Lost and Found
Chapter Five


As Mewtwo flew across the sky, he scanned the land below him. While he hoped he might spot Renamon, deep down he knew it wouldn't be that easy. For all he knew she could be hundreds of miles from where he was. Mewtwo wondered if Renamon had a place to call home here in the Digital World. However she had never mentioned ever having a permanent place to live. From what he had gathered, Renamon was constantly on the move, struggling to survive against other Digimon.

“Where are you, Renamon,” he wondered.

If Renamon was distraught and needed someplace for solitude, then he had to figure out where she would go for that. Mewtwo took in his surroundings: Forests, mountains and jungles in the distance, beaches, caves, there were dozens of places she could be staying. Where to start?

Suddenly, Mewtwo's stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn't eaten in a while. He needed food. He gazed down to find he was just passing over a beach. Down near the shoreline was a small building, almost like a shack. Smoke wafted up from a pipe chimney, bringing with it a delicious smell. Altering his course, Mewtwo flew down towards the shack. He landed on the sand and approached the building. The front had a counter with stools and standing behind the counter was a Digimon that looked like a giant egg. Two yellow eyes peered out from a cracked opening where a face would be.

“Welcome, sir,” the egg greeted as Mewtwo approached. “I am Digitamamon. Welcome to my beach-side restaurant. How may I help you?”

Mewtwo took a seat at the counter and gazed over a menu. “I'm new around here. What would you recommend?”

“Well, I would recommend the grilled sea bass,” Digitamamon said. “It's cooked to perfection, topped with zesty spices, lemon juice, and garlic butter.”

“That does sound good actually,” Mewtwo said. “I believe I'll have that.”

“Excellent choice,” Digitamamon said. “Meramon! Fire up the grill!”

In the back, Mewtwo spotted a fiery Digimon standing near a grill. Meramon tossed a large fish on the grill and began cooking it. While the food was being prepped, Mewtwo decided to question Digitamamon.

“Pardon me,” he said. “I don't suppose you know a Digimon named Renamon, do you?”

“Renamon? Sorry, never heard of her,” Digitamamon said.

“Then perhaps you've seen her,” Mewtwo persisted. “She's about five feet tall, golden fur, fox-like, wearing purple sleeved gloves?”

“Hmm, nope, not ringing any bells,” Digitamamon replied.

Mewtwo sighed in disappointment. So Renamon hadn't been through here. Well, at least he knew she wasn't hiding around here at the beach. Then again, maybe she was and Digitamamon just hadn't noticed.

“Here ya go, pal,” Meramon said, placing Mewtwo's order in front of him. “Bon appetite.”

“Thank you,” Mewtwo said. “By the way, have you seen a Digimon named Renamon?”

“Hm, can't say that I have,” Meramon said. “Sorry.”

Meramon returned to the kitchen as Mewtwo ate his food. He had to admit it was quite delicious. After he was finished, he pushed his plate away.

“So, how was your food, sir,” Digitamamon asked. “I trust it was satisfying?”

“Very much so,” Mewtwo said.

“Excellent,” Digitamamon said. “Well, then, here is your bill, sir.”

“B-Bill,” Mewtwo asked.

“Well, of course,” Digitamamon said. “Surely you didn't think the meal was free, did you?”

“I didn't realize currency existed here in the Digital World,” Mewtwo explained. “I don't have any money.”

There was a loud clang from the kitchen. Mewtwo looked up to see Meramon glancing his way, a horrified look on his face.

“No money,” Digitamamon said, his voice ominously low. “NO MONEY?! What do you think I'm running here? A soup kitchen?”

“Look, I'm sorry,” Mewtwo said. “As I said, I'm new here and I didn't realize...”

“I don't want excuses, I want my money,” Digitamamon raged.

“And I already told you, I don't have any,” Mewtwo said. “If you'd like I could work off my meal for you in exchange for the money. Is that acceptable?”

“Hmm,” Digitamamon pondered. “Fine. You'll do some work for me to work off the bill.”

“Very well,” Mewtwo said. He figured it wouldn't take too long to work off the bill.

“Alright, get in the kitchen and assist Meramon,” Digitamamon ordered.

Mewtwo walked around the counter and entered the kitchen where the fire Digimon was in the process of picking up the bowl he had dropped.

“Man, do I feel sorry for you,” Meramon whispered.

“What do you mean,” Mewtwo asked.

“Trust me,” Meramon said. “You're going to regret working for Digitamamon.”

Mewtwo frowned. What had Meramon meant by that?


Through out the day, Mewtwo worked alongside Meramon in the kitchen, preparing meals and cleaning up. Mewtwo watched as various Digimon showed up to eat, Digitamamon greeting his customers with exaggerated cheeriness. Having seen the other side of the egg Digimon, Mewtwo couldn't help but think he didn't care one bit about others so long as he got money.

“And here I thought humans could be dishonest and two-faced,” Mewtwo murmured.

“What,” Meramon asked.

“Nothing. Just talking to myself,” Mewtwo said. “By the way, it's obvious you're not happy working here, so why do you stay?”

“I have no choice,” Meramon said. “Like you, I ran up a bill with Digitamamon and now I have to work it off. Believe me, if I could, I'd take off. The problem is, Digitamamon is pretty strong. He's an Ultimate Level Digimon and I'm only a Champion Level.”

Mewtwo glanced over at Digitamamon. He never would have guessed an egg-shaped Digimon would be an Ultimate Level. Appearances could be deceiving.

“Well, don't worry,” Mewtwo said. “Soon we'll both have our bills worked off and we can bid this place farewell.”

“Maybe,” Meramon said. “So, I have to ask, you're not a Digimon, are you?”

“No, I'm a Pokemon,” Mewtwo replied. “I came from the Human World.”

“The Human World,” Meramon gasped. “I always thought that was just a legend. But that would explain why you didn't know about the currency of the Digital World. So what brings you here to the Digital World, Mewtwo?”

“It's a long story,” Mewtwo said. “The short version being that I came here looking for someone.”

“Oh, that Digimon you asked about. Renamon, right,” Meramon said. “Why are you looking for her, anyway?”

“Again, it's a long story,” Mewtwo said. “Lets just say she's important to me.”

Meramon stared at Mewtwo in surprise, getting the gist of what he was saying.

“I see,” he said. “Well, all the more reason we need to get your bill worked off.”

“HEY, YOU TWO,” Digitamamon yelled. “Less talking and more working!”

Mewtwo gritted his teeth as he went back to work. Oh, he would be so glad to put this place and it's owner behind him.


Later...

“What do you mean I can't leave,” Mewtwo raged. “I worked all day for you, I'd say my bill is paid off by now!”

“Is that what you think,” Digitamamon countered. “Well, you're quite mistaken. You've barely scratched the surface of your bill.”

He indicated the piece of paper on the counter. Mewtwo glanced over it, his eyes widening in disbelief!

“300,000 Digi-dollars,” Mewtwo exclaimed. “You never said it was that expensive! If I had known that I would have just caught my own fish and cook it myself!”

“Well, you didn't,” Digitamamon retorted. “You ate the meal and now you have to pay for it.”

“This is absurd,” Mewtwo growled. “You took advantage of me! Don't think I don't see that! Well, forget it! I did a full days work and that's good enough! I'm leaving!”

He turned to leave, only to have Digitamamon move in front of him.

“Oh, you're not going anywhere, my friend,” he said. “If you don't pay, then you will suffer the consequences.”

Mewtwo's eyes flared with a blue light. “I have had enough of you, Digitamamon! If you think you can push me around, then you're in for a surprise!”

“We'll see,” Digitamamon said. “Nightmare Syndrome!”

A black mass with yellow eyes and clawed hands emerged from the opening in Digitamamon's shell. It charged at Mewtwo, swiping it's claws. Mewtwo brought up a protective barrier and the mass struck, dissolving upon impact.

“My turn,” Mewtwo said.

Mewtwo conjured a ball of psychic energy and hurled it at Digitamamon. The egg Digimon managed to dodge it just in time and charged at Mewtwo. In a flash, Mewtwo transformed into his X-Mega Evolution form. Bracing himself, he intercepted Digitamamon as he slammed into him. Both Pokemon and Digimon struggled, trying to push the other one back. Finally, they pulled apart, both leaping backwards away from each other. Digitamamon charged again, flying towards Mewtwo like a missile. Mewtwo used Aura Sphere and launched it at Digitamamon. The sphere struck and sent the egg Digimon flying backwards to crash into the sand.


Inside the restaurant, Meramon watched the battle. He couldn't believe how strong Mewtwo was. He was actually beating Digitamamon. As he watched, he felt ashamed just standing there and letting Mewtwo do all of the fighting. Champion Level or not, he wasn't going to just stand by and do nothing.


Digitamamon hauled himself up to his feet. “It seems I've underestimated you. But no matter. This will still end badly for you.”

Suddenly, a searing wave of fire blasted Digitamamon, catching him by surprise. Mewtwo glanced over to see Meramon joining in the fight.

“You too, Meramon,” Digitamamon snarled. “Clearly you forget who you're dealing with!”

“Shut up,” Meramon yelled. “I've had enough of you, Digitamamon! Whether I stand a chance against you or not, I'm putting an end to this!”

“I think between the two of us, we can accomplish that,” Mewtwo said.

“Fools! I'll crush you both,” Digitamamon said.

“No one's crushing anyone.”

The fight immediately ground to a halt. All three combatants turned to see who had spoken. Standing just a few feet away was a female Digimon. She was human in appearance, with long green hair, braided in two tails. She wore a skull-like helmet, adorned with red sashes trailing from them. Her clothing was rather revealing, with a brassiere that barely hid her ample cleavage, short black shorts with a red sash encircling her waist, and black boots tipped with spikes. Strapped to her back was a large battle sword and her left arm had a snake-like gauntlet that covered her entire arm. Mewtwo had to admit, this Digimon looked like a born fighter.

“M-Mervamon,” Digitamamon stuttered.

“I don't believe it,” Meramon said. “It's Mervamon, in the flesh. Ohh, she's even more beautiful in person.”

“Mervamon? Who is she,” Mewtwo asked.

“She's one of the strongest fighters in the Digital World,” Meramon replied. “And one of the most beautiful, too.”

Mervamon glanced in Meramon's direction and smiled. “Why, thank you. I appreciate the compliment.” Then she turned back to Digitamamon, her smile abruptly fading. “Would you care to explain what's going on here, Digitamamon?”

“I was merely dealing with two deadbeats trying to skip out on paying their bills,” Digitamamon replied.

“Liar,” Mewtwo snapped. “You mean to say that you tricked us into buying overpriced meals so you could force us to work for you!”

Mervamon's gaze hardened. “Is that true, Digitamamon? I've warned you before about taking advantage of customers. Do I need to report this to MetalSeadramon? You know it's only by his permission that he let you set up your business around here.”

“N-No, no,” Digitamamon stammered. “No need for that! It was all just a misunderstanding! These two gentlemen were just leaving.”

“Yeah, I'll just bet,” Mervamon said. She turned to Mewtwo and Meramon. “So, what do you two have to say? Do I need to punish him?” Her hand reached back towards her blade.

Mewtwo was half tempted to let Mervamon do it. Digitamamon had cost him valuable time in his search for Renamon. Still, he wasn't that petty.

“No need,” Mewtwo said. “Personally I don't care what you do to him. All I care about is going about my business.”

“Same here,” Meramon said.

Mervamon stared at Digitamamon, her hand still on the hilt of her sword, letting the egg Digimon sweat it out, wondering whether she would follow through with her threat. Finally, she released her weapon.

“I'll let you off this time, Digitamamon,” she said. “But if I hear that you've pulled this stunt again, then MetalSeadramon will hear of this, and I can guarantee he will not be as lenient as me.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Digitamamon said. “Thank you, Mervamon.”


After Digitamamon had left and returned to his restaurant, Mervamon turned her attention to Mewtwo and Meramon.

“Well, boys, guess you're free to go about your business,” she said.

“I can't thank you enough, Mervamon,” Meramon said. “Now I can return to my home in the mountains.” He turned to Mewtwo. “And I should thank you as well, Mewtwo. If it wasn't for you, I never would have worked up the courage to stand up to Digitamamon.”

“Take care, Meramon,” Mewtwo said. “Perhaps we'll meet again someday.”

Meramon nodded, then turned and walked away. After he was gone, Mewtwo turned back to Mervamon.

“I have to say, you're pretty impressive,” Mervamon said. “I was actually watching your battle with Digitamamon before I intervened. By the way, did I hear Meramon right when he called you Mewtwo?”

“Yes, that is my name,” Mewtwo replied. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, it's just that I remember that name being mentioned,” Mervamon said. “Some Digimon I met told me about someone named Mewtwo. She said he was a powerful psychic. And I noticed you were using psychic powers.”

“She,” Mewtwo gasped. “Tell me, this Digimon, what was her name?”

“I believe her name was Renamon,” Mervamon said.

“You've met Renamon? Where was she? How long ago did you last see her,” Mewtwo asked, hope and desperation tinging his voice.

“Whoa! Take it easy,” Mervamon said. “I take it then that you are the one she was talking about?”

“Yes, I am,” Mewtwo said. “Please, if you know where she is, tell me where I can find her.”

“So it's true then,” Mervamon mused. “Renamon told me how you and her are in love with each other. And now here you are. Is it true you're from the human world?”

“Yes, it's true,” Mewtwo said. “But that's not important. Where is Renamon?”

“Okay, okay, calm down,” Mervamon said. “The last place I saw her was a place known as Primary Village. That was about a week ago.”

“Primary Village,” Mewtwo said. “Where can I find it?”

“I can show you where it is,” Mervamon said. “It's probably best if I come along with you. That place is guarded so if I'm with you, I can vouch for you and prevent any unnecessary battles.”

“That really isn't necessary,” Mewtwo said. “I can get there faster by flying.”

“Actually, I'll have to insist,” Mervamon said, her tone firm. “As I said, there is a guardian there and if you cross said guardian, there will be trouble. And that is something we can't have.”

“What is so special about this Primary Village that requires a guardian,” Mewtwo asked.

“Because Primary Village is where all Digimon are born,” Mervamon replied.

“What,” Mewtwo said.

“When Digimon are born, their data become Digi-eggs,” Mervamon explained. “The eggs are kept there until they hatch. The baby Digimon remain in the village until they reach their In-Training forms, though sometimes they wait until they reach Rookie Level. Since the village is full of eggs and helpless Baby Digimon, it stands to reason there would be a guardian and why a battle there would be a bad idea.”

“I see,” Mewtwo said. “That makes sense I suppose. I hate to trouble you though.”

Mervamon shrugged. “I got nothing better to do right now. And just in case you run into anymore trouble along the way, I can help you out.”

“Well, if you really don't mind,” Mewtwo said. “So, shall we get going?”

“Just follow me,” Mervamon said. “It'll probably take us a few days to get there, so we'd better get moving.”

Mewtwo followed Mervamon, leaving the beach and Digitamamon behind. Ahead lay Primary Village and possibly the whereabouts of Renamon.


As they made their trek towards Primary Village, Mervamon was preoccupied with her own thoughts. While she did indeed admire Mewtwo's abilities and was leading him to Renamon, she felt somewhat guilty. What Mewtwo didn't realize was that Mervamon was tagging along with the Psychic Pokemon for another reason...


End of Chapter Five...