This chapter is a little late, sorry about that, it's been a long week with the Holiday and all that. Anyways here's another massive chapter heheheheh

. . .

Ruined Sphere

. . .

All that remained in the wake of Megidramon's assault on Goldramon and Magnadramon, was floating chunks of molten earth in the vast expanse of the Digital Sea.

The daemonic dragon had long since vanished, to where it was unknown.

But amidst the ruins, a single figure began to fly through the debris field.

Garbed in beautiful white armor, trimmed in Gold with a flowing red cape behind him.

A mighty lance in one arm, and an unbreakable shield in the other.

"Something isn't right..." The Royal Knight muttered, drifting between spaces where he could sense remnants of the conflict.

He narrowed his eyes sharply, "One Dragon perished... But the other, I'm not so sure."

Death was evident here, but even in the falling he could sense the faint remnants of the Energy left behind by one of the dragons.

Only one of them.

"I must inform Alphamon," He decided, calling force the Crimson Steed to his side. "Come Grani, move with haste!" He commanded.

The digital life form did as commanded, suddenly increasing speed as they flew free of the debris field.

"Perhaps our situation is not as dire as we thought..."

"But even so... Something doesn't feel right about this."

. . .

Cody

. . .

Following the attack by Magnamon, Cody was promptly picked up along with the now exhausted Shamanmon. The duo were taking quickly to the current acting CS;GO HQ in DC, not far from where the fight took place. A makeshift command post to prepare for any more incursions from the Digital World, while the military kept a close watch on all remaining Hubs in the area.

"Right this way." The agent guiding him said, leading Cody down a hall to the main room, a commandeered conference room turned command center. Electricians were running wires in and out, setting up more hardware for the Staff to use in their efforts. "Grayson is waiting for you inside." He added, stopping at the door.

Cody nodded, pushing through to see the various members of CS;GO scrambling. "What the hell's going on?" He asked aloud, approaching Grayson the moment he spotted him.

The older man turned to him, "Good, you're here... And to answer your question, we aren't entirely sure." He stated, "We were prepared to combat another Network outage like what followed Kazuchimon's incursion, but this is different." Turning to the monitors that made up his post. "All of a sudden our power surged, all Cyber Core facilities are reporting nearly double the output of power, it's causing issues all across the planet."

Cody tilted his head, "But how? Could Magnamon have caused it?"

"No, we don't think so." He said, shaking his head. "Whatever this is, it's something on the other side." Grayson explained, "Like somebody just opened a floodgate into our power grid, we're compensating for now to redirect the overcharges and improve our capacitors, but if it gets worse we might be in serious trouble." Before he turned and looked back at Cody, "You spoke with that Digimon, I can't believe this whole mess and him appearing are a coincidence, so what did you learn?"

Cody thought on it for a moment, "Honestly? Not much, only that jackass was after our friend Sam, said something about stopping the destruction of our world, but otherwise he was pretty vague on the details."

Grayson clicked his tongue, "That's just great, well whatever the case it sounds like you and your friends have some work to do."

"Did I hear that right?" Came a familiar voice, both men turning to see Angela standing in the doorway, her eyes focused solely on Cody. "You said that Digimon was after Samantha?"

To which he nodded, "Yeah, that golden prick basically called her out in everything but name."

Her eyes narrowed sharply, "And you let him get away." Scoffing before she made her way past him towards her own computer station, "You should have waited for me to arrive and back you up before engaging."

Cody tilted his head, "Wait, you were my back up?"

She pulled out a small personal computer and began hooking it up to the larger PC set up, the screens coming to life and displaying the forms of those two small wyvern digimon. Jazamon and Vorvomon, floating in some kind of little pods before they were released into a digital space behind the screen. "You could have stalled for time and saved us a lot of trouble, now we know nothing."

Cody tensed up a bit, "Hey it wasn't like Magnamon was in the mood for talking, we did what we could." His eyes still fixated on the screen, where a simulated park was sprawled out across the digital space, the two tiny digimon chasing eachother around, playing. "I thought you hated Digimon," He pointed out, remembering when these two were just those giant killing machines. "Why build them a playground?"

Angela crossed her arms, glaring daggers at the screen. "Because they've been getting rowdy lately, nearly broken their containment a few times, this keeps them pacified." Before shaking her head, "Faulty programming on my part I'm sure, I'll make adjustments when we aren't in the middle of a crisis."

Shamanmon smiled as he watched the screen, "Well they look happy, and I'm sure they appreciate the play time."

"Their happiness is not a concern of mine," She retorted, "Protecting humanity from their ilk however, is." Before looking past Cody, towards Grayson. "I trust you've got a plan of action?"

The older man nodded, "We've got limited mobility right now, but we're setting up a gateway for you." He directed at Cody, "Get over there, find your friends and find Sam, then maybe we can figure out just what the hell is going on."

Cody nodded, "Plain and simple, sounds good to me."

"Indeed," Angela huffed, "I'll be going with you as well."

Causing both Cody and Grayson to look back at her, "What?"

"It's my daughter that's in danger," She answered sharply, "And I've got the most experience researching anomalies between our worlds, so I might be able to find a counter measure to these power fluctuations, some of my old lab notes might even be of use."

"Well," Grayson rubbed his chin, "You've got a point, you're cleared to go into the Digital World as well."

Cody sweatdropped a little at that, "Oh joy..."

"Just get to the roof," Grayson ordered, "The Gateway will be up shortly, one thing we can thank these power influxes for is cutting down on our charge times."

. . .

Crucible Sphere

. . .

High above many of the lower spheres, one stood as a centerpiece of sorts.

Perhaps it would better be described as the fulcrum, of the Digital World.

Where it's fate was decided once before, and perhaps where it would be again.

A barren wasteland beneath a stormy sky, still bearing the great scars left in an age past in the form of craters and chasms spread far and wide across the landscape.

But among the ancient wastes that acted as a hellish reminder of an ancient evil, stood a great bastion of hope.

An opulent fortress, high walls and mighty ramparts patrolled by various forms of Chessmon, from Pawn to Knight and Bishop while various Piddomon and Angemon patrolled the skies. All stalwart guardians on a constant watch, for what they did not know, that was better left to those at the Heart of this mighty multi-layered Citadel, within the great ivory tower that overlooked the entirety of their fortifications. Where the great council of those few remaining members of the Alliance Gathered, to discuss the results of the days events.

"This is an OUTRAGE!" The round table in the center of the room shook, as an armored fist was slammed down on it. The Arm belonging to a member of the Olympus XII, the pelt wearing warrior Digimon glaring daggers at the form of Alphamon. "You knew where the Miracle was going to be the entire time and still had three of our Members off chasing humans!?"

"Mind your tongue, Marsmon." Magnamon warned sharply, before shifting his gaze back to their leader. "But... Your orders do perplex me, what was the reason behind sending us out?"

Alphamon simply shook his head, "I could not know for certain where the Miracle would be, but I had a sneaking suspicion that Gennai might try something, the old fool always was sentimental..." Before he looked back at Magnamon. "The reason for sending you out however, was to send a message."

ClavisAngemon crossed his arms, "A message?"

"The last thing we want is direct conflict with the Chosen," Alphamon answered simply, "For our sake and theirs, your job was to scare them, an intimidation tactic if you will..." Before he turned a sharp gaze onto the armored angel, "But you got carried away and actually destroyed a Digimon, a friend of theirs I'm guessing."

But ClavisAngemon did not flinch, "My only regret is not killing the other demon as well."

At which point another angel chimed in, this one wearing silver armor with blue accents. Both his arms and his wings were long sharp blades, "My brother eliminated what could have been a future threat to the Digital World, we will not apologize for making the correct choices." SlashAngemon scoffed.

Alphamon huffed in response, "Then you'd both best hope they choose to mourn rather than seek revenge, because I will not protect you."

"And what about the Miracle?" Marsmon questioned, trying to focus on the entire point of this gathering. "You had it, but allowed it to leave... All to avoid conflict with these humans?!" He demanded.

To which Alphamon lowered his head slightly, "We are asking something great and terrible of someone who knows not the power she possesses," He answered grimly. "I did not release her freely from her destined duty... Only gave her time to say her goodbyes, in six hours I will retrieve her myself." Before he turned away from the table, "In the mean time, begin preparations for the Sealing, we need to find where Megidramon is before we can even use the Miracle... You're all dismissed."

They all began to file out with varying degrees of attitude in their step, aside from Alphamon himself who simply made his way to a nearby balcony, stepping out into the light to overlook the fortress below. Footsteps approaching from behind told him that not all had left at his dismissal. "Was there something else, Magnamon?"

The Golden Knight stopped a short distance back, not stepping out into the sunlight. "I merely worry about our Allies, the angels in their overzealous piety and those gods in their indulgence." He scoffed. "I wish there were more Knights among us."

Alphamon nodded slowly, "Indeed, while we worked together in the past out of necessity, recent events have made it clear that we do not get along." Before he put both hands behind his back. "Tell me, do you think another solution is possible?" He questioned, "Or is the Miracle really the only way to stave off destruction?"

Magnamon tensed up a bit, "Why are you asking me this?"

"You share a connection with the Miracle, do you not?" He questioned, looking back at him expectantly. "Or do you feel nothing for your former friend?"

His hand clenched into a fist, "I've long since buried that connection, nothing remains but memories of an unfaithful fool."

"Hmm..." Alphamon hummed in response, "And they say time heals all wounds..." Before he sighed lightly, "On the topic of Knights, and regaining our former strength... I have discovered something interesting through my eyes in the lower spheres."

Causing Magnamon to quirk an eyebrow, "And that is...?"

"One of LordKnightmon's former followers remains alive," He explained, "And would be a prime candidate for Knighthood, if he could be returned to our fold."

"One of the lost Knightmon," Magnamon muttered in disbelief, "I'll go at once, just tell me where-" But he stopped as Alphamon held up his hand.

"The matter is being handled already," He assured, "By another who seeks to claim the title of Knight-" Before his words hitched, as another figure emerged through the far door of their round table room. The red cape and brilliant white armor was unmistakable, "Ah, Gallantmon, you finally decided to join us."

The great crimson knight came to a stop across from Alphamon, not quite matching his great height but still standing taller than Magnamon. "While you're playing with Fates, I've found something you might find interesting." He began, "Only a single layer of the World Barrier has fallen."

"What?" Magnamon questioned, looking between the two. "But I thought both Goldramon and Magnadramon were destroyed!"

"It seems one of them must have survived," Alphamon surmised, thinking on it for a moment. "Then we may have more time than I initially thought, with Azulongmon here under our protection Megidramon will likely attempt to chase down the survivor of their battle first." The cloudy skies above rumbled softly.

To which Gallantmon narrowed his eyes, "Then let us search for the survivor and bring them under our protection as well!" He urged. "Before Megidramon has the chance to-"

"Our efforts must be focused on the Miracle," Alphamon interrupted sharply. "The Great Dragons are essential to balance, but so long as one remains when this is over our worlds will not overlap."

Gallantmon clenched his fists tightly, "And have you considered at all just why Megidramon seems to be targeting the other Great Dragons?" He questioned.

To which Alphamon quirked an eyebrow, "What are you suggesting?"

"I've followed the trails of his destruction," Gallantmon replied quickly, "There is a pattern, this isn't just wanton destruction or hatred, Megidramon is hunting."

Alphamon considered his fears for a moment, "Certainly something to worry about, but none of that will matter once we have the Miracle."

"Forget about using the Miracle!" Gallantmon exclaimed, slashing a hand through the air. "Rally the Alliance, join forces with the Chosen! And let's hunt down and destroy this evil as we Knights are meant to!" He nearly begged, "Before more lives are needlessly lost!"

Where Alphamon hesitated, Magnamon found his voice with a pointed remark. "Sacrifices must be made if we are to preserve what is left of the Digital World." Shifting nervously, "You remember how much we've lost, we cannot afford to take risks now."

But the Golden Knight nearly flinched when Gallantmon turned his gaze upon him. "I remember when Omnimon was our leader, and we had honor." Before he turned and began storming off, coming to a stop just before exiting the room. "From where I'm standing, it seems the only ones sacrificing anything are those out their fighting desperately, while you stand atop this tower." His accusation aimed directly at Alphamon, before the knight exited the round table chamber.

Alphamon watched him go, the stoic knight unfazed by his harsh words and simply shook his head. "Dutiful to a fault, but I respect his conviction." Before his eyes shifted off to the stormy sky above, where heavenly lightning rumbled amidst the clouds and a serpentine shadow could be seen swimming among them. "I fear we'll need it before the end..."

. . .

While on the floors below, those who had been dismissed were setting out to continue their business of preparing. And while Minervamon tried to disappear quickly, likely to avoid her actual duties, Marsmon forced her to stay behind along with the Angels. They watched one another for a moment, as if they were all thinking the same thing.

"Waiting only buys more time for Megidramon to grow stronger," Marsmon said sharply, "We know where the Miracle resides, I say we forget Alphamon's promise and take her now."

ClavisAngemon nodded, "And if the Demon seeks refuge with her, we will not fail in eliminating her this time."

SlashAngemon smirked, "Then we are in agreement." Before looking back at Marsmon, "Should we try gathering more to go with us?"

"I wouldn't mind more fighting!" Minervamon beamed, "That big guy was strong!"

Marsmon nodded and considered it for a moment, before looking up. "If we set out together it will look suspicious, I will not have Alphamon interfering in the name of his petty honor or fear of humans." Before another thought struck him, as a great winged shadow passed by overhead. "But... I believe I know one other who would see this finished sooner rather than later..." His eyes drifting up to the enormous avian beast of stone and tree that somehow stayed afloat while soaring through the sky.

And so while the young heroes were busy recovering from the first encounter with an enemy they didn't understand, a second wave was already on the way...

. . .

Sam and Darcmon

. . .

The passage through the Egress was instant with Gennai's help, and rather than having to travel all the way from the gateway they were simply dropped right outside the doors of the Volcano Lab. Both sisters touching down as they looked around bewildered.

"Amazing," Darcmon said, looking back towards Gennai. "We traveled all this way in-" Before her eyes widened upon seeing the old man staggering forward, on instinct she lunged to catch him. "Gennai!"

Sam was still processing everything that was going on, and hadn't even noticed his stumble until Darcmon cried out. "What's wrong?" She asked, looking towards them both.

"O-Oh don't mind me," The old codger chuckled, coughing a few times as he straightened himself out with Darcmon's help. "Didn't mean to scare you, but using that power is a bit hard on the old bones, manipulating time and space as such."

Sam blinked, "M... Manipulating time and space? You can do that?"

"Well, Alphamon can do that," He said simply, "What I do is sort of just a bad imitation!" Laughing it off without giving much proper explanation, "N-Now come on, we should find your friends."

Darcmon nodded, looking back at Sam, "Right, we can find them and figure out how to protect you from Alphamon."

Sam shifted at that suggestion, "Protect me?" She repeated, nearly scoffing at the idea. Before she turned and began heading for the doors, "Are we sure that's even possible?"

Darcmon tensed up, following behind her once Gennai assured he could stand on his own two feet. "We're going to find out."

Sam input the code to make the metal bulkhead open, her free hand clenching into a fist. "This is serious, Darcmon." She said sharply, looking back at her. "You saw what's already happened, our friends... They barely held their own against just a few of Alphamon's allies!" Marching inside the moment the doors opened up wide enough, passing into the long hall that made up the labs interior entrance. "Myotismon was... Was killed."

"And you'd just throw yourself at the mercy of the ones attacking our friends!?" Darcmon demanded, walking behind her as they quickened their pace, practically forgetting about Gennai as he made his way inside as well.

Just as they reached the end of the hall, where it opened up into the central lab she turned on her sister. "If it means nobody else has to die, YES!" Raising her voice at Darcmon, pointing a finger at her. "You need to think about what's really at stake here," She scolded, "If what Alphamon said was true, it's not just the Digital World, but the Human World might could be destroyed too!"

Darcmon opened her mouth to speak, before spotting a few familiar figures standing within the lab. Sam turned to follow her gaze, eyes widening as she saw Kai, Madison and Thomas at one of the center tables, along with their partners all staring back at them in silence, worry clear in their eyes after hearing Sam's own words.

"Well," It was Kokuwamon that broke the silence, "Guess we don't have to worry about looking for her."

"Sam!" Madison jumped up and started moving towards her, stumbling a bit as she went but caught herself. "Are you two alright?"

Sam noticed the way she'd stumbled, and remembered the injuries she'd seen in Wisemon's visions. Her eyes darted quickly to Thomas, noting the icepack he had pressed against his head. "Yeah, yeah we're okay."

"Sorry," Maddie said suddenly, before pulling her into a hug. "I'm invading your space but I'm just so happy to see you're both alright!" She said, Sam going stiff as a board while Madison hugged her. Finally breaking the hug before she sighed, "It's been... A rough day."

Darcmon finally spoke up, "So we've heard, I wish there'd been a way to warn you all but we didn't know what was happening until it was too late."

Kai made his way over as well, "So you know what all this is about then?" He questioned, "A bunch of powerful digimon looking for something they called The Miracle."

Sam nodded begrudgingly, "R-Right... Yeah so," She shifted nervously, putting a hand on her chest. "The Miracle, is me... They were all after me." Lowering her gaze to the floor, "They came after you all trying to find me."

"But why!?" Madison exclaimed, shaking her head. "What- What even is this Miracle thing? What do they want with you?" Her questioning tone disappearing as her hands fell to her sides, "Why... Why would they-" Shuddering at the thought of that damned Angel, what he did to both Tsu and Myotismon.

"Because not only the Digital World, but the Human World are both in great peril." Came the voice of Gennai as he slowly made his way into the hall.

Kotemon poked his head around Kai and blinked, "Who's the old guy?"

"This is Gennai," Sam answered, stepping aside to let him take the center stage. "And... He's right," Looking between her friends. "A monstrous Digimon awakened and is destroying Sphere's left and right, if it isn't Sealed away again, it'll destroy the entire Digital World and eventually the Human World too."

"If that's true," Kai crossed his arms, "Then why attack us? Why not try to work together?"

To which Gennai answered, "Because the Alliance is desperate, and they know exactly what kind of sacrifice using the Miracle requires."

Tsukaimon pouted as she landed on Madison's shoulder to try and comfort her. "Sacrifice? What do you mean?"

"Using this power," Sam explained grimly, unable to look any of them in the eye. "At least, using it to the extent they need, would kill me..."

Collectively slapping each and every one of them in the face with that revelation, "W-What?" Was all Kai could muster.

"No," Madison shook her head. "No, absolutely not, w-we won't let them!" She declared, her eyes brimming with tears. "I've already lost one friend today!"

"Yeah!" Kotemon stepped forward, "Don't worry Sam, we'll protect you!"

"That's right!" Tsukaimon added, "They had the jump on us before, but next time we'll win!"

Darcmon nodded with a relieved smile. "Thank you, everyone."

"Guys," Sam held up her hands. "I know everyone is very emotional about this... But think about what happens if I don't do this," Trying to make them see reason, "It could be the end of everything..."

"B-But-" Maddie's words hitched, as she wiped away any tears that threatened to spill over. "You can't just- But what about-" Stumbling for something to convince her.

Sam shook her head, "There's nothing we can do now, Alphamon gave me six hours to say my goodbyes... And it sounds like he's the one in charge of those guys that attacked you, a Digimon beyond anything we've ever faced." Sighing heavily as she lowered her head, "I wish things could be different but..."

Kai was left in silent indecision, understanding clearly the threat they were facing. But it was then he realized someone had been quiet this whole time, and he looked back towards Thomas who remained seated at the table, tapping away at his laptop. "Thomas, you have to be thinking something, right? You... You always figure something out."

The young genius wore a slight grimace, as he looked up from his laptop. "I think... We're missing a lot of important information here," He said bluntly, before shifting his gaze to Gennai. "And I'd prefer you not have to repeat yourself, so..." Before he pushed another button on his keyboard, a surge of light running through nearby computers and cables, all leading to the gateway before it opened wide!

A swirling vortex of light appeared, and in an instant three figures stepped out of it. Cody and Shamanmon, accompanied by none other than Angela, Sam's mother. The teen looked around, seeing everyone there. "Yo, so were you guys also attacked by a self-righteous golden asshole or..." His forearms still wrapped in bandages, covering the burns left by Magnamon's attack.

"Ours was mostly white," Tsukaimon said with a huff, "But... He had a big golden key."

Kotemon adding, "Ours was brass, wasn't really self-righteous though..."

What relief Sam found in seeing Cody was replaced by apprehension upon seeing her mother. While Darcmon looked to Gennai, "Alright, lets not waste anymore time, please explain everything."

The old man nodded, "Right, gather around folks, I'll give you all the quick version..."

And over the course of a short thirty minutes, the details and the truth of the Digital World's history were revealed to them all. Along with Sam's role in it's salvation, and what she really was. It shed light on questions they'd all been wondering for some time, but now they had answers they'd rather have never found. And when it was all finished up, the Chosen and their partners sat in silence.

Upon hearing it all, Angela chimed in simply saying. "So we analyze this 'Miracle' power in your body, attempt to synthesize it," She said, already going over notes she'd taken. "If the Digital World is mostly data, it's far more likely that what you're doing is rewriting Code rather than, hmph, 'changing fate'..."

Sam narrowed her eyes, "We don't have time, don't you understand?" She scoffed, "Alphamon will be here in just over 5 hours, and even if we could convince him and his Allies not to take me away, Megidramon is out there killing thousands or maybe even millions of Digimon every time he enters another Sphere!"

To which Angela coldly replied, "The lives of Digimon do not concern me-"

"Oh I'm well aware," Sam barked back, cutting her off. "But for once can you try to care about something other than yourself? Or me?" She questioned, glaring daggers at Angela.

And for once, the older woman hesitated. "No... I cannot," She answered, her eyes falling to her notes. "Because you are the only good that came out of being trapped in this god forsaken world."

"No, you had Dad too, and another daughter that cared about you no matter how badly you treated her." Sam scoffed, waving off her words. "Maybe when I'm gone you'll appreciate Darcmon a little more."

Angela kept her eyes on her notes, releasing a short, "Unlikely." Before continuing her hypothesizing in silence.

Cody had his arms crossed the entire time, watching Sam throughout most of the discussion. And once she was finished, he looked around to the others seated at the table. "Alright, so what's the plan?"

Sam rubbed her temples as she closed her eyes, "See you're still not listening!" She snapped at Cody before anyone could answer him. "There is no plan, I've made my decision."

He leaned back in his chair a bit, fingers clenching tightly against his arm. "Your decision being to... Just give up?" He asked, "Not even going to try and fight back? Just gonna let these high and mighty assholes tell you how you have to die because of their mistakes?"

She was tired of arguing over this, "Yeah, that's right." She answered simply, "It's my life and my power after all, so I get to choose what I do with it."

"But you aren't choosing!" Darcmon added, "They are, and even with everyone willing to stand by your side you still won't fight back!" Moving to her sisters side again, looking into her eyes. "You changed my Fate, so let us fight to change yours... Please." The desperation brimming slowly in her tone, as she tried to reach out for her hand.

But Sam pulled away, turning her back on them. "I'm sorry everyone, this is just how it has to be..." Her gaze lowering to the floor as she clenched her hands tightly. "I was hoping we could spend my last few hours together, maybe having fun one last time... But you guys aren't interested in goodbyes, so I think I'll just go for a walk." And started making her way out the door.

Darcmon took a step to go after her, but hesitated before both arms fell to her sides. Her wings drooped and her head lowered, "I guess that's it then..."

Gennai looked back around at the others. "I'll... I'll keep an eye on her, until it's time..." Before walking off as well.

As Sam and Gennai stepped out, those remaining at the table looked around at one another. Cody was the first to speak, as he placed a hand on the table. "So what's the play here guys?" Looking between them, "Thomas? You cooking something up in that big brain of yours?'

The boy looked up from his laptop, his face uncertain. "To be honest... I'm not sure," He answered honestly. "If we had more time, an alternative might be possible, but... I've got nothing." He shrugged.

"Well you've got a few hours," Cody replied, "I'm sure you'll think of something."

"Cody," Kai began, choosing his words carefully. "What if we... Shouldn't do anything?" He questioned.

His eye twitched, "You suggesting we just let Sam die?!" Raising his voice in an instant.

Kai had been down a similar road before, and held up his hands defensively. "I'm just trying to focus on the big picture here, like if what Gennai says about Megidramon is true, we have to take into account that we're looking at total annihilations of both worlds here."

"Kazuchimon and his army," Kotemon added, "They talked about how their Sphere was destroyed by a flaming wyrm, I'm starting to think Megidramon might have been the monster that did it."

Cody stopped himself from outright screaming at the two of them, looking to Madison. "And what about you?"

Madison's eyes were still a little misty, and she shook her head. "I-I don't know... I don't want anything bad to happen to Sam, b-but..." She lowered her head, retreating inward. "I just don't know." As she hugged Tsukaimon, "It sounds like she's made her decision..."

Cody clicked his tongue, rising out of his seat. "Unbelievable..." Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he began heading for the door as well.

"Wait for me!" Shamanmon called out, following behind him. "Where are we going?"

"Away from these downers." Cody replied, making sure it was loud enough that everyone could hear him.

While the others were left paralyzed with indecision. All while Angela moved to a larger table to begin pouring over each and every note she had about Samantha, desperately searching for... Something, anything.

. . .

Knightmon

. . .

While the Chosen struggled with the reality of their situation, far across the sea on the Eastern Continent, the mighty form of Knightmon stood at the edge of a crater examining the damage. Remnants of the battle between Gaioumon and Minveramon, the earth scarred by an encounter that had only lasted minutes. The armored knight knelt down, running his hand across the burnt soil, and released a small sigh of relief.

"Kotemon, I thought you'd ascend into a great Knight," He muttered, feeling a sense of pride well within his chest. "But it makes me happy to know you've grown beyond my dreams..."

His thoughts turned slowly towards the dangers Kotemon and his friends seemed to be facing, narrowing his eyes at the thought of their attackers. "An angel, and one who hails from Olympus... Why would they be working together?"

Before the sound of footsteps echoed across the field, they were heavy and made Knightmon rise to his feet. Turning to see who would have followed him out here, "Ah, there you are." Came a smooth and friendly voice.

Before him stood a warrior digimon garbed in a mixture of multi-colored robes and white armor. With a wizardly hood, and a blade resting on his belt. He wasn't someone the old Knight recognized, and he voiced as much. "Who are you? What business do you have with me?" And given the days events, he wasn't letting his guard down any time soon.

"Mistymon," He greeted with a bow, he didn't stand nearly as tall as Knightmon, barely reaching over ten feet. "I am here on behalf of Alphamon."

Causing Knightmon's eyes to widen, "A-Alphamon!?" He exclaimed, "But... But why would the Thirteenth send an emissary to me?" Given it was LordKnightmon that commanded his kind, after all.

"Much has changed since you and your kind set out to purge the last evil remnants of the Demon War," Mistymon explained, "The Royal Knights stand upon the precipice of destruction, and require mighty and noble digimon to refill our ranks." He added, "Of their once formiddable force, only Alphamon, Magnamon and Gallantmon remain."

Delivering a blow to Knightmon's stomach as he nearly stumbled back. "Wh-What!? But... How is that possible?!" When Knightmon and his brethren had departed to chase Mephistomon, immediately following the demon war, he knew that a few Knights had fallen in battle. But to hear their number reduced so severely... Well, it could explain why no one else had ever come after Mephistomon despite the dangers he posed.

"Alphamon can explain the details," Mistymon shook his head, "It was good fortune that we found their to be a survivor among the Knightmon, and it seems you've been chosen to ascend to the seat of Royal Knight yourself."

"M-Me? A royal knight..." He muttered, looking down at his hands. "That doesn't seem possible..."

"But indeed it is!" Mistymon grinned, spreading his arms wide. "As have I, if I might be so bold as to boast," He chuckled lightly. "After many long days of despair, we are finally starting to rebuild! Come, lets return to Alphamon and begin to true reformation of the Knighthood that once stood as the greatest force for Order in the Digital World!"

Knightmon was surprised by his sudden passion, and though some instinctive duty deep within his core told him to accept, something more pressing occupied his thoughts. "I... Must respectfully decline, for the time being."

"Eh?" Mistymon blinked, his arms lowering. "What?" Acting as if he hadn't properly heard him. "You'd refuse a summons by Alphamon himself?"

Knightmon held up one hand, lowering his head. "Inform Alphamon that I mean no disrespect, but as it stands there are those within this Sphere that count on me for protection and guidance." He explained, Kotemon appearing in his mind as an afterthought. And he motioned to the crater behind him, "And friends that are even now in danger, it would be a great dishonor to leave before I'm sure they'll be alright."

"Hmph," Mistymon grunted as he approached the crater, surveying the destruction. "I see... These friends of yours, they wouldn't happen to be..." He slowly turned his head, revealing a sly grin. "Humans, would they?"

Knightmon's eyes widened, and his arm moved in the blink of an eye, as did Mistymon's. Drawing his shorter blade, it clashed with the flaming sword the spellblade Digimon pulled from his belt. The impact of their clash revealed the stronger one among them, as Mistymon was sent sliding back on his heels. While the mighty Knightmon held a leveled gaze with him, eyes narrowed sharply. "I see the grace of the Knights truly has diminished, to try something as underhanded as a sneak attack..."

Mistymon released a slow chuckle, "Well, to be fair... I'm not a Royal Knight yet," He assured, "I didn't come here to fight, only to try and bring you back into the fold, before circumstances put you at odds with us."

Knightmon quirked an eyebrow at that, "What kind of circumstances? What do you want with the Chosen!?" He demanded, pulling the shield from his back as well.

"Peace in the Digital World," Mistymon answered simply, stepping back slowly. Evidently having no intention of actually fighting the massive Knight. "No matter the cost," Before he extinguished the flames of his blade. "Think carefully Knightmon, Alphamon will not extend this invitation again."

But the silver Knight didn't budge, "If the only path to peace is the sacrifice of others," He replied sharply, "Then I have no place among the new Royal Knights."

Mistymon sheathed his blade, "So be it, I suppose it's just as well." Turning as he began to walk away, "One has to wonder... How does only a single Knightmon survive the slaughter of hundreds...?" Looking partway back at him, flashing a chilling, knowing smirk, before he continued off on his way.

Leaving Knightmon there, watching him depart with a sensation of aching from old wounds. "So Angels, Olympians, and the Royal Knights..."

. . .

Sam

. . .

Sam had made her way outside of the Volcano Lab, and was currently standing outside on the main platform with Gennai. Her eyes resting on the dimly glowing magma that swelled and pulsed nearby. The Digital World didn't seem to obey all conventional laws of physics, as despite it still being warm here the heat was far from unbearable.

"You aren't planning to throw yourself in are you?" The old man asked, hands behind his back as he watched her.

"What am I supposed to do here, Gennai?" Sam asked, ignoring his attempt at dark humor. "What's the right answer?"

He quirked one of those big bushy eyebrows, "The right answer?"

"Yes!" She turned back to him, eyes filled with desperation. "What should I do!?" She demanded, raising her voice. "You told me all this history, what's at stake, you argued with Alphamon about the Prophecy, so... So you have to know something else right? You have to know what the right decision is!"

Gennai held her gaze for a moment, before sighing heavily. "The truth of the matter, is that Alphamon was right... I have no real proof that my interpretation of the Prophecy is any more correct than his," He admitted, "And as of this moment, your two options are Fight and try to deny Destiny, or accept the Fate others have decided for you."

Sam clenched her hands tightly into fists. "And which one would you choose?"

"Hmm..." Gennai slowly stroked his chin, "I suppose that depends... How much do you trust your friends?"

Sam blinked in surprise at the question, looking away slowly as she contemplated it. "More than anything... I know they'd fight for me, they'd..." Her eyes clenching shut. "They'd get hurt for me, and it'd be my fault... If the worlds were destroyed, that'd be my fault too now wouldn't it?" Before she scoffed, shaking her head. "It's better for everyone if I just go along with Alphamon."

"Not better for you though," The voice of Cody cutting in as he announced his presence. An annoyed look on his face as he approached them both. "If you're already planning to throw your life away, the lava is right there, so why waste any time?"

Sam grit her teeth, clenching her fist. "I'm doing this to protect all of you!" She barked back at him.

"That's funny because I don't remember asking for your protection!" Cody replied, just as loudly. "Certainly didn't ask you to die for us either!"

"I have to do this!" Sam shouted back at him.

"Why!?" Cody demanded, "Because some asshole you just met said so?" Before he scoffed, "I thought I was the dumbass on this team but you're really giving me a run for my money right now!"

Sam had to restrain herself from slapping him, "Oh really!? Then why am I the only one who seems to be focused on the big picture here!?"

"You think we aren't worried about Megidramon!?" Cody retorted, pulling out his Digivice, "We're the Chosen Ones, remember? Saving the Digital World is our job, together!" He argued, "Not with just one of us running off and dying like a MORON!"

"I WASN'T CHOSEN!" Sam exploded finally, pulling out her own Digivice. "The Prophecy said that Four symbols would appear, that's one for each of you..." Her tone lowering finally, as she looked down at the device. "I was never Chosen for anything... I'm just inheriting a problem I didn't fix in my last life." Before she threw her Digivice to him, and he caught it out of reaction. "So I don't need that anymore."

The declaration did make Cody hesitate for a moment as he looked at her device, it suddenly felt very heavy in his hands... Very, final. "Even if that's true... This can't be the way you want this to end." He said, stepping forward slowly, dropping his aggression. "What about all the battles we fought together? What about traveling the Digital World?" He asked, "This can't really be the end... Right?" Looking at her for some kind of confirmation, "Forget about Destiny and being Chosen, what do you want?"

Sam was about to answer, when a great gust of wind rolled over the volcanic crater blowing away what little smoke it exuded. Causing all of them to look towards the skies, as a massive shape flew by overhead. A body made almost entirely out of stone and foliage, somehow staying afloat on enormous wings as it flew overhead. The massive bird digimon circled, before small group of figures began to descend from it's back.

Cody's eyes widened, pulling up his Digivice. "Guys get out here now! We've got company!"

Sam stepped back, body tensing up. "B-But it hasn't been six hours!"

"Well I guess Alphamon's a liar and an asshole then!"