"Maybe they're here-."
BAM!
"…I don't think they're here…"
Leatherhead couldn't help but smile at Jenny's antics.
She had proven an open-minded human being, hyperactive and outspoken of her opinion.
Still, he sometimes spotted the glimmer of sadness in her eyes, the slight false note in her smile…
"Jennifer…"
"You can call me Jenny, Leatherhead. Goma-Goma does."
Yellow eyes flickered to said Digimon for an explanation, and Gomamon smiled.
"We're really casual. Nicknames are more personal and friendly."
"…Jenny, then." Leatherhead amended.
"Might I ask what's troubling you?"
Jenny's steps faltered, and she stopped in the back alley beside her new trench coat-wearing friend.
"…Nothing."
A forced smile, almost disarming in its brightness…
"What makes you think something's bothering me?"
"A scientist must be a good observer."
Putting a hand on her shoulder, he squeezed lightly.
"I am here to listen."
"…I don't think I want to go home." Jenny admitted.
"I've been gone so long…I don't think I can put the mask back on…"
"There is no need for one. Your family will love you with or without one."
"…I'm not so sure."
Carefully, he tipped her head up, sure he had her full attention.
"You still have your friends, Jenny. Aren't they family to you?"
"Yeah…"
"Then you have nothing to fear. You will always have family."
"…Thanks, Leatherhead."
Her smile was true this time, and Gomamon was relieved.
"You're the best!"
Hugging his arm, Jenny continued on the path home with a skip in her step, leaving behind a stunned alligator mutant…
Arm tingling warmly, Leatherhead flexed the muscles as it spread to his chest.
'That's never happened before…'
Following the teen, he couldn't help but think of her…
What she tasted like, felt like…
How her eyes would glaze over in climax-.
'That's enough!'
Little did Leatherhead know, Jenny was having the same dilemma…
'Don't think about it. Don't-Don't-Don't-Darn it! I THOUGHT ABOUT IT!'
Having felt the same spark, the teen couldn't stop thinking.
Though not as smart as Lizzy, her brain never truly stopped working.
Hence talking in her sleep, sleepwalking, sleep-punching…
Don't ask…
Gomamon, sensing his partner's emotions, looked up at Leatherhead to see the same conflict on his face.
Putting two and two together, he grinned.
'Ah…Young love…'
The house came into sight then, and they stopped in the alley beside it.
"…Guess I'll see you tomorrow, huh?"
"I believe so."
After a moment, Jenny turned to face him, burning cheeks hidden in the dark.
"Come closer?"
Hesitantly, Leatherhead leaned down, expecting her to say goodbye…
Quick as a flash, Jenny kissed his cheek.
Embarrassed, she smiled shyly.
"Thanks for walking me home."
Practically running towards the front door, the blonde hugged Gomamon to her chest tightly.
"See you tomorrow!"
She left a stunned Leatherhead in the alley…
Door before her, Jenny froze in indecision…
'Should I?'
A moment more of thought, and she turned the knob quickly.
"Ready, Goma-Goma?"
"Ready."
Stepping inside, Jenny released a breath at the familiar antique-filled front hall.
"Grandma? Grandpa? Uncle Sherman?"
"Jenny?"
The lean, brown-haired man coming down the curved, dark wood staircase looked like her father had…
"What are you doing back so soon, munchkin?"
"Blizzard at the cabin."
Smiling, the blonde held up Gomamon.
"But look at what I got on my way back!"
"…You always did have a strange taste…"
"HEY…"
"Jennifer?"
Silver eyes flickered, landing on the old woman standing just outside the lavish living room…
"Is that really you?"
Tears welled up, and Jenny felt her throat constrict…
"Grandma…"
A hug enveloped her, and the teen allowed herself to relax…
"I missed you…"
"I missed you as well…"
'I'm so sorry for lying to you…So sorry…'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steph paused a moment, looking at the store before her.
The second story was her home, and the lights were on…
'It's been so long…And I've hurt her, too…'
"Stephie?"
Dark eyes moved down to catch Biyomon's warm gaze.
"Everything will be alright. I'm here."
"I know…"
"Don't forget about me!"
Throwing an arm around her shoulders, Mikey grinned hugely beneath his fedora.
"We've got your back, babe!"
Smiling, the brunette pecked him on the cheek.
"Thanks, Mikey. Meet me in my room?"
"Definitely!"
As he disappeared into the shadows, Steph released a breath and walked up to the shop.
With Biyomon nuzzling her shoulder for comfort, the dark-eyed teen opened the door and stepped into the dark room.
Beads tinkled like glass, sequins shimmered, and doll's eyes gleamed from the light outside.
The stairs leading to the family room above stood out in the darkness, and she went straight for it.
Helping Biyomon hold on, the brunette ascended into the lit space.
"Stephie!"
Angela smiled, abandoning her coloring books and crayons in order to embrace her sister.
"Hey, Angie!"
Hugging her sister with one arm, Steph smiled before ruffling the shoulder-length red-tinted chocolate hair.
"Stephanie?"
Looking up, she froze to see her mother…
"Hi, mom…"
"I thought you'd be gone for a while…" The woman admitted, trying to look emotionless.
"There was a blizzard…We came home early…"
Pausing, crimson bangs fell in her eyes…
"I missed you…"
Surprise flashed across her mother's face before her expression softened.
"I missed you as well."
After a moment, the brunette put Biyomon in Angel's arms before embracing her mother.
"…I understand now…I'm sorry…"
Pulling back, Steph smiled and retrieved her Digimon Partner, heading for the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
"I'm tired…I'm going to bed early."
"I'll bring you dinner later."
Nodding, the teen stepped into her sacred space before closing the door and getting jumped by an excited turtle…
"What took you so long? I was dying in here, babe!"
"Sh!"
Quieting him, Steph set Biyomon on her bed and looked around at her shelves of trophies.
"Not so loud. Angie will hear you."
"You sure do a lot of stuff, babe." Mikey noted, lifting up a large first place track trophy.
"It's my thing."
Taking it from him, she put it back in its proper place.
"Come on, babe."
Wrapping his arms around her waist, Mikey grinned into her neck.
"Don't I get points for saving you?"
"WELL…"
Smiling, she looked over her shoulder and kissed her forehead.
"That's all you get."
"AW…"
Biyomon giggled, leaning forward on the bed, when she noticed the door was slightly ajar…
"Stephie?"
Feeling her partner's concern, Steph looked towards the door…
"Angie!"
The door almost closed in surprise, but dark brown eyes peeked in.
"Mommy was right…"
"Right about what?"
"That you'd save the world…"
Even Mikey looked stunned beyond words, allowing the brunette to pull out of his arms and kneel in front of her sister.
"Why would mom know that, Angie?"
"She said she saw you and a giant fire bird in a vision…You were crying…Stephie, I don't want you to get hurt!"
"It's alright." Steph soothed, rubbing circles into her sibling's cheeks with her thumbs.
"Everything will be fine. I promise."
Sniffling, Angela nodded.
"Okay…"
Leaning against a wall in the dark hallway, dark hair curtained odd white eyes…
'It's time already…'
Jessica turned, looking towards her concerned mother…
'I hope you're ready for this, Steph…We all do…'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stopping outside the gate, Mel froze, grip tightening on her partner.
'I'm home…'
"Mel? Is something wrong?"
Blinking to free herself of the trance, the brunette smiled.
"I think I'm alright, Pal. Just stay quiet?"
The plant Digimon nodded, pressing her mouth shut as the metal door before them opened.
The estate beyond was rather spacious, with large trees and shrubbery lining driveways and paths.
"It's pretty!"
"Yeah…Pretty…"
'It's still just an empty shell to me…'
Walking towards the large building, emerald eyes flickered almost nervously.
It had been a while since she'd been somewhere that felt so ALONE…
This place had never felt like home…
Stopping at the large, crystal doors reflecting rainbows, Mel wished with all her heart that her friends were with her.
'I can do this…I CAN…'
Knocking on the light-colored wood, Mel stepped back to wait for it to swing open.
Palmon took hold of her partner's hand to comfort, feeling apprehension through their bond…
"Miss Melanie?"
The butler that opened the door seemed mildly confused, and she forced a sweet smile.
"Hi, Jonathon. A blizzard cut my trip short."
"It seems you still managed to get a souvenir."
"I thought Anthony would like it."
He smiled, ruffling her hair.
"I should have known you'd think of him."
Smile turning true, she stepped inside and looked around at the tall entrance hall.
"Me-Me!"
"Ant!"
Putting her partner down, the brunette scooped up her three year old brother.
"Were you a big boy while I was gone?"
"Yes!"
"What do you think about this?"
Dark green eyes blinked at Palmon, dark hair threatening to fall into his vision…
"Toy! Toy!"
"That's right. A toy."
Anthony shook his head.
"Toy Town! Toy Town!"
Emerald orbs widened, immediately recognizing the words…
'Toy Town? Where Pal and me first evolved onto Togemon and Lucky Feet?'
"Could you take Anthony to bed for me? I'd like to go to bed early…"
"Of course, Miss Melanie."
Heading up a dark-wood spiral staircase, Palmon held to her chest, Mel's mind whirred.
'How could he know?'
The hallway on the second floor seemed to go on forever, and the brunette easily found the correct door.
It was painted green, with 'Melanie' written across it in spindly script.
Beyond was a massive room, with a queen-sized canopy bed full of pillows, with a matching light-wood vanity and dresser.
The balcony on the left was shielded by green curtains and green and clear stained glass.
Setting Palmon on the thick comforter, Mel pulled a green sport's bra and white short shorts out of a drawer.
Beginning to change, she didn't notice a shadow beyond the curtains…
Slipping out of her shoes and about to crawl into bed, Mel froze when the balcony doors began to creak open…
'Oh no…'
Whirling around, her charm was beginning to shine before she realized who it was.
"Arrow?"
"I didn't mean to startle you." The rook Spirit Evolution apologized, stepping inside.
"I just had to see you again…"
Blushing, Mel lowered her fists as Palmon sat up straight, confused.
'Is this the guy that saved Mel?'
"Arrow…"
"I'm sorry for putting you in this position, but…"
He took hold of her hand, and the warmth spread pleasantly through her veins.
"I wanted to make sure you were alright."
"I'm fine…Really…"
They were so close, Mel was sure he could feel the heat radiating off her cheeks…
"Thanks to you, of course…"
"I'm glad to have been your knight in shining armor, then."
"You're pretty good at it…"
Palmon looked to the balcony, seeing Wizardmon, and wondered if he felt the same pulsing emotion through his own bond.
"I have to go, but I wanted you to…"
Mel felt her breath hitch as his lips hovered over her own…
"Know how much I care about you…"
The rush of adrenaline had her breath frozen, and her lips immediately parted beneath his probing tongue.
It felt like hours before they pulled apart, and she was dazed…
"Be brave, my flower. I have to go."
Blinking in surprise, Mel watched him depart, carefully touching her lips…
'Is this love?'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Lizzy? Are you feeling alright?" Don worried, looking back at the blonde.
She had frozen on the sidewalk, staring at the large house in something akin to fear.
Tentomon was on her back, and tried to soothe her nerves as Lizzy's knees quaked.
"Lizzy?"
Violet eyes snapped to meet a dark pair, and she tried to smile.
"I-I think I'm okay…"
"…You're stuttering."
Lowering her head, Lizzy rested her forehead on his shoulder.
"…This place…It's never felt right…"
"Oh Lizzy…" Tentomon sympathized.
"I-I can't go in there…"
"Everything will be fine, Lizzy." Don promised, wrapping his arms around her.
"I'll be here with you, and so will Tentomon."
"…Thank you."
"It's no problem. Come on."
Leading her slowly towards the door, Don stopped just out of reach of the porch light.
"You can walk in on your own. I'll be waiting in your room."
Nodding, Lizzy stepped into the light as he seemed to disappear.
Carefully taking hold of the knob, she hesitated before turning it and pushing the door open.
Light came in from the automatic hall lights, and she walked into the warmth.
"Liz-Liz!"
"Liz-Liz! Liz-Liz!"
The two year old twin toddlers raced for her in an awkward waddle, and she crouched down to catch them in her arms.
"Joshie! Danny!"
Her younger twin brothers, brunettes like their eldest sister, with bright purple eyes, were the only bright things in the house.
Despite the automatic devices, it was always empty of any real life.
With her parents always busy and Marge barely leaving her room, Lizzy felt isolated.
"Lizzy?"
Looking up at her older sister, happy tears filled her eyes…
Eyes clear and skin healthy, it was obvious Marge was taking care of herself again.
"Margie…"
"Back so soon?"
"There was a…blizzard…"
"Blizzard?"
Margie's eyes flashed, almost like she remembered something, before her gaze turned to a limp Tentomon.
"What have you got there?"
"J-Just a toy…"
"For who?"
"Um…Josh and Danny…"
Standing, holding up one brother with each arm, she smiled nervously.
"How have they been?"
"Good. They've been trying to build a way out of their playpen."
Marge smiled proudly.
"Just like their genius sister."
"Aw, Margie…"
Remembering Don, she blushed at the thought of almost forgetting.
"I'm tired…I'll go to my own room, alright?"
"Don't you want dinner?" Marge wondered, taking the twins.
"I'll make myself something…I have some…programs I need to get on my desktop…"
Marge nodded, watching her sister go up the stairs…
'So it's true…The time has come…'
Opening the door to her bedroom, the familiar blinking of her computer and equipment soothed her.
"Donnie?"
"This stuff is amazing…"
He smiled from beside the main desk.
"Did you make all of this?"
"M-Most of it…J-Jenny says I'm a master hacker…"
Tentomon immediately went to the spinning chair as Lizzy turned on the light, closing the door.
"Hack often?"
"I check on certain organizations every now and then…"
"Have you heard of The Foot?"
"The Foot?"
"A crime syndicate. We expect they joined up with your enemies."
"Well…I'm sure I could get in…"
Turning on the desktop, she moved Tentomon onto her lap as Don leaned on the desk…
"How did you learn to do this?"
"…I learned by doing, I guess…"
"…I've noticed something about you, even though we haven't known each other long…"
Looking up after putting in her password, Lizzy tilted her head.
"Really? What?"
"…You're gifted, Lizzy…You're an amazing person…You just don't see it…"
"Donnie…"
Eyes locked, he put a hand over hers…
"I understand, though…Sometimes, I get the same way…But…"
"I'm alright, Donnie…I've managed…"
"That's just the thing!"
He pulled her around to face him, heart pounding as it tried to communicate with his brain…
"You shouldn't HAVE to!"
Tentomon watched in awe, bond pulsing with hope and…
Love?
"I…"
Don's face heated up, but his heart forced the words out…
"I love you!"
Heat flashed through the bond, so unlike anger, and Tentomon covered her other hand to show support.
"D-Donnie…"
Embarrassment overrode his conviction, and the ninja turtle seemed ready to flee…
Standing suddenly from her chair, Lizzy felt her heart jump as their lips connected.
One breathless eternity later, and she pulled back, smiling shyly…
"I-I love you, too…"
Surprise crossed his face, then joy, before Don dove in for another kiss.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Lizzy closed her eyes, seeming to melt as Tentomon stepped back to give them a bit of privacy.
The computer beeping broke them apart, and both turned to look at the screen…
"Someone's trying to hack me!"
Jumping back into her chair, fingers flew over the familiar keys at a breakneck speed.
"Do you know who it is?" Don wondered.
"I can't tell yet."
The screen turned green and blue, and her shoulders relaxed a bit.
"My firewalls are up…If I could just find the sequence that got them in here…"
Violet eyes focused, she sped through the programs and numbers…
"Here!"
Don recognized it immediately…
"Baxter Stockman…"
"St-Stockman? Why would he want to hack my system?"
"To find out what you know. He's either working for The Foot or Bishop…"
"Either way, they knew I had all of our information on the Digital World…"
"…Everything will be alright, Lizzy…"
Pulling her into a hug, he rested his chin atop her head…
"I'll protect you…"
Not until hours later, when his Shell Cell rang, did Don let her go…
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Look, ice cream!"
"Don't go too far, Tammy."
It was already getting dark, and Meg didn't enjoy walking around at night…
"Don't gotta be so stiff, darlin'." Raph advised, attempting to look nonchalant.
"…I suppose."
Not expecting that as an answer, the red-masked turtle looked fully towards her.
Blue eyes were unfocused, almost vulnerable, and Tsunomon looked up in concern.
"But not to would mean lowering my guard."
"…It ain't bad ta feel, ya know."
The voices whispered roughly, muffled in the back of her mind…
"…Yes it is."
Grumbling a bit to himself, Raph turned his attention back to TJ.
She was so different from her sister…
Expressive, welcoming, outgoing, warm…
She was like sunshine, wrapped up in a package and shedding light in the darkness.
Even Raph couldn't deny she was adorable, especially with little Patamon in her arms and her eyes glistening…
"Ever since our parents…separated…Neither of us has been the same…" Meg admitted.
"Defense mechanisms, that's all they are…They've just never disengaged…"
Shaking her head and berating herself for being so open, Meg almost clenched her fists.
"But why should you care? It's none of your concern."
"…I do care."
"Why?"
Her voice almost cracked…
"'Cause I care 'bout ya!"
Suddenly whirled around to meet his fierce gaze, she practically drowned in his eyes…
"Raph…"
"Ya might not care 'bout me, or yerself, but I do!"
Unable to speak, Meg managed to get her voice out…
"Why?"
"'Cause I-!"
The words caught in his throat…
"I…"
TJ, only a few meters in front of them, was looking around in wonder.
It had, for her, been months since she'd gone down this street to cross the bridge and go home with their father…
"Look, Pat! That's the candy store daddy used to take me to!"
"It must have yummy candy!"
"It does!"
Something seemed to flutter at the edge of her vision, and TJ whirled around to see what it was.
Nothing…
"TJ? What's wrong?"
"I thought I saw something…"
Blue eyes narrowed, trying to enhance his vision, and caught sight of fluttering shadows.
"I see it!"
"Really?"
Patamon flew out after it down the dark side street, the thrill of the chase seeping into his partner as well, causing her to break out in a run.
Even in the little bubble of privacy, Meg's eyes were sharp…
"Tammy!"
The moment was broken as the pair disappeared around the corner, and Meg's heart almost stopped.
"TAMMY!"
Tsunomon jumped to the ground, hopping ahead of them as Meg and Raph started to run.
Energy already beginning to dwindle, TJ's pace slowed almost painfully…
The thrill still sang through her veins, but it was fading thanks to the pain starting to grow in her chest.
'Pat's too far away!'
"Pat!"
It seemed the pulse was stronger in the Digimon than it was in her, and he didn't hear her…
"PAT!"
A blur raced out of an alley, slamming into TJ's side, and she cried out before hitting the asphalt, scraping her knees and palms.
The blur, a furred cheetah Spirit Evolution, found her footing first, and shook off the blow.
"Whoa there! Sorry!"
However, it was too late.
The moment tears filled TJ's eyes, Meg's protective maternal instincts rose to deadly heights…
"Leave her alone!"
"Tsunomon, Digivolve to…GABUMON!!"
"Whoa! I didn't mean to!"
A small rock Digimon rushed to her side, as well as another pair, a mouse Spirit Evolution and a pumpkin-like Digimon.
"Speedie, what did you do now?!"
"I accidentally knocked her down! I said sorry!"
SMACK!!!
"THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!"
The mouse-girl crouched down, helping TJ up carefully.
"Sorry about her, sweetie. She can't seem to watch where she's going."
"HEY…"
"Come on, mom! You're such a nag!"
"Don't you start with me!"
Raph blinked in confusion, as did Meg, at the comical sight, TJ sniffling and rubbing her scratched palms.
Going to her older sister, she pressed against her side as Gabumon huffed.
"That's Pumpkinmon and Cheese, and Gotsumon and Speedie. Most of them are horrible troublemakers."
"Most 'a 'em?"
"Cheese is the only exception. Digimon wonder why she bonded with Pumpkinmon."
"What? Ya get ta choose?"
"Bonding is an intimate gesture to all Digimon and Spirit Evolutions. You're sharing your heart with someone."
"Aren't you two Digidestined?" Gotsumon wondered, catching their attention.
"Yes. Why do you care?"
"We're supposed to be looking for the eighth child or something…"
"Y-You're one of Myotismon and Midnight's henchmen?"
Raph whipped out his sai, and Speedie immediately pulled her partner to safety.
"Not really!"
"We just want to have fun!" Pumpkinmon insisted.
Raph blinked in confusion, and Meg crossed her arms, as did Gabumon.
"How am I supposed to believe that?"
"We would have attacked you if we were really your enemies, wouldn't we?"
…
"…They've got a point, darlin'…"
"Don't start."
"Where'd Pat go?"
TJ looked like she was in pain and near hysterics, looking to her sister for guidance.
"…I'm sure Patamon is fine."
"He could be lost."
"Or attacked."
"Or run over."
Speedie, Gotsumon, and Pumpkinmon stopped as tears blurred the young teen's eyes…
"But that isn't very likely!"
"He can take care of himself!"
"I'm sure he wouldn't go near the street!"
SMACK!!!
SMACK!!!
SMACK!!!
"I think you've helped enough." Meg stated icily.
Personally, Raph thought that was HOT…
"Tammy, I promise we'll find Patamon. He can't have gone far-."
"I'll get you, you little freaks!"
"…Guess ya guys are regular shell-fer-brains…"
"Get behind that dumpster." Meg ordered.
Once the four were hidden and Raph slipped out of sight with TJ, the black-haired girl turned to face an angry teenager.
"Which way did those little monster's go?!"
"That way."
When the coast was clear, she looked over her shoulder.
"She's gone."
"Whoa…Thanks."
"You're the best!"
"We're in your debt!"
Cheese smiled nervously, catching the two Digimon roughly by the arm.
"Sorry about them, they're just excitable. But we really are grateful."
"As long as you don't do this again, it's fine."
"Meggie…"
TJ's eyes were unfocused, cold sweat on her skin and breathing shallow…
"Pat's so far away…"
"What's goin' on wit' 'er?"
"Being separated from our Digimon…hurts." Meg explained, fingers tightening around Gabumon's horn.
"Tammy, where is Patamon?"
Before Raph could rebuff her, say there was no way TJ could know…
The girl started to walk.
Meg didn't react when the other pairs followed them, but Raph's eyes narrowed.
"Why are 'ey followin' us?"
"Protection."
"…'Ow does she know where ta go?"
"Our bonds are almost physical. If we concentrate, we can always find our partners."
"…What's it like? Not bein' alone?"
"…Quiet."
Clearly confused at the statement, his eyes flickered to Gabumon, who started slowing his pace deliberately.
Meg did not, understanding his motives, and caught up with the pairs following them.
"You have to understand, Meg is…emotional. She's sensitive and protective…"
Gabumon rubbed his arm, feeling a bit uncomfortable…
"Her mother was very rough with her after they split up, and she can't get the words out of her head…"
Looking up at the turtle, Gabumon tried to keep his concern inside.
"When she let me in, they stopped. But it's not enough anymore…"
"…"
Gold eyes turned to lock on Meg's back, and his heart started to ache.
'She's 'urtin'?'
"She ne'er said…"
"She doesn't talk about it. Hardly ever talks about herself, really. If she stays quiet and forces her emotions away…"
Gabumon sighed…
"She thinks it will keep the pain at bay…And help TJ feel secure…"
"That ain't 'er job…"
"Meg loves her sister, her family…She'd do anything for them, or her friends…"
'What 'bout 'er?'
Meg looked towards Cheese, keeping her expression neutral though her eyes glinted with curiosity.
"I suppose everyone asks you why you bonded with Pumpkinmon."
"Actually, you'd be the first."
The grey-haired Spirit Evolution smiled, eyes locked on the three playing around before them.
"When we were younger, I didn't know who I wanted to bond with…It was such a hard decision for me, I went for a walk…"
Mouse tail flicking from side to side, Cheese chuckled.
"I got attacked, and Pumpkinmon saved me…We bonded immediately."
"…Do you regret it?"
"…"
Pumpkinmon rushed forward with Gotsumon, heading for the ice cream cart…
"…Never."
TJ paused, looking puzzled, before looking up the street and down an alley…
"Pat?"
"Hey, look at this!" Speedie shouted, going for a store window.
Meg caught her tail and tripped the two Digimon before sighing.
"No."
"But-!"
"NO."
Glaring at the three pouting faces, she quirked an eyebrow.
"Try me."
They relented, and she released them before looking towards her sister.
"Tammy?"
"Pat…He's closer…"
She bolted down a path, a rush of fear and uncertainty nearly swamping her heart…
"PAT!"
"Tammy!"
The group ran after her, Meg taking the lead as Gabumon reached her side.
Pain numbing now that the bond wasn't so stretched, TJ felt strength returning to her limbs.
Feet pounding against asphalt, her heart raced as it cried out for its other half…
"PAT! PAT, WHERE ARE YOU?"
Dark clouds gathered in the night sky, and thunder rattled the loose stones under her sneakers.
Something dark lashed the ground in front of her, and TJ stopped with a yelp, suddenly returning to reality.
"Well, well…A lost Digidestined, out all alone…"
Backing away from Midnight, TJ almost shook…
'Pat…'
"Midnight! Myotismon!" Meg practically snarled.
"Ah, so you don't let anyone walk around alone after all…Such a shame…"
Myotismon glared pointedly at Pumpkinmon, Gotsumon, and their partners.
"Have you found the eighth child?"
"Actually…"
"We were working on it."
"You see, there was this huge snake-."
"Silence!"
Raph almost growled, gripping his sai tighter as the four cowered at his tone.
"Destroy these Digidestined, then."
"We were just about to!"
"Yeah, we were!"
Meg pulled TJ to her side as they were faced with more opponents, Gabumon practically bristling.
"You would turn on us? Even after we helped you?"
"Orders are orders…"
"Sorry!"
Cheese pulled out a hard-ended staff, and Speedie bared her sharp fangs.
Meg's eyes narrowed as TJ clung to her shirt, Raph's sai spinning…
"Gabu…"
"I know…Run!"
As the blue-eyed teen pulled the two around her to follow her, Gabumon tried to cover their backs.
"Blue Blaster!"
As they were startled, he raced after his partner.
"Gabu, we've got to fight them!"
"I can't! They were our friends!"
Meg was silent a moment, eyes downcast…
"I know…"
"Darlin', we gotta do somethin'!"
"We could fight Gotsumon and Speedie, but Pumpkinmon and Cheese are at the Ultimate level."
Turning a corner, they were faced with a stone wall…
"To beat them is to use force I'd rather withhold…"
Facing their only exit, Gabumon stepped forward to shield them from the danger.
"Ya wanna try us?"
…
"…We quit."
"Us, too."
Even Meg blinked, surprised at the sudden lack of hostility…
"What?"
"You guys are great!"
"We only did that to get us all away from Myotismon and Midnight!"
"If we hadn't, we'd all be doomed…"
"Besides, it would be more fun to hang out with you guys than fight!"
Lightning flashed through the sky…
"They're coming!" Cheese warned.
"Hide!"
Raph dragged them behind a dumpster, Meg practically in his lap to make room for TJ and Gabumon on her left.
Gabumon was at the very edge, listening, as the gold-eyed sibling pressed into her sister's side.
"Where are the Digidestined?"
"They're faster than they look!"
"We couldn't keep up, sir!"
"…You're pathetic liars."
Midnight's voice reached them in a sharp note.
"We have no more use for you."
"Whip of Decay!"
"Grizzly Wing!"
Cheese knocked the attack off-course as the bats fluttered around them.
"Pumpkinmon Power!"
The bats proceeded to EAT the pumpkin…
Meg tensed, fingers tightening on Raph's forearm…
"Rock Fist!"
"Take this!"
Both Gotsumon and Speedie were knocked back, and cries of pain echoed against the walls…
Screams echoed in her head…
"P-Pumpkinmon…C-Cheese…G-Gotsumon…Sp-Speedie…"
TJ was trembling…
Silence…
"You four are next."
"Maybe you'll be more entertaining…"
Raph growled, arms tightening around Meg's frame…
"They weren't evil…"
Slightly surprised at the voice, he looked down to see sad blue eyes…
"They were only trying to do the right thing, only wanted to be free…"
Her charm was beginning to shine, and the light enveloped her and Raph…
"You had no right to kill them!"
Gabumon closed his eyes at the rush of strength…
"Wolf!"
Raph was breathless, the energy pulling her away from him…
"Megan, Spirit Evolve into…FANG!"
"Gabumon, Digivolve to…GARURUMON!!"
In a flash, Fang's fist was heading straight for Midnight's smug face, snarling, as Garurumon pounced.
Myotismon was crushed against the building across the street, but struck his opponent off.
Flinching at the ghostly strike, Fang managed to avoid claws aimed for her throat.
"Howling Blaster!"
'Those guys…It was only for a little while, but…'
"Crimson Lightning!"
"Whip of Decay!"
"They were our friends!"
The Crest of Friendship burst with light…
"Garurumon, Digivolve to…WEREGARURUMON!!"
"Transformation of Friendship into…Friendly Fang!"
The two pairs rushed at each other, intent on dealing damage, and bright light erupted upon impact.
TJ shielded her eyes, heart going wildly…
'Fang…'
Lights shattered as a shockwave moved away from the warring enemies, Friendly Fang's fists glinting dangerously.
Jumping from one building to another, she avoided Midnight's strikes and tried to land some of her own.
Lights were shattering as they moved to taller buildings, to more busy streets, and TJ pulled Raph along behind her.
"Crimson Lightning!"
"Whip of Decay!"
Rushing up the windows to avoid the attack, Friendly Fang separated from her Digimon Partner a moment.
They jumped off towards Midnight and Myotismon…
"Wolf Claw!"
"Crushing Friendship!"
The wall of an office building was busted open, and Friendly Fang landed in the opening.
As Weregarurumon came in behind her, blue eyes flashed, reflected light improving her vision…
Her breath caught.
"Weregarurumon, move-!"
"Grizzly Wing!"
Midnight pounced, crushing her chest and sending them out into open air…
Weregarurumon landed roughly on a rooftop, but Friendly Fang struck the street, creating a crater.
Too dazed to even raise her head, blue eyes opened slowly to see a victorious Midnight.
"I wonder if Tonya will fight this fiercely…"
"Leave her…alone…" The wolf-girl growled.
"You're in no position to be giving orders…Whip of Decay!"
It slashed her across the face, blood seeping down her cheek…
"Crimson Lightning!"
The foreign pain entered her fraying nerves as well, and it stung worse than before.
Raph's fists clenched, barely holding in his rage and blood-thirst.
If he wasn't so outmatched…
TJ was trembling horribly, holding her charm.
'Pat…Pat, where are you?'
Willing it to glow, TJ closed her eyes.
'Pat, I need you!'
"LEAVE HER ALONE!"
The sudden shout caught everyone's attention, and the young teen refused to recoil under their gazes.
"I won't let you hurt anybody else!"
"And how are you doing to do that, little Digidestined?"
Gold light escaped her fingers, and her eyes widened as strength flooded her…
"Like this…Husky!"
The glow was so bright, it outshone all the others…
"Tammy Jane, Spirit Evolve into…ACE!"
…
"Patamon, Digivolve to…ANGEMON!!"
Friendly Fang's eyes widened at the second appearance of her sister's Spirit Evolution form and Angemon…
Managing to stand, blood slipping down her skin, she bared her fangs.
"Stay away from my friends."
As the Digimon ganged up on Myotismon, her fingers tightened on her knuckledusters.
Ace raced forward, throwing one of her shuriken as hard as she could while thrusting forward with the other.
As Midnight was distracted, Friendly Fang tried to land a strong punch.
Blocking it with his arm, bone cracked audibly, and everyone converged…
Raph was blinded by the sudden explosion of light, and the evil pair disappeared.
Looking up at the sky as the clouds parted, the transformation fell away as the cuts healed to pale scars.
Hitting the ground on her knees, Meg tried to catch her breath as Gabumon leaned into her side.
Raph came up as TJ fell on her butt, Patamon in her lap.
"…Ya a'right, darlin'?"
"…I'll be fine. It's just…exhausting."
After a moment, she was surprised when he lifted her into his arms, Gabumon pulled onto his shell.
"Raph?"
"Figured ya'd be slow walkin' 'ome the way ya are now…"
He seemed to be blushing, and Meg couldn't help the curiosity in her eyes.
"…Thanks."
"…Yer welcome."
TJ looked towards them, eyes innocent…
'Is this what mommy and daddy used to be like? I can't…remember…'