AN – Long time no write. I just wanted to try out this fic again, in case I could make something decent of it. If not, well hey, it's pretty fun anyway
This chapter is pretty much just me getting back into the swing of these characters and trying to find my feet as a writer. Don't worry, action and storyline will follow – and lots of it!

Anyone reading this, thank you! Hope you enjoy it :]

~Blonde-Eko

As everyone left the meeting Nyaromon rushed to catch up with her human, who seemed to be purposely trying to make her partner's life difficult. I wish you'd just let me in, Nyaromon sighed dejectedly, the saddest thing is that I sense that you're desperate for friends. So why do you push everyone away?

Yumi glanced over her shoulder and spotted her digimon in pursuit. "Don't bother fur ball, I'm going on a walk and I don't want you around. Just quit trying already and do us both a favour, would you?"

Nyaromon hesitated, momentarily stung by the words. She's only pushing me away because she's scared of letting anyone in, she tried to reassure herself. But I won't be pushed away that easily, so tough luck. She decided it may be worth a change in tactics.

"Trying what?" Nyaromon demanded haughtily. "Believe it or not, my world doesn't revolve around you," she fought back a grin as Yumi stopped short. So that got your attention, did it? "I was going for a walk anyways as I'm dying for some fresh air and exercise after that long, stuffy meeting, if you must know."

Yumi began walking again, this time at a slightly slower pace. "Whatever."

Nyaromon bounded to catch up and felt her spirits lift. I'll take that as a 'sure I'd love to have you tag along' then! Let's face it, that was probably the closest she'd get.

Upon leaving the building as the fresh, cold night's air hit them they both sighed happily. Yumi glanced quickly down at her partner and found a new level of respect for her determination. Despite all the insults and the disdain bordering on hostility that she had thrown at Nyaromon, here she was. Beside her. Yumi didn't pretend to know why she stayed, but it touched her deeply. "Of course, you know it won't last," a smooth, silky voice whispered at the back of her mind. She scowled, for she knew it to be the truth. Well duh, it never does.

They walked together in silence for a while and Nyaromon felt overjoyed that she hadn't yet been told to go her own way by her sullen human. This was definitely progress, even if it seemed like only the smallest step.

"Why do you even bother with me?" Yumi suddenly demanded stopping abruptly and staring at the night's sky, frowning slightly.

"Shouldn't I?"

"No!" She spat with more venom than she had actually intended. "I don't need anyone getting my hopes up like that, least of all some pathetic cat head freak."

"Who are you to judge me before you have even taken the time to know me?!" Nyaromon growled, her hackles rising. I've had enough of this dumb charade she insists on playing, it's time to get to the bottom of this whole issue and deal with it, she thought. Although this human is getting under my skin more than I thought she would, 'pathetic cat head freak' indeed! "I have no intention of getting your hopes up only to let you down. If you knew me you'd know that as your partner I will be loyal to you till the day I die. So stop already with the melodrama and just spit it out: if I disgust you, really and truly, and you want nothing more to do with me then tell me now and I'll leave you be. If not then I'm here for good and you'll just have to deal with that."

For a second during this exchange a small blue spark had started to glow in both of their chests, vanishing again as suddenly as it had appeared. Yet in the heat and tension of the moment neither was aware of its presence, preoccupied as they were.

Nyaromon blinked, slightly surprised with her own outburst and even more so with the look on Yumi's face.

Yumi stared open mouthed at the small creature before her, shocked at her words and the raw emotion behind them. It was clear Yumi had offended her, for which a part of her was sorry, but more than that, there was such sincerity in Nyaromon's eyes that her words actually penetrated through the protective layers which Yumi had built up around herself over the years.

She means every word she says, her offer of friendship and partnership is genuine. Her care and concern is the not just some ploy to manipulate me but something heartfelt and powerful. She's offering the real deal, but am I strong enough to take it? Yumi bit her lip hesitantly as she assessed Nyaromon, weighing up the possibilities in her mind.

Nyaromon met her gaze squarely, lifting her chin with a determined air that almost made Yumi smile.

"You don't disgust me," Yumi said quietly, at last.

Nyaromon nodded, "Good to know." That will have to do for now, I guess. She smiled slightly to herself at the breakthrough.

With that they walked on in silence, enjoying the fresh air.

"Why can I do nothing right around here?" Jeri grumbled to Tsunomon, who listened sympathetically. "I mean, I'm usually so good at everything, but here no matter what I say people seem to get angry at me." He frowned, "I just don't get it, at school and stuff I'm always so popular…"

"Well," Tsunomon chuckled good naturedly at his human, "you could try being more humble."

"Eh?!" Jeri's eyebrows raised, "Do I really come across as arrogant?"

"Yup." Tsunomon beamed, "it's kind of amusing and endearing to me, but the others don't seem to think that way, I guess."

Arrogant? He scratched his head. I'm not arrogant… Am I? Images of his father immediately flashed into his mind and he balled his fists in anger. NO! I am nothing like my father. He told himself, holding Tsunomon tightly for reassurance.

Tsunomon wriggled free and jumped onto his head, chattering happily away about other things. However, now Jeri wasn't paying any attention for instead his thoughts began to spiral into a negative swirl.

"Don't say things like that, Yaeko. You'll just add to the pretty boy's already inflated ego"….

Already inflated ego? Could it be true? He slid against the wall he was leaning on down to the floor and drew his knees to his chin sulkily. Inflated ego, he wrinkled his nose in disgust at the thought that his father could have been right. Ignoring Tsunomon's concerned voice, blotting it out as background noise, he stared blindly ahead, his expression dark.

"Jeri!" Tsunomon prodded his partner again and again, willing him to respond. "Come on Jeri, don't look so glum, chum-" He stopped, seeing the human's set expression. Oh crumbs, I think I may've stepped in it big time here. Why did I say something so thoughtless?! He puffed, annoyed with himself. I thought it'd help but I should never have told him the truth. Eventually it would have all blown over anyway when everyone else saw past his arrogance and vanity to the warm hearted person underneath – the person I see. But now I've done something terrible and he is lost in dark, miserable thoughts! Oh what do I do?

He bounced around in circles before he decided it was best to seek help, as Jeri was completely unresponsive and, while he did not know exactly how humans worked, he imagined that this was not normal. I hope I haven't broken my partner already, I only just got him!

He hurried away and Jeri was left alone with his thoughts.

"You do realise you were the error, don't you?" whispered a soft, silky voice at the back of his mind.

He looked around, alert. "Who's here? Hello?"

"Don't panic, I'm a friend" it replied soothingly. "You have nothing to fear from me, Jeri."

"How do you know my name?" He demanded uncertainly.

There was a soft laugh, "I know everything about you." Came the reply, "That is how I know that of the five children it is you who are the mistake. You don't belong here."

"What do you mean?" He asked, shocked. Surely this wasn't all one big mistake?

"You haven't seen it in how everyone else is with you?" The voice mocked a tone of surprise, "Surely even you can tell that you'll never fit in with these people. They hate you, Jeri. Even though they don't say it, they know you're a mistake."

"Well screw them, I still have Tsunomon!"

"Yes, you do, but for how long? How long do you think such a pure, loving digimon can put up with your vanity, your selfishness and pride... your arrogance? Not to mention you'll be useless as a partner as you don't possess any of the virtues. Seems to me," the voice said sadly, "that you'll just hold him back. Face facts, you're being here is just a mistake."

He clenched his fists. "The digivice chose me!" He shouted defensively. This voice, whoever it was, was beginning to get on his nerves.

"And you think those devices are intelligent? That you were 'chosen'? That you're somehow special?" Another soft laugh, "You really are arrogant. Or maybe you're just plain stupid?"

He could hear the smirk in the voice and it angered him. "You claim to know me so well, how about you tell me!" He yelled, jumping up from the floor and punching the wall in frustration. Arrogant…

The laughter grew fainter until there was only silence. Jeri's fists fell to his side and he slumped back down. Maybe they're all right about me; Tsunomon, that voice, my father…

Right then Tsunomon came bouncing back into the corridor where he had left Jeri, followed by an anxious Benji and Roka with their digimon. Jeri's face flushed bright red, how humiliating!

"Jeri! Are you okay?" Tsunomon asked. His voice was a much higher pitch than usual, Jeri noted, he really sounds worried.

"What are you talking about?" Jeri asked gruffly, trying to cover his embarrassment. "Of course I'm okay." He couldn't meet Tsunomon's eyes. I'm a mistake, buddy. I don't belong here and you're just wasting your time with me, so save your concern for someone else. His eyes began to sting so he briefly nodded to the other digidested and walked towards the main doors. I just need some fresh air and space to sort my thoughts out, that's all.

"Jeri?" Tsunomon called after him.

Jeri ignored him and walked away as the first tear rolled down onto his cheek.

Roka looked at Tsunomon and tried to plaster an encouraging smile on his face, "I'm sure he'll be fine."

Tsunomon nodded distractedly.

"Right well, er, I was thinking," began Benji awkwardly, "with our big day tomorrow it would be best to get some sleep soon. Shall we go find somewhere everyone could settle down, guys?"

"Good idea!" Gomamon grinned, glad for something to do.

The others nodded and were about to make a move when Yumi and Nyaromon returned.

"Oh hi," Roka said, smiling up at Yumi happily. "Wanna come help us find somewhere to sleep, Yumi-san?"

Nyaromon smiled and Yumi nodded, "Sure thing pip squeak." She ruffled his hair affectionately and he grinned. She nodded to Benji and he smiled in return as they headed off together to explore.

Nyaromon noticed Tsunomon's dejected expression, "Human trouble?" She asked quietly.

He nodded sadly.

"Want to talk about it?" She asked as they fell to a good distance behind the others.

Tsunomon looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. She seems genuinely concerned, he thought with surprise.

She giggled slightly at his expression, "What?"

"Well, I dunno, I guess it's just I didn't expect to find someone who would actually care about my problems." He grinned sheepishly, "Aside from my partner that is."

"I may not know you that well yet, but we're gonna be a team. I'd like to get to know you so that we can bond a little, since we'll be spending so much time together." She smiled, "'Cause you have to admit, this will be a lot more fun if we actually like each other!"

He nodded, smiling warmly. "You're right and for the record: I think I like you already."

They laughed and then progressed to swapping stories on how they were handling their partners, each feeling better for getting their worries off their chests and for being able to support their new friend. It helped just to know that they weren't on their own in all of this.

Renji and DemiDevimon were just enjoying the sunset over the strange landscape of this world when they heard the snapping of twigs and something that sounded suspiciously like muffled sobs.

"Hello?" Renji called, "Is someone out there?"

DemiDevimon leapt into the air and flew stealthily through the trees, searching for the intruder.

"Hey, ah!" a voice yelled indignantly, "What the hell? Leave me alone!"

The sound of flapping of wings and swatting of limbs reached Renji's ears and he rushed in its direction, smirking slightly as he had recognised the voice. Hope DemiDevimon didn't frighten you too much, Jeri.

"DemiDevimon, that's quite enough," Renji said as he reached a clearing where the two had been engaging each other.

"Shame," muttered the digimon under his breath as he flew back towards his human and landed on a nearby branch. "His reactions were so amusing, baiting him was fun."

"Renji?" Jeri asked, his voice unusually thick.

"Yeah, we were just getting some fresh air out here." He began to walk away, preferring not to be caught in a conversation with this hot head.

"Right," Jeri nodded, "it's a lovely night."

A pause, as Renji stopped walking, wondering if this guy wanted something.

Just as Renji began to walk away again Jeri, in a choked voice, said "Wait."

Renji swirled around, surprised. He took a few steps towards Jeri and then stopped, not wanting to get too close. DemiDevimon fluttered over to perch on Renji's head, intrigued. They waited, saying nothing.

"I know you'll give me an honest answer and not pull any punches, so I'm glad it's you I bumped into," he began after a moment. "Please, just tell me-" He stopped, looking into Renji's face and finding he was unable to finish the question. "Never mind." He muttered, and began to walk away.

Renji raised an eyebrow at such strange behaviour and wondered what was playing on Jeri's mind that was eating him up like this. What problem could he possibly have had that he would need an honest answer from a guy he hardly knew and didn't get on with?!

"Jeri," Renji called out quickly, before he ventured out of earshot. "Just, whatever it is that's getting at you, suck it up yeah? We have a world to save and, like it or not, we need you. Now isn't the time to be getting shot down by your issues."

To his surprise Jeri laughed. "You'll do better without me around, I'll tell you that for free."

"Bullshit." Renji frowned, "If that were true why would these digimon go to all the effort of getting you here? We travelled between worlds to even get here Jeri, do you think they send out for just anybody when they open those portals or rifts or whatever? Doubtful. You've been chosen, so if you don't step up its game over."

DemiDevimon nodded sagely, "You better believe it. Each of you have been handpicked and given gifts necessary to defeat Him. Without all of you together, though, it just won't be enough and the world will fall into the grip of evil."

"Yeah, what he said." Renji smirked, and Jeri turned around to meet his eyes.

"You really believe that?" Jeri asked, uncertainty etched in his face as he weighed their words against the mysterious voice in his head.

"Let's put it this way," Renji gave Jeri a friendly smile for the first time since meeting him. "Would I be up for working with a guy like you if there wasn't a damn good reason?"

Jeri saw the twinkle in his eyes as he said this and laughed, feeling a great weight lift. "Guess not."

"Well then."

DemiDevimon chuckled, impressed with how his human handled these sorts of things. "Anyways, now that's all sorted we should probably all head back. Big day tomorrow, we need some rest."

"The bat wants an early bed time, huh?" Renji raised an eyebrow, grinning at his partner. "Well that beats all. You coming, Jeri?"

Jeri nodded.

They made their way back in companionable silence, lost in their own thoughts. Jeri just hoped Tsunomon hadn't been too worried about him.

As they returned, entering as quietly as possible intent on not disturbing anyone if they were already asleep, they found Tsunomon waiting up for them.

"Jeri!" Tsunomon launched up at his friend, relief and concern showing on his face. "I'm so glad you're back, are you okay?"

Jeri held his close and sighed, the voice had been wrong saying he didn't belong here. He belonged where ever Tsunomon was, he just hadn't realised it before this moment. "I'm fine," he whispered into the digimon's fur. "Everything is okay now, I'm back."

Tsunomon sighed with relief and after a minute or two of embracing his human affectionately he hopped down and led them all to the makeshift bedroom.

"It's not much," Benji whispered as he saw them enter, motioning to the sleeping digimon as well as Roka and Yumi, just hoping that they would all have the sense to keep quiet. "But it'll definitely do for tonight. Pick a spot and settle down, Jijimon promised to wake us in the morning for breakfast." With that he settled down himself next to Gomamon and soon faint snores could be heard from his direction, a fact both Gomamon and Benji would later deny.

Renji climbed over the sleeping Roka and settled down next to Benji, DemiDevimon curling up in his arms happily.

Jeri looked around, noticing Yumi slept a distance away from the others. I guess it makes sense, since she's a girl, but something tells me it's more just because she likes being alone. I wonder why? But that was a question for another day.

He and Tsunomon took an unoccupied corner near to Roka and Tsukaimon. No sooner than their heads hit the floor were they fast asleep, breathing peacefully. Jeri's last conscious thought, as he inhaled the slightly woodsmokey scent of Tsunomon, was that he hoped with all his heart that he did belong here.

With Tsunomon.