[SAIBA Enterprise, Cisco City,

Five Years Ago…]


"So, this…is a Digimon…" Michael noted as the Koromon stared back at him through the small glass box. "Honestly I can see the appeal."

Akiyoshi rested his hand on his shoulder. "Our previous Director had a hand in designing this and several others. From recent feedback, it seems like we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on our hands."

Michael turned to him. "What happened to the previous Director, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Creative differences," Akiyoshi answered. "Until you prove yourself that's all of the information I can disclose at the moment."

"I see," Michael accepted the answer. "Aside from the accident, my son admitted that he could see himself getting involved in this game. I'm actually hoping that me working directly within the company will win me brownie points."

Akiyoshi chuckled. "Kids this day and age are very opinionated aren't they."

"You have kids yourself, sir?"

"A daughter," Akiyoshi answered. "When the previous Director approached me with the Digimon Project, my daughter was one of the firsts to witness the sheer potential in these little creatures. I've never seen that little one's eyes grow so wide in all these years…"

Michael nodded, understanding the sentiment. "As long as we have the kid's view as our priority, then I believe this project will do nothing more but succeed."

"I agree." Akiyoshi smiled. "We here at SAIBA are striving to create a world where humans and Digimon can co-exist in harmony; a future filled with infinite possibilities."

Michael looked back at the glass, where Koromon continued to stare at him, resting his hand on the glass.

"Ambitious…"


Watching the aftermath of Melissa's and Sydney's battle and Sydney's eventual assimilation, Michael studied the progress of Millenniummon's data intake. With Kimeramon as the base body, Machinedramon's data added to it calculated 20% of the data needed. With Piedmon's data retrieved from its defeat, as well as Kentaurosmon, and now UlforceVeedramon, that total has increased to 50%. Carlos and Sydney, their consciousness data being a small fragment as compared to the mega Level Digimon, now boosted it up to a total of 54%.

Every moment leads them closer to their goal. In any other situation, he may have felt guilty, but as Leopardmon told him prior, these are merely sacrifices for the greater good.

The AI, who from the battle with Carlos has now taken on Leopardmon's form, appeared on Michael's screen. "Akiyoshi has begun to move."

Michael rolled his eyes. "Of course, he has. But that's good. My eagerness to see this through is growing by the second."

Leopardmon was uncomfortable with that statement. "It's illogical to trust him at this point."

Michael scoffed as he stood, "Trust him? As fuel for Millenniummon, maybe. No, rest assured, that Akiyoshi will fall like everyone else. It's clear that the only one capable of ensuring SAIBA's envisioned future…

…is me…"


Chapter 22: Millenniummon's Advent


"…wake up…hey, Adam…!"

Adam's vision was fuzzy as he came to. The cold, shiny surface against his face became more apparent as he regained consciousness, as the voice trying to awaken him continued to call from the other side.

"What…happened?" Adam said as he rose. He jerked, feeling the sudden headache and dizziness that threw him some, before looking around him. Layla and Tyrone were knelt beside him, with the latter helping Adam to his feet.

"You good?" Tyrone asked him.

"I guess…?" Adam said, regaining his bearings. Taking a moment to look around again, he slowly began to see faint hints of binary float like glitter in the darkened room. "Babylon…?"

Layla nodded. "One minute my father was giving a toast, the next, we wake up in the middle of the city."

Adam took a deep breath, reaching for the side of his head. No D-Com. "Where's our D-Com?"

"When we woke up, we didn't have ours either," Tyrone said with his arms crossed. "It's like we were literally forced into Babylon with no way to log out."

He looked out the window of the room, drawing Adam's attention. Outside he saw clusters of well-dressed people screaming and panicking, trying to make sense of the situation. It didn't take long to recognize some faces as guests at the Manor. Moments later and Babylon moderators materialized around them, proceeding to herd and detain them like cattle.

"How is this even possible?"

"Isn't this the same as when Melissa and the Royal Knights trapped you here?" Layla inquired.

Adam shook his head. "That was different, remember? You said that I was jammed while I was leaving Babylon's network. That allowed SAIBA to make me think I was in the real world before."

Layla pondered the thought. "Yeah, you're right…"

"My brother might know something." Tyrone brought it up.

"Yeah!" Adam exclaimed. He looked around, only to realize it was just the three of them. "Where is he anyway? And Trevor and the others for that matter…?"

"It's just been us for the whole time," Tyrone said.

"Have you heard from anyone?"

Layla shook her head. "Likely they're here somewhere; as well as anyone else in the ballroom at the time."

"Why would SAIBA want to transfer so many people to—" Adam paused. "This is like Babylon's Beta Tour!"

"What are you talking about?" Tyrone asked.

"Before Babylon was released to the public, SAIBA held a tour of Babylon for all of their shareholders for them to see where all of their money is going into; think like the Electronics Expo but with strictly shareholders in SAIBA," Layla explained.

"That was when Trojan began their attacks on SAIBA and how we all got involved in this mess." Adam continued.

"So you're saying that SAIBA's kidnapped all of their attendees to do what?"

"That's what we have to find out," Adam concluded. "Literally the only theory I have is to create Saibatars out of them, but it's hard to say because the only one we knew about was Axel, and he's long gone."

"Morris would be a big help right now…" Layla noted.

"I may not be Anthony Morris, but I'll do what I can to catch you guys up." A voice spoke in their heads.

The trio looked at one another, somewhat spooked by the voice. Suddenly a trio of screens appeared before them, all revealing Ben's face on it.

"Ben Merlo?" Adam was surprised to see him.

"What's the community manager doing in a time like this?" Tyrone asked, clearly skeptical.

"Doing my actual job," Ben stated. "I'm actually an Agent for AEGIS. Morris asked me to step in in the event he would be incapacitated."

"AEGIS…" Layla pondered. "Last I checked SAIBA gave you guys the run-around after you attempted to investigate their ties to the Trojan attack five years ago."

"And in due time, thanks to the last several weeks, we were able to find a hole we could sneak through."

"Or one my father allowed you to see…"

"Okay, back up for a sec," Adam interjected. "What's AEGIS?"

"Short version is they're the Internet Police," Layla summarized. "Long version, a division of the FBI specializing in Cyber Terrorism and other crimes along with the internet. With the rapid advancement of cybernetics in the last decade, AEGIS was founded to ease the tension within the government. Their main headquarters in this region is in Riverbed."

"Okay, that explains that…but then how is Morris involved? What's he doing now?"

"Attempting to find a way into the Digi-Citadel. Instructions were for all of you to make your way there to meet him."

"By all of us, you mean Trevor and the others too, right?"

Ben nodded. "I'm connected to them as well through this special link. Trevor and his group are all heading their way to the Citadel as we speak."

"Alright then, so what are we waiting for? Let's bust some heads." Tyrone said, suddenly eager to throw down.

"Layla and Tyrone are to meet up with Trevor's group," Ben explained. "As for you, Adam…Melissa wants to meet with you back at SAIBA."

Adam paused. "But…how? We don't have our D-Coms so we can't log out."

"AEGIS has been working on tech similar to the Cyber Drive system as well as countermeasures to work around it. For example, you all were correct on your deductions; SAIBA has used a modified variant of the Cyber Drive system to transfer your entire body into Babylon, not just your mind. AEGIS has made tech not only do the same but reverse it. It's a risky process, but if it can work on you, then we can begin taking steps in getting all of those pulled in back out before Babylon becomes a warzone."

"By that, you mean Millenniummon…" Layla assumed.

"Both Carlos and Sydney of the Royal Knights, as well as their Digimon have been assimilated into it. It won't be long until Millenniummon has enough data to fully awaken."

They knew about Carlos, but hearing that Sydney suffered the same fate stung; Layla in particular as she knew how much she was conflicted in her role. With that in mind, she turned to Adam. "I think you should trust him on this."

Adam looked back at her. "Are you sure?"

"We don't really have any other options, right?" Tyrone offered his input. "All we can do is take a chance and hope it's the right one."

Adam couldn't argue with that.

"Once you're back on this side, I'll guide them to the Citadel," Ben explained.

"Before I go through with this, what happened to Melissa that she now wants to talk all of the sudden?" Adam asked, his tone clear and direct.

Ben paused to answer that. "I think…she's finally understanding reality for what it is. Either that, or she's looking for some sort of redemption. All I know for sure is that she really wants to see you."

Adam took a moment to process that, taking a deep breath. "Fine. Pull me."

Ben acknowledged that. "Bear with it, depending on the person this might hurt more than you think."

"I'll put up with it." Adam reaffirmed.

Ben nodded. "Pulling you out…now!"

A ring of light traced around Adam's feet as binary erupted from the middle where he stood. He looked at his two companions and nodded. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

The two nodded, watching as Adam vanished from the room, leaving traces of binary code to evaporate in the air.

Tyrone sighed. "Now what? Guess we head to the Citadel?"

Layla nodded. "Trevor and the others could be waiting for us at this point. Let's not waste—"

"Stop right there!" The room they were in began to flood with moderators out of nowhere, causing the pair to freeze up. One of the moderators recognized Layla and whispered to the one leading them.

"What's your point?" The lead moderator replied. "Trojan scum is Trojan scum."

Tyrone smirked, arming himself with his D-Brace. "Well then, guess you don't realize you're in the presence of a King."

BanchoStingmon materialized in a spiral of green binary behind him, while Lilithmon likewise did for Layla.

The lead Moderator called upon his own Digimon, a muscular orange dragon with a metal faceplate, tattered purple wings, and angular metallic claws on its hands.

"Waste them Megadramon!" he ordered, causing the Digimon to lash forward.

"Do you want to do the honors, your majesty?" Layla asked.

"Ladies first," Tyrone replied.

Lilithmon took the invitation, giggling as purple energy radiated from her palm…


"So you and Morris have been working with AEGIS this whole time…" Trevor concluded as he, Megan, and Emily rode on the back of Ceresmon's island-like form. They were slowly approaching the airspace of the Citadel and per Ben's instructions, Morris should be there waiting for them. This, however, didn't stop Trevor from taking the moment to get what he deemed, much-needed info out of Megan.

Megan nodded. "Now that Agent Ben has exposed himself, there's no real need to keep quiet still. Like I told Adam before, Morris set me free after he retrieved Millenniummon's data. However, it was at that time that AEGIS got in touch with my family. AEGIS took it upon themselves to protect my family, and Morris willingly turned himself in just after you guys took out Diaboromon. Instead of locking him away though, AEGIS requested his help in getting to the bottom of SAIBA's endgame. And to ensure his cooperation…

"…they revealed something SAIBA has on him." Trevor guessed.

"Bingo. So, Morris proceeded to rejoin SAIBA Enterprise, AEGIS trained me to assist him in this endeavor, and now we're here; about to storm the Digi-Citadel to stop an apocalyptic virus from wreaking havoc on the cyber world as we know it."

"What does SAIBA have on Morris, that's making him so desperate to bring them down?"

Megan hesitated to answer. "That's…"

"Does it have to do with his son?" Trevor asked. That naturally got Emily to react.

"AEGIS couldn't confirm if it was true or not but…

…Morris' son may still be alive…"

There was a pause. Emily's heart meanwhile skipped as she heard those words, the flash of Ivan's face coming back to her mind. For him to be alive…that was unreal. There was no way for that to be true…

"Assuming that he is…" Trevor began. "Does this mean you're hoping that—"

"I already entertained that thought and I dismissed it just as quickly." Megan shut him down. "Like I said we have no idea if SAIBA really does have him or in what state he's even in. And believing that my father may have somehow survived the accident is even more farfetched a dream."

Trevor realized he touched a sore spot and backed down. "Sorry…"

Megan took a deep breath. "That's not to say I didn't think about it; it's just, I didn't want to give myself false hope then and I don't want to now…"

"You're right." Emily nodded. She wiped her eye noticing a tear escaped her without her realizing it. "No sense in relying on false hopes. Gotta stay focused."

Trevor agreed, deciding to use the remaining time to psyche himself up for whatever may come their way…


Michael materialized within the lab within the citadel, where Millenniummon's cocoon resided. As he walked along with the scorched and scared digital tiling, he went on to appreciate the twisted sense of beauty that was the pulsating lights—lights that were once black and purple, have now gain gold and cyan hues to acknowledge its recent entries.

To think that years of work and planning have made him ever closer to SAIBA's dream—to his, dream…the concept was simply euphoric at best.

"Cheers to us, my friend…" Akiyoshi's voice ruined the ambiance that was. SAIBA's CEO materialized into the room, setting his sights on Michael.

"Indeed," Michael smirked as he turned to acknowledge the guest. "Needless to say both of us have waited years for this moment haven't we?"

Akiyoshi made his way next to Michael, taking in the awe-inspiring, albeit horrific wonder. "An ambitious endeavor, resulting in a future of infinite possibilities…"

"And it's with this path, our future is set in stone." Michael followed.

Akiyoshi chuckled, "Now, my friend. No future is set in stone. Even the greatest of storytellers cannot see what the true ending of their tale will reveal."

Michael furrowed his brow. Statements like that are what motivated him to take matters into his own hands. Even when they are at the cusp of greatness, Akiyoshi is still treating this as a game.

All the more reason for him to be erased…

"Storytellers may not be able to predict the endings of their stories, but strategists like myself set the stage to ensure the best possible outcome is fulfilled." He explained as binary code rose beside him.

Akiyoshi looked over, watching as Leopardmon materialized next to Michael. Seemingly unfazed, all Akiyoshi did was a smirk.

"Do it…" Michael's cold order rung in Leopardmon's head as the Digimon reacted.

Reaching out for Akiyoshi, the man swung his arm back, completely repelling Leopardmon. The swing also knocked Michael off his feet sending him flying across the room and into a console on the side.

Michael felt the machine dig into his back, knocking the air completely out of him while he landed face-first on the floor.

"My sentiment's exactly…" Akiyoshi rested his arm, which was now a white-gauntlet-shaped limb with three blue orbs on the side and red and purple finger-like claws. He looked over to Michael, who laid horrified at the appendage, only to realize that Akiyoshi's eyes were a violent, red color.

"What in the…"

"To be honest, I must commend you," Akiyoshi said, clapping with his unique arm. "To think you had the patience to allow me this much fun."

Michael's eyes widened. "You…knew…?"

"Of course, I knew," Akiyoshi said. "After all, Leopardmon and I have a bond that you humans wouldn't understand…"

"Leopard…" Michael gritted his teeth. "You son of a—" Michael was interrupted by the force gripping him, as the recovered Leopardmon pulled him upward.

"Believe me when I say it's personal," Leopardmon said.

"What…are you…doing?!" Michael gasped for breath.

"Ensuring a future where we Digital Beings reign dominant over humanity and all who oppose us." Leopardmon began to walk towards the Cocoon, with Michael realizing what was happening.

"No…! Stop…you can't do this! Let me go…!" Michael screamed and howled as Leopardmon inched closer and closer. "AKIYOSHI!"

Akiyoshi watched as Michael grew more desperate as the moments to the latter's demise grew shorter. He turned slightly, hearing the pattering of footsteps inch closer to the room they were in.

Trevor and the two girls arrived in the room, with Trevor quickly realizing what was taking place.

"…Dad…!" Trevor uttered, frozen in fear.

Michael looked over and felt a small spark of regret within him. The sight of the ten-year-old he took this job for was staring at him as he was moments from death.

"I'm…sorry…" Michael said as a tear escaped him.

"If it makes you feel better, I lied about wanting a future with infinite possibilities…" He stated.

"For your death, is but one necessary component for the ideal future…"

Leopardmon, on that note, slammed Michael against the Cocoon, sending waves of excruciating pain through him. Trevor's screams for his father were drowned by the noise of the machines in the room, which were reacting to the forced nature of the assimilation. The cocoon's structure began to envelop Michael as his screaming slowly quieted, and Trevor's began to take over as the primary sound in the room.

Trevor dropped to his knees and curled as his emotions were overtaking him. Akiyoshi looked over to Leopardmon and motioned to him before taking his leave.

"Your father's death was a noble one. All to ensure the ideal future of Digimon and Saibatar alike. You should be grateful that—"

"SHUT UP!" Trevor snarled with his eyes burning from his tears. "I swear, I'm going to tear you apart so all that's left is a decimal!"

Leopardmon, taken aback, chuckled, which then became full-on laughter. "Such an insect you are, human. If you honestly think you have the power to take me down, then I'll gladly accept your challenge.

I have no problem breaking more of my toys…"


[SAIBA Enterprise…]


When Adam came to, he found himself in a cold dark space. His head was throbbing, and as he sat up, his stomach attempted to turn on him. It seemed it was one thing to be forced into Babylon but to be forced out in-kind took way more out of a person.

Adam sat there for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts as well as assure everything was settled internally before he tried to stand up again.

"Sorry, like I said it's pretty rough for first-timers." Ben's voice made out. Adam turned in the direction of the voice and saw Ben materialize in the room. "You get used to it with time."

"I don't think I want to get used to it," Adam replied as he took Ben's hand. As Adam stood back up, he looked around and took a deep breath. "So I'm back…"

"In the real world? Yes." Ben confirmed.

"In SAIBA Enterprise…"

"Also, yes."

"And where's Melissa?" he asked him.

"Waiting in the place where she said, 'everything began'…" Ben replied. "She said you'd know what that meant."

"Of course, I do." Adam acknowledged.

Ben bit the inside of his lip before speaking up. "Okay…so guess you can lead the—"

"Why did AEGIS decide to act now?" Adam asked, turning to Ben.

Ben was caught off guard by the inquiry. "I would say that's classified information, but I know you wouldn't be satisfied with that."

"Right; sorry, I just thought that if you guys acted sooner…then—"

"I'm sorry that we couldn't do anything up until recently." Ben apologized. "I understand that the last month—or rather five years…have been brutal on all of you guys. Children thrust into a secret war due to happenstance."

"Losing a part of my memories, aiding terrorists, being hunted down…all because I decided to pick up this stupid card game again."

Ben took a moment to formulate his words. "Do you regret playing the game again?"

Adam also took a moment of silence before shaking his head. "I thought I would but…I've been through too much to just wish that it never happened to begin with. It would've been nice if things didn't end up this way but…I'm content."

Ben resonated with that outlook. "Good luck with her, Adam Russo. If a spot pops up within AEGIS, I'll be sure to recommend you."

Ben turned and waved, dissipating into the darkness. Slightly confused by his words, the lights in the room flashed on, revealing the testing facility—the room from five years ago.

And then in an instant, fire surrounded him. As the smog enveloped his immediate vision and the flames licked his skin, he calmly studied the area and began to traverse the sea of heat as the flames wrapped around him. He knew she was here. Somewhere.

"Melissa!" He shouted her name.

No response.

"Melissa where are you?" he tried again.

And again, nothing.

He took more steps as the embers bounced back, creating a path for him forward. The further he moved, the less smog blocked his vision. Eventually, he tried again.

"MELISSA…!"

Silence. The flames ceased their roar, the smog eased, and a clear path made itself known. Adam walked down it until he reached the wall of the room, the disheveled woman curled against the wall, blocking herself with the wall of fire.

Adam took a deep breath and smiled. "Melissa Reinhardt?"

Melissa slowly looked up at Adam as he knelt to her level. With barely any energy to cry, let alone speak, all she could do was offer one word of response…

"…here."


"Veemon moves to the Battle Area!" Trevor announced as the Digimon hopped forward next to the Palmon that was played the turn prior.

Accepting Trevor's challenge, Leopardmon faced off against the teen using Michael's deck, seeking to plunge the teen further in despair. On the other side of things, however, Trevor, rather than be eaten by despair, is filled with rage at the sight of his father being absorbed into the Cocoon by the Digimon. He didn't know where this emotion came from, but it didn't matter as all he could see was red.

And he assured himself that Leopardmon was going to feel every bit of it.

"I play Hammer Spark to gain an extra Memory, putting me at 4, and then I digivolve Palmon into Togemon!"

The mandrake Digimon hopped into the air, allowing the binary code to transform it into the boxing cactus Digimon.

Togemon (BT1-074)

Color: Green

Level: 4

DP: 5000

MEMORY

4-2

"When Togemon is digivolved into, I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck and retrieve one level 5 or higher Digimon from among them," Trevor explained as he revealed the three cards. Positron Laser, Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode, and Veemon were the revealed card, with Trevor taking Imperialdramon.

"Togemon Security Attack!" Trevor declared.

"Pathetic…" Leopardmon scoffed. "Gotsumon blocks!"

Togemon: 5000 DP

Gotsumon: 3000 DP

The dwarfed Togemon stomped forward towards Leopardmon to strike it, however, Gotsumon jumped in the way of its punch and was deleted in kind.

"Veemon Security Attack! Thanks to DemiVeemon's IE effect, I draw a card for Veemon's Jamming ability!"

Leopardmon did nothing to stop the small blue dragon as it took a running start for it to leap through the air and headbutt the Security that appeared between them.

Leopardmon

Security: 5-4

The card revealed itself as Meramon, which was jammed due to Veemon's ability, making it useless. Again, Leopardmon disregarded it.

"I digivolve Veemon into ExVeemon! Using its ability, I'm allowed to unsuspend one Level 4 Digimon on my side when it's digivolved into!"

Veemon, returning to Trevor's side, embraced the influx of binary, growing into a slim muscular dragon with pearly-white wings; compared to its Veedramon counterpart, this variation digivolution was sleeker and cleaner.

ExVeemon (BT3-025)

Color: Blue

Level: 4

DP: 4000

MEMORY

2-0

"To end my turn, I play Kokuwamon from my hand." Trevor finished as he summoned the small bug-like machine Digimon as its antlers cackled with brief sparks of electricity.

Kokuwamon (BT1-068)

Color: Green

Level: 3

DP: 2000

MEMORY

0-4 (Turn Change: Leopardmon)

"My turn…" Leopardmon said as it drew. "Gabumon will Digivolve into Gorillamon to start."

As he stated, Gabumon took the opportunity to become the weaponized Gorilla Digimon thanks to the streams of binary that fed into it.

Gorillamon (BT1-037)

Color: Blue

Level: 4

DP: 6000

MEMORY

4-3

"Now to do away with you," Leopardmon said. "Gorillamon attacks Togemon!"

Gorillamon: 6000 DP

Togemon: 5000 DP

Togemon stomped forward and began to unleash a flurry of punches towards Gorillamon who did its best to dodge each one. Eventually, Gorillamon saw its opening and shoved its cannon into the mouth of Togemon before firing inside, causing the Cactus to ignite from within and explode in binary.

"And now, I play MetalSeadramon from my hand!"

Trevor snickered, knowing about MetalSeadramon. An expensive card aside, the ability to bounce multiple Digimon back to the hand was annoying for early games like this.

The metallic, gold-colored sea serpent materialized in the room in like fashion, immediately locking onto the two remaining Digimon.

MEMORY

3-8 (Turn Change: Trevor)

"MetalSeadramon's On Play effect returns two Level 4 or lower Digimon to your hand, trashing any sources they may contain," Leopardmon explained. With that said, MetalSeadramon's head cannon fired upon the pair as they faded away in blue light.

Trevor and the girls shielded themselves from the bright light until it was easier to see. As expected, Trevor's field was completely cleaned out, while Leopardmon stood with the advantage at hand.

"I wonder, I was gracious enough to gift you with so much memory. What feeble attempt will you come up with I wonder?" Leopardmon asked humored by the possibility.

Trevor gritted his teeth. "God, you're more conceited than Piedmon."

"I'm allowed to be while in the presence of those lesser." Leopardmon countered.

"Yeah? Alright then, let me show you what 'lesser' can amount to." Trevor drew. "I Hatch Upamon, who'll then digivolve into Gomamon!"

Gomamon materialized in the Breeding Area, its happy expression contrasting with the situation at hand.

Upamon (BT1-003)

Color: Blue

Level: 2

Gomamon (BT1-030)

Color: Blue

Level: 3

DP: 3000

"Gomamon, digivolve into Leomon!"

Gomamon nodded, allowing the binary to transform it into the bipedal Lion warrior.

Leomon (BT1-035)

Color: Blue

Level: 4

DP: 5000

MEMORY

8-6

"I play the Tamer Davis Motomiya from my hand!"

A young boy with spiky brown hair, wearing a flame-patterned jacket, shorts, and orange boots materialized on Trevor's side. It removed the goggles on his face to reveal the brown eyes underneath.

Davis Motomiya (BT3-093)

Color: Blue

MEMORY

6-2

"When Davis is played, I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck and retrieve a Green and Blue Digimon from amongst them!"

Davis snapped his fingers, revealing the top three cards. Those cards being Woodmon, Hammer Spark, and Gomamon.

"Woodmon and Gomamon are added to my hand and Hammer Spark is sent to the bottom." Trevor continued as he added the cards. "I'll end my turn by playing the Woodmon directly in play."

The tree-like Digimon materialized, eager to defend Trevor and his Digimon as per its role.

Woodmon (BT1-072)

Color: Green

Level: 4

DP: 6000

MEMORY

2-3 (Turn Change: Leopardmon)

"Nice Going!" Megan cheered.

Leopardmon laughed once more, earning a sour expression from Megan in kind. "What's so funny blondie?"

Leopardmon turned its attention to her. "Simply having a moment of catharsis."

"Catharsis?" Emily repeated. "You're an AI, how could you feel something as specific as that?"

Leopardmon drew and played Hammer Spark gaining an extra Memory.

MEMORY

3-4

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to explain the full picture to you humans. Gorillamon digivolves into Zudomon!"

Zudomon erupted onto the scene, in Gorillamon's place, throwing its metal hammer over its shoulder.

Zudomon (BT1-041)

Color: Blue

Level: 5

DP: 6000

MEMORY

4-1

"To ensure our ideal future, the collection of the Tamer Data, the creation of Axel, Trojan's actions as well as this very moment…have all been overseen by yours truly…"

The three of them were taken aback by the abrupt revelation. Leopardmon in the meantime savored their expressions.

"What do you mean by that?" Trevor demanded.

"Exactly as it was said. Akiyoshi had me created by your father to oversee the data collection of future Beta Tests and to run algorithms on which candidates we could make the best use of. Over time, however, I was reassigned to work alongside your father, as Akiyoshi early on saw that he quickly outlived his use. However, I made sure I got every ounce of utility out of him until it was time to lead him to his destruction."

"Why you…!" Trevor snarled. He was taken aback by MetalSeadramon's sudden rush, barely saved by a Security card that blocked the attack. Leomon emerged from the card but was naturally overtaken by the blue beam.

Trevor

Security: 5-4

"Woodmon couldn't block that?" Megan said surprised.

"MetalSeadramon can't be blocked by Digimon with no sources," Emily explained. "Trevor has to find a way to delete it if he wants to stop it."

"Of course," Leopardmon continued with his story, "not only did I work to assure that Michael would end up where he needed, but you all as well. Like pawns on a chessboard, I was instructed to ensure that both Trojan and SAIBA acted out in their roles. And I must say, as the director of this grand spectacle I couldn't be happier…"

"Okay, so you're the big brains behind the twisted operation, got it," Megan interjected. "So, what do you get out of it? You keep bringing up this 'ideal future' nonsense, so what does that mean?"

Leopardmon answered that bluntly enough, "Laplace."

Megan paused, not knowing what that meant. Leopardmon chuckled as it turned its attention back to the match. "Descend, Elegant Tactician…I digivolve Zudomon into Leopardmon!"

Zudomon howled as Leopardmon's binary code began to break away and feed into Zudomon, the Royal Knight taking over Zudomon and entering the Battle Area in kind.

Leopardmon (BT3-060)

Color: Blue

Level: 6

DP: 11,000

MEMORY

1-3 (Turn Change: Trevor)

"To conclude my turn, I summon Gorillamon to my side from my digivolution sources! In addition to that, all my Level 4 and lower Digimon, regardless of color, all obtain the Jamming ability as well."

"Hey Emily, do you know what he means by that?" Megan turned to the girl.

Emily shook her head.

"It's a quantum mechanics theory," Trevor explained. "Basically, if a being was omnipotent, it would be able to manipulate reality into whatever it wants, as it could predetermine the future and act accordingly."

"And Akiyoshi with the help of us Digimon seeks that power. All to ensure our 'ideal future.'"

"That would of course mean that you know exactly what steps to take to make it to that future, right?" Trevor asked.

"Down to the decimal…" Leopardmon said confidently.

Trevor drew. "Well then, predict this! Leomon moves to the Battle Area!"

Leomon took the steps forward, cracking its knuckles as it approached.

"Next up, Woodmon digivolves into Paildramon!"

Woodmon roared as a spiral of blue and green binary came down upon it and reformed it into a dragon-type Digimon resembling a Stingmon-armored ExVeemon.

Paildramon (BT3-027)

Color: Blue

Level: 5

DP: 7000

MEMORY

3-0

"Let's go Leomon; Security Attack!" Trevor declared.

Leomon acknowledged the command and took off into the air, gathering the power needed to take out one of the Security.

"Upamon's IE effect activates, allowing me to draw a card for MetalSeadramon's lack of sources," Trevor said as he drew an extra card. Leomon meanwhile unleashed his blazing fist which came down to destroy one of Leopardmon's security.

Leopardmon

Security: 4-3

Andromon was revealed on the other side and went in to retaliate. Its spiral sword sliced through the flaming lion head and continued to Leomon.

Leomon: 5000 DP

Andromon: 7000 DP

Leomon was no match for the Android Digimon, the former being impaled by the drill blade and dispersing into data all the same.

"Leomon and Gomamon's IE effect now trigger! I gain a total of three Memory thanks to their deletion.

MEMORY

0-3

"Paildramon, Security Attack! Thanks to its jamming, nothing can stop it from blazing through!" Trevor followed up with the Dragonoid Digimon whipping the pair of guns attached to the backside of the armor. A Gatling of blasts lined the floor as another Security broke apart.

Leopardmon

Security: 3-2

This time, Airdramon emerged from the Security, hissing at Paildramon. And due to its security effect, it added itself to the Battle Area.

Airdramon (BT3-024)

Color: Blue

Level: 4

DP: 4000

"Still not done! Trevor slammed his final card on his D-Brace. "Awaken Benevolent Dragon of Cobalt Flames! Paildramon, digivolve into Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode!"

Paildramon jerked forward, getting the rush of binary code like adrenaline as the massive power boost overtook it, digivolving it into Imperialdramon.

Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode (BT3-031)

Color: Blue

Level: 6

DP: 12,000

MEMORY

3-0

"Since I digivolved it from Paildramon, its digivolution cost was reduced by two. Also, when it's digivolved into, all my Digimon with Jamming unsuspend!"

Imperialdramon responded by standing upright, ready to swing once more.

"Security Attack! Go, Positron Laser!" Trevor exclaimed as the cannon on Imperialdramon's back charged and ignited, soaring across and dealing a heavy blow to Leopardmon's Security. The impact shook the room, stirring up plenty of smoke as a result.

Leopardmon

Security: 2-1

As the smoke cleared, Leopardmon's Security revealed Darkness Claw, moving the counter two to its side.

MEMORY

0-2 (Turn Change: Leopardmon)

"Get it all out of your system yet…?" Leopardmon spoke condescendingly.

Trevor, finding himself slightly winded from everything in that turn didn't bother to answer that.

"Good…" Leopardmon said. "Then allow me to respond to that." It drew. "Gorillamon, Airdramon…break him!"

Trevor braced himself for the jamming onslaught, as Gorillamon took point first firing rockets out of his arm cannon, which pulverized the first Security.

Trevor

Security: 4-3

DinoBeemon, the counterpart of Paildramon came first from the Security, but due to Gorillamon's jamming, it was powerless to stop it.

Airdramon followed howling a spiral of wind from its bone-like jaws, crushing another Security on Trevor's side.

Trevor

Security: 3-2

Like DinoBeemon before him, Woodmon was jammed, unable to deal any sort of damage to Airdramon.

"MetalSeadramon…do it."

MetalSeadramon curled around Trevor like a predator waiting to devour its captured prey, The towering serpent sent a cold chill down Trevor's spine as it stared him down and charged its head cannon. Trevor reactively shielded himself as the Security Card blocked the blast. However, at close range, it was enough to propel Trevor back, throwing him back and sending him crashing on the floor.

Trevor

Security: 2-1

"Trevor!" Megan reacted as she ran over to help him up. The teen groaned as she aided him, managing to sit up.

"Any last words before I proceed to send you to your father, human?" Leopardmon held out its rapier towards the downed teen.

Trevor picked himself up, with Megan steadying him on his feet. Looking up at Leopardmon, Trevor couldn't help but grin. "Just two; Security Trigger!"

Imperialdramon roared and charged its laser again, blasting MetalSeadramon back and into Leopardmon, knocking them in the direction of the Cocoon. Leopardmon managed to slow down before it made contact, falling to one knee as MetalSeadramon vanished in a stream of Binary.

"What…what did you do?!" Leopardmon demanded, realizing its limbs were numb from that blast.

"Positron Laser," Trevor revealed. "Up to two of your Digimon are frozen for the turn, and if I have a blue Digimon present, one of your suspended Digimon gets bounced to your hand."

Leopardmon snickered. "Cheap trick. Gotsumon!"

Gotsumon was played to take the place of MetalSeadramon, adding a bit of defense for their side.

MEMORY

2-1 (Turn Change: Trevor)

"All you've done is delay the inevitable. I'm still on track to come out victorious and claim what's mine…" Leopardmon explained.

"Yeah…hate to break it to you, but that's not happening." Trevor drew. He looked at the card and took a moment. A smile curled on his face and he himself began to laugh.

This bothered Leopardmon.

"Finally gone insane, have you?"

"No, just having a moment of Catharsis…" he replied passively. "I hatch DemiVeemon."

DemiVeemon materialized on Trevor's side. The small Digimon looked around, curious about what was going on around it.

DemiVeemon (BT3-002)

Color: Blue

Level: 2

"DemiVeemon digivolves into Veemon." Trevor continued, as the smaller Digimon became Veemon.

Veemon (BT3-021)

Color: Blue

Level: 3

DP: 2000

"Alright, now that plan B's set, plan A's ready to go."

Leopardmon scoffed, "How can you be so sure?"

"Imperialdramon, Attack Gorillamon!"

"Gotsumon Blocks!"

"Paildramon's IE unsuspends Imperialdramon! Attack Gorillamon!"

Imperialdramon: 12,000 DP

Gotsumon: 3000 DP

Imperialdramon: 12,000 DP

Gorillamon: 6000 DP

Imperialdramon moved in to devour Gorillamon, only for Gotsumon to jump in the way and be taken out by its jaws. Imperialdramon then took the data devoured and converted it into blue flames, which it then unleashed on Gorillamon, taking it out as well.

"You still didn't answer my question!"

"Passionate Flames and Calculated Ice…" Trevor recited. "…merge to become the being of Supreme Transcendence!"

Leopardmon was taken aback by the sudden rush of binary that filled Imperialdramon. The Dragon as well howled from the overflowing power, turning white as it spilled from it.

"What better way to bring down SAIBA than with my father's creation?!" Trevor exclaimed. "Imperialdramon, digivolve into Omnimon!"

The explosion of white light overtook the room, blinding everyone within it. Leopardmon, overtaken by the explosion of power was blindsided by the sudden rush of pain that exploded through it. It was thrown back and came to an abrupt halt, feeling its body grow numb.

"What…?!" it choked, as the light eased in its vision. As it began to understand what happened, it was shocked to see Omnimon hugged up against him, and even more so its impaling blade. "How…?"

Leopardmon realized that Omnimon's eyes were blank. This Omnimon was but a puppet. A suit of armor under the command of another…

"Omnimon's effect deletes one of my opponent's Digimon as well as any Digimon that share a name with it. Since you are a target, I delete you…" Trevor explained.

Leopardmon couldn't help but laugh. "Well played…as intended…!"

Trevor paused, but soon realized the tentacles that exploded from the cocoon. Rather than be transparent, the black tendrils wrapped around both Royal Knights to the shock of the teens. Leopardmon cackled as the grip tightened and the Cocoon began to assimilate them.

"ALL FOR THE IDEAL FUTURE!" Leopardmon's final words echoed in the room as both it and Omnimon were absorbed into the cocoon.

"Omnimon!" Trevor exclaimed, staggering from the soreness from the last attack. Megan caught him before he fell.

"We gotta get out of here!" She said as the Cocoon began to react. "Emily give me a hand!"

Emily nodded, getting Trevor's other arm and helping them move out of the room as fast as possible. The colors began to pulsate more rapidly and violently as the contents began to shift and shape.

After a few moments, the contents slowed down, and the tear that Omnimon's blade left in the cocoon was prodded by a black claw…


Akiyoshi stood at the very top of the citadel, looking out towards the Babylonian skyline as he counted the moments. Leopardmon was fulfilling his duty, which meant that he had to play his role as well.

"Care to take in this spectacle of a view, Anthony?" Akiyoshi acknowledged his former colleague.

Morris didn't respond to that, taking a few steps forward before arming his D-Case.

Akiyoshi turned around, noticing Morris' lack of enthusiasm. He could see the bloodlust in the man's eyes and to say he wasn't interested would be a lie.

"I'm ending this nightmare here and now," Morris said, readying himself.

Akiyoshi chuckled. "How can you end something that has yet to truly begin…?"

"I consider myself creative."

Akiyoshi scoffed, "The stage has long been set, my friend. All of the actors and actresses have fulfilled their roles and now we stand at the climax of this tale. Everything has led up to this moment." He pulled a blank card from his jacket pocket and held it out over the side of the building.

"The moment I bring down SAIBA and take back what's rightfully mine, I presume."

"On the contrary…" Akiyoshi turned around, drawing Morris' attention.

Suddenly a massive blast of multicolored energy erupted from underground sending it skyward in a grand spectacle of flames and debris. All of the users within Babylon, the moderators, the hostages, the teens, everyone was left in awe by the spectacular sight.


RustTyrannomon stomped forward, carrying Tyrone and Layla on its shoulders, giving them enough height to see where exactly the blast was coming from.

"No…we're too late…" Layla uttered in awe.

Tyrone gritted his teeth in annoyance, sharing her sentiments. "Come on, Adam! Get your butt back here already…"

"Layla, do you read me?" Ben's screen appeared in front of them once more.

"Agent Merlo! What's going on?" She asked him.

"Millenniummon." Trevor's voice came in. On a separate screen, Trevor and the two girls appeared, with Trevor clearly looking wiped out.

"You guys are okay!" Layla exclaimed, relieved to see them.

"What do you mean Millenniummon? What happened over there?!"

"It's a long story." Emily chimed in. "What matters now is regrouping and finding Morris before this situation gets worse. How far are you guys?"

"Few minutes at best." Layla deduced. "We can use MetalGarurumon's speed to catch up quicker."

"Be careful," Ben said. "The next couple of minutes are gonna be catastrophic. While you guys regroup, I'm gonna be on this end working on a way to pull as many users out as possible."

"Where's Adam?" Trevor noticed.

"He's on the other side looking for Melissa."

"At a time like this?!"

"Relax, As long as we have Omni—!"

"WE DON'T!" Trevor exclaimed, cutting Tyrone off.

"Omnimon's gone…"


Akiyoshi pulled his arm back, unscathed from the blast, as the blank card in his hand developed an illustration on it. He laughed maliciously as he turned his attention back to Morris, his eyes shifting red as well.

"Digi-gate…Open…!"