Keith yawned as he walked into the living room. It was rather early in the morning. Everyone else was either eating breakfast or discussing their plans for the day. "Man, am I the last one up?"

"Looks like it." Kate teased.

"Wait…where's Ben?"

"I dunno. Earlier this morning he said he had a "case" for the Cyber Sleuths. Takumi, Ami, and Kyoko left with him about an hour ago."

"What about Ryuji and Keisuke?" Erika asked.

"I think Ryuji asked Keisuke to help him with something before they left the house." Rand replied.

"Should we check up on them?" Keith asked.

"Knowing them, I'm sure they'll be fine." Fei replied. "Let's let em do their thing."

"Agreed." Matayoshi nodded. "In the meantime, we just received a couple of reports on things I'd like our Rangers to look into."

"What would that be?" Solana asked.

"One, a man who lives in a cabin on Mt. Sorbet needs help finding Ninetales. Apparently when Team One World marched up there, they scared it away."

Rand nodded. "And two, someone on Fladera Volcano asked for a Ranger or two to meet him. He said he wants to discuss something."

"So that's where you guys come in." Rythmi said. "Think you can help the old man get his Pokemon back and see what the other guy wants?"

"Sure thing." Solana smiled. "I'll take Summer and Kate over to Mt. Sorbet."

Lunick nodded and glanced at Kellyn and Keith. "Okay. Me and the boys will hit Fladera."

"Want some Digimon backup?" Nokia asked.

"Thanks, but we should be fine on our own." Solana replied.

"Good luck everyone." Nema smiled.

At the foot of Fladera Volcano Lunick approached a man with Kellyn and Keith. "Are you the one who contacted us?"

The man nodded. "I'm bad at directions. I thought I was heading for a snowy mountain. But here I am, on a volcanic island for some reason. Rangers, can't you do something about this? It's too hot!"

"Uh…controlling climate around a Volcano is a bit out of our area of abilities." Kellyn replied. "What we can do is guide you to Mt. Sorbet."

"Hahaha, don't take it so seriously. I just wanted to complain. Oh, I have no time for chat like this! I just saw a Piplup on the volcanic mountain."

"A Piplup?" Keith asked. "Those shouldn't be around here."

"I know, it's strange to see a Piplup on a volcanic mountain, right? I'm afraid it'll get too hot. It must be bad at directions, just like me. Rangers, can you do something about it?"

"We're on our way." Lunick nodded. He, Kellyn, and Keith posed. "Quest On!"

"I'll take you to where the Piplup is. Are you ready?"

"Anytime." Lunick replied.

"Okay, follow me."

Ryuji and Keisuke were on Mt. Sorbet. The harsh snowy winds howled as HerculesKabuterimon and Justimon faced each other. "Alright Keisuke, one more time."

Keisuke nodded. "Okay. HerculesKabuterimon, go!"

"Giga Blaster!" His Digimon fired a golden ray at Justimon.

Ryuji's Digimon jumped over at and started footdiving towards him. "Justice Kick!" HerculesKabuterimon caught his foot with his horn and pushed him back into the air. He then flew towards him with his horn ready to trust, but Justimon caught him by the horn, swung him around and threw HerculesKabuterimon into the snow.

"What in the world are you guys doing?" Keisuke and Ryuji were drawn from their battle when Summer came up to them with Kate and Solana.

"Oh, hey. When did you girls get here?" Keisuke asked as his Digimon climbed out of the slow.

"Just now. Mind answering our question now?" Solana asked. "What are you two doing?"

"What does it look like?" Ryuji asked. "Training."

"Okay, why?" Kate asked. "Is there really any need to get stronger than you guys already are? I mean we just saved your sister and multiple worlds!"

"Barley saved them. And if anything, this incident opened my eyes. I never would have imagined any of this a few months back. There's no telling what the future has in store."

Keisuke nodded. "That's why we need to get stronger. So, we can be ready for whatever happens next."

"I guess you have a point." Summer nodded. "The Sky Fortress, the Societea, the Golden Armor, Sabios, Digimon. There were so many things that threw us off. Who knows when another surprise is ready to come up?"

"Exactly. Anyway, that are you three doing up here?"

"We got a call from an old man who lives in a cabin around here."

"An old man lives on his own all the way out here?" Ryuji asked.

"Well, he also has his Ninetales." Kate said. "But apparently, when Team One World came up here, they scared it away."

"Uh, oh." Keisuke murmured. "And it still hasn't returned?"

Solana shook her head. "That's why he called us. We're on the way to the cabin. It's actually not too far from here."

"Want us to tag along?" Ryuji asked. "We can help you find it."

"Nah, we can handle this." Kate replied. "Though maybe you two should take a break at the cabin. The old guy let's people who come here use his place to rest. He won't mind if you take a break."

"Yeah, I suppose we've been pushing our Digimon hard." Keisuke said.

Ryuji nodded. "How does that sound? You two want to rest a bit?"

Justimon reverted to his Rookie form. "Sounds good to me."

HerculesKabuterimon returned to Tentomon. "Yeah, I could use a break."

"Alright, let's go." Ryuji said.

The man at Fladera led Lunick, Keith, and Kellyn up the volcanic mountain. They stopped when they heard something.

The man looked up. "Ah! Piplup, there you are!"

Up ahead, the wild Piplup was surrounded by pools of lava and sweating. A few wild Golem were also lurking about. "The poor little guy's gonna be roasted if we don't do something." Keith said.

"Piplup, help is on the way!" the man hollered. "…Well, not me, but the Rangers are!"

"We need to get it away from those lava pools immediately." Kellyn said.

"It may be delirious from the heat and try to get away from you." The man added. "It may think you are dangerous."

"Yeah, guess it doesn't help much that we're wearing red, does it?" Keith asked. "And those wild Pokemon up there must have it intimidated."

"I know." Lunick gasped. "What if Kellyn and I chase it down here. Keith, you wait here with Buizel and cool it off when it gets here, and it should calm down."

"Great idea!" Keith smiled. "Just watch out for those Golem up there. They look ticked off."

Kellyn turned ahead. "Alright, let's go!"

Inside a cabin, Ryuji and Keisuke hung their heavy coats they put on for climbing Mt. Sorbet. Their Digimon were lying down near the fireplace. "Thanks for letting our friends rest here sir." Summer said.

An old man was sitting near a table with Keisuke and Ryuji. "No trouble at all. My humble cabin is always welcome to those who climb this harsh mountain."

"So anyway, do you have any idea where your Pokemon went?" Solana asked.

The old man sighed. "My Ninetales has gone to the cave of icicles. My reflexes are too slow, so I'd like you to bring my Ninetales back to the cabin. Can you do that for me?"

Summer, Solana, and Kate posed. "Quest On!"

"Translation, "sure we can"." Keisuke chuckled.

The man smiled. "I knew you would. My Ninetales is in the cave of icicles."

"Kellyn, look out!" Lunick dove into his fellow Ranger to move them out of the way from a Golem trying to squash them. Piplup ran on ahead.

Kellyn looked up. "Pachirisu, Minum, keep after it!"

The small electric Pokemon chased the Piplup and it went down the hill right towards Buizel who spat water from its mouth and soaked the Piplup. It stood still for a moment and shook itself dry. "It's okay Piplup, you're safe now!" Keith said.

Lunick and Kellyn soon caught up. The Pokemon sat down and sighed in relief. "That worked out nicely." Kellyn said.

The man approached. "Piplup, weren't you hot? How did you end up in a place like this? You must be bad at directions, just like me."

"Pip!" the Pokemon nodded.

"Shall we go down?"

Not far from the ancient gate leading to where Articuno slept, a Ninetales was shuddering in a corner. "There it is." Summer scanned it. "Ninetales, Fire Type. It's flickering flames can hypnotize an opponent."

Solana took a closer look. "Wow, the guy looks kinda spooked. Team One World's invasion must have terrified it. The poor thing."

"Well, let's get it home." Kate took aim with her Styler. "Capture On!" The three Rangers shot their Stylers and started looping around it. The Ninetales was startled at first and spewed flames at the discs and started running around.

"We need to keep it still somehow." Kate said.

Solana sighed. "Well, I'd rather not get rough on the poor guy but…Plusle! Go!"

"Plus!" Solana's partner shot a small spark of electricity, but Ninetales evaded it.

"Summer, let's show off what our partners can do!" Kate said.

"Okay! Go, Staraptor!"

"Starly!"

The bird Pokemon spun around Ninetales forming a tornado around it, trapping it where it stood. "Good job girls!" Solana smiled. "Alright, let's try this again Plusle!"

"Plus!" Plusel brough a bolt down from above through the center of the tornado and paralyzed Ninetales. Starly and Staraptor stopped circling it.

"Alright, let's try this again!" Summer said as they resumed the Capture. Soon the Ninetales had calmed down.

"Alright. Now let's head back." Summer said. "Ninetales will be much happier back in the cozy cabin."

None of the girls noticed the large icicles loosening from the ceiling. One of them dropped down and was falling towards Summer. Solana looked up. "Summer, look out!"

"Huh?"

UlforceVeedramon swooped in and punched the icicle when it was inches away and it smashed into the wall. "That was close."

Summer turned around. "UlforceVeedramon?! What are you doing here?"

Jesmon hurried over. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, just had to catch an icicle. You three should be careful in this cave." UlforceVeedramon said.

"Yeah, sorry." Summer chucked scratching the back of her head. "So, what are you two doing here?"

"Jesmon asked me to help him train since his fellow apprentices and master are still in the Digital World."

Summer looked at Jesmon. "Oh yeah! Takumi and Ami told us your master is also a Royal Knight, right?"

"Master Gankomon. He's been a Royal Knight long before me. That's why I must continue my training if I am to ever reach his heights."

"Why are you so interested in becoming stronger?" Solana asked.

"Because now that I finally obtained my dream to become a Royal Knight, I must follow the responsibilities that come with the title. To do that, I need to continue improving. I need to be ready for whatever comes next."

"Heh. You sound just like Ryuji and Keisuke." Kate giggled.

Summer snapped her fingers. "Hey, there's an idea! Keisuke and Ryuji are also training on this mountain! Maybe you two should join them!"

"Really?" UlforceVeedramon asked. "That's not a bad idea."

"They're just letting their Digimon rest in a cabin not far from here. Come on! We'll show you where it is!"

At the foot of Fladera Volcano the man laughed. "Both Piplup and I are bad at directions! We might as well head for the snowy mountain on Sophian Island together. Thank you, Rangers!"

"Lup! Lup!" Piplup hoped.

The three posed. "Quest Clear!"

The man was about to leave when he stopped. "Oh, by the way, I also saw some of the New Heroes of Oblivia here. Was there something else going on today?"

"Huh? Where did they go?" Lunick asked.

"Up the mountain. Past where Piplup was."

Keith turned to Kellyn. "Think it's Ben and the detectives? Is this where they went this morning? And are they still up there?"

"Likely. Why don't we see what they're up to?"

Lunick nodded. "We're here anyway, so why not?"

The old man rubbed his Ninetales' fur. "Ninetales is safe? That's good news! I knew you could do it. Thank you, Rangers!"

Solana, Kate, and Summer posed. "Quest Clear!"

"You said you found sparing partners for us?" Ryuji asked.

Kate nodded. "That's right. Are your Digimon good to go?"

"I've gotten enough rest." Monodramon said.

"Same here." Tentomon nodded. "I'm ready."

"Alright, they're waiting for you just outside." Summer replied. "Have fun!"

The two Tamers put their coats back on and exited the cabin. Jesmon and UlforceVeedramon were waiting close by. "Oh! It's you." Monodramon said.

"We heard you two were training out here." UlforceVeedramon said. "Mind if we join?"

"Of course not." Ryuji replied. "We've heard and seen what your Royal Knights can do."

Keisuke smiled. "Yeah, we can all get stronger together."

"Uh, maybe we should back up a bit first." Tentomon suggested. "I don't want to smash up the poor guys cabin."

Jesmon nodded. "Indeed. Let's move to a more open area first."

As they started walking Ryuji looked at his Digivice. "I'm going to keep getting stronger alongside Monodramon. I don't want what happened to Erika to repeat itself."

"Same here." Keisuke nodded.

Jesmon turned to them. "That's all well and good you two, but don't forget training isn't the only means of getting stronger."

"And strength is not the only thing that matters." UlforceVeedramon added.

Ryuji sighed. "You're right. Fixate on getting stronger too much, and you'll lose your way. I know what it's like."

"Ryuji…" Keisuke nudged his friend. "Hey, don't worry. None of us are going to let that happen again. Just remember you aren't alone. Me, Monodramon, Chitose, Erika, Yu, Arata, all of us have your back man."

Ryuji smiled. "You're right. I'm never alone. I learned from what happened before with Arcadiamon that I'm never alone."

Kellyn, Keith and Lunick were approaching the cabin near the cave of Fladera Volcano. It was then when they heard clashing noises. "What's going on over there?" Keith asked.

Kellyn froze. "Ben…?!" They saw their fellow Ranger wielding a staff. And not only that, but he was fending off attacks from MagnaAngemon's sword and deflecting small arrows from Angewomon at the same time. Pichu, Takumi, Ami, Kyoko, and Alphamon were all nearby. Both Digimon were being cautious so if he was hit, it wouldn't do too much damage.

"What's he doing?!" Lunick asked.

Ben was caught off guard by an arrow that knocked him backward on his feet awkwardly. But just as he regained his balance, MagnaAngemon swiped at him. He blocked the attack and fell to the ground landing on his back. "Gah!"

"Pi!" Pichu ran towards him.

Ami hurried over as well. "Are you alright Ben?"

Kyoko turned to Takumi. "Time."

Takumi had his Digivice on. "Three minutes and twenty-four seconds. He's getting better."

As Ami helped Ben up. Alphamon walked over. "You're doing well to make sure you watch your blind spot. But remember, if all you do is block and evade, you'll wear yourself out and will eventually be struck down. You need to learn to look for openings while defending yourself."

Ben sighed. "Easier said than done. Everything's happening so fast it's so hard to think and react to every detail at once."

"Ben, are you okay?" Keith and the others hurried over.

"Oh, hey guys. What brings you here?" Takumi asked.

"Well, we were on a Quest to help a Piplup here, then we heard you were in the area and thought we'd see what you were doing." Kellyn replied. "What's going on?"

Lunick looked at what Ben was holding. It was a staff with rainbow wings. "Hey, isn't that…?"

"The Weaver of Light, yes." Kyoko replied. "The one Ravio left for Ben. He asked us to help him practice wielding it."

Ben looked at the wings. "Ravio entrusted this with me. It symbolizes his bond with his Guardian Signs. He expects me to succeed him, so I have to make sure I honor his trust, and his memory. Besides, he left it to me, so it only makes sense that I learn to use it right?"

Kellyn smiled. "Ben…Ravio picked the right guy to carry his legacy."

"Still, Ravio sure made this look easy. He commanded Pokemon and fought alongside them at the same time! I didn't think it would be this hard!"

Suddenly there was a loud boom, and everyone looked up towards the volcano. Scorching rocks were flying up and started to fall towards them. "An eruption?!" Lunick asked.

"If those things land Pokemon in the area could get hurt!" Kellyn yelled.

Alphamon held her hand up. "Soul Digitalization!" She fired green beams at the rock, shattering them to harmless pieces.

MagnaAngemon flew up towards some of them and opened a portal. "Heaven's Gate!" It sucked them up on their decent.

"Celestial Arrow!" Angewomon fired a arrow that pierced through a few of them, but one of them came out as bigger pieces and fell towards the Rangers and Cyber Sleuths.

"Everyone, get down!" Kyoko ordered.

Ben ran up towards them. "Ben, what do you think you're doing?!" Keith yelled.

The Ranger started twirling the weaver of light, deflecting the fiery peoples, knocking them aside. A bigger one came towards him and he smacked it with all his strength, smashing it to the ground. He looked up to make sure they were all gone before turning to his friends. "Is everyone alright?"

The others were in awe. "Ben…that was amazing!" Lunick gleamed.

"I guess the training's paid off." Takumi laughed.

Ami grinned. "You'll be a master with that thing in no time!"

Kyoko looked up at the volcano. "Something's not right. Fladera Volcano hasn't gone off like that before. Ever since Moltres left, it's been quiet."

"Do you think it's some kind of omen?" Alphamon asked.

Kyoko didn't avert her gaze. "I hope not…"