Clambering through the sands was the great battle ship known as Ex Vee', the Roman Numerals of XV' were marked upon its side

Keyo: Everything belongs to who it is meant to belong to. I won’t steal your stuff if you don’t steal mine.

On the topic of stealing stuff, there’s a reference in here that I will be seriously impressed if anyone, bar the person I put it in for, gets it.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Clambering through the sands was the great battle ship known as Ex Vee', the Roman Numerals of XV' were marked upon its side. Its body bore the shape of a battleship, but there were few who would find that as the most noticeable aspect of its appearance. Seven heads sat upon its prow, three upon each side in an upside down triangle formation, while the seventh sat as figurehead. Three heads possessed a graceful beauty, of an incomparable degree, while the other three were twisted, as if tortured and trapped in incomprehensible pain. The last, the figurehead, was a mix. One side was beautiful, smooth skin and glistening eyes with full lips and soft hair flowing back onto the deck, while the other side was twisted and burnt, an eye patch seemed to be nailed into place while its half of the lips were sewn shut with what looked like barbed wire. This half had its scalp shaved clean, and instead had thick pipes piercing the flesh and leading back into the ship like body.

Pipes were a large theme of the ship, all of them thick and sturdy, a gushing sound running through them. In places, the hazardous network had small ports built in to allow a crew member to check the flow, and if they were, they would see a thick red liquid rushing through, and only those with strong enough stomachs would dare tell you of the smell in created in the engine room. The whole ship moved gracefully on six pairs of lion legs, each adorned in glistening silver armour, creating a rattling which helped drown out the gasping breaths of the many heads as it moved. Flesh, scale, caprice, and eyes seemed to mix seamlessly with the steel that comprised the vessel, along with ten towering horns that jutted out from the deck, while pristine white wings could be seen folded up along the sides. Deep in the ships bowels, sharp grunts could be heard as Grademon ground his teeth together, suppressing any cries of pain. The golden warrior was strapped down to a metal table in what looked like a cross between a hospital room and a mechanics workshop, a metal bar ran between his legs as if trying to force them into a certain shape.

“Honestly, you pride types infuriate me to no end, chk.”

Stalking about the room in a bird like fashion was a dark clad figure, body masked beneath a long medieval overcoat, face hidden under a close worn, broad rimmed hat and behind a skeletal white mask, dominated by a large curved beak, the eyes obscured by circular red lenses. His hands were visible, and were thin, bony and unbelievably pale. One hand held a long, stern looking wooden cane, which was oddly pointed upward.

“Both of your legs shattered and instead of signalling for help, you insist on making matters worse by dragging yourself back through the canyon, getting completely lost, chk.”

“Hmph. As if you, who hides behind his freaks, could understand a warrior's pride!” The armoured Digimon barked in response.

“They are not freaks! Chk!” The black clad Digimon barked back, twisting the cane in his hands expertly to slam several blows into Grademon's legs. Stripped down of their heaviest armour, the blows caused Grademon to respond in the most verbal manner he would allow, with vicious death threats, the noise causing a light to spring up in a dark corner as a blue eye lit up and glared at the arguing pair.

“Oy oy…keep it down you two or…” The voice of Rapidmon spoke out from the gloom, the green warrior habitually stopping to allow his black partner to carry on the threat, and gave a grunt when he remembered his fate.

“Don't you start too, chk,” The masked figure glared back, swinging his cane around to point at the prone Digimon.

“Please calm yourself, Yersinimon,” a melodic voice floated into the room, accompanied by the light footfalls of the owner.

“Lord Pride!” Grademon and Rapidmon cried out in unison, Grademon even forgoing his usual hmph.'

Into the room strode a tall, humanoid Digimon. He easily made seven feet and his appearance certainly fitted him as the commander of XV, his whole attire following a mix of demonic and angelic as four black bat-like wings sprouted from one side of his back, while the other was blessed with four of white feather. His face, however, seemed mostly angelic, sharp handsome features and long blonde hair.

“Lucemon, chk,” Yersinimon curtly greeted, giving the winged Digimon glance before turning back to the tools that he had previously laid out upon a workbench.

“You will refer to Lord Pride with full respect filthy plague bringer!” Grademon roared at Yersinimon.

“And you will treat me with respect you idiotic ingrate! Chk!” The black Digimon returned, along with his complementary violence as he beat at Grademon's legs again.

“Please Doctor,” Lucemon moved to appease, his voice soft, melodious, bearing a certain tone that couldn't help but command attention, Grademon and Rapidmon instantly gave over their full attention to their Lord, while Yersinimon's reaction was to sharply turn around and point his stick under the Pride Lord's nose, his ruby lenses seeming to glimmer for a moment.

“Still thy silver tongue, I am deaf to its tones, chk,” The Doctor warned.

“As you wish,” Lucemon smiled in a fashion that was sickeningly pleasant before turning on heel and walking over to Rapidmon, turning on he over head lights to reveal the battered ultimate.

“My Lord, I am not worthy of your presence, especially having returned…defeated.” His head turned shamefully down.

“You're opponent did not give you the chance to die in battle,” Lucemon consoled, gently caressing the battered armour and severed joints. “Both of you were denied your pride, but as long as it is within my power, and you have the will to stand, I will see that you are able to reclaim it.”

“Thank you, sir,” Rapidmon seemed almost chocked up.

“Yersinimon, how long until they are fixed?” The Pride Lord asked of the dark Doctor.

“They'll be done when they're done, chk,” Yersinimon shot back, not even looking up from Grademon's legs, the warrior struggling to hold his tongue as Lucemon gave him a glance. “But don't worry, I sent an agent up ahead to keep track of your prey for you, as it seems some of your men have no sense of direction, chk.”

“Hmph! My pride is in my blades, not my map reading!” Grademon shot back.

“As if I care, chk.”

“Hmph!”

“Chk!”

“Hmph!”

“Chk!”

With a small wave, Lucemon decided to escape the argument and turned to leave. He had intended to ask Yersinimon about the reports both Grademon and Rapidmon had brought to him about Digimon capable of spontaneous evolution, but he decided it could wait. He was after all, a very patient Digimon.

As warm as the room had become upon his arrival, the air seemed to turn cold upon his departure.

As XV drew up to the mountain range, it proceeded to draw to a halt, before a its heads let out a wail, its wings fanned out and with a shudder, the lion's legs erupted, tearing apart as great spider legs burst out from within. Settling back down again, it began to use the changed limbs to climb through the canyons and mountain ways.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Of Blood and Binary

Chapter 41: Of Souls and Swords (Part 1)

Shadows Loom, a brief rest in Shanty Town!

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“Hold still!”

“I'm trying!”

In the sparse set up that functioned as the staff bathroom aboard the Trailmon, BB sat with towel around his waist as Vincent brutally assaulted his hair in an effort to remove the remains of the gunk and smell that remained tangled within.

“Honestly, how did you manage to get it in your hair!? I thought you were wearing a skull cap?” The older boy growled as he grabbed the showerhead and once more sprayed his companion down.

“The whole thing just sort of…blew up!” BB gesticulated wildly. “It's hardly my fault.”

“Well if it happens again don't trail it all into my kitchen okay?” BB grumbled his consent. “Now,” Vincent pulled out a fine metal comb, “this may hurt a bit.”

Crying out as the comb was once more pulled through his matted hair BB couldn't help but think that his armour coated partner had it easy.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Atop the rearmost of Trailmon's carriages, Bulletmon sat. His feet were looped through the top rung of the ladder that allowed them access as he stared back along the track, waiting for the force of the wind created by Trailmon's high speed to air blast the remains of the foul odour from his body.

“I think it is working, Lieutenant,” Bulletmon twisted his head around as he called over the roaring wind.

“I told you! Either call me Komodomon, or become my follower and call me Aniki'!” The red lizard cried back.

“I apologise,” Bulletmon bowed his head. “I shall endeavour to remember to call you Komodomon from now on.”

“Oh? Don't want to be my follower?”

“I cannot accept such an offer; it would have to be the decision of Kaiser.” His eyes, surrounded by the darkness of his helm, blinked. “By the way Komodomon, if I may be so bold as to ask, what are you doing up here?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Komodomon roared back. “I'm training!”

With the claws on his feet dug into the metal, Komodomon stood, boldly facing the wind and punching against it. Every so often, he would make hops around, often sliding back as he tried to move around while resisting the wind.

“That Grademon guy managed to kick all of our asses!” The red Digimon grunted. “I gotta make sure I can take him next time we meet.”

“But Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent was able to save us,” Bulletmon reassured.

“You don't have to call him by title…” Komodomon sighed into the wind. “That's not the point.” He resumed his loud calls and punches. “Vinnie was only just able to pull us out of the fire, that guy's at the ultimate level and I don't think you'll be becoming Panzermon again anytime soon, and who knows when we'll work out how I'm gonna evolve.” Komodomon's punches became faster and more furious. “So I'm gonna have to be able to beat him at the champion level! And if Vinnie can't use stat discs, then I'm just gonna have to get stronger!”

It's so screwed up though, Komodomon thought as he worked. In the game world, when trouble kicked up, Vinnie'd be all over it with the mod cards, boosting me up and giving me the gear I need. But over here he's pretty helpless…and yet he was still the one who had to save us! I need…I should be able to protect him and everyone else!'

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“A-WooooOOOooog!!” Trailmon called as he drew up to the station. Every carriage was full of motion as the transport Digimon was emptied. Once the last few passengers exited, and the last of the luggage was hauled off, the train like Digimon rolled on towards a set of sheds, pausing to have his carriages detached, carried away by a bulkier model of Trailmon, and the big toothed Digimon gave a sigh of relief and a small shake, relishing in the release of weight, before trundling onto the turn table and backing into one of the sheds, sinking down with a second sigh as he took to resting.

“Are we in Tsuyunoinochi now?” Komodomon asked as he and the rest of the crew disembarked from Trailmon's driver cabin.

“Does this tiny model of a town look like a prestigious city of a Lord?” Kotemon began in full pompous form, before a quieting hand was placed on his shoulder.

“Kotemon…” Yasyamon warned with a stern look.

“Sorry Sensei,” The short kendoist bowed his head, before extending the apologies to the others.

Why are these two even here?' Conductor Gazimon thought to himself. I didn't employ them.'

“So where are we then?” Komodomon asked as they stepped out into the town.

“This is Shanty,” Yasyamon explained. “It was originally an outpost village but when the Trailmon lines began to grow, it began to expand into a full town.”

“And we'll be staying here until tomorrow evening. Trailmon need to eat y'know,” Gazimon explained.

Looking over the mix of buildings, from run down sheds to full stone houses, to tents, all dominated by a five tier Pagoda, Vincent couldn't help but think of Fossil Town. It was the same, a town that just sprung up on its own, with no real concrete style or shape, just sprawling out, each building fitting the custom of whoever built it. The sense it gave off was so familiar that Vincent almost felt at home for the first time since arriving in the Digital World.

Komodomon, however, was right at home.

“Allllllll-Right! Civilisation!” He bounced as the group walked on towards the centre of the sheds where a rather ramshackle office building stood.

“You can go nuts later,” Gazimon cautioned as he led them on. “First, we have to check in and pick up our pay!”

“I thought we were just working off our one trip?” Vincent inquired, eye brow cocked.

“You kiddin'? It's not that expensive to go to Tsuyunoinochi, you guys worked it all off mid-way through day two! I just kept going because it's a pain in the ass to try and run the whole Trailmon by myself,” the grey furred Digimon chuckled.

“What…” BB growled darkly, causing the Virus type to gulp as the boy continued to talk, his speech punctuated by shudders. “You mean that…I had to do all that…put my hands in…get covered in…and… I WAS PAID UP AFTER TWO DAYS!!” For a few tense seconds, BB simply heaved, dragging in breaths as he seemed to be shuddering in a battle for control of his own will, before suddenly snapping again. “YOU'RE MINE!!” He cried, lunging for his employer, only to give out a gack' as Vincent caught his collar and pulled him back.

“Calm down BB,” he chided. “This way we managed to earn some money for ourselves.”

“I suppose you're right,” the boy huffed, and Gazimon let out a sigh of relief, before sucking it back in as BB shot him a killer look, conveying a single message. This isn't over.'

Entering the office, the first thing to strike the new comers was that the entire place was filled with Gazimon. Some were dressed as conductors and were checking pigeon holes, chatting with each other, or collecting mail bags, while others wore business suits, or business skirts and were working away at desks, either organizing files and reports, or monitoring the lines.

“Gazimon!” One of the desk bound Gazimon in a white blouse and black skirt called as the Trailmon conductor entered, waving over with a hand bearing well manicured, red painted, claws.

“Gazimon!” The conductor returned, bounding over and shaking his friend's hand, more of the employees taking notice of the arrival and rushing over to extend their own greetings.

“Hey Gazimon!”

“Gazimon!”

“How's it goin' Gazimon?”

“Gazimon, you old dog, it's been ages!”

Lifting his Digivice, BB prepared to scan the Digimon in the room, before Komodomon placed a warning hand on his wrist.

“These guys are driving me nuts enough as it is. If you fill up space with a scan of them as well, I will roast you in your sleep.”

“How was your trip Gazimon?”

“It was just fine Gazimon, no problems.”

“Snagged yourself some staff eh Gazimon?”

“You know it Gazimon.”

“So how's Gazimon doing Gazimon?”

“Doing about as well as Gazimon is Gazimon.”

A collective sigh went up from the non-Gazimon who were stuck watching the scene of mass greetings.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“Gonna by me a shirt!” Vincent sang.

“Gonna by him a shirt!” Komodomon sang back.

“It's gonna fit right!”

“It's gonna fit right!”

“Maybe one black…”

“Maybe one black…”

“Maybe one white…”

“Maybe one white…”

“Who cares about shirts?!” BB cried out, darting ahead of the group. “I'm going to go and find a toy store! Or a candy store! Or a…toy-candy store!”

Having finished enduring the trials of the local Trailmon office, the group of travellers bid their conductor fair well for now' as they set off to explore the town, planning on using their rest stop in order to do just that, rest. Of course, there were other things to be taken care of first.

“Nut-uh,” Vincent wagged a finger. “You've eaten enough sweet stuff to last you a good two months, and I don't think toys are gonna be very practical on a long journey.”

“Spoil sport,” BB proceeded to blow a raspberry at the older boy, before having his attention snared by Komodomon who waved him over to a shop window that seemed to be filled with a variety of shrunken heads, the pair being promptly joined by a curious, and poorly concealing it, Kotemon, and an anxious Bulletmon.

“This is the most relaxed I've seen you Vincent-san,” Yasyamon looked to the teenager.

“I guess all the work on the train gave me something else to focus on,” Vincent confessed. “It made for a nice distraction, and I really don't want to ruin our stop here by spending it sulking.” He gave a small sigh, running a hand through his hair. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't be lumping my worries on you. You've got enough to deal with.”

“It is quite alright, I assure you,” Yasyamon pacified.

“What are you planning to do about…y'know?” Vincent gave a small wave as means of gesticulation.

“I'm unsure,” Yasyamon bowed his head. “If I make a fuss here, then I may alert any spies in the Pride's forces to our location, but if I do not, there is a chance this town will be swept away as well.”

“This town isn't important in any way, is it?” Vincent asked, looking at the crowds of Digimon that surrounded them.

“Not strategically, no,” Yasyamon replied. “But it is a link to the Trailmon lines and there is a wealth of materials here for the taking, so it wouldn't be a loss to attack it…and besides, if we are here…”

Without realizing it, the two had come to stand back to back, the hairs on their necks standing upright as their eyes scanned the crowds, hands twitching, ready to strike, hidden away beneath their cloaks as they found their bodies pushing to be on full alert.

“Heh…all of a sudden all I can think of is where's the spy,'” Vincent confessed, sweat beginning to leak out for reasons other than heat.

“I know what you mean,” Yasyamon responded.

“Heh…it's made me all tense again,” Vincent tried to chuckle, looking up when Yasyamon let out a strained sigh.

“Yes…I suppose we're going to get paranoid standing around thinking like this,” The swordsman turned and clapped a hand upon the human's shoulder. “Go and buy your shirts, and I'll run an errand of my own. Then we'll meet up under the Pagoda. I know a place that will help us unwind.”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“Nemure?” Vincent quirked an eyebrow at the sign that hung from the Victorian style manor house.

“It's one of the best inns I know.” Yasyamon explained. “It may not be the fanciest, but it has good rates, good food, and most importantly…”

“A hot spring,” Vincent finished, receiving a querying look from Yasyamon. “I've read about this place before…in a story …back home…” Vincent explained, haltingly.

“Well, if the Digital World is made up from information from the real world, it shouldn't be too surprising to see familiar things here,” Komodomon reasoned.

“Hm.” Yasyamon sounded non-commital. “In any case, let us check in and then we can unwind in the hot spring and think matters over.”

“Sounds great,” Vincent grinned.

“Count me out,” BB crossed his hands in a sign of defiance. “That hot spring stuff is only ever in girly manga and stuff…”

“Suit yourself,” Yasyamon shrugged as he began to move in, shouldering his purchase, whatever it was, (a very long object wrapped up in a wealth of brown paper.)

“You're still gonna have to bathe,” Vincent cautioned before the rest followed.

The interior was largely what you would expect of a Victorian manner. Neatly wall papered walls, oak beams and staircases, plush red carpets, leather couches, and pictures on every wall and a healthy spattering of side tables supporting a variety of vases, each containing a different species of blooming flower.

“Phweee…” Komodomon let out, in lieu of a whistle. “This is some fancy digs. You sure we can afford this place?”

“They're rates are surprisingly good here,” Yasyamon led them towards the check-in desk. “I sometimes think the owner doesn't know anything about finance.”

Before he could even touch the call bell on the check in desk, a green monkey, like Digimon, clad in a leopard print toga, suddenly popped up from behind the counter.

“KO-NEE-CHEE-WA!” She cried in a cheery, sing-song voice.

“Waaaaah!!” The group reeled back in shock, save for Yasyamon who seamed unfazed.

“Hello Monmon, how are you today?” The swordsman, in a cheerier tone than any of the group had heard him use before, though as they all struggled to recover from the sudden surprise, they didn't quite notice.

“Ah! Yasya-chan, it's been so long since you last visited!” The little monkey Digimon seemed to be trying to scold him, but just sounded too cheery, her spiky ponytail bobbed as she vigorously nodded to herself. “Mmm, hmm. So long. I suppose you're wanting a room?”

“That would be nice.” Yasyamon produced a wallet from under his cloak. “We're just staying the one night.”

“Okie dokies!” Monmon beamed, snatching up the wallet and vanishing beneath the desk for afew moments, before reappearing and handing back the wallet and a room key. “Will you be using the hot-spring tonight?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Then I'll go and get towels ready for you! Take care Yasya-chan!”

And with that, she vanished beneath the counter again. Tentatively, Vincent and the rest stepped forward and peered over, finding it to be empty, and gave a sigh of relief.

“One more thing!” Monmon appeared again, once more sending the group screaming across the room. “Tonight's soup is Wild Potato Mushroom and Passion Eggplant!”

And with that, she was gone.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“Ahhhh…” Vincent sighed as he sank into the warm water. “Y'know…I've always wanted to try out a set of hot springs.” The youth gave a grunt as he stretched out before sinking low enough that the water came up to his chin. Though I never thought I'd visit one under such strange circumstances, or with such strange people,' He thought to himself.

At present, Yasyamon was lounging across from him, stripped down and wrapped in a towel naturally, but his mask remained on. Under the miniature, artificial waterfall, set up to run off of the springs water, Komodomon and Kotemon sat, the latter still in full kendo gear, allowing the hot water to cascade over themselves.

“What are you two doing anyway?” Vincent asked.

“Training!” They both barked at once.

“I won't lose to that Grademon again!” Komodomon cried out, clenching his claws into a fist.

“I can't allow some back-water lizard to be seen putting in more effort than an elite student such as myself!” Kotemon replied, lifting a soggy sleeve as if in defiance.

For a brief moment, the two passed a heated glare towards one another that seemed to funnel tension into the air, before it was dispelled as the two broke out in hearty laughter, slinging their raised arms around one another's shoulders and proceeding to break out in a chocking fit as they tilted their heads too far back and wound up swallowing a rush of hot water.

A silent look passed between Vincent and Yasyamon, before the latter began to speak.

“That reminds me.” The Swordsman began. “I was curious, how exactly are you and BB-San able to create that effect of rapid evolution?”

“I'm…not sure.” Vincent confessed, raising his right hand from the water to stare at it. “Back in the game world, I would just activate the programme and it would run from there…when Grademon attacked us…I can't remember what I did…before I could even think about it my hand was glowing and my Digivice was channelling the energy to make Komodomon Digivolve…I think.”

“You think?”

“We weren't exactly able to study how Digivolution worked before we came here,” Vincent continued. “So we aren't even really sure what happens, and how it affects us as partners…but we do believe that to Digivolve, the Digivice, that round thing I showed you, it absorbs some energy from us to give to the Digimon.”

“I see,” Yasyamon nodded. “And the more energy you give, the further they can evolve?”

“Pretty much…I think.” Vincent closed his eyes in a thoughtful look. “When evolving to champion, only our hands glowed. But from what I've been told, when BB managed to evolve Bulletmon to his Ultimate Level, his whole body began to glow.” He decided not to mention what, exactly, had happened when Richard and Agumon had achieved the Mega Level, that pushed even the limits of Vincent’s belief.

“I see,” Yasyamon nodded again. “I have a theory which may help you utilize this power better, if you're willing to let me try it out later.”

“Not a problem,” Vincent nodded back, letting his hand sink below the surface again. “I'm going to need all the help I can get if we're going to survive and find the others.” There was a moment of pause. “Have you…thought of a plan yet?”

“I've decided it would simply be best to leave as fast as possible,” Yasyamon sighed. “Pride presently wants to stop us from reaching Tsuyunoinochi. While there are certain gains to attacking Shanty, they are likely not enough to draw their army here.”

“So Shanty's only in danger as long as we're here,” Vincent concluded.

“Most likely,” Yasyamon agreed, allowing silence to sink in.

“I just want you to know,” Vincent's voice was quite serious, if a little nervous, “I'm not on your side in this war thing. Too many conflicts don't have a good side', so I'm not gonna throw my lot in with you and risk the lives of everyone I'm meant to be looking after for all this…but I will help you get back to Tsuyunoinochi.”

“Hm. That is probably the right plan for you just now,” Yasyamon nodded.

“Just…lettin' ya know…”

“Don’t worry, I understand.” Yasyamon nodded. “And I feel I must offer you a similar warning.” The warrior’s eyes grew grave. “While I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt just now, I am not wholly convinced of your story, that you are from another world. And if you prove to be a threat to the people of Tsuyunnoinochi, then I will cut you call down myself.”

“I see.”

The silence returned.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“Sassin' frassin' idiots!” Ranamon muttered as she stormed through the streets of Shanty. “Ah can appreciate Yersnimon asking me, with all mah amazing trackin' skills to go lookin' for these fellas, but every girl's got her limit, and ah think these descriptions are mine.” With her finny protrusions bristling, the frog type Digimon pulled out the sheet of paper Yersnimon had provided her with. “ One wears a cloak and has hands and legs, another wears a cloak and has hands and legs but is shorter, another wears a helmet, another is red and has claws, another is green, and wears a helmet, and the other has hands and legs and is short…'” Bristling, she scrunched up the descriptions. “Ah can just tell what that varmint Grademon would say…'My pride is in my fighting, not my descriptions!'” She ranted, her impression startlingly accurate. “Forget it, ahm findin' mahself an inn for the night.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“Phew…I think I'm at my limit,” Vincent announced, rising.

“Wuss,” Komodomon commented, being sure to keep his head down so as not to inhale any water again.

“I'm from a cold country, sue me,” Vincent waved back at his partner as he exited, being sure to keep his towel up.

“I think I will retire as well,” Yasyamon rose. “I have things to do. Kotemon, you had best come as well.”

“Why?” The student looked to his master.

“Because we're going to have to dry your equipment out,” The senior Kendoist resisted the urge to sigh as a look of revelation came over his student.

“Oh, gotcha,” Kotemon nodded. “You coming Komodomon?”

“Nah, I think I'll stay here a bit longer.” Komodomon grinned.

Once everyone had returned to the inn, Komodomon let out a sigh and slid from his perch under the waterfall and into the spring proper.

“Finally!” He beamed, floating on his back, gazing up at the moons above. “I thought they'd never leave.” Grinning like a maniac, he flipped around to his front and began to sway his body, swimming in traditional lizard fashion through the water, relishing in the heat. It wouldn't do for me to enjoy a soak in front of everyone…it would ruin my tough guy image.'

There was a sudden click as the door to the springs opened again, and in a flash and a splash, Komodomon launched himself back under the waterfall, resuming his training pose and regretting that the noise of the water obscured the sound of any footfalls. It would have been nice to show off predicting who was coming in by just the sound.

“Ah do declare that this is just what the good Docmon ordered! Oh!”

Cracking an eye open, Komodomon found himself looking at the towel wrapped form of a Ranamon, staring at him in mild surprise. He supposed he did look rather odd sitting under the little waterfall.

Staring back, Ranamon's fins flapped briefly before she blinked, taking in the Digimon under the waterfall.

Red and with claws,' She thought to herself. If ah hadn't passed seven other Digimon like that ah'd think there was somethin' in this.'

Deciding that he didn't need to keep up the tough guy look, Komodomon's mind turned to the question of how to get out from under the waterfall without looking weird. After all, in the presence of a cute girl a man had to keep looking tough, he just didn't need to be sitting under the waterfall to do it right now.

“Good evening,” he waved, grinning with a little bit of nerves.

“Evenin',” She returned, with a similar wave, before sinking down into the water.

A few seconds of embarrassed silence passed.

I really want down…' Komodomon thought despairingly.

“If yah don't mind mah askin', what are yah doin' up there?” Ranamon asked, curiosity having gotten the better of her.

“Oh this?” Komodomon gestured to the fall. “Just trying to train.”

“Oh? You some sorta athlete?” Ranamon asked.

“Nah, I got my butt kicked by this Grademon guy, so I'm trying to toughen up…although, I think my legs have fallen asleep.” His grin bashful, Komodomon's thoughts were more triumphant. Yes, looking tough, but still mortal, and I get to come down! Komodomon, you are a genius!'

Grademon…Red with claws…Shinin' stars above, not only ahm a brilliant, ahm lucky too!' Ranamon internally celebrated, as the red reptile slid down from his perch and back into the spring. I'll use this chance to get real cozy like to him and sneak all sorts of useful information from him. This is bound to get meh a heap o' rewards from Yersinimon.'

“Well, it's always best to know when to relax, and when to train,” Ranamon continued. “And a hot spring is made for relaxin'!”

“I suppose you're right,” Komodomon grinned. “Miss…?”

“Ranamon.” The aquamarine Digimon extended a hand.

“Komodomon,” The red Digimon returned, taking her hand a placing a gentlemanly kiss upon on it.

“My. You are quite the gentleman, aren't you?” Ranamon flattered. Suckah,' She thought.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“I don't think I'm getting this,” Vincent groaned.

“My knees hurt…” BB whined.

“Meditation isn't always easy,” Yasyamon instructed.

Sitting in the Inn's common room, clad in fresh white yukata, Vincent and BB were engaged in Yasyamon's experiment to reproduce the ability to evolve that was likely to be necessary to their survival. The Digimon himself was engaged in shaping the lengths of wood he had purchased, crafting them into new boken.

“You need to try and focus on the sensation you feel when you summon the energy to allow your… partners', was it, to Digivolve. Especially you, BB-San.” He pointed towards the boy with his carving blade. “As you are were able to create an ultimate level Digimon once.”

“And I told you that I don't remember what I was feeling exactly…I was kinda feeling a lot of things and they're all jumbled together…” BB explained awkwardly, nursing his head.

“I think half an hour of trying this is enough for now,” Vincent decided, uncrossing his legs and rising, only to stumble. “And my legs are asleep.” He sighed, flat on his back as the other occupants of the room laughed.

“I'm surprised Komodomon isn't back yet,” Kotemon looked up from his own meditation, despite having taken on a yukata to wear, it was several sizes too big, and he still wore his helmet, leaving as covered up as always. “You don't think he drowned do you?” The young swordsman asked with a hint of macabre glee.

“I doubt it,” Vincent grunted, righting himself and nursing his numb legs. “Hot waters are part of his natural climate, he probably just started splashing around after we left or…”

“Oh I agree, slimy moss is definitely the best thing to lie back on when it's too hot Rana-Rana,” Komodomon's voice began to float into the room.

“Ah know! Ah mean, a good soak in mud keeps ya cool, but sometimes yah just wanna enjoy the heat, right Komo-Komo?” Ranamon's voice joined him.

“…he started talking…” Vincent sighed.

“Hey guys!” Komodomon waved as he and Ranamon entered the room. “I'd like you all to meet Ranamon.”

“Howdy!” The amphibious Digimon waved to the assembled group, receiving a variety of responses in return.

“We didn't miss dinner did we?” The reptile eagerly asked.

“Monmon said it would be ready soon,” Vincent answered.

“Great! Yah know, as much as ah liked the sound of that soup, ah hope there's something grilled,” Ranamon thoughtfully tapped her chin.

“I know what you mean,” Komodomon entered his sage-nodding mode. “After a good hot soak, something grilled always tastes better.”

“Though it does make yah thirsty Komo-Komo!”

“True enough Rana-Rana!” Komodomon responded, before the two burst out into laughter.

What's up with those nicknames' and what the hell is so funny?' were the major thoughts to pass through the room, though there was a singularly different one that belonged only to Ranamon.

Ah've got this feelin' that ah was meant to be doin' somethin'…'

But this was promptly shrugged off as Monmon came to announce that dinner was ready.

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Raven: Y’know, I was really worried that my 41 notes would be barren with very little to actually talk about. This is a good set-up chapter, but there isn’t much else going on, and I already said I was gonna give the answer to our little contest next chapter, so that was out. And then, we got graced by a little review from AwesomeTai.

What, you thought we didn’t notice, MagnificenTakuya? Personally, we’re wondering why you didn’t do Takato next.

All joking aside, I really appreciated your review and would like to devote these notes to a debate over your points. It was good to see somebody trying to look at Eight Ball as something more than the comic relief we’d turned him into. But there is character development in there, it just seems like nobody has found it yet. We haven’t expanded on it because we want our readers to find out about him at the same time his comrades do. Since he’s by himself, and Shademon cares very little about anything, it wasn’t the appropriate time to tell you who Eight Ball is or why he’s there. He probably wouldn’t want to say anything anyway until he got a bigger audience.

As for WarGreymon, we had intended in our original build of the story for Richard to already be dead and be a major motivation for Liz, but as we changed her, we changed him as well, and even now that Rich’s death is here, she isn’t going to turn into the original idea we had for her. Are the other’s gonna surpass him? Probably. Are they gonna surpass WarGreymon from Adventure 01 and 02? Probably not. That’s the major thing, this is NOT the same level of power. While Richard could, with time, get to that level, his freshly evolved form was a lot less stronger, which was why his Terra Force failed the first time he tried to use it. And anyone will tell you, TyrantKabuterimon is not a minor boss. Do we have bigger bosses planned? Yes, but they’re WAY down the line and we won’t see anything eclipse TyrantKabuterimon in a good, long while.

Haven’t seen a good critique like that in a while. It means we’re misleading people in all the right places

Keyo: Every so often, Raven does huge notes, and I feel it makes our story look misleading in size.

So this chapter was actually done on Friday, then I got paranoid, and Eight couldn’t get it back to me until Sunday, when I was trapped in another part of the country. In any case, Ranamon’s back and I got some practice trying to write an accent. Her role in all this is going to be a little bit interesting…provided she can stay on topic.

I really don’t have much to say for some reason…I think I’ll just save some space and enjoy responding to all reviews.

To MagificenTakuya, loved your review, leave an e-mail next time so I can respond.

Take care, and see you all next time!

Keyo & Raven

P.S This would have been up Monday, but I fell asleep in the middle of the upload.