Takumi sighed. "You know, I feel like you were taking your time getting me out of that damn trap."

"Sincerest apologies Takumi." Yuuko smiled. "Your giggling was distracting me."

"Said the girl who kept tickling me. Just please don't tell anyone Yuuko…"

"Your secret is safe with me…" Yuuko replied before mischievously adding "But your amusingly ticklish spots aren't."

Takumi backed away from Yuuko covering his sides when her fingers teased them making a blush creep onto his face. "Cut that out!" As Takumi, Yuuko and their Digimon returned to Cache City with TiggerVespamon, Sakuyamon, and Phoenixmon, Shiki and the group who went to Browser Forrest were discussing with Darcmon, Mameo, and Takuto.

"Hosaka took it?!" Takuto gaped.

"I'm sorry…" Gallantmon bowed. "We failed."

"This is not good." Darcmon said.

"What isn't?" Samudramon asked.

Takuto turned around. "Oh, welcome back Takumi, Yuuko."

"Thanks." Takumi waved before noticing Ami and her group. "Oh, hey sis, how'd your first mission go?"

Ami sighed. "Not well. We found the Digicore and were about to take it back here... until Hosaka ripped it out of our hands and nearly brought the who temple down on our heads."

"Seriously? Crap." BlackWarGreymon growled.

"We need to tell the others and plan our next move." Mameo said. "Let's gather everyone into the war room."

Most of the group left leaving Takumi and Yuiko with Ami and the Digimon with them. "So, where were you during our little treasure hunt?" Ami asked.

"We were picking up a distress signal and Takumi wanted to check it out." TiggerVespamon. "But it was a trap K had for him."

"Man, that guy really hates you for some reason bro."

"That's not all." Takumi said. "K froze for a bit and then Lilithmon and Leviamon did something to him. I think they might be controlling him."

"Hmm. Makes sense. We saw examples of humans being influenced by Digimon before. Let's ask Mirei when we gather the others. She knows more about the Deadly Digimon then any of us."

"K also seems to know a lot about me." Yuuko replied. "He knew about my father's dream for EDEN and how I wanted to help my brother."

"Wait a minute…" Ami's eyes widened. "Does that mean he remembers what happened before we changed reality?! Like Keisuke?!"

Takumi and Yuuko gasped. "I… I didn't think about that!"

"I honestly thought the six of us were the only ones." Takumi said resting a finger above his chin. "Then out of nowhere Keisuke showed up to tell us he knew as well...not to mention Hosaka. I guess it's possible that others remember."

"Ugh... if that's the case narrowing down who he is based on his mysterious grudge on you just got a whole lot harder when you consider the hacker blacklist Mirie gave us." Ami groaned. "Then again, I don't think any of them really knew Yuuko..."

"But who does that leave?"

"I find it strange that someone would hold more of a grudge over you then Ami, Takumi." Yuuko said. "You two did everything together. I don't know why K would hold something against you specifically."

"Quite the grudge he holds." TiggerVespamon said. "Considering he tried to kill you right there in a cowardly fashion."

Takumi nodded. "Yeah. Thanks for saving my hide back there."

"Don't worry about it. I owe you for helping Yuuko and Fei in the previous reality."

"It's a shame Fei couldn't be here to help us." Sakuyamon said. "She would be a great help."

"Sakuyamon, you know as well as I do that she wouldn't remember us." Pheonixmon said.

TiggerVespamon sighed. "It is unfortunate... but I'm sure she's happy right now."

Ami looked at Yuuko. "You didn't tell them?"

"I was going too back at Zaxon's Pride's base but... a lot happened, and I guess I lost track of what was happening."

Sakuyamon looked at her. "What's this about?"

Takumi and Ami sighed as Yuuko turned to her friend's Digimon. "I'm sorry. I should have brought this up with you sooner." She looked at them sadly. "Fei... she's missing."

"What?" TiggerVespamon and her comrades looked at her in shock.

"What do you mean missing?!" Samudramon asked.

"As you know, I only met Fei because if Zaxon. After reality changed so Zaxon never existed, it meant Fei and I never met. Still... Takumi convinced me I should at least see what she's doing these days... but when I looked her up, I found out she's been missing for weeks. Her parents, her school, nobody knows where she is..."

"Oh no..." Pheonixmon gasped.

"Yuuko asked us to try to look for her." Ami said. "Kyoko said she'd stay on the case while we're here. Matayoshi's helping too."

"Fei..." TiggerVespamon murmured.

"We'll find her." Takumi said. "I promised Yuuko I wouldn't give up on that. I extend that promise to the three of you."

"I... thank you detective."

"First things first." BlackWarGreymon said. "Let's go meet up with the others at the war room."

Ami quietly thought to herself as they all left. "Wait… it couldn't be…"

"You think he also remembers the previous reality?" Nokia asked.

"It's just a theory on my part." Ami said.

"Wait, that's right!" Keisuke gasped. "Back when I saw Hosaka in the city he said he, K, and Brother Sorrow all remember the last reality!"

"Hmm. Makes sense." Arata said. "He holds a grudge against Takumi, but most of the cases you guys solved were from the previous reality."

"Any idea who it might be Keisuke?" Yuugo asked. "You also remember events from the previous timeline despite not being with us."

Keisuke shrugged. "The only other ones who were between worlds with me are here with us right now. I guess someone restored his memories."

"Ugh, why are there so many mysteries?" Himari asked. "It's starting to make my head spin..."

"What intrigues me is your theory about the Deadly Digimon controlling him." Mirei said. "It is true that Digimon can influence human emotions and vice versa. The Deadly Digimon in peculiar can draw off power from the darker aspects of humans… In the case of Lilithmon and Leviamon, lust and envy."

"Lust and envy…" Ami muttered.

"I wonder if those emotions are compelling him to work with the Next Order or have anything to do with his grudge against Takumi." Takuto suggested.

"If so, then those Digimon are likely feeding off of them." Mirei replied.

"They did seem stronger than the last time we fought them." Ophanimon stated. "That must be why they're working with K. Although that doesn't do much to tell us who K really is…"

"Maybe not, but we have bigger problems right now." Magnamon said.

"You're right." Mirei replied. "With Zhuqiaomon's Digicore and now Ebonwumon's our enemies have two of the four Sovereign Digimon cores."

"Not that we know what they plan on doing with them." Arata sighed. "Another mystery hanging over our heads."

Omegamon turned to his fellow knights. "Do you think Leopardmon might try to revive them?"

"I pray he is not that foolish." Gankoomon replied. "Those four were able to slay Huanglongmon. If their power is turned against us, we'll be wiped off the map in an instant."

"Who?" Kouta asked.

"Huanglongmon." Gallantmon replied. "Legends say he was born along with the Digital World and brought the Sovereign Digimon to life. He watched the Digital World while being worshiped like a god. Then one day he was driven mad and went on a rampage."

"Just when it looked like the Digital World was doomed, the four Sovereign stepped in." Omegamon explained. "It was a horrific battle… but eventually they managed to defeat Huanglongmon. However, it took all their power. And they suffered grievous wounds. All that remained was one Digicore from each of them."

"Huanglongmon…" Mirei said. "The Yellow Dragon of the Center. It used to be a being of good as well as evil until its balance was thrown off."

"Yellow Dragon…" Hudiemon murmured. "In Chinese mythology the yellow Dragon is said to be the yellow emperor at the center of the universe."

Arata blinked. "Come to think of it… The Black Tortoise and the Vermillion Bird are two of four symbols of Chinese constellations."

Mirei smirked. "So, you noticed. Rather fascinating how strongly some Digimon represent human myths and lore. Makes you wonder if those Digimon were created from those legends of if they were the ones to create the legends."

"So, I'm guessing, the last two Sovereign must be an Azure Dragon and a White Tiger?" Hudiemon asked.

"Correct. Azulongmon and Baihumon."

"Well, I'm just glad to hear this Huanglongmon is delt with." Kouta said. "It sounds like this thing was a deity among deities."

"It is said it was as powerful and divine as King Drasil himself." Kentaurosmon said. "But just because he's out of the picture doesn't mean we're out of the woods."

"Kentaurosmon's right guys." Ami said. "The Sovereign were able to overpower him. If Leopardmon manages to revive them and bring them into the Next Order, we'll have a threat just as big as Huanglongmon himself."

"Ami, Takumi." Mirei turned to the Cyber Sleuths. "If it does come to that…you two know what-or rather who we'll need if we're to have any hope of fighting back, right?"

Takumi sighed. "…True. She's the most powerful Digimon we know. But Crusadermon said Hosaka and Brother Sorrow somehow locked her into the Dark Area using programs King Drasil made forbidden to Digimon."

"I've never heard of such a thing… I suppose that explains why they would induct humans into their army. Alphamon would be a serious thorn in Leopardmon's side."

"She was the Digimon that mentored you two, right?" Mameo asked Takumi and Ami. "That's unfortunate. She'd undoubtably be on our side."

"If we can just find a way into this Dark Arena, we can rescue her, right?" Nokia asked.

"Okay, one: it's Dark Area. And two: you're joking, right?" Silphymon asked. "Nevermind that place is forbidden for very good reason, but it's been sealed away by programs we know nothing about!"

"There's gotta be a way." Shoma said. "I feel if anyone knew how to get back to the Dark Area it would be the Seven Deadly Digimon."

"All of which who now work for the Next Order." Diaboromon said. "Call it a hunch but I doubt they'd spill the beans for us."

"Hold on…" Takumi said. "Not all of them are in the Next Order. I can think of one who's not on their payroll."

"Who?" Shiki asked.

Dorugoramon gasped. "That's right! Beelzemon!"

"Beelzemon?" Keisuke looked at him in surprise. "He broke off from them?"

"He helped us save some members of Rebels Heart and refugees from Dynasmon earlier." Rapidmon Armor said. "He said he's going neutral in this war. Maybe he'd be willing to help."

"I sincerely doubt that." Gallantmon scoffed. "He may not be with the Next Order but he's still a Deadly Digimon."

"And just because he's natural doesn't guarantee he'd help us." Darcmon added.

"All he said is he wouldn't join the Resistance." Takumi said. "We're just going to ask him for information."

"We won't know until we try." Mirei said. "I'll see if I can locate him. Finding the energy signatures of the Deadly Digimon would be a nice break from searching for Digicores."

Rosemon Burst Mode smirked at her. "Not exactly new territory for you, is it?"

Gallantmon turned around. "It's getting late. You should turn in. I'll take the first night watch."

"I can stay up a bit longer and help out." Arata said.

"No, you can't. I noticed you staggering on your way in here. You need to rest, or you'll be less effective when we need you." The knight took his leave.

Everyone stared at the doorway he left through. "I can't tell if he just wants to avoid Arata or if he's genially worried about him." Yuuko said.

Kouta tilted his head. "Hmm…"

Arata was in the room given to him sitting on his bed. Diaboromon was already snoring. Arata quietly sighed to himself. Closing his eyes, he had visions of devouring Digimon… including Gallantmon. "All I want is to move beyond the past, but every time I try, I feel like somebody has to pull me back into it."

There was a silent knock on his door. "Arata? You awake?"

Arata stood up and walked over to the door. When he opened it, he found a human and a Gallantmon. "…Kouta. Yukimura."

"Sorry, hope we didn't wake you up." Kouta said.

"It's fine. I couldn't sleep anyway. What about you two? Oh, right. You and your pals don't sleep."

"Well, that and we were hoping to talk about you."

"Regarding what?"

"Ever since we met you always gave me this uneasy look whenever you saw me." Yukimura said. "Now I think I know why. Whenever you see me, you see the Gallantmon of this world."

Arata sighed. "I guess there's no hiding it, huh?"

"Hey, man…" Kouta said. "I don't want to pry or scratch at the scar, but I know from experience nothing good comes from keeping your troubles bottled up inside. Takumi said something bad happened between you. Out of respect for you he left it at that, and I didn't want to make him talk about his friend behind your back. But if you get it off your chest maybe you'll at least feel a bit better about it. And who knows, maybe Yukimura and I can give you advice."

Arata put his hands in his pockets. "…It's kind of a long story."

"Then you mind going for a walk with us?" Yukimura asked. "We should let Diaboromon sleep."

Arata looked back at his Digimon one more time before closing the door. "Alright, let's get this over with."

Outside, Shiki was staring at the stars in the sky. "Hey sis." She turned around to see Takuto walk up with a carefree smile.

"Hey bro. Checking in on me?"

"Yeah. Hate to see you get kidnapped by some masked creep and a pink knight again because I let you out of my sight."

"Oh, har, har." As Takuto stood next to Shiki, she brought her attention back to the stars. "The night sky looks just as beautiful as the one back in our Digital World…"

Takuto smiled. "It sure does. I wonder how Jijimon and the others back home are doing."

"Back home…"

Takuto looked at the concerned stare his siter had. "Something wrong sis?"

"Takuto… it's been a while since we were back in our world. Not the Digital World. The human one."

"I guess it has."

"Have you ever… thought about the future?"

"What about it?"

Shiki looked at her brother. "We have college exams waiting for us back home. We're not going to be kids forever. We should think about what we want to do when we grow up."

"Where is this coming from all the sudden?"

Shiki sighed. "…Back when Ami and I were held prisoner we talked about a lot of things. Whenever she mentioned her and her brother's work as apprentice detectives, she would just lite up. She told me one day she wants to follow in their boss' footsteps. It made me realize that I spent so much time in the Digital World that I completely lost track of my life as a human."

Shiki..."

"To be honest, I'm kind of scared. What will I do with my future? Who will I become? And when I do grow up... will I have to say goodbye to this life with Digimon?"

Takuto patted Shiki on the back. "I wouldn't worry about that sis. I mean look at Mameo. He's a grownup and that hasn't stopped him from hanging out with us."

"I guess..."

"And hey, I'm sure we'll think of something. We always do."

"Have you thought about what you want to do with your future?"

Takuto shrugged. "Not yet. But I've got plenty of time. Don't forget time moves more slowly in the Digital World. Besides, back when I stopped playing Digimon I tried out many different things. I think I got a good grasp of what I like and don't like."

Shiki smiled. "Must be nice to be so easygoing."

"It is. Give it a try."

"Okay." Shiki grinned before clearing her throat. "Hi everyone I'm Takuto! Instead of thinking about where my life is going, I'm gonna chase after bad guys, pumble people like a barbarian and get percent confused with parfait on my essays!"

"That's not my fault, stupid auto-correct screwed with me!" Takuto fumed. Shiki laughed.

"...and that's why Gallantmon holds a grudge against me." Arata said. "Satisfied?"

"I see." Kouta said. "I think I get why you feel responsible. It's not losing Jude or Yuugo that hurt you the most. It's the thought that you failed them."

"Did I not? I chose to run on Yuugo. And I chose to abandon Jude. Diaboromon probably thought naming his team after mine would honor us... but now I'm afraid of failing them too...sometimes I wish I was more like Takumi and Ami. Always doing the right thing and not being pledged by worry."

Kouta frowned. "...I know what that feels like. Wanting to be like someone else. Making mistakes. Letting people down..."

"Can't be worse than what I did."

"Hey, you can say that after I tell you the story. That is, if you're interested."

Arata stared at the serious look Kouta was giving him before replying. "...Alright. I'm listening."

Kouta looked up. "It happened in our Digital World. While we were fighting the BH Program."

Brother Sorrow adjusted his mask. "You feel your grip on K is starting to slip?"

Lilithmon nodded. "I fear so. Leviamon and I are trying our best to amplify our "partner's" emotions... but their original personality is starting to surface."

"Hmmm... keep an eye on K for now. I will inform the king of this."

"Be quick. If we lose that brat, you're going to have to find us a suitable replacement."

Brother Sorrow walked away. "I should have known this could happen. No matter. Perhaps it is time for the charade to end..."

"Kouta I... I had no idea."

The teen was sitting down on a sidewalk next to Arata. "I can never forget what I did to Yukimura because of how desperate I was to get stronger. All because I envied Takuto and Shiko for their strength. Get what I'm saying? You and I are in the same boat. We both wanted to be stronger. We both envied those who do the right thing. And both of us messed up. So, I get how you feel about what happened to Gallantmon and your friends."

Arata looked at Yukimura. "How do you feel about all this? You don't begrudge him for it?"

"Of course not. Kouta can make mistakes. It's not like I'm expecting him to be perfect, nobody is. More importantly… he learned from that mistake. He became stronger because of it. We both became stronger because of it. And I'm proud to have him as my partner."

Kouta smiled at his Digimon. "Thanks, Yukimura. But still part of me will always feel bad for what I did to you. But I know no matter what happens I can't change what I've done. So instead of lingering on my mistakes I decided it's best to learn from them. Use them to make myself a better person. Shoma's doing the same. He's also familiar with the guilt you're feeling."

Arata folded his arms. "I… I can't let go of what I've done."

"Nobody's asking you too. But nothing good will come from letting it hold you down. So instead think of your mistakes as an opportunity to become someone better."

Arata looked down. "An opportunity…"

"I can't make you decide what to do. All I'll tell you is that I've been in your place, and this feels like it's been the right choice for me so far."

"Hmmm…" Arata muttered. "Maybe. I'll think about it." He then stretched a bit. "For now, I should hit the hay. Good talk. Thanks Kouta."

Kouta waved as Arata left. "Night."

Yukimura waited for Arata to leave before speaking up. "Do you think he'll head your advice?"

"We'll see. For now, we've got one more person to talk to."

Brother Sorrow was kneeling in front of Leopardmon. "…And that's my report."

"It seems K's usefulness to us is starting to die out." Leopardmon said.

"Agreed. I believe it is time for that fool's final mission."

"And that is?"

"Trying to take done at least one of the Cyber Sleuths before time's up."

"You think K could win? Even after Takumi achieved such a high level of power?"

"Even if K doesn't win, our "friend's" grand reveal will shake their spirits. If we're lucky if might crush someone's resolve."

"Hmm. I suppose it's possible. Very well. If you think you can make K useful one last time, go ahead and try."

"As you wish milord."

"Pardon the interruption." A tall dark Digimon entered the room and bowed to Leopardmon next to Brother Sorrow.

"BoltBoutamon." Leopardmon stared. "Do you have something to report?"

"I do. I did some research on what Takumi Aiba achieved like you asked. I thought you'd like to hear the results." He held up his hand and a blue orb with a red X appeared.

Leopardmon nearly shot out of his throne. "Oh!"

Brother Sorrow looked at it. "Is that…?"

"It wasn't easy to make. Even with all our resources I was only able to create two of these. However, once I find a means to mass produce it, we can have an army of Digimon with the power of the one siding with Takumi."

Leopardmon cackled. "Absolutely brilliant. Well done Malevolent Fist."

"Thank you milord. Now, I believe I have found a bonding method to install this into Digimon. The thing is I need to test this on someone compatible to make sure it's safe. Then I want to send them into battle and see the effects in action."

Leopardmon turned his gaze. "Brother Sorrow. About this plan of yours..."

"I was just thinking the same thing milord."

Gallantmon was patrolling the city. He quietly roamed its streets late at night. He stopped his march as he heard footsteps. He turned around and summoned his lance and shield. "Who goes there?"

"Easy there! A little high strung I see."

The knight lowered his lance when he saw Kouta and another Gallantmon. "Oh. It is you... Kouta and Yukimura if I recall."

"Apologies if we unnerved you." the other Gallantmon replied.

"I thought you had turned in with the others."

"Yukimura here is a bit of a night owl." Kouta replied. "And I don't sleep. Actually, we were hoping we could have a word with you. I wanted to talk about something."

"As do I." Yukimura said. "Gallantmon to Gallantmon."

"Regarding?" Gallantmon asked.

"Arata." Kouta replied.

The knight fell silent. "What about him?"

"Well... we found out about what happened between you two. How you were both at each other's throats in the previous reality."

"Think of my actions as you will. But I stand by my choices and so does he. I have no intentions of reconciling."

"Look, I get that the Eaters are bad. I get being shaken over Arata merging with one. But don't you think giving him the axe without even considering trying to save him was a tad rash?"

"One Eater is capable of destroying the lives of millions. He had to be stopped. I could not allow the mistake I made before to repeat itself."

"What do you mean?" Yukimura asked.

Gallantmon turned away. "Back when the Eaters were eroding the Digital World, I let one escape wounded. That same Eater went and devoured a number of my comrades. I'll never forget their screams as they were mercilessly consumed..."

Kouta's mouth hung agape. "Oh..."

"All the Eaters understood was their hunger. The moment the boy became one of them, he started growing hungry for power. I knew then that he was no longer human. Just another one of those monsters that ate my friends. Had I let him go and others suffered because of them that would be my fault. I let people I cared about suffer. I cannot allow anymore comrades to be lost."

Kouta walked over to Gallantmon's side and stared onto the horizon with him. "...I know what that feels like. Failing people, you care about and watching them suffer." Gallantmon quietly glanced at Kouta as he spoke. "Back in our Digital World we were investigating a program that was causing Digimon to transform into Machinedramon and go on a rampage. During that time Yukimura and I tried to stop one, and were bested in one hit. Then Takuto rushed in and destroyed it with ease. Shiki also took one down when she and Himari found Mameo. Those two were so talented and reliable... compared to them... I felt useless. I wanted to be someone others could count on just like them. That's how I got the stupid idea to put Yukimura through the hardest training I could. And then I let him be affected by the Brain Hack program thinking he'd become stronger if he transformed... and it turned him into SkullGreymon."

Gallantmon looked at Yukimura. "That sounds more like mutation then Digivolution."

"It was." the other knight replied.

"Yukimura went wild. After Shiki defeated him, he reverted back into a Digi-egg." Kouta sighed in shame. "I let my partner suffer. Put him through so much strife. And for what? Just so I could prove myself?"

Gallantmon looked at Yukimura. "Do you harbor no ill will to the boy?"

"Not even the slightest drop. I too yearned for power. When I was defeated by the Machinedramon, I felt I had let Kouta down. That I was too weak. I guess you could say we felt we were not worthy of each other."

"You can't go through your whole life without making mistakes Gallantmon. Sometimes you mess up. And when you do, people you care about get hurt." Kouta said. "You know who else understands this? Arata."

"What do you mean?"

"Have you ever considered why Arata merged with an Eater?" Yukimura asked.

"Eight years ago, Arata was unable to protect his friend Yuugo." Kouta explained. "He became the first victim of the Eaters."

Gallantmon gasped. "What?"

"A man named Suedou sealed Arata's memories so he wouldn't be stuck with the trauma. But then he saw a bunch of his friends getting devoured by Eaters. He was devastated. He felt if he had more power, he could have prevented it. Then Suedou returned his memories adding to his shock when he remembered his friend. Then he offered Arata power saying he could erase his sadness. He knew he would be desperate and in shock… Arata felt he had no choice after that."

Gallantmon stood silent.

"You may stand by your actions, but Arata does not." Yukimura said. "His lust for power took control of him. When he was pulled back by Takumi and Ami, he remembered why he wanted that power. He went back to being himself. He acknowledged he was wrong. He regrets his mistakes and is here fighting to make things right."

Kouta smiled. "When you think about it Gallantmon… you, me, Arata, we're all cut from the same cloth. We all want to be of use to others. We all want to protect what matters to us. And we're all haunted by our failures. But no amount of regret will undo what we did. That's all set in stone. Of course, that's not to say we shouldn't regret what we've done. Otherwise, what will stop us from repeating those mistakes? What's important is we consider our actions, what led to them, and what was right or wrong about them. That's what Arata and I decided to do."

Gallantmon looked away. "…I don't know if I can-

"You still have comrades fighting with you now. Think about what you need to do for what's important. Don't linger in the past. Look towards the future."

Gallantmon closed his eyes. "…You speak with wise worlds young man. My counterpart from your world chose his partner wisely."

Yukimura nodded. "I would say so."

"Thank you both. I shall consider your advice. But for now, I need to be alone to sort out my thoughts."

Kouta nodded. "I understand. I'm just giving you advice. It's your call what you do from here. Come on Yukimura, you should get some rest."

Gallantmon stared at the stars as Kouta and his partner left. "…That matches what the boy said… about having regrets and wanting to protect his comrades…"

Hosaka was typing into a terminal. In front of it was a tube of green liquid. And within the Rookie form Arciadiamon. He made some inputs and the tube's liquid became orange before Arcadiamon glowed red. It then transformed into a orange giant. "Ah, success! Arcadiamon has Digivolved! Now if I can just get him to do it a few more times…"

"Hosaka!"

The man yelped and turned around as Brother Sorrow stormed into the room. "Jeez, you know there's this great thing called knocking, maybe you should try it."

"Maybe I should… I can practice right now on your skull!"

"In a bad mood today, are we?" Hosaka sighed. "Okay, what'd I do this time?"

"I heard the report from your team! Or rather what was left of it! You brought the entire temple down on your own troops and fled like a rat!"

"I got the Digicore the king wanted. Mission accomplished. Yeah, sure there was some collateral damage-

"More like unnecessary sacrifice! Don't tell me you still think Digimon are just programs even after coming to this world!"

Hosaka shrugged. "Maybe I do. Or maybe I don't care. In this world it's sink or swim. And this is war. We're each responsible for our own survival. Now if you're done pestering me about how I do my job I got a report to submit. Good day." He walked past Brother Sorrow and out of the room.

The masked man glared at him as he left. "…So that's how it's going to be then?"

"What do we do sir?" CresGarurumon asked from his Digivice.

"I know Hosaka has been working on more than just Arcadiamon." Brother Sorrow approached the terminal. "Let's see what he's been up to…"

The next day another meeting was held in the war room. "Mirei, did you find Beelzemon?" Takuto asked.

"I… believe I have?"

"Wow, that sounded reassuring." Himari squinted.

The war table pulled up the map. "I ran a scan for Beelzemon's data signature based on data I have with him and… well, maybe you should see for yourselves." Mirei typed into her laptop and two red markers appeared in separate locations.

"What's this?" Magnamon asked.

"I detected two separate data signatures that match Beelzemon."

"Two?" Luche asked. "There are two Beelzemons? I mean, there are plenty of each Digimon in the Digital World…"

"The Deadly Digimon are the monarchs of evil in the Digital World. There should be only one of each per reality."

"So, what does this mean?" Yuugo asked.

"Are you picking up two Deadly Digimon?" Mameo asked.

"Unlikely." Mirei replied. "This scan was to locate Beelzemon's unique data signature."

"So, a very similar Digimon then?" Shoma asked before he looked at Gallantmon and Yukimura. "Or maybe another Beelzemon stumbled here from another Digital World?"

"We need to investigate this right away." Hudiemon said. "Mirei, give us the locations."

The map zoomed in on one of the dots. "One of the data signatures is coming from Noise Beach. Far off in the southwest."

"Noise Beach?" Terriermon Assistant asked before looking at Professor Agumon. "Hey, do you think that's…?"

"I doubt it can be a simple coincidence." The Professor replied.

Ami looked at them. "You two know something?"

"I believe there is a facility owned by the Next Order in that location somewhere." Datamon replied.

"Not another lab I hope." Shiki grumbled.

"No, I think it was more of a prison." Professor Agumon replied.

"It is." Silphymon nodded. "It's a Next Order prison camp."

Ami looked at Shiki. "To us that might as well be the same thing."

"Wait… was Beelzemon captured?!" TyrantKabuterimon asked.

"Either that… or he's working with the Next Order." Darcmon replied. "Maybe we should reconsider this…"

"No way!" Keisuke replied. "Beelzemon wouldn't lie about who's side he was on! And I can't imagine him working with the group that pushes people weaker than them around."

"Keisuke has a point." Takumi said. "And I doubt he would let himself get caught either. Still, if there is a prison there, we should check it out. Maybe we can save some more Digimon."

"What about the other signal you found Mirei?" Takuto asked.

The map shifted. "The other is located in Static Desert in the east."

"Anything of significance there?" Shiki asked.

"Not really." Zero replied. "The sandstorms in that area are harsh. That place is typically avoided."

"You're positive one of these is Beelzemon?" Kentaurosmon asked. "I don't want to waste our time because your "scan" screwed up."

"There's not a doubt in my mind."

"Alright." Mameo said. "Who's going where?"

Himari stretched her arms. "I'm always down for a beach trip. I'll take the southwest."

"I'll go with you." Yuuko said.

"Then I'm coming to!" Nokia cheered.

Omegamon looked at the Cyber Sleuths. "You two should take part of this mission just in case Beelzemon starts a fight. Each party should have someone who defeated him before."

Mameo looked at Takuto and Shiki. "That applies to you two as well."

Takumi turned to Takuto. "How about you and I go together to the east Takuto? We should get used to working together out on the field."

Takuto smiled. "Sounds good to me."

"I'll go with you guys." Keisuke said. "I've worked with Beelzemon before. I might be able to reason with him."

"I'll tag along as well." Mameo added. "Just in case."

"Count me in too." Yuugo added.

"Shiki and I will go with Nokia, Yuuko and Himari." Ami said.

"Jesmon, go with Takumi and his team." Gankoomon said. "Blanc, Ceil, you two join the other group."

"Understood." Jesmon bowed.

"Leave it to us master!" Ceil smiled.

"Good to have you abord Jesmon." Takumi smiled.

Jesmon turned around to look at him. "It will be an honor to fight at your side again."

"Alright, no time to lose." Ami said. "Hopefully Beelzemon has some idea on how we can reach Alphamon in the Dark Area."

"Stay safe everyone!" Luche waved.

Not much going on this chapter unfortunately. But the hunt for Beelzemon beguines! Which location is Beelzemon in? And what is the other entity similar to him? Find out next week!