Letting the warm water wash over her head and steam her skin, Lizzy stared at the tile.
With her partner outside using the tub to wash his shell, she began to relax.
She was tired after that burst of bravery and adrenaline, and would enjoy a relaxing evening in a home for the first time in months.
Everyone's first thought had been to shower, and Lizzy had offered to go last.
Rubbing soap into her skin to bring out the dirt, she reached for the shampoo.
"Are you alright, Lizzy?"
"I'm fine, Tento…Just a little tired…"
Still, she was looking forward to the movie night Jenny had planned.
Mel had suggested it as a way to relax Tonya, who had been all too withdrawn since the phone call.
Even Meg had agreed.
Once her hair was lathered, Lizzy closed her eyes to wash out the bubbles.
The freedom from dirty clothes and the dangerous wilderness was relieving.
It almost made her forget about the frantic search for the eighth child…
"Lizzy?"
Blinking herself free of a trance, the blonde grabbed the bottle of conditioner.
"Don't worry…"
Once everyone had fallen asleep, she'd get a chance to thoroughly check her laptop and surf the web again.
Completely clean and satisfied, Lizzy turned off the water and grabbed her towel.
Wiping excess water from her skin, she ruffled her hair partly dry before wrapping the towel around her torso.
Stepping out of the shower to see Tentomon lounging in the massive tub, she smiled.
Pulling on the fresh underclothes, the white and purple polka dot pajama pants, and purple t-shirt, Lizzy took a moment to relish the feeling of clean clothes.
"Tento, it's time to dry off…"
"Coming…"
Giggling at his sluggish manner, the blonde scooped up her dirty clothes and dropped them into the hamper.
"LIZZY…"
"Yes?"
"I can't get out of the tub…"
Reaching down into the water to pull out the bug Digimon, she placed him carefully on the tile and wrapped a towel around his shoulders.
As she turned to put away her towel, Tentomon opened his shell and buzzed to quick-dry himself.
Taking his hand, Lizzy led him out to the hallway and down the stairs.
The TV was showing previews, and Meg was in the kitchen making pasta and garlic bread.
TJ and Patamon were watching the popcorn, Mel had found some candy, Palmon trying to get a taste.
As Tsunomon and Koromon watched Meg cook, Tonya pulled the drinks from the fridge and put them on the coffee table.
Steph and Yokomon entered with blankets and pillows, and Jenny was teaching her Digimon how to properly light candles.
"Hey, Lizzy! Could you work the surround sound?" Mel wondered, emerald nightdress swaying around her knees.
"Sure…"
TJ, wearing a long gold night dress, jumped excitedly when the popcorn was done.
Her sister, in a baggy black shirt and dark blue checked pajama pants, handed her a bowl before stirring the pasta and heating sauce.
Popping open a can of Pepsi, Tonya straightened out her orange-striped pajama pants and white tank top before scooping up Koromon.
Laying out blankets and pillows on the large couch and chairs, Steph's too-large red shirt almost covered the pink cotton pajama shorts underneath.
Picking up the remote to control the lights, Jenny flopped down in her grey sweatpants and black shirt as the candles flickered, Gomamon on her lap.
"Food's ready."
Meg portioned the food perfectly, giving two slices of garlic bread and four meatballs to each Digidestined and Digimon.
Happily taking theirs plates and utensils, the group settled on the couch or chairs as Jenny dimmed the lights and started the Batman marathon.
All food was gone by the end of the first movie, and Tonya went in search of cookies, chips, and sweets midway through the next.
They'd never eaten so well…
As the movies rolled on, the garbage and dirty bowls piled up as everyone settled in.
Mel and Jenny were glad to make fun of the worse parts, and Meg appreciated the fight scenes along with Tonya.
TJ cheered on the good guys, Steph narrated the battles, and Lizzy memorized the special effects and stunts.
As the movies passed, so did their energy…
The Digimon fell asleep first, full stomachs lulling them into slumber, as 'Batman Begins' finally started.
TJ dozed next, hugging Patamon close, then Mel, Palmon draped over her side.
Steph was next, Yokomon on her chest, followed by Meg, Tsunomon in the crook of her arm.
Jenny began to snore, head back, with Gomamon sprawled out on her stomach and using her chest as a pillow.
Tonya cradled Koromon, eyes drooping as she stared at the screen…
By the time 'The Dark Knight' ended, even she was in dreamland.
Careful not to wake anyone up, Lizzy got up and turned everything off, not wanting to waste electricity.
After situating everyone so they or their blankets didn't fall, she headed off to turn on the alarm.
Hearing the electricity hum as it armed the security system, she stretched with a yawn and stared up the steps.
Going up, she went into the bedroom she'd chosen and settled on the covers, turning on the TV.
The news came on, showing an interview with two people, clearly husband and wife.
The woman is tall and blonde, beautiful, with bright brown eyes and pale skin, wearing a dark blue suit.
Her partner, with darker hair and purple eyes, was wiry and slim, with pale skin and a black suit.
"Well, you're both very successful business owners. What does the future look like for your company and your family?"
"We know that our original heir, Margaret, has gone through quite a stage."
"We no longer believe she's fit to run the company."
"Margaret became an alcoholic, didn't she? And got addicted to drugs?"
"Yes, though she's almost through rehab."
"Unfortunately, this leaves her in a state too fragile to maintain such a stressful position."
"Your next daughter, Elizabeth, will be taking up the position, won't she?"
"Unlike her older sister, Elizabeth is much more responsible."
"Her high IQ and multi-tasking abilities make her ideal for the position."
"And she's so humble. You took her to a gala, and she was the sweetest thing."
"Elizabeth can be a tad shy, by she's very capable."
"We have faith in her."
The words slowly died down as Lizzy stared blankly at the wall…
"Lizzy?"
The soft voice caught her attention, and lavender eyes turned to see Tentomon in the doorway.
"Oh, Tento…What are you doing up?"
"Just…How are you feeling?"
"…Come here…"
Climbing onto the bed, the bug Digimon sat in his partner's lap as she wrapped her arms around him.
"You see those people on the TV?"
"Yeah…"
"Those two sitting next to each other…Are my parents…"
Tentomon straightened, surprised at the connection.
The humans on the screen seemed outgoing, almost haughty, and strangely beautiful.
They were nothing like his Lizzy.
"How…?"
"They run a big business…Making new innovations…They expect me to take over instead of Margie…"
"What happened to Margie?"
"She's only twenty-two…She was so stressed from our parents' expectations…She couldn't take it…"
"Lizzy?"
She was trembling…
"She was outgoing and smart…Everybody loved her…And then she started to withdraw…She got addicted to drugs and alcohol…"
Tentomon turned to hug his partner, and Lizzy rested her forehead on his shoulder.
"I can't take it, Tento…She was stronger than I am…"
"That's not true. You're strong, Lizzy."
"Tento…"
"Who beat Liztech?"
"…I did…"
"Who beat Swindle?"
"…I did…"
"Don't you see, Lizzy? To me, you're the strongest, kindest person in the whole universe."
"…Oh, Tento…"
Holding him tightly, the blonde almost started to cry.
"It's alright, Lizzy…"
Truthfully, Tentomon wasn't so sure of that…
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Clicking through her laptop once she'd gone through all her favorite sites, Lizzy paused.
Tentomon was already fast asleep in her lap, and the light from the screen was the only illumination in the computer room.
Noises fell from the roof, signaling birds of some kind, and she relaxed.
With the way things had been playing out since they'd been sucked into the Digital World, any noise could signal danger…
Shrugging to loosen her shoulders, Lizzy found the new programs on her desktop.
'I guess I didn't notice before…'
Clicking them one by one, she tilted her head at the strange little skits that took over her screen.
A Frigimon, Monzaemon, and Numemon dancing with skirts on…
A Chuumon blowing up a balloon until it exploded…
"Um…?"
'Well, I guess I could use them to cheer up Jenny?'
Clicking the third icon, a map of New York City came up on the screen.
She immediately connected the landscape she remembered, and found a red dot on the pier.
'I wonder what this is…'
Clicking on it, the screen zoomed in on the pier, and a mini-Gennai jumped frantically in the corner.
"There's trouble! There's an unidentified Digimon and Spirit Evolution at the pier!"
Surprise froze her a moment, but then Lizzy jumped into action.
"T-Tento, wake up!"
Shooting up, the blonde almost ran out the door…
'Wait!'
Feet skidding, she panted at the sudden burst.
'The others are asleep…They need their rest. I think I can handle the Digimon and Spirit Evolution alone…'
Still, her insecurities had her grabbing a phone.
Don had given her his Shell Cell number when they'd been talking in the lair, and assured she could call anytime.
Putting in the number as she grabbed a pair of jeans and changed from her pajama pants, Lizzy waited for him to pick up…
"Hello?"
"H-Hi, Don…"
"Lizzy, what's wrong? You sound nervous…"
"There's an unidentified Digimon and Spirit Evolution at the pier…The others are asleep, and I think I can fight…But…"
"Don't worry, Lizzy. I'll pick you up in the Battle Shell in five minutes."
"Thanks, Donnie…"
"No problem."
With the call made, Lizzy turned to see Tentomon stuck on his shell.
"Help! I'm a Digimon and I can't get up!"
"Oh, Tento…"
Lifting him onto his feet, the blonde took his hand and started out of the room with her laptop under one arm.
"Come on…We need to get to the pier…"
Nodding, he followed her out onto the front driveway, and Lizzy leaned on the Hummer in the driveway to wait.
Tentomon was leaning on her shins, still a bit drowsy, and she hefted him up into her arms.
Headlights came down the street, and the Battle Shell slid to a silent halt on the curb.
Moving quickly to the other side to climb into the passenger seat, Lizzy smiled as Tentomon cuddled into her lap.
"Thanks again, Don…I wouldn't have asked if…"
"It's alright."
He smiled warmly before pulling the Battle Shell towards the pier.
"I'm happy to help."
Tentomon mumbled something about pepperoni ice cream, and both gave a short laugh.
"Is food all Digimon think about?"
"Usually…"
She smiled sweetly, rubbing her partner's shell, and Don paused a moment to really look at her.
Her eyes were so expressive he could almost see them shine and know, without a doubt, how much she cared about her partner.
It was even more obvious that her partner shared the same feeling, and was protective.
"You've got to wake up, Tento…"
"Five more minutes?"
"TENTO…"
He sat up, stretching slightly, and leaned against her chest.
"Are we there yet?"
"Almost." Don assured.
Something roared, and Tentomon perked immediately.
"I think we're already there!"
The Battle Shell screeched to a halt as buzzing filled the air, and they immediately jumped out to see their competition.
"It's Raremon and Buzzer!" Tentomon realized.
Pulling out her laptop, Lizzy pulled up their page.
"Raremon's attack is Breath of Decay, and he's a Champion level."
"I wonder what he's doing here." Don voiced.
A beeping reached their ears, and Lizzy closed her laptop so she could grab her Digivice.
"Another Digidestined is here? But…"
Violet eyes widened…
"It's the eighth child!"
"Raremon and Buzzer are after them!" Tentomon realized.
"What are we going to do?"
Lizzy put a hand over her charm as it began to glow…
"We'll figure it out…"
Tentomon stepped forward, already feeling a tingle of energy through their bond…
"Ferret!"
The bright light definitely caught the fly Spirit Evolution's attention…
"Elizabeth, Spirit Evolve into…TECHIE!"
"Tentomon, Digivolve to…KABUTERIMON!!"
Techie took her Digivice and put it in Don's hand, tail swaying anxiously.
"Th-The Digivice should lead you straight to the eighth child. W-We'll take care of Raremon and Buzzer."
"But Lizzy-."
"We'll be fine."
Kabuterimon's wings buzzed as he took to the air, and Techie raced after him as Buzzer tried to dive at the Digimon's back.
Kicking up a chunk of concrete, she used her tail like a bat to strike it up at the fly-eyed boy.
It struck him upside the head, and he turned on her with a vengeance.
"Electro Shocker!"
"Breath of Decay!"
Rolling out of range of his dive, Techie skidded to her feet, seeing Don disappear around some crates.
'I hope the Digivice keeps working…'
Buzzer crashed into her side, and flew away before she fell into some crates.
The splintered wood cut into her arms and legs, but Techie pulled herself out as the healing forced out the debris.
Suddenly feeling the enclosure of cold water trying to rush down her throat, the ferret-girl choked and nearly fell over.
'KABUTERIMON!'
He and Raremon were underneath the water, and she was floundering as Buzzer began to lift her into the air.
Struggling as he held her over the water, Techie panicked.
"KABUTERIMON!"
A flash of strength, and she punched the fly Spirit Evolution so he released her…
Kabuterimon burst from the water, catching her, and she climbed onto his helmet.
"Electro Shocker!"
Jumping up, Techie pulled her fist back…
Meanwhile…
Don rushed around a corner, trying to keep up with the blinking red dot.
To find the eighth child right now would tilt the odds in their favor, and they would be able to defeat Midnight and Myotismon.
From what Lizzy had told him, they were extremely powerful, and all eight of them might need to work together to defeat them…
The small dot was almost out of range, and the ninja turtle sped up the pace.
'I can't lose them now!'
Skidding, he almost ran full-tilt into someone.
Unfortunately, this someone turned out to be Jokester…
"Well, well…Who do we have here?"
"You must be one of those turtles the Shredder warned us about."
"If we get rid of you, our master will be pleased."
Don backed up, pulling out his Bo, and clutched the purple Digivice tightly in hand.
"Try it."
"Gladly…"
A pipe hit the ground between them, and all eyes moved up to see Techie, standing on her partner's head and looking none too happy.
This spooked Jokester and Demidevimon, so they skedaddled as Kabuterimon landed fully.
"Donnie, we've got to go." Techie insisted, jumping down.
"The police are coming."
"We can't take the Battle Shell. We'd go straight by them."
"Kabuterimon can take care of it." Techie assured.
Looking up at the massive six-winged bug Digimon, Don had no doubts he could…
Kabuterimon lifted the Battle Shell into his secondary arms, and they climbed onto his head before he took off.
Relaxing as the night air washed over her, Techie smiled and turned to Don.
"How'd everything work out for you?"
It seemed, with the strength of her evolution came confidence, and Don smiled in return.
"It seems I lost them, but so did those two."
"At least we know the eighth child is around here somewhere." Techie agreed.
"…I can't thank you enough for your help, Don. If you hadn't been here, I-."
"I'm glad to help."
Handing the Digivice back, their palms tingled where they touched…
"Never be afraid to ask."
"…Alright…"
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Sitting on the tallest balcony, Tonya watched the water as Koromon was sleeping on the bed in the room.
She'd heard Lizzy leave with Tentomon, seen the Battle Shell drive off, and was now waiting for her friend's return.
'Lizzy's fine…She can handle anything…If she gets in over her head, she'll call…'
"Tonya?"
Looking up, she spotted Leo and smiled.
"Well, what are you doing here so late?"
Seeming a bit embarrassed at being caught, the blue-masked turtle didn't make eye contact.
"I was just…Well…"
"You were coming to check up on us, weren't you?"
"Not really, no…Yes…"
Smiling wider, Tonya stood up and turned away from the very open balcony railing.
"Aw, that's sweet. You were WORRIED."
"You can't prove that." He challenged, already feeling a blush.
"Really?"
Stepping closer, she tilted her head curiously, slipping into his personal space…
"So you don't care about me?"
"No, I just…"
Damn!
What was it about her that made his brain freeze up like this?
The tilt of her head just made her hair shimmer silvery in the moonlight, and her eyes were like shining gold stars…
"Well, what is it that you feel about me, then?"
"I…"
How was he supposed to answer her when he didn't know himself?
So close they were almost touching, and her hand came up to touch the scar on his shell.
It tingled, and Leo relaxed a bit…
"I've been thinking a lot…About you…" Tonya admitted.
"…Me, too…"
"I think I…"
Pausing, Tonya leaned up to press a kiss to the old injury.
A shudder rushed down his shell, and Leo immediately pulled her against his plastron.
Lips met in a sudden rush, and Tonya immediately relaxed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Pulling back for air, their breath mingled as gazes stayed lock.
"…I guess that answers my question…" Tonya breathed, smiling slightly.
"Yeah…"
Nuzzling her neck, Leo breathed in her scent and held her close…
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midnight turned to the portal, taking a break from his search for the eighth child to check on his 'project'.
Pausing to see his toy kissing someone else, the table beneath his hands splintered.
Anger bubbled up in his veins, and it nearly blinded him.
'Who does he think he is?! She's MINE!!'
Myotismon looked up briefly to see some more pieces get destroyed, and decided to let his partner run out of steam.
'She's MY toy!! MY bitch!! MY slut!!'
No one stayed in the room long, seeing his rampage, until Myotismon stood up.
"Midnight."
Stopping before he ripped apart a support column, the dark Spirit Evolution turned to his partner sharply.
"I want to kill him!"
"And you will. After we've found the eighth child and defeated the Digidestined."
"…Right…" Midnight growled out.
'She's still mine. He can't change that.'