Sayo's instincts kick in immediately when trouble arises in CITY. She doesn't find it surprising when she's called to meet Chief Julia and ChaosGallantmon in the command centre.

"I suppose you know what this is about already," Chief Julia assumes, back facing her. Sayo frowns. "You should know what is expected of you."

"You're being vague," she replies curtly, ignoring the pointed looks Raigo and Zanbamon are giving her. "I want details. Now."

ChaosGallantmon laughs. "Silly girl. That's because you should know. After all, weren't you the one set on winning the Grand Tournament this year? But looked what happened in the end. If you still want a chance to prove your worth, do this right and maybe — maybe you'll earn what you've always wanted."

The first person Koh goes to when he finds out about his mission is Kenpa. After all, Kenpa is quiet, Kenpa is caring, and Kenpa is always there for her friends with a listening ear.

Kenpa doesn't sound the least surprised when she finds out that he's going to investigate the strange happenings in CITY lately. Instead she sits down on the couch opposite him and picks up a cup of hot, steaming tea from the tray on the table.

"You're special."

It shocks him a little to hear her say that.

"Don't look so surprised, Koh," she admonishes lightly. "You've always been special. You just don't know it. Don't forget the Grand Tournament too. One day, you'll be someone great and we'll all look up to you."

I doubt it, he thinks at first, and then he proceeds to change the subject, instead talking about schoolwork and friends and all that stuff, but the topic doesn't really leave his mind.

When he leaves her house, he contemplates about it, and he dwells on it the whole walk home.

What d'you think's been causing all that trouble?

I don't know, but I heard there are kids out there investigating.

This is the second time Sayo has met Koh, and they clash.

She's heard rumours of 'the boy Chief Glare sent to help out', and she utterly hates him. What makes them think I can't handle this on my own? He's only going to get in my way. It's only made worse when she finds out that it's him — that annoying brat who ripped away all her fame and glory during the tournament.

There's one heartening thing though, thankfully. He probably thinks the same way, and it makes her kind of glad to know that they both understand only one can remain.

But things doesn't go the way they both wish it would, and a few enemies come crashing into their battle territory. She looks at him warily, then at the intruders.

She doesn't quite trust Koh yet, but it's always better to have someone guarding your back.

They've come to some sort of consensus, Koh supposes that night as he leans against the tree trunk and looks up at the dark sky.

Sayo is sleeping on the other side of the campfire, back facing him. He doesn't think it's very safe, with Digimon lurking around in the dark — they could be attacked anytime. But he supposes, she must trust him enough to let him look out for her while she's asleep.

Is she still angry about the Grand Tournament? He contemplates, mind floating back to her attitude throughout the whole day since they met. She's a prideful one, no doubt about it.

About an hour later, she awakes and he drifts off into a quiet slumber, content on letting her watch out for him.

Sometimes sacrifices don't mean death, but sometimes people die a little when they sacrifice something. A little part of them just ebbs away, sticking to the memories of the past that it hurts so much in the present, but it's just because they don't ever want to forget.

When they come out of the whole mess, they're still smiling, they're still them — but they're not really them anymore, a little part of them is gone.

They say that two children actually defeated that beast that's been trying to take control of CITY.

Are you sure? I mean, what can two children possibly do?

About two months after the incident, Sayo doesn't speak to Koh anymore. Communication isn't necessary between them, she thinks. After all, they were only allies because they were facing a common enemy.

Chief Julia doesn't make it necessary for her to be interacting with the Light Fang tamer either, other than insults hurled at it him during tournaments. She screams and hollers and shouts every single time, but she just doesn't understand why she isn't winning.

"You—you—I hate you!"

Maybe he doesn't really hate her, because that look on his face when she cries that doesn't tells her otherwise.

The glaring lights beat down on the stage.

"This is it! The final match of the Normal category! Who will emerge victorious? It's the final showdown between our winners from Group A and Group B…"

The enthusiasm in the arena doesn't die down and only goes higher and higher, shrieks and cheers in the air. He watches his opponent carefully, but her head is bowed, Digimon lined up behind her.

Then, slowly, she tilts her head up, meeting his gaze, a dangerous glint in her eyes. It sends shivers down his spine, but—have some backbone!—he tries to ignore it, because there are more important things to worry about right now.

This is it. The championships — the Grand Tournament — is right in front of me. I can do this. I can't get afraid now. I've worked so hard, trained so much—

"Let the battle begin!"

He hears the whistle blow and their Digimon dive forward to attack.

Her last Digimon hits the ground and he watches her inhale sharply, eyes widened in shock.

Her body is trembling with fury when she looks up and glares menacingly at him.