Reconnaissance proved to be a tricky job. Unused to performing such a thing, Leomon found himself struggling with his mission. With an odd increase in the activities of Laylamon's army, the Resistance's operatives were spread thin. So much so that Leomon had been the only one available to be assigned the recon mission. His ability to hear those he was following made it easy to listen in on what they had to say. The problem was being quiet enough to follow without them hearing him. His size combined with the dense jungle foliage made it difficult.

Back pressed against a tree, Leomon tilted his head to better hear what was being said.

"What's the point in this again?"

"Besides dealing with annoying little rebels?"

"Rebels! Man, they are full of shit!"

"That's an understatement."

"No kidding. I don't think most of them have the mental capacity to think for themselves."

The lion felt a growl building up in his throat, but kept himself from letting it out. How ironic that these Digimon saw the Resistance in that way when they were the mindless drones. He calmed himself and prepared to move. Even though he was gaining no information, he had to finish his mission.

"Makes you wonder what goes through their heads."

"Probably nothing."

"Or they just wanna be rebellious for no reason."

"That is enough."

His entire body froze at the sound of the familiar voice. Not once during the past hour had he heard or seen a fourth Digimon, let alone one he knew. He didn't want to believe it, but in the back of his mind he knew it was true. Gripping the tree, Leomon peeked around the trunk, the brush hiding him from the group. The moment his eyes locked onto her, he inhaled sharply.

The sound made the four Digimon turn around.

"Did you hear that?"

"Yeah, I did."

"You three continue on. I am going to search the area and then rejoin you."

"Yes ma'am!"

The trio walked off, their footsteps fading into the distance. Muscles taut, Leomon waited with baited breath as the fourth began to near him. He shifted, slowly making his way around the trunk to keep the tree between him and her. With a firm stomp, she came to a stop.

"I know you are there. Come out."

In an attempt to keep himself from speaking, he dug his claws into the tree bark.

"Fine. Then I will simply force you to come out."

His ear twitched at the sound of a blade being drawn. Leaning forward, he reached behind his back and grasped the handle of his sword. In the following moments, the tree was sliced clean through, forcing Leomon to roll to the side to avoid being caught underneath the falling tree. He propped himself up on one knee and pulled out his weapon. Surprised, the other Digimon lowered her sword, mouth dropping open.

"Leomon."

"Darcmon."

"I should not be surprised that you are here," she said. "This will be the last time you and I face each other. I cannot afford to let you go again."

Narrowing his eyes, he got to his feet and into a fighting stance. Darcmon lunged, quick to begin rapidly stabbing her sword forward. Her speed left Leomon with little time to block the blows, let alone retaliate, and she had become stronger since the last time they had fought. With each strike, she was pushing him back to an area where the trees were closer together. If she was successful, it would put him at a disadvantage. He would need a larger space to fight in if he wanted a chance to win.

The next swing, he blocked and moved to the side at the same time. Before she could attack again, he kicked her in the side and jumped into the nearest tree. There had been a clearing that he had passed while following behind the group of Digimon. Leaping from branch to branch, he headed to the clearing. Darcmon, having recovered from the kick, followed him from below.

Once he reached the edge, he jumped down and spun around, holding his sword in front of him. Darcmon came to a stop just outside the tree line, frowning.

"An open area is not going to help you."

"We'll see."

She aimed at his chest, only for him to block. They went back and forth, exchanging blows, until Leomon found an opening to knee her in the stomach. Grabbing hold of her stomach, she stumbled back, giving Leomon a chance to strike. She noticed in time to sidestep, causing the sword to leave a cut across her upper arm. He shifted and aimed for another hit. She swung her blade up to block it and jumped back.

"You can stop this and come back with me," Leomon said. "It's not too late."

"You still do not understand."

"If you come with me, you can explain everything. You'll be forgiven."

The pleading look in his eyes made her glance away. "I cannot go back."

"You can!"

She lunged, catching him by surprise, and slashed his side with her sword. Wincing, he retaliated, swinging his sword upwards. Darcmon leaned away so that the blade only left a shallow cut on her face. It made her move away, holding the wound. She attacked again, her sword slicing into his shoulder. Reacting on instinct, he punched her in the face. The hit knocked her down, making her fall onto her back. She rolled over onto her stomach and stabbed her sword into the ground to pull herself up. When Leomon made to approach her, she swung the sword at him, forcing him to step back.

"Please, Darcmon. You don't have to do this. I'm giving you a chance to right your wrongs."

She stood, facing him and raising her sword. Leomon did the same, holding his weapon in front of him. They lunged at each other. At the last moment, Darcmon moved her sword, causing it to go past Leomon's head while she was impaled on his blade.

Gasping, Leomon wrapped an arm around her and pulled his sword out. Holding onto her, he kneeled and wrapped his arms around her.

"Why?"

"It was the only way," she whispered. "I wish things could have gone differently. I lost faith in the Resistance. I lost faith in you."

"There's still time."

"You always were optimistic."

"Hang on. I'll find someone who can help—"

Placing her hand on his, she shook her head. "No."

"You can't just give up."

"I gave up a long time ago. If I had just believed in you, maybe…" Closing her eyes, she leaned into him. "I am sorry for putting you through this. You should have never had to face such heartache."

He swallowed past a lump in his throat. "I forgive you."

"Thank you. Promise me that you and the DigiDestined will protect this world."

"I swear on my honor."

She smiled before going limp. Tears building on the edge of his eyes, Leomon watched as she disappeared. His mouth dropped open, however, when a DigiEgg formed in front him. He grabbed the DigiEgg, cradling it to his chest as he let his tears fall.