The next day everyone was assembled in the War Room. "Sorry, WHAT did you say you found?" Keisuke asked.

"I'm not entirely certain myself." Mirei replied. "But some strange signal is emitting from an area northwest from here." The map zoomed in on a blinking red marker.

"Any idea what it is?" Arata asked.

"I cannot say. But scouts have confirmed Next Order activity in the area."

"Wait…" Fei pinched her temple and closed her eyes. "…I think that might be a lab or soemthin'…"

"You think?" Kouta asked. "That's kinda vague."

"My memories as "K" are still a bit jumbled, but…I think that was the place where Hosaka and Brother…I mean Kiryu had me after they kidnapped me in the human world."

"You mean where Lilithmon, Leviamon and Matadormon molded you into K?" Mameo asked. "Hmm…even if those three are gone it looks like somebody is still using that place for something. But what?"

"This could be a trap for all we know." Zero said.

"We won't know unless we investigate." Takuto said. "Besides, we got no other leads right now and I for one am not the type to sit on my hands while the bad guys scheme."

"Agreed." Gallantmon nodded. "We might find a clue on what the Next Order is planning."

"It does seem dangerous but…" Dacrmon nodded. "I suppose we won't know for sure unless we take a look."

"Then let's get a team in there." Shiki said.

"I'll take point on this one." Fei said.

"Are you sure Fei?" Yuuko asked. "It sounds like that place is filled with awful memories for you."

"All the more reason. I can't run away from the past. Besides, maybe goin' in there will help me remember somethin'. Could help us figure out what those goons are up to."

"Alright. But I'm going with you."

"Then so am I." Yuugo added.

"Count me in too." Himari said.

"Jesmon, Blanc, Ceil. We should accompany them." Gankoomon said.

"Yes master!" the three straightened up.

"Okay, decided, let's do this!" Himari said.

Fei and her team were lying down in the bushes nearby. Fei used her Digivice to zoom in. A few SkullKnightmon were guarding the entrance. A DarkKnightmon walked up and they saluted before he walked past them and into the gates. "Yup. That's definitely the place." Fei said. "But it looks like it's under heavier guard than usual."

"Something is definitely going on in there." Yuugo said. "We better take a look."

"Let's not get hasty." HiAndromon said watching Vajramon patrol the area. "There are guards everywhere. Fei, is there another entrance?"

Fei thought deeply. "Wait…now that ya mention it…there is a ventilation system in the ceiling…and I think one of the vents are on the left side. We can sneak in through there."

"Easier said than done with all the guards patrolling this place." Himari sighed.

"Then, the four of us will create a diversion." Gankoomon said.

"Are you sure?" Yuuko asked.

"Heh, heh. Sneaking around isn't our style. We'd probably just give you away." Jesmon replied.

"That's right!" Sistermon Blanc smiled. "Charging head on and taking the fight to the enemy and giving it all you got! That's how we fight! Right master Gankoomon?"

The veteran knight laughed. "That's right my apprentices! No fear! No hesitation! Strike with an iron will and never back down! Now, to battle!" He rose from his hiding place and ran out. The two Sistemron and Jesmon were close behind him.

"Okay, I guess we're doing this now." Sakuyamon sighed. "You'd think after he just recovered the old man would air a bit more to the side of caution."

"Between him, Arata, and Takumi I'm starting to think men are just like this." Yuuko sighed.

"Hey, to be fair, two girls are rushing out there too." Yuugo said.

"Also what about Nokia, she's a girl and she's just as if not even more reckless." Fei said.

"Good point…" Yuuko murmured. She heard a scream and her attention shifted to Gaknoomon tossing the SkullKnightmon into the air and Jesmon slashing Vajramon's swords to pieces while Blanc and Ceil Digivolved to their Awakened forms. "Well, it's too late to back down now. Let's make the most of this opportunity and move in. Fei, where's that vent?"

"Oh, right. I think it was this way." Fei quietly crawled towards the side of the building. The others followed.

Back in the city Takumi and Ami were carrying some crates with their Digimon. They walked into a room and carried them inside when the box on top of what Takumi carried started to slide. "Uh-oh!" Panicking he fumbled causing the stack in his arms to shake.

One hand caught the falling box, and another straightened his pile out. "Be careful."

Takumi looked to his left to see who saved his cargo from becoming a mess on the floor. "Oh, hey. Thanks, Zero."

"You can put all that over here." the sentient avatar said carrying the box he caught to the side of the room. "We'll handle unpacking."

"Thanks." Ami said as they walked over and put everything down.

"By the way Takumi, I'm surprised you didn't tag along for that mission." Zero said. "You're usually so quick to help out Yuuko."

"Well…her brother and Fei are already there. The former of who she was separated from for eight years the latter of whom had disappeared after her memory of Yuuko was wiped. I felt I shouldn't get in the way of them bonding."

Ami grinned pinching Takumi's cheek. "That's sweet. You're so good to Yuuko, aren't you."

"Cut it out!" Takumi groaned pulling her hand away.

Zero laughed. "You two are as lively as ever. You were like that even when I first encountered you in Kawloon back then. I wonder if this is what siblings are like…"

"Well…don't you have people that are family to you?" Ami asked.

"How could I? Am an A.I. remember? I was not "born". I was "built." I have no family."

"Don't say that." Takumi replied. "Family is about more than genetics, or how you're brought into this world. Just like my brothers."

"You have brothers? I was under the impression Ami was your only sibling."

"She was until I met these three." Takumi smiled at his Digimon.

"Heh." Rapidmon Armor patted Takumi's shoulder. "I feel the same…big brother."

"You see your Digimon as family?" Yuugo asked.

"Why not?" Ami asked. "Rosemon, Ophanimon, and Kuzuhamon are the closest thing I got to having sisters. We care for each other, we face the day together, we stand side by side in hard times…they embody what family means to me!"

Rosemon hugged Ami from behind. "Thank you, Ami."

"I think you already have people you think of as family too Zero." Takumi said.

"You mean Machinedramon? I suppose we have been together for a long time now…"

"You're Digimon is a good example. But I was thinking of Yuugo and Yuuko."

Zero raised an eyebrow. "Those two? What makes you say that?"

"You've been talking to them more than anyone else lately." Ami said. "Don't you think there's an attachment between you three?"

Zero stared at Takumi and Ami a bit before turning away. "…I'll admit I do feel comfortable talking with Yuugo. But that's mostly just familiarity. I was built in his image after all."

"There you go again about how you were created." Takumi sighed. "Were that really the case, you two conversing at all would be redundant. But I think you both gain something out of your talks."

"Well, I guess that's true, but…Yuuko and I don't really get along so easily."

"Well, a lot has happened between you two." Ami said. "But family doesn't always have to agree. I've gotten into more than a few arguments with this blockhead here." She nudged her brother with a playful grin.

Takumi squinted at her. "Ain't that the truth."

"Is that so…" Zero let a small smile appear before it vanished. "…No. Those two are family. I'd just be in the way of that. Even if I did start to think that way, there's no guarantee Yuuko or Yuugo would feel the same."

"Don't be so sure. Remember what Yuuko said before our final battle with you?" Takumi smiled. "She called you "the best brother anyone could ask for"."

"Takumi's right." Ami nodded. "And besides, Yuuko chose not to delete you in the end. Maybe she never intended to begin with. Maybe what she really wanted when she separated herself from you wasn't just for her to move on without you…but also to free you from being shackled to her existence. So that you could be you." Zero only stared at the twins. "Well anyway, we still got some work to do, so we'll let you get back to yours. Come on guys." Ami walked out the door with her Digimon.

Takumi was in front of the door when he smiled at Zero. "Zero…be a good to those two. Watching out for his family is what a brother does." He then took his leave.

Zero put a hand in his pocket smiling to himself. "A brother…"

Yuugo, Yuuko, Himari, and Fei were crawling through an airduct inside the laboratory. Their Digimon stored into their Digivices. "Fei, not to be rude, but you're sure you know where we're going?" Himari asked.

"Relatively sure."

"That doesn't help!"

"Calm down Himari." Yuugo said. "I'm sure Fei knows what she's doing."

"Her intuition has always been very reliable." Yuuko added.

Fei smiled. "Heh. Now you two are gonna make me all fuzzy. Anyway, there's no need to worry. This is a pretty small lab. It won't take long before we find somethi-

"At last."

They stopped upon hearing something. Fei looked down into a grate reveling the room below them. "Wait…I know that voice. That's Vademon."

"Ugh, not the pervert again." Himari groaned.

"Shh. Let's listen in." Yuuko said.

"I can see why this took Hosaka so long. But now Arcadiamon is a breath away from Mega Level. His majesty will be pleased."

"Did he say Arcadiamon?!" Yuugo let out a shocked whisper.

"Not good. Takuto said he was powerful back at that tower…if that thing is at full power…" Himari gulped.

"We can't let them release that beast on the Resistance." Fei replied. "I say we bust in there and put a stop to that guy's work."

"But if we rush in, won't he raise the alarm?" Yuugo asked. "We'll get swarmed."

"What?!" They heard Vademon's voice speaking into a radio. "Two of the Resistance's Royal Knights are attacking?! Then send every available soldier out there to fend them off!"

Fei grinned. "Sounds like we don't need to worry about that."

"Even if Arcadiamon hasn't Digivolved it will still be a powerful opponent." Yuuko said. "I'm not sure if we can take it."

"From what I understand, when they "feed" that thing they put it to sleep to make sure it doesn't go berserk. Even if Vademon was dumb enough to try to send it at us with him in the room it'd take time to start him up."

"So, all we need to worry about is the pervert himself?" Himari asked. "In that case we got this in the bag!"

"Hmm. Very well." Yuuko nodded. "Even if there are a few guards still in the room Vademon won't be too much for us."

Yuugo nodded. "Agreed. Besides, it would be ideal to seize the chance to terminate Arcadiamon."

"Then it's agreed." Fei grinned. "Let's get out there." She kicked the vent out of the way and leapt down. The others followed. "Vademon!"

"What the?! Who's there!?"

Yuuko looked up at the Digimon in front of them. It looked like Vademon…it had a thin body and a giant brain. But now he wore a red vest and gloves. His body was tainted slightly yellow and he had black glasses. "Huh? Is that Vademon? He looks different."

"Humans?!" the Digimon gapped. "Bah! So, the Royal Knight attack was a mere diversion!"

"The hell happened to you Vademon?" Fei asked. "I didn't think it was possible, but you look even freakier."

"That is Vademon X to you! After Hosaka's termination I was promoted to his position and given an X-Antibody!"

"Of course, you were. Now that the scumbag is gone, who better to replace him with then another scumbag."

"Guys, look!" Himari pointed behind Vademon X. Arcadiamon was inside a massive capsule with green liquid pumping into it. "Is that...?"

"Arcadiamon." Yuuko replied. "So, you're the one responsible for him now Vademon?"

"Vademon X!" the X-Antibody Digimon yelled. "And yes. He has been in trusted in my care. Once I am finished transferring data from the fallen Digimon who took part of the battle when we assaulted your city, he should have enough to reach Mega Level."

"So you're saying it isn't fully evolved yet." Yuugo said. "In which case...we have a chance. If we take you down, we can stop it from obtaining its full power."

"Sounds good to me." Himari said. "Now step away from that pod pervert!"

"That, I cannot do. For if I am to continue my work as the most brilliant scientist in the Digital World I must have all the resources available. And that means I must continue pleasing the new King and the Next Order."

"Wait... don't tell me that's why you're working for Leopardmon!" Samudramon glared. "Just to further your research for the sake of your ego!?"

"Not my ego. For the future. Think about it. This world is what it is because of the power of science. Science is what fuels our future. If Digimon are to continue advancing, more knowledge must be obtained. More must be invented. Our advance must continue. And for that I will dedicate myself to science!"

"For the future of Digimon?" TigerVespamon scoffed. "Give me a break! Do you have any idea how much Digimon are suffering under the Next Order's heel?!"

"A necessary compromise."

"Necessary?!" Yuuko glared.

"Sometimes for science to advance it must be at the expense of others. Yes, it is a sad fact, but consider the bigger picture. The discoveries we make through their pain will be a boon to those living in the future. That way the sacrifices of a hundred now will be what helps thousands prosper later."

"Cut the crap!" Fei yelled. "No "discoveries" you make from this war are worth the countless lives you're disposin' of!"

"We won't let you use the Digital World or play with the lives of those in it for the sake of your "progress"!" Yuugo declared. "You, Leopardmon, Arcadiamon, and the Next Order! We're putting a stop to all of you and free the Digital World from your madness!"

Vademon X sighed. "It truly is sad how short-sighted those who fail to re organize the brilliance of science are. Regardless I cannot let you interfere."

"You think you can stop us?" Fei smirked. "You're very much outmatched. And VERY much outnumbered."

"Numbers are not everything K. Allow me to demonstrate." Vademon X snapped his fingers.

"Watch out." Yuugo said. "He's up to some- A green tentacle grabbed him and hoisted him into the air.

"Yuugo!" Yuuko and Fei shouted, turning around before more tendrils tied them up and hoisted them into the air. Himari shrieked as she was the last to be snatched up.

Their Digimon turned around to see another Ultimate Digimon holding their partners in its vines. "Argomon!" Samudramon glared.

The moment the Digimon's backs were turned to it, Vademon X took out his blaster. "Thunder Fall!" He zapped all of them from behind. "Unidentified Flying Kiss!" He blew a kiss as they turned towards him and suddenly their surroundings changed. Now they were in space with planets and meteors flying at them. They exploded upon impact and the six Digimon collapsed onto the floor back in the lab.

"Entrap." Argomon sent out more vines. Phoenixmon and Rikka were the first to be captured. Samudramon and TigerVespamon cut a couple of them before they were swarmed and subdued. HiAndromon and Sakuyamon got to their feet and started dodging and jumping around them.

"Abduction Ray!" Vademon X fired pink rings from his gun that lowered themselves around Sakuyamon who stared at the rings circling around her before they closed tightening around her body. Squeezing her arms and legs under her shoulders, around her torso, waistline, thighs and shins. She grunted as she struggled against them but before she could break free the vines grabbed her. HiAndromon ran towards her to help but was finally caught.

"No!" Himari shouted struggling in the air. "Let go you slimy creep!"

Vademon X put away his ray gun. "There is quantity and then there is quality. Now then." He turned background and pressed a button. The machine Arcadiamon was in started making noise as the fluid inside shifted to a brighter shade of green. On a monitor a bar appeared with a percentage displayed and increasing as it slowly started to fill. He then turned back to the thrashing humans in Argomon's grasp. "Bring them here." Argomon extended the vines holding the humans in front of him. He scared each of them head to toe.

"What are you looking at?!" Himari grew uneasy as she felt eyes all over her. "Don't you dare touch me!"

"I am sure BoltBoutamon would want you and your Digimon for his Dark Bond. But I'm sure he won't mind if I use you for my own research for a bit first." Vademon X turned to Fei. "It occurs to me I missed the chance to study you when Kiryu and Hosaka brought you to this world for your...reeducation from Matadormon, Lilithmon, and Leviamon."

"Yeah, being manhandled and violated by the creeper lady was bad enough, so I don't think that's a bad thing!" Fei growled.

"Hmm...now that I get a closer look at you and the other two females, none of you are as lacking in the chest area as that slim girl Shiki girl, but none of you are as ample in that area as Ami, the rounder human. Proof that size is not dependent on what world you are from. Just as BoltBoutamon told me."

Himari groaned. "Of course, that kidnapping freak is into this disgusting stuff too."

"Well, he does conduct experiments like me." Vademon X replied before turning to Yuugo. "Your chest is even flatter than Shiki's however."

Yuugo squinted at him. "That would be because I am a guy."

"Yes, I learned the hard way that only female humans have that weak point. Incidentally..." Vademon X eyes glanced between Yuugo and Yuuko. "Both of you are remarkably similar. From facial features to the black hair and eyes. I was informed you two are what humans call "siblings". That must be why you two are so similar. Interesting. This is a perfect opportunity." He took out a measuring tape with a gleam in his eyes. "If I examine every last detail of both of you, I will surely learn all there is in differences between male and female humans!"

Yuugo and Yuuko started to panic at how excited Vademon X looked. Fei roared now struggling with all her might. "Don't you dare touch either of them ya filthy pervert!"

Just then the heavy door behind them broke down getting everyone's attention. Turning towards the settling dust they could see Gankoomon, Jesmon and the two awoken Sistermon. "Must you?!" Vademon X yelled. "I am conducting an important experiment here!"

"Halt evildoers!" Sistermon Ceil Awake held her pistols forward. "Oh, hey guys, when did you get here?"

"Just now." Himari replied. "...A little help?"

Jesmon was about to attack Argomon but Gankoomon held his hand in front of him. "Allow me." He walked towards Agromon and stabbed his fingers into the ground. "Table Flip!" He threw a ginormous chunk of the floor off and hurled it on top of Agormon crushing him underneath. Yuuko, Yuugo, Fei and Himari were dropped to the floor.

"WILL YOU SIMPLETONS MIND THE DAMAGE YOU ARE DOING TO MY LAB?!" Vademon X yelled. Samudramon felt a weakness in his bindings and started slashing them off one by one. He then started cutting the other Digimon lose. Phoenixmon flew over to Vademon X and slammed her talons on top of him allowing the humans to get away. He took out his blaster again. "Power Energy!"

Phoenixmon was launched into the ceiling before crashing into the floor. Sakuyamon ran up to Vademon X only to hold up her staff to block once the blaster was aimed at her. And while she did block the shot it exploded sending her crashing to the ground. "What the hell." Fei growled. "X-Antibody or not, brain boy shouldn't be anywhere near that powerful."

"After being humiliated by my own test subjects in the other lab, and their Digimon at Extinguish Keep, I felt some upgrades were required."

"Hmph. So, you took shortcuts to become stronger?" Gankoomon asked. "Foolish! Petty upgrades are not the true path to power! Diligent training will grant you more reliable results then this petty hacking!"

"Absurd." Vademon X scoffed. "The humans used means outside of training such as programs like EXE and Overclock to raise the power of their Digimon beyond their limits with results far faster and greater then "diligent training"."

"Ha! Shows what you know." Jesmon said. "Programs like EXE and Overclock did help, but there was more to the strength Rapidmon Armor and the others got from the humans than just that! Much more!"

"I suppose you barbaric Knights wouldn't understand the value of scientific fact. Well, no matter. My business is with these humans. You fools matter not!" He stared at the chunk of the floor Argomon was under. "As for you, get up off the floor and deal with those troublemakers!"

Argomon threw the chunk of the floor off of him and into Gankoomon and Jesmon trapping them under it. Sistermon Blanc Awake glared at him. "How dare you do that to Jesmon and Master Gankoomon!" She ran towards the monster and jumped at it with her trident out.

"Sis, wait!" Sistermon Ceil Awake ran towards her.

"Elimination Line!" Argomon trapped them each in a long vine and shocked them before throwing them out of the room and giving chase.

Gankoomon kicked the chunk of debris off him and Jesmon who ran towards the door. "Ceil! Blanc!" The capped knight hurried after Argomon. Gankoomon followed him out hastily.

Vademon X took the moment to press something, and a thicker sturdier door slammed down. "There. Got rid of that nuisance."

"Big mistake dumbass." Fei said. "Now you're stuck in here with us!"

"Foolish girl. Do you think I would be caught unprepared for another Resistance raid?" Vademon X snapped his fingers, and a red beam came down. Another Vademon X appeared next to him. Then another. And another. Soon the room was flooded with clones of him. "Behold the power of science!"

"Well this just got complicated." Himari groaned. "I can't even see the real one through this mess."

"Then we have no choice but to flush him out." Yuuko replied. "Samudramon!"

"Will O' Whisp Slash!" The samurai sent two waves of blue fire tearing through the enemies. More appeared in their place.

"Looks like it won't be that simple." Yuugo muttered.

"Abduction Ray!" A number of them shot beams from their ray guns. The Resistance Digimon started evading.

Himari and Fei got on Rikka and Phoenixmon as they flew overhead. "Starlight Explosion!"

"Fire Tornado!" The two started raining holy attacks on the army of clones. After they were incinerated more appeared.

"Go ahead. Waste your energy." Vademon X's voice echoed. "No matter how many you destroy I can keep making more."

"How annoying." Fei growled.

"Unidentified Flying Kiss!" The room shifted into space again and meteors rained down. The flying Digimon, Rikka, Phoenixmon and Sakuyamon swerved around the attacks. Samudramon and HiAndromon picked up Yuuko and Yuugo before jumping around. HiAndromon jumped onto one of the meteors before using it as a springboard to leap over another. Samudramon sidestepped one then jumped over another.

Just then a giant planet came towards the group. "Oh boy!" Himari gulped.

"Himari, Fei, stay back!" Yuuko said as she and her brother climbed off their Digimon. As the planet hurled towards the group the Kamishiros closed their eyes and shouted holding their hands out. Their Digimon mirrored them and caught the planet in their hands. Their feet slid back as it pushed them and the four grunted at the strain before Matrix Link allowed them to stop the planet's approach. They shouted as they shoved it away. They then looked at the Vademon X swarm. "We need to find out which one is real, or this will never end."

Yuugo's eyes scanned the crowd. "It is pointless." Vademon X declared. "You'll never get past this formation!" They all held out their blasters.

Yuugo's eyes kept searching. "There!" He reactivated Matrix Link and HiAndromon leapt into the air. "Atomic Ray!" He fired a yellow laser straight at one Vademon X in the crowd.

"Gaaaaaah!" The Digimon screamed as he was zapped before collapsing to the floor. The copies disappeared. "I-inconceivable! How...?!"

"One of you wasn't holding his weapon and therefore not attacking." Yuugo replied. "I'm guessing you can't do anything while controlling those copies."

"Nicely done brother!" Yuuko gleamed. "Now let's-

The bar on the screen reached 100% and the pod started to glow. "Wait, what's that?!" Sakuyamon asked.

Vademon X got up and looked at it. "At last..." Inside Arcadiamon roared and glowed. Light from the pod blinded everyone and he transformed. He had a greenish blue body, purple claws and four wings. Vademon X laughed. "Finally! Arcadiamon has reached Mega Level!"

"Damn!" Fei growled. "We were too late..."

Vademon X pressed a button and the Mega Arcadiamon glowed before disappearing. "Where did it go?!" Himari asked.

"To the King of course." Vademon X replied. "He will be pleased with this. But first I need to deal with the lot of you." He pressed something else, and a green capsule popped out. He took it in his hands and turned towards the humans. "Now that we don't need to feed Arcadiamon this...let's test what effects it has on other Digimon!" He held it over his head.

"The hell are you-

As Fei spoke, Vademon X crushed the capsule and the green fluid poured onto him. He dropped the broken container as he groaned and grunted. "I don't like where this is going..." Himari mumbled.

"Vademon X...Digivolve too...!" In a flash of light, he transformed. He obtained a metal white body, a grey head with shaded plates over the eyes. And on his arms were two cannons. One with a blue back and the other red. "Ebemon X!"

"He Digivolved." Yuugo muttered. "This could be trouble."

Ebemon X laughed. "Yes! If Arcadiamon was powered with thousands of times the energy I just ingested he will be unstoppable! And even with this I should be more than enough to deal with you! Science will prevail!"

"Ugh, getting real sick of hearing the word science." Himari groaned. She held up her Digivice. "Rikka! Let's this jerk what a proper X-Antibody Digimon looks like!"

"Okay!"

"Rikka! X-Evolution!"

Ebemon X watched at Rikka became a Magnadramon X. "Interesting. So, you can also use this power. But no matter! I learned all I needed to from humans! I will triumph and prove the scientific method!"

"Just try it, freak!" Himari glared.

Ebemon held up the gun in his left hand. "Brain Rupture!" It shot a red laser that split up and collided into the foreheads of every Digimon and human in the room making them freeze.

Gya!" Himari shrieked. "What...is...this...?"

"Can't...move..." Yuuko groaned. "Hard to...think straight..."

Ebemon X laughed. "You're mine now! With this I will now obtain all the knowledge in your brains and nothing about humans will be beyond my understanding! Crushing the rest of you will be a simple matter!" His eyes started to glow as he started obtaining info. "Hmm...yes, interesting. Oh! ...So, I guess that isn't a weak point after all."

Himari groaned as she tried to move. Thoughts were flashing through her head uncontrollably. Even things about her life. Her brief time with her parents, her sisters, the tournament where she got her Digivice and met Takuto and Kouta, her meeting them in the Digital World and all that had happened up to that point.

"Ugh, what's with all this rubbish?" Ebemon X sighed. "A lot of the contents in your brains is just nonsense. Garbage. Maybe I should delete all this trash for you."

Himari's eyes widened as she felt her grip on her memories slowly starting to slip. Memories she cherished. Of her friends. Her family. Of Takuto. "No...!" She squeezed her eyes shut trying to focus on them. Rikka grunted. "Don't...you...dare!"

Ebemon X looked at Rikka. He could have sworn he heard her say something too. "Hmm?"

"Stay out...of my memories!" Himari shouted with her Digimon.

"What the...?"

"Apocalypse!" Himari yelled along with Rikka who exploded with holy light.

"Gaaaaah!" Ebemon X was blown away as the tethers broke. He slammed onto the floor.

The others were freed snapping out of their trans. Yuugo looked over. "Himari?!"

"These memories aren't trash! They are what made us who we are!" The human and her Digimon spoke in sync. "We will never let anyone take that away from us!"

"They achieved Matrix Link!" Yuuko gasped.

Ebemon X slowly stood back up. "So, this is the power humans and Digimon wield equally. No matter. I now have all the knowledge on humans of all of you combined! I have already calculated that this will not be enough to win against me! Witness my full power!" Everything turned into space again as he flew back floating a good distance before pointing his right cannon at them. "Planet Destroyer Justice!"

The largest planet yet appeared in front of the group and descended towards them. "Oh, shit." Fei grunted.

"We need to move!" Yuugo shouted. "Himari, Rikka, get out of the way!"

Himari and Rikka just stood there as the massive planet descended closer and closer. "Fire..." Rikka opened her mouth and it glowed gold. The giant planet was soon upon them. "TORNADO!" A spiral of flame flew at the planet and started pushing it back.

"WHAT?!" Ebemon X gapped.

"HAAAAAAAAA!" Himari and Rikka shouted. The Fire Tornado pushed the planet back further before it pierced through and soon came at Ebemon X.

"GAAAAAAAHHHH!" The pierced planet exploded at Ebemon X was swallowed up by the flames. Everyone shielded their eyes from the expanding light. All except Himari whose eyes remained forward.

When the light died down, they were back in the lab. Ebemon X was on the ground with his body dissolving. "They did it!" HiAndromon gasped.

"Phew." Himari opened her eyes. "That was something."

"It was somethin' alright." Fei grinned putting a hand on Himari's shoulder. "Somethin' incredible. Didn't think ya had it in ya girl. Right on."

"Agreed." Yuugo nodded. "I've never seen you two fight so fiercely."

"You did a great job." Yuuko added. "And thank you. You saved us all."

Himari smiled shyly. "Thanks, but...Rikka and I didn't do it alone."

"Himari's desire to fight for those close to her is what achieved our Matrix Link." Rikka said.

"That means you guys. My friends. You're the source of my strength."

"How can this be..." Ebemon groaned weakly. "I obtained all the knowledge on humans...completed my understanding of them...my defeat should be impossible..."

"You think you understand humans?" Rikka asked. "I understand Himari far better then you ever will."

"How is that possible...? Did you conduct experiments on her?"

"No you pervert." Himari glared. "She's my partner. She and I learned through each other by working together."

"Your mistake was using force and "experiments" to try to understand humans." Samudramon replied. "We used cooperation and trust to learn from them. And through that we came to a true understanding with our human partners."

"My research was...flawed...? Then what have I...?" Ebemon X's body disappeared leaving his X-Antibody behind.

"His obsession with logic and science gave him tunnel vision." Yuugo sighed. "Occupational hazard for scientists I guess."

Yuuko frowned. "Yeah."

"Never mind that." TigerVespamon said. "What about Arcadiamon?"

The group went over to the machine that previously held Arcadiamon. Yuuko checked the machine. "Let me see if I can pull up the location it was sent to." While she was in the middle of working, there was a bang. The group gasped and turned around. There was a huge dent in the new door. Another appeared with another bang. The humans and their Digimon stood ready to fight.

"Quake! Blast! Fire! Father!" The door was ripped open. Gankoomon had his fist held out as he Jesmon and the two Sistermon back in their smaller forms were on the other said. "Hmm. It seemed the battle is over." They all stepped into the room.

"Is everyone alright?" Jesmon asked.

"Yeah, but Arcadiamon was given an upgrade and transported elsewhere." Fei said as Yuuko got back to work and Rikka deactivated the X-Evolution. "Yuuko's gonna try and find out where."

"Hmm..." Gankoomon folded his arms. "If we find out where the beast was sent, then maybe we can find the Next Order's base of operations."

"Hey, I bet you're right!" Himari gleamed. "That guy did say he was sending it to Leopardmon."

"Good. We've been playing defense for far too long." Jesmon held up a fist. "It's high time we brought the fight to him."

"What happened to Argomon?" Yuugo asked.

"He escaped too." Sistermon Blanc replied.

"You actually managed to chase it out on your own?!" HiAndromon asked.

Sistermon Ceil rubbed the back of her head. "As much as I would like for us to take credit for it, it's more like he just didn't wanna fight anymore and took off."

"I guess he felt there was no need to linger with Vademon disposed of." Yuuko said. "There! I got it!"

Everyone gathered around her. Gankoomon looked at the screen. "This is..."

"Leopardmon's in Cloud Sanctuary?" Omegamon asked.

"That's what Gankoomon here thinks from the location data we found." Yuugo replied as everyone stood at the war table.

"No wonder we never found them." Magnamon said. "Seems like we're not the only ones to think of taking our HQ to the sky."

"In the sky? So how do we get there?" Luche asked.

"Well, we have our flying city." Nokia suggested. "Why don't we use it as a makeshift airship to board the place? The Next Order can't detect it, right? We can catch them by surprise! No way they'll see it coming!"

Mameo grinned at her. "Well, well, well. Looks like your lessons are already paying off Nokia."

"Heh, heh."

"Agreed. Considering this city is already carrying all of our troops, using it to board the sanctuary seems like the best option." Gallantmon nodded. "However…there are some factors we need to nullify first." The war table map zoomed in on Cloud Sanctuary and showed a red field around it. "First off, even if this city cannot be found in the Digital World, the sanctuary is equipped with scanning fields around it. We'll need a specialized means of preventing it from finding us as we approach. Something that can nullify the greatest for of holy power in this world…"

"Holy power?" Kouta asked.

"Cloud Sanctuary is home for many powerful holy Digimon." Darcmon explained. "It was built by the Celestial Digimon. Their magic and technology aren't going to be easy to get through."

Takumi put a hand on his chin. "So, we need the opposite kind of energy to nullify it then? Dark energy…"

"Maybe we can find something in the Dark Area then?" Ami suggested.

"Yes…" Omegamon pondered. "The Seven Deadly Digimon were the only ones who ever successfully infiltrated Cloud Sanctuary. Maybe we can find something in their territory."

"One more reason to find our way there and rescue Alphamon." Ami declared.

"But with Hosaka and the Seven Deadly Digimon gone the only person left who can tell us how to get past that seal is…" Yuuko murmured. "…Him." Zero stared at her as she spoke.

"It's true." Fei nodded. "Kiryu's the only one left who can answer our questions."

"Well before that, we also need to secure our path to the gates leading to the Dark Area." Gankoomon said.

"Where's that?" Yuugo asked.

"Deep beneath in the depths of Shade Cavern."

"Shade Cavern?" Keisuke asked. "Wait, that place where we went to get that Flourish Digimeat? …Uh-oh."

"What's wrong?" Koh asked.

"That place got flooded with lava during that mission." Takumi groaned. "We can't get in."

"Well, that's no good." Takuto sighed. "Now what?"

Ami thought for a moment. "Wait…the entrance is beneath Shade Cavern, isn't it?"

"That's right?" Magnamon looked at Ami's pondering face. "What are you thinking?"

"Instead of going through Shade Cavern, why don't we just burrow under it?"

"That's crazy!" Kentaurosmon. "That's insane, that…that…" He paused, thinking deeper. "…That actually might work."

"If we can calculate the exact location of the gate…" Mirei said.

Everyone heard laughter and looked at the source. "BeelStarmon?" MagnaKidmon asked. "Care to share the joke with the class?"

"That damn crazy brother of mine." BeelStarmon took out two handguns. "His crazy idea saved the day."

"Aren't those Beelzemon's guns?" Dorugoramon asked.

"My brother keeps all his personal data and intel stored in these. That might include the exact location of the gate."

"Beelzemon…" Keisuke smiled. "Even now he's helping out."

"I'll analyze them right away." Mirei said. "BeelStarmon, met me at the lab. Oh, and Yuugo, I want you to join us. I have something to discuss with you."

"Me?" Yuugo asked. "Well, okay."

"Omegamon, Hudiemon, Diaboromon, Gankoomon, Zero, you guys start going through your team's Digimon and select the best equipped for digging." Arata instructed.

"Alright, meeting adjourned." Mameo declared.

Yuugo walked into the lab where BeelStarmon was nearby. On the table were the Berejena being analyzed by Mirei. "I'm here. So, what did you wish to talk about?"

"Not much. Just that I finished patching the X-Antibodies that were recovered from GranDracmon and Vademon. I was thinking of entrusting one with you."

"Really? Well, if you think it's the best choice, then I promise to put it to good use."

"Very well." Mirei began the transfer.

"So will Takuto or Shiki be taking the other?" BeelStarmon asked.

"I asked, but they insisted they would be fine without it and that I should give it to someone else." Mirei said. "I was hoping you would take it BeelStarmon."

The Digimon blinked. "Me? But I don't have a human partner?"

"And what does that have to do with anything? Vademon was never partnered with a human and could use one just fine. I'm sure you can too."

"Well…alright. I'm down with giving the Next Order a taste of their own medicine."

"Good. Just as a safety precaution I kept in the alteration that allows you to activate and deactivate it at will.

"How do I activate it then?"

"Sorry, but I don't know. However, I'm sure you will figure it out when you need it. Use the X-Antibody wisely."

BeelStarmon looked at the guns on the table. "Brother…I will keep fighting for the dream we started together."

Keisuke opened a door and stepped inside a small room with his Digimon, Justimon, Shakkoumon, and Hudiemon. Inside the room was Zero, Fei, Luche, Sayo, Koh, Nokia, and Arata. "Thank you for coming." Zero said.

Keisuke looked at the group. "Wow. Quite a party you assembled."

Hudiemon closed the door behind her. "So, what did you call us all in for?" Justimon asked. "And why all the secrecy?"

"Because I don't want Yuuko to know what we're planning." Zero replied. "I called you all here because I want to do something in secret."

"What's that Zero?" Luche asked.

The avatar's face held a serious expression. "It is past time someone put an end to Brother Sorrow."

Sorry if this felt like filler, but even minor villians need resolution and Himari still needed to unlock Matrix Link.

Oh, and to a Guest Writer who left the review on chapter 65, first off sorry it took me this long to reply, for some reason I'm not gettign email alerts even though I turned them on, but to answer your queation, I'm not sure what you mean by inspired by Naruto as I do not watch/read that series. So I guess the answer to your quetion is no by default. Never been much of a anime/manga personb truth be told, hence why all my Digimon stories are bassed on games.

But as you can tell, I got big plans ahead! Expect a lot of action! But first, I'm sorry if you got sick of me writing about my OC but the next chapter will be more of Kiryu's backstory.