Chapter 21: Ten Degrees from Separation

"Was this really the smartest decision?"

The group had finally reached Forest Terminal, Mole keeping his promise in taking them to the outskirts of it. However, they had come across no other digimon upon entering the forest area. That being said, they had continued going on, looking for any signs of digital life. This led them to their current situation, coming across what looked like a maze.

"I'm starting to think it wasn't," Takuya muttered. "Though it's not like we had a choice when we come upon the empty station."

"It's bad enough that it's foggy here, but getting lost in a maze has to take the cake," JP said.

"But we're supposed to be here. This isn't making any sense at all," Zoe noted, placing her hands on her hips. The group had all come to a stop, getting annoyed with what was now happening. Their bad luck didn't seem to be getting any better.

"Can't we get a sign, or something?" Bokomon muttered.

As if on cue, Kouichi's D-Tector had started acting up. A map had popped out of the screen, pointing to one of the directions. "Does this happen often?"

"I've only seen our D-Tectors do this once. Should we follow it?" Kouji asked.

"Don't be afraid… listen to your gut…"

Tommy froze for a second, looking around. He's never heard that voice before, but it sounded familiar. Safe.

"I think… We should go for it," Tommy said, closing his eyes. He wasn't afraid to face any dangers anymore. Takuya would be there for him and so would the others. Plus, his gut was telling him that this was the best choice.

"I don't think he hates you Tommy," her voice was slow and calm, unusual for her usual peppy voice. Despite that, it was music to the Warrior of Ice's ear as she dragged him away from the others. It took him a moment to realize what she was talking about when it hit him. Takuya was the only other person to have a sibling in their group that he knew of. She was even the older sibling in that case.

"What do you mean?" his curiosity got the better of him as he watched her lean against the wall. She was content, more so than she had been even a few minutes ago.

"Your brother, I know I may not know him, but I do know what it's like being the older sibling. We do a lot of crap, get treated differently and all that jazz. But in the end, we'll always be there when you guys need our help. Sometimes we don't know how to treat a situation, and our actions may prove to be more harm than good. The intensions are good though," she murmured, smiling at the boy. Was she some sort of mind reader? It was then she let out a laugh and shook her head. That was weird.

"No way, you're a mind reader too? That is so not fair sis," Tommy grumbled, crossing his arms. Takuya just let out another laugh, snatched his hat and ruffled his hair up, causing himself to laugh.

"Not a mind reader, just great with intuition. And your face totally gave you away."

"No fair!"

There was a small silence between the two. They had just exchanged looks before bursting into a giggle fit.

"Hey Takuya, you think you can teach how to prank someone?"

"Oo, goody! My first student, though Kou is so going to be annoyed beyond belief."

He opened his eyes, to see the groups surprised reactions. Takuya usually had good intuitions, and he wasn't afraid to follow her examples.

"Well, if Tommy thinks it's okay, then I say go for it. Lead the way Kouichi," Takuya said, wrapping an arm around the young boy's shoulders.

"Are you really making the decision based on one kid's opinion?" Kouji challenged.

"Put some faith in them. Sometime's a gut feeling is better than having a logical approach," Coronamon said.

Kouichi shook his head, far used to Takuya and Kouji's antics. Mix Coronamon's fiery spirit into the combination would only cause trouble. He was getting the feeling he should trust what his D-Tector was telling them. "I don't know about you, but I'm going to follow this map. I mean if you want to sit here and find your own way out, feel free to. I'm going."

Lunamon, Zoe and JP looked over to Kouji expectedly, waiting for his choice. Betamon had decided to bravely stand next to Tommy, Takuya and Coronamon who were giving Kouichi grateful looks. Bokomon and Neemon were waiting off to the side, waiting for someone to make a move. Kudamon was nudging Kouji with her tail, urging him to head with the others. Kouji grimaced.

"Whatever."

It turned out that the map hadn't lied. They had safely made it out of bushy maze, finding themselves in a rather large and hollow tree. Once they reached it, the map had disappeared and Takuya took over the lead.

"First a maze and now climbing stairs?"JP complained.

"The less you complain, the faster we may get out of here," Coronamon said. Needless to say everyone was quite on the way up the hollow tree.

They soon found themselves outside in the fog once again. The steps had continued on in one direction, the fog thickening as they went along. It wasn't long until they faced another problem on the path. A fork in the road had appeared. None of the group could figure out which way to go until Tommy's D-Tector had gone off. Another map was produced, only pointing in a single direction. He took over lead, following the right path. No one hesitated to follow this time. The path was straightforward for the most part, though it wasn't long until they came across a roadblock. Branches, impossible to move by themselves were in the way.

"Are you sure it wasn't the other way Tommy?" Zoe asked. Tommy nodded silently. Before anyone could make another move, another D-Tector went off, this time being JP's. Rather than a map appearing like the last two times, a bright bluish colored flash had filled the air.

The tree branches moved after that, much to JP's amusement. "And for my next trick!"

Needless to say, the glares he was receiving from the girls had shut him up. Why did girls have to be so scary? He shook his head, letting Takuya and Kouji take front again. He could have sworn he heard laughing from somewhere too. Then again, he's been hearing more things after Takuya had told them about the supposed connections they had with their spirits. It was just a coincidence, right?

They had continued on, but the fog had continued thickening. They could barely see their hands in front of their faces, let alone the next step. This had troubled the two leaders of the group. "If this fog gets any thicker, we won't be able to see anything."

"Yeah, we could be easily ambushed, or worse," Kouji muttered.

"Combine… you… can help…"

The fuzzy voice filled Zoe's ears, nearly causing her to fall off the step she was on. Luckily Lunamon had caught the girl's hand and pulled her back up to a stand position. No one else had noticed the action, not that they could see it. Suddenly, Zoe's D-Tector had gone off, let out a bright purple light.

"I think it's my turn," she said, holding it out in front of her. A burst of wind had erupted from the light, clearing the fog in front of them. The sky has bright and they could see a crystal castle not far from where they were standing. "I hate it when I'm right."

The group continued on nonetheless.

The steps had led to the gate of the castle, causing the group to stop. There was nowhere else to go. It was a now or never move.

"Hey, maybe this is where the voice lives. Why else would we get a message to come here?" Tommy suggested.

"Should I knock then?" JP asked. The group was quiet, save Kouji who wasn't afraid to voice his concerns.

"I doubt it's any safer than travelling. It could be a trap."

"So stubborn…"

It had to be at that moment that his D-Tector activated with a light blue light. The gate doors had opened with it, much to Kouji's chagrin. This world just loved trying to prove him wrong. He stayed back a bit as Takuya and Zoe stepped forward, taking a look at the grounds, which were surprisingly bare. JP, Tommy and the digimon followed short, leaving him with Kouichi. The short haired teen had given him a small smile before moving on. It was strangely comforting yet again. Why was that?

"I say we go in. We have to have been led here for some reason. Besides, Sleeping Beauty used to live in a castle," Zoe said.

"We'll never figure it out if we don't move forward," Tommy said.

JP let out a scoff. "Says the kid at the end of the line."

Takuya rolled her eyes at their antics and stepped forward to knock on the door. There was a glass knocker that she used, waiting for a response. There wasn't a response. "Is no one home or what?" Not long after her comment did her D-Tector act out with a bright red light. The doors opened and she was met with a staff-like wand in her face, startling her to the point of almost falling back.

"Who the hell are you?" She growled. She noticed the others tense up behind her.

"What are you doing here Cherubimon scum?" the digimon said. Takuya had visible twitched and nearly crushed the D-Tector in her hand.

"Don't even dare put us on the same scale as him," She nearly yelled out.

"As if we would join him," Zoe said, placing her hands on her hips.

"You aren't working with Cherubimon?" the digimon asked. It was still on high alert, carefully watching Takuya in particular.

"I would suggest putting that wand down before Takuya actually bursts. Isn't it obvious, we aren't enemies if you're again Cherubimon," Kouji said, stepping forward.

"Why is it that you all are here then?" the digimon requested, placing the wand down.

"We had gotten a message to come to the Forest Terminal," Kouichi started, joining Takuya and Kouji up front.

"But when we got there we couldn't find anyone, so we kept going and found this castle," JP finished from where he was standing.

"A message?" the digimon muttered. He turned away for a moment, mulling over the information they had just given them. "Alright. I should apologize for that. My name is Sorcermon. Would you please follow me inside?"

Takuya loosened her grip on her D-Tector and gave a blank look. "Talk about change of attitude."

She glanced over at Kouji and Kouichi, who looked to her as well. They wouldn't make a move unless she agreed. Kouji, unlike Kouichi, was tensed up, but more than willing to follow her lead. She gave a small sigh and nodded, taking lead once again. If this was a trap, she refused to let the others take the first hit. The others followed suit without question as Sorcermon led the way through the castle. He slowly began explaining everything as he led them to a grand room.

"I am taking you to our salvation and a dear friend of mine. Allow me to introduce you to Lord Seraphimon, who currently slumbers above us," Sorcermon began.

"I'm sorry, but are we supposed to know who that is?" Zoe asked. Sorcermon shook his head.

"Seraphimon was one of the three great rulers of this land before evil had once again taken control. Before Cherubimon had been corrupted and attack him," it looked rather painful for the magic digimon to explain. Takuya decided to change the topic.

"I'm assuming you would like us to free him. But just how are we going to do it?"

"There is one way. I've heard of a prophecy-"

"Let your light shine as one"

Everyone nearly jumped up at the voice, save Sorcermon who seemed to recognize the voice. "That's Lady Ophanimon. She was the one who told me to watch over Seraphimon."

"Ophanimon, she's the voice who told you to come here," Lunamon said. She could slightly remember something about the Celestial Angels, but it had been a long time.

"It's beginning to make sense. The prophecy states that a group of humans will free Seraphimon from his frozen state," Sorcermon said.

"But what did Ophanimon mean by letting our lights shine as one?" Kouichi asked.

"Maybe it has something to do with our D-Tectors," Zoe suggested.

"That would make a lot of sense. After all, they are the reason we made it this far," Bokomon said. As if his words had activated something, all six D-Tectors had begun acting up. Each admitting a strong white light beam. Something had clicked in Takuya's head as she urged the others to point the lights at the crystal prison. Once all six lights hit the crystal it had dispersed, allowing the angel to float down peacefully.

"Lord Seraphimon! Welcome back," Sorcermon rejoiced.

Much to the children's surprise, Seraphimon had responded within a heartbeat. "It is good to be back my friend. But there is so little I remember."

"When the battle looked to be lost, Lady Ophanimon had you sealed away until you could be revived. After the trouble had passed."

"Ophanimon… What has become of her? Why isn't she with you?"

"No one knows she is. Luckily though, these humans and digimon have seemed to be in contact with her. All is not lost."

"But they are all so young. They are only children."

"They may be young, but these humans are Legendary Warriors. And we ourselves, may be young, but we are strong," Kudamon interrupted.

"Legendary Warriors you say?" Seraphimon asked, staring in their general direction. It was hard to actually tell what he was thinking. The group was none too pleased.

"No offense, seeing as you just woke up, but what the heck is going on here?" Takuya yelled, crossing her arms. "We were brought into this crazy world, gotten our asses handed to us several times over, and we don't even know why we were brought here!"

"Someone owes us some answers," Zoe said, standing firmly next to Takuya.

"We think you're that someone," Kouji said.

Seraphimon was quiet for a moment before nodding. "Very well… I shall tell you."

Four figures were about to emerge through the fog, glancing about the landscape. The crystal castle was in their sights, much to their joy. They looked about each other before stepping out of the fog. Grumblemon was in the lead, followed by Ranamon, Arbormon and finally Mercurymon. They had looked at the castle and smirked.

"That be where kids be. Me and Arbormon get Beast Spirits back," Grumblemon said. Ranamon was smiling off to the side.

"Those kiddies will be in for it now. I doubt they'll be able to put up much of a fight against all of us," Ranamon cheered.

"Don't be underestimatin' them now Ranamon. Youz knows how strong they are together," Arbormon argued back.

"After this battle, tis won't be much of a strong group left," Mercurymon said, a wicked smile creeping up on his face. Out from behind them came two Chamelemon, two Golemon and two KnightChessmon. They were fully prepared to take the group on full force.

"Lastly, I must ask you all to do me one last favor."

The group had listened intently to Seraphimon's story on the ten Legendary Warriors and Lucemon, though the digimon had already heard it. What peeked their attention had been Cherubimon's sudden betrayal. It had made no sense whatsoever. Why would a Celestial Angel just attack one of his own? What would cause it?

"I ask that you return to your own world and homes before our battle with Cherubimon."

What? This had caused the Warriors' to cry out in protest. They couldn't just leave after they've done so much. They knew that there was still things they needed to do in this world. It wasn't an option. The situation just worsened when an explosion filled the area.

Kudamon, Lunamon, Coronamon and Betamon instantly took their places in front of the Warriors, ready to defend them at any moment. That was when the four evil warriors decided to show their faces. Takuya and Lunamon let out identical growls at their appearances. Was it so hard to ask for one damn day away from those idiots? Was it? However, they weren't alone. Behind them were Chamelemon, Golemon and two other digimon they couldn't recognize.

"I thought we just beat your asses the other day," Coronamon growled.

"Yeah! Don't you have some other group to harass?" Betamon yelled.

"Me and Arbormon want Beast Spirit back. Not leaving 'til we get them," Grumblemon said, taking out his hammer and smashing it into the ground in front of the digimon. They jumped back to avoid the attack and growled.

"Why don't you try that on us?" Takuya growled, taking out her D-Tector.

"It's about time we got you back for your constant attacks," Kouji joined in. Everyone was ready to attack now.

"Bring it on kiddies," Ranamon taunted. Oh, they were planning on it. Data surrounded all of them.

"Execute"

"Spirit Evolution"

"Blazemon"

"Lobomon"

"Lowemon"

"Beetlemon"

"Kazemon"

"Kumamon"

"LUNAMON DIGIVOLVE TO… Lekismon"

"CORONAMON DIGIVOLVE TO… Firamon"

"KUDAMON DIGIVOLVE TO… Reppamon"

"BETAMON DIGIVOLVE TO… Seadramon"

All ten of them stood tall next to each other as Sorcermon and Seraphimon watched in awe next to Bokomon and Neemon.

"The Legendary Warriors have once again united. If only it was on better tidings," Sorcermon lamented.

"I have to admit, this is the first time all of us have actually participated in battle using our spirits all at once. It's rather exciting," Blazemon sang, fire dancing around her wings. Lekismon, Firamon, Reppamon and Seadramon had formed a barrier around Seraphimon as the Warriors face Cherubimon's troops. At this point, protecting Seraphimon and getting out of there were their main worries. That was exactly what they planned on doing.

"Well then sugar, are you going to make a move?" Ranamon taunted. She grinned madly, shooting off a Drainin' Rain attack at the girls. They both dodged without question as the others went in to attack as well.

Kazemon had decided to take action after being handicapped for so long. She tackled the water warrior, knocking her into one of the near walls while Blazemon had her back. Blazemon was taking on two of the Golemon, pelting them with blazing attacks. It wasn't enough to delete them yet, but it slowed them down long enough to keep them from attacking anyone else. Ranamon had gotten up, and growled at the girls antics. She shot off another Drainin' Rain attack, successfully taking Kazemon down for the moment. Her victory was short lived though as one of the Golemon had crashed into her. She could see the outlines of a smirk on Blazemon's face as she focused on the other Golemon.

"You little bitch! How dare you?" Ranamon growled, trying to push the Golemon off of herself. It finally realized what was going on and got off the water warrior.

"At least I'm not a whiny little snob with a hot head," Blazemon shouted, kicking down the Golemon she was facing. Kazemon was snickering to the side as Ranamon started steaming. She fired another Drainin' Rain attack towards Blazemon which Kazemon easily dispersed with a Hurricane Wave.

"Did you forget? I'm your opponent, not Blazemon," Kazemon said, taking her place in front of the flame warrior.

"As if that'll make a difference suga'," Ranamon growled.

Lobomon and Beetlemon faced down Arbormon and Grumblemon respectively. They still had some scores to settle with each other. Arbormon let out the first attack with a Roundhouse Punt, knocking Lobomon into a wall. Grumblemon himself and tried slamming his hammer into Beetlemon's chest. Luckily, Beetlemon caught it mid-air and threw it back at him as Lobomon recovered.

"Is that all you got you walking tree stump?" Lobomon taunted. Arbormon had fired a seed from his mouth which Lobomon had easily dodged. He hopped into the air and shot off a Howling Laser from his wrist, hitting Arbormon square in the face. It had briefly stunned the wood warrior, giving Lobomon time to follow up with a Lobo Kendo attack. He successfully was able to knock Arbormon onto the floor.

Grumblemon let out a growl as his comrade fell and switched his attention to Lobomon. He slammed harshly into Lobomon's side. Anger built up in Beetlemon as he did so. With a Proton Slam, he beat Grumblemon into the wall. Lobomon gave him a thankful nod before turning back to the recovering Arbormon. Their battle was far from over.

Kumamon and Lowemon were left with the KnightChessmon and Mercurymon. The Chamelemon had disappeared once again, so they hadn't worried too much on it. What Lowemon was more concerned with was Kumamon charging into Mercurymon. While he knew Kumamon wasn't a pushover, fighting against Mercurymon is tough. Lowemon knew that personally.

"So the runt of thy group thinks he can take me on? Pathetic," Mercurymon mutter as Kumamon shot him with snowballs. He didn't even bother to dodge the attack, barely recoiling at the contact. Kumamon let out a growl before switching tactics. He knew that Mercurymon was in a different league than the other warriors, at least according to Takuya. Mercurymon was tactful, patient and observant. That meant that he needed to outsmart him and plain force wasn't going to cut it.

Lowemon himself was having slight trouble with the KnightChessmon. They had yet to face these digimon in a battle yet and their battling styles were completely different the Golemon and the evil warriors. They had stayed distant from Lowemon and attacked mainly from a distance like Mercurymon would try to do. However, once he got close to one, the other would try blasting him away or he would get trampled. If stayed still for too long then one of them would try blasting him, meaning he was stuck using his lance only. He needed a plan or this battle would over quick.

The digimon were having their own troubles trying to find the Chamelemon. While the Warriors were spread out in their battles, that left them more vulnerable for outside attacks. With all the ruckus from the individual battles, it made it harder for Lekismon to detect where the Chamelemon were. That left them vulnerable as well. The Chamelemon were playing with them.

Finally Lekismon had been able to find one of them above them. Firamon and Reppamon easily took care of it combining a Fira Bomb and Razor Wind attack. Part of the ceiling was destroyed, but could clearly see the Chamelemon come crushing to the floor in a blaze. Seadramon had taken the chance to finish it off with Tail Swifter, pounding it into the floor. The Chamelemon was deleted.

The digimon would have let out a cheer if they hadn't heard a yelp from behind them. Lekismon was suddenly tossed into the wall without warning. They all looked around for where the attack came from and nearly jumped out of their skins when Sorcermon had fired a blast from his wand at something appearing behind them. The remaining Chamelemon was knocked backwards as Bokomon and Neemon ran over to check on the fallen rabbit champion.

At that point the group had looked like they were doing fine.

Blazemon was finishing off the Golemon while Kazemon was annoying Ranamon to no end. The water warrior had it with the other two female warriors. At some point they shortly switched opponents, leaving Blazemon with Ranamon. In that short time though, Ranamon had been torched several times over. But she had noticed one thing occurring. No way was she going to let them win after this.

Lobomon and Beetlemon matched blow for blow with Grumblemon and Arbormon. Their match was the most destructive out of the group as they had constantly found ways to smash the other into the nearest surface. Every now and then Lobomon and Beetlemon would manage to avoid getting slammed into their surroundings. But that was just barely. Still they had managed to back Arbormon and Grumblemon into a corner.

Lowemon finally found his strategy to defeat the KnightChessmon. While they were smart enough to stop him from getting close to one of them. They didn't account for him roping them together and rushing at them. They panicked and nearly blasted each other when he got right next to them. He successfully managed to slice one of them with his lance.

Kumamon was having the most trouble at the moment, though that was expected in going against Mercurymon. He was doing better than anyone would have guessed, managing to dodge any reflected attacks. He barely got to land a hit before everything started to go wrong.

It started with Grumblemon and Arbormon. After being cornered they had managed to overpower the thunder and light warriors. That set off the first chain reactions. In overpowering them, it had sent the warriors flying in to different directions. Lobomon had collided with Blazemon just as she deleted the last Golemon, disrupting the beat the girls had set up in their battle. Kazemon had turned to check on the two, momentarily forgetting about Ranamon. This allowed the nymph to knock the fairy down with a Dark Vapor. Kazemon fell out of the air and landed right in front of the disheveled duo. Ranamon gave a grin and shot out a Drainin' Rain attack on the weakened trio.

Beetlemon had gone flying into one of the KnightChessmon that Lowemon was finishing off. It had startled the combatants, which hadn't avoided Mercurymon's gaze. He rushed at Kumamon, punching the small bear into the wall right behind Lowemon and the KnightChessmon. Lowemon snapped out of his shocked state just as Mercurymon appeared. He barely had enough time to block the incoming attack. Beetlemon was just about to recover when the KnightChessmon threw him off into the wall.

The digimon noticed their companions in horrible shape and were just about to step in again when Arbormon and Grumblemon stopped them. Reppamon was the first to get hit, being the closest to the groups. With his hammer, Grumblemon hit Reppamon's side, knocking her across the floor. Extending his limbs, Arbormon knocked Firamon out of the air with a Roundhouse Punt attack. Lekismon and Seadramon stood their ground and retaliated. However they were quickly incapacitated when Grumblemon hit both of them in their stomachs with his hammer and Arbormon fired off another seed that had covered them in vines. Sorcermon was quick to their sides.

"I'd say this was fun, but it wasn't. Go fetch your beast spirit boys. These kiddies won't stay down for long," Ranamon said, jumping in front of the fallen warriors. Lowemon was the only one left standing at the moment, facing Mercurymon toe to toe. The warriors were struggling to stand, trying to regain some of the ground they lost.

Seraphimon had enough at that moment. Lowemon was on his last legs and the rest could barely move. Even their digimon had nearly been finished. As Grumblemon and Arbormon approached Lobomon and Beetlemon he jumped in front of them, preparing an attack. "Strike of the Seven Stars"

The barrage had hit the two evil warriors and Ranamon, blasting them into the ceiling. The Celestial Angel had glanced at the warriors as Lowemon was finally taken down. He was knocked to the floor in front of Kumamon. "I ask again that you all return and leave this to me."

Mercurymon watched intently as Seraphimon communicated with the warriors.

"We can't just leave you here to fight!" Kumamon growled.

"It's not like we even know how to leave this crazy world." Beetlemon argued.

"I can't fight them and keep you all safe," Seraphimon said. Mercurymon was grinning at this point.

"Then don't," Blazemon said, slowly standing up. Everyone stared at her. "If I've learned anything facing these guys in the last few days, it's that they'll use anything they can in order to win. Compassion is weakness to them. If you show any sign of weakness or complications they will use that little bit to kill you. Never forget that."

"I hope you have a plan Takuya. Things haven't exactly been in our favor."

'I hope so too Blaze.'

"Attack the humans, and keep him distracted." Mercurymon ordered as the other three warriors improved. They rushed at the group as Seraphimon stood over them. Blazemon let out a growl as her words were so blatantly ignored. Suddenly it hit her, what Mercurymon was planning to do.

"Seraphimon! Don't do it!"

Seraphimon had prepared his attack at the rushing digimon, just as Mercurymon disappeared. He released the Strike of the Seven Stars attack which was just about to hit again when a snap was heard. Mercurymon reappeared with his mirror outstretched.

"Dark Reflection"

The attack was absorbed easily and shot right back at Seraphimon, shocking the entirety of the group. Data surrounded the angel, which Mercurymon absorbed with no emotion, leaving a solid digi-egg floating in its place. No one could find words.

"No… the hope of the digital world…" Sorcermon murmured. "Is lost."

"No way we're letting that happen," Firamon growled, taking off into the air once again. He grabbed the egg with his forepaws before flying over to the group with the other digimon. They stood protectively in front of Firamon and the warriors as Sorcermon joined them. "With the egg, we have a chance to revive Seraphimon, correct?"

"Right, we must protect the egg at all cost."

"If thou thinks this last attempt to defeat us will work, you are wrong. This is utterly pathetic," Mercurymon said as he advanced on the group. Everyone was standing at this point.

"Arrogance will be your downfall," Sorcermon said, backing into the wall. A button had appeared which he pressed. A bright flash was created, blinding the evil warriors, and allowing the group to retreat for the moment.

"This way!" Sorcermon said, leading the reverted group down an abandoned corridor. Coronamon still had Seraphimon's egg safely in his grip. Everyone was rather beaten up though. They had come to the exit just as an explosion could be heard above them. Ranamon, Grumblemon and Arbormon were right behind them. Sorcermon was quick to put in the code, leading them to a getaway Trailmon.

"Hurry and get on. I'll distract them," Sorcermon ordered, pushing the children through the door. Bokomon had boarded the Trailmon with Coronamon, Zoe, Neemon and JP, but the others were more hesitant. Tommy had given a sad glance at Sorcermon as Betamon urged him on the Trailmon with Lunamon, Kouichi and Kudamon. Takuya and Kouji were grasping onto the sides of the Trailmon as it slowly began to take off. The door had closed behind Sorcermon.

They were already picking up speed when they saw an explosion behind them.

"Awws… theyz got away," Arbormon said. Ranamon was giving a mad grin.

"Not for long. You two follow after them. Let my digimon have a crack at them now," she responded as two shadows appeared above them.

They were reaching a fork in the tunnels when the first blast occurred. Takuya and Kouji both nearly lost their grips on that. Two more blasts had shaken the entire tunnel system. Coronamon was clutching the egg to himself with Lunamon and Bokomon next to him. Zoe looked out the Trailmon to see what could be causing the sudden turbulence. They had spotted two digimon swimming overhead as cracks formed in the tunnel. She retreated back inside as she saw two beams forming.

The Trailmon was just about to turn when two last blasts hit the outside of the tunnel. It created a large hole, causing water to fill the tunnel. Unfortunately it also had enough force to shake both Takuya and Kouji off the Trailmon sides and down the two different tunnels with the new currents.

"Takuya!"

"Kouji!"

One final blast, larger than the last few, had been key. The Trailmon was knocked slightly off the track, hitting the fork and causing the humans and digimon closest to the back of the Trailmon to go flying in one direction while the others painfully hit the sides, nearly breaking the windows. They were forced down the opposite direction.

The two digimon smiled at their work and retreated back to the surface.

A/N: I am soooooooooooooooo sorry that I haven't updated. I mean first it was a bad week, then I lost my muse, then I got it back after Fanime, and then I got sick. That was all just bad timing. But on the bright side, a 5,400 word chapter, right? I'm really sorry. The good news is that, it's finals week meaning that I get out at noon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. After that I'll have plenty of time to update despite my summer class.

I know I said I'd have more on the Trailmon this chapter, but that turned to be a no. I mean I had rewritten the beginning of this chapter like seven times because it either didn't save, or it sounded horrible. And I separated the group. How nice of me right? I hope you weren't confused by the battle scenes. But I did make up for a lot of stuff adding in some of the spirits and their personalities. And Tommy starting to take after Takuya. Plus we saw Kazemon after a long time along with some Ranamon annoyances. Who doesn't love that? Onto reviews.

DarkFlame-Chan, your idea is absolutely lovely and I may just have to find a way to add that into later chapters. After all that is exactly what Takuya would do. As for the double meaning, I'm glad you're catching on. I've been adding hints in each chapter that will be revealed later on and so far you've caught some of them. I promise I'll be better updating.

Silver thank you for all the support I've been getting from you. The ideas you give are amazing, though I may not be able to use them all. However I may have something similar to what you described in your last review. I'm neither confirming or denying what it is though.

Rhyme13kh14xion8 I'm glad that you like Takuya's pranky side. She can't be all serious here after all she still is Takuya.

Kayla Edwards I think I pmed you… but it's great to know people enjoy her annoying Cherubimon.

Koukuya-Fan4ever I do so badly agree with you. I mean this year there have been a few more Fem Takuyas I've seen in art and fics. Thankfully now there are a few more Takky and Kouichi though. While I am okay with a Kouji and Takuya pairing, I just prefer Kouichi. Takuya and Kouji is more of a bromance than romance for me now. Actually, at this point the stage will be set for the eventual confessions. You'll all see why later.

Again, I'm sorry for the lateness. I hope this makes up for it. Peace, Love and Spirit Evolution!