Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon, duh!

Chapter Three: Escape to the Digital World!

Kiku sat in her third period art class, just staring at the glob of clay in front of her. The teacher came by and looked at her funny.

"Class," the teacher said. "Miss Tanaka here is showing how a true artist should concentrate!"

Everyone, including Taichi, turned to look at Kiku. The rest of the class continued working, but slowly, Taichi made his way over to Kiku. He waved a hand in front of her glazed over eyes. She didn't react. He cussed under his breath and began to shake Kiku again.

"Mr. Yamagi! Please leave Miss Tanaka alone!" the teacher snapped when she saw Taichi. "Why don't you stand out in the hall for a second!"

Kiku blinked, and she snapped back into reality. It took a second or two, but she realized what had just happened: Taichi was trying to help her, and as a result he was getting in trouble.

"Great," Taichi thought. "How am I supposed to get her to skip class now?"

Taichi trudged out into the hall. Feeling bad, Kiku raised her still clean hand (she had yet to touch her clay).

"Yes Miss Tanaka?" the teacher said.

"May I use the bathroom?" Kiku asked.

"Yes. You may."

Kiku stood and walked out the door. She had no intention of going to the bathroom. Instead, she stopped as soon as she got to Taichi.

"Hi," Kiku whispered.

Taichi opened his eyes then looked down at Kiku. For the first time he realized that she really was not much taller then Hikari....When they were playing soccer, she had so much energy that he hadn't really had a chance to stand with her like this.

"Something wrong Taichi?" Kiku asked, tilting her head to the side a bit.

Taichi grinned.

"No, I was just thinking about how short you are...."

Kiku frowned.

"I know I'm short," she said. "You don't have to rub it in...That's what my two older brothers always do!"

A very distinct frown formed itself on Kiku's lips. Two seconds later all the lights in the school began to flicker.

"Oh no," Taichi thought. "This must be bigger than I realized...I do have to get her to the Digital World."

While the lights were out, Taichi grabbed Kiku's hand and pulled her down the hall until they reached the computer room. Without hesitation, Taichi began to type a code in one of the computers...One that Koushiro had taught him awhile ago.

An all too familiar screen came up on the monitor and Taichi grinned. He grabbed Kiku's hand (and missed her blushing) then pulled out his Digi-vice.

"Let's go!" he yelled as they got sucked into the Digital World.

Kiku landing on the ground with a loud THUMP. She stood and dusted the dirt off of her butt, only to realize she was not in the uniform that she was required to wear for school. Instead she was in an orange tank top and a pair of jean capris.

"Wha...? My clothes changed!" she exclaimed.

Taichi smiled. His clothes hadn't changed, they never did.

"You're here!"

Both teens turned to see Gennai running toward them. He had something in his left hand, but neither could see what it was.

"Taichi! You made it!" Gennai exclaimed, running toward them. "And you brought the girl!"

As soon as he reached the two Gennai bowed.

"And you must be the lovely Kiku Tanaka that I've heard so much about," Gennai said as he straightened himself.

"I'm Kiku Tanaka, but I'm not sure that the "lovely" part is correct."

Gennai grinned.

"Never mind that, we have more important things to talk about now. You can leave, Taichi."

Taichi stared, dumbfounded at Gennai.

"Why do I have to leave?" he asked.

"Because you're not needed anymore," Gennai assured.

Kiku looked over at Taichi. Her eyes were pleading with him to stay. Taichi nodded.

"I'm staying," he told Gennai. "Kiku wants me to."

"Fine," Gennai sighed. "But we have to hurry. We don't have much time."

Gennai led the two to a small secluded area of the Digital World, or so he thought. Really, it was just a patch of damp grass surrounded by trees.

"Now, time to explain everything," Gennai said, sitting down.

Taichi and Kiku remained standing.

"No, you two have to sit," Gennai said.

Kiku looked at Gennai strangely.

"It's wet," she stated flatly.

"Yes, yes, I know. But you have to sit or else I won't be able to do this properly."

"Do what properly?" Taichi demanded.

"Kiku is the long lost guardian of the Digital World. She had powers of this world, and we need to help her control them, or she'll kill this world, and yours."

Without another word, Kiku plopped on the ground across from Gennai. Taichi sat down next to Kiku.

"Now, what is she?" he asked.

"Kiku is the guardian of the Digital World...It's quite a long story...I'll start from the begining."

Taichi and Kiku sighed. They knew they'd miss more than Art Class.