The Koco jumped for joy that the danger has passed. When Sonic, Knuckles, Takumi, MegaGargomon and Arata aproached they all filed up and saluted to their commanders and saviors. Knuckles, Sonic, Takumi, Arata, and MegaGargomon all clicked their heels together and returned the gesture. Then one by one spheres of light came out of the Koco and they collapsed. Knuckles closed his eyes then looked back at the ruins. Sonic looked at him. Arata kneeled in front of one of the Koco as Takumi aproached him. "Arata? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just… I thought I'd never be anything like a leader again after Jude went under. Part of me…missed that I guess."

"Arata…you told Ryuji you were never fit to lead, but even leaders can make mistakes. Everyone does. That's how we grow."

"Takumi's right." Knuckles said. "I was wrong about you. You're nothing like my ancestors. They refused to learn from their mistakes, and that's how they…" He sighed. "Guys… I think I need some time to think for a bit."

"Same here." Arata said standing up. "Just need to clear out my head. You guys go on ahead."

"Okay. Sure. We'll come back for you later." Takumi replied before he turned to MegaGargomon and Sonic. "Let's go find those last two Emeralds."

"Sounds like a plan." Sonic replied.

Sonic looked at the Gear he was holding. "How did Big even find these things?" He shrugged then put it into the final Gate and it activated.

Takumi looked at the completed map. "This should be the last one."

"Good." Sonic replied. He, Takumi and MegaGargomon went to Cyber Space.

Takumi and MegaGargomon looked around. "Isn't this the Vahala Server?" MegaGargomon asked.

"Yeah. Rosmeon and I were here during our last Gate on the previous Island. We fought Fei at the depths."

"Fei? We fought her at the Master's Cup, not here."

"I think it was based off of Nokia's memories here. This could be based off of Arata's."

"Which means the target here is likely…"

Takumi nodded. "Brace yourself pal. This'll be a tough fight."

Sonic ran up a spiraling path in Sky Sanctuary that collapsed behind him until a spring sent him to a safe road leading to the goal.

In front of the floating black diamond in Under Zero was a lone Knightmon. "There he is." MegaGargomon said.

"The one who took down Jude." Takumi said. "Even when we had Arata and all of you at Mega Level we had trouble with this guy."

"Maybe so…But we can't back down!" MegaGargomon said. "We have to break through! If we're going to save our friends and this world this guy needs to go!"

"You're right. Now's not the time for hesitation! Let's do this!" The Knightmon drew his massive sword and ran at MegaGargomon. The Digimon jumped into the air with Takumi on his shoulder and activated his thrusters. "Keep your distance from him!" Takumi said. "Remember what happened last time. Once swipe of that blade can knock you out."

"That's fine. I'm better equipped for long-range combat anyway!" MegaGargomon prepared to attack. "Mega Barrage!" He unleashed a storm of ammunition.

The Knightmon ran to the side evading and sliding under missile shots. Then he reeled back his blade. "Berserk Sword!" He swung the blade, and a wave of light flew through the remaining missiles and towards MegaGargomon.

"Whoa!" MegaGargomon stopped firing and dodged just barely but was knocked off balance and fell to the ground. Knightmon ran at him as he got up. MegaGargomon jumped back to evade the blade coming down on him. Knightmon jumped after him swinging his sword. MegaGargomon blocked both swipes with he barrels on his wrists then kicked Knightmon back. Knightmon jumped back at him swinging the blade, but MegaGargomon caught it between his palms. He then threw Knightmon up and caught him by the legs before spinning him around. "Mega Twister!" He threw him a good distance away from him. "Mega Barrage!"

Knightmon got up and took out the shield on his back blocking the missiles. "Berserk Sword!" He swung another blade of light. MegaGargomon dodged then proceeded to fire more missiles. Knightmon ran towards him blocking the attack with his shield. MegaGargomon stepped back as he swung the blade. Then Knightmon jumped and swung again hitting him in the chest and knocking him over. Takumi fell off MegaGargomon and landed on the floor near him.

"That guy's a brute." MegaGargomon groaned sitting up. "I take one more hit like that, I'm done for…" He grabbed Takumi and flew up.

"Berserk Sword!" Knightmon sent wave after wave at MegaGargomon who did his best to evade them all. He fired green pellets from the barrels on his wrists, but they were deflected by the sword.

"He's too good with that sword and shield." Takumi said. "We need to disarm him somehow."

"I think I got an idea." MegaGargomon stopped moving and faced Knightmon. "Gargo Missiles!" He shot twin warheads at Knightmon who blocked them with his shield but was knocked onto his back when they exploded. The shield landed a good distance away from him and MegaGargomon landed in front of it before kicking it off the platform. It fell into the stary abyss. He turned back around. "Mega Barrage!" He opened fire again. Knightmon rolled away then got up and ran at him slicing more missiles apart. The knight swung and MegGargomon evaded by taking flight. Knightmon jumped after him. He swung but MegaGargomon moved aside. But as Knightmon went past him he held his hand forward and a platform of light appeared for him to land on. He jumped back at MegaGargomon who barely dodged the sword before the knight summoned another platform of light to jump off of.

"Keep moving!" Takumi said. MegaGargomon flew backwards and continued to fire as Knightmon slashed the attack while jumping across the golden footholds he created. "MegaGargomon." Takumi started whispering a plan in his Digimon's ear.

"Got it." MegaGargomon nodded.

Knightmon deflected the last of the barrage then when MegaGargomon stopped shooting he pounced at him. "Berserk Sword!"

"Now!" Takumi shouted.

MegaGargomon's thrusts blazed as he rocketed forward. "Power Pummel!" When Knightmon was in mid swing MegaGargomon hit him in the gut. The Knight let go of the sword before he fell to the ground. "Gargo Missiles!" He then fired two more missiles and rocketed after him. Knightmon got up on his knees to see them land right in front of him and explode launching him airborne. MegaGargomon landed on the floor where he was then jumped after him.

"It's over!" Takumi clenched his fist.

MegaGargomon did the same as he closed in on Knightmon. "Saint Upper!" He punched right through Knightmon's armor tearing through him. The warrior's eyes faded from his helmet before he dissolved.

"We did it!"

"Yeah…" MegaGargomon descended back to the floor then dropped to one knee panting.

"You, okay?"

"I'm good…but that was one heck of a fight. I'd almost rather fight Examon again…"

Takumi looked at the black object in the room. "Knightmon was determined to protect Under Zero for some reason. But why?"

"Good question. I mean he's a Digimon. I can't see why he'd feel obliged to protect EDEN's core."

Takumi pondered for a moment before he noticed another Digi-Orb appear with the exit. "Well, regardless we got another Digi-Orb." He climbed off MegaGargomon and picked it up. "That should power you up some more."

"Think I can use these to power up to the form I had when we fought Suedou?"

"No need. When we gathered the Chaos Emeralds, they turned Rosemon into her Burst Mode. I bet they can help you obtain that level of power you had that day."

"Sweet. I bet I'll need it to trash that Titan and the Imperialdramon."

"Yeah." Takumi glanced to the side. "Especially if said Imperialdramon is who I think he is. Well for now, let's head back." They walked into the portal.

The vision showed Leopardmon gathering power from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. Arata was staring at him when Takumi, Yuuko and a Digimon in black armor aproached. "Oh! You came…" Arata turned around.

"Arata." Takumi simply said his friend's name with a straight face.

"He's still "recharging." I'm thinking I'll eat him once he's charged. No, that's not it. The truth is… I was waiting for you, Takumi. Do you remember? Way back when?"

"I remember everything now. So do Yuuko and Nokia."

"It's okay to laugh. I was such a dork. I said I would protect you all. But actually, I was just scared. I was scared, and I… left him behind."

"Oh, Arata!" Yuuko gasped. Takumi stayed silent.

Arata smiled at Takumi. "You tried to help Yuugo back then, didn't you? Thanks… on behalf of my best friend. But I'm sorry… That was supposed to be my job. And it's one I'm finally ready to do. That's why I've been eating, eating, and eating… I've gained so much power. And so…" As Arata aproached his Eater hand drew a orange light that he threw forward before it became a yellow window. As he transitioned through it his body transformed further. It became a white and black giant with a singe eye and wild hair.

"Huh?!" Yuugo shivered.

"Arata!" Takumi was in shock.

"Don't interfere. Get out of my way. Forget my past. And let me do it all over again. Just don't look at my… hideous form. I'm asking you, as a friend! And… so… GIVE ME YOUR POWER!" It was a hectic fight against Eater Adam. But eventually he was brought down. "I WILL… I WILLL…"

"Arata…" Takumi stared at his suffering friend.

"Takumi… Help him!" Yuuko said. "You helped me, didn't you? Arata, at this rate you're going to…!"

Takumi looked at his hand with uncertainty. "Why are you hesitating?" asked the armored Digimon with the familiar voice. "Are you uncertain? Whether you can do it alone? Whether he'll even hear you?"

"I…"

"Don't underestimate yourself… or him." Takumi looked at them. "He'll hear you."

"How do you know?"

"How do I know? You two are friends, right?"

Takumi put on a determined expression. "That's right. I have to do this." He walked up to the Eater and went into him with his Connect Jump. Inside the dark network he found Arata.

"What did you come here for? Did you need another look at my pathetic self?" Takumi didn't answer him. Arata just smiled. "You're incredible, you know. Always able to do the right thing straight away."

After a conversation Arata disappeared and Takumi followed him further. "Whatever the case, I shouldn't have forgotten. I was the one who decided to run and leave Yuugo behind."

Then next time Arata flipped out questioning what else he could have done to save Yuugo besides relying on Suedou for power. "I'm so pathetic. How could I face you all…? I can't go back…"

Takumi came at Arata one more time. "Arata…"

"You don't give up so easily!" Arata angerly turned to him. "Don't worry about me!" But he was surprised to see Takumi come at him raising his fist.

"YOU IDIOT!" Takumi punched him right in the head.

Then both were back on the rooftop. Arata was back to normal. "You?!" Why did you bring me back?! I should've stayed the way I was!"

Takumi just closed his eyes and looked away. "Whatever."

"You idiot!" Arata hit Takumi back and they broke into a fist fight. Yuuko looked at them worryingly then turned to the Digimon who simply told her to leave them be. When both of them were too tired to throw another punch Arata caught his breath. "You had no right! What was that! I don't GET you! Come on, say something!"

Takumi took a brief moment to recollect himself before looking at Arata in the eye. "Welcome home."

Arata stood there with his jaw agape. "What… What?!"

Takumi smiled at him. "It'll be okay."

Next it showed Arata talking to Takumi while everyone had assembled on the rooftop. "Heh, that punch stung, I'll give you that. That was a really childish thing of you to do back there, but…that's not necessarily a bad thing either. Hey, Takumi?"

"What is it?"

"Uh…"

Takumi tilted his head. "Arata?"

"Tha'…Th-thanks…" Arata muttered. When he looked up, he saw Takumi's smiling face. "You planning on staring at me all quiet like that all day or something? Cut it out, Takumi! It's weird and embarrassing seeing that! I mean… I guess that's kind of your thing, but still!" Takumi just laughed before Arata spoke again. "Actually, to be honest, there's something I need to ask you."

Arata then proceeded to tell Takumi his concern about how being out of the action for so long has caused his Digimon to lag behind. So, he requested Takumi to take him to Under Zero to help him become stronger the right way. He also mentioned revenge to exact. Once they reached the depths Arata told Takumi the story of Jude and how it fell there in Under Zero. They thought they were unbeatable, then reality slapped them in the face. In the form of a Digimon. It was too powerful and drove them out. Arata's friends were traumatized by the events and quit one by one. Then when he chose to leave, that broke the camel's back, and the legendary team know as Jude had crumbled.

"I'll make that security Digimon's power my own and finally rid myself of this regret…" When Takumi and Arata tried to hack the system the Knightmon appeared. "Hahaha! So, you're still standing guard here. Color me happy. It's nice to see you again!"

"Who are you…?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten now."

"It seems I have… At the very least, you're not in my memory banks."

After a brief exchange of dialogue Takumi stepped up. "I'm with you Arata! It's time to finish what Jude started!"

It was a rough fight, but the combined efforts of Takumi and Arata brought Knightmon down. And then as it disappeared light flowed from it into Arata's Arcadiamon. "Arcadiamon Digivolve to…" He stood on two legs as the other four merged into two large green arms with blue hands and red claws. His legs and feet became the same. The spiked on his back grew and became red before blue armor appeared and his head transformed to have a blue mask and blond hair. "Diaboramon! Hahaha! This power is incredible! Arata, we've definitely caught up to that dunce and her stupid Royal Knight now!"

Takumi smiled at the gloating Digimon before looking at Arata who stared at the black diamond. "Arata? How are you feeling?"

Arata smiled. "You know what? I feel…at peace now."

"How so?"

"I've probably been a burden to you guys with the Digimon I've kept with me up until now. But now that I've got this guy… I think I can go on with you all. I want to see this thing through to the end." He stared at Takumi for a bit. "…Haha, don't make me say it. Seriously." Takumi smiled before Arata got awkward and flipped at him again. "Quit with the staring already! Jeez!" He smiled as Takumi laughed.

Sonic, Takumi and MegaGargomon returned with the last keys. "So…Arata made peace with his past, huh?" Sonic asked.

"For the most part." Takumi replied. "Still…loosing those Koco must have stirred up painful memories. He puts so much responsibility on himself…He may be a bit of an idiot sometimes but…he's a good friend."

"That he is." Sonic noticed a white light. "Well, well, well. Looks like another Emerald's up for grabs."

"Can you go get it?" Takumi asked. "I'm going to go check up on Arata and Knuckles."

"Sounds good. I'll meet you at the ruins." Sonic waved before running off.

Takumi rode MegaGargomon towards the direction of the ruins. "I just hope they're doing alright."

"Arata's right. You truly are incredible." Upon hearing a voice, MegaGargomon stopped and looked to the left. The Masked man was standing on a cliffside next to the ghostly girl.

"You!" Takumi gasped.

"You already Digivolved your Digimon to Mega again. That bond you share is powerful."

"Just what is it you two want anyway?" Takumi asked.

"We understand more about the situation than you." the girl said. "You have no idea what you are dealing with."

"Oh yeah?" MegaGargomon held a fist forward ready to fire the vulcans on his wrist.

"Wait." Takumi held up his hand before looking at the duo. "If you know so much, can you tell me how I can save my friends? Nokia, Arata, Amy, Knuckles, all of them are all ghost-like. Kind of like you actually." he said looking at the girl.

"All data within Cyber Space is restricted to outsiders." the girl said.

"Yeah, that's the thing. They seem like they're still in Cyber Space yet here at the same time. Like they're stuck halfway. Can you at least tell me if they're going to be okay or not?"

"I told you before. I will not share data with an ene-

"Sage." The masked man crouched to whisper into her ear. "Just because Sonic is our enemy doesn't mean Takumi has to be. Besides he just wants to make sure his friends will be okay, what's the harm in sharing that?"

Sage looked at him for a bit then turned back to Takumi. "…Their conditions are stable. They are hovering between the digital dimension and this one, but their lives are not at risk."

Takumi let out a breath of relief. "That's good to hear. Thank you. Come on MegaGargomon."

"We're just going to leave them?"

"They don't seem like they currently want to harm us. I say we give them the same citrusy."

"Okay." MegaGargomon said as he and Takumi went on their way.

Sage watched them leave. "Why does he not see us as his enemies even after all out attempts to harm them?"

"Some people just don't see the point in holding a grudge." The masked man replied. "I can relate to that."

"That's right…one of your enemies turned out to be a friend. One who you forgave."

"I guess Takumi and I can look beyond minor lapses between friends. I just wish Ryuji and Arata could do the same… but that's ultimately up to them."

Sonic walked up to the fourth vault. "Hello Chaos Emerald number six." He held his hand up and the keys disabled the barrier around it. The white gem went to Sonic's hand. "Alright. Now to go find the others."

Knuckles and Arata were on the top of the ruins sitting down with their legs hanging over the edge. MegaGargomon laned behind the and put Takumi down so he could walk over. "Are you two alright?"

"Yeah, just…reflecting." Arata replied. "Where's Sonic?"

"Out to get the next Emerald." Takumi sat down between him and Knuckles. "Once he's back we just need to find one more."

"So, while he's getting it you thought to check up on us, right?"

"Yeah. You expected anything otherwise?"

Arata smirked. "Heck no. It's a softhearted thing to do. And very like you." There was some silence between them. "…Say, remember the vision that showed me and Keisuke fighting Ryuji?"

"Yeah. When he had that Arcadiamon?"

"I may not have been in my right mind back then, but I meant what I said to him. You two really are alike. Too soft for your own good. But…you're both people I can always depend on."

"We depend on you too Arata." Takumi replied. "All of us do. That's what made Jude successful before. You just got…unlucky."

"And arrogant."

"But you learned from that mistake. Like I said, that's all part of growing."

"I guess." Arata looked up at the sky. Not knowing where else to take the conversation Takumi quietly looked ahead. Knuckles was still silent.

A few minutes later Sonic arrived and took a seat between Takumi and Knuckles. He stared at the echidna and opened his mouth with a smile as if trying to strike a conversation, but words failed to come out, so he closed it and looked ahead. Then Knuckles finally broke his silence. "Ages ago, my people were wiped out by a cataclysm. I know the Koco faced something similar. And I bet it was the same for Jude. Not to mention what the Eaters had done to the Digital World. It reminds me that I'm the last echidna. That I'm alone."

Arata looked at him. "Knuckles…"

"You may be the last, but you're not alone." Sonic smiled. "You got us, knuckle-head." Knuckles looked at him in surprise.

"Hey, Arata…" Takumi finally figured out what he wanted to say.

"Yeah?"

"Have you talked to Ryuji ever since we changed reality?"

"No."

"Did the alteration change that Jude existed or that you ever knew him?"

"Beats me, never looked into it. Why?"

Takumi looked at him. "When this is all over and we get home, you should try talking to Ryuji. There's still time to burry that hatchet, or if that incident never did happen, maybe make a fresh start."

Arata scoffed. "You sound just like that masked weirdo. He told me to do the same."

"Huh?"

"Come to think of it…" Knuckles said. "They way he spoke of you and Ryuji sounded like he knew both of you. He's from your world, right? Maybe he used to be a member of Jude?"

"Could be." Arata said. "But it's far too late. Some scars never heal."

"Don't say that." Takumi said with a stern expression. "You two were good friends before. I get why you're afraid of being pushed away, but you'll never know until you try. Maybe some fences can't be mended, but if you two can at least talk maybe you can find a way to meet halfway. And if not, then at least you'll know and won't have to suffer that fear anymore. Nothing good will come to either of you if you just keep distancing yourselves in silence. Don't underestimate yourself or him. Giving you best shot, holding onto faith, that train of thought's how I reached out to you that day."

Arata looked at him in surprise. MegaGargomon nodded. "He's got a point. Look at me. I am who I am today because Takumi reached out to me. And in turn I helped him, and now we are where we are now. And if Takumi could get through to you when you lost your marbles, surly Ryuji can't be a lost cause. You'll only know after you give it a try. Is that really so hard?"

"Can't be any harder than what Nokia and I plan to do after this." Takumi said.

"What's that?" Arata asked.

"Bridging our world and the Digital World together again."

"You can't be serious."

"I am! Think about it! Digimon is what brought all of us back together! And we all grew alongside them! A world with humans and Digimon side by side…wouldn't that be a great way to prevent what happened to Jude from happening ever again? And yeah, I know, there will be humans who misuse Digimon and Digimon that won't trust humans, but I'm convinced we can look past our differences."

Sonic joined in. "He's right dude. People can grow past their differences. Look at me and Knux here. Fun fact, we were enemies when we first met. And yeah, we still butt heads from time to time, but that's what friends do."

Knuckles smiled at him. "I'll admit, I do envy your lifestyle. Freedom to go where you want, when you want."

"So do it!" Sonic grinned. "Get out there and live a little."

"I agree." Takumi smiled. "After guarding the Master Emerald on your own for so long, surly you're intitled to a vacation. I say go for it!"

"Maybe I could…" Knuckles said. "But first I need to be back to normal." He winked at Sonic who grinned at him.

"Same here." Arata said quietly. "After all, I can't help you and Nokia bring humans and Digimon together or talk to Ryuji in this state. That guy will never let me hear the end of it."

Knuckles stood up and grinned at Sonic and Takumi. "So hurry up and get us back to normal!"

Arata stood up and put his hands in his pocket. "Yeah, "Cyber Sleuth" and "fastest thing alive". Preferably sometime soon, I'm not getting any younger here!"

Takumi stood up and put his hands on his hips. "Gee Arata, I had no idea you were in such a hurry for me to throw my fist into your hollow head again."

Sonic stood up. "Hey man, works for me. Anything to get geek boy and this knuckle-head here away from me." He grinned to Knuckles folding his arms.

The four boys squinted at each other. Knuckles was the first to break the silence chuckling. Sonic, Takumi, Arata and MegaGargomon broke as they laughed with him. Sonic and Takumi fist bumped as Arata and Takumi slapped each other's shoulders. They looked into the distance together while the masked man and the girl sat quietly at the bottom of the ruins listening in. "They also want humans and Digimon to come back together…" the man said.

"Sonic and Takumi…" the girl said. "They help those they are at odd with. They are quick to make peace."

"Yeah." the man nodded. "You know, Takumi is right. Humans and Digimon did bring a lot of people together. When you think about it, that's kind of what brought me to you and the doctor. If only we could also meet halfway…"

The girl closed her eyes and looked up. "Perhaps…" She shook her head. "No… I have run the simulations. They are doomed."

The masked man took his hands out of his pockets and looked at her in surprise. "Doomed"? What do you mean?" The girl pulled up two monitors. One showed Sonic the other showed Takumi. The man stared at both of them for a bit then gasped. "No way…!"

I think it's safe to say that those who are familiar with a certain Digimon game might have pieced together who our masked friend is, but I'll save revealing that for later. But we're almost done with this island. Get ready, because next chapter, no more compromise.

This is do or die.