Ever get the feeling that your sins will ever come back to you. To pay for the mistakes that constantly worry in the back of your mind? Fearing that one day that someone will make you pay for those crimes and drag your soul to hell for it? Digimon Ghost Game! The Flaming Collector!

Things that Mei never expected to see after confessing a truth to her friends, them being mad at her. She had told them all about the dark mist. She had predicted they be mad at her. Though for Hiro to rant on and on about her being honest with them about these types of things was getting tiring. Yes, she should have just been honest with them. Yes, She should trust them more as they trust her. Though now she felt like a child zoning out for being lectured about a mistake that angered their parents.

"So yesterday after we were facing Shellmon, you didn't think to tell me about this?! What were you gonna do,huh? Were you going to keep it to yourself and leave us out of it? I thought we got passed that, Mei!!" Hiro eyes could have had heat vision for how angerily he was glaring at Mei.

"I am sorry, but I had my reasons...." Mei tried to explain herself. However Ruli and Kiyo wanted to get their word in as well.
Oh great....She was being chastised for wanting to keep them safe. The things she goes through for these people.

"When you took that sample, you didn't think to at least show us?! I helped us find it! Heck, I didn't know about it and I somehow let us to it! If you find something like that tell us like we tell you!" Ruli couldn't believe Mei had began to go back to her old habits of keeping things to herself.

"Hoshi san! We are a team, you should be able to trust us with these kinds of things! I may be a cowardly scaredy cat at times but at least I am honest about it!" Kiyo didn't have to belittle himself to made that point.

"Can I speak now?" Mei looked blank face.

Ironically this was the fifteen time they had a topic on this conversation. She had gotten use to their lectures. Though it was one of those times were talks like these helped remind her that she isn't alone for stuff like this.

The three looked at each other then gave her a unison nod.Like the roles of the group had bern reversed and Mei was the trouble magnet on the team.Like they had entered an alternate reality.
The day or time that happens will be the day Mei reveals her secrets that the three desperately desire to know. Ha! As if that day will come before she's dead.

"I first noticed it leave Gargoylemon and it caught my interest, so as my usual "information seeking self" I investigated. I fought nothing and believed that it was a rare once in a life "One digimon incident" kind of thing till Sunarizamon. I studied the sample for days with no answers but got none. So I asked our detective friend to look into it for me. To be honest....I would have probably still have kept silent about it if not for the Shellmon incident. It then became clear to me that it may become a larger issue if I didn't speak up about it" Mei confessed, slightly raising her arms in defense.

Shiramon who remained silent during the scolding.Looked most hurt about what she just heard. Mei was her human partner. The one who helped her through the Sin Code Arcs.  The one that helped her not only stopped Malicemon and free her siblings from the shackles of a forced destiny placed on them by HIM, but also never gave up on her when she lose her memories once reborn. Yet.....even after all that. Mei couldn't trust her about this "Dark Mist". Shiramon knows that she struggles to keep secrets. Though she's been working on that.
She only confessed to seeing Gammamon eating all of Ruli birthday cake only after being asked six times. A new personal record.

So why couldn't Mei have at least told her about it? Isn't the point of being partners build around trust? How could they truly be good partners if Mei would still hide stuff like this from her?

Shiramon just felt so angry. She couldn't hold in such frustration anymore.

"I AM SO SICK OF YOUR EXCUSES MEI! YOU DON'T TELL YOUR FRIENDS BECAUSE YOU WORRY, I GET THAT. BUT I AM YOUR PARTNER! YOUR FATED DIGIMON THAT ALWAYS TELLS YOU THINGS! THOUGH WHENEVER YOU FOND SOMETHING, WHAT DO YOU DO? YOU HIDE IT FROM ME! DO YOU REALLY TRUST ME SO LITTLE THAT YOU CAN'T CONGIDE WITH ME ABOUT A SECRET?! MAYBE I WAS FATED WITH THE MOST COLD HEART AND UNSYMPATHETIC HUMAN TO WALK THIS EARTH. RAVEMON NOT ONLY KILLED YOUR BROTHERS BUT HE KILLED YOU ABILITY TO TRUST!!! YOU ARE JUST AS EVIL AS "HIM"!!! UGHHH I HATE YOU!!" Shiramon yelled. A few tear drops leaked from her vosor as she panted from all the screaming.

Everyone looked at her with widen eye shock expressions. It seems that lesson in therapy to not bottle emotions up inside was finally being used. They were also given her the whole "Did she really just say that?" type of look. Sure she was not know for outbursts like this. She was usually soft spoken and very cslm.

She processed what she had said in her mind over again and paled. She had mention two dark subject for Mei. One that the entire team knew better to bring up. Even Gammamon knows that that is the only thing that should not be spoken and he is the youngest too. NEVER mention Ravemon or Mei deceased brother at all. It doesn't matter the discussion. No is NO! Secondly, all topic based around "HIM" are forbidden thanks to a group vote and decision. No one is to be compared to him either.

Shiramon had just broken those two rules. She paled as she could see the clear hurt that Mei eyes held.

"Mei...I'm sorr-" Ruli phone rang just as Shiramon was ready to apologize.

A new case had pop up on Lirurun. "The Flaming Collector". It seem to be a perfect escape from the chaos that just unfolded.
It seem there were reports of a flaming man with a metal face that was going around taking people away. Eye witnesses claim to have heard the flaming laugh saying "Another sinner to add to the flame"

"Is this another digimon who believes they are upholding the law?" Jellymon asked annoyed.

"Sounds like it" Ruli agreed, sharing the same expression.

"We should look into this" Hiro got his jacket on and ready.

Mei stayed silent.

"Mei...?" Shiramon tried to talk to her. Only to be met with a face unwillingly to talk.

"Hoshi san?" Kiyo tried as well.

"I'll look around with Kiyo andJellymon. The attacks only happen to sinners right? Best I be used for bait in this group" Mei avoided eye contact. Unable to met their eyes.

Was this her way of trying to regain their trust?
They were completely against the idea. They had not clue how powerful this digimon was or what kind of digimon it was. Plus they had nearly lost Mei twice during the Sin  Sin Code Arcs.

The first was during the Envy Arc where she had that bitter reunion with Ravemon. The digimon who caused the rollercoaster accident that costed her younger siblings lives. How that one moment made her go down a path of bitterness and loneliness. How it nurtured the seed of hatred she held towards digimon who hurt humans. While facing the raven digimon, she had nearly became consumed by the Wrath Sin Code. Nearly destroying herself along with Shiramon. To have been offered revenge in exchanged for insanity and the hunger for more death. Mei managed to come back somehow and finally move pass the plague over her heart. That was the true moment she started to open up to the team. Became a true friend while breaking the ice cold person she masked herself as for so many years.

That was a main reason they all took a silent vow never to mention that accursed digimon or that event. To not reopen old wounds that's still ached in her heart. Like the wounds were never fully closed. In fear that mentioning the incident may turn her back to that same cold person. No risk they want to take.
The second one hit nearly has heard as the first. Mei heart was shattered into pieces by it. It was a miracle thst she recovered at all.

During the Wrath Arc where WrathIramon had completely taken over Shiramon.  They had plunged the world into chaos and madness. Mei was taken by her possessed partner and turned into a mere flower. How she was helpless during that entire arc. Only to be freed to see Shiramon sacrifice herself to stop Malicemon once and all. Mei completely broke down sobbing. Losing her partner took a massive toll on her heart. She  was a complete wreck afterwards.

It was thanks to the support of her friends that she was able to overcome it. They helped her find Shiramon again. Aid her to restore Shiramon memories.

Another incident that weight alot on Mei heart. Mei may have been cold in the beginning but she may have been that way to keep others safe. It may make her hard to read. Though it is said the most hard to read people are the ones who care the most about others. 

Could this be why Mei was so secretive about the mist? Did she want to keep them safe? 

Shiramon went with Ruli and Hiro group. Mei had insisted upon it. Besides Mei probably didn't want to see her for a while.

Gammamon was trying to cheer Shiramon up, by hugging her. That didn't help Shira feel better. Gammamon offered her his champion chocolates despite her not being able to eat them.

Angoramon comfort her the best he could. He knew that Shiramon never meant any harm. Her feelings had been hurt and she just outbursted because of that. Her reaction was completely understandable.

It was rare to see Mei and Shiramon have a fight . They seem to have the perfect partnership. Both leaned on each other when one is suffering. Though it's hard when one has caused the suffering to the other.

"Do you think I hurt her? ....I mention the topic that really stings her heart....." Shiramon ears drooped in sadness.

"You didn't mean it Shiramon. We know how much you care about Mei. We were all angry about her keeping the "Dark Mist"  secret. Though consider this is Mei, I guessed we should have suspected she would keep this a matter like this on the down low" Hiro sighs.
Mei did have a habit gathering intel on cases before revealing it to her fellow teammates. It's how she became so informed in certain matters.

Rumors say that their Detective friend send Mei their cases to help solved them. A silent helper in the shadows of the detective. The detective was probably paying her back for all the help.

Mei herself remained silent as Kiyo and Jellymon prepared a good hiding spot.  She could still feel the pain emit from a sore spot in her heart. Shiramon had a point about what she said. She still had problems trusting others but Shiramon was different. She had completely trusted Mei with her life. Trusting all her worries, troubles, and secrets. Yet Mei could not do the same. Shiramon had the right to be anger. Maybe her and Ravemon had one thing in common. Both kept distsnce from others. The difference is one has broken free from the lonely cycle.

"Guess I am still learning to let others in, huh?"  Mei sadly smiled. Saying that outloud as if she were speaking to someone. Yet the only one she was truly speaking to was herself.

It feel like she was burning up from guilt.
Now that Mei thinks about it, the who alley that Kiyo had chosen to be the trap for the digimon was now heating up like an oven. Sweat was drenching down her face as she felt it was much harder to breathe.

Kiyo and Jellymon felt on the verge to pass out. It felt hotter than summer in the middle of July in Texas. It was currently the few days of Autumn and chilly winds have cooled the air. The heat became unbearable to the point where Mei had fallen to her knees. The sounds of footsteps could be heard coming towards her. They were not like ordinary footsteps either. These ones sounded like they were made of metal. Possible a digimon wearing a pair of metal toed shoes. The russling of chains were being dragged behind the sound of the footsteps. Sizzling scents of burning metal waved in the air as well.

"Sinners burn in the pits of hell~ I shall drag them to the pits your fiery grave~ My flames burn in every chain link  which will bring more pain~ Dearest girl who holds a dark aura in her heart~ Let your soul become fuel for my flame~" Coming into the alley that generated enough heat that which could mistake it for a furnace. The digimon responsible for the cases.

Skullmeramon.
Kiyo and Jellymon struggled to move. They could barely move their fingers in such heat.  They looked ready to pass out.

"Mei..." Jellymon weakly called out to her.

"Hoshi san..." Kiyo tried to reach his hand out to her.

Mei struggled to move herself, yet she still make a motion to activate her VR bracelet digital field. It took alot of energy to push that simple button. Just as the digital field went up, Mei passed out. Having used the last of her strength.

To their luck, the digital field completely canceled out the heat that Skullmeramon had created before. Kiyoshiro and Jellymon had recovered thanks to this.

"Darling, payback time!" Jellymon insisted, looking ready to wipe the floor with Skullmeramon.

Kiyoshiro nodded. His VR bracelet meter filled up once.

"Jellymon digivolve to........Teslajellymon!!"

"Punishune!" Jellymon obey the order. Her tentacles coil around Skullmeramon chains and shocked him.

Skullmeramon shrugged off the lightning as if it was a mere carpet shock. "Is that all?"

That only got Teslajellymon even angrier.  "You're making me really really mad!!"

"Volsprite!" Kiyo ordered, he got Mei in his arms. He was trying to wake her up the best he could. As well as help Teslajellymon fight Skullmeramon.

It seem that they were at a major disadvantaged. Mei was knocked and Teslajellymon attacks seemed to be little to nothing to him. Kiyo could only hoped that the appearance of the digital field would alert the other of their location.

It's up to them to buy enough time for them to get here.

Skullmeramon seem bored with this battle. How could this Jellyfist brat believe these mere shocks could cause him any kind of damage? Almost made him laugh. She and the scared boy were not his main interest. The girl in the boy's arms was. The sins that she had commit were so intoxicating mouth watering that they would surely fuel his fite into beautiful hell fire flames. He had to have her.
Teslajellymon tried to pull im away with her tentacles, she wanted him away from Mei and her Darling. However Skullmeramon was tired with playing with her. He grabbed the tectancles andhurled her into the wall. Repeating the action times over till Teslajellymon waa unable to move. As an overkill measure, he stomped on her spine which caused her unbearable pain. Her screams echoed throughout the alley before she passed.

Not good...

"TESLAJELLYMON!!" Kiyo called out to his digimon partner. Though she was knocked out cold right before him.

Skullmeramon got closer to them. His hand reaching out for Mei. If Kiyo was the same scaredy cat as he been before than he would have just left Mei to be taken. However due to his growth in the Sin Code arcs, he was was not about to abandoned her. He held her closer and closed his eyes.

Was this the end?

"Breaking Stream!"

"Sedna!"
The two attacks sent Skullmeramon into the wall. Ruli and Hiro rushed to Kiyo side as their partners faced Skullmeramon. They had made a goid close by evolving on their way to their location.

"Mei...." Shiramon took her partner in her arms and hugged. "I shouldn't have left you alone....I'm sorry...." She held Mei closer, shaking from the sadness she had been building up.

On the other hand, Skullmeramon still proved to be a challenge.  Even with the two champion digimon fighting him, it seemed like the attacks were not effecting him. As they fought him, his eyes never strayed from Mei. Like she was the only one there. It almost seemed like his grin grew wider once he finally noticed Shiramon.

He had two nuisances to handle first. "HEAVY METAL FIRE!!!" The attack send the two into the wall hard. Then he resumed his way to Mei.

Shiramon held onto her and looked ready to maul the metal face of his.

"You know I said you can't hurt them yet" Skullmeramon halted at the sound of the voice.
It was Koi. Only the numeral digits on the mist were a dull gray instead of the dark purple. He seemed displeased at the the metal face digimon before him.

Skullmeramon looked down then he gestured back at Mei. He seem to be trying to tell Koi something.

"I know. Though we don't do that anymore. We aren't like that anymore" Koi voice grew firm which Skullmeramon flinched from. "Come now, they still have to solve our mystery.

The mist covered both of them. The numeral digits flashed, making several sounds of clips and beats.

"What do you mean solve your mystery? Just who are you?" Hiro stared at Koi who was nearly encased in the mist.

"That's for you to find out Hiro" Soon Kiyo vanished out of sight. The mist taking him somewhere along with Skullmeramon.

Looks like there lies more mystery about this mist. How are Skullmeramon and Koi related. What mystery does Koi want to revealed. Soon all will be brought to light.