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[Alison]

Ben cringed as Sam answered him and even more so when Shawn continued on. It had been what he feared. It would be him, Sam, Ed and Shawn and their main partner. Still that did mean his father would not be getting into any danger at present time. Ben glanced to Elecmon as he spoke and then to Lionessmon. This wasn't going to be an easy time of having to say things to Wizarmon and his father.

Ben heard Picodevimon's reply to his wife. He knew the little devil was right but it was hard to like it. Ben was relieved when Edward spoke. What the boy said somewhat made it easier. He didn't have to give Wizarmon any instructions. Looking to the Digimon, she looked solemn and was silent.

She looked to Miles before finally opening her mouth. "It's settled then," she nodded before looking to Ben. "I'll protect your dad I swear it."

Miles looked to his son, the concern in his eyes. "You likely know how I feel," Miles stated.

"You don't want me to go right?" Ben answered him. "I know but I have to, heck even I don't want to go. This is possibly the most dangerous thing we've ever done and we may not make it back. But it has to be done."

"He will have me with him as well," Fang stated to Miles as the man's face grew more to wanting to argue it. "We have to try we don't really have the luxury of choice."

[Airdra]

Shawn wasn't really beating around the bush, was he? Only the Chosen. Mattias felt his stomach clench into a tight knot of ice. He didn't want to abandon his children to the unknown--the dangerous unknown--just like that. He didn't want to lose either of them. Not Edward, for he'd only just been returned to them, and not Samantha, for she was only just starting to become an adult. He needed to be there for them. He WANTED to be there for them.

Sam found herself nodding along with Shawn, and moreso when Edward spoke. "He's right. It started with just us, it's got to be just us now."

Jewels opened his mouth to protest, but he was silenced by a sharp glare from Kunemon. "They're right," she said. "Sam's right. It's got to be us, and <i>you</i> need to stay here, do your job, and protect the others." Her tone grew a bit softer. "I know you can."

He just nodded. "Yeah." Didn't mean he had to like letting Sam and Kunemon go off like that...

Sam gave a heavy sigh. "So when do we leave?"

[ShadowCat]

Lionessmon nodded to both her husband and Edward. “I’ll keep them save.” She promised. She looked over at Wizardmon and Jewels who’d agreed to stay and look after those staying as well. She was glade there had been no protests about going with down to the core, at least not big ones.

Alex didn’t like that Shawn, well that all of them would be going someplace that dangerous but understood why they had too, and why she couldn’t go with. Still she wished there was some other way. Some way that didn’t risk them dying. She’d be upset if any of them died, Edward included. She had started to like him, when she wasn’t letting her emotions get in the way.

"Be safe." She whispered.


Shawn was glad who was going seemed to be quickly agreed on as well. He was just a bit disappointed it seemed they’d have to put off the wedding they’d both been excited for. He feared if things went bad... no he didn't want to think like that. Returning the squeeze Ed gave him Shawn leaned a little closer to Ed. He had to hope they'd all make it.

Sam asked when they’d go, and Shawn had the feeling it would be soon. Acting a little on impulse and the hope they’d somehow survive getting to the core, Shawn asked a question of his own. “Lord Chronomon, after we get back, can we perform a wedding on the island? Ed and I had been planning to have one and it would mean a lot if we could do it here.”

[Qu33n0f1c3]

Spirits seemed low, that much Edward could tell. If it wasn't evident by the tone of his teammates it certainly was by the way the adults were talking. They all now knew the dangers and the potential outcome. No one wanted anyone to be killed, but there was almost an expectation that maybe someone wasn't going to make it back. The expressions on some of their faces were like they were already grieving now, just in case.

"A reason to live," Chronomon said in response to Shawn's inquiry. He wasn't sure he actually did want to allow them to wed on the island. It would be a messy endeavor. He could forsee it. And he wasn't sure he wanted to sacrifice its pristine beauty to such debauchery. However, he said, "Very well, you may hold it here, should you survive," anyway, not wanting to put the party in a worse mood than they were now. Besides, for him to have forseen a mess meant it was a possibility to happen. He couldn't say no to a potential future.

Edward fidgeted uneasily, not exactly thrilled about the wedding being made a big deal of again. "We should probably leave then, the sooner we get moving the better."

"We should stop somewhere to stock up first," Picodevimon said. "We'll need plenty of supplies before we go, uh . . . wherever we're going."

"There are portals to the underworld scattered throughout the surface. There is one nearby Primary Island, should you choose to enter through there, as well as near the holy capitol. There are others, but I do not know every location. To gain access you will need to present your crests as proof of your status as chosen."

[Airdra]

Shawn asked if they'd be able to perform the wedding on the island if they all returned safely. Sam was quite interested to hear the response; that would indeed serve as a good motivational tool...as though they didn't have enough already. Getting back to see their families and saving the world would have been more than enough for Sam. That was like the cherry on top of the whole sundae of "Reasons to Survive."

Chronomon approved that request, much to Sam's relief. Anything else to celebrate would be welcome--they'd need all the cheer they could get given what they were about to do.

She slowly nodded in agreement when Edward said they should leave as soon as possible. "The sooner we get going, the sooner we can end this. Waiting won't get us anywhere. Hopefully, it won't take us too long to acquire those supplies..."

Kunemon felt a little pang as they were told they'd have to present their crests. Sam still had the Crest of Freedom, of course, but Phoenixmon was gone. They were Chosen without a goddess, and the thought still saddened her, especially when being a chosen Digimon had given her a second chance.

[ShadowCat]

In a way the wedding was a reason to keep living, at least for him (and he hoped for Ed too), so Shawn gave a small nod of his head. A few moments later the God of Seers gave his permission to perform it here and he smiled. "Thank you." Shawn had no clue if he was just agreeing to give them hope, but it didn’t matter to him. He was just glad to have a place for it to happen.

He looked over at Ed as he said they could get going, and then to PicoDeviomon as the little demon bat suggested getting some supplies to take with them. It was a good idea, he just hoped they’d be able to do get what they’d need in safety. And not endanger where they may stop at, simply for having been there. He considered voicing the concern, but decided there wasn’t much point. The others likely would know it was a risk.

Sighing inwardly he pushed aside the though as Choronomon told them of a couple places they could gain access to the digital worlds core, with aid of their crests. Reaching down he took a hold of his, glad to have not lost it while he was gone from the group.

Elecmon didn’t exactly like hearing there was a way down to the core by the holy capitol, and frowned. Would Grandracmon know it was there? Had Kresnimon? He looked over at the god for a moment as he wondered. The purple foxish digimon would like to think the god would have told them about the core. Well if Kresnimon knew going there would help them anyway. If the god hadn’t known that, it made sense he’d not mention the core to them. Likely wouldn’t want the humans messing up the world anymore.

The digimon looked over at Sam as she agreed about leaving, "Yeah we should be going." To Primary Island he assumed as they'd be mad to try going into the heart of the Dark gods conquered lands. Looking up at the bird like Seer god, Elecmon said, "Thank you for telling us about the Core and how to get there."

Shawn, still playing with his crest, suddenly blinked and looked at it. “Hold on...What about the idiot here, who went and broke his crest.” He asked looking at Ed. He didn’t think the others would notice, but the word idiot was intoned with a bit of affection. He bet Ed would catch it though, as he often said the word in the same way directed at him.

“Is there a way for Ed to still come with us?” He asked, wondering a little if maybe the broken crest would still work. If Ed had keep it that is. He wasn’t really sure if he had or not.

[blueRena]

“Hey, we're coming too,” Tailmon called out. Up until this point, she and Leah had been silent. Content to just let things go as they were, really, but now Ed, Sam, Ben, and Shawn were all getting ready to head out and Tailmon remembered the crucial point of “No, Leah and I are coming along too, because I'm saying so.”

“Can't escape all of us oldies,” Leah added with a shrug. Her attempt of adding something light-hearted to the whole ordeal. She thought about saying something about the supplies, but there really wasn't anything else to say about them. So she just took a few steps closer to the other Chosen.

Not only had Leah and Tailmon been silent up to this point, but Avia and Blake had as well. The area was calming and neither had any pressing questions for Chronomon. Blake was pretty well at peace with everything. Even enough for a small amount of drool to slowly make its way down his chin.

Avia rose her eyebrows and nudged Blake. He startled slightly, mouth moving to ask “What was that for?” when he found his hand coming up and wiping away the drool. Instead of his question, a simple “Oh,” came out of his mouth. It might have been funny if things weren't so serious at the moment. At least if – when, because Blake was just that kind of thinker – they all made it back, the wedding would be performed. Definitely incentive for survival.

“I'll make sure he stays out of trouble,” Avia commented to Leah.

“She better make sure she stays outta trouble. All of them,” Blake retorted. Of course, with things as they were, that was going to be impossible. A frown came to his face and he amended himself. “As much as they can avoid, anyway.”

Shawn brought up the fact that Edward's crest had broken his crest. Leah and Tailmon turned their eyes to Chronomon, awaiting the answer. Leah wondered if it would be enough for him just to have the crest with him, despite it being broken. Of course, that would only be resolved by the god's answer.

[Alison]

As much as Ben didn't like it, he agreed with Sam. Wizarmon had to smile a little when Kunemon spoke to Jewels. If she meant could do it without panicing Wizarmon doubted that. But hey at least the Digimon had been trying.

Ben cringed when Sam asked when they would leave. Not a question he wanted to hear, not that he would have a choice now that it had been asked. But he was soon distracted by Shawn's question. The suprise showed on Ben's face, someone really was optimistic. Sure it would be nice to have the wedding here, but they had to get back in one piece.

Ben looked to Chronomon as he responded. The god was willing to let them have the wedding here? Well that was something, should they survive. The god had to go there, but yet the fact he was to let it happen if they did make it back still meant there was a chance. For everything Ed and Shawn had gone through at Grandracmon's place they deserved to have that wedding. Ben looked to Edward, poor guy was fidgety. Ben had to sympathise there. But his face wasn't thrilled when he stated they should leave.

Fang nodded in agreement with Picodevimon, if they were away for a while they would need them. Afterall they didn't know know what they would face.

The fact there were more than one portals was also un-nerving. If Grandracmon got wind where they were, would he send anyone after them? This was just adding to the list of reasons why Ben did not want to go.

At least getting entry to the underworld sounded easy, but that presented a problem of its own. Ed no longer had a Crest, in destroying it he my have broken his link to Grandracmon but he may have screwed himself over at the same time. He then looked to Leah and Tailmon, he had heard them speak but had they been given a Crest by Kresnimon? If they hadn't there was another problem.

Miles frowned when Sam followed up on Edward's get going. He wanted to keep Ben around for a little longer, letting go of his kid again like this? Man this was depressing, despite the thought of the possible wedding if they all got back.

Elecmon was all in favour for going as well and was quick to thank Chronomon. Ben would have too, had he been in favour of going. Still there was no point complaining about it, they had to go and try to do this. Instead he gave a sigh and of those face pull 'ah crap' moments. The kind that states we have another problem. At least Shawn asked if there was a way for it to happen.

"I hope there is," Ben followed up. "But if there isn't...at least we know he'd be safe up here if something happens that we don't make it back. I guess the same maybe for Leah and Tailmon as well?"

[Qu33n0f1c3]

Sam seemed eager to leave as well, which was good. Edward nodded to himself in response to her agreement, silently ticking over a list of things they could possibly need in his mind. They had plenty of food and water, but how long would it last? They had no way of knowing how long they'd be down there, in the "underworld" as Chronomon called it, a name which made only complete sense, and conveyed exactly what it meant, a world under the world.

He was jarred a bit when Shawn suddenly spoke up, calling him an idiot for one, and mentioning how he'd broken his crest. He turned to stare at the boy, a little bit wide eyed, but then he eased up a little, seeing the look in Shawn's eye, and realizing a little late the way the word had been said. He breathed a short sigh of relief, and smiled, though just a little, as what he'd said really sank in. He did break the crest. He had the pieces stored away, but he doubted they would work anymore. If they did breaking it would have been useless in terms of keeping Grandracmon away from him.

And with Leah saying she was coming with them just moments before, there was now the problem of how the two of them were going to be able to go along.

Edward frowned and crossed his arms at Ben even suggesting that he might have to stay behind. "That's not happening," he stated very stubbornly. Even in his attempts at being more gentle he still had a bit of an attitude. He looked to his aunt though, feeling down that they might actually have to stay behind.

"I can send Leah through," Kresnimon spoke up after being quiet for so long. "Any god here can open up those portals. I've done it before back home as part of routine maintenance. It didn't like my intrusion much, after all I am sick with the corruption from Earth, but we all make sure our respective portals are working and secure before closing them down again. Being extensions of the power of a god, the crests allow those portals to be opened as well. So I can send Leah through because we are linked, but I'm afraid I can't help Edward."

To which Edward scowled. That was bullshit. But it also got him thinking. Kresnimon could send Leah through because he was there in lieu of a crest. Which meant that Valkyrimon should be able to do the same. Except she wasn't around. She was busy being pregnant and raising the dead with Beelzemon. If he was going to go, he was going to need to get her crest. That's all there was to it.

"Damn it, I really hate those shrine things," Edward hissed to himself.

"Shrine?" Picodevimon repeated, his attention snapping to his partner. He, of course, remembered as well as Edward what had happened when they went through the shrine of darkness.

"Every god has a portal, that's what Kresnimon said . . . and to go through the portal we need crests. Because I don't have one, I'm going to have to go get one . . . Sorry, Pico." Edward looked down to the floor. "It's a risk we're going to have to take. We'll go to Primary Island, go through Valkyrimon's shrine trial, and if we make it out, we can go with the others. If not, they'll have to go on without us, like they'll have to if we don't even try."

[Alison]

Edward had taken Shawn's idiot comment well for some reason. Ben didn't get why but he wans't about to bring it up to the men. Ben nodded in acknowledgement when Edward stated that it wasn't happening. It was no suprise that Edward still wanted to go. Ben understood that but if he didn't have a way in then how could he? He gave the man a sympathetic look as Kresnimon spoke.

Well that was Leah's ticket in to the underworld with them. In a way it also explained how the crests would get them in as well. But that still did not help Edward. The look on the man's face showed he wasn't impressed at what the god had said. Ben still had the sympathy on his face, it was hard not to it was starting to look more and more that the man wasn't going to be able to go with them.

Ben wasn't sure what Edward had stated but he did hear PicoDevimon and their remaining conversation. Ben knew the trials had been less than kind on Edward and Devimon. So much so that the man had lost his partner and nearly taking his own life. Man how they had come along since then.

"Oh boy," Ben sighed, giving Sam's hand a little squeeze again. "Danger for you two before we even go to the underworld?" Ben rubbed his head a little before looking at both Edward and PicoDevimon, giving them a look. Part you better not mess this up, part worry for them having to go in. "I want you both to be able to come with us. So I'll be waiting for you to come on out of the shrine." Hopefully in one piece and both alive this time.

[ShadowCat]

Shawn worried that maybe Ed wasn’t going to pick up on the tone he’d used, when the Blond turned to look at him like that. A few moments later thought the look faded and Shawn felt relief as well. He’d not wanted to upset Ed again. He returned Ed's small smile and then looked over at his Aunt.

As they’d been pretty quiet till now, Shawn had kind of spaced off that Leah was a chosen and likely would be coming with till Tailmon spoke up letting them know she and Leah were coming, because she said so. He rolled his eyes at the cats antics and glanced over at Ben when he said he hoped there was a way for Ed to come. And that if not he’d at least be safe with the others. He wanted to snort at that. Shouldn’t Ben know Ed better then to think that?

He smiled a little as Ed spoke up, telling Ben what he thought of him saying safe and sound with the others.

His smile changed to a worried frown though as Kresnimon spoke up, tell them he could help Leah get though the barrier as she was his chosen, but not Ed. Would that mean regardless of Ed’s feelings on the subject he’d be left behind? The thought of him going and doing something that he might not survive while Ed waited for his return was really weird. It almost felt wrong to have the roles reversed. Looking at Ed he really hoped he’d be able to go with him.

'Huh, he hates shrines?' He as confused as to why Ed would feel like that, Shawn’s own had been rather simple. Well once he’d convinced the digimon guarding the crest He and Andalusamon wouldn’t resort to fighting and killing to solve all their problems. He felt a bit of guilt thinking on that. He wasn’t sure who good a job he’d done of that… His only relieve was that Lucemon had always believed in him.

Still that didn’t explain why Ed didn’t like the shrines. He looked between the two, and saw Picodevimon seemed to share Eds concern. Thinking back he tired to remember if he’d been ever told about Ed’s shrine then his eyes widened. He vaguely recalled what Ed had told him before he’d entered his own about what failure could mean. That they could die.

His eyes went to Ben as he said they’d be in danger even before they went down into the underworld. ’So I’m not remembering wrong..’ Shawn thought sadly.

“I’ll wait for you too.” Shawn said a bit lower, mostly for Ed’s ears.

[Qu33n0f1c3]

Edward looked to Ben uneasily when he said he'd be waiting for him to come out of the shrine. He'd like to say thanks, but he was finding himself unappreciative. He didn't want to be smothered just because he'd failed last time . . . How old did he think he was, two?

That feeling changed when Shawn said he'd wait as well, though more quietly than Ben had.

Edward shook his head. "Very well . . ." He'd like to promise he wouldn't fail this time, but he didn't want to make a promise he might not be able to keep.

Kresnimon grumbled a bit, feeling impatient. "Primary Island is nearby Lucifer's realm. It's a protected land, Lucifer's realm, like this one. As far as I'm aware Grandracmon has not touched it. I think we should leave those who are not going with us to the core there at his palace before we go to the island."

[blueRena]

The thought of “I don't have a crest” hadn't been on Leah's mind, but at Ben's question of them brought it into full focus. She crossed her arms and looked to her partner, wondering what the cat would have to say about that; her tail had begun swishing in the way of all irritated cats. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Edward looking at her and she smirked slightly. At least the two of them were stubborn on the fact that the were going with the others.

“Aha, see?” Tailmon beamed when Kresnimon spoke. Her tail stopped and she blinked her blue eyes up to Leah that somehow managed to convey a sense of pride.

“Well, that's lucky,” Leah answered. She frowned when he mentioned that he couldn't do anything for Ed. The frown deepened and her eyebrows came down as Edward mentioned a shrine. Leah hadn't had to deal with the shrine before. She wasn't sure what Ed was talking about. When had a shrine been involved in this? And then Ben and Shawn had said they would wait for Ed outside the shrine. She silently made up her mind that she would do the same.

Blake huffed when Kresnimon talked about leaving all who wouldn't be accompanying the chosen behind on Primary Island. Which he quickly tried to cover with a fake cough, that turned into an actual cough. Avia rolled her eyes.

[ShadowCat]

Shawn gave Ed as smile when he agreed to let them wait outside for him. For a moment when he’d looked over at Ben he’d wondered if he’d ask them not too. Shawn supposed he understood why he may not want them all waiting for him, but Shawn wasn’t doing it just to be there in cause it went bad. Ed had been the only one to go with him when he’d done his shrine, and he just wanted to be there for him in return. Knowing Ed was waiting outside had been helpful.

Shawn turned his eyes to Kresnimon as he told them were Primary Island was. He as a little unsure how he felt about returning to his gods realm for a little bit. On one hand he was happy that Grandracmon hadn't been there and that he'd be able to see the palace again, but on the other he couldn’t help but wonder if it’d be the same now Lucifer had lost his godhood.

'Well nothing remains unchanging.' Shawn thought. And even if he wasn't the same Lucifer was still his friend.

With one last look to Chronomon, thankful the god had helped them, Shawn turned and started to leave as everyone keep saying it was time to go.


Alex, who'd keep out of the talk as she hadn't anything to really add, let out a sigh now everything seemed mostly decided and followed after. She really wasn't sure she liked that she'd be left behind with the others, but as she didn't have a digimon or chest of her own to get her in, there was little she could really do about it.

"I don't know if you guys are lucky or not be chosen." She said quietly, as she looked at the crest Shawn had let drop and now lay over his shirt.

[Alison]

Shawn's reaction to Edward's concern had been an interesting one. Ben wondered why the boy reacted as such. But he didn't question the boy about it. Ben didn't understand why Edward looked at him uneasily. He was concerened that the boy wouldn't make it out alive. Ben certainly wasn't envious when Edward answered.

Fang looked to Kresnimon as he grumbled and spoke. Lucifers realm, now there was a place they hadn't been in a while. It was a beautiful place like this, assuming Grandracmon hadn't touched it. Now that he had a reason to doubt Kresnimon's word.
The others should at least be safe while they were putting their lives in danger.
Wizarmon shook her head a little as Tailmon and Leah spoke. From how dangerous it sounded for the humans and their partners were not going to be lucky.

Shawn had started to leave. Well it was time to go then. Miles looked to Ben still stood with Sam. Part of him wanted his son by his side for this journey, but yet Ben seemed content to be with Sam. The kids were still holding hands afterall. With a nod to Chronomon, Miles started to head after Shawn.

"This is it then," Ben stated looking to Sam and then to the god and bowed his head for a few moments. "Thank you for your help. Hopefully we're going to get back here alive."

With that he started to walk forward, gently tugging on Sam's hand hoping the girl would stay with him while they went.