To Save the Messenger

Digital World

"And so if you press this key here..."

"Okay…"

"And stretch over to play this note…"

Lunamon stretched as far as she could, before finally she admitted defeat, going head first into the piano.

"Curse these stubby arms I was given!" She cried out, waving the offending limbs in anguish.

Alice suppressed a laugh as she patted Lunamon's back. "There there," she said to the Digimon soothingly, "Maybe I should have started you on an easier song, though I thought Canon in D was pretty straightforward…"

As she was comforting Lunamon a DigiGnome flew in from the window, chirping at them to get their attention. It was a strange habit to see since for the past week the DigiGnomes that came to visit usually went about their business, maybe a friendly chirp when they saw either Alice or Lunamon. Both of them stopped what they were doing and looked at the DigiGnome, curious at its change in behaviour.

"What's up?" Lunamon asked it, acting as translator for Alice. Though she could only hear unintelligible chirps, Alice could tell big news were being delivered by how wide Lunamon's eyes were growing. "H-here?! N-now?!" Lunamon stuttered out before trying to fiddle with her locket. "Well we better get ready then! Oh wow…"

"Er, Lunamon?" Alice piped up, snapping the Digimon out of her frantic grooming, "Care to let me in on the situation here?"

"Oh, sorry," Lunamon was now trying to straighten her lone hair, "B-but were going to have a meeting with Azulongmon!"

"A meeting?" Alice could understand Lunamon's nervousness when meeting her Sovereign; the Azure Dragon was quite a being to be in the presence of. "How are we going to get there?"

As if on cue the DigiGnome starting flying in a circle around them, slowly speeding up until it was just a beam of light surrounding the pair. Alice saw as the cosy house that she had learnt to call home over the last few weeks slowly disappeared, as if melting from existence; in its place a different image started to flow in, one of a more wild landscape from where their cabin was situated. The hills were steep and the surrounding trees stood grand and tall, but that did not detract from the presence of standing in front of Azulongmon, who towered before them.

"Greetings Alice and Lunamon," His voice was calm but empowering at the same time. Both Lunamon and Alice bowed in response.

"How did we get here?" Alice asked the Azure Dragon.

"Actually you remain in your home," Azulongmon explained, "The DigiGnomes simply created a holographic image for me to speak with you. They can travel much faster than me coming to see you in person, and right now time is of the essence."

Though he had barely begun Alice could already feel something's about to happen. She turned to her Digimon friend and could see that Lunamon arrived at the same conclusion. Since they didn't say anything Azulongmon continued on. "A few weeks ago a Digimon called Reapmon, who was thought to have gone missing, had resurfaced in Baihumon's domain. At first we thought nothing of it, simply relieved that he had returned; however, once he made his intentions clear we took countermeasures to stop him from achieving his goal. One by one he has torn those safeguards down, and we fear that we have been left with no other option."

"But what does this have to do with me?" Alice asked cautiously.

"Reapmon appears to be intent on meeting your demise, Alice." Azulongmon explained gravely.

Alice stood there shocked. This Digimon is after me? She thought to herself, wondering if she had ever met this Digimon. "But I've never even seen this Reapmon. Why would he want me dead?"

"I'm afraid I don't know," the Azure Dragon replied. "Any sources that we have sent have either gone missing or been deleted."

Alice could feel her panic rising, and sensing her fear Lunamon tried to change perspectives into a more positive light.

"Surely he's no match for the Sovereigns, right?" Lunamon said somewhat jovially. "After all, you are the four strongest Digimons in this world!"

There was a small pause, but one that gave everything a very sombre tone. "He has acquired…powers, something that he did not have before. In our arrogance we thought one of the Sovereigns would be enough to repel him, but he constantly overcame our obstacles. We soon realised that he had managed to amass an army that could rival all of our powers combined."

Lunamon slumped her shoulders, her attempt at lightening the mood failed. A force that could rival the might of the Digimon Sovereigns? Is it possible to even fight against someone so strong? To stop herself thinking any more of those thoughts Alice decided to take over speaking to Azulongmon. "So what's the plan?"

"We aim to bring you over to the Human World." Azulongmon explained. "However, right now your house is in one of the highest layers of the Digital World, which proved to be both a blessing and a curse. Though you are in the furthest location from Reapmon that you can be in my domain it is also one of the furthest spots away from the Lowest Layer, the plane connecting our two Worlds. I would take you but I am needed at the front lines; I would not be able to live with myself if I let those under my care die knowing I could have helped them. I have arranged a series of guards who will guide you between the planes; I'm afraid that is the best I can do."

"But is she safe?" Alice turned to look at Lunamon, wondering what the pink bunny Digimon was asking. "Will be she okay to travel? There must have been some reason we haven't been able to before."

There was another small pause before Azulongmon replied, "If we are being truthful, we don't know." Alice and Lunamon were both taken aback by the lack of certainty, as the Azure Dragon continued, "We know that Alice's situation is unique, and as such we have taken the very best of care when trying to heal her. But for some reason something is still missing, and we're not sure what that might be; by all accounts Alice should be able to make the crossing to the Human World, but our calculations are repeatedly inconclusive about whether she can materialise and remain there."

So I might not be able to stay there? Where would I disappear to if I can't materialise, back to the Digital World? Would all of this be for nothing? Alice could feel the questions running through her head but she kept quiet and continued to listen to the Sovereign, hoping at least one of her questions will be answered.

"Therefore," continued Azulongmon, "we will keep a DigiGnome beside you at all times. Hopefully by the time you have arrived at the Lowest Layer we can confirm your safety when crossing to the Human World."

"I want to go too," Lunamon spoke up, and the blond girl felt a wave of gratitude flow over her towards the Digimon. "I've been with Alice since the beginning, so I would know if something bad happens and know all her previous symptoms. Besides," Lunamon took a moment to give Alice a smile, "She's my friend, and nothing would make me happier than to see her get back safely to her true home."

"I would not have it any other way," Azulongmon approved, before yet again giving a slight pause. Every time the Digimon Sovereign did that Alice could feel some ominous news approaching. "You may have realised that your memories have still not fully recovered."

Alice waited, trying to think of her time before she was ever in the Digital World, "I did notice that at first. But I guessed they were lost when I was being put back together in Digital Space or something."

Azulongmon shook his head. "No you were returned in your entirety, Alice McCoy. However we chose to seal off those memories before you entered the Digital World. In light of our current circumstances maybe we should have returned them to you, but we felt they would be a heavy burden on you and your recovery. Maybe, by returning them to you, you will finally be able to safely cross worlds; that this could be the final key to healing you. Are you prepared, Alice?

Alice paused for a moment, before nodding. "Very well." Azulongmon said, before a bright light appeared on the tip of his horn. Suddenly a beam streamed from that light, hitting Alice square in the chest. The blonde girl could see images, of places and people that she never knew she had seen, when suddenly the emotional impact hit her. Alice's legs couldn't hold her much longer and she slid to the ground, Lunamon rushing over to make sure she's okay. Though she didn't realise it at first the blonde girl started crying, as the memories continued to flow into her; she felt as if her mind would overload from the different emotions crashing down on her. Finally they stopped, and Alice took a few moments to calm herself down, wiping the tears away before looking at Azulongmon. "But…that means-"

Before Alice had time to say anymore an explosion could be heard in the distance. Azulongmon looked away from the pair, trying to find the source, before a Gabumon came running in.

"My Sovereign!" the Digimon called Azulongmon, "The first waves have arrived."

"I'm afraid I must be going." Azulongmon spoke to Alice and Lunamon. "I wish there was more assistance I could give you, but for now prepare your belongings. I will send along another DigiGnome who will direct you to your first guard."

"Thank you, for everything." Alice told the Azure Dragon, trying to show as much appreciation as she could in so few words. The Sovereign nodded before the scenery faded as before, replaced by the house. The DigiGnome slowed down before waving at them and flying off into the distance.

If there was some way I could reach him… Alice thought to herself as she and Lunamon hurried to their rooms and gathered their things to leave. As she packed an image of a blue-haired tamer appeared, someone who had come to see her a few times already, and Alice prayed beyond all hope that tonight will be one of the days he visited.

Henry felt equal amounts of excitement and nervousness as he approached the Digital World, his memories of his last visit coming back to him in full force.

So that was a date, right? The Tamer thought to himself, feeling warmer just thinking about it. The smile that Henry was wearing then turned around, replaced by a look of confusion.

Wait, was it a date? Henry began, bringing up his own counterarguments against himself. I mean, we just…went along with it, didn't we? We sat and had a meal together, am I reading too much into this?

Of course not, replied the optimistic Henry, she clearly wanted to spend some time with you. After all she didn't put up any resistance when you dragged her off the pier.

…Oh crap, I dragged her off the pier! Pessimistic Henry started to panic real Henry, was the date forced on her then?! Alice seems too polite to back down. I-I didn't mean to do that! I only meant to make the situation less awkward! Oh crap…

Optimistic Henry almost gave an audible sigh, Honestly, at this rate you'll burn yourself out before you even meet her again! Look, we're almost in the Digital World. I guarantee she enjoyed it as much as you did, and she wants to go out with you again, but if you're so worried about what that meal meant then just ask her! With that final piece of advice Henry gave in, and as the World materialised around him he was determined to find out where he and Alice stood between them.

Immediately landing in a clearing close to the cabin, Henry could feel that something was wrong with the surroundings. A cold wind blew through the air, bringing with it a sense of hostility, as if a battle was waging not far from where the Tamer stood. Henry looked around to get his bearings before heading to the cabin; if anyone knew what was happening around here it would be the occupants. As Henry approached the cabin an explosion could be heard in the distance, causing him to jump back from the sound. Something's definitely not right, Henry quickened his pace, hoping for some answers once he reached his destination.

With just the briefest of knocks on the door Henry burst through. Though once designed oddly but lavishly like a penthouse suite, the inside of the cabin barely had any furnishings left, as if everything had been hastily packed away. Henry found it stranger that it resembled more like an actual cabin interior than it did when they didn't match; only a few chairs and the fireplace remained of the old room.

"Alice? Lunamon?" Henry called out, hoping that something hasn't happened to them.

A door swung open, a brief flash of blonde hair, and before Henry realised it he was being hugged. Alice held on to him as tightly as she could, as if she was scared he would slip through her fingers like before. There was both affection and panic in how much she was holding on to him, and Henry returned the hug with interest.

"You're here," Alice said softly into Henry's ear, "You're actually here…thank you so much…" Before she realised it Alice felt tears running down her cheek.

Henry held her as close as he could, hoping she can feel him reaching out to her. After a few moments they broke apart, though she held on to his hands. "Are you okay?" Henry asked the blonde girl, "What's happening in the valleys around here?"

"There's a battle going on." Lunamon appeared at the doorway, dragging with her a bloated rucksack clearly packed to the brim. "And sooner or later they will be coming in this direction. That's why the rooms are all stripped down, we're abandoning this location."

Henry had never seen Lunamon so focused or determined before, "But why would you need to leave? Surely what the Digimon choose to fight over is their problem?"

"Because they're coming after me." Henry turned to look at Alice, his eyes wide with fear.

"They're…coming after you?" Alice simply nodded. At that moment a DigiGnome flew in, chirping at the three of them; Lunamon looked over to Alice.

"Go ahead," Alice told the pink bunny Digimon, "There are a few things I have to sort out, but I'll meet up soon." Lunamon nodded before taking her rucksack and placing it next to another, slightly smaller rucksack that Henry guessed belonged to Alice.

"Don't take too long, we don't know how long the Sovereigns' forces can keep them at bay." Alice nodded as Lunamon stepped outside with the DigiGnome, discussing routes as they left the cabin, giving Henry and Alice some privacy.

"I don't understand… who's after you?" Henry began.

"A Digimon called Reapmon, but why he wants me I don't know." Alice took a moment before looking Henry straight in the eyes. Henry never realised how brilliantly blue they were until she looked at him at this moment; it was as if he was trying to save every bit of image before him, and it seemed Alice was doing the same thing.

"Look Henry-"

"Don't say that, Alice. Nothing good ever follows those words."

"Please, I have to say it. This…might be the last time that we get to see each other. For a while, at least." Henry wanted to stop whatever she had to say; it felt too final, but he kept himself quiet and listened to her.

"Even though I woke up here, I didn't feel truly alive until you appeared on that hill. It may seem crazy, but I've always felt something leave with me whenever you disappeared. At first I thought I missed being with other humans, after all I had Lunamon for company. But every time you returned and left I realised the only person I was missing…was you." Alice took a moment to gather herself up again, before continuing, "I don't know how it happened, and I don't know when it happened; but somewhere, amongst all of our small adventures, you made me feel whole, like I was the only one who mattered. Maybe it was a selfish wish on my part, but that day at Digitamamon's restaurant, I secretly didn't want it to end. I wanted to stay, in our own little corner of this wide, wonderful World." Alice could barely get the words at as the tears started falling, and Henry pulled her back in; he wanted to shield her from whatever harm that was approaching, no matter what it would cost.

"After today, you and I probably won't be able to meet like this." Henry looked at her, confused at what she was saying, and Alice went on. "I'm going to be on the move, so I don't know if we'll end up together if you dream again. Azulongmon and the other Sovereigns have agreed to help me; I'm going to try and get back to the Human World." In spite of herself Alice allowed a small smile to appear on her face. "I don't know if I'm ready to travel back there, but we're going to try." The blonde girl paused, before speaking to Henry once more. "The Sovereigns are powerful, but so is Reapmon. I'm not sure if they can keep him away for long, so…if I could ask for another selfish wish." Alice moved closer, and the blue-haired Tamer could see every detail of her face, down to the last eyelash. "Please find my grandfather; he was the leader of a group called the Monster Makers, and he may be able to help the Digimon Sovereigns."

Henry's eyes went wide with shock; not only did he know who Alice was talking about, but they had even worked together to defeat the D-Reaper 3 years before. He didn't even suspect his dad's work partner and friend would be related to Alice, but nevertheless gave a small nod. "Okay."

"Thank you…if I could ask for one last selfish wish?"

"Anything."

"Please find me. I don't know if I can go back to the Human World if I don't have someone to come back to."

"Don't worry; I won't stop until you are safely on the other side. Then I can finally meet you with my real self, and not in this dream."

Alice gave a light chuckle. "I would like that very much. Thank you, Henry." Before Henry realised what was happening Alice closed the gap between them and their lips touched. The kiss seemed so simple, but waves of emotion flooded over the blue-haired Tamer. In this pocket of time he and Alice were one, and it was something Henry wished could remain forever; here, where he held her in his arms.

Yet fate was a cruel mistress; all too soon he could feel the pull of the other side. As they broke apart Henry could see that he was already fading. No, I can't wake up yet, Henry cursed himself, as he looked at Alice, trying his hardest to reassure her. "I will find you," Henry could barely see her as his vision started to fade, the colours blurring together, "Promise me, Alice. Promise me you'll stay alive. I'll bring the others; we'll come and help, just please stay alive."

But Henry never heard the reply, and Alice remained in the spot where they were together, just staring at where the blue-haired Tamer stood moments before.

"Okay, I promise…" Alice wiped her tears, taking a minute to ready herself. The hardest part was yet to come, now was not the time to be distracted by the what if's; soon she will be wondering into dangers unknown and her mind will need to be in the now if she wants to keep her promise.

Once she steadied her breathing she opened the door, where the DigiGnome and Lunamon looked up to her from their conversation.

"I'm ready. Let's go."

For the first time, Henry struggled his hardest to return to his dream. Even though he had to leave, the Tamer always had a feeling that he could return and the three of them would go on another adventure. But this time there was no certainty; this time he could be leaving her, and there was no guarantee that he will ever see her again.

"No this is too short, I can't wake up now!" Henry pleaded to the space beyond, hoping someone could hear him in this unknown realm. "Please, I can't leave yet!"

Knowing it was futile Henry tried to focus on something else; he fought against himself to keep his memories from the Digital World, to stop them from fading.

"I will not forget you," Henry chanted to himself and was surprised that, for once, he could still remember everything clearly as he approached his body, "I will find you. No matter what, I will save you…"

Human World

"ALICE!"

"Henry! It's okay, just calm down. Try to relax."

Henry opened his eyes. He could feel the cold sweats running down his back, and four weights pressing on his legs and shoulders. With all of the last few weeks' of Digital World memories returning to him Henry felt utterly disoriented, and tried to focus on what was going on. His bedroom window revealed the glow of the sun hidden behind the blinds, and glancing at his clock he saw it just turned 7:45. Looking down he could see two bunny-like Digimon holding onto his legs, each looking drained as if they had run for miles without break.

"Is it over?" Terriermon sounded spent as he lay down on the bed.

"I think so," Lopmon joined her twin, letting go of Henry's leg and wiping the sweat of her brow.

"You gave us a real fright there, brother." Henry looked up, surprised to see that Suzie had just let go of his shoulders, she too looking as if she had barely any energy left.

"Suzie?...what happened?..." Henry blearily spoke.

"I'll tell you what happened," Terriermon sat back up, crossing his arms. "You were having a fit! You were writhing around so much you woke me up; I had to grab Suzie and Lopmon to help me stop you from throwing out your back or hurting yourself!"

"It did seem like a very distressing dream," Lopmon confirmed.

"It was…scary, to say the least," Suzie looked concerned, having never seen her brother act so strangely. "It must have been one hell of a nightmare. Do you remember what you were dreaming of?"

Henry shook his head, trying to clear the mental traffic that had built up, "It…wasn't a nightmare…not in the traditional sense…"

"Could have fooled me," Henry's Partner chipped in, "It was exhausting trying to hold you down. I still don't feel right after all that…"

Henry willed himself to focus. "I…was in a valley…which was in the Digital World…"

"The Digital World?" Suzie looked at her brother, confused at what he was trying to say.

"And I was heading to a cabin…to see…" The revelation hit him full force, knocking out of his system any weariness. "Alice! She's in danger, we have to go help her!"

Having been released from his family's grip Henry jumped out of his bed, grabbed his clothes and sprinted to the bathroom to change.

"Alice? Was that the name you just called out? Who is she?" the younger Wong asked as Henry rushed back in and started grabbing his belongings.

"Suzie, when I get back I'll explain everything, but right now I need to find Dad. Where is he?"

"He's just left. It's a Saturday but he's going in to do some extra work, why?"

Finally slotting his Digivice into place, Henry turned to face his younger sister. "When I come back, I promise I'll tell you what I've done over the last few weeks, but right now I have to get to Dad before he heads to work. Terriermon, you're with me."

"Sure thing," It was a rare sight to see the green-tipped bunny Digimon so serious, but he could feel that Henry was not in the right state of mind to be messed about; he was confident that he will find out soon enough what was happening anyway, and so settled on jumping on Henry's shoulder as they sprinted out of the home after Mr Wong.

"So you mind telling me what's the rush here, pal?" Terriermon asked him as they reached the carpark.

"A very close friend of mine is in danger, and I'll need to get the others together for their help."

"Okay, but why the urgency for a 'Bring Your Kid to Work' Day?"

Henry waved at his dad as he approached the car. "Because we first have to see a man Dad has worked with for years; I'm hoping he could help us both. His name is Rob McCoy, but he's also known as Dolphin."

A/N: To those of you who are still following this story, thank you for your patience! To those of you new to the story, thank you for visiting :) Studies have been picking up so I haven't been able to work on this till recently; I'm going to be busy so it might be a while before my next update but I will strive to do so as soon as possible, so until next time!