Once school ended, Akari, Cho and Fukuko were headed home. However, all three agreed to meet up later to patrol for rogue Digimon.

And it was not long until that time came. While Fukuko stayed by their side, the girl said, "Now, I am hoping that by tomorrow, we can maybe split up in order to cover more ground."

"Why not do that now?" Cho asked as the green-haired girl replied, "Simply put, I'm guessing have no idea what powers you possess yet."

Akari and Cho both looked at one-another and nodded. After all, they had only just received their diamonds that morning. They were yet to transform.

"Say, there's something else I need to ask," Cho stated, "Do Digimon only appear during the evening? That seems kind of strange."

"I see your point," Fukuko replied, "and to be honest, I don't really get it myself. I mean, I fought many Digimon in my hometown and they all appeared between five and eleven. And it's not like a lot of them look like they should be nocturnal, either."

Akari simply sported a soft smile and said, "Well, whatever the reason, at least they seem to have a schedule. That makes things easier for us," Cho nodding and replying, "Yep, she's right. If it's convenient, it's not worth questioning."

Fukuko simply snickered and said, "It's amazing how much you two can accept. Most people would have trouble taking all of this in."

However, while the group patrolled, they were relieved to find that there seemed to be no Digimon present in the area. And Fukuko could tell if there was danger nearby. See, due to her having rabbit ears when she transformed, she had developed super-human hearing, so if anyone was suffering, even in her human state, she could hear it.

"Well, seems you won't be seeing your powers in action," Fukuko said with a shrug, "Honestly, I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed."

"Well, I'm a tad disappointed," Cho remarked with a sigh, but Akari was just happy to have spent the evening with Fukuko. Until now, she had been rather worried that she and Cho would never get a chance to see her outside of school.

With all said and done, the girls headed off to their respective homes, coming to Fukuko's first. The green-haired girl happily waved goodbye before heading into her house, the others waving back.

Once she entered, her mother noticed her and said, "Welcome back, Fukuko. Did you learn a lot?" the green-haired girl blinking until she suddenly remembered that her parents thought she was at the library studying.

"Oh, yeah, of course," Fukuko fibbed with a big grin, her father saying, "I just gotta say, it's nice to finally see you making friends. You should invite them over sometime."

"Muto," the girl's mother remarked, "she doesn't have to if she doesn't want to."

"What's wrong with a little encouragement?" the man remarked, "I just wanna meet Fukuko's friends. I wanna make sure I can trust them."

Fukuko was rather surprised to hear all of this. Normally, her parents did not seem to care much about what she did outside of school. All the long nights she spent out on the town never bothered them and yet now they were taking interest in her personal life. Perhaps it was because neither of them were used to her going out with friends.

And Muto's words actually stuck in Fukuko's mind. Perhaps she would invite them over sometime, most likely during the weekend before the evening. That way she could see them outside of school for reasons that had nothing to do with her duties.

The following day during lunch, Fukuko had brought up the very subject to Cho and Akari seeing as Saturday was only two days away. And needless to say, both girls were more than happy to go through with this.

"Well, it'll certainly be a nice change of pace," Cho stated with a grin, "and it'll be at a good time too."

"I just can't wait to meet your parents," Akari said with a big smile.

Fukuko simply grinned wide and stated, "I can't believe I've been missing this for so many years. Having friends is awesome," the other two girls chuckling while patting her shoulders.

And so the rest of the day went as always with Fukuko and the others once again out on patrol. But unlike the previous night, a Digimon had actually appeared and was currently terrorizing two kids and their mother.

This one was smaller than the last two as it was the exact size of the kids. It was a strange hairy creature with a big mouth that was wide open and showing razor sharp teeth. It had four bat wings coming out of the sides of its head and wore a spiked bracelet on its right wrist.

The creature was making loud noises and forming shock waves, the mother and kids trying their best to get away. Fukuko frowned and said, "Alright, you two ready?"

Cho nodded as Akari asked, "How do we use our diamonds?" Cho blinking and uttering, "That's actually a good question. That had completely slipped my mind."

Fukuko took a deep breath and replied, "It took me a few minutes to figure it out myself, but all you have to do is think hard about protecting those in need."

Cho smirked and said, "That should be easy," Akari nodding as the two focused hard.

However, while Fukuko managed to transform, for whatever reason, Akari and Cho had not. Their diamonds had not even glowed for a second, but why? Had they done something wrong?

Fukuko was a tad worried but knew she had little time to think about this. As such, she immediately raced toward the bat-like creature and spat, "BUNNY BLAST!" opening her mouth and unleashing a green ball of energy, striking the Digimon hard.

The Digimon screeched in pain while Fukuko easily finished it off with another one, its body turning into data just like that of the dinosaur two nights ago. The mother and kids simply stared at her, smiles forming on their faces as they expressed a great deal of gratitude. But while the mother was grateful beyond measure, the kids were just excited to be in the presence of the superhero who had defeated the dinosaur two evenings ago.

Fukuko simply chuckled and said, "Well, just stay safe," the kids nodding and replying, "We will," before heading home with their mother.

With that, the girl returned to the other two, Akari happy that all had gone well while Cho looked disappointed. She had been looking forward to using her power since she got the diamond and yet it had failed her. But why?

With all said and done, the group headed home as Cho still looked disappointed, Fukuko giving her a look of concern and saying, "Look, don't let this get to you. I'm sure you just weren't focusing hard enough."

Cho let out a sigh and remarked, "No, I was focusing as hard as I possibly could," Akari nodding and adding, "Me too."

Fukuko was drawing a blank right now. She wanted to be more supportive, but this was the first for her. They were the only other diamond-holders she had met. Maybe they needed something else to trigger the transformation.

"Don't worry about it, okay?" Fukuko said with a warm smile, "Next time a Digimon attacks, I'm sure you two will be ready."

Akari had a hopeful smile while Cho was unsure now. She really had tried her hardest to get the transformation to activate. She had never been more focused on anything in her life. So why had the transformation failed?

These thoughts stuck with Cho all night and even into the wee hours of the morning. She was so focused on this that she was taking longer than usual getting ready for school. Sure, she still paced herself so she would make it on time. After all, she did not wish to worry her family. But at the same time, her mind was not truly focused on school.

However, just as she was about to leave, her cellphone started to ring. Cho quickly pulled it out of her pocket and held it to her ear, saying, "Hey."

"Hey there, Cho," came Fukuko's voice, Cho's eyes going wide as she said, "Oh, right, you have our numbers now."

"Yeah," Fukuko replied while running through the downtown area and exclaiming, "Look, we might be late for school!"

"Why would all three of us...?" Cho asked as the green-haired girl cut in, stating, "I heard screams of terror coming from the subway station! I know it sounds weird after everything I've told you and seen, but I think there might be a Digimon there!"

Cho's eyes widened as she saw this as a perfect opportunity, the girl pulling her diamond out of her pocket and staring at it briefly while Fukuko asked, "You still there?"

Cho placed the diamond back in her pocket and replied, "You better believe it! I'll be there in a flash!"

Fukuko smiled with confidence and replied, "Good. I've called up Akari already, so don't worry about that."

And with that, Cho immediately sprinted out the door, though she still had her backpack with her so her parents would not catch onto what she was doing. And it was at this moment that Akari was running by, both giving each-other a wave before dashing off toward the subway.

"I can't believe it," Cho said through deep breaths, "I hope they don't make this a regular thing," Akari nodding and replying, "I know what you mean. I've never been late for school before."

"True, but remember, the lives of the innocent are much more important than our attendance record," Cho replied, Akari nodding with a light smile, trying her best to see this as a true bright side.

Right now, a part of her was unsure of whether or not she should sacrifice her perfect attendance for this. On one hand, it was just as Cho said. The lives of the innocent were more important than perfect attendance. But on the other hand, Fukuko had proven herself capable of taking the Digimon on her own. Maybe she did not need their help.

Even so, Akari knew that leaving Fukuko alone for her own personal benefit would have made her a bad friend, so all she could think about right now to helping out and stopping whatever this threat was. After all, with that diamond in hand, it was her duty now.

With that in mind, both arrived at the subway station just as Fukuko had arrived, the green-haired girl grinning at the two and giving them thumbs up before heading down the steps leading underground. Cho and Akari smiled back and followed close behind. Somehow, they were going to get their diamonds to work this time even if it meant focusing harder than ever before.

When the three entered the train station, their eyes widened at the sight of a giant snow-white cobra wrecking havoc. It was a truly horrifying sight with its blood-shot eyes and a horn on its temple. The snake's hood was actually a big purple turtle shell with a silver carapace. In fact, it looked like it was made of metal. It also wore what looked like a green battle vest around its neck and had a purple belly.

Many civilians were still fleeing for their lives while one was caught in the snake's tail, the cobra opening its mouth. Seeing as none of the people were focused on her, Fukuko figured now was as good a time as ever to transform as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, her diamond glowing bright.

With that, Fukuko's rabbit ears formed, her hair turning white and her clothes replaced by her dress. The girl was ready as she sprinted toward the snake and leapt high into the air, sending both her feet hard into its cheek.

This seemed to have no effect, but it certainly distracted the creature as it dropped its hostage, the person also fleeing from the area. Fukuko leapt away from the snake and took a deep breath, glad the potential victim had at least escaped.

With that in mind, Akari and Cho nodded at one-another before focusing hard and thinking about helping their new friend out. They were completely focused on protecting the lives of the innocent. And yet despite all of this, nothing seemed to be happening. Just like before, the diamonds were not lighting up nor were the two transforming.

Akari was trembling now as Cho gritted her teeth, Fukuko flashing them a grin and saying, "Don't worry, guys. I got this. You'll get it eventually, I know it."

Of course, Fukuko really had no idea what was going on or if the diamonds would ever work, but even so, she had to focus on defeating this cobra. And she would need to be completely focused as the snake seemed to be giving her a rather strange look, the snake fixated on her.

Fukuko noticed this and felt confused for a few seconds, but she soon figured out what was going on before thinking, 'Oh yeah, I'm part rabbit in this state.'

With that, she gulped nervously as the cobra opened its mouth wide, lunging at her. However, Fukuko was fast and this proved very useful as she leapt over the snake's head, kicking it in the skull. However, just like before, her kick seemed to have had no effect.

With that in mind, she quickly opened her mouth as a green ball of energy formed, the girl shouting, "BUNNY BLAST!" and unleashing the energy hard into the snake's face, smoke forming around it.

Unfortunately, Fukuko seemed to have done absolutely nothing as the snake burst through the smoke and lunged at her again, the girl dodging just in time as the Digimon snapped its jaws at her. It was just as she suspected. This snake wanted Fukuko for breakfast.

With that in mind, the girl continued to avoid her attacks while Akari cupped her hands together, hoping for the best. Seeing another energy ball fail to deal damage, Cho simply gritted her teeth and spat, "HEY, YOU MIGHT WANNA BECOME THAT OTHER FORM!"

Fukuko nodded and replied, "Yes, it's clear this one's not doing me any good," before closing her eyes and thinking, 'Please, spirit of the diamond. Give me the power to protect this city.'

With that, a brilliant green glow covered the girl's body as she changed form just like she had when fighting the fire-breathing dinosaur. Her forearms were replaced by machine guns and she now wore a tube top, blue jeans and a bullet belt like a sash.

The cobra seemed unfazed by this as the girl once again avoided being eaten. With that, she proceeded to aim her left arm at the snake while shouting, "GARGO PELLETS!"

With that, she unleashed a barrage of bullets from the machine gun. However, while these had a great effect on the dinosaur, the cobra seemed to have taken in no damage whatsoever. It did not wince, it did not flinch and not one bullet hole appeared on its body.

"Oh no," Akari whimpered, fear taking over as Fukuko gave her a nervous grin and said, "Don't worry. Physical force should work. After all, these guns are made from solid metal, right?"

Cho's eyes widened as the snake took full advantage of Fukuko's back being turned to her. However, the girl had seen this coming and was actually hoping for it as she smirked and leapt high off of the ground, sending a hard punch into the cobra's chin.

"BUNNY PUMMEL!" Fukuko exclaimed as the snake actually did show a slight reaction to this. Sure, it was not much, but its chin was forced slightly upward from the impact proving that this had at least done some damage.

Akari beamed and clapped while squealing, "Way to go, Fukuko!" Cho wanting to be as enthusiastic right now. However, she felt rather worried as Akari turned to her and asked, "What's wrong? She finally did some damage?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't much damage," Cho replied, gritting her teeth and growling, "I should be in there helping her out! Why can't I transform!?"

Akari had almost let that slip her mind, and Cho was right. Despite doing some damage, Fukuko looked like she still needed help.

However, the green-haired girl did not want her new friends to worry. As such, she proceeded to strike the snake a second time, this time causing it to back up a small distance as she said, "Guys, don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

However, just as she was about to send in another punch, the cobra had already seen enough of her attack to dodge it with ease. Fukuko's eyes widened as the snake proceeded to grab her ankles with its tail, slamming her back hard against the floor.

"FUKUKO!" Akari squeaked as Cho clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.

Feeling useless, the blue-haired girl proceeded to charge toward the snake. Sure, Fukuko would not have approved of fighting a Digimon in her human state, but right now, Cho had no time to try and figure out how the diamond worked.

Unfortunately, this proved ineffective as the snake easily whipped her to the side, sending her into the wall where the train tracks were and hissing menacingly. It was a good thing the trains had been stopped in response to the attack otherwise Cho could have been at risk of being run over.

Akari screamed in terror and ran over to Cho's side, helping her up and carrying her off the tracks. It seemed neither of the two were of any help right now. It was so unfair. The two of them had the means of which to help Fukuko defeat the Digimon and yet for some reason, they were unable to use them.

Fukuko looked at her friend briefly with concern before noticing the snake looming over her, opening its mouth wide. As the cobra proceeded to lower its head, bringing it closer and closer to the girl, Fukuko simply threw her fists up in an arch formation, sending each one into one of the cobra's cheeks.

Unfortunately, the snake completely ignored the pain as Fukuko desperately pointed both guns at its open mouth, unleashing a barrage of bullets. Unfortunately, despite aiming into the Digimon's mouth this time, her bullets once again had no effect, Cho regaining consciousness just in time to witness what happened next, Akari's eyes going wide with terror.

Fukuko's head was now in the cobra's mouth as the green-haired girl struggled to free herself. She slammed her machine guns repeatedly into the cobra's cheeks but to no avail as the Digimon threw its head up and opened wider. This allowed Fukuko's entire body to slide into its throat as it closed its mouth tight, swallowing the girl whole.

All went silent as Akari's entire body started to shake. Tears formed in her eyes as her lips started to quiver, the girl sniffing. She could not believe what she had just seen.

However, while Cho was also saddened by this, more of her was filled with anger and frustration. She felt as if this had been partly her fault, her teeth gritted and her fists clenched all the while.

It was at this moment her diamond started to glow as she exclaimed, "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, YOU BASTARD!"

The snake was now fixated on Cho started to change. Her hair became a slightly lighter shade of blue while dog ears sprouted up from the top. A red headband formed and wrapped itself around the top of her head. Light with Fukuko, her regular clothes vanished and were soon replaced, though instead of a dress, she was wearing a blue open fighter's vest with a black tube top to cover her chest. She sported a pair of black shorts as a small dog tail of the same colour stuck out of her rear end. A pair of boxing gloves formed on her hands while her shoes were replaced by red runners, her transformation now complete.

Akari stared in shock, now curious as to why the diamond had worked this time when hers still would not work. Cho, however, did not even care that she had transformed as she was much too focused on avenging Fukuko.

With that in mind, she sprinted quickly toward the cobra with her right fist reeled back. Just as the snake decided it may as well make her its next meal, the girl waited for its head to get close enough before ramming her fist hard into its skull.

Despite the fact that her form should have technically been weaker than Fukuko's second form had been, this ended up dealing much more pain as the cobra winced in response to the hit. With that, Cho refused to let up as she held out her arms, spinning like a top and exclaiming, "DOUBLE BACKHAND!"

With that, her fists batted the cobra's cheek repeatedly, the snake's head reeling to the side. After a few good hits, it backed up and glared at the blue-haired girl while Akari bit her lip, hoping this really would be enough to stop this threat.

However, things took a turn for worse when the cobra reached its tail down its throat and pulled out lance with a purple spearhead on the end. Akari was horrified now and yet Cho did not seem the least bit intimidated. Right now, she was too infuriated to care what her opponent threw at her.

The cobra jabbed the weapon toward the girl only for her to dive forward and roll under it. With that, she proceeded to ram her body hard into the snake's chest while shouting, "ROLLING UPPER!"

Before the cobra could even try to respond, Cho proceeded to send punch after punch into its body, exclaiming, "GAO RUSH!" the cobra unable to comprehend how it was taking in so much damage from her.

And with one last blow to the face, the snake was out cold, Akari breathing heavily at the sight of this. The cobra's body turned into data and floated into the air, vanishing from the area while Cho fell on one knee, her hand against the floor while she breathed heavily and returned to her normal state.

However, while she had won the fight, there was still something wrong. A part of her was really hoping that Fukuko would still be alive when the cobra's body vaporized. After all, it was a well-known fact that it days for snakes to digest their food.

Unfortunately, the only thing that remained of the girl was her diamond, which had a bright glow around it. The light formed into the shape of a pudgy rabbit with a horn.

Akari and Cho stared at this with confusion until the diamond shattered, the rabbit shape becoming dust and blowing out of the area. Whatever that was, it was clear what this meant. Fukuko was dead.

However, while Akari still had tears in her eyes, Cho gritted her teeth and let down even more. She then proceeded to clutch onto the sides of her skull and let out a loud cry into the air. Not only was she stricken with grief for the loss of her new friend but she also felt like this was all her fault, that if she had figured out how to get her diamond to work earlier this never would have happened.