The next morning at Cache City the war table was packed with many Digimon and nearly all the humans in the group. "How did you sleep last night Darcmon?" Lilamon asked.

"The best I had in a long time. It's nice to be able to rest in an actual bed."

"I can't believe we let you stay in the clutches of the enemy for so long." Magnamon said.

"Please, it's not your fault. I was the one who let herself get captured."

"In order to protect us all…" Arata said.

"I'm just glad you're back Darcmon." Ami smiled.

The Digimon smiled and patted Ami on the head. "I can say the same to you."

Omegamon entered the room. All eyes were on him. "How's Nokia?" Keisuke asked.

"She won't come out of her room. She'll barely talk to anyone. Calumon is with her now but… I've never seen her like this…"

Takumi sighed. "What Kiryu said must have really gotten to her."

"Indeed. In any case, I will relay anything important in this meeting to her."

"Thank you." Yuuko replied. "Are Agunimon and Lobomon still unconscious?"

"I'm afraid so." Zero replied. "They'll probably be out for a while. Digimon take a while to adjust once their memories of the previous reality are brought back."

"I see." Gallantmon nodded. "So, the mission they wanted to go on is on hold for now?"

"No, Loweemon insisted they go anyway." Jesmon replied. "Ciel and Blanc volunteered to go with them. They left an hour ago."

"Wait, what's going on?" Shiki asked.

"I detected an odd energy signal coming from that tower you fought Hosaka in." Mirei said. "So, I wanted a scouting team to investigate. Agunimon said he would take his team and check it out but then the city was attacked, then Takumi and Yuuko were captured, then Gundramon and MagnaKidmon asked for our help…"

"Yeah… its' been one thing after another, huh?" Takumi asked. "Thanks again for saving us guys."

"It's what friends do, right?" Arata asked.

"Speaking of BelleStarmon's team, did they already leave the city?" Himari asked. "I'm glad they took up our offer to stay here and rest for the night, they were really tired like the rest of us. But I hope they don't go out again so soon."

"About that…" Everyone looked at the doorway. BelleStarmon walked into the room with her team.

"BelleStarmon! MagnaKidmon! Gundramon!" Ami gapped.

"You wanted to thank us before taking off?" Mirei asked.

"Sheesh, you almost sound like you're eager to get rid of us." MagnaKidmon said. "In which case we got some bad news for ya lady."

"Oh?"

"I had a talk with the boys this morning." BelleStarmon said. "We decided we're going to join the Resistance with your fight against the Next Order."

"Really?!" Luche asked. "Yay!"

"Are you sure?" Rikka asked. "I thought you guys prefer to do your own thing."

"Yeah, but we also don't like being in someone else's debt." Gundramon replied.

"Besides, my capture proves that we can't take them down on our own." BelleStarmon said. "I may have my pride, but I won't put that in front of the greater good."

"Such honor and valor!" Gankoomon replied. "That's what I like to see!"

"Well in that case, welcome abord." Takuto smiled. "Having allies as strong as you sure helps."

"Too bad your brother doesn't share your sense of reason." Yuugo replied.

BelleStarmon scoffed. "That guy just does whatever he feels like. He's always been that way. …and he's gotten even worse since he left our group to become the Deadly Digimon of Gluttony."

"He was one of you guys once, right?" Ami asked. "But then why did he become a Deadly Digimon?"

"Who knows. But enough about my brother. I heard there was a big meeting going on and thought I'd listen in."

"Right. I suppose we should get started." Shiki said. She turned to Yuuko. "And I believe you owe us an explanation. Ever since you guys got back you were acting strange. And Zero said…"

As Resistance members started transporting injured Digimon from the attack on Extinguish Keep, Zero aproached Yuuko and Fei. "Yuuko… Fei… Brother Sorrow, was he…?"

Yuuko looked down. "Yes. It's him."

"You promised you'd tell us today." Kouta said. "So, what's happening? Do you really know who Brother Sorrow is?"

Yuuko took a deep breath. "…Do you want me to say it?" Fei offered.

"No. I was the leader. And I'm the one who set him on this path. This is my responsibility."

"What are you saying?" Takuto asked.

Yuuko rested her hands together on the table. "I'm sorry everyone… the truth is… I created Brother Sorrow."

"Created him?" Gankoomon asked. "Explain."

"His name is Kiryu Tenjo. He used to be a member of the hacker team I led in EDEN back in the previous reality. Zaxon."

"What?" Jesmon gapped. "He was one of yours?"

"Earlier you said he had to be an enemy of Zaxon, now you're telling us he used to work for Zaxon?" Himari asked.

"That's right. One day… while Fei and I… or I suppose, Fei, Zero and I would be more accurate… we were doing a patrol of Kawloon when we saw two boys being attacked by hackers while trying to defend Digimon. Those two were Kiryu Tenjo, and his younger brother Subaru Tenjo."

"After we saved em and chased those chumps harrasin' em away we found out that the reason they were there was because Subaru was interesting in venturing into the deeper, more mysterious parts of EDEN. Then we figured out that Subaru and Kiryu were both skilled hackers and programs. Very skilled."

"Subaru in particular was a very knowledgeable and tech savvy guy." Zero said. "He built together his own PC when he was six years old."

"Six?!" Shoma asked.

"Indeed. His brother may not have been quite as skilled as him. But he was a clever strategist, and the only person who could go toe to toe with Fei in hand-to-hand combat." Yuuko said. "Two brothers with extraordinary talents who suddenly developed a keen interest with EDEN and Digimon. Both so full of potential… right away I knew they could either be powerful allies… or dangerous enemies."

"That's why you invited them into Zaxon?" Arata asked.

"Of course, we weren't about to force it on them. It was their decision. We don't deny people their freedom. If they would join us, that would be a big boon to our cause. If not, we'd just have to carefully monitor them to make sure they don't do anything harmful to EDEN."

"But to our surprise, not only did they accept our invite…" Fei said. "They declared themselves in our debt and swore to support Zaxon however possible."

"It sounds like these brothers held a strong sense of honor." Noir said.

"I got to learn more about them as we worked together." Yuuko said. "They lost their mother to illness while Subaru was very young. Because of that Kiryu swore to protect Subaru and care for him, for the mother the boy didn't get much time with. Their grandfather apparently was a soldier. He had a strong sense of honor and followed orders to see every mission through. Kiryu and Subaru idolized him."

"Following his logic, they always followed our orders to the letter." Zero said. "No questions asked."

"Wait, hold on a second." Keisuke said raising his hand. "While I was helping you guys during the whole Demons affair, I've been to your hideout multiple times. I don't remember seeing Kiryu there, yet you make it sound like he never left your side."

"Me neither." Takumi said.

"Same." Ami added.

"I never said he never left my side." Yuuko replied. "Kiryu and Subaru thought that the best way they could help Zaxon was by acting in the shadows. Striking enemies and vanishing without a trace so we wouldn't need to worry about retaliation. Spying on other hackers gathering intel. Providing security to bolster our defenses. Aside from me and Fei only a handful of Zaxon's members knew about them. They would be known as the Shadow of Zaxon."

"In fact, those two are the reason why Zaxon's IRL was never invaded." Zero said. "They also provided other helpful programs."

"Example?" Mameo asked.

"Keisuke, do you remember the program I used on Phantomon?" Zero asked.

"Yeah. Yuuko tried it on Fei- I mean, K and Kiryu's Digimon back when we were rescuing Ami and Shiki. But they both undid it in seconds. …Wait… are you saying…?"

"Kiryu and Subaru created that program for us."

"No way… no wonder Kiryu brushed it off. Those guys really are good at what they do."

"More than you think." Fei said.

Yuuko looked down uncomfortably. "Yes… On that note, there's something I need to confess Keisuke…"

"What is it?"

"Truth is… after you got involved with the Demons and we agreed to have you spy on them for us… I was uncertain if we could trust you or not, so… I had Kiryu and Subaru keep tabs on you."

"Huh?"

"We tasked the two with following you around on your cases involving Hudie." Zero said.

"What?"

"That's impossible!" Hudiemon said. "I've been monitoring Keisuke every time he went into EDEN! There was nobody following him!"

"Yes, Subaru mentioned he detected a presence observing Keisuke." Zero said. "That's why he tampered with you scans and monitor feed to make himself and Kiryu invisible."

"What…?"

"Unbelievable…" Justimon gapped. "A hacker that can outmaneuver Erika…?"

"They were also there watching Keisuke, Takumi and Ami in the Demon's Den during the confrontation with Jimmy Ken. He was the one who allowed us to enter afterword and catch him by surprise." Zero said.

"They were also skilled Digimon handlers." Fei said. "Kiryu in particular was the third strongest in Zaxon after Yuuko and myself. Thanks to him having an alternate form of MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon called MetalGreymon Alterous Mode and WereGarurumon Sagittarius Mode. Those two may have been Ultimate Level, but they could compete with Megas. Especially with Kiryu's tactics and programs backin' em."

"Speaking of their Digimon…" Keisuke said. "In that vision Crusadermon showed us… Subaru… he-

There was a knock on the door. "We are in the middle of an important meeting." Mirei said.

"Sorry, but this can't wait." The door opened and two Digimon came in.

"Agunimon! Lobomon!" Jesmon gasped.

"How are you two feeling?" Koh asked.

"Yuuko… Zero…" Agunimon walked up. "We need to talk. Now."

"That's fine." Zero said. "Actually, your timing couldn't have been better. I take it your memories of the last reality have been restored?"

"I wouldn't say "restored"." Lobomon replied. "But these rapid flashed flew into our minds… memories… pieces of them anyway… a lot of it is still confusing… but there are some things we are certain of now."

"For one thing…" Agunimon said. "We worked in Zaxon in EDEN back during the previous reality, didn't we?"

"That is correct." Machinedramon replied.

"And also… Kiryu… and this Subaru… we knew them… no, not just that. We were close to them…"

Lobomon approached the table. "Zero… this Subaru… was he…?"

Yuuko closed her eyes steeling herself for this reveal before she spoke up. "You two were Subaru's Digimon."

Everyone in the room gasped. "What?!" Gaia jumped.

"No way!" Terriermon Assistant gapped.

"What's more…" Zero said. "The Digimon Subaru, and Kiryu were protecting from hackers when we first met them… it was the two of you when you were just Flamemon and Strabimon, and a Greymon and Garurumon that would become Kiryu's partners."

"Wow…" Takumi breathed.

Agunimon looked away. "So that's why Brother Sorrow would act strangely every time he saw us…"

"Subaru and Kiryu were closer to their Digimon than anyone else in Zaxon." Fei replied. "You boys were loyal to them for savin' your hides. That's why you showed so much support to Zaxon."

"Come to think of it, I fought you two in the last reality." Keisuke said. "But it was when Ryuji and I were infiltrating the Security Server from the Cyber Crime Investigation Unit."

"Wait, you guys were hacking the cops?!" Kouta gapped.

Keisuke's face went awkward. "It's a long story, don't ask." Hudiemon said.

"That doesn't sound suspicious at all." Himari replied sarcastically.

"Anyway, when Ryuji was trying to access the data, these two jumped out of it." Keisuke said.

"Like I said, Subaru and Kiryu were tasked with keeping tabs on you." Zero said. "That includes all EDEN activities whether they involve Zaxon and the Demons or not."

"They followed us into the Security Server?!" MetalSeadramon asked.

"After observing Hudie for so long the Shadow of Zaxon developed an interest in you guys." Zero smiled. "You in particular Keisuke."

Keisuke tilted his head. "Me?"

"You also treat Digimon like friends and close companions rather than programs. You always did. Subaru wanted to test your bond, so when he found out what you were after, he hacked the data first and hid his Digimon in there disguising them as a security program."

"Yes… yes, I remember now!" Lobomon said. "After Keisuke defeated us, Subaru used a program to transfer safely to his Digivice while making it look like we were destroyed."

"He was happy…" Agunimon said. "Happy that there were others that treated Digimon with care."

"Heh. We should've offered him a job in Hudie." MetalSeadramon smirked.

"You'd be outta luck there." Fei said. "They were interested in Nokia's team for their Digimon support campaign, but they insisted they were still indebted to Zaxon."

"Wow. That's some dedication." Darcmon said. "Zaxon was lucky to have them."

Yuuko smiled. "Indeed."

"But if Kiryu was so loyal to Zaxon, why is he calling for Yuuko's blood now?" Takuto asked.

Yuuko sighed. "…After realizing how grave the situation with Eaters and EDEN Syndrome was getting, I became desperate to stop EDEN from creating more victims. That's when I made a decision that to this day would be my greatest regret."

"And that is?" Sayo asked.

"I declared that Zaxon would infiltrate Valhalla Server, and take control of Under Zero. From there we would reclaim EDEN from the corrupt Kamishro Enterprise members and hackers."

"You wouldn't be the first to try that idiotic idea." Arata said. "My team… Jude… we challenged Under Zero before and fail. Nothing could prepare us for what was down there… a lot of my pals went crazy with fear and quit being hackers. It was what killed the team."

"Kiryu knew well about how Jude, a team that knew far more about hacking than us tried to challenge Under Zero and failed. That I would be charging Zaxon to our doom. He tried to warn me against it… but I refused to listen. Kiryu had grown tired of my arrogance and quit Zaxon right after… but Subaru stayed."

"I think I can see where this is going…" BelleStarmon said.

"When we reached the depths along with Nokia and her team who wanted to take Under Zero for the Digimon in EDEN, and Takumi and Ami who went with Arata and his former Jude team to try to stop us… the whole area became flooded with Eaters. One by one people were attacked and got EDEN Syndrom." Yuuko's eyes saddened. "Subaru… was among those victims."

"No…" Shiki gasped.

"That is why Kiryu wants revenge on me. For what my mistake did to his younger brother. Who he loved more than anything in the world."

"That's so sad…" Luche whimpered.

"Hold on a moment." Agumon Expert said. "After you guys altered reality and erased the Eaters that should have restored Subaru and wiped his and Kiryu's memories of the last reality."

"Kiryu said Crusadermon restored his memories." Yuuko replied.

"But Subaru should still be fine!" Skyla said. "There's no need for this, the damage has been undone!"

"I thought the same… but according to Kiryu, that's not the case." Yuuko turned to Keisuke. "Is it true that you met Kiryu before coming to the Digital World with us?"

"Yeah. I saw him while I was on the way to meet you guys at Takumi's apartment."

"He said you saw Subaru with him?"

"He was the kid we saw in that simulation Crusadermon showed us, right?" Keisuke asked. "About this tall? Brown hair and green eyes?"

"That's him." Fei replied. "How was the kid?"

Keisuke put his hands in his pockets and stared at the table. "…Honestly… he was just as Kiryu described. Broken. I saw him getting harassed by a couple of punks. Until Kiryu showed up and beat the snot out of them."

"Yup, that sounds about right. He said he took up martial arts so he could defend Subaru. He and I would spar every now and then."

"Subaru didn't even react to being threatened or his brother saving him. In fact, he wouldn't emote at all."

Yuuko closed her eyes. "Subaru…no…"

"Was his memory also restored?" File asked.

"Kiryu said Subaru had been suffering nightmares of being attacked by "black and white monsters" ever since the alteration." Takumi replied.

"Eaters." Hudiemon replied grimly. "Nightmares of what happened to him in Under Zero."

"If Subaru was devoured while in Under Zero…" Agunimon said. "Were we…?"

"You and Lobomon were also assimilated trying to protect him." TigerVespamon replied. The Warriors of Flame and Light went silent.

"Agunimon… Lobomon…" Yuuko lowered her head. "I am so, so sorry…if it weren't for me…"

Lobomon sighed. "…Our own weakness is to blame for us falling. We are warriors. We have accepted the risks. But tell me… why didn't you tell us this? Is this why Zero insisted our memories didn't need to be restored?"

"I thought it was best that you didn't remember being assimilated." Zero said. "Or of Subaru, who you swore to protect… only for him to be devoured. It was not my intention to deceive you. I just wanted to protect you."

"You think you can protect us will secrets? Even if what happened was tragic, it's still important that Agunimon and I know! About Subaru… about Kiryu… about our duty as Zaxon Digimon!"

"I agree!" Agunimon said. "I may not fully remember everything yet… but these pieces of memories I have… I'm proud of them! They're proof of my bond with Subaru and Kiryu! With Zaxon… and with you!"

"Agunimon…" Yuuko breathed. "Lobomon…"

Takumi smiled. "I agree. It's just like what we went through after we remembered that day eight years ago? It may have been sad… but it was important not to forget."

"That's right…" Ami nodded. "We can't just take the good and ignore the bad. Those memories are precious to Agunimon and Lobomon. And Subaru and Kiryu too."

"Maybe you're right…" Yuuko replied. "But still…" Yuuko turned to Takumi. "Why did you tell Kiryu about eight years ago?! He almost killed you!"

"Hey, your life was on the line." Takumi replied. "I wasn't about to risk a lie that could have gotten you killed."

"Takumi…"

"Besides, don't you think he has the right to know the truth? He remembers the previous reality but didn't understand why it all happened. It's just like with Keisuke. He needed to know."

"I agree." Ami nodded. "Besides… he should hate us. What happened to his brother was our fault…"

"Ami… Takumi…" Keisuke murmured.

"In any case." Gallantmon spoke. "It seems Kiryu is hellbent on taking revenge for his brother on you, Yuuko. Even with Creepymon gone he still demands your death. Unlike Fei, there is no reasoning with him. Fighting him will be inevitable. Can you bring yourself to do that? What about you Fei? Zero?"

"…I don't want to." Yuuko said. "But…"

"It's not a matter of choice." Zero said. "He's our enemy now. If he plans to come at us, we will confront him."

"Zero!"

"He has made his intentions clear. I don't like it any more than you Yuuko. But he needs to be stopped."

"I'm not so hot on the idea myself." Fei added. "But we don't have much choice the way I see it."

Takumi stared at Yuuko's conflicted expression. "But for now, we should consider our next course of action." Arata said.

"Agreed." Mirei nodded. "It's a good thing we were able to rescue Darcmon before they could extract Zhuqiamon's DigiCore. That prevents them from obtaining the power of all four Sovereign Digimon."

"And hopefully put a stop to their Project Nexus." Omegamon said.

"Somehow I doubt Leopardmon and his cronies are going to give up that easily." Diaboromon replied.

"There's still so much about Project Nexus we don't understand." Shoma said. "For all we know it might be possible for them to launch it even with just the three Sovereign DigiCores they have…"

"We also can't ignore what Lucemon and GranDracmon are up to." Keisuke replied.

Mirei nodded. "There's a lot to be done still. Hopefully Ciel and Blanc's investigation will shed some light on a few things."

Elsewhere Kiryu straightened his jet-black coat as he wore it over a white shirt. He had matching black pants, and black shoes. He pulled on his black fingerless gloves as he proceeded over to BlitzGreymon and CresGarurumon. "Apologies for the wait."

BlitzGreymon smiled. "Heh. That look definitely suits you better."

"It's good to be able to see your face again without that damn mask." CresGarurumon added.

"Yeah…" Kiryu smiled. "Now, then, shall we depart?"

"Leaving already?" The three turned to Crusadermon as she approached.

"Yes. We have a mission to attend to."

"I see." Crusadermon replied. She took a good look at Kiryu's attire. "Changed back, have you?"

"Now that my identity has been exposed, I see no further need to continue the Brother Sorrow act. Yuuko and her companions will be slain by Kiryu Tenjo. The man who swore to bring justice to his brother. Not some man hiding behind a mask."

"As you wish."

"But first… I need to wait for his majesty to approve of me confronting them again."

"I'm sorry Kiryu… what transpired was my fault. Had I not told you about what happened in this world eight years ago…"

"No Crusadermon. My emotions got the better of me in the end. As a result, we lost a large number of prisoners, including Yuuko, Takumi and Darcmon. BlitzGreymon and CreGarurumon also suffered because of me."

"Kiryu… that wasn't your fault either." BlitzGreymon replied. "Creepymon took advantage of your anger."

"But I let him take advantage of my rage. I knew he was dangerous, and I still let my guard down."

"We also have him stealing that X-Antibody from BoltBoutamon's lab to blame." Crusadermon said. "That fool should have gotten proper security. He was working with an incredible power source, of course there was a chance it could be stollen… he seemed a little too pleased that he got to see it in action for my liking. But more concerning is Lucemon. If he fulfills the dark prophecy…"

"He may become an even bigger threat then the Resistance, right?" Kiryu asked.

"Correct. That is why finding him is our top priority now. I hope you find something at the tower."

Kiryu nodded and turned to his Digimon. "Let us be off."

"Yes sir!"

Kiryu took a few steps away, but then stopped. Crusadermon stared at his back. "Is something wrong?"

Kiryu turned around. "Crusadermon… I have a question."

"Oh? And what might that be?"

"Back at the keep, you mentioned that Yuuko held a grudge against you for something."

"Ah… that. …It's not my favorite story to talk about."

"I do not wish to pry. And I have little doubt that Yuuko's judgment behind it is flawed as it always is… but you've been so supportive towards me ever since we met Crusadermon. The least I can do is hear your story and support you in your suffering just as you did for me."

Crusademron sighed. "Chivalrous as ever… very well. You know how in the last reality I went to your world, yes?"

"You mentioned you lived as a human." BlitzGreymon said. "In order to investigate the relation to Eaters and the human world."

"Yes. A human who lost her mental data from the Eaters. Because of that I was able to use the body she left behind. The body of Rei Kishibe."

"Rei Kishibe…?" Kiryu asked. "The head of Kamishiro Enterprise in the last reality?"

"Yes… although this was some time before that."

"Rei became head of the company after Satoru Kamishio's suicide… though Yuugo… no, Yuuko always suspected something was off about that."

Crusadermon sighed. "Merging with a human was more… complicated then I thought. The moment I entered her, the woman's, thoughts, memories, and ambitions washed over me… Rei Kishibe… she was a despicable woman."

"How so?"

"She was greedy, selfish, and inhumane. She had other people take the blow for her mistakes to move upward in the company. She used Kamishiro to do dirty things for her own gain. But most of all… she hated her boss. Satoru. I tried to live out as that woman but… every time I saw that man's face… her rage came over me. I tried to force it out… but her emotions became stronger and stronger… soon her thoughts started to take over…her body disobeyed my commands… and then… one day… before I knew it… I was staring at Satoru's dead body…" Kiryu and his Digimon stared at Crusadermon. "I couldn't tell what was worse… the fact that I murdered an innocent man… or the fact that I was forced to feel joy for it… that woman's joy… I let her evil corrupt me… and I dishonorably took a man's life… My first thought was to escape the body… but I couldn't. Next thing I knew I was head of Kamishiro Enterprise. And all I could do was whatever the body ordered me…"

"Crusadermon…" Kiryu frowned.

"To this day I am ashamed of what I've done as Rei Kishibe. The people I hurt… the crimes I committed… my honor is forever stained."

"That was not your fault." CresGarurumon said. "That woman took over you."

"It sounds like what Creepymon did to me." Kiryu replied. "You were being used. Your actions were not your own."

"Were they Kiryu? Sometimes I cannot tell…" Crusadermon clenched her fist. "When I close my eyes, I can see that woman's face laughing at me. Telling me we're one and the same! That her crimes are mine! The blood on my hands will never wash off! Maybe Yuuko is right to hate me…"

"No Crusadermon! Rei Kishibe is the one to blame. It was her body and her desires that led to all of that." Kiryu said. "Yuuko is letting her anger out on the wrong person like the petty child she always was. And after what she did, she's in no position to judge anyone."

Crusadermon sighed. "…You truly are too kind to have to go through what Yuuko forced upon you. Thank you Kiryu. I feel better talking to you about it."

"Like I said, you have done so much for me. I simply wish to help you in return. Now then, I must be off on my mission now."

"Take care Kiryu." Crusadermon said. She waited for Kiryu and his Digimon to leave before chuckling. "That was almost too easy."

"Enjoying yourself Crusadermon?"

The knight turned around to see who was watching. "Your majesty."

Leopardmon walked over. "I do hope you know what you're doing. After what just happened, I feel trusting that human is dangerous."

"With all due respect, Creepymon acting on his own is to blame. Besides, we need him. He's lately been a powerful force against the Resistance and a source of moral with our troops."

"I can't say our forces trusting a human pleases me. Though I suppose there's no denying his usefulness so far."

"Agreed. Besides, in the event Lucemon fulfills the Dark Prophecy, or on the off chance Alphamon somehow gets out we'll need his help."

"At least until Arcadiamon is complete or BoltBoutamon completes his project."

"I do not think we need to worry sire." Crusadermon folded her arms. "He shares the same enemies as us. That will keep him in line. His hatred towards them will put him on the right path."

"And if his hatred changes course?" Leopardmon eyed her. "If Kiryu finds out who is *truly* responsible for what happened that day…"

Crusadermon laughed. "And who's going to tell him? Yuuko? He'll never trust anything from the Resistance as long as they support her. I dare say he may hate the girl even more than I do."

"Hmph. Just keep an eye on him." Leopardmon turned away.

Crusadermon chuckled. "Humans do have their own uses I suppose. It's a good thing I have plenty of experience using them."

Omegamon stood in front of the bed Nokia sat on. Her legs were tucked into her chest. "…And that's everything Yuuko told us about Kiryu."

"So, it's true… it's my fault."

"Nokia…"

"I told myself it was making things better… but all I did was think about myself and my hacker team. I went into Under Zero not knowing what was there or what I was even supposed to do… I wasn't thinking of Digimon at the time… I was thinking of one-upping Fei and Yuugo who were looking down on me! I ignored everyone else who was suffering from my actions… Arata was right… I was so stupid challenging Under Zero like that!"

"Don't say that!"

"It's true Omegamon! I was in way over my head! How many members of the Rebels did we lose that day?! How many of Arata's friends got dragged into that mess trying to stop us?! Including Chitoste! It's my fault! All my fault! They trusted me and I failed them! And I never even stopped to think about it! Just like how I didn't think about all the Digimon we destroyed in this war! Beelzemon was right about me! I just do things without thinking and never learn from it!" Nokia started sobbing onto her knees. "So, I really did just use and cast people aside! I'm a monster!"

It saddened Omegamon to see his cheery optimistic partner like this. And all he could do was watch. "Nokia…"

Himari entered the lab with Rikka. "You called for me, Mirei? Oh, hey Takuto!"

"Hi." the boy waved.

"Uh, there are other people here too…" Keisuke muttered.

"Ah, Himari." Mirei turned around. "Back at the keep, Keisuke recovered the X-Antibody Creepymon was using. And I noticed this one was different from the last we recovered from the Next Order."

"Different how?" Rikka asked.

"This one was remarkably more stable. In fact, I barley needed to do any tampering with it at all."

"That's convenient." Himari said.

"Anything but." Hudiemon shook her head. "This means the Next Order is getting better at constructing these. We could end up running into more dangerous X-Antibody Digimon in the future."

"Oh…"

"We'll need to be more careful moving forward." Mire stated. "But for now, we decided to give this X-Antibody to you and Rikka."

"Really?" Himari asked. "Think we can handle it…?"

"Well, Nokia was our first choice but…" Hudiemon sighed. "She's not doing too well right now…"

"Yeah… poor girl… someone should check up on her."

"Takumi, Ami, Arata, Yuuko, Yuugo and I all tired." Keisuke sadly replied. "But she won't talk to anybody."

"In any case, we thought you'd be able to use it." Mirei said.

"Kouta and Arata could get it to work." Takuto smiled. "I'm sure you can do it too Himari. You're one of the best Tamers I know."

"R-really…?" Himari blushed. "Well… okay! If you say I can do it!"

"Very good." Mirei said. "Rikka, come over here and-

"Mirei!" Agunimon ran into the room with Lobomon. "Have you seen our team? We can't find them anywhere!"

"Calm down you guys." Hudiemon said. "While you two were unconscious we sent them to investigate that strange energy signal at the tower Keisuke fought Hosaka in. You know, the one Mirei found that you said you'd look into before the attack on the city happened?"

"They went without us?!"

"Sistermons Blanc and Ciel volunteered to go in place of you two." Nova replied.

"Are they alright?" Lobomon asked. "We tried to contact them but none of them are responding!"

"Hmmm…" Mirei put a finger at her chin. "Now that you mention it, it's been a while since I sent them there… I wounder if something has happened…"

"Oh no…" Agunimon gasped. "Lobomon, we need to head over there!"

"Right!"

"Whoa, slow down you two!" Keisuke said. "If something dangerous is there you'll need more than just the two of you!"

"Agreed." Mirei nodded. "Himari, Takuto, Keisuke, once I install this X-Antibody into Rikka would you three mind going back to the tower with these two?"

"Of course!" Takuto replied. "If our allies are in danger, I'll do whatever I can to help!"

"Right." Keisuke nodded.

"Count me in too!" Himari smiled.

"I'll go with you." Hudiemon said. "If there's someone working there then some form of security must still be active. I can help with that."

"Thank you." Agunimon said. "I cannot let something bad befall my team."

"I'm worried about Blanc and Ciel too." Keisuke said. "Those two are tough but… they're kinda young."

"Yeah, those poor innocent girls…" Himari sighed. "They kind of remind me of my sisters…"

"Pardon us." Sayo said walking in with Koh. "We overheard that. You're going back to that tower Koh and I were trapped in right?"

"Yeah. Some of our friends were investigating something and they aren't picking up." TyrantKabuterimon replied. "We're thinking of following up on them."

"Want us to go with you?"

"Do you mind?" Hudiemon asked. "That would be a huge help."

Koh smiled. "We ain't got anything better to do."

"Thank you both." Mirei said. "Let me just install this X-Antibody into Rika and you can head out together. Oh… one thing I should warn you of Keisuke."

"Yeah?"

"This energy signal I sent those guys to look into… it's very similar to the energy I sent when I sent you to the Abyss Server."

"What? Then that means…"

"Mmmh…" Blanc murmured quietly as she started to stir. "Uh… morning already?"

"Blanc! Are you okay?!"

"Sis…?" Blanc's senses slowly started to recover. "Huh?" She looked around. She was in a dark room. Pitch black even. "Where am I?" She tried to move but her limbs were immobilized. She looked to her left and saw her arm was outstretched and bound to a metal plank via chains. She looked to her right and found her other arm was identically chained to the other end of it. When she found out she couldn't move her legs either she looked down and saw her booted feet were also lashed into place of the metal contraption and well as her torso. She was chained to a metal cross floating in the air. "W-what's going on…!?"

"Blanc!" Sistermon Blanc looked to her right and saw Sistermon Ciel was bound to a floating cross just as she was. "Are you okay?"

"Ciel?! What's going on?!" Blanc panicked tugging at her chains. "What happened?!"

"We let out guard down, that's what." Hearing Ranemon's voice Blanc looked up and saw the Warrior of Water chained to a cross above her just as she was. Around them, Kumamon, Kazemon, Beeltemon, Loweemon, Arbormon, Murcurymon, and Grumblemon were also chained to crosses around them.

"Guys?! Where are we?!"

"Somewhere inside the tower we were investigating I imagine." Beetlemon replied.

Kazemon regained consciousness and gasped upon learning her predicament. "What?!" She grunted, struggling against her chains.

"Let us out!" Kumamon yelled.

"Wait… I remember… we were looking around… Grumblemon found that hidden passage… then I stepped on a part of the floor that started to glow…" Blanc blinked.

"And fell right into one of my traps. As I knew you would." The ten Digimon looked down and saw GranDracmon with two other large, monstrous Digimon. "Welcome little flies, to the spider's parlor."

"Who are you?" Mercurymon asked.

"I am GranDracmon. The Immortal Vampire King." the Digimon bowed.

"GranDracmon… you're the one working for Lucemon." Loweemon asked.

"That is correct. I serve the master in his mission to save this war-torn world."

"That's a laugh." Grumblemon said. "A Deadly Digimon? A savior? What's next, Vikaralamon growing wings?"

"Heh. Make all the jokes you want. I'm surprised you found that hidden passage. No ordinary Digimon would find it. I was hoping for one of the humans or perhaps a Royal Knight… but you Sistermon possess holy energy, and you Legendary Warriors are supposedly reincarnations of the Ancient Digimon of old."

"So, this was all just a trap." Mercurymon stated. "What is it you want with us?"

"My master, Lucemon wishes to fulfil the Dark Prophecy and become the ultimate Digimon… but to fulfill his plans he must obtain a perfect balance of good and evil. When he was young, he was a holy and just Digimon. But he lost that purity upon becoming the Deadly Digimon of Pride. Therefore, we need energy from just, and holy Digimon… and you lot should fit the bill." GranDracmon looked at the Digimon next to him. "Finish preparations for the ritual." The two nodded and walked away, disappearing into the darkness.

"Oh, no you don't!" Ciel growled. "Sis! Transform!"

"Okay sis!" Blanc and Ciel started to glow. In a bright flash they turned into Sistermon Blanc Awake and Sistermon Ciel Awake. Having grown taller, their limbs extended with the chains on their wrists and ankles going around their elbows and thighs instead with the chains around their torsos being at their stomachs now.

"Well, well." GranDracmon smirked. "And I thought you were just a couple of brats."

Ciel Awake smirked back. "You're about to find out the hard way that these sisters are a force to be reckoned with. Think these silly chains will hold us?"

"Well think again!" Blanc Awake declared as she and Ciel started straining against their bonds. The snapping of chains could be heard as their arms and legs started to pull away from the crosses they were bound to.

"I think not." GranDracmon snapped his fingers.

Suddenly more chains rose from the ground and seized the two Sistermon. Ciel gasped as they coiled around their arms from their wrists to their biceps and their legs from their feet to their midthighs putting them back in place on the cross. "Hey!" Blanc shouted as more coiled around them each from the hips to their torsos. "No fair! Let us go and fight us properly you ca- More chains wrapped around their heads pinning them to the top piece of the crosses. They even went between Blanc's open mouth in the process gagging her.

Ciel grunted as she and her sister tried to pull free but now there were too many chains for even their evolved forms no matter how much they struggled. "Now you children stay tight." GranDracmon laughed. "Don't worry, the process of draining your energy won't kill you. But I can't promise it won't hurt."

Takuto, Himari, Keisuke, Sayo and Koh stepped inside the dark, empty tower along with their Digimon as well as Hudiemon, Agunimon, and Lobomon. "Well, this is the place." Takuto said.

"Ugh… just thinking about this tower brings back bad memories." Koh groaned.

"Not exactly a five-star hotel, huh?" Himari looked around and the rubble and torn walls and floor. "Oof. You guys sure did a number on this place."

Keisuke put his Digivice on and looked around. "I see no signs of anyone around here."

"I'm not detecting anything either." Hudiemon said. "Still, that weird energy signal has to be coming from somewhere in this tower."

"Then I guess all we can do is move forward." Agunimon said. "The others have to be in here somewhere. I just pray nothing bad has happened."

Kazemon tugged on the chains binding her to her floating cross to no avail. After tiering herself out, she looked around to check on her fellow prisoners. Most of them were remaining still. She wasn't sure if her friends were conserving energy or if they had given up on freeing themselves. The sole exception was Sistermon Blanc Awake who was thrashing in her chains like a mad beast in a trap. She was even gnawing on the chains in her mouth trying to snap them with her teeth. The sight made her uneasy. "Yikes. The evolved Blanc and the cute meek little one are like night and day."

Sistermon Ceil Awake giggled. "It's just how she is when she gets worked up. Isn't it cute?"

"You consider this cute?" Ranemon squinted watching Blanc thrash about.

"All the girl is doing is wasting her energy." Loweemon said.

"Yes... she should just accept her fate like the rest of you... and save that delicious energy for us..." The ten Digimon looked down as GranDracmon reappeared.

"Crystal Breeze!" Kumamon blew freezing wind at GranDracmon. The evil Digimon laughed as he stood there unaffected.

"Now then... let us begin... draining some of your energy should aid Lord Lucemon with his plan." With that the ten crosses holding the Digimon and the chains binding them glowed pink. They emitted electrical shocks and the room filled with their screams. "Excellent! This energy is perfect for our needs. Heh, heh, heh..."

Keisuke slowly led the group through the large tower. They still had yet to encounter anything as they quickly approached the midway point. Keisuke spotted a teleporter. "Once we pass through there, we'll be halfway through this tower."

"Seriously?" Rikka asked. "We still haven't seen any Digimon or anything out of the ordinary."

"There's got to be something up ahead." Sayo said.

"Wait." Hudiemon halted the team. "I sense something... on the other end of that teleporter..."

"Is it Loweemon and the others?" Lobomon asked.

"I'm not sure. But it could be an enemy. Get ready to fight."

The humans and their Digimon nodded as they got ready. Hudiemon counted down on her fingers. Once they were all down the group stormed into the portal. After the bright flash, Dianamon and Nova held their weapons forward as the rest of the Digimon took aim. Waiting for them on the other side BlitzGreymon aimed both weapons on his hands and shoulder while CresGarurumon pointed his spear at them. Between them a human held his hand in front of them with the tips of his middle and index fingers together ready to snap, undoubtedly, to trigger one of his signature programs. "Huh? Who's that?!" Apollomon asked.

The man was wearing different clothes from what Keisuke last saw him in. But he recognized his face and the Digimon with him. "Kiryu!"

The man withdrew his hand. "Oh. It's just you lot."

"What do you mean "just you lot"?!" Himari asked.

"So this is what you look like, Brother Sorrow." Takuto stated.

"The hero of Flotia and that girl I fought at Cache City are here as well. Along with those two Tamers that I saw at Extinguish Keep." Kiryu stated. "I don't see Yuuko, Nokia or the Cyber Sleuths with you."

"We didn't bring them." Lobomon said.

"Disappointed?" Agunimon asked.

Kiryu stared at them both. "Agunimon... Lobomon..."

"It's been a while Kiryu Tenjo."

The Warrior of Flame's words surprised the man. "You... remember me...?"

"Sort of." Lobomon replied. "After encountering you, some of our memories came back. But not all."

Kiryu looked away. "Of course. I suspected that witch was deliberately withholding the truth from you."

"Yuuko only desired to protect us." Agunimon replied.

"I bet that's just what she wants you to believe."

"What now Kiryu?" Keisuke asked. "Yuuko and your other targets aren't here. But we're still with the Resistance. Aren't you going to take us out?"

"That depends on you."

"Yeah? What's that supposed to mean?" Hudiemon asked.

"After what happened at Extinguish Keep, his majesty deemed me "unstable" and stated I could be dangerous to the Next Order's operations. So, he ordered me to avoid battle with the Resistance by any means necessary should I encounter you on this mission."

"Wasn't too impressed with your little hissy fit back there, huh?" PileVolcamon asked.

"Mind your tongue before I slice it out." CresGarurumon said. "Creepymon is the one at fault."

"Nevertheless, these are our orders. And a soldier's orders must be followed." Kiryu replied. "I would avoid fighting you if possible. However, if you choose to fight us then we will have no other option. So, do you wish to attack us?"

Keisuke stood in his battle stance with the others before standing straight. "...No. I don't want to fight you either."

Everyone looked at him oddly. "What? Keisuke?!" Takuto gasped.

"We're here to rescue our friends, not start a fight with the Next Order." Keisuke said looking at them. "So, if we can avoid fighting then that's for the best."

"I suppose you do have a point..." Hudiemon replied. "Besides... judging by those orders of his it doesn't seem like what he's doing here has anything to do with us anyway."

Kiryu closed his eyes. "Aren't you persistent."

"Really?" Agunimon asked. "So why are you here then Kiryu?"

"We may have been ordered to avoid combat with you, but you are still our enemies." BlitzGreymon said. "We will not share information with you."

"No. I am willing to tell them."

Both of Kiryu's Digimon looked at him in shock. "Sir?!"

"Kiryu, are you sure that's a good idea?" CresGarurumon asked.

"Them knowing what GranDracmon is up too will be more harmful to him then to us."

BlitzGreymon lowered his weapons as CresGarurumon put his spear away. "I suppose that's true."

"GranDracmon?" Takuto asked.

"I knew that guy was involved in this." Keisuke said. "What's he doing here?"

"As you already know, GranDracmon and Lucemon have betrayed the Next Order and are collecting the DigiCores of the other Deadly Digimon."

"Yeah. Lucemon said something about becoming the Super Deadly Digimon." TyrantKabuterimon replied.

"King Leopardmon believes that if he is successful, he could be a bigger threat to us then Alphamon or the Resistance." BlitzGreymon said.

"Really?" Dianamon asked.

"That is why hunting the traitors down is currently our top priority." Kiryu said. "We traced GranDracmon's energy to this location. It's possible Lucemon could be here as well. That is why we were sent to investigate."

"Is that so?" Keisuke asked.

"And we had best hurry, so if you do not intend to fight us, I would ask that you stay out of our way." Kiryu turned around. "BlitzGreymon. CresGarurumon."

"Roger." His two Digimon turned around following him as they walked away.

The Resistance team watched him leave uneasily save for Keisuke who was plundering something. Upon finishing he ran towards Kiryu. "Wait a minute!"

Kiryu stopped to look over his shoulder. "What is it?"

"We're here because some of our friends went AWAL while looking for a strange energy signal coming here. And I think it's safe to assume GranDracmon is responsible. If we're both going after him, why don't we go together?"

"Double what?!" Takuto stated at Keisuke skeptically again.

"Surly you jest." CresGarurumon replied.

"Keisuke, are you crazy?!" Sayo asked. "He's with the Next Order! We can't trust him!"

"Finding our friends is priority one." Keisuke replied. "Besides, GranDracmon is dangerous. We could use the extra help."

Hudiemon folded her arms. "Ah Keisuke. Always the optimist. Then again, if he's going after GranDracmon too, then we'll all be going in the same direction anyway. If being together is inevitable, then I suppose we might as well hold a truce."

Kiryu turned around to face them. "So, you propose a ceasefire?"

"A temporary ceasefire. After all it will be more beneficial to both sides than duking it out here. What do you say?"

Kiryu folded his arms. "My mission takes priority over everything. And that mission isn't to rescue any of my enemies. It's to stop the activity that's taking place here. If it comes down to it, I will cast your missing allies and all of you aside to complete my mission. Are you willing to work with me knowing that?"

"I am." Keisuke said. "Whatever helps my friends fastest."

"I guess it would be for the best." Takuto said. "And if you won't have to consider helping our friends. Because we're going to save them."

Kiryu closed his eyes. "Very well. I will cooperate until our work here is done."

"Then it's agreed." Hudiemon nodded.

"Fine, but I got my eye on you mister!" Himari warned. "Try anything funny, and I'll take you down myself!"

"Hmph. The feeling's mutual." Kiryu replied. "And make no mistake. This does not make us allies."

"Alright." Keisuke nodded. "If that's settled, let's keep going. I don't know what GranDracmon's us too, but we can't give him any more time."

"Agreed."

GranDracmon schemes and our heroes form a temporary alliance with Kiryu to take him down. How will Kiryu comply with a team consisting of his enemies and former allies? Find out next week.