Arata, Nokia, Yuuko and Yuugo gasped. While not visible through his helmet Rapidmon Armor gave Takumi a knowing smile. "You do remember."

"No way…" Nokia murmured.

Keisuke looked at his shocked friends. "Um…who's Darcmon?"

"She's a kindhearted Digimon who raised others in the Digital World." Yuugo replied. "A guardian."

"When we got lost in the Digital World, Darcmon found us and took care of us until we found our way back." Yuuko explained. "How could I forget…It's all coming back to me now."

"Darc…mon?" the young Ami asked.

The woman stood up and looked at the six. "How peculiar…You do not appear to be Digimon. Would I be correct in assuming you're humans?"

"Y-yes." Yuuko muttered.

"Fascinating."

Nokia heard a groan and looked at the knocked out Digimon. "Agumon! Gabumon!" She ran over to them. "Are you okay?!"

Darcmon hurried over. "They're still breathing." She picked up Agumon and Gabumon. "Come. We should take them back to the village where its safe."

"Village?" Ami tilted her head.

"We live in a small village not far from here." Darcmon explained. "Follow me."

Darcmon led the children to a small village in a clearing within the jungle. The moment she approached a Dinohumon and a Grizzlymon guarding the entrance noticed her. "Darcmon! Thank goodness, you were gone for a while. We were beginning to get worried."

Grizzlymon noticed the Agumon and Gabumon. "You found them! Wait…" He then looked at the six children following Darcmon. "Who are they?"

"I found them playing with our lost ones in the jungle." Darcmon said.

Dinohumon started at them. "Darcmon…Those are not Digimon."

"They are not. They're humans."

"What?!" Grizzlymon's shout startled the six kids.

"So, humans do exist." Dinohumon said. "They weren't just a fairytale."

"W-what the heck does that mean?!" Arata asked. "Of course, we're real!"

"Darcmon, why would you think bringing foreign objects like humans to this village would be a good idea?!" Grizzlymon asked. Nokia yelped and hid behind Darcmon.

"Grizzlymon, they can hear you!" Darcmon scolded. "I know it's in your nature to worry, but they seem kindhearted souls. After all they seem to have made quick friends with Agumon and Gabumon. Besides, they're lost and young. We can't just leave them alone."

Dinohumon pondered before turning to his fellow guard. "Darcmon is right. What harm can a handful of children do?"

Grizzlymon sighed. "I am still not certain of this. But if you will it that strongly…" He and Dinohumon stepped aside.

Darcmon led the kids into the village gates. They uneasily looked at Grizzlymon's eyes as he stared at them. "Please don't think badly of Grizzlymon." Darcmon said. "He's just concerned about the safety of the Digimon here. Anyway…" They stepped into the village grounds. "Welcome to Harmony Village."

The kids looked around in wonder. Huts of many sizes were around them. And on top of that it was full of Digimon of many levels and forms. "Wow…so many Digimon!" Takumi gasped.

A Chicomon who was with other baby Digimon spotted them. "Hey, Darcmon's back! And she brought friends!" He bounced over with a few other baby Digimon.

A Puttimon hopped over. "Oh boy! They look fun!"

Takumi and his friends smiled as the smaller Digimon gathered around them first. "Hi!" Takumi smiled.

"Wow! Look at all the Digimon!" Ami gleamed.

Soon they became the center of attention for all the Digimon in the village. "Who did Darcmon bring in this time?" a Kiwimon asked.

"You got me." A Coronamon shrugged.

A Bokomon and Neamon walked up. "Wow. What funny looking Digimon." The Neamon said.

"Hold that thought." Bokomon took out a book. He looked at it, then the kids. He looked back at the book then back at the kids. He did this a couple more times before he gasped. "Wait a minute! I think those might be humans!"

"You think everything's a human." Neamon said before Bokomon whacked him in the back of the head with his book.

"That's right!" Ami chirped. "We're human!"

The Village Digimon gasped and broke into murmurs. More of them gathered around the children. "Is that true?" a Starmon asked.

"What's a human?" a Gamamon asked.

Darcmon cleared her throat. "Everyone, I'm sure you all have plenty to ask our guests, but first Agumon and Gabumon need some help. Is Lilamon, around?"

"She's in her infirmary." a Dondokomon "Gummymon and Tanemon hurt themselves playing."

"Thank you. This way little ones." Darcmon started walking towards the large structure in the back of the village. The kids followed her inside.

A Lilamon put her hands on a Gummymon's head, emitting a green light. A Tanemon sat next to him. "There you go fella. Good as new."

"Thanks!" Gummymon and Tanemon jumped down form the table and were about to leave when Darcmon and the humans came in.

Lilamon gasped as she saw the state Agumon, and Gabumon in. "Oh my gosh! What happened to them?!"

"They were attacked by a Ogremon." Darcmon replied. She put them on the table. "Can you heal them?"

"Yes, of course." Lilamon held her hands out to them. "Aura."

As Lilamon was healing the two Digimon, Takumi squatted down to look at the Gummymon. They stared at each other before Takumi gently poked the In-Training Digimon's face with his finger. Gummymon's ear then poked his cheek. The boy giggled before poking Gummymon again who laughed as he did the same to Takumi. Ami was looking at Tanemon who smiled. "Hello!" Ami giggled and petted her.

Lilamon looked at the twins and their friends. "Who are they Darcmon?"

"They're humans. I found them playing with Agumon and Gabumon. Ah, forgive me, I didn't think to ask any of you your names." Darcmon said sitting down on a stool crossing her legs.

"I'm Takumi." The boy chirped. "Takumi Aiba."

Ami picked up Tanemon. "And I'm Ami Aiba! His little sister!"

"Ami, we're twins."

"U-um, I'm Nokia Shimramine…"

"I'm Arata Sanada."

"I'm Yuugo Kamishiro. And this is my sister Yuuko."

Darcmon smiled. "I see. Fine names. If you don't mind me asking, what brings you to the Digital World?"

"Digital…World?" Yuuko asked.

"Did Agumon and Gabumon not explain? This is a world separate from where humans live. A place where Digimon live."

"A separate…world?" Takumi asked. "Really?"

"Wait, slow down." Arata said. "If this place is only for Digimon, what are *you* doing here?"

Darcmon pointed at herself. "Me? Like I said, this place is where we Digimon live."

"Wait you're a Digimon?!" Ami gasped. "But you look just like a human to me!"

Takumi squinted at his sister and Arata. "Come on you two, when have you ever seen a human with wings as strong as her?"

Darcmon laughed. "Ah. I suppose I do look like a human, don't I? As you've seen many Digimon come in many forms. Some of us resemble humans. Some may resemble other things in your world."

"Is that why that grumpy one looks like a bear?" Yuugo asked.

"Maybe that's why he's so grumpy." Arata suggested.

Lilamon smirked at Darcmon. "Grizzlymon?"

"Grizzlymon." Darcmon laughed.

"Figures."

"Anyway, thank you for saving us." Yuugo said.

"Don't worry about it. Human or Digimon I wasn't about to let a bunch of young ones get hurt." Darcmon smiled.

Agumon groaned as he started to stir. "Ow, ow, ow! Huh?" He looked up. "Where am I?"

"You're in the infirmary." Darcmon said. "Lilamon healed you."

Gabumon got up and gasped. "Nokia, are you okay?"

"Agumon! Gabumon!" Nokia hurried over to them. "Thank goodness!"

"It sounds like you were attacked while playing with these young humans." Lilamon explained. "You're lucky Darcmon showed up when she did."

"I thought I told you two not to wounder too far from the village." Darcmon said with a stern tone.

"Sorry…" the two Digimon muttered.

"Well…at least you two weren't completely alone." She turned to the children. Takumi was balancing Gummymon on his head. Tanemon was tickling Ami's neck with the leafs on her head bursting the girl into giggles.

"Pardon me." Bokomon came in with Neamon. "I was hoping I could get a chance to speak to your human companions."

"Ah, Bokomon." Darcmon said. "What timing. I was just about to ask them about their appearance here."

"Boko…mon?" Nokia asked. "Digimon have funny names!"

"I suppose that may seem odd for one from another world." Bokomon said.

"I think it's weird too." Neamon said. Bokomon pulled his waistband making Neamon yelp as it snapped back on him. The children laughed.

"In any case, you are the most curious ones." Darcmon admitted. "For humans to step into the Digital World unknowingly…it's unheard of."

"Are we really the first humans to ever come here?" Arata asked. "I mean we kinda just found this place by accident."

"Oh? How so?"

"Well, we were just playing at the EDEN demo event together. Then we saw this weird light and when Takumi and Ami reached for it, and then this weird hole appeared. So, we went through it thinking "hey, why not" and next thing we knew we were in that jungle."

Takumi lost his balance while on one foot and fell over onto his rear. Gummymon landed on his lap. Ami was also on the ground with Tanemon skittering on her sensitive sides. "I see…" Darcmon said. "Bokomon, any thoughts? Out of everyone in this village you have studied the most in the field of the theory of humans."

"Hmmm. From what I can assume, Takumi and Ami somehow managed to open Digital Gate to this word from ours. But that isn't something one can do from just anywhere. What sort of place is EDEN?"

"Daddy created it." Yuuko replied.

"Created"?" Lilamon asked.

"Dad's super smart!" Yuugo said. "He made a virtual reality where people can go to and hang out together!"

"Virtual…reality?" Darcmon asked. "Any idea what that means Bokomon?"

The Digimon folded his arms. "Well, "virtual" means something that isn't physically existing but made by computers to seem like it is. So, I'm assuming it's a form of reality made by computer to seem like it really exists."

"That pretty much sums it up." Yuuko replied. "We logged into it and our consciousness was sent to EDEN. Daddy made it so everyone can always be with each other no matter how far apart they are."

"So, wait, none of you are in your actual bodies right now?" Bokomon asked. "I see. So, this must be different from a Digital Dive."

"What's a Digital Dive?" Takumi asked as he stood up holding Gummymon.

"It's currently just a theory. But supposably it's a means of converting a physical body into data so it can travel to the Digital World."

"Wait…is that even possible?" Ami asked.

"No way!" Arata said. "Physical is…physical! It's not like you can turn something that physically exists into data!"

"As I said, it's only a theory." Bokomon said. "Despite my tireless research I have yet to uncover how it actually works. In any case if this EDEN is a digital existence like our world, then I suppose it would make sense if it did connect with it. In a way EDEN may be like a tunnel or a bridge connecting your human world with the Digital World. That's why you were able to open a Digital Gate."

"Speaking of which…" Darcmon stood up. "This "Digital Gate…Is it still there?"

"Huh? It should be." Nokia said. "I mean it was there when we left."

"Do you know your way back?"

"Of course, we do!" Nokia smiled proudly. She quietly whispered to her friends. "Uh guys, which way was it?"

The other five kids went quiet. "Um…"

"Oh dear." Darmon muttered. "Well, it's in Connect Jungle somewhere. But we'll need to know where if you are to return home."

"Aww…but we like it here." Ami muttered.

"Now, now. As much as we would enjoy having you here, you can't just stay here forever. After all, I'm sure there are people waiting for you."

"Humans have parents, don't they?" Bokomon asked. "They must be worried."

"But Ami and I…our mom is always away at work…" Takumi said. "And our dad is dead…"

Lilamon gasped. "Oh my…" Darcmon and Bokomon went solemnly silent.

"Ever since we came to EDEN we started having fun with other people." Ami said. She started to tear up. "I don't want to be alone again…"

Darcmon walked over to Takumi and Ami and put them in a gentle embrace. The two sobbed into their arms. "I'm sorry you two had to be put through that at a young age. But you shouldn't feel like you're alone. Not ever. Even if he isn't with you know, I'm sure your father will continue to watch over you."

Takumi wiped tears from his eyes. "Really…?"

"Really. And your mother surly has her reasons for being away so much. When you get back, ask her."

"Won't she get upset?" Ami whimpered.

"Why? If you two feel lonely when she's gone, I'm sure she'll understand. I'll bet she misses you both when she's away too." Darcmon stood up. "I'm going to ask our scouts to survey the jungle and try to find that gate. I think it would be best for the six of you to stay in the village until then."

Lilamon nodded. "Agreed. Can't have you kids getting attacked again, can we?"

"Yay!" Nokia cheered. "I'm gonna play with Agumon and Gabumon!"

Most of the kids ran outside. Takumi and Ami were still standing their holding their Digimon. Yuuko looked at Takumi. "Come on, don't be sad. We should have fun here while we still can!"

Gummymon used his ear to wipe a few more tears from Takumi's face. Tanemon did the same for Ami with the greenery on her head. When they saw the Digimon they were holding smile at them they cheered up a bit. "Okay." Takumi nodded and followed Yuuko outside.

"Come on! Let's see what the village has to offer!" Arata held Ami's hand and awkwardly dragged her out of the infirmary.

"Why don't we get something to eat?" Neamon asked.

"That sounds great!" Yuuko said. "I'm kinda hungry!"

"Wait, Digimon eat?" Arata asked.

"Of course, we eat! Come on! We'll drop by the Digimeat field!" Neamon darted off.

Takumi looked down. "How could it have taken us so long to remember? That's how Ami and I met Rapidmon and Rosemon…"

"I'll never forget our time together in Harmony Village." Rapidmon Armor said. "We spent over an hour just playing carefree with the other Digimon…"

The six children were laughing as they played with the smaller Digimon. Ami was tossing Tanemon up and down. Yuugo was watching a MetalKoromon spin circles around him until he finally caught it. Nokia was chasing Agumon and Gabumon around. Takumi was balancing Gummymon, a Gigimon and a Nyaromon on his head. A Calumon added a Poyomon to the pile before balancing on top. Yuuko, Neamon, a Veemon and Bokomon were tossing a ball to each other. Arata was holding a Kuramon watching it spew bubbles.

Yuuko backed up to catch the ball but accidently backed into Takumi. He and his Digimon totem pole came toppling down. Yuugo hurried over. "Are you two okay?!"

"I'm fine." Yuuko replied. Takumi was laughing too much to answer. Then the Gummymon in his arms started the glow. So did Tanemon and MetalKoromon. In a bright flash they transformed.

"Wow!" Takumi looked at the horned, long eared rabbit in his arms. "What just happened to them?!"

Ami was holding a green Digimon with a pink flower on her head. "They changed!"

Yuugo looked at the gear with a face he was holding. "Is this some kind of growth spurt?"

"They Digivolved!" Bokomon said.

"Digi…volved?" Yuuko tilted her head as the Gigimon bounced over to her.

"When Digimon Digivolve they take on new stronger forms." Agumon explained.

"So…they basically grow up?" Arata asked.

"Basically." Neamon replied.

"Outstanding." Bokomon said. "Normally Digimon don't Digivolve that fast. I wonder if you kids had some sort of effect on them."

"Huh? Us?" Takumi asked pointing to himself. "What did we do?"

"I'm not entirely sure but since you started playing with those three, they noticeably started acting different. But in a good way. Humans aren't normally supposed to be in this world, so you being here is the only noticeable change that could affect them."

"I just felt super duper happy playing with Takumi and suddenly I digivolved!" the now Terriermon said.

"Perhaps humans possess an ability to help Digimon grow." Bokomon said. "Goodness you humans can be a fascinating research topic! You coming here was a wonderful opportunity! And the Digimon in this village are growing to boot!"

"You kind of make it sound like we're being parents." Ami said awkwardly.

"What's having one of those parent things like?" Terriermon asked.

"Well…" Yuugo thought for a moment. "A parent looks after a kid and helps them grow up. They keep them safe and teach them new things until they can be an adult themselves."

"Oh. You man like Darcmon?" the now Palmon asked. "She looks after everyone in the village."

"Yeah!" the now Hagurumon said. "We all look up to her!"

"Darcmon does kinda seem like a mom!" Nokia giggled. "She's so kind and smart!"

"But she doesn't look old enough to be a mom." Arata said.

"Soooo, more like a big sister then?" Ami asked.

Yuuko smiled. "Yeah! Like that!"

"She does seem like one I guess." Yuugo said.

"A big sister you say?"

Everyone yelped and turned around to see Darcmon smiling at them with her hands behind her back leaning over Takumi and Yuuko. "D-Darcmon?! When did you get here?!" Yuuko asked.

Darcmon laughed. "Just now. Sorry for eavesdropping. I was drawn in by your conversation. And of course, little Gummymon, Tanemon and MetalKoromon Digivolving." She looked at the new Rookie Level Digimon. "Congratulations."

"Heh, heh…" Palmon giggled bashfully.

She then looked up. "A sister huh? Well, it fits I suppose. I always did think of this village's residents as family."

The Digimon happily gathered around her. "Darcmon!" Calumon smiled.

"You're the best big sister we could ask for!" Poyomon cheered.

"Thank you all." Darcmon smiled. "Now then, the reason I came here is to tell you that we found the Digital Gate. Our scouts are just ensuring our friends have a safe path there."

"I would very much like to study this gate if possible." Bokomon said.

Darcmon shook her head. "I wouldn't advice that. From what I heard it's still unstable. It should be safe to pass through, but we're concerned the moment someone does it may close and trap our young friends here. I'm ordering all Digimon to stay as far away from it as they can for now. Once the children go back you can examine it."

"Fair enough."

"Do we really got to go…?" Takumi asked. "We made so many friends here…"

"I admit, parting hurts." Darcmon said. "But even if you do think you're alone you never are. Though we may part ways, so long as we remember each other we'll share a connection. That is what I believe."

"Do you really think so?" Ami asked.

"I know so. In any case it will be a little while before we can send you off. I want to make sure no wild Digimon will try to attack you on the way there. Then I will escort you home."

"Hey Darcmon, maybe you can fly them there!" Terriermon said. "You know, like how you'd give us rides!"

Darcmon laughed. "I'm afraid it'd be a tall order for me to carry all of them at once. But before it's time to leave, I can give them a small trip to the sky."

"Really?!" Ami gleamed.

Darcmon smiled and wrapped one arm around her waistline and another around Takumi's. "Hold on tight." She spread her wings and took to the skies. Takumi and Ami laughed still holding onto Terriemron and Palmon as they flew up into the air. Evreyone watched Darcmon fly circles around the village.

"The view is amazing!" Takumi said.

"It sure is!" Ami added. Darcmon smiled as she continued to fly them around carrying the giggling twins.

After a few minutes Yuuko and Yuugo got a turn in the sky. Then Nokia and Arata. After that the scouts returned and it was time for them to leave. Darcmon and a Leomon escorted them back to the Digital Gate. Tarriermon, Palmon, Hagurumon, Agumon, Gabumon Gigimon and Kuramon joined them.

"Here we are." Leomon said. "Once we get back, we'll bring Bokomon here to study the gate. Perhaps someday he can figure out how we can open these at will."

The children looked at the Digimon sadly. Takumi took Terriermon off his head and put him on the ground. "I'll miss you guys."

"Me too!" Terriemron whimpered.

Darcmon patted him on the head. "I'm afraid all good times must come to an end. But new ones will surely begin."

"Can we come back here again someday?" Ami asked.

Darcmon smiled. "Of course. I would love nothing more than to see you again. I know Terriermon and the others would love that as well." Seeing the saddened expressions in them she went over and gave them a hug. "Don't cry. Let me see you off smiling."

Takumi whipped his eyes and smiled. "Thank you Darcmon!"

Darcmon looked at each of them to confirm they weren't frowning. "That's more like it."

Takumi put the ends of Terriemron's ears in his hands. "Goodbye Terriermon."

"See you later Takumi!"

Ami held hands with Palmon. "I hope we can play again soon."

"Me too! I'm looking forward to it!"

Nokia hugged Agumon and Gabumon. "Goodbye guys! I had so much fun thanks to you!"

"Yeah! Let's do it again someday!" Agumon smiled.

"We'll defiantly meet again!" Gabumon nodded.

The small Digimon went to Darcmon's side. "Be safe little ones. If you find yourselves lost in our world again, know you're always welcome to Harmony Village. You are our first human friends." With that Darcmon and her friends took their leave.

The six children watched the Digimon leave before they looked at the Digital Gate. "Are we really going home already?" Yuuko asked.

"If we don't soon, the adults will get worried." Arata replied.

"Whee! That was fun!" Nokia giggled. "We got to make new friends, too! We definitely gotta to come back here! All of us!"

"And that's when…" Takumi sighed. "Well…you know."

Keisuke nodded. "Yeah. Still, that aside, you made some great friends over there in the Digital World." He smiled. "Honestly, I envy you guys."

"Thanks Keisuke." Takumi smiled. "So…is Darcmon doing alright? What about the others in Harmony Village?"

Omegamon looked down. "Harmony Village…Leopardmon figured out that you guys were welcomed in. Once he established his Next Order, he called the villagers "traitors" and launched an attack."

Everyone gasped. "No…!" Yuuko gasped. "Does that mean…!?"

"Don't worry." Samudramon said. "We saw it coming when we heard Leopardmon overthrew King Drasil. By the time his forces arrived we evacuated the entire village."

They all sighed in relief. "Oh, thank god." Arata muttered.

"The hideout is underground in Connect Jungle. Not far beyond the village." Omegamon said. "It shouldn't take long for us to get there."

"Then let's head there first." Yuuko said. "Once we meet up with Darcmon we'll think of how to find Ami."

"I guess that's all we can do for now." Yuugo replied.

"Wow. We're actually going to meet Darcmon again!" Nokia cheered. "I wonder if she'll recognize us now that we're all grown up!"

Arata grinned. "I wouldn't put it past her. She always was pretty sharp."

Takumi nodded. "Alright…unless anyone has something else to add I think we can wrap this up."

Nokia looked at everyone. "Sounds like we're good." She held her hand forward. "Alright, we're going to the Digital World!"

Takumi put his hand on hers. "We're going to save Ami."

"We're going to give the Next Order hell." Arata grinned adding his hand.

"We'll stop them from conquering the Digital World." Yuuko said adding her hand.

"We'll help all of those Digimon suffering because of them." Yuugo added putting his hand in.

Keisuke smiled and added his hand. "We're going to find Erika."

They all looked at each other and raised their hands. "YEAH!"

"Alright gang, meeting adjourned!" Nokia grinned. "We meet up next week at the Roppongi Underground Center…uh…when did Satoru say again?"

"1 PM." Yuugo replied. "We're all going together, so don't be late."

"Very good. We'll meet then." Omegamon said before all the monitors displaying Digimon closed.

"We should spend some time with our friends and families." Arata said. "We won't be seeing them for a while."

Takumi looked down. "Yeah…Oh hey, I just remembered I was working on a new blend of coffee before you guys showed up! Why don't I-

"New blend?" Keisuke asked.

Arata, Nokia, Yuuko and Yuugo shuddered. "Oh, that's…um…" Yuuko's mind was racing.

"Uh, thanks but uh…it's kind of getting late." Yuugo said. "Father's going to worry if we're gone too long."

"Oh. Okay. Well, next time maybe." Takumi said.

"Right. Maybe." Yuuko stood up. "Thanks again for the stew Takumi."

"No problem."

Keisuke looked at the others. "What's up with you guys, you look like you've seen ghosts."

Arata nudged Keisuke and whispered. "General rule in this group, if a Aiba or Kyoko offers you coffee and you value your life you get the hell out FAST."

"What?"

"See you guys in about a week." Yuugo said before leaving with his sister.

As the Kamishiro twins exited, Arata put a hand on Takumi's shoulder. "Don't go getting all mopey on us again, okay? We need you at your sharpest next week."

"I know."

"Good!" Nokia grinned. "I better not catch you sulking!"

As she and Arata left Keisuke smiled at Takumi. "…You really are incredible you know that? You're definitely the true hero of the story of what we went through."

Takumi tilted his head. "Huh?"

"Nothing. Anyway, I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow."

"See you." Takumi waved his last friend off before turning to the window. "I'll be there soon Ami. I'll find you. No matter what happens."

And there's my take for young Takumi and his friends playing in the Digital World. Hope you liked it. Pardon the obvious Frontiers References. I just thought Darcmon would be a good choice for a motherly figure in the Digital World. Now I can hear you all screaming "For the love of god just get to the part where they return to the Digital World already!" Don't worry, that anticipated return is coming… NOT next chapter but the chapter AFTER it. What else could there be to write before out heroes take off? Find out next week!