Yes, you get two chapters at once. My fingers are sore from typing (I type rather forcefully when I'm on a roll) so don't expect any more for awhile (unless I decide on a whim to write some more soon)

Disclaimer: I do not own or have rights to Digimon, or anything Digimon related, but I do enjoy writing about them ; )

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As the children and little Digimon ran across the sunlit field of waving green grasses, away from the party, all were laughing with joy.

"This is the first time we've been allowed to go alone!" Tad cried, swinging his Koromon partner around excitedly."This is so cool!"

"Where should we go first?" Michael asked, looking all around the field eagarly, squeezing Yokomon tightly until the patient pink Digimon squirmed in his grasp.

"Where do you want to go?" Sammy asked reasonably."Put it to a vote."

"The forest!"

"The plains!"

"The river!"

"Forest!"

"Meadow!"

"Plains!"

Sammy scratched his head, feeling slightly flustered as his friends began to argue. It seemed like everyone wanted to go in different directions. But if he was in charge, he had to keep everyone safe. And that meant sticking together.

"Okay, look," he said."Since we're closer to the forest, we'll go there today, and save the other locations for another day. After all," he added logically."We've got years to see it all, so we might as well save some stuff for later, right?"

As the others reluctantly agreed, Mina and her Motimon giggled and fluttered their eyes at Sammy and DemiVeemon. Sammy and his partner flushed slightly.

"Uh, let's go," Sammy stammered.

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"You certainly picked a good day to organize this, Izzy," Tai yawned, stretching out in the sun.

"It was a welcome coincidence that the weather was favorable and Yolei was not present," Izzy replied."I just wish I knew where she goes when she leaves, so we could keep a better eye on her."

"Can't you?" Matt asked, surprised.

"Not outside the Digital World, I can't," Izzy scowled with more annoyance than anger."There is a limitation to what I can monitor in and out of this world. I can locate all active Digivices in the Real World, but Yolei's managed to cloak or block the signal from hers."

"Shoot," Tai whistled. It was a big problem for him. Yolei had been interfering with his job and making things very difficult for him to promote good relations for the Digital World.

"Don't worry," Sora reached over and patted his arm."Somehow, I have a feeling that things are going to start turning around soon."

"Thanks," Tai said, smiling at his old friend. He spotted Sammy's soccer ball by the base of a tree, and an idea popped into his head, with a wicked grin blooming on his face."Hey, do you want to...?"

Later on, the adults were glad that their children hadn't been there to see them let loose and play like they were children again. Tai especially, as he sat down nursing a bruised shin and brushing at grass stains on his shirt. He was getting too old for this. But it had been worth it.

"It's late," Vee said, stretching his lithe body. The game had been a good work-out for him."I'm gonna go find the kids."

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"Come on, Tokomon!" Ami cried. She and her partner were chasing a lovely butterfly ahead of the group. Kei smiled indulgently at his sister.

"It was a good idea to pick the forest," he said."It's nice and shady here, which is good since Ami burns easily."

Everyone seemed to agree with Kei. They had been walking around for a few hours, looking here and there, exploring the different and exciting things they came across, and indeed, it did seem to be a good idea to choose the forest. Sammy mentally ticked off a point on his 'Leadership Skills' board. Chalk up one for his first good decision.

But am I going to keep making them? he wondered, worriedly. It was his secret fear.

"Oooh!" Ami squeeled, running back to hide behind her brother. Everyone tensed up, and the Digimon stood on guard to fight whatever had startled poor Ami.

"I'm sorry," a voice said very softly.

"Eh?" Sammy was confused. This voice didn't sound threatening at all.

A young boy about Michael's age shuffled out of the shadows of a leafy tree. He was pretty non-descript, with mid-brown hair and eyes, scuffed up running shoes, white shorts and a blue t-shirt. In his arms he carried a cute little Pururumon that chirped a greeting to the Digimon.

"I didn't mean to frighten her," the boy continued. He looked very concerned."I was startled, myself. That'll teach me to not pay attention."

"Who are you?" Ami asked, peeking out from behind Kei.

"Oh, I'm sorry, how impolite," the boy lifted a hand to his mouth, looking mortified."My name is-"

"There you are!"

Startled, the kids turned around as Vee bounded up to them.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," Vee panted, slightly out of breath."You certainly managed to go a good distance today. Come on, it's time to head back."

"But what about-" Sammy half turned then stared. The boy was gone. The other children exchanged confused glances.

"What about what?" Vee frowned.

"Oh...it's nothing, Vee," Sammy shrugged.

"If you say so, kiddo," Vee raised an eyebrow at his charge. His nose suddenly twitched. What was that-?"You go on, I'll be along in a minute, okay?"

"Uh, sure," it was Sammy's turn to raise an eyebrow, but he started herding the others back the way they'd come.

Vee looked all around. He was standing in a small clearing, surrounded by huge broad-leafed trees and bushes. None of this was unusual, of course. Wait, there it was again. That scent.

Nostrils flaring, Vee inhaled disdainfully. He knew that scent. But from where? Or who? Vee frowned grimly. It suddenly dawned on him.

Oh, EW! he thought, a small snarl escaping from his lips. His eyes flashed red for a moment, which they only did when he was really pissed off.

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The young Digidestined chattred excitedly about all they'd seen and done, while their parents listened indulgently.

Vee gave Deeanna a look that she'd interpreted instantly. Vee wanted to talk to her. Easing herself up, she slowly walked over to her partner, brow furrowed with anxiety. They talked, unnoticed, for several moments, then started to pack up heir things. Though Deeanna was smiling, it didn't touch her eyes, which were stormy and alarmed.

Ken noticed.

"You okay, sweetheart?" he whispered in her ear as he took a rolled up blanket from her. She shook her head.

"It's not the baby, is it?" Ken was anxious.

"No," and this time, the smile reached Deeanna's eyes."She's fine. But..."

She shared a long look with her husband. From the length and intensity of the look he recieved, Ken realised that they'd have to have a meeting later with the other Digidestined. He went to spread the word.

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The Digidestined, instead of immediately heading to their respective homes, had all gathered at Ken and Deeanna's large appartment. Shooing the kids off to Sammy, Koyuki and Kimi's bedrooms to play, the adults gathered in the living room. Judging from the tenseness of Deeanna and Vee as they served coffee, whatever this was about was serious. And quite possibly disturbing.

"Alright," Tai said, picking up his cup."What's this about?"

"When I went to get the kids, something happened," Vee scowled.

"The kids are okay?" Mimi stood up, looking anxious."But they seemed fine-"

"No, it's got nothing to do with them," Vee assured her."But it might soon."

"What do you mean?" Izzy wanted to know.

"I smelled something, so I stayed behind and sent the kids ahead," Vee explained."There was a...a scent in the air. I recognised it, but couldn't remember what it was for a moment."

The others began to fidget. Somehow, they began to suspect what Vee was getting at.

"It was faint, but it was fresh. It made me so...so..." Vee was shaking."Ugh! Angry! I wanted to kill!"

Ken's arm creeped around Deeanna's shoulders in an unconcious gesture of protectiveness. Anxiety was starting to creep into the pit of his stomach.

"I smelled Yolei."