a ponytail and brown eyes. She sported a blue and white sleeveless tank top shirt and brown cargo shorts. Her footwear consisted of a pair of white high heel sandals. This was Yuko Kamiya.

“Oh! Hi, Daisuke! What brings you here?” She asked.

“Um… Is Hikari around? And where’s Taichi?” Daisuke replied.

“Well, Hikari’s still getting ready for camp, and Taichi’s with my husband.” Yuko answered.

“Oh! Do you mind if I see her? I wanted to talk with her before we went to camp.”

“Hikari! Daisuke’s here to see you!” Yuko shouted to her daughter. 

Daisuke’s face beamed when he saw the young girl with a backpack on her shoulders. Much like Yuko, she had brown hair and brown eyes, albeit the hair was shorter. She sported a yellow sleeveless shirt with two white buttons, a pale pink neckerchief, hot pink pants and white socks with red and white sneakers.

Hikari Kamiya

Age: 13

Grade: Second Year

Birthdate: July 25th, 2000

“I’m all ready to go, Daisuke!” She proudly exclaimed.

But, just as she started to take a few steps, Daisuke noticed something wrong. She started to stumble a little, and he immediately rushed to her aid when she lost balance and almost fell.

“Hikari! Are you okay?!” Daisuke asked, worried about her. He felt her head as Yuko moved quickly to her as well.

“Oh no! She’s got a fever again!” Yuko exclaimed in worry.

“I’ll get her to bed!” Daisuke proclaimed before he picked her up and carried her to bed.

Once he placed her on the mattress, he removed her bag, and helped to position her on her back. Yuko came in with a thermometer and looked at her temperature.

“How bad is it?” Daisuke asked out of concern.

“Sorry, Daisuke… I don’t think Hikari’s gonna be able to go with you to summer camp.” Yuko answered.

The boy felt a wave of sadness take him as Yuko left the room to go get some medicine for Hikari. 

“Hey, Hikari… Listen… I think… I think I’m gonna pass up on going to camp. Yeah, I know it was gonna be the best day of our lives… But, I wanna be able to help you. I’ll come by and visit every now and then, see how you’re doing and-” Daisuke said, but he felt Hikari’s hand on his own.

“Dai… Daisuke… Don’t… Just… Go have fun… For the both of us…” Hikari weakly requested.

Daisuke felt tears well up in his eyes as he took Hikari’s hands in his own and he 

fell to his knees. He held them close to his head as he wept in front of her.

“I will… I promise! I’ll have so much fun! You might as well be there with me!” Daisuke proclaimed.

Hikari was quite relieved to hear him make that promise. Though, she couldn’t help but notice that Daisuke had something else to say.

“Oh, and one more thing… I… I…” Daisuke started to say, as Hikari felt she couldn’t keep her eyes open.

“I love you… Hikari…” He whispered.

He looked at her and saw that she appeared to have passed out, and he sighed. Though, he was still relieved that he got to say what he needed to. The boy turned away from her just as Yuko came in with the medication.

“Daisuke? Are you okay?” Yuko asked.

“I’ll be fine… Can you please take care of her?” Daisuke requested, though Yuko looked at him as though to say ‘Of course, I’m her mother after all.’

Present Day…

Daisuke sighed at that memory, and with his belongings made his way to the mountain in front of him. Though, as he started making the trek, he noticed that V-Mon wasn’t far behind.

“V-Mon. Why don’t you wait with the others?” Daisuke asked.

“We’re partners, Daisuke. And I’m not leaving you behind!” V-Mon proudly answered, before tagging along.

“Well… I guess that’s that, then.” Daisuke said, before letting out a deep sigh.

He found himself at the foot of the mountain, noting the path leading up the mountain.

“Infinity Mountain…” V-Mon uttered.

“Please tell me it’s not that big…” Daisuke replied.

“Nah. It’s just a neat little name we came up with.” V-Mon said.

“Oh… Well, alright then…” Daisuke responded as the two started their walk up the mountain trail.

Back at the campsite…

The children woke up as the sun rose in the distance, along with their Digimon partners.

“Alrighty. We’re all rested, and now I’ll make my trek up the mountain and let you guys know if it’s safe.” Simon said.

“And how exactly will you let us know?” Ruki asked.

“Guilmon will launch a fireball in the air, acting as a signal to let you guys know.” Simon explained.

“Um… Simon?” Guilmon uttered, poking at Simon to get his attention.

“What is it, Guilmon?” Simon asked.

“Where’s Daisuke and V-Mon?” Guilmon replied, pointing to their spots in the campsite.

There was a long silence between everyone in the group, and Simon had taken a deep breath before approaching a nearby tree. He reared his head back, and then slammed it against the base of it.

He stomped away from the tree as it fell to the ground, toppled by the mere impact of the headbutt.

“Looks like we’re to forgo any and all precautions and just go in guns blazing.” Simon said.

“Are you alright, Simon?” Nia asked.

“The minute I find that boy and give him a piece of my mind, will be when I’m fine, Nia.” Simon answered, as he trudged towards the mountain. 

The others shrugged their shoulders as they followed Simon towards Infinity Mountain…

Infinity Mountain…

As Daisuke climbed the mountain, he cleared the small gap just before the mountain followed by V-Mon. Then he carefully balanced his way across the log covering another, much larger gap further in. As he got further up, he had to sidle on a very thin portion of the trail, with his bag held in his hand. Temptation had crossed his mind to look down, but he continued to follow the trail forward.

He and V-Mon took a break at a point on the mountain, with the former looking a bit exhausted.

“Do you think… Do you think we’re even halfway there?” Daisuke asked.

“Yeah… I think so…” V-Mon answered.

“Okay, good… Cause I’d hate to think I walked all this way for nothing.” Daisuke replied.

He pulled out his canteen of water, and started drinking from it, before twisting the lid back on.

“Daisuke? Who’s Hikari?” V-Mon asked.

“Where’d you hear that name?” Daisuke responded.

“Well… You kind of said the name in your sleep, so I wanted to ask you.” V-Mon answered.

“She’s… She’s a really good friend of mine. Lives in the same apartment complex as me and Simon. Honestly, I’d say she’s the most beautiful girl in the world. She was gonna come with us… But, she got a fever and… I wanted to stay and take care of her.” Daisuke explained.

“But, you came anyway. Why’d you do that?” V-Mon asked.

“I promised her that I’d have so much fun that she might as well have been there with me.” Daisuke answered.

“That’s sweet of you…” V-Mon commented.

Though, just before Daisuke could give V-Mon a response, they felt the ground shake underneath them and looked around for the source. The two saw a portion of the mountain split open and more black gears spew out.

“Daisuke… Those are…” V-Mon started to say.

“Black gears… This must be where they came from!” He exclaimed, now standing up looking around for the culprit.

However, as they approached the area where the black gears appeared from, high above the mountains, a mysterious figure watched him from afar.

“So then… This child is one of seven Digidestined… I was expecting The Ackerman to be here… No matter, this will spell out this fool’s doom!” The figure declared, raising a clawed arm into the sky as a black aura emitted from his palm.

Suddenly, Daisuke and V-Mon felt a powerful pressure press down on them. V-Mon started to buckle under the pressure, but Daisuke slowly went to shield his partner.

“I’ve got you!” Daisuke shouted.

Just then, they heard the sound of wings flapping in the distance as the pressure let up. Both of them turned to see what appeared to be a composite of a unicorn and a pegasus. It flew through the air with black wings, and as the two got a better look, they saw it had a metallic red mask which had the horn as part of it, a blonde mane flowing in the wind, and white fur. Though, when it got much closer, Daisuke noticed the scars on its body.

“Woah! What is that Digimon?” Daisuke asked.

“That’s Unimon. Normally he’s a very smart and gentle Digimon, but if our luck’s anything to go by…” V-Mon explained, though Daisuke figured where he might be going.

“He probably got hit with a Black Gear, didn’t he?” Daisuke asked, and V-Mon nodded.

Unimon then landed on the ground, bucking around the mountain trail in pain. He kicked the surrounding area. 

“Hey! Stop that! You’re gonna destroy the mountain!” Daisuke shouted, attempting to get Unimon’s attention.

The composite horse looked at Daisuke, his eyes filled with a crazed malice that he couldn’t explain. The burgundy-haired boy backed up, getting into a protective stance in front of V-Mon.

Just when Unimon charged them, Daisuke grabbed V-Mon and rolled underneath him to avoid getting hit. They then ran up the mountain trail in an attempt to get away. However, Unimon was hot on their trail. He opened his mouth and a powerful shot of energy flew right out and destroyed a portion of the trail. 

“V-Mon!” Daisuke shouted, before he helped V-Mon back up.

Though, he noticed that he was trapped by the Digimon before them. They couldn’t leave, and now Daisuke was without allies. As Unimon charged up another shot from his mouth, V-Mon’s tamer stood in between the two Digimon, further confusing the victory Digimon.

“Daisuke! I’m the one who’s supposed to fight, not you!” V-Mon exclaimed.

“It’s okay! I’m not gonna let this guy hurt you! I promise!” Daisuke replied.

However, just before the blast could connect with either Tamer or Digimon, he was hit into the mountain by a powerful punch. Daisuke looked and saw that it was Gargomon, with Jianliang on his shoulder.

“Hey! Jianliang! How’d you find us here?” Daisuke asked.

“Well, it took a bit of climbing, but we figured the commotion had to be coming from higher up, so we assumed you’d be right here.” Jianliang answered.

Before Daisuke could ask on the ‘we’ part, Simon and Ruki arrived along with Guilmon on Kyubimon.

“Daisuke, next time when I say we have a plan we stick to that plan, understand!?” Simon shouted.

“I’m sorry. I just thought-” Daisuke apologized, but then Unimon broke out of the portion of the mountain he was slammed into.

He then fired another blast at Jianliang and Gargomon, sending them sliding down the mountain.

“Jianliang!” Ruki cried out, before she and Kyubimon went down to retrieve them.

“Alright, time to kick some ass!” Simon said, busting out sword and digivice.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

Guilmon Digivolve to… Growlmon!

As Growlmon tried to catch Unimon, he swiftly flew away from Growlmon and slammed him into the mountain. He then made another move at Simon who then made a swing as it charged him. His sword clashed with Unimon’s horn as Simon stood his ground fending off the Digimon.

Daisuke bearing witness to this clenched his fists in anger and frustration, before he rushed at the Digimon and climbed onto his back, grabbing hold of the black gear in the process.

“Daisuke! What the hell are you doing!?” Simon demanded.

“I’m helping you! What’s it look like?” Daisuke replied, trying to pry it off of Unimon’s back.

All that accomplished was causing him to scream in pain and he then attempted to get Daisuke off of him, by flying around and bucking whenever possible.

V-Mon couldn’t believe his own eyes, his own tamer, despite not having the same level of Digivolution as the others was willing to contribute however he can.

“Do you wish to win?” A voice in V-Mon’s head asked.

“Who? Me? I mean… I guess?” V-Mon replied, though he didn’t sound all that convinced.

“That is not an acceptable way to answer my question. You must respond with utmost confidence!” The voice said, which further confused him.

“I really wanna win… But, I don’t know if I can.” V-Mon replied, still feeling uncertainty.

“Very well, I shall make it more clear what I mean by victory. Winning means being able to protect your friends and loved ones. I shall ask again… Do you wish to win?” The voice explained before asking again.

“Well… If that’s the definition you’re going with… Then yeah! I wanna win! I wanna beat the bad guys! Save Daisuke! And protect my friends!” V-Mon answered with much more enthusiasm and confidence.

“That’s what I wanted to hear. Now, I shall grant you a portion of my power, V-Mon. There will come a time where you and your Tamer will acquire a means to attain more, and he will be the one that needs to call upon it.” The voice replied.

Much like before, V-Mon exuded a powerful pale blue aura. And Daisuke had felt the pressure and saw the aura this time. As he inspected his digivice, which changed to a similar one to the others, albeit with a pale blue ring. Unfortunately, amidst his distraction, he fell off Unimon and his screams were heard by his partner, who jumped in while enveloped by a data sphere.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

V-Mon Digivolve to…

V-Mon, much like the others, had his skin torn apart as his data was exposed inside the sphere, but then he was reformed with a much bigger body. His limbs grew more muscular and amidst the newly developed fur on his belly, arms, and mouth there was a V-shaped mark on his chest. His ears turned into sharp horns that jutted straight out, and even the horn on his nose increased in size.

Veedramon!

As Daisuke fell, suddenly, his fall had ceased and he was caught by the new form of his partner.

“V-Mon? What happened?” Daisuke asked.

“It’s Veedramon now! And this time, I’m gonna fight! And I’ll win for both of us!” Veedramon replied, before he speedily got himself and Daisuke back on the mountain trail. 

Unimon once more flew at Veedramon, who then took up a fighter’s stance, ready to combat his opponent. However, when it charged at him, he easily dodged out of the way and from his mouth came a powerful heat ray.

“V-Nova Blast!” Veedramon called out and it hit the Black Gear right on the mark.

It dislodged out of Unimon and shattered to pieces. The unicorn Digimon then took off without so much as a goodbye or a thank you.

“Wow, Veedramon, that was awesome!” Daisuke complimented.

“Simon? Are you okay?” Growlmon asked.

“Well, the downside was, a couple of us got hurt. On the upside… Daisuke not only saved our butts, but now he’s also gotten a champion level Digimon.” Simon answered as Ruki and Kyubimon helped up Jianliang and Gargomon.

Later…

As the group of Digimon de-digivolved back into their rookie forms, the four went further up the mountain, but upon reaching a high enough ledge where they could get a good view.

“Yup… It’s an island alright.” Simon said.

“I started to actually believe you, gogglehead, and wouldn’t you know it, you were right.” Ruki added.

“It’s so strange that an island like this could hold such diverse landscapes, and yet still be part of the same part of land.” Jianliang commented.

“So, what now?” Renamon asked.

“Now, we head back to report to the others, and since Daisuke’s little trip showed us that the Black Gears originated here… We make the long climb to the top.” Simon said.

“You sure you want to go up that high?” Terriermon asked.

“I’m in no mood to continue fighting these Digimon corrupted by the Black Gears. If we can destroy the source, we destroy the gears.” Simon answered.

“Simon? About earlier… I’m sorry I went off on my own like that. I just… Wanted to help out, y’know?” Daisuke apologized while bowing his head.

“Look, if what happened with Xiaochun and myself is any indication, you actually did great up here. Not only were you able to help another Digimon. But, you also helped to find out where the Black Gears come from. If anything, it’s a win.” Simon replied.

“Sweet! Though, one last question, and I swear it’s the last one!” Daisuke shouted in glee.

“Shoot.” Simon said.

“How come you helped me when those guys were about to smash my goggles? I mean, I know they tried to do stuff to yours, but-” Daisuke asked, but then Simon snatched his goggles.

“Who gave you these?” Simon asked.

“My big sister, Jun. I kinda wanted to try out Taichi’s look… Though, my hair’s not nearly as long. Plus, you did kinda inspire me to take those self-defense classes.” Daisuke explained, before Simon handed the eyewear back to him.

“Never did I ever consider myself a role model. However, I believe that if you value those goggles that much, then I’ll defend it.” Simon said.

“Oh wow… Y’know, Simon? It’s actually thanks to you that I wanted to try more things… And well… I finally got to do one thing I always wanted.” Daisuke replied.

Though, Simon didn’t seem to know what Daisuke was referring to, he opted to just let things be and continue their rendezvous with the other Tamers…

To Be Continued…

Songs used in this Chapter…

Number One’s One Else, Raw Breath 2022, and La Distancia Para Un Duelo by Shiro Sagisu

Snowman by Shogo Sakai

The Best is Yet to Come from Metal Gear Solid

Love Theme and Mt Ordeals by Nobuo Uematsu

Break Up! By Ayumu Miyazaki

Chapter Text

Nia, Takeru, Xiaochun and their partners walked up the mountain trail and met up with Simon and co. 

“So, what’s the verdict?” Nia asked.

“Well… As I surmised five days ago, we’re stranded on an island. At first that seemed very clear based on the tropical environment we were in initially… But after all of the other locales it was hard to say. Jianliang’s map on his computer and the layout only made that much clearer.” Simon explained.

“Okay, then what’s the plan?” Takeru questioned.

“We go up to the top of the mountain, and find the guy responsible for creating the Black Gears.” Simon replied.

“Weird thing is, when I went to investigate the area I saw them pop out of… V-Mon and I felt a powerful pressure like what happened whenever we digivolved.” Daisuke said.

“It was dark and… Cold…” V-Mon added, while shuddering at the memory.

“I see… Well, either way, at least we know part of what we’re up against.” Simon commented.

Higher up Infinity Mountain…

More Black Gears appeared in the air above a muscular humanoid lion Digimon. He had orange fur on his scarred body, but his mane, legs and the tip of his tail were colored in yellow. He sported a golden earring on his left ear, a collar with a blue gem in the middle and multiple teeth on the sides, a pair of black pants with yellow cords forming multiple X on the sides, a black belt with a square metal buckle on his waist, with multiple belts on his left arm, hand and on the pant leg.

He also had a sword on the back of his belt. This was Leomon, a proud noble hero Champion Level Digimon. 

“I must be getting close to the source. Multiple Black Gears have appeared around this area. I must destroy it!” Leomon said to himself.

Just before he could continue further up, he heard the sound of loud cacophonic laughter nearby him. He turned and saw a green ogre with unkempt white hair, a slacked jaw, pointed ears adorned with a pair of earrings, two horns on his head, and spikes jutting out from his shoulders. 

He also had fang-like tusks on his upper jaw, and sported a black loincloth with a belt, a bracer on his right arm, red bandages on both his left arm and right leg, as well as black belts on his left leg. In his hand was a large spiked femur bone as though it were used for bludgeoning enemies to death. He also had a skull and crossbones on his left arm below the shoulder spikes, metal studs on the knuckles of his left hand, and a scar on the back of his right hand.

This charming fellow was Ogremon, and it sneered at Leomon as though he were looking for a fight.

“I don’t have time for you, Ogremon, what do you want?” Leomon asked, looking up at the virus type.

“Your death! What else?” Ogremon retorted before he jumped down from his vantage point, ready to strike Leomon.

Leomon narrowly countered with his sword, and once they broke from their clash, each of their respective weapons fell out of their hands and into the ground.

“This is no place for a goody two-shoes like you to be skulking around!” Ogremon shouted at his rival.

“It’s a shame that you can’t seem to get any priorities straight here, Ogremon. There’s bigger things than either of us happening here.” Leomon said.

“As if I’d miss this chance to take you down!” Ogremon further shouted.

“Tyrant Fist!” Ogremon called out, rearing back his fist and firing a shot of dark energy from it.

“Fist of the Beast King!” Leomon called out, releasing a lion shaped energy shot from his fist to counter.

Both attacks met each other, but dissipated upon contact. Neither seemed to get through. The rocks nearby were destroyed from the resulting shockwave of their clash.

“That’s enough from both of you…” A mysterious voice said to the two of them, making his presence known. 

The two looked around and saw the source of the voice. He was a humanoid Digimon. Though, he appeared to be completely black, with heavily tattered wings on his back, elongated fingers that had sharp claws at the tips, and devil horns on either side of his head.

His attire consisted entirely of black. Black pants, black boots, black belts around his lower torso, right upper arm, and left forearm. Even his gauze bandages around his arms were colored in black. He also sported a black balaclava that only revealed his pale mouth. 

The only things that weren’t black on this Digimon’s body were the red bat-shaped symbols on his chest and left foot as well as the white skull on his left shoulder.

This being was known as Devimon. And based on how Leomon narrowed his eyes at the creature before him and Ogremon, he was very much the embodiment of evil.

“You are…” Leomon started.

“Devimon?” Ogremon finished, now feeling a sense of dread wash over him.

Devimon appeared to the two with his elongated arms crossed over each other. He looked at both with a sinister smirk.

“From henceforth, the two of you are to work together.” Devimon said with an unsettling, yet calm voice.

“And why should I work with someone like Leomon!? We’re in the middle of a fight here!” Ogremon demanded.

“The Digidestined, led by The Ackerman are here in the Digital World.” Devimon responded as though to answer Ogremon’s question.

“The Digidestined? The Ackerman?” Leomon asked in surprise.

“Indeed. Though, unfortunately for me, it’s taken far too much time for them to be disposed of. So, I figured that you two would be suitable enough to handle it.” Devimon answered. 

“If that is indeed the case, then it is you who must be defeated, Devimon!” Leomon declared, adopting a fighting stance.

“Fist of the Beast King!” Leomon shouted, firing another lion-shaped energy blast from his fist at Devimon, who disappeared before his eyes.

“What just happened!?” Leomon asked in confusion.

“How naive of you. Someone as powerful as you could never hope to defeat me.” Devimon said, though Leomon couldn’t find where he was.

“Death Claw!” Devimon called out, piercing Leomon’s back from behind, causing the lion man to grunt in pain.

“W-w-what is… This?” Leomon questioned between grunts.

Devimon now appeared from the ground with his hand still in Leomon’s back. The sight of his proud rival being easily subdued like this started to frighten Ogremon.

“You shall accept your baptism of evil, Leomon…” Devimon whispered in Leomon’s ear as he continued to pour his power into him.

Once he pulled his claw out, Leomon felt himself go limp, but then when he woke up, he now had no emotion in his eyes.

“What shall it be, Ogremon?” Devimon asked, slowly approaching Ogremon.

“Uh… All hail Devimon?” Ogremon answered, before getting on his knees and bowing to Devimon.

“Good… Very good indeed. Now, you have your task… Kill those children!” Devimon ordered.

With the Children…

Simon looked through his binoculars into the distance at the ocean. He then peered at the picture of the map he and Ruki drew in the dirt on the campsite on his phone. 

“Gonna have to make adjustments to this one.” Simon commented.

“To the map?” Guilmon asked.

“Yeah. That way, it’ll be a bit more consistent with the current view we’ve got.” Simon answered.

“Jianliang? Simon? Are we gonna be okay?” Xiaochun asked out of worry.

“Momentai, Xiaochun. We’ll be fine.” Terriermon replied, quickly attempting to reassure his partner’s sister.

“Terriermon, I’m starting to have some doubts myself.” Jianliang said, looking a bit worried himself.

“Hey! As long as we have our partners and Simon, we’ll be okay!” Daisuke said, attempting to cheer everybody up, with V-Mon pumping his fist in agreement.

Just then, a loud crash made itself known, alerting the children. They stopped what they were doing and found the path behind them taken out.

“Great… Guess this is the enemy’s way of saying ‘no turning back now.’” Simon commented.

Nia then noticed Impmon’s whole body grow pale, and his face contorted to one of fear. She felt him shaking in her hands, and when she looked to see what he was staring at, she saw Leomon.

“Oh! It’s Leomon!” Patamon exclaimed in joy.

“Huh? Leomon?” Takeru asked.

“Normally, Leomon’s a really swell guy. An ally of justice for all those who cry out in terror.” V-Mon said.

“Wait, ‘normally’?” Takeru further asked.

“He’s being mind-controlled like all the other Digimon we’ve encountered, methinks.” Simon answered, pulling out his sword, ready to fight.

“Kill… Kill the children…” Leomon growled out, grabbing his sword in his left hand.

“Get back!” Simon ordered.

The others ran away from the scene, and Simon’s blade clashed with Leomon’s. Their swords were locked in a power struggle, and though the boy put up a good fight, Leomon’s strength started to overpower him.

Simon disengaged and dodged the fierce blow and attempted to once more strike at Leomon, who batted him away. He landed on his back in front of the others, winded from the attack. 

He rose to his feet to engage the lion man once again. However, just before the group could assist him, Ogremon had appeared on the other side.

“Not so fast! You wanna get up the mountain? You gotta go through me!” Ogremon declared.

“Oh great! It’s Ogremon!” Patamon said in a panic.

“I’m guessing he’s a bad Digimon?” Takeru asked.

“Yup! A very bad one at that. Unlike Guilmon and Impmon, he’s a bad virus type.” V-Mon answered.

“Digidestined… Kill them!” Leomon ordered as he continued his battle with Simon.

“Leomon and Ogremon are supposed to be arch-enemies! Why are they working together?” Lopmon asked in confusion.

“Well, whatever’s the case, they planned this ambush!” Jianliang exclaimed.

“No… It’s not possible…” Impmon muttered.

“Impmon?” Nia asked.

“It’s impossible… It can’t be…” Impmon continued to mutter, oblivious to his Tamer’s and the others’ worries.

“YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!” Impmon cried out with tears in his eyes at Leomon.

Ogremon then jumped in the air with his club reared back, and Jianliang along with the others pulled out digivolution cards.

“Everyone! We need to digivolve!” Jianliang shouted, just as Simon finally overpowered Leomon and pulled out his card.

“Digi-Modify! Digivolution Activate!” Everyone but Nia and Takeru shouted.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

Guilmon Digivolve to… Growlmon!

Renamon Digivolve to… Kyubimon!

Terriermon Digivolve to… Gargomon!

Lopmon Digivolve to… Turuiemon!

V-Mon Digivolve to… Veedramon!

The five champion level Digimon all worked together on each end. Growlmon, Kyubimon, and Turuiemon all engaged Leomon. While Gargomon and Veedramon fought Ogremon.

“Pyro Blaster!” Growlmon called out, firing a blast that staggered Leomon, and pushed him back. 

Simon then jumped off of Growlmon with his sword wreathed in flames and managed to cause Leomon to drop his sword, while getting in a cut.

“I swear, one of these days, somebody’s gonna have to explain why my sword lights on fire.” Simon commented.

“V-Nova Blast!” Veedramon called out as his powerful flame pushed Ogremon back.

Devimon observed from on high, as the Digidestined had the two at a significant disadvantage.

“Five champion levels is bad enough… But, it seems the Ackerman has started tapping into that cursed flame. For now, I believe it’s best we retreat…” Devimon said to himself.

Just as the group were about to defeat the two champion levels, another loud crash made itself known, and down came a rockslide.

“Pyro Blaster!”

“Fox Tail Inferno!”

“Gargo Pellets!”

“Gauntlet Claw!”

“V-Nova Blast!” 

Each Digimon had called out their various attacks, destroying the rubble, though once it was cleared out, the Digimon had reverted back into their rookie forms.

“You guys alright?” Simon asked.

“I’m fine. Just tired… And hungry…” Guilmon answered.

“They’re fine… But, where’s our opponents?” Simon asked.

The group then noticed that both Ogremon and Leomon left. It was quite a confusing situation for them all.

“You’d think a big man lion and an ogre would be hard to miss, but I guess we lost them.” Daisuke commented. 

“As much as I’d get on your case about that, you’re right about that. Though, what’s going on with Impmon, Nia?” Ruki said, before turning her attention to Impmon.

“Is everything alright, Impmon? You seemed frightened.” Nia asked, as Impmon snapped out of his state briefly.

“Oh! Uh… It’s nothin! Don’t you worry your pretty little heads, right?” Impmon replied, attempting to dismiss their concerns.

“Yeah, no. We’re not just gonna move on from you saying Leomon should’ve been dead. What happened?” Simon questioned.

“Look, I don’t wanna talk about it, okay! So leave me alone!” Impmon lashed out, though Nia gave him a stern look, that once more made him feel guilty.

“One minute you act tough, but when Nia so much as looks at you, it’s as though you suddenly act like a scared kid.” Simon said.

“I just… I don’t wanna talk about it, okay? So just… Drop it…” Impmon replied.

“Impmon, why don’t we discuss it in private?” Nia suggested.

“Still… What could’ve caused that rock slide?” Jianliang asked.

“Whatever it was, I feel like somebody’s watching us.” Simon replied.

The children then continued down the mountain trail as Devimon once more kept watching them.

“I see they’re much stronger than I initially anticipated. Though, they’re tired now, so I still have many chances to end their miserable lives… Especially the Ackerman, and Patamon’s tamer…” Devimon said to himself. 

Sunset…

The group were once more tired as they wandered through more woods off of the mountain trail. Complaints were tossed all around by the Tamers and Digimon alike. Though, the only one to not voice a single complaint aside from Simon and Renamon was Impmon. He still felt an immense sense of guilt in his heart.

“Morale appears to be at an all-time low.” Renamon commented.

“No kidding. I kinda wish that I had kendo swords. At least then we could take a break and do some training.” Simon replied.

“I wouldn’t mind doing some of that.” Daisuke chimed in.

“And I still owe you tai chi lessons, Daisuke.” Jianliang pointed out.

“Oh yeah! That’s right!” Daisuke replied, gently smacking his head.

“Jian… I can’t walk anymore…” Xiaochun groans.

Jianliang sighed and got down on one knee with his arms out and his bag positioned around his torso. Xiaochun immediately climbed on, and Jianliang found himself carrying three on him.

Simon felt Takeru tugging on his sleeve. Though, he noticed the blonde was quite shy about what he wanted to say.

“Alright. Just give me a sec.” Simon said, before he repositioned his bag and carried Takeru on his back.

“Thanks, Simon.” Takeru replied, relaxing on his back.

“You should do some soccer, Takeru. It’ll help build up stamina.” Daisuke said.

“Could you teach me how to play?” V-Mon asked.

“Sure thing, V-Mon!” Daisuke replied.

“Also, do me next!” V-Mon happily demanded, as Daisuke then had him on his shoulders once more.

“Is everybody getting carried? Will you carry me one day, Simon?” Guilmon asked.

“Guilmon, the one time I won’t mind your weight on me is when it’s sleepy-bye-nappy-time. Otherwise, I don’t think that’s happening.” Simon answered.

“What I want to know is how were you guys able to digivolve twice in one day?” Ruki asked.

“I presume it’s due to our power becoming much stronger than before.” Renamon surmised.

“You, Guilmon, Terriermon and the others I get, but V-Mon only just digivolved today.” Ruki pointed out.

“Maybe V-Mon’s just built differently?” Daisuke suggested, while looking a tad smug.

“You tell her, Daisuke!” V-Mon proudly exclaimed.

“...I’m beginning to think that I should’ve just started calling you ‘Gogglehead’ as well.” Ruki snarked with her arms folded.

“I’m the only one who wears goggles over my head. Simon has his around his neck.” Daisuke replied.

“And yet, you’re both acting like ‘goggleheads’.” Ruki stated.

Jianliang looked around the area to find somewhere to rest, but then he spotted what appeared to be a large manor out in the middle of the forest.

“Simon? I think you might wanna see this.” Jianliang said, getting the unofficial leader’s attention. 

The group cautiously approached the manor, and as both tamers let down the youngest of the group, they wandered around the mansion, feeling out the structure and knocking on the bricks that it was composed of. Once they got back to the front door, both sported an inquisitive look.

“What do you think? A trap?” Jianliang asked.

“Obviously. But, unfortunately, we need a place to rest and even if it plays into the enemy’s hands, it’s all we’ve got.” Simon answered.

“Okay, then what if it is a trap?” Ruki asked.

“Simply put, we leave before it can ensnare us all.” Simon replied.

The two opened the door. Inside, the walls were colored a light brown with a darker shade on the bottom. The floors were covered with a velvet rug, and the stairway led to a second floor with wooden railing. Simon felt the hinges of the doorway.

“Someone seems to enjoy Italian Maple.” Simon commented.

“I’ll say.” Jian added.

“Oh wow! Look at that picture!” Takeru shouted, rushing to the picture frame which depicted an angel praying to the light shining down from above. 

“An Angel…” Takeru uttered, as he and Xiaochun examined the painting.

“What’s an Angel?” Patamon asked.

“That’s… Kinda hard to explain.” Takeru replied, unsure of how to go about explaining.

“They are cited to be ‘Messengers of God’ or ‘Divine Protectors.’” Simon said, also approaching the piece.

“So cool…” Patamon uttered as he sat on top of Takeru’s head.

“You really think a bad Digimon lives here with that painting?” Daisuke asked.

“I would presume it’s some sort of cruel irony. Either way, we still need to be on our toes.” Simon replied.

“We should also try to make the most of it. That way, if there’s any way to regain stamina for us all, then we’ll have it before we leave.” Jianliang said.

“What do you think, Impmon?” Nia asked her partner.

“Honestly, I feel like the majority's in agreement to stay. And who am I to disagree at this point?” Impmon replied, jumping out of Nia’s arms.

Just then, Guilmon’s nose started acting up. He sniffed the air until he found the direction where the smell was coming from.

“There’s food!” Guilmon shouted, as he led the group toward one of the nearby doors.

Upon opening it, there was a full dining room table filled with large hunks of meat, bread, cake, cheese, and fruit in a very neat arrangement as though it were a banquet left for guests.

“This is way too good to be true.” Simon said.

“Yeah… And yet, I don’t believe you’re one to argue with an empty stomach.” Jianliang pointed out, as he heard his and Simon’s stomachs groaning. 

Daisuke had drool coming out of his mouth at the sight of the delicious meal before them. 

“Things do seem to be going strangely well for us… But I’m with everyone else here.” Nia added.

At that, everyone seated themselves at the table and began chowing down on the food that was offered. They hungrily tore into the meat, cheese, fruit, bread and cake on the table. Almost as though they inhaled the food before them. Thankfully, none of them felt the food was poisoned and their stomachs were filled.

“It’s been so long since we had that good a meal…” Simon commented, patting his stomach.

“So… Full…” Guilmon groaned out, before he fell backwards in his chair.

The group got a laugh out of that, while each of the Digimon were also rubbing at their stomachs.

At Night…

They continued to tour the manor, and found a pair of curtains leading into two different rooms. The one on the right was colored blue, while the one on the left was pink.

“Nia, you check the left room, I’ll check the right.” Simon said, and she nodded before they both peered in the rooms.

Inside, there were large washrooms, followed by two halves of an indoor hotspring, which were divided by a giant wall. Once they got back out, they took a deep breath.

“So… We’ve got a bath here.” Simon said, which appeared to lift everyone’s spirits, except for Takeru.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Daisuke asked.

“I’ve only ever really bathed with Yamato. Never with anybody else.” Takeru said.

“Then this’ll be a learning experience.” Simon replied, before dragging Takeru inside.

The other boys and their partners followed them, while the girls and their Digimon went into the other washroom. Except for Impmon.

“Impmon? What’s the matter?” Nia asked.

“You sure I should be in there with you guys?” Impmon replied.

“It’s fine. You’re my partner, and I trust you.” Nia answered with a bubbly smile.

Impmon then nervously walked in the girls’ washroom, and he saw Renamon leaning against a wall near the bathing area and he found himself witness to the girls undressing to bathe, which left him somewhat astonished that he was even allowed to see this.

“Are you alright, Impmon?” Renamon asked.

“I’m not sure what to think anymore. These girls are somethin’ else.” Impmon answered, while they all went and cleaned themselves.

On the boys’ side…

“Canonball!” Daisuke shouted, curled up in a ball jumping into the spring with V-Mon mimicking him.

“Someone’s eager.” Jianliang commented as he walked into the spring with Terriermon.

“What can I say? This feels great! I haven’t had a bath in who knows how long!” Daisuke replied.

“I haven’t had a bath since… I dunno actually.” V-Mon added, suddenly unsure of how to answer.

“Come on, Takeru! You’re not allowed to miss out!” Simon scolded.

“Easy for you to say! You’re big and buff! While I’m just scrawny!” Takeru argued, as Simon easily dragged him inside. 

“We’re all guys here, no judgement whatsoever. Now quit complaining and get in.” Simon replied, before throwing Takeru in the spring. Patamon joined in, soothed by the water.

Simon dipped himself in slowly, taking in the water’s temperature, followed by Guilmon. He glanced at Jianliang and Daisuke who had heard what Takeru said.

“What? My build is not something I should be ashamed of.” Simon said.

“Takeru wasn’t kidding.” Jianliang replied.

Though, Daisuke seemed to shrug his shoulders, while Takeru had just sank all the way down to his neck, ashamed of how weak he looked compared to the others.

“Eh, I’ve seen you enough times in the locker rooms.” Daisuke commented.

“So… How do I get to where you guys are?” Takeru asked.

“Push-ups, sit-ups, plenty of juice.” Simon answered.

“...Please tell me you’re joking.” Takeru said.

“He’s serious.” Jianliang responded.

“Well… I always wanted to play basketball.” Takeru stated, looking a little sheepish.

“That’s also nothing to be ashamed of. Daisuke’s got soccer, Jianliang’s got Tai Chi, and I have Kendo.” Simon replied.

“Takeru… What’s basketball?” Patamon asked.

“It’s a team sport where you try to score more baskets than the other team.” Takeru explained.

“Is soccer a team sport, Daisuke?” V-Mon asked.

“Yup. Though it involves a lot more kicking. Basketball has you use your hands.” Daisuke answered.

Simon then noticed Guilmon sink further into the water until he was all the way in. He noticed that he appeared to have fallen asleep, but was relieved, remembering he had gills.

“Hey, Daisuke? Are you… Ticklish?” V-Mon asked with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Daisuke replied, now noticing V-Mon poking his abdomen.

The smile on V-Mon’s face grew as he suddenly reached over and started poking and touching his stomach in a way that made Daisuke’s face go from confused to attempting, and failing to hold his laughter.

“V-Mon! Hahaha! Cut it out! That tickles!” Daisuke exclaimed as V-Mon continued to torment his tamer.

On the Girl’s side…

Ruki and Renamon sat next to each other in the spring, enjoying the feel of the water, though they noticed Xiaochun was simply floating flat on her back, along with Lopmon.

“What are you two doing?” Ruki asked.

“Dead man’s float.” Xiaochun answered.

“It’s fun!” Lopmon added.

“You know somethin’? This is nice… I’m startin’ to feel a lot more relaxed around you guys…” Impmon commented.

Though, Renamon and Ruki both noticed Nia feeling out the wall dividing the spring.

“Care to explain what you’re doing?” Renamon asked.

“I’m trying to see if there’s a hole in this wall.” Nia answered.

“Why? You think the guys’ll try spying on us? Jianliang wouldn’t really appreciate anyone over there eyeing his sister.” Ruki inquired.

“Oh, nothing like that!” Nia quickly replied, before she found a hole big enough for her eye to see through. 

On the other side, she saw Simon seated and relaxed in the spring. This had brought a warm smile onto her face.

“I thought we were supposed to be relaxing, not staring at the guys…” Impmon pointed out.

“You can relax your way, I wish to relax my way.” Nia retorted with her usual bubbly smile.

After the bath…

The group of kids, except Simon, were now clad in a set of bathrobes. Blue for the boys, and pink for the girls. He opted to dress back in his normal outfit.

“Don’t you ever get tired of wearing all that?” Daisuke asked.

“Not really, no. It’s worked out for me so far.” Simon answered.

They then approached the door leading to a bedroom with eight queen sized beds all lined up on either side. Takeru and Patamon immediately jumped onto a bed and relaxed.

“It’s so soft!” Takeru shouted with glee.

“And there’s real sheets, comforters and everything.” Jianliang pointed out, feeling the texture of the bed.

“Feels like a camping school, doesn’t it, Nia?” Ruki asked.

“Yup!” Nia replied.

“Weren’t we supposed to just be going to summer camp?” Daisuke asked, which then brought down the mood when they thought about it.

“Today marks five days since we came here.” Jianliang pointed out.

“Mom, Dad, Rinchei and Jaarin must be worried sick about us…” Xiaochun soberly added.

“Didn’t know you guys had that big a family. Where are you two at?” Simon asked, while Guilmon began to snore.

“We’re the youngest siblings. Rinchei and Jaarin are older than we are.” Jianliang explained.

“I wonder if the school and the PTA are going nuts about this?” Daisuke asked.

“We’ll worry about it later. For now, it’s sleepy-bye-nappy-time. Good night.” Simon replied, before he got under the covers with Guilmon.

“Good night!” Everyone said before Renamon went to turn off the lights.

The only noise in the bedroom was both Simon and Guilmon snoring, yet nobody seemed to complain about the noise.

“What foolish children… They fell for my trap oh so easily…” A sinister, but calm voice sounded out in the manor.

From the angel painting, Devimon phased through the wall and onto the velvet carpet of the manor. He extended his wings, before retracting them to reveal both Ogremon and Leomon.

“Any moment now, and I’ll smash em’!” Ogremon proclaimed.

“Kill the children!” Leomon added, still under Devimon’s influence.

“Good, very good…” Devimon commented.

Before they could go through with the plan, the bedroom door opened and Guilmon had walked out with Simon.

“You couldn’t just go by yourself?” Simon asked.

“Sorry, Simon…” Guilmon replied as his tamer followed him.

They entered the bathroom and Guilmon went into the center stall, while Simon looked at his reflection in the mirror.

“Take as much time as you need, buddy!” Simon said, and Guilmon could only respond with a grunt.

As Simon peered into the mirror, he noticed an unusual pair of feet in a stall next to Guilmon’s. They were… Green. And ugly at that. He reached down to his Digivice, clutching the handle of his blade, before he immediately made a slice that slashed through the tops of every stall.

“Ogremon…” Simon sneered.

“On the plus side, I don’t have to go anymore.” Guilmon added, before he flushed the toilet.

Ogremon reared back his club and with a powerful strike, he sent Simon through the doorway and into the hall of the second floor.

“Simon! It’s Leomon!” Guilmon shouted, pointing to another portion of the hall.

Sure enough, he saw the mind-controlled Man Lion standing, ready to face them.

“Must… Kill… The Digidestined!” Leomon said.

“I should’ve known that an Ackerman like you wouldn’t just sleep peacefully… So tense… So on-guard… It’s almost insufferable!” Devimon said, getting Simon’s attention.

He saw the fallen angel Digimon standing on the wooden railing of the second floor, with his arms folded.

“And let me guess… You’re the one who’s been tormenting us this whole time?” Simon asked, pointing his blade at Devimon.

“Indeed, I am. Suffice to say, you are among two of the biggest thorns in my side among you children!” Devimon answered, pointing at Simon. “And now… The dream shall come to an end!” He added, and suddenly, a distortion caused the manor all around them to change.

It was no longer the nice manor that the group saw. It now looked like a ruined home that was long destroyed by some natural disaster. 

Ruki groaned, feeling a sudden chill on her skin, and she looked around, noticing the sudden change in the area.

“Hey! What’s going on?” Ruki exclaimed, before noticing that the robe that was on her was gone, and she was only in her sports bra and underwear.

As everyone woke up, they all felt the same chill in the air and looked down to notice they were now just in their underwear. Daisuke meanwhile, didn’t seem all too disturbed.

However, before anyone could leave their beds, Devimon raised his hand and emitted a powerful dark energy that lifted the beds up from the ground and moved them all around, causing a panic among the whole group. 

“Simon… I don’t have any energy…” Guilmon groaned out, realizing that he was once more starving.

“So, the food and the baths were illusions too?” Simon demanded, his grip on his sword intensified.

“Indeed. You are the Digidestined, and especially you, Ackerman are among my greatest threats. It’s unfortunate that you weren’t content with any of the gifts I offered.” Devimon answered, however, Simon was quick to jump from his end to strike Devimon.

The demon saw his blade wreathed once more in flames and blocked it with his hand, though he felt immense pain from it.

“How can you have already channeled that accursed flame!?” Devimon exclaimed as he saw the fire attempting to eat away at him.

“So, you know about this?” Simon questioned before he was sent back to the other side with a swipe of Devimon’s hand.

“Indeed… Your clan is the only one to have that flame within you… It eats away at everything else!” Devimon answered in pain.

He then outstretched his hand, and the whole of File Island began to shake as cracks formed all over the land. Black gears inside the mountain turned as portions of the island moved away from the mountain, much to everyone’s shock.

“All of File Island has already fallen under my influence, and bends to my whim.” Devimon said, though Simon noticed the wound he gave him had been healed.

“I see… So, my initial strike was aimed in the wrong direction… I should’ve gone for your head.” Simon replied, once more preparing a strike.

“As soon as I deal with you, my power will extend to the other side of the ocean, and all throughout this world!” Devimon shouted, before he cackled in victory.

“Fist of the Beast King!” Leomon called out, firing a blast at Guilmon.

“Guilmon!” Simon cried out, before Leomon’s hand wrapped itself around Simon’s neck and he began to choke him.

“Simon!” Guilmon shouted in concern.

“There’s no point in struggling, Ackerman! Much like the rest of your mercenary clan, you will fall as well! And as for your partner, you have no energy to digivolve! Now, finish him, Leomon!” Devimon exclaimed.

Leomon then reached for his sword and drew it from its sheath. Simon’s attention was now on the flying beds that were still moving about. Out of sheer desperation, Simon reached for his digivice, which then suddenly emitted a powerful glow. He then pointed it at Leomon, who cried out in pain, as a dark shadow left his back.

“Damn those digivices!” Devimon shouted.

Simon then felt Leomon’s grip loosen, until he was released. The boy then saw that Leomon was now more in control of himself.

“You are… The Ackerman!” Leomon exclaimed in surprise.

“At this point, I’m just used to it.” Simon commented,before he placed his Digivice back onto his waist.

“Thank you for saving me from the evil that controlled me!” Leomon said, expressing gratitude.

“Very well then…” Devimon said, before he emitted more of his dark energy, dropping the beds he controlled.

“Fist of the Beast King!” Leomon shouted, firing another burst of energy, directed at Devimon, and the beds resumed flying around.

“How dare you play such foul tricks on me, Devimon! For trying to harm these children, I will end you!” Leomon declared, with Simon backing him up.

Ogremon then jumped in and struck at Leomon, who deflected his attack. 

“We’re back to old times, Leomon… Now, let’s continue…” Ogremon said, adopting a fighting stance.

“Young man… Leave this to me! Get out of here!” Leomon demanded.

“No! I’m not leaving this fight!” Simon replied.

“There’s no room for complaints!” Leomon shouted, before running his sword through the ground, which caused the portion where Simon and Guilmon stood to fall.

The two then landed on a portion of the island that was moving away from the mountain, and Simon could only watch as Leomon fought valiantly against both Ogremon and Devimon. Unfortunately, he saw that the latter had gotten to Leomon as well.

“LEOMON!!!” Simon cried out as he continued to float away from the battle.

At the top of the mountain…

Devimon looked at the now divided landscape of File Island with both Ogremon and Leomon on either side of him.

“Tis unfortunate, but we’ll get them another time. Slowly, one by one, they will all perish!” Devimon declared.

“Must… Kill… Digidestined…!” Leomon said, once more under mind control.

To be Continued…

Tracks used in this Chapter...

Mt. Ordeals, Succession of Witches, Only a Plank Between One and Perdition, and Over the Hill by Nobuo Uematsu

BL_93, On the Precipice of Defeat Post Grunge 2022, Soundscape to Ardor Harp 2022 by Shiro Sagisu

Chapter Text

Within the peak of Infinity Mountain, Devimon stood within a large temple-looking building. Leomon and Ogremon knelt in front of the demonic Digimon. Black Gears whirred to life spinning above Devimon, about to target any Digimon that would prove to be useful to him.

“Even if they are Digidestined, and even if he is the Ackerman, they are all powerless by themselves. I’ll execute them all without hesitation!” Devimon declared as a few of those gears flew towards the portions of the island that separated from the mountain.

With Simon and Guilmon…

The two continued to drift along the portion of land they fell on when Leomon cut them off from the fight. Simon sat on his knees, with his sword over them. His right hand was on the handle, while his left hand rested on the center of the blade.

“Simon… I’m tired…” Guilmon complained as they continued drifting.

“Me too… I’m tired of a lot of things. Stamina being close to one of them.” He replied, while his grip on the handle became more tense.

“Simon? Are you okay?” Guilmon asked.

“...No. No I’m not. I just watched as my friends were flung about to god knows where on this island. We’re drifting all by ourselves as an ally gets mind-controlled again. And now… I’m alone again…” Simon answered.

Guilmon seemed to be the only one paying attention to the large chunk of ice the two were about to crash into. He immediately grabbed his Tamer and jumped onto the larger chunk, safely landing in snow.

“Simon! Why didn’t you do anything?” Guilmon demanded, as his Tamer resumed his posture.

“What can I do?” Simon asked in response. “I can’t even keep a promise I made to get everyone home safe…” He added, and Guilmon saw his face now looked to be quite sad.

“Simon…” Guilmon soberly said, nudging him with his head, trying to get him to move.

“But… There is one thing I do know for sure…” Simon started to say…

Then, a giant snowman-like Digimon popped out of the snow. Though, his appearance was more akin to a bear covered in snow. It had red round buttons on its chest and black eyes that resembled coal. Just as it attempted to strike Simon, he was quick on the draw and struck at the Digimon’s back, destroying the black gear lodged in it.

“It’s not a question of ‘can’ or ‘can’t’. Some things in life… You just do…” Simon finished, before sheathing his sword in his Digivice.

The bear Digimon stumbled a bit, before regaining his bearings and felt his back. He breathed a sigh of relief and looked down at the boy in gratitude.

“You must be The Ackerman… Thank you very much, young man.” The bear said, bowing his head.

“You’re welcome. So… Is there any way you can help us?” Simon asked.

“Tell me what you need, and I, Frigimon, will assist in any way I can!” Frigimon proclaimed as he flexed his muscles.

“I’m looking for my friends. We got separated after we were attacked by Devimon, whom I surmised took control of you with that Black Gear.” Simon explained.

“Ah! Yes! I saw a young girl and an Impmon earlier. They’re over on the island that way!” Frigimon replied, pointing towards an island off in the distance.

Simon looked to where Frigimon was pointing, and indeed saw the island which looked so far away. The three approached the edge of the structure they were on, but Simon and Guilmon both sighed at the large body of water in their way.

“How do we get there?” Simon asked.

“If I could Digivolve, I can carry us both there.” Guilmon responded, still lamenting his situation.

“Very well! I shall assist you in reaching the island in return for you freeing me!” Frigimon declared, before he approached the edge. 

“Sub-Zero Ice Punch!” He called out, before his fist impacted the ground, freezing both it, and the water in front of them. 

They saw that a portion of the water was frozen, making a small road for them. When tested, Simon was relieved to see that the ice was strong enough to support the three of them.

“You certainly have a useful ability. Thanks.” Simon said, expressing gratitude.

“It may take time, but if I keep punching the ground, we’ll reach the land in no time!” Frigimon said, before he resumed punching the ground, creating more and more road for the two.

With Nia and Impmon…

The two of them were caught in a blizzard, with Nia shivering from the cold and fretting over being separated. Meanwhile, Impmon noticed that she started having a coughing fit in the midst of it.

“Hey! Nia! Why don’t we look for shelter?” Impmon suggested, tugging on her pants.

“We need… We need to find… The others…” Nia weakly replied, before she coughed once more and fell to the ground.

“C’mon, Nia! Don’t you do this to me!” Impmon cried out as he pulled her arm towards him.

He saw a cave nearby that thankfully wasn’t filled to the brim with snow. He then dragged Nia as best as he could towards the cave, until he eventually got inside and laid her down. He took off his glove and felt her head as she breathed heavily.

“Ah, crap… She’s gonna freeze to death if I don’t do somethin’...” Impmon said, as he glanced around for any firewood to use at all.

Luckily for him, there was a pile of sticks near the two of them, and he lit the pile on fire. Though, he saw that wasn’t enough for her. He rushed right out and found several leaves that he thawed, warmed up, and arranged below and over her like a makeshift bed and blanket.

“Good… That oughta help with the cold. When the snowstorm clears, I’m gonna go look for the others.” Impmon said.

Though, as he noticed the snowstorm getting worse outside, he moved to where Nia was, and despite how he attempted to put on a ‘tough guy’ act… He went to nuzzle against her, further warming his Tamer. 

“Nia… I swear I’ll protect you…” Impmon declared in his mind.

Outside the cave, a large Digimon watched the light in the cave and pondered his next move…

Yodobashi Elementary School, 2011…

Outside of the school grounds, Nia was in pain from two kids tugging and pulling at her hair. She couldn’t seem to get away from them, especially with the third kid sneering at her.

“Honestly, what’s with your hair? Nobody’s hair is this color you freak! I bet you thought you’d look good even after dying your roots!” The bully sneering at her said as the other two kids laughed at her predicament.

Though Nia wanted to cry out for someone to help her, she couldn’t. All she could do was cry. It was almost unbearable. She wished her father was around, but she knew that he was at work and couldn’t help her. 

“And those eyes… Are those contact lenses? Honestly, you just keep looking weirder and weirder the more I look at you! It sickens me!” The boy shouted as he looked into the blue eyes, he saw pink crosses in them.

However, as Nia continued to be resigned to her fate of being picked on for qualities she couldn’t help, a fist came flying at the bully from the side, knocking him to the ground.

She gasped in shock. It was another boy, though his eyes weren’t filled with contempt at her appearance, but rather a quiet fury that was now out and about. The other two ceased grabbing Nia’s hair and tried to jump the boy.

The boy delivered a powerful kick to one of the bully’s stomach, sending him into the wall, and the other was grabbed by his hair, before he was pinned to the wall.

“Tell me… How does it feel? To have the roots of your hair pulled on like this? I bet it stings, doesn’t it?” The boy demanded with clear malice in his voice.

Nia was still struck with fear upon seeing this boy take down these three. She was unsure as to what he was going to do next. Especially when the bullies immediately fled in terror.

“You freaks deserve each other, Ackerman!” The leader of these bullies shouted as they left.

“Ackerman…?” Nia thought to herself as the boy slowly approached her, unsure of what he was going to do next.

She instinctively flinched, but then she felt him gently touching her hand, grasping it in his. His expression went from an angered one, to one of concern. It was… Foreign to her. 

“Are you okay?” He asked, still worried about her.

Present Day, Digital World…

“Nia? Are you okay?” Simon asked, gently nudging her.

She woke up, and saw that Simon was over her, along with Guilmon and Impmon.

“I found these two after the blizzard cleared. Turns out, a Frigimon helped them cross the water.” Impmon said.

“Impmon told us that you had a cold. I just wanted to make sure that you were alright.” Simon added.

“I could warm you up if needed…” Guilmon offered.

There was a silence between the occupants in the cave. Simon sat down in front of her as he felt her head to check her temperature. Nia had sported a warm smile, reminded of Simon’s gentle approach to her. 

“Simon… Is everything alright?” Nia asked.

“I’m more concerned about you. You’re the one who’s under the weather.” Simon replied.

“I heard what you said to the others… But, why didn’t you want me to know about it?” Nia inquired, which caused Simon’s expression to change to a guilt-ridden one.

“...Because I already scared you half to death when we first met… You knowing all that about me would only make things worse.” Simon answered.

Both of their minds then wandered back to the same day, but now the two of them were at her residence…

Esthein Residence, 2011…

Simon and Nia sat in the kitchen of the household, while her father conversed with the former’s guardian. Nia was still in a state of shock as Simon struggled to find something to say or talk about. He then noticed that her hair was quite long, to the point where it was down below her shoulders.

“You know… If you want to get away from those bullies, you should cut your hair short. That way, less for them to pull.” Simon suggested.

Nia didn’t say a word, which caused Simon to sigh before he searched around the kitchen for a trash bin and a knife. Nia watched as he did this, and was ever still curious about his intentions. 

When he found both, he placed the trash bin directly behind Nia, and she felt him tug at her hair, but it was strangely gentle. However, she couldn’t feel his hand on her hair anymore. It was as though the portion she felt him pull… Was gone. 

She turned around, and saw a large chunk of her hair now in the trash. Simon then took the trash and placed it back into the kitchen, before he went about washing the knife. 

After he finished drying the knife, he placed it back where he found it, and grabbed his things.

“If you’re not going to say anything… Just… Forget about me. Forget you ever saw me.” Simon said, his voice growing somber.

Once he walked out of the kitchen, Nia saw him be escorted by his legal guardian. Though, her father’s eyes widened as he saw her hair now shortened by a significant chunk. 

“Nia… What did he do to you?” The man demanded.

“He… He saved me…” Nia answered, still processing what happened.

She then rushed to the nearest bathroom, and saw how her hair looked, and even though her father appeared to be angered, he was surprised when Nia appeared very happy with this new change. 

“What was his name?” Nia asked.

Present Day…

“Simon… I cannot forget about you.” Nia said, knowing what he told the others.

“Nia, your dad doesn’t like me, and to be quite honest, everything about your reaction to what I was doing convinced me that we shouldn’t be friends.” Simon replied.

“You don’t understand, Simon… Up until I met you, I never knew… I never knew that someone outside of my parents could be so… Gentle.” Nia said.

Simon was then very confused by Nia’s statement. No person he ever heard talk about him had ever described him as ‘Gentle.’ They always described him as hostile or angry. Yet, in the few days he was here, he not only received praise from his Digimon partner, but now he was described as being gentle.

“Maybe you don’t realize it… But, I’ve seen the way you’ve touched me. Your hands look rough… Yet, you never grabbed me in a way that suggested you had hostile intentions.” Nia explained. 

She then felt the ends of her shortened hair which she maintained for some time now. 

“Even when you cut my hair, I only felt a gentle tug, and then… It was gone. I couldn’t help but admire you in many ways. I wanted to be like you, Simon. To be strong like you.” Nia added.

“...Simon? I think you’re a nice guy too…” Guilmon said.

“Yeah, and if anybody knows bad, it’s me. And you ain’t bad. But you ain’t nothin’. You’re somethin’ alright.” Impmon chimed in.

“Never thought I’d hear that be considered a positive thing. Thanks, Impmon. And quite honestly, I don’t consider you bad either. In fact, you’ve been very nice and caring. Otherwise, I don’t know if Nia would’ve survived.” Simon replied.

Outside, Frigimon peered into the cave with various foods in his hands. He even had some herbs he found along the way as well.

“I found some food like you wanted, Simon.” Frigimon said.

The four of them exited the cave and Frigimon handed them berries and other vegetables he found. They eagerly consumed the food he brought to them, with Impmon and Nia reluctantly consuming the herbs to help with their fever.

“Now then, I presume you are all fed?” Frigimon asked, and they nodded in response.

Though, before they could proceed, Guilmon’s eyes turned into slits once more as he looked up. The group turned to where Guilmon was looking, and they saw a yeti-like Digimon with a frozen spear in his hand in the trees. 

“Friendly Digimon?” Simon asked.

“Under normal circumstances, yes. But, it looks like he too has a Black Gear like the one you took out.” Frigimon answered, pointing to the Black Gear embedded in the Digimon’s beard.

Nia took out her Digivice as Simon pulled out his sword. She analyzed the Digimon and his data came on display.

“Mojyamon. Vaccine Type. Champion Level.” Nia listed off.

But then the Yeti jumped down with his spear in hand, but Frigimon blocked the hit and threw a punch his way.

“I’ll handle this one!” Frigimon declared as the hit sent Mojyamon into a nearby tree.

He then charged at Mojyamon which sent him into the hill, which cracked open to reveal the mechanism inside that kept the island moving. He went for another Sub-Zero Ice Punch, but Mojyamon dropped his spear and using his own momentum against him, threw him at the Tamers. 

He then picked up the ice spear once more and chucked it at the group, with Simon quick to cleave it in two with his sword. 

Both he and Nia then pulled out their Digivices and cards to Digivolve their partners…

Digi-Modify! Digivolution Activate!

DIGIVOLUTION…_

Guilmon Digivolve to… Growlmon!

Impmon Digivolve to… Wizardmon!

As the two Champion Level Digimon squared off against the Yeti, he conjured up a bone shaped like a boomerang and reared back his arm ready to throw it. 

“Bone Boomerang!” Mojyamon called out, before he tossed it at the group.

Growlmon immediately rushed right up to the bone and with incredible precision, he caught it in his mouth.

“Nice going, Growlmon!” Simon shouted, complimenting his partner.

In one single chomp, the bone broke in his mouth. Wizardmon then jumped off of Growlmon’s head and fired a bolt of lightning from his wand at Mojyamon, but he was easily able to dodge it.

Growlmon knocked Wizardmon out of the way before he received a dropkick from Mojyamon that sent him to the ground. Frigimon then snuck up behind Mojyamon and got him in a full nelson.

“I got him you guys! Aim for the Black Gear!” Frigimon shouted, while Mojyamon struggled in his grasp.

“Pyro Blaster!” Growlmon cried out as a powerful burst of flame shot out from his mouth and landed its mark.

The blast pushed both Mojyamon and Frigimon into the rock with the spinning cogs as the former’s beard was on fire after the gear dislodged itself from it. The gear dissipated after cracking, and Wizardmon fired another bolt of lightning at the gears in the rock.

“Figured these are keeping us separated from the others. It’s best if we change course, agreed?” Wizardmon said as the gears started to go haywire.

Just then, the group saw that Mojyamon had shrunken down to a smaller size, which seemed like a relief to Frigimon.

“Hey, what just happened? Was I causing a ruckus? Aw jeez, I’m sorry!” Mojyamon said, apologizing to everyone.

“It’s alright. It wasn’t your fault. It was Devimon’s fault.” Growlmon explained.

“Really?” Mojyamon asked, before he was picked up and placed on Frigimon’s shoulder.

“Yup. Same thing happened to me, until the Ackerman of course saved me.” Frigimon answered.

“Oh! So that boy there’s the Ackerman? Thank you so much!” Mojyamon shouted while giving praise to Simon.

“As much as this praise is appreciated, we still need to find Takeru and the others.” Simon said.

“And… Done.” Wizardmon said, as the gears now started turning backwards.

As he did this, both he, and Growlmon de-digivolved back into their rookie forms. 

“The island is moving again… But this time… It’s going back.” Simon said to himself.

“Simon… Once we get there, we’ll find the others, and beat Devimon!” Nia declared, before she grabbed his hand.

This caught Simon off-guard as he looked into Nia’s eyes. He then returned his gaze to Infinity Mountain as the island moved ever closer to it.

“Right… We’ll definitely be back together again…” He added.

To Be Continued…

Songs used in this Chapter…

Raw Breath - Orchestra 2022, Son Cauchemar, and Des Lien Soldies - version guitare by Shiro Sagisu

Crisis in the North by Akira Senju

Keeper of Lust by Shoji Meguro

Chapter Text

Jianliang clung onto the bed that floated around to a piece of the island filled with a dense jungle.

“The island… It’s splitting apart!” Jianliang shouted.

He looked over and saw Xiaochun in her bed scared and whimpering off in the distance, and he couldn’t help but worry for his little sister. The beds crashed into the jungle and both siblings were separated from one another…

With Xiaochun and Lopmon…

Xiaochun got redressed as the sun came up over the horizon signaling the morning light. She was now quite fearful as she nervously looked around at the environment.

“Jian… Where are you…?” Xiaochun called out with notable hesitation in her voice.

“If I had to guess… He and Terriermon are probably further off than we are in this place.” Lopmon said, while on Xiaochun’s head, looking in the opposite direction she was.

“Do you know where we are?” Xiaochun asked, now somewhat reassured by Lopmon’s certainty.

“Probably in a jungle.” Lopmon answered.

“I get that… Even I can tell what we’re in… But I don’t think we’ve been to this part of the island.” Xiaochun replied, now pondering about their current area.

“At any rate, looking for Jianliang and Terriermon should be our top priority…” Lopmon suggested, and Xiaochun nodded in agreement.

With Jianliang and Terriermon…

Jianliang, redressed, had found a large building in ruins with multiple entryways in the rock that it was encased in. He was in awe at the sight.

“You know, Jian… I think we’d have more leeway into looking for Xiaochun if you stopped staring at those ruins.” Terriermon commented.

Jianliang had snapped out of his thoughts, glancing over at his partner on his shoulder.

“Sorry about that. I got curious again. Though, if I found out more about these ruins, maybe they could be useful to the others. Perhaps we should mount an investigation after finding Xiaochun?” Jianliang said.

“Yeah…” Terriermon mused in response.

With Xiaochun and Lopmon…

The pair spotted a huge bunch of bananas, and Lopmon used an ice breath attack to bring it down. At first, Xiaochun attempted to eat it by peeling off the peel… But found there was no banana inside the one she grabbed.

“Aww…” She uttered, but found that Lopmon merely ate it as is…

“Why does this always happen?” She asked herself.

Just then a pink wad of poop fell from the trees and she looked around until she found a yellow blob that resembled excrement that had a massive mouth wrapped around its entire cephalothorax, which split open to reveal a massive tongue and sharp teeth. 

It also had two long, gangly arms that had two belts on each wrist, and a belt on the upper part of its right arm and multiple metal rings on its long fingers. Accompanying this mon was a small, bipedal pink rat that looked very cartoonish.

“Why hello there, sweetie!” The pink rat greeted.

“Um… Lopmon, who are they?” Xiaochun asked as she brought out her Digivice to analyze them. 

“Those are Sukamon and Chuumon who are very close friends. They’re almost always together.

“Nice to meet’cha!” Sukamon greeted as Xiaochun scanned the two.

“Sukamon, Virus Type, Champion Level. Chuumon, Virus Type, Rookie Level.” She listed off as she brought up their separate specs.

Though, when she saw the Sukamon rear back its arm with another wad of excrement, she and Lopmon immediately ran. He jumped from branch to branch in the trees hoping to corner her. She finally got fed up when the poop landed in front of her and she turned to face him.

“What’s the big idea anyway!?” She demanded.

“If ya don’t like it, drop your bag!” Sukamon responded.

“Yeah! You go, everything else stays!” Chuumon added.

“Are you really trying to rob us?” Xiaochun asked.

“Jeez, and here I thought only Numemon were the worst kind.” Lopmon commented, before sighing.

“Hey, you guys look like ya got some nice goodies in there! So, leave it! All of it!” Sukamon responded.

“Yeah, leave it all!” Chuumon added.

“I refuse!” Xiaochun defiantly said.

“She said no!” Sukamon exclaimed in a panic.

“I’d rather dump everything in my backpack into the ocean than give it to horrible Digimon like you!” Xiaochun further shouted.

Just then, Chuumon whispered something in Sukamon’s ear, and the golden excrement Digimon then got an idea… An awfully, awful idea indeed. Just then, Sukamon decided once more to attempt pelting her with more excrement and Xiaochun continued to run for her life.

However, she stopped at a tree, now sporting a more frustrated expression than anything else.

“No more running…” She uttered as she waited by another tree.

Sukamon then climbed down the tree that she was at, hoping to steal her belongings, only for her to turn around and point her Digivice at it. They were blinded by a powerful light that shone from the device, but when it stopped, a more positive feeling overcame the two.

“Huh… I feel refreshed… Thank you, small human.” Sukamon said, expressing gratitude to Xiaochun.

“Well neither of us feel refreshed at all!” Xiaochun complained, while giving a ‘hmph!’ Lopmon had followed suit.

“I feel like a nice, good poop! A clean slate! A fresh start!” Sukamon cheerfully said, wobbling around.

“I don’t believe you.” Xiaochun replied.

“Though, if you are changed, then please answer this question; Have you seen any other humans around here?” Lopmon asked.

“Huh? Humans? What, like her?” Sukamon asked, clearly not sure of what they were talking about.

“Yes, like her.” Lopmon answered, pointing to Xiaochun with her ear.

Chuumon then whispered once more into Sukamon’s ear, which at first started to intrigue Xiaochun.

“Oh yes… Though, I can’t be sure since they were so far away little one… But, I did see a similar being to you, and a Terriermon fall in the Ancient Dino region…” Sukamon answered while he clasped his hands together and blushed as though he were very shy around Xiaochun.

“Really? Thank you so much!” Xiaochun exclaimed, expressing gratitude before she faced Lopmon.

“If Terriermon is around, then Jianliang must be nearby!” Lopmon added. “Now then, are you two truly good Digimon now?” She asked the two Digimon.

“Well, yes… But also, no. We just didn’t feel like being good.” Chuumon explained.

“But do you mind escorting us to the Ancient Dino region?” Lopmon requested.

The two then led the way as both Lopmon and Xiaochun followed them towards a ledge.

“Over here!” Sukamon pointed out.

Though, Xiaochun felt her hopes immediately dashed when she noticed the gap between where she was standing, and the island where her brother was.

“Do we have to leap all the way over there?” Xiaochun asked out of worry.

“So… Are you happy we helped you?” Sukamon asked.

“Well… Yes…” Xiaochun replied anxiously.

“Then… Would you go out on a date with me?” Sukamon inquired, once more clasping its hands together.

“Lopmon, can you get us over there?” Xiaochun asked.

“I will do my best, for my Tamer.” Lopmon answered, climbing onto Xiaochun’s head. 

The young girl grasped her partner’s legs and she sprinted for the other side. Once she jumped off the ledge, Lopmon’s ears expanded, and thanks to a favorable wind blowing from behind them, they were able to make it to the other side.

“Aww… She left…” Sukamon uttered, disappointed.

“I feel like I’m going to have a hard time finding a real boy who’d go out with me…” Xiaochun said walking into the jungle.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure your brother and the others will vouch for you.” Lopmon replied, attempting to cheer her up.

With Jianliang and Terriermon…

“Terriermon, as much as finding the others would be helpful, especially Xiaochun, I think we’ll have better chances if we investigate this ruin.” Jianliang suggested.

Terriermon sighed, knowing that their investigation of the island they were on proved to be fruitless. Once they got inside the stone temple, Jianliang spotted a large whirring Black Gear.

“I wonder if we had enough manpower, we could try to either stop this thing or reverse it.” Jianliang pondered aloud.

However, he then spotted the characters on the wall, and recalled something that happened at the factory. Similar looking characters were on the wall of the power source.

“Terriermon, are you seeing this?” Jianliang asked.

“Yeah, though I’m guessing you’re planning on messing around with your computer again?” Terriermon replied, as Jianliang dug into his bag, and much like before, his laptop came to life.

Just then, Terriermon spotted both Xiaochun and Lopmon who had just entered the temple.

“Terriermon!” Lopmon exclaimed before the two went and hugged one another.

However, Xiaochun had initiated a hug with her brother, who placed his laptop on the ground before returning it.

“Sorry. I know you were probably worried about me.” Jianliang apologized.

“It’s fine… Besides, I was able to find you, now wasn’t I?” Xiaochun cheerfully replied.

Though he still lamented that his laptop was out of battery, he found what appeared to be an electrical outlet inside of a large root.

“That shouldn’t be possible…” He uttered.

“Why’s that?” Xiaochun questioned.

“Because wood can’t conduct electricity. Though, I wonder…” He answered, before plugging his computer in.

Like that, he found that the battery was charging. It was incredible to him. He once more began to analyze the program written within the walls.

“Have you seen where the others went?” Xiaochun asked.

“I wish I did… Hopefully Simon’s okay.” Jianliang answered, saddened by this separation.

“Jian… What did Devimon mean by ‘Mercenary clan’?” Xiaochun asked, giving Jianliang pause during his analysis.

“That’s… Not something I should tell you… It’s something Simon should say to you.” Jianliang answered.

“I see… Well, Lopmon and I are going to explore more of this place.” Xiaochun said, disappointed in not getting any answers.

“Wait. Terriermon and I should go with you. I can put this on hold.” Jianliang replied, ready to close his computer and join his sister, but Terriermon nudged him.

“Momentai, Jian. I’ll go with her. Act as your eyes and ears. If anything comes up, I’ll shout!” Terriermon interjected.

“Just… Be careful you guys…” Jianliang said, as his face contorted to a more somber one as he continued his analysis.

Though, just before they could leave, after Jianliang had typed in enough commands on his computer, he found that the structure they’re inside is a maze.

“Hold on a second!” Jianliang called out.

The three stopped in their tracks and went back to Jianliang, who showed them the map of the structure.

“This place is a maze. So, you might need something in case you guys get lost.” Jianliang explained.

“I’ve got it!” Xiaochun proclaimed.

She then grabbed out of her bag the brightest colored marker and marked a section of the wall.

“There, now I’ll know where I’ve been. And I’ve got a flashlight in case it gets dark.” Xiaochun said, before pulling out a flashlight as well.

As the three entered the maze, Xiaochun was in awe at the aesthetic. She made sure to mark the corner with what appeared to be a small version of Lopmon.

“You really had to make sure he knew it was you?” Lopmon asked.

“Yup.” Xiaochun replied, before they continued down the ruins. 

She moved down another corridor, taking notice of the strange roots growing from beneath the temple and made sure to step over them carefully. However, she received a phone call, which was odd, given how they couldn’t reach anyone in their world earlier with the pay phones. 

“Hello?” Xiaochun asked, holding up her smartphone to her ear.

“Hey, it’s Jian. Turns out there’s service around here, strangely enough.” Jianliang replied on the other end.

“What’d you want to call me about? Aside from some strange roots, I haven’t gotten in any danger yet.” Xiaochun asked.

“Well, as it turns out, while I was analyzing the program, I was able to get this program that allowed me to track where everyone was via their Digivices.” Jianliang answered.

“So, thankfully I might have enough data to find you and we can navigate this place together. Did you mark where I should go?” He added.

“Yup! Just follow the Lopmons!” Xiaochun replied.

Jianliang then closed his laptop and unplugged it. Strangely enough, he was also able to download this on his phone and when he followed the Lopmon markings on the wall, he found that, combined with the tracker, he was easily able to rendezvous with his little sister.

“Another thing we should worry about are some of the traps in the maze. I’ve marked them on the map on my phone. Hopefully we shouldn’t run into too much trouble.” Jianliang said.

“It’s like daddy always said ‘Work smarter, not harder!’” Xiaochun replied as they shared a small laugh.

As he examined his phone at the next corner they turned, he saw an open room in front of them and immediately halted Xiaochun. The floor in front of them collapsed, leaving only enough room to sidle.

“All right. Looks like we gotta sidle…” Jianliang said, taking the lead.

Though as the two siblings cautiously moved along the wall to their destination, Terriermon and Lopmon didn’t seem to have as much trouble due to their small size. Once they made it to the other side, Jianliang once more checked the map, and found that there was someone else inside.

“Um… Xiaochun, I don’t think we’re alone.” Jianliang said.

“Is it one of our friends?” Xiaochun asked.

“No. I think it might be company…” He answered.

They turned around, and saw what appeared to be a large Centaur Digimon. Most of his body was covered in orange fur, but his muscles were coated in a blue armor plating. He wore a helmet which concealed all but his single red eye, which sneered at the two.

He also sported a single shoulder guard over his left shoulder and a chain dangled from his left hand. His right arm meanwhile appeared to be a large arm-cannon.

Xiaochun was quick to pull out her Digivice while Jian had the map in his hand. She then scanned him.

“Centarumon. Data Type. Champion Level.” She listed off, but then the Centaur easily cleared the gap.

“And now I think we run!” Terriermon shouted, and both Tamers as well as Lopmon were quick to go along with that idea.

Though as the two ran, it seemed that Centarumon was easily gaining on them with his superior mobility. Xiaochun allowed Jianliang to lead the way, and they made one left down into the corridor before quickly turning left at a fork path in the ruins. However, they were at a dead end.

“Now what, Jian?” Xiaochun asked.

“Now, we bust our way out! Terriermon!” Jianliang answered and Terriermon looked over at the wall Jianliang pointed to.

“Bunny Blast!” He called out as a green projectile destroyed the nearby wall, allowing them to escape.

“Did you know this led outside?” Lopmon asked.

“Something like that.” Jianliang answered.

Centarumon then pointed his cannon at the two tamers and their partners, who then readied their Digivices.

“Digi-Modify! Digivolution Activate!” Both called out, slashing their cards across the scanners.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

Terriermon Digivolve to… Gargomon!

Lopmon Digivolve to… Turuiemon!

The two champion levels stood side-by-side, ready to combat this threat. Centarumon then fired a shot from his arm cannon, which prompted both champion levels to grab their tamers and avoid the attack.

Just as Centarumon was about to fire another shot, Turuiemon swiftly got underneath the arm cannon and powered up her right fist.

“Ninja Fist!” Turuiemon called out before delivering a powerful uppercut that caused the attack to launch upward.

“Gargo Pellets!” Gargomon shouted, before he fired multiple shots into Centarumon’s side, which dislodged a Black Gear and caused it to dissipate.

“Centarumon was hit with a Black Gear?” Jianliang asked, before he approached the centaur Digimon, who rubbed his head in pain.

“The pain… It’s gone… And… You have the holy devices!” Centarumon said between groans, upon examining Jianliang’s Digivice.

“You know what these things are?” Xiaochun asked.

Though, instead of answering the question, Centarumon gestured to the four to follow him through the maze.

In the Maze…

Centarumon brought the Tamers and their Digimon to an altar with a mural that showcased the Digivice in question.

“The holy device, the Digivice, is one of the most sacred tools in all of the Digital World. I am the guardian of these ruins, preserving its history.” Centarumon explained to the group.

Jianliang and Xiaochun both looked down at their devices, and then back at the mural. 

“The holy device…” Jianliang uttered.

“These devices guide the world towards the light and far away from the darkness.” Centarumon further added.

“That must’ve been what Simon did to Leomon at the manor!” Xiaochun said, remembering Simon’s fight with Leomon.

It would appear as though summoned by his name being dropped, Leomon revealed himself in the maze. Both Turuiemon and Gargomon got in fighting stances to fight off Leomon, who once more looked possessed.

“Leomon? What has become of you?” Centarumon asked.

“I must… Kill… The Digidestined!” Leomon said, pulling out his sword.

He then jumped at the group, and before he could land a hit with his fist, Centarumon grabbed his fist to hold him back.

“I have come to my senses, friend! And I swear, I will save you for these children!” Centarumon declared.

“Then you will die as well!” Leomon retorted before he reared back his other hand to slash at Centarumon.

“Xiaochun! Your Digivice!” Jianliang shouted, pointing his Digivice at Leomon.

Xiaochun nodded as both Gargomon and Turuiemon got Leomon in a powerful hold to keep him still as the lights from their Digivices shone over Leomon, causing him to shout in pain. Though, before they could get any leeway, Leomon tossed both Digimon aside and ran from the siblings.

“Wait! Leomon! We can help you!” Xiaochun cried out, hoping to reach their would-be ally.

The group then traversed back to the Black Gear keeping the island moving away, as both partner Digimon de-digivolved back, and Jianliang sighed hoping that they could get the Black Gear to stop.

“Any chance you could get this thing to stop?” Jianliang asked Centarumon.

“Unfortunately, this is beyond even me.” Centarumon lamented.

Though, before Jianliang could continue to analyze it, Xiaochun approached it out of frustration, and to Jian’s surprise, adopted a fighting stance. She twirled around, before delivering a spin kick to the gear, which not only caused it to stop… But also reverse.

“Xiaochun… Did you know that would happen?” Jianliang sheepishly asked.

“Not really. I was just angry, that’s all.” Xiaochun replied.

The Tamers and their partners left to the ledge of the island and found that they were already headed back to the mainland.

“I gotta say, I wouldn’t have gotten this done without you, Xiaochun.” Jianliang complimented.

“Hey, sweetie! Wanna date me?” Sukamon shouted, but saw that Xiaochun pulled down one of her eyelids and stuck out her tongue. Lopmon even mimicked her.

“Aww… Got rejected again…” Sukamon uttered, before sulking.

“Xiaochun… We need to talk about this whole thing.” Jianliang said.

“I just hope I can find a real man.” Xiaochun replied.

“Hey, if anything, your big brother, and our friends will vouch for you… When you’re old enough.” Jianliang teased, while giving her a noogie.

To Be Continued…

Songs used…

When You’re Lonely (ne0 version), Piercing Digital Sea Breeze, Justice in Combat: Digimon World Next Order ost

Wandering Ghosts by Michiru Yamane

Catch 22 and Raw Breath of Danger by Shiro Sagisu

Chapter Text

Devimon stood atop Infinity Mountain overlooking the separation of the islands, and watched as each of the children’s beds fell onto the broken pieces.

“Digidestined… Curse the fates that have befallen you for challenging me!” Devimon said just before he cackled like a madman…

With Daisuke and V-Mon…

“And there went the last of my chocolate bars…” Daisuke commented as he tied his clothes on top of his head using a torn portion of the bed sheets.

“Sorry, Daisuke… I got hungry again…” V-Mon replied, apologizing for his actions.

“It’s fine. If we got close enough to land, I was gonna try swimming over there. No use in getting dressed until you’re safe.” He added, before he slipped his goggles over his eyes.

“Daisuke… Do you not like it here?” V-Mon asked.

“I mean… Not a lot of people like getting transported to another world against their own will.” Daisuke answered.

“So… Does that mean you don’t like me?” V-Mon further questioned.

“Of course I like you, V-Mon! You’re my friend! I don’t know why you’d think that.” Daisuke answered.

“It’s just… You said that you didn’t want to come to summer camp without a friend of yours, right?” V-Mon asked, and Daisuke nodded. “So… I guess that means you never wanted to meet me, huh?” V-Mon added, feeling somber.

“V-Mon. That’s not true! I wanted to go to summer camp, I really did! It’s just… I was hoping to go with the girl of my dreams, you know? And plus, she stubbornly insisted I go.” Daisuke replied.

“Daisuke…” V-Mon uttered.

“Never in a million years would I ever regret meeting you. Heck, if I never met you or the others, I’d still be so shy…” Daisuke added, trying to cheer V-Mon up.

Just then, the pair were greeted by a large wooden crate floating up to them, and both gave off a mutually deadpan expression, knowing full well that it’s a trap. They went to grip the bed and push the crate away with their feet, with V-Mon waving good-bye to the box.

Inside the box, Ogremon grumbled in sheer frustration, but when he attempted to move, the box then had a hole in it, and he gave off a look of dread. As the box began to sink into the water, Daisuke stood up from the bed and gave a salute, which V-Mon mimicked.

“So… Can you push both me and the bed?” Daisuke asked V-Mon, who shook his head.

“Can you do it as Veedramon?” He further asked, and V-Mon nodded, before he jumped into the water and began to digivolve.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

V-Mon Digivolve to… Veedramon!

Veedramon emerged from the water and as fast as his legs and he pushed the bed as he kicked at the water at such a rate that it looked to be a speedboat. Daisuke held on tight so as not to fall off the bed.

With Ruki and Renamon…

Ruki had been redressed and she held onto a fishing rod with a twig attached to the end of it. Renamon was also fishing as well, in hopes of getting more food.

“Anything?” Ruki asked.

“Nothing. I fear we may be here a while.” Renamon answered.

“Hey!! Anyone over there?!” A voice shouted off in the distance.

“Who do you think that is?” Renamon asked.

“I’m really hoping it’s not who I think it is…” Ruki muttered.

Just then she saw someone jump into the cold ocean and swim towards the island. It was indeed Daisuke and Veedramon, who now de-digivolved back into V-Mon. As he rose out of the water, Ruki blushed heavily at the sight of him while shutting her eyes.

“Oh! Ruki! Renamon! How goes it?” Daisuke asked, oblivious to Ruki trying not to look at him.

“We were fishing. But it seems we’ve attracted your attention.” Renamon answered.

“Um… Why is Ruki all red like that?” V-Mon asked, pointing to her.

“Is everything alright, Ruki?” Daisuke asked, approaching her.

She opened one eye, and saw that Daisuke was still clad in his underwear with his clothes tied to his head.

“Renamon, the sooner he gets dried, the better.” Ruki said, and Renamon went to start a fire.

The two tamers and their Digimon gathered by the fire with Daisuke’s clothes neatly folded, and in the process of being dried. Daisuke himself meanwhile was soothed by the heat.

“Thanks a lot, Ruki! I was a little worried that I was gonna freeze to death there!” Daisuke said.

“Don’t talk to me right now, I’m not in the mood.” Ruki said, continuing to avert her gaze from him.

“I personally fail to see what’s there to be embarrassed about. From what I can tell, you do have a strong build.” Renamon complimented.

“I am a soccer star after all! Plus, I’ve taken both the same self-defense classes and kendo classes Simon took.” Daisuke replied, flexing his biceps.

Renamon then watched as he started to do various power poses, which caused her to cock an eyebrow at his antics. Though, she also noticed V-Mon attempting to emulate his Tamer.

“What is he doing now?” Ruki asked, still not looking.

“Shall I describe it for you? Or should I draw you a picture?” Renamon replied.

“...A picture.” Ruki reluctantly answered.

Renamon then gestured both to hold still, before she went about drawing a picture on the dirt, and once it was finished… Ruki was astonished at the level of detail she put in for this piece.

“Renamon… When I said a picture, I was expecting a doodle, not a full on painting.” Ruki said.

Though, Daisuke took a look at what she drew and saw how detailed it was. Even to the point of capturing his facial expression and his muscles when they contracted.

“Wow… I’m flattered.” Daisuke said.

“I merely learned from watching my tamer. Now, I believe your clothes are dry, Daisuke.” Renamon replied, before pointing to his folded clothing.

Daisuke then went about making himself decent, and Ruki finally turned to face him… But, between the glimpses she had gotten, and Renamon’s picture, she was unable to not imagine Daisuke’s build underneath.

“So… How do you think we’re gonna find the others?” Daisuke asked, but Ruki paid him no mind as she walked away from the campfire.

Though, V-Mon was quick to put it out by kicking dirt into it. Renamon was quick to be at her Tamer’s side as they walked through the woods. 

“I mean, that ocean’s pretty big, and I don’t think either of us would be able to swim for too long. You think Kyubimon could get you across?” Daisuke said, though Ruki appeared to be visibly frustrated with him.

Renamon could sense her Tamer’s frustration, but she wasn’t sure why Ruki was blatantly ignoring Daisuke’s words.

“I’m just saying maybe the best course of action would be to build a raft, and see if one of our Digimon could get us back to the mainland safely.” Daisuke suggested.

However, Daisuke heard her growl ever so slightly and saw her hands clenched into fists. He was starting to sense the warning signs, and figured that he might’ve done something to irritate her.

“Look, if it’s about earlier, I’m sorry. It’s just that I was prepared to swim all the way here, and my clothes were gonna be soaked. Plus, hey, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. So, hey, why don’t we just forget about it, okay?” Daisuke apologized before offering his hand.

Ruki stopped in her tracks, before she smacked it away. V-Mon and Daisuke were both shocked by this and the former sneered at her, though the latter appeared to be a bit hurt.

“I don’t want to hear another word out of your mouth, while we’re here, got it? I’m going to figure things out and I’m going to find us a way out! You need to just shut up and leave me alone!” Ruki lashed out.

“What’s your problem, huh? Daisuke wanted to apologize! And here you are treating him like dirt!” V-Mon shouted, sticking up for his Tamer.

“Well, maybe if your Tamer wasn’t just a dumb meat head like most of the weirdos on his team, then perhaps I’d be more considerate. As it stands, I couldn’t care less!” Ruki angrily retorted, though Renamon noticed something about Daisuke’s demeanor changed.

“Seriously? Daisuke got a failing grade?”

“Was it really our fault? Is our son doomed to be dumb his whole life?”

The voices of Daisuke’s parents echoed in his mind from his younger days. Ruki’s words stung, but they reminded him of a truth he couldn’t escape. He retreated behind a tree and curled up into himself.

“Maybe we should consider getting him a tutor.”

“At least then, we won’t have to worry about him failing school.”

Ruki then peered behind the tree to see Daisuke sulking all by his lonesome. Though, she had immediately scoffed at this display.

“Hmph! Is this supposed to make me feel bad? Are you trying to guilt trip me? Cause it’s not working!” Ruki huffed out.

“Why would I guilt trip you? Besides, you’re right. You, my parents, and Simon. You’re all right about me.” Daisuke replied soberly.

“Right about what?” Ruki asked curiously, though she noticed that Daisuke now didn’t feel like speaking to her. “Hey! I asked you a question, and I’d like you to answer!” Ruki demanded, grasping his jacket.

“I thought you didn’t want to talk to me. You just wanted me to shut up, and leave you alone, isn’t that right? I’m just doing what you wanted.” Daisuke replied, his tone still being the same tone as before.

Now Ruki started to feel guilty. V-Mon's eyes grew soft to the point where tears threatened to spill, while Renamon crouched down to his level, and patted his head in an attempt to comfort him.

“Daisuke… I just…” Ruki attempted to say, before she released the burgundy-haired boy and sat across from him.

There was a silence between the two, as Daisuke buried his head into his knees, avoiding Ruki’s gaze. It was… Strange to her. Here he was, giving her exactly what she wanted, and yet… She now felt terrible. It was unusual. She knew that Simon had a very negative demeanor and outlook on life, but arguably the loudest and most reckless member of the group now suddenly shut down like that.

“Maybe… It’s best if I just… Say what’s on my mind…” Ruki said, hoping to break the silence between the two.

He didn’t appear to look at her, but both V-Mon and Renamon fixed their gaze on the latter’s Tamer, now hoping to get insight.

“My dad went missing for some time… He never came back. As far as I know, Papa could be dead somewhere, but we’d never know it. Meanwhile, Mom’s barely around and is always doing modeling gigs. My grandmother’s around, but I haven’t really talked to her.” Ruki explained, which intrigued the two Digimon.

“Then of course there was that one jerk who beat me in that Digimon Card Game Tournament three years ago. He seemed nice, but after the tournament, he just vanished off the face of the Earth. Just like my dad. And… As I said, Simon was the only person that entered my life… Who continued to be there despite all that I said to and about him.” She added, but she noticed that he still didn’t seem to change his position.

“I doubt you would be listening to me after what I said about you.” Ruki uttered.

“No. I heard all of that. It’s just…” Daisuke replied, now looking directly at her.

“No matter how hard I try, I always feel like it’s not good enough. My parents say that I’ve been dumb, and I tried to study. Of course, they wouldn’t believe me if I told them I’ve been getting passing grades.” Daisuke started, as memories of him coming home with passing grades flooded in, though he never bothered to show either of his parents.

“My sister Jun tells me I need to be more firm, more assertive, so I took up self-defense, and I tried to be louder so my voice would be heard.” He added, with memories of him in those classes and kendo came to mind, as well as his time on the soccer team.  

“And… Simon said I was way too shy and that I needed to take action. So… I did. But… I won’t know for sure until I get back home… Not that I’m sure I’ll ever get back.” Daisuke finished, with memories of him hearing Simon talking about him, as well as the scene of him looking over a sickly Hikari came back to him.

“I thought Simon had gotten you inspired to take those up?” Ruki asked.

“He did… But, it was Jun who suggested those ideas during my days when I wasn’t practicing on the soccer field.” Daisuke answered.

“I see…” Ruki muttered.

“Not much point in me proving to anyone that I’ve been doing much better, I’m just a shy, timid and dumb blockhead.” Daisuke sadly spoke up.

“I swear, he was never this bold at school.”

“Usually shy. Not as outgoing.”

Simon’s words about him echoed in Ruki’s mind as she remembered his conversation with Takeru about the boy.

“The only one who seemed to think I wasn’t anything like you guys described… Was Hikari. But… I feel like she might think of me more as a friend than anything else.” Daisuke lamented.

“And did you say anything to her?” Ruki asked.

“...Yeah… But, that was when she was sick and fell asleep.” Daisuke answered.

“I guess… We’re both kind of pathetic in our own way…” Ruki remarked.

Though, before either of them could say anything further, the sound of a loud bell rang across the island. The two got up from their positions as Renamon jumped atop one of the trees to see where the source was.

“It appears to be a building of some sort.” Renamon commented.

“That sounded like a church bell. So… I’m guessing the enemy is using religion to lure us in?” Daisuke suggested.

“Probably. Though I doubt there’s any such deity here to actually worship.” Ruki said.

“That’s not true. We have the almighty Yggdrasil, the creator of this world.” V-Mon commented.

“You know of Yggdrasil?” Renamon asked, now kneeling to look V-Mon in the eye.

“Yeah… Though, it’s weird… I don’t know why I know this… But, he is essentially a god of this world.” V-Mon answered, while scratching his head.

“Maybe you have friends in high places?” Daisuke questioned.

“Not really…” V-Mon replied.

The four then traveled through the forest in hopes of finding a path leading to the church atop the small mountain. Once they found their way up the mountain path, the group finally saw the entrance of the church.

“So, what do you think we’ll see, gogglehead?” Ruki asked.

“Probably a vampire and some zombies… Or we could be at the sight of some voodoo sacrificial ritual.” Daisuke answered, which caused Ruki to go slightly pale. “Did I scare you?” He asked, somewhat concerned about the redhead.

“I’m fine! Let’s just go.” Ruki harshly replied, before she stomped towards the church.

“Daisuke? Why are girls like that?” V-Mon asked, remembering how they seemed to bond earlier.

“I think it might only be her.” He answered before the remaining three followed Ruki.

However, upon further inspection, the group heard music playing on the other side of the building. To decide who goes to investigate, Ruki and Daisuke played Janken. Though, unfortunately for Daisuke, he chose scissors vs rock. He sidled along the side of the building hoping not to draw attention, but then he found an unusual sight.

“When you were young, and your heart was an open book…” A man on the piano sang.

He noticed a group of people dancing along to the song as though it were a slow dance.

“You used to say ‘live and let live’...(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did…)” The piano man and the chorus sang.

He immediately rushed back to Ruki and the others with a shocked look on his face.

“Uh… Ruki, I think I might’ve been right about one thing…” Daisuke said, before he and the others moved to the side of the building to spy on the ‘humans.’

“But if this ever-changing world in which we’re livin’ makes you give in and cry… Say live and let die!” The piano man sang.

Just then, a pair of what appeared to be floating bed sheet ghosts appeared behind Daisuke and Ruki. They gave off a sneer with their black eyes and sharp teeth.

“Live and let die…” As the piano man, now playing a guitar sang, more and more turned into these ghosts and surrounded the Tamers and their partners.

“Live and let die…” They continued to sing as even the people inside the church turned into ghosts.

“Live and let die…” With that last portion even the band members turned into ghosts.

Though Renamon and V-Mon attempted to put up a fight, their attacks had little effect on the ghost-like Digimon. Ruki, Daisuke and their Digimon were swarmed by the creatures.

In the Church…

The tired and worn out Digimon were placed inside a jail cell downstairs, while Daisuke and Ruki were tied up on the altar of the church. The ghost Digimon surrounded the two of them as they awaited their impending demise.

“So, Voodoo ritual then?” Ruki asked.

“Yeah… Voodoo ritual.” Daisuke answered.

However, a pair of the ghosts started sprinkling salt and pepper onto the two Tamers. The pepper caused Daisuke to sneeze and Ruki meanwhile just sneered at them.

“And why are you doing this?” Ruki asked.

“We plan on offering you two as sacrifices to the great lord Bakemon.” The ghost explained.

“Great… So, we’re gonna get eaten by a ghost?” Daisuke asked.

“But of course!” The ghost answered.

“How’d you know?” Ruki asked.

“Bakemon are pretty lame cards if you ask me.” Daisuke replied.

“Yeah, I do remember one idiot who thought they could beat me with a Bakemon deck.” Ruki said.

In the jail cell, V-Mon and Renamon felt the walls around them to try to find some way to get out, but there didn’t seem to be a structural weakness to exploit.

“The walls are far too thick for us to break out.” Renamon commented.

“Yeah, and I don’t have enough V to V-Headbutt my way out of this cell either.” V-Mon added.

“Then I suppose we’re doomed to wait here until our Tamers are eaten by Bakemon?” Renamon asked, to which V-Mon shook his head, pointing at the sleeping one guarding their cell.

“I have a plan, and you have to follow my lead.” V-Mon said, whispering to Renamon. 

He picked up a very small chunk of debris and tossed it into the Bakemon’s mucus bubble, causing him to wake up.

“Ah! Who! What! When! Where! Why?” Bakemon shouted.

“Hey! Bakemon!” V-Mon called out.

“Huh? You’re talking to me?” Bakemon asked, as Renamon looked around to see if anyone else was there.

“Yeah! And we want you to torture us!” V-Mon shouted, which made Renamon do a small double take.

“Torture?” Bakemon questioned.

“Yes. For as prisoners, we wish to be tortured.” Renamon said, hoping to add onto it.

“Look, weird, I can handle. Kinky, not so sure on that one.” Bakemon replied, feeling very confused.

“Well, we’re hungry. And you could definitely torture us by eating food in front of us.” V-Mon suggested.

“I mean… Sure, but…” Bakemon responded, but he wasn’t certain.

“Come now, does this graveyard not have any food to feed any of you?” Renamon asked.

“Oh, believe me, missy! There’s plenty of food, I’ll be right back!” Bakemon replied, offended by Renamon’s claim.

As Bakemon left, Renamon took a look at V-Mon who appeared to be snickering to himself. Thankfully, Renamon’s poker face did help to sell the seriousness of it all. Once Bakemon came back, he held a bunch of purple bananas. He even peeled one for good measure.

“I bet this looks real yummy, doesn’t it?” Bakemon asked, hearing the groans of their stomachs.

“Eh… I can’t really tell, you’ll have to get closer.” V-Mon said, rubbing his stomach, which prompted Bakemon to move closer.

“I can hardly smell the food, I'm so hungry. Move closer.” Renamon demanded.

“Yes, ma’am!” Bakemon said as he moved close enough to be within arm’s length of the two.

They grabbed him and pummeled him from the jail cell. Renamon swiped the bananas off of him as he fell unconscious. They then feasted upon the bananas in front of their captor.

“I must say, V-Mon. Your plan worked like a charm.” Renamon commented.

“It wouldn’t have worked if you didn’t have that poker face!” V-Mon replied, chowing down on his food.

Back on the altar, the Bakemon started bowing repeatedly in front of the two as they performed the ritual. Daisuke tried to feel around the closest pockets Ruki had, which confused her.

“What are you doing, gogglehead?” Ruki asked.

“Seeing if you have something to cut us loose with.” Daisuke answered.

“Mom didn’t want me bringing anything sharp to camp.” Ruki said.

“Why? You’d think camp would actually be one of the best places to bring a knife.” Daisuke replied.

“Because mom’s too paranoid.” Ruki said.

“Geez. Either she’s really overprotective or she wants you to be a model too.” Daisuke jested.

“Sometimes it’s both.” Ruki replied, which caused Daisuke to blush with embarrassment.

“I was only joking.” He sheepishly said.

Just then, the Bakemon spun around the two in a rhythmic sense, until they appeared to have combined into a much larger Bakemon, whose grotesque hands protruded from the sheets.

DIGIVOLUTION…_

V-Mon Digivolve to… Veedramon!

Renamon Digivolve to… Kyubimon!

The ground broke from underneath the two, and both Champion Level Digimon freed their Tamers. 

“Go! Get out of here!” Veedramon shouted.

Both Daisuke and Ruki escaped from the church as per Veedramon’s command, only for them to see that both their partners were pushed back by the large Bakemon.

“V-Nova Blast!” Veedramon called out, but his attack was deflected by Bakemon’s hand.

“Fox Tail Inferno!” Kyubimon cried out as the blue flames hit Bakemon, only for him to bat it away from him.

“Typically, the bad guy’s supposed to fold after we get our digivolution going!” Daisuke exclaimed.

“Well, any more bright ideas?” Ruki asked, open to suggestions.

“I got one… But, you’re gonna hate it.” Daisuke said, before he rushed to help his partner.

“There he goes again…” Ruki uttered.

“Hey! Bakemon! I got a question to ask you!” Daisuke shouted.

“Hmm… And what might that be?” Bakemon asked.

“Tell me, do you know what a Shinigami is?” Daisuke questioned, and Ruki’s face immediately contorted to disappointment.

“Well… Yes, actually… Why?” Bakemon replied, but then Daisuke pulled out his phone with a picture of Simon.

“I’m friends with a Shinigami. And if you don’t watch it, he’ll exorcise you!” Daisuke exclaimed before showing him that picture.

“Ah! Shinigami! Shinigami! Go away! Go away!” Bakemon shouted in fear.

“V-Nova Blast!/Fox Tail Inferno!” Both Veedramon and Kyubimon called out as their attacks landed perfect hits on Bakemon, turning him into mere shreds.

“Awesome, guys!” Daisuke exclaimed.

“I can’t believe this gogglehead’s plan actually worked…” Ruki muttered.

“Okay, spill it! How’d you figure that a picture of Simon would frighten them?” She asked.

“Well, ghosts are afraid of Shinigami, and Simon is dressed like one. So, I guessed that Bakemon would be afraid of someone like him.” Daisuke answered.

“That is… The most goggleheaded thing I’ve ever heard! And yet… You saved us. Thank you, Daisuke.” Ruki said, expressing appreciation for her friend.

Meanwhile, he sheepishly scratched the back of his head, somewhat proud of his efforts. Just then, the ground split open revealing the whirring Black Gears inside. They then stopped before shattering completely.

“Huh… That just happened.” Daisuke commented.

Though, just as they were about to question that, Ruki spotted Infinity Mountain, which appeared much closer than before. Just as the morning sun arose.

“Welp. No time like the present!” Daisuke shouted as he got on Veedramon. 

Ruki looked over at Kyubimon, who offered her a ride. She was then somewhat apprehensive about if her partner was willing to go in.

“As long as it gets you to the other side, I will brave whatever ocean bars us.” Kyubimon said, as though to answer her question.

Daisuke and Ruki, aboard their Digimon, continued towards the Infinity Mountain, ready for whatever threat they may come across…

Infinity Mountain…

Devimon and Leomon both looked down at an unconscious Ogremon who appeared to have washed up on shore.

“You had one simple task. And you couldn’t even do that right.” Devimon chastised as Ogremon could only gurgle up water in front of his unsympathetic boss.

To Be Continued…

Music used…

Raw breath - orchestra 2022, Cometh the hour - avant garde 2023, and Never Meant to Belong by Shiro Sagisu

Break Up! by Ayumu Miyazaki

Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney and The Wings

Chapter Text

Takeru clung desperately on the head rest of the bed as it flew toward a waterfall, with Patamon hoping to get them both out of there. It then went over the falls and fell into the ocean, breaking into multiple pieces. 

“Patamon… I feel mortified.” Takeru remarked as he held onto his backpack.

“Why? I saved your life.” Patamon replied, holding onto Takeru by his underwear.

“Yeah, and now I’m feelin’ the wedgie of a lifetime.” Takeru answered as he gave off a sigh towards his predicament.

The following morning…

Takeru redressed himself as he looked on at the waterfall in front of him. The last thing he put on was his hat.

“Well, either way, thanks for saving me, Patamon. Though…” Takeru said, expressing appreciation for his partner, but then another thought occurred. 

The blonde then sat himself down near the waterfall, curled up into himself as the familiar sensation of loneliness set in.

“I’m alone again… And it’s all my fault.” Takeru said to himself.

“Takeru…?” Patamon asked, trying to communicate with his tamer.

“First, my parents split up… Then, my brother got too busy… And… It’s all my fault…” Takeru belittled himself as tears threatened to spill out.

“Oh, Takeru… I wish I was strong like Guilmon or Renamon. Or as driven as V-Mon.” Patamon thought to himself, remembering the strength that the three of them displayed as their champion forms.

Takeru snapped out of his thoughts as he heard Patamon wailing in anguish. It was odd to him that someone was crying for his sake, rather than because of him.

“What’s wrong, Patamon?” Takeru asked.

“I-I-I can’t digivolve! I’m not strong like Guilmon or any of the others! If I were like them, I’d have gotten us out of here!” Patamon weeped.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m sure whatever you digivolve into will be just as strong, or maybe even stronger than them.” Takeru replied, attempting to reassure Patamon.

“You… You really think so?” Patamon asked, flying onto Takeru’s hat.

“Yeah. Though, hopefully when you do evolve, you’ll at least still have wings.” Takeru answered.

“Yeah. I wanna fly high in the air, just like a Birdramon or Hudiemon.” Patamon excitedly said.

“I don’t know either of those Digimon…” Takeru commented.

Later down the road…

Takeru and Patamon arrived at a railroad crossing gate as what appeared to be a train Digimon passed the two by. The lights and sirens went off signifying that they weren’t to cross yet. 

“Who was that?” Takeru asked.

“That’s Locomon. He’s part of a whole species of Digimon who transport others all over the Digital World.” Patamon explained.

“Is there a train station around here?” Takeru asked.

“As far as I know, no. But, he does go through those strange portals to get from place to place.” Patamon answered.

Eventually after the Locomon left, the sirens and lights stopped and the gates lifted up. Both Takeru and Patamon crossed the railroad and in the distance, they saw a village filled with large versions of building blocks and what appeared to be a giant playmat. It was very bright and colorful, and Takeru was in awe of this wonderful place.

“So pretty…” Takeru uttered as his face turned to one of glee. 

Patamon could only nod in agreement as the sense of familiarity hit him. He was very happy to see his Tamer so satisfied by the surroundings.

“We should take a look!” Takeru suggested and they continued further in.

Just as they stepped further into the village, the ground started to feel a bit springy, but then Takeru was sent flying into the air. Once he landed back on the ground, it sent him back up as though he were walking on a trampoline.

“Patamon! This is amazing! You gotta try it!” Takeru shouted with excitement.

Patamon then started bouncing around on the ground as well, and the two shared a hearty laugh as they moved further into the village while bouncing. Takeru even did some flips now that he had this makeshift trampoline. 

Once they rolled on the ground and laid on their backs. Both were filled with so much enjoyment, that earlier seemed to be but a distant memory to them.

“This is so soft…” Takeru commented.

“Yeah… It feels like a bed.” Patamon added.

They looked at the trees and saw toys dangling from the tree branches, both Tamer and partner exchanged glances at one another, and Patamon then sat up from his position.

“Are you having fun, Takeru?” Pataomon asked.

“Yeah! I feel like a little kid again!” Takeru exclaimed, but then he noticed Patamon’s gaze was elsewhere.

The two investigated further in, and saw several wooden cradles in the village. Each appeared to have a small baby Digimon inside them.

“Wow… They’re so cute!” Takeru commented as he looked at a small black blob Digimon with only a pair of ears and yellow eyes.

“That’s a Botamon.” Patamon explained.

Nearby, there were similar sized Digimon inside of these cradles. A red one with bat wings similar to Guilmon, a yellow one with a fox tail like Renamon, a small light blue one with a horn that looked like V-Mon’s ears, and a red one with small protrusions coming out of their head.

“They feel so squishy.” Takeru said as he poked Botamon.

“Well, they were just born.” Patamon commented.

He then moved on to look at some of the others, and each of their features just fascinated him. There was even a small blue Digimon that looked to have fur covering everything except the blue antennae and its big beady eyes.

“This one looks like an old man.” Takeru said.

“Don’t say that. They’re still just as much a baby as others here.” Patamon replied.

As it kept sneezing, Takeru then spotted a group of eggs out further in and held one with yellow stripes on it.

“Patamon? What are these?” Takeru asked, and Patamon rushed over to him.

“Oh! That’s a Digiegg!” Patamon answered.

“Wait, they’re called ‘Digieggs’?” Takeru inquired.

“Yup. Digimon Eggs.” Patamon explained.

“Wow. So, Digimon are born from eggs? Just like chickens?” Takeru further asked.

“Yup! That’s right!” Patamon answered with enthusiasm.

“Even bad ones like Devimon?” Takeru questioned, and suddenly, Patamon’s face grew more somber knowing that it was true.

The two glanced down and saw an envelope on the ground. Patamon picked it up and pulled out the slip of paper inside it.

“Now what’s this? It says ‘Please rub me.’” Patamon said, reading the bright colorful lettering on the paper.

“Wait, but… Who am I supposed to rub?” Takeru asked, and the two were now even more confused than ever.

“Maybe the Digieggs themselves?” Takeru questioned as he rubbed the bottom of the egg he held in his hand.

As he rubbed it, the egg started to hatch, which prompted him to keep going. Eventually out of the egg came a small silver blob Digimon with big beady eyes and a jolly expression on its face.

“Aw! He’s so cute!” Takeru said, looking at the little baby.

“I’ll go find a crib!” Patamon shouted, but then a crib formed where the egg was after Takeru placed it on the ground.

“Oh… That’s how it works…” Patamon said garnering clarity on this particular mechanic.

“But, you’re a Digimon. Aren’t you supposed to know how all this works?” Takeru asked.

“Honestly, I don’t remember the time when I was a little baby.” Patamon answered, shifting his gaze to his Tamer.

“What about you, Takeru? Do you remember when you were a baby?” Patamon asked, and Takeru appeared to have drawn a blank.

“Only thing I could remember was playing around with building blocks like the ones here… While my big brother Yamato played the harmonica.” Takeru answered, reminiscing about a time when he and Yamato were in the same house together with both parents.

“Other than that… I don’t remember. Yamato used to always be there for me. But now… I hardly see him anymore.” Takeru explained.

“Why?” Patamon asked.

“Well… Our parents were divorced a while ago, and we only got to see each other every so often. Unfortunately, now he’s part of a band. I feel like he’s spending way too much time doing that, and hardly any time with me.” Takeru explained.

“Was that something he always wanted to do?” Patamon asked.

“Well… Yeah, actually. But… I didn’t really have it in me to tell him that I wanted him to come with me to camp. I felt like if I forced him away from that… He’d hate me.” Takeru answered.

“I’m sorry, Takeru. I wish I could help with all your problems.” Patamon said, before he flew back onto Takeru’s hat.

“Though, I know Yamato had talked about Simon before when he had issues in school.” Takeru commented.

July 30th, Takaishi Residence…

“Heard you were going to Summer camp, Takeru.” Yamato said on the other end of the line.

Takeru sat in his room quite lonely during the day's events, but he put on a smile in the hopes that he’ll be able to speak to Yamato.

“Yeah. I’m gonna try to have so much fun there.” Takeru replied.

“Although, I did hear that a troublemaker is gonna be there.” Yamato said, which caught Takeru’s attention.

“Yamato, my classmates already got on my case in elementary school just for my hair, that doesn’t really narrow it down.” Takeru responded, confused by Yamato’s tone.

“It’s that Ackerman kid. Apparently, he’s known for getting into fights with a bunch of kids at school. I’ve seen him before, and he looks like he’s always pissed off.” Yamato explained.

“Did you ever speak to him at all?” Takeru asked.

“Wasn’t too keen on it. At any rate, I think it’s best if you try to avoid him as much as possible at the camp.” Yamato warned.

“Okay… I’ll try.” Takeru replied.

Present Day…

“Though, in hindsight, he never did say what he looked like. Just that he looked angry.” Takeru said, now chuckling at the memory of Yamato’s less than helpful description.

“You speak of the Ackerman, yes?” A voice from afar spoke up, making itself known.

Both Takeru and Patamon got up and saw the creature in question. It looked to be a red skunk-like creature with nine tails, blue eyes, and long ears. It also had a white underbelly and violet colored markings all over its body.

“Who are you?” Takeru asked, though when he tried to analyze the Digimon, he realized that his Digivice couldn’t do that.

“Since you appeared to have helped hatching one of the little ones, I must also presume that you are a Digidestined, yes?” The Digimon further asked.

“...I… Guess so?” Takeru replied in a confused manner.

“Very well, I shall introduce myself!” The Digimon said before he leapt off of his vantage point to greet the two. “I am the guardian of this small village where all Digimon are born and reborn. You may call me Elecmon.” Elecmon introduced himself.

“Oh. I’m Takeru Takaishi, and this is Patamon.” Takeru replied, gesturing to himself and Patamon.

“Ah, I remember your egg, little one!” Elecmon said, looking at Patamon.

“Wait, you knew me?” Patamon asked.

“Of course I do. I’ve known just about every Digimon that’s come and gone from this village. Even those who were reborn. Like Yaamon for instance. I wonder where he and Jyarimon went off to…” Elecmon explained.

“I think you might be thinking of Impmon and Guilmon.” Takeru replied.

“Then they’ve found other humans like you, young one! So, tell me, which one ended up with the Ackerman?” Elecmon asked, now more intrigued by Takeru’s response.

“That’d be Big Brother Simon.” Takeru answered.

“Huh? Big Brother?” Patamon asked.

“Well, he’s the leader of the group, and even though he can be as subtle as a brick, he’s been like a big brother to me.” Takeru responded.

“I see… Now, I’ve been watching you two since you arrived at my humble abode after I just got back from fishing. And from what I can tell, you two haven’t been here, have you?” Elecmon questioned, as he moved about petting the small Digimon, with Takeru doing the same. 

“Never. I got separated from my friends because of Devimon. And I was hoping to find some way of getting back to them.” Takeru answered.

“That is unfortunate. Once upon a time, I would’ve thought that the way you were handling these babies was coddling them… But, some time ago, I received a visit from a kind, elderly gentleman.” Elecmon said, which intrigued Takeru.