Sorry for any confusion, I uploaded the wrong chapter first. Anyway, here's the next chapter so enjoy. Thank you to all those who have reviewed and voted on my poll.
'Fire Rockets.' We watched as the attack hit the spire dead on tearing it to the ground in an explosion.
'Way to go!' Davis cheered punching the air. I sat next to Ken on a rock as the Digimon worked knocking down the control spires. Kieremon and Stingmon were using the opportunity to get back in sync with each other and practising their new tag team moves.
'Double Star!' Shurimon said launching his stars at the spires with ease. Another fell down creating a small dust cloud.
'Awesome.' Yolei told her partner grinning.
'Digmon nice job!' Cody said after the drilling Digimon's attack.
'Star Shower!' Pegasusmon said launching his attack as he flew up in the air.
'That a boy!' TK cheered clenching his fist with a grin.
'Rosetta Stone!' Nefertimon launched her stones destroying another control spire.
'Say cheese, please.' Kari called snapping a photo expertly.
'Violent vines!' Kieremon yelled using her vines to pull the spire down towards Stingmon who hovered waiting.
'Spiking strike!' Stingmon said launching up at the spire and hitting it dead centre with his blade making it dissolve into data.
'Perfect team!' I said grinning at Ken happily.
'I can't believe it, we're actually making progress.' Ken noted looking at the large number of trashed spires littering the area with a smile.
'That's a hundred and forty seven so far today! I think we could all use a break!' Davis called to us. Best idea yet, I thought glancing at the Digimon.
'Let's eat.' Veemon said after de-digivolving.
'Yeah.' Davis agreed easily. I wasn't surprised that he'd worked up an appetite. I had too.
'Sakura, Ken, shall we go grab a bite to eat?' Cody asked coming over and smiling at us. We exchanged looks.
'Sure, what do you want?' I asked as Ken opened the bag of snacks Mira had given us for the day. She said that she would look after Cassidy while we were in the Digital World so we didn't have to worry there.
'I'm not particularly bothered. There's nothing I really dislike there.' Cody told us sitting on a rock nearby. Ken threw Cody a pack of crisps, which he caught easily. 'Nice throw.' Cody noted tearing open the packet easily.
'Not a bad catch either.' Ken told him grinning. I rolled my eyes as I swiped a bag of mini cookies from the collection being ever so casual about it. Ken shot me an amused look as I innocently munched them. 'Back to that are we?' Ken asked chucking. I stuck my tongue out at him continuing to enjoy my food.
'Huh?' Cody said questioningly looking between us. Ken smiled and turned to him.
'Sakura always used to swipe my snacks when we were growing up, and then give me hers. I never really got why.' He admitted shaking his head.
'It's fun, that and things taste better when there stolen or given.' I shrugged laughing.
'It's childish, and cute.' Ken scolded mockingly tapping my nose lightly. I grinned and moved so I was sat closer only for him to take a cookie out of my bag.
'Hey!' I protested shocked. He popped it into his mouth easily.
'Hm, your right, things do taste better stolen.' He said giving me a sideways look of laughter.
'I just realised, you guys haven't be alone since before the trial.' Cody spoke up suddenly. We exchanged surprised looks realising he was right.
'That's true, what of it?' Ken asked suspiciously. Cody grinned mischievously. This was either going to be really good or a new kind of terrible, I thought alarmed.
'How about we play a trick on the others, one that will leave you guys with sometime alone. You know if you actually say it they'll hassle you.' Cody pointed out reasonably. Ken looked at me thoughtfully before grinning.
'What's the plan?' He asked turning back to Cody. Cody gestured for us to move closer as he started to tell us the plan. By the time he was through the grins on our faces would have alarmed even Myotismon. This was going to be good.
'Yolei, have you seen Davis?' I asked coming up. I knew that TK and Kari had left already, which was just as well as they were far to sensible for this plan to work on. The purple haired girl turned to me surprised.
'Ah, I think he's still in his tree.' She told me pointing to the tree she was talking about.
'Can you get him? Something's come up.' I said making sure I sound appropriately concerned. She nodded and ran up to the tree.
'Davis, Sakura says something's wrong!' She yelled. I heard a crash and winced as Davis fell out the tree landing on his back. He shot up and ran over to me.
'What kind of problem?' He asked taking heavy breaths as Yolei rushed after him.
'Not fall out of a tree kind.' I pointed out laughing. He gave me a look but smiled relieved.
'You never know with you.' He retorted easily. I nodded allowing his point.
'It's Cody and Ken. They had a fight and now I can't get them to talk to each other.' I admitted frowning. Davis and Yolei exchanged surprised looks.
'Eh! A fight?' Davis repeated confused. I nodded pointing over to where Ken and Cody were sat facing away from each other, acting but the others didn't know that.
'Yeah, it wasn't about anything serious but now they're being stubborn about it.' I explained continuing the trick. Yolei frowned.
'Well, they can't go on with this much longer.' She said hopefully looking at us.
'I don't know, they can both hold a grudge.' Davis pointed out concerned.
'Well what can we do?' I asked pleadingly giving them the most pathetic, 'I need help' look I was capable off. They looked at each and frowned thinking.
'Actually, I have a plan.' Yolei admitted after a minute. I watched her whisper it to Davis wondering just what she'd come up with.
'It's worth a shot.' Davis noted before walking over to where Cody and Ken were. 'Hey, Ken, Cody, I need a hand!' He yelled to them.
'Huh?' Was their response, as they turned to face him while the rest of us waited behind the rock we'd been using as cover to watch them.
'See that Control Spire over there?' Davis asked pointing to the one behind them. They both continued to look at him curiously. I gave Yolei a look but she just grinned so I continued to watch their plan, which was actually part of our plan, continue. 'It's right behind you.' He added causing them to turn to look at it. 'It seems that Flamedramon wasn't strong enough to knock that one down.' Wow, Davis was forgoing his pride for his friends. Not that it was that much of a surprise; it was just weird to see it in action.
'Are you nuts? I could do that blindfolded!' Veemon yelled furiously moving to correct Davis. Yolei moved swiftly and grabbed the Digimon before he could ruin things.
'Quiet it's a plan to get Cody and Ken to work together.' Yolei told him quietly.
'Oh, never mind!' Veemon called trying to fix his blunder. Ken gave Davis a, 'what are you up to look' obviously knowing that Flamedramon could easily take down the spire. Cody had the same expression; it was kind of funny actually. They had a lot in common, more than most of the group.
'It's really kind of strange.' Davis said desperately reading their looks and trying to convince them that it wasn't some kind of plot.
'Yeah, go figure you know.' Veemon said coming out to back up his partner casually. They laughed sheepishly but it was clearly their 'oh this isn't going well' laugh. Despite the lack of realistic conviction behind Davis lie Cody and Ken got into position with their partners ready to take it down. That was a surprise bonus to the plan, one less control spire. Stingmon and Digmon charged to attack taking it down with ease to no ones surprise, they de-Digivolved and grinned at each other.
'Yay, we did it!' They said laughing and hugging each other just like old friends. They didn't need to act like they were fighting after all. Veemon and Hawkmon clapped not very impressed by the display, which was rather over kill for a mere control spire.
'Wormmon and Armadillomon seem to be getting along just fine.' Davis noted walking forward with Yolei to join Ken and Cody. I stayed back knowing I'd be unable to keep a straight face. I was having a hard time not cracking up now.
'Yeah now if only Cody and Ken would act the same way.' Yolei added as they neared them. They looked at the two silent boys with curious expressions. Then Davis got his irritated look on.
'Uh, that's enough! You two just worked together to destroy a control spire, why don't you shake hands and be friends?' Davis asked annoyed.
'Davis!' Cody shouted his voice harsh and clearly unimpressed.
'What?' Davis asked confused.
'I think Flamedramon could have destroyed that Control Spire.' Cody accused.
'I agree with Cody.' Ken added clearly not impressed either. Neither of them were the type to enjoy wasting their energy like that. Another bonus, Davis and Yolei got a lesson on power conservation. The new Digidestined hadn't had the same rationing problem the rest of us had faced so they didn't know just how important it was.
'Well now that you mention it…' Davis started obviously planning to come clean.
'Davis, please don't make us waste our energy like that again.' Cody warned him his fists clenched. For such a patient guy he had a short temper when it came to certain things like being wasteful.
'Cody you're so stubborn!' Yolei yelled moving closer. Yolei on the other hand wouldn't know restraint if it hit her wearing a tutu and Davis goggles.
'Yolei, stop you're not helping!' Davis said moving to grab her before she could hit something, or someone.
'It seems not every team member wants us around Wormmon, let's go.' Ken said sounding depressed. It made me want to run to him even though he was acting. Cody shot me a look clearly unhappy but I smiled reassuring him that Ken didn't mean what he said. Sure enough when we looked to Ken he winked at us, as Yolei and Davis were busy fighting.
'But wait, Ken.' Davis and Yolei said together as Wormmon went after him noticing his retreat.
'Wormmon! Where yah going?' Armadillomon added his calls urgently.
'Urh…you!' Yolei yelled furious. Cody turned and came up to me easily a frown on his face.
'I hated that, every moment. I don't like fighting.' He whispered. I put a hand on his shoulder comfortingly.
'Look at it as practise, sometimes you have to fight.' I suggested softly so the others didn't here.
'Cody!' Armadillomon added running up to his partner.
I looked over at Cody as he sat on top of the rock. I got the feeling he was really upset about fighting with Ken even if it was only pretend. I also thought he was thinking about what I said. '…And that's the whole story. He's been up there ever since.' Davis finished filling Kari and TK in as they had returned from their drink run only to find us one short and one brooding, with the wrong people filling in the spots.
'We're gone ten minutes and you cause a mutiny?' TK asked in disbelief looking at our leader surprised. Kari was looking at Cody with a concerned glance. She was probably thinking of how she'd hate to fight her brother.
'Both of them are so stubborn. Neither one of them is willing to talk to the other.' Yolei added her piece in with frustration.
'I feel sorry for Cody, I'm sure he feels terrible. I mean you know he looks up to Ken.' Kari noted sadly. They all sighed in unison looking down before taking long drinks. Then Davis looked over at Cody.
'You know what, I was thinking. Maybe I should talk to both of them about acting their own age?' Davis suggested. I didn't blame the others for chocking as they tried to hold back laughs. 'I think I can straighten them out.' The others took big gasps of air as they covered their laughter with chocking noises. 'All right, what exactly is so funny?' Davis demanded as the others failed to hide their laughter. Suddenly we all turned hearing the sound of an Engine roaring in the distance and getting closer quickly.
'Ah look, are you guys mad?' Davis hadn't noticed it as we saw a jeep move over and spin to a stop. 'You don't have to give me the silent treatment. I mean come on.' He said pleadingly.
'Davis, take a look behind you.' TK explained not removing his glare from the car. Davis turned and made a shocked sound. We watched as Arukenimon stood up in the jeep with Mummymon behind her.
'Shouldn't you boys and girls be home with your Mummies and Daddies?' Arukenimon asked mockingly.
'None of your business.' Davis yelled back shifting to glare at the pair.
'All right, what do you want?' TK added firmly.
'I thought you kids might enjoy playing with a little Digimon I put together.' Arukenimon explained in a pleasant tone that none of us brought.
'When will you learn? Every time you try to fight us you end up losing.' Yolei reminded her easily.
'Not this time.' Arukenimon said surely turning to face us more fully. 'Spirit Needle!' She said letting her hair fly. Cody stepped back alarmed as the ground began to rumble because she used so many control spires. I couldn't count them all but there had to be nearly a hundred. We all gasped as we watched the area continue to shake while Arukenimon and Mummymon ran for a safer spot. 'Have a good time. Play nice!' Arukenimon called back a parting shot as the control spires started to rise up and form a new Digimon.
'Davis!' Veemon said stepping forward.
'Right.' Davis agreed getting his Digivice out. Veemon Digivolved swiftly to Ex-Veemon. The rest of the Digimon Digivolved as well, though Kari and TK went armour for some reason, and we stood waiting for our enemy. 'Let's do it!' Davis said trying to motivate the team, not that it was needed. Him and Yolei led the charge the other Digimon with them.
'Now that's funny. They think they have a chance.' Arukenimon laughed as they continued to run away. 'This is fun, nothing quite relaxes me like scaring kids.'
'Come on guys, hurry!' Davis ordered as they ran towards the forming Digimon.
'I've got a bad feeling about this. TK and Kari are to far ahead.' Cody noted alarmed looking at the two airborne Digidestined with dismay.
'TK, what's that?' Kari asked frightened as a shadow started to form. TK didn't answer as he was knocked back along with Kari and had to hold on for dear life to his partner.
'Kari!' Davis yelled.
'TK!' Yolei added concerned. Both of them had hard landings that would leave bruises but otherwise they should be okay. I watched as the figure started to form into a Digimon and felt my eyes widen at the familiar shape.
'I know who that is.' Pegasusmon said weakly.
'It's, it's BlackWarGreymon.' Nefertimon added in just as bad shape. No way, Skullgreymon was bad but this…I gulped and turned to Lalamon.
'Warp Digivolve.' I said urgently. She nodded but frowned.
'I, I can't.' She admitted. I gasped my eyes wide. No, not now! I heard BlackWarGreymon give a terrifying yell as he awoke fully and I fell to my knees shaking to badly to stand. This was bad, oh whom was I kidding? This was so far past bad.
'BlackWarGreymon. It can't be' TK said faintly but loud enough for us to here him.
'It is, but I don't know how it's possible.' Kari said before also collapsing.
'What should we do Ankymon.' Ex-Veemon asked urgently.
'I say protecting the kids is high on the list.' Ankymon answered instantly.
'I agree whole heartedly.' Aquilamon added before they all started charging forward.
'Sakura, run, find Ken.' Lalamon told me. I nodded and stood up.
'I'm going for help, be careful.' I yelled to them.
'Go!' They cried back not turning to look as I took off at a swift pace. I could hear the sounds of the battle starting behind me but didn't bother to pay any attention to it as I raced into the forest leaping over logs and ducking under branches at a pace sure to trip most people up. Ken…damn it why did this have to happen now?
'Sakura?' Ken asked startled dropping down from the overhang outside a cave we knew. I fell forward panting grabbing a tree to steady myself. Ken ran over as Stingmon flew to land. They must have been destroying some control spires while they waited, I realised. Well hopefully they hadn't used too much energy.
'BlackWarGreymon…attacking others…need help.' I gasped as he grabbed me. Ken's eyes widened.
'Oh my…is Rosemon handling it?' He demanded as he helped me into Stingmon's arms and climbed on himself ready to fly over to the battle.
'Lalamon, can't Digivolve.' I admitted clutching the stitch in my side as I took deep breaths. The run had really taken it out of my weaker than average body but speed was of the essence here.
'She what?' Ken repeated alarmed. I just nodded closing my eyes and focusing more on my breathing, trying to stop the fire in my lungs. Ken pulled my head gently onto his lap as we flew at breakneck speed to the others. 'Sakura, you rest for now. You've earned it.' Ken told me softly reaching to stroke my hair soothingly. I nodded still conserving my breath and leaned into his touch. I let myself drift off knowing that Ken would wake me when we neared the battle, if just to keep me safe.
'It's Ken and Sakura!' Kari said as we flew over her head towards BlackWarGreymon. The others were doing there best but they were barely annoying the mega level Digimon.
'Let's keep fighting. I'm sure Stingmon will show up soon.' Ankymon encouraged tackling the mega.
'Right.' Ex-Veemon agreed, pushing himself back up out of shear willpower.
'BlackWarGreymon it's time! Finish them off once and for all.' Arukenimon ordered suddenly. My eyes widened and Ken tightened his grip protectively. It didn't look like BlackWarGreymon was listening though, which was odd.
'Arukenimon is your master. You must do what she tells you.' Mummymon told the mega bravely as it continued to toss the champions around like rag dolls.
'Davis, we're here.' I said waving as Ken and me dropped down to join them, me in Ken's hold as he landed neatly still holding me.
'All right!' Davis cheered as he came up to us with Cody and Yolei right behind him.
'Let's get to work.' Ken said nodding. There was the usual light show and in a few seconds Paildramon stood proudly ready to fight. As he charged towards BlackWarGreymon Ken laid me down on the grass and knelt next to me ready to pull me out of the way.
'BlackWarGreymon I've seen this mutant Digimon before. I want you to show him who's the most powerful Digimon in the entire Digital World.' Arukenimon instructed eagerly. BlackWarGreymon moved forward to attack as Paildramon readied himself.
'This is going to get ugly.' He said pulling out his swords. The two hit with a deafening thud and were knocked back.
'Wow, talk about meeting head to head. We're going to need an aspirin the size of a control spire after this fight.' Paildramon noted after gaining his bearings. 'Desperado Blaster!' Paildramon said charging the attack and firing at BlackWarGreymon. It hit dead on but BlackWarGreymon wasn't damaged at all, which was more than could be said for the ground around him.
'Uh-oh.' Paildramon said as BlackWarGreymon started to laugh. Ken guided my head against his chest so I couldn't watch, which was his intention I'm sure.
'Look, there's not even a scratch on him.' Yolei noted shocked.
'Impossible.' Ken said not believing it. He still held my head so I couldn't see but I just clutched his shirt grateful for the gesture.
'Paildramon was our only chance. Now what do we do?' Davis admitted sounding frightened.
'Guys, I don't think we should stay here.' I spoke up hesitantly. I wouldn't be able to run with them I knew that. I hadn't recovered and I would just slow them down. I felt their glances and then their shadows as they made a barrier between us.
'Let's get out of here!' Kari yelled panicked. I managed to sneak a glance and saw why. She recognised the movements that came before his ultimate attack.
'Oh no.' I muttered in dismay even as Ken pulled me up into a firmer hold moving to try and dodge. We were blown back as the explosion blasted the area getting scattered. Ken managed to keep hold of my hand but he was still pretty far away and barely holding it. I made a feeble effort to squeeze it as I lost consciousness, fading into the sweet darkness of oblivion.
Can the Digidestined stop BlackWarGreymon? What are Arukenimon's plans? Find out on the next The Possibility of Kindness.