Let it never be said that Mimi Tachikawa didn't love a good party. Made even better by the simple fact of being here. The Digi-World had never been more welcomed in her eyes. Even with the dark gloom to the East, the world was shining and alive. And Palmon's colors popped so much better here!

And the Koromon were so great. Letting them all stay and orient themselves… and even throwing a party! Or… okay, it was a celebration, but that didn't matter so much. It was promising to be a fun thing regardless. And it'd be nice to have a day off.

No walking for hours… no school or curfew... A nice change from how things usually were.

It had been interesting to see the small Digimon go about the tasks and chores a real human village would do… but now it was like everyone was gearing up for the American tradition of Halloween. Some had adornments and jewelry, and others were painting each other with symbols and shapes in many different colors (though only one color per Digimon, which really was a drag… rainbows were so much better).

And there were more than just Koromon here. During their stay in the village, she'd seen a Tyranomon lurking just out of sight, two Veggiemon and Gekomon all scattered about. Each one and then some joining in now, all smiles and happiness. Positive Energy!

She wished that energy could brighten those clouds. They continued to grow the blackest of black she'd ever seen, and they were expanding in all directions. Soon, they would all be in that awful weather! That or sheltering in the smelly old cave again.

"Mimi? Are you okay?"

"Oh! I'm fine, Palmon. Just admiring the scenery is all," she replied cheerfully, looking down at the white puff ball beside her partner. "Oh, isn't he adorable?" she knelt down and scooped the white colored Botamon into her arms. It made a soft sound of content that nearly had her melting in place.

"They've been gone an awfully long time. I wonder if something happened." Mimi glanced down at her partner. The ivy-mon stared off into the distance at the same dark horizon she had moments earlier. Mimi tightened her hold on the baby Digimon and forced her eyes away.

"I'm sure we'll find them…" it was hard to say it. Harder than she'd anticipated. Guilt flared in her chest so suddenly it might have choked her.

In all of the adventures they'd shared coming to Digiworld… they'd never stayed in one place for so long. So much traveling they really hadn't prepared for… this was no different, really. Everyone but she and Wallace were wearing school uniforms. Wallace was in PJs, which she'd only missed changing into by a few minutes (long story, given the hour in America) when the Gate opened.

"Yeah. We'll find 'em," Palmon nodded but didn't sound convinced. Mimi wasn't really either. "Just need a plan. We'll think of something." Which was Matt's chosen duty, and given he'd clammed up after Gennai's speech…

"Which isn't a problem! So let's enjoy the party!" she grinned, winking.

"Bot!" the tiny thing in her arms exclaimed happily.

=/=/=

Koromon sure knew how to party.

Daisuke plopped ungracefully at the edge of the Fountain. The village was alive with festivities. The Koromon were amazing. Each one was painted up in tribal designs in colors ranging from white to brown. Some carried music instruments, and the rhythm was unlike anything he'd ever heard before. It carried through the small huts like a heartbeat.

Somehow they'd even goaded Matt and Mimi into a wicked duet with no words. Both claimed after that they'd been going off of the other for notes and cues, listening to the surrounding chords and beat. The Koromon had been ecstatic at the singing… but they weren't the only Digimon that applauded.

Koromon Village had turned into a regular Coffee Shop with how diverse the crowd was. Small Digimon like the black furred Botamon were almost lost in the masses and stuck close to others. Moving flora that was distinctly different from Mimi's partner were dancing in the wide areas. A giant Teddy Bear was the real kicker, in his opinion. It had found a place to sit and was apparently a hit with the several small fox-like things. And he had to admit, those heart bubbles were no joke.

But then… the little green things that looked like Flubber and smelled worse than the Locker Room were pretty out there. They ogled at Mimi like they were star-struck, and one was even openly hitting on the girl, which was promptly ignored or brushed off like it weren't even strange to her that this was happening. Of course, they were also referring to Hikari as a princess (which she was! Just… it sounded weird coming from a six inch puddle of much with eye balls).

"This… this is awesome," he whispered to himself, staring around. Even with the threat of the storm… Tai and Izzy… this was cool. Never in a million years did he ever imagine this. And he was a part of it.

Sure, he'd seen the group together many times. Maybe no often nowadays… but he'd idolized Taichi a very long time. And they always seemed so untouchable. A level of amazing he'd never reach in all of his life. They were the best of the best!

When he'd finally nerved up to ask Hikari to a movie, he'd fully expected to be turned down (in the softest way possible. It was Hikari Yagami, after all. She didn't know how to be harsh). Her yes had him on air.

And if he'd never asked, he likely would never have been asked in turn to help look for Taichi. Would never have been warped from his kitchen to a Digital Forest. Never be surrounded by fictitious creatures.

He took the silver device from his pocket, studying the engravings. His Digivice. It linked him to a Digimon. A partner that could be strong because of that link. The idea was daunting.

The small thing had the weight of a beefy cellphone. It was more dimensional though, and wouldn't fit in his uniform pants pocket. There was a clip, though, which was handy. He wouldn't have known to look for it had he not watched Hikari remove hers in that cave.

Cave. He felt particularly fond of that dreary old cave. He'd held the girl of his dreams in that cave. The cave that very nearly ended them. And how lucky was it that they'd happened upon a tunnel? Much less one they recognized…

"This is where we found Tai's Crest!" "The Crest of Courage!"

Courage. Crest. Izzy may have told him enough to keep him from freaking out about Digimon (but no, really, the bug was just huge!), but Crests weren't on the lesson plan. He had no idea what Tai's Crest of Courage was, or the signifigance… but it must have been a good thing, if everyone's reactions had been truthful.

"What're you doing over here, Daisuke?"

He jolted, looking up at Hikari. "N-nothing! Just, you know… taking a breather." He grinned, standing. "The Koromon really know how to celebrate!" And here he was, spending it all thinking.

Hikari smiled and sat down. Faltering, he sat down again, watching her. The sound of Mimi and Matt taking up their duet again blended well with the acoustics of the echoing village. Hikari's eyes drifted shut and she leaned back, supporting herself with her arms. "I'm glad you're here, Daisuke."

He was probably grinning stupidly now. A thousand and one comments ran through his head. 'You're beautiful' was the most prominent and he nearly said it out loud. The only reason he didn't… ZT walked up with a forced smile, holding three cups. "Hey you two. You both look like you could use some punch."

"Thanks Takeru," Hikari said in a jubilant tone that had Daisuke cringing. She was so nice… and had only just used a similar tone with him. "Wow. It's great!"

"The Koromon told me it was made by the Veggiemon," the other said, smiling genuinely. He sipped at his own cup and laughed. "I agree. It's great!" Feeling left out, Daisuke clutched at the cup and turned away.

The village was alight, even as the sun was going down. It reminded him of festivals he'd been to back home… the stringed lights giving a warm glow to accentuate the happenings nicely.

Tribute to the Sun and the Light. This party really would last all night.

A touch on his hand drew him back, and he realized KV was gone… immediately replaced with the realization that Hikari was holding his hand. She was also staring out at village, enjoying the scene. The sun setting was painting the sky a striking mix of pinks and oranges that went well with the theme the village had going… with the backdrop of the mountains and the greenery… it was beautiful.

Hikari made it even better.

Someone had done her hair. And while different clothes were a stretch for this world, that same person had found a light pink hair clip and a matching necklace. It was no wonder those little green muck balls were calling her Princess. Even in her school uniform… she could have been one.

The duet ended again.

He leaned forward. His mind was replaying the scene from the Little Mermaid (which his sister watched, thank you very much. Not him!), where the crab kept singing "Kiss the girl". It was perfect! Everything was just great… and the girl he'd liked since second grade was right there, holding his hand. Why not?

Wind tickled his senses. Which was fine, had there not been an accompanying growl that seemed to rumble through the ground itself.

So much for that.

=/=/=

A/N: Oh man! I'm sorry for the ever long delay. I've been literally stuck for months on this section. In the end, I'm combining everything I've written as opposed to keeping chapters to a single person. Which equates to, strangely, a lot of Daisuke. He's the chattiest, though I've gotten a few point of views on the party…

I know I promised a Tai chapter. I misjudged where it would fall. Oops. There is one coming… and the repercussions of the surrounding events are really gonna spiral for the group.

Like always, thank you all for sticking with me.