__
As I write these words, I can hear the cries growing stronger. The walls have fallen, and the inner chambers are now besieged. The sounds of battle carry through every hall, and this blighted place runs with the blood of our kind once more.
I do not have much time. Even now, the enemy is getting closer, and my power is sorely needed on the frontlines. I have taken a few moments to compose this, most probably the last letter you shall ever receive from me. I will try to keep this short, the Woodmon battle bravely, and I cannot leave them to their fate, even if the only other option is for me to share it.
I am writing this to say goodbye, but more than that, to give you warning and a mission. I know, I know, you owe me nothing and would be entirely within your right to refuse this last wish, but please at least read the rest of this document before you make up your mind.
The threat comes from the North, from the city there. It is a hive of machinery and home to many Guardromon, but their leader, Datamon has long harboured a desire to control our lands. I was foolish in that I wished for peace, but it is clear to me now that such was never possible. The fact of the matter is that this temple houses several artifacts that are more or less one of a kind. Things that were given to us in keeping, when the last group that ruled here was destroyed. Since then, those artifacts have been passed down through the line of the temple's guardians, until it reached myself. I vowed, as all who came before me did, that I would die before allowing these things to fall into the wrong hands, and I fear Datamon is exactly who I was warned about.
But I am getting ahead of myself. You are doubtless wondering just what this has to do with you, or what objects I am even talking about. Long ago, an entirely different group used to rule this land we now live on. I don't have time to go into their history, suffice it to say that they were akin to the Olympus Twelve, or the Royal Knight. Powerful beyond imagining, and yet they fell as all must do eventually. When they did, their cities came crashing to the ground and fires consumed most of their land.
There were a few survivors, and one of them was able to gather several objects of power within the wreckage, and then he fled. Pursued by the forces who had caused the great downfall. Into the forest, he ran and there he was ambushed by Woodmon, as we are want to do. He made a deal, or called up some old oath or perhaps promised power, all we know is that they hid him, and promised to do so for all the items he had gathered.
They formed a temple, dedicated to an ancient power, and buried the three objects deeply within the earth. There it was hoped that no one would ever find them, but I fear that time has come and gone. Datamon desires the power of these items, and I do not think I can deny him now. My strength is nearly gone, I am old, and have not long left. Though I will fight...I cannot say I expect a victory.
Now listen, when you two were born, I knew that you were each destined for special things. The truth is that your kind is rare, and two born from one egg rarer yet. So I have kept you here, and trained you as best I could. It was not always easy, and we did not always get along, but at least believe that I have good intentions. I was never a father to you, but I watched the two of you grow, and I was proud. When I heard the first rumblings of conflict, I sent the two of you away and by the time you return, it'll be over. The temple will be empty, and the warrior order will be destroyed.
This letter will be hidden, and hopefully should find you easily enough. The artifacts are powerful and ancient, and should not fall into the hands of the evil at heart. I pray to you that you two find the strength to challenge Datamon where I failed. I know this must seem an impossible task, you are young and not yet even of the champion level, but I believe in you and I know the power that slumbers within you both. I believe the two of you will save the items, and maybe even the world itself.
I must go now. I hear them at the door. They think they have won, well I still have some surprises left. I may be old, but this Cherrymon is not about to lay down for the axe.
To end this, I must say how proud I am of you both. Whether you decide to take up this quest or not, I was privileged to see you grow. So long, my students.
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Lopmon slowly put down the charred letter. The chocolate coloured Digimon was at a loss, it was like a nightmare to her. She had only been away for a few days, but to think that Master Cherrymon had known this might happen. It was almost too much. All the friends that she would never see again...
The temple's tunnels were charred black now. Cracks and craters marred what had set in perfection for hundreds of years. She felt almost empty, as she sank to the ground, her long ears getting under her feet. For once she didn't even notice.
What is it sis?" Her brother. His white fur in contrast to her brown. Like her, Terriermon was a small Digimon, and his ears hung down to his feet except for when he was using them to moves something, or to listen in – which he often did. His usually jovial voice was a shade of itself at the moment, and had been since he had seen the state of the temple, of their home. What does it say?"
Wordlessly, she tossed the piece of paper, and he caught it. His eyes scanned over the words, and she saw him blanch.
He knew this was coming! Why didn't he warn us?" Terriermon growled.
He did...." Lopmon said, her voice was tiny compared to her brother's. She was still lost in thought. That's why he sent us away, remember? He didn't want us involved if a fight broke out.
Why not everyone then?" Terriermon's voice rose. Why not just leave with these stupid pieces of junk? Then no one has to die!"
"It was his duty." Lopmon sniffed. He swore to defend the temple, and so did all the Woodmon. They decided they'd rather stand and die than run and be cowards."
"There's a difference between cowardice and being smart." Terriermon said. "Rebuild somewhere else! As long as you survive, you can come back and try again. Why the hell would he pull something like that?"
As she often did, Lopmon felt the very faintest edge of a concept in her mind. She wanted to say that Terriermon had got it wrong, that it wasn't because they were afraid of being scared, but because their duty was so important to them, like they had been compelled to stay because of it. It wasn't that they hadn't wanted to leave, but because it hadn't even occurred to them they could. It was because...because...
Here the thought trailed, and she experienced the familiar feeling of being adrift in her own mind. She couldn't speak up, not without knowing why. She'd look foolish and she didn't want that. Especially not now. Terriermon was always acting like he had to look out for her, if she seemed like she was off it'd only get worse.
But then... she'd never been alone like this before either. Without the Woodmon, or Master Cherrymon who had always been so nice even if Terriermon didn't like him. He had always had time for her, and talked to her about her dreams. That such a kind old Digimon had been killed because he had something that Datamon wanted. It made her so angry...
Something stirred in her, that same old feeling of almost but not quite grasping a meaning. She frowned, and her brother noticed.
What you're not actually thinking of getting those things back are ya? I mean, its suicide! Datamon's an ultimate, how would we ever beat him?"
"Maybe we don't have to..." She mused. "We're small, we can sneak in... steal them..."
"Wow now, is this my little sister who wouldn't even break the law to save her life?" It was a weak joke considering what had happened, but it showed that he was still himself. Reliable, even if most of that came from his tendency towards bad jokes.
"I think we should go after the items." She said. "It was what Cherrymon wanted."
"Pffh, Cherrymon." Terriermon said. "As far as I'm concerned that guy can go rot in a grave somewhere."
"Well then maybe I'll just do it on my own!" Lopmon snarled, and left the room before her brother could even react.
Terriermon stood alone, one hand going to the back of his head. "Ah geez, I said something stupid again didn't I?"
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Choose your character!
[] Terriermon.
Terriermon is a determined but loveable Digimon who was raised in the care of Cherrmon. He never got along with the old master, and constantly struggled to see more of the world. The attack on the temple was a mixed blessing for him. Now, he is able to travel freely and do as he wills, but his loyalty to his sister prevents him from following up on that goal. In an ironic twist, fate has made him the protector he was already being trained to be.
Terriermon is an excellent tracker, his ears are by far the most sensitive of anyone in the forest, challenged only by his sister. His sense of smell is superior as well. His personality is an affable one, he gets along well with people but can be obnoxious at times and he still has much to learn about his chosen role.
[] Lopmon
Lopmon is the female sibling, and the younger (Though only by a few seconds.) Just as Terriermon was undergoing reluctant training to be a protector of the temple, Lopmon was being taught the art of diplomacy and communication. Her tracking abilities have atrophied a bit due to long hours in doors, but she still boasts of considerable talent in that direction.
Lopmon is more insular than her brother; though cheerful she refrains from jokes or good natured prods and prefers to be on her own more. She likes to read and to learn, and a strange dream she has had since she was first hatched had taught her that there is more to the power of magic than her brother's dismissive opinions.
