After the attack, Takato sent a message to Jian to regroup. Hirokazu and Guardromon huddled in a corner, still frustrated about being useless. "It's ok, Hirokazu. Don't be bogged down by this," said Juri, in an effort to comfort him.

"No. We should have grown stronger by now. We couldn't do anything against the enemy. If the others land up in trouble someday and I can't help, then what?" he cried.

"I'm sure that Guardromon can digivolve soon. Culumon, the digimon of evolution is with us after all," added Takato, patting his shoulder.

"That's right, Culu! I'm sure you'll be able to digivolve next time!" assured Culumon.

"That's what you all say! But when is this 'next time' gonna come? It's been many years already!"

"Calm down. There is no need for you to get worked up. Anyway, we have more important things to discuss, don't we?" interjected Beelzemon. That shut them up instantly.

"He's right. We need to know what caused those Kokotorimon to go haywire like that. Not to mention them having that kind of power to go against us megas," stated Takato.

"The source was a small black stone. It had a quite a bundle of dark energy. But how it affected those digimon, even I'm not sure," said Beelzemon. He refrained from telling them about the strange voice. Mako glanced at his partner, an inquisitive look on his face.

"I wonder how that stone got there though. Beelzemon, can you take us to the spot where you found that stone? We might some leads on what's going on," requested Takato.

"Sure." As Beelzemon led the troop towards the spot, Hirokazu and Guadromon quietly branched off away from the troop. "Hirokazu, where are you going?" asked his partner.

"Nowhere in particular. I just wanna cool my head," retorted Hirokazu.

"But what about the others? They'll worry if we're not around..."

"They're strong enough to take care of themselves. Guadromon, we need to do something. We need to become stronger so that we don't drag down the others. But how can I make you digivolve?"

"I'm not sure. But I know that as long as I'm with you and if we believe in each other, I'll be able to digivolve someday-"

"AND WHEN IS THIS SOMEDAY?" yelled Hirokazu. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS! EVERYONE THINKS WE'RE WEAK AND A HOLDING THEM BACK! I DON'T WANT THIS ANYMORE!"

"Then what are we gonna do?"

"We'll go train on our own somewhere. That's how we'll become strong."

"As you say Hirokazu." Together the two walked on until they heard a sound from behind them. "Someone's following us," whispered Guardromon.

"Who is it? Who's there?" asked Hirokazu turning around. I shadow slowly made its appearance in the light.

Meanwhile the other tamers reached the spot where Beelzemon found the stone. The surrounding field was completely green as if the stone was never there. Only a small circular hole remained to show any sign that the stone had been there.

"Is it just a coincidence that the stone was here and Sinduramon went berserk?" asked Takato.

"I don't think so. Feels more like we were targeted," stated Beelzemon.

Suddenly, Guilmon began sniffing the air. "Takato, there's a strange smell here..." he said.

"What kind Guilmon?" asked Takato.

"I'm not sure but my nose doesn't like it," replied the red dinosaur, covering his snout.

"Hmmmm... Can you track the source of the smell, Guilmon?" asked Shaochung.

"It's coming from around here," he said point with one hand.

"Let's look around. Maybe we can find something."

"Takato, wait..." stopped Juri. "Hirokazu and Guardromon aren't here."

"What!?" exclaimed Takato and looked around. "When did they...?Don't tell me that they..."

"They left on their own," shrugged Beelzemon.

"What do you mean?" asked Mako.

"I saw them leave while I was leading you here."

"Why didn't you say anything then?" yelled Juri.

"I think he needed time...for himself..." answered Beelzemon.

"I'm worried about Hirokazu but Guardromon's with him so he should be fine," Takato assured.

"Even so... Wait. Where's Culumon? He's not here either!" cried Juri.

"You don't think he..."

"Hirokazu, Guardromon!" cried Culumon, surprising the two.

"What are you doing here, pipsqueak?" asked Hirokazu, hand on his hips.

"I saw you two going off, so I followed you. Where do you plan on going?" asked the little digimon.

"We're going to do some training. I don't want us to lagging behind each time," said Hirokazu.

"Then I'm glad I came with you. If it's you two, I'm sure you can digivolve!" cheered Culumon. Hirokazu and Guardromon looked at each other.

"Oh yeah... Most of the evolutions did take place when Culumon was around... Guess it might be good to have him around..."whispered Hirokazu. "We'll try and see what we can find to help the others but I wanna join them only once you've managed to digivolve."

"It's a deal, Hirokazu! Let's do this!" said the machine digimon. He fist bumped his partner and Culumon jumped on his shoulders. Together the trio set off towards an unknown destination.

A/N: Hey! So, I thought that since most fanfiction depict Hirokazu as an idiot (he is) so, I thought I'll tweek is character a bit. Planning on developing his character to something that's a little more reliable.