The ground rumbled under the feet of the renegade hunter as she ran through the back streets, vision hampered by the dark visor. She could hear her own breathing, heavy and strained, pounding in her ears. But still she could hear the cries of fury and hurt from her pursuers, getting louder all the while as they gained ground. Mira focused, ignoring the pain racking her body from the exertion. She couldn’t run far, and she couldn’t run fast.

But she didn’t need to.

She turned, and held her arms out, slowing chaotically as she approached the wall before them. A dead end. And as she turned, so the entrance was blocked by the wall of Digimon, catching her at last. They piled in, the Baromon at the head pointing an accusatory finger.

“You’re going to pay for what you’ve done, vile human. You first, and all your kind after.”

Mira didn’t answer. She just held a hand up, and reached into the inside pocket of her coat. There came a scream from a Prairiemon as she bounded forwards.

“It’s got something else!”

“Stop it now! Kill it!”

The Digimon advanced as one, pouring into the alleyway after Mira as she reached out with a small device.

Flashing silver. Glowing red. The alley stretched and warped, and the vengeful bloodlust of the rampaging Digimon twisted into confusion and fear as they began to fall and tumble, the world spinning all around them as lights flashed past their eyes and

They fell, crashing into a pile of screams and cries. Some of them bounded to their feet, looking around for their quarry. Others were slower, still disorientated. The Prairiemon shuddered as she looked around, holding her elbows with her steel gauntlets.

“Where…did they go…where are we…this isn’t…”

“It can’t be...”

The Baromon stood up, staring up at the sky as the Digimon, one by one, began to figure out where they were. It had been so sudden as to be disorientating, but they all knew exactly. They could feel it in the static air filling their lungs, and see it in the patchwork circuitry across the torn sky, and the clusters of shimmering data in the mechanical and organic structures around them.

“We’re…we’re back in the Digital World.”

Mira stepped back, leaning against the wall as she stared forwards, impending death replaced by shimmering light. For a few moments she caught her breath, hearing her own heartbeat resonating around their helmet.

Then she reached out, pressing another button on the device in their hand. The digital gate shuddered, hummed gently, and dissipated out of existence, leaving just a faint cloud of silvery specks where it had appeared. Mira placed the device back into her coat, brushing the dust away from her sleeves

There was a distant rumble, and they looked up, seeing the sky begin to spin above them. The main gate was restless. And growing. It wouldn’t be long now.

“And that’s the first shot fired. Now for the retaliation.”

Mira rolled her shoulders, and walked calmly back down the alleyway, keeping one hand on the wall to support herself.

“I wonder who it’s going to be.”

“Everybody move!”

The tamers stumbled, sticking close to one another as they rushed as fast as they could down the hazy streets, the mists obscuring their pathway even more. The sirens were already wailing in the distance, as emergency services rushed towards the terrible scene at the town square. But more worrying was the sounds of furious shouting, and the clatter of feet against stone behind them. The crusaders were regrouping. And they were still pursuing.

Owen gritted his teeth as the group ran further, staying away from open spaces where they could to try and keep their visibility down. “Does anyone have an idea where to go?”

Lonnie ran a hand over her hair as they turned a corner, with Andriamon bounding just ahead of her.

“I...I don’t know...the gate facility?”

Nicholas sped up next to her. “Won’t that be the first place they look for any of us?”

“I’m thinking, alright! I didn’t actually have a plan for anything like this! I was really, really hoping something like this wouldn’t happen!”

“There they are!”

Suricamon’s shrill voice came from behind them, followed by an immediate barrage of projectiles and energy blasts, striking at the tamers’ heels. Half the Champions had already devolved to try and make the group less conspicuous, but Alopemon and Highwaymon were still active, and they dropped back to try and provide some return fire. Atop her partner’s back, Grace glanced over her shoulder.

“Guys, we have to make a decision now!”

“I’m working on it, I’m working-“

“Watch out!”

Andriamon skidded to a halt in front of them, sending the entire group bunching up. The salamander spread her arms, just in time to hold off Hoatzimon as the bird crashed into her, sending her down. Andriamon struggled, and kicked upwards, but Hoatzimon had already released pellets of gas even as she was launched backwards. They exploded all around, the gas spreading quickly around the confined alleyway as the humans struggled to hold their breath.

“I’m gonna make you pay!”

“Piss off, Polly! Digital Blitz!”

Sapiamon lunged forwards from behind Andriamon’s crouched form, reaching for her own belt and peppering the ground with explosive orbs. They burst in flashes of light, blinding Hoatzimon for a second, but even with that distraction the sheer number of bodies were just too much to get past her. Soon enough all the group’s exits were blocked off; Lilamon, Oryxmon, Alraumon – many furious Digimon standing in her way. Hoatzimon wiped her bloodied mask, her eyes fixing on Trevor as the others gathered around him.

“It’s not just him anymore. You’ve all shown where your allegiances lie. Die.”

“Royal Flint!”

A red blur shot out from one side, crashing into Hoatzimon as she raised her arms in defense. Martyaxmon landed, growling as his bead chain whipped around him, throwing the closer Digimon backwards. Sapiamon blinked, and held out a thumb.

“Hey big guy. Didn’t realise you were dropping by.”

Martyaxmon rolled his eyes. “Well apparently I can’t leave you alone for five minutes, can I...”

His eyes met Jack and Grace’s in the middle of the group, as they stared between the two. Jack raised a finger.

“Um, I have questions-“

“No time. I passed your allies; they’re on their way. Go; I’ll hold these guys off.”

Jack looked even more confused, but Perimon flew upwards above him. “ Everybody rewind!”

“Stop them!”

The Digimon behind them, led by Liopramon, pressed inwards, but the remaining Champions leapt over the group and formed a wall at the front, rushing forwards towards them. The leprechaun stumbled.

“Aw hell-“

“Barberous Blaze!”

“Nebula Blaster!”

“Icicle Barrage!”

“Purgatory Pistols!”

Liopramon and his posse were thrown back by the blast as the tamers and their wards burst out, albeit a lot the worse for wear after firing in such close proximity to each other. Still, they ran again, the mists curling as the crusaders reconvened behind them. Owen could feel his sides splitting and he closed his eyes, trying desperately to ignore the pain as he held tightly to his father. The noise wasn’t stopping, mingling with the distant sirens and the endless pursuit.

“There’s...there’s nowhere we can...go...”

“Circle of the Void!”

The lights blinked out, and the mists vanished. All sounds stopped in an instant. The group stuck together, looking around, but they could barely even see each other, save for the occasional flashes in the black. They couldn’t even hear their own breathing, although they could hear somebody’s. Something big, lurking in the darkness amongst them.

“It’s alright. You’re safe here.”

The shadows shifted, and for a brief moment the escaping tamers could see the large, hunched body of Azdajamon, eyes glowing in the darkness, with Kai crouched over on his back.

“Please wait.”

It seemed like hours, waiting in the pitch black. For something so open and empty it seemed so oppressive. A forced tranquillity, burrowing into each and everyone present.

Then, right before they could bear it no longer, the shadows coiled away, and everybody blinked at the sudden light and clarity. They looked behind them, and saw Azdajamon stumbling onto one paw, clearly exhausted by the effort.

“Lyublanamon? Are you alright?”

Another figure fell down in front of them; the shining pegasus, almost tripping as she hit the cobbles. Her eyes were red and her body was blemished with cuts and burns, but she was still standing.

“They’re gone for now. But they’ll be back.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Lyublanamon smiled weakly. “I’ll be fine. I always am.”

She folded her wings, and Eloise sat up from her partner’s back, facing the tamers, and holding her arm awkwardly.

“We don’t have long. You’d better come with us.”

The mayhem hadn’t carried far. Sounds blocked by the buildings, the crowds, and the growing great tree, even before they reached the forest and were swallowed up completely.

And yet, in a hangar deep in the woods, something shifted. A change in the air perhaps. A veil dropping within the fabric of space.

Sciamon may not have noticed had he not felt it in his mechanical heart. The cold brass bound for so long by mere words.

As long as we’re protecting this world, do not raise your arms against the human race again.

He straightened up, and lifted his hands up, rolling each finger one by one. No heaviness. No forced calm.

Only blinding rage.

Sciamon let out a breath, as the fires reignited.

“LET ME GO!”

Eirenemon jerked forwards, causing Simurghmon’s flight path to veer downwards, and she ended up running against the roof of the office building, wings held rigidly outwards as she tried to slow in time. Not that it was made any easier, for as soon as she had purchase on the roof then Eirenemon pushed back herself, kicking and screaming. But Simurghmon didn’t let go.

“We have to go back! We can’t leave her!”

“Eirenemon, it’s-“

“No! We can save her! We can heal her! I can heal her!”

“Eirenemon, she’s already gone! I’m sorry!”

“NO! LIAR!”

The dove woman wailed, and lashed out, her hand raking across Simurghmon’s chest. And another, this time breaking the skin of her forearm. It didn’t hurt Simurghmon, but she struggled nonetheless; for every wound Eirenemon inflicted on her, a wound opened up in turn on her own body. The price for peace. A wound for a wound, keeping Eirenemon’s head clear all the time. But that was no help right now.

“Stop! You’re hurting yourself!”

“I DON’T CARE!”

Simurghmon walked forwards, holding Eirenemon’s wrists away from her and pressing her back against the rooftop, even as the angel struggled all the more. Simurghmon’s arms tilted down, and they wrapped around Eirenemon’s shaking form, both sets of wings doing the same. Eirenemon wailed, her arms pinned in place.

“She...she can’t be gone...she didn’t deserve that...who was it? Who killed her...Simurghmon, let me go! Let me find her! Let me find them! Simurghmon!”

The divine bird felt the sting of tears in her eyes, blinking as her vision blurred. But she didn’t dare let go.

“I’m so...so...sorry...”

“WHY DIDN’T YOU SAVE HER, SIMURGHMON? WHY DIDN’T YOU STOP THEM? YOU COULD HAVE...she could still...”

She reached up, her hands clawing into the larger Digimon’s shoulders and trying to prise her away, to free herself. Even as her hands dug in and her own shoulders were stained red, the skin opening up on its own, she kept going, still crying. But Simurghmon didn’t let go, her embrace warm and full. And Eirenemon’s wails and screams became less intelligible, and her struggles grew weaker and weaker, until it was all she could do to hold onto Simurghmon’s body herself, letting out great, gulping sobs as tears stained her feathers. She couldn’t stop, choking and coughing, her grief holding her like a vice.

Simurghmon just kept holding on, her eyes closed, and not daring to speak herself for fear that she would break as well.

They hung there on the rooftop for several minutes, as Eirenemon’s energy slowly ran down. Simurghmon leant forwards, whispering the same into her ear, over and over again. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

I’m sorry.

Over and over, a mantra, a plea. Or just anything she could cling onto.

Eventually she fell to her knees, with Eirenemon curling up in front of her, holding onto her own elbows and pressing her head into her own chest. Simurghmon reached out, trying to help her up, but she was inconsolable.

After a few attempts, Simurghmon turned around herself, with barely any energy to stand. She just sat beside Eirenemon, looking over the rooftops, and seeing the faintly glimmering silhouette of the great tree in the distance, still growing ever so slightly.

She realised she was in pain. Sharp pains, burning pains, wrenched muscles and ripped feathers. Wounds from her own battle with Fenghuangmon. Only minutes earlier. She felt something warm falling down the side of her face, and held up a palm, tapping it and feeling a sting.

“It’s....it’s going to be okay, Eirenemon...it’s going to be fine...everything’s going to be fine...”

There was no response. Just as well, for that was all Simurghmon could think. She bunched her legs and wings up, and buried her own head in her lap. And with nothing but her own fears and failures coursing round her head, she allowed herself the chance to cry as well.

Eloise and Kai had been watching the situation unfold, keeping tabs through the very brave journalism of the local news team. Once it was clear just how bad things had gotten, they’d contacted Alasdair and immediately rushed out to provide an escape route.

Now, after a careful and low-key retreat, everybody was crowded into their house, including Alasdair who had come to try and get some things in order. Many of the tamers and their partners had been in urgent need of care after the sheer shock and stress of what they’d been through, and Inez and Grace sat in the corner, administering bandages and salves to those who needed it. Truth be told, the older tamers’ house had never felt quite so crowded. But it was at least enclosed, and it gave them a temporary safe place to try and keep tabs on the newest developments.

“...services are tending to those wounded at the scene, but access has proved difficult due to the sudden growth of the tree. Those who instigated the attack have not been seen since the incident, nor has the man accused by Fenghuangmon. We still haven’t received any numbers on casualties from the incident, either human or Digimon, however several fatalities are expected. We will bring you more information as we find it.”

Eloise scowled, and flicked the screen off, rubbing beneath her eyes. “Well, at least the local media’s picked now of all times to be inclusive.”

Nobody laughed. Nobody really knew how to react to any of it, their hearts still racing from the adrenaline coursing through all of them. Yethmon leant back against the wall, folding his arms.

“I genuinely don’t see how that could have gone any worse.”

Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “Cheers Yethmon. Thanks for the optimism.”

“Optimism?” The hound snorted. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed but one of the peace ambassadors to this world has just been publically murdered in broad daylight. The other two have gone into hiding and the self-proclaimed Digimon liberation army are gonna use this to declare war on us. I don’t think happy thoughts are gonna fix this one.”

Grace glanced over her shoulder at the hound. “Yeah, we know. We were there. The running commentary doesn’t help.”

She went back to wrapping up a gash in Dendromon’s shoulder, as Inez sat up in front of her, her eyes dark. “I don’t suppose anyone has any idea who that was?”

Lonnie sat on the edge of the sofa, tapping her foot. “It all happened so fast. They looked like one of Vex’s gang, but...I dunno.”

“It was.”

Everybody turned to look at Trevor as he leant forwards, clasping his hands. “We called her Mira. We gave each other names but made sure not to reveal anything about our own lives, so I don’t know any more than that. And I don’t know why she’d suddenly decide to do something like that.”

The man received utter silence after his comment, and he looked up, scanning the room and tapping his fingers together.

“I...thought this was a free-for-all discussion...”

The comment did little to break the building tension in the room, nor the several dozen hard stares he was receiving from pretty much everybody around. Trevor bit his lip, and kept tapping his fingers together, trying to look very interested in the floor.

“So...is anyone gonna address anything or...”

Owen looked down at Simeamon, whose tail was swinging back and forth behind her, rubbing against the glass cabinet. Nobody else seemed to be stepping up, so she let out an exaggerated sigh and pushed herself off, sauntering over to Trevor. She stood next to him, leaning one palm on the arm of her chair and rubbing the other behind her helmet.

“Look, pal...it’s been a hell of a day and it’s all a bit awkward right now but to be completely frank we really ain’t got time for any o’that so......”

Without warning, she swung round, balling her fist and punching Trevor straight across the chin, with enough force to send him lurching sideways.

“HEY!”

“Simeamon!””

“Mind the lamp!”

Trevor gently sat up again, holding his hand over his mouth as a thin trail of blood trickled down his chin. He gave a groan as the pain began to hit him, and slowly looked back at the monkey standing in front of him. Her expression was darker than ever, her nostrils flaring as her breathing rate increased, until she screamed in his face.

“You ASSHOLE!”

She thrust out a glove, grinding her teeth together. “I saved your life ‘cause I had to, and ‘cause I’m sick and tired of people getting killed and everythin’ getting worse ‘cause of it, but you’d better get it into your head that I only did that for the sake of your son, who’s been going through utter shit ‘cause of you. I’m gonna keep you alive no matter what, but that doesn’t change the fact that I REALLY fucking hate you. And y’can bet your ass I’m not the only one in here who does.”

Trevor couldn’t take his eyes off the monkey as she seethed, grabbing hold of one shoulder and swearing repeatedly under her breath. Owen stood up from the dining room table.

“Simeamon, calm down-“

“I’m not fucking calmed up!” yelled the monkey, and she whirled around, pointing a mitten at her partner. “And don’t think I’m not still mad at you, you dick! About you ducking out when everyone needed you the most! The only reason I ain’t gonna deck you good and proper is ‘cause you need a fucking working jawbone ‘cause you’ve got someone you seriously owe an apology to more than me.”

Owen bit his lip, and glanced aside at Kevin, who sucked in his cheeks, looking the other way. Simeamon snorted, her shoulders heaving up and down.

“I just...I...I can’t deal right now, I just can’t!”

She marched forwards and towards the stairs, the sound of her great clumping boots echoing through the living room, followed by the decisive slam of a door. Kai looked over at Eloise. “That was our bedroom, right?”

The young woman just nodded, gripping the bridge of her nose and saying nothing. There came a reserved sigh from Trevor as he sat forwards.

“Perhaps it’s best if I leave you all...”

“Screw that,” replied Grace incredulously, glaring at the man. “We spent a lot of effort trying to get you to safety; you are staying right here where we can see you.”

Trevor blinked, before pulling at his collar. “It’s rather crowded in here though...”

“We have a back porch,” said Kai bluntly, and he pointed over his shoulder.

“...is there a chair? My legs hurt.”

“Chairs are reserved for non-dickheads. There’s a box for shoes or a potato basket. Take your pick, and scoot.”

Trevor didn’t look particularly enamoured with either option, but he gently stood up and walked through the room, exiting out the back of the kitchen and closing the door gently. Kai sighed, running his hands through his hair.

“Anyone else? Before any more of our house is broken?”

Lonnie kicked out in front of her, looking decidedly despondent. “I don’t think we can deal like this at the minute. Everyone take twenty, and...I dunno. Try and recalibrate.”

Nobody thought it was a very bad idea, and slowly they all began to cluster off into different parts of the house. Lonnie looked up at the ceiling, staring at the lightbulb.

“Not that we even have twenty to spare...”

Simurghmon gently walked around the central table, looking at the piles of papers and pens all around, stacked neatly in their particular places. Just the way she always did. The divine bird brushed past one, and her feather caught it, sweeping it onto the floor. She thought about retrieving it, but there was little point. Everything was out the window now anyway.

Her ears pricked up as she felt the presence behind her, and turned to see Eirenemon, standing solemnly in the doorway and fiddling with her torch. Simurghmon nodded.

“How are you doing?”

Eirenemon didn’t answer. But her hand closed around the silver rhyton, shaking from the grip. Simurghmon leant back, staring all around the office.

“You’re...you were right. I should have saved her. I should have been quicker and taken out the threats and I...I was just so focused on trying to save everyone that I couldn’t...I didn’t...save the one person I should have.”

Her voice was low, more to herself than to anybody else. Again Eirenemon didn’t speak, although she did tiptoe forwards slightly. Simurghmon could see the red rings around her eyes, stained with endless tears.

“So what do we do now?”

The angel flinched, and looked around her. “Me? You’re...asking me?”

Simurghmon held her palm out in front of her. “I don’t know where this leaves us. What we can do. If there even is anything we can do.”

Eirenemon shuddered. “I’m...I’m sorry. I don’t know. I always looked to...to Fenghuangmon to know what to do.”

“...yeah. So did I.”

Simurghmon closed her palm. “She was the strongest of us and I let her down. Without her I...don’t know what to do to save them.”

Eirenemon gently walked sideways, running her finger over the rim of the table as she sighed. “I don’t think we can, not on our own. They...they won’t listen, Simurghmon. Maybe before, but not now. Not after this.” She swallowed. “Maybe...maybe it’s time we went home.”

“Home?” Simurghmon looked up. “Back to the digital world?”

Eirenemon nodded. “We can r...refocus our efforts there. Save as many as we can, remember?”

“But that would mean abandoning this world...”

“I think we have to.” Eirenemon held her forearm. “We were never meant to come here. Maybe with Fenghuangmon we had a chance to make a difference. But there is...it’s like...there’s a poison here. There are people who hate us, and our kind, and that hate has twisted around and is killing the people here as well.” She lowered her head. “I don’t know who it was who killed her. But I know that was the reason why.”

“Eirenemon...”

The dove looked up. “If we stay here, we’ll only be poisoned ourselves. We need to let them heal their own world. It’s...only right, now...”

Her voice was desperately quiet, barely more than a whisper as she ran her finger down her torch. Simurghmon stared at her, and raised a hand, holding it against her temple as she felt a twinge.

“Would they let us?”

“We know where the gate is, right?” Eirenemon looked almost ashamed. “If they don’t...we can persuade them. It would only be a second. Just to slip away. To get back home.”

“I...I don’t know...”

“We tried, Simurghmon!”

Eirenemon’s voice was sharp, echoing around the room. She drew back, shaking her head.

“I’m sorry. Really. I should...I should have been stronger, all this time. I couldn’t bear to leave these people and these Digimon to destroy themselves.” She took in a shaking breath, tears falling from her eyes yet again. “But...but I’ve already lost the one I loved more than anyone else. I couldn’t bear to lose you too...”

She looked up, her black eyes shimmering in the low light.

“Please, Simurghmon...let’s go home.”

Simurghmon held her head lower, her ears drooping down. She looked out at the window, trying to see through the frosted glass. She knew it wasn’t far from here, though she couldn’t see it from here. The place with the one she loved most in the world. In both worlds.

The one she too had failed.

She took in a breath, and nodded.

“You’re right. Let’s go back.”

Lonnie sat, her chin in her palms as Alasdair slowly wheeled himself around the coffee table, which was currently supporting the weapon that had killed Fenghuangmon. It looked even more beaten up than ever, with the end of the barrel in particular split and scorched, even after only limited uses. But still, none of the people present wanted to fiddle around too much with it, having seen its devastating power firsthand.

Dendromon winced, sitting next to Lonnie with her legs apart. “How could they build something like that?”

Alasdair sighed. “I don’t think this is something Trevor or any of his people could put together. It’s one thing to strap together magnets and high-voltage supplies, but it’s something else entirely to make something that can tear through a Digimon’s data.”

Lonnie looked up. “But then...how did Vex get a hold of this in the first place?”

“I think I have an idea...”

The two looked up at Lyra as she walked up, leaning over the back of Lonnie’s chair. She took a swig of water, then spoke, her voice far more subdued than usual.

“This looks like a mixture of communication tech and Digimon parts. It’s the kind of thing Rhyncomon was always putting together.”

Alasdair turned around. “Rhyncomon? The Digimon who had you hostage?”

The young woman squirmed uncomfortably. “He...didn’t have me hostage. I chose to work with him. I...I didn’t think I had a choice back then...”

She trailed off, but Tsurumon stepped forwards behind her, peering down at the weapon. “It looks almost familiar. I think he may have been working on this for quite a while.”

Dendromon frowned. “On a weapon to kill his own kind?”

“He’s not the kind of Digimon to play well with others, and he likes to have backup. This could have been for the ambassadors, or for Sciamon, or just as simple insurance. It could have been for anything.”

“So this was all just some big horrible coincidence then...” Lonnie bit her lip, and rubbed beneath her nose. “Although...whoever that was back there who picked this up...it looked deliberate. Almost like they’d planned it.”

Dendromon leant back. “A weapon nobody knew about against a group trying to help us in the midst of high tensions between both our worlds, fired by somebody we have no way of identifying? That’s a plan with a heck of a lot of ifs and maybes and don’t-knows.”

“But plans can be flexible, Dendromon.” Alasdair leant forwards, clasping his hands. “It’s very hard to set something up exactly the way you want it. But if you have several different pieces in play, you can mix and match between them. I know this; it was part of getting all of you together in the first place.”

A pang of guilt fell over his face as Lonnie and Dendromon stared at him, and he looked sideways. “Pieces can be hidden. Characters can be brought together. And people can be nudged. Maybe not much. But maybe just in the way you want them. Just enough to get your next piece-“

A sharp ringing sounded as Lyra’s mug fell from her hand, splashing against her leg and rolling away. Lonnie leapt up, eyes wide. “Lyra, oh, god-“

“It’s fine, it’s alright.” Lyra picked the mug up, placing it on the nearest coaster as she uncovered her leg. “It wasn’t too hot.”

She walked away quickly, heading upstairs to the bathroom. Tsurumon watched her go, before hurrying after her, just stopping in the doorframe and glancing back.

“You know Alasdair, just because it’s possible doesn’t make it a kind thing to do.”

Alasdair looked forlornly at the crane, but Tsurumon vanished round the corner before he could respond. The man rubbed his hand over his beard. “I’m...I’m sorry. This has all happened at once and I was just...thinking out loud.”

Lonnie stuck her lower lip out. “It’s not your fault. We should have been better.”

“Lonnie...”

“No, Uncle Ali, you trusted us.” The girl slid forwards onto her knees, sitting up straight with a hardened expression on her face. “You trusted me. And I wasn’t able to save her. So I need to fix that.”

“Lonnie...”

The girl shuffled forwards, like she’d done many times, arms out and ready to embrace him, but Alasdair held her back, shaking his head. “Please...not now. I beg you. This is all my fault, not yours. None of yours.”

“Uncle Ali, let me fix this-“

“Lonnie, please!”

The man raised his voice, ever so slightly, and Lonnie sat back, her hands in her lap. Alasdair raised his hand, running it over his mouth.

“You...you can’t depend on me, not now. Not after this. I’m no good for you now. Tsurumon’s right; I’m not a kind person. What I’ve done to you, what I’ve done in bringing all of you into this; it’s wrong. You can’t keep defending me like this. I...I don’t deserve it. Any of it.”

Lonnie looked down, her fingers tightening against her legs. She felt something shuffling behind her, and looked over her shoulder just as Dendromon leant forwards, hooking her own stubby arms over the girl’s shoulders. The salamander smiled; only weakly, but sincerely. Lonnie returned the gesture, before shaking her head.

“You’re wrong, Uncle Ali. You saved my life, remember? You gave me and mum and my sisters the life we needed, and you brought me together with my best friend in the world.” She grinned. “Isn’t it only fair that I repay you for that? And anyways...I always told you I was gonna save the world.”

Alasdair opened his eyes, looking into the wide, golden ones of the girl looking back into his, her smile as imprisoning as it was infectious. The man’s arm descended, falling limply into his lap.

“Even after all this...why did you have to be so much like her?”

Tsurumon gently tapped a wing against the ajar bathroom door, and heard a murmured acknowledgement. He stepped inside, seeing Lyra with one leg up in the sink, running cold water against her bare foot. She switched the tap off, and lowered herself again, sitting down on the edge of the bath. The crane shuffled uncertainly.

“I know that was still hot, Lyra.”

“Nothing gets past you, does it.”

She sighed, and reached down, rubbing the bare foot. Tsurumon bent down, seeing the red patches slowly coming back into view.

“Should I get Vulpimon? She could help.”

“Maybe. I guess so.”

The crane straightened up. “Lyra, nobody thinks it’s your fault what happened there.”

“No, nobody says it’s my fault because they’re all better people than I am.”

Lyra looked sideways, her expression dour. “I can put these things together. Maybe if I wasn’t working for Rhyncomon and collecting things then maybe he couldn’t have gotten all the parts for that and maybe he wouldn’t have given it to Vex and maybe whoever the hell that was wouldn’t have picked it up and maybe Fenghuangmon wouldn’t have died and maybe we wouldn’t be in this much crap right now.”

The crane raised a leg, still keeping his impeccable balance as he hummed.

“That’s a whole lot of maybes to get this hung up on.”

Tsurumon tiptoed forwards, switching legs. “Remember, you got me to bring it back here. Whoever it was who fired it, the main thing is they don’t have it now. It’s in safe hands because of you.”

“Whoop whoop, I managed to pick up my own litter.” Lyra curled her nose up. “Everyone did their best to save Fenghuangmon against something that I probably helped with. Looking at it is just one more reminder that I don’t belong here.”

“But you definitely don’t belong to Rhyncomon.” Tsurumon reached out with a wing, pushing it gently into her arm. “You decided that, right? You’re taking your future into your own hands. Nobody else’s. And if you’re that determined to be here, then you must belong here. It’s only logical.”

Lyra smirked. “How does the saying go...’fake it ‘til you make it’, right?” She sighed. “I’ve been faking it my entire life.”

“You can’t fake being a good person though. Not truly.”

The crane opened his wings, and gently folded himself around the girl, pressing in as gently as he could. “I knew that the first time I saw you. Maybe you belong here, maybe somewhere else. But know that you’re always welcome, because you’re always worth welcoming. They love you. Alright?”

Lyra could feel her own heartbeat pressing against the gentle pressure of the crane’s wings, and she reached up, holding one hand over Tsurumon’s wing. She smiled gently.

“Has anyone ever told you your hugs are pointy?”

“Apologies.”

Owen watched the door of the rear porch click shut as he and Kevin sidled into the side room, the taller man leaning back against the bookcase. “Yeesh....this is more than a little awkward.”

“I suppose it must be.”

Kevin’s response was fairly flat; enough to get Owen’s attention. He rubbed the back of his head. “Look, Kevin, I’m...I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to leave you like that and things just got out of hand. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

Kevin gave a half-smile. “Hey, it’s fine.”

“It’s...fine?”

“Yeah, I mean...well...you were going through your own things as well and I know I didn’t...I wasn’t as important as they were.”

His voice trailed off, and he shuffled from left to right, his hands deep in his pockets. Owen looked down at his boyfriend; the faint movements, the darting glances; things Kevin always did when he was upset. The young man looked bonier than usual, too.

Owen sucked in his cheeks, and turned to face his boyfriend fully, holding his arms beside him.

“No.”

“No...what?”

“No, it’s not ‘fine’ or anything. None of it is fine. None of what I did was fine, and I know you wanna scream at me but you never do because I taught you my bad habits, so...go on then.” He held his arms open. “Scream. Do it now. Be honest with me.”

Kevin squirmed even more tugging at the edge of his sleeve. Owen closed his eyes, his stomach turning as he waited for the response.

“No, look at me, Owen.”

The man opened his eyes again, staring down into Kevin’s as he stood as tall as he could, his face scrunched up.

“How...how could you do that to me? How could you just run away and leave me like that?”

Owen opened his mouth, but he closed it again hurriedly, forcing himself not to comment. Kevin stiffened his shoulders, speaking more freely.

“Do you have any...any...idea how worried I was about you? I couldn’t contact you. I was running around looking for you; I had it in the back of my head that you could be dead out there and I wouldn’t know! And all the time I...I thought it was my fault. Like...I couldn’t shake it that it was something I’d said or...or something I’d not said and that...that’s why you couldn’t come to me after what happened. More than anything I wanted you to be able to turn to me! Why didn’t you, Owen?”

Owen stood stock still, watching as Kevin wiped beneath his eyes. “It...it all came out in the open...I was worried about putting you in danger...”

“Arsehole!” Kevin sniffed, glaring up with tears in his eyes. “I already knew all about your dad, and about the Digimon, remember? I signed up to all of that when I started dating you! And since then I’ve come to know you, and I know more about you than you want to know! I know you’re stubborn, and I know you’re sarcastic, and I know you never, ever want to face up to anything wrong in your life because you’re...you’re afraid of getting hurt. And every time you get hurt anyway and you blame yourself, and you hurt others and you blame yourself even more, and...I can’t just stand here and watch you destroy yourself like this! That hurts me more than anything you did; the fact that you think your own life is just something you can toss away. ‘Cause it’s not. At the end of the day...that’s just gonna hurt more people as well.”

Owen could bear no more; he held his hands up, pressing them against his eyes and taking in a long breath. “God, Kevin, I’m...I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean for any of this shit...”

He felt his shoulders convulsing, tears welling beneath his own eyes as he angrily rubbed away at them, but they kept forcing their way through regardless. Kevin looked aside in front of him, sniffing himself, trying to recompose himself but failing for a few seconds. He removed his glasses, wiping them on his sweatshirt, before looking back up at his boyfriend. Owen was standing stock still, hissing under his breath.

“God I...I’ve been such a piece of shit to you, I know that, I knew it at the time and I didn’t stop myself, I was too much of a...a...”

“...a person broken by a shit father and a shit life?”

Kevin clasped his hand, his voice still shaking somewhat. “You’re still doing it. You’re convinced it’s all your fault, which means it’s your problem and only your problem to fix it. ‘Cause you borked your brain like that and that’s the only way you can think. But you know what else I know about you?”

He gently walked forwards, and reached up, running his hand over Owen’s chest, feeling his erratic breathing.

“I know you try so hard to do good. You fought against your dad. You stood with the others back then. You only ran away to protect me, and you never once blamed Simeamon for any of it. And even now, you’re standing there, taking my abuse even though I know you’re utterly terrified, because you want to face the consequences. You know you hurt me and you want to make it better.”

Kevin leant forwards, his arms traipsing around Owen’s chest and holding him tightly. He stood there, burying his head in the taller man’s chest.

“That’s something I love about you, you know? You find it so hard, but when it counts, you put yourself through it anyway. That’s what I was most scared about, y’know? That you’d finally been through too much. But...but even then, you still managed to fight your way back to me.”

Owen looked down, tentatively holding his arms out, then reaching out and grasping Kevin fully, holding him tightly as they fell back slightly against the bookcase. He smiled, still feeling the tears in the corners of his eyes but deciding to leave them.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re way too good for me?”

“Oh, a lot of people.”

“...oh. Right.”

“Yeah, but...you know...fuck them. I chose you. I love you.” Kevin looked up, still pressing his chin against Owen’s broad chest and smiling cheekily. “I chose you as is and with all faults, cause at the end of the day, you’re always worth it and you always have been. Plus you spoon me and make me feel comfy so there’s that.”

The boy nudged his glasses up his nose against his boyfriend’s shoulder. “You’re worth more than you think, Owen. Talk to me. Talk to the others. Or if it’s really tough then tell Simeamon to talk to me. We can’t fix it, but we can help you to do so, no matter how hard it gets. That’s what it means, you know? To have friends?”

Owen chuckled. “You know, I really couldn’t ask for better friends. Or a better boyfriend.”

“Well I am a fucking amazing boyfriend.”

“...this is where you tell me I still owe you theatre tickets.”

“You promised me six months ago!”

“I’m sorry!”

“Nah, I’m messing. Maybe. Oh, for now at least.” Kevin swayed back and forth, feeling the other man’s warmth. “All I need is you right now.”

He furrowed his brow, and squeezed just a little harder, causing Owen to gasp.

“Hey, watch the bruises!”

“Don’t you leave me again, arsehole.”

“Never.” Owen half-opened his eyes, looking through the doorway as he became vaguely aware of voices from elsewhere in the house.

Unbeknownst to the pair, Simeamon had snuck out again and was hovering by the doorway, watching the two hold each other. She couldn’t help but smile to herself, and tottered back into the kitchen, hopping up towards a cupboard and sneaking a chocolate bar. All the anger and stress had left her with low sugars, and she needed to replenish. At least, that’s what she told herself.

She was about to sneak it away, when she caught a sight of the frosted window out the back, and the dark silhouette that was Trevor, sitting gently on the shoe box. The monkey’s mood instantly soured, and she made to turn away, but stopped herself. She drummed her fingers against the sideboard, before letting off a pop with her mouth and gently wandering back.

Trevor looked up as she pushed the door open, and immediately shuffled back, but the monkey held up a gloved paw. “Relax, I ain’t gonna hit you again.”

She didn’t get any closer, hovering in the doorway as she began to munch angrily at the chocolate bar. “It’s not my style. I don’t do hitting people if I can help it.”

Trevor raised an eyebrow, and rubbed his chin. “That’s a shame. You do it well.”

“No backchat. I’m still furious with you.”

“I wouldn’t expect otherwise.” Trevor sighed, leaning forwards and pointing his index fingers together. “So...it’s a bit late for this, I know, but...who exactly are you to Owen?”

The monkey paused mid-chew, and gave him a draining look, her face frozen in place. Trevor waved a hand. “I know, Digimon partners or something. That’s what you are. Did you...choose him or did he choose you or...how does this work?”

Simeamon swallowed, and kicked out at the skirting board behind her. “Owen’s my friend. I was given a device when I came here and I knew I needed to find him. It wasn’t really my choice or his. We just belong with each other.”

“But...why? Why him?”

“Why not him?” The monkey angrily inhaled the rest of the bar and stuffed the wrapper into one glove. “Isn’t that how friends work? Although for us, it’s like...we form bonds with a human when the world needs us. And when they need us.” She glared at the man. “I can argue the ways of the worlds till I’m blue in the face, but the short of it is, your son was desperate for help, and he needed me.”

“...help against me...”

“Yeah. Quite a bit, actually.”

Trevor closed his fists angrily. “Look, I...I get it, alright? I get how angry you are with me-“

“Oooh no, nopey nopey nope, you don’t get it.” Simeamon turned to face him, pointing in his face. “I’ve watched dozens my kind die by your hands. Digimon who were just trying to survive. I’ve had to kill them myself when they were provoked by the people you gathered. I’ve been attacked by those same people. And more than anything, I stood by your son as he was torn apart by those very things you did and you made him do. So you don’t get to tell me how angry I am with you because I guarantee you I am ten times fucking angrier, mate!”

“Then why the hell did you save my life?”

Trevor banged his fists down on his knees, causing them to splay awkwardly as he caught his breath. “You’ve had so many opportunities, I’m sure. But in front of Fenghuangmon, you took the blow. And back in the railyard, against the clown, that was you as well, wasn’t it? If you really hate me that much why wouldn’t you let me die?”

Simeamon shook her head. “You really can’t see things outside of your own field of vision, can you?”

She rested both feet on the ground, pacing back and forth. “It’s not like I haven’t thought about it. A lot. Way more than I’m comfortable with. But I don’t have the right to let the person I hate die and unlike you I will stick by that.”

Trevor sighed. “It seems to me like it would be easier on both you and Owen if I was no longer around.”

“You’re wrong.”

Simeamon stopped just in front of him, and held out a hand, pointing at his forehead.

“Not on us. On you. It would be easier on you. ‘Cause then you wouldn’t need to face up to what you’ve done. Or face up to losing your wife.”

Trevor’s eyes widened, for a moment flashing with several different emotions. Fury. Grief. Regret. Shock. He took in a breath, holding it for a few moments. Then he let it out, his eyes still boring into Simeamon’s. Her hand twisted round, pointing at her own chest.

“I won’t let you hurt anyone else. But I also won’t let you hurt Owen anymore. And that means you don’t get to dodge this by dying on him. And I will risk my life to make sure that you don’t. ‘Cause he’s already lost enough, and you owe him that much at least.”

She straightened up, and rolled her neck, waiting for a reply. When she didn’t get one, she just huffed, and turned on her heels.

“Hey, uh...Sapiamon?”

The monkey looked back incredulously, as Trevor scratched his cheek. “I don’t know if that’s right...”

“Simeamon when I look like this. But that’s fair enough. The way we Digimon work makes fuck all sense.”

“Simeamon then.” Trevor cleared his throat. “Thank...thank you. For looking after him. I mean it.” He looked up, his eyes glistening slightly. “There’s no amount I can apologise for how much I’ve hurt you or him or...everyone, but...I really mean it. Thank you for saving him from me.”

Simeamon pouted, and gave a swift nod. Then she turned, closing the door behind her and leaving Trevor alone once again.

“Hey, watch it!”

Jack winced, holding his elbow as Inez knelt back. “It’s fine. I’m sure it’s fine.”

“You want to catch these burns early, Jack. They’ll get nasty if you leave them.”

The teenager stuck his lip out, but he reluctantly gave his arm back, putting up with the pain as Inez put the dressing over it. “Don’t talk to me about burns. I’ve had burns.”

He waited a minute or so for Inez to finish, before she shuffled back again, closing the box and wiping her brow. Nicholas leant back against the doorframe; a wrist draped over his raised knee, and sporting plasters and bandages himself. The group had managed to keep Trevor safe in the middle of them, to be sure, but with Digimon coming from all sides and with nowhere to hide they hadn’t come out unscathed. In truth, all of them were looking a little banged up.

The door to the conservatory opened, and Grace walked in, phone in hand as Vulpimon padded along behind her.

“I’ve called Mum and Dad, Jack. They know where we are.”

“Thanks.”

Grace pocketed the phone and looked between Nicholas and Inez. “Have you two let your peeps know? It’s probably a good idea. We might need to stay here for a little while.”

Inez nodded, but Nicholas merely looked to one side. Grace fixed her gaze on him. “Nicholas? Your grandparents?”

“I’ve texted them.”

“Have you spoken to them though?”

Nicholas remained quiet, but the girl knelt next to him, holding her hand over his. “Nicholas, don’t do anything you’re gonna regret. You need to let them know.”

“That could be an awkward conversation,” piped up Yethmon, running his claws through his scarf. “They don’t even know about me yet.”

“What?” Grace looked back at her boyfriend. “Even now you haven’t told them?”

“Do they need to know?” Nicholas darted an irritated glance in the girl’s direction. “They wouldn’t approve anyway. I don’t need to get them involved in something that’ll just worry them.”

Grace drew in her breath through her teeth. “That’s no excuse. You don’t want to deal with your family not knowing where you are.”

The others looked between themselves and nodded in agreement, but Nicholas still remained hesitant, clawing his hand over his kneecap.

“I get what you’re saying, but at the end of the day it’s my choice, Grace.”

The girl straightened up. “You’re right. It is. Right up until I need to walk up to their door and tell them about how you were accidentally killed by a stray fire blast.”

The young man flinched, and the ripple of anxiety spread around to everyone present. Inez knelt forwards. “That’s a...bit harsh, Grace...”

Vulpimon looked anxiously up at her partner, but the tall girl adjusted her collar, her face grave. “I’m sorry. But I’m just being honest.”

“Don’t.”

Nicholas looked up, and raised a finger, his expression unusually dark. “Don’t even ‘maybe’ with that. You haven’t been on the receiving end of losing family like that. Don’t even go there.”

“Talk to them then!”

“Why are you telling me what to do?”

“Because you don’t seem to get how bad a situation this is.” Grace leant back, running a hand over her mouth. “Fenghuangmon’s dead, and we don’t know where Simurghmon or Eirenemon went. And the Sanctuary Crusade and those who respected Fenghuangmon are gonna be after our heads, and that’s not even taking into account whatever maniac decided to do this in the first place.”

Yethmon kicked against the floor. “We can handle it-“

“No, stop it. Even now you still don’t seem to understand. You still seem to be seeing this as a game or something that doesn’t have any effects.” The girl fell against the wall, and crouched down, looking straight ahead. “I’m not worried about your ability. You’re clearly strong enough. But this is gonna have bad consequences...”

She pointed at her head and her chest respectively as she spoke, her face twisted in focus.

“...and that’s gonna be tough up here, and in here, more than anything.”

Vulpimon sat beside her, swinging her tail back and forth.

“None of us really know how we’re going to cope when the...when the worst happens.”

Yethmon huffed and looked away, but Nicholas seemed to have calmed a little, although his mouth was still sealed shut. Grace gently held his shoulder, and looked among everyone.

“I just think we need to be prepared. I really, really hope things are going to sort themselves out, but we need to expect the worst.”

Jack rubbed his bad knee, his mouth twisted to one side. “Yeah...Nicholas...she’s right. I don’t wanna believe it but she’s right.” He sighed. “I really don’t wanna be a part of another war.”

He hissed to himself, and scowled. “Just...like...damn it. How come things can’t ever stay fixed? Why is there always some idiot who has to mess everything up again?”

He grumbled to himself, before looking up at the desk above him, where Perimon was perched on the edge, staring down in a grumpy manner.

“Isn’t this where you usually tell me I’m being stroppy?”

“Honestly dude? I’m with you.” Perimon humphed, his head feathers flickering. “War is hell.”

Nicholas straightened up, looking between the brother and sister and their two Digimon. “No offense, but...I think I’ve only just realised how tired you all look.”

“...thanks?” Jack let out a breath, and held his shoulder, rolling it forwards. “Whatever. I’m not going anywhere ‘til this is sorted. Someone’s gotta be a hero.”

“We complain but we’re stubborn.” Grace ran a finger through her bangs. “No matter how bad things get. Even after all of this, we’re still standing.”

The two shared a glance, and grinned at one another, reaching out with a foot and pressing the soles together. Inez smiled, before standing up, holding Syngnamon beneath her arms.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have to make a call.”

She walked towards the study door as Grace turned her head. “Another one? I thought you’d already called your parents?”

“Oh, I have once.” The Spanish girl looked back, and nudged her glasses up. “It’s as you said though. I’m just being prepared.”

Mark stood, alone, on the edge of the promenade as he looked out to sea. He felt seriously out of breath, having rushed around for the best part of an hour, trying to find anybody, while also staying out of the watchful eyes of vengeful Digimon.

He’d seen. Of course he’d seen. His father never turned the television on unless it was serious. Instinctively he’d run to the scene, or as close as he could get, the giant tree still blocking off the entire square. But by the time he got there the tamers had already gone. Lonnie had messaged him mere minutes afterwards, letting him know they were safe, and where they were.

‘We’re all here. We could really use you right now.’

That had stopped him in his tracks. Something about the abruptness. Normality in chaos, as it always was. Except...it wasn’t like it always was. Not now he knew where he stood. More than once he set off for Eloise and Kai’s house, and more than once he turned back. And, as he was apt to do when his head was like this, he found himself wandering.

So it was he was staring out to sea, unable to go down onto the beach thanks to the reams of tape stretched across it between hurriedly placed cones. Not that it was the most appealing prospect anyway; he could barely even see the surf due to the mists rolling in behind him, and that which he could see was sharp and violent, cross-cutting into the sand in response to the vast spiral spinning out in the shallows.

Mark closed his fist, and looked down beside him, but of course there was nobody there. He could still feel the presence though. In his pocket, still humming, almost as if it was calling out. Mark gritted his teeth, and stared out into the mists again.

“It’s not me you need though, is it...it’s him...”

The mists didn’t answer. Mark couldn’t see into the distance, no matter how much he narrowed his eyes.

“Kent can come back and fix everything. He always does. He’s good at that.”

He placed his hands in his pockets, and turned on his heels, heading back down the riverside walk as he looked down. “I know I’m no good for any of you...”

His eyes stung, the mists causing little blotches in his vision, he rubbed his eyes, and looked up, trying to refocus, when he suddenly saw two silhouettes arcing across the sky, black against the shifting spiral. He squinted, and edged forwards slightly. One was large, and flying with the unmistakable four-winged pattern of Simurghmon. Which meant the small one beside her was probably Eirenemon.

Another pang of guilt struck Mark’s chest, melding with the rest of the emotions he was currently wrestling with. But he found he couldn’t look away, watching as they got slightly closer, then banked away, hovering down into the forecourt of the gate facility. They disappeared behind the fence, the fog obscuring them from this distance.

Mark made to carry on walking, not wanting to get involved. They must have been finding it hard enough without needing to see him there. Somebody else’s business, not his.

But...something stopped him. It was hard to say what; probably a gut feeling.

“Why would you need to go there?”

He went a few more paces, slowing as he went.

“Alasdair’s with the tamers. They’re hiding away. And Sciamon’s crusaders are still out there.”

Another tentative step.

“What do you two need with...the gate?”

He turned, looking down at the fence yet again.

The others didn’t need him. They couldn’t have needed him.

And yet...he was the only one here.

And something felt very off.

He pulled up the zip on his jacket, and turned right, heading down the winding path to the facility and hurrying more and more as he did so.

Chromon shivered as he stepped forwards, the harsh lights of the control room doing little to warm the pit in his stomach. Perez slid sideways as he walked up, trying to catch a glimpse of what was on her screen.

“It’s shaking...”

The scientist swallowed, and nodded, turning to face him. “It’s like a fracture. The worse the Digital World gets, the more it’s spreading through to this world. And it’s all congregating around that gate.”

Chromon swung his tail worriedly. “Can’t you do anything to seal it? Like you’ve done with the first one?”

The woman rolled back, pressing her fingers together. “In theory. But we’ve used up most of our resources just trying to keep this one under control. It would take too long to seal something of that size.”

Chromon stepped back, clicking his beak together. “Damn...I d-didn’t come all this way and hurt this many people just to l-l-let everything fall apart again...”

He pressed his foot against the carpet, padding backwards, as Perez watched him go. It had been more than a little odd having the dinosaur walking around the place for the past couple of days, but as he’d said himself, he didn’t exactly have anywhere else he was welcome. And he was able to offer some insights into the state of the digital world. Though that wasn’t a huge consolation at the moment.

She turned, and was about to recompile another failed barrier, when Dominic rolled up beside her. “It looks like we have some visitors.”

Perez scowled. “What now? We don’t have time for any of this.”

“Salma’s bringing them in.” Dominic swallowed. “It’s Eirenemon and Simurghmon.”

“What?”

The woman looked over at the security camera screens, watching as Salma walked ahead of the two sovereigns, moving gently down the corridor. Perez and Dominic shared an uncertain look.

“This is weird...right?”

Perez glanced over her shoulder at Chromon, but the dinosaur was already backing away, staying out of sight. There was a small beep, and the door opened as the two scientists stood up. Salma walked ahead, seeming a little unsteady on her feet as she blinked. Simurghmon unfolded herself first, with Eirenemon standing beside her, hands clasped at her neck.

“Can we...help you?”

Simurghmon pressed her lips together, her wings folded tightly. “We want safe passage. Back to our world. This is out of our hands now.”

Perez frowned. “You want to get back through the gate?”

“As soon as possible, please.”

Perez looked aside at her colleague, whose eyes were wide as he shook his head. “We can’t risk that now. More than anything.”

Perez turned back. “If we open the gate it could exacerbate the one out at sea.” She looked over at her boss, who was standing quietly. “Salma, you have to know that, right? Why didn’t you tell them?”

Salma didn’t respond immediately. She blinked again, and again, looking more confused than anything.

“...Salma?”

Simurghmon sighed, and held out a hand towards Eirenemon. The dove woman took it, gripping it tightly and holding her torch. Salma shook her head, looking at the two.

“You’re...right, we can’t...we shouldn’t open the gate-“

“Royal Command!”

A breeze fell through the control room, emanating from Eirenemon’s torch. Simurghmon closed her eyes as she felt the energy being drawn from her, given willingly through Eirenemon’s hand. The three humans stayed still, fixated on the ambassadors. And on Simurghmon especially as she straightened up.

“We only want safe passage. Our world is in danger as well, and we can’t stay here anymore.” She bowed her head, and gestured towards the chamber. “Please...open the gate.”

The three scientists faltered. Unable to move, or to respond. Eirenemon gripped her torch more tightly, a thin trail of blood falling out from between her fingers.

“It’s the only thing we can do. The right thing to do.”

The air seemed to pulse again, the three scientists holding out just for a moment. Then their eyes half fell, and they began to move, nodding to themselves as if nothing had happened. Salma went to the key cabinet, opening it without complaint.

“You’re right. It’s your only option now.”

Simurghmon nodded, although her gaze wasn’t quite as focused as she’d have hoped. She merely stayed back, still holding Eirenemon’s hand tightly as the three set to work in front of them.

So much did they need to focus, they didn’t notice the slight clatter of footsteps down the opposite corridor.

Mark’s worries grew as he approached the entrance to the facility and found it deserted, Salma having disappeared inside. He edged forwards, the ravaged grounds all around seeming almost familiar to him now, and he sped up, moving around the perimeter in order to get to the entrance. His mind was racing, and his hand fell down, feeling the device still in his pocket; the device he still hadn’t been able to throw away.

So much was his mind racing, that he turned a corner without being fully aware of his surroundings, and immediately crashed into Chromon who was rushing the other way. The two stumbled apart, and Mark crashed to his knees, glaring up.

“Mind yourself!”

His expression darkened even more as he realised just who had run into him, and he hurriedly got up. “What are you doing here?”

Chromon rubbed his beak. “I-I-I’ve been staying here. I d-didn’t think you’d want me back at your p-place.”

“You’d be right about that.”

Chromon opened his mouth, then shook his head hurriedly. “I n-need help. Simurghmon and Eirenemon are trying to break back into the Digital World.“

“I’ve been following them.” Mark blinked, rubbing behind his neck. “Why are they doing that?”

“I d-don’t know, but they’re doing it by force.” Chromon turned around. “If w-we hurry we might be able to stop them.”

He felt a pang in his chest, and looked up, seeing Mark straighten up. The boy clicked out the side of his mouth. “Chromon...you know it’s not going to happen like that.”

“Wh...what do you-“

“What I mean is that we aren’t going to be stopping anything. Not after where we left off.” He put a hand in his pocket. “Shall I call the others? That’s all you need right? The others.”

The dinosaur’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “Mark...you have to trust me...I never meant-“

“No, nothing’s ever what you meant, is it!” Mark planted his palm against his chest, unable to stop the words from coming out. “I know, alright? I’m just a means to an end. A convenience. You don’t need me; you never needed me for anything!”

“Mark...”

The boy placed a hand to his head, breathing heavily, staring down at the floor.

“I know all of that now...Chromon. And...I’m no good to you because of that. You have to know that as well. However bad things get I won’t be able to...to ignore any of it. To ignore the fact that we’re not partners. And we...we won’t be able to fight in that state, will we?”

Chromon stamped on the ground, looking up at Mark with a sudden glint in his eye. “Don’t s-say that! You mean the world to me; you always did!”

“Liar...”

“No, it’s the truth!” The dinosaur stepped forwards. “I w-was desperate to atone for what I did in the past. I made a vow to f-fight with someone this time. To sacrifice myself rather than others, and I promised to stick by whoever it was. Yes, you were chosen by Alasdair, and your brother, and by...by me. But we still chose you. Because we believed in you. And in all the time I’ve fought with you I haven’t regretted any of it. You were my partner, M-m-mark. You are my partner. You’re not just a convenience, or an easy solution; you have meaning to me!”

His voice faded away, as Mark looked down at him, hand curled around his D-SEND. Neither of the two spoke for a few moments, trying to gather their thoughts. Eventually Chromon backed up.

“That’s honestly the t-truth. And I know you have n-n-no reason to believe me. I get that. I wouldn’t either if I had to trust myself.”

He sighed. “There are so many things I could s-say and none of them will mean anything now.” He closed his eyes, before opening them again, the pupils narrowing. “But the one thing that doesn’t change is that I have a d-duty. To you. To the tamers. And to this world. And I’m n-n-not going to let it fall apart again.”

Mark straightened up, his expression reverting to its usual flat self. He still seemed uncertain though, fingering the D-SEND in his palm. Chromon sat down.

“You can feel f-free to hate me. But right now I n-need to make things right. And I need to work with you to do that.” He blinked. “And you...you understand that as well. Don’t you.”

Mark raised the device to his palm, watching the faint glow on the circular screen. Even when he’d been apart from Chromon, it had never truly faded. Still calling out for help. For a partner.

“Of course I do.”

The three scientists worked calmly and efficiently, their lack of discussion making the actions seem cold and robotic. All the two ambassadors could do was watch, still holding onto each other as Eirenemon gently held her command, Simurghmon’s power flowing through her. Although with every passing second she could feel a change in the divine bird’s will.

Eirenemon looked up at Simurghmon, tightening her own grip slightly. “They’ll be fine. We...have our own world to save, remember?”

The divine bird held up her remaining hand, gently running it down the plastic cover of the gate, which was gently vibrating.

“I was...so sure.”

Eirenemon looked up at her, her black eyes shining in the artificial lights as Simurghmon sighed.

“We could have made a difference here. I was so determined to give back to these people. They needed us. Every time, they’ve depended on us and we’ve failed them.”

“Perhaps it’s just out of our hands.” Eirenemon’s hand gripped her torch harder, the energy within glowing brightly. “We’re not the ones who killed Fenghuangmon...”

“We don’t know who killed Fenghuangmon. Or why. And she came here with us...” Simurghmon swallowed, looking at her own reflection and cursing inwardly. “Surely we need to fight harder now. To save both worlds.”

Eirenemon stared up, but before she could speak Salma stepped up to both of them, holding a key in her hand and nodding robotically.

“The gate is prepared. You’ll need to step inside the chamber for us to open it.”

Eirenemon held Simurghmon’s hand up. “We’ve come all this way. Would you?”

Simurghmon stayed still, staring through the clear plastic, feeling the pull of the gate even through here. Eirenemon held her breath.

“Simurghmon...?”

“You know I can feel you in my head too, right? Trying to convince me this is the right thing to do?”

Her eyes travelled up, meeting the angel’s, with the grim disappointment evident on her face. Eirenemon quailed.

“I don’t-“

“Hush. I’m not angry.”

Simurghmon walked forwards, with Eirenemon by her side, and placed a hand on the chamber door.

“I won’t stop you. I won’t force you to stay; not after what’s just happened. But this world still needs me, and I can’t leave them. I’m staying.

Eirenemon blinked, feeling tears in the corners of her eyes once again. “But...but our world needs you...”

Simurghmon shook her head, trying to pull her hand away from Eirenemon’s, but the dove stayed holding on.

“I couldn’t live with myself for abandoning them again. We caused this. We can’t just run away and do nothing.”

“Simurghmon...it’s over. There’s nothing more we can do here-“

“There’s always something, Eirenemon. I made a promise.”

“To save as many as we can. And...and the only way you can do that is back in our world. We’re not needed here. It’s only right...”

“Release me.”

Simurghmon’s expression hardened for a second, and she pulled her hand away from Eirenemon’s grasp, looking down at her.

“Go home, Eirenemon. I promise I’ll come back for you.”

“Simurghmon, please!”

“No. I’m not going anywhere.” The divine bird walked away from the control room, her wings shimmering. “I have a duty to this world and these people. I’ve failed them so many times before; I need to fix things. I can’t run away now-“

“Peacemaker!”

Another wave passed through the control room, and Simurghmon stopped in her tracks. Her legs shook, the energy draining away from them the more she tried to run. Still, she was able to turn slightly, looking over her shoulder as Eirenemon held a hand out, splayed in a claw.

“I’m sorry, Simurghmon...but I can’t let you stay here...”

The dove woman was crying, her fingers shaking as the flame burned beneath her very skin.

“...this world is going to die...”

TO BE CONTINUED...