Petra couldn't believe this was happening. For the most part the Digital World had taken their suggestion to heart. In the Digital World it had been about six months since that message had been sent. Yuki said it had been about 4 days in the Real World. The Digidestined had spent most of that time in the Digital World but, occasionally they popped back over to the Real World. Steven didn't like the leaving the struggling Digital World Confederation defenseless but, Haru said they had to deal with anti-Digital World terrorists. They were gaining a reputation in both worlds. According to Yuki they had fan clubs and haters. Petra didn't like thinking about that.

She was more concerned about the trial that was happening this morning. It had been hard to keep all the Digimon contained. It wasn't just the four from the battle that had been the prelude to the government formation. More agents of Tempusmon had been captured but, the Demon Lords had stayed out of the battle since Laylamon and Barbamon had been captured and not Deconfigured. Keeping them contained had been a pain and, this trial was the first official action of the Digital World Confederation.

Petra didn't really understand what was going on with the Digital World Confederation. Steven did though and, both he and, Queenchessmon had tried to explain it to her. Apparently all the different areas of the Digital World, like File Island and the Net Ocean, were still allowed to run their own governments. It was just that all the country like areas that were a part of the Digital World Confederation had signed a treaty to have a common currency, not to go to war with each other and, to be united in threats against them. One of the things they had agreed was that war criminals had to be tried by a committee of representatives of each part of the Confederation. Petra got that part. She also got the part where the Digidestined of the Question weren't actually part of the Digital World Confederation. According to Steven they, along with the Keepers, were neutral advisors and protectors. That was why she and Lopmon, along with their twins had been asked to act as overseers and final decision makers for this trial.

The Comforter wasn't sure that was such a good idea. After all she and Peter had been part of the battles that had caught the prisoners. Queenchessmon argued that since they had been the ones to fight for a trial and, the council overseeing the trial had invited both sets of twins in that it would be alright. Still Petra was worried. Beelzemon had volunteered for trial since he had once been part of Tempusmon's Inner Circle. Yuki hadn't protested since logically she understood. Still Petra knew that Yuki was suffering. All the Digimon that were being put on trial had been put in a new set of cells two nights before and, Yuki had never been away from Beelzemon for this long.

Haru came into to the room where Petra was waiting with Lopmon, "It's time. They're waiting for you."

Petra stood up, "Thank you." She was almost out the door when she paused to tell Haru, "I keep thinking I want Mercy. And not just because of Beelzemon."

Haru reached out to brush a lock of hair from her face, "You wouldn't be you if you didn't. I've never known someone as so fundamentally good as you are. All you have to do is approve of the committee's decision. And if you don't just say so. I'm sure that betwixt you and your Justice obsessed brother something can work out."

Petra still wasn't sure, "But what if this time we can't?"

Lopmon launched herself up to Petra's shoulder, "It will be alright. Both you and Peter know that you can't have Justice without Mercy or Mercy without Justice. Besides trials like this take time anyways."

Petra smoothed out her skirt, "Fair point." She steeled herself as she began walking again, "Alright! Let's go."

Petra made a soft clicking noise as she walked. She wasn't dressed in her normal outfit. Instead she was wear a charcoal grey suit with a knee length skirt. Her button up shirt was pale pink and, she had on pantyhose and low heeled pumps to complete the outfit. She had designed it herself and, Peter was wearing a matching outfit except, he was wearing pants, his shirt was white and, he had on a deep orange tie. Peter was waiting at the door with Terriermon on his shoulder. Without a word she laced her right hand in his left hand. Their Partners were on their outside shoulders.

Then as they entered the room Anubismon announced their arrival, "Comforter Corvine, Judge Corvine and, their Partners; Lopmon and Terriermon respectively."

Everyone in their room had stood as the twins walked to their seats overseeing the entire room. When they sat down the rest of the room sat as well. Petra looked around to see four doors leading in and out. Stephen and Stingmon were guarding on of the doors. Petra knew that Queenchessmon was on the other side of that door. Metalgreymon was guarding the door that lead to the prison cells. Haru would be taking his place soon enough so that way the Ultimate could take the other side. Anubismon moved to guard the outside of the door that the twins had come in from and, Venusmon was on the outside. Yuki and Angemon were guarding the open door so people could come in and out.

The prisoners were already in the middle of the room and, were separated from the viewers by a cage that Yuki had designed to negate any and all attacks. It had required that all of the Digidestined besides Haru help make it. Haru kept them feed so he wasn't completely useless. Other than that the Digimon had been stripped of their visible weapons. Petra noted that most of them were clustered together but, Beelzemon was a little away from the rest of the group. He looked a little worse for wear.

Justimon, a Mega Level Digimon was the one actually running the trial. He told the silent room, "The Trial of the Demon Lords, Barbamon, Beelzemon, Laylamon and, their followers will now begin." Then he told the criminals, "You are being accused of aiding and abetting the Hacker known as Tempusmon in his acts of terrorism against the Digital World. How do you plead?"

Laylamon hissed ,"The only thing we are guilty of anything is helping the visionary Tempusmon in his plans to create a unified and peaceful world!" She all but, stabbed her finger at Beelzemon, "The only criminal here in this cage is this traitor." She slammed her fist against the barrier, "You are all just pathetic moronic hypocrites!"

Justimon said, "Ah." Then he looked over at the jury of representatives, "I ask that the members of the jury note that." He declared, "Let us begin with the presentation of the evidence and witness."

As the trial got underway Petra shot a look at Yuki. The Programmer was very pointedly not looking at anyone. Angemon had passed her his Angel's Staff to give her something to grab so she didn't try to hurt herself or others. Petra turned her attention back to the trial. Everything would be alright. She was sure of it.

**Scene Change**

Peter was about ready to scream. The trial had taken forever. It hadn't really taken forever. It had only been a week. It was till driving him mad. How hard was it to determine what justice was? He was certain that the fact that the group of criminals were indeed criminals was pretty clear. Yet the lawyer for the Confederation and the lawyer for the criminals had gone over every piece of evidence piece by piece dozens of times. The worse part was seeing what this was doing to Yuki. She wasn't sleeping well but, every chance she got she told Petra and Peter to make sure they didn't let personal attachments influence them and, to keep things fair. Peter figured that he owed Yuki that.

Luckily it was almost over. The jury was currently in another room discussing their decision. Peter waited for them to come out while he watched Yuki rub at her eyes and, drink her fourth cup of black coffee. He was worried. This was a new government. What if they chose to forgo Justice in exchange for Mercy? He didn't want there not to be any Mercy at all. Still Justice needed to be one of the foundations of the new Confederation.

Just then the jury filed back in. Andromon stood up to deliver the verdict, "Judge Corvine, Comforter Corvine; we present for your consideration our verdict of the accused."

Judge Corvine nodded, "Proceed."

Andromon nodded, "The accused are found guilty of aiding the Hacker known as Tempusmon and, committing acts of terrorism. As Deconfiguring would just allow them a chance to return to Tempusmon we believe that retaining them in prison is an acceptable punishment. The will remain in prison until Tempusmon is brought to Justice and, five years after that." Andromon bowed his head in respect, "Your advice Digidestined?"

Peter smiled; that was perfect. However Petra protested, "What? We have no idea how long that will take! Are they really expected to remain in prison for an unknown period of time?"

Peter turned to quietly reassure his sister, "Sister. This is Justice."

Petra snapped, "Yeah I know that! What I want to know is where the Mercy is!"

Peter scowled, "They aren't being Deleted!"

Petra laughed scornfully, "So we aren't murders and that's Mercy! No! This isn't the battlefield! The rules are different! And you know that!"

Steven let out a quiet sigh, "I forgot to tell them to do this in another room."

Peter didn't hear him or didn't care. "So what! We are just supposed to sacrifice Justice for Mercy!"

Petra all but yelled as she leapt to her feet, "I never said that! But, without Mercy what's the point!"

Then Yuki let out a shout, "Look behind them!"

Haru shushed her, "Yes I see it! Shush!"

Peter was on his feet as well as he ignored the glowing deep orange symbol for Justice behind him, "The world isn't perfect! It's time you stopped pretending it is!"

Petra didn't see the pale pink symbol for Mercy behind her, "Well the world isn't as self-centered as you make it out to be! What's up with that?"

Peter shoved his Digiwatch out to Petra, "Well maybe we should solve this the old fashion way!"

Petra shoved her Digiwatch out to Peter, "Bring it on!"

Lopmon was stunned, "They've never fought like this before."

Venusmon was shocked, "Never?"

Terriermon nodded as he confirmed, "Never."

The twins were just about to activate the other's Digivolution app when Steven shouted, "ENOUGH!"

Yuki nodded, "Yeah! Enough!"

Both heads snapped around to look at their friends as Steven continued, "This isn't like you. This isn't right." He sighed, "I used to think that Justice and Mercy were opposites. Then I meet you and, I saw that they were partners. Like the two of you." He pushed a hand though his hair, "It doesn't surprise me that the two of you came to the Crests of Justice and Mercy. You're both so different yet so close. Just like Justice and Mercy." Steven smiled, "Take a moment. Calm down. I'm positive you'll figure it out."

Haru nodded in agreement, "You always do. That's why I'm glad you're on our side."

Yuki shoved her hands in her pocket, "You two up there are why I let him be stupid. I knew you figure out a fair way to bring him back." She looked at the floor as she kicked at nothing, "Please don't let me down." Her head snapped up to glare at them, "You've already proven that Justice and Mercy can exist in harmony."

As one Steven and Haru joined Yuki, "Now do it again!"

Petra collapsed in her seat just as the symbol for Mercy behind her condensed into a Crest Card. The symbol for Justice condensed behind Peter as well but, he remained standing. Both heads turned as they heard the Crest Cards clatter to the ground. As one they slowly bent to pick them up. Like Haru's they were white plastic about the size of a trading card. Peter's had the Crest of Justice embossed on the front in deep orange. When it caught the light it gave of silver flecks that gave the plastic a greyish tint. Petra's had the Crest of Mercy embossed in pale pink. The flecks in this Crest Card were pale gold.

Peter sat back down as he stared at the card with wide eyes, "Awesome." Then he looked up at Petra, "So Mercy. Any ideas?"

Petra shrugged, "We need to give them an out." She tapped the Crest Card against her teeth, "What if they go to prison until after five years after Tempusmon is brought to Justice unless they do something like swear to protect the Digital World Confederation. That way they have a choice."

Peter nodded, "That sounds good." Then he smiled, "That's perfect!" The Judge turned to the jury, "We propose an alternative. The accused, who have been found guilty, should be given a choice. Either they go to a secure prison until five years after the Hacker known as Tempusmon is brought to Justice or they may swear to serve the Digital World Confederation for the same length of time. They must make that choice now."

Petra protested, "No! If they go to prison now they can change their mind once!"

Peter accepted that with a nodded, "As the Comforter said."

Andromon spoke clearly, "We as the jury must discuss this before agreeing to it."

A Datamon protested, "What is there to discuss? That sounds better than our idea. That is why we asked the Judge and Comforter to oversee this; for their advice."

Taomon, another member of the jury, cut in, "Well for one thing I would like to propose that the criminals that would swear would have a chance to swear to either the Confederation or the Digidestined of the Question."

A Lilymon, that had never had a Human partner, asked "Why is that important? If we need to we can assign anyone that swears to the Confederation to the Keepers."

Diplomat Thomasson spoke up, "The Keepers belong to us. The Questioners make the final decision on who is permitted into the Keepers."

Taomon jerked at Steven with her head, "That's why."

Andromon cut though, "Who thinks we should allow the options proposed by the Judge and Comforter?" Every member of the jury's hand went up so he continued, "Who thinks Taomon's options should be given to those who chose to swear." Every hand stayed up so Andromon turned to Justimon, "We of the Jury have come to a decision. Those criminals have the option of serving a prison term until five years after the Hacker known as Tempusmon is brought to Justice or swearing to serve either the Digital World Confederation or the Digidestined of the Question for the same length of time. If they chose the prison sentence they are allowed to change their mind once and swear loyalty."

Justimon nodded agreement and, clapped his hand, "So it shall be." He turned to the cage, "However I want their choices now."

Laylamon laughed, "Like we would swear to you pathetic weaklings! Send us to prison! There we will wait until our Lord Tempusmon comes to rescue us!"

Beelzemon spoke lightly, "I would swear to the Lady Programmer as many times as I need to. Will that satisfy this court?"

Justimon looked over the criminals, "Anyone else?" When he was meet with hissing he turned to the jury, "Does Demon Lord Beelzeon's offer meet the conditions set forth?"

The jury erupted into quiet whispers that lasted about 30 minutes. When it was over Andromon spoke, "If General Hayashi accepts it so shall the Digital World Confederation. However we would see it now so it is on record."

Justimon agreed to that, "Very well." He spoke to Yuki, "Programmer Tachibana, please let Demon Lord Beelzemon out so that the court may see his oath and, know if it is accepted."

Yuki nodded and, slowly walked to the cage. She had Angemon's staff in her right hand so she gripped it tightly as her left fingers tapped at a keypad to open the cage. Surprisingly the other Digimon allowed Beelzemon out without trying to escape. Of course they were scowling so it was clear they weren't happy. As soon as the door was closed Beelzemon took Yuki's left hand and, softly pulled her to a place where both Haru and the jury could see them. Then he sank to his right knee with his left leg bent. It was clear he was in pain but, he ignored that in favor of bowing his head over the hand he still held in both of his.

The Demon Lord of Gluttony's voice was soft but the room was dead silent so everyone heard him, "I told you this once Lady Programmer. I will say it as many times as it needs to be heard. I will follow you, Lady Programmer Yuki Tachibana, where ever you may go for as long as you will have me. I have my own reasons for this but, know they are sincere." His eyes were closed, "I care not for periods of times set by others. I care not for the Lord General Haru Hayashi's approval. I care not for the Digital World Confederation's approval save for the fact that I know they are important to you." Then he switched from English to Japanese as he repeat verbatim words he last spoken in the snowy desert of Antarctica, "Being allowed to give my undiluted loyalty to you, being allowed to serve you, being allowed to remain by your side is all that I will every need. So please Lady Programmer accept my oath. I give it freely and without ire."

Then he pressed his lips to Yuki's hand. She dropped the Angel's Staff as she dropped to her knees. Then she threw her arms around her Demon Lord's neck and, her whisper could barely be heard despite the silence, "Yes! Of course. Just don't do anything like this to me again."

Haru's eyes were wide as he watched the display, "Is that what he told her in Antarctica after they escaped Reconfiguration Chasm?"

Angemon was smiling as he confirmed, "The Japanese was word for word."

Haru's laughed lightly, "Then yes! I accept that! How could I not?"

Justimon clapped again, "Then it done. Those who would not swear will be transferred to the Digital Prisons immediately."

That was when the attack started. There was a rumbling noise and, then the domed roof was pierced by four black rods that each produced four anchors that sunk into the roof. Then a groaning sound was followed by the roof slowly pulling away.

Beelzemon had moved Yuki so that way he was between her and the roof, "It's Tempusmon!"

Yuki tapped on her Digiwatch, "He's got four different Decode Spheres activated! This will take time!"

Decode Spheres was the slang name for the orbs that created a barrier that prevent Recoding. If they had an official name it wasn't known. Yuki had figured out how they worked just by analyzing the first one she had come across and, could even deactivate them. However she couldn't do it in one fell swoop. Each one had a different identify code hidden deep in their security algorithm. Yuki needed that code to turn a Decode Sphere off. She couldn't get that until they were active.

Petra and Peter selected the correct app, "Digivolution Activate!"

Lopmon jumped off the stand, "Lopmon Digivovle to … Tururiemon!"

Terriermon was half a step behind his sister, "Terriermon Digivovle to … Gargomon!"

Peter smirked at his sister, "Ladies first!"

Petra wasn't offended, "Fair enough!"

She passed her Crest Card over her Digiwatch Crest side up. Then she aimed the light at Tururiemon. The light that passed from her Digiwatch and though the Crest Card hit Turuiemon just as the Champion jumped into the air.

Turuiemon declared, "Turuiemon Digivovle to …" Petra was grinning like a maniac as the Digimon was Modified, "Antylamon!"

Petra jabbed her fist to the sky, "Yes! Hahaha!"

Peter quickly passed his Crest Card over his Digiwatch, "It's our turn!" He aimed the light at his Partner, "Gargomon!"

Gargomon turned and, held out a cannon covered hand like he was going to catch the light, "Gargomon Digivovle to …" His Modification took next to no time at all, "Rapidmon!"

General Hayashi stood in front of Metalgreymon, "Alright! Tempusmon was a fool to think that he could attack this place with all these Ultimates and Megas. At the very least he's not taking the prisoners! We might even be able to catch him! Let's go!"

That was when the roof was finally ripped of the building. Before anyone could even blink a clear cylinder dropped over the cage to separate the prisoners from everyone else. Beelzemon grabbed Yuki and, leapt backwards just in time.

Rapidmon wasn't having any of that, "Not so fast!" He stood with his feet together and his arms outstretched, "Tri-beam!"

Metalgreymon aided his friend on the assault on cylinder, "Giga Blaster!"

Antylamon moved near Venusmmon, "I see a ship Venusmon! Shall we go after it?"

Venusmon offered her hand to the Ultimate, "Of course!"

Then as one they jumped up to the ship where the cylinder was. Haru called after them, "Be careful! Stingmon! Anubismon! Queenchessmon! Go with them!"

Queenchessmon called out to Anubismon, "I need a lift!"

Stingmon took to the sky and, Anubismon picked up Queenchessmon to follow after. Rapidmon and Metalgreymon were still firing at the cylinder but, couldn't make a dent in it. Digimon were coming down from the ship to try and, undo the security Yuki had created. Beelzemon was hunched over Yuki as she furiously tapped on her Digiwatch. After fetching his Staff Angemon had flow off to fetch the computer. Steven had seen the Digimon trying to set the criminals free and, was using the Physic Net to make things difficult for them. Petra and Peter were holding hands as they Synched with the Digital World. Pink and orange lightning filled the air.

Justimon was overseeing an excavation, "Anyone not staying to battle come with me and stay low!"

Steven called out to Haru, "There are too many Digimon I can't target that many specifics."

The General was good at spilt decisions, "Switch to the prisoners! Peter! Petra! Can you knock that ship out of the sky?"

The twins spoke as one, "We can try!"

Haru called to Yuki, "Programmer!"

She called back, "There's one more Sphere!"

Angemon landed next to his Partner, "I have the computer!"

Venusmon suddenly jumped down next to Haru, "We miscalculated! The whole ship is full of Mega Digimon!"

Haru's eyes went wide but, he didn't break stride, "Forget the sphere! Hack the ship! Now!"

Yuki nodded as she plug her Digiwatch into the computer, "Right! I'm on it!"

Haru continued, "Beelzemon! I need you to go help the others!"

Beelzemon reminded the General, "I don't have my guns!"

Haru swore in Japanese, "I forgot! Angemon!"

Angemon nodded, "Right!" He took to the air, "On my way!"

The General didn't break stride, "Metalgreymon! How's it coming?"

Metalgreymon swore as well. "I have no idea what this stuff is made off but, we can't dent it."

The General hollered at Yuki, "I'm sorry to distract you but!"

Yuki didn't need to hear more. She turned to look at the cylinder. Her green eyes glowed dangerously as she passed a hand across it. One moment it was unidentifiable plastic and, then in the next it was water. She didn't pause but, kept turning and, was soon back to hacking the ship's computer. As such she didn't see the water collapse to the ground.

Petra called out to Haru, "We can't seem to hit it!"

Venusmon continued with her report, "That's because they have lightning rods all over the ship."

Steven confirmed it, "She's right! I can see them though Stingmon's eyes."

Since the barrier was down Metalgreymon was picking off Digimon trying to open Yuki's cage, "Giga Blaster!"

On the other hand Rapidmon had changed attacks "Rapid Fire!"

Yuki then swore loudly as she declared in Japanese, "There's no wireless connection to the ship!"

That was one of the Digimon finally opened the cage. In desperation Steven let out a scream as he sent a wave of physic energy towards the Digimon in question. Rapidmon was in the way and, he too was affected. He was force to return to his Rookie stage and, both Terriermon and Steven collapsed. Beelzemon saw this and, lunged at Barbamon. The two Demon Lords soared across the room as they grappled with each other. Then Beelzemon managed to pin Barbamon to a wall. Yuki kept typing, trying every trick she knew. Most of the enemy Digimon were almost at the ship. Haru scowled. There was only one thing to be done.

The General gave the one command he didn't want to give, "Retreat! Retreat!" He screamed the word loud in hopes that the Digimon on their side stuck on the ship would hear him, "RETREAT!"

The Digimon had reached the ship and, Haru kept yelling his one word order. The ship started pulling away and, Yuki couldn't help but bit her lip as she watched it pull away. Then dark shapes started jumping down from the ship. Yuki counted them. She started to panic. There were only four shapes. Then she relaxed a bit as she saw that Wormmon was in Antylamon's arms.

As the Digimon landed Peter commented, "Well that was a disaster."

Petra nodded, "Yeah. But at least Beelzemon managed to keep Barbamon caught."

Haru scoffed, "We need to get better."

Yuki asked, "How?"

The soccer player answered, "We start doing drills. Practice is the only way to get better."

Metalgreymon reverted to Agumon, "We can do that for sure."

Haru kick a piece of debris, "We can also start tomorrow."

Everyone was alright with that as they looked at the destruction around them. They were slightly stunned. That was the first real battle they had lost. Tempusmon was adapting to the Digidestined. It was time that they adapted to him instead. Besides it wouldn't like practice would hurt anything.

**Scene Change**

Ken looked at his computer. He had been scanning the Digital World constantly since Haru and Yuki had broken out of prison 4 days ago. He was trying to pick up indicators of how long it had been in the Digital World. Yuki was always better at calculating the effects of the time dilation. However right now Ken was more worried about something else.

If he was deciphering the Data correctly something was up with the dimension that people called the Wishing Well. That was the world where most of the final battle against Malomyotismon had taken place. Using a few keystrokes Ken pulled up the scans that indicated what was normal for the Wishing Well. Then he compared them to the most current scans. There was no doubt about it; something was up with it. Ken scowled. When something was wrong with one of the dimensions all of them were affected. They needed to get back to the Wishing Well but, he didn't know how. They hadn't been back since that battle.

Someone came in, "You need to see this."

Ken knew it was Taichi, "And you need to see this. We need to return to the Wishing Well."

Taichi placed his laptop down so Ken could look at it, ""Maybe the Questioners can help."

Ken looked at the message that said both the Crest of Mercy and the Crest of Justice were activated, "They broke from us. Why would they help us?"

Taichi shrugged, "It doesn't hurt to ask."

Ken raised an eyebrow at the leader of most of the Digidestined, "We arrested them."

Taichi shrugged again, "We won't know until we ask. They are smart. We can ask them a favor now in return for a favor for them later. It's not like we are enemies. We just aren't the closest of friends. If you can't figure out how to get to the Wishing Well ask them for help. I'll back you."

Ken questioned, "Aren't you going to ask me why we need to go?"

Taichi shook his head, "If you say we need to go I believe we need to go. Just be careful."

Ken nodded as he turned back to his computer, "Alright. Thank you."

Taichi left him to his work, "Good Luck."

Author's Note: LadyAnnaLee here! Welcome back! It was my birthday this week! Also I decided that you didn't want to read untold numbers of words about the forming of the Digital World so I skipped it. Was I wrong? If I was let me know. So it's Peter and Petra's turn this time. What did you think of it? I liked it. Now on to reviews. To enarmonios: They are all sort of rushed. Just so you know. I was aiming for a time is against them so they can't waste it vibe. I guess it doesn't work. To BEST OC Maker: Venusmon and Laylamon don't like each other because their aspects, Love and Lust, are similar but, not close enough. Anubismon is the Digimon Lord of the Dead. I guess I figured that most Digimon would think him above throwing punches and, are surprised when they find out he isn't. Does that make sense? To Sidiq Hayat: Thank you for clicking all four boxes and, welcome to the ride! Also thank you for your review on chapter ten. I trust you found what you were looking for. Anyways please remember to review and, all that good stuff. See y'all soon. I'll see you next week. Love, LadyAnnaLee.

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