Digital Masterpiece (Cote x Digimon)

Primary Village

Sakayanagi POV:

The first thing I felt was the softness of moss beneath me and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead. I blinked against the dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of impossibly tall trees.

Where was I?

I attempted to sit up, but my arms faltered beneath me. My cane was gone. A cold realization settled over me—I couldn't walk.

Flashes of the moments before this point flickered the special exam, the mysterious message, the chaotic bus ride, and Ayanokoji-kun catching me just before that blue light engulfed my body.

I was pushing myself on my butt to take a look at my surroundings. I was in a forest that looked untouched by humans, which was strange considering I was last on a bus in the city.

In a state of panic, I lay my hand on my chest and take in a deep breath, attempting to calm my racing heart. Panicking in this situation is counterproductive. I need to call for help, but yelling will only attract wild animals. That's only a viable option with a means of defense or escape. My classmates may be nearby, and I could signal for their assistance. I don't even know-

There was a rustle in the leaves behind me...

Arisu: !!!

Before my mind could comprehend and tell me to remain silent, I let out a scream. As I gazed upon the imposing figure above me, I realized it was the shadow of a colossal bug. Its size was almost comparable to my own.

Ayanokouji POV:

As I ran toward the voice, the forest grew increasingly dense. Trees stood closer together, and thick vines and roots intertwined, creating a tangled web underfoot. A fallen tree stomp blocks my path. I think of a way to get around without slowing my pace

Hackmon: "Pepper Breath"

Hackmon spits a fireball out of his mouth, and the tree's center burns down instantly. The fire didn't spread to the trees around it for some reason.

Kiyotaka: "..."

Hackmon: "Gezz, Kiyotaka, are all humans as fast as you?"

Kiyotaka: "No."

Hackmon: "Then are you some special grade of human or something?"

Kiyotaka: "I'm pretty average; running is the only thing I'm good at, really."

Hackmon: "...Even I can tell you're lying."

I have a feeling that if I ask Hackmon why the trees burn strangely, I won't get an answer that I'm satisfied with. I opt to proceed and locate Sakayanagi. Our destination, where I previously heard the voice, should be within reach.

Sakayanagi: "Fufufufu"

I hear Sakayanagi's creepy laugh coming from a clearing in a forest. Wait, wasn't she screaming earlier? I had assumed she was in trouble, but it didn't sound like that was the case. I cautiously look from behind a tree, and the sight I see is definitely strange.

Sakayanagi: "Aren't you a cute little thing~"

??? *Buzz Buzz (* ^‿^*)*

Emerging from behind the tree, Hackmon's tail wagged like that of a dog as he dashed toward Sakayanagi. Initially, I perceived him as a dragon, but his canine-like behavior raised questions about his true nature. Since dragons aren't real, perhaps all dragons behave like dogs? Wait, this line of thought seemed irrelevant to the present situation.

Hackmon: "Hey, FanBeemon, it seems you found your partner, too."

FanBeemon: *Buzz Buzz* ヽ(•‿•)ノ*