The turtles were excited to go back to Jenny's house and meet up with the girls.
Some appeared more excited than others…
As Mikey jumped around the kitchen making a special breakfast surprise for Steph and Don put the finishing touches on a project, Leo tried to meditate.
No matter how amused the Ancient One or Master Splinter were, the blue-masked turtle needed to calm down.
He was looking forward to seeing Tonya again, but this caused his protective instincts to flare almost painfully.
With this stalker after her, she was still throwing herself headlong into dangerous battles.
He'd done it himself, as had his brothers, but this felt DIFFERENT…
Like something inside was warning him that she may run into battle, all fire and spirit, and not come back…
Raph was trying very hard NOT to think about Meg, despite the fact that his efforts were in vain.
Despite Meg's cool demeanor, it was obvious she was more like Raph than she was likely to admit.
Something about her eyes, the way they flashed when she was mad or shimmered when she was unhappy…
Even if she could keep her face relentless impassive, her eyes couldn't hide her emotions behind a veil.
Trying to distract himself, Raph called Leatherhead, hoping to get some added help to the new cause.
That, and at least distract Don from trying to probe him when he wasn't thinking about Lizzy…
"It's time to go, dudes! Come on!"
Mikey hugged a bento box to his chest, jumping excitedly, as he waited by the elevator door for his brothers to join him.
Once they converged, the four went up to the garage and got their own Shell Cycles revved up.
"Leatherhead's going to meet us there?" Don wondered before they set off.
"Said 'e was goin' ta brin' somethin' alon'."
Pulling on their helmets, the turtles burst out of the warehouse and went straight towards the bridge.
Taking shortcuts and abandoned streets, they reached the house in record time.
Going in the front door, the turtles paused, hearing…
SILENCE…
Now, knowing Jenny already, they KNEW this wasn't normal…
Muffled sounds came from the back, and all four rushed to see what it was.
Practically throwing the doors open, they froze…
It seemed the girls had decided to take a dip in the pool…
Jenny, wearing a silver bikini, did a cannonball into the water, surprising TJ, who was swimming around in a pale yellow one-piece.
Steph was doing laps in a red two-piece, with Biyomon flying above the water to join her exercise.
"Oh, hey guys."
Tonya stepped out of the water in her orange two piece, and wrung out her long hair.
"We just wanted to take a break before we started today. You're not mad, are you?"
"No…"
Leo was actually pretty happy, though he'd never admit that…
Mikey grinned, plopping the bento box onto a counter before jumping into the pool after Steph.
"AH!"
Lizzy was sitting by the poolside with Tentomon, and looked up from their conversation to see the company.
"Don!"
Smiling, she got up and approached, hesitating within reach.
"It's, ah…good to see you, Don…"
"You, too…"
Reaching into his duffel bag, the purple-masked turtle pulled something like a Bluetooth out, with a purple-tinted visor for one eye.
"I thought this might help…"
"Thanks, Don…"
Taking it carefully, Lizzy studied the device as Meg looked up from a beach chair.
Tsunomon was resting against her hip, napping, as she read 'The Da Vinci Code'.
When a shadow fell over the pages, she sighed, lifting her head and tilting up her sunglasses.
"I suppose no one ever told you that standing in someone's light was rude?"
"'Ow else was I gonna get yer attention?"
Really, he could have just stared at her for a while anyway.
Meg was wearing a dark bikini, and from JUST the right angle…
"My eyes are up here, smart guy."
Their eyes locked, and she quirked an eyebrow as Tsunomon snickered.
"Any reason you were staring at my breasts?"
'DAMN…Why WOULDN'T a turtle stare?'
Patamon pulled himself out of the pool, flapping his wings dry, before Gomamon jumped on his back in jest and Agumon joined in the wrestling mass.
Mel was sitting on another chair, sunbathing with Palmon, before noticing the turtles.
With a couple hours of sun already, the group figured they'd better start getting ready for a day of searching and returning home.
"Just give us a sec…" Jenny assured, walking into the house.
"Goma-Goma, move your tail!"
"Coming, Jen!"
"You guys can stay in the kitchen while we change." Tonya offered, following.
The girls went into their specific guest rooms to change, and left their Digimon with the turtles.
Palmon and Gomamon were still satisfied with their time outside, and didn't feel any need to ask questions…
Patamon, on the other hand…
"Are there a lot of turtles like you in this world?"
"Not really…" Don admitted.
"Patamon, you shouldn't ask about things like that!" Tsunomon scolded.
"I'm just curious…"
"Don't be so rough with him, Tsunomon. He didn't mean anything by it." Agumon interrupted.
"We don't mind if you ask questions, either." Tentomon assured.
"We're happy to help!" Biyomon agreed.
"WELL…Have you guys ever Digivolved into something different? Like a giant snail instead of a bird or something?"
"Of course not!" Gomamon replied, laughing.
"We don't Digivolve differently unless we're not taken care of." Tentomon informed.
"What happens if you are?" Leo wondered.
Silence fell over the Digimon, and Agumon lowered his head.
"Well…We Dark-Digivolve…And so do our partners…"
He had the feeling he didn't really want to know…
"Hey, guys! Hope you didn't get too bored."
Tonya smiled as she kicked her door closed, still braiding her hair.
She'd changed into a white tank top and orange jeans, with comfortable sneakers for the long walk.
"We're fine."
"Of course. Probably imagining things." Meg retorted, stepping out of the room just behind Tonya's.
Wearing a black tank top and dark blue sweatpants, she pulled her hair up into a simple ponytail.
"Only wit' ya, darlin'."
"I feel so special."
"Come on, guys! If anyone's going to annoy Meg, it's me!"
Jenny grinned, throwing an arm around her friend's shoulders and shaking.
"…Jenny."
"Yeah?"
"Let-Go."
Ninja-Release!
Seeming undaunted by the threat, the blonde straightened out her dark shirt.
On the front, it read 'Come to the Dark Side…', and on the back…
'We have COOKIES!'
Her washed out jeans looked worn and slightly frayed, but Jenny didn't seem to care too much.
Steph was coming up behind, the red fire-design t-shirt matching the black knee-length skirt she'd pulled on.
"Can we at least wait on the couch?"
"Fine, fine…"
Mikey grinned, jumping up and offering his bento box with a sweet grin.
"I made this for you, babe!"
"Aw, Mikey…"
Taking the box, Steph gave the youngest turtle a one-armed hug.
"You're so sweet."
"Don't blow 'is ego up too much. 'Is little 'ead'll explode."
"His head will explode?" TJ questioned innocently, looking truly concerned.
Wearing a long sleeveless shirt and jean shorts, the young teen seemed more ready for the playground than a search.
Patamon smiled, and flew up to his customary perch on her head.
"Not really." Meg assured.
Lizzy came down with Mel, both looking ready for the meeting about to take place in the living room.
The younger of the two was wearing a purple tank dress over dark jeans, and the brunette had pulled on a one-sleeved green shirt and jean skirt.
Cowgirl boots clicking against the tile, she caught Palmon in a hug and settled on the couch with the plant Digimon on her lap.
"Well, now that we're all here…" Lizzy started.
Someone knocked gently on the sliding door, and Don stood up to answer it.
"That must be Leatherhead."
Jenny perked, interest peeked.
"Leatherhead?"
The purple-masked turtle led in the broad-chested reptile mutant, and it was like everyone could see cartoon hearts in her eyes.
Gomamon felt the instant attraction through their bond, and shrugged.
'Jenny will be Jenny…'
Meg had turned on the news as Leatherhead was introduced, and everyone fell silent…
"It seems strange that so many seemingly healthy young women are being struck down with sudden anemia. The only connection the police can find is that all of them were redheads…"
"Myotismon…" Mel stated.
"And they did it at night. When they knew we couldn't protect them." Tonya grumbled, fists clenched.
"Those poor girls…" Steph sympathized.
"What are we going to do about this?" Leo questioned.
"Lizzy's got some ideas." Meg replied.
"You see, after me and Don caught the eighth child's signal so close to where we all live, we can narrow our search area…"
"The thing is, with all of these attacks, we need to be prepared to fight…" Mel added.
"Let's hope no more Digimon and Spirit Evolutions decide to pass through the gate." Meg agreed.
"I hope all those other bad Digimon stay in the Digital World…" TJ admitted, crest blinking softly.
Lizzy cleared her throat, bringing the conversation back on track gently.
"Considering that the eighth child also saw the Digimon that night, we probably know who they are…So we should split up to search properly…"
"I call Leatherhead!" Jenny immediately said, hand shooting up.
Everyone stared at her, slightly surprised at her enthusiasm…
"What? I wanna get to know him!"
She smiled hugely, and Leatherhead felt slightly shy already.
He was a more reserved, shy character, and he could already tell Jenny was much more outgoing.
'Why would a young, vibrant young woman want anything to do with me?'
Actually, it didn't seem so far-fetched, at least with this group of girls.
"Alright, then…You two can be one group, I guess…" Tonya conceded.
"Meg, you and TJ can go with Raph."
"Fine."
"Steph, you can go with Mel and Mikey."
"Sure!"
"YES!" Mikey stage-whispered.
"So that leaves me, Lizzy, Don, and Leo." Tonya decided.
"We should head out in different directions and search the area as best we can. Got it?"
"Got it!"
A smile crossed the redhead's face, and Agumon jumped to his feet.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
The large group began to split up, heading out either door to start their treks.
As Lizzy got into the sidecar of Don's Shell Cycle with Tentomon in her lap, Leo turned to Tonya.
"Do I want to know why Jenny wants to 'get to know' Leatherhead?"
"If you really thought I'd say 'yes', would you really ask?"
"…Good point."
Agumon clinging to her back and her gripping onto Leo's shell, both engines revved and sent the group off.
Mikey looked his own Shell Cycle, and then turned to the four new passengers.
"…Wanna ride in my lap?"
Steph rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
"I'm sure Mel can fit in the sidecar with the Digimon. I'll sit behind you."
"Good idea, babe!"
He grinned cheekily, glad to get a laugh, as they all climbed onto 'the beast', as he called it.
Starting the Shell Cycle, the orange-masked turtle waited for Steph to get a secure hold before starting to drive.
"Where to first, babe? Pizza Hut?"
"Not yet, wise-guy." Steph teased.
"We should go to some places people are likely to gather. Like Central Park and the Empire State Building."
"Great idea!" Mel agreed.
"I can't wait to see more humans!" Pal stated, snuggling into her partner.
"But you two need to be quiet! You're not supposed to talk in front of anybody but us!"
"Got it!"
Mikey took a sharp turn, grinning behind his helmet at Steph's surprised laugh.
"Don't be such a worrywart! Everything will be fine, babe!"
"Well…"
"Trust me."
"I do trust you."
Mel giggled, looking around to find out where they were, despite the flying scenery.
Stopping the Shell Cycle in an alley across the street from Central Park, Mikey cut the engine as everyone disembarked.
"It's so HOT out…" Biyomon noticed, flying into her partner's arms.
"We'll be fine. It's just a little heat."
"Yeah…"
As the bird Digimon was settled on her partner's back and Palmon was hefted into Mel's arms, Mikey turned on the camouflage for his Shell Cycle.
"Come on, dudettes!"
Pulling on a long trench coat and fedora, he pulled both girls along by their wrists.
"Destiny waits for no turtle!"
"Slow down, Mikey!"
"We can keep up!"
Mikey released them, and let Steph take the lead, Digivice held out in the palm of her hand.
Passing through the trees at a leisurely pace so the shade had a chance to cool their skin, groups of children popped up.
Going by them as inconspicuously as possible, Steph studied the small screen before shaking her head.
The sun slowly moved in the sky, and Mel stopped, panting.
"I need a break…"
Neither Steph or Mikey had broken a sweat yet, their separate training giving them good stamina, but neither protested.
"Sure. Let's find a bench."
Settling on the warmed wood, the elder brunette swiped a map of Central Park so she could cross out where they'd been.
"Hey, Biyomon…Weren't you Yokomon yesterday? And wasn't Agumon Koromon?"
"We just needed a good meal and some rest to get our strength back."
"Why didn't Tsunomon Digivolve?"
"He wanted to wait until he really needed to."
Mel stretched in the slight shade, smiling as her muscles loosened.
"I guess this heat wave is because of the Digital World, too?"
"Definitely. It never gets this hot up north." Steph answered absentmindedly, checking off the lower sections of the map.
"So because things are going wacko in one world, things are going wacko here?"
"Basically."
Children ran by, and Mel checked her Digivice as Steph brushed red bangs from her eyes.
"Do you think this eighth child knows they're a Digidestined?"
"Probably not…" Mel admitted.
"They might not even know their partner, or know what their Digivice really is…"
"That's what we're for." Steph assured.
"So let's keep moving. We still have a lot of park to cover before going to the Empire State Building."
Mel smiled brightly, nodding.
"Right!"
The three set off with new enthusiasm, passing through clusters of trees or by groups of children.
The sun had barely passed the noontime position by the time they were done, and Steph led the way back towards the Shell Cycle.
"SO…"
"HOT…"
"Stop complaining, you two." Steph scolded.
"BUT…"
"STEPHIE…"
"Now don't you start. Just be glad the building has A/C."
"A/C?" Biyomon wondered.
"Air conditioning."
"It's the greatest invention of all time!" Mikey explained.
As they piled onto the Shell Cycle, Mikey pulled on his helmet and started up the engine.
"Ready, dudettes?"
"Ready!"
Gunning it, they flew out of the alleyway as the camouflage flew away.
It was fun to go fast on any normal day, but it seemed even better today.
The harder he pushed it, the tighter Steph held on, and it sent a thrill up his shell.
The building loomed up sooner than he would have liked, and Steph hopped off before lifting Biyomon onto her back.
Mel practically dragged them inside, eager for cool air, and burst through the door.
Steph was the only one with a hand free to check her Digivice as Mel went straight for the stairs.
They'd need to go up floor by floor, so the elevator was out of the question…
It took at least two hours, and burning leg muscles, to make it to the top.
Plopping down beside the A/C vents, the brunettes relaxed as the air cooled their necks.
Mikey looked out the windows, always glad to be so high off the ground, and amazed at how the city looked during the day.
The glass reflected the light like rainbows…
Heat suddenly crashed into his shell, and Mikey turned as the girls sat up straight, confused.
"The A/Cs aren't working that well all of a sudden…"
"I hope they don't break down…" Mel muttered.
Rumble…
Shutter…
Poop…
"…Guess the heat wave got too much for it…" Steph noted.
"Hey, who's the dude copying my threads?"
All their eyes locked on two men, one tall and broad and the other short, squat, and muscled, wearing sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt.
"Um…Guys?"
"WEIRD guys…"
The other pair turned to face them, and the air seemed to waver around their forms…
"Uh…Maybe they're not weird?" Mel amended.
In a flash of fire, the taller of the two revealed himself as a blue-flamed Digimon, and his partner as a kangaroo Spirit Evolution with boxing gloves.
"It's Skullmeramon and Bruiser!"
"Mikey, get back!" Steph ordered, charms shining…
"Eagle!"
"Rabbit!"
The light stunned the other inhabitants of the level enough to start running…
"Stephanie, Spirit Evolve into…TALON!"
"Biyomon, Digivolve to…BIRDRAMON!!"
"Melanie, Spirit Evolve into…LUCKY FEET!"
"Palmon, Digivolve to…TOGEMON!!"
Mikey jumped back as Lucky Feet rushed forward in a blur, her super-fast punches easily absorbed.
Talon took to the air, bursting out of a window as Skullmeramon followed her and Birdramon.
The Digimon got to the roof, hanging off the final point as they flew around.
Lucky Feet zoomed up as Togemon was actually punched up by Bruiser, and Talon swooped down to knock him over the edge.
Bruiser decided to fight back instead…
"Thunder Punch!"
Crying out at the sudden voltage, the eagle-girl began to fall out of the air…
"Babe!"
Using rope, Mikey swung out of a broken window and caught her before landing on a building across the street.
"Babe, are you alright?"
"I'm fine…"
A cry, and both looked up in surprise to see Bruiser holding Lucky Feet down on the very edge of the roof.
"I'll get her! You call the others!"
Bursting into the air with a powerful beat of her wings, she faltered when a blast of blue flame struck Birdramon in the torso.
"Light Speed Jabbing!"
"Metal Fireball!"
Lucky Feet, kicking Bruiser off, yelped at the sudden feeling of heat on her back.
"TOGEMON!"
'Guys, where are you?'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tonya sighed, staring hard at her Digivice as Lizzy fiddled with the device on her ear.
"Jeez…Where could they be?"
"We'll find the eighth child, Tonya…I KNOW we will…" Agumon assured from his perch on her back.
"Maybe we're just looking in all the wrong places." Tentomon suggested, leaning into his partner's chest to keep from falling.
"It's getting pretty late…"
Tonya sighed, locking eyes with Leo…
"We'd better turn back…I know Lizzy's house is close-."
Her phone began to ring incessantly, and the redhead grumbled about something as she fished it out.
"Hello? …Mikey, what's wrong? I can't understand you when you shout."
There was a moment of silence as she listened intently…
"Empire State Building? We're on our way. Don't worry about calling the others."
Snapping it closed, she turned to see the rest of the small band ready to go.
"We'll need a ride to the Empire State Building."
"We've got it…" Lizzy assured, charm glowing as Tentomon flew up…
"Ferret!"
The sudden light startled the turtles, who were still not used to it…
"Elizabeth, Spirit Evolve into…TECHIE!"
"Tentomon, Digivolve to…KABUTERIMON!!"
"Come on. Talon and Lucky Feet are in trouble."
Techie helped them onto Kabuterimon's ankle, and the bug Digimon took to the air with a buzz.
With Agumon held to her side, Tonya smiled at the rush of air around her.
"Is this usually how you get around?" Leo wondered.
"Only in a rush. Techie!"
"Yeah?"
The ferret-girl peeked down from her partner's head, ears cocked forward.
"We almost there?"
"Almost! One minute!"
"We'd better get ready for a fight."
Charm beginning to glow, she locked eyes with Agumon…
Techie, who had uploaded The Analyzer into her new headset, used it to zoom in on their new opponents.
"Skullmeramon and Bruiser! Ultimate level! Digimon's attacks are Metal Fireball and Flame Chain! Spirit Evolution's is Thunder Punch!"
The building was coming into sight…
"Ready for this, Agu?"
"Always."
Her charm was shining like a star, as was her Digivice, as they came within range.
Jumping off, the pair aimed straight for their separate targets…
"Tiger!"
The bright light startled Bruiser…
"Tonya, Spirit Evolve into…TAWNY!"
"Agumon, Digivolve to…GREYMON!!"
Striking Bruiser in the face with both feet, Tawny twisted to land on her feet.
Talon and Lucky Feet weren't able to stand any longer, and Kabuterimon hovered over them as a form of protection.
Birdramon and Togemon were too weak to even try and shield their own partners, beaten as they were…
"You little-!"
"Don't start until I've done THIS!"
Her fist flew forward, but it struck weakly on his chest…
"Nova Blast!"
Skullmeramon absorbed the flames, growing larger, as Bruiser grabbed the tiger-girl's wrist in an iron hold.
Tossing her roughly to the side, he turned as Tawny caught her footing, skidding just at the edge.
Greymon avoided his opponent's hold, jumping back.
Leo watched intently, amazed at how in sync they were…
'This is what happens when they evolve together…'
Tawny's crest was glowing…
"Greymon!"
Her Digivice burst with light…
"Greymon, Digivolve to…METALGREYMON!!"
"Transformation of Courage into…Courageous Tawny!"
Spinning her swords, the tiger-girl kept electrifying eye contact…
"This is for my friends."
"Mega Claw!"
"Blazing Courage!"
"Flame Chain!"
As Bruiser avoided her attack, Skullmeramon wrapped his chain around Metalgreymon's claws.
"You've got to help her." Leo insisted.
"Tawny's got it." Techie assured, grip tightening on Kabuterimon's horn…
"She always does…"
"You'll never win, little girl!"
"Don't count your Digieggs till they hatch!"
"Thunder Punch!"
The roof shook violently as Metalgreymon retracted his claws, and Courageous Tawny crouched down to keep her balance.
Lucky Feet…
Wasn't so lucky…
"AH!"
"LUCKY!"
Talon tried to spread her wings, ready to dive…
But a black blur beat her to it.
"…Who was that?"
"You don't know?!"
"I'm pretty sure I'd know if someone else could fly, Leo!! AND DON'T YELL IN MY EAR!!"
MEANWHILE…
Suddenly being caught from a freefall wasn't exactly a picnic, either…
Trying to catch her breath, Lucky Feet look up at her savior to see the dark blonde Spirit Evolution from Myotismon's castle.
Startled to say the least, she couldn't help staring at the handsome face as he landed on a rooftop.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah…"
On her own feet, the rabbit-girl took a step back to better study him.
"Thanks…"
"It was no trouble."
He smiled charmingly, and her heart seemed to melt.
"Still…Why did you save me? Aren't you one of Myotismon and Midnight's henchmen?"
"Everyone is not as they seem."
Blushing hotly when he stepped into her personal space, his warm breath on her ear made Lucky Feet shudder.
"How can such a beautiful flower help defeat Myotismon and Midnight, hm?"
"Arrow."
Looking up, both spotting a strange caped Digimon floating in the air.
"I'm coming, Wizardmon."
Turning back to her, Arrow kissed the girl's cheek.
"Good luck, Digidestined of Sincerity."
"…Thanks…"
Once he was gone, Lucky Feet returned to her senses.
'THE OTHERS!'
A blur raced back towards the Empire State Building…
"Metal Fireball!"
Metalgreymon avoided the flames, claws still wrapped in chain, as Courageous Tawny rolled away from…
"Thunder Punch!"
Skidding onto her feet, the tiger-girl caught Bruiser's fist.
'Got him!'
A smirk crossed her face as her other hand enveloped his wrist…
"Goodbye."
Both Digimon and Spirit Evolution pulled their opponent around and flung them into the air.
Skullgreymon's chain snapped…
"Let's get them, Metalgreymon!"
"I'm with you, Tawny! Giga Blaster!"
"Blazing Courage!"
An explosion of flame, and the smoke cleared once Skullmeramon and his partner had disintegrated.
The transformations fell away, and Tonya plopped down with a breath of relief beside Agumon.
"Good job, Agu…"
"You too, Tonya…"
"Are you guys okay?" Steph wondered, holding Biyomon close to her chest.
"We're alright."
Lucky Feet arrived moments later, her own transformation falling away before Palmon took hold of her hand.
"That was amazing!" Don finally managed to say.
"All Ultimate levels are that strong?"
"Yup."
Techie smiled, offering a hand to help everyone onto Kabuterimon before they picked up Mikey.
"We should go, or we'll be caught."
As the bug Digimon took to the air, Mel looked to the side, breath catching when she spotted someone on a rooftop, wings folded…
'Arrow…I hope we meet again.'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swinging her legs from the park bench, Kitty looked up at the swaying leaves.
'Where'd Spot go? He ran off again…'
She'd only nursed the black and white cat a few days, trying to help a sprained ankle, but he had already run off twice.
Spot was still an alley cat, and was probably just heading home…
Kitty was concerned he wouldn't be able to take care of himself.
Standing, the brunette started her search anew.
"Spot? Spot?! Spot, are you okay?!"
Leaning against a trunk to catch her breath, Kitty tried to fight back her fading illness before pushing on.
Unlike Tonya, who jumped back easily from a cold, it took the preteen at least a week to start fighting back.
Not allowing her weak immune system to hold her back, Kitty had been ready to meet April at her antique shop when Spot had run off…
'I hope April isn't waiting for me…'
Stopping, blue eyes blinked in wonder at the strange feline before her.
The odd connection she felt was a bit cold, but it was slowly thawing as cerulean eyes looked up at hers.
"Hi."
"Meow."
Crouching down, a foreign thrill startled her heart…
"…Are you a friend of Agumon and Ton-Ton?"
Surprise flashed across her chest in a jolt, and the cat's eyes widened.
"Meow. Meow."
"…Don't be afraid." Kitty assured.
"I won't tell anyone."
Uncertainty, as if the Digimon had never been shown a ray of kindness, and Kitty smiled brightly.
"You could come home with me. We've got plenty of food, a warm bed, and nobody can get us. Ton-Ton won't let them."
Gatomon wasn't sure how she felt at that moment…
It was unfamiliar, like sunshine suddenly aimed at her heart and thawing the ice she'd covered it with.
She was tempted, a part of her heart reaching out to this bright shelter, but her mind cut it off.
'She knows about Agumon. Is she the eighth child?'
Kitty's eyes flickered, and she stood, brushing off her knees.
"You don't have to…I just thought I'd offer."
Turning a bit, she paused at the pull on her heart…
"I'll leave the door open for you…"
As Kitty began to walk away, restarting her search for Spot, Gatomon followed…
Finding the injured feline within ten minutes, the brunette cradled him in the crook of her arm before heading home.
Sensing eyes on her back, Kitty made sure to slow her pace so the Digimon wouldn't lose her.
Walking into the proper building, the brunette stepped into the elevator and hit the button for the fourth floor.
Held open the door so Gatomon could slip in, and leaned on a wall as another wave of weakness struck her.
The cat Digimon could FEEL it, and couldn't help a spark of worry.
'Is she alright?'
Already this girl had softened her heart.
This sunshine soul was freeing her emotions, and Gatomon could hardly see a dark world anymore.
If something happened to this girl…
'No. She's the eighth child. I must destroy her.'
'You can't!' Her heart wailed.
'I must.'
Confused and undecided, Gatomon followed as Kitty stepped out of the elevator and walked down the hall.
Turning to the last door on the left, the brunette found the knob loose and the rooms beyond silent.
'Mom and dad must still be out…'
"You can come in if you'd like."
Smiling, she left the door open welcomingly before turning on the lights.
"Mom and dad won't be home for a while."
TV on, she settled Spot in his cardboard box, blanket-laden bed before going to get food.
Hearing Gatomon jump onto the counter, Kitty prepared two bowls and left one on the marble with milk beside it.
Truthfully, the cat Digimon was confused.
'Why feed me if she doesn't know who I am? Would it make any difference if she knew?'
Still, the tuna smelled good…
As she ate, Kitty was rewrapping Spot's ankle to keep it from further damage.
Soothing him with milk, her eyes turned to the news.
Blue eyes widened at the sight of Digimon…
One picture in particular surprised her.
'Ton-Ton? Agumon?'
It was the Empire State Building, Tawny and Greymon on the roof…
'Are they okay?'
Gatomon raised her head from the milk bowl, feeling worry somehow wriggle into her heart once more.
'What's going on? I haven't…BONDED, have I?'
Bonding was an intimate gesture, even to the power-hungry, and she'd never felt its embrace.
The only Digimon ever to be without a partner…
'Maybe we bonded across the worlds? It might explain me still Digivolving, but…'
Her claws dug into the stone…
'I have to kill her.'
Stalking closer, Gatomon raised razor-sharp claws…
Kitty turned around, smile so sweet and pure it almost glowed, and Gatomon faltered, feeling like it was meant only for her.
"Ton-Ton made it back with the others! She'll fix everything!"
'Ton-Ton…Tonya…'
The cat Digimon took a step back.
'She's the younger sister of the Digidestined of Courage.'
Oroku Saki, a temporary ally, had gotten information on all of the Digidestineds' families.
'Katharine…'
The name rang a faint bell, deep in her soul, but…
'Not Katharine…Kitty…'
"Are you okay?"
Concern shone in the brunette's crystal orbs, pulling at Gatomon's heart.
"…Meow."
Tilting her head, Kitty seemed to be thinking intently…
"What's wrong?"
"Meow."
"…You don't trust me?"
"Meow!"
Even Spot was startled by the loud outburst, and the preteen plopped down onto the floor.
"It's alright…I don't expect you to trust me already…"
"Meow…"
Someone knocked on the door, and her head shot up.
"Mom's home…"
Gatomon went straight for the balcony connected to the living room, climbing up onto the railing and looking back.
"You should go. I'll try to leave a window open for you."
Kitty went to open the door as the cat Digimon disappeared from sight…
"Ton-Ton! Agumon!"
"Hey, Kitty!"
Smiling warmly, Tonya embraced her sibling.
"You've been a big girl for me, right?"
"Right!"
Leo stepped in, checking his Shell Cell for the time.
'9:32…'
"Where are your parents?"
"Probably at work or a friend's." Tonya admitted.
"Don't worry, I'm sure they left food."
Ruffling Kitty's hair, the redhead straightened.
"Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll bring you dinner."
"Alright."
As the preteen rushed off, Tonya almost yelped when Leo pulled her against his plastron.
"Will you girls be alright?"
"Yeah, but…"
She carefully took hold of his hand…
"You'll stay, right?"
"Always."
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Staring intently at the portal, Midnight's eyes narrowed when the turtle put his arms around Tonya's waist.
'He'll pay…Just wait…'
"Midnight."
Gaze turning up to catch his partner's eyes, he sighed.
"Coming."
'Maybe the hunt will help clear my mind…'