Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

A/N: Well, I have to say, this chapter was quite the challenge to write. It didn't turn out exactly as I wanted it to, but sometimes that sort of thing just happens. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy! (Oh, and you will see Mickey and Matty's reactions to Angewomon coming up. I promise.)

Following the Footsteps of Destiny

Chapter 170: Celestial Bonding

Halomon/ Gabrielmon

File Island, Eastern Hemisphere, Digital World

Soaring quietly through the air next to Mickey's left shoulder, Halomon let out a soft, weary sigh, which was completely out of character for a rookie who was normally so cheerful, and lifting his deep blue gaze to the sky, he glanced anxiously at the shadowy peak of Infinity Mountain, his sapphire eyes narrowing in concentration. At the moment, the Digital World seemed oddly peaceful, and the lack of any suspicious digimon lurking around the area made him feel slightly nervous, though he could not exactly explain why his heart kept trying desperately to warn him that they were in danger. As a celestial digimon, he had been fully expecting to sense DarkAngelicmon almost as soon as he had come through the gate, but unfortunately, it looked as if the fallen angel was determined to avoid being detected, at least until they were all on Infinity Mountain together, which could potentially cause a lot of problems for Mickey and the rest of the Digidestined later on, especially if they weren't careful while climbing Infinity Mountain.

Could Vampiramon have been right about us? Maybe Celestimon and I shouldn't rely too much on out ability to track DarkAngelicmon. After what happened near the gate yesterday, I feel like I don't know anything anymore.

Glancing discreetly at his human partner, Halomon anxiously twisted his small hands together, uncertain of what he should do. He wanted to tell Mickey about the mysterious presence he had sensed in the forest, but at the same time he felt to do so would somehow betray the other angel digimon's trust. And when speaking about another angel, he was of course referring to the celestial digimon who had been watching them silently from afar. Deep inside his heart he knew Celestimon also believed it was best to stay quiet for the moment, but even so he could not help feeling a little bit guilty.

Lucemon, it must have been you, but why were you hiding from us? I know that's not what you want and yet you still keep your distance. Can't you see that now is the right time to speak? I don't understand. All we want to do is help you...

"Halomon?"

At the sound of his name, Halomon let out a squeak of surprise, and tumbling through the air in a somersault, he nearly crashed into the back of Ryoko's silky blond head, managing only to regain control of his wings just as his nose brushed the golden-haired Digidestined's shiny tresses. Luckily, much to Halomon's astonishment, Ryoko didn't appear to notice anything out of the ordinary, which was nothing short of a miracle considering how perceptive the golden-haired Digidestined could be, especially when there were secrets causing tension within the group.

Secrets like the one I've been trying to hide. I wonder if DarkAngelicmon knows Lucemon was here on File Island. If he does and Lucemon is still here...

Whirling around in alarm, Halomon spotted something hovering just inches away from him, and realizing he was gazing at a familiar digimon, he let out a sigh of relief.

DarkAngelicmon isn't here. If he was I'd be able to sense him.

Poking the other rookie gently in the stomach he said, "Celestimon! Don't scare me like that! For a moment there I thought you were an evil digimon."

"And evil digimon would never be able to sneak up behind you, silly."

Halomon blushed, and watching the other rookie closely he felt a small stab of fear in his heart. "What's wrong, Celestimon? You look a little worried about something."

Glancing anxiously over his shoulder at Matty, who thankfully wasn't looking in their direction, Celestimon casually shrugged his shoulders, and making a face he said, "Actually, um...Halomon, can I talk to you for a minute? It's kind of important."

"Is this about...you know, what we felt in the forest?"

"Not so loud!" Celestimon whispered fiercely in his ear, tugging anxiously on his arm and pulling him towards the back of the group. "Come on, I don't want Mickey and Matty to hear us."

"But-"

"It's not just Mickey and Matty. I don't want any of the others to hear us either."

Shaking his head in defeat, Halomon allowed himself to be dragged along by the wrist, and hovering closely to Celestimon while trying not to look too suspicious he mumbled, "It was Lucemon. It had to have been him."

"You don't have to convince me, Halomon. I believe it was Lucemon too, but...even if we are right, I don't know what we're supposed to do. If we tell the others about him, we might put him in danger, but if we keep quiet..."

"We might end up putting him in even more danger."

"He must have a reason for wanting to keep himself distant from us, but I can't figure out what that reason might be," Celestimon said quietly. "I wish he would confront us so we wouldn't have to worry about what to do anymore. Besides, I really want to meet him."

Halomon gave the other rookie a gentle pat on the back and ducking his head he said shyly, "I want to meet him, too. Maybe it's too early to judge, but from what we've learned about Lucemon so far, he sounds like a really nice digimon. At least to me he does."

"Kind of like you," Celestimon said softly, giving him a warm smile.

Halomon felt his small cheeks turn bright pink, and doing his best to ignore Celestimon's words he whispered, "Do you remember what I said to Matty yesterday? I really don't think Lucemon wants to hide from us, but he might feel like he has to because of DarkAngelicmon."

"You mean because DarkAngelicmon is looking for him. I guess that makes sense, but only if he knows about DarkAngelicmon's plans, which I get the feeling he does. I don't know how he could find out, but...I guess it doesn't really matter. The important thing is he knows and I bet he wants to keep his distance because he thinks confronting us will put him in danger, especially since DarkAngelicmon is hanging around us all the time."

"Maybe, but...I don't believe that."

"Huh? Why not?"

Tugging playfully on Celestimon's wings and fluttering around the other rookie's body in a lazy circle he said, "I think Lucemon is keeping his distance because he doesn't want to put us in danger, not the other way around."

"I don't know," Celestimon said slowly, fluttering his long fluffy ears in frustration.

"I know it's a bit hard to believe, but I'm sure I'm right. At first I didn't know what to think either, but after talking to you, I believe I'm finally starting to understand now."

"Halomon, do you think DarkAngelicmon knows Lucemon is here on File Island?"

"Oh! You think Lucemon is still here too?"

"Yes, and if DarkAngelicmon knows..."

Nodding his head silently in agreement, Halomon tugged anxiously on his small toes, his body turning over in a nervous flip through the air. "Lucemon must still be here on File Island. Just because we can't sense him right now doesn't mean he's left the island completely."

"You think it's because he wants to stay close to us?" Celestimon asked hesitantly.

"Yes, I'm sure he'll confront us eventually, but in the meantime, we have to be careful of DarkAngelicmon. I don't have any proof, but I'm sure he knows Lucemon was here on File Island yesterday and if he feels the same way I do then he'll know Lucemon is still here."

"Which would be bad."

Halomon once again nodded in agreement and he gave Celestimon a sad smile. "I feel so guilty, Celestimon. I want to tell Mickey about Lucemon so badly, but..."

"Same here. I wish I could tell Matty, but I think for right now we should still keep what we know a secret. We have to respect Lucemon's feelings, especially since he doesn't appear to be in any danger at the moment. Depending on what happens today, though, that could definitely change."

"I hope not. Okay, I promise I'll keep what we know a secret, but if Lucemon does end up getting himself into trouble today you have to promise me we'll tell the others about him. How does that sound?"

"I promise," Celestimon whispered, giving his shoulder a quick squeeze. "By the way, speaking of Mickey and Matty, I'm really worried about them."

"So am I, but I know they'll be fine. They care about each other too much to let someone like DarkAngelicmon stand in the way of their relationship as brothers, and as friends."

"Are you sure?" Celestimon asked anxiously, his bright green eyes sparkling softly in the sunshine. "You heard the things Matty was saying yesterday. He thinks he's useless!"

Halomon gave his fellow rookie a quick reassuring squeeze and smiling he nodded his head towards their partners. "I don't think Matty actually believes anything he said yesterday. He's just really worried about Mickey, and Mickey's really worried about him. Once they realize what the real problem is I'm sure they'll work things out."

"Maybe you think so, but I'm not so sure. Why can't they be more like us?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"We never doubt each other," Celestimon said almost shyly, avoiding his eyes. "Why do you think we make such a great team? And it's not just us. I trust Embermon and our other digimon friends just as much as I trust you. That's why we all work so well together. Why can't out human partners act like we do? And it's not just Mickey and Matty. Look at Sam..."

Poor Celestimon. He's so worried about everyone, just like me. What can we do? He trusts me, but I don't know if I can help...

Despite having never actually had the opportunity to meet each other until after becoming partners with Mickey and Matty, the two of them had fast become close friends, and Halomon knew it was because of their human partners. As much as he cared about Mickey, he was also very fond of Matty, which was one of the reasons why he wanted to help Celestimon so badly. The fact that Celestimon seemed to think so highly of him always made him feel a bit shy, but because he returned those feelings it never seemed to cause a problem between them. Before Mickey and Matty, a thought like that probably never would have even crossed his mind, but after having had the chance to interact with humans, he was very slowly beginning to understand their way of thinking.

Just like Celestimon.

That was another reason why he wanted to help Celestimon. It was because they were friends.

He wants to do the same for me. For Mickey...

Grabbing onto Celestimon's wrists and gazing directly into the little rookie's eyes, Halomon said softly, "Don't worry, Celestimon, I'll help you protect Matty. You can count on me."

To his surprise Celestimon sniffed and the little rookie gave him a watery smile. "I know."

"Everyone keep your guard up!" Tai suddenly shouted from the front of the group. "We're almost at the base of the mountain."

"What do you expect? It's not like we were that far away to begin with!" Matt snorted. "Ignoring Izzy again, I assume."

"No! I was just making sure everyone is aware of the situation!"

"Well, whatever the case, we need to be extremely careful from here on in," Noriko said firmly. "Mind you, it would help if we could find out whether or not Vampiramon has managed to make it onto the mountain before us. That way we could be a little bit better prepared for whatever might happen."

"Who says we can't find out?" Davis demanded, crossing his arms over his chest. "We shouldn't have any problem finding out where Vampiramon is hiding if DarkAngelicmon is with her. You heard what Izzy said. Why don't we just send Angelicmon, Gabrielmon, and Angewomon on a scouting mission before the rest of us start climbing the mountain? They can find out whether or not DarkAngelicmon is already on the mountain and report back to us with the news. That way the rest of us will know exactly what we're getting ourselves into. If DarkAngelicmon really is up there, I'm sure Vampiramon and the others won't be too far behind."

"But...your plan will only work if DarkAngelicmon is actually on Infinity Mountain," Kari said slowly. "Even if Angewomon and the other angel digimon sense him, that doesn't mean Vampiramon and the others are going to be with him. He could be on Infinity Mountain all by himself. Or...what if he's not on Infinity Mountain, but Vampiramon and the others are? If Angewomon and the other angel digimon can't sense DarkAngelicmon that doesn't mean Vampiramon and the rest of her allies won't be somewhere on Infinity Mountain."

"So? It's still worth a shot!" Davis insisted, pumping his fist into the air. "If DarkAngelicmon is up there it will at least tell us something."

"Allowing our angel digimon to get that close means DarkAngelicmon will be able to sense them, too. If he's paying attention that is," Kari countered. "Then again, since Vampiramon and her allies already know we're going to be climbing Infinity Mountain, it's not really that big of a deal. In fact, we could use it to our advantage. They'll find out we're here as soon as we start climbing the mountain anyway. At least, this way, we can prepare ourselves for our climb ahead of time."

"What do you think, Halomon?" Mickey asked hesitantly.

Startled by his partner's sudden question, Halomon let out another loud squeak of surprise, and blushing he quickly fluttered away from Celestimon, determined to avoid anyone detecting his suspicious behaviour, especially his partner. "Oh, Mickey! I think it's a good idea. I'm willing to try if Celestimon and Gatomon come along with me."

"Like you need to ask. We'll find him easily," Gatomon said confidently. "Besides, all this waiting is giving me fur balls."

"I'm coming too!" Celestimon shouted, diving into Matty's arms and tugging urgently on his partner's blue hoodie. "Please, Matty?"

"Well..."

"Come on, guys," Dai insisted.

"I don't know, Dai, are you sure about this?" Mickey mumbled, looking just a little bit uneasy.

"Of course I'm sure!"

Smiling to himself, Halomon fluttered into Mickey's arms and beaming at his partner he gently nestled his cheek against the older twin's shoulder. "We'll be fine, Mickey. You don't have to worry about us. As soon as we find out anything we'll come back immediately. I promise."

"As long as they're careful, they should be okay," Joe said reasonably. "Just make sure you guys don't put yourselves in any unnecessary danger."

"What do you think, Uncle Tai?" Ryoko asked anxiously, turning to gaze uneasily at the former leader.

Tai glanced at the golden-haired Digidestined and shrugging his shoulders he said, " I trust Dai's judgment and I also trust Davis. Halomon and the others will be fine."

"Are you saying you don't trust me, Ishida?" Dai snapped, glaring at the golden-haired Digidestined.

"What? No! That's not...I didn't mean it like that."

"Well, it sure sounded that way to me!"

Ryoko blushed and he quickly shook his head. "No, it's not like that."

"But-"

"Look, just forget it. I don't want to argue with you. Haven't I lost enough friends already?" Ryoko said coldly, turning his face away.

"Oh, right..."

Peeking over Mickey's shoulder, Halomon wasn't surprised to see Sam's face turning a deep shade of red. Clearly, Ryoko had been referring to the raven-haired Digidestined and Sam knew it only too well.

"You guys," Takara sighed, her lips twitching into a small smile.

"Are you ready, Gatomon?" Kari asked, holding out her crest.

"Ready when you are. Gatomon digivolve to, Angewomon!"

"Your turn, Celestimon!" Matty shouted, holding out his Digivice, which he was careful to cover with his other hand.

"Celestimon digivolve to, Angelicmon!"

Leaping out of his partner's arms, Halomon smiled at Mickey, and while still hovering in the air he pulled his knees against his chest and shyly wiggled his toes. "I'm all set to go."

"Please be careful."

"I will be."

"Okay. Now, Halomon!"

Feeling a sudden surge of power running through his veins, Halomon quickly squeezed his eyes shut, allowing the energy within him and the power he felt from Mickey to burst forth from his body in what he hoped wasn't too bright a blaze of light. Thankfully, like with Gatomon and Celestimon, the Digidestined quickly surrounded him to shield most of the glow from view. "Halomon digivolve to, Gabrielmon!"

"You three be careful," Kari warned.

"Come back as soon as you can," Mickey mumbled, anxiously twisting his hands together.

I should be worrying about you, Mickey, not the other way around.

Fluttering his wings in amusement, Gabrielmon smiled fondly at his partner, and reaching out his hand he gently ruffled the older twin's golden hair. "We'll be back before you know it."

"This way," Angelicmon ordered, leaping into the air and pointing towards a small section of large rocks clustered together near the base of the mountain.

Taking extra care to fly as low to the ground as possible, wanting above all else to avoid the attention of any eyes that may be watching them from the peak of Infinity Mountain, Gabrielmon quickly followed after Angelicmon and Angewomon, his six gold and white wings carrying him swiftly through the air. As soon as the three of them reached the base of the mountain, Angelicmon immediately dived towards the rocks he had pointed to earlier, and taking the hint Gabrielmon quickly fluttered after his fellow angel, descending rapidly from his position in the air at an almost dangerous low level of altitude, which unfortunately could not be avoided. Thankfully, due mostly to his careful nature, a trait he wielded effectively as a general rule, and an uncanny ability to accurately judge the distance in the air between himself and the ground below him, he was able to land safely next to the other celestial champion, though he was sure Mickey would scold him later for his reckless behaviour.

It seems my partner's rash actions and his tendency to put himself in danger are beginning to rub off on me. I must be more careful from now on. I won't be able to protect Mickey if I start getting myself into trouble the way he has!

Shaking his head at his own amusing thoughts, Gabrielmon crouched behind the cluster of large rocks between Angelicmon and Angewomon, and narrowing his eyes in concentration he gazed up at the peak of Infinity Mountain looming above his head. Unfortunately, he could not see the top, since he was now close enough to the mountain to begin climbing its rocky cliffs and steep paths, but even so, that did not stop him from sensing the presence of another celestial digimon nearby.

"He's here," Angelicmon murmured, his emerald green eyes scanning the jagged, slightly obscured path winding around the mountain.

"I feel him, too," Angewomon said calmly, fluttering her wings in anticipation. "His presence is strong and yet..."

"The darkness around him is wavering slightly. I sense confusion, like his thoughts are a scattering of leaves caught in a storm," Angelicmon said quietly, knowing instinctively what Angewomon had been about to say.

Nodding in agreement, Gabrielmon glanced curiously at Angewomon and placing a hand on her arm he said, "This mountain is covered in darkness. We must warn the others to be careful."

"Well, we know now that DarkAngelicmon is definitely on Infinity Mountain, but what about the others?" Angelicmon asked slowly. "Do you think Vampiramon and the rest of her allies are here?"

"There's no way to tell for sure, but my heart tells me they are close by. Vampiramon was the one the Ruler of Darkness specifically ordered to search for the Spirit Chips. I can't see her not being here."

"Perhaps, but that doesn't explain DarkAngelicmon's presence here today. I thought his main job was to capture Lucemon. If that's true then what is he doing here on Infinity Mountain?"

"Good question."

"His presence does not concern me," Angewomon interrupted, dismissing the fallen angel with a wave of her hand. "But there is one thing I am curious about. What is this other presence I feel?"

Huh?

Gabrielmon stared at the female angel in surprise and frowning in confusion he glanced back at Mickey and the rest of the Digidestined, fully expecting to see either a new ally or a new enemy whom he had not noticed before, but when nothing suspicious immediately captured his attention he turned back to Angewomon and said quietly, "What presence?"

"Do you not feel it?"

"I don't understand..."

Laying a hand on his arm, Angewomon pointed to the thick line of trees circling around the left side of the mountain, and glancing in the direction indicated by her finger, Gabrielmon frowned in confusion. "What is it?"

"It can't be!" Angelicmon suddenly gasped, leaping to his feet and gesturing wildly at the trees. "Gabrielmon, concentrate! You must feel it!"

Growing even more confused Gabrielmon studied the forest intently, and to his unexpected surprise, he suddenly felt the presence of something lurking in the forest. It was a familiar aura, one he had felt before, and yet it was still somehow new to him, as if he had only just experienced sensing such a warm, powerful presence fairly recently. In fact, he was sure it was the same presence he had felt watching him from the trees near the gate the night before, and if he was right then that could mean only one thing...

Lucemon! What is he doing here? It's dangerous to be so close to DarkAngelicmon!

"That fool," Angelicmon muttered, fluttering his wings in frustration. "What does he think he's doing?"

Gabrielmon nodded firmly in agreement, and leaning close to Angelicmon he whispered, "Maybe he's not as much of a fool as we think he is. We can sense both him and DarkAngelicmon because we're right in the middle of the two, but he's still far enough away from Infinity Mountain that I don't think DarkAngelicmon will be able to sense him."

"But..."

"Oh, DarkAngelicmon definitely knows he's on File Island, that much is certain, and our fallen angel counterpart probably even knows Lucemon is close by, but-"

"There's no way DarkAngelicmon can know at this distance just how close he is," Angelicmon finished, looking somewhat relieved. "Perhaps our friend does know what he's doing."

"Yes, he's staying far enough away so DarkAngelicmon won't be able to pinpoint his exact location, though I'm sure he's close enough that DarkAngelicmon may be able to guess he's somewhere in the forest."

"But considering it also looks as if DarkAngelicmon is going after the Spirit Chip, I'm guessing he has decided to put Lucemon on hold for the moment," Angelicmon said quietly, frowning thoughtfully at the trees. "Lucemon must have realized the same thing, which would explain his presence this close to Infinity Mountain, but there's still one thing I don't understand. How did he find out about our plans and does he know what DarkAngelicmon is up to?"

Gabrielmon quickly pulled Angelicmon back down beside him and whispering softly in the celestial champion's ear he said, "I'm not sure, but this new turn of events has me worried. If Lucemon can track us so easily, knowing less I think than DarkAngelicmon about our plans, then our chances of eluding our enemies is slim at best. And if he's also tracking DarkAngelicmon, then his information could be extremely useful to us, and yet despite how much help he could be, he's still hiding from us."

"He must have only just arrived. I didn't sense his presence when we first landed here."

"Me either, though I admit I was a bit preoccupied."

"Maybe you were, but I certainly wasn't and neither was Angewomon. She and I became aware of Lucemon's presence at almost the exact same time. He definitely wasn't there before."

"I will have to take your word for it."

"I'm surprised you sensed him at all since you clearly had your head in the clouds," Angelicmon said dryly, smiling in amusement. "Both you and Mickey are such a handful."

Giving the celestial champion a gentle push Gabrielmon smiled and shook his head. "What about your partner?"

"Matty? Yes, well, his only problem is he's too stubborn for his own good."

"Kind of like someone else I know."

"Mocking your fellow digimon, are you? I didn't think you were capable of such a thing!" Angelicmon laughed, poking him the ribs.

Grateful for the sudden distraction, Gabrielmon ducked as Angelicmon pulled playfully on one of the small feathery wings sprouting from his golden head and pretending to look insulted he said, "How do you know I wasn't talking about Lucemon?"

"This presence I feel. Do you know who it is?" Angewomon interrupted, her tone indicating she already suspected the truth and was merely waiting for them to confirm her suspicions.

She knows about Lucemon. How could I have overlooked something so obvious? Like Angelicmon and myself, Angewomon is also able to sense the presence of other angel digimon, so of course she would be able to feel Lucemon's presence in the forest. We should have been more careful. Why didn't we at least consider the possibility that there was a chance Lucemon might attempt to follow us again? And why didn't I realize it could happen in the presence of either Angemon or Angewomon? If Angewomon tells Kari about Lucemon, we could be in a lot of trouble. I have no doubt Kari would tell Mickey and Matty, and if the twins find out they'll most definitely tell the rest of the Digidestined. If that happens, Angelicmon and I will end up betraying Lucemon's secret.

And yet, despite his reluctance to betray Lucemon, he could not forget Ken's words from the night before.

"Every decision we make affects the lives of others, and we have to be prepared to take responsibility for our actions. By keeping the truth a secret I almost forgot that painful lesson those digimon taught me, but I won't make the same mistake twice. Look how my actions have affected Sam. This kind of thing can't be allowed to happen again..."

If I disregard Ken's warning then I am no better than the fallen angel DarkAngelicmon claims to be. To keep the truth about Lucemon a secret would mean betraying my own human partner, but if I do say something I'll be betraying Lucemon. What am I supposed to do? I'm sorry, Mickey. No matter what I do you'll still be disappointed in me...

"Well?" Angewomon demanded, crossing her arms over her chest and gazing coolly at each of them in turn.

"I...we...of course not!" Angelicmon replied, trying unsuccessfully to smile. "This is the first time we've felt something like this before. Isn't that right, Gabrielmon?"

"It is?"

"I see. So...you do know," Angewomon murmured, studying them closely.

Gabrielmon suddenly felt Angelicmon's elbow collide painfully with his ribs, and wincing slightly at the contact he said hastily, "We don't know any more than you do, Angewomon."

"It's Lucemon, isn't it. He's following us, just as we are attempting to track DarkAngelicmon."

"Don't you think it's a little too soon to be jumping to con-"

"How long have you known about this?" Angewomon interrupted, the small bit of her face they could see growing dark and serious.

Gabrielmon felt a hand clutch the middle wing sprouting from his left side, and turning slightly he spotted Angelicmon cowering behind him. At first he wanted to smile, but then he realized he was finally beginning to understand just how Mickey would feel when his mother would scold him for misbehaving. It was a shocking realization and all of a sudden he didn't feel like smiling anymore. "You won't say anything to Kari, will you?"

"And why shouldn't I?"

"Please?" Angelicmon pleaded. "We would never forgive ourselves if we ended up betraying Lucemon's trust."

"This presence I feel...It really is Lucemon," Angewomon said slowly, shaking her head in disbelief. "Why haven't you informed your partners of his whereabouts?"

Feeling guilty, Gabrielmon avoided the female digimon's eyes and blushing he said quietly, "We only just recently discovered he was following us."

"He hasn't been following us for very long," Angelicmon explained, gazing nervously at the female angel. "We've only ever felt his presence once before."

"Where?" Angewomon asked curiously.

"He was hiding in the forest near the gate by the beach. We sensed his presence just as were were heading back to the human world."

"Yesterday, you mean."

"Yes. That's the only time we've ever felt him before, which means he was obviously only able to locate us just recently. Gabrielmon believes Lucemon is keeping his distance because he doesn't want to put us in any danger, and...well...I think I'm starting to believe the same thing."

"He appears to be pure of heart, and yet I sense a shadow hanging over his head."

Placing his hands on Angewomon's shoulders Gabrielmon said softly, "I don't think Lucemon wants to hide from us, but it's like he feels he has no other choice. He must know DarkAngelicmon wants to capture him, and confronting us would put him at risk, since DarkAngelicmon is constantly coming after us all the time, but like Angelicmon said, we believe the main reason he wants to keep his distance is because he feels contacting us will somehow put our partners in danger. I'm sure he'll confront us eventually, but until then he's trusting us to keep his secret. I don't know how I can possibly know something like that, but I just feel it in my heart. When he feels the time is right, he'll speak to us."

"I just hope he doesn't wait too long," Angelicmon muttered.

Lucemon...can't you see there's another way?

"To think this is the fate of one who dwells on the past," Angewomon sighed, shaking her head. "Very well, I shall keep your secret, but I must warn you. I do not think it is a good idea to hide the truth from your partners, though I understand why you are having such a hard time deciding what to do."

Sighing in relief, Gabrielmon beamed at the female angel and smiling he gave her fingers a quick squeeze. "Thank you."

"There is no need to thank me, but again I must warn you. I do not like keeping secrets from Kari as a general rule and you would do well to follow the same guidelines with your own partners. If you insist on hiding the truth then at least do not forget my words of wisdom."

Exchanging a quick look with Angelicmon, Gabrielmon gave the female angel a brilliant smile, and lowering his eyes to the ground he humbly bowed his head. "We won't forget, I promise."

"Then come," Angewomon said warmly, holding out her hands. "Let us return to the others. We must tell them what we have learned. I'm sure they'll be very interested in our news about DarkAngelicmon."

Taking hold of her hand, Gabrielmon quickly leaped to his feet, and lifting his head he turned just in time to see Angelicmon take the female angel's other hand. Once the three of them were standing, Angewomon briefly laid her hand against Angelicmon's cheek in a gesture that was very reminiscent of the way Kari would sometimes show affection for Mickey and Matty, and smiling she quickly fluttered into the air, anxious to rejoin her partner.

"They hold so much wisdom and knowledge," Angelicmon said softly, obviously referring to Angemon and Angewomon. "I do not think we could ever truly hope to reach their level of experience."

"Perhaps not, but we will do our best to try."

Smiling mischievously, Angelicmon gave his wings a hearty tug, but before he could retaliate the other celestial champion quickly dived over the rocks, disappearing from view.

You, my friend, are much too playful to ever exude the same kind of grace and dignity Angemon possesses! But...perhaps that is why I am so fond of you. You act just like how Matty used to act before he began to doubt himself...

Dismissing the thought with a flick of his wings, Gabrielmon fluttered over the rocks, his attention turning to Angewomon. Despite knowing, however briefly, that Patamon and Gatomon were also celestial digimon before actually seeing them digivolve, he could not help feeling a sense of awe every time he laid eyes on the two more experienced angel digimon, and he knew Angelicmon felt the same way. It was a humbling experience, and it made him want to gain their approval.

Does DarkAngelicmon also feel the same way about Lucemon? Or is it the other way around? Lucemon...you must know we've felt your presence and yet you still continue to keep your distance. Why? Aren't you afraid we'll reveal your secret or do you really trust us as much as I want to believe you do? Why do you sit there merely watching us when you must know we are watching you in return? I know you have your reasons, but I cannot help wondering if those reasons are worthy enough to justify your actions. I suppose we shall see, and when that time comes I hope myself and my fellow digimon will be strong enough to protect you, just as you so badly want to protect our partners...