vivilion10: Oh I know it must have been good when you decide to give me a full sentence review XD Thanks so much for the support and I'm glad I can continue to entertain you :D

SpaceRyder69: It's not that weird, I actually considered leaving Tsu stuck in LadyDevimon form because of Mephistmon but decided against it because I just want to see more Devidramon along the way lol

Shuriken16: First off let me say that your reviews give me life lmao getting the notification and seeing this absolute wall of text breaking down what you enjoyed and what you're speculating, I love to see it XD And I'm happy I've managed to create a story you're so invested in, and given you some kind of inspiration in your own work. On topic of Gulfmon, I really thought about bringing him in, but something about giant monster just didn't quite feel like the proper tone for this battle, it felt sort of impersonal so instead I decided to use Mephistomon's X-Antibody form. In general I think the X-Antibody forms are really overly designed and often bad, but some of them work in a way I'm inclined to use them as a sort of Transformation/power boost lol

As for Kokuwamon getting the short end of the stick well... You'll just have to wait for Season 3 :D

Anyways, enjoy this final chapter to close out Season 2, and read the Author's note at the end!

Things after that day were busy, as the chosen humans and their partners went to work helping those harmed by the battle and Mephistomon's rampage. What few remained of his loyal followers were scattered, and without a powerful dark digimon to lead them they were no real threat to anyone. The western continent was finally free of his malicious tyranny, and they all knew it was thanks to the humans and their partners.

While most of the young heroes focused on helping those effected by the conflict, Thomas and Sam went to work on securing their way home. Using Gigadramon to fly back across the ocean, to find Sam's father and bring him to Angela's laboratory knowing her more advanced lab would be pivotal in their exodus. Though things were still looking bleak for a way home, ever since seeing Madison's Crest in action Thomas had been putting that genius brain of his to work.

And finally, two weeks after the battle with Mephistomon, the others were joining them at the volcanic lab.

"Those clouds are so fun!" Tsukaimon was beaming, happier than ever as she rested on Madison's head. "We should fly around the human world too when we get back!"

Earning a nervous laugh from Cody, "Uh yeah we'll put it on the to-do list." It was kind of weird seeing her returned to this playful, adorable little ball of joy after seeing what BelleStarmon was capable of. Though, the same could be said about any of their partners at this point...

"We'll make time for it, I'm sure." Gokuwmon nodded, before shrining back down into Shamanmon as the doors to the base opened.

"I wonder if Thomas has made any progress." Kai mused as they began entering the long hall. "We haven't heard much since they left."

Madison nodded, "But I'm sure he's got something figured out by now, and even if he hasn't yet I'm sure it won't take long!" Trying to stay positive.

Because truth be told, they were all holding their breath. After everything that had happened, each and every one of them was ready to get back home, to see their families again. Using the recovery mission on the Western Continent as a distraction from their fears, now they were left with only a nagging doubt about their situation.

They soon entered into the main chamber, all eyes landing on the now massive mound of computers and various processing devices all hooked together by an ungodly amount of cables, wires and a fair bit of duct tape. Kokuwamon was currently on top of a rather tall processing unit, soldering a few wires together with his pincers.

"Alright I think we're all good up here!" He called out.

"Good!" Thomas replied from down below, his hair glowing as he used his crest. "That should deal with any fluctuations in the data stream... Now we just need-" Stopping as he turned and spotted them by the entrance, "Oh hey guys, you finished up out there already?"

"More or less," Cody shrugged, "How goes... This?"

"Have you found us a way home?" Kai questioned rather bluntly.

"Something like that." He replied cryptically, before pulling a walkie-talkie off his belt. "Hey get everyone to the main hall, we're ready to fire it up."

"Roger that." Sam answered.

And before long, four more bodies entered the chamber. In the form of Samantha, Darcmon and both their parents, Madison waving as they approached, "Hi, I'm Madison, we haven't met yet." She greeted politely.

Samantha's father offered her handshake, "Hal Roth, a pleasure to meet you."

While the blonde haired woman walked right by without a second glance, "Angela Ross, now if we could focus on the task at hand..."

Hal sighing lightly, as Madison shook his hand. "Don't mind her."

"Really, don't." Sam added, rolling her eyes as both scientist made their way to the machines. "So what have you got for us Thomas?"

"Well, at first I thought our best bet for getting home was manipulating a data surge the same way Dragomon did," He began, using his Crest to bring up a number of hologram screens to show them he data that none other than the scientists could understand. "But that would require a larger amount of power than we have here, I honestly don't know how Dragomon managed it in the first place..."

"So we can't go home that way." Cody surmised, "But I doubt you're leading with the good news."

Thomas smirked a bit, "You're starting to catch on, and you're right, I wouldn't be so eager if all this work had been for nothing." He assured, looking to Madison. "I decided to do a little bit of study into a new type of data transfer after hearing about your Crest." The young genius explained, "And I think we can use it to open a gateway of our own."

Madison was surprised, but the idea wasn't totally unexpected. "Really? But I haven't had much practice, I've only jumped to places I can see... And that one time I teleported Gazimon away..." Before her eyes widened, remembering something else from that same day. "Wait no! I did reach our world, once at least." She nodded, thinking about what happened before the incident with Gazimon, "I brought the journal from my room here! In my sleep!"

"That's just what I was hoping to hear," Thomas grinned, "If my hypothesis is correct, you should be able to open a gateway to any location you can visualize strongly enough."

Madison looked at her hands, blinking in surprise. "Is... Is that really possible? I can send us all home?"

Sam's father breathed a short sigh of relief, "We won't know for sure until you try it, and we built this contraption to help sustain a portal once it's opened, but if it works..." His eyes looking to Angela, "We can all go home, finally."

"Indeed." She replied simply, "If it works."

Kai chiming in finally, "So how do we test this exactly?"

"I'm glad you asked," Thomas walked his way around to a large pad built just a few inches off the floor. Surrounded by coils and other electronic devices, "This is where we'll try to stabilize the gateway, so all I need you to do Maddie, is open the doorway right here."

She nodded, making her way over and taking a deep breath. Closing her eyes before her hair started to glow pink, activating her Crest as she attempted to focus the power she'd only ever used on instinct. Raising her hand, "Uh... Digital gate... OPEN!" A spark of light formed over the pad, before fading away completely. "S-Sorry I guess I'm still getting the hang of it." She said nervously.

Thomas waved her off, "Don't worry about it, just keep trying."

Angela releasing a short huff, "Oh well, I suppose this will give me time to back up my files for transport." Turning and walking off on her own.

Hal watched her go, before shaking his head. "I'll... See if she needs help." Following his partner out of the room.

Kai shrugged simply, "Well I guess we'd better get comfortable." Looking to Kotemon, "Wanna spar a little?"

The tiny armored digimon's eyes sparkling, "Oh boy DO I!" Bouncing excitedly, "Can we do it out by the lava? It'll look so cool!"

Earning a laugh from Kai, "Sure but lets not get too over rough by the uh... Lava..."

Kotemon was already running towards the door, when he stopped and looked back. "Hey Darcmon you wanna come too?"

Causing her to blink in surprise, not expecting the invite. "I... Suppose," She shrugged, "I can at least prevent you from being burned alive..." Looking to her sister, "You coming along?"

But Sam waved her off, "Nah, go have fun, I'm gonna hang around here, maybe try to find something to eat that isn't nutrient paste." Turning to Cody, and hiking a thumb over her shoulder. "Wanna help?"

Cody being taken a little off guard, "Uh- Sure, yeah why not." He shrugged, before looking to Shamanmon, "You good here?"

His little green goblin giving a thumbs up, "Yeah! I'll hang with Kokuwamon!" He assured.

Cody nodded, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he walked along with Sam, looking back in time to see Madison failing another attempt at opening the gateway. "Keep at it! You're doing great!" Trying to give her a confidence boost, before finally exiting the room. Walking along down the familiar hall alongside Sam, soon entering the cafeteria room. The young man resisting the urge to gag as he spotted the paste dispenser. "So you actually think your Mom has got anything stashed here that isn't garbage to eat?"

She simply shrugged, "Not really, but it doesn't hurt to look." Hopping over the counter into the makeshift kitchen area, starting to dig through cabinets. "So, seems like you guys are gonna be able to go home soon..."

Cody poking around a bit too, "Yeah, I guess so... Crazy to think of how much has happened, and that we're all still alive."

"It's crazy that you're still alive," She scoffed, shooting him a sharp look. "Diving in front of Mephistomon's attack, not to mention jumping right into that tribal pit fight."

Cody laughed nervously, "Oh Thomas gave you the details on that huh?"

"You're lucky that Crest gives you a shield," Sam added, voice dripping with sarcasm. "If it's half as thick as your skull you're probably indestructible."

Causing the young punk to shrug, "Eh, no argument here." Leaning against one of the tables, "I just did what I had to, no regrets." Before thinking about a certain golden amazonian digimon, "Maybe one regret..."

"Thomas mentioned you pushing yourself too far for his sake," Sam shook her head, turning to him as she gave up her search. "Not sure what you're trying to prove exactly."

Causing Cody to narrow his eyes, "I'm not trying to prove anything," Scoffing as he crossed his arms. "I just know my role."

She quirked an eyebrow in response, "Your role?"

"Yeah," He shrugged, "Some people are good plan makers, some people are super smart, some people are better at negotiating, and some people are really good at getting punched in the face."

"Pfft!" Sam unable to resist releasing a snort of laughter, "So you're the face punch guy? I hate to break it to you, but I think you're selling yourself a little short here." Walking back around the counter so she was face to face with him.

Cody tensing up a bit, "Wh-What do you mean?"

"Well let's see, you inspired Maddie to save Tsu when she turned into Devidramon," She began, listing off on her fingers. "You helped protect a nursery full of Digimon you didn't even know, you volunteered for a cage match in such a way that you actually had an advantage against them," She continued, "You protected Darcmon from Devimon's sneak attack, and you protected us all from Mephistomon's attack."

Cody was blushing bashfully, but still argued, "H-Hey didn't you just call me an idiot for doing those things?"

Sam rolling her eyes, "Yeah, you are an idiot, but you've got a brave heart." She poked him in the chest with one finger. "And I think we're gonna need you, so don't go getting yourself killed alright?"

Causing him to tilt his head, "N-Need me? For what?"

But she simply shrugged again, "Not sure, just a feeling." Her answer as cryptic as the feeling itself. "Besides someone is gonna need to keep an eye on things in the human world while I'm gone."

Anything he might have been about to say hitching as he heard that last part, "You mean you're not coming back with us?"

Sam leaned back, shaking her head. "Nope, I already told you guys I'm not a normal human... And I think it'd be for the best that I stay here, make sure we don't get another Dark Lord rising up, you know?" Especially considering Myotismon hadn't turned up since the battle.

Cody nodded, "Yeah... Yeah I understand, it's just..."

Sam quirking an eyebrow, "Just?"

Cody shrugging, "I'd miss you is all, I'm sure we all would." He said, losing his nervousness and sounding surprisingly sincere. "And Darcmon too."

Sam tilted her head, "You know, you humans confuse me sometimes." She admitted, before shaking her head. "Here I thought this was the part where you'd be all nervous admitting some feelings to the cute girl." She sighed, placing her hands on her hips. "But I guess you're more mature than I gave you credit for."

Earning a light laugh from Cody, "Hey I am the 'thoughtful' one remember?" He reminded with a smug grin.

"Ha! Yeah, yeah I guess you are..."

. . .

Madison and Thomas

. . .

Back in the main hall, Madison slumped her shoulders and sighed as yet another spark failed to produce results. "I don't think this working."

Thomas shrugging his shoulders, "So lets take five." Making his way over to one of the tables and sliding into a seat. "No need to rush things, I'd prefer we end up getting home safely rather than quickly."

"Right," Maddie nodded, walking over as well. "Why take risks with uh... I guess interdimensional travel?"

"Hmm..." Thomas put a hand on his chin, "Interdimensional? I don't know if I'd go that far... We're still in the same reality, it might be closer to say interplanetary travel."

Madison laughing nervously in response, "Right, yeah whatever you say."

Thomas leaned forward against the table a bit, "I'm not excited to find out what happens when we get home anyways, I've got a sneaking suspicion that once we're bound by human physics again I won't be walking anymore."

Madison frowning a bit, "Oh right, I almost forgot about that..." Before getting an idea, "What about having Kai heal you? Once we get home I mean."

But he shook his head, "Thought of that, but his Crest works in a way similar to mine." He explained, "He can heal things here in the Digital World because it's all data, even our bodies here have been completely converted, but that'll change once we get home."

Madison started to realize what he was saying, "Oh, so we might not even be able to use our Crests at all on the other side."

The young genius nodding, "Exactly, I mean it's all conjecture at this point but I'm not getting my hopes up." Before shaking his head, "Anyways, enough about that... What are you gonna do when you get home?"

Madison didn't have to put much thought into it, "Make sure my dad and brother haven't gone crazy looking for me, then take a nap in my own bed."

Earning a chuckle from Thomas, "Right, was kinda thinking the same thing, my parents were already worried after I missed my train home." And of course by miss he meant that it was blown up by a digimon. Before realizing something about her wording, "If you don't mind me asking, you didn't mention your mom, she not in the picture?"

Tsukaimon gasping lightly, "Thomas!"

"What?" He blinked.

Madison chuckled lightly, patting her partner on the head. "It's fine," Before turning to Thomas, "My mom passed away a few years ago, we got into a bad accident and she didn't make it."

His eyes widened, realizing how firmly he'd put a foot in his mouth. Some of what she'd said in her confrontation with LadyDevimon suddenly making sense. "O-Oh! I'm so sorry I didn't-"

"It's okay," She assured, holding up both hands. "I'm working through it, it's a bit of a sore spot but I'm alright..." Looking down at her hands, "For awhile I thought I was dealing with her death but not dealing with it, but now..." Her hands clenching together tightly, "I think she'd be proud of me."

Thomas smiling softly, "Yeah, after what you've accomplished? Definitely."

Madison had a sudden realization, and looked over to Tsu, "I think I know the first place I wanna go when we get back, before we go home."

Tsukaimon blinked, "Oh? And where is that? The old warehouse?"

Earning a laugh from Madison, "No you leveled that, remember?" She teased, standing up from her seat. "I wanna take you to visit our old-"

The device behind them sparked to life, as Madison's Crest glowed. A pink rift slowly warping the air, forming over the pad as a hole opened in space itself! Thomas instantly jumped out of his seat, "It's happening!" He wasn't going to question it, and started jumping to the computers, "Kokuwamon get everyone together now! I don't know how long it'll stay open!" His eyes darting to Madison, "Don't move from that spot, just focus on the gateway!"

She nodded, turning her eyes too the doorway. "Right, Tsu help get everyone together!"

The little winged digimon nodded, "On it!"

The Digimon scattered while Thomas went to work at the machines, trying to stabilize this doorway. Hoping to create something of a safe entry point should they ever need to return to the digital world. Within minutes the room was filling with people, as every ran to see the digital gate with their own eyes. It was somewhat similar to the one they'd seen Dragomon use to release his forces, but certainly had a less imposing presence.

"So this is it?" Hal questioned, as if in disbelief. "This will take us back to our world?" The otherside of the doorway was dark, maybe a little foggy, hard to tell where it came out at.

Thomas nodding his head, "So it would seem..." Watching as the numbers across his screen began turning from red to green. "And it's been stabilized... Ladies and gentlemen, we've got ourselves a safe two way door!" Leaning back in his chair with a big grin.

Kai releasing a relieved breath, "Great work, both of you." Nodding to both Thomas and Maddie.

"Oh hell yeah!" Cody beamed, fist pumping before adding, "I mean, I didn't plan on coming back any time soon but, good thinking anyways!"

Sam rolling her eyes, "So much for missing me huh?"

Causing him to tense up, "Eh?"

Hal looking towards his daughter, "You're not coming with us?"

Sam shook her head, "We've been over this, the Digital World is my world... I wanna stick around and keep an eye on things," She shrugged, "Plus with this handy gateway you can come visit me any time, right?" Quirking an eyebrow at Thomas.

To which he shrugged, "So long as you've got a Digivice," He explained, "But we should be able to send messages directly from our world to the computers here now." He assured, "So if you guys ever want to visit Sam," Looking to her parents, "You can send a message and she can open the door from her side."

Angela nodding her head, "You thought of everything, good."

Hal releasing a half hearted chuckle, "Indeed he did, starting to feel outclassed here," Rubbing the back of his head while looking down. "Wow, to go home after all this time..."

"Don't worry about me," Sam reiterated, "Go home, catch up with your families, I'll give you guys a ring if the world starts imploding... Or if I'm bored." She shrugged.

They began looking between one another, and their Digimon. Cody being the first one to say it, "Alright then, what the hell are we waiting for huh? Lets go home!"

"We should at least say some goodbyes first!" Madison argued, "We might not see Sam again for awhile!"

She held up her hands, "Trust me, I'm good." Not wanting things to get all touchy feely.

Madison pouted, "Okay fine... But still!" She pounced with a cheeky grin, hugging Sam tightly. "You better check in once in awhile! You might be a world away but you're still our friend alright?"

Sam's entire body had tensed up as Madison hugged her. As if she were unfamiliar with the embrace, and found herself feeling strangely... Secure, "Y-Yeah, okay sure whatever, now let me go!"

Madison giggling lightly as she did so, "Good, and that goes for you too Darcmon!" She added, "Don't be a stranger."

The angel digimon's hand reflexively landed on the pommel of her sheathed sword, "Of course, but keep your distance."

The goodbyes continued for a few minutes, as the Digimon shared their farewells with Samantha and Darcmon. Before soon they were all ready, and together they stepped through the doorway in space. One by one passing through to the other side. Unlike the rift that brought them here, this didn't involve a long trip or flying through data streams. The direct connection meant they simply stepped through and were in the Human World!

Surrounded by darkness, the sky above filled with stars. The portal began to fade away, cutting off their path to the Digital World for now. They were standing in the country-side, outside a large dilapidated home. It appeared long abandoned, windows boarded up and no lights on.

"Uh oh," Thomas yelped, feeling the sensation in his legs starting to disappear. "Somebody catch me!"

Kokuwamon and Cody racing to grab ahold of him before he hit the ground. "Hang on!" Succeeding together in holding him up.

"Whelp," Thomas sighed, wincing as he looked towards Kai. "Time to answer the million dollar question..."

The young prodigy took a deep breath and nodded. Approaching him as he held up his hand, closing his eyes and reach down inside of himself. Trying to feel that same power he knew so instinctively in the Digital World. "I..." But, he felt nothing. "I'm sorry... I can't use my Crest."

Causing Thomas to grimace, "Ah well... I figured that might be the case," Before patting Cody on the back. "Just means you'll have to carry me."

The punk rolling his eyes, "Yeah yeah," Before pulling him up fully onto his back, hooking his arms under Thomas' legs to make sure he was properly supported. "You're not that heavy."

"I'm sure we can borrow a chair from the nearest clinic." He suggested, "Which might be..."

One of the adults among them having a similar concern, "Where exactly are we?" Angela questioned, looking towards Madison.

The young girl shifted nervously, "This is uh... Well, I used to live here," She explained sheepishly, "Before my Mom died, after that we couldn't afford to keep the house, plus my dad couldn't handle staying here alone so..."

She seemed as dismissive as ever, "Indeed, well it's been a pleasure working with you Thomas, but I'm going to be on my way."

Hal nodded slowly, "Yes, we talked it over and think it'd be best we report our findings on the Digital World, and it's possible connection to Cyber Core."

Thomas seemed to understand, "Right, might want to sure up any firewalls so we don't have to worry about a Digimon bricking our entire infrastructure."

The older man chuckled, "Exactly, so we'll get to it, are you all going to be okay getting home?"

Madison nodded, "We aren't too far outside the city, we'll hitch a bus ride."

"Alright, well good luck... And, thank you." Hal added, before waving them off and walking to catch up with Angela.

Leaving the four chosen alone in the overgrown yard with their Digimon. None of them sure what they should say, if there was anything to say even. They'd all gone through so much, seen so much. It wasn't just their adventure in the Digital World, but before that. For the first time since meeting their partners, it felt like they could finally take a break.

After withdrawing a bit of cash at the nearest ATM and borrowing a wheelchair from the nearest walk in clinic, the young heroes and their partners caught a bus heading back towards the city. It was already late, nearly midnight by the time they left the small town. And well passed it by the time they reached their stop, making their way into the city with nothing but the streetlights to keep them company along the dark roads.

Things were quiet between them and their digimon along the way, all of them simply taking in the world as it passed by. Each silently letting that pent of tension and fear of never making it back slowly melt away. Before long, they came to a crossroads where their paths would diverge.

"Alright," Thomas said, pulling his chair to a stop. "I'm gonna head for the station, and catch a train ride home."

"You don't wanna wait until morning?" Madison questioned.

Thomas waved her off, "Nah, I'd rather get home as soon as possible."

Kai nodded, "Right, we've been gone for just about a month."

"Well I'll keep you company to the station," Cody chimed in, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I've gotta head into downtown anyways to get to my Grandma's place." Before he looked back to the others, "I guess we'll see you around."

Madison nodded, "Yeah, once we've all settled back in I'm sure we'll see each other again."

Kai folded his arms over his chest, "We'll have to keep an eye out for any more breaches, now that we don't have Sam here monitoring them."

Thomas simply shrugged, "Angela and Hal said they'd report to the CS:GO but I wouldn't be surprised if they contact us next, for now though I think we've all earned a break."

Cody scoffed, "Yeah, no kidding." Before hiking a thumb over his shoulder, "Lets get going."

Madison waved as they began to leave with their digimon, "Good luck guys!"

"Bye Maddie!" Shamanmon waved, "And you too Tsu!"

Kokuwamon joining in as he clanked his pincers, "Stay out of trouble everyone!"

"Ha! The trouble usually finds us!" Kotemon argued, "Not the other way around!"

As they disappeared around the next corner, Kai and Madison were left alone with their partners. Standing under a streetlight, Kai spoke first. "So I guess we should..."

"Right," Madison nodded, "So where are you heading?"

"My family owns a home not too far from the boardwalk," He explained, "Not sure if there is anything left after Dragomon's attack, but that's where I'll start."

Madison frowned as she remembered, "That's right, I didn't even think about the damage to the city... They're probably still rebuilding."

Tsukaimon pouting sadly, "All because we came here..."

"Hey don't be like that," Madison argued, "It's only because you were here that were able to stop him in the first place."

Kai nodded, smiling lightly. "Yeah, no sense worrying about it now either, what's done is done." Before he started walking, "I guess we'll see you two around."

Madison blinked, and started walking along as well beside him. "Well, eventually, I actually live this way too." She explained with a nervous laugh, "Though, not exactly on the boardwalk side of town, I'm in the Hickory Grove Apartments." Before quickly adding, "Trust me, the name makes them sound much nicer than they are."

Kai chuckled a little at that, "Really? I didn't realize you lived so..." Before he started to realize something, as they passed by a bench beneath a rather familiar street lamp. "Wait, moved here from out of town a few years ago..." A hand landing on his chin as he thought about it, "I feel like I remember hearing about that, did you go to Marshal Highschool?"

Madison nodded slowly, "Yeah, yeah I did, I'm surprised you remember." She chuckled lightly, "I kind of... Knew you also went there," She explained, nervously rubbing one arm. "People talked about you and your family a lot, the young prodigy from a rich family."

Kai laughed a little at that, "Right, I'm sure there were a lot of rumors surrounding me." Slowly coming to a stop under a street lamp, "I can't believe I didn't realize, that night we all got the same message..." Looking at the bench now behind them, "That was you, sitting right there sulking on this bench."

Madison blushed lightly, "Yeah I was uh... Having a rough night." Putting her hands behind her back, "Had a lot of rough nights back then."

Kai wasn't sure how to respond, realizing he may have brought up painful memories. Sadly, the young prodigy was not the most adept at social interaction. And went all in on putting a foot in his mouth, "You know, until I heard your talk with Tsu in Mephistomon's palace, I didn't realize your mother had died." He said, but rather than letting it linger he continued. "When I first met you, and the others, I questioned what it meant to be chosen for this." Slowly pulling out his digivice, "After what happened with Devidramon, I realized you weren't just a kind soul but... Strong too, and seeing what you went through to get your partner back." He shook his head, "I think I know why now."

Madison's cheeks were now a deep shade of red, completely forgetting about how he bluntly brought up her mother. "O-Oh yeah?"

Kai nodded as he continued, not noticing her bashful blush. "My mother told me once that suffering and loss can change a person drastically," He explained, as he continued walking finally. "That it can make you cold and nihilistic to the world around you... Or," Shooting Maddie and Tsukaimon a sideways look, "It can make you want to protect others from feeling that same pain." Before chuckling lightly, "And I think you've undoubtedly come out as the latter."

Madison breathed out a long sigh as she walked alongside him, "Wow that's... Thanks, that was really nice of you to say." She smiled softly, her embarrassment slowly being replaced by a sense of pride. Before long however, they were coming up on the final crossroad. "I guess this is where we split." Looking down the long street ahead.

Kai nodded, "Yeah, I guess so." Both of them hesitating for a moment, eyes glancing down his own path in the opposite direction.

Madison biting her lip as she resisted walking away right now. Thinking over something to say, to return his kindness. And just as Kai started taking the first steps of departure she blurted out, "I thought you were a real jerk after learning about you from my classmates."

Causing Kai to pause, slowly looking back at her. "What?"

"Everyone used to talk about how you were this perfectionist prodigy," Maddie continued, "Straight A's, athletic and wealthy without a care in the world... Your whole life already set for you, you'd never have to struggle or decide your future." Before she shook her head, "But, I thought about it more and... I can't imagine the kind of pressure that'd put on someone, I know I couldn't handle it." Shuddering at the thought, "And I know you aren't perfect, you stumble and fall just like the rest of us... But you still try to make the right choices." She took a deep breath before adding, "That day at the hospital after you all fought Devidramon, you wanted to apologize didn't you?"

Her words causing Kai to tense up, "W-Was I that obvious?"

Earning a giggle from Maddie, "No, but I wondered why you suddenly started acting so weird, after being all dark and serious." She shrugged, "Wasn't too hard to figure it out."

"Right," He shifted nervously, "Well, I guess I'm s-"

"Kai," Madison cut him off with a light laugh, "You crossed half the Digital World and helped me rescue my partner, we're good." She assured, "So, I'll see you around?"

Kai blinked in surprise, before nodding with a small smile of his own. "Yeah, definitely."

And so finally, the young heroes fully parted ways. For a short while anyways, they'd reunite soon enough.

The danger had passed, they were back in the Human World, safe. For the time being, their Digital Odyssey had come to an end.

But their Grand Adventure, was far from over...

And with that I can officially say that Season 2 is OVER! It was a heck of a ride and I'm glad those who stuck around since the beginning enjoyed it XD

Season 3 won't be out for a bit, I'm going on break from writing for at least two weeks and then I want to get a solid chunk of it done before I start posting. Though I can say for sure Season 3 will be much shorter than season 2, so hopefully I won't be gone long.

In the mean time, I think I'm gonna do a kind of AMA chapter, if you have any questions about the story and characters so far that you want me to answer go ahead and leave it as either a Private Message or a Review, even if you've never commented on the story before if you have anything you'd like to know feel free to ask! And after maybe a week I'll post a new "Chapter" answering any and all questions that aren't spoilers :D

Anyways, thanks again for reading, and I'll see you guys soonventually!