Book 7: Going Digital
Final Chapter: Volcanic Final Rescue
Observer Room, Union Office
Daytime
After Baihumon was freed from the corruption in Hard Mountains, Gaius' team returned to Union Office to deliver their report. Zeo's and Akira's team were also present after having lunch at Tamer Plaza. Also in the Observer Room are Mirei, Copen, Laura and Bronya.
"Tamers of the Rebellion, you've done a remarkable job rescuing the Observers. We are eternally grateful for your assistance." ClavisAngemon said.
"Just doing our job, sir." Zeo replied.
"Only one more Observer is left to be rescued from that dangerous virus. And he's located within Lava River." Azulongmon said.
"Zhuqiaomon, Observer of the Gold Tamers." Akira recalled.
"Correct." Ebonwumon nodded his two heads. "You'd best be careful when trying to free him from the virus."
"Would be nice if we can find the one responsible for those viruses." Gaius said.
"You can wait no longer, everyone." Mirei spoke up. "First off, the anti-virus software has been completed with some help from Laura, Bronya and Copen. It's already been implemented on the Warp Gate System and Tamer Union's main system."
"This should stabilize things along with returning the Warp Gates back to normal." Bronya said.
"But we decided to restrict the use of the Warp Gate System until the last Observer is rescued." Laura added.
"Sounds fair." Cecilia noted.
"As for the culprit for those created viruses, earlier I sent a battle pod to investigate the Lava River for a moment." Copen said. "The pod was able to get an image of the culprit… and you're not gonna like the reveal."
"Give it to us straight, Ix." Gunvolt said.
"Very well." Copen complied, using his Zikan Phone to reveal the image of the culprit in a holo-screen.
And what they saw, shocked everyone in disbelief, especially Zeo, Akira and Gaius. "Another Ex-Aid?!" The three XDR leaders exclaimed.
"An Another Rider?!" The rest of the teammates also exclaimed.
"So this is what a corrupted Kamen Rider looks like…" Houki observed.
"He looks… horrifying…" Cecilia added.
Regina shuddered. "This looks more scarier than the Jikochus."
"Looks like the Neo Time Jackers have their sights on the Digital World." Kanade frowned.
"No doubt they're looking for the Gjallarhorn fragment." Miku deduced.
"Still, at least we know where the viruses came from, especially since Another Ex-Aid can infect his targets with his virus instead of curing them." Gaius stated.
"In that case, Gaius and I are going to have to use the Ex-Aid and Genm Ridewatches to defeat him." Zeo deduced.
"Why do I get the feeling that corrupting the Observers were nothing but distractions so that the Neo Time Jackers could search the Gjallarhorn fragment?" Akira pondered.
"A likely possibility." Sakura answered.
"I hate it when those guys are two steps ahead of us." Kiana muttered.
"So what should we do?" Serena asked.
"I know we're supposed to look for the Gjallarhorn fragment in the Digital World, but the safety of the Digimon, including the Observers, are our top priority." Zeo stated. "And by the time we freed Zhuqiaomon and defeated Another Ex-Aid, the Time Jackers will have already left with the fragment."
"Tch…" Gunvolt muttered. "I hate to say it, but Zeo has a point there."
"Another Gjallarhorn fragment in the hands of the Neo Time Jackers…" Miku whispered.
"We'll get the next one in our next mission. Don't count us out just yet." Regina stated.
"...Hai, you're right." Miku nodded.
"Let's focus on our current problem first." Gaius said. "Since Another Ex-Aid is involved, Zeo, Akira and I will go to the Lava River."
"Sorry, but Lilac can't handle fire due to her element, so I'm sitting this one out." Akira stated.
"Ah, right. Sorry, sis." Zeo noted. "Anyone else wanna come along?"
"I can go for one more round." Gunvolt accepted.
"Wait. Isn't CannonBeemon weak to fire since he's an insect?" Joule questioned.
"Not really. I'm an Electro element, so I'm weak to Earth and strong against Wind. I should be fine." CannonBeemon replied from Gunvolt's Digivice.
"I'm going too." Kanade volunteered. "Garudamon should be able to resist any fire attacks."
"I'm joining in." Kiana also volunteered. "You're going to need Talia's light for the purification."
"I shall join as well." Sakura also volunteered. "Kyubei's light can also assist you."
"Six members so far." Zeo said before nodding. "Okay, this team will do."
"ClavisAngemon, the address to Lava River please?" Gaius requested.
"Understood." ClavisAngemon complied, typing some buttons on his console until the Digivices let out a ring. "It's done. The way to Lava River is open while the way to Hard Mountains is closed."
"Best of luck on this battle, Xross Drive Rebellion. You'll need it." Mirei said.
"We won't let you and the others down, Mirei." Zeo replied as he, Gaius, and the members that volunteered nodded. "Alright team, let's Ragna-Rock and Roll!"
"Roger!" The team replied back before they left the room.
"Stay safe out there, guys." Akira whispered.
Lava River, Digital World
(Play BGM: Lava River - Digimon World DS)
Zeo and Gaius quickly changed into Kamen Rider Zi-O and Geiz respectively at the Digi-Farm before they and the others took the Warp Gate to their destination; Lava River. Upon arrival, they saw that the area lives up to its namesake with numerous hot lava below and purple rocky walkways.
"Why do I feel like we're in a volcano?" Gunvolt remarked as they looked at their surroundings.
"The place is called Lava River for a reason. What do you expect?" Joule pointed out.
"I'd rather go back to Hard Mountains." Kanade said.
"Do that after the mission, thank you." Sakura said.
"Alright." Kiana said as they called out their Digimon partners, consisting of Caliburn, Magnamon, Huckbein, Garudamon, CannonBeemon, Kyubei and Talia. "Let's get this over with. Oh, Zi-O and Geiz? We'll leave the Another Rider to you two. The rest of us will handle freeing Zhuqiaomon from the virus."
"Got it./Okay." Zi-O and Geiz nodded.
"Right then, no more wasting time. Let's move!" Gunvolt declared as the team ventured through the area while carefully trying not to fall into the lava below.
During the trek, they encountered and fought more wild Digimon consisting of BlackRapidmon, BlackWargrowlmon, Cyberdramon, LadyDevimon and Mummymon. They then found a few warp pads they used to warp to another part of the area.
Eventually, after they entered another warp pad, they realized that they were above the Warp Gate that leads back to Digi-Central.
"...You've got to be kidding. We went in circles again?!" Joule complained.
"Yeah, I don't get it either." Geiz replied. "Seriously though, what the heck?"
"But on the bright side, at least we don't need to use a Gate Disk to warp back to Digi-Central." Zi-O said.
"True." Kiana nodded.
"You know what, let's just forget it and move on." Gunvolt said as the team followed the path ahead.
Soon enough, they found the ones they're looking for; Another Ex-Aid, and the corrupted Zhuqiaomon. "There you are." Sakura frowned at the corrupted Rider. "So you're the one responsible for those viruses."
"..." Another Ex-Aid glared at the group in silence.
(BGM End)
Zhuqiaomon
Type: Virus
Level: Ultimate
Zhuqiaomon resembles a firebird in red and orange color, eight pairs of wings with one pair having talons, two pairs of red eyes along with a red mask, yellow patterns on his tail and one pair of wings, and red spheres floating around his tail and his black neck.
"Pretty clever of your ally to give you an Another Ridewatch so you can use its power to infect the Sovereign Digimon." Zi-O said.
"That, and using the corrupted Observers as a distraction while your ally searches for the Gjallarhorn fragment." Geiz added.
"Not only that, you also malfunctioned the Warp Gate Systems to trap us and other innocent Tamers inside the Digital World." Kanade also added.
"I don't know who you are under that mask, but we're going to find out." Kiana said as the Riders and the Digimon partners prepared themselves.
"And that time… is now." Gunvolt added.
Another Ex-Aid roared as he used his powers to create digital floating platforms and power-ups around the area.
"Already starting with that, huh?" Zi-O observed while he and Geiz took out the Ex-Aid and Genm Ridewatches, turned the dial and pushed the button.
=EX-AID!=
=GENM!=
The Riders inserted the Ridewatches onto their Ziku Drivers, slammed the tilt button and gave it a spin.
=ARMOR TIME!=
Armor parts appeared before the two Riders until they attached onto them, along with the katakana for Ex-Aid and Genm slamming onto Zi-O and Geiz's visors respectively.
=LEVEL UP! EX-AID!=
Zi-O's Ex-Aid Armor consisted of the chest armor being gradient with a health bar on his left and four multi-colored buttons on his right. The shoulders were two pink cartridges with green-ish grey ends. The helmet piece had a pink mouth and pink spiked hair for the forehead.
=LEVEL UP! GENM!=
Likewise, Geiz had the same armor set as Zi-O, but the shoulders were two purple cartridges with blue-ish grey ends. The helmet piece had a purple mouth and black spiked hair for the forehead.
"Prepare yourself, Another Ex-Aid. We're finishing this mission with no continues!" Zi-O declared.
"Let the game begin." Geiz added.
In response, Another Ex-Aid quickly leaped onto the created platforms to escape.
"Zi-O, Geiz, we'll handle things here!" Caliburn said.
"So you better chase after him before he gets too far!" Huckbein added.
"Right!" The Riders nodded before going after the corrupted Rider.
"Here he comes, guys! Get ready!" Garudamon warned as the corrupted Zhuqiaomon made his move.
Zhuqiaomon unleashed a rain of fireballs by flapping his wings, forcing the team to dodge.
"Fire Hurricane"
"Fire Hurricane!" Kanade ordered as Garudamon flapped her wings, unleashing an upward fire tornado to suck up the oncoming fireballs before launching it towards Zhuqiaomon, trapping him inside while taking damage by his own fireballs.
"Plasma Shoot!" Magnamon followed up by unleashing a storm of ball-shaped plasma into the tornado, adding more damage onto the corrupted Observer.
"Kofusatsu (Fox-Seal Scrolls)"
"Sky Rocket Infinity"
"Sky Rocket Infinity!/Kofusatsu!" Gunvolt and Sakura ordered as CannonBeemon launched a simultaneous bombarding missile barrage from the container on top of him, while Kyubei launched numerous talismans from her sleeves. The attacks flew into the tornado and damaged the corrupted Observer even further until the tornado exploded massively, which also prompted Magnamon to stop firing his plasma.
"Did we get him?" CannonBeemon asked as they observed the smoke clouds.
"One can never be too careful. This is a Sovereign Digimon we're facing here." Kyubei stated.
"She's right." Talia agreed. "Keep your guard up."
And without warning, Zhuqiaomon flew out of the smoke like a fighter jet with his body engulfed in flames and tackled CannonBeemon and Kyubei, sending both of them to the ground out cold.
"CannonBeemon!/Kyubei!" Gunvolt and Sakura exclaimed.
"So fast…!" Kiana gasped. "Talia, watch out!"
"Heaven's Charm"
"Heaven's Charm!" Kiana ordered as Talia unleashed a large cross of holy light as the corrupted Observer began rushing towards the angel next. As the Observer collided with the holy cross, it was slowly being pushed back, but it was not enough as he broke through the cross and tackled Talia out of the sky and fell to the ground.
"Talia, no!" Kiana exclaimed.
"Tch, this is bad…!" Kanade muttered. "Garudamon, Caliburn, Huckbein, Magnamon, you four better hang in there!"
"This is gonna take a while…" Garudamon said as the remaining Digimon partners prepared themselves.
Meanwhile with the Riders, they managed to catch up with Another Ex-Aid and begin their assault with punches and kicks. Eventually, they finished with a double kick that sent the corrupted Rider falling off to another platform and crashed. Unfortunately, the corrupted Rider was next to a power-up with a cherry icon and took it, causing multiple clones of himself to appear around the two Riders.
"Did he just use a Double Cherry from the Super Mario games?" Zi-O asked as the two Riders stood back to back.
"Considering the large number of clones surrounding us, obviously!" Geiz replied. "What now?"
"Hmm…" Zi-O pondered as he looked at his surroundings and saw some power-ups at the other platforms. "If he wants to use power-ups, then we'd better do the same. And hopefully find another Double Cherry."
"Worth a shot, but let's stay together instead of splitting up." Geiz replied.
"Gotcha!" Zi-O nodded. "Give us a Warp Pipe!"
"Ask and you shall receive." Geiz complied, summoning a purple Warp Pipe in front of the Riders before the two jumped inside, while the Another Ex-Aid clones went after them.
Fortunately, Geiz anticipated this as he and Geiz popped out of the Warp Pipe next to a couple of power-ups, while the corrupted clones popped out of another Warp Pipe far away from the two Riders.
Zi-O took a look at one of the power-ups that looks like a blue shell. "The blue shell, huh? Though this one doesn't have spikes. Oh well, I think I can make this work." Once he took the power-up, the blue shell appeared on his body with a hard turtle shell on his back with a soft peach underbelly.
Geiz looked at the other power-up and recognized it. "Oh, a Fire Flower! Neat." He took the power-up causing the color of his armor to change to white and red. He then looked at his hands now generating fireballs. "This, I can make use of. So what's the plan?"
"Time for a little game of Pryo pinball." Zi-O replied before he jumped onto the Warp Pipe with Geiz closely following him.
The Another Ex-Aid clones were still searching for the Riders, until a spinning blue shell engulfed in flames popped out of the Warp Pipe. Geiz then came out of the same pipe and kicked the spinning shell with a bicycle kick. And one by one, the clones were taken down by the spinning fire shell, striking all over the place like a pinball.
"Something tells me Zi-O's going to vomit from all the spinning." Geiz said. "Sorry, dude." But then he noticed more of the corrupted clones coming towards the red Rider. "Time for some backup." He then used his Legatus to summon the Arm Legion before the two clashed with the corrupted clones.
Back with Kanade and the others, Garudamon, Magnamon, Huckbein and Caliburn continued to clash with the corrupted Zhuqiaomon. Garudamon was able to tank through Zhuqiaomon's flames while Huckbein and Caliburn counterattacked with their blade arms, with Magnamon providing support with his Plasma Shoot. But despite their brave efforts, each bout ended in a stalemate.
"Geez, how much of a power boost did the Another Rider give to Zhuqiaomon?!" Caliburn questioned.
"I don't know, but if that virus is stronger than our light, then we have a problem." Magnamon replied.
"Then we're gonna need more light to banish the dark." Huckbein stated.
"If that's the case, then I need to go Ultimate." Garudamon said. "Kanade, how much experience do I have?"
"Hold on…" Kanade quickly checked the stats on her Digivice. "It's just enough! You should be able to digivolve!"
"That's what I wanna hear, Kanade." Garudamon smiled. "You know, I couldn't have made it this far without your help. I was able to grow stronger and see the many places of the Digital World, and even the real world. I won't let this virus stop us. We're gonna fly to the ends of the earth! With the two of us working together, we can overcome anything!"
(Play BGM: Break the Chain - Digimon Adventure 2020)
"Yeah!" Kanade grinned and nodded, raising her Digivice as it glowed. "Let's keep going! Straight and direct!"
"Garudamon, Ultimate Evolution!" Garudamon shouted as she was encased in an energy cocoon. Her body then changed into a holy bird with four wings and blue eyes. Most of her body is covered in golden feathers with a mane of vibrant, fiery feathers forming a crest that extends down her spine and joins with her flowing tail. She also has grey-brown skin and jet black talons, wears a bronze helmet that covers her face and upper jaw, and Holy Rings around her ankles. The cocoon then exploded with the transformation complete, revealing her Ultimate form. "Phoenixmon!"
Phoenixmon
Type: Vaccine
Level: Ultimate
"Kanade's partner… became a phoenix..?" Gunvolt remarked in awe with the others sharing the same expression.
"Whoa…/How beautiful…" Talia and Sakura also remarked.
"So this is your Ultimate form… a phoenix…" Kanade said before chuckling. "It's like we're destined to be partners."
Phoenixmon chuckled. "Sounds about right."
"You know, I think it's time for me to give you a name. How does the name Binary sound?"
"Binary…" Phoenixmon pondered for a bit. "I like it. Binary it is, then." Afterwards, she turned her attention to the corrupted Zhuqiaomon. "Magnamon, Caliburn, Huckbein, take a quick breather. This one's mine."
"Okay." Magnamon replied as he and the other two nodded before they moved aside.
"Hang on for a little while longer, Zhuqiaomon." Binary said. "I'll be sure to free you from that virus!"
Soon enough, the holy bird and the firebird clashed with each other with tackles and talon strikes. Zhuqiaomon then unleashed more fireballs while Binary retaliated with her own purifying flames, destroying the oncoming fireballs.
"Wow, those two are evenly matched." Kiana remarked as they observed the two birds fighting.
"But it won't last forever. One of them will eventually be defeated." Sakura stated.
"If that's the case, then one huge purifying blast should end it." Gunvolt deduced.
"Magnamon, hop aboard Binary! Caliburn, Huckbein, transfer some of your energies to them! We need to make this shot count!" Kanade ordered.
"Roger!" The three nodded as Magnamon hopped onto Binary's head while Caliburn and Huckbein transferred their energies onto the two Digimon, causing them to glow.
"Okay, you two!" Kanade shouted to Binary and Magnamon. "When Zhuqiaomon gets close, let him have it with your strongest blast!"
"Right!" The two nodded as they charged up their energies while Zhuqiaomon flew back several metres before performing a U-turn and rushed towards the two Digimon with his body engulfed in flames.
"Steady now…" Kanade whispered, observing Zhuqiaomon's movements as he quickly flew towards his targets. And once the firebird got close…
"Starlight Explosion"
"Starlight Explosion!" Kanade shouted as Binary flapped her four wings, causing it to rain golden grains.
"Extreme Jihad!" At the same time, Magnamon unleashed his charged energy into one massive energy wave.
The combined attacks from the two Digimon completely caught the corrupted Observer off guard, overpowering him as he was engulfed in purifying light which erased all traces of the virus in his body. The light also caused CannonBeemon, Kyubei and Talia to wake up with their injuries healed.
(BGM End)
"Did it work?" Kiana asked as they observed the scene.
"I can't sense any more of the virus within Zhuqiaomon. The Observer of the Gold Tamers is free." Sakura answered.
"Phew… that's a relief." Gunvolt sighed with relief.
"Guh… what a nightmare…" Zhuqiaomon shook his head with his mind clear and serene. He then noticed the Tamers and their Digimon partners. "Hm? What's going on?"
"ClavisAngemon sent us here to free you from the virus and defeat the one responsible for creating them." Kanade explained. "We're from Xross Drive Rebellion, by the way."
"Oh, the Tamers of the Rebellion!" Zhuqiaomon realized. "The other Observers told me of your heroic deeds. Wait…" His eyes widened in shock upon remembering something important. "Ah! The weird humanoid that created the virus! Where is he?!"
"He went that way." Gunvolt pointed to the west with the floating digital platforms. "Kamen Rider Zi-O and Geiz are currently dealing with them now."
"Then we must go after them before the culprit escapes. Follow me!" Zhuqiaomon stated as he flew west.
"You guys stay here, Binary and I will help the Observer!" Kanade shouted as she hopped onto Binary's head and quickly followed the Observer.
Back with the Riders, they were still fighting off the multiple clones of Another Ex-Aid, but they just kept appearing one after another. Not only that, the power-ups Zi-O and Geiz used ran out of energy.
"Damn it…!" Geiz muttered as the two Riders stood back to back. "These guys won't quit!"
"Maybe we should've brought along Caliburn and Huckbein for this." Zi-O admitted as his arms are equipped with hammers with a pink 'A' and a green 'B' button on the side of the hammer arms.
"Too late now. The only thing we can do is wait for Zhuqiaomon to be freed from the virus so he and our friends can give us a hand." Geiz replied.
An Another Ex-Aid was walking towards the two Riders, until two large birds emerged from the front and the back of the large platform they're standing on.
"Zhuqiaomon and… Phoenixmon?!" Zi-O exclaimed as he recognized the two birds.
"And look who's on Phoenixmon's head!" Geiz pointed at the familiar red-head on the holy bird's head.
"Sorry we took so long, guys!" Kanade grinned and waved. "We're ready to finish the fight, so brace yourselves!"
With one loud shout from Zhuqiaomon, he unleashed a powerful sonic wave that stunned every single clone of the corrupted Rider.
"Crimson Flare"
"Crimson Flare!" Kanade ordered as Binary unleashed purifying flames by flapping her wings, burning the clones to ashes while also revealing the real Another Ex-Aid that's still on fire, trying to put it out.
"There you are, you sneaky little creep!" Zi-O said as the Riders noticed the real corrupted Rider.
"No more games, we're clearing this now!" Geiz declared as the two Riders prepared their finisher sequence.
=FINISH TIME! EX-AID!=
=FINISH TIME! GENM!=
Zi-O's hammer arms glowed in pink and green with a zigzag pattern while Geiz's legs glowed in the same pattern but in black and purple.
=CRITICAL TIME BURST!=
Geiz quickly delivered a flying kick onto Another Ex-Aid, then followed up with a ten hit combo with his kicks which caused the text of the word 'Hit!' to appear with each hit. He then finished with a backflip kick that caused the text of the word 'Critical!' to appear, sending Another Ex-Aid upward.
=CRITICAL TIME BREAK!=
Seeing an opening, Zi-O leaped towards the airborne corrupted Rider and delivered a multitude of hammer punches, causing the 'Hit!' text to appear with each hit. Next, Zi-O delivered a double axe handle, sending Another Ex-Aid falling. Afterwards he finished off the corrupted Rider with a spinning divebomb with his hammer arms to the front, landing a hit on the corrupted Rider's chest and crashed onto the floating platform with an explosion along with the 'Critical!' text appearing. The explosion also caused the Another Ex-Aid Ridewatch to fly out and fall into the lava, melting it into nothing.
"Now, let's see who's behind the mask." Zi-O took a closer look at the unconscious de-transformed Another Ex-Aid… before his eyes widened in shock in revelation. "...Kain?!"
"Wait, did you just say Kain?!" Geiz exclaimed as he took a closer look before letting out the same reaction. "It really is him!"
"This is unexpected." Zhuqiaomon remarked. "Why would he do this?"
"Hmm… when it comes to the Neo Time Jackers, either they used him as a tool, or he wanted to become the strongest Tamer by any means necessary which is why he was given the Another Ridewatch." Kanade assumed.
Zi-O dispersed his hammer arms and checked Kain's condition. "Well, he's still breathing and his heart-rate is normal, but he's not waking up anytime soon."
"He's in a coma." Geiz deduced before picking Kain up. "Let's head back to Digi-Central so the doctors can treat his condition."
"Good idea." Kanade agreed. "I'll regroup with the others and tell them to return to Digi-Central. You guys go first."
"Okay." Zi-O and Geiz nodded before Kanade and Binary returned to the others.
"Zhuqiaomon, get us back to Digi-Central ASAP." Zi-O requested.
"Understood." Zhuqiaomon nodded, using his powers to warp everyone back to Digi-Central.
Unknown to everyone however, Dark Cure Chaos had watched the battle between the Riders from afar. "Huh, looks like I've underestimated the Rebellion and their Digimon partners." She remarked. "They sure know how to learn fast."
"You don't look annoyed with that loss." Lilithmon spoke from the Dark Cure's Digivice.
"Nah, I'd figured they'd pull off a win. Another Ex-Aid was only a distraction while we look for the other Gjallarhorn fragment." The Dark Cure replied until her Digivice rang. "Perfect timing." She then looked at the text message… until her eyes widened in shock after reading it. "Son of a bitch!"
"What's wrong?" Lilithmon asked.
"No time to explain, we need to go to them now!" The Dark Cure replied, summoning a Dimensional Veil and flew inside.
Once Dark Cure Chaos arrived at her destination, she was shocked to discover that her two Fatui Agents were dead and her fellow general Licht was injured on the ground, but still breathing. "Frick…" She muttered before approaching her general. "Licht, what just happened?!"
"Apologies…" Licht replied, slowly standing up. "We're able to find the other Gjallarhorn fragment. But once we were about to contact you, we were suddenly ambushed."
"Ambushed?" The Dark Cure repeated. "Is it the Rebellion?"
"No, it's not them." Licht shook her head. "It was something else. A large black and gold knight with a long cape. He defeated us effortlessly, stole the fragment, and vanished."
"A black and gold knight…" Lilithmon repeated… until she gasped in realization. "No…! It can't be him, can it?!"
"What is it, Lilithmon? You know something about that knight?" The Dark Cure asked.
"That was not just an ordinary knight. That was Alphamon, one of the legendary Royal Knights. But… why did he take the Gjallarhorn fragment?"
"Should we hunt that knight down?" Licht asked.
The Dark Cure pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "It's too late for that now. The Rebellion will be onto us if we search for that knight. At least we have one fragment, so let's just fall back to base and heal your wounds." She then turned to the two dead agents. "Also, we'd better bring those dead bodies back to hide our trail."
"Understood. And I'm sorry." Licht replied as she and the Dark Cure picked up the dead agents.
"Relax, it's not your fault this happens. Unexpected things can happen that's beyond our control." Dark Cure Chaos assured as they approached the Dimensional Veil. "But I'm not going to forget what that Royal Knight did. He'll pay dearly for this one day." Once they entered the veil, it vanished.
Observer Room, Union Office
After the team returned to Digi-Central, Gaius dropped Kain off to the doctors so they could treat his wounds. Afterwards they head back to the Observer Room within Union Office where everyone else is waiting, including Zhuqiaomon who's at the center of the room. From there, they delivered the report of what happened in Lava River.
"Xross Drive Rebellion, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude for what you've done for today." Zhuqiaomon spoke to the team. "Not only have you rescued all four Observers, but you've also put and end to the one responsible for those viruses."
"But I was not expecting Kain of all people to be the culprit." Regina remarked. "Did he ask the Neo Time Jackers for help or something?"
"Even I do not know his reasons for performing such an act." ClavisAngemon replied.
"Still, it's gonna be a long while since he's in a coma after Zeo and I freed him." Gaius said.
"At least he's still alive after the whole ordeal." Zeo added.
"So what will happen to Kain after he wakes up?" Akira asked.
"He'll be undergoing rehabilitation as punishment." ClavisAngemon answered. "I'd take him back to the real world, but after checking his profile, he's an orphan."
"An orphan?" Bronya repeated. "He does not have any parents?"
"No." ClavisAngemon shook his head.
"I see." Laura noted.
"Something must've happened during his life that made him act so rude and irresponsible." Miku said.
"Regardless, I'm sure he'll learn his lesson after rehabilitation." Azulongmon said.
"Yes, it's for the best." Sakura agreed.
"Anyway, the Digital World and the real world are safe, and it's all thanks to you, Xross Drive Rebellion. Nicely done." Mirei praised.
"Too bad the Neo Time Jackers got their hands on another Gjallarhorn fragment." Kanade muttered.
"We'll get the next one for another time." Copen replied. "Oh yeah, now that the virus threat has been eliminated, the Warp Gate System will be back online with the anti-virus installed, so the other Tamers will be free to return to the real world."
"That's good to know." Gunvolt noted. "Living in the Digital World is nice, but nothing beats home sweet home."
"Exactly." Kiana agreed.
"So what happens now?" Serena asked.
"For safety reasons, all Tamers will be sent back to the real world for today as we Observers perform a sweep around the Digital World for any traces of the virus, even though the culprit is taken care of." Ebonwumon answered.
"Copen, Bronya, Laura and I will stay here and perform check-ups on the Warp Gate System and Tamer Union's main systems to make sure they're working properly." Mirei added.
"We would also like to request aid from the Royal Knights if possible." Baihumon also added.
In response, Magnamon, Huckbein and Gladys appeared before the team. "I'm sure you all won't mind if we knights gave Tamer Union a hand." Gladys spoke to the team.
"Do what you need to do for everyone's safety." Cecilia replied as she and Gaius nodded.
"Thank you." Magnamon replied back.
"Anyway, I think it's time for me to give you Tamers a reward for all of your hard work." Zhuqiaomon said. "So raise your Digivices please." The team raised their Digivices in response. "In the name of the Observer of the Gold Tamers, I, Zhuqiaomon, hereby declare…" The status screens on the Digivices then changed into a platinum border. "...Xross Drive Rebellion to be promoted into Platinum Tamers. Congratulations."
The Rebellion rejoiced and cheered with joy upon reaching the highest Tamer Rank.
"With this rank, you'll be eligible to partake in the tournament to become the Tamer King in the future. So continue to work hard to protect not only the Digital World, but also the real world." ClavisAngemon said.
"Yes, sir!" The team replied with a nod.
"I never thought in my life that I'd reach a platinum rank. This is unbelievable." Houki remarked.
"Be proud of this achievement, Houki. We've earned it." Cecilia smiled.
"Yes, you're right." Houki smiled back.
"I think this calls for a celebration in the real world." Regina said. "You guys up for a relaxing day in Tokyo?"
"Sounds good!/Alright!/Let's do that." The team agreed.
"Can we also invite Yumi, Kuriyo and Shiori?" Miku requested.
"Sure, I don't mind." Zeo approved.
"Still can't believe those three academy students knew about the existence of S.O.N.G. because of the Frontier Incident from what you told us, Miku." Gunvolt said.
"Don't worry, GV. They can keep a secret." Miku assured.
"Alright, then it's decided!" Akira declared, dramatically pointing her finger upwards. "Time to celebrate in the city!"
"Yeah!" The rest of the team responded, raising their fist.
"It's a shame we cannot come with you. But alas, our duties come first and foremost." Gladys said.
"We'll be sure to bring you knights along in our next outing in the real world." Cecilia replied.
"You've got a deal." Gladys nodded.
"You guys have fun out there!" Huckbein smiled.
"Okay, we're gonna leave now. See ya!" Gaius said as he and the others waved as they left the room, leaving behind the three Royal Knights, the four Observers, ClavisAngemon, Mirei, Copen, Bronya and Laura.
"Alright, everyone." ClavisAngemon spoke. "The virus threat may have been resolved, but we still have plenty of work to do. So let's get it done so we can also relax!"
"Yes, sir!" They replied before beginning their work.
Zeo's Narration: After the virus incident in the Digital World, we took a chance to celebrate in the real world in the streets of Tokyo. We even invited Yumi, Kuriyo and Shiori along for the ride. Since those three students already knew about S.O.N.G's secrets and kept them well hidden for so long, sis, Gaius and I decided to share the secrets of Xross Drive Rebellion and our mission. We also told the truth about the disappearance of Hibiki and the others, and after hearing the truth, those three students are willing to lend us a hand with the search within the Digital World, so we decided to make them honorary members of the Rebellion since they have their Digimon partners to assist them, hence why we gave them Zikan Phones. Don't worry, I asked Genjuro for his permission first before fully accepting them as honorary members.
As for what happened to Kain, he was able to wake up from his coma the next day. Unfortunately, he can't remember what happened to himself, not even how he became an Another Rider and created those viruses. I guess some things are best left unknown, even though we know who the real culprits are. On the bright side, he does look remorseful after the Observers explained to him of his actions, and is willing to accept rehabilitation as punishment so he won't cause trouble to everyone ever again. Tomomi is also willing to give Kain a hand with the rehabilitation despite what he did to her back at Chrome Mine, after her ankle is healed, of course.
Meanwhile, Mirei, Copen, Bronya and Laura are trying their best to look for our missing friends using Mirei's personal Digi-Lab. We don't know how long it will take for them to find their location considering how many multiverses they need to search, so we decided to take the time to train ourselves and our Digimon partners so we can be ready for our next mission. Einstein, Tesla, Elfnein and even Ciel also pitched in to help Mirei out with the search.
As time went by, Acting Grand Master Jean Gunhildr of the Knights of Favonius invited us to partake in the Windblume Festival in Mondstadt, celebrating the Thousands Winds and for the Anemo Archon Barbatos. We're able to meet a lot of familiar faces from Mondstadt during the festival, including Venti considering who he really is. And we even got to meet Rosaria for the first time, who happens to be a nun from the Favonius Church along with being a Cryo Vision Bearer. Pretty good with a spear, too.
When the month of April arrived, Mirei and her team finally discovered the location of Hibiki and her friends. So all of us are gathered inside S.O.N.G. HQ's Command Center as we wait for Mirei to deliver the news. Hibiki, Tsubasa, Chris, Maria, Kirika, Shirabe, hang in there for a little while longer. We're gonna bring you girls home.
S.O.N.G. HQ, Command Center, Tokyo, Japan
April 2025
Daytime
"Thank you for coming, everyone." Mirei greeted the team from one of S.O.N.G's main monitors. "It took around four weeks of searching through the multiverses from inside my Digi-Lab with some assistance from your team… but we've finally found the location of Hibiki and your friends."
"Finally, at long last." Kanade said with relief. "Can we get straight to the point and tell us where already?"
"Now now, no need to get impatient." Mirei replied. "First off, did you and Serena have your relic pendants returned?"
"Mhm." Serena nodded as she and Kanade showed off their Gungnir and Airgetlam relics respectively, hanging around their necks. "Copen gave them back to us earlier."
"Good." Mirei nodded back. "Genjuro, is the detection of the Aufwachen waveforms active?"
"Systems are online, Mirei." Genjuro confirmed.
"Okay. I'm sending the data to your HQ's system immediately. You should get a reading once it arrives." Mirei said as she typed a few buttons on her console to transfer the data.
And once the data is inside S.O.N.G. HQ's systems, the waveform detection went online. "Aufwachen waveform detected! And it's massive, too!" Sakuya informed after looking at the received data.
"Mm." Genjuro nodded. "Begin identification!"
"Sir!" Sakuya complied as he typed a few buttons. Soon enough, the monitor revealed the name of the waveform.
=ICHAIVAL=
"...ICHAIVAL?!" Everyone exclaimed at the reveal.
"That can't be right! I thought it was Gungnir or Airgetlam!" Miku questioned.
"I know. I'm surprised to see the results myself." Mirei replied. "But nevertheless, this relic definitely belongs to one of your friends, correct?"
"That's right, Mirei-san." Elfnein confirmed. "Ichaival belongs to Chris Yukine."
"It may not be the result we're looking for, but if one of our friends has a relic that they own, then we're definitely taking a step in the right direction." Laura stated.
"Exactly." Mirei replied. "As for where that waveform is located, it's found in a multiverse called… the Color-Verse."
"The Color-Verse?" The team repeated.
"Correct." Mirei nodded. "It's a multiverse that's been watched over by powerful beings known as the Color Gods with each color god in charge of watching over a universe. For example, Color God Violet is in charge of the Adventure Universe. Hmm… it's been a long while since I observed the Color-Verse. I helped two multiversal teams during that time, but that's a story for next time. The data you received should take you to your missing friends, but there's a catch."
"What do you mean?" Zeo asked.
"Once you go into the Color-Verse, there's no way to return to your own multiverse. Which is why I need some help to prepare a way back. Einstein, Tesla, I'm going to need your help with this."
"No problem, Mirei." Einstein replied as she and Tesla nodded. "We can prepare a special Ridewatch that can take the Rebellion back to our multiverse. However, it will take some time for it to be completed."
"Zeo, Akira, Gaius, the decision is yours if you can take the risk." Tesla said. "What's your answer?"
The three leaders look at the faces of their team answering with a determined nod, especially Kanade, Serena and Miku. Zeo then shared looks with Akira and Gaius, also answering with a nod. This could be their only chance to find the missing Attuned, so it's a risk worth taking even though they won't be returning to their own multiverse for a while. With his mind made up, Zeo gave a nod to Tesla. "Alright, we're going for it."
"Good answer." Einstein smiled. "Prepare your team and head for the Zi-O Liner when you're ready."
"Sakuya, the data please?" Ciel requested.
"Roger." Sakuya complied, storing the data into a USB Drive and gave it to Ciel. "All yours."
"I'll be going with you as your navigator." Ciel said to the three leaders. "I'll also call in Vent and Ashe for assistance."
"Zeo." Houki spoke. "Cecilia, Lingyin, Charlotte, Laura and I are ready to go with you since our IS frames are finished with the tune-ups. In addition, my Akatsubaki's Kenran Butou has been upgraded.
"Joule and I are coming with you, as does Copen and Lola." Gunvolt said with Copen nodding.
"Someone's gotta join you as field commander. And I'm taking Kiana, Mei, Bronya and Seele with me." Theresa said.
"I'm coming along too." Regina added. "Hibiki and her friends might be in trouble, so I wanna be there to help them."
"And you know Miku-chan, Serena-chan and I are coming too." Kanade also added. "They're our friends, after all."
"Don't forget about me. I wish to come as well." Elfnein also added.
"Hmm… With a team like this, I think we can make it work." Akira said, looking at the volunteers joining the mission.
"Hope you guys are ready to explore a new multiverse." Gaius added.
"Alright team, once you're ready with the preparations, meet us inside the Zi-O Liner so we can head out and save our Attuned friends!" Zeo ordered.
"Roger!" The selected team members saluted before heading out.
"Best of luck out there, guys. You're gonna need it." Himeko said to the three leaders.
"And feel free to give a report on what you saw in the Color-Verse." Genjuro added.
"Thanks, Himeko, Genjuro. We'll be back soon." Akira replied with Zeo and Gaius nodding.
"Okay, we're heading out now. Wish us luck!" Zeo said as he, Akira and Gaius saluted to the commanders before leaving.
"To think that the Attuned would land in another multiverse of all places." Genjuro remarked. "Is it because of a Dimensional Quake caused by a Gjallarhorn fragment, or something else?"
"Who knows." Himeko shrugged. "But I'm sure we'll get our answers once the team comes back."
"In the meantime, Einstein and I better go to Mirei so we can get started with creating the special Ridewatch that can bring our team back to our multiverse." Tesla said.
"Understood." Genjuro nodded. "Best of luck, you two."
"With a team of geniuses working together, anything is possible." Einstein smirked as she and Tesla left to meet up with Mirei at her Digi-Lab.
Zi-O Liner
Several minutes later…
Once the team finished their preparations and all of the chosen members were gathered, Woz included, they boarded the Zi-O Liner parked nearby S.O.N.G. HQ at the docks while Zi-O, Geiz and Cure Starlight, along with Kanade, Serena and Miku were at the train's cockpit. With Mirei's data on the USB Drive on hand, Zi-O inserted it onto the train's control system (that happens to be a motorcycle) which showed the coordinates of Ichaival's waveform on the main screen that will lead them to the Color-Verse, and towards Hibiki and her friends' current location.
"The Color-Verse…" Starlight mused. "I wonder what that multiverse will be like when we get there?"
"Who knows." Geiz shrugged. "Still, I never expected that we'd be going to another multiverse just to find our missing friends."
"Yeah, neither do we." Kanade agreed with Serena and Miku nodding. "But now that we know where they are, we can rescue them."
"I wonder if a version of our world, including the ones we've already visited, exists in the Color-Verse?" Serena pondered.
"It's possible." Zi-O answered. "Though those worlds might be different then the ones in our multiverse."
"Could there be a multiversal team in the Color-Verse just like us?" Miku pondered.
"Probably. And maybe we can tag along with them once we find Hibiki and the others." Zi-O replied, taking control of the train and revved up its engines. "Alright, no more wasting time. We're going in! Color-Verse, here we come!"
And once the train began to move at high speeds, a warp portal appeared in front of the train as it sped inside before the portal closed.
"Tsubasa, little kouhai, we're coming for you." Kanade thought with resolve as the others shared the same expression while looking at the main monitor that showed the dimensional tunnel the train is traveling through.
"Kirika, Shirabe, Maria-neesan, please be safe." Serena thought.
"Hibiki, Chris-chan, hang in there. Help is on the way." Miku also thought.
And so, Xross Drive Rebellion set off to another multiverse called the Color-Verse in order to find the six missing Attuned and rescue them. What will happen when they arrive? What will happen afterwards? Well… that's a story for another time…
To be continued in…
Dimensional Heroes: Film Red - Jexi the Hunter
(Yumi Itaba, Kuriyo Ando and Shiori Terashima have joined Xross Drive Rebellion)
Author's Note: And so ends Book 7 with a cliffhanger leading to the next story of the Cyber Collision Saga created by the Dimensional Heroes series. I've already updated my profile of this 3rd Arc so be sure to read all of those stories of my collaboration with them.
As for me, all that's left for me to write is the aftermath of the Cyber Collision Saga. And after that, Arc 4 will begin. I'll be keeping it a secret on which worlds will the Rebellion travel to next as the search for the Gjallarhorn fragments continues.
Anyway about what happened in this chapter, the last Observer is freed thanks to Kanade's Ultimate Level Digimon partner Phoenixmon who is now named Binary; Another Ex-Aid is defeated and Kain is freed and is undertaking rehabilitation with help from Tomomi; Yumi, Kuriyo and Shiori are now honorary members of Team XDR since they can help as Digimon Tamers; and most importantly, Mirei was able to reveal the location of the six missing Attuned with the help of some of the Rebellion members. And that location is another multiverse called the Color-Verse from the Dimensional Heroes series, so expect Team XDR to ally with those heroes. One other thing, Alphamon stole a Gjallarhorn fragment from the Neo Time Jackers and left to parts unknown. What will he use the fragment for? Only time… will tell…
Okay, I think that's all for me. Until then, stay safe and see you in the next interlude!