Another whopper of a chapter, with a mountain of Exposition! I hope you brought your notebooks because this will be on the test XD


. . .

? ? ?

. . .

"Gah... Hhhgnh!" Was all that escape the mouth of the once Mighty Goldramon, as he hung limp in Megidramon's grasp. One bladed claw currently jutting through his broad chest, wings burned away, and body breaking down before he was tossed aside.

The daemonic dragon threw back his head and unleashed a mighty scream across the once brilliant Sphere. It had been reduced to a hellish landscape, fires raging across it, oceans dried up, the sky itself looked like it was on fire, while the earth beneath him seemed to be breaking apart.

While nearby, the heavily beaten form of Magnadramon laid, barely able to move as she watched Megidramon crush Goldramon's Core the moment it appeared. Wincing as she attempted to move, before collapsing completely. The ground beneath her was starting to shake, the structure of the Sphere finally collapsing as everything began to fall apart around them.

Megidramon had indeed been too powerful for the both of them, but he had not escaped without injury. Magnadramon could fade into unconsciousness with the peace of mind that this monster was not invincible.

It was a shame she'd likely never awaken again, as this Sphere of the Divine Dragons was consumed in hellfire.

. . .

Cody

. . .

The electrical disturbances in the blocks around the Cyber Core Hub had increased rapidly by the time Cody got out of the hall where they'd been holding the Press Conference. The technicians were trying to shut down the hub to slow down whatever was trying to come through, but every time they turned it off it was turned back on! Like whatever was trying to force it's way through to this side was powerful enough to disturb the electronic devices in this world.

"Man this sucks..." Cody muttered, as they were driven via police car towards the Hub. The sirens blaring made sure to clear the packed DC streets. "I wish the others were here."

"We're working on securing you some back up." The driver stated as they went. "But our main focus is evacuating the surrounding area, we don't know how big this one is gonna be but based on the mass of data-"

"Yeah yeah I get it we're up shit-creak without a paddle." Cody waved him off, slouching into his seat as he pulled out his Digivice. "Come on guys... How long does a drop off take?"

Shamanmon patted his shoulder from the other seat. "It'll be fine, as long as we're together nothing can stop us!" He assured with a thumbs up.

Cody breathed out a small sigh, "Thanks bud, I know you're right," He replied, smiling faintly. "I just wish we had the others here..." Before he started thinking about that damn press conference, that insufferable journalist. "Hey Shamanmon, who do you think our leader is?" He questioned curiously, "Do we even have one?"

Shamanmon blinked at the sudden question, "Uh... I don't know, why?"

To which he shrugged, "That lady got me thinking, I mean Thomas does all our planning when shit hits the fan, Madison is good with communicating and understanding others, and Kai's got a level head when things go south, and I'm..."

The goblin digimon waited a moment, "And you're...?" Expecting something.

"I don't really know." Cody admitted, looking down at his digivice. "I'm... Good at getting punched in the face, I guess?" Before he had another thought, "I guess Sam could be our leader, she is the one who brought us all together after all." He decided with a nod, "Yeah, that works."

Shamanmon tilted his head, "If you say so..."

"Get ready," The driver said, "We're almost there."

Outside the car, Cody could see emergency vehicles all over the streets, helping as people were rushed out of their homes by military personnel. It seemed they wasted no time bringing out the National Guard, which wasn't surprising considering this was the Capital. Up ahead Cody could see the Hub itself, helicopters kept a safe distance to avoid electrical distortions while the street lights all around were shorting out or flashing.

Their car pulled to a halt, Cody leaned forward in his seat. "What's up? Why are we stopping?"

"Looks like this is where you're getting out," He said, finger on his earpiece. "Streets are filled with military personnel from here on out," Before he pulled out another earpiece from his console. "Here, so Grayson can stay in contact."

Cody quirked an eyebrow, "Right..." Before popping it into his ear, "Alright Shamanmon, you ready to rock?" He asked while opening the door.

He jumped out of the opposite door, "Always! Lets go show them what we're made of!"

"That's the spirit," Cody nodded with a smirk, running forward as they were allowed past the first barricade, a swarm of onlookers and reporters at the fringes of the roadblock. "Let's not waste any time!" He added, holding up his Digivice.

Shamanmon nodded, "Right!"

Digivolution

"Shamanmon Digivolve to!" Leaping forward as the lights enveloped his body, the goblin digimon growing larger in size. His form becoming covered in that golden fur and quills, while his wooden club became one of pure white bone. Erupting from the light, the large warrior digimon hit the ground running, jumping up and swinging to the rooftops while Cody followed below. "Apemon!"

"Alright clear the way guys!" Cody ordered as he ran past the various military men and women who were watching the giant monkey swing by in awe.

As they neared the Hub, Grayson's voice pinged in his ear. "Cody, can you hear me? This thing is about to breach, any word from your friends?"

"No, none yet." He answered while running. "Any word on that back up?"

"On it's way shortly," He assured, "Listen to me, the media is gonna use everything they can to question what goes on here, you made a hell of an impression at that Press Conference, but now's the time to show them what you can really do." He added, "Don't let us down."

Cody scoffed in response, "I'm not here to prove anything," Before the ground started to shake, lights sparked out all around them. He winced and ripped the earpiece from his head as it started ringing louder and shorting out. He threw it on the ground, focusing his eyes forward. "I'm here to protect people."

The roof of the hub erupted in a pillar of Golden light and in an instant power was lost to the surrounding blocks. The pillar lasted only a few seconds, before fading entirely. In its place, hovering in the sky above the city was a digimon much smaller than they'd anticipated. It's body was blue, almost reptilian, and was coated in golden armor. With a helm in the shape of a V, two enormous pauldrons resting on its shoulders.

"Huh." Cody blinked as he reached the street below it. "That's not nearly as scary as I was expecting."

"No kidding." Apemon added, standing on a rooftop just above him.

The digimon was roughly eight or nine feet tall, and began to slowly descend until it stood on the blown out rooftop of the Hub building. It's eyes scanned the surrounding area, taking in the view of the military personnel and vehicles, as well as the choppers circling a little closer now. Before finally, it's eyes landed on Cody down below before narrowing sharply, darting between him and Apemon.

"Well, he's not attacking." Cody muttered, swallowing nervously as he watched the descent. "Okay, maybe we can talk this out... This guy doesn't look so bad." He reasoned, stepping forward slowly.

"Cody, what are you doing?" Apemon questioned, jumping down and landing behind him in the street.

"Relax," He assured, looking back at him. "Let's just... See what he wants."

The golden armored digimon stopped just a few inches above the ground, hovering in place as he stared down at Cody. "You are one of the Chosen?" He questioned.

Cody nodded slowly, "Yeah... Names Cody, this is Apemon." He said, hiking a thumb over his shoulder to point at him.

"I am Magnamon, Knight Representative of the Alliance." He greeted in a formal tone. "I come seeking The Miracle."

Cody blinked at that, "The... Miracle?" He repeated, "Eh... And what exactly does this Miracle look like?" He questioned.

"Do not play stupid, Cody," His tone growing sharp in an instant. "We know you've become affiliated with the one who carries it, this is no time for delaying, the Fate of all worlds hangs in the balance!" Raising his voice quickly, "Now tell me where she is..."

"Whoa easy there," Cody held up his hands defensively. "Listen you're throwing a lot of no-context demands at me right now, so why don't we back up and you explain to me exactly what this Miracle is?"

Magnamon clenched his fists tightly, "The Miracle is the power to change Fate, and without it we are all doomed." He explained in a pointed tone, "Surely you've met someone in your time as Chosen, neither Human nor Digimon, with powers similar to those of your own Crest?"

"I-" His words hitched as he remembered a particular conversation he had months ago, in that Volcano Lab.

"You know, she isn't actually my daughter."

"What? But you said-"

"Biologically speaking, Samantha and I aren't really related in any way, she just... Appeared, one day, along with her partner's egg. She isn't even a real human, her body is made up of Data like a Digimon."

Cody tensed up instantly, remembering the strange power that had allowed Darcmon to defeat Devimon despite being outmatched. That power that protected her at the last second- "Sam, is this guy looking for Sam?"

Magnamon noticed his hesitation, "You know who I speak of, don't you?" It was more an accusation than a question, "Tell me where she is!" Leaning forward.

"Alright that's it!" Apemon stepped up, squaring off with the armored Digimon. "You don't get to invade someone's world and make demands!"

"This is a simple negotiation," Magnamon replied sharply, turning his gaze onto Apemon. "Tell me where The Miracle is, and in return your world doesn't burn."

Apemon grit his teeth, fist ignite with blue fire. "You asked for it!"

But Magnamon's arm was up in an instant, and released a pulse of golden light from his palm! It struck Apemon in the chest, and send him flying back before he smashed into a parked military truck. "Foolish."

"Apemon!" Cody exclaimed as he looked back towards the wreckage, "Alright you bastard you wanna GO!?" He turned back towards Magnamon as he clenched his fist.

"No I don't want to go anywhere, unless the Miracle is there." He answered bluntly.

"Yeah well you can take your Miracle and shove it up your golden ASS!" He roared, looking like he was about to throw a punch at the powerful digimon.

Before they both felt a shift in the air, like something in the atmosphere changed that caused both Magnamon and Cody to hesitate. Looking down at his Digivice, Cody saw his screen flashing with the image of- "My... Crest?"

Apemon was pulling himself from the destroyed truck, feeling that familiar energy as he shook off the hit. "Cody! You feel that!?"

The boys hair started to light up silver, as his body glowed. "Hell yeah I do!" Before raising his Digivice, "Let's teach this jerk some manners!"

While Magnamon hovered back a bit, the light erupting from the device was blinding. "You fools." He scoffed, "Don't you understand? It's already begun..."

Crest Digivolution

. . .

Sam and Darcmon

Moments Earlier

. . .

Sam came through the gateway stumbling, doubling over and fighting the urge to vomit. Sweating and panting heavily, before feeling Darcmon pat her on the back. "You alright?" Her angelic sister seeming to have handled the high speed travel much better.

"Ugh... Not really," She groaned out, holding her stomach as she took deep breaths to steady herself. "Where are we?" Lifting her head to finally take in the sights.

Wisemon answered almost proudly, "This... Is Terminal Egress."

(Background Theme for Terminal Egress - "Reminiscence - Cyber Sleuth OST")

Much like the Egress they passed through, they now stood before an enormous archway and stairs leading up to an even larger stone structure shaped similar to a coliseum. There were other stairways leading from the structure out to other gateways, some were still active but many were cracked apart and broken. The entirety of the mega-structure floated within a cascading flow of data streams, they washed down around the edges of this place, some hundreds of feet away from the structure itself, before disappearing into the depths below, as if this entire place was surrounded in a bubble.

"So what exactly is this place?" Darcmon questioned, as both she and Sam started following behind Wisemon to ascend the stairs. "Are we within another Sphere?"

"No, you now stand at the very Center of the Digital World," Wisemon explained, his tone wistful like it carried reverence for this place. "The Terminal Egress was the original connecting point between all Spheres, where the Digital World itself began." Motioning to the streams that flowed around it, "Every piece of data that cross between this world and yours first comes through here."

Sam blinked in surprise at that, "It must be going pretty fast then." She noted, "So this place connects the Digital World and the human world?"

"In a sense," Wisemon nodded, as they neared the archway at the top of the stairs. "You are aware of the human networking system known as 'Cyber Core', yes?" To which she nodded, "What they have created is, in a sense, a prototype of what could eventually become their own Terminal Egress, harnessing the energy that is created from data traveling at the speed of light."

Causing both Samantha and Darcmon to look between one another, the latter replying. "That seems... Dangerous."

"As would any iteration of accessing infinite energy," Wisemon shrugged. "But time will tell if they are capable of curtailing their more militaristic tendencies."

Definitely seemed like something important to remember, so Sam tucked that bit of info away for later. Focusing more so on the reason she was brought here, as they passed through a short hallway leading into the structure. The walls weren't very thick, and they were soon stepping out into the center of what she'd thought to be a coliseum. Instead of an arena she found them standing amidst a beautiful garden of sorts, the walls lined with faded and vaguely human statues while rivers flowed into various pools across the space, many patches of otherworldly flora dotted the surrounding area as well, like the entire structure was overgrown and hadn't been tended in years.

"Sam, look." Darcmon pointed to one of the distant walls, where many symbols too faded to read were etched into the stone.

But among them, there were a handful of symbols she could make out when squinting her eyes. "Th-Those are-" Her eyes widening in realization, as they made out the shapes of the very Crests her friends were carrying.

"Ah, you've finally arrived." Their heads whipped around towards the voice, "Welcome, it's great to finally meet you, Samantha."

The voice in question originated from an old man, he was just getting up from a bench beside one of the ponds. He was a short old man with pale skin, hunched over a bit and wearing a deep midnight blue robe with big red gloves and a vast up top. He had a big bushy mustache as well, and what little hair remained on his head was tied back into a pony-tail.

She hesitated for a moment, getting the strangest feeling of deja-vu. While Darcmon stepped forward. "Are you Gennai?"

"Indeed I am," He said while nodding his head, putting on a friendly smile. "And I've waited to see your face again for a very, very long time..." His smile slowly faded however, his eyes lowering to the ground. "I only wish it were under better circumstances..."

"So what is all this about then?" Samantha questioned, finding her tongue as she stepped forward. "You act like I you know me but I've never met you before in my life."

Gennai chuckled, almost sadly, in response. "An appropriate choice of words... As I only knew you in your last life."

Causing her entire body to tense up, "M-My last life?" She repeated in disbelief, before her confusion turned to anger. "Alright just what the hell are you, and what do you want from me!?" She was tired of all these cryptic answers that only left her with more questions. "I want straight answers, NOW!"

Gennai took a deep breath and sighed heavily, "You're right, I'm sorry... Old age and loneliness has a way of making you drag things out," He shook his head slowly, "I'm one of the Architects, those who existed during the time of the Digital World's creation, I'm not human, just like you."

Darcmon moved up beside her sister, "What do you mean 'the digital worlds creation'?" She questioned, "Somebody made this place?"

To which he shrugged, "In a sense, though who or what that being actually is, is beyond us." He stated, "Once there was nothing, and then there were the Architects, and then in the blink of an eye after our own creation, the Digital World appeared, in hundreds of Sphere's surrounding Terminal Egress."

Darcmon nodded slowly as she digested that information. "Are there other Architects still out there?"

"Yes, but we mostly keep to ourselves and live quietly." Gennai explained with a nod, "I'm really the only one who still operates as an Agent of the Digital World, to try and maintain peace."

Samantha braced herself as she asked maybe the most important question of her life, "So you know what I am then, don't you?"

He nodded in return, "You were one of the Architects, in a past life... Gifted with something by the Greater Being that created this world, that none of us were offered."

Her hand slowly moved to her chest, unconsciously grasping at the symbol on her body. "My Crest?"

Earning a chuckle from Gennai, "If it were only that simple... No, the power you wield is stronger than any crest." He explained, turning and motioning for her to follow, making his way over to another faded stone slab along the wall. "The Crests are aspects of existence, emotion, feeling, the virtues of the soul, they shaped Life in the Digital World, and their influence effects those within their Spheres." Running his gloved fingers along the stonework, "Courage, Kindness, Sincerity, Reliability, Wisdom, Love, Friendship, Hope, and many more... In the early ages of the Digital World they influenced every Sphere."

"So what about my power?" Sam questioned, "What is it?"

Gennai paused for a moment, slowly turning back to face her. "The power of the Miracle, an unimageable force that can reshape the course of Fate itself." He explained, "For a long time, we thought it was lost with you... But then we felt it, a ripple across the Digital Sea, you did it didn't you? You tapped into your latent power?"

"I-I," She stammered, stepping back as she tried to process all this. Thinking back to the battle with Mephistomon, and Darcmon's fight with Devimon. "Yeah... That was the only time I've ever used it, so you're saying in that moment," The realization sending a shiver down her spine. "Darcmon was... Supposed to die?" Looking to her sister in disbelief.

"Indeed," It was Wisemon that answered her this time, summoning his book in a much smaller form. He opened it up, and around him small projections of light formed, showing a terrible vision. In an alternate world where Samantha's power hadn't awakened in that final moment, where there was no barrier to protect Darcmon, so even as she cut down Devimon his claw would rip through her chest, ending their battle with no winner. "You touched upon your strength for only a split second and completely changed the course of Darcmon's life."

Samantha lowered her head slowly, not wishing to see the images of her sister getting skewered, "So... Is this what you were talking about?" She directed at Wisemon. "When you said someone was going to come after me, it's because of this power?"

He nodded in response, "And... I am afraid it has already begun."

. . .

Cody

. . .

"Gokuwmon!"

The monkey warrior hit the ground running, charging at Magnamon with his staff in hand while the clouds rumbled overhead. The Golden Warrior narrowed his eyes sharply, raising one hand before an orb of Golden Light formed, "Plasma Shot!"

But Gokuwmon planted his staff in the asphalt and used it to fling himself forward flipping towards Magnamon as the shot struck the wrecked truck and caused it to explode. While the warrior digimon spun and brought down his staff, the ends crackling with lightning. "Raikou HOU!" The staff roaring with thunder and lightning as it came crashing down.

Magnamon raised both arms to block the attack, a burst of electricity ripping through the surrounding street and blowing out lights on cars and even some windows from the gust of wind it produced. But the golden warrior seemed unfazed, "If this is your best, you can't hope to protect the Miracle." He stated coldly, glaring up at Gokuwmon.

He wore a determined smirk, "Doesn't mean I won't try!" Before spring-boarding off his guard and flipping into the air. "And this is FAR from my best!" Bringing both hands together, as a shadow seemed to overtake his body. "Mugen'ei!"

"Hmm?" Magnamon thought for a moment that his eyes were playing tricks on him, as Gokuwmon seemed to split into a dozen clones, they all landed around and instantly began rushing the golden warrior. "A frontal assault? You must be crazy." He raised both hands and fired more Plasma Shots, "What!?" Watching as the bolts passed right through the two clones that were hit, like they were nothing but afterimages!

"Ha! You missed me!" All twelve of them laughed in a boisterous chorus, before closing the gap and starting to take swings.

Magnamon clenched his fists, going on the defensive to block incoming attacks. But where one shadow would pass through his guard, revealing a fake, he'd be swiftly struck from the other side by the real Gokuwmon! Before he'd disappear among the crowd of fakes, faster than Magnamon could track him! And all the while they just kept talking!

"Hey! Over here!"

"Look at me!"

"Oops wrong one!"

"Hey! It's me Gokuwmon!"

"Try over here!"

"Don't forget about me!"

"You're wide open!"

The true Gokuwmon found an opening, striking by driving his lightning-charged forearm into Magnamon's ribs, swinging with all his might as Electricity coursed through from the monkey warrior's body into the Golden Knight. Launching him back, sending the invader crashing into the wall of the Cyber Core Hub!

"Hell yeah!" Cody cheered from the sidelines, "Kick his smug ass! Then make him tell us why he's after Sam!"

"You read my mind!" Gokuwmon responded, as all twelve of them rushed the building, some taking to the flanks and leaping up along the edges of the building to surround him.

Magnamon's body trembled with rage as he pulled himself from the rubble. "I came here for the Miracle, not these childish games!" His entire body began to glow brighter, burning hotter as he unleashed his energy. "EXTREME JIHAD!"

All who were watching the battle unfold were forced to shield their eyes as the golden light turned blinding. There was no explosion, only a sudden surge of heat through the surrounding area. Gokuwmon was forced back as his illusions were burned away, and he was blasted back down into the street covered in burns. While the Cyber Core Hub itself was reduced to nothing but a molten slag heap, along with much of the street around it.

Magnamon hovered in place over the destruction left in the wake of his power, glaring down at Gokuwmon. "Do you understand now? You waste your time fighting, trying to protect someone who isn't even here to stand for themselves!" Slashing a hand through the air, "Tell me where she is, or die!" Aiming his hand at Gokuwmon, as an orb of Golden Plasma began to form between his three claws.

Gokuwmon grit his teeth, wincing as he glared up at the Golden Knight. "My friend doesn't have to be here for me to fight for them!" He barked back at him, "But I wouldn't expect a bastard like you to understand that," He added, before spitting on the ground. "Do your worst, I'm not telling you anything!"

Magnamon clenched his free hand, "How dare you," Seething with rage as the orb swelled before condensing down. "You understand nothing! PLASMA SHOT!"

As he unleashed the orb of light, Cody moved. His Crest burning to life as he got between the two of them, that protective barrier formed around his body as he brought up his hands like he was going to catch it. "Gnnngh!" Gritting his teeth, feeling it burn even through his shield.

Magnamon's eyes widened, "What?!"

"Truth of the matter, dumbass!" Cody replied through grit teeth, before swinging his arms up and diverting the orb straight into the sky were it exploded in a burst of golden light. Leaving the teen panting heavily while his hands steamed, "Is we don't know where Sam is right now," He barked up at him, "Whether you believe that or not doesn't change the fact that we can't help you."

Gokuwmon looked to his partner confused, "What are you doing?" He whispered.

"He's pissed off, we can't keep doing this here or someone could get hurt." Cody answered without looking back. Before shouting up at Magnamon. "So kill us or leave! Either way you're just wasting your time, and ours!"

Magnamon held Cody's gaze for a moment, but before he could respond a light appeared in the sky behind him. It was shaped like a keyhole, and in it appeared an angelic digimon in white armor wielding a Keyblade. Magnamon looked back at him in shock, "ClavisAngemon? What are you doing here shouldn't you be searching the other locations of the Chosen?"

To which he shook his head, "No need, we have the Miracle's location, seems Gennai has been up to his old tricks."

Magnamon huffed, "Should have known, well then lets stop wasting time and go!"

ClavisAngemon nodded, "Indeed, I've had enough disappointment for one day." Turning and disappearing into the Key-Shaped gateway.

Magnamon was about to follow him through, when he stopped to shoot one last look back at Cody, narrowing his eyes for a moment as he saw the burns now lining the teens forearms. "Hmph..." Before passing through as well, the doorway shutting behind him.

Cody released a sigh of relief as they disappeared, "Well, I have no idea what just happened but we lived so... Take it as a win?" Before he cringed in pain, the burns along his arms catching up with him. "Nnngh! Sh-Shit that hurts!"

Gokuwmon was by his side in an instant, ignoring his own injuries. "Come on, lets find you a doctor." Frowning as he looked down at the wounds.

"N-No time," Cody replied shaking his head. "We need to tell Grayson about this."

. . .

Kai

. . .

"What happened out there?" Knightmon questioned, standing firm at the gate as Kai and Kotemon emerged from the forest, each carrying one of their unconscious friends. "Who attacked you?"

"Some crazy digimon named Minervamon," Kotemon explained, carrying Kokuwamon on his back. "Never seen her before in my life, you?"

Knightmon scratched his chin, "The name sounds... Familiar, but I know all the Digimon that reside in this region and have never seen one so powerful before." He explained.

"Thomas!" Came a gasp from behind Knightmon as Annika appeared, "A-And Kokuwamon!?" She exclaimed, running out towards them.

Kai held up a hand to calm her down, "It's okay, I've healed their wounds but they're still out cold, they'll wake up soon I'm sure."

"Knightmon," Kotemon looked up at his former Master, "Minveramon mentioned having companions, said they were looking for something called 'The Miracle', does that ring any bells?"

Knightmon quirked an eyebrow, "None that I can recall, but it sounds like we may yet still be in danger, come lets get your friends inside and into some beds to rest." He urged, before the sound of rustling came from the bushes behind everyone. "Everyone get back," He ordered, reaching for his blade, "I'll handle-" But his words hitched as the battered form of Madison stumbled through the underbrush. She was limping, holding Tsukaimon in her arms, fresh tearstains on her cheeks.

"Madison!?" Kai gasped upon seeing her condition, carefully handing off Thomas to Annika before rushing to her side. "Are you alright? Let me heal you." Activating his Crest again.

Her lip quivered as he got closer, tears welling up in her eyes as she threw herself against him for support. Sobbing into his shoulder as she shook, "K-Kai- He's gone, th-they killed him!" Weeping openly, dropping the strong face she'd kept on during the long painful march here from the shore.

Kai tensed up, holding her as he rubbed her back. "Who? Who was killed?" He questioned, "And who attacked you?"

"Myotismon," She whimpered out, pulling back for a moment, trying to catch her breath as he healed her wounds. "We were attacked by a powerful Digimon named ClavisAngemon, Myotismon helped us escape but-" Unable to even say it without a new wave of tears rolled down her cheeks, the memory of his fading smile too fresh.

"It's okay," Kai pulled her back into the hug, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. "You're okay now... I'm sorry we weren't there to help you." He hadn't known Myotismon, only his role in helping Madison stand up against Mephistomon, but it was clear she considered him a friend, one so close that he would give up his life for her.

Kotemon was trembling with anger, "First us and then Maddie? It sounds like we're being targeted!" He exclaimed, "We need to find out what this Miracle thing is and why they think we have it!"

Maddie lifted her head, "W-What? You were attacked as well," Before noticing Kokuwamon and Thomas, "Oh god, is everyone here alright?" Instantly forgetting about her own worries.

Kai nodded, "We managed to drive off our attacker, but she was powerful." He explained, "I know it's painful, but can you remember anything important ClavisAngemon said? About why he might have been coming after you?"

Madison nodded slowly, taking a deep breath as she wiped her tears with one sleeve. "He said something about a Miracle, and it being a Tool against Evil." She stated, "But then he became obsessed with killing Tsu," She added, shaking her head as she held her up for Kai to heal. "Saying she was still one of the Old Enemies."

Knightmon brought a hand to his chin, "Hmm... Whatever this Miracle is, it must be quite important for an Angel from a higher sphere to come down here."

"Wait, there's something else." Madison added, looking around at everyone. "Has anyone seen Sam? Or Darcmon?"

Kai quirked an eyebrow, "No, not yet... Why?"

Madison sniffled a little, but did her best to avoid breaking down again. "Myotismon left me a message when he died."

Sam is in Danger

"He knew something we don't," She continued, "But maybe Sam or Darcmon have something to do with this Miracle."

"But we don't even know where they are," Kotemon said worriedly, "What if they were attacked as well!?"

"Hmm..." Kai thought about it for a moment, "No, I don't think that's the case." He said as he looked around at everyone. "Think about it, if Sam is really their target, why attack us if she was already captured?" He questioned, "The timing doesn't make sense, and also we saw the Lab and everything looked fine, no sign of a fight."

"That's true," Madison nodded, "I-I don't think ClavisAngemon could fight without tearing the place apart."

"Same with Minervamon." Kotemon agreed. "So lets go find Sam before they do!"

"We're still in the dark here," Madison replied, "And we can't ignore the fact that Cody might be in trouble as well, if they came all the way from another Sphere to attack us, who's to say they wouldn't go to the Human World?"

Kai nodded, "You're right, we should head back to the Lab and see if Sam and Darcmon are back, try to get in contact with Cody and make sure everything is alright."

Annika knew whatever was going on here was serious, and looked down at Thomas whom she was supporting. "What about them?"

"Thomas and Kokuwamon can rest at the lab," Kotemon assured, "But it's too dangerous for us to split up, and leaving them here would put you guys in danger too." He added, "Don't worry, we'll take care of them."

Annika nodded slowly, "A-Alright, but... Let us know if you need help." She added with a nervous smile.

"Thanks for the offer," Madison replied, smiling sadly. "But they came after us, if anyone else gets involved you could be in danger too..." Or, in her mind at least, get them killed.

Kai seemed in agreement, after seeing how easily Thomas and Kokuwamon were taken down before. "This is our fight, we're the Chosen after all."

Knightmon chimed in as Madison opened another Gateway with a bit of struggle. "I'll see if I can't dig something up about this Miracle or those who attacked you, keep us up to date on your end."

Kotemon nodded, "Will do! Lets go guys!" Before jumping right through the portal with Kokuwamon on his back.

Kai followed behind with Thomas, Madison stepping through last as they returned to the Volcano Lab. Leaving those in the village behind, to hope for their safe return...

. . .

Sam and Darcmon

. . .

Sam watched in horror as more projections were shown from Wisemon's book, showing the various struggles her friends had been faced with. Watching as Thomas and Mekanorimon were laid low by a single strike, before Gaioumon only managed to drive off Minveramon by blowing both her and himself up. Her heart racing at BelleStarmon's near death battle with the cruel ClavisAngemon, followed by Madison weeping over the dying Myotismon in her own battered form. And then there was Cody, injured and standing before Gokuwmon following their own struggle against the overwhelming force of Magnamon in the Human World.

"Th-This is all happening right now?" Darcmon asked, while Sam remained in stunned silence.

Wisemon nodded his head, "Indeed, your friends are all alive as of right now, the past and possible futures are easy to glimpse, but the closer we get to the present the muddier my sight grows..." The images beginning to blur, but at least Sam could say for the moment her friends were alright.

But she needed more answers, "Who are they? Who's behind this!?" She demanded, looking to Gennai.

The old man seated himself on a stone bench alongside the water, "An Alliance of Powerful Digimon, who joined forces to keep order and peace throughout the Digital World during the Demon War long ago."

"Demons?" Sam repeated, "You mean like Tsukaimon? Mephistomon was obsessed with turning her back into some old Demon..."

"Indeed," Gennai nodded, "There were Seven Demon Lords, Lilithmon was one of them, they were always a great evil in the Digital World that could not be fully destroyed," He explained, "But they were reclusive, solitary monsters that did not like working together... Until they discovered a power long sealed away in the Digital World."

"This might take awhile," Wisemon chimed in, floating off towards a nearby doorway. "I'll go make us some tea!"

Sam's eye twitched as he floated off, before returning her attention to the old man. "And... What was this power?"

"You've witnessed it yourself, if Wisemon's story is to be believe." Gennai stated, "A power that is not Digivoluton, but a great enhancement to ones abilities."

Sam blinked as she realized what he was talking about. "You're right, during the battle with Mephistomon, just when it seemed like we were winning his power just exploded... He didn't digivolve, but seemed way stronger than before!"

Gennai nodded, "Yes, this power is something the Architects refer to as 'The Bond', it is a result of a Digimon and its human partner reaching a Bond not just of kinship but of the soul itself."

Causing Sam to scoff, "So you're telling me Mephistomon and the other Demons had human partners?"

"No, no certainly not," He waved her off, "But what they did discover, was one of the first to ever achieve such a Bond... Megidramon, and siphoned his power while he laid dormant." Tensing up a bit at the very mention, "You see in the beginning, during the first great Crisis that ever threatened the Digital World, a group of Children were chosen along with partners to save it, and those first Chosen formed Bonds so great with their partners, their power became enough to purge the Greatest of Evils from the Digital World, Apocalymon."

Darcmon shifted slightly, crossing her arms. "But if Megidramon was one of those who saved the Digital World, why was he sealed away?"

To which Gennai took in a deep breath and sighed, "Because achieving The Bond, spells the end of the Chosen." He explained grimly, "To push your partner beyond the very heights of their strength, requires the human to become one with their Partner."

"Is that bad?" Sam questioned, "That... Doesn't sound bad."

"Those who Bond completely with their Partner become a part of them," Gennai explained, "The human fades away, and the Digimon is left alone." Lowering his shoulders a bit, "Megidramon was once a sweet, friendly Digimon who loved his partner very much... But that loss drove him to a maddening rage, and threatened to destroy everything." Shaking his head, "And simply destroying Megidramon was not an option, as he'd become one of the Four Pillars, who's power maintained the Barriers between this World and The Human World."

Darcmon realized the danger removing such a barrier would present, and nodded her head. "So he was sealed away, tragic."

"Then what happened when the Demons found him?" Samantha questioned.

"For the first time in the history of the Digital World, they united, and the Chosen had long since come and gone, we had no protectors." Gennai stated, "Agents of Order, the Royal Knights, set out to defeat them as they'd done in the past but underestimated just how powerful the Demons had become, and many among them were cut down... They could not defeat the Demon Lords alone, so they sought out an alliance with others who helped maintain peace throughout the Spheres, the Angels and those of Olympus." Before Wisemon arrived with a trey of tea, that Gennai accepted and sipped for a moment, before adding. "The ensuing battle was devastating, even together the Alliance lost many of its members to eradicate the Demon Lords, and even then... Some of their servants escaped, as you saw with Mephistomon." Before he shuddered, "But, the terror of that time did not end there."

Sam was hesitant to even ask, "Why? What happened after the Demon Lords were defeated?"

He took another long sip of his tea before continuing, "The demonic interference had weakened the seal, and corrupted Megidramon further." He explained grimly, "And the Alliance, following their brutal war, was in no position to challenge the daemonic dragon, and it seemed the entire Digital World would be consumed by fire and destruction."

Sam shared a look with Darcmon, waiting for him to continue. "And? How did they stop it?"

Gennai quirked an eyebrow at her question, before sighing lightly. "Ah, I'd hoped perhaps by now I'd have jogged your memory..." Before sipping his tea once more, "My apologies, you see it was you who resealed the disastrous Digimon, using your power to save everything in our final hour, when all hope had faded."

Sam's eyes widened, "I... I did that? I saved the Digital World?" But... There was something here that still didn't make sense, "I appeared to my human parents as a baby, are you trying to tell me I saved the Digital World in diapers?" She scoffed.

"No, the truth is far less humorous, actually." Gennai replied, lowering his head. "To unleash your power, and change the course of Fate for all existence, you sacrificed your very being, everything that you were..."

"You mean," Sam swallowed nervously, "I died."

"Miracles don't usually happen twice." Gennai said with a sad sigh, setting his empty cup aside. "I am sorry, but the truth of the matter is that Megidramon has been awoken once more, and the Alliance is seeking your power to try and rewrite all our Fates once again."

Darcmon narrowed her eyes sharply, "Well they can't have it, not if it means-" She didn't even want to say it, "I will not allow it."

"Darcmon," Sam was the one who replied, looking to her sister. "We're... We're talking about the destruction of the entire Digital World here, maybe the Human world too."

It was then that a rumble could be heart through one of the Egress Gates on the outer layer, followed by heavy footsteps. Gennai grimaced, "It seems this ploy to buy time hasn't been quite as successful as I thought."

Through the far hall, walking through the archway came the form of a massive Knight, standing no less then twenty feet tall and covered head to toe in deep black armor. It was lined with golden streaks, and a beautiful white cape flowed behind him as he strode forward through the gardens. His very presence seemed to put pressure on Darcmon, like she could feel his power even at this distance.

"You're still sly in your old age, Gennai." The Knight said with a deep and calm voice. "But you're also quite predictable." Coming to a halt some distance back. "Though I do wonder how you knew of my plans to send Agents to the lower Sphere..."

"Just bad timing I suppose, or perhaps you've also become predictable." Gennai shrugged casually, "Care for some tea, Alphamon? Wisemon just made it, lets catch up it's been too long." Putting on a friendly smile, "My former Partner."

"Goldramon and Magnadramon are dead," He said bluntly, looking down at the old man. "We no longer have the luxury of time." Before turning his eyes to Sam and Darcmon. "I apologize for the intrusion, but as I'm sure Gennai has explained we are facing annihilation," Before he dropped to one knee to be at least partially closer to eye-level, "That can only be averted with your help."

Darcmon finally found her tongue as she jumped forward between them, drawing her blade. "You mean with her death!" She corrected sharply, "I will not allow it!"

Alphamon did not seem fazed by her outburst, and instead looked past her to Sam. "And do you share this stance?"

"I-" Sam hesitated, "I don't know..." Looking away, unable to hold her sisters gaze when she looked back in disbelief.

"You can't really be considering this," Darcmon pressed, lowering her blade as she approached Sam. "Think about this, there... There has to be some other way!"

"Allow me to be perfectly clear," Alphamon chimed in as he stood back up to full height. That pressure increased throughout the room. "We speak, because I allow it, refusal is not an option." He stated, his tone remaining calm despite the clear threat his words carried. "Your only choice, is whether you leave this place willingly."

Darcmon glared back at him, but couldn't bring herself to raise her blade, like she knew the moment she made an aggressive action she'd be destroyed on the spot. "Y-You bastard... You can't do this!"

"I take no joy in what must be done," Alphamon replied, shaking his head. "But if I must sacrifice one life to protect many, then I will bear the shame of that decision."

"And what if your wrong?" Gennai questioned from behind him. "What if we use the Miracle to seal Megidramon again, and it doesn't work? Or he awakens again and we don't have a Miracle to save us next time?"

Alphamon turned halfway to face him as well. "And what are you suggesting, old friend?"

Gennai stared him in the eyes and answered, "The Prophecy."

The black knight Digimon quirked an eyebrow, "The Prophecy? You must be joking..."

Sam's eyes widened as she remembered the Prophecy, the one left to her parents long ago.

"In three years."

"Four symbols will emerge, to challenge the Darkness."

"And when Chaos threatens all..."

"The Fate of both worlds will be decided by a miracle."

"We have the Chosen this time," Gennai argued, "Don't fight them, work together! They've already done amazing things, overcome impossible odds, maybe we don't have t-"

"Enough!" Alphamon raised his voice briefly, brushing off Gennai's attempts to convince him. "That prophecy can just as easily imply that She is meant to Seal Megidramon again," He scoffed, "And I will not put the Fate of all things in the hands of forgotten texts pedaled by you Architects." Shaking his head, before looking back to Samantha. "However, I understand the dangers of being at odds with those chosen by Destiny... And, I mean not to cause you unnecessary harm." He said, sighing heavily. "We can afford... A bit more time."

Causing Samantha to blink in surprise, "You... What?"

Alphamon bowed his head slightly, "I give you Six hours, make whatever arrangements you must, say your goodbyes... But when that time is up, I am coming for you." Before he turned and began to walk away, heading for the same Egress Gate he arrived through.

As he departed, Gennai lowered his shoulders and sighed heavily. "Stubborn Old-Mon," Before looking to Sam, "So, what will you do now?"

She appeared shaken, knowing now what fate awaited her, and what was expected of her. "I... I have to go!"

But as she turned to leave, Gennai reached out for her. "Wait!" Taking her hand, "You'll waste time jumping gates, just tell me where you want to go." He offered.

Causing Sam to blink in surprise, "I... I want to return to the Volcano Lab, in my Sphere."

In a whirlwind of events, Samantha had found many of the answers to questions she'd had most of her life, and in this sobering moment of truth she found herself at the center of a great crisis. And whether she liked it or not, the Fate of all things now rested on her shoulders...