Sonic Takumi and HiAndromon returned to Tails, Yuuko and the Koco. "Hey." Tails waved. "Did you get what you were looking for?"

"Sure did." Sonic replied holding up the Emerald. "So, what next?"

The Koco started speaking. "He says we just need to take the parts elswhere." Yuuko replied.

"Alright. Lead the way."

The Koco rolled ahead, and everyone followed. Yuuko stared at Takumi and Sonic as they trudged their way in front of them. "Takumi...Sonic..."

Back in the virtual city, the masked man and the girl stood before Eggman in his Egg Mobile once more. "Good news doc!" the man announced.

"Please tell me it involves getting me out of here." Eggman replied.

The girl nodded. "Yes. We have found a possible scenario for your escape."

Eggman folded his arms. "It's about time! Report!"

The man and the girl looked at each other. "Okay…" the man said. "This is gonna sound crazy, but just bear with us here. See, I asked Sage to look into something regarding your history, meanwhile I reviewed…a certain someone's memories again and…well…"

The girl hesitated before speaking up. "We have found the most optimal course of action is to… create an alliance with Sonic and Takumi."

Eggman scowled at them. "WHAT!?"

"B-but together you stopped the ARK! Overcame Neo Metal!"

"And you saw all the Cyber Sleuth's memories. If he could pull people out of Eaters, he should be able to get you out of Cyber Space!" the masked man replied. "Besides, Sage found other records of you collaborating with Sonic when I asked her. She mentioned you two teaming up against another one of your out-of-control robots…Gem-Real, or something? And then there was that incident with the Zeti where you yourself suggested-

"I don't want to hear it!" Eggman yelled. "Those alliances were purely out of desperation!"

"But time is running out!" the girl said.

"I don't want to hear it! Find me another option!" The cockpit of the Egg Mobile closed, and he flew off.

The masked man sighed. "Sheesh. He took that even worse than I thought he would."

The girl looked down. "Your tenacity is legendary. But I do wish you'd reconsider…"

The Koco rolled and skipped ahead leading the crew towards their objective. No words were said. Takumi and Sonic were not feeling well and Yuuko and Tails were troubled. Tails stopped in his tracks at the back of the line. The others didn't notice until he spoke up. "Sonic… am I a burden to you?"

Sonic gave his friend a skeptical look. "Wow. And how did you come to this well-thought-out concern?" he asked turning to him.

Tails looked down. "Whenever there's a crisis, I'm either running away or standing on the sidelines! You're always rescuing me when all I do is follow you around!"

Yuuko looked to the side. "You shouldn't worry Tails…you couldn't be any more of a burden to Sonic then I am to Takumi."

Takumi turned to her. "Yuuko…! Hey, I told you it's alright, you were just upset and-

"This isn't just about what happened in Kawloon Level 5!" Yuuko burst in a cracking voice. "Whether it's rescuing my brother, getting revenge on Crusadermon, investigating my father's death, destroying a sentient avatar or just venting out my anger, all I've ever done is use you! How can I call myself your friend if all I ever do is push my burdens onto you and do nothing in return?! And it's not just you either! When I went to assault Under Zero, I sacrificed members of my own team who trusted me like pawns on a board just for my own selfish desires by sending them to their doom! Just like how I charged you into Crusadermon's trap! I'm…" Yuuko looked down with her fists shaking. "I'm no different from her! The very one I hate the most! I haven't done anything to deserve anyone's friendship! Least of all yours!"

Takumi looked at Yuuko in shock as she turned away from him. Then he walked around to face her again. "Haven't done anything" my foot. Yuuko, I can name a friend of Nokia's who out paid the restaurant bill for her when she ran out of cash to feed Agumon and Gabumon and even treated us to desert after. I can name a friend of Fei's who visited her in hospital. And I can name a good friend of mine who saved me from a wild Digimon after introducing me to Terriemron, Palmon and Hagurumon, helped me with my case regarding Yamashina, went with Nokia to rescue me from Crusadermon's trap, and made sure I was getting the best treatment at the hospital FREE OF CHARGE while I was recovering from my EDEN Syndrome! Aren't those all things a friend would do?"

Sonic nodded. "That's a good question Takumi." He then turned to Tails. "You know what's also a good question? Who was it who stopped Eggman from blowing up Station Square? Huh? And who broke me out of prison, or saved me from the Deadly Six's trap?"

"I…" Tails turned away folding his arms. "Then I'm wildly inconsistent!"

"As am I!" Yuuko frowned turning away from Takumi again.

Sonic and Takumi looked at the two sadly before Takumi walked around Yuuko again to look her in the eye. "Yuuko, it's okay. You've felt alone for so long, you're just learning about friendship. That takes time. And so what if you made some mistakes in the past, it's not like anyone is expecting you to go through your whole life doing the right thing. And if you do make mistakes, then it's up to us, your friends to back you up and put you back on your feet. I mean look at me, Arata and Nokia, you've seen us make blunders before, we're all only human. And you're one of the strongest humans I know for not giving up even after everything you went through. As your friend I admired that, and it gave us the courage to stand tall when things got rough." He smiled at her. "Besides, it's not like you did nothing while I did any of those things, you're beating yourself up for. Saving Yuugo and the world was a team effort, one that would have been lost without you. You've already done incredible things and I know you'll keep doing more as you move forward." Takumi turned to Tails. "Same goes for you Tails. You're still young and you're already the smartest person I've met in this world! I know you'll go far!"

Sonic cracked a smile and walked up to them. "Exactly! Dude! Relax!" Tails turned to him as Sonic placed his hand near his shoulder as if her were holding it. "You've got brains like Eggman, speed like me, and can fly with your butt."

Takumi squinted at him. "Thanks for killing the mood with that weird joke."

"Was that a joke?" Yuuko asked.

"The point Takumi and I are making is, it's okay if you two still need help sometimes." Sonic grinned. "That's just part of growing up."

"Right." Takumi smiled. "We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. That's why it's important to have friends. So, you can help each other with your struggles in life."

Yuuko looked at Takumi. "Takumi…you really are a happy-go-lucky person."

"Huh?"

"Oh, boy, here we go." Sonic muttered as HiAndromon turned towards Yuuko preparing another third-degree.

"But…" Yuuko put a hand over her mouth as a small smile appeared. "Maybe that's not such a bad thing. Maybe…that attitude is something I can learn from."

"As a matter of fact, you can." Sonic grinned. "A little positive attitude goes a long way, trust me, I know."

Tails smiled at Sonic. "When did you get so insightful?"

"I have my moments."

The Koco then rushed over to them and jumped up and down repeatedly making noises. "What's wrong, with Takoco?" Takumi asked.

Sonic grinned at him. "Oh! You called them that! That's officially their name now! Tails, when this is all done, we need to make them a little business card that says that!"

Takumi rolled his eyes, smiling while everyone laughed. Tails then turned to the distressed Koco. "They say the bridge is out." Everyone looked at the large bridge that was raised in front of them.

"I'm sure we can fix that." Sonic said. "I'll have a look around."

"Actually…" Yuuko held up a finger and looked at Sonic. "I think I have an idea." She started at him for a bit longer then looked at HiAndromon.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not gonna like this?" the hedgehog muttered.

Back in Cyber Space Eggman was taking a walk to clear his head out when a G.U.N. helicopter appeared in front of him. Then another showed up. Then another. Before he knew it, he was surrounded. The masked man sprinted towards him while typing into a monitor as the turrets started to spin. "Doctor, get down!" he yelled as he stepped in front of him. Just as the aircrafts started firing, he swung a hand, and a blue barrier shielded him and Eggman. "Eggman's covered! Get em Sage!"

The girl teleported in front of the choppers and held up a hand she clenched into a fist. She spun into the air and the G.U.N. military craft collided into each other in a bright blue circle. Once it was over the man took down his shield and Eggman looked at them. "I've lost count of how many times you two have saved me from the hazards here."

"Thanks. But the credit goes to Sage." the man said. "That girl always knows what's coming and when it's coming."

"It is my function." the girl said as she descended to the ground. "I live to serve."

The man chuckled. "If you ask me Sage, this goes beyond the scope of a simple "function"."

"Here, here!" Eggman smiled stepping forward. "You've exceeded your function! I'm very impressed with you, Sage. No! I'm proud of you!"

The masked man faintly chuckled seeing the small smile on Sage's face. "So, in any case, we came back to let you know of our plan to confront Sonic and Takumi."

Eggman turned to him. "You mentioned you had a plan to control the Titan and that Digimon you saw? The one who looked like that Gallantmon zealot Takumi ran into?"

"I have recreated the "Digimon Capture" program from the previous reality's EDEN." the girl explained. "In time I can use it to influence the Digimon's actions. Additionally, we are making plans to install all of Takumi Aiba's experience and info on his Digimon into it."

"Good, good. We might be able to make use of this Digimon after all this is over."

"We just need a little more time to get it under control. Until then the Titan cannot be used as it is restraining it."

"Just make sure Sonic doesn't find it or he will mess up all of your carefully constructed plans. Trust me, I know."

"Don't worry." the masked man replied. "We hid it where those guys will never even think to look."

"Excellent." Eggman said. "Well done you two."

The girl nodded then looked at the masked man. "I must return to continue preparations. Please scan the area and make sure the Doctor is safe here before you join me."

"You got it Sage." the man replied. He pulled up monitors as the girl warped away.

Eggman smiled as his companion worked. "Ah, that Sage. She's a hard worker, and completely supportive. I couldn't ask for more."

The man glanced at him. "You sure do sound like you're proud of her."

"Of course, I am! Is there something wrong about taking pride in your creation?"

"Of course not. Speaking of Sage, I noticed she's been smiling a lot lately."

"Oh, really? Why's that?"

"I think you got her excited with the idea of a "home" and a "family" to return to after this."

Eggman stroked his mustache. "Right, right, she did say as much herself. I just hope Orbot and Cubot don't do anything stupid with her." He heard the man chuckle in his mask. "Alright you, what's so funny?"

"The way you speak of Sage… The care in your words for her… That's what I'd expect from a father."

Eggman froze. Then he stuttered. "From a- Are you- That's not- What are you saying?!"

"What? Didn't you say there was nothing wrong in taking pride in your creation?"

"Well, yes! And I created a program, not a daughter!"

"Sage seems pretty human if you ask me. And I think a man as smart as you would know that too. Do you not think she's a brilliant kid?"

"Well, she is, but that's beyond the point!" Eggman flustery replied. "Honestly, first you try to suggest me working with Sonic, now this?! It's not like I can just…create life!"

The masked man laughed. "Says who?! Doc, people create life all the time! So, what if Sage was created outside of the "conventional" method? That just shows her father's a genius! Like father like daughter!" The man looked at his screen. "Looks like you're safe here. I'm gonna head back to help Sage, but let us know if something happens." He closed his monitors and walked away before opening a blue doorway. He looked back at Eggman. "Trust me Eggman. Family is about something much bigger than genetics. Nobody knows that better than me." He then walked into the light, and it vanished.

Eggman thought for a moment after watching the man leave. He then smiled to himself and took out a red device. He pressed a button, and it started recording. "Who says I can't create life, huh? Just a bunch of proteins bumping together. Anyone can do that. A true genius does it with code and electrons! And if I did create life, she would be brilliant and loyal and perfectly effective! And you know why? Because her dad is a genius, that's why!"

HiAndromon Yuuko and Tails were looking at a screen projected from Yuuko's Digivice. Takumi, Sonic and the Koco just stood there watching. "Okay, I think that's about everything." Tails said. "You got it HiAndromon?"

"Certainty. I will use the exact amount of force." The Digimon took a few steps and used his arm to measure out the distance from him and the bridge. "This should be correct. Whenever you're ready Sonic."

Sonic stared at the bridge. "I don't know about this, guys."

"Don't worry about it!" Tails smiled. "We've got this perfectly calculated!"

"You sure?"

"Absolutely." Yuuko smiled. "And in the event, we are wrong Tails tells me you survived being in space many times before so..."

Sonic looked at her worrying. "I'm sorry, WHAT?"

Takumi laughed. "She's just joking Sonic, Yuuko has a weird sense of humor."

"Hmm? Oh, sure, humor. Just a joke." Yuuko said with a straight face.

Sonic stared at a bit. "Okay... sure." He walked towards HiAndromon.

Takumi looked at Yuuko as they along with Tails and the Koco backed up. "You were joking about that, right?" he whispered.

"Was I? I feel I still don't understand jokes well enough to be able to know one when I hear or say one…"

Takumi closed his eyes. "This does not bode well."

"Alright, here goes." Sonic jumped curling into a ball. HiAndromon held him in his hands and took a deep breath. He ran towards the bridge spinning the arm he held Sonic in rapidly then threw him at the bridge like a bowling ball. Sonic rolled up the raised bridge at high speed and soared into the sky. Very high into the sky. The others looked up and watched him disappear from their sight.

Takumi glanced at his friends. "Methinks you three might have been slightly off with your calculations."

Yuuko looked at the complex and extended equation on her screen. "That can't be right! HiAndromon are you sure you threw with the right amount of power?"

"Yes, of course." HiAndromon replied as he and Tails walked over to her.

"Then what went wrong!?"

Tails scanned the equation and redid the math. "Oh! Wait." He pointed to a small part of the screen. "We forgot to carry this three here."

Yuuko looked at it. "Oh."

HiAndromon put a hand over his mouth. "Oh, dear. That was careless."

Takumi cringed and looked at the sky. "Guys? …Is Sonic going to be okay?"

"I'm sure he'll be fine." Tails said. "Judging by the trajectory, he'll still make it over the gap and land on the island."

Yuuko watched the small dot in the distance that was Sonic descending. "I'm more concerned about the fall…"

"Oh, don't worry. Sonic's survived worse heights no problem."

Everyone watched Sonic free fall to the other side of the bridge then heard a boom startling Takumi and Yuuko. "Sonic!" Takumi hurried towards the raised bridge. "Hey, are you alright over there!?" No answer.

"No…" Yuuko trembled. "This is my fault…I never should have-

"Guys, relax." Tails said. "I know Sonic. It's gonna talk a lot more than a fall to stop him." The bridge started to lower. "See?"

Once it was down, Sonic, Yuuko, HiAndromon and Tails hurried across. They saw the hedgehog leaning against the switch winching in pain. "Sonic, are you alright?" Takumi asked.

"Lillymon…was right…" the hedgehog mumbled.

"Huh?"

Sonic held up the turquoise Chaos Emerald. "Landing on these…is the worst pain EVER."

Takumi, Yuuko, Tails and HiAndromon all shuddered and seethed. "Ouch…" Tails muttered.

"From…all the way up there too…" Yuuko added looking up.

"Inconceivable!" HiAndromon said. "How are you even alive after-

"Rings." Sonic and Tails replied simultaneously.

"Of course." Takumi muttered. "Well, at least you're okay. And now we only have two Emeralds to search for. First things first though." Takumi turned to the Koco. "Where too next?"

As the Koco went on ahead, the others followed. As they walked Tails turned to Sonic. "Sonic… do you think I can… change?"

"What do you mean? Like… like a tire? Or the Tornado's engine oil?"

"That's not it." Yuuko said. "Tails…he's worried that he might not be a worthy partner for you."

Tails turned to her. "Yuuko!"

"He needs to know, Tails." Yuuko said.

"Then shouldn't Takumi know what it is that's bothering you?"

Takumi turned to her. "What is it, Yuuko?"

"It…" the girl looked away. "It's not that big a deal, just…"

Takumi sighed. "Yuuko…Tails…you two are our friends, you know that, right?"

"Of course." Tails replied.

"Well, then you know that we worry about you two." Sonic said. "It's what friends do. Both of you have been acting oddly, and Takumi and I will only keep worrying if you keep it bottled up inside!"

"Yuuko. Tails. Sonic and I want to help you." Takumi said. "But you need to be open and honest with us. Did something happen before we found you two that's causing you to act like this?"

Tails and Yuuko stared at each other. Tails finally spoke up. "When we were lost in Cyber Space, Yuuko and I were confronted by another version of myself. He said I was just a follower. That I couldn't think or act on my own. I wanted to argue, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything back. I worry he's right and that I haven't changed at all…"

Yuuko looked away. "After he disappeared…we saw Yuugo."

Takumi gasped. "What? Your brother is here too?!"

Yuuko shook her head. "No. Not my brother. The Yuugo avatar I used."

"What? How's that possible?!" HiAndromon asked. "We all saw-

"It might not have been the real Yuugo but rather something Cyber Space made from Yuuko's memories." Tails said.

Yuuko frowned. "Either way, when he aproached me…He said that all I've ever done was use you Takumi. That I never truly treated you like a friend, but rather a means of accomplishing my goals. That I used you because I couldn't do anything on my own…"

"That…that's not it!" Yuuko said. "Takumi is my friend! We fought together with Arata and Nokia to save my brother and the world!"

Yuugo put a hand on his hip and glared at her. "Is that really true "Yuuko the blackhearted"? I'm pretty sure you just treated him like a piece of equipment to use to carry out your revenge back when you fought Crianiamon. I'm also certain you said that you weren't friends right to his face."

Yuuko trembled. "That…I…I wasn't thinking straight at the time! And I apologized afterwards, didn't I?"

"But Takumi didn't actually accept that apology, did he? Seemed to me like he ignored it. Can't say I blame him with how hurtful you were."

"I didn't mean any of it! I was too distracted by Crusadermon, I-

"Of course, you were. That's all you cared about. Taking revenge for your own satisfaction. Takumi was always fighting for others. For the world. But you? You only fought for yourself. For what you desired. You cast me aside not wanting to be someone you're not, but you haven't changed at all since you disbanded Zaxon. Nokia became the driving force that allowed the hackers to stop Leopardmon. Arata overcame his past and grew stronger from it. And you? How have you changed?" He stared at Yuuko who didn't respond. "You're still the selfish coward that treats people's lives like chess pieces. If only Takumi had just left, you in the Eaters. I would be alive. Takumi wouldn't have been captured by Crusadermon. Maybe Hudie wouldn't have been destroyed. You know what the funny part is? You're no different from Crusadermon, the one you hate so much."

"W-what?!"

"Am I wrong? She used you, Zaxon and Kamishiro Enterprises to get revenge on humans. Just like how you used Takumi to get revenge on her. What makes you two so different?" Yuuko froze. "Heh. I bet one day when you no longer find use in Takumi, you'll cast him aside just like you did me. Then you'll spend your remaining days the friendless hypocritical coward you always were. Who you deserve to be." "Yuugo" then walked away and disappeared.

Tails just started at the girl. "Yuuko…"

Yuuko looked at her trembling hands. "That…that isn't true…is it…?"

Takumi stared at the girl. "Yuuko…"

Sonic folded his arms and scoffed. "Whatever. Some spooky cyber copies haven't seen you two in action. You've definitely grown, and I know you'll both keep working hard!"

"Sonic's right." Takumi said. "You've done things to help us too Yuuko. And I know you'll keep doing great things. You don't need that avatar or Zaxon to be able to help people out. Just like you did that Tokomon. You're my friend and you deserve to have friends. No matter what happens."

The Koco turned to them making more noises. Everyone turned to it and followed it. The Koco stood in front of a giant weapon with a glowing wall. It turned around to its new friends jumping up and down with a smile. Tails and Yuuko listened to it as Takumi, Sonic and HiAndromon watched. Tails looked at them. "They say this was the last of the defensive measures."

"Takoco also is said "thank you all for helping me"." Yuuko added with a smile.

Takumi smiled and kneeled to the Koco. "This was a result of your efforts as well. Take pride in that."

Sonic nodded. "Way to go. Your hero will be thrilled with all your hard work."

Takumi smiled. "My hero and mentor told me something once. That a hero needs a set of goggles. I think you proved her right today little hero. Remember that." The Koco nodded and closed his eyes. A light came out of him and flew into the sky before he toppled over. Yuuko kneeled to the Koco and everyone looked at it sadly not noticing the symbol in the sky. "Yuuko… Tails… your actions helped him find peace in the very end." Takumi said. "You're both good people."

"And we're proud of you." Sonic added. "Don't forget that."

Tails closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "We won't." He smiled at his friends.

Yuuko stood up. "Takumi…I need to tell you the truth about something. I've been keeping it to myself for a while now…"

"What is it?"

"What I said to you in Kalwoon…about you always smiling like a fool, and all that other stuff…part of it was because of me being angry at Crusadermon…but that wasn't all."

"Why else did you say it then?" HiAndromon asked folding his arms.

Yuuko turned to Takumi. "Takumi…The truth is…I…" She sighed. "I was jealous of you. I think I still am honestly."

Takumi blinked. "Jealous? Why?"

"Your ability to smile and stand tall even when put though the hardest situations. Your ability to forgive people when they make mistakes or even hurt you like I did. Your talent in making friends, even amongst your enemies. Your courage to trust others…" Yuuko looked down. "For all my bad mouthing of all of that, those were strengths I lacked. I feel like if I were more like you a lot of my past mistakes wouldn't have…"

"Yuuko…"

Yuuko looked at Takumi in the eyes. "Takumi, listen to me. It was that strength that saved me, Arata, my brother, and many other people, not just your Connect Jump, not your Digimon. That is what brought us what we have today. Even if you don't have the Connect Jump anymore and even when you didn't have your Digimon, you had incredible power that allowed you to do things I couldn't." She smiled at him. "Even without them you are still an incredible person and a great Cyber Sleuth. So don't ever try to convince yourself that you're useless without the Connect Jump or Digimon. Because in my eyes, you already have an even greater power."

Takumi smiled and grew a tad misty eyed. "Th…thanks Yuuko. That means a lot to me."

"And she's right you know." Sonic smiled. "It's like I said to the weird girl. The will to live, the drive to achieve, the desire to protect the ones you love, all that means more than some weird technological power. And you got that in spades my dude."

"Do not think you are nobody without us." HiAndromon said. "You mean more to me then you could ever imagine. With or without your half-cyber powers."

Takumi smiled and turned away rubbing his eyes. He hoped nobody heard him sniffle. "Thanks guys. I needed that."

"That's what friends are for." Sonic smiled.

"Friends…" Yuuko muttered. "I never understood what being a friend means…but I think I have a better understanding now."

Sonic looked at her. "Hey, if you need some advice on friendship…you got a good chance to learn from Tails. He's the best buddy I could ask for."

Takumi smiled. "I think you can learn a thing or two from Yuuko as well Tails. Like I said, she's one of the strongest people I know."

"Do…do you really think that Takumi?" Yuuko asked.

"Of course, I do. Hey, how about you two take some time to talk while Sonic and I take a look around. We'll come meet you two in a bit."

"Okay." Tails waved as the heroes left. He and Yuuko stood in awkward silence. They thought for a bit then when they looked at each other they opened their mouths to speak but then hesitated when they thought the other wanted to talk.

Yuuko finally broke the silence. "Tails…in your own words, how would you describe a friend?"

Tails thought a moment. "Hmm…well, to me, a friend is somebody you can trust. Somebody you can…connect to. Somebody who will help you out."

"I see." Yuuko said. "Somebody you help…I guess I really haven't been a good friend for Takumi then, have I?"

"What are you talking about? You helped him out just now, didn't you?"

"What do you mean?"

Tails smiled. "Takumi said he felt he was ineffective because he no longer has the Connect Jump. But you were the one to tell him of his other strengths. That cheered him up. It was a really friendly thing to do, and you helped him."

"I wasn't just saying that to please him, Tails. It's what I truly believe."

"That's another thing that makes you a friend then. You're open and honest with Takumi. I think Takumi's lucky to have an honest and encouraging friend!"

Yuuko smiled. "…Thanks Tails. I can see why Sonic thinks so highly of you."

Sonic Cylooped a marker lowing in the night and a seed appeared. Takumi put on his goggles. "That's it. The map's complete."

"Good." Sonic said picking up the seed. "So, what now?"

"The last Gate is just up ahead. Let's take care of that real quick before joining Yuuko and Tails."

"Sounds good to me." Sonic Takumi and HiAndromon proceeded up a hill towards a Cyber Space Gate. "Here we are."

Takumi then looked up. "Whoa…"

"What?" Sonic and HiAndromon looked up to see a giant flying Guardian named Fortress fly towards them. It slowly started to descend as it came close and dropped purple orbs that exploded. "Oh, shoot, move!"

HiAndromon threw Takumi over his shoulder and leapt behind a pillar. He put Takumi down and watched Sonic dodge explosions as it passed by then ran after it. "Stay here." The Digimon hurried towards them.

"Be careful!" Takumi said.

As Sonic chased the Fortress, he noticed five grind rails were extending from the back. He leapt onto one and gave chase. He then noticed HiAndromon catching up on the rail next to him. "Oh, cool. You can use these too."

"I have had plenty of opportunities to analyze this technique." They continued and noticed parts of the rails glowed blue. Switching to those rails made them speed up. "The blue parts of these rails seem to be accelerating us. Let's make use of this."

"Gotchya." Sonic noticed the back of the Fortress shooting red orbs. "Head up!" They dodged by switching rails. They proceeded to follow it while dodging attacks and continuing on blue rails. Soon four rails cut off and HiAndromon got behind Sonic as they spiraled around one path. From there on parts of the rails came in and out making them switch constantly. Once Sonic was close enough, he used a homing attack on the back of the Fortress and a purple pad appeared for them to stand on. Sonic did a combo then a Sonic Boom.

"Atomic Ray!" The twin turbines on HiAndromon's shoulders glowed and sent energy to his head before firing a ray at the back of the Titan. Sonic then used a Wild Rush and finished it with a Cyclone Kick. The Fortress exploded repeatedly, and the duo jumped off before it blew up.

Takumi watched it. "Awesome job guys!"

"As to be expected."

Takumi noticed the ghost-girl. "When did you get here?"

The girl looked at him. "I have been analyzing you both since your arrival to the islands. From all your battles to your experiences with the Koco."

Takumi folded his arms. "Speaking of the Koco… I think I figured it out. They possess the spirits of the Ancient's, don't they? That's why they're reliving their last moments."

"What if they do?"

Takumi thought back to Pete and his original owner. "It's not my first time seeing spirits who couldn't move on. I wonder if I can help them all find peace. Just what is it that's keeping them trapped in regret? And for how long? Do you think we were brought here to help them finally move on?"

"Why ask me?"

Takumi unfolded his arms and put his hands on his hips. "Because I think you might be in a similar situation. If so, I want to help." The girl stared at him a moment longer before she disappeared.

Sonic an HiAndromon approached him with a red gear. "Ready for one last trip through Cyber Space?" Sonic asked.

Takumi nodded. "You're right. This should be the last time we do this. Kind of sad, but…Well, let's get going."

Next up we have our final Cyber Space level in Chaos Island. Who will Takumi and HiAndromon be facing? Find out next week!