Light and Darkness

by EricaX

Three years after defeating Malomyotismon, strange things are starting to happen in Odaiba. The Gate to the Digital World has been closed for nearly as long and each day that goes by means the Chosen Children are getting closer and closer to adulthood. But now with the Digital World once again in danger due to some villains from their past, they may have to battle with themselves a

1. Chapter 1

Light and Darkness
Fandom: Digimon 02/Tri

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The middle aged technician of the South Kyoto Power Plant yawned largely and loudly as he leaned back in his chair. He rubbed at his eyes.
The guy beside him scowled. "Don't start with that! It's barely six o'clock and we have until 2 AM, man!"

The first guy winced and glanced at his companion sheepishly. "Eh, sorry. Just knowing that this shift is going to be long and boring is getting me tired though. I mean, it's not the full on midnight shift, sure, but it might as well be. I mean, nothing happens around here."

"Listen, I told ya when you took the job, that it was going to be boring. I warned ya. We just sit here and file paperwork, maybe a few adjustments here and there, but nothing much" drawled the second guy.

The two of them were wearing green work uniforms with badges that stated their names. The first one was Makato and the second guy was Liam.
Makato sighed. "It doesn't help that its a beautiful gorgeous day outside without a cloud in the sky! I'm missing out on a wonderful day to be outside! At least if there was a thunderstorm or something, this place could be interesting-"

"Shh! Don't talk like that! You've no idea what you're sayin'! You're new here, so you don't know how bad it can be when all the power goes out due to the weather. It's madness! Trust me, the last thing you want a is nasty thunderstorm!" groused Liam as he propped his feet up on the desk and reclined back in his chair.

Makato sighed and glanced at the many screens that were in front of them. They were all showing signs of perfectly running systems. All the weather feeds showed clear skies and bright sun.

Except for one.

Makato blinked and sat up correctly in his chair. Liam had closed his eyes and looked to be falling asleep despite his earlier scolding for Makato not to do so.
"Is that a red cloud?"

Liam ignored him.

Makato watched the security screen that overlooked the large parking lot of the power plant. The angle allowed a decent view of the skyline to be seen and in the middle of the sky was what appeared to be a red fluffy cloud. "Hey, Liam! Check this out!"

"Stop pestering me! Nothing is out there! You're just trying to keep me from dozing off cause I yelled at you for yawning!" grumbled his coworker.

Makato watched as the said red 'cloud' began to grow larger in size. His eyes widened as he watched the once clear blue sky slowly darken as more red-tinted clouds began to form. Hues of purple and black began mixing into the redness as little spurts of electricity began shooting throughout the growing cloud mass.

"Umm...Liam, you're REALLY gonna wanna see this!" insisted Makato.

Liam opened his mouth to speak when suddenly the emergency alarms started going off. Both men jerked in surprise and bolted upright into a standing position; their chairs falling over in their haste.

"What the hell-!" exclaimed Liam in panic.

"I told you!" yelled Makato over the blaring sound of the alarm. "Something weird is happening! Some kind of electrical storm is forming over top of us!"

Liam, still having not looked at the screens, shook his head. "Nonsense! There must be a faulty glitch or something in the system!"

Before allowing Makato to argue further, Liam took off to the main room where several other plant workers were frantically trying to get the situation under control.

"I don't understand! The power grids suddenly started going haywire! The voltage readings are escalating like crazy! I can't stop it! I'm trying to override the systems manually and nothing!" shouted out on the men at the many computers.

"We have to get these grids under control or this whole place could explode with that kind of power surge!" shouted someone else.

Liam and Makato just stared around them in confusion. Everything had been just fine moments ago.

Unbeknownst to them, the clouds in the sky outside continued to thicken and blacken as more electricity and currents flew out of it. Lightning bolts began striking down on the power plant's grounds, nearly colliding with the building itself and hitting several cars in the process.

All the men in the plant flinched at the great claps of thunder the bolts were causing outside as the winds picked up.

It was then that the computers screens went black.

"What happened to the computers!?" demanded one of the men.

There was a moment as they all watched the screens, waiting to see what to do next. The alarms were still blaring.

It was then that letters started being typed onto the screen, as though someone was typing them on the keyboard.

No one was touching the computers as all the men were now standing and staring in terror at the screens.

'LIGHT. KINDNESS. COURAGE. MIRACLES. KNOWLEDGE. FRIENDSHIP. HOPE. LOVE. SINCERITY. RELIABILITY. MIRACLES. LIGHT. KINDNESS. COURAGE. MIRACLES. KNOWLEDGE. FRIENDSHIP. HOPE. LOVE. SINCERITY. RELIABILITY.'

The words just kept repeating over and over and over again until they covered every computer screen in the plant.

"What does this mean?" Makato whispered the question on everyone's minds.

It was then a shadow appeared over top of the power plant, looking like a robed figure with menacing eyes.

Twelve lightning bolts came shooting down on the power plant at the same time, resulting in the whole place to explode from the blast, leaving it to be a burning mass of fire and smoke.

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The egg shaped alarm clock starting going off, blaring its little buzzer loudly and intrusively.

Taichi Yagami groaned loudly and sluggishly from where he was buried under the tangled sheets of his bed. The alarm clock continued to go off even as Taichi limply raised his hand to reach out to try to shut it off. When his hand met nothing but air, he groaned again and just let it hang off the side of the bed.

"Oni-chan! Time to wake up!" came Hikari's voice from outside of his room. She must have already been up and eating breakfast in the kitchen, thought Taichi dryly.

He turned around and tried to find another comfortable spot to get another few minutes of sleep, ignoring the blaring alarm clock completely. He's slept through worse, he supposed.

It was then that his computer on the other side of the room on his desk made a chirping noise before the screen went white. Had Taichi been more awake and lucid, he would have known the computer was shut down and otherwise should not have had a white screen.

LIGHT. KINDNESS. COURAGE. MIRACLES. KNOWLEDGE. FRIENDSHIP. HOPE. LOVE. SINCERITY. RELIABILITY. MIRACLES.

The words started typing themselves on the screen repeatedly; all the while the computer was making strange chirping and clicking noises.

Even over the sound of the alarm clock, Taichi could sense that something was off. Blearily, he raised his head up and away from his pillow and squinted over to his computer. Seeing that the screen was white and had words all over it caused him to blink and push himself up into a sitting position. Just as he was about to stand up though, the computer went back to black; as though it had never turned itself on at all.

"Huh?"

He stared at the computer. He'd been sure he's seen something on the computer. He could also sworn he saw some familiar words on it. Like the word 'Courage'.

"TAI! GET OUT HERE!" came Hikari's voice. "We're gonna be late for school!" She was using her 'don't mess with me' voice.

Snapping out of his sleepy thoughts, Taichi started grumbling and changing out of his pajamas. "Alright, alright!" he groused as he opened his bedroom door. "I'm up!"

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"You know, onii-chan, one of these days, I'm not going to be around to help you get up in the morning. And you know mom and dad are always either at work or out of the house before we are" Hikari was saying conversationally as they made their way down the sidewalk to their school.

Taichi yawned loudly and rolled his eyes. "I know, I know. What can I say? I'm not a morning person." He waved to some students from his class. "Just what are you trying to say though?: He looked to his sister. "It's not like you'll be moving out any time soon and I have no plans to, meaning its not something I have to worry about any time soon."

"Oh?" responded Hikari teasingly. She held her book bag behind her back with both hands and gave her brother a knowing side look. "You mean you're not moving in with Koushiro any time soon? With the way you're always spending the night at his house one would think otherwise."

Taichi scoffed in an attempt to hide his embarrassment as they rounded the corner and walked towards the school's main doors. "I don't know what you're talking about." The two of them stopped once they were inside since they now had to go separate ways."Oh, hey. You're coming to my soccer match this afternoon, right?"

Hikari frowned and guilt was all over her face. "I told you, Tai, I have a birthday party to go to after school."

Taichi deflated, his shoulders falling. "Oh...I forgot."

Trying to cheer him up, Hikari added. "But don't worry! I'm sure everyone else can make it!"

Taichi gave her an unsure smile, waving to her as he started heading to his class. "Yeah. I guess so. See ya later!"

Hikari said her farewell before walking away as well.

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In one of the many secluded hallways on the second floor of the school, two students were currently lip locked; trying to enjoy the privacy while they could before the warning bell rang.

"We really should stop..." said the taller teen, though his voice implied he wanted to do anything but stop.

"Hmmm...But this is so much fun" replied the other one in a husky voice that sent shivers down the taller teen's spine.

"Dai, please..."

Another kiss on the mouth from the shorter teen.

"Come on, I have to sit through classes all day then play a soccer match before I'll probably get to do this again with you. You don't realize how hard that'll be to wait." Daisuke Motomiya finally pulled back reluctantly. His face held nothing but fondness for the boy genius, Ken Ichijouji. The two of them just stared at each other, lost in each other's eyes.

"Oh, you poor thing" crooned Ken. He reached down his bag which had been forgotten at his feet. He gave Daisuke a small peck on the cheek before stepping past him. "Come on then. Off to class we go."

Nothing had to be said. "Fiiine" Daisuke sighed at length. He pulled away from where he was still leaning on the wall, having practically had Ken pinned against it not moments before. He followed Ken, catching up to him and wrapping an arm around the other boy's shoulders.

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The sun was shining brightly around lunch time. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the birds were chirping out in the school's courtyard where many students were having their lunch, preferring to eat out in the sun than in the stuffy cafeteria.

Koushiro Izumi was standing underneath a tree, his eyes glued to his phone as he quickly typed away on it.

"Hey, look! It's that brainiac computer geek!" said a girl as they walked by with her two friends. She gestured to Koushiro, who was completely engrossed in his phone and oblvious to their gossiping.

"He's so strange!" one of the girls said. "I mean, don't get me wrong. He's cute-But when I tried asking him on a date last year, he totally blew me off. Saying how he saw no reason to go out to dinner with someone he didn't know."

"He's always been anti-social. Ever since grade school" supplied the third girl. "Personally, I've always been jealous of his hair."

"His hair? What about it?"

"It's bright red. Not the ugly orange color mine is. Why does HE get such a pretty hair color?"

"You're ridiculous. It's just a rare color here, that's all" replied her friend in a soothing voice.

The second girl spoke next and whispered so quietly her friends almost didn't hear her. "Years ago I overheard a teacher saying to another staff member that he didn't live with his birth parents. He's adopted, or so I've heard. I don't know if its true. It's possible he's not even full Japanese."

The first girl scowled. "That's such a rude thing to say!"

Her other two friends didn't reply, just stared at her with shy expressions of their faces. Then one of them squeaked. "Look! It's Yagami-kun! Oh, He's so cute!"

They watched as he stepped over to Koushiro, blocking the shorter boy's view of his phone with a hand. Koushiro glanced up and smiled. As though sensing that they were being watched, Taichi looked up at the girls, who quickly dashed off in embarrassment for being caught staring.

Taichi shook his head, having heard some of the things their fellow classmates have said behind Koushiro's back. Not wanting to ruin the mood, he teased lightly, "You're a babe magnet and you don't even know it." He chuckled. He didn't say for what reason though, opting to keep his boyfriend oblivious.

"Huh?"

"Never mind. How are you today, gorgeous? I didn't see you this morning." Taichi ruffled Koushiro's hair, resisting the urge to kiss him. Much to Taichi's dismay, Koushiro was far from a fan of public displays of affection. Yet it was a small price to pay if it meant keeping his boyfriend happy.

"Sorry. I had to meet up with one of my professors this morning to talk to him about the online quantum physics class I'm hoping to get into" said Koushiro. "Also, Sora was texting me. She said she won't be able to make it to your match today."

Taichi sighed dramatically, leaning against the tree. "Whaaat!? Ugh, she could have told me a bit sooner! Great! Is anybody gonna be making it? So far it doesn't seem like it!"

Koushiro shrugged. "Guess she figured you'd take the news better if I told you rather than herself."

"Well, she's not wrong" sighed Taichi. "But still! That blows!"

"I'm sorry. You know I'd be there if I could be, but it's my parents' anniversary dinner tonight. There's no way I can miss it."

Taichi nodded understandingly, even as he slumped further against the tree in disappointment. "Yeah, I know. I wouldn't want you to miss it either. I just know Jyou won't be making it cause all he ever does any more is exams. And Yamato already told me days ago he has a gig for his band and Takeru will obviously be there with him. Miyako is doing something with her family and Iori has kendo practice and Daisuke and Ken are IN the game, so...They don't really count. Why is it so hard for us to spend time together anymore?"

Koushiro shrugged at him, looking as though the answer was plain as day. "We're growing up, Tai. We're not 11 year olds anymore. It's a fact of life. We're in High school now and we'll be headed off to college before long. Life just...gets in the way."

Taichi grumbled and crossed his arms.

"Why don't you text Mimi?" suggested Koushiro.

"Mimi? As in our friend who lives clear over in America? Ha! Funny, Izzy. Real funny. I'm sure she'll just hop on the next plane over so she can make it in time!"

Koushiro rolled his eyes. "No, Taichi. I didn't mean it like that. Just send her a text for the heck of it. You haven't texted her in a while."

"You keep tabs on who I text?"

"No. She told me. We keep in touch. We text at least once a week to say hi. Didn't you know that?"

Taichi wrapped an arm around Koushiro. "Izzy, love, I learn something new about you every day and I absolutely love it. Guess it goes along with your whole, Bearer of Knowledge thing" he joked.

"Funny" deadpanned the red head. "But seriously. Just text her."

"Fiiine" whined Taichi as he pulled out his phone. Only seconds after he sent her a text, he received a reply back. "Ummm...She replied."

"Oh?"

Several texts later and Taichi yelped in shock.

"What? What is it?" Koushiro leaned over to try to look at the screen of Taichi's phone.

He shouldn't have bothered for Taichi turned the phone so the screen was facing him. "She's already on her way. Apparently Takeru had sent her a text talking about our match this afternoon and she's coming all the way over here to watch it!"

They allowed a moment to digest that.

Koushiro broke the silence. "Wow. That's what I'd call a committed friend." When Taichi groaned loudly again, he asked, "What now?"

Taichi simply showed him the text instead of reading it out loud.

'Hey, boo! I was gonna surprise you, but since you now know, I guess this means you can pay for my plane ticket! Hehe! Thanks so much, boo!'

Koushiro made a face. "Well, at least one of your friends will be making it to your game." He laughed nervously.

"Ugh, just help me look up how much plane tickets are..."

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Hours flew by and soon the air was filled with chatter as everyone gathered around to watch the soccer match between the Odaiba and Kawasaki Junior and Senior High Schools. The two teams were already on the grass stretching and warming up, some of them dribbling soccer balls with each other.

In the midst of the group was Daisuke, who was stretching his legs. He looked up to Ken who was stretching beside him. "Have you seen Taichi-sempai? He should be here by now. He's almost missed warm ups completely."

Ken rose from his bent over position of stretching and looked around. He tucked a strand of indigo hair behind his ear. "No. I haven't."

Just as he spoke those words they could hear Taichi calling over to his coach. "I'm sorry I'm late, Mr. Nakashima, but I'm here now!"

Daisuke and Ken watched with perplexed expressions as the older teen ran up to his coach and bowed in apology. The tall, strong built coach with dark buzz cut hair and pale skin shook his head and frowned. "I expect better of you, Yagami-kun. You're a senior know and have to show a good example for your younger teammates. You may be one of our top players, Yagami-kun, but I will bench you if this continues."

Taichi nodded. "Yes sir. I understand, sir. Thank you, sir" he mumbled frantically. Once he was dismissed from Mr. Nakashima's scornful glare, he walked over to Ken and Daisuke. "Jeez, what's his problem?"

Ken just raised his eyebrows at him. Despite being one of the fellow Chosen, Ken rarely ever spoke to Taichi unless he was specifically spoken to or to simply be polite. Yet Daisuke had plenty to say. "Hmmm...Maybe it has something to do with the fact that you nearly missed all of warm-ups before a big match, Taichi-sempai!" He narrowed his eyes and with a jeering smile he said, "Too busy making out with Koushiro again, weren't you?"

Taichi's face went red before he shoved Daisuke away playfully. "Shut up! Like you're any better when it comes to Ken."

Daisuke snickered, not at all bothered by being called out. "No argument there! I'm head over heels for him! Who wouldn't be!? Just look at him!"

Ken suddenly found the grass blades to be very fascinating as he tried to hide his embarrassment behind his hair.

"If you MUST know, I was busy looking up plane ticket prices from here to America! Apparently Mimi is gonna be here any second to watch our game" Taichi supplied.

Ken and Daisuke both stared at him with wide eyes. It was Ken who spoke first though. "Mimi? She's coming all the way from America to watch us play?"

Taichi nodded.

"Dude! That's rad! I mean, its insane, but totally rad!" laughed Daisuke as he raised an arm to stretch over his head.

"It's also very sweet of her" added Ken, shaking his head at the very idea of it all. "No wonder you're running late then."

It was roughly twenty minutes later that the soccer match officially began and before long the field was crawling with sweaty soccer players desperately trying to win points for their team. Currently the score was 6 to 11 with Odaiba in the lead.

Daisuke chuckled as he watched Ken meticulously and strategically run circles around the opposing team's defenders before giving the soccer ball a solid kick into the net of the goal.

Daisuke jumped up, his arms in the air as he gave out a loud whoop. "Yeah, alright! Take that, Kawasaki schools! You can't beat us!"

A scoff from behind him grabbed his attention. "Jeez, Daisuke. Could you be anymore cocky?"

Daisuke turned to see Taichi Yagami slowly catching his breath from running through the field. Daisuke, Taichi, and Ken were all dressed in their red and white Odaiba soccer uniforms while the opposing team was in their own blue and yellow uniforms.

The whistle blew for a time out and each team went to their designated part of the field to meet with their coaches. Daisuke and Taichi jogged over together with Ken quickly at their heels.

"Nice goal, Ichijouji-san!" congratulated one of their teammates.

Ken's face was already red from all the running, but Daisuke knew there was a high chance he was still blushing at the praise. The indigo haired teen scratched the back of his neck nervously as he nodded to who spoke to him. "Thank you, Katou-san."

"Alright, alright, settle down!" snapped their coach. "The game is far from over and still wide open for Kawasaki to take the win from us!"

"Please, Mr. Nakashima" scoffed Taichi. "We're running them spare! Between Daisuke, Ken, Sachiko, and me; they don't stand a chance!"

Daisuke shoved him in the side with his elbow. "Now who's the cocky one?" he teased. Taichi slipped him a rude gesture while the coach was busy speaking to someone else. If Ken noticed the exchange, he didn't comment, simply shook his head and listened to Mr. Nakashima.

"Ichijouji-san!" came a voice from behind them. Ken turned and saw that it was one of his teammates Reiko. "Why didn't you pass the ball to me, I was wide open! I could have made that same shot!"

Ken frowned, clearly looking concerned. "I'm sorry, Reiko-san. I guess I didn't notice. I appreciate you letting me know this. I'll try harder to pay more attention to my teammates. With that said-" he paused and bowed to Mr. Nakashima. "Since this is my first time playing for Odaiba, I just want to thank all of you for welcoming me to your team. You're all great and I hope to get to know you all better soon!"

Reiko, who had seemed annoyed with Ken at first, now seemed pacified, since his sneering expression softened to a wan smile.

Daisuke shook his head, leaning over to speak in Ken's ear. "Must you always be the King of Politeness?"

Ken shrugged. "Sorry" he mumbled.

"Don't be. It's hot" whispered Daisuke, making the taller teen go red. Daisuke pulled back and away from Ken as Mr. Nakashima began to talk again.

"Yes, very true, Ichijouji-kun. This is your first game with us. I guess you've spent so much time practicing with us the last few weeks, it slipped my mind. But anyways, back to the game. Let's keep it up! Don't start slacking off just because we're so far ahead! Now go out there and show them how Odaiba plays!"

The whole team cheered before the group broke up so everyone had a chance to grab their water bottles. Ken was stretching his arms behind his back, his hands clasped together when Taichi spoke up after drinking some water, "Seriously though, everyone is missing an amazing game! And like Mr. Nakashima said, the game is still close enough that anything could happen! It's one of those games that really keeps you on your toes!"

Daisuke nodded with just as much enthusiasm as Taichi. "Tell me about it! Of all games for everyone to miss, it's gotta be this one! No fair!"

A groan from Ken gained the shorter teen's attention. "Hey, you okay? Get a cramp or something?"

Ken was rubbing at his temple, his eyes closed in pain. "No, nothing like that." He grunted again. "I just suddenly got a bad headache. My brain suddenly feels so fuzzy... "

Concerned, Daisuke leaned closer to him, checking his forehead. "Don't think you have a fever. Maybe it'll pass?"

"Maybe" sighed Ken.

"Think you can keep playing?" was Daisuke's next question.

"Yeah. I'll be fine. I'll just drink some more water" replied Ken before grabbing his water bottle.

The whistle blew and time out was over. The three of them dropped their water and ran to the center of the field. Just as the ball was being set down between Taichi and the other team captain, a large gust of wind blew through the air. It was so strong that the soccer ball even moved where it was dropped on the grass.

"Hey! What the heck is THAT thing!?" someone shouted.

Taichi looked to the guy who had said that and saw that they were pointing at something up in the sky. He narrowed his eyes, the sun bright and painfully hurting his corneas as he tried to see what everyone else seemed to be looking at.

Beside him, Daisuke asked, "Is that...Kuwagamon?"

It was in fact, Kuwagmon, the large red insect digimon coming straight for them. "GET DOWN!" screamed Ken as he pushed down on both of their shoulders and successfully pulling them out of the way before Kuwagamon came swooping down in an attack.

They could hear the coach blowing the whistle everyone all began to shout in fear and panic. The large red blur known as Kuwagamon came rushing past them from above, causing another gushing wind to slam right into them. The earth seemed to quake as dirt and grass flew everywhere.

The sound of metal bending filled the air along with a loud buzzing noise.

The terrifying insect digimon was flying aggressively through the sky, whamming into buildings, sliding his pincers into the ground; deliberately causing as much damage as possible it seemed.

"What's HE doing here!?" Taichi shouted loudly. "We have to get out of here! There's too many innocent people!"

Daisuke ran up behind Ken and grabbed onto his shoulder. "No kidding! But how are we supposed to do that, huh!?" Daisuke went to pull Ken along but paused when the taller teen didn't budge. "Uh, Ken? Now's not the best time to have a mental breakdown."

Ken groaned as a sharp pain shot up his neck and through his skull. He placed both of his hands on the side of his head like he was in pain.

Daisuke leaned forward to look Ken in the eyes just in time to see Ken's pupils dilate drastically. He shouted when Kuwagamon came hurtling over top of them again and the force of his flight sent them to the ground.

"Did you hear that!?" gasped Ken in fear.

"Hear what? The desperate screams of innocent people!? Yeah, I heard it just fine, thank you! Come on, babe, we gotta move!"

Daisuke reached out and grabbed Daisuke's hand tightly, gaining the teen's attention. "I heard it. The sound of a whip."

Daisuke's eyes widened in alarm at this confession, but didn't have time to think on it when Taichi's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Daisuke! Ken! We gotta move it!" shouted Taichi from where he was on the other side of the field.

"Earth to Ken!" Daisuke's voice pierced through the fog of Ken's thoughts. "We gotta move!"

Ken moved his head until he met Daisuke's gaze. Those large expressive warm brown eyes met with Ken's own deep indigo ones. His heart pounded a little less when their eyes met and focusing suddenly seemed infinitely easier. With a determined grimace, Ken nodded and the both of them took off after Taichi, who was already trying to gain Kuwagamon's attention.

The three of them all started running across the field in the direction Kuwagamon was flying. At this point, the area had been evacuated the cars on the road had screeched to a stop; the drivers all panicking at the sight of the large digimon attacking the soccer field.

They watched helplessly as Kuwagamon rammed itself into a traffic light, dislodging the whole metal pole from the cement and sending the pole and its cables flying several yards away where he slammed into the side of a building. Cars screeched to a halt and people were running for their lives screaming.

"This is ridiculous!" snarled Taichi. "Are we supposed to just sit here and watch this!?"

Daisuke and Ken weren't able to answer before Kuwagamon turned around and aimed his sights on them. They all gasped in shock and fear as the Ultimate digimon started charging his way straight for them. With wide eyes, they were helpless to do anything; all three frozen in fear.

"PEPPER BREATH!"
There was great cracking sound and a rush of air and dirt blew into them, their eyes squeezed tight from the force. They all fell backwards onto the grass.
When all three of them opened their eyes, they openly gaped.

They could see the backs of Agumon, Veemon, and Wormmon standing protectively in front of them, all ready to strike the angry Kuwagamon.

Kuwagamon had bounched back from Agumon's attack but was now ready to strike again by flying back their way. Before the teenagers could even call out to their partners, both Wormmon and Veemon jumped high into the air.

"VEE HEADBUTT!"

Veemon slammed his head into Kuwagamon's, making the larger digimon cry out in pain. At this moment of weakness, Wormmon attacked.

"STICKY NET!"

The little caterpillar's webbing fell straight into Kuwagamon's eyes, rendering them useless.

"PEPPER BREATH!" Agumon attacked again. The combination of attacks disoriented Kuwagamon, who flew above Ken, Daisuke, and Taichi and up into the sky, but not without digging its claws into the dark around the boys and sending dirt and grass flying. The virus digimon continued to screech in rage but didn't return to them.

Once Kuwagamon was out of sight and everything settled around them, silence filled the soccer field.

Panting from the adrenaline of all that had just happened in the matter of minutes, the three stunned Chosen all turned their eyes to stare at their digimon partners, who immediately came bounding over to them in excitement.

"TAICHI!"

"DAISUKE!"

"KEN-CHAN!"

The three boys laughed excitedly as their arms were quickly filled with digimon.

"Wormmon!" Ken half sobbed as he pressed his face on the top of Wormmon's head.

Taichi and Daisuke were no better off, Daisuke feeling the tiniest hint of moisture in his eyes as Veemon squeezed his torso.

"Agumon! No way!" Taichi exclaimed. He held Agumon close, closing his eyes in happiness.

After several moments the six of them pulled away from each other enough to take in the whole situation.

Daisuke was the first to say something. "But wait, how did you guys get here?"

Veemon pushed back a bit so that he was sitting between Daisuke's legs. "We dunno, to be honest." He looked between Wormmon and Agumon for confirmation, then turned back to Daisuke, raising his arms up in a shrug. "We just sensed you guys were in danger and then, POW! We were here kicking butt to that ol' Kuwagamon!"

"It may seem strange, but I thought maybe it was something you guys had done" added Wormmon, closing his eyes as Ken scratched one of his antennae.

Ken frowned, turning to grimace at his friends. "The real question is: how did Kuwagamon get here? I thought the Gate was closed."

Taichi nodded. "It is. Trust me, Koushiro's tried opening it before. He would have told me if he'd managed to get it open."

In the far distance the six of them heard a great booming sound and then the very faint but identifiable sound of Kuwagamon's screeching. Taichi was the first to stand up,
pushing Agumon off him enough to do so. "Enough! We can figure this mystery out later! But first we have to stop Kuwagamon from destroying the city!" He turned to look down at Ken and Daisuke, who gave him determined looks before they stood up as well.

With Wormmon in Ken's arms, and Augmon and Veemon running alongside Taichi and Daisuke, they quickly made their way towards the sound of the battle they knew they were about to face.

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