Enter: Hawkeye (Dante) (Introduction)

Hawkeye was persistent that there is evil within Dante. The Tamer just shrugs and lets out a sigh.

"There's evil in everyone. It's when people or Digimon cannot recognize it inside themselves that wickedness inside us spills out and hurts people. Wormmon is evil, no doubt about it."

It was clear that Kaya isn't exactly enjoying this sudden trip down the rabbit hole. It was difficult for people to grasp the fact that bizarre monsters actually exist. For Dante, finding out about Digimon was easier than this, as he received Wormmon's egg in Japan. At least Hawkeye is doing what he can to break the story softly.

Upon hearing Hawkeye's name, Kaya compares him to a superhero by that name. Wormmon recognizes them and starts to snicker.

"Ya, I wasn't going to say anything. I thought it was a coincidence, but she makes a pretty good point about that bow thing. If I was a superhero, I would be Wonder Wormmon! In my satin tights, fighting to crush your rights! Doing what I got to do! Da-da, da da, la la la!"
"Oh great, now he's dancing around."

The blonde girl asks Dante if he knows how to get home. Dante gives his best impression of what a competent veteran Tamer would say to a newbie in this situation, channeling his inner Kiyoko the shrine maiden (pre drunk phase.)

"Somehow, you've been transported to the Digital World, a world comprised of data which is inhabited by many different Digital Monsters. It's a world that exists alongside our own. Getting from one to the other can often be tricky, but I have been back and forth many times."
"We should be getting frequent flyer miles by now."

"Your best bet is to catch a Trailmon to Terminus City. Right now, you're in the Server Woods. Though why you appeared here in the first place is beyond me, since you are not a Tamer."
"Maybe she's a Spirit User. Did you even think of that, Dante?"
"Obviously she's not, if she didn't know about Digimon. Try to keep up instead of cracking wise and dancing around."
"I'm going to dance all over your face if we don't get some food soon."

It may be difficult being brought to the Digital World for the first time, but at least there is someone here to explain these things. Between Hawkeye and Dante, they can answer Kaya's questions and tell her things she otherwise wouldn't know. Wormmon crawls up Dante's leg and rests on his shoulder with his front legs crossed.

"So ya, welcome to the Digital World. I'm not going to eat you, but not every Digimon is as awesome as me."

"You may be on to something there, Hawkeye."

While Hawkeye might not be the friendliest Digimon Dante has met, the Tamer could recognize his passion for his home. Wormmon and Hawkeye were not quite getting alone, the former's in your face attitude and obnoxiousness are clashing with Hawkeye's serious nature. Dante hopes that they can make it home before the two come to blows.

"Don't be such a stick in the mud, Birdboy. What kind of hillbilly 'mon doesn't know about superheroes?"
"Let's draw the line there, little buddy. You've been agitating us the entire time."
"So? He questioned my sick dancin' moves."
"So, if you're always acting like a butt munch, how are people going to see the real you, and feel your awesomeness?"
"Hmm, you make sense for once. And they haven't even seen me fight in a huge battle. I forgive you, Hawkeye, for not fully recognizing and appreciating the awesome-possum-itude that is the Worm King."

Dante figures maybe playing to Wormmon's ego will get him to settle down. A nice meal would also help Wormy and make him less cranky. Kaya is worried about the dangers along the way to Terminus City. Jijimon suggests that Hawkeye go with her, but Hawkeye doesn't want to leave the village and put it at risk.

"We can head to Terminus City when we leave."
"Or stay for a while and bash in baddies. Lay down the law."
"Do you think Cassius knows about the Wingfruit?"
"Well, he is a worm, and not the good kind. Didn't you say he picked this location for our battle?"
"He suggested it, and it suits your Champion form well, regardless of that particular outcome. Why would he suggest this area when he could have just come here on his own, if he is after the Wingfruit?"
"Think about it. Cassius knows that he can't fight me when we're at full power. So he gets us into an exhibition match at Champion level and cheats to take me out, leaving the village ripe for the picking."
"Stop trying to justify your loss. He's a master thief, and could sneak in and out without drawing our attention. Why would he fight us at all and bring us to the spot he is staking out?"

The two would argue about this for some time.

"I'm fine with staying to protect the Wingfruit. Though Kaya should be getting home soon, if she doesn't even have a Digimon partner to defend her."
"Shall we dig in? I've been looking forward to trying this Wingfruit. Let's see if Jijimon is the next Iron Chieftain."

It was turning into a game for Dante to keep Wormmon and Hawkeye from getting into it. The archer wasn't far off about Wormmon's ego stroking apology. Jijimon brings up a good point. Terminus City is not a quick trip away. Hawkeye reestablishes his distrust of the duo. While they are discussing the plan, a DemiDevimon comes flying in, warning them that there is a human in the Wingfruit farm. Taking Kaya back would have to wait, as they rush off to deal with this threat.

"Alright, let's kick some butt! They are lucky that I am not fully recovered yet, or their rear would be in for a serious stomping."

When they get there, Dante doesn't see any humans. He does see a Betamon that has several scrapes and bruises. The Tamer examines the ground, dirt kicked up, trampled plants, clear signs of a struggle. The Betamon is panting and breathing heavily, but sees the group and perks his head up.

"A bandit attacked the farm! He ran off into the woods."

There is a trail of footprints leading away. Dante approaches Betamon and examines his wounds.

"You are badly hurt. Will you be alright?"
"Ah, I'm roughed up. That bandit attacked me out of nowhere."

Dante pauses to think for a moment. He remembers hearing about bandits being in the forest, but wonders if Cassius could pass as a bandit.

"A bandit?"
"That could be Cassius, you guys."

It might be as Dante feared. If Cassius did steal the Wingfruit, it could take weeks to track him down once he has time to flee.

"We have to hurry. It looks like they have already taken some of the fruit."

If it was indeed Cassius, it was bad news for them. Wormmon still hasn't rested enough to Digivolve, and Hawkeye can't Digivolve as far as Dante knows. How would they fare up against Seadramon? Could Cassius be up to something sinister here, and has Dante been playing right into his hand this whole time?

It was worse than Dante expected. Not only was the Wingfruit stolen, the trees had been damaged, leaving the village without the main source of income. Hawkeye suspects the injured Betamon, who no one seems to recognize.

"Oh, I just moved to this village, so that's probably why we haven't met yet, heh heh."

Suspicious indeed. Was Betamon involved somehow?

"Seadramon is a Betamon at Rookie level, but he doesn't seem like the same Digimon."
"We don't have time to talk. Come on, let's bust some skulls!"

Wormmon takes off into the woods as fast as his little legs can crawl. Most of his strength has recovered, but he hasn't eaten yet, so he's still not back to normal. Dante runs off into the forest, following the tracks. He can see a figure off in the distance, as he hurries down the dirt trail, jumping over large roots and rocks. If it is Cassius, Dante wants to give him a serious beating.

"Come on, let's pick up the pace."
"I'm trying, Dante. You're making me look bad!"

Dante approaches a small ledge and looks out into the forest. He goes to jump across a narrow gap, but suddenly a rope launches up and ensnares his legs. Dante is yanked into the air upside down and dangles there in a trap set by the bandit.

"What the hell?! Can somebody get me down?"
"Hang on, Dante! I'm coming." *Puff puff pant pant*

As Wormmon is catching up to Dante, the sound of snarling can be heard coming from some bushes.

"Uh oh, I smell bacon."

Were there other dangers lurking in the forest nearby? Dante wonders if the thief is working with accomplices. With Wormmon stuck at the Rookie stage for now, a battle is not something Dante wants to worry about right now. For now, he's got to figure out how to free himself from the rope.

It would seem that Hawkeye and Jijimon would have to sort out the injured Betamon later. It didn't take long while in pursuit for Dante to become ensnared. Hawkeye asks Kaya what he should do. The girl says he should free Dante. With his aim steady, Hawkeye uses his Energy Arrow and hits the rope suspending Dante in the air. Dante's fall is not so graceful. He lands on the ground on the other side of the ledge, landing on his butt. The Tamer reaches for his lower back as he yells in pain.

"Oww! Great job, Hawkeye."

Dante getting caught may have cost them their chance to catch up with the thief. Though the pursuers are not alone, as the snarling is getting louder. A large flaming boar leaps out of the bushes and turns its attention towards Wormmon.

"That is Boarmon, a real hot head."

The Worm King stops and turns around fleeing in terror, but the boar charges towards Wormmon and bucks him with its tusks. Wormmon is sent flying into a tree branch and crash lands hard on the ground.

"Oh my Goddess! What is wrong with this forest?"

Dante's heart sinks as he sees Boarmon trash Wormmon. Dante slips the rope off of his feet and gets up, taking off towards his partner.

"Wormmon! Are you alright?"
"That felt like getting hit by Mjolnir."
"What the? … I'm surprised you know what that is. Did hitting that tree branch teach you about mythology somehow?"
"Don't be stupid. I watch superhero movies."
"Fair enough. I'm just glad you are okay, little buddy."
"Let's save this for when we're not being attacked by a future BLT."

Dante picks Wormmon up, and his eyes lock with the boar's. Dante gets ready to dodge, but Boarmon turns and charges towards Hawkeye.

"Hawkeye, look out!"

For once, Dante was glad that Hawkeye was pointing an arrow in his direction, as the Rookie hit his target and the rope snapped. Apparently, Dante's natural sarcasm was bleeding through, and thanking Hawkeye sounded ingenuine, considering the fall. Dante is grateful that Hawkeye used his bow for something besides intimidation.

Wormmon's cowardice was glowing like a lighthouse, as he attempted to flee from Boarmon. The Worm King's performance so far left much to be desired, and Hawkeye says that he makes a good punching bag.

"A What?! I'll show you. Once I'm done kicking this boar's butt, you better watch yourself, bird brain."

Kaya was scared at the sight of this rampaging boar, and it makes sense why. Wild monsters attacking isn't a normal occurrence, unless you are in the Digital World. Dante sees why Kaya would be stressed out. It felt odd for Dante to be around someone who is new to Digimon, as it has been a few years since he first found out about them.

Hawkeye does what Wormmon couldn't. The archer stands his ground and fights the Boarmon. Hawkeye freezes the boar on the side of the cliff, and as the ice is melting, Boarmon falls down the cliff, thus taking care of the wild beast.

"I could have done that if I was at full health. Good job, Hawkeye. I guess you do know what you are doing with that bow."

Dante raises his arms out and stretches his shoulders, as he glances around for signs of the thief.

"Maybe we can still catch up. It looks like he was heading that direction. Do you know what is over there, Hawkeye?"

Now that the boar was dealt with, the group still had to figure out what they are going to do about the missing Wingfruit. Dante suspects that it was Cassius, but isn't sure. If it is, it gives him all the more motivation to make him pay. They could go after the thief now, or return and question the injured Betamon. Beyond that, there wasn't much they could do to recover the stolen fruit. They also still have to figure out what to do with Kaya. Do they return her to the Human World after they deal with the thief? Would she be able to survive in the Digital World long enough for Hawkeye to escort her home?