[center][h2][u][color=4acdff]Asher Shaw[/color][/u][/h2][/center]A knee-deep sea of tall violet grass made it harder for Asher to keep track of the Ninjamon’s silent movements. So thankfully their conversation allowed him to follow the digimon’s voice. As his arms were pushing through an endless clutter of sticky vines, clinging onto and hanging from every single crimson moss-covered tree. For what used to be a unique feature of his surroundings, became a disturbing similarity that felt particularly unnatural. Since the area looked nothing like this in the actual game. “No, I’m not aware of any prophecy about tamers returning.” Ninjamon replied in a hushed tone, before quickly glancing over his shoulder. Just to see that the humanmon had finally caught up to him. “But someone at the flower council might be able to answer your questions.” He continued, shortly resuming his lead. As they soon reached the edge of an open clearing that was brimming with a bed of glowing flora, that blended colorful hues of purples, reds and blues. “Wait.” Ninjamon urged, stopping Asher where he stood. As the Ninjamon gripped the handle of the sheathed blade on his backside. “Stay quiet and get low beside me.” Getting Asher to promptly crouch himself behind a tree. Not needing to wait for an explanation, when he heard the bout of deep snickering coming closer. While Ninjamon watched from a veil of vines, as a Mushroomon and a Woodmon ambled out into the clearing. [i]“There’s always at least two of them.”[/i] Ninjamon thought, soon turning to face the completely placid teenager. Having trouble detecting the thump of Asher’s docile heartbeat. But still feeling the unsettling aura that was flowing from the device within his pocket. [i]“How is he calmer than I am? Especially, after knowing what they're capable of."[/i] “Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. You managed to absorb their data and evolve first.” Mushroomon grumbled in a shrill pitch. “Heh-heh. So how’s the weather down there?” The Woodmon snarked in a much deeper tone, with the widest of grins, patting the grumpy Mushroomon’s head. Causing Mushroommon to scoff and use both of his gloved hands to shove Woodmon’s arm away. As Woodmon stopped and turned to his right, squinting in Ninjamon’s direction. “Hey. Who’s there?” He called out, to no reply. As Mushroommon then looked up at his ally’s glare. “What’s the problem, mate?” “I smell mushrooms that shouldn’t be here.” Woodmon answered. Abruptly swinging his arm up and forward, to throw a trio of razor-sharp leafs that shot straight through the air and vanished in-between the trees. As Ninjamon reflexively drew his blade to block the impact. Splitting them each in two pieces that careened harmlessly to either side of both Ninjamon and Asher. Leading to a brief awkward silence, that caused the Mushroomon to chuckle and fearlessly approach the hidden pair. “Seems like you’re barking up the wrong tree.” Mushroomon scoffed, not able to smell Asher’s clothing. [i]“I suppose I have no choice.”[/i] Ninjamon conceded, making one swift and sudden burst of motion. Dashing from out of cover with a thunderous speed, and slashing through the Mushroomon in an instant. Leaving behind a horizontal split of flickering data that began to get suddenly pulled into Woodmon’s body. Causing Ninjamon to pull out a large shuriken and hurl it right smack dab in the middle of Woodmon’s forehead. Although, this had the Ninjamon watch on in apprehensive surprise, as the Woodmon went cross-eyed and casually plucked the weapon out of his head. As Asher now watched from the sidelines, from the other side of the tree. [color=4acdff][i]“Ninjamon moved in a blink of an eye…[/i][/color] He thought, with an attentive gaze. [color=4acdff][i]“But can he really take on that Woodmon by himself?”[/i][/color] Seeing the Ninjamon quickly dash back into the trees in the opposite direction of where Asher was. But it wasn’t to run away from danger, as the Ninjamon started nimbly hopping across the treetops. While Woodmon haphazardly discarded the shuriken, with an annoyed expression. Spinning himself clockwise ninety degrees to keep up with the shuffling of branches from on high, as Woodmon then caught a glimpse of the Ninjamon suddenly leaping down to the ground. Before the body shortly disappeared, suggesting that he had changed course. “You Ninjamon get on my nerves.” Woodmon replied. When from behind him, the real Ninjamon leapt from the tree, and tightly held the blade over his own head. Ready to swing down and strike at his unassuming opponent. But then — Woodmon swiftly spun around in knowing anticipation and smashed the Ninjamon with his poisonous arm. Nearly knocking the sword out of the Ninjamon’s tight grasp, and sending him tumbling onto the glowing flora below. Quite close to where Asher had moved to in the interim. “Creating clones as a diversion. Hit and run tactics. I’ve seen it all before.” Woodmon sneered, while stomping over to the Ninjamon, who was struggling to stand back up and using his weapon as a cane. However, that was Asher’s opportunity to dash forward and toss an entangled pile of yanked-off tree vines over top of the Woodmon. As the Woodmon reactively swung both of his arms forward to knock the harmless vines away, as it wasn’t the first time he came into contact with them. Or so Woodmon thought. For when he touched it, the vines began instantly wrapping around and clinging onto Woodmon’s body. Much to Ninjamon’s and Woodmon’s shock, the vines worked to bind the Woodmon’s arms together and bewildered him to no end. “What the!? Why does-What is-!?” Giving Ninjamon his last burst of energy to wield the blade and repeatedly slash at his panicking foe. Until the Woodmon shouted and had burst into data that freely ascended into the air. Soon after the Ninjamon had sheathed his blade in victory, and subsequently slumped onto the ground. Proceeding to be lifted up into Asher’s arms. [color=4acdff]“Are you going to be alright?”[/color] Asher asked, as Ninjamon looked up and smiled through a wincing face. “Heh. I’ve fought tougher…” He assured. “But thank you for helping me.” Asher sighed out deeply and nodded. “It’s the least I could’ve done-” “No. You shouldn’t undervalue yourself. You thought of something quite brilliant.” He praised, much to Asher’s uncertain stare. [color=4acdff]“It was really dumb luck. But, it certainly helped save our data.”[/color] Asher thought, not wanting to dwell on what would happen if he were to die in this world. “Nevermind that, we should get going.” Ninjamon insisted, pointing to the direction that they needed to go. As Asher carried the clearly embarrassed Ninjamon across the glowing flora. [color=4acdff]“What happened to Woodmon’s data?”[/color] Asher asked absentmindedly, getting a quick answer. “Since I didn’t absorb it. The data got sent to the ‘Village of Beginnings’ to become a digiegg, and maybe start anew someday.” He explained, letting out a somber sigh. “Hopefully raised in a better environment than what our forest has become...” [color=4acdff]“I see.”[/color] Asher uttered. Deciding to let the Ninjamon recover and keep the talking to a minimum for the rest of the way. Until they reached the mysterious flower council, where Asher hoped to find some answers… [color=4acdff][i]“Hang in there, Vulcan...”[/i][/color] [center]* * *[/center] “Oh, joy. Another one.” One groaned from the amassed crowd of Floramon. As Asher scratched the side of his sweaty face and looked down at the same Ninjamon, who stood in front of Asher and tried his best to appear tough. Having brought up the plan that he wouldn’t explain the events that happened prior. For they would automatically distrust Asher for the fact that he’s been ‘gassed’ by the Mushroomon. And more importantly, that his pride would be shattered forever, if he had to admit that a humanmon carried him through the forest until the enemy’s poison wore off. Although, both of them were obviously exhausted to any mon with eyes. So a dry explanation of Asher being apprehended, with the addition that his wits did provide assistance in battle was already underway. As the Ninjamon and Floramon had an all too familiar conversation, that still offered a plethora of new information to Asher. [color=4acdff][i]“Well I certainly don’t feel like a chosen one any more.”[/i][/color] He thought, curiously pulling the device out of his pocket, Soon noticing, like everyone else did, how it was glowing an ominous black. [color=4acdff][i]“But with every answer I’m given...I still feel so far away from understanding a thing...”[/i][/color] “I’ve heard enough pointless yapping.” A Floramon proclaimed, firmly pointing at the Ninjamon. “Just take him to see Blossomon. The other humanmon tamer should be there too.” As Ninjamon subtly bowed his head and then turned to wink at Asher, before leading him to the centermost area where the corrupted Blossomon dwelled. Mutually hoping that the other wouldn’t collapse on their journey there... [center]* * *[/center] “Hello?!” Ninjamon called out, after taking a deep breath to gather up enough energy to do so. As Asher observed the far more natural forest scenery, and stopped a few feet behind the Ninjamon, in order to catch his breath. Finally making it to where Cavan and Kiwimon weren’t too far ahead of them. [hr] [center][h2][u][color=a13535]Vulcan[/color][/u][/h2][/center]The imprisoned Floramon looked on anxiously, while Vulcan’s exterior began melting away like burning wax. Revealing the deep red glow from Vorvomon’s many features, as he slowly reverted to his original form. Able to see the intense rage in his eyes, as they kept quiet and watched him begin to stomp off. However, the youngest one managed to pipe up once again. “Hey, wait a minute! If you free us, we can all help you fight the Mushroomon-” She exclaimed in a pleading manner, vainly shaking the cell's bars. Making Vulcan jerk his head to glare at her and snarl menacingly. Causing the other Floramon to hastily apologize for her sake. But it was too late, as he practically charged toward her cell. As she couldn’t help but flinch at the suddenness of Vulcan grabbing the locked gate and promptly ripping it off its hinges. Before tossing the door aside with a clang, and aggressively pointing his wing at the freed Floramon. With his claws getting close enough that she could feel the heat coming from them. [color=a13535]“I don’t need any more allies. You’ll just get in my way of my revenge.”[/color] Vulcan snapped. Pointing to the key that he dropped on the ground. [color=a13535]“If you want to free ‘em ⁠— do it yourself.”[/color] He replied dismissively. Soon hearing the sound of obnoxious laughter off in the distance, as his cue to turn around and proceed in that direction. Ignoring the last attempt to call out to Vulcan, as she quickly picked up the key. Deciding she had no real choice, but to try using it. “You stubborn oaf! How am I supposed to open every lock with an individual-” She shouted in frustration. At least until the clinking noise was heard, as the door creaked open. As a look of disbelief struck her face, the Floramon sighed in a relief. “These Mushroomon are even stupidier than I thought.” [center]* * *[/center] “Yes, yes. I bet he’ll be begging for my forgiveness when he sees us.” The Mushroomon scoffed, still covered in the thick purple muck. As two others who were involved in the dragon’s kidnapping, couldn’t stop snickering at his expense. But the trio abruptly fell silent, and stopped walking across the bridge that ended with a grassy land nearby the prisons. All seeing the Vorvomon sprinting toward them at a distance. Yet they each reacted with a smug grin, and pulled out entire handfuls of their laughing bombs. Three in both gloves, as they haphazardly hurled the sixteen bombs altogether as a group. Creating an unavoidable minefield for the approaching dragon, who was building up a flame within his maw. At least, if he didn’t leap high into the air and fly past the small gassy explosions. As the three Mushroomon gasped in terror when Vulcan had landed with his wings spread out wide. Only two of them escaped the fire spewing out of Vorvomon’s gaping maw, by fearfully leaping off either side of the bridge. As the third’s agonized scream disappeared with Vulcan’s claw slashing the engulfed foe. Bursting into data, which Vulcan immediately began absorbing into his own body. Feeling himself surging with far more energy than he expended to get there. Seen by the two Mushroomon, as they emerged from the swamp’s depths. “Wait-wait! Don’t get back up.” The Mushroomon warned. As the other one had already grabbed onto the bridge’s edge with its glove. But Vulcan had lunged quicker than the ascending Mushroomon could retaliate. As he snatched its exposed arm with his scorching fangs. Furiously yanking the Mushroomon upward with excessive force, to fight the heaviness of the swamp’s sludge, and tossing the fool back onto the bridge. Preventing the foe from getting back up, by fiercely stomping onto the back of its head with his equally hot foot. “Ow-Ow-Ow! No, please stop! I swear I won’t cause trouble ever again!” The one begged, as Vulcan’s fiery glare turned to face the swamp. [i]“Heh-heh. I won’t be able to swim too far. But, this stuff is poisonous to outsiders. So, for as long as I can hold my breath under here. I should be safe from-”[/i] The submerged Mushroomon thought, until he was angrily interrupted. [color=a13535]“Hey! If you don’t come out in the next five seconds, your pal will be screaming even louder than the last one!”[/color] Vulcan hollered, making the Mushroomon underneath his foot, start to quiver with fear. “Hurry! Do what he says!” It begged. [color=a13535]“Time’s up!”[/color] Vulcan shouted before the five seconds had actually passed. Getting the Mushroomon to suddenly rise. “No, no! We surrender.” The emerging Mushroommon pleaded, in-between coughs. Suddenly struck by fear, as the last thing witnessed was Vorvomon’s unleashing his flame at that very moment. Turning them into data that was also quickly absorbed. [color=a13535]“I’ll never be one of you.”[/color] Vorvomon growled, as his claw swiftly plunged into the one remaining. [color=a13535]“But your data will help me evolve. So I can destroy the rest of you.”[/color] [center]* * *[/center] With all her friends freed and likely returning together to the flower council. The young Floramon stayed put for some time. As she could hardly stand to follow the agonized cries and the sound of a dragon’s menacing roar. Yet she bravely walked over the bridges, and onto a field of blackened land. Where Vorvomon stood alone, without a single Mushroomon in sight. Except for the traces of data being absorbed into his gleaming body. [color=a13535]“Grrah!”[/color] Vulcan shouted with a stomp, before turning to face the hesitant Floramon. As he exhaled sharply through his nostrils and lowered his wings. [color=a13535]“Oh, what do you want?”[/color] He grumbled, watching her approach. “You hate the Mushroomon too right?” She asked, as Vulcan snorted at her sheer nerve. “Then please, come with me and join our council-” [color=a13535]“I said no.”[/color] He interrupted bluntly. “You didn’t find the one who locked you in the cage, right?” She guessed, receiving confirmation after Vulcan growled at her. “Well, we know the areas where most of them gather. So the council will know where he is-” Interrupted again by Vorvomon pointing his claws near her chest. [color=a13535]“Fine. But you better not be lying...”[/color] He warned. As the Floramon firmly nodded, and watched Vorvomo noticeably cool down. As he dropped his wing and was no longer glowing. “Thank you.” She replied, sounding grateful. “Let’s get moving.” He mumbled. [hr] [center][h2][u][color=Gold]Izabel Ivanowski[/color] & [color=f26522]Kate Beckham[/color][/u][/h2][/center]It was the same part of the Mushroom Forest that Izabel and Muchomon had first entered. With enough glowing flora to illuminate their path through the surrounding darkness. [color=f49400]“I-it’s pretty dark here. S-so stay close to me.”[/color] Sunny murmured. As she walked onward and blankly looked down at the quivering bird within her arms. [color=Gold]“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that.”[/color] Izabel replied. Causing him to look up at her uneasily. [color=f49400]“Are you worried that your family will find me?”[/color] He asked in a hushed tone. Izabel firmly shook her head and continued to stroll forward. [color=Gold]“It was just a feather in the basement, Sunny.”[/color] She reiterated. [color=gold]“Mom believed me when I told her it was from a plush-”[/color] But then she stopped her statement, as they both heard somebody calling out her name. As Muchomon’s wing rubbed his cheek. [color=f49400]“W-what if these two are dangerous?”[/color] [color=Gold]“I’ll protect us, if I have to.”[/color] Izabel stated off-handedly. Making Sunny’s eyes widen and start to water. As he sniffled and buried his face within his wings. [color=f49400]“I wish I could be so brave.”[/color] [color=Gold]“Oh, hush.”[/color] She uttered, before stepping behind a severely-rotted trunk. As she leaned over and gently set him on the ground. So he too would peek out and see the teenager was boredly twirling her red hair. Dressed in rockstar attire and leaning alone against the brightest tree that was surrounded by a bunch of thick purple bushes. [color=Gold][i]“This must be Kate. But where is her partner-”[/i][/color] Izabel wondered. [color=f49400]“A-alright. Let’s go together.”[/color] Muchomon insisted. Proceeding to puff out his chest and waddle toward the stranger. As she sighed and followed him, receiving Kate’s immediate attention. [color=f26522][i]“A hint-pint and a cereal mascot.”[/i][/color] Kate thought, while politely smiling and extending out her hand. [color=f26522]“Izzy, is it? Or would you prefer if I used your username?”[/color] She offered, noticing Izabel’s hands remained at her sides. Though Muchomon reached out to shake Kate’s hand. [color=Gold]“Izzy’s fine.”[/color] [color=f49400]“I’m Sunny. And it’s very nice to meet you-”[/color] He greeted softly. Getting interrupted by a Dracomon lunging out of the nearest bush. [color=2fff81]“Rawr!”[/color] Ouro playfully hollered. As Muchomon promptly deflated and clung onto Izabel’s leg, while she stared at the grinning Dracomon. [color=f26522]“This is Ouro.”[/color] Kate added, rubbing the back of her neck. As Dracomon came out and gazed up at Izabel with twinkling eyes. [color=2fff81]“Ooo, what are those?”[/color] He said, pointing his claw up at her golden goggles. Although, she didn’t answer him. As Muchomon released his grip and covered his blushing cheeks. Dracomon glanced at the bird’s nervous expression and smirked. [color=2fff81]“What's wrong? Did I scare you?”[/color] Ouro teased, waving his claws near Sunny’s trembling feathers. [color=f26522]“Alright. Quit picking on him already.”[/color] Kate chided. But Dracomon hadn’t expected Muchomon to nod sheepishly. [color=f49400]“I know what dragons are capable of.”[/color] Sunny muttered. As Dracomon scoffed and stepped backward with a prideful stance. [color=2fff81]“Yes, I suppose I don’t want to bully the weak.”[/color] Ouro conceded in a condescending manner. As Izabel and Kate noticed Muchomon was beginning to tear up. Causing Izabel to clench her hands and immediately approach Dracomon. Getting Ouro to raise both of his claws in response and smile playfully at her. [color=2fff81]“Hey, does that look mean you wanna fight?”[/color] He asked excitedly, with a brief flutter of his wings. As Kate internally groaned. [color=f26522][i]“Oh great. You’re about to make a girl and her digimon cry...”[/i][/color] But before Kate could properly scold Ouro, Izabel stood directly in front of the dragon and swiftly smacked him across the face. [color=Gold]“Apologize to my friend.”[/color] Izabel demanded. As Muchomon gasped at the sight, and felt his insides get all warm and fuzzy again. In contrast to Kate’s moment of dread to Dracomon’s potential retaliation. Knowing exactly how angry Ouro got when she touched him previously. Though he only touched the side of the maw that was struck, and dropped his claws in disappointment. As he turned to look up at Kate, sounding confused. [color=2fff81]“Did I go too far?”[/color] [color=f26522]“You need me to tell you that?”[/color] Kate chided, watching the young girl turn to Muchomon who reached out and gently grabbed her hand. As Izabel lifted him up and began to march away in the opposite direction. [color=f26522]“Hey, wait. Where are you going, Izzy?”[/color] Kate called out. [color=Gold]“We’re exploring. Don’t follow us.”[/color] Izabel answered coldly, heading back the way they came. [color=f49400]“I-Izzy,”[/color] He shyly urged. [color=Gold]“We’ll talk later, Sunny.”[/color] Izabel uttered, as Muchomon fell silent and looked down. For there was nothing Kate could think of saying in time, until the two were left behind. [center]* * *[/center] Kate had sat down on the ground in defeat. As a look of guilt finally appeared on Dracomon’s face. [color=2fff81]“I didn’t mean to upset them.”[/color] Ouro stated, approaching with his tail swishing low. As Kate massaged her forehead. [color=f26522]“Could’ve fooled me.”[/color] Kate sighed. Pulling out her device, and looking at the vague mission that they were meant to meet up and discuss. Instead, there she was, sitting put for minutes without another plan. [color=f26522]“So much for getting information...”[/color] She added. [color=f26522][i]“Beside learning that Dracomon can create portals using this thing too.”[/i][/color] [color=2fff81]“So...what do we do now?”[/color] Dracomon asked hesitantly, before sharply turning his head at the forest. With his nose twitching at the scent. As Kate stood up and casually brushed off her pants. [color=f26522]“Well, it’s not everyday that I get to be in another world. So-”[/color] Kate began. [color=2fff81]“Kate, I think we were being watched.”[/color] Dracomon informed, sounding serious. [color=f26522]“Yeah well...the other digimon who live here probably aren’t used to seeing us around.”[/color] Kate said, as Ouro shook his head a bit. [color=2fff81]“No, I mean the Mushroomon.”[/color] He clarified, with clenched fists. [color=2fff81]“And I think they’re planning to attack those two-”[/color] Swiftly provoking Kate, as she knew that he meant what he said. [color=f26522]“Then we need to go after them, Ouro!”[/color] She asserted. As he eagerly nodded in confirmation. Before the both of them promptly ran off into the forest, with Dracomon leading the charge...