After roughly twenty minutes of walking Takumi, Keisuke, Arata, Nokia, Yuuko, and Yuugo came across a rock formation with a cave entrance. They currently hid in the nearby trees as they looked at it and the three MetalMamemon guarding the entrance. "Is that it?" Arata asked.
"It is." HiAndromon nodded. "Shade Cavern. The Flourish Digimeat should be inside."
"If we can just bring one back to the Rebel's Heart their food supply will stabilize." Arata said. "That being said, it wouldn't hurt to get more just in case. It sounds like Hudie's Dream needs some too, and the other teams would definitely benefit from it."
"There is just one problem." Omegamon said. "Once Flourish Digimeat is plucked it spoils in a couple of days if not planted."
"I see." Takumi nodded. "So even if we get more it might just go to waste…"
"Maybe not." Yuuko replied.
"You got some sort of plan Yuuko?" Keisuke asked.
"Sort of. Before we departed to the Digital World. I asked Samudramon to put all known details of food in this world into my Digivice."
"Heh. You would." Nokia whispered to herself.
"I figured we might need to gather food for survival, so I came up with a way to put it in stasis, so it doesn't spoil while storing it into our Digivices. Think of it like putting food in a freezer."
"Clever." Takumi smiled. "Okay, let's get to it then. Darcmon and the others are counting on us."
"First we need to get past those guards." Rapidmon Armor replied.
"There's only three of them, we can totally take them!" Nokia replied.
Arata sighed. "Yes, yes, charge in screaming without thinking, always your answer to everything. Make too much of a ruckus, and it'll alert any members of the New Order inside."
"Arata's right." Samudramon replied. "You heard Leomon, the Next Order knows how important this meat is and has the entire place under lockdown. No way those three are the only ones guarding it."
"So, what do we do?" PileVolcamon asked.
Arata rubbed his chin. He noticed a rock against the left side of the entrance. "I think I got an idea. Dioboramon, come with me. The rest of you stay put."
"What are you up to?" Takumi asked.
"Watch and learn." Arata continued through the trees with his Digimon close by. They circled around to the side of the cavern before Arata activated the Stealth Hide and vanished.
In front of the cave, the three MetalMamemon kept an eye out. They then heard a sound from the side of the cave and turned. "Is someone there?"
The center Digimon looked at the one on the right side. "You, go take a look."
"Roger." The MetalMamemon slowly went around and towards the rock. He eyed it before starting to move towards the side of it. He held his arm cannon ready then rushed behind the rock pointing it forward. But nobody was there. "What the…"
A couple minutes later, the other two MetalMamemon still at their posts were getting suspicious. "That's taking him so long?"
"Hey! Is everything alright back there?!" the other one called. No response. "What's going on?"
"Come on." They both went to the side of the cave. They soon spotted the giant rock. "Back there." The two of them circled around the rock with their weapons ready. But they saw no enemy. Just their comrade passed out on the ground. "What?!" They both looked around franticly for an attacker. But only found silence. "What the hell is going on?!"
Suddenly something invisible smacked one of them into the wall. "Huh?" The other started panicking. "Where are you?!"
"Right here." Diaboromon's voice made him jump before he got smashed between his two large hands and collapsed to the ground. Arata turned off the Stealth Hide and he and Diaboromon reappeared. They walked back to the front of the cave and waved their friends over.
"Great work!" Yuugo smiled.
"Alright, we should be clear." Arata looked into the cave. "We don't know what's in here."
"Then we take it slow." Yuuko suggested. "If we hear or see someone approaching, we'll vanish with the Stealth Hide until they leave."
"Good thinking." Takumi replied. "Rapidmon, your ears act as radar, right?"
"That's right. Works even in the dark. Let me take point. I'll tell you guys when something's coming."
"Okay, let's get in there and get some meat." Nokia said. Everyone went inside.
The inside of the cave was darker then expected. Even with torches on the walls. Nevertheless, the humans and their Digimon pressed on. As they expected, they did see multiple Commandramon patrolling the area, but they successfully hid from them as planned. The had gotten pretty deep in by now… Rapidmon Armor stopped them. "Hold up. Another scout coming." Everyone turned invisible and backed against the wall. A lone Commandramon walked past them. As it did, they all kept as still and silent as possible. Rapidmon Armor waited a bit before speaking. "Okey, we're clear."
Everyone turned off the Stealth Hide and let out a breath they held in. "How much further do we need to go?" Yuugo asked.
"The Flourish Digimeat should be at the bottom of this cave." Omegamon said. "We're roughly halfway."
"Halfway?!" Nokia sighed. "Man, this is super stressful…" Nokia groaned. "How are you guys so calm during this? I know we need to do this but…I feel like I'm breaking into a place I really shouldn't be, and the moment someone spots us…"
"Well, I'm used to doing things like this in my line of work." Takumi said.
"Same here." Keisuke added.
"I'm a hacker, you kinda get used to the feeling." Arata said.
Yuuko nodded. "It's true. We're used to doing things that go against rules and laws. It's just part of the turf."
Rapidmon Armor gasped. "Someone's coming! Hide!"
"Again? Already?" Keisuke asked. The six humans scrambled to activate the Stealth Hide.
A Digimon turned the corner. Half white, half red with talon like feet, Gatomon like ears, arms with white feathers, and a visor over the eyes. "Oh, great." Rapidmon Armor muttered as they came into view. "Silphymon."
"This is bad." TyrantKabuterimon growled. "That guy also has a radar."
Keisuke gulped. "Uh oh."
The Silphymon looked their way causing them all to tense up. Through its visor it saw the invisible humans and Digimon. "Intruders!" He jumped back and gathered pink light in his hands and spun before combining them. "Top Gun!" He fired a red laser.
"Look out!" Takumi yelled before everyone scattered. The attack blasted the wall they stood against.
"What's going on?!" Commandramon came rushing in from both sides.
"We have pests." Silphymon replied. "Looks like they're using some strange program to hide their presence."
"Tch. Looks like the gig is up." Arata muttered. He was the first to turn off the Stealth Hide. The others just looked at him flabbergasted at first when he reappeared. Then they sighed and turned the Stealth Hide off.
"They must be with the Resistance!" one of the Commandramon shouted.
"Wait, are those humans?!" another asked. "How the heck did they get in this world?!"
"Tch. Those rebels must have dragged them over." Silphymon said.
"That's right we're the Rebels!" Nokia shouted. "And with our hot grove we're gonna beat you jerk-king down bad! Our love for Digimon is going to burn so bright you'll all need sunglasses just to-ACK!" She ducked under a shot fired at her.
"Good lord, do all humans scream so much?!" the Commandramon who fired the shot asked.
"Nah, she's just a special case." Arata replied.
"Hey!" Nokia glared.
"We cannot allow them to roam the Digital World freely!" Silphymon said. "Exterminate them!"
"So much for the stealthy approach." MetalSeadramon sighed.
"Guys, let me handle the Silphymon!" Yuugo said. "You can take the others!"
"Are you sure?" Yuuko asked.
"Yeah, don't worry. I believe in HiAndromon. Plus…after watching you guys from the Eater's network for so long, I'm kinda itching to try my hand at this."
"Okay. Call for us if you think you need help." Arata said.
"Thanks." Yuugo got into a fighting stance as the others went to deal with the Commandramon. "Let's go HiAndromon!"
"Very well." The Digimon replied.
Silphymon growled. "I will not let you vandalize our world. Prepare yourself! Wind Claw!" He charged at HiAndromon with his claw out.
"Block and counter!" Yuugo ordered.
"Roger!" HiAndromon grabbed the hand thrusted at him then jabbed Silpymon in the gut and kicked him back.
"Fire!"
"Power Energy!" HiAndromon threw a white energy blast that sent Silpymon flying back.
"Tch. You're tougher than I thought. Alright then! Critical Charge!" Silpymon glowed red and held his hands forward. "Sonic Void!" He fired an orb of wind that exploded making HiAndromon shield himself as he slid back on his feet. Sipymon took the opening to rush him.
"Just weather the storm for now!" Yuugo ordered.
"Guard Charge Field!" HiAndromon endured the barrage of punches. Silphymon kept swinging until he started to tire and slow down.
"Now!"
HiAndromon reeled back and threw a mighty punch that sent Silphymon into a wall. The Digimon pushed himself off the ground. "Not like this…" He stood up and gathered pink energy in his hands again. "I won't let you past here!"
"Finish this." Yuugo ordered.
"Understood." HiAndromon's shoulders emitted electricity that combined into an orb over his head.
"Top Gun!" Silphymon fired at HiAndromon.
HiAndromon's electric orb floated in front of him, and he pushed it with his hands. "Atomic Ray!" He shot a golden beam that easily pushed through Silphymon's attack.
"W-what?! GYAAAAA!" Silphymon was zapped and bashed against the wall. When he hit the ground, he passed out.
"Nice work." Yuugo said.
HiAndromon bowed. "I am please to be of assistance."
"You did a great job there Yuugo!" Keisuke smiled as he and the others approached. All of the Commandramon were knocked out around them.
"We just wrapped up here too." Arata said.
Nokia grinned and slapped Yuugo's back. "Not bad for a newbie pal!"
"Thanks. It's a good thing you convinced me to get the app."
"Ugh." One of the Commandramon grunted.
Yuugo turned to see it try to push itself up. "Uh, guys? Think you missed a spot."
The Commandramon pressed something on his arm. "This is the defence unit. General Dorbickmon, come in!"
"Oh no." Yuuko muttered.
Rapidmon Armor zoomed over and kicked the Commandramon in the back of the head knocking it out. "This is Dobrickmon." A gadget on his arm said. "What's your status?"
"Oh god, what do we do?!" Nokia muttered.
"Don't panic." Yuugo hurried over and lifted the Commandramon's arm before speaking. "Disregard sir, it was just my imagination."
Everyone looked at Yuugo in surprise. He imitated the Commandramon's voice perfectly. "Stop messing around!" the gruff voice on the other end growled. "Sir Dynasmon ordered us to protect this place at all costs, stay focused!"
"Yes, sir."
"Get back to your post. Contact me only if something does occur." The transmission then cut off.
Yuugo stood up and smiled at his friends. "I think we're in the clear."
"How the hell did you do that?!" Arata asked.
Keisuke looked at him in surprise. "Yuugo's a man of…surprising talents."
Yuuko smiled. "He always was."
"He said Dorbickmon…" BlackWarGreymon said.
"Someone you know?" Takumi asked.
"He's a powerful draconic Digimon. Known not only for his ability as a leader but his sheer power."
"And he's here from the sound of it." Yuuko said. "Bad luck for us."
"On the contrary." Diaboromon grinned. "A Digimon of his caliber must be important for the Next Order. If we can take him out, not only will we secure a food supply, but we can do a major blow to their chain of command as a bonus."
"Let's not lose sight of our objective." Omegamon said. "Securing the Flourish Digimeat is still our top priority."
Yuuko nodded. "He's right. I agree it would be helpful to eliminate a powerful enemy commander. But we mustn't do anything that can jeopardize our mission."
"Our biggest advantage is that he still doesn't know we're here." Arata said.
"Then we should get moving." TyrantKabuterimon said. "Because if a patrolman sees this mess we just made, our cover's as good as blown." The group nodded and hurried on ahead.
A couple minutes later the team saw a bright light. "The depths of the cave is just ahead." Dorugoramon said.
"Proceed carefully." Yuugo said as they slowly stepped into the light. More torches keep this area bright.
They stood on a cliffside overlooking the stretched-out area below. A bunch of dragon Digimon were patrolling the area. Among them was a giant red Digimon with black claws. "There he is." Dorugoramon whispered. "That's Dorbickmon."
Yuuko looked at the centre of the room. "And look at that!" Heaps of golden digimeat were gathered. "That must be the Flourish Digimeat!"
Takumi took out the picture Darcmon gave him. "That's it alright."
"It sure does look amazing…"
"Yuuko's in a total trance." Nokia muttered.
"I honestly wouldn't recommend eating Flourish Digimeat, Yuuko." Samudramon said. "I tried that once. It's like chewing rubber."
"And that's what we plan on having everyone live off of?" Keisuke asked raising an eyebrow.
"We already went over this, Flourish Digimeat is for planting, not eating by itself." Diaboromon replied. "The Digimeat that grows once its planted is far more decent."
"Okay, let's grab some and get out of here!" Nokia said.
"Hold on." Takumi said. "This place is swarming with enemies. They aren't just going to let us waltz in and take it."
"And then there's Dorbickmon." Samudramon said. "He has sharp senses. No way we'll slip past him with the Stealth Hide. And even if we did someone will surely notice once we start taking the meat."
"So, let's just wipe em out then grab the meat." PileVolcamon replied.
"Dobrickmon is a force to be reckoned with." Omegamon replied. "And his army vastly outnumbers us. We have to think this through, or we can damage the meat."
Yuuko surveyed the situation with a finger at her chin. "I think I have an idea."
"Let's hear it." Takumi replied.
"First someone should avert Dorbickmo's attention. Yuugo, will you help me do that?"
"Sure."
"And the rest of us?" Arata asked.
"Two of you will go for the Flourish Digimeat with the Stealth Hide while the rest of you attack the remaining guards. I nominate Takumi and Keisuke for the task or retrieving the meat."
"Why?" Yuugo asked. "Those two are the strongest out of us. If fact, shouldn't they be attacking Dorbickmon?"
"They both have three Digimon each. If they all attack one target, they'll constantly get in each others way. Besides, Takumi and Keisuke are also the best of us when it comes to doing things in secret."
"Wow. You really thought this through Yuuko." Takumi said in an impressed tone.
"If nobody has any objections, I say this is a good plan." Omegamon said. "I also must agree with what Diaboromon said about the benefit of defeating Dorbickmon here and now. There's no guarantee that we'll get another chance. If Yuuko and Yuugo work together they should be able to defeat him."
"Sounds good to me." Takumi replied. The others nodded.
"Alright, then it's decided." Yuugo said. "Nokia, Arata, you two will attack the army first. When Dorbickmon notices, Yuuko and I will get him by surprise. Once everyone has their attention on us, Takumi and Keisuke will go for the meat."
"It will be hard for you guys to face him if one of his men tries to help." Takumi said. "Wait, I know. Keisuke and I will be busy, but our Digimon can still help. They'll make sure nobody gets in your way."
"But if you two do get caught you'll be completely defenceless." MetalSeadramon objected.
"BlackWarGreymon and I will stay with Keisuke and Takumi." TyrantKabuterimon said. "MetalSeadramon, PileVolcamon,Dorugoramon and Rapidmon, you guys cover the Kamishiros."
"Sounds good to me." Keisuke replied.
"Alright, let's hurry into position." Yuuko said.
Down bellow Dorbickmon surveyed the guards in the room. He spoke with one of them. "Sir Dynasmon should be sending a pickup crew to gather the latest harvest of Flourish Digimeat soon. We cannot let the Resistance anywhere near it before then."
A Tyrannomon saluted. "Yes sir!"
As he left Dorbrickmon smirked. "Heh. Not that any of the Resistance is strong enough to dare pick a fight with me. If only one of the rouge Royal Knights would try to pick a fight with me. They might be able to give me a good fight."
"Supreme Cannon!" Out of the blue a beam fired down and blasted a chunk of the scouts.
"AAAAGH!"
Dorbickmon looked up. "O-Omegamon?!"
The Royal Knight looked down at him. "Forgive my prying, but I believe you wanted a visit from me?"
Nokia was on his shoulder. "Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it!"
Dorbicmon looked at her. "Is that a human?!"
"Catastrophe Cannon!" Diaboromon fired at another chunk of the forces.
"Diaboromon as well?" Dorbickmon asked. "Both leaders of the Rebel's Heart and the Jude's Flare here? It seems the Resistance isn't as scattered as we thought. No matter. Eliminating the two of you will damage your teams beyond repair!"
"Not so fast!" Samudramon and HiAndromon landed in front of him. As they turned around Yuuko and Yuugo got off. "First you have to deal with us!" Samudramon declared.
"You …you're from Zaxon's Pride." He then looked at the twins. "Hmph. Is everyone in the Resistance now a pet for humans?"
"No." Yuugo replied. "Partners."
Dorbicmon scoffed. "Whatever. As general of the dragons, and a proud member of the Next Order, I will not let you do as you please here!"
"Here he comes!" Yuuko shouted. "Be ready brother!"
"Right. Let's go!"
A Ex-Tyrannomon spotted them. "General Dorbickmon is being attacked! We gotta help him!" He rushed towards them when Rapidmon Armon appeared in front of him blocking him off. "Whoa!"
"If anyone wishes to interfere with Samudramon and HiAndromon, rest assured they will need to go through us first." Dorugoramon, PileVolcamon and MetalSeadramon appeared with him.
"Sleuth's Will as well?!" Dorbickmon growled. "You lot pop up like ants! Fine then! I'll destroy all of you!"
As Omegamon and Diaboromon continued their attack on Dorbickmon's army, Takumi and Keisuke looked at the Flourish Digimeat from their hiding place. "Okay, looks like our diversion got everyone's attention." Takumi said. "Now's our chance."
"No way we're going to carry all of that out of here." Keisuke said.
"You should be able to store it into your Digivices." BlackWarGreymon said. "But Flourish Digimeat takes a lot of storage space…"
"We'll just take as much as we can then." Takumi replied.
"Okay." Keisuke said as the two activated Stealth Hide.
Dorbickmon roared and charged at Samudramon first. "Wolkenapalm!" His fist glowed red as he threw a punch. Samudramon attempted to block with his swords but was pushed back. Dorbicmon then shoulder charged Samudramon, knocking him down. HiAndromon jumped him from behind and put his arms around his neck in a chokehold. Dorbickmon grabbed him and slammed him to the ground. Right when he was about to stomp on him. Samudramon charged into him pushing him back.
"HiAndromon, get back up!" Yuugo said.
His Digimon sprung to his feet. "Thunder Fall!" He summoned a bolt of lightning that zapped Dorbickmon. Samudramon then stepped back and swiped him with his blades.
"Meteor Fall!" Samudramon summoned a burning bolder that scorched Dorbicmon in the face.
The dragon winced as he stumbled backwards. "Why you…!" He held his hands together and a sword of fire appeared. "Tyrant Collbrande!" He charged at Samudramon and swung upward. Samudramon tried to block but his guard was knocked away before he was kicked to the ground. Dorickmon then jumped with his fire sword in hand.
"Samudramon, watch out!" Yuuko yelled. He Digimon looked up and rolled away. The Tyrant Collbrande sunk into the ground. Samudramon was about to get up when unexpectedly a pillar of fire rose from the ground scorching him. "Samudramon!"
As he knelled Dorbickmon approached him and held his sword overhead in both hands. "Your life ends here."
"HiAndromon!"
Yuugo's Digimon charged from the left and drop kicked Dorbickmon pushing him away. "You pest!"
As he charged Yuugo used a AGL Boost. "Focus on evading! Don't let that sword hit you!" HiAndromon started dodging swings and bent backwards to go under a thrust. "Yuuko, you're up!"
Yuuko had just finished using a HP Capsule on her Digimon. "Samudramon!"
"Destruction!" Samudramon threw a purple sphere into the Tyrant Collbrande and it disintegrated.
"What?!" Dorbickmon yelled. HiAndromon then kneed him in the face.
Yuuko used a CRT Boost. "Go all out! Give him no quarter!"
Samudramon unleashed a swarm of sword swings, and Dorbickmon howled in pain from each one that landed on his body. After he stumbled back, Samudramon swung his blades twice. "Will-O'-Wisp Slash!" Lingering trails formed and zoomed in and scorched Dorbickmon backing him further.
"Brother!"
"Right!"
Samudramon crouched and HiAndromon jumped off his back. Dorbickmon gasped as he saw him charging energy above him. "Atomic Ray!"
"GAAAAAAAAAH!" Dorbickmon was pushed by the beam into a wall before it burned a hole through him. He then collapsed.
A Gigadramon looked away from Diaboromon and to his leader. "G-general Dorbickmon!"
All the other Digimon looked at their leader in shock. "The general's been defeated?! How?!"
"The Resistance has become that powerful?! Surly this isn't just because of the humans!"
Yuuko and her brother smiled at each other. "That was superb Yuuko."
"Thanks to you brother."
The others gathered. "Looks like you both got things handled here." Arata said.
"Where are Takumi and Keisuke?" Yuuko asked.
"Right here." Takumi replied before he and the hacker turned off their Stealth Hide."
"The Digimeat?" Yuugo asked.
"We got as much as we could download into our Digivices." Keisuke replied.
"Good." Yuuko nodded.
"Urgh…!" Dorbickmon stumbled to his knees.
"He's not done?" Dorugoramon asked.
"I lost…I failed to keep you rats from the Florish Digimeat… and worst of all…I was defeated by rebels domesticated by humans… But…" a wicked smirk grew on his face. "…you will not be leaving here alive! HA!" He punched the ground so hard his fist burrowed into it.
"Wha-what's he doing?!" Arata asked.
"Burning the Dragon!" The whole ground started to shake.
"General, no!" a Airdramon shouted.
"What's he doing?!" Takumi yelled.
Dorbickmon collapsed. "I just stabbed a dragon's vein within this land! Soon this cave will become a volcano!"
"What?!"
"Are you insane?!" Nokia yelled. "Your friends are in here too!"
"Such is the cost of war…Our deaths will bring honor to the Next Order!"
Yuuko stared at him. "What did he…?"
"R-Run for your lives!" Starting with a Ginryumon, all the enemy Digimon fled as fast as they could.
Dobrickmon laughed before getting engulfed in an eruption of lava. "We need to get out of here!" Omegamon shouted. "Now!"
Yuuko glanced at the remaining Flourish Digimeat. "I don't suppose we have time to grab some more-
"YUUKO FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, LET'S JUST GO!" Arata yelled.
"Okay, okay!"
Takumi gasped as something occurred. "Oh no!"
"What is it?" Dorugamon asked.
"We gotta move! Now!" He started running for the exit.
"Yeah, no kidding!" Rapidmon Armor caught up instantly and grabbed him before rushing ahead. The other Digimon grabbed their human partners and took off just as lava started flooding into the room.
As they hurried through the tunnel the whole cave shook more and more. As he ran with Yuuko on his shoulder Samudramon jumped to the side as part of the wall burst with lava. HiAndromon jumped over a lava pool. "Hang on tight Yuugo."
"Um…right." The boy was awkwardly over his Digimon's shoulder like a common sack.
Takumi's eyes were scanning ahead. "Should be close…There! Stop!"
Everyone saw Silphymon and his squad of Commandramon still unconscious on the ground. "Those guys are still here?" PileVolcamon asked. "You'd think the guys that fled would have grabbed them on the way out."
Takumi looked at the Digimon. "Guys, can you carry them?"
"What? Takumi, are you nuts?!" Arata asked. "These guys are our enemies, they tried to kill us!"
"We can't just leave them here!"
"I agree!" Keisuke nodded.
"You heard him, start picking guys up!" Nokia ordered.
"Understood." Omegamon nodded.
Just as they came out of the Shade Cavern entrance with all the Digimon in tow, it erupted with lava. Everyone slowed to a halt and looked back at the devastation. "Yikes that was a close call." Keisuke sighed.
"Yeah, no kidding." MetalSeadramon panted.
"To think old Dorbickmon would meet his end like that…" Dorugoramon muttered.
"I still can't believe he was willing to take all his men with him just to try to get rid of us." Takumi said. "The Next Order is even crueler than I thought…"
Yuuko looked down. "Their deaths will bring honor…yeah, right."
Yuugo looked at her. "Yuuko? What's wrong?"
"Hmm?" She looked at her brother. "Nothing. We should hurry back. The Digimon back at Rebel's Heart must be starving by now."
"What about them?" Diaboromon asked gesturing to Silphymon and his men on the ground.
"I think it's safe to leave them here." Samudramon replied.
"Ugh…" Silphymon groaned as he sat up with a hand at his head. "He looked up and gasped then sprung to his feet. "You! Where are we, what happened?!"
"Outside Shade Cavern." Arata said looking at the molten rock that was the entrance. "Or what's left of it anyway."
Silphymon looked at it and gasped. "No…! You fiends! How could you!"
"Hey, we didn't do that!" Nokia yelled. "That jerk of a general of yours did it!"
"General Dorbickmon? Don't give me that crap!"
"Pfft. Yeah, good call rescuing this guy Takumi." Arata scoffed. "Seriously, that's gratitude for you."
"I didn't want to save him just for thanks." Takumi said. "I wanted to save him because I believed it to be the right thing."
Silphymon growled. "His majesty will hear of this! Once he finds you humans no amount of begging will save you!"
"We'll be ready." Rapidmon Armor said. "But I must ask, does Leopardmon's Next Order really seem like it's doing what's best for this world?"
"What?"
"Come on guys, let's get out of here." Takumi said walking away. His friends soon left with him.
"Wha- Silphymon was flabbergasted. "You're just going to walk away? I just told you I'd report you to the king! And you don't think to finish me off?"
Takumi stopped and glanced at him one more time. "That's not why we're here. We want to save the Digital World, not destroy everyone in the Next Order."
"Huh?" Silphymon just stared before the humans and their partners vanished in the trees. "What is with these humans?"
Meanwhile, Takuto and his group were still walking through the field and eventually came upon a forest. "Well, finally some new terrain." Kouta said.
"Yeah, but still no Digimon in sight." Mameo noted. "It's too strange, even for a parallel Digital World."
"I hope we find someone soon." Shoma said. "We'll never find Shiki if we don't ask around."
Everyone heard a rumble then looked at the WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon. "Nova? Storm?" Takuto asked.
"Er, sorry. Getting a little hungry." the WarGreymon named Nova muttered.
"I'm feeling kinda peckish myself." the Mamemon said.
"You too, File?" Mameo asked.
"Same here!" Luche added. "Plus, we've been walking for so long! I'm getting tired!"
Shoma looked up. "It is getting dark. Maybe we should set up camp for the night."
"Sounds good to me." Himari replied. "Good thing we all stocked up on stuff before going. We should have plenty of food to last us."
"And on that note…" Takuto pressed some buttons on the Digivice on his wrist then two pieces of Big Meat appeared in his hands. "Who's hungry?" He gave them to his Digimon then got out another piece for Luche.
"Wow! Thanks a bunch!" Luche smiled before chowing down. As the Digimon were feed, Kouta got out some DigiFirewood and started making a campfire.
Takumi's group hurried back through the hologram wall and hurried to the gates. "Oh, you've returned!" Dinohumon gleamed.
"Did you succeed?" Grizzlymon asked.
Takumi grinned. "Sure did."
Dinohumon laughed and lifted Takumi in a big hug making him grunt. "I knew you could do this kid!"
Grizzlymon smiled. "You all really have grown."
Takumi inhaled when he was finally let go. "Go right on in!" Dinohumon said. "Tell everyone the good news!"
The humans entered. Once they were spotted everyone was called over. "Thank goodness you're safe!" Bokomon said. "We detected dangerous levels of heat from Shade Cavern and feared the worst!"
"Don't worry, we're all fine." Takumi replied. "Dorbickmon tried to flood the cavern with lave when we had him cornered, but we got out in time."
"Did you say Dorbickmon?!" Flamedramon asked. "You actually defeated a Digimon as powerful as him?! I'm at a loss for words!"
Darcmon smiled. "Welcome back everyone. Did you bring back the Flourish Digimeat?"
Takumi and Keisuke put on their Digivices and after some inputs brought golden hunks of meat onto the table. "WOHOO!" WarGrowlmon cheered. "Look at it all!"
"You've all really outdone yourselves!" Calumon said.
"Let's plant a piece right away." Leomon said.
"I'm on it!" A Aruraumon grabbed one of them and ran off.
"What do we do with the rest?" Neamon asked. "They'll spoil if we don't use them."
"Yuuko said she found a solution to that." Yuugo replied.
Yuuko made inputs on her Digivice and the Flourish Digimeat went into it. She then made a few more inputs and smiled. "It's done. The program froze the Digimeat's status. So, it won't go bad, and we can take it out when and if we need it."
A Falcomon laughed. "You humans are full of surprises."
Darcmon smiled. "Thank you all. This means so much to all of us."
Takumi put a thumb up. "Just another day for a Cyber Sleuth."
Darcmon giggled. "Cyber Sleuth"? What's that about?"
"Oh, that's what Takumi and Ami do at home with Kyoko." Nokia replied. "They do detective things and help people."
"Wow! You're a detective Takumi?" Calumon asked. "That's so cool!"
"Do you go on cases?" Veemon asked. "What kind?"
"I bet you solve all sorts of cool mysteries!" A Patamon said. "What's it like?"
"Alright, everyone, stay calm." Darcmon said. "I'm sure there is a lot you'd like to ask our friends, but they just got back from a mission, and it is getting late. We should let them turn in after we discuss our next move."
"That reminds me." Omegamon said. "Shouldn't Magnamon be back soon?"
"I just received word from him. He and his team will be back tomorrow, and they have something they want to share."
TyrantKabuterimon turned to Keisuke. "Keisuke, it seems like things will be fine here. After we get some rest, we should head out to Hudie's Dream."
"Okay." Keisuke nodded.
"Where is this fifth resistance team anyway?" Lilamon asked. "They've been hiding from the Next Order and Resistance well."
"Our base of operations is hidden deep under Cache City." PileVolcamon said.
"Cache City?!" Omegamon asked. "The Next Order has it under their thumb!"
"Exactly." MetalSeadramon said. "They won't conduct search teams in an area they're occupying. We're safe and sound right under their noise."
"Can't say that sounds too safe." BlackWarGreymon replied.
"Anyway, we should take off tomorrow morning." TyrantKabuterimon replied. "Hudiemon is waiting for us."
"Erika…" Keisuke whispered.
"It sounds dangerous to go by yourself." Yuugo said. "Maybe we should go with you."
"No." TyrantKabuterimon replied. "You guys stay here. The other teams may need you at any moment."
"I agree." Keisuke nodded.
"Hold the phone." Nokia objected. "You want to go out alone to enemy territory?! That's way too dangerous!"
Keisuke smiled. "Don't worry. Need I remind you I'm part of Hudie? A top-class hacker team? Discretion is our specialty."
"Well…" Takumi muttered.
Arata put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry about him guys. He's been thought tougher things than even I initially imagined. He can take care of himself."
Yuuko sighed. "Just promise us you won't do anything rash."
"I won't." Keisuke replied.
"Oh! Before I forget…" She sent something to Keisuke through her Digivice. "Here. Give them some Flourish Digimeat so they don't starve."
"We appreciate it." TyrantKabuterimon replied.
"And as for the rest of us?" Yuugo asked.
"Once Mangamon tells us what he found we'll discuss our next move." Omegamon said. "For now, we should rest."
"Sounds good to me." Nokia yawned. "I could use some sleep."
"Come this way." Lilamon said to the humans. "I'll show you to the barracks."
Takumi and his friends followed her. "Ami…I hope you're safe. Wherever you are. I know I'll find you. Until then, I'll do my best!"
Inside their cell, Ami yawned. Shiki looked at her. "You okay?"
"Yeah, just drowsy. I guess it's getting late." She laid down on her bed and rested her head on the pillow. "I'm just going to get some sleep. Good night."
"Uh, sure." Shiki looked at her feet for a couple of minutes collecting her thoughts. "Wow. Ami sure is taking this situation pretty calmly. She must be pretty strong, or just numbed herself to this. Come to think of it she's been here longer than me. But how long? And why was she brought here to begin with? We spent the whole day in awkward silence not saying anything. But I should ask her about how she got to the Digital World. Maybe we can plan an escape while we're at it? Sure beats waiting for Takuto and the others to find us. But I guess if she's tired, I should wait until morning when she wakes u- Shiki then looked up. "Wait a minute, did she say "get some sleep"?" "Uh, Ami?"
She turned to the girl and heard light breathing as she slept soundly. "Zzz…"
Shiki blinked. "She really is asleep…but humans don't sleep in the Digital World. What's going on?"
Elsewhere a white Digimon with horns and wings was listening to a bowing Dinobeemon. "What?! Dorbickmon has been defeated?!"
"I'm afraid so."
The towering Digimon growled. "The timing cannot be a coincidence. The Centaurmon just reported those humans appearing in the area. This must be their doing." He put a hand on his chin. "Still…They couldn't have gone straight there without visiting a Resistance base…"
The Dinobeemon looked up. "Sir? Do you mean to think a Resistance base is in Connection Jungle?"
"It seems very possible. This could be the chance we've been looking for. Intensify patrols in that area. I want even the slightest suspicions reported to me."
The Dinobeemon lowed his head. "Yes, sir Dynasmon."
And that was the first mission for our heroes. I decided to give Yuugo some time to shine as a Digimon Tamer since Cyber Sleuth never gave him the chance. Not counting the Yuugo avatar. Anyway, see you next week for the next mission against the Next Order.