Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

A/N: Sorry about the wait, but I do have another chapter done! I will most likely be alternating between this story and The Eyes of Twilight every week until that story is done. (It only has five chapters to go so it won't be long, and then I will be back to this one full time again.) Basically this chapter leads into the next phase of this story. Enjoy!

Following the Footsteps of Destiny

Chapter 167: Never a Dull Day

Nobunari 'Noah' Kido

Odaiba, Japan, Earth

Glancing impatiently over his shoulder and trying unsuccessfully to look beyond the seemingly impenetrable wall of students blocking his view of the long hallway, Nobunari Kido pushed his way through the thick crowd of bodies moving slowly towards the front entrance of the school, and letting out a frustrated sigh he quickly leaped up the staircase on his left, realizing all at once that he would have a better view of the traffic flowing beneath him if he gazed upon the crowd from a higher platform, one that was more suited for searching out the faces of his female companions.

Standing on a small landing about halfway up the steps, he frowned at the massive sea of his fellow classmates, most of whom he knew by sight, if not by name, and he scratched his head in confusion, feeling just a little bit unsure of himself. Though he was actually looking for both Miya and Ami, at the moment it was Miya who concerned him the most, especially since she had been suspiciously absent from the cafeteria during their lunch break. Since Miya was normally the social butterfly of the group, her sudden absence had come as a huge surprise, most notably to their friends who didn't know about the Digital World.

Even Shina came over to find out what was going on, and despite being my friend, she doesn't usually hang out with Miya. Shina would never admit it, but I could tell she was a bit concerned about Miya and she's not the only one. Hiro seemed especially worried. I hope he doesn't have a thing for Miya...

Feeling suddenly both annoyed and depressed, Noah leaned wearily against the banister surrounding the right side of the landing and he glared accusingly at the crowd now flowing in both directions, fully convinced that the entire school was working against him. Since he was a year older than Miya, the two of them didn't have any classes together, and as a result he hadn't seen the raven-haired female all day, including during lunch break. Twice he thought he had caught a glimpse of her in the hallway, but both times she had disappeared into the crowd before he could reach her, and although he didn't want to admit it to himself, he was sure she was avoiding him. The same seemed to be true for his cousin, too, because at lunch Ami had informed him that she hadn't seen Miya all day either.

Ami and I already agreed to go to Dai's house this afternoon, but what about Miya? Last night, I'm sure Takara and the others would have told her about Izzy's plan to go to the Digital World today, but that doesn't mean she'll want to come. I wonder if she knows about the Emperor yet. Did Sam say something or did Dai and his friends tell her? She must know if she's avoiding us.

Shaking his head at his own confusing thoughts, Noah dropped his chin into his hands and he frowned thoughtfully at the crowd beneath him. "What in the Digiworld could have happened at Miya's house last night? Dai and his friends were there. They must know what went on between Sam and Ken."

Which means I should at least find Ami. The sooner we get to Dai's house the sooner we can find out what's wrong with Miya. Besides, I'm anxious to know how Sam's doing. What if he doesn't want to go to the Digital World anymore?

Ignoring the odd looks he was receiving from students passing by him on the landing, having accidentally mentioned the Digital World out loud, Noah quickly whirled around and he proceeded to fight his way back down the stairs. Since no one in his school was old enough to remember what had happened twenty-five years ago, (after all, none of them had been born yet) he wasn't too concerned about his small slip of the tongue, but even so he knew he still needed to be a bit more cautious.

Where are you, Ami?

Lost in his own thoughts, Noah didn't see the boy with flaming red hair until the two of them were almost on top of each other.

"Watch out!" a blond girl climbing the steps on his left called out, motioning for him to be careful.

Unfortunately her warning came a little too late. Unable to stop his momentum, Noah crashed into the other boy and the two of them fell against the wall, nearly knocking several other students down the stairs in the process.

Ouch, that hurt!

Ignoring the dirty looks piercing him between the shoulder blades, Noah lifted his head in surprise, and gazing curiously at the boy he had almost just flattened, his dark eyes immediately lit up with sudden recognition. "Makku?"

Groaning in response, the oldest child of the Inoue family winced and he gingerly rubbed the back of his head. "Noah, right? Man, you really need to watch where you're going, buddy."

"Sorry about that. Hey, you haven't seen your cousin by any chance, have you?"

"Which one?"

Rolling his eyes, Noah grabbed Makku by the wrist and ignoring the other boy's startled gasp, he proceeded to drag his quarry down the stairs and over to a nearby water fountain. Thankfully, much to his relief, the crowd had finally thinned out a little bit, giving them at least a small amount of privacy. "Miya, of course. You haven't seen her, have you?"

"Oh, that cousin," Makku teased, his amber eyes twinkling under the fluorescent lights.

Taking a step back, Noah crossed his arms over his chest and frowning suspiciously at the older boy he said, "And just what is that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, come on. I'd have to be blind and stupid not to know you like her."

He knows? But...

Noah felt his cheeks turn bright red, and leaning back against the wall he gazed uncertainly at his feet. "You have a problem with that?"

"Me?" Makku snorted, shaking his head. "Why would I care? In fact, you might do her some good. I don't know if you've noticed, but she can be a bit wacky sometimes. Not as bad as Hana, though. Nobody can surpass Hana."

Blinking in surprise, Noah suddenly started to laugh, and lifting his head he gave Makku a warm smile. Truthfully, he didn't really know the other boy all that well, which was also the case with the rest of Sam's cousins, but from what he had glimpsed of Makku in the halls or on the rare occasions when they had met briefly at the Ichijouji house just as one or the other was on their way out the door, he had liked what he had seen. Makku was a year older than him, and since they'd never really had an opportunity to get to know each other very well or hang out together at school, he felt kind of odd and a little bit out of place talking to the other boy now. It wasn't as if they had never exchanged words before, but something about the atmosphere between them seemed different this time, and the way Makku was looking at him made him feel like there was something he was missing...

"So, you haven't seen her?"

"Actually, I have. She was heading towards her locker with Ami."

"Really? They must be heading to Dai's house. I'd better catch up with them. If Sam doesn't show up..."

Glancing self-consciously at his feet, Noah quickly stepped away from the water fountain, but before he could hurry towards Miya's locker, Makku suddenly grabbed his arm and the older boy pulled him to a stop. "Look, if this is about the Digital World you don't have to worry. I already know."

"What?"

Makku grinned at the look on his face and to his surprise the older boy gave him a friendly nudge in the ribs. "Sam told me."

"Sam...told you?"

"Sure he did. I am his amazingly cool older cousin, am I not?"

"But...how? When?"

"Why don't we find Miya first and then I'll explain. Besides, if I know the rest of my cousins they'll already be bombarding her with questions by now."

Taking the hint, Noah gave the older boy a quick nod, and together the two of them hurried down the hallway towards Miya's locker. Rounding the corner, the first thing they saw was Hana and the rest of Makku's cousins, excluding Hikaru, crowded around Miya and Ami, their bodies creating a tight circle around the two embarrassed females. Makku's younger brother was also there, along with Hana and the others, and all of them were talking loudly and gesturing wildly with their hands.

"Miya, I can't believe you didn't tell us about the Digital World" Hana scolded, wrinkling her nose. "We had to hear about it from Sam."

"What about your dad?" Taka asked anxiously, hovering next to Rumi's shoulder. "How is he doing?"

"Are all digimon like Glimmermon and his friends?" Renmi asked curiously, "I mean...they can all talk, right? Goldmon and Palelymon could."

"Poor Sam," Rumi murmured. "Is he...okay?"

Staring at Rumi with her mouth hanging open, Miya blinked stupidly in confusion and she placed a hand against her forehead, clearly at a loss for words. "I...don't know. I haven't seen him since...since last night. How do you..."

"How do you know about the Digital World?" Ami demanded, coming to her best friend's defence.

"It's not important. Right now we want some answers!" Tamami shot back.

Raising his eyebrows, Noah turned to look at Makku and he gave the other boy a small smile. "Think we should rescue them?"

"Why not? I'm feeling a little generous today."

"Like I believe that. You just want to be part of the action!"

Instead of denying the accusation, Makku merely grinned at him and the older boy stalked over to the crowd surrounding Miya and Ami. Pushing his way into the circle, he grabbed Tamami in a headlock and he ruffled her multi-coloured tresses, an amused smile slipping across his face. "Hey, come on, guys. Give the poor girl some space, would you?"

"Let go of me, you dork," Tamami laughed, pushing his hand away.

"It's only fair if she tells us the truth!" Renmi protested.

Shaking his head in amusement, Noah quickly joined the group, and wrapping his arm around Ami's shoulders, he gave the dark-haired female a quick smile. "I've been looking all over for you two. Does this mean you've convinced Miya to come with us to Dai's house?"

"Yes, she wants to see Sam."

"If he decides to show up, that is."

"He'll be there," Rumi said firmly. "I know it."

"I still don't understand, how did you guys find out about the Digital World?" Ami asked curiously, her brown eyes growing dark and shadowy.

"I knew Sam was at your place last night before Mickey and Matty dragged him back to their house, but...I never thought he would actually say anything about the Digital World," Miya murmured, glancing between Taka and Makku.

"He didn't want to at first, but...something made him change his mind," Taka said quietly. "I take it your parents told you about my dad's phone call?"

"Yes, that's the only reason I even knew Sam had left your house last night. Uncle Mantarou didn't want my parents to worry so he phoned to let them know Sam had gone to Mickey and Matty's house. My mom then phoned T.K. and Kari to let them know she was aware of the situation. What...exactly happened at your house?"

"Allow me to explain," Makku interrupted, nudging his brother aside with a flourish. Quickly, the oldest of Sam's cousins explained what had happened at the Inoue residence the night before, including the sudden appearance of Mickey and Matty, and in turn Miya gave them all an account of the confrontation between Sam and Ken. She also told them about the appearance of Dai and his friends, and along with the talk she herself had had with Ken, she told them about all the conversations that had taken place at her house, and she gave them a brief account of her father's theories concerning DarkAngelicmon. When she was finished, no one seemed to know quite what to say.

After several silent minutes of contemplation, Ami was the first one to find her voice, and wrapping her arm around Miya's shoulders, she gave the raven-haired female a weak smile. "And here I was hoping the news about us possibly still having a chance to be Digidestined would cheer you up. Dai told you the news, right?"

"Of course he did. It did cheer me up a little bit. I mean, the fact that I was even considered a possible candidate to begin with makes me feel better about not being chosen, but with the news about my dad..."

Gazing into Miya's shadowy eyes, Noah gently took her hand and he gave it a tight squeeze. "So, that's why you've been avoiding us today."

"I was lucky to catch up to you even now," Ami scolded, glaring at her best friend.

Blushing a deep shade of red, Miya ducked her head and she nervously twisted her hands together. "I'm sorry, but I needed some time by myself. You should have seen my dad this morning. I mean, normally he's pretty quiet in general, but every time his gaze fell on Sam's empty chair at breakfast...I've never seen so much pain in his eyes before. It hurts just to look at him. I don't think he got any sleep last night, and come to think of it, neither did I. Nao's completely miserable and Minomon looks like he wants to cry all the time. As for my mom, let's just say she's been slamming things around the house and snapping at everyone more so than usual. After taking Nao to school, Dad left for the store with Mom and I was pretty much left alone to fend for myself. It's horrible, and I wish...I wish everything would just go back to normal..."

"Miya, do you forgive your dad?" Rumi asked softly.

Blinking back tears, Miya leaned against her locker and she buried her face in Ami's shoulder, obviously distraught. "I won't deny that I was angry. I'd be lying to myself if I said it didn't bother me. I felt so humiliated, but most of all I felt like he had betrayed me somehow. I couldn't understand why he had kept his past a secret. It was as if he didn't even trust me enough to believe in him. His own daughter! I felt so lost, and it hurt to realize just how much he had deceived me..."

"Oh, Miya," Rumi whispered, wrapping her arms around her cousin in a tight hug.

"At least, that's how I used to feel. I don't feel that way anymore. I've had a lot of time to think about what happened last night, and after listening to my dad's side of the story, I...well, I think I understand now why he kept the truth about the Emperor a secret."

"I thought that was obvious. He didn't want to lose any of you," Taka said simply.

"I know," Miya mumbled. "He wanted to protect us."

Letting go of Miya's hand, Noah crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze shifting to settle miserably on his feet. "I wish...I was hoping somehow you'd be spared the truth, but obviously that's not the case."

"No, I think it's better that I know. Besides, I would have found out sooner or later, even if Sam had ever said a word. And you don't have to bother explaining what happened at Dai's house after I left. Ami already told me."

"But no one told us!" Hana shot back.

Letting out a deep sigh, Noah quickly told Miya's cousins about Joe and Izzy's plan to go to the Digital World. When he was finished, Renmi glanced uncertainly at him before she quickly looked away again, her surprisingly shy and somewhat awkward smile catching him by surprise. "So, you guys are going to Dai's house now?"

"That's right."

"And none of you have seen Sam since last night?" Tamami interjected, tugging on a strand of pink hair.

"Unfortunately no," Ami groaned. "Listen guys, we'd love to stick around, but we really should get going."

"Can we come with?" Taka asked eagerly. "If Sam is there..."

"Maybe some other time. First we should break the news to our parents that you now know what's going on," Miya said apologetically. "It's not that we don't want you guys there, we just don't want to scare Sam off. He may regret telling you about the Digital World, and if that's the case, having you guys there might make him lose his resolve."

"But-"

"If that's what you want, Miya, but don't forget we're here to help," Rumi said softly.

Beaming at the other girl, Miya nodded and she gave each of her cousins a quick squeeze. "Thanks, guys, I won't forget, and I appreciate what you've done for Sam. It sounds like you might have gotten through to him, at least a little bit. And thanks for...for believing in my dad."

"Er...was that ever an issue?" Makku asked, returning his cousin's hug and scratching his head in confusion.

"We should get going," Ami said abruptly, nodding her head towards the front entrance of the school. "Dai and the others would have already seen Sam today..."

Reaching for Miya's hand again, Noah gave her fingers a quick squeeze, and smiling at her he quickly tucked her books under his arm. "Are you ready to go?"

"I'm ready."

"But...I want to hear more about the Digital World!" Taka protested.

Without turning around, Noah quickly led his two female friends back down the hallway, his thoughts once again turning to Sam. Unfortunately, despite how worried he was for Miya's little brother, his concern didn't prevent him from overhearing Taka's shouts, nor did his thoughts prevent him from blushing when Hana suddenly shouted, "It's not fair! Miya's so lucky. Why can't I find a guy like Noah?"

Daichi 'Dai' Motomiya

Odaiba, Japan, Earth

Frowning at the contents of his locker, Daichi Motomiya shook his head and he let out a deep sigh, unable to summon even enough energy to groan over the test Mrs. Hanari was threatening to make them write the next day. Luckily, his next soccer practice had been postponed until the week after, which gave him one less thing to worry about, but unfortunately, without soccer on his mind, he now had more time to worry about Sam.

Speaking of Sam, he sure did a fine job of avoiding us today. I saw him when he arrived at the school this morning with Mickey and Matty, but since then the only time I was able to keep an eye on him was during class. And it's not just me. Sam was even avoiding Mickey.

Slamming his locker door shut, Dai whirled around and he squinted at the crowd of students passing by him in the hallway, hoping to catch a glimpse of Takara's long, dark ponytail. According to Mickey, Sam hadn't said a single word to anyone during breakfast that morning, and instead of giving T.K. and Kari a cheerful goodbye, he had merely walked out the front door of the Takaishi residence without looking back. Mickey and Matty had been forced to chase after him, just to keep up. Since then, Sam's mood hadn't improved in the slightest and Dai couldn't help worrying that the raven-haired Digidestined might end up becoming more of a hindrance than a help on their upcoming trip to the Digital World.

Well, at least he agreed to come with us, even if it is only because Ken and Yolei opted not to join us today. And where in the Digiworld is Takara? I thought she said she was going to meet me at my locker.

Muttering to himself, Dai caught the sleeve of the first person to get close to him, and squealing in surprise, the girl turned to look at him, her gray eyes suddenly lighting up when she realized who had been trying to get her attention. "Oh! Hello, Dai! What's up? You nearly scared me half to death!"

"Hey, Megumi. Sorry about that. You haven't seen Kara lately, have you?"

In response to his words, Megumi's face fell and she gave him a regretful smile. "So...it really is her. I was hoping there was nothing going on between the two of you, but I guess that was just wishful thinking on my part."

Dai stared at her, and frowning to himself, he scratched his head in confusion. Megumi Takayama was one of his classmates, and although they were friendly to each other he didn't really know her that well. Despite that, though, he suddenly remembered Takara mentioning something about her.

She asked me about Megumi earlier. What was it she wanted to know again? I never did get what she was trying to say.

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"It's nothing, only...Takara's a lucky girl. I have to admit, I'm kind of jealous."

"So, you have seen her?"

Megumi laughed and smiling she shook her golden head in amusement. "You can be so clueless sometimes, you know that? I saw her heading towards the computer room about a minute ago. If you hurry, you might be able to catch up to her."

"Really? Thanks, Megumi, I owe you one!"

"In that case do me a favor and don't screw anything up otherwise Kara will never forgive you!"

Dai just barely heard Megumi's shout over the noise of the crowd and even though he didn't have a clue what she was talking about, he gave her a quick wave before hurrying off in the other direction. Lately, the thought of being around Takara always seemed to make his heart beat a little faster than it usually did and every time he recalled some of his earlier actions, most notably the time when he had uncharacteristically kissed her on the cheek, his face would suddenly feel like it was on fire.

What was I saying last night? Did I really mean all of those things I said to Tai?

The words had burst from his mouth without any kind of warning whatsoever, and looking back now on what he had said, he couldn't help wondering if maybe his actions hadn't been an accident like he had first believed, after all.

Okay, so maybe Ami's right. Maybe I do like Kara a little bit...not that it matters. To her, I'm probably just another 'cousin', doomed to always share the spotlight with Mickey and Matty. It figures, doesn't it? I always seem to have bad luck.

"Dai, is that you?"

Wait, what in the Digiworld am I thinking? Ami can't be right. I don't like Takara. I mean I do, but...not like...like that...

"Dai!"

Looking up in surprise, Dai spotted Mickey poking his head out into the hallway, and giving the older twin a quick smile he nodded his own head at the door Mickey was hanging out of. "What about the others? Is everyone already here?"

"Yes, we were waiting for you."

Stalking into the room, Dai spotted Takara sitting on a desk and the sight of her pretty face made his heart skip a beat. Ryoko was sitting on the floor by her feet with the digimon crowded around him, and next to him, Matty sat on a chair by the computer closest to the left window of the classroom. Sitting by himself on the teacher's desk, Sam was staring blankly at the ceiling, his face lacking any kind of emotion whatsoever. And yet, despite his seemingly calm attitude and serene expression, Dai knew the raven-haired Digidestined was still very upset.

He can't hide from his parents forever. I wonder what he'll do when he has to go home tonight. Mickey and Matty aren't always going to be around to rescue him, which means he won't be able to avoid Ken when he has to go back home this evening.

"What took you so long?" Ryoko snapped, glaring at him.

Realizing the golden-haired Digidestined's anger wasn't exactly directed at him, Dai decided to let the comment slide. Turning to Takara instead he mumbled, "I thought you said you were going to meet me at my locker."

"Oh, I'm really sorry, Dai. One of the girls on the soccer team held me up. By the time she finished talking, I figured you probably would have already made it to the computer room."

"You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?"

Takara laughed and she quickly shook her head in denial. "No way. I only came here first instead because I thought you'd already be here."

Feeling suddenly warm inside, Dai smiled at the female Digidestined, and leaning over he quickly scooped DemiEmbermon into his arms. "Everyone ready to go? My parents are probably wondering where we are."

"I hope your mom gives us something to eat before we go. I hate being stuck in this room all day!" DemiEmbermon complained.

"Are you ready to go, Sam?" Mickey asked quietly, moving over to Sam's side and placing a gentle hand on the raven-haired Digidestined's shoulder.

Instead of answering, Sam merely shrugged and he reached down to pick up Glowmon. Just like at the Takaishi residence, Sam hadn't spoken to anyone at school all day, including his fellow Digidestined, and judging from his current behaviour, it didn't look like he was planning on saying anything for a while.

It's a good thing Mickey and Matty did follow him otherwise we never would have known about Taka and the others. At least, now we're prepared.

During lunchtime, Mickey and Matty had told the rest of them about Sam's visit to the Inoue residence, and even though Dai had already known Sam was going to Taka's house he had never suspected the raven-haired Digidestined would tell his cousins about the Digital World.

I guess we'd better let Tai and the others know...

What concerned him the most, though, was Sam's attitude towards Ryoko. It was obvious Sam was giving Ryoko the cold shoulder, which explained the golden-haired Digidestined's lousy mood, and contrary to what the others might think, Dai hadn't failed to notice the way Sam was also avoiding his eyes, not just Ryoko's.

Why do I get the feeling the rest of today is going to be a long day?

"Well, seeing as how Sam obviously isn't going to say anything, I'll say it," Matty snorted loudly, frowning at the raven-haired Digidestined. "We're ready."

"Come on, we're wasting time," Ryoko said coldly, leaping to his feet and stalking towards the door.

Shaking his head, Dai quickly followed the golden-haired Digidestined out into the hallway, but despite the neutral expression on his face, his heart was pumping wildly with uncertainty. How in the Digiworld was he going to locate the Spirit Chip of Bravery when he couldn't even keep his own team from falling apart?