Better Present, Better Future [Moonstone]

Well, this was certainly an exciting moment for Lise Hamelin, by day a Geography teacher in Shibuya High, and now by the other day, a digimon tamer. Having gone through the process of having her partner, Ark the Agumon Hakase hatch from an egg before the eyes of her students in a class, thankfully events like that had died down over the rest of the school year.

For the moment though, today would be a new experience for her status as a "digimon tamer", or "chosen" as was the more polite term. It had taken Lise a few months to gather up the confidence and professional integrity to officially ask one of her students to help her take this next step, to find her destiny as a chosen in the digital world. Well, by one student, it was more accurately three. Colin, Luke and Bellamy James. Of these, only Colin was human; Luke and Bellamy meanwhile were digimon disguised by holographic technology to appear as humans. Despite knowing this though, Lise had accepted the digimon as students in her classes. Just as long as they didn't disrupt too much.

And to Lise's delight, when the school year had ended for the summer, Colin had agreed to escort her and Ark to the "digital world" and give her a tour of this other land. While it started awkwardly, as was expected when a student went on a secret journey with their teacher would be, Lise tried to make it as easy for him as she could manage, making it clear that she was here as an acquaintance rather than his teacher, and anything that happened here would not be spoken of in the next school year.

Lise was fascinated by the secret elevator that brought them to the Trailmon terminal, and was even more fascinated by the Trailmon - a sentient train that would apparently carry them to the digital world. The trip itself was relatively short, but Lise would not soon forget the experience of transition from being Matter on Earth to Data in the Digital World.

"You get used to it." Colin assured her as it passed. Lise held back asking a question about how many times he had exactly made the journey here, knowing it would just make things awkward. She was already asking a lot of him to escort her here in the first place.

Not long after, they arrived in Terminus City. Lise was awestruck. It was a metropolis on the scale of Tokyo, New York, London, all these major cities she had visited, but with digimon roaming the streets instead of humans.

She felt a little overwhelmed after a little while, however, and asked if there was anywhere in the digital world where she could come to terms with her status as a "Chosen" a little more lightly.

"Well, there's Whitewater, Hamelin-sensei." Colin answered her.

"Please, Colin, we're off the clock here, please call me Lise for now." Lise requested, not feeling comfortable with being reminded that her students were guiding her here. As long as they were in this world, she would regard Colin, Luke and Bellamy as her equals, rather than her students.

"Okay then... Lise..." Colin answered. "Whitewater is a tropical resort city. Things should be more easygoing there."

"Alright then, let's go to Whitewater." Lise concurred. "You stated that time runs 7 times faster in the digital world, yes?"

"Yeah, that's right, H- I mean- Lise." Colin replied. And so they went through a longer Trailmon journey from Terminus to Whitewater. As they disembarked, Lise felt envigorated at once by the tropical breeze.

"Ah, this is lovely. Reminds me of Miami." Lise remarked. "Colin, you're American, right? Have you ever been there?"

"Nope, I grew up in Nebraska, so I've never really been near the coast before moving to Japan when I was 11." Colin answered. "I've been to San Francisco though, on the way between Tokyo and Omaha. Admittedly I know more about the digital world than I do about Earth, given I've been riding an airship around here for a while."

"Oho, is that so?" Lise asked, intrigued. She was about to offer Colin and his partners bonus marks for their senior year if they based their geography assignments on the digital world, but held her tongue when she realized that it wouldn't really be ethical to do so. No, it would be better for her to investigate herself, with Ark.

They spent the remaining hours of daylight exploring around the city. Lise was impressed with it. The digimon had made a fine society here, and she was grateful that most of them seemed to be friendly to humans. The occasional one shot a menacing look in their direction, but thankfully the size of the group dissuaded them from causing too much trouble.

After a while however, Lise felt a vibration in her pocket. She reached into it and pulled out what she now knew was a "D-Terminal". In it was a message, from a group known as the "Moonstone Travellers", and they appeared to be recruiting prospective members to it. Colin appeared to have received the same message. However, as far as Lise knew, he was already in a group known as AEGIS and seemed to know his own way around the digital world.

Lise considered her options here. She understood that even though Colin, Luke and Bellamy were here to be her guides to the digital world, there was the fact that they were still teacher and student. Also, if she was to truly be a "Chosen", she would have to carve out her own path here, and not have to rely on them. With this, she turned to her partner.

"Ark, what do you think? Would this be a good idea to poke our noses in?" she asked. Even if they were completely new to the digital world, she had spent enough time here to feel relatively safe. And if she could grow independently of her students, maybe that would be better in the long run?

"Hmm." the Agumon Hakase read the message for himself. "Kindness and altruism? Those sound like things I can get behind. Yeah, I think it'd be a good idea!"

Him saying that made Lise decide on the next course of action. "Colin, Luke, Bellamy... can we have a word?" she asked. When she had their attention, she spoke her mind. "I'd like to thank the three of you so much for guiding me here to the digital world. However, if you wouldn't mind, I think Ark and I would like to talk to these "Moonstone Travellers". Would that be fine with you?"

"Hm? I dunno, could be risky..." Bellamy began. But Colin beamed and nodded his approval.

"That's fine with us. The leader is a guy named Toki, right? We've heard good things about him from our friends. He's as trustworthy as they come."

That made Lise so happy to hear. This was her chance to go her own way, and not bother her students anymore.

"Thank you for telling me that. I'll ask if you could please stick around the area until we need to go home?"

"Sure thing, Lise, we can go our own way for a while." Luke replied, knowing there was plenty of things they could do in Whitewater. "Just send us a message through Tamernet when you're ready to head home."

With that settled, Lise and Ark were left alone. They found the meeting spot, then entered. It seemed there were already people here. Taking a deep breath, Lise gathered her composure and approached.

"Hello there, is this the meeting for the Moonstone Travellers?" she asked. "I'm Lise, and this is my partner Ark. We received your message. We're new to the digital world, but, I think we would be delighted to join a group such as yours."

"Heya, nice to meet'cha!" Ark added, waving his claw underneath his oversized labcoat sleeve.

Aylin immediately looked up and a bright smile greeted Angel as she nodded towards her "Mhm! Angel, yes? It's so good to see you again!" She hopped up on her chair and waved. "I never had the chance to formally thank you for your efforts in saving us. So...thank you. Thank you so much." She bowed politely, as Toki followed suit.

Toki also smiled warmly at Angel and Denryu "Good to see you two as well! Chances are we wouldn't be here without your efforts. What brings the two of you here today? Would you like something to eat or drink?" He asked politely. He was happy to hear that Emma was doing well "I'm very glad to hear that she's been doing well since what happened. Let her know I said hello! Please, don't worry about our last meeting. It was the least I could do to repay you. How is the spirit faring from it? Well, I hope."

He looked around at Angel's question "Well...I'm actually planning on getting a group together. You remember that monastery? Aylin and I fixed it up a bit and...well, we want to use it for something good. To gather people together in a place where they can be safe, learn, and practice for the challenges ahead. I want to help people. That's all." He said with a warm expression. "Help them see the hope in the world again. To see that things can get better. That we can come together and look towards a brighter future. But to do that we need to make the present worthwhile. Live our lives the best we can, and inspire others to do the same."

Aylin chimed in "We want to help the Digital World and the Human World become more comfortable with one another too. Whether true understanding will ever come...well, we just can't predict that, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. It will be a slow process...probably very hard too...but someone has to try. And we want to be that someone."

As they spoke about this, Toki noticed that another had arrived. A young boy. At first he was surprised. He almost forgot that it was normal for even kids David's age to receive Digivices and partners of their own. In a way that almost proved his and Aylin's point. Digimon and humans of all ages were capable of bonding and communicating with one another. Though it was still a dangerous life to lead. Would David be safe alongside them? Then Toki realized that if they didn't take him in then David would be in a worse position. Toki smiled warmly at David "Yep, you've come to the right place! You want to help us? Thank you. That means a lot to me...really." He said with complete sincerity. He looked between him and the ModokiBetamon that he assumed was his partner "Well if you want to help, then the two of you are free to come along with us. The more the merrier, and at the monastery we'll even be able to train together in peace."

Then, another new face approached. Lise and Ark. Toki was starting to actually get a little nervous, but Aylin pat his arm gently and smiled encouragingly. He smiled back and rubbed the top of her head. "Y-yes, this is where the meeting is being held. Well, meeting...it's nothing so official. If you have any question at all, Aylin and I would be glad to answer. Welcome to the Digital World, Lise." He bowed towards her politely. Newcomers to the Digital World? It was honestly perfect. He wanted to help them adjust and learn about this wondrous yet dangerous land. Though should he mention his abilities? Would they be off-put by the idea of a spirit user? He shivered slightly. He was still a young college student, after all. It was strange. In battle he had an eerie sense of calm, but actually staying and talking to so many people was still so overwhelming to him. "I hope you've enjoyed what you've seen of the world so far! There's so much to see and explore. It can be pretty dangerous, but like our world there are amazing things to see and people to meet."

Lastly, there was Mae. He was definitely surprised to see her here, but very happy at the same time. She also saved his life and fought alongside him in multiple battles. He approached her and pat the top of her head if she'd let him "It's good to see you again, Mae, under happier circumstances." He said with a gentle tone to help calm her down.

He stepped back to the table "Gather around, everyone and order what you want! My treat." He said with a bright expression. "The Moonstone Travelers...I hope to make this a group that spreads goodwill and hope across the world...both worlds." He said with a calm conviction. "To those who don't know, my name is Toki Akiyama. I'm a spirit user, a human who can harness the power of the spirits of Digimon to fight using their power." He held out his Digivice "Once, my dear friend Tsusagimon resided in this Digivice, but he sacrificed himself to save my life. So...I want to do what he would have wanted to do. He was one of my dearest friends...and I will live my life to the fullest for him...and I want to help others do the same with their lives. Over in the Blossom Isles, off the coast here, there's a monastery he used to teach at. It was his legacy....a-and now it's mine." He said. He choked up a little bit, but kept his composure.

Aylin bounded towards the group "I'm Aylin! I'm Tsusagimon's daughter. I want to help Toki carry on my father's legacy and give the Digital World the future it deserves by making it a better place now. I'm really glad to see so many people want to join us." She said. She was also getting a little emotional, but it was okay. The group deserved to know their feelings on this venture. For one, it was okay to be emotional and cherish those who came before.

A college student, an elementary school student, a teacher, a seer, and a general with his army. What would this wild assortment of people be capable of?

It was interesting how things had turned out sometimes. After all, what chances would need to be present to have a meeting between three individuals who had all worked together at some point, as well as a few new faces?

...Seemed like the best place for a team to start.

The Keramon gave Toki a legitimate smile at the warm greetings, both from him and from Angel. Yeah, seeing as she wasn't...quiiiite late (in fact, she was more on time than a wizard could ever hope to be), it was quite easy to get her to calm herself.

Though, having her order whatever she wanted could only lead to one thing. Burger. Other than that, the Keramon heard Toki out, in that this group's intent was to promote two things. Hope, and goodwill.

Both vital things in the times that they lived in, really. Hope for those within the Digital World that the future would be better, and goodwill for those in the other world. That they would remain safe.

...

That was how Mae viewed it, at least.

"Mmm...I'm known by many names, but most call me Mae. I work up in Luminas as an apprentice to a Rasielmon named Seer, but before that I was a wandering vagabond with a knack for finding and getting people out of trouble. I know a few of you already..." She looked to Toki and Denryu (and Angel too) at that. "But rest assured, I...likely have seen the rest of you in visions before. It is nice to meet you two, regardless, and I hope we can help bring some good to the worlds."

What an amazing start.

Lise and Ark noticed another arrival. Lise almost gasped, but held her surprise at seeing the Keramon. So far this was the most alien-looking digimon she had yet seen, but of course, she didn't want to make them feel bad.

Ark of course didn't mind, realizing the Keramon was obviously very civilized and he was used to digimon like them. "Heya, Mae." he said, cheerfully.

Lise then noted that Toki was getting a little nervous. She simply gave an encouraging smile at him, as she would to any of her students that were faltering during one of their presentations. While it was clear Toki was an adult, he was still obviously younger than her. She didn't want to add any pressure to him.

Toki then spoke further, hoping she had enjoyed her visit to the digital world so far. "Ah, yes, it's been absolutely fascinating." she said, unable to put a stopper on her excitement. "And here I was thinking I was well travelled in the human world, and now I find there's a whole new world to explore. I really look forward to seeing what's here."

With introductions mostly settled, Lise and Ark sat down and listened to Toki's introduction to the "Moonstone Travelers". Almost at once, Lise felt the need to ask questions, but she would of course wait her turn. Spirit users... Tsusagimon... sacrifice. She could tell that it was emotionally tolling on him to reveal this. But she admired how he was able to continue onward.

Then Aylin introduced herself as Tsusagimon's daughter. It was clear she was barely holding up as well. So far, Lise had already learned that digimon could rear children, so this wasn't surprising to her. And it was clear that their families were often as close as that of humans. Her only examples so far were Luke and Bellamy, who had been very close as twin brothers even before she knew they were digimon. And she was eager to find out more.

Lise and Ark then turned their attention to Denryu, who seemed to be something known as an "Xros General", who had multiple partners. And from the way he conducted himself, he seemed very experienced in the ways of the digital world. She hoped this would be of assistance for Ark and herself in finding their way forward.

As she and Ark greeted the remaining members here, she turned to Toki. "So then, what's the first thing on the itinerary?" she asked, curiously.