Disclaimer: I do not, have not, and never will own Digimon *mutters incomprehensible complaints under breath*

Aaaaaaaaaaaand I'm back with another extremely boring chapter! Yippee! Hooray! woo frickin hoo...

I was very lazy getting this out, but I hope it's not too much talk and no action for ya. Trust me...there'll be action in the next...

Enjoy!

08/13/13/ UPDATE! I have returned! and I made a few slight adjustments to this chapter, probably unnoticeable, but it will all make sense...eventually..mwahahahah


Digimon Fusion

Episode 09 - I Have A Scheme!

It was beginning to get dark before the group began feeling the effects of their fatigue. Once more, their day was uneventful, and they were all tired of walking and also tired of each other. The Gekomon could be heard in the distance, chirping their night songs, and all the Digimon of the forest were beginning to settle down for the night: all but a few exceptions.

Agumon had been staying as far away from Kouji as he could possibly get, delivering whispered insults about him to Gabumon. Matt simply glared at the two every time he heard their whispers, and Kouji ignored them all. Dorumon was completely happy among them. He had gotten comfortable with the Digimon and he took a special liking to Matt. He seemed very forgetful, though, as he smiled at the road ahead and was interested only in the journey before them, rather than the bickering and fighting amongst his teammates. He was very eager to begin walking again, but his injured leg wouldn't allow him. He kept trying to get Matt to let him down so he could go explore. Matt wouldn't let him for the simple fact that he might get lost or hurt himself. He felt since Dorumon had chosen him, he had a responsibility to him, and he needed to keep him safe. He had his own Digimon partner, but Dorumon was different. He was sorry he ever tried to leave him behind.

Matt smiled as he walked, enjoying the quietness. After what seemed like hours of nothing but fighting and nonsense, he was grateful that the only things he could hear were the sounds of the forest and the shuffling of the group's feet.

He dragged out the silence as long as he could before he felt there was something that needed to be said.

"As much as I like this silence, I think we should stop and take a break. I mean, we have been walking all day." He turned toward Kouji, hoping to mend his friendship with everyone, "What do you think?"

"I'm not tired…" Was his only response.

Agumon tried to force himself to keep quiet but failed.

"Just because you're not tired doesn't mean the rest of us aren't."

"Can we please not fight again?" Matt sighed. This was beginning to be a serious problem, and if the group didn't get along, this was all they were going to be doing for the rest of their stay in the Digital World. If they could all just tolerate each other until they found Tai, it would be so much easier. Once Tai was back in the group, he wouldn't put up with everyone fighting, and he would surely put an end to it. They obviously didn't want to listen to Matt.

"Well," Agumon began, "He needs to straighten up and quit acting like we're not even here!"

Gabumon gave Agumon a nod in agreement. The two Digimon were obviously very upset about Kouji being in the group. Matt knew this, but there was no way to fix it. Kouji had to be there to save Tai, according to Hisharyuumon. There was going to be conflict either way, whether Kouji was there or not. One man with three Digimon, only one who could even Digivolve, could not be expected to go through the wilderness, find the castle, navigate through the castle, save Tai, and make it out alive. Kouji was not only Matt's only human companion, but he was also a great fighter. He would be a tremendous help on the journey.

Agumon continued his complaint.

"He's not the leader here and I don't think he should be able to say and do whatever he feels like! He needs to be respectful to his teammates."

"Hey," Gabumon insisted, "Who exactly is the leader anyhow?"

"If anybody should be leader it should be Matt." Agumon turned toward him, "At least you're kind enough to let us rest for maybe ten minutes."

"Yay! Matt as leader!" Dorumon was excited to hear Matt would be their leader.

"Well," Matt protested, "I'm not really 'leader' material…"

"A leader would be pointless anyhow," Kouji concluded, "It's not going to help us figure out where we're going."

"You think everything is pointless!" Agumon yelled.

"Let's not start this again, guys." Matt stroked Dorumon's ears, hoping to comfort him as the poor creature hunched down behind Matt's head.

"I'm not the one who started it…" Kouji turned and began walking once more, leaving the others no choice but to continue on.

XxXxXxX

"Hmmm….." Shawujingmon spied on the group as they settled down for the night in a clearing in the woods. He sat motionless in a tree high above them, his bird-like view catching every detail of every rock and leaf. He missed nothing of what was going on as he sat and waited impatiently for the separation of the two humans from the Digimon. His eyes scanned the area beneath him, trying to think of some way he could separate them himself rather than wasting time. He was not the one for patience, as his comrade was.

Matadormon concealed himself in the bushes beneath the tree, his eye on his prey. He knew his orders were to make the two humans hate each other, but that seemed almost impossible when they were always together. They needed a distraction of some sort, a way to lure one away from the group. Then, once he's gone, the other will eventually come looking for him.

This will be more difficult than I expected…Why must I be sent on such foolish missions...

Matadormon quietly rose and vanished, appearing beside Shawujingmon in the tree.

"We need to do something if this is going to work as we planned."

"I know, I know…" Shawujingmon studied their targets, thinking hard.

He had to think no more as Matt rose, obviously ready to leave.

"I'll go get us some food. I'm sure the Digimon are hungry." Matt turned and left. He needed some time to think anyway, and with the Digimon already fast asleep, he knew there wouldn't be any problems with them and Kouji.

Matadormon snickered and vanished before Shawujingmon could say anything.

XxXxXxX

"Now where did they find all that food the last time…" Matt searched high and low for the same fruits Agumon and Gabumon always brought back, but with no luck.

He was beginning to grow weary when he heard a rustling behind him. He whirled to face a Digimon almost twice his height with long knives hanging from his overly-dramatic pink sleeves. Tiny golden wings curled around the being's torso, obviously not used for flight. There was nothing that indicated he had any eyes hidden behind his elaborate metal mask. When he spoke, his voice had a slightly metallic ring to it.

"Well, hello there." Its voice was sensibly unnatural as it bounced and echoed off the trees.

Matt instinctively put his fists up in a defensive manner. This Digimon was a lot bigger and obviously stronger than himself, but he wasn't going to simply run.

"Hey, hey, I don't want to fight you," The metallic voice called out from what seemed like thin air. The being had no mouth from which to communicate, yet its voice could be heard easily enough, "I am simply wondering why you are here alone in my woods."

"I was looking for food," Matt slowly lowered his hands, "I didn't know this was anyone's private territory." He felt somewhat sorry he had intruded. Not all Digimon mean harm, and looks mean nothing when it comes to good and evil anymore. This Digimon could well be sincere about him intruding, and if he was, Matt wanted to make sure he was being polite about it. If not, they could fight later.

"It's quite alright. I was merely curious. I thought maybe you had lost something. It would only be polite if I had at least offered to help you."

"Oh, no it's fine. I'll just go somewhere else and look." Matt turned to leave, but the beast caught him with a clawed hand. Matt felt a strong force wash over him, almost like something unseen tugged at his very being.

"Don't leave just yet. We haven't even had a chance to introduce ourselves." The Digimon turned Matt back around and made a slight bow, "I'm Matadormon. Might I inquire you of your own name?"

Matt paused and simply stared up at this unknown Digimon.

"I'm Matt Ishida." He finally spoke up. He knew last names meant nothing to the Digimon, but he felt obliged to offer more than simply 'Matt'.

"Ah, I've heard of you. You're the one who was sent here by Hisharyuumon to rid this world of that wretch, Astamon." Matadormon cringed, knowing he was going to pay for that remark later.

"Yes," Matt was suspicious now, "How did you know that?"

"I have my ways." A smile wasn't visible, but plainly obvious in the sound of his voice. "But that is beside the point. I know of a place where you can find food, but before you waste your efforts in doing so, might I ask that you hear me out on what I have to say?"

Matt really didn't want to burden himself with this meaningless gossip, but since he was in this Digimon's territory, he felt he should at least listen to what he had to say.

"I'm listening"

"I have been watching you for quite some time now. My territory extends far beyond what you might expect, and I have seen a great number of quarrels between the members of your so-called 'team'." Matadormon began, "I would hate to instruct you, but I merely suggest that you watch out for the blue-haired one."

"Why's that?" Matt questioned.

"He seems like trouble to me. I feel terrible about putting my nose where it doesn't belong, but I also feel it best to tell you that he is untrustworthy. He came here with a group called the Frontier Kids and he caused nothing but trouble for the whole Digital World. Of course they saved us from the terrible Lucemon, but the expedition would have been faster and easier without him."

"I know nothing of this 'Lucemon', and I can't say I know anything about his last trip here."

"Well," Matadormon continued, "Please just hear me out. This kid is nothing but a bother. You see how he treats your Digimon friends: all three of them. He is a selfish person with terrible character. He wants only to benefit himself and nothing more. I would like to ask why bother trying to befriend such a person?"

Matt, feeling a slight tugging at his heart, stared up at the eyeless face, trying to determine whether this Digimon was telling the truth or not. He remembered Fangmon and how untrustworthy he had been. He tried to lead them on like he was a good guy. He lured them all into his trap with deceiving kindness. How could he be sure this Digimon wasn't trying to do the same?

"I know Kouji is a good person deep down. He just has trouble making friends, that's all." Matt was beginning to become very suspicious, "Why is this any of your business anyhow?"

"Oh," Matadormon looked offended, "I see. I'm so sorry for bothering you with my petty opinions. I will leave you to your duties in finding food." He turned to leave, a huge invisible smirk creeping across his lipless face.

Then it hit Matt like a slap in the face. He felt strange feelings like nothing he had felt before. Something deep inside was trying to warn him.

The feelings lapped at Matt's conscience like the ocean's tide and tugged at his heart as if it were attached to strings, and someone was at the other end.

"Hey, wait." Matt reluctantly said, the words almost not his own, "What else do you know…?"

Matadormon turned back to face him once more.

"I know plenty. Like I said, he has been here before, and my territory is large. I have watched him enough in the past to know what he is like. He treats everyone like he's above them: like he's better than them all. Such a creature doesn't deserve someone as caring and compassionate as yourself. He is simply taking advantage of your hospitality, just like he takes advantage of everyone else he makes feel sorry for him. He is pretending. It's all part of his plan. He pretends to be alone and miserable so he can lure kind and loving people like yourself into his trap. Then, once he gets close to you, he decides whether or not you're useful to him. If he finds you intolerable and invaluable, he will more than likely get rid of you.

Your plan right now is to save your friend, right?"

"Of course. That's all I want right now."

"Well, he doesn't care what you want. He could ambush you right now and not think twice about it. I have heard his thoughts from several nights now. He plans to eliminate you. He thinks this whole plan to save your friend is a waste of his life, and that if he gets rid of you, he can go home. He wants nothing more to do with you or the Digimon. They are bothersome to him, and he finds nothing beneficial to him in your plans here." There was a hint of pity and sorrow in Matadormon's voice. He felt sorry Matt had to endure all this pain, "I know you are very kind-hearted, and I couldn't stand to see such a creature fall victim to a blood-thirsty criminal."

At that instant, the Digimon pulled a gleaming object from his sleeve and handed it to Matt.

Matt stared at the object and hesitated. He shook his head slowly, not taking his eyes off the shining dagger in Matadormon's hand.

"…I…I can't kill him…" Matt tried to break the strings, but to no avail.

"You must." The Digimon's words were so powerful, they echoed through Matt's ears and into the deepest parts of his soul, " I don't know if you understand your situation, but it's kill or be killed. If you do not destroy this boy right now, he will come after you eventually. He is a very impatient kid, as you may have noticed, and he means to rid of your existence as soon as possible…I will not persuade you any longer: It is your choice."

With that, the Digimon turned the blade in his hand and plunged the dagger into the tree behind Matt, startling him. Matadormon vanished in the blink of an eye as a slight breeze shifted the leaves and grasses of the forest. Matt stood still and listened as he heard a faint voice.

"Turn to your left after following the path ahead, and you will find what you are looking for."

Matt stood there for a moment more, musing over the facts this creature had told him. He wanted to believe Kouji was just confused and alone, but the fact that he could be planning to kill Matt and the rest of the group prevented him from feeling sorry for him. If Matt is gone, who will save Tai? He might never escape and be a victim to Astamon's torturous cruelty for all of eternity.

Matt was not about to let that happen…He had to save Tai, no matter the cost.

"Forget about what I'm looking for…" Matt growled under his breath as he ripped the knife from the tree's trunk. He turned and headed back to the group, a furious scowl plastered on his face.

XxXxXxX

Shawujingmon sat in the tree directly above Kouji. He sat looking at the human for a lot longer than he thought.

Humans are very odd-looking…

Shawujingmon shook his head and snapped out of his daze, remembering he had a job to do. He jumped down right beside the boy, barely making a sound.

Kouji, startled, jumped up to his feet, his fists raised in front of him.

"Who are you? What do you want…?"

"Don't be so quick to judge. I don't intend on fighting such a creature. There would be no competition." Shawujingmon could not be nice to save his life, although he knew it would help in this particular situation.

Kouji wasn't convinced.

"You looked like you needed some company…someone better than that so-called 'friend' of yours." Shawujingmon smiled, "You are in my territory, you know?"

"I don't need your company." Kouji muttered.

"Oh…" Shawujingmon cocked his head slightly, "I just thought you deserved some real friends. Friends who don't pretend to care."

"I don't need friends." Kouji seemed to be completely uninterested in being friends or even talking with this random creature. He had no idea who this was and he wasn't about to give in to the whole 'you looked lonely' thing. He wasn't interested in making friends with a Digimon whom he would never see again after he left.

"Then why do you stay with these people?"

"I'm here on a mission…" Kouji was trying to keep his responses, if any, to a bare minimum. He felt that whoever this was didn't need to know much more than that.

"And why do you need him, the other human you call your friend?" Shawujingmon questioned, "I'm sure you're strong enough to handle it on your own. It's not like he really wants you around anyhow. He only brought you along for his own selfish purposes, and he knew that you would help him. He wants to take advantage of that."

Kouji was getting very irritated by this.

"I was forced to come here. It's not like I wanted to." He replied, "I was told to stick with him. Those were my orders."

"Yes? And who exactly is making you stay? Who is making you follow and take orders from such a kid? You're above him. Don't let him push you around just because he is older."

"What do you want from me already? I don't believe anything coming out of your mouth. You're wasting my time." Kouji was getting impatient with this Digimon's pointless babblings.

"I just wanted to warn you about him…that's all"

"Warn me about what?" He seemed somewhat interested now, but did a very good job at concealing his vulnerable curiosity.

Then he felt the tug. The tug on his heart that threatened to take over his whole being. Kouji struggled internally with himself as he tried to break free of the bond, but it was much stronger than he anticipated. He could feel himself being weakened slowly, the goodness that was left in his heart being drained.

"Just listen..." Shawujingmon finally stood up from his crouching position. He had hoped, due to his height, that crouching would lessen his threatening appearance, "He's not as nice and caring as he seems. All he wants is to get you to trust him so he can take everything he learns and use it against you. He's a liar and a backstabber! He has been to the Digital World twice now, and I've been keeping a close eye on him. He doesn't care about anyone but himself."

Kouji hesitated. He could no longer fight this foreign feeling.

Just like everyone else…

He finally lost the glare from his eyes, remembering everyone else he ever knew in his life. He never got very close to anyone because he believed everyone was selfish and uncaring. The memories flooded back and he became overwhelmed with emotion.

"Why would you think he would be different from anyone else you've known?" Shawujingmon continued, "In the end, you're the only one you can trust. What exactly have you got to gain from this…'mission' anyway?"

Kouji paused and thought about it. He really had nothing to gain from any of this. Once they defeated Astamon and saved Matt's friend, they would all go home, and everything would go back to the way things used to be before they left. The only person gaining anything would be Matt. And Matt seemed to be just using him to get to Tai. The only way they would save Tai is with Kouji's help, and that's why he was there: to help Matt save Tai. That's it. Kouji was gaining nothing valuable. He was only wasting his time.

"And to think…I trusted him as a friend…when he was using me all along…"

"Yes, that's it." Shawujingmon encouraged, "He was only using you this whole time. Once he gets what he wants, it's all over, and he'll forget about you once you're gone. The only way to leave this world is to rid yourself of him forever. Once you do, you will serve no purpose here anymore, and you will be sent home."

Kouji lifted his eyes from the ground to face the direction Matt had gone.

"…Right…" Kouji turned and headed toward his newly-made enemy, the one he thought he could trust, but had deceived him.

Shawujingmon gave a slight smile and jumped into the trees once again.

That was too easy.

He snickered to himself as he left to find Matadormon and update him on his progress.


Shadow Typhoon: haha sorry! I hope this update makes up for my secretive...ness... X3

KoumiLoccness: Why thank you very much! I'm sorry to ear about your flu...although you're prolly waaaaay over it by now XD sorries!

Sunao Wanajima: aw thank you so much! I try to make my stories as descriptive as possibly so not only do people know what the heck is going on and what everything looks like, but a lot of people find it more interesting. I also try to keep my characters limited on purpose so it doesn't feel too crowded... :/ I'm not rly sure how to explain it, but if you have 2 many characters, not everyone gets a part in the story and it's too complicated to write down each one's reaction and feelings to everything that happens. Plus, this is just how me and my sister's RP turned out to be like. : p There will prolly be more, but not too many more new characters.

IKillYouForKlondikeBar: ...very interesting name XD I'm glad you like my story

*ducks from peole throwing tomatoes and other various disgustingly horrid veggies* omg I'm so sorry for not updating in forever! *cries*

But for real I've been extremely lazy and unmotivating (where have u heard that before *wink* )

Updates soon! Promise!

Kitty