Somewhere in the Server Woods... (OPEN) (INTRO)

A cool, fragrant breeze floats its way between the great trees that make up the Server Woods. It comes to pass that this breeze alights upon a clearing, deep within a less-remembered area of the forest, carrying with it the scent of pine. Within this clearing, so far off the beaten path, lies a decrepit cabin, nestled in the undergrowth. Despite its age, the shack shows signs of use, and much of the grass and weeds covering its facade and porch has been cleared away. This area may be forgotten by most, but there is at least one left who remembers it, and it so happens that on this day, the breeze finds its way to their nose, bringing with it its scent, where it is perceived by a lone Dorumon. The smell brings nostalgic thoughts.

The Dorumon's full name is Djehuti, though it insists to those it meets that they call it simply "D". On this day, D is making their last preparations before setting off from the familiar territory of the Server Woods, to lands beyond. They check their possessions to make sure they are prepared for their travels:

Food... check! Paper... check! Notes... check!

Each item brings with it excited thoughts of what new knowledge there is to be learned, what new people to meet and befriend, what strange adventures await.

D's gaze turns to the cabin's interior, filled with memories, both familiar and foreign.

Someday, I'm going to find out who lived here before me!

An acorn falls into the center of the room. D follows its path through a large hole in the ceiling, with buckets placed beneath.

... And I'll fix that darn roof, too! Just as soon as I figure out how...

The cabin's dirt floor shows signs of dampness, brought on by rain from the night before. Tiny patches of moss are growing near the edges, where other parts of the cottage are divided via a change in flooring, from dirt to wood, raised up off the ground.

A rusted belt with an oversized belt buckle hangs precariously on rotten hooks above a worn wooden combat dummy. D approaches the dummy, and gives it a few solid swipes with their claws. Still nice and sharp! Hopefully I don't have to use these. D gives the dummy a friendly headbutt, and a shiny rock on a tiny shelf is knocked to the floor by the impact.

D catches it without even thinking, before it reaches the floor. Wouldn't wanna forget you! D tucks the rock securely into their fur. Holding it brings back fond memories of warm days and cool nights under the digital sky, sharing good times and asking myriad questions to the travelers that frequented his childhood stomping grounds. That was before they discovered this cozy cabin, which, to their knowledge, was completely unknown to anyone in their forest. It was a prime location for someone like D, prone to introspection, theorizing, and intellectual pursuits. Besides that, the previous occupant left all of their possessions behind, making for an easy time settling in on top of leaving breadcrumbs for all manner of burning questions, both new and pre-existing, for D.

Despite their nostalgia, D had always known that they would have to leave this place one day. The items left behind by the previous owner of the shack represented a body of knowledge, and, more importantly, a world far greater than D had imagined up to that point, and their life within its walls had always been a prelude to a proper foray into the unknown. Still, D couldn't help but feel juuuust a little sad about leaving. They took a few steps past the dummy and found themselves at the side of their bed, which had faithfully served them for a long time now. A crude thing of wood and fur, it was miles better than the cold, hard ground out in the woods. I'm gonna miss you..., D said as they ran their hand through the furred hides that covered its frame.

D returned their attention to the task of preparation. At the foot of the bed was a desk covered haphazardly in sheets of paper. Above it was a window with a view into the thick, deep forest. Surprisingly, despite its location so far into the Server Woods, this region was unusually calm and placid. Most areas this deep are haunted by some thing or another, or present other hazards in the form of hostile Digimon, or simply the environment itself, but this section was relatively danger-free. D reached into a drawer and retrieved a set of writing tools, some re-claimed, others hand-made. Can't write my notes without these!

Finally, the task was done. D stepped out the door onto what passed for their front lawn. They turned around to take a good, long look at their home before they left. D knew this wasn't the last they'd see of it, but nonetheless felt a certain sense of loss. That, and pangs of irritation. I really need to fix that roof...

Resolved to begin their adventures, D whipped around 180 degrees and proceeded into the undergrowth surrounding the clearing. They knew they way by heart, and swerved through the bushes and trees, careful to cover their tracks. Diligently they swept any footprints they made away using their tail, and made careful steps to avoid disturbing any plants too much. Finally, they found themselves at the side of a dirt road cutting through the forest. It wasn't well traveled, and quite thin, surrounded on both sides by tall trees and plant life that seemed to loom over the path. D followed the path to the left, carefully observing their surroundings, and listening for any sign of life. Finding none, D reached the end of the path, a dead end blocked by a giant dead tree. D deftly hopped on top of the huge log and followed it to its terminus, a side path connected to the main road network passing through the Server Woods. This path was much better maintained, several feet wide and packed down from foot traffic. D looked back and nodded when he saw that the path beyond the giant log wasn't visible from the road they now stood on, and proceeded along until they reached the main road. Well built, it was covered with interlocking cobblestones, smoothed down over decades of use. At this point, D's sense of familiarity with the terrain began to dwindle, until they reached a fork in the road. Beyond this point was new territory. D's face broke out into an excited grin as they confidently stepped forward into the unknown...

And somewhere, a cool, fragrant breeze floated through the Server Woods...