Disclaimer-I don't own Digimon.

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Vortex

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"We're ready!" Hideki exclaimed, happily undoing the knot of rope around his leg and Tomoki's. "Uh...what gives? It won't give!"

"Haha, sucker!" Sticking out his tongue, Kouji started to undo his own knot. "Watch a master." He frowned, tugging and pulling on the rope fruitlessly.

Hideki snorted and dug into his pocket, producing a pocket knife. Sawing through, he sneered, "Yeah, why don't you?"

"I'm gonna-"

"Hurry up," Kanaye snapped, hitting Kouji's head. "You're wasting our time."

Kouji scowled as he stood up straight. "Yeah...?" Pointing to the knot, he snapped, "You do it!"

"Done." Kanaye leaned down and undid the knot in a matter of seconds. Kouji could only watch in envy as the rope pooled down past their shoes. "Let's go."

"Yup, yup!" Everyone turned to Piximon, who was flying around Kako. "But first we need to find the entrance to Lucemon's room..." At this point, all eyes turned to Ai until Piximon concluded his earlier train of thought with a happy, "But no one here knows where it is!"

"Then we'll break the place down," Kanaye snapped, gazing around the room. "These walls won't hold after a couple of-"

"Woah, woah," Junpei said. He held up his hands. "I don't think that's what we're supposed to do. In these situations, there's always another way."

"Right," Izumi agreed.

Takuya nodded and Shinya said, "We just have to find it!"

Naoko glanced at everyone. Seeing they were all standing still, she suggested, "Let's start looking...?"

-------------------------------------

"Nothing in this corner."

"Can't find anything!"

"Piximon, get off of me!"

"Yeesh, he isn't as light as he looks..."

"Stop looking and help, Hideki!"

"No, no, that's okay. I'm enjoying this. Anyone got popcorn?" Hideki shouted, watching as Piximon continued bouncing up and down on Kako's stomach.

Sighing, Kouichi kneeled down beside the girl and picked the digimon up, gazing at it curiously. "There's a big difference between this Piximon and our old one."

Piximon pouted. "You make us sound like toys," the digimon grumbled, releasing himself from Kouichi's grasp by rapping on the boy's knuckles with his staff. "We're better than that." He fluttered up higher out of the reach of anyone and continued looking for an entrance.

Kouichi watched as Kako rose to her feet, grumbling and brushing herself off. "Stupid little..." She sighed and gazed at the ground. "Why do I bother?" she moaned to herself, kicking a small rock beside her shoe. "It's like-"

"What the-"

Their eyes widened, turning to the source of the sudden rumbling that had started. Across from the entrance of what they had considered to be a dead end was nothing.

Kako was grasping onto Kouichi's arm tightly. Pointing to the newly formed tunnel, she asked in a shaky voice, "Wh-what happened to the rock that was supposed to be there?"

"You're hurting my arm..."

"What does that have to do with the rock?" she asked, her voice rising a bit too high until she squeaked.

"Kako, calm down! Let's get going. We've only got so much time," Kouji snapped, running through.

"Uh-Wait up!" Kouichi yelled, dashing after his brother.

Eyes wide, Kako watched as the two ran off. "No one answered my question..."

"Just get going," Hideki snapped, pushing his sister forward. "Come on, people. We don't have all day...

-------------------------------------

'You're letting them treat you like a rug.'

'How dense are you?'

'That fear...that...one would leave the other.'

'I...lost myself.'

'But...but that means leaving everything behind.'

'I'm here to destroy you.'

'You're like the rest of them.'

'In fact, does everyone matter that much to you? I'm amazed.'

'That innocence is the very reason you are so hated.'

'Here is the key, now look through the bandanas.'

'Kid, that was no fluke.'

'It's because you actually bother to pay attention and learn.'

'Some people just won't change.'

'This entire plot is using you, and you continue with it as if everything is fine!'

'Yes or no, Kimura. A simple question.'

'She'll understand.'

'You see, I'm not meant to be.'

'You're still hurting...'

'Your destiny may be determined by the simplest of actions.'

'I don't need...your help!'

'There is always a way out.'

'They're beyond great. They're the world itself.'

'Not many people realize Kanaye has that weakness.'

'You won't initiate a fight for no reason. I can tell.'

'I'm trying to help you!'

'I want you both to promise me that you won't do anything that could put your life in danger.'

'Promises are meant to be kept...'

Kouichi opened his eyes, trying to blink away the blurry image. "Promises," he croaked. His eyes focused slowly, and feeling returned to his body, bringing with it the pain that had neglected to reveal itself in his comatose state. A groan escaped him as he tried to sit up, but he succeeded, taking a weary look around. His right hand floated up to his forehead as he murmured to himself, "What was...that...all about?"

"Finally...you're up," a relieved voice murmured.

He looked around, startled. "Wh-where are you...?"

Someone gasped. He could feel someone place their hand on his arm and murmur so close to his ear, "Kouichi...? Are you okay?"

His eyes slipped shut. What's happening to me...? "I'm fine," he told himself. "I'm fine. I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine." Kouichi told this to himself again and again until he felt safe enough to open his eyes. Instead of the dark world that had been shown to him before, he saw they were in a cave, two torches being the dim lighting.

"He's up!"

Kouichi jumped and looked to his left, seeing Shinya there, beaming at him. "Hey, Kouichi!" the boy exclaimed, standing up straight and waving. "You were out for a while!"

"How...long...?"

Silence.

Somehow, Kouichi made it to his feet. His hands moved of their own accord, burying themselves in the soft cloth of Shinya's lapels. "How long?" he asked again, voice low and threatening.

"Ten minutes," Kako answered from behind him. "Kouichi, put him down," she added, seeing he was still holding onto Shinya.

"Sorry." Sighing, he released hold of Shinya and ruffled the boy's hair. "Didn't mean it...like...that."

"Don't worry! Kako told me you're just stressed out!"

"I'm not stressed out!" Kouichi snapped. He was about to say more, but feeling a hand on his shoulder, he stopped, eyes wide. That feeling. What is it? His head turned slightly, seeing Kouji staring stolidly at him. Nodding, the older twin gazed around. "Where's everyone else?"

"About that..." Kako started, immediately falling silent.

"Not sure," Kouji said quickly.

Almost automatically after he said this, Kouichi snapped, "Liar." He turned to Kako. "The truth...?"

The girl gritted her teeth. "They..." She kicked the ground and yelled, "They went ahead, okay?" Still seething, she looked away from Kouichi and continued, "And they decided to weed out the weaklings."

"Weaklings...?" Kouichi repeated, frowning. "But Kouji-"

"Lobomon. Undeveloped," Kouji said, practically spitting out the words.

The frown deepened. "Shinya. Shinya isn't weak."

"That was Takuya's decision alone."

Shinya gave a small smile as he tried so hard to reassure Kouichi, telling him, "It's not that bad. I'm kind of scared."

"Lies." Kouichi pointed to the boy's head. "Takuya bribed you with his goggles."

"A bribe that Shinya didn't take," Kako muttered.

"Hideki's weaker than all of you individually. Why is he going ahead?"

Silence.

"This wasn't our decision, Kouichi," Kouji murmured, looking away.

This time, Kako met his eyes. "Kanaye...um..."

"KANAYE'S DECISION?" Kouichi thundered, clenching his fists.

Piximon flew around the three guilty looking humans, happily humming to himself. The three gazed at the ground, looking glum and, in the case of Kako and Kouji, angry.

Kouichi drew a steady breath, letting it out slowly. "Alright."

They looked up and Piximon stopped, instead floating gently to the ground. The pink digimon turned around and gazed curiously at Kouichi.

"This is what we're going to do. Shinya and Kouji, we're going to catch up to them, even if I have to be a pack mule again. Kako..." He stopped, seeing her eyes narrow into a murderous gaze. "You...Piximon. Piximon, you'll be in charge of Kako. If anything happens, it'll be up to you to save the day. I want you to find some place safe, and if you can, get away from here. I know," Kouichi said firmly, seeing Kako's mouth open in protest, "that this is your fight too, Kako, but Lucemon's no joke or a pushover. You get hurt, and Hideki'll turn on me first thing."

"We're being selfish," Kouji said quietly.

"Yeah, se-we?" Kouichi stared at his brother and blinked. Slowly, he looked back at Kako. "Y-yeah...we're being selfish," he murmured, nodding in understanding.

Kako gazed at the ground glumly. "Fine."

"Thanks," Kouichi murmured in relief, looking around. "So which way did they go?"

Kouji looked at Shinya expectantly. The younger boy rose an eyebrow and shrugged. "Here...follow me," he murmured, breaking into a run with Kouichi at his heels.

The girl tilted her head to the side as she knelt down to pick up Piximon. "What are you up to, bandana head?" she asked, smiling slightly.

He returned her smile with one of his own, a slightly mischievous look in his eye. "I was serious...at the dance. If he ever does hurt you, in any way..." Kouji looked away, but Kako could tell he was still smiling. "Come to me...would you?"

"Of course, Kouji," she murmured, standing up and tightening her grip on the wriggling Piximon. She took a few tentative steps in his direction. "Hey...be careful out there, would you? All of you."

"I'll make sure he comes back alive," Kouji laughed, turning back around. "Then...keep going forward, okay?"

She nodded.

The bandana boy paused, unable to move. "You...be careful too, okay?"

"Go," Kako murmured, pushing him towards the direction Shinya and Kouichi had gone in. "They're waiting, you know."

"Yeah..." Kouji turned around, ready to sprint.

"H-hey, Kouji?"

He looked over his shoulder. Is that...?

"Don't...tell...Kouichi I'm crying, okay? I told...I...I promised myself...I wouldn't cry..." She rubbed her eyes and smiled at him. "Make sure to win."

Forcing one last, final smile, Kouji turned around and ran.

-------------------------------------

"That's it, I'm digivolving," Kouichi muttered, stopping on the spot and whipping out his D-Tector.

Shinya came to a halt too, casting a glance over his shoulder. "But...Kouji," he began. "He's-"

"Right here. You miss me?" Kouji ran up to them, stopping only when he was just feet behind his brother. "Weren't thinking of leaving me behind, were you?"

"She...hates me, doesn't she?" the older twin asked in a quiet voice. When Kouji just stared in shock, Kouichi shook his head and quickly digivolved into KaiserLeomon, cutting all talk short. "Hop on," he ordered, seeing all Shinya and Kouji were capable of was staring.

They quickly clambered on, and KaiserLeomon was off.

-------------------------------------

"Now where?"

Kanaye gazed at the two paths silently before pointing left. "That one."

"HOLD IT!"

Everyone whirled around at the sound of the childish voice, groaning when they saw Shinya and Kouji on KaiserLeomon's back, quickly approaching.

Hideki scowled. Once they came closer and Kouichi dedigivolved, he inquired, "Didn't we get rid of you misfits?"

"The only misfit here would be you, Mr. Neemon," Kouichi said calmly.

"TWERP."

"Old man."

"You little-"

Kouichi cleared his throat. "At least be glad I didn't bring Kako." Right now, I kind of wish I did. Why am I feeling so nervous...? A shiver ran down his spine, though he tried to ignore it. "Let's go."

"That's...to the point," Takuya murmured as they continued down the left path. "What's with you, Kouichi?"

"Nothing," the boy lied, trying to convince himself it was true. You're fine, he told himself. You're just being a bit too paranoid. Still, with each step he took, Kouichi felt more and more unsure of himself. What's wrong...?

"Kouichi!" Kouji snapped, glaring daggers at his brother. "What's wrong?"

The older twin frowned to himself. "I...was wondering that myself."

"Gee, that works well, doesn't it?" Kouji muttered sarcastically. "Alright, listen up, all of you..."

Everyone was too preoccupied with their own mini-conversations to pay attention to Kouji. Furiously, Kouji hollered, "Shut up!" Silence ensued, but everyone kept walking, and he continued in a normal voice, "We've all got to be careful out there...and I mean it. Think of it this way: If one of us dies, we've failed. Got it?"

Slowly, they began to nod. Kouji felt a tinge of hope lift him off his feet.

"Why are you all so slow?" Kouichi suddenly demanded, breaking into a run. Tell me, just tell me...that Kako will be safe. Please.

Kouichi ran towards the dim light ahead, fully aware of the figure that was standing in the middle of their final destination. Hearing the footfalls of everyone else behind him, he hastened his pace until he reached the entrance and stopped there. His eyes narrowed on the man in the middle of the room. Kouichi didn't even bother to acknowledge the rich and unusual surroundings.

Instead, the boy murmured quietly, "So...I was right."

Lucemon's human shadow stood in front of him, a smirk visible on his face. "Welcome, Kimura...ah...I mean, Kouichi," he murmured, motioning to a chair that appeared in front of Kouichi. "Won't you have a seat...?"

"No thanks," Kouichi spat, kicking the chair aside. "I knew it."

The other caught up, he knew; their heavy breathing was enough evidence. Kouichi's eyes slipped shut.

"Kimura," Kanaye murmured, walking up to the boy. "He's mine."

Kouichi's eyes opened. "On one condition," he said, bringing out his D-Tector.

"What is it?"

"Stop calling me 'Kimura.'" Kouichi tossed him the sword. "It's Kouichi."

Kanaye just smirked as he caught the sword. "Fine...Kouichi." He turned to Ai. "Well? Which side will you pick?"

The girl gazed at him coldly before folding her arms. Exhaling sharply, she told him calmly, "Don't you think I would have complained a lot more by now if I was unhappy?"

The smirk widened. Kanaye turned to Lucemon's shadow. "That's more like it," he muttered, swinging the sword forth. "So, Lucemon..."

Kouji and Takuya pushed their way from the back to the front. In unison, they both shouted, "That's-"

"Yep. Meet Lucemon's shadow..." Kouichi gazed at the man.

"But that's..." Izumi started.

"That's...?" Tomoki and Junpei exchanged glances. "Are we supposed to know?" Junpei asked.

Shinya, grinning, bounced up and down. "I know! I know, I know!" he shouted, raising his hand, all the while still jumping. "This guy is...Ogata!"

"Eeeeeeewwww," Takuya and Kouji said, sticking their tongue out. "Bad joke!"

In a second, Kanaye was in the air, ready to strike. "That doesn't matter! Less talk!" he yelled, bringing his sword down on the smirking form of Ogata.

There was a scream. Smoke filled the room, appearing from nowhere. Someone was lying on the floor and someone was standing. Kouichi tried to catch a glimpse of who was who, but the figures were too blurry. Please, he prayed, tell me Kanaye...

The smoke cleared.

Kanaye lay on the ground, the black sword spinning away from him. Ogata stood, still smirking, not a scratch on him.

"Well?" he finally said, a sick smile creeping onto his lips. "Who's next?"

-------------------------------------

Kako pushed off the rock, gasping for air. When's this gonna end...? Suppressing a groan, she continued up, glaring at the stone walls as if they were her enemy.

Her thoughts drifted back to Piximon, who was soundly asleep in her arms. "Some savior. Oh well...I guess even he needs a break," she mumbled, stopping and falling back against the wall so she could safely slide to meet the cold dirt floor.

They're being selfish...but why can't I be selfish? I want to know what they're doing, the girl thought, resting her head back and shutting her eyes. What if he's hurt...? I'm scared. Piximon isn't enough to make me feel brave. Her grip around the pink digimon tightened.

"I want...to get out of here," Kako cried, drawing her knees in. "Come on, Piximon, why won't you save me! I'm scared! I don't care! I just want to get this over with! I want to see them again!" She drew a breath, opened her eyes, and cried out immediately after, seeing no one was there to listen to her. "I don't...want to be a crybaby again," Kako mumbled. "Piximon..." A soft sigh pushed past her lips, and her eyes shut once more. Piximon...

"I guess it isn't so bad." Her hold loosened. "I mean, he could have left me here by myself, right, Piximon?" Kako whispered, opening her eyes and gazing fondly at the sleeping digimon. Is that all he does? Sleep...

Slowly, she rose to her feet. "I wanna sleep too, you know," she muttered, pouting momentarily as she took a step forward. With a sigh, Kako turned around. "But I just can't leave yet." She gazed at the endless tunnel of dark before her with a sigh. "Either way, it's dark. I came this far, right...? I can't turn back now." A frown. "Alright, then. Sorry, Kouichi. I guess I have to go to Kouji's advice."

A smile appeared on her face again, faster than the frown had come. Kako turned back around and broke into a run, doing her best to keep up the pace. "Alright, Piximon!" the girl announced aloud, "Let's find some place where we can make sure they're safe!"

In her arms, Piximon stirred, opening one eye slightly and throwing a tired glare at the moving ground. This girl is insane...

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"GROUP HUDDLE!" Hideki hollered, motioning for everyone to fall back. "One second, will you, weirdo?"

The man just smiled and sat down in a chair. "Of course, of course...take your time, fools," he said, chuckling slightly.

"Ogata...tch...I should have known," Rai muttered, glaring at the man. "Such a pain..."

Hideki gasped. "You mean this idiot's been giving you trouble?"

"Nothing I can't take care of."

He snorted and returned his attention to the children. There goes that plot. "Alright. Who's expendable?"

"Expendable? NONE OF US ARE EXPENDABLE!" Izumi screeched, pointing past Hideki to Ogata. "Least of all, Kanaye." Izumi paused and turned to Kouichi, practically glaring at him as she demanded, "Now, Kouichi, show us your skills and beat him up!"

"What?" Kouichi exclaimed. "Why me?" the boy demanded in a hiss.

Izumi stood there, mouth open, but the words refused to come out. Finally, she clamped her mouth shut and turned away from the rest of them. "Because," she murmured, "we know you can do it.

The younger twin hit the back of his brother's head. "Yeah. And if you don't, I will," Kouji added, smirking. "Come on, what can an old man do against all of us? Beat us with his cane?"

"As a matter of fact..."

They all froze, turning their heads to discover Ogata was right behind Hideki.

"Something like that."

"Dammit," Kouji muttered, whipping out his D-Tector and bringing out his sword. "Twerp three thousand! Move it!" he snapped, pushing Hideki out of the way and blocking the cane that came down. "Yes, do humor us to death, Ogata..." The boy pushed him back. "Kouichi!"

The older twin made a dash for his sword, trying not to scream as he tripped over a rock and flew forward, just in front of the blade. Kouichi made a reach for it-and grabbed it, too, just as the ground beneath him gave way and he slipped away, falling deeper into the darkness than he ever had before.

Funny thing was, he could have sworn everyone else fell in after him.

-------------------------------------

"Kouichi!" Kouji yelled, sitting up and looking around the room. He frowned, discovering himself in his bed. What's this? "Uh...anyone?" Was this all a dream...? There's no sword...no D-Tector...and why am I wearing pajamas? Disturbed by the sudden change in outfit, Kouji slipped out of bed and tiptoed towards the door.

As soon as he placed his hand on the doorknob, curiosity and reason commenced in a vicious battle. Eventually, reason lost to curiosity, as did fortune somewhere along the line. Shrugging, Kouji opened the door. Consequently, he stared wide-eyed at a blasting vortex of nothingness, pink and purple in color to boot.

Hey...if I wasn't sure that Lucemon's out to kill us now, I'd say that's Kouichi's room, the boy thought, chuckling at the remembrance of the time he had painted Kouichi's room. Ah, the days didn't seem that long ago...

Kouji shut the door, along with his eyes, sighing as he did. After a moment of silence, he opened his eyes and made his way back to the bed with a shrug. "Well," the bandana boy decided, "at least I'll die happily in my bed if I do."

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"Well, at least I'll die happily in my bed...if I do," Takuya observed, gazing at his bed skeptically. "But...why are you here, Shinya?" he demanded of his brother.

Shinya stared at his brother's bed, frowning. "That's funny. I remember your bed being bigger..."

Scowling, Takuya screamed, "WHY ARE YOU HERE? I WANT IZUMI HERE, NOT YOU!"

The younger Kanbara stuck out his tongue. Without saying anymore, he plopped down on the bed. "See, after you let me sleep in your bed, I've decided it's more comfortable than my own. So this'll be my deathbed."

"Heck no! I'm going to die-wait...what am I talking about? You can die as many times as you want, but I'm not dying until I get what I want!" Takuya muttered, making a face.

"What's that?"

"Uhh..." A frown appeared on Takuya's face. "Let me think..."

"I just want to know what's going on here. But don't you think it's kind of funny that we're both here and no one else is?"

Takuya just snorted. "So? I bet that Kouji and Kouichi are together." Under his breath, he added, "And I'd do pretty much anything to trade with either of them."

"Heard that."

"Darn."

Suddenly, Shinya burst out laughing. Seeing Takuya staring at him quizzically, the younger boy explained, "I was just thinking...wouldn't it be funny if Lucemon somehow managed to place us in illusions? And we end up where we wanna die?"

"You mean you really want to die in my bed?"

"Yup."

"Go away!" Takuya snapped, making another face. "Come on, let's go to your room, then," he muttered, walking over to the door and twisting the doorknob open. "And-" He stopped.

"COOL! VORTEX! Let's go through, Takuya! I wanna see where Tomoki and the others are!" Shinya yelled, jumping off the bed and running over to his brother.

Takuya's eyes narrowed on the vortex. "Shinya...what if we end up dying instead...?" the goggle boy questioned, not meeting eyes with his brother.

Beside him, Shinya just shrugged. He pushed past his brother and took a step closer to the vortex. "Well, then we die. But we can't just be stuck here forever, right? Besides, I plan to die in your bed of old age," Shinya explained.

With a grin, Takuya pushed his brother into the vortex, praying they had made the right choice. But Shinya...about the old age, the older Kanbara thought, shutting his eyes and diving in after Shinya. I'm totally with you there.

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"You have to be kidding me..." Izumi muttered, gazing around. Of all people, why her? With a sigh, she turned to Naoko. At least she's here. "Looks like the girls ended up together," she mumbled.

Naoko offered a smile. "Hey, at least we aren't alone."

"I hope Kanaye is," Ai muttered, folding her arms and looking away irritably.

Izumi shot her a glare. Placing her hands on her hips, she snapped, "You know you're lucky to even be alive. And why did we end up in a mall?"

Ai just shrugged. "But I'd rather die in a mall than at home."

"Uh...me too."

"You guys, too?" Naoko asked, frowning. "Actually, I'd prefer dying at home, but I don't want to die alone." She rose a finger. "I want to die in the cold."

"WHAT?" the other two girls exclaimed, obviously horrified.

"Enough about that. Who wanted to die in the jewelry shop?"

Ai rose her hands up in the air. "Do you think we can try them on?" she asked, giggling.

She received glares from Naoko and Izumi, both of who were heading to the door. "You know," Naoko commented, "you can be a lot like Kako sometimes."

Looking miffed as she followed them, Ai declared, "Don't compare me to her! Have you seen the way she dresses?"

A snort escaped Izumi as did her retort before she could stop it. "You mean like a girl instead of a-"

"WAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

"PERVERT!"

"I'M SORRY! OW!"

"STOP YELLING!"

"HAHA!"

"Shinya?" Izumi murmured, looking at the door, startled. "TAKUYA?" Eyes wide, she ran over to the goggle boy and helped him off the floor. "You two-"

"No time!" Takuya snapped. "Listen, apparently-or...Shinya, you explain, Mr. Brain."

"But I wanna be Mr. Goggles!" the younger Kanbara whined.

"Shut up and explain."

Shinya stuck his tongue out at his brother. Clearing his throat, he turned back to the girls and began in a murmur, "You see, we've figured that Lucemon's somehow put us in illusions. We're in the place where we want to die. And the vortex thing outside...if we wish hard enough to be together, I think we can find the others."

Wide-eyed, Ai stared at the young boy. Shaking her head and shutting her eyes, she asked, "We want to risk it? Everything? On some theory?"

"Uh...isn't that what you guys usually do?" Shinya questioned.

Naoko was the one who nodded and told him, "Well...yeah, but Ai's just the odd one out. Let's go. But first: who do we want to find next?"

"THE SW-I mean...Kouichi!"

"Shouldn't we find Kanaye?"

"I think we ought to find Rai and Hideki."

"Maybe Tomoki? Or Junpei?"

"Bah...Fujitaka and Ritsuo will be fine."

"But...I really think-"

"Above all..."

"Kouji," everyone chorused, eyes narrowed on the door.

After a pause, Takuya chuckled. "Yeah...who knows what trouble he's in now?"

-------------------------------------

If Kouji was in trouble, Kouichi was in a life or death situation.

Actually, he was in a life or death situation.

"Uh...how is hanging me over an endless pit that supposedly has lava at the bottom in any way amusing?" Kouichi demanded, gazing around. Actually, is there lava down there? This isn't how I planned to die...

But it isn't how you plan to die. This is how you live.

"Great. I'm hearing voices again!" the boy muttered in disgust, wishing more than anything that he could break free and stretch his arms and legs without falling.

Stupid boy. Why don't you ever listen to me?

If I knew who the hell you were, Kouichi thought, scowling. "Well sorry, Mr. High-and-Mighty. It's-"

Shut up.

"THAT'S IT!" Kouichi snapped, twisting and turning and yanking on the metal clamps around his wrist and ankles. "STUPID LUCEMON! WHAT KIND OF SICK JOKE IS THIS?"

I'll kill you if you start yelling.

Silence. Kouichi stopped struggling. Just die. "Don't tell me that's you," he muttered.

Too bad. A pause. It's not like I really want to do this.

A sigh escaped Kouichi as he kept still in his confinement. "So Duskmon, you a fixated ghost or something?"

Of course not, you stupid fool.

Duskmon, that's enough, Lowemon snapped.

Stay out of this. You can have your fun with Chaos. But I get Lucemon.

Duskmon!

"It's okay, Lowemon. Just let him." Kouichi drew a breath. "...if you hurt anyone but Lucemon..."

I'm not stupid. Are you sure you're ready?

Kouichi nodded. Any time now.

Then let us begin.

A swirl of emotions seemed to surround Kouichi as he felt the shackles come undone. Breathlessly, he watched as a transparent Duskmon disappeared within him. He swallowed, suddenly feeling sick as he realized he was falling. Please tell me this will be over soon, he thought, allowing his mind to fall back and give way to Duskmon.

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"Why the hell would Kouji want to die in Junpei's room, Takuya?" Ai snapped, glaring daggers his way.

"YOU'RE HERE!" Junpei screamed, jumping to his feet. Shakily, he pointed to the vortex that was shown as the door was open. "B-But that thing...!"

Behind him, Fujitaka let out an irked sigh. That big baby, the boy thought, rising to his feet. "I tried explaining that it works the same way as Sakakkumon...but they're so..."

Ritsuo stuck his tongue out. "I reserve the right to be childish, thank you!" he snapped. Shakily, he rose to his feet, laughing nervously. "So...how many more to find?"

"This is wrong," Izumi muttered, disgusted. "A scavenger hunt. Lucemon considers this a game...?"

The goggle boy made a face. "Let's just go...gah...next stop..." He trailed off and looked at his brother.

"The swo-Koui-I mean...Kouji!" Shinya yelled, jumping straight into the vortex.

-------------------------------------

"You've got to be kidding me..." Takuya twitched, seeing the sight before him.

"Yeah, I know, not Kouji...again," Shinya muttered, stomping on the ground once.

All three girls and Fujitaka sighed. Junpei directed Shinya's head towards the scene. "Kid, this is what your brother is talking about."

"OH...Hi Tomoki!" Shinya yelled, waving to the boy who was squeezed the life out of Kanaye's hand.

"Great...now tell him to let go. He's been doing this for five minutes straight," Kanaye snapped, glaring at a frozen Tomoki who was crushing Kanaye's hand in both of his.

Takuya drew a breath and stepped forward. "Tomoki," he murmured. "Really...give me a BREAK! What is this? How could you do this in front of your mentor of all people! I thought I taught you better!"

Everyone watched as Takuya continued ranting to Tomoki. Eventually, Fujitaka turned to the vortex. "Let's get going. Kouji, right? At this rate, we'll be finding Kako sooner," he muttered, walking into the portal.

The others followed, nodding their head in agreement. Lastly came Shinya, dragged his brother (who was still lecturing the still frightened Tomoki) and then Kanaye (who was still attempting to dislodge Tomoki).

And yet, none of them could shake off a certain feeling that troubled them.

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Ugh, does Satomi have to open the curtains? Kouji allowed one eye to open to observe the room. A bright glow lit the entire room up with a soft, dim light. Oh...wait. That's in my dream. What's this, then? He sat up and yawned, gazing around the room as he stretched his arms in the air.

Kouji felt himself go stiff. "What the heck?" he muttered, gazing at his closet. Why is it glowing? His heart skipped a beat he knew it could never recover. Somehow, Kouji managed to calm down, getting out of bed and trudging to his closet like it was any other day. Yeah, save the fact that something's glowing in it. As long as I don't get another Piximon, I'm fine.

He drew a breath as his hand stretched out to grasp the doorknob. His last thought wasn't exactly a serious one, he supposed, but he meant every single word in his head. Don't hurt me.

Without waiting another second, Kouji threw the door open, gasping in surprise and then groaning. "Not you," he moaned, seeing the pink digimon. Stupid Piximons.

Instead of a retort as Kouji had expected, the digimon fell to the floor quietly. Startled, Kouji picked him up, examining the digimon. I don't get it...it's like he's alive, but not. Kouji looked around his room, unsure what to do with the digimon. The glow's source was now slightly clearer, but Kouji wasn't sure exactly where it was coming from yet. Gazing at the body in his hand, he sighed and placed Piximon on his bed. "This gets weirder and weirder," Kouji muttered, suddenly becoming confused. What is this about? No one tells me anything. Wait-I'm starting to sound like Kako!

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"YOU TWO ARE DISGUSTING! GO MAKE OUT SOMEWHERE ELSE!" Almost everyone shouted this, having caught Hideki in the act of kissing Rai. Now, sitting on the floor and glaring at a smug Shinya (who was hiding behind Rai), Hideki sighed.

"It's not like we were going to do something funny."

"WE don't know that!" Izumi shrieked, reddening.

"Ugh, so much trust..." Hideki stuck out his tongue.

Takuya shrugged. "Now...can we please find Kouji this time?" he demanded, running towards the vortex.

"Wait...why twerp two?" Hideki suddenly exclaimed. "Wait for me!"

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He watched as Kouji opened the closet. A little more...

I don't get it. What's happening? Kouichi demanded.

Of course, possessing a body always had its downside in the real world.

Shut up, dammit. Remember where you got Takuya's D-Tector? I hope it rings a bell, or I'll have to wring your head.

OH! I still don't get it.

Duskmon let out a sigh, wishing he could punch the boy. But as he was in current control of the body, it would just be more trouble for him. Those bandana boxes of yours...who gave them to you? the digimon questioned.

Aizawa.

Taishi is Cherubimon's shadow. He planted those boxes on you for safekeeping, knowing they held the rips in the gate to the Digital World from the real world and vice versa.

So that's what we forgot! Kouichi's spirit seemed to float-Duskmon didn't need to hear or see him to feel it. I completely overlooked that.

Look over all the factors, and you're bound to miss one or two.

Shut up.

Stupid boy, take your own advice. Duskmon stepped into the room with a sigh, brushing the bangs out of Kouichi's face. Cut your hair.

I did! Before my birthday! He was obviously annoyed.

Duskmon ignored him and watched Kouji shudder. "What?" Duskmon asked, smirking. "Are you forgetting something, too?"

"You..." Kouji growled, turning to him. The bandana boy paused and waved to Piximon. "Kouichi, do you have any idea what this is about?"

"STUPID BANDANA BRAIN! DO I LOOK LIKE KOUICHI?" Duskmon yelled, eyes aflame.

The younger twin gazed at his brother's body, one eyebrow raised. "Well, you certainly don't sound like him," he murmured. "But whatever, Duskmon. Do you know what this glow's about?"

Duskmon was about to answer when someone (rather, several people) screamed out, "KOUJI!"

The startled Kouji looked over his brother (by standing on his tiptoes), eyes bulging as he saw Takuya fly straight into Kouichi's body, followed by Shinya. Very soon, seeing the crowd in his room, Kouji could do nothing but gape with bulging eyes.

"We found him!" Takuya cheered, looking up and letting out a yelp as Shinya fell onto him. "Sorry, Kouichi."

Kouichi turned his head to the side, managing to avoid having his nose smashed in as Shinya fell onto Takuya. "GET. OFF. OF. ME," he commanded in a venomous voice.

Takuya let out a nervous laugh. "Hey...uh...if I don't, you'll kill Shinya, right?"

"Hah! See Duskmon? You couldn't move a pig."

Takuya's eyes widened. "Uh...Kouichi?" he called out, pushing Shinya off and rolling over to stare at Kouichi as he continued a conversation with himself.

"Shut up, boy. You couldn't either."

"Don't tell me to shut up! I'm letting you borrow my body!"

"If you don't stop bugging me, I'll temporarily borrow it!"

"Just try!"

"Are you testing me?"

"On second thought..."

"That's better." Duskmon cleared his throat and stood up, brushing himself off. A split second later, he was holding his sword to Kouji's neck, eyes flashing without mercy. "Now fight."

"DUSKMON!" Kouichi screamed.

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A/N-

I'm running around in circles, here. It'll go past fifty chapters if I'm not careful.

I encountered a certain problem with headaches, which then resulted in my being banned from computers (thus a late chapter) and videogames. Not only am I ridiculously behind in KH2, but in NTB3, which is worse. On the bright side, I was given a chance to review my writing with 'Cursed Gifts.' I'm already on Ch. 6 for that, and if I can finish this story up quickly, I can start posting that up! Unfortunately, I kind of went in a sort of circle there too, so I have to focus again. I hate circles. What the heck?

Haha...I probably shouldn't post it here, because no one cares, but I got a bike. XP (About time). My riding's a bit shaky, though. I totally suck (having not ridden a bike in...four years? Maybe that's what happened to my swimming, too). But I have a summer to improve before I start biking to school, which I'm not looking forward to. I'm really starting to hate US History.

Real sorry for ranting, but I'm just glad to be writing. I'll try my hardest to get the headaches out (and to write in a straight line) so I can post the next chapter. And I know I'm not thanking anyone for reviews by names, but I think you know who you are. Thank you very much for actually bothering to read (I'm being so slow nowadays. And it's bad quality, too), because it means a LOT to me.

Thank you, and happy reading!

Review or PM or Flame.