Senna opened her eyes to the sounds of the village around her. She shuffled around in her bed, not really wanting to get up. It had been two days since she had told Tavaras what was really going on, and really started despising the alcohol for loosening her tongue. She spent pretty much the entirety of the previous day cooped up in here with a silent Imogen who had looked quite angry when she stumbled inside that night.

The other girl had flipped her tune completely when Senna told her about her intentions. While Tavaras had been understanding and still laser focused on their goal, Imogen had shown a lot more sadness at her parting. The two had talked a lot the latter half of the day, and even into the night. Iggy got teary eyed as they chatted about how much they all loved it here. About the Digimon, the world. About their friends.

Poor girl, she loved too much, Senna thought. She turned around and looked over to her friend's bed. Today was the day - they were all leaving and she would never get to see any of them again. If they got out that was. Senna forbade herself from thinking that way; they all had lives and loved ones back home that took priority over her need for companionship.

Loved ones. She stared at Imogen. The other girl had finally trusted her enough to soak in the hotsprings with her, and what Senna saw made her terrified of what awaited her back home. No one should have to deal with all that, but Imogen’s will was as strong as Chrysalimon’s armour and Senna had no right to try and dissuade her; Iggy had all this time to think, and her mind was made up.

Biyomon flapped down and landed next to Senna, wrapping her in a tight hug. The bird had woken up the night before, and was in good spirits. At least one of them was. "Hey, Iggy, you awake?" The other girl shifted in her bed. Chrysalimon was propped along the wall next to her bed like some sort of ornamental shield. Taking a deep breath, she got up and walked into the washroom. If this was her last time seeing a human being, she would look presentable. A smile touched her lips as she saw Imogen's brush - a gift from the Digimon here made of the wood in the surrounding area and Garurumon’s fur. Soon she would have enough hair to need to use one too.

Splashing her face with cool water, she shook herself awake before reaching into the basin to finish the rest of her. Just a quick one today; she had spent enough time here and in the hot springs out back yesterday. As she dried off and put on her light green shirt, Imogen walked in looking bleary eyed. She looked at Senna and gave her a rare smile. Senna smiled back and left; she would at least give her the chance to get ready before any teary goodbyes.

A short while later, Imogen stepped out and Senna took in her white shirt, blue jeans, and the worn brown jacket she was so fond of. Senna had tears in her eyes, and the two embraced tightly. She couldn't remember the last time she had just held someone like this. There was just so much love and warmth from someone she had only met two weeks ago.

"I'm going to miss you, so very much." She whispered as they parted. Biyomon flew in and gave the blonde girl a hug of her own, Imogen giggling at the feeling of feathers brushing against her face.

"I'm going to miss both of you too." She said, "Please, be safe and enjoy the hot springs as much as you can." Senna smiled, but it was a hollow one. It wasn't going to be the same all alone.

"Ready to go?" Imogen nodded and grabbed her pack. The two headed out to eat and meet the rest of the team.

—

Deon shrugged and shifted as he stood by the north edge of the village. Their backpacks were heavy with the provisions they took. Water, meat, fruit. Even some herbal remedies Babamon gave them. He was glad they waited to leave until today; his head was absolutely killing him the day before, and Deon wanted to do nothing but die. Tavaras laughed when he saw the state the boy was in, much to his annoyance. He vowed he would never drink again.

Edward on the other hand had been quiet and sullen. Tavaras had told Deon that Imogen had chewed him and her brother out. What was her deal anyways? It occurred to him he hadn't really spent much time with the blond haired girl. Speaking of, a smile came to Deon's lips as he saw the girls round the corner and walk towards them. Him, Tavaras, Edward, and ROOT had taken breakfast without them.

The smile faded. Something was wrong. Why didn't Senna have a pack? Deon stood there staring as they got there. Imogen and Tavaras shared a look and walked further towards the edge of the forest, Imogen taking Edwards arm and dragging him with her. Senna stopped in front of Deon, looking down. His heart fell, knowing what was coming. He was aware of Veemon leaving his side to join the others.

"Sorry, Deon. I can't go with you." She whispered. Deon took a breath, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I... I hope you get home safely, and live the best life you can. You're such a good man, and you deserve a good life." She wrapped him in a hug, hands gripping his back tightly. She afforded herself a small laugh. "You're smart. I'm sure you'll find the best path for your life. Remember, have confidence in your decisions." It took all of Deon's will to not burst into tears as he hugged her back. He wanted to tell her what he felt, but thought against it. It was never going to happen anyway.

"I wish we had more time." He choked out the words, reluctantly letting her go. He looked into her wet eyes. So many things he wanted to ask, but he wouldn't let her last memory of him be him being so unconfident. He put on a brave face, and forced himself to smile. "I had fun."

Senna smiled back at him and leaned forward, giving him a peck on the cheek. Deon stood there, touching the spot her lips had been. "Thanks for being such a good friend," she said, breaking him out of his thoughts. With that, Deon closed his eyes and turned around, teardrop running down his cheek. He had wrestled all this time with what he wanted to do, and that just made the decision harder. But he had to make one now, and despite all he wanted to do here, it was selfish to stay. It was time to go home.

Just then, he heard wings flap from the center of the village. Airdramon sprung up from the main hall and soared past them. He noticed ROOT bite her lips; he was headed towards the mountain.

—

"You sure you're good?" Edward asked. Deon sighed, why did he keep prodding him like that?

"I'm fine." Can he not be allowed to mope in peace? They had been following ROOT for a few hours now, and Deon's mind was still focused on Senna. He felt stupid for hoping, even though he knew Tavaras was right about them going home.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"This place looks familiar." Tavaras muttered, scanning the woods around them. To Deon it all looked fairly familiar; large trees lined with thick bush and the sounds of wild Digimon going about their day to day lives. ROOT nodded.

"We're making a small detour. Perhaps I should have said something before we left." Tavaras narrowed his eyes.

"Wisemon's church. Why?"

"Deon wanted to see that relic with his own eyes. And after what Wormmon said, my concern is growing."

"Wormmon?" Tavaras looked taken aback.

"Wisemon... And this whole religion... might have some connection to the war against the Demon Lords. I recall some... I think memories?" Deon heard the worm's nasally voice from beside Edward. Tavaras's shoulders fell.

"Can't you just let this shit go? They said they're gonna help us get home."

"But at what cost?" ROOT challenged. Tavaras gritted his teeth.

"It may not matter to us, but remember, this is her home." Imogen gently told him. Deon stood up straight. Not just ROOT's home, but Senna's too.

"Fine." Tavaras acquiesced. "But let's make it quick; that place was damp as hell."

"How close are we?" Deon asked.

"20 minutes at most." The Keeper answered, forward focused. Deon's brain started churning; it was nice to have something else to think about. Wormmon had been strangely knowledgeable, but then why would he remember something while Veemon and the others hadn't the foggiest idea of what happened before they came to this world? Was his theory about their partners incorrect?

"From one worry to another?" Veemon beside him looked up with a sad smile.

"It's nothing, I just thought I had figured you guys out but now I'm not so sure."

"Figured us out?" Dorumon piqued up.

"Huh, oh I guess I didn't say anything." Deon laughed nervously. After he had that epiphany, everything had just happened way too fast and he had forgotten all about it. "My theory was that you Digimon were a part of us. You came into being when we entered this Digital World." ROOT looked at him, intrigued.

"That's quite the interesting theory. I hadn't even thought of that possibility." Deon blushed at the compliment. "Are you sure you don't want to stay?" The young boy looked down, but shook his head. ROOT shrugged. "Perhaps this could be something I can start thinking over, at least Senna and Biyomon will be around to observe." Deon was acutely aware of Tavaras looking at him with pity.

"I'm fine." Deon snapped at his friend. Tavaras just shrugged his shoulders.

"We turn here." ROOT stopped at a fork in the path and pointed right. "Straight ahead there's a small lake; after we're done with this Church business we'll be following that path to Echo Mountain."

Edward started walking ahead. "Alright, I'll just go hang out by this lake then. Coming Iggy?" Wormmon's voice made him stop in his tracks.

"Edward, please. I want to see this too. I need to see this." Deon could see his shoulders slump.

"Really? Can't you just like, just go with Deon and Tav? I don't like damp."

"Edward, stop being such a coward." Imogen scolded him. She had been giving him the cold shoulder all morning. "That's your partner. Support him."

"Fiiine" He whined, but turned back. Deon looked at him awkwardly as they followed ROOT. It wasn't a nice feeling, being with someone who clearly didn't want to be there.

"So, uhh, what exactly are we going to find?" Edward asked. His eyes were darting all over the place as they continued down the path.

"Hopefully answers." ROOT muttered. Edward groaned and Deon held back a smile. As they were walking, Wormmon had told them about the flashes of memories that he sometimes got. It sounded like Deja vu to him. Did something different happen to Edward and Wormmon when they were brought to this world? Did Wormmon somehow absorb some ancient data?

Wormmon himself didn't have the answers to that unfortunately, but as ROOT had mentioned they might find out in a few days. Deon let himself smile. The knowledge seemed so far away, and it was not even guaranteed to be there. Back home he could just go to the library and fairly simply find answers to whatever he wanted to know. It was becoming even easier now thanks to the internet. That was boring; he enjoyed pondering it and brainstorming ideas.

"We're here." ROOT said, bring Deon back to the present. He looked around, puzzled. All that was here was more of the same. The Keeper walked forward and brushed aside the thicket and Deon's eyes widened. A cave entrance large enough for MetalGreymon to fit through. As he stepped forward, he noticed heavy footprints and trails. Was Guardromon here? Deon felt a bit safer with that thought.

It wasn't very pleasant inside the cave though. The dampness made Deon a bit fidgety, and despite ROOTS flaming discs and sash the darkness threatened to overwhelm him. Their footsteps created an ominous echo in the large cavernous path. "Does this place ring any bells?" He looked back to ask Wormmon. Him and Edward were both trembling, but Deon could make out the little green Digimon shaking his head.

Deon frowned, part of him hoped Wormmon would remember something today just to satiate his own curiosity. The other part of him knew the potential danger involved. Tavaras didn't seem to be worried though; he was good with reading people, and that made Deon feel less on edge about this whole place.

"See, it's gonna be nothing." Tavaras raised his hands. "ROOT's got ya all seeing the boogie man for nothing at all."

"For all of our sakes, I hope you're right." The Keeper muttered as she led from the front. The silence that followed felt to Deon like everything hung on what would come next. The walk took longer than he thought, the twists and turns disorienting him to where they actually were. At last though, he heard the roar of flames and small voices in the distance.

Deon felt a sense of awe as they reached their destination. He found himself standing there, mouth agape at the cavernous hall before him. Guardromon and Airdramon were there, conversing with a hooded figure standing atop a book. The figure turned around, hearing their arrival.

"Ah, the humans. This is a... pleasant surprise." It felt like his gaze lingered on them for ages. Imogen, standing beside Deon, shrunk back gripping her jacket. ROOT stepped forward.

"Apologies for the intrusion, Wisemon. We wished to take another look at the artifact." It was only then Deon noticed a large hexagonal cube behind the Digimon. How did he miss that ? "My friend here," she pointed to Deon, "was very curious about this and just had to see it for himself."

"Sup Guardromon." Tavaras grinned and waved to the mechanical Digimon. Airdramon snarled at them.

"By all means, look." Deon walked forward. So strange, it was as ROOT described. "I know you do not trust us, Keeper. But our intentions are pure." Deon reached his hand forward to touch it, but jolted back as Wisemon swiftly moved in front of him and grabbed his hand. "Please do not touch." His grip was strong, and Deon had a flash of terror overcome him.

"I keep telling you ROOT." Tavaras lay on. "These guys are chill, so will you leave them alone?"

"What is this?" Deon mumbled. Wisemon let go of his arm.

"The relic from an ancient age. The relic our entire religion is founded upon." Deon swallowed his tongue, feeling a chill down his spine. He tried focusing on it, but couldn't. It appeared, fuzzy, in his mind.

"Well, Wormmon?" ROOT called out the small worm, bringing Deon back and he turned around to look at him. Wormmon was shivering behind Edward's leg. He shook his head.

"I don't recognize anything. Sorry."

"There we go." Tavaras clapped his hands. "Nothing to see, now can we go?"

"Perhaps the Keeper needs to deflect to us, to cover for her own incompetence." ROOT gritted her teeth at Wisemon's goading. "After all, it turns out she who should know everything knows nothing . Even something as common as the Spirit Shrine would prove to be daunting to her."

"Where's Cherrymon, he's a lot better with guests than you are." ROOT challenged.

"He's trying to find a way to open the path between our worlds, as we were doing before you arrived." Wisemon gestured to Guardromon and Airdramon. "So if your questions have been answered, we do have work to do if you humans are to leave our world."

"Great, sorry for the bother Wisemon. We've got places to be." Tavaras turned around and started walking away. Deon locked eyes with ROOT. Things were not right, and they both knew it. The Keeper turned and followed Tavaras out, with Imogen and Edward following shortly after. Deon took one final look at the artifact and followed.