Omni pointed his Garuru Cannon forward. "Supreme Cannon!"

"Guh!" BlackWarGreymon took out his Brave Shield the moment he saw the knight aim at him. He braced himself as he fired but was still launched into a wall. "GAAAAAH!"

"BlackWarGreymon!" Takumi shouted.

Omni spun around and drew his Grey Sword. "Transcendent Sword!" He charged towards Dorugoramon next. The dragon tried to catch the blade, but was shoved into the wall desperately trying to hold it back. Omni swung up flinging him into the ceiling.

"Dorugoramon!"

Rapidmon Armor trembled. "Unbelievable…he's even stronger than the Omegamon we know!"

"Tch…" Takumi clenched his fists.


Ami watched in awe before turning to Shiki. "Shiki, what is this?!"

Shiki smiled at her. "This is the power of my brother's bond with his Digimon. And the bond his Digimon share with each other."


K laughed as he saw BlackWarGreymon and Dorugoramon get pummeled. "Excellent. This is what I've been waiting for!"

"What did I tell you?" the masked Digimon asked. "Takuto's true power is now unleashed. The true battle begins now."


Yuuko, Yuugo, Shoma, and Himari were in the base when their Digimon felt a burst of energy. Yuugo turned around when he noticed they stopped moving. "Guys, what's wrong?"

"I'm detecting a large rise of power." HiAndromon replied.

"I felt this before." Yukimura said. "It's Omni's power!"

"Takuto!" Kouta gasped. "Can you tell where it's coming from?"

"No. But to have to use Extra Cross Evolution he must be facing something incredibly powerful."

"Takumi…!" Yuuko gasped.

"Sounds like we're running out of time." Samudramon said grimly.

"Yeah, we need to move!" Himari said. "If Takuto's going all out, we're going to have to scrape Takumi off the walls if we don't find them soon!" They all ran as fast as they could.


Noir cut down two Tuskmon as Omegamon blasted a Tyranomon. "Yeah! Get em!" Luche cheered.

"Security is tighter than we expected." Shoma said.

"Won't stop us." Arata said before he heard his partner gasp. He looked behind him and saw him tremble. "Diaboromon? What's gotten into you?"

"Okay, what the hellam I sensing?!"

"This energy…" Omegamon looked around. "Why does it feel so much like mine?!"

"That would be Takuto's combined Digimon." Shoma replied.

"Takuto's combined Digimon?" Nokia asked.

"Let's just say you and I aren't the only ones with Omegamon for partners."


"Omni?" Mameo asked.

File nodded. "I know that energy burst form anywhere! It's Extra Cross Evolution! And with Shiki captive and her partners incapacitated the only one who can use it right now…"

"Is Takuto." Keisuke said. "Takumi's got one hell of a fight on his hands. We gotta find those two now!"

"Agreed." Hidemon said. They all hurried down the hall.

"Still…even with this power, I don't think Takuto will be too much for Takumi to handle."

"Maybe not with this power alone." Hudiemon said as she flew alongside him. "But don't forget, I gave him another power. One that he should have plenty of time to practice with by now."


Takuto stood bravely with Omni glaring at Takumi. "I will save Shiki no matter what. Just you wait and see!"

"Buster Dive!" Omni charged into Rapidmon. "Spiral Driver!" He then spun with his sword knocking him, BlackWarGreymon and Dorugoramon away.

"This is insane…" Dorugoramon said. "That power is unbelievable!"

"Calm down!" Takumi said. H used a HP Spray A. "We just need to play this carefully. First, we need buffs."

"Speed Charge Field!"

"Attack Charge Field!"

"Guard Charge Field!" the power, speed and defense of Takumi's team increased.

"You like buffs, huh?" Takuto held a hand over his Digivice and a Utility Plugin S appeared in his hand. "Here!" He tossed it to Omni, boosting his strength.

Omni flew up to Takumi's Digimon. "Flash!" He burst with holy light pushing them three back.

"Brave Metal!" Dorugoramon broke through and knocked him back. Then BlackWarGreymon was upon him.

His Dramon Destroyer clashed with the Grey Sword a few times before they backed up. "Dark Tera Force!" He threw a mighty orb at Omni who destroyed it in one cannon shot.

"Saint Knuckle!" Rapidmon Armor charged towards Omni.

"Mach Jab!" The two clashed and bounced off each other. Omni was flying all over the room constantly bouncing off Takumi's three Digimon.

Takumi smirked. "Not our first Omegamon fight. We know his blind spots."

After colliding with Rapidmon Armor again, Omni was grabbed by the cape from behind by Dorugoramon and spun around before throwing him to the ground. Omni bounced off the floor before landing on his feet and screeching to a halt. He saw BlackWarGreymon fly towards him. "Inferno!"

BlackWarGreymon flew to the side of the attack. "Black Tornado!" He then rammed into Omni's legs tripping him.

"Shinning Laser!" Rapidmon shot at his back repeatedly the moment he hit the ground. After a few blows Omni got back up and charged at him.

"Hail Spear! Gigawatt Laser!" He jabbed him with the Garurumon arm then shot Dorugoramon. As BlackWarGreymon charged at him he burst with energy. "Fighting Aura!"

Takumi saw all three of his Digimon had him surrounded. "GO!"

"Golden Triangle!"

"Doru Djinn!"

"War Blaster!" All three hit Omni from multiple directions blasting him out of the air.

Takumi watched him get back up. "Damn he's tough. But if we can just keep up this momentum…"

Takuto looked at Omni's stats. "This is bad. Even EXE might not be enough to beat this guy."

Omni stood back up. "Takuto! Use that program now!"

"Huh? But last time you used it as Omni, you split!"

"I have a better handle on it now. Trust me."

"Well…Okay." Takuto looked at his Digivice. "Still no idea what will happen…but it's better than us losing here!" He slammed his palm on it. "Overclock!"

Takumi's eyes widened. "What?!"

"RAAAAAAAH!" Omni roared and glowed red.


"Overclock"?" Ami asked.

"I've never seen Takuto do that before!" Shiki gasped. "Where did he learn that skill?"


Takumi gasped. "That's Hudiemon's…but how?!"

Omni charged at Rapidmon who tried to swing at him, but in an instant Omni was behind him and kicked him to the ground. "Comet Hammer!" Dorugoramon charged at him from behind, but Omni caught the punch with one hand then elbowed him to the ground. When BlackWarGreymon charged in Omni flip kicked him. He then started moving in a flash, slamming into Takumi's three Digimon repeatedly.

Takumi shielded himself from the wind of each impact. "No! Fight back!"

Rapidmon Armor recovered and caught a glimpse of Omni. "Rapid Fire!" He fired his missiles, but Omni evaded with ease.

"Flame Storm!" He swung an arm and Rapidmon was engulfed with a blaze and knocked down. Dorugroamon roared as he charged at him. "Ice Statue!" After hitting Dorugoramon with ice he turned to BlackWarGreymon. "Judgment!" He knocked him down.

"Hold on!" Takumi pulled up a menu to get more items.

"Oh no you don't!" Takumi looked up and saw Takuto running at him and was tackled to the floor. Takuto grabbed Takumi's wrist with one hand and pinned it to the ground then punched him in the face with his other. "Omni, now's your chance to finish it!"

Omni descended to Takumi's exhausted Digimon on the ground and his hands glowed blue and red. "Double Shot!" He punched the ground with the Garurumon hand first summoning a trail of ice that froze the three. Then with the Greymon hand unleashing a storm of fire that engulfed them. As all three hit the ground Omni stood up and stopped glowing red.

Takumi looked in shock as his Digimon laid in defeat on the floor. "No..."

Takuto lifted him up by the collar of his shirt. "You lose K! Now tell me what you did with Shiki!"

Takumi gritted his teeth. "I don't have her."

"Well then who does?! You promised me she was here!"

"That wasn't me."

Takuto punched him again. "Don't give me that crap! You attacked my world, abducted my sister and have the nerve to play innocent?! Where is she?!" Takumi didn't answer. Takuto punched him again. "WHERE IS SHE?!"

"T-Takumi!" Dorugoramon tried to get up and rush to his partner.

Omni blasted him in the back knocking him back down. "Don't even think about it."

Takumi grunted as he was hit again. And again.


Ami could only watch in horror as Takumi was pummeled by Takuto. "Takumi! TAKUMI!"

"Takuto stop!" Shiki shouted. "It wasn't him!"

Vademon sighed. "Didn't I tell you they can't hear you? Just be quiet and watch or do I have to strike you in the human weak point?"


"Damn." the masked Digimon said. "Didn't think Takuto could be such a savage."

"Nothing sparks greater fury than having someone precious taken from you." Brother Sorrow replied.

"Indeed." K watched Takumi receive more blows from Takuto. "Takuto and I have that in common. And now Takumi finally suffers for it." K glanced at Creepymon. "Of course, your Digimon's ability to amplify anger certainly helped too. This is what I've been waiting for." K laughed soaking in the spectacle of the young detective's pain.


Takuto lifted Takumi off the ground by his shirt. "WHERE! IS! SHE?!" Takumi groaned. Most of the pain was at his torso. But his head started to feel heavy. "Damn you...! Answer me!"

Takumi's vision started to blur. "No... it wasn't supposed to be like this... I'm sorry...Ami...everyone..." his eyes slowly closed.

Takuto reeled back for another punch. "Don't pass out on me!"

"Takuto, that's enough!" Omni said. "If you keep this up you might kill him before you get an answer!"

Takuto felt a jolt of shock as that thought came to mind. He looked at how badly he had beaten up Takumi. Mortified, he dropped him and backed up. "What have I... Why did…?" He looked at his trembling hands.


"Theeeere's the softhearted Takuto I know." the masked Digimon sighed. "I guess Creepymon's magic can only do so much with his partner there."

"Tch. How disappointing." K stood up. "I guess I'll have to step in and finish the job myself."


Rapidmon Armor groaned as he pushed himself off the floor. He looked up and gasped. Takumi was on the floor with Takuto and Omni standing over him. His eyes trembled at the sight before he wielded the sharpest glare of his life. "GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM!" He charged at Takuto at full speed.

"Huh? GAAAAAAH!" Takuto was kneed from the left and ragdolled into a wall with a painfully loud impact.

"Takuto!" Omni shouted before glaring at Rapidmon. He drew his sword, but just as he swung, Rapidmon dashed away with Takumi in his arms. Rather than going after him, Omni went straight to Takuto.

Rapidmon panted as he set Takumi gently on the floor. "Takumi…are you alright?"

The teen coughed and opened his eyes. "Rapid…mon…" BlackWarGreymon and Dorugoramon crawled over to them. "Guys…"

"Takuto!" Omni kneeled in front of his tamer who was slumped against the wall. "Takuto!"

"Ugh…" Takuto yelped in pain as he tried to stand.

Omni turned to Takumi's Digimon. "You will pay dearly for that!"

Rapidmon and his partners stood up. "Think of us as you will. But I will not… let you or anyone hurt Takumi!"

"Same here…" BlackWarGreymon panted. "I will protect him even if it means my end!"

"We made a promise to Yukino." Dorugoramon breathed. "We will see her son and daughter returned to her safely!"

Takumi gasped as his mother's words flashed through his head. "You've become so much like him. I know better then anyone to think you can be talked out of something once your mind is set on it. But you better come back alive, you got it? Save Ami. Do what you have to do. Stay with your friends, and don't ever give up. And most importantly, survive this to come home to me."

Takumi clenched his fists. He rolled over. "That's right... I made a promise...of my own..." He grunted and pushed himself up. He got a foot in the ground. "I can't die here..." He brought himself to one knee. "I will find Ami. I will save the Digital World!" He slowly stood back up. "And we're all going home! Together!"

Rapidmon tensed up. "And to that end Takumi, the three of us will protect you! Together! Even if it costs us our lives!"

Takumi smiled. "I appreciate the thought. But I already told you, you're not allowed to die. I said all of us are going home together. That includes Ami and the three of you."


Ami watched the monitor as Takumi spoke. "My dad's last wish was that I look out for my family. And like mom said, you three are family to me. And that's why I won't accept losing any of you, or Ami."

Ami was moved. She could feel Takumi's love in his words. "Takumi... Mom... Dad..."


"I see." Rapidmon Armor replied. "Very well. If you will not allow us to protect you with our lives..."

"Then we'll just have to keep all of us safe." BlackWarGreymon concluded.

"And push through to anything that gets thrown our way!" Dorugoramon said.

"That's more like it." Takumi grinned. "We'll win no matter who the opponent. And we'll solve this case!" His goggles started shining blue. "Huh?" He pulled them over his eyes. "...! This is...!"

"It requires a strong bond between the partners and their human, so I bet you and your Digimon could pull it off."

Takuto and Omni shielded themselves from the blinding light. "What's happening to him?!" Omni asked.

Takuto gasped. "That light... it can't be!"

Rapidmon stood up straight. "This is...!"

Dorugoramon looked at himself. "Oh...!"

"Takumi! I can feel a great surge of power!" BlackWarGreymon said.

"I see now... This light is the bond we share!" Rapidmon said.

"I can feel it too." Takumi closed his eyes and took in the warmth. All the pain Takuto inflicted on him faded away. He looked forward. "Let's do this guys! All of us together!"

"Right!" His Digimon replied.

Takumi held his hand forward and his glove glowed gold. A red X glowed on his palm. The lenses of his goggles said Extra Cross Evolution in the middle of a diamond shape with an image of him at the top point, BlackWarGreymon at the left, Dorugoramon at the right and Rapidmon Armor at the bottom connected by electricity. And then it said EXE. "Rapidmon Armor! BlackWarGreymon! Dorugoramon! Extra Cross Evolution!"

Takuto and Omni's eyes widened. "What?!"

A red X appeared over Rapidmon Armor's body. Takumi's other two Digimon spun in place and became blue streams of pixels. They flew into the points of the X making a red infinity sign. Rapidmon closed his eyes and lifted his head before his armor started to transform. First the legs transformed. Then the lower body that now included a purple diamond like a tail. Then the torso area that now had what looked like red eyes, buck teeth and a black nose. The parts on his arms became extended blade-like cannons. The barrel on his back split into two and became twin golden cannons that attached to the back of his shoulders. Finally, he lowered his head as his helmet ears became thinner, longer and sharper. The horn extended and glowed blue. His eyes flashed blue as he spun around then posed with his mostly gold, transformed armor with streaks of red and electrical blue. "Rapidmon…Armor X!"

Omni and Takuto grunted as a gust of wind erupted from the glowing Digimon. Takuto gasped as he looked at Takumi and his Digimon.


Vademon shielded his eyes from the glowing monitor. "No way!" Shiki gasped.

Ami stared in awe. "Takumi's Digimon…fused together?"


"Impossible…" Takuto gapped. "Extra Cross Evolution requires a perfect bond between a Tamer and their Digimon! How can someone like K have this?!"

Takumi lifted up his goggles and looked at Takuto. "I have a job I need to do. And until I complete it… I'll keep living! And I'll protect the ones I love! Together with Rapidmon Armor X!"

"Rah!" His new Digimon sped towards Omni.

Takuto grunted and got up clutching his side. "Omni!"

"Ha!" His Omegamon charged drawing his sword.

As they came close, Omni swung, but Rapidmon Armor X jumped over him and pointed his firearms down at him. "Laser Gatling Arm!" Omni yelled in pain as Rapidmon Armor X pelted him with blue laser fire from the weapons on his arms while coming down. Rapidmon Armor X rolled as a landed. Omni recovered and fired his Garuru Cannon, but Rapidmon Armor X turned around swinging his arm to bat it aside. He then vanished and kicked Omni's lift side knocking him away.


Elsewhere in the base Omegamon froze again. "Omegamon?" Nokia looked at her partner. "What is it now?"

"I feel another surge of power. Much like the last one."

"You mean Takuto's Digimon?" Shoma asked.

"I feel it too." Noir replied.

"What does that mean?" Arata asked.


"This energy..." Rikka breathed.

"There's no mistaking it." Yukimura said. "This is Extra Cross Evolution."

"But Takuto already used his." Kouta said.

"Yeah, the only other person who can use it is Shiki." Himari added. "And we know it can't be her."

"Then who does that leave?" Yuuko asked.


Keisuke looked at Mameo upon hearing him gasp. "What is it?"

"Can it be...?" Mameo muttered. "Did Takumi actually do it...?"


Omni grunted and pulled himself up. "He's…stronger…faster…"

"Hang in there!" Takuto said as he threw him a Full Recovery Disc. "We're not losing to same pale imitation of our bond!"

Omni caught the disk and got up turning around. He zoomed at Rapidmon Armor X. The golden Digimon blocked two punches then was kicked in the torso knocking him back. "Inferno!" Omni summoned a blaze.

Rapidmon Armor jumped to the side and aimed. "Holy Light!" He shot a golden orb.

Omni flipped to the left and aimed his cannon. "Saint Ray!" Claws extended from Rapidmon Armor X's gauntlets, and he cut through the attack like a hot knife through butter. Omni drew his sword and their weapons clashed.

"Here! Use this!" Takuto threw a Unity Plugin X and Omni started to push Rapidmon Armor X back. He then kneed him then headbutted him making the Armor Digimon stumble back.

Takumi smirked and reached into his pouch. "Do you ever learn?" He held up a AGL Boost. Rapidmon Armor X jumped back and dodged a swing. Omni closed in and swung repeatedly at Rapidmon Armor X who dodged every swing.

"Wolkenapalm!" He uppercutted Omni so hard he went flying through the ceiling and into the sky.

As Omni stopped himself, he saw Rapidmon Armor X fly after him through the hole he fired his cannon. "Megawatt Laser!"

Rapidmon flew around all of his shots and was soon overhead. "Saint Knuckle!" He slammed Omnimon back into the ground. Omni landed on all fours and looked up to see the enemy descending towards him.

Omni blocked the claws with his sword and Rapidmon Armor X bounced off it before landing on his feet. "Blaster Blade!" Pointing his sword forward and firing his cannon behind him for propulsion he launched at Rapidmon Armor X who blocked the blade but was pushed into a wall still stopping the sword. Omni spun around to slash but cut through the wall as Armor X ducked. Takumi used an SPD Boost. Rapidmon Armor X headbutted Omni back as his purple tail booster glowed. He rammed into Omni from multiple directions faster than the eye could track.

"Boosting power alone won't help you!" Takumi said.

Armor X kicked Omni repeatedly. He then held his arms in a cross and the claws glowed blue. "Just look at our speed!" He swung leaving a blue X shaped trail of light that slammed Omni into the ground.


The whole base shook. "What the hell was that?!" Arata asked.


Yuugo helped Yuuko up after she fell over from the tremor. "We definitely might wanna hurry." Himari said.

"No kidding." Kouta replied.


Hudiemon gasped. "I got a lock on their energy! This way!" She flew off with Mameo and Keisuke right behind her.


Ami and Shiki were in awe. "Amazing Takumi!" Ami gleamed. "That power is out of this world! He might actually be stronger than Alphamon!"

Shiki was shaken. "Is Takuto…Actually going to lose…?"


K, the masked Digimon, Hosaka and Brother Sorrow looked in amazement. "Well…This development was unexpected." the Digimon mused.

Brother Sorrow had a hand at his chin. "Indeed. We'll need to reevaluate the Cyber Sleuth's level of threat."

"Tch!" K clenched his fists. "This is ridiculous…just how much stronger is this punk gonna get…?!"


Takuto gritted his teeth. "We can't lose here… I refuse to lose! Omni! Full power!"

"Alright!" Omni threw off his torn cape and jumped into the air drawing his sword. It started to burn with fire.

"All or nothing then?" Takumi asked. "Let's do it Rapidmon Armor X!"

"Okay!" Rapidmon Armor X held out his arms. The long blade like arms came off and the giant cannons behind his shoulders detached before they swapped places. He took aim at Omni.

"Break on through!" Takuto shouted.

"Transcendent Sword!" Omni charged towards Rapidmon Armor X.

"Go!" Takumi yelled.

"Rapid Blaster!" Rapidmon Armor X fired twin golden beams from the cannons straight at the charging Omni. There was a bright flash as they collided. Omni's sword held back the beam but he was slowly getting pushed back.


Shiki gasped as she watched her brother's Digimon lose ground. "TAKUTO!"


Takuto pressed buttons on his Digivice. "I won't let you win K! Overclock!"

Omni glowed red and held up his cannon. "Supreme Cannon!" With both cannon fire and his burning sword, he started to push through the light and came closer to striking Rapidmon Armor X. "HAAAAAAA!"


Ami watched Omni get closer to winning. "TAKUMI!"


Takumi stood tall unflinching at the threat charging toward the Digimon standing in front of him. "I'll never give up." He put on his goggles and opened a menu. "I'll find the truth that only I can!" He slammed his hand on the button. "OVERCLOCK!"

Takuto's eyes widened. "Wha…?"

"HA!" Rapidmon Armor X glowed red as his cannon fire doubled in size.

"Agh!" Omni stopped advancing. He was getting pushed back much faster.

"Omni, fight back!" Takuto yelled.

"Rapidmon!" Takumi said. "I swear on our bond, that I will always be by your side! So together… Let's forge our own path! Our own destiny!"

Rapidmon Armor X's attack grew even bigger. "RAAAAAAAAAH!"

"Ngh! GAAAAAAAAAH!" Omni was enveloped in the blast that tore through the room. The massive burst blew out of the building and tore through the sky, blowing clouds apart.

When the attack died down and the dust finally came subsided, Nova and Storm were on the ground. "Nova! Storm!" Takuto ran over to them.

The light slowly died out in Rapidmon Armor X's cannons as he lowered his arms. "We did it Takumi."

Takumi smiled at him as he pulled his goggles back up. "Great job…all of you."


Nokia, Arata, Shoma and Luche kept forcing their way down halls and through Digimon. "Come on..." Arata growled. "They gotta be somewhere in this damn base."

"We just have to keep going." Shoma replied. "We'll find someone eventually."

They turned down another corner and stopped at the sight of three Digimon. "More hostiles!" Noir took aim.

"Eep!" Terriermon panicked along with Professor Agumon and Doctor Datamon. Datamon was holding a yellow backpack and Terriermon was holding a pair of goggles and what looked like a wristwatch.

"Hold on!" Nokia said. "These little guys look harmless."

"You can't judge a book by its cover." Arata said. "Wait... that backpack... and those goggles..."

"Professor! Doctor!" A Vajramon ran past the three Digimon. "Get back! I will deal with these humans!"

"You won't stop us!" Luche said. "Let's get em guys!"

"You got it kid!" Nokia cheered.

Vajramon drew his swords. But right when he was about to charge, he was hit from behind and knocked out. When he collapsed, he saw Doctor Datamon holding up the hand he fired his Digital Bomb out with. "Huh?" Arata blinked. "What are you...?"

Agumon Expert turned down the hall. "This way."

Shoma stared at him in confusion. "What?"

"Ami and Shiki are being held in a room this way. Hurry."

"Really?" Luche asked.

"I don't like this guys." Diaboromon shook his head. "This could be a trap."

"No." Doctor Datamon shook his head. "I get why you're skeptical, but this is not a trap. The three of us have decided to abandon the Next Order to save our friends Ami and Shiki."

"Your friends?" Omegamon asked skeptically.

"During their time in this facility we spoke a lot to them." Professor Agumon said. "And after hearing their stories, I've come to the conclusion that humans and Digimon can live side by side. And these two humans don't deserve the way they are being treated. Also..." The professor looked at the Digimon behind him. "My assistant and Doctor Datamon here think they met Ami before in their world."

Terriermon Assistant nodded. "Takumi and Ami showed me that humans and Digimon can get along. I want to show them that the faith they put in us means something!"

"I also owe them for the assistance they have given me in the past." Doctor Datamon added. "I was able to help many Digimon thanks to their support."

"And that's why we want to save Ami and Shiki." Agumon held up his bag. "We already stole their belongings that were confiscated from them upon their capture for them and we know where they're being kept. Right now, the only one there is Vademon and he's no real threat physically. But we need to hurry before someone realizes what we're up to!"

The group fell in silence for a bit. "What do you guys think?" Shoma asked.

"I think we can trust them." Nokia said.

Arata scoffed. "I feel like you're just saying that because one's a Agumon."

"No, I'm saying that because they know Takumi and Ami! Besides, we're just running circles here!"

"I agree!" Luche said. "I mean, what if they really do know where Shiki is? We gotta try!"

Arata sighed. "Alright fine." He glared at the three Digimon. "But if this is a trick it will be the last mistake you three ever make."

"Thank you." Professor Agumon said.

"Follow us! This way!" Terriemron Assistant said as they ran on ahead. Arata, Nokia, Luche, and Shoma hurried after them.


HiAndromon hand chopped a WaruSeadramon knocking it out. Himari and Kouta watched Yukimura and Rikka defeat a WaruMozeamon. Himari looked behind her. "I think we're clear for now. You two done with that lock yet?"

Yuugo and his siter were working on an electronic panel for a door in front of them. "This kind of thing is easier said than done you know." Yuugo said.

"Still judging by the fact it's locked, it's all too likely we'll find our friends here." Kouta said. "Or at least something important."

"True." Yuuko replied. "The security on this is rather- Wait! I got it!" The red light became green as the panel beeped and the door opened. They all ran inside.

On a bench sat a familiar Digimon who looked at them. "Darcmon!" Yuugo gasped.

The Digimon smiled at them. "You certainly took your time."

"So, this is Darcmon?" Himari asked as Yuugo and Yuuko rushed over.

"Are you alright?" Yuuko asked.

"Yes, I'm fine." Darcmon stood up. "Where are the others?"

"Well, Nokia and Arata are looking elsewhere." Yuugo said. "Takumi was lured here to fight someone who Ami's kidnapper posed as."

"I see. We better hurry then."

Yuuko nodded. "I'm worried about Takumi. I know he's strong but…"

"Ooooh." Himari grinned. "You sound like you're deeply concerned about that guy."

"Of course, I am, he's my friend."

"Just a friend, huh?" Kouta teased. "Color me unconvinced."

"Wh-No! It's not…!" Yuuko's cheeks reddened. "Oh, forget it, we're wasting time! Come on!" She stormed out of the room.

"I think we might have plucked a nerve." Himari giggled.


And that's the end of the highly anticipated Hero vs. Hero fight. Hope you all enjoyed the fight, I have to say I put a lot of heart into it. I was listening to a MAKUKE on repeat until I got a solid image of Rapidmon Armor Xs first fight in my head, so I hope it was detailed, but not overly worded. So about why I chose Takumi to be the winner… First off, It's probably no secret at this point that I've always been a bigger fan of Cyber Sleuth than Next Order so I feel like some of you might not believe me when I say this, but this outcome was not because of personal favoritism. And it DEFINITELY has NOTHING to do with the bet *I* made at Barbamon's little booth.

Barbamon: Oh, I'm sure it doesn't you GODDAMN CHEATING MOTHER-

Nobody cares old man, shut up! *ahem* Anyway Takumi also didn't win just because I gave him EXE for this story. If I were to pit a Cyber Sleuth protagonist and a Next Order protagonist against each other in any story with only their own abilities from their receptive games (Meaning Takuto/Shiki would have EXE but not Overclock and Takumi/Ami would have neither EXE nor Overclock) I would have given the win to the Cyber Sleuth. There are multiple reasons for this. Let's start with the big ones Mameo pointed out.

Reason #1: More Digimon. Takumi/Ami can have up to three Digimon out in play at all times. Hell, if I wanted to, I could have given Takumi up to eleven Digimon for him to send out three at a time since you can have reserves in Cyber Sleuth, the reason I didn't was doing that for him, Ami and Keisuke in this story would make things super confusing and hard to keep track of given the already large cast of characters. Takuto/Shiki on the other hand only ever have two Digimon. Period. And while using EXE would make them into something with some serious bite, it also steepens this disadvantage.

Reason #2: Takumi/Ami is a better strategist. What makes me say that? Two things. First off, yes Kyoko plays a big hand in their mystery solving, but there are times where Takumi/Ami are shown to be clever thinkers and thorough problem solvers on their own. Such as when they came up with the possibility of Connect Jumping into Eaters to save someone or how they solved a dine and dash case by themselves. (Yes, Terriemron did most of the talking but Takumi/Ami technically gave the answer). Takuto/Shiki on the other hand, unless I missed something have never shown that thinking capability. Every plan the heroes came up with was always brainstormed by Jijimon, Mameo, Mirei or somebody else. Second - and yes, I suppose you could call this biased - Cyber Sleuth is a game where strategy matters. You need to consider your moves, your Digimon's type, your timing, all sorts of factors that require thinking and strategy. As opposed to Next Order where unless I'm seriously playing that game wrong, the only "strategy" is "time the X button to raise Order Power while your Digimon shuffle through random attacks until you have enough to use signature attacks or EXE AKA the "win button"." With the occasionally item spamming.

Reason #3: Opponents they faced. Takumi/Ami and Takuto/Shiki have defeated many similar opponents such as Rina, the Deadly Digimon and the Royal Knights. But Takumi/Ami had rematches with Royal Knights that Mirei specifically stated were superior to the originals. And in the Masters Cup Takumi/Ami defeated not only Mirei who in that game can see the future, but also Sayo. What's so special about Sayo you ask? When we met her in Cyber Sleuth Mirei confirmed for us that it's cannon that Sayo completed the colosseums in Digimon World Dusk which would include the Legend Cup. That means it's also cannon that she defeated Marcus, Thomas, Yoshino, and Keenan of Digimon Data Squad. SPOILERS IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN DIGIMON DATA SQUAD, but those same four Tamers easily overpowered a version of Craniamon who lifted a giant stalagmite that supported – and I kid you not. – the wight of the literal entirety of the Digital World. Not just for a few minutes either, he was holding onto that thing by himself for like an episode or two. And yes, you can argue that the size of the Digital World seems to vary from different games and anime, but in this case, it was established that the human and Digital Worlds colliding would destroy each other. Meaning that the Digital World in question must be at least around the same size as Earth. So yes, Takumi/Ami is stronger than a girl who's stronger than a team who's stronger than a guy that lifted an ENTIRE PLANET on his own. Plus a giant stalagmite. Think about that.

And finally, reason #4: Superior arsenal. And no, I'm not just talking about how Takumi/Ami has more Digimon again. But their Digimon can learn a lot more moves than Takuto/Shiki's can in Next Order. And a larger variety of moves as well. Not to mention the battle item selection in Next Order is rather limited. You get HP and SP recovery, revives, boosts for attack and defense and… yeah, that's it. Takumi/Ami on the other hand get all that and much, much more. Much better HP/SP recovery, max revives, multirevives, cures for all status ailments including dotting, boosts for attack, speed, defense, intelligence, accuracy, and agility, and equipment items to further jack up their stats. When you put what I said about Takumi/Ami being a better strategist into account, then it also means that the Cyber Sleuth can make the most of this much better selection. Plus, while it's doubtful they're on the same level as the likes or Arata, Kyoko or even Keisuke, Takumi/Ami are still technically hackers with the abilities of one. And you know what that includes? Two words: Stealth Hide. They can turn themselves and all of their Digimon invisible. And as far as I know, Takuto/Shiki have no means of countering that. That's the reason why I didn't have Takumi use it in this battle, poor Takuto wouldn't be able to do a damn thing to him. And I can already hear some smart alec going "bullshit they're invisible, I can see a silhouette of them just fine!". Well good for you buddy, but that clearly is just for the player to see. In cutscenes people can't see the Cyber Sleuth even when they're right in front of them, so for all intents and purposes: They're 100% invisible.

So that's why I think Takumi would win against Takuto. This is just my opinion I should stress. If you think this could have gone differently, then you're intitled to believe so, I'm not going to start a big argument or go to war with anyone over this.

But what happens now? Find out the aftermath of the fight next week on chapter 30 of Digimon Story: The Next Order.