A bright light flashed through the room, as the digiport finished its sequence. The light solidified into ten shapes with two smaller ones tagging along. Clearing away, the brightness showed the guests. "Okay, that was a little different from random teleporting." Jun commented. "Yeah, I don't know how to describe that." said Sho.

The trip had been smooth, to say the least. For once, they were glad for a different kind of travel. Terriermon in particular was ecstatic. "You're telling me! This is revolutionary!" he announced, gazing at the digiport. Unlike the one Datamon had delivered, this one was larger, appearing like a large cylinder. The only similarity was the television screen that served as an access port.

"If we had one of these, we could make a fortune!" Terriermon continued. "What are you talking about?" asked Lopmon. "Think about it! We can ditch that raft service and open a digiport service." Greed and prospect shone in Terriermon's eyes. "I can picture it now, Brothers Worldwide Digiport!" Lopmon sweat-dropped. "Can't you put your mind off money for one second?"

Waving a finger in front of his sibling's face, Terriermon responded. "I am a business mon, so my mind is always open to profit."

Whilst the brothers spoke, the Digidestined and their digimon looked about their location. Several computers and machinery lined the room, connecting to the digiport. Obviously, they provided power. One question was on their mind, a collective one. Where was everybody? Datamon had said a friend of his, most likely another rebel, had set this up and was expecting them. They had arrived, but there was no welcome party.

"Where's the food?" Labramon went straight to the point. Her mind was always on one thing, well, two actually. "Relax Labramon. I'm sure someone will be here to feed us." Sho reassured. The dog digimon began to pace around, her stomach grumbling. "But I'm hungry now!" she whined. Her stomach let out a beast like growl. So loud it was that Penguinmon hid behind Jun's leg. "That's a mighty hunger." he commented. Jun shook her digimon off. "I agree, but don't touch the leg." she warned. Penguinmon of course backed off right before another growl sent him whimpering to his favorite hiding spot.

"Listen, my tummy knows its time to eat!" she pouted. Labramon looked up to Sho, her eyes taking on a familiar feeling. "Sho-chan, you can get me food, right? If I don't have any food, then how can I protect you?" she queried to the boy, with a flirtations tone in her voice.

Sho winced as his digimon started to rub up against his leg. Like always, he ignored and petted her. "Don't worry, you'll get food, I promise." Immediately, Labramon perked up and licked her partner's face. "Good! I knew you cared enough about me!"

"Never mind food." commented Kazuya. "I just want to know where everybody is." Gazimon crossed his arms. "Yeah, I mean we're big heroes so we deserve some praise." Shaking his head, he added. "Unfortunately, I doubt they have any pleasures of the digital flesh and indulgences." Beneath her breath, Kawaiimon muttered. "Hedonist."

Ears twitching, Gazimon held some sort of lagomorph sound sense. Or maybe it was his heart giving him added auditory. "You know that's what you like about me. It makes me an interesting guy." he said, giving his booty a slight push. Kawaiimon was not impressed and more than a little wierded out at the recent attempt of flirtation.

"We won't find out unless we open the door, I guess." Sakura suggested. It made more sense than anything else. The door that lay ahead was one of those sliding ones. Labramon bounded up to it. "Labramon, wait up!" Sho called.

The digital dog was too lost in her hunger to listen. "Don't worry, food. Labramon's tummy is coming!" She pawed at the door, attempting to open it. Sure enough, it did. However, it was not food that greeted them. Blaring alarms sounded off. Labramon yelped and backed off to Sho.

Apparently, this room was soundproof for the alarms did not break through until the door opened. In a spurred reaction, everyone rushed out the door, curious as to what chaos was unfolding. "What's going on?" Sakura asked, trying to keep her voice low for whatever reason. "It's obvious that things don't always go planned for us." Jun retorted. For once, she wasn't trying to be smart.

Bouncing off the corridors were voices, yells. Mixing together, they created a feared chorus. Just then, a metal shape floated by. It was a Hagurumon. "Got…to!" the mechanized digimon panted. His eyes met the children. When he did, he almost looked relieved, but at the same time, confused. "Get out! Not safe!" he panted again. "Hold on! What are you talking about?" Kazuya said, trying to calm the digimon.

Hagurumon opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He deleted before he could say anything. Sakura let out a scream, grabbing onto Kazuya who blushed briefly, but quickly cast his feelings of the awkward moment aside. Turning a corner, Hagurumon's killer suddenly appeared. It was a tank, a living tank. That applied to the lower part, the upper was humanoid, orange colored and patterned with camouflage. Its arms were a set of machine guns and its helmet, a cannon. Everything metal was green colored.

Digimon: Tankmon

Level: Champion

Attribute: Data

Type: Cyborg

Attacks: Hyper Cannon, Machine Gun Arms

One word was spoken, "Run!" and everyone did. Behind, they heard what sounded like a missile. Sho, Jun and their digimon were reminded of the metal city. "I thought we were through with killer robots!" Jun exclaimed. "Less talking, more running!" replied Sho.

A loud bang followed by an explosion knocked everyone down. Adrenaline pumping, they quickly scampered away. The Tankmon treaded onwards, going over the wreckage its attack had made. The humans and digimon had the advantage in speed. Winding through corridors, they spotted another door.

"Move it guys!" Kazuya rushed. They didn't need to be rushed, escape was on all their minds. Like the one before, the door opened up, revealing more of the same. They had stepped into a control room. Its design was in a manner similar to Datamon's. Key difference, Datamon's was not on fire and it wasn't a wreck. Several Hagurumon floated about, trying to avoid the shrapnel fire. The Tankmon were relentless in their pursuit, not leaving any survivors.

It was a horrifying site to behold. Sakura herself felt it the most. Her hand reached for her digivice but was stayed as she felt Kazuya's hand over her own. "We can't." he said. "But Kazuya, we have to do something!" Sakura urged. "I know how you feel, but our digimon just got through fighting!"

Kazuya's argument proved a point. Despite most of them willing to fight, the battle with Dagomon had been long and hard. To make them fight now would not be wise. "Kazuya is right, Sakura. You kids are too important to the digital World." Kawaiimon agreed. "Hey, I think we should move our asses!" Tokomon warned. His voice had yet to break his cutesy tone. Hearing him shout a swear word was too humorous.

His shouts were obeyed, for the Tankmon from behind had caught up. Adding insult to injury, Tokomon's sudden outburst had alerted the others. Yet again, "Run!" was the best choice of words. The Tankmon wasted no time in attacking, Bullets from their arms, missiles from their…noses. Pure carnage rained.

Luck on their side, they dodged and danced the debris that followed in the attacks. The screams of several Hagurumon could not be ignored. Sakura winced at the pained sounds. A loud crash knocked her over. "Sakura!" she heard Chiisi cry. A Tankmon had broken through a wall. Now, it loomed over Sakura. Kawaiimon stood protectively over her partner. Due to her small size, it was almost pointless. The Tankmon turned its head, the cannon point of its helmet lowered. Sakura shivered under its gaze. A missile launched forth. It never reached Sakura. Out of nowhere, appeared a Hagurumon. Leaping in front of the blast, it deleted instantly. Right before, its eyes turned to Sakura and stared right into her.

"Sakura, move!" Kazuya grabbed her arm. She however was still in shock at what had just happened. More halls followed, it was as if the architect had an obsession with them. Kazuya had to drag Sakura along. It was hard attempting to snap her out of it, but she couldn't forget that expression.

It was as if it died trying to defend me. She thought to herself. Another explosion sounded, as a Tankmon rolled into view. "Just how many of these things are there?!" Jun complained. The Tankmon lowered its arms to attack. Already it was prepping. Then, all of a sudden, it exploded, as its body was racked with energy. Following that, a metal claw ran through it horizontally, then it deleted. Jumping down in a heroic fashion was a digimon. Its body shape was that of a red ball. Its upper body was completely covered in metal. Its right arm formed into a futuristic cannon, while the other formed a claw. A cyborg digimon it was.

Digimon: MetalMamemon

Level: Ultimate

Attribute: Data

Type: Cyborg

Attacks: Energy Bomb, Metal Claw, Magnet Beam

The correctly guessed type digimon positioned its own cannon toward the group. "Hold on, we're not the bad guys!" Kazuya frantically blurted. From the fact it was not a Tankmon, everybody assumed it was a friend. The same applied to the MetalMamemon.

"Great Harmonious Ones, you're them, aren't you?" MetalMamemon asked. The group only knew what "them" referred to. "Yeah." Kazuya blurted. "Well, what are you standing around for? Follow me!" MetalMamemon rushed.

Even Sakura got to her feet at that point, finding no sense in staying still. MetalMamemon didn't lead them far, going into another doorway, then shutting it briskly. The cyborg pressed himself against the door, listening. If that was even possible, for he didn't seem to have any ears.

The room itself held the same décor as the one they had entered through, minus the digiport. In place stood a large computer, grand looking if not for a bit of wear and dust. A single coffee mug lay nearby, its contents empty. "Okay, sounds like it's clear, but we've got to hurry." MetalMamemon dashed to his computer, managing to type, despite his limb condition.

Being the leader, Kazuya opened up his mouth to speak. "Save it, kid. I know who you are and yes, I am the head of this branch." Metalmamemon answered. "You're Datamon's friend?" Gazimon asked. "Yep." The cyborg answered.

Typing away, MetalMamemon worked his way through some complex looking programs. "We had a mole in our ranks, then bam! This happens. Not for long, though." MetalMamemon finished typing. Pressing another button, a panel in a nearby wall opened up. "Okay, you ten..." He then trailed off as he noticed Terriermon and Lopmon. "Funny, I thought there were only five chosen?"

"Those two are tagalongs." Jun added. Terriermon crossed his arms. "Actually, I'm a debt collector."

"Annoying tagalongs." Jun added. Lopmon frowned. "I really don't care about the debt." he added. MetalMamemon didn't understand the story behind this, but he didn't care. "Never mind! You all have to leave, now!" he ordered. "What? Why?" Sakura asked, not fond of leaving someone behind. "Because I just set the self-destruct sequence for this base." MetalMamemon announced casually.

Silence reigned for a few seconds then he added, "I would give it ten minutes or so."

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" Jun shouted so loud it might've caused everyone permanent hearing damage. "Look girl, this place is doomed and I for one am not going to allow this or myself to fall into the Fallen Angel's hands." MetalMamemon declared.

Sakura understood what he meant by the addition of himself. "You aren't coming?" MetalMamemon shook his body. "Nope. My brain here has enough info to topple the little rebellion network we have going, besides the captain always goes down with his ship." Kazuya grabbed Sakura. "Good enough for me. Thanks man." He said with a nod.

"Kazuya what?" Sakura started, but she was quickly shoved into the panel. The others followed suit, despite the rushed conditions. When everyone was inside, MetalMamemon typed a few buttons, closing the panel. He sat in his seat, awaiting the inevitable. He felt no offense for the goggle-headed one's apparent disregard for his safety. That nod was one of acknowledgement.

In terms of importance those kids were more so than he. Already he could hear the Tankmon pounding at his door. His private sanctum had been breached. Momentarily, he closed his eyes, awaiting the end. How he hoped to talk with Datamon again, the two had practically started this little rebellion. They both had a similar mindset, intelligent if rather cocky, although neither would admit the last part.

It applied at the moment. Maybe if he had been a bit more careful, this little invasion would not be happening right now. The pounding on his door grew louder, until it finally gave way. With his weapons bared, he attacked, ready to give it his all. Behind him, the countdown began.

Outside, the Digidestined made their way forward. It was a fairly straightforward path. A hatch opened up, cleverly camouflaged as ground. No time to sit and gawk at their surroundings, though. All their breath was put into their running, below the timer counted ever closer. Battles raged below and escape above.

Whatever outcome happened underneath the surface didn't matter, for soon a zero appeared on the screen. Behind, the Digidestined saw a large cloud created by the explosion. A message had been made clear, or at least one that fit this situation if morbidly humorous.

"Welcome to Directory."

---

Fallen Angel Castle had grown quiet within the hours. Lilithmon was the first to arrive in the meeting place, followed by Cherubimon. Duskmon arrived last, despite not being a true member of the inner circle. He was only the messenger. The only one absent was Demon. "We've lost contact with the Tankmon." Cherubimon was the first to speak. Duskmon stared up from his spot. "That means they have arrived." Cherubimon nodded. "The Tankmon left us coordinates of that area. We can dispatch an army of troops there." The demon rabbit announced evilly.

"No!" Everybody gazed up, to find Demon walking down the hall. "Handling the troops is my business Cherubimon, not yours."

"Ah Demon, you finally decided to join us." said Cherubimon. Underneath his mask, Duskmon narrowed his eyes. "Where have you been?" he asked. Demon stopped, not taking a seat. "My business is my business." He answered. "Your business pertains to all of us." Cherubimon reminded. This provoked a growl from the demon lord. "Best stick to your assigned role." Demon warned. Both virus types stared at each other, glaring with their single-colored eyes. A chuckle then came from Duskmon.

"Rather suspicious that you are quick to defend Demon. I find it amusing." Demon slammed the table. "You particularly, have no right in this meeting hall!" he growled. "Ooo, your wrath is so terrifying." Duskmon mocked. "Honestly, your own right here is questionable at best." Another growl escaped Demon. Flames started to lick at his lips. Then, Lilithmon spoke. "The master calls." she spoke emotionlessly. Upon her lap, the black digitama glowed. Indeed, it was time to go, for their master beckoned them.

---

Since they had escaped from the base, the Digidestined had done but one thing, walk. Their little "welcome" into Directory had not gone as expected, not too surprising, going by their track rate of surprises. "So, I take it we keep walking until something happens?" Jun was the first to ask. "Not now, Jun. I'm really not in the mood." Kazuya tirelessly requested. Jun shrugged. "What? I'm just commenting."

"I for one, agree with you, Jun." Penguinmon agreed. "This place is kind of scary." The scenery of Directory was not much for explanation. The area was mostly dirt, with patches of grass strewn about, with a few rocks dotting it. But this was probably only one part of the continent.

"Kind of barren, huh?" said Sho. Labramon sniffed the air. "No food." she pouted. This was most depressing for Labramon for she really wanted food. Her grumbling stomach chorused itself. "Hey, don't worry. I'm sure we will find food." Sho tried to reassure his digimon, petting her upon her pelt. It did little comfort.

Sakura herself remained as quiet as Chiisi was, and just as distant, which did not go unnoticed by Kazuya. "Hey Sakura, what's the matter?" At first, she said nothing. However, shortly she opened up. "We could have helped them." she said, quietly. "Excuse me?" Kazuya blinked in confusion. Finally, Sakura turned around, revealing a red face. "You heard me! We could have stayed and helped! We didn't have to run away!" she yelled, surprising Kazuya. He had rarely seen her like this. Normally, he reserved these looks for her scolds.

"Sakura, there was nothing we could have done." Kazuya reasoned. "Yeah, Kazuya knew what he was doing." Gazimon defended his partner, as usual. This didn't convince Sakura. "No! I won't believe that there was no choice!" Kawaiimon nudged her partner's leg after being knocked off Sakura's shoulder in her emotional rant. "I know its hard Sakura, but I agree with Kazuya."

"Whose side are you on?" Sakura asked in disbelief. "Yours, Sakura!" exclaimed Kawaiimon. "I understand how hard it was to watch them all die, but all of you are more important to the Digital World." Kawaiimon looked down at her feet. Even she couldn't deny that the slaughter had affected her. "I think MetalMamemon knew that."

Sakura still didn't look convinced. She kept her face from Kazuya, not wanting to talk anymore. "Excuse me." Terriermon piped up. "I hate to interrupt your adolescent spat, but there's still the matter of my bill." Something other than the slaughter caught their mind's attention. "With this endangerment to my brother and myself, and the disruption, that's going to cost a little extra."

Lopmon couldn't believe his brother was still at it. Well actually, he could, but all this was beyond their control. He was just about to scold his brother until…

"Are you crazy?! We can't pay you!" Kazuya angrily exclaimed. Terriermon crossed his arms. Lopmon decided to sit this one out. "Hey, If you dawdle any longer, it's only going to add up." Terriermon warned. Gazimon saved his partner his voice. "Man, geez, how greedy are you?"

"Nothing wrong with wanting to make a profit and then reward myself." This caught Gazimon's attention. "Rewards, what kind?" he asked. "Oh, you know, the niceties, like woman and pleasures." Terriermon smiled. "Yep, when I establish my own little business empire, I'm going to spoil myself. Maybe get myself a big monocle."

"Don't forget the cigars and sake!" Gazimon added, remembering two of his favorite pleasures besides girls. Terriermon nodded. "Oh yeah, now you are talking, my fellow rabbit." Both rabbits sighed euphorically. This made everybody wonder if dirty applied to rabbits. Lopmon looked down in embarrassment.

Gazimon started to daydream about the future, picturing himself in such a state, surrounded by digimon females of all sizes and kinds. Abruptly it ended, as he felt a sharp pain in his ears. "Don't agree with him!" Kazuya frustratingly cried, holding his partner by the ears.

In his pained state, Gazimon's mind went wild. Reaching up, he bit Kazuya hard on his hand. The goggle-headed boy dropped him with a pained cry. Even though his hand throbbed, he tackled his partner. The two began to fight and wrestle. "STOP IT!" the cry came from Chiisi. Everybody froze and looked at the black-garbed boy. Tokomon sat in his arms. "Stop fighting and act like adults for god's sake!" Chiisi angrily scolded.

Turning his back to them, Chiisi started to walk away. "Couldn't you have let them fight, kid?" Tokomon asked, disappointedly. Chiisi didn't answer, but continued to walk the undecided route. Shortly, everybody followed. Their unwelcome to Directory apparently wasn't finished.

---

Far beneath the surface of Fallen Angel Castle, was a system of caves only accessible via the basements. The Fallen Angels plus Duskmon, traversed their way through. No one spoke, for their minds were concentrated on what lay ahead. After many minutes, they reached their destination.

Flames shot horizontally and vertically, barring any passage. It was a wall of fire. Rune symbols of Digital origin were etched on the white stone walls. Each member bowed reverently. Lilithmon broke her line position, to lay the black digitama at the firewall's mouth.

The digitama glowed and hummed more intensely as it rose in the air. The sound of rushing wind wisped about, as an eerie mist surrounded the digitama. Within the flames, two outlines showed themselves. They were eyes, dark and menacing.

The quartet showed their utter most respect towards the presence that had summoned them. "We heed your call, Master." said Lilithmon.

To Be Continued….

AN: Okay thougths opinions I am open. I am goign to hold off saying the masters name until later. Just want to see if I can suprise you. Enjoy!