Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon because if I did, I wouldn't waste my time writing fanfics. The only thing
that I own is the four new characters that I made up. So please do not sue me! I have no money!

A/N: I know I said Wednesday I would update the story but we had a snow storm and the power was out for
two days. So anywho, enjoy and reveiw!

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Chapter 16: Search and Rescue

Serge stretched and yawn loudly. He looked around the room groggily and noticed that Tyler's bed was empty. Serge quickly swung out of his bed and
looked around frantically.

"Ah man, he didn't?" Serge complained and than noticed a sheet of paper on Tyler's pillow. He carefully read it over and let out a groan. "He did!"

And with that, Serge ran out of his room shouting for Gennai.

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Meanwhile in the sky...

"So, how long does it take to get to the badlands anyway?" Tai asked impatiently.

"Well, we've been flying for a few hours now," I explained. "I'd say we'll be there in a few more minutes."

"Good,"

"Don't get your hopes up, we still have to look around and that'll take awhile," I stated.

"Great," Tai answered dryly.

"Did anyone ever tell you that patience is a virtue?" I asked jokingly.

"Did anyone ever tell you that when your worried there's no room for patience?" Tai shot back.

"Calm down, we'll make in time,"

"Hope your right,"

"I'm always right," I grinned smugly.

"You'll never change, will you?" Tai laughed.

"You couldn't pay me to change!"

Our laughs were abruptly cut off as gigantic gust of sand flew into our faces.

"Guess...we're here!" Tai coughed.

"Whatever gave you that idea!" I teased as I pulled my goggles over my eyes. "Great! We just landed in a sand storm!"

"I...can't see!" Tai cried out.

"Put on your sunglasses! I didn't give them to you so you could look cool!" I explained.

"Oh...yeah," Tai said dumbly as he pulled them over his eyes. "How are we going to get outta this?"

"Right through it!" I yelled as Aeroveedramon dived into the storm.

"What?!" Tai shouted as he watched the dragon go into a dive. "Wait up?!"

MetalGreymon and Aeroveedramon maneuvered through the sandstorm as fast as they could. Aeroveedramon was way ahead of the enormous android Digimon because
he was able to fly smoother than him because his wings were much larger.

"Tai I can't keep this up!" MetalGreymon warned.

"Hang on for just a few more seconds!" Tai explained.

Suddenly, a huge gust of wind and sand came at them causing Tai and MetalGreymon to lose control and plummet to the ground. MetalGreymon de-digivolved back
to Agumon as he fell through the air.

They were both yelling frantically, until they landed on something soft. They opened there eyes slowly and noticed they were on Aeroveedramon.

"Agumon, didn't you practice your flying?" I asked while looking back at them from Aeroveedramon's head.

"Guess I need more practice..." Agumon admitted.

"Thanks for saving us Tyler," Tai acknowledged.

"Well, I couldn't just let you fall! Sora would kill me!" I suddenly gasped and slapped my hand over my mouth. I couldn't believe I just said that. Me and
my big mouth!

"What did you say?" Tai asked surprised.

"Uh...I couldn't just let you fall?" I answered sheepishly grinning.

"No, after that...about Sora killing you," Tai inquired. "Why would she do that?"

"Heh, heh...well, your her best friend and all, why wouldn't she?" I laughed nervously.

Tai was about to question me further but our Digivices started going off wildly. Which meant we were really close to Sora and Gwen.

"About time!" I cheered. "Punch it Aeroveedramon!"

"You got it!" he replied as he began to fly faster through the storm.

Aeroveedramon was flying so fast that the wind was whistling in our ears. Then, without warning, we landed painfully on the ground.

"Nice landing there bud!" I said sarcastically. "Make it a little harder next time and I might just break something!"

Aeroveedramon just shrugged and de-digivolved back to Mushroomon. He looked up angrily at me.

"What do you expect! I'm outta practice." He shouted defensively. "I haven't flown for eight years y'know!"

"Alright sorry!" I shot back as I put my goggles back in place. "But we can't be any help to anyone if were hurt! Right Tai?"

No answer.

"Right Tai?" I repeated as I turned around. What I saw left my mouth hanging open.

A few hundred yards away, stood a dark building surrounded by mist giving the place an eerie look.

"Nice place..." Tai whistled.

"I'll say," I responded. "That's where the signals ends. What d'ya say we check it out?"

"Sound good to me," Tai agreed.

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"Idiots!" Gennai stated angrily. "I can't believe they went by themselves!"

"You can't really blame them," Serge began. "I mean, I would do the same if I was in there situation."

Gennai and Serge sat in the conference room alone. The others were informed about Tai and Tyler's disappearance and were ordered to get prepared
to leave at a moments notice.

"I know," Gennai answered. "But if something happens to them..."

"They'll be fine," Serge interrupted. "They've been through worse."

The door suddenly swung open to reveal the other Digidestined standing in the doorway holding packs and supplies.

"So, where are we heading?" Matt asked.

"Tank and Dozer are leading you to the badlands. They know a shortcut that will be a lot faster. It should take about half a day to get there."
Gennai answered.

"Well then, let's get to work!" Serge replied pumping his arm in the air.

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Brian stood behind Lance watching the monitors silently. Suddenly, he smiled darkly at what he saw on one of the screens.

"Sir we have visitors," Lance informed him.

"Well then, be sure to give them a warm welcome" Brian chuckled placing his hand on Lance's shoulder. "Send Akira to the front gate."

"With pleasure sir." Lance responded.

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At the front gate...

"So, how do we get in exactly?" Tai asked while looking up at the large door in front of them.

I was about to answer when a voice cut through the air.

"You won't if I have anything to say about it!"

I turned around quickly drawing out my sword and went into a battle stance. There stood someone in a black robe also holding a sword.

"Great! They have guards too..." I thought grimly. "Tai, you and the others find a way in. I'll take care of this!"

"I can't just leave you here!" Tai reasoned.

"Get going!" I yelled.

He backed up slowly and then made a run for it. The figure in shadow just watched him go still in a battle stance. I also noticed that someone still
remained.

"Go Mushroomon!" I ordered.

"I'm not leaving you here!" He shouted. "I never once abandoned you in my life and I'm not starting now."

"Mushroomon..." I said softly. "Go please, I'll catch up."

He still didn't move from that spot. I was about to shout at him again but the figure lunged at me.

"Whoa!" I cried out suddenly lifting my sword to block the stranger's sword.

"Give it up Tyler! You can't defeat me!" He sneered.

"Wanna bet!" I challenged through clenched teeth while pressing hard against my opponent's weapon.

It shoved me away by putting all his weight on his sword making me retreat backwards. We started striking at each other furiously, blocking each other
blow by blow. Unfortunately, I let my guard down and it slashed at my arm, making me shed blood all over my sleeve.

I let out a cry of pain as I clutched at my wounded arm trying to make the blood from flowing. I quickly rammed into him sending him to the ground. Trust
me, I've had much worse damage put on me and I had the scars to prove it! That was merely a scratch to me but it still hurt after all. The figure laid on
his back looking up at me as I placed my foot on it's chest pinning him down.

I brought the tip of my sword to the figure's hood and flipped it over it's head. I couldn't believe what I saw.

"Akira?!" I asked shocked. "What the hell are you doing here?!"

He was one of my Digidestined. Why was here for?

"Glad you recognized me!" He spat. "What are you waiting for? Kill me already!"

"Sorry I don't do that!" I answered letting him up. "Even though traitors deserve it! Get out of here before I change my mind!"

He looked at me strangely and then fled the area when I lifted my sword up to attack once again.

I kneeled on the ground exhausted and untied the bandanna around my head and wrapped it around my throbbing arm while wincing slightly. Mushroomon came to
my side and rested a hand on my shoulder. But one thing bothered me. What were one of my Digidestined in cahoots with this guy anyway?

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In another cell, Sora stood against a wall struggling against the chains that bound her hands. Mike stood amused in a corner smiling at how strong spirited
she was.

"And beautiful," he added to his thoughts.

"You can wipe that smile off your face you miscreant!" Sora spat.

"I'd rather not." Mike answered while advancing towards her, smiling still.

"Oh shoot! Why is this happening to me?!" Sora thought fearfully.

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Tai Kamiya crawled through the vent as quietly as possible, cursing in his mind as he did so.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into going through a vent Agumon!" Tai whispered. "I can barely fit."

"Well, I didn't see you come up with anything to get inside!" Agumon answered back. "Besides the opening is right ahead."

Sure enough there stood the opening covered by the vent door. Tai peered through it and spotted Sora struggling against the bounds that held her.

"There she is!" Agumon cheered which was quickly covered by Tai's hand.

"Keep it down! There's someone else there!" Tai whispered.

"Sorry."

Tai could hear what they were saying and then watched as Mike smiled and began to walk towards Sora. He watched Mike play with her hair and run his hand down her
side suggestively, which Sora gritted her teeth against. One thing was running through Tai's mind at that moment as he grabbed his sword by the hilt.

"He's dead!" Tai growled.

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Sora gritted her teeth as Mike began to rub her arms and sides suggestively. Then Sora suddenly smiled darkly and decided to play along.

"Why don't you forget about that Matt character and stay here with me Sora?" Mike asked softly.

"Hmm, that sounds lovely." Sora smiled seductively.

Mike came closer and unlocked the chains around her arms.

"Wait for it..." Sora thought.

"Glad you agree." Mike grinned. "How about we go to my room and talk about it?"

"Sorry but I've got other plans!" Sora yelled and slammed her knee into Mike's groin in which he on instinct, clutched onto in pain.

Sora pushed passed him and ran towards the exit only to be blocked by Gazimon.

"That wasn't very nice!" He sneered.

"It wasn't suppose to be moron!" Sora shot back.

Mike pulled out a pocket knife and began to walk towards Sora. She gulped and began to walked backwards trying to find a ways of escape.

Suddenly, Tai and Agumon jumped from the vent and landed in front of Sora. Sword in hand and swung at the knife knocking it out of Mike's hand.

"Tai!" Sora cried happily.

"Hey Sor! How's it hanging?" Tai asked.

Before Sora could answer, Mike slammed into Tai sending him to the ground and causing him to drop his sword. They latched there hands together and began to overpower
the other. Tai then began to glow orange and started to push Mike off of him with much more ease.

"What the hell?" Mike asked angrily.

Tai then pushed Mike a few feet away from him and cupped his hand in a stance like an opened mouth. His hands began to glow orange and then a ball of flaming energy
shot towards Mike sending him into the cell and locking the door.

"Hey, let me out!" Mike yelled furiously against the bars.

"Yeah right!" Tai spat and began to walk away.

"Gazimon stop them!" Mike ordered.

"Are you kidding me!" Gazimon asked. "Did you just see what he did? I'm outta here!"

And with that he ran out the door.

"Tai, how did you do that?" Sora asked amazed.

"Dunno! I never did it before!"

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"Which way Tyler?" Mushroomon asked as they came to a four way hall.

I grabbed my Digivice from my belt and then pointed straight.

"That way, the signal is strongest that way." I answered.

We began to run quickly through the halls and taking out whatever guards we came across. We had gotten in the building by taking out one of the guards and putting on the
black robe that the he was wearing making it easier for Mushroomon and I to get in. But we didn't take any chances and knocked out whoever we came across.

Suddenly, the Digivice began to beep loudly. We stopped in front of a steel door and took out the access card that was in the guard's robe. I slid the card through the
security box making the door slide open.

Sure enough, there was Gwen chained to the wall asleep. We walked up to her and I shook gently.

"Gwen?"

"Hmmm?" Gwen mumbled and then opened her eyes widely when she saw who was kneeling in front of her. "Tyler?"

"Hey there sleepy-head!" I smiled.

"Hey yourself! Get me out of these chains, will ya?" Gwen asked.

"No problem!" I replied as I took out my sword and swung it against the chains causing them to break.

Once she was free, she jumped up and hugged me. And man, was I blushing!

"I thought I'd never see you again!" She explained.

"You can't get rid of me that easily!" I joked as I returned the embrace. "Who's gonna be there to bug you then?"

"Well, there's always Serge..." Gwen answered thoughtfully. "Then, I'll probably not really miss your antics as much!"

"Hey!!! That's very mean to someone who just saved your life!" I joked back.

"Hey cut it out! I've seen less sap on trees!" Mushroomon shouted at us while shaking his head amused.

"And what exactly is that suppose to mean?" I asked as Gwen and I let go of each other.

"Oh c'mon, your flirting more with each other than you use to as kids!" He sneered.

"We did not flirt!" Gwen and I answered in unison.

"Sure you didn't..." He said rolling his eyes. "Remember that time on the rock..."

"Oh God, not you too!" I groaned at him. "I get that enough from Serge!"

"We weren't flirting Mushroomon...we were just talking!" Gwen answered calmly.

"That's not what it looked like to me!" a voice cut in.

Gwen and I turned towards the sound of the voice. Gwen suddenly grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly.

"And you are?" I asked glaring at him.

"Oh come now Tyler? Don't tell me you don't recognize your old friend?" He asked.

"Well, I can barely see your face under that hood of yours." I stated.

The person in question lifted his hood over his head and than smiled darkly at me when he saw my shocked face.

"No way..." I gasped. "Brian?"

to be continued....

Review me so I can get this thing done!