Sunday, 7:36pm

For achingly long seconds, there was silence. Takeru could feel his heart hammering in his chest. Patamon had never looked so small as he did right then, with an arrow longer than his entire body sticking out of the dirt not far away from them.

He heard movement to either side of their group, although he didn't dare look and see who or what approached them. The voice had sounded human, but that wasn't a guarantee by any means.

"Now, moving slowly, stand straight and raise your hands where we can see them. And no funny business. Any charms, incantations or glamours and we will put an arrow through you where you stand. That goes for your familiars, too."

Wait, what? The voice had a deadly seriousness to it which Takeru wasn't going to argue with. From the silence, neither were any of the others. Still. What the hell did it mean by "charms, incantations or glamours"?

He straightened with a slowness which made his back ache. From Koushiro's stifled groan, he wasn't the only one. He should be afraid, he knew that. Instead, his stomach was weighted with a blend of frustration, confusion, and anger. How dare these…hopefully people get in the way of their rescue mission. What else was going to go wrong in this world?

Something moved to his right, on the very edge of his peripheral vision, and it took every scrap of willpower Takeru possessed not to turn and see what it was. As it drew closer, he realised it was a man, dressed in what was unmistakably camouflage, although it didn't resemble any camouflage he'd ever seen. Rather than the printed merging of varying greens and browns, the outfit seemed to be made of plants. Hard on the heels of this was the observation that it would be more accurate to say that what he beheld was a roughly man-shaped tree, draped in branches and leaves to conceal his silhouette.

Takeru had seen plenty of odd creatures which straddled the boundaries between human, animal, machine and plant. That made it a lot easier to simply raise his eyebrows at the sight, and not flinch. Flinching would have been a very bad idea, because the…person carried a bow, with a quiver of arrows slung on his belt. He wasn't alone, either. More emerged from the trees to either side of him, and from Koushiro's sharp intake of breath and Taichi's out and out gasp, the claim that they had been surrounded was true.

They weren't all strange tree-human hybrids. In fact, of the four individuals arranged before him, no two were alike. One of them did seem to be human, while another had thin, almost transparent wings and hovered a short distance off the ground. The fourth had wings as well, but looked like a child. All four watched impassively, their bows levelled at him and Patamon. Takeru swallowed convulsively, wishing his arms hurt less. How long could he stand like this without moving?

"Right," said the voice from before. Takeru couldn't see the speaker. "Now. Slowly - and I mean slowly - lower your hands once more. You're going to be coming with us. All trespassers in the forest are to be brought before the Elders. You. Are your familiars sentient?"

There was the sound of Taichi spluttering with frustration, only to be interrupted by Tailmon.

"Of course we are," she said. "We're co-operating, aren't we?"

Takeru could see the four people watching him react. They hadn't been expecting Tailmon to speak, that was for certain. The one that looked human turned his stare on Patamon, as though the little digimon were about to leap at him. Takeru itched to defend his partner. Standing there helplessly was torture.

"Hmph," said the voice from before. "Well, you can thank my orders for the fact you're not pincushions right now, after what you did to one of my squad. But I can assure you, those orders will not protect you if you pull any stunts. Now. You will remain as you are while my men secure you, and then we're going to take a nice little walk through the tunnels. And don't think you'll be spying out the entrance to make a report for your masters - you're going blindfolded. Any objections and you go horizontally instead. Am I understood?"

There was silence. Takeru wasn't sure whether to answer or not - apparently the others were either experiencing the same dilemma or had plumped for silence. After a moment, two people first, a human walked up to Takeru carrying a length of rope. The one heading for Patamon seemed to be half-human, with furry legs and cloven feet. Instead of rope, he carried a sack. Apparently they weren't going to waste time worrying about how best to tie his partner.

The man tied Takeru's hands together in front of him, paying little notice to the bandages. Takeru bit back a yelp of pain as the rope bit into one of the blisters, already long since ruptured. His attention switched to his partner as the man reached into a pack on his side for something. The…individual with a sack was roughly manhandling Patamon into it. Takeru gritted his teeth as Patamon squeaked in protest. Nevermind fear - he was livid at the thought that they might hurt his partner.

Hands gripped his shoulders and turned him around. He yelped as the tight grip pressed on the cut on his shoulder. There was just time for him to see that Koushiro had been bound with his arm strapped to his body before a hood was slipped over his face and everything went dark. From behind him he heard Patamon's muffled voice say: "Hey!" indignantly, followed by a voice snapping for him to be quiet. Someone - he presumed it was the man who had bound his wrists - pushed him forwards.

It was almost impossible to walk through the undergrowth of the forest without being able to see. Takeru lost count of the number of times he tripped, stubbed his toes on rocks or tree roots, or heard the others doing the same. More than once, he heard Taichi mutter curses from just in front of him. Koushiro seemed to be still further ahead, while the digimon were behind him. Tailmon in particular did not take well to captivity, hissing with frustration at semi-regular intervals.

Their captors remained quiet. Eerily so. Aside from the occasional order for their group to remain silent - usually following an expletive from Taichi - there was almost no indication there was anyone with them other than the man directing Takeru through the forest. It was little wonder that they had been surrounded so easily.

Takeru wasn't sure how long they walked for. Long enough for his legs, already sore, to develop a persistent ache - one echoed by virtually every other inch of his body. The constant stumbling and occasional snagging branch or patch of thorns was most certainly not helping. His feet, clad only in socks, felt every stone and twig he walked over. The hood was hot and stuffy, too, and sweat stung the open blisters on his cheeks. At last they were halted, and he felt bodies jostling against him. There came a sound of grating stone, and he was ushered forwards once more.

His eyes had adjusted to the light filtering through the hood as they walked. Now it diminished once more. They were inside, then. Somewhere poorly lit. There was a musty smell, too, and a slight chill in the air which reminded him of the caves they had sheltered in during their times in the digital world. Were they going underground? Tailmon had mentioned Hikari being grabbed by hands emerging from a rock face - what if they had been captured by the same people? He straightened slightly. If that were the case, perhaps they would find her after all. Hope - never something he was entirely without, to be fair - blossomed in his chest once more. After all. He was being marched blindly down a mysterious passage, surrounded by a strange assortment of armed escorts, in an unfamiliar world with no obvious way home. Hope was more or less the only thing he had left to cling on to.

Sunday, 7:50pm

Against all his expectations for the evening, Daisuke was bored. Everyone was just sitting around more or less in silence, and despite how serious it all was - and he knew it was serious, after seeing the state Takeru had arrived home in - he was finding it hard to do the same. He was not a person used to sitting back and doing nothing. All this waiting around was starting to make him feel fidgety. He wanted action. Or even just to lighten the mood, because honestly this was starting to get depressing.

It had been fine while there was something to do - like making food. That had actually been kinda fun, especially since Mimi had picked up different ways of doing things from having lived in America. And even doing the dishes afterwards beat sitting there listening to Jou worry about things with Gomamon. Or watching Miyako and Ken crowding so close around Koushiro's laptop that they practically gave Tentomon a heart attack. Well. He was pretty sure that digimon couldn't have heart attacks, but if ever there was a likely candidate, it was Tentomon.

He'd called his parents and told them he was staying away overnight because of digital world stuff simply because the thought of going home and not being part of things was unbearable. What if they all arrived back and he was needed somehow, you know? But the reality was looking a lot more like he was just going to sit around taking up space and wishing he didn't have to be so quiet. The atmosphere was a real downer, thanks to the parents being around. Things would be a lot easier if it was only the Chosen Children. Adults always complicated things. He was pretty sure that if they hadn't had to worry about Mrs Yagami and Mrs Takaishi, the plan for midnight would have involved everyone grabbing either Mimi or Jou and going along too.

Well. Maybe he'd have been the only one wanting to do that. But honestly, how could everyone just sit there and not do anything when Hikari had been kidnapped and no one even knew what had happened to Yamato? Someone needed to rescue them, and right now that someone wasn't him and it was incredibly annoying to have to sit back and watch Taichi and Takeru get all the glory and the action. And Koushiro, of course, but he was pretty sure Koushiro didn't want anything other than to be back here with his laptop. It was hard to imagine Koushiro doing anything which didn't involve sitting down and fixing things by being a know it all.

For a little while, he had been tempted to pop over to the digital world and fetch V-mon. The knowledge of how hard it would be to sit quietly and expect an ever hyperactive Chibimon from causing a scene held him back. Daisuke might not have been the most academic of all the Chosen, but that didn't mean he was stupid. Although of course, if nothing kept on happening, he'd be sorely tempted to visit the digital world simply for something to do.

The atmosphere changed instantly when the phone rang. Everyone stiffened, and looked right at it. Jou, in an act of athleticism which frankly astounded Daisuke, leapt over the back of the sofa and ran to answer it. The adults appeared from Hikari's room, where Mrs Takaishi had been comforting Mr and Mrs Yagami.

"Hello this is the Yagami residence, Kido Jou speaking." The words came out all in a rush, as though Jou was running out of breath. From the speed at which he'd bolted to answer the call, Daisuke was prepared to bet he was out of breath. The guy sure could move.

"Hold on, Mr Ishida, please slow down. I can't make out what you're saying."

Mrs Takaishi stood noticeable straighter as Jou mentioned her ex-husband's name. Everyone else leant slightly closer too. They'd had no news at all about Yamato in so long. Surely this phone call could only mean he'd come back? Daisuke could practically feel the mood start to lift - only for it to come crashing back down with Jou's next words.

"What? Sora's gone? Where? Did… is there a note?" Jou leant against the wall, his face turning greyer by the second. "I… I see. Well- no, I think it's best if someones stays there until… Are you sure? Right, of course. No, I understand. I'll make sure to keep you up to date the moment we hear anything. No, Takeru is fine, last we heard. They're looking for Hikari, and sending regular messages. Okay. Thank you for letting us know. And…I'm sure they're fine, Mr Ishida. We've always managed perfectly well before. I know it's hard, but we have to trust that they can look after themselves."

Jou's face was ashen by the time he hung up. Daisuke was pretty sure that everyone in the room felt just as queasy as he looked.

"Jou, what happened? Mimi asked, her voice shaken. "It's not even close to midnight - what does he mean about Sora being gone? And Piyomon, couldn't she explain what happened?"

Jou walked over to the dining table and sunk into a chair. He looked down at the surface for a moment, propping his head in his hands, and then looked up. When he spoke, it was to Miyako and Ken more than anyone else. Daisuke guessed it was because the pair were filling in for Koushiro - and Koushiro was who they always told important information to.

"Mr Ishida just got back from getting some groceries. He told Sora he would be as quick as he could, and he supposed it took him about half an hour to get to the shop and back. When he got home, the apartment was empty, but her shoes were still by the door. The television was still on, and it looked like Sora had been getting ready for dinner. There were cups and plates on the counter in the kitchen, and the kettle had been filled. He says he thinks she must have been surprised in the middle of making tea, because the box was on the counter - open, with the leaves spilling out everywhere. I'd guess she dropped it. The only other clue is that the light in Yamato's bedroom was on, and his bed is covered in dust and dirt."

There was a short, awkward silence before Ken cleared his throat, then winced as everyone turned to look at him. Daisuke raised an eyebrow at Miyako when she nudged the boy, nodding encouragement at him. Now that was interesting. Almost as interesting as the shade of red she turned when she noticed Daisuke watching her, knowing smirk plastered across his face.

"I…I think I might have an idea as to what happened," Ken said, keeping his eyes on the laptop. He seemed to be making a particular effort to avoid looking at Mrs Takaishi. "Koushiro told us his theories about how he and Takeru were pulled back to the other world. According to his messages, the most reasonable explanation is that the transfer based on fear works both ways. He called it a "Fear Gate" - in the same way that experiencing a strong level of fear in other world has worked so far to return everyone to this world, experiencing it here would send them back there."

Miyako nodded. "I was there when Takeru and Koushiro disappeared. Honestly, I might not be Jou, but I know a panic attack when I see one. Koushiro's explanation makes sense, as well, given what we know about how everyone's been getting home so far. Besides, Sora wouldn't have left the apartment - and anyway, Jou, you said said her shoes were still there. So something must have made her scared enough that she opened one of these fear gates."

Daisuke frowned. That seemed like a pretty big leap to him. "Yeah, but what could scare Sora so much about waiting in an apartment? She's been fine there until now, right?"

Mrs Takaishi gasped. "Yamato…"

Sunday: 7:40pm

One minute Sora was sat with Yamato on his bed, and the next she was on the floor in a stone chamber - and it was a chamber, not a room. The walls were hung with tapestries, and the furniture was ornate and wooden. A man who could have walked straight out of a movie screen was seated behind a desk, staring at them in surprise. Of course, she only had scant seconds to take note of that before all hell broke loose.

Someone grabbed her roughly and dragged to her feet. She cried out with surprise, which caught Piyomon's attention.

"Don't hurt Sora!" Piyomon cried, taking to the air with a furious expression on her face.

A man holding an old-fashioned gun swung it in an arc which connected with her partner, knocking her to the ground with a cry of pain. Sora screamed, and struggled furiously against the tight hold on her arms. Yamato wasn't moving. He seemed to be in the same state as he had been when he'd reappeared in his bedroom. The man at the desk stood swiftly, and made his way around it. While Sora struggled in vain, he grabbed Yamato's chin, and wrenched his face upwards.

The faintest wisps of black shadow had appeared around Yamato when suddenly his eyes rolled back in his head. The man let go of him, and he slumped to the ground, unconscious.

"Yamato!" Sora cried. "What did you do to him!"

The man with the gun turned to face her, raising his weapon. "Call your beast off!" he cried. "I won't hesitate to shoot."

Piyomon, still getting to her feet, hesitated seeing the weapon pointed at Sora.

The man who had grabbed Yamato smiled thinly.

"Now now, Corporal Lowry," he said. His voice was smooth and charming - and oddly reassuring, given what he'd just done. "I'm sure there's no need for alarm."

He got to his feet, dusting his hands together, and smoothing his clothes. Sora stared at him, torn between horror and curiosity. The so-called Corporal Lowry lowered his weapon, although he watched Piyomon warily.

"Who- who are you?" Sora asked. "And what did you just do?" Despite everything, she felt oddly calm. It was strange really - just a moment ago she had been screaming, but that all seemed unnecessary now. The man was watching her. She felt herself drawn to his eyes - it was hard to look away from them really. They promised answers, and wasn't that what she needed right now? Surely there had to be an explanation for what was happening, if she just calmed down and listened, and helped this man with what he wanted to know.

"Sora?" Piyomon was calling, and she sounded worried for some reason, but Sora didn't look at her partner. After all. They were in no danger here.

Something told her she ought to reassure her though, so she took a breath and said: "It's alright Piyomon. They won't hurt us." She must have been worn out after the struggle though, because her voice sounded oddly flat.

The man smiled thinly. For some reason, that didn't reassure Sora as much as she was sure it was supposed to.

"Now, Sora, is it?" the man said in a voice so crystal clear it seemed to reach right into her head, soothing her concerns away. "Perhaps we might have a little conversation. You've made quite the entrance. Why, my office has not seen such excitement in years. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Lord Cahir, head of security in the City. Please, be seated. We have much to discuss."

He clicked his fingers, and a man in a tunic produced a chair. He placed it beside Yamato's slumped body, then paused, as though waiting for further instructions.

Lord Cahir took a step backwards, away from Yamato, and then waved his hand.

"Fetch someone to take the boy back to his cell," he said. "I will deal with him later."

The man in the tunic bowed, and left.

"Sora?" Piyomon said. "Sora, why are you acting like that?" Her partner's voice seemed to be coming from oddly far away, even though Sora could see her out of the corner of her eye.

She didn't look away from Cahir. Something prickled in her mind, as though she really should. It was hard to think, though, because all she could really focus on was the present. And at present she was looking at Lord Cahir, because he wanted to talk to her, and that was important.

The person holding her led her to the chair, and let go of her arms. She sat down.

"There, is this not more civilised?" Cahir said. "And do not fear for your friend. I merely encouraged him to sleep, lest he find himself travelling between worlds again. I'm sure you understand."

Sora nodded slowly, not lowering her gaze. She wasn't sure that she could have looked away if she'd wanted to.

"I will confess, I find myself somewhat surprised by the visitors he has brought us though. Might I have the pleasure of knowing who my new guests are?"

Well that seemed an innocent enough request.

"I am Takenouchi Sora," she replied, speaking slowly. "And my partner is Piyomon."

Somewhere beyond the edge of eyes so richly blue they seemed to glow, there was a smile. The eyes flickered to her right as someone far off called her name in a voice which was achingly familiar, and the mouth she could just about see said something she couldn't hear. There was a muffled cry, and silence fell once more.

"Now, Sora," Cahir said, and his words seemed to speak just to her. "I wonder. Would you happen to be a… a Chosen Child? Perhaps you could tell me about them."

"Yes," she replied calmly. "I am a Chosen Child, and I carry the Crest of Love. There are twelve Chosen Children, and nine of us have Crests. Yamato has the Crest of Friendship, Taichi has the Crest of Courage…"

It was so easy to tell those eyes everything. The voice asked so nicely, after all, and how could she fail to trust eyes which glinted the same shade of blue as Yamato's? Odd though, how hard it was to keep track of what she had already said. More than once she had to be gently reminded that she was repeating herself, and directed to talk about something else.

And the strangest thing of all was that as her interview with Lord Cahir ended, she felt tired. More tired than she had thought she would be, given that they had only been talking. The exhaustion washed over her, dulling her senses. She was vaguely aware of Cahir talking to someone he called Sergeant Garnett - the man who, she realised, had not moved from her side after leading her to the chair. A hand gripped her arm, and pulled her to her feet.

She was led out of Lord Cahir's office. The other man - the corporal - carried Piyomon, who seemed to be asleep. Along a corridor, and up the longest, most exhausting flight of stairs she could remember. Each step seemed to suck more energy from her, until at last she was stumbling, barely aware of her surroundings. They must have reached the end eventually though, for suddenly a door was clanging, and then she was lying down in a dim room.

Voices spoke somewhere nearby, but she was too tired to make out what they were saying. Her eyes fluttered and closed and she drifted, slowly, into a deep and dreamless sleep.

A.N.: Okay, so this chapter took a little while to get its act together and turn into words in my head (and I am still reeeally hoping I haven't overdone the surreal in that opening encounter), but once I got going, it was another one of those runaway things which perhaps got a little out of hand. I had always intended Sora's encounter with Cahir to be different to Yamato's, but I hadn't really planned on making it quite so... Well, I'll be honest, writing Cahir in this scene pretty much gave me the crawls. It's always the minor "fill a role" characters who end up that way in my experience. He really is super creepy to write.

I'm also hoping I managed to make Daisuke's perspective believable. Like Taichi, he's not a character I can particularly relate to, so I generally find it harder to get into that headspace. Pleeease let me know if I managed (or failed!) because I do try to stay IC as much as possible, and if there's anything glaring I like to fix it. Also, Jou being unexpectedly athletic in emergencies (and pretty much only then) is this headcanon I have developed recently and you cannot convince me otherwise.

Also also. A couple of other minor things. Firstly, yeah, there's a shipping hint there in Daisuke's section I guess? Ish? I want to reiterate that this really isn't a shipping fic, but I think there's enough hints of her crush in 02 that it's not unreasonable for it to still be there. You can take it as a sign of something to come or something still on the way out, depending on your preference. And, on a completely unrelated note, I realised today as I was writing that I totally forgot to account for the fact that Takeru and Koushiro would have appeared in the other world without any shoes. Which, when it occurred to me, was a fun enough minor point that I do intend to go back and retcon it into the last few chapters. For that matter, Sora's not got any shoes either, but I don't think she's particularly noticed that yet. Can't imagine why...