"That was when we became the Shadow of Zaxon." Kiryu said. "Subaru and I would do secret operations. Raiding account info of our enemies, tracing attacks on Zaxon back to their them, spying on people Yuugo suspected to be enemy hackers…"

"They became instrumental in our battles." Yuuko said. "While few of them knew of our existence, a lot of our victories were due to their efforts in the dark."

"That's why you had them spy on Keisuke, right?" Takumi asked.

Kiryu stared at Keisuke after he spoke up. "So… you heard about that?"

"Yuuko was unsure if I could be trusted… so she said she wanted you two to keep tabs on me."

"That's right. After you got roped into becoming a member of the Demons, she felt you might end up being influenced into joining their leader in his goals. He already won over many in Zaxon. If he got his claws into you, you'd be dangerous to both Zaxon and Hudie. So…"

Subaru nodded. "Alright. We'll keep tabs on this Keisuke guy."

"Thank you." Yuugo replied. "If you find anything out let me know. And keep an eye out for this "K" character he mentioned.

"…Understood."

Yuugo looked at Kiryu. "Is something wrong?"

"Are you certain you don't want us to make a move after Jimmy Ken? Cut off the head, and the rest of the Demons will fall. We can easily hack his account data, maybe pick up some dirt on him…"

Yuugo shook his head. "If it were some nobody, I would consider it. But you need to remember, Jimmy Ken is a celebrity outside of EDEN. And I'm worried about what connections he might have. It would be best if we can somehow dismantle the Demons without making an enemy of him in real life."

"Is that even possible?"

Yuugo smiled. "That's why I have you two to make the impossible happen."Kiryu sighed. "Just keep in mind Yuugo, the longer we take to deal with Jimmy Ken, the more damage he can do to EDEN and other people.""Don't worry. I'm aware that he must be delt with. Our ear on the inside will help with that. For now, make sure he doesn't go astray."

"From that point forward, Subaru and I were watching you and your activities." Kiryu said. "In time Subaru followed you and Ryuji to the Demons Den. I was already there at the time to observe his "evil pilgrimage."

Takumi gaped. "Kiryu and Subaru were there too? We didn't even notice..."

Yuuko nodded. "They were making sure Fei and I could enter the area undetected. Kiryu watched your battle against Jimmy Ken. As for Subaru..."

"So, wait." Keisuke said. "Does that mean you saw… him?"

"Him", who?" Sayo asked.

"The original K?" Kiryu asked. "I didn't see him, but Subaru did while he was watching you. I had something else to oversee."

"I'll send you more criminal intel when I feel like it. It'll be a shortcut to get you to the truth."

Subaru using Stealth Hide while behind a pillar watched K walk away from the Airdramon, Dorugamon, and Raremon he sent on Keisuke and Ryuji. "K just sent Digimon at them and is making a break for it." he whispered into his Digivice. "Should I tail him?"

"Subaru, don't." Kiryu replied. "There are too many unknown variables about this guy. It's too dangerous."

"Agreed." Yuugo added over the line. "Just make sure Keisuke and Ryuji aren't harmed. Though I doubt that will be enough to take Ryuji down. Kiryu, what's happening on your end?"

Kiryu also had Stealth Hide on while hiding behind a column watching Takumi summon Rapidmon, BlackWarGreymon, and Dorugamon. Ami sent out Lillymon, Angewomon, and Aquilamon. Nokia had Agumon and Gobumon out while Jimmy Ken screeched as Boltmom and two SkullMeramon appeared. "The Cyber Sleuths and their friend are engaging in battle with Jimmy Ken. They have a large numbers advantage, but Jimmy Ken's Digimon have far greater power. Not to mention he has experience and his skill as a hacker to fall back on. I estimate their chances of defeating him are roughly 30%. How do you want me to proceed?"

"Observe for now. If Jimmy Ken is focused on them, it'll be easier to get us in there without being detected. That being said this situation is because of us, and I don't want those three to suffer for it, but I'd rather not risk revealing our trump card to the Demons, the Cyber Sleuths and Hudie. So don't step in unless it looks like they're about to lose. Same for you Subaru. Help Keisuke and Ryuji only as a last resort."

"Roger." Subaru nodded.

"So Kiryu was your insurance if we couldn't beat Jimmy Ken?" Takumi asked.

"I honestly wasn't expecting you three to be there at all." Yuuko replied. "I didn't want any of you to get hurt because of my mess, so I had him and Subaru on standby to rescue you if need be." She then smiled. "But of course, I had a feeling it wasn't going to be necessary."

"As I was observing the Cyber Sleuths, Subaru was watching you and Ryuji fight the Digimon K left for you." Kiryu said.

Subaru watched the Raremon attack. "These movements... they're way too organized to be wild Digimon. Is K somehow controlling them from a distance? Who is that guy? Something about the EDEN avatar he had seemed off too."

"Golemon, back up so I can heal you!" Keisuke said.

"I can still fight...!"

"Don't push yourself! I'm not losing any of you! MegaKabuterimon, give us some cover!"

"On it!"

Subaru stared at Keisuke. "That guy... he's treating his Digimon like they're his friends..."

"Just like you do us." Agunimon said.

"Yeah..."

"Holy Light!"

"Gaia Element!" Lillymon and Angewomon threw projectiles at the SkullMeramon from overhead.

"Ugh, you annoying pixies!" Jimmy Ken growled. "SkullMeramon, show those annoying ladies the meaning of pain!"

"Chain of Pain!" One of Jimmy Ken's SkullMeramon whipped both Angewomon and Lillymon by extending the chains from its arms.

Both of them shrieked as they were struck and while their guard was down those same chains circled the two before each chain length tightened around one of them like a lasso. Lillymon and Angewomon were ensnared by metal from their midsection to their hiplines binding their arms to their side. Both of them struggled in the chains before SkullMeramon slammed both of them into the ground then swung them upward. They flew over a steel beam on the ceiling then were left dangling by it kicking and squirming gaining only the sound of rattling chains as they swung back and forth for their struggles. "Lillymon! Angewomon!" Ami shouted.

Jimmy Ken laughed. "That's right! What musical marathon is complete without a disco ball?! Light em up!" The SkullMeramon who had entrapped Ami's Digimon gripped the chains making them tighten around Lillymon and Angewomon. They gasped as the air was squeezed out of them. Then blue fire came from the SkullMeramon's hands that spread through the chains he was holding before he started burning the two. They screamed in pain.

"No!" Ami shouted. "Aquilamon, help them!"

"Right!" Ami's third Digimon flew towards her chained partners.

"Heavy Metal Fire!" The SkullMeramon that had them tied up spewed a wave of blue fire snipping Aquilamon out of the air and she fell to the ground.

Ami ran up to her. "Aquilamon!"

The other SkullMeramon was holding up Agumon and Gabumon up by their heads with one hand each. The two little Digimon didn't seem distressed but rather were swinging their arms at it wildly with their claws far out of reach of it. "Put them down you big oaf!" Nokia yelled.

"BlackMetalGreymon!" Takumi shouted. His largest Digimon shot its wired claw at SkullMeramon who jumped over it and threw the two Rookies at him before powering up. "Look out!"

"Heavy Metal Fire!" It spat blue fire. BlackMetalGreymon grabbed Agumon and Gabumon before turning around taking the flame to the back.

The green Rapidmon and Takumi's third Digimon, Dorugamon was dodging swings of Boltmon's axe. "Tomahawk Stinger!" Boltmon threw its axe at them.

Rapidmon a d Dorugamon dodged it, but Takumi watched it curve behind them. "Look out behind you!"

"Huh?" Rapidmon looked behind him just before the returning axe swiped him from behind and he fell.

Dorugamon watched his friend fall. "Rapidmon!" He was then sucker punched by Boltmon.

"Guys, hang in there!" Takumi activated a HP Spray.

"Those three seem concerned over the wellbeing of their Digimon." Kiryu said.

"Could they also believe we are more than programs?" MetalGreymon Alterous Mode asked.

"Why not?" WereGarurumon Sagittarius Mode shrugged. "Kiryu and Subaru believe it."

Jimmy Ken laughed. "Call this payback for messing with me twice! You took the bull by the horns, so you're stuck for the ride now!"

"It's not over yet!" Ami shouted after healing Aquilamon who took to the skies flying towards Lillymon and Angewomon again.

"Heavy Metal Fire!" SkullMeramon fired again, but this time Ami activated a AGL Boost. Aquilamon rolled out of the way as her horns glowed red.

"Glide Horn!" She slashed through the chains freeing Lillymon and Angewomon.

"Celestial Arrow!"

"Flower Cannon!" They two shot the SkullMeramon knocking it over.

BlackMetalGreymon growled as he continued to take blue fire. "Now!" Takumi ordered.

BlackMetalGreymon flew right up to the other SkullMeramon. "Revenge Fire!" He exploded in blue flame blowing it away.

Boltmon grabbed Dorugamon and slammed him into a wall. In his other hand he held up his axe. "Go for the legs!" Takumi instructed.

"Rapid Fire!" Rapidmon shot Boltmon in the shins with missiles making him drop to his knees and let Dorugamon go.

"Commet Hammer!" The Champion Digimon slammed into Boltmon's face toppling him.

"Good! Let's keep up the momentum!" Ami said.

"Don't get cocky!" Jimmy Ken growled. He held up his hand and something in his fingers glowed. "Can you feal it?" His Digimon glowed red, and they got back up. They immediately charged back into the fray.

"Watch out!" Takumi said. "He's getting serious now!"

Boltmon swung his axe at Rapidmon who flew overhead and aimed his cannons, but Boltmon spun in a full circle and took another swing that hit him and knocked him into BlackWarGreymon. Both of Takumi's Digimon cartered into the ground. Rapidmon tried to get back up when Boltmon swung his axe down. BlackMetalGreymon tried to block it with his metal hand but was pressed against Rapidmon who tried to push back with his back on the ground. "Gah... such power..."

Agumon and Gabumon jumped at the SkullMeramon as they stampeded towards Angewomon and Lillymon but they duo batted the Rookie Digimon aside. They then shot chains from both their arms. "Blazing Iron Whip!"

One SkullMeramon tied up Lillymin from her shoulders to her hips binding her arms and wings and the other did the same to Angewomon. "Not agaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiinnnnn!" Lillymon screamed as they pulled her and Angewomon and started spinning them around in circles. Both Digimon screaming as they were swung around.

"Aquilamon!" Ami called.

"Dorugamon, help them!" Takumi added. Both Champion Digimon flew to the rescue, but the SkullMeramon whacked Lillymon and Angewomon into them.

"So, you ladies wanna dance?!" Jimmy Ken laughed. "Here's some killer moves for you! SkullMeramon, show em your jump rope skills!"

"Jump rope?" Ami asked. Lillymon and Angewomon yelped as the SkullMeramon pulled the two of them in. The fiery Digimon jumped as Lillymon and Angewomon were slammed into the ground under them and were pulled up behind them and swung overhead before they were looped down onto the floor again as they once more jumped over the girls and pulled them up behind them. Each impact with the ground earning a grunt of pain from them. "Stop that!"

Boltmon pressed harder and harder. BlackMetalGreymon groaned as he and Rapidmon were pressed further into the ground. "Crush those two already!" Jimmy Ken said. "I got a show to get on with for this adoring fans!"

Kiryu watched. "As I feared the Cyber Sleuths are no match for Jimmy Ken going all out with his strongest party. MetalGreymon. WereGarurumon. Prepare to engage."

"Roger." Kiryu's Digimon replied. MetalGreymon Alterous Mode aimed his cannon as WereGarurumon Sagittarius Mode's claws extended.

"Wait!" When Kiryu looked over his shoulder Yuugo and Fei were behind him. "Just wait and watch for a little longer."

"Yuugo?"

"Trust me. I've seen what these two can do. They will defeat Jimmy Ken." Kiryu looked at the seriousness look in Yuugo's eyes. He turned back to the battle in front of him and held up his hand. MetalGreymon Alterous Mode and WereGarurumon Sagittarius Mode lowered their weapons.

Jimmy Ken broke into maniacal laughter. "Take that you punks! It's over!"

"Not yet!" Takumi said. "Ryota went through dangerous lengths to help Sakura! After what he did, we can't let him down!"

"That's right!" Ami nodded. "We'll fight on and get to the bottom of this case like we always do! Come on guys!"

Ami's Ultimate Digimon were wincing in pain as they were swung into the ground repeatedly. But Lillymon's eyes snapped open as she and Angewomon flipped as they were pulled towards the ground and landed on their feet this time. "Sun-Crescent Kick!"

"Heel of Justice!" Angewomon and Lillymon kicked both SkullMeramon in the gut launching them forwards. Then they both spun in place on one foot repeatedly raveling the chains around them further to pull both SkullMeramon in for a spinning kick to the head. As they were launched again, Aquilamon flew in and snapped the extending lengths of the chains with her horns. As the SkullMeramon hit the ground Angewmon stood with Lillymon even with their arms and wings chained they were ready to fight. "If he wants to dance, I say we give them one to die for."

"Yeah!" Lillymon grinned. "We'll show them we can beat punks like this with both hands tied behind our backs! Literally!"

BlackMetalGreymon snapped his eyes opened as he roared lifting up Boltmon's axe then pushed it off him. As it staggered Dorugamon flew into its head knocking it down. "Alright, we're back in the game!" Takumi said.

"Guys, let me, Agumon, and Gabumon help!" Nokia said.

Takumi thought for a minute. "Okay… I think I got an idea. Agumon! Gabumon!"

Nokia's two Digimon approached. "Yeah!"

"Okay, listen up…"

"Blazing Iron Whip!" Lillymon and Angewomon where sidestepping, ducking, hopping and twirling around the SkullMeramons chains strikes in gracefully dance like motions. "Just keep moving!" Ami said.

"Hurry up and smash em!" Jimmy Ken said. "They can't dodge forever!" The SkullMeramon each flung a chain with one hand making the two jump, then used the chains in their other hands to coil them around Lillymon and Angewomon's legs making them land on their backs. "Gotchya!"

"Is that what you think?" Ami grinned. "Aquilamon!"

"Blast Ring!" Her Digimon shot red rings from her mouth that made the two SkullMeramon stagger then set her aim on Lillymon and Angewomon's legs shattering the chains on their lower bodies. She flew behind the two as they sprung to their feet. "Hold on, let me get these off your arms so you two can fight properly."

Lillymon watched the SkullMeramon shake their heads as they recovered. "No need." She grinned. "It's just like I said."

Angewomon and Lillymon dashed right in front of the tall Digimon and jumped. "Raise Your Spirits!" Angewomon did a flip with a kick on the face of one of them.

"Flower Cutter!" Lillymon also spun kicking the other in the process. Both SkullMeramon were flung into the air before they landed on their backs in defeat. "We can beat punks like these…"

"With your hands literally ties behind your backs!" Ami winked. "Nice dance!"

Boltmon swung at Rapidmon and Dorugamon as they flew around it. "Meteor Fall!" BlackMetalGreymon shot it in the face while it was distracted.

"Thunder Fall!" Rapidmon zapped it.

"Tomahawk Stinger!" Boltmon threw the axe again.

"Rapidmon, dodge!" Takumi said. His Digimon moved out of the way of the axe and watched it boomerang before evading it again. "Now!"

"Pepper Breath!"

"Blue Blaster!" Nokia's two Digimon shot fire in Boltmon's face blinding it temporarily as his axe returned and slammed into him.

"BlackMetalGreymon, bind it's legs!" Takumi ordered. His Digimon shot his wired claw again and it anchored itself right next to Boltmon's feet. He then spun around it repeatedly tying up its legs in the wire. "Dorugamon!"

"Power Metal!" Dorugamon shot a cannonball into it's face knocking it down.

"Now! Hit him with all you got!"

"Giga Destroyer!" BlackMetalGreymon shot two missiles from his chest.

Rapidmon spread his arms and a green line of light connected from his hands to his feet. "Golden Triangle!" A laser fired down on Boltmon blasting it as well. Boltmon tried to lift itself off the floor but collapsed flat on his back.

"We did it!" Takumi grinned.

"Excellent!" Gabumon cheered.

"This is what real friends are like, Nokia." Agumon smiled. Their partner nodded.

Kiryu watched with Yuugo and Fei. "Told you." Yuugo smiled.

"I'll be damned. I admit, I underestimated those two." Kiryu said. "They don't battle using hacking skills and programs, but rather tactics and determination. I didn't think those small Digimon the girl brought would be of use this battle, but Takumi found a way to turn the tide with them. And the way they treat their Digimon..." Kiryu grinned. Takumi and Ami were celebrating their victory with their Digimon until Lillymon complained that she and Angewomon were still tied up it chains that were starting to chafe and make her arms fall asleep. BlackMetalGreymon told them it was their own fault for being carless while pointing out that Lillymon insisted on staying chained up when Aquilamon offered to free them to show off resulting in Lillymon shouting at him until Takumi and Ami broke them up and Aquilamon ripped the chains off her and Angewomon. Lillymon stretched her arms. "What fascinating individuals these Cyber Sleuth are. I'm starting to see why you developed such an interest in them Yuuko. It's a pity they did not accept your invitation to join Zaxon. We could have benefited greatly from talent like that."

"Indeed."

Subaru walked up to them. "Keisuke and Ryuji wrapped things up on their end. Still... this K guy might be a bigger issue then we thought."

"Yeah?" Fei asked. "How so?"

"You-know-who is you-know-who, duhhh! Little Miss Rie!"

The group looked at Jimmy Ken in as much shock as Takumi, Ami and Nokia. "Rie… surly he doesn't mean Rie Kishibi?!" Kiryu said.

"That can't be!" Subaru gasped. "What does Kamishiro Enterprise-

"Kiryu, Subaru, stay here." Yuugo said. "Come on Fei, it's time to clean up our mess."

"With pleasure." Fei walked with him towards Jimmy Ken.

"After we wrapped up that mess, we discussed what happened in a private meeting." Kiryu explained.

"What? K can control Digimon without being there?" Kiryu gasped.

"Are you certain Subaru?" Yuugo asked.

The boy nodded. "Their attacks were far too organized for them to be acting on their own. This K truly is an enigma. But what does he want? His mask and attire would suggest he's one of the Demons. But the fact that he left before Jimmy Ken's battle started implies, he didn't care what happened to the leader..."

"Hmm... perhaps he was just using him." Kiryu suggested.

"Using him?" Yuugo asked.

"You said it yourself. Jimmy Ken is a celebrity. It would be easy for someone like him to gather members for the Demons. And now that he's gone their remaining members will be confused and lost. Desperate for leadership to know what to do next. So, this would be a perfect time for K to insert himself as their leader and take over the group."

"I see..."

"Of course this is all just speculation. He could be planning something else all together. Still, we can't afford to leave him be. Subaru and I can trace his footsteps and-

"No." Yuugo replied. "Leave K be for now."

"What?"

"From what Subaru reported his only interest is Keisuke. He's no immediate threat to EDEN."

"Are you kidding me?!" Kiryu skeptically asked. "If we ignore someone capable of what K just did who knows what he'll do next! Think about it Yuugo. If we brought the hammer down on Jimmy Ken sooner the Cyber Sleuths wouldn't have to step in to deal with what was our responsibility and all those people he summoned wouldn't be In the hospital right now! I told you this could happen if you ignore threats like this!"

"I'll admit, I underestimated him and his connections." Yuugo replied. "And that is why I won't risk carelessness with K. If we go to war with him there could be consequences we can't afford to take. Besides you said yourself you're not certain he will take command of what's left of the Demons. If he's just a lone hacker, then skilled or not he's not a threat worth our time."

"And if he becomes one some day? If he does pull a stunt that creates more victims in EDEN? And speaking of Jimmy Ken's connections… was he really involved in Kamishiro? You don't seem too surprised about it…How much do you really know about this Yuugo?"

"Give it a rest Kiryu." Fei said. "Yuugo said to leave him be and that's final. One would think the grandson of a soldier would know better then to question orders."

Something about that made Kiryu's blood boil. "You're one to talk. Didn't Yuugo have to pull on your leash more then once just to get you to stop attacking Nokia today? Perhaps you can tell us what the hell you were thinking at the time? She was just a bystander in this who was nowhere near your level, and you chose to attack her?!"

"I got a little heated, no big deal."

"No big deal?! That was exactly what those hackers from back then did to me and Subaru when we first met our Digimon! I thought Zaxon was better then this! Better then picking on the weak! If Yuugo wasn't there that day, would you have attacked us as well?!"

"Listen here chump don't make me-

"That's enough from both of you!" Yuugo snapped.

"R-right. Sorry…" Fei quickly backed off. Kiryu just growled as he stood down.

"I understand your concern." Yuugo said looking back to Kiryu. "I promise if K does prove dangerous to us, then Kamishiro or not we WILL deal with him when the time is right just as we did Jimmy Ken. But we need to assess the situation proper, or we could be putting everyone in Zaxon at risk."

"Kiryu, I agree with Yuugo." Subaru said. "Let's just take this calmly for now."

Kiryu let out a deep breath. "...Very well."

"That was the first time Kiryu and I got into an argument." Yuuko said. "Looking back... he was right. Jimmy Ken was my responsibility. I shouldn't have let you and Ami deal with him. And K was far more dangerous than any other hacker we encountered. If I had kept a keener eye on him..."

"Even if you did, he wouldn't have been caught so easily." Takumi replied. "Besides, Sakura is our friend. And Ryota entrusted us with her rescue. We had to step in."

"...In any case..."

"Sabaru and I developed a keen interest in you and the Cyber Sleuths after that Keisuke." Kiryu said.

"Why?"

"You like us treated Digimon like living beings. So, we decided to test how strong your bond was with them. We caught wind of your little mission to sneak into Cyber Crimes network and followed you there. Subaru and I then snuck past you and Ryuji to your target where he set up a little surprise..."

Subaru stood in front of a floating rectangle above a terminal while he worked on his Digivice. Kiryu checked his. "Hurry! They'll be here any second now!"

"Almost done." Subaru replied. The rectangle started glowing. "There! Still... Hudie is a hacker team that sides with justice... why are they hacking the police now?"

"I'm sure they have their reasons. Maybe they're trying to get potential info on K. But that has nothing to do with us. Anyway, let's make this quick."

"Right! Agunimon, Lobomon, you know what to do, right?"

The two Digimon nodded. "We'll put up a convincing fight."

"I'm counting on you two. Just act like you're part of the security system. I'll pull you out the moment it looks rough." Subaru watched his two Digimon get sucked into the rectangle before it disappeared.

Kiryu looked behind him as the warp pad they came in through started to glow. "It's them! Stealth Hide, now!"

"On it!" Subaru and Kiryu turned themselves invisible then started running towards the far end of the room just as Ryuji and Keisuke appeared with Wormmon, Cyberdramon, MegaKabuterimon, Volcanomon, and MegaSeadramon.

They approached the terminal. "This is the connection area…" Ryuji said. "Where's the pass from Erika?"

"I've got it." Wormmon replied. "Sending it now."

Ryuji started working on the terminal. While he and Keisuke were having a casual conversation Kiryu and Subaru watched. "Okay, they're accessing the terminal, and it looks like they're not suspecting anything." Kiryu said.

"Now then… let's see how this plays out." Subaru grinned.

They watched Ryuji and Keisuke react to something alarming. "…What's this?" Ryuji glared.

Then there was a bright flash and Agunimon and Lobomon appeared in front of them. "It's a security program!" Wormmon gaped. "It was hidden in the data!"

"I can't move from here!" Ryuji said as he continued working. "Keisuke, go!"

"Right!"

"Attack Charge Field!" Agunimon roared as he and Lobomon glowed.

"Speed Charge Field!" Lobomon added to that, and they started moving.

"Hydro Water!" MetalSeadramon attacked. Lobomon and Agunimon dodged as they closed in. The Warrior of Flame punched Volcanomon in the gut, then he jumped aside as Lobomon swiped him with one of his swords. MegaKabuterimon flew straight at Lobomon with his horn out. Lobomon blocked it with his weapons.

Lobomon pushed the beetle back then spun his blades. "Zwei Sieger!" He slashed in a X shape knocking him over.

Agunimon threw a series of punches that Volcanomon blocked before surprising him with a few kicks to the torso then he threw a punch into Volcmaon's face. "Acceleration Boost!" He glowed then uppercutted Volcanomon into the air.

"Heaven's Thunder!" MegaSeadramon struck both of them with lightning. He then swung his tail at them. He hit Agunimon, but Lobomon jumped over it.

"Heavy Strike!" He spun and kicked MegaSeadramon in the face. MegaKabuterimon and Volcanomon rose up behind him ready to attack.

"Meteor Fall!" Agunimon blasted them with a fire attack.

"Ugh! These guys are tough!" Keisuke scowled. "MegaSeadramon, you take the red one! Volcanomon, take the blue one! MegaKabuterimon, provide cover fire!"

"Right!" MegaKabuterimon flew up high. MegaSeadramon bit at Agunimon who jumped back. Volcanomon blocked Lobomon's Zwei Seiger with his microphone. "Rune Forrest!" Both warriors were hit by a green explosion.

Subaru grinned. "He's good… let's see how he handles my Breath of Valor program!"

"Gaia Element!" MegaKabuterimon shot another green burst. Agunimon and Lobomon dogged it with incredible swiftness leaving blue afterimages as they leapt up to MegaKabuterimon. "What the?!" Both of them attacked knocking him out of the sky.

When they landed MegaSeadramon and Volcanomon tried to attack them but again they moved around the attacks and countered. Agunimon pounded his fists together and they burst into flames. "Pyro Punch!" He threw a fire ball at MegaSeadramon and Volcanomon each.

"Guys, hang on!" Keisuke put on his visor and used some healing items. "We'll get through this together!"

'He really cares about his Digimon.' Lobomon thought looking at Keisuke. 'I wonder…' He turned around and aimed the cannon on his forearm at Wormmon.

"Eeek!" The small Digimon panicked.

"Wormmon!" Keisuke ran in front of the small Digimon ready to shield him. Part of him was scared of what would happen when Lobomon fired right at him. But the Digimon simply smiled.

"They're open!" MegaKabuterimon said. "Get em!" He rammed his horn into the duo shoving them.

"Mach Rush!" Volcanomon slammed into them.

"Hydro Water!" MegaSeadramon blasted them knocking them over.

"Surround them and finish them off!" Keisuke shouted.

His Digimon moved into position. "Chain Plus!" Volcanomon yelled as he and his allies glowed. He then took out his mic. "Big Bang Voice!"

"Horn Buster!"

"Lightning Javelin!"

Attacks closed in on Agunimon and Lobomon from all sides resulting in an explosion. Keisuke watched it settle down. His targets were gone. "That took care of them."

Wormmon sighed in relief. "That was a surprise… The security was hidden in the data itself."

Subaru and Kiryu watched their reaction. "I don't think they noticed." Kiryu said.

Subaru looked at his Digivice. "Are you two alright?""We're fine." Agunimon said."That was close." Lobomon added. "That guy is something else..."Subaru smiled looking up at Keisuke. "Yeah. That Wormmon wasn't even one of his, yet he still helped him out. He cares for all Digimon. Not just his own.""Well, we should go now." Kiryu said. "Can't let anyone notice we're here.""Right." Subaru opened a blue gateway that he and Kiryu exited.

"I still can't believe you guys were there the whole time..." Hudiemon said. "All just to test Keisuke's kindness towards Digimon?"

"If a hacker treats Digimon with care, then he won't do anything bad with them." Kiryu said. "What we saw was enough for us to trust him."

"Then you must have trusted Nokia's group, right?" Himari said. "They showed more care for Digimon then anyone."

"At the time... I suppose we did." Kiryu replied. "An activist group that fights for Digimon... who shared our beliefs? How could we not be interested? We thought people like that would also limit crimes in EDEN. Yuuko on the other hand..."

"You can't be serious."

"When am I ever not serious Kiryu?"

"You want us to spy on the Rebels?" Subaru asked. "Why? They all seem like good people! All they want to do is protect Digimon!"

"Perhaps." Yuugo replied. "But that girl... Nokia... she's ambitious... perhaps a little too ambitious... if her ambition leads to her targeting every team that uses Digimon she could be a threat to Zaxon."

"The Rebels stopping hackers from using Digimon can lead to less cybercrime here!" Kiryu objected. "You so willingly ignore things like the DigiMarket and K yet you go out of your way to target a team that act on virtue over a hunch?!"

"K is one person." Yuugo said. "The Rebels on the other hand grow in number every day. They're the more immediate threat."

"And therefore it's foolish to antagonize them! We both want what's best for EDEN, we should be cooperating with them, not preparing for war!"

"How do you know they'll be willing to do so? We also use Digimon in the way they despise. You'd gamble the fate of Zaxon on a guess?"

"How do YOU know that they wouldn't cooperate and be a threat to Zaxon? You're just guessing too!"

"I don't like your tone with Yuugo Kiryu!" Fei glared.

"You got a problem with that? Give me your best shot."

Yuugo stepped between them. "Fei, Kiryu, both of you calm down a little. I don't want to fight Nokia anymore than you do Kiryu. But if we ignore them as a threat, it could be what puts Zaxon in their line of fire. And just because they fight for Digimon doesn't mean they won't harm EDEN. If we're going to fix EDEN, we have to make sure we're the top players here. Besides, my goal is to unite all hackers under my leadership. Nokia's activities will get in the way of that. That's how I'll win this battle for a better world."

Kiryu raised an eyebrow. "How YOU'LL win?"

For the first time of Kiryu knowing him Yuugo gave a flustered response realizing his poor choice of words. "I-I mean how WE'LL win."

"Sure you did."

"Do we really have to do this though?" Subaru asked. "Shouldn't we at least send an envoy to the Rebels and at least confirm their intentions or if they want to fight us?"

"Gee boys, ya sound like you don't want to fight these guys." Fei said. "It wouldn't happen to be because they also treat their Digimon like people, do you?"

"What if I said yes?" Kiryu asked.

"I knew it. You two plan on dropping out to join that frumpy brat and her heart bleeding squad aren't you?"

"How dare you."

"Kiryu, Subaru, both of you have done so much for Zaxon. If you want to leave, I won't try to stop you. You've already helped a great deal." Yuugo said.

Kiryu folded his arms. "If I didn't know any better Yuugo, I'd say you sounded eager to be rid of us."

"I'm not. Losing you two would be a major blow to Zaxon. But if you did want to join the Rebels, that's your choice. But that would also mean there's a chance we will become enemies. Can you accept that?"

Kiryu gritted his teeth. "...Nokia may support Digimon... but it was you who saved me and Subaru that day."Subaru nodded. "Yeah... we promised to repay you and that's what we're gonna do."

"Good call." Fei grinned.

"Just so we're clear I am not asking you two to keep tabs on the Rebels so we can attack them. We will only make a move against them if it is out of retaliation." Yuugo said. "I just want us to be ready if they try something against us."

Kiryu clenched his fist. "...Very well."

"That's right. I remember you asked me and Ami to try to put a stop to Nokia's Rebel activities because you thought she would get in the way of your goals." Takumi said. "But you didn't really think she would be a threat to you, do you Yuuko?"

"I had hoped not. But she was ambitious and rapidly gaining support." Yuuko replied. "I had to be ready for anything. In any case Kiryu's trust in me started to waver more ever since that conversation. We ended up disagreeing more frequently...and then..."

"...and then Yuuko made the foolish decision that crossed the line between arrogance and selfish stupidity."

The others stared at Kiryu. "What decision?" Apollomon asked.

Keisuke looked at him. "You mean..."

"Under Zero?!" Kiryu and Subaru gasped.

"That's right." Yuugo nodded. "That is where EDEN began. If we can take it, we can rebuild EDEN from the beginning. We can make it impossible for anyone to use it selfishly ever again. Maybe we can even save all those suffering EDEN Syndrome."

"Yuugo think this through!" Kiryu said. "This is the goddamn Valhalla Server we're talking about!"

"Heh. What's the matter Kiryu?" Fei smirked. "You scared?"

"Even Jude, the legendary undefeated hacker team couldn't get through there!" Subaru said. "And they were way stronger than we are!"

"Are they?" Yuugo asked. "They didn't have Digimon back then."

"And you think that's enough to kick this hornet nest like we're all invincible or something!?" Kiryu asked. "What happened to ensuring the safety of Zaxon!? If we go through with this somebody is going to get hurt! What if Digimon aren't enough?!"

Yuugo closed his eyes. "The situation has changed. All those victims from that EDEN preview event... all those innocent people suffering due to EDEN... I can't let these things slide. Enough is enough. We have to put a stop to the suffering caused here. The only option is to take over EDEN itself. We'll use Under Zero to wrest control of it from Kamishiro Enterprise. Once I become the ruler of EDEN, I'll eliminate all those who use it for their selfish desires. Then I can rebuild it into a place where everyone can be safe, and happy. A world of freedom...and if Zaxon needs to take a risk to make that happen... then so be it."

"Everyone can be safe and happy..." Subaru murmured.

A low chuckle caught their attention. "Heh, heh... so that's how it is..." Kiryu laughed. "I see now."

Yuugo smiled. "I knew you'd understand."

"I understand perfectly. I should have seen it sooner. The "ruler of EDEN". That was your goal from the beginning! Not freedom or justice! You didn't want us to spy on the Rebels because you thought them a threat to EDEN or Zaxon! They were a threat to YOU! It's the same as with the DigiMarket! Hudie destroying it proves it was not dangerous to do so! You just couldn't be bothered! Same with K! If he was targeting Keisuke then what's it mater to you, right?! As long as you can have your way with EDEN then nothing matters!"

"K-Kiryu!" Subaru started shaking.

Fei glared at the Kiryu. "Listen you little prick-

"All this time we were fighting for a lie!" Kiryu shouted glaring at Yuugo. "You've been using us EDEN and Digimon for yourself and your ego! You're a personification of what you promised Zaxon would stand against! Now you're willing to risk everyone just so you can make yourself King?!"

"I do not wish to rule to control people." Yuugo said. "I will protect the people in EDEN, not abuse them. I won't bring the hammer down on all hackers. Just the guilty among them."

"And who would the "guilty" include Yuugo?! The Rebels?!"

"If necessary, yes. In the EDEN I create those who wish to live freely will get to do so. Those who threaten that freedom will be punished."

"Listen to yourself! How can there be freedom in EDEN if it's under your heel!?"

"Say what you want Kiryu. My mind is made up. Now are you with me or not?"

Kiryu's hand squeezed into a fist. "There is one thing you said that I can agree with Yuugo. Enough...is enough. I've had it with you and your arrogance. I quit."

"Brother!" Subaru gasped.

Yuugo frowned. "That is unfortunate. We could have used your help. But if you don't want to take the risk, then I won't stop you."

Kiryu turned around. "Come on Subaru. We're leaving." He started walking towards the exit but didn't hear footsteps behind him. He stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Subaru!"

The young boy stood there. "…I'm staying."

"What?!"

"I'm going to Under Zero with Yuugo."

Yuugo smiled. "Subaru...""Heh. At least one of you has got guts." Fei grinned.

Kiryu stormed back to his brother. "Subaru, do you know what you're saying?! That place is rumored to be hell itself in EDEN! Most of the hackers of Jude who went down there went insane from fear! You don't even know what you're risking!"

"I know what's in for us if we succeed. That's enough for me.""Subaru, this is insane! That place is too dangerous! I won't let-

"STOP TELLING ME WHAT TO DO!" Subaru shouted. "YOU'RE NOT MY DAD KIRYU!" Kiryu, Yuugo and Fei were all shocked into silence from the normally quiet boy's outburst. "...I'm going to make EDEN a better place for everyone. Just like we said we would."

Kiryu's shocked expression shifted into a blank one. "Don't come crying to me when this all goes to hell." He turned around and advanced towards the exit again.

He stopped again. This time when Yuugo grabbed his shoulder. "You shouldn't speak to your younger brother like that. Apologize."

Kiryu shook Yuugo's hand off as he turned around gripping him by the coat then punched him in the face so hard, he fell to the ground yelping. Subaru gasped in horror. "Yuugo!" Fei shouted before glaring at Kiryu. "You...!"

"Stand down Fei." Yuugo said from his back."But-

"Don't refuse those who come and don't chase those who leave. As the figureheads of Zaxon, we above all else must abide to our rules."

"I don't give a damn for you or your rules." Kiryu glared. "But don't you dare tell me how to be a brother. You just use people around you like chess pieces. What would you know about family?" He waited for a reply. But Yuugo just stayed there on his back. "Hmph." Kiryu took off his Zaxon coat and threw it on top of Yuugo. He stormed over to the warp panel and disappeared.

"That marked the end of my time with Zaxon." Kiryu said.

"Wow..." Takuto murmured.

"Since that day Subaru and I stopped speaking to each other. Our father was naturally worried, but after all this time we had no intention of telling him about our... secret lives. Looking back... I should have told him what was happening... maybe he could have stopped Subaru. But I was afraid of the rift between us growing. Soon Yuugo made his egotistic announcement to EDEN, and then..."

Yuuko sighed. "...You saw what happened."

Kiryu and stood in front of a hospital bed. His face petrified with horror. In front of him his father was on his knees holding the patient's hand. "Subaru..." the older man whimpered. Kiryu's eyes were glued to Subaru's sleeping face half covered by a CPAP mask. His eyes shook and his face paled. He let out a heart wracking scream that echoed through the room.

Still not done talking about Kiryu's past with Zaxon. One more chapter and we should be ready to move on with the present.