Sonic aproached the alter with the green Chaos Emerald. "Alright, that's four. As HiAndromon would say: 57.14%." He took a look at the map. "Let's see, next closest gate is…"
The girl with brown hair tied into buns stumbled forward as she stood in some kind of underground lab. "I… I can't believe it! How could I let myself forget?!"
A tall Digimon with twin glowing sabers and a scarf stood next to her. "Fei, it's not your fault."
"You were forced to forget once your reality was reformatted." Sage added. "There is no reason to blame yourself."
"All the same I-
"Fei, please." The Digimon spoke up. "The important thing is you remember now. Don't waste energy beating yourself up when you could be using it to act."
Fei took a deep breath. "...You're right. I can't let Yuuko see me like this. I gotta find her and help her with this crisis. I ain't got time for a pity party."
"Heh. That's the Fei I remember."
The girl smirked. "Ya haven't changed yourself TigerVespamon." She then turned to Sage. "Okay, now that I'm caught up on my other life, wanna tell me what's goin' on here?"
"First we must escape Cyber Space. It is dangerous here. Once we are on Starfall Islands, I will explain the situation."
"Cyber Space?" Fei asked looking around her. "Why does it look like the lab in
Roppongi?"
"The memories of Takumi Aiba and others who connected to it from your world affect the form Cyber Space takes. It was created to draw data from the mind."
"Like EDEN? Who created all this?"
"That and all further questions must wait until we find the exit. We must hurry and-
"Wait." TigerVespamon looked around. "I sense something."
"What is it?" Fei asked.
Sage turned around. "A powerful energy source is coming towards us! Is this...?"
A blinding light rained down in front of them. "Agh!" Fei shielded her eyes. "Now what's goin' on?!"
The light materialized into a being with white armor, grey wings, red eyes and horns. "So, this is the alternate dimension found during the days of the first knights. Curious. It seems like the human world we attacked."
Fei looked at him in shock. "Who the heck are you?!"
The being looked at her and TigerVespamon. "Hmm? What's another Digimon doing here?"
Sage stared at the intruder. "Warning. Scan reads subject as Dynasmon of the Royal Knights. Recommend we retreat."
"Did you say Royal Knights?!" TigerVespamon asked.
"He does not seem to be a copy like the enemies Takumi fought. He must be the genuine article."
"That is correct." Dynasmon stepped towards them. "I have come to this world to carry out our mission to eliminate humankind."
"Mission?" Fei asked. "Yuuko told me about the Royal Knights. She said ya goons were responsible for that mess in Tokyo."
"You are mistaken." Dynasmon folded his arms. "It is you humans who brought the Eaters to our home the Digital World. And in turn we decided to exterminate the root of that evil. You brought those events upon yourself. And now we shall finish what we started."
"But the Eaters are gone!" TigerVespamon said. "There is no longer a reason to destroy the humans!"
"On the contrary. All this started when five humans came to the Digital World. Who's to say humans won't repeat that mistake in the future? Evil must be destroyed no matter the price. Even the possibility of a new evil must be destroyed. To ensure the safety of our world, I will eliminate the humans. Starting with the ones that started the crisis. Takumi, Arata, Nokia, Yuuko, and Yuugo will pay for their sins with their lives."
Fei glared. "Hold it horn head. Did you just say you were gunning for Yuuko and her brother?"
"You know of them? I was informed that four of the five humans were in this world. Tell me where I can find them."
"Dream on ya giant goat! I ain't betraying Yuuko! If anything, I'm gonna tan your hide before you can lay a finger on her!"
"Fei, this is not an opponent you can defeat." Sage objected.
"I'll be the judge of that! TigerVespamon, let's skin this freak!"
"With pleasure!" Fei's Digimon aproached.
"Hmph. Very well." Dynasmon stepped forward. "You may not be one of my primary targets, but you are still human. I will dispose of you first."
"I have run the simulations." Sage said. "Fei, your chances of victory are less than 30 percent."
"Pfft. Thanks for the warning kid but odds don't mean nothin' to me. If I see a threat to Yuuko then it's goin' bye, bye. Plain and simple."
Dynasmon then eyed Sage. "Who are you? You do not appear to be a Digimon. But such swift and accurate calculations are beyond the abilities of a human."
"I will not share data with an enemy."
"Hmph. Very well. I do not need to know. If you side with the human, then you have chosen death." Dynasmon crossed his arms holding out his claws. "Prepare yourself!"
TigerVespamon stood in a fighting stance. Fei held out her arm in front of Sage. "Kid. You might wanna step back."
"Acknowledged." Sage said backing up.
The two Digimon flew at each other. In the center of the room Dynasmon caught the Royal Meisters in his hands. TigerVespamon headbutted him making him let go and back up. She thrusted her blades repeatedly at him, but he dodged each attack then slashed her with her claws. He then swept at her legs tripping her and as he spun around he punched her in the gut knocking her back.
"Tch! He's tough." Fei said as her Digimon slid to her.
"Calculating." Sage said. "Dynasmon boasts incredible strength. Your best option is to outmaneuver rather than overpower."
"Gotchya. TigerVespamon! Time to crank up the speed!"
"Roger." TigerVespamon started flying fast around Dynasmon who looked around trying to track her movements. She started slashing as she passed him repeatedly. Eventually Dynasmon caught her arms as she charged at him. "Gear Stinger!" The lenses next to her shoulders shot blue needles making Dynasmon release her.
"Now!"
"Mach Stinger Victory!" TigerVespamon stabbed at Dynasmon repeatedly. She then flipped and swung her blades in a V shape blowing the knight back.
"Interesting." Dynasmon stood up. "It seems I have found a worthy foe." His wings flapped before he flew right at TigerVespamon. The insectoid Digimon barely blocked his claws with her swords. He then slashed with his other hand knocking them out of the way then got another swipe in on her and kicked her into the air. He flew up after her and grabbed her before slamming her to the ground. Standing over her he held his palms out and the red circles glowed red and blue. "DNA Disintegrator!" The twin energy blasts exploded sending TigerVespamon hurling into a wall.
"Dynasmon is more dangerous than I calculated." Sage said. "I recommend we retreat for the time being."
"What?" Fei gawked. "No way! I'm not about to turn tail and run from a fight!"
"Then neither shall I!" TigerVespamon flew at Dynasmon again. The Royal Knight blocked each sword swing skillfully with his gauntlets before seeing his opening and punching her in the torso knocking her back into the wall. He hunched over and glowed white before roaring. A white aura burst from him and rose up taking the form of a giant dragon.
"Breath of Wyvern!" Dynasmon swung his hands forward and the giant dragon slammed into TigerVespamon. She yelled out in pain. "You fought well. But this is your end."
Fei dropped to her knees. "This can't be…"
Sonic ran around two loops in a Chemical Plant stage and jumped over a gap flying through a rainbow ring and to a Red Start Ring. He then leapt into the goal.
Dynasmon grabbed Fei. "Gah! Let me go!" the girl grunted, struggling in his grip.
"Another foul human who used Digimon like hardware and made them suffer in the end for their selfishness. You are living proof that the menace known as humans must be eradicated for our survival." Dynasmon started squeezing Fei in his hand making her scream. "You shall pay for your crimes... with your life!" He held back his other hand. His claws ready to strike.
Then TigerVespamon shoulder charged him making him drop Fei. "Leave her alone!"
Dynasmon looked up. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Fei slowly sat up. "TigerVespamon?"
The Digimon pointed her blades at the knight. "I will not let you hurt Fei!"
"You would protect that human? Do you not wish for freedom?"
"I'm not being brainwashed, or anything fool. If anything, it was Fei and Yuuko who granted me freedom. Because of them I got to see EDEN. A world where everyone is free to be themself."
"You speak fondly of humans and EDEN even after all the suffering caused by both?! Have the humans deluded you that much?!"
"You're the one who is pinning the crimes of a handful of humans on the race as a whole! I'd say YOU are the one who's deluded! Regardless of such, I will protect the people I believe in! I don't care who judges me for it!"
Fei stood up. She looked at her Digimon with a smile. "TigerVespamon... you're ok." She then looked at the lab they were in. "Sage, you said this Cyber Space takes form based on the memories of those inside? I guess it's my memories that made it like this. A lot of bad stuff happened here. But it's also where I had a revelation. Dynasmon was right about me. I did use to see Digimon as programs and use them. But Digimon have wills of their own and hearts. And this is where I learned to see it."
TigerVespamon stood tall. "Rest assured Fei, even before then having you by my side gave me a sense of joy and freedom I never knew in the Digital World. And so, my will is aligned with your now and forever!"
Dynasmon stared at them. "Then both of you can- A red flash got everyone's attention as a portal opened up. "Hmm?"
Sage watched as someone came running out. "Sonic."
The hedgehog looked around. "…I hate showing up in the middle of something."
"Who are you?" Dynasmon asked. "You clearly aren't human. But you don't appear to be a Digimon either."
"I'm a hedgehog, thank you very much."
"Hedgehog? Are you an inhabitant of this world?"
Fei looked at Sage. "You know this guy?"
"He is temporarily supporting the Eggman Empire."
"Oh, right." Sonic rolled his eyes. "That's happening." He then noticed Fei. "Hey, aren't you that girl that was in Yuuko's team? Fei, was it?"
Fei blinked. "Huh. Think some of my old memories weren't returned kid. I don't remember this guy."
"You never met." Sage replied. "Sonic has learned of you through witnessing the memories of Takumi Aiba."
"So, who's the giant here?" Sonic asked.
"Dynasmon." Sage replied. "One of the Royal Knights that supported Leopardmon."
"Oh, right. I saw Takumi fight him with Magnamon through his memories while on the island Amy and Nokia were at."
Dynasmon turned away from Sonic and towards Fei. "I have no quarrel with you. Stay out of my way and you may live."
Sonic rushed in front of Fei. "Yeah, right. Your buddy Crusadermon is messing with my world and my pals. We got plenty of quarrel."
"You as well? What compels you to support these sinful beings?!"
"Hey, unlike you I don't discriminate. Human, Digimon, AI or anything else. I chose to support people for WHO they are, not WHAT they are. And if helping my friends just so happens to mean supporting the human race, then what happens, happens."
Fei smirked. "I like your attitude little guy. And you're right. I chose to support Yuuko. But that wasn't because she's also human. It was because I respect who she is. Even that annoying dope Nokia helped Digimon because of who they were not WHAT they were."
"And you will continue down this path?" Dynasmon said. "Even if it is ultimately an evil one?"
Sonic shrugged. "Even I can't be the hero every time."
"Who's to judge good and evil?" Fei asked. "We can argue about who's right or wrong until the cows come home. Even if the whole world turns against us, I'll fight the whole world back!"
"Such strength of will… just like them." Dynasmon thought back to his final battle with Takumi. "Human. Hedgehog. Speak your names. What master do you serve? What is it you fight for?"
Sonic pointed at himself. "I am Sonic! Sonic the Hedgehog! I have no master except the wind that blows free!"
"And I am Fei Wong Tomoe Ignacio! Proud hacker of Zaxion! I fight for Yuuko and the people and purpose we believe in!"
"Sonic and Fei. Very well. I will remember your names… and I acknowledge you both as true warriors! From this point forward I shall fight you with my full power!"
"Sounds like fun." Sonic smirked at Fei. "Mind if I join the party?"
"Just try not to get in our way." Fei grinned back.
"Your full strength against mine." Dynasmon ascended from the ground. "Come! Let us see who's will holds the sharper blade!" He flew backwards into the deep tunnel.
"You ready?" Sonic put his hands on the floor ready to dash.
Fei got on her Digimon's shoulder. "Let's get him!" TigerVespamon and Sonic chased after Dynasmon into the tunnel. Dynasmon made slashing motions with his arms and blades of wind flew at them. The two dodged them before he roared and summoned a hurricane that they narrowly avoided.
"Gah! We'll never finish him off unless we get closer!" Fei growled.
"I got it!" Sonic replied as he started to leave a glowing trail behind him. "Stay behind me!"
TigerVespamon flew behind Sonic and the Cyloop trail carried her faster. Sonic picked up speed and aproached Dynasmon. Once he was close, the knight slashed him knocking him back. But TigerVespamon was close enough to jump in front of him. She timed her sword swings with the slashing of Dynasmon's claws matching them blow for blow. Then Sonic caught up and attacked Dynasmon from behind with a Homing Attack. TiggerVespamon followed up with multiple slashes on the knight, before he regained his composer and tossed her behind him onto the ground only for Sonic to use a Loop Kick to send the Royal Knight rolling across the ground. He got back up and kept moving down the endless tunnel with his pursuers hot on his heels. "Not bad. But how about this?! DNA Disintegrator!" He shot a red and a blue beam from his hands.
"Look out!" Fei yelled before TiggerVespamon flew up over one of the attacks. Sonic ran up a wall to get away from the other. The two beams tried to trace their targets. Sonic started looping around the tunnel going from one wall to the ceiling to the other wall back to the floor. He got close enough for a Homing Attack, but Dynasmon caught him in his hands and pushed him back.
Sonic used Sonic Boom as he was flung back but Dynasmon blocked it with his gauntlets. He roared and glowed with white aura. "Breath of Wyvern!" A giant dragon of white fire emerged and flew at them. Sonic slid under it and TigerVespamon rolled into the air flying to the side of it and it exploded in the distance.
The moment Fei saw Dynasmon tired from the attack she saw their opening. "Attack!"
"Gear Stinger!" TigerVespamon fired needles at the knight. Sonic then closed the gap and struck with a Phantom Rush.
Dynasmon roared and blew them both back with a gust of wind. Sonic kept running alongside TigerVespamon who flew after Dynasmon. Fei noticed a split in the path ahead. She looked at Sonic and pointed left. The hedgehog nodded. Dynasmon flew backwards down the right path and TigerVespamon followed while Sonic took the left. "They split up. So Sonic is planning to ambush me. Predictable." He held his palms out. "DNA Disintegrator!" TigerVespamon crouched under the attack and swung her swords, but Dynasmon deflected them while knocking her back. He noticed the two tunnels were about to reconnect and turned ready for Sonic to come running out the other end to strike but the hedgehog didn't show. "What?! Where'd he- A Wild Rush to the back answered his question before it was finished. "I-impossible! How did you get ahead of me?!"
Sonic grinned as he unleashed a Whirlwind Kick. "You're new to my world alight! Didn't you know they call me the fastest thing alive?"
"You call that fast?" Fei smirked. "Watch this!"
TigerVespamon rushed in. "Mach Stinger Victory!" She attacked did some good damage and sent Dynasmon rolling onto the ground before he came to a halt.
The knight slowly stood up. "Tch! You are indeed strong. I did not think I would be forced to use my most dangerous technique, but you have forced my hand!" He hunched growling as purple aura glowed around him.
Sage appeared. "Watch out! He's up to something!"
"Yeah, I figured." Sonic replied.
Dynasmon let out a roar as his aura exploded and started to morph into the form of multiple phantom dragons. "Dragon Collider!" He swung his hand forward and they came towards the group. Sage teleported away.
"All or nothing Fei!" Sonic shouted.
"Fine by me, let's end this! TigerVespamon!"
Fei's Digimon roared as she and Sonic charged towards the attack. Sonic slid under the first dragon then jumped over another. He ran up the wall to evade another. TigerVespamon flew over one, spun around another and deflected another with her swords. One by one the dragons exploded violently behind them. Sonic aproached Dynasmon. The knight held his arms up to guard, but Sonic drew a Cyloop around him knocking him off balance. "Now, Fei!"
"It's over now!"
"Raaaaaah!" TigerVespamon charged though Dynasmon slashing him with the Royal Meisters. After a loud shing as she passed though the knight collapsed behind her. "There's nothing our will's blade can't cut through." TigerVespamon said.
Dynasmon laid there on the ground. His body started to glow white. He looked at his hand. "So… this is it then…"
Sage reappeared. "It did not have to end this way for you. Why did you join Crusadermon again? There is no need to destroy the human world. The Eaters are gone."
"…Perhaps you are right. But I cannot ignore the chance that humans will doom Digimon again. That is why I joined Crusadermon in her plan."
"Do you regret that choice?"
"No. I stand by my choices. Giving the option, I would choose them again. Think of me as evil if you must. But this is the path I believe in." He glowed brighter and started laughing. "Once again, I perish not wavering. Fighting for my beliefs… this… is the death of a warrior…!"
Sonic, Sage, Fei and TigerVespamon watched the Royal Knight explode in light. They stood there silently. Sage then turned to the group. "Did his laugh seem foolish to you?"
"Meh. Not really." Fei replied. "At the end of the day he was the same as me. Fighting for what he thought was the right thing."
"Yeah." Sonic said. "He was different from Crusadermon. He wasn't doing this just to spite humans. He did what he truly thought would protect his world."
TigerVespamon nodded. "In the end he definitely lived up to the title of Royal Knight."
Fei closed her eyes. "Dynasmon, was it? I'll remember that name."
Sonic then spotted someone glowing in the tunnel. "Well, well."
Fei looked up. "It's that detective kid. When did he get here?"
"Correction." Sage said. "This is a fragment of Takumi Aiba's data."
"His "data"?"
Sonic walked over and poked the figure with his finger and there was a bright flash.
The Mother Eater's upper arms started to move. One of them threw a punch towards the party. "…Eater!" Yuugo flew at it and projected a barrier blocking the punch.
"Yuugo!" Takumi, Nokia, Arata and Yuuko gasped.
"I know. The Eaters. They're weak, aren't they?" The other hand rose up and started to swipe at them, but Yuugo flashed gold and blue streams made an orb around everyone and carried them into the air. "My strength alone wasn't enough to stop you… But this time I have friends! Now I will win!" He shot a blast into one of its arms making it limp. The other arm punched again but Yuugo swerved them around it. "I can stop you!" He shot the arm making it go limp. "Everyone! Now!" He set them down on a giant floating chunk of rock.
The left wing of the Mother Eater flashed, and lightning struck at the team. "Power of Breath!" Takumi shouted with Craniamon as a barrier formed to protect the team.
The Royal Knight then flew up with Gaiomon. "Cross Slicer!" Yuuko's Digimon struck alongside Craniamon and they slashed the left with.
The right wing glowed, and a whirlwind hit the party. "Catastrophe Cannon!" Diaboromon shot at the wing through the storm making the attack stop.
"Rapid Fire!" Takumi and Rapidmon Armor shouted as twin missiles that blew up on the wing.
The Mother Eater's eye flashed and a purple blast was shot at them. "Supreme Cannon!" He fired at it intercepting the attack before going in for the eye. "Transcendent Sword!"
He moved aside after slashing. "Kiss of Breath!" Takumi and Rosemon Burst Mode yelled as hearts shot lasers into the eye.
Alphamon held her hand forward and a green light in front of her palm. "Digitalize of Soul!" She shot green pellets that exploded upon contact with the Mother Eater.
"Did that do it?!" Arata asked.
"No." Yuugo said. "It's not over yet."
"Vanquish Drive!" The Mother Eater's wings grew, and a blueish light expanded from it.
Takumi who was closest to the approaching blast braced himself. Yuugo flew in front of him and held the explosion back with his hands. "Yuugo!"
"Ugh…!" The boy started to slide back on his feet. Then Arata, Nokia, and Yuuko's Digimon joined him in pushing the attack back with their human partners pushing them. "Everyone!"
"It's like you said! You're not alone anymore!" Yuuko said.
"You have friends! All of us!" Nokia added.
"And that's why…" Arata grunted. "We will win!"
Takumi nodded. He held his hand forward. "Let's finish this! Together!" His Digimon formed a triangle above him.
"Miracle Missile!"
"Jewel of Heart!"
"Shock Ringer!" Their combined attack pushed through the Vanquish Drive and blew the Mother Eater back.
Alphamon held her hand out. A green light emitted from it and swallowed her hand. "Kyukyoku Senjin Ouryuken." A green ring expanded drawing out a brilliant black and gold sword she held tightly. Golden wings extended from her armor as her eyes flashed red.
Takumi looked at her then noticed his glove glowing white. He looked at it as his goggle lenses sparkled and a white sword with a strange text appeared in his hand. "Wha…?!"
Alphamon looked at him. Even she couldn't fully retain her shock. "That sword…"
"This is…" Takumi held the blade he obtained after completing the last of Mirei's cases in both hands. The Omni Sword. He closed his eyes as white wings emanated from his back and carried him upward to Alphamon's side.
"Ready to bring this case to a close Watson?" Alphamon asked.
Takumi opened his eyes and smiled. "I'm ready whenever." They both held their swords overhead.
The Mother Eater looked at them as its eye glowed again. But all the other Digimon attacked at once making it stumble. "Takumi! Kyoko!" Rapidmon Armor, Rosemon Burst Mode and Craniamon shouted.
"GO!" Nokia, Arata, Yuuko and Yuugo yelled.
"HAAAAAAAA!" Takumi and Alphamon both swung down shooting bladed beams of white and gold that combined and spun into a giant x that tore through the Mother Eater. It exploded repeatedly as it leaned back. The light in its eye faded. It flashed white then slumped forward.
Takumi and Kyoko landed as their wings and swords dematerialized. "That's it… we did it!" Rapidmon Armor cheered.
"The Mother Eater stopped moving." Alphamon said. "We've won."
"Excellent!" Nokia cheered.
"But Suedou is still inside the Mother Eater." Yuuko said. "What shall we do?"
"Well, should we lock him up in here for now?" Arata suggested.
"It's not a perfect solution, but for the time being, it's our best course of action." Yuugo replied.
"Well, then, let's get help from the Royal Knights and the other Digimon!" Nokia said.
"Right. We'll take care of this giant thing by ourselves. Maybe we can make it happen, but the odds sure are stacked against us." Arata noted.
As his friends discussed the situation Takumi looked at his hand. He clenched it closing his eyes. He then ran towards the Mother Eater. "I'm sorry everyone." he said as he passed his friends.
"Oh! Hey!" Arata shouted.
"Takumi… No, you're not going to-!" Nokia shouted.
Takumi reached his hand towards the Mother Eater. "You idiot!" Arata yelled. "I told you not to!"
"Suedou said your body couldn't take it, didn't he?"
Yuuko turned to Alphamon. "Alphamon! Stop Takumi! We've got to do something! M-Miss Kyoko!"
The Royal Knight shook her head. "What about you three?!" Nokia shouted to Takumi's Digimon. "Don't you want to stop him?! He's your brother!"
"We do want to stop him." Craniamon replied. "Every bit of me is screaming to stop him… but…"
"We cannot." Rapidmon Armor sighed. "Because family doesn't just protect each other. It's also about believing in each other."
"We love Takumi…" Rosemon Burst Mode said. "And we respect his opinion. So even though we don't want him to go… we won't stop him."
Alphamon also knew there was no stopping her assistant. There was only one thing to say. "Go, Cyber Sleuth! Find the truth that only you can!" Takumi nodded and Connect Jumped into the Mother Eater again to the horror of his friends.
Takumi floated into the black and white space. He looked around before his body started to break down again. "My goodness! You've come to rescue me, too? You ignored my warnings? And wound up in such a wretched form? Such a waste of effort. I have been fully assimilated by the Mother Eater. You're not like Arata or Yuuko or Yuugo."
"Suedou." Takumi got up and keep moving forward.
"You'll never find me. You're wasting your time. And even if you do find me… I won't go back. I would sooner disappear than not allow sadness to vanish from all possible worlds. I find it hard to comprehend why you would choose a world where sadness is so widespread. You're the same way. In doing this, you bring sadness to Arata and the others. It's so strange. There's no logic to it. What will change if you rescue me? Who will be happier for it? Do you have a satisfactory answer for me?"
Takumi stopped then considered his choice of words before giving his answer. "We don't want to leave anyone behind."
"But that's just your ego talking, surely?"
Takumi smiled. "Yes, it's my ego. So what? I made a promise."
"This is rather ominous… I am confused. Even with all of King Drasil's calculating power, I cannot derive an answer for you… What… What's this? What, what, what?! Is that so? Is that what it was?"
"Suedou?"
"It just hit me! I finally understand! "God does not play dice with the universe!" All of you were the dice, this whole time! Can you bet on dice that have wills of their own?! I see… I see! In this way, multiple universes are formed though infinitely branching spacetime! A waste, meaningless and without value… After all, what was defined as a fluctuation cannot exceed the perspective of the observer! I understand. Awareness at a single temporal point causes realities to combine. Hang on, though. Please wait a moment."
Takumi was growing increasingly confused. "Um… Seudou?"
"Please wait a moment. Please wait. That seems to be a logical leap, no?" Takumi then fell to his knees with his body turning blue again. "Oh my, that won't do. We can't have you disappear here now." Takumi got back up and looked behind him as Suedou aproached. "You shall validate my new theory. As one of my precious dice. "I'll call it the "Theory Proving the Existence of a God who Creates Dice Tossed by a God of Dice!" And to prove this theory, I must disappear, along with the Eaters!"
"What?!"
"Our existence is too unique and overpowering. We will throw off the results of the equation."
"But-
"The Eaters will simply return to their original role. To the form they should have had, before they were corrupted by the digital world we created. A higher dimension extends over countless parallel worlds, including both ours and the Digital World. The Eaters existed in regions we cannot and must never access. These dimensions are beyond our capacity to even imagine. They comprise part of a vast system that could be called the Great Intent, or the Works of the Gods. The Eaters were manifested through contact with our data, in our dimension, and took on its form and substance. The results were as you have seen. Whether this effect was by chance or predestined, I cannot say. Only the gods know for sure. Even if I were to ask King Drasil… I don't know if King Drasil even has a gender, but "his" calculations do not confirm the existence of any godly entities. However, his calculations are still ongoing, so who knows what the ultimate answer will be? In any case, I shall require King Drasil's help in order to "reformat" all the Eaters that have connected to me. We cannot remove them from every dimension, nor is there any reason to do so."
"…So, the Eaters will still exist." Takumi said plainly. "What if they come in contact to human data like they did on that day?"
"The possibility of a similar even recurring in your future is on in 8,192 to the 20th power." Suedou smiled. "So please, don't worry about it. If my calculations are correct, your universe will cease to exist before that ever comes to pass. So you can live and die free of the Eaters… Oh, and be born again, to prove my theory! Hehe… I won't give you a choice in the matter! This is just my ego talking. I shall therefore take my leave of you now. If you are so inclined, maybe we shall meet again!" Suedou turned around and left.
"Suedou!" Takumi watched him vanish as everything went white.
He then returned to his friends. He fell over as his body glitched out again. "Ah! Eeeeeeeek!" Nokia squealed.
"Takumi!" Yuuko gasped.
"You… made it back?" Arata murmured.
"Takumi made it back?! For reals?" Nokia smiled as they all ran to their friend. Takumi stood up only to fall over, but Nokia, Arata and Yuuko caught him. "What the heck did you think you were doing?! You… jerk! You stupid jerkface!" Nokia cried as they held him up.
"Listen you! There's only so much crazy stuff we're letting you get away with!" Arata growled gripping Takumi's shoulder.
"What were the rest of us supposed to do if you never made it back?" Yuuko whimpered on the verge of tears.
"Sorry…" Takumi muttered.
Yuugo smiled as he approached. "But all's well that ends well. I'm still glad."
Arata looked at the Mother Eater. It was motionless now. "And what about Suedou?"
"It… looks like he's gone." Yuuko added.
Everyone looked at Takumi waiting for an answer. The boy was still trying to comprehend everything the man said to him. "He complained that he didn't want to go home. Kept saying things that made no sense… But he seemed quite satisfied."
Arata chuckled. "What's the deal with that? I guess that's just like him, though."
The Mother Eater started glowing. "Uh, guys?" Rosemon Burst Mode asked. "What's happening?"
"Is it still active?!" Rapidmon Armor got ready to attack.
"No…" Craniamon held his hand up. "This is…!"
"Whoa…" Omnimon gasped. "Whoa! It's King Drasil's will!"
"King Drasil's normal functions have resumed, and seems to be restoring the Digital World."
"Whoa, hey… shouldn't we be leaving then?" Arata asked.
"Yes, we had better get out of here." Yuuko replied.
"Hmm… a reasonable decision." Alphamon nodded.
"Okay! Let's move!" Nokia smiled as she turned to their friend who was still being supported by their arms. "Are you okay, Takumi?"
Takumi smiled back and nodded as he planted his feet on the ground and held onto Nokia and Arata's shoulders before straightening himself out. "Yeah. Let's go. Together." The Mother Eater started to glow brighter.
When the vision ended Fei and Sonic were in shock. "…How about that." Sonic muttered.
"What…what the heck was that?!" Fei asked.
"Those were Takumi Aiba's memories of his final confrontation with the Eaters." Sage replied.
"Final confrontation? So, this is what Yuuko and her friends were doing while I was helping Hudie rescue Ryuji's sister?"
A portal opened in front of them. "Let's get out of here." Sonic said. "Then Sage and I can get you up to speed."
"…So, you're tellin' me the guys who built all this aren't just super old but from SPACE?" Fei asked as they stood in front of the gate. "Wild."
Sonic turned to Sage. "Speaking on the Ancients, I saw something in those visions. They were wearing things that looked like the Koco, but they didn't seem… I dunno. "alive"? Do you know what the Koco really are?"
"They originated as lucky charms for the Ancients. They were never designed to contain their data… their wills."
"Yeah, but the Koco I've found do hold the memories of their creators."
"Perhaps the Ancients modified them over time?" TigerVespamon suggested.
"Or maybe the Koco wanted to keep the memories of their creators alive after they went extinct." Fei said.
"Could be." Sonic nodded.
"So where do we go from here?" TigerVespamon asked.
"First things first." Fei said before looking at Sage. "You said Yuuko was here, yeah? I'm gonna start by finding her."
Sonic looked behind the girl. "That might not be necessary."
"Fei!?" Everyone looked as Yuuko ran over with Gaiomon Fierce Blade Mode. "Is that you?!"
"Yuuko!" Fei hurried over. "You are here! And you got your Digimon as well!"
"Yes, Mirei- Something hit Yuuko. "Wait… you remember Digimon…? You remember me?! But I thought-
"Sage here, brought Fei over after finding her Digimon in the Digital World and fixing her memories." Sonic said.
Yuuko smiled. "Fei…"
"You should've seen it Yuuko. She just flattened Dynasmon."
"Dynasmon was here?" Gaiomon Fierce Blade Mode asked.
"Neither of you seem surprised that Fei defeated him." Sage said.
Yuuko smiled. "Why would we be? We know how strong Fei is."
The girl blushed. "W-well, the blue guy here did help…"
"So? When I fought him, I needed both Takumi and Alphamon's help. Going toe to toe with a Royal Knight is no small feat. That's incredible Fei."
"Daw, Yuuko, you're making me blush over here…"
Yuuko smiled to Sage. "Thank you. Having Fei here with me again makes me all the more confident we can do this."
Sage nodded. "She is one of the most skilled hackers and Digimon Tamers from the previous reality. We need all the assistance we can get."
Fei turned to Yuuko. "These two just gave me the rundown." She looked at Sonic and Sage. "Still, this world is wild. The spunky guy here has skills I've never even heard of before. And I still don't know what to think of Sage. She's smart if not a weird kid. But whatever is going down wherever, I got your back. What do you need me to do to help?"
Yuuko thought for a moment. "…It seems like the search for Takumi's mental data is going smoothly. I'm going to help Arata and Nokia finish that so we can bring him back as soon as possible."
"Got it. I'll give you a hand."
"Actually… I was hoping you could do me a favor while we finish that."
"What is it?"
"You remember Keisuke?"
"The kid from Hudie? Sage told me he was the first person from our world she called out to."
"Right now, he and Hudiemon are looking for Crusadermon. Can you help them?"
"Don't you want to find her too? I mean after what that wretch did to your father…"
Yuuko looked down. "I let myself get blinded by my desire for vengeance and a good friend of mine undeservingly suffered for it. I'm done letting the rewritten past bind me. Done letting HER bind me. That being said. Crusadermon is powerful and conniving. I don't want to see Keisuke and Erika get hurt. I owe them both a great deal."
Fei folded her arms. "You and me both. Got it. I'll back em up."
Yuuko smiled. "Thank you, Fei."
"Anything for you. Come on TigerVespamon. We got another knight to fight."
"Like Lady Yuuko said Crusadermon is a powerful and cunning foe." Gaiomon said. "Exercise caution when you confront her."
TigerVespamon nodded. "We defeated one Royal Knight, we'll best the other. We are Zaxon hackers."
"Read my mind." Fei started to leave but stopped and turned to Yuuko. "Hey Yuuko, make sure you bring Takumi back. From what I just saw that guy has a lot of heart. Plus, I owe that guy a great deal too."
Yuuko giggled. "You and me both." Fei smirked before taking her leave. Yuuko turned to Sonic. "I guess Takumi was right about me being able to befriend Fei again."
"Does this mean Zaxon will rise again?" Sonic grinned.
"I don't know about that… I'd rather not try to be someone who I'm not. Still… having Fei by my side helps me feel complete. Just like when I have my brother, Takumi, Arata and Nokia with me."
"I understand." Sage replied. "Fei is family to you. Part of a family made from something stronger than genetics."
Yuuko smiled. "Yes. I think that's a good way to put it. And right now, my focus is to bring that family back together. I should get going too. Good luck Sonic. And thanks again Sage." She and Gaiomon Fierce Blade Mode departed.
Sonic folded his arms. "You know. I can't stop thinking about that old man."
"Old man?" Sage asked.
"Suedou. I still don't understand what that guy was thinking."
Sage pondered. "A world without sorrow. That is what Suedou wished to create. But he changed his mind after Takumi tried to reach out to him. Ever since I learned this from his memories, I've been running simulations. But I still cannot determine his logic."
"Well, I told you before, didn't I? Some things don't work by calculating. Suedou fought against Takumi because he felt he was doing the right thing. Takumi tried to save him thinking it was the right thing." Sonic said. "Those are choices they felt they had to make."
"Like Dynasmon." Sage said.
Sonic nodded. "I can understand both sides really. Suedou wanted to do good, but would it be worth all the people he was going to sacrifice? Besides, sometimes it's important to learn to push past sorrow and pain."
Sage looked ahead. "Suedou's desire to make others happy thought the power of science… it reminds me off…"
"…my grandfather." Eggman was looking at the screen in his Eggmobile. It showed Takumi's memories of his conversation with Seudou in the end. "He also wanted to use his research to help people." He looked up. "If that horrible incident fifty years ago never happened… what would this world look like? What would my life look like? What would Suedou's new world be like if he succeeded that day?"
Inside the police station everyone was running about chaotically. Date hung up on her Digivice. "Yeah, fat load of help that does us. That's our "Top Brass" for you." she muttered angerly. Matayoshi then returned. "What's the situation?"
"Our aircrafts aren't getting close to that weird thing in the sky. Whenever they try to approach some unseen force pushes them back. Any word from the higher ups?"
"Just more demands to "figure something out" and "do our jobs"."
Matayoshi sighed. "Such is the peril of a civil servant."
"Dang it, what is going on!? Any word from the fishy lady?"
"Kyo-kyo isn't answering her Digivice."
"Dang it, what's that lady up to?!" Date's Digivice binged again. "Oh, what now?"
Matayoshi got a notification at the same time and read it. "Go to Kawloon Level 1 in EDEN immediately"?"
"Your power is needed to save your world"?" Date raised an eyebrow. "Is this some kind of joke?"
"No return address from the message." Matayoshi said. "A hacker?"
"Ugh. How can hackers find time to pull pranks at a time like this?"
Matayoshi put a hand on his chin. "Is this a prank? The timing of this is too much to call a coincidence…"
Date looked at him. "So, what do we do sir?"
"Hmmm…"
Still not done bringing in Cyber Sleuth characters! And before anyone says anything, no I haven't forgotten Yuugo, he'll come back later. Next week one of these detectives will take the field!
