Chapter 20: Jeakle and Hyde

Things were quiet in the wake of what happened at Examon's castle, we were all still a bit shaken from almost being turned into statues, another in a long line of near deaths we had faced together.

However we had seemed to have gained a new tag along, Gallentmon, he had said before we left the castle he had "things to discuss with us", so I guess he was just waiting for us to find a place to park ourselves.

Jason had settled on a small clearing in the forest, getting the campsite ready with the bag of supplies we had collected from Toy Land a while ago, Commandramon insisting they weren't booby trapped.

As everyone began to set up camp, I began to notice that Psychemon had been acting… odd since we left the castle, he'd always been kinda distant, he was a shy and timid Digimon after all, but this was different, he seemed like he was just… withdrawn, he hadn't spoken a word since the castle, the only times he acknowledged the others presence was when he was asked something, and even then he only offered a small nod or shake of the head.

It was clear something was bothering him, I thought back to his reaction when Jason said we were headed to the Nightmare Soldiers next, something had to have happened to him there, but whatever it was, Psychemon wasn't saying. To be honest, I was beginning to worry about him.

But that would have to wait, as the minute everyone finished setting up the camp, Gallentmon called us to meeting, we all took a seat in a circle, waiting to hear what the knight Digimon had to say.

Gallentmon waited until everyone was seated before explaining, "I'm sure you all are wondering why I wanted to speak with you," He began, "Kentaruosmon is an old friend of mine, he and I are members of a group of extraordinary Digimon, the Royal Knights," He continued.

Kentaruosmon never mentioned anything about being a member of a group outside of the rebellion, "The Royal Knights are charged by the former king of the Digital World, Yggdrasil, to protect it and it's inhabitants, we've done this for countless years, but as you can see… we've failed," Said Gallentmon, his voice wavering slightly, it was clear how seriously he took his mission, and how much his failure hurt him, "We spent a few years trying to reclaim our fallen land to no avail, it seemed no matter what we tried, Rex always had a counter, and now… I fear that many of my brothers have resigned to their… new king," He said.

Wait… what? "What do you mean, new king?" I asked, I had a sinking feeling I knew the answer already, but I was still hoping I was wrong.

But Gallentmon sighed, "Some of my brothers have abandoned Yggdrasil's will to serve Rex Nexion, I only found out about this a few days ago, that's why I needed to find you, inform you of what awaited you at Rex's castle," He explained, it was a sobering thought, that Rex had some of the Royal Knights on his side, who according to Gallentmon were among the most powerful Digimon in the Digital World!

Ross stood up, "But why? I thought you said their job was to protect the Digital World? Why turn to the guy who's ruining it?" He asked.

Gallentmon could only lower his head, "I do not know, my guess is they felt that Rex's rule couldn't be challenged, and resigned to their fate," He answered.

Jason shook his head, "Then we'll just have to beat them too," He said, at least someone had some confidence.

But Gallentmon felt differently, "It's not that simple Jason, you're not strong enough to defeat the Royal Knights. I admire your bravery, but this is a fight you cannot win, focus on reclaiming the Nightmare Soldiers territory, leave Rex to us," He said.

Wait… were we being sidelined? Gallentmon seemed a bit forceful with that statement, making it clear he wasn't interested in debating it, everyone in the group had the same reaction, a mix of shock and anger.

Of course, Ross was the one to react verbally, "Oh hell no! We didn't run all over bloody creation and barely survive Examon's castle just to be benched!" He yelled, Ross never seemed to be able to control his temper, and yelling at an all powerful knight Digimon was probably not the best idea to put it bluntly.

I could see Gallentmon's golden eyes glaring at Ross from underneath his helmet, "Things have changed Ross! Kentaruosmon may be willing to risk your lives to save the Digital World, but I'm not! You've done great things for us already, taking back the Metal Empire and turning the queen to our side are both great victories. But facing Rex and the Royal Knights is too much to ask of you, I understand you want to help us, but this stopped being your fight when Rex turned my brothers against me," He said.

I was beginning to suspect there was more to this than Gallentmon being worried about our safety, the way he spoke told me he was more upset his friends were turned against him, and he didn't want anyone getting in the way, "Gallentmon, we appreciate the concern, but we've come this far, we aren't giving up now," I said, I thought putting it a little… nicer, than Ross did would help him understand.

But instead, "This isn't up for discussion! It was wrong for Kentaruosmon to involve you in the first place! You're lucky I don't send you all home right now! I couldn't bear it if any innocents fell to my brother's blades, please, just don't engage the knights, leave them to me," He said before getting up, "I thank you for your efforts, but understand that some things, not even the Digidestined can overcome," He said before leaving.

We all just sat there for what felt like hours, none of us knowing how to respond that what had just transpired, but soon someone broke the silence, "Damn, what got into him?" Ethan asked.

We all turned to him, "I had no idea Rex turned some of the knights, it must have only happened recently because I never saw any of them when I was working for him," Bridget chimed in.

We all then turned to Jason, "What do we do?" I asked him, Jason had sort of become the leader of the group, the new pair of goggles that sat on his head sort of symbolized that in a way, add that to the fact he was the one who usually made the decisions for the group and we basically just resigned to following him.

Jason thought it over for a moment, you could practically hear the gears turning in his head and he thought of the best course of action, "The plan doesn't change, we take down the Nightmare Soldiers and proceed to Rex's castle, Gallentmon may not like it, but we're here for a reason, and I didn't go through hell and back just to go home, not knowing if our efforts did anything or not" He said.

One could argue defying Gallentmon's wishes was unwise, but Jason had a point, we were all brought here to do a job, and going home without knowing for sure if the Digital World was even saved or not wouldn't sit well with me, the doubt as to whether or not we did our jobs would never leave me, I couldn't live with that.

So it was settled, we all decided to continue on anyway, Gallentmon may not approve, but I'm sure he'd forgive us if we actually managed to do it, hopefully.

Soon day turned to night, everyone got into their tents with their Digimon partners, the Digimon understandably being reluctant to let us out of their sight after the Examon incident. Psychemon and I got separate sleeping bags ready for the night, all the while he still refused to say a word, or even so much as make eye contact with me.

He was really beginning to worry me here, "Psychemon, are you okay? You've been acting weird since we left the Dragon's Roar territory," I asked him, Psychemon didn't even so much as flinch in reaction, just continuing to stare at the ground as he rolled his sleeping bag out.

It was clear I wasn't going to get him to talk, so I began to roll out my own sleeping bag, but then, "Kate… you're my friend… right?" He asked suddenly, what an odd question, but the look on his face told me he was very serious, I could even see his purple eyes beginning to water slightly.

I blinked before giving me answer, "Of course I am, what kind of question is that?" I said with a small chuckle, but Psychemon's dower expression remained, it was clear something was on his mind, something that was tearing him apart inside.

Psychemon averted his eyes for a moment, "Kate… I'm… I'm scared… scared of what might… happen when we… we..." He said, clearly struggling to come out with whatever it was he was trying to say to me. "I just… I don't want you to get hurt..." He added.

Fearing for my safety was nothing new for Psychemon, it had become a common fear of his since we became partners, but this was somehow different, I couldn't place it, but something about his body language told me there was more to this than he was telling me, "Psychemon, whatever is waiting for us in the Nightmare Soldiers, we'll overcome it, we always do," I told him, patting him on the head in an attempt to put his mind at ease.

Psychemon however didn't respond the way I thought, shaking his head and shutting his eyes, "It's not them I'm worried about!" He suddenly yelled, I stepped back in surprise, Psychemon then began to pace around the tent, mumbling something to himself that I couldn't quite make out, he just clutched his head, as I began to notice a dark mist beginning to emanate from his body, his eyes shot open, revealing that they were now a crimson red and softly glowing, his pupils shrunken giving him a manic look.

I began to back away, at a loss for words as to what was happening to my Digimon friend, "NO!" He yelled, forcing his eyes shut again, "You won't hurt her! I won't let you!" He screamed, I had to do something, he was unhinged, possibly losing his mind!

I grabbed him by the shoulders, "Psychemon? Psychemon snap out of it!" I pleaded with him, I couldn't even begin to imagine what was happening to him, but he needed my help!

Psychemon finally snapped out of it, his eyes returning to their usual purple, he began to tear up again, "I… I'm sorry..." He squeaked, I squeezed him in a comforting embrace, it was all I could think to do, holding him like a mother would a child, I didn't know what had just happened to him, but I had a feeling I hadn't seen the last of it…

The Next Day…

Somehow after Psychemon's little… episode… we had managed to sleep, and be greeted by the new day, I had decided not to mention Psychemon's episode to the group, last thing he needed was everyone distrusting him. Jason had made it clear that we were headed to the Nightmare Soldiers right after breakfast. Breakfast being more of Commandramon's "rations", it was all we really had and, well they weren't exactly the most tasty foods.

They were supposed to be protein bars, but they were so dry and bland that I could have sworn at one point I was eating chalk, even the Digimon, who loved food couldn't seem to stomach the things. I guess I shouldn't have expected more from a regime of cyborg soldiers, them having food at all was surprising.

But soon enough everyone was finished and were ready to head out, I tried to keep Psychemon close in case he had another episode, being near me seemed to bring him some comfort, it was like I had theorized at the hotel, all he really needed was a friend he could trust, I had never really dealt with someone like Psychemon before, Sam was always just as brave as I was, although she was less adventurous than me, she always tried to act tough, I imagined in my head how Sam would react in this situation.

She'd probably tell Psychemon to man up, I loved Sam but she was never much of a people person. But I couldn't lie, I was a little afraid right now, I didn't know what it was Psychemon was fighting off inside his head, but whatever it was, I doubted any of us wanted to confront it. The thought of losing him made my heart sink, I had gotten used to having Psychemon around, and I knew he wasn't a bad Digimon, just given a bad hand in life, I'd hate to see him fall into whatever it was he was fighting.

It wasn't long until the forest we trudged through began to change, becoming increasingly more twisted and malformed as we walked. The best way I could describe it was if the forest had suddenly began to be designed by Tim Burton, with jagged and curled trees and harsh purple skies, I noticed Psychemon trying his best to hide behind me, like he didn't want to be seen here.

We soon found ourselves in the town itself, which shared the forest's Tim Burton like design, the buildings were twisted and malformed, with odd angles and deformed windows, it was as if we had stepped right into a Nightmare Before Christmas, I half expected Jack Skelington to rise from the fountain and greet us.

The Digimon that resided within the town were a mix of ghosts, ghouls, and other nightmarish creatures, it was bizarre to say the least, but then again, few things in the Digital World weren't.

However, before we could reach the main gate, someone dropped right in front of us, scaring the crap out of all of us. He could only be described as a bird in Japanese armor, a crow if I were to hazard a guess given the jet black feathers that poked from his armor and clothing, he clutched two golden swords in his hands, two large black wings stuck out from his back.

The crow pointed a sword right at Jason's neck, "If you value your lives you will turn back now humans! You may have befallen the Metal Empire, but the Nightmare Soldiers are not that easy to defeat!" He warned us, I guess it was kind of dumb to expect to be able to just walk into the Nightmare Soldiers territory without issue.

Jason took out his Digivice, "We're taking Rex down! You can either get out of our way or we can go right through you!" He said, Jason was trying to sound confident, but I could see his knees shake.

The Crow cracked his neck, clearly not willing to back down, "The Nightmare Soldiers will not yield to the likes of you boy, if you wish to fight then so be it," He said before launching himself right at us, swords bared. Jason and the others quickly Digivolved their Digimon, Tankdramon managing to stop the crow's swords before they could cut Jason down. "You react pretty quickly human, most impressive," Said the crow before jumping off Tankdramon's chest and going airborne.

God did I feel useless right now, I couldn't Digivolve Psychemon to even Champion! So I was forced to just hang in the back and let the others handle the crow man, the crow Digimon holding his own very well against the other's Digimon, effortlessly kicking and slashing them away, I took out my Digivice to get a stat read up on him,

Karatenmon

Level: Ultimate

Type: Demon Man

Attribute: Virus

Family: Nightmare Soldiers

Attacks: Feather Flare, Harmony Swords, Satori

Karatenmon are Demon Man Digimon who resemble crows and are master swordsmen, it's two swords, referred to as Irataka no Ken, contain strong magic power, and with it's Satori technique, can predict enemy attacks with frightening accuracy.

Well that wasn't good, that "predict enemy attacks" bit seemed especially disheartening, and explained why Karatenmon was able to outmaneuver the Digimon so easily, even Tankdramon was having a hard time keeping up with the crow warrior, missing wild shots with his Striver Cannon.

How the hell were we going to beat this guy? He seemed almost untouchable, we were fighting a losing battle and we hadn't even entered the territory yet! Maybe Gallentmon was right and we should have just left it alone?

The other Digimon were all soon dispatched by Karatenmon, all beaten and cut on the floor, unable to get up, "Worthless, you're nothing but children blindly throwing themselves against a wall hoping it crumbles, at least the King will be pleased when I inform him the Digidestined are no longer a threat..." He said before moving in for the killing blow, grabbing Tankdramon by the helmet… thing… "I'll start with you, since you're the only one who can Digivolve to Ultimate," He said.

He was going to kill Tankdramon! I could see the panic in Jason's eyes, it seemed hopeless, to think he'd go from beating Examon to being taking down by this guy of all people was both horrible, and ironic. However…

"Karatenmon stand down!"

We all stopped and turned to Psychemon, I just stared at him… confused… was he trying to order him around? I admit it's a bold strategy but I doubt it'd work! This is the equivalent of asking the bad guy nicely not to be so mean!

However, Karatenmon's reaction was even more surprising, "Prince Astamon? Is that you?" He asked. Astamon? I was completely lost here, it seemed that Karatenmon and Psychemon knew each other, Karatenmon dropped Tankdramon and approached us, "In all my days, I never expected you to return Astamon, especially not as… this," He said, dropping to one knee so he was eye level with Psychemon.

I was really confused now, what the hell is even going on? I felt like someone who had caught a movie right in the middle of the climax, missing all of the important context that would otherwise explain what was going on. It was maddening!

Suddenly a hoard of Digimon began to funnel through the gates, surrounding us, suddenly another Digimon stepped forward, or rather, floated, as this Digimon lacked legs, he could only be described as a grim reaper with metal bones and a laser scythe. "So… the Demon Prince returns after all this time…" The reaper said, looming over me and Psychemon.

Karatenmon tried to stand between the two, "Don't do this MetalFantomon, not now," He said, but the skeletal Digimon just shoved the crow away.

He then proceeded to hold the blade of his scythe right to Psychemon's throat, "You thought you could just walk in here?! After you betrayed us?! Because of you we fell to the Digimon King!" He accused Psychemon.

Psychemon couldn't bring himself to say anything, just sadly staring off to the side, it was as if he had no fear of death, almost welcoming it, I had to step in, I wasn't going to let this bone head do this to my friend, "Look! I don't know what you people are talking about, but I'm not going to let you hurt my friend! So back off!" I yelled, it was a toothless threat, I doubted I could take any of these things in a fight, but someone had to stick up for Psychemon!

MetalFantomon just sort of glared at me, despite his lack of eyes I could still feel him watching me, "My my… you betray us yet again Astamon, don't tell me this pathetic girl controls the will of the once mighty Demon Prince? That you stand opposed to the very master you allowed us to fall to? If you think this redeems you in any way you are quite mistaken," The metal skeleton said.

Karatenmon quickly moved between Psychemon and MetalFantomon, "I know what he did was unforgivable, but we need to move past it! This could be our chance to retake the Nightmare Soldiers from Rex!" He pleaded with MetalFantomon.

I could feel my emotions beginning to well up, everyone in the crowd was calling for poor Psychemon's head, Karatenmon being the only one who wanted to spare him. Why? He wasn't a bad Digimon! He didn't do anything wrong! Why can't they just leave him alone?! "Bah! You speak nonsense Karatenmon! He's already dammed us! In his current form, it would be all too easy to end his miserable existence! Do we not deserve justice for what he'd done to us?! It would be a crime not to end him, before he massacres another of our villages?" He said.

No… he wouldn't do that! I know Psychemon! He's far to kind and gentle to do something so heinous, "You're wrong! He's not a monster! I don't know what you think he did but he's not a monster!" I yelled, I wasn't going to sit here and listen to this… thing insult my friend like this!

MetalFantomon turned his head in my direction, "Shows how little you know of your own pet Digimon," He said before moving in towards Psychemon.

I couldn't let this happen! Not to him! It wasn't right! I don't care what he did, he wasn't a bad Digimon! I knew he wasn't! Why won't they listen?! Why won't they just leave him alone? Everyone keeps hurting him! Rosemon, Rex's minions, the Nightmare Soldiers, why can't they all just leave him be?! I felt the anger bubble up inside me, frustration over my inability to even Digivolve him so he could fight back, why can't I Digivolve him?! WHY?!

I clutched my Digivice tightly in my hand, squeezing it in anger, this stupid thing never worked! Now he was going to be killed and I was powerless to help him! Come on! Just WORK! DIGIVOLVE DAMN YOU!

Suddenly the Digivice came alive, surrounded by a strange purple aura, had I done it? Did I unlock my Digispirit? No… something about this felt off, I looked to see Psychemon was being consumed by that black aura I had seen last night, he seemed both shocked and frightened, he turned to me, "Kate! RUN!" He called out to me before the blackness overtook him.

His body began to shift and change, I was beginning to feel like I had just made a huge mistake, when the final form began to take shape, the once lovable, shy Digimon I knew was replaced with a towering humanoid figure, he looked almost like a mobster with his pin striped blue suit, gray and red trench coat, red scarf, and the Tommy Gun he held in his hand, his face was covered by a dark violet pelt that appeared to be canine, it had a pair of olive colored horns sticking out of it's forehead, which bore an "X" shaped scar, two purple bat wings jutted out of his back, which combined with the disheveled, worn look of his clothing, gave off a very demonic look that only compounded how much of a mistake I had made.

The new Digimon took a look at his surroundings, before noticing the now quite frightened MetalFantomon standing right in front of him, he grew a wicked smirk, "Well well, MetalFantomon, it's been a while," He said with a cocky tone that didn't fit with Psychemon at all, "Aw… what's wrong skull face? I thought you were gonna get revenge on me? But all I see is a quivering little Digimon who just stared death in the face," He said with a cackle.

Before long the Digimon formally known as Psychemon began to fire his Tommy Gun into the crowd, "ASTAMON'S BACK BABY! HAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed, a sickening cackle that made a pit in my stomach, I couldn't believe what I was seeing! The once shy and timid Psychemon was now firing wildly into a crowd of Digimon, laughing like a maniac.

Wh… what have I done? I knew he was afraid of something inside himself! And I basically just allowed it to control him completely! How… how could I do that to him? He cried out for help and I basically shoved it right in his face! I fell to my hands and knees, my Digivice click clacking against the ground, I just wanted to help him… and instead, only hurt him more…

I could still hear Astamon's gunfire, the screams of his victims, all with the knowledge it was all my fault… I'm so sorry Psychemon, I felt my eyes begin to water, my tears hitting the dirt beneath me, what must the others think of me now? I unleashed this demon on them, god he probably killed at least one of them!

I felt someone grab my arm, I turned to see Ross trying to pull me away, "Kate come on! You're gonna get shot if you stay there!" He said, I couldn't even find it in myself to fight him off, I was broken, all my will and confidence completely destroyed by what I'd done, every life he took was but more blood on my hands.

Ross dragged me to the others, I could see the poor Digimon fleeing in terror of their former prince's rampage, "Holy crap man, what the hell happened to Psychemon! Dude's a straight up psycho!" Ethan blurted, his words stung like a knife being jammed into my chest.

Jason shook his head, "We have to stop this! It won't be long before he turns that gun on us!" He said, I hated to admit it, but he was right, in this state, Astamon wasn't Psychemon anymore, he was Astamon, Demon Prince, I doubted he'd hesitate to shoot us if he wanted to.

Speaking of, Astamon began to laugh again, "Come on! Where's your Digimon King now huh?! Bring him out here and I'll light his ass up too!" He cackled, it was heartbreaking seeing him like this, such a sweet and kind Digimon corrupted by my own anger.

Suddenly he was approached by Gaogamon, the first of our Digimon to recover from the fight with Karatenmon, "Psychemon stop! That's enough!" He pleaded.

Astamon stopped firing and turned to his former comrade, "Psychemon's gone mutt! I'm Astamon now! And I'm gonna paint this sh**hole RED!" He said before hitting Gaogamon with a devastating kick to the jaw, sending him sailing through the air.

Gaogamon landed on the ground, forcibly rejoining his comrades, "He's too far gone, we're going to have to take him down," Said Gaogamon, I felt my heart hit the floor when he said that, especially since he wasn't wrong, Psychemon was gone, this… this monster was all that remained…

The Digimon all got to their feet, launching themselves at Astamon, Okamimon revved up his fire disk, "Psychemon stop this! You're gonna kill everyone! Including our partners! FIRE DISK!" He said as he launched his attack.

Astamon simply batted it away with his hand, "That's rich coming from the Queen's lapdog," He said before kicking Okamimon away with a huge roundhouse kick to the head.

Suddenly Tankdramon managed to grab in in a bear hug from behind, "Psychemon please! This isn't you! Don't do something you're going to regret!" He pleaded, trying to restrain the Demon Prince.

However, Astamon somehow managed to lift Tankdramon off his treads and tossed him through the air, "Oh but it is me! I'm more me than I've been for a long time!" He said with a laugh.

This was really bad! There was no way we could fight him off! My guilt was beginning to stack, I've doomed us all! All because I couldn't control my anger, all my friends… their Digimon… all doomed…

No… I had to stop this! I did this to him, I had to be able to undo it, I began to approach Astamon, "Kate? What the hell are you doing?!" I heard Ross call out to me.

I had to end this, Psychemon had to be in there somewhere, and if anyone could reach him… it was me. I finally reached Astamon, who was currently smacking Aquilamon around, "Psychemon!" I called out, I was of course terrified, I'd never been so afraid in my life, but I had to do this, I had to save him…

Astamon stopped, tossing Aquilamon aside before turning to me, "Psychemon's dead kid, I'm Astamon! The Demon Prince!" He said rather proudly.

I couldn't let him intimidate me, this wasn't the first time I'd faced the possibility of him killing me, but he was far more powerful this time, and would be harder to reason with, but I had to, "That's a lie! I know he's still in there! Psychemon I'm so sorry I did this to you, you were afraid and now I know why, but you can still fight him! Please, don't become the monster these people say you are!" I said, I could tell by Astamon's body language I wasn't reaching him, he seemed more annoyed by my attempts to plead with him than anything.

Astamon loaded his Tommy Gun, "Please spare me the sentimental crap! The simpering little cry baby you knew is gone, and he ain't commin' back," He said before aiming his gun right at my head, I felt the metal barrel press against my bangs and forehead, the warmth that remained from it's previous firings.

I could only close my eyes and cry, I did this to him, I couldn't even reach him anymore, and now he was going to kill me, "Kate! Get out of there!" I heard Gaogamon call to me, but I couldn't find it in me to run, I was so afraid, so hopeless, I just wanted my friend back… that's all, how could I be so careless? He trusted me, and I betrayed him, and I couldn't fix it… I'm so sorry Psychemon… I'm so sorry…

However, I felt the gun barrel begin to shake, I opened my eyes to see Astamon's arm was shaking, he was… hesitating, "Wh… what is this? Why… why can't I..." Astamon said in shock, my eyes widened, Psychemon was still in there, deep inside that demon still lied my friend, I just needed to reach him!

I looked up at Astamon, looking right into his eyes, "You aren't a bad Digimon Psychemon… this all happened because I was so angry these people couldn't see what I saw in you, a sweet, caring Digimon who was never given a chance by anyone, and just needed someone to stand by them…" I began, I could see Astamon's expression waver, "Even now… as you take this horrible form, gun aimed at my head… it's just like back at the hotel… isn't it?" I said, letting a smile cross my face, "I remember how afraid you were, of Rosemon, of what would happen if you didn't kill me, I remember thinking you weren't a bad Digimon even then, you were afraid of being hurt again, I still think that… you've never had someone to trust have you? Someone who wouldn't hurt you, even after all of this… I still believe in you Psychemon…" I said, I could see the tears welling up in the demon prince's eyes.

He suddenly dropped his gun, sobbing softly to himself, "Kate… I..." He stammered, "I'm sorry," He added, I was overwhelmed with relief, I had managed to reach him again, even now.

The Demon Prince dropped to his knees, "I… I never told you about my past because I was afraid you'd hate me… I… I'm the reason they fell to the Digimon King, I… I killed King Myotismon and ran away… yet… you still care about me? Why?" He said.

I imagine it was alien for the few Nightmare Soldiers that remained to see their former prince in such a vulnerable state, "That's what friends do Psychemon, we look past the bad things and embrace the good, you'll always be Psychemon to me, no matter what Astamon has done," I said.

I saw the data around him begin to break away, before he was suddenly returned to his old self, he looked at me with his purple eyes, "You… forgive me?" He asked.

I gave him a smile and wrapped my arms around him, "Of course I do… you're my friend… no matter what you turn into," I said, and for the first time, I saw a big smile across his pelt covered face, as he returned the embrace, Psychemon was a Digimon who'd been mistreated everywhere he went, be it here, Rosemon's hotel, or wherever else he'd roamed, he'd never been given a chance, all he ever needed was someone to confide in, someone to tell him it was going to be okay.

In the end, everyone wants that in a way, to matter to someone, to have someone in the world who'd cry when we're gone, poor Psychemon never had that until now, and he never even realized it until now.

All he wanted was to have a friend… and he finally had one…

A/N: And there we go, possibly the most emotional chapter I've written in this story since Ross' Digivolution chapter, I hope it was worth the wait!