A knights' true purpose is to serve. To serve means to be loyal and follow without question. To follow without question means relinquishing one of their own will. To have no will is to be a knight.

A knights' true meaning is to serve. To serve for a good cause is to be right. To be right means the opposition must be wrong. To be wrong means to die. To be a knight means to not die.

RhodoKnightmon and Craniummon, two Royal Knights with no will. Their true purpose in living was to serve their leader and kill least they be killed. Blades that held the screams of the fallen are their tools. Their tools are an extension of their soul. They are their fallen victims.

Pondering the questions of life the armored clayed knights knew what was to come; a routine imbedded in them rivaling only their skills. Soon, according to the pattern they knew so well, the smell of death would take to the air, as those trying to protect what they seek would perish as many have. They were not worried, as they should be. The calm before the storm, while filled with doubt for everyone, meant nothing for these two knights. Meant nothing for any of them, really.

But on this night there were other thoughts currently running through their heads that had no purpose. Facing back-to-back the two knights seemed adamant in answering their questions.

"RhodoKnightmon, do you think that this will be the last time we travel to another world?" asked Craniummon.

"Lord Alphamon said that he was here, I see no reason to not hold dear to what he said," replied RhodoKnightmon.

"But he has been wrong in the past, regardless of what you may think."

"Craniummon, you are not losing fate in our dear leader, are you? He is, after all, quite strong."

"No. Far from it. Still, for how long have we been traversing the multiple universes in search for power?"

"Well now you are asking a question with zero to an unlimited amount of answers. Remember what Duffmon said; each universe has its own time separated from the others. Spending a couple of days here might only mean a few seconds back home."

"And spending a few seconds here might mean several years back home," Craniummon quickly responded.

"Be that as it may, but it is through traversing that Dynasmon found it. Even if we do not find what we seek, we will, in due time, all be able to ascend to his level. Every kill brings us closer to it."

"Speaking of which, what did you think of the ones we fought in this world? Did you think they were formidable?"

"They were stronger than the ones we usually fight. I would not say that they were anything outstanding but I would definitely say they were formidable. Is there a reason you ask?"

Craniummon focused his attention forward. "The Craniummon from this world was probably the strongest one I have faced to date. He seemed far more determined to win than any of the others."

"Well this dimension seems to be full of surprises. First Lord Alphamon was forced to use that attack during his bout, then Sleipmon is found practically dead, and now you say that this Craniummon put up a good fight. I would say that there is a chance that what we might finally be heading home, what with everything in this world being supped up. By the way, is that what I think I hear? The buzzing of the bees on their way to be slaughtered."

In front of Craniummon, traveling with an increasing acceleration, were fighter-planes. Equipped with top class weapons tech, the fighter pilots were confident in their ability to defeat the mysterious treat.

With miles between them and the jets, Craniummon did not look the least bit worried. "Only five? These humans seem to be overestimating their strength."

"Look on the bright side, we will return before the others do."

Summoning his shield and blade lance, Craniummon raised his shield while aiming in lance straight. RhodoKnightmon, still behind his bulky-armored companion, remained still as he waited for the attack.

As five missiles left the jets, Craniummon braced himself by focusing all of his attention on his shield. Felling the force of the missiles, Craniummon continued to shield his comrade. With the smoke clearing, the pilots were taken back as they saw the purple knight still standing without a dent in his armor. As the planes all flew past him, a pink blur made its way towards the five fighter planes attacking them apace. Using his sharp armor as a weapon, RhodoKnightmon had no problem slicing through the jets they brought.

Returning back to his original position, RhodoKnightmon watched as the jets went ablaze. Admiring his own work, the knight grew bored with the realization that the humans were underestimated his and Craniummon's strength.

"Perhaps we should make our way towards their base," RhodoKnightmon said. "It should not be too far from here."

"We have to be careful," Craniummon responded. "That generator could be anywhere inside the base, attacking at randomly might force us to look for him the hard way."

"Guess you are right. By the way, do I hear more of them coming?"

"Yes. I cannot spot them but I am certain that they are there. Aw, I see. They have developed stealth capabilities for nighttime combat. Using the darkness the night creates, you have to admire the ingenuity of these humans using a common fear like that. Watch out, they have five again"

Watching five more missiles approaching them, Craniummon once again braced his shield. When the missiles hit, the shield had no problem protecting both of them when they exploded. Still covered in smoke, the duo continued with their conversation.

"But the night should be feared, it holds more then enough mysteries. How many times has the night not made you cower when you were a child?"

Hearing the jets fly over-head RhodoKnightmon once again attacked with lighting fast speed, destroying the planes in the process.

"Yet, at the same time, we personally have seen the terrors it holds," continued RhodoKnightmon. "Many times we are that terror."

"I have said it before, humans intrigue me. Using the night has been a common strategy in warfare. Advancing all these years and still they do not abandon the strategies their ancestors gave them."

"Unfortunately for them, we have trained ourselves to ignore those fears. Pity."

"Looks like they decided to bring out the helicopters and tanks. Surprise they did not bring out the infantry."

Once again raising up his defenses, Craniummon felt the tank shells and heavy machine gun fire attempting to pierce his shield. After a non-stop barrage that lasted over a minute, Craniummon lowered his shield revealing a non-damaged exterior. But before the humans could muster their failure, RhodoKnightmon once again attacked with the blitzkrieg-like strategy annihilating them all.

When the screams finally faded from the night, the two knights found what they had been looking for and left. For those who fell, not a single tear was shed for them that night.

Yoshino, while driving a car that produced that same noise, had never been a fan of sirens. She could never once in her life remember when a siren meant anything good; that was until her current predicament. Appearing tired and broken, the sound coming from the police squadron rejuvenated her spirit. Upon seeing her boss, Chief Superintendent Satsuma Rentarou, she ran towards him expecting some sort of explanation.

"Sir," she said panting. "The knights... they attacked."

"Yoshino, calm down." Knowing she was worried, the former commander of DATS put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Now calmly, what happened here?"

Catching her breath, she was able to retell the events that occurred. "The Royal Knights sir, they were the ones who attacked here."

"The Royal Knights?" Rather then being scared, he seemed more surprise. "Yoshino, are you sure that it was them?"

"Positive. But Sir, there is something you should know." She seemed rather uncomfortable about telling what happened and appeared almost opposed to telling him the truth. "Sir, it was Sleipmon. He was here and helping in the attack."

He tried his best to keep his composer. He really did try. Still, while a respected officer of the law like him should have stuck to procedure, he instead chose to follow what was right.

"Yoshino, that's impossible. Kudamon has swore to always protect humanity, him being responsible for the attack would be impossible."

"Sir, I know it seems impossible, I wanted to believe something else to, but I know what I saw. Sleipmon and Duftmon, they appear to be the only two knights that are here. Sleipmon was even the one who attacked me."

He did not want to believe it. Heck, he wanted to tell Yoshino that it was impossible. But he knew her to well to know she would not lie to him like that, especially under the current situation.

"Yoshino, we need to find them. I need to see with my own two eyes." Walking towards his squadron he immediately used the radio. "Miki, Megumi. Make sure that nothing gets in this district. Also, do not call for any help to any outside sources."

"Understood, sir." They both replied in unison.

Yoshino was surprised by the orders he called. "But sir, what if we need some sort of back up?"

"We have both seen their power for ourselves, Yoshino. Men with guns will not do anything to frighten them. Even an air strike that could take them out would take a while to assemble. We are better off trying to solve this diplomatically."

He did not seem to shown any true remorse with his decision. He was certain that Sleipmon would do no such thing yet, as much as he would like to deny it, he knew he might be wrong. Knowing that the possibility of backup was out of the question, the two followed the destroyed path.

There were several aspects of being a living-Tarzan that gave Ikuto an advantage. While language was not one of them, Ikuto had a hard time getting lost through the small-crowed streets since he had the ability to jump from tree to tree or in a more modern way, jump from building to building. Doing just that, Ikuto was having an easy time getting to where he needed to be. Since many of the houses and shops were practically jointed, Ikuto was mostly walking having to only leap across buildings every once in a while.

Finally reaching where the main part of the city was, he knew he was at the right place upon seeing the destruction. Examining the buildings, he knew something big had attacked.

A digimon? He was certain. The only thing he knew that had enough power with that much mobility was a digimon and the only thing Ikuto was hoping for was that it was not one that was too powerful. Exploring the recently made ruins had brought him a sight he never though he would see, an abandoned city. Seeing as they were always full of people going to work, it was refreshing to see it empty, regardless of the circumstances. After about a few minutes of walking through the city, he encountered them; head on to make matters worst.

"Duftmon... Sleipmon, what are you two doing here?"

Looking at his companion, Duftmon gave the order. "Sleipmon, kill him."

Much to Ikuto's surprised, Sleipmon did not hesitate to aim his arrows in his direction. Due to the shock of discovering the identity of the attackers, Ikuto barely managed to jump out of the way from the arrow. Watching it pierce the ground, Ikuto knew that the arrow was sent to kill him.

"Sleipmon! Don't you remember who I am? I helped out Commander Satsuma Rentarou and the other members of DATS. You have to remember me."

Again, Sleipmon launched another arrow in his direction. Like last time, Ikuto dodged it but as he landed on the floor, the shock the arrow created knocked him on his back. Regaining his composure, he saw that Sleipmon was again aiming an arrow at him. Knowing that he did not have enough time to dodge, he just closed his eyes. Felling a strong shoulder pulling him back, he was able to hear as the arrow hit. Opening his eyes, he saw that it was Commander Satsuma Rentarou who had saved his life.

"Ikuto!" said Yoshino as she ran towards the boy and embrace him in a hug.

"Yoshino, what is going on here? Why did Sleipmon attack me?"

"I don't know, Ikuto." She said letting go.

Remembering why he wanted to be there, Yoshino focused her attention on the commander. He seemed disturbed, but was easily keeping what he was really feeling inside. Commander Satsuma, instead of making sure Ikuto was unharmed, seemed to be questioning what was happening right in front of him. He had seen it with his own eyes; Sleipmon attempted to kill a human, a member of DATS, to be more specific.

At first he had hoped that it was another Sleipmon, though he knew that was impossible. Still, he was trying to hold on to some small amount of hope. They were friends, after all. But this was his partner, his friend. He could not tell how he knew it was his Kudamon but he knew. It could have been their bond through evolution, or it could have been their strong friendship. Either way, he did not care; he was too caught up in a moment of disbelief to process the danger he was in. As two pairs of hands pulled him back, he made sense of the situation and saw that it had been Yoshino and Ikuto who had saved him from one of Sleipmon's arrows.

"Sir, I know you might be troubled by what's been happening here but you need to... Dodge!"

As another arrow hit, they all managed to move out of the way before it hit any of them.

"Sleipmon, why haven't you killed that brat yet?" asked a now angry Duftmon. Walking towards the fight, he saw that there were now two extra humans accompanying the kid from before. Looking down at Yoshino, he immediately recognized her from before. "So it appears that Sleipmon continues to fail in killing his targets. We'll have to fix that later, won't we?"

Turning around, she saw that Satsuma was still in the same trance he was from before.

"Sir, please. You need to snap out of this or he might kill you."

Satsuma Rentarou: Kudamon's partner. Since the formation of DATS, those two had always been side by side. Their bond was strong, though they rarely showed it in public. Satsuma trusted Kudamon even though his sole purpose for being there was to spy on humans. He had learned to look past that and in turn, so did Kudamon. He felt betrayed. Could all of those years they had spent forming their friendship been nothing but lies? At the moment, that is how things seemed. Their relationship, it was but lies build on top of other lies.

"Sir!"

Once again, Satsuma found himself being pushed out of harms way by Yoshino as another arrow hit where he had been standing.

Knowing that the revelation had been too much for him, Yoshino decided to put him out of harms way. Finding an open shop, she dragged him inside for protection.

As Duftmon approached Sleipmon he was contemplating why Sleipmon was not making any hits. "He appears to be somewhat robotic in his movements. Could this be one of the side effects from using the orb while he was injured? Can't be, I made sure that I got rid of all the bugs affecting the previous version. Regardless, I'll fix it as soon as I get back. Sleipmon, make sure that the humans do not follow me."

Walking away, Sleipmon aimed his arrow where Yoshino and Satsuma were hiding. For whatever reason, he had ignored Ikuto who was standing not to far from them. Since he was the only one who did not have an arrow aimed at him, he took haste as he began following Duftmon.

Seeing him chase after the Royal Knight, Yoshino made an attempt to follow suit only to be prevented from escaping her location due to Sleipmon's arrow. Jumping back to dodge it, she realized that she was not going to simply waltz her way out of there.

"Sir, due you have a radio on you?"

He did not respond.

"This really is the worst. Ikuto, please don't try anything too foolish."

Still chasing Duftmon, Ikuto easily recognized the location that they were in. They were nearing the old DATS base.

Unbeknownst to him, Duftmon was perfectly aware that he was being followed. He wanted to wait, make him think that he was going to get away with his life. It was all part of the hunt, after all. Slowing down, Ikuto began catching up to Duftmon but like the Royal Knight wanted, it was all part of the plan. Like that, Duftmon turned around and sent his rapier down attempting to smash Ikuto.

Using his quick speed, Ikuto easily avoided the first strike and, seeing that the rapier was once again coming in his direction, once again jumped out of the way. Landing safely, he opened his bag pack revealing an old toy of his, his boomerang.

"So it's a fight you want? I got the time."

Deciding to make the fight an even one Duftmon, like Dynasmon, began shrinking his body down until it was in a reasonable size to fight the human.

Ikuto wasted no time. Seeing that Duftmon was going to give him a fair fight, he rushed in without thinking about the difference in power.

Slashing at the knight, Duftmon blocked the boomerang with his rapier.

Ikuto saw that Duftmon was not taking him seriously. Rather than getting mad, he decided that he would use that to try and win. Pulling back his boomerang, he attempted a quick strike at Duftmon's side only to still have his boomerang blocked by the rapier. As Duftmon saw an open opportunity he attempted to stab Ikuto only to have Ikuto jump back, avoiding injury. Throwing his Boomerang at Duftmon, the knight used his free hand to swat it away, relinquishing Ikuto of any weapons.

Duftmon had been left somewhat amused by the boys' antics. "You have strength and agility, such a shame you will have to die here. Though, if you don't mind me asking, how did you manage to achieve that speed? I've seen plenty of humans and none of them could pull off a fraction of what you just did. It seems... inhuman."

Rushing in, Ikuto was hoping that he would think of a plan midway through. Duftmon was once again amused by what he was seeing. But as one of the honored members of the Royal Knights he knew what he had to do.

Still holding back his full strength, he too rushed forward with an attempt to finish the boy off. Finally in close proximity Duftmon slashed his blade at him only to have Ikuto jump to the side, rolling as he hit the ground to get back up. Seeing his Boomerang lying on the floor, Ikuto rushed towards his weapon. Reaching it, he grabbed it and once again attempting to take down the knight.

Again, both opponents rushed at each other. When the boomerang and the rapier clashed midpoint it was clear that Duftmon was winning, even though it was obvious he was holding back. Seeing an opportunity, Ikuto stepped back tripping the knight forward. Making more distance between them, Ikuto again threw his boomerang at Duftmon. Still down Duftmon, much to Ikuto's surprised, caught the Boomerang with his freehand without much effort.

"My," Duftmon began saying as he stood up, "I was right, you are stronger than most humans. I am rather curious and must thus ask, how did you do it?"

Not wanting to give Duftmon any satisfaction, Ikuto refused to answer.

"You are rather shy, aren't you? No matter, let me see if I can convince you to talk." Putting the hand holding the boomerang in front of himself, Duffmon squashed it in his hand, effortlessly.

It was gone, his last connection he had left from his former life as a digimon. He was showing how hurt he was in front of his enemy but he did not care.

"So your weapon, it seems to have some sort of sentimental value. You humans and giving value to something meant to fight. But this weapon, I recognized that material, it is nonexistent in the real world. You did not grow up here, didn't you?"

With no weapon at hand Ikuto rushed in, anger overtaking his body. But he was foolish in his action. When he approached, Duftmon stopped Ikuto and grabbed him by his hands, stopping him in his tracks.

Duftmon had wasted his time with the boy so now he wanted to make him pay. "You grew up in the digital world, probably thinking you were some sort of digimon."

Ikuto continued to try and free himself to no avail.

"Did they call you a freak? Did they make fun of you? They never really accepted you as part of their family, did they? Did you even have a family?"

"Shut up!" Ikuto shouted.

"Did some lowly digimon take you as one of their own? Were they too seen as freaks?"

"Shut up!" Ikuto shouted again.

"What, did I hit a sensitive spot in your ego? My, you are an interesting one."

"Just shut up!"

"Shut up? You finally decide to talk and that is all you can say huh. One side did a terrible job in not teaching you proper manners; I'm guessing it was you parents from the digital world, of course. As much as I hate to admit it, some of us digimon are a bit on the lacking when it comes to those kinds of things."

With that final insult running through his head Ikuto lifted his knees up and used his feet to kick Duftmon in the face. Being in the position he was in, Duftmon was not expecting continuing the fight with the boy given that he though he had broken him. But as Ikuto freed himself from Duftmon's grasp the knight felt more interested in him than he was before.

"You should consider yourself lucky. If it wasn't for my work, I'd be delighted into turning you into an experiment. Now move aside."

Again, with no weapon at hand, Ikuto rushed in not caring for his safety. Duftmon, however, showed signs of being displeased. Punching the boy in the stomach, the knight made sure to not kill him.

Defeated, Ikuto just stayed there as tears began running down from his eyes. They were not from the pain, no; Ikuto refused to give Duftmon that kind of satisfaction. Instead, those tears came from feeling helpless, something he had not felt since his childhood. He did not have anymore to give; Duftmon had rid him of any fight he had left. He was just going to have to take whatever Duftmon dished out, regardless of the pain it would cause.

But Duftmon did not attack him. Instead he just left him there, sulking in his own misery.

"You are an interesting specimen," Duftmon turned around. "Unfortunately, work calls. Shame, I could have learned so much from you."

Everything after that happened so fast. Duftmon entered the building, grabbed what he was looking for, and left. As for Ikuto, he just stayed there, even after he had recovered from the punch, feeling like a helpless child.

"Falcomon," he managed to say, "we are you?"

Yoshino had made three attempts at escaping, having them all end with her returning back. She was in a predicament; stay where she was to make sure Satsuma did nothing to endanger himself or try and reach Ikuto before he endangered himself. Knowing that Ikuto could defend himself, and that she was not going anywhere regardless of how many times she tried, she knew that it would be best to remain with Satsuma seeing as he was not acting like himself. To her surprise, he finally spoke.

"Yoshino, thanks."

He had snapped out of it. Walking towards the exit, he showed no fear as he was approaching his partner.

"Sir, be careful."

"I will, Yoshino."

Stepping outside Satsuma Rentarou showed no fear when Sleipmon aimed the bow directly at him. He kept his demeanor; he knew what he had to do.

"Sleipmon, I do not know why you decided to attack but know that you will be forgiven. Please Sleipmon, stop this now."

There was almost a slight bit of remorse in the eyes of the knight. But that did not stop him from attacking his partner.

Watching from the sidelines, Yoshino saw that he was not getting through to Sleipmon and managed to push him out of the way before he was struck.

"Sir! Please. I know you mean well but if you are not careful you will die here."

"So apparently you two are still alive." Looking up, Satsuma and Yoshino saw that Duftmon had returned. Hovering above them, he slowly drifted down landing gently next to Sleipmon. "Seeing as you somehow managed to survive I shall grant you two the gift of life. What you do after is of no concern to me. Sleipmon let us make haste."

Following his orders, both knights flew up as a portal opened. This did not stop Satsuma from still trying to convince his partner.

"Kudamon, you swore to protect humans. Why are you all of a sudden attacking us?"

There never came an answer. Both knights disappeared as the portal close leaving the former DATS members defeated.

Without their digimon, they were helpless. But they were not going to take their defeat lying down, not if Satsuma could say anything about it. Knowing what had to be done and who might die in the process, the commander of DATS decided that it was time to come out of retirement.

"Come Yoshino, we need to search for Ikuto to make sure that he is okay." Upon reaching the car, he already began taking his role as commander. "Use the radio to tell Miki and Megumi to get Touma on the line. We are taking DATS out of retirement."

Takato still had questions about it. His old digivice had been replaced with something he did not know how to control. His digisoul, that he figured was what caused Guilmon to evolve, seemed to need some sort of activation reflex since he had not been able to summon it since the fight with Gaioumon. Though he was worried that another digimon, more specifically another ultimate, might attack them, Guilmon was not.

Stuffing his face with fruit from a nearby tree, Guilmon was not worried that they were in a strange world. Instead, he was more worried about his partner not willing to eat due to being too worried about their current predicament.

"Takato, you need to eat before you faint."

"Guilmon, we need to find a way to get out of here; at least find a way to evolve again just in case another Digimon attacks us."

"So if I evolve again you promise that you will eat?"

"Yes."

"Okay then. Just say what you said before and it will all be over."

"Okay but I'm telling you that it's not working." Placing his hand over the digivice, Takato readied for his digisoul. "Digisoul charge. Overdrive!"

Nothing happened.

"You wanna try again?"

"Alright." Takato once again placed his hand over the digivice hoping it would work this time. "Digisoul charge. Overdrive!"

Again, nothing happened.

"See."

"Well maybe you're doing it wrong, Takato."

"But I did it just like last time. Could there be something else?"

"Maybe it's because you're hungry."

"Guilmon please, I can't think about food at a time like this."

"But Takato, it is during a time like this that it is best to talk about food. It will get your mind of things and then maybe you'll be able to summon your digisoul."

"I don't know."

Looking at his worried partner Guilmon reached up and placed a comforting hand on his partners shoulder. It was funny how at one point they were the same size but now, Guilmon had to look up if he wanted to see eye-to-eye with him.

"Trust me." Guilmon said as a smile ran across his face.

Again, Takato trusted his partner and knew that everything would be all right. Deciding that he was putting himself through too much stress, Takato knew that a break from it all might cause him to concentrate better at the task at hand. Stealing one of the fruits from his partner, he ate it and was delighted with what he tasted.

"Wow! These are really good. Though I do hope I'm not being too easy on it because I have not eaten since the morning."

"Nope. These are that good."

"But after this, we get back to trying and figuring out where we are exactly."

"Alright."

As the two indulged themselves with all the fruit they could eat, the sun began setting giving the moon a chance to shine. With the day finally ending, the two decided that it would be best not to travel until morning.

Upon arriving back at the base, Duftmon saw that Craniummon and RhodoKnightmon had already returned with their part. Close to them was UlforceV-dramon still by Alphamon's side, whose condition had not improved. Behind Duftmon was Sleipmon looking as robotic as ever and somehow still standing.

"Well I'm in for a busy night," Duftmon said.

RhodoKnightmon looked at him curiously. "What makes you say that?"

"First I have to fix that computer and then I have to fix all these damn bugs in the orbs system." Duffmon did not sound please. "That is, permitting, Dynasmon managed to do his job by himself."

"Have some faith in me, will you not."

Hearing Dynasmon's voice, the rest of the knights seemed baffled when he did not appear.

"Look closer," Dynasmon said upon his annoyance.

Finally seeing him, they were all surprised to see him not a giant but as a small knight.

"What is the matter with you, Dynasmon?" asked Craniummon. "You know that it is disrespectable to be in that form in front of Lord Alphamon."

"Well I had to get the disk and being who fragile it was, I had to take this form." Dynasmon was again enraged by his comrades teasing.

RhodoKnightmon stepped in. "But you have the disk now; just turn into your big self and show some respect."

"I'd rather not."

Staying out of the conversation where Alphamon and UlforceV-dramon, who merely looked annoyed by their antics.

"Unless you are hiding something, Dynasmon, I too suggest you return to your old self."

"Or what, I can take down each one of you if I wanted. I suggest you all shut..."

"Dynasmon!" UlforceV-dramon interrupted. "You know the proper way to show respect. As for the rest of you, you are all acting like children."

"Pardon out behavior sir," Craniummon began. "It is just that this might be the last time we travel to a foreign world. If Lord Alphamon is correct, at which I'm certain that he is, we will finally be able to return home. We cannot help it if we are a bit exited."

"Understood. Now Dynasmon, how about you show some respect."

Knowing that he was outnumbered, Dynasmon began increasing in size. Eventually, he was the same height as his pears but his shame would soon be known.
"Didn't that mark on your cheek heal before you left here, Dynasmon?" asked RhodoKnightmon.

"Yes. It did."

"Does that mean what I think it means?" RhodoKnightmon said in a tease full tone. "Did another human punch you?"

Though he did not say it, they all knew the answer was yes. They were not going to let him live it down that he got punched by a human twice in the same day.

"You know, for one who prides himself in being the strongest," Duftmon began, "you sure do know how to make an embarrassment of yourself."

With a white aura overtaking Dynasmon's body, he threw a punch at Duftmon only to have Sleipmon step in and take the blow, knocking him out. Knowing he was angry, RhodoKnightmon attempted to stop the angered Dynasmon only to be immediately knocked to the ground before he laid his hands on him. With RhodoKnightmon on the ground, Dynasmon attempted to deliver a potentially fatal blow only to have his hand blocked by Craniummon, who was now also glowing in the same white aura Dynasmon was.

"You did not think you were the only one with that trick up his sleeve, did you?"

"But... but when?"

"Agreed." Looking over to UlforceV-dramon, Craniummon and Dynasmon saw that the rest of the knights were baffled by the new revelation. "Tell us, Craniummon, when did it happen?"

"It was definitely after today's battle, sir."

"Then that is good then," UlforceV-dramon continued. "Dynasmon, you will apologize to your teammates and control that temper of yours. We have had this talk before. Duffmon, what exactly did you do to Sleipmon?"

As they all turned around, they saw that the orb had left Sleipmon's body only to have him look worst than before. He looked almost at the edge of death but was hanging on.

"It must be a side effect, sir," he quickly responded.

"Go put him somewhere where he may lie down."

"Right!"

Carrying him away, the rest of the knights were surprised when Alphamon spoke.

"My friends gather round."

Not even wasting time being surprised by his recovery of energy, they all knelled down in front of him. When Duftmon returned, he too knelled in front of his lord.

"My comrades, with Craniummon's new revelation I know that the time is upon us to return back home. Once we are done here, we will prevail and regain the land we once lost. Now Duffmon, make us proud, locate OuRyuumon so we may take his strength for ourselves."

"Understood, sir."

Signed: The Two-One-Five

Word Count: 5740

June 30, 2008 7:11pm PT

AN: as always, remember to read and review :-)