Digimon Devil's Advocate
- Thread starter Ryuugi
- Start date
In Ryou's defense, he did spend a number of years basically being put through hell by his enemies. Seriously, the first time around was basically 01, only worse and with meaner bad guys. And then he was used, and then he went through hell again. And then he went through it again. And he lost a number of people and partners along the way.
Edit: Just checked. Make that again, after all that. Four times.
Seriously, for someone who wanted Ryou so bad, Millenniummon was kind of a dick. Scratch that; a total dick.
Also, only...Tai? Only one Chosen wasn't in on it, from what little I remember, but don't quote me on that.
Edit: Checked. Yeah, it was just Tai; the others were in on it.
So, maybe not completely rational, but at least understandable.
Edit: Just checked. Make that again, after all that. Four times.
Seriously, for someone who wanted Ryou so bad, Millenniummon was kind of a dick. Scratch that; a total dick.
Also, only...Tai? Only one Chosen wasn't in on it, from what little I remember, but don't quote me on that.
Edit: Checked. Yeah, it was just Tai; the others were in on it.
So, maybe not completely rational, but at least understandable.
And then he goes to the Tamer Verse, where his once Chronic Niceguy partner is now a blood thirsty maniac.
Then he get's dragged into the battle against the (Min)D-R(e)aper, which is pretty much considered the most horrifying 'villain' in Digimon canon ever, not even XeedMillenniummon would dare go anywhere near it without REALLY good reasons.
EDIT: Though I do wonder how they convinced Takeru to be such a dick.
And, thinking on it, I don't think he ever meet's any of the 02 cast except the Evil Daisuke XeedMillenniummon used as his Dragon, who was the strongest boss in the game you could actually beat with his cloned ImperialDramon Paladin Mode.
Then he get's dragged into the battle against the (Min)D-R(e)aper, which is pretty much considered the most horrifying 'villain' in Digimon canon ever, not even XeedMillenniummon would dare go anywhere near it without REALLY good reasons.
EDIT: Though I do wonder how they convinced Takeru to be such a dick.
And, thinking on it, I don't think he ever meet's any of the 02 cast except the Evil Daisuke XeedMillenniummon used as his Dragon, who was the strongest boss in the game you could actually beat with his cloned ImperialDramon Paladin Mode.
And then his best friend was ripped away from him and sent to the Digital World, and he had to go back away from the other Tamer, i.e. the only ones who really understand him. Which, surprisingly, is one of his better endings. Or less bad, at least. By comparison.
Yeah, Ryou's life has been pretty shitty.
And I'm with you guys; I have no idea how the Sovereign's pulled that off (though Lucemon's probably gonna mention it at some point to make Takato think he's still in the right.
Also, Aarik, he was partnered with V-mon prior to Daisuke, right? So he knows him at least.
WHat happens when Ryou meets Daisuke, finds him partnered with his former partner, and only remembers him as Big M's Dragon?
Oh, teh dramas.
Yeah, Ryou's life has been pretty shitty.
And I'm with you guys; I have no idea how the Sovereign's pulled that off (though Lucemon's probably gonna mention it at some point to make Takato think he's still in the right.
Also, Aarik, he was partnered with V-mon prior to Daisuke, right? So he knows him at least.
WHat happens when Ryou meets Daisuke, finds him partnered with his former partner, and only remembers him as Big M's Dragon?
Oh, teh dramas.
Oh! Omake suggestion: Takato feels bad about the 'accidently working for the bad guy' thing and Ryou suggests he Ken and Daisuke form a club to help them get over it, only for Daisuke to ask why he should be in it, only for Ryou to bring up his (non existent) tenure as the Dragon to Millenniummon, only for Daisuke to be totally confused but everyone flips out on him before he can say anything.
Could be fun; I'll keep it in mind.
Also, the end of the chapter.
----------------_________________________------------------
ôGood job, boy.ö Takato said, as his partner loaded the remains of his opponent. ôIÆd say that went well. What do you think, Lucemon?ö
ôIÆd say you passed the Tutorial Level. Not bad. So let me give you a reward.ö
TakatoÆs Digivice began to glow. In particular, light was emitting from the card reader.
There was a familiar whirling sound, with an undercurrent of something differentàprinting, perhaps?
And that observation seemed to be correct, because something began to emerge from his Digivice.
Takato recognized it before it even fully emerged.
After all, heÆd spent the last few minutes looking at the thing printed on it.
ôMeramonàö He whispered. ôA Meramon card?ö
ôA victory prize. This is the result of the gift I gave you earlier; the fringe benefit I installed into your Digivice. Any Tamer can augment their partner with cardsàbut only you can produce them yourself.ö
ôAwesome. I can do this with anyone Guilmon loads?ö
ôUh-huh.ö
ôWhat about the Pyocomon?ö
ôWhy would you want Baby Level Cards?ö
ôMore memories sake, you know? Besides, I donÆt think there even is a Pyocomon card. IÆll be the only one who has one.ö
ôàOkayàö
Moments later, he was holding a one of a kind Pyocomon card.
ôThanks, Lucemon; youÆre the coolest.ö
ôThanks, I guess.ö
ôThink we should call it quits for today?ö
ôYeah, the end of the Tutorial Level is a pretty good place to end things for today. YouÆve proven your worth as a Tamer by helping Guilmon defeat a statistically superior opponent. Congratulations.ö
ôWhatÆs Level One like?ö
ôWell, the only real level is the Tutorial Level; everything else is divided into quests, though you can also just wander around.ö
ôSo I have to beat all the quests to free you?ö
ôNot quite. A number of them are for freeing me, but many others involve doing things for me while IÆm stuck in the Dark Area. You know, taking control of certain areas, defeating certain enemiesàitÆs all stuff that helps me in some way or another, and they all come with rewards of some sort or another. And of course, thereÆs the Chosen Children and Sovereign Plotlines, as well as the Digimon Kaiser, which exist independent of the Quests; rather then there being anything specific that theyÆre doing, they mainly complicate things until theyÆre dealt with. For example, if youÆre trying to reclaim a city for me, theyÆll likely attempt to interfere. Not every time, of course, but sometimes, and they generally complicate things.ö
ôWhat happens if I complete all the quests?ö
Lucemon laughed.
ôIÆll tell you what; if you can complete all of the quests, on Impossible, then even besides any of the rewards you get in game, I promise IÆll permanently have you crowned Tamer King, even if I have to hack some records to do it. Everywhere in the Digital World, the Name Takato will be mentioned as the Tamer Kings name. IÆll work on some other rewards, too; maybe I can program a temple for you or something. But I think youÆll like the in game rewards, too.ö
ôSounds awesome, Lucemon. What do you say, Guilmon; should we aim for one hundred percent completion?ö
Guilmon rubbed his head on his TamerÆs leg as though he were a cat. Takato chuckled and pet his partner.
ôThere you have it, Lucemon; weÆre game if you are.ö
ôIÆll see you tomorrow, then?ö
ôSounds good. IÆll be here.ö
-
At the same time, in New York, a girl who once went on an Adventure sat at her computer and listened to an old friends dying words.
ôMiàmiàhelpàusàö
And then there was nothing.
ôMeramonàö She said, looking at her screen in fearful concern.
Also, the end of the chapter.
----------------_________________________------------------
ôGood job, boy.ö Takato said, as his partner loaded the remains of his opponent. ôIÆd say that went well. What do you think, Lucemon?ö
ôIÆd say you passed the Tutorial Level. Not bad. So let me give you a reward.ö
TakatoÆs Digivice began to glow. In particular, light was emitting from the card reader.
There was a familiar whirling sound, with an undercurrent of something differentàprinting, perhaps?
And that observation seemed to be correct, because something began to emerge from his Digivice.
Takato recognized it before it even fully emerged.
After all, heÆd spent the last few minutes looking at the thing printed on it.
ôMeramonàö He whispered. ôA Meramon card?ö
ôA victory prize. This is the result of the gift I gave you earlier; the fringe benefit I installed into your Digivice. Any Tamer can augment their partner with cardsàbut only you can produce them yourself.ö
ôAwesome. I can do this with anyone Guilmon loads?ö
ôUh-huh.ö
ôWhat about the Pyocomon?ö
ôWhy would you want Baby Level Cards?ö
ôMore memories sake, you know? Besides, I donÆt think there even is a Pyocomon card. IÆll be the only one who has one.ö
ôàOkayàö
Moments later, he was holding a one of a kind Pyocomon card.
ôThanks, Lucemon; youÆre the coolest.ö
ôThanks, I guess.ö
ôThink we should call it quits for today?ö
ôYeah, the end of the Tutorial Level is a pretty good place to end things for today. YouÆve proven your worth as a Tamer by helping Guilmon defeat a statistically superior opponent. Congratulations.ö
ôWhatÆs Level One like?ö
ôWell, the only real level is the Tutorial Level; everything else is divided into quests, though you can also just wander around.ö
ôSo I have to beat all the quests to free you?ö
ôNot quite. A number of them are for freeing me, but many others involve doing things for me while IÆm stuck in the Dark Area. You know, taking control of certain areas, defeating certain enemiesàitÆs all stuff that helps me in some way or another, and they all come with rewards of some sort or another. And of course, thereÆs the Chosen Children and Sovereign Plotlines, as well as the Digimon Kaiser, which exist independent of the Quests; rather then there being anything specific that theyÆre doing, they mainly complicate things until theyÆre dealt with. For example, if youÆre trying to reclaim a city for me, theyÆll likely attempt to interfere. Not every time, of course, but sometimes, and they generally complicate things.ö
ôWhat happens if I complete all the quests?ö
Lucemon laughed.
ôIÆll tell you what; if you can complete all of the quests, on Impossible, then even besides any of the rewards you get in game, I promise IÆll permanently have you crowned Tamer King, even if I have to hack some records to do it. Everywhere in the Digital World, the Name Takato will be mentioned as the Tamer Kings name. IÆll work on some other rewards, too; maybe I can program a temple for you or something. But I think youÆll like the in game rewards, too.ö
ôSounds awesome, Lucemon. What do you say, Guilmon; should we aim for one hundred percent completion?ö
Guilmon rubbed his head on his TamerÆs leg as though he were a cat. Takato chuckled and pet his partner.
ôThere you have it, Lucemon; weÆre game if you are.ö
ôIÆll see you tomorrow, then?ö
ôSounds good. IÆll be here.ö
-
At the same time, in New York, a girl who once went on an Adventure sat at her computer and listened to an old friends dying words.
ôMiàmiàhelpàusàö
And then there was nothing.
ôMeramonàö She said, looking at her screen in fearful concern.
Fixed. Thanks Aarik.
Seiya: I'm considering having Lucemon hold onto them to avoid that problem. There will be more Guilmon/Takato interaction in the future, though, don't worry.
Also, since I showed these to Seiya, I figure I should be fair and let you guys see them, too; the three summaries I came up with.
Summary: Lucemon moves his minions like pieces on a chessboard. Taichi moves the Chosen like a General on the field. And Takato, so young and innocent, plays his game like the Child he is, and is the most dangerous of them all.
Summary II: In one World, Lucemon plots and plans. In another World, Takato plays his games. And in the last, the Chosen tremble with fear and rage. Planner or Player...they see only monsters.
Summary III: Takato thought it was all a game. Lucemon played upon that belief. And the Digital World trembled, as that smiling boy walked. Things would never be the same again.
I'm probably gonna use the last one, but I figured I'd let you all see them.
Seiya: I'm considering having Lucemon hold onto them to avoid that problem. There will be more Guilmon/Takato interaction in the future, though, don't worry.
Also, since I showed these to Seiya, I figure I should be fair and let you guys see them, too; the three summaries I came up with.
Summary: Lucemon moves his minions like pieces on a chessboard. Taichi moves the Chosen like a General on the field. And Takato, so young and innocent, plays his game like the Child he is, and is the most dangerous of them all.
Summary II: In one World, Lucemon plots and plans. In another World, Takato plays his games. And in the last, the Chosen tremble with fear and rage. Planner or Player...they see only monsters.
Summary III: Takato thought it was all a game. Lucemon played upon that belief. And the Digital World trembled, as that smiling boy walked. Things would never be the same again.
I'm probably gonna use the last one, but I figured I'd let you all see them.
Hmmm...
The First one is good, it gives good comparisons.
The Second is my favorite really, it sounds almost like a Poem, something taken out of one of the Digital Worlds odd Prophecies, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a Japanese method of MAKING this a poem.
Though the Third is the most descriptive, plot wise.
The First one is good, it gives good comparisons.
The Second is my favorite really, it sounds almost like a Poem, something taken out of one of the Digital Worlds odd Prophecies, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a Japanese method of MAKING this a poem.
Though the Third is the most descriptive, plot wise.
Yeah. Anyway, I'll work on the beginning of Chapter two later. It'll start off with the Chosen and their reactions; specifically Mimi, Sora, and Taichi.
Edit:
It's up on FF.net:
<a href='http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6310457/1/Devils_Advocate' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6310457/1/Devils_Advocate</a>
And I must say, more than anything else, I wish FF.net would stop messing with my page breaks.
Edit:
It's up on FF.net:
<a href='http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6310457/1/Devils_Advocate' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6310457/1/Devils_Advocate</a>
And I must say, more than anything else, I wish FF.net would stop messing with my page breaks.
If you knew they didn't work from Unlimited, why did you use them again?
If you don't feel like figuring out a unique method that it won't fuck up, just use periods.
Or ask someone how to use FFN's dividers.
Also, found a spelling error near the beginning: "Um, okay. There's plenty at school. I'll ask if I can use on after class."
Should be one.
Also, you still haven't fixed the dividers in Unlimited.
EDIT: Found another SP: Some ways away, Meramon burnt with rage. He burnt with fire, too, and he fully intended to share the later situation with theseàtheseàthese monsters.
Later should be latter.
EDIT2: Holy anachronisms Batman! I just noticed that you kept switching between dubbed and original level names, it's at it's worst in the 'making Guilmons egg scene', you should pick one name set and stick to it, otherwise people won't be able to tell Perfect and Ultimate apart.
If you don't feel like figuring out a unique method that it won't fuck up, just use periods.
Or ask someone how to use FFN's dividers.
Also, found a spelling error near the beginning: "Um, okay. There's plenty at school. I'll ask if I can use on after class."
Should be one.
Also, you still haven't fixed the dividers in Unlimited.
EDIT: Found another SP: Some ways away, Meramon burnt with rage. He burnt with fire, too, and he fully intended to share the later situation with theseàtheseàthese monsters.
Later should be latter.
EDIT2: Holy anachronisms Batman! I just noticed that you kept switching between dubbed and original level names, it's at it's worst in the 'making Guilmons egg scene', you should pick one name set and stick to it, otherwise people won't be able to tell Perfect and Ultimate apart.
I'm sorry; I couldn't resist.
OMAKE
The Seven Great Demon Lords, uncontested Lords of the Dark Digimon, waited silently alongside their servants as Lucemon unveiled his new protege. Eyebrows rose and murmurs of shock spread through the ranks of darkness as they stared at the nervously smiling young Tamer.
"A human?" roared Leviamon; his great tail sending up waves of water and foam as it thrashed in agitation. "This is your great plan, Lucemon?! A human?!" Whatever he was about to say next was cut off when a clawed fist slammed down on his skull.
Lilithmon, who'd just arrived with a pair of LadyDevimon, glared at the crocodilian Demon Lord through dripping wet eyelashes; her drenched robes clinging tightly to her skin. The Lord of Envy had the good grace to blush in embarassment.
Lucemon, who'd observed the antics of his fellow Lords with amused indifference, chuckled to himself and shook his head in mock-pity. "Surely you're not that dim, Leviamon."
Demon, swathed in his crimson robes, started at the tone in the Demon of Pride's voice and peered closer at the human Lucemon vouched for. The Demon Lord's intimidating blue eyes narrowed as he cast his senses towards the boy, before his eyes widened slightly. The Dark Lord laughed under his breath and recalled his mental probe, offering Lucemon a regal tilt of his horned head in impressed acknowledgement.
Next to him, idly stroking the red gem atop Death's Lure, Barbamon had reached the same conclusion. The demonic wizard offered the boy a grin and a nod, receiving an uncertain smile in return.
Belphemon simply snored.
Beelzebumon, the most solitary of the Seven, lingered at the back of the gathered dark forces, simply observing the proceedings from his perch atop a Mugendramon's cannon.
A sudden shadow landed near Takato. Devimon, standing next to Demon's throne, gave the Lord of Pride a confirming nod as the Demon Lord closed his eyes in resignation.
Lilithmon too had approached the nervous tamer, as the shadow - now revealed to be LadyDevimon of the Demon Corps - gave him a once over.
Then lunged.
The brown-haired Tamer suddenly found himself smothered between two very buxom demons as twin cries of "Kyaaa! So CUTE!" split the air.
OMAKE
The Seven Great Demon Lords, uncontested Lords of the Dark Digimon, waited silently alongside their servants as Lucemon unveiled his new protege. Eyebrows rose and murmurs of shock spread through the ranks of darkness as they stared at the nervously smiling young Tamer.
"A human?" roared Leviamon; his great tail sending up waves of water and foam as it thrashed in agitation. "This is your great plan, Lucemon?! A human?!" Whatever he was about to say next was cut off when a clawed fist slammed down on his skull.
Lilithmon, who'd just arrived with a pair of LadyDevimon, glared at the crocodilian Demon Lord through dripping wet eyelashes; her drenched robes clinging tightly to her skin. The Lord of Envy had the good grace to blush in embarassment.
Lucemon, who'd observed the antics of his fellow Lords with amused indifference, chuckled to himself and shook his head in mock-pity. "Surely you're not that dim, Leviamon."
Demon, swathed in his crimson robes, started at the tone in the Demon of Pride's voice and peered closer at the human Lucemon vouched for. The Demon Lord's intimidating blue eyes narrowed as he cast his senses towards the boy, before his eyes widened slightly. The Dark Lord laughed under his breath and recalled his mental probe, offering Lucemon a regal tilt of his horned head in impressed acknowledgement.
Next to him, idly stroking the red gem atop Death's Lure, Barbamon had reached the same conclusion. The demonic wizard offered the boy a grin and a nod, receiving an uncertain smile in return.
Belphemon simply snored.
Beelzebumon, the most solitary of the Seven, lingered at the back of the gathered dark forces, simply observing the proceedings from his perch atop a Mugendramon's cannon.
A sudden shadow landed near Takato. Devimon, standing next to Demon's throne, gave the Lord of Pride a confirming nod as the Demon Lord closed his eyes in resignation.
Lilithmon too had approached the nervous tamer, as the shadow - now revealed to be LadyDevimon of the Demon Corps - gave him a once over.
Then lunged.
The brown-haired Tamer suddenly found himself smothered between two very buxom demons as twin cries of "Kyaaa! So CUTE!" split the air.
Two can play that game!
OMAKE:
The others had thrown the package that psycho gave us to the side.
They said there was no way it was actually what he, and the box set itself, said it was, that it was a trick.
I decided, hey? Why not see whats on them, even if he's lying there might be some kinda anime on these.
And a whole anime series for free?
I'm not stupid.
I grabbed the box set while no one was looking, it wasn't that hard, they were all kinda busy arguing, well more agreeing violently really, they were kinda ticked, can't say I blame em, that guys acts like a complete dick.
Not as bad as the Kaiser, at least in my opinion, but still a Dick.
I hid the box in my gym bag, careful not to wake Chibimon.
I slowly started moving toward the door...
"Daisuke, where are you going?" Takeru said, scaring the shit out of me.
DON'T SNEAK UP ON ME LIKE THAT! "I gotta get going, I've been out for a bit already and I get a family thing I gotta get to soon." I lied expertly.
It was kinda true, though I don't think he would agree with me that getting home before my sister so she couldn't take any of my stuff qualified as a family thing.
I won't say it out loud though, I never want Hikari to say she hates me again.
"Oh, okay... Oh! I forgot I promised to help my mom! Thanks for reminding me! Late!" He snatched up his bag, ran passed me and shot down the hall.
Everybody was suddenly staring at the door, and by extension, me. Well, this is awkward...
"Uh... Bye?" I edged out of the room, they slowly moved back to their debating as I slid out the door and down the hall.
Safe!
....................................................
PATAMON EVOLVES INTO THAT!?
AND WHERE DID CHIBIMON GET POPCORN FROM?!
.....................................................
Hmmm... Do I have one of those crest things? Getting Chibimon to perfect would really help...
I'll keep an eye out for one, maybe see about asking this Gennai guy.
......................................................
Hey I remember this...
Oh hey! That was me! Rewind!
.......................................................
GO TAICHI! GO KICK THAT FUCKERS ASS! HE MADE HIKARI-CHAN CRY!
........................................................
Who are these Dark Master douchebags?
.........................................................
Hikari-Chan was so feisty back then...
..........................................................
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
YEAH! TAKE THAT YOU RUBIX CUBE WANNABE BASTARD!
.............................................................
"The Adventure will be continued forever."
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWW!
OMAKE:
The others had thrown the package that psycho gave us to the side.
They said there was no way it was actually what he, and the box set itself, said it was, that it was a trick.
I decided, hey? Why not see whats on them, even if he's lying there might be some kinda anime on these.
And a whole anime series for free?
I'm not stupid.
I grabbed the box set while no one was looking, it wasn't that hard, they were all kinda busy arguing, well more agreeing violently really, they were kinda ticked, can't say I blame em, that guys acts like a complete dick.
Not as bad as the Kaiser, at least in my opinion, but still a Dick.
I hid the box in my gym bag, careful not to wake Chibimon.
I slowly started moving toward the door...
"Daisuke, where are you going?" Takeru said, scaring the shit out of me.
DON'T SNEAK UP ON ME LIKE THAT! "I gotta get going, I've been out for a bit already and I get a family thing I gotta get to soon." I lied expertly.
It was kinda true, though I don't think he would agree with me that getting home before my sister so she couldn't take any of my stuff qualified as a family thing.
I won't say it out loud though, I never want Hikari to say she hates me again.
"Oh, okay... Oh! I forgot I promised to help my mom! Thanks for reminding me! Late!" He snatched up his bag, ran passed me and shot down the hall.
Everybody was suddenly staring at the door, and by extension, me. Well, this is awkward...
"Uh... Bye?" I edged out of the room, they slowly moved back to their debating as I slid out the door and down the hall.
Safe!
....................................................
PATAMON EVOLVES INTO THAT!?
AND WHERE DID CHIBIMON GET POPCORN FROM?!
.....................................................
Hmmm... Do I have one of those crest things? Getting Chibimon to perfect would really help...
I'll keep an eye out for one, maybe see about asking this Gennai guy.
......................................................
Hey I remember this...
Oh hey! That was me! Rewind!
.......................................................
GO TAICHI! GO KICK THAT FUCKERS ASS! HE MADE HIKARI-CHAN CRY!
........................................................
Who are these Dark Master douchebags?
.........................................................
Hikari-Chan was so feisty back then...
..........................................................
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK
YEAH! TAKE THAT YOU RUBIX CUBE WANNABE BASTARD!
.............................................................
"The Adventure will be continued forever."
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWW!
I replaced the FF.net version, the replacements should show up in a bit (including, hopefully, my page breaks).
A special thanks to Aarik and happerry for catching those mistakes; they'll show up in the replaced version on FF.net, and I'll post the complete correct version at the end of this post.
To MoB and Aarik, thank you for the Omakes. When I start posting Omakes would you like me to post those as well? With credit to you as the writers, of course.
Flamewolf: I thought about that, but I'm pretty sure Takato knows enough about the Laws of Physics to notice something wrong with that. I'm considering have Lucemon just mail them to him, though, or something like that.
And the corrected version:
--------
This Idea sort of began as a Xanatos Gambit on the part of GranDracmon, but then, in a conversation about something completely different (Astamon, to be precise), GranDracmon was cut out of the picture entirely, and was replaced swiftly by Lucemon. Of course, that had several problems, mainly because the idea (GranDracmon hypnotizing some hapless Chosen/Tamer and making him do his dirty, probably taking the role of conquering the Digital World) no longer really worked without DracmonÆs ability to, well, hypnotize. Of course, in the long run, that was probably a good thing, since I decided pretty early on that I wasnÆt really going to enjoy writing an entire story about some brainwashed minion.
That left me with several problems, though; namely, how was I going to make the idea work.
This lead to a drawn-out conversation between Seiya and I that lasted several hours, but eventually resulted in this. The first thing that was covered was the first major plot hole left in the wake of GranDracmonÆs disappearance. Who could possibly pose a credible threat to the entire Digital World? This hole was swiftly filled by Lucemon, since the fact that we saw him destroy an entire Digital World lent credence to his ability to threaten it. Also, heÆs kind of a dick. So yeah, perfect. The second hole, æwho is the guy heÆs making do thisÆ, was complicated by the fact that I dislike writing stories about OCÆs. That meant we pretty much had to choose a canon character, and was further complicated by the fact that most of the obvious choices were both people I didnÆt want to write a fic about and also people whoÆve tried this thing before, and failed.
Somehow, during all of this, the fact that in crossovers between either of the Adventures and Tamers, the former was always shown to be fictional, which lead to the thought that there were probably games about the Adventures in such a case, which lead to the realization that the Digimon Kaiser also thought it was all a game, which lead to this. It became quite easy when I remembered that we had someone who, while obviously very interested in Digimon, thought it was all a game (until that person realized it actually wasnÆt), and didnÆt think of Digimon as being real, and that person would likely jump at a chance to play a new Digimon ægame.Æ Of course, at that point we remembered that if we did the things we did in videogames (especially role-playing games) in real life, theyÆd probably be considered sociopathic mass-murderers.
And that just sealed the deal.
DevilÆs Advocate
You Were, Perhaps, Expecting Someone Else?
ôLetÆs play a game, Takato.ö The voice said. It came from the strange thing his card reader had become when heÆd slashed the blue card through it.
Takato, who had stumbled away from the strange machine in shock, merely became more confused.
ôAàgame?ö He asked hesitantly.
ôYes. After allàyou are our winner.ö
He blinked.
ôW-winner? Of what?Æ
ôOf the contest, of course!ö
There was a pause.
ôYou do know about the contest, donÆt you?ö
ôNot reallyàno.ö
ôàI see. Then allow me to explain. You found a strange Blue Card with the Digimon Logo on it, right?ö
ôYeahàö
ôAnd since youÆre listening to me right now, I assume you slashed it?ö
ôUm, yes?ö
ôThen congratulations! YouÆve just won the Tamer King Contest!ö
ôIàdid? But-ö
ôNever mind that. As the winner, you get a very special prize. DonÆt you want to see it?ö
As a ten year old boy, Takato was naturally interested in what was quite possibly something very cool, and set aside, for the moment, the fact that he didnÆt enter any contest.
ôPrize?ö
ôI said it before, didnÆt I? LetÆs play a game, Takato.ö
ôWhat kind of game?ö
ôThe Digital World has been taken over by the corrupt Sovereigns, and theyÆve locked the true ruler away in its heart. The Chosen Children are pawns in their schemes. You're job is to defeat them. Can you destroy the infected Digimon to free Lucemon?ö
ôUhàyes?ö Takato was a bit hesitant, unsure of whether he should tell his parents or not.
But it sounded cool.
Though, heÆd never heard of any æLucemon.Æ
ôIn that case, please bring your Digivice to a computer with internet access.ö
The sudden normalcy of that comment nearly threw Takato for a loop.
ôUm, okay. ThereÆs plenty at school. IÆll ask if I can use one after class.ö
ôTake your time.ö The voice said.
-
ôOkay.ö Takato said, getting on the computer. ôAre you still there, uhàwhat do I call you?ö
ôIÆm an advanced computer program; and AI. IÆll serve as your guide to the game. So, I suppose you can call me Lucemon.ö
Takato thought it a bit weird that what was probably a really expensive computer was being used for a game, but he was honestly more interested in the game itself.
ôOkay, Lucemon; what do I do now?ö
ôAre you in front of a computer with Internet access?ö æLucemonÆ asked dutifully.
ôYeah.ö
ôIs the computer on?ö
Even Takato had to roll his eyes at that question.
ôYeah.ö
ôPlease raise your Digivice to the screen. It may take a few seconds for the wireless connection to begin; I ask you to please be patient.ö
Takato didnÆt say anything to that, he just lifted the Digivice.
It took a few seconds, but suddenly a strange screen appeared. It had a weird, irregular shape, a number of scattered buttons, a number of things that would have been knobs and buttons if it wasnÆt on a computer screen, and a green light.
But the most interesting feature of the screen was a small window.
He looked at it closer.
It was weird. It was like it really was a window, with something on the other side. It looked too realistic to be just a recorded image.
ôBy now, a screen should have appeared. Do you see it, Takato?ö
ôYeahàö He said distractedly.
ôIts voice activated, so to proceed, I need you to repeat after me. Digiport, open.ö
ôDigiport, open!ö Takato said, now eager to proceed.
And suddenly he was blinded by a torrent of light.
-------------------------------
Takato groaned.
ôWhat just happenedà?ö He trailed off as his eyes widened in alarm. ôWhat the hell!? Where am I?ö
He was not in the computer lab, that was for sure. It was pretty easy to come to that conclusion, because he sincerely doubted that anyone had leveled the city, created a beach, and added an entire ocean in the last five seconds.
And even if, by some turn of events, they had, that still wouldnÆt explain everything. Because he was not on a normal beach and that was not a normal ocean.
Hell, that wasnÆt even the normal sky.
Everything, everything, looked like someone had painted it in shades of grey and black.
Even he was like thatà
TakatoÆs eyes widened as he looked at himself. And not just because of the change in coloration.
His cloths were different.
ôW-what theà?ö He wondered, looking at what he was now wearing.
His clothes had changed. In place of his Blue Hoodie and shorts, he was wearing long pants, a T-shirt, a jacket, andàfingerless gloves? And based off that familiar feelingà
Takato reached up to touch his head with one hand.
Yup, he was wearing his goggles. Which wasnÆt, by itself, weird, since he did wear goggles. However, he hadnÆt been wearing them in the computer lab.
ôWhat is this?ö
ôClothes more becoming of a hero, donÆt you think?ö A voice startled him. Partially because he hadnÆt expected anyone, and partially because it was familiar.
But that couldnÆt be.
But he looked anyway, just to be sure.
There was a boy standing a bit further down the beach, and he was the only thing in sight that had color besides grey and black. Takato would have thought him a human boy, if not for the obvious inhuman additions. He had blond hair and blue eyes, and he was wearing somethingàa toga? Was that what it was called?
Takato wasnÆt sure.
Though, to be honest, he also didnÆt really care, because the boy had something else, and Takato found it much more interesting.
He had wings. Twelve flawless white angel wings.
The boy was an angel?
ôWho areà?ö Takato trailed off, because suddenly the boy was right in his face.
And Takato hadnÆt seen him cross any of the space between them.
Takato would have liked to be proud of the fact that he didnÆt suddenly scream, but he was acutely aware that the only reason he wasnÆt was because his heart was stuck in his throat.
That also might have been why he couldnÆt breathe.
ôDonÆt you remember me, Takato? WeÆve never met face to face, butàsurely you remember my voice? ItÆs only been a few minutes since last we spoke, after all.ö
Indeed, Takato did recognize the voice. That didnÆt keep him from reminding himself it was impossible, but he did recognize it.
But why deny what was right before his face?
Takato swallowed.
ôLucemon?ö
Lucemon smiled and nodded.
ôW-whatÆs going on?ö
ôWelcome to the game, Takato.ö Lucemon said.
ôThe gameà?ö His eyes widened. ôThis is all a part of the game? But how? Everything looks so realàö
Lucemon lifted a hand and a torrent of bright light struck a boulder some ways away. Takato flinched at the light, but he saw what happened.
The boulder exploded, butànot the way it should have. Instead of shrapnel and debris, it exploded intoàparticles?
ôData.ö Lucemon corrected, as if he could read TakatoÆs mind. ôEverything in this place is made of Data. The beachàthe oceanàthe skyàeven you and I are data in this place. Though we are slightly different; weÆre both real, outside this game. IÆm a highly advanced AI, and youÆre a human. But otherwise, everything else is entirely data.ö
ôThis isàö Takato said, stunned but not stupid. ôThis isàreally advanced.ö
He bent down to the beach and touched it. It felt real. He lifted a slightly sandy finger to his mouth and licked it. He cringed at the taste. It tasted real, too. He smelt the sea, and besides the color, it looked real, too. And he could hear things; things heÆd associate with a beach.
ôThis isàprobably more advanced than anything IÆve ever seen.ö He turned to Lucemon with a frown, since things didnÆt quite match up. ôSo whyÆs it being used for a game?ö
ôOriginally, it was for testing purposes. As you said, this technology is very advanced, but itÆs also very new. It needed to be tested in a controlled environment, and it has been; extensively. And itÆs proven safe to use. The organization responsible for this game also assisted in the creation and testing of this technology, and that testing took the form you see today. In truth, this technology is so advanced that it wonÆt be ready for the public for some time, but before that happened, before we even started, we wanted to make sure everything would be safe when it eventually, which, as I said, it was shown to be. But we also wanted to make sure everything was fun, and thatÆs where we need your help. If youÆre still willing, of course?ö
ôOh, IÆm willing. IÆm curious, now.ö Takato said.
ôGood, good. Then allow me to explain. We will be continually creating and modifying this world, and we want you to test it. This world is based off the popular franchise æDigimon;Æ as you can see, for the purposes of this game, I have taken the form of æLucemonÆ the rightful ruler of this world. You, on the other hand, have taken to form of yourself, but also as a Digimon Tamer.ö
ôAàTamer?ö
ôYouÆre probably familiar with the term æChosen Child,Æ but weÆre going to try to distance ourselves from that term; IÆll explain why in a minute. A Tamer, like the Chosen, is a human partnered to a Digimon. In this game, Tamers will use their Digimon to fight and defeat enemies, gain experience, something we call gathering data, overcome challenges, and, of course, save the world. As you gather data, your Digimon will grow and evolve through the levels you are already familiar with.ö
Takato nodded to show that he understood.
ôThe premise of this game is quite simple. I, æLucemon,Æ am the rightful ruler of the Digital World. I have been overthrown and casted down by the traitors that now call themselves the Sovereigns. IÆm sure you already understand the basics from just that.ö
ôI need to defeat the Sovereigns and release you?ö
ôYes. However, since we realized how predictable that would be, we decided to mix things up a bit. Your main enemies will be the Chosen Children.ö
ôWait, arenÆt they the good guys?ö
ôYes, exactly. Well, at least, they think themselves to be. But in reality, they are being manipulated by the Sovereigns. And honestly, in the process of serving the Sovereigns, they have accomplished a lot of good; you did see the series, right?ö
ôOf course!ö
ôJust checking. However, now, they are a threat to the entire world. Or they will become such if you let things continue. You must stop them by any means necessary. And thatÆs just the thing; youÆre going to be outnumbered and outgunned, so youÆre only hope is that youÆre not outclassed. To achieve victory, youÆre going to have to do a number of morally questionable things, which will hopefully make you wonder about things like right and wrong, and things like subjective morality. In addition, thereÆs another variable in this game. He calls himself the Digimon Kaiser. HeÆs going to be conquering the Digital World, taking it from the Sovereigns and the Chosen.ö
ôLike me? So heÆs an ally?ö
ôItÆs designed to look like that, but no. HeÆs enslaving and hurting innocent Digimon. HeÆs there to make you question yourself; to make you wonder if what youÆre doing is right. To make you wonder how you are any different from him.ö
ôBut isnÆt that obvious? IÆm doing the right thing. IÆm not taking over for myself; IÆm freeing you and overthrowing the traitors.ö
ôWellàyes. But the things you see will make you wonder; we built them to wear you down emotionally. Will you be able to endure anyway? That is the question.ö
ôThe answerÆs yes.ö Takato told him firmly.
ôWeÆll see. But you should know something. The game weÆre having you test? YouÆre testing it on the highest difficulty level.ö
ôHard?ö
ôNo; æImpossible.Æ æHardÆ is the lowest difficulty setting. On Hard, you fight the eight Chosen, their Digimon, the four Sovereigns, the Digimon Kaiser, and a number of other opponents, all with only your one Digimon and your wits. You will fight enemies with levels ranging from Child to Ultimate, backed by the rulers of the world, and their levels are independent of yours, so you could easily stumble into a fight with Perfect or even Ultimate Digimon as a child, while on æHard.Æö
Takato licked his lips, partially in fear, partially in excitement.
ôWhatÆs Impossible like, then?ö
ôItÆs basically the same, only you have no extra lives, no hp boosters, no mp boosters, the enemies are stronger, and, oh yeah, there are no save points. If you die, thatÆs it.ö
ôHolyàö Takato whispered. ôAnd you want me to win against those odds? Why not just on Hard?ö
ôBecause the tears of broken gamers taste like candy. Still up for it?ö
Takato took a deep breath and nodded.
ôThen let it never be said you donÆt have guts. Congratulations, Takato; you are officially the first player of the game.ö
ôCool.ö
ôLetÆs get started then, shall we?ö Lucemon said. ôIÆll explain several rules youÆre probably unfamiliar with, as well as theàfringe benefits you get for doing this for us, later during the tutorial level. But IÆll cover the basics right now, just in case. The first thing you need to know about is that Digivice; it does much more then let you evolve your partner. IÆll explain the features during the tutorial level. But for now, hand your Digivice to me.ö
Takato did, feeling a bit confused. Lucemon took it in his hands, and it glowed more a minute, before he handed it back.
ôI just added the first of your fringe benefits; it will also be explained during the tutorial.ö
ôLucemon, youÆve mentioned my partner several timesàwho is he?ö
ôGood question; I was thinking it was about time we moved on to that anyway. Normally, a Tamer would be bonded to a chosen Digimon from a selection, but in your case, as thanks for your help, weÆre going to give you a special opportunity. You will get a chance to design your own Digimon.ö
ôI will!?ö Takato nearly shouted.
ôMy, quite eager.ö
ôIÆm sorry, itÆs justàthis is like a dream come true for me.ö
ôThen I suppose you have several ideas in mind? A warning, I cannot make a Digimon thatÆs too powerful; I canÆt just partner you with a Perfect or an Ultimate, as much as that would simplify things.ö
ôNot a problem; I already know exactly what I want. I had it in a notebook that I got in trouble for drawing in earlier today. I got it back after class, though.ö
ôDid you have the notebook on you?ö
ôYeah, but that was back in the Real World.ö
ôCheck.ö Lucemon ordered.
Takato blinked, but did as he was told.
ôHey! ItÆs here! Howà?ö
Lucemon just smiled and extended a hand. Takato forked over the notebook.
ôHmàGuilmon? Yesàthis will work nicely. Very well then, prepare yourself Takato. You are about to become the Tamer of a unique Digimon.ö Lucemon said, giving back the Notebook. ôDo you see the part of your Digivice that looks like a card reader? Slash this drawing through it.ö
Takato took a deep breath and gave it a shot. He brought the edge of the notepad down into the card scanner andàit got stuck. And nothing happened.
Takato frowned and opened his mouth to ask whatÆs going on, but he was cut off before he could even begin by a strange noisy. A noise like something whirling. And thenàa noisy like something tearing.
His Digivice was tearing the pages out of the notepad and scanning them like they were cards.
ôThat is so cool-AH!ö He suddenly screamed as his Digivice erupted with a bright light. He made a note to himself; get used to sudden bright lights, æcause they show up a lot in this game.
All around him, things started breaking down. The water, the sand on the beach, even the air; they suddenly exploded into data particles as the Digivice finished scanning the pages of the notepad. They began to swirl into a vortex with the Digivice at its center, and, in seconds, all of it was sucked into it.
After a moment of silence, Takato thought it was safe.
ôWhat the hell was that-AH!ö This time, the sudden light was accompanied by an explosion of force that picked Takato up and threw him away. ôI canÆt believe I didnÆt see that coming!ö
Lucemon, for his part, was unaffected by the lights, the data typhoon, and even the explosion. He just stood patiently until it all subsided.
ôItÆs safe now, Takato; you can open your eyes.ö
ôYou know, thatÆs the type of advice I could have used earlier.ö Takato said, lifting himself up and opening his eyes.
Lucemon ignored his comment, and Takato turned his head to see what he was looking at.
Suddenly, all of his irritation was forgotten.
There, beside his Digivice, was a large spotted egg.
ôFor unto us a child is born.ö Lucemon said.
-----------------------
Takato sat silently on the beach, staring at the spotted egg.
ôHow long do you think itÆll take to hatch?ö He asked, not even looking away from the egg.
ôI donÆt know. But given that weÆre in the Dark Area, and that itÆs a Virus typeàprobably not too long. You should go home for now, Takato.ö
That was enough to snap Takato away from the egg.
ôBut-ö
HeÆs reply was cut short before it could go any further.
ôYouÆve been here quite awhile. Your parents are probably worried about you.ö
TakatoÆs eyes widened.
ôI completely forgot! IÆm late by now! How long has it been?ö
ôOh, a little over two hours.ö
His words just made Takato wince harder.
ôYouÆre right; I have to go. When can I come back?ö
ôAny time you have both your Digivice and a computer with internet access, you can return to this place.ö
ôMy parents have one; I should be able to get on later.ö
ôVery well. IÆll see you then.ö
Lucemon gestured and Takato was gone. He nonetheless waited patiently for a few seconds, just to be sure.
The moment he was, he walked over to the egg and picked it up with one hand.
ôAnd so it begins.ö He muttered.
A mark on his hand began to glow. It looked like a triangle within a circle, with each of its vertices touching a spot on the edge. Where it did, another triangle was connected on the other side of the circle. All the triangles were equilateral.
Wherever LucemonÆs fingers touched the egg, black veins, like liquid shadows, began to swim over the egg. They slithered over its surface until the entire shell was black.
And then it cracked. Cracks appeared in the darkness, as though it was a shell, and those cracks quickly expanded. Piece by piece, the Darkness fell, until all of it was gone. And it wake wasàGuilmonÆs completely unchanged egg.
Lucemon put the egg down, exactly where it had been, and nodded to himself in satisfaction.
----------------------
Takato made his way to his fatherÆs computer. It had been surprisingly easy to pacify his parentÆs worries. HeÆd told them heÆd been allowed to use one of the computers at school, and had ended up getting distracted and losing track of time. His parents had accepted that easily enough, since he had a tendency to get distracted by all sorts of things.
Perhaps they were just used to it by now?
He wasnÆt sure he liked what that said about him.
Regardless, heÆd made it through it all without getting punished, which was the important thing. Even better, his parents were letting him use the computer while they were working.
He was barely able to stand the wait as the computer powered up, and the moment it was ready he lifted his Digivice. In seconds the screen he was now referring to as the Digiport appeared.
ôDigiport, open!ö Takato didnÆt shout, but only because he didnÆt want to draw his parents attention.
Takato showed enough foresight to close his eyes before his was blinded by any lights, and he mentally patted himself on the back for remembering.
He counted to three, figured the light had probably faded by now, and opened his eyes again.
He was back on LucemonÆs beach.
ôBack again, Takato?ö LucemonÆs spoke from behind him. ôPretty good timing. Your egg has recently hatched.ö
ôWhat!?ö Takato looked around, searching for his partner. ôWhere is he?ö
Lucemon chuckled.
ôDonÆt worry; as a favor, I decided to give your partner his first meal.ö
ôI missed GuilmonÆs first meal?ö Takato said, and was surprised at how upset he was by the news.
Lucemon outright laughed at that. He floated over to Takato and patted him on the head.
ôHe was really hungry and I didnÆt know when you were going to be able to come back. But donÆt worry, it was just me crushing a few rocks and letting him load them. It was a snack, at best, but it was the best I could do from in here. HeÆs probably still; he just isnÆt starving anymore. Go introduce yourself and weÆll start the Tutorial Level so that you can get him some real food.ö
The chance to meet his partner blew away all of the sadness of not being there when he hatched.
ôWhere is he?ö
Lucemon pointed down the beach.
ôOver there; you canÆt miss him. HeÆs surrounded by things I crushed for him.ö
Takato hurried off in that direction without another word.
He was, indeed, easy to find in that circle of destruction. Takato stood for a moment, just outside it, and just looked at his partner. He seemed to be sleeping. He looked exactly as Takato had drawn him; his body was reptilian, to be sure, and mostly red. Black strips and markings were spread artistically across his form; they usually took the forms of lines, but some were triangles, such as on his hands, feet, shoulders, and head. His belly was white and-
Takato frowned.
That shapeàthat hadnÆt been on his drawing.
Lucemon landed beside him.
ôImpressive, isnÆt he?ö
ôYeah, but LucemonàwhatÆs that shape on his stomachàI didnÆt draw that.ö
ôAh, so you noticed.ö Lucemon extended one hand, and revealed that the same sign was on it. ôItÆs another fringe benefit; this marking is placed on special Digimon such as Guilmon and I. IÆll leave its effects a secret for now, but itÆs quite impressive. DonÆt worry about it.ö
Takato nodded in acceptance at that.
It did look pretty cool, anyway.
ôArenÆt you going to say hello?ö Lucemon asked, changing the subject.
Takato whispered back.
ôHeÆs sleeping.ö
ôOnly because he got bored. He was very excited to meet his Tamer when I told him about you. Come.ö Lucemon said, stepping into the circle.
The moment he did, Guilmon was on his feet and alert. His yellow eyes riveted towards Lucemon and Takato.
Lucemon didnÆt even slow down.
Since Lucemon didnÆt show any fear, Takato decided not to either, and followed after him. He sped up for just a second in order to match his stride, but then slowed down after he had.
Seeing this, Guilmon returned the gesture and approached. He ignored Lucemon entirely and headed straight for Takato who didnÆt back down.
It was just a game, after all, and he doubted his own partner would kill him in it.
Indeed, all Guilmon did was sniff him, and his expression shifted in happiness. Of course, since he was basically a miniature dinosaur, and Takato hadnÆt held back at all when giving his drawing teeth, it was more æterrifying gleeÆ than æhappiness.Æ
Takato thought it was amazingly cool.
ôHe recognizes me.ö Takato noted. ôDoes he know I created him?ö
ôHe might.ö Lucemon said. ôShall we begin, then?ö
ôThe Tutorial? IÆm ready. Are you ready, Guilmon? Lucemon says thereÆll be a lot for you to eat.ö
Guilmon nodded happily at that and Takato had to laugh.
ôDoes he know my name?ö Takato asked while Lucemon worked onàsomething.
ôI donÆt think so.ö He replied distractedly.
Takato knelt by his partner.
ôIÆm Takato. IÆm your Tamer.ö
ôTakato. Tamer.ö Guilmon repeated.
Takato smile widened at that.
ôThere we go.ö Lucemon interrupted. Beside him stood aàtelevision? Takato was a bit confused; there hadnÆt been one a second ago. ôYou should be able to use this the same way you used your own computer. ItÆll take you to the Tutorial Level.ö
ôOne question. If you can create ways out of the Dark Area, whatÆs keeping you here?ö
ôI canÆt cross them, because of the seals in place.ö
ôSeals?ö
ôIÆll explain later; thereÆs nothing you can really do about them with a Child partner, anyway, so donÆt worry about it.ö
Takato lifted an eyebrow, but complied.
ôCome on, boy. LetÆs do this. Oh, by the way, hereÆs a tip; close your eyes. Digiport, open!ö
------------------------
Guilmon and Takato found themselves in a desert.
ôLucemon? ThereÆs nothing here.ö Takato told his Digivice.
ôNot right there, no. This seems like a good time to introduce you do one of the functions of your Digivice; the Radar Function. Press the left button on your Digivice twice.ö Lucemon replied through it.
Takato did so. The first time he pushed it, nothing seemed to happen, so he pushed it again.
And suddenly, a holographic screen expanded from his Digivice.
ôYour Digivice should be showing a location with lots of Digimon in it. That location is the Pyocomon village, and is your target. One of the main purposes on the Tutorial is to get you used to the combat system; your first goal is to destroy every single Digimon in that village and have Guilmon load them.ö
ôPyocomon? IsnÆt that a Baby Digimon?ö
ôYes, so they shouldnÆt be able too much to your Guilmon if you play smart. Their role in this level is much like that of orcs or giant spiders; theyÆre here for you gain data by killing them.ö
Takato nodded.
ôYeah, I get it. Kill them, and donÆt ask too many moral questions.ö
ôEither while or after you destroy the Pyocomon, Meramon will appear. HeÆs an Adult level Flame Type Digimon that lives near Mount Mihirashi, a volcano from which he can draw power. If you go straight to fight him with Guilmon while heÆs in the volcano, you will lose. However, if you draw him down to the village after loading everyone in it, you could win.ö
ôIs that why weÆre destroying the village?ö
ôYes. This is a lesson in how to play the game. ThereÆs more than one way to skin a cat, so donÆt limit yourself to the obvious solutions.ö
ôGot it. Massacre the village, kill the guy who comes to save, and have a party later. IÆm supposed to be the good guy right?ö Takato asked, already walking towards the village.
ôTell me about it; youÆll be shocked at some of the things youÆll have to do as the protagonist in this game. Still up for it?ö
ôIÆm going, IÆm going.ö
----------------------------
To the Pyocomon, it was just another beautiful day. TheyÆd gotten more water from Mount Mihirashi, whose heat had killed the bacteria in it. TheyÆd also eaten the delicious seeds they all liked so much. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining, and everything was wonderful.
And suddenly, all of that changed with a single word.
ôFireball!ö A voice theyÆd never heard before shouted.
A powerful blast of flame shot into the middle of a small group of Pyocomon, and the four of them were deleted in a second. In the stunned silence that followed, nobody noticed that the data was drifting towards someplace.
The screaming started almost instantly.
Quite a few of the screaming voices were suddenly silenced by a flash of scales, and teeth, and claws. Whatever predator had found its way amongst them, it was fast.
ôEveryone, Hide-ö The voice was cut off by another blast of fire, one that deleted the source and the Pyocomon behind it. The price of drawing attention to yourself.
Nonetheless, its message was heard. The Pyocomon scrabbled to hide.
Most of them succeeded.
But many went down to flashes of teeth, to glimmers of claws, and to flares of heat.
One Pyocomon, whoÆd managed to hide, tried to tell herself that she was safe. She was out of sight inside her house, she was being silent, and the entire area was so full of Pyocomon who spent their whole lives here that no one was going to track her by scent, since it was both all over the place and likely drowned out by the many, many other similar scents.
She was safe she told herself.
ôBehind that wall, Guilmon.ö A voice said.
A human voice. A Chosen Child?
She managed to have one final thought before the claw that tore through the wall tore through her just as easily.
How did he know?
---------------------------
ôGood job, Guilmon; just a few more.ö Takato said, most of an hour later. ôNot getting too full there, are you? Lucemon, can Digimon get full on data?ö
ôNot that IÆm aware of. Though, with the way youÆve chewed through about a thousand Pyocomon in less than an hour, itÆs possible GuilmonÆs the first.ö
Takato laughed at that. He was pretty proud of Guilmon right now; maybe an hour old and already tearing apart armies.
ôWhereÆs this Meramon guy, anyway? DidnÆt you say heÆd come down and fight if we destroyed the village?ö
ôBurning Fist!ö
Takato didnÆt give the wave of fire a second glace, he just barked his orders.
ôGuilmon, Come!ö
The red dinosaur, who had been sniffing around in a vain attempt to find more Pyocomon to snack on, immediately disregarded his search and obeyed. A swift jump, a blur of red, and a dodged attack later, the Digimon stood by his partnerÆs side.
He immediately growled. He sensed his attacker now that he wasnÆt distracted, and he would have found his location in moments, even if his Tamer hadnÆt nodded in the proper direction. His eyes adopted a feral gleam, his teeth bared; only his Tamers hand on his head kept him from attacking.
ôHe finally showed. It certainly took him long enough.öö Takato said, mainly for LucemonÆs sake, since he wasnÆt sure if he could see through the Digivice as well as speak.
ôAnd only an hour too late to matter.ö Lucemon replied.
ôBetter late than never, I suppose.ö
He lifted his Digivice like Lucemon had shown him to with the Pyocomon. A holographic screen appeared, much like the one that had previously shown a radar. But this was no radar; this was a picture perfect image of Meramon, surrounded by data and information on him.
Takato spoke out loud for GuilmonÆs sake.
ôMeramon, Adult Flame Type Digimon. This Digimon was born from the defense wall "Firewall" for the purpose of protecting the internet from Digimon who enter it illegally. He is rarely violent, and it seems the flames that engulf his body generally seem to scorch him. His special attacks are Burning Fist, Crimson Flame, Magma Bomb, and Fire Wave. Not bad. Are you still hungry, Guilmon?ö
He got nothing but a feral growl in response, but he heard the undercurrents of rage and desire within it.
Takato chuckled.
ôIÆll take that as a yes.ö
--------------------------
Some ways away, Meramon burnt with rage. He burnt with fire, too, and he fully intended to share the latter situation with theseàtheseàthese monsters.
ôWhyàö He demanded in a voice that was somewhere between a roar and a bonfire burning. ôWhy would you do this!? Why would you kill all of these Pyocomon!? What could they have possibly done to deserve this!?ö
The monster that was shaped like a man, for Meramon didnÆt consider him human, laughed and then spoke.
ôStay frosty, dude. They didnÆt do anything; they were just the, whatÆs the word for itàhors d'oeuvres. As for the reason theyÆre all deadàwe just wanted you to come down here. Maybe if the main course hadnÆt taken so long, we wouldnÆt have eaten all the appetizers.ö
The manlike monster knelt beside the red Dinosaur. He pet his stomach, coaxing a growl may have had a note of pleasure in it.
ôPoor little guy; IÆve had to stuff him with small fries and morsels while we waited. ItÆs a miracle he hasnÆt gotten sick because of all the junk food heÆs eaten.ö The beast beneath that Manish faþade lifted his head to look at Meramon. ôHe needs something withàsubstance. Something with a little more fight in it. Something he can sink his teeth into. Something likeàyou. Guilmonàeat until youÆre full.ö
The monster that looked the part changed his growl into a roar.
And thenàblurred?
No, Meramon realized, heÆs just moving really fast.
Meramon narrowed his eyes. If he focusedàyes! He could see more than a red blur. He could see-!
Meramon caught the creature by the neck, and swung him like he was weightless. He threw him into what had once been a PyocomonÆs house.
The monster went through it, and straight into the house behind it.
ôCrimson Flame!ö He shouted. The blast of flame exploded from his fist, burning away what remained of the first building, and causing a huge explosion in the second.
Meramon turned, with narrowed eyes, towards the other.
The boy was casually reclining on a bench that had miraculously remained unharmed. He spared Meramon a brief glance before turning his attention to the location of his partner in crime.
He smiled and hummed a note of amusement.
Meramon had a moment to be confused before a blast of fire took him upside the head.
And, shockingly, it hurt. Only a little, but still, it was a blast of fire; it should have been an exercise in futility to use it on him.
ôYouÆre a Data Type, arenÆt you, Meramon?ö The boy asked. ôHmàthat makes things convenient.ö
Meramon spared him a growl before turning towards the source of the pain.
The red Digimon was pulling himself from the rubble. Well, really, he just stood up and it fell from him like rain water. He seemed unharmed by the attack.
Meramon was a bit annoyed; sometimes he hated being a Data Type, because it always meant he had a hard time with certain types of Digimon.
ôA Virus, huh?ö Meramon tilted his head to the side and cracked his neck, no mean feat since he didnÆt actually have a skeletal system. ôIt doesnÆt matter. It just means we have to do this the hard way.ö
The boy chuckled.
ôYouÆre right; since it looks like Fireball isnÆt very effective, GuilmonÆs just gonna have to tear you to pieces with his claws instead. Sic æem, boy.ö
The beast snarled while he lunged at Meramon. Taken by surprise by how suddenly things had reverted to melee combat, Meramon barely managed to interpose his arm between GuilmonÆs fangs and his throat, and reduced a cry of pain to a hiss when the fangs sunk in. He hoped that the flames of his body would burn his opponents mouth, but had no such luck; likely a downside of fighting someone who spat fire.
The symbol on the beastÆs stomach pulsed red, and the flames around his jaws began to change color, darkening to red and quickly progressing towards black.
MeramonÆs hiss reverted to a cry. His flames were burning him, at least where the flames were changing color.
Unfortunately, that area happened to be increasing. The colors around the wound were also changing, as though-
Meramon cursed in realization.
As though being infected by a Virus.
ôBurning Fist!ö Meramon shouted, delivering the attack at point blank. This time his attack tore a yelp of pain from his target.
Of course, he didnÆt come away unscathed either. HeÆd blown Guilmon off his arm, and though his uncorrupted flames didnÆt hurt him, heÆd still basically torn the creature off of his arm.
Without prying away his teeth.
And so, in the process, Guilmon had torn a chunk of digital flesh from his arm.
At least those flames were changing back now that Guilmon was no longer connected.
And heÆd managed to burn its face in the process.
Meramon also noticed something that improved his morale; the boy was looking a lot less cocky now. HeÆd lost his relaxed smile, and was now frowning at him. He didnÆt take his eyes away from Meramon as he talked to his partner.
ôHow you doing there, Guilmon?ö
A growl was his only response.
The boy nodded, but still didnÆt look away.
ôWell, on the bright side, those teeth of yours hurt him quite a bit.ö In contrast to his eyes, he spoke as though Meramon wasnÆt there. ôI guess we have two choices now; we can wear him down over time from long range, which would be safer but tedious. Or, you could just tear those arms of his off. ItÆs your choice.ö
Guilmon lowered himself closer to the ground and attacked again. This time it was no senseless lunge; it was a predators dash. He ran with his body nearly parallel to the ground, and low enough that if there was a table between him and his opponent, he likely could have gone straight under it without slowing.
And he was certainly moving fast.
He attacked with his right claws first and aimed for his enemyÆs unprotected belly, but Meramon was prepared this time, and he didnÆt even make contact. Instead, Meramon leaned backwards maybe five centimeters, and the claws hit nothing but air. As soon as they had missed, he leaned back forward, and he brought his fist with him.
The blow took Guilmon across the face, and slide along the ground nearly three meters, before he turned the slide into a roll, and landed back on his feet.
He attacked again, in much the same way, but he aimed for MeramonÆs thigh with his left claws.
Meramon responded by brushing aside GuilmonÆs left arm with his right, and slamming his right knee into his chin.
Guilmon slide back once again, but only half a meter this time, and his feet never left the ground. As soon as he stopped, he attacked again.
And so it continued. A bite aimed for MeramonÆs left arm was answered by his right fist to the left side of GuilmonÆs face. Another attack to the stomach was responded to by grabbing his arm and pulling him into a punch. A successive strike to the stomach caught Meramon slightly by surprise and inflicted a minor wound, but was returned with a punch to GuilmonÆs own stomach. An attack to MeramonÆs right side missed entirely as he stepped lightly to the side and slammed his elbow into GuilmonÆs face.
And then everything began to change.
Another attack to the thigh missed, but this time, MeramonÆs responding fist was dodged. Guilmon attacked again, and scored a blow to MeramonÆs left side before his left fist succeeded where his right had not.
A bite that was aimed for his knee was dodged with a swift sidestep, but so was the replying kick. GuilmonÆs claws never connected with his thigh, but MeramonÆs fist didnÆt connect with his face, either. And then Guilmon did manage to claw at his left hip, and dodge the angry backhand. He scored another blow to the left side, slightly above the first, before Meramon retaliated successfully with his right fist.
Guilmon focused more on the left side in response to the successful attacks.
He attacked twice with his claws, and missed, but he was vicious enough to push the injury-favoring Meramon back enough to not worry about dodging any attacks. He then took Meramon by surprise; he swiftly turned and swept his tail at MeramonÆs legs.
Due to MeramonÆs superior size, it did little more then throw him off balance, but throwing him off balance was enough; Guilmon raked his claws across MeramonÆs left thigh.
Realizing that he was losing, and to a Child, at that, Meramon quickly decided heÆd had enough.
ôMagma Bomb!ö
The sudden rain of magma rocks dissuaded GuilmonÆs attempted advance. Using the brief pause granted by not being under attack, Meramon attempted to shift the tide of the battle by putting Guilmon on the defensive.
ôFire Wave!ö
The flames of MeramonÆs body grew and intensified and he rushed towards Guilmon who was forced to quickly backtrack away from the flames. In truth, while the flames were a dangerous attack in and of themselves, their true purpose was to keep Guilmon out of melee range.
Safely out of harmÆs way, Meramon took advantage of his ranged attacks, knowing that GuilmonÆs werenÆt very damaging to him.
ôCrimson Flame!ö He cried, punching with his right fist as he stepped forward with his left foot.
Guilmon was forced to scrabble way from the flames, for though he knew they couldnÆt really hurt him either, he was also aware that being put in a position in which Meramon could rain down blows was a bad idea.
ôCrimson Flame!ö Meramon repeated, stepping forward with his right foot and firing with his left. Guilmon was also forced to repeat his evasive maneuvers.
Meramon didnÆt let up; he attacked with each step he took. He had the advantage now, and more to the point, he knew the area better. If he could lead Guilmon into an area where evasion was impossible, then he could simply rain down blow after blow until his enemy stopped moving.
Just a few more steps and his opponent would be trapped between Meramon and a rock wall, with Pyocomon houses on either side.
Of course, Meramon wasnÆt the only person to notice this, and he quickly cursed himself for forgetting about his other opponent when he heard his voice.
ôGuilmon, attack his wounds!ö
The beast didnÆt even hesitate, its loyalty was so unquestioning.
ôFireball!ö
MeramonÆs assault faltered as the attack connected with his left side. It didnÆt do too much damage, but it felt like someone was rubbing salt on his wounds.
ôGet behind him!ö The beastÆs master ordered.
Guilmon took advantage of his opponents pause and dashed between his opponents legs. MeramonÆs invigorated flames burnt him as he did, but he seemed to pay them no mind in his hurry to follow his orders.
ôPush him back!ö The voice followed up, and Meramon noted a great deal of glee in it.
And he knew why.
He was about to be shoved into his own trap.
ôFireball!ö The blast didnÆt hurt, but it made him stumble.
ôFireball!ö Again, he stumbled, but this time he managed to turn around in the process.
It did him no good.
ôGo for the face!ö The boy commanded.
ôFireball!ö The blast took him straight in the face and forced him back yet again.
ôFireball! Fireball! Fireball!ö The three successive blasts to the face hurt, and more importantly, knocked him off his feet.
Meramon felt fear. He was lying prone; he knew what was about to happen.
ôGet on him, boy!ö
The beast landed on him with a pounce, and bared him down with his superior position. Those slavering jaws opened and flames lingered in their depths.
Five blasts; five successive, point-black blasts to the face slammed MeramonÆs head into the ground one after the other. It hurt.
A lot.
The monster would have continued, too, if a voice hadnÆt interrupted.
ôGuilmonàö
Meramon had a suspicion he wasnÆt going to say anything good.
ôBreak him.ö The statement fell as though it was an executionerÆs blade; an example that was, Meramon noted, probably fitting.
ôRock Breaker!ö The beasts claws came down, and true to the attacks name, the force of the blow was powerful enough to crack the ground all around his head.
ôRock Breaker!ö Guilmon repeated its attack, and the cracks grew alongside MeramonÆs pain.
ôRock Breaker!ö He did so again.
ôRock Breaker!ö And again.
ôRock Breaker!ö And again.
ôRock Breaker!ö And again.
---------------------------------------
ôGood job, boy.ö Takato said, as his partner loaded the remains of his opponent. ôIÆd say that went well. What do you think, Lucemon?ö
ôIÆd say you passed the Tutorial Level. Not bad. So let me give you a reward.ö
TakatoÆs Digivice began to glow. In particular, light was emitting from the card reader.
There was a familiar whirling sound, with an undercurrent of something differentàprinting, perhaps?
And that observation seemed to be correct, because something began to emerge from his Digivice.
Takato recognized it before it even fully emerged.
After all, heÆd spent the last few minutes looking at the thing printed on it.
ôMeramonàö He whispered. ôA Meramon card?ö
ôA victory prize. This is the result of the gift I gave you earlier; the fringe benefit I installed into your Digivice. Any Tamer can augment their partner with cardsàbut only you can produce them yourself.ö
ôAwesome. I can do this with anyone Guilmon loads?ö
ôUh-huh.ö
ôWhat about the Pyocomon?ö
ôWhy would you want Baby Level Cards?ö
ôFor memories sake, you know? Besides, I donÆt think there even is a Pyocomon card. IÆll be the only one who has one.ö
ôàOkayàö
Moments later, he was holding a one of a kind Pyocomon card.
ôThanks, Lucemon; youÆre the coolest.ö
ôThanks, I guess.ö
ôThink we should call it quits for today?ö
ôYeah, the end of the Tutorial Level is a pretty good place to end things for today. YouÆve proven your worth as a Tamer by helping Guilmon defeat a statistically superior opponent. Congratulations.ö
ôWhatÆs Level One like?ö
ôWell, the only real level is the Tutorial Level; everything else is divided into quests, though you can also just wander around.ö
ôSo I have to beat all the quests to free you?ö
ôNot quite. A number of them are for freeing me, but many others involve doing things for me while IÆm stuck in the Dark Area. You know, taking control of certain areas, defeating certain enemiesàitÆs all stuff that helps me in some way or another, and they all come with rewards of some sort or another. And of course, thereÆs the Chosen Children and Sovereign Plotlines, as well as the Digimon Kaiser, which exist independent of the Quests; rather then there being anything specific that theyÆre doing, they mainly complicate things until theyÆre dealt with. For example, if youÆre trying to reclaim a city for me, theyÆll likely attempt to interfere. Not every time, of course, but sometimes, and they generally complicate things.ö
ôWhat happens if I complete all the quests?ö
Lucemon laughed.
ôIÆll tell you what; if you can complete all of the quests, on Impossible, then in addition to all the rewards you will get in the game, I promise IÆll permanently have you crowned Tamer King, even if I have to hack some records to do it. Everywhere in the Digital World, the name Takato will be mentioned as the Tamer KingÆs name. IÆll work on some other rewards, too; maybe I can program a temple for you or something. But I think youÆll like the in game rewards, too.ö
ôSounds awesome, Lucemon. What do you say, Guilmon; should we aim for one hundred percent completion?ö
Guilmon rubbed his head on his TamerÆs leg as though he were a cat. Takato chuckled and pet his partner.
ôThere you have it, Lucemon; weÆre game if you are.ö
ôIÆll see you tomorrow, then?ö
ôSounds good. IÆll be here.ö
-------------------------------
At the same time, in New York, a girl who once went on an Adventure sat at her computer and listened to an old friends dying words.
ôMiàmiàhelpàusàö
And then there was nothing.
ôMeramonàö She said, looking at her screen in fearful concern.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get started of chapter two.
Edit: The replaced version is up on FF.net, and, naturally, it still won't accept my page breaks. FUUUU-
I'll try again later.
A special thanks to Aarik and happerry for catching those mistakes; they'll show up in the replaced version on FF.net, and I'll post the complete correct version at the end of this post.
To MoB and Aarik, thank you for the Omakes. When I start posting Omakes would you like me to post those as well? With credit to you as the writers, of course.
Flamewolf: I thought about that, but I'm pretty sure Takato knows enough about the Laws of Physics to notice something wrong with that. I'm considering have Lucemon just mail them to him, though, or something like that.
And the corrected version:
--------
This Idea sort of began as a Xanatos Gambit on the part of GranDracmon, but then, in a conversation about something completely different (Astamon, to be precise), GranDracmon was cut out of the picture entirely, and was replaced swiftly by Lucemon. Of course, that had several problems, mainly because the idea (GranDracmon hypnotizing some hapless Chosen/Tamer and making him do his dirty, probably taking the role of conquering the Digital World) no longer really worked without DracmonÆs ability to, well, hypnotize. Of course, in the long run, that was probably a good thing, since I decided pretty early on that I wasnÆt really going to enjoy writing an entire story about some brainwashed minion.
That left me with several problems, though; namely, how was I going to make the idea work.
This lead to a drawn-out conversation between Seiya and I that lasted several hours, but eventually resulted in this. The first thing that was covered was the first major plot hole left in the wake of GranDracmonÆs disappearance. Who could possibly pose a credible threat to the entire Digital World? This hole was swiftly filled by Lucemon, since the fact that we saw him destroy an entire Digital World lent credence to his ability to threaten it. Also, heÆs kind of a dick. So yeah, perfect. The second hole, æwho is the guy heÆs making do thisÆ, was complicated by the fact that I dislike writing stories about OCÆs. That meant we pretty much had to choose a canon character, and was further complicated by the fact that most of the obvious choices were both people I didnÆt want to write a fic about and also people whoÆve tried this thing before, and failed.
Somehow, during all of this, the fact that in crossovers between either of the Adventures and Tamers, the former was always shown to be fictional, which lead to the thought that there were probably games about the Adventures in such a case, which lead to the realization that the Digimon Kaiser also thought it was all a game, which lead to this. It became quite easy when I remembered that we had someone who, while obviously very interested in Digimon, thought it was all a game (until that person realized it actually wasnÆt), and didnÆt think of Digimon as being real, and that person would likely jump at a chance to play a new Digimon ægame.Æ Of course, at that point we remembered that if we did the things we did in videogames (especially role-playing games) in real life, theyÆd probably be considered sociopathic mass-murderers.
And that just sealed the deal.
DevilÆs Advocate
You Were, Perhaps, Expecting Someone Else?
ôLetÆs play a game, Takato.ö The voice said. It came from the strange thing his card reader had become when heÆd slashed the blue card through it.
Takato, who had stumbled away from the strange machine in shock, merely became more confused.
ôAàgame?ö He asked hesitantly.
ôYes. After allàyou are our winner.ö
He blinked.
ôW-winner? Of what?Æ
ôOf the contest, of course!ö
There was a pause.
ôYou do know about the contest, donÆt you?ö
ôNot reallyàno.ö
ôàI see. Then allow me to explain. You found a strange Blue Card with the Digimon Logo on it, right?ö
ôYeahàö
ôAnd since youÆre listening to me right now, I assume you slashed it?ö
ôUm, yes?ö
ôThen congratulations! YouÆve just won the Tamer King Contest!ö
ôIàdid? But-ö
ôNever mind that. As the winner, you get a very special prize. DonÆt you want to see it?ö
As a ten year old boy, Takato was naturally interested in what was quite possibly something very cool, and set aside, for the moment, the fact that he didnÆt enter any contest.
ôPrize?ö
ôI said it before, didnÆt I? LetÆs play a game, Takato.ö
ôWhat kind of game?ö
ôThe Digital World has been taken over by the corrupt Sovereigns, and theyÆve locked the true ruler away in its heart. The Chosen Children are pawns in their schemes. You're job is to defeat them. Can you destroy the infected Digimon to free Lucemon?ö
ôUhàyes?ö Takato was a bit hesitant, unsure of whether he should tell his parents or not.
But it sounded cool.
Though, heÆd never heard of any æLucemon.Æ
ôIn that case, please bring your Digivice to a computer with internet access.ö
The sudden normalcy of that comment nearly threw Takato for a loop.
ôUm, okay. ThereÆs plenty at school. IÆll ask if I can use one after class.ö
ôTake your time.ö The voice said.
-
ôOkay.ö Takato said, getting on the computer. ôAre you still there, uhàwhat do I call you?ö
ôIÆm an advanced computer program; and AI. IÆll serve as your guide to the game. So, I suppose you can call me Lucemon.ö
Takato thought it a bit weird that what was probably a really expensive computer was being used for a game, but he was honestly more interested in the game itself.
ôOkay, Lucemon; what do I do now?ö
ôAre you in front of a computer with Internet access?ö æLucemonÆ asked dutifully.
ôYeah.ö
ôIs the computer on?ö
Even Takato had to roll his eyes at that question.
ôYeah.ö
ôPlease raise your Digivice to the screen. It may take a few seconds for the wireless connection to begin; I ask you to please be patient.ö
Takato didnÆt say anything to that, he just lifted the Digivice.
It took a few seconds, but suddenly a strange screen appeared. It had a weird, irregular shape, a number of scattered buttons, a number of things that would have been knobs and buttons if it wasnÆt on a computer screen, and a green light.
But the most interesting feature of the screen was a small window.
He looked at it closer.
It was weird. It was like it really was a window, with something on the other side. It looked too realistic to be just a recorded image.
ôBy now, a screen should have appeared. Do you see it, Takato?ö
ôYeahàö He said distractedly.
ôIts voice activated, so to proceed, I need you to repeat after me. Digiport, open.ö
ôDigiport, open!ö Takato said, now eager to proceed.
And suddenly he was blinded by a torrent of light.
-------------------------------
Takato groaned.
ôWhat just happenedà?ö He trailed off as his eyes widened in alarm. ôWhat the hell!? Where am I?ö
He was not in the computer lab, that was for sure. It was pretty easy to come to that conclusion, because he sincerely doubted that anyone had leveled the city, created a beach, and added an entire ocean in the last five seconds.
And even if, by some turn of events, they had, that still wouldnÆt explain everything. Because he was not on a normal beach and that was not a normal ocean.
Hell, that wasnÆt even the normal sky.
Everything, everything, looked like someone had painted it in shades of grey and black.
Even he was like thatà
TakatoÆs eyes widened as he looked at himself. And not just because of the change in coloration.
His cloths were different.
ôW-what theà?ö He wondered, looking at what he was now wearing.
His clothes had changed. In place of his Blue Hoodie and shorts, he was wearing long pants, a T-shirt, a jacket, andàfingerless gloves? And based off that familiar feelingà
Takato reached up to touch his head with one hand.
Yup, he was wearing his goggles. Which wasnÆt, by itself, weird, since he did wear goggles. However, he hadnÆt been wearing them in the computer lab.
ôWhat is this?ö
ôClothes more becoming of a hero, donÆt you think?ö A voice startled him. Partially because he hadnÆt expected anyone, and partially because it was familiar.
But that couldnÆt be.
But he looked anyway, just to be sure.
There was a boy standing a bit further down the beach, and he was the only thing in sight that had color besides grey and black. Takato would have thought him a human boy, if not for the obvious inhuman additions. He had blond hair and blue eyes, and he was wearing somethingàa toga? Was that what it was called?
Takato wasnÆt sure.
Though, to be honest, he also didnÆt really care, because the boy had something else, and Takato found it much more interesting.
He had wings. Twelve flawless white angel wings.
The boy was an angel?
ôWho areà?ö Takato trailed off, because suddenly the boy was right in his face.
And Takato hadnÆt seen him cross any of the space between them.
Takato would have liked to be proud of the fact that he didnÆt suddenly scream, but he was acutely aware that the only reason he wasnÆt was because his heart was stuck in his throat.
That also might have been why he couldnÆt breathe.
ôDonÆt you remember me, Takato? WeÆve never met face to face, butàsurely you remember my voice? ItÆs only been a few minutes since last we spoke, after all.ö
Indeed, Takato did recognize the voice. That didnÆt keep him from reminding himself it was impossible, but he did recognize it.
But why deny what was right before his face?
Takato swallowed.
ôLucemon?ö
Lucemon smiled and nodded.
ôW-whatÆs going on?ö
ôWelcome to the game, Takato.ö Lucemon said.
ôThe gameà?ö His eyes widened. ôThis is all a part of the game? But how? Everything looks so realàö
Lucemon lifted a hand and a torrent of bright light struck a boulder some ways away. Takato flinched at the light, but he saw what happened.
The boulder exploded, butànot the way it should have. Instead of shrapnel and debris, it exploded intoàparticles?
ôData.ö Lucemon corrected, as if he could read TakatoÆs mind. ôEverything in this place is made of Data. The beachàthe oceanàthe skyàeven you and I are data in this place. Though we are slightly different; weÆre both real, outside this game. IÆm a highly advanced AI, and youÆre a human. But otherwise, everything else is entirely data.ö
ôThis isàö Takato said, stunned but not stupid. ôThis isàreally advanced.ö
He bent down to the beach and touched it. It felt real. He lifted a slightly sandy finger to his mouth and licked it. He cringed at the taste. It tasted real, too. He smelt the sea, and besides the color, it looked real, too. And he could hear things; things heÆd associate with a beach.
ôThis isàprobably more advanced than anything IÆve ever seen.ö He turned to Lucemon with a frown, since things didnÆt quite match up. ôSo whyÆs it being used for a game?ö
ôOriginally, it was for testing purposes. As you said, this technology is very advanced, but itÆs also very new. It needed to be tested in a controlled environment, and it has been; extensively. And itÆs proven safe to use. The organization responsible for this game also assisted in the creation and testing of this technology, and that testing took the form you see today. In truth, this technology is so advanced that it wonÆt be ready for the public for some time, but before that happened, before we even started, we wanted to make sure everything would be safe when it eventually, which, as I said, it was shown to be. But we also wanted to make sure everything was fun, and thatÆs where we need your help. If youÆre still willing, of course?ö
ôOh, IÆm willing. IÆm curious, now.ö Takato said.
ôGood, good. Then allow me to explain. We will be continually creating and modifying this world, and we want you to test it. This world is based off the popular franchise æDigimon;Æ as you can see, for the purposes of this game, I have taken the form of æLucemonÆ the rightful ruler of this world. You, on the other hand, have taken to form of yourself, but also as a Digimon Tamer.ö
ôAàTamer?ö
ôYouÆre probably familiar with the term æChosen Child,Æ but weÆre going to try to distance ourselves from that term; IÆll explain why in a minute. A Tamer, like the Chosen, is a human partnered to a Digimon. In this game, Tamers will use their Digimon to fight and defeat enemies, gain experience, something we call gathering data, overcome challenges, and, of course, save the world. As you gather data, your Digimon will grow and evolve through the levels you are already familiar with.ö
Takato nodded to show that he understood.
ôThe premise of this game is quite simple. I, æLucemon,Æ am the rightful ruler of the Digital World. I have been overthrown and casted down by the traitors that now call themselves the Sovereigns. IÆm sure you already understand the basics from just that.ö
ôI need to defeat the Sovereigns and release you?ö
ôYes. However, since we realized how predictable that would be, we decided to mix things up a bit. Your main enemies will be the Chosen Children.ö
ôWait, arenÆt they the good guys?ö
ôYes, exactly. Well, at least, they think themselves to be. But in reality, they are being manipulated by the Sovereigns. And honestly, in the process of serving the Sovereigns, they have accomplished a lot of good; you did see the series, right?ö
ôOf course!ö
ôJust checking. However, now, they are a threat to the entire world. Or they will become such if you let things continue. You must stop them by any means necessary. And thatÆs just the thing; youÆre going to be outnumbered and outgunned, so youÆre only hope is that youÆre not outclassed. To achieve victory, youÆre going to have to do a number of morally questionable things, which will hopefully make you wonder about things like right and wrong, and things like subjective morality. In addition, thereÆs another variable in this game. He calls himself the Digimon Kaiser. HeÆs going to be conquering the Digital World, taking it from the Sovereigns and the Chosen.ö
ôLike me? So heÆs an ally?ö
ôItÆs designed to look like that, but no. HeÆs enslaving and hurting innocent Digimon. HeÆs there to make you question yourself; to make you wonder if what youÆre doing is right. To make you wonder how you are any different from him.ö
ôBut isnÆt that obvious? IÆm doing the right thing. IÆm not taking over for myself; IÆm freeing you and overthrowing the traitors.ö
ôWellàyes. But the things you see will make you wonder; we built them to wear you down emotionally. Will you be able to endure anyway? That is the question.ö
ôThe answerÆs yes.ö Takato told him firmly.
ôWeÆll see. But you should know something. The game weÆre having you test? YouÆre testing it on the highest difficulty level.ö
ôHard?ö
ôNo; æImpossible.Æ æHardÆ is the lowest difficulty setting. On Hard, you fight the eight Chosen, their Digimon, the four Sovereigns, the Digimon Kaiser, and a number of other opponents, all with only your one Digimon and your wits. You will fight enemies with levels ranging from Child to Ultimate, backed by the rulers of the world, and their levels are independent of yours, so you could easily stumble into a fight with Perfect or even Ultimate Digimon as a child, while on æHard.Æö
Takato licked his lips, partially in fear, partially in excitement.
ôWhatÆs Impossible like, then?ö
ôItÆs basically the same, only you have no extra lives, no hp boosters, no mp boosters, the enemies are stronger, and, oh yeah, there are no save points. If you die, thatÆs it.ö
ôHolyàö Takato whispered. ôAnd you want me to win against those odds? Why not just on Hard?ö
ôBecause the tears of broken gamers taste like candy. Still up for it?ö
Takato took a deep breath and nodded.
ôThen let it never be said you donÆt have guts. Congratulations, Takato; you are officially the first player of the game.ö
ôCool.ö
ôLetÆs get started then, shall we?ö Lucemon said. ôIÆll explain several rules youÆre probably unfamiliar with, as well as theàfringe benefits you get for doing this for us, later during the tutorial level. But IÆll cover the basics right now, just in case. The first thing you need to know about is that Digivice; it does much more then let you evolve your partner. IÆll explain the features during the tutorial level. But for now, hand your Digivice to me.ö
Takato did, feeling a bit confused. Lucemon took it in his hands, and it glowed more a minute, before he handed it back.
ôI just added the first of your fringe benefits; it will also be explained during the tutorial.ö
ôLucemon, youÆve mentioned my partner several timesàwho is he?ö
ôGood question; I was thinking it was about time we moved on to that anyway. Normally, a Tamer would be bonded to a chosen Digimon from a selection, but in your case, as thanks for your help, weÆre going to give you a special opportunity. You will get a chance to design your own Digimon.ö
ôI will!?ö Takato nearly shouted.
ôMy, quite eager.ö
ôIÆm sorry, itÆs justàthis is like a dream come true for me.ö
ôThen I suppose you have several ideas in mind? A warning, I cannot make a Digimon thatÆs too powerful; I canÆt just partner you with a Perfect or an Ultimate, as much as that would simplify things.ö
ôNot a problem; I already know exactly what I want. I had it in a notebook that I got in trouble for drawing in earlier today. I got it back after class, though.ö
ôDid you have the notebook on you?ö
ôYeah, but that was back in the Real World.ö
ôCheck.ö Lucemon ordered.
Takato blinked, but did as he was told.
ôHey! ItÆs here! Howà?ö
Lucemon just smiled and extended a hand. Takato forked over the notebook.
ôHmàGuilmon? Yesàthis will work nicely. Very well then, prepare yourself Takato. You are about to become the Tamer of a unique Digimon.ö Lucemon said, giving back the Notebook. ôDo you see the part of your Digivice that looks like a card reader? Slash this drawing through it.ö
Takato took a deep breath and gave it a shot. He brought the edge of the notepad down into the card scanner andàit got stuck. And nothing happened.
Takato frowned and opened his mouth to ask whatÆs going on, but he was cut off before he could even begin by a strange noisy. A noise like something whirling. And thenàa noisy like something tearing.
His Digivice was tearing the pages out of the notepad and scanning them like they were cards.
ôThat is so cool-AH!ö He suddenly screamed as his Digivice erupted with a bright light. He made a note to himself; get used to sudden bright lights, æcause they show up a lot in this game.
All around him, things started breaking down. The water, the sand on the beach, even the air; they suddenly exploded into data particles as the Digivice finished scanning the pages of the notepad. They began to swirl into a vortex with the Digivice at its center, and, in seconds, all of it was sucked into it.
After a moment of silence, Takato thought it was safe.
ôWhat the hell was that-AH!ö This time, the sudden light was accompanied by an explosion of force that picked Takato up and threw him away. ôI canÆt believe I didnÆt see that coming!ö
Lucemon, for his part, was unaffected by the lights, the data typhoon, and even the explosion. He just stood patiently until it all subsided.
ôItÆs safe now, Takato; you can open your eyes.ö
ôYou know, thatÆs the type of advice I could have used earlier.ö Takato said, lifting himself up and opening his eyes.
Lucemon ignored his comment, and Takato turned his head to see what he was looking at.
Suddenly, all of his irritation was forgotten.
There, beside his Digivice, was a large spotted egg.
ôFor unto us a child is born.ö Lucemon said.
-----------------------
Takato sat silently on the beach, staring at the spotted egg.
ôHow long do you think itÆll take to hatch?ö He asked, not even looking away from the egg.
ôI donÆt know. But given that weÆre in the Dark Area, and that itÆs a Virus typeàprobably not too long. You should go home for now, Takato.ö
That was enough to snap Takato away from the egg.
ôBut-ö
HeÆs reply was cut short before it could go any further.
ôYouÆve been here quite awhile. Your parents are probably worried about you.ö
TakatoÆs eyes widened.
ôI completely forgot! IÆm late by now! How long has it been?ö
ôOh, a little over two hours.ö
His words just made Takato wince harder.
ôYouÆre right; I have to go. When can I come back?ö
ôAny time you have both your Digivice and a computer with internet access, you can return to this place.ö
ôMy parents have one; I should be able to get on later.ö
ôVery well. IÆll see you then.ö
Lucemon gestured and Takato was gone. He nonetheless waited patiently for a few seconds, just to be sure.
The moment he was, he walked over to the egg and picked it up with one hand.
ôAnd so it begins.ö He muttered.
A mark on his hand began to glow. It looked like a triangle within a circle, with each of its vertices touching a spot on the edge. Where it did, another triangle was connected on the other side of the circle. All the triangles were equilateral.
Wherever LucemonÆs fingers touched the egg, black veins, like liquid shadows, began to swim over the egg. They slithered over its surface until the entire shell was black.
And then it cracked. Cracks appeared in the darkness, as though it was a shell, and those cracks quickly expanded. Piece by piece, the Darkness fell, until all of it was gone. And it wake wasàGuilmonÆs completely unchanged egg.
Lucemon put the egg down, exactly where it had been, and nodded to himself in satisfaction.
----------------------
Takato made his way to his fatherÆs computer. It had been surprisingly easy to pacify his parentÆs worries. HeÆd told them heÆd been allowed to use one of the computers at school, and had ended up getting distracted and losing track of time. His parents had accepted that easily enough, since he had a tendency to get distracted by all sorts of things.
Perhaps they were just used to it by now?
He wasnÆt sure he liked what that said about him.
Regardless, heÆd made it through it all without getting punished, which was the important thing. Even better, his parents were letting him use the computer while they were working.
He was barely able to stand the wait as the computer powered up, and the moment it was ready he lifted his Digivice. In seconds the screen he was now referring to as the Digiport appeared.
ôDigiport, open!ö Takato didnÆt shout, but only because he didnÆt want to draw his parents attention.
Takato showed enough foresight to close his eyes before his was blinded by any lights, and he mentally patted himself on the back for remembering.
He counted to three, figured the light had probably faded by now, and opened his eyes again.
He was back on LucemonÆs beach.
ôBack again, Takato?ö LucemonÆs spoke from behind him. ôPretty good timing. Your egg has recently hatched.ö
ôWhat!?ö Takato looked around, searching for his partner. ôWhere is he?ö
Lucemon chuckled.
ôDonÆt worry; as a favor, I decided to give your partner his first meal.ö
ôI missed GuilmonÆs first meal?ö Takato said, and was surprised at how upset he was by the news.
Lucemon outright laughed at that. He floated over to Takato and patted him on the head.
ôHe was really hungry and I didnÆt know when you were going to be able to come back. But donÆt worry, it was just me crushing a few rocks and letting him load them. It was a snack, at best, but it was the best I could do from in here. HeÆs probably still; he just isnÆt starving anymore. Go introduce yourself and weÆll start the Tutorial Level so that you can get him some real food.ö
The chance to meet his partner blew away all of the sadness of not being there when he hatched.
ôWhere is he?ö
Lucemon pointed down the beach.
ôOver there; you canÆt miss him. HeÆs surrounded by things I crushed for him.ö
Takato hurried off in that direction without another word.
He was, indeed, easy to find in that circle of destruction. Takato stood for a moment, just outside it, and just looked at his partner. He seemed to be sleeping. He looked exactly as Takato had drawn him; his body was reptilian, to be sure, and mostly red. Black strips and markings were spread artistically across his form; they usually took the forms of lines, but some were triangles, such as on his hands, feet, shoulders, and head. His belly was white and-
Takato frowned.
That shapeàthat hadnÆt been on his drawing.
Lucemon landed beside him.
ôImpressive, isnÆt he?ö
ôYeah, but LucemonàwhatÆs that shape on his stomachàI didnÆt draw that.ö
ôAh, so you noticed.ö Lucemon extended one hand, and revealed that the same sign was on it. ôItÆs another fringe benefit; this marking is placed on special Digimon such as Guilmon and I. IÆll leave its effects a secret for now, but itÆs quite impressive. DonÆt worry about it.ö
Takato nodded in acceptance at that.
It did look pretty cool, anyway.
ôArenÆt you going to say hello?ö Lucemon asked, changing the subject.
Takato whispered back.
ôHeÆs sleeping.ö
ôOnly because he got bored. He was very excited to meet his Tamer when I told him about you. Come.ö Lucemon said, stepping into the circle.
The moment he did, Guilmon was on his feet and alert. His yellow eyes riveted towards Lucemon and Takato.
Lucemon didnÆt even slow down.
Since Lucemon didnÆt show any fear, Takato decided not to either, and followed after him. He sped up for just a second in order to match his stride, but then slowed down after he had.
Seeing this, Guilmon returned the gesture and approached. He ignored Lucemon entirely and headed straight for Takato who didnÆt back down.
It was just a game, after all, and he doubted his own partner would kill him in it.
Indeed, all Guilmon did was sniff him, and his expression shifted in happiness. Of course, since he was basically a miniature dinosaur, and Takato hadnÆt held back at all when giving his drawing teeth, it was more æterrifying gleeÆ than æhappiness.Æ
Takato thought it was amazingly cool.
ôHe recognizes me.ö Takato noted. ôDoes he know I created him?ö
ôHe might.ö Lucemon said. ôShall we begin, then?ö
ôThe Tutorial? IÆm ready. Are you ready, Guilmon? Lucemon says thereÆll be a lot for you to eat.ö
Guilmon nodded happily at that and Takato had to laugh.
ôDoes he know my name?ö Takato asked while Lucemon worked onàsomething.
ôI donÆt think so.ö He replied distractedly.
Takato knelt by his partner.
ôIÆm Takato. IÆm your Tamer.ö
ôTakato. Tamer.ö Guilmon repeated.
Takato smile widened at that.
ôThere we go.ö Lucemon interrupted. Beside him stood aàtelevision? Takato was a bit confused; there hadnÆt been one a second ago. ôYou should be able to use this the same way you used your own computer. ItÆll take you to the Tutorial Level.ö
ôOne question. If you can create ways out of the Dark Area, whatÆs keeping you here?ö
ôI canÆt cross them, because of the seals in place.ö
ôSeals?ö
ôIÆll explain later; thereÆs nothing you can really do about them with a Child partner, anyway, so donÆt worry about it.ö
Takato lifted an eyebrow, but complied.
ôCome on, boy. LetÆs do this. Oh, by the way, hereÆs a tip; close your eyes. Digiport, open!ö
------------------------
Guilmon and Takato found themselves in a desert.
ôLucemon? ThereÆs nothing here.ö Takato told his Digivice.
ôNot right there, no. This seems like a good time to introduce you do one of the functions of your Digivice; the Radar Function. Press the left button on your Digivice twice.ö Lucemon replied through it.
Takato did so. The first time he pushed it, nothing seemed to happen, so he pushed it again.
And suddenly, a holographic screen expanded from his Digivice.
ôYour Digivice should be showing a location with lots of Digimon in it. That location is the Pyocomon village, and is your target. One of the main purposes on the Tutorial is to get you used to the combat system; your first goal is to destroy every single Digimon in that village and have Guilmon load them.ö
ôPyocomon? IsnÆt that a Baby Digimon?ö
ôYes, so they shouldnÆt be able too much to your Guilmon if you play smart. Their role in this level is much like that of orcs or giant spiders; theyÆre here for you gain data by killing them.ö
Takato nodded.
ôYeah, I get it. Kill them, and donÆt ask too many moral questions.ö
ôEither while or after you destroy the Pyocomon, Meramon will appear. HeÆs an Adult level Flame Type Digimon that lives near Mount Mihirashi, a volcano from which he can draw power. If you go straight to fight him with Guilmon while heÆs in the volcano, you will lose. However, if you draw him down to the village after loading everyone in it, you could win.ö
ôIs that why weÆre destroying the village?ö
ôYes. This is a lesson in how to play the game. ThereÆs more than one way to skin a cat, so donÆt limit yourself to the obvious solutions.ö
ôGot it. Massacre the village, kill the guy who comes to save, and have a party later. IÆm supposed to be the good guy right?ö Takato asked, already walking towards the village.
ôTell me about it; youÆll be shocked at some of the things youÆll have to do as the protagonist in this game. Still up for it?ö
ôIÆm going, IÆm going.ö
----------------------------
To the Pyocomon, it was just another beautiful day. TheyÆd gotten more water from Mount Mihirashi, whose heat had killed the bacteria in it. TheyÆd also eaten the delicious seeds they all liked so much. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining, and everything was wonderful.
And suddenly, all of that changed with a single word.
ôFireball!ö A voice theyÆd never heard before shouted.
A powerful blast of flame shot into the middle of a small group of Pyocomon, and the four of them were deleted in a second. In the stunned silence that followed, nobody noticed that the data was drifting towards someplace.
The screaming started almost instantly.
Quite a few of the screaming voices were suddenly silenced by a flash of scales, and teeth, and claws. Whatever predator had found its way amongst them, it was fast.
ôEveryone, Hide-ö The voice was cut off by another blast of fire, one that deleted the source and the Pyocomon behind it. The price of drawing attention to yourself.
Nonetheless, its message was heard. The Pyocomon scrabbled to hide.
Most of them succeeded.
But many went down to flashes of teeth, to glimmers of claws, and to flares of heat.
One Pyocomon, whoÆd managed to hide, tried to tell herself that she was safe. She was out of sight inside her house, she was being silent, and the entire area was so full of Pyocomon who spent their whole lives here that no one was going to track her by scent, since it was both all over the place and likely drowned out by the many, many other similar scents.
She was safe she told herself.
ôBehind that wall, Guilmon.ö A voice said.
A human voice. A Chosen Child?
She managed to have one final thought before the claw that tore through the wall tore through her just as easily.
How did he know?
---------------------------
ôGood job, Guilmon; just a few more.ö Takato said, most of an hour later. ôNot getting too full there, are you? Lucemon, can Digimon get full on data?ö
ôNot that IÆm aware of. Though, with the way youÆve chewed through about a thousand Pyocomon in less than an hour, itÆs possible GuilmonÆs the first.ö
Takato laughed at that. He was pretty proud of Guilmon right now; maybe an hour old and already tearing apart armies.
ôWhereÆs this Meramon guy, anyway? DidnÆt you say heÆd come down and fight if we destroyed the village?ö
ôBurning Fist!ö
Takato didnÆt give the wave of fire a second glace, he just barked his orders.
ôGuilmon, Come!ö
The red dinosaur, who had been sniffing around in a vain attempt to find more Pyocomon to snack on, immediately disregarded his search and obeyed. A swift jump, a blur of red, and a dodged attack later, the Digimon stood by his partnerÆs side.
He immediately growled. He sensed his attacker now that he wasnÆt distracted, and he would have found his location in moments, even if his Tamer hadnÆt nodded in the proper direction. His eyes adopted a feral gleam, his teeth bared; only his Tamers hand on his head kept him from attacking.
ôHe finally showed. It certainly took him long enough.öö Takato said, mainly for LucemonÆs sake, since he wasnÆt sure if he could see through the Digivice as well as speak.
ôAnd only an hour too late to matter.ö Lucemon replied.
ôBetter late than never, I suppose.ö
He lifted his Digivice like Lucemon had shown him to with the Pyocomon. A holographic screen appeared, much like the one that had previously shown a radar. But this was no radar; this was a picture perfect image of Meramon, surrounded by data and information on him.
Takato spoke out loud for GuilmonÆs sake.
ôMeramon, Adult Flame Type Digimon. This Digimon was born from the defense wall "Firewall" for the purpose of protecting the internet from Digimon who enter it illegally. He is rarely violent, and it seems the flames that engulf his body generally seem to scorch him. His special attacks are Burning Fist, Crimson Flame, Magma Bomb, and Fire Wave. Not bad. Are you still hungry, Guilmon?ö
He got nothing but a feral growl in response, but he heard the undercurrents of rage and desire within it.
Takato chuckled.
ôIÆll take that as a yes.ö
--------------------------
Some ways away, Meramon burnt with rage. He burnt with fire, too, and he fully intended to share the latter situation with theseàtheseàthese monsters.
ôWhyàö He demanded in a voice that was somewhere between a roar and a bonfire burning. ôWhy would you do this!? Why would you kill all of these Pyocomon!? What could they have possibly done to deserve this!?ö
The monster that was shaped like a man, for Meramon didnÆt consider him human, laughed and then spoke.
ôStay frosty, dude. They didnÆt do anything; they were just the, whatÆs the word for itàhors d'oeuvres. As for the reason theyÆre all deadàwe just wanted you to come down here. Maybe if the main course hadnÆt taken so long, we wouldnÆt have eaten all the appetizers.ö
The manlike monster knelt beside the red Dinosaur. He pet his stomach, coaxing a growl may have had a note of pleasure in it.
ôPoor little guy; IÆve had to stuff him with small fries and morsels while we waited. ItÆs a miracle he hasnÆt gotten sick because of all the junk food heÆs eaten.ö The beast beneath that Manish faþade lifted his head to look at Meramon. ôHe needs something withàsubstance. Something with a little more fight in it. Something he can sink his teeth into. Something likeàyou. Guilmonàeat until youÆre full.ö
The monster that looked the part changed his growl into a roar.
And thenàblurred?
No, Meramon realized, heÆs just moving really fast.
Meramon narrowed his eyes. If he focusedàyes! He could see more than a red blur. He could see-!
Meramon caught the creature by the neck, and swung him like he was weightless. He threw him into what had once been a PyocomonÆs house.
The monster went through it, and straight into the house behind it.
ôCrimson Flame!ö He shouted. The blast of flame exploded from his fist, burning away what remained of the first building, and causing a huge explosion in the second.
Meramon turned, with narrowed eyes, towards the other.
The boy was casually reclining on a bench that had miraculously remained unharmed. He spared Meramon a brief glance before turning his attention to the location of his partner in crime.
He smiled and hummed a note of amusement.
Meramon had a moment to be confused before a blast of fire took him upside the head.
And, shockingly, it hurt. Only a little, but still, it was a blast of fire; it should have been an exercise in futility to use it on him.
ôYouÆre a Data Type, arenÆt you, Meramon?ö The boy asked. ôHmàthat makes things convenient.ö
Meramon spared him a growl before turning towards the source of the pain.
The red Digimon was pulling himself from the rubble. Well, really, he just stood up and it fell from him like rain water. He seemed unharmed by the attack.
Meramon was a bit annoyed; sometimes he hated being a Data Type, because it always meant he had a hard time with certain types of Digimon.
ôA Virus, huh?ö Meramon tilted his head to the side and cracked his neck, no mean feat since he didnÆt actually have a skeletal system. ôIt doesnÆt matter. It just means we have to do this the hard way.ö
The boy chuckled.
ôYouÆre right; since it looks like Fireball isnÆt very effective, GuilmonÆs just gonna have to tear you to pieces with his claws instead. Sic æem, boy.ö
The beast snarled while he lunged at Meramon. Taken by surprise by how suddenly things had reverted to melee combat, Meramon barely managed to interpose his arm between GuilmonÆs fangs and his throat, and reduced a cry of pain to a hiss when the fangs sunk in. He hoped that the flames of his body would burn his opponents mouth, but had no such luck; likely a downside of fighting someone who spat fire.
The symbol on the beastÆs stomach pulsed red, and the flames around his jaws began to change color, darkening to red and quickly progressing towards black.
MeramonÆs hiss reverted to a cry. His flames were burning him, at least where the flames were changing color.
Unfortunately, that area happened to be increasing. The colors around the wound were also changing, as though-
Meramon cursed in realization.
As though being infected by a Virus.
ôBurning Fist!ö Meramon shouted, delivering the attack at point blank. This time his attack tore a yelp of pain from his target.
Of course, he didnÆt come away unscathed either. HeÆd blown Guilmon off his arm, and though his uncorrupted flames didnÆt hurt him, heÆd still basically torn the creature off of his arm.
Without prying away his teeth.
And so, in the process, Guilmon had torn a chunk of digital flesh from his arm.
At least those flames were changing back now that Guilmon was no longer connected.
And heÆd managed to burn its face in the process.
Meramon also noticed something that improved his morale; the boy was looking a lot less cocky now. HeÆd lost his relaxed smile, and was now frowning at him. He didnÆt take his eyes away from Meramon as he talked to his partner.
ôHow you doing there, Guilmon?ö
A growl was his only response.
The boy nodded, but still didnÆt look away.
ôWell, on the bright side, those teeth of yours hurt him quite a bit.ö In contrast to his eyes, he spoke as though Meramon wasnÆt there. ôI guess we have two choices now; we can wear him down over time from long range, which would be safer but tedious. Or, you could just tear those arms of his off. ItÆs your choice.ö
Guilmon lowered himself closer to the ground and attacked again. This time it was no senseless lunge; it was a predators dash. He ran with his body nearly parallel to the ground, and low enough that if there was a table between him and his opponent, he likely could have gone straight under it without slowing.
And he was certainly moving fast.
He attacked with his right claws first and aimed for his enemyÆs unprotected belly, but Meramon was prepared this time, and he didnÆt even make contact. Instead, Meramon leaned backwards maybe five centimeters, and the claws hit nothing but air. As soon as they had missed, he leaned back forward, and he brought his fist with him.
The blow took Guilmon across the face, and slide along the ground nearly three meters, before he turned the slide into a roll, and landed back on his feet.
He attacked again, in much the same way, but he aimed for MeramonÆs thigh with his left claws.
Meramon responded by brushing aside GuilmonÆs left arm with his right, and slamming his right knee into his chin.
Guilmon slide back once again, but only half a meter this time, and his feet never left the ground. As soon as he stopped, he attacked again.
And so it continued. A bite aimed for MeramonÆs left arm was answered by his right fist to the left side of GuilmonÆs face. Another attack to the stomach was responded to by grabbing his arm and pulling him into a punch. A successive strike to the stomach caught Meramon slightly by surprise and inflicted a minor wound, but was returned with a punch to GuilmonÆs own stomach. An attack to MeramonÆs right side missed entirely as he stepped lightly to the side and slammed his elbow into GuilmonÆs face.
And then everything began to change.
Another attack to the thigh missed, but this time, MeramonÆs responding fist was dodged. Guilmon attacked again, and scored a blow to MeramonÆs left side before his left fist succeeded where his right had not.
A bite that was aimed for his knee was dodged with a swift sidestep, but so was the replying kick. GuilmonÆs claws never connected with his thigh, but MeramonÆs fist didnÆt connect with his face, either. And then Guilmon did manage to claw at his left hip, and dodge the angry backhand. He scored another blow to the left side, slightly above the first, before Meramon retaliated successfully with his right fist.
Guilmon focused more on the left side in response to the successful attacks.
He attacked twice with his claws, and missed, but he was vicious enough to push the injury-favoring Meramon back enough to not worry about dodging any attacks. He then took Meramon by surprise; he swiftly turned and swept his tail at MeramonÆs legs.
Due to MeramonÆs superior size, it did little more then throw him off balance, but throwing him off balance was enough; Guilmon raked his claws across MeramonÆs left thigh.
Realizing that he was losing, and to a Child, at that, Meramon quickly decided heÆd had enough.
ôMagma Bomb!ö
The sudden rain of magma rocks dissuaded GuilmonÆs attempted advance. Using the brief pause granted by not being under attack, Meramon attempted to shift the tide of the battle by putting Guilmon on the defensive.
ôFire Wave!ö
The flames of MeramonÆs body grew and intensified and he rushed towards Guilmon who was forced to quickly backtrack away from the flames. In truth, while the flames were a dangerous attack in and of themselves, their true purpose was to keep Guilmon out of melee range.
Safely out of harmÆs way, Meramon took advantage of his ranged attacks, knowing that GuilmonÆs werenÆt very damaging to him.
ôCrimson Flame!ö He cried, punching with his right fist as he stepped forward with his left foot.
Guilmon was forced to scrabble way from the flames, for though he knew they couldnÆt really hurt him either, he was also aware that being put in a position in which Meramon could rain down blows was a bad idea.
ôCrimson Flame!ö Meramon repeated, stepping forward with his right foot and firing with his left. Guilmon was also forced to repeat his evasive maneuvers.
Meramon didnÆt let up; he attacked with each step he took. He had the advantage now, and more to the point, he knew the area better. If he could lead Guilmon into an area where evasion was impossible, then he could simply rain down blow after blow until his enemy stopped moving.
Just a few more steps and his opponent would be trapped between Meramon and a rock wall, with Pyocomon houses on either side.
Of course, Meramon wasnÆt the only person to notice this, and he quickly cursed himself for forgetting about his other opponent when he heard his voice.
ôGuilmon, attack his wounds!ö
The beast didnÆt even hesitate, its loyalty was so unquestioning.
ôFireball!ö
MeramonÆs assault faltered as the attack connected with his left side. It didnÆt do too much damage, but it felt like someone was rubbing salt on his wounds.
ôGet behind him!ö The beastÆs master ordered.
Guilmon took advantage of his opponents pause and dashed between his opponents legs. MeramonÆs invigorated flames burnt him as he did, but he seemed to pay them no mind in his hurry to follow his orders.
ôPush him back!ö The voice followed up, and Meramon noted a great deal of glee in it.
And he knew why.
He was about to be shoved into his own trap.
ôFireball!ö The blast didnÆt hurt, but it made him stumble.
ôFireball!ö Again, he stumbled, but this time he managed to turn around in the process.
It did him no good.
ôGo for the face!ö The boy commanded.
ôFireball!ö The blast took him straight in the face and forced him back yet again.
ôFireball! Fireball! Fireball!ö The three successive blasts to the face hurt, and more importantly, knocked him off his feet.
Meramon felt fear. He was lying prone; he knew what was about to happen.
ôGet on him, boy!ö
The beast landed on him with a pounce, and bared him down with his superior position. Those slavering jaws opened and flames lingered in their depths.
Five blasts; five successive, point-black blasts to the face slammed MeramonÆs head into the ground one after the other. It hurt.
A lot.
The monster would have continued, too, if a voice hadnÆt interrupted.
ôGuilmonàö
Meramon had a suspicion he wasnÆt going to say anything good.
ôBreak him.ö The statement fell as though it was an executionerÆs blade; an example that was, Meramon noted, probably fitting.
ôRock Breaker!ö The beasts claws came down, and true to the attacks name, the force of the blow was powerful enough to crack the ground all around his head.
ôRock Breaker!ö Guilmon repeated its attack, and the cracks grew alongside MeramonÆs pain.
ôRock Breaker!ö He did so again.
ôRock Breaker!ö And again.
ôRock Breaker!ö And again.
ôRock Breaker!ö And again.
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ôGood job, boy.ö Takato said, as his partner loaded the remains of his opponent. ôIÆd say that went well. What do you think, Lucemon?ö
ôIÆd say you passed the Tutorial Level. Not bad. So let me give you a reward.ö
TakatoÆs Digivice began to glow. In particular, light was emitting from the card reader.
There was a familiar whirling sound, with an undercurrent of something differentàprinting, perhaps?
And that observation seemed to be correct, because something began to emerge from his Digivice.
Takato recognized it before it even fully emerged.
After all, heÆd spent the last few minutes looking at the thing printed on it.
ôMeramonàö He whispered. ôA Meramon card?ö
ôA victory prize. This is the result of the gift I gave you earlier; the fringe benefit I installed into your Digivice. Any Tamer can augment their partner with cardsàbut only you can produce them yourself.ö
ôAwesome. I can do this with anyone Guilmon loads?ö
ôUh-huh.ö
ôWhat about the Pyocomon?ö
ôWhy would you want Baby Level Cards?ö
ôFor memories sake, you know? Besides, I donÆt think there even is a Pyocomon card. IÆll be the only one who has one.ö
ôàOkayàö
Moments later, he was holding a one of a kind Pyocomon card.
ôThanks, Lucemon; youÆre the coolest.ö
ôThanks, I guess.ö
ôThink we should call it quits for today?ö
ôYeah, the end of the Tutorial Level is a pretty good place to end things for today. YouÆve proven your worth as a Tamer by helping Guilmon defeat a statistically superior opponent. Congratulations.ö
ôWhatÆs Level One like?ö
ôWell, the only real level is the Tutorial Level; everything else is divided into quests, though you can also just wander around.ö
ôSo I have to beat all the quests to free you?ö
ôNot quite. A number of them are for freeing me, but many others involve doing things for me while IÆm stuck in the Dark Area. You know, taking control of certain areas, defeating certain enemiesàitÆs all stuff that helps me in some way or another, and they all come with rewards of some sort or another. And of course, thereÆs the Chosen Children and Sovereign Plotlines, as well as the Digimon Kaiser, which exist independent of the Quests; rather then there being anything specific that theyÆre doing, they mainly complicate things until theyÆre dealt with. For example, if youÆre trying to reclaim a city for me, theyÆll likely attempt to interfere. Not every time, of course, but sometimes, and they generally complicate things.ö
ôWhat happens if I complete all the quests?ö
Lucemon laughed.
ôIÆll tell you what; if you can complete all of the quests, on Impossible, then in addition to all the rewards you will get in the game, I promise IÆll permanently have you crowned Tamer King, even if I have to hack some records to do it. Everywhere in the Digital World, the name Takato will be mentioned as the Tamer KingÆs name. IÆll work on some other rewards, too; maybe I can program a temple for you or something. But I think youÆll like the in game rewards, too.ö
ôSounds awesome, Lucemon. What do you say, Guilmon; should we aim for one hundred percent completion?ö
Guilmon rubbed his head on his TamerÆs leg as though he were a cat. Takato chuckled and pet his partner.
ôThere you have it, Lucemon; weÆre game if you are.ö
ôIÆll see you tomorrow, then?ö
ôSounds good. IÆll be here.ö
-------------------------------
At the same time, in New York, a girl who once went on an Adventure sat at her computer and listened to an old friends dying words.
ôMiàmiàhelpàusàö
And then there was nothing.
ôMeramonàö She said, looking at her screen in fearful concern.
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Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get started of chapter two.
Edit: The replaced version is up on FF.net, and, naturally, it still won't accept my page breaks. FUUUU-
I'll try again later.
Very interested in how this will go.