A few hours later after Davis had come home and had heard an earful from Michiko, he sat down on the couch with Veemon who caught him up on what happened. 
“So she got speared right in the neck?” He asked. 
“Yeah, she was really sloppy. She picked a Gabumon clone at level 50. I asked her if she wanted to turn it down, but insisted she’d be fine.” 
“Izzy said 50+ was good for those who want a challenging fight.” Davis thought out loud. “Well, Michiko wasn’t happy, that’s for sure.” 
“Why, what happened?” 
“She got a call from Dawn after we closed up the restaurant. Apparently she was crying and really upset with you and the whole training thing.” 
“I was trying to help her!” Veemon argued, slamming the couch. Davis eagerly waved his hands, trying calm him down. 
“Easy buddy! You don’t gotta sell me on that, I know you wouldn’t ever put her in danger.” 
“She’s so mean to me! I don’t get it. All I’ve ever done is try to be nice to her an all she does is snap at me.” Veemon protested. His eyes fell to the floor and his shoulders slouched forward. “It’s not fair.” 
“I’ll take the heat, ok?” Davis assured him, rubbing Veemon’s back. “Why don’t you go have a nice hot bath and I’ll call Michiko and talk with her again.” 
“Ok.” Veemon submitted. Davis took out his phone and picked out Michiko from his contacts. “Want me to start the bubbles.” He smirked, looking back to Davis. 
“Hey! No mocking guy time- hey babe!” Davis blushed, trying to laugh off Veemon’s comments. After he disappeared behind the door Davis took to a lower voice and asked. “So uh, you get anything else out of Dawny?” 
“Not really, she’s been real quiet.” Michiko answered, taking a quick look over to Dawn she turned back to her phone and whispered. “She keeps rubbing her neck. She knows she didn’t get actually injured but.” 
“It had to be pretty shocking to say the least.” He answered in an equally hushed tone. “Veemon said she dropped her guard and that’s when she got it right in the neck from a simulated Gabumon. Apparently she set it to 50.” 
“Is that high?” 
“Veemon trains comfortably between 40 and 45 and remember what Izzy said.” 
“Right.” Michiko moaned and gave an audible sigh. “Davis, I don’t know.” She tried to say, watching Dawnveemon disappear down the hallway of her own apartment. 
“Don’t know what babe.” 
“I don’t think I’m cut out to be a digi-destined. I have no clue what to say to her.” 
“Wait, did you want me to ask Gennai to recall her or something?” Davis posed to her.
“No! It’s just. Does it always have to be about fighting?” She cried in her quietest voice possible. “Even if it was just simulation, my god, stabbed in the throat, that’s awful!” 
“Babe, it’ll be ok. You just gotta have faith that she’ll be ready when it matters. Don’t get too caught up on the why and how.” 
“It’s just that.” Michiko paused, wiping at her eyes. “Things are getting so complicated so fast and I don’t know what to do. I just want to be a great chef and, all this is happening-“ 
“Michi, I love you babe, you’re just stressed and over thinking things.” 
“Davis, I’m scared.” She stated. He could hear her starting to sob over the phone and after thinking for a moment, Davis took a deep breath and spoke. 
“You don’t gotta be scared. Come stay with me Michi. I’ll help you.” 
“It’s super late Davis, I don’t think tonight’s a good night for a quicky you dope.” She laughed a little while answering. 
“I wasn’t saying for one night. Come stay with me and Veemon. Move in with me.” He restated. Michiko gasped and covered her mouth. “I get a lot of this is overwhelming. But it wasn’t for me, so whatever you’re going through, let me help you through it. You know me; I’m too bull-headed to be scared of anything.” Michiko eased her crying and wiped at her eyes. 
“You mean too dumb.” She giggled, and paused for a moment to think. “Davis, are you sure?” 
“What, I gotta roll out a red carpet? You know I love it when you’re here anyway, might as well stay forever.” He grinned. 
“Oh Davis. You big goof. Yes. I’ll come stay with you.” 
“Awesome. I can’t wait.” 
“My lease is up in two weeks. But I can start bringing stuff over this coming weekend.” She eagerly answered. 
“What stuff, half your panties are already here, what else you need?” He grinned. Michiko laughed and gave a quick fuming hum. 
“Why would I wear those when you’ve stretched them out wrapped around your fat butt.” She laughed along with Davis. 
“I’ll see you soon baby. Get some rest tonight; things will look better in the morning.” 
“I love you, knucklehead.” 
“I love you too, sexy butt.” 

Over the next few weeks, Michiko and Dawn began to move their belongings into Davis’s apartment. It was a somewhat gradual process, but not without some notable changes. Dawn eventually got into the habit of heading into the simulator alone, but would be upset if Veemon ever offered to join or help. Michiko and Davis however were absolutely ecstatic, and she wasted no time becoming a nester in his place. Small flower arrangements, table covers and healthier food being stockpiled in the pantry became more and more common, however another rather disturbing trend developed as well. Veemon was growing more and more quiet, and isolated from the three of them. Davis never hesitated to try his best to comfort his best friend, but Veemon started showing up to the restaurant less and less. Opting instead to stay at home, playing the odd video game or watching T.V. What’s more is he became lackluster with his diet, often neglecting meals and only eating when Davis and Michiko came home. Days began to blend together for him, but on this one in particular, both Veemon and Michiko stayed home. Davis had gone off to work an early morning shift, while Dawn was training in the simulator. Veemon was watching the news, legs near dangling off the couch and eyes heavy as though they hadn’t had a good nights rest in weeks, while Michiko stepped out from the hallway in a pair of black sweat pants and green soccer jersey. 
“Hey little lump on the couch.” She asked in a raspy voice. 
“Mmm.” Veemon answered, never shifting his gaze from the T.V. 
“Anything good on?” 
“Eh.” He shook his head and yawned. Michiko was struggling to find anything to say to him, but took a quick look at the time on the oven and then back to Veemon. 
“Davis should be home in a little bit. He doesn’t have to work dinner service, just help with prep today.” She reminded him. 
“K.” 
“Veemon, is there anything I can do to help?” She asked, tipping her head. 
“No thank you.” 
“Come on. You haven’t eaten a bite all day. Why don’t I make you and Davis something nice for dinner? You know I can out cook him any day, right?” She giggled. 
“It’s ok.”
“Oh lord.” She moaned, walking over to the couch, she wrapped him up in her arms. Veemon tried to protest a little, but found he didn’t really have the strength to resist. “I wish I knew what I could do to help. I miss that sweet and funny little digimon that was besties with Davis.” She said, pulling him back and placing a hand on his shoulder and one on his cheek. “Why don’t you grab a little air? I’ll make something for you, Davis and Dawny and if you wanna eat, you can eat. I just don’t think it’s good for those little legs to never move all day.” She smiled, grabbing his toes. Veemon sighed and submitted to her request. 
“Maybe your right.” 
“Ok.” She said, giving him a quick kiss on the forehead. 
“Thank you, for trying.” He answered quietly. Michiko smiled and let Veemon find his way to the door. Heading out, he took the elevator down to the ground level and crossed the street. He passed by T.K and Kari’s apartment building and went in behind to a small park that was close to it. It was a fairly open green space with a large, three level fountain in the middle and benches all around. Veemon took a seat on one that gave him a clear view of the sunset behind the buildings. His head hunched forward and eyes to the ground, his demeanor still the same as it was before. 
“Well! Fancy meeting you here.” A voice spoke up from behind him. Perking up he peeked over the bench to see Gatomon and Patamon approaching from behind. 
“Oh, hi guys.” Veemon answered half-heartedly. Patamon smiled, and flew in to give his friend a big hug while Gatomon eased herself onto the bench beside him, giving her belly a quick rub. It was protruding a fair bit, almost as if she had eaten a massive meal. 
“Where’s your big smile Veemon, aren’t you happy to see your friends?” Patamon asked, nestling himself in close to Veemon. 
“Sorry, think I lost it.” 
“That’s not like you.” Gatomon asked, taking a sympathetic tone and placing a paw on his shoulder. “What’s wrong?” 
“Yeah! I heard Michiko and Dawny moved in with you guys. Davis sounded so happy when T.K talked to him.” Patamon joined in. 
“They’re all fine. Davis is happy, Michiko is happy. Dawny well. She’s just a massive jerk still. At least to me.” Veemon responded dejectedly. 
“What do you mean?” Gatomon asked. 
“She won’t let me help her train and all she ever does is either ignore me or make nasty comments about me.”
“Nasty comments?” Gatomon inquired. 
“She’s heartless. I offer to help her train and she says I cheated or was showing off instead. I offer her food, and she calls it trash or dog water. Not to mention all the nasty little remarks she makes to me all the time. I can’t stand it.”
“She’s picking on you, and that’s why you’re so sad?” Patamon questioned, patting Veemon’s hand. 
“I could handle it if that’s all it was but. I was having some, personal trouble before too.” He confessed. 
“Like what?” Gatomon wondered. 
“It’s.” He paused, having trouble composing his thoughts. “Hard to explain.” 
“Just try your best, Veemon.” She encouraged. 
“Well, remember how I used to have a crush on you?” He said. Gatomon giggled and removed her paw for a moment. 
“Yeah, I remember.” 
“Don’t worry, I don’t anymore. But you, Agumon, Gabumon, heck even Armadillomon. Everyone is meeting someone special and. I can’t. Davis tried to help.” 
“And that made it worse?” Patamon cut in.
“No, he tried for real.” He said, nodding to Patamon. “But it just seems finding someone to love me is not gonna happen. Dawnveemon and I didn’t make a great impression on each other and honestly after how mean she’s been to me, I really don’t see us getting together. But now at home, I feel like the odd one out. Everyone’s growing, becoming closer and happier and it feels like.” He tried to explain as the tears came to his eyes. “It feels like-“ 
“You’re slipping away.” Gatomon answered. 
“Yeah.” 
“When I was enslaved by Myotismon. I felt that too. I felt like who I was, what I was, was being taken away from me. All I started to feel was anger and hate. But who I was, was still there. It as just buried under a lot of pain.” She said, recalling the years before. “Your challenge is different, Veemon. But don’t be afraid. What you and Davis have, can’t be taken away. Even if it’s not what you’re looking for right now. It’s something that’ll always be there.” 
“I’m so sorry you’re hurting like this, Veemon. I wish I knew how to help.” Patamon joined in trying to give him a hug. Gatmon took a moment to think to herself before placing a paw on Veemon’s shoulder. 
“If I can find a way to help you, I will Veemon. It may not be in a romantic way, but you’re one of my dearest friends and I love you so much.” She assured him. Veemon looked to her with tears in his eyes. “Please don’t give up on who you are. If you’re ever feeling lost or alone, come see us and we’ll be there for you.” 
“Thanks you guys. It means a lot.”
“Veemon, you done moping over there?” Dawn called out. Gatomon scowled while Veemon winced and growled. “Come on, Michiko made you a really nice dinner and your partner just came home. It’d be rude not to be there.” Gatomon gave a quick glance to Patamon and winked at him before bounding off the bench with Veemon and Patamon in tow. “Oh, who’s this?” 
“Hi, my names Gatomon and this is my husband Patamon, we’re T.K and Kari’s partners.” She warmly greeted. 
“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize the faces.” Dawn smiled back. “I only heard you on the calls you guys and Davis had. It’s nice to meet you.” She said strolling up to them. 
“Likewise.” Gatomon said, extending her paw as Dawnveemon reached for it. In a swift maneuver, Gatomon snatched her hand and exposed Dawn’s belly. “Lightning Paw!” She cried out, delivering a punch that sent Dawnveemon straight through a bush and tumbling to the base of the steps leading out of the park. Gatomon scowled as she approached Dawn, who was coughing hard and trying to pick herself up, clutching her stomach. “That was your only warning. I don’t want to hear anything more about you picking on my friends, comprende?”
“What are you talking about?” She struggled to say. 
“You know exactly, what I’m talking about or you calling my dearest friend a liar!?” She screamed, hoisting Dawnveemon up. 
“Is it true?” Patamon insisted, jumping into the conversation. “You pick on Veemon all the time?” 
“Oh please!” Dawnveemon shoved herself off from Gatomon. “I give him a little ribbing if things are out of sorts, or if he offers me cold leftovers and suddenly I’m the bad guy?” 
“Cat’s eye hypnotism!” Gatomon cried out as her eyes glowed. Dawn suddenly found herself completely entranced and slack jawed. “Tell me the truth, do you pick on Veemon.” 
“Yes.” She answered in a mono-tone voice. 
“Why!?” Gatomon demanded. 
“Because he’s encroaching on my bond with Michiko. She is my partner, and my responsibility to protect. Should she value Veemon more, I will have failed in my duty and disappear. So I must appear superior to him.” She again said in the same voice. Gatomon slapped Dawnveemon’s cheek and knocked her out of the trance. 
“You’re an idiot. Michiko is, your partner. The only reason that bond would ever break is if you broke it, and I can’t think of a better way to do that then by hurting the digimon partner of the man she loves.” Gatomon retorted. 
“Dawn, you have a lot to learn about being a digi-destined.” Patamon said with a scowl. “You need to start being a lot more trusting and a lot less mean. We’re supposed to be a team, and if we can’t count on you, you’re not going to be a part of it.” 
“Got that right hubby.” Gatomon agreed. 
“Maybe start with if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Patamon added in. 
“And apologize to Veemon.” Gatomon added. Dawn turned away, but started rubbing her stomach. The attack really hurt and she didn’t feel like taking another shot like that. 
“Alright, sorry.” She said quietly. 
“Sorry for what?” Gatomon restated. 
“I’m sorry for picking on you, Veemon. It’s just, it’s important I develop my bond with Michiko. I didn’t think it was fair that you two seemed almost as close as you and Davis.” 
“Ok. I accept. But why were you so mean right away.” Veemon insisted. 
“Think of it from my perspective; my partner had just passed out and wasn’t waking up and two strangers had walked in the door. I wasn’t about to roll out the welcome mat. Besides, our species is known for butting heads, I didn’t think you’d take a little jab or two so personally.” She replied, folding her arms. 
“That’s probably the best we can hope for out of her for now. Veemon.” She said, turning around to him and giving him a big hug. “I meant every word. Come by any time you’re feeling hurt or down.” Patamon joined in giving him a hug from behind. 
“Exactly, we take care of each other.” He said as well. 
“I’m really grateful to have you guys as friends.” Veemon replied, wiping his eyes. Gatomon and Patamon said their goodbyes for now and Dawnveemon led the way back home. However just outside their apartment she paused and kneeled down to rub her belly again. “What is it?” 
“That punch! It hurt so much. How can a rookie hit that hard.” She said with a shiver and still rubbing her belly. 
“Gatomon is a champion level digimon. You’re lucky you’re still conscious.” He explained. 
“She. Can sustain champion level!?” Dawn exclaimed. 
“Yeah, easily. And carry her and Patamon’s egg.” 
“That’s a level of tough I didn’t even know existed.” Dawn thought aloud, picking herself up and heading inside the complex. “I guess I do have a lot more to learn.” 
After arriving back at the apartment, Davis was just coming out of the bedroom while Michiko was setting the table. She had baked a huge, 26 inch pizza with no shortage of cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, bacon bits and sliced ham. Along with it she made a nice large salad with a goodly assortment of vegetables and some light dressing and had two soda bottles set up on the table. 
“Whoa, that does smell good.” Veemon complimented. 
“Good? That smells amazing!” Dawn chimed in. “Ugh, it was nice enough when I went to get you, but goodness it’s pure bliss!” 
“Haha nice job babe!” Davis eagerly complimented sliding into his chair at the table. “That Antonio’s recipe?” 
“Hehe, yeah, my cousin. He’s Italian Dawny, do you know anything about Italy?” She smiled to her and asked. 
“No, is that in digi-world?” 
“Italy’s a country that’s famous for making amazing pasta, pizza and other awesome dishes. Don’t get me wrong, I love making ramen, but this is such an awesome break from the usual.” Davis smiled, grabbing a nice big slice. Veemon took a seat beside Davis and pulled a small slice while Dawn grabbed a nice large one. Michiko however, much to everyone’s surprise, was satisfied with her salad plate for now. 
“My mouth is watering like crazy, I gotta try it!” Dawn giggled and took a good large bite. Savoring the flavor for a moment, she went full starry eyed and sighed. “This is the most delicious thing I’ve ever put in my mouth! My belly’s feeling a bajillion times better!” 
“Hahaha! You’re adorable Dawny! I’m glad you like it.” 
“Take a slice babe; god knows you’ve earned it.” Davis insisted. 
“I put a few cheeses in it I should probably stay away from for a while, but please, by all means. I’ll be making a lot of my own food for the foreseeable future.” Michiko explained, taking bit of her salad. 
“Huh? What you mean, you got a tummy problem?” Dawn asked, finding herself quite worried about her partner. 
“Haha, that’s one way to put it.” Michiko smiled and pulled a small strip from her pocket and presented it to the table. Davis suddenly stopped stuffing his mouth and seemed frozen in place. “What a trade off, huh? I put pizza in that lunkheads belly.” She giggled before finishing. “And he puts a baby in mine.” 
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Davis leapt up from the chair and rushed over to her side and clasped her hands, nearly knocking over Dawn’s chair in the process. “You serious!? This isn’t a joke!? You can’t prank me about this like you did with the wasabi in my sushi rolls at work!”
“It’s real.” She smiled, tipping her head. “Thanks a lot, noodle head. Now I got something baking in my oven.” 
“WOO HOO!!” Davis cheered, hoisting her out of the chair and spinning her in his arms. “I’m a dad! I’m a dad! I can’t wait! I want it to be a boy! No wait, a girl! Screw it! I want my cake and eat it too, let it be twins and I can have both!” 
“Davis easy!” She laughed away. “Sure twins he says, you give birth to em then.”
“Wow! Congratulations Michiko! As your partner, I promise to protect you and the little baby you’re growing!” 
“I’m happy for you Davis!” Veemon smiled as well. “It’s wonderful, I know you were looking forward to being a dad someday and I just know you’ll be the best!” 
“This is so freaking awesome! I can’t wait to tell everyone!” Davis carried on. “When are you due babe?” 
“Not for a while, I think I’m about 10 weeks in. I was wondering why I was only ever sick in the morning the last few days. Guess that answers that.” Michiko answered, patting Davis’s cheek. Davis took her in and planted a huge, long kiss that ended with an audible smack.
“I love ya so much babe.” 
“I love you too.” She smiled, rubbing her head on his. Dawny kept cheering around the two, before diving in and hugging Michiko’s leg but Veemon just did his best to keep smiling while clenching a napkin in his hand. He did his best to sneak in a wipe at his eyes to hide the tears that were seeping out. He truly wanted to feel so happy for his friend, but the knot in his stomach just wouldn’t let him embrace it.

Later that night, Davis and Michiko were getting ready for bed. They two were already discussing when to get to the doctor and planning their weekend. Dawny was in the kitchen tidying up. Dumping the crusts that Davis left in the garbage and cleaning off the bowl that Michiko had finished when she noticed that Veemon’s plate was noticeably full. She picked up the slice and noticed that only two small bites had been taken from it. Puzzled she set it back on the plate and brought it out to the living room where Veemon was set on the couch, watching T.V. 
“Veemon, you didn’t finish your dinner. If you want, I can put it in the microwave thing and reheat it.” She offered. 
“I’m ok, thanks.” He refused, keeping his gaze fixed on the screen. 
“You can’t tell me that pizza wasn’t delicious. That was so good, I want to go to that Italy place and steal all their recipes now just for her. If she’s that good at pizza, I bet she could out cook everyone in that whole country.” She carried on. 
“There wasn’t anything wrong with the pizza, I’m just not hungry.” He answered. 
“I don’t get it.” She fumed, bringing it back into the kitchen. “Everyone else is getting big bellies from delicious food or from babies and he’s the only digimon who’s getting skinnier.” She thought aloud. Stopping for a moment she thought back to earlier in the day when Gatomon and Patamon were comforting him. She knew something was wrong with Veemon, but didn’t care to find out for the longest time. Coming back out, she headed toward Veemon and stopped short of the foot of the couch. “I’m no expert, but I had to guess, something is broken on you so what is it?” 
“Huh?” He asked, finally turning toward her. 
“Well, out with it. We gotta be on our A game to keep our partners safe, right? So if something’s wrong, I gotta fix it. I’d be a terrible partner if I didn’t at least try.” She stated. 
“I already know it’s something you can’t fix.” Veemon replied, turning back to the T.V. 
“How do you know unless you tell me?” She countered. 
“Why do you care all of a sudden? You hate me.” He scowled. Dawn seemed a bit caught off guard and averted her gaze to the floor. 
“I don’t hate you. You might be a bit of a show off maybe, but I don’t hate anyone.” She answered more quietly. 
“You sure act like it.” He sighed, returning his attention to the T.V. 
“Look, I said I was sorry.” Dawn stated, finding a bit more courage in her voice. “You and Davis have something I don’t even know if Michiko and I will ever have. Gosh, even you and Michiko have a better connection than I have with her, and I’m her actual partner.” 
“I’ve known them longer.” Veemon quietly answered. 
“I know!” She fumed. “That’s why I have to try harder. I have to be better and show her that I’m the best digimon for the job when it comes to protecting her. You have no idea how hard it is being the one on the outside trying to break in.” Veemon’s eyes suddenly widened and he turned to Dawn who looked away and crossed her arms, staring down at the floor. “You have all these amazing connections; you have digimon and humans that love you. Some with, really hard punches.” She stated, rubbing her belly. “All I want is for Michiko to be happy with me. I want her to be proud to be my partner. I can’t expect you to understand that, Davis loves you so much, and Michiko well, you’re already a hero in her eyes.” Veemon lowered his eyes to the ground as well, and sniffled. It was true; he had no idea how hard it must be for Dawn to try to break in to such a tight knit family. While it didn’t excuse the way she was treating him, he could certainly see things from her point of view after struggling with his own issues. 
“I.” Veemon trailed off. “I do know. Dawn, for me its-“ Veemon was cut off by the sound of Davis’s digivice and laptop going off. “Oh no.” Veemon breathed. “Davis!!” 
“I hear it!” He shouted, coming bolting out of the bathroom in his boxers and toothbrush in his mouth. “What is it?” 
“Checking it out!” Veemon replied, opening the notification it was a message from Izzy with a map showcasing a large red dot over Odaiba. Dawn glanced over to Davis and blushed before looking to the screen with Veemon. 
“Izzy’s reporting a very unusual distortion over Odaiba. It’s really close to the bridge!” 
“We gotta get to it then!” Davis insisted rushing over to the two of them while Dawn gulped and cleared her throat. 
“Davis, your wee wee is peeking out of your pants.” She noted. 
“Oh! Hahahaha!” He bashfully covered himself up. “Ok get dressed first, then babe, we got our first assignment.” He called back to the bedroom. 
“Davis wait!” Dawnveemon interjected. “Michiko’s pregnant; it’s too dangerous for her to go.” 
“You won’t be able to digivolve without her.” Davis replied. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect her.” 
“Izzy says we’re the closest along with himself and Mimi. Tai and Meiko are visiting Totori and T.K says Kari’s too sick to fight.” 
“Davis, are you sure?” Michiko asked, coming out from the bedroom she was slipping her arm into the sleeve of her shirt. 
“Of course I’m sure!” He smiled. “Veemon and I will take point, you guys provide us with backup if needed. Keep civilians clear of the fight and Dawny, take some pointers. This is the real deal so listen to Veemon and work as a team, got it?” 
“Right!” the two of them nodded. 

Davis got himself dressed and ported his team to where the distortion was developing. Sliding on a pair of sliver and orange goggles made by Izzy, he could see the red wavelengths converging on a single point. 
“We’re in the right place alright.” Davis said. 
“Yeah I feel it.” Veemon agreed, looking up into the sky. 
“Is that what that is, that tingling in my spine?” Dawnveemon asked. 
“Mmhmm.” Veemon answered, raising his fists up. 
“Davis, can you hear me?” Izzy spoke over his ear piece. 
“Yeah, I hear you Izzy.” He replied, tapping his ear. 
“The energy levels I’m getting are very peculiar. I’m not 100% sure this is a single breach.” 
“We got a plan.” Davis responded. “Me and Veemon will take point, and Michiko and Dawny will work to keep civilians clear and handle any stragglers. Are you coming?” 
“If things get out of hand, certainly Davis. T.K is on standby as well, I’ll be watching everything closely from here.” Izzy responded. 
“Right.” 
“It’s coming!” Veemon shouted. A portal began to form and from its mouth breached a Snimon. 
“I know that guy, that’s Snimon!” Davis pointed out.
“Right on the money Davis.” Izzy replied. 
“Veemon, we trained against this one. Remember to watch for those blades and try to take out its sensors. It can’t fight if it’s blinded.” 
“You got it!”
“Veemon, digivolve to! Exveemon!” 
“Go get em Exveemon, ground that grasshopper and squash him!” Davis called out. Roaring, Exveemon used his wings to boost him and leapt up to the top of one the buildings. He rushed across until he got close enough to fire. 
“Vee-laser!” he called out, firing a blast that just missed Snimon. “Come on down here ya overgrown weed whacker!” Snimon turned his attention to Exveemon and dove down for him while Exveemon lunged in the air to engage. 
“This is odd.” Izzy said over the coms. 
“What is?” 
“The rift, it isn’t closing. Davis, do you see anything else?” 
“Huh?” He said, looking up to the sky. Sure enough something else was falling through and shortly thereafter the portal began to close. “What is that thing?” 
“Scanning now.” Izzy said. 
“No need to scan Izzy, that’s Boarmon!” Tentomon interjected. “That guys got a tough hide and sharp tusks! You gotta watch out for his Nose Blaster. It’s one peppery sneeze he’s got.” 
“Michiko, let’s get him.” Dawnveemon suggested. 
“Are you sure?” She asked. 
“For sure. We’re a team. Let’s wrangle that piggymon.” Dawny said extending her hand. Nodding she clasped it and shook it with a nod. 
“Davis?” She asked, turning back to him. 
“Be careful babe. If you feel like you’re in over your head, there’s no shame in coming back here.” 
“Alright, let’s go.” While they ran off Exveemon was struggling to keep Snimon on the ground. He dodged a few good swipes from his sickles and fired a harsh gut shot, following it up with a straight punch and uppercut to the chin of mantis digimon before giving him a solid side kick into the pier near the water. 
“Ya like that, or you want some more?” Exveemon taunted. Suddenly Snimon burst up from the ground and rushed Exveemon into a nearby commercial building. Snimon tried to swipe at him, but his sickle became lodged in the concrete. Growling Exveemon fired at him. “Vee-laser!” He cried out as Snimon was knocked back with a concrete chunk still lodged into his right sickle. 
“Why is he so weak? Veemon never had this kind of trouble putting down a champion before.” Davis thought out loud. Suddenly he thought back to how Veemon had been behaving over the last few days, especially noting the lack of food he’d been eating. “His energy! Exveemon! Talk to me, are you ok?” 
“I’m fine, Davis. Don’t worry. He’s no problem for me.” 
Over near the waterfront, Michiko was running alongside Dawny and spotted the big red Boarmon tearing up the awnings and benches along the boardwalk. Several people started screaming as they ran from the invading digimon and Michiko looked over at a nearby building that hosted an underground parkade. 
“Everyone! Over to the parkade! It’ll be safe in there, go!” 
“You heard the lady, get a move on! That way folks, that way to safety!” Dawny joined in. As few dozen more made their escape Boarmon began following the crowd and leapt from the boardwalk to the roadway right before Michiko and Dawny. Roaring he seemed ready to challenge the two and Dawny stepped forward and raised her fists. “This little piggy should have stayed home! Vee-headrush!” She cried out, slamming into him, but the Boarmon deflected her attack and sent her high into the air. Tumbling she landed near Michiko and groaned as she tried to pick herself up. 
“Nose Blaster!” He fired on the two but Dawn raised up her hands and shouted back.
“Vee-reflect!” Raising her shield she was able to negate a good chunk of the attack but the two were still knocked over from the force of the blast. “Why didn’t it work?” 
“Dawny, what do we do?” Michiko cried out, backing away from the encroaching digimon. 
“You.” Dawn growled, standing up once more. “You stay away from the people I love!” 
“Dawnveemon, digivolve to! Solarexveemon!” 
Michiko was shocked at the golden figure before her. Solarexveemon looked nearly identical to her counterpart save for the fact she wore a shimmering gold halter across her chest and a form fitting loin cloth in the same coloring. She had the same gold colored skin as her prior form along with a cream colored belly and took a moment to admire herself. 
“Oh yeah! I could seriously get used to this!” Boarmon began to charge at her but Solarexveemon caught him by the tusks and held her ground. “You wanna play rough, fine!” She shouted, hoisting the big digimon by his tusks she hurled him high into the air. “Bath time piglet! Hiya!” Solarexveemon leapt into the air and delivered a massive kick that sent Boarmon into the water. 
“Unreal! Dawny is that really you?” Michiko said, standing in awe. 
“And I couldn’t have done it without you.” She said, smiling back at her partner. “Michiko, find Davis. I’ll handle this guy and come back for you.” 
“Right!” She agreed. 
“Alright ugly, what do you got?” Solarexveemon said to herself, raising her fists. Boarmon burst from the water and charged up toward her again. Aiming his tusks for her belly, she leapt up and stomped his head into the ground before leaping off of him and landing near the waterfront. Boarmon glanced back to her and kicked Solarexveemon with his hind legs, firing her off into the water. Swimming back to the surface she waded in the water a moment coughing and looked to where Boarmon was heading. He seemed aimed to go for the parkade where everyone was hiding and she started swimming to the shore. Using her wings for leverage, she leapt high into the sky and aimed a drop kick right for Boarmon’s back. He cried out in pain as he barreled over and stopped short of the entryway. Growling, she snatched him by his tail and started spinning him. “That’s enough out of you, bacon boy!” She cried out, spinning him faster and faster. Tossing him high up into the sky she crossed her arms across her chest as the X mark on it began to glow. “V-Flare!” She cried out, as a sphere of fiery light launched high into the sky at Boarmon and exploded. Landing nearby and sizzling as he laid unconscious, Solarexveemon planted her hands on her hips and smiled. “That’ll teach you to pick a fight you can’t win.” She touted; snatching him by the tail she began dragging him away. “Come on, time to go home, oinker.” 
Back over at Davis’s fight, while Exveemon was on his knee and panting, Snimon was priming up his attack. 
“Twin Sickles!” He fired, the pink crescent blades aimed right for Exveemon who responded by leaping out of the way and onto the side of a nearby building. Kicking off from there he launched himself right into Snimon and tackled him back down to the ground. Having finally gained some leverage over him, Exveemon wasted no time landing punch after punch to the face of Snimon. In his desperation, he snapped into Exveemon using his lower pincers and just pierced the skin enough to cause Exveemon to relent. Snimon tried to bring his sickles down on Exveemon but he caught both and pushed them back, firing another laser into the face of Snimon and jumping off of him. Exveemon had a small trickle of blood escaping from right side of his belly but didn’t even notice. 
“Exveemon, hang in there! Izzy, we need backup! Send in T.K now!” Davis ordered. 
“Hang on, I’ll get a hold of him right away.” Izzy responded.
“Davis!” Michiko called out, running toward him. Davis turned around and ran right for her and hugged her tight. 
“You ok? Where’s Dawny?” 
“She digivoled! She’s fighting that Boar monster around the corner. How’s Veemon doing?” She asked. Davis turned around but kept a hand on Michiko’s back. 
“Not good.” He replied as Snimon turned around and pinned Exveemon down. “Veemon’s been so depressed lately, he hasn’t been eating right. His energy’s way down. Snimon shoulda been swatted like a fly. But Exveemon’s barely got enough strength to keep himself at his current level.” 
“It’s not just that.” Izzy joined in the conversation. “Davis, something’s wrong. The energy reading I’m getting off of Snimon. He’s emanating a lot of darkness for a vaccine type digimon. This isn’t normal.” 
“Hey guys!” Solarexveemon called out, hauling Boarmon by his tail. 
“Whoa! Look at that!” Davis cheered. 
“Haha, I bagged me my first digimon. We gotta send him packin back home, right?” She said. 
“Right! Great job!” Davis complimented. Suddenly Snimon dropped Exveemon and rushed in for Solarexveemon and knocked her away from Boarmon. 
“Wha!?” Davis cried out, shielding Michiko and ducking down. Snimon bit hard into Boarmon and dug his sickles into his body. Boarmon screamed in agony, writhing beneath Snimon much to the astonishment of Exveemon. 
“What’s going on!?” Exveemon demanded, getting back on his feet he rushed for Snimon but was blasted back in a massive pulse of energy and fired right over Davis and Michiko. Boarmon disintegrated and his data was consumed by Snimon. His body began to contort, as his bright green carapace began to dim a dark green hue. A tiger striping of red began to form across it and Snimon screamed to the sky, loosing an ear piercing shriek out that nearly deafened everyone around him. Solarexveemon picked herself up and charged into the fight. 
“Shut your mouth, bug boy!” She shouted, smashing him with a harsh dropkick, it was enough to blow him over and back into the water.
“Oh man.” Davis shuddered. “He ate that digimon, what the heck is going on?” 
“Davis! The energy coming from Snimon is incredibly unstable! Get out of there!” Izzy shouted over the coms. 
“Don’t gotta tell me twice, guys, get us outta here!” He called out. They managed to get a little distance, but bursting from the water came an enraged Snimon who had Solarexveemon in his sights now. 
“Ultimate Twin Sickles!!” It screamed, firing four pink crescent blades at Solarexveemon. She didn’t have enough time to react and took the blow at full force. Crying out in pain, she was hurled through the air and de-digivolved, landing at Michiko’s feet. 
“Dawny!” Michiko cried out, picking her up. She just shivered and moaned in Michiko’s arms while Davis took to covering them both up. Landing on the ground he started stomping his way over to them and raised his sickle high into the sky when Exveemon leapt in threw his body over top of the three of them. Snimon slashed down and lacerated Exveemon who cried out in pain. 
“Exveemon! No!!” Davis cried out. Dawny woke looked up to see him covering them while Snimon raised his other sickle and slashed at him again. Once more Exveemon cried out in pain, Snimon started hacking away at him over and over, but Exveemon wouldn’t budge. Finally, Snimon was able to pierce Exveemon’s shoulder and he cried out in agony, and began lifting him off the ground. “I can’t watch this!” Davis cried. 
“Ha!!” A booming voice called out as suddenly Exveemon was released and the arm of Snimon had been severed. Falling to the ground, Exveemon de-digivolved and laid unmoving before the three of them. Davis could see Veemon had several major cuts along his back along with an extreme piercing through his shoulder and scooped him up without hesitation. Looking up however they could see Magnaangemon was now face to face against Snimon. Looking down at Veemon, Magnaangemon seethed with rage. “I will not forgive you for wounding my friend! Your fate is sealed!” Snimon attempted to swing at Magnaangemon but hit nothing but air as he returned the slash in kind with his sword and severed the other sickle. Rising into the air, he wound up and aimed himself right for Snimon’s head and drove the blade into his skull. Snimon stood stunned for a moment before falling back and bursting into a cloud of blackened data. 
“Davis!!” T.K called out as Magnaangemon landed nearby. “Oh no.” T.K cringed at the sight before him. 
“Veemon, talk to me!” Davis begged. 
“It’s ok.” He answered. “I think it looks worse than it is.”
“Veemon hang on!” Davis cried, ripping off his jacket he wrapped the arms of it across Veemon’s chest and pulled it tight. “You’re gonna be ok buddy, alright?” 
“Yeah he will and let’s not take any chances.” T.K stated. “Izzy, get us a port to Joe right away, Veemon’s badly wounded.” He asked, pressing the com on his ear while Mangaangemon reverted to Patamon and landed on T.K’s head. 
“Got it. Joe’s actually at the digi-world hospital. He should be able to treat him there.” Izzy responded. Dawnveemon couldn’t stop staring at Veemon. Seeing him shiver in pain in Davis’s arms. What’s more, she couldn’t get over the sight of the blood on the ground where he landed, nearly feeling sick in the process. 
“Oh no, Veemon. Please be ok.” She stammered. A portal formed nearby and Davis carried Veemon through right away. T.K and Patamon followed right behind along with Michiko and Dawnveemon. As the haze of the black data vanished though, on the ground lay a small blackened cube. It only remained for a moment before a tiny black portal appeared and through it, a demonic looking hand claimed it, and pulled it back through as the portal closed.