"So this is the eighth child's crest…"
As Leatherhead studied the symbol, TJ looked up at her older comrade.
"He has the crest…"
"But they could be lying like my Uncle Marcus with the apple pie."
"The tag and crest are not fake." Zudomon rumbled.
"How can you tell?"
"It's a feeling." Patamon explained.
"A feeling? This isn't PARIS, you guys! The fate of the world is riding on this, and YOU WANT TO GO ON A FEELING?!"
"…Trickster?"
"Yeah?"
"They're awake."
Whipping around so fast she almost smacked Leatherhead with her hammer, Reliable Trickster grinned.
"Looks like you guys have been through the blender. Feeling better?"
"Who are you?" The winged boy questioned, trying to lever himself up.
"Trickster, Digidestined of Reliability, at your service."
"I'm TJ, and this is Leatherhead."
"Digidestined…"
The Digimon jerked up almost painfully, looking panicked.
"Gatomon! Kitty! Where are they?"
"Gatomon? Isn't she an evil Digimon?" The dolphin-girl wondered.
"She's Kitty's partner, and they need this crest." The Spirit Evolution explained.
"But…If Kitty needs this crest and Gatomon is her Digimon partner…"
All eyes widened…
"KITTY'S been the eighth child all along!?!"
Reliable Trickster did a face palm of epic proportions…
"You've got to be KIDDING me!!! We scoured the entire city, AND THE EIGHTH CHILD WAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR FACES!?!"
"Gatomon has been taken by Myotismon and Midnight."
"They need this crest."
TJ nodded.
"Kitty will be alright until we get there."
"How can you be so sure?"
Both Digidestined smiled knowingly, looking relaxed…
"Because Tonya would never let them touch Kitty."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jaw set and fingers clenched, Fang hardly felt Garurumon running beneath her.
She was positively livid, angry at herself for failing to keep Kitty out of Reaper and Phantomon's clutches…
"Darlin'…"
Registering the warm weight at her back, Fang's cheeks flushed for reasons other than anger.
"Don't beat yerself up o'er it."
"And who should I beat up for it?"
"Phantomon an' Reaper."
"…"
A slight smirk crossed her face…
"That DOES seem like a better idea."
Talon scanned the ground ahead of them, getting nervous.
'Where are you, Mikey?'
Once they'd escaped the community center, the orange-masked turtle had insisted he needed to go and get something.
Reluctant, Talon had only agreed on the condition that he should only take an hour.
It had already been more than fifty minutes…
'I'm getting irrational. I'm sure he's fine. He wouldn't do anything reckless.'
…
'What am I thinking?! Of course he would!!'
'Talon, calm yourself.'
Looking back at her partner, the eagle-girl felt calmed by the Digimon's warm aura.
'Yeah…I'm alright…'
Leo, Casey, and Lillymon's prone form were in the large bird Digimon's palm, since Fang was too edgy to let them ride Garurumon.
The blue-masked turtle stared out at the fog, as if looking for Kitty through the very walls.
'If they hurt her…Tonya will never forgive me…'
In some hidden part of his heart, he knew that wasn't true, that Tonya would still love him even if he messed up…
But…
The fear of losing her was squeezing his heart so tightly…
Talon looked at her Digivice, and a soft beep escaped it as a red light appeared on the screen.
"This way! Someone's nearby!"
Steering them towards the signal, she zoomed ahead a bit to see who it was.
Garudamon followed her with ease, and Garurumon hopped small buildings to keep up.
Spotting someone on the street in front of a tall building, Talon grinned, zooming down.
"Lizzy! Tentomon!"
The blonde looked up, a smile crossing her face.
"Talon!"
Landing before her friend, the eagle-girl shook out her wings as she nodded a greeting to Don.
"What are you guys doing here?"
"The fog's source is in this building. We need to destroy it to free the city."
As the others arrived, Fang swung off her partner's back and stepped forward.
"Any ideas?"
"We'll need to get through to find the actual generator."
"Bringing down the entire building would cause too much collateral." Don explained.
"We're gonna 'ave some trouble, then. That buildin's got some pretty tight security."
"Is anyone in there?" Leo wondered.
"We haven't gone in…" Lizzy admitted.
Violet eyes turned to Garudamon's open palm, and the young Digidestined turned to see the motionless form.
"…Who's this?"
"Lillymon. Lucky's partner."
Lizzy didn't need to ask, she already knew the answer…
'Lucky was caught…'
"Wherever Midnight and Myotismon are, they better hide." Fang noted, looking off to the east…
"What fer?"
"An explosion at the community center. Tonya isn't happy."
"What are we goin' ta do?" Casey questioned.
"Sit on our 'an's?"
"Not likely."
Talon grinned, spinning her blades leisurely.
"You haven't seen us in real action yet. We'll show you what we're all about."
"Any ideas?" Raph put in.
Before anyone could answer him, a shout echoed off the buildings.
"Hey, dudes! Look who I found!"
"Mikey?"
Turning, even Fang's eyes widened in surprise…
"Trickster?"
"Cool, huh?"
Reliable Trickster jumped to the ground, spinning her hammer before stabbing it into the ground and leaning on the handle.
"Brought someone for ya, puppy."
Before the wolf-girl could retort to that…
"Meggie!"
Blue eyes softened, relief and happiness making them shimmer.
"Tammy…"
The youngest teen hugged her sister tightly, Patamon flying at her back, and clung to the cloth.
"I was so worried about you! I heard about it on the news when Jenny called, and I just couldn't stay home! I'm sorry!"
"…It's alright."
Stroking her sibling's hair, Fang released a breath.
"I'm glad you're here."
Leatherhead stepped off of Zudomon's hand, carrying a weak Arrow and supporting a staggering Wizardmon.
Talon's wings bristled…
"Aren't they evil?"
"Give the guys a chance." The dolphin-girl advised.
Wizardmon walked up to Garudamon's palm, studying the ashen Digimon there…
"This is Melanie's partner…"
Arrow seemed surprised at that, sitting up despite the pain.
"What happened to her?"
"She was captured." Lizzy admitted.
Wizardmon made some symbols with his hands, and they glowed, the light spreading across Lillymon's skin.
Color returned, as did consciousness, and the fairy Digimon jumped as if a jolt had traveled through her heart.
Her bond was suddenly open, and a floodgate of emotions slammed into her soul.
Lillymon looked up, vision clearing…
"Wizardmon?"
"You know him?" Garurumon questioned.
"Yeah…His partner and Lucky like each other…"
Hovering over the ground now, Lillymon looked around curiously, starting to feel the ache in her chest.
"Where's Lucky?"
"…I'm sorry…We couldn't get her out of there…" Talon replied.
"But look!"
TJ grinned, stepping back.
"They have a tag and crest!"
"Crest?"
Wizardmon pulled it from his cloak, and Fang inspected it closely.
"It's a crest. Real, it seems."
"Kitty and Gatomon need this crest."
"Not to mention the Digivice and charm."
"But…"
Leo's brow furrowed.
"TONYA has Kitty's Digivice and charm…"
"So…What are we gonna do?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We're almost there, Agu." "How could so many people fit in there?"
"You'd be surprised…"
The twittering of bats reached her ears, and the redhead skidded to a halt in confusion.
Looking around, she tilted her head back as a window shattered.
Pulling Agumon behind a wall to shield them from falling glass, she pulled an arm up to protect her eyes.
Once the sound of breaking glass died down, Tonya gazed up to see Myotismon and Midnight flying out of an upper level.
Bats twittered and Demidevimon cackled as Gatomon was held firmly in their grasp.
Gold eyes narrowed at the sight, and Agumon's grip on her arm tightened.
'Where are they going?'
'We shouldn't wait to find out. Lucky is in there.'
'Right…'
Sighing, the gold-eyed teen stood up, pulling him towards the building's open doorway.
'But why do I feel like something has gone horribly wrong?'
Ignoring the feeling, her feet pounded through the tiled building, taking her around turns.
'Where are you, Lucky?'
Bakemon and Razor cut in front of them, and Tonya halted quickly, nearly baring her teeth.
"Wrong move…"
Her charm shone…
"Tiger!"
The light almost frightened the 'blockade' away, and Agumon smiled at the rush of energy…
"Tonya, Spirit Evolve into…TAWNY!"
"Agumon, Digivolve to…GREYMON!!"
Stomping the ground, Tawny knocked the Razor off-balance as Greymon breathed in…
"Nova Blast!"
As the Digimon disappeared into particles of nothingness, Tawny sent their partners after them.
"Now to find Lucky…"
"Tawny!"
Gold eyes blinked in surprise as a blur hugged her tightly, revealing itself to be Sincere Luck.
"Thank goodness! We need to hurry!"
"Hurry? Why?"
"Midnight and Myotismon just left! They've found the eighth child!"
Tawny almost felt her heart stop…
'They've got Kitty…'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Up there!"
Fang nearly growled, fists clenched, at the forms flying overhead…
"Midnight and Myotismon."
"They're with Demidevimon and Jokester…" TJ realized, gripping her sister's arm.
"And they have Gatomon." Wizardmon stated.
"But not for long…"
"We need to get in there." Loving Talon agreed, about to spread her wings.
The ground burst open, and Mikey screamed like a little girl as Snimon and Sting, and Tuskmon and Chuckles, rose from the shattered asphalt.
Reliable Trickster gave an almost manic grin, and Talon smiled to the turtles.
"We can take care of these guys. You should go ahead with Lizzy and TJ, and protect Kitty."
"But what about you, babe?"
"We'll catch up, baby."
Fang put a hand on Lizzy's shoulder.
"Take care of them."
"I will…"
As the blonde led the group into The Foot Headquarters, Fang's crest glowed…
"Garurumon, Digivolve to…WEREGARURUMON!!"
"Transformation of Friendship into…Friendly Fang!"
Raph felt the explosion of power right through his soul, and looked back a moment…
"Crushing Friendship!"
The building quaked, and he couldn't help feeling proud.
'That's my girl.'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kitty couldn't help feeling small, helpless, before Reaper and Phantomon.
They were intimidating, foreboding, their scythes almost touching and looking menacingly sharp.
Neither tried to make a move towards her or injure her, but her soul was quavering.
'Ton-Ton, where are you?'
Kitty was alone, with her heart still aching, and she was frightened.
All the preteen wanted was her sister…
Tonya would hold her, protect her, no matter what came through that door.
It opened, startling the brunette out of her thoughts, and blue eyes shot up to see who came in.
A man of metal, with a moving mountain, came in, and she almost curled in on herself.
"So this little girl is what your masters fear?"
Sharp claws touched her cheek, and Kitty shied away from the cold metal.
"Doesn't seem like much." His accomplice agreed.
The fluttering of bat's wings caught everyone's attention, and all eyes turned to see Midnight and Myotismon fly in.
"So this is the eighth child…"
Deep crimson eyes shone evilly in triumph, and Myotismon held Gatomon more tightly around the scruff of her neck.
"And to think we searched this entire city for a little girl."
"Perhaps we know her from somewhere…"
"She DOES seem familiar…"
Stepping forward, he took hold of her chin, making sure the girl could not get away.
"Something about her eyes…"
"Tell us, little girl. Why have you chosen to reveal yourself?"
Midnight smirked, showing sharp fangs.
"Don't you know what we're going to do to you?"
"I have a guess…" Kitty admitted, taking a step back.
She was completely surrounded…
'Ton-Ton, where are you? Gatomon and me need you…'
"Then why?"
…
"…You were hurting all those people…"
The soft-spoken words surprised even Gatomon, who soon felt a surge of light and boldness through their bond.
Kitty looked up, eyes like blue flames and fists clenched.
"Someone had to stop you from hurting innocent people!"
After a moment, Myotismon smirked in amusement.
"What a bold child."
"…Now I know why I recognized you."
Midnight stood up, looking triumphant.
"You remind me of Tonya."
That caught Kitty off-guard, and she couldn't hide the flash of recognition in her eyes.
"So you know her."
"I-I know all of the Digidestined…"
"But you know her better, don't you?"
He grabbed her arm roughly, and Kitty almost felt tears at how bruising the hold was.
"How?"
"I-I don't-!"
A harsh shake, and Gatomon hissed at the treatment.
"My sister! She's my sister!"
Tears threatened to flood past her lids…
"Please, just stop hurting Gatomon!"
A surprised silence that she wasn't begging for her own safety, and Gatomon clenched her fists.
Kitty could see through her mask and know the pain felt through their bond, the anger at being unable to defend her partner…
'She's trying to stop MY pain…'
"Selfless…Just like your sister. You two really are related."
Turning to his Digimon partner, Midnight picked up his sword.
"What do you think we should do about this unexpected development?"
"Kill the traitor, and use the girl's lifeless husk to lure out your pet project."
"Just what I was thinking…"
Panic filled Gatomon's system…
'I have to protect Kitty! If they destroy me, they'll destroy her soul!'
The thought of Kitty lifeless, lightless, was too much to bear…
"Not if I have anything to say about it!"
Twisting to scratch her captor's arm, the cat Digimon jumped into her partner's arms.
Catching her, Kitty stumbled back in surprise as the thick claws latched onto her clothes.
"I won't let you hurt her!"
"We'll see about that. Grizzly Wing-!"
"Ferret!"
The bright light startled anyone other than Midnight and Myotismon…
"Elizabeth, Spirit Evolve into…TECHIE!"
"Tentomon, Digivolve to…KABUTERIMON!!"
"Flower Cannon!"
"Electro Shocker!"
Myotismon held up a hand, stopping both attacks and causing them to disintegrate.
"Stop right there!" Leo demanded.
"Better just step away from the little dudette, dudes. You don't want any trouble."
"Unless ya wanna feel some pain…"
"We'd be 'appy ta 'elp ya wit' that!"
Techie stepped forward, gathering her wits.
"You don't want to fight all of us. You know you'll lose."
"I don't think so."
"It's getting a bit crowded in here…"
Kitty yelped in surprise as she was telekinetically lifted into the air, and Foot Ninja slipped out of the shadows.
"We'll just leave you to our hosts so we can find a quiet place to take over both worlds."
Techie clenched her fists, turning to the group.
"I can't let them get away with her. You guys can handle them?"
"Don't worry." Don assured.
"We can handle them."
Nodding, she gestured for TJ to follow her.
"Come on. You too, Lillymon."
As the small group raced after Midnight and Myotismon, Techie's crest began to shine…
"Kabuterimon, Digivolve to…MEGAKABUTERIMON!!"
"Transformation of Knowledge into…Knowledgeable Techie!"
Jumping to the open-air garden outside, she spun her naginata as smoke popped up over the grass.
Four ninja appeared, with bamboo hats and red scarves, holding four little children.
The blonde stopped in surprise, violet eyes wide…
"Josh! Danny!"
"Be careful, Digidestined. You wouldn't want them to get hurt."
"Let them go!"
Lillymon flew towards the ninja in an attempt to retrieve the twins along with Angie and Anthony, but couldn't catch up with any of them.
"MEGGIE!!!"
TJ yelped in fright as a ninja jumped towards her, though Raph barreled into him in midair.
The fight seemed to have moved outdoors as well, as Lizzy turned to see Weregarurumon come over the edge.
Friendly Fang was right on his heels, knuckledusters glinting in the light as she growled.
"Don't even think about it."
"You're in no position to stop us, now are you?"
A form darted into the air above them, and Loving Talon spread her wings.
"Are you sure?"
Reliable Trickster jumped up as well, swinging her hammer leisurely as a smile crossed her face.
"We might be a little too much for you this time."
"I doubt you can even touch us."
"We won't let you hurt them! MEGAKABUTERIMON!"
"Horn Buster!"
"Healing Knowledge!"
Midnight easily cut the attack in half with his blade, and Myotismon telekinetically moved Megakabuterimon to nearly strike Weregarurumon.
Friendly Fang winced at the glancing blow, grabbing her partner's hands and keeping him from falling off the edge.
Don smacked a Foot Ninja in the face, dodging their blows and trying to figure out how they could win.
'We're outnumbered and outgunned…'
Flying machines crackled in the air, their pronged fronts practically glowing with electricity.
Talon barely dropped down in height fast enough to avoid a jolt, spinning away.
"Let's see how you do against all of them first."
"Magical Game!"
Myotismon and Midnight were surprised by blows in the back, and Wizardmon and Arrow stood proudly behind them.
"You're still alive?"
"It will take more than the likes of you to destroy us."
"Kitty, catch!"
The crest flew into her open hand, and the brunette closed her fingers on reflex.
"Wizardmon! Arrow!"
Myotismon blasted Wizardmon in the chest, causing the Digimon to fly back…
"Whip of Decay!"
Both had fallen, weakened as they were already, and Kitty tightened her grip on Gatomon as she slipped the crest around her neck.
"Hand over that crest." Midnight ordered.
Defiance lit her eyes, and the brunette shook her head.
"No!"
"You defy me?!"
"Leave her alone! Crushing Friendship!"
Jumping away from the pair, Midnight avoided Friendly Fang's glowing fist.
"Must you get in my way? It's not as if she's YOUR sister."
"I promised Tonya I would protect her as if she was. I plan to keep that promise, even if it kills me."
"That can be arranged…"
Knowledgeable Techie saw the Foot Tech Ninja first, and her eyes widened at the electrified staff in his hands…
"Fang, WATCH OUT!"
The wolf-girl turned at the shouts, and was met with a scream of pain as electricity crackled across the younger girl's skin…
"Techie…"
"TECHIE!"
Violet eyes were glazed in agony and the mist of unconsciousness, and Fang caught the girl with one arm…
"We just…have to hold out…until Tonya makes it…"
The soft voice, barely a breath, fluttered against the older teen's shoulder…
"Techie…"
"Don't…give up…"
Unconsciousness gripped the blonde, and her blue-eyed companion supported her, eyes blank for a moment before rage lit them up like an eruption.
"You BASTURDS."
The poor Foot Tech isn't standing much longer, or at least…
Not on the same building…
Mikey was dodging and flipping away from Foot Ninja, knocking some away with well-aimed kicks.
He didn't notice the flying electric net coming his way…
Loving Talon did.
"MIKEY!"
Flying to get between him and the threat, she was caught up in the wire and rope.
Crying out at the pain, she almost convulsed as Mikey spun around in surprise.
"BABE!"
When she stopped moving, the net seemed to release, sending the eagle-girl tumbling into his arms.
Dark eyes fluttered open, and she smiled weakly.
"Glad you're…safe…"
"Babe…Why?"
"People do crazy things…when they're in love…"
A soft chuckle, sad…
"Have you been watching 'Hercules'?"
A breath, a laugh, before she slipped away…
"Babe!"
Reliable Trickster jumped into the man-made pond, mermaid's tail flashing as she splashed some surprised ninja.
Coming out like a torpedo, the dolphin-girl struck down five of her opponents before swinging her hammer at their buddies.
"Come on, guys! You can do better than that!"
A jab into her back, and before that sting could sink in, a wave of electricity struck her.
Screaming in pain, her throat felt raw as a roar surprised everyone in the vicinity.
Leatherhead, pupils narrowed and muscles bulging, charged through the obstacles between him and the girl.
She was his to protect, and he would not, COULD not, condone any harm done to her.
Tossing them away like rag dolls, he caught the teen and held her in the crook of his arm.
"Jenny…"
"Don't worry…I'm fine…" She slurred, eyes dazed and unfocused.
"Protect them…for me…"
TJ looked frantic, hugging Patamon close and looking towards Kitty.
"You need to run! Before they get you-!"
A cold metal arm locked around her throat, and she gasped for breath, releasing her partner.
"Let her go! Boom Bubble!"
Shredder did not release his hold, tightened it in fact, and even Patamon was beginning to feel the lack of oxygen…
"Boom Bubble! Boom Bubble. Boom Bubble…"
Fang's eyes narrowed, murderous intent evident, and she almost charged at him in her fury…
An electric spear jammed itself into her side, but the voltage only startled her.
Punching off the attacker, she snarled at the others that tried to approach her for the same purpose.
Three more found purchase in her flesh and sparked.
The electricity coursing through her veins was so powerful it showed on her skin like a lightshow.
Almost smoking, she swayed once they released, blue eyes glazed and pained…
"Darlin'!"
A low roar, and a sai imbedded itself in a Foot Ninja's flesh.
Facing her, the red-masked turtle caught the wolf-girl, concerned.
"Darlin'?"
"…Protect…Tammy…"
Her world went dark…
Hugging Gatomon tighter, Kitty felt a sob catch in her throat…
'Ton-Ton…They need you…'
"Now to get rid of you."
Gatomon tensed, ready to jump to her partner's defense, as Leo tried to reach them…
"NO!"
"KITTY!"
Closing her eyes, the girl's crest shone.
"TONYA!"
A wall blasted open, and a form rose from the debris, gold eyes flashing.
"Stay away from my sister."
Greymon stood at her back, mouth full of elementals, as her claws extended fully.
"Koneko-chan, you made it. All alone, I see."
A smirk crossed the tiger-girl's face…
"Who said I was alone?"
A blur raced past her, going by the four Foot Elite and relieving them of their 'cargo'.
It stopped to show Sincere luck, four little children in her arms, smiling hugely.
"Miss me?"
Lillymon smiled, wings fluttering happily.
"Lucky! You made it!"
"Wouldn't miss this for the world."
A roar echoed off the walls, and three unconscious Digidestined jumped to life in surprise.
"What the-?"
"HOLY-!"
"FROZEN CARAMEL MARSHMALLOWS!"
"…Nice of you to wake up." Tawny stated sarcastically.
"Shut up."
"I don't want to hear it…"
"It wasn't my fault! ALIENS helped them!"
"You don't know how right you are…" Leatherhead admitted.
Tawny reached into her jacket, pulling out a charm and Digivice…
"Kitty!"
The brunette perked, blue eyes locked on the objects in her sister's hands.
'Those are mine.'
Catching the items, she quickly put the charm around her neck and held the Digivice in her palm.
'This will help Gatomon…'
Something darted past her to take it, claws scratching her palm, and Kitty cried out as Gatomon hissed.
"Demidevimon, you flying rat!"
"You won't be so tough in a second, kitty-cat!"
"You're powerless without that Digivice."
"Jokester! Demidevimon!" Tawny snarled, running towards them…
"I don't think so. Shadow Scythe!"
"Slash of Death!"
Her crest shone…
"Greymon, Digivolve to…METALGREYMON!!"
"Transformation of Courage into…Courageous Tawny!"
THAT scared the crap out of the reaper twins…
"Stay AWAY from my family!"
"Giga Blaster!"
"Blazing Courage!"
Myotismon stopped both attacks, and the tiger-girl growled in annoyance.
"No need to get snappy, koneko-chan."
"Why don't you just kill yourself and spare me the trouble?"
"Where would the fun be in that?"
TJ struggled weakly against her oppressor's hold…
"Shredder."
Both looked up, the young girl happy to see the stony expression of her elder sister.
"Let her go. Unless you want to die."
The Shredder chuckled darkly, gauntlet poised at the young one's throat.
"And why should I believe that? You're no worse than a teething pup."
Blue eyes flashed, and Weregarurumon snarled deep in his chest as he knocked away Foot Ninja with ease.
"We'll see what a 'teething pup' can do, then."
Charging forward, fist pulled back, Friendly Fang snarled.
Blue energy encased her entire hand, and TJ managed to duck out of the way thanks to the Shredder's surprise, scooping up Patamon…
"Crushing Friendship!"
An explosion of force, and the dust cleared to show the wolf-girl's claws in his sparking chest.
"You touched Tammy."
Her eyes promised death, her voice firm and sharp-edged, to strike fear into his cold heart.
"I will kill you for doing that."
"You couldn't."
"Couldn't I?"
Metal screeched as it was ripped open, and Friendly Fang bared her teeth.
"Never touch my sister again, or I'll do much worse."
A shadow covered her back, and she whipped around to face Hun when a hockey stick crashed into his face.
Sufficiently surprised, the wolf-girl released her prey in order to find the person responsible…
"Casey?"
"Wasn't 'bout ta let Raph's girl get 'er 'ead smashed in."
Blushing deeply, Friendly Fang glared slightly.
"I am NOT."
"SURE…Next yer gonna say ya don't like 'im."
Before she could retort, it seemed an attack had been mounted against Midnight and Myotismon…
"Healing Knowledge!"
"Horn Buster!"
"Reliable Hammer!"
"Vulcan's Hammer!"
"Swirling Love!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Rumbling Sincerity!"
"Flower Cannon!"
All were stopped in midair…
"Whip of Decay!"
They shattered like glass, and Loving Talon clenched her fists.
"Darn it!"
"He's too strong…" Knowledgeable Techie admitted, locking eyes with Don.
"They're cheating! I call a time out!"
TJ caught her partner's gaze, and both nodded in unison as the two evil beings approached Kitty and Gatomon…
"Grizzly Wing-!"
"Husky!"
The light swept over everyone in a wave, surprising them into stillness…
"Tammy Jane, Spirit Evolve into…ACE!"
"Patamon, Digivolve to…ANGEMON!!"
Faced with Midnight's glare, Ace raised her shuriken in unison.
"Leave my friends ALONE!"
"Hand of Fate!"
"Eternal Hope!"
It seemed to stun the entire crowd, and Demidevimon nearly fell into Courageous Tawny's vengeful claws.
Even the Foot Ninja stopped trying to attack, allowing the turtles and Leatherhead to focus fully on Midnight and Myotismon's fall to their knees.
"Have you had enough?"
"…How foolish…To think you could beat us so easily…"
Ace's eyes widened…
"NO!"
"Grizzly Wing!"
"Whip of Decay!"
The attacks went straight for…
"KITTY!!!"
"GATOMON!!!"
Silence fell once they struck…
Tears welled up…
"WIZARDMON!!! ARROW!!!"
Sincere Luck was frozen in shock as Kitty and Gatomon rushed towards the pair, sobs caught in her chest.
"A-Arrow…"
Slower than she'd ever moved in this form, she approached the fallen boy and fell to her knees.
"A-Arrow…A-Arrow, you didn't have to…"
The tears fell, and she cradled his head in her lap.
"Lucky?"
Dark ocean eyes opened, painfully, locking with an anguished emerald pair.
"Is everyone…alright?"
Unable to speak, the rabbit-girl nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek…
"I'm glad…"
"Y-You didn't have to…I-I could have…"
"Which is…why I did…"
He touched her cheek, wiping away the sad liquid carefully.
"If it meant protecting you…or your friends…I would die…"
"Wh-Why?"
Voice cracking, she held his hand to her skin…
"Because I love you…"
Eyes dimming, he drew in a slow breath as she leaned down, lips hovering just over his…
"I love you too, Arrow…"
Kitty stood between the fallen pair, seeming conflicted as Gatomon kneeled at Wizardmon's side.
Her eyes shimmered with rainbows as her partner's grief came through their bond…
'Gatomon…I'm so sorry…'
"Are you alright, Gatomon?"
"You saved us…I'm sorry…"
"About what?"
"Sorry I got you involved in this…"
"Don't be sorry…We don't have any regrets…If I hadn't met you, our life would have had no meaning…"
He smiled…
"I'm glad that you and I were friends…"
"Best friends forever…"
"Thank you for everything, Gatomon…"
Kitty's heart tightened, anguish washing over her as the light left their eyes…
"Wizardmon!"
"ARROW!"
Sincere Luck's sobs hit the air, and tears fell from blue eyes…
"No…"
"I'm getting bored of this." Midnight drawled.
"It's time to finish it."
The pink charm shone bright as a star…
"LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!"
She didn't even have to say anything for the transformation to start, sending a surge of strength into her partner…
"Katharine, Spirit Evolve into…KAT'S EYE!"
Hitting the ground, she caught her balance easily, tail swaying to help her.
"Kitty…You evolved…" Her sister breathed, surprised.
It seemed that this was a bad sign for Midnight, who raised his sword.
"No more games."
Kat's Eye was still too inexperienced in her new form to fight, and no one was close enough to protect her…
Except Leo.
He couldn't just let her die, not when he'd promised Courageous Tawny to protect her sister…
She saw the conviction in his eyes a moment before he moved.
"NO!!!"
The blue-masked turtle was in-between her and Midnight, whose sword was not slowing down…
At this rate, it would pierce both of them…
Courageous Tawny couldn't take that.
Rushing forward, her heart pounded wildly as everything seemed to slow down around her.
Metalgreymon felt her fear, and turned around in surprise and desperation.
"TAWNY!!!"
The space between her and the rapidly-meeting groups was growing smaller at every moment…
She just needed to get there in that one crucial instant, that one second to save both of them…
Blood was spilled, flesh torn, and everything seemed…
Empty.
Gold eyes wide, Courageous Tawny barely registered the blade that had sunk into her heart.
Her crest burst with light, throwing a startled Midnight backwards and pulling his weapon from her chest.
Gasping as the pain hit her, the tiger-girl stumbled back, blades falling to the floor with a clatter…
"Tawny…"
Leo rushed forward to catch her, blood soaking his arms from the hole in her chest.
"Tawny!"
"Damn…Hurts worse than I thought…" She slurred, a small smile crossing her face.
"You didn't…You shouldn't have…"
"She's my sister…My responsibility…I couldn't let you…die for her…"
"Ton-Ton…"
Looking up at her sister's blue eyes, Courageous Tawny smiled slightly to comfort her pain…
"I'm alright…Don't cry…"
"B-But…"
Knowledgeable Techie ran towards them, looking panicked, as she crossed her hands over her friend's chest.
"Healing Knowledge!"
A soft white glow emanated from her palms, starting to heal the wound…
But Courageous Tawny's eyes were still dimming…
"H-Hold on, Tawny…PL-PLEASE…"
The gash was closing, and none of the Digidestined could breathe as she took hold of Leo's arm…
"Don't give up on me, Leo…He…He can't win…"
"You're not going to die. Don't YOU give up on me!"
"I-I can't…hold on…"
Deeper breathes, to draw in more air, but her mind was still fogging over…
"I…"
"Don't talk. Just…"
Leo was surprised when she pulled herself up with the last of her strength, kissing him with all the fire she had left.
The gash was gone, healed into a light lightning-scar between her breasts, but the life was leaving her eyes faster than any blood could flow…
"I'll always…love you…"
"…I love you, too…"
It was like a fire was extinguished, and every heart constricted at the sight of her motionless, crimson-covered form…
"Tawny…"
Loving Talon was stunned, as if she couldn't believe her friend could die, as Sincere Luck burst into tears.
Knowledgeable Techie was on her knees, silent tears working down her face, as Reliable Trickster leaned on her hammer, surprised.
Friendly Fang was silent, unable to feel anything besides grief, as Ace cried, hiding in her partner's arms.
Kat's Eye carefully touched her sister's forehead, Gatomon at her side…
"Ton-Ton…"
"Fool."
All eyes locked on Midnight and Myotismon, rage boiling in their eyes at the insult.
"I knew koneko-chan was reckless, but to think she'd get herself killed."
"I thought she'd have more sense."
"You BASTURDS!" Leo seethed, angrier than he'd ever been in his life.
"You KILLED her, and that's all you have to say?!"
"You wouldn't understand."
"Understand what? That you were stalking her?! That you've been trying to kill her sister?!"
"You little-!"
His sword came down, but it bounced off a nearly-invisible orange shield.
All attention went straight to the fallen Digidestined, and found her crest still shining brighter than ever.
"She's still in there…Her soul…" Knowledgeable Techie realized.
"Well, we can't have that. Reaper."
The cloaked Spirit Evolution went towards her, and Metalgreymon, fallen and seeming beaten, roared.
"Leave her alone!"
"Don't even think about it!" Phantomon warned, scythe raised threateningly.
Reaching the orange shield, Reaper raised her own scythe and slashed through it with some difficulty.
The girl's motionless chest seemed to jerk up, as if something inside had been thrown around, and Leo's eyes widened.
"Tonya?"
"Enough of this…"
Reaper's hand disappeared into the girl's chest, and it seemed to buck in response.
When she was pulling back, an orange light sparked from their point of contact…
It was like a ball of light was pulled from the tiger-girl's body, but it soon took the shape of her, in human form.
"Let me go!"
Her voice was like mist, inconstant and muffled, but it rang clear enough for everyone to jump towards her aid.
"Let her go!"
"I've had enough of her. It's time for her to join the other souls in the Underworld."
Tonya flailed, reaching for her partner, as the onlookers realized they could SEE their bond.
A pulsing orange cord connecting their chests, and Reaper raised her blade.
"You won't be needing this anymore."
"NO!"
Spirit shining, Tonya's pupils became dangerous slits…
"Leave us ALONE!"
The light became so bright no one could see them for a moment, but it shattered like glass as a massive glowing tiger pinned Reaper to the ground.
Roaring, its sharp canines were so close to piercing flesh despite it being a mere spirit.
Metalgreymon rose, chest opening…
"Giga Blaster!"
Her jaws closed around Reaper's throat at the same moment as the missiles made contact.
Both disappeared in shrieks of agony, and the tiger slowly morphed back into Tonya.
Falling to her knees, she seemed dazed and tired…
Then she started falling apart.
Literally.
Her form was disappearing like a wind was blowing her to pieces, and she panicked, gripping her bond with tremendous form.
"Tonya!"
Looking towards her friends and Leo, she seemed pained.
"Help…"
Crest glowing, Loving Talon stepped forward…
"Tonya…"
Every crest was shining, and they released a beam of light straight at her prone spirit.
Love, Friendship, Hope, Sincerity, Reliability, Knowledge…
Kat's Eye stepped forward, the lights swirling around both of them like fireflies as she took her sister's hand, feeling a bolt of cold.
"Ton-Ton…"
Tears fell, and her crest was hovering with its strength…
"I'm sorry…"
"There's nothing to be sorry for…"
The pink glow surrounded both of them, and Demidevimon cried out as the Digivice practically burned him.
Tossing it away, he fell onto his partner's shoulder as Gatomon caught it, jumping into the sphere…
Kat's Eye closed her eyes…
"I'll bring you back, Ton-Ton…I promise…"
It was like the bubble around them was ready to burst…
"Gatomon, Digivolve to…ANGEWOMON!!"
"Transformation of Light into…"
A column split it open, like cherry blossom petals, and it died down, shattering completely as pink-tinted wings broke it open…
"Pure Angel!"
Holding up her sister, who seemed to have returned to her body at the surge of power, she looked…
Sad.
The winged angel-girl was glowing, like Angewomon, and turned to give a soft-mouthed Metalgreymon his partner.
Facing Midnight and Myotismon, she pulled out her long-bladed katana, pointing it safely at the ground.
"Myotismon, Midnight, you've tried to destroy the Digidestined and attempted to take over Earth."
"In doing so, you have ruined the lives of Digimon and humans alike."
"How can you justify yourself?"
"We don't have to explain ourselves to someone like you."
"It's our destiny to take over both worlds, and no angel or Digimon has the power to stop us!"
"Don't you have any regrets for the things you have done?" Angemon replied.
"Don't you regret all of the people's you've killed?" Ace agreed.
"We have no need."
"We regret nothing. Nightmare Claw-!"
"Heaven's Charge!"
The ring sent rainbow energy through the air, paralyzing their enemies as Courageous Tawny opened her eyes…
"Are you alright?" Leo worried.
"I'm…fine. My strength is coming back…"
"Angewomon and Kitty are giving us power to fight." Friendly Fang realized.
"Then let's give them some back. So we can be rid of Midnight and Myotismon once and for all!" Loving Talon replied.
"Let's do it!" Reliable Trickster agreed.
Pure Angel held up her katana as everyone readied themselves…
"Healing Knowledge!"
"Horn Buster!"
"Rumbling Sincerity!"
"Flower Cannon!"
"Reliable Hammer!"
"Vulcan's Hammer!"
"Crushing Friendship!"
"Wolf Claw!"
"Swirling Love!"
"Wing Blade!"
"Blazing Courage!"
"Giga Blaster!"
"Eternal Hope!"
"Hand of Fate!"
As the attacks converged either in Angewomon's golden ring or on Pure Angel's blade, the turtles and Leatherhead were stunned into silence…
"Celestial Arrow!"
"Eternal Light!"
Blade glowing as Angewomon pulled the bow taut, the youngest Digidestined rushed forward.
Her blade pierced Midnight's chest at the same moment the arrow did the same to Myotismon…
They vanished in a burst of light, and everything fell silent, as if the world was holding its breath.
Looking towards the other Digidestined, Pure Angel smiled sweetly.
"How was I?"
"You were great, Kitty." Courageous Tawny assured, wrapping her in a hug.
"Hey, where'd Shredder go?" Mikey wondered, looking completely around.
The Shredder and Hun were gone, as were the Foot Ninja…
"Good riddance." Friendly Fang stated.
"I say we get the bubble-jelly OUT of here!"
No one disagreed, and the flying Digimon helped lift everyone to the streets below.
Once everyone had disembarked, the transformations reversed as they always did.
Mel, hugging Tanemon to her chest, sat down on an abandoned car, eyes unfocused.
Seeing the others embracing with their own loved ones made her heart ache…
"Mel?"
Looking down as TJ in mild surprise, the brunette tried to smile.
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry…Would a hug make you feel any better?"
"…Yeah…Thanks, TJ."
Embracing the young teen, she almost jumped as the others joined in. Tonya watched as her friends hugged, smiling softly before turning to Leo.
"Guess a hug won't make you feel any better, huh?"
"…"
Pulling the redhead into a passionate kiss, they didn't separate until the need for air became too great…
"I'm just glad you're alright…"
Smile growing, she wrapped her arms around his neck…
"At least you know I'll never try that again…"
"…You will…"
He smiled in return, nuzzling her cheek…
"You just won't get hurt next time…"
"Um…guys?"
All eyes turned to Kitty, who was holding Gatomon in her arms as she stared upwards.
"What's wrong?" Lizzy wondered, gripping Don's hand.
"The fog…It's not going away."
Stunned, everyone looked upwards…
"Oh MONKEY FRIES…"
"What are we supposed to do now?" Steph questioned, locking eyes with Mikey.
"We keep fighting." Meg replied, crossing her arms over her chest.
"This battle isn't over yet."