. . . Thomas Mercer . . .

One Day Earlier...

After de-digivolving, and getting picked up by a handful of shady government men, Thomas and Kokuwamon were driven to a secure location in the city nearest to where the train attack had occurred. Since then, he'd been kept under surveillance, they tried to take away his Digivice to analyze it, but Thomas assured them it would only work in his hands, and connecting it to any sort of computer would result in another Digimon likely tracing the signal.

Thankfully, they believed him.

The threat of Kokuwamon digivolving into a giant laser shooting robot again certainly helped.

And then came the questioning.

Strangely enough, they weren't asking anything about Digimon specifically. It was all about how much he understood about the process of them getting to our world, or how the Digital World really worked. Making Thomas believe they did indeed already know about the presence of Digimon. They also questioned him about how he became partners with Kokuwamon, and Thomas answered honestly, in that he really didn't know it just kind of happened.

It was evening of the same day as the train attack, when a new man arrived. Dressed in a suit with slicked back grey hair, a well trimmed mustache as well. When he entered the room, the other guards and officers left as well.

"Arthur Grayson," He introduced himself, extending a hand for Thomas to shake. Which he did, nodding his head but offering no name in return as he knew they already had it. "I'm the head Cyber Space: Global Operations division, or CS:GO for short," Making Thomas' eye twitch a little, "I've been watching the questioning of both you and your partner for the last few hours, and I can safely say two things." He pulled out a chair, and took a seat across from them. "You are incredibly smart, but also not a threat... More likely an unwilling deterrent."

"Unwilling? Yeah that's one way to put it." Thomas thought, before nodding. "Like I said, I don't know why I was chosen, and neither do the others I'm pretty sure, I've already shared my theory on it being a reaction to someone upsetting the balance between this world and the Digital one."

"And I'm inclined to agree with you," He nodded, tapping a finger on the table. "We've been monitoring you and the other Digimon from a distance since we detected the energy fluctuations that occur during an emergence event, or a 'Breach' as you called it." He explained, "Would it surprise you to know that the energy released during a standard breach, like the one on the train, and the breach that occurred at both the beach and the river were entirely different?"

Thomas blinked in surprise, "Really?" Leaning forward a bit, "That is interesting."

"We've studied Digimon for years, pretty much ever since Cyber Space became more developed." He went on, "You see headlines about energy fluctuations, strange power outages, or bugs in the system, those are almost always Digimon that have drifted from their world into Cyber Space." Before he shook his head, "Best we can tell, what happened on the train was a freak accident, a Digimon drifting in Cyber Space saw your digivice like a beacon to get out." He explained, "The ones that took place in the river and near the beach were in response to something on the other side, some kind of signal or energy being used to forcefully make a hole, a gateway directly from the Digital World to this one." That sounded bad, "From monitoring the events, we assume its unstable technology, that's why the gates have only been able to be opened for a few seconds, just long enough for someone to get through before they're forced to close."

"So they're experimenting," Thomas surmised, "But if they figure out how to hold the door open indefinitely..."

"Then we'd have an invasion of monsters on our hands." Grayson finished the thought, "You understand the situation we're in then."

"Yeah." Thomas nodded, "If too many digimon came through at once, violent ones, it would be catastrophic."

"And that's what we're hoping to avoid," Arthur continued, "But as it stands we are still in the testing phases of any real countermeasures, so far the most effective thing we've seen contain these violent digimon are other digimon."

"So you want our help," Thomas figured as much, "I'll have to meet with the others and talk to them, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind saving the world." He chuckled lightly.

Grayson smiled lightly at that, "I sure hope so," Before rising from his seat, "I'll get you our contact information, so we can stay in touch with any developments, but for now I think we'd better get you out of here."

Thomas nodded, "Yeah I'm sure my parents are worried sick."

"Oh we took care of that," He assured the young boy. "Sent a message that you were late to the train, so you weren't on board when the accident happened." He assured with a grin, "And you're gonna be stuck in town for a few days while it all gets sorted out, you should probably still call them."

Thomas blinked, not sure how comfortable he was with this fabricated story. "I suppose that'll give me time to speak with the others in person..."

"That was the plan."

"Doesn't sound like they're too keen on asking permission." Thomas noted, suddenly unsure how much he should really trust this guy.

. . .

. . . Madison, Cody, Sam and Kai . . .

Present Day, the Morning After Musyamon's Attack

Madison had left home in a hurry, after awakening to a message warning her that two digimon breached last night. Both had since disappeared from the radar, but only one was confirmed destroyed based on the message Samantha sent out. She slipped out in the morning, heading to the warehouse to make sure that Tsukaimon was alright. By the time she arrived however, it appeared at her fellow chosen ones were already waiting for her, along with a new face.

"You're all here already," Madison said as she met up with them outside. Shamanmon was standing nearby, with Tsukaimon on his head. But the little purple digimon flew over as her partner arrived, deciding her head was a much better perch. "And... Who's this?" Looking to their newest arrival, and his armored digimon.

"Kai Sarata," He introduced himself with a polite nod. "This is my partner Kotemon, we were the ones responsible for getting rid of Musyamon last night."

"But we've still got no idea where the other Digimon went." Sam stated, arms folded over her chest. "Somehow its preventing us from tracking it like we normally would and that's a problem." She shook her head, "Darcmon is making the rounds, seeing if she can't pick anything up with her senses but so far the trail is cold."

"Dammit," Cody clenched his fists, "This sucks, we're just supposed to wait around for this thing to come after us? Or our families!?"

"Calm down," Kai scoffed in response to his outburst. "Panicking won't help."

"Big talk coming from the guy who let this one get away," Cody glared daggers at him, "Now we've all gotta watch our back."

Kai simply shrugged, "It couldn't be helped, it escaped before the fight even started."

"Okay," Madison finally spoke up, looking between everyone. "So, what's the plan?" Trying to get this conversation back on track.

As if on que, the sound of wheels rolling up across the cracked pavement sounded around the corner. A long black SUV turning, before pulling to a stop. A man in a suit stepped out, before walking around and opening the double doors on the side, allowing for a young teen in a wheelchair to roll out. Along with his big mechanical beetle!

"Right on time." Samantha sighed in relief.

"Thanks for the ride," Thomas said, nodding to his driver. "Tell Grayson I'll update him once we figure something out." The man simply nodded, making his way back around to the drivers seat. Climbing in and driving off, while Thomas rolled up to the group. "Morning every-" Before he locked eyes with Cody.

The two stared at each other for a moment, before both pointed an accusing finger, "YOU!" The exclaimed in unison.

"You two know each other?" Sam questioned.

"Uh, sort of," Thomas laughed nervously, "We ran into each other the night we got our Digimon, not too long before they appeared actually."

"Interesting, last weekend right? Friday night?" Kai questioned, "So we did all get our Digimon at the same time..."

"And since then we've had a massive uptick in the amount of breaches." Sam nodded, "We've already surmised the events are connected, but Thomas, why don't you fill us in on what the government has to say about all this."

"Right, so about that..." He looked around briefly, "Maybe we should take this inside."

And one short thirty minutes later, he had laid out the information that this CS:GO had on the situation and Digimon in general. But they had no knowledge of how to combat it or stop the breaches. While they spoke, the Digimon got acquainted, aside from Tsukaimon who remained glued to Madison's head. Shamanmon and Kotemon got along pretty well, Kokuwamon being the odd one out as a machine in the bunch.

"So they want us to cooperate," Cody was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Penalties if we don't work for the suits?"

"None," Thomas shrugged, "None that he mentioned anyways... But if angry digimon start coming through in larger numbers, we're gonna want the support right?"

"Preferably we don't ever reach that point," Samantha replied, "But without a way to stop these breaches from happening, or knowing what's causing it to happen from the other side we can't really do that."

"Yeah I've been working on that," Thomas stated, pulling out a brand new laptop from the bag on the back of his chair. "They told me its caused by some energy flooding the network and effectively blowing a hole in Cyber Space." He explained, "If I can find out how, I could use my access to Cyber Core to create an inverse effect to repel that incoming energy."

"The CS:GO gave you access to the Cyber Core network?" Madison asked, blinking in surprise.

"No I hacked that a while ago." Thomas replied casually. "But they don't know about that yet."

"So you've got a plan then?" Kai quirked an eyebrow.

"The beginnings of one," Thomas shrugged, "But I need to study the breach event more before I get anything ready for testing."

"Right, best we don't mess around too much with blowing holes in Cyber Space." Cody added.

"So for now we wait?" Kai questioned, "Perhaps search for the rogue Digimon out there in the mean time?"

Sam nodded, "Right, that's a good idea, we can all Digivolve to champion level so we've got a good chance at defending ourselves."

"Well," Cody hiked a thumb over at Madison, "Not all of us."

Causing her to stiffen a bit, "Yeah... About that," Madison shifted nervously. "I don't know if Tsukaimon and I are really cut out for fighting." She explained, "I mean, look at her? How could this little cutie fight a big scary monster?" She asked, petting her partner.

She nodded in agreement, "Fighting isn't fun... Evil digimon are scary."

Kai shook his head, "I doubt the evil digimon will care if you want to fight them or not."

"We were all chosen to protect this world," Sam added, "It's not fair, but we have to fight if we want to protect everyone."

"I-I know I..." She stammered nervously, fidgeting with her hands, "I just..."

Cody could tell the thought of fighting made Madison uncomfortable, so he stepped in, "She'll find her spirit, lay off the third degree," He said sharply, "Besides, Tsukaimon hangs around here with Shamanmon, and I don't live that far either so if anything happens we'll cover it."

Sam nodded, not wanting to start another argument. "I suppose that's the best we can do until Tsukaimon digivolves."

Madison nodded, "R-Right, sounds good."

Kai looked between the others for a moment, "If there is nothing else, I need to return to my home." He said, "As much as I would like to get properly introduced to everyone, I left my family with a lot of questions when I departed this morning."

"Fair enough," Sam replied, "We'll call this meeting adjourned, I'm gonna join up with Darcmon and see if we can't bait out our uninvited visitor into showing itself."

"Guess I'll be your backup," Cody shrugged, "Not much else going on, you good to hang here and keep an eye on things Shamanmon?"

He nodded, raising his club. "Sure! I'll join you later!"

Sam smiled lightly, "Sure, it'll be nice having some extra hands if we do run into it."

"I'll start scanning for any abnormal data masses in the network," Thomas decided with a nod, rolling his way past them. "It could be hiding somewhere in Cyber Space waiting for a chance to jump out again near its target, gotta get somewhere higher up though..."

Kokuwamon helped by pushing him along, "Maybe not too high up..."

"Have fun, everyone," Madison waved them off as the group began to disperse, "I'll be here..."

Suddenly doubting if she had what it takes to do the things they wanted her to.

To fight...

. . .

Meanwhile...

On the other side, within a dark palace with amethyst walls surrounding a great throne room.

In the center was a great orb of some kind, it swirled with images of the deep.

While standing before it was a great and powerful dark digimon.

The one who ruled over this land, waiting for contact with his undersea ally.

The orb began to shift and churn, the waters clearing just enough for two large red eyes to be staring back at him.

"Seems your agent failed as well..." A deep rumbling voice echoed through the chamber.

While the dark one chuckled, "Failed? No, Musyamon was defeated but his comrade still lives."

"And why has this servant not targeted the children yet?"

"Patience, my friend." He urged, holding up a hand. "Brute force is not always the right course of action, first we must weaken them... Set them up, watch them fall."

"Hrrngh, I grow tired of these games," His undersea ally snarled, "The gateway is almost ready, I was promised the humans would offer little resistance."

"And they will, once the darkness hiding among them has been released..."

. . .

. . . Kai and Kotemon . . .

"Everyone, this is Kotemon."

Kai stood before his family, gathered and awaiting his return after he rushed out of the house early this morning to meet up with the others before the sun could rise. Sakura had stayed behind for her own safety, and to assure everyone that he would be back to explain everything later. They stood before him with questioning looks, confused expressions, his uncles and cousins unsure what to make of this strange little creature.

"Kai... What is this?" His grandfather questioned, sounding both bewildered and on edge.

"You saw that monster that appeared at the beach?" He questioned, "Kotemon is another such creature, but he arrived to protect this world from creatures like that." Maybe an over assumption, but it helped get his message across. "And... He chose me to be his partner."

"That's-" Grandfather was at a loss, before shaking his head. "No, absolutely not, you saw that monster on the news, you can't trust this... Thing!"

"Yes you can!" Sakura chimed in, stepping forward to join Kai. "Last night, another one of these... Digimon, attacked us, and Kotemon risked his life to defend not just Kai but me as well!"

"L-Lady Tanaka!" He gasped in shock, "But..." Looking from her to the small creature, "How could this..."

"Father," Hitomi placed a hand on his shoulder. "It seems Kai has been chosen for something special, whatever it may be... I say we support him."

While disapproving murmurs came from the others, those who would rather have their progeny inherit the title as head of this house. Even some of the housekeepers, made family by their years of service, seemed to question Kai's judgement here.

But Kotemon stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully to the elder of the family. "When I first came to this world, I didn't know why I was brought here... But after meeting Kai, I knew I had found an honorable purpose." Raising his head slowly, meeting the elder's eyes. "I swear, I will protect him and this world with my life!"

The old man hesitated, before lowering his head in defeat, to the little creatures staggering testimony, "How... How could I deny such a sincere declaration?" He scoffed, shaking his head. "So, what does this mean for us, Kai?"

Meeting eyes with the old man, he answered simply. "I will do my best to continue my instruction, and my training..." Before holding up his digivice, "But when the call comes, I- we have to answer it."

"To face more monsters..." He sighed heavily, "What a terrible responsibility you bear now... Very well, I do not like it, but I will not get in your way." He nodded, agreeing with little argument, before looking to Kotemon, "And you... Thank you, for keeping my grandson safe."

Kotemon nodded happily, "Any time!"

Kai releasing a relieved sigh, "Well, that went better than I thought it would..." Before taking a few glances at his obviously disapproving family members. "For the most part, anyways..."

. . .

. . . Madison and Tsukaimon . . .

"Hey Maddie?" Tsukaimon gently tugged at the hair on her head, "You okay? You've been quiet today."

"What?" She blinked, not realizing how long she'd been staring at the papers in front of her. "Oh, sorry... I was just doing some thinking, about all this, everything that's going on." She thought she could distract herself by doing some writing, maybe work on that song some more, but the events of the past few days were fresh in her mind.

"Yeah, it's really scary..." Tsukaimon nodded, "Those big fish digimon, I didn't like them..."

"I know," Madison decided to step away from the table, pulling Tsukaimon from her head and held her in her arms. "I don't like the idea of fighting either... But-" She hesitated, questioning whether or not she should push the matter. "If... If we had to, could you do it? Fight like they do?"

"N-No way!" Tsukaimon shook her head, "I don't wanna fight! Its loud and scary a-and people get hurt!"

"I know, I don't like the idea of fighting either," Madison assured her, gently petting her partner. "But, if we do nothing... More people, innocent people could get hurt too."

"No!" Tsukaimon suddenly jumped from her arms, fluttering in the air. "I don't wanna fight!" Her eyes quivering, "I-I can't... I can't fight... Never again."

Madison blinked, realizing maybe there was a reason she was so scared to start throwing punches. "Tsu... Did something happen?" She asked, reaching out to try and comfort her, but the tiny digimon pulled away and flew higher.

She flew up to a perch above an old crate, "I don't wanna talk about it!"

Madison frowned, "Come on... We don't have to talk about it, I'm sorry that I brought it-" Before she saw it, something looming in the shadows above the crate. Like it was part of the darkness itself, "Tsu lookout!"

A great long arm reached from the darkness, it was absolutely massive and long sharp fingers coiled around the little digimon. "Aah, its so good to know you haven't forgotten yourself little one..." Chuckled a cruel, menacing voice. "Our master will be quite pleased..."

"Aagh! Maddie help me!" Tsukaimon cried out, struggling helplessly in his grip. The rest of the demonic digimon emerging from the darkness, revealing a long and slender body with tattered black wings and a horned head. "D-Don't let Devimon take me back!"

"Let her go!" She shouted up at him, clenching her digivice tight in her hands.

"What's wrong little one?" Devimon sneered, pulling Tsukaimon closer to his face. "Did you really think it would be that easy? You could just run away and forget what you are? Forget what you did?" A dark aura began to surround his hand, surrounding Tsukaimon as she closed her eyes tight.

"No! No stop! I don't want to see it!" She begged, tears at the corners of her eyes.

"Shama BOMB!" A fiery burst slammed into Devimon's side, releasing a powerful explosion that blew a hole in the roof above and forced him to release Tsukaimon. She fell, body paralyzed as if she were unconscious, "Haha! Gotchya!"

While Madison caught her falling partner, "Its okay I've got you!" She assured, "You're safe now, nice shot Shamanmon!"

He flashed a bashful grin, "Any time!"

But Devimon didn't seem bothered by his intervention in the slightest, "Don't think its over yet, little pests." He chuckled lowly, "You know not the darkness you carry," He smirked wickedly, showing his fangs. "I guess she hasn't told you about what kind of Digimon she really is!"

Tsukaimon was writhing in Madison's arms, body flailing as that dark energy returned surrounding her. "H-Hey! What is this!? Tsu!? Tsu are you okay!?" Before glaring at Devimon, "What did you do to her?!"

"I just gave her a little wake up call," He shrugged mockingly, "Made her remember the only friend she ever had, and what she did to him~!"

"St-Stop it!" Tsukaimon begged fighting the swelling darkness inside of her as the images flashed before her eyes. "I don't want to see it!"

"Remember him!" Devimon demanded, voice filled with twisted amusement, "Remember what you did to your precious Wizardmon!"

Her eyes opened, whatever vision she'd had was enough to send her over the edge while Madison's digivice erupted with a not a brilliant light but a terrible darkness. Seeping out of the device as it wreathed around her partner, "AAAAAAGH!"

Madison was forced to let go of her digimon as she was blown back by some dark force. A black and purple sphere surrounding Tsukaimon, swelling rapidly in size. "TSUKAIMON!" Madison cried out desperately, trying to reach her somehow.

Devimon watched as great black wings erupted from the sphere, along with a massive piercing tail that slammed against the ground. Form growing so large it tore through what remained of the buildings roof, "It seems my job here is finished, until we meet again!" He laughed wickedly, taking off into the sky and disappearing in the clouds.

"Come on!" Shamanmon grabbed Madison's hand, "Have to go! Building not safe!"

"B-But-" Unable to look away from the monstrosity that was once her partner, still shrouded in the swirling shadow, she could see four blood red eyes staring back at her. "What about... Tsu?"

"Have to GO!" He wasn't going to wait for something bad to happen. The little green digimon pulling her towards the exit, the duo made it out just in time for the darkness to be released in full. Erupting from the building, tearing it apart before spreading to the sky, casting a dark shadow over the area.

Madison looked back to see a terrible dark creature, almost like Devimon but its body longer, more monstrous like some kind of demonic dragon. "Th-That can't be her... Can it?"

"HRAAAAGH!" Her scream rang to the heavens, one of pain and anguish, the sheer force of her cry leveling whatever was left of the buildings walls.

Madison was blown back, right off her feet by the force of the blast. She rolled across the asphalt, tumbling to a stop as her Digivice clattered across the ground, "N-No... Tsukaimon, please!" Reaching for her device, she saw the screen flashing red with a single word repeating across it.

Devidramon