"I can only imagine you have so many questions for me, so let's have at it!" Axel welcomed Adam who held on to his angered expression. The latter took a deep breath and relaxed, catching Axel off guard.

"Tell me where Megan is." Adam said in a no-nonsense expression.

Axel scoffed. "Excuse you?"

"Tell me where she is." Adam repeated.

Axel took a moment. His face scrunched up and he took a step back. "Okay, time out. Do you have any idea the kind of—"

"I've already heard. I know where you came from, what you are, and why you're doing what you are doing. There's no reason for us to fight so just surrender now."

"Or what? You're gonna throw me back to SAIBA? Have them try and pull me apart again? While you go and run off in ignorant bliss? Give me a break!"

"Mr. McKnight promised that once you're apprehended that he would—"

"HE'S THE REASON I SUFFERED FOR SO LONG!" Axel exclaimed, silencing the room. Between breaths, Axel clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, attempting to suppress the images that flooded his mind. "Five years to you humans is nothing in comparison to something like me… I was born as a bug. A glitch. An accident. I didn't ask to exists, but I do. And I didn't ask to be dissected and pulled apart like a lab experiment, but I WAS! Day after day, month after month…They tried over and over to replicate me, to modify me, to delete me…They tortured me just to see how far they could get with a being that defies all kinds of logic.

Adam stood silent, feeling his empathy bubble inside as Axel grew more emotional by the second. The latter looked up at him, his eyes, glowing red due to his anger. "I'm nothing but a piece of you given a face. But I promise you I've been through hell and back more than any of you humans could imagine! SAIBA will burn and if I have to go down with it then so be it! I'll take every human I can down with me!

Adam swallowed. "Does Kapurimon feel the same way…?"

Axel hesitated. "…what?"

"I said, does Kapurimon feel the same?"

"What are you on about?"

"I'm talking about your friend!" Adam snapped. "You said these five years have been nothing but hell, but does that include the time you spent with Kapurimon? You've managed to stick it out this long because of it right?"

Axel paused. "How…?"

"Because Mr. McKnight created it specifically for you. Because he knew that despite what you were physically, you were still a scared child mentally. And to get the results that SAIBA needed, he opted to give you a friend."

"That doesn't change—"

"It's messed up, either way, I get that! Seriously, thinking that a part of me was used for experimentation for years without my knowing freaks me out. SAIBA's guilty of a lot of things, I won't deny that. But…"

"But what?"

"I don't feel as if Trojan is the solution."

"Trojan's given me the power to do something about it!"

"And look where we are! What if you're deleted in all of this and SAIBA remains untouched, then what? If Trojan succeeds and you're 'free,' then what?! What's to say Trojan won't experiment on you too?! What if…what if this is what SAIBA wants…?"

"What SAIBA…?" Axel slowly repeated and a thought came to mind that was enough for him to scream in anger. The room began to shake, black electricity pulsating from Axel as his emotions became more intense.

Omnimon shielded the two teens and watched itself as Axel began to physically mutate before them. Omnimon scanned his being and came to an unexpected conclusion:

Axel was Digivolving.

In a quick burst, the room ignited in a blinding white light, the force just barely pushing Omnimon back. Once it was safe, Omnimon lowered its cape so it and the two teens could see what transpired.

In place of Axel was a being resembling a humanoid Diaboromon, with the crazed mask fitting over the smaller skull like a helmet, and the limbs folding over the arms and legs like a suit of armor. It stood motionless, allowing the smoke to clear undisturbed.

Adam and Trevor couldn't make sense of what they were looking at. The initial shock that Axel wasn't human was crazy in itself, but whatever this was exceeded even that.

The creature lifted its head, and in the matter of a second, Omnimon's gauntlet was clashing with its outreached claw, the air above it dangling it. Omnimon pushed it back, only for it to teleport in blinding speed once again, this time aiming for the teens. Trevor reacted, kicking Adam off to the side, with the monster barely missing them. This gave Omnimon a second to swoop back and grab a hold of it, blasting through the wall of the room. As a result, it burrowed a tunnel leading off into the unknown up ahead.

As the dust began to settle, Adam sat up and looked over. Trevor likewise was attempting to get his bearings, prompting Adam to go and help him up. "You good?"

"Yeah, I'll manage. Are Emily and Layla…?"

"Your Dad came and pulled them out. He explained to me what Axel was and, well…"

"What happened?"

"I'll explain later. Right now, we need to catch up with Omnimon." Adam dismissed, beginning to run ahead.

"I didn't want you to find out…" Trevor admitted. "I was hoping to beat Axel before you saw him. I'm sorry."

Adam stopped and took a moment before saying something. "That…sounds like something you'd do." He turned around, "which is why I'm not mad."

Trevor blinked. "Are you sure?"

"Dude, I'm tired. I can't be bothered to be mad at anything at this point. The same goes for you right?"

Trevor cracked a smile and laughed, "Good thing we have a week off from school."

Adam laughed at that, despite that annoying fact. Trevor caught up to him and Adam prompted a fist bump. Trevor responded and the two boys smiled at one another.

"You know Megan is gonna kill us for making her wait." Trevor pointed out.

"She's gonna kill you. Don't drag me into any more of your messes." Adam clarified.

"You would've followed me, anyway, don't front."

"Someone needs to make sure you come back alive. That's why we're bros."

"Couldn't ask for a better one if I'm telling the truth."

Adam rolled his eyes. "Okay, it's getting corny at this point, let's just get a move on."

Trevor scoffed and nodded, the pair picking up their pace, running into the darkness before them…


Chapter 12: What It Means to Be a Hero


Morris caught up to the massive energy cocoon that blocked his path. Purple and black light pulsated through the pale surface, telling Morris that Kimeramon and Machinedramon were still in the middle of their fusion into Millenniummon by the looks of it. In retrospect, he thought, if Machinedramon ate some of Piedmon's data then the process surely would've gone faster. Nonetheless, with Diaboromon's aid, he figured Axel shouldn't have any issue keeping those kids as well as SAIBA from getting deeper into the Netspace anyway. Though, as much as he hated to admit it, Morris couldn't shake this feeling that all of this was easier than expected…

"It's been a while, hasn't it old friend…?"

Morris felt an unusual chill go down his spine. The voice grated on his ears, but at the same time humored him. At least he remembered who he was.

"Akiyoshi…it has been a long time since you and I saw one another." Morris turned around to acknowledge the older Japanese man who approached him.

Salt and Pepper hair with some stubble on his chin and dressed in a black suit with a purple striped tie, Akiyoshi Saiba, Founder and CEO of SAIBA Enterprise revealed himself from the shadows behind Morris. He carried with him a smirk, as he eyed Morris, and then the cocoon behind him.

"I take it you're here to witness the destruction of your company. Or are you here to silence me yourself?"

"Neither actually."

"Then why are you here then?"

"I'm scouting." He answered.

Morris took a moment before he began to chuckle. "After what you've done to me and my family…you expect me to come back to SAIBA?"

Akiyoshi nodded. "Interested?"

Morris scoffed. "For the sake of my son's legacy, I have every intention to ruin you, and everything connected to you. So sorry to say but I'll have to decline your offer."

Akiyoshi nodded, sliding his hands into his pockets, and walking up to the cocoon. "That's a shame. You see, I was hoping that we could sit down for a moment to discuss how things will move given the circumstances. It'd serve us both well if we were on the same page."

"There's nothing to discuss with you. With the power that Trojan has bestowed me, I have every intention to—"

"Again, it'd serve both our interests…" Akiyoshi tilted his head over.

Morris paused and eventually, he made the connection, sending a cold shiver down his spine. He took steps back as his mind began to race. "Is this some kind of joke?!"

"I'll ask you one more time. Our interests intertwine. Other companies have seen firsthand what your creations can do, and they won't hesitate to take advantage of that knowledge! A Cybernetic Revolution is upon us, Anthony. Trojan is but an actor, on this large stage."

"This whole time…why would they give me the assets to bring your company down if you were with them all along?!"

Akiyoshi smirked, setting his hand on the trembling man. "You're mistaken. SAIBA isn't a part of Trojan."

"It's the other way around."


Omnimon's tunnel eventually broke through the underside of Babylon, leading the struggling pair into the wide Netspace. Once Axel found the opportunity, it pushed off Omnimon and blasted the massive Digimon with a variant of the Catastrophe Cannon. Omnimon remained unfazed, shielding itself with its cape and retaliating with its own cannon. Several potshots were fired, Axel dodging each of them as it inched itself closer to Omnimon, who blocked the former's strike with its sword. They locked in place, struggling to make the other submit.

"I must say it's truly a shame that all you amount to is a bug." Omnimon pointed out, taking the opportunity to analyze Axel's current state. All it could see is Diaboromon's virus rampaging through the Saibatar, corrupting everything about him. Axel roared in response, unleashing another Catastrophe Cannon blast at point-blank, sending both of them flying apart from one another.

Adam and Trevor finally caught up, standing out in the opening of the hole Omnimon made, realizing that they were at the edge leading into the Netspace. Said Digimon turned around, noticing the pair.

"Eject yourselves while you still can! Once I delete him then the other viruses will fall in line as well."

"Wait hold on!" Adam exclaimed.

Trevor pulled him back from the edge, "Look I know you want to save him but look at that!" Trevor pointed to Axel who continued to try and tear Omnimon to shreds, while the Digimon equally held its ground. "Whatever he is—or was for that matter, isn't him anymore. Axel is gone."

Adam looked outward, seeing Omnimon grab ahold of him. Adam reacted, forcing himself to halt in place. It bothered him to see Axel—a literal part of him in pain…Even if what they both said was true Axel was a part of him; the part he lost five years ago.

If anyone was going to delete him…

"Hey! Over here!" Adam exclaimed.

Trevor did a double-take and the slight distraction on Omnimon's part was enough for Axel to break free and dive straight for them.

Adam acknowledged Axel and jumped into the Netspace, flying upward to intercept him.

"ADAM!" Trevor exclaimed.

"Come on…" Adam murmured. "Just a little…"

Axel pulled his armored claw back as he got into striking distance. He roared as he began to thrust.

"DIGI-GATE: OPEN!" Adam exclaimed, the red gate intercepting Axel and throwing him back. Omnimon flew past the disoriented monster and turned itself into a card, flying in between Adam's fingers.

"Thanks, Omnimon."

"We can't waste any chances to deal with this. If you're that determined to battle him then so be it."

"Understood."

"Adam! Think this through for a second!" Trevor howled.

"I did." Adam said. "And I decided that Axel is innocent like the rest of us. SAIBA screwed him over too so why should he die?"

Trevor didn't have an answer for that. It made him realize the difference between them all the more.

"Whether it's Trojan or SAIBA, I refuse to stand beside while others are suffering. Humans and Digimon alike. So, for the sake of everyone, including you, I'm going to beat you and send that virus packing!"

Axel hissed, jerking its body up so it stood a bit more human-like. It's head dipped forward as its jaw slowly opened. "Must…consume…all…" It howled, unleashing its own Digital Gate, allowing the stage to be set for the final battle.


"I Hatch!" Adam declared as he began the battle. Koromon materialized and bounced about in the open space.

Koromon (ST1-01)

Color: Red

Level: 2

"Koromon will Digivolve into Agumon!"

Agumon took the place of Koromon the small pink ball morphing into the familiar dinosaur.

Agumon (ST1-03)

Color: Red

Level: 3

DP: 2000

"Then finally I'll play Tai for 4 Memory!"

The Tamer materialized in the Battle Area as well, turning back to Adam and Agumon and giving them both a thumbs up.

MEMORY

0-4 (Turn Change: Axel D)

Axel grunted, and in response, Kapurimon hatched, who like Agumon, bounced around innocently enough.

Kapurimon (BT2-005)

Color: Black

Level: 2

Kapurimon then digivolved into ToyAgumon, Greymon, and then finally MetalGreymon, with the monster showing as much force as possible.

ToyAgumon (BT2-055)

Color: Black

Level: 3

DP: 1000

Greymon (BT2-057)

Color: Black

Level: 4

DP: 4000

MEMORY

4-2

MetalGreymon (BT2-063)

Color: Black

Level: 5

DP: 7000

MEMORY

2-1 (Turn Change: Adam)

Adam drew, SkullGreymon appearing as a result. Remembering in his experience while facing the Black deck, the number of blockers was overwhelming. So, Skull needed to be used at a crucial moment.

"Tai sets my memory to 3 due to his effect to start," Adam explained as the counter reset itself.

MEMORY

1-3

"I play Monodramon from my hand!" Adam followed up by playing the small purple dragon Digimon, who like Agumon was eager for a fight.

Monodramon (BT1-009)

Color: Red

Level: 3

DP: 3000

MEMORY

3-1

"And he's gonna digivolve into Flarerizamon!"

Monodramon roared as binary streams ignited it into the flaming champion Digimon.

Flarerizamon (BT1-018)

Color: Red

Level: 4

DP: 4000

MEMORY

1-1 (Turn Change: Axel D)

Axel hummed as its mutant body twitched. Another grunt sent MetalGreymon into the Battle Area. And then a howl aimed skyward called down a mass wave of binary from above that morphed MetalGreymon into WarGreymon as a result.

WarGreymon (BT2-065)

Color: Black

Level: 6

DP: 11,000

MEMORY

1-2 (Turn Change: Adam)

Adam swallowed as WarGreymon once again stood before him like the first time. Regardless, he took a deep breath and stood his ground. Things are different this time. He knows what he's dealing with. There's no time to back down, to be afraid.

He drew, set the drawn card in his hand, and played his countermeasure. "I play SkullGreymon for 7 Memory!"

The immediate counter surprised both Axel and Trevor as the skeletal dragon emerged from the distorted binary silhouette that outlined it. An eerie cry erupted from the hollow beast as it geared up for its ability.

SkullGreymon (BT1-023)

Color: Red

Level: 5

DP: 7000

MEMORY

3-4 (Turn Change: Axel D)

"SkullGreymon's On Play effect: I can delete one of your Digimon with Blocker! Get rid of WarGreymon now!"

SkullGreymon acknowledged his tamer's wish firing the organic missile from its back, sending it into WarGreymon. The Missile made contact, the contents spewing a toxic gas that ate away at WarGreymon until its being dispersed into data.

It took a moment for Axel to react to WarGreymon's deletion, letting out an intense roar of presumed anger. It threw its arms up, hatching a Tsumemon, following that with the evolutions into Keramon and Kurisarimon. Gotsumon materialized as well, its intention was to keep Adam from getting to the purple cocoon, as per its body language.

Tsumemon (BT2-006)

Color: Black

Level: 2

Keramon (BT2-053)

Color: Black

Level: 3

DP: 2000

Kurisarimon (BT2-059)

Color: Black

Level: 4

DP: 4000

MEMORY

4-2

Gotsumon (BT2-054)

Color: Black

Level: 3

DP: 3000

MEMORY

2-1 (Turn Change: Adam)

Adam drew. He chose to use the current numbers to his advantage. "Tai set my memory to 3. And while I have 3 Memory, Flarerizamon gains Security Attack +1!"

Flarerizamon roared as it felt itself become empowered by the memory available.

"Go! Double Security Attack!"

Flarerizamon's entire body ignited in a bright flame before it unleashed the built-up energy in a wave that shot towards Axel. Gotsumon however charged forward and blocked the attack.

Flarerizamon: 4000 DP

Gotsumon: 3000 DP

Despite Gotsumon's valiant efforts to push the wave back, it eventually succumbed to the fire and found itself dispersing into data.

"I'm not done! SkullGreymon, Security Attack!"

SkullGreymon followed suit, roaring as its missile was lit. It leaned forward, allowing it to launch towards Axel. A Security card appeared to block the attack, shattering as a result. Infermon was revealed, only having 6000 DP which was slightly less than SkullGreymon's of 7000 DP.

Axel D

Security: 5-4

"Now to finish my turn, Agumon, Digivolve into Greymon, then one step further into MetalGreymon!"

Agumon obeyed Adam's command drawing internal strength to grow straight into the metallic variant of Greymon.

Greymon (ST1-07)

Color: Red

Level: 4

DP: 4000

MEMORY

3-1

MetalGreymon (BT1-021)

Color: Red

Level: 5

DP: 7000

MEMORY

1-2 (Turn Change: Axel D)

"Must…consume…all…" Axel uttered. Kurisarimon meanwhile wrapped itself in its tendrils and with the aid of Binary, Infermon emerged from the cocoon, its crazed facial expression implying that it was hungry for destruction.

Infermon (BT2-062)

Color: Black

Level: 5

DP: 6000

MEMORY

2-1 (Turn Change: Adam)

Adam could see what this was about to turn into. Even so, now wasn't the time to let up on the pressure. He drew, allowing Tai to set his memory before he moved further. "Flarerizamon!"

Flarerizamon roared in agreement, conjuring internal flames once more and following through with unleashing a blaze strong enough to incinerate two. Two Security Cards materialized to block Axel linearly. The flames pierced the first one, only for the very Security Card to trigger as the Option Card Spider Shooter. To re-enact the ability of the card, Infermon conjured webs in its mechanical gullet and fired back at Flarerizamon, the latter being caught off guard. Flarerizamon's flames grew weaker, tumbling over in disarray before reverting to a dazed Monodramon. What was left of the fire-lizard returned to Adam's D-Case.

Axel D

Security: 4-3

Adam refused to let up the pressure. "SkullGreymon, go for it!"

Once again, SkullGreymon aimed and fired its missile, catching the other Security Card that Flarerizamon missed. This time, however, Machinedramon emerged, its 11,000 DP more than enough to shatter the skeletal Digimon into data.

Axel D

Security: 3-2

Adam took a deep breath to keep his head together. He was so close. Just needed a bit more to finish it off. He looked down at his hand, seeing Coredramon staring back at him. He could digivolve Monodramon, but he didn't need to lose his blocker the second he played it. At the same time, being a 5-cost was expensive and could make the game flip in Axel's favor as well…

"What do you wanna do, Coredramon…?" Adam asked the card in his hand. He closed his eyes, his mind briefly drifting back to the day in particular…

"I pay 5 memory to play Coredramon." Adam stated, summoning the red-spiked green dragon Digimon.

Coredramon (ST1-06)

Color: Red

Level: 4

DP: 6000

MEMORY

1-4 (Turn Change: Trevor)

"You sure you want to do that?" Trevor asked.

"I want to protect Greymon and Birdramon." Adam simply stated with determination in his voice. "Coredramon told me that he wants to do the same."

Adam opened his eyes and smiled. "Heard you loud and clear." He looked back up at Axel, pulling the other card he had in mind. "Take to the sky as you gain the power of the blazing sun! MetalGreymon Digivolves into WarGreymon!"

MetalGreymon roared, the binary overtaking it and igniting into a blaze of furious heat. WarGreymon emerged from the pillar of fire and flexed its muscles to assert its dominance on the field.

WarGreymon (BT1-025)

Color: Red

Level: 6

DP: 11,000

MEMORY

3-0

"And last but not least, for 5 Memory, I play Coredramon!"

Coredramon emerged onto Adam's side, materializing in front of the weakened Monodramon as a protective shield. It as well roared to assert its own prowess.

MEMORY

0-5 (Turn Change: Axel D)

"You Doofus!" Trevor exclaimed from a distance. "You're just giving him a chance to bring Diaboromon out!"

Adam smirked. "That's the point…"

Witnessing the amount of Memory received, Axel grew a creepy smile, a long snake-like tongue emerging from its sharp-toothed jaw as well. Infermon moved to the Battle Area.

"Consume…Consume…Consume…Destroy…"

Binary began to surround Infermon, covering it completely and reforming it into the silhouette resembling Diaboromon.

"…DIGIVOLVE…!" Axel roared with all its might, causing an explosion of power to erupt from the Digivolving being. The emerging Diaboromon exerted a similar roar as it revealed itself for all to witness.

Diaboromon (BT2-062)

Color: Black

Level: 6

DP: 10,000

MEMORY

5-2

Diaboromon held the same crazed, violent expression as its smaller counterpart. Axel threw its arm out, commanding Diaboromon to attack Adam. Diaboromon armed its Catastrophe Cannon, the familiar light shining in its chest before firing forth.

Adam allowed the blast to bypass Coredramon, allowing it to connect with the expanded Security Card. Volcanicdramon was revealed, however, it wasn't strong enough to take down Diaboromon to Adam's surprise. When the smoke cleared, he saw that a grayed-out version of Diaboromon was now present, as well as the Memory Counter's slight increase.

Adam

Security: 5-4

Diaboromon: 10,000 DP- 12,000 DP

MEMORY

2-3

"Diaboromon's effect allows it to generate copies of itself! And its IE effects play into that as well!" Trevor advised.

That was good to know, Adam thought. Granted, that just meant he had to be a bit more patient. At the moment he still had the advantage; he just needed to keep it like that.

A pair of Gotsumon materialized, pushing the counter over to Adam's side as a result.

MEMORY

3-3 (Turn Change: Adam)

Adam drew, seeing the second Coredramon he possessed. It was a no-brainer on his part. "Monodramon, Digivolve into Coredramon!"

Monodramon, regaining its composure nodded and powered itself up to undertake the evolution into the green dragon.

MEMORY

3-1

"And then, I play 7 Memory for Garudamon!"

Trevor once again wanted to yell at him for being so reckless with his memory, as well as holding WarGreymon back once again. Though it seemed like his words were falling on deaf ears since the battle began; chances were that there was no real way of getting through to him, so he just had to keep quiet and put faith into whatever he was planning.

Garudamon meanwhile appeared like a phoenix, the tribal-looking bird flexing its massive muscles while it joined alongside the other Digimon.

Garudamon (BT1-022)

Color: Red

Level: 5

DP: 7000

MEMORY

1-6 (Turn Change: Axel D)

"If it's any consolation," Adam spoke up to Axel before it could do anything to start their turn, "This is pretty fun."

Axel hesitated, a small growl emanating from him.

"Right?" Adam continued to press. He smiled, quieting Axel.

Axel continued to stay silent for a moment longer, seemingly not knowing how to respond.

"I know you're still in there…somewhere." Adam continued. "You're fighting Diaboromon aren't you? It's feeding on your desire to destroy SAIBA."

Axel roared in response to that, summoning Tsumemon to the Breeding Area.

"But you can't let those emotions get the better of you!" Adam continued to speak. "You don't need revenge! You need a friend!"

"…Don't…act…you…understand…ME!" Axel made out more words, unleashing, even more, angered explosions of emotion. This in turn made the silhouettes of Keramon and Greymon take over Tsumemon before an equally angry MetalGreymon emerged.

MEMORY

6-1

Axel threw both his arms out, Diaboromon mimicking him as the gem in its chest recharged and fired. Once again, the pair of Coredramon's were forced to stand aside as the blast hit Adam. Once again, Diaboromon created a 2nd Token, gaining an additional draw and Memory bump up to 2.

Adam

Security: 4-3

The card revealed itself to be Biyomon—Melissa's partner.

Axel hesitated at the sight of it, Adam's memory flashing in his own mind.

The proctor thought to herself that, despite the bottomless amount of energy he was exerting, that his enthusiasm was adorable. She reached over to her waist and took the pink and white box from it and held it out to the both of them. Adam and Trevor looked over and saw as a small red light projected itself and from it materialized a pink bird-like creature with blue edges on its crown and tail feathers, as well as a single feather on its head curled forward. It landed on the surface of the case, looking up at the pair and saluting to them as a greeting.

"This is my 'partner' Biyomon. Cute, isn't she?" The proctor smiled along with Biyomon.

Axel's claws gripped the side of his head as the memory surfaced within him. "Me…Melissa…"

Trevor was taken aback by that. "He really recognized Biyomon like that…"

"YES! That's her partner! If you really are part of my memories, then you of all people should remember how that felt! To see a Digimon in real life for the first time! If you go through with this, then Biyomon and other Digimon like that will die as well! And if you really are my missing memories…then you of all people should love Digimon more than anyone!"

Axel crumbled, the internal forces of him and Diaboromon's influence struggling for control. In his agonized state, Diaboromon's influence attempted to take control by sending the Tokens to attack.

"SpiderShooter… on Coredramon!" Axel's normal voice emerged from the creature, the Option Card activating to unleash the power once more to de-digivolve Coredramon back into Monodramon and thus ending their turn.

MEMORY

1-2 (Turn Change: Adam)

Adam drew while his memory reset to 3. "I'm not giving up…! Monodramon, Security Attack!"

Monodramon charged ahead, fueling its strike out of agitation for being de-digivolved multiple times. One of the two Gotsumon dove to intercept, locking hands with Monodramon.

Monodramon: 3000 DP

Gotsumon: 3000 DP

Gotsumon fired a rock from its forehead at point-blank just as Monodramon went to headbutt Gotsumon, causing the both of them to explode as a result.

"Garudamon!"

Garudamon shot through the small smoke cloud just as the second Gotsumon took its stance.

Garudamon: 7000 DP

Gotsumon: 3000 DP

"Garudamon has Piercing! Whenever it deletes a Digimon, it's able to perform a Security Check!"

Garudamon, as Adam explained, sent an uppercut into Gotsumon, sending it flying into the air. Garudamon dove upward, flipping back so its talon would catch the Gotsumon. Garudamon, once it had its prey, completed its flip, flinging the dying Gotsumon into the Security that blocked Axel at the last minute.

Axel

Security: 2-1

MetalGreymon was revealed, as two missiles shot upward towards the victorious Garudamon and grounded it.

"I'll end by playing Starlight Explosion, giving all my Security Digimon +7000 DP until the end of your turn, as well as Agumon for 3 Memory."

Agumon materialized in the Battle Area. Axel, recovering from the last attack looked over and its crazed eyes fixated on the orange dinosaur, almost as if it were shocked to see it standing before him.

"…Agumon…?" Axel's voice returned through the mouth of the beast.

"That's right." Adam nodded. "It's Agumon."

MEMORY

3-2 (Turn Change: Axel D)

Axel's arm rose and stretched out, just like the young boy from all those years ago. Agumon as well, just like then blinked, and curiously reached out…

"Consume…"

Agumon reactively pulled back and Adam got back on the defensive as Diaboromon's influence showed up in Axel's voice. The distorted words continued to flow, as Axel grew sporadic. It threw itself forward, growling in a harsh tone, meanwhile MetalGreymon stepped forward.

"Destroy…!" It uttered. Diaboromon took the command, charging its cannon for the third time and generating yet another token along with the associated perks.

"Coredramon blocks!" Adam exclaimed, his remaining blocker shielding Adam and the patient WarGreymon.

Diaboromon: 12,000 DP

Coredramon: 6,000 DP

With only having half the DP, Coredramon stood no chance against the catastrophe cannon. Nonetheless, Coredramon stood proudly and accepted its fate, knowing that its sacrifice wouldn't be in vain.

Adam had no time to mourn his fallen comrade, as MetalGreymon took the form of WarGreymon once again.

"Destroy…!"

WarGreymon rose above and pulled its arms apart, summoning a massive Gaia Force ball, in which it was thrown downward towards Adam. With no blockers, he was left victim to the attack, which was infused with Greymon's IE effect of Jamming.

SkullGreymon was revealed as the first card. However, with the boosted 7000 DP up to 14,000 DP, it was rendered useless to the Jamming.

Adam

Security: 3-2

As the first Security incinerated, the second one separated Adam and the ball of fire. The second one revealed itself…

"Security Trigger!" Adam exclaimed as a separate Gaia Force appeared overhead. "Gaia Force on one of your Diaboromon Tokens!"

As the initial ball of fire fizzled, the new one mimicked WarGreymon's careening downward on one of the two tokens able to attack. It burned away in agony, leaving nothing in its wake.

Adam

Security: 2-1

Angered, Axel roared one final time. "DESTROY!"

The final token came forward and threw its claw towards Adam, the final Security taking the blow.

Adam

Security: 1-0

"Security Check!" Adam didn't hesitate to check, the adrenaline in him kicking in at this point. He looked at the card…and retaliated.

"Security Trigger! Oblivion Bird on WarGreymon!"

Both Trevor and Axel stood astonished as SkullGreymon's missile materialized and homed in on the blocker. With no hesitation, WarGreymon was, for a second time, taken down by SkullGreymon's weapon of choice, sending a wave of relief through the boys…

…and igniting a rage beyond anything out of Axel.

"Axel, fight it!" Adam cried out. "Come on! You got this!"

Axel continued to struggle as his body jerked around violently. One more forceful cry left him as Machinedramon materialized in his Battle Area, to the surprise of the boys.

Machinedramon

Color: Black

Level: 6

DP: 11,000

MEMORY

3-9 (Turn Change: Adam)

Machinedramon stood alongside Diaboromon and the two remaining tokens, while Axel's exhausted figure looked close to giving up at this point. Adam had nothing in his hand to get past Machinedramon or prevent the next attack. Even so, he chuckled; weird to say he was feeling a bit nostalgic being that over a week ago he was in a similar pinch.

"Based on how I've been all game I'm bound to pull a miracle out of thin air, right…?" Adam whispered to himself, Megan's face crossing his mind. He took a deep breath as the card materialized over his D-Case…

And pulled back.

He looked over to the card and his heart caught in his throat. "…wow."

Axel growled to show his impatience, but rather than respond, Adam straightened up and braced himself to end the game here. "WarGreymon, sorry to keep you waiting bud, but you're up!"

WarGreymon took its position front and center, eager to jump into the fray after so long.

"Also, Axel? I hear you loud and clear. I'm coming to get you right now." Adam flipped the card over to reveal it. "Passionate Flames and Calculated Ice merge to become the being of Supreme Transcendence! WarGreymon…!"

"…DIGIVOLVE INTO OMNIMON!"

A blanket of white light exploded from WarGreymon's being, blinding the entire area with great intensity. WarGreymon's silhouette reformed itself from the neck downward, the body becoming the left arm of the massive being that was being formed by the light itself.

Once the light cleared, the cape waved from the powerful winds that were stirred about. Machinedramon, Diaboromon, and its Tokens stood in awe at the immaculate being that was before them.

Omnimon responded by casting its cape aside to reveal its whole being.

Omnimon (BT1-084)

Color: White

Level: 7

DP: 15,000

MEMORY

9-3

Adam stood confidently with faith in the power within his possession. He threw his hand outward, directed towards Diaboromon. "When one of my Digimon becomes Omnimon…"

Before Diaboromon could react, it jerked back, as Omnimon's Transcendent Sword pierced the gem in the center of its chest, sending its crazed eyes into a frenzy. Axel heard the crack of the gem and looked over, staring in horror at the titanic Digimon, as compared to earlier when it fought it with ease.

"…One of your Digimon, and all that share a name with it are deleted!"

Omnimon swung its blade, cutting Diaboromon in half, as well as the tokens that stood beside it. After a moment, each of them exploded spectacularly. Axel as well, felt an aggressive pulse in his chest, with the same gem in his chest cracking, causing him to cry out. The crack continued to spread across its body, along with its limbs and especially his face.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! GO FOR IT!" Trevor cried out as loud as he could. If Adam were to listen to him at any point now would be the ample chance to.

Adam heard his friend loud and clear. "Omnimon gains IE effects from all of the Digimon that preceded it: Koromon boosts him by 1000 DP for having at least four Digivolution Sources, Agumon's Boosts him by 2000 DP as well, and Greymon adds Security Attack +1 to him. Tai as well gives Omnimon +1 Security Attack for having 4 or more Sources as well. With all of that, there's no way you're stopping this!"

Omnimon: 15,000-18,000 DP

Omnimon backed off, bringing out the cannon from his MetalGarurumon side. Machinedramon in a last stand stood in the way, charging its own cannon.

"Omnimon, Final Security Attack!"

Omnimon aimed and fired the blue beam from its cannon while Machinedramon fired the orange beam from his cannons, causing a clash of powers between them.

Omnimon: 18,000 DP

Machinedramon: 11,000 DP

"Omnimon's second effect: I can return WarGreymon from its sources to my hand to unsuspend Omnimon! Once more, Final Security Attack!"

Omnimon put more force into its blast, overtaking Machinedramon and blasting a hole into it. Machinedramon's lifeless eye slots stared blankly as the machine dragon began to short circuit. Omnimon meanwhile retracted its cannon, redrew its blade, and went in for the final Security card once again.

Axel could only stare in horror as the final Security card attempted to shield him. Omnimon effortlessly sliced it in half, the force of the strike blowing Axel back and shattering the Diaboromon armor that encased him. Axel flew in the air, dazed and semi-conscious as he drifted.

Axel

Security: 1-0

Axel's final Security was reenacted by the explosion of Machinedramon's corpse, the blast of its Infinity Cannon hitting Omnimon from behind, de-digivolving it down by four stages back into Agumon. As that Agumon drifted downward, Adam's other Agumon whose been waiting to act, dove forward towards the falling Axel.

"Agumon Direct Attack!" Adam exclaimed, with Agumon reaching outward towards Axel.

Axel meanwhile peered his eyes open, seeing Agumon desperately reaching out for him. His eyes shut, not giving any opposition to Agumon wrapping its claws around his body. In actuality, a smile crossed his face, feeling the warmth of the friend he sought after all that time ago…

Agumon came down from where it caught Axel as Adam raced forward without hesitation to catch up. Trevor wasn't far behind making an effort to catch up once the coast was clear.

The two boys made it to Agumon, who dispersed once they reached Axel. Adam picked the Saibatar up, noticing for the first time how his body felt. It was light in weight, possibly because unlike them who were humans in a digitized form, Axel was pure data given a physical form.

Axel let out a chuckle, though it was evident how strained he was doing it. "This sucks…I was supposed to be a diversion for Morris and ended up…enjoying myself in the end…"

Adam and Trevor didn't say anything to that, realizing that by this point Morris and Project Millennium were likely long gone.

"For what it's worth if you didn't hear me before…this was fun." Adam admitted.

Axel nodded. "Kapurimon…was right about you."

Adam bit the inside of his lip. But the sudden glow of light coming from Axel's body shocked the two, as data particles from his legs began to flow upward.

"Wait…! What's happening?!" Adam exclaimed, realizing that Axel was fading.

"Don't tell me this is…"

"For what it's worth…at least I'm dying by your hands…and not SAIBA." Axel's voice faded.

"You're joking!" Adam exclaimed. "You can't just die like that, are you kidding?!"

"Destroying Diaboromon should…destroy the rest of the viruses in Babylon…though…Digimon are funny like that…"

The fading already was up to his waist. Trevor kept himself quiet, knowing that this was killing Adam on the inside, the latter of who continued to panic.

"Come on! I wouldn't have gone through all of this if I knew you'd be deleted! That's not fair!"

Axel scoffed weakly, "That's unfortunate, I guess…then again…" Axel reached forward and managed to tap Adam's forehead before his hand began to fade. Adam had a sudden flash hit him that threw him off for a moment before he realized what happened.

"…there. Back where I belong…" Axel smiled.

Adam was quiet, so Trevor through his power of deduction spoke for him. "Your Memories…"

"I remember everything…" Adam uttered. "The fire…Melissa…

…Millenniummon…"

"Hey wait a second, where's Megan?!" Trevor exclaimed, realizing that this was their only chance for answers.

Axel turned to him as he was nearly gone. "You wouldn't believe me…if I told you…"

Trevor looked blankly at Axel as the latter closed his eyes one final time. Axel's body finally disappeared causing Trevor to react in anger when he realized his chance slipped him by.

Adam meanwhile held back his emotions, realizing that despite everything, someone died in all of this…


"IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL WEEKS SINCE THE MAJOR SECURITY BREACH AT LOCAL GAMING COMPANY SAIBA ENTERPRISE IN WHICH A VIRUS, SUSPECTED TO BE THE WORK OF THE INFAMOUS CYBER TERRORIST GROUP KNOWN AS TROJAN, ATTEMPTED TO STEAL CLASSIFIED INFORMATION ON SAIBA'S UPCOMING PROJECTS INCLUDING THE FREE-TO-ACCESS CYBER WORLD KNOWN AS BABYLON.

SOURCES SAY THAT DESPITE ADVISEMENT TO PUSH THE DATE FURTHER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SAIBA ENTERPRISE, AKIYOSHI SAIBA INSISTED ON RELEASING IT ON ITS ORIGINAL LAUNCH DATE, WHICH IS TO TAKE PLACE IN JUST A FEW MOMENTS, ADDING QUOTE: "THE PEOPLE OF CISCO CITY ARE A STRONG PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO LET THE LIKES OF TERRORIST DISRUPT THEIR WAYS OF LIVING. THEREFORE, WE AS A COMPANY NEED TO STEP UP AND TAKE THE LEAD IN SUCH AN ENDEAVOR…"

Adam closed out the video of the news break, hearing something similar in the time since he fought Axel. His D-Case and D-Com sat next to each other close by, as well as Saiba's latest product: the D-Brace, to allow Cyber Driving anywhere, without any of the risks they faced before.

Adam stared at the devices for a moment, before checking the time. Realizing they were probably waiting for him, he hooked the D-Com over his ear, and strapped the brace on his arm, following it up by docking his D-Case.

"Ready Agumon?" Adam spoke to the device.

"You know it!" the voice inside his D-Case chirped excitedly.

Adam laid back on his bed and turned the D-Com on.

D-Com powered on. Stand By for Cyber Drive.

"Babylon Server, City Square. Set to Public." Adam spoke into the device. With that he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, surrendering his consciousness to the device…


Moments later, Adam felt the rush of wind on his face hitting him at full force. Familiar with this setting, he allowed the wind to carry him as he free-fell within cyberspace.

"Hey, Doofus, 3 O'clock!" The voice echoed into his ear, disrupting his peaceful transition.

Adam peered his eyes open and looked over, noticing the familiar boy and Digimon companion. Agumon who also just happened to be freefalling alongside Adam, swam over to greet Gabumon.

"Actually it's 11:25 am." Adam replied. He flipped himself over, so he was falling upright.

"Yeah, I know that." Trevor noted, "Where were you this morning? We all agreed to meet up at SAIBA?"

"Because I needed a break from everything obviously. I've only decided to join you guys for the debut to show my support." Adam got ready to touch down on the rooftop and braced himself. He and the others came down one by one, landing with relative ease, not bound by the sudden shock of real-life physics, as they've been tuned dramatically since the Beta. "Speaking of which, have you heard anything new?"

"That's why I've been trying to get a hold of you." Trevor straightened up. "It couldn't wait until the ceremony."

Adam noticed Trevor's tone of voice and could tell something was off. Before he could press further, cheers and applause rang out underneath them. The four of them looked over to see the crowd of people and Digimon gathered in a spacious park area several blocks outward. The larger holographic screens that floated around the area had the CEO of SAIBA Enterprise, Akiyoshi Saiba, as well as Melissa and Michael standing on stage in front of the crowd. In addition, a new face walked up beside Melissa, a young man with a navy-blue suit and tie, who looked fresh out of college and unaware of the viciousness of the real world. He looked to captivated by the audience before him to really pay attention to his surroundings.

"Who's that guy?" Agumon asked curiously.

"Beats me. He's new at SAIBA?" Adam turned to Trevor.

Trevor didn't say anything, making Adam somewhat anxious.

Akiyoshi approached the podium and cleared his throat, taking in the attention of the mixed crowd before him. "Tamers, Digimon…Welcome, to the official release, of the world's first Digital City: Babylon!"

The crowd erupted in wide applause in which case Akiyoshi took in with glee. Adam and Trevor all the while we're watching, almost didn't notice the two girls who materialized behind them.

"You guys took your time." Trevor looked over his shoulder at Emily and Layla, who were joined by their respected Partner Digimon.

Tinkermon stood confidently next to Emily, at roughly five feet, being able to pass as a young human teen initially, making her the tallest one amongst the other Digimon, who were relatively child-size by comparison, whereas the timid Tapirmon clung onto Layla's jacket like a frightful child.

"It's my fault." Layla admitted. "You may be famous, but you're not 'daughter of CEO' famous. Trying to break free from reporters and fans flooding the building proved to be more difficult than I expected. Thankfully, I had Emily to fight them back for me."

"What'd she do? scowl at them until they ran off?" Adam joked. He then backed off once he saw said scowl.

"In any case," Emily walked up, "Did they get started yet?"

"Barely. You didn't miss much." Trevor pointed out.

"Okay…" she looked outward, catching sight of the screen. "So that's him, huh?"

"Yup."

"Wait, you know who that is?" Adam asked.

"Layla told us about him last night."

"And why am I just now finding out?" Adam exclaimed.

"Because you don't answer your phone!"

Adam wanted to retort but he didn't have a basis, thus he backed off. "Anyway…anyone want to explain who that guy is?"

"He's the new Community Manager, Benjamin Merlo." Layla stated.

"The new what?!" Adam was taken aback. "Since when?!"

"Well, he isn't yet, but Ms. Reinhardt is stepping down from her position as Community Manager. She's to personally recognize him as her replacement."

"But why? Why didn't she tell us?"

"It came as a surprise to us as well. SAIBA has been extremely tight-lipped about the events that took place with Morris and it seems that there's been some shuffling back and forth leading up to today. With the introduction of Babylon, SAIBA intends on going in a new direction."

"But that still doesn't make any sense, why would she—!" Adam's eyes widened. "She didn't…"

Emily looked over at him. "Are you okay?"

"I…" he began to stammer. "I gotta go. I'll catch up with you guys afterward. Come on Agumon."

Agumon turned, confused by Adam's sudden change of mood, opting to not question it and follow him.

Adam logged out of Babylon, threw some sneakers on, and made his way out the door all within that minute. Of all days for public transportation to forsake him it had to be today.

Eventually, the train got to the station and Adam broke through the crowd and up the staircase, reaching the surface where Melissa's face was pasted on the side of nearby buildings for those unable to attend the event live. Adam ignored them as he couldn't talk to a monitor about his frustrations.

"Maybe she has a good reason…" Agumon tried to give an opinion but Adam wasn't hearing it.

He already had an ID card around his neck, so he didn't have to be stopped by the front desk, using this to slip through the crowd and bolt into a nearby stairwell, climbing up to the floor where her office was. He could hear clapping echo behind him, giving him the impression, her piece was already done. His chest tightened because of the denial he was putting himself through. Even if Agumon was right and she had a good reason, all the reasons he could come up with didn't fit compared to the one that was haunting him.

He finally reached the office, clearly exhausted and out of breath. Still, this wasn't any time to back down. He needed to get to the bottom of this.

"Mel, are you there?" Adam knocked. He tried the knob, and it went all the way down, realizing that it was unlocked. Hesitant, he pushed in slowly, until his eyes met with the woman who sat at the desk. Her hands were folded, and all around the room laid boxes filled likely with her stuff.

"Mel…" Adam's voice caught in his throat.

"You could've told me, you know…"

Adam began to shake as his heart dropped into his stomach. His emotions accelerated and he broke down. "I'm sorry! I'm Sorry! I'm Sorry! I didn't know what to do! I thought they were gonna…I panicked! I just wanted to save Megan! I didn't mean for you to lose your job for it!"

Melissa was holding back her emotions as well, her heartbreaking at the sight of Adam's breakdown. She took a deep, shrill breath and stood up. Walking over to Adam, she knelt and hugged the boy as tight as she could. "I know…But that's why I'm here. Why I've always…been here for you and Trevor. For moments like this…"

Adam was too lost in his emotions to give a proper response. Nonetheless, Melissa held onto the boy and allowed him to get it all out…


Trevor, after the speeches were conducted and the public was able to freely move of their own volition throughout the city, left the two girls for the moment to go look for his father. Other things were hanging on his mind since the events weeks prior, and due to the amount of recovery it took, Michael was one, again hung up in his office not able to emerge until everything was greenlit for today.

He messaged his father through Babylon's Messaging System, telling him to meet on the rooftop where everything took place. The original area during the beta that's been expanded upon had this specific area set aside and left destroyed and barren, nicknaming the area 'Ground Zero.' Located South East of the Central Park area, the air lingered of data particles and shattered husk of the Kurisarimon that died once Omnimon slew the original virus. To ensure it was safe, the R&D team modified the remaining data to make it an aesthetic for Babylon City's lore.

Because of course, Akiyoshi would take the hell they've been through and make it a part of the game's history.

Michael materialized on the rooftop where Trevor was awaiting his arrival. Besides Michael, was Betamon, a small green amphibian-like Digimon with blue stripes and an orange fin-like mohawk on its backside. Innocently it waved at Gabumon, happy to see a fellow Blue Digimon likely. Gabumon respectfully acknowledged the more child-like Digimon, not forsaking the purpose of this meeting in the process.

"You really are my son after all." Michael had his hands dug in his pockets, smirking about as he came closer. "Don't know how to take a day off too, huh?"

"Don't worry, I'll be sure to get back to the others once I'm done." Trevor assured him.

Michael stopped once he came face-to-face. "So…what did you want to talk about? Akiyoshi's gonna pull me back in a few minutes so now's the—"

"Why did you lie about Trojan's goals?" Trevor didn't hesitate to throw the first question at him.

Michael naturally was taken aback. "I never lied about that. Morris and Layla had different intentions, yes, but overall Trojan wants to use the Digimon to enact grander scales of Cyberterrorism."

"You mean SAIBA, right?" Trevor threw his second accusation out.

Again, Michael was at a loss for words. "Trevor, what is this about?"

"SAIBA and Trojan aren't enemies; they're allies, or worse, they're the same, aren't they?"

Michael took a deep breath. "It's not that—"

"I know it's not that simple, but my question is, isn't it? A yes or no goes a long way!"

Michael couldn't argue, prompting him to turn around and paced briefly as he formulated his question. "Five years ago…after, the accident, I applied to work at SAIBA because I wanted to see this vision succeeded the way I was led to believe. I took that tragedy and turned it into motivation for myself. And of course, you copied me, eventually becoming a Pro Tamer. I joined SAIBA to show the world the future that is the Digimon, period. It wasn't until I rose did, I see what was underneath the hood."

"So, SAIBA basically saw the potential in Morris' work and plan on using it for…what? World Domination?"

"Simply put."

"But why?"

"Because they're not the only ones seeking it." Michael turned back. "Believe it or not, the Demo last month was full of shareholders, throwing their hats into the ring. Rivals and competitors who've read the writings on the wall and are trying to be the first to pioneer the Cybernetic Revolution that's upon us. New York City's already got a head start on us and Saiba and other leading tech companies are trying whatever they can to catch up.

"And I'm guessing Babylon is tied to it?"

"Babylon is to become the battlefield most likely, intentionally or otherwise." Michael continued. Soon this small city will evolve into a digital ecosystem, for humans and Digimon alike, and as the generations on both ends come into the world, SAIBA Enterprise aims to be at the top, controlling both the Digital World and the Real World all the same."

"And you're okay with this…"

"Because unfortunately, it's the smart thing to do, right this second." Michael admitted.

Trevor took a moment, coming to a decision himself at that point.

Michael, after finishing his stance, held his hand out. "Now that I think of it, you still have Omnimon in your possession, right? We need him to—"

"No."

Michael paused. "'No' as in you don't have it, or—"

"No, you're not getting it back." Trevor reaffirmed. "Not as long as you continue to work for Trojan."

"Trevor, you have no idea what you're doing…Omnimon isn't a toy you and your friends can run around with."

"I know exactly what I'm doing; it's called the right thing." Trevor turned around and his digital self along with Gabumon vanished, leaving Betamon to curiously look at the man who was holding on to what little patience he had…

"This changes things then…" He told himself.


That evening, Trevor made his way over to Adam's house for a bit, to recap the events that each of them went through. As they sat at the kitchen table, Adam explained what he and Melissa discussed, about how she took the fall for him and how while she was resigning as Community Manager, she was instead being transferred to a different department due to her hard efforts regardless.

Trevor as well explained what his father explained and how Omnimon needed to stay away from SAIBA going forward. Now with the knowledge that the group is posing as the gaming company, this complicated things to a huge degree, leaving the future unpredictable.

Trevor once again had his tablet; with the previous list, they had updated due to the events they picked up on. It included Axel and what he was while prompting questions about SAIBA's goals with him, as well as his final words when asked about Megan's whereabouts. Morris's possession of Project Millennium was added to the list, as his whereabouts were also unknown. SAIBA's potential endgame, as well as the question of the other rivals/competitors involved as added too.

And for Adam's personal insistence, Benjamin Merlo; who he was, why was he the new CM, and what role did he play in everything. "Leave no stone unturned," was his basis for the argument.

"So…" Adam began as a random thought crossed his mind, given the circumstances. "What happens to your scholarship now?"

"That's not important." Trevor typed away. "All that matters is that we get Megan back, and keep Omnimon away from them."

"Yeah, of course; I was just joking."

"Of course, you would." Trevor couldn't hide the small smirk he grew. "Megan would've been asking me the same thing right about now…"

"And there you go, killing the mood again. Keep in mind we got Layla officially part of the squad after all. She has insider info, both because she's the CEO's kid and because she was a part of Trojan. We'll find Megan without a doubt."

Trevor stopped typing, with Axel's words coming back to his mind. "What did Axel mean by what he said…?"

Adam stopped, remembering his exact words. Adam didn't want to jump to conclusions but…if that were the case, what would be her motive…?"

"Bound to find out at some point I guess." Adam dismissed his conspiracy theory.

"Yeah…guess you're right." Trevor nodded.

"But wherever she is, I know she's safe…" Adam said, with a hint of confidence.

Trevor nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. If this experience taught him anything, Logic and smarts don't always provide the right answer to the situation…

…Faith also has a hand in it as well…


[SAIBA ENTERPRISE: CEO's OFFICE…]

Akiyoshi Saiba allowed Michael into his office, the latter of which carried a set of folders of different colors along with him.

"I take it the candidates have been selected?" Akiyoshi acknowledged the folders in his hand.

Michael nodded, setting them down on the desk. "After several weeks of testing their capabilities and skills, there's no doubt that these four will be up to the task."

Akiyoshi spread the folders out, picking up the black folder and looking through the contents, following it by the yellow folder, blue folder and ending with the red one, where Melissa's profile picture, as well as test scores and application, were. "Excellent. I as well made my own personal strides. I've kept a close eye on the events over the last several weeks and your son has impressed me with his quick thinking and analytical skills."

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all."

"Yes, well I'm glad one of us could say that with confidence." Akiyoshi admitted. "In any case, Anthony has accepted my offer to come back to work with us on the condition that he oversees the growth and maintenance of the Digimon."

"Less work for me." Michael acknowledged. "Gives me more time to oversee the Knights and their activities."

"My thoughts exactly. Omnimon was created to lead the Royal Knights, but he's now the target of their first mission. Fate's cruel sense of humor it seems."

"And Ms. Jones?"

"She will aid Anthony in whatever he needs. She as well is working under her own conditions and as a man of my word, I will see to it that they are met, provided she shows results. She's free to join alongside the knights in their mission or pose as Trojan's newest recruit. I get results either way."

"Understood sir." Michael acknowledged.

"Some may argue that we've opened Pandora's Box, my friend, with the Digimon's unexpected impact on the way we see the world of technology. But, at the end of it all, hope remained…" Akiyoshi explained. "And those with that power of hope will be the deciding factor."

Michael nodded, sympathizing with that goal. With that, he took his leave, eager to get to work on whatever the future would entail…


A/N: And with that, Ladies and Gentlemen the conclusion to Digimon Cyber Drive's first Story Arc is DONE! At the time of typing, I surpassed my goal of 1k views, which is a small goal but a goal that I'm proud of being that it's been such a long time since I've delved into Digimon fan works. And honestly, what started as a personal challenge, has turned into a weekly project that's kept me occupied for the last 3 months, starting with Chapter Zero. I've never pushed myself as hard on a writing project before now, all the years I've been writing so in that regard this was a surreal experience and it's thanks to all of your support (especially ShiningAzureEmperor and James95 for leaving reviews to keep up the motivation).

Of course, it goes without saying that this first arc only set the stage for what I have planned, as Arc 2, which is showcasing 1.5 will continue with the conflict, adding new faces, world-building, as well as all of the amazing content 1.5 has to offer us. In the meantime, though, while Chapter 13 is in the works, I'm gonna be doing some editing and tightening of what's here thus far (writing these out days apart left little time to edit, leaving some ideas not fleshed out or more rushed than intended) But soon enough, the second Arc will kick off and I can't wait to see what I come up with regarding these characters. So, with all that, once again, THANK YOU for your support and I'll see you guys in Arc 2!