A/N: This chapter starts right where the last chapter left off. Basically, what happened after they came back. I wanted to put it in the previous chapter, but I thought it would be better to put it in this chapter instead.

Chapter 5: Words of the Wise

Koushiro's office

Koushiro: "Before you all go home, come look at this first."

Takeru: "This is a map of the Digital World, isn't it?"

Koushiro: "Yep, we can see here that the areas with the dark towers give off an evil energy signature, which I have marked with the dark squares. The white squares are the areas that are considered safe."

Hikari: "Eh? This area over here is completely safe?"

Koushiro: "Yep. That's the Cloud continent. It was the area where we searched for the first Holy Digimon."

Takeru: "What the Kaiser has done is unforgivable. Let's hope he hasn't managed to capture anymore of our friends. I just hope he doesn't get to Eldradimon. It would be bad if he had control of such a powerful Digimon."

Hikari: "You managed to bring Eldradimon to the Cloud continent, so he should be fine. I'm more worried about Komondomon…"

Koushiro: "Well, all I know is we should work on destroying these dark towers. If we can bring them down, then the Digimon will be free from the Kaiser's reign. Anyways, you all should go back home and rest. You guys have done more than enough today."

With that the group all went back to their homes and went to sleep almost immediately… only one of the Digidestined remained awake.

Tailmon: "Hikari, you don't have to worry about Takeru."

Hikari: "How can I not be worried. You just told me that your tail ring is reacting to a dark energy in the direction of his home."

Tailmon: "Yes, that's what I said. A dark energy, not an evil one. Not all darkness is evil Hikari. You and Takeru know that by now."

Hikari: "I just can't help but feel worried. He is my best friend after all."

Tailmon: "The energy I sensed doesn't have a malicious feeling to it, so stop worrying about your boyfriend."

Hikari glared at Tailmon.
Hikari: "I already told you we don't like each other like that."

Tailmon: "You both know that's a lie. You need to stop being so selfless Hikari. You know that you can be selfish with at least Takeru, He won't mind."

Hikari: "Fine, I'll ask him about it… eventually. Let's just get some sleep."

Takeru and Patamon found themselves in a white field that appeared to resemble clouds.

Voice: "My dear old friend…"

Takeru: "That voice…"

Patamon: "Devimon…"

Devimon: "The great evil in the Digital World…"

Takeru: "The Kaiser?"

Devimon: "He is improving his tactics…"

Patamon: "Yeah. His dark towers."

Devimon turned to face Patamon.
Devimon: "When you receive his touch of evil my dear old friend…"
Devimon turned to Takeru.
Devimon: "I need you to trust me child of Hope."

Takeru: "Why are you telling us this?"

Devimon: "You, child of Hope, have shown me the power of the bonds between Humans and Digimon in the past three years. Not all darkness is evil, you know that. I'm merely giving some advice."

Takeru: "You seem sad Devimon."

Devimon let his shoulders sag a little and gave a frown.
Devimon: "Why would you care?"

Takeru: "You just seem sad, and well if you really have been watching in the past three years, you would know I try my best to help people."

Devimon crossed his arms.
Devimon: "What do you know child of Hope? You're not the one trapped in another Digimon. At least Skullknightmon was only the evilness inside of that Holy Digimon."

Takeru smiled and extanded his hand to Devimon. Devimon looked at it with a confused expression.

Takeru: "Sorry, I guess I can understand what you mean. You are another Digimon trapped in Patamon. It isn't normal for you since Digimon usually just get reborn after they die. I'm not sure if there is a way for us to help you get separated, but I'm willing to help you fill in the void in your heart."

Devimon: "And how do you intend to do that?"

Takeru: "I offer you friendship. The same kind that I would give to Patamon."

Devimon was visibly taken aback.
Devimon: "And you aren't scared? You don't think I would betray you?"

Takeru: "If you wanted to, you would have done so when I was separated from the other Digidestined. I trust you. Plus, you said it yourself, not all darkness is evil right?"

Devimon smiled and extended his hand to grasp Takeru's.
Devimon: "You are quite an interesting one. I can see why you were chosen as the bearer of Hope. Not many truly see the difference between darkness and evilness. Even less are willing to be friendly towards the dark forces in the Digital World."

Takeru: "What are friends for, right?"

Devimon: "Friends… you really are an interesting one, child of… hmph, no. You really are an interesting one, Takeru. I am in your debt. I vow to assist you in any way I can."

Takeru flashed his trademark smile.
Takeru: "You don't have to worry, Devimon. There are no debts between friends."

Devimon: "You treat me as if I am your own partner… Why?"

Takeru: "You and Patamon are like two sides of the same coin. If I can be friends with Patamon, why can't I be friends with you? Besides, now that you mentioned it, I never really realised how lonely you must have felt in the last three years. Now that I know, I'm going to make sure you get to experience true partnership. So how does this work? Do you just experience whatever Patamon experiences?"

Devimon: "I experience it, however our emotions will be different."

Patamon: "Won't you feel the same since we go through the same thing?"

Devimon: "While I get to experience it, it's… sad to know that I won't be able to have what you have old friend."

Takeru: "Well, don't be sad now. Anything I do for Patamon is now also done for you."

Devimon: "I thank you, truly I do. No Digimon has ever shown such care towards me before…"

Takeru: "It's no problem really."

Devimon: "By the way, Takeru."

Takeru: "Hmm?"

Devimon: "You should go for her, you know?"

Takeru: "Who?"

Devimon: "Didn't I tell you? I experience the same as Patamon. So, whatever you have said to him, comes to me as well… including your deep secrets you only tell Patamon."

Takeru: "I- err"

Devimon then began to fade away, as he did last time.

Devimon: "haha, naturally after three years I would understand some affection as you humans call it. If I've learned right, you have nothing to fear Takeru. Hahaha."

Devimon then faded fully while laughing. Takeru and Patamon woke up and Takeru turned on a lamp at his table next to his bed. Takeru and Patamon stared at each other for a moment before Patamon spoke up.

Patamon: "See? I told you it was obvious you both like each other. Maybe I should get Tailmon to become Angewomon and shoot you two with an arrow."

Takeru: "That's really the first thing you want to discuss after what we have just heard? And Angewomon is just an angel with a bow and arrow. She's not Cupid."

Patamon: "That doesn't change the fact that you two like each other."

Takeru: "Let's just not talk about this… you already know why I don't want to ask her."

Patamon: "Yeah yeah, you can't find the courage to ask her for it, you think she doesn't like you that way even though we all know you two like each other like that, and your friendship is too much to risk for it."

Takeru: "Yeah, I know our friendship is strong enough to survive if we mess something up during a relationship, but it just wouldn't be the same."

Patamon: "I'm pretty sure you two won't even get to a point where you mess up something. You two were made for each other. Hope and Light, and also the two Digidestined that have Angels as partners."

Takeru: "So, should we tell the others about what happened?"

Patamon: "I'm not sure… we should tell Hikari and Tailmon at least. I'm not sure if the others would be willing to trust him, especially the new Digidestined."

Takeru: "Sounds good to me. Let's get ready to go to Koushiro's office."

Koushiro's office

Tentomon: "Koushiro… why are we in your office so early in the morning?"

Koushiro: "Sorry, I needed to come in early to check something and I didn't want to wake you, so I carried you over here."

Tentomon: "What was so important that you needed to check?"

Koushiro: "Last night the Kaiser had many areas under control near the tree, so I'm worried he may have tried to get to it by now."

Tentomon: "Couldn't that have waited until the rest are awake? You know we won't be able to do anything."

Koushiro: "Eh, at least it would give me time to think… well looks like it's a good thing I came early… He really managed to control the area… Tentomon, we need to think of a plan. Call the rest, this will be a big problem…"

Hikari awoke to the sound of her phone ringing. Hikari picked it up and answered the call.

Hikari: "Yawn mmm… Who is it…"

Tentomon: "Hikari! The Kaiser took over the tree!"

Hikari: "What! I'm on my way. I'll grab Takeru on the way there."

Hikari hung up and started to wake Tailmon.

Hikari: "Tailmon, Tailmon! Wake up! Koushiro needs us!"

Tailmon: "mmm… What?"

Hikari: "The tree has been taken over!"

Tailmon instantly woke up and was on high alert.
Tailmon: "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Hikari: "Wait! Tailmon! We need to grab Takeru on our way over."

Takeru was tying his shoes when he heard the door unlocking. He stood up to open it and saw Hikari.

Takeru: "Hey Hika, surprised to see me awake?"

Hikari: "Since when do you wake up so early? I was looking forward to teasing you on your bed hair. Oh well, it saves me the trouble of waking you up."

Takeru: "So why did you come over?"

Tailmon: "Koushiro needs us to go over now. The tree has been taken over."

Takeru: "Patamon! Come quickly! Let me just write a note for my mom, give me a minute."

Hikari: "I thought she went to work already?"

Takeru: "She did, I'm just writing one in case she comes home before me."

Hikari: "Oh, I see. Well, you don't have to rush it too much, the others are probably still sleeping. It is 8 in the morning."

Takeru: "Ok, I'm done with the note let's go."

On cue, Patamon flew to his spot, on Takeru's head. The group of four began walking to Koushiro's office in comfortable silence, until Hikari broke it.

Hikari: "So, Takeru, I have umm something to ask you."

Takeru: "What's up Hika?"

Hikari: "Are you ok?"

Takeru: "Hmm? Why wouldn't I be?"

Hikari: "Well, it's just… you're not usually awake this early… and well… last night Tailmon sensed some darkness near your house…"

Patamon: "We should tell them Takeru…"

Takeru: "Ok… so, last night Devimon talked to the both of us."

Hikari: "And what did he talk about?"

Takeru faced away from Hikari.
Takeru: "Well, he said that he needs me to trust him, and I guess to sum it up, I will trust him. You know what happened to him, right? Well, turns out he has been watching Patamon and me for the last three years and I guess you could say he is a little lonely."

Takeru turned back to Hikari who seemed to be contemplating. He was surprised when Tailmon jumped out of her hands, and Hikari embraced Takeru.

Hikari: "If you trust him, I will too, Keru. Just promise me you will stay safe. Don't leave me…"
Hikari's last words was only a whisper, but Takeru heard them loud and clear.

Takeru recovered from his shock and wrapped his arms around Hikari.

Takeru: "Don't worry Hika, I'll be fine. I won't disappear like Taichi, I promise to be by your side."

Hikari was happy that Takeru was willing to talk about Taichi around her. Everyone else avoided saying Taichi's name in front of her, as if the mere mention of his name would cause her to break. They would always substitute it with things like 'Our Leader' or 'Child of Courage'. It made her feel overprotected, and she hated it. This was the benefit of having Takeru as her best friend and soulmate. When it was just the two of them, they would never hide themselves, they were willing to show their weakest states to each other. They never had any secrets between them, except for their feelings towards each other.

They stayed there, hugging each other, and enjoying the other's warm presence before Tailmon interrupted.

Tailmon: "Ahem, I believe we should get going to Koushiro's office."

Patamon: "Yeah, we don't want to be later than the rest."

Koushiro: "Good to see you four, I still till this day have no idea how you manage to wake Takeru and Patamon up at such an early time."

Hikari: "We have our ways~"

Takeru: "Plus, we actually woke up by ourselves today."

Koushiro: "Anyways, I assume Hikari and Tailmon already told you of what is happening. Tentomon has already called the rest, they will be over soon. Once they are over, we can discuss a proper plan."

Takeru: "So far, the Kaiser hasn't attacked us with ultimate or mega Digimon yet, so I think it is possible he cannot control them yet. Which means it might be worth going straight for Wisemon. Knowing him, he will probably be at the centre of the tree."

Koushiro: "Then you four should go to him while the rest stall any controlled Digimon. You four are the fastest and know your way around the tree best. I can't send you straight to the centre of the tree because Wisemon and I had precautions set up to prevent gates being opened inside the tree."

Hikari: "That works for us, if I remember correctly Pegasmon was able to get us to the tree quite quickly."

Patamon: "And Nefertimon is about the same speed as I was, so we should be able to get there as long as the others stall for time."

Just then the other Digidestined came in.

Daisuke: "What are you guys talking about?"

Koushiro: "We were just discussing a plan. Takeru and Hikari have been to the tree before so they will know their way the best. I believe the centre of the tree will have the dark tower so we must make sure we can destroy it. That part I will leave it to Takeru and Hikari to discuss and figure out how to get past anything there. For the rest of you, one of you take this earpiece, it's still not finished but it should fulfil its purpose."

Daisuke: "Aww why do we get the bad earpieces?"

Koushiro: "Because they require a lot of materials and effort to make properly. If you encounter any problems, contact me and I will bring you back."

Miyako: "That won't be a problem Koushiro, we will contact you if we need to get out."

Daisuke: "Bah. How hard could it be to infiltrate a tree?"

Tailmon: "Sometimes I worry for our future…"

Hikari: "Don't take this lightly, there are a lot of Digimon that could hurt you guys. Be careful."

Miyako: "I think we should be more worried about you two. You two are going to go to the heart of it all."

Takeru: "Don't worry about it, we have been through worse."

Patamon: "Yep! We will protect them with all we got it will be fine."

Daisuke: "Damn! There's so many of them! Is there going to be an end to this?!"

Miyako: "Maybe we should go back."

Iori: "Yeah, we at least accomplished our main objective, I just hope Takeru and Hikari don't have to deal with this many Mechanorimon…"

Miyako: "They probably don't, it looks like we got a whole army here just chasing us."

Courage 2: "Izzy, we need to get back now! There's too many here our Digimon won't last much longer."

Knowledge: "Got it, get the Digimon to come back and conserve their energy. Get to the area outside of the tree, I'll be able to open a gate there."

Daisuke: "Guys! Fall back! We need to get out of the tree. Koushiro said he can get open a gate if we can get out of the tree."

Holsmon: "Miyako, let's land and give Iori a hand. Digmon should revert then we can bring them."

Miyako: "Got it, Iori! Revert Digmon and hop on, we will give you a ride back."

Daisuke: "What about me?"

Fladramon landed behind Daisuke and grabbed him.
Fladramon: "Leave that to me."

The group then managed to get out of the tree with Daisuke screaming periodically from Fladramon's jumping.

Courage 2: "O-Ok Izzy, we can get out now."

Knowledge: "Got it. Gate opening."

The group of Digidestined went through the gate. Iori walked up towards Koushiro.

Iori: "Koushiro, you said that once we got out of a tree you could open a gate. Does that mean you aren't able to open a gate inside the tree?"

Daisuke: "What!? Doesn't that mean Hikari and Takeru are trapped in there!?"

Koushiro: "You're right Iori, I can't open a gate in there. And I wouldn't call them trapped. They have enough experience to know what to do."

Daisuke: "Open a gate right now. We need to get to them and save them!"

Koushiro: "Let me say it one more time. They have enough experience to know what to do. We do not need to go after them. Although if you really want to help maybe you can help me, call some of the other Digidestined to come here."

Miyako: "I thought we won't be going for Hikari and Takeru?"

Koushiro: "You can never be too safe. At least call Sora and Yamato. They are practically Takeru and Hikari's guardians when it comes to anything in the Digital World."

Hikari: "This is really odd."

Takeru: "Yeah…"

Nefertimon: "We know that they attracted a lot of the Mechanorimon but there should have been at least a few that try to get to us."

Pegasmon: "Oh well, let's just get to that dark tower and get this over with."

The group went into the centre of the tree where they saw the dark tower standing in the same section as the monoliths with their crest was located three years ago.

Takeru: "Well guess we should just get this over with."

Hikari: "I wonder where Gerbemon and Searchmon went. You would think they would have at least been attacked by the dark rings or something…"

Takeru: "Didn't they mention something about an underground area three years ago? Maybe they went there with Wisemon and some others."

Voice: "So they are in an underground area? That's helpful."

The group turned towards the dark tower which had a hologram of Ken.

Takeru: "So, you managed to infiltrate this area. Too bad we are going to stop you."

Hikari put her hand to her earpiece to make sure Koushiro could hear what Ken was going to say.

Ken: "Oh? I wouldn't be so sure. You see, I knew you would try something like this, so I made sure some Mechanorimon and an old friend of yours would be here to greet you. Your friend was quite selfless, sacrificing himself to my rule to ensure some of your other friends could escape. Although I wouldn't call his decision wise."

Ken then snapped his fingers, and on cue Mechanorimon came from behind the tower. And descending from above came a small Digimon with a book.

Hikari: "Shoot… Wisemon…"

Takeru: "We don't have the firepower to handle him… we need to run."

Hikari: "We can't leave him like this…"

Takeru: "We aren't leaving him. We just need to retreat first and figure out a better way to get him back to us."

Hikari and Takeru immediately mounted their Digimon, and they sped off back out.

Light: "I assume you managed to hear that, Izzy?"

Knowledge: "Yeah… guess I was right to make sure your 'guardians' come here"

Friendship: "Take… err T.K, are you ok? I'm so not going to get used to calling you that."

Hope: "We are fine for now Onii-chan."

Love: "So he managed to capture Wisemon… maybe we will be able to beat him since we only need to aim for the dark ring on Wisemon."

Light: "That would be a good plan if we had more Digimon, there's just too many Mechanorimon for us to get to Wisemon, Sor."

Love: "I know it's basically just my name, but I am definitely not going to get used to being called that."

Hope: "Well, at least you aren't just two English letters."

Light: "You could have gone with Teeks."

Hope: "No way. I'm not getting called that."

Light: "why not? It's kinda cute~"

Just then an explosion caused Takeru and Hikari to be flung off their Digimon. Takeru, having better reaction speed, managed to turn himself after getting flung off. He landed on his feet roughly and felt a sharp pain in his ankle. Hikari however was not so lucky and hit her head on the ground before rolling onto her side.

Takeru: "Damn, those missiles from the Mechanorimon are going to be a problem… Hika you alright?"

Hikari: "Yeah, my head kinda hurts though… AHH!"

Takeru looked over to Hikari and saw some red coming down the side of her head. He tried to get up and go over to her, but a sharp pain in his ankle caused him to fall back down.

Knowledge: "T.K! Report! What was that? It almost took our ears off!"

Hope: "Damn, it was a missile, Izzy! You need to call Joe over! We are going to need a doctor after this!"

Knowledge: "Got it, Matt, Sor, go over to them with Davis and Yolei. Cody, call Joe."

Koushiro: "I'll send you guys over as close to the tree as possible. Yamato, Sora you two should be able to track the two of them. Get Fladramon and Holsmon to carry you guys and get to them as quickly as possible."

Yamato: "Got it Koushiro, if that Kaiser lays a finger on Takeru and Hikari, I will make sure he goes through hell."

Sora: "Calm down. Getting bloodthirsty isn't going to help them."

Hikari and Takeru managed to bring themselves to a small opening in the tree where they were resting and waiting for the rest. Takeru and Hikari were tending to their wounds. Hikari had some blood coming from the side of her head, while Takeru had a few scratches on his ankle, and it appeared to be twisted.

Takeru took his hat off and gave it to Hikari.
Takeru: "Here, I think you know what to do with it considering your brother is a soccer player, and also since Joe made us take first aid courses."

Hikari looked at him in surprise.
Hikari: "But, that's your hat..."

Takeru: "I think your life is more important than my hat."

Hikari: "Oh, Keru… what would I do without you."

Takeru: "You would probably be Hopeless."

Hikari: "Hmm, maybe. Here take this, it may not be the best thing to use on that twisted ankle, but it will help."

Takeru: "Isn't that your scarf from when we first came to the Digital World?"

Hikari: "Yeah, I kept it with me as a sort of good luck charm, whenever we went to the Digital World."

Takeru: "Thanks Hika."

Hikari: "Anyways what will we do about Wisemon? I don't think the Kaiser has that much control over him. The Mechanorimon followed and attacked us the moment we started running, but Wisemon didn't move for a while and didn't try to attack us at any point."

Takeru: "Hmm, that's true, but then again, we haven't ever seen Wisemon attack before. He is always too busy expressing his joy."

Hikari giggled at Takeru, who had begun raising his hands to imitate Wisemon.
Hikari: "Oh well, once the others are here maybe we can snap him out of it."

Patamon: "We don't have to worry, worst case, Tailmon and I can Armor-evolve and try to speed past the Mechanorimon and get outside the tree."

As if on cue they heard the other Digimon shouting their attacks.

Fladramon: "Knuckle Fire!"

Holsmon: "Red Sun!"

Takeru: "Looks like they have arrived. Let's get out of here and help them. Patamon, you ready?"

Patamon: "Yep. Let's go Takeru."

Hikari: "Tailmon, you too."

Tailmon: "Anything for you, Hikari."

The group got out of their small hiding spot. The light from their Armor-evolution attracted the attention of the Mechanorimon, and the rest of the Digidestined.

Miyako: "Sora, Yamato get to the two of them, the rest of us can handle these guys."

Sora: "Thanks, Miyako, c'mon Yamato. Piyomon, Gabumon cover us from any stray attacks.

Pegasmon and Nefertimon rushed over to Yamato and Sora where they let their partners get off before they rushed off to help the other Digimon.

Sora: "Oh my god. What happened to you two?"

Takeru: "We got thrown off Pegasmon and Nefertimon by an explosion from one of Mechanorimon's missiles. When we get back Joe is going to have to check Hikari."

Hikari: "Hey, don't go downplaying your injuries, your ankle looked like it was twisted quite badly."

Yamato: "Alright, both of you are getting checked. Let's just get out of here first."

Takeru: "But Wisemon…"

Sora: "We can handle Wisemon later, you both don't look like you're in good condition to stay here for much longer."

Voice: "Digidestined…"

Yamato: "Well, looks like we will be holding that thought for a bit."

Hikari: "Wisemon! Fight his control! We know you can do it… We believe in you!"

Takeru: "Wisemon! Remember us! You helped us so much… We have so much more to do!"

Wisemon hovered there without moving.

Yamato: "It's not working, we just need to get out of here."

Sora: "Yamato is right. The safety of you two is more important."

Takeru: "No! We won't leave him behind!"

Hikari: "That's right! We at least have to try!"

Yamato: "Oh fine! But if he attacks, I don't care, I will drag the two of you out of here if I have to."

Wisemon's POV

Wisemon was looking at the four Digidestined standing in front of him, their eyes blurred out, but their crests glowing strong. The child with the crest of Hope was leaning on the child with the crest of Friendship, while the child with the crest of Light was clutching her head with a crumpled piece of white cloth, which was slowly becoming red. The child with the crest of Love was holding onto the child with the crest of Light. The glow from the crests were strongest from Hope and Light. He saw the child with the crest of Hope and Light shouting something at him. He could barely make out the words 'Fight, believe, remember…'

Just then the Digidestined started glowing the same colour as their crests. Their Digivices also shining in the same colour. (A/N: For reference just go to episode 64 of 2020)

The dark ring, which was on Wisemon's waist, started sparking.
Wisemon: "The Digidestined… that's it! I remember. The Digidestined. Ah, this brings joy to my knowledge."

Wisemon then broke the dark ring on his waist before turning his attention to the Digidestined.

Hikari: "Wisemon! It's good to have you back!"

Wisemon: "I thank you Digidestined for saving me from his control. We will have time for reunion later, Gerbemon, Searchmon, Komondomon and the baby Digimon are hiding underground right now. The dark tower is in the centre of the tree, please destroy it and restore the Mechanorimon. I will get us some reinforcements."

Takeru: "Pegasmon! Nefertimon! Ignore the Mechanorimon, just rush back to the dark tower and destroy it!"

Pegasmon: "Got it, Takeru. Nefertimon! Let's do this!"

Daisuke: "Hurry up! We are starting to get overwhelmed here."

Nefertimon: "Just buy us just a little time, we will be quick."

Pegasmon and Nefertimon sped off back to the centre of the tree, their partners safe with Yamato and Sora. Gabumon and Piyomon stood defensively in front of their partners, ready to defend them despite being unable to evolve. Fladramon and Holsmon tried their best to get to them, but they were constantly being attacked by Mechanorimon. Soon, the Armor-evolutions wore off and the whole group was surrounded by the Mechanorimon. Just a familiar howl was heard.

Hikari: "That's Komondomon!"

Komondomon came crashing through some of the Mechanorimon. Gerbemon and Searchmon jumped off.

Gerbemon: "Welcome back Digidestined! I wish we could meet on more favourable terms. Hey, where's Koushiro?"

Takeru: "Gerbemon! It's good to see you again. Koushiro is back in our world, once we get out of here, we can tell him to come over."

Gerbemon: "That's good, for now let's just make sure you guys can get out of here safely, well I guess it would be better to say without any more injuries. Searchmon, will you be able to disrupt the Mechanorimon again?"

Searchmon beeped his response, resulting in a disappointed look on Gerbemon.

Gerbemon: "Well that's too bad, guess the best we can do is just buy more time."

The Digimon got back into a fighting stance, but it was not necessary as the dark rings started to spark and the Mechanorimon stopped in their tracks.

Takeru: "Looks like they managed to break the dark tower. Let's go to the centre of the tree and meet them."

Yamato: "Yeah, except you and Hikari are going back first on Komondomon. I know it's your Digimon there, but I'd rather we get your leg checked and make sure Hikari doesn't collapse due to blood loss."

Takeru: "Welp, it was worth a shot."

Takeru and Hikari got on Komondomon and took their seats in the comfy cushions, as the other Digidestined went towards the centre of the tree where they found Patamon and Tailmon.

Patamon: "Where's Takeru and Hikari?"

Sora: "We wanted them to get their injuries checked so we sent them back first on Komondomon."

Wisemon: "Those two really are special. While I was trying to fight the control of the dark ring, I saw your crests. Their crests were shining the brightest. Perhaps it has something to do with them being partnered to the Holy Digimon. Ahh, this brings joy to my knowledge."

Piyomon: "Oh great, Wisemon's expressing his joy again."

The Digidestined had a good laugh as they said their goodbyes to Wisemon, Gerbemon and Searchmon. Yamato and Sora told them to expect a call from Koushiro soon.

At Komondomon

Takeru and Hikari were resting inside Komondomon. Takeru's hat now had a spot of red on it and was crumpled in between Hikari's head and Takeru's shoulder. Takeru was talking to Koushiro on his earpiece. Soon, Komondomon stopped, and a gate opened in front of them. Hikari and Takeru said their goodbyes to Komondomon and Hikari stroked his fur a little before she and Takeru went through the gate.

In Koushiro's office, Joe had come in with his medical bag and stared in shock at Takeru and Hikari's states.

Iori: "What on earth happened to you two?"

Takeru: "We got thrown off our Digimon because of a missile…"

Joe began to inspect their wounds and helped bandage them.

Joe: "Honestly, you two are lucky that your injuries look worse than they actually are. Although it may be good if you get your head checked Hikari. It doesn't look to have any serious damage, but you may want to check for a concussion. Takeru, your leg doesn't seem that bad. It will probably be painful to stand on for a bit but other than that you probably don't need to check anything."

Koushiro: "You two are quite lucky since our Digivices protect us from harm, well usually protects us from harm. You two will probably be fine to go back to the Digital World soon, but I side with Joe here."

Hikari: "Alright, I'll go get my mom to bring me to a clinic, what should I use for a cover story though?"

Takeru: "You were trying to impress your friends during dance and accidentally twirled too fast, causing you to fall and hit your head?"

Hikari: "That… actually sounds plausible."

Koushiro: "Well since that has been settled, I think it's a good time to get the rest back here."

Takeru: "Oh yeah, that reminds me. Koushiro, you should call Wisemon and Gerbemon, they will be excited to see you."

Koushiro: "I guess I'll call them later when everyone is back then."

With that, Koushiro opened a gate for the rest of the Digidestined to come through. Yamato supported Takeru, who had Patamon on his head, out the door and brought him home, while Sora walked with Hikari and Tailmon to make sure Mrs Yagami didn't completely freak out. The new Digidestined returned home, with their Digimon in their bags, to continue hiding them from their parents. Koushiro called an ecstatic Wisemon and Gerbemon, while Joe ran back home to continue studies.

That's it for this Chapter. It was a pretty bad ending I know. For the Devimon part, let's just say that I wanted us to remember this is continuing from the 2020 timeline, so Devimon is a part of Patamon. I felt like it would be something like GulusGammamon from Ghost game in the sense that Devimon would be aware of what is happening and acts somewhat as a Digimon living in another. I wanted to express that Devimon maybe has a change of heart after 'receiving' Takeru's love and affection to Patamon. It was a good opportunity to show that not all darkness is bad. Also, I felt it would be funny if Devimon acted as another guardian for Takeru.