Disclaimer: I don't own Digimon.

A/N: So...I know I said I wasn't going to update FTFOD until I'd finished Trinity, but I couldn't help myself! Plus, you guys deserve it after such a long wait. Again, Trinity is still my top priority since it is almost finished, but here's a new chapter to keep my FTFOD readers going! With the unfortunate reality of COVID-19, I have more time than usual to write, so I figured I might as well take advantage of it and get some FTFOD out there, as well. Enjoy, but more importantly, stay safe and healthy out there!

Following the Footsteps of Destiny

Chapter 298: Beneath the Veil

Daichi Motomiya

Cyber, Western Hemisphere, Digital World

Daichi Motomiya let out a soft groan, and slowly opening his eyes, he frowned, uncertain of just exactly where he was. His head was pounding, and he felt disoriented, which wasn't exactly helping the massive headache pounding in his temples.

What in the Digiworld? Where am I? The last thing I remember, I was in bed...

Wherever he was, it definitely wasn't his home in Odaiba, and sensing a presence close by, he spotted his digimon partner, whose head was resting on his thigh. Embermon looked like he was asleep, and realizing his partner was no longer at the in-training level, he figured it was safe to assume he was in the Digital World.

But...how did that happen? I don't remember going through the gate.

All around him, the light was dim, and gently shifting Embermon's head off his leg, he slowly stood up, his dark eyes searching for something that might give him a clue as to his whereabouts. Upon closer inspection, he realized he was encased in some sort of large, spherical contraption. It looked like it was made of a strange, thick, gel-like substance, but despite the density of the pale blue liquid, he could still see through it to study his surroundings. The massive room he was in looked like it might be part of an ancient underground waterway, though he couldn't say for certain that his theory was correct.

I was teasing DemiEmbermon before falling asleep. Is this...a dream?

Dai blinked, and pinching himself, he winced at the small flash of pain his arm. He was definitely awake, that much was certain, but the rest of his current situation had him completely flabbergasted. Shaking his head, he muttered, "How did I get from the human world to here? Wherever 'here' is..."

"Dai?"

Daichi jumped at the sudden voice, and realizing it was his partner who had spoken, he quickly made his way over to the little rookie's side. Embermon had managed to pull himself into a sitting position, and giving the draconian digimon a sympathetic pat on the head, he said, "I'm right here. Are you okay?"

Embermon quickly clamoured into his lap, and snuggling against his chest, the little rookie said, "I think so. Where are we?"

"Uh...no idea. I was hoping you could tell me."

Embermon glanced down at himself, and ears twitching, the little rookie said, "Well, we're definitely in the Digital World."

"Duh, that much I figured out. I'm more concerned about where exactly we are in the Digital World."

"Don't ask me," Embermon replied, shrugging his shoulders. "I've never seen this place before."

Dai let out a sigh, and wrapping his arms around the little rookie's small body, he said, "That wasn't exactly helpful. Any idea how we got here?"

Embermon was silent for a moment, and then eyes widening in understanding, the little rookie gasped, "You were pulled through the gate!"

"Say what now?"

"Last night when you were sleeping!"

Dai scratched his dark hair in confusion, and frowning at his partner, he said, "I don't remember any of this at all. What do you mean I was pulled through the gate?"

Embermon paused, and looking as if he was struggling to recall something important, the little rookie said, "Last night while you were sleeping, something felt...off."

"Huh?"

"It happened around three in the morning. I'm not really sure how to explain it, but the room felt darker somehow. I tried to ignore it, but that strange electricity in the air kept getting stronger, and then your computer turned itself on. The screen was flashing like crazy, and it almost looked like there was something moving on the other side."

Dai gaped at his digimon partner, and shaking his head in disbelief, he said, "You're telling me that somehow my computer was able to magically turn itself on?"

"Exactly!" Embermon replied, hugging him closer. "After the screen came on, your eyes opened, but when I tried to talk to you, you wouldn't respond to me. It sounded like there was some kind of eerie music coming from the screen. It was very reminiscent of Sirenmon's music."

"Ugh, don't remind me."

"But...that's the thing, Dai," Embermon said slowly, avoiding his eyes. "As soon as the music started, you suddenly bolted up and went over to the computer. You were mumbling a bunch of stuff too, like 'I have to go' and 'they'll hurt Kara.'"

Now Dai was really confused, and trying to make sense of his partner's words, he said slowly, "That's weird. Wait...is Kara in danger?"

She can't be...

"I doubt it," Embermon said quickly, attempting to reassure him. "She was perfectly fine the last time we saw her."

Dai made a face, and running a hand across his forehead, he said wearily, "I wouldn't say that."

"You know what I mean. It's you I'm worried about right now."

"How come?"

"Because...Dai, you were the one who brought us here," Embermon said quietly, refusing to let go of him. "You used your Digivice to transport us through the gate on your computer, but like I said before, it was almost like something was calling to you...like it was pulling you in. When you did finally respond to me, you didn't sound like yourself at all. As we were moving through the gate, there were dark hands everywhere, pulling us in, and I thought I saw something after we made it through the barrier. It looked like a pair of green snake eyes..."

Dai could barely believe what he was hearing, and uncertain of what to do, he said, "I don't get it. Why would I have done something like that?"

"Probably because you're worried about Kara," Embermon said gently, his tail flicking anxiously through the air. "That's likely the reason why we're here."

Dai had no idea what his partner was talking about, and raising his eyebrows, he said, "What do you mean by that?"

"Later. First, let's figure out where we are."

Dai wanted to protest, but he knew Embermon was right. Now wasn't exactly the time to speculate on how they had managed to get themselves trapped inside a glowing sphere. First they needed to get familiar with their surroundings, and once that was done, then they needed to find a way to escape. Their round, icy blue prison was large enough to allow them a bit of space to comfortably move around, but even so it still felt mildly claustrophobic. "This place kind of looks like an underground waterway to me."

"What is this stuff?" Embermon asked, leaping out of his lap to poke at the gel-like walls.

Dai quickly got to his feet, and hesitantly touching the sphere's pale blue surface, he jumped in surprise when it shifted at the touch of his hand. The bizarre, gooey material felt cool against his skin, and though it looked like it was made of a liquid substance, it didn't feel the slightest bit wet. "No idea, but it feels super weird."

"Think we could pass though it?"

Dai turned to look at his partner, but before he could respond, a female voice said, "You could try, but it would be a wasted effort. That sphere is a water based attack that's designed to keep you in your place."

I know that voice!

Dai immediately jerked around to glare through the sphere at the digimon who had spoken, and growing indignant, he snapped, "I should have known this would have something to do with you guys. If you think I'm going to let you keep me trapped in here, forget it!"

Spritemon laughed at his obvious expense, and crossing her arms over her chest, the little pixie digimon peered up at him and said smugly, "Was that supposed to be a threat? I don't think you're in any position to talk all high and mighty."

"So you're the one who tricked Dai into using his Digivice to come through the gate," Embermon said coldly, coming over to join them. "Tell me, how did you manage it? I highly doubt that music we heard came from you."

"It didn't," Spritemon confirmed, bouncing on her toes. "I was the mastermind behind it, of course, but Encantamon did all the dirty work."

"Who?" Embermon asked, looking confused.

A moment later, a slim female digimon glided into view, and moving elegantly across the ground to stand by Spritemon's side, the snake-like figure said dryly, "Actually, it's the Ruler of Darkness and YukiOnnamon who are the masterminds behind our plan, but why worry about the details? I'm just here for some fun."

Yuki-who now?

Daichi was starting to feel a little dizzy, and resting his head against the liquid glass-like sphere, he said, "I feel totally lost..."

"Wait a minute, I recognize those eyes!" Embermon shouted, glaring at the newcomer. "That strange music was coming from you. You're the one who tricked Dai into coming to the Digital World!"

"I did nothing of the sort," Encantamon replied, her emerald green eyes sparkling in the dim lighting. "He willingly followed my call."

I...did?

Dai wrinkled his nose in disgust, and refusing to believe the female digimon's words, he proceeded to study her profile in silence. Encantamon was a serpent type digimon with long, emerald hair and deep green, reptilian eyes, which gave her a bit of a slimy appearance. She had pale, leathery skin, and like most humanoid female digimon he had met thus far, she was wearing practically nothing. What little she did have on looked like it was made of seaweed, and squinting through the pain behind his eyes, he said, "Why did you guys bring me here?"

"Don't tell me you're actually that stupid," Spritemon snorted, rolling her eyes. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Uh...no?" Embermon retorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Care to explain?"

"Look behind you," Encantamon sang out, pointing a claw-like finger at something beyond the sphere they were trapped in.

Dai quickly turned around, and moving to the opposite end of his prison, he spotted something glowing brightly in the gloomy light. It looked like a stone pedestal surrounded by water and a strange green mist, and judging by its appearance, there could only be one thing behind that barrier.

The Spirit Chip!

"So that's why," Embermon snorted, tossing his head. "You're hoping our friends will come and break the seals on the Spirit Chip so you can steal it."

"Look a bit closer," Spritemon taunted, her small wings fluttering in excitement. "Did you notice the colour?"

Daichi frowned, and glancing once more at the pedestal, he studied it with a little more scrutiny. The green mist forming the barrier around the stone structure was seeping slowly out into the massive chamber, and he was certain that the light from the Spirit Chip was filtering out to all other areas of the underground waterway, as well. Even the walls had long beams of bright green light crisscrossing over their surfaces, which was the source of the dim glow lighting the room. It made the large area look futuristic in nature, and glancing at his feet, he realized the blue sphere that had him trapped was also elevated on a glowing green pedestal. On top of that, he could hear the faint sound of running water, and there was no doubt in his mind that the mist from the pedestal was also seeping into the water that glittered in a small lagoon circling around its base. The water from the pool looked like it was flowing into small channels that most likely lead to other streams within the waterway, which meant the green light could probably be seen from the surface.

I don't get it. What's she playing at?

The longer he stared at the pedestal, the more confused he felt, and then realizing all of a sudden that Spritemon was referring to the colour, it finally hit him. The mist surrounding the pedestal was green, which meant the Spirit Chip was green. The colour of the Spirit Chip corresponded with the colour of the D-Coder it belonged to, and there was only one Digidestined who had a green D-Coder Digivice.

Kara!

Dai was unable to stop a gasp from escaping his lips, and whirling around to glare at Spritemon, he said quietly, "You're trying to use me to hurt Kara and get her Spirit Chip."

"Bingo!" Spritemon replied, clapping her hands together in delight. "Isn't it a great plan?"

"Dai..." Embermon murmured, moving closer to gently touch his arm.

Dai was unable to respond, and sinking onto the floor of the sphere, he lowered his head and said dully, "It won't work. I'm the one who has...feelings for her, not the other way around. It's not going to play out like you think it will."

"Is that what you believe?" Spritemon asked, raising her eyebrows. "I don't know about that. Personally, I think it's going to work out exactly as I intend it to."

"And besides," Encantamon taunted, a mocking tone to her words, "Shouldn't you be worried about your own Spirit Chip first before you worry about the girl's?"

Huh?

Dai suddenly felt uneasy, and quickly searching his clothing, he realized his Digivice was missing. "Don't tell me...where's my D-Coder? You guys took it, didn't you!"

"It's right here," Spritemon laughed, pointing to the floor near her feet.

A moment later, a cylindrical glass tube rose up from where it was hidden in the floor, and inside the high tech contraption he could see his red D-Coder.

"I have to admit, you've covered your bases," Embermon said calmly, an edge to his tone. "Dai's D-Coder will lead Kara and the others right to us, which will also lead them to the Spirit Chip. They'll be able to follow both signals to the same location, and once they're here you're going to use Dai to your advantage to steal Kara's Spirit Chip."

"You're not as dumb as you look," Encantamon drawled, sending the little rookie an approving smile. "And in case you haven't figured it out already, I'm going to play a major role in making sure your partner causes the girl you call Kara more pain than she has ever experienced before in her life. I'm looking forward to it every bit as much a Spritemon."

No...I can't let them use me like this. I can't let them hurt Kara!

Daichi felt something inside him snap, and pressing up against the icy barrier, he said harshly, "I'll die before I let you use me to hurt Kara. I'm not going to let you torture her! I'll find a way out of here, and when I do, I'll make sure I stop you! I swear, if you touch her-"

"Are you done here?" a soft male voice suddenly interrupted, completely cutting him off. "YukiOnnamon has requested your presence. She wants a word before we proceed with our plans."

That name again. Who is YukiOnnamon, and what does she have to do with Kara's Spirit Chip?

"Alright, I get it. Hold your digihorses, we're coming," Spritemon grumbled, giving the fallen angel a dirty look. "You're always trying to ruin my fun."

"This isn't about having fun," DarkAngelicmon scolded, appearing suddenly out of the shadows. "There's work to be done."

Dai stared at the fallen angel, and collapsing on his knees, he said quietly, "It's you."

"I trust you slept well?" DarkAngelicmon asked, coming over to stand in front of the pedestal.

Daichi just shook his head, and keeping his eyes down, he whispered, "Please, don't let them hurt her."

There was a moment of silence, and glancing discreetly over his shoulder at the two female digimon, who were slowly making their way out of the room, the fallen angel rested a hand against the blue sphere and murmured, "I will do my best. You must remember, though. She needs to experience the darkness first before she can claim her Spirit Chip."

"I know. Just...please keep her safe."

DarkAngelicmon's emerald eyes were glittering in the dim light, and inclining his head slightly, the fallen angel said softly, "It will be done. You have my word."

"Now who's holding us up?" Spritemon complained, her voice carrying across the vast expanse of the chamber. "Move it, handsome. YukiOnnamon is positively terrifying when she's angry, and I don't want to get on her bad side if we're late!"

"I'm always on her bad side, late or not," DarkAngelicmon called back, looking amused.

Without another word, the fallen angel leaped into the air, and watching him leave, Embermon said hesitantly, "Did DarkAngelicmon just agree to work with us?"

Dai was a mess of emotions, and unable to lift his head, he mumbled, "I think so?"

I hope so. We know deep down inside he's one of us. He wants to help us. I know he does. I have to believe in that...

"Dai, are you okay?" Embermon asked, once again climbing into his arms. "I'm really starting to worry about you. I swear, I'm not going to let them do anything to hurt Kara. I promise."

"I know. I trust you. It's just..."

Kara needs me, and right now I can't be there for her. She's already hurting, probably more so after all this happened. I don't even want to think about how she's feeling right now. Even if she doesn't have feelings for me, she's still my friend, and I know she cares about me. If they use me to hurt her, I'll never forgive myself...

"I know what's going on inside your head," Embermon said quietly, hugging him tightly. "You can't think like that, Dai. We need to be proactive for Kara's sake."

I know that, I really do, but...how am I going to get us out of here?

Sam Ichijouji

Cyber, Western Hemisphere, Digital World

After leaving the castle, Sam found himself standing in front of a large, stone archway with the rest of the Digidestined, and studying the dark depths beyond, which were glowing with a pale green light, he said, "So this is the entrance to the underground waterway?"

Surfymon nodded, and gesturing with his hand, the impressive armour covering his body glinting in the sunlight, he said, "Follow the steps down and it will take you beneath the city. Normally this entrance is blocked off, as are all the entrances into the waterway, but the queen had it opened specifically for your arrival."

"That was nice of her," Glowmon commented, hovering closer for a better look. "If you could thank her for us, that would be great!"

"I will pass on the message. While you're down there, I will have a guard stationed here to prevent anybody else from using the waterway for their own devices. This entrance isn't in the public eye, since the area around here is considered part of the castle grounds, thus I doubt anybody would attempt to enter it without permission from the queen. That being said, though, I believe it's better to act on the side of caution."

"I think that's for the best," Izzy agreed, tucking his laptop under his arm. "We will inform both you and the queen once we've completed our mission so you can seal off the entrance again. I trust that's acceptable?"

Surfymon bowed to the computer expert, and turning his back on the group, he said, "Indeed, I trust your judgment. Now that you are set, I must be on my way. Good luck, Digidestined. I leave the fate of our city in your capable hands."

Sam joined in as everybody said their goodbyes to Surfymon, and once the ultimate digimon had disappeared out of sight, he turned to study the dark archway with a sense of unease. Daichi was down there somewhere, and depending on the situation the goggle-headed leader was in, would their efforts be enough?

"Looks like you were right, Matt," Tai suddenly spoke up, studying his Digivice.

Sora leaned over her husband's shoulder for a better look, and frowning, she said, "What do you mean?"

"Dai's signal and the signal coming from the Spirit Chip," the former leader replied, pointing his Digivice at the entrance. "Look at both Sam's and Kara's D-Coders. Since they react to both Dai's Digivice and the Spirit Chip, you can tell both signals are coming from the same area."

"They're trying to kill two birds with one stone," Matt said calmly, his sapphire eyes searching the dim light pulsing beyond the entrance. "They're not using Dai to lead us to him in the hopes we'll lead them all to the Spirit Chip. They're using Dai's D-Coder to get there themselves. In fact, they've already done it, and now they're using both Dai and his Digivice to lead Kara to their whereabouts so they can steal her Spirit Chip."

"That's because once we're there, they know they can use Dai against Kara to make her Spirit Chip react," Ryoko said quietly, his expression growing hard. "Plus, at that point, they'll have everyone they need to break the mist barrier surrounding the pedestal."

Sam glanced nervously at Takara, and gazing fearfully at the entrance to the waterway, the female Digidestined whispered, "They have it all worked out, don't they."

"I can't deny it's a well thought out plan," Izzy sighed, sending the young girl a sympathetic look. "Well, shall we head on in?"

"I'd rather not, but I suppose we don't really have a choice," Tentomon complained, fluttering next to his partner's side. "Lead the way then, Izzy."

Izzy nodded, and turning his gaze on Kara, the computer expert said, "I'll need your assistance to do so. Would you care to join me at the front?"

"Of course," Kara said softly, attempting to smile. "I'll do whatever I can to help."

"You, as well, Centarumon. Your expertise is invaluable to us."

Centarumon nodded his assent, and letting out a small sigh, Sora said, "I take it we have a long journey ahead of us?"

"Long enough," Izzy confirmed. "Remember, they had all last night and this morning to reach the Spirit Chip while we're just getting started. I think it's safe to assume we'll probably be spending at least one night down here."

"Great," Matty grumbled, wrinkling his nose. "Just what I wanted to hear."

Sam was inclined to agree, but instead of wasting his energy complaining about something that was out of his control, he simply followed the rest of the group into the waterway, his senses screaming at him to stay as far away from the shadows lurking in the corners as much as possible. As he had noted earlier, it was quite dark inside, the only source of light coming from the dim glow of the Spirit Chip far off in the distance, and voicing another complaint, Matty said, "Why is it that we always end up having to go somewhere dark? Seriously, Gennai should take some responsibility for this. I'm tried of having to squint all the time."

"Stop complaining," Mickey replied, looking amused. "It isn't Gennai's fault. Besides, I'm sure Glowmon will be kind enough to help us out again. Isn't that right, Glowmon?"

Sam turned to look at his partner, who was fluttering beside him, and eager to please Mickey, the little rookie said, "You bet I will! Anything for you, Mickey!"

"Hey, what about me?" Matty shouted, looking outraged.

Glowmon didn't appear to hear the younger twin, and concentrating in the dim light, the little rookie cried, "Luminaire!"

Immediately, the insect digimon's body began to glow, and as a soft, warm light filled the stairway, Mickey came over to pet the little rookie's head and said gently, "Thanks, Glowmon. I appreciate it."

"Anytime," Glowmon replied, beaming at the older twin.

Huh...so he'll get along with my digimon, but not with me?

Sam wasn't quite sure what to make of the exchange, and since Mickey hadn't once looked in his direction since leaving the castle, he had no clue how to respond or if he should even bother. Even now, Mickey chose to ignore him as the older twin brushed past to walk next to Matty, and allowing himself to linger at the back of the group, he descended the stairs in silence.

Upon reaching the bottom, he realized they were crowded inside a narrow passage, and somewhere up ahead he could hear the sound of water dripping. The granite walls on either side had strange glowing beams of green light running along their surfaces, making the corridor slightly brighter than the stairway, and studying the path up ahead, he murmured, "It looks somehow...futuristic. Like we're on a spaceship or something."

"I assume this is another example of the advance technology that the City of Abacus has developed over the course of its long history," his father replied, reaching out to give his shoulder a quick squeeze. "It's quite humbling, isn't it."

Sam had to agree, and smiling at his father, he said softly, "Very much so."

While the others took a moment to study their surroundings, Sam chose to look at his father. The raven-haired man was gazing at Mickey, who was standing next to Matty, and leaning close, the former Emperor said quietly in his ear, "Is everything alright with you and Mickey?"

Sam felt himself blush, and avoiding his father's eyes, he mumbled, "I don't know."

There was a moment of silence, and pulling him close, the raven-haired man said gently, "I suggest you talk to him. I highly doubt he could remain upset with you for very long."

I could talk to him, but that doesn't mean he'll want to listen.

Sam couldn't deny he felt a bit embarrassed, but at the same time it wasn't a surprise that his father could tell there was something going on between them. Ken Ichijouji was an observant man, and as a general rule, not much slipped past his notice.

"I agree, Sam," Glowmon whispered in his ear. "You really should."

Sam let out a deep sigh, and shrugging his shoulders in defeat, he said, "I can try, but that doesn't mean I'll succeed."

"That's all I'm asking from you," his father assured him, gently ruffling his hair.

"So where do we go from here?" Alopemon asked, his words echoing eerily in the narrow corridor.

Takara held out her Digivice so everybody could see it, and studying the D-Coder's screen, Izzy said, "It looks like we keep going straight ahead. Eventually the waterway will open up and there will be a lot of paths and open areas to navigate."

"You sure know how to take the fun out of every trip," Ryoko snorted, ushering his partner along. "I hope everyone's prepared for a lot of walking."

"Not like we have a choice," Matty moaned, following after his cousin. "This seriously blows."

"Matty!" Mickey scolded, elbowing the younger twin.

"Not for us, we can just fly," Celestimon butted in, exchanging a smug look with Biyomon.

The younger twin glared at his partner, and as the group continued on down the path, Sam contented himself with following along at the back. Truthfully, he needed a moment to himself, and if the others didn't want to walk with him, he wasn't going to complain.

I just...don't understand. As far as I can remember, I don't think Mickey and I have ever had this kind of thing happen between us before. Even if he is upset with me for bringing up Matty, I have a feeling that's not the only issue here. Have I done something wrong?

"Sam, are you and Mickey fighting?" Glowmon asked, settling onto his shoulder.

Sam jumped at the sudden question, and once again feeling his face heat up, he said hotly, "No! I mean...I don't think we are..."

"I hope not. That wouldn't be good for any of us if you were."

Sam paused for a moment, and letting his curiosity get the better of him, he said slowly, "Glowmon, what do you think of Mickey?"

"Oh, I really like Mickey!" Glowmon said enthusiastically, snuggling closer. "Plus, he's good for you."

"Huh? He is?"

"You mean you haven't noticed? It makes me feel happy to see how close you guys are. I'll protect Mickey every bit as much as I protect you. Why do you ask?"

Wow, Glowmon really does like him a lot.

Uncertain of how to respond, Sam murmured, "Just wondering."

"You really like him, too...don't you?" Glowmon asked, looking a little uncertain.

Sam was shocked by the question, and giving his partner a gentle pet, he scolded, "You shouldn't even need to ask me that. You and I both know Mickey's a pretty amazing person. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost him..."

Just thinking about it made an unpleasant shiver race down his spine, and squeezing his eyes shut, he had to take a moment to compose himself.

Mickey and I have always been close. He's been there for me without fail whenever I've needed him, even when I was being so unreasonable about my dad's past. He's so gentle and earnest, and his eyes are always so expressive. It's amazing how different he is from Matty, despite the fact that they're the most identical looking pair of twins I've ever seen. That's never mattered to me, though. I've always been able to tell them apart. Even if they were to switch clothes and refrain from speaking, I'd still know...

"Talk to him, Sam," Glowmon said gently, the light seeping from his small body surrounding them in a pool of warm light. "It'll put your fears to rest."

Maybe, but I doubt it...

Sam was well aware of the fact that it was useless to argue with his partner, and knowing if he didn't follow through with Glowmon's request, it would eventually be forced upon him regardless of his protests. With that thought in mind, he squared his shoulders and slowly made his way towards Mickey, his nerves on high alert.

The older twin was now walking alone by himself behind Sora and Tai, and moving slowly so as not to startle his friend, Sam leaned in close to the blond's ear and said softly, "Are you upset with me?"

Mickey jumped, despite his efforts to make his presence known, and cheeks turning a deep shade of red, the older twin stammered, "N-no! Of course not! You're being silly."

Sam found that hard to believe, and falling into step next to his friend, he said dryly, "Am I? Then what was that all about earlier? It's because I brought up Matty, right?"

Thankfully Halomon was hanging out with Celestimon, giving him one less digimon to deal with, and refusing to look at him, the older twin said quietly, "No, it's not that. Sam, I...I'm not upset with you. I'm more upset with myself."

But why? That doesn't make any sense.

"Mickey..."

The older twin finally looked at him, and amber eyes glittering in the golden light shining from Glowmon's body, Mickey murmured, "I'm sorry, Sam. I...I shouldn't have pulled away like that."

At those words, Sam instantly felt better, and figuring it was safe to do so, he gently touched the older twin's shoulder and said warmly, "Don't worry about it. If...you know...there's something else bothering you other than Matty, you can tell me, right?"

His eyes really do pull you in...

"I know," Mickey replied, smiling shyly at him.

Sam watched as the older twin's gaze flickered to the hand resting on his shoulder, and while it wasn't as if Mickey was acting all that odd, something about that look caught his attention. It was no secret that Mickey was shy, but the older twin's current behaviour seemed unusually shy, even for him.

That's weird. Mickey doesn't usually react like that to people touching him. Most of the time, he doesn't even seem to notice...

"I'm really glad you two are getting along now," Glowmon spoke up, fluttering over to nuzzle Mickey's cheek. "I was worried."

Mickey laughed, and returning the gesture, the older twin said, "I'm sorry I made you worry."

"Just don't do it again!"

The sight of Mickey and Glowmon cuddling was rather endearing, and averting his eyes, Sam said, "Does that mean I can walk with you now?"

"I don't mind," Mickey replied, his cheeks glowing a bright pink. "I'd like that, actually. I mean...if you want to."

He's blushing a lot more than usual, too. There has to be a reason for it. Even if he's not upset with me anymore, there's definitely something going on...

What that something was, he had no idea, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Instead, he filed the thought away for a more appropriate time to explore at his leisure, and laughing, he said, "Of course I want to, silly. I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't."

At this point, Mickey's face was so red it was a wonder the older twin hadn't spontaneously combusted, and chewing nervously on his lower lip, the golden-haired Digidestined said, "Sorry, I'm just...my mind is all over the place at the moment."

"Join the club."

"Pardon me?" Mickey asked, looking startled.

"Yeah, this whole thing with Kara really has me on edge. Also doesn't help that Dai's been captured..."

"Oh...right," Mickey mumbled, looking oddly disappointed. "I suppose it's the same for all of us."

That's strange. It's almost like he thought I meant something else.

Sam wasn't quite sure what to make of that, and as his hand fell away from the older twin's shoulder, their fingers brushed together, which caused Mickey to jump back in surprise. It was a rather bizarre reaction, since the contact was purely accidental, and crossing his arms over his chest, he studied the golden-haired Digidestined a bit more closely and said slowly, "Are you sure you're okay?"

It's not like that's the first time it's ever happened. Why is he suddenly making such a big deal over something so stupid?

Mickey looked as if he was engaged in some sort of internal argument with himself, and coming to a decision, the older twin suddenly pulled him into a fierce hug and mumbled into his shoulder, "I'm fine. As long as you always stay by side, I know I can handle anything."

Mickey...

Sam suddenly felt unusually warm inside, and wrapping his arms around the older twin's slim waist, he whispered, "I'm not going anywhere. Trust me, you're never going to be able to get rid of me."

Mickey didn't respond, and as they stood there holding each other close, Sam could feel the older twin's warmth soaking into his body. Several strands of silky blond hair tickled his nose, and watching them, Glowmon said timidly, "Mickey?"

Mickey stirred slightly, and taking a deep breath, the older twin said in a trembling voice, "Thank you."

Something about being physically close to Mickey always felt right, and for reasons he couldn't understand, Sam was finding it difficult to pull away. There was a tiny part of him that was saying he should maybe back up a bit, but a stronger voice was telling him not to let go.

That's funny. I've hugged him lots of times since we were little kids. How come, after all these years, I never noticed before how warm and comfortable he feels...

Whatever shampoo the blond had used that morning was drifting into his nostrils, and speaking in a low tone he couldn't remember having ever used before, he murmured, "Feel better?"

"Much better," Mickey replied, his words ending in a sigh.

There was still an odd shyness about the older twin as he slowly pulled away, and feeling suddenly cold at the lack of bodily contact, Sam said, "We should probably catch up to the others."

"If they haven't already left us behind."

Sam could just make out Kara's glowing D-Coder up ahead, and grabbing Mickey's hand, he said, "Come on."

For some reason he couldn't identify, Mickey was staring intently at his face, but instead of pulling away, the older twin suddenly averted his eyes and said, "Okay."

Weird...If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was nervous about something...

Mickey's fingers were warm against his skin, and ignoring the unexpected electrical current shooting up his arm, Sam quickly pulled the other boy along. By the time they reached the others they were both completely out of breath, and glancing suspiciously at them, Matty said, "Are you guys fighting again?"

"No!" Mickey cried, blushing furiously at the accusation.

Huh...I guess Matty isn't so clueless about what's going on after all. I wonder if he's noticed anything off about Mickey's behaviour lately. Other than the usual, I mean...

Sam could feel his father watching them, and realizing he was still holding Mickey's hand, he quickly let go. Thankfully, the older twin was so mortified by his brother's accusation that he didn't appear to notice, and smiling at him, his father said, "Everything good?"

Sam managed to smile back, and nodding, he said, "All good."

"Make sure you stay with the group," Matt scolded, giving both of them a disapproving look. "We don't want to lose anybody like last time."

"Sorry, Uncle," Mickey mumbled, avoiding his twin's eyes. "We'll be more careful from now on."

"Does the path split up ahead?" Agumon asked, abruptly changing the subject and squinting into the darkness.

"I believe so," Izzy replied, leaning over Takara's shoulder for a closer look at her Digivice. "We'll be going left."

"Onward then!" Dovemon joked, hovering alongside her partner.

Sam silently fell into step beside Mickey, and as they turned the corner, he spotted a channel of water running along the left-hand side of the path. The water itself carried a faint, green tint, and as he watched the misty river drain into a pipe that disappeared into the granite wall, Halomon fluttered over to them and said curiously, "Mickey, why is your face all red?"

Mickey let out a sound that was a cross between a moan and a laugh, and allowing Halomon to cling to his shoulder, the older twin said, "I really wish everybody would stop embarrassing me."

"It's not like they're doing it on purpose," Sam teased. "You're just easily embarrassed."

Mickey gave him another shy smile, and Sam had to admit the blush certainly wasn't what he would call unattractive. Though some might say the older twin's blond cousin was more handsome, he actually preferred Mickey's pleasant features over Ryoko's undeniably stunning good looks. There was just something about the older twin that made him so appealing, but strangely he couldn't put a finger on what that something actually was.

"Sam, are you alright?" Mickey asked, sounding a bit concerned.

Sam quickly gave himself a mental shake, and slipping a friendly arm around the older twin's shoulders, he said mildly, "I'm fine. Just spacing out a bit."

"What were you thinking about?" Mickey asked, moving a little closer to him.

Sam suddenly felt an unusual warmth in his cheeks, and using every ounce of willpower he possessed to stop himself from saying something utterly embarrassing, he said nonchalantly, "Nothing really. Don't worry about it."

Understandably, Mickey looked a little skeptical, but Sam chose to ignore the other boy's scrutinizing stare. At the moment, he was a bit preoccupied with the strange electrical sensations coursing through his body, and for reasons that went beyond his comprehension, his heart was suddenly pounding frantically in his chest. As much as he tried to ignore it, his mind was focused on only one thing. Even now, he could still feel the faint touch of Mickey's lips brushing ever so slightly against the tender skin of his neck from when they had hugged earlier, and the more he thought about it, the more he was embarrassed to realize that he hadn't minded the sensation.

What in the Digiworld is going on with me?