Till There Was You
Chapter Eleven


Snowpoint City...

The lake...Come to the lake...

Renamon stirred, the voice echoing in her mind. Was she dreaming?

The lake...Come to the lake...

Renamon's eyes snapped open and she sat up, looking around. To her surprise, she saw that Mewtwo was also awake. The Psychic Pokemon was standing over by the window, looking out at the storm raging outside.

“You heard it, too,” Mewtwo asked.

“I thought it was a dream,” Renamon said. “But I'm guessing you heard the same voice I did.”

“We're being called to the lake,” Mewtwo replied. “Which can only mean...”

“Uxie,” Renamon said. “Uxie is calling to us.”

Mewtwo nodded. “Something is happening at the lake. I can feel it.”

“Do you think Uxie is in danger,” Renamon asked.

“It didn't seem that way,” Mewtwo replied. “The summoning was urgent, but it didn't sound like Uxie was frightened, just concerned. Still, we can't exactly rush to the lake right now due to the storm.”

Renamon could hear the wind howling outside and saw flakes of snow whipping past the window. Mewtwo was right. They wouldn't get far in this weather.

“We'll have to wait until morning,” Mewtwo said, turning back to Renamon. “Hopefully, Uxie can hold out until then.”



Lake Acuity...

Lynxmon studied the tiny creature floating before her. So far it hadn't made a move, it just hovered there, eyes closed, as if sleeping. And yet, she felt it wasn't sleeping.

“What is it, General,” a Feralmon asked.

“Good question,” Lynxmon replied. Reaching into her pack, she withdrew the remote camera IceLeopardmon had given her. She activated it and the device began hovering before her. “IceLeopardmon? Can you hear me? Is this coming through alright?”

A screen on the camera came on, and IceLeopardmon's image appeared.

“You're coming in loud and clear, Lynxmon,” he said. “I take it you arrived with no problem?”

“Well, we're in the human world,” Lynxmon replied. “Unfortunately we landed right in the middle of a blizzard and we're hunkering down in a cave right now. But that's not important. Look what else is in this cave.”

The camera turned in the direction she indicated and focused on Uxie.

“What is that,” IceLeopardmon asked.

“I have no idea,” Lynxmon said. “But I wonder if this might not be one of the creatures the first scouting party mentioned.”

The camera moved closer, examining Uxie. The tiny Pokemon remained as it was, not even flinching as the camera moved towards it. It seemed unafraid.

“Fascinating,” IceLeopardmon muttered. “The readings on this creature are...unusual. I'm detecting strong psionic energy. What sort of creature is this?”

“Psionic,” Lynxmon asked. “You mean it's psychic? Didn't the previous scouting party mention something about a creature with psychic abilities?”

“Yes, but this creature doesn't match the description of the one they mentioned,” IceLeopardmon replied. “Has this creature said or done anything since you arrived?”

“Nope, it's just been floating there,” Lynxmon said. “What should we do?”

“Hm. Let's attempt a little experiment,” IceLeopardmon. “Have one of the Feralmon attack the creature. Let's see what happens.”

Lynxmon nodded and pointed at one of the Feralmon. “You! Attack!”

The Feralmon immediately rushed at Uxie, claws slashing through the air. Uxie remained as it was, then, as the Feralmon drew close enough, a blue aura surrounded it. The Feralmon halted and stood still, unable to move as a blue light surrounded it. Then, it went sailing backwards, crashing into the cave wall. The Feralmon slid to the ground, out cold. It had all happened so fast. And Uxie hadn't even moved. The remaining Feralmon stood in shock.

“Did you see that,” Lynxmon asked.

“I did,” IceLeopardmon replied. “For a brief moment, I registered a surge of psychic energy. It seems this thing is stronger than it looks, despite it's size and appearance.”

“So what do you want us to do now,” Lynxmon asked. “Attack it again?”

“No. Under the circumstances I don't think that would be wise,” IceLeopardmon said. “Leave it be. For now, wait out the storm and as soon as it clears up, begin your scouting expedition.”

“Understood,” Lynxmon said. She switched off the camera and sat down, leaning against the wall. “Better get comfortable, boys. We're gonna be here a little while.”

As the Feralmon sat down, Lynxmon cast another glance over at Uxie. It still hovered there, unconcerned by their presence, watching them. What was going through it's mind?



The next morning...

Renamon was up bright and early. Glancing out the window, she saw the blizzard had blown itself out during the night. She made her way to the living room area and found Mewtwo, Gatomon, and Candice waiting for her.

“Morning,” Candice greeted. “The storm's passed and I'm heading over to open the gym.”

“And we need to get to the lake,” Renamon said. She glanced at Mewtwo. “Ready?”

Mewtwo nodded. “Let's go.”

They bid farewell to Candice and exited the cabin. Cold morning air and fresh snow greeted them. Mewtwo raised his hand and the snow scattered, creating a path.

“Thanks for clearing a path for me,” Candice said, stepping outside. “Good luck, guys. Feel free to stop by later after you're done at the lake.”

Mewtwo nodded and then used his power to levitate himself and his two Digimon companions into the air. Then they flew off in the direction of Lake Acuity.



Lynxmon emerged from the cave and was pleased to see the storm had abated. After being cooped up all night with the Feralmon and the unsettling gaze of Uxie, Lynxmon was ready to move out and begin their mission. She turned back to her waiting troops.

“Alright, let's move out,” she ordered. “And remember, this is a scouting mission. We do not attack unless absolutely necessary. Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with. Understood?”

The Feralmon nodded.

“What about that creature in the cave,” one asked.

“Don't worry about it,” Lynxmon replied. “We have bigger fish to fry. Now, let's move!”

They crossed the lake and began trekking towards the nearest town. As they passed through the trees, they never noticed Mewtwo, Renamon and Gatomon flying by overhead heading for the lake.


The trio landed on the small island just outside the cave. Mewtwo's eyes immediately noticed something. Fresh footprints were scattered across the snow, indicating a large group had been here just recently.

“Are those footprints,” Renamon asked, noticing them as well.

“It seems so,” Mewtwo replied, kneeling down to better examine them. “They're not human prints. It looks like...paw prints.”

“Do you think they belong to some Pokemon,” Renamon asked, though she had a sneaking suspicion who they belonged to.

“No,” Mewtwo said. “If it had been Pokemon, Uxie wouldn't have sent such an urgent call to us. I think it's pretty obvious who was here.”

Renamon nodded. Mewtwo suspected the same thing she did.

“Feralmon,” Gatomon hissed. “They were here. I can smell them.”

“We had better get inside and make sure Uxie is alright,” Renamon said.

“I'm pretty sure it is,” Mewtwo said. “I can sense it's inside. Besides, those Feralmon would not have stood a chance against Uxie's psychic abilities.”

They entered the cave and soon found Uxie waiting for them in the central chamber.

“So, that's Uxie,” Gatomon said. “It's smaller than I expected.”

Mewtwo and Renamon approached the Mirage Pokemon.

“We heard your call,” Mewtwo said. “What happened here, Uxie?”

Invaders. Several of them were here. Viscious creatures accompanied by a small cat-like creature, similar to your companion there.

Renamon knew it had to be the Feralmon. But who was the other one Uxie was talking about?

They have come from another world. The small one had a device to record. It also acted as a communicator to another. I heard the names IceLeopardmon and Lynxmon.

Mewtwo glanced at Renamon and Gatomon. “Do either of those names sound familiar?”

“Can't say that they do,” Gatomon replied. “Though I'm pretty sure they work for Emperor Leomon.”

“A recording device,” Renamon mused. “They must be here on a reconnaissance mission.”

Mewtwo nodded. “I thought the same thing. It seems they've learned from their first time here. Uxie, these invaders are part of a bigger invasion. They work for a powerful Digimon named Emperor Leomon. Their intention is to invade and conquer this world. We need to know if there's anything we can do to stop them.”

There may be a way. But you would have to seek out Palkia and Dialga.

Mewtwo flinched. He had been afraid it would come to that.

Retrieve the Adamant and Lustrous Orbs and go to Spear Pillar atop Mount Coronet. Mesprit, Azelf and I shall await you there. But first, you must return to Snowpoint City. The invaders are heading that way and you must stop them.

Mewtwo turned to Renamon and Gatomon, who were already rushing to the cave entrance. Immediately, they exited the cave, leaving Uxie behind. The moment they were outside, Mewtwo lifted them up into the air and took off towards Snowpoint City.



Snowpoint City...

Candice exited the gym, sighing as she locked the door.

“I should have realized no one would show up,” she lamented. “Too much snow and the roads are blocked. Oh well.” She trudged through the snow, making her way back to her cabin.


Unbeknownst to Candice, she was being watched. Lynxmon eyed the young woman, getting her first look at an actual human.

“Alright, you all wait right here,” Lynxmon ordered the Feralmon. “I'm going to make contact.”

“But I thought we weren't supposed to do anything,” one said.

“I'm not going to attack,” Lynxmon said. “We need information and we won't get anywhere attacking or just hiding out. Instead, I'm just going to engage her in some conversation and learn what we need.”

“Not a bad idea,” IceLeopardmon said, his image once more onscreen. “Find out everything you can about that creature we saw and anything else.”

Lynxmon emerged from her hiding place and approached Candice.

“Hey, there,” she said.

Candice turned at the sound of the voice. She saw a small cat-like creature standing before her. The cat smiled at her, staring with large golden colored eyes.

“Hello, there,” Candice greeted. “Are you...a Pokemon?”

“Actually, no,” she replied. “My name is Lynxmon. I'm not from around here.”

“Lynxmon,” Candice repeated the name. “Say, are you a Digimon?”

Lynxmon started. How did this girl know she was a Digimon?

“Are you a friend of Gatomon and Renamon,” Candice asked.

This girl knew Renamon and Gatomon? “Um...Yes, that's right. I came here looking for them. They're not here, are they?”

“They left a little while ago,” Candice said. “But I'm sure they'll be back later. In the meantime, is there anything I can do for you?”

“Actually, yes, there is,” Lynxmon replied, her eyes glinting. “I'm a little curious about this place and also about some creatures I've seen. I don't suppose maybe you could satisfy my curiosity and tell me about them, could you?”

“No problem,” Candice said. “Candice is at your service.”

Too easy, Lynxmon thought.



From their hiding place, the Feralmon watched as Lynxmon accompanied Candice back to her house.

“Perfect,” IceLeopardmon said. “Lynxmon will get the information we need with no difficulty. These humans are more gullible than I realized.”

“What shall we do, sir,” the Feralmon asked.

“Maintain your positions and await further instructions,” IceLeopardmon replied. “And keep an eye out. Renamon and her companion may return here. Inform me if you see them.”

“Yes, sir,” Feralmon replied.



Inside Candice's cabin, Lynxmon listened as Candice told her about Pokemon. She was astounded to learn that there were hundreds of different Pokemon out there and that humans caught and trained them. Moreover, she also learned about special Pokemon that were considered Legendary and were incredibly powerful.

“In fact, there's a Legendary Pokemon inside the temple north of here,” Candice said. “A giant Pokemon called Regigigas. And the lake west of town is home to a Legendary Pokemon called Uxie.”

So that was the name of the creature in the cave. She hoped the recorder she had was getting all of this information.

“So I take it you have Pokemon with you,” Lynxmon asked. “I noticed there aren't any around here.”

“Oh, they're here,” Candice said. She held up a Pokeball. “They're inside here. I could show you.”

“No need,” Lynxmon said. “Although, I wouldn't mind seeing that Legendary Pokemon in the temple. Any chance we could go over there?”

“Sorry, but not just anyone can enter the temple,” Candice said. “Besides, it's not a good idea to approach a Legendary Pokemon such as Regigigas so casually. It's sleeping deep within the temple and wouldn't appreciate being disturbed.”

“Of course,” Lynxmon said. “We don't want to upset it.”

Inwardly, Lynxmon scowled. She wanted to see just how big and powerful this Regigigas was and ascertain whether it would pose a problem for Emperor Leomon's invasion. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was worried. With humans having these Pokemon at their disposal and these Legendary Pokemon acting as sentinels, she feared that the invasion would fail miserably. And that was something Emperor Leomon would not tolerate.



The Digital World...

IceLeopardmon looked up as the door to his lab opened. Emperor Leomon entered, flanked by Pantheramon.

“Well, have you discovered anything of importance,” Emperor Leomon asked.

“I'm receiving information from Lynxmon even as we speak,” IceLeopardmon. “But I won't know more until Lynxmon reports back. But there is something you should see, sire.”

IceLeopardmon played back the footage showing the encounter with Uxie.

“While I'm certain this isn't the same creature that aided Renamon, there's no denying it possesses incredible psychic power,” he explained. “And there may very well be more where this came from. Again, we won't know until Lynxmon reports back.”

“Such a tiny and weak looking creature like that is no match for Emperor Leomon and his forces,” Pantheramon scoffed. “No matter what powers it has at it's disposal.”

“Do not underestimate these creatures, Pantheramon,” Emperor Leomon admonished. “This is precisely why we're obtaining information. The first rule of war is: Know thine enemy. And we know little about these creatures.”

“That will change soon enough, sire,” IceLeopardmon said.

Suddenly, one of the Feralmon appeared on screen. “Sir, we just spotted Renamon and her ally. They are heading this way.”

IceLeopardmon cursed. Talk about bad timing.

“Deal with them,” Emperor Leomon said. “Buy Lynxmon more time.”

“Yes, my liege,” the Feralmon replied.

“Lets hope Lynxmon can get plenty of information in time,” IceLeopardmon said.

“If not, then she will be punished,” Emperor Leomon rumbled.

IceLeopardmon swallowed nervously. He prayed Lynxmon would succeed.


End of Chapter Eleven...