Just one more day....

Kemba thought on Theos' question a moment, "We should be as sneaky as we can, Dan is our priority. I'd rather not fight if we can avoid it." Suddenly, as they were walking, the tunnel lit up as if the sun had broke through the night sky. It disoriented Kemba slightly and he put away the glow stick. "We're here." He whispered, he crouched down and hugged the wall walking until he could peer into the room. It was a massive room and was filled with KoDokugumon, to many to even count. At it's center was a thick web and spanned about forty feet tall and sixty feet wide. In side this web, was pulsating eggs. They were unborn KoDokugumon and guarding the eggs were several Dokugumon, they were holed up next to the nest. It could make anyone's stomach turn. The collected sound of their feet tapping all over the stone was annoying to listen to, and could drive someone insane if prolonged to nothing but that. Kemba scanned the room for any trace of Dan, the bugs seemed to be by the lava pool. They were looking out at something, when Kemba and Theos would look out over the lake they would see the unconscious Dan with a small stream of blood running down his head. He was dehydrated, starving and weak from blood loss, it was no wonder he had not awaken yet. "Dan!" Kemba whispered, "His rock got caught on a couple of stalagmite sticking up out of the lava. The spiders can't get to him but they're trying. We need to act fast." Kemba took out bread and water from the bag and put it on his back. "I have medical supplies in here as well. I can treat him once I'm out in the open. There is no way we will go unnoticed once I begin. I can make the jump to the stone." Kemba looked worried and looked at Theos, "That means....you have to fight them spiders to keep them away......Please be careful...if something were to happen after I just made that promise...." Kemba said and reached his paw out to Theos grabbing his hoof. "I'll be quick.....if you're ready we can begin whenever..." Theos could notice the worry on Kemba's face with him having to face the spiders alone.

"We should be as sneaky as we can, Dan is our priority. I'd rather not fight if we can avoid it." Theos squinted and huddled close to the wall. He let his eyes adjust as he crouched there. "We're here." Theos looked about the room worriedly. Hoping to see Dan. His worst thoughts being he was already eaten. The webbing was more than distracting with the spiders constantly climbing on it. They grouped nearly everywhere but one place stood out. "Dan!" Kemba whispered, "His rock got caught on a couple of stalagmite sticking up out of the lava. The spiders can't get to him but they're trying. We need to act fast." Theos had spotted it as well just wondering how long it would take for them to figure a way to grab him. "I have medical supplies in here as well. I can treat him once I'm out in the open. There is no way we will go unnoticed once I begin. I can make the jump to the stone." Theos nodded and looked back at him, "That means....you have to fight them spiders to keep them away......Please be careful...if something were to happen after I just made that promise...." Theos gave him a gentle smile. "I'll be quick.....if you're ready we can begin whenever..."

"Don't worry about me i'm fast and I know how to jump around. I'll make them get one another with their webs," Theos said and touched his nose to Kembas. "You sneak around i'll draw them away." 

Theos would wait til he was part way there before sneaking around the otherside. He stop a moment and wait til one of the spiders came close to jump on their head. No doubt gathering thousands of creepy beady eyes onto him. He stood there a moment before jumping away if they swarmed him. He'd kick and bite the smaller spiders and flee under the larger. Doing his best to avoid any and all attacks.

Kemba's nose twitched when Theos touched his together, he smiled and was fired up to save Dan. As Theos was trampling and attacking the spiders, running around like a mad mon, he drew the attention on himself and the spiders began to converge where ever he was leaving a path straight to Dan. "Now's my chance!" Kemba said and he darted towards the lava and leaped across to the stone with Dan on it. Kemba grabbed Dan and examined him closely. "His wound on his head isn't serious but his claws are looking awful." Kemba got right to work with the medical supplies. He had experience treating mining related wounds, so he was able to patch up Dan's claws properly. "Dan...Dan if you can hear me, drink this..." Kemba took Dan and cradled his head in his arm then began to quench his thirst with the water. Dan slowly opened his eyes when he felt the cool sensation race down his throat, it tasted like honey. "....Kemba...?" Dan asked. "Am I dead?" Kemba laughed, "No silly. We came to rescue you. You're alive, now eat this." Kemba placed the bread to his mouth. "I...Thank you...." Dan was overwhelmed by his friends show of compassion. He began to eat the bread, "You scared us you know that?" Kemba said, "I'm sorry. Your fur is so nice...." Dan let out a chuckle. His voice was slowly regaining strength, "Well, if we get you out of here....you can can lay on it as much as you like." Kemba smile and it was returned with a smile from Dan. "I'd like that very much." Dan nuzzled Kemba's stomach. "Dan, I have to go help Theos. Gain back your strength and then we are going to make a run for it!" Kemba released Dan and drew his sword. "Theos is in trouble?" Dan moved his head to look at Theos fighting the spiders, who increased in number by the minute. He'd be overwhelmed very soon.

Kemba leaped back over the lava and began to attack the bugs from the rear, he caught them by surprised and made his way to Theos. "Dan's going to be alright. He's recovering his strength, we just need to hold them off until then!" Kemba slashed at a few that got to close. There was still much to many for even those two to handle. "There is to many, we will be overwhelmed in no time!" Kemba held out his sword for Theos, "I am your shield and your sword, lets show these insects what that means...eh, Captain?" Kemba smiled.

Theos continue weaving his way through the digimon by the second. Problem was they were growing thicker by the second. And the larger ones were getting harder to dodge as they spread out. He pranced up ones leg and back jumping from one to another kicking the smaller spiders off as they tried to follow. Before hopping back down to repeat his movements just a little differently.

"Dan's going to be alright. He's recovering his strength, we just need to hold them off until then!" Theos nodded. They could do this. "There is to many, we will be overwhelmed in no time!" Kemba held out his sword for Theos, "I am your shield and your sword, lets show these insects what that means...eh, Captain?" Kemba smiled.


Theos smiled and put his hoof on his sword. "Of course my sword." He started battling alongside Kemba. A small smile on his lips. It felt good to battle beside family.

When Theos placed his hoof on Kemba's sword, their combined might made a slight difference but the spiders wouldn't stop coming. "Theos....and my own power....it's definitely greater then before." Kemba thought. "Our unbreakable bond together, this is it's power you multi-eyed freaks!!" Kemba lifted his sword and the blade shone with a bright blue light. "Aurora Blazer!!" Kemba slashed down and released the built up energy, it ripped through a line of spiders, killing all the KoDokugumon and wounding the Dokugumon in it's path. It had the same might as when the three of them had did this to Dokugumon, only it was Kemba and Theos alone. "Our path is open! Let's go!" Dan said, he had recovered and made his way across to them. "It's good to see you Theos! I can't thank you enough for keeping your promise to me. I owe you a debt I can never repay." Dan said he would hug Theos but now was not the best of times. "Feeling better at last eh?" Kemba said Dan smiled, "Let's go!" Kemba looked to his friends and then made a run for the exit, Dan following behind. "I knew you were special...." A voice echoed from their exit. Hearing it caused Kemba and Dan to stop in their tracks, "That voice...." Kemba recognized as would Dan and Theos, it was a woman's voice and one of someone they had previously met. Out of the dark of the cave appeared Ara, "You're Malcolm's friend...." Kemba said Dan smiled, "Finally a friendly face!" Dan exclaimed Kemba looked around and noticed the spiders had stopped chasing them. "Something's not right...." Kemba said Ara smiled and snapped her fingers, within moments Dokugumon encircled the children. "You....you're controlling the spiders!?" Dan exclaimed. "Very good observation skills, Dan." Ara replied she walked by one of the Dokugumon and brushed it's face. "They're all my children after all." She preceded to kiss it's face.

"I-I don't understand.....you were with Malcolm.....you've been deceiving Bai Hu!" Kemba yelled. "Oh I haven't been deceiving anyone. Bai Hu and I....we have an firm understanding of each other." She moved closer to the kids until she was within the circle with them. "I can propagate these mines and eat a few miners here and there, and I leave Bai Hu's operation alone. Quid pro quo." Ara couldn't help but giggle when the information soured their faces. "So then....this entire time......they knew....and let it happen?" Kemba clenched his fist and shook it violently. "My friends.....were just....a part of this deal...?" His eyes filled with rage and anger. "I watched them die in front of me!!" He yelled. Ara shook her head, "I'm sorry, but I don't keep track of every miner my babies or I for that matter, eat." Kemba grabbed his sword and it shook with his hand. "You tried to do it again....that Dokugumon from before.....those spiders.....the melody...all of it was you trying to eat Dan and Theos and me!" Kemba's sword began to glow with a blueish hue. "No, I wasn't going to let my baby eat Theos...oh no....Cursed Exodus has been looking for someone special like him...." She licked her lips. "His blood must have tasted so very sweet, it forgot the orders I gave it. Thanks for saving Theos by the way, you saved me the trouble of intervening." Dan became angry as well, "What do you want with our Captain!?" Dan screamed and Ara shook her head,"Nothing you need to worry about. Just know that Theos will help bring about a new age for all Digimon." She said with a smile.

BATTLE START:

Ara Level 60

vs.

Kemba Level 15
Theos Level 11
Dam Level 1

"Like hell I'll let you take him anywhere!" Kemba rushed at Ara who was a few feet in front of him. He slashed down with his sword and Ara caught the blade with the palm of her hand. "Yes yes, I'm aware of your feelings for him. So I'll just simply dispose of you and Dan." Kemba was in shock when he couldn't harm her. "I don't understand, you're a human....my blade should have cut you down easily!!" Ara laughed. "Oh how ignorant you kids can be." She pulled down on the blade, bringing Kemba close to herself and punched Kemba in the stomach. Kemba's mouth opened and blood and spit flew out, he was sent hurdling through the cave and crashed into the wall. Dan looked in horror, "K-Kemba!!!" He yelled. "So.....strong......" He fell to the floor, from the imprint on the cave wall his body had made. "You hurt Kemba!!!" Dan rolled into a ball and launched himself at Ara. She took her hand and flicked the incoming Dan which redirected him towards Theos, should Theos try to catch his friend or be taken by surprise and hit, they'd both join Kemba on the far end of the cave. Should Theos dodge in any direction, Ara would be on top of him immediately and kick him towards his friends. Dan's shell had also been cracked, "......Captain...." Dan murmured. "Do you see how foolish it was for you to come down here now? Though I would have just sent spider after spider every day until I got what I wanted anyway, I suppose I should be thanking you. You've saved me a lot of time." Ara began to walk towards them and the spiders near them began to converge towards them. Kemba held his stomach as he got to his knees picking up his sword, "Dan....Theos....let's use our special attack..." He held out the sword, Dan rose to his feet and nodded reaching his claw out to the blade. "She will regret messing with us!" Dan added.

"Our unbreakable bond together, this is it's power you multi-eyed freaks!!" Theos smiled as he agreed. They had a powerful and unbreakable bond and it showed with as many spiders it had cut down and wounded. "Our path is open! Let's go!" Theos looked back at Dan with a smile it was good to see him. "It's good to see you Theos! I can't thank you enough for keeping your promise to me. I owe you a debt I can never repay." Theos shook his head no. There was no debts between friends. "Feeling better at last eh?" Kemba said Dan smiled, "Let's go!" Theos followed after Dan bringing up the rear in case the spiders made a move. "I knew you were special...." Theos ran til he topped beside them. It sounded familiar, "That voice...." So it wasn't only him. The memory of the voice was faint since they had only met the woman once but he was sure, "You're Malcolm's friend...." Kemba said Dan smiled, "Finally a friendly face!" Theos wasn't so sure. She had no fear coming down here. "Something's not right...." Theos agreed and with a snap of her fingers it was confirmed. "You....you're controlling the spiders!?" Dan exclaimed. "Very good observation skills, Dan." Ara replied she walked by one of the Dokugumon and brushed it's face. "They're all my children after all." Children?....so she wasn't human at all. Then what was she?


"I-I don't understand.....you were with Malcolm.....you've been deceiving Bai Hu!" Kemba yelled. "Oh I haven't been deceiving anyone. Bai Hu and I....we have an firm understanding of each other." An understanding? "I can propagate these mines and eat a few miners here and there, and I leave Bai Hu's operation alone. Quid pro quo." So they were the payment to dig in her home. "So then....this entire time......they knew....and let it happen?" Theos looked to Kemba. "My friends.....were just....a part of this deal...?" Theos stomach churned with sadness for him. "I watched them die in front of me!!" He yelled. Ara shook her head, "I'm sorry, but I don't keep track of every miner my babies or I for that matter, eat." Theos glared at her. A pathetic and despicable excuse. "You tried to do it again....that Dokugumon from before.....those spiders.....the melody...all of it was you trying to eat Dan and Theos and me!" Theos looked to him and put a hoof on his shoulder. Who know how strong she was if she could control these spiders. "No, I wasn't going to let my baby eat Theos...oh no....Cursed Exodus has been looking for someone special like him...." Cursed Exodus? "His blood must have tasted so very sweet, it forgot the orders I gave it. Thanks for saving Theos by the way, you saved me the trouble of intervening." Theos let a growl rumble in his throat, "What do you want with our Captain!?" Dan screamed and Ara shook her head, "Nothing you need to worry about. Just know that Theos will help bring about a new age for all Digimon." Something felt wrong in what she said. A new age? "Like hell I'll let you take him anywhere!" Kemba pulled from his hoof leaving it hanging. His sword caught like it was nothing. "Yes yes, I'm aware of your feelings for him. So I'll just simply dispose of you and Dan." He wouldn't let her do that even if he had to bargain his own life away. "I don't understand, you're a human....my blade should have cut you down easily!!" Ara laughed. "Oh how ignorant you kids can be." Theos growled.



"K-Kemba!!!" He yelled. "So.....strong......" In an instant Kemba had been sent hurdling into a wall. They hadn't even seen the blow. "You hurt Kemba!!!"

"N-no wa-" Theos didn't get to finish as Dan rolled away. Only to be sent back at him. Theos reared slightly catching Dan and went sliding back to Kemba. He rose his head and slowly got up. His chest and front legs feeling bruised from the blow.

"Do you see how foolish it was for you to come down here now? Though I would have just sent spider after spider every day until I got what I wanted anyway, I suppose I should be thanking you. You've saved me a lot of time." Theos growled that definitely had not been their intention, "Dan....Theos....let's use our special attack..." Theos put his hoof on the sword alongside Dan. "She will regret messing with us!" Dan added.


"Aim to the side," Theos whispered. "We have to make a way to escape. If she can control this many spiders who knows how strong she is....we can get W.A.D.A. to help," He rather avoid fighting her. Something told him it was unwise. And while she boiled his blood in anger at all she's done reason out weighs risk.

"Alright, the side it is." Kemba would listen to Theos and direct the attack to the side to make a run for it. With Dan's added power, the blue hue grew brighter, even more so then ever before. "Whoa, I've never seen it this strong before." Dan said Kemba turned his head to look at him. "This is the result of a weapon digimon's unbreakable bond." Dan smiled. Ara was unphased, "It seems you've gotten stronger, how interesting but I've seen you use this attack already. It's not even going to hurt." Ara waited for them to release the energy, she had no idea it wouldn't be aimed at her. Kemba, Dan and Theos all moved the sword in unison and when it reached the peak they slashed it down and the energy released from the blade ripped outward causing the kids to feel the recoil. It ripped through the cave floor and ceiling and traveled forward destroying the KoDokugumon and Dokugumon in it's path and raced past Ara who turned to watch it hit the entrance and explode. The force of the explosion widened the cave entrance and blew away any remaining digimon from around it. Ara instinctively covered her face, and the boys took the opportunity to dash past her with Theos leading them. They ran towards the exit and made it about two thirds of the way past the entrance before purple webbing grabbed Dan who was bringing up the rear. "Ah!" He cried getting Kemba's attention, "Dan! No! I'm not letting you take him!" Kemba turned around with his sword drawn and jumped grabbing Dan's front paws. Ara was the one behind the purple webbing which came out of the jewels on her gloves. Kemba was pulling and trying to cut the webbing but his sword just bounced off. "Help me!" Dan cried, "I'm trying...hang in there Dan!!" Before Theos could assist Kemba, Ara pulled the webbing, bringing Dan and the clinging Kemba back through the entrance and towards the den of spiders. "Nice try." Ara said, Kemba was flying through the air with Dan but lost his grip mid flight and went hurdling into the middle of a group of savage spiders. Ara released the webbing from Dan and sent him hurdling in the complete opposite direction, also into the middle of savage spiders.

The KoDokugumon began to converge at the same time towards Theos' allies. "Eat them." Ara ordered, Kemba got on his feet and began to cut the spiders that jumped at him, "I can't....see....Dan...or Theos." He said, he slowly was being overrun and was in serious danger. Dan also stood up and saw the spider's converging on him and retreated into his shell, "Rigid Block!" He stayed in his shell as the spiders jumped and began to bite at his shell however, his shell was cracked and it wouldn't belong before they'd get through it. Ara stood at the entrance and looked at Theos who now stood alone. "Now with you three separated you can't combine your strength. I'm going to take you Theos, back to Cursed Exodus and I will be rewarded. As for your friends, well, they will make a lovely meal I'm sure. You fought a good fight up until this point, but all good things always come to an end." Ara pointer her glove at Theos, and shot forth her webbing. It was unidirectional and would be fairly easy for Theos to dodge. However, things were extremely grim, a choice would need to be made. Kemba and Dan were on opposite sides of the cave, both equal distance from where Theos stood at the entrance. Kemba was fighting a hoard of spiders by the central web and would be overtaken should Theos not help. Dan was to weak to fight, so he had to rely on his defense, which thanks to Ara was severely damaged and would not hold off the spiders much longer. Should Theos not assist him, his shell would surely break and the spider's fangs would reach him. Theos could also choose to dodge the webbing and flee the cave for his own safety. One thing was for certain, it was impossible to assist both of his friends. So what then, does Theos hold more dearly? The promise of protection to the young Dan who had shown him what it was like to have a rowdy little brother who looked up to him? The promise of companionship to the noble soul'd Kemba who had become his best friend if not more? Or was it the promise of returning home every night to his grandfather safe and sound? Three choices...Theos what will you do? The webbing was nearly on top of him, should he be captured it would spell the end of all three of them.

The worst case scenario had been realized, and now the hardest choice Theos would ever have to make lay in front of him. Protection? Companionship? Or his guaranteed safety? The fate of everyone rests on his hooves.

"Whoa, I've never seen it this strong before." Theos squinted in the light. The difference against the orange tinged light of the magma completely different. "This is the result of a weapon digimon's unbreakable bond." Dan smiled. Ara was unphased, "It seems you've gotten stronger, how interesting but I've seen you use this attack already. It's not even going to hurt." Theos moved with the sword his gaze widening as he watched it cut through. It was far stronger than he had thought possible. It took him a moment but he started running. They could be home free if they made it back to the surface. "Ah!" Theos stopped suddenly in his tracks his head whipping around, "Dan! No! I'm not letting you take him!" Theos started running towards them as they were pulled along. "Help me!" Dan cried, "I'm trying...hang in there Dan!!" Theos stopped at the entrance face to face with Ara who stood with a sickening smirk. "Nice try." Theos looked between the two his mind and body tingling with adrenaline. Now more than ever he was truly scared.



"Eat them." Making Theos growl in response. He slowly started inching around her. Waiting for her to make a move to stop him. "Now with you three separated you can't combine your strength. I'm going to take you Theos, back to Cursed Exodus and I will be rewarded. As for your friends, well, they will make a lovely meal I'm sure. You fought a good fight up until this point, but all good things always come to an end." Theos jumped away running. Somethings had to come to an end for another to begin but this was not one of them. He put on an extra burst of speed towards Kemba. He leaped above the small spiders using them like stepping stones.

"Kemba, towards the nests. Aim horizontal," Theos said kicking the spiders away. Use their attack to get the big spiders off and clear the way towards Dan. His hoof hit the sword guiding it as the energy was released. He wasted no time for there was none to waste. They could save Dan together....always together. He needed Kembas strength to ensure their survival. He looked to make sure Kemba was following before racing to help Dan. 

Ara missed Theos as he ran to Kemba's side, Kemba was ecstatic to see Theos he heard Theos tell him where Dan was and nodded, "Right!!" Kemba slashed his sword around, just at Theos made contact with it. The sword became blue and immediately launched out their unified attack. It ripped through the spiders and headed towards Dan, but Ara predicted this just as she saw Theos run towards Kemba and met the attack half way. She held it in her palm and deflected the slash upwards and it crashed into the ceiling exploding. Kemba clenched his teeth "We have to go around! Come on!" Kemba cut through the spiders and eventually he and Theos would be in front of the cave entrance but Ara cut them off and stood in their path once more leading to Dan. "As long as you don't get your friend, you can't use your true power. You'll have to cut me down, and that is impossible." Ara began walking towards them. "We will cut you down and save Dan!" Kemba yelled looking at Theos to use their unified attack but before they could set it up, purple webbing grabbed them both. "Gah! I-I can't move my arms!' Kemba said struggling to move his sword closer to Theos. "Got you....now...it's time to end this playtime." Ara said laughing. Meanwhile, Dan could hear everything. His shell had been broken and the spiders had bitten into his flesh. He was forced out of his shell and was laying down as the KoDokugumon were on top of him, biting anywhere they could. "Kemba......Theos...." Dan heard their trouble. He cringed as the teeth of the KoDokugumon bit into him, his eyes were flowing with tears as his body ran with blood. He tried shaking them off but their was to many, he could see his friends trapped in Ara's web and she was moving closer towards them. Suddenly, something caught his eye, a rock fell down from above. He looked up and saw that the ceiling was broken and unstable, Dan had always needed saving and his friends were in this problem because of him. They were about to be captured and possible killed because of his weakness so he thought.

Dan knew the ceiling didn't need much to cave in, he could do it! He could be useful and help his friends, "I won't let Kemba.....and Theos....my very special people.....die here. I. won't. LET YOU! GRRRRRAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Dan forced himself up and with a rush of adrenaline threw the spiders off of himself. His shell was almost entirely shattered, and his back was bleeding, he had lost a portion of his tail and one of his back legs. The bone could be seen from the wounds. His head wound had gotten worse when a spider bit into it, causing blood to rush down his face, blinding his left eye permanently. Ara turned her head to see Dan and Kemba looked at him as well, he choked up and began to cry when he saw what had happened to him. "You're still alive?" She said. "I...won't let you.....hurt them!!" Dan rolled himself into a ball and began to spin, but because he had no shell to speak of, the friction tore at his back ripping it open grinding down the bone. Droplets of blood flying through the air like sparks, Dan ignored the extreme pain and continued. "What could you possibly do worm?" Ara said turning her head from him, "I'm going to saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaave my faaamilllllyyyyyyy!" Dan with all his might, launched himself up at the ceiling, and knocked it loose. He bounced back into the spiders. Ara looked up as the ceiling crumbled from above, large stones fell on top of her and she did not get a chance to react, the first one knocked her unconscious while the rest fell down burying her and killing all the spiders around her, the crack ripped through the ceiling causing it to collapse all the way across the cave. Kemba jumped on Theos as they were freed from the webbing and shielded him from the debris. It was a moment before everything settled down. Kemba and Theos were unharmed and when they looked, they were cut off from Dan. There were no more spiders on their side of the collapse. ".........Dan........?" Kemba said his hands trembling. "Dan! DAN! DAAAAAAAAAAAN!" Kemba ran towards the stones and began to throw the small stones away. "Dan! DAN! WHERE ARE YOU! DAN!!" Kemba screamed as loud as he could, straining his voice. He wound up making himself cough while he did.

Set to the mood for the next segment:Song

"Theos!! We have to use our combined might! We have to save Dan!!!" Kemba reached for his sword and just then they heard a very weak sound from the other end. "Don't" It was Dan's voice, Kemba's head snapped around and looked at the rocks. "Dan! Where are you!? Dan!" Kemba exclaimed. Just then through a small hole the front of one of Dan's claws poked through, it was missing one claw entirely and the others were chipped, it wasn't bloody however. Kemba reached and grabbed his claw. "Dan! Hang in there! We're going to get you out!" Kemba said his tears weren't stopping. "You....can't......" He said, taking a breath in between each word. "We will! We have to!" Kemba insisted. "If you break....the wall.....the spiders.....will get out.....they're not all dead." On the other side of the wall, Kemba and Theos could not see but Dan lay next to the collapse and the remaining KoDokugumon were crawling over to him. His back legs had been crushed by the stones. His back was torn asunder and bleeding everywhere as his spine was all but dust leaving him paralyzed. "We will cut them to shreds and save you!" Kemba said placing his forehead on Dan's claw. "Ha...ha.....that's just like you......but......even if you use......that attack.....you could cause a bigger cave in.....besides....I can't move....and all I can see....is dark." Dan said. "N-no.......this can't be happening......I don't want this....I DON'T WANT THIS!!!" Kemba said. "It's.......okay........because......you're here with me......can you stay with me.....until I fall asleep.....I'm getting tired....and I'm sure it's late...?" Dan asked. Kemba was weeping inaudibly. "I want.....your furs........to be with me.......please......" Kemba moved over to the side to allow Theos to hold Dan's claw. "Su...Sure....Dan....We will." Kemba said. "Good.......this makes me......so happy." Dan replied, a KoDokugumon reach Dan's stomach and bit into it. Dan could only blink to respond to the pain, but he wasn't crying. He was happy he could hold Theos and Kemba like this, out of Dan's stomach came blood mixed with the water he had drank earlier; his body jerked up and down as more and more fangs bit into him.

"Hey......do you remember.......the first time we met....?" Dan asked, "Yes Dan.....we do." Kemba said. "That.......was......the happiest day......of my life......I wanted to tell.....you both.....that.....I'm remembering.....all of it.....it was the day......I found my special someone..........." He spoke and Kemba sat there, brushing his face on Dan's claw and listening. "I..........was always........alone......my brothers......never bothered with me......I loved you guys......very fast." Dan said, "We love you to Dan." Kemba said. "I........even thought........for a moment......that I'd.....live with you.....two.....you both..........brought me so much joy....." Dan's voice was growing steadily weaker. "Ha ha.....I even.....wanted....you two.....to be.....my first.....kiss.....so.....I could....be ready.....for any girls......silly right?" Dan paused a moment before speaking again. A KoDokugumon helping itself to Dan's exposed back. "Please...........leave Bai Hu.........join W.A.D.A.......be together.....both of you......" Dan's body was struggling to stay physical as data particles were floating off of him. "I'm so tired........" Kemba kissed his claw as he continued to weep. "I.....love you Kemba.....thanks for sharing.......everything with me......and.........I love you Theos.......thanks......for keeping your promise.....I hope.....I wasn't to much of.....a burden.....tell my brothers.....that.....I love them to......I'm........gonna go.....to......bed now.....my eyes.............are............so..........heavy..........good......ni......." Dan's claw retracted into the hole. Kemba gripping his claw as tightly as he could before it was completely gone. "Dan..........Dan............please don't go Dan........please don't go.....Dan..........Dan." Dan did not respond. Kemba planted his head on the ground and screamed into it. The ground muffled his screams of heart break and sorrow. It dampened with his tears. He clutched the dirt of the cave in his paw and punched the ground. He remembered their sleepover, he remembered Dan happily prancing throughout his home. He remembered their time in the bath. Kemba longed for Dan's head on his bare chest once more. "Theos....Captain....why does my heart hurt so much.....it hurts so so much......" He wrapped his arms around himself and laid on the floor.

BATTLE END

Theos:

Battle Undetermined: 10 exp
Perfect Level: 800 exp
Level Difference: 159 exp Undetermined penalty -159
Performance: Great! 40 exp

Total Experience: 850 (Holiday Bonus x2) = 1,700

Theos gains 2 levels! Theos is now level 13!
Experience to next level: 580

Ara dropped some units! 400 units acquired!

Theos gawked a bit as he watched her deflect their attack like it was nothing. Theos was already running when Kemba mentioned running around. He weaved off to the side jump on some spiders and simply going around others. Ara cut them off her entire being bringing ire into Theos being. "As long as you don't get your friend, you can't use your true power. You'll have to cut me down, and that is impossible." It couldn't be impossible. Never....he would try to his dying breath. "We will cut you down and save Dan!" Theos raised his hoof reaching for Kemba. Suddenly he couldn't go any further. His body held still by the purple webbing coating him. He struggled and started biting at it growls of aggression filling his throat. "Gah! I-I can't move my arms!' Neither one of them could move and it was frustrating. "Got you....now...it's time to end this playtime." This was not play not to them. The fact she was treating them like toys. It was disgusting and he hated it. He had never hated before now.


"I won't let Kemba.....and Theos....my very special people.....die here. I. won't. LET YOU! GRRRRRAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Theos looked to Dan his gut lurching at the sight. It was sickening and horrifying. His anger was all long to him as the blood drained from his face. This could be....Dan. What's happened? His mind was was reeling, his gut lurching and he felt sick. How could anyone have so many emotions in an instant from anger, to sickness, guilt, and sadness. It was too much... "You're still alive?" She said. "I...won't let you.....hurt them!!" Theos looked to the ground. Unable to watch..."Dan..." he whispered. It was just barely audible. "What could you possibly do worm?" Ara said turning her head from him, "I'm going to saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaave my faaamilllllyyyyyyy!" Theos didn't look up til he heard the first rock fall. Startling out of his reverie. He looked up his eyes tearing. He was ready to accept fate if they died here with Dan. He felt the warmth of Kemba draping over him and for a moment he couldn't see. The nose was deafening and yet in that darkness it felt almost peaceful. He couldn't see and it was a relief. ".........Dan........?" Kemba said his hands trembling. "Dan! DAN! DAAAAAAAAAAAN!" Kemba moved from him and the darkness was gone. He raised himself up to watch Kemba claw at the wall digging for him. "Dan! DAN! WHERE ARE YOU! DAN!!" Theos gut wrenched again and he turned away heaving. His stomach voiding itself of the bread he had earlier. They had failed.....


"Theos!! We have to use our combined might! We have to save Dan!!!" Theos looked up at him teary eyed. "Don't" Theos heart lurched this time and he approached the wall. "Dan! Where are you!? Dan!" Theos looked at his paw as it came through. Was it truly the same armadimon? His innerds screamed at him. Doubts and guilt floodng his mine with each second....minute? That he looked at it. "Dan! Hang in there! We're going to get you out!" Theos tears dried into his eyes as he stood there motionless. was he even really there... "You....can't......" He said, taking a breath in between each word. "We will! We have to!" Theos ears echoed with the sobs of Kemba and the broken words of Dan. "If you break....the wall.....the spiders.....will get out.....they're not all dead." No it would take a lot more to kill their queen wouldn't it...Theos shook. "We will cut them to shreds and save you!" Kemba said placing his forehead on Dan's claw. "Ha...ha.....that's just like you......but......even if you use......that attack.....you could cause a bigger cave in.....besides....I can't move....and all I can see....is dark." Dan said. "N-no.......this can't be happening......I don't want this....I DON'T WANT THIS!!!" It wasn't happening. He had a promise to keep. This was all just a bad dream... "It's.......okay........because......you're here with me......can you stay with me.....until I fall asleep.....I'm getting tired....and I'm sure it's late...?" Dan asked. Kemba was weeping inaudibly. "I want.....your furs........to be with me.......please......" Theos walked forward. Everything was automatic. He could no longer feel it was all beoming a numb haziness to him. "Su...Sure....Dan....We will." Kemba said. "Good.......this makes me......so happy." His head rested on one side of Dan's claw. His forehead pushing against the rock painfully and he tried to feel....anything even if it was pain.


"Hey......do you remember.......the first time we met....?" Dan asked, "Yes Dan.....we do." Kemba said. "That.......was......the happiest day......of my life......I wanted to tell.....you both.....that.....I'm remembering.....all of it.....it was the day......I found my special someone..........." Theos had his eyes closed imprint the words...and yet also trying to forget them. "I..........was always........alone......my brothers......never bothered with me......I loved you guys......very fast." Dan said, "We love you to Dan." Kemba said. "I........even thought........for a moment......that I'd.....live with you.....two.....you both..........brought me so much joy....." Dan's voice was growing steadily weaker. "Ha ha.....I even.....wanted....you two.....to be.....my first.....kiss.....so.....I could....be ready.....for any girls......silly right?" Theos nuzzled his claw...not silly at all. "Please...........leave Bai Hu.........join W.A.D.A.......be together.....both of you......" ....they would....together. "I'm so tired........" Kemba kissed his claw as he continued to weep. "I.....love you Kemba.....thanks for sharing.......everything with me......and.........I love you Theos.......thanks......for keeping your promise.....I hope.....I wasn't to much of.....a burden.....tell my brothers.....that.....I love them to......I'm........gonna go.....to......bed now.....my eyes.............are............so..........heavy..........good......ni......." But he didn't keep it..... "Dan..........Dan............please don't go Dan........please don't go.....Dan..........Dan."

Theos stood there head buried against the rocks. His mind long gone into a state of shock. His mind and body was on autopilot. He wanted to say so much but it died before it was even a real thought. He turned and started walking a bit. Nothing.....he could see or feel nothing. Had he blacked out?

"Theos....Captain....why does my heart hurt so much.....it hurts so so much......" Theos gazed to Kemba with empty eyes. It did hurt didn't it. It left ones chest tight and their body tense. It felt like moving through mud. His gaze went from Kemba to the wall......one day......Theos finally snapped.

"One day I'll return you bitch," Theos screeched. "When that day comes you'll wish you never met me. I WILL tear you apart slowly like you did Dan and I will revel in it!" Dan wouldn't want that but it would make Theos feel better. A lot better...

"Get up," Theos said walking over to Kemba. He nuzzled him urging him to get up and walk for the lift. His body still felt cold and numb. His mind a haze and the only thing keeping him going was another promise. One to his grandfather. A promise to live.....and another for vengeance. His last two promises that he would ever make. 

For a moment he wondered if his promise of vengeance would lead him down the wrong path. But then again right now he didn't care. He wanted to go home....

Kemba listened to Theos yell at the stones, he was angry and Kemba had never seen him like this before. He couldn't blame him either, behind the deep rooted sorrow Kemba was feeling he was just as angry. He had to watch his friend die again but this hurt even more because he tried and failed to save him. The image of Dan and the events of today would be etched into Kemba's very soul for the rest of his life. He felt Theos urge him to rise and then he headed for the lift, Kemba was all cried out. He was sniffling as walked behind Theos, dragging his tail. Kemba kept looking back, hoping Dan's smiling face would pop out and it'd all be a very bad joke but it never happened. Kemba looked for the supply bag and it was in complete ruins, the only thing that survived was a single glow stick. Kemba remained silent the entire way through the cave, what could he say? Nothing was going to make this easier at all. He got in the lift beside Theos and sat down putting his face into his lap as the lift began to rise out of the depths of the mine. He didn't speak or remove his face until the lift reached the exit. It was the middle of the night so the outside was dark and the foremen was asleep. Kemba would follow Theos off of the elevator and outside in the freezing cold of the desert. As they approached the exit, they could hear a voice "THEEEEEOOOOOOS!" It sounded excited and worried all at once and it was familiar. Jared had come running as fast as his old body would take him and he leaped onto Theos hugging him tightly. "Oh Theos.....my beloved grandson....I was so very worried! When you didn't come home...I....I thought....the worst!" Jared said giving a sigh or relief. Kemba looked at Jared embrace Theos and he turned his head away looking at the sand and rubbing his own arm. Jared pulled away after the embrace and looked at Theos, "Theos? What's the matter? What happened?" He asked sensing the sorrow about them. "Where's Dan?" Jared had a gut feeling but wanted to know for sure. He knew the look of pain and heart break well, he could ascertain what happened but he wanted to be sure.

Kemba clenched his arm and closed his eyes at Jared's inquiry.

Theos walked solemnly the darkness and the sound of his hoof beats comforting. It made him feel like nothing was there and in truth that was all he wanted right now....nothing. The image of a disfigured Dan was etched into his mind. It was a horrific way to go... Theos couldn't bring himself to cry and while he had. It had been too brief....what was wrong with him. A ruffling sound reach his ears then a bit of light. He looked back slightly surprised at Kemba. They had walked in darkness for so long it honestly had felt they weren't even really there. Being brought back to reality as it was that he was still physically there. It felt humbling...

The lift ride when they reached it was just as solemn and dark. He just had to keep breathing... His nerves were shot, his mind muddled, his body ached and as the adrenaline left him he felt tired beyond belief. They stepped out of the left and Theos felt the chill in the air but started walking for the exit anyway. He'd rather die frozen in a desert than in these Yggdrasill forsaken mines.

"THEEEEEOOOOOOS!" Theos head snapped up at his name. His heart leaping out of his chest. For one moment the small form looked like Dan to him as it approached. His body shook even as he realized it wasn't. "Oh Theos.....my beloved grandson....I was so very worried! When you didn't come home...I....I thought....the worst!" He didn't return the embrace instead he just rested his head on Jareds shoulder until he pulled away, "Theos? What's the matter? What happened?" It took a moment to register his inquiry. "Where's Dan?" 

"The spiders killed him," Theos voice cracked as he spoke. It felt like he hadn't talked in a thousand years. "We did everything....the spider Queen. She...." Theos stopped there. Just the thought of Ara made his blood boil.

"I'm not staying...." Theos said suddenly after his long pause. "This caves walls close in on me now." Thes voiced....he was scared. He was scared and had been answering that call of fright with aggression. He couldn't stay here now. Not with the thought of these walls coated in blood and trapping him for the spiders to eat. No, he had to go....even if he didn't want to leave Jared his fright was stronger.

"We're going to W.A.D.A. Max has already requested your protection," the words were coming easier now. So long as he spoke of leaving.... "Tonight will....be the last night I stay at home."

Theos wanted to voice that he'd visit often. But who knew how long it would be before his wound healed enough to let that happen. He would return he was sure....but maybe not for a long time.

"I keep my promises," Theos said giving a sad smile. "I'm alive," he grew teary. He kept his promises....for all except Dan. He couldn't blame himself he knew and yet he did. If he hadn't come down from the mountains, if he hadn't kept the cave a secret, if Dan and Kemba had never met him. Ara would have never tried to kill them both. Theos silently cursed himself and fate, destiny or whatever one wanted to call it.

When Theos broke the news, Kemba's lip quivered and he became teary eyed. Jared's heart broke for Theos when he learned what happened to Dan, he hugged Theos again tightly "Oh Theos....I'm so so sorry, words cannot express how sorry I am to hear that. No one your age should experience loss like that. I know what you're going through all to well. I cannot imagine the horror of it all. My dear Theos!" Jared released him from his embrace and looked at Kemba who was looking away from them. Kemba was hurting to and Jared couldn't do anything to help either of them. The true evil that Jared had lived with his entire life had been shown to these fragile boys and it cost them their closest friend, Jared knew Theos decision to go to W.A.D.A. was coming from the fear behind his eyes. It would hurt to see Theos go, but Jared knew that this was the best and most wise choice. This was a decision he could live with knowing Theos was an agent. "After such a tragic night, I would expect nothing less from you. Joining W.A.D.A. is the right thing to do, and you need not worry about this old digimon. As always, my home will be open to you whenever you're in Bai Hu. I'm your family after all." Jared said returning Theos' smile. Jared looked at Kemba, "It's open to you as well Kemba." Kemba looked at Jared and nodded, "Thanks. I...I appreciate it..." Kemba gave Jared half a smile. "You boy's have been through far to much. Come, let us return to Bai Hu, I paid the driver of the truck to take me here. He is waiting just outside." Jared began to walk and Kemba would lead the rear. The truck had been waiting where it was instructed to stay. The three boarded the truck and it took off back to Bai Hu, this would be their final ride on this truck no matter what. Kemba sat in silence, he wasn't thinking about anything, his mind had gone blank. He zoned out the outside world and just stared at the sand moving behind them. He didn't feel anything now, sad, angry, happy, nothing. He wanted to put the events of tonight behind him and it seemed his heart had a head start. His eyes looked to the grave site as it passed by, and he knew their would be one erected in the morning for Dan. It made him sick, knowing the same people who put up the grave stone were the same people who sent Dan to his death. It made Kemba so ill, he began to cough and he placed his paw over his mouth and rushed his head out of the back of the truck to vomit.

Jared watched Kemba worryingly, "Kemba...." He didn't know what to say. After Kemba's moment of sickness, he returned to sitting and leaned his head back against the cold metal of the vehicle and sobbed once more silently. The city of Bai Hu soon came into view and it had very few lights currently on. Kemba turned his head to view the city, it was no longer beautiful to him. How could it be? This city took Dan and they didn't care. Life would continue and no one would remember Dan. Kemba hated this place. He hated the foreman and more importantly he hated Ara. He could feel anger building in his chest when he thought on everything collectively. He understood Theos outburst in the mines earlier now, and he wanted to help rip Ara to shreds when next they met. They'd be in Bai Hu before long.