Digimon:Ever Quest
By Dagger
"And still, the strange disappearance of Iori Hida is being investigated. There's been no sign of him for two weeks now." The news reporter informed on TV. Mrs. Hida turned off the TV, Armadillomon left there to hope Iori would be found. Mrs. Hida sniffed and gave a wimper.
"Oh, will I never see Iori again?" She sniffed as she turned to look at a picture of the family of four (Mrs. Hida, Iori, Mr. Hida [Grandpa] and Armadillomon) which sat on a drawer in the living room. Grandpa was on the verge of tears as well, not able to answer Mrs. Hida's question.
It was the first day of school after summer break, most of the Digidestined would be in 9th grade, Miyako in 10th and Iori in 7th. Armadillomon sighed, hopelessly leaving to go to Obaida Highschool where the Digidestined attended, to talk to them and hope for the best.
Waiting until lunch break, Armadillomon met Patamon outside.
"Armadillomon, you don't look so well." Patamon said as Armadillomon approached him.
"Iori's missing..." He sighed. Takeru was coming outside with Hikari and Daisuke to talk as well, their lunches on their trays.
"Armadillomon, I heard Iori was missing!" Takeru said.
"Without a trace?" Hikari asked.
Armadillomon nodded.
"Is that possible?" Hikari wondered.
"Think he was taken to the Digital World?" Daisuke asked.
Armadillomon shook his head, "I already took a trip there, a couple times in fact, and looked everywhere, asking every Digimon I saw. Nobody's seen Iori..."
"Oh you poor thing." Hikari said in sympathy for Armadillomon.
Armadillomon sighed, hopelessly.
"Who's that?" Daisuke asked, looking at a girl who was walking outside with a tray toward a different bench than the one they were sitting at.
"That's one of the new girls." Takeru said.
"She looks lonely..." Hikari said. "I'll go invite her over." She said, getting up and walking over to her.
Daisuke and Takeru watched in the distance as they conversed. Hikari won, the girl was following her over to them.
"Daisuke, Takeru, meet Mako." Hikari introduced her.
"Hi, it's nice to meet you." Mako said in a quiet but sweet voice. She looked down and the first thing she noticed was Armadillomon. "Oh wow, how cute." She said and crouched down after setting her tray on the bench.
"That's Armadillomon, he's a Digimon like Patamon, Veemon and Gatomon." Hikari explained.
"Oh those little pets you bring to school?" Mako asked, turning her head to look at Hikari.
"Yeah."
Mako turned back to Armadillomon.
"His Digipartner is gone, he vanished without a trace." Daisuke explained.
"Was it that Iori Hida I heard about on the news?" Mako asked.
"You'd heard about it too, huh?" Hikari asked.
"Yes." Mako nodded, "I'm so sorry, Armadillomon.."
Armadillomon only looked down, sadly.
"You know, you remind me a lot of someone I know." Takeru said.
Mako looked at him, "Oh? Who?"
"Her name's Mimi Tachikawa.. she lives in America now though." Takeru said.
Mako stood up, "So, you know my cousin?" She smiled.
"You're her cousin?" Daisuke asked.
"You could be mistaken for twins.. except for age." Hikari said.
"My aunts and uncles always tell me so." Mako smiled.
"I see." Hikari replied.
Armadillomon suddenly came in, "I'm gonna go find him."
"What?" Everyone looked at him.
"I'm gonna go find Iori. I'll search the world if I have to!"
Mako crouched down again, "Oh Armadillomon, it won't be just that easy..."
"I have to find Iori though! I'm going back to the Digital World to look for him." Armadillomon had made up his mind. He started leaving.
Mako stood up, "Wait!" She ran over to him, "Let me come with you."
"What?" Armadillomon was surprised, as well as the others.
"You shouldn't go alone. I'll come with you.."
"But why?"
"I've always wanted to have a Digimon partner.." Mako smiled, "Even a temporary one would please me."
Armadillomon nodded and they were off.
Hikari and Takeru looked at eachother.
"That went off well." Takeru said.
"I'll say..."
~~~~~
When Mako and Armadillomon arrived in the Digital World, Mako was awed with the tropical yet mysterious forest they found themselves surrounded by.
"So this is the Digital World..." Mako said with a wide smile.
Armadillomon nodded, "Nice huh?" He was already walking off to search for Iori.
Mako shortly followed, "Yeah." She studied her surroundings carefully, taking in every aspect of the different world others had already experienced.
Armadillomon woddled along, not really sure where to even start looking yet.
"Where we going?" Mako asked.
"To find Iori is all I know." Armadillomon admitted.
"So, what's Iori like?" Mako asked, curiously.
"He's a real smart and bright kid... He has a big heart, but he's kind of quiet, so until you get to know him he won't say much." Armadillomon explained.
"I see.." Mako replied as she turned her head side to side, looking at everything as they walked through the forest.
There was silence as long way until they reached the beach.
"I wonder if Iori would be here..." Armadillomon wondered.
"I wouldn't know.." Mako replied, looking out at the water. "What a beautiful beach though."
"It is, isn't it.." Armadillomon didn't start realizing some of these things until Mako pointed them out.
"The water's so blue and clear.." Mako said as she kneeled in front of where the tide came up. "Is it poluted at all?"
"No, not here. The water's clean because there's nothing here to polute it with, unless you use dirt or something which eventually either disolves or sinks to the bottom." Armadillomon said, sitting next to Mako.
They stared out at the ocean in silence for a while, taking in the view.
"I'm glad you came with me..." Armadillomon finally said. "I would've probably been lonely without you." He smiled for the first time since Iori had disappeared.
Mako smiled too and nodded, "I'm glad too."
They sat there a little while longer, when Armadillomon decided, "We should continue searching." He got up and started walking off.
Mako watched him a moment before getting up herself, "Where do you think we'd find him?"
"I don't know, he could be anywhere." Armadillomon sighed, hopelessly.
Mako gave him a reassuring pat, "It's Ok, we'll find him." She smiled.
Mako's smiled encouraged Armadillomon. He nodded and continued walking with her.
They found themselves in another portion of the forest, Mako still wasn't finished taking in all the colors and beauty. It was absolutely amazing to Mako.
"What was that?" Mako suddenly stood still, alert.
"What was what?" Armadillomon asked.
There was a cracking sound.
"I hear it too.." Armadillomon put his alertness on as well, "We should get out into the open, if there's something there it could ambush us.."
"Right."
Mako and Armadillomon made their way to a forest clearing, an almost perfect circular shape. They stood back to back watching every part they could see. Suddenly, a Kuwagamon burst out from in the forest, heading straight for them and forcing them to leap in opposite directions.
"AH! What is that?!" Mako exclaimed.
"That's Kuwagamon." Was all Armadillomon replied with. "Hope you're not terrified of bugs."
"Oh but I am!" Mako scold.
"Where'd it go?"
"I dunno..." Mako moaned. She looked around, and turned her head to find it heading right at her. "AAHHH!!!" Her eyes grew big and her pupils small as it charged directly at her.
"MAKO!!" Armadillomon exclaimed. Without knowing what exactly happened, he found himself Armor Digivolving to...
"Digmon!"
"EH?!" Mako watched Kuwagamon suddenly get thrown to the left from something hitting it from the side. "Digmon?!"
Digmon and Kuwagamon battled it out, although Digmon easily won being an Armor Digivolution. Sending Kuwagamon flying off back into the forest and accidently opening a portal in the center of the clearing, Digmon de- Digivolved back to Armadillomon.
"Oh Armadillomon!" Mako exclaimed happily as she spun him around once.
Suddenly Mako's happy laughter was cut short as well as Armadillomon's smile.
"Iori?!" Armadillomon exclaimed.
The boys eye brightened, "Armadillomon?!"
Armadillomon jumped from Mako's arms and ran to Iori.
"Oh Iori! Where've you been?!"
"I just needed sometime alone.. that's all." Iori smiled. Armadillomon and Iori laughed and smiled together, happy to be together again.
Mako stood back, her smile was long gone, and her heart had cracked and shattered. She forced a smile, happy Armadillomon found his long lost friend and partner again, but couldn't help but cry on the inside.. her friend and partner was now gone... forever. She turned her back to them, lowering her face to where it was lit enough only to see her mouth, which was a silent frown. She began stalking off toward the Digiport that had opened during the battle and disappeared in the black hole.
~~~~~
Back in the Real World, Mako sat during lunch alone on the benches outside. Nobody else was outside, but she sat there, lonely and depressed. The more she thought about losing Armadillomon the more tears stung her eyes, until they started rolling down her cheek and she began sniffing.
You know I started to grow
since you been away
Lately it's scarier not knowing
whats become of you
Oh you
proud of me now, I can tell
I'm not as fearless as you
Still I pretend that your still standing by
To show me wrong from right
Never got a chance to say goodbye
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
I used to think you were crazy
When you were hooked to the screen
But now they tell me that your in a better place
But where did you go (But where did you go?)
And I swear sometimes your watching over me
Still I give the world for the chance
Just to see your face again
Still I pretend that you still standing by
To show me wrong from right
Never got a chance to say goodbye
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
(Now)Now there's nothing left but time
Now that I'm following you
Eva's always on my mind
And it makes me wonder (Makes me wonder)
What happened to you?
You know it makes me wonder
Still I pretend that your still standing by
To show me wrong from right
Never got a chance to say goodbye
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go...
And never let this go...
away..
Mako looked up, heartbroken and shattered, when she heard Hikari and Takeru running to her.
"Mako!" Hikari called to her and held out her hand, "This is yours!"
"What's this?" Mako looked at it.
"It's a Digivice." Hikari said happy for Mako.
"A Digivice?" Mako looked at her.
"Everyone with a Digimon has a Digivice!"
"...But.. I don't have a Digimon." Mako said.
"Yeah you do." Takeru said, "We just don't know where it is." He grinned, unfortunet like.
"I'm right here.."
The three heads turned toward a tree.
"Wizardmon?!" Hikari remembered Wizardmon from when she was only 8, in the Digital World.
"Yes." He jumped out of the tree. Hikari ran to him and hugged him.
"Wow I never thought I'd see you again!" She exclaimed happily.
"Later on after you defeated Lord Myotismon, some of the Digimon worked to recreate me and here I am." He explained.
"Where've you been this whole time?"
"It took a few years for them to recreate me, and when they were finished I was called for duty. I heard I had a Digidestined partner in Obaida, Japan, so I came here to find my partner. I followed my instincts which was fueled by that Digivice. Whoever's Digivice that is, is my partner." Wizardmon finished.
Mako stood up, Hikari looked at her.
"Well, this is Mako's Digivice. Gatomon had retrieved it from the Digital World by one of the Digimon who had seen Mako walk away into the portal." Hikari explained.
"He said she left it behind, it must've been on accident." Gatomon explained.
Hikari stood up and held it out to Mako. The Digivice started glowing.
"It's definitely hers." Gatomon said, looking at it.
Mako took it and the glow faded.
"Not that it's in the hands of the owner, there's no need for the searching glow." Gatomon explained.
"Wow..." A smile spread across Mako's face, "My own Digimon...." She looked at Wizardmon. Her eyes filled with tears as her smile got wider and she let herself drop to hug Wizardmon.
"She must've really been lonely without Armadillomon..." Takeru whispered to Hikari.
"That was the best reaction I'ver ever seen between a human and her Digimon when they've met for the first time." Hikari smiled at Takeru, who replied with a nod.
"Oh, Mako, I also have something for you..." Wizardmon said, Mako got off to see. Wizardmon put his hand under his jacket-thing. "I've been holding this a long time... waiting to give it to you until I met you." He explained as he searched for it. He pulled out a string which had a crest attached to it.
"A crest?" Hikari looked at it.
"The Crest of Trust." Wizardmon said as Mako took it.
"Wow.." It was a medium, weak blue-gray color with a special symbal on it. Mako smiled, confidently. "I'll keep it with me always."
~~~~~
Mako and Wizardmon headed back to the Digital World, for no apparent reason, but in their attempt they found themselves in a different place.
"What's this?" Mako looked around. They were in a green glowing tunnel as images flew by too fast to make out.
"I'm not sure." Wizardmon said, on his guard. "Just stay alert."
"Hm." Mako nodded, "Right." She looked around somemore at her surroundings, "It looks like we're moving.." She said. She suddenly gasped, "What's that bright light?"
"It's coming closer." Wizardmon said as they were devoured by the light.
Out from the middle of the sky, they suddenly appeared, both of they're eyes wide as they were still a moment, then started falling. They both landed on the ground with a thud.
"What was that?" Mako heard somebody ask. "Hey're you Ok?"
"Huh?" Mako looked up. "Who're you?"
"Uh, I'm Takato.."
"Takato... that's nice." Mako replied, on the verge of unconciousness from the drop.
"Umm.. was it just me or did you fall from the sky?"
"I'm really not sure.." Mako said sitting up. She suddenly gasped. "Wizardmon.. Wizardmon?!" She looked over and saw him laying there, then quickly got up and rushed to his side. "Wizardmon're you Ok?!"
Wizardmon lifted his head, "I think so."
"A Digimon?" Takato asked.
Mako looked at him blankly for a moment. "Yes.."
"You're a Digimon Tamer too?"
"Digimon Tamer...?" Mako looked at Wizardmon who was getting up. He gave a shrug. "I don't know what you're talking about.." Mako looked back at Takato.
"You hafta be though.. you have a Digimon." Takato said.
Mako got up, helping Wizardmon up as well. "What's this? Where's Hikari and Takeru? Is this the Real World?"
"Um, yeah, but who're Hikari and Takeru?"
Wizardmon tapped Mako.
"Hmm?"
Wizardmon pulled her over to the side and said in a low voice, "I think.. we time traveled."
"Time traveled? Is that possible?"
"Yes, one of the Digidestined children named Ryo does it through the three highlighted Digimon-human encounters." Wizardmon explained.
"Ryo?"
"Ask Takato if he knows a Ryo and find out." Wizardmon suggested.
Mako nodded, "Right!" Wizardmon and Mako turned around at the same time to face Takato again. "Do you know a Ryo?"
"Ryo? You mean Ryo Akiyama?" Takato asked.
Mako looked at Wizardmon (she wasn't sure what his last name was). Wizardmon nodded, they both looked at Takato again. "Yes."
"Yeah, he helped us defeat the D-Reaper. I heard he time traveled through three Digimon dimensions, but he decided to stay in this dimension in the end." Takato explained.
Mako gasped and exchanged looks with Wizardmon, "Wizardmon! Do you know what this means?!"
Wizardmon looked annoyed, "Wasn't I the one who told you what that means?"
A sweatdrop slid down Mako's head, "Oh yeah."
"What's it mean?" Takato asked, Mako and Wizardmon looking back at him.
"We time traveled!" Mako exclaimed, distressed-like.
"You did? I thought only Ryo could do that?" Takato looked unconvinced.
Mako looked down at Wizardmon for an answer, he replied, "We should find Ryo."
"We should." Mako agreed. "But what for?"
"I think if the time traveling gate is open just like that, it could cause more trouble between the Digital World and the Real World. If we don't ask Ryo more information about it, we could leave behind a trail of terror." Wizardmon explained.
"..You're right." Mako nodded, then looked back at Takato. "Would you mind taking us to where he is?"
"Sure." Takato agreed.
~~~~~
"So you're Mako and you're part of the second set of Digidestined?" Takato asked, making sure he had the information correct.
Mako nodded, "Yes."
"I see."
"Takato, when can we rest to eat?" Guilmon asked.
"Oh Guilmon, we just ate."
"But I'm still hungry, Takato. When can we eat?"
"We'll eat after we take Mako and Wizardmon to Ryo's house."
"Ok.." Guilmon stopped whining.
"So how much further is Ryo's house, anyway?" Mako asked.
"It shouldn't be too far." Takato replied. "See, there it is, right around the corner."
As they reached the front of the house, they were reluctant to knock.
"You.. wanna go ahead?" Mako grinned at Takato.
"What? You're the one who wants him, shouldn't you knock?" Takato asked.
"I guess you're right..." Mako said, reluctantly going up to the door and knocking, then stepping back.
Ryo's dad answered, he didn't seem in a good mood, "Yeah, whatta you want?"
Takato exchanged a look with Mako, who didn't wanna answer, "We'd like to see Ryo please?" Mako asked, fear in her voice.
Mr. Akiyama raised an eyebrow suspiciously, "What does a girl want with my son?"
"Um, not much, just some help.." Mako said innocently.
"Who is it?" Ryo asked from out of site.
His dad's head turned to the right, "Some of your little friends are here." He said and left, allowing Ryo to appear at the door frame.
"Hey, Takato." Ryo greeted.
"Ryo," Takato was happy to see him again, it'd been a year since they'd destroyed the D-Reaper, and they hadn't seen eachother since, "hows it been?"
"Pretty good, what about you?"
"Glad there's no more trouble." Takato smiled.
"Um, excuse me.." Mako chimed in, "Hate to ruin your friendly reunion but I kinda need to borrow Ryo for a moment."
"And who're you?" Ryo asked.
"My name's Mako and this is Wizardmon-"
"Wizardmon!" Ryo's faced brightened as he came outside. "It's been a while."
"It has." Wizardmon nodded.
Mako looked irritated, being the only one not getting the attention she needed to ask for help.
"How's it been?" Ryo asked, "Found your partner yet?"
"Yes, in fact this is her." Wizardmon said, looking at Mako.
"Oh, I see." Ryo looked at Mako, then turned back to Wizardmon, "So you needed something?"
"Yes, we need your help." Wizardmon replied.
"Why don't you guys come in to talk about it?" Ryo invited them, "Just try to avoid my dad, he's a little edgy today." Ryo explained with an embarressed grin.
Inside Ryo's living room, they sat at the perfect square table on the couch, and Ryo's Digimon, Monodramon, joined them.
"So, what exactly did you need help with?" Ryo asked as he brought drinks and a plate of snacks in.
"Well, you see, it seems we've time traveled through a Green Route."
Ryo instantly jumped to his feet, "A Green Route?!"
Wizardmon nodded, "Indeed."
"I've never traveled on a green one before." Ryo said.
"This could mean trouble?" Takato looked worried.
Ryo looked down, "It could."
"What kind of trouble?" Mako asked.
"Big trouble.." Ryo replied, looking up. "Do you have a Modify Card?"
"A what?" Mako raised an eyebrow, clueless.
"A Modify Card.." Ryo repeated.
"Like this.." Takato pulled his out and handed it to Mako.
Mako looked at it.
"What about your crest?" Wizardmon asked.
"My crest..?" Mako pulled the end of the string out from under her shirt, where her crest had been safely tucked away. "IT'S GONE!!!" Mako exclaimed.
"Calm down!" Wizardmon ordered, "It turned into a Modify Card."
"How wierd.." Mako said, looking at it, comparing it to Takato's.
"What about your Digivice?" Ryo asked.
Mako pulled it out of her pocket, "It looks different too.."
"Just as I thought." Ryo looked down.
"Huh?" Everyone looked up at him.
"A D-3."
"D-3?" Mako asked.
"Yeah. It's the latest version of the Digivices."
"How come everythings changed?" Mako asked.
"Apparently traveling ahead in time has updated your accessories." Ryo explained.
"But what for?" Takato wondered.
"There must be a reason." Wizardmon said.
Ryo nodded, "I agree. There has to be some reason. And further more, why is there now a Green Route?" Ryo looked doubtful. "There's never been a Green Route, but why green?"
"Maybe so we wouldn't suspect it?" Guilmon asked as he continued eating off the snack tray.
"He has a point." Wizardmon said.
"If the route were black would you have suspected something a little more?" Mako looked at Ryo.
"Maybe.." Ryo admitted.
"Guilmon's right." Takato said, "If it were a dark color we'd probably suspect something more."
Mako looked down, Guilmon asked, "What do you think this means?"
Ryo looked hesitant to say so but he said what he thought, "There's gonna be another dispute with the Digital World and the Real World."
Everyone's spirits sank, especially Takato, Guilmon, Monodramon, Ryo and Wizardmon's.
"How can this be?" Takato seemed upset, "We just had a dispute with the Digital World a year ago!"
"I don't know.." Ryo said, sitting back down. "We have to act quickly though."
"Should we tell the others?" Takato asked.
"I don't know, if we can fix the problem before it becomes big enough to involve the others then we shouldn't disrupt them too." Ryo said.
Takato nodded, understanding.
Ryo left the room without another word.
Mako looked at Wizardmon, hopelessly, "Was this our fault?"
Wizardmon hadn't put that into consideration yet, "I... don't know."
Ryo came back, "We'll go to where you came through the portal, if we can go through the route backwards and end up in the Digital World, we can close it off from there."
The others got up, "Right."
~~~~~
Back at where Takato, Wizardmon and Mako met, the group stood around near the place they came through, getting ready to open the portal with their D- 3's.
"Ok, all we have to do is hold up our Digivices face toward the sky and hope the port'll open." Ryo said to the gang. "We ready?"
"Wait." Mako jumped in.
Ryo looked at her, "What?"
"How're we gonna get in it from down here? It'll probably appear up there right? How're we supposed to get up there?" Mako asked.
Ryo looked blank a moment.
"She's right.." Takato said.
There was a period of silence.
Ryo dropped his shoulders, "Did we have to make this complicated?" He had an irritated expression.
Mako shrugged, "It would've been pointless to open the portal without being able to reach it."
Ryo sighed, knowing this was true.
"What now?" Guilmon asked.
"I dunno.." Takato replied.
"Well it looks like we'll just have to go through a different portal to the Digital World and find the end of the Green Route and close it off that way." Ryo said.
"Where's there another portal?" Takato asked.
"In the park, remember where we came through with the Arc? That portal might still be open." Ryo said.
"Right." Takato nodded, and followed him.
Mako looked at Wizardmon as the others left, "Oh Wizardmon, I don't think I can go.." She sighed.
"Why? What do you mean?" Wizardmon asked.
"I don't know.. I just kind of..." Mako looked at the others who were way off in the distance now, "can't trust them.." She looked back at Wizardmon, "Can't we just let them take care of this?"
"What's wrong Mako? Where's your courage gone?"
Mako looked down, hopelessly, More like where has my trust gone... She thought.
"Can't we just let them handle it? They're guys they should be able to.." Mako asked.
"We can't get back to our time if we don't go with them."
"Actually to be honest, you won't be able to get back to your time anyway."
Mako gasped and spun around to face a dark shadow under the shade of a tree. "Who're you?!"
The shadow only smirked and vanished.
Wizardmon was disturbed, "We should go, I don't have a good feeling about this at all!"
"But-"
"C'mon!" Wizardmon started running after Takato, Ryo and the others.
Mako was unsure, she stared at the place the shadow figure had been leaning against the tree.
"Mako!"
Mako turned her head, "Coming..." She slowly started to turn and run after Wizardmon.
When Wizardmon and Mako had reached where Ryo and Takato were waiting, they were ready to open the portal.
"What took?" Ryo asked.
"Nothing." Wizardmon shook his head, "It's nothing. Are we ready to open the portal?"
"Yeah. Mako, you ready?" Ryo asked.
Mako pulled out her D-3, "Yes, let 'er rip!"
"Digi Portal, open!" Takato and Ryo shouted as all three held their D-3's toward the area they had landed the Arc at. A Digi Portal opened.
"Quickly, before it closes!" Ryo ordered, as he followed Takato, Guilmon and Monodramon in. He turned around to look at Mako, "C'mon! It'll close in a second!"
Mako looked scared, frozen stiff as sweat rolled down the side of her face.
Wizardmon pushed her leg, "C'mon Mako! We have to go!" Wizardmon was able to push her in and get in himself just in time before it closed.
~~~~~
When they landed in the Digital World, Ryo got up and brushed himself off.
"Well, that was a fall.." Takato said, still sitting on the ground.
"Mako, what was that?!" Ryo turned to Mako who was sitting on the ground, sweat dripping from her face.
She closed her eyes as teardrops lined her eyes and rolled down her face. She didn't know.
Wizardmon put a hand on her shoulder, "Mako.. are you Ok?"
Mako looked up, her eyes glossy with tears, "Huh?" She forced a smile, "Yeah.. I'm Ok..." Mako got up, whiping her face with her arm.
"You don't look so well Mako.." Guilmon said.
"I'm fine." Mako convinced him.
"We should move, if we don't find the Green Route soon it might mean a lot more trouble for Japan." Ryo suggested.
The others nodded in agreement and they started their journy through the Digital World. The others started walking ahead, leaving Mako a little ways behind.
~~~~~
As they found themselves at the end of the tropical forest and entering a dessert area, Ryo stopped.
"Should we go ahead?" Takato asked.
"It'll be a little risky, but we don't have time to mess around." Ryo said.
Mako sighed, He sure never seems to be in a good mood at all... "Hmm.."
They continued into the dessert, eventually the tropical forest out of site and hidden behind sand doons and hills. Mako walked heavily behind the rest.
"I wonder if we'll ever find the portal.." She sighed to herself, then suddenly was pulled underground without a trace.
"Mako, do you think --" Wizardmon looked over his shoulder and stopped, "Mako!?"
"What is it Wizardmon?" Takato stopped and turned a bit to look at him. "Mako? Where's Mako??" He started looking around.
"She disappeared without a trace!" Wizardmon exclaimed, running to where she had stood and was sucked under as well.
"No, not him too!" Ryo watched Takato go after them with Guilmon close behind, and followed.
-----
Mako found herself in what was like a play house.
"This reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.." She said looking around. She looked at herself, "And I remind myself too." Her clothes had been changed into doll-like clothes. "Eh, somebody needs a new woredrobe... huh?" Mako looked up when she saw a door appear in front of her. "A door..." Wonder what could be behind it... Mako looked seriously at it, studying it. She decided she'd never know until she tried and slowly reached for the handle. She turned the golden knob and it swung open on its own. Reluctently, she went inside and found herself falling in a stream of light. "WAAHHH!!! Huh?? It looks like I'm not getting anywhere.. am I really falling?" Mako looked under her, she saw nothing but the stream of light continue. "Is there an end to this?"
-----
Wizardmon, Ryo, Monodramon and Takato landed on their feet, Guilmon ending up on his head, then on his side.
"Where are we?" Takato looked around.
"Be cautious, there could be anything ready to jump out at us." Ryo warned.
Takato nodded, "Right."
"Hey look!" Guilmon exclaimed when he saw the door, "There's a door."
"Mako must've gone through it." Wizardmon said.
"Then lets follow her." Takato started running, followed by the others, but the door seemed to keep moving with him. "Why isn't it getting any closer?" Takato seemed frustrated. The group stopped, as well as the door.
"Now that's.. wierd." Ryo said.
"Lets try this one more time." Takato suggested, then the five started running toward it again, but it wouldn't stay still. "Man, what's up with this?"
"Ok, Ok.. let me think for a minute.... Takato, try running up to it and we'll stay behind."
Takato nodded, "Ok, worth a try." Takato started running but it grew further away from the other five.
"STOP!" Ryo imediately ordered.
"What?"
"Now it's further away from us!" Ryo said.
"Oh man." Takato sighed.
"Just don't walk backwards Ok? You're still the closest." Wizardmon said.
"Right."
"Now, let me try to get closer." Ryo said and started walking closer, Takato and the door moving. "Ah.. that didn't work."
"You didn't get anywhere.." Takato stated.
"But I was walking, how wierd." Ryo replied.
"Now what?" Monodramon asked.
"Takatomon, try to jump toward the door and catch it by surprise!" Guilmon suggested.
"Well we don't have any other bright ideas, so might as well try." Ryo looked at Takato.
"Ok." Takato threw himself toward the door and landed on his chin, getting nowhere. "Ouch, geez..."
Ryo hit his forehead, Monodramon laughing under his breath at Takato.
Takato got up and brushed himself off, "Well ... that went .. well."
"I don't understand why this is happening.." Wizardmon said, wonderingly. "We have to find Mako soon though, she might be in trouble!"
"Wizardmon's right.." Guilmon agreed.
"How're we gonna get past though?" Monodramon asked.
"Guilmon dunno.." Guilmon sighed.
To Be Continued....
Will Ryo, Monodramon, Takato, Guilmon and Wizardmon ever figure out how to get to the door? What is this crazy place? Will Mako ever stop falling? Find out on the next episode!
By Dagger
"And still, the strange disappearance of Iori Hida is being investigated. There's been no sign of him for two weeks now." The news reporter informed on TV. Mrs. Hida turned off the TV, Armadillomon left there to hope Iori would be found. Mrs. Hida sniffed and gave a wimper.
"Oh, will I never see Iori again?" She sniffed as she turned to look at a picture of the family of four (Mrs. Hida, Iori, Mr. Hida [Grandpa] and Armadillomon) which sat on a drawer in the living room. Grandpa was on the verge of tears as well, not able to answer Mrs. Hida's question.
It was the first day of school after summer break, most of the Digidestined would be in 9th grade, Miyako in 10th and Iori in 7th. Armadillomon sighed, hopelessly leaving to go to Obaida Highschool where the Digidestined attended, to talk to them and hope for the best.
Waiting until lunch break, Armadillomon met Patamon outside.
"Armadillomon, you don't look so well." Patamon said as Armadillomon approached him.
"Iori's missing..." He sighed. Takeru was coming outside with Hikari and Daisuke to talk as well, their lunches on their trays.
"Armadillomon, I heard Iori was missing!" Takeru said.
"Without a trace?" Hikari asked.
Armadillomon nodded.
"Is that possible?" Hikari wondered.
"Think he was taken to the Digital World?" Daisuke asked.
Armadillomon shook his head, "I already took a trip there, a couple times in fact, and looked everywhere, asking every Digimon I saw. Nobody's seen Iori..."
"Oh you poor thing." Hikari said in sympathy for Armadillomon.
Armadillomon sighed, hopelessly.
"Who's that?" Daisuke asked, looking at a girl who was walking outside with a tray toward a different bench than the one they were sitting at.
"That's one of the new girls." Takeru said.
"She looks lonely..." Hikari said. "I'll go invite her over." She said, getting up and walking over to her.
Daisuke and Takeru watched in the distance as they conversed. Hikari won, the girl was following her over to them.
"Daisuke, Takeru, meet Mako." Hikari introduced her.
"Hi, it's nice to meet you." Mako said in a quiet but sweet voice. She looked down and the first thing she noticed was Armadillomon. "Oh wow, how cute." She said and crouched down after setting her tray on the bench.
"That's Armadillomon, he's a Digimon like Patamon, Veemon and Gatomon." Hikari explained.
"Oh those little pets you bring to school?" Mako asked, turning her head to look at Hikari.
"Yeah."
Mako turned back to Armadillomon.
"His Digipartner is gone, he vanished without a trace." Daisuke explained.
"Was it that Iori Hida I heard about on the news?" Mako asked.
"You'd heard about it too, huh?" Hikari asked.
"Yes." Mako nodded, "I'm so sorry, Armadillomon.."
Armadillomon only looked down, sadly.
"You know, you remind me a lot of someone I know." Takeru said.
Mako looked at him, "Oh? Who?"
"Her name's Mimi Tachikawa.. she lives in America now though." Takeru said.
Mako stood up, "So, you know my cousin?" She smiled.
"You're her cousin?" Daisuke asked.
"You could be mistaken for twins.. except for age." Hikari said.
"My aunts and uncles always tell me so." Mako smiled.
"I see." Hikari replied.
Armadillomon suddenly came in, "I'm gonna go find him."
"What?" Everyone looked at him.
"I'm gonna go find Iori. I'll search the world if I have to!"
Mako crouched down again, "Oh Armadillomon, it won't be just that easy..."
"I have to find Iori though! I'm going back to the Digital World to look for him." Armadillomon had made up his mind. He started leaving.
Mako stood up, "Wait!" She ran over to him, "Let me come with you."
"What?" Armadillomon was surprised, as well as the others.
"You shouldn't go alone. I'll come with you.."
"But why?"
"I've always wanted to have a Digimon partner.." Mako smiled, "Even a temporary one would please me."
Armadillomon nodded and they were off.
Hikari and Takeru looked at eachother.
"That went off well." Takeru said.
"I'll say..."
~~~~~
When Mako and Armadillomon arrived in the Digital World, Mako was awed with the tropical yet mysterious forest they found themselves surrounded by.
"So this is the Digital World..." Mako said with a wide smile.
Armadillomon nodded, "Nice huh?" He was already walking off to search for Iori.
Mako shortly followed, "Yeah." She studied her surroundings carefully, taking in every aspect of the different world others had already experienced.
Armadillomon woddled along, not really sure where to even start looking yet.
"Where we going?" Mako asked.
"To find Iori is all I know." Armadillomon admitted.
"So, what's Iori like?" Mako asked, curiously.
"He's a real smart and bright kid... He has a big heart, but he's kind of quiet, so until you get to know him he won't say much." Armadillomon explained.
"I see.." Mako replied as she turned her head side to side, looking at everything as they walked through the forest.
There was silence as long way until they reached the beach.
"I wonder if Iori would be here..." Armadillomon wondered.
"I wouldn't know.." Mako replied, looking out at the water. "What a beautiful beach though."
"It is, isn't it.." Armadillomon didn't start realizing some of these things until Mako pointed them out.
"The water's so blue and clear.." Mako said as she kneeled in front of where the tide came up. "Is it poluted at all?"
"No, not here. The water's clean because there's nothing here to polute it with, unless you use dirt or something which eventually either disolves or sinks to the bottom." Armadillomon said, sitting next to Mako.
They stared out at the ocean in silence for a while, taking in the view.
"I'm glad you came with me..." Armadillomon finally said. "I would've probably been lonely without you." He smiled for the first time since Iori had disappeared.
Mako smiled too and nodded, "I'm glad too."
They sat there a little while longer, when Armadillomon decided, "We should continue searching." He got up and started walking off.
Mako watched him a moment before getting up herself, "Where do you think we'd find him?"
"I don't know, he could be anywhere." Armadillomon sighed, hopelessly.
Mako gave him a reassuring pat, "It's Ok, we'll find him." She smiled.
Mako's smiled encouraged Armadillomon. He nodded and continued walking with her.
They found themselves in another portion of the forest, Mako still wasn't finished taking in all the colors and beauty. It was absolutely amazing to Mako.
"What was that?" Mako suddenly stood still, alert.
"What was what?" Armadillomon asked.
There was a cracking sound.
"I hear it too.." Armadillomon put his alertness on as well, "We should get out into the open, if there's something there it could ambush us.."
"Right."
Mako and Armadillomon made their way to a forest clearing, an almost perfect circular shape. They stood back to back watching every part they could see. Suddenly, a Kuwagamon burst out from in the forest, heading straight for them and forcing them to leap in opposite directions.
"AH! What is that?!" Mako exclaimed.
"That's Kuwagamon." Was all Armadillomon replied with. "Hope you're not terrified of bugs."
"Oh but I am!" Mako scold.
"Where'd it go?"
"I dunno..." Mako moaned. She looked around, and turned her head to find it heading right at her. "AAHHH!!!" Her eyes grew big and her pupils small as it charged directly at her.
"MAKO!!" Armadillomon exclaimed. Without knowing what exactly happened, he found himself Armor Digivolving to...
"Digmon!"
"EH?!" Mako watched Kuwagamon suddenly get thrown to the left from something hitting it from the side. "Digmon?!"
Digmon and Kuwagamon battled it out, although Digmon easily won being an Armor Digivolution. Sending Kuwagamon flying off back into the forest and accidently opening a portal in the center of the clearing, Digmon de- Digivolved back to Armadillomon.
"Oh Armadillomon!" Mako exclaimed happily as she spun him around once.
Suddenly Mako's happy laughter was cut short as well as Armadillomon's smile.
"Iori?!" Armadillomon exclaimed.
The boys eye brightened, "Armadillomon?!"
Armadillomon jumped from Mako's arms and ran to Iori.
"Oh Iori! Where've you been?!"
"I just needed sometime alone.. that's all." Iori smiled. Armadillomon and Iori laughed and smiled together, happy to be together again.
Mako stood back, her smile was long gone, and her heart had cracked and shattered. She forced a smile, happy Armadillomon found his long lost friend and partner again, but couldn't help but cry on the inside.. her friend and partner was now gone... forever. She turned her back to them, lowering her face to where it was lit enough only to see her mouth, which was a silent frown. She began stalking off toward the Digiport that had opened during the battle and disappeared in the black hole.
~~~~~
Back in the Real World, Mako sat during lunch alone on the benches outside. Nobody else was outside, but she sat there, lonely and depressed. The more she thought about losing Armadillomon the more tears stung her eyes, until they started rolling down her cheek and she began sniffing.
You know I started to grow
since you been away
Lately it's scarier not knowing
whats become of you
Oh you
proud of me now, I can tell
I'm not as fearless as you
Still I pretend that your still standing by
To show me wrong from right
Never got a chance to say goodbye
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
I used to think you were crazy
When you were hooked to the screen
But now they tell me that your in a better place
But where did you go (But where did you go?)
And I swear sometimes your watching over me
Still I give the world for the chance
Just to see your face again
Still I pretend that you still standing by
To show me wrong from right
Never got a chance to say goodbye
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
(Now)Now there's nothing left but time
Now that I'm following you
Eva's always on my mind
And it makes me wonder (Makes me wonder)
What happened to you?
You know it makes me wonder
Still I pretend that your still standing by
To show me wrong from right
Never got a chance to say goodbye
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go
Take this guilt from me
Hold it deep in mind
forever
And never let this go...
And never let this go...
away..
Mako looked up, heartbroken and shattered, when she heard Hikari and Takeru running to her.
"Mako!" Hikari called to her and held out her hand, "This is yours!"
"What's this?" Mako looked at it.
"It's a Digivice." Hikari said happy for Mako.
"A Digivice?" Mako looked at her.
"Everyone with a Digimon has a Digivice!"
"...But.. I don't have a Digimon." Mako said.
"Yeah you do." Takeru said, "We just don't know where it is." He grinned, unfortunet like.
"I'm right here.."
The three heads turned toward a tree.
"Wizardmon?!" Hikari remembered Wizardmon from when she was only 8, in the Digital World.
"Yes." He jumped out of the tree. Hikari ran to him and hugged him.
"Wow I never thought I'd see you again!" She exclaimed happily.
"Later on after you defeated Lord Myotismon, some of the Digimon worked to recreate me and here I am." He explained.
"Where've you been this whole time?"
"It took a few years for them to recreate me, and when they were finished I was called for duty. I heard I had a Digidestined partner in Obaida, Japan, so I came here to find my partner. I followed my instincts which was fueled by that Digivice. Whoever's Digivice that is, is my partner." Wizardmon finished.
Mako stood up, Hikari looked at her.
"Well, this is Mako's Digivice. Gatomon had retrieved it from the Digital World by one of the Digimon who had seen Mako walk away into the portal." Hikari explained.
"He said she left it behind, it must've been on accident." Gatomon explained.
Hikari stood up and held it out to Mako. The Digivice started glowing.
"It's definitely hers." Gatomon said, looking at it.
Mako took it and the glow faded.
"Not that it's in the hands of the owner, there's no need for the searching glow." Gatomon explained.
"Wow..." A smile spread across Mako's face, "My own Digimon...." She looked at Wizardmon. Her eyes filled with tears as her smile got wider and she let herself drop to hug Wizardmon.
"She must've really been lonely without Armadillomon..." Takeru whispered to Hikari.
"That was the best reaction I'ver ever seen between a human and her Digimon when they've met for the first time." Hikari smiled at Takeru, who replied with a nod.
"Oh, Mako, I also have something for you..." Wizardmon said, Mako got off to see. Wizardmon put his hand under his jacket-thing. "I've been holding this a long time... waiting to give it to you until I met you." He explained as he searched for it. He pulled out a string which had a crest attached to it.
"A crest?" Hikari looked at it.
"The Crest of Trust." Wizardmon said as Mako took it.
"Wow.." It was a medium, weak blue-gray color with a special symbal on it. Mako smiled, confidently. "I'll keep it with me always."
~~~~~
Mako and Wizardmon headed back to the Digital World, for no apparent reason, but in their attempt they found themselves in a different place.
"What's this?" Mako looked around. They were in a green glowing tunnel as images flew by too fast to make out.
"I'm not sure." Wizardmon said, on his guard. "Just stay alert."
"Hm." Mako nodded, "Right." She looked around somemore at her surroundings, "It looks like we're moving.." She said. She suddenly gasped, "What's that bright light?"
"It's coming closer." Wizardmon said as they were devoured by the light.
Out from the middle of the sky, they suddenly appeared, both of they're eyes wide as they were still a moment, then started falling. They both landed on the ground with a thud.
"What was that?" Mako heard somebody ask. "Hey're you Ok?"
"Huh?" Mako looked up. "Who're you?"
"Uh, I'm Takato.."
"Takato... that's nice." Mako replied, on the verge of unconciousness from the drop.
"Umm.. was it just me or did you fall from the sky?"
"I'm really not sure.." Mako said sitting up. She suddenly gasped. "Wizardmon.. Wizardmon?!" She looked over and saw him laying there, then quickly got up and rushed to his side. "Wizardmon're you Ok?!"
Wizardmon lifted his head, "I think so."
"A Digimon?" Takato asked.
Mako looked at him blankly for a moment. "Yes.."
"You're a Digimon Tamer too?"
"Digimon Tamer...?" Mako looked at Wizardmon who was getting up. He gave a shrug. "I don't know what you're talking about.." Mako looked back at Takato.
"You hafta be though.. you have a Digimon." Takato said.
Mako got up, helping Wizardmon up as well. "What's this? Where's Hikari and Takeru? Is this the Real World?"
"Um, yeah, but who're Hikari and Takeru?"
Wizardmon tapped Mako.
"Hmm?"
Wizardmon pulled her over to the side and said in a low voice, "I think.. we time traveled."
"Time traveled? Is that possible?"
"Yes, one of the Digidestined children named Ryo does it through the three highlighted Digimon-human encounters." Wizardmon explained.
"Ryo?"
"Ask Takato if he knows a Ryo and find out." Wizardmon suggested.
Mako nodded, "Right!" Wizardmon and Mako turned around at the same time to face Takato again. "Do you know a Ryo?"
"Ryo? You mean Ryo Akiyama?" Takato asked.
Mako looked at Wizardmon (she wasn't sure what his last name was). Wizardmon nodded, they both looked at Takato again. "Yes."
"Yeah, he helped us defeat the D-Reaper. I heard he time traveled through three Digimon dimensions, but he decided to stay in this dimension in the end." Takato explained.
Mako gasped and exchanged looks with Wizardmon, "Wizardmon! Do you know what this means?!"
Wizardmon looked annoyed, "Wasn't I the one who told you what that means?"
A sweatdrop slid down Mako's head, "Oh yeah."
"What's it mean?" Takato asked, Mako and Wizardmon looking back at him.
"We time traveled!" Mako exclaimed, distressed-like.
"You did? I thought only Ryo could do that?" Takato looked unconvinced.
Mako looked down at Wizardmon for an answer, he replied, "We should find Ryo."
"We should." Mako agreed. "But what for?"
"I think if the time traveling gate is open just like that, it could cause more trouble between the Digital World and the Real World. If we don't ask Ryo more information about it, we could leave behind a trail of terror." Wizardmon explained.
"..You're right." Mako nodded, then looked back at Takato. "Would you mind taking us to where he is?"
"Sure." Takato agreed.
~~~~~
"So you're Mako and you're part of the second set of Digidestined?" Takato asked, making sure he had the information correct.
Mako nodded, "Yes."
"I see."
"Takato, when can we rest to eat?" Guilmon asked.
"Oh Guilmon, we just ate."
"But I'm still hungry, Takato. When can we eat?"
"We'll eat after we take Mako and Wizardmon to Ryo's house."
"Ok.." Guilmon stopped whining.
"So how much further is Ryo's house, anyway?" Mako asked.
"It shouldn't be too far." Takato replied. "See, there it is, right around the corner."
As they reached the front of the house, they were reluctant to knock.
"You.. wanna go ahead?" Mako grinned at Takato.
"What? You're the one who wants him, shouldn't you knock?" Takato asked.
"I guess you're right..." Mako said, reluctantly going up to the door and knocking, then stepping back.
Ryo's dad answered, he didn't seem in a good mood, "Yeah, whatta you want?"
Takato exchanged a look with Mako, who didn't wanna answer, "We'd like to see Ryo please?" Mako asked, fear in her voice.
Mr. Akiyama raised an eyebrow suspiciously, "What does a girl want with my son?"
"Um, not much, just some help.." Mako said innocently.
"Who is it?" Ryo asked from out of site.
His dad's head turned to the right, "Some of your little friends are here." He said and left, allowing Ryo to appear at the door frame.
"Hey, Takato." Ryo greeted.
"Ryo," Takato was happy to see him again, it'd been a year since they'd destroyed the D-Reaper, and they hadn't seen eachother since, "hows it been?"
"Pretty good, what about you?"
"Glad there's no more trouble." Takato smiled.
"Um, excuse me.." Mako chimed in, "Hate to ruin your friendly reunion but I kinda need to borrow Ryo for a moment."
"And who're you?" Ryo asked.
"My name's Mako and this is Wizardmon-"
"Wizardmon!" Ryo's faced brightened as he came outside. "It's been a while."
"It has." Wizardmon nodded.
Mako looked irritated, being the only one not getting the attention she needed to ask for help.
"How's it been?" Ryo asked, "Found your partner yet?"
"Yes, in fact this is her." Wizardmon said, looking at Mako.
"Oh, I see." Ryo looked at Mako, then turned back to Wizardmon, "So you needed something?"
"Yes, we need your help." Wizardmon replied.
"Why don't you guys come in to talk about it?" Ryo invited them, "Just try to avoid my dad, he's a little edgy today." Ryo explained with an embarressed grin.
Inside Ryo's living room, they sat at the perfect square table on the couch, and Ryo's Digimon, Monodramon, joined them.
"So, what exactly did you need help with?" Ryo asked as he brought drinks and a plate of snacks in.
"Well, you see, it seems we've time traveled through a Green Route."
Ryo instantly jumped to his feet, "A Green Route?!"
Wizardmon nodded, "Indeed."
"I've never traveled on a green one before." Ryo said.
"This could mean trouble?" Takato looked worried.
Ryo looked down, "It could."
"What kind of trouble?" Mako asked.
"Big trouble.." Ryo replied, looking up. "Do you have a Modify Card?"
"A what?" Mako raised an eyebrow, clueless.
"A Modify Card.." Ryo repeated.
"Like this.." Takato pulled his out and handed it to Mako.
Mako looked at it.
"What about your crest?" Wizardmon asked.
"My crest..?" Mako pulled the end of the string out from under her shirt, where her crest had been safely tucked away. "IT'S GONE!!!" Mako exclaimed.
"Calm down!" Wizardmon ordered, "It turned into a Modify Card."
"How wierd.." Mako said, looking at it, comparing it to Takato's.
"What about your Digivice?" Ryo asked.
Mako pulled it out of her pocket, "It looks different too.."
"Just as I thought." Ryo looked down.
"Huh?" Everyone looked up at him.
"A D-3."
"D-3?" Mako asked.
"Yeah. It's the latest version of the Digivices."
"How come everythings changed?" Mako asked.
"Apparently traveling ahead in time has updated your accessories." Ryo explained.
"But what for?" Takato wondered.
"There must be a reason." Wizardmon said.
Ryo nodded, "I agree. There has to be some reason. And further more, why is there now a Green Route?" Ryo looked doubtful. "There's never been a Green Route, but why green?"
"Maybe so we wouldn't suspect it?" Guilmon asked as he continued eating off the snack tray.
"He has a point." Wizardmon said.
"If the route were black would you have suspected something a little more?" Mako looked at Ryo.
"Maybe.." Ryo admitted.
"Guilmon's right." Takato said, "If it were a dark color we'd probably suspect something more."
Mako looked down, Guilmon asked, "What do you think this means?"
Ryo looked hesitant to say so but he said what he thought, "There's gonna be another dispute with the Digital World and the Real World."
Everyone's spirits sank, especially Takato, Guilmon, Monodramon, Ryo and Wizardmon's.
"How can this be?" Takato seemed upset, "We just had a dispute with the Digital World a year ago!"
"I don't know.." Ryo said, sitting back down. "We have to act quickly though."
"Should we tell the others?" Takato asked.
"I don't know, if we can fix the problem before it becomes big enough to involve the others then we shouldn't disrupt them too." Ryo said.
Takato nodded, understanding.
Ryo left the room without another word.
Mako looked at Wizardmon, hopelessly, "Was this our fault?"
Wizardmon hadn't put that into consideration yet, "I... don't know."
Ryo came back, "We'll go to where you came through the portal, if we can go through the route backwards and end up in the Digital World, we can close it off from there."
The others got up, "Right."
~~~~~
Back at where Takato, Wizardmon and Mako met, the group stood around near the place they came through, getting ready to open the portal with their D- 3's.
"Ok, all we have to do is hold up our Digivices face toward the sky and hope the port'll open." Ryo said to the gang. "We ready?"
"Wait." Mako jumped in.
Ryo looked at her, "What?"
"How're we gonna get in it from down here? It'll probably appear up there right? How're we supposed to get up there?" Mako asked.
Ryo looked blank a moment.
"She's right.." Takato said.
There was a period of silence.
Ryo dropped his shoulders, "Did we have to make this complicated?" He had an irritated expression.
Mako shrugged, "It would've been pointless to open the portal without being able to reach it."
Ryo sighed, knowing this was true.
"What now?" Guilmon asked.
"I dunno.." Takato replied.
"Well it looks like we'll just have to go through a different portal to the Digital World and find the end of the Green Route and close it off that way." Ryo said.
"Where's there another portal?" Takato asked.
"In the park, remember where we came through with the Arc? That portal might still be open." Ryo said.
"Right." Takato nodded, and followed him.
Mako looked at Wizardmon as the others left, "Oh Wizardmon, I don't think I can go.." She sighed.
"Why? What do you mean?" Wizardmon asked.
"I don't know.. I just kind of..." Mako looked at the others who were way off in the distance now, "can't trust them.." She looked back at Wizardmon, "Can't we just let them take care of this?"
"What's wrong Mako? Where's your courage gone?"
Mako looked down, hopelessly, More like where has my trust gone... She thought.
"Can't we just let them handle it? They're guys they should be able to.." Mako asked.
"We can't get back to our time if we don't go with them."
"Actually to be honest, you won't be able to get back to your time anyway."
Mako gasped and spun around to face a dark shadow under the shade of a tree. "Who're you?!"
The shadow only smirked and vanished.
Wizardmon was disturbed, "We should go, I don't have a good feeling about this at all!"
"But-"
"C'mon!" Wizardmon started running after Takato, Ryo and the others.
Mako was unsure, she stared at the place the shadow figure had been leaning against the tree.
"Mako!"
Mako turned her head, "Coming..." She slowly started to turn and run after Wizardmon.
When Wizardmon and Mako had reached where Ryo and Takato were waiting, they were ready to open the portal.
"What took?" Ryo asked.
"Nothing." Wizardmon shook his head, "It's nothing. Are we ready to open the portal?"
"Yeah. Mako, you ready?" Ryo asked.
Mako pulled out her D-3, "Yes, let 'er rip!"
"Digi Portal, open!" Takato and Ryo shouted as all three held their D-3's toward the area they had landed the Arc at. A Digi Portal opened.
"Quickly, before it closes!" Ryo ordered, as he followed Takato, Guilmon and Monodramon in. He turned around to look at Mako, "C'mon! It'll close in a second!"
Mako looked scared, frozen stiff as sweat rolled down the side of her face.
Wizardmon pushed her leg, "C'mon Mako! We have to go!" Wizardmon was able to push her in and get in himself just in time before it closed.
~~~~~
When they landed in the Digital World, Ryo got up and brushed himself off.
"Well, that was a fall.." Takato said, still sitting on the ground.
"Mako, what was that?!" Ryo turned to Mako who was sitting on the ground, sweat dripping from her face.
She closed her eyes as teardrops lined her eyes and rolled down her face. She didn't know.
Wizardmon put a hand on her shoulder, "Mako.. are you Ok?"
Mako looked up, her eyes glossy with tears, "Huh?" She forced a smile, "Yeah.. I'm Ok..." Mako got up, whiping her face with her arm.
"You don't look so well Mako.." Guilmon said.
"I'm fine." Mako convinced him.
"We should move, if we don't find the Green Route soon it might mean a lot more trouble for Japan." Ryo suggested.
The others nodded in agreement and they started their journy through the Digital World. The others started walking ahead, leaving Mako a little ways behind.
~~~~~
As they found themselves at the end of the tropical forest and entering a dessert area, Ryo stopped.
"Should we go ahead?" Takato asked.
"It'll be a little risky, but we don't have time to mess around." Ryo said.
Mako sighed, He sure never seems to be in a good mood at all... "Hmm.."
They continued into the dessert, eventually the tropical forest out of site and hidden behind sand doons and hills. Mako walked heavily behind the rest.
"I wonder if we'll ever find the portal.." She sighed to herself, then suddenly was pulled underground without a trace.
"Mako, do you think --" Wizardmon looked over his shoulder and stopped, "Mako!?"
"What is it Wizardmon?" Takato stopped and turned a bit to look at him. "Mako? Where's Mako??" He started looking around.
"She disappeared without a trace!" Wizardmon exclaimed, running to where she had stood and was sucked under as well.
"No, not him too!" Ryo watched Takato go after them with Guilmon close behind, and followed.
-----
Mako found herself in what was like a play house.
"This reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.." She said looking around. She looked at herself, "And I remind myself too." Her clothes had been changed into doll-like clothes. "Eh, somebody needs a new woredrobe... huh?" Mako looked up when she saw a door appear in front of her. "A door..." Wonder what could be behind it... Mako looked seriously at it, studying it. She decided she'd never know until she tried and slowly reached for the handle. She turned the golden knob and it swung open on its own. Reluctently, she went inside and found herself falling in a stream of light. "WAAHHH!!! Huh?? It looks like I'm not getting anywhere.. am I really falling?" Mako looked under her, she saw nothing but the stream of light continue. "Is there an end to this?"
-----
Wizardmon, Ryo, Monodramon and Takato landed on their feet, Guilmon ending up on his head, then on his side.
"Where are we?" Takato looked around.
"Be cautious, there could be anything ready to jump out at us." Ryo warned.
Takato nodded, "Right."
"Hey look!" Guilmon exclaimed when he saw the door, "There's a door."
"Mako must've gone through it." Wizardmon said.
"Then lets follow her." Takato started running, followed by the others, but the door seemed to keep moving with him. "Why isn't it getting any closer?" Takato seemed frustrated. The group stopped, as well as the door.
"Now that's.. wierd." Ryo said.
"Lets try this one more time." Takato suggested, then the five started running toward it again, but it wouldn't stay still. "Man, what's up with this?"
"Ok, Ok.. let me think for a minute.... Takato, try running up to it and we'll stay behind."
Takato nodded, "Ok, worth a try." Takato started running but it grew further away from the other five.
"STOP!" Ryo imediately ordered.
"What?"
"Now it's further away from us!" Ryo said.
"Oh man." Takato sighed.
"Just don't walk backwards Ok? You're still the closest." Wizardmon said.
"Right."
"Now, let me try to get closer." Ryo said and started walking closer, Takato and the door moving. "Ah.. that didn't work."
"You didn't get anywhere.." Takato stated.
"But I was walking, how wierd." Ryo replied.
"Now what?" Monodramon asked.
"Takatomon, try to jump toward the door and catch it by surprise!" Guilmon suggested.
"Well we don't have any other bright ideas, so might as well try." Ryo looked at Takato.
"Ok." Takato threw himself toward the door and landed on his chin, getting nowhere. "Ouch, geez..."
Ryo hit his forehead, Monodramon laughing under his breath at Takato.
Takato got up and brushed himself off, "Well ... that went .. well."
"I don't understand why this is happening.." Wizardmon said, wonderingly. "We have to find Mako soon though, she might be in trouble!"
"Wizardmon's right.." Guilmon agreed.
"How're we gonna get past though?" Monodramon asked.
"Guilmon dunno.." Guilmon sighed.
To Be Continued....
Will Ryo, Monodramon, Takato, Guilmon and Wizardmon ever figure out how to get to the door? What is this crazy place? Will Mako ever stop falling? Find out on the next episode!