. . . Sam and Darcmon . . .

Samantha walked deeper into the metal halls of this well hidden lab, her father maintaining a rather nervous silence as they went. Not even sure where to really begin, before noting how tired Kudamon seemed as she rested on Sam's shoulders. "Did you enjoy seeing the Human World?"

Sam shot him a sideway glance, before shrugging her shoulders. "It's alright, kinda boring though."

"Heh, right," He laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his head. "I suppose when you come from a place like this it would look pretty dull, how did Darcmon take to it?"

"Well enough." Kudamon answered without opening her eyes.

They came to a large central chamber, the walls lined with various monitors, most were turned off and numerous consoles were covered in dust. At the center was a large table, its surface appearing like some kind of screen that hadn't been turned on in some time. This alone left Samantha concerned, as the pieces in her head started to fit into place.

"Dad..." She looked around slowly, "Where's Mom?" Causing Kudamon's ears to perk up a bit.

He stopped in his tracks, eyes lowering slowly. "... A lot has happened since you left Sam, it's been a long five years."

Now she was really starting to worry, "Where is she? What happened here?" She questioned, clenching her hands into fists. "I thought you were both studying the connections between ours worlds when I left, how haven't you made it there when Darcmon and I have been dealing with random breaches for years!?"

His eyes widened as he looked back at her, "Wh-What?! But... That shouldn't have been possible!"

"Well it is!" She scoffed back at him, "We just fought off an entire invasion from some monstrous digimon named Dragomon!"

The older man went silent for a moment, "I... I see..." He muttered under his breath, "Then the natural safeguards between worlds have started to decay..." He ran a hand down his face, pinching the bridge of his nose as he sighed heavily. "Your mother is alright, as far as I know, but three years ago we had a bit of a falling out."

"Over what?" Samantha questioned, taken aback by the news, "You seemed fine when I left," What could have possibly changed in those two years that would make them split up? "What happened?"

Rather than respond immediately, he made his way over to the central monitor, seating himself into a chair before he began to boot up the computers. "We were keeping up our research, trying to find a way home after you disappeared into the gateway... But one day, something tripped our security alarms."

"So what?" She questioned, "Anything that wandered to close to this stupid mountain tripped the proximity alarms all the time when I was little."

He slowly turned in his chair, looking back at her. "These were the interior alarms, Samantha," He explained, "An old man, he appeared human but I have my doubts, somehow bypassed all our security systems and just appeared inside of our lab." He turned back to the computer, clicking away at the keyboards as he searched through various files. "He avoided us completely, we only caught a glimpse of him before he disappeared again... But after he left, this message was on every single one of our computers."

A text document opened on the screens, the writing on it was lines of strange symbols, similar to the ones at the entrance. Samantha narrowing her eyes, "Yeah uh, you're gonna have to refresh my memory of DigiCode."

"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."

Samantha listened quietly as he read through it all, quirking an eyebrow. "This some kind of fortune cookie?"

"I believe it's a prophecy," He stated grimly, "We've delved deep into what history can be recovered in lost code and forgotten files buried deep within the Digital World, and there are many references to events foretold in similar ways."

"And this made mom pack and leave?" Sam questioned, stuffing her hands into her pockets.

"Upon analyzing the message for some time, and what we knew, we both came to the same conclusion..." He stated, looking to her. "Something is coming, and we feared you were going to be forced into the middle of it." Before he shook his head, "This news about the attacks in the human world confirms our theories... The wheels of fate are turning, I believed we should focus on finding a way to reinforce the boundaries between worlds, while your mother thought it'd be best to try and create some way of defending ourselves against whatever was coming, she left without saying a word one day."

Sam slowly pulled out her digivice, looking it over as she narrowed her eyes. "Four symbols... And those four were all chosen... Could Mom have been the one who sent them the message? Was all this her plan?" Before she shook her head, "Dad, others have found partner digimon," She didn't have time to fuss over her parents sudden separation. "They helped me stop the invasion, but were all sent back here by force, I have to find them."

He blinked in surprise, "What!? More humans partnering with Digimon? B-But how is that possible? I-I thought your case was-"

"I don't know," She shook her head, "But they're lost out there right now, can we use my digivice's signal to find them?"

"I- R-Right yes I'm sure we can rig something up." He nodded, rising from his seat before pausing briefly. "Come, lets head to the main lab and I'll look into it."

"Yeah." No time to rest, if that prophecy was to be believed anyways. "The fate of both worlds." Her hand idly rested over her chest, "But a miracle? What does that mean?" She could only wonder, as she tried to focus on the problems at hand.

Her name, was Samantha Ross.

A twenty year old girl who was born in the digital world.

Partnered with her digimon from birth, bound by fate.

Her role unclear the destiny of others, but she is not one of the Chosen.

. . .

. . . Kai and Kotemon . . .

Kai was mesmerized by this strange world around him, as both he and his partner made their way towards what was supposed to be a village for Kotemon's kind. The land around them was beautiful, rolling plains and a warm sun above, with a cool breeze flowing through the area constantly. And when he looked up, far off in the distance he could see what appeared to be some large mountains. He had so many questions about this world, about the "people" that lived here.

"So, what will we find at this village?" He asked, starting off simple.

"Digimon of course!" Kotemon answered, throwing his arms up. "Don't worry, it'll be all good Digimon! This land is protected by our lord, and my master Knightmon!"

"Another Lord?" Kai questioned, "Like Dragomon?"

"NO! Not like Dragomon!" He shook his head, "Knightmon is a noble warrior, defender of this land!"

Kai nodded, "Alright, sounds like a good place to start... Do you think he'll be able to help us find the others?"

"I'm sure he'll be able to help us," Kotemon nodded, "If anyone else ended up on the western continent we'll find them in no time!"

Kai blinked, realizing the implication that there were likely multiple continents. "And... If they aren't here?"

"Well... I hope you're a good swimmer!"

Kai rolled his eyes at that, "Excellent..." His eyes drifting up to those massive mountains once more. "I wonder... Was closing the gate the way we did, really the best solution?" In the moment, he'd argued that it was the only way. But now that he was here, it was all too apparent to him how dangerous their new situation might be. "Fearing the unknown won't change anything," He decided, eyes returning to the road ahead as they began passing into a dense forest. "We will find a way."

"Uh oh."

Kai's thoughts returned to reality as Kotemon spoke, he noticed the little digimon was staring up at him. "What?"

"You got that look on your face." He pointed out.

Causing Kai to stiffen, "Wh-What look!?"

"Its your 'I'm thinking too much and worrying' face," Kotemon shrugged, "Relax, I know this is all new but everything will be fine once we get to the village!"

As he continued onward, deeper into the forest, Kai stuffed his hands into his pockets as he followed. "... I do not have a look."

Once they'd made it further, things quieted down. They walked for what felt like another hour or so, though Kai couldn't say for sure if time passed the same here as it did in the real world. But through the trees he could see smoke stacks in the distance, Kotemon was starting to pick up the pace. His excitement getting the best of him perhaps?

"This is it!" He beamed, pushing through the last of the underbrush in their way, revealing a large settlement. Buildings made of stone peeking out over a wall made of wood that surrounded the place, though beyond its edges he could see water, a great ocean spreading to the horizon. "We're home!"

"Halt!" Kai froze in step as a deeper voice sounded, eyes darting up to a section of the wall. A pair of eyes were staring out through a slot in the wood, "What business do you have here in-" Before something else pushed him out of the way, "Hey!"

"Drop the tough guy act Gladimon!" Another voice barked, "Are you blind? It's Kotemon! He's back!" This one sounding small and more feminine

A section of the wall opened up, like a traditional gateway allowing them entrance. Revealing a streetway inside, dirty paths going deeper into the village. Kotemon raced inside, Kai following behind him as a small Digimon with big blue ears and wings on the sides of his head with little antennaes. They almost looked like butterfly wings, otherwise its body was almost entirely white.

"Morphomon!" Kotemon beamed, the two sharing a hug, throwing their comedically oversized arms around one another. "Its great to see you again!"

Before a slightly larger digimon appeared, covered in armor and wielding two swords. Though despite his armor he was rather rotund, "Where did you run off too Kotemon?" The voice was the same as up on the wall, the one Morphomon called Gladimon.

"And who's this?" The fairy digimon added.

Kotemon pulled away, dusting himself off. "Sorry, let me introduce you to my partner!" He said eagerly.

Morphomon's jaw dropped, Gladimon nearly fell over as he stumbled back. "You got a human partner!? A real live human partner!?" He asked in awe, eyes darting to Kai. "Digivice and everything?"

Kai nodded slowly, pulling it out of his pocket and showing it to them both. "I'm afraid so." Before bowing his head, "Kai Sarata, it is an honor to meet Kotemon's friends." He would have said family, but he wasn't sure that's how it worked here.

"The honor is all ours!" Gladimon replied, shaking his head and sheathing his blades. "To think a human could come to the digital world, incredible."

Before Morphomon chimed in, "Kotemon, you know what the stories say," She didn't sound quite as excited. "If you've found a partner, it must mean you've got some great destiny ahead of you."

Kai blinked, "What?"

Kotemon nodded, "Yeah, I was starting to think the same thing."

Kai looked to his partner, "What stories?"

"Just legends," Morphomon answered, "Fairy tales, about humans and digimon working together to save the Digital World."

Kotemon nodded, "I'm sorry I didn't say anything before, its just... To us those were just old stories," He explained, "Even when I came to your world, I didn't know why, not until we started fighting bad digimon."

Kai wasn't quite sure how he felt about this, "I understand, don't worry about it." He'd already figured he had some greater destiny, but saving the Digital World? "We should get back on track though." They'd barely managed to save their own.

"Oh, right," Kotemon blinked, looking back at his friends. "Is Knightmon here? We need to speak with him."

Gladimon shook his head, "He left this morning, on his usual patrol of the region with Maildramon, but he should be back any time now."

"Then for now we wait," Kotemon nodded, "Fine by me, I could use a break."

Kai had to agree with him, even if he was worried about the others, pushing themselves too hard now would be dangerous. "We can rest here while we wait."

Gladimon chuckled and patted Kotemon on the back, "You're tired? What did you actually have to do some hard work for once?" He teased.

"Hey!" Kotemon swatted his arm away, "I've been doing work! I'll have you know I can Digivolve now! So you're not the only Champion around here anymore." He huffed.

"What!?" Morphomon gasped, "You can digivolve?" Stars in her eyes.

Gladimon wouldn't hear it, "Yeah right, you only just finished basic training, there's no way you can digivolve."

"It's true!" He exclaimed, looking to Kai. "Come on! Lets digivolve right now!"

Kai sweatdropped, "Didn't you just say you were tired?"

"This is a matter of pride, Kai!" Kotemon declared with a fiery passion, "Back me up partner!"

"Alright alright," Kai held up his Digivice, "Lets go!"

"YEAH!" Kotemon raised his arms up, "..."

But... Nothing happened.

"Pfft!" Gladimon snorted with laughter, "Nice digivolution Kotemon, really impressive."

"Oh shut up!" Kotemon barked back, "Its just because I'm tired!"

Earning a laugh from Morphomon, "I don't know Kotemon you seem pretty energetic to me!"

Kai shook his head, "Showing off isn't exactly a noble use of your new power anyways, you should focus on resting." Kai had other plans.

"Your old room is still available." Gladimon suggested, "Maybe after baby naps he can show us his big cool digivolution."

Kotemon narrowed his eyes, "I am gonna make you eat those words Gladimon..." Shuffling off with the champion digimon, clearly embarrassed. Before he noticed Kai wasn't following, "Aren't you coming?"

Kai held up a hand, "I'm good, I want to explore the village a little."

"Oh right!" Morphomon gasped, throwing her arms up. "I can give you the tour! Our little seaside town isn't much but I'll show you what we have."

"That sounds nice." Kai nodded with a polite smile. Looking back to his partner, "Go rest, we'll catch up later."

Kotemon shrugged, "If you say so." Before continuing on his way.

As they walked off, Kai turned to his guide and revealed his true intentions. "I'd like to know more about these old stories, if you don't mind."

Morphomon blinked in surprise, "Oh, okay sure." She shrugged, "I don't see why not, we'll need to head to the old shrine in the center of town."

Kai smiled politely and nodded, "Lead the way."

. . .

. . . Thomas and Kokuwamon . . .

While Kai searched for answers, Thomas and his companion had reached the outskirts of a massive industrial complex. At least, that's how it appeared at first glance. But watching from on high, atop a small cliffside that provided enough cover not to be seen, they could see it was really some kind of military structure. There were built in defenses, cannons lining tall walls made of concrete and metal, its outer perimeter was patrolled by rolling machines that Kokuwamon identified as Tankmon.

"You're sure this is the place?" Thomas asked his partner.

Kokuwamon nodded, "Yeah, I was created here, I know it."

"Was it... Like this?" He added.

To which his partner shrugged, "Don't know, I barely knew anything about the world around me when I was sent to you."

"Great," Thomas sighed lightly, "Well... What should we do?"

"I think... We should go down and say hi!" Kokuwamon beamed, slowly standing up.

The movement caused a few rocks to break away from the ledge, they tumbled down towards the base clattering as they went. The patrolling Tankmon turned towards the noise, opening fire without warning and blasting away the stones before they could even reach the ground.

Thomas watched the display of firepower and complete lack of hesitation, "Yeah I don't think that's such a good idea..." The more he stared at this place, the more he thought it was too dangerous and they should just turn around before things got out of hand. "But... It's my fault we're all here," He argued with himself, clenching his hands into fists. "I have to fix this." Before he looked along the edges of the complex, seeing a grate hanging off some pipes on the far side. "Lets try over there, maybe we can sneak in?"

"Through the drainage pipes?" Kokuwamon questioned, frowning a bit. "I don't know, that seems kind of dangerous."

Thomas nodded, "Don't worry, it should be easy, in and out." He assured himself more so than Kokuwamon, "Just find what we need, and don't get caught right?"

A plan that sounded excellent on paper, or maybe just a little overly optimistic. Kokuwamon trusted Thomas' judgement however, so he didn't argue. The two began making a careful descent, doubling back on their path over this side of the hills so they could reach the base without being seen or making too much noise.

Once they reached the bottom, they began to look for an opening. Anywhere they could cross the open ground without being seen, to reach the ditch that would lead them to their target. But with the amount of distance they'd have to cross, the danger those turrets imposed was apparent. Thomas narrowed his eyes, noting the way the big guns were scanning the area.

"Alright, the turrets are on a constant swivel," He noted, mathing it out in his head. "But they can't cover all the blind spots, if we time it right we'll have a window to the ditch."

Kokuwamon was more focused on those heavy duty guns, "And... If we don't time it right?"

Thomas swallowed nervously, "Lets not think about that."

Kokuwamon was growing worried, as he looked back at his partner. "I'm not so sure about this, why don't we take a step back and think of a new plan?"

"We don't have time for that!" Thomas barked back at him, perhaps harsher than he'd meant. "The others are out there somewhere, maybe in more dangerous places than we are! And..." He looked away, clenching his fists. "It's my fault, because of my stupid plan... So it's my responsibility to make it right."

Kokuwamon understood already why Thomas had been acting this way, but knew it was deeper than just this. "You know, since we met one another, I've noticed that when you set your mind to something you don't hold back." He pointed out, chuckling lightly.

Making Thomas look back at him, quirking an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You're so focused, every problem you see you put 100% effort into solving it, even now." He shook his head, "I really admire that about you, that drive." Before he took a deep breath and nodded, "Alright, I trust you Thomas!" He said, clacking his metallic pincers together. "Let's get in there and find what we need!"

Thomas nodded, feeling his spirits lift a bit knowing he had Kokuwamon's vote of confidence. "Thanks, partner..." Before returning his eyes to the turrets. Watching their movements carefully, slowly crouching into a runners stance. He saw the opening, how small it was, his brow beginning to sweat as he swallowed dryly. Waiting for their barrels to make another pass, "NOW!"

The two bolted, running as fast as they could. Thomas knew they only had a few seconds before the turrets would reach them again, his heart pounding in his ears as he focused solely on the path ahead. Before he nearly stumbled, hearing an alarm of some kind sounding. His head turned, and he saw the once yellow search lights now deep red as they locked onto-

"What are you doing!?" He had been so focused, he didn't realize Kokuwamon wasn't running beside him. The metal beetle had started running towards the base.

"Don't worry about me!" He barked back, not stopping as the gun barrels began to light up. "Just GO!"

Thomas tried to stop, but his momentum carried him over the edge of the ditch. He fell forward, tumbling down into the mud and dirt as the sound of the cannons fired echoed across the polluted wasteland followed by an even louder explosion. The moment he came to a stop, the young man was scrambling back up the side of the trench to make sure his partner was okay. His head peaking over the side just in time to see the smoke clearing, his eyes searching for any sign of his partner.

His heart leapt out of his chest as he saw him, sprawled out on the ground just beyond the crater. He was unharmed! "Whew... That was close." Kokuwamon breathed out in relief, slowly pushing himself up. "Uh..." He looked up only to see he was staring down the barrel of two Tankmon that had arrived to check the disturbance, "I surrender?" Raising his hands.

"You're coming with us." One of them grunted, pointing towards the gate nearby. "Move it!"

"Y-Yes sir!" He replied hastily complying with their orders.

Thomas watched them guide his partner inside, clenching his fists tightly. "Dammit... Okay, don't worry buddy I'll get you out of here too." He nodded, making his way towards the drainage pipe. "I... I'll save everyone!"

. . .

. . . Madison . . .

Madison's eyes opened to see a darkened room, she was laying on something soft. She sat up slowly, looking around the rather well furnished bedroom. It was dimly lit by purple flame candles, a window and balcony nearby that let in moonlight from this lands endless night. While she sat upon a fancy, Victorian looking bed. She rubbed her head, trying to remember what she was doing.

"When did I fall asleep?" She wondered, remembering those nasty little digimon carrying her off towards some kind of massive palace. "And where's-" The weight of the events that had occurred returned in full force, she was on her feet in an instant. Running to nearest door, she tried to open it but found it was locked. Without a second thought she started beating on the door, it was massive, reaching almost fifteen feet up the ceiling. "LET ME OUT!"

But no response came, her heart starting to pound in her chest. She reached for her Digivice, eyes darting to the screen. "Tsu? Tsu can you hear me? I don't know where I am but they've got me locked in some room!"

There was no answer.

In fact, her screen didn't even light up, her digivice was completely silent. And the longer it remained that way, refusing to give her a response, the stronger the iron grip of fear tightened around her mind.

"His Digivice is still active, so we can assume he's alive and so is his partner, if their connection were broken in any way it wouldn't be functional."

Samantha's words repeated in her head, her mind going straight to the worst possible outcome.

But then she remembered what Devimon said, how he assured her that Tsukaimon wasn't to be destroyed. But why? Did they have something else in mind for her? She had to find out, she had to get out of here! Even without knowing where her friends were, Madison couldn't rest until she'd found her partner!

"Huh?" The sound of footsteps in the hall outside caught her attention, they were getting closer by the second. "I have to think, if they're coming for me this might be my only chance to get out!" She realized, looking around for anything that might help her. "Think! What would the others do this situation!?"

And, to be honest she wasn't quite sure. She hadn't really gotten to know any of them that well, aside from Cody maybe...

So upon spotting a wooden chair seated beside a the vanity nearby, Madison did what she thought he might do.

The footsteps grew closer and closer, before they were right outside of her door. The sound of something being inserted into the lock filled the quiet room, before it began to open. And a tall, lanky figure stepped through. Standing well over ten feet tall, a long black cape trailing behind him. If not for his pale skin and enormous body, Madison might have thought he was human.

But she couldn't focus on his appearance, she had to move before he spotted her!

"HRAAAGH!" She leapt from the wardrobe nearby, chair swinging wildly over her head.

"Hmm?" The ruby lipped digimon blinked as he looked towards her, before wincing as the wooden chair was smashed against the side of his head.

While he was stunned, from shock or just simple disbelief she didn't know, Madison took her chance. Hitting the ground running, she sprinted through the doorway and out into the halls. They were similarly dark, lit only by few windows and purple flame candles, stretching in two directions so far she couldn't see the end.

Her eyes darted to her digivice for a brief moment, "Come on Tsu, give me something!"

"HEY!" She stiffened as shrill voices sounded, turning her head she saw two animalistic digimon glaring at her. They had grey fur, long white ears and sharp claws on their hands. "What are you doing out of your room?"

Rather than answer them, she turned heel and started running in the other direction. "I don't have time for these goons!"

"Stop her!" One of the fur covered digimon shouted, "Lets go Gazimon!"

"Yeah- Wait!" The other yelped suddenly, the sound of chittering and fluttering erupting behind Madison.

She turned her head just in time to see a swarm of bats leaving her room. Her eyes widening as they raced towards her, swirling around her in seconds causing her to stumble while blind. "Agh!" She cried out, tumbling to the fine rug beneath her feet, covering her face as she feared the bats would start to bite her.

Strangely enough, the swarm seemed to disappear. And as she lifted her head, she was staring up at that same pale man that had entered her room. And he was- "Come, the Dark Lord is waiting." Offering her a hand to help her up?

"M-Myotismon sir!" One of the other digimon stammered, "Sorry for interfering we were just trying to help!"

"Indeed," He grunted, shooting them a sideways glance. "Return to your posts, now."

"Y-Y-Yes sir!" They saluted and shambled off.

But Madison never took her eyes off his hand, before she narrowed her eyes and swatted it away. Rising to her feet as she glared up at him. "Where is Tsu?"

He blinked, retracting his hand. "Tsu?"

"Tsukaimon! Small, helpless, adorable!" She barked up at him, "My partner, you goons captured us both and brought us here and I demand to know why!" She might not consider herself the sharpest tool in the shed, but she knew that if they wanted her dead she would be. They needed her for something, and that meant she had at least some kind of leverage here.

"Now now," He held up one hand, "There is no need to get so heated, the Dark Lord has summoned you personally, you are a guest here." He assured, turning and waving for her to follow. "I am sure he would gladly answer your questions."

So tall dark and mysterious wasn't the boss here, but he still had tricks. "Hmph, fine..."

"Ah, I almost forget." He turned back to her briefly, before folding one arm over his chest and doing a low bow. "Myotismon, servant of our Venerable Dark Lord, at your service."

"At my... Service?" Madison repeated, "What is he some kind of digimon butler!?"

"As was ordered," He nodded, before turning and continuing on his way. "Tell me, human, is it common to withhold ones name after another has offered their own?"

Well that was certainly a roundabout way to say he might be offended by her dry response. "Right uh, sorry my name is-" Before she caught herself, remembering her situation. "Wait, no I'm NOT sorry! Your Dark Lord kidnapped me and my partner!" She scoffed, walking along beside him with her arms crossed in annoyance. Narrowing her eyes at the ground as she went, "But... I suppose I'd prefer to be referred to as Madison instead of human."

"Hmm, well it is a pleasure to meet such an illustrious guest." He offered in response.

But she had no intention of playing nice, given the circumstance. "Save the compliments, just take me to your boss."

"As you wish."