A/N: Ok, it has been a real LONG time since I updated and I apologize profusely for that. I got caught up in finals and all that jazz. Thanks again to everyone and for all your reviews.
A quick note in case I got confused or confused others. I am not sure whether Veemon and Wormon are able to DNA digivolve. I was under the impression that they still could at the season finale and so have written this story with that in mind. I am sorry if this is not canon. Please inform me if I was wrong to do this. Nevertheless, I would still like to continue this story with the fusion into Imperialdramon still possible.
theladyknight: To know that you are becoming a fan is one of my greatest pleasures. I have long since admired your style of writing and your stories. I am quite honored that you like this tale.you seem to have a sixth sense as to what is going on. Almost all your assumptions are correct. I won't tell which ones just so the plot isn't spoiled. I am glad you approve of my flash back scenes. I know that you know how to write flashback scenes very well (e.g. Rediscovering Destiny) and am glad that you liked it. Also, I wanted this to center a bit around the season 1 Digi-destined but still have the younger generation play a crucial role in the story. Plus, what Matt said was right, a lot of the fighting does happen in the real world. Thanks for your reviews. I hope to get plenty more form you.
Many thanks to iLUVmichi, Crimson Blademaster, JyouraKoumi, Frodo007, sweet blossom89, Kay, Kat, and Kurayumi. It was an honor to get reviews from the authors and writers that create the stories I adore to read. Please continue to review and update your own stories, I am on the edge of my seat to see the endings.
Traveling through a digital portal is always a peculiar experience. There is no rush of power, explosion of particles or anything of the sort. The traveler never gets nauseous or dizzy. They do however feel a tug below their chest. It is a slight tug at first, but then it gets stronger, climaxing in a pull powerful enough to drag a tank through. Another side effect is revealed when you exit the portal. Travel between dimensions has a lot to do with light and light is made up of colors, so when traveling through a portal, your eyes are filled with bright colors. This effect lasts a while after a traveler exits the portal.
This time however, when the Digi-destined came out the other side, all they saw was darkness.
TK was vaguely aware that someone was shaking him. He slowly opened his eyes hearing someone mumble about him being a 'sleeping beauty'. His vision was still hazy but he was able to make out the outline of his older brother. The events with Gennai swam through his mind, and he jolted up. "That's never happened before." he said rubbing his head while checking for bumps and bruises.
"What hasn't? " Izzy's voice asked through the darkness.
"Through all the times spent in the digiworld and travel back home, we never blacked out during the travel process." TK explained to them "I'm sure that Davis and the others never experienced anything like this before either."
"Mmmhmm"
"What was that?"
"Mmmmhm…hey, where are we?" It was Joe. Walking towards TK, Matt and Izzy, he stumbled into the darkened area they were in. "Why is it so dark here?"
"We're not sure. As far as I know, Tai is of looking for the others and Gennai is surveying the area." Matt told them. He explained Gennai's need to secure their location and Tai's recon mission to see where the other had landed. Matt had found TK and stayed to awaken him.
After a few moments Tai walked up to them with Sora, Kari, and Mimi trailing behind him. "I found the girls, any one seen Gennai?"
No sooner had he asked did the man in question return carrying a lantern. "Sorry I took so long. I apologize for the rough journey, it was an unforeseen consequence of the time correlation program that I implemented."
"Where are we Gennai?" Sora asked as they all gathered into a circle.
"Apparently, we're not far from my old home, the one you found before the assault on Myotismon's castle." he replied.
"Why is it so dark?"
"I'm not sure. Remember, any amount of time could have passed between when I left and now. Many things could have changed."
Matt was in awe. "Wow, I still can't believe that the timeline's so out of sync. We used to be able to come back and forth so often. Now, things are just so different."
TK looked around the group and noticed something awry. Kari was standing a little away from the group looking around nervously. He made his way up to her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. When she unexpectedly jumped, he raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong Kari?"
Kari calmed down when she realized who it was. Whispering low she told TK, "It looks so different, like it's turning into…"
"…The Dark Ocean." TK realized. It did look a bit like the Dark Ocean; the lake nearby was an eerie black and the non-light that enshrouded them was almost exactly like his memory of the blackened world. "Is that what has you worried? You think that we are in the Dark Ocean instead of the Digital world?"
"No, I think that the digiworld is turning into the Dark Ocean."
Lights flickered on and off as the nine humans walked through the doorway. The individuals treaded through a familiar place that seemed foreign now. Furniture was torn to shreds and there were holes in the wall, but it was a place for the night.
"So…" Mimi said as she unconsciously rubbed her arm in a nervous manner. They all looked at each other, wondering what exactly their next move was.
"It's still before five in the evening here, even though it doesn't look it" Gennai said, adding the latter part in a softer voice. "We should probably figure out a plan to help get the digimon out. But first, I'll show you to your rooms." He led them down a hallway that was falling down.
As Joe passes an old beaten up room that seemed to have lost its roof, he paused to stare inside. 'If this is the damage done to a simple room, I wonder how the rest of the house looks like.' His thoughts were interrupted when a shingle that was hanging lose decided to go with gravity and crashed an inch from Joe. With a yelp and a flutter of feet the eldest Digi-destined was gone.
The nine of them entered one of the less damaged rooms. It consisted of a few tables and six beds filled with the clutter from an assault. Gennai turned to everyone and explained. "This is one of the better rooms. The boys can sleep here and you girls can sleep in the next room. You will need to clear it up a bit and move some of the rubble from the floor first, but it will suffice for living quarters."
"Alright then, let's get started!"
The next hour was spent cleaning up the place and tidying up the beds. The girls were quiet for the most part while Matt and Tai turned a pillow fight into an all out war. Half way through TK popped up and told everyone that he discovered that the shower was working. Three blurs sped out from the girl's room and quarreling could be heard in the shower room. The boys laughed their way through till dinner.
Gennai summoned them all over to the largest hall in the middle of the building, that was oddly untouched. As they all congregated there Gennai brought out some ramen. How he got fresh ramen in the digital world was beyond them but they all ate thankfully. After a relatively quite meal the elder man placed his bowl down and started the conversation off. "We need to discuss how to get the digimon out from their captivity."
Izzy interrupted the older man and asked, "Pardon me Gennai, but where are they being kept in the first place?"
"Ah, of course." Gennai apologized "I am getting ahead of myself ahead. Apparently, a month and a half passed between when Veemon, Wormmon, Hawkmon, Armadillomon, and I left through the portal and when Izzy implemented the Time Shift program I created. During this time the digimon, in statue forms were moved to a fortress to be displayed as trophies." He turned his head in disgust as the girls did the same and Digi-destined males clenched their fists in anger.
"Luckily, the statues are still in perfect condition and there is a strong possibility that they can be revived with no side effects." The others brightened up at that statement. "Now while it would normally be impossible to revive them without destroying the Kokatorimon twins, I was able to get us a little assistance. Deramon if you please…" From out of the shadows of the door, a bird stepped out. This particular bird had a crown and a large bush for a tail. As the waddling bird stepped up, the Digi-destined smiled warmly at him.
Gennai continued. "Deramon here has been working on a special balm that should revive the digimon."
"Yes, yes. It's true." The bird squawked, "It is a strange blend of a Blossomon's pollen and the juice from Cherrymon's cherries. Some restorative powers from the spring near Primary Village were also added to improve the effect."
"So does this mean that we just need to apply the balm to the statues?" Kari asked.
"Yes, once applied it will take a minute to work and then you can escape with them." Deramon answered.
"So how exactly are we supposed to get in there? We could sneak in there but we don't have any digimon for backup in case we get caught." Tai asked. It seemed like he had already thought it through and just needed to work a couple of bugs out. So he raised, a champion ready to battle. The others rose with him as Gennai announced that they should all get some sleep as he decided to work on their little problem. Thus, the Digi-destined had a long night where they contemplated the next day's events.
"Couldn't sleep?"
Sora turned towards the voice that filled the room. She was unable to get to rest with all the events that were occurring and so decided to take a walk. The walk turned into a reconnaissance mission as she evaluated to structural integrity and stability of Gennai's home. Thus she had wound up near what might have once have been a balcony.
Matt stepped out of the shadows that he tended to blend in with. Though his blonde head of hair might have stood out, his black clothes allowed him to disappear easily enough. He walked up to his girlfriend and stood by her while staring out into the black night.
Sora smiled at him gently and answered him, "Yeah, I'm just restless about tomorrow. And so much has happened today, it was all a surprise. I just need to get used to all of this again." She then looked at Matt expecting to remark on the situation.
Answering her unasked question, he grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. "The digimon will be fine Sor, We won't let them down. We will get them out of there." He looked up to see her eyes glistening.
"How do you do that, Matt?"
"Do what?"
"How do you know exactly what to say to make me feel better?"
Matt merely squeezed her hand a little more and smiled at the girl.
After a while they started talking about the digital world, digimon, Gennai and Tai's hair. Neither of them knew hot the last subject got into their discussion but they were grateful that it lightened to mood and gave cause to smile. A couple hours into the night Sora noticed something peculiar.
"Matt, how did your arms wind up around me?"
Matt's arms quickly untangled themselves and he shot up standing and began to move away. As he did, Sora's hand grasped his and held him still.
"I don't mind Matt. You don't need to worry."
"I know Sora, it's just…if I… I mean… I can't…"
Sora stood up and gathered his hands in hers and held them tight. She sighed and blinked back the tears of sadness and looked up at him. She reached out with one hand and gently caressed his face. "Hush Matt, I know you're afraid. It's okay. Just, just hold me for now, for the moment." She pushed her face closer till it was on his shoulder. She whispered in his ear, "I need you, please?"
Matt slowly nodded and sat down with her. As she faced her back to him and leant into him, he folded his arms around her and let his chin fall on top of her soft auburn hair. There they sat watching, as one star was able to peek out of the blackness and shine down on them.
After a while Matt heard the soft rhythmic sounds of Sora sleeping. Smiling to himself, he scooped her up carefully and carried her back to the girl's room. Entering quietly, he set her on the empty bed with a red bed sheet and pillow. Before stepping out of the room he whispered out to the shadows, "I am sorry Sora, I am not ready yet. Not yet." He then closed the door and stepped quietly back to his room.
Joe was the first one up. He had been getting up early due to schoolwork and projects; today was no exception to the early wake up. He took a walk around to make sure that everything was well. Izzy, Matt, Tai and TK were all asleep. Tai's bed sheet was thrown of the bed as he lay haphazardly on the mattress and TK was getting closer and closer to the edge. Matt's mouth was wide open and Izzy was snoring. 'It's all quite a sight' Joe thought to himself. He carefully checked to girl's room to make sure that they were okay. Seeing them sleeping peacefully he closed the door and continued down the corridor and happened to come across Gennai's room. The older man was working on a computer, typing restlessly as he stared at the monitor's screen with dark circles under his eyes.
"Come on in, Joe."
Ever jumpy, Joe leapt up in the air and stuttered through, "I'm, I'm sorry G…Gennai." He stopped to collect himself. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
Gennai laughed at the younger boy. "That's quite alright Joe, I actually needed the interruption. I've been at this all night."
"What is it?"
"This is a computer program that simulates Piximon's invisible force field. It's probably the best way for the eight of you to get into the fortress without getting caught. I can integrate the program into the digivices to allow each of you to scout the place without being caught."
Joe's eye's widened substantially. 'This is it; we have a way to get them back. Hold on Gommamon, we're coming.' "Gennai, this is great news, we can get in and get out without any problem. Is there anything that I can help with?"
"Actually, yes. I need to test out the program. Do you mind being the…uh…guinea pig?" Gennai asked.
Joe froze up. "Guinea pig!" 'This is for Gommamon. I'll do it for Gommamon.' He sighed and looked back up. "Okay, I'll do it."
"Don't worry Joe, You won't blow up or anything."
An hour or so later sounds were heard from outside. Joe and Gennai crept outside to see what was happening. They were greeted with sight of Matt and a bonfire. The blonde had started it and was now adding more wood. As they made their way to him, he looked up and greeted them. "Morning guys, you up for breakfast?"
Gennai's stomach rumbled in response and the elder man turned away blushing. Joe grinned and asked Matt, "So what are we having for breakfast?"
"Fresh fruit," came the response, but it wasn't from Matt. Izzy walked up to them carrying a backpack full of fruit. "We might also get some fish if TK catches anything." he continued, tilting his head in the direction of a stream where TK was wading with a makeshift spear. TK threw the spear a few feet in front of him and lifted it up to find a largish fish stuck on the end of it. Joe was reminded of Gommamon and his 'Marching Fishes' attack. As they all continued to watch Matt and Izzy roast some of the fruit, a crash was hear from inside.
"Whoops, ah Gennai," Sora said as she poked her head out from the window, "your collection of plates is now one short. I kind of broke one. Sorry about that."
"That's okay Sora, Ogremon breaks more dishes then that when ever he comes to visit." the old man replied smiling. He proceeded to help her out in setting the table. Joe went about helping Matt and Izzy.
TK, in the meantime was finishing his fishing. He quickly wiped his shins and feet before collecting the fish and heading in. He had convinced Sora earlier to clean and gut the fishes he caught. On his way to the kitchen he came across Kari. "Hey Kari, did you just wake up?"
The brunette turned to him smiling. "Yup, just woke up and ready to get breakfast. What are we having?"
TK held up his catch. "Fish for breakfast and I'm pretty sure that Izzy was successful in getting some fresh fruit."
"Oh, fresh fruit sounds great. Do you want help cleaning the fish?"
"Sora, is actually gonna help me with that, but I wouldn't mind your company. You know I never do."
Kari playfully swatted his arm. "TK, you're making me blush. Come on, let's go help Sora."
On their way to the kitchen Kari turned and asked, "So who is still asleep?"
"Well, the only ones I haven't seen are Mimi and Tai, Tai was snoring when we all got up and I am guessing that Mimi is still suffering from jet lag."
Kari was about to say something when they heard a scream.
"TAI, GET YOUR BUTT OUT OF THAT BATHROOM. I WAS THERE FIRST AND I NEED TO FRESHEN UP!"
"MIMI, QUIT SHOUTING, I JUST WOKE UP. AND I WAS HERE FIRST SO THERE. PLUS YOU LOOK FINE. I, HOWEVER, NEED TO FIX MY HAIR."
"YOUR HAIR ALWAYS LOOKS THE SAME NO MATTER WHAT, NOW GET OUT!"
TK turned to Kari and shrugged his shoulders. "I guess they're up now."
Looming in the distance stood the fortress, ominous and foreboding. In the middle was the main hall, where Nanimon and Roachmon patrolled. A high wall surrounded the entire area and was completed with a couple of towers that stood to the side and watched over the forest below where the Digi-destined hid.
Gennai turned to the Digi-destined and explained the plan. "Okay, the force field will keep you invisible from the other digimon and allow you to find our digimon. I was able to get it to last for quite a while. There was one problem though that neither Izzy nor myself were able to sort out. It seems that the digivices react to one another and the force field grows unstable when two digivices are close together. "
"What does that mean?" Mimi asked.
"Basically, if two of us are close together, the force field will dampen and fail allowing others to see us" Izzy took over the conversation. "We can use the mapping program on the digivices to see where everyone is and just have to stay away from each other. First we will sneak in through the front gate when it opens for supplies. One at a time, we will have to go through the gate activating our force field along the way. Split up in different directions immediately after passing through the gate, if you find the digimon radio each other through the digivices. Ready?" Everyone nodded.
There was a rumbling sound as the gates started to creak open. Izzy gave a nod to Tai, who replied with the same. He then walked towards the edge of the trees and pressed something on his digivice and promptly disappeared. Gennai watched as, one by one, the others walked to the forest line and disappeared into thin air. Izzy was the last to go. He watched as the last supply caravan trotted to the gate. Acting swiftly he activated his program and disappeared as the others did. From empty air Gennai heard him whisper "Guess we'll see you on our way out, Gennai."
Left alone, the old man watched as the last caravan trotted past the gate and the hulking door shut with a thud. "Good luck Digi-destined."