text:
And up goes another chapter. Fortunately I actually got it up at a decent time. No waiting three to six months, I think it only took a month this time. Good for me. I worked really hard trying to get this one done because I wanted to update before I went up to Winnipeg to start my fourth year of university tomorrow. And it looks like I did - just barely. I actually didn't have to cut it into two chapters this time either. Seven battles, one chapter, not bad if I say so myself. Anyway, I'll save anymore babbling until the end of the chapter. Read on
Oh yeah. Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon. This story is for my own fun and amusement, and anyone who reads it. I'd rather not be sued thanks.
Chapter Seven: Round One Continues
"Bada Boom!"
Impmon held up a single finger and pointed it at his opponent, firing a ball of energy. Biyomon quickly took to the air to avoid the blast. This was followed up by a counterattack.
"Spiral Twister!"
Impmon chuckled and effortlessly dodged the attack - right before he conjured up an Infernal Funnel attack. Biyomon was now trapped within a small tornado of fire.
"Kill it," Gary - Impmon's partner - ordered.
He was, of course, referring to the Infernal Funnel. Soon the attack died down and Biyomon fell to the ground covered with scorch marks.
"What an unusual tactic," Tentomon announced. "That Infernal Funnel attack could have won Gary the match, but for some reason he called it off."
Alex curiously tilted his head as he watched the match. "You think he saw something no one else did?" he asked.
I sighed, and casually leaned back on my bench. "He saw jack-shit. He's toying with her."
I hadn't intended to watch the match, but that last match had shaken me. And Tony's "advice" hadn't relaxed me any. I wanted to see how good this Impmon was. Plus I was unfamiliar with that species; they were a new breed. As much as I hated to admit it, there was wisdom in Tony's words. I needed to learn more about newer Digimon, especially if since I was going to be fighting the winner fo this match.
I needn't have worried. Neither of them were very good. Allan had decent skill and a gutsy little Digimon, but all-in-all he had no special quirk that could throw me off. A perceptive person could effortlessly see the holes in his strategies. Meanwhile, Gary, though quite skilled, was too arrogant for his own good. Even before that Infernal Funnel attack, he had opportunities to win the match, which he didn't take. All simply because he wished to torture Allan's Biyomon for a little longer.
He was lucky he was only going up against that unskilled Biyomon. A combatalist who actually knew what they were doing could easily take advantage of that.
Alex leaned forward on the bench, watching the match intensely. "Are you sure? This is a big tournament. There's a lot on the line. Why would he give up a chance to advance when he had it?"
I placed my hands behind my head and rested my weight completely on the wall behind me. I closed my eyes for just a moment.
"She's right," Labramon said. "That Impmon is laughing way too much. It's a sick kind of laughter. There's no doubt what he's doing."
I let my body relax onto the wall just a bit more ."Some people are just like that Alex. They don't take things seriously when they should; not that this tournament is anything to take seriously."
Alex and Lopmon laughed, taking that comment as a joke. Labramon grunted and gave me a kick. She was always good at reading me.
"Bada Boom!" I heard Impmon yell.
"Oooh," Alex said. "That's got to hurt."
"And that's it!" Tentomon announced.
I immediately shot up in my seat, while my eyes shot open. Impmon stood on one end of the arena, chuckling maniacally with his partner. Biyomon, on the other hand, lay virtually lifeless in her partner's arms, covered in scorch marks.
"Biyomon has lost consciousness! Impmon is the winner!"
"Ah I missed the best part!" I whined.
They had finished the battle sooner than I predicted. I would have been watching otherwise. Maybe I had overestimated their arrogance. It wouldn't be the first time I had been wrong about an opponent. I'd have to watch that. Snap judgements like that had almost cost me the match last time.
Lopmon shuddered. "You should be glad you missed it - not pretty. Those two are ruthless. I'm glad I don't have to fight that Impmon next."
Labramon chuckled. "I am. I'd love to knock'em off his high horse."
I leaned forward, placing my elbows on my knees, while studying Gary and Impmon as they made their way back to the competitor's box.
"Don't underestimate them," I said in response to Labramon's comments. "He might be able to back up that arrogance."
Labramon laughed. "Oh come on! You saw the way he fought. He didn't take a lick of it seriously."
"Well yeah," I said hesitantly. "But still..."
My thoughts were interrupted by Tentomon's announcement.
"And with that, we have the end of the second match. Will the participants of the third match please step up to the battle floor? Let's hear it for David and Betamon, and their opponents, the reigning champs, Adam and Crabmon!"
I watched as David and Betamon walked straight out of the competitor's box onto the battle floor. However, Adam and Crabmon seemed to be taking their time. In fact, I hadn't seen them since introductions.
Suddenly a loud cheer went through the crowd, and a spotlight was cast towards the top of the bleachers. There stood Adam, Crabmon at his side. They were making their way down the bleacher stairs, while all the way down, he was soaking up the crowds' praise; he threw one hand in the air and cheered himself.
I sighed and shook my head. "What the hell is he doing up there?"
Labramon tilted her head as he stared at Adam's show. "Did he walk all the way up there just so he could make a fancy entrance?"
Alex shook his head in response. "Nah, the reigning champ gets a private box to watch the fights. That's where he's coming from." He laughed as he thought about Labramon's comment. "I wouldn't put it past that guy to do something like that though."
Meanwhile, David looked none to happy with Adam. Clenched fists, red face, gritted teeth. Yep, definitely angry.
"I hope he gets his ass kicked," Lopmon said. "I hate showboating."
I smirked at that last comment. "But you gotta love irony."
My smirk grew as Lopmon gave me a dirty look, and Labramon gave me a half smile; the first one she'd given me in awhile.
Adam, finally finished with his little act, took his position on the battle floor. He gave a chuckle and grinned at his opponent.
"Well, Tenty," he said to Tentomon. "Let's get this match started. I'm sure all these people are eager to see me win."
"Oh shut up already!" David yelled. "Is this a joke to you? I worked hard to get to this tournament, and you're treating this like it's nothing; like you've already won. Just because you happen to be related to a few powerful Digidestined doesn't give you an automatic victory."
Adam continued to smile his arrogant grin, and playfully shook his finger at his opponent. "Tsk, tsk, a little cranky are we? And my parents aren't just any old Digidestined. They're Dan and Janine, part of the elite team. I inherited their powers, including a D3 and a crest. I may gloat, but I don't exaggerate. I am every bit as powerful as they are. You must not have seen me fight in earlier tournaments, or you'd know that.
"Oh, and I treat this match as a 'joke,' as you put it, because that's what it is, especially with such an unworthy opponent."
At that last comment, David's red face went up a shade. "You're a disgrace to combatalists everywhere! This tournament used to be honourable, back in the day when even the elite would compete. But ever since you entered it's been nothing but a joke. I'm going to enjoy this! I'll show you who's unworthy - Betamon!"
At his partner's command, Betamon jumped forward to the centre of the ring.
Meanwhile, Tentomon hovered nervously above the four participants. "Well - er - uh - Start the match!"
The moment the words left Tentomon's mouth, Betamon sprung forward.
"Hit it with your horn Betamon!" David ordered. "Full force! Just like we practised!"
Betamon, still flying towards Crabmon, curled up into a ball, horn pointed forward. The ball shape sped up Betamon's momentum, he flew forward at incredible speed!
However, as fast as that was, Adam seemed to react even faster, I was surprised. In a second, his hand snagged his Digivice and pointed it at Crabmon.
"Now Crabmon! Digivolve!"
"Crabmon Digivolve to...Ebidramon!"
I was amazed at how fast it happened. Never had I seen a Digimon Digivolve so quickly. I had barely seen the light engulf Crabmon. It was like he was a small blue crab one moment, and a giant red lobster the next.
Betamon was still flying at him. However, he needed little defence. Ebidramon just raised one of his claws, and the Betamon cannonball bounced harmlessly off it.
Betamon hadn't even landed before David was giving another order. "Bounce! Hit him again!"
Still curled up into a ball, Betamon hit the ground, and bounced back, once again aiming his horn at Ebidramon. Except now, with that added bounce, he was moving even faster.
"Bubbles!" Adam ordered.
Responding to Adam's orders, Ebidramon reared up and fired a jet-stream of bubbles from his mouth. The jet-stream hit Betamon dead on. The stream itself wasn't very powerful, but it was enough to blow Betamon back. He landed harmlessly a few feet in front of Ebidramon.
Betamon immediately uncurled himself. The bubbles had clearly disoriented him. His eyes were glazed over, and he was stumbling about.
"Be-Betamon," David stuttered, as he stared in disbelief at his partner.
"Finish it!" Adam ordered.
Ebidramon suddenly shot forward with remarkable speed! I had never heard of an Ebidramon moving that fast on land before. His skinny little lobster legs were a blur. His claw was even faster.
Ebidramon's claw came crashing down on Betamon's head.
It was as if the room froze. The entire stadium just stared, unmoving, at the little rookie Digimon trapped under Ebidramon's massive claw. Adam was the only one who had any reaction at all. He stood up straight and crossed his arms.
He brought his fingers to his lips, and kissed them as if he had just tasted something sweet. "And that, is how it's done." He jerked his head at Ebidramon. "I think it's had enough buddy, we're done here."
With that, Ebidramon lifted his claw off his stunned opponent and turned to his partner, immediately returning to his rookie state.
"Betamon!" David yelled in concern, as he rushed to his partner's side.
Betamon was in horrible condition. He lay, wide-eyed, the only movements he made were tiny little twitches. Ebidramon must have been holding back when he hit him. A full force hit from an Ebidramon claw could easily kill a rookie Digimon.
The hushed moment finally ended and the crowd gave out a mighty roar, cheering Adam and Crabmon's name. Responding to the crowds loss of silence, Tentomon broke his own shocked state and fluttered down to Betamon and David.
After a thorough inspection of Betamon, Tentomon held up his insect-like hand. "He's out cold! Adam and Crabmon are the winners."
Adam had apparently suspected as much. He and Crabmon were already walking up the bleacher stairs. Large members of the crowd rushed from their seats to meet him. Adam ate it up, he stopped and gladly accepted their kudos.
"See I told you," Alex said, laughing and shaking his head. "No skill at all. He just relies on the power of Digivolution."
I turned towards him, tilted my head in confusion. "That's what you've been talking about? I think you're underestimating him."
"What? Are you nuts?" he said, jerking his thumb at Adam. "Look at him. He's full of himself - just because his Digimon can Digivolve."
I laughed. I didn't disagree that Adam was full of himself. Even now, he was standing in the bleachers, bragging about his last battle. And surely exaggerating all the hard work he put into this tournament. The guy had a big head, he thought he was the best simply because he hadn't ever had any real competition. But there was definitely more to him than flash.
"He's got a big head alright," I said to Alex. "But behind all that there is definately skill."
"Skill?" Alex said, completely baffled. "Where we watching the same fight? All he did was Digivolve immediately, and use that power to overwhelm his opponent. Same thing he always does."
I sighed. "Maybe. But did you see how he executed that Digivolution. It was flawless. I'd never seen, or even heard of, a Digimon Digivolving that quickly. Adam accessed his power and gave it to his Digimon at a rate I've never even heard of. Not only that, but Crabmon's recovery time was incredible. Usually a Digimon needs some time to adjust to their new body, even if they've Digivolved hundreds of times. But Ebidramon seemed to take to it like the change was natural, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to block that first hit so easily."
Lopmon stared at me as if I had said something profound. "She's right," he said. "Whenever I become Turuiemon, I feel strange for a few moments. Like my body isn't my own. It takes me a second or two to get used to the fact that my arms and legs are longer, and that my body is bigger before I'm really able to do anything, but Ebidramon reacted as soon as he emerged from the Digivolution light."
I nodded as I watched Adam in the bleachers, still soaking up his fans attention. He was bragging to a group of younger kids that had surrounded him. He was giving them a pep talk on how they could "become just like him someday."
"The guy's definitely done some Digivolution training. Both he and Crabmon have gotten incredibly comfortable with the sudden change of power it provides. I don't think even our parents achieved that in their day. Behind all the flash is a skilled combatalist. He just hasn't had much of a chance to show what he can really do. His opponents don't have the power last very long."
Alex crossed his arms and grunted. "I still think he's just a blowhard."
I laughed as I continued to stare at him. "No one's arguing with that. He's just a skilled blowhard - a cute one too."
Suddenly I felt six eyes lock on me. I cursed myself. I hadn't just say that did I? Hell just thinking it would have been had enough.
I struggled to wipe the grin off my face, and replaced it with a scowl; one which quickly wiped the grin off Alex and Lopmon's faces. They avoided my gaze after that. Labramon wasn't so easy. I gave her a swift kick. She giggled and let it go.
I grunted and spoke gruffly to all three of them. "Just shut up and watch the next match."
After Betamon was carried off to seek medical attention, Tentomon announced the beginning of the fourth match. I didn't bother to watch it. The two combatalists and their Digimon were nothing special. They used basic attacks and techniques. It was your average rookie on rookie battle.
I didn't even need to see their strategies, I wouldn't have to face either one of them anyway. Whoever won this match would fight Adam in round two, and I was confident he could defeat either one of them. I was starting to feel a bit better. Round one wasn't even over yet and I already knew my next to opponents. Impmon, in the quarter finals, and Crabmon in the semis. I felt a plan forming in my head. It would take a little extra work during the intermission, but I'm sure both Labramon and I could handle that. I'd be able to stay in the tournament and keep an eye on things.
Still though, I felt there was a part of me that still wanted to lose. A part of me that felt overwhelmed by everything. Overwhelmed by the pain these creatures had brought me, by the responsibility of having to deal with whatever was going on, and worst yet, everything that might happen in the future. I hadn't forgotten my conversation with Izzy. I tried to, but it kept creeping back into my head. That along with everything else that was bugging me. There were times I felt okay, but then there were the other times. The times I wanted out of this place so bad I could just scream!
But those moments would pass. I'd suck it up, ignore the feelings and try to lose myself in the tournament.
I had to admit though - that Adam had made it a lot easier to do so. His blow hard antics were annoying, yet pleasantly distracting. I grinned just at the thought - then immediately slapped the side of my face.
I scolded myself - you're not a ditz Krystal! Stop thinking about that guy and think about - about what? My parents? My duty? My future? No thanks, he was so much better to -
I slapped myself again. I didn't want to think like that either. I was not some teenage ditz. Focus on the tournament Krystal. The tournament!
I opened my eyes just in time to see Goblimon's club come down hard on Damemon's head. Damemon stood in shock for a moment and then fell to the ground.
"Oh a crushing blow from Goblimon!" Tentomon announced. "Will Damemon be able to recover?"
The little blue Digimon struggled to get to his feet, but in the end it was too much, and he collapsed.
"Oh it looks like that's it for Damemon!" Tentomon said. "Goblimon and Josh are the winners, and will go on to face Adam and Crabmon in the quarter-finals!"
With that match completed, Alex anxiously stood up. There was an enormous smile on his face.
"Time for the fifth match," he said. "It's about time."
I was about to say something to tease him, but held myself back. This was his moment, even a well intentioned joke wasn't appropriate here.
Instead, I just asked. "Excited?"
"You bet I am," he said, not even noticing my sarcasm. "I've been dreaming of being a part of this tournament for years. And now, not only have I gotten to participate, but I'm actually in the real tournament. Not just the stinkin' preliminaries. The actual tournament. I love this sport!"
I bit my tongue. That last comment made it hard not to make fun of him. But still, I held true - I'd let him have his momenht.
The battle floor had finally been cleared out, so Tentomon made his next announcement. "We're halfway through the first round, and already things have been very exciting. That being said let's start the fifth match! Can Alex, Erika, and their Digimon partners please take their positions on the battle floor!"
Alex didn't hesitate, he bolted to the battle floor. He moved so fast he had to skid to a stop as he reached his position. Lopmon could barely keep up with him.
"Well we've got an enthusiastic one here," Tentomon said. "Your opponent hasn't even left the competitor's box yet."
In fact, in the short amount of time Alex had taken his position, Erika had only found the time to stand up. She started moving to her position, and stopped as she reached the box's doorway - right next to me. Her partner, Kokuwamon, hovered eerily beside her, emotionless.
"You're skills really surprise me..." she said turning to me. "...Krystal."
I jerked in surprise. I wanted to slap myself as soon as I did. Regardless, I tried to play it cool.
"Excuse me?"
It didn't work, that subtle little jerk had given me away. She simply laughed at my pathetic attempt to cover it up. Luckily she spoke softly, only I - and possible Labramon - could hear her.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret. It wasn't that hard to figure it out you know. Your attitude gave it away. I've only seen one person with a Digimon partner show such a negative attitude towards Digimon. I always wondered why exactly you hated Digimon so much." She turned her gaze away from me before she spoke her next words. She spoke them softly. "It's because of your parents isn't it."
I felt myself freeze up. I didn't even care how she figured out who my parents were. The strange thing was, now, I actually wanted to answer. I actually wanted to confide in her. This woman had always irritated me in class, always pushing me to have more of an interest in Digital Science. She always said I had so much knowledge, I should use it. But now - now there was so much comfort in her voice. It felt kind of nice.
I felt overwhelmed with emotion, so I didn't say anything. I just turned towards the battle floor and stared.
"You could only be Kris and Jenn's daughter," she continued to speak. Now I wish she would shut up. I had enough going through me. She didn't, she continued to speak.
"I used to go to high school with your parents. Your grandparents told me what happened to them. I'm sorry." She turned to me and smiled. "I can't believe I never noticed it before. You look just like your mother, and you have your father's spirit; strong, yet introverted - and somehow timid, all at the same time. It's those very qualities that make you a natural in this sport. If you could just get over a couple weaknesses, you could become unstoppable. Don't forget that." She took a step out of the box. "Now if you excuse me, I have a match. I look forward to seeing you in the finals."
She started to walk forward, but she stopped when she heard my voice.
"You know-" I said, she turned eagerly towards me. "My friend is really good. You might not do as good as you think."
She smiled. "I think you'd be surprised at what I can do."
Those were our parting remarks; she turned away and took her position, opposite Alex, on the battle floor. Her Digimon hovered just in front of her.
"Now that both of our competitors are in place, let the battle begin!"
I felt the mood suddenly change. Erika had been so calm when she had spoken to me, but now she was all business. I could sense all of her attention shift towards the battle.
Her Digimon, however, was a different story. He hadn't changed at all. He continued to hover in front of Erika, wearing an emotionless face as cold as the metal he was made of. Of course, all Kokuwamon were like that.
"Okay Lopmon," Alex said. "This battle is different than the preliminaries. We're not going up against amateurs. This girl made it to the tournament for a reason. She won't fall prey to simple teasing."
"Right," Lopmon nodded. "Good old fashion strategy this time."
For the longest time neither of them did a thing. For what had to be, at the very least, five minutes, they just stood there staring at each other.
Tentomon was getting anxious. High above the battle floor, he circled the "battle."
"Both competitor's seem to be preparing for the match," he said. "I'm sure there's a lot going on in their minds right now. Unfortunately without the ability to hear it, the match is very boring."
"Ladies first," Alex said.
"I was just waiting for you. I thought I'd give you at least one chance to make a move. This match won't last long enough for a second."
"If you insist," Alex said with a smirk. "Ice it Lopmon!"
"Blazing Ice!" Lopmon yelled, firing his attack.
A bright blue beam of ice sailed straight towards Kokuwamon. Neither Erika nor Kokuwamon seemed concerned. Erika simply grinned at the sight of the attack. While Kokuwamon, as always, was emotionless. Regardless of how they felt about it, the attack was closing in. Erika gave her command with a single word.
"Go," she said pointing forward.
The command finally given, Kokuwamon shot forward like a missile. In an instant, he electrified himself and broke through the Blazing Ice attack unharmed. Alex didn't have time to react, Kokuwamon was moving too fast. Fortunately Lopmon's instincts were enough.
Closing his eyes, he turned sharply to the left, throwing one of his massive ears forward. Kokwamon collided with it and became tangled within.
Alex reacted to the new situation quickly. "Slam it!"
Reluctantly, Lopmon swung his head around. His ears hit the ground, and Kokuwamon with it. He gave his head another jerk, and slammed Kokuwamon into the ground again.
Erika cursed. "The ears must be insulated Kokuwamon! Amp up the juice!"
Suddenly a muffled sizzle could be heard beneath Lopmon's ears, followed by bright flash of light. For a moment Kokuwamon's silhouette could be seen within Lopmon's ears. Lopmon let out a horrible scream massive jolt of electricity shot through him.
"Hold on," Alex said. "We can't give up our advantage. It can't keep this up forever."
Erika let out a laugh at Alex's words. I didn't doubt why.
"Let it go!" I yelled to my two friends. "Kokuwamon produce electricity on a daily basis. It can keep up a charge like this for hours."
"You heard her!" Alex said.
"Rah!" Lopmon grunted, and with all his strength, gave his head one last jerk. This time he flared his ear and released Kokuwamon, sending him rolling across the battle floor.
"Strike!" Erika ordered.
Kokuwamon responded immediately, and shot forward; he was electrified as before. This time Lopmon didn't dare use his ears for defence; he took Kokuwamon's attack head on! The metal bug plowed right into Lopmon's stomach; not only hitting him like a missile, but sending another jolt of electricity through him. Almost immediately he did a backflip and landed a few feet in front of Lopmon, who now stood gripping his stomach and staggering for breath.
Kokuwamon's assault was far from finished. He lifted up a metal arm and fired a jolt of electricity at Lopmon.
"Lopmon!" Alex yelled, his voice filled with concern.
What Lopmon did next was nothing short of amazing. Despite Kokuwamon's last assault, he managed to muster enough strength to leap several feet into the air. Before he began to descend he puffed out his ears and began to glide, circling above Kokuwamon.
Alex breathed a sigh of relief. "Nice one buddy. Now that you've got the high ground - open fire!"
"Blazing ice!" Lopmon yelled, firing another blue beam at Kokuwamon.
Erika yawned, and gave Kokuwamon his next instructions. "No counter-attack this time, just dodge."
Kokuwamon did just that. His metal insect wings buzzed, and he effortless flew out of the way of Lopmon's attack. The attack caused a small dent in the battle floor, but Kokwamon was unharmed.
That didn't stop Lopmon from attacking though. "Blazing Ice! Blazing Ice! Blazing Ice! Blazing Ice!" Lopmon fired a volley of Blazing Ice attacks at Kokuwamon, but none of them even came close to hitting him.
"Okay now counter-attack!" Erika suddenly ordered, as the last Blazing ice hit the ground.
As usual, Kokuwamon didn't hesistate to obey his masters orders. He shot upwards, towards Lopmon, his body completely electrified.
Fortunately Alex thought quickly. "Blow it away, try that technique we practiced."
"Tiny tornado!" Lopmon yelled executing his newest attack.
With his ears still extended Lopmon began to spin at an incredible speed. So much so that he did indeed look like a tiny tornado.
It was too late for Kokuwamon to halt his attack; he was moving too fast! He plowed right into the Lopmon tornado; the force of which sent him crashing into the ground.
Unfortunately Kokuwamon's charge had it's effect on Lopmon as well. A portion of his electricity seeped into the tornado, and gave Lopmon a decent shock, forcing him to stop the tornado and fall to the ground. He still, however, had enough energy to recover and land on his feet.
Unfortunately though, it didn't look like Lopmon would be able to continue this match for much longer. He stood staring down Kokuwamon, barely able to stand up. He stumbled on one leg, and was panting heavily. The last couple of hits must have drained most of his energy.
Kokuwamon, on the other hand looked no worse for wear. As Lopmon stood there panting, Kokuwamon both effortlessly, and emotionlessly, pulled himself to his feet.
Despite how bad things looked for him, Alex chuckled. "I have to admit, you're better than I would have thought."
Erika laughed at Alex's comment. "Of course I am. Kokuwamon and I have been fighting since before you were born. And those were in the days when these fights were life or death. I'm sure you heard of the incident when Digimon were appearing all over the world. That's when I became Digidestined. And even then, as a newfound Digimon, without the ability to Digivolve, Kokuwamon was still able to hold his own against Champion level Digimon. Do you want to take a guess how much better we've gotten in twenty-four years?"
"Not really, I'd rather see for myself," Alex said with a big grin on his face. He reached for his Digivice. "We'll see how much truth there is to those words. Lopmon - Digivolve!"
Erika's eyes went wide with surprise, as Lopmon was engulfed with the Digivolution light.
"Stop it Kokuwamon!" she ordered.
Too late! The process had already begun. That didn't stop Kokuwamon from trying though, obeying his master's orders he electrified himself and shot forward.
"Lopmon Digivolve to...Turuiemon!"
Kokuwamon moved as fast as he could. He shot into the Digivolution light before it cleared away. I cringed and turned away. I wasn't sure I wanted to see what had happened next. The newly Digivolved Turueimon had precious little time to recover from the Digivolution and still deal with Kokuwamon's attack. I doubted he'd be able to do both.
The light began to clear away, but before it did, a loud clank could be heard from within it. I breathed a sigh of relief; I knew what that sound meant.
Sure enough, when the light had cleared, there stood Turuiemon, holding his arm in front of his face, blade up. Kokuwamon was clamped onto it. Turuiemon had successfuly blocked the attack. Better yet, in his Champion state, Alex's Digimon seemed to be withstanding the electricity emanating from Kokuwamon's body.
"Alright!" Alex cheered. "Nice one Turuiemon!"
I didn't like the sly grin that had just appeared on Erika's face.
She spoke a single word, as if announcing her victory. "Perfect."
"Use your other blade!" Alex instructed Turuiemon. "Cut it down and finish this match."
Turuiemon raised his other arm, and flipped out his second blade, hoping to claim victory. Unfortunately Erika had other things in mind.
"Zap it Kokuwamon!" Erika yelled. "Full blast!"
The electricity emanating from Kokuwamon's body was suddenly amplified ten fold! It short through Turuiemon's blades and straight into his body.
"Ah jeez!" Turuiemon screamed, as he gave his arm a jerk, throwing Kokuwamon from it. The little metal bug stopped himself in mid-air and fluttered just in front of Turuiemon.
"Ow!" Turuiemon snapped, as if the jolt was just a minor shock, even though it clearly had hurt him more than that. "I only felt that shock for a second, but damn! That really stung."
Erika burst out laughing. "Those metal blades conduct electricity pretty well don't they?"
Turuiemon rubbed his arm. "Jeez, I'll say. That's some pretty tough juice for a rookie."
Erika continued laughing. "Of course it is. Kokuwamon have some fo the most powerful electric attacks out there. It's metal body help electricity flow through it. And those blades of yours only speed that process up."
Turuiemon's face suddenly jerked, as if he had realized something. "That's right. They do don't they?"
"Yes, they do," Alex repeated. "Flip them back Turuiemon. They'll only hurt us."
Turuiemon grinned slyly, and shook his head. "No."
"What?" Alex said, taken aback at his Digimon's defiance. Frankly, so was I. Turuiemon/Lopmon could be a smart ass, but he was always very loyal to Alex. I couldn't understand why he would ever disobey him.
"Take this!" Turuiemon yelled, taking a swipe at Kokuwamon with his blades.
Kokuwamon, not having been given an order, did not counter-attack, he simply dodged the attack - quite effortlessly at that.
"What are you doing?" Alex yelled. "I said pull the blades back. If you keep them out you're going to lose us the match."
Turuiemon ignored the orders, and took another swipe at Kokuwamon. The little bug effortlessly fluttered out of the way again.
"I know what I'm doing," Turuiemon said to Alex. "Trust me." He took yet another swipe, only to miss again. "Come on you little bug! Fight back! Too afraid to do anything without your master's say so."
Erika sighed and shook her head. "You heard him, Kokuwamon. Fight black - grab a hold of that blade and shock'em."
Kokuwamon did exactly what he was told. As Turuiemon took another swipe at him, he clamped himself onto Turuiemon's blade and let loose with another full blast electricity jolt.
"No! Turuiemon!" Alex yelled. "Why couldn't you have just listened to me?"
Turuiemon winced in horrible pain, as he felt Kokuwamon's electricity pulse throughout his entire body.
"It's alright Alex," he said. "I know what I'm doing."
Turuiemon struggled to make his next move. It wasn't easy. The electricity was definitely doing a great deal of damage. Yet, despite that, he managed to lift his second arm above Kokuwamon, ready to strike. However, it didn't. The blade didn't come down with any fast movement to hit Kokuwamon off. Instead, it came down slowly, and merely tapped Kokuwamon's back. Though strangely enough, that seemed to be all he needed to do.
Kokuwamon let out a horrible scream. It was the most amount of emotion I had ever seen him show. I couldn't believe it! The tables had suddenly been turned. The electricity now shot straight into Kokuwamon, and Turuiemon was the one delivering it!
The blast sent Kokuwamon flying. He landed on the battle floor in a smoking heap. Again, I didn't believe it. Had Turuiemon just won? Apparently, everyone else felt the same way. Along with me, Alex, Tentomon, Erika, and the entire crowd, stared at Kokuwamon's seemingly unconscious body in silent shock.
Tentomon fluttered down to the floor and examined Kokuwamon. He circled him once, looked into his emotionless metal eyes, and lastly, gave him a couple of curious taps, before making his decision.
"Well," Tentomon said, turning to the crowd. "It seems as if Kokuwamon has been knocked unconscious. That means Alex and Turuiemon are the winners!"
Virtually everyone stayed silent. The crowd, who normally would have been cheering, began to mutter, trying to figure out what had just happened. Erika finally asked what everyone else was thinking.
"H-how," she stuttered. "We had you? How did Kokuwamon take the shot."
Turuiemon chuckled, rubbing the back of his head with the flat of one of his blades. "I completed the circuit. I used my second blade to conduct the electricity back to it's source, and overloaded it, and because the electricity was moving through me, and not to me, I wasn't hurt. It was if I was zapping him."
I burst out laughing. Leave it to Lopmon/Turuiemon to come up with an explanation like that - complete bull.
"What?" Erika yelled. She was obviously not satisfied with Turuiemon's answer. "That's not how an electrical circuit works! I majored in electrical engineering! None of what you said makes any sense."
I shook my head and sighed. I truly pitied Erika if she could only look at the world with such a narrow mind. Apparently Turuiemon agreed with me. He began to glow, and reverted back to his Lopmon state. He held up a finger and shook it at Erika.
"Tsk tsk. That's the science of this world. The science of the Digital World is quite different."
Erika began walked up to her damaged Digimon, she grunted in annoyance as she passed Lopmon.
"Oh? And how does it work, smart ass?"
She bent over and took Kokuwamon into her arms, as Lopmon gave his answer.
He simply shrugged. "Dunno. It's just always worked the way I believed it to. I think up an explanation, and that's how it's worked."
Erika stood frozen, in disbelief at Lopmon's answer. She laughed and shook her head. "Must be paradise for a person like you, and most of my students. You think of whatever bullshit answer you want, and you're always right."
Once again Lopmon rubbed the back of his head. "Of course, it's so much simpler that way. You humans and your equations and formulas, you complicate things."
It didn't take very long for the once shocked and silent crowd to become noisy again. Not long after Erika and Lopmon's discussion they had exploded a scream of cheers for the tournament's most recent victors. Alex accepted their praise with a single gracious bow. Lopmon, on the other hand, wasn't so modest.
He enthusiastically hopped upon Alex's shoulders, clasped both hands together in grateful acceptance of his fans praise. Normally I would think it was pathetic, but this time I couldn't help but laugh. Lopmon had a certain charm for vanity that somehow denied any form of arrogance.
All the while, Tentomon gave his standard end of the match speech. The "congratulating the winners" kind of thing, while throwing in the occasional remark about potential and "going to go far."
Erika and Kokuwamon took no part in any of this. Their part played in the tournament, they simply slunk away. I think Erika finally recognized that she was out of her league.
Now, Alex and Lopmon sat next to Labramon and I in the competitor's box, quite pleased with themselves.
Alex placed his hands behind his head and relaxed against the back wall. Lopmon was curled up in his lap. His eyes were closed but he wasn't sleeping.
I kept looking for signs of tension between those two. After all, Lopmon had defied a direct order from Alex. Granted, doing so had won them the match, but still - that wasn't something a Digimon was supposed to do.
Yet, Alex wasn't upset at all. In fact, he was quite happy and relaxed. It was impressive how forgiving Alex was being. I shouldn't have been surprised. I'd known him all my life, I knew he was a relaxed guy, not prone to anger, but still - I didn't think he'd forgive Lopmon's disobedience so easily. I sure hadn't when Labramon had disobeyed me. Alex didn't seem to care at all.
Seeing how relaxed he was sent mixed feelings through my heart. Sure it was great for them, but I felt - I felt - envious. So much so that it bordered on resentment. I had always thought Labramon and I were close - and we were, I was closer to her than anyone, but compared to those two, our relationship was nothing.
I didn't like it. This tournament was revealing, in more ways than one, how distant Labramon and I had become. Even with our most recent reconciliation, I still felt like our connection had dimmed. I shuddered at the thought. Labramon was supposed to be my life-long companion. Someone I was linked to, not just emotionally, but through a the strange mystical forces of the Digital World as well. We should have been closer than this!
I scanned over what I knew of the Digidestined that had come before me, desperately searching for a relationship similar to ours. I couldn't think of any. Every Digidestined had been close to their partner. Sure their may have been the occasional spat, but they didn't have the sort of tension Labramon and I now had.
Ken and Wormmon had problems before, butthat was due to the Dark Spore. There wasn't anything inside me modifying my behaviour. Everything I did was due to my crappy personality.
I let a grunt escape my lips. That was just something else to add to my list of faults. Some Digidestined I was turning out to be. I was nothing like my parents.
Alex let out a relaxed sigh. "You know," he said. "As much as I like participating, it is really nice to just sit back and watch, knowing that your head isn't on the chopping block this match."
"Your head," Lopmon said with a grin, keeping his eyes closed. "I'm the one doing the fighting out there."
"Oh you've got the easy part," Alex said. "I'm the one who's got to think up the strategies. You've just got to follow the step by step orders. How much brain power does that take?"
Lopmon let out a chuckle. "Apparently not very much, considering I've got to think of my own."
Alex laughed and ruffled Lopmon's head fur. "Eh you just got lucky."
Lopmon laughed back, and protested. "Watch the hair, watch the hair."
"You might not want to relax so much," I said, motioning to the next combatalists entering the ring. "You're going to be fighting the winner of this next match. And that cousin of yours might be worth watching."
Lopmon stretched and sat up, and put on a face of mock sulk. "Spoil sport."
Tentomon announced the match and the four participants stepped into the ring.
"So far we have witnessed five exciting matches, but don't go away, things are just getting good. We have two very skilled combatalists battling in this match.
"First we have RJ, son of Rob, a member of the elite Digidestined. With his D3 and crest he's sure to have some incredible skills. And I'm sure you all know Billy and his Candlemon. These two have participated in the last two Digital Combat tournaments, and for two years in a row, they have only been bested in the finals by our reigning champ Adam. Truly the workings of a great match folks." Tentomon stopped his speech just long enough to fly to a safer altitude. "But don't take my word for it. Let's see for ourselves. Let the match begin!"
Billy chuckled, and Candlemon tensed up his muscles, preparing to strike. "Okay let's get this wimp taken care of. We'll stomp old Robbie Junior here, and we'll be one step forward to that rematch with Adam."
Candlemon laughed a response. "Oh yeah! I don't care who his daddy is. I'll whoop that pipsqueak Digimon of is."
"Ya' hear that Junior!" Billy yelled to RJ. "Your little dinosaur isn't going to last five seconds in the ring with my Candlemon."
RJ didn't respond. He just continued to stare forward coldly with his arms crossed. A tiny grunt was all he got from him. Monodramon's response was identical.
"Aw lookit'em Billy," Candlemon mocked. "They're so scared they can't even think up a proper comeback."
Billy kept up his cocky little grin. "Let's get this over with. I don't enjoy feeling pity. Charge'em and hit'em with a wax ball. I doubt he'll even be able to take that."
Candlemon nodded. "On it. Aaaaarrrrgh!"
Instructions finally given, Candlemon charged Monodramon. He reached into his body and pulled out a ball of wax. It soon began to melt under the heat of the flame atop of his head. With a mighty heave he chucked the blob of wax at Monodramon.
RJ jerked his head at Monodramon slightly, and spoke his instructions coldly to his Digimon. "Go, quickly."
Monodramon suddenly disappeared and the blob of wax landed harmlessly on the ground.
"What the -" Candlemon said, immediately halting his charge. His eyes began darting back and forth as he searched for his vanished opponent.
"I can't believe it!" Tentomon announced. "After Candlemon let loose a vicious Wax Ball attack Monodramon simply disappeared."
I shook my head. I was disappointed in Tentomon. First of all, Candlemon's attack was hardly vicious, it was arrogant and reckless. Secondly Monodramon hadn't disappeared he was just moving incredibly fast. If Candlemon had any senses, he'd know that Monodramon had leaped into the air. I suspected he was moving in for the kill any moment now.
"Candlemon look out!" Billy suddenly yelled, pointed above Candlemon's head where Monodramon had just appeared. He was descending towards Candlemon - and fast!
"Burn it!" Billy ordered, his voice filled with panic.
Candlemon gave his head a toss, throwing a fireball from his wick. The ball was an inch away from colliding when Monodramon suddenly "disappeared" once again.
Labramon's ears perked. "Right in front of you buddy," she whispered to herself.
Labramon was right. What happened next only took a second. Monodramon reappeared directly in front of his opponent, and, as quickly as he had appeared, he delivered a kick to Candlemon's head. It wasn't much of a kick though. It was more of a tap with the edge of his foot. It may have just been a tap, but it was precise - right between Candlemon's eyes.
It was as if the two Digimon had frozen. Candlemon stood, frozen in place, in absolute shock at the hit. While Monodramon remained in midair, being held up only the toe he held to Candlemon's head.
Monodramon pushed off with his toe, did a back-flip, and landed gracefully on the battle-floor. Candlemon fell backwards, and lay there twitching.
Billy was the only one more shocked that his Digimon. "C-candlemon?" he stuttered.
"It's over. Let's go Monodramon."
Monodramon eagerly followed his partner as they walked back to the competitor's box.
Tentomon fluttered down to the Candlemon, and gave him a quick inspection. In a matter of moments he gave his decision.
"I can't believe it, but Candlemon is out cold! RJ and Monodramon have won the match with a single hit! And with a simple tap no less!"
Billy was at his Digimon's side in a second. Though that's not what I was focusing on. The tournament was the last thing I thinking about. RJ, was ridiculously skilled. At the moment, he had my full attention.
Alex ran up to RJ as he and Monodramon stepped into the competitor's box. "Wow Robert! That was incredible, congratulations."
RJ's head angrily snapped towards Alex. He gave him a look that could strip paint. "What did you just call me?"
Alex cocked his head in confusion. "Robert. That's your name isn't it?"
RJ continued to scowl at Alex. "Nobody! And I mean NOBODY calls me by that name! If a worm like you must address me, call me RJ. That is my name, not that pathetic name I inherited from my father."
"Jeez sorry," Alex said. He didn't look as taken back as he should have. If it had been me, that kid would be swallowing his teeth right now. "I was just trying to congratulate my cousin."
RJ continued to stare coldly at Alex. "Cousin?"
Alex smiled, as if RJ hadn't just snapped at him. "Yeah, I'm your uncle Andrew's son. Don'tcha remember me?"
RJ grunted. "Yeah, barely. You're Mr. optimist aren't you? Do me a favour, keep out of my face! I don't need any more of that crap in my life."
He didn't say another word. He just turned, and walked towards the farthest corner of the box. Monodramon didn't follow right away. He cringed a bit and turned to us.
"Sorry about that," he said. It had been the first time he had spoken. "He's really not a bad guy. He's just been through a rough couple of years. He misses his -"
"Monodramon!" RJ yelled sharply.
Monodramon quickly responded to his partner's call, and cut a hasty retreat to his side.
"Nice guy," Lopmon said.
I'm not sure why, but I laughed as I watched him sit down. "Not exactly a people person is he? He makes me look nice."
All four of us got a good laugh at that last comment. Alex especially agreed. "Yep," he said. "Not a team player. It's a good thing there's no need for a new group of elite Digidestined right now. He sure wouldn't work good with others."
I couldn't help but shudder as Alex spoke. His words shot right through my spine. "A new group of elite Digidestined." I suddenly felt like that's exactly what was needed right now. Especially with all the weird stuff that was going around this tournament - among other things.
Needless to say I hated the idea, and not just because I had no interest in following in my parent's footsteps. Because what Alex said was probably true. Between the four Digidestined children we had, we didn't make much of a team. There was me, a Digidestined who hated Digimon. Adam, a kid who was too arrogant for his own good. Sure he had skills, but that only went so far. An evil Digimon would floor him. Then there was RJ, who was so cold he could never function on a real team. The only one who could ever make a decent Digidestined was Alex, and he sure couldn't handle whatever was happening, not on his own. Yet, it was coming. I sensed it. In a short amount of time we would all have to step up, and be like our parents. A team of Digidestined. I didn't have much confidence in anyone else in this world.
It scared me. If both worlds were counting on us, the worlds were in big trouble.
The tournament went on. The seventh match didn't offer anything special. It was just two rookie Digimon, Gomamon and Kunemon, exchanging blows and energy attacks. In the end Kenta and Gomamon emerged victorious.
"Well," Tentomon said. He landed in the center of the battle-floor and began his standard speech.
"What an exciting match that was. And now it's time to move on to the final match of Round One.
I stood up in my seat. This was the match I had really been waiting to see.
"Would the combatalists competing in match eight please report to the battle floor."
I watched closely as Fonce and Wizardmon took their positions. This guy was bad news, and I wanted to make sure I studied every move he made; both in and out of the ring.
His opponent was nothing special. A little girl, about ten years-old. She had a cocky look in her eye, but I doubted she knew what she was getting into.
I didn't expect any miracles from her Hagurumon partner either. It was a little gear-like Digimon. They played the role of lackeys mostly. They were most known for monitoring Machinedramon's network when he ruled over Spiral Mountain's cities. I don't think I had ever seen them in battle before.
"Once again we have two very talented combatalists here," Tentomon said. "Wendy is an accomplished combatalist, who though has never participated in an official DC tournament. Has won every school division tournament she has ever entered. But will her experience be enough to handle the power of Fonce's Wizardmon? A Digimon so powerful, that his common state is the champion level? Few Digidestined can make that claim nowadays."
"We end this quickly Wizardmon," Fonce said. "We will not waste our time with weaklings."
Wizardmon only nodded. That Wizardmon gave me more of an uneasy feeling than his partner. He was acting just like Saqure's Dorugamon had. Cold and emotionless. Kokuwamon acting like that was one thing. That was normal for them, but I knew for a fact that Wizardmon had personalities.
"You're making the mistake a lot of my other opponents did," Wendy said. "Don't underestimate me because I'm a little girl. I'm really good."
"I have no doubt, in this league, you are skilled, but where I come from the weakest warriors could easily toss you aside."
In a second Tentomon was fluttering in Fonce's face. "Oh! And perhaps you could tell us where you're from. It would shed some light on the origins of your Digimon. You know, we don't see many Champion Digimon here, let alone Wizardmon."
Fonce waved his hand at Tentomon, as if he was shooing a pesky insect.
"No, I'd rather not thank you. Now would you please announce the beginning of this match. I have business at this tournament, and I do not wish it delayed a great deal by a girl who hardly worth my time."
I felt a chill run through me as he spoke the word "business." He hadn't said it sinisterly, or even abnormally, but something within just told me that there was something dark behind it.
Tentomon responded to the rude comment, by fluttering away to his usual altitude. "Well, oh, why - yes. I believe I will. You may begin."
"I'll begin and finish at the same time thank you," Fonce said. He turned to Wizardmon and gave him a nod.
Wizardmon once again nodded back and turned his attention to Hagurumon.
Meanwhile, Wendy had grown quite angry at Fonce's arrogance. "I'll show you who's worth your time. Hagurumon! He wants this battle to be quick, then we'll make it quick. Use the Gear Blade!"
Hagurumon looked hesitant. "Gear Blade? Are you sure? I thought we were saving that for Adam?"
Wendy spoke through gritted teeth. "This guy deserves it just as much as him. Hit him with it!"
Hagurumon raised right gear-arm hesitantly. "Uh - all right."
Suddenly razor-sharp blades emerged from the stubs of the gear.
"Gear Blade!"
Hagurumon gave his new and improved arm, a mighty heave, and sent it flying at Wizardmon at break-neck speed. However, Wizardmon was even faster. In a moment, Wizardmon's raised his staff and it began to glow bright yellow, bringing the deadly blade to an immediate halt in front of him.
There was utter shock throughout the stadium. I could see why Hagurmon was hesitant about using that attack. The speed the bladed gear had moved was incredible. If it had been Labramon and I out there, there was no way either of us could have responded to it. It would have sliced up Labramon in a matter of seconds. Yet Wizardmon had stopped it effortlessly. No one was more shocked than Wendy and Hagurumon.
"Im-im-possible," Wendy stuttered. "The Gear Blade is unstoppable! Nothing short of an Ultimate Digimon could stop it."
Fonce didn't respond. He simply waved his hands as instructions to Wizardmon. Wizardmon didn't hesitate. He raised his staff. It began to glow even brighter, and, even faster than Hagurumon had fired it previously, it shot towards Hagurumon.
Neither Wendy nor Hagurumon had time to even think of a way to respond. The Gear Blade hit! I could feel everyone in the stadium cringe as Hagurumon toppled over - with the blade embedded in his face.
"Hagurumon!" Wendy screamed, jumping to Hagurumon's side.
Tentomon soon followed. He began giving Hagurumon his usual inspection. Except this time he wasn't checking to see if he was unconscious, he was checking to make sure he was still alive.
Fonce began to make his way back to the competitor's box. Tentomon stopped him cold as he hovered in front of him.
"What are you doing?" Tentomon practically yelled. He had dropped his overly-enthusiastic announcer persona, and grown suddenly angry. A strange emotion for Tentomon to have.
"This is supposed to be a friendly tournament, pulling a stunt like that could have killed Hagurumon. And with the primary village in the Digital World, this little girl would be without a partner."
Fonce's head suddenly snapped towards Tentomon. For a moment he just stared at the little bug Digimon. Even though he was wearing a mask, you could still see he had a horridly hateful expression on his face. I felt the temperature around me suddenly drop - like I had just been thrown into a freezer.
Fonce spoke to Tentomon in an angry, and very cold tone. "You have inspected him, have you not? He's alive! I do not see the problem!"
Tentomon shoved his insect-like hand into Fonce's face. "The problem is you could have!"
"But I didn't," Fonce said. "And you best change your tone insect! I do not enjoy being talked down to. It deeply, deeply irritates me! And you do not want to see me irritated. Mistakes happen when I am irritated! I had no intention of breaking your tournament's rules. I was in full control of what happened. The girl's Digimon will recover." Fonce suddenly raised his hand and smacked Tentomon to one side, sending Tentomon stumbling pathetically to the ground. After which, he and Wizardmon began their trip back to the box.
"Now please announce my victory," he said coldly as he walked. "So we can get on with this event, and perhaps I can examine a worthy adversary."
Tentomon's anger was replaced by fear. His eyes widened, and he shrunk into his lady-bug like body. I didn't blame him. He must have gotten the same feeling I had from Fonce. It scared the hell out of me. Fonce was more than just aggravated when he spoke to Tentomon. There was nothing but pure hate in his voice. I don't know what it was, but I felt nothing but darkness from that man. I had gotten the same feeling when I battled Saqure, but this felt ten times worse. There was something seriously wrong with them. Seriously wrong.
He began to stutter. "W- well - yes, yes of course."
With tears streaming down her face, Wendy rushed from the battle floor; probably so she could get Hagurumon some aid. Fortunately he would be fine. Digimon recovered from an injury much quicker than humans. His data hadn't dispersed, so he was alive; and as along as he was alive he would recover.
Meanwhile Tentomon walked to the center of the battle floor. I don't think he had the mental energy to fly.
"A-hem well," he stuttered, trying to regain his composure and become that enthusiastic announcer again. As annoying as it was, I would have loved to see it now. "After quite the - er hit. Hagurumon is down, and Fonce and Wizardmon are the winners."
There was no cheer from the crowd; just a wave of murmurs and whispers. The closest they came to applause, were a few awkward and slow claps. Perhaps an attempt to get the old mood back again.
Tentomon went on anyway. He began to regain a some of his senses. There was still a bit of hesitation in his voice though.
"And that concludes our first round. And what an exciting first round it's been. We've seen some fierce battles, and some one hit wonders. But regardless of how the fights went they sure have kept us on the edge of our seats! There will now be an hour and a half break before the second round commences. But don't go away! I have no doubt that the second round will be even more intense than the first."
With that he ended his speech, and a good portion of the crowd began to pour from their seats. I didn't so much care about them though. I shifted my attention towards Fonce. He didn't head towards the temporary food court, and concession stands like everyone else. He led Wizardmon to one of the exits. I had an urge to follow him, but I fought it. That was just asking for trouble.
I now had know doubt about he and Saqure. Digimon changing, chaos in the Digital World, even my parents' death. They had to be a part of all of it. Hell, saying they were a part of this was probably an understatement. His quick conversation with Tentomon had been one of the scariest things I had ever seen. Never had I felt so much hatred come from a single person. I was glad the mask had hidden his face. I'd hate to see the expression that matched it.
I'd have to watch him. I'd keep my distance for now, and just watch him fight. See how he reacted, and see if I felt that feeling again. The thought of it made me sick, but at this point I don't think I had a choice.
All I had was intuition, added to the very little evidence I had considered, but whatever was going on, they couldn't be just a part of it. They were probably - no, they had to be the source.
Thus ends round one. I'm not quite at the point where things start getting good, but I'm getting closer. Two more chapters and the real part of the story actually starts. No more sneaking around it with hints and crap. I know I made up several of the attacks for the Digimon in there, but you know artistic license. I thought they worked. Well maybe a little. As always I greatly appreciate reviews. I'll try to update as quickly as I did this time, but no promises, especially with school starting soon. Thanks for all of you who have been patient and have continued to read this despite my slow updating.
Stay tuned for Chapter Eight: Quarter Finals!


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Traveling Luck for F Roedeske Ranch, North Dakota, United States
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The timezone in F Roedeske Ranch is America/Rankin_Inlet
Sunrise at 08:12 and Sunset at 17:11. It's light
Latitude. 47.6694°, Longitude. -103.9550° , Elevation. 731m
Weather near F Roedeske Ranch; Report from Williston, Sloulin Field International Airport, ND 69.8km away
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Temperature: 6°C / 43°F
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Wind: 8.1km/h Southwest
Cloud: Sky Clear
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Geographic features & Photographs around F Roedeske Ranch, in North Dakota, United States
- Local Feature;
- A Nearby feature worthy of being marked on a map..
- F Roedeske Ranch (0km)
- E Burns Ranch (2.2km)
- V Andenson Ranch (4.4km)
- C Christenson Ranch (4.8km)
- Dodge Windmill (5km)
- L Hanson Ranch (5.6km)
- F Roedeske Junior Ranch (6.2km)
- R Burns Ranch (6.9km)
- Wambach Ranch (7.1km)
- K Winter Ranch (7.4km)
- Klandi Ranch (9.4km)
- Wheeling-Hatter Ranch (9.7km)
- East Sidney Substation (10.4km)
- D Greenwood Ranch (10.6km)
- B Greenwood Ranch (11km)
- Severson Ranch (11km)
- A Riedel Ranch (11.5km)
- Reidal Ranch (11.6km)
- L Ronningen Ranch (11.9km)
- Sather Campground (12.4km)
- R Leland Ranch (12.5km)
- well;
- a cylindrical hole, pit, or tunnel drilled or dug down to a depth from which water, oil, or gas can be pumped or brought to the surface.
- Winter Headquarters Water Well (8.2km)
- Klandl Headquarters Flowing Water Well (9.4km)
- Greenwood Headquarters Water Well (9.5km)
- 22N60E07CCDB01 Well (10.2km)
- 22N60E07CC__01 Well (10.3km)
- 23N52E28AA__01 Well (11km)
- 21N60E05BADC01 Well (11.3km)
- 22N59E24CBBD01 Well (12.4km)
- 22N59E13CCBB01 Well (12.5km)
- 22N59E11DDCB01 Well (12.8km)
- valley;
- an elongated depression usually traversed by a stream.
- Corral Draw (10km)
- Vanderhoof Coulee (11km)
- Badlands Draw (11.6km)
- Estes Coulee (12km)
- Plumb Draw (12.2km)
- Ronningen Draw (12.2km)
- West Fork Badlands Draw (12.7km)
- East Fork Badlands Draw (12.7km)
- stream;
- a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land.
- Alkali Creek (7.7km)
- Devitt Creek (7.9km)
- Devitt Creek (7.9km)
- Spring Creek (11.6km)
- One-O-One Creek (11.8km)
- Bennie Peer Creek (12.3km)
- Bennie Peer Creek (12.4km)
- dam;
- a barrier constructed across a stream to impound water.
- Derruder Dam (5.6km)
- Derudder Dam (6.4km)
- McGlynn Dam (10.1km)
- McGlynn Reservoir Dam (10.2km)
- Sturgis Dam (11.9km)
- Sather Dam (12.6km)
Accommodation around F Roedeske Ranch
- spring(s);
- a place where ground water flows naturally out of the ground.
- Klandl Spring (6.9km)
- Estes Spring (9.1km)
- McPeak Spring (10.4km)
- reservoir(s);
- an artificial pond or lake.
- McGlynn Reservoir (10.2km)
- Sather Reservoir (11.3km)
- Sather Lake (12.6km)
- oilfield;
- an area containing a subterranean store of petroleum of economic value.
- Mondak Oil Fields (3.3km)
- mine(s);
- a site where mineral ores are extracted from the ground by excavating surface pits and subterranean passages.
- Thiel Mine (12.6km)
- school;
- building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place.
- Horse Creek School (4.9km)
Wikipedia entries close to
F Roedeske Ranch
- Sidney (Montana) city city k
- Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport airport airport
- Fairview, Montana city city o
- Alexander, North Dakota city city o
- Rawson, North Dakota city city o
- Knife River, Montana city city o
- Arnegard, North Dakota city city o
- Fox Lake, Montana city city o
- Watford City, North Dakota city city o
- Bainville, Montana city city o
- Williston, North Dakota city city o
- Sloulin Field International Airport airport airport
- Culbertson, Montana city city o
- Springbrook, North Dakota city city o
- Wibaux, Montana city city o
- Epping, North Dakota city city o
Airports close to F Roedeske Ranch
Sloulin fld international(ISN), Williston, Usa (69.8km)
Estevan(YEN), Estevan, Canada (211.8km)

subset: commoncrawl


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Forum indexCanon EOS 7D / 10D - 80D TalkChange forum
Error when installing Firmware 2.0.3
Started Sep 15, 2012 | Discussions thread
Y0GI • Veteran Member • Posts: 5,230
Re: Error when installing Firmware 2.0.3
In reply to Glassfish • Sep 17, 2012
Glassfish wrote:
tonyjr wrote:
Thanks , I have not upgraded to 2 yet . Will wait till after vacation . [ If no problems show up on board with 2.0.3 .
Are you saying that you have to install version 2 before you can do 2.0.3 ?
I do not think that it requires to upgrade to 2.0.0 before 2.0.3 upgrade.
Ver. 2.0.0 is definitely NOT needed. Go straight to ver. 2.0.3 and do your update.
When you get down to the nuts and bolts of photography, the results depend on the 'nut' behind the camera!
See the 'Gear List' in my 'Profile' for my current equipment.
Check out WilbaW's beginner FAQs at - http://snipurl.com/RebelFAQ
Y0GI's gear list:Y0GI's gear list
Canon EOS 7D Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM +2 more
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About Leonard B. Lubin
Leonard B. Lubin is a published author and an illustrator of children's books. Some of the published credits of Leonard B. Lubin include Racso and the Rats of NIMH, R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH.To edit or update the above biography on Leonard B. Lubin, please Log In or Register.
Link to this page: https://www.jacketflap.com/leonard-b-lubin/93388
Published Works by Leonard B. LubinClick a book's title or cover for more details and to read reviews


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Kenwood KNA-SD28E Garmin City Navigator NTU Europe maps on microSD card provide you with highly detailed street-level road mapping. These maps can be used within compatible Kenwood DNN and DNX models.
Simply insert the plug-and-play microSD card into your compatible Kenwood sat nav, select the new map update via your Kenwood's on screen menu and you're ready to use up-to-date Kenwood maps.
Once installed the pre-programmed SD card provides detailed street-level mapping for Europe with turn-by-turn directions, address lookup and more.
Compatibility: Compatible with Kenwood DNN9250DAB, DNN9230DAB, DNX7250DAB, DNX7230DAB, DNN6250DAB, DNX5250BT, DNX5230DAB, DNX5230BT, DNX525DAB, DNX4250DAB, DNX4250BT, DNX4230DAB, DNX4230BT, GVN60.
IMPORTANT: This map is NOT compatible with the Garmin sat navs e.g. Garmin nuvi. If you own a Garmin sat nav and wish to buy the Europe map click here.
Please Note: Please ensure your units software is up-to-date before purchasing the new mappin, as this may not be compatible due to increased data file size.
Kenwood KNA-SD28E Garmin City Navigator NTU Europe microSD/SD card has been discontinued by Kenwood.
Kenwood City Navigator NTU Europe
Update or add Europe sat nav maps to your compatible Kenwood DNN or DNX naviagtion device with this genuine Kenwood KNA-SD28E Garmin City Navigator NTU map.
Kenwood Garmin City Navigator maps come supplied on a pre-programmed microSD card with SD card adaptor, making these maps compatible with a variety of different Kenwood double din sat nav including the Kenwood DNX525DAB and Kenwood DNX5210BT.
Installation and set up is very easy, simply insert either the microSD or SD card into your Kenwood sat navs SD slot and you are ready to go.
Once installed the SD card provides detailed street-level mapping for Europe with turn-by-turn directions, address/post code lookup and points of interest (POI) including restaurants, petrol stations, attractions and more.
Kenwood KNA-SD28E Mapping Coverage
‣Great Britain: Full coverage
‣Scotland: Full coverage
‣Wales: Full coverage
‣Isle of Man: Full coverage
‣Northern Ireland: Full coverage
‣Ireland: Full coverage
‣Channel Islands: Full coverage
‣Denmark: Full coverage
‣Finland: Full coverage
‣Iceland: Full coverage
‣Norway: Full coverage
‣Sweden: Full coverage
‣Andorra: Full coverage
‣Belgium: Full coverage
‣France: Full coverage
‣French Guiana: Coverage for most urban areas
‣Guadeloupe: Full coverage
‣Martinique: Full coverage
‣Netherlands: Full coverage
‣Luxembourg: Full coverage
‣Réunion: Coverage for most urban areas
‣Saint Barthélemy: Full Coverage
‣Italy: Full coverage
‣Austria: Full coverage
‣Switzerland: Full coverage
‣Liechtenstein: Full coverage
‣Malta: Full coverage
‣Spain: Full coverage
‣Portugal: Full coverage
‣Gibraltar: Full coverage
‣Azores Islands: Full coverage
‣Canary Islands: Full coverage
‣Baleric Islands: Full coverage
‣Madeira: Full coverage
‣Germany: Full coverage
‣Czech Republic: Full coverage
‣Greece: Full coverage
‣Estonia: Full coverage
‣Latvia: Full coverage
‣Lithuania: Full coverage
‣Poland: Full coverage
‣Slovakia: Full coverage
‣Hungary: Full coverage
‣Slovenia: Full coverage
‣Croatia: Full coverage
‣Bulgaria: Full coverage
‣Romania: Full coverage
‣Turkey: Full coverage
‣Moldova: Major roads only
‣Bosnia & Herzegovina: Coverage for most urban areas
‣Serbia & Kosovo: Full Coverage
‣Montenegro: Coverage for most urban areas
‣Albania: Major roads only
‣Republic of Macedonia (FYROM): Full coverage
‣Belarus: Major roads only
‣Ukraine: Coverage for most urban areas
We aim to stock the latest maps available on SD/microSD Card.
What the Kenwood Europe maps provides
Get turn-by-turn directions to any address with the City Navigator NTU Maps of Europe. In addition compatible Garmin sat navs also speak the road names.
City Navigator maps use here maps which include the latest road network covering more than 10.4 million km of roads including motorways, national and regional and local roads.
City Navigator NTU Europe also provide points of interest database (POI) such as hotels, restaurants, banks, cashpoints, shopping centres and petrol stations. They also feature speed limit data direct to your sat nav. Warnings to speed camera locations are an optional extra, via subscription.
Do you have a question regarding the Europe City Navigator maps? Please contact us to ask us or see our Garmin mapping FAQ page.
Please note: Premium features such as Lane Assist and Junction View found on the latest Garmin sat navs will not be affected by this sat nav map update. However the new map will not add these features to a sat nav which doesn't already offer or include such a feature. This map is simply a road and POI (points of interest) database which your device will use to show the latest roads and POI. Please be assured that the new mapping will not remove any features that you already have.
Key Features
‣Preprogrammed microSD card, supplied with SD card adapter
‣Includes full country coverage for Western Europe and many countries in Eastern Europe
‣Includes increased detailed coverage for Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine
‣Includes new coverage for Romania, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barthélemy and French Guiana
‣Displays more than 6 million points of interest, such as restaurants, lodging, border crossings, attractions, petrol stations, campsites, shopping and more
‣Offers more than 10.4 million km of road coverage, including motorways, national and regional thoroughfares and local roads
‣Includes detailed information, such as turn restrictions, roundabout guidance, speed categories and other navigation features
‣Gives turn-by-turn directions
‣Contains traffic data for compatible devices that use traffic receivers
‣Mapping provided by here
‣Genuine Garmin map
IMPORTANT: Kenwood strongly recommend that you install the latest firmware (unit and navigation part) before using the map-update for the first time.
What's in the box?
‣SD card adaptor with preprogrammed microSD card inside
Kenwood City Navigator screen shot
Please note: The image above displays the Kenwood KNA-SD28E map on the Kenwood DNN6250DAB, the layout may differ from Kenwood device to Kenwood device.
What is the map compatible with?
Kenwood Garmin City Navigator maps are compatible with multiple Kenwood 2DIN navigation system across the Kenwood product range.
The Kenwood KNA-SD28E Garmin City Navigator NTU Europe map on microSD card is compatible with the following Kenwood products:
‣Kenwood GVN60
‣Kenwood DNN9250DAB
‣Kenwood DNN9230DAB
‣Kenwood DNX7250DAB
‣Kenwood DNX7230DAB
‣Kenwood DNN6250DAB
‣Kenwood DNX5250BT
‣Kenwood DNX5230DAB
‣Kenwood DNX5230BT
‣Kenwood DNX525DAB
‣Kenwood DNX4250DAB
‣Kenwood DNX4250BT
‣Kenwood DNX4230DAB
‣Kenwood DNX4230BT
IMPORTANT: This map is NOT compatible with Garmin sat navs e.g. Garmin nuvi. If you own a Garmin sat nav and wish to buy the Europe map click here.
How to install
Kenwood Garmin City Navigator Europe mapping comes supplied on a microSD inside a larger SD card adaptor. To install insert either the full size SD or microSD card (depending on model) into a your Kenwood's SD card slot.
Once inserted, switch on your Kenwood sat nav and navigate via the on-screen menu to the Maps menu screen. Once there place a tick along side the description for the new Europe map update. You have successfully installed the maps and are they are ready to use.
Please note: When using the purchased map, the SD card needs to remain in your Kenwood device at all times so the map can be read. The map card cannot be copied to either your Kenwood unit or external hard drive. However the map SD card can be used in multiple compatible Kenwood devices, but only one at a time.
For further help with installing and loading Garmin SD/microSD Cards click here.
Why buy from us?
We are official Internet Retailers of Garmin products and we sell the genuine Garmin maps. We always aim to ensure the mapping available at our website is the most recent edition of the software. Beware of other websites selling older mapping that is not the current version of the software.
This page was last updated on: 26th October 2017


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- Free
- |
- Open Source
- |
- 15 Reviews
- |
- 963 Likes
VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework. Owned by the non-profit organization VideoLAN.
VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.
Simple, fast and powerful media player.
Plays everything: Files, Discs, Webcams, Devices and Streams.
Plays most codecs with no codec packs needed:
MPEG-2, DivX, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3...
VLC Media Player is also a platform with 4 apps listed on AlternativeTo. Browse all 4 apps for VLC Media Player.
Official Website Facebook Twitter GitHub
Automatic conversion to multiple formats Automatic subtitles download Automatic Tagging Built-in subtitle search Integrated codecs Google Drive integration Lightweight Multiple languages Media Streaming Music Library Playlists management Support for subtitles Add a feature
Portable automatic-conversion automatic-subtitles-download automatic-tagging built-in-subtitle-search codecs-integrated google-drive-integration internet-radio lightweight media-player multi-language multimedia-streaming music-library music-player playlists-management streaming-server subtitle-support video-playback video-player video-synchronization
Make this page better by adding screenshots to VLC Media Player.
I like this player, it would be convenient to have chromecast support tv playerSee why people like VLC Media Player 😍
Vlc can't even fullfill basic smart things like autoloading subtitles like bsplayer. Default audio&video renderer is always poor. Potplayer is better than this but it can't successfully autoload...See why people do not like VLC Media Player 😡 Post your review
I like this player, it would be convenient to have chromecast support
Vlc can't even fullfill basic smart things like autoloading subtitles like bsplayer. Default audio&video renderer is always poor. Potplayer is better than this but it can't successfully autoload subtitles either.
User interface looks and feels old but the player itself is great, plays most videos out of the box, has many useful features and so on
VLC player still the best player for me.
VLC media is a standard-setter for cross-platform, open-source, reliable, dependable, configurable media players. No doubt.
Except one tiny thing: Recently... VLC has gotten slow. Slow on Mac, slow on Linux, and... a little (not much) on Windows. (At least Windows 10.)
VLC deserves respect of a kind very few apps do. It's free, open source AND... at the time of writing (5th March 2017) it's beating Dropbox (nasty sh*t that that is - and it is, trust me!) as the most popular app for Windows on this site. That takes some doing. It really does.
But... here's the thing...: If ultimate customizability isn't so important to you, try MPV. Like VLC, MPV is open source, free and all the rest. But it's likely to load faster and play your thing with fewer glitches and hitches. Until you need the subtitles to be 5 pixels from the left edge of the screen and 8 ms offset from the audio. Then it's back to VLC.
great video player app, i've been using it for a few years now and never had any problems with it.
The Modern (or Metro) version for Windows is great! I especially like the possibility to stream music from OneDrive. What I really miss is an option to pause video by clicking on it.
Can't live without VideoLAN
Vlc is great, using it on my movie pc.. Have windows 7 .
Using windows 10 on my mobile and there vlc sucks dick, it won't even play one stinking pls file, but on pc it can
vlc plays videos and movies of many formats and also offers subtitle options and has good volume effects.
i downloaded VLC for a try. But now i only use vlc as it plays almost all types of video files and also has got some awesome features.
I had some issues (am i the only one?):
On windows MPC-HC is the best alternative to it if you have similar issues.
Try MPV. It's open souce, free and works faster than VLC. Perhaps it will solve your problems?
reproduce todo tipo de formato/multiplataforma /facil de usar
It's being popular because of it's simplicity yet you don't need to install anything other than the media player itself, supports almost all subtitle types and codecs. It supports Android and Windows 10 too!
A good interface and audio quality may be not the best one out there, but I'm just using it for watching movies, videos, and my track project samples.


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Earlier this year, leading House Republicans proposed privatizing mortgage giants Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FMCC) or placing them in receivership starting in two years.
Now, as Republicans prepare to assume control of the House next week, they are offering a more nuanced message: Any retreat of government support in the housing market should be gradual.
While it's true that a privatization policy would be more complicated than campaign rhetoric, this is hopefully an issue on which the incoming GOP should not compromise. They correctly opposed the GSE-sponsoring policies of Barney Frank and company, and should do the right thing to wind down the publicly-backed home loan giants.


text:
Chinese firm sues Obama over ban on wind farm
Company linked to heavy machinery giant Sany in fight to overturn 'national security' ruling
Related topics
A Chinese-owned company has sued US President Barack Obama over his decision to bar its Oregon wind-farm project as a national security risk, claiming the order violates its constitutional rights.
Ralls, a Delaware-based company owned by two executives of the mainland's biggest machinery manufacturer, on Monday added the president to a lawsuit filed on September 12 that challenged a ruling by the committee on foreign investment in the United States (CFIUS), that blocked the deal.
"The physical and regulatory takings of Ralls's property interests constitute unconstitutional takings in violation of the US Constitution, deprive Ralls of its property interests absent due process, and violate Ralls's constitutional right to equal protection," according to the amended complaint.
The challenge to Obama follows presidential campaign charges by Republican challenger Mitt Romney that Obama had been too soft on China.
Obama's order blocking Ralls from acquiring the wind-farm assets was the first time in 22 years a president has blocked a transaction on national security grounds.
Ralls, which is owned by executives of Sany Group, was seeking to place Sany-made wind turbines at the Oregon installations after buying land and other rights earlier this year.
The assets consisted of four sites near or within restricted navy air space, the Treasury department, which heads the CFIUS committee, said last week. The decision should not be viewed as a precedent for any other investment from China, Treasury said.
In the area around the sites the navy conducts training for bombing, electronic combat manoeuvres and develops drones, according to the base's website.
Obama ordered Ralls to remove all property and installations from its sites within two weeks and divest all of its interests in the wind-farm project within 90 days.
The amended complaint includes claims that Obama acted beyond the powers of the presidency.
"It's going to be very difficult to get a judge to intervene, given that traditionally agencies are given a wide amount of discretion," said Josh Zive, a lawyer with Bracewell & Giuliani in Washington who has handled CFIUS cases. "When it comes to the deference given to the executive branch on national security and foreign policy, the deference is even greater."
Ralls continues "to show its profound faith in transparency and due process, and seeks only fair treatment under the law and the constitution", said Tim Xia, a lawyer who represents Ralls.
CFIUS is a committee headed by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner that reviews security implications of transactions that could lead to a non-US citizen controlling a US business.
The heads of the departments of Justice, Homeland Security, Commerce, Defence, State, and Energy also sit on the committee.
The president's order replaced an interim one issued by CFIUS in July when it told the company to stop operations and keep out of development sites it bought near a navy weapons facility, according to Ralls' lawsuit.
CFIUS rulings are rarely referred to the president but resolved some other way, according to a report to Congress covering 2008 to 2010.
The last transaction blocked on CFIUS grounds was by then-president George Bush in 1990 in the proposed acquisition of Mamco Manufacturing, a maker of motors and generators based in Washington state, by China National Aero-Technology and Export Corp.
US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington already has said she could not review the president's decision because of the deference that she was legally obliged to give on national security issues. She called for a deal to be reached.
Sany Group is the owner of China's biggest machinery maker. Duan Dawei, Sany's chief financial officer and Wu Jialiang, a vice-president of the group and general manager of Sany Electric, a group unit, own Ralls, according to court filings.
Ralls bought the wind-farm assets without reporting the transaction to CFIUS, according to a filing in the case.
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Well i think the minimal scene is well represented in beijing there are few labels here (forgot the names, but they used to organize some events, Yan etc...) but for others styles....i don't know
I know few people playing Psytrance around Beijing, but they re not necessary chinese...but maybe one or two chinese in that band ? The thing is they are more mixing than proprely creating music. Maybe you heard about it if you are working in the music field
Acupuncture records would be a good place to start. Elvis T is on there if I remember. Really great minimal. B6(?) is also from the Mainland and fantastic.
@Alex, you are merely a degenerate guy, would I suggest u to seek a second opinion? Thanks


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Unless otherwise stated this review is not affiliated with any other website nor has the review been authorised by the copyright company or indiviudal author. As of 17th July 2017 this encompasses every review within ZXSR. If you would like this or any other review removed from this website, please contact the website administrator here.
Back to the old black 'n' white board for another round of the earliest of wargames and today I'm in a medieval Scottish mood so I select my Isle of Lewis set. But what, you ask, is Gwyn doing, reviewing ornate chess men rather than computer games? Read on and all will be revealed.
Psi Chess offers something which is, as far as I know, unique on the Spectrum - alternate chess sets. Not just the standard Staunton set... not just the diagrams found in chess books, there's also the aforementioned Lewis set, with its squat kings and warriors too.
Not that it's the most playable set - the manual admits as much - but it's a novel touch. There's also a Load Set command, so we can expect further options from The Edge, including, I hope, the notorious YS set, with Ed as King, T'zer as Queen and us minions as the pawns!
The graphics are indisputably great. The board is not only seen from a high angle in 3D (which makes it an Ultimate clone, I suppose) but can be viewed from the sides, as well as either end. If you want a sense of being in the action, this is the one. Moving pieces is easy too, with a neat little arrow cursor, though you can go algebraic if you prefer.
That said, there does appear to be a plethora of keys to learn if you want to change the variables. Even aborting a game takes several keystrokes to re-set the clocks and board separately. Personally. I'd have preferred an easier path through the program's facilities.
Blitz games against the clock are catered for, though the timed facilities aren't as wide-ranging as Colossus 4's, and there's no problem solving mode. You can't ask the program for advice either, though there's a beginners' level, which actually makes the Spectrum play badly... a welcome change 'cos computers can play this game exceptionally well and it's disheartening to be thrashed all the time.
In all honesty, I can't comment on how expertly Psi Chess plays compared with its competitors in the computer chess championship, but I'd guess that the memory required for graphics could've taken the edge off some of its strategies. Then again, I could be wrong and most people don't want an invisible opponent, so if you're looking for an attractive game, this is the smartest set in town.
Our historical correspondent writes: The Lewis pieces are the earliest authentic European chess men, discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis but dating from the 11th or 12th century.
Traditionalists among you will get ecstatic at the classic Staunton set, seen here from the side, though quite what use this option is I'm not sure, unless you want to pretend that you're a spectator at a battle of the chess giants.


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Hobbyzone Zugo™ 2MP HD Camera Drone RTF
Hobbyzone Zugo™ 2MP HD Camera Drone RTF
Flip, fly and record every moment with the easy to fly HobbyZone® Zugo™ 2MP Camera Drone. The Zugo packs everything pilots crave into a compact and durable quadcopter that can hold up to any pilot. Auto flip functionality makes it easy to impress your friends with nothing more than the push of a button and the flick of a stick on the included 2.4 GHz transmitter. Directional command allows even the newest of pilots to have a great first flight by maintaining consistent directional control, regardless of which way the Zugo is pointing. The Zugo also makes entering into the exciting world of aerial photography easy with an integrated camera that can capture 2-megapixel photos and 720P HD video. Best of all, the Zugo comes with everything you need to fly at a price that won't empty your wallet.
Key Features:
2 Megapixel photo capabilities
720P HD Video Capture
Flip at the push of a button with Auto Flip
Directional command functionality
Integrated high-visibility LED lights
Transmitter LED indicator with visual trim, flight mode settings and more
Three flight levels to progress through
Rechargeable and removable 380 mAH 1S 3.7V high capacity Li-Po battery
2.4 GHz Transmitter
2GB Memory card and USB card reader included
4 AAA Batteries included for use with 2.4 GHz Transmitter
Specifications :
Type:Drone Quadcopter
Completion Level:Ready-to-Fly
Main Rotor Head Type:Multi-Rotor
Main Rotor Diameter:2.16 in (55mm)
Main Blade Material:Plastic
Main Motor Type:Brushed
Battery:380mAh 1S 20C Li-Po
Length:5.14 in (130mm)
Height:1.5 in (38mm)
Width:5.14 in (130mm)
Main Frame Material:Plastic
Canopy/Body Material:Plastic
Flying Weight:1.9 oz (52g)
Approximate Flight Time:5–7 Minutes
Approximate Assembly Time:No assembly required


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Reading to your Toddler
Reading Books
You've been reading to your baby from almost day one. When can you expect him to interact with...
Developing Your Child's Love for Reading
Developing a love for reading can make learning easier and more enjoyable. – here's how to get...
6 Tips for Reading Aloud to Your Child
Reading to your child is one of the best ways to have your child fall in love with reading. Here...
AAP: Read to Your Baby
New Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics say you should be reading to your child.
Best Books
6 Great Books for Toddlers
It's never too early to read to your little bookworm. Check out this list of excellent first books...
Best Books for Toddlers
Whether your tot is one, two, or three, he can enjoy books as much as toys. These tips make it...
The Best Kids' Books to Read With Funny Voices
Warm your voice up! These books will have you acting out your most hilarious voices and your little...
10 Children's Books That Will Bring Your Family Together
Books that will make story time a bonding experience.
Learning to Read
Early Learning: ABC's
Whether or not he's headed for school soon, your child may be showing an interest in learning...
Top Toddler Reading Quirks
Reading to a tot has its challenges, but they're easily overcome as long as you understand what's...
How To Teach Reading Skills To Preschoolers
Tips to turn your little one into a book worm.
4 Tips for Teaching Children to Read
Tips to make story time a learning experience.


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We take a look back at some of the highlights of 2015 for Hedge Connection, and introduce an exciting roadmap of things to come in 2016... Read more »
Posts Categorized: Events
Deal Ring – A Shark Tank Style Event Coming March 2016 Dec21
We are excited to announce the Deal Ring, Hedge Connection's latest event. Join us in Chicago on March 16th at Morningstar Headquarters to watch 8 fund managers pitch our allocator judges (Aurora Investment Management, Mesirow Financial and William Blaire & Co.) with the hope of landing a meeting to discuss their fund for a potential allocation.... Read more »
We're Powering The 1-on-1 Meetings At Hedgeopolis Sep30
Hedgeopolis will host over 600 investment professionals at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York on November 9-10 with their 1-on-1 meetings powered by the Hedge Connection meeting scheduler... Read more »
Global Fund Forum 2015 Re-Cap Video Jul16
Last month we hosted the second annual Global Fund Forum, and by all accounts it was a resounding success. We would like to thank everyone that made it to Bermuda. Enjoy this short video of the event, and we hope to see you next year.... Read more »
We Loved Hosting GFF2015 As Much As You Did Attending Jul7
Global Fund Forum 2015 in Bermuda (June 22-24) was a great success. The testimonials from our sponsors, managers and investors speak for themselves . . . here are a few. We are immensely grateful for the positive feedback!... Read more »


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Happy Lunar New Year!
We been having fun and keeping busy over the holidays and into the New Year.
In December, we hosted our sold out home concert, Taiko Heroes 3, here in Los Angeles at Live Arts LA. We brought in Kaoru Watanabe, his student Fumi Tanakadate, and Yuta Sumiyoshi of Kodo. It was a great night of experimental taiko music. Just the way we like it! We hope to continue our relationships with Kaoru and Yuta. Kaoru is a very accomplished musician and we love what he brings to the taiko world. Yuta is super talented and is starting to make a name for himself, so we hope to continue to work with him in the future. Thanks Kim for the photos! And special thanks to Yui for all your hard work in making this happen!
In January, we had a fun, sold out "Fireside Series" concert at the Miles Memorial Playhouse. We consider the Miles Memorial Playhouse to be a place where we have felt welcome from when we first got our start in Los Angeles. Huge thank you to Justin Yoffe for always thinking of us and opening your doors to us!
From February 27th through March 5th, Abe, Sumie, Shoji, and Maz will be on tour to Guatemala and Nicaragua as part of the Japanese Arts in Latin America program! We are super excited as it's been a while since we've traveled internationally. Special thank you to Tomomi Tanikawa of the Japan Foundation, New York for organizing this amazing tour!
On March 11th and 12th, we will making appearances at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm for the Cherry Blossom Festival at Descanso Gardens. Have you ever been to Descanso Gardens before? If not to come watch us, go visit there and enjoy the beautiful botanical collections. We love coming here as it's one of our favorite places to play (and perform) in LA.
In June, we will be returning to Maui after five years to perform for Zenshin Daiko's Annual Taiko Festival. We love Zenshin Daiko! Hawaii, in general, means a lot to us as a lot of us have lived and played taiko there. Uncle Tony and Val have been a force in the taiko community and we appreciate their continued support over the years. Zenshin Daiko is one of the top kids taiko groups in the U.S. and we are excited to go back and see their development.
In July, we will be headed to Eugene, OR to return for the Oregon Bach Festival. We had an amazing experience there in 2009 and are excited to be back! We will have an evening concert on July 14 and a family show on July 15.
On September 13th, we will be going to Pullman, WA to perform at Washington State University for their performing arts series at Jones Theatre at Daggy Hall. This is our first time there and we are excited to visit the fine city of Pullman which is the "Best Place to Raise Kids" according to Wikipedia. We will be searching for the best place to eat and get a beer, so if you have suggestions, please let us know! We love great food and beer! As artists, we appreciate the quality, thought, consideration, and time put into amazing food and beer as we are aspiring to become decent cooks and brewers. Check out Eien's website all about his artistry, cooking, and brewing skills.
On November 4th, Shoji and Maz will be heading to Fort Wayne, Indiana to join our good friends from Fort Wayne Taiko for their home concert. Over the past few years, we have passed through on our tours and taught Fort Wayne Taiko the ever-popular piece, Omiyage, written by Shoji. We will join them on Omiyage and few other songs as their guest artists. We love Fort Wayne Taiko and what they've done for the community. Special thanks to Allison Ballard for coordinating with us to make this happen!
We have new promotional photos! Check out a couple here:
Photo credit: Bryce Craig
Hope to see you soon at one of our performances!


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Professional Carpet Cleaning in Kent
Carpet Cleaners in Kent
Here at SJ Group, we provide everything that your could possibly require to keep your commercial or residential property in perfect order. We are flexible and thorough and can clean any premises regardless of time constraints or the size of the property.
A new carpet purchase is one of the most enjoyable experiences for a new home owner. It allows them to add their own sense of style into their home and it brings value to the residence at the same time. Most industry experts agree that a professional carpet cleaning should take place every 12 to 14 months. Even though carpets might appear to be clean at first sight, hidden dirt lies within the fibres. A regular cleaning will keep the carpet looking nice and it will sanitise it.
Special Cleaning Treatments
All of the cleaning methods we use, are designed to provide an eco-friendly alternative to harmful chemicals. Children and pets remain safe as a result. We utilise PowerFlow/PowerMax along with various Extraction Pro Foam Detergent's, Leather Cleaners and conditioners, Traffic-Clean Pre Spray and Odour Fresh Deodorisers.
These special treatments are especially effective with insects, especially dust mite and odour removal, we also use chemical and non-chemical treatments..
Machines & Cleaning Agents
At SJ Group, we use specialist equipment for every job not matter the size. Our Twin VAC systems generate 10 times more power than any standard VAC machine allowing us to move quickly as well as giving each job the care it needs.
Sometimes the vacuum and a chemicals purchased from your local supermarket just isn't enough! We use industrial equipment and chemicals to treat carpets and furniture.
Get in contact with us for a FREE, no obligation quote and advice.


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Table of Contents
Skype is a FREE advanced instant messaging program that runs on both Mac and PC computers. You have the ability to text chat, voice chat and place video calls.
In my district, We block Skype (and other great web 2.0 tools) from teachers and students. Our technicians see skype as a threat to our network. I have read blogs and sites that support this theory. How do we win this battle? How are some schools allowing Skype to work? Please tell us your thoughts? List any websites or resources to help support this issue. The more people we can get on it the better. Please forward this conversation on to as many people as possible as this is such as great learning tool most schools miss out on.
How Tos
Why Is Skype a Network Nightmare?Here is a good description of the network problems with Skype: Gigaom Website (discussions at his site date to 2004).
Some people argue that some of Skype's features present a security risk. Skype has answered these in an open letter to universities HERE
Best Practices
Skype is an invaluable tool for teachers. When a teacher has a question and wants to draw on his or her "network," he or she has several options. I have used email, but I must select my recipients, hope one of them knows the answer, and hope that someone will return an answer promptly. I have called colleagues directly via land lines or cell, but I have been reluctant to cold call someone who might be teaching at the moment. Enter Skype. I can see who is online and available. A quick message in the chat can ask "Are you available for a quick question?" I have used Skype to share information efficiently.
Skype is also a terrific tool for collaboration. Group chats allow users to connect to a wider network without the need for travel. The conversation in a group chat often triggers personal professional development. I have gathered many ideas from listening to my network in Skype. Sometimes the general discussion spurs a fruitful side conversation in another window.
Further, our students are setting the pace for communication -- many report that email is now "old school" -- too slow and lacking immediacy. As we develop best practices for making education relevant and timely, we will continue to adopt new tools, even in the face of skepticism.
Skype Widget
Very powerful:
Screen Shots