Author's notes: Whoops! Didn't put in enough clues for my favourite anime in the last chapter. Ruroni Kenshin and Inu-Yasha are two of my favourite mangas, but not my favourite anime. There are more hints in this chapter. Hint: 'Fortress of Steel' and giant robots.

Author's notes: I'm sad. Megchan's Message Board, where I got most of my info, is closed. On the other hand, Megchan-sama has uploaded her encyclopedia onto her Digimon Sekai newsletter, so I've got info again.

Author's notes: Corrected some mistakes here and there. Thanks to Java86 for pointing out the mistake I made with Xeed Millenniumon and the way my flashback was a bit too close to another author's work for comfort.

Digimon Levels:

Child : Rookie Adult : Champion Perfect : Ultimate Ultimate: Mega

Also, the term 'Biomerge' does not exist in my vocabulary. In the Japanese original, the one I base Dark Wing on, to evolve to Ultimate/ Mega they just say 'Matrix Evolution', except they don't have to slash a card.

Author's notes: ********* means a scene change.



Digimon Tamers: Dark Wing

The Crimson Knight!

Disclaimer: Digimon Tamers and related elements are registered trademarks of Toei, Bandai and their respective owners and are used without permission.

BlackWarGreymon opened his eyes to find himself lying in some sort of tunnel. "What is this place?" he wondered. "What happened to Skull Satamon?" The Dark Ultimate rose to his feet, shaking his head to clear it.

"I apologise."

"Hn?" BlackWarGreymon looked around, straining his eyes in the dim light as he sought out the speaker. "Who is there?"

"Calm yourself, BlackWarGreymon," the voice said as the air shimmered. "It's just me."

"Xuanwumon!" The Holy Beast's image hovered in the air in front of him, his eyes crinkled in a smile. "Explain yourself!" BlackWarGreymon took a threatening step forward. "What did you do?"

Xuanwumon spoke calmly. "I had no choice but to restrain you. You were expending too much energy too quickly."

"What I do is none of your concern!"

"What gives you the right to say that?" roared Xuanwumon, raising his voice, the soundwave knocking BlackWarGreymon off his feet. "I used my power to revive you to save the Digital World, not engage in mindless battles!" The Holy Beast made a visible effort to calm himself. "Hohoho..." he chuckled. "I must be more frustrated than I thought."

"Khh..." BlackWarGreymon got up, facing the double-headed turtle. "What is it you want?" he demanded.

"I just needed to stop you from using up all your energy too soon." Xuanwumon's heads looked upwards. "Now is the time for you to show your power."

"?" BlackWarGreymon followed his gaze, up to where a huge gaping hole let sunlight into the tunnel. A six-winged figure flew past, catching the Dark Ultimate's eye. "Angemon?" He turned to Xuanwumon. "The Chosen Children are here?"

"Yes," Xuanwumon confirmed. "And they will need your help. Go now, and may victory shine on you."

"I will not be defeated!" BlackWarGreymon assured the Holy Beast as he leapt up into the air, flying upwards through the hole.

****************

"Perhaps relying on someone as battle-hungry as BlackWarGreymon was not such a good idea..." Qinglongmon mused thoughtfully.

Zhuqiaomon glared at the larger Holy Beast out of the corner of his eye. "Too late for that now."

"How did the Chosen Children arrive at this world?" Baihumon wondered aloud. "Qinglongmon, did you summon them?"

The glowing blue dragon shook his head, his beard swirling as he did so. "No, but I suppose this was expected."

Zhuqiaomon nodded. "Three of their Digimon are already here against their will and their old enemies have resurfaced. Of course they would come."

"Now let us just hope they'll be enough to turn the tide..." Baihumon growled.

Xuanwumon chuckled. "Hohoho...don't worry. The humans haven't let us down yet."

*****************

"Ryo-san?" The black-haired boy whispered in disbelief, sounding like he didn't dare to believe his eyes. "Is that really you?"

Ryo stared blankly at him. "Huh?"

Behind him, he could hear the brunette girl dressed in the pink and white shirt whisper to the hat-wearing blond. "Takeru-kun...do you think that's really him?"

The boy didn't reply, staring behind Ryo at Piemon. "I'm more worried about Piemon," he said finally.

"The Chosen Children!" Lady Devimon roared, flying upwards. "Die, you brats!"

"No, you don't!" Angewomon kicked off the ground, tackling the Fallen Angel in mid-air. "I'm not going to let you hurt Hikari!"

"You!" Lady Devimon lashed out, striking Angewomon on the side of the head. "I've been waiting for my chance at revenge!"

As the two female Perfects began struggling, the Chosen Children's attention went back to Piemon, who had already begun beating Angemon and Stingmon into the ground. "Angemon!" The blonde boy yelled.

"Hmph," Piemon snorted. "If I had killed you right away all those years ago, you wouldn't have evolved and defeated me." He drew one of his swords, holding it above the downed Adult. "I won't make that mistake again!"

"Dramon Killer Rocket!"

"Eh?" Piemon turned around and jumped into the air as a Dramon Killer flew at him. Landing, he looked around for his attacker. "WarGreymon?"

"No," roared BlackWarGreymon as he burst through a broken wall. "BlackWarGreymon!"

The young boy who was with the group gasped in surprise. "BlackWarGreymon?!"

The hat-wearing boy was no less shocked. "How?"

As the Dark Ultimate began his assault on the Dark Master, Cyberdramon's gaze remained fixed on the black-haired boy. "..."

***************

"Dark Spirits DX!" MetalEtemon yelled, sending a stream of purple lighting at Saint Galgomon. The lightning bolt struck the huge green Digimon, pushing him back.

"Agh!" Jen shook his head. "You okay, Terriermon?"

"Yeah," his partner's voice echoed through the void. "Now it's our turn!" Saint Galgomon pulled back his fist. "Rocket Punch!"

He punched at MetalEtemon, a barrage of missiles launching out of the holes in his arm armour. The mettalic monkey yelped. "Yeep!" He somersaulted back, flipping over and over as he tried to avoid the attack. "Hah!" he yelled as he landed and punched the last missile, detonating it harmlessly. "You'll have to do better than that!"

Saint Galgomon's chest opened, revealing dozens of missile launchers inside. "Breast Fire!" The launchers fired, sending even more missiles at him.

"Heh!" MetalEtemon snorted. "Didn't you learn anything?" He raised his hand. "Dark Spirits DX!"

Saint Galgomon roared. "Drill Missile!" The missiles launched from his chest began spinning, some of them going underground.

"Huh?" MetalEtemon paused in mid-attack. "What the? Auugh!" The distraction was just enough for the missiles to strike. As he staggered, the Ultimate chuckled. "That's nothing!"

"It's not over," Saint Galgomon smirked.

"Eh?" As he spoke, the Drill Missiles that went underground burst out behind him, striking him in the back. "Aauugh! Still not enough!"

"Stop boasting and watch out," Devimon warned him.

Saint Galgomon held his arms out as Jen called to the others. "Head for cover!"

"Okay!" Takato called as he led the others into the Hypnos Towers, followed by an already devolving MegaloGrowmon. "Good luck!"

"They're inside, Terriermon!" Lee reported as he saw V-mon and Holsmon trail the others inside. "Now!"

"Rust..."

"Uh-oh," MetalEtemon blurted. "This won't end well." As he spoke, Devimon sank into the ground.

"Hurricane!" Saint Galgomon began spinning, creating a huge tornado in an ultra-powerful version of Terriermon's Petite Twister.

"Whaaaaaagh!" MetalEtemon yelled as he and his remaining forces were sucked into the whirling funnel, along with the debris that littered the streets.

"Whoa!" Takato gasped as the tornado began moving away from the Hypnos building. "That's some attack!"

"Stay away from windows!" Ruki warned. "Keep close to the floor and get to the stairs!"

"You heard her," Hirokazu said to the others as he hit the floor, Guardromon remaining on his feet since he wasn't able to crawl. The Tamers began edging their way across the lobby as the wind howled outside.

*****************

"What the...?" Ken and the others looked in shock at the huge hurricane that tore through the devastated city as it rose into the sky. Then, suddenly, a huge green robot dropped from the tornado's bottom.

"Saint Galgomon?" Ryo watched as the Ultimate flew backwards and began firing into the funnel. A brilliant explosion resulted, destroying the tornado.

"What was that all about?" the goggle-wearing boy asked no one in particular.

"Oomph!" While everyone had been distracted by Saint Galgomon, Lady Devimon had taken advantage of Angewomon's loss of concentration to kick the angel in the gut, winding her.

"Now!" the Dark Digimon said, flying into the air. "Die, Angewomon! Darkness Flare!" She brought her hands together, sending a swarm of firebats at the stunned angel.

"Angewomon!" screamed the brunette girl with the camera.

Just as the bats were about to consume her, Cyberdramon suddenly appeared, blocking their path. "Grrrhhhh..." The black cybernetic dragon crossed his arms as he growled, letting the flaming bats strike and explode against him. "Urgh!"

Ryo watched in horror as his partner staggered, smoking and singed. "Cyberdramon!"

"Rrrraaaaagggghh!" Unexpectedly, Cyberdramon coiled his legs and leapt at Lady Devimon. The female Fallen Angel Digimon barely had time to blink before the cyborg's hand wrapped around her head, digging painfully into her skull.

"Aaaaauugggh!" she screamed as the berserk Perfect dived down, smashing her head into the pavement.

"Lady Devimon!" Piemon kicked at BlackWarGreymon, knocking the Dark Ultimate back. "Clown Trick!" Bringing his hands together, the clown-like Dark Master fired a ball of solid air.

"Gruuh!" Cyberdramon grunted as he was hurled across the battlefield and through a wall.

"Dramon Killer!" BlackWarGreymon slashed at the air, waves of flame appearing and headed in Piemon's direction.

"Not good enough!" Piemon said as he somersaulted above the flames, drawing his swords. "Trump Sword!" As he dropped to the ground, he hurled the blades at his opponent.

BlackWarGreymon deflected the swords with his Dramon Killers and counterattacked with Black Tornado, spinning like a huge drill. "Black Tornado!"

Ryo was startled as the young boy yelled out, "BlackWarGreymon, watch out!" In his desire to kill Piemon, BlackWarGreymon had failed to notice a small box on the ground. Unfortunately, the warning came too late.

"Mask's Square!" The top of the box burst open, a grotesque clown popping out like a huge Jack-in-the-box. Surprised, BlackWarGreymon was struck in the stomach and crashed into the ground. "Now!" Piemon ran across the battlefield at Ryo and the others.

"Hikari!" Angewomon stood protectively in front of the children, a bow extending from her left glove. A glowing arrow appeared in the air as she pulled back on a shimmering bowstring. "Holy Arrow!" she cried as she released the arrow.

Angemon landed close by, his hand glowing. "Heaven Knuckle!" Punching the air, the blonde, helmeted angel sent a ball of holy energy at the Dark Master.

Diving out of the air, Stingmon extended his forearm-mounted stingers. "Moon Shooter!" Green energy bolts launched from the stingers, streaking through the air.

"Ending Spell!" The clown waved the cloth like a matador, deflecting the attacks.

Cyberdramon, rising out of the ruins of the wall, shook his head. "Strong..." Looking up, the cyborg saw Angemon's Heaven Knuckle headed his way. "Hnh?" He slashed the air, cancelling out the attack easily. "Raaaggghh!"

Likewise, BlackWarGreymon got up, his eyes blazing with anger. Angewomon's Holy Arrow flew at him as he turned. With a feral battle cry, the Dark Ultimate charged, swatting the arrow aside with a wave of his Dramon Killer. "Piemooooon!"

Piemon smirked as he swung the cloth at the three Digimon in his way. "Scatter!" warned the blonde boy. "Don't let that cloth touch you!"

As Angewomon, Angemon and Stingmon leapt to safety, Cyberdramon and BlackWarGreymon sped up, the dust churning as the two enraged Digimon flew through the air at the Dark Master. The clown smiled as he drew his swords. "Toy Wand Dance!" He threw the blades into the air, where they hovered. Then, as Cyberdramon and BlackWarGreymon drew near, the swords began shimmering.

"What the...?" Ryo's eyes widened as the swords began multiplying, spinning as they did so.

"Hn?" "Eh?" The whirling blades formed a wall, trapping Ryo and the others with Piemon while the blades kept their Digimon out. Cyberdramon growled and grabbed the swords, sparks flying as he began prying the blades apart. "Grnrnrnh..."

"Cyberdramon!" Ryo yelled.

"I'd be worried about myself if I were you, Ryo!" Piemon pulled out another cloth and leapt into the air.

"Watch out!" the black-haired boy yelled.

Ryo cursed as he realised the whirling wall of blades made it impossible for him to dodge. Then, as the cloth drifted down, a gunshot echoed through the air.

"What?" Piemon looked aorund for the source of the shot as his cloth fell to the ground, tattered and ragged.

"Hn." A smirk on his face, Beelzebumon looked down on the Dark Master from a piece of highway what somehow remained standing. He drew his other gun as he kept Piemon covered.

"Beelzebumon!" Ryo sighed with relief. "Just in time!"

"Not a problem." The black-clad biker took aim. "Double Impact!"

Piemon's hands flew to the hilt of his swords, pulling them out as super- charged bullets launched from Beelzebumon's guns. "Trump Sword!" He twirled the blades, deflecting Beelzebumon's bullets skillfully.

"Hmph," the Demon Lord smirked. "Not bad." He fired four shots in succession.

Piemon twirled his swords, deflecting three of them while the fourth went over his head. "Missed!"

"That's what you think." Piemon turned at the sound of BlackwarGreymon's growl just as the Dark Ultimate punched him in the face.

"Uff!" His feet dug grooves into the street as he took the blow. "How did you get past my blades?"

There was the clatter of steel on steel as Cyberdramon tossed his weapons at his feet. The dragon nodded at Beelzebumon as Piemon realised what had happened.

*****************

Cyberdramon held the swords, letting them bunch up as sparks flew from his claws. His heels dug into the ground he held on grimly. Then, as Beelzebumon made his appearance, the cyborg signalled at him.

With an almost imperceptible nod, the Ultimate acknowledged him as Piemon deflected his first barrage. When he fired again, he aimed three shots at Piemon and the fourth at the swords Cyberdramon had bunched up. As soon as the wall of steel had collapsed, BlackWarGreymon had made his move while Cyberdramon took the swords still in the air and threw them at Piemon's feet.

*****************

"Clever," Piemon commented as he held his arms apart, his swords ready to defend against attack from either side. "However, I've beaten Ultimates single-handed. You won't find me so easy to defeat!"

Beelzebumon snorted. "Well, then," he replied. "Let's find out!"

Piemon prepared to attack when a whistling sound caught his attention. "Eh?" He turned to see a barrage of missiles flying at him. Reacting quickly, the Dark Master backflipped out of harm's way as the missiles tore up the ground around him. "!"

"Ryo-san, are you okay?" Jen asked as Saint Galgomon landed, his weapons ready to fire.

Ryo grinned. "Nice timing."

Saint Galgomon addressed Beelzebumon. "Good to see you, Impmon!"

"How many times do I have to tell you?" the biker growled. "It's Beelzebumon!"

The two Ultimates took aim as Piemon reassessed his situation. "Piemon- sama," Lady Devimon said as she appeared at his side. "We must withdraw." Her headcovering was torn after Cyberdramon's brutal beating and she held her shattered arm gingerly.

"..." Piemon looked at the assembled Digimon. "You were fortunate this time, Ryo," the Dark Master told the Tamer. "But next time..." The Dark Master pulled a cloth out from his sleeve and held it up.

"Hold it!" Beelzebumon yelled as he jumped down, his hand outstretched. "Darkness Claw!" His claws slashed the cloth, but as it dropped he saw that Piemon and Lady Devimon had vanished. "Damn!" he cursed. "I'll get him next time!"

Ryo smiled as he plopped onto the ground. "Well for now, we might as well head back to where the others are." He looked up at Saint Galgomon. "What happened over there?"

"Dark Digimon attack," the Ultimate replied.

Ryo's face looked worried. "Everyone okay?"

Jen replied, his voice echoing through Saint Galgomon. "They're fine. Come on, we'd better get back before they get worried." He turned to the other children and their Digimon. "And I think you'd better come with us."

The children glanced at each other before the brunette with the goggles stepped forward with a grin on his face. "Sounds good to me!"

*****************

"Ow, ow, ow..." MetalEtemon groaned as he pulled himself to his feet. "What the heck was that guy?" He shook his head and snorted when he saw how many scratches and dents covered his metallic body. "Ugh...it's gonna take hours to get myself cleaned up!"

"Be glad you can still complain."

MetalEtemon whirled around and saw a familiar winged figure hovering in the shadows. "Devimon!" The silver Ultimate glared at the Adult. "Where did you go?"

"I am a mere Adult. I wouldn't have survived that attack so I withdrew." Devimon's reply was simple, straight to the point and infuriatingly logical.

"Okay, you've got a point." MetalEtemon rubbed a particularly large dent on his arm. "First those Chosen, now a giant...why can't I enjoy my new body in peace?"

Devimon sighed. "Your surviving troops have already retreated to my temple. I suggest you do the same."

"What's the hurry?"

Devimon smiled, making MetalEtemon back off nervously. "It's time we showed the humans what it feels like to go against the powers of darkness!" His eyes flashed as he moved his head slightly to glare at the Hypnos Towers behind MetalEtemon. "Tamers! Chosen Children! I will let not even one of you escape!"

*****************

Hawkmon collapsed onto the floor of the room Yamaki had designated the 'War Room'. After escaping into the building to avoid Saint Galgomon's Rust Hurricane, Holsmon and Digmon suddenly fell over, exhausted at keeping their evolved forms so long without their partners. Juri, Takato and the others now looked worried as the three Chosen Digimon sat together, looking exhausted and worn out. "Takato-kun," Juri said, turning to the boy. "Can't we do anything?" She looked back at V-mon, Hawkmon and Armadimon. "They look so sad..."

V-mon over heard her and smiled brightly at the girl. "Don't worry," he told her. "It's nothing serious!" He grinned at the other two Digimon. "Right, guys?"

Hawkmon nodded. "Please don't worry, Juri-san," he said. "We're just tired, that's all."

"Yeah," Armidamon added. "It's just that we've never stayed in evolved form without Iori and the others this long before."

"Try eating this," Guilmon said, offering them a piece of his favourite Guilmon bread. "It always makes me feel better!"

V-mon sniffed the offered pastry curiously before taking it and taking a bite. "!" His face lit up. "Hey, this is pretty good!"

"Really?" Armadimon said, looking at the bread. V-mon tore off a piece and offered it to the yellow Digimon, who nibbled at it. "Hey, you're right!"

"You want some more?" Guilmon asked. "Takato's really good at making them!"

"Eh heh heh heh," Takato chuckled sheepishly. "Now's not really the time, Guilmon..."

"Actually," his father Takehiro spoke up. "The kitchen here is well equipped. We could probably whip up a batch." The baker spoke to Yamaki. "Is that alright with you?"

"Fresh food is always welcome," the blonde replied. "The kitchen staff will assist you anyway they can."

"Thanks." Takehiro nodded to his wife Mie. "Let's get started."

"I'll help too!" Takato said, walking towards the door.

Mie shook her head. "No, you're not. You've been out there all day and now you are going to get some sleep!"

"But, mom...!"

"No buts! Tamer or no, you still need your rest!" She turned and looked over the others. "In fact, I think you all do!"

Ruki shook her head. "We're fine, Matsuda-san!" she protested.

Her grandmother put a hand on her shoulder. "Ruki, when's the last time you had a good, uninterrupted rest?"

"Uh..." Ruki rubbed the back of her head. "I can't really remember."

Janyuu smiled. "Even the mightiest warriors need time to rest."

"Okay, okay," the redhead sighed. "I get the hint! We'll take a break already!"

*****************

"Ken-san, what's wrong?" Ichijouji Ken, Chosen Child, former Digimon Kaizer and jogress partner of Motomiya Daisuke looked up at his partner Stingmon, who carried him and Daisuke through the evening sky towards the Hypnos Towers.

"Yeah, Ichijouji," the goggle-wearing Daisuke added. "You're even more quiet than usual."

The black-haired boy smiled slightly. "Sorry," he apologised. "I was just thinking..." He looked sadly at the black figure flying in front of them. A smaller figure rode on its back, holding on as they flew ever closer to their destination.

"About Ryo?" Stingmon asked. He knew how much the older boy had meant to Ken.

Ken nodded as Daisuke spoke up. "Don't worry about it too much. It's probably just a coincidence."

"Maybe..." Ken sighed. "But it's too much of a coincidence that that guy's name just happens to be Akiyama Ryo too..."

Stingmon tried to reason with his partner in an attempt to cheer him up. "Gennai-san told us this was an alternate dimension. Perhaps that is simply the Ryo in this world."

"You mean there might be alternate versions of us in this world too?" Daisuke mused.

"It's possible, I suppose," Ken mused. "But I can't shake the feeling there's something familiar about him...and his Digimon."

*****************

"..." Cyberdramon didn't speak as he followed Saint Galgomon back to base. His mind, however, was in turmoil.

'Don't worry,' whispered the voice in his head. 'I expected this.'

"What do you mean?" Cyberdramon growled softly. He was careful to keep his voice down.

'It's only natural. Three Chosen Digimon are here. Their partners would, of course, come for them.' The voice chuckled. 'So predictable. It wouldn't surprise me if Devimon's already planned for their interference.'

"So what do we do?"

'We must hope the Tamers and Chosen can drive the Dark Digimon away before it becomes necessary for us to take action.'

"And if they don't?"

'Let's hope we don't have to find out.'

*****************

Saint Galgomon began glowing as he landed, devolving into Terriermon. Jen landed lightly and stumbled when Terriermon landed on his head. As the boy regained his balance, Cyberdramon landed, the sound of the hydraulics in his legs echoing through the twilight. Behind him, Angewomon, Angemon and Stingmon touched down, the children with them looking around. "This is..." the purple-haired girl began. "The Tokyo Metropolitan Building, isn't it?"

Lee smiled. "Welcome to Hypnos," the olive-skinned boy said, talking up to the door as Terriermon clung onto his shoulder.

"Come on in!" Terriermon chirped. "It's not much, but it's got a roof, food and friends. What else do you need?"

Daisuke blinked. "A Terriermon?"

"Why do you say 'A Terriermon'?" the Child asked as Lee stopped and turned.

"Nothing," the boy replied sheepishly. "I just remembered a friend of ours who had a Terriermon for a partner."

"Ah." Lee didn't say anymore, preferring to let them speak when they wanted to. The Digimon devolved as they walked inside.

*****************

"Mmmm!" V-mon moaned happily as he chewed on a freshly baked pastry. "This is great!"

Hawkmon and Armidamon nodded in agreement, too busy stuffing themselves to speak. Guilmon wasn't slacking in the stomach department either, wolfing down the pastries almost as fast as they were being put on his plate. "We worry ourselves sick and you guys are stuffing yourselves?" Takato's eyes widened as Lee walked in the door, followed by Daisuke and the other Chosen Children.

"Daisuke!" V-mon dropped the half-eaten food and ran to his partner, tackling him happily. "I knew you'd find us!"

The brown-haired boy grinned at his partner as he sat up, hugging the little blue dragon. "Hey, we're partners, right?"

"Hawkmon!" The purple-haired girl addressed the bird-like Digimon.

"Sorry to make you worry, Miyako-san," Hawkmon replied.

"Idiot," Miyako said, hugging her partner. "I'm supposed to be the one to make you worry."

Armidamon looked up at the young quiet-looking boy. "Iori, you should try some of this," he said, offering him a piece of Guilmon Bread. "It's great!"

"You never change, Armidamon," Iori replied, crouching and taking the offered food.

"Nope," the yellow Child-level replied, munching on more bread.

As the Chosen Children and their Digimon were expressing their happiness at being reunited, Lee took the others aside. "How did the Chosen Children get here?" Hirokazu hissed.

"I don't know," Ryo replied. "They just showed up while Cyberdramon was fighting Piemon and LadyDevimon."

Takato glanced at the Chosen Children. "This is so cool! The Chosen Children."

"Everyone," Lee said, getting his fellow Tamers' attention. "Try not to mention the Digimon show to them, okay?"

"Why not, Lee-kun?" Juri asked.

Lee nodded in their direction. "How would you feel if you found out your life was just a form of entertainment?"

"Just because their the Chosen Children doesn't mean they went through everything in the show," Ruki pointed out.

"No kidding?!" Daisuke's yelp of surprise got their attention. They turned to see the goggle boy staring at them. "You guys defeated Belial Vamdemon?"

"I wouldn't say we 'defeated' him," Ruki said, recalling how it was the combined efforts of the Dark Masters, Demon and Devimon that actually killed the monster.

"But you managed to fight Belial Vamdemon to a standstill!" V-mon waved his hands in wild gestures. "You should've seen them, Daisuke! There was this flash an' then this really pretty girl Digimon showed up and started beating him up!"

"That would be Sakuyamon," Renamon admitted. "But it was a close battle. If Ryo-san, Cyberdramon and the others hadn't appeared when they did, we might have been killed."

"You're far too modest, Renamon." The group looked to see Oikawa standing in the doorway, Archnemon and Mummymon behind him.

"O.Oikawa-san?!" Iori blurted out.

The gaunt man smiled. "Hiroki's boy.Iori, wasn't it?"

"Y.you're alive?!" The boy took a step back, his eyes wide.

"Only for as long as the Holy Beasts need us." Oikawa sighed. "I suppose I should bring you up to speed. Yamaki-san, would you help?"

"Of course."

As Oikawa began retelling what had happened, Ruki noticed someone was missing. "Hey, Ryo, where's Cyberdramon?"

The blue-eyed Tamer raised a finger and pointed straight up. "Up on the roof. He couldn't fit in the door."

"Couldn't he have devolved?" the redhead asked. "He did it before."

Ryo shrugged. "Hey, I'm just Cyberdramon's partner. That doesn't mean he listens to me all the time."

*****************

Meanwhile, on the rooftop.

Cyberdramon growled as BlackWarGreymon glared at him. "What is it?" he demanded.

BlackWarGreymon raised his Dramon Killers. "Who are you?"

"?" Cyberdramon cocked his head to one side, confused. "What do you mean?"

The Ultimate advanced, his Dramon Killers reflecting the moonlight. "Don't play dumb with me! I can sense it!"

'Hn?' The voice in Cyberdramon's head sounded surprised. 'I hadn't realized he was so sensitive.'

"There!" BlackWarGreymon lunged at the Perfect as he spoke.

Cyberdramon ducked and lashed out with his claws, digging grooves into the other Digimon's armour. "What are you doing?"

"If you won't tell me, I'll beat the truth out of you!" BlackWarGreymon whirled in mid-air, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to Cyberdramon's head.

"Arrh!" His faceplate cracked and the cyborg staggered, taking unsteady steps back before falling to one knee.

"Now!" Drawing his hand back, BlackWarGreymon stabbed at Cyberdramon, stopping inches away from his head. "Who are you?" he demanded again. "Tell me!"

"Fine." The temperature suddenly dropped and BlackWarGreymon found himself shaking. A shadow of darkness seemed to cover Cyberdramon, absorbing the light. "You want to know who I am, BlackWarGreymon?" The cyborg stood up, his faceplate slowly regenerating. "Why do you want to know?" As he listened, BlackWarGreymon didn't notice tendrils extending from Cyberdramon's shadow, snaking towards him.

"Your power fluctuates. it's unstable." BlackWarGreymon's eyes narrowed. "There is something evil about you."

"Something evil about who?" It was longer Cyberdramon's voice BlackWarGreymon heard. This voice was not the low, harsh growl he had heard before. It was calmer, more intelligent-sounding and dripped with confidence.

"You're stalling," BlackWarGreymon growled. He steadied his hand. "Now talk.or die!"

"How about we just forget this ever happened!" As Cyberdramon spoke, the tendrils suddenly burst out of his shadow, wrapping around the surprised Ultimate. Before he could do anything, the dragon's hand was already on his head. "This won't hurt at all."

"You.!" was all BlackWarGreymon could say before he blacked out.

*****************

"So it is Devimon." Takeru whispered, slumping into a chair. The blonde boy took off his hat, a worried expression on his face. "I thought he was gone for good."

"Takeru." His partner Patamon, a small orange-and-white Digimon with bat wigs for ears, landed in his lap and looked up at him.

Hikari, knowing how much Takeru nursed a hatred of Devimon, was worried as well. "Takeru-kun?"

The boy raised his hand and scratched Patamon's head affectionately. "Don't worry. I'm not going to go nuts like I did last time."

Daisuke frowned, irritated that his 'rival' was getting so much attention from Hikari. "Anyway," he said, trying to reassert his place as leader, "we need to think of what we're going to do next."

"Already done," Shibumi told him. The Tamers, Chosen and assorted others paid attention as Oikawa, Yamaki and Shibumi began explaining the plan.

Yamaki drew a small laser pointer as Shibumi uncovered a large map of the area. "This is where we are now," the Hypnos commander said, pointing out a large building on the map. "During the battle, we managed to trace the enemy Digimons to this area." He pointed out a group of buildings that seemed familiar to Takato.

"Hey, Jen," the brown-haired Tamer said to his friend. "Isn't that where."

"Devimon took me when he kidnapped me." Juri spoke quietly.

Ruki nodded. "And where we found out he could bring back Digimon we've fought before."

"We believe this is where the Digimon have set up their base." Yamaki nodded to Oikawa.

"This is what we've planned." The black-haired, pale-skinned man took Yamaki's place. "The Tamers will strike from three directions." He traced a route from the Hypnos building to the enemy base. "One group, made up of the most powerful Digimon, will take a direct route." Raising his hand, he traced another route via an arc. "Another group will strike from their right." Then, he pointed to a point behind the enemy base. "The third group will try to circle around and engage them from behind."

"Renamon and I'll be in the first group," Ruki said determinedly.

"Afraid not." Shibumi stepped up. "The first group's mission is to lure out Demon and the other powerful enemy Digimon. Then, once they're in range."

Yamaki's eyes narrowed. "We activate Shaggai."

"Isn't this plan a bit too obvious?" Lee pointed out.

Mummymon nodded in agreement. "He's right, Boss." The disguised Digimon gestured with his hands as he spoke. "I mean, we're talking about some of the smartest Digimon around. I doubt even Etemon would fall for something so obvious."

"True," Oikawa admitted. "That's what the fourth unit is for."

"Fourth unit?"

"Cyberdramon, Beelzebumon and BlackWarGreymon will engage Demon and the others at this point." Yamaki pointed at an area just in between Hypnos and Devimon's temple. "Their job is to disorganize and disorient them while Shaggai charges up."

"Why Cyberdramon, Beelzebumon and BlackWarGreymon?" Ryo asked.

"The three of them are both fast and powerful. Perfect interceptors."

"Heh," Impmon snorted. "I don't need those two! I can handle them all on my own!"

"So what do we do?" Daisuke asked. "We're not going to sit this out!"

"You won't, Daisuke-kun." Oikawa faced the Chosen Children. "I suspect the Dark Masters and the others will want to hunt you down for revenge. That's why the Chosen Children, or at least some of them, will be in the first unit."

"That'll be us," Daisuke said, gesturing to himself, V-mon, Ken and his partner Wormmon. "Imperialdramon can handle anything they throw at him!"

"We'll go with the third group," Miyako said.

Hawkmon nodded in agreement. "Flying Digimon would be able to get behind them faster."

"Then Tailmon and I will go too," Hikari said. "Otherwise we won't be able to Jogress into Silphymon."

"Which leaves us with the group coming from the side, huh, Iori?" Takeru grinned, Patamon perched on his head.

The boy nodded. "You okay with that, Armidamon?"

"As long as you're with me?" the armadillo-like Digimon asked. "No problem."

"Then all we have to do is decide who joins which group," Terriermon said from his usual spot on Lee's shoulder.

Ruki nodded. "Hirokazu. You and Guardromon should probably join the group going behind Demon's army."

The visor-wearing boy stoked his chin thoughtfully. "You've got a point. Kenta, maybe you and Marine Angemon should come with us."

Kenta glanced at his partner, who was currently circling Tailmon curiously. "You think you might need an Ultimate?"

Hirokazu grinned. "Better not take any chances, right?"

Shuichon tugged on Lee's vest. "Jen-nii-chan, who will Lopmon and I go with?"

"Sorry, Shuichon, but you can't go. It's too dangerous."

"But.but."

"We need someone to stay here to protect Shaggai if anything goes wrong," Janyuu told her. "While Jen and the others are out there, you'll be the only one we can count on, Shuichon!"

"Okay," the little girl said dejectedly. "I'll stay."

"Don't sound so glum," Ruki said, smiling at her. "If I had a choice, I'd rather stay here while you go out there!"

"Okay!" Shuichon chirped. "Let's do that! You stay here, and I'll go with Jen-nii-chan!"

"?!" Ruki was dumbstruck. 'That wasn't the response I was hoping for.'

*****************

Later.

"So it's settled." Yamaki rubbed his temples as Oikawa spoke, grateful that the older man had managed to organize the teams. He would've gone mad if the arguments had lasted any longer, not to mention the fact he had been going the past few days on a few hours of sleep. All he wanted was to get home and crawl into bed.

'Assuming home is still standing, that is.' he added mentally.

"Takato-kun, Daisuke-kun, Ken-kun and their Digimon will form the first group." The three pre-teens nodded.

"Ruki-chan, Lee-kun, Takeru-kun and Iori-kun form the second unit." Oikawa looked to the four kids, who nodded in confirmation. Renamon chuckled to herself when she noticed Ruki tensing at the addition of '-chan' to her name. "Hirokazu-kun, Kenta-kun, Hikari-chan and Miyako-chan will form the third group."

"And Cyberdramon, me, Beelzebumon and BlackWarGreymon form the fourth unit," Ryo finished.

"What about us, Boss?" Archnemon asked.

Mummymon agreed. "Yeah, Boss, we want a crack at them too!"

Oikawa shook his head. "You too will remain here with Shuichon-chan and Juri-chan."

"But why?" Mummymon demanded.

"Back-up." Janyuu stood up to explain. "We need someone to defend Hypnos as well as act as a reserve if anything goes wrong."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Leomon said.

"When do we begin?" Takato asked.

"Once all of you are rested," Yamaki replied. "So I suggest you try to get some sleep."

*****************

Iori tossed fitfully on the floor. Since they were short on beds, Yamaki had brought blankets and pillows up from the recreation rooms to compensate. Somehow, the young boy found he couldn't sleep. "Oh." he groaned, sitting up. He looked around the room Yamaki had let them sleep in. Armidamon was curled into a ball, snoring happily. Daisuke and V-mon were sound asleep, while Takeru moaned once in awhile whenever Patamon rolled onto his stomach. The boy got to his feet. "I'm not going to fall asleep anytime soon." he muttered to himself, sliding the door open quietly. He peered out just as Ryo walked past. "Uh.Ryo-san!"

"Huh?" The older boy paused in mid-step and looked over his shoulder. "Oh, Iori. What's up? Can't sleep?"

Iori shook his head. "Guess I'm too worried about tomorrow." Iori wasn't sure what to make of Ryo. He'd heard Ken speak of him from time to time, with a fondness he only used for his brother Osamu. Then came the revelation that V-mon had once been his partner and they had Jogressed with Ken and Wormmon into Paildramon long before Daisuke was revealed as a Chosen Child. 'But that's not this Ryo,' he reminded himself. 'From what Ken-san said, Ryo was like a brother to him. He'd never forget him.'

"I was just going up to tell Cyberdramon and BlackWarGreymon the plan for tomorrow," Ryo was saying. "You want to come along?"

"Sure," Iori replied. "I'd like to speak to BlackWarGreymon."

*****************

As the Tamer and the Chosen Child made their way up to the roof, Ryo noticed Renamon and Tailmon, Hikari's partner, talking. 'Heh,' he thought to himself. 'It's good to see all of us are getting along so well.'

Renamon noticed Ryo walking past. "Hn. I looks like we're not the only ones who don't get much sleep at night."

Tailmon nodded. "I guess Iori-kun is just having trouble falling asleep in a new place."

"The others didn't seem to have a problem," Renamon pointed out.

"True," Tailmon admitted. "But they're older than he is. Besides," she added. "Daisuke-kun, V-mon and Patamon could fall asleep just about anywhere."

Renamon chuckled. "It must be tough being the only mature one among them."

Tailmon shook her head. "No, Hawkmon's not so bad. He's actually very mature. Half the time."

"And the other half?"

"I'd rather not say."

"Ah."

The two Digimon were silent for a moment before Tailmon spoke again. "I have to say, Renamon, you're very mature for your level."

"What do you mean?" the fox Digimon asked curiously.

"Well," Tailmon began. "Most Child levels I've met have been somewhat.er."

"Childish?"

Tailmon chuckled. "Exactly."

*****************

"BlackWarGreymon?" BlackWarGreymon opened an eye, glaring at whoever had disturbed his sleep. "Are you awake?"

"I am now," he growled, opening his other eye. He found himself staring into the eyes of one of the Chosen Children, the young one who'd tried to speak to him as he tried to destroy one of the Destiny Stones. "What is it?"

"Uh." the boy spoke softly. "I'm glad to see you're alive."

"Alive is a very relative term, child." BlackWarGreymon got to his feet. "I'm only alive as long as the Holy Beasts continue to sustain me. Once they don't need me anymore, I will return to oblivion."

"You mean, once this is all over, you'll die?" Iori was aghast. "That's not fair!"

"It's how someone bred for war like me expects to live, Chosen Child." BlackWarGreymon looked up at the stars. "I don't regret anything. If I die tomorrow, so be it. As long as I take my enemies with me!"

As Iori and BlackWarGreymon talked, another conversation was going on. 'Don't worry,' the voice assured Cyberdramon. 'I blocked out all his memories on why he found us suspicious.'

'What if you blocked out something important?' Cyberdramon demanded.

The voice scoffed. 'Don't insult me. Don't forget, I always make my plans carefully. I wouldn't just randomly block out his memories!'

'Hn.' Cyberdramon glanced at the Ultimate. 'You're lucky he's the only one who suspected us.'

'True. This particular power only works on Digital Beings.' The voice chuckled. 'Oh, and Ryo's trying to get your attention.'

"Eh?" Cyberdramon looked down to see his normally easy-going partner looking annoyed.

"Cyberdramon! Have you listened to anything I've said?" he asked.

"." The dragon shrugged. "We find enemies, we kill enemies."

Ryo sighed. "Okay, that's basically it, but remember, we have to wait until Takato and his team are I position, okay? No running off on your own!"

"." Cyberdramon remained silent, which Ryo interpreted as 'I understand.'

'Of course,' he added mentally, 'It could also mean I don't give a damn. Just try to stop me.' The Legendary Tamer sighed. 'Sometimes, having a really powerful Digimon as a partner isn't all it's cracked up to be.'

*****************

Morning dawned as the sun rose, lighting the devastated city. Shattered buildings, torn up roads, overturned cars and twisted metal decorated the landscape like some huge work of modern art. "Terrible." Miyako stood at a window, seeing for the first time the destruction that would result if the Dark Digimon won.

The purple-haired girl turned away from the sight and almost bumped into Ken, who had come over with some tea and fresh pastry. "Eep!"

"Oh!" the girl grabbed at him, steadying him and the tray before it fell from his grasp. "Sorry, Ken!"

"It's okay, Miyako-san," the black-haired boy assured her. "I just came to bring you something to eat."

"Thanks!" the girl grinned. "Did you bring some for Hawkmon?"

"Hawkmon and Wormmon decided that it would be easier to wait near the kitchen for the food." Ken smiled slightly. "Last time I saw them, Matsuda- san was shooing them out with a broom."

Miyako giggled. "That must've been something." She gestured to a nearby table. "Well, let's eat!"

The two Chosen Children walked over to the table and set the tray down. As they got seated, Takato, Lee, Ruki and Juri entered the room. ".great, Takato!" Juri was saying, finishing off a danish. "You're a great cook!"

"Yeah," Ruki said slyly. "You'll make a great husband someday, huh?" She grinned at the boy, who flushed.

"Uh."

"Hello, Ken-kun, Miyako-san," Juri said, noticing the two teens.

Miyako frowned at the suffix. "You can just call me Miyako or Miyako- chan," she told the girl.

"Miyako-chan, then," Juri smiled.

"Good morning," Ken greeted, smiling at the exchange. "Care to join us?"

"We've already eaten, thanks," Lee told them.

Ruki looked thoughtful. "Uh." She walked up to Ken. "If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you something."

Ken put down the sandwich he had been eating and swallowed. "Sure," he replied. "What is it?"

"Can you tell us about the Ryo from your world?"

Miyako glanced at Ken worriedly. Talking about his past always seemed hard for the boy, since he still felt a lot of guilt about his time as the Digimon Kaizer even though she and the others had assured him it hadn't been his fault. "Ken."

Ken smiled at her, reaching over and squeezing her hand. "It's okay." Leaning back, the boy became wistful. "I loved Ryo-san." Miyako's eyes widened at the admission while Ken closed his eyes as he remembered. "He and my brother Osamu.they always tried to include me whenever they were playing games or hanging out. He was like another brother to me." Sighing, the former Kaizer chuckled. "After Osamu died.he was always there when I needed him. Then, three years ago."

*****************

Three years ago in the Ichijouji household.

A young boy, recognizable as Ichijouji Ken, was staring at a computer screen while an older boy sat on the bed. "Ryo-san, look at this!"

"What is it, Ken?" the other boy asked as he got up and walked to the computer. "Huh?" Ryo leaned over Ken as he looked at the screen. "Tha.that's."

A gold and orange humanoid figure was flying through what looked like pylons made of data. Gauntlets tipped with three razor-sharp claws covered its hands and a silver three-horned helmet protected its face. Then something else appeared, flying by its side. This one resembled a blue metallic wolf, with a winged jetpack on its back. Together, they flew at a large dark figure. Its arms were like wires and its eyes appeared to act on their own. It brought to mind a madman, bent on self-destruction.

"What's going on, Ryo-san?" Ken asked, looking up at his friend and surrogate brother.

"WarGreymon.MetalGarurumon." Ryo whispered. "Taichi, Yamato. Are you fighting again?"

"Are those the Digimon you told me about?" Ken asked.

Ryo nodded. "Yeah." Then, in horror, he watched WarGreymon freeze. With his comrade unable to move, MetalGarurumon was easily trounced by the monster, who the left through a portal.

"What happened?" Ken watched as Ryo began pacing the room, biting his thumb in a gesture of frustration. "We have to do something, Ryo-san!"

"I've got it!" Ryo ran over. "Taichi!" he said, typing out a message. "Don't give up! I'm with you!" He clenched his fist. "WarGreymon! MetalGarurumon! You defeated the Dark Masters! You helped me defeat Millenniumon! You can't lose now!" He sent the message, sweat glistening on his brow. "Come on." Together, they watched as WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon flew together into a huge chamber filled with copies of the monster. The copies fired, engulfing the two Digimon in flames. "No!"

When the smoke cleared, the Ultimates hovered in the air, their eyes dark. "Are.are they.?" Ken clutched Ryo's arm fearfully.

"No.look!" Two other figures had appeared, figures Ryo recognized. "Taichi! Yamato!" The Chosen Children floated onto their partners, who began glowing. WarGreymon's head grew and turned gold at his body vanished while MetalGarurumon's body did the same. A silver glow appeared between the floating heads and in a flash of light, a new Digimon was born.

One arm ended in WarGreymon's head, the other with MetalGarurumon's. A silver, almost skeletal body gleamed as blue eyes appeared in the tri- horned head. A blade extended out of WarGreymon's mouth as the copies fired. Swinging the sword, the Digimon deflected the blasts back at the copies, deleting many of them. A cannon then appeared out of MetalGarurumon's mouth, which the Digimon aimed at the survivors. He fired, over and over, until at last only the real monster was left. The Digimon, Taichi and Yamato on his shoulders, charged at it, but it moved too fast. Then, suddenly, the beast froze. It turned, almost as if afraid as it saw death coming. An ominous light appeared in the cannon-like hole in its chest as it tried to fight back, but it was too late. The fusioned Digimon thrust, impaling the monster's head with his WarGreymon sword. The monster melted away as Ryo cheered, hugging Ken and whirling him around. "They did it!"

A message appeared on the computer. "A-a-a m-message, Ryo-san!" Ken said groggily as Ryo put him down.

"Everyone," Taichi's avatar said as it appeared on screen. "Thank you. We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you."

Ryo smiled. "That's Taichi alright." He grinned at Ken. "Bet you don't see that happen everyday, huh, Ken?"

Ken nodded. "Is that normal too?" he asked, pointing behind him at the computer.

"Huh?" Ryo turned.

"Waaaaahhh!" A blue blur leapt out of a portal on the computer screen, knocking Ryo over. When he regained his senses, Ryo looked up to see a small blue and white creature on his stomach. A yellow V decorated its forehead as it peered at him with adorable red eyes. "Ryo! I found you!"

"Huh?"

"I'm V-mon!" the creature said as it got off. "I came to find you!"

"Find Ryo-san?" Ken peered at V-mon. "You're a Digimon, right?"

"Yup! I'm here to bring Ryo to the Digital World!"

"Why?" Ryo asked. "I already defeated Millenniumon. What else am I needed for?"

"You'll see," V-mon told him, standing in front of the portal. "Come on!"

"Let's go, Ryo-san!" Ken said. "I want to see what the Digital World looks like!"

"Oh, no, you don't!" Ryo replied. "It's too." He trailed off when he realized Ken had already followed V-mon through the portal. ".dangerous." Sighing, he went after them.

*****************

"I remember that," V-mon said. "That's when I first met Ryo."

"!" Ken and the others involuntarily jumped. "V-mon? When did you get here?"

"With us," Daisuke said, leaning on the table. Takeru, Hikari and Iori had come in with him.

"." Ken looked around. As he expected somehow the Chosen Children, the Tamers and all their partners had gotten in and were sitting around, listening intently to his story. "How did you get in without us noticing?"

Wormmon hopped onto his lap. "We didn't want to interrupt, Ken-chan."

"So tell us what happened after you and Ryo got to the Digital World!" Patamon urged.

"Yeah," Impmon agreed. "This sounds like it might be interesting."

Ken sighed as he realized if he didn't continue, he'd be pestered until he did. "Okay." He took a deep breath. "When we got there, Gennai-san met us. He told us one of Diablomon's copies had escaped to the Digital World and asked Ryo and V-mon to stop it before it got too strong."

V-mon nodded. "And we did too." The little blue dragon winced. "But it was a trick."

"A trick?" Lee repeated. "Who's?"

Ken's eyes narrowed. "Millenniumon." He rested his head on a cupped palm as he leaned forward. "He surprised Ryo-san and blew up Infinity Mountain. Then he tore the Digital World in two so Ryo-san and I got separated."

Wormmon spoke up. "Ken-chan and I tried to help Ryo-san and V-mon-nii-chan repair the Digital World."

Ken rubbed his partner's head affectionately. "Right. Then we finally cornered Millenniumon."

*****************

"Hu ha ha ha ha!" A huge Digimon, its flesh a dark, evil colour, towered over Ken and Ryo as they stood together behind their partners XV-mon and Stingmon. It had four arms, each skeletal and dangerous-looking. A 'shell' of energy that vaguely resembled a dragon covered its back, armed with twin cannons. "I'm surprised the two of you got this far!" it roared. "But it's all over now, Ryo!"

"I won't let you touch him!" XV-mon said.

Stingmon raised his fists as his stingers extended. "Ken-san, stay behind me!"

"No!" Ryo yelled as they ran forward. "Wait!"

"X-Laser!" "Moon Shooter!" The two Digimon fired, XV-mon a beam from the X- shaped marking on his chest, Stingmon from his stingers. They might as well have been throwing stale popcorn.

"Not good enough, Ryo!" Millenniumon laughed as the attacks bounced harmlessly off him. "The Chosen Children couldn't stop me! What makes you think a couple of Adults can?"

"Kuso!" Ryo swore. "We have to do something." He clenched his fist. "If we don't, the world."

"Ryo-san." Ken's brow furrowed as he tried to think of something to say or do.

"Ken." Ryo said, standing straight. "Run."

"What?"

"Run. I'm going to try to use this crystal," he held out a small purple crystal he had picked up during the journey, "to try to seal him away." He ruffled the younger boy's hair. "I may not make it. So I want you to get as far away as possible while I keep him busy."

"NO!" Ken yelled, shaking his head. "I won't go! Ryo-san!"

"Ken." Ryo knelt and hugged him. "If anything happened to you." he whispered into the younger boy's ear. " What would I say to Osamu?"

"Ryo-san." Ken could feel tears pricking his eyes.

"Go!" Ryo pushed him and turned to face Millenniumon.

Ken stood still for a moment, his thoughts racing. "What should I do?" he whispered. Then, he saw him. A boy, about Ryo's age, floating in the air, looked down at him. He looked like an older version of Ken himself. "O- Osamu-nii-san?"

"." Osamu didn't say anything, but smiled at his brother.

"Nii-san." Tears did flow, staining his cheeks as he tried to wipe them away. "I understand. I won't let you down!" He turned to where Ryo stood, facing Millenniumon.

"Ken?!" Ryo looked down as Ken stepped up beside him. "What are you doing? I told you to run!"

"No!" Ken shook his head determinedly. "I won't let you die!"

"Listen, Ken," Ryo began.

"No!" Ken yelled. "Osamu-nii-san doesn't want either of us to die! We BOTH have to survive!"

"Ken."

"Wahahahahaha!" Millenniumon's mocking laugh drew their attention. "How noble! How sweet!" The Dark God's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Let me send you to the nether world together!" The Ultimate's cannons swung forward as he roared: "Dimension Destroyer!" A purple blast of malevolent energy launched from his cannons, distorting the very air as it flew at them.

"Ryo!" XV-mon landed in front of him, crossing his arms and bracing himself.

"Ken-san!" Stingmon did the same, crouching to protect Ken better.

Seconds before the blast hit, the crystal began glowing. Instinctively, Ryo held it up and Millenniumon's blast vanished, absorbed into the gem. "Eh?" The Dark God looked confused.

"Ken!" Ryo yelled. "Now!" He called to XV-mon. "Go, XV-mon!"

"Stingmon!" Ken cried. The two Digimon charged Millenniumon.

"No matter what." Ryo growled.

"No matter how much it hurts." Ken said, narrowing his eyes.

"WE WILL NOT LOSE!" they yelled together. At their cry, XV-mon and Stingmon began glowing.

"XV-mon!" "Stingmon!"

"What?" Millenniumon gasped. "It can't be." His eyes widened. "Jogress?!"

"Jogress evolve!" The two Digimon flew up into the air, their bodies fusing into a new Digimon who flew down, cannons attached to his hips swinging into firing position. While most of him resembled XV-mon, the part of him that was Stingmon was fairly obvious. His muscular blue-and-white body was protected by green insectoid armour and his head covered by a red helmet that vaguely reminded Ken of a type of bug. His voice was a melodic mix of XV-mon's boyish voice and Stingmon's heroic one, echoing as he announced his name. "Paildramon!" Paildramon landed between Millenniumon and the two boys, glaring at the larger Digimon. "Desperado Blaster!" The cannons on his hips opened fire, raining energy blasts down on Millenniumon.

"Not good enough!" The Dark God's hands began glowing. "Death Claw!" His arms elongated, slashing at the air.

Paildramon dodged the flailing limbs and raised his hands towards the sky, which began darkening. "Elemental Bolt!" A bolt of lightning crashed down from the clouds, covering his hand in electricity. The Perfect landed and rolled to avoid one of Millenniumon's arms, then aimed the lightining bolt at the Ultimate's face.

"Arrrhhh!" The Dark God staggered, surprised. "What? You.hurt me? How?"

"Kyaaaaaaaahhh!" Paildramon dived, kicking Millenniumon in the gut.

Ryo saw his chance. "Ken, wait here!" He took a step forward.

"Ryo-san!"

"You surprised me earlier, Paildramon," Millenniumon boasted. "But no more!"

"We'll see about that!" The half-dragon, half-insect Digimon extended stingers from his black forearms. "Egscreamer!" He dived down, stabbing at Millenniumon, who deflected the attack with swipes from his four arms. Dropping to the ground, the blue and green Perfect dragged his belly against the ground as he flew between Millenniumon's legs. "Egscreamer!" He slashed at the Evil God's legs, but couldn't penetrate the Ultimate's tough skin. Roaring, Millenniumon brought a huge foot up to crush him, but the Perfect flew nimbly out of the way and headed up into the air. "Kuso!" he cursed. "How can we beat him if we can't hurt him?"

"Paildramon!" Ryo yelled, running towards the battlefield. "Use this!" He threw the crystal up at the Perfect, who dived down to catch it.

"No, you don't!" Millenniumon's cannons swung into firing position. "Mugen Cannon!" Yellow energy blasts filled the air as Millenniumon fired repeatedly at the descending Jogress Digimon.

"Got it!" Paildramon's clawed hands cupped around the gem as he dodged Millenniumon's assault. "Now what?"

"I don't know!" Ryo called back. "Think of something!"

"Desperado Blaster!" Ken yelled. "Use Desperado Blaster!"

Paildramon looked over at the young boy. "Ken-san." The Jogressed Digimon nodded. "I understand!" He raised one of his cannons and dropped the crystal inside. "Okay!" he said, bringing his weapons to bear on the Dark God. "Fall, Millenniumon!"

"Never!" Millenniumon brought his own cannons forward, charging them. "Dimension Destroyer!"

"Desperado Blaster!" Paildramon's blast now had a purplish hue as it launched, the crystal glittering as it was carried by the attack towards Millenniumon.

The blasts hit in mid-air, pushing each other like some bizarre tug-of-war contest. Then, to Millenniumon's shock, the crystal suddenly burst out of the blasts and struck him in the chest, the force driving the gem deep into his body. The Evil God Digimon staggered, clutching the wound. "I.impossible! Again?! How can you defeat me again?" He collapsed to his knees as Paildramon devolved into V-mon and Wormmon. With a final roar, the Dark God vanished in a cloud of data.

"!" Suddenly, Ken saw it. Millenniumon released spores as he fell, and one was headed for Ryo. "Watch out!" he yelled, pushing Ryo aside. There was a sudden pain in his neck and he remembered screaming as everything went black.

*****************

"That's how the Dark Spore got inside you?" Miyako asked softly. She watched Ken's face as it shifted to a sad expression.

"Yes." Ken sighed. "Ryo-san felt so guilty."

"What happened to him after that?" Ruki asked. She was becoming more interested in the story.

"The D-1 Tournament." Hikari bit her lip. "Onii-chan told me that's where Ryo-san vanished."

Ken nodded. "That's right." His voice became bitter. "That's where I betrayed Ryo-san's trust in me."

Wormmon looked up at his partner. "It wasn't your fault, Ken-chan."

"What happened?" Juri asked. "What was the D-1 Tournament?"

Leomon stroked his chin thoughtfully. "In all my time in the Digital World, I've never heard of such a tournament."

"That's because it was all a sham," Ken said angrily. "It was all a trick to prepare Ryo-san."

"Prepare him for what?" Renamon asked. The fox-like Digimon had been silent so far, absorbed in the tale.

"Millenniumon."

"Him again?!" Ruki blurted out. "I thought Ryo killed him already! Twice!"

"So did we." V-mon hopped onto the table. "The Holy Beasts asked the Chosen Children to help get Ryo ready for another battle with Millenniumon."

"This crystal Ryo-san used imprisoned his spirit," Ken explained. "But then Millenniumon adapted and became Moon=Millenniumon." He looked down at Wormmon. "V-mon, Wormmon and Agumon were with him when he fought him underneath the D1 Tower." As he spoke, V-mon and Wormmon fell silent.

****************

Ryo stood facing a huge purple crystal. A malevolent glow originated from within it, the cause a swirling black entity. Twin heads became visible, with piercing yellow eyes that glared at the boy. Cracks appeared on the crystal's surface as Moon=Millenniumon spoke. "Well fought, Ryo."

WarGreymon and Paildramon stood at Ryo's side, ready to act if the Dark God tried anything. "Be on your guard," the gold and orange Ultimate told his friend.

"Got it," replied the Jogressed Digimon.

Moon=Millenniumon began shaking as more cracks appeared on his crystal. "Ryo, we are shadow and light, one cannot exist without the other." As he spoke, a piece of the crystal fell away. "Do you understand? Ryo, this means that my defeat is your defeat. If I die, I take you with me!" The Evil God began laughing as the crystal fell apart. With a deafening roar, the crystal exploded, ripping open a tear in the air. A swirling portal appeared in the tear, dragging everything in.

"Ryo!" Paildramon grabbed at the boy as he slipped and was sucked into the portal, but missed. "No!" Paildramon screamed as Ryo disappeared into the whirling portal and moved towards it.

"No!" WarGreymon said, clutching the Perfect's arm.

Paildramon turned to stare imploringly at the other Digimon. "But.Ryo!"

"The whole tower's coming down!" WarGreymon told the distraught Digimon, trying to reason with him. "We can't help him if we're dead!" The golden Ultimate replaced his Dramon Killers. "Follow me! Brave Tornado!" Spinning, he broke the door down and started flying through the collapsing tunnel.

Paildramon looked over shoulder at the portal. "Ryo." he whispered. "I'm sorry." Then he took off after WarGreymon.

*****************

"Was that the last you heard from him?" Lee asked.

"." Ken fell silent. "I met him one more time after that."

The fact he admitted it so grudgingly let the others know it was not a particularly pleasant memory. Miyako spoke up. "Ken.you don't have to talk if you don't want to."

"Thanks, Miyako-san," the boy said, smiling gratefully at her. "But I have to get it off my chest." He looked down at Wormmon. "I met Ryo one last time after that."

"When?" V-mon asked.

Ken looked up, his eyes haunted. "When I created Chimeramon."

*****************

The Digimon Kaizer got to his feet as Takaishi Takeru and Patamon ran out of his fortress to help in the battle against Chimeramon. "Insects." he spat. "They'll never stop Chimeramon! I created him! He's the ultimate Digimon!"

"Ken-chan," Wormmon said, tugging on his leg. "We should get out of here. What if the Chosen Children come back?"

"Let them!" the Kaizer laughed. "That will just make it easier for Chimeramon to rip them to shreds!"

"But, Ken-chan!"

"Quiet, you coward!" the Kaizer yelled, kicking the small green Digimon. The force of the blow sent the Child rolling into the wall of the corridor. "I don't need a sniveling insect to tell me what to do!"

"K-Ken-chan." Wormmon moaned.

"Ken." a voice said as footsteps echoed through the hall. "How could you?"

"Who's there?" The Kaizer demanded, holding his whip up. "Show yourself!"

More footsteps. Then, to the Kaizer's shock, a familiar-looking boy stepped into sight. His brown hair was spiked upwards, his eyes a bright blue. His face, a face the Kaizer remembered as smiling most of the time, was twisted into an expression of shock. "R.Ryo-san?!"

The older boy stared at the self-proclaimed ruler of the Digital World with grief in his eyes. "Ken." he whispered as he walked over to Wormmon, picking the little Digimon up gently. "Wormmon is your best friend! How could you treat him like that?"

The shock of seeing his old friend wore of as the Kaizer's grip tightened on his whip. "You're one to talk!" he spat. "Where have you been all this time? I waited and waited but you never came back!"

"I'm here now," Ryo told the boy.

"Too late!" The Kaizer was screaming now. "I don't need you anymore!"

"Ken!"

"Ryo," spoke a new voice. A small purple dragon-like Digimon walked out of the shadows behind the boy. Metallic claws tipped his hands and a single yellow horn-like bump decorated his head. "It's no good. That isn't the Ken you knew." His eyes were a piercing gold and stared at him as if he wanted to bore holes into his skull.

"But."

"We have to go, Ryo. Xeed Millenniumon isn't going to wait."

Ryo put Wormmon down gently. "You're right, Monodramon." The blue-eyed teen looked to the Kaizer. "I hope you find yourself soon, Ken." He began to walk back into the shadows with Monodramon, pausing to look over his shoulder. "I'm sorry." Then he was gone.

*****************

"The last thing I ever said to him was a scream." Ken said sadly. "I regretted it ever since."

"It wasn't your fault," Miyako said, trying to reassure him. "It was the Dark Spore that made you say that."

"But if I had been stronger, the Spore wouldn't have controlled me!"

"If, if, if." The children looked to see Oikawa at the door. "If I hadn't allowed Vamdemon inside me, I'd still be alive. If Hiroki was still alive, I would be a different man. If I hadn't helped created the Digimon Kaizer, there wouldn't have been so much suffering. So many ifs." The pale man sighed. "It's no good to lament a past you can't change. It's better to let go and move on."

"." Ken bit his lip, considering the man's words.

Ruki looked thoughtful. "Ken-kun." When the boy looked at her, she continued. "Did you say a Monodramon was with your Ryo?"

"Yes," Ken nodded. "You remember too, right, Wormmon?"

The green caterpillar nodded. "That's right."

"Cyberdramon devolves into Monodramon."

Lee got what she was hinting at. "You think he might know something?"

Ruki shrugged. "He evolved to Perfect on his own without a partner. He must've done some traveling. Maybe he heard something."

"It's worth a shot," Daisuke agreed. "Let's go, Ichijouji!" The goggle boy grabbed his friend's arm, pulling him to his feet. "You never know!"

"B-but."

"What's happening?" Ryo appeared in the doorway, clutching a mug of steaming tea. His eyes were lined with red and he yawned repeatedly.

"What happened to you?" Ruki asked.

"I stayed up late trying to explain the plan to Cyberdramon," the Tamer replied. "He'd rather be in the first group, I think." He looked around the room at the others. "So why's everybody in here?"

Ken spoke up hesitantly, still feeling uncomfortable talking to him. "Uh.Ryo.-san," he said, obviously finding it difficult to talk to someone who looked, sounded and acted like his missing friend. "I need to ask Cyberdramon some questions. Is that okay?"

"Sure," Ryo shrugged. "No guarantee he'll answer, though." The blue-eyed Tamer turned to lead the way up. "Let's go!"

*****************

Unknown to the Tamers and their allies, another meeting was taking place. Demon stood at the head of his legions, the Four Dark Masters and MetalEtemon each leading a column. Skull Satamon, MarineDevimon and Lady Devimon stood behind the Demon Lord, awaiting his commands. The other Lady Devimon stood at Piemon's side, her wounds healed. "Devimon." The leader of the Dark Digimon's voice was surprisingly quiet, but still echoed through the huge chamber.

"I am here, Demon," the Dark Messenger replied, appearing in the air before him. His arms were crossed, his eyes glowing.

"You and Nanomon will remain here to direct the attack while I lead." Demon looked over his shoulder to the mechanical Perfect. "Do not fail me."

"Failure is not in my dictionary," Nanomon replied.

"Yeah, right," MetalEtemon mumbled under his breath, earning a glare from the wire-armed robot.

Demon either didn't notice or didn't care. "Devimon. Open the gate." Devimon nodded, raising his hand in an elaborate gesture. Then, slowly, a gate creaked open, the sound echoing through the Digimon ranks, filling them with anticipation as the sunlight slowly flowed in. "Now, my Dark Digimon," the imposing Dark Lord said, his wings spreading as he addressed his forces. "Onward!"

*****************

"." Cyberdramon stared blankly at Ken.

"." Ken stared back.

Ruki's eye twitched impatiently. All Ken had done was ask the Perfect if he had ever met anyone like Ryo. Cyberdramon didn't reply and pointed at Ryo instead. Then Ken had asked if he'd encountered anyone who looked like Ryo, sounded like him and acted like him. The dragon simply pointed at Ryo again. That's when the staring contest started. "This is getting ridiculous."

"Cyberdramon's hiding something." Renamon spoke with certainty, sure she was right.

"You can sense it too, huh?" Tailmon said.

"How do you figure?" Hirokazu asked, puzzled.

"Cyberdramon is more intelligent than he lets on," Renamon explained. "He's playing dumb."

"Why?" Ruki peered at the Perfect, who still hadn't let up from his impromptu staring contest with Ken.

Tailmon noticed Hikari rubbing her arms. "What's wrong, Hikari?"

"You okay, Hikari-chan?" Daisuke asked, looking over at her. "Are you cold?"

Hikari shook her head, her pink hairclip reflecting the light as she moved. "No, not that." Her brow furrowed as she bit her lip. "Something's making me nervous."

Takeru spoke to her. "Is it a Dark Digimon?" He knew that she was somewhat sensitive to the effects of darkness and had learnt to rely on her instinct concerning them.

The brunette shook her head. "I don't know. I just feel something familiar.something frightening."

Cyberdramon allowed a low growl to escape from his throat. 'Damn that girl!' cursed the voice. 'I completely forgot she could sense things like that!'

"So much for your flawless plans," Cyberdramon growled quietly.

'Oh, be quiet.'

Then, there was the blaring of an alarm. "All personnel, to your posts!" Reika's voice ordered through the intercom. "We are under attack!"

"Everyone!" Yamaki had appeared at the doorway to the roof, Mummymon and Archnemon with him. "Oikawa-san, it's time to begin the operation."

Oikawa nodded. "I understand." He nodded his head in the direction of the Tamers. "Mummymon. Archnemon. You know what to do."

"We'll go on ahead," Ryo said. He looked down to Impmon. "Let's go, Impmon!" He hopped onto Cyberdramon's back as the cyborg picked the Child level up.

"Hold it, put me down!" the little demon Digimon protested. "Let me evolve first!"

"It's easier to carry you this way," Cyberdramon growled. "Evolve when we get there."

"Hurry up!" BlackWarGreymon was clearly impatient and eager to get started, and Cyberdramon wasted no time in taking off, heading to their designated point.

"Wait!" Oikawa called. "BlackWarGreymon! We need you to." He sighed as he realized the Ultimate was already out of earshot. "Oh, what's the use?" He turned to the Tamers and Chosen Children. "Good luck." He held out his hands as Mummymon and Archnemon did the same. Slowly, four orbs appeared. Two glowed red, one blue and the other white. There was a flash, and the orbs vanished.

*****************

"What was that?" Pinnochimon wondered when the light faded.

"Unknown," MugenDramon replied. "I suggest we proceed with caution."

Demon's eyes narrowed. "Noted." He raised his hand. "Attack!" A couple of Mekanorimon and Tankmon moved forward, only to vanish in a crimson light with a scream. "What?"

A tall humanoid figure stood in his way. One hand held a huge lance, the other a large shield that covered most of his body. The triangles patterned its edges and a red Digital Hazard symbol decorated it like a herald. It was covered in silver armour and a regal red cloak flowed over its shoulders. It looked up at him, blue eyes peering out from under a helmet decorated with a dragon's head.

/When two shining bodies/

/Melt together, matrix evolution/

"Who are you?" Demon demanded.

/Then you'll understand everything/

/The meaning of your meeting/

The Digimon rose to his feet, wielding his lance with an almost frightening ease. "I, Dukemon, will defeat you!"

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Preview:

Devimon: So, the battle begins at last. Tamers. Chosen. Behold the powers of Darkness!

???: Raaaaaaagggghhhh!

Digimon Tamers: Dark Wing! Roar! Chimeramon!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Author's notes: In case you don't know who's who:

Daisuke: Davis Hikari: Kari Miyako: Yolei Iori: Cody Takeru: TK V-mon: Veemon Tailmon: Gatomon

Author's notes: Dukemon uses a very arrogant form of Japanese. "Kono Dukemon" would translate roughly into "I, Dukemon". Yes, he's THAT arrogant sounding.

Reviews, comments, suggestions and criticisms (constructive or otherwise) are welcome and can be sent to Withoutmorals@antisocial.com