Yuki was still asleep even as the sun climbed high in the sky. While Steven was glad that she was sleeping because he was positive she never slept enough he wasn't too fond of the fact that it seemed to take a great deal of mental stress to knock her out. He was positive that wasn't healthy. He wished he could ask her to sleep more. Maybe he would start making Peter sleep on the couch so that way Yuki didn't need to feel like she need to be up before the others woke up. Steven rubbed the bottom of his lip with his thumb. That was certainly a possibility. He just wished he could help her. Maybe that was the problem; he wanted to help too many people.

**Queue Flashback**

Steven couldn't remember when he first realized that there were better lives then his out in the world. He couldn't remember the first time he wished for a better life. He could remember the first time he realized that hard work was the key to escaping the trailer park he lived in with his sick older sister and even sicker mother.

He was 13 and, preparing to go to high school. He was at a public school and, he spent most of his time there. It was better than going back to a home where he wound up caring for his mother and sister. He knew their illness could be beat but, they choose not to. It was frustrating.

Since he spent most of his time at school Steven spent a lot of time doing homework and studying. He didn't know it but, he was the best student in his class. At 13 he didn't know what he wanted to do with his life but, he knew that something better had to be out there. He had some vague thought of doing something to help out his 4 year old sister and 7 year old brother. He wasn't sure he had much of a chance. What hope did a gutter rat from a trailer park have at making anyone's life better?

So it was a fall afternoon and, Steven was in his school library working on something when his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Georg, came in. She watched the boy that never seem to quit studying for a moment before going to sit down at the same table he was at.

She spoke quietly so she didn't startle him, "Hello Steven. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Steven nodded as he looked up from his book, "Of course."

Mrs. Georg handed Steven a brochure, "Have you heard of this school?"

Steven took the informational pamphlet and, looked over it, "Yeah. It's a really prestigious private school. Good programs. Expensive."

Mrs. Georg nodded, "Yes that's right but, they do have a scholarship program. With your grades you definitely qualify. It will take a bit of work but, you could get a full ride."

Steven looked at her in confusion, "Would they really take me? I wouldn't be able pay for anything."

The teacher sighed and decided that it was time to tell the world scared boy just a bit of truth, "There are two things in this world that will get you anywhere. The first is money. The second is hard work. If you are willing to keep working hard you can do anything Steven."

Steven looked at the brochure. He wasn't sure he understood what Mrs. Georg was saying. He wasn't sure that it mattered either way. He didn't think that he would get the scholarship but, he would make every effort to get it. Mrs. Georg had always been kind to him so it was a small way to repay her.

So that was why come spring Steven was terribly surprised when the acceptance letter from the school came in the mail. He didn't open it until school the next day so that first night Steven just placed it in his bag so that way he could open it with Mrs. Georg. He wanted her to see that his place was set in life. So when he opened it he was surprised by the words of acceptance.

Mrs. Georg laughed, "See! I told you! Hard work can perform miracles."

Steven stared at the packet in shock, "Yeah I guess."

This really was a miracle. Steven could see possibility in his hands. Going to this high school might give him a chance to help Lucas and Kate. Steven wasn't sure how but, he knew that he didn't want them to suffer like he did. There had to be some way to make it better. He would work hard and, keep as many options as possible open. Someday, as soon as possible, he would get Kate and Lucas away from his sick mother. He at least would do his familial duty.

So when Child Services was called by a teacher at Steven's high school Steven couldn't fight it even if he had wished too. His mother and sister were in no state to raise children. Steven did worry about how this would affect his schooling but, was surprised when it didn't. One of his classmate's parents were approved to be foster parents. Steven found himself begging that they take Kate and Lucas as well to no avail. It appeared that it was common for families to be separated in the system. It was easier to find homes for one or two children rather than three. When Lucas ran away from his fourth foster home in less than a year covered in bruises Steven suddenly understood what he had to do.

He was fifteen years old when he discovered that the childcare system, while it did its best, was in desperate need of reform. His foster parents had filled out the paperwork to get Steven and his siblings to a Partner Farm to select the Digi-eggs that contained their Digital Partners. So it was a common sight to see Steven Thomasson crawling though libraries and government buildings with Minomon trailing after him. He was doing research. He wanted to do the reform smart.

So when he was a junior in high school he started applying to every college with a decent pre-law program. He was also going to minor in childcare and social services. It was an odd combination for a man but, Steven didn't care. He would become part of the childcare system and, work from the inside out. He also wanted a political career. He wanted to change policies that could only be changed at a level only the government affected.

As soon as he turned 18 Steven started petitioning the courts for custody of Lucas and Kate. It was a hard battle but, Steven was not afraid of using hard work to get what he wanted. Kate had been asking Steven to take her with him every time he visited, which was as often as possible. Lucas asked the same thing. Steven had plenty of character witness and, if that was not enough his full ride to his first pick school would be enough to convince anyone that he was a hard worker. The fact that he had two different jobs would help as well.

So he was completely caught off guard when in the session to decide the outcome the system worker said, "Steven is a bright boy and, I am sure he cares for his family a great deal. However he is also ambitious. I'm not sure he is suited to caring for two small children."

Lucas and Kate started protesting that they were not small. Steven felt like all the air had been knocked out of him. This was the first time his ambition had ever been used against him. In the past many of the so called adults praised him for his dedication. Was his ambition bad? Was it pulling him away from his family? If that was the case? If so Steven would have to re think his plans.

That was when Kate's foster mother spoke, "I do not know Steven as well as I know Kate but, I do know this. Most children in situations like Kate have no one older to respect, admire or, call a hero. That is not true for Kate and, that is Steven's fault. He comes to visit his sister whenever he has a chance and, she looks forward to every visit. Her brother is her hero because he his hard working and ambitious. He honestly wants to make his siblings life better even if that means doing something they rather he didn't. Steven isn't looking to be their friend or their father. He is looking to be their older brother and, I believe that he can do it. Will it be difficult because he is young? Yes, there is no denying that. However it is because he is hard working and ambitious that he will succeed. He won't quit and, if it becomes necessary he will make changes to his life style to ensure the best possible outcome for both Kate and Lucas."

It was with that declaration that judge awarded custody of Lucas to Steven. The judge's reasoning was sound. He wanted to make sure that Steven could handle the increased responsibility. Besides Kate was entering … a delicate time in her life. It would be better that she had some type of female influence in her life. Steven would still be allowed to visit whenever he wished. It wasn't what Steven, Kate or Lucas wanted but, it would have to do. There was no point in fighting what was happening.

Over the next years Steven ran himself ragged. He wanted to be done with college as soon as possible. He worked two jobs, had twenty hour course loads, took summer and winter classes and, somehow still managed to see Kate whenever he could. He didn't forget to help Lucas with his homework or to be kind to his neighbors. Steven had three things in his life: his family, hard work and, his ambition. If he was lucky that would be enough to get him though life. It help that the now Wormmon still happily went with him everywhere. With her by his side how could Steven lose?

It wasn't easy. There were times Steven despaired at every getting it all done. There were times when there was barely enough time in the day. There was time when Steven's grades slumped slightly. At other times Lucas and Kate suffered. Steven hated when that happened. Still he had to the best he could. He had a goal. He had a target. He would make it. Hard work created miracles. So did faith. Steven had faith in his family and friends. He knew that what he was going was good. What more could he ask for when it came to his ambition.

**End Flashback**

Steven was jerked out of his memories when he heard a yell and, then heard Haru yelling, "Steven! Get the hell out here! The village is under attack!"

Steven wasn't sure how he managed to get to his feet so fast but, he stopped when Yuki let out a yelp and asked, "What's going on?"

Steven moved to help her up, "I'm not entirely sure but, I think the village is in trouble. Come on!"

Together with Wormmon and Patamon they raced out to where Haru, Agumon and, both sets of twins where. Peter was on Haru's left with Petra on his left. So Steven took up a side on Haru's right and, Yuki raced to take the spot on Steven's other side. Together they looked across the plain to where five Digimon where standing. The one in the middle had the seriously damaged Andromon in her grip. She was certainly female.

Haru said one word, "Peter."

Peter heard the order and followed it, "The one in the middle is Ladydevimon, a Fallen Angel Digimon at the Ultimate level. Her Black Wing attack can impale us even from here." Peter pointed at one of the ends, "That's Gigadramon, an Ultimate level Android Digimon. His Genocide Gear attack is both 100 percent deadly and organic." Peter pointed at the other end, "That one's Wizardmon, both a Champion and a Wizard type Digimon. His Magical Game is both complicated and Dangerous." Peter dropped his hand, "Betwixt him and Ladydevimon is another Wizard type and Champion, Musyamon. His Shogun Sword creates a fiery dragon that decimates his enemies. The last one is the Champion Sealsdramon. He's an Android Digimon and, his Death Behind uses one of the sharpest knifes known to the Digital World."

Petra scowled, "Well that's just lovely. Three Champions and two Ultimate levels."

Haru was about to ask what they could want when Ladydevimon tossed the dying Andromon at them. The defender of the village landed right at Yuki's feet. Petra let out a gasp as they got a close up view of the injuries. She had never seen such damage before. However judging by Yuki's reaction she had. The Digidestined didn't say anything.

Then Ladydevimon spoke, "I am going to make this simple. We want the Hacker. Give them to us for destruction or this village will be destroyed instead."

Haru broke the deadly silence that fell, "Well that was blunt. Also no. I believe we can defend both the village and Yuki." Haru found the Digivolution app and activated Agumon's power up, "Agumon! Digivolution Activate!"

Agumon grinned, "Agumon Digivole to!" It didn't take long for the light to revel the Digimon's new form, "Greymon!"

Petra smirked, "Yuki's my friend! Count me in to!" Petra started Lopmon's Digivolution, "Come on out Turuiemon! Digivolution Activate!"

Lopmon's Digivolution was quick, "Lopmon Digivole to … Turuiemon!"

Peter pulled up his Digivolution app at the same time as his sister, "Digivolution Activate!"

As such Terriermon Digivoled at the same time at his twin, "Terriermon Digivole to … Gargomon!"

Steven was on the tail end of this cycle, "Digivolution Activate! We need to protect Yuki!"

Wormmon agreed, "Right! Wormmon Digivole to … Stingmon!"

Now the whole crew save Patamon were at their Champion level. Yuki asked, "Patamon?"

Patamon sounded apologetic, "I'm not feeling it."

Haru turned to Yuki, "Yuki! Do you trust me?" At Yuki's slow but unhesitant nod Haru ordered, "Then leave this to us! Find someplace to hide! Someplace out of the way." Yuki looked at him with wide eyes until he shouted, "Now!" Yuki then turned to run so she didn't see Haru shoot out his right wrist towards Greymon, "Recode!"

Greymon collapsed into a stream of Data, "Greymon Recode to," The light spiraled around Haru, "Shintakumon!"

Then with a shout Shintakumon raced straight towards Ladydevimon. It was clear that she was the one in charge of this. She extended her long arm and, Shintakumon met the attack with his right metal arm. The two of them were stuck and, for a moment they pushed against each other with all their strength. Then they broke from each other.

Ladydevimon smirked as she told Shintakumon, "We will get the Hacker for Neodevimon and he will have his revenge for when she played him for a fool."

Shintakumon was not a fool. That meant the Devimon that had been the conqueror of this In-Training village had Digivoled. Still Yuki told trusted him and, Shintakumon would do everything in his power not to betray that trust.

The Recode Digimon told his enemy that, "Programmer." He stressed that word, "Tachibana is our friend. We will protect her."

Ladydevimon was still smirking evilly, "So be it. I just kill you first." She then let out an attack, "Evil Wing!"

Thousands of bat-like creatures flew from Ladydevimon. There was fire where they hit. Shintakumon did his best to avoid the attack and, when he couldn't he used his left hand to knock them to ground. This was not a battle of wits or power. This was a battle of speed. Shintakumon knew he had to win. He let his right arm transform into his cannon but, Ladydevimon kept flashing around to attack. Shintakumon swore as she sent her Evil Wing to attack him. He barely avoided it.

Meanwhile Steven was trying to figure out how Stingmon, Gargomon and, Turuiemon should spilt the remainder of the opponents. They were coming right at the group. Steven swore. He was not a general like Haru. If the titles meant anything he was a diplomat. However he had to come up with something or else Yuki was doomed.

Finally he said, "Gargomon, can you use your Gargo Bullets to keep the Champions off of Turuiemon and Stingmon while they attack Gigadramon?"

Gargon took aim, "Let's do it!" Then he fired, "Gargo Bullets!"

He kept up the barrage as Turutiemon rushed the Ultimate, "Ninja Claw!"

Stingmon flew to get behind the enemy and, then attacked from behind, "Stinging Strike!"

Gigadramon jumped up into the sky to avoid the attacks and, then pointed his cannon at the two Champions who were trying not to collide, "Genocide Gear!"

The two Champions could not avoid the attack completely so the missiles hit their targets. Tururimon and Stingmon went flying through the air. They desperately tried to right themselves so that way they could attack again but, all who were watching knew it was useless. Even two Champions could not fight against an Ultimate.

However Gargomon did not break from his orders. If he slipped up Things would only get worse for his sister and friends. As such he kept his Gargo Bullets going at the two enemy Champions. Wait! Two? Where had Muysamon gone? This was bad! Gargomon. Tried to check every angle but, couldn't see him. Still Gargomon found out where Musyamon was soon enough.

Yuki's screams soon filled the air, "Patamon! Help! Steven!"

Steven turned to see Musyamon running away from the village in the opposite direction of the battle. Under his arm was Yuki. She banged her fists against his back as she screamed for help. Patamon was desperately flying after her but, couldn't keep up. Yuki was flailing her legs away.

Yuki was still fighting but, as soon as she saw Steven's horrified face her yelling changed, "Make it happen! Make it better for Lucas and Kate! Make it!"

That was when Musyamon decided he had enough and, thumped her on the back of the head. Yuki slumped and Steven stared for a moment. What kind of woman was Yuki? Here she was being kidnapped and, she was screaming at Steven to accomplish his goals, to meet his ambition. Did she not understand that if he couldn't save her he couldn't save anyone? That he needed to get back to the Real World first and he wasn't getting there without her? He wasn't giving her up just because it would be easy. Steven started to run after her.

Then Gigadramon was suddenly in front of him, "Where do you think you're going?"

Steven scowled, "To get my friend!"

Gigadramon's laugh was sardonic, "My! Isn't that ambitious of you. You know that ambition is dangerous. It will get you killed."

Steven threw his arms behind him and yelled, "Ambition is many things! Hard work! Consuming! Exhausting! But it's only dangerous when it's selfish or when you try to take shortcuts!"

Stingmon suddenly started condensing into the light that was pure Data. This time no one freaked out. It seemed Steven had unlocked to key to his Recoding. This was good. They finally had a chance! The light plunged into the Digiwatch on Steven's left wrist.

As that happened Stingmon declared, "Stingmon Recode to!" The light circled around Steven to Recode him as well, "Yaboumon!"

Gigadramon was confused beyond all reason, "What the hell! Who are you?"

Yaboumon answered the question, "I am Yaboumon, the Diplomat of Ambition. As Stingmon I recode with a guide of needed ambition. My far reaching Lofty Spear strikes down those with corrupt goals."

Yaboumon had on a complete set of green armor. At his joint were hinges made of black metal. On his both of wrist the black band passed over his hand and ended in a point. The one on his left sported a red gem in the middle. In his right hand was a green spear made out of the same metal as the armor. It was capped with a red blade and was almost as tall as he was. His boots made it appear as if he had three claws. Two pointed forward while one pointed backwards. A pair of translucent wings sprouted from his back that looked like an insects wings. Not one inch of skin could be seen but the eye holes were glowing the same hazel color as Steven's eyes. In this form elements of both Stingmon and Jewelbeemon, Stingmon's Ultimate form, could be seen. He was still the same size as Steven. His body structure hadn't change much and, even if it was hidden by the bulky armor. He looked to be half a foot taller but, that could have been the added armor. The armor made him look vaguely insect like. His voice did echo strangely. It seemed to reflect both Wormmon's feminine tones and, Steven's more masculine ones.

Gigadramon scoffed, "Whatever! I'll still destroy you!" He pointed his gun at Yaboumon, "Genocide Gear!"

Yaboumon then proved that this wings were functional rather than vestigial and took to the sky. Gigadramon moved to follow him but, Yaboumon was faster. He adjusted the grip on his spear as he prepared to throw it. As Gigadramon came up to meet him Yaboumon took aim.

Yaboumon then tossed the weapon, "Lofty Spear!"

The spear flew through the air and towards the ground. It gained a pink energy similar to the blade of Stingmon's Stinging Strike. It made contact with Gigadramon and, as it passed through the Digimon. Gigadramon burst into Data and, then the Data disappeared from sight. Yabooumon had won his first battle.

Wizardmon had been distracted by the Recoding and, Turuiemon took reckless advantage of that. She leapt behind him to attack with the gauntlet on her right hand. They didn't have time to waste. They had to go get Yuki. Her Ninja Claw did her work all too well and Wizardmon disintegrated into Data.

Ladydevimon had been distracted as well so Shintakumon could finally take aim with his blaster, "Connection Blaster!"

Ladydevimon crossed her arms over her chest in order to fight off the stream of energy that threatened to destroy. Shintakumon just kept power energy into her like he had done with Darksuperstarmon. Ladydevimon struggled to get out even a single attack but, fail before joining her two comrades as Data.

Sealsdramon saw this so as Gargomon pointed his cannon at him he stuck his hands straight in the air, "I surrender!"

Yaboumon's Recode ended and, Steven came at Sealsdramon with Minomon in his arms, "Good!" This was the fiercest anyone had seen him, "Because you are taking us straight to Neodevimon so we can rescue Yuki!"

Patamon came to rest on Steven's head, "Yeah!"

**Scene Change**

Ken wasn't sure there was anything more to discover on Yuki Tachibana's computers. He couldn't prove that she was a Hacker but, she sure knew how to protect data with a lower case d. The girl was a genius on the same level as him and Koushiro. In fact she may have been just a tad bit smarter than them both. Ken would just never say that out loud ever. He decided to take a break. He could argue with Yuki's security systems later.

Then Ken was wide awake as the same diamond from before popped up on the screen. He didn't need to look to know that it was on all the other screens as well. He just went about trying to trace the signal. It took some time to get here the first time so maybe it would take some time this time as well. However just like the first time Ken almost had it when the signal disappeared.

Ken sat back to look at the updated messages. This time the upper left section had been filled. The symbol this time was red. It looked like a cross between a bull's eye and a radiation symbol. At the center was a small circle. On the outside it appeared like a circle had been cut into four wedges and, the pieces had been separated. Ken looked at it in confusion. What did it mean?

There were more words in red underneath the spring green ones about loneliness, "It's only dangerous when it's selfish or a person tries to take shortcuts."

Once again that was an answer to a question Ken didn't know. Somehow he knew that if he could figure out the question he could figure out what was going on. He had given the last answer to the other Digidestined. He would also give them this one. They couldn't all be completely dumb. One of them had to have some clue.

Author's note: Hello! LadyAnnaLee here! How are y'all today? I hope you are doing well. So Yabou translates to ambition. What did you think of Steven's Recoding? And poor Yuki! She's on her way to Neodevimon. That can't be good. BEST OC Maker reviewed. I'm sorry you were confused but, it's not explained for a while. However I have given the answer. You just have to look for it. Also enarmonios reviewed. Yuki has no hidden Hacker agenda. She really was picked by the Powers that Be and the truth is why. Like I said I have stated the truth, several times in fact. I just didn't explicitly say what the truth is nor, have I explained it. Have fun looking for it! Anyways I'll see you next week! Please remember to review. See you later. Love LadyAnnaLee!

PS. I do not own Digimon. Anything you recognize is not mine.