The Adventure Begins

The game has begun, and the first move has been made. Where shall the game go from here?

***

Matt began to open his eyes to see a stone ceiling above him. Glowing green moss grew in patches across the ceiling, giving light to the area around him. He could feel that he was lying on something soft, even though he could feel a chill coming from the ground. Matt got up into a sitting position to see he was lying on a blanket on the stone floor. That would explain that cold feeling. He turned to see Alice stroking Abby's hair in her pigtails. Gummymon, Kokomon, Viximon sat next to them. April was sitting in a corner holding Yokomon, and James leaned against a set of metal bars with Wanyamon next to him. What happened to us? He quickly recalled everything that happened to him. All I can recall before waking up here was seeing those neon-colored ponies, the feeling of being light-headed, and then everything going dark. He rubbed his head and finally noticed Bukamon and Gigimon next to him.

"Matt, you're up." Said Bukamon.

Everyone turned to see Matt as he rubbed his head. His sister left Alice and run over to him and hugged him. Matt smiled as he stroked her head, "Yeah, I'm up. Mind filling me one where we are?"

"Isn't it clear, a jail cell?" Said James

"I see that, but where." Said Matt

"None of us are too sure. All we do know is that it's underground. Plus, all anyone of us can remember is looking at those neon ponies before falling asleep and waking up here." Said Alice

"Yeah, I remember that as well." Said Matt

"But I don't understand is how we fell unconscious." Said James

"Well, I do remember the white pony's horn glowing gold before we fell asleep." Said April

"Yeah, I recall that as well." Said James

"Yeah, but how did that cause us to go to sleep?" Asked Wanyamon

"Don't look at me for the answer here. I have no idea what's even going on anymore. The last time I looked, Earth didn't have anthropomorphic neon-colored ponies with horns, wings, or both. All I can say is, maybe I've gone insane and imagining all of this." Said James

Everyone looked at him before Matt got up and pinching him on the arm. He screamed out in pain, "I think that clears up the fact that this is all real and not in your mind. Now to the important task at hand, getting out of here."

"I can't see how we do that. I don't see the keys for the cell around or a guard we can trick," said James rubbing the sore spot on his arm.

Matt ran his hand through his hair before looking down at Gigimon, "How about the Digimon?"

"I'm not sure how that would work since none of them have claws to break the bars or unlock the door." Said James

"I might be able to help." Said Gigimon

"Go right ahead, Gigimon." Said Matt

Gigimon hopped up to the gate and began to spit all over the bars. In a matter of seconds, the bars started to sizzle. The spit started to eat away at the metal, causing it to fall apart. Soon the group had a hole to escape from the cell.

"What was that?" Asked Alice

"One of my moves is Frothy Spite, which allows me to spit acid." Said Gigimon

"Handy," he turned to James. "I guess we didn't need any claws."

James rolled his eyes before all five humans and their Digimon escaped. They passed a small table holding their Digivices, phones, and everything else they had when they woke in the forest. They each took their device and hooked it to their clothing. They then proceed to find an exit.

***

Outside Canterlot Castle, a male figure covered in a long black robe appeared outside the castle. It stood hidden from the guards in the gardens that surrounded the castle. He watched as the guards began their shift change from the Lunar to the Solar guards. He raised his left sleeve, and a dark crystal floated out. It had black smoke emitting off of it as it floated in front of the figure. The male figure pushed the crystal to the side of him, and it exploded into a puff of smoke.

The smoke began to form the shape of a Manticore. The Manticore now stood fully formed next to the figure. It had a pitch-black coat, dark purple wings, and a blood-red scorpion tail. Its eyes opened to show they were blood red. It stared at the guards as they finished getting ready for the morning. The figure pointed at the castle and said no words, but the Manticore knew what to do. It leaped out at the guards and roared to bring their attention to the guards. The Solar guards turned to witness the Manticore as it glared at them. The figure disappeared as the guards began to engage the Manticore.

***

After escaping the underground prison, the group found themselves in a castle. They had been walking around a while in the castle's halls, seeking a way out. They watched for anybody who might be looking for them since breaking out. But they were sure of one thing. They had no idea how to escape the castle.

"Ok, I'm sure of it. We have no idea where we are." Stated James

"Thanks for stating the obvious." Said Alice

"I'm wondering how anybody would find their way in this place," said Abby as she held her brother's hand.

"I agree, but it sure is beautiful. The art here is like nothing I've seen or read. What I wouldn't give to spend more than a few seconds admiring it." Said April

"I'm guessing you're a lover of the arts, April," stated Matt as he looked back at her

"Yes, I love to paint and draw in my free time." Said April

"Wow, April, you think you draw a picture of me?" Asked Yokomon

April smiled down at Yokomon, "Once we get out of here, I would love to."

The group continued to walk around the hallways looking at all doors. They would stop and open the door to see it was a bedroom with a perfectly made bed. The room also had a balcony, a fireplace, a closet, and a few drawers for storing clothing. There was also a door leading to a bathroom with the largest tub anyone in the group had ever seen. It looked like it could fit all of them and still have room for five more people, if not more. The balconies of the rooms they checked showed they were up a few stories. They all knew they needed to proceed down if they were going to get out of here before something or someone found them. They proceeded to find the ground floor, but no path seemed to lead them to the ground floor. Sure it was peaceful and quiet, but they were always on guard. They weren't sure who owned the castle, where they were, and what happened to those neon-colored ponies from before.

"I can't imagine why one place would need so many bedrooms." Stated James

"Maybe the person who lives here has a lot of guests." Said Alice

"Or a large family." Stated April

"I'm sure that doesn't warrant this many rooms. I hate to have to be the person who has to maintain and clean all these rooms." James then looked down at Wanyamon, "So do you Digimon have any way to help us get out of here?" Asked James

"We are in the same boat as you, James." Said Wanyamon

"Great, you can break us out of prison, but not out of this castle." Said James

The group only took a few more steps before a figure wearing black armor smashed into the wall in front of them. The figure spat up a little blood from the force of striking the wall. The group watched as the figure fell to the ground face first. The five humans looked at each other before they ran up to the armor-wearing person. The armor looked primitive and something out of the Middle Ages. They could see a pair of folded batwings lying against the armor. Matt placed Gigimon on the ground before stepping towards the person.

"Be careful, Matt." Said Alice

Matt flipped the person over to reveal it was another pony with a red coat. The pony also had a pair of large white hangs sticking out of their mouth. In some way, it reminded Matt of the fangs of a vampire. Matt removed the helmet to reveal a long flowing white mane with black streaks doing down in three stripes. Matt placed his fingers on the pony's neck to feel for a pulse.

"Anything?" Asked Abby

"Yeah, the pony here is still living." Said Matt

"So, that's the ninth pony we've seen since we woke up." Said James

"He's right, and we haven't seen one human beside us." Said April

"I do find that strange that we haven't seen of your kind yet." Said Gummymon

Abby shook her head before looking back at her brother. Matt was examining the armor as he admired the craftsmanship of it. Matt traced his right hand across the armor before ending at the center where a crescent moon rested. He looked back at the pony's face to see a large scar crossing over the pony's face. The scar started in the upper right part of her face and traveled down, going over her muzzle and ending in the bottom-left part of her chin. Matt wasn't sure if the pony was male or female, unlike the eight he saw before, which he noticed were female from their body features. He rubbed his chin as he tried to think of what to do next.

"So, what do we do now?" Asked James

"I'm not sure." Said Matt

Soon the pounding of feet caught the attention of the five humans and their Digimon. They looked down the hall to see the black Manticore coming towards them. Its red eyes were staring fear right into their souls. It screamed at them as it seemed to begin to pick up speed, charging much faster towards them.

"Shit, what the hell is that!" Screamed James

"Who cares?! Let's run!" Said April

Matt couldn't leave the unconscious pony to this creature. He scooped her up and found her to be slightly heavy but not as heavy as he swore. Strange, I swore a pony in full battle armor would be heavy. Matt turned to see the Manticore lung for him. He quickly moved out of the way as it slammed into the wall. But it didn't seem to faze the beast as it turned to Matt. I was hoping that would stop it for a moment.

Soon Bukamon and Gigimon appeared before Matt.

"No worries, Matt. We'll protect you." Said Bukamon

"Bukamon, Gigimon." Said Matt

But before both Digimon could attack, something hit the Manticore on the back, making it turn towards the attacker. That's my cue. He grabbed Gigimon on the head and ran with Bukamon. He made it only a few inches before a pair of hands pulled him into a room. He watched as James closed the door. Alice hugged Matt, which was a little hard, considering he was still holding the unconscious pony.

"What happened to you? I swore you were behind us." Said Alice

"Sorry, I couldn't leave the pony to that beast." Said Matt

"You risked your life for a creature who we have no idea about, attacked us without any reason, and probably put us in that cell underground. Dude, are you crazy!" Said James

"It still isn't right to leave her to that thing, no matter what happened to us." Said Matt

"But what was that thing?" Asked Abby

"I believe that it was a Manticore. A mythical creature from Persian myth." Said Matt

"This whole thing is getting crazier every second we spend here." Said James

Matt walked over and placed the pony on the bed after dropping Gigimon onto the bed. He looked over to Bukamon and Gigimon, "Thanks for standing up for me."

"Hey, we couldn't let our friend get hurt." Said Bukamon

He smiled and patted both on the head.

"So, now what?" Asked Abby

"We still need to find a way out and now dodge that Manticore at the same time. Luckily something took its attention away from me. But I'm unsure for how long before it's looking for us again." Said Matt

"Why do you think it would be looking for us?" Asked April

"I'm not sure, but the way it looked at me told me that it was hunting for us." Said Matt

"Great, just great." Said James

"Complaining isn't going to help, James." Said Alice

"Then what do you propose we do?" Asked James

Alice was going to rebuttal, but the sound of coughing drew her to the pony. Blood leaked from the pony's mouth as it opened its eyes to reveal they were a grey color. It scanned the room as it looked at the humans and Digimon. Matt was the first to speak.

"Take it easy." Said Matt

"Who are you?" Asked the pony in a stern female voice

"I'm Matt, and these are Gigimon and Bukamon." He pointed to both Digimon before moving to his sister and her Digimon. "That's my younger sister, Abby and her Digimon, Gummymon, and Kokomon." Matt moved to Alice, "That's Alice, my best friend, and her Digimon, Viximon." He then moved to James, "That's James and his Digimon Wanyamon." He then moved to April, "And that's April and her Digimon Yokomon. Who are you?"

"I'm Dark Crescent, Private Dark Crescent, of the 13th regiment of the Lunar Guards."

"Dark Crescent, that's your name?" Asked James

"Yes, but everypony calls me Crescent for short." Said Crescent

"Everypony," said James with his right eyebrow raised.

Matt ignored what James said as he looked at Crescent, "Mind asking what happened to you?"

"I was ending my shift, so I could sleep when an order came out about a Manticore on castle grounds. I got in my armor once more and went to support my fellow Solar guards. I was nearing the last location of the beast when it came barreling down the hallway. It turned towards me, and I stood my ground, ready to fight the beast. But, I guess the beast was too much for me, and it threw me down the hallway. I guess I blacked out after striking the wall." She turned to Matt, "I'm guessing you saved me from being that beast's snack."

"Yeah, and don't take this the wrong way, but I found it surprising how light you were considering your armor." Said Matt

Crescent laughed, "There's an enchantment in the armor to make it light, which allows for more protection without hindering the wearer."

"Enchantment?" Asked Alice

The sound of heavy steps stomping near them caused everyone to become quiet. They all knew what it was, and they weren't ready to deal with it.

"Shit!" Murmured James

Everyone stayed quiet until they heard the Manticore runoff from where they were. James opened the door and peeked his head to see if it was gone.

"Anything?" Asked Wanyamon

"No, it left. But we can't stay here." Said James

"I agree. We need to move before it finds out where we are." Said Matt

"But where do we go?" Asked Abby

"We can hide out in the armory. It's the most secure place in the palace. That beast shouldn't be able to get us in there." Said Crescent

"Well, we have no idea where that is." Stated James

"No worries. I'll take you to it." Said Crescent

She struggled to get out of bed. She was only able to stand for a few seconds before she fell to the ground. Matt helped her back to her feet by looping her left hand over his shoulder.

"You're in no condition to walk." Said Matt

"I guess that Manticore did more damage to me than I thought." Said Crescent

"What now?" Asked James

"We continue to the armory. I'll carry Crescent o my back, and she'll point out the way to us." Said Matt

"You're not serious. She'll slow us down!" Exclaimed James

"Oh, and you think it's a good idea to leave her wounded here for that thing to find!" Exclaimed Matt

"I'm only saying that with her, she'll slow us down because we're going not be able to move as fast as we would without her!" Expressed James

"Then so be it, and I'm sure you have no idea how to get to the armory without Crescent's help!" Exclaimed Matt

"Enough!" The two boys turned to Alice, "Enough arguing like a couple of second graders. Sure we'll be moving slower, but we have no idea where we need to go, and we can't leave her here. Now, if you two finished bickering like children, let's move." Alice went to the door and peeked outside, "The coast is clear, Matt, you take point with Crescent, and I'll take the rear."

Matt helped Cresent climb onto his back. She looped her hands around his neck, and Matt gripped her hooves. Alice opened the door and waved for Matt to go out first. He went out with Gigimon and Bukamon following next to him. Abby and April followed behind him, with James going next, and Alice taking up the rear. Crescent pointed the way towards the armory while they all made sure to keep an ear and eye open for the Manticore. They kept a jogging pace but would have to slow down as Matt adjusted Cresent on his back.

"This is too easy." Stated James

"I agree." Said Matt

Once the two ended their talk, the Manticore appeared and tried to slam its fist into Matt, but Gigimon jumped into action. He spat into the Manticore's face, causing it to roar in pain from the acid spit. Matt ran past the howling Manticore with the others following behind him. Alice scooped up Gigimon as she ran past the Manticore.

"Damn, I knew it was too easy!" Screamed James

"Take the stairs on your right!" Exclaimed Crescent

The group turned and began to run down the stairs, "Now left!"

The group turned left and heard something slam behind them. Abby turned to see the Manticore looking at them.

"It's back!" Screamed Abby

The Manticore started to run at the group.

"Right!" Screamed Crescent

The group turned right and went down another set of stairs as the Manticore slid past them, trying to stop. It slammed in the wall but didn't stop it as it went back to chasing them. The group reached the bottom of the steps to see they could only go right and continued to run. Alice turned to see the Manticore landing at the bottom of the stares and staring at them. It growled before running at them once more.

"Damn, doesn't it ever give up?" Asked Alice

"Manticores never give up on a meal. A Manticore would rather die trying to catch its meal than give up." Said Crescent

"Nice to know." Said James

The group continued down the hallway until Crescent ordered them to make a left, which they made. Alice ducked as the Manticore took a swipe at her.

"You ok, Alice?!" Asked Viximon

"Yeah, but that was way too close for my comfort." Said Alice

The team continued to run and turned to see the Manticore right behind them.

"The next right, and we'll be near the armory." Said Crescent

The Manticore saw where they were heading. It knew it could not fail on catching the group, so it opened its wings. It leaped into the air and flapped its wings to speed ahead of the group. Everyone watched as the Manticore soared above them. It landed in front of everyone blocking them off from the armory.

"Quickly, turn left!" Screamed Crescent

The group turned left as fast as they could as the Manticore howled before returning to chasing them. They ran down the hall and another two turns, but the Manticore appeared before them, causing them to take a sharp right to dodge the Manticore's scorpion tail.

"Shit!" Screamed James

The group saw an opening and went out into the gardens of the castle. The group stopped and looked around at all the trees and flowers.

"Where are we?" Asked Matt

"The meditation gardens." Said Crescent

A growl made the group turn to see the Manticore coming towards them with its tail raised high into the sky. The five humans were now at the mercy of the Manticore as this part of the gardens was a dead end. The group had nowhere to escape the Manticore, and it was too large to run around to enter the castle and avoid it. But by surprise, the Digimon leaped in front of the group and readied themselves.

"What are all of you doing?" Asked Alice

"Defending our friends. Let's go, Digimon!" Exclaimed Bukamon

The Digimon began to run towards the Manticore, ready to give it everything they had.

"They are not going to survive against that thing, Wanyamon!" Screamed James

"Gummymon, Kokomon!" Screamed Abby

"Viximon, no!" Exclaimed Alice

"Please, no, Yokomon!" Hollered April

"Bukamon, Gigimon, don't do it!" Screamed Matt

Suddenly a bright light began to emit from each of the Digivices of Matt, James, Abby, April, and Alice. A light began to consume each of the Digimon as they began to transform before the group's eyes.

"What's happening to them?" Asked Matt

The Digivice began to emit a set of codes to each Digimon, which started transforming them.

"Bukamon Digivolve into...Gomamon."

"Gigimon Digivolve into...Guilmon."

"Gummymon Digivolve into...Terriermon."

"Kokomon Digivolve into...Lopmon."

"Wanyamon Digivolve into...Gaomon."

"Viximon Digivolve into...Renamon."

"Yokomon Digivolve into...Biyomon."

The light ended, and now seven Digimon stood, but far different from those the humans knew. Bukamon was now a white seal-like creature with two front paws and two rear paws. A set of sharp claws extending from the front paws. Gigimon was now a red dinosaur. Gummymon and Kokomon where now rabbit like creatures with long ears. Wanyamon was no longer a cat, but a blue dog with boxing gloves covering its hands. Viximon was now bipedal fox. And Yokomon was now a pink bird. Now stood seven Digivolved Digimon ready to protect their friends.

"What the hell?!" Exclaimed James

"They're different." Stated Alice

"But how?" Asked Abby

"Let's show this thing why you don't mess with our friends." Said Gomamon.

Renamon and Gaomon went right for the Manticore. The Manticore tried to swipe at Renamon, but she jumped away from the attack. She spun in the air and came down, striking the Manticore right in the head with the heel of her left foot. She leaped away as Gaomon followed up after her.

"Gao Rush."

He began to unleash a barrage of punches to the face of the Manticore. Each strike pushed the beast back from the group. Gaomon delivered a final blow before jumping away. Terriermon and Lopmon ran forward to strike the dazed Manticore.

"Terrier Tornado." Said Terriermon

"Tiny Twister." Said Lopmon

Both Digimon began to spin around, using their ears to consume them each in a tornado. They jumped out of their attacks as they went sailing right at the Manticore. Debris from the area became caught in the vortex of winds, which scratched and scrapped the Manticore. Guilmon moved forward to attack, and Renamon jumped into the air with Biyomon.

"Pyro Sphere." Said Guilmon

"Diamond Storm." Said Renamon

"Spiral Twister." Said Biyomon

Guilmon spat out a ball of flames while Renamon launched a set of sharpened leaves at the Manticore. Biyomon created a spiral of green flames.

"Marching Fishes." Said Gomamon

Gomamon pointed at the Manticore, and fishes began to leap from the nearby pond. The fishes slapped themselves against the Manticore.

"Double Backhand." Said Gaomon

Gaomon began to spin and launched himself right to the beast, and delivered a powerful strike to the Manticore. The Digimon stopped, and the group saw that the Manticore was lying on the ground. Scratches, bruises, and burns covered its body. But it wasn't over yet as it growled before getting back onto his feet. It looked slightly exhausted from the attacks of the Digimon but still ready to fight. Renamon rushed forward to attack once more. The Manticore tried to strike with its tail, but Renamon was too nimble for the Manticore to hit.

"Swift Strike." Said Renamon

Renamon struck the head of the Manticore with a mighty hand chop. The Manticore hit the ground, and Renamon hopped back to the group.

"You think that's it." Said Gaomon

"I'm not sure." Said Renamon

"Damn, this is awesome!" Exclaimed James

"But how did they become that?" Asked Abby

Matt moved his vision down to his Digivice. I wonder if that has to do with it. When we thought our Digimon would get hurt, a light emitted from those devices we each got, and that somehow transformed them into what we see right now. But the victory wasn't here yet as the Manticore got back up and stared daggers at the Digimon.

Guilmon decided to attack next. He rushed towards the Manticore as it got back to its feet.

"Quake-a-lator." Said Guilmon

He ran fast and leaped towards it. Guilmon used his claws to tear right through the Manticore and appeared on the other side. There was no blood and gore from the attack. Instead, smoke was coming out of the wound.

"Holy crap!" Exclaimed Alice

That's when the group saw the pulsating dark crystal in the middle of the Manticore's chest. But it was now slowing being covered back up as the wounds began to close up.

"What's that?" Asked April

"I'm not sure, but I have a strong feeling that we need to destroy it." Said Matt

"I couldn't agree more." Said Crescent

"Destroy that crystal, Guilmon!" Screamed Matt

Guilmon spun around and closed his mouth, and aimed at the crystal.

"Pyro Sphere." Said Guilmon

He shot out a ball of fire that struck the crystal. The Manticore howled out in pain before the fire broke the crystal. The Manticore stopped howling as Guilmon landed on the ground to the left side. The crystal fell to the ground in pieces. Once the pieces hit the ground, the Manticore went silent. It stood as still as a statue, but it soon became a dark black stone statue. Upon completion, cracks began to spread across the Manticore. It wasn't long before the Manticore exploded into a pile of rubble and smoke. All that was left of the mighty beast was a pile of rubble and dissipating smoke.

"Did we win?" Asked James

"Yes, yes, we did!" Exclaimed April

Everyone cheered before the Digimon returned to their partners. Terriermon and Lopmon jumped into Abby's arms and smiled with her. She hugged and snuggled the two Digimon. James examined Gaomon thinking about how a cat could become a dog with boxing gloves. Alice looked over Renamon and seemed pleased with her Digimon. April patted Biyomon's head as she smiled. Matt looked at both Gomamon and Guilmon.

"You can put me down. I don't think we'll be in any more issues." Said Crescent

"Ok." Said Matt

He helped Crescent to the ground and let her use him to keep herself upright. Matt then pulled his Digivice and saw that it had pictures for his Digimon, plus a little information on both Digimon.

"So Bukamon Digivolved into Gomamon and Gigimon into Guilmon, and it seems these are your rookie forms." Said Matt

The others did the same to see that the same thing.

"If this a rookie form and they transformed from there in-training forms, does that mean that they have more forms?" Asked Abby

"Is that true? Can you Digivolving again?" Asked April

"I'm not sure. I feel like that's something we Digimon should know, but I can't seem to remember." Said Biyomon

"Well, this thing isn't helpful since it doesn't seem to tell us anything else except what we saw or are seeing." Said James

"I guess we'll find out in time, but my real question is, what caused you to Digivolve?" Asked Matt

"I was wondering the same thing since none of us touched these devices." Said Alice

"Well, we had to become stronger to protect you. We can't let anything happen to our friends." Said Biyomon

"Yes, we had to protect you, and the only way was to Digivolve. But it was also your concern for us that also helped us Digivolve." Said Renamon

"Well, what now?" Asked April

"I believe we should get Crescent somewhere to treat her wounds. Then we can worry about getting out." Said Matt

"Thank you. I'll lead you to the medical center in the castle. And before the doctors take me, I'll tell you how to get to the entrance of the castle." The group nodded and began to go back to the doorway that they passed through. Cresent stopped Matt as she pushed the rubbled around. "Before we continue, I need to collect those crystal pieces. I have a feeling the princess will want to examine it." Said Crescent

Guilmon helped search through the rubble and found the crystal pieces. He gave them to Crescent, who thanked him. Guilmon smiled as the group reentered the castle, not noticing the male figure in the black cloak behind them. The figure came out from his hiding spot as he pushed around the rubble. He picked up a piece of the once-great Manticore and crushed it. He looked back where the group entered before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

***

"So I know you said it was a Manticore, but I'm sure that living creatures don't have crystals in their chests or turn into statues after you destroy said crystal?" Asked James

"True, I do find that interesting. It makes me wonder how the crystal was able to give life to the Manticore." Said Alice

"Yeah." Said Abby

Crescent looked over at Matt, "How did you know that attacking the crystal would destroy the beast?"

"A gut feeling." Said Matt

Cresent raised her eyebrow, "In other words, you took a shot in the dark." Matt blushed as he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand.

"I guess your gut feeling saved us today." Said James

"True, but it was our Digimon friends who are the ones who should get all the praise. Without them, we wouldn't be standing here." Said Matt

The Digimon smiled as they looked amongst each other.

"But now I'm wondering why that Manticore was hunting us." Said April

"Who knows and who knows if we will ever figure it out?" Said Matt

"Who cares? We'll deal with anything that comes after you like we did today." Said Gaomon

"Yes, we'll protect you no matter what we face." Said Renamon

"Thanks, Renamon." Said Alice

"It's my honor." Said Renamon

"How much further?" Asked Matt

"Not much further ahead. We should see the signs for the infirmary here soon." Said Crescent

"I'll be happy once we get out of this castle and find out where we are." Said James

"Yeah, I can't wait to get home. But I m not sure how to explain to my parents about Biyomon." Said April

Crescent looked at the humans. She was about to ask where they came from, but the sounds of hooves thundering down both sides of the halls stopped her. The Digimon got ready to fight when two large groups of guards surrounded the humans and Digimon. They all wore gold armor with the image of the sun in the middle. The pony guards pointed spears and swords at the group.

"Oh, great." Said James

"Back off!" Ordered Crescent

She pushed off of Matt as Guilmon with cat eyes, and Gomamon stood in front of him.

"I am Private Dark Crescent of the Lunar Guards and order all of you to stand down this instant." Said Crescent

"We can't do that, private."

Another pony came out of the crowd. The male pony had blue fur and a white and red mane. He had a horn coming out of his head. On his shoulders were a pair of blue epaulets. On his side was a saber resting in its sheath.

"Captain Storm Gazer." Said Crescent

"I heard a single Lunar Guard was attempting to bring down the beast; I didn't think it was true. But none the less, move so that we can apprehend the monkeys and their beasts." Said Captain Storm Gazer

"Monkeys, did he just call us monkeys?" Asked James

"Yes, he did." Said Alice

"Hey, we are not monkeys. We are humans!" Exclaimed James

"Captain Gazer, these humans saved my life from that Manticore, and those beasts you are referring are Digimon, and they defeated the Manticore. I even the evidence of its destruction." Cresent pulled out the shards, "What hold are the pieces of a crystal that seemed to be the life force of the Manticore. Without the help of the Digimon, we would still be dealing with the Manticore rampaging in the castle."

"It does not matter. You cannot say without confidence that these creatures were not the ones that brought that Manticore into our castle and threatened out Princess. They could have destroyed it to look good in front of you, private. We need to bring them in for questioning and put them back in their cell. I won't let a bunch of strange creatures and their handlers running free in the castle of Princess Celestia." Said Captain Gazer

He raised his hand, and the guards prepared to attack. The Digimon readied themselves to fight to protect their human friends, but another voice stopped every guard. It was a soft motherly voice, but it also had an air of power in it.

"Stand down."

All the guards turned to watch as a mare with both a horn and a pair of wings stood behind them. She had a pure white coat and an ethereal mane that blew without the presence of any wind. She wore a silk white gown, and gold jewelry adorned her body. Her breast size was easily FF-cup. The guards began to part ways as the mare walked past them towards the group. Each was bowing their head to her as she walked by them.

"If I had to guess, she's important." Said Alice

"Wait, that's one of the ponies we first saw. I think she was also the one that had the glowing horn when we started to go unconscious." Said James

"James isn't wrong. I remember her, as well." Said Gaomon

"I wonder what she wants." Said Terriermon

"I hope not to put back in that cell," said Abby as she got behind her brother and held his left hand.

The princess stopped next to Captain Gazer as she looked at the group. She cocked her head as she examined the creatures next to the humans. She seemed intrigued by them as the Digimon stood ready to fight the second the strange mare went to attack their friends.

"Princess Celestia, may I require your presence here?" Asked Captain Gazer

The princess seemed to ignore Captain Gazer's question, "Hm, those creatures were all different when I first brought you here." Said Celestia

"So, you admit throwing us into that cell." Said James

"Yes, I admit I placed a sleeping spell on you when we first met. But I did it because I was unsure about all of you. I brought you to my castle to talk to you and discover who you are. I guess putting all of you in my dungeon wasn't the best option, so I apologize for that. But I had to do it to ease the fear of my loyal subjects." The princess turned to Crescent, "You say these humans defeated the Manticore with these Digimon." Crescent nodded her head, "Then I see no reason to return them to the dungeon." Captain Gazer was going to speak, but Celestia gave him a stern gaze, which caused him to go quiet, "Now, may I have a look at those crystal pieces you mentioned" Crescent showed the crystal shards to Celestia. She picked one up and examined it. She turned to Captain Gazer, "Take the shards from Private Cresent and deliver them to the science division. I want to know what the crystal is by the end of next month." Captain Gazer saluted and walked away, grumbling under his breath, "The rest of you are to return to your positions." Celestia stopped two guards, "Please take Private Crescent to the medical wing."

The guards saluted and let Crescent loop her arms around their shoulders. She looked at Matt and smiled, "Thank you again, Matt. I hope to see you after the doctors let me out of the medical wing."

"No problem, Crescent. I hope to see you around as well." Said Matt

She nodded as the guards escorted her away to the medical wing. Celestia smiled as she returned to the group.

"I should formally introduce myself. I am Princess Celestia, the di-monarch of Equestria and, I welcome you to Canterlot Castle." Soon Abby's stomach began to grumble, and then everyone else followed, even the Digimon's stomachs growled, "I know you have any questions, but I think you all deserve a good meal for defeating the Manticore and keeping one of my guards safe. Please follow me to the mess hall, and I'll treat you all to the feast."

She turned and began to walk away. The group looked at each other and decided it wouldn't hurt to see what she had planned for them. They began to move to catch up with Princess Celestia.

Author's Note

So, I never expect Digital Equestria to start so strong. I'm happy to see many people already enjoying the story. I do hope you enjoy chapter two. Also please comment if you want battle scenes with the Digimon to have music, like I did for Solar Sun, Poke Eques, and The Fabled Warrior. I wasn't sure if I should include music or not. I might try it next time, or if you want it, I'll return and put a song for this fight scene and include music for every fight scene after. Well, I think that's everything I have to offer and say. So as always: comment, follow, like, share, and tell. I'm Sword Master, signing off.