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Chapter 2, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 2-5: when the demon wolf meets the god of thunder

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Sorry this weeks chapter is a little late. I was on vacation but will resume my usual schedule. Make sure you always read the original, but check out my version if you need something that isn’t google translate. If you’ve been enjoying this project, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends!

Marvin’s Megadramon now lay motionless on the ground. Smoke rises from the freshly made wound. Bits of its metal armor have broken or melted away, leaving badly burnt tissue beneath it. Eiji and Loogamon freeze from the shock of seeing Megadramon felled so easily.

“…Um, Marvin?” Eiji calls in an attempt to shake off the initial shock. There is no answer. Eiji and Loogamon stand alone in the hangar, desperately searching for the source of the attack. The Machinedramon pulls at its weakened restraints.

“You there noob?” One of the SOC’s leaders calls over voice chat. “We’re heading back to the meeting point. What’s your status?”

“It’s bad. We don’t have Machinedramon and something took out Marvin. We need help.” Eiji doesn’t hide the fear in his voice. He knows they aren’t strong enough for whatever stalks them in the shadows.

“Machinedramon hasn’t been caught yet?” another voice replies.

“Hang tight, we’ll be right there.” Moments later two cloaked figures appear and rush towards Megadramon.

“What happened to Marvin?” asks one of the figures.

“I don’t know. Something attacked and I haven’t been able to reach him since.” Eiji’s voice shakes with panic. He continues his fruitless search. “I think they’re still out there.”

“I thought we got all the defense forces.”

“Maybe its the DigiPolice?” Eiji asks. He isn’t ready for another encounter.

“No, they wouldn’t risk an international incident. Whoever it is, they have a Mega. Stay alert.”

“What the…”

A bolt of lightning comes crashing down in the distance and lands with an explosion. The force of the blast knocks the group off their feet and sends them crashing into walls. A purple haze forms around the crash sight. Static sparks randomly around the cloud. A glowing figure steps out of the haze holding twin swords crackling with lightning.

“This is bad Eiji,” calls Loogamon. Eiji can feel the fear in Loogamon’s tone and the raw power emanating from Kazuchimon. They didn’t stand a chance against the mega.

“Dammit!” One of the cloaked figures curses, “Why is he here?”

“He? You know this guy?” Eiji asks.

“There’s only one person who can control that thing.” Replies the other cloaked figure.

“The Hacker Judge” both respond together, their voices choking with fear.

“Judge?!” Eiji asks. The handle seems familiar.

Kazuchimon slices his swords in the air, releasing slices of electrical energy through the air. They land, creating terrifying explosions that shake the hangar. A loud metallic roar follows. Eiji’s heart stops. He turns to find a newly freed Machinedramon shaking off the stiffness of its incarceration.

“What a pity,” Kazuchimon finally says. “You have no control over your actions but have committed multiple crimes. Final verdict? Guilty!”

Glowing orbs of electricity start to form around Kazuchimon as it charges an attack. When the orbs grow about a meter wide, they release blinding beams at the raging Machinedramon in rapid succession. Eiji and Loogamon stand far from the attack but can feel its oppressive heat. The Machinedramon lets out a blood-curdling screech as the beams tear through its body. Seconds go by before the attack stops. The Machinedramons lifeless body stands smoldering, full of holes, and its armor torn to shreds. The massive corpse falls apart, each piece creating small quakes throughout the hanger.

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

Kazuchimon sheaths his swords and claps his hands together and prays. “May you find peace in your next life.”

Kazuchimon turns to the code crackers. They remain frozen with fear. “Thanks for the assist,” it says in a superior tone.

“You swooped our kill!” Eiji snaps. Eiji doesn’t appreciate Kazuchimon’s mocking tone or its self-righteous smirk.

“We have to get out of here! The missions done.” Loogamon’s warning comes abruptly, tearing Eiji away from his misguided trance.

It takes Eiji moments to remember the danger. “Yeah.” Loogamon takes a step before Eiji remembers the unconscious Megadramon lying nearby. “Wait! We have to help Marvin.”

“Leave him, we don’t have time,” Loogamon snarls as it takes another step away from the danger.

“I don’t care. Marvin’s a good guy, we have to try.” Eiji switches voice channels and calls the remaining SOC members. “We’ll distract Judge, you get Marvin and get out of here!”

“You can’t…” but Eiji doesn’t hear the rest. He switches channels. “Let’s go Loogamon!”

Loogamon and Eiji turn to Kazuchimon as the cloaked figures make their way to Magadramon

Kazuchimon crackles with electricity. It lets out a taunting smile. “I guess you guys aren’t as strong as everyone says.” Its body glows into a bright silhouette of light. The static in the room drops as the figure shrinks and leaves behind a new Digimon.

​Boutmon, Ultimate, Beast Man, Vaccine

“I’m not letting you get away that easy,” Boutmon shouts at the cloaked figures.

“Couldn’t keep your mega?” Eiji responds, slightly surprised by the sudden de-digivolution.

“I don’t need it. Without the Megadramon or Machinedramon, there really is no need for a mega. At least not against the likes of you.” Boutmon rushes towards the Sons of Chaos busy trying to move the Megadramon.

Judge’s dismissive tone angers Eiji. He doesn’t like being talked down to. The rage begins to bubble over.

“Calm down Eiji. He’s on a timer just like us.”

“But Loogamon…”

“He’s underestimating us. Let’s show him how it’s done!”

Eiji takes a calming breath. “You’re right.” A smile starts to creep across his face. “Let’s go! Digivolve!”

A surge of power flows through the pair as a familiar light engulfs them. Loogarmon lands in a heavy thud as the ground cracks under the sudden change in weight. Flames lick from between the wolf’s metallic muzzle as it lets out a menacing growl.

“Flame Blow!”

Loogarmon becomes engulfed in a ball of flames and flies toward the charging Boutmon. Boutmon manages to block the blow, but the impact sends it flying. Boutman stands its attention now towards the massive wolf. Its knees shake as the flames of the attack burn at the wounds.

“You…” Boutmon studies his new opponent.

Loogarmon stands ready. Flames spill from its maw. Its claws dig into the earth as its impressive plumage fan the embers that rain around its body. Eiji sees the members of the SOC make off with the Megadramon. An involuntary sense of relief washes over him.

“Howling Burner!”

Loogarmon roars, unleashing a torrent of fire. Boutmon raises its arms to block the attack, but the flames stick to them.

Judge grits his teeth as the searing pain bites at him and Boutmon. “This is annoying!”

Eiji and Loogarmon continue to kite Boutmon, keeping a healthy distance between them.

“You can’t keep this up forever,” Eiji taunts. “That’s why you de-digivolved isn’t it? You used up all your energy as the Mega.”

“Eiji, its time to go!” Marvin’s voice calls to him.

“Marvin is alive,” Eiji thinks with a sigh of relief.

“Eiji…?” Judge says softly. The name feels familiar, but he can’t remember why.

“You’ll pay for this Leon!” Marvin shouts at the unmoving Boutmon.

“Leon…?” Eiji tries to remember why the name sounds so familiar.

Boutmon growls in frustration as its body glows and it shrinks down to its rookie form.

Pulsemon, Rookie, Beast Man, Vaccine

Eiji recognizes Pulsemon before the computer pulls the data. He has seen it before…

It takes a moment for the memories to return. Eiji remembers his elementary school days when his friend showed him the same Digimon.

“Pulsemon…” Eiji mutters as he begins to piece it all together. “Leo? Is that you?” Eiji’s hologram suddenly appears next to the Loogarmon. Pulsemon’s expression softens a bit. Leo appears.

Eiji studies Leo and remembers the blond-haired and blue-eyed boy he was friends with all those years ago. He had grown a lot since, but he was undeniably the same kid. The same look of recognition washes over Leon’s face.

An alarm begins to screech. Nation X’s reinforcements begin to close in on the intruders. Eiji and Leo don’t move.

“Leo, its you!” Eiji repeats in disbelief.

“How could you become a code cracker?!” Leon asks, his voice filled with a mix of disappointment and resentment. Bullets begin to rain around them as Nation X’s forces close in.

Leo disappears back into Pulsemon. Pulsemon lingers for a moment before turning into lightning and vanishing into the digital sea. Eiji stands alone in the hangar, security inching closer by the moment.

“So you’re a hacker now…”

Chapter 2, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 2-3: Marvin’s Room

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Make sure to check out the official release. If you’ve been enjoying this project, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends. See you next week!

Only eight members of the Sons of Chaos attend the Operation Infinity briefing. Eiji stares nervously at the seven other avatars around him. He only recognizes Marvin. The rest are strangers who occasionally share idle chatter, but the room is mostly silent.

A large screen suddenly flashes above them and fills with maps, pictures, and charts.

“Our Target is the Nation of X,” Marvin begins. His voice is more stern and serious than it was the day before. “They are a small nation with an almost negligible GDP, but they are one of the world’s biggest sponsors of terrorism. Bombings, kidnappings, genocide, you name it, they’ve done it. Recently, they’ve moved their operations into digital world.” Marvin flips through the slides filled with related news clippings. “A large number of cyber-attacks originate Nation X. Their latest exploit? The digital exchange where they made off with billions of dollars in crypto…”

“That was them?” Eiji involuntarily blurts out, interrupting Marvin’s flow.

Marvin nods. “Yep, it is state sponsored Digimon crime, and it has to stop. Attacks like these will destabilize the market, but more importantly, it goes against the fundamental beliefs we were built on. Nation X threatens freedom in Digital World.”

Eiji takes a hard swallow as the scale of the operation hits him. This was bigger than any freelance job he had ever taken. His hands tremble slightly as Marvin continues his explanation. Most of it goes over his head. Eiji understands bits and pieces, but his nerves become a distraction. Eiji takes a deep breath and tries to remember why he’s there. His breath echos throughout the small dark apartment as he tries to calm himself and focus on Marvin’s words.

“Nation X is using a Machindramon to commit their crimes and pinning it on us.” Marvin throws an image of the metallic dinosaur on the screen. “I don’t think I need to explain why we can’t let that continue.” There aren’t many forces that can take down a Mega Digimon. This wasn’t mission wasn’t going to be easy.

Marvin finishes his explanation. The room remains silent as they look over one another.

“Good, we’re all here,” a mysterious voice says suddenly. “Since there are some fresh faces, allow me to introduce myself. I am Tartarus, and I’ll personally be running this operation.”

Tartarus is here?! Eiji thinks to himself. He tries to recover from the shock an stay professional. He wasn’t expecting to get this close to Tartarus so soon.

“This is a simple mission. We crash their servers and capture the Machinedramon.”

Eiji studies the image of Machinedramon. This Digimon has the power to penetrate the toughest national security. Such a tool has already proven catastrophic in the hands of a small country, Eiji couldn’t imagine what a group of skilled Code Crackers could do with it.

“It’s time we show this dictator his place,” Tartarus continues. “This is a fight for the freedom of the network.”

“For the freedom of the network!” Marvin echoes enthusiastically.

“For the Freedom of the network!” The others repeat loudly.

“No team of code crackers are as unified or powerful as the Sons of Chaos. Soon the world will see that we are a force to be reckoned with. They will see that we are a team that can topple nations!” Tartarus continues charismatically. His voice commanded respect, and those who gathered around him were ready to give it.

One by one, the SOC higher-ups start bringing out their Digimon. Most of them were Cyborg types. Eiji mutes his mic and looks down at his Digimon Linker. “This is it Loogamon. You Ready?” Eiji takes a deep breath as he looks down at his pixel art companion, “Here we go!”

Marvin’s room empties as one by one the members blink out of existence. Eiji scrolls through the options on his linker, stopping on the mindlink option. There was no going back now. Eiji is overwhelmed by a warm dizzying sensation that was growing more familiar.

They were now mindlinked. In the void of Loogamon’s Digicore, Eiji’s heart races. He goes over the mission directives in his head, repeating them like a mantra to calm himself.

Disable the servers, steal the Machinedramon, Eiji repeats to himself. This should be easy right? He takes a small breath to sooth his nerves.

“Loogamon, this is your conscious. You should let Eiji pet you,” Eiji manages in a playfully spooky voice.

“Shut up!” Loogamon retorts smugly. “Get serious Eiji.”

“I’m just trying to lighten up the mood. This can be our pregame ritual.” Eiji says, each word finding a more confident purchase.

“Pregame?”

“It’s something we do to pump ourselves up. Something to do before a big mission like this for good luck.”

“This isn’t a game. I need you to be serious for a moment and watch this.” Loogamon’s tone is stern as he pulls up a video on one of the screens.

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

Eiji stares at a man strapped to a reclining chair. Wires run neatly from the man and connect to nearby monitors and machines. A neat overlay over the video records his vitals.

“Who is that?”

“He was a hacker that used to work at the DDL. He was one of the institutes most promising subjects. He’s logged more mindlink hours than anyone else, and I think his record still stands. Keep watching, you need to see this.”

The video speeds up. The time stamp makes its quick climb, and Eiji watches the man’s vitals closely. Before he could ask what he was supposed to look for, the man starts convulsing wildly. The man fights against the restraints holding him to the chair, but they keep him from falling to the ground. The medical staff rushes to the man. Eiji watches as their silent screams carry useless instructions. He watches as they attempt to hold the man down in their wasted efforts. After a few moments, the man stops moving. The video cuts as the staff begins unplugging him from the machine.

Eiji swallows hard. “What happened?”

“Their Digimon ran into trouble. We believe the encounter overloaded the mindlink.”

“Overloaded? How?”

“There are limits to mindlink. Those limits depend on the skill of the code cracker, their compatibility with their partner Digimon, and the level of their Digimon. The higher the disparity between these factors are, the shorter the window becomes. If you go above this limit, your consciousness becomes melded to the Digital World. You’ll become trapped here.”

“What do you mean by melded?”

“I don’t have an answer for that. Worst case, your consciousness is destroyed. Best case, you’ll float aimlessly through the vast networks, forever lost in the endless stream of data.

A shiver runs down Eiji’s spine. The answer disturbs him. The cold reality of the assignment hits him like a bullet train. He tries to find his nerve again.

“So what happens to the body?” Eiji asks, knowing the answer.

“It becomes an empty husk.”

For the first time since he took the assignment, Eiji thinks about the stakes involved. He thinks about his body sitting alone in his tiny apartment. How long would it take for someone to find his body? His rent was set up for automatic payments. It would be a few months before his account drained. Would his neighbors complain about the smell? Eiji imagines his corps, rotting away on his bed. Another computer junkie dead from too much gaming.

Eiji shakes off the dark thoughts. It’s too late to think about that. I just have to make sure I don’t pass the limit. Easy Peasy. The speach does little to settle his nerves.

“For your safety, I’ve set another limit to make sure you return to the real world,” Loogamon replies as if reading his mind.

“Aw! You do care!” Eiji teases in an attempt to find his nerve.

“Can’t risk having you melded to my Digicore,” Loogamon says snidely. “I can’t spend the rest of my life with your voice in my head. I’d rather be deleted.”

Eiji lets out a nervous laugh. “Come on, Loogamon. Get serious. Their waiting for us”

Chapter 2, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 2-2

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Since Bandai isn’t going to give us a good translation of this story, I’ve taken it upon myself to give it a proper revision. Make sure you always check out the original release, but come check out my version the following Monday. If you’ve been enjoying this project, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends.

The GriMM network was home to a myriad of chatrooms and message boards. You can find just about anything on GriMM if you dig deep enough.

The Sons of Chaos host a special channel on Grimm for current, new, and prospective members. Their front page is dedicated to the recruitment of new members. The page is full of propaganda and information about the Digital world designed to attract prominent code crackers to their ranks. It also hosts an active marketplace for all kinds of Digimon tools.  

Active members of the Sons of Chaos have access to a special virtual lounge where their avatars can hang out and chat. The room is rather plain-looking, especially if you compare it to modern VR Chat games, but it serves its purpose. It’s a small room with a dirty cyberpunk aesthetic. It looks like a factor city with rows of pipes that wrap around the room in different directions, rusted metal plates, and vents that occasionally let off steam. 

Eiji logs into the room for the first time.

YO! Eiji’s here!

That’s the dude who took out the squad of DigiPolice!

What a legend. 

The chat quickly filled with voice memos. Soon, the whole room is talking about Eiji and his bout with the DigiPolice. Eiji walks through the chatroom with every set of eyes looking over him. The sudden popularity shocks him, but if he is going to get close to Tartarus, it is a necessary evil. Eiji needed to raise the ranks quickly. He needed to own his popularity. 

Eiji sits in his room looking down at the virtual monitor transmitting from his Digimon Linker. His eyes move over the virtual chatroom as he studies the details. The voice chat bounces off the walls of his small loft. Next to Eiji’s avatar, Loogamon sits and scans the lounge for danger. 

“Looks like you’re a popular guy Eiji,” Loogamon says flatly.

“That’s the plan,” Eiji responds cooly. Eiji and Loogamon are in a private chat room. No one else can hear them speak. 

“It’s a little offensive that they think you beat the DigiPolice all on your own. They think you’re some kind of hotshot code cracker.”

“Well,” Eiji says, getting cocky, ” I kind of am. Only top-rated code can use mindlink.”

Mindlink is inaccessible to most code crackers. Mind Link requires special equipment like Eiji’s DigiLinker and compatibility with a Digimon. Most code crackers lacked the skill and resources to even attempt such a procedure. In this way, Eiji wasn’t lying. 

Loogamon scoffs at the response. The pair continue their stroll through their lounge as strangers watch them closely. 

Loogamon starts sniffing at the air. The fur down its back begins to lift. “Someone’s running a search on me,” it whispers. “We’re being watched.”

Eiji keeps walking, doing his best to look inconspicuous. “Should we be worried?” Eiji whispers back.

Loogamon shakes his head. “I don’t like it.” He turns his gaze towards a Digimon with large ripped wings, a dragon skull for a head, and a snake’s body.

Below the Airdroman stands an avatar with thick long dreds. It walks towards Eiji and Loogamon. “My name is Marvin. It’s a pleasure to meet you Eiji,” it says with a warm and friendly tone.

In the heat of the moment, Eiji forgot to use an alias. Eiji is a common enough name that shouldn’t be a problem, but it was jarring to hear his real name used on GriMM.

“The pleasure is all mine Marvin. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“So, you’ve read my messages then?”

“Yep! And this is my partner, Loogamon.”

Loogamon appears to say something to Marvin, but his chat is muted. Airdramon lets out a sharp cry.

“Your partner? Ok. I see how it is.” Marvin responds, looking impressed.

“So? What’s up?” Eiji asks.

“According to my records, you applied to join the Sons of Chaos only a couple of days ago.”

“That’s right.”

“Have you ever applied under a different name or belonged to another code cracking team?”

“Nope. I freelance a bit, but nothing serious like this.”

“You sure about that?”

“Are you always this suspicious of people?”

“Only under certain circumstances. A rookie joining the ranks after beating the DigiPolice single-handedly is a bit sus. It’s either a lie, or there’s more to it.” Marvin goes quiet for a moment.

Eiji’s heart pounds against his chest. He keeps quiet. Maybe Marvin’s suspicion was standard procedure.

“I uh..” Eiji starts to stutter. He feels compelled to break the silence.

“But a code cracker who can mind link can’t be that stupid. Follow me, we need to talk somewhere more private.

As they walk away from the crowd, Eiji gets an invite to Marvin’s private room. Eiji finds himself in a smaller version of the lounge he was just in.

“This is my place,” Marvin says as he sits on a chair.

“So you’re a big deal in the SoC?” Eiji asks.

“I’ve got a few extra permissions in the channel, but I’m no more important than anyone else here.”

“I’ve heard you’re the guy who built GriMM. Is that true?”

“I was one of the first core members of the project, but it was a pretty big team. I did a bit of the code and suddenly everyone thinks I’m the creator,” Marvin says with a smirk.

“So you make all the Digimon tools then?”

“I do. Let me know what you need. First one’s free”

Eiji glances at the Airdramon above them. It curls its tail around a catwalk. Loogamon sits near Eiji, sniffing at the air.

“Anyways,” Marvin starts. “Down to business. The Sons of Chaos are planning something big, but we don’t have the numbers to pull it off.”

“Don’t have the numbers? Aren’t there a ton of people in the SoC?” Eiji starts to pry for information.

“Oh, we have more members than we need, but not enough skilled code crackers who can mindlink. Not many of them can hold their own against the DigiPolice.” Marvin smiles at Eiji. “But then here you are.”

“I’m in,” Eiji says bluntly.

Marven is taken aback. “That was quick. This is going to be dangerous, I hope you know that.”

Marvin takes a breath. An uncomfortable silence hangs in the air. All Eiji can think about is completing his mission. He needs to get close to Tartarus.

“It can’t be more dangerous than facing off against the DigiPolice,” Eiji says, breaking the silence.

Marvin snickers. “Look I get it, you beat a bunch of Commandramon and the deputy squad leader, but now you’ve got a huge target on your back. If you get caught, their locking you up.”

“And?”

Marvin relaxes a bit. “As long as you know the risks. I mean you’re good Eiji, we wouldn’t be having this conversation if you couldn’t hold your own. I just want you to understand what’s at stake.”

Eiji nods. “So what’s the mission? Is Tartarus involved?”

“You want to know about Tartarus?”

“Well.. Yeah? He’s a legend! Right Loogamon?”

“Woof!” Loogamon wags its tail excitedly.

Marvin looks down at Loogamon. “You’ve got a good dog here.”

“He’s a wolf,” Eiji responds.

Marvin bends over to pet Loogamon. It happily accepts the affection. “It sure acts like a dog.”

Eiji is at a loss. “He’s never done that kind of stuff with me!” Eiji can’t help but feel a bit jealous.

Marvin stands up and turns to Eiji. “Tartarus seldom comes around. The higher-ups don’t know much about him either. We just have the orders they give us.” Marvin sends Eiji an invitation to the private channel: Mission Infinity.

“That’s where we discuss the mission. I’ll share the files with you. It’s going down tomorrow at…” Marvin catches himself. “You’ll get the rest of the details once we’re all assembled here. You’ll need to mindlinked obviously. I’ll get you money for whatever you need.”

“Cool, I’ll see you then.” Eiji starts to log out.

“Wait, there’s one more thing,” Marvin’s words stop Eiji and Loogamon in their tracks. They stare at Marvin nervously. “You know anything about Black Agumon?”

“All I know is people are looking for it.”

“We’re looking for it,” Marvin corrects Eiji.

“You’re the ones offering the Million DC reward?!” The news stuns Eiji.

Marvin nods his head. “Tartarus wants this Agumon. It’s become his obsession…”

gaming news

Fort Solis: A spooky sci-fi mystery coming to PS5, PC, and Mac this August.

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I just watched the Fort Solis trailer, and it looks like the spooky sci-fi mystery I need in my life. A mining team on Mars has gone missing, and it is up to Jack Leary to find out what happened. Explore an abandoned mining base as sand storms rage and strange things happen around you. What happened here? To the team? Will you be next? You’ll have to play the game to find out. 

Based on the trailer, the game looks creepy. The abandoned mining rig is giving me Dead Space vibes, and I didn’t have the courage to finish any of them. Admittedly, I have never finished a horror game, but maybe I’ve never played a good one. I don’t do good with horror, but I am willing to try with Fort Solis.

For the record, I don’t have an issue with horror movies or books, just horror games. Maybe it’s irrational, but something about having control of the horror freaks me out more than passively watching it happen to someone else. That said, I am working on getting a review code for this because the trailer has me interested. I will probably play with all my lights on, but I will power through. I am always down for a good mystery, and the game looks pretty good too. Let’s hope I hear back from them soon. 

Fort Solis is a horror mystery sci-fi game coming to PS5, PC, and Mac on August 22nd.

If you’ve been enjoying these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends!   

Chapter 2, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 2-1

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I apologize for the late upload, work has been busy, and this one needed a bit more attention. Looks like they’ve started a new chapter, but it’s still a poor translation. I’ve taken it upon myself to fix the translation to make it more readable. My version comes out the Monday after a new issue, but make sure you always support the original. And if you’ve been enjoying this project, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with your friends!

The circumstances behind the crash of WWW Airline Flight 626 remain a mystery. Plane crashes usually go unnoticed, lost in the constant stream of bad news. They may populate news sights for a few hours, but people have become desensitized to tragedy.

But Flight 626 was different. There were a few other plane crashes over the years, but none were as big or under such strange circumstances. The plane inexplicitly veered off course and crashed into the ocean, killing everyone on board. All the public has are the rumors that still linger since the crash. Some say it was engine failure. Others say it was a pilot error. No one knows for sure because the flight computer went missing in the crash.

At least that is what the public is told. The official report has never been released. Only a select few government officials know the truth and the well-connected few work in the shadows. It wasn’t engine failure or pilot error that brought down Flight 626, but a code cracker and his Digimon.

The official verdict is that people aren’t ready for the truth that the Digital World exists and that Digimon is real. There are no systems in place to deal with the panic and fear-mongering that would surface because people aren’t ready to understand. This is why Flight 626 has outlived most tragedies. Why it still lingers in the modern vernacular.

Leon Alexander wakes suddenly with a jolt. Sweat drips down his forehead as he shakes the familiar nightmare. His breathing is heavy. He hunches over in an attempt to calm himself. Sweat drips off his nose and lands on his bed sheet, leaving a dark spot in its place. A warm glow washes over him as Pulsemon rushes to his side.

“Are you okay Leon? I heard you scream?” Pulsemon asks. It is a hologram, but its look of concern is real. Its body crackles with electricity and gives off a warm yellow glow. Occasionally, a random spark will shoot out from him.

“Where you dreaming of the accident again? It’s been a while.” It asks softly

Leon looks over at his small companion and smiles weakly. “Yes, Pulsemon. It’s back.” He reaches over towards his nightstand for his water bottle. He drains it quickly.

“Do you need any medicine?”

“No thanks, I’m good.” Leon falls back and stares at the ceiling, letting out a loud frustrated sigh. “What a time to be awake!” The lights of the city trickle in and mix with Pulsemon’s glow.

“Don’t you have class today? You should try going back to sleep.” Pulsemon says, trying to be helpful.

Leon sits back up and considers the proposition. He looks out the window into the city. Dawn begins to trickle in behind the skyline. He sighs. “Nah, I’ll just get up now. It’s a boring class, but the professor is real strict about attendance.”

“Do you even need the class? I mean you’re basically work at Abadin Electronics.”

“I promised my father I would graduate and get a job. Besides, being a college student leaves me plenty of time for…other stuff.”

Pulsemon laughs impishly.

Leon gets out of bed “I’m gonna take a shower,” he says as he shuffles slowly towards the bathroom.

Eiji and Loogamon stand in front of the crimson Castle of the Nine Wolves. A few Digimon linger in the courtyard, but mind their business.

“Does this mean you have your memories back?” Eiji asks sincerely.

“It’s still a bit hazy. I remember being raised here, I remember this was my turf but…” Loogamon’s voice trails off as it attempts to remember more.

“Well,” Eiji replies sadly, “its a start. I’m sure you’ll get it back soon.” He gives Loogamon a reassuring smile.

“It doesn’t matter if I do.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“Do you remember everything from your past? Forever?”

Eiji thinks for a moment. “You got me there.”

“We tend to forget things that don’t matter.”

Eiji snorts “Look who’s all grown and tough now!”

Before Loogamon can respond, three Tyrannamon round the corner and surround the pair.

“Good work fellas” Eiji calls up to them. The Tyrannomon growl gingerly in response as they transmit the data they collected to Loogamon. They managed to map most of the district and collect a decent amount of data about its population.

“They’re actually usesful,” Loogamon says, impressed. Eiji tosses them a couple of pieces of meat as a reward.

“You know, you could join them,” Eiji sneers.

Loogamon scoffs. “And what? Have them outrank me?!” Eiji laughs.

“Send them to patrol the area periodically. I fear there will be those who are foolish enough to invade while I am away.”

Eiji nods as he begins typing into a virtual monitor. “I’ll set up a schedule now.” Eiji pets the Tyrannomon, “Good luck fellas!” They respond with low, affectionate growls. Eiji couldn’t talk to the Tyrranomon, but he was beginning to understand them in his own way.

Suddenly a loud, piercing siren sounds over the district. The Digimon lingering in the square scatter into hiding.

“What’s going on?” Eiji asks, trying to understand the danger.

“Eiji!” Loogamon shouts over the wailing. “Get the Tyrannomon and leave!”

“Why?” Eiji asks as he pulls up the virtual monitor, sending the Tyrannomon back to their dock. He doesn’t wait for an answer. He quits his holo form and returns to Loogamon’s Digicore.

Loogamon dashes up the side of the castle, its claws digging effortlessly into the red tile. It climbs to the watch tower overlooking the district and sits, turning its gaze out to the vast digital ocean above them. Eiji looks through Loogamon’s eyes and can hear the commotion unfolding around them.
“Vortex! Vortex!” He hears the panicked screams of Digimon below.
“Vortex?” Eiji repeats.
Loogamon shifts his gaze. “There.”

Eiji sees a large whirlpool digging away at the digital sea, sucking into it chunks of debris. It was a massive hole, the size of an entire district, slowly moving across the surface.

“The firewall that protects the Digital World isn’t perfect,” Loogamon begins, “It has cracks. Sometimes those cracks cause a vortex to form. Most of the time they are small and short lived, but every so often a large one forms. Usually they are contained to the area over the Dusk Kingdom, but no one knows why. On rare occasions, a vortex will threaten the Slums, erasing whole districts and their Digimon.”

“What happens to the Digimon that get sucked up?”

“No one knows. At least no Digimon have returned to tell us.”

The vortex grazes the outer shores of the slums before disappearing, leaving the Digital sea to return to its calm beautiful stream of data. The sirens go silent and Digimon begin to spill back into the square.

“Come on. We’re late.” Loogamon says suddenly.

“Late for what?”

“Seriously? You’re the one who set the reminder.”

“Oh shoot! My appointment with Professor Ryusenji!” Eiji severs the connection and returns to reality.

Eiji and Loogamon enter the professor’s lab and find him busy combing through the most recent report.

“Good morning!” Professor Ryusenji says as he looks up from his computer. ” These are phenomenal results!”

“Thanks, Professor! We owe you for the Mindlink. It’s incredible!” Eiji can’t hold back his excitement. Loogamon’s hologram moves to the couch where he curls up for a nap.

The professor turns back to his data. “This is astounding! I mean I knew the two of you were compatible, but this is unexpected. You two share a special connection that doesn’t exist anywhere else.” The professor grins as he continues combing through the data.

“Still,” Eiji begins, “I feel sick when I wake up from the Mindlink.” The first time he woke from the Mindlink, he found himself leaning against the wall for support as the apartment spun around him. His stomach feels uneasy as he walks toward the professor.

The professor turns to Eiji. “I’ve been monitoring your vitals closely and haven’t noticed anything concerning. Nothing in previous tests suggests we should worry. It will go away with a bit of rest. You’ll get used to it in time,” the professor explains.
“That’s good to know,” Eiji says, sounding relieved. “Oh there’s one more thing!” He looks over at Loogamon who is sound asleep, or at least pretending to. “Loogamon can talk in the real world too.”

“That’s normal, once you are Mindlinked, you should be able to communicate easily.”

“Wait? Does that mean there are other talking Digimon at the DDL?”

“That’s classified.” Before Eiji can prod more, the professor continues “Right then, to business.”

“Right. I heard back from the interviewer. I passed the test,” Eiji says as he shows the message to the professor.

The professor reads over the message carefully. “What was the test?” He asks without looking up.

“I had to survey the 9th district.”

“Ooh scary. Not even the Digipolice like to go there.”

“It was no problem for me and Loogamon! It also helps Loogamon is from the 9th.” There is no response from the professor. “…But you already knew that, didn’t you?”

“Well, the DDL took..collected Loogamon from the Wall Slums years ago. To keep it safe.”

“Safe from what?”

“That’s classified.”

“D4 classified?”

The professor ignores the question. “So Loogamon got his memory back?” He pulls out a legal pad and pen and waits eagerly for the answer.

“It’s still hazy. He remembers bits and pieces, but there is still a lot missing. The smell triggered his first few memories, but I don’t think he even remembers evolving into Loogarmon.”

“We did notice that there are errors in Loogamon’s memory. It’s what we would call amnesia in humans. It is possible that, as he remembers more, he will suffer bouts of mental anguish. When that happens Eiji, I need you to be there with him to help him through it. I need you to promise me that.” It was clear from the professor’s gentle tone that he truly cared about Loogamon.

Eiji looks over at Loogamon, who is sound asleep on a nearby couch. “I promise,” he answers with a smile. He turns to the professor. “You know,” Eiji starts, trying to find the right words. “When we were linked in the Digital World, I think I started to understand Loogamon better. I was experiencing everything as him or through him.”

The professor seems overjoyed by Eiji’s observation. “Is that so? That’s fantastic! You are a very gifted code cracker Eiji, and I am very fortunate to have you helping me with this endeavor.”

“Really? I’m just happy to be here. So much has happened since I met you and Loogamon… I promise I’ll work hard to make the Digital World a better place.” Eiji can’t hide the joy of hearing the Professor’s words. It had been a while since he received any proper validation.

The Professor clasps his hands. “Well I guess that makes you partners!”

“Hell yeah, we are!” Eiji thinks about his time with Loogamon. In the short time they’ve been together, they’ve become a team. Inseparable. Eiji would do anything for Loogamon, and he hoped it felt the same.

“Oh, right!” Ryusenji exclaims suddenly. ” Here’s a little something extra for you. A reward for getting Loogamon to Digivolve to Champion.” The professor pulls out his phone and makes a few inputs.

Eiji receives a notification. He studies it for a moment in disbelief. “This is awesome! Thank you.” Eiji stares lovingly at the amount freshly transferred to his bank account. He remembers the struggle of living paycheck to paycheck, and a sense of relief washes over him. He could eat meat tonight. His hard work was finally paying off.

“I want you to continue your investigation into the Sons of Chaos,” the Professor interrupts.

Eiji puts his phone away and nods his head in agreement. “I’ve already been contacted by the higher-ups. I have a meeting with them later today.”

The professor raises his eyebrow, “You certainly work fast, don’t you?”

“It’s all thanks to Loogamon. And this,” Eiji says as he raises his wrist, flashing the Digimon Linker.

“Who are you meeting?”

“Umm, let me see…” Eiji takes out his phone and begins scrolling through his messages.

“I’m meeting with a Code Cracker named Marvin.”

“The Songsmith? You’re certainly a big deal if you’re already meeting with him.”

“Is he famous or something?”

“He’s one of the lead developers for that app you use…GriMM. He’s one of the leading software engineers in the world.”

“Oh man, that’s huge! Maybe I’ll even get to meet Tartarus,” Eiji muses.

“Just remember why you’re there Eiji. You’re a spy, but you also have to be careful. I want you to have a long career.”

“I promise!”

“Good. Now there’s something I need to show you before you go. It’s important that you pay attention to this, it could mean your life.” The professor turns to his monitor and pulls up a file for Eiji to see.

​​D4 CLASSIFIED ML EXPERIMENT NO.■■■ DATE:■■■■, ■■SITE: DDL

Chapter 1, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 1-13

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While we wait for Sunday’s chapter, I’ve decided to revise the Seekers story to fix some of the story’s awkwardness. I will keep the story the same but will try to make it sound nicer. This isn’t my story, so please make sure you check out the original chapter. Let me know if this is something worth continuing. Make sure you start at chapter 1-1

The cloaked Digimon watches as Eiji and Loogamon make their way toward Ninth Avenue.

“I wasn’t told they’d be Mindlinked,” the Digimon says suddenly to nobody.

“I wasn’t told either. I didn’t know they were going to show up with a limit unlock,” replies the interviewer.

“I wonder if that dog…Loogamon noticed. I wonder if it noticed our Mindlink?”

“Who knows?”

“Fang and the Demon Wolf of the Castle of the Nine Wolves…Won’t mapping Ninth Avenue be too easy for them?”

“Normally, yes” the interviewer replies,”but I’ve made a few…adjustments.”

Once on the ground, Loogamon begins weaving through the streets. Eiji follows closely. A tunnel takes the pair underground until they are standing at the edge of a platform. The platform is eerily empty. Eiji looks over and sees train tracks that seem to disappear into tunnels neatly dug on either side. Eiji watches as the stones that surround the tracks start to vibrate and jump to the rhythmic echoes of an approaching train. Out of the shadows, a familiar sight surprises Eiji. The train screeches to a stop and its doors open. The Wall Slum train.

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

Eiji watches as the world blurs past his window. He clutches unto a strap nervously.

“So this is the Slum Circle subway…” he finally says, breaking his silence.

The interior of the train looks like those he rode in Tokyo, but the riders here were Digimon. The train is also a Digimon. There were signs and electronic displays, but the information is written in the language Eiji had never seen before.

“Is this the Digimon lanugage? What does it say?” Eiji asks, pointing at one of the signs.

“It’s against the rules to cause trouble on this subway,” Loogamon answers standoffishly.

“So…no fighting?”

“This is a public place. Just mind your manners,” Loogamon says as it curls up, taking three seats.

The train passes through a station every couple of minutes. Eiji is fidgety and restless. He doesn’t know where they are going, nor can he read the signs for clues. He finally turns to Loogamon and says, “I’ve been thinking about this Mindlink stuff. Is that how ChuuChuumon and Damemon work?”

“Don’t compare me to that….thing” Loogamon snaps, clearly offended. “It’s nothing like that. Think about what’s happening with your body right now.”

“My body?” Eiji thinks about it for a moment. Only his mind was linked to Loogamon’s Digicore. Eiji’s body leans against the wall of his loft, unconscious.

“Your body is asleep back home. It won’t wake up unless you break the Mindlink. ChuuChuumon and Damemon are both here…Do you understand Eiji?”

“yeah…sure…By the way..”

Loogamon lets out a sigh. “What?!”

“Do you mind if I pet you now?” Eiji is already reaching for Loogamon. Loogamon lies comfortably on the seats, looking like a puppy.

The wolf tenses up and flashes its teeth. “No!” it growls.

Eiji quits his attempt. “The dog I used to have didn’t let me pet it either.”

“I’m not a dog!” Loogamon replies, growing more annoyed. “I’ve had enough of your dog stories…”

A few passengers get off at the next station. Those who board the train are surprised to see a human sitting amongst the remaining Digimon.

“Hey Loogamon…the Digimon are staring…”

“There aren’t many humans walking around the Wall Slums”

“Right,” Eiji replies as he examines the rest of the train. The train is crowded with strange-looking Digimon. “These Digimon look injured like their data has been corrupted or something.”

“Most of the Digimon the live in the Wall Slums have been used by humans for whatever humans do with Digimon,” Loogamon explains bitterly.

“Used by humans?” Eiji responds as he looks at the Digimon more closely. They looked abused, damaged, sickly, and incomplete.

“These Digimon were discarded after they were no longer useful.”

“Discarded…Digimon…” Eiji repeats slowly. Digimon are used as tools by humans. All the top tech companies, military groups, and government agencies use Digimon for security. For code crackers and hackers, Digimon are the tools of the trade. Like most tools, Digimon wear out and break eventually. Eiji knew this truth well, but seeing the faces of the discarded Digimon made it heartbreaking.

“Digimon that die become Digitama,” Loogamon continues his explanation. “Those who survive end up here where they have built cities and villages on the outer wall. The abandoned Digimon thrive here, in the slums they’ve created.”

It was an admirable type of resilience.

“This slum has become a paradise for the abandoned. An escape from the cruelty of humanity or the troubles of the Digital World beyond the wall. There are even Digimon who are born and raised on these streets..” Loogamon’s explanation is cut off by the train’s loud screeching.

The subway breaches the surface. Its metal wheels splash through puddles of contaminated brackish water. The air fills with toxic putrid fumes. Mounds of trash and junk data make large messy mounds on either side of the trains. Chuumon, mutant Daimon, and other strange Digimon watch the train pass. Eiji watches as a couple of Chuumon fight over food.

“Do the Digimon here not get along?”

“The Digimon that live in the slums are poor. They don’t have enough food and have to fight to survive. This is a city riddled with conflict. If Digimon aren’t fighting each other for food, they are fighting each other for territory. The only place there is no fighting is on the train and in the center of town.”

Eiji looks out the window and searches for the center, but his view is obscured by a river that flows upwards. “What’s so special about that place?”

“That’s the gateway to the inside,” Loogamon replies, referring to a Digital World untouched by humans.

The train crosses a polluted river before returning underground. The train grows dark. Eiji watches as sparks jump against the walls before the lights turn back on. Eiji stays silent for a moment as he processes the information. “Does the gate also keep out humans?” he finally asks.

“Not just humans, Digimon too.”

“All of the Digimon here?” Eiji is saddened by the realization that none of the Digimon here could return to the Digital World.

“Digimon in the Wall Slum have been contaminated by real world data. Once a Digimon is contaminated, it can’t return to the Digital World. The gate won’t let them.”

“And who decided that?”

“It’s always been like that. The Digital World’s systems were programed long before the first Digimon drew breath. For a Digimon in the Wall Slum, bellow the wall is their long lost home.”

Eiji watches the darkness outside the window. “Hey Loogamon? Do you know what’s on the other side of the wall?”

“We’re getting off here” Loogamon gets off its seat and walks towards the exit. The train continues to move. Eiji begins to form another question but is interrupted by the intercom. “Next stop, Ninth Avenue.”

Eiji gets up and starts to follow Loogamon. He would ask another day. First, he needed to pass his test.

“What kind of place is Ninth Avenue?”

“I’ll know when I get there.”

“You seem to know a lot about this place, have you been here before?” Loogamon had spent most of his life in the Digimon Linker, and Eiji had never thought about asking it anything personal. He didn’t know Digimon had pasts.

“I don’t remember…”

“What do you mean?”

“My memory is hazy. It comes back in fragments. I remember being a kid growing up in the slums, but I don’t remember much after that….”

“Maybe you have amnesia? Maybe we have to jog your memory.” Eiji suggests. “That Chuumon seems to remember you, maybe we can ask it”

Loogamon continues to walk in front of Eiji in silence. “When I try to remember,” Loogamon says suddenly “It comes back foggy. I can’t really make sense of much of it. But since I’ve come to the Wall Slums with you, I think I am beginning to remember. I get the sense that there is something Ninth Avenue that I need to see. Something that’s important to me.”

Chapter 1-12
Chapter 1-14
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 1-12

Leave a comment

While we wait for Sunday’s chapter, I’ve decided to revise the Seekers story to fix some of the story’s awkwardness. I will keep the story the same but will try to make it sound nicer. This isn’t my story, so please make sure you check out the original chapter. Let me know if this is something worth continuing. Make sure you start at chapter 1-1

Eiji looks over the ledge and is left breathless by the exotic skyline. The sky fills with a collection of vibrant neon colors as networks and data swim across it, creating brilliant dancing auroras. Large dirty buildings are densely jammed against this small patch of land, surrounded on all sides by an arid emptiness. Some buildings stand tall and greet the world with cracked, dirty, or broken windows, while others have already begun to crumble under the weight of neglect. This might have been a bustling metropolis at some point, but now it sits here as a seemingly abandoned slum.

It takes a moment for the initial shock to fade and for Eiji to regain his composure. “So this is the Digital World,” he remarks, not hiding his amazement. “It’s like something out of Cyberpunk!”

“What does that mean?” Loogamon poses, not understanding the reference.

“I thought the Digital World would be more wild, but this…” Eiji trails off, remembering the images of the Digital World he saw back at the DDL. He remembered forests, mountains, and deserts, but he never imagined there’d be cities with modern buildings.

“It’s called the Wall Slum” Loogamon interrupts, sounding a tinge offended. “It is a city of security walls that protects the Digital World from the flow of junk data. Just outside those walls is where all the junk data collects,” it says as it turns their attention to the northern walls. “If you look carefully, this city sits on a rounded surface.”

Eiji examines the skyline carefully and sees how the horizon separates the sea of networks in the sky from the shelled city below in a clear dividing line.

“Ah….”Eiji explains ” I see it now. It’s like a city built on the inside of an eggshell.”

“if you try to go from the human world to the Digital World, you will be blocked by the security wall”

“Wait…Then how can code crackers control Digimon from the real world? I thought we were connecting to digital world?”

Loogamon chuckles, “It was just the Wall Slum. Those Digimon code crackers grab are just those you see running around the Wall Slum. Most code crackers don’t Mindlink, so they’ll never know the difference.”

Eiji is left speechless by the explanation. Eji thinks about the time his Tyrannomon hunted down the Modoki Betamon. Were they just running around this place? “Has anyone gone beyond the security wall? Has anyone seen the Digital World?”

“No human has ever set foot in the Digital World, at least not beyond the Wall Slums”

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

“Beyond the wall is the “deep” Digital World,” Loogamon continues his explanation.

Everything Eiji thought he knew about the Digital World crumbles as he borrows Loogamon’s vision to see the bottom of the network. Eiji finally understood why the Digital World wasn’t mankind’s secret. Digimon are alive, and Eiji was standing at the tip of their world. Eiji continues to admire the alien landscape.

“Well…” Loogamon says as it begins filling the heads-up display with tabs of information. The virtual monitor appears in front of Eiji’s conscious mind. It looks like something out of Gundam or Iron Man. “Do you remember why we came here Eiji?”

Eiji is stunned by the sudden jolt to reality.

“Right, I forgot you’re a pathetic code cracker,” Loogamon snips as it pulls up a window with the words “Operation Wolf” scrawled across it.

“Right,” Eiji replies, remembering the Sons of Chaos Job. He begins reading over the details.

According to this, I’m supposed to be briefed by a local member of the Sons of Chaos somewhere around here. 

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

Eiji rushes to the designated location. He arrives at what seems to be a deserted rooftop. A cloaked Digimon stares down at the pair from the top of the building’s antenna. The Digimon is roughly the same size as Loogamon, but its identity is hidden by the tattered cloak. Eiji tries to search for the Digimon’s data, but the search yields nothing.

“You’re late…” An annoyed voice comes from the cloaked figure. “Tartaros likes our people to be punctual.”

“We had some trouble. Maybe we can get a pass this time?” Loogamon replies.

“Hey Loogamon?” Eiji interjects.

“What? Oh?!!” Loogamon turns to find Eiji suddenly standing next to it.

Eiji, wearing his usual street clothes, looks down at his palms as he tries to move his arms and legs. “Well look at that!”

“Where did you come from?” Loogamon asks in its confusion.

“I don’t know,” Eiji begins “A lot of the functions in Mindlink work by thinking about them. The Digimon Linker has a hololize function. I thought maybe it would work the same in the Digital World, so I gave it a try and it worked!”

Loogamon is silent for a moment. “I can’t tell if that was impressive or just lucky,” it snarks.

Eiji chuckles as he extends his hands to pet Loogamon’s forehead. The metal brace feels cool to his touch, and the blue fur feels soft.

The wolf tenses as it growls in response.

“Did you just growl at me?”

“Don’t touch my forehead!” Loogamon snaps, bearing its fangs at Eiji.

Eiji quickly retracts his hand. “Sorry, I didn’t know I could touch you.”

In the real world, hololized Digimon were just a projection of data. You can’t actually touch them. But here….

“In case you’re wondering,” Loogamon interrupts “You can’t exist too far from me, so stay close!”

Eiji nods as he turns his attention back to the cloaked Digimon again.

“The name is Fang”

“…I thought it was Eiji?” the Digimon rebukes impatiently.

“No need to focus on the details. So what’s the job? The interviewer said I was supposed to ask you for details.”

“I’m sure the interviewer also told you this would be a test. You’ve already been deducted two points for being late.” A screen suddenly appears above the cloaked Digimon’s head, displaying a rough map of the Wall Slum. The city is shaped like a large circle, divided into districts. At the center is a volcanic crater. Sixth Avenue, Eiji remembers ChuuChuumon mentioned it earlier.

“I need you to survey and map the area painted in this color. As you know, the Wall Slum is undergoing a lot of redevelopment.”

With the constant flow of data from the real world that moves through the city, nothing ever stays the same.

“So you want me to make a map? Simple enough.”

“The Wall Slum is very important to the Sons of Chaos. We like to keep our map data up to date.” The Digimon tosses Eiji a memory card.

Eiji accepts it as a mapping tool that appears on his virtual monitor.

“All you have to do is walk around the area while running the tool and it will do the mapping for you. We want you to investigate Ninth Avenue…”

Loogamon turns before the Digimon finishes its sentence and laughs. “Perfect!”

 Eiji hurries after Loogamon. “…What do you mean?”

“I’ve got some business to attend to.” Loogamon smiles, bearing its fangs as it continues its stride. 

“Do you think we should listen to the rest of the explanation?” Eiji asks, but Loogamon doesn’t answer.

The cloaked Digimon watches the pair hurry off toward Ninth Avenue.

“I wish you well Eiji. I hope for Tartarus’ sake, you pass.”

Chapter 1-11
Chapter 1-13
Chapter 1, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 1-11

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While we wait for Sunday’s chapter, I’ve decided to revise the Seekers story to fix some of the story’s awkwardness. I will keep the story the same but will try to make it sound nicer. This isn’t my story, so please make sure you check out the original chapter. Let me know if this is something worth continuing. Make sure you start at chapter 1-1

“Loogamon?” Eiji repeats as he begins to piece the mystery together. “You’re the voice aren’t you?” There is no response. “Can you explain what’s going on?”

This time the gruff voice replies, “Explain what exactly?”

“For starters, what is this place? Why can the Digimon talk? How did I get here?” Eiji is bursting with questions.

Loogamon scoffs. “Didn’t you listen to Ryusenji?”

“Ryusenji? The professor?” Eiji is surprised by how informally Loogamon referred to the professor. 

“Yes the professor,” Loogamon replies with a hint of judgment. “Didn’t you listen to his Mindlink explanation?”

Eiji remembers the professor talking about jailbreaking the Digimon Linker. In order to infiltrate the Sons of Chaos, some of the watch’s functions needed to be deactivated. Ryusenji worked on a hack that not only made the Digimon Linker more inconspicuous, it also boosted the user’s hacking affinity.

“Do you mean the function that turns me into an elite hacker?”

“Ugh…” Loogamon can’t hide its disappointment.

“I didn’t really understand his explanation…” Eiji was becoming uncomfortable with Loogamon. He isn’t making a good impression on Loogamon. Loogamon starts moving without responding. “Careful! There’s broken glass everywhere..” Eiji notices the reflection of one of the pieces of glass. It’s Loogamon.

Wait…Eiji thinks as he stares at the wolf’s reflection. Am I not here? Am I seeing through Loogamon’s eyes?

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

Suddenly, a pink rat rushes up to Logamon and bows. then with its 

“Master!” It squeaks in a respectful tone. There is a slight trembling fear in its voice. “You’ve returned at last! All hail the Demon Wolf of the Castle of Nine! I…a lowly Chuumon, am at your service.”

Eiji watches the groveling pink Digimon and recognizes it as the Chuumon they rescued.

Eiji doesn’t have an answer.

“Where did you go? Rumor has it you were turned into a Digitama and captured by a human…”

“Who do you think you’re talking to?” Loogamon growls.

“Squeak! So..Sorry!” The Chuumon bows, desperate to apologize. 

“Do you believe me so weak to be caught so easily?!”

A bead of sweat starts to make its way down Chuumon’s trembling face. “P-p-p-please, forgive me, master.”

Loogamon takes a deep breath and raises its head, absorbing its surroundings. “I remember now,” it finally remarks, “The Dust Kingdom. You Chuumon served Sukamon, ruler of the Fifth Avenue Trash Heap.”

“Yes! That’s it!! You remember!”

Loogamon looks over the nervous-looking Chuumon who is on the verge of tears. “You serve me now and in return, I’ll look out for you.”

Chuumon is overjoyed by the news. “Thank you! Thank You! Thank you! You won’t regret it!”

“The Demon Wolf…Huh? It’s got a familiar ring to it,” Loogamon whispers.

“So Chuumon”

“Yes?”

“Everyone thinks I was captured by a human?”

“It’s only a rumor. You’ve been gone for so long. A lot has changed in your absence. Ninth Avenue is a shadow of what it used to be. It’s mostly deserted now.”

Loogamon looks over the dirty cracking concrete walls. Things have changed. It turns its attention to an eagerly waiting Chuumon. 

“Here,” Loogamon says as it tosses Chuumon some meat. “Take it.”

Chuumon stares at the piece of meat. It doesn’t know how to react. “Is this…is this real-world meat?” Chuumon gives it a deep sniff “Of course it is, a Digimon of your stature would only eat the best!” Chuumon bows its head respectfully. “Thank you, master. Until next time!” Chuumon gathers the meat and cheese and quickly scurries away.

“Are..are you done talking?” Eiji asks timidly.

Loogamon sighs, “You wanted an explanation?”

“Yes, please!”

Loogamon thinks for a moment. “What is it you humans say, seeing is believing?” Before Eiji can answer, Loogamon leaps out a broken window. Eiji finds himself in free fall as he watches concrete towers shoot up past him. Loogamon lands the four-story drop without issue. The pair find themselves in a valley of skyscrapers.

Loogamon begins its trot. Its claws dig into the dark asphalt. Eiji studies the deserted city as it blurs past the racing Loogamon. Suddenly, Loogamon begins his stride up one of the buildings.

Eiji feels the wind blow over him as Loogamon runs. He feels every step Loogamon takes. His senses are overloaded with new sensations. Sounds came more clearly, colors were more vivid, and smells were more pungent. It was like he and Loogamon shared senses. 

So this is Professor Ryusenji’s work? This is D4’s most confidential technology. Eiji remembers the professor’s explanation. 

The Digital world isn’t like ours. People can’t see it normally without special tools, and even then, it is never the full picture. 

But what if there was a tool that would give us the ability to experience the Digital World with all five senses? What if there was a tool that would let us explore it? Experience it like we experience this world?

After years of research, I finally found a solution. We can take a person’s mental data and convert it to Digicore, sort of like data. We then take this Digicore and inject it into a living Digimon where both consciousnesses can exist simultaneously. This is the essence of Mindlink.

It all makes sense now.

Loogamon continues to run as Eiji takes in the beauty of this new world. This isn’t a pixelated image on a cheap LCD screen or a video on a virtual screen. This is real and vibrant. This is the Digital World.

“I can’t believe I’m a Digimon,” Eiji exclaims in excitement.

“This is your first Mindlink. You’ll get used to it soon enough.”

“How is it I can talk to you?”

“What do you mean? We Digimon have always been able to talk. You’re just getting to know is better”

Digimon are alive! Eiji repeats to himself. Loogamon, Tyrannomon, and all the rest…They’re alive!

Chapter 1-10
Chapter 1-12
Chapter 1, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers: Chapter 1-10

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While we wait for Sunday’s chapter, I’ve decided to revise the Seekers story to fix some of the story’s awkwardness. I will keep the story the same but will try to make it sound nicer. This isn’t my story, so please make sure you check out the original chapter. Let me know if this is something worth continuing. Make sure you start at chapter 1-1

Eiji loses his senses as the room melts away into darkness. He no longer has control of his limbs as the darkness consumes him. Eiji loses consciousness and wakes up in a world full of bright colors. The colors spin around him as he falls quickly into the unknown.

Suddenly, a memory from his childhood flashes before him.

Its summer. The day he and his family spent by the river. He remembers how refreshing the water felt on a hot day, the sound of the river crashing over the rocks, and the games he and his friends played.

“Eiji!” his friend Leon calls to him as he gets out of the water. Eiji turns his attention to Leon, but he’d unknowingly walked in too deep. His foot slips him into the deep part of the river. His feet search but find no ground. He tries to swim, but the force of the river is too strong. He can’t find the surface. The river bubbles around him as his limbs desperately search for air.

Eiji isn’t in the river, but his senses are overwhelmed by the familiar sensation. He tries to calm himself. The bubbles start to settle and quiet. A new world begins to unfold before Eiji. Eiji finds himself overwhelmed by the sudden rush of stimulation.

A bright light. It blinds him, but he can’t close his eyes.

What’s going on here? 

Disoriented. Confused. Anxious.

Eiji tries to piece it together but can’t understand what he sees. His eyes continue to adjust, but he can’t seem to focus. Everything is a blur of color and light, zooming and changing as he attempts to make sense of it. His ears fill with a strange static buzzing in his ear, and the air fills with a putrid animal smell.

Is this a bad dream?

But it’s not a bad dream…

Over the static, Eiji can hear a voice speaking clearly to him.

Who…Who is it?

CRASH!

The sound of something being kicked over. Eiji hears someone running towards him.

Eiji’s eyes begin to adjust. He sees a small pink rat Digimon quickly scarring towards him. It clutches a piece of data in its hands as if it were cheese.

“Chuumon, child, beast, virus type,” his heads-up display reads.

Where am I?

Eiji’s eyes continue adjusting. He can see more clearly. He finds himself in an empty dirty room made of concrete. 

Suddenly, another Digimon appears. Another rat, but this one is made of cloth like a puppet.

ChuuChuumon, puppet, child, virus type.​

It rides on the back of metallic poo-shaped Digimon. It carries a tonfa and chases after the pink rat.

Damemon, mutation, adult, virus type.

Eiji is confused by the scene unfolding before him. He is overwhelmed by the excitement of seeing real Digimon but takes the moment to compose himself. This isn’t a theme park he reminds himself.

“How brave of you to try to steal from my family,” Says Damemon in its metallic voice.

“Squeak! Don’t let him do this ChuuChuumon! I beg you! For the love of all rats!” Chumon pleads.

Chuumon stole Chuuchuumon’s food and is trying to escape.

“Not good, not good” Chuumon mutters to itself.

Damemon readies the tonfa for an attack.

“Is that a dog?” ChuuChuumon says suddenly, looking towards Eiji.

Huh, a dog? The Digimon is talking?

Damemon stops its attack. ChuuChuumon continues “I haven’t seen you around here before. The Wall Slum’s Sixth Street is our turf. You better turn tail and run if you know what’s good for you!”

“A rat picking a fight with a wolf? Don’t make me laugh?”

The strange familiar growls in his ear. Out in front! Eiji isn’t in control.

“This is my turf now”

“Do your worst!” ChuuChuumon yells, accepting the challenge. “Damemon! Gun Vulcan!”

Bam-Bam-Bam-Bam!

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

The Vulcan gun embedded in the tonfa erupts with fire. Bullets explode into the walls and floor. Chuumon zigzags, desperate to escape.

Whaaa?

Eiji is overwhelmed with nausea. A putrid smell fills his nostrils. The bullets Damemon fires aren’t particularly strong, but they release a foul odor, almost like a poisonous gas.

“Hahahaha! That attack must be torture for a dog. Digimon battles are all about exploiting weaknesses!” ChuuChuumon taunts.

“Not good, not good!” Eiji lets out.

“Shall we get rid of this stray Damemon? Finish it off with Boo-st Atta…”

But before ChuuChuumon could finish his sentence, strange energy begins to swirl around Eiji.

What is this feeling?

-Howling Fire!

A fireball erupts from Eiji’s snout and flies toward the enemy ChuuChuumon. Before Damemon has a chance to react, the flame engulfs the pair. The flame eats away at the room around them. 

“HOT! HOT! HOT!”

The force of the impact knocks Damemon off balance.

“Just one shot?! But how?” Chuuchumon rolls out of the Damemon’s cockpit and onto the floor. The flames continue to smolder. ChuuChuumon begins to short-circuit. It stares up as the wolf looms over it. It begins to tremble “Lo…Loogamon?”

Loogamon? Eiji asks himself as he looks down at the cowering ChuuChuumon.

“So you’ve returned to the Wall Slums?” 

ChuuChuumon’s tone suddenly becomes more respectful.

Eiji is at a loss.

“You’re looking good..”

Loogamon turns away for a moment. ChuuChuumon attempts to make its escape.

Eiji regains his composure. “Loogamon? Can you hear me? Loogamon!”

Chapter 1-9
Chapter 1-11
Chapter 1, digimon seekers

Digimon Seekers Chapter 1-9: The Interview

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I’ll be rewriting the novel to fix some of the awkwardness of the translation. My version comes out the Monday after the official release, but make sure you always check out the original. If you’ve been enjoying this project, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

The Sons of Chaos is an organization full of the strongest code cracking teams, but have come together with the worst intentions. Rumors has it that the Sons of Chaos are planning something big. Something that could shift the balance between the Digital World and humanity. Intelligence agencies and police units from all over are investigating the organization, but Ryusenji has no faith they’ll find anything. Instead of dealing with the tiresome channels of bureaucracy the selfishness of global politics, Ryusenji recruits Eiji to protect the Digital World, and the Digimon who inhabit it.

The job pays very well, but the passion that the professor fosters for the Digital world is what moves Eiji to action. If Tartarus and the Sons of Chaos are allowed to cause havoc in the Digital world, the international community will view Code Crackers and Digimon as dangerous.

“The lives of Digimon will be at stake. People are afraid of what they don’t understand, and if this gets out of hand, it could mean the end of everything. Digimon are alive and we can’t let such a group to be their extinction.” The professors words continue to ring in his head.

Eiji sits on the futon in his cramped apartment. “So I’m supposed to be a spy,” Eiji says to himself. He looks down and finds Loogamon asleep across from him. It rest comfortable on the bed with its belly exposed. Occasionally, the hologram will flicker, but it it emits a steady blue glue into the apartment. “We’ll be dealing with really bad dudes Loogamon,” Eiji says to the unresponsive pup. “They’re hardcore code crackers who are into some really scary stuff. My Tyrannomon don’t stand a chance against them, but you might be alright.”

Eiji stretches out his hand in a feeble attempt to pet the wolf. Loogamon lets out a low growl as it flashes its teeth viscously at the encroaching hand. “I thought you were asleep?”

An alarm goes off. Eiji raises his wrist to shut it off. “It’s time to go to work. Let’s go Loogamon.” Loogamon disappears into the Digimon Linker screen. Eiji puts on his headset. Leaning against the back wall, he scrolls through the different menus in a virtual terminal projected from the watch.

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

Eiji logs into GriMM. Joining the Sons of Chaos isn’t a difficult. Once you obtain the invitation code from their recruitment page, you join the official channel and apply like any other job. Eiji had already submitted his application and was logging in for his first interview.

A heavily modified voice comes through his headset. “The Sons of Chaos deal with government agencies, corporations… important people with high-level security. We need highly skilled code crackers who aren’t afraid of anything. This is a risky job. It’s easy to apply, but it’s hard to get into the Sons of Chaos. Do you think you have what it takes, newbie?”

“It’s Fang”

“Code Cracker Fang, huh? Are you ready to earn that name?” Eiji looked at the hologram of a generic avatar staring back at him. His username reads “interviewer. His voice was gravelly and sweet, like a cartoonish old man’s.

“Will I get to meet Tartarus?” Eiji asks without wasting a minute on pleasantries.

“You’re interested in our leader?” the voice asks suspiciously.

“Who wouldn’t be?! He’s the legendary Code Cracker Tartarus! He’s my idol.” Eiji feigns excitement.

The interviewer laughs “How old are you kid?”

“That doesn’t matter. Will I meet him or not?”

The voice on the other end remains silent for a moment. “Tartarus is a mystery even to us. Most of us have never seen him. If you are as much of a genius as you say you are, one of the executives will reach out to you. If you get invited into one of their chats, you might be able to talk to Tartarus.”

Eiji smiles. He will take advantage of the organization’s meritocracy and climb up the organization. “So this job, is it a test?”

“That’s one way of looking at it. It’s a semi-A ranked mission…I’ve shared the details on GriMM. I’ve also opened a dedicated channel for the mission. Use it for future comunications.” Eiji begins to read over the mission details. “What do you want to call the mission?” the voice asks.

Eiji thinks for a moment. “How about, Operation Wolf?”

The interviewer goes silent as the name of the channel changes to Operation Wolf. “This isn’t going to be easy,” the interviewer explains. “A Ranked missions aren’t for noobs. You are going to lose some Digimon. We don’t insure Digimon or provide compensation for any losses. Is that understood?”

“I understand, just be ready for my welcome party.”

“Welcome party?”

“We’re celebrating the birth of the Sons of Chaos’ newest executive.” Eiji is confident that Loogamon and his raw ability as a Code Cracker were more than enough for anything the Sons of Chaos threw at him.

The interviewer laughs. “Please check the file for the mission details. Good luck, I’m praying for you.”

“Thanks!”

The interviewrer logs off, leaving Eiji alone in his small apartment. He lets out a sigh of release as he looks down at Loogamon. He remembers the Professor’s words. Digimon are alive!

Eiji scrolls through the watch’s menu. His finger hovers over the word “Minlink“

Eiji stares at the word for a moment and takes a deep breath.

“Well then…” Eiji presses down on the screen.

Mindlink!