d'Arcmon was not amused.

Finding her daughter's new domicile had proven to be not as difficult as she had thought. She just had to follow the little angels that returned from their 'missions', to relax and play in their personal playground which was Ai's 'temple'.

When d'Arcmon arrived, multiple children wondered if they had to turn her into a plaything as well, to show her how joyful the new world Ai had envisioned would be.

One glare from her angelic eyes convinced them that it was better not to trifle with an angel of a higher rank and thought of a place where she could wait for her daughter's return. After a short discussion (which really was nothing but a short session of bickering, shoving around and name-calling), a young girl brought her (with all due respect) to the 'pet room', which was what they called the quarters of all the parents that had 'joined' Ai's little cult.

And now, the proud angel warrior was sitting amongst several pets, toys and similar beings that used to be adult people and mature Digimon... all of them transformed to fit a new role.

She had to admit, the little Labramon had been very polite when it offered her a (saliva-covered) rubber bone. But she couldn't help but frown when she saw the doll-sized couple of merpeople that swum around in a big goldfish bowl, looking at her through the glass with sad eyes. And let's not mention the life-sized doll which still looked like the adult man it once was... only that it was dressed in a jester's outfit, complete with jingling bells on the cap. There was a huge key in its backside, and when she turned it around, the father-turned-windup doll had spoken in a monotone voice:

"Life-is-fun-without-adults! Let's-play-a-game! Long-live-Ai! Booyah!"

And similar things.

When she was about to cry out in frustration, the door to the room finally opened up, one of the ChibiAngewomons looked inside and smiled. "Ai is back!"

Finally, d'Arcmon was able to confront her only daughter...

She was lead into the throne room, where Ai was sitting with an upset expression on her face. She had just come back from the kindergarten and did not like MarineAngemon's behavior towards her. And the gall of that dragon-boy... she would have to take care of these troublemakers later on.

"State your business, mother dear!" she spoke harshly. "I am not in a pleasant mood today."

d'Arcmon did NOT want to hear this. She marched up to the big throne, and grabbed her daughter's arm.

All of the surrounding angels gasped at that display of impudence.

Ai was way too shocked by her mother's actions that she would have protested. This was the only reason why she didn't struggle when d'Arcmon roughly pulled her out of the room, and into one of the (currently empty) playrooms.

She slammed the door behind her and stared down at the little angel that was her daughter. "All right, I have seen many things in my life, but THAT... what is the meaning of this, young lady?"

Ai found her composure and glared at her parent. She crossed her arms and said in a snobbish voice: "You are fortunate that you are my mother, or else your actions would bring about a severe punishment. What were you thinking, degrading me in front of my disciples? The scandal! The shame!"

"Why are you speaking like this?" d'Arcmon demanded to know. "Where is the little girl I adored and cuddled? Which I brought to bed and read bedtime stories? Which always asked for an additional cookie from the cookie jar, and which always got into trouble when following Impmon and Mako on one of their pranks?"

"I have found my purpose, mother dearest!" Ai proclaimed. "I will bring about a new era of joy and peace, ruled by the children that had never been asked by their parents how they would like to live. Under my guidance, there will be no crimes, no wars, no hunger and no sorrow. Everyone will be happy and enjoy life to its fullest." She smiled. "Why work all day when you can play? Why argue with your neighbor when you could have so much fun with each other? Why digivolve to a higher level when In-Training and even Rookie forms look so much cuter? Why build huge houses when you could build playgrounds?"

d'Arcmon did her best to control her temper. "I agree that this world isn't a perfect one... but what is your alternative? Punish everyone that doesn't agree? Turn them into Digimon, animals, children or dolls if they don't comply?"

"I will show them that they are wrong," Ai insisted. "And if they can't see the truth, I'll force them to see it... it's not like I would hurt anyone."

"Of course you are hurting people!" d'Arcmon shouted. "Pain is not just caused by injuries or scratches you might get when falling down on the playing ground. People suffer when you take their children away, when you force them to do something against their will, or when the city is in turmoil because of your 'disciples'. The people are afraid because of what you've done, adults and children alike."

"Why would other children be afraid of us?" Ai frowned. "That won't do... I have to bring them here and make them believe."

"NO!" d'Arcmon forcefully slammed her hand down on a table standing next to her. "That's what I'm talking about: You can't just change everybody's mind! That's vile and unjust!"

Ai's frown deepened even more. "But I am showing them nothing but joy and fun... why should they be afraid of this?" She was confused. "Are you trying to trick me?"

"Ai, I am your mother! I love you and I would never do anything to harm you. But what you've done is wrong! You may still be a child, but since you carry the data of Lucemon, I'm afraid of what they could do to you. So, please, before it is too late: Stop this madness and come back home with me!"

"I won't!" Ai said, and her voice was resolute. "I won't stand what the adults are doing day by day. "I beseech you, mother, not to interfere with my plans. If you decide to do so... then you will be my enemy!"

d'Arcmon stayed silent. She didn't have anything else to say. She seemed calm, but within her, part of her heart appeared to be shattered under the words her child had just spoken.

"I see..." she whispered. "Then there is nothing I can do for you, my child..."

She turned around and left.

Staying behind, Ai wondered if she should stop her.

'If she stays home and leaves me in peace... maybe I won't have to change her,' Lucemon thought. 'But anyone who opposes my dream of happiness... will be eradicated.'

Unbeknown to her, a glowing emblem had appeared on her forehead, for a short time.

It was the symbol of Pride.


A few hours later, d'Arcmon was in another throne room... but one that was solely made of clouds. Deep beneath her feet, she could see the landscape of the Digital World.

The long body of her superior officer was curled up in front of her.

"I see," the white-furred dragon said in a soft voice. "You have my condolences, General..."

"My Lady Magnadramon, I am ready for anything you order me to do," d'Arcmon said, bowing down her head.

Magnadramon frowned. "You know what that entails, right? I wouldn't ask you to do it if you don't want to... I know what it's like to have children, I am a mother, too."

"Please... it is my wish to bring this to an end," d'Arcmon pleaded. "I am aware of the consequences."

The white dragon sighed. "Very well, if that is your wish... then we have no choice left. Only angelic Digimon powers can undo their charms, and with Lucemon's ability to change any child into an angel, the Champions and their children won't be able to do anything without our help."

Magnadramon rose to her feet. In a sudden display of power, her mane and wings fluttered around in the waves of power her body radiated. Her eyes started to glow golden, and she extended her claws. She hated to take on the role of an aggressor... but she would do what the circumstances forced her to do.

"Prepare the Heavenly Fleet, General!" she roared in a thundering voice. "Provide all ships with rays of pure, holy light... this will dispel any enchantment Ai has placed on somebody, may it be human or Digimon. Non-enchanted people won't be harmed by them... so feel free to cover the whole city with light! The troops shall arm themselves... I doubt Lucemon will go down without a fight."

d'Arcmon stood up to her feet and saluted. "As you command, my lady!"


Only one hour later, the sky of the Digital World was covered with the biggest fleet of airships ever seen in history. Even though they were streamlined and provided with radar, high-tech weapons and all kinds of other technological equipment, every ship looked like it was made of marble. Pillars like those of a Grecian temple were aligning the command bridges, and archs of a cloudy substance were floating over the cannons, which sparkled with silver.

All kinds of angelic Digimon were manning the airships. Angemons, Angewomons, Piddomons, MagnaAngemons, Valkyrimons, Gryphonmons, Pegasusmons, Nefertimons, any many others, were preparing for the huge battle, loaded the cannons, accompanied the battleships as the flying infantry, or zoomed in-between she ships as couriers and messengers.

d'Arcmon stood on the bridge of the most massive airship there was, the MAGNADRAMON'S GLORY.

She pointed ahead. "All ships, full power! Activate the digital gate... we will enter the human world in 15 minutes. Prepare for battle instructions... CHARGE!"

And the Heavenly Fleet of the Digimon moved out to save their human allies from the most dangerous Demon Lord in existence... Lucemon!

'I wished we would never have to use this fleet...' Magnadramon thought to herself while watching her brave angels leave. 'But the chaotic force of this game forces us to do this...' She looked up in a certain direction where she knew that somebody was watching her. "Thank you!" she whispered.


Kei sighed when she leaned back in her chair.

HolyCalumon smiled. "See? She knows what you did and she still doesn't blame you. I mean, you even made sure that those holy ray cannons would not harm normal humans or Digimon... maybe you just saved the world!"

"Even so, do you realize what I just did, Holy?" Kei murmured. "I've started a WAR! How can I justify this... ever? And against children, too!"

She then felt her brother's firm hand on her shoulder.

"A soldier has to make difficult decisions, Kei," he said. "And for all it's worth... you did a great job! You have been burdened with this task, and maybe you have just given us the advantage we need. Let BioCalumon come up with something against this..."

"You are right," Kei sighed. "Still, why do I have this bad feeling something horrible is about to happen...?"

"Well... maybe you should start and design the Air Fleet Level," Holy spoke up. "This is still an RPG, and the heroes will have to fight, too. When Lucemon's troops attack the airships, they will need help... after all, the rules of every RPG say that NPCs are generally expendable... and we don't want to make any unnecessary sacrifices, do we?"

"No, you're right," Kei nodded. "All right, let's see... Rookie and Champion enemies that have been Digimon before and forced to serve Ai and her regime... or even better, inanimate objects that she has turned into expendable slaves..."

"Don't forget to put item chests in places the heroes can easily reach," Stingmon smirked. "And fill them with the best healing items and equipment."

Kei smirked back. "You're getting the hang of this, aren't you?"

Suddenly Eiko came into the room, covered with mashed carrots.

"Kei... can't you take over? Your Mom is kinda getting fidgety every time I want to feed her..."

Kei and Stingmon tried very hard not to grin. The LadyVampimon looked too funny with the mashed carrots smeared in her hair, and an expression of pure dismay on her face.

Eiko grimaced. "Oh, yuck! Some of this stuff has slipped in-between my boobies, and I can't find it... Stingmon, you wanna help me?"

Stingmon suddenly wondered if it was possible for insect Digimon to develop a nosebleed.


BioCalumon chuckled when he pictured the images of the Heavenly Fleet in his mind. "Well played, plant-girl, well played... but do you honestly think I wouldn't be prepared for ANYTHING you throw at me? You want a fight? You got a fight... but a fight on MY terms!"

He turned to his little, floating Mokumon helper. "Say, dear little Yui... don't you want to do me a favor and inform Ai of this? You don't have to tell her that I sent you..."

Mokumon nodded and quickly flew away.

Bio snickered. "A fleet of airships, not bad... most RPGs only have one airship, with the heroes on board... but sure, I understand: Quantity over quality, that's your motto, right? Well then... be prepared to face the true meaning of terror... when LUCEMON emerges!"

And he cackled evilly to himself, which lasted thirty minutes. And then he laughed another ten minutes, just for fun.


Reppamon pressed the bell button. A short time later, the door was opened... by a cute-looking, human girl with a blonde ponytail.

She frowned. "What do YOU want?"

Reppamon blinked. "Do I know y... wait a minute... Renamon, is that you?"

"Well, yeah, I decided to go with my 'Rena' form today. What's the matter, don't you like it?"

"No... no... it's fine..." the fox murmured in confusion. "It's just that... I never knew you could transform into a human."

"Well, excuse me for being a Hybrid," she huffed. "Now, did you only come to argue with me about the way I look?"

"No, I, um... I heard... something happened to your father, and the guys at HQ told me he was here... is he okay?"

'Of course,' Rena thought to herself. 'Why should I ever believe that he might have come because of me?'

"She's fine. Come on in, she's in our room..."

"Um... in your room?" Reppamon wondered.

"Yeah, Rika and mine room. She's sleeping there as long as she's staying. I'm used to sleep on the floor... although I think I'm gonna use a futon this time around..."

Reppamon followed the girl he loved, even though he was still a bit dazzled by the fact that she was a HUMAN right now.

Did that mean he was into Bestiality?

When they reached the room, he wanted to enter, but Rena held him back.

"You don't wanna enter a girl's room without asking for permission first, do you?" she asked in a teasing manner.

Reppamon blushed underneath his fur. "Um... no... of course not..."

Rena knocked at the door. "Mom, Dad, Reppamon is here. Can he come in?"

"NO!!"

"Oh, don't be silly, dear," she heard her mother say. "Sure, come on in!"

Rena grinned while turning around to Reppamon. "You heard it, go ahead!"

"Uh... are you sure it's all right?" he asked.

"Get moving already!" Rena sighed and pushed him into the room.

"All right, all right, no need to shove!" Reppamon grumbled. He looked up... and did a double-take when seeing his partner.

Fuchsmon was standing next to her ex-wife, dressed in the cutest, pinkest and frilliest dress Reppamon had ever seen in his life. In addition to the bows in her head fur and tail, she also had a few ribbons wrapped around her wrists... and was that nail paint on her claws?

"Yeah, go ahead and laugh..." Fuchsmon grumbled. "It's not like I have any dignity left to lose..."

Reppamon was so baffled, he didn't even think of laughing. "B-b-but... huh? I mean... why did she...?"

Rumiko smiled. "I simply could not let all those cute dresses I bought for Rika go to waste. I HAD to see what Roshi looks like in them. Isn't she ADORABLE? I wish I also could have given her some new shoes, but with those paws..."

"Is there a reason you've come?" Fuchsmon frowned. "Or do you enjoy seeing me suffer?"

"UM, no, it's just... the guys said something happened to you, and... I came to see how you are holding up..."

"How I am holding up? Great! Just great! I'm covered with frills and ribbons and lace, but whatever... masculinity is overrated these days..."

"Roshi, what did I tell you about being sarcastic?" Rumiko scolded.

Rika was sitting on her bed, her face hidden behind a Digimon Card magazine... but Reppamon could tell from the way her shoulders were twitching that she tried very hard not to laugh out loud.

Fuchsmon looked up at her ex-wife in annoyance. "Can we stop this already? I'd like to discuss a few things with my colleague, if you don't mind..."

"But Roshi..." Rumiko pouted. "I have this nice summer dress that would go so well with your fur..."

"Rumiko!"

She giggled. "Just kidding, dear! Ah well, but it was fun while it lasted..." She sighed.

When Fuchsmon started to take off her dress, Reppamon didn't know if he should turn around or not. In the end, it wasn't like she wore anything over her fur in her normal form. Then again, she barely had time to develop any kind of modesty...

Fuchsmon threw the dress to the ground with disgust on her face. She then looked at Reppamon. "Well, how are things? Can you and the others take care of everything, with me and the chief out of action?"

"Well, I think so... as long as I can teach the guys not to make any unnecessary jokes..."

"If you don't need me, I'm in the kitchen," Rena frowned and left the room.

Rika looked up from her magazine. She clearly could see that something was bothering her older sister. She put the magazine down and followed her, leaving her parents and Reppamon behind.

In the kitchen, their grandmother was just preparing dinner. "You need something, honey?" she asked when Rena entered the room.

Without saying anything, Rena walked up to the fridge and took out a can of beer. Rika frowned. Since when did her sister drink?

A frown also had appeared on their grandmother's face. "You know it's not good for you to drink beer so shortly before dinner, do you?"

"Whatever..." Rena grumbled and sat down on a chair. "I need a drink..."

"Oh dear, is there something wrong?" grandmother asked.

Rika sat down next to her sister and partner. "I believe Rena is disappointed that Reppamon didn't say anything to her."

"Now that's just rude of him," her grandmother said. "He didn't speak to her at all?"

"That's not it!" Rena grumbled. "He's just a big jerk, that's all!"

Rika sighed. "What I mean is, he didn't even talk to her about their date."

"Oh honey, now I see..." their grandmother sighed. "You have been hoping that he might have come to see you, haven't you?"

Rena lowered her head. "He... he looked at my human form as if he had seen a ghost... I'm sure he's disgusted by it... what should I do if... if he can't even accept a girl that's half human?"

She sobbed and took another swig of her beer. "Stupid RPG Maker... making me a Hybrid... if I still were a regular Digimon..."

Rika and her grandmother looked at each other with worry.

"But... don't you see, sis?" Rika asked. "If not for the RPG Maker... the two of you wouldn't have met in the first place. And if you weren't a Hybrid, you..."

"You would have never been part of this family," her grandmother said in a sad voice.

Surprised and shocked, Rena looked up and put the beer can away. "Grandma... Rika... that's not what I meant! I... I like being part of this family! Really, I do! And while I now have the memories of both my human and my Digimon life... I'm starting to feel more and more comfortable in this role. Don't get me wrong, I always liked all of you, but... now everything feels so... right."

"Oh Rena..." Rika sighed and hugged her sister. "No matter what happens after all of this is over, you will always stay my big sister."

Rena smiled and hugged her back. "Thanks... little sister."

Their grandmother smiled at the sweet scene. For a while, it almost seemed as if they were a regular, human family with no worries...

Then the door opened and a furious, little fox came storming in.

"WOMAN! Aren't you finished with dinner yet? I am hungry!"

Rika frowned. "You know, Bimon, you can be an intolerable, annoying little brat at times... meaning, all day long."

"Quiet, child! I did not ask for your opinion!" Bimon shouted.

Grandmother frowned. "Dinner is not ready yet, be a bit more patient... and polite."

"Don't tell me what to do, woman!" Bimon grumbled. He then saw the can of beer standing on the table and grinned. "Ah, just what I needed..."

Before he could grab it, Rena took it out of his reach. "This isn't a drink for little kids," she frowned. "I'm old enough, you aren't!"

"Are you making fun of me, you insolent brat?" Bimon yelled. "I am your elder and you will respect me!"

"All right, that does it!" their grandmother shouted and put down her cutting knife. "You just can't take a hint, can you? That means you will have to learn the lesson anew..."

Bimon paled. "Nonono, please, anything but that! Not again, nooo..."

He tried running away, but Rika held on to his tail. "Oh no, you stay!" she grinned. "This is too good to pass up!"

Grandmother Nonaka sat down on another chair, pulled Bimon across her lap once again and treated his furry behind with another series of hard swats.

"And I hope this time around, you'll let this be a lesson to you!"

"No, stop it!" Bimon cried. He tried to fight it, but after a couple of swats, tears appeared in his eyes. It wasn't long until he bawled like the little boy he was.

Rika and Rena exchanged a look.

"You know... I shouldn't enjoy seeing little kids being spanked - but that little bastard SO deserved that!"

Just then, the phone rang.

"I'll get it," Rika said and went to the phone.

She picked up. "Yes, Rika Nonaka speaking? Oh, hi, Ryo! What did you... what? You mean, one of those angel kids attacked you? Oh, that's a relief... what...? You actually met Ai?" She gasped. "Okay, what did she say? Uh-huh... that bad, huh? Yeah, I understand... I will tell the others. Yes, I am aware that it's getting late. We'll just have to start searching for them tomorrow. Now don't you start with school! We have bigger problems than that! What? Then say your dog ate it!" She put down the phone and sighed.

"Rena, I think our Ai problem is bigger than I thought..."

"You can say that again, sis..." Rena murmured. "Take a look outside..."

Rika blinked in confusion. 'Oh, now what?' she thought and took a look.

And saw the giant, flying battleship of the Heavenly Fleet that was just passing above their house.

She gulped. "Okay, you don't see that every day... DAD?"

Fuchsmon, Rumiko and Reppamon came out of their room. "Rika, what's wrong?" her mother asked.

Rika just gestured upwards.

Rumiko let out a startled gasp, while Reppamon growled when he saw the fleet.

Roshi, on the other hand, stayed perfectly calm. "Call the office, Reppamon..." she grumbled. "And afterwards, inform Mie, Mayumi and Leomon. We have work to do!"

"We?" Rumiko frowned. "If you are not aware, you are in no position to do anything, Roshi. Let Mie and the others handle this, you stay here, where it's safe."

"Rumiko, I'm not a little kid anymore!" Fuchsmon snarled. "This is serious! I have to..."

"Don't you take that tone with me, young lady!" Rumiko scolded. "You stay here, and that's final!"

"But... but Rumiko..." Helplessly, she looked over to her daughters. "Rika... Rena... say something!"

Rena frowned. "Well, what should I say? Now you know how it feels for us."

Rika, on the other hand, was already back on the phone. She had to contact Takato and the others...


"We're back!" Harmony shouted while she and her mother entered.

"Hi Mom, hi sis, welcome home!" Suzie greeted them.

"Hello honey," Sheperdmon smiled and ruffled her youngest daughter's hair. "Where's your father?"

"Oh, Daddy hasn't come home yet," Suzie explained. "Harmony, you wanna play 'Tea Party' with me? Lopmon said she wanted to..."

"I... never stated such a thing..." Lopmon murmured. Suzie ignored her.

"Sorry, but I've got some things to talk about with Dad, too," her half-canine sister said. "Mom, I'm gonna call his cell phone."

She picked up the phone and dialed the number.

After a short while, she heard her father's voice. "Hello?"

"Hi, Dad! Mom's wondering why you aren't home yet. Long day at work?"

"Um, you can't say that..." Janyu replied. "See, Shibumi and I are heading over to that abandoned laboratory you and your friends already know... the one my old friend Dr. McCoy has been working in."

Harmony frowned. "Why would you go there? Isn't it too dangerous? Even with Myotismon gone, I'm sure most of the Numemon still live there."

"That's not the problem. See, we hired a Digimon bodyguard so we can work in peace, he's quite the professional..."

"Still, what are you doing in that place?"

"Well, after you told me about how Henry and you are sharing one body, I was thinking... after all, my old friend Dolphin created Hybrids, so maybe we can find a way to make a new body, so you and Henry can each have your own..."

"DAD!" Harmony shouted. "I can't believe this... you are doing this for ME?"

"You don't sound too happy," Janyu frowned. "Don't you like the idea?"

"Well... I mean... if this should happen, it'd be great, but... do you even have thought this through? Dr. McCoy didn't create these Hybrids out of thin air, he changed humans. I am surprised Shibumi even agreed to to do this."

"Well, at first, he was kind of hesitant... he also mentioned the Numemon... but after he met our bodyguard, he was fine with everything."

"Just like that?" Harmony wondered.

"Yes..." Janyu nodded. "Just like that..."

Harmony scratched her head. "Okay, as long as there's a chance... I'm gonna tell Mom you'll be coming late, okay?"

"That's fine. Also, can you tell her I'm sorry?"

"No problem, Dad! Bye!"

She hang up. "Mom, Dad won't be home for dinner, he and Mr. Shibumi are in the ruined lab, where they hope to find some... um... stuff they need for work."

Sheperdmon frowned. "Well, I know that man can stay out of trouble... so I guess it's okay, this once. I'm just gonna have to cook for one person less. Suzie, can you help me lay the table?"

"Aww, Mom, you know Lopmon and I are having a tea party..."

"NOW, young lady!" Sheperdmon growled.

Suzie sighed. "Oh well, fine..."

Lopmon sighed with relief. 'Thank the Sovereigns, I'm saved...'

"We're gonna continue after dinner, Lopmon!" Suzie grinned before she ran to help her mother.

Harmony sat down next to her sister's Digimon partner. "Hey, if she bothers you too much, don't hesitate to say it."

"Oh, it's perfectly all right," Lopmon assured her. "It is my duty to keep my Tamer in good spirits... no matter what hardship that may entail."

"Well, if you say so... I mean, Terriermon would have protested by now."

She noticed how Lopmon's posture shifted a bit. "Um, did I say something wrong?"

Lopmon took a deep breath. "Harmony, I know you are a good person and a good Tamer for Terriermon... yet, I have certain feelings of... animosity to you at times."

"Wh-what?" Harmony was surprised. She certainly did not expect that. "Did I do anything wrong? I mean, is it because Suzie?"

"It is not your fault," Lopmon sighed. "I fear that these feelings might be the result of... jealousy."

"Jealousy?" Harmony wondered. "Why would you be jealous?"

"It's because of... Terriermon," Lopmon said.

"Terriermon? But he..." Suddenly, it dawned on her. "You... you mean it like THAT? But Lopmon... we're just friends. I mean, we're partners. I'm his Tamer and he is..."

"He is smitten with you," Lopmon said. "You might not have noticed, but he tries everything to be as close to you as possible. He even sent you flowers... your mother believed they were a present for me."

Harmony groaned. "And here I thought he was just being a good friend... but can he be so blind? I mean, even I have noticed that you like him."

"As they say, love can make people blind," Lopmon said sadly. "And that applies for Digimon as well..."

Harmony sighed. "Listen, I'll talk to him. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel when my Digimon partner has fallen in love with me, but maybe he doesn't know how you feel. I mean, you know I only like him as a friend, do you?"

"That much was obvious," Lopmon nodded. "Otherwise, I would have never decided to hold this conversation with you..."

"Okay, leave everything to me... I'm gonna talk to him. I don't want anybody's heart to be crushed, and while I still don't know how we can settle this, I'll try to find a way."

"Very well... I trust in you," Lopmon nodded.

With a heavy sigh, Harmony sat down in front of the TV and switched it on. 'Man... that's the last thing I needed, a love-struck Digimon partner...'

'You can say that again,' Henry shuddered. 'This just can't get worse...'

And then, they didn't say anything else. Harmony got herself a glass of water from the kitchen and then, just watched the news.

"This came just in," the news reporter said. "About one hour ago, one of the criminal Digimon children that was placed in Monzaemon's Digimon Asylum for Difficult Children, has escaped. The identity of the escapee is none other than one of the Rookies that had caused quite a stir with their actions and the court session that followed, the ex-Demon Lord known as DemiDevimon."

Harmony spit out the water she had just been drinking.

'Oh yes, it can get worse...' Henry groaned. 'Me and my big mouth...'

Harmony then felt how Lopmon was tugging at her sleeve. "Lopmon, not now..." she grumbled.

"But... I really think you should take a look at this," the Dewa muttered. She gestured out of the window.

Harmony looked outside. It was slowly getting dark, and the sun was just a dimly glowing ball of ember at the horizon. Several dark clouds had appeared on the sky as well...

"Wait a minute..." Harmony frowned. "Those aren't clouds... those are..." She blinked. "Flying... temples?"

"It's the Heavenly Fleet of Magnadramon," Lopmon shivered. "Something awful must have happened..."


DemiDevimon grinned. "That's it, my dear puppets... keep on searching. If that McCoy can turn ordinary humans into Hybrids, I'm sure his machines can do the same with me... making me strong enough to take revenge on Barbamon and to reclaim my Demon Lord powers! But for that, we need the operation manual for that thing... so don't dawdle, search! Search!"

The eyes of Janyu and Shibumi were glowing in the same red as DemiDevimon's. "Yes, my master!" they said.

"Oh, and in case that brat calls you again... feel free to tell her to worry about her own business, okay?"

Janyu nodded. While he tried everything to resist DemiDevimon's hypnosis, there wasn't much he could do... he had to obey. "Yes, my master!"