A/N: We're halfway through this story. Including this, I'd say just 2.5 chapters left (by my estimation). I'm saving the heavy action for the finale with Basilikmon.

In this installment, you'll see what strengthens the bond between Kotori and Himura.

This chapter title is fitting and you'll see why. :D

Enjoy.

xxxxx

Chapter 4

Act IV: The Raven and the Wolf

xxxxx

'My love. Asgard is under siege! Ragnarok is upon us! Our people need to stand united and put aside all bickering. Loki is adamant about destroying Asgard…'

'I'll fight alongside you and the maidens. No matter what happens to us… even if it means the fall of our long-standing heaven kingdoms. If we are to die, then let us perish together.'

'And I will do so holding your hand.'

Standing face to face was a couple. Both wore heavy body armor. The young woman in question wore obsidian black armor, which concealed nearly her whole body. Her long dark hair hung out over her back as her hazel eyes stared into the young man in question. He was slightly taller, wearing white armor and had short dark blue hair.

As both leaned forward to kiss, an explosion erupted in the background that swallowed the surroundings. The explosion blew the two lovers back. Both tried to reach out for each other's hands, but the winds kept them divided from one another's reach.

'Siegfried!'

'Brunhilde! Reach for my hand!'

As Brunhilde tried to fly out and reach her lover…

Shick.

A long blade protruded Brunhilde's chest, prompting Siegfried to fly toward her. Brunhilde's eyes widened in shock as her eyes settled over the blade jutting out her chest. She grabbed the blade and raised her head, giving faint and shallow breaths.

'Siegfried…'

"No… Brunh…!'

The entire scene was quickly engulfed by light as the two lovers' fates remained vague.

xxxxx

Fangmon Territory/March 30, 2001/9:38 AM

Sitting up quickly, Kotori screamed and glanced ahead in a trance-like state. Her face was covered in layers of damp sweat. She felt her heart racing like a horse as she stared at her hands and heavily panted.

"Again? It's that same damn dream I've been having for a few months," Kotori panted as she wiped her hands across her face. But, this dream… and those two people… it's been happening more frequently. "Is this some kind of message behind these visions? They feel real… yet I should know they're just dreams. Oh, what the hell am I kidding?"

"Talking to yourself, Kotori?" Seadramon interjected, awakened by his partner's sudden alarm. "Is it that dream again?"

"You know me too well, Seadramon."

"That's why you've been stressed lately. You haven't been able to get any sleep."

Kotori threw a giant leaf she used as a blanket and stretched her arms behind her head. Yawning, she saw Himura and Inumon asleep peacefully.

"Yet he's been able to get more sleep than I have."

The sea serpent chortled. "They're asleep like logs."

"Wish I were like that now. I could use some good sleep without that stupid dream again."

"About this dream… you said there were two lovers?"

Kotori nodded, yawning with her hand covering her mouth. "Yeah and I told you the woman I saw looked like me."

"Maybe it was you, but it was just a dream?"

"Funny thing is… the lover looked like Himura. If you want to believe that or not…"

"Himura, eh?" Seadramon pivoted his view over the boy and the dark canine asleep atop of each other. "Somehow, I can believe it. You do like Himura, don't you?"

"What ever gave you that idea?" The tomboy snorted as she seemingly wanted to deny this question. "Don't be stupid, Seadramon. Himura is just someone who wanted to tag along. Once we get back home, we'll just go our separate ways."

"Are you sure? Is this just a temporary alliance?"

"Yep and nothing more. You think I'm someone who needs a guy in my life? I can take care of myself just fine, Seadramon."

Shaking his head, Seadramon realized that convincing his thick-headed partner wouldn't work out. He added nothing more to the exchange and watched Himura slowly waking up. Kotori turned around and caught Himura sitting up while stretching his arms.

"…morning already?" Himura groaned, yawning with his mouth open.

Kotori turned away with disgust. "Cover your mouth, why don't you? It's contagious when you yawn with your damn mouth open."

"Huh? What?" Himura replied, barely able to understand Kotori in his half-awakened state. "What's contagious?"

Right on cue, Inumon lifted his head and yawned.

"Nothing. Look, we're only about halfway across the Underworld," Kotori addressed to everyone. "It's been about two weeks since we left that Cerberumon village." Stepping forward, she gazed toward a rock formation with a waterfall pouring into a seemingly bottomless lake. Her mind reflected to the numerous villages she and the group passed by. "According to the natives, we're halfway across, but yet the journey has been endless. We've had to fight off a bunch of bad tempered Digimon."

"Heh, luckily we were there to keep them at bay," Seadramon proudly proclaimed.

"Well, we are in a Digital World. They're supposed to be big like our own world would be, Kotori."

"At least we don't have to swim across oceans," Inumon pointed out.

"But, we've had to cross long stretches of cold deserts and barren wastelands," the tomboy corrected the canine. "Look the point is… I feel we're making little progress. How do we even know we're even halfway toward Anubimon's pyramid?"

"I know," Inumon stated. "I have a good feeling we are."

"And you have evidence to back up that claim, pup?"

The black-furred canine immediately shook his head. "No. I don't."

"Lighten up, Kotori. Don't be so hard on him," Himura interceded in his partner's defense. "If he says we're going the right way, I believe him."

"You, too? Ugh, whatever," she turned away and scoffed. "Believe whatever you want, but I find it hard to accept that we're going the right direction!"

"Kotori! Stop being so damn hostile!"

"Only because I'm irritable and haven't had any good sleep! So, butt out!"

"Not until you tell me why you've been getting lack of sleep! You've looked stressed since we left the Cerberumon village! Just tell me what's wrong and not hide whatever secret you have bottled up! What are you afraid of?"

Taken aback by his remark, Kotori whirled around and snapped. "I'm NOT afraid of anything! Just leave me alone!"

"Kotori, I…" An unhinged Himura backed off, being careful not to provoke the tomboy any further.

Inumon and Seadramon faced each other, expressing concern for their partner's hostile interaction. Naturally, Kotori would only playfully tease and put on a cold act to hide her true feelings for him. But, this was the first time Himura has ever seen her provocation level this high before. Coupled with her dreams, Kotori has been distant from him despite having been traveling with him.

Out of the whole group, she's only been very open with Seadramon.

"Why not just open up with me? We're supposed to be friends…"

Kotori quietly responded. "No. This is just business between us. Once we save Anubimon and seal Basilikmon, we'll go home and go our own ways. You have a family waiting for you and I've got a cousin worrying for me."

"Cousin? You never said anything about a cousin…"

"His name his Phillipe. That's all you need to know."

"Listen, Kotori…"

"I don't want to hear it. Let's get moving," the dark blue-haired girl turned as she nodded to Seadramon. "We're leaving now, Seadramon."

"Yes," Seadramon said as he flew over and settled on the ground. As Kotori sat on his back, he carried her into the air.

"Inumon, ready?"

"Yeah," Inumon replied as she and Himura paced forward with a long journey ahead for them.

xxxxx

Once the group came to a pass, they stopped as Seadramon and Inumon sensed a distress nearby. Abruptly concerned with their partners' alarm, Kotori and Himura stared ahead at a pack of animals blocking their way. The animals were Digimon that resembled skinny hyena-like canines with long snouts.

The pack each wore deceptive smiles as they stalked towards the group.

"Ugh, just what we needed," Inumon growled, baring his fangs while fiercely standing his ground. He balled up his fists as Seadramon hissed and reared his head back. "Seadramon, let's make this fast and evolve."

Seadramon concurred while hissing. "The last thing we need are more delays."

"What are those things?" Himura exclaimed.

"I don't want to find out," Kotori frowned as she drew out her D-3.

"They're Fangmon. My Cerberumon villagers have had a lot of issues with these scum-sucking scavengers. They're sneaky opportunists and have no remorse for whatever they hunt. Fangmon are more dangerous when in packs."

"Seems like you've had your fair share of fights with these guys," Seadramon added.

"Believe me. We've had to kill some to drive them out of our village."

"Well, now, you can show us how you deal with these guys," the dark-haired pre-teen said as he held his D-3 in front of Inumon. "Take care of them, Inumon!"

"Seadramon, take them out!" Kotori commanded.

With that, the Chosen's D-3s lit up and fired beams at the pair. Inumon and Seadramon received their initial power boost that allowed them to evolve.

"Seadramon… CHOU SHINKA! MegaSeadramon!"

"Inumon… CHOU SHINKA! HellInumon!"

Without hesitation, the Fangmon pack stormed toward HellInumon and MegaSeadramon. The Chosen quickly took cover behind a stone and watched their partners proceed to engage the lowly opportunists.

"Are those humans over there?" The Fangmon pack leader snarled as he charged directly toward Kotori and Himura. "I wonder how human flesh tastes like! I suppose I'll find out!"

"Damn! Get down!" Kotori shouted as she pushed Himura behind the rock. She, too, fell down and lied next to Himura.

Wham!

Suddenly, the Fangmon leader fell back after MegaSeadramon swiped him aside with his massive tail. MegaSeadramon hissed and flew right into the Fangmon leader, headbutting him aside.

"Nice save, MegaSeadramon. Now, let's get serious!" HellInumon smiled with wicked glee as he charged at a Fangmon pair. He headbutted one aside and swiped the other with a claw strike.

"Wow, look at them go!" Himura said as he was drawn into the heated, ongoing skirmish.

Kotori smirked. "Well, those stupid dogs should know better than to mess with MegaSeadramon."

"And HellInumon."

"Right…"

As the battle with the Fangmon flared, a passerby stopped and observed the heated scuffle. The individual resembled a young girl wearing a red witch's outfit – including the hat and pointed shoes. She wore short blonde-hair and rode atop of a broom.

The curious witch snapped her fingers as her broom vanished.

"Huh. Looks like they might need some help," the young witch murmured as she snuck through bushes to get a closer observation. She stopped and noticed the Underworld Chosen nearby. "Two human children? Wait… could it be they're Anubimon's Chosen… AH! They must need my help!" She abruptly called to Kotori and Himura, feverishly waving her hands over her head. "HEY! YOU TWO! YOU'RE THE CHOSEN!"

Suddenly taken by surprise, Kotori and Himura turned around in alarm. They gawked at Witchmon, who jumped out and raced toward them.

"A girl?" Himura blinked.

"More like a witch," Kotori remarked.

"Hello, hello! I'm Witchmon of the Baluluna Clan! I'm from Witchelny! I've traveled afar from my former land and am a former student & professor from the Witchelny Academy!"

"Yes and what can we help you with?" The pre-teen male addressed to the Digimon. "We're busy as you can see."

"Our Digimon is taking care of these freaks," the tomboy promptly stated.

"Yes, but I'd still like to offer my services! I am a wanderer and help those in need," the exuberant Witchmon turned away.

"We don't need your help. They can handle these Fangmon!" Himura exclaimed.

"Nonsense!" Witchmon insisted as her hands glowed green light. "All I need to do is take out one Fangmon. I'll save your friends all the work."

Kotori growled as she walked up to Witchmon. "No thanks! You can go now!"

"Oh, ho! Here I go!" The young witch cried out as the glow imbued her hands. She quickly uttered a quick incantation. "Elements of wind and water converge as one and vanquish..."

In quick fashion, HellInumon and MegaSeadramon took care of all but one of the Fangmon. The Fangmon leader picked himself off the ground as he saw his brothers scattered across the area. He backed away as the two ultimates closed in on him. Unbeknownst to him, Witchmon appeared out in the open and prepared to conjure up a spell to take him out of commission.

"What are you planning to do?" Himura exclaimed as he ran up to Witchmon.

"Get back!" Witchmon cried out as she stopped mid-way through her spell incantation, which was a big mistake on her part. "Crap..." Before she realized it, magical beams shot out of her hands and hit...

Poof!

...not the Fangmon.

But, rather Himura and Kotori instead.

"Oh... no... I BOTCHED!" Witchmon freaked out as she threw her hands over her head. This is why the academy kicked me out in the first place!

As the smoke cleared, Himura and Kotori were nowhere around.

Fangmon, HellInumon, and MegaSeadramon's faces contorted in bewilderment as the smoke cleared away.

"Ko...Kotori?"

"Himura? No way! It can't be!" HellInumon cried out.

In place of the Chosen were a small, black raven and a dark gray wolf.

Witchmon's spell was not only botched, but hit the wrong targets. As they should, Raven-Kotori and Wolf-Himura freaked out as they looked over their new forms. Kotori flew around cursing up a storm while Himura ran up to Witchmon.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO US?" Kotori squawked as she glided over Witchmon's head and pecked at her.

"Ow, ow, ow! Hey, that hurts!"

"Believe us! After we're done with you, you'll be begging us to stop!" Himura growled as he bared his fangs in Witchmon's face.

Relieved, Fangmon eyed Kotori while licking his lips.

"If I can't have humans, then a raven should do nicely!" Fangmon snickered as he brushed past Witchmon and caught Kotori in his jaws.

"KOTORI!" Himura roared as he pushed Witchmon aside and raced in pursuit of Fangmon. "MegaSeadramon, HellInumon, you two stay behind! I'm going after Kotori! I will return!" He raced off afar that the Digimon were unable to follow him.

As Witchmon picked herself up, she whirled around in alarm as MegaSeadramon raised his head over her. Naturally, Witchmon panicked as she pinned herself against a rock. HellInumon lunged right in front of the witch, how was scared witless and for good reason.

"Please... I... I was only trying to help!"

"We were doing just fine before you came along!" snapped HellInumon. "Now we just lost Himura and Kotori thanks to your stupid magic!"

"Calm down, HellInumon," MegaSeadramon said as he noticed one of the Fangmon waking up. "We have a way to find out where they are. Also, they left behind their Digivices. HellInumon, get their Digivices."

"Sure, but what do you have in mind?"

The sea serpent threw his tail down over the Fangmon, pulverizing the earth with his weight.

"A little interrogation I think is in order. If my hunch is right, that Fangmon fled to their den. We'll need to tell these Fangmon where we can confirm their den's location," MegaSeadramon gave a low hiss as he casted a frightening gaze at Fangmon. "You should be glad I was a Dark Master. Interrogation is one of my perks." He quickly pivoted his head and hissed directly at Witchmon. "And don't you try fleeing! Stay where you are! You'll be coming with us!"

"YES SIR!" Witchmon squealed with fright as she shuddered. Oooo, scary face!

"Himura, I hope you've reached Kotori by now," HellInumon murmured under his breath. "Man, just when things got bad... this happens. Himura, please get to Kotori!"

xxxxx

Fangmon Den/2:09 PM

Meanwhile, the Fangmon leader managed to outpace Himura and arrived at his pack's den. The den was a small cavern with a small campfire settled near the mouth. The leader dropped Kotori near the campfire and pinned her down with one foot. Struggling with all her might, Kotori tried flapping her wings to escape.

"Get your foot off me, you bastard! I'll have you know I taste like crap!"

"Heh, I suppose we'll put that to the test, human. Oh, right... thanks to that Witchmon's botched trick, you're a bird now."

Kotori pecked at the Fangmon's foot.

"Ow!"

"I'm bird that's ready to peck your ass if you don't get your foot off me!"

"You're all talk for a bird. Now, enough games. It's time to feast," Fangmon snickered wickedly as he picked Kotori off the floor. He hung her and let her dangle over his widened snout. Kotori's face paled in fright as she saw the rows of sharp teeth lined up and the bottomless pit that was his mouth. "Any last words?"

"Yeah, I have one!"

Suddenly, the alarmed Fangmon whirled around as Himura roared and lunged at him. Himura tackled Fangmon across the cavern and rolled him over the campfire - where thankfully the fire was put out before. Fangmon pushed Himura off and headbutted him back. Kotori flew into the air as she dove down and pecked Fangmon's left eye. Yelping out in pain, Fangmon grabbed his left eye and swiped at Kotori. This left an opening for Himura as the wolf tackled Fangmon and pushed him into a wall. The two canines exchanged claw strikes. Their growls and high-pitched whines filled the cavern while attacking each other. Kotori flew over the two canines and observed Himura biting down on the back of Fangmon's neck.

Fangmon yelped and pushed Himura against the wall. He pulled back and pushed against Himura, ultimately pinning the wolf down.

"Damn it! Get your ass up, Himura!" Kotori squawked.

Glancing up at Kotori, Fangmon feverishly jumped up to snatch her.

"Missed me!" Kotori laughed at Fangmon.

Suddenly, Himura sprang from the wall and headbutted Fangmon's exposed gut. As Fangmon felt the blow, the air was knocked out of his body. Fangmon was sent sailing out of the den and near the cavern mouth. Himura limped toward Fangmon and growled, baring his teeth like serious business. Fangmon snorted as he turned and fled from the den, conceiving the fight to Himura.

"That's right! Run off with your tail between your legs, you coward!" The wolf growled as he turned around and caught Kotori flying down next to him. "Kotori, are you ok?"

"I thought I was really going down his gullet, but thankfully you cancelled his dinner plans."

"There's no way I'd let him get away."

"Bah, but I really do hate being saved... especially by a boy."

Himura chortled while pressing his snout against Kotori. "Not even if I'm a wolf?"

"Hey, watch where you're putting your nose!" The raven squawked as she pecked his nose.

"Ow!" The wolf whined as he backed away. "Even as a raven, you're still stubborn."

"HEY! GUYS!" A duo of voices emanated from the background, drawing Kotori and Himura's attentions. The voices came from MegaSeadramon and HellInumon with Witchmon firmly secured in the sea serpent's tail.

Kotori flew over to MegaSeadramon. "Nice timing, you two."

"Yeah and just when I drove that Fangmon out of their den," Himura added while racing up to HellInumon.

Chuckling, HellInumon checked over Himura's wolf form. "You know. I could get used to seeing you like this."

"Bah, Inumon! I don't want to scratch myself all the time!" The wolf quickly pivoted his view and caught Witchmon hanging over MegaSeadramon's tail. "You got us in this mess and you're going to fix us!"

"Yeah, yeah, keep your tail tucked in," Witchmon snorted as MegaSeadramon released his hold and let her drop to the ground. She landed in a heap and rubbed her back. "Watch! Watch it! I'm fragile!"

"Then, we'll break you if you don't turn us back to normal!" The angry raven flew down and pecked at Witchmon's head.

"Ow, ow! Ok! Let me get started!" The witch digimon waved her heads to shoo Kotori away. She pressed her hands together and uttered a short incantation. "Water and wind, conjure up a counter spell. Turn the raven and wolf back to their normal selves." With that, she forged two magical balls and compressed them, sending out two beams that blasted the raven and the wolf.

Poof!

In a split second, the Chosen were turned back to normal.

Kotori stared over her body and sighed with relief.

"Yes! It worked!" MegaSeadramon said as he lowered his head next to Kotori. "Nice to have you back to normal."

"Likewise, but I kinda enjoyed pecking at people."

HellInumon groaned out of sadness. "Awww, I'd preferred if you as a wolf, Himura."

"Sorry, but beggars can't be choosers," Himura smirked as he faced Witchmon. "As for you, thanks."

"Me? Ah, but I gave you all that trouble for nothing," Witchmon folded her arms behind her back shamelessly. "Why do I deserve a 'thanks' for?"

"Well, you turned us back to normal," Kotori replied.

"I admit I'm not perfect. I was kicked out of the academy because I kept botching spells and things went downhill for my teaching career. They won't even let me back in until I've fix them!"

"That's too bad for you," MegaSeadramon replied.

"Why don't you join us?" offered Himura.

"Me? Nah, but I would be a burden to you."

"We're willing to forgive you. Right, Kotori?"

Taken aback by Himura's decision, Kotori didn't sit well with this and dismissively nodded.

"I think she deserves a second chance, Kotori."

"I don't fully agree with this, but I'm willing to give Witchmon another chance," MegaSeadramon said whilst glaring attentively at the young witch.

HellInumon added as he walked up by Himura's side. "Whatever you decide is fine by me, but Witchmon... I'm warning ya. You keep your magic to yourself."

"I will and thanks... I... I don't even know what to say," Witchmon cried onto her right arm as tears sprayed out like waterworks.

Groaning, Kotori finally caved in and nodded. "Fine, she can come, but Witchmon..." She walked up to the witch and glared darkly into her innocent eyes. "If you turn me into a raven again, I'm going to come down on your ass so hard, you'll never forget about me!"

Naturally, the meek witch zipped behind MegaSeadramon in a hurry and squeaked.

"I think that's a yes ma'am," chortled MegaSeadramon. "Oh, I almost forgot! Here, you two." He said as he leaned his head forward as the D-3s fell off his crown and fell into the Chosen's hands.

"Thanks, MegaSeadramon!" Himura said after catching his Digivice.

"Let's be on our way then, guys. We've got a new addition to the group, but we'll see how long that lasts," Himura said.

"If you're going to Anubimon's pyramid, then you can drop me off at a location near there. I was on my way there myself."

HellInumon nodded. "You got it, Witchmon."

"Himura," Kotori whispered as she pulled the boy to the side. "I want to talk to you... alone."

"Uh, sure," Himura blinked as the girl tugged on his left arm hard and yanked him aside.

Turning around, HellInumon watched the Chosen walking behind tall bushes. A devious smile curled on the canine's face.

"Ooo, Himura. Did something happen here that I had no idea about? Lucky dog..."

xxxxx

As they were out of the Digimon's sights, Himura and Kotori stood face to face. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds as Himura finally opened up and addressed to the tomboy. Before he could speak, Kotori interjected and walked up to him.

"Himura, I just wanted to say..."

"What?"

"Eyes closed."

"What?"

"Just close your eyes, dummy."

As Himura closed his eyes, Kotori walked up and planted a kiss on Himura's lips.

As his eyes shot open, Himura caught Kotori kissing him and putting her arms over his shoulders.

Wh...who... WHOA? KOTORI? Himura's face flushed as he kissed her back.

The two pre-teens pulled away as Himura stood with a beet red face.

Kotori couldn't help but laugh as she grabbed Himura's hand. "Ha, just look at you."

"I... uh... Kotori... is this what you really think of me?"

"Don't tell anyone, got it?"

"Yeah..."The pre-teen male smiled like a goofball and scratched the back of his head.

"That's my way of saying thank you. Thanks for saving me."

"Anytime, we're friends, after all," Himura smirked as he held a firm grip around Kotori's hand. "Let's make sure we defeat Basilikmon and get home safely."

Nodding, Kotori concurred and smiled. "Right! We're gonna kick his scaly ass!" As she held a firm grip over Himura's hand, she once again visualized an image of the two people from her dreams - the lovers, Brunhilde and Siegfried. He mentally reflected to the dream and noted. That dream... could it signify something of great importance? What's the message behind it? Maybe I'll know someday. Or, maybe it doesn't mean anything. "Himura..."

"Yeah?"

Shaking her head, the girl sighed. "Nothing. Ready to go?"

"You bet I am."

"Then, let's get going. We don't want to stay here forever."

Observing the two friends bonding, MegaSeadramon and HellInumon exchanged content looks.

"Well, what do you make of this, Inumon?"

"Oh, Himura. I'm happy those two are finally bonding."

"And it's about time. Now, I like our chances of beating Basilikmon," MegaSeadramon said.

"Likewise, I have a good feeling everything's going to turn out fine."

"You and me both, my friend."

The Digimon partners turned as their partners stepped out from the bushes.

"Ready to go, guys?" Kotori addressed to the trio.

"We're ready!"

"Good, then let's be on our way," Himura stated.

xxxxx

Kotori: Where are we?

Himura: Some light transported us to some weird place.

Seadramon: It's so bright.

Inumon: Whoa! Could it be?

Holydramon: Welcome to our realm, Anubimon's Chosen Children.

Goddramon: We are the guardians of Paradise.

Witchmon: How did Basilikmon come into play? Where did he come from?

Himura: Next time on the Underworld Special Gaiden!

(PREVIEW)

Act V: Holydramon and Goddramon

Kotori: Basilikmon, we know about your origins. Now, we're coming for you.

Basilikmon: I can sense their approach. Come and meet your end, Chosen ones.

xxxxx

A/N: Kotori and Himura bond. It's about time. =)

Yes, this is the same Witchmon that joins Athenamon's clan. The same one that meets Himura again during the Shadow Tournament (see The Wrath of Pharaohmon).

For your information, Witchelny is an actual dimension in the Digiverse. It's the realm where mainly Wizard and Witch Digimon types reside. Witchelny is based off another virtual pet series called Magical Witches. This is a realm I wish to explore in Dawn of Chaos (where Spellcaster Duel Monster types will eventually reside).

Next time, the group will suddenly be transported into Paradise to meet Goddramon and Holydramon.

After that, the battle with Basilikmon commences. :D

Send a review for this chapter and stay gold!