To heal takes time.

And when you have no time, it takes even longer.

The sun rose, only briefly. The rain froze, thawed, and began to dry, leaving only faint dark patches on the ground.

The tamers who had been spared the brutality scoured the city for the entire day, looking for any sign, any lead. But Owen wasn’t there. Vanished into the ether like his partner. The Caffé Kitty stood empty and vacant, the shutters down, no sign of life from within no matter how many times Grace went to check.

Eloise and Kai kept their doors open, waiting for any news from the others as they took care of the last night’s victims as best they could.

And, all too soon, the sun set, dying into a cold Christmas Eve night. The searchers returned, their silence saying more than their words.

They thanked one another, and hugged, and separated. Back to their own homes, their own lives, their own thoughts, if nothing else but for one more day before the end of the world.

Across the city, pockets of activity were bubbling out. Hiding beneath the streets, in abandoned stores, and deep within the woods.

Reynarimon cursed as a gang of Gazimon ran past him, holding strange devices strapped over their shoulders. He peered into the warehouse, watching as the two Kokuwamon worked as maniacs, putting together new weaponry with as much scrap as they could find; both manmade, and the armaments left by departed Digimon. There seemed to be no end to their arrivals and departures, each of them desperate to prove something.

Reynarimon ducked behind a corner, and tightened the cord on his hoodie, before removing a coffee pod from the pocket.

“Shit...shit shit shit shit...keep it together, keep it going, it’s alright, nothing’s gonna go wrong...”

He punched a hole in the top, scraping out the contents and swallowing them dry, trying to feel the buzzing in his mind. He pulled out a pipe and called upon a Kankomon, but it came out hazy, tilting ever so slowly to the right and staring blankly ahead from the surplus of caffeine.

“I’m doing everything I can, alright!”

“Faster!”

A booming rumble rang out over the courtyard, causing the Kankomon to vanish with a yip. Reynarimon peered around the corner, staring at the titanic one-legged form of Sciamon as he rolled forwards into the warehouse. Hoatzimon walked behind him, her shoulders hunched as she peered around at the crowds of Digimon.

Inside the warehouse, Rhyncomon turned his head, his hands held behind his back. “I didn’t ask for your company.”

Sciamon settled down, his fingers cracking. “I asked for your full co-operation. We need as much support as you can give us. There is no time left.”

Rhyncomon snorted, but didn’t reply. Sciamon’s eyes peered down at the Kokuwamon, who hadn’t stopped, putting together weapon after weapon. “These toys mean nothing compared to the saviour.”

Rhyncomon closed his eyes. “I can give you resource. But they are dependent on power. If they’re lacking, I need to provide it for them. The humans will not die easily, no matter what you think.”

Sciamon’s hands dug into the floor. “We just require time. Time for the saviour to arrive.”

“Of course.”

The giant settled, running a hand over the chin of his helmet. “Every second counts. Every Digimon. Every loss will be our sin. They need to fight. They must fight.”

Hoatzimon walked up beside him, rubbing her sleeve. “What about the ones which won’t fight? They’re in this world as well.”

Sciamon sighed. “They will have chosen wrong. If they stand in our way, they must go the way of the humans.” He looked down at the bird. “We can’t let them stop us. We have to claim our place in this world. For the sake of the digital race.”

The door to the hideaway creaked open, letting in a cold blast from the outside. Jai looked up, and started, scrambling to his feet.

“You!”

The door closed as the hunters gathered round. Dula folded her arms.

“You’ve been gone too long.”

“I know.”

Vex shrugged a shoulder, dropping a bag to the ground as he stared further in. “You’ve all been busy.”

Dula stepped back, revealing the many, many more people standing further in the gloom. Tall, small, men, women, everybody; all wrapped up, hiding their faces with whatever they could, and all with as much impromptu weaponry as they could find. Fire pokers, crowbars, metal mallets and scrap iron. They mingled and jostled. There were no names. No livelihoods. No accusations. Only the grim atmosphere of duty, from all across the district.

Brom stood behind Dula, placing a hand on her hip. “They came slowly at first. But after the past few days, we’ve grown. We have an army.”

Vex nodded. “Thank you Kade.”

Moda grunted, as Raif hid behind him, staying out of Brom’s way. Rick looked up at Nile, who remained silent, flicking the pocket on his jacket. Jai swayed, before piping up again.

“Something’s gonna happen, isn’t it. Something...big.”

Vex nodded. “We don’t have any time left.”

He reached down, and unzipped the bag next to him, revealing the pale, trembling figure of a Gochmon that he pulled out by the tail. It squirmed weakly, but its limbs and head were bound with tape, and it was too exhausted to fight back. Vex walked forwards; limping slightly from the previous night, but moving deliberately and firmly. His original group stood behind him as he faced the homemade army before him. Slowly the talking quietened as they turned to look at him, their expressions hidden underneath helmets, masks and scarves.

Vex held the dragon aloft as its tail twitched, his voice bellowing out into the hall.

“I didn’t want to be here. I didn’t ask for any of this. And I know that goes for nearly all of you, as well. But these creatures have forced our hands, and if we don’t get rid of them then they will slaughter each and every one of us.”

The Gochmon squirmed in his grasp, but Vex held on tightly, his other hand going beneath his jacket.

“They believe they are going to be saved. A saviour for them, and slaughter for us. They will come for us all; in our homes, our streets, our town, to open the first gate for good. And to exterminate us.”

He brought out his baton, and held it against the flank of the dragon as the wires trailed back behind him. Gochmon felt the cold metal, and wriggled even more, letting off faint squeaks through the binding over its head. Vex’s voice continued, as cold as ever.

“They’ve already taken too much from me, and doubtless from you too. Whatever they do, and wherever they go, I will be standing against them. I will remove them. If you feel the same, then stand up wherever they come. They will never break us. Their saviour is nothing but a lie.”

He clicked the baton, and jabbed it into the dragon’s side, feeling the energy course into his glove. There was a crack, a muffled scream, and the weight disappeared from his hand. Vex pulled the baton away, and opened his hand as quicksilver fell from his palm.

“This is our world, and they will never take it.”

Christmas Day, 2016

“Uncle Ali?”

Lonnie knocked against the door, holding a small package under her arm. She was trying her very best to smile, acting friendly to the other residents of the block of flats she passed. But it seemed to be getting harder with each passing day.

“Ali? I need to talk to you...”

There was no answer. Lonnie took in a breath, as she rummaged in her pocket, picking out the right key. Gently she let herself in, flicking on the light as she looked around.

“Where have you gone?”

She wandered forwards, almost in a daze as she looked around the flat. It was as tidy as it always was, Alasdair not being one to let clutter build up. She checked inside the kitchen, but it was fruitless. She knew it was a long shot. But she needed to be sure.

“We haven’t found Owen yet, either.”

The girl leant back against the bookcase, seeing her reflection in the mirror above the mantelpiece. She smiled.

“I guess...you knew all about him, didn’t you...”

Her fingers tightened around the package, as she placed a palm over one eye, her breath shuddering.

“I don’t get it...why? What are you doing, Ali? Why are you watching us? I wanna believe in you but...why are you doing this?” He swallowed. “How much do you know that you aren’t telling us? The world’s about to burn, and we...we’re all...I need you. I need to believe in you. Please.”

She looked through her fingers at her own reflection, but it didn’t give her the answer she wanted. For a moment she slumped, the doubt and anger coursing around her chest, forming a sour taste on her tongue.

She pushed herself up, and walked over towards the corner of the room, placing the neatly-wrapped package down on Alasdair’s side table.

“Merry Christmas. Come back safe, wherever you are. I...I hope you like it...”

There was nobody there to answer, so she turned and left back out the front door, turning off the light behind her.

Grace rushed through the empty streets, feeling the bitterly-cold sting of the freezing fog on her face. There was absolutely nobody about; everyone staying at home, trying to enjoy the holiday as best as they possibly could in the midst of looming peril.

Grace turned the corner, slowing as she approached the Caffé Kitty. It looked just the same as normal, from the outside at least. Slightly scuffed brickwork, and a tacky sign which Raquel had been badgering her father to get replaced for a while now. But the windows and doors were still barricaded with the metal shutters, and as Grace drew closer she saw the laminated posted taped over the door.

Closed permanently. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Grace felt a lump forming in her throat, as she walked around the side, into the familiar back alley. The place was a mess; broken crates, smashed door, shattered concrete. Grace shook her head as she looked around, still unable to quite comprehend it.

The sound of an engine revving behind her made her jump, and she rushed out again, looking opposite the street where there was a white van pulling up. Grace stood by the lamppost as she watched the side door open, and Raquel stepped out, brushing dust from her trousers.

Grace breathed a sigh of relief that they were all there. But the young girl turned to look at her, and the relief dried up in an instant. She raised a hand, but didn’t really know what to say.

Raquel disappeared to the other side of the van briefly, before coming back, walking over the road and joining the tamer. Her family remained around the van, opening up the back and side panels. The two girls edged further away, out of the way of the clattering noise.

“How are you doing?”

She looked down at Raquel’s small body; her left arm held against her chest in a sling, and her eyes reddened from crying. Grace pressed her teeth together. “Aside from...well...”

“We’re moving.”

“Oh.”

Raquel looked up at the old cafe. “It’s all been ruined. The insurance doesn’t cover it either. We’re going to stay with my father’s family in Essex until we can figure things out.” She pressed her cheeks out in a dead smile. “It’s a wonderful Christmas, isn’t it.”

Grace looked away, holding her sleeve tightly. “I’m...I’m so sorry...you got caught up in this...”

“What are you saying sorry to me for?” Raquel’s eyebrow twitched, anger flashing across her face and fading in an instant. “I’m not the one who was killed.”

There was a crash from behind them as Raquel’s brothers pulled an old chest of drawers out the back door, taking them over to the van. Grace shook her head.

“We should have stopped him.”

“...yeah.” Raquel turned away, pressing her teeth together to stop the tears coming out, and failing.

“That’s what you guys do, right? You save people. I’d have loved to do that myself, one day. But...you know...that didn’t happen.”

Grace’s grip on her sleeve tightened, and she gently held out her arm, but Raquel raised her free hand, her own shoulders trembling as she tried to keep her composure. She stepped back, looking over Grace’s shoulder. “I need to go. I need to help them.”

“Raquel...”

The girl took a step, standing beside Grace as she looked ahead, hiding the tears in her eyes.

“I don’t know where we’re going to go, but...just...don’t come and find me, okay? I...I don’t want to remember any of this. Any of you.”

She reached out, gently tapping Grace’s arm as the taller girl flinched.

“Good luck.”

She walked off, her footsteps merging with the scraping of furnishings against the ground. Grace stared ahead, her insides twisting and knotting. With nowhere else to go, she just walked on, leaving the old café behind her for good.

She didn’t even look back.

Lonnie’s shoes scuffed against the tessellated brickwork as she walked back down the familiar river walk, feeling the sting of the sea mist against her face. She clutched one arm, her body rocking from side to side.

There was a flicker of light in the right of her vision, and she looked down to see Dendromon waddling beside her, keeping her head down but keeping pace nonetheless.

“It’s quicker back the other way.”

“I know.”

“I know you know; I’m just saying...”

Lonnie ran a knuckle over her forehead, and blew her cheeks out. “Dendromon, sometimes us humans just need a bit of space to think. We’re weirdoes like that.”

Dendromon looked away. “If you’re gonna be like that about it.”

“I don’t mean it like that, honest m’lud. I just...well...” Lonnie’s shoulders slumped. “I know most of my decisions are the wrong ones but can I at least have the ability to walk in a straight line without backseat directions?”

She looked pointedly down at the salamander, who shrugged. “I’m not complaining, but I’m just saying, if I get bored I will abandon you and go back to your house and eat lebkuchen for the rest of the day.”

“That’s fair.”

The two shared a laugh, and Lonnie held out an arm, running her fingers along the rail that stood between her and the river. She peered over, looking at the turbulent waters. It seemed so long ago now that she’d last been down here, where she’d heard the voice which had changed her life for good. Or for bad. She still wasn’t entirely sure about that, especially given recent events.

She grimaced, and looked in the other direction, but that didn’t make her feel any better either; the rough debris that made up the digital facility, with a cobbled together shell around the digital gate, much like in the early days. She squinted, but couldn’t even make out whether there were any people down there, let alone whether Alasdair was among them. Still, she had a suspicion that he was.

Dendromon knocked past her, tiptoeing as she peered over the fence herself.

“I guess our training days are over.”

“I don’t know about that. Fancy a trip to a playpark?”

“Could be busy. And honestly, I’d rather take my chances with Ms Naseer than any more rabid six-year-olds.”

Lonnie giggled, her pigtails bobbing back and forth. But as there was no response, she felt her smile fading, and stared out over the destruction.

“Where did it all go so wrong, Dendromon? Back when I first found you here, I never imagined it would all end up so...disastrous.” She leant over the rail, peering over the edge. “No-one seems to trust anyone no more. Even Uncle Ali. I don’t know what’s coming, or going, or...anything, really. Nobody seems to want to do the right thing. I want to believe we all care, but...it doesn’t feel like it.”

Dendromn turned round, placing her hands behind her head. “You cared enough to save me, when you didn’t even know me.”

“I’m just one girl.”

“A very special girl, and a very scary one.” Dendromon grinned. “Maybe that’s all we need right now.”

Lonnie smiled warmly, but she shook her head nonetheless. “I just wish I could do more to help.”

Dendromon frowned, and looked over her shoulder. She squinted, before nudging her partner, pointing towards the end of the pier.

“She looks like a good place to start.”

Lonnie straightened up, staring down to the end of the river walk, where a girl leant against the railings at the end, staring out to sea. A pale blue fox stood beside her, her tail sweeping along the ground.

Lonnie exhaled, and walked further down, her shoes making the boards of the pier creak as she stepped onto it. She held out a hand, running it over the barrier as she sidled up beside Grace, leaning forwards next to her.

She tilted her head down, her pigtails flapping in the breeze. Grace looked sideways, her own bangs blowing back and forth. Lonnie grinned.

“Merry Christmas.”

Grace gave a single laugh, and rubbed her eyes one at a time. “You just had to go and make this day even weirder, didn’t you...”

“Don’t I know it,” remarked Lonnie, leaning sideways. “I never could sleep the night before Christmas. I never thought it would be because of impending doom though.”

“I can deal with doom. I’ve lived through a lot of it.” Grace sighed, staring out towards the waves. “Raquel’s leaving.”

“Oh. I see.”

“Yeah, well...” Grace sniffed, and rubbed her eyes again as she reached down and stroked Vulpimon behind the ears. “As I said, doom’s fine. But not being able to save the people you care about, and stop them getting hurt...” She smiled sadly. “When you drive them away from you, that just...hurts.”

Lonnie pressed her thumb against her lips, seeing the expressions of Courtney and Harriet in her head. She decided not to mention it, instead glancing sideways at Grace’s stoic stare, as if she were a widow staring out and trying to see her long lost love amongst the waves.

“Can I offer you a hug?”

Grace’s head fell as she felt Lonnie’s arm arc around her shoulders. “Do I get a choice?”

“Probably not.”

“Go on then.”

Lonnie pulled the girl close, and Grace snickered, before holding the redhead herself. They stood there for a few minutes, watching as the waves crashed against the breakers beneath them. Vulpimon yawned, and padded against the wood, while Dendromon leant back against the rail, arms folded, and nodding sagely. Eventually Grace reached up, curling her palm over Lonnie’s hand.

“Can I get my arms back now?”

“Never. You’re mine. You’re safe now, you hero.”

“If I don’t get my arms back I can’t give you your present.”

Lonnie started, and pulled back. “You got me a present?”

“Not yet.”

“Aw...” Lonnie rubbed beneath her nose, before pointing over her shoulder. “Well, make it up to me then. At least let me walk you back home.” She smiled. “We deserve something nice to happen to us today.”

Grace straightened up, and held a hand against her hat, looking back across the waves as the mists rolled in.

“I suppose we do.” She turned round, beaming at the taller girl and reaching out a hand. “Shall we depart, fearless leader?”

If the two young women had been watching the evening sky as they walked down the empty streets, they may have taken note of the deep orange hue, or the slight pulsing of an aurora, spreading out with the first digital gate as its epicentre. But they didn’t pay it any heed, instead just walking through the empty streets side by side, with Vulpimon and Dendromon padding along one step behind them. Dendromon looked up, slightly more concerned with the wondrous colours patching across the sky, but she said nothing.

“It never changes, you know.”

Dendromon glanced sideways, watching Vulpimon as she wandered deliberately forwards, her nose down in contemplation. “No matter the world, no matter the enemy; it all seems to end up in a crisis of confidence and a lot of troublesome thinking.”

The salamander puffed out her cheeks. “Surely you get better at it though, right?”

“The amount Grace and I have gone through?” Vulpimon raised an eyebrow. “Sometimes I’m not so sure.”

She padded at the ground while Dendromon placed a finger against her chin. “You’ve both survived, though.”

“Barely.”

“Still a passing mark.”

“Yeah, not freezing yourself to death in grief or causing a nuclear winter when trying to save the world. Truly admirable.”

Grace peered back over her shoulder, sucking her lips in. “I can hear you, y’know. We’re not that bad. Most of the time anyway.”

Vulpimon gave a cheeky smile. “Truly what a high bar we aim for, partner of mine.”

Lonnie smirked as the four turned a corner, hearing the faint sound of a brass band playing Christmas carols nearby. She nudged Grace, tilting her head. “Do you regret it at all?”

Grace looked slightly stumped. “How do you mean?”

“I mean...any of the Digimon stuff. Going to the other world or fighting them here.” She raised a hand. “I mean...I know not everyone came back feeling the same, so...no pressure.”

Grace blew into her hands, rubbing them together as she carried a thoughtful expression on her face. She paused, and looked back, glancing down at Vulpimon who looked up at her expectantly. The fox winked.

“Don’t look at me. I could be sitting in your house right now eating turkey sandwiches. You’re the one who has the sense of duty.”

“You’re a bad liar, you know that?”

Vulpimon sat down, her tail thumping against the pavement. Grace crouched down, rubbing her partner behind the head until she allowed her haughty attitude to break a little. Grace sighed.

“I never really thought anything of it. It didn’t feel like I ever had a choice. Not really. Whether it was for the digital world, or my brother, or me...up until now it just always felt like I had to do it. Heck, it still does. I can’t really regret it. I can only regret not doing enough...”

Vulpimon looked up at her with the same large golden eyes, and the two shared a look with one another; lost friends, lost family, and lost battles. So long ago now, and yet still so raw in their hearts.

Grace stood up, and looked between Lonnie and Dendromon. “What about you, then? You chose to leave the life you had and join all of us in the madhouse. Are you still happy you did that?”

She focused on Lonnie, who stood on the edge of the pavement, swaying a little as she held a finger on her forehead in thought. Grace waited for a couple of minutes, before leaning forwards, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s a difficult one, isn’t it...”

Lonnie waved a hand. “No, I mean...I was just thinking that whoever’s busking out there is being really persistent given that there’s no-one around.”

Grace huffed, and folded her arms, muttering under her breath about her companion’s constant butterflying. But as she waited, her face twisted even more, and she looked down the road towards where the sonorous tones were coming from.

“Nothing to do with anything, but you do have a point.”

“I frequently have a point. It’s just not always a helpful point.”

Grace pressed her lips together. “Hold that thought...”

The two edged forwards, listening carefully as a soulful version of ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ echoed through the mist, growing ever so slightly louder. They approached the entrance to a little car park, and the sound grew more obvious, rippling forwards from the open space. The two girls held their jackets tightly as they wandered inside, looking left and right. Then they saw it; a small gathering of strange shapes just on the far side, holding several brass instruments. Vulpimon walked forwards to the front, before her shoulders went up and her fur bristled.

“Digimon...”

The music stopped, and the gaggle of strangers looked up in unison at the two tamers, both standing rather more out in the open than they would have liked. Dendromon pressed her hands together.

“I smell plotting.”

There was a muffled wark and the three figures scrambled around, with instruments flying all over the place as they did so. Two of them – slender figures in crisp shirts and extravagant fedoras – slid backwards as they held their instruments behind them, but the taller third figure scrambled chaotically forwards, wearing a trenchcoat that wobbled all over the place. Grace and Lonnie looked at one another in a deeply puzzled fashion, when the front of the trenchcoat opened and three trumpet barrels poked out the front.

“Doxy Gale!”

Spirals of tiny ice crystals shot outwards accompanied by a loud and slightly off-key trumpet flourish. The girls and their partners raised their arms, staggering against the cold as a white fog flew out around them all. Dendromon rushed forwards, her entire body glowing and melting the snow to steam.

“Oi! Get back here!”

There was nobody left in front of her. She turned just in time to see the three figures running down the car park, with the trench-coated one flailing back and forth like a rubber hose figure. She turned towards the girls, but they were busy blowing built-up snow away from around their faces. Grace shook her head rushing forwards. “They’re getting away!”

“No they are not.” Vulpimon snorted as she rushed forwards, her coat bristling. “I am the queen of ice and snow; they will not sully me like this. Grace!”

“Vulpimon, Soul Accelerate!”

The girl raised her arm, already running forwards as her partner’s form shone brightly in the dim light. Within seconds Alopemon was running off after the scoundrels with Grace clinging to her back. Lonnie and Dendromon hurried along after them, slightly buffeted by the whole experience.

“Hey! Leave the reckless antics to me!”

Alopemon bounded across the courtyard, ever so slowly gaining on the three figures as they skated wildly ahead of her. The one in the trenchcoat was wobbling around like a demented swingball set now, so much so that it was a wonder he was even still staying upright. The fox huffed, her paws glowing as she leapt forwards.

“You can’t stay away from me forever!”

As if in response, the two suited figures on the flanks dropped back a little, and spun round in tandem. Grace looked in befuddled awe as they kept running backwards, seeming to be skating on the concrete and leaving silvery trails behind them. They raised their arms, both bringing out their own instruments; not trumpets, but large, golden trombones.

“Foggy Day!”

Alopemon yelped as a barrage of grey mist shot out in a wide spray, engulfing the courtyard and smothering their pursuer’s faces as it was shaped by the instruments’ curvaceous tones. Grace coughed, pulling her scarf up as she tried to peer through the mist. “Keep going! We can’t lose them yet.”

“Uh, Grace, where did the ground go?”

Grace yelped as Alopemon started scrabbling, the concrete seeming to have disappeared beneath her. The fox hissed, and pressed downwards, powering herself forwards and out of the psychedelic mist, just in time to see the three strangers turn a corner into the old tennis courts.

“Oh no you don’t!”

She rushed forwards, Grace holding on tightly as she skidded on the ground. With the agility of a cheetah she rushed into the courts, catching up with the three again as the trenchcoated figure struggled to keep up with the other two. Alopemon’s eyes flashed, shards of ice spinning in the air around her midriff.

“Icicle Barrage!”

The ice shot forwards, most of it knocked away by the two suited Digimon. But one shard slammed into the tallest one’s coat, and sheared right through it, sending the Digimon staggering back. Alopemon’s triumphant expression soon turned into one of confusion as the figure bent over at the middle, his top half slamming into the concrete as the coat gave way completely.

“Damn,” yelled the two suited Digimon in unison, as the single figure parted ways to reveal three squat birds, all sprawled out on the ground. The one who had been standing on the top rolled up onto his feet, raising a wing as he staggered back and forth.

“Fuck.”

Alopemon slowed, Grace sitting up as she looked down at the three...well, five bedraggled figures before her. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Alopemon froze, tensing once again. “Um...Grace?”

The changing room door burst open, and another figure stumbled out; far bulkier and taller than the others, and entirely bird-shaped. It hummed, its body seeming to be largely metallic as its eyes glowed in the dim light.

“Harlem Nocturne!”

Alopemon jumped back as the great bird released a long, sonorous note from its body, and the entire courtyard seemed to shift as spiralling winds rushed around, buffeting the girl and the fox relentlessly. They just about stayed upright, but it was getting harder and harder as the bird marched forwards, its eyes glowing maliciously through the swirling winds.

“You’ve chosen the wrong quarry, you blind zealots.”

“That’s quite enough!”

“Pyro Spires!”

A volley of explosions rocketed around the courtyard, and the great bird staggered back, the winds dissipating in an instant. Grace looked back as Andriamon stumbled to a stop, Lonnie leaping down from her arms and looking around, confused. “How many people were we chasing again?”

She was silenced by a roar, the great bird rearing up again as a painful song emanated from its body. “ I TOLD you, we won’t be your goddamn soldiers-“

There was a honk as the tone faltered, and the auk coughed, falling to one knee as something large and metallic fell from his body.

“Euphoniumon!”

The two suited Digimon rushed forwards, holding the bird’s frail body as he coughed further. Lonnie took a step forwards, when she suddenly found herself staring down the barrel of a shimmering trumpet, held by one of the squat Digimon who had been hiding in the trenchcoat. On closer inspection he was a small, down-covered penguin, with a pale grey body, a white spot behind both eyes, and a tartan trapper hat pulled warmly over his head. He held the instrument tightly, building up a swirling ball of energy within as he yelled with a faint Canadian accent.

“Don’t come any closer! I’m warning ya!”

Alopemon snorted, but Grace leapt from her back, looking down at the bird. “Who are you people? What are you doing here?”

“Who are we?” The bird tensed himself, blowing a short warning parp which buffeted the girl’s head. “Who the hell are you?”

“Hang on, alright, time out,” said Lonnie, stepping between the two with her hands in a T-position. “I think I see a way out of this conundrum.”

She looked down at the penguin, who was now pointing the offending instrument at her, with backup from the two other members of his coated persona. Lonnie leant forwards, holding her hands over her knees as she smiled.

“Who do you think we are? ‘Cause I can assure you we’re probably not.”

The lead penguin looked at her in an incredulous manner, but he was nudged by one of the trumpeters behind him, who leant forwards and whispered. “I have to say, we might be in luck.”

“They chased us!”

“Well, we were running.” The other penguin shrugged. “I’m just saying, I wouldn’t have thought there would be any humans involved in trying to drag us into a war to the death with the humans.”

Lonnie stood backwards, while Grace fumbled with her D-SEND, holding it out in front of her as she scanned the six assorted Digimon. “Gentoomon, Dixiemon, Euphoniumon. All musicians. Generally friendly and peaceful, conflict averse.”

One of the suited Dixiemon turned, revealing a large beak that was mostly hidden by the fedora he wore over his head. “You could maybe have done that at the beginning before you got on our case.”

Grace went slightly red, and scratched her cheek. “Sorry. Force of habit. Most things we find want to cause trouble.”

“And it’s that kind of thinking which will end up causing us all further problems,” said Lonnie, as she stuck her tongue out. Grace still seemed fairly narked about the ordeal, so Lonnie nudged her playfully, before crouching down to look at the Gentoomon in front of her. He huffed, holding his trumpet out of her reach.

“Don’t patronise me; I can hear you perfectly well up there.”

Lonnie raised a palm, before holding three fingers up in a Scout salute. “We’re not here to hurt you, or chase you anymore. We just want to talk.”

The Gentoomon snorted. “Everyone just wants to talk. It’s only ‘cause they always want something.”

“Who’s trying to force you into things?”

“The army proclaiming digital freedom.”

Lonnie stood up, taking a step towards Euphoniumon as he leant forwards, knees bent in a sitting position. The girl nodded. “I’m guessing you’re their leader?”

“In a sense. I’m trying to get us all off this world. Away from your war.”

“That’s probably sensible,” said Alopemon, as she shook little flecks of frost from her mask. “What’s stopping you?”

“To have a war they need soldiers. I’m strong, and my family can all fight. They came for us, less than a week ago. They demanded that we fight for them. Otherwise, we’re enemies to them.”

Lonnie winced, looking down at the great bird’s body. Now she was up close, she could see the clear damage; burn marks, dents and scrapes over the great metal chestpiece, and a few patches of red leaking out onto his wings and legs. One of the Dixiemon stood in front of Euphoniumon, holding up his hands.

“Don’t touch him. He won’t take much more. A war would kill him.”

Lonnie and Grace looked around them, at the sorry state of the little band, huddling together and trying to keep one another standing. The lead Gentoomon shuffled forwards, holding his wing awkwardly.

“We just want to go back home. Please. Let us go.”

Lonnie planted a fist in her palm. “Nonsense. You’re coming with us. We’re gonna escort you home personally. Nobody deserves to be dealing with an argument they have nothing to do with.” She placed her hands on her hips, looking at each penguin in turn. “Go on then; where’s the gate you all came through?”

There was a slightly embarrassed murmuring, and the lead Gentoomon shuffled awkwardly. “We...uh...kind of mislaid it.”

There was a huff from behind him as another of the trio rolled their eyes. “Please, ‘we’ my arse. You’re naff with directions.”

“You had the map!”

“The map was a takeaway menu with a squiggle on it! I didn’t know which way up to hold it!”

Lonnie looked up at Euphoniumon, who shook his head solemnly. “I apologise. They were the ones looking for it. I can’t walk very far for very long these days.”

Lonnie sighed, shaking her head. “You really have no idea?”

The lead Gentoomon honked in a prickly fashion. “Don’t judge us! We’ve been being followed all day. It’s very disconcerting. We only set up for a gig so you’d ignore us and leave us alone.”

Andriamon cocked her head. “We haven’t been following you?”

“Well if it isn’t you then who is it?”

“Uh...whoever it is, we might still be able to ask them...”

One of the Dixiemon raised his arm timidly, pointing round the corner of the changing rooms. The group looked up just in time to see a figure dart around the side in a flash of movement. The Gentoomon bristled even more, and raised his trumpet. “Alright, come out! You want to start something? Let us finish it for ya!”

The trumpet was quickly accompanied by two more, followed by two trombones. Lonnie looked back at her and Grace’s partners, who tensed themselves, summoning icicles and fiery sparks. Lonnie cupped her hands around her mouth, calling out. “Whoever you are, we can sort this out in a nice, easy, calm fashion.”

Everybody watched as a single solitary figure walked out from behind the changing rooms, holding both hands up in the air. Nicholas glanced up, smiling sheepishly.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming. Just put the big band down, please.”

There was silence, only broken by a slight squeaking sound coming from Grace’s throat. Nicholas saw her as he approached, and waved faintly with one of his raised hands. “Hi Grace. Sorry to interrupt.”

Alopemon rested a paw over her muzzle, groaning inwardly. “ Oh jesus christ...”

PARP

“Don’t come any closer, peeping tom!”

There was a gust of wind, and Nicholas stopped as the lead Gentoomon waddled towards him, giving him a suspicious eye. He turned to the two young women, and pointed at the boy. “Is this one of yours?”

Lonnie gave a diplomatic smile, and looked back at Grace, who appeared to be making a concerted effort to swallow her own soul. Lonnie glanced back. “It’s complicated. For the sake of ease let’s just say yes.”

“Hang on just a minute, please.”

Grace pressed her hands together as she walked forwards, looking into Nicholas’s eyes in a manner which was half-pleading and half-threatening. “ What do you think you’re doing here, please?”

Nicholas poked his lips out. “I...um...got lost.”

“This is a tennis court. Where did you think you were going?”

“...home?” The young man rubbed behind his head, giving a wink so sincere it was nearly painful. “I didn’t mean to get in your way.”

“Oooooohhhhh.”

Grace planted her palms over her face as Nicholas rocked back and forth on his feet. “I mean...you did promise we’d talk about it eventually.”

“I was building up to it.”

“Are you okay to do that now?”

“You’ve thrown me off now.”

Nicholas tilted sideways, looking over at Alopemon with a quizzical expression. The fox just shook her head very slowly. Lonnie mouthed a ‘sorry’ in his direction.

Thankfully the situation was saved from any further crushing awkwardness as the Gentoomon waddled forwards and jabbed the bell of his trumpet into Nicholas’s chest. “It’s all your fault, y’know. We’ve been running around all day because of you; all we were trying to do was reach the digital gate and instead it’s just been a big wash.”

“Gate?” Nicholas pointed over his shoulder. “By gate, do you mean a large swirly thing floating in mid-air?”

Gentoomon nodded, while the others looked at each other. Nicholas rolled his fingers. “Just that...well...I managed to pass one through the woods. Up towards the north parade. I don’t know if that’s what you’re looking for.”

Grace let her hands fall to her sides. “How do you know about that?”

“I...I got very lost?”

Thunk

A spike shot out of nowhere, embedding itself in the floor between the penguins and the tamers. Grace yelped, and the two Dixiemon immediately rushed forwards, pulling all the Gentoomon back. One of them raised a trombone, only for another spike to shoot forwards and strike the instrument from his hand, twisting the valves and pinning it to the wall several metres away.

“NOOOOOOOOO! PHYLLIIIIS!”

The Dixiemon rushed back before anyone could stop him, yanking the buckled instrument from the prison even as the spine pulsed with a venomous energy. Euphoniumon stood up, placing himself in front of the other penguins as he watched three more figures walk slowly towards them. Well, two of them walked. Pteroimon did his usual slow ballet in the air, swaying nonchalantly from side to side.

“Well, well, well, what have we got here? I don’t remember us giving you any permission to go AWOL.”

Euphoniumon’s body heaved, and let out a bass note that stopped Pteroimon in his tracks. Either side of him were Cho-Hakkaimon, tilting her great hammer back and forth, and slightly behind her, Caesiumon, who merely stood with a slight smirk on his face. Euphoniumon snorted.

“I don’t recall us ever agreeing to help you.”

Pteroimon stuck his lips out, making a tutting noise. “Please, you hurt me. You hurt all who believe in the cause. Someone like you; you could be a god on the battlefield.”

The grand bird’s eyes darted back, watching one Dixiemon holding the other and caressing his burnt palms, two of the Gentoomon standing firm in front of him, and the other one peering out from behind his leg.

“I was, once. Now I have a family to look after.” He glared forwards. “We won’t interfere. Please just let us go home.”

Cho-Hakkaimon gave a grunt and a smirk, while Pteroimon grimaced in disgust. “Blegh. You don’t seem to realise your position. You are going to aid us, whether you give your consent or not. IriDeathance!”

His entire body shone with the colours of the rainbow, which pulsed and fired a swathe of glowing spines forwards. Euphoniumon raised his wings, blocking the attack even as they punctured and pierced him. He winced, feeling the bright poison already seeping in.

“Is that...all you’ve...got?”

Pteroimon grinned, his body shining again, when all of a sudden Andriamon stood in front of the auk, rolling her shoulders and cracking her knuckles.

“Easy big guy; I can take it from here.”

Euphoniumon shook his head, gritting his beak against the pain, but he felt a hand on his flank and saw Lonnie staring up at him, giving a reassuring smile.

“You wanna beat them? Run. Live. This isn’t your fight anymore.”

“Sniping Spine!”

“Barberous Blaze!”

There was an explosion which rocked the courts, and Pteroimon and his accomplices flew sideways, the fish patting down flames from the near miss. Lonnie looked back at Grace. “Hey, grab Nicholas and take the penguins to the gate. Make sure the big guy can keep up.”

Nicholas nodded, but Grace floundered for a second, “Hey, wait, just a- why am I taking him along? Hello?”

Lonnie tilted her head back. “Because he’s the one who knows where the gate is, you clever girl.”

Grace bit her lip, and looked sideways at Nicholas, who was trying very hard not to laugh. The girl slapped her cheeks, before starting pointing in various directions. “Right, okay, alright then, you, get on the fox. We are having a talk.”

She turned to the penguins, who were gazing around in confusion. “Follow me and Alopemon. Make sure Euphoniumon can keep up.”

“I will. But I’m going to leave a parting gift.”

There was a roar as Euphoniumon reared up, his entire body shuddering with sound energy flowing through him, the burnished metal coursing with black and chrome. Andriamon felt the building power behind her, and catapulted herself sideways, sweeping Lonnie off her feet and taking the girl with her.

“Harlem Nocturne!”

The blast was immense; a wide-reaching gale that shimmered with dark particles, eroding the concrete and anything else that got in its path. Cho-Hakkaimon took the brunt of it, spinning her hammer in front of her, but even she couldn’t last and she found herself swept off her feet with a startled yip. Pteroimon was buffeted by the relentless winds, letting off a drone-like screech as he twisted round and round as if he was on a spin cycle.

When the wind died down, the fish righted himself, spitting as he watched Euphoniumon bringing up the rear of the escaping penguins, as they followed Grace and Nicholas on Alopemon’s back. Pteroimon coughed, and swayed his head. “Oh, Caesiumon, darling? Do retrieve our friends, if you’d be so kind.”

“Barberous Blaze!”

Andriamon fired rapidly towards the shimmering form of Caesiumon, the projectile exploding in his path. But the mercuric man’s body shifted in mid-air, diving beneath the explosion and disappearing down the path after the penguins. Andriamon grunted, and turned her attention back to the other two. Cho-Hakkaimon was planting her fists together, grinning inanely, while Pteroimon swooped back and forth playfully.

“What a shame. We’ll have to deal with you on our own. Pity; I was hoping to save you for last.”

Lonnie stepped back as Andriamon braced herself, groaning inwardly.

“This is just one of those days...”

Grace kept her body down as Alopemon sped forwards, darting back and forth through trees and bushes. The girl kept her breathing steady and her focus forwards; albeit not the easiest of feats with her boyfriend clinging to her back and a series of different-shaped penguins flanking her on all sides, waddling forwards as fast as their feet could carry them. Nicholas seemed to sense the tension, and he leant forwards and did his best to alleviate it.

“So...is this something you do often, or...”

“Oh christ...” Grace held her nose, before looking over her shoulder. “Come clean; how much do you know?”

“Why would I know anything?”

“Because you are freaking out less than I’ve been for the past several weeks, and we are in a life-threatening situation and you are smiling in my face. How long have you known?”

Nicholas looked sideways. “Since you all ganged up on the schizophrenic clown thing.”

“You saw all of that?”

“Some of it.” Nicholas grinned. “Where’s the mask, by the way? It suits you.”

“It’s not supposed to suit me; it’s supposed to keep my identity a secret.”

Nicholas puffed his cheeks out. “You might need to work on that.” He tilted his head sideways. “Right here.

“Sure thing.”

Alopemon lurched sideways down the split in the track, with the penguins struggling to follow her agility. Grace heaved, before glaring back at Nicholas. “Excuse me, I’m driving!”

“I’m the one who’s supposed to be giving directions though...” Nicholas leaned out sideways, feeling the wind rushing over his hair. “Left at the end of here; we’re not-“

“Base Blaze.”

Nicholas held his breath as a tiny purple pellet shot past his nose, flying into the tree ahead of them. It exploded in a huge column of purple flame, and the whole convey veered sideways as they tried to avoid the force of the shockwave. The boy turned around, leaning out further as he stared behind the group.

“Huh.”

Caesiumon was in pursuit only twenty or so metres behind them, still fixing them with the same obsessive stare. He wasn’t running. He didn’t need to, as his legs had extended into long, cricket-like appendages on which he took great strides, easily keeping pace with the fox and her companions. There was a crack as the burning tree tilted sideways into his path, but he raised a broad palm and swatted it away, his fingers slicing through the wood like a wire through cheese. He grinned, and held out an index finger again, with rings of purple shimmering down the digit.

“Left!”

The penguins shot sideways again as another blast rocketed past them, blowing up yet more foliage. Nicholas held his body in, clutching Grace tightly around the midriff.

“So can I assume being chased is part of a normal day?”

“Sometimes.” Alopemon nodded her head sideways. “Sometimes we’re the ones doing the chasing. And sometimes it’s more of a running-into-each-other-very-fast situation. ” She looked over her shoulder, her eyes flashing. “ Please keep your head and arms in at all times.”

Nicholas obliged, and he felt the cold energy as shards of ice materialised behind him, swirling briefly as they shimmered in the evening sunset.

“Icicle Barrage!”

The shards flew backwards in a spiral formation, spreading outwards and growing as they flew. Caesiumon strode right into them, the ice melding with his metallic body and coagulating the shifting liquid. He hissed, and veered sideways into the bracken in a pile of twisting metal spikes, but his gaze still never left the fleeing posse. There was the sound of jangling through the trees, but the darkness was covering any of Caesiumon’s movements, save for the occasional flash of silver. Grace shivered, before leaning to one side.

“Are you all doing okay back there? No injuries?”

Euphoniumon didn’t answer; simply powering forwards step by step with a laser-sharp focus. The three Gentoomon seemed to be finding it the hardest going, their feet pattering along the rough ground as they ran hand in hand with the two Dixiemon. One of them gave an indignant squeak.

“It’s all right for you lot! You and your useful genetics!”

“It’s okay,” Nicholas called out, pointing ahead into the cover of trees. “We’re nearly there.”

Indeed they were, as Grace could make out the shining opalescence of the digital gate through the dim dappled undergrowth; the lights dancing against her vision. She aimed towards it, glancing over her shoulder at Nicholas.

“How lost did you manage to get, exactly?”

“Look out!”

“Volatile Grid.”

Alopemon reared, but was unable to stop her feet landing among the spider’s web of metal streams that were lying in her path. The moment she touched one, the entire lattice shot upwards in great twisting spires, the metal slicing across anything it could get a hand on. Nicholas yelled, pulling his hand away as the silver stream burned it, and the penguins squawked behind as they were also targeted by the lattice. Grace looked up into the living cage, watching as the top of Caesiumon’s body bent forwards, his arms and legs stretching out to form the grid. He smirked, his expression one of innate curiosity.

“Tail Frost!”

“Doxy Gale!”

“Foggy Day!”

Alopemon spun forwards, her tail melding with the gusts of wind and breaking through the network, even as the searing heat marked her pelt. She slowed for a few seconds, watching as the penguins pulled each other through, Euphoniumon bringing up the rear. Caesiumon didn’t seem to be in much of a hurry; he just hung in free space, the network shifting beneath him. A leg of it retracted, reforming into his right arm as he squinted at the group below. Grace tugged at Alopemon’s neck, calling out to the birds.

“Go! Now! Get to the gate!”

“Base Blaze.”

The pellets rocketed into the ground and exploded, sending the group rolling all over the place. Nicholas grabbed Grace, the impact jolting through both of them as they hit the ground, with Alopemon skidding over them. Nicholas sat up, his head ringing as he looked around, watching the Gentoomon and Dixiemon rush towards each other, aiming towards the kaleidoscopic gateway beyond.

“Go...you have to...get out now...”

The birds regrouped. Then they stopped, and looked back, the lead Gentoomon reaching out with a look of horror on his face. Nicholas forced himself up, with Grace rising next to him. They looked back amongst the blazing bushes to see Euphoniumon, ensnared up in a web of metal as Caesiumon’s slender body stepped out behind him.

“I believe I was asked to retrieve you all. Would you care to negotiate?”

“Sniping Spine!”

Andriamon ducked as a spiralling shaft shot over her shoulder, breaking the skin and spraying blood over her back. She bounded forwards, her frill shivering around her neck as she swiped at Pteroimon, her claws raking across his tail as he twirled and flickered in front of her.

“Imperfect heathen!”

“Puffy-lipped git!”

The lionfish spun in mid-air, his razor-like fins swinging outwards like blades, but Andriamon held her forearms up, taking the blow on the hardened skin of her crossbow shafts. She timed her attack, and swiped upwards, but the fish merely rolled with the blow, instead shooting forwards and jamming three spikes into the side of her chest, wounding her more.

“You have chosen the wrong side to fight for, you insidious creature. Join our grand and beautiful cause and gain a new wonderful future for yourself.”

Andriamon grimaced. “God, you’re boring, aren’t you?”

Without warning she grabbed the fish beneath the chin, and flipped him over her shoulder. He spun in mid-air, eyes widening as he saw her bend over, the spines on her back glowing brightly.

“Pyro Spires!”

The spikes shot forwards, exploding in mid-air. Pteroimon weaved back and forth, trying desperately to avoid the blazing fires, and far too busy to see Andriamon charging towards him, her flaming fist reared back for a direct blow.

“Newp.”

The fist hit a metal hammer with a clang as Cho-Hakkaimon slid in front of Pteroimon, protecting him effortlessly. Andriamon ducked, but the pig-woman swung the hammer around her, taking out the salamander’s shins. She stumbled, watching as Cho-Hakkaimon raised the mallet with a grin.

“DadadadadadadadadadadaDIE!”

She moved faster than should have been possible with such a big weapon, and though Andriamon tried to counter what she could, the steel spikes still hit her on the shoulders and the chest, leaving great welts. Andriamon fired another barrage of spikes, causing Cho-Hakkaimon to step back slightly, but she ducked with a grin as Pteroimon re-emerged above her.

“IriDeathance!”

The shower of spines forced Andriamon back, and she raised her arms in defence, giving Cho-Hakkaimon just the opening she needed to swing the mallet around her entire body, rockets bursting from the end as it picked up speed.

“Kyoushin Homerun!”

The flat end of the hammer connected with Andriamon’s midriff, sending her tumbling back and crashing into the changing rooms with a crunch. She unfolded, her eyes spinning as Lonnie peeked out from behind the wall, edging forwards towards her partner.

“Not one word...”

Lonnie raised her fists. “Come on, we’ve got this. We’ve been training, remember?”

“Look, Jim the fish I can handle. The mad maiden with the meat mallet is a bit more of an actual, literal pain in my backside.”

Her eyes widened, and she flapped Lonnie to one side in a frantic motion. “Speaking of...”

Lonnie dived backwards as Cho-Hakkaimon landed in front of the salamander, swinging the great hammer downwards. She barely missed as Andriamon flattened her body, her right arm already opening up and jabbing upwards into the pig-lady’s midriff.

“Barberous Blaze!”

Cho-Hakkaimon howled as the arrow shot into her torso, blasting her backwards and scorching her flesh. Andriamon was up in an instant, and thrust a leg out, slamming it under her opponent’s jaw with an immense crunch. Cho-Hakkaimon swayed, blood pouring from her mouth as she swung wildly; the attack wild and unfocused, and easily dodged by Andriamon. She lunged forwards again, grazing the pig-woman’s cheek. She grinned, rolling her neck as she reeled back for another blow, when she caught sight of Pteroimon spiralling out behind her, brandishing a flickering fin.

“Are you having fun there?”

Andriamon grimaced, and spat at the fish. “Stop cowering and face me like the vertebrate you are!”

“Oh come on, what do you take me for? Somebody who will risk their righteous victory for something as flimsy as honour and personal pride?”

Pteroimon pressed a quill against his lips, before turning his face towards the edge of the wall, looking directly at Lonnie.

“I dare say it would be far more beneficial for me to remove this little problem at the source. Sniping Spine!”

“Don’t you dare-“

Andriamon lunged sideways, but the fish pulled back, not even charging up his spikes. Andriamon flailed widely, just barely noticing the movement beside her before she felt Cho-Hakkaimon’s hammer slamming into her throat, pressing forwards with enough force to power her up the wall. She choked, her hands clawing against the metal as she gazed into her opponent’s flame-powered gaze. There was a tittering as Pteroimon swung forwards, raising a fin and rolling the flippers back and forth.

“Ah me, oh my...every time. You know what I find so completely hilarious and unfathomably irksome about all of you?”

Andriamon narrowed her eyes, but Pteroimon flew up in her face, piercing his right fin into her shoulder as he glared in disgust.

“You’re unbearably predictable.”

“Purgatory Pistols!”

There was a flash of crimson that blasted past Andriamon’s face, making her blink. She heard a howl of pain, and Pteroimon arced backwards, shaking his fin as data trailed from a bloody, burned hole in the centre. Cho-Hakkaimon looked confused for a moment, before glancing up, seeing the figure hanging from the nearby tree as he flicked a pistol round in his hand, before aiming it downwards again.

The red light shot past the pig-lady’s head, striking a hole through her oversized mask. She grunted, pulling backwards and spinning her hammer wildly, but Andriamon saw her chance, bending downwards as the spikes glowed around her body.

“Pyro Spires!”

Cho-Hakkaimon yelped as her quarry exploded in her face, taking out a sizeable chunk of the changing room wall as well. She stumbled back, reaching for her bent hammer as Andriamon bent down towards the ground, her biological rockets already reloading.

“Come on then, if you think you’re hard enough!”

Her opponent growled, spinning the hammer back and forth as she reared back for a mighty swing, when another crimson bullet shot just in front of her nose and she stepped backwards, clutching the bleeding graze. She glared up at the shadowy figure who hung in the trees, and began to march towards him, when there was a mighty yell from Pteroimon.

“No! Stop! Retreat!”

Pteroimon was curled up in mid-air, pouting visibly as he stared between the salamander and the suspended bandit. He backed away, beckoning Cho-Hakkaimon with one waving fin. “Come on. Caesiumon should have finished by now anyway.”

“Aw...I was havin’ fun...”

Cho-Hakkaimon looked distinctly hurt, but she trudged backwards, dragging the hammer along the ground as she snuck away into the darkness. Pteroimon followed her, glaring behind him as he held his wounded fin. His mouth twisted upwards into a horrific grimace as he gave a hollow laugh.

“You’d all better enjoy your Christmas night. Because it will be the last one you’ll ever see.”

He disappeared with a flicker, his lights fading in the darkness. Lonnie let out a long breath as she stepped out, holding her partner upright. The two looked up into the trees, where the hidden body of the bandit still sat, holding a pistol open before him. Lonnie gave a salute.

“Cheers for the assist, mysterious friendly stranger!”

“Friendly?”

The bandit gave a hacking sound, and stood up on the branch, his scarf blowing in the wind. “No chance. You all still make me sick. I’m just here ‘cause I was asked to be.”

He leapt down, and vanished into the blackness himself before Lonnie could reply. She settled for placing a fist on her hip. “Absolutely charming, the whole gosh-darned lot of them.”

She looked up at Andriamon, who gave her an exasperated look.

“I don’t suppose you’d be up for finding the others?”

“I’ve only broken like three ribs. I’m pretty sure I could still run a marathon or two.”

“Well, points for optimism.”

Andriamon winced as the girl helped her up, loosening her body out as she began to stride down the same path through which the penguins had escaped. She smirked as she walked in Lonnie’s arms.

“You know, I never could betray you and join the army for digital freedom or whatever even if I wanted to.”

“Oh?” Lonnie raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yeah. I don’t think I could stand that level of smugness.”

Euphoniumon leant forwards, trying to open his wings and free himself from the tangled metallic web, but the spears only interlocked themselves tighter, digging into his flesh. Caesiumon’s head bent over, staring sideways into the great bird’s eye.

“You will be useful.”

“Get away from him! Tail Frost!”

Alopemon rushed forwards with her tail ablaze, and leapt towards the lattice, but it was no use as Caesiumon leant backwards and thrust his other arm aside, swatting the fox out of the air before she could even get close. She rolled in the damp leaves, the blow disorientating her. The lead Gentoomon and the two Dixiemon ran forwards, but Euphoniumon released a deep note, halting them.

“Don’t come for me. Get out of here. Go through the gate.”

“No, I won’t...we won’t leave you! We were getting away from here together!” The Gentoomon held his hands up, gripping his trumpet. “You promised...”

Euphonium choked, and a small drop of dark liquid fell from his beak, splattering on the trail below.

“I promised to get you all out of here. Away from this war. It doesn’t matter about me.”

He bent double, his wings arching and pressing into Caesiumon’s bindings, purple energy passing over them and scorching him even further. Alopemon pushed herself to her feet, staggering a little from exhaustion and the shock of the blow.

Nicholas sat up, but he felt his shoulder twanging, obviously from where he’d landed on it. He thought through all the options in his head, but without being able to figure out the mysterious metal beast he was coming up completely blank.

“What do you mean it doesn’t matter about you?”

Suddenly there was the whirl of a skirt, and Grace was stood in front of him, staring at the great penguin and the metallic man. Her hair was blowing backwards, and Nicholas could see the edge of her expression; hardened, focused and deeply pissed.

“Every...every single one of you matters! None of you should be getting caught up in this stupid goddamn war. I’ve seen that before, and I won’t let it happen here while I can help it.”

There was a creaking sound as Caesiumon leant forwards, his eyes fixing Grace with an intense stare.

“For somebody so small to take on the world on her shoulders. You are naive if you believe you can save everyone, little girl.”

Grace breathed out, the leaf litter flickering around her as particles of white and blue drifted from her shoulders.

“I know that. More than you could ever believe. I know that I can’t snap my fingers and make everything right; make everything in the world safe and happy. I know I can barely save anyone. I know I’m going to fail dozens. Hundreds, even.”

She raised a hand, holding her D-SEND tightly as frost patterns formed over her fingers.

“But that doesn’t mean I should ever stop trying.”

Caesiumon smiled hesitantly, before he felt a brisk wind striking his body from the right. Alopemon was stood upright; bruised and battered from the pursuit, but glowing internally with blue fire as it shone from her eyes. A twister of snow whipped around her feet, turning the leaf-litter crisp.

Grace took a step, before pausing, looking over her shoulder as Nicholas knelt on the ground.

“I’d stay back. It’s gonna get cold.”

The boy nodded, unable to hide the smile of anticipation on his face. Grace returned the gesture, before moving forwards again, holding her arm out straight as frost fell from her hair and settled on her face in intricate patterns. Alopemon still stood tall, the wind around her growing in intensity and lowering in temperature.

Grace pulled her D-SEND in, holding it in both hands as it hummed with the biting cold. She took in her breath, and let it out slowly, the energy coursing through her veins.

“Alopemon...Soul Reverberate!”

The girl thrust her arm out and the D-SEND exploded with light, spiralling forwards in great gusts as it caught her partner on the chest. The fox cried out; part in adrenaline and part in pain, as the frost ploughed into her body, the force of it raising her up onto her hind legs, then further, up into the air, as her entire body was overcome by trails of frost and dark ice.

“Evolution Activate!”

A vicious crackling sound echoed through the air as the energy coated Alopemon’s body in swathes, forming points and faces as it froze like living ice. Beneath the dome of crystal the fox’s body twisted and contorted, moving in spurts as it bulked out. Only her eyes remained bright; beacons of yellow that burned through the crackling force field. It expanded outwards, cracks running over its surface one after the other, until it finally exploded outwards with a hollow ringing sound, revealing the beast beneath.

Grace watched, unmoving, as her partner hunched over, remembering the intricacies of a body she hadn’t wielded for years. Her fur was dark blue, with a shaggy pelt draped over her broad back, from which savage icicles protruded. Her arms and legs were like tree trunks, and bound by dull silver rings. Her chest was emblazoned with glowing blue markings resembling a grinning face, while the fox’s head itself was shielded by an antlered bone mask; one which Grace knew all too well. It had stood behind her in the clocktower as she’d faced the voice in her head. It had fought with her on burned battlegrounds. And now, finally it stood with her again. The hidden figure which brought her immense comfort, and summoned intense fear.

“Tupilamon.”

Caesiumon looked the ice spirit up and down as she held a palm against the ground, fixing him with the same intense stare he was giving her. His lips curled up. Not enough to be visible to the tamer or the beast facing him. But enough. Enough for him to feel the pang of emotion.

“It’s been so long.”

“Grave Glacier!”

Tupilamon flexed her knuckles, and a fissure enveloped the ground, shooting towards Caesiumon as shards of ice burst from the ground. The metal man danced back, avoiding a claw of frost that swung for his leg, but Tupilamon was relentless, driving her other paw downwards and sending another trail of ice in his direction. Caesiumon swayed, raising a web of metal that pierced the oncoming ice. It dug in, slowing the onslaught and stopping the barrage less than a foot from his face.

“Harlem NOCTURNE!”

Caesiumon’s mirth was short-lived as Euphoniumon, freed just enough to be able to move, raised his wings and summoned a gale of sound that broke through the metal vessel around him. The auk rushed forwards, stumbling against the ground with lacerations down his entire body. But he was free, his eyes glinting as he saw the portal in front of him, with the rest of his family still waiting. Grace threw her arms wide.

“Go! Now! Get back home!”

“I have a job to do.”

Caesiumon’s monotone voice burned through the crackling ice as he strode forwards, slicing through the crystal in pursuit of the escaping birds. But even as he reached out, there was a harrowed breath, and Tupilamon lunged forwards, grasping the metallic tendrils in her icy claws. She pulled Caesiumon sideways, the metal man rearing upwards as purple flashes shot down his arms. Tupilamon found herself being driven back, burning rods being pressed into her shoulders and collar as Caesiumon’s face leered into hers.

“You are still so weak of will and might. What drives you to keep fighting so hard?”

Behind her, Euphoniumon stumbled to the lip of the gateway, Gentoomon holding his hand as he held the great bird back. Euphoniumon’s feathers bristled as he gritted his beak.

“She can’t win this. He’ll kill her.”

“We’ve survived worse,” yelled Grace, gripping onto her D-SEND tightly as she stared at the brawl going on before her. “We set out to save you and let you go free, and that’s just what we’re going to do.”

“Screaming Storm!”

Tupilamon drove her legs into the ground as she grasped Caesiumon’s tendrils in her hands, and let out an almighty banshee roar right in his face; so high that it came in waves, deafening and silent, one after the other. Caesiumon’s body was torn to shreds in the blasts of ice and sound that flew outwards from Tupilamon’s throat, cracking and shattering on the ground in mere splinters.

In less than ten seconds, Tupilamon stepped back, breathing heavily as she bled from multiple puncture wounds. She watched, still tense, as the shards of metal began to melt back into a liquid, reversing away from her and reforming into a single puddle. It rose up, sliding back into Caesiumon’s normal body, as unblemished as when he’d started. He lifted a hand, rolling the fingers in front of him as he looked at them in curiosity.

He swiftly glanced up, and Tupilamon braced herself again, flecks of snow hovering around her claws. But the metal man didn’t make a move. He just gave a small bow, nodding his head forwards.

“I will see you all very soon.”

His legs extended seemingly of their own accord, and he stepped backwards into the bracken, watching them with every step until even his piercing gaze was no longer visible.

Tupilamon fell to one knee, resting a hand against the ground. Grace let out her breath, before turning back towards the digital gate, watching as the penguins finally made it through, holding onto each other. Soon only Euphoniumon and the lead Gentoomon was left, who turned around, nodding up at Grace.

“You did it. We owe you our lives.”

The young woman shook her head, holding her elbows and shivering. “You don’t owe us anything. Just get out of here. You need to survive.”

“So do you.”

Euphoniumon bowed his head, still bleeding significantly from his ordeal. “This war will be a brutal one. Do what you must to survive. And please, save as many as you can.” He blinked, his eyes glowing in the dark. “ Of our people, and of yours.”

Grace pressed her lips together, and nodded. Euphoniumon smiled, and stepped through the gateway, the vortex seeming to close in around him. It shuddered, destabilised, and finally closed up with a rush of air, leaving just faint particles hanging in space.

Grace looked down, holding onto her elbows. She heard something rustling behind her, and turned to see Nicholas standing up, eyes wide and hair matted from the pursuit. He gently took a few steps towards her, looking over her shoulder. Grace could feel the cold presence of Tupilamon stood behind her, her breath making silent clouds in the air. The clouds melded into tiny crystals of frost which fell over the two teenagers, causing them to shiver. Grace grinned reluctantly.

“I suppose you were wondering what I got up to in my spare time...”

“A bit.” Nicholas nodded up at Tupilamon. “This is only slightly more intense than I imagined. So how did you get into this?”

“Just another normal day.” Grace rubbed her chin, before holding her arm back, running it down her partner’s chest. “This is Vulpimon. Or she is most of the time. She’s my Digimon partner and my best friend. I was pulled into another world and forced to fight in a war that ended up destroying it. We brought the war back into this world just before we finished it for good. Only we didn’t; not quite. And now some of the people of the other world are arriving in ours and threatening to destroy every one of us. It’s my job to stop it. We might have a chance. But we don’t know.”

Nicholas blinked, looking between her and Tupilamon’s glowing stare. Grace glanced back, still grasping the fur of her partner in her hand.

“If...if you want to get out of this...now’s your chance.”

“Are you kidding?”

Nicholas stepped forwards, running his fingers through Grace’s and pulling her arms up. He smiled warmly, his glasses reflecting the falling frost.

“See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“You cheated.”

“I do that a lot. But it means people tend to be honest with me in the end. That’s all I ask.”

Grace furrowed her brow, before stepping back. “Alright then, second question because you’re being difficult.”

“Oh darn...”

The young woman sighed, her hands trembling just slightly. “Do you...do you really care about me? With all of this? Or...with me? The way I am? Or do you just want to hang around me because I’m interesting to be around?”

Nicholas let out a breath. Then he leant forwards, resting his forehead on hers.

“Grace, you’re the most remarkable person I’ve ever met.”

“Is that a compliment? Or a suggestion for improvement?”

Nicholas smiled. “Whichever one gives you the confidence to keep going.”

Grace held back for a few seconds, giving the young man a slightly incredulous look. His expression didn’t change, retorting with the same slightly shielded sincerity which he had held since the first day.

After a few seconds Grace couldn’t take it anymore; she burst out laughing, and Nicholas joined in, readjusting his glasses to a slightly crooked position. The two leant forwards, staring into each other’s eyes as the snow fell around them. Grace leaned forwards, hesitant at first, as Nicholas shifted awkwardly. The pair leaned in, and they kissed, holding their arms around one another tightly as the snow fell around them.

They remained there for the best part of a minute, not letting go of one another. The only change was the slight flash of light as Tupilamon bowed her head, her body dissipating to reveal Vulpimon. The fox sat, her tail brushing against the leaf litter as she waited patiently.

Unseen by her, high in the treetops, a masked figure also looked down at the couple, his expression hidden but his eyes piercing and accusatory. He snorted, and turned away, leaping down as he remained within the damp bracken.

There was a rustling of footsteps as Lonnie rushed through the dwindling light, with Dendromon just on her heels. She saw the flurries of frost, and broke out into a grin, rushing towards them as she caught sight of Grace and Nicholas.

“I didn’t realise you were so far away. I hope you-“

She faltered, catching her voice in her throat as she took in the young couple in front of her, their lips still locked together as they embraced.

Lonnie slowed to a walk, her grin descending into a warm smile as she placed her hands behind her back. Dendromon stumbled behind Lonnie, looking up at her partner, but the breeze caught Lonnie’s pigtails, covering her face just for a second.

Slowly she wandered forwards, holding her head down as she stood beside the two. She raised a hand, and coughed quietly into it. Grace opened her eyes first, before floundering, pulling herself away and nodding at Lonnie. The redhead glanced down, noticing the pair’s hands still interlocked.

“I see you’ve finally sorted things out.”

“Yeah, I...uh...we...it just...kind of...”

Grace turned a distinct shade of red, but Lonnie held both palms up, shaking her head. “Please. Now’s as good a time as any.” She giggled. “I’m glad you’ve finally come clean. It’s good for you. For both of you.” She tilted her head. “Gentoomon and Euphoniumon and the others?”

“They got away. All of them.”

“That’s good.”

Nicholas raised a finger. “To be honest, so did the metal guy and he seemed to be a little keen to come back so...room for improvement?”

Grace pouted, and punched him gently on the forearm. Lonnie laughed, before turning to Nicholas, who seemed a little dazed but overall none the worse for wear. The redhead nodded, holding her face in a fixed smile.

“Look after her, okay? She’s a wonderful woman. A bit weird, but...well, we all are. We need people like...she...needs someone like you. Can you do that?”

Nicholas blinked, looking back into the girl’s golden eyes. Then he nodded.

“I give you my word.”

Lonnie broke out into a grin again, taking a step back. Dendromon looked up at her with an eyebrow raised, but the girl nudged her, turning on her heels.

“Come on then. Let’s give these two a little bit of private time, shall we? They’ve earned it.”

“I...uh...wait? What?”

Lonnie reached down, hoisting Dendromon out the way as she ran back down the trail. Nicholas watched her go, before he felt a nudge from Grace, her fingers sliding through his. The girl raised her other hand, waving at Lonnie as she disappeared back through the undergrowth.

“Have a happy Christmas, Lonnie! Thanks so much for your help!”

“Always have, always will!” Lonnie turned, waving both hands back at the pair. “Have a good one!”

Nicholas watched as the girl disappeared, leaving barely a rustle of leaves behind her. He looked down.

“Isn’t there anything else we need to do?”

“Tonight?” Grace sighed. “Pardon me but...if you’re up for it...I’d like to stay here just a bit longer...”

Nicholas looked down at her for a few seconds as she leaned in, resting her head in the crook of his shoulder. The boy let out a breath, before holding his arms out, returning her embrace. They stayed there, with Vulpimon standing just a few metres away, holding one another as they swayed ever so slightly back and forth.

“Merry Christmas...”

“...merry Christmas.”

“I’m home!”

Lonnie held the door open for Dendromon as she kicked her shoes off, nudging them underneath the rack. The salamander shivered beside her, her gills flicking up and down.

“It is too darned cold out there for us to be saving the world, you know.”

“Dendy!”

Sian shot out from the kitchen doorway and barrelled into Dendromon’s arms, who spun her around for a couple of revolutions before plonking her back down on the floor. The girl grinned, before turning towards Lonnie and clamping her arms around the girl’s waist. Lonnie smiled, picking up her half-sister and rocking her up and down.

“You better not have eaten all the leftover turkey already.”

“Nuh-uh. We saved it for you.”

“Goody. I need a sandwich.”

Sian wriggled excitably, causing Lonnie to stagger sideways a little. Anna poked her head around the door, wearing her new blouse and wielding a flashing light-up sword which made badass and only slightly ineffectual battle noises.

“You should have been here. I missed you.”

“Aw, I missed you two too. But I was here this morning, alright?”

Anna let the sword tip downwards, resting on the floor. “Play with us tomorrow, alright?”

“Tomorrow...?”

Lonnie shared a glance with Dendromon, who looked back in an uncertain manner. The girl reached out, running her hand across Sian’s head. “I don’t know if tomorrow’s gonna happen, I’m afraid.”

“Aaaaaww...”

Lonnie tried to take a step, but Sian was holding her in a vice grip, refusing to let go. “We never see you no more! You have to stay with us! You have to!”

“Alright now, you two, that’s enough.”

Carrie stepped out, a tea-towel draped over one shoulder as she walked over and picked Sian up. The girl still made grabbing motions, but she eventually relaxed in her mother’s grip as Carrie wiggled her cheek.

“Lonnie’s got a lot of work to do.”

“Yeah.” The girl shuffled on her feet. “I’ll be back the day after; I promise. Then we can play all day.”

Anna hooked her finger. “You swear? Completely?”

Lonnie crouched down, and raised three fingers up to her head, winking.

“Scout’s honour. Properly. But you need to be good for mum, alright? Do what she tells you and don’t get into trouble. No matter what happens.”

Anna stuck her bottom lip out, but she nodded. Sian stuck her thumb in her mouth, leaning in towards her mother’s shoulder. Carrie sighed. “You two, out for a few minutes. I need to have a little chat.”

It took slightly longer than was ideal, but eventually Lonnie and her mother were left alone in the hallway, with Dendromon already upstairs. Carrie sighed. “I don’t suppose this...thing tomorrow’s cancelled now, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I’m sorry.” Lonnie blinked, her golden eyes reflecting the light above. “If there was anything else I could do...”

She quietened, held in Carrie’s embrace as her mother held her firmly. “If there was anything else you could do, you’d still be out there saving the world anyway. I got that far back when you were six, let alone a stroppy teenager.”

“Thanks...?”

Lonnie laughed a little, before holding her mother’s hands, gently pulling them away. They looked at one another, and Lonnie could see the moisture in the corners of Carrie’s gaze. Her mother saw Lonnie’s concern, and wiped away the tears.

“I’ve made you lunch. Take it with you when you go, no matter how early. Eat when you get a chance.”

“You know me so well.” Lonnie looked to one side. “I made a promise and I’ll keep it. No matter what happens. I’ll be back for you all.”

“You’d bloody well better.”

“Just stay with the girls. Don’t go out, don’t try to fight, and keep each other safe.” Lonnie smiled weakly. “Can you promise me that?”

Carrie nodded profusely, before looking up the stairs. “You’d better get some sleep. Can’t save the world when you’re only half-awake.”

“Now that I can’t promise...”

That night, sleep was as elusive as any Digimon Lonnie had ever tried to find. The girl lay still, in four different positions, staring up, pressing her eyes shut; nothing. No chance. She figured that would be the case. And the shuffling sounds from the end of the bed indicated that Dendromon was feeling much the same.

Eventually Lonnie gave up, sitting up in bed as she stared into the dim light. It was pitch black outside.

Feeling wuzzy-headed, the girl swivelled sideways, and stared at the wall for a few moments, wallowing in the silence of the room. As her eyes adjusted themselves to the darkness, she caught sight of her phone on the bedside cabinet. Reaching out, she held it in her hands, scrolling from screen to screen. Eleven fifty-eight pm.

Her thumb hovered over an icon, and she opened up the gallery, swiping between photos. A selfie came up, and she held her breath. Her and Grace down at the beach, with her own manic grin and Grace’s slightly reluctant acceptance. It seemed a lifetime ago now. So much since then. So much pain.

Lonnie gently pulled her fingers apart, zooming in on Grace’s face, looking at the warm hazel eyes. She sighed, whispering to herself.

“Damnit, girl...you blew it...”

She glanced aside, and saw that Dendromon was awake herself; stood at the end of the bed with wide eyes looking up at her.

“What did I do now?”

Lonnie gave a small smile, before her eyes went back down to her phone. Her partner shuffled forwards, her markings glowing faintly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing...really nothing...”

The girl sighed, as a lock of hair fell down across one shoulder.

“I was just...sort of hoping, y’know? Just a bit of me hoping that...that it wouldn’t work out between them.”

She held her breath, pressing her teeth together.

“That...maybe I’d have another chance to...to tell her how I felt. I mean...if the world’s about to end...maybe I could have had one day, at least...just me and Grace...”

She looked up, the gold in her eyes faded as she looked at Dendromon, her voice seeming impossibly small and vulnerable.

“Does that make me a horrible person?”

“...oh Lonnie...”

Dendromon held her arms out, but Lonnie shook her head, turning away and staring down at her hand. The faint light from the phone rippled across her face, as she smiled warmly.

“So long as you’re happy together. That’s all...all I really want.”

“Lonnie?”

The girl looked sideways, and saw Dendromon’s silhouette, standing up by the windowsill. The salamander’s markings were glowing faintly in the darkness as the girl sat up, her shoulders rising and falling. Dendromon bowed her head.

“It’s starting...”

The girl stood up, and walked up to the window, feeling the tense energy from her partner beside her. Lonnie pulled the curtains back slightly, looking over the suburbian streets in front of her. There was a bright moon out and a flawless set of stars, illuminating the rooftops and the town beyond. Already there were little twinkling lights blinking into view over the townscape. Little fires, growing bigger. Lonnie held a palm against the glass, feeling slight vibrations. She couldn’t hear from here, but she knew that out there were already souls screaming for help out there. Humans and Digimon alike.

She sucked in her gut, flicked the light on, and flung the wardrobe open, pulling out her coat as her partner stood beside her.

“This is my home, Dendromon. And I’m not gonna let it die today.”

00:00:00:00