Digital Phantom

by ZAFT Convoy

DP Rebooted: Twins Danny and Andy have their lives torn upside down when Danny gets into an accident with the Fenton Ghost Portal. Takuya Kanbara just wanted to have a normal high school life until he found an odd figurine. The three boys have to navigate high school, ghosts, and Plasmius's plans while trying to master their unique powers.

59. Digital Knowledge

DarkFoxKit: Sorry for the late update. It was the week of Halloween, and we got very easily distracted. But we're here now.

ZAFT: It was crazy weather too, which also threw off Halloween for me. Snow on the spookiest day of the year…

DarkFoxKit: I get no snow, but it is getting chilly here. I'm okay with that, I prefer the cold over the hot weather. No bugs and bees to worry about. I am concerned about the cats we have outside though. I hope they can withstand the cold.

ZAFT: I hope so too… On to the chapter now!

---

(Two symbols, one red, and one blue, spin before colliding and flaring with light as they do so, showing the title)

Digital Phantom!

(Shows several forms in shadow before they are revealed to be Danny Fenton and Patamon, Sam Manson, Tucker Foley, Takuya Kanbara, Andy Fenton and Lopmon, and Jazz Fenton)

Falling into destiny

(A swirling green portal is shown, followed by the sky and cities of the living world before a computer monitor is zoomed in on, revealing another world of lush greenery through that)

Reaching across new boundaries

(Andy Fenton appears with Jazz beside him. Takuya Kanbara appears behind him as well, the form of Agunimon appearing behind Takuya himself)

Let our stories come together

(Andy is shown with the form of Phantom beside him, his twin brother Danny Fenton behind the ghost boy)

Growing stronger

(Andy looks on at Phantom fighting before running to help the ghost boy by taking out his Fenton Rod)

Our pasts intertwine

(Six glowing orbs of light are shown, each of a different color (red, teal, lavender, dark purple, white, and yellow) before the red orb speeds towards Takuya)

Showing our future

(Takuya holds up his D-Tector before fractal code surrounds him, dissipating as fire erupts from it, revealing him as Agunimon, lunging out from the fire as Plasmius fires off ecto-rays at him, only for a glowing orange orb to appear around Agunimon and deflect the beams)

As we evolve

(The blasts speed past the screen as Tucker is shown with a Fenton Wrist ray being fired at a ghost, Kokuwamon shown behind him)

Let's go… EVOLUTION

(Sam is shown with her Fenton Lipstick, firing it at a different ghost, with Biyomon shown behind her)

As our worlds collide

(Jazz is shown beside Andy, the form of Lopmon behind Andy while a shadowed form is behind Jazz)

We stand as one

(Jack and Maddie Fenton are shown, with the Fenton Works logo behind them as it glows green)

Growing strong

(Ghosts are shown flying all around Amity Park as the shadowy form of Walker is shown atop a building and sneering down)

As we move along

(Danny is shown walking down the street with those closest to him appearing one by one; Andy and Lopmon, Patamon, Tucker, Sam, Takuya, and Jazz)

CHOU… SHINKA!

(Fractal code is shown before it dissipates to reveal Agunimon lunging out of the dissipating data, fire around his left fist)

Let's go… EVOLUTION!

(The group is shown facing down Plasmius, who looms above them with hands outstretched as a dark form appears behind Plasmius himself)

Nothing will stand in our way!

(Andy, Lopmon, Danny, Tucker, Sam, Jazz, and Takuya all appear with ribbons of fractal code streaming out from behind them, a swirling green orb behind the ribbons of fractal code)

Digital Phantom!

---

Chapter 59: Digital Knowledge

The one thing Jack and Maddie hadn't expected was to get sucked into a computer monitor, so it was a weird and new experience for both of them.

As Andy's group went through the vortex, Andy gained his usual dark blue outfit with white sneakers. Lopmon was at his side. Danny gained his usual black outfit with white sneakers. But for Maddie, she gained a purple hazmat suit with a white pattern that looked like spiderwebs almost.

When Takuya's group went through the vortex, Takuya gained his usual clothes. Patamon was at his side. Jazz gained her usual light blue jacket with a gray shirt under it, and dark gray pants while she also gained black shoes on her feet. Jack's outfit changed from his usual orange and black hazmat suit to an orange T-shirt under a black jacket, and blue jeans with black shoes.

The two groups ended up at the Digital World at about the same time, however, they ended up in completely different places in the Digital World.

Takuya, Jazz, Jack, and Patamon were just outside of Seraphimon's castle. They were lying in the Forest Terminal after the rough trip. It appeared to be a peaceful morning in the Forest Terminal, allowing the group time to recover and gather their bearings.

Andy, Danny, Maddie, and Lopmon on the other hand, ended up somewhere none of them recognized. They heard someone screaming as they hit the floor. From the short glimpse Andy caught as they fell, they appeared to be in some kind of room, and there was another person here that they nearly dogpiled on upon their entrance.

"Ow… That was… rough…" Danny grumbled as he sat up. "Andy? Lopmon? Mom? Are you guys okay?"

"As fine as I can be, considering I was on Andy's head." Lopmon replied.

"How we got here… you need to do some explaining, Andy…" Maddie groaned.

Andy managed to pull himself out of the pile, and looked back at Danny and Maddie. "Whoa, Mom, those are some… cool new threads you got." Kinda literally with the spider web designs.

Maddie sat up, looking at her new outfit. "Huh? How did I get into this? I don't remember wearing, or even packing, an outfit like this." She then smiled a bit. "But it does look kinda cool."

Maddie got to her feet, with Danny following her lead.

"Wow… that is a cool outfit! Kinda looks like spiderwebs almost." Danny chuckled.

Maddie looked at Andy and Danny. "You two have different outfits on as well."

"It's this world. It seems to change our outfits when we enter it," Andy explained before he looked at Danny's outfit. Oh… he kinda looks similar to his ghost half wearing that… I hope Mom doesn't notice.

Maddie raised an eyebrow as she looked at Danny for a moment, likely starting to put two and two together.

"So, Mom!" Andy spoke up, hoping to interrupt her train of thought. "I know you have a lot of questions right now, and I would like to answer those, but we need to know where we are at the moment. I think we're in someone's room when we crashed into here."

"You bet you are!" The person who they had nearly crashed into exclaimed. "What are you doing in my room?!"

The group looked back at the person. It was a male person, with ginger hair and blue eyes. He wore a crown on his head and a yellow cape that went down his back. He had on a white top, like a royal prince's, and black pants with matching shoes.

Andy and Danny blinked as they looked at the person wearing fancy clothing, he looked like a prince straight out of a fantasy world, it was rather gaudy in Andy's opinion.

"Uh… who are you?" Danny asked.

"What do you mean 'who are you'!? You're the ones who crashed into my room! The least you could do is tell me who you are first, and how the heck you got here!" The teen pointed out in annoyance.

"We apologize for intruding your room," Maddie spoke up in a polite tone. "I'm not sure how we got here myself, but we were on the run from some dangerous creatures, and out of desperation, we may have activated… some kind of portal that took us here. I'm Maddie Fenton."

Maddie looked at her sons, and raised her eyebrow. That was their cue to introduce themselves.

"O-Oh! Right! I'm Danny Fenton, and this is my brother, Andy Fenton." Danny said, catching on quickly.

"And I'm Lopmon, Andy's Digimon partner," Lopmon introduced.

Maddie looked at Lopmon, questioning to herself what the heck a 'Digimon' was. Andy caught the look in her eyes, he was definitely expected to explain everything to her later.

The teen blinked as he looked at them, and at Lopmon, who was still on Andy's head. "I didn't know you played this game, Fenton… both of you… and you brought your mom into the game?"

"You know us?" Danny blinked.

"Duh, we may not be in a lot of the same classes, but we do go to the same school," The boy said before he took off his crown. "Maybe you recognize me now?"

Andy squinted his eyes a bit. "You're… one of the basketball players, right?"

"Do you seriously not remember my name?" The boy groaned. "I may not be at the top of the popularity rank, but I'm still pretty high up there! Sheesh… you're either part of the elites or nothing at all, I swear…"

"Hey, we don't memorize everyone's names, alright?" Andy huffed. "Somehow all of you seem to remember us bottom of the barrel losers though."

"Well, we kinda have to, you know… for… reasons." The boy said before he shook his head. "But since you don't seem to know me, I'll introduce myself. I'm Wes. Wesley Weston."

"Oh yeah, I remember you now," Andy said.

"Really?" Wes blinked.

"You won the last basketball game at Casper High, that was a well played strategy you did at the last minute, scoring the winning basket." Andy complimented.

"You remembered that? You didn't go to the last basketball game," Danny whispered to Andy.

"Shush, we want to get on his good side. He's clearly important around these areas," Andy whispered back.

Danny paled, remembering that they only had Lopmon with them. "Uh… right…" He whispered to Andy.

Wes was grinning like a lightbulb. "Yeah, that was a pretty good shot if I say so myself. I didn't peg you as a basketball fan, Fenton."

"I don't play basketball myself," Andy admitted. "But I have respect for those who play sports at our school." I know the teachers do.

Maddie raised an eyebrow. Andy never spoke highly of any of the students who played sports at Casper High, but she didn't want to discourage him from making new friends with someone who went to their school. And he seemed to know this… place more than she did.

"Well, I'm glad you do." Wes said with a smile. "I guess I can forgive the intrusion into my room, since you seem confused about where you are."

"Yes, thank you for that. Where are we exactly, if you'd be so kind to inform us?" Andy politely asked.

"You, my new-found player friends, are in the Beast Slayer Guild's headquarters, formerly known as the Rose Morning Star." Wes said with pride. "You are in the home base of the first ever players to defeat the Celestial Angel Digimon, Cherubimon!"

Danny, Andy, and Lopmon went quiet at that as they were quite shocked to hear where they were. Being at the Rose Morning Star's guild, apparently now named 'Beast Slayer Guild', was the last place they imagined they would end up at any time soon.

Maddie, however, had no idea how… big this revelation actually was, so she spoke up. "Would you be so kind as to lead us somewhere we can rest for a bit? We had a rough night."

Wes smiled. "Sure. I can lead you to the guest wing for the time being." He said as he put his crown back on his head. "Just follow me, but don't stay too far behind. I don't want you to get lost here; this place is like a maze."

"Thank you very much," Maddie smiled before she looked at her boys, who still seemed to be in shock. "Come on, you two, let's not keep the nice young man waiting."

"O-oh yeah, right, we're coming," Danny said as he elbowed Andy in the ribs.

"Ow! … Y-yeah, of course," Andy agreed, rubbing his ribs. Dang, Danny needs to watch his ghostly strength…

Wes smiled as the group began to follow him. "Come along then. This way to the guest wing."

Wes led the group through the halls, where other players could be seen in many different outfits, and Maddie saw most of them had some kind of creature with them, but not all. Some of those creatures were much larger than others, though none of the people seemed alarmed or worried about that. These creatures were clearly not ghosts, Maddie could tell when she was looking at a ghost, but these creatures weren't normal either. They were… a lot like the talking rabbit on Andy's head.

Finally, after a while, Wes stopped in front of some rooms. "Here we are. These are the guest rooms other players are allowed to use if they come through the area."

"Thanks, uh… this is our first time being in a guild, is there any rent we have to pay?" Danny asked.

"Since you 3 ended up here against your will, I'll give you the first night free, after that, you might need to talk to the master of this guild for that," Wes answered. "I'll let the guildmaster know about you 3 as well."

Andy wasn't sure if that was a good thing, being unknown to the players who destroyed Cherubimon was one of their very minimal advantages. But being known was definitely going to make things harder. Andy could only hope they would appear so insignificant to the players of this guild that they wouldn't pay them any mind until they leave, and promptly forget about their existences shortly after.

"So, uh… where's your Digimon partner?" Lopmon curiously asked Wes. "You don't seem to be a new player, so you should have a partner already, right?"

"I actually do, but he is off training right now. Terriermon is always wanting to push himself to his limits." Wes chuckled sheepishly. "You kind of remind me of Terriermon, though it could just be because you both look very much alike. In fact, I thought you were Terriermon for a moment, who painted himself, and added two fake horns on his head to play a prank on me."

Andy had never seen a Terriermon before, so he was curious to know what that Digimon looked like, and why Wes would mistake Lopmon for Terriermon.

"If it's not too much trouble, we'll stay in this guest room together for the night," Maddie said. "I'd like some time to talk to my sons too."

Wes smiled. "I don't see why not. Some of the guest rooms have more than one bed for that purpose. I can give you one of the larger guest rooms for the night."

"That would be very much appreciated." Maddie smiled.

---

After Wes showed the group the larger guest rooms, he began walking out. "Just let someone else know if you need something. I'll be talking to the guildmaster."

"Okay, and thanks again for the hospitality," Maddie said politely.

Wes smiled again. "Oh, it wouldn't do to be rude to new players. We have to set a good example as the strongest guild in the game."

With that said, Wes walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

Now alone with her boys, and this… creature Andy called Lopmon, Maddie sighed before looking at Andy and Danny. "Okay, boys… care to explain just what is going on, and where we are?"

"Okay… uh… you might want to sit down, Mom… this might blow your mind a little…" Danny sheepishly said.

Maddie sat down on the bed behind her. "So, what's the story here?"

"Okay, well first of all… Lopmon here is a Digimon… short for Digital Monster," Andy began. "We're in a different world from our world… and the Ghost Zone. This is called the Digital World, a world where Digimon live. Recently, a beta online game was released. Anyone who was able to get the beta game, also got a virtual helmet that creates an avatar in this world for them to… control directly here. But the Digital World isn't really a game, it was a world that existed long before online gaming. But thanks to that advertisement, a lot of people think this place is just a virtual world meant for a video gaming experience, which makes it hard for the Digimon who live here."

Maddie looked at Lopmon, feeling like her mind was going to be blown. From what she had seen, Lopmon, if what Andy was saying was correct, was a being made up of data, which told her, logically, that he… couldn't exist outside of his world, and yet he had clearly been seen in the human world, so that told her Lopmon had to have some sort of physical form when in the human world. And if that was the case, then that meant Lopmon was also… alive…

"In the Digital World, it seems with… really rare exceptions, every human has a Digimon partner they can bond with. Once the bond is formed, the human can help make their Digimon partners stronger by having them evolve into bigger and stronger monsters, though the form is usually temporary and the Digimon reverts back to a weaker form once the battle is over," Andy continued to explain. "That part is okay. Which is why I have Lopmon. But the problem is that the game is selling items like enslavement collars to control Digimon to the players, so when they use them, they can control Digimon that aren't their partners to do their bidding. We haven't seen a lot of that, thankfully, but we know those exist, and could be a really big problem later."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on!" Maddie exclaimed as she held up her hands. "If these… creatures… are alive, people are seriously enslaving them? I know this is supposed to be a game, but… from what you're telling me… this is like an actual world, which… is both disturbing and… I don't know, exciting at the same time."

"A good thing about having scientists as parents, a new world? Totally a valid explanation," Danny chuckled.

"How long have you had…" Maddie began to ask when she remembered seeing Andy carrying around what she had thought was a stuffed toy, but she also remembered he wasn't the only one who had a strange stuffed animal. "Wait… Danny, don't you have a Digimon too? I remember seeing you holding a strange… 'toy' before."

"Um… yeah…" Danny said sheepishly. "I do, but… we kinda had a… fight of sorts and… he needed some space…"

"I see…" Maddie frowned. "I guess even bonded partners can get into fights sometimes."

"Well, it's nice to officially meet you, Maddie Fenton, a.k.a. Andy's mom." Lopmon smiled, hoping to break the ice a little.

Maddie smiled at Lopmon. "It's nice to officially meet you too, Lopmon. And thanks for protecting Andy and Danny back there from those ghost animals."

"Of course, I wasn't going to let those ghosts hurt Andy or his brother." Lopmon smiled.

Maddie took a moment to try to process this information. "Wait a minute… What about that armored man? The one who showed up a few times? I think he said his name was Agunimon? Is… he a Digimon too?"

Danny gave a sheepish grin. "Yeah… He is… and a very powerful one at that. He's… actually one of ten really powerful Digimon who are known as the Legendary Warriors." At least we can tell Mom a bit of the truth about Agunimon now…

"The Legendary Warriors?" Maddie blinked.

"We're in for a long explanation," Lopmon sighed. "Maybe we should order some snacks while we're here, we didn't get a proper dinner after all."

"Please don't abuse the generosity we have, Lopmon, I really don't want the other players to think about us anymore than they have to," Andy grumbled.

"I'm not that stupid…" Lopmon grumbled back.

Maddie couldn't help but smile at the banter between Andy and Lopmon. They seemed to be pretty close as partners already.

Danny cleared his throat. "Though Lopmon's got a point, we haven't eaten much lately. Would it really hurt to have some food while we explain everything?"

Andy gave it some thought before he looked at Maddie. Well… she's not really a player in this world, so maybe it won't be so bad if we have her get some food?

"Mom? Would you like to ask someone to get us some food?" Andy asked. "I have my reasons for not wanting the other people here interacting with us too much."

Maddie blinked before she sighed and nodded. "Okay, Andy." She said with a smile. "I'll see what they have to offer guests."

"Thanks, Mom, and it might be good for you to see more of how people interact with Digimon while you're here." Andy smiled. Who knows, maybe this might help Mom be more open minded about ghosts too.

Maddie smiled. "That's true. This is my first time here, so I would actually like to see how this world is. Though you should tell me how you brought up that portal that brought us here later."

"I'll add it to our long explanation," Andy replied.

Maddie nodded before she got up and made her way to the door, hoping to find someone who could help them all get some food.

While Maddie was away, Danny spoke up. "Why don't you want to interact with the players here, bro? I know they were kind of jerks to the Digimon, especially at the Flame Terminal, but… wouldn't getting to know them better help us in the long run?"

"Gathering information about the world's strongest guild would be useful," Andy agreed. "But you could also say the same about them getting information about us. It might be good to get information from afar, or from someone else if possible. Because we don't want any players here, especially the guildmaster, to know anything about us. The more we interact, the more likely they'll remember us. We want to disappear from all of their minds as soon as we leave. Because that'll be less likely for them to keep an eye on us once we make our own guild, giving us time to get stronger until we're strong enough to take them on and take the Rose Morning Star's castle back from them. But if they are aware of us early on, that could make things difficult for us in the long run. You get what I'm saying?"

Danny frowned, but nodded. He did understand, since one of the goals was to bring down the guild that defeated Cherubimon. "Yeah… I do." He then grew a bit pale. "Oh… and if it gets out we know the Legendary Warriors personally…" Danny added in a whisper.

"I think at least talking about the Legendary Warriors should be fine," Lopmon said. "After all, who doesn't know the story of the 10 Legendary Warriors in this world? Well, unless you're a new player of course, but these guys are clearly not new players. Just don't outright say you're with the Legendary Warriors."

Danny nodded. "Don't worry, that part is staying as invisible as my… well… you know."

Danny looked at Andy as it looked like the younger twin was thinking about their next step. Danny frowned. He's always thinking about the next step, and what's been our best move lately. When was the last time he really got to relax and just… be a kid?

"Bro, once we're back home, we're going to take a break from all of this," Danny said suddenly.

"Huh?" Andy blinked, surprised at the remark. "What do you mean?"

"I mean we'll go to the movies, or the mall, or somewhere fun, and just have a good time for a while with some friends," Danny answered. "No thinking about taking down the strongest guild, no thinking about Vlad, or ghosts, and no thinking about what our next tactical move is going to be in the next 5 or so minutes."

"Wah?" Andy looked a little horrified. "Why? We have a lot to do, we don't have time to waste on pointless shopping, or watching the latest Dead Teacher series that never seems to die itself."

"Oh no. You're thinking way too much lately, and you definitely need a break." Danny insisted. "This is not up for debate, bro. You've done too much already. You are going to burn yourself out if you don't take a break. Not to mention… Did you even hear yourself just now? You sounded like an old man."

"He's right, you know, I don't think I've seen you just acting your age since we met actually," Lopmon realized. "You've been too busy carrying the weight of the Digital World on one shoulder, the weight of Amity Park on another shoulder. That can't be good for you."

"But-"

"And when was the last time you played a video game? An actual video game? Or watched a movie? Or drew a picture? Or even read one of those manga books you like so much?" Danny pointed out.

"I mean… I still do my homework," Andy tried to salvage.

"Homework doesn't count." Danny retorted. "Schoolwork is not an excuse. You need to be doing stuff for fun, not just thinking of our next steps. That is what we will do when we get back home, no argument is allowed."

Andy was still horrified at the idea of having a… 'day off'. "But what if we're attacked by a ghost? What if the town gets attacked by several ghosts? Or what if the Digital World is in danger? Or Takuya is in danger? Or one of the other Legendary Warriors? Or what if-"

"No! No more of this! And if Jazz was here, she would agree with me." Danny pointed out sternly. "And I know Takuya would be on you as well. You are taking a break, bro. And that is final."

"Wasn't this 'vacation' also supposed to be a break?" Andy grumbled. "And look at how well that turned out."

"Yeah, well, this time we're not going on a plane ride set up by a sketchy invitation, we're just going to do what we used to before we got all busy with everything else," Danny replied. "You may have a way with words, bro, but I know you can't refute this."

"What? You make me sound like a calculating lawyer or something," Andy huffed.

"Well… you are turning into a mini adult with how much responsibility you've been holding onto lately," Danny remarked. "Which isn't healthy, so that's why I've decided we'll have a fun day to remind you that you're still only 14 years old. And so am I."

"You can't make me," Andy stubbornly replied.

"Oh? I think I can~" Danny grinned, his eyes flashing green briefly. "I'm not above using my ghost powers to make you take a break~"

"How would you use your ghost powers to make Andy take a break? If you overshadow him, then it's not him taking a break, it's you in his body," Lopmon pointed out.

"Oh, you'll see, Lopmon." Danny grinned mischievously.

"Eheh…" Andy looked at Danny nervously. "Lopmon… please tell me you can learn a memory erasing technique…"

"I don't think I know one, Andy…" Lopmon sweatdropped, not liking Danny's grin either.

---

Takuya wasn't sure how to explain everything to Jack, but he decided the best way to do it was to do it when they were safely in the castle, away from any danger. The group was still a bit anxious from battling with ghost animal after ghost animal all night, and Patamon looked like he hadn't eaten much in days.

Takuya led Jazz, Jack, and Patamon to Seraphimon's castle. The KnightChessmon checked Jazz and Jack for a moment, before allowing them in. Though KnightChessmon bowed to Patamon as they were going by. Takuya didn't fail to notice that. Patamon didn't say anything though as they walked into the castle.

Jack looked around, letting out a whistle of approval. "This place looks like it's out of a fairy tale."

Takuya chuckled. "Believe me, that was my first thought when I first came here."

Jack then looked at his nephew and daughter. "Would you two care to explain to me how we got here, and where we are? Not to mention what that creature you are with is. Or that big armored… centaur-like creature out there."

"Hold on… let's go into this room, it's one of the guest rooms, we can use it to take a rest as we talk," Takuya said, pointing at a door in the corridor.

The group tiredly made their way into the room, which was thankfully pretty big, giving them a lot of space. Jack sat down on one of the big chairs in the room, while Jazz flopped onto a bed.

"It looks like you guys have been fighting for a while," Patamon commented.

"Ghost animal after ghost animal." Takuya grumbled as he sat down on a couch. "Ugh… That was a rough weekend… I don't even know where those ghost animals came from, just that they seemed to be endless…"

"From what I know, they didn't appear to be true ghosts, but… animals that had been horribly mutated with ectoplasm, mutating them to look like ghosts," Patamon explained. "I can't even fathom what those poor things had been through to turn out like that."

Jack looked at Patamon with some surprise. "Actually, ectoplasmic mutation through exposure is one of the theories my wife, Maddie, and I have come up with and were researching." He commented, amazed at what this small creature had been saying. "How do you know those ghost animals were mutated by ectoplasm and aren't just simply ghosts?"

"Digimon are pretty sensitive to ghosts, specifically their powers and cores. I didn't sense anything from those ghost animals, but I could clearly see their bodies were made with ectoplasm. It was just a conclusion I arrived at when I thought about what this could mean," Patamon answered.

Jack was impressed, and it showed in his smile. "That's very observant of you… Wait, what's a Digimon?"

"I can see that you're going to be here for a while…" Patamon sighed before he looked at Takuya. "I'll leave the explanation to you. I'm going to get someone to get us some food, it looks like we all could use some food."

"Yeah, you especially." Takuya agreed as he poked Patamon's somewhat skinny side.

Patamon slapped Takuya's hand away in a grumpy manner. "It's surprising how difficult it is to find free food in your world. I had to resort to either inedible leaves or scraps in the dumpster."

Takuya frowned. Is… this what Patamon has been up to? Just struggling to survive? I… don't think that's good for him… "Okay… go and get something to eat first, and then food for the rest of us."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it, Mommy Swannmon," Patamon huffed as he walked out of the door.

Takuya sighed before he sat back down on the couch. "Patamon… is what is known as a Digimon, short for Digital Monster…" Takuya began to explain. "You see, Uncle Jack, where we are… It's another world that exists alongside the real world, and the Ghost Zone. But it's a world made of data, called the Digital World because of its data properties."

"So it's like… a virtual world?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Sort of… but it's still a world of its own," Jazz spoke up, sitting up from her bed. "The Digimon that live here are alive, just like we are. They live their lives here, going on about their daily lives, taking care of young ones, and having jobs. I mean they could also exist in our world, as you saw with Patamon earlier."

Jack blinked, remembering that well. "Then that would mean that Digimon can have a physical form if they leave this world to come to ours." His eyes then began to light up in that way that they did when he got excited about something. "A new world, alongside our own! I can't believe it! Ghosts were one thing, but this… Digital World… as well?! This is amazing! Imagine all the discoveries that could be made!"

"C-calm down!" Takuya exclaimed suddenly as he sat up. "I get it's exciting, it really is! But… It's not like… just anyone can come here." Takuya then sighed. "It's… You see… someone had the crazy idea to market the Digital World as a game with a beta release and everything. That's… part of why I'm kinda… not exactly thrilled about being here under these circumstances."

Jack blinked as he looked at Takuya. "Please, explain everything. I get the feeling… you and Jazz… and perhaps even Danny and Andy as well, have been here before… and more times than one."

"You would be right, Dad." Jazz admitted. "It's… because of this 'game' that I found out about the Digital World. After some interactions with the Digimon who live here, I found out it really is its own world, and that the Digimon are alive. So, for someone to be making this out to be a game is disturbing to me."

"And I came here because of… well… A ghost wound up sending me here." Takuya admitted. "That's how I found out about the Digital World and the Digimon here being alive too. I also learned how there are people, 'players', who use these things called 'slave collars' to enslave innocent Digimon."

Jazz then took up the explanation again. "You see, Dad, in this 'game' a human can have a partner Digimon. I have a Floramon as my partner Digimon. Any Digimon that does not have a human partner can be captured, or 'enslaved', as we call it. These Digimon are then used to do the player's bidding. And… It has made the Digimon fearful of humans."

Jack frowned upon hearing this. "These Digimon are… alive, right? Why would anyone want to enslave them?"

"Because they think this is a game, and enslaving the Digimon here is no different than just catching a monster in a video game to use in battle later to them," Jazz explained. "That's why it's a dangerous mentality for these people to have to see this world as nothing but a game."

"I see what you mean…" Jack frowned. "So… what about you kids? What are you kids trying to do here?"

Takuya took up the explanation again. "What we're trying to do is prove that this world is not a game. The whole goal we have is to prove that the Digimon living here are just as alive as us humans." He explained. "We feel that if we can do that, then we can hopefully save the Digital World, and make things easier for the Digimon by proving not all humans are bad."

"How do you plan to do that? I doubt it's going to be easy to get people who hardly know you to listen, especially when the world was advertised as a game," Jack questioned.

"We have plans, Dad," Jazz said. "But… we know it's not going to be easy. We at least have strong allies on our side, like the Legendary Warriors."

"Legendary Warriors?" Jack questioned. "Who are they?"

"They're a group of 10 extremely powerful Digimon." Takuya explained. "Each with their own element, like fire, wind, light, etc."

"And they are… What exactly is their role in the Digital World?" Jack asked.

"The Legendary Warriors are the Digital World's defenders." Takuya replied easily. "In fact, they got their alias as the Legendary Warriors by defeating a Digimon so powerful no one else could."

---

Maddie, Danny, Andy, and Lopmon were eating a decent meal of roast beef, some vegetables on the side, and some macaroni and cheese. They had been having the same discussion about the Legendary Warriors as Takuya's group was.

"What kind of Digimon was so powerful that they needed to band 10 powerful Digimon together to take out?" Maddie asked in curiosity and awe.

"I guess you could say it was the 'King of Digimon' back then, as he was the ruler of the Digital World at the time, well, according to the history lessons at school anyways," Lopmon said as he bit into the roast beef with gusto. "He was a tyrannical ruler, making Digimon miserable. That's why the Legendary Warriors had to defeat him."

"I think his name was Lucemon," Danny said.

"A Digimon named after the fallen angel in the Bible," Maddie noted with interest.

"He was described to be an angel Digimon," Andy remarked as he ate a spoonful of mac and cheese. "So I guess it's not that far off."

"So these 10 Digimon, did they succeed in defeating Lucemon?" Maddie asked.

"Well, we wouldn't be talking about them if they didn't, now would we?" Danny chuckled.

"And… are they alive now?" Maddie asked, curious about meeting these Digimon in person herself. She could only imagine how impressive they must've looked, or how they acted, etc.

"Not… exactly…" Danny trailed off. "The fight… it pretty much drained the Legendary Warriors to the point they were not able to reform as Digi-Eggs, or reincarnate."

"That's something that Digimon normally do when their bodies are destroyed. They reform into Digi-Eggs, but they lose their memories of their past lives, so they have a chance to start anew," Andy explained briefly.

Maddie's face became solemn. "I see… So it took their lives…?"

"When I say not exactly, I mean it, Mom." Danny explained as he ate some of the roast beef, enjoying the taste. "The Legendary Warriors could not reincarnate or become Digi-Eggs yes, but they were able to transfer their power and essence into two artifacts that are… alive in a sense. The Warriors are conscious, but they can't do anything unless someone is using their artifact."

"So they still live, just not in the usual sense for a Digimon?" Maddie blinked as she drank some water from her cup. "That's… surprising."

"It's a bit complicated," Andy said as he cut some of the vegetables to go with the roast beef he was eating. "But the Legendary Warriors may still have enough of a presence in the artifacts they created to be able to choose their next host. They wouldn't just let anyone harness their power."

"That's good then, since it would be bad if the wrong kind of person used their powers," Maddie remarked in relief. "But… you say Agunimon is one of those Legendary Warriors? What was he doing in Amity Park then?"

---

"I mean isn't it a bit weird that a Digimon, one of those Legendary Warriors, would be in our world, and in Amity Park?" Jack asked.

"Well… yes… but I'm sure he has his reasons." Takuya replied. "It's… well…" Aw man… I have to come up with a story fast! "I think he got sent to our world by accident."

"Really?" Jack blinked.

"It's not unheard of," Jazz spoke up, coming to Takuya's rescue. "I mean we managed to come into the Digital World without those virtual helmets we told you about. So a Digimon could've ended up in our world by mistake."

"Which reminds me… how did we get to this world?" Jack asked. "All I know was that Takuya had his device up at the computer, and the next thing I knew, we were going through some kind of vortex, and we ended up in the forest outside of here."

"We came through what we are calling the Digi-Port." Takuya explained, feeling a bit more comfortable with the conversation now. "Although, we always seem to end up in a pile when we exit the portal. It's not uncommon for everyone to be in a tangle of limbs."

"So that happens a lot, huh? Good thing I didn't end up on top of you kids," Jack chuckled.

"Yeah… I think our bones would've been broken if you did…" Jazz muttered.

"But that's interesting… you have a device that can open up a portal between our world and the Digital World? And I'm guessing the same is true in reverse to get back to our world?" Jack asked, mostly curious and excited to learn about these things he didn't know his own nephew could do. "Did you make this device? Is it like the Fenton Ghost Portal?"

"No… I didn't make it. I… actually found it." Takuya replied. "When I was first here I found it… It was… weird to say the least, but… Yeah…" Wow, way to put me on the spot again, Uncle Jack…

Jazz felt slightly bad for Takuya being put on the spot again.

"So that device of yours is actually from this world, huh?" Jack mused.

"Yeah… it is." Takuya said, going with that idea. "But it's been very useful in getting to and from the Digital World easily."

"And you've been fighting monsters while you've been here?" Jack asked.

"Well… uh… kind of… yeah," Jazz replied hesitantly.

---

"What were you thinking!? You're fighting actual monsters? On your own!?" Maddie shouted. "You could've gotten hurt, or worse!"

"M-mom… we knew the dangers, but… we couldn't just let people start unintentionally taking over the Digital World, and make a mess of it…" Andy frowned, not sure what was the best thing to say to calm down their mom.

"Y-yeah, and we've had Agunimon helping us when things get really bad! He and the other Legendary Warriors have been a big help to us." Danny added. "If anything, we've been safe so far. If there are Digimon that are too strong for us, we don't stick around if we can help it."

"But this isn't a game, Danny! You and Andy have told me yourselves! Why are you getting involved in this anyway? Isn't this something that the Legendary Warriors should be handling?" Maddie pointed out.

Andy and Danny frowned, they figured Maddie would freak out about this, that was part of the reason why they didn't want to tell her in the first place. But they couldn't turn back now.

"You raised some strong children, Maddie," Lopmon spoke up. "Not in body, but in mind and heart. They cared about the Digimon that lived here, and they couldn't stand seeing how the other humans were treating the Digimon. They have partner Digimon of their own, who could fight for them. I mean… how would you feel if someone told you to stop fighting ghosts to defend your world because it was too dangerous?"

Maddie frowned at hearing that. "You… do raise a good point…" She conceded. "But… as their mother, I have a right to worry about my baby boys."

"And that's a good reaction to have, but you have to learn to trust your kids when it comes to their own decisions on whether or not they want to do the right thing for something." Lopmon explained. "And besides, you saw how they handled themselves when we were attacked by those ghost animals."

Maddie looked at Danny and Andy. "That is true… it really surprised me too."

"And it's not just Digimon we have to worry about, but ghosts too," Andy added. "So even if we stayed at home, we'd have to worry about ghosts attacking us. I think going through the Digital World helped better prepare us for ghosts than if we had just stayed home."

Maddie did have to admit, her boys did handle themselves well, and she had to admit, if they were fighting monsters… no, Digimon, when in the Digital World, she could not deny it may have played a role in how well her boys had handled themselves.

"While I am disappointed you boys hid this from me and your father… I can't help but be proud of you for trying to help this world and the Digimon who live here." Maddie admitted at last. "You boys are certainly becoming strong, and I am proud of you both."

Danny blushed as red as a tomato upon hearing that. "M-mom!"

"You get flustered too easily," Andy snickered.

"But I feel like you may have been overworking yourselves too by doing this," Maddie noted. "I see bags under your eyes, especially yours, Andy. Have you been taking care of yourselves?"

"Define 'taking care'," Lopmon said.

"Don't you dare say anything," Andy hissed.

"Well, uh… we have been kind of running ourselves ragged a little bit. What with the ghost invasions, keeping up with our school work, and coming back and forth to the Digital World several times…" Danny sheepishly admitted. And barely getting a lot of rest to boot.

"I'll bet some of the extra stress was to make sure your father and I didn't catch you kids going missing, right? I remember not seeing some of you for a while too," Maddie noted. "Well, as much as I don't like having you kids be put in danger, I think you could've avoided a lot of these headaches had you just told us in the first place. While I know you admire superheroes and anime protagonists, you kids aren't TV superheroes or anime protagonists."

"Kinda feels like we are…" Andy grumbled.

Danny felt a sweatdrop run down the side of his head. "I get what you're saying Mom…" If being half ghost doesn't make me a superhero, I don't know what would…

"You're only human, even with Digimon by your side," Maddie continued. "And as parents… it's our job to take care of you. So… I need to talk to Jack about this as well, but… since you feel strongly about this, we're not going to stop you, but we do want to make sure you kids are safe. Or at the very least, we want to help."

"Really?" Andy asked, surprised. "You want to help? But aren't you and Dad more interested in ghost hunting? Wouldn't the Digital World distract you from that?"

"While it would, yes, it would be more worthwhile to see you kids safe." Maddie replied. "I would rather not have you kids getting hurt because you weren't able to defeat, or get away from, a powerful Digimon. I imagine Agunimon can't be there to help you all the time, so I would like to help you kids be safe in some way."

---

"But… while it's a nice sentiment, and actually responsible for a parent to say that… how would you keep us safe?" Jazz asked. "You've only gotten weapons to fight ghosts, not Digimon."

"As I recall, Jazz, you said every human has a Digimon partner in this world," Jack pointed out. "Perhaps I can find my partner, and they can help me keep you kids as safe as possible."

Takuya blinked, as did Jazz.

Takuya looked at Jazz. "Actually… that may not be a bad idea…" He admitted to his older cousin. "I mean… what do you think?"

"It's… not something I expected to happen," Jazz admitted. "But… it might be a good idea… I mean if our parents are willing to help us… then that just means more allies on our side, right?"

Though Jazz also knew this could also be a problem, because that would make it harder for Takuya, and maybe Danny by extension, to sneak away and transform into their stronger forms when it became necessary. But without giving Jack any good reasons why he shouldn't be with them, it would only make him double down on staying with them, and make things quite hostile and tense between them all.

Takuya nodded. "Yeah, I guess so." He agreed, but he also had the same line of thought Jazz was thinking. But… if anything, it would probably help to have Jack and Maddie on their side, as any help was appreciated at this point.

Jack smiled. "It'll be good to be able to really help you kids this time. And maybe bond again…"

"Bond again?" Jazz asked.

"I may seem pretty oblivious at times, Jazzypants… but your mother and I have noticed that you kids have become more and more distant lately. These trips to the Digital Worlds may be the cause of it, but if we're in the loop, then it won't be a problem. So that means no more needing to keep secrets from us, right?" Jack asked.

Takuya frowned, but he nodded. "Yeah… right…" Sorry, Uncle Jack, but there's a few secrets I can't tell you… And one of those concerns Danny…

"We can talk more about it later with Maddie, and the boys," Jack said. "For now… uh… when is our food going to get here? I'm starving! Ghost fighting can really work up an appetite."

Takuya's own stomach growled. "I hope it's soon…" Takuya muttered. "I'm really in need of something in my stomach right now…"

"Oh, that reminds me… what was that little Digimon doing in our world?" Jack asked.

"... I guess it's appropriate to say… he was lost…" Jazz said solemnly, having heard about Patamon's reason for leaving Danny. And maybe he still is.

---

Patamon had requested food to be brought to one of the guest rooms that Takuya and the others were occupying. He was thankful the Meramon chef was going to bring food quickly. However, as he was about to head back to the room, a familiar face came up to him.

"Long time no see… Lord Seraphimon… you've seen better days."

"Things have been… complicated, and difficult as of late… Sorcermon…" Patamon sighed tiredly.

Sorcermon frowned. "Does that explain why you look so thin?"

"I've been… out in the human world on my own for a while," Patamon replied. "Food is difficult to get in a town without money."

"Perhaps I can get you some food, and you can talk to me about what's bothering you?" Sorcermon suggested.

"While I would not want to burden you with this, old friend… I feel like I must share my troubled mind with someone," Patamon admitted.

"Then please, let us get you something to eat and we can talk in my quarters." Sorcermon offered.

"That would be appreciated, thank you, Sorcermon," Patamon said gratefully.

Sorcermon smiled before he began to lead Patamon to his quarters so they could talk in private.

When Sorcermon and Patamon reached his quarters, Sorcermon used some of his magic to bring some food over to Patamon. Patamon quickly began eating the food in front of him, feeling like it had been far too long since his last meal.

"Forgive me for mentioning this, Lord Seraphimon, but… do your eyes look different?" Sorcermon asked.

"Sorcermon, I told you before, just call me Patamon," Patamon replied after he had his fill of food. "And… my eyes looking different may be due to my data being exposed to ectoplasm."

Sorcermon frowned as he looked at Patamon. "And you… feel okay? You don't feel any different? If your data was exposed to ectoplasm, that is cause for some concern."

"I do not feel any different than before. In fact, it's easy for me to forget my eyes are different now until it's pointed out to me," Patamon admitted. "I suspect any Digimon who goes out to Amity Park would eventually be exposed to ectoplasm. The air is tainted with ectoplasm, and ghosts run rampant in that town."

Sorcermon frowned again. "I see. Then we will have to keep an eye on any Digimon who come back from that area if they go there. Or if that green fog transports them to the town."

Patamon frowned. "The green fog? It's still in the Digital World?"

"Not as much as of late, but we can't be too sure it is gone." Sorcermon replied. "There have been reports of it coming in, but in small patches instead of the large areas it once covered."

"That is troubling…" Patamon sighed. "We need more information about that green fog and why it's appearing in the Digital World…"

"In other news… we have the paperwork to get the Trailmon to run again," Sorcermon explained. "I was given permission by one of the Celestials."

"Salamon?" Patamon asked.

Sorcermon shook his head.

Patamon blinked. "I… don't know if that was the best… idea, considering he doesn't seem to remember his past."

"Well, even if he doesn't remember who he once was, he is still a Celestial Digimon." Sorcermon pointed out. "I understand your concerns, but in the end, it is not good for the Trailmon to not be doing what they are meant to do."

Patamon sighed, "I suppose I have to agree. Everyone has been working hard to get the station back online, it'd be a shame to stop them now. Sometimes… I can't help but envy his position of not having his memories of his past life. He seems so… different to who he was before, so… much more innocent, and really believes he can do more good in the world with his human partner."

Sorcermon smiled. "That is true. He will regain his memories one day, no doubt about it. But I think his human partner will help him bear the burden he once held much more easily. And it may be good that he has a human partner, because it will show him not all humans are bad."

"I'm glad… I suppose one worry Salamon and I had was that he would come back with a vengeance for humans after they took over his castle. The rogue Legendary Warriors, unfortunately, inherited his distrust and hatred for players," Patamon sighed. "I know Cherubimon didn't mean to bring malice into this, but he had his pride. Instead of listening to us, he wanted to face the players head on. And look at what happened."

"Yes, it is sad he let his pride get the better of him." Sorcermon agreed. "But this is like a new chance for him now, and hopefully it will make him see the error of his decision."

"I suppose that'll be something for the future then," Patamon sighed.

Sorcermon gave Patamon a look of concern. "You've formed a bond with a human, didn't you?"

"... Is it that obvious?" Patamon questioned tiredly.

"I can sense it. Digimon partners seem to have a distinct aura, and their data appear to change slightly from Digimon without human partners," Sorcermon explained. "I will admit… I am surprised, I didn't think you would ever be interested in forming a bond with any human."

"Neither did I…" Patamon grumbled. "And believe me, the last thing I wanted to do was to form a bond with a human, especially that human… it just happened, it wasn't planned or anything."

"That human… What do you mean by that?" Sorcermon asked, having picked up on the… odd tone Patamon had used to say the word. Sorcermon knew of the prophecy due to Patamon describing it to him, but the exact details had not been explained.

"Have you met with a group of kids before? You said you got permission from him… so that must mean… you met with his partner, right?" Patamon asked.

"Yes, I did actually." Sorcermon replied. "There were quite a few kids actually. They all had Digimon partners… save for one…" Sorcermon frowned a bit as he recalled the boy who looked so much like his human partner. "He… had a strange… aura around him…"

"And I take it this boy looked identical to the partner of Lopmon, yes?" Patamon asked to be sure.

"Yes, he did. The only differences were the eyes and the clothes. But other than that…" Sorcermon trailed off. "Aside from looking similar to his brother, I got the distinct feeling this boy was… different…"

"Oh… he's more than just… different," Patamon sighed before rubbing his head. "He's the headache…"

"Would you like to enlighten me on this, Lord Patamon?" Sorcermon asked.

"You can drop the 'lord' title," Patamon grumbled. "And… Like I said, I feel that I need to share my troubled mind with you. However… you must swear secrecy to this, as the boy's life could be put in danger… and cause panic among Digimon if word were to get out with what I'm about to say."

Sorcermon nodded. "You know I would never reveal your secrets, old friend."

"Please put a silence spell over this room, so nobody would be able to overhear this either," Patamon requested, wanting to take the proper precautions.

Sorcermon knew if Patamon requested a silence spell, then whatever he was about to be told was serious. His wand glowed as the spell was cast. The room glowed briefly before it faded, showing the spell had been cast. "It is done."

"Alright then… so in order for you to know why I have been distancing myself from those kids lately, I must reveal that human, Danny Fenton's, biggest secret to you," Patamon began. "He isn't just a human boy you saw before you, he is also a ghost. But he's also human. He is… a halfa, half human, half ghost. He has a human form, and a ghost form, and he is able to access either form freely. Though he appears to be able to use some of his ghost powers in his human form."

Sorcermon's eyes went wide. "That would also explain why he felt so… different from the other humans…" He realized. "I thought he was just a normal boy with an odd aura around him, but to hear he is half ghost… This is more concerning than I imagined."

"Indeed. His ghost form wears a black and white suit of some kind, though it is mainly black, he has hair that is white as snow. His eyes turn a neon green. He gains the aura of a ghost," Patamon explained. "There's no mistaking it, that boy is a ghost while in that form. Any warmth of humanity he had on him in his human form is gone completely in his ghost form. Though I will say, he probably looks the most human out of most of the other ghosts I had seen so far. But that's not saying much, as there had been ghosts capable of looking mostly human themselves."

Sorcermon frowned. "You think… he has something to do with the prophecy? I remember you describing it to me, but you kept some of the details vague, so I didn't get the whole thing."

Patamon took a deep breath as he recited the prophecy word-by-word to Sorcermon. "'In the year 20XX, a ghost boy that appears to be of adolescent age will appear. The ghost boy will wear a jumpsuit, his hair will be as white as snow, his eyes will be glowing a ghostly color, and he will look human despite his ghostly appearance. Beware, for the ghost boy will become the key to bringing the end to the Ghost Zone, the Earth, and the Digital World. Families divided, hatred and bitterness will stir and bubble, darkness will give rise to a powerful being, and a war will break out. From the ashes of the destruction, a new era will begin.' That is the prophecy. And it looks like Danny fits that description down to a tee. And of course… he had to be the human I bonded with."

Sorcermon frowned some more. "So you are torn on what to do." He realized. "You are feeling conflicted on if you should act, or just leave Danny alone." Sorcermon had expected Patamon to have some troubled thoughts, but this… this went deeper than he had expected. "How did you end up bonding with him knowing he was your target?"

"I didn't know he was my target when I met him," Patamon explained. "He kept his ghost half a secret. And it never crossed my mind that a human child could be half ghost, since it was never possible for a human to become a ghost without dying first. It just wasn't a part of nature for the living to still be living, but dead as well. It should be impossible, yet here he is, the walking contradiction… But for a while, I thought he was just a human myself. He took care of me when I was in the real world, and he helped me… he was willing to help fix the Digital World, and he had a strong sense of justice, and he also cared about those around him. I… will admit, that wore down the walls I put up for myself to avoid getting too close to others. And… one night, I found a device on me… that I felt belonged to Danny. That device, I found out… was a physical link between me and… him… I couldn't deny it anymore; somehow, we became partners. And even without that physical representation, I could feel it too… I want to protect Danny, and keep him safe…"

Patamon looked down. "But… then I saw his ghost form… I immediately knew it was him… but I wanted… so badly to deny that. I tried to play dumb, I tried to convince myself that the ghost boy I was seeing wasn't him… but it was obvious it was, he couldn't fool me, I couldn't fool myself… my bond made it clear that he was the ghost boy… that Danny was… human, and a ghost. I couldn't understand it, and I could hardly wrap my mind around such a ridiculous concept. But… I was scared to admit it was the truth… but that meant he was my target, he was the ghost kid from the prophecy…"

Patamon put his paws on his head. "I almost went through with it… I almost used the Blood Blossom blade to cut into his core to kill him… but… in the end, I couldn't. I tried many times to distance myself, and watched from afar…"

---

Patamon was watching Danny in his room from another building, thinking to himself. "I have plenty of chances to kill him. I could easily sneak into his house when he's all tired out from his ghost hunting… and a quick stab would end it all."

Patamon frowned as he shut his eyes for a moment. "But why when I get the chance, I don't do it? I should know what kind of future is in store for us if I continue to let this boy live."

Patamon thought back on some of the visions he saw in his head when he focused on the prophecy, and Danny. He saw the Fentons getting separated, he saw Andy crying out, and Takuya running to Andy to help him. He saw the adult Fentons being taken to prison in the Ghost Zone. And he saw Amity Park being cut off from the rest of the world. There would be nothing left in this area anymore, just a big crater as a reminder to people just how terrifyingly powerful ghosts were.

"All of that could be avoided if I just eliminate my target. I came close once before… I was right there, I had the blade right outside of his chest, but then…" Patamon frowned as he thought back when he almost had the blade in Danny's chest.

Danny had been concerned about Patamon's well being. Just Danny showing concern for Patamon had broken his resolve to follow through with his duty to the Digital World.

"Why did I hesitate when he spoke to me? Why did he show me concern when I was about to finish him off?" Patamon wondered to himself. "He wasn't even fully awake either. So what happened?"

Patamon knew, however, what happened. "It's this accursed bond we have. It's more powerful than I thought it would be… Even though it's been almost a week, I still can't bring myself to even go into his room anymore, let alone attempt another assassination…"

The little Digimon balled his little black hands into a fist before he began hitting the building's roof in frustration and anger. "Break already! You stupid bond! I never wanted you in the first place! I'm not just another Digimon, I'm a Celestial Digimon! This is my duty! I need to get rid of him to ensure all 3 worlds would survive and no war breaks out! Why won't you let me do what I must to keep all the worlds safe!? It's just one person, a person who shouldn't exist! So just go in there and kill him already!"

With one final yell, Patamon ended up punching himself in the cheek.

"Darn it… Just… let me do this… Please…" Patamon whispered, feeling his bond with Danny and his duty to the Digital World tearing him in two almost, at least emotionally.

As days went by, Patamon always found himself returning to the top of the building near Fenton Works to watch the Fentons go about their day. He always felt envious of Lopmon, who just didn't seem to care about the prophecy or his duty to the Digital World, he was just happy to be with Andy. Patamon found himself wishing he could be like Lopmon, to be able to just… be happy with the person he bonded with.

Patamon shook his head, he had to remind himself just who the person he unintentionally bonded with was… and was likely going to be. He had attempted to get Danny out of his mind, and tried to see him as nothing more than a target. He tried calling Danny the 'World Ender' to try to psyche himself up for finally ending this dangerous ghost boy. And yet… every time Patamon saw Danny, he just got that sickening feeling. He couldn't even think about hurting the boy anymore. Patamon felt tired.

Then one day, Danny left with his mother, Andy, and Lopmon. They appeared to be going somewhere far away. However, not long after they left, Patamon saw these strange looking creatures coming towards Fenton Works. Patamon flew at one of these creatures. They looked like ghosts, but… he couldn't sense them as ghosts. He saw the strange ghost animals were running towards Fenton Works, and Patamon knew he had to do something. Or at least… he felt he should.

---

"And I ended up back here with those three," Patamon finished, finally able to breathe again.

Sorcermon was silent for a few moments, trying to find the right words to say before he decided to just speak up instead. "I can't imagine how it must have felt, being torn between your bond with Danny and your duties to our world." He admitted at last, feeling like what he was saying wasn't of much help. "But I thank you for telling me what has been bothering you and on your mind as of late."

As wise as Sorcermon was, he couldn't even imagine having to deal with something like that. It felt like fate was being very cruel to Lord Seraphimon in particular. Sorcermon may not know Danny very well, but the boy seemed to be a genuinely good person. He couldn't imagine someone like that would be the key to bring such tragedy in all 3 worlds, and to the families he clearly seems to love.

"Are you absolutely certain the prophecy was talking about him and not someone else, L- Patamon?" Sorcermon asked.

"Who else could it be? The year, the person, the description… it all fits him too perfectly to be someone else…" Patamon sighed.

"Yes, but the description is kind of vague on the ghost boy it mentions. The only real physical description we have is the white hair." Sorcermon pointed out. "Now, I'm not ruling out Danny being the one the prophecy fits, but there could be other ghosts similar to him as well. They just haven't been seen yet."

"I'm afraid that is wishful thinking, Sorcermon," Patamon said. "I don't base this off of assumption, I know for a fact it's him. Or maybe it could be his twin brother if he ever gets ghost powers, but then that'll fall on Lopmon, and that only brings us back to this point anyways. I made sure to focus on my clairvoyance powers. They're a lot weaker while I'm stuck in this tiny form, but they still work… and my visions haven't steered me wrong yet. Danny is the key, or at least he is going to play a big part in it, to the end of the 3 worlds."

"I see… then perhaps I'm asking the wrong question," Sorcermon said. "Instead of asking if you're sure Danny was the ghost boy in the prophecy, I should be asking… if there isn't another way to prevent such a horrible fate than just killing him."

Patamon frowned, he had been asked that before, but at the time he didn't know Danny was the ghost boy, and he didn't have to think about the bond between him and the target. He knew the morals were screwed up at best, but he felt it was the best way to deal with such a threat since it meant there would be no chance of the prophecy coming true. But hearing the question again… it felt like it was something he needed.

"I don't know… what if trying to prevent it only causes it to happen?" Patamon asked. "As long as he exists… as long as he is here… wouldn't the chances of the end and the wars breaking out still be there? Looming over us?"

Sorcermon sighed. "Well, regardless, if the prophecy is able to be prevented, if there is another way to prevent it, that way will show itself soon enough. It won't be easy, but I'm sure another way can be found."

"Are you sure?" Patamon asked.

"I believe it is better to think that way rather than tearing yourself apart, Patamon," Sorcermon replied. "I fear what will happen to you if you continue to push yourself like you are. At the very least, talk to the human you bonded with. There must be a reason why you bonded with him of all people after all, you must trust he will do what he can to help you rather than be against you."

Patamon looked at Sorcermon. "I suppose that is true. I… will think about your words. If what you say is true, then I suppose I can give looking for another option to prevent said prophecy a try…" Patamon then became serious. "But if there isn't another way…"

"Perhaps it will be best to think about it once you have rested and are healthy again," Sorcermon suggested. "I do not believe Danny will end all 3 worlds in the next month or so."

Patamon sighed. "Fine. I'll allow myself some time to rest, and then think about what my best… course of action will be."

Sorcermon nodded. "I trust you will make the right one when you do." He then smiled. "I hope I was able to help ease your troubled mind."

"You have given me another perspective to think from," Patamon replied. "And for that, I thank you."

"I am happy to help, Patamon," Sorcermon replied.

---

Back at the Beast Slayer Guild, Maddie had been looking around the guild herself. She had gotten interested in the idea of being a part of the whole team to restoring this world back to its former glory before these players ruined it, and she couldn't deny that she liked the idea of having a monster- or rather, a Digimon of her own. Ghost fighting will always be her passion, but this was something new, and something she was interested in. She was sure Jack may like to join in as well.

While Maddie was looking around, Danny, Andy, and Lopmon were in the guest room, already laying down in bed for the night. They were quite tired, and didn't want to interact with anyone in the guild. Danny was laying in his bed, looking up at the ceiling.

Danny looked over at Andy, seeing him cuddling with Lopmon. Danny frowned, he couldn't deny that he missed Patamon.

"Hey… Andy? Lopmon? Are you two still awake?" Danny asked.

"Hmm? Something wrong?" Andy asked.

"I was… wondering… is it possible for a Digimon and their human partner's bond to just… break?" Danny questioned with worry. "Do you think… you two would end up going your separate ways if your bond just… didn't exist anymore?"

"... You're worried about Patamon, aren't you?" Lopmon noted.

"Yeah… I am…" Danny admitted at last. "I just… I don't know if Patamon hates me or doesn't like me… Or if he even wants to remain my partner…"

"Do you still have your D-Arc?" Andy asked.

Danny took out the D-Arc from his pocket. "I do."

"Well, it doesn't look like it's broken, so I think Patamon still has that bond with you," Andy said.

"And the bond isn't that easily broken," Lopmon explained. "Despite how humans had put this world into disarray, the Digimon they bonded with still support them the best they can, even at the expense of their world, or fighting against their friends or families. I know Patamon left without even saying goodbye, but… I think he misses you too."

Danny blinked. "You… think so?" He asked as he looked down at the D-Arc in his hand. "Then… why hasn't he come back…?"

Andy and Lopmon looked at each other. They had a feeling as to why, but they didn't want to tell Danny he may be a part of a prophecy that talked about the end of all 3 worlds, and a war breaks out.

Andy thought about it for a moment, it may be best to at least give Danny a hint about it instead of keeping him in the dark. It may be more dangerous for Danny to remain oblivious to the potential dangers of the future, but he didn't want to just outright tell Danny either, so only giving small hints seemed to be the best way to go about it.

"From what Patamon told us… he was on an important mission," Andy said softly. "He felt that he… really needed to stop a certain being before they could… cause damages to the Digital World, the real world, and the Ghost Zone… intentionally or not. And… I think he just doesn't want us to get involved with it."

Danny frowned. "So… Patamon has been searching out this being? Why didn't he tell us? We could've helped him."

Danny stopped for a moment as he remembered Patamon mentioning that before for his reasons for being in the real world. "Wait… did he find this… being?"

"Maybe… I guess he's just trying to bide his time, and make sure we don't get hurt," Lopmon said softly.

Danny frowned again. "I guess so… That does sound like something Patamon would do."

"And something you totally would too," Andy grumbled. "You almost did if I hadn't stubbornly stayed in front of the Ghost Zone when you lost that present."

Danny blushed at that. "I… Why would you bring that up?! I had my reasons!"

Andy chuckled. "Just like how I'm sure Patamon has his reasons. Don't worry too much about it, bro, I'm sure Patamon will be back before too long."

Danny sighed. "I hope so. It's been… kinda… different without him around, you know? Like something was missing."

"Yeah, I actually miss his annoying, scolding attitude," Lopmon huffed. "And I can't believe I'm saying that."

"He… was actually a Digimon who stuck around with us since I got Lopmon for a while," Andy realized. "I guess he was kinda like Lopmon's big brother in a way."

Lopmon pouted. "What? There's no way he is my older brother!"

"Actually, Patamon kinda is, considering he was scolding you the way I scold Andy at times." Danny chuckled.

"Oh, so you're saying he's a like a mother Swanmon? I'll be sure to tell him that when we see him again," Lopmon grumbled.

Danny sweatdropped. "I… didn't mean it like that…"

"Alright, you two, go to sleep. I want to get some actual rest now," Andy spoke up.

"Sorry bro," Danny sheepishly apologized.

"I'll keep you nice and warm~" Lopmon smiled.

"Just glad you're a rabbit and not a teddy bear…" Andy muttered.

Danny chuckled. "This I don't mind seeing~"

Lopmon was snuggling up to Andy, making Danny smile at the sight, and he hoped he would be able to do the same with Patamon.

---

It was early the next morning. The sun was barely rising in the sky. Something was looking out of the bushes at the castle in the Forest Terminal. The thing looked at the guard for a moment before it began running forward.

"Halt, who goes there?" The KnightChessmon demanded.

The thing stopped and looked up at the guard before giving a smile. "Hello, I've heard that this castle could give refuge to Digimon?"

"We normally do, yes, but we don't just let random Digimon in unless they truly need refuge." KnightChessmon replied sternly.

"Hey, come on, don't be like that. I mean look at me, I've been on the run for the past 7 hours, give a mon a break here," The Digimon said. "I've got a player tailing little ol' me, and I'm pretty hungry. So why not let me in?"

Upon hearing that a player was chasing this Digimon, KnightChessmon knew he had to let the Digimon inside the castle's walls. "Very well. You can enter, but do not cause any trouble while in the castle."

"Hey, you have my word, I won't cause any trouble. I'm just gonna get some food, rest for a bit, and I'll be on my way," The Digimon promised before he walked into the castle. "Wow, nice place."

The Digimon's nose twitched as he smelled breakfast already cooking. "My nose is telling me breakfast is going to be ready soon~"

---

Takuya yawned as he sat up. He felt like he had quite the long night last night, and that sleep did him some good. Patamon never returned to their room, which worried him a little, until he remembered this was Seraphimon's castle. Perhaps Patamon had been needed elsewhere for the time being.

"Hey, top of the morning, Takuya!" Jack greeted, who was already awake.

Jazz was awake too, she had been reading one of the books that was on the shelves.

"Good morning." Takuya said as he stretched his arms over his head. "Wow… it sure feels better having gotten some sleep. I was sure I would pass out last night if I didn't sleep."

"Yeah, you looked like you were pretty conked out," Jazz chuckled. "We decided to let you sleep in."

"How long have you two been awake? You guys were fighting as much as I was yesterday," Takuya asked.

"I'm quite used to fighting ghosts," Jack stated proudly. "Though I must say that was probably the most ghosts I had to fight in my lifetime."

"I guess despite what we went through yesterday, our bodies are just used to waking up around this time," Jazz admitted. "Maybe we should get some breakfast and go."

"Where would we go? The house is being swarmed by ghosts." Takuya frowned.

Jazz frowned, that was a good question. "I at least want to find Floramon, then discuss what we'll be doing from there. We should find a way to call Mom about this."

"Yeah… we probably should." Takuya agreed as he rubbed the back of his neck before running a hand through his hair. "I'm… worried about them actually… I mean… What if they come back to Fenton Works and see it being overrun by those ghosts? That would put them in danger…"

"Exactly why I suggested we try to call her and warn her about that," Jazz said.

"We should go back eventually, we can't just let the ghosts take over our house." Jack frowned.

"Uncle Jack, that kind of pride could get us hurt," Takuya pointed out.

"This isn't about pride, Takuya, it's about protecting our home. Imagine if those ghosts got their dirty claws on the Fenton Ghost Portal," Jack reminded. "That could spell doom for our world if they start releasing more ghosts into our world. Just look at what happened the last time there was a ghost invasion."

Takuya grimaced. Way to remind me of that, Uncle Jack… especially since I was stuck in my Human Spirit form… "Yeah… I… get the point…"

"Is it possible for us to bring Floramon with us then?" Jazz asked. "If she was there, she could help us keep our home safe."

"I don't know, but if Patamon and Lopmon could come to the real world, I don't see why we couldn't," Takuya said.

"In that case, maybe we could find Agunimon then," Jack suggested. "If he's here, then he must have some way to travel between our world and the Digital World. He's helped us before, right? Maybe he could help us again, assuming he's not working with the ghosts."

Takuya paled. "Um… Yeah… sure… If we can find him. He's… kinda hard to find when he wants to be…" Crud… This is so awkward!

"How about we talk more about this after breakfast?" Jazz suggested, trying to get the attention off of Takuya. "I'm sure you're hungry, Dad."

As if on cue, Jack's stomach growled. "You know what, sweetcakes? You're right, breakfast is important."

Takuya let out a quiet sigh of relief at Jazz's suggestion. "Yeah… I think some breakfast will do us all some good." He agreed. Not to mention give me energy in case I need to Spirit Evolve… "I can lead us to where we can get some food to eat since I've been here before."

"Alright, Takuya, lead the way!" Jack smiled.

Takuya led Jack and Jazz down to the main dining hall, having had it drilled into his head by Koichi during the first time he was at the castle. Good thing Koichi drilled the layout of the castle into my head. I'd be getting lost otherwise…

However, when Takuya opened the door to the dining hall, he was surprised when he saw something blue sitting on top of a table, and appeared to be pigging out on some food.

"What is… that?" Jazz blinked when she looked past Takuya.

"It's… a Digimon…" Takuya replied.

The Digimon was blue in color with red eyes and a white stomach and mouth area. It had a V-shaped yellow mark on its forehead and had two ear-like extensions from its head. It had a tail that was blue and had hands. Its nails were white, as were the claws on its feet.

Takuya then heard his Spirit giving him the information in his head. "It's called Veemon, a Rookie-level Vaccine type Digimon that has excellent combat instincts as a 'Combat Species', and it has a strong sense of justice that comes out from its prankster nature. Its special move is a headbutt called 'V Headbutt', where it rams its head into its enemies in a charging move."

"Strong sense of justice? It looks more like it has a strong sense of hunger from all those plates it's eating," Jazz huffed. "There goes our breakfast."

"Ahh, that was yummy! Hadn't had good food like that in ages!" The Digimon known as Veemon smiled in contentment as he rubbed his little bulging belly.

"Hey… That was our breakfast…" Takuya grumbled.

Jack let out a hearty bellow of laughter. "It seems that little guy can eat as much as me!"

Veemon blinked as he looked over at the group of humans staring at him. "Players? What are you doing in this castle?"

"What are you doing, eating all of the food?" Jazz pointed back. "That wasn't all just for you, you glutton!"

"Hey, I haven't been able to eat a decent meal in a while. I look at this as a way to get back all the nice fat I lost," Veemon replied.

"That doesn't give you the right to eat all of our food!" Jazz huffed.

"Jazz, calm down… the castle has more than enough food for all the Digimon that come here…" Takuya sweatdropped. "It's not like he ate everything here…"

"It still isn't right though! Cause we have to wait until the cooks make another meal for us!" Jazz huffed.

"Aww, maybe I could be persuaded into sharing this tasty meat apple if you could catch me~" Veemon grinned, holding up a meat apple.

"Meat apple?" Jack asked. "Isn't that one of those strange foods you told us about, Takuya?"

"Yeah, it is." Takuya confirmed. "But I don't think one meat apple will feed all of us…"

"I don't care! We need to get that meat apple!" Jazz exclaimed in frustration.

Takuya sweatdropped at seeing how Jazz was acting. Note to self… do not eat Jazz's food… She gets mad when people eat her food…

"Challenge accepted!" Jack grinned. "You won't be getting away with this!"

"Then see if a twig of a girl and a fat man can catch me!" Veemon grinned.

Takuya was nearly run over by Jazz and Jack as they pushed past him to go after Veemon, who jumped down from the table and ran.

Takuya groaned. "Of all the rotten luck… Well… I have to go after them since they don't know this place very well. Don't want anyone getting lost…" With that said, he chased after Jack and Jazz as well as Veemon. "Hey, wait up!"

"I am not a twig!" Jazz shouted after Veemon as she chased him down.

"Yes you are!" Veemon laughed. "I've never seen someone so thin! Do you even eat?"

Jazz nearly grabbed Veemon, who just jumped over her as she slid down on the floor.

Jack ran after Veemon. "Now there's a man who knows how to eat food!"

Jack grinned. "Well, thank you!" He said with pride in his voice as he tried to grab Veemon, but Veemon just jumped up and landed on Jack's head before bouncing off and running down the hall.

"You'll have to do better than that~" Veemon chuckled.

"Did you forget about me?" Takuya's voice said as he came up from behind Veemon, having caught up with the threesome. Takuya made to grab Veemon, and almost got his tail, but Veemon just rolled to his left and this caused Takuya to crash down onto Jazz, who had been trying to get back to her feet.

"You gotta do better than that! After all, I've learned the art of dodging players and their slave collars for the past several weeks! You guys are just pathetic, where are the slave collars, huh? Those are the best things to dodge!" Veemon taunted, tossing the meat apple up and down.

"We don't have slave collars." Takuya grumbled as he got up from on top of Jazz.

"Yeah, why would we use those things anyway? They're just bad news, not to mention it's wrong." Jazz added. "But right now… I want that meat apple!" She lunged at Veemon again, trying to grab him.

But once again, Veemon dodged Jazz by jumping to the side, making her fall on her stomach and slide across the floor. "Whoa!"

"Haha! This is so amusing!" Veemon laughed.

A large shadow loomed up behind Veemon, ready to grab him.

"Whoops! Spoke too soon!" Veemon laughed as he jumped above the large shape of Jack and landed to the left.

"Why is this Digimon so slippery!?" Jazz yelled in frustration. If Floramon was here, she'd wrap up that annoying little dinosaur with her vines!

Takuya tried to catch Veemon again, and this time Veemon stood in front of him, waiting for Takuya. When Takuya got close, Veemon threw up the meat apple, distracting Takuya for a second before Veemon ran between the boy's legs.

"Wah?" Takuya looked down only to get the meat apple bumping his head. "Gah!"

"Thanks~" Veemon smiled as he caught the falling meat apple and continued running.

"Why that little…" Takuya grumbled. I could Spirit Evolve… but then again… nah, too risky with Uncle Jack here…

Jazz couldn't believe it. This little blue Digimon was having the time of his life while she just wanted to get that meat apple to eat! "Give me that apple, you little dinosaur!" She exclaimed as she ran after Veemon again.

"Never gonna happen, stick girl!" Veemon taunted, sticking out his tongue at Jazz.

Jack chased after, as did Takuya. "Wow, that little Digimon sure is fast!" Jack noted.

"Well, most Digimon are faster than humans." Takuya grumbled.

For the next hour, the 3 humans had been trying to catch Veemon, but to no avail. Veemon was dodging everything they did to try to catch him. Jazz and Takuya were quite exhausted.

"I… will… catch… that… Digimon…" Jazz huffed.

"I should… have… evolved…" Takuya groaned. "Maybe then… we could've… caught him…"

Veemon was laughing at them as he was back on the dining table. "I've seen a lot of players in the past few weeks trying to catch me, but you guys are definitely the most fun I've had in a while. Come on, you're not tired out yet, are you?"

Jack was trying to sneak up on Veemon.

"Don't think you can hide your presence from me, big guy," Veemon said, turning to Jack

However, Jack had a plan. Instead of trying to jump to grab him, Jack took out his secret weapon. He had been saving it for an emergency, and this seemed appropriate.

"Would you like some specially made Fenton Jerky?" Jack offered, holding out the jerky, catching Veemon by surprise.

"What? You have more food? Let me have it!" Veemon grinned.

"Only if you give me your meat apple, then you can try this otherworldly food~" Jack tempted.

Veemon didn't hesitate to accept. "Deal!" He threw the meat apple to Jack. In response, Jack handed Veemon the Fenton Jerky.

As soon as Jack gave Veemon the jerky, he wrapped his arm around Veemon and picked him up. "Looks like I caught you~"

Veemon took a bite out of the jerky, and his eyes lit up. "I don't care, this was totally worth it!"

Jack grinned back. "I'm glad you like it~ It's made by yours truly~"

"You made this? It's so good!" Veemon grinned back.

"... Dad… actually caught… that slippery blue menace?" Jazz questioned, she was seeing it, but she couldn't believe it.

Jack Fenton, Jazz's father, actually did something neither she nor Takuya thought of doing to catch the little blue menace.

"Is this real life?" Jazz asked.

"I… think it is…" Takuya agreed, also in shock. H-how did… Uncle Jack… Uncle Jack, caught Veemon? I didn't… How… I think my brain might break…

"Why are you two so surprised? It's like with ghost catching, you're never going to catch someone who can move faster than you, so you have to give them the right bait for them to come to you," Jack explained to the two.

"Please tell me you have more food like this." Veemon requested.

"Oh yeah, but you should taste my wife's cooking, it's way better~" Jack grinned.

"I think we'll get along just fine~" Veemon grinned back.

Jazz decided she needed to sit down for a moment.

---

Titanic X: ZAFT: Oh, you will see what happens~ XD

DarkFoxKit: Yeah, a lot of things happened in the Digital World, things that we kinda didn't intend to happen, but it was interesting enough that we went with it.

pokemon fan 1991: DarkFoxKit: We did intend for Jack and Maddie to see the Digital World eventually. But I'll be honest, I didn't actually plan for them to go there like this. But it worked out I'd say. I figured it'd be better for the adult Fentons to experience the Digital World for themselves instead of just having Andy or Takuya just explain everything to them.

ZAFT: As for Vlad… that's a potential idea. It makes sense Vlad would try to create Chimeramon, as it sounds like something he would do with the fact he experimented on animals already. XD

DarkFoxKit: I also figured the reason Vlad was way out there in the middle of the woods was so he could do his cloning project away from civilization. Less chances of getting caught. We hope you continue to enjoy the story.