Frontier 02: Rebirthing – Chapter 17: Anticipation
madjack89: Wow, chapter 17 already! Man, this is gonna be a long story. There's so much more I gotta cover!
Takuya: You just get me more and more nervous every time you speak, Mad. Every time.
madjack89: I'm done picking on you for a while now, Taki.
Takuya: …I stand corrected. Yes!
madjack89: Yeah, instead of you, I'm gonna concentrate some energy on the twins, Zoe, and maybe a little bit of Shino. And you guys must know what that means!
Zoe: You're gonna mess with mine and Kouichi's relationship.
madjack89: Yuppers!
Kouichi: …And we're your favorite couple?
madjack89: Yuppers! Alright, time for reviews!
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Dawn of Glory: Actually, I find Itachi a bit scary myself (wouldn't want to run into him in a dark alley). Wow, it would be funny to bring Shino Aburame to the commentary! It would get very confusing, though. But it would be funny, so it wouldn't matter! Thanks for reviewing!
garnettfox: No problem! I can listen when I force myself to (I space out way too much). Anyway, the chapter was a little sappy, but I kind of like sappy things! Not too much sap, but just enough! Thank you for reviewing!
GoldenDragon326: Hurry up and try to guess who Witchmon likes now, because I'm about to hint at it in the chapter! Duskmon said "Ha! What now?!" because Kira always makes fun of his eyeballs, and Calmaramon has eyeball looking things on her, so he was getting a little payback! Palmon is indeed Kouji's little fortune teller buddy, but she won't be coming back for a little while. Alright, thanks for the review!
TobiGB: You're welcome! Man, you're gonna make me fat with all these sweets. I'll just give some to the gang (in moderation to Dai)! Kouichi is usually a pretty good sport, but with what Duskmon's about to do, that may change…anyway, thanks for reviewing!
DigiBleach: TobiGB did it to you, too? Oh well, Itachi's a cool cat! (lol) Hooray for Taki and Kira, and good luck with Duskmon, Kouichi! Thanks for reviewing!
Aldamonburst: Oh, I'm sorry, but with what I'm planning to do in this fanfiction, Sakkakumon just doesn't really fit anywhere. But someday I may write a side story with him in it, so don't worry! Wow, that sounds like a really awesome story idea! Hooray for torturing Kouji! (Kouji: Why is it always me?) Because you make it easy! Okay, thanks for reviewing!
fg1fg: I don't think Kira really wants to see Calmaramon in a picture 100 times, but it's the thought that counts! Alright, that makes the poll scores: 2 for KouichixZoe, and 1 for KoujixSeiko. KouichixZoe is quite popular! I really want to watch Full Metal Alchemist, especially since I've already seen a couple episodes and know it's awesome! Anyway, thanks for reviewing!
ladyaura: Heh, I'm glad you liked the chapter! To answer your questions, Hallucimon is my OC, Palmon is actually a Hallucimon in hiding, and I have no clue about the sexual orientations of some Digimon. Kouji says thanks for the weapons, and that they'll come in handy…whatever that means. Thanks for reviewing!
hazeleyedharmony: Oh, it's all good!
Crispin Freeman makes up for everything, man!
It was supposed to be solemn at some parts and funny at others, so it's all good!
Yeah, I like to think I put a little of myself in all my OCs (except Ilsemon, she scares even me!)
Ha ha, evil twins!
Yeah, Tommy gets a good chapter in from time to time (I need to concentrate on him some more).
Oh man, you're allergic to bees? That sucks.
Yes, they definitely took it better than the original gang (though that could be because of Kira).
Eh, Kouji is being a drama queen! (Kouji: …I really hate you, you know.)
Yes, Taki and Kira are cute, and fun to write for!
Yay for twin angst and couple drama! (I enjoy it too!) Thanks for reviewing!
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madjack89: Okay, time to start this thingy!
Kouji: I can already tell this is gonna suck.
Announcement: I did not create the Digimon Dragramon, who makes her first appearance in this chapter. She was created by garnettfox, who has given me permission to use Dragramon in my story. Thanks again, garnettfox!
—
"Oh my god, finally!" Takuya exclaimed, looking into the distance. The others quickly crowded around him to see what had made him so relieved. Just over the hill they had climbed, they saw a long, narrow stretch of land going straight across a large body of water with Trailmon tracks running down it. And, farther in the distance, they could just make out a blot of complete darkness on the horizon.
"I never thought I'd say this, but thank god we're almost at the Dark Continent!" JP said.
"Yeah, three weeks of walking our asses off finally gets us somewhere," Kira added. "That Worm guy couldn't have stuck around to give us just a little lift, could he?"
"Like I said, the Trailmon are being a bunch of babies," Witchmon said, glancing at the gang. "So, you guys still want to play it safe and walk across that land bridge, or shall we make full use of those Spirits of yours and get across lickity-split?"
"I vote Spirits!" JP declared, raising his hand.
"Lazy!" Takuya coughed loudly.
JP glared at Takuya. "Can you honestly say you want to walk across that?" he asked, pointing at the land bridge.
Takuya glanced at the bridge and sighed, defeated. "Let's use our Spirits."
"I call shotgun on BurningGreymon!" Dai exclaimed.
"I'm not a freaking car!" Takuya cried, annoyed.
While the rest of the gang bickered, Kouichi continued to stare at the horizon, expressionless. Zoe noticed this and began to get worried. I bet I can guess where his mind is at right now.
She took a step in Kouichi's direction, but stopped when she noticed that Kouji had also seen his brother's look and had taken a step toward Kouichi at the same time as her. Zoe and Kouji stared at each other for a moment. Then Zoe gestured toward Kouichi, indicating that they could both go and cheer him up. Surprisingly, Kouji shook his head, turned, and walked back toward the group without giving Kouichi a second glance.
Zoe thought that Kouji's behavior was odd, but decided to tackle one problem at a time and headed for Kouichi. At the last minute, though, she decided to be sneaky and crept up behind Kouichi, smiling mischievously. She stood behind him for a moment, then grabbed both his shoulders and said cheerily, "Hey Kouichi!"
Kouichi jumped, startled by Zoe's "sneak attack." He turned around, smiling half-heartedly. "Was that really necessary in order to get my attention?"
"No, I just thought it would be funny," Zoe replied, chuckling. Kouichi laughed a little, but it was very short-lived, because in the next second he began to get that far away look in his eye again. Zoe's smile instantly dissipated. "Kouichi, I know what the Dark Continent means for you. It holds a lot of memories you probably wish you didn't have."
"Nothing good can come from this place," Kouichi said quietly, eyes downcast.
"One good thing did come from this place," Zoe argued, grabbing Kouichi's hand gently. "You."
"I'm not from here, you met me here," Kouichi said, smirking slightly.
"Same thing," Zoe said, over-exaggerating a frown. This actually got Kouichi to laugh more, and Zoe joined in.
After several minutes, Kouichi smiled at Zoe, this time genuinely. "Thanks, Zoe. But…" Kouichi paused, looking troubled.
"What is it?" Zoe asked. "You can tell me."
Kouichi hesitated a moment longer, then finally replied, "I know that I'm gonna have to face Duskmon here."
Zoe's concerned expression deepened. "You're worried about Duskmon again?"
"Yes," Kouichi replied simply. "You should be, too. If he really wants to get to me, it's obvious who he's going to go after."
"There's as much chance of Duskmon targeting anyone else," Zoe said.
"But he'll go after you," Kouichi stated firmly. "He knows that I love you, and he'll use that."
Zoe got a slight flutter in her chest like she always did when Kouichi said he loved her. Then she said, "Kouichi, even if that's true, I can handle myself. I'm not some weakling you have to protect."
"Duskmon won't give you the chance to protect yourself," Kouichi retorted.
"Then I'll be extra careful," Zoe said, trying to rest Kouichi's fears.
Kouichi's facial expression suddenly changed. Instead of the mildly concerned look he'd had a moment ago, he looked terrified. Zoe's eyes softened when she saw just how scared Kouichi really was of Duskmon. "If something happens, I don't think I can beat him," Kouichi said softly.
Instead of saying something, Zoe wrapped her arms tightly around Kouichi, trying to give him reassurance. Kouichi returned the hug, embracing Zoe almost protectively. He still wasn't confident in his ability to defeat his past ghosts, but all that mattered at that moment was that he loved Zoe, and he would die defending her if he had to.
Meanwhile, Kouji stood a little ways away, silently watching Zoe and Kouichi's exchange. When they hugged, he had to lower his head quickly so that no one would see how jealous he must have looked.
—
After a short montage of the gang using their Spirits to get across the land bridge, everyone stood, back in human form, in front of the massive gates marking the Dark Continent. All they could do for a moment was stare at its threatening exterior.
"Well, this isn't intimidating," Kira said sarcastically, breaking the silence.
"Look at that," Dai said, pointing at the ground near the gate. "The darkness just starts right there, and the light just stops."
"Hence it being called the Dark Continent," JP muttered, glancing at Kouichi. "You gonna be okay, Chief?"
Kouichi nodded. "I'm fine."
"Okay, what the crap?" Kira said, confused. "Out of anyone, I'd think the freakin' Warrior of Darkness would be okay in the Dark Continent."
The original six, along with Bokomon and Witchmon (Neemon was not paying attention as usual), smiled fakely. "Actually Kira, JP was talking about how…Kouichi might trip in the forest! You know, because it's dark and branches could be lurking anywhere!" Takuya said quickly, coming up with something on the spot.
Kouichi glared at Takuya, but nodded along with everyone else, validating Takuya's lie. Kira stared at the others skeptically, but finally muttered, "I guess Chief is pretty clumsy."
"That's right!" Takuya said, beginning to enjoy himself. "Now, let's just go through the gate and follow Witchmon to this Resistance base!"
Everyone nodded, and soon the gang was headed into the darkness, with many more questions than answers.
—
~He's coming.~
"I know," Duskmon replied, getting up slowly. "Finally, I can end your sadness."
She giggled, a bit flattered by Duskmon's chivalry. ~You really are quite a loyal Digimon, despite what others say.~
"Thank you," Duskmon said sincerely, glancing at one of his blades. As he stared at it, it started to glow black until the sword looked as if it were made from nothing but dark energy. Then Duskmon thrust it at a tree, plunging it straight through the trunk.
As he held it there, the tree began to slowly whither, until there was nothing left but a scraggly, shriveled, blackened branch. Duskmon retracted his sword as the glowing ceased. "It seems we've perfected that technique to an art."
~Indeed,~ she agreed, nearly giddy with excitement. ~Oh, I just can't wait to see him again!~
"Don't forget, this isn't the same Warrior from all those decades ago," Duskmon cautioned. "This is just the child that holds his Spirits."
~That's enough for me,~ she said dreamily. ~After all, he acts just like him!~
"They all act like the Legendary Warriors did," Duskmon retorted. "Whether that's because they were chosen or was merely caused by a reflection of the Spirits' power on them at a young age is unknown to me."
~It matters little to me how it happened. I'm just relieved that it did happen!~ she said nonchalantly. ~When my little black kitty was killed, I was simply devastated. But now, he has returned, and this time, I won't give him the choice to leave me again.~
"That shouldn't be hard for you," Duskmon said darkly. "All you have to do is 'liberate' Kouichi."
~Yes,~ she muttered, getting more serious. ~I'll save him from that horrible Warrior of Light, once and for all.~
—
"Okay, that time there definitely were a pair of glowing eyes staring at me," Shino said, glancing warily into the forest to his right.
"Where?" Dai asked excitedly, quickly aiming his camera at the spot Shino was looking at.
Takuya sighed, turning to Witchmon. "Alright Witchmon, the paranoia's starting to set in, and I don't feel like giving another speech about not being afraid of the dark, so can you please just tell us where the hell we're going?"
"When did you give a speech like that?" Kira asked skeptically. "Actually, when did you give a speech in general?"
"Oh, he was big with the speeches two years ago," JP explained, chuckling. "Good times…"
Witchmon glared at Kira and JP, quickly shutting them up. She'd been getting moodier and moodier as they neared their destination. She turned back to Takuya and said, "We're actually almost there. I just don't want to waltz right up to the spot and set the entire Resistance defenses on us."
"What kind of defenses?" Hotaru asked.
Before Witchmon could reply, a thick mist suddenly descended onto the gang out of seemingly nowhere. "Hey, what the hell?!" Kira exclaimed, glancing back and forth. "I can't see anything!"
"I'm thinking that's the point," Kouji said, poised to defend himself. The others looked around nervously, waiting for something to happen.
After at least two minutes of nothing, Takuya said tentatively, "Guys? You okay?" No answer came. "Kira?" Nothing. "Okay guys, that's not—"
Takuya couldn't finish his sentence, because in the next second, he was lying on the ground, slipping out of consciousness. Before he was completely gone, he realized that this must have happened to the others already. Then he passed out.
And from the trees, Duskmon silently watched the scene in cover of darkness, eyes glowing.
—
"Urgh…" Takuya groaned, slowly opening his eyes. He expected to see a bleak, dark sky swirling above him. What he did see was dirt. A lot of dirt.
Takuya sat up, but quickly regretted it when a wave of pain shot through his temples. "Ow," he muttered, putting a hand to his forehead.
"You shouldn't have gotten up that fast." Takuya turned his head, seeing Hotaru sitting not far from him. He then noticed the rest of his friends scattered around the floor, still unconscious.
"Don't worry," Hotaru continued, noticing Takuya's concerned expression. "They're all okay. Unconscious, but okay. I think whoever ambushed us knocked us out by hitting us all in the back of the head, judging from the killer headache I have."
Takuya nodded, still feeling a little groggy. "Are you okay?"
"I've had worse," Hotaru replied, shrugging. "But I think we've got bigger problems than our comfort level. First of all, it looks like we're in some sort of underground cavern."
Takuya looked around and saw that Hotaru was correct. He and the others were all lying on the dirt floor of a large cavern which looked as if it had been dug out a long while ago. "Who brought us here?"
"I don't know. No one's come in since I woke up," Hotaru answered. "But we have another problem. Shino and Witchmon are gone."
"What?" Takuya exclaimed, ignoring the headache that accompanied this outburst. He looked back at the others and realized that Hotaru was right. Shino and Witchmon weren't among them, nor were they anywhere in the cavern.
"We have to find them now," Takuya said, beginning to get shakily to his feet.
"We can do that after the grogginess wears off," Hotaru said, gesturing for Takuya to sit back down. Takuya ignored him, making his way toward a dark cloth hanging on the wall, which he supposed was the way out.
Before he got there, though, a Digimon held up the cloth and stepped into the room. It looked like a small person made entirely of rock, with big arms and feet. The Digimon glanced around the cavern until its gaze rested on Takuya. "It's been awhile, hasn't it Takuya?"
"Gotsumon?" Takuya said, noticing the magnifying glass hanging around the Digimon's neck.
Gotsumon nodded, confirming that it was the same Gotsumon the gang had met on their first trip to the Digital World. "In the flesh, or rock, or whatever."
"You know him?" Hotaru asked Takuya, getting to his feet as well.
"Yeah," Takuya replied, turning back to Gotsumon. "Gotsumon, what's going on? Where are we?"
"We're at the Resistance encampment," Witchmon said, suddenly stepping through the cavern opening after Gotsumon. "But god, they didn't have to give us such a rude welcome."
"I'm sorry about that," Gotsumon muttered sheepishly. "We've all been a little jumpy lately. It's mostly been attack, ask questions later with everyone."
Witchmon smiled. "I don't blame you, Gotsumon."
Takuya and Hotaru gave Witchmon a quizzical look. "So anyway," Witchmon continued, quickly changing the subject, "I bet you're wondering why we're all underground."
"The Resistance is hidden underground," Hotaru said, making a guess.
Witchmon glared at Hotaru. "Okay, then I bet you're wondering where Shino is."
"That's why I came to get the rest of you," Gotsumon said, once again looking sheepish. "He's in a little bit of trouble."
—
After the rest of the gang came to, Gotsumon led them out of the cavern they were in, leading them down a long tunnel. The tunnel branched off into other tunnels as well as other caverns of all sizes, with all sorts of Digimon occupying them.
"Wow," Kira muttered in awe, looking around. "This is a pretty fancy set up, I gotta say."
"Though the tunnels could be a little bit wider!" JP commented from the very back of the single-file line everyone had formed.
"Gotsumon, can you just tell us what's going on already?" Kouji asked, beginning to get anxious. "What's wrong with Shino?"
"Nothing's wrong per say," Gotsumon replied, avoiding Kouji's stare. "Shino's not hurt or anything, but…"
Suddenly Gotsumon stopped, standing in front of another cloth covered cavern opening. The rest of the line halted. Then Gotsumon lifted the flap without a word, motioning for the others to enter. Everyone stepped into the cavern one at a time, each gasping when they saw what was awaiting them inside.
Shino was sitting against a wall, head lowered from, as far as the others could tell, exhaustion. His wrists and ankles were bound tightly with rope, and there was a gage stuck in his mouth. He also had a few cuts and bruises and looked a little dirty. To add to this, he was being guarded by two Gabumon.
"Shino?" Zoe said, tentatively trying to get his attention.
Shino's head shot up at the sound of her voice. He looked at each of his friends, his eyes filling with hope and, at the same time, confusion.
"Hey, what did I say about gagging him?" Gotsumon said angrily, glaring at the two Gabumon guarding Shino.
"He was using an obscene amount of profanity," one of the guards said, while the other crouched down and carefully removed Shino's gag.
"Damn right I cussed at you, you bastards," Shino growled, glaring at the Gabumon. Then he turned back to his friends and asked, "Guys, what's going on? I woke up here and these guys just randomly grabbed me and tied me up. I tried fighting them off, but my D-Tector's missing."
"Don't worry, Dragramon took your D-Tector for safe-keeping," Gotsumon said reassuringly to Shino.
"Dragramon?" everyone asked at once, never having heard of that type of Digimon before.
"Okay, how many supposedly extinct species of Digimon are there going to be on this adventure?" Bokomon exclaimed.
"Dragramon are extinct too?" JP asked.
"I'm not extinct!" Everyone turned to see another Digimon entering the cavern. It looked, basically, like a miniature dragon. It was purple with glittering silver claws and pretty blue eyes. It stood on its two hind legs, holding Shino's D-Tector gingerly in its front claws.
"Oh my," Bokomon muttered, stunned by the site of Dragramon.
"Yeah, I get that a lot," Dragramon said, smirking. "It happens when you're the last Dragramon left in existence, and a pretty one at that."
"Getting full of yourself, Dragra?" Witchmon suddenly spoke up from across the room, smiling at Dragramon.
Dragramon's eyes instantly lit up at the site of Witchmon. "Witchy, you're awake!" Dragramon dropped Shino's D-Tector onto the floor in her hast to get to Witchmon, nearly trampling it under her feet.
"Careful!" Shino cautioned, staring anxiously at his D-Tector.
Dragramon ignored him as she leaped at Witchmon, giving her a big hug that Witchmon returned. The others stared on at the scene, confused.
"Uh, Witchmon, would you like to introduce your friend to us?" Takuya asked, glancing curiously at the little purple dragon.
Dragramon let go of Witchmon, turning to face Takuya. "Well, I'm Dragramon, as you probably already know, but you can just call me Dragra if you like!"
"Does that mean we can start calling you Witchy?" JP muttered, smirking at Witchmon.
"That nickname is reserved for Dragramon, thank you very much," Witchmon said, glaring at JP.
"Yeah, because we're thick as thieves!" Dragramon added happily, grabbing Witchmon's arm and swinging it back and forth.
"I really hope they don't mean that literally," Kouichi whispered to Kouji, who nodded.
"Okay, so we've got the last Dragramon left in existence on our side?" Kira stated. "Sweet!"
"Guys, maybe we should be a little more focused on why our friend was bound and gagged for no apparent reason," Zoe said, gesturing at Shino.
Everyone quieted down and turned to Gotsumon, looking to him for the answer. Gotsumon sighed. "I really did try to stick up for him. Dragramon, too. But, fear is a powerful thing, if not completely stupid in this case, and this was the only way we could rest everyone's fears."
"Fear of what?" JP asked skeptically. "Shino's just…Shino."
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Shino asked, glaring at JP.
"I think what JP means is why would they be afraid of one of the Legendary Warriors?" Kouichi asked quickly, making up for JP.
"And if they're afraid of him, why aren't they afraid of us?" Kouji added.
"Because of this," Gotsumon said, walking toward Shino. The others watched as Gotsumon lifted Shino's sleeve, revealing the burn mark on Shino's right arm (I finally picked an arm for this). Instead of looking like a burn, though, it had taken on a more tattoo-like shape, and was now black.
"Okay," Kira said slowly. "I'll admit that thing is a little creepy, what with the changing shape and color and all that, but what does it have to do with everyone hating Shino?"
"It's because it's an evil symbol," Gotsumon replied, sighing again.
"You guys should have told me earlier what Wizardmon did to Shino," Witchmon said, stepping into the conversation. "Then I might have been able to fix it before it morphed into that mark."
"We thought it was just some weird burn," Takuya retorted. "We didn't know it was evil. I mean, it wasn't really doing any harm."
"What do you mean by evil?" Shino asked Gotsumon, beginning to get nervous. "What's gonna happen to me?"
"Nothing," Gotsumon replied firmly. "It's just a symbol that has represented bad luck in the past. Witchmon knows more about it than I do."
"It was a symbol created a long time ago by some big council of Wizardmon and Witchmon," Witchmon began to explain. "You see, our two species are from a kind of hidden part of the Digital World and, quite frankly, we're not usually the nicest Digimon out there."
"No kidding," JP muttered, thinking of Wizardmon.
"Anyway," Witchmon continued. "This council wanted to create a symbol that would strike fear into Digimon's hearts, or whatever. So, they made this, and Wizardmon and Witchmon started using it to mark where they'd done their evil deeds or something. I've never used it, but my brother likes to put that mark on places he's been every once in a while."
"So it's just a symbol that marks bad luck?" Tommy asked. "Why would everyone be afraid of Shino for that?"
"On inanimate objects it's just a symbol of bad luck. On a living being, it's a little more than that," Witchmon explained, glancing at an anxious-looking Shino.
"I can track Wizardmon with it," Shino said softly. "It glows when he's nearby."
"Well, that's good," Witchmon replied. "You see, that mark from Wizardmon gave you a kind of…bond with him."
Everyone stared at Witchmon in disbelief. "Wizardmon…and Shino…what?" JP asked, confused.
"It gives him a bond with Wizardmon," Witchmon said flatly, not liking the interruptions. "It's not like they're two halves of a whole now or anything, they just have a kind of connection."
"Wait, so Wizardmon can't sneak up on us?" Takuya said. "Isn't that a good thing?"
"It works both ways," Witchmon replied, dashing Takuya's excitement. "But, there is something else. Sometimes, with things like this, the Digimon that left the mark can…influence the victim's thoughts, a little."
At first, no one spoke. Then Zoe said softly, "So, Wizardmon could control Shino?"
"If he hasn't done it by now, I doubt he even can," Witchmon said quickly. "It would take a lot of stress on Shino's part for Wizardmon to be able to manipulate him, but from what I've seen of Shino, he's got his head on pretty straight, so it'll be fine!"
"But try telling that to an entire army of suspicious Digimon," Dragramon added huffily. "We tried to explain, but they just won't listen!"
"So, we had to meet them half-way and put Shino under surveillance, just to make sure he doesn't try anything," Gotsumon finished. "It's all pretty stupid, like I said earlier."
"Can we at least untie him?" Takuya asked hopefully.
Gotsumon shook his head. "Not unless someone who could take on a Legendary Warrior is willing to watch him."
The gang gave each other looks before replying in unison, "Like us?"
Gotsumon blinked, eyes wide. "Why didn't I think of that?!"
"Ha, we're getting around the rules!" Witchmon exclaimed, high-fiving Dragramon. Then she turned to the two Gabumon guards and said, "You heard the Legendary Warriors! Untie the boy!"
The Gabumon looked stunned for a moment, but quickly did as they were told and untied Shino. Shino got slowly to his feet, rubbing his wrists. He glanced at the two Gabumon. "I'm sorry I…punched and kicked you guys."
The Gabumon just nodded curtly before shuffling away, as if being near Shino had really scared them. In actuality, it probably had.
Shino's expression fell. Zoe was about to say something to him when a Tentomon flew into the cavern suddenly. "Gotsumon, I've got some bad…" It stopped midsentence when it noticed Shino. "Why isn't he tied up?" it asked warily.
Shino began to shrink under the Digimon's gaze, while the rest of the gang quickly gathered in front of him protectively.
"It's fine, Tentomon," Gotsumon said firmly, glaring at Tentomon. "And it probably wouldn't be a very good idea for you to say something like that in front of Shino's friends, would it?"
"Uh…" Tentomon glanced between Gotsumon and the gang. "Wait, that's not why I'm here! I have news for you!"
"Then let's hear it," Gotsumon replied coolly.
"Alright," Tentomon began, regaining his composure. "Since the Legendary Warriors have indeed returned, we believe it's time to carry out our plans to free Masumon from the Rose Morning Star."
"What?!" the original gang exclaimed.
"I thought we blew that up!" JP said.
"Ilsemon rebuilt it," Gotsumon answered, turning back to Tentomon. "You know we can't go through with that yet. It'll depend on secrecy, and without a way to sneak into the RMS (if you don't know what this abbreviation stands for, then wow), we'll be stopped before we even get close to Masumon."
Tentomon looked like he was going to reply, but knew Gotsumon was right and hung his head.
"Wait," Kouichi suddenly said, startling everyone. He turned to Gotsumon and asked, "Is the Rose Morning Star much different from what it was like before?"
Gotsumon blinked, a bit put off by Kouichi's sudden question. "Uh…not that I know of. As far as I know, all Ilsemon did was rebuild the thing to be exactly what it was like before, give or take a few more floors."
"Ilsemon isn't the most creative Digimon," Tentomon added, hoping to make up for earlier.
"In that case, I know a secret way in," Kouichi stated simply.
—
madjack89: Yay, Kouichi's being useful!
Kouichi: When have I not been useful?
madjack89: …Good point.
Shino: Madjack, why do you feel the constant need to torture me?
madjack89: I don't…actually, I do pick on you a lot, don't I? Ha, I didn't even notice!
Shino: …
Zoe: Anyway, let's get on with the "what's gonna happen in the next chapter" part of the commentary.
madjack89: Who would like to explain?
Everyone: …
madjack89: Kouji, thank you for volunteering!
Kouji: What?
madjack89: Just read what's on the cue card!
Kouji: Whatever…in the next chapter, more strain will be put on Kouichi and Zoe's relationship, as Kouichi goes on an intelligence-gathering operation to scout out the secret way into the Rose Morning Star, and both Kouichi and Zoe are worried for each other. There, happy?
Takuya: …You said that all in one breath.
Kouji: So?
Takuya: …I can hold my breath for a minute under water.
Kira: I can hold it for two minutes! Take that, Taki!
madjack89: I'd better end the commentary before a one-up war occurs. See ya in the next chapter!