"It feels strange," Wade says, peering at the group of Smackdown digidestined surrounding him, their partners chattering and whispering. "Being back here after so long. Knowing what's going on beyond Earth's realization."
"It does," Xavier agrees quietly. "Do you think we'll be able to save Dolph after all of this time?"
"I hope so," Wade says. Neither of them are necessarily friendly with the man, but he is one of them, and that alone is enough for them to continue fighting to bring him back home. To the Digidestined. To earth. Out of the Dark Ocean's grasp. No matter how daunting it may be.
"Bit weird being the two oldest digidestined on the team, now, huh?" Xavier asks, glancing around. "With Shinsuke in Japan and all."
"Yeah," Wade sighs. "Something tells me the others will learn and grow stronger quickly- we may be throwing them into the fire sooner rather than later."
"Unfortunately," Xavier says, leaning his head back against the rocks he's sitting against and peering up at the crystal blue sky overhead. "It's amazing how evil parts of this world can be, and how beautiful too."
"Not much different than earth when you think about it," Wade observes, also looking up at the wispy, white clouds creeping overhead.
"Sad but true," Xavier sighs. He tilts his head back down and blinks at Wade. "How long did Luke say it would be?"
"He didn't," Wade says. "Just have to wait until he's done with whatever it is he's doing."
"Right," Xavier mumbles. They're still sitting there, listening to the others moving around, restless even as they talk about the world around them, when finally Luke appears before them, arms outstretched.
"Hello, my Smackdown digidestined," he greets them. "I hope you all are well. I have already discussed what's to be done with the Raw team, and now it's your turn." He examines the younger Digidestined and their baby partners, a soft look crossing his face. "I hope it won't seem too overwhelming. You'll learn quickly, I'm sure. Wade, Xavier and the others will help you as needed."
Butch, Shayna and the members of Imperium glance around, all holding onto their partners. "Alright," Butch says, his accent thick, shoulders held square and steady, as he turns to face Luke. "What are we to do then?"
