Chapter 4: Passing of Power
The night following leaving the inn, the group sat around a campfire. Pabumon was asleep on Joseph’s shoulder. With the exception of Joseph and Alyss, everyone else had been asleep, but there wasn’t a peep between the 2. Finally, Joseph looked up at Alyss and Spoke. “Can… Can I ask you something?” Alyss, caught off guard, looked up from tending the fire. “Yeah, what’s up?”
“That Kokuwamon… You genuinely felt bad for doing what you did?” Alyss looked back down to the fire, using a stick to stir the embers beneath the pile of kindling. “Of course I do… The digimon here are alive. They’ve got feelings and friends…”
“But he tried killing us.” Alyss shrugged. “He wasn’t doing it for no reason. He was hurt, and confused.”
“And that Knight Chessmon? He wasn’t exactly hurt or confused by us when he got there.”
“I…” Alyss trailed off before sighing. “I know that we’re going to face digimon that won’t back down even if we are able to overwhelm them. But I’m still not going to be happy taking a digimon’s life.” Joseph sat there, watching Alyss as she poked the embers. “What if one does something extremely unforgivable?”
“Like what?” Joseph looked around caught off guard by the follow up. “I… I don’t know… what if one hurts Van? He seems to be important to you.”
“Then… I’m not sure. To be honest I’m not sure one could take him out at this point,” Alyss said with a small chuckle. Joseph shook his head. “Alyss, I think-”
“Joseph…Please… I don’t want to imagine something happening to people I care about. Not Van, not Betamon, not even you 3.”
“So you care about us-”
“We’ve been travelling together for at least a couple of days. Don’t get me wrong, I am furious,” Alyss said glaring at Joseph, “that you did what you did to those Kokuwamon. They didn’t deserve that at all, and I don’t even know if they’re the only ones you idiots attacked.” Joseph turned away, trying to escape Alyss’s gaze. “That said, you were confused. You won’t do that again, right?” Alyss leaned towards Joseph as she said it. He began to look uncomfortable. “Of course not… Once this little guy grows back into Kodokugumon… if he does… we’re going to fight only when necessary. I don’t wanna lose him again.” Alyss nodded, turning back to the campfire, which was dying out slowly. “Good. I won’t lie… I’m not sure what I’d have done if you didn’t agree.”
“Well… that Guardromon terrified me. It nearly killed me, and it did kill Kodokugumon… It also could’ve killed Ben and David. If you and Van hadn’t come along…” Alyss shook her head. “We led the Kokuwamon to you though. If we didn’t come along you probably would’ve kept on your way-”
“Until some other big ass champion or worse came along and ended us for being idiots,” Joseph interrupted. “Sure, you coming along put us in danger at that moment, but you didn’t hesitate to get between Guardromon and us.”
“YOU MEAN THESE IDIOTS LED THAT GUARDROMON TO US?!” Alyss and Joseph didn’t notice Ben wake up, as he began to yell. “Quiet do-”
“Don’t tell me to quiet down,” Ben yelled at Joseph. “These idiots almost got us killed, and we’re traveling with them like it's no big deal?” Alyss began to shrink a bit as Ben was yelling, before Van punched him across the face, knocking him back slightly, having closed in on him during his yelling. “Shut up. Listen to me, I don’t know what you’re yelling about, but I’ll tell you this. It’s night, and I’d rather avoid a hostile digimon showing up while we’re trying to sleep.” Ben rubbed his cheek, which was already beginning to swell. “I’m done with all of you. You wanna be with 2 people who almost got you killed so be it. Enjoy your new friends. C’mon Tommy,” Ben said gesturing for Mushroomon to follow him as he turned away. “Ben wait-” Joseph said. Ben simply raised his middle finger, walking off, Mushroomon running behind him. “Sorry,” Alyss said quietly. “It’s fine, we’re better off without him,” Van responded, moving back to laying down. David looked over to Alyss, confused, as he was still half laying down. “Whats goin on?”
“Ben left,” Joseph said quietly. “I heard that… somethin about leading a Guardromon to us?”
“We…” Alyss began… “The Guardromon that tried to kill you 3 was a Kokuwamon you had beaten. I led it to y’all so you could apologize and maybe make amends. I didn’t even think the Kokuwamon would want revenge… I should’ve but…”
“But you gave it the benefit of the doubt… It’s fine. Ben is an adult. He can make his own decisions afterall,” David said, yawning before leaying his head back on Gaosmon. “Anyway, I’m goin back to sleep. Wake me if you need me…” Joseph moved next to Alyss and put his hand on her back, but she simply moved away. “Sorry… Just not right now.” Joseph nodded, before returning to his spot.
The next morning, any sign that Ben was with the group was gone, the tracks he left being extremely light. “We should head on,” Van suggested unbothered by the smaller group. Alyss simply nodded, and David let out a loud Yawn. “I’m ready to get movin myself.” As Joseph walked over to the group, the creature on his shoulder wasn’t a Pabumon. Instead was a small pink blob, with brown nails. It was still sleeping on his shoulder. “Oh hey, a Motimon,” Van said fairly casually. Joseph turned to his shoulder, to see the pink blob. “Pabumon digivolved over night? That’s good… He’ll be a Kodokugumon again in no time.” The group nodded along, before starting to move. Not long into the walk, David called for the group to stop, turning around. “Alyss, did you sleep last night,” He asked, looking over her as she finally caught up. “Yeah… I got like 2 hours and-”
“Only 2? You said you were going to sleep around the same time I was,” Joseph interrupted. “Someone had to keep watch and-”
“You should’ve woken me up,” Van jumped in, his voice stern but worried. “Not even 2 days ago you couldn’t walk. What are we going to do if that happens again?” Alyss simply shrugged. “You feel bad that he left, don’t you,” Van leaned in, watching as his friend avoided his gaze. “It’s our fault… Of course I’m bothered. He could be in danger and-”
“And he’s got Tommy,” David butted in. Alyss, clenching her fists as everyone kept interrupting, beginning to aggravate her. “Can I get one thought out without you all jumping down my throat?”
“No,” The 3 said in unison, “not until you understand the issue here,” Van added. “Sorry everyone… If I knew she was going to be up that late I’d have tried to get her to sleep sooner…” Betamon’s voice was full of worry, as he stared down to avoid eye contact. “That isn’t your responsibility,” Joseph responded calmly. “Alyss is an adult-”
“With documented insomnia. I struggle sleeping, it’s fine-” Alyss said, storming past everyone. “Now let's get moving, we’re just wasting time here. The 3 shook their heads at each other, following after her. Betamon clung tight to Alyss’s back. “Are you going to be okay Alyss?”
“I’ll be fine Betamon,” She said, turning to smile at him. “You know me, I function well on no sleep.”
“You need sleep though…” Alyss just lightly patted his head, smiling softly. “I’ll sleep later.”
“How long did you follow him?” Van said, catching up to Alyss easily. “I don’t know what you-”
“I woke up at night. Saw you gone. Figured you followed after him to see where he went to, if not catch up to him.” Alyss turned her head away and sighed. “I walked for 30 minutes following him… He didn’t stop at all during that time so… I have no idea where he’s at.” Van simply nodded. “I knew you wouldn’t leave him to his own devices. Alyss, he walked away-”
“And it’s stupidly dangerous. He could be killed and-”
“And that’s his decision,” Van said sternly. “You could’ve been killed following him, without Betamon even with you. Just be-” The loud footsteps approaching them interrupted Van, as his gaze shot forward. From through the trees, the large robot figure, coated in black and green metal was clearly visible. Its arms ended in 3 barrel-like fingers, and it had antennae on its head. “Wait… that’s a Rook Chessmon,” Alyss said, hiding behind a tree. Van followed suit, confused. “So?”
“It’s an ultimate. We can’t fight that with just 2 champions,” Alyss said, gesturing for Joseph and David to hide. “Humans,” the voice boomed. “I know you are within the forest. Reveal yourself to me and it will be quick.” Alyss and Van turned to each other. “We can at least knock him over and retreat,” Van said, pulling his phone from his pocket. Alyss did the same. “Agumon!”
“Betamon!” They both yelled in unison. The area bathed in light, as Geogreymon stood tall. Betamon stood next to Geogreymon confused. Alyss was low to the floor, breathing heavily. “What the…” Betamon bounced over to Alyss, as Geogreymon let out a blast of fire at the Rook Chessmon. “Alyss what’s wrong?”
“I’m suddenly… feeling extremely drained…” Joseph ran over to the tree Alyss was behind, lifting her up. “Well then we gotta move-”
“What about… Geogreymon…”
“He’s attacking, let’s go,” Joseph said, starting to run. “Why… am I suddenly tired again…”
“A mystery for later,” Joseph responded, Betamon chasing after.
Van stood behind Geogreymon, clenching his fists. “Gaossmon let’s help out,” David said, standing next to Van. The area softly bathed in red light. “Gaossmon, digivolve!” As the light cleared, where Gaossmon stood, was now a large t-rex, its hide red with Green spines along the back, and easily standing just shorter than Geogreymon. “Tyranomon, do it!” Tyranomon let out a roar, before shooting out a fireball, supporting Geogreymon. “You can digivolve Gaossmon too?”
“Never tried before… Glad it worked,” David said smirking. Van sighed, shaking his head. “Well, he’s being pushed back, let's go!” Van said, starting to run back. David nodded, following, with Geogreymon and Tyranomon close behind. “Get back here humans…” The footsteps were loud and heavy, but slow. As everyone grouped up, everyone began to slow down, with Van and David having quite labored breathing.. “Think we lost him,” David asked, panting. The footsteps were distant, but closing in. Joseph looked around, seeing David and Van start to lean against trees to catch their breath, Tyranomon and Geogreymon shrinking down into Gaossmon and Agumon unexpectedly. “That’s… That’s not… good,” David said between heavy breaths. As the footsteps continued to approach, the sound of armored footsteps could be heard coming from the opposite direction. “You’ve gotta be kidding,” Joseph said, not sure which way to run. An armored figure stepped through the brush, tall and in full plate. They had a large gold and silver greatsword, and purple cloth from the bottom of their chestplate, the chestplate itself adorned with a red bird-like symbol. Behind them, was another of the same figure. “K…Knightmon?” Alyss said, breathing heavily. “Humans! Get behind us,” they said, holding their sword in the direction of the Rook Chessmon. “These damn Chessmon keep showing up and it is getting annoying.”
“Hold up chief,” a small voice said from behind. Stepping out was a much smaller figure, almost completely round, their armor seeming to include the helmet in its design. It had 2 long thin arms, each of which holding extravagant rapiers. “Why are there humans here?”
“Gladimon,” David said, still trying to catch his breath. “We were chased… by a Rook Chessmon…”
“But why here? This isn’t Ranamon’s-”
“Enough Gladimon,” A Knightmon said, stepping past them. “It is our duty to protect the common folk. Human and Rookie digimon alike,” The Knightmon said, nodding towards the group as it walked past, its companion Knightmon following suit. “Rook Chessmon,” The lead Knightmon called out. “Return to your king and remind him that you are banned from our territory, lest a war break out between us.” The foot steps stopped approaching. “Humans must be eliminated, per order of-”
“I care not what your king demands. This is not his territory and not his call to make. Leave at once,” the Knightmon said, pointing the tip of their blade in the direction of Rook Chessmon, “Or let your data create a more fertile earth.” There was a moment of silence, before the sound of heavy footsteps heading away from the group echoed, slowly growing quieter. “Damn Chessmon think they rule the world. Now then,” The Knightmon turned to the group. “What are you humans doing out here? And why are you so exhausted?”
“Well,” Joseph started, “The Rook Chessmon started chasing us. Alyss here went to digivolve Betamon and started to collapse. Van and David then had their partners digivolve, and well… Then when they started running, so… Now we’re exhausted.”
“And the reason you’re here?” Joseph looked between David and Van, before turning back. “Like in the digital world or…”
“In our territory,” Gladimon interrupted. Knightmon turned to glare at Gladimon, before turning back. “Well… We ended up here on our way to the village of beginnings. We want to meet up with any Tamers that might be there, but looks like we might need a rest before we keep moving that way.” Knightmon crosses their arms, looking down at the tamers. “Come with us then. You can rest in the academy, and even do a bit of training if you’re interested.” Van clenched his fist. “Training? I’m definitely in… I’m tired of not being able to fight champions.” Knightmon chuckled. “That’s the spirit.”
The academy was visible before arriving at the gates, even with the trees. The large building was reminiscent of a castle from European history, the large brick ramparts keeping out unwanted visitors. At the gate were a large green reptilian creature with light leather armor, and a large greatsword on its back. Opposite it from the large doors was a samurai, with purple skin. They wore red ceramic armor with soft cloth underneath, and a purple feathery cloak on the back. Their right foot wore a sock and sandal, but their left foot was exposed and had red talons. The Knightmon saluted the 2 as they approached. “A Dinohumon… and a Musyamon?” Alyss said, hanging onto Joseph's shoulder and walking alongside him as opposed to being carried. Knightmon nodded. “They were Kotemon that studied here.” Alyss’s face lit up, as if she had a realization. “Wait… So Kotemon… Do they digivolve-”
“Based on the style they find comfortable as a swordsman,” Knightmon interrupted. “If you’d like to learn more, I’d happily discuss it in the academy.” Alyss smiled, nodding. The door opened, allowing the group in. As they walked in, the grounds were separated into multiple groups. A large collection of digimon wearing protective gear, swinging bamboo swords in direction with a digimon at the head of each group. “While we do accept non-Kotemon within our academy, they are the ones that spend the most time here. If you’d like to learn, simply find an instructor that will take you, they should be willing to provide gear as needed.”
The bedroom that the group had been led to had 10 beds in it, each with a foot locker at the end of the bed. “Feel free to use this room for as long as you’re at the academy. We’ve set it specifically for you, so as long as we don’t get an overflow of students you shouldn’t have to worry about sharing.” Knightmon gave a light bow and exited the room. Alyss threw herself into a bed, Betamon jumping up with her, and cuddling against her. “We really need to figure out why digivolving is so exhausting,” Alyss said, turning to Van. “You slept for 2 hours. Of course you got exhausted from the exertion,” he replied matter of fact. Van sat in the bed next to Alyss, putting his arms on his knees as he leaned forward. “You were exhausted too,” Alyss said. “I know running doesn’t tire you out that much. Even David,” Alyss said gesturing to David as he sat on the floor petting Gaossmon. “He was exhausted too. There has gotta be a link between digivolution and these exhaustion spells.”
“Even if there is,” Van responded. “You need to start taking sleeping seriously. I know you’re an insomniac, but you shouldn’t be forcing yourself to stay up for hours at a time. You need to get whatever rest you can.” Van turned to Joseph, who was taking the bed opposite Alyss’s from Van. “Listen. This goes for both of you,” Van said pointing at David and Joseph. “You need to make sure she gets some sleep, or she will stay up for a day or 2 without trying. Especially if she’s able to learn about digimon,” Van sighed as he finished. “I don’t want to learn any of the sword styles, but I might see if they let me spar with them anyway. Could be good.”
“I’ll learn how to use a sword,” Agumon said cheerfully. Alyss couldn’t help but chuckle. “You want to become a BushiAgumon?” Agumon just looked confused at Alyss as she chuckled more. “Do you… not know what a BushiAgumon is?” Agumon shook his head. “Well,” Alyss said before Van interrupted. “It’s an Agumon in a yukata with a top knot, eyebrows, and a katana.” Agumon nodded as Van spoke. “That sounds really cool though… Whats a Yukata?” Alyss’s chuckle became a laugh. “Sorry, sorry… Basically it’s a style of clothing. It-”
“Not interested,” Agumon said laying back. “Can I get some grub though? I’m starving Van…” His stomach grumbled as he rested his claws on it. Van pulled out his digivice, and with a few taps the meat appeared in his hand. “Here you go buddy,” Van said, handing him the meat. “We’re going to have to find a steady food supply,” Alyss commented as her laughing subsided. Joseph and David both nodded. “Or a bits supply to afford food when we get to the area the Tamers are at,” David added. Everyone sighed. “Which means a job,” Alyss added. “Ya know, I was excited to be in the Digital World so I wouldn’t need to work full time,” Van said staring at his Digivice.
The group rested for the day, with only Van leaving the room. When he came back, he seemed annoyed, his clothes clearly a little more worn than when he left. “You okay Van,” Alyss asked as he sat down. “I cannot explain to you how painful it is not being able to fight.”
“You did talk often about fighting a Devimon. I guess us being here just made us regular people,” Alyss said sighing. David and Joseph both looked curiously. “W…what do you mean regular people?” Joseph couldn’t help but ask, the question lingering in the air. “You’d think we’re crazy,” Alyss responded, with a wave of the hand. “Try us,” David said. Van held up his hand, shaking his head. “Let’s just leave it at the digital world isn’t the only dimension out there, and we’ll explain more later. Okay?” Joseph just blinked, but David shrugged and laid in his bunk. “Works for me.”
“You’re a very easygoing guy David,” Alyss said watching him lay back. “We’re in a world made of digital information, on an adventure with partners that we’ve had in digivices for years, at an academy that trains lizards how to use swords. You could tell me that you’re from some kind of fantasy world of magic and I wouldn’t even be able to doubt you with everything going on.” Van and Alyss turned to each other and began laughing. “What is so funny,” Joseph interrupted. “That’s not exactly far off the mark,” Van responded, still laughing. Joseph sighed, rubbing his temples. “Yup, I don’t want to know anymore. Just going to… lay here,” Joseph said holding Motimon against him. As he did, Motimon began to glow, his size increasing. “W…wait-” Joseph said trying to lift Motimon. Before he did, Motimon took the familiar form of Kodokugumon, becoming too heavy for Joseph to lift in his position. “Oof-” he cried out as the large spider landed on his chest. Alyss rushed over, helping Kodokugumon move off Joseph. “S…sorry Joseph,” the spider said. “I didn’t know I was going to digivolve or I’d have moved,” the spider said, tapping its extended talons together. “It's… It's okay buddy… I’m just glad to have you back.” With night falling, everyone decided it was time to lay down, sleeping in the beds.
With darkness flooding the room, Alyss slowly moved out of bed, towards the door. As she gently opened it, a hand reached from behind her to close it. “Where are you going,” David’s voice softly said behind her. She jumped a small bit, turning to face the large man. “I… uh… a… a walk?” David sighed. “You’re not great at lying are you?”
“Not when I’m sta… I mean I’m not lying,” Alyss said interrupting herself. David leaned in close, whispering quieter. “Then let me join you.” Alyss turned lightly red but sighed. “Fine… But you need to move so I can open the door. David backed up, allowing Alyss to open the door for the both of them. It didn’t take long for them to reach the training grounds, now empty save for the occasional passing digimon on patrol. As they got to the fields, Alyss laid on her back, looking up at the silver moon in the sky, the stars behind it shining beautifully. She removed the tinted glasses she wore, admiring the sky. “Thought you said a walk,” David playfully scolded, sitting next to her. “We walked to get here, didn’t we?”
“So Alyss,” David said, looking up to the sky. “What is on your mind right now? We got to spend last night under the moon, and will likely be spending the next few there as well, so I can’t imagine you wanted to just come see the moon.”
“Actually…” Alyss said, pausing. “I did. The moon calms me. It’s nice, like someone is watching over me, ya know?” David looked at Alyss confused. Alyss let out a sigh. “Ever since I was a kid, if I was ever struggling at night, I’d sneak out and go look at the moon. I’d gotten yelled at multiple times for it, but… It always was a calming presence to me. In fact I used to sneak out to the beach at times, and with the waves, the moon reflecting on the water, and just the peaceful view… Everything felt right.” There was a moment of silence. “I guess it's just hard to explain…”
“It centers you,” David said, finally speaking up. “You find it to be a constant reminder that there is peace in the world.” Alyss nodded. “That’s a good way to put it.” David shrugged. “I’m sure a lot of people have that kind of reminder. Is this why you’re an insomniac? Need to look at the moon often?” Alyss shook her head. “While those are… weirdly related, they’re not entirely so.” David shrugged. “Just… Lets not stay out too late. At the very least, you need to get some rest. Maybe while we’re here we can test out digivolving and see how exhausting it really is? Maybe it's something that we can even lessen the strain of with practice,” David said, watching Alyss. Alyss jumped up quickly. “That's it! Oh David I could… nevermind, I’m not going to finish that thought,” Alyss said, turning away. “Digivolving… Why didn’t I think of that earlier!”
“Glad I could give you the help… of whatever I did,” David said looking up to the moon. “I’ll need to test some theories… Lets get some rest, tomorrow will be a busy day!” Alyss said, practically running back inside. David chuckled, jumping up. “Yeah, sounds about right for her,” he said dusting himself off before following behind her.
The next morning, David woke up and in the room was just himself, Gaossmon, Joseph, and Kodokugumon. “Hey where are-”
“He went out to train, and she said ‘now to test my idea,’ which could mean anything I think.” There was a moment of silence, Gaossmon’s snoring the only noise in the room. “David,” Joseph began. “You mentioned you wouldn’t be surprised about them being from a fantasy world-”
“Like I said. We’re in a world of data. Plus, did you see her eyes and ears?” Joseph stopped for a moment. “Wait…”
“Her ears are long and pointy, and the whites of her eyes are black with tiny white specks. If she’s a normal human she went through a lot of unnecessary surgery.” Joseph just stared past David as he thought about it. “I… I did not think about this at all.”
“Clearly. Does it bother you?”
“A bit. Think about it, less than a week, we’ve been pulled into a digital world, almost killed, saved, and all this time travelling with at least 1 non-human non-digimon? It’s gotta bother you a bit-” David held up his hand. “It doesn’t. What matters is who she is, not what. I’m sure Van isn’t exactly from our earth either with the way he approaches digimon. Think about it, what human would willingly jump into a fight with a Knight Chessmon?”
“I mean, I know a few people who-”
“Would not have been able to hold their own. Those moves were practiced. You don’t just practice fighting a horse without a really good reason. Especially a Centaur, I picture thats a very different kind of fight.”
“Okay but that doesn’t explain why you’re not bothered.” Joseph said, staring down David. David simply shrugged, looking up at the ceiling. “Simple. They’re kind. They aren’t trying to hurt us, and if anything want to help us. Deep down even if they aren’t fundamentally humans like us, they’re still people. I got no problems with anyone who helps others when they don’t stand to gain anything.” David smiled looking over to Joseph, who just sighed and shook his head. “No… No you’re right. Thanks Man… We should go find what they’re up to. Maybe it’ll be something we can help with?”
“That’s the spirit,” David responded with a thumbs up and smirk.
It didn’t take long for them to find Van, he was currently in a fighting tournament the Kotemon were holding. He was holding his own, but it was clear he was taking some bad hits during it. “Van,” David said as they approached. “Any idea where Alyss is?” Van just gestured off to the side, watching the match. “Last I saw her, she was going that way, something about a theory about evolution.”
“And you didn’t want to follow in case something happened?” Van shrugged in response. “She’s smart enough not to leave on her own, so in the true worst case one of the guards will see what happened and be able to assist.” David and Joseph just looked between each other, before turning to walk away. “Good luck in the tournament Van,” Gaossmon said, turning to follow David. Van simply held up a thumbs up.
Continuing in the direction Van pointed in, it didn’t take long to find Alyss. She was currently against the border wall, heavily panting, with Betamon next to her, also resting. David and Joseph ran over seeing her against the wall, with Gaossmon and Kodokugumon close behind. “What happened,” Joseph said lightly panicked. Alyss waved her hand, dismissing Joseph’s concern. “Just… testing… theory… I’m fine… Betamon?” Betamon let out a small chirping noise. “Yup, we’re good.”
“What happened though-” Alyss held up a hand and took a deep breath, before letting out a sigh. “Well… I was testing with Betamon… and had him digivolve multiple times to test… the energy drain of… phew… digivolution…” David nodded along, while Joseph just watched, slightly panicked. “After 3 digivolutions… I’ve concluded… that I… am exhausted,” Alyss said, her response met with David laughing as Joseph sighed. “Y…Yes Alyss,” Joseph responded. “That is fairly clear.”
“But so is Betamon,” Alyss responded. “Though he got tired sooner than I did. When we tried to digivolve a 4th time… That was when we both were extremely exhausted… Do y’all have water?” David moved over and slipped his arms under Alyss lifting her. “Not on us, but it might be better to bring you to the water than bring it to you.” Alyss sighed leaning her head back. “Right… sounds good.” Gaossmon walked over to Betamon. “Joseph can you help Betamon onto my back?” Joseph just sighed and nodded, helping lift Betamon onto Gaossmon’s back. “She’s too reckless,” Joseph whispered to himself as he stood up fully. “What was that?” Gaossmon said, turning to Joseph. “Nothing,” he replied dismissively. “Lets go get them some water.
Asking around a bit, there was a water fountain in the castle with some cold fresh water. As they got to the silver wall mounted fountain, David just blinked a few times. “Ya know, I know I’m the one whose been fairly calm about all this,” he started, “But a school drinking fountain in a castle really does confuse me.” Alyss laughed as David placed her on her feet so she could drink some of the water. It was cold, Alyss unable to resist a long sigh of relief after drinking. “We need to get Betamon up here for some water too.” Alyss leaned against the wall next to the fountain, gesturing. David picked up Betamon, holding him over the fountain as Alyss hit the button. As the water began to splash on Betamon, his eyes shot open and he opened his mouth, drinking whatever he could. Alyss and David chuckled as Joseph watched on. “So did you find anything other than just that you were exhausted?” Joseph stared at Alyss quizzically as she held the button for the fountain. “Sure. First off, I can digivolve Betamon 3 times if I’m rested, though it will deplete our energy fairly quickly. Secondly, it seems to exhaust both of us, not just 1. While the amount of time Betamon stays in the form has some effect on the exhaustion, what he does in it only really affects him.” Alyss paused to take a breath. “In some Digimon media they reference that being paired with a human is what allows a digimon to digivolve, and especially what allows them to de-digivolve. So… I’m wondering if maybe the energy needed to digivolve is something that we both supply?”
“But if that's the case,” Joseph retorted, “Shouldn’t I have been tired from Kodokugumon becoming a Motimon and a Kodokugumon? I wasn’t anymore exhausted than I already had been in those moments.” Alyss tapped her chin. “I’m not sure… Without experiencing it-”
“What about the fact that Betamon couldn’t digivolve even though he had rested well? Surely that should have been fine,” Joseph continued. “Well maybe it’s shared and-”
“Not to mention that Van was just as exhausted as you when you both got here, but only you were the one to collapse from exhaustion after digivolving.” Alyss stared at Joseph for a moment before sighing. “I mean… I don’t have all the information, this is just a short bit of data so…”
“Its something,” David said cheerfully. Betamon began pushing away from the fountain, so Alyss released the button and David placed Betamon down. Betamon smiled up at Alyss. “Should we try again?” Alyss shook her head. “No, I think we need to rest for a while. We got some good information today, I don’t want to push ourselves much harder.” Betamon nodded, and sat against Alyss’s leg. “So now what,” David said, looking between Joseph and Alyss. “What’s Van doing,” Alyss asked, looking down to Betamon. “Van’s in a tournament with some other digimon,” Joseph jumped back into the conversation. “We should be watching!” Alyss bent over to pick up Betamon, but David stepped over lifting Betamon. “C’mon, we both know you’re still tired.” Alyss side-eyed David, stepping towards the entrance. “Maybe… Anyway let’s go! We should be cheering Van on!”
Everyone followed behind Alyss, rushedly walking towards the large gathering of Kotemon. As they got there, Van was stepping into the circle, a Kotemon stepping in across from him. “Lets go Van! You can win this!” Van turned and gave a thumbs up with a smirk to the group, before lifting his fists up level with his chest, one outstretched, his right foot forward. A Knightmon in the arena between Van and the Kotemon lifted its hand. “Clean hits only! No intentionally aiming for the face! And…” A moment of silence. Without warning, the Knightmon dropped his hand, stepping back, and yelling “begin!” As the Kotemon swung their kendo stick downwards, Van sidestepped, pivoting and landing his foot into the chest of the Kotemon, knocking them back. “That’s 1!” Knightmon shouted, stepping back into the ring. The Kotemon began taking a few deep breaths, clenching their kendo stick, taking up their position. Van got into his stance again, breathing softly. “Ready…” Knightmon began, lifting its hand. “Begin!” Knightmon again shouted, stepping back. Kotemon paused, holding its kendo towards Van. Van began to sway a bit, the Kendo’s tip following his movements. Van smirked. He stuck a foot forward, the Kotemon swinging horizontally for Van’s leg. Van pivoted back, letting the Kotemon finish their swing, Van’s left foot now being forward. Kotemon began to step slowly to close the distance. Kotemon jumped forward, holding the Kendo out forward. Van simply stepped inward, slightly to the right, following through and kicking Kotemon in the torso again, knocking them back. “That’s 2! Next, Match Point!” Knightmon shouted, stepping into the arena. Kotemon’s grip on the kendo tightened. Van took a deep sigh stepping back to his starting position. Kotemon stepped back to the starting area, Knightmon standing between them. “Ready…” Knightmon stared between the 2. This moment seemed to go on for even longer. “Go-” As Knightmon stepped back, the area bathed in light. Van jumped to the side, feeling something off. As the light cleared, Kotemon was digivolved, a Dinohumon now, having swung its greatsword into Van’s starting area cleaving the ground. “Wait-” Knightmon began to step forward but Van held his hand out. “This is what I want to train for… Let me have this,” Van said confidently. “Sides… He wants this too. Don’t you big guy,” Van said, staring down the Dinohumon. Dinohumon simply nodded, leveling the greatsword towards Van. Agumon stepped in front of Knightmon, his arms crossed. “Van can do this,” he said, nodding. Knightmon looked worried, but simply nodded. “Fine, the match continues.” Van stared forward at the blades that coated Dinohumon. “Not so easy for a human to win this fight now, is it?” Dinohumon began to swing wildly, moving towards Van. Van began to step back, thinking. “Well?! Which will it be? Cut up or ring out?” Dinohumon continued moving forward, pushing Van towards the Ring. “Alyss,” David said inquisitively. “Does he really have any options here?” Alyss, covering her mouth watching. “I… I’m a digimon expert… Van is the fighter. But… I trust him,” she said warily. David simply put a hand on her shoulder and smiled. “You’re right. He’s got this. Shall we?” Alyss nodded, as they yelled out in Unison. “Go Van!” Joseph just shook his head. As Van’s back foot began to touch the ring’s edge, the sword passing him by, he dropped down low, and jumped forward, a straight jab into Dinohumon’s chest. Dinohumon reached forward in an attempt to stop Van, but seemed to stop. Van made contact, and Agumon shouted “Match Point!” Dinohumon let out a loud yell, leveling his Greatsword. “I’m… I’m not-”
“You are done.” The voice was grizzled, much older. The entire crowd broke into whispers, as a large figure stepped out of the castle. The figure stood about 15 foot tall, and had 2 katana like blades that seemed to take sharp turns near the Habaki and then again at the tip. Its Black armor was lined with red, and its helmet had silver hair coming from the edges. “G…Gaiomon,” a Knightmon said, taking a Knee. “Dinohumon. You are done, lest you choose to challenge me.” The figure approached the arena slowly, but methodically, as if no movement were wasted. “But this human-”
“Has achieved the 3 points to win. Did he not?”
“I wanna fight him still,” Van said, stepping toward Gaiomon. Silence fell across the crowd, Gaiomon continuing to approach. “Oh? Do you find your victory unsatisfactory? I believe you had 1 more match to win the tournament did you not?”
“Yes, but… I’m here to fight better. So I want to fight Dinohumon, an actual challenge.” Gaiomon began to laugh. “It has been many moons since I last met a human with such… Determination,” Gaiomon said, finally stopping his advance. “And what of you little Agumon? Do you wish this human fight in your place every time?”
“No, we fight together,” Agumon said, running up next to Van. Gaiomon stabbed his blades to the ground, continuing to step forward. “Interesting… A challenge then.” Gaiomon’s voice was low. “Give me a fight to remember,” Gaiomon said, his presence alone dominating the area as he paused. “You will be rewarded properly with something only I hold.” Van smirked. “Fine, lets do this-”
“But you will do so without Agumon, human.” Agumon raised his claws, angrily. “Hey, we fight together-”
“Yes, but my gift will be for the human alone. So my fight is with the human alone.” Van put his hand on Agumon’s head. “It’s fine Agumon. I have a good feeling about this.” Agumon stepped back, sighing. “But we’re a team…” Van smiled at Agumon. “It's true we are. That's why next tournament you’ll fight and I’ll coach.” Agumon nodded, huffing slightly. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, stepping away. Van stepped into the ring, Gaiomon standing across from him. “We won’t be doing points or anything like that,” Gaiomon said. “We fight until one of us yields or loses consciousness. Does that sound fair?” Van chuckled. “Yeah. Beat a mega, that’s all.” Gaiomon’s laugh boomed across the lot, digimon gathering in a much larger crowd. “Alyss, what are his chances here?” Joseph said, turning to her. Alyss seemed lost in thought, staring at the field with worry coating her face. “Great,” Joseph said, turning back to the fight. “He’s gonna die.” Gaiomon raised his hand. “Let’s begin!” He called out. Van wasted no time running in and attacking the spots of Gaiomon not protected by Armor, his hand bouncing off the tough skin with no damage. “Come now human, surely you can hit harder than that,” Gaiomon said, leaning forward. Planting one foot, Van swung a kick up, hitting Gaiomon’s unguarded neck, still bouncing off the skin. Gaiomon reached out, pushing Van to his back with a finger. “Come now human, surely you can do better than that.” Van jumped up, continuing his assault on Gaiomon’s unarmored areas, though to no avail. “Maybe I overestimated you,” he said, sighing. “Fine then. I’ll just end this now,” Gaiomon said, pulling a fist back and swinging it forward to Van. Van planted his feet, catching Gaiomon’s fist, though he buckled beneath it, trying to roll the attack over his shoulder. As Gaiomon’s heels began to lift, he dug in, and pulled his fast back, Van falling as he was yanked with Gaiomon’s fist. “Interesting…” Van jumped up to his feet, stumbling a bit in the process. “C’mon…” Gaiomon began to step towards Van. “Tell me human, do you actually think you can win?” Van clenched his fists. “Fine then… I’m going to give you what you deserve… First however,” Gaiomon’s head turned toward Alyss, Joseph, and David. “Those are your friends aren’t they?”
“What are you…”
“It’d be a shame for them to watch you die,” Gaiomon said, holding his hand towards them. The glow of energy gathering in his hand was clear. “Wait, I thought this was just a friendly-”
“When did I say that?” Gaiomon’s voice boomed with rage. “Sir I-”
“Nobody asked you, Knightmon. Remember who is in charge,” Gaiomon interrupted the Knightmon as they spoke up. “Wait!” Van yelled out, moving between Gaiomon and his companions, though still below the growing energy. “Don’t hurt them… Let them leave.”
“Why should I? I can rid the digital world of some parasites right now. What do you have that makes you worth more than them?” Van looked up at Gaiomon, the question catching him off guard. “Well I…” Van stuttered trying to find an answer, before falling to his knees. “I don’t… I’m not worth more than-”
“Then why is your life worth theirs? 1 human verse 3? Surely you see the arrogance here,” Gaiomon said, the ball of energy growing more. “Please…” Van said quietly. “They haven’t done anything deserving of punishment. Let them live. I surrender, just don’t hurt them. I know I’m not worth them but-” With a flick of his finger, Gaiomon launched the energy into the sky, setting it off like a firework. “You pass,” Gaiomon said, smiling with his eyes. Van looked up confused. “What do you-”
“Human, do you understand how dangerous arrogance is?” Van shook his head. “Well yeah but-”
“You stood to me, a Mega without much hesitation. You should’ve fought more for Agumon to join you, even have digivolved him to Geogreymon. You should’ve asked for your friend’s assistance, though your female friend may be a bit too exhausted to help,” Gaiomon said, pointing at Alyss. “You should not have fought alone. However, you almost were able to turn my own strength against me. I was impressed with that, but I had to confirm a single thing before giving you your gift,” Gaiomon finished. Van looked up at him, confused. “I had to ensure you understood that there is nothing that makes any one person worth more than any other. The girl’s knowledge of digimon, your ability to fight, the large man’s athletic prowess. None of you are worth any more than the other.”
“Did… did he just not name-”
“Shh,” David interrupted. “I’d rather not anger the giant samurai lizard.” Gaiomon continued, putting his hand on Van’s shoulder, though it mostly hung off it. “For you, human, a gift.” Van began to glow with red energy, centering on the back of his hand. It began to take the shape of a dragon’s head, 2 long curled horns sticking from the top. “What is-”
“The seal of power,” Gaiomon said. “They are a boon to tamers, chosen by protectors of the digital world. Passed down among former partners.” Van stared up to Gaiomon, confused. “They grant benefits to the tamer, should they have the ability to synchronize with the seal.”
“And if they can’t,” Van asked, staring at his hand. “Then the seal devours them, their partner becoming the bearer to pass it to the next.”
“How many of these are there,” Alyss said, pushing through the crowd, staring at the back of Van’s hand, David trying to slow her down so Kotemon can move out of the way. Gaiomon simply stared in her direction, slowing her down. “I’m not entirely sure. However, I do know one thing. The seal of power… Be wary. Do not let its abilities consume you. Utilize them with humility and you will soar in your potential. Let it swallow you, and you shall be a blemish that the digital world will fight to cut out.” Gaiomon’s eyes began to glow red as he finished his warning, before returning to normal. “Now then,” Gaiomon said, moving towards the castle. “I think it's time everyone celebrated. I deem Van the winner of this tournament.” The group of tamers began patting Van on the back as they congratulated him. He held up his hand to stop them, turning towards Agumon. “Hey… I’m sorry buddy.” Agumon watched Van, slowly approaching him. “Gaiomon was right. I should’ve pushed harder for you to be by my side.” Van knelt down, holding his hand out. “Can you ever forgive me?” Agumon took Van’s hand, smiling. “As long as you’re willing to let me fight with you, for sure!” Van smirked, holding Agumon’s hand tight. “Consider it a deal-”
“Owowowowowwwww” Agumon complained, causing Van to let go. “Wait wha-”
“Van… That hurt… Why did you squeeze that hard?” Van looked down at his hand, the symbol slightly faded but visible. “I didn’t…”
“Its a seal of power,” Alyss chimed in. “I don’t think he meant to but… He’s going to have to practice some restraint. Otherwise he can hurt others and himself.”
“Talking from experience, eh?” Van said as he gestured to Alyss’s hands. Alyss put her hands behind her back staring to the side. “Yeah… I know what it’s like to have to get used to it…” Joseph looked between the 2. “What do you-”
“Her hands are damaged. She has to be very conscious of what she’s doing with them because they don’t have feeling,” Van commented. “If I don’t pay attention I can end up accidentally hurting someone by squeezing too hard, or I can damage my hand further if I’m squeezing something sturdier than my hands.” David gently patted his hand on Joseph’s back. “I’m sure we’ve got nothin’ to worry about with these 2.”
“You were never this easy going before we got here,” Joseph said, glaring at David, who shrugged in return. “And you were never this paranoid. See, we’re all growing,” David joked. Kodokugumon looked up to Joseph and smiled. Joseph couldn’t help but smile in return. “Yeah… Maybe.”
“Listen up,” Alyss spoke up. “I think we should spend a couple days here. Van needs to learn to control himself and the last thing we want is to risk coming across Chessmon while he’s learning that. He could hurt himself.” Van nodded in agreement. “She’s right. Maybe I can talk to Gaiomon about it too,” he said, staring down to the symbol on his hand. “For now though… Agumon has a tournament to win.” Van smirked down to Agumon, who was smirking in return. “Let's do it!”
