Tavaras scratched his face as they walked through the forest, the looming mountain was now all they could see in the distance, its peak high above the clouds. It had been three days since they left the village, and the stubble he was growing irritated him. To his delight, the forest had started thinning out as they began their trek that morning, and Tavaras looked forward to the change in scenery. It had been nothing but forest since they got here and left the sand they arrived in, apart from that one night in the snow. The others were having a harder time with the walk and were sweating quite profusely; the terrain was gradually sloping more and more uphill as they walked.
The forest did provide ample shelter from the frequent meteor storms though. Tavaras glanced back, taking in the damage from the previous day; chunks of wood taken out of the trees and branches, and holes strewn upon the ground they carefully stepped over. That was something he hoped they didn't have to deal with when they were out in the open, but for now it had become common enough none of them flinched.
ROOT stopped suddenly as they reached the end of the forest and gazed around. They appeared to be at the base of the mountain; sand coloured stone stood in front of them, tall and jagged. The ground was so uneven Tavaras could see dark gashes in the Earth itself, bottomless pits running up the side of the mountain. Around the disordered landscape were a number of paths, smooth if not a little uneven, creating a network of roads leading to different points higher up.
"Whoa." Deon muttered. He was staring at the landscape in wonderment, taking it all in.
"Welcome to Echo Mountain." ROOT proclaimed. "One of the holiest places in the Digital World." She pointed to a path leading to the right. "We will follow this path up to there." It wound up the mountain and snaked far to the right; Tavaras could just barely make out a small hole at the end of the path in the distance. Edward breathed a sigh of relief; that was probably one of the least exhaustive paths they could take. There were a few that extended above the clouds themselves.
"Um, can we have lunch first?" Edward asked. He laughed, hand behind his head. "That looks like a rough climb." Tavaras rolled his eyes but nodded. It wasn’t just Edward feeling the hardship here. The team plopped down against the last tree he hoped to see; with any luck they'd be going home after all this was done. He took a long drink from his water skin and some meat and fruit out of his pack. Interestingly enough, Babamon had packed enough for a week, as if she assumed they would be returning.
"Who are you?" Tavaras jolted his head up at the small voice coming from the mountain. A small, sandy creature on four legs waddled towards them. It looked like a tiny alligator, and was covered with small rock-like spikes. It didn't seem afraid, rather it walked curiously up to Veemon and Deon, sniffing the latter. "You don't look like any Digimon I've ever seen before."
Sunarizamon [https://wikimon.net/images/thumb/8/8b/Sunalizamon.jpg/320px-Sunalizamon.jpg]
"Oh, I'm not a Digimon. I'm a human." Deon explained.
"Hu-man?" The newcomer looked confused, and reached out to touch his shorts and then his legs. "You don't look edible." It sounded disappointed.
"I'm a Digimon!" Veemon exclaimed. "Veemon!" He held up his fingers in a V sign.
"Oh, well I know you're not edible. I'm Sunarizamon." Sunarizamon walked up to the rest of them, examining them. When it reached Edward, its front legs extended in a rush of sand, grabbing the jerky from him. "That looks edible!" The small creature shoved the dried meat in its mouth. And promptly spit it out. "Eww, it looks like a rock, but it tastes like a meathead."
"Hey!" Edward exclaimed, and Imogen burst into fits of laughter as the mountainous Digimon scraped the inside of its mouth.
"SUNARIZAMON!" A loud voice boomed from inside one of the pits.
"Eek!" The small sandy reptile yelped and scattered behind Edward. "I'm not here." It whispered. "YOU'RE NOT SKIPPING SCHOOL YOU LITTLE SHIT." Tavaras chuckled. Whatever was making that loud noise, he liked it. The ground shook as a large creature emerged from the pit. It was covered in brown fur, and looked like a large baboon. Its head, arms, and tail were covered with armour of grey stone.
Baboongamon [https://wikimon.net/images/thumb/e/e2/Baboongamon.jpg/320px-Baboongamon.jpg]
The creature locked eyes with them and sauntered over, heavy footsteps echoing on the ground.
"Strange creatures." It mumbled. "Where are you from?" Edward and Imogen both shrunk back, while Deon looked on curiously. Tavaras stood up to face the newcomer.
"Hey, we're humans. We're coming from Sanctuary Village."
"Humans?" It boomed. "I heard you were strong. Fight me!"
"Wait what?" Tavaras stepped back as Dorumon stepped in front.
"You heard me! I want to test your strength!"
"Forgive me, Baboongamon." ROOT stepped forward. "I am the Keeper of the Chronicles. We are on an important mission to try and save the Digital World. I implore you, please let us pass."
"I refuse." It stubbornly said. "We were told by LadyDevimon to bar the path of any humans should we encounter you. That you were strong, and that you caused that eyesore in the sky." He pointed up to the purple scar. Tavaras clenched his teeth. At every turn something wanted them dead. Why? "I don't give a shit about that. All I want is a good fight. If you can give it to me, you can go." Tavaras relaxed and chuckled. They were simple folk, it seemed. "So? Who's going to fight me!"
"H-hold on!" Edward exclaimed. "Surely we can talk this out." Baboongamon growled, baring his teeth. Tavaras rolled his eyes, holding his arm out in front of the older man.
"Okay, fine." Dorumon glowed and stepped forward. The large armoured baboon reminded him of Tyrannomon. Talking wouldn't work; they would understand each other through actions. "We'll fight you."
"DORUMON DIGIVOLVE!" The purple dragon grew and sprouted wings. Claws elongated and as the glow dissipated, his partner roared.
"DORUGAMON!"
Baboongamon grinned as Dorugamon launched himself toward him, powerful legs propelling him forward at great speed. Red claws extended, he struck out slashing. Tavaras heard a loud thud as claws met the stone on Baboongamon's arm. Whipping around with speed belying his size, the furry creature struck Dorugamon back with its rock covered tail.
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"Gah!" Dorugamon flew to the side, skidding on the ground. Quickly recovering, he jumped back to his feet and inhaled. "Power Metal!" The group covered their ears at the sonic boom the iron ball created. The attack impacted Baboongamon with an explosive bang, who barely blocked it with his arm and was sent sprawling back with a shout.
The armoured creature grabbed his arm and laughed. "Yes! This is it. Finally a challenge! MOUNT STONE!" Holding his arms out in front of him, shards of rock shot towards Dorugamon at high speed. Taking to the skies, Dorugamon gritted his teeth as the rocks sailed below him.
Baboongamon roared and jumped high, twisting his body head over heel and striking down at Dorugamon with the stone tail. Unable to dodge in time, Dorugamon grabbed the stone flail just before it nailed him, the force of the attack still sending them both crashing to the ground.
"No!" Veemon started to move forward.
"Wait!" Tavaras exclaimed. "Let us deal with this; we don't want to make things worse by ganging up on him!" As the dust settled, Baboongamon and Dorumon were both on their backs, the latter struggling to lift the armoured tail off him. With a shout, Dorugamon tossed it to the side and rolled away from the heavy impact, clambering to his feet.
Baboongamon was no slower, jumping to his feet at the same time and the two stared each other down. Dorugamon gritted his teeth, arms shaking.
"Hahaha!" Baboongamon laughed and relaxed. "That was fun! I'll tell you, being the strongest one here is boring ." He put an armoured finger to his mouth. "Well, other than Gigasmon of course." Tavaras and Dorugamon both relaxed, grinning at each other.
"Good job buddy." Tavaras walked over and slapped his partner on the shoulder.
Baboongamon looked around. "Oh yeah, have you seen Sunarizamon?"
Edward nodded, reaching behind him and picking up the small sandy creature by tail. Sunarizamon squirmed and glared at him. "Tattletale."
"Ha!" The large Digimon grabbed Sunarizamon between two stone fingers, glaring at him. "Almost got out this time, didn't ya? Well now guess who's gonna be on sweeping duties for a month!" The smaller Digimon's eyes widened and he shook his head wildly.
"No! Come on man, it was just a prank. Harmless fun."
"What, and sweeping duty isn't?"
"No! It's boring you big oaf."
"Two months. Keep talking." Sunarizamon gritted his teeth and shut up. Deon and Imogen both giggled, and Tavaras managed a smile. These Digimon were so different from those in Sanctuary Village, despite being so relatively close. Baboongamon turned to the group. "You should come with me, meet the whole gang!"
"Thank you for the offer, but we must get going." ROOT answered
"Aww, fine. I did say I'd let you pass." Tavaras felt pity for the great beast, and although he wanted to see the gang, the mission needed to come first.
"But I must insist, oh Keeper of the Chronicles." Another loud voice boomed from the darkness, and a large figure jumped out. It was as brown as the earth with symbols on its body of a lighter colour. As it landed in front of them with a loud crash, Tavaras could make out a large gnome-like nose and powerful spiked hands.
Gigasmon [https://wikimon.net/images/thumb/0/05/Gigasmon2.jpg/320px-Gigasmon2.jpg]
"Gigasmon!" Baboongamon laughed. "Looking for some fun yourself? You old coot you."
Gigasmon looked at Dorugamon thoughtfully. "So this is what I sensed? This is what the Lady of Darkness spoke to us about?" Tavaras stepped forward protectively. Gigasmon broke his gaze and looked at the rest of the team.
"Gigasmon, I implore you, our task cannot wait. We seek the knowledge the Mountain may grant us." ROOT pleaded. Gigasmon shook his head.
"I am the guardian of what you call Echo Mountain. All those who pass do so at my leave. So again, Keeper, I insist you and the Humans come with me."
"Hey! Come on, we fought Baboongamon! Let us go." Tavaras challenged. He was getting pissed off; they had their fun, now it was time to get home. "Or do we have to fight you too?"
Gigasmon grinned maniacally. "Are you challenging me?" Dorugamon stepped forward, growling.
"If we have to, yes!"
"Wait!" Wormmon shouted from behind. "AncientVolcamon, please let us by, we fight against the Nightmare Soldiers, just as you once did." ROOT whipped around and stared at the green Digimon, who was in turn looking at Gigasmon with reverence.
"AncientVolcamon was one of the 10 Legendary Warriors." She whispered. "Why would you recall that?"
"Ha! The green one is knowledgeable it seems." Gigasmon laughed. "I bear the Spirit of Earth, during the great war attributed to AncientVolcamon himself. You should just come with me, because let me tell you children, you have no hope of winning!"
Tavaras felt a wave of irritation at the arrogance of the gnome-like creature. Dorugamon nodded and launched himself towards Gigasmon, claws first. Irritation turned to shock as his partner's attack didn't even phase Gigasmon.
"Ha! That scared LadyDevimon? Come on now, let me give you a hint kids; I'm stronger than your enemies." Tavaras stepped back, recalling the fight against SkullSatamon that they barely survived, even with WereGarurumon's help. "You're gonna need to do way better than that."
"Tavaras! Dorugamon!" ROOT shouted. "It's fine, let's just hear them out. If he is who Wormmon says, then this won't be a waste." Tavaras nodded, but Dorugamon shone bright. A star amongst the dull brown of the mountain.
"Dorugamon?" Tavaras looked at his partner in shock. The winged beast took a step forward, standing upright.
"Is that what you really want, Tav?" Large spikes jutted out of his shoulders.
"Yes! Haven't we fought enough already?" Wings molded together behind the glowing warrior, and a cape bellowed in the wind.
"Sure, but this is different. We both feel it." Swords appeared on his waists. He was right. This wasn't a fight to the death. This was a show of strength. A battle of respect amongst allies. He thought back to Tyranomon; they'd have been pissed if someone turned tail at a challenge like that.
Resolve steeled, Tavaras nodded and in a brilliant flash of light, Grademon stood in front of him, sun overhead gleaming off gold armour
Grademon [https://wikimon.net/images/thumb/d/d2/Grademon_crusader2.png/196px-Grademon_crusader2.png]
"Oh?" Gigasmon appraised his newly evolved opponent. "Now this is what I'm talking about! I can sense the power!" The rest of the team stepped back.
"I hope you know what you're doing." ROOT muttered. Dust flew in Tavaras's face as Grademon launched towards his foe. Light twinkled off twin swords as they rang from green scabbard. Gigasmon threw a punch at the oncoming warrior, shockwaves ringing out from spiked fists connecting with sharp blades. Grademon agilely stepped back evading a follow-up swing, then ducked under his opponents fists to slash at the exposed abdomen.
Tavaras looked on in surprise as the two swords vibrated, hitting a body like solid rock. Gigasmon smirked, two giant hands grabbing Grademon.
"Rahhh!" Gigasmon grunted as he lifted a struggling Grademon over his head and threw, sending the golden warrior soaring back past a shocked Tavaras. Recovering quickly, his partner landed on his feet, claws digging into the ground to slow his movement. Sparks flew as his swords scraped against sand coloured stone.
"Holy crap!" Grademon exclaimed.
"Like I said, you stand no chance!" Gigasmon stretched his arms out, and then standing upright, started spinning like a top towards Grademon. "Hurricane Bomber!" Dust blew from the spinning gnome as he flew like the Tasmanian Devil.
"Oh no." ROOT looked on in horror as Grademon readied his blades, and to Tavaras's surprise threw one straight in front of the incoming tornado, piercing the ground in front of him. The Guardian of Echo Mountain wobbled as he hit the sword, and with blinding speed Grademon launched at him, swinging down with his remaining sword held in both hands.
His precision was perfect, the edge of the blade cutting into Gigasmon's shoulder just before the spinning arms sent Grademon flying into the ground with a crash, the force of the impact sending the sword flying from his grasp.
Gigasmon stopped spinning and touched his shoulder, blue data streaming from the injury. Grademon grunted and struggled back to his feet, clutching his crushed side where the gnome had hit him.
Gigasmon laughed. "You actually got a hit in on me. But, like I told you, I still win." He said, Grademon sinking back to his knee.
"Grademon!" Tavaras shouted as Gigasmon walked over to his downed partner, heart pounding. Was he wrong about him? Why did he let his partner fight? Gigasmon held a hand out to Grademon, and Tavaras sighed in relief as the former pulled his partner back up.
Turning to the group, Gigasmon addressed them. "Now, come with me."
Tavaras chuckled and ran over to his partner as Grademon turned back into Dorumon. "Good job Dorumon." Hopefully they had a healer like Jijimon, or the ointment in his pack would have to suffice.