"I do believe an introduction is in order. My name is Margaret. I have assisted both of these men in their journeys thus far. I bear no ill will to anyone," the lady in blue replied.
"So, you know them, too," I questioned Yu.
"That's right," Yu replied.
"And how exactly did you two meet her," Sora asked.
"We have a... special relationship," Yu replied.
"Dude, she's a fine woman. How did you find such a beautiful lady," Yosuke questioned.
"Stop ogling at her! I think she's the one who dragged us here. Are you sure we can trust her," Chie asked Yu.
"Forgive me for coming in contact with you so abruptly, but I have an important matter to discuss," Margaret continued. "It is about a promise that I made with you, Yu. Marie has locked herself here in this realm known as the Hollow Forest."
"Marie? You mean the fashionable girl with the hat," Chie asked.
"She locked herself in here? Do people even have the power to do that," Izzy questioned.
"Marie was searching for her memories through her interactions with everyone; however, the results were not as she hoped," Margaret explained.
"Does this Marie person have amnesia," Joe asked, perplexed.
"But, if she's here in the TV World, doesn't that mean someone shoved her here? I thought those incidents were over," Rise said, concerned.
"On the contrary, Marie came here on her own accord," Margaret answered.
"She entered willingly? Does she have the same powers as us," Naoto questioned.
"Not exactly. Marie is more of a... resident of this side," Margaret clarified.
"Just how many people like you are in the TV World," Matt asked Teddie.
"Hey, if I knew Emmy-chan was from here, I would have played with her daily," Teddie retorted.
"Is that what you're calling her," TK asked, baffled.
"If this is inside the TV World, doesn't that mean there are Shadows here," Yukiko questioned.
"That means your friend is in danger. We have to help her," Kari replied.
"The path to Marie will be more difficult than any you have encountered. If you wish to see her, it is my duty to guide you, which is why I brought everyone here," Margaret explained.
"What about us? While we're more than happy to help, we're not as acquainted with Marie as Yu's group," I stated.
"Marie is not alone. During her stay, she resonated with one of your acquaintances and brought them here," Margaret answered.
"Someone we know is here, too? Who," Sora asked.
"I am uncertain. However, this area is a closed realm. There is little time until the Hollow Forest seals itself, preventing you from visiting this place forever. Should that occur while those two are still here, you will lose all memories of them permanently," Margaret stated.
"That doesn't make sense. She's just going to disappear from our heads like it's nothing," Kanji questioned.
"That's all the more reason to find them no matter what," Mimi declared.
"I have given you all the information I know. What you do now is up to you. I should warn you that the only way to reach here is through the shed. Any other TV will send you to a different location," Margaret replied.
"She's right. I can't reach out to the other locations we've been to so far. It's completely separated," Teddie concurred.
"While you may do as you please, I'm sure they do not wish for you to risk your lives to save them and desire you to live your lives as normal. Now that I have completed my promise, I shall depart," Margaret said.
"Wait, we're not done here," TK shouted.
TK and Kanji ran towards Margaret, only to find an old standing TV.
"It's the TV from the cabin. That must be the exit," Sora said.
"Now that we know it's here, let's save Marie and that friend of theirs before the Shadows attack her," Kanji said.
"Take it easy, Kanji. I think it's best if we prepared ourselves before charging inside uncharted territory. If we're going in, we need to be at our full strength," Yosuke explained.
"I'm sorry your friend got caught up in this," Yu said to me.
"Don't worry. Even if it was just Marie, we would have helped you," I replied.
"We will make sure everyone inside is rescued. We promise," Naoto said to us.
Episode 34
We exited the TV and went our separate ways to discuss our next step. While Yu's group stayed at the shed, we headed to the lounge for a change in scenery.
"Okay, I've texted everyone in our group chats, and they all responded," Mimi said.
"But that doesn't rule out those we've been acquainted with," I replied.
"I did a quick search on missing people in the Tokyo and Kyoto police reports, but no one in particular showed up," Izzy said.
"I called some of my friends in school and asked about their networks, but everyone seems fine," Sora said.
"I chatted with my bandmates, but they have no info about missing people," Matt replied.
"I talked to my professors at Kyoto. No one at school has been strangely absent," Joe stated.
"Kari and I asked our friends in our school, and they're fine," TK said.
"Is there anyone we've missed," Kari asked.
"Margaret said our friend resonated with Marie. What could she mean by that," Matt asked.
"Maybe they share similar features and qualities," Sora answered.
"But we know nothing about Marie, other than she wants to disappear from everyone's lives," Izzy said.
"She also wants to be removed from Yu and his friends' memories. Why would she wish for something like that," Mimi questioned.
"Perhaps she's guilty of something and doesn't want to be a burden to them," Joe said.
"Margaret did say she regained unideal memories. Did she do something to wish for nonexistence," Kari pondered.
"Do we know anyone who's that pessimistic and has a guilty conscience," TK asked.
One person came to mind. A part of me didn't want to believe it, but if she's in danger, I had to know. I picked up my phone to call her cellphone. No response. I tried calling her again. Nothing happened. After a third call, the line went through, but I didn't hear anyone respond.
"Hello," I finally asked.
"Hello there. Who may I be speaking to," a male voice asked.
"My name is Tai. Who is this?"
"Hello, Tai. I'm an officer here at Tottori Police Department. Her family gave me this phone to find clues of her whereabouts. Can you tell me when you've last seen Meiko Mochizuki?"
"Hi, this is Mimi, Meiko's friend," Mimi said, taking over the conversation. "So, funny story, I asked Meiko to come over to my place to sleep over. It was pretty last minute, so she must have rushed and left her phone at home. Sorry about that."
"That's interesting. According to her folks, Meiko has been missing for several days. Are you sure she's been staying with you for that long without contacting her parents?"
"Meiko's going through some personal issues that she's unable to discuss with her relatives," Sora continued. "She needed some time away and chose to find solace with us. As soon as Meiko is ready, she will return home. Until then, we will support her decision and make sure she's safe. Please tell her family they have nothing to worry about. Good day."
Sora promptly turned off my phone and returned it to me.
"Could you have come up with something more realistic," Sora asked Mimi.
"I didn't know you could be such a bad girl. I like it," Mimi said, snickering.
"You're just rubbing your terrible quirks onto her," TK said.
"Unfortunately, that conversation confirmed that Meiko is most likely with Marie," Izzy stated.
"Does she still feel bad for everything that's happened? It's been ages already," Matt commented, astounded.
"You can't get rid of guilt that easily," Joe replied.
"We can't let her disappear. We must save her," Kari said, urgently.
"We don't know how dangerous it is, so we have to physically and mentally prepare for whatever happens," I said.
"Margaret called that place the Hollow Forest. Why does that name sound familiar," Sora asked.
"It was spoken about during our fight with Ameno-Sagiri. If I recall, it's a place where desires and wishes by humans reside," Izzy explained.
"Do you think Marie is related to that giant eyeball in some way," Matt asked.
"That would make her one of the bad guys. But, she's also Yu's friend. Who or what exactly is she," Mimi questioned.
"She's probably similar to Teddie in that regard. Even if she's a Shadow or a resident of the TV World, she's someone Yu and his friends care about," Kari replied.
"I bet Marie is as strong as Yu and his group. Meiko should be safe with her," TK said.
"Alright, let's find Meiko and Marie and bring them home. Izzy, can you scan the Hollow Forest for us," I asked.
"I'm one step ahead of you. I'm optimizing my computer to get the best results possible," Izzy replied.
"Alright, everyone, do whatever you need to prepare for tomorrow. We're going to save Meiko and Marie no matter what," I told them.
"Yeah," everyone replied.
The next day, Yu's group and ours jumped into the cabin TV in hopes to find Marie and Meiko.
"Now that I've gotten a closer look, this place feels more sad than beautiful," Rise said.
"With a place called the Hollow Forest, it makes one feel uncomfortably empty," Matt replied.
"I am a mermaid, fated to foam and disappear," a sharp voice echoed in the wind.
"That voice... is that Marie-chan," Yosuke questioned.
"I am the whisper meant to drown at the edge of the world," a somber voice chimed.
"That definitely sounds like Meiko," I said, clenching my fists.
"We better hurry. This world is continuously expanding. At this rate, it might cut itself off as soon as tomorrow," Izzy said.
"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's hurry and rescue them," Kanji replied.
We entered a shrine where the voices emanated from. Upon entering, we found ourselves in the middle of a white mist, barely able to see the gravel road a few meters away.
"What is this place," Chie asked.
"This rocky path is floating above nothing," TK commented.
"Be careful not to fall off," Sora replied.
Teddie almost lost his balance, but Kanji and Matt caught him just in time.
"I thought I was a goner for sure," Teddie sighed.
"Didn't you hear the lady? She said be careful," Kanji said.
"Please don't search for me. I wish to be by myself," the somber voice replied.
"Don't try and hold me down. I will die a magnificent death," the sharp voice echoed.
"They're definitely here," Kari said.
"Let's go," Yu replied.
We continued to carefully traverse the barren wasteland. Along the way, we came across several landmarks that clashed with the tranquil environment.
"Hey, isn't that a Junes sign? What's that doing here," Kanji asked.
"What's Junes," Kari questioned.
"It's a department store my family owns. But, you're right; it's out of place in a world like this," Yosuke said.
"I don't recognize that bathhouse," Naoto said, focusing on remnants of a building up ahead.
"That's where we held our welcoming party for Meiko," Sora responded.
"It was pretty memorable with welcoming hijinks," TK replied.
"Look over there. Isn't that a clothing store," Mimi pointed out.
"I remember that place. We were shopping there with Marie during the summer," Yukiko explained.
"Marie-chan was pretty straightforward with us, but she means well," Chie added.
"There's a classroom up ahead, but it looks different, like there was a party inside," Kanji said.
"That costume looks familiar. Isn't that the one you wore at the school festival," Joe asked Mimi.
"That's right. Meiko and I were cheer girls at our café last year," Mimi replied.
"What exactly are cheer girls," Teddie asked.
"Nothing you need to know about," Matt replied.
"I think I see some silhouettes up ahead," Chie said.
"It must be them. Let's hurry," I replied.
We rushed over to two figures: one dressed in white and red; the other, white and green. Their hoods prevented us from seeing their faces.
"Who's there," a sharp voice in red and white asked.
"I thought that voice sounded familiar. We were looking all over for you two," Yosuke said, smiling.
"Let's all go back home and talk about this. You don't have to be alone anymore," Sora added.
The one in white and green recognized that voice. The two figures slowly turned around to face us.
"Don't you get it? We have no home to return to," Marie said.
"What's up with her eye? It's... glowing," Kanji questioned.
"Returning home means burdening you all over again," Meiko said mournfully.
"She looks so pale, like she's seen a ghost," Kari said.
"Why did you all come here? We never wanted you here," Marie yelled.
"Marie-chan, we don't know how painful your memories are, but holding yourself here won't solve anything," Chie explained.
"This is our final resting place. We are meant to disappear forever," Meiko replied.
"Don't say such things. We won't let you go through something like that," Mimi replied.
"You guys don't know anything. Marie isn't even my real name. It's Kusumi-no-Ookami. I'm an avatar of the fog, the one that almost engulfed your world months ago," Marie revealed.
"You mean like that giant eyeball we beat up? You're nothing like that. You're the good one," Kanji replied.
"That's not true! Sneaking into your world... sensing humanity's desire... that was my role as an agent of the fog. If I don't disappear, then your world will, and I cannot accept that. So please, stop following us. It's for the best," Marie continued.
Marie and Meiko disappeared before our eyes.
"They're gone," Matt replied.
"Don't worry, I can sense their presence, but they've separated to two different points," Rise explained.
"What was your friend referring to regarding the world disappearing if she's still around," Joe asked.
"I'm not sure, but I do apologize that your friend got caught in this," Naoto replied.
"We better hurry. Marie and your friend are planning to erase themselves," Chie said.
"We got to talk some sense into them before they do something drastic," TK replied.
As soon as TK said that, multiple powerful Shadows emerged and surrounded us.
"Great, they're making this even harder for us," Matt said.
"I'll take all of you down if I have to," Kanji replied.
"No one's getting in my way of saving two beautiful ladies," Teddie shouted.
"Rise, can you inform us which path leads to our friend," Izzy asked.
"Sure, I'll give you all the information you need," Rise replied.
"Alright, everyone, let's rescue our friends and get out of here together," Yosuke replied.
Sharing his sentiment, we called out our Personas and Digimon to fight the Shadows. During our battle, we encountered the fork in the path and agreed to separate to rescue our respective ally. As we went further into the mist while taking down dangerous Shadows along the way, we arrived at another cavern. This celestial cave had several reflective gems with a small mirror dangling in the ceiling. Upon entering, we came across a pedestal where an altar with another mirror stood. Meiko saw us from the reflection of the mirror and turned to us.
"Look, it's Meiko! Hello, Meiko, you look so pretty," Agumon said.
"But she also looks sad, too. Did something bad happen to her again," Gatomon asked.
"You didn't have to come, you know," Meiko said, disheartened.
"Meiko, come back to us. Let's just talk through this," I said.
"I'm tired of everything. This pain... this suffering... I just want to end it all," Meiko explained.
"Why are you trying to disappear," Gomamon asked.
"Surely you have your reason to side with Marie and her path," Sora said.
"Ever since I came here, I've been doing a lot of thinking: why I was sent here, why Marie resonated with me, why we felt the same way. I think I know now," Meiko continued. "Deep down, we knew something felt wrong, enjoying ourselves ignorantly. No amount of happiness could fill the void inside us. Finally, we realized that the longer we stay alive, the longer we have to live with this bottomless weight. So, we decided to wash every part of us away from everyone."
"Meiko, we're your friends," Palmon said.
"Why would we ever want you removed from our memories," Mimi asked.
"Think about it. If I didn't arrive in Tokyo and bring all those Digimon chasing after me, Joe wouldn't need to juggle between his studies and his role as a DigiDestined. If Meicoomon never turned viscous, Patamon wouldn't have been infected by the virus. If Meicoomon never reached her Mega form, she wouldn't have merged with Gatomon's Dark Evolution and caused havoc all over the world. The memories of last year will be dismissed, and you will be free from that weight."
"Doing something like that will not put our minds at ease," Tentomon replied.
"We will eventually rack our brains wondering why some memories don't make sense, because we will always seek the truth," Joe replied.
"Why don't you understand," Meiko cried. "We wanted to do something that would benefit everyone. This is the way to do so! I've already had enough happy memories, precious moments that I did not deserve. Please look at it through my position."
"We're willing to see your perspective, but you're not looking at it from ours," TK said.
"You don't have to do this, Meiko," Kari replied.
"It's too late. I've already linked with Kusumi-no-Ookami. The fog is already inside me. Once it overpowers my mind, I will eventually disappear along with this forest," Meiko replied.
"We won't let it happen," Palmon said.
"If she's not going to leave this place, we'll make her leave by force," Matt replied.
"Please, don't make me do this," Meiko cried.
"Tai, I'm reading a powerful spike of energy from her," Izzy said.
"But that's not possible. Meicoomon isn't with us anymore," I replied.
"I may not have Meicoomon with me, but I do have my Persona. Shine forth, Ame-no-Uzume," Meiko shouted.
The cavern shook violently. Beams of light refracted throughout the cave until it concentrated onto the mirror in the altar. A beautiful maiden in purple and gold coated with fans emerged from the mirror. Soon, it began merging with Meiko. She wore a fan eye mask. Purple ribbons swirled and tied her hair into two long ponytails. Her white attire mixed with green and purple pigments and gave her more freedom to move about gracefully.
"What's that," Biyomon asked.
"That's her Persona," Izzy said, concerned.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Gabumon said.
"Please, dance away elegantly," Meiko said.
Meiko threw several talismans out of her hand, which transformed into several beautiful heavenly maidens and angels dressed in a wide array of colors.
"That's a lot of people blocking our way," Agumon said.
"She's not going to make this easy for us, is she," Sora asked.
"Why does everything we do end up like this," Matt groaned.
"It doesn't matter. We're going to save her no matter what. Let's do this," I shouted.
We helped our partner Digimon evolve to their Champion form and rushed towards Meiko. The angels above attempted to blow us away with a collective gust of wind. Birdramon, Kabuterimon, and Angemon flew towards them to strike them down and weaken their forces. The maidens below fired multiple arrows at us, which we dodged to the best of our abilities. Togemon sprayed needles from its body to paralyze and bind them. Some of the archangels used their swords to strike from above. Garurumon and Gatomon quickly pounced at them before they were able to execute their blow.
As we got closer to Meiko, a maiden with a green comb headpiece created a wall of fire in front of us. Greymon went through the fire and knocked the maiden away with its tail. Another maiden in yellow and pink ribbons created a wall of ice to freeze our path. Ikkakumon used its strength to crush the ice and fired its torpedo at the maiden. Despite all the damage we caused, a maiden wearing large red earpieces continuously healed them, allowing the enemies to continue fighting.
"There's no end to this battle," Kabuterimon said.
"If this keeps us, we'll be too exhausted to fight back," Birdramon replied.
"We're not the only ones feeling the effects of this battle. Look," Izzy said, motioning towards a heavily-breathing Meiko.
"Why is she sweating so much? She hasn't done anything," Matt said.
"Remember, she summoned all those demons with her talismans. She must be channeling her energy to keep them around," Sora replied.
"So, the more creatures we defeat, the more energy she'll spend," Gatomon said.
"Won't we hurt Meiko in the process," Mimi replied.
"We don't have much of a choice. We have to persevere if we want to save her," Joe replied.
"Bring it on! I still have enough energy to fight back," Gerymon shouted.
We continued to retaliate as though our lives depended on it. Every time the enemies used their skills to push us away, Meiko grew increasingly tired. Eventually, the burden was too much for her to withstand. One by one, the lesser angels and maidens began to disappear, allowing us to deliver the final blow against the armed angels and the leading maidens. Once they disappeared, Meiko collapsed, breathing heavily. The Champion Digimon returned to their Rookie form to recover their strength.
"Have you finished throwing your tantrum yet," Matt asked.
"I don't understand. You didn't have to risk your lives for me. Why do you keep hurting yourselves," Meiko asked.
"Because that's what friends do; they help each other out," Biyomon replied.
"But, that won't make everyone happy. Marie gave some of her power to me, so if you save me, the fog will return, and the world will really disappear," Meiko said.
"We won't know that for sure," Patamon said.
"Even if it does happen, we'll figure something out together," I said.
"Stop it. Please, just leave me alone. Go away. I wish I'd never met any of you," Meiko cried.
Kari walked up to Meiko and slapped her in the face, which echoed throughout the cavern. Once Meiko registered what happened, Kari dropped to her knees and hugged her.
"It's okay. Please, stop lying to yourself," Kari said.
"You already know first hand how stubborn we all are," Tentomon remarked.
"Did you know that this world is a representation of your thoughts and feelings? Yes, it's an empty void, but there were some things that stood out, like the bath house and the cultural festival. Don't they represent your desire to still be a part of our lives," Sora asked.
"You've already visited us during the cultural festival a few months back. What's stopping you from visiting every once in a while," TK added.
"Tell us, Meiko, what is it that you want to do," Mimi said.
"I... I... I want to be with everyone again, but...," Meiko said.
"If you say it's impossible, Kari might slap you again," Matt replied.
"Come on, let's create as many memories as possible," Agumon said
"I'm sorry," Meiko said, crying on Kari's shoulder.
"Don't be. I should be the one apologizing for hurting you. Can you stand," Kari asked.
Just as Meiko was about to get up, she fell on her knees in pain. Fog seeped out of her body and swirled around her.
"What's happening," Palmon asked.
"It's the fog. Were we too late," Matt said, crossed.
"Do you think something similar is happening to Yu's group," Joe questioned.
"There must be something we can do," Gatomon said.
"It's too late. Please, get out of here," Meiko said, clutching herself.
"We're not leaving without you," Gabumon replied.
"We're going to save you and pull you out of the fog," TK said.
"It's impossible. The process has already begun. Soon, the fog will take over my mind, and I'll become a fog monster," Meiko said.
"What if we defeat that monster," I asked.
"Tai, what are you saying? If we do that, we might harm Meiko," Mimi said.
"Actually, Tai might be onto something. Her body will transform, but her mind might still be intact. We could defeat this fog monster and sever Meiko out of it at the same time," Izzy replied.
"So, Meiko will be okay," Agumon asked.
"It all comes down to her willpower," Joe answered.
"Meiko, can you do this," Sora asked.
"I'll try. I'm already using all my strength to keep the fog at bay, but if you want me to release it, I will. I'm sorry to act so selfishly after all that's happened, but please, help me," Meiko replied.
"Don't worry about it," Gabumon said.
"We'll get you out of there before you know it," Mimi replied proudly.
"Okay, I'll put my trust in you. After all, we're friends," Meiko said, tearfully smiling.
Meiko took a deep breath and allowed the fog to fully shroud her, transforming her into a dark figure wearing a hydrangea crown with a long transparent veil that covered her entire body. Golden chains bind her to the ground, preventing her escape.
"Oh lost lambs of the human realm, allow me to shepherd you to your true calling," the veiled figure said.
"Here it comes. Let's go, everyone," I exclaimed.
Our partner Digimon Digivolved into their Ultimate form and charged forward. The veiled figure sang a psalm that brought down three guardian angels in red, gold, and silver respectively. Lilymon flew towards the red angel and fired multiple bullets at it. The red angel powered through the attack and launched a large ice crystal at Lilymon. MetalGreymon rushed over to shatter the crystal and spewed flames from its hand. The red angel flew out of the way to launch several nuclear explosions at Lilymon and MetalGreymon, which they quickly evaded.
Meanwhile, Garudamon created a large tornado to trap the gold angel while MegaKabuterimon fired an electric ball at it. The gold angel took the brunt of the attack, but forced its way through the tornado to get physical with Garudamon and MegaKabuterimon. As MagnaAngemon and Angewomon flew towards the silver angel, it created numerous holy seals to trap and eradicate the two. As they navigated their way around the seals, MagnaAngemon swung its sword at the silver angel. It blocked the attack and prepared to counterstrike, but Angewomon fired several arrows at it, making it fall back.
On the ground, WereGarurumon and Zudomon rushed towards the veiled figure. The veiled figure created a wall of ice to prevent them from coming further, but Zudomon mashed the ice with its hammer. While Zudomon was clearing a path, the veiled figure created a wall of lightning to prevent it from wrecking the ice. Unbeknownst to it, WereGarurumon dashed towards the veiled figure to strike it with a powerful kick. The veiled figure called for the assistance from the three angels, who immediately stopped their battles with the other Digimon to protect it from WereGarurumon's attack. After knocking it away, the three angels flew to the sky and launched multiple holy explosions throughout the cavern, knocking all of us down to the ground.
"Please, let me end your suffering," the veiled figure said.
The veiled figure's melodic voice echoed throughout the cavern. As I tried to stand, my body crumbled to the ground. I tried to reach out to the figure, but my eyelids became too heavy, and I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I found myself inside a white foggy void. As I surveyed the scene, I saw our core group playing around, beckoning me to join them. As I walked closer to them, I heard a thud echo from a distance. Choosing between my friends and the odd noise, I walked closer to the source of the sound and came across a bamboo water fountain. Eventually, the fog cleared, revealing a graveyard. As I looked around, I found Meiko cleaning one of the gravestones with Leomon's name engraved.
"So, this is where you've been," I said, walking towards her. "I see you're still worried about it. I wish I knew you were suffering like this. I'm sorry."
"There's nothing for you to apologize for," Meiko replied. "I'm the one who should be reflecting. Each grave represents Digimon and people who sacrificed their lives because of me. I clean them every day to distract me from the void I feel when I remember them. Then, I would think about how last year's events made everyone feel. True, there were happy times, but painful memories are the ones that stay with us. That's why the easiest solution is to erase all of it and forget it."
"That would mean losing you, and we'd never accept that."
"What good is there about me? I'm negative. I see the darker side of things. I lose hope easily. I get depressed and drag everyone down with me. There are no redeeming qualities about me."
"That's not true. You're realistic. You see things at face value. You stand firm on your decisions no matter how painful they are. You also shoulder too much of that burden on your own. You don't ask for help and do things on your own. There are ways for you to reach out, but you consider yourself a burden to others. Lean on us more. It doesn't mean you're weak. Everyone has their lowest point. It just takes someone to snap us out of it . Meiko, do you really want to disappear?
"I... I..."
"Don't run away. Believe in us. Rely on us. Lean on me. Meiko, what do you really want?"
"But, that would make me selfish."
"Who cares about that? Spoil yourself. Be happy. Lift your head up. There's more to this world than the graves around you. There's an open sky of endless possibilities. No matter how far away hope is, reach out to it. If you can't, we'll help you get closer to it. Look me in the eyes. Tell me your wish."
"I... I... I want to stay... and be here... with everyone. But, am I allowed to?"
"Of course you are. Wait for us. We'll save you and get you home. We promise."
Soon, the fog took over, and my vision whitened. When I came to, I found myself back at the cavern. Looking up, I noticed the three angels were preparing another devastating attack.
"MetalGreymon," I shouted.
"MetalGreymon, Six Card Arcana Digivolve to... VictoryGreymon," MetalGreymon shouted.
VictoryGreymon immediately jumped towards the three angels. Converting the shells on its back into a shield, VictoryGreymon rammed through the angels, knocking them against the wall.
"I don't understand," the veiled figure asked. "You could have continued your slumber and let your worries pass. Why did you resist it?"
"Because that's not something that she would've wanted," I said, walking towards it.
Soon, the rest of the DigiDestined woke up. Feeling the same resolve I had, they also walked towards the veiled figure while their partner Digimon Digivolved to their Mega form. The three angels rushed down to protect the veiled figure, but MetalGarurumon, Hououmon, Seraphimon, and Magnadramon stopped them in their tracks. With MetalGarurumon's freezing missiles, Hououmon's flaming explosions, Seraphimon's spheres of light, and Magnadramon's energy bolts, they completely destroyed the three angels, causing them to disintegrate and disappear.
As the rest of us moved forward, the veiled figure created a wall of ice and lighting to protect itself. HerculesKabuterimon easily ran through both obstructions and used its strength to knock it against the wall. Rosemon used its vines to bring the veiled figure towards it, only to slam it to the ground and throw it up in the air. Vikemon launched its morning stars at the veiled figure, breaking through the ceiling and sending it towards the sky.
Riding on VictoryGreymon's back, VictoryGreymon jumped through the hole and above the veiled figure and pierced it with its sword. With an opening created, I jumped inside the veiled figure and searched for Meiko, who was kneeling on the ground surrounded in darkness. Noticing the commotion, she looked up and saw me falling towards her. Not believing what she saw, she reached out her hand towards me. The moment I grabbed her, I pulled her out of the veiled figure, who immediately fell to the ground and crumbled into thin air. VictoryGreymon caught us and safely brought us down to the ground where it and the rest of the Digimon returned to their Rookie state.
"Thank you for saving me," Meiko whispered, hugging me.
"I'll rescue you as many times as you want," I said, returning the favor.
"Is it me, or is it getting really hot in here," Mimi asked jokingly.
"Maybe it is. I don't mind it though," Meiko replied, hugging me tighter.
"Look at her go, acting all bold," Sora said.
"Someone could learn a thing or two from her," Matt replied.
"Isn't she hugging him a little too long," Kari said, pouting.
"As if anything would stop her now," TK replied.
"I want to hug Meiko, too," Agumon said, hugging the two of us.
"Me too," Patamon said, flying towards us.
"Don't forget about me," Palmon replied, running towards us.
Soon, all of the Digimon had their chance to hug Meiko, and a heavy weight lifted from our shoulders. Suddenly, the cavern started to shake violently.
"W-What's happening," Joe asked.
"This place is about to come undone," TK replied.
"It's not just this cavern. The Hollow Forest will disappear if we don't hurry," Izzy explained.
"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's get out of here fast," Matt said.
"But, what about Yu and the others," Mimi asked.
"I'm sure they'll be fine," Sora answered.
"We'll probably see them on the other side of the TV anyway," Kari added.
"Shall we go, Meiko," I asked.
"Yes, let's go home," Meiko replied.
We quickly ran out of the cavern and headed towards the exit. As we dashed forward, we caught up with Yu's group, who were running alongside someone we haven't met yet. Knowing it wasn't the time for pleasantries, we sped towards the small TV and jumped inside. Eventually, we ended up back in the shed where it felt more cramped than usual.
"Was it always this crowded in here," Matt asked, standing up.
"I forgot how small this TV is," Kanji said, getting up.
When we composed ourselves, the TV screen shattered.
"The TV broke, but how," Sora asked.
"It's not really a TV, but an entrance to the Hollow Forest in the shape of a TV," Marie explained.
"And because the Hollow Forest disappeared, it's no longer needed," Meiko continued.
"I guess that means everything's finally over," Joe said.
"Yes, we did it. I knew our group rocked," Chie explained.
"Hey, I'm sorry to drag you into this," Marie said to Meiko.
"It's okay, because we both found something worth living for," Meiko replied, holding her hand.
"So, how does it feel to be alive," Yosuke asked, smiling.
"It feels good. Listen, thanks for saving us. I'm sorry," Marie said.
All of us looked at each other confused.
"What's with those blank stares," Marie asked.
"Not to be rude, but you didn't seem like the type to willingly apologize," Yukiko explained.
"I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought that," Sora replied.
"What's what supposed to mean," Marie yelled, embarrassed.
"There's nothing for you to be sorry about, because that's what friends do," Yu told her.
"We help each other out without thinking about getting anything out of it," I added.
"I'll be the first to admit I had mixed feelings about rescuing you since you identified as a fog monster," Matt said.
"However, to not save you because of it would be unruly of us," Naoto continued.
"Thank you again, everyone. We'll be in your care," Meiko replied.
"Now that I think about it, I don't think we've properly met, Meiko. My name is Yu, and these are my friends: Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie, and Naoto. Marie, these are...," Yu said.
"It's okay. I've linked myself to Meiko's memories, so I know who they are," Marie replied.
"Even so, we don't know much about you, so let's start over. I'm Tai, and this is Matt, Sora, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, TK, and Kari," I said.
"Wow, you really are a fashionable girl. You've got to tell me where you get your clothes," Mimi said, walking towards Marie.
"Now that I've gotten a better look at her, that Meiko girl is pretty cute," Yosuke said.
"Typical Yosuke, going after girls who are out of his league," Teddie sighed.
"What's that supposed to mean," Yosuke snapped.
"There they go again," Chie heaved.
"I'm sorry. Our team can be rather rowdy," Yukiko said to us.
"Don't mention it. It only proves how much they care about each other," Joe said.
"Hey, look, the sun's out," TK said.
"You're right; it's beautiful outside," Kari replied.
"Why don't we leave this messy shack and grab some grub," Kanji suggested.
"Food sounds really good right now," I said.
"Alright, for our successful mission, this meal's on Yosuke," Chie cheered.
"How would I even have the money to feed a group this big," Yosuke moaned.
As we left the cabin, I took a deep breath and observed my friends conversing and interacting with Yu's group.
"You seem spirited," Meiko said.
"I'm just relieved that everything is finally over," I replied.
"Hey, let's have a snowball right," Mimi told the group.
"Good idea. It'd be a waste not to use good snow like this," Yosuke replied.
"Should we split in teams," TK asked.
"Who cares? It's every person for themselves," Mimi shouted, throwing a ball at Chie.
"Oh, you've done it now," Chie smiled, preparing to throw a ball.
"Alright, time to put my snowball throwing skills to good use," Kanji said.
"I'm going to make the biggest snowball ever," Teddie said.
"I don't think it works like that," Izzy replied.
As we were throwing snowballs around, Yosuke noticed that Yu was distracted talking to Marie. Yosuke attempted to throw the snowball at Yu, but missed and hit Marie instead.
"Sorry, Marie-chan, that was meant for Yu," Yosuke said. "Hey, have you been in a snowball fight, Marie-chan? It's a simple game where you throw snowballs at each other. It's a lot of fun."
"You mean like this," Marie asked.
Marie created multiple snowballs with her powers and quickly threw them at Yosuke. We ran away as we took cover from any stray shots Marie threw.
"I think I know how to divide the teams," Sora said.
"Team Marie vs Team Yosuke. Everyone, pick your side," Chie shouted.
The girls surrounded Yosuke to prevent him from escaping while the boys ran behind Marie.
"Oh, come on, how is this fair," Yosuke asked.
"You brought this upon yourself. Now, take this," Marie shouted.
All of the girls pummeled snowballs at Yosuke as the boys looked on, relieved it wasn't them.
*To be continued*