Hello again, sorry for taking so long to update. As usual, special thanks go out to Harpygirl91, Moi Fah, and Taeniaea for their reviews. I'd also like to inform all readers that there have been changes to some of the Digimon teams, particularly Michiru and Rey. Check the notes page for details. Also, I going to start including a brief description of each Digimon at the end of the chapter.

As for the final note, here is the list for Setsuna F. Seiei's team so far: MedievalDukemon (MedievalGallantmon), Slayerdramon, Angewomon, HishaRyuumon, Wingdramon.

Suggestions for the other three spots are welcomed, as well as those for Hotaru's last partner, and some for the other Inners, except Rei. The Digimon Wiki is a very good tool for this. Well, enjoy chapter three, sorry it's so short, and please review.

Chapter 3

Spirit of a Knight

The battle against Zhuqiaomon was not going well for Paildramon and the rest of Nicol's team. But what's to be expected when a tamer is facing an Ultimate Digimon with a team of two Perfect Level and two Armor Level Digimon? Even that was an impossible scenario thanks to the other members of Crow's team. In the end, Paildramon faced off against Zhuqiaomon alone while AeroV-dramon fought Garudamon, Fladramon battled Crowmon, and GoldV-dramon struggled against Yatagaramon. The Perfect level Dragon Man attacked the Exalted Bird Digimon with a barrage of energy blast, which proved to be completely pointless. "This isn't looking good Nicol," said Paildra, watching Zhuqiaomon draw its head back for an attack. He used all four of his wings to give himself the speed necessary to dodge the giant bird's killer beak. "Desperado Blaster," he got a clear shot at Zhuqiaomon's upper right eye, but his energy bullets dissipated upon contact with the fiery aura surrounding the bird.

"Is there anyway to get to this oversized canary," hissed Nicol as he watched Paildra futilely try to find a weak point or some sort of opening. Even though the situation seemed hopeless, he refused to give in or lose his composure. The green haired boy had chosen to be a Digimon tamer for his profession, and because of his position as Hotaru's trainer he had no choice but to stay calm in a predicament that most people would have panicked in. "Paildramon, attack with your Esgreamer (Cable Catcher)," he ordered.

"What good will that do," asked Paildra, all the while dodging Zhuqiaomon's beak. Then, his golden eyes made contact with his tamer's eyes, and in less than a second, Paildramon had figured out what Nicol was planning.

"Hotaru, I want you to watch how Paildramon and I work without saying a single word," instructed Nicol. The young Raven tamer did exactly that and kept a close eye on her instructor. However, she did not see him do anything, or she thought at first. Then it clicked in her mind that he'd sent his orders to his Digimon by means of eye contact. At first, the green haired boy directed his eyes towards the right where Fladra was fighting, then when he got Fladra's attention, he looked up towards Paildra.

Fladramon jumped high into the air and landed on Paildramon's shoulder. With a mighty push from the Perfect Dragon Man, the Armor level Dragon Man launched himself towards Zhuqiaomon. At first, it appeared to be a suicide attack to Hotaru, but what she'd overlooked was Fladramon's immunity to fire attacks. This ability gave him an edge in getting past Zhuqiaomon's fiery aura. "Knuckle fire," he shouted, punching the Exalted Bird Digimon in its top right eye. The gargantuan bird howled in pain and shook its head furiously, swatting Fladra to the ground. "That probably broke a rib or two," muttered Fladra as he stood up from the crater he created, holding his side. He stumbled a little, but managed to get his balance back in enough time to dodge Yatagaramon's attack. However, the shockwave caused by Yatagaramon's Mikafutsu no Kami (savage emperor) attack struck Fladra right in the chest, sending him hurling back. "That does it," said Fladra, turning his attention to Nicol, "when we get home, I am so finding D'Arcmon and getting laid!" Hotaru could only gasp from embarrassment at Fladramon's inappropriate declaration, but Nicol just laughed and went over to support his injured Digimon.

"Hey, Hota-chan, why aren't we getting in the action," asked BlackAgumon as he tugged on his tamer's shirt. However, Hotaru's reaction was the last thing the black lizard expected.

"NO," she shouted, pulling her Digimon into a tight hug. "I don't want to lose you so soon." BlackA understood her intentions, but at the same time, he was very upset at the way she panicked on their first mission. To a proud Virus type Digimon, that was a sign of weakness, and weakness was the greatest insult of all.

BlackA pulled away from his tamer and slapped her hard across the face. "Get a grip of yourself," he shouted, watching Hotaru place her hand on her swollen cheek. "If you're so scared, then why are you a tamer?" He received no answer from the violet-eyed girl, making him even angrier. "You're pathetic, Hota-chan," BlackA started to walk away, steadily increasing his pace towards the unguarded Crow. "Claw slash." He shouted as soon as he was in striking distance of the red-haired woman. However, he was intercepted by Yatagaramon and knocked to the side.

The attempted attack on their tamer alerted Zhuqiaomon, Garudamon, and the other Yatagaramon. Now, the three birds were angry and ready to exact their vengeance on the currently unconscious BlackAgumon. "Desolation Blast," roared Zhuqiaomon, creating a beam of energy from his wings. If there was one positive from this situation, it was that Hotaru was able to get her focus back and do whatever she could to protect her Digimon partner, even if it meant she could only shield his body with hers. Nicol and his team could only watch in horror as the blast closed in on Hotaru and her partner, and pray for a miracle. Fortunately, that miracle came in the form of the two DORUmon as they placed themselves between Hotaru and the deadly attack. In less than a second, Zhuqiaomon's attack was deflected and a large figure composed of Hotaru's Digi-soul stood above her.

From a far distance, the Royal Knight Dukemon and the Guard Team Commander from File City watched the battle with great interest. "Is this why you prevented me from assisting them, Lord Dukemon," asked Setsuna F. Seiei as he and his Digimon partner, MedievalDukemon turned their attention to the Exalted Knight.

"Correct, I, Dukemon, felt a strange energy coming from that girl during the initiation ceremony, and decided to put my theory to the test. The results were just as I, Dukemon, expected. This girl, Hotaru Tomoe, like her father, will bring about the savior of the Digital World… the leader of the Royal Knights, Alphamon!" Dukemon raised his Aegis shield towards the sky, "now the only task left undone is to end this fight before unnecessary injury is caused… Final Elysium," commanded the red and white Ultimate Digimon as he shot a stream of energy from his shield.

The Digi-soul version of the black Exalted Knight, Alphamon, readied itself into a fighting stance as Nicol and his Digimon joined him. Together, the Digimon and Nicol braced themselves as Zhuqiaomon reared its head back for an attack. "Zhuqiaomon, stop," commanded Crow with a smirk on her face, "we're done here." All except Garudamon nodded and returned to her Digivice. "Well, it's been fun, kids, but my job is done," she sat on Garudamon's hand, all the while never taking her eyes off the young tamers. "Oh, greeny, take care of the girl and the DORUmon, because other tamers will be after them, and they won't be as nice as I am," Crow informed them as she and her Digimon rose into the air and flew away.

With the danger gone, the soul of Alphamon dissipated, and Hotaru and the two DORUmon collapsed. Fortunately for Hotaru, Nicol was there to catch her. "What was that all about," he asked rhetorically, watching Crow and Garudamon fly off into the distance.

"Haven't got a clue, Nicol," replied Paildra as he gathered up the three Child level Digimon, completely oblivious that his tamer's question was rhetorical. "Anyways, seems like we got more company,… damn, we're popular today." Descending in front of them was Setsuna, MedievalDukemon, and another member of his team, Angewomon.

Three hours later, Serenity's palace:

Dukemon stood before the Digital World Representative and her team of angelic Digimon. "What did you intend to gain from this little stunt, Dukemon," asked Serenity's strongest Digimon, Seraphimon. The ten-winged angel was furious, and his voice clearly expressed that. Dukemon's silence only served to further that anger.

"With all due respect, Seraphimon, since when did a Royal Knight need to explain himself to a lower ranking Digimon such as yourself," questioned Omegamon, as he barged in on the conversation on Dukemon's behalf. "Remember that we Royal Knights are the closest to God, therefore we stand above even you and the other celestial Digimon. It would be wise of you to remember your place," he hissed, glaring at Serenity and the other angelic Digimon.

Serenity stood up, and with her actions, gained the attention of every Digimon in the room. "Omegamon, it is true that the Royal Knights have authority over the majority of the Digital World, but that is no excuse for intentionally placing a young tamer in such a dangerous situation so early. Especially Hotaru Tomoe of all people. I would think that even you would be against…"

"Silence you pathetic fleshling," roared Omegamon, angered enough to draw his Grey Sword and point it at Serenity's throat. "Do not forget that you are in the Digital World, not the Human World. Here, Digimon have the greater authority, and you should have none! I care not that you are the Human Representative and supposedly have power equal to Yggdrasil-sama and the other kami, but you have no right to judge my Knights!"

"Omegamon," interupted Dukemon, "I, Dukemon, appreciate your assistance, but I intended to explain myself from the start."

"Well, your explanation can wait till after you report to Yggdrasil," responded the leader of the Royal Knights. "Now we will take our leave," Omega announced, withdrawing his Grey Sword.

Despite having a large sword inches away from her throat a few seconds ago, Serenity retained her calm and kind composure. "What happened to you Omegamon?" Her question made the large knight stop in his tracks. "Years ago, you would have done anything for Akira and Nine, but now you are willing to kill anybody who dares mention their names… Why?"

Omegamon turned his head so that he could connect one of his large green eyes with Serenity's eyes. "Because that wretched man betray me and his bitch wife attempted to destroy the Digital World. Think about it, then you'll figure out why I could care less about all humans, especially that man's bastard daughter," spat the Royal Knight as he left the room.

Alphamon: Ultimate (Mega) Level/ Exalted Knight/ Vaccine

Digivolves from Grademon or DORUgremon (Dorugreymon)/ DNA digivolves with Ouryuumon to Alphamon Kyuukyoku Senjin Ouryuuken ( Ultimate War Blade King Dragon Sword).

First appearance in Digimon X-Evolution movie.

Omegamon (Omnimon): Ultimate (Mega) Level/ Exalted Knight/ Vaccine

DNA digivolves from WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon. Digivolves into Omegamon X.

First appearance in Digimon V-Tamers manga and Digimon Movie 01: Our War Game.

Seraphimon: Ultimate (Mega) Level/ Seraph/ Vaccine

Digivolves from HolyAngemon (MagnaAngemon).

First appearance in Digimon V-Tamers manga. Later appears in Digimon Movie 02: Supreme Evolution: The Golden Digimentals.

MedievalDukemon (MedievalGallantmon): Ultimate (Mega) Level/ Warrior/ Data

Digivolves from MegaloGrowmon (WarGrowlmon), MegaloGrowmon oragne, MegaloGrowmon X, Dukemon. Digivolves to Dukemon X.

He's a carrier of the X-Antibody. Primary difference is that he has traded in his Gram lance and Aegis shield for the Dynas lance.

First appearance in Digimon D Cyber manga.

Angewomon: Perfect (Ultimate) Level/ Archangel/ Vaccine

Digivoles from Tailmon (Gatomon) or D'Arcmon. Digivolves to Holydramon (Magnadramon), Ophanimon, LadyDevimon, or Lilithmon.

First appearance in Digimon Adventures 01 anime.

D'Arcmon: Adult (Champion) Level/ Angel/ Vaccine

Digivolves from Plotmon (Salamon), Tailmon Child (Gatommon), or Patamon. Digivolves to Angewomon, or HippoGryphomon.

First appearance in Digimon Frontier Movie: Island of Lost Digimon.