Sonic stood in front of the vault and held up some keys. The protective light around the red Chaos Emerald faded and it warped into his hand. "Hello, Emerald number two."

"Five more to go." Takumi said. "Let's keep it up." His Digivice rang and he put it on. "Hey Yuuko, what's up?"

"Have you found the Chaos Emerald?"

"Yup. Just finished searching this area for the rest of its secrets too."

"Great. In that case, can you come join me and Tails? We need your input on something."

"Sure. Send me your location."

"Thank you." Yuuko hung up.

Sonic put the Emerald away as Takumi lifted his goggles up. "So, what's up?"

"Yuuko said she and Tails want advice on something. She sent the coordinates, so let's meet up with them."

"Sounds good."

Andromon looked to the side and stood ready for combat. "Takumi! Sonic!"

Both of them looked to see the floating girl nearby. Sonic put his hand on his hip. "Hey again. Since we've grown so close, how about helping us out?"

"I have run the simulations." the girl said. "Sharing data will not change the outcome."

Takumi shook his head. "You know, you're always talking about "data" and "simulations" but we living beings don't live by calculations."

"Takumi's right." Sonic added. "The will to live, the drive to achieve, the desire to protect the ones you love – that kind of thing can grant a power you can't imagine."

"Love" can be converted into "power"?" the girl asked. "Do you have any data to back up this proposed conversion?"

"There is no data for it." Andromon said. "As Takumi said, this power exists outside conventional calculations. I myself did not understand it until I bonded with him. It is a power based on miracles rather than data."

"But if you need proof, I'll whip you up a miracle by the end of all this. You'll see!" He, Takumi and Andromon all walked away.

The girl looked down. "Love" creates "miracles"… He said the same thing to me…"

In front of Tails and Yuuko a Koco with goggles made whimpering and mumbling sounds. Sonic walked up to them with Takumi and Andromon. "Yo."

"Hey." Tails waved. "This Koco is an apprentice to their top pilot."

"They say they needs to find the parts to complete their final weapons." Yuuko explained.

Sonic grinned at Takumi. "An apprentice Koco with goggles? I'm calling this one Takoco."

"No. You are not." Takumi squinted.

Yuuko and Tails giggled before continuing the conversation. "We found them here and were deciding on what to do." Yuuko said.

"I'm sure you two have run into this scenario already." Tails said. "What did you do?"

"Well, we helped them out." Sonic replied.

"But isn't that… cruel? Their battle is long over. This seems dishonest."

"I must agree." Yuuko added. "It feels like we're giving them false hope."

"We're not fixing the problem they think they have, but we are bringing them peace." Sonic replied.

"Sonic's right." Takumi said. "Leaving them to worry in uncertainty isn't going to help them."

Yuuko put her hand over her mouth. "Well, when you put it that way…" She looked at Tails.

Tails nodded and turned to the Koco. "Let's get to work!" The Koco smiled and talked to them.

Yuuko turned to Sonic and Takumi. "Leave this to me and Tails. You two can continue your own search."

"Got it." Takumi nodded. "Call me if you need anything."

A Guardian named Shinobi swung its arms at Sonic who rolled and then used a Wild Rush followed by a Spinning Slash. "Lightning Blade!" Andromon sliced it in two with and electrical wave.

"Oh, yeah!" Sonic grinned picking up the Gear it left behind.

"That one looked like the first larger robot we fought." Takumi said. "But it fought differently…"

"That Shinobi was a unique fighter." Andromon said.

"Wait, how do you know that thing's name?" Sonic asked.

"I accessed some more of the data on this island. These robots we have been collecting Gears off of are known as Guardians of Cyber Space. The one we fought is named. "Shinobi."

"Huh. Odd name."

"Shinobi is another name for "ninja"." Andromon explained before glancing at Takumi. "Do you know what the name means?"

"Those who act in stealth." Takumi replied. "Ninja or "Shinobi" were hired as mercenaries during the 15th and 16th centuries by many warlords to help them conquer castles with their unique skills."

Andromon smiled. "And what were the names of the cities they lived in?"

"Iga and Koka."

"Very good! I was worried that without me your mind would have dulled, but it's good to see you kept up your studies without me."

"Wow, you're pretty sharp Takumi." Sonic said.

Takumi smiled. "Since I was out of school, Andromon helped me study. It was…taxing at times, especially with detective work. But I'm glad we did it."

Andromon patted Takumi's shoulder. "As am I. I learned a lot of the human world as a result. On our way to Yuuko and Tails, let's see what else you know."

Sonic's arms slumped. "Must we?"

"Keeping your mind sharp is important." Andromon said holding up his finger as they walked. "Now then. How many stations are there on the JR Yamanote train line?"

"29." Takumi replied.

"What is the best first-aid method for a slightly burned fingertip?"

"Run it under cold water."

Sonic groaned over the continued questionnaire. "This is gonna be a looooong walk."

While waiting with the Koco and Tails Yuuko sighed to herself. "Even after I told them they could leave this to us…"

"I was hoping we could handle this without bothering them too…" Tails admitted.

"What is the name of the southmost district of Tokyo?"

"Ootaku."

Tails and Yuuko looked behind them as their friends aproached. Andromon was still giving Takumi questions while Sonic clutched his head in his hands. "What nutrient are carrots full of?"

"Vitamins."

"Which Digimon is nicknamed "Demon of the Deep Forrest?"

"GranKuwagamon."

"I am begging both of you." Sonic looked up at Tails and Yuuko. "PLEASE get them to stop. My head feels ready to break open like one of Eggman's robots."

"Which attribute damages wind Digimon the most?"

"Earth."

"What is 7 + 5 / 2 + 13 – 4 x 3?"

Everyone stared at Takumi as he calmly did the equation in his head. "66."

"You got it!" Tails smiled.

"How did you keep track of all that, let alone do it in your head so fast?!" Sonic gapped.

Yuuko looked at Takumi amazed. "When this is over… I'm definitely giving you that IQ test."

"So, how are things going here with Takoco?" Sonic asked. Takumi groaned.

Tails pointed to a cannon nearby. "We need a few more pieces, but we're having trouble finding them."

"Got'cha." Sonic replied. "Takumi and I will be right back."

The masked man was sitting on a rock looking at a cloudbank in a hole near the volcano when the girl appeared. "Well? Any luck?"

"Digimon have proven to be more complex than I calculated." the girl said. "I cannot seem to control it completely…But I believe it would be possible to take the copy of Takumi Aiba's memories we acquired from him and install it into the Digimon's data banks."

"What good will that do?" the man shrugged.

"It will give him all of Takumi's experience, and knowledge of his Digimon. That will give it an advantage."

"I guess it's better than nothing. Let's get started." He then looked at her. "By the way Sage…be honest with me. What do you think of the Doctor?"

"He is my creator. And my function is-

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know you're programed to protect him, but what is it you feel around him?"

"I…feel? Why are you asking me?"

"I've seen your drive to look out for him Sage. That goes beyond programing." The man looked up at her. "That's something more. Something emotional. You care for him. In a way a daughter would her dad."

The girl gasped. "You think I… see him as a father?"

"Weren't you to one who proposed that his other creations are your brothers?"

The girl looked away uncomfortably. "Irrelevant. I am a program. He is flesh and blood."

"Sage, this is what I'm talking about! Family's not always about genetics!"

"We must focus on the task at hand. Time is running out."

The masked man sighed. "Sage…"

Sonic landed near the cannon Tails, Yuuko and the Koco were at and dumped his collection of parts in front of them. Takumi and Andromon came back with more. "Cool. Is that everything?" Sonic asked.

"Yup. And guess what else we found. Besides a couple Digi-Orbs." Takumi took the green Chaos Emerald out of the pouch at his hips and tossed it to Sonic.

Sonic grinned as he caught it and did his dance. "Oh, yeah!"

"That's the third Emerald, right?" Yuuko asked. "Four remain. But first…"

Sonic, Takumi, Andromon and the Koco started putting together what they needed for the cannon. Tails and Yuuko helped with instructions. "Well…that's it." Tails said. "The cannon is complete."

Everyone smiled. Yuuko looked over the edge. "I've only noticed now, but… we're at a very high altitude."

"Yeah. It's pretty hard to say how high due to all the clouds!" Tails added.

"Any higher and we'd risk Angel Island bumping into us." Sonic joked.

"These seem like difficult conditions to live or work under." Andromon said. "For what reason would the Ancients choose to come live here?"

Tails shook his head. "Given their infrastructure, I don't think this is a residential area. It seems more like military frontlines."

"Frontlines?" Yuuko asked. "This seems like an odd place for a first strike position. This Island doesn't even seem to have any defenses for an attack from below."

"Wait…" Takumi put a hand over his mouth. "I think Tails is onto something. All the flashbacks of the islands Sonic and I saw showed something attacking these islands from above. If the Ancients were expecting this, then it makes sense for their first strike position to be as high up as they could reach. Looking back, the island we found Palmon, Nokia and Amy on seemed like a residential area given the houses and lack of weaponry. The island Terriermon, Arata and Knuckles were on looked like the last line of defense judging by the walls and the bunker."

"Makes sense to me." Sonic nodded. "I mean, these cannons aren't just for show. With everything we've seen, just what kind of enemy were they prepared for?"

The Koco whimpered breaking up the conversation. "Hey, what's wrong?" Takumi asked.

Sonic looked at Tails. "Did we get the wrong parts?"

"No. Their hero didn't show. They're worried something's happened." Tails looked at the Koco sadly. "It's like how I couldn't handle it after Infinite attacked. One wrong turn and I fall apart…"

"Whoa, what?"

Tails shook his head and looked at the Koco. "Listen to me. The others are counting on you. We're here to help, so don't give up, okay?"

Yuuko crouched to the Koco. "He's right. You've worked too hard to stop now. Don't lose heart, Takoco."

Takumi glared at a snickering Sonic while the Koco replied. "Great. See what you started?"

Yuuko giggled at him as the Koco smiled. "Well, he does share your cheery personality and your faith in other people." Takumi smiled and shook his head as the others laughed.

Sonic then looked at Tails. "You've got me worried Tails. You wanna talk?"

"Not right now. Let's just focus on finding the Emeralds. Yuuko, can you show Sonic and Takumi the gate we found? I'll take Takoco and see what else we need."

"Certainty."

It was tricky finding a way to get Sonic, Takumi and Andromon on top of the mountain but they managed to reach the Gate. Yuuko watched them activate it. "Stay safe in there."

"We will." Takumi waved before they took off.

Once inside Cyber Space, Takumi and Andromon were in Kawloon Level 5. "Oh, great, this place."

"We will need to be weary of traps." Andromon said. A SkullGreymon and a Cyberdramon appeared. "But even more weary of enemy Digimon!"

"Get ready Andromon!"

"Dark Shot!" The SkullGreymon fired the missile on its back.

"Gatling Attack!" Andromon shot back intercepting the attack.

"Desolation Claw!" Cyberdramon flew at him with its claws glowing.

"Deflect it!" Takumi said.

Andromon batted the attack aside with his arm then kicked Cyberdramon into SkullGreymon. "Lightning Blade!" He then struck both of them down.

"Good work. Let's keep our guard up as we proceed."

"Woohoo!" A rainbow ring sent Sonic spiraling into the portal.

Takumi and Andromon reached the end of Kawloon. And it was there where they found a knight wielding a double ended spear and a shield. "Craniamon." Takumi stated.

"Machinedramon is one thing." Andromon said. "But I am uncertain if I can defeat a Royal Knight in Ultimate form without the others."

"Well, Terriermon and I could beat Examon in Ultimate form. I mean, it was when he was at his weakest, but..."

"Then I withdraw my last statement. If he could do it, so can I. I am prepared." Craniamon spun his spear and Andromon stood ready to fight. "Gatling Attack!" Andromon fired missiles then immediately threw a blade of light. "Lightning Blade!"

Craniamon held up his shield. "Power of Breath!" A blue barrier surrounded him tanking all the attacks. "Shock Ringer!" He started spinning his spear. Waves of light came flying around the battlefield. Andromon ducked under one, sidestepped around another, then tried to block one but was knocked over.

"Andromon!" Takumi ran over to him and helped him up. When the Digimon saw Craniamon coming he pushed Takumi aside before blocking spear swings with the metal on his arms. Each blocked blow knocked him a step backwards. Takumi noticed him approaching the edge. "Andromon, you're running out of space!"

Once Andromon's foot was halfway off the ledge he looked behind him at the long drop. He turned back to Craniamon who ran at him. Just before he swung, Andromon dove between his legs and rolled. "Lightning Blade!" He shot another electrical blast at Craniamon's back and he lost his balance before falling over the edge.

"Nice!" Takumi grinned.

Andromon tapped his head. "That is why it pays to keep your mind sharp."

Takumi stepped towards the end of the platform and looked over the edge. "...Uh oh."

"What is it?" Andromon asked as he walked over and stood over the edge. "...Oh dear."

Craniamon had his spear jabbed into the wall using it to keep himself from falling any further. He then put his feet on the wall surface and started running up it. Takumi and Andromon jumped back and Craniamon came down in front of them. "I guess it wouldn't be that easy." Craniamon lifted up his spear in both hands and started spinning it fast. A mighty whirlwind roared around him. Andromon pushed Takumi a good distance away before he was caught in it. Takumi sat up as the storm blew over. His Digimon was on the ground. "Andromon!" Craniamon approached and lifted his spear just over his head. "Andromon, get out of the way!"

Just as the tip of the spear came down. Andromon rolled over and it sunk into the ground next to him. Andromon then rammed into Craniamon making him back away from his weapon then pulled it out of the ground. "Thanks to you, I have experience using this weapon." He then started swinging and slashing, but Craniamon kept blocking with his shield.

"Andromon, aim for his legs!"

Andromon crouched and spun, slashing Craniamon's shins making him collapse to his hands and knees. He then backed up, spinning the spear and held it straight in both hands. "Checkmate." He roared and trusted it right through Craniamon's armor. The knight weakly held a hand towards him before his disappeared along with the weapon Andromon held. He left behind Digi-Orbs and an exit.

The Visions showed Yuuko visiting Fei in the hospital running into Keisuke as well.

"Actually, Zaxon's Yuugo…that's me."

Keisuke gapped. "Wait, WHAT?!"

After a heartwarming moment between Yuuko and Fei Yuuko made a request to Keisuke. "…Will you leave the matter of Rie Kishibe to me?" She then told him that she would make the mad woman pay for her crimes.

After hearing this Keisuke nodded. "Alright. I'll leave it to you."

"Thank you."

The visions then showed Takumi, Yuuko and Nokia on a rooftop where Crusadermon was looking at Examon. "I purged the sin of EDEN's creator, Satoru Kamishiro. Other sins remain…"

Yuuko glared at her. "Then it was you who killed my father after all? I'll never forgive you! Never!"

The next scene showed Takumi approach Yuuko in Kawloon Level 5. "You really are a… Happy-go-lucky person, aren't you? Surrounded by friends and always smiling like a fool…"

Suedou later appeared and offered assistance. Soon they found their way to what they were looking for, guarded by Craniamon. After a brief introduction Suedou spoke to him. "I would like to prompt humanity's evolution. Evolve our species from our pitiful, wretched existence into a form that can appreciate the utterly beautiful world that shall soon be…" Craniamon lashed out at the proposal. Takumi and Yuuko managed to defeat the knight who lamented his weakness. Suedou then strangely consoled him. "Possessing weaknesses and harboring doubts show that you have your own free will, more clearly than anything. That is an unmistakable change. I can positively affirm that."

The knight's body started glowing. "Feh… What a hateful, yet strangely delightful existence you humans are." He exploded and his blue light washed over one of Takumi's Digimon.

"What happened?" Takumi turned to him. "Are you alright?"

"Nothing seems…too abnormal."

After finishing what they came to do, Suedou explained his objectives, baffling as they were before leaving. Back at the agency Takumi and Yuuko reported and after a…attempted apology that backfired more than anything Yuuko left, and Kyoko pounded the existence of "Yuuko the blackhearted".

Takumi, Andromon and Sonic returned, and Sonic quietly collected the keys. Yuuko stood there with an awkward expression. After they stared at each other Sonic squinted and folded his arms. "Wow Yuuko. I won't lie, NOT cool. Not cool at all. I get you being angry at Crusadermon given what she did to your father, but that's no excuse to let your anger out on Takumi who was just trying to help you out. Can't say you handled that "apology" too well either."

Yuuko covered her face in shame. "I know, I know…"

Andromon folded his arms. "While we are on the subject…"

Takumi looked at him. "Andromon, is now really the time for-

The Digimon put his arm out in front of Takumi. "No, Takumi. I insist speak my mind to Yuuko the blackhearted here." Andromon turned back to Yuuko with a glare. "We had a little talk about your behavior after that mission. MegaGargomon, Rosemon, Takumi and I. Takumi was quick to forgive you cursing him, but I was not. I'm still not. MegaGargomon was rather disgusted with how you acted towards our brother as well. Though our combined fury did not even compare to that of our dear sister who tried to convince the two of us to join her in going behind Takumi's back to hunt you down and as she put it "whip some manners into that blackhearted, ungrateful little brat"." Yuuko shivered in fright.

Takumi gasped. "Wait, Rosemon tried to do WHAT?!"

Andromon folded his arms. "It took every ounce of my self-control, something you clearly lack-to reject her proposal and convince her to stand down. Yuuko, you lashing out at Takumi was both immature and disrespectful. Not only given how he saved your life, but all the support and friendship he offered you. And you spat on that because of anger at someone else entirely. Takumi was even kind enough to let it all slide and even pretended not remember it for your sake, and you in turn childishly threaten him? You have some nerve. Additionally, may I ask, who exactly do you think you are to pretend you are the only one who has ever suffered or experienced the pain of loss? And before you start whining about what happened to Yuugo and your father AGAIN, consider this: After we changed reality, you got both your brother and your father back. Meanwhile Takumi's father is still gone, his mother is barely around for him, and he had to part ways with us, his Digimon! The only other family he had!"

Yuuko gasped. "Wait…is that true Takumi?! What happened to your father?"

Takumi looked away. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Very well." Andromon said glaring at Yuuko again while pointing at Takumi. "But the point is, Takumi did not deserve you being so obnoxiously rude because you couldn't control your feelings regarding your personal issues you foolish dolt! What you said to him was incredibly hurtful and he is the very last person who should ever have to put up with such selfish arrogance and stupidity!"

Yuuko looked down in shame. Takumi then stepped forward. "Okay Andromon, that's enough. I told you guys, Yuuko was having a hard time, that's why I put it behind me. I get you're looking out for me, but don't you think that was a little harsh?"

"Harsh?" Andromon folded his arms again. "I could have taken it MUCH further, and it still wouldn't have been anything more then she deserves."

"He's right Takumi."

Everyone turned to the girl as she looked up with a shameful saddened expression. It made Takumi uncomfortable. "Yuuko?"

"The way I acted was unacceptable. Even if I was angry at Crusadermon, you did nothing to deserve that. And I'm sorry. Besides, I get why your Digimon would be mad at me for it."

"Do you now?" Andromon asked.

"I do. Because Takumi is your brother. If anyone treated Yuugo the way I treated him, I would also find forgiveness difficult. So, if you, and your other siblings can't forgive me for my behavior, I understand. Takumi's friendship is a valuable gift, and I won't take it for granted like that again. I know it might be hard to trust me but…I promise I will do my best to be better from now on."

"…I want to believe that. So do Rosemon and MegaGargomon. But know this Yuuko: A generous Digimon gives a second chance. Only a fool provides a third. If you hurt Takumi in such a manner again and think the three of us will take it lying down, you will be in for a VERY rude awakening."

"If I do hurt him in such a way again, I know I will have deserved whatever it is you plan to do to me." She then turned to Takumi. "Takumi…I want to apologize again. If you still can't accept that apology, I understand. Oh, and I'm also sorry if I upset you by comparing you to that Koco..."

"Hey, it's fine!" Takumi waved his hands. "I know you didn't mean any harm by that, it was just a joke!"

"As do I." Andromon nodded. "Minor quips like that are not venomous among friends. Otherwise, I would have whipped some manners into the hedgehog here, for starting that joke."

Sonic backed away chuckling nervously. "Thanks for understanding big guy."

"I see." Yuuko replied. "Regardless, what I said to you in Kawloon crossed a line, and again, I am sorry. If you no longer think of me as a friend, I understand."

Takumi smiled. "Yuuko, minor lapses like that aren't worth ending a friendship over. It's okay. I moved on from that."

"Takumi, I…" Yuuko smiled. "Thank you."

Sonic grinned at Andromon. "Will that do?"

Andromon nodded. "As long as I made myself clear and Takumi is willing to forgive."

"Good, can we change the subject now?" Takumi proposed.

"Sure." Sonic turned to Andromon. "Let's talk about what happened to you after that fight. Craniamon went poof, then something flew out of him into you. What was that?"

"I didn't understand it at first. But I believe he transferred his data, his power, to me."

"Weren't you enemies? Why would he do that?"

"I still don't know." Takumi replied. "Maybe it was a sign of respect, or he wanted to be remembered."

"Or maybe he was moved somehow by what Suedou said and wanted to contribute to his theory that our kind could get along." Yuuko suggested. "Or maybe in a way, see how things played out through Andromon."

"We may never know his reasoning now." Andromon looked at his hand. "All I know is that if he hadn't done that…Hmm?"

Takumi looked at him. "Something wrong?"

"I feel a surge of energy…"

"Really?" Takumi put on his goggles. "That can only mean one thing." He made an input.

The Digi-Orbs circled Andromon and went into him. "Andromon Digivolve to…" Starting from his torso, light coursed thought his body, coating it in a black metal with red lines and pieces of silver. Twin short metal blades appeared on his back. His right and left shoulder glowed blue and red before heads of those receptive colors appeared on those receptive spots. The light flowed through his face. His skin was silver, and he had a black helmet with yellow eyes. "HiAndromon!"

"You did it." Takumi smiled. "You reached Mega Level. You know…I get what Yuuko felt when her Digimon Digivolved. I like the new look, but I also miss your old forms. Regardless, I'm happy for you."

"This form is proof of how good a brother you have been for me." HiAndromon smiled. "Hmm?" A yellow light was rising from a small island in the distance. "It seems we have another Emerald to claim."

Everyone looked at it. "Alright. Let's…" Sonic grunted as he started to limp. Takumi groaned as his head started to hurt.

"Takumi! Sonic!" Yuuko hurried over.

"I'm okay…" Takumi said. "Just a little tired."

"Yeah…let's just take this slow." Sonic said as they started walking.

Yuuko looked at them in concern. "Takumi… you're so quick to forgive me yet you're so hard on yourself… you truly deserve better…" she muttered.

Tails was with the Koco examining a structure when the others walked up to him. "Oh, Tails and Takoco!" Sonic grinned. "Fancy meeting you here."

"Hey!" He then looked at Takumi's Digimon. "Wow! Is that Andromon?!"

"Correction: HiAndromon." The Digimon replied. "This is my Mega form."

Tails ran over for a closer look. "Amazing! I've never seen armor like that! What's the alloy?"

"It is called Chrome Digizoid. The strongest metal in the Digital World."

"And yet you can move around just as easily as before! Digimon sure are something else!"

"Um…Tails?" Yuuko asked. "About the weapons…"

"O-oh, right. Almost done here. Sonic, can you and Takumi take Takoco to find a couple more parts?"

The Koco jumped peppy. Takumi laughed. "It almost seems like he's liking the name. Do I really seem that cheery to you guys?"

"I would think so." Yuuko smiled. She then turned to Takumi and Sonic. "Listen, if you two aren't feeling well…"

"Nah, we can handle this. Right Sonic?"

The hedgehog held a thumb up. "Can do!" He, Takumi, and HiAndromon walked away as he signaled the Koco to follow them.

Tails waved them off then turned to Yuuko. "Are they alright? They seem a little off…"

"At this point I can only hope so…" Yuuko sighed. "Something clearly is wrong with them, yet they won't speak up. They just keep pushing to help others regardless of their condition… And then there's me. Just standing here, watching them push themselves…"

Tails looked down and frowned. He didn't even notice the mysterious girl teleporting near them until he looked up. "Yipe!" He jumped back startled.

Yuuko gasped in surprise then turned to the startled fox. "D-don't scare me like that!" She took into his shocked expression. "What is it?" Yuuko turned around and stepped back when she saw their guest. "You! What do you want?!"

The girl teleported behind Tails. "Miles Prower." Both Tails and Yuuko turned around to look at her. "You have known Sonic most of your life. And you, Yuuko Kamishiro. You have relied on Takumi Aiba since the day you went to the Kuremi Detective Agency to find the truth behind your father's death."

Tails looked at her oddly. "Yeah. And?"

The girl teleported to their right. "Your imprisonment within Cyber Space. The defeat of the Ancients' Titans. Do you trust how the two of them are handling it? With your lives?" She teleported again.

"Of course." Tails replied. "I'll admit, he isn't perfect, but Sonic has overcome impossible odds over and over again."

"Same with Takumi." Yuuko replied. "He may be a bit too kindhearted for his own good, but I trust him. He's done all sorts of things that would normally be considered impossible. He never gives up and always pushes through whatever challenge given to him. This will be no different, I assure you."

Tails nodded. "With two people that incredible working together? I know they'll save us all."

The girl teleported again before speaking. "So, you're saying you have faith in them?"

"It's not just a matter of faith to me." Yuuko said as the girl warped closer. "It's a matter of facts from my observations and experience. The fact that I have my brother and father back is proof of the miraculous power Takumi Aiba holds."

Tails nodded. "And I've got a lifetime of data to back up my observations with Sonic."

The girl put a hand on her chin. "Your loyalty is founded on empirical data. I can appreciate that." She looked into the distance. "The feelings they inspire in you two and the others… is that a facet of being alive?"

"Huh?" Yuuko started at the girl.

The girl then shook her head shifting her gaze downward. "And yet all your love and loyalty will amount to nothing. It cannot be prevented."

"What are you talking about?" Tails asked reaching to her.

Yuuko then had a thought. "Do you know what's happening to Takumi and Sonic? Tell us!" The girl looked at them then slowly floated towards the wall Tails was examining, disappearing into it. "Wait!" Yuuko ran up to it, but the girl was already gone.

Tails and Yuuko looked around them as her voice were heard once more. "Perhaps it is kinder if you don't know…"

Tails and Yuuko stared at each other. "What was THAT all about?"

"I don't know." Yuuko replied. "What was that sad look on her face? Isn't this the girl that tried to attack Takumi and Sonic repeatedly?"

Sonic, Takumi and HiAndromon were now following the Koco as it searched around. The Hedgehog and Cyber Sleuth were still limping a little. HiAndromon looked ahead and grabbed their shoulders. They looked at him and were about to question why he stopped them but then looked ahead. Takumi sighed while Sonic squinted. "Again, with this?" the red head grumbled.

The masked man was leaning against a stone pillar with his arms folded. "You there, Sonic the Hedgehog."

"Yup, that's my name." Sonic replied.

"Tell me…" the hooded man straightened up off the wall and unfolded his arms. "Just what is your end goal?"

"It varies. Sometimes it's a spinning sign, sometimes it's a big ol' ring." Takumi and HiAndromon looked at Sonic with baffled reactions.

"What are you- The masked man groaned and shook his head. "I mean, what are you trying to accomplish here?!"

Sonic sighed in exasperation with his hands at his hips. "Gather up the Chaos Emeralds and save my friends."

"That's all?"

"Kinda the story of my life."

"And you think it'll all come out hunky dory because that convenient voice in the sky says so?" the man asked pointing up while the Koco kept searching. "What if it's playing you guys for saps?"

"If they want to start trouble, I'll stop them too."

Takumi stepped forward. "No, WE'LL Stop them. If my friends need my help, it makes no difference if it's you, and that floating girl, copies of my past, fallen Royal Knights, Titans or a spooky voice that's in the way. I'll do whatever it takes to help them."

The masked man scoffed. "Aren't you two optimistic. Your arrogance is going to be the undoing of both of you. Maybe of all of us."

Takumi rolled his eyes. "Look pal, we have enough to deal with as it is, so either stop being cryptic and just tell us what's going on around here or kindly skedaddle."

"Would telling you change anything?" Takumi groaned at the question and the man leaned his head closer. "That wasn't rhetorical, I'm asking you: will that change anything?"

"I can't exactly know unless you tell me what your deal is!" Takumi glared.

The floating girl appeared behind the masked man. "There would be no point." She put a hand on his shoulder, and they disappeared.

Takumi looked at Sonic. "Why was he asking you those questions?"

"It sounded like he wants to avoid conflict." HiAndromon said. "Specifically, with you Takumi."

Sonic folded his arms. "Hmm." The Koco then jumped over carrying something over its head. Sonic grinned and kneeled to it. "Nice find, Takoco."

Takumi kneeled to him with a smile. "Great job. You mind taking it to Yuuko and Tails, and tell them we'll meet up as soon as we're done exploring and getting the Emerald?" The Koco nodded and rolled and skipped off happily.

Takumi and Sonic aproached the shrine. Sonic took out the keys and like always the barrier was gone and the Yellow Chaos Emerald went to his hand. "That's four. We're more than halfway done."

"To be specific, 57.14%." Hi Andromon replied.

"Yeah, thanks for that."

The floating girl looked at the masked man. "Why were you offering to share data with them?"

The masked man thought a bit. "Sage…I think I have an idea. I doubt you're going to like it, and I'm sure Eggman's going to hate it. You know about all of the Doctor's history and adventures, right?"

"Correct. I have access to his files."

"Did any of it ever mention him having to work alongside Sonic before?"

Just a heads up, unlike the last two this island is going to be more than six chapters. I got some grand plans for near the end of this one.