Lorelie had no idea what she was holding onto when the earth started moving but she held on regardless, her knees buckling with the seismic disruption all around her. It didn’t last for long, but it ended abruptly, sending her clattering to the ground and – for the briefest moment – making everything go dark.

When she came to, everything was still very dark. She sat up, and gingerly knocked against the side of her head, which didn’t do a great deal, save for causing her screen to brighten up a few notches. She noted the dim red rock all around her, and the complete absence of anything else, living or otherwise. It was quiet. Practically silent, in fact, with the exception of a dull scratching noise from somewhere far away, and the ever-present electronic hum of her D-Psyche.

Lorelie yelped inwardly, and scrambled to her feet, trying to feel her way around. The screen insisted on mirroring her mental state and flickered on and off, which was not helping matters. She tried to call out for help, but that was a futile effort as well, her words only coming out as strangled electronic beeps.

She froze, her hands in the middle of grasping at bare rock. She felt her chest heaving, even though she wasn’t aware of any breathing to speak of. Yet more fun developments in the who-the-hell-thought-this­ -would-be-a-funny-idea department.

She stood there, staring down at near-blackness and clasping at the walls, trying to wait for her body to come out of panic mode. It took several minutes, but eventually she was able to stop convulsing enough to think clearly, and try and recall her own mental preparation for this turn of events.

Ever since she’d arrived here and seen (kinda) just how effed up the world had become, she had toyed with the idea that this would probably happen. That at somepoint, right when she could really do without it, she would be pulled away from everybody and would have to make do on her own. Psychologically, she’d come to terms with it. After all, she was a fairly capable fourteen-year-old with a mystical device attached to her body. Even in the worst case scenario, it wasn’t as if she was defenceless.

She took a step, and promptly tripped over, smacking her screen on the floor and causing white lines to flash before her eyes.

Okay, so...maybe she wasn’t as ready for this as she’d thought.

The girl was very aware that the next several minutes were not her proudest, and for her sake I shall spare explaining the whole process. It involved falling over eight more times, getting stuck twice, going the wrong way once and having three near-mental breakdowns, but in fairness, she did eventually start moving in a useful direction. It was slow, merely inching along the wall. But it was progress.

Lorelie had made it nearly one-hundred metres before Aardmon turned a corner out of nowhere and slammed into her, quickly bringing the girl’s falling count into double digits.

“Oh god! I’m sorry!” The aardvark peered forwards. “Are you alright?”

Lorelie sat up, her screen displaying a repeat animation of a stick figure flopping face down on the floor. Aardmon couldn’t really argue with that sentiment.

“Where are the others? Have you seen them?”

The picture changed to a big red cross.

“Damn it.” Aardmon ran her claws down her cheeks, staring up at the ceiling. “This is not good.”

Lorelie shoulders sagged, and she fumbled within her clothing for her keypad.

“R we still in the same place?”

“We haven’t teleported. In fact I think we’ve barely moved. It’s just the earth went haywire for a second.” Aardmon gave an unconvincing smile and raised a finger. “If I’m right, we still shouldn’t be too far from the others, or from the way out of here.”

There was a long pause, with Lorelie’s D-Psyche portraying no comment.

“^^;”

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“OK, but how often ARE u right?”

“Very rarely, but...well, I’ve got to stay optimistic.”

Aardmon’s ears twitched, and she glanced upwards, the fur around her neck bristling. Lorelie could feel it too; for all that the D-Psyche didn’t show her, there were certain sounds and sensations that it took upon itself to accentuate quite vividly. Somewhere above there was something running; almost galloping, in fact. She didn’t know where, or even in what direction, but the footsteps burrowed into her brain and persisted. They were definitely not safe here.

Lorelie hurriedly pressed the keypad and held it out once again.

“How strong is ur sand attack? Is it better underground or...”

Aardmon gave her a blank look.

“Do you want me to answer that truthfully or do you want to keep some semblance of hope in your life?”

“Worth a try.”

Aardmon gestured behind her. “Let’s get out of here.”

The Digimon held Lorelie’s hand as she guided her through the new twisted catacombs, trying very hard to head in the opposite direction to the ominous sounds penetrating from above. The rocks were even darker now, with much of the fiery energy from within having been ejected during the great shift. Still, Aardmon’s eyes were sharp enough to keep the two of them moving forwards, and Lorelie didn’t much care to argue with her navigation. Though she was incredibly aware of the footsteps getting louder, and closer, and more intense-

B-ding!

“You’ve got mail!”

Lorelie screeched and very nearly fell backwards again, just stopping herself in time. She turned towards Aardmon, who suddenly looked very timid, pressing her paws together. Lorelie gestured at the D-Psyche.

“I don’t think I’m really the right person to answer...”

The girl pointed at her own lack-of-working-mouth. Aardmon swallowed.

“Ah boy...they’re not gonna be happy, are they...”

“Hello? Anybody there? Please, god, let somebody be there.”

Lorelie crouched down against one wall, and Aardmon leant forward, hissing through her teeth. “I’m listening...”

There was a pause, and a muttering on the other end.

“Aardmon? Is that you? We’ve found the portal; we know where you’re supposed to head...to...”

Aardmon nodded her head. “That’s good. Great. That’s great...”

Another pause, then Keble’s voice took the line, sounding slightly less chipper than he had the last time.

“Aardmon, can somebody else answer?”

“...no...”

“What do you mean, no?”

“We’ve had another incident.” Aardmon’s paw clenched against the rock. “We’re working on it. The others are somewhere around, we just need to...find them...”

Her voice trailed off. There was no response from the other side.

Aardmon cleared her throat. “I’m really sorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t cut it.”

“I mean it, we’re doing fine-“

“You haven’t been doing ‘fine’ the last several times we’ve called you. You know you’re in danger; heck, we can see you’re in danger. And you can’t even keep them all together? You said you were going to look after them, Aardmon.”

The Digimon closed her eyes momentarily, leaning backwards. The screen shifted towards her a little, as Lorelie listened in.

“...please just give me the coordinates and we can find our way out-“

“Into more danger? You’ve done enough.”

There was the sound of yelling from the other end, as four people fought for control over the microphone. Lorelie pulled her knees up and waited, her head buzzing with far too many voices. Aardmon just stood in silence.

Eventually Perez’s voice came up on the line. “We’re pulling them out.”

“We can’t do that; they’re out of range.”

“I am NOT wasting any more time on something like this with such a useless guide.”

“The children decided to go on their own; maybe you should-“

“WE are supposed to be adults.”

“This was their idea-“

“This was a terrible idea from the start. They can’t handle it; they’ve never been able to-“

Click

Lorelie brought her hand up and clasped it over the side of her head, causing the screen to black out. She held it there for a moment, her fingers white.

B-ding!

“You’ve got mail!”

No movement this time. Lorelie waited, hands clasped over her D-Psyche as it kept vibrating. Aardmon raised a hand, but couldn’t think of anything to say. The screen buzzed for a few more seconds, then fell silent.

B-ding!

“You’ve got ma-“

BANG

The girl slammed her head back against the rock wall, and her screen flashed white momentarily. She slumped forwards, resting the hunk of metal on her knees as she stared down at the ground. Aardmon fell to her own knees, her ears drooping.

“I’m so sorry...I really am...”

Lorelie let out a long, drawn-out breath, and looked up slightly.

Vnnn Vnnn

“1 New Message.”

The girl raised a palm, gently brushing the side of her D-Psyche. There was a moment, then she reached for her keypad, sitting up and typing.

“Co-ordinates.”

“Can you find where they are?”

“Already on it.”

“You’ve found a map in there?”

Nod nod.

Aardmon blinked. “Pardon me, but...I didn’t realise you could use that thing so well.”

“I have to practise something when I’m sitting around not being helpful.”

A little more tapping, and then Lorelie stood up, pointing down one of the tunnels. Aardmon squinted into the blackness.

“That way? How far?”

“Slightly further than you can make it, I’m afraid.”

Both girl and Digimon jumped, and they turned around to see a hunched-over figure at the end of the tunnel. He was moving slowly, but was unmistakeable; Krampusmon had found them already. The demon sniffed, and twirled his staff in the air.

“Slay Bell!”

“Sand Lancer!”

The bell chimed for their inevitable doom as the thorny black mass rushed forwards, digging into the walls and picking up speed. Aardmon grabbed Lorelie by the hand and thrust her other palm out, spraying shapes of sand into the tunnel. They lasted mere seconds before the black wood struck them, sprouting thick thorns and completely shattering the thin red glass. There was the sound of another bell, and the vines retreated again. Krampusmon tutted, seeing that his attack had been for naught, as both figures had disappeared.

“Oh dear, ladies. You could have saved your own skins if you’d just stayed where you were.”

He glanced up, hearing the delighted whinnies of four ecstatic ponies following his own tracks a few layers above.

“Even if I don’t find you, you will surely get torn to pieces...”

“Any sign of them?”

“It’s a straight line, Callum, if there was any sign of them we’d all have seen them.”

“But it’s dark!”

“We’re all looking, genius!”

Martin held the bridge of his nose. “For crying out loud; can you two at least hold off on bitching at each other until we’re NOT in mortal peril?”

As if to emphasise his plea, there was a sudden clattering from above, like a bundle of sticks falling to the ground, followed by a rumble and a loud tittering. Martin winced as he felt Polypmon tighten on his arm.

“Oh crap...we’re gonna die, we’re all definitely gonna die-“

“Hey, master? That stings.”

“Sorry...”

Eleanor folded her arms. “What are you even so worried about? You’re one of them, aren’t you? You’ll probably get off just fine.”

“Are you joking?” said Polypmon incredulously, “You seriously think there’s any loyalty among anyone in the Dark Area? They’d pull me to pieces just as soon as they’d finished with you!”

Martin reached up and patted Polypmon on the dome. “I’m sure it’s not that bad. I’m sure they love you really.”

The jellyfish trembled. “You know there used to be like...three more of us that escaped with this lot, don’t you?”

Callum looked back. “What happened to them?”

“The ponies ate one straight away. One of them is forming the vessel for Cruachmon’s sleeping visage back in the main hall, and the other...”

Polypmon frowned.

“I don’t know, actually. Probably fell down a hole.”

They shook themselves. “It doesn’t matter! They’re all ruthless and I mean absolutely nothing to them!”

Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t seem quite so bothered about that before.”

“I didn’t know! I thought it was all there was, then I saw you and your...civility and respect for each other-“

(This drew out a synchronous HAH from everybody, but Polypmon ignored it and carried on)

“-it made me realise that just because the Dark Area was what I knew didn’t mean that it was the only method out there, and actually there’s a possibility that the life I’m so familiar with and have gotten used to might actually not be good!”

The jellyfish took a great gulp of breath, trying to calm themselves down. Martin just stared up in awe.

“You almost sound like you’re getting better.” The boy raised his hand. “Would you mind letting go of my arm if that’s the case?”

“What? No! You’re my prisoner!”

“Figures.” Martin sighed, and muttered under his breath. “Not only is my partner a paranoid invertebrate but it’s one that I’m gonna have to teach valuable life lessons to.”

Eleanor stopped mid-step, and hung her head, sighing. “We are so dead when they catch up with us...”

“Don’t be such a downer!” Callum placed his hands on his hips. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; we have a jellyfish undergoing an epiphany and a dancing penguin on our side. What could possibly go wrong?”

Empermon double-took, and raised a claw, before shrugging. “You know what? That’s actually cool. I’m a great dancer.”

Martin bit his lip. “My elbow’s gone numb.”

Eleanor wrapped her face in her hands, and let out a small scream. “How is it that you two are the ones who’ve ended up with partners? Is there no goddamn justice in this world or has the very concept of justice gone down the crapper as well?”

There was a clattering up ahead, and she looked forwards.

“Oh for the love of fuck...”

The three children froze in their tracks, staring at the end of the tunnel ahead. A Bambolamon stood, arms by his sides, looking just the slightest bit crooked in the dim light. He giggled, and began to walk forwards.

“Newp.”

Empermon spun on his heels and began to walk in the other direction, but he stopped there as well. “Oh wonderful...”

The group had been followed. Three more Bambolamon stood a short distance behind them, their heads dipping slowly from side to side. They were cuddling one another, not in a hurry to move at all; just content with staring at the group with their fixed, cold eyes. Still, the children were very aware their time was up.

Eleanor placed herself between the two boys. “So, do we fight or do we run?”

Martin glanced up at Polypmon. “Are you up for fighting?”

“I don’t know!”

“Give me strength...”

Callum pointed. “We’ll do both. Rush the single one; we can take him.”

He ran off before the others could respond, but for once there were no arguments. Empermon took the lead, fumbling with his saxophone as he stared up at the advancing doll.

“Sing Sing Squall!”

A blast of snow billowed outwards, temporarily masking the tunnel. The Bambolamon tilted his head, and grinned. He pulled out a whistle from around his neck and blew a sharp, trill note.

Peeeeeeeep

“Rush him!”

Three children and two Digimon practically trampled the doll before he had time to defend himself, knocking off his head and leaving him flat out on the ground. Callum huffed up ahead as he reached the corner, “I take it we still have three chasing us?”

Bringing up the rear, Martin glanced over his shoulder, and grimaced.

“Oh no, we’ve got way more.”

The signal had done its job. Where there had been three dolls moments before, there were now more like sixty, clambering over one another, over the walls and even on the roof as they began their pursuit in earnest. Polypmon squeaked, and clamped themselves flush onto Martin’s arm, their tentacles digging in tighter than ever.

“OWCH! Get off!”

Polypmon didn’t respond; they just started muttering gibberish to themselves. Martin gritted his teeth through the pain, and sped up, trying not to think of the death-by-a-thousand-adorable-dollies that lay mere metres behind him.

They charged through the labyrinth, heading left, right, right again; all the while Callum and Eleanor leading the charge. They veered to one side, their D-Psyches scraping against the tunnel walls, but it was enough to lead the torrent of dolls in the wrong direction as they shot past the alcove. Callum put his hand on his knee, breathing heavily as his D-Psyche yelled at him and flashed various angry colours.

“Well...I think we have a few seconds...”

Eleanor stared down at her own foot. “God, our D-Psyches didn’t enjoy that, did they...”

“Mine’s going nuts too...” Martin ran a finger over his screen, before pulling it away, the smooth metal sparking. “That doesn’t look good.”

“Oh no!”

Polypmon exploded outwards from his shoulder, causing the boy to overbalance and fall on the ground. The jellyfish was frantic, pushing everybody else out the way. “Go! Now! He’s here!”

The jellyfish paused, and whirled around. “MARTIN, GET OUT OF THERE! DON’T LOOK UP!”

Martin looked up. The darkened corridor was swirling above him, and it opened up, revealing spiralling energies and half-crystalline, half-ethereal formations that didn’t seem to be quite there. And right in the centre, like a universe unto itself, there was a single, piercing eye.

“Beautiful Despair!”

Annihilamon exploded outwards, casting shafts of light all around, which turned the very rock grey where they shone. The eye stared into Martin’s, who seemed petrified in place, his muscles completely locked up. His D-Psyche screamed and vibrated, but his skin seemed to dissipate ever so slightly. Then more, fading away into the atmosphere around him. The boy’s eyes were wide, shining blankly behind his glasses.

“Oh jesus Christ!” Eleanor and Callum both ran forwards at once, holding their arms out. “MARTIN!”

“ZapLash!”

A barrage of sparks flew up and struck Annihilamon dead in the centre of the eye. The void recoiled, backing into the rock wall and half dissolving into it with a silent scream of rage. It was enough though; Callum reached Martin first and practically bulldozed him out of the chasm’s range, rolling him several metres along the ground. He knelt down, and pulled the other boy’s face towards him.

“Holy crap man, are you okay? What the hell was that? Speak to me! Please!”

Martin didn’t answer for a moment. He swayed a little, his eyes crossing. Polypmon barged in and wrenched his arm up, examining it all over.

“We were in time. He’s reforming.”

Martin blinked, and refocused. “I’m rewhat?”

“Annihilamon has a tendency to kind of make things go...poof.” Polypmon leaned in to the boy’s face, their pink pupils darting between both of the boy’s eyes. “You’re not damaged in there, are you?”

The boy coughed. “I’ve seen some shit before, but that...was something else.”

Eleanor tapped him on the shoulder. “Even more shit incoming! Mr Death-Galaxy’s coming back!” Her shoulders slumped. “Oh goody, and the world’s happiest puppets have found us again as well.”

The torrent of Bambolamon hadn’t so much lost them as just ‘gone the long way round’. On seeing the group they increased their pace, although whether they’d reach the children before the almost-leisurely pace of Annihilamon was up in the air. Martin forced himself to his feet, and clenched his fists. “I guess this means we have to fight.”

Polypmon hovered down next to him, and the boy glanced up. “You saved me earlier. Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Does this mean I’m no longer your prisoner? ‘Cause we might need your help.”

Polypmon smirked, and raised their front tentacles. “I still owe you a lot. Let me have it.”

Martin braced himself, and turned to Callum on his other side. “Ready?”

“Always.”

“Eleanor?”

The girl shook out her hands, “Yeah, yeah, got it, I’ll stay out of the way of the death void and probably punch a few dollies, I know. Hurry up!”

As the demons bore down on them, Callum and Martin stood their ground, their D-Psyches opening in unison.

“Polypmon, Psyche Synchronise!”

“Empermon, Psyche Synchronise!”

“Evolution Activate!”

The crawl through the catacombs was one of the most harrowing events of Lorelie’s life; barely able to see, but able to hear absolutely everything going on around her. And far above. With every step she took, something else clattered, or there was the bellowing of a hungry beast or a scraping of nails. She shivered, and clutched Aardmon’s paw even tighter.

The Digimon was doing a remarkable job of guiding her through the tunnels, although she had barely said a thing since the message from the other world. Lorelie knew exactly what she was thinking about; it was plain on her face. She wished she could say something...anything...to help. But her silence was mandatory. All she could do was stay close.

Eventually it was Aardmon who broke the silence, her voice a near-whisper.

“I know it’s my fault.”

Lorelie’s fist clenched slightly, but the aardvark didn’t turn around and only kept moving.

“You wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for me. If I hadn’t gone to the human world. I am the one who’s let you all down. I’m sorry.”

Lorelie’s hand went down to the pocket with her keypad, but she was pulled along, unable to reach it. She tried to shake her head, but Aardmon wasn’t watching.

“I’m trying to make things better. I really am...”

Lorelie stopped dead, and Aardmon turned round to face her. “Please just...just give me another chance-“

Lorelie fidgeted, and pointed. The Digimon turned.

“Oh dear...”

She raised her paws and braced herself as she watched the flickering light coming towards them at breakneck speed. They’d been found. Aardmon stared into the darkness as sand gathered around her blunt claws.

“Yahoo! I win!”

With a delighted yell Hinkymon leapt from the shadows and practically bowled Aardmon over, sitting on top of her chest and grinning down at her. “You tried your best but nobody can get away from the master seeker.”

Aardmon let out a very wheezy breath. “For the love of crap, don’t do that to me! I nearly had a heart attack!”

Lorelie clasped her hands in front of her face, before running forwards and practically collapsing in Ursula’s arms, who staggered herself. “Whoa, okay, steady a little. I found you.”

The smaller girl gave an excited beep and fumbled with her device.

“I can’t believe you came for me!”

“Do you seriously think anybody would leave you behind?”

“But...you. You came all this way. You can hardly walk.”

Ursula coughed a bit. “I have a very...hyperactive companion. He’s very motivational.”

There was a muffled ‘gerroff’ from behind Lorelie as said hyperactive companion was promptly shoved off of Aardmon’s torso. He rolled over and sat up, the flame on his head miraculously staying lit the whole time. He stuck one podgy finger on his lip. “You should be thankful, miss. The big miss ran off to find you straight away. She was worried, she was.”

Lorelie looked up, and noted a distinct red tinge around Ursula’s cheeks. The taller girl harrumphed, and looked back the way she’d come.

“There are nasty creatures out to get us. I suggest we get back to the others and find a way out.”

Lorelie floundered for a little, before jumping and tapping at her screen again.

“I know the way out. The scientists called. They gave directions.”

“Fantastic.”

Lorelie tilted her head a little, staring up at the girl’s deadpan expression. Ursula coughed. “I mean it. That’s excellent.”

Hinkymon took the lead again on the way back, hopping back and forth like an excited puppy, with his lantern lighting the way clearly. Ursula hooked Lorelie’s arm under hers, and together they felt their way through the thin tunnels, having somewhat gotten used to moving like this now. Aardmon stayed at the back, occasionally looking over her shoulder, but mostly looking directly at the floor, and saying very little.

Lorelie yipped as she stumbled a little, but Ursula held her upright, keeping her lips decidedly more sealed than usual. Lorelie tried to break the silence, but obviously that had its own issues. She resorted to walk-texting; a skill she’d never much found need to practise before, but which clearly had its uses.

“U’ve found an excited little guy there.”

Ursula smiled, watching the little ball of flame scampering about before them. “He’s utterly mad. Reminds me of my little brother.”

“How old is he?”

“Two. He will not stop running into walls.”

“XD”

“I swear, I give him just one biscuit and he acts like a mini-hurricane; I’ve had to board up my shelves. We’ve already lost ornaments.”

“That much of a pain, huh?”

Ursula’s brief excitement faded a little.

“He’s not a pain. I love him. He at least hasn’t changed. Reminds me of home.”

Lorelie’s thumb hovered around the screen, as she thought for a minute.

“You only came to our class a year ago, right? Where is home?”

“Aachen. It’s cold, but...friendly. They told me Wales was friendly too but you’re all bastards.”

“Thx.”

“Not you. I mean...I’m sorry.” Ursula bowed her head, her face flushing. “You can tell I know you all very well, can’t you...”

“I think a few days ago was the first time I heard you speak.”

“Yes...well.” The taller girl shrugged her shoulders a little. “Too many kids try to get you to say dumb things in an accent. The boys are worst. Half of them think I look like a man and the other half are busy...well...staring.”

Ursula slowed a little, tensing up. Instinctively her hand went to her jacket, trying and failing to pull it inwards over her chest.

“Not my favourite thing.”

She sighed, staring down at herself. “I hate this fucking body. Do you know how hard it is to hide when you’re taller than everyone else? So I just shut up and silently threaten to punch people.” She smirked. “Eleanor has it sorted.”

Lorelie squared her shoulders, and typed furiously.

“You don’t have to shut up. You’re with us...”

She trailed off, before backtracking hurriedly.

“You’re with me now. Don’t hide. I’ll listen.”

Ursula didn’t answer. She just stared ahead. Lorelie leaned forwards, and could just make out her expression. Her face was redder than ever, the colour practically reflecting off her hair.

“U ok? :/”

Ursula coughed and hurriedly changed the subject. “It is all fun here, isn’t it? It’s like one great big team building day and we’re all going to get along just wonderfully.”

Lorelie shifted as if in laughter, whistling a little underneath her D-Psyche. “Ok, you don’t have to go that far.”

“I apologise. I don’t mean to make fun of your friends.”

“Well they are sods. All of them.”

Ursula leaned out to one side as the group turned a corner. “I think the Digital World has a bit of a sense of humour, sticking us all together in here. Did it actually want to be saved?”

“It’s always funny here.” Hinkymon piped up, swaying back and forth at her feet as he watched the two go by. Aardmon glared at him as she passed as well, and the goblin frowned dramatically. “I think you all go nicely together.”

Ursula snickered. “You’re far too nice. Come on, let’s just get-“

YEET

Lorelie jumped off to one side and practically dragged Ursula away with her, who cursed under her breath. Looking ahead, she saw the problem. Four of them in fact; Deinosmon, Podargosmon, Xanthosmon and Lamponmon, all with arched backs and splayed feet and mouths which were opening and closing like those of lampreys, all the while still making those incessant and eerie giggles as they stared the girls down. Ursula swore a little louder, and turned back towards Hinkymon. The goblin pointed.

“There are ponies there.”

“You could have warned us, you adorable little scheiße.”

One of said ponies lunged forwards unexpectedly and snapped at Lorelie, who just pulled her arm out of the way before it was taken off. The girls backed up, keeping their eyes firmly on the man-eating horses in front of them.

Hinkymon pouted. “So are we gonna go back? Quickish?”

“You’re not gonna like this...” said Aardmon, pointing over her shoulder with a thumb. Ursula turned, and her shoulders slumped.

“Well, we have a choice of being eaten by horses or beaten with the goat-man’s magic stick.”

As if to emphasise the point, Krampusmon chuckled and rattled the staff along the rough walls as he walked down, causing the bells to give off a sinister little jingle. As pleasant as his demeanour was, there was little hiding the pure hatred that burned in his eyes, and wriggled beneath his old veins.

“Naughty little humans don’t hide from me for long.” Krampusmon glared at the amazing Technicolor horses on the other side, who hissed at his presence. “Back off, ladies. They’re mine.”

“But we wanna eat them!”

“We want them fresh. You’re no fun.”

“And you don’t taste good.”

Krampusmon waved his staff angrily. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten that! I still have those blasted bite marks! Learn some self-control!”

“NEVER!”

Ursula and Lorelie clutched tightly to one another as the banter carried on, pressing themselves back against the wall. Hinkymon stood on one side, smiling at the horses as his flame swirled around his helmet. Aardmon stood on the other, holding shards of crystallised sand in shaking hands.

Neither demon paid them any notice, as they kept bickering with one another.

If anything, that made it even worse...

The blue and purple lights faded, and were replaced by a sea of chaos as the army of dolls swarmed the new arrivals. But Saxophmon and Manowarmon were prepared, already gathering their own powers.

“Harmony Frost!”

“Toxic Shocker!”

The Bambolamon swarm were caught by waves of sound and electricity, which cut into their ranks like mortar shells. A couple got through, flailing their limbs maniacally, only for Eleanor to catch them with some impressive right hooks, sending them careening to one side and straight into Saxophmon’s attack.

“Midnight Blues!”

The penguin danced backwards into the second wave, the ice fractals spinning around him like scythes and mowing down several of the dolls at a time. He glanced up at Manowarmon, who was tussling with Bambolamon of their own.

“You’re managing alright, aren’t you?”

“Don’t patronise me.” Manowarmon spun like a top, the tentacles of their dome whipping outwards and battering a few of the dolls on the head. “Fantocciomon is going to be incredibly pissed.”

“Watch out!”

“Beautiful Despair!”

Manowarmon careered sideways as the apathetic beam shot downwards, just scraping their hind tentacles. A couple of unsuspecting Bambolamon weren’t so lucky, as they ran right into it and promptly collapsed on the ground, their skin cracking and splintering. Annihilamon screeched, and billowed outwards, taking up a good length of the tunnel and striking Manowarmon in the face. The jellyfish winced, and held up both their arms as purple lights pulsed along their length.

“Toxic Shocker!”

The bolts flew outwards, to little avail as Annihilamon practically inverted itself and lashed out with a couple of tendrils of nothingness. One of them sliced downwards, sending Saxophmon careering backwards where he was mobbed by yet more dolls.

Manowarmon pulled their arms in, glaring around at the swirling void. “You leave them alone, you...mean cloud thing! Whatever you are!”

“I Am But A Messenger Of Chaos And All Shall Bow To My Beauty Regardless Of Intention Or Background.”

The jellyfish grunted as they swung, their arms just going straight through the clouds in front of them as they yelled, “What...the hell...are you saying?”

“Death Will Come For You!”

Manowarmon turned, watching as Annihilamon reformed just behind them, its core billowing open and revealing a plethora of eyes, all glowing red. The jellyfish narrowed their own.

“Gotcha! Torpedo Coil!”

They retracted in an instant, their dome expanding outwards as pink sparks travelled along their lowermost tentacles. Annihilamon had no time to react before Manowarmon spun into him, the tentacles wrapping around it like a grappler and delivering thousands of volts into its core from all directions.

“Ow.”

Stunned, the void floated away, spinning in the air and muttering to itself. Manowarmon brushed their arms together, and looked down at Saxophmon below. “You doing okay there?”

“Sod off,” retorted Saxophmon, who was currently spinning on the spot and lashing out with random kicks and massive waves of icy fractals as the dolls still tried to mob him. He stamped down suddenly, and brought his head forwards, knocking out the nearest one with a headbutt. Three more landed hits on his arms, but he brought his elbows back, taking in a breath as he brought his saxophone up.

“Harmony Frost!”

The discordant note echoed through the tunnel, freezing the advancing Bambolamon in their path, grins still stuck fast on their faces. The penguin pulled his saxophone back and swung it in a wide arc, knocking the head of the pack against the wall with a loud clatter. He yelped as he did so, and held the instrument tight against his chest.

“I’m sorry, Selma, I didn’t mean it...”

Eleanor rolled her shoulders as she moved forwards, stepping over unconscious dolls. “Okay seriously? You gave it a name?”

Callum folded his arms. “Leave him alone. He’s just saved us, you know.”

“Excuse me, he helped to save you.” Manowarmon sniffed, and ran a tentacle beneath their chin. “I honestly think the Digimon who took out the literal void of endless darkness deserves a mention?”

Saxophmon raised a finger. “That still only counts as one.”

Martin sighed, and raised a hand. “Pardon me, but we’re not exactly in the clear yet.”

“Oh come on, dude,” replied Callum, raising his fist. “Can’t we just have a little victory celebration once in-“

As it turned out, no they couldn’t.

Without warning and very roughly, a huge scaled hand burst through one wall and grabbed Callum around the waist, dragging him outwards into a completely separate chamber.

“Callum!”

Saxophmon, Eleanor, Manowarmon and Martin rushed in to see Echidnamon in all her glory, her fingers wrapped around Callum like a crepe. She seemed taller than ever, and her body was wriggling in a lithe manner, causing mini-tremors all around the large cavern which, by the looks of it, she’d opened up herself. She pulled the struggling boy up to her eye level, and grinned.

“I don’t think I introduced myself before. My name is Echidnamon. It truly is a pleasure to see your kind for the first time.”

She didn’t wait for an answer, instead opting to promptly flick Callum across the floor. He rolled several metres before bowling into Martin, sending the both of them tumbling down. Echidnamon yawned, and stretched, the jewellery jangling over her body.

“It appears as though this hunt is mine...”

“Sand Lancer!”

Aardmon’s hand whipped up several sand blades that lashed out at Krampusmon, but he deflected them with ease, sending her backwards with a twirl of his hand. He grinned, showing vicious yellow teeth as he did so.

“You’re just as bad as them! You will make fantastic trophies!”

Aardmon yelled and ran forwards, holding her arms back. “Blunt Claw!”

“Box of Malice!”

There was a flash contained within Krampusmon’s gnarled fingers, and in a quick movement Aardmon was sent skidding back, her hands restrained on both sides by a small black cube that dug in with sharpened spikes. Lorelie crouched down and held the Digimon close, glaring up at Krampusmon with a red glow on her screen.

The demon scoffed, and brushed black sparks from his cane. “She’ll survive. Well...long enough to see you perish.” He stepped forward, shakily, but in steps dripping with hatred. “I was thinking of keeping at least one of you. Death is too good for any of you after what your kind did to me, but I suppose its best not to take any chances. I’m only getting older.”

Ursula stood tall, glaring at the advancing demon and the black bracken coiling behind him. To the other side she could hear snapping and whinnying and great bursts of fire, and she almost couldn’t bear to look. But even so, she found herself turning, staring at the chaos behind her.

“Sanguine Quartet!”

“Kicherndes Feuer!”

Another flash of fire, scattering two of the ponies. But there were two more, and they were well into their bloodlust now. Red trails danced from their eyes as their bodies contorted, snapping and slashing with sharp teeth and hooves. Hinkymon was fast, bounding between them and leapfrogging over them with great agility. But still, he wasn’t fast enough. Even in the darkness, Ursula could see the gashes on the imp’s arms and belly, dripping with blood.

There really was nowhere to run.

“Slay Bell!”

There was a deep tolling of bells, and the girl cried out as vines covered her, Lorelie and Aardmon, wrapping around them and pinning them against the wall. Krampusmon leered forwards, balancing on his cane as he stared up at her. “What’s best to do with you, I wonder?”

Ursula held her breath, and cried out. “Hinkymon! Run away! It’s...too late!”

“Silence!”

A black vine scraped across her cheek and her head was pulled sideways, but out of the corner of her eye she saw Hinkymon, still running, still fighting for the both of them despite being outnumbered. He shook his head, his lantern dancing wildly.

“I ain’t going nowhere, miss!”

“Why? You don’t even know us?”

“You don’t know me. Or her. Or any of them. I heard. I’m good at listening.” Hinkymon smiled, and leapt again as two sets of jaws snapped behind him.

“And you ain’t run away yet, have you?”

SNAP

It was only a moment’s distraction, but it had been enough. Hinkymon was hoisted up, clamped around the belly in Podargosmon’s jaws. The pony held him up victoriously as the other three pawed the ground all around, all wanting a piece of the meal. Hinkymon wriggled, pressing his teeth together so tightly they bled, but he was held fast. He glanced over at Ursula, and forced a grin.

“I guess...you’re a bad example, miss.”

Ursula closed her eyes tight, feeling the thorns digging into her face. She looked down, seeing the red light of Lorelie’s screen staring up at her. Krampusmon cackled, and raised a palm, halting the advance of his killer vines.

“Let’s stop for a little bit. I think you want to see this.” He placed both hands on his staff, and nodded up at the mares. “Ladies? If you will.”

Ursula felt her ears burning. The burden on her heart gave way, replaced by pure, incandescent rage. She saw Hinkymon, still struggling as the mare’s teeth punctured his chest. He wouldn’t stop moving. Not now. Not to the end.

“Kill him.”

“NO!”

With a blinding flash, Ursula’s D-Psyche opened, tearing through the vines and setting them ablaze with orange flames. Krampusmon hissed, the bracken retracting into his cane as he shook his hands.

“No! I won’t be humiliated again! Slay-“

“Sand Lancer!”

On the ground, Aardmon lashed out with as large a spear as she could muster, which slammed into Krampusmon’s legs. Despite his strength and tenacity, he was still old, and his knees locked beneath him with the impact.

“Damn...YOU!”

Krampusmon staggered backwards, raising his quivering cane, but he never got to make the finishing blow. With a savage roar, Ursula pulled herself from her bindings and charged forwards, grasping the demon by the shoulders and bringing her knee vertically upwards and directly into his jingle bells.

“.....................”

Krampusmon hit the ground hard, but nobody noticed him. All eyes were on Ursula, who was bent double, still staggering. She rushed forwards, clamping her palms on the opposite wall as the device on her back twisted and contorted like a huge gaping maw, all sorts of cranks and levers rearranging themselves like serrated teeth.

Lorelie was leant back against the other wall, her clothes and skin scratched from the bindings. She held a hand out towards the taller girl, her D-Psyche crackling and gurgling.

And deep within the mechanism, a tiny voice sounded through the static.

“......save...him......”

The words were quiet, but they reached Ursula. She turned, and took an unsteady step forwards, watching Hinkymon hanging in the literal jaws of death as the ponies stared, transfixed.

“Let...him...GO!”

She turned, and the D-Psyche opened fully, bursting with fire and light. She dug in with her heels, the intense force nearly blowing her backwards. But she held on, her focus straight ahead as the blinding lights slammed into the four mares. And more importantly, into Hinkymon.

“Hinkymon, Psyche Synchronise!”

With a wriggle and a cry of delight, Hinkymon burst free, and found himself suspended in mid-air within a shaft of bright lights which spun around him. The pain was evident on his face as the flames caressed his wounds, but he smiled nonetheless. The cylinder filled up with fire, obscuring him, and leaving only that bright smile remaining.

“Evolution Activate!”

The cylinder expanded, suspending the tiny goblin and spinning him in mid-air. His silhouette pulsed, and grew in size and bulk, his muscles bulging outwards as the mainframe struggled to keep up. The roaring flames soon melded with mechanical creaks and escaping steam, to the point where even the cylinder holding him couldn’t take it anymore. It burst open, and the new Digimon fell to the ground with an immense crack.

He was the biggest of the new forms yet, nearly taking up the entire width of the tunnel. His torso was huge; broad and muscular, with a ridge down his back and great, tree-trunk arms that rested on the ground like a gorilla’s. His legs were non-existent; instead his hind-section was suspended in a large metal structure, which dug into his back, resting on the ground on iron wheels. Atop the structure, a large lantern swung, creaking as it did so.

More lights adorned the troll’s body; two on his shoulders, and one atop his head, shining brightly ahead. His red hair was short yet shaggy, showing his full pointy ears and broad face. His nose was incredibly long and hooked, but his eyes were small and almost sunken in, though no less wide and bright than before. The troll let out a laugh, his flesh rippling as he did so.

“Kobolmon!”

The four mares writhed and hissed before the new arrival, with Lamponmon at the front offering the brutal opinion.

“You’re disgusting! You’re not cute anymore!”

Another rumbling laugh from Kobolmon emanated through the tunnels, and the troll glanced backwards, focusing on the two girls and the barely-conscious Aardmon.

“This is brilliant! Why didn’t I do this before?”

Ursula held a palm out. “Watch out!”

“Sanguine Quartet!”

The four ponies leapt forwards as one, trailing crimson energy behind them in shaky patterns. But Kobolmon was more enthused than ever, swinging his arm sideways and battering them to the ground.

“I don’t like you! But I guess you’re all just really happy so...whatever.” The troll turned around with surprising dexterity for someone of his kind, and leaned down to the group below. “Climb on. We’re gonna get to the way out.”

Ursula, Aardmon and Lorelie wasted no time, grasping onto the troll’s metal frame and holding on tightly as he readjusted himself. He glared forwards at Krampusmon, who was stood up again, black energy shimmering all around him.

“So you use the humans’ blasphemous energy to grow in strength? You’re no better than that purple fiend right there.”

Kobolmon raised a non-existent eyebrow. “You really don’t like these people, do you...”

“I don’t like anybody who ruins my perfect hunt. Or causes distractions. You have been a nuisance from the beginning.”

The troll smiled amiably. “Cool! I’m gonna leave then if you don’t mind.”

“And how do you think you’re going to do that?” smirked Krampusmon, leaning to one side. “The lovely mares are still hungry, and if you haven’t noticed the tunnel behind me is blocked.”

“About that, though...”

Kobolmon grinned, and began to paw the ground, his lights growing ever brighter as sparks began to fly. “Your cane’s made of wood. And wood catches fire easy.”

Krampusmon’s face fell, and he scrabbled on the ground, trying to get out of the way.

“You mother-

“Ansturm der Flamme!”

With a loud whistle and a vent of steam, Kobolmon’s entire body let off a burst of energy and promptly combusted. He charged forwards, barrelling into the coiled thorny barrier and incinerating it in seconds. Krampusmon and the mares could do little but watch as the troll burrowed inwards, a bright beacon within the tunnel, as the humans held on tightly. The lights and noise died down, save for the echoing sound of whooping further down the tunnel. And then even that disappeared.

With a yell of anger, Krampusmon made to punch Xanthosmon across the snout, only to backtrack at the very last moment as she bared her hungry teeth at him. He muttered under his breath, and began to walk in the other direction.

“I don’t know what you’re all upset about. At least you all got to taste some blood.”

“But it was icky!”

“Bitter!”

“He wouldn’t stop moving!”

Krampusmon sighed, and pressed against his own temples with two gnarled fingers.

“We have completely lost our touch...”

“Torpedo Coil!”

Manowarmon shot forwards with all their tentacles raised, trailing nets of pink lightning behind them, but Echidnamon held out an arm and stopped them in their tracks. They spun, trying to unentangle themselves, but it was no use as they were tossed to one side by the vast demoness.

“Midnight Blues!”

The serpent lady glared backwards as blades of ice slashed against her midriff, but it was like trying to scratch diamond. Saxophmon cursed inwardly, and leapt back...right into the path of her tail as it swung sideways.

“Pathetic!”

The penguin went rolling, the impact nearly forcing him to devolve, but he held on, grasping the floor to steady himself. Echidnamon was beside herself, her coils writhing in all directions and her torso heaving. She stared at the two Champion levels before her, both looking impossibly small.

“Is that everything? Is that really the power of humans? Are you kidding me?”

“Midnight Blues!”

“Toxic Shocker!”

Echidnamon waved her arm outwards, deflecting both attacks like they were flies. She growled, glaring at the three humans as they stayed as far away from the battleground as they could.

“You’re wasting my time. You couldn’t even be bothered to each bring your own Digimon to fight me, and the ones you did are just so...pathetic. Why did I think you would give me something worthwhile?”

“Harmony-“

“Enough!” Echidnamon raised her arms, her bangles glistening and flying away from her body, forming a circle in the air.

“Typhon’s Swarm!”

The rings twisted in the air, and a swarm of glowing insects flew out, splitting in two and diving towards both Champions before they could react. The insects slammed into their opponent’s bodies, each one exploding violently on impact

“Polypmon, no!”

“Empermon!”

. The attack was brutal, tearing the penguin’s clothes and pockmarking Manowarmon’s body. The two fell to the ground, battered by the affair as the swarm of light returned to Echidnamon, fluttering around her as she gazed down in contempt.

“I had to work the last time. I fought armies. Waves upon waves of Digimon soldiers, all giving their very lives to bring me down. And they won! I fell with dignity, and was sealed away, and now...this is what’s left? Humans? I had faith in you; why can’t you give me the challenge I’ve been after?”

Callum glared up at the serpent, grinding his teeth. “We didn’t come here for you. We want nothing to do with you.”

Her head snapped towards him, and she slithered over, towering over the three. She clawed her palm, and held it above them, covering them in shadow.

“How dare you waste my time like this...”

She paused, and frowned, looking at the wall to her left. Imminent danger aside, the three children and two Digimon did the same. They could hear something; a rumbling. A thudding. Eleanor squinted. “Don’t tell me-“

“Ansturm der Flamme!”

Kobolmon burst through the rock wall and slammed directly into Echidnamon’s face, his rear wheels grinding against her temples. With the dexterity of a gibbon on steroids he swung down, bouncing off her palm as she tried to swat him away, before landing heavily on the ground and wheeling himself around.

“Woohoo! What a finish!”

“Ursula! Lorelie!” Callum tilted his head, and pointed. “I’m guessing that’s...”

Ursula leaned back, running her hand through her hair.

“This is a really rough ride, is what it is.”

Echidnamon raised a shaking finger. “Is that the arsehole goblin who’s been picking fights with the little guys?” She turned to Callum. “Are youliterally picking your partners off the streets? What the hell is wrong with you?”

Eleanor huffed, struggling to hide her smile. “I don’t know. He seems alright to me.”

“No wonder they’re so utterly useless! You really think you have a chance?”

“Maybe if we do something really stupid! Toxic Shocker!”

Echidnamon glanced sideways right before a purple bolt struck her right between the eyes. She hissed, and lashed out with her jaws, just taking a few ends off Manowarmon’s tentacles.

“You...are all...”

“Loderndes Leuchtfeuer!”

A burst of light struck her in the face, causing her to white out for a couple of seconds. It took a few more seconds to realise that she was actually on fire; okay, it didn’t hurt so much, but it wasn’t doing her scales much good. She lashed out with her tail, catching something bulky, though she wasn’t sure what.

“...you’re all utterly insane...”

“Harmony Frost!”

Her tail slowed right down to a crawl, and she felt the cold icy grip all around it. With a yell she thrust herself sideways, breaking the icy cover instantly, and staring down at the gaggle of children and Digimon below.

She hissed.

And the corners of her mouth turned up into a smile.

“Yes...that’s it...that’s what I needed...”

The five children were gathered before her. Eleanor and Martin knelt atop Manowarmon’s dome, holding onto their central fin as they pulsed lighting through their arms. Aardmon and Saxophmon stood together, blades of ice and sand metamorphosing around them. In the centre was Kobolmon, atop which sat Ursula, Callum and Lorelie. The smallest girl held her keypad in one hand, and was pointing with the other. A frail, yet unwavering hand, directly at the demon.

Echidnamon grinned, and looked to one side, where Krampusmon, the mares, and Annihilamon had all gathered amongst scattered bodies of Bambolamon, many of whom were still conscious. She beamed, and raised her arms.

“All that waiting. All that boredom. This...this is gonna be worth all of it!”

Kobolmon let out a deep belly laugh, and began to paw the ground, smoke billowing around him as his eyes flashed with fire. Echidnamon held her arms out, green lights dancing down them.

“We’re going at it? Right here? Right now? Bring it on!”

“Ansturm der Flamme!”

Kobolmon charged, and the other four followed suit, splitting out as if to surround the serpent. She slithered forwards, her arms bright green as the rings clattered along them. Kobolmon was building speed, powering himself along like a 4x4, ferociously fast despite his size. But even so, he was dwarfed by Echidnamon, who licked her lips and readied herself for the fight of her life.

“Typhon’s Swar-“

Kobolmon didn’t stop. The snake-woman watched as the troll just bowled right past her, not even missing a beat. She skidded to a halt, and turned, the green lights still fluttering around her arms as she raised them high, her face twisted in incredulity.

“How the fuck could you miss?”

The troll hadn’t missed.

He just kept right on going, following the direction in which Lorelie was pointing. Directly into a wall.

There was a crash, and the sound of breaking rock. Echidnamon winced, utter confusion freezing her in her tracks. And then she saw it. On the other side of the wall was a void. A blackness, swirling and coursing and leading...who knows where. Kobolmon shook his head, only the slightest bit dazed from the onslaught. Already the other three were converging with him again, as they all made their way towards the portal. Eleanor turned around on Manowarmon’s back, and gave a little wave.

“It’s been fun, but we’ve gotta go.”

“You mother...come back here! We haven’t finished yet!”

“What? No! We’re not gonna fight you; you’re stronger and like...fifteen times bigger than us. You’d kick all our asses.”

Echidnamon spluttered. “Well...yeah, but...that’s the point...”

Kobolmon saluted, grinning from ear to ear.

“Bye lady!”

"HEY!"

Echidnamon moved as fast as she could, but she was caught off balance, her tail not allowing her to turn as quickly as she would have liked. She rushed forwards, holding out an arm and watching as Kobolmon disappeared. Then Saxophmon, and Aardmon. Just as her fingernails brushed the edge of the broken wall, even Manowarmon had disappeared.

“You bastards!”

Echidnamon thrust her hand forwards into the void, but the portal was too small; quickly realising it was at its limit, it thrust her back out again and shut itself down with an audible pop. Echidnamon yelled, banging her fists against the wall and threatening to cause another seismic disaster.

“You cowards! Come back! We haven’t finished! You can’t just show me something like that, such potential, and...and then just run away...what the hell do you think you’re doing? That’s just so cruel!”

She leaned over, resting her palms on the rock as she stared at the ground. The others slowly walked up to her, staying a fair distance away. Krampusmon held the small of his back, wincing.

“Next time I have an idea like this, tell me I’m an idiot.”

Echidnamon opened one eye, looking up to her left as Annihilamon floated around, almost aimlessly.

“Endless Misery And Suffering Is Only Inevitable For All Who Attempt To-“

“Oh, shut the fuck up, you sack of dark matter. Nobody cares about what you say. Nobody. You’re a fucking waste of everyone’s time and space.”

Annihilamon stopped pulsating. A couple of drops of something fell from his lower form, splattering against the ground.

“The Endless Void Has Feelings Too.”

He rushed away, dropping more spots of darkness as he dissipated through the wall. Echidnamon sighed, and slowly brought her head forwards, knocking it against the rock.

There was a grumble from beneath her, and Podargosmon and Deinosmon looked up. “Are we still gonna eat them?”

“I’m hungry.”

Echidnamon didn’t respond. She just hung there for a little while, her arms slowly slipping down the wall. Then she sat up, and brushed herself off.

“What would be the fucking point? It’s not like anyone appreciates us anymore.”

She turned slowly, and slithered back through the catacombs.

“Come on, the hunt’s over. Let’s head back to Buermon. I don’t want anything more to do with any stupid humans or anything like that.”

She groaned as she moved, holding one hand up to her temples.

In the end, all that had really been accomplished was yet another migraine.

Whoop-de-fucking-doo.