Disclaimer: See first chapter

A/N: *Sigh* I apologize once again for the delay people, it's third term and it's fully booked. I mean it, every week there's some activity scheduled! But, good news: SUMMER BREAK!!!!!!!!! More time for me…well, at first, at least. Oh, just as a side note…I would've uploaded this chapter sooner, but it's just that I had to write it in a notebook first since my parents kept on getting me out of the house and away from the computer…and I had a major writer's block, SOWEEEE!!!

            Anyway! Glad you guys liked the last chapter, so here're my thanks.

            Dragi: Again, glad you liked the last chapter, I hope this one's enough to pay for the delay on updating.

            Dragons star: Rikku/Gippal, huh? I've taken a liking to that as well. ^_^ Anyway, to answer your questions, first of all, for the other Digimon, yeah, they're going through the same thing, and if I can squeeze it into the plot, I might show their "initiations" if they enter as rookies as well, we'll see in future chapters. For your second question, yes, Flamon's gonna be okay, read the chapter if you don't believe me. Third, the other chosen will be seen after a few more chapters, be patient, you'll see what I have planned. And fourth, here's my update!

            Skittles the Sugar Fairy: Thank you, if you want to see why Flamon's getting such a condition, read this chapter carefully, you'll see what I'm getting at.

            Gijinka Renamon: Always nice to see a new name pop up on the reviews. Yep, the other warriors will also appear here, but not yet. Stick to the fic and continue to R&R pls! It'll mean a lot to me.

            Lavos: Hey, like I said before, this is more of a "what if" fic. Give me some leeway, man. Anyway, about the Lucemon thing, I haven't really decided if they should be personal friends or not, but I'll see what comes out from the plot.

            OmnicromXR: Thanks for the compliment. Yeah, I know what you mean about Flamon, but it's the plot, and it makes it interesting.

            Nightdragon0: Yay! Another new reviewer! Hope you stick with this fanfic.

            Anulee Alent: Ey, batchmate! Glad you liked the fic so far. Sorry I wasn't able to update before the end of school year, but I know you understand the "hardships" of term exams. Hope you can get to read this soon and review as well.

            Oh, by the way, this chapter focuses more on Flamon's "dream," so I won't italicize the parts where he's, well, dreaming. I don't want the whole chapter to be italicized 'cause it'll be kinda weird, but it'll be obvious if it's reality or the dream anyway.

            Okay, enough with my rambling, on with the chapter! Fiinally we see what Flamon's going through.

Trials and Promises

            Fire; A source of heat and light, a symbol for strength and courage, a classic presentation of rising above others, a message that says even the strongest have weaknesses. However, what is fire? Friend or foe? The answer: it is both. It is a friend when treated properly and looked after with care. Yet when abused, fire becomes one of, if not the, worst enemies one can ever have.

            Flamon trembled in his slumber once again, unknowingly waking his companion. So absorbed in his sleep he was, that he didn't even feel the hands taking hold of his shoulders, trying to shake him awake. Flamon notices nothing but the illusions being formed in his mind; he could not break from his unconscious state.

            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

            'Where am I?' Flamon thought. 'Where are the others?'

            Flamon looked around, seeing nothing but black. Suddenly, small embers began to lick at his limbs and body, making him jump in surprise and run from the heat. It didn't do much help for a while, for the small flames seemed to follow him wherever he ran. Eventually, though, the fires calmed down and disappeared.

            'That was the second time that happened. I wonder how long I'll be staying in this place.'

            He shuddered as the possibility of him being alone again occurred to him.

            "WarGreymon-san? MetalGarurumon-san?" he called out uncertainly. "Strabimon?"

            As if awakened by his shouts, the embers that used to be partially harmless became giant flames that burst to life, surrounding him and resulting him in shutting his eyes and screaming in fear.

            {Do not be afraid, the fire can't hurt you.}

            Flamon's eyes snapped open at the echoing voice, and gasped in shock as he felt that, indeed, the blaze wasn't hurting him. In fact, as the flames licked at his body, it actually felt comfortably warm on his skin and fur. Looking around, hoping to find the source of the mysterious voice, he called out and asked.

            "How…?"

            {You are the chosen of honou.} the voice stated. {It should make sense.}

            "Where am I?"

            {Actually, you're still in the dwelling. Your consciousness has been brought to a trial zone.}

            "Who are you?" inquired Flamon, confusion etched in his voice. "Why are you telling me this?"

            {You need to know this if you are going to prove that you are to be the leader of the chosen, Warrior of Fire.}

            "Leader? Why should I be the leader?"

            {Because you are the one who understands both types the most.}

            A figure materialized in front of Flamon, thought only partially as the rookie could still see somewhat through it. By the tone of the voice, the smaller figured out that the creature was male.  The being was clad in red and white armor, which covered most of the black body suit underneath. A mask-like helmet that had three horns covered the upper-half of his face and held his long, blonde, spiky hair in place. Bright, blue eyes gazed at Flamon from behind the mask as the figure walked closer to him, making him take a few steps back and away.

            'Don't be afraid, Flamon,' said the figure, ceasing in his steps. 'I won't hurt you.'

            Even as the creature moved his lips, his voice still echoed in Flamon's head, scaring him a little.

            "Who are you?" Flamon asked, shocked. "How do you know my name?"

            'I, of all Digimon should know your name.' was the reply. 'I am Agnimon, your future self.'

            "My…future self?" Flamon repeated. "What do you mean?"

            'When you digivolve, you will take my form.' Agnimon explained. 'However, you must pass a test to see weather you are worthy of being the leader of the chosen.'

            "Why me? Why should I be a leader? How could I be a leader?" Flamon asked again. "I don't even have any experience in battle!"

            'Maybe not,' Agnimon said. 'but you understand both beast and human type, at least.'

            "But what does that have to do with anything?"

            'A leader must know how to work with those he leads. He must be sensitive to the feelings of his companions. He must understand what each member is going through. He is not a boss that says "go" but one who works with the team and says "let's go."' Agnimon enumerated. 'I know you have suffered much, but you can use that to prevent others from experiencing the same things.'

            "I can't do this." said Flamon. "I'm not a leader."

            'Take the test,' Agnimon stated. 'and we shall see.'

            With that, Agnimon disappeared with a burst of light so bright and strong that Flamon had to shield his eyes as he was knocked down from the force of the blaze. When he suddenly felt no heat surrounding him, he slightly lowered his arms and cracked an eye open to look at his surroundings, and was shocked to find himself lying in the middle of a seemingly deserted forest field.

            "Agnimon?" he shouted, sitting up. "Where am I?"

            He got no answer.

            "Hello?" he tried again. "Agnimon?"

            Only silence answered him once more as he curled up into a ball and whimpered as his worst fear came true.

            'I don't want to be alone…'

            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

            "Flamon? Flamon, wake up!" Strabimon shouted.

            The younger rookie continued to tremble in his sleep as his fever started to rise once more.

            'Don't do this, Flamon, fight it!'

            "What's going on?"

            Strabimon spared a quick glance at Stingmon before turning back to the Flamon.

            "He started shaking a minute ago." he explained. "I've already covered him with another blanket, but it had no effect."

            "Not again." Stingmon muttered, stepping closer.

            "What?"

            "That's how his condition gets worse." said the bug-warrior Digimon. "This one seems to be worse than the last."

            "You mean…?"

            "His fever will get higher, and there will be a lower probability that he will wake from this slumber." Stingmon stated. "Unless he fights this, I'm afraid that he might not make it…I'm sorry."

            "NO!" Strabimon shouted. "I refuse to believe it! There has to be a way to help him!"

            At that point, his belt buckle glowed brightly, as did Flamon's. Before Strabimon could make a coherent thought, his vision changed from a dark underground cave to a forest illuminated by the afternoon sun.

            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

            Strabimon looked around, checking his surroundings, and confirming that there were currently no Digimon close to him presently. He frowned as the forest gave no familiar sense in view and presence to him.

            "What is this place?" he mumbled.

            'The forest of trials.' A familiar voice answered.

            "Wolfmon?" he said. "What do you mean?"

            'The forest of trials is the place Digimon are tested whether or not they are worthy of the position assigned to them.'

            "But why am I here?"

            'Didn't you promise Flamon that you would help him get out of this?'

            Strabimon's eyes widened at the implied information.

            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

            Flamon wrapped his arms around himself as he walked around the forest as the sun began to sink in the horizon, giving off less heat by the second. As the minutes went by, he began to doubt whether the past events even occurred.

            'Was it all a dream?' he thought. 'That I was finally accepted? That I had friends?'

            Tears fell, unbidden, from behind his shut eyelids as these thoughts ran through his head.

            'How about the incidents with Strabimon? Were those parts of a dream too?'

            He wrapped his arms tighter about himself as the sun set completely, he went back to the routine he was accustomed to every night. He began the search for a tree with thick enough branches to support his weight with enough clusters of leaves to both keep him warm and hide him from other Digimon glancing around. As stars began to multiply, he finally found the tree that he would house in for the night and settled in quickly on one of the top branches.

            "Oyasumi, minna-san." he whispered drifting off to sleep.

            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

            "So you're telling me that Flamon is here?" Strabimon asked.

            'Technically, yes.' replied Wolfmon. 'Both of your bodies are still in the dwelling, but your minds, or consciousness have been transported here.'

            "How are we supposed to get back to our bodies, than?"

            'Flamon should go through and finish his trial and you should keep your promise to him.'

            "And how am I supposed to do that if I don't know where he is?"

            'You should start searching, for I cannot help you there.'

            "What? Wait!"

            Strabimon got no response; Wolfmon had already left. Growling slightly, he climbed up to the highest branch of a nearby tree to examine his surroundings and to look around for a sensible place for Flamon to be situated in.

            'Hmm…considering that it's evening, he's probably hiding…' he thought to himself. 'But where?'

            Observing the forest carefully, he noticed he saw that the mass of trees got thicker and taller as he glanced further into the horizon.

            "Perfect." Strabimon mumbled softly.

            Jumping from one tree to another, he stopped every once in a while and took a few minutes to search around an area's treetops for any sign of the familiar red mane or sniffed for the distinguishing scent of the fire-type rookie. Hours passed as he searched well into the night with no success before fatigue took over him, forcing the lavender Digimon to slump on one of the clusters of branches and get some rest, covering himself with leaves and hiding his scent with some of the flowers on the tree. It was a few minutes after he shut his eyes, human-type Digimon wandered beneath his perch and marched the way he was previously heading.

            A group consisting of four Digimon wandered the forest, searching for any opponent that was foolish enough to step into their territory. Knightmon, the only ultimate level Digimon and the leader of the pack, was walking ahead of the other three. Walking by his side was Gladimon, swords sheathed and looking bored with every step ht took. Hookmon was behind the two armored Digimon, sharpening his hook with the edge of his cannon. Last, walking stealthily behind the pirate Digimon was Musyamon, eyes darting around, trying to spot Digimon, if any, that were sneaking around the area. Hearing a soft rustling above him, the samurai Digimon halted and glanced up, eyes scanning the trees. His sudden lack of movement caught Hookmon's attention, who turned to give him a questioning glance.

            "Ey there, mate," he called quietly, in case there actually was a Digimon. "did ye spot anything?"

            Hookmon's words brought the other two Digimon to attention, Knightmon placing a hand on the handle of his sword and Gladimon bouncing around excitedly.

            "Where is it, Musyamon? I wanna fight it!" Gladimon babbled softly.

            "Be quiet." snapped Musyamon, continuing to search the trees. "Must have been the wind."

            "Awww…" Gladimon sighed, frustrated. "I thought you found something worth fighting."

            "You have to be patient, Gladimon." Knightmon said. "Many beast-types enter our territory undetected, and when we find them, we shall see to it that they shall regret trespassing into human-types' lands."

            The group continued to march on the same course as they previously did, mistaking few rustles of leaves here and there as the natural blowing of the winds of the night.   

            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

            Flamon couldn't sleep straight. He'd toss and turn in his slumber, waking up to find himself in the same tree he slept on. Disappointment and sadness would then help him go back to sleep, and the cycle would repeat. He probably got only a couple hours of sleep with each turn, and stay up for at least half an hour. Eventually, he opened his eyes to sunlight streaming through the canopy of leaves above him.

            Knowing that he couldn't and wouldn't get another wink of sleep, he finally got up and searched for food atop the tree he currently perched on. Spotting some fruits on the higher branches, he nimbly bounded from one bough to another and started picking and munching on a few of the ripest ones. However, one fruit was found to be particularly stubborn, as it seemed to cling tightly to the branch. Flamon pulled with as much strength as he could muster, too much actually, that when the fruit finally gave way he almost lost balance and had to let go of the item to hang on to a branch to prevent a fall. The fruit dropped to the ground and rolled a few ways from the tree. Sighing, he got ready to jump down to retrieve it until he heard voices. Gasping, he hid under the leaves he collected, not making a sound as the sources of the voices came into view.

            "It came from here, guys!" Gladimon called. "The sound came from here!"

            "Keep yer vest on, Gladimon!" Hookmon replied. "We heard ye the first time!"

            "It was this apple." Musyamon stated, picking the fruit up. "It might have fallen from the tree."

            Knightmon took the fruit from the samurai's hand, examining it.

            "It doesn't look like it fell by itself." he observed. "It looks like it was pulled off, quite recently, might I add."

            "So whatever picked that thing is still here?" Gladimon bounced to the ultimate Digimon.

            "I assume that is what he meant." said Musyamon. "It also looks like it has been dropped from a high spot."

            "Well what in blazes are we waitin' fer?" said Hookmon, raising his cannon to the treetops. "CAPTAIN CANNON!"

            A cannonball hit the center of the tangle of branches of the second tree next to Flamon, shaking it up and causing the birds to fly away. Flamon shivered slightly stuck to the spot, getting even more terrified by the second.

            "Come out, come out wherever ye are! CAPTAIN CANNON!"

            This time, the shot was aimed for the tree beside Flamon's. He shook even harder, knowing the inevitable, yet still clinging on to a little hope.

            "C'mon now, ye dun want te make this harder than it has te be. CAPTAIN CANNON!"

            The shot hit the tree by Flamon's other side. It was obvious that Hookmon was just picking trees to shoot at random.

            "Better come down before I accidentally hit ye! CAPTAIN CANNON!"

            This shot hit Flamon's tree dead center, shaking up every single branch violently. Flamon grabbed the branch the last second as he was thrown off, dangling on the protruding bough for dear life as he heard Hookmon snicker menacingly.

            "Well, well, well," said the pirate Digimon. "look a' what we got 'ere. Are ye gonna come down, or am I gonna have te force ye?"

            Flamon tried to regain his balance to climb back up the tree, but Hookmon interrupted him before he could make a move.

            "Fine, don't say I warned ye!" called the blue-clad Digimon. "CAPTAIN CANNON!"

            The cannonball barely missed Flamon as it hit the branch itself; making it, along with Flamon, fall to the ground. The rookie hardly had time to let go of the branch and land properly, but he managed to pull it off, landing clumsily not too far from Hookmon. The latter scoffed at him as he stepped closer, followed by his companions.

            "What do we have here?" Hookmon scowled. "What are ye?"

            "He's standing straight like a human, but he has hind legs similar to beasts." Gladimon observed. "He wears clothes, but he has fur. He doesn't have a muzzle, but his nose looks like a beast's."

            "You seem to have the characteristics of both types, stranger." Musyamon growled. "So would you be kind enough to inform us on what you really are?"

            "I-I can leave i-if you want me to." Flamon said. "Just say the word and I'll-"

            "SILENCE!" shouted Knightmon, stepping forward. "If you won't answer the question presented to you, then it would be best for you if you don't speak at all!"

            The other three backed off from the rookie as the ultimate Digimon unsheathed his sword. Flamon's eyed widened as the blade was pointed at his throat, causing him to step back slightly, tripping on a rock, and falling on his backside. Knightmon held the sword steadily and pulled it back slightly, only to ask the rookie the dreaded question.

            "Answer me now, what are you?"

            Flamon made the mistake of shamefully looking down before answering. In a flash the sword was pressed on the underside of his jaw and he cringed as he was forced to look at Knightmon.

            "Look at me while you answer." he said. "What are you?"

            Flamon shivered as the cool blade threatened to slice through his skin.

            "I-I'm a…I'm a m-mixed breed." he finally whispered.

            The blade was pulled back quickly in shock. The eyed of the other three Digimon widened at the information. Flamon backed up into a tree as the Musyamon also unsheathed his katana and almost cried at the glares given to him by Gladimon and Hookmon. He looked up at Knightmon once more as the ultimate Digimon spoke, this time in hatred.

            "You bring disgrace and shame to the human Digimon race." Knightmon snarled, raising his sword. "Such a shame should be eliminated from this world."

            Tears fell from Flamon's tightly shut eyes as he tensed up, ready for the blow.

            "BESERK SWO-"

            "LICHT BEIN!"

            Flamon's eyes snapped open as the new voice registered in his mind. Surely enough, the sight that greeted him gave him a sense of great relief and joy. A familiar figure was currently fending off the four Digimon while Knightmon retrieved his sword, which went across the field due to the unexpected attack.

            "S-Strabimon?" he whispered unsurely, looking up at the newcomer.

            At the mention of his name, the lavender rookie glanced back at the fire Digimon and grinned at him.

            "You okay?" he immediately asked.

            "Hai." Flamon replied, letting out a breath he didn't know he held. 'So…it wasn't a dream after all.'

            "Move away, wolfie." Hookmon interrupted. "If you let us get to the half-breed, we might go easy on ye."

            Strabimon snapped his attention back to the Digimon in front of him, his grin gone and replaced by a scowl full of anger.

            "You'll have to get by me before you can get that rusty hook of yours on one strand of his fur." he growled heatedly.

            "Rusty!?" Hookmon exclaimed. "Your askin' fer it, wolfie!"

            "Bring it on." Strabimon taunted.

            Hookmon lashed out at Strabimon with his hook, but the rookie nimbly dodged and counter-attacked. He flexed his claws and they glowed brightly with the energy being channeled to them.

            "LICHT NAGEL!"

            Strabimon slashed at the pirate Digimon, who stepped back from the claws, but wasn't expecting the blades of light that came from them. The arches of light hit him on the chest, causing him to stumble back a bit. He glared at the rookie, surprised at such power for his level.

            "Yer pretty good, kid, I'll give you that." he said, preparing his cannon. "But it's time to say goodbye…CAPTAIN CANNON!"

            "LICHT NAGEL!"

            The cannonball and the blades of light met between the two fighters, causing a small explosion.

            "Is that all you've got?" Strabimon questioned. "I thought you would've had more to offer!"

            "Yer gettin' a wee bit too cocky now, kid." Hookmon warned. "Remember tha' I'm not yer only opponent 'ere."

            "SWORD DANCER!"

            Strabimon turned and barely evaded the sudden assault of Gladimon.

            "Don't think it's gonna be that easy to defeat us!" said the warrior Digimon, preparing for another attack. "SWORD DANCER!"

            Strabimon used his claws to match each strike Gladimon's swords made. So concentrated was he on doing this that he didn't notice Hookmon preparing his cannon once again.

            "Say goodbye, wolfie." Hookmon spoke in an undertone. "CAPTAIN CANNON!"

            Gladimon quickly jumped away from the cannonball's line of fire, alerting Strabimon. The lavender rookie, knowing that he wouldn't be able to doge this shot, braced himself for the attack, but it never hit.

            "BABY SALAMANDER!"

            A shot of flame hit the cannonball right before it hit Strabimon, the high heat melting the item into liquid at the wolf's feet. Strabimon looked at the source of the flame, surprised and relieved at the same time.

            "You really had to wait until it was an inch away from me, didn't you, Flamon?" he grinned.

            "Hey, I thought you had it controlled." Flamon said.

            "ENOUGH FOOLING AROUND!"

            Both rookies jumped at the booming voice. Knightmon and Musyamon had been watching the small battle and finally got frustrated with the results. Hookmon an Gladimon paused in their attacks, preparing for orders from the knight Digimon.

            "Corner them," Knightmon said. "do what damage you want to the wolf, but leave the half-breed alive. I want to take care of it myself."

            The four Digimon strode to the two rookies with Musyamon and Knightmon coming from the front and the other two champions coming from the side. As Flamon once again backed into a tree, Strabimon growled and stood in front of the fire rookie protectively.

            "Flamon, I'll hold them off." he muttered to the other. "When I say the word, you run away."

            "What!?" Flamon almost shouted. "And leave you here with them? Forget it!"

            "Try to make the most of your time with the half-breed, beast." Musyamon interrupted. "It won't live much longer once we gat our hands on it."

            "Stop treating Flamon as a thing! He's a Digimon like all of us!" Strabimon snarled.

            "He's a disgrace!" the samurai replied. "It is best he is eradicated entirely! SHOGUN SWORD!"

            "LICHT NAGEL!"

            The attacks clashed together, leaving both parties unharmed. Strabimon once again turned to Flamon, still on guard.

            "Flamon, I'm telling you, you have to run! It's the only way!" Strabimon stressed, flexing his claws in preparation for defense once again. "I've been brought up to fight, I can handle this! Who knows what they'll do to you if they catch you? "

            "I don't care! I'm not going to stay here! And who knows what they're going to do to you when I run?" said Flamon, decidedly. "Either we both get out of this together or we'll fight together, no matter what!"

            Right after Flamon said those words, their belt buckles and Flamon's scars glowed brightly for a few seconds before dying down, startling the four human Digimon in front of them. Knightmon raised his sword once again.

            "We don't know what magic you both are trying to conjure, but it's not going to save you!" he said. "BESERK SWO-"

            "SALAMANDER BREAK!"

            "LICHT KUGEL!"

            For the second time, Knightmon's attack was interrupted by another. Flamon and Strabimon recognized the echoing voices in an instant, and quickly looked around. There, on the other side of the field, stood two familiar and still slightly transparent figures. Knightmon and the others temporarily forgot about the two rookies as they shifted their attention to the two human Digimon.

            "Who are you?" he asked. "What are you doing here?"

            "Tch' isn't it obvious?" Wolfmon asked sarcastically.

            "We're here to save them from you." Agnimon stated.

            Without another word, they dashed to the four, easily matching them strike for strike. Wolfmon fought against Musyamon and Hookmon while Agnimon battled the two silver-armored Digimon. Sabers easily overpowered cannons and blades, while silver armor and swords was no match for the intense heat of the flames. Eventually, Hookmon and Gladimon, being in battle for a considerably longer time and had more wounds, backed out, apologizing to Knightmon before running for cover. Wolfmon grinned at the sight.

            "And there were two." he mocked, blocking a slash from Musyamon. "Why don't you follow their example and save yourself the time?"

            "I would rather die than lose to a treacherous traitor to human Digimon!" opposed the samurai.

            "That's the problem with you samurai; you put too much in honor that you don't see what's at stake." Wolfmon continued.

            "Enough ridiculing, Wolfmon." Agnimon chided, using his Flame Darts to hold Knightmon off. "We're supposed to make this as quick as possible."

            "Who are you to tell me not to ridicule?" Wolfmon said. "You're not even giving it your all with your battle!"

            "Do you wish to insult us with that remark?" Knightmon snarled.

            "Not at all." Agnimon replied. "It's just to remind you that we are stronger than you think."

            "Is that so?" Knightmon tested. "Prove it!"

            "You are really asking for it, soldier." Wolfmon remarked before going back to fighting Musyamon.

            "If that's what you want." said the spiky haired Digimon. "BURNING SALAMANDER!"

            Agnimon's signature attack went straight at Knightmon who blicked with his shield, but even with the added protection, the assault blew him off his feet and knocked him into a tree, leaving a huge graze on the trunk. The ultimate Digimon struggled to stand once again, stumbling a few times, and glaring at Agnimon.

            "Can't say he didn't give a fair warning." Wolfmon commented once again before finishing up with Musyamon. "LICHT STRAHL!"

            In a similar fashion as Knightmon, Musyamon too was hurled to a tree by the attack. Wolfmon then took his place beside Agnimon, a glint in his eyes accompanying his smirk.

            "You can save yourselves the trouble and run now." he said.

            Musyamon was about to protest once again before Knightmon interrupted.

            "Retreat, Musyamon."

            "What!? But Knightmon!" Musyamon protested.

            "That is an order, Musyamon." Knightmon fisished.

            Musyamon looked back at Wolfmon crossly before following the path Hookmon and Gladimon took back to their hideaway. Knightmon quickly followed suit, but not before growling a warning at the two champion Digimon.

            "We shall meet again." he warned. "But next time, you shall pay for this humiliation."

            He then left swiftly, leaving the two champions and the two rookies in the clearing. Wolfmon chuckled slightly as Agnimon made his way to the rookies.

            "Tough guy, huh?" he kidded, finally turning to the rookies.

            "Wolfmon." Agnimon warned.

            "Fine, fine." Wolfmon said, raising his hands in a surrendering manner.

            Flamon and Strabimon finally came to their senses; the former broke the silence that came over them for the whole battle.

            "Agnimon-san?" he asked. "Why are you here?"

            "I can ask the same to you, Wolfmon." Strabion added.

            "You could sound a little more grateful, you two." said Wolfmon. "We did rescue you, you know."

            "Sorry," apologized Flamon. "but I'm just curious, you just appeared, all of a sudden."

            "We're here because you passed your trial, Flamon, of proving whether or not you deserve to be a leader." said Agnimon. "We are now to take you back to the dwelling."

            "How? What did I do?" asked Flamon, surprised. "And what about Strabimon?"

            "Strabimon kept his promise in helping you get out of this, hence, I am here." Wolfmon answered. " You passed you trial when you said that you won't leave Strabimon no matter the consequences. That is the quality of a true leader, that nobody gets left behind."

            "That's creepy, you know." Strabimon interjected. "You sounded different during battle compared to how you're talking mow."

            "May I inform you, that you have a similar condition as I, Strabimon?" Wolfmon replied.

            "Wait, so now that we passed the test, how do we get out of here?"  Flamon inquired.

            "Simple, my data must combine with yours once more, as Wolfmon's to Strabimon's, and you will be back in the dwelling in no time." Agnimon replied.

            "Well, what are we waiting for?" Flamon bounced. "Let's go!"

            "All right," Agnimon turned to Wolfmon. "you know what to do."

            "Of course." said the saber wielding Digimon confidently, folding his arms over his chest. "You first."

            "Okay. Flamon, I need you to relax and close your eyes."

            Flamon nodded and did as told. Agnimon's data then appeared, and flew to surround the red rookie shortly, then entered his body, merging with him. A light engulfed Flamon, and after a few seconds, it disappeared, along with the fire Digimon. Strabimon watched this with slight awe before he turned to Wolfmon.

            "Before I let you go back, I'll give you a warning." Wolfmon stated. "But first, do you trust the angel Digimon in your dwelling?"

            "Somewhat, yes. Why?" Strabimon replied.

            "They are exempted from what I'm about to say." said the champion. "Remember that not all angels can remain pure. One will seem to have virtuous intention, but you must be wary of him."

            With those words said, Wolfmon did not give Strabimon any time to reply before imitating Agnimon's actions. As Wolfmon's data merged with his, Strabimon heard his future self's voice as the light enveloped him as well.

            'Flamon needs protection, Strabimon. Whether he'll admit it or not.'

            After that, all light was taken away, and Strabimon drifted into unconsciousness.

            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

            Strabimon jerked awake, sitting up quickly, bumping his head against something.

            "Ow, what was that?" he groaned, rubbing his head.

            "You hit your head on a overhanging tree root, kid." said a gruff voice which he identified as MetalGarurumon's. "We used it to hang the ice pack for the bump you got earlier when you collapsed in Flamon's room. You gave us quite a scare there."

            "Great, and after that I hit my-" Strabimon cut himself off as previous events replayed in his mind. "Flamon! How is he doing?"

            "Relax, kid." MetalGarurumon reassured. "Flamon's in his room and he's doing fine, in fact, his fever's gone down. Looks like he fought off whatever bug got to him."

            Strabimon sighed in relief and walked to Flamon's room. Looking inside, he saw that Flamon hasn't awakened yet, while Stingmon watched over him. The bug warrior glanced at Strabimon as he entered, a hint of a smile glinting in his eyes.

            "How is he?" Strabimon asked as he approached the cot.

            "His condition improved ever since that glowing incident you two had." Stingmon informed. "In fact, I'd ask you about it, but I got a hunch that you don't wan't to talk about it yet?"

            Strabimon merely shook his head.

            "Alright. Would you like me to leave you two alone?" the Digimon of Kindness asked.

            "Hai…arigato." Strabimon responded.

            Stingmon nodded in response and stood up to exit, only stopping to say a few words.

            "He's lucky to have you as a friend."

            The simple made Strabimon pause for a few seconds to reflect on what Flamon did at the battle just a few moments ago.

            I don't care! I'm not going to stay here! And who knows what they're going to do to you when I run? Either we both get out of this together or we'll fight together, no matter what!

            'He's lucky to have me as a friend?' he thought to himself. 'More like I'm lucky to have him. After what I've said to him when I first met him…'

            His thoughts were cut off as Flamon shifted in his sleep. Strabimon immediately shifted from his sitting position to kneel beside the fire-type.

            "Flamon?" he whispered, as if he wasn't aloud to talk in a louder tone.

            Flamon's eyelids twitched for a few seconds before revealing the bright green orbs behind them, slightly glazed with sleep. Flamon then began too look around and take in his surroundings, looking relieved as he did so. When his eyes landed on his only companion in the room, his mouth curved into a soft smile, which was returned with a gentle grin.

            "Hi." he greeted.

            "Hey." Strabimon returned. "How're you feeling?"

            "I feel like I hit my head on a wall, but other than that, I'm fine." answered the other, his smile still in place. "How about you?"

            "Same, except that I hit my head on a root after I woke up." Strabimon humored.

            Flamon chuckled at those words.

            "I meant your wounds from before."

            "You asking me about my wounds when you're the one who has scars?" asked the lavender rookie. "And that's thanks to WarGreymon not helping you in thet room, down there, whatever happened to you."

            "He did try to help! There was just a barrier between us that he couldn't get trough." Flamon explained. "Besides, I don't mind the scars, I think they actually look okay."

            Strabimon chuckled slightly at those words, but noticed that WarGreymon's excuse checked out thanks to Flamon.

            'Great, now I've got to apologize to him.' he thought.

            "So, are you fully healed?" Flamon asked.

            "Hm? Oh yeah, actually, I've been fully healed even before that event we had in the forest of trials."

            "Oh." said Flamon, suddenly looking down.

            The light-type rookie noticed this and became concerned.

            "Flamon? What's wrong?"

            "So, you're going to leave now, right?" Flamon asked.

            "What?"

            "You said that you'd go your own way after you've healed completely." Flamon explained. "It was part of the 'bargain', remember? That you'll only stay until your cured and then you'll leave?"

            Strabimon had to scan his memories before he realized what Flamon was talking about.

            'He's worried that I'll leave?' he thought.

            His grin then became bigger as he decided on what to do.

            "Baka." he said, softly hitting Flamon on the head. "Is that all your worried about?"

            "Huh?" asked Flamon, tilting his head cutely in confusion.

            "After that incident, do you think I'm gonna leave you alone?" Strabimon continued. "You need someone to look out for you until you can stand on your own. Until then, your stuck with me. And after that I'll still look out for you, knowing the way you think, you'll need it."

            Flamon definitely brightened up at this.

            "You promise?" he asked, holding out his hand.

            Strabimon's grin then turned to a smile, clasping the outstretched hand in his own.

            "I promise."

A/N:    

            Translations:

                        Oyasumi – good night

                        Minna – everyone

                        Baka – idiot/fool (in this case, Strabimon said it in a caring manner)

                        Arigato – thanks/thank you (Did I translate this already? Oh, well…)

            Finally, Flamon's okay! Ya know, I seriously love that ending to the chapter. :) Anyway, I hope this is enough to make up for my long update. It's my longest so far…15 pages! R&R pls!