This sucked more than the time he practically snapped his arm in half, and that was saying a lot because that had been the worse few weeks he had ever gone through in his entire life. Maybe he was being a bit overdramatic about it when saying that, but this couldn't get much worse than it was. They were alone, lost, and had no idea what to do. Really, how could it get worse? Then again, things had been bad enough in the Ice Zone without the ice shattering and separating them from all of their friends.
At that particular moment, Daiki, Judai, Renamon, and Dorumon were hiking through a ridiculously dense jungle. After their iceberg more or less crashed into a small cliff side, they had found a spot low enough to climb up to reach the top. It had taken them quite a while to get all the way up, too, because it had still been rather tall. Since then they had been walking through the trees, hoping to find somewhere that provided at least a bit of protection until they could get their bearings.
That and Daiki couldn't keep trudging through the jungle for much longer, and neither could Judai and Dorumon.
It was hot and humid—the Digital World was a little too much like their world for Daiki's liking—and they had been walking for a couple of hours at that point, if not longer. Daiki was merely frustrated by the dense foliage that sometimes hid the dirt path they were walking on. Judai, on the other hand, was starting to get tired. Dorumon was more or less in the same boat as his partner. Neither he nor Renamon were able Digivolve at that moment, not quite having the energy for it, and Dorumon was still hurt from their confrontation with Airdramon and Seadramon. The sea serpent had hit him hard.
Alright, just—deep breaths, Daiki, deep breaths…, he told himself, rubbing his eyes. You're used to these kinds of situations. You've been through much worse than this. This jungle is nothing compared to everything else.
Someone touching his shoulder made him lower his hand and glance to the side. Renamon tilted her head forward.
"I'm going to go on ahead to see if I can find anything," she said.
"Aren't you worried about losing us?" Judai asked.
Renamon chuckled. "Don't worry, Judai. I will be sure to keep you all in sight and keep track of the sounds of your movements." As she prepared to take off, she glanced at him. "Besides, I can recognize all of your scents."
When she disappeared ahead of them, Judai looked up at Daiki. "Is she saying we smell bad?"
"Honestly, I don't know," Daiki muttered.
What he did know was that he wanted to get out of this jungle. He hoped they found something or someone to help point them in the right direction.
Wait, what if one of the crystals is here? We'll have to search the jungle for it…
He let out an audible groan that made Judai and Dorumon jump.
"Um…you okay…?" the boy asked.
"Fine," Daiki quietly hissed. "Just. Fine."
Don't let your temper get the best of you.
"Are you sure? You don't exactly sound like you're fine."
"Maybe a bit mad," Dorumon added. "Impmon does that with his voice when he's mad, too."
Deep breaths… By then the eighteen year-old was flexing his hands in an attempt to distract himself. Unfortunately, it wasn't working as well as he would have liked.
"I can understand if you're mad, since the whole thing with Seadramon and—"
"Would you just drop it already!" Daiki snarled, unintentionally flinging his hands up in his frustration as he stopped walking.
His sharp tone of voice made Dorumon jump. Startled, he gaped at Daiki with wide eyes. Judai stopped and leaned to the side in surprise. He soon narrowed his eyes at the older teenager, clearly unhappy with the way Daiki had just yelled at them.
"This is exactly why I don't like talking to you," Judai stated, folding his arms. "I try to be nice to you and you always act like a jerk. I don't know how the others put up with you. Sure, you're nice to Mikami and Yoko. But me, Tadashi, and Shizuka? Oh, forget it. We're basically the bane of your existence."
Lowering his hands to his sides slowly, Daiki stared down at the blonde. Had he just been…criticized by someone four years younger than him? The same kid who preferred to play video games instead of studying for school and going outside? The one who literally hated doing any work? He was downright speechless and couldn't think of anything to say. With a sidelong glance at the eighteen year-old, Judai frowned, thinking the dumbfounded look was meant to be condescending. The disbelief in Daiki's eyes made him unfold his arms.
"Wow," Daiki finally said. "Who knew you could be mature?"
"Can you please—?"
"But…you're right."
It was the blonde's turn to be surprised.
"I do tend to act like an ass towards you and the twins, even though you hang around me." Daiki grinned. "Don't know why you do, but I guess I shouldn't complain. Sorry for yelling at you."
"Okay, are you sure you're the real Daiki?" Judai asked, pointing at older boy with skepticism.
Gently wrapping one arm around Judai's neck, Daiki pulled him close and ruffled his hair. Complaining loudly, Judai pushed away, shaking his head.
"Now I'm really wondering!" Judai said, though it was clear that he meant it as a joke rather than a serious statement.
"Oh, shut up," Daiki responded. "Sorry to you, too, Dorumon. Didn't mean to scare you."
The furred Digimon smiled. "It's okay. You're not as bad as Renamon when she's angry."
That earned a chuckle from Daiki before he frowned. "Speaking of her, where is she? She's been gone for a while."
Dorumon was about to reply when the fox materialized beside her partner, startling both Judai and Daiki. Without saying anything, she wrapped her paws around the two humans' arms and dragged them into the brush. Dorumon followed behind them quickly since he knew Renamon was in a rush and ducked down.
"Hey, what're you—?"
Daiki found himself cut off as she placed her paw against his mouth with a look that clearly warned him to be quiet. Knowing that the fox could snap him in half if she really wanted to, he promptly closed his mouth. Renamon removed her paw, glaring out towards the path they had been following. Within moments the trio could hear why she had forced them to hide: footsteps. And there were a lot of them.
"Huh, that's weird. I could've sworn this is where I heard those voices."
"Maybe your ears are broken."
"Watch it! I'll bite your head off."
"Shut up, you two!" a feminine voice snapped. "Everyone, fan out. Find whoever it is. I won't tolerate intruders in our jungle, especially if they're enemies."
"And if they're not?"
"Don't attack, obviously. Be careful, too. We don't know who it is, what they want, or what they can do."
"Yes ma'am!"
The footsteps spread out. From their hiding place, the four could hear the strange Digimon as they searched for them. Crouched in a position that would allow her to spring into action quickly if it was needed, Renamon listened carefully to the sounds around them with her eyes closed. When the underbrush need them began to rustle because of one of the Digimon coming closer to them, the fox tensed. As it came closer, she shifted, placing one paw against the ground. Just as a snout appeared through the leaves, sniffing, she lunged.
Her paw slammed into the Digimon's nose, forcing it back. Renamon jumped to her feet as the red, wolf-like Digimon she hit stumbled back with a yelp.
"Renamon!" Daiki snapped, standing.
Judai gaped. "Why'd you do that?"
"Instinctual reaction," she stated.
The wolf snarled, preparing to attack her, when a massive red and white sword planted inside into the ground in front of him. Alarmed, he looked up at the Digimon standing above him.
"No, Fangmon."
The scantily clad humanoid turned her golden eyes towards the two humans and their partners with a raised eyebrow.
"Humans," she grunted with mild interest. "Never thought I would see the day."
By then even more Digimon had gathered, whispering to each other. Dorumon pressed close to Judai, staring around at all the Digimon that were there. The blonde kneeled to pick Dorumon up, holding the purpled furred Digimon in his arms despite the fact his partner was somewhat heavy. The humanoid approached them, swiping her green bangs from her sight with a wide smile.
"My name is Mervamon," she said. She swung her sword up onto her shoulder. "These Digimon are members of the Amazons. I am their leader. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Daiki and Judai exchanged questioning glances, mouthing the word 'Amazons' to one another, before looking back at Mervamon. The oldest shifted and held out his hand, hoping she would know what the gesture meant. Grinning, she gripped his hand tightly. The squeeze caused him to briefly wince. She let go, apparently pleased by it. Even Shizuka didn't have as tight of a grip as Mervamon. Hell if his hand wasn't hurting because of it!
"Daiki," he said as he pointed to himself. "Blondie is Judai. Your friend there already met Renamon. Lastly, he's Dorumon."
"Hmm. If you're here, then you must be DigiDestined," Mervamon grunted. "Not just any human gets to come to the Digital World."
"You say that, and yet Angela is here," Renamon said.
"Angela? Ah, you must mean that woman working for the Master." The look of distaste on the Digimon's face made Daiki quietly snort. "Yes, she's a strange case. The Master specifically targeted her and found a way to open a portal. Luckily that was a one-time thing, else we'd have our hands full. That woman was never meant to find her way to this world."
A thoughtful expression appeared on Renamon's face as she mulled over the statement. Judai, on the other hand, wanted them to get the conversation over with. Clearing his throat, he got both Daiki's and Mervamon's attention.
"Sorry and all, but you wouldn't happen to know a place where we can stay, do you?" he asked. "I'm tired, Dorumon's tired, and we're not gonna be doing much if we don't get a bit of rest."
Once again smiling, Mervamon walked forward and slapped the boy on the back while letting out a laugh. "Of course! Why didn't you say something sooner? We're basically finished with patrol anyways. Just follow us. Our home isn't too far from here."
With a single shout the warrior had her forces gathered on the path. The four companions positioned themselves behind her as she made her way to the front of the troops, sword still on her shoulder. Soon they were on their way, walking along the dirt path. While the Amazon members chatted amongst themselves, the DigiDestined were quiet. Judai was still holding Dorumon, ignoring the small noises of protests the Digimon made. Renamon was still thinking about what Mervamon had said, and Daiki was in one of his silent moods. At any rate, no one complained. The atmosphere was more or less welcomed.
They came to a massive wall of bushes and thorns that completely blocked their path. Daiki was about to speak up when the center of the wall split and pulled back to either side, allowing them to enter. The sight that had been hidden from their view was breathtaking. Beautiful wooden and stone homes were scattered throughout a massive area surrounded by the jungle trees. A few patches of trees grew within the town, with buildings of their own mostly hidden in the foliage of the trees.
Judai let out a soft, "Whoa."
"Welcome, my human friends, to Amazonia!" Mervamon announced, waving her hand towards the town.
Unfortunately, the name made Daiki snort. "Not an original name."
Judai began to crack up too. The duo quickly quieted when Mervamon shot them a warning glance as a sign that she wouldn't accept them insulting her home. A couple of apologies later, they were entering the town.
"You'll be staying in the guest quarters in my house," she told them. "I expect you to be on your best behavior while you're here."
"We will be sure to," Renamon said before Daiki could say anything.
"The Master's forces have attacked us occasionally. I do hope they don't disturb your rest."
"It wouldn't be too bad," Judai replied. "After all, we're in the Digital World to fight them."
Dorumon smiled. "Besides, we're all for helping."
With a slight chuckle, Mervamon herded them towards the tallest tree that stood in the center of the town. A staircase on the outside led up to the building within the treetop. She shouted orders at her troops, watching as they spread out to take up defensive positions just within the plant wall. With that done, she walked up the steps, motioning to the DigiDestined to do the same. Luckily there was a handrail that had been made out of wood along the outside of the stairs, else Judai wouldn't have walked up. The tree was ridiculously tall, so when they reached the top, many of the Digimon looked more than half their original size. The steps connected to a fenced-in deck that led to the front door.
The inside of the house was just as impressive. Most everything was made out of wood, and the furniture was made so that it looked like it was crafted out of leaves. Mervamon pointed up the staircase, indicating that the rooms were on the second level of the house. She disappeared into one of the other rooms, leaving the four friends to head up. Once there, they chose the rooms they wanted.
As soon as Judai, still carrying Dorumon, walked into the room he had chosen, he sat the Digimon down onto the bed and fell face forward onto it. Dorumon looked a bit worried until Judai rolled over to rest on his back, arms and legs spread out as far as they could go without taking up Dorumon's space. Crawling over, Dorumon pressed himself against his partner's side.
For a while, the room was silent. Judai was close to drifting off to sleep when Dorumon caught his attention by speaking, bringing him back into awareness.
"You and Daiki fight a lot, don't you?"
Mumbling, Judai momentarily buried his face in the pillow. "When we actually talk."
"Why is that?"
Staring at his partner, Judai shrugged. "I'm not sure. He fights with Tadashi, too. Not so much with Shizuka, but that's understandable. Heck if I know, though."
"What about the others?" Dorumon asked. "You get along with them, don't you?"
"For the most part, yeah. We have the occasional argument, but that's about it. Nothing like the way me and Daiki are around each other." He stared up at the ceiling.
"But he said he was sorry."
"He'll just go back to it again once I get on his nerves. That's the way it always is."
Dorumon frowned, looking at the expression on Judai's face.
In the room opposite of them, Daiki was standing in front of the door, able to hear the duo. Renamon, sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, opened her eyes long enough to glance up at her partner. Running a hand through his hand and thus further messing it up, Daiki slid over to the bed and sat down. Though she didn't bother to look at him, Renamon knew how he felt.
"You should go easy on him," Renamon murmured. "Unless you want to stress what little of a friendship you two currently have."
Leaning against the bedpost, Daiki remained silent.
"I understand that there are moments when it is necessary to be hard on a friend, but this is not one of them. With everyone spread thin, we need to be closer than ever, so that we can work together to do what we must."
With a heavy sigh, Daiki laid back and stuck the pillow over his face.
"So be it, then. I will leave you alone."
He felt his arm move before he ever really registered it, throwing the pillow against the wall with enough force to rattle the picture hanging from the hook nearby. Her ears twitched, but Renamon kept her eyes closed. Saying he was frustrated was an understatement. He hated to admit it to himself, but he was still angry. In fact, he was pissed. How could he not be? After everything that had happened, where had they ended up? Separated. Again! For the third time, no less! He had no idea where his other friends were. He was the oldest! He was supposed to protect them!
Before long he was gripping his hair in his hand. What if Yoko or Mikami had gotten hurt? Or even the twins?
"Stop," Renamon said. Naturally she felt the need to speak up again. "You're only making yourself feel worse."
"Shut up," Daiki growled, facing away from the fox.
"Letting your frustration get the better of you will distract you from being of any help."
"I don't need a lecture!" he shouted.
Pushing herself up, Renamon stood and walked to the other wall. She bent down and picked up the pillow with a huff. After placing it on the bed, she walked out of the room, shutting the door. Daiki stared at the door before looking at the pillow.
"Damn it."
~0~
"How are things looking?"
"To be honest, it's not looking so good. Our defenses won't last many more attacks. The wall is barely holding up as is. If they stage a full-on assault, we may not pull through."
"Figures," Mervamon grunted.
She stopped beside Stingmon. Hunched over the table with his hands pressed against the wood, it was obvious to her that he was worried. So was she. Many Fresh, In-Training, and Rookie Digimon lived within the town. If their defenses fell, the citizens would be open to attack. Mervamon's forces were their only line of protection if the wall was broken. Drumming her fingers on the table, the swordswoman furrowed her eyebrows. There had to be something else they could do to make sure the Master's army didn't succeed in their endeavors.
"I hate to say this," Stingmon muttered, "but we might have to ask the DigiDestined for their help."
"The Amazons have never needed help before."
"We've never faced enemies like this in such numbers."
"Only as a last resort," Mervamon replied. "Unless it's clear we're going to lose, we won't ask them."
"Don't let your pride get in the way of protecting the townsfolk."
"I know, I know. It partially has to do with the fact that they don't look to be in fighting condition."
Stingmon nodded. "True. Whatever happened to them before they arrived in the jungle must have been tough."
With a soft grunt of agreement, Mervamon leaned against the windowsill and looked out. They couldn't worry about what the kids and their partners had been through. It seemed cold, even to her, but it was the truth. They needed to focus on their own problems and work to protect everyone against their attackers.
"Have most of the focus be on supporting the weakest points in the wall," she said. "Everyone else needs to be prepared to provide back-up or to evacuate the towns-people."
"Of course. What about you?"
"I'll be preparing for my own fight."
"You're not going to go after her, are you?"
With a smirk, Mervamon looked over her shoulder at Stingmon. "Yes, I am. If I can take her out, we may stand a better chance against her forces."
"I know there's no way to convince you otherwise," Stingmon sighed, "so all I ask is that you be careful. She may only be a Champion, but she is rather strong."
Trailing back over to the table, Mervamon playfully leaned against Stingmon and jabbed him in the side with her elbow. "You know I will. You might be smart, but there's no way you could look out for the town."
"I object to that comment." It was clear that he found it funny, though.
Mervamon stood straight and tapped the table. "Alright. If any of the sentries spot the enemy, we'll get everyone to their positions. Until then, let's take things easy. Have them on their guard."
She walked over to the door, placing a hand against the doorframe for a moment. She could hear a shout from upstairs, and she folded her arms. From where she stood, she could see Renamon as the fox trotted down the stairs. The golden furred Digimon glanced at Mervamon for a moment and then proceeded to leave the house, silently closing the door behind her. Mervamon was curious as to what had caused the fox to leave, but she wasn't sure she wanted to ask. She just hoped they didn't do anything stupid.
"Well, I'll be back," Stingmon said, slipping past her. "I'm going to tell everyone about the plan. As soon as I'm done I'll come back in."
"No," Mervamon replied. "Feel free to take a break and relax. You've been working for quite a while."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm always sure."
Stingmon chuckled, amused, and exited. Breathing out heavily, Mervamon moved her bangs away from her face again. One thing at a time. Now that she thought about it, maybe she should go outside and sit on the deck.
Beats staying in here, she thought to herself. It'll give the kiddos a chance to rest, too.
She trailed out of the house, pushing the door closed as she walked onto the deck. Renamon was sitting in one of the chairs near the far corner, staring at the treetops. Mervamon grabbed one of the other chairs and dragged it over so she could sit nearby. The fox looked at the swordswoman from the corner of her eye.
"Seems like you and your friends are having your share of problems," Mervamon said.
"It is not unusual among us."
Mervamon raised an eyebrow. "Really now?"
Renamon's nostrils flared. "Unfortunately."
Leaning back, Mervamon placed her arm on the back of the chair. "Is it going to be worked out?"
"Yes, in time. Hopefully before anything serious happens."
"Sometimes it can't be helped. You can't always get along with friends."
"If only Daiki wasn't so stubborn."
"I'm sure he'll realize how he's acting sooner or later. You might even have to nudge him just a bit."
Renamon grunted. "Hmm. That is a suggestion I just might take."
~0~
The moon had just risen when Daiki walked out onto the deck, having just woken up. He wasn't surprised to find Renamon there. She looked down at the torches throughout the town. Avoiding her gaze, he sat down and put his feet up on the table. Renamon didn't look at him, instead watching as the town guards patrolled the interior of the plant wall.
It was a surprise when Renamon was the one to break the silence. "So?"
"What?"
"You know what."
He turned away. "I'm not apologizing."
"I guessed that you wouldn't, considering how frustrated you have been."
"Do you blame me?"
Finally tearing her eyes away from the Digimon below, Renamon looked at her partner. "No, I don't. But that doesn't mean that I do not hold you accountable for the way you have been acting today."
"Still on my case, huh?" Daiki muttered.
He turned to stare at the stairs.
Renamon shook her head. "Driving a wedge between you and Judai will only create a rift in our group as a whole. I am sure you don't want that to happen."
"Do we really have to talk about this right now?" he asked, deciding not to reply directly to her.
"Yes, we do. Your reluctance is a problem that not only affects you but everyone else, especially when we must be willing to rely on one another."
"I get it now, thanks."
The skepticism was clear in her voice. "Do you truly understand? You must take responsibility for whatever consequences there may be."
"Yeah, sure. Whatever." He paused. "To think we got along when we first met," he mumbled under his breath.
"I can hear you quite clearly."
Daiki was about to retort, raising his hand to point at his partner, when a shout interrupted him. Jumping up to his feet, he leaned over the railing to watch as Digimon rushed towards where the shout had come from. Behind him, Mervamon burst out of the door and jumped straight over the railing. She fell for several feet before landing on the ground. As she ran forward, she drew her sword. He lost sight of her behind the tree. Turning around, he looked at Renamon. The fox stood and walked over to the steps.
"Our conversation will have to wait."
Nodding, Daiki followed her down the stairs.
"What about Judai and Dorumon?"
"We don't need their help."
"Remember the fortress?"
Gritting his teeth, he growled, "This is different."
Renamon sighed, jumping down the remaining few steps. When he reached the bottom, he followed her to where Mervamon was yelling out orders. The two stopped in front of her, earning a glance from her.
"Stay out of this, DigiDestined."
"It is our fight just as much as it is yours," Renamon said. "What is going on?"
"Enemy forces are heading our way from the north," Mervamon answered. "Hey! What are you doing? Get over there!" She shouted at a group of Togemon, pointing to a spot further down the wall "Anyways, Dokugumon is coming here with more troops than she's ever brought before."
"Dokugumon?" Daiki repeated.
"She's the leader of the Master's jungle troops," Mervamon explained. "If you really want to help, then stay inside the wall. If they break through the wall, we'll need to stop them quickly."
Renamon nodded. "Will do."
"Where are your friends, by the way?"
"Asleep. And it's going to stay that way," Daiki said, pulling out his Digivice. "Come on."
The device glowed as energy surrounded Renamon. Within moments Kyubimon stood there, pawing at the ground. However, her ears twitched and she raised her head, sniffing the air. Mervamon blinked, curious as to what the canine was smelling. Then her ears twitched, pointing upwards in alertness while her fur bristled in what Mervamon could only think of as alarm.
"What is it—?"
"Above us!"
The sound of buzzing wings was the only warning before a massive bug Digimon slammed into the ground. Kyubimon dodged out of the way in time to avoid being hit, landing beside Daiki. The Flymon turned to them, preparing to attack, but Kyubimon lunged and bit down on its neck. When the fox let go, Mervamon drove her sword through its middle. More swarmed downwards, attacking the unsuspecting guards.
"Shit," Daiki growled as Kyubimon ripped apart another Flymon. "Figures it'd be an ambush!"
The Amazons were scrambling to get themselves together. Mervamon glanced at Daiki and Kyubimon before rushing off. She shouted out orders to try and reorganize the surprised Digimon. Stingmon joined her, rallying many of the Amazons in order to combat the massive amount of Flymon.
"There's Digimon coming from under the wall!"
"What?! How?"
As Daiki turned to look, a hole appeared just within the wall. From the hole a golden Digimon with drills jumped out. It attempted to attack a Sunflowmon, chasing it. Before Kyubimon could assist, a shape dropped down and tossed the Digmon off of the injured plant. Once he destroyed it, Dorugamon looked at Kyubimon. Sitting on his back was Judai, who glared at Daiki.
"Thanks for waking me up!" he shouted.
"Whatever!" Daiki replied. "Yell at me when we aren't being attacked!"
Biting back a complaint, Judai held on while Dorugamon spun around. He slammed his tail into another Digimon. Above him, a large brown Digimon jumped over the wall. Mervamon jumped up, slicing it in half with ease. When three others climbed up onto the wall, Stingmon flew towards them, kicking one in the face and punching the second. The third one grabbed him, tossing him down onto the ground.
More Digimon were coming over the wall. A group of Vegimon were intercepted by a trio of Togemon, who knocked the vegetables away. Zassomon joined the Vegimon, driving back the Togemon until a Shurimon intervened. Nearby, Kogamon was facing off against Ninjamon, both shouting at each other as they blocked one another's blades. A trio of Kiwimon were overtaken by several Wendigomon, who crushed the wingless birds with ease.
"We're ten minutes into the battle and it's already going badly," Daiki muttered.
"Daiki! Judai!" Mervamon shouted, throwing off a Wendigomon. "Help the townsfolk! They're in danger!"
"What about you?" Dorugamon asked.
Spinning around, Mervamon cut down a giant tree Digimon. "I can handle things here. Right now, the Digimon who can't fight need your help. Just go!"
"You heard her, Dorugamon!" Judai said. "We're on it!"
Dorugamon turned and dashed towards the houses. Muttering under his breath, Daiki followed Kyubimon towards a house being attacked by a couple of Digmon. The fox quickly rammed into the two as Daiki helped a few Palmon out from the rubble. He watched them until they had gotten to safety and then turned just as Kyubimon finished off the last Digmon by setting it ablaze. Soon the fox was barreling into a Woodmon that had come too close, burning it with her Dragon Wheel attack.
"Help!"
Jumping at the sound of the sudden shout, Daiki spun around to watch Judai dive into a building. There was a crashing sound, followed by three Lalamon running out. When the blonde didn't come back out, Dorugamon yelled to get his attention, worried since a majority of the house had collapsed.
"I—my foot's stuck!" Judai replied.
Damn it! Daiki thought
He dashed towards the building. A Wendigomon tackled Dorugamon, and behind him Kyubimon was flung into the air by a Vegimon and Zassomon. The two Digimon could handle themselves fine. Daiki needed to help Judai before something serious happened. He dug into building, falling through the broken door and landing on his rear end. Blinking open his eyes, he found Judai staring at him. The younger boy was trying to pull his foot out from under a thick piece of stone.
"Daiki," Judai mumbled before groaning, once again trying to free his foot.
"Hang on," Daiki said, rushing over. He gripped the stone, grunting as he pulled up on it. "Shit, why is this so heavy?!"
"Just…forget about it!" Judai hissed.
"Don't say shit like that," Daiki replied with a slight growl. "I'm gonna…get you out!"
Judai stared up at him until something caught the boy's attention above Daiki. Eyes wide, he pointed towards the collapsed ceiling with a cry of, "Look out!" When he did look up, Daiki could see the wooden joint above him crack and come swinging down at him. Not thinking, he let go of the stone and raised his hands. The joint was halted, hitting his hands, though a stabbing pain shot down his spine. Groaning, he pushed against the joint.
"Son of a…"
"You okay?" Judai asked, worried.
"Heh…this is nothing," Daiki said, wincing. Damn if the wooden joint didn't feel like it weighed two tons! How could it be so heavy?! "What about you?"
The blonde attempted to free his foot once more, only to stop and shake his head. "Can't get free."
Daiki couldn't help but chuckle. "Look at us. Trapped while our partners are probably in the middle of a battle."
He really was, too. He couldn't push the beam forward because it would fall on Judai, and trying to lean it to either side might make him lose his hold and, once again, drop it on Judai or himself. He definitely didn't have the leverage to push it backwards either. Then he really would drop it.
"Just our luck, isn't it?" Judai mumbled. "It's my fault for not being careful. Seems like whenever I try to do something, I can't do it right. No wonder you yell at me all the time."
Guilt crashed down on Daiki. "It's not that at all." When Judai looked at him, he continued. "Since I'm about to be crushed by a giant beam…I wanna say that I'm sorry." Closing his eyes, Daiki shook his head, his arms beginning to ache. "I'm hard on you because I want you to do something with your life instead of wasting it by playing video games every day. But you never listen to me. I don't want you to…to end up like my old man."
Surprised and speechless, Judai gaped.
"I really do care about you," Daiki muttered. "As much as I do everyone else. With the way I act around you, it must not seem that way. So, I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too," Judai said. "For never listening. I…I always thought you just didn't like me and that's why you always got mad at me."
"Do you think I'd put up with you if I didn't like you?" Daiki asked with a soft laugh.
"No, probably not," Judai said, grinning.
Both stopped talking. Instead they focused on trying to find a way to free themselves. Daiki was close to giving up when two voices shouted, "Daiki! Judai!" Soon rubble was being shifted and thrown aside, and Dorugamon's head appeared through a hole. Alarmed at the sight he saw, he urged on the Togemon that was helping him. Once they had gotten enough cleared, he rushed inside and shoved the wooden beam to the side, Daiki let out a loud sigh and sunk to the floor, allowing himself a moment to rest. Togemon, having moved a bit more of the debris, flipped the stone off of Judai. The blonde clutched his foot tightly as it throbbed, letting out a loud hiss.
"I'm sorry it took so long," Dorugamon said. He nudging his partner with his nose. "Are you hurt?"
"It's no big deal," Judai replied before looking at Daiki. "Hey, are you…?"
He trailed off when he saw Daiki hunched over with his forehead against the ground. Judai was about to speak again when Daiki raised a hand to cut the boy off.
"Need a minute," the older boy grumbled. "Holy hell my back hurts now."
"Want a crutch, old man?" Judai teased, using Dorugamon's help to stand.
"Screw you."
The Togemon helped Daiki up, and he mumbled his thanks before making his way out of the rubble. Dorugamon, carrying Judai, trotted through the hole, and the Togemon hopped out after him. Kyubimon dashed past at that moment, snapping her jaws around a Vegimon and crushing it. The fox slid to a stop, looking at her partner. Daiki, partially ignoring her, looked around. While trapped in the building, though it hadn't been for long, the Amazons had turned the tide of the battle. He wasn't able to see Mervamon.
"Where's Mervamon?"
"Fighting Dokugumon," Kyubimon answered.
"Better help her."
Grimacing, Daiki motioned to Kyubimon. The fox refused to move, clearly concerned by the fact that her partner was injured. Rolling his eyes, Daiki motioned again, but Kyubimon shook her head. Judai leaned over and whispered to Dorugamon, who nodded and dashed off. Annoyed, Daiki shot Kyubimon a glare that didn't faze her in the least.
"If I have to force you, I will find a way," Daiki warned. "We don't have time for this. I might be hurt, but we still need to go help."
"Fine."
Surprised that she had finally caved, Daiki blinked. He shook his head and climbed onto her back. Kyubimon wheeled around and raced after Dorugamon. She caught up with him just as he reached Mervamon. Mervamon herself was busy avoiding being attacked while trying to get close to the giant spider Digimon in front of her.
"Why must you attack the innocent?" Mervamon demanded.
"Because you resist," Dokugumon answered. "If you simply surrendered and joined the Master, we would not have to fight. It is pointless for you to continue the road you are on!"
"Shut it, you ugly, eight-legged freak!" Daiki yelled. "Why don't you sit still so you can get squashed?"
"Foolish DigiDestined, always interfering in things that are not your problems."
"It is our problem!" Judai retorted.
"This world isn't the Master's," Dorugamon growled. "It belongs to all the Digimon who live here!"
"And so long as we are able to fight, we will make sure it stays that way," Kyubimon snarled angrily.
"Then you have sealed your fates!"
As the spider shot out a massive blast from her mouth, the three allies jumped out of the way. A Wendigomon, much larger than the others, slammed into Kyubimon while a Flymon tackled Dorugamon. Both Daiki and Judai were thrown off, landing close to each other. Struggling slightly to sit up, Daiki looked to where Kyubimon was. The fox placed her paws against the Wendigomon's chest to kick off him off. She then ran after him. He raised his hand and swung it at her, but she dodged to the side, letting his palm hit the ground. Spreading her tails, she shouted, "Fox Tail Inferno!" and let loose a volley of fireballs. The fire hit Wendigomon in the face, causing him to stumble back. Meanwhile, Dorugamon had shook the Flymon off his back and rammed the bug into the dirt, leaving a small hole in the ground. As the Flymon tried to get back up, Dorugamon shot out several metal balls. After the spheres hit the Flymon in the back, the bug burst into data. Kyubimon head-butted the Wendigomon and finished him off quickly with her Dragon Wheel attack.
Not far from them, Mervamon was weaving in between attacks, slowly closing in on Dokugumon. The spider seemed to notice and began shooting webs at the warrior. Mervamon merely leaped into the air, twisting around and raising her sword. She sliced the webs that were shot at her in half easily and swung her left arm, the Medulla hitting Dokugumon in the head. The spider staggered, allowing Mervamon to stab her sword into Dokugumon's middle. With a grunt, Mervamon landed and pulled her sword out, nearly cutting the spider in two.
"This is over," the swordswoman muttered.
Dokugumon let out a single scream before disintegrating.
Mervamon put her sword on her back and walked over to Daiki. When she offered him her hand, he took it, grumbling as she pulled him up. Judai slowly got to his feet, watching Kyubimon and Dorugamon rejoin them. Just as Kyubimon was going to speak, there was a victorious shout. Walking to where the main battle had taken place, they saw the last remaining intruders retreating through the holes in the wall while the Amazons cheered. Kyubimon and Dorugamon let themselves revert to their Rookie forms. Smirking, Mervamon trailed over to Stingmon.
"They would've done better had they tried truly working together," Stingmon grunted.
"In the end, we won." Mervamon folded her arms. "Dokugumon seemed weaker than last time. Much weaker."
"Think they moved the crystal?"
"Probably didn't think she and her troops were worth it."
"Dragon Zone already has one, and we already know that the ones that have been destroyed aren't going to be replaced. Wonder where they moved it to."
"Toy Zone, most likely."
Daiki, having listened to the conversation, chimed in. "If there's a Dark Crystal in Toy Zone and Dragon Zone, we'll need to go to the zones to destroy them."
"It's near impossible to get to Dragon Zone through the jungle, so it's easier to go through Toy Zone, and Toy Zone is to the west," Mervamon said, "but you'll never make it through the jungle without a guide. Which is why I'm coming with you."
Judai blinked. "But…what about the town?"
"The Master's forces won't be coming back for quite a while. Besides, Stingmon can handle things here. The sooner we leave, the faster we'll get there, and the quicker I can return." Turning, she shooed the four friends towards her house. "As soon as it's daytime, we're off. Be sure to get a good night's rest!"
"Okay, just don't push me!" Judai replied, quickening his pace to get out of her reach. Daiki laughed, and the blonde glanced at him. "The others are definitely gonna be wondering what happened."
"They must never know," Daiki joked, elbowing Judai.
"Race you to the house!" Dorumon shouted.
The small Digimon dashed past Judai. Grinning, the boy ran after his partner. Daiki watched, trying not to laugh as Judai limped and hopped, trying to catch up and stay off his injured foot. Renamon folded her arms, walking beside Daiki.
"Seems as though you are in a better mood."
"If you say so," Daiki said with a slight smile. "I really did need that lecture."
"Anytime you need to talk, I'm here," Renamon replied.
"Thanks."