Yuuko was helping with sorting through reports for Zaxon's Pride and Sleuth's Will with Mercerymon. She and Zero had yet to come to an agreement on their next move, and Gankoomon suggested they take time to think as it would be logical to wait for Takumi to recover before taking action. She sighed to herself as she finished. "If we don't act, we'll never save Ami and Darcmon. I get that he doesn't want to put everyone in danger, but can't he see we're sitting ducks here?"

Samudramon shook his head. "Ever since this war started, we lost many valuable allies. Zero is still haunted by that Under Zero incident. He takes those losses very seriously."

"…I know. I feel the same."

Samudramon sighed. "As do I."

Yuuko was lost in thought to herself but yelped at the sound of a bang in the distance. Alarms blared shortly after that. She stood up and looked around. "What's going on?!"

Mercerymon growled. "An attack?!"

Yuuko's Digivice beeped and she picked it up. "It's me." Zero said. "We have a problem. It seems the Next Order has finally found us."

"How large is the attack force?"

"It looks like a small strike team. But there could be more. What's really concerning though it three of the Digimon spotted on their side."

"Who are they?" Yuuko asked. She gasped as Zero replied. "What…? That…that can't be! Are you positive it's them?!"

Samudramon looked at her. "Yuuko? What's wrong?"

Yuuko hung up and turned to her. "Samudramon, we're going out there now!" She then turned to Mercerymon. "Mercerymon I want you to go to the infirmary and have Socerimon do something for me."

"What is it?"

Takuto was walking deeper into the mysterious fog. "Shiki?! Shiki are you there?! Answer me, please!"

Storm looked around. "My radar is being interfered with. Is it because of this fog?"

Takuto groaned. Then he looked up and gasped. "Wait! Over there!" Someone could be seen up ahead. It was Shiki with her hands chained above her head. "Shiki!" A whip hit the girl in the back making her scream. "SHIKI!" Takuto ran over to her but the moment he got close, she disappeared. "What?!"

"A mirage?" Nova asked. "What's going on?"

Takuto looked around as he heard more screaming. Behind him he saw his siter get electrocuted. In front of him he saw her getting held up by her neck choking her. All around he saw various images of his sister being tortured. "No…!" Takuto dropped to his knees. "Stop!" He held his head in his hands as Shiki's screaming got louder. "STOP IT!"

UlforceVeedramon, Himari, Kouta, Mameo and Shoma arrived to Backlog Mire. "Here it is." the knight said.

"What's with this fog?" Kouta asked. "Is it always like this?"

"This area usually indeed has fog." UlforceVeedramon said looking around. "But something isn't right. It's far thicker than normal. And something in it feels…off."

"I don't like the sound of that." Himari said.

"Yeah, I think it's best that we don't stick around any longer than we have to." Mameo said. "Let's find Takuto and get out of here as fast as possible. Might be best to split up. Cover more ground."

"Agreed." UlforceVeedramon nodded. "I can handle myself. The rest of you split into two groups. Call out if you find anything." He flew on ahead.

Mameo looked at the others. "Shoma and I will take off. Himari, you and Kouta look elsewhere."

"Okay. Be careful." Himari said as they left.

"Hurry, up, I think he's starting to stir!" Socerimon said.

"Frankly, I'm surprised all the alarms and shouting didn't wake him up sooner." Sistermon Blanc said.

Sistermon Ceil was tying a knot. "Okay, done!"

Takumi groaned at all the noise as he regained consciousness. "Uhh…What's going on? What's all the racket?" His head ached slightly so he reached to rub it, only to feel a tug on his wrist when he tried to move his arm. "What the…?" He looked to his right. His right wrist was tied with a rope that was tied to the corner of his bed. He looked to his left. His other wrist was tied to the other corner of the bedframe. "What the hell is-?!" He tried to move his legs but when he looked down, he found out his ankles were tied to the lower corners. "What's the big idea?!"

"Hey." Sistermon Ceil waved.

Takumi looked to the left to see the sisters with Socerimon, Mercerymon and Takumi's Digimon. "Guys, what's going on?!"

Sistermon Blanc bowed her head. "I'm sorry!"

Takumi grunted and tried to pull his limbs free from the corners of the bed he was tied to. "Why did you do this?!"

"Apologies." Mercerymon said. "Yuuko's orders."

"Yuuko? Why did she-

"She knew if you found out we were under attack, you'd try to sneak out again." Socerimon said. "We cannot let you strain yourself any further."

Takumi groaned. "Okay, so I tried to leave once but isn't this a little- The gears in his head shifted. "Wait, what? We're under attack?"

"It seems to be a small attack force. But we don't know the full extent of the danger yet." Rapidmon said. "Yuuko is about to head out with Jesmon to intercept. Them before they can get too close to here."

"What?!" Takumi pulled harder on the ropes. "Let me out of this!"

"We cannot." Mercerymon said. "You are in no condition to take part of a battle. Stay here. If things get out of hand, we will be evacuating this base. We'll come for you and the rest of the injured then. If you'll excuse me, I must go join the rest of my unit." He bowed before leaving the infirmary.

Takumi looked at his Digimon. "Guys…"

"Sorry Takumi." Dorugoramon said. "But we will protect you by any means necessary. Even if you think less of us for it."

"Give Yuuko some credit, she's strong." BlackWarGreymon said. "And we've spared with Mercerymon's team, they can handle a small attack force."

"And it's like we said before." Rapidmon Armor added. "You can count on others. Just believe."

"Something tells me I don't have much of a choice here." Takumi sighed and lied back down. "Alright…I'll put my faith in the others. Just tell Yuuko to be careful."

"Aww!" Sistermon Ceil walked over and patted Takumi on the head. "How sweet! You're just as worried for your little girlfriend as you are your sister!"

"Wha-!" Takumi was just as uncomfortable about that comment as he was being tied to a bed as he was being patted on the head. "She's not my-

"Oh, of course, of course, just waiting for the big moment to confess to each other!" Ceil giggled pinching Takumi's cheek while his Digimon burst into laughter. "But really, there' no need to be shy! Love is a beautiful thing!"

"Ceil, we should go meet Jesmon before the others leave." Blanc said.

"I know, I know." Ceil smiled as she put the covers back over Takumi. "Get well soon Takumi! Don't worry about a thing, we got this!" She and Blanc took off.

Takumi sighed and laid his head down. "Yuuko…be careful."

"Shiki…no…" Takuto was trudging forward. His sister's screams and the images shown to him were tearing him apart. He soon fell to his knees.

Nova and Storm were at his side. "Takuto, pull yourself together!" Nova said. "I don't know what it is you're seeing, but it isn't real!"

"This is bad…" Storm growled. "Takuto's mental state won't last much longer at this rate!" He then sensed something. "Wait, what's that?!"

"What's wrong?"

"Someone's there! Hold on… I know these wavelengths…"

Takuto heard footsteps and looked up. Two figures were seen in the fog. "Who…?" One was a giant bird, the other had a cape. The two of them slowly approached.

Nova gasped as they came into view. "No way…! This isn't another illusion, is it?"

A Phoenixmon and a Rosemon stepped into view. Takuto stood back up. "…Skyla…?! Gaia…?!"

Shiki's Digimon stood before them. "Thank goodness you two are alright!" Nova said. "We hadn't a clue what happened to you after you perused K!"

"It'd good to have you back." Storm said. "K is in this place somewhere. If we can find him, we can make him tell us where Shiki is. Let's hunt for him together."

Takuto smiled. "Yeah! With us together we'll have Shiki back in no time! Come on." He turned around to walk another way. Gaia and Skyla followed him.

Storm almost turned around to follow when he noticed Gaia lift up her whip. "Wha- Takuto!" He dove into his tamer just before the whip came down narrowly getting him out of the way in time.

Takuto grunted as he looked up. "Ow! Storm, what are you- He then saw Skyla open her mouth and it glowed gold. "Ah!"

"Heat Breath!"

Nova jumped in and blocked the flames with his Brave Shield. "Skyla! Gaia! What the hell are you doing!?" A purple aura glowed around the two as they approached. "Wait…this is…!"

Storm gapped. "This dark power…it feels just like what happened to Yukimura and Rikka that one time! Which means…!"

Takuto looked at the purple glow in shock. "Gaia…Skyla…not you too…!"

"But how is this even possible?!" Nova asked. "Don't tell me… is he in this world too?!"

After exiting the cave, a platoon led by Yuuko and Samudramon along with Jesmon, the two Sistermon, and the ten Legendary Warriors started marching through a canyon. "Alright, we'll break off here." Yuuko said. "Agunimon, we'll give you a signal if we need your team. Until then you're the last line of defense if something slips past us."

"Understood." Agunimon bowed. "Good luck."

The rest of the unit proceeded. "Yuuko…are you certain it's them?" Jesmon asked.

"That's what Zero told me." Yuuko replied. "But it doesn't make sense. Why would they off all people…"

"If it is them, this could be our chance to find out what's happening to Ami." Samudramon said. He then looked up. "I'm sensing Digimon ahead."

"Can you tell if…?"

"I can sense them. They're here alright. But something feels…off."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Ceil asked.

"I feel something…dark."

A small army of Digimon started to advance towards them. Taking the lead was a Climbmon. "So, you've come."

"The Next Order has no business here." Jesmon said. "Turn back."

"I'll be the judge of that traitor. And judging by the human there, I'm assuming this is indeed the location of a Resistance hideout. We will be seizing it today."

Samudramon held his swords forward. "Not as long as we draw breath." Yuuko said.

The Climbmon chuckled. "Figured you'd say that. Fortunately, we're prepared." The troops stepped aside for three Digimon to approach.

Yuuko shuddered. "So, it really is you."

Rosemon Burst Mode, Ophanimon and Kuzuhamon stood before them. "Ami's Digimon…" Samudramon growled. "Why are you three with the enemy?!" None of them responded. "Can you not hear me?! Answer me!"

"A waste of breath my friend." Climbmon said. "Thanks to the Director's invention, they now only respond to our commander. He'll be giving orders from a distance while taking notes of the results for the king."

"How cowardly…" GrapLeomon growled.

Brother Sorrow held his Digivice while watching from a cliff above. "I can't say I'm too proud of this. Especially since our men will be fighting while I'm safe over here. But such are my orders… A soldier's top priority is his orders." He made some inputs.

Purple aura glowed around Ami's Digimon as they roared. "What the hell is that?!" Minervamon asked.

"I sense something ominous!" Jesmon said. "Someone did something to them!"

The three started to approach. "Guys, what do we do?!" Blanc asked. "They're coming this way!"

"We fight back." Yuuko replied.

"Wait, what?" a BlackGatomon asked. "Aren't these your friend's partners? You sure you're fine with that?"

"Don't worry. We don't have to destroy them. We just have to stop them."

"Assuming they'll stand down before they're destroyed." Pidemon muttered.

"Either way, we have to protect this place." Samudramon said.

Sistermon Ceil and Blanc nodded to each other. The two posed. "Yuuko! The two of us will back you up!" Ceil said.

"Your sincere and passionate feelings…we'll respond to them with our full power!" Blanc added.

They glowed blue and pink and transformed. A shining symbol appeared behind them as they Digivolved. Both looked like grown women with their animal hoods pulled over their eyes. Yuuko shielded her eyes from the glow. "What is…?"

"Amazing!" a Gwappamon gasped. "I had no idea those two held this much power!"

"Sistermon Ceil Awake and Sistermon Blanc Awake, huh?" Jesmon said.

The twins stood at the sides of Samudramon. "We got your back Yuuko." Blanc Awake said.

"Let's knock some sense into your friends and take them back from the Next Order." Ceil Awake added.

Yuuko looked at them in awe before snapping out of it. "Alright."

Climbmon pointed forward. "All troops let the three take the human! Eliminate the rest!" His remaining Digimon all charged.

"Push them back!" Jesmon ordered. "Don't let a single one through!"

"Holy Light!" Ophanimon shot a shining orb at Samudramon.

"Gaia Element!" Rosemon threw an emerald orb.

Samudramon held up his blades in a cross to block the attack. "Protect Wave." Blanc's trident landed in front of him and shielded him with a barrier. Yuuko watched the trident fly back to its owner's hand. "Don't space out we have a fight to win!" Blanc roared and charged at Kuzuhamon who blocked with her staff.

"Um...right." Yuuko muttered.

Ceil grinned. "Don't worry about Blanc she's always like this when she transforms." She held her dual guns at Ophanimon. "Fury Fire!" Two powerful bullets flew at her. Ophanimon blocked with her shield, but they exploded blowing her away.

"Divine Peirce!" Blanc fired a golden beam at Kuzuhamon who spun her staff to block it, but she was pushed and landed on her back.

Rosemon Burst Mode swung a whip at Samudramon who stepped back. He then deflected the other with his sword. "Will O' Whisp Slash!" He sent two trails of blue fire at her. Rosemon leaned away from one then the other. She then swung her whip so hard one of Samudramon's blades flew out of his hands. She charged at him holding both whips like swords and swung wildly. Samudramon blocked each hit.

Jesmon stabbed a Dinorexmon then blocked an attack from a Grademon with his fiery orbs and struck it down. He then noticed Samudramon struggling to keep Rosemon Burst Mode back. "Samudramon!" He started making his way towards them while striking enemies down.

"JESMON!" The knight looked up and jumped away as Kinkakumon and Ginkakumon landed. "I've been waiting for this!"

"Hmm? And just who are you?"

"The nerve! You dare think you can forget me?! After you storm into my territory, humiliate me and make off with my pray?!"

Jesmon folded his arms. "You expect me to remember every lowlife I had to put in their place?"

"You upset my dear sister Kinkakumon!" Ginkakumon roared. "I'll make you pay for that with your life Royal Knight or not!"

Sistermon Ceil was dodging beams from Ophanimon's javelin while listening in. "Hey Jesmon, I think the cranky lady is the one you scared off when we found Takumi and Yuuko."

"What did you say?!" Kinkakumon glared.

Jesmon's eyes expanded with realization. "Ah, right. That arrogant welp that I chased off with minimal effort. Do you honestly think you can defeat me after such a crushing loss now?"

"Ha! Once you see our combined power, you'll be begging for mercy you bastard!" Genkakumon boasted.

"Bring it on. I'll take both of you at the same time."

Kinkakumon looked at her brother with a smirk. "He has no idea." Ginkakumon laughed. He roared and glowed with electricity before the glass on his body opened up. Kinkakumon jumped inside before it closed up. As Ginkakumon howled, fire and electricity surged from his body.

"What in the world…?"

"Behold! This is the true power of the Gold and Silver Ogre Siblings! Ginkakumon Promote!"

Jesmon got into a fighting stance as a swarm of Ogremon and Goblimon joined in. "Interesting. Show me your power!"

Blanc's Trident was deflected by Kuzuhamon's staff who then kicked her in the torso. Ceil fired at Ophanimon who blocked with her shield that she rammed into her face. Yuuko cringed as Rosemon Burst Mode knocked Samudramon back. "They fight almost as well as they do if Ami were commanding them! What lunacy is this?!"

Takumi's mouth was agape back in the infirmary. "Are you serious?!"

"I'm afraid so." Socerimon said. "That's why Yuuko felt it was necessary to restrain you to prevent you from leaving."

"Why are Ami's Digimon with the Next Order?!"

"I wish I knew." Rapidmon Armor replied.

"Did something happen to her?!"

"Takumi, take it easy!" Dorugoramon said. Takumi took a deep breath. "There's no proof of anything yet. All we know is that someone either brainwashed or forced Ami's partners to fight against us."

"Maybe they're forcing them to attack us by threatening Ami's life." BlackWarGreymon suggested.

"In any case, I must make sure we are ready to evacuate if the time comes for it." Socerimon bowed. "If you'll excuse me." He turned around and left the infirmary.

Takumi stared at the ceiling quietly for a bit. His Digimon could only stand around and watch uncomfortably until their partner called to them. "Hey, guys?"

"Hmm? What is it Takumi?" Rapidmon Armor asked.

"I need you to do something for me."

"As long as it doesn't involve untying you from that bed." Dorugoramon replied.

Takumi laughed. "Yeah. I figured. Don't worry, I know if I go out there in this condition, I'm just going to get in the way."

"Good. Then what is it?"

"Thorn Whip!" Gaia's whip slashed at Storm who barley jumped out of the way in time. She swung the whip on her other arm, striking him.

"Starlight Explosion!" Skyla unleashed a burst of golden lights at Nova who blocked with his shield but was pushed to the ground.

"Come on, snap out of it you two!" Takuto begged.

"It's no use Takuto!" Nova said getting up. "We have to fight back or-

"NO! These two are Shiki's best friends! We can't hurt them!"

"Takuto!"

"Venom Disaster!" Gaia blew a green smog at both of Takuto's Digimon weakening them.

"Thunderstorm!" Skyla zapped both of them with a blast of lightning. Both of them fell.

"Nova! Storm!"

Shiki's Digimon set their gaze on Takuto next. "T-Takuto! Run!" Nova shouted.

"Judgment!" Skyla fired a golden ray at him. But at the last moment a Gallantmon appeared and blocked the attack with his shield.

"Y-Yukimura!?" Takuto gasped.

Rikka flew in next to him. "Are you okay Takuto?"

"Takuto!" Himari ran over with Kouta close behind.

Takuto turned around. "Himari! Kouta!"

"Looks like we got here just in time." Kouta said. "Wait…is that Skyla and Gaia?! What happened to them?!"

"They just showed up and attacked us." Nova replied.

"Wait…" Rikka stared at them. "This dark energy…I've felt it before…"

"I think it's what was done to you two at one point." Storm replied.

Himari gasped. "What? Wait you mean when-But how is that even possible?!"

"We'll figure that out later!" Kouta said. "Come on, we gotta stop those two!"

"No!" Takuto yelled. "We can't-

"Takuto, get a grip!" Himari scolded. "If we don't do anything, they'll be trapped like that forever! Do you think Shiki would want her partners to stay like that?" Takuto fell silent. "Besides, it's not like we have to eliminate them, we just need to stop them! Like you did for Rikka and Yukimura last time! Think of Nova and Storm! The more you hesitate the more they'll get hurt!"

Takuto looked at his tired Digimon. "…You're right. Nothing good will come from just standing around." Takuto took out two Super Recovery Discs and gave them to his Digimon. "Alright guys, let's do this!"

"That's the spirit!" Nova said.

"Time to take our friends back!" Storm added.

"Holy Light!" Ophanimon summoned a golden burst Sistermon Ceil knocking her back.

The moment Ceil got back on her feet a bunch of Ogremon surrounded her. "Silent Bullet!" Ceil fired shots in a wild flurry blasting each and every one of them then finished with a shot on Ophanimon.

"Hell Crusher!" Kuzuhamon swung her staff and a dark wave knocked down Blanc. She jumped at her to stab her with the staff.

"Devine Peirce!" Blanc pointed her Trident at her and blasted her with a ray while she was in mid jump. She sprung to her feet and went straight to the offensive.

Rosemon burst Mode jumped over a fireball from Samudramon and kicked him in the face knocking him to the ground. Yuuko noticed her glancing at her allies who were struggling with the Sistermon. "Blanc! Ceil, watch out!"

The two of them looked over their shoulders as Rosemon turned around and shot her whips at them tying them both up. "Ack! Hey! No fair!" Blanc shouted as she and her sister struggled.

Ophanimon held up her Javelin. "Eden's Javelin!" She fired a shining burst from the tip at Ceil knocking her over.

"Taizoukai Mandala!" Kazuhamon slammed her staff onto the ground and a magic burst engulfed Blanc. Both evolved Sistermon were on the floor.

Samudramon rushed at Rosemon while her back was turned but she was onto him. With one whip swing his remaining sword was flung out of his hand. She then coiled one around one of his wrists and another around his neck. He grasped the one on his neck with his free hand as he started choking. "Samudramon!" Yuuko yelled.

Samudramon dropped to his knees as Rosemon squeezed harder. But then a knee flew into her face making her stumble back. Then a foot kicked her in the side of the head knocking her into a wall. The whips released their hold and Samudramon gasped for air. "Are you alright Samudramon?"

The Digimon gasped. "R-Rapidmon?!"

"Comet Hammer!" Dorugoramon slammed his fist at Ophanimon who blocked it with her shield but slid back on her feet. BlackWarGreymon charged at Kazuhamon who jumped back before the clawed gauntlets slammed into the ground.

Yuuko looked at the Digimon in shock. "Takumi?! Why are you- She looked around, but their tamer was nowhere to be seen. "Huh?"

"Don't worry Yuuko." Rapidmon said. "It's just us. Takumi is still resting in the infirmary."

"What? But then why are you here?"

"Takumi sent us." Dorugoramon replied before looking at the opponents. "So, it's true. Rosemon and her team are with the enemy."

Samudramon picked up his blades. "It sounds like someone is controlling them."

"That makes sense." Dorugoramon replied. "There's no way they'd ever willingly betray us."

"Then we must subdue them and undo what has been done to them." Rapidmon Armor replied. "Yuuko! The three of us are yours to command!"

"What? Are you sure?"

"Of course. We trust Takumi. And Takumi trusts you. He said to follow your lead."

Yuuko smiled. "Thank you, Takumi. I won't let you down." She stood tall. "Alright, Rapidmon you and Samudramon will take Rosemon!" She then looked at the two Sistermons. "Blanc! Ceil! You two switch targets! That way you won't be at a type disadvantage!"

"Got it!" Ceil cartwheeled over to face Kuzuhamon. Blanc flipped into the air and landed in front of Ophanimon.

"BlackWarGreymon, you help Ceil! Dorugoramon, you back up Blanc!"

"Roger!" They all sprung into action.

"Divine Peirce!" Blanc shot another beam at Ophanimon who blocked with her shield then shot a laser of her own.

"Eden's Javelin!"

Dorugoramon flew in and caught the light with his bare hands. He then slammed his palms together. "Doru Djin!" He made a shockwave that blew her back. "Attack Charge Field!" He powered up himself and Blanc.

Ceil started bouncing all around Kuzuhamon while firing bullets. "Silent Bullet!"

Kuzuhamon endured the hits before predicting where Ceil was going to jump next. "Nightmare!" She blasted her with a purple sphere then swung her staff at her.

"Guard Charge Field!" BlackWarGreymon buffed his and Ceil's defenses just before the blow. Kuzuhamon turned to him and started swinging her staff at him. He paired with his gauntlets before finding his opening and charging into her. "Mach Rush!"

"Shinning Laser!" Rapidmon Armor fired blasts at Rosemon Burst Mode who dodged them before swinging her whips. Rapidmon evaded the strikes before taking the offensive again by firing missiles. "Rapid Fire!"

"Jewel of Heart!" Rosemon Burst Mode's pink gems intercepted all of them making a smokescreen.

All as Yuuko planned. "Now Samudramon!"

Yuuko's Digimon leapt through the smoke. "Will O' Whisp Slash!" He swiped at Rosmeon twice.

Rosmeon screamed and winced in pain before backing up towards her allies. "Final Aura!" In a flash she and her fellow Digimon healed completely.

"Rosemon's healing abilities are as strong as ever." Rapidmon said. "This will be tricky."

"Maybe…" Yuuko said. "But I think I have an idea."

Gaia and Skyla panted heavily before they straightened up and roared as they charged again. They chased Rikka and Storm into the sky while Gaia ran towards Nova and Yukimura. "Hang in there, guys!" Kouta shouted.

"Hurricane!" Skyla unleashed a cyclone on Storm and Rikka.

"Bio Field!" Gaia breathed poison at Gaia and Yukimura.

"Spin Attack!" Yukimura spun like a top blowing it away.

"Burning Heart!" Nova glowed as his attack power rose. "Mach Jab!" He charged into Gaia.

"Aurora Freeze!" The sky changed as Storm summoned a blizzard that slowed Skyla down making her attack stop.

"Saint Ray!" Rikka fired a burst of light into her knocking her out of the sky.

"Starlight Explosion!" Skyla unleashed a hail of stars. Storm and Rikka swiftly flew around all of them as they approached. Once they got close, they cut loose.

"Garuru Tomahawk!" Storm shot a missile that exploded on Skyla.

"Fire Tornado!" Rikka shot a spiraling flame that sent Skyla impacting to the ground.

"Thorn Whip!" Gaia's whip glowed pink as she shot it towards Nova who moved his head out of the way before it could hit him and grabbed it.

He swung Gaia around and slammed her into the ground then pulled her towards him while his hand glowed gold. "War Driver!" He slammed down on Gaia flinging her into the air.

Yukimura appeared above her. "Lightning Joust!" He thrusted lightning into her knocking her down into Skyla.

Storm and Rikka assembled with Nova and Yukimura on the ground as Skyla and Gaia rose back up. "Crimson Flare!" Skyla sent a red blaze at them.

"Forbidden Temptation!" Rosemon's body turned pink and fired off a red wave alongside it.

"Time to go all out!" Himari said.

Kouta nodded. "Right! Break out all the stops!"

"Okay!" Takuto replied.

"Shield of the Just!" The triangles on Yukimura's shield glowed one by one before the shield shot a holy light at the incoming attacks.

"Dragon Fire!" Rikka shot bolts of holy lightning.

"Freezing Breath!" Storm blew a fridged laser at them.

"Tera Force!" Nova threw an orb of flame at them. The attacks collided but being up against double the force Skyla and Gaia's attacks were slowly being pushed back. In the fog, K watched carefully. He then pulled up a menu and buffed the two Digimon. Their attacks started gaining ground.

"Don't give up guys!" Takuto said. He pressed his Digivice. "With all of us together we won't fail!"

"Right!" Himari and Kouta went to their Digivices as well.

"Skyla, Gaia, remember your bond with Shiki!" Takuto shouted. "OPEN YOUR EYES AND COME BACK TO US!"

"OVERCLOCK!" The three of them slammed their palms onto the screens and their Digimon glowed red. Their combined attacks pushed through and hit Skyla and Gaia before exploding. As the two were engulfed they stared at the four Digimon battling them and their tamers. Memories of each of them with Shiki flooded into their minds. They saw an image of Shiki turning around to smile at them before their vision was enveloped in white. When the smoke cleared both of them were on the ground and the dark aura erupted out of their bodies before leaving them.

"Skyla! Gaia!" Takuto hurried over to the two of them with the others following suit. He kneeled down and gently put a hand on Skyla's head as Himari lifted Gaia's head off the floor. "Are you two alright?!"

"Can you hear me?" Himari asked. "Say something!"

Skyla groaned as she started to stir. "Be careful." Yukimura warned. "They might attack again."

The Phoenixmon opened her eyes. "No, wait!" Rikka said. "I think that worked!"

Gaia grunted. "…Himari…?"

"Takuto…" Skyla muttered.

"You remember us!" Takuto smiled. "Are you okay?"

"I'm so sorry…I can't believe we attacked you…"

"It's not your fault. Don't worry about it." Kouta replied.

"That dark power I sensed in you…" Nova said. "Wasn't that what happened to Yukimura and Rikka?"

Gaia gasped. "That's right! I remember now! After we chased K into that portal, we were ambushed by that freak and captured!"

"You don't mean…" Storm growled.

"Yes…it was him." Skyla replied. "I know that menacing face all too well."

"The Malevolent Fist." Takuto growled. "What about Shiki, is she okay?"

"Yes…I can still feel our bond with her." Skyla replied.

"Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!" Everyone heard laughter and clapping and looked behind them. K stepped out of the fog. "Well done! Very well done!"

"K!" Takuto yelled. "Did you do this to Skyla and Gaia?!"

"Oh, no, this was the handiwork of your old friend. He just let me control these two so I could gauge your strength. And you put on quite a show. You're even more powerful than he said you were! You might be even stronger then…" K put a hand on his mask and cackled. He slowly took it off showing his face. "Oh, but you are a fascinating one Takuto. And that was without the Omegamon. It was well worth kidnapping Shiki to get you here."

"Where's Shiki?! You said you'd tell me where she is!"

K held up his hands defensively. "Sheesh, no need to get so angry. I know what I promised you, and I plan on honoring it." K held up a hand and a monitor appeared. He pressed something and Takuma's Digivice glowed. He looked at it and opened an email. "There. I sent you directions to a laboratory not far from here. Shiki's there."

Kouta glared at him. "How do we know you're not lying about that?"

K smirked. "You don't know. But do you really have any other option?" They all gritted their teeth at him. "Come find me there Takuto. If you can defeat me, you can have Shiki back."

"Fine by me." Takuto said. "I beat you before and my partners have gotten a new power since then! Not even Leviamon and Lilithmon stand a chance against us no- He was interrupted by more laughter. "What's so funny?"

"That's cute. You think Lilithmon and Leviamon are the strongest Digimon I have?" K held up three fingers. "I have three other Digimon who are far more powerful than the two of them combined."

"Three other Digimon?" Himari asked.

"If that's true, why didn't you use them back in Flotia?" Storm asked.

"Because I wanted to make sure I had a Tamer worthy of my time. And now I think I've found one."

Takuto clenched his fists. "You've gotta be kidding me…You attacked Flotia…disturbed the peace we fought so hard to form in our world…and even kidnapped Shiki just so you could fight someone "worthy of your time"?! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

K grinned. "I suggest you hurry straight to the lab Takuto. I'll be passing my time waiting for you by tormenting Shiki as much as I can." K put his mask back on.

Takuto glared daggers. "You…!"

Himari looked at him uneasily. He never saw him so angry before. "Takuto…"

K pressed another button on his screen. "See you soon."

"Wait!" Takuto ran at him just as he vanished. "Damn it!"

"There he is! Himari and Kouta found him!" UlforceVeedramon's shout got their attention, as he flew in. Shoma and Mameo appeared shortly after.

"Shoma! Mameo! You're both okay!" Takuto smiled with a sense of relief.

"Heh. Same to you it seems." Shoma replied. "But that should come as no surprise."

Mameo looked at the downed Digimon. "Wait, is that...Skyla and Gaia?!"

"They were both being controlled." Himari replied. "By that Dark Bond that was used on us before."

"What?!"

"Dark Bond?" UlforceVeedramon asked. "What's that?"

"But... how is that possible?" Shoma muttered. "No… You don't think...?"

"It sounds like our missing troublemaker slipped into this world somehow." Kouta said. "He must have joined up with the Next Order."

"That might explain why Flotia was attacked by them." Noir said.

"But wait, if they were infected with the Dark Bond that proves Shiki is alive!" File said.

"Makes sense." Mameo nodded. "It still requires their bond with Shiki to work."

"Oh, that's right!" Himari said. "K was here! And he told us where Shiki is being held!"

"Really?!" Shoma asked. "Where?!"

Takuto showed everyone his Digivice. Mameo put a hand on his chin. "That's not too far from here. UlforceVeedramon, do you know what's in that area?"

"Just an abandoned laboratory. From the looks of things, the Next Order brought it back up for something."

"Hold on a minute." Noir said. "This seems a little too convenient."

"He's right. Why would K just give us this info? This may be a trap." Yukimura replied.

"Maybe, but I'm still going." Takuto replied. "K said every second I waste is going to be him torturing Shiki."

"Takuto, I understand you want to save Shiki." Mameo said. "But don't you think you're acting just a little too careless? Think about Skyla and Gaia."

Everyone looked at Shiki's injured Digimon. "Oh yeah..." Kouta muttered. We really did a number on them. We should take them back to the city to heal up."

Takuto looked at them sadly. "But I...I..."

"Takuto..."

"Skyla?"

"Please...Go to Shiki...help her."

"She's scared and alone." Gaia muttered. "You have to save her..."

Takuto put on a determined face and nodded. "Alright."

Mameo sighed. "Takuto... I know you well enough to tell when you won't be stopped. Alright, but be careful. And promise me you'll bail out if it gets messy in there Shiki or no Shiki."

"Okay." Takuto turned to Himari. "Himari…thanks for earlier. I was so scared about hurting my sister's partners I didn't even consider how badly my own were getting hurt. You snapped me out of it."

Himari blushed a bit. "Oh, well, I mean…that's just what friends do, right?"

"Well, I promise you I won't hesitate anymore. If K or anyone else stands in my way, I'll take em down full force!"

UlforceVeedramon hoisted Skyla over his shoulder while Noir picked up Gaia. "We'll take these two back to the city to heal and then gather our forces. We'll join you as soon as we can. So don't do anything rash."

"Maybe I should go with you." Shoma suggested.

"Don't worry about me Shoma." Takuto grinned. "You guys just hurry and get Keisuke and the others. Otherwise by the time they arrive I'll have already done everything!"

"Heh. Can't have that happening again now, can we?" Mameo chuckled. "Alright. We'll get moving."

"Don't you dare lose to that jerk K." Himari smiled. "You can do this!"

"And we won't be far behind!" Kouta added. "We'll pay him back in full for the damage he did to the city we did so much to build and protect."

Takuto smiled. "Yeah. We'll all go home together and victorious. I'll see you guys soon."

"Good luck kid." Mameo said.

"Be sure to save Shiki." Shoma added.

Takuto nodded before facing his Digimon. "Ready to go guys?"

Nova nodded. "Of course."

"You're our partner." Storm added. "Wherever you go, the two of us will follow!"

"Alright." Takuto smiled to his friends. "Well guys…See you soon." He ran off with his Digimon following.

"Are you certain this is fine?" UlforceVeedramon asked as they watched him leave.

"This is the hero of our world we're talking about." Himari replied. "Trust me, he'll be alright."

"In the meantime, we better go back and tell the others what happened here." Mameo said.

"Understood." UlforceVeedramon nodded and used a Home Gate teleporting them.

Ophanimon jumped into the air dodging Dorugoramon's claws. She aimed her javelin at him but had to hold up her shield instead to block as Blanc jumped up and thrusted her trident. Blanc then roundhouse kicked the shield out of Ophanimon's hand and trusted rapidly with her trident. Ophanimon blocked with her javelin then Blanc backed away as Dorugoramon came charging in again. "Wolkenapalm!" He slammed the javelin right out of Ophanimon's hands, and it stabbed into the ground behind her.

Ophanimon backed up and held up her hands. "Sefirot Crystal!" Ten rainbow gems formed between them, and she threw them at Dorugoramon.

"Acceleration Boost!" Dorugoramon glowed red as the attack came towards him.

As they got close Blanc came in front of him. "Protect Wave!" She summoned another powerful barrier stopping Ophanimon's attack. She smirked as she lowered the shield once Dorugoramon was ready.

"Brave Metal!" Cloaked in flame he rammed into Ophanimon and slammed into the ground dragging her across it before setting off an explosion.

"Fury Fire!" Ceil shot two powerful bullets at Kuzuhamon. She blocked them and charged swinging her staff at Ceil, but she leaned back and as it swept over her. She then kicked it out of her hands as she flipped backwards gracefully. Ceil grinned and jumped back behind BlackWarGreymon. "All yours, big guy!"

BlackWarGreymon held his hands close together and gathered green light. "War Blaster!" He thrusted his arms forward and green energy bullets pelted Kuzuhamon that exploded and knocked her to the ground.

Rapidmon Armor and Samudramon panted along with their opponent, Rosemon Burst Mode. "Even with the two of us this won't be easy." Rapidmon said.

"True." Samudramon replied. "She's stronger than me and has a type advantage over you. And then there's her healing skills."

"Maybe, but I noticed something watching her." Yuuko said. "She leaves herself open the moment she's about to heal. That's our best chance to finish her."

"Sounds like we need to put on the pressure. Sadly at this point, I'm running on fumes."

"Then we win not through brawn." Yuuko said. "But through wits and teamwork."

Rapidmon Armor smirked. "Heh. You sound just like Takumi."

Yuuko smiled back. "If that's true, then I don't think I need to tell you what to do."

"No. You don't."

Samudramon rushed at Rosmeon. "Aguichant Lèvres!" Rosmeon blew a kiss and pink hearts fired lasers at him.

"Speed Charge Field!" Rapidmon chanted and Samudramon leapt to the side with greater speed avoiding the attack and continued his advance. Rosemon flung a whip at him. "Rapid Fire!" Rapidmon deflected it with a missile. Samudramon roared as he slashed Rosemon repeatedly with his swords burning with blue flame. After getting knocked back Rosemon rushed at him, but he moved aside as Rapidmon Armor took aim. "Shining Laser!" He blasted Rosemon with rays of light. Then he charged at her with one hand glowing gold. "Saint Knuckle!"

"Wolkenapalm!" Samudramon's fist glowed red as they both punched Rosmoen in the torso, making her roll across the ground. She slowly got up and crossed her arms to use Final Aura.

"NOW!" Yuuko ordered.

Samudramon held his twin blades up together making them one. "Rinkageki!" It glowed blue and he pointed it at Rosemon firing a blast of blue light.

"Golder Triangle!" Rapidmon shot a golden beam alongside it. Rosemon Burst Mode was engulfed in the combined attack and sent back to the ground in between the Ophanimon and Kazuhamon who laid there as well.

Ceil stared at them. "Are they…?"

"No. We held back to make sure they'd survive." Rapidmon Armor replied. "We would never take the lives of our friends."

Yuuko smiled. "Now who sounds just like Takumi? When I was assimilated by an Eater, he chose to rather risk his life to save me rather than finish me off."

Ceil smirked. "Wow. Your knight in shining armor, huh? Sounds romantic."

Yuuko glared at her with a mad blush. "Must you make fun of me at every opportunity?! Even on the battlefield?!"

The others laughed until Dorugoramon noticed purple smoke coming out of Ami's Digimon. "Uh, guys?"

Everyone watched it dissipate. "What the hell was that?" BlackWarGreymon asked.

Rosemon groaned while on the ground. Rapidmon Armor flew over to her. "Rosemon? You in there?"

Rosemon slowly looked up. "…Rapidmon?"

Dorugoramon snapped his fingers in front of Ophanimon. "Hey, can you hear me?"

Ophanimon sat up rubbing her head. "What just happened?"

Kuzuhamon woke up when BlackWarGreymon nudged her. "Where am I?"

"Are you three alright?" Yuuko asked approaching Rosemon.

"Yuuko?" Rosemon gasped. "What's going on?"

"Looks like you three are back to normal." Sistermon Ceil smiled.

"But what was that strange energy?" Rapidmon asked.

"HRAAAAH!" Jesmon spun in place blowing the remaining Ogremon away. "There. Now for the big- He turned around but Ginkakumon Promote was no longer in sight. "What? Where did-

Ginkakumon appeared behind him. "Got you Royal Knight!"

"Taste our combined fury!" Kinkakumon's body burned with a fiery aura.

"Hiden Kibakauha!" Ginkakumon Promote shot a wave of fire and electricity at him from behind.

Everyone looked at him. "Jesmon!" Rapidmon shouted.

BlackWarGreymon was about to rush to his aid, but Ceil grabbed his arm. "Don't worry, he'll be fine."

"Ha! Serves you right, you certain!" Kinkakumon boasted. "Now you know what it means to invoke my rage!"

"Indeed." Jesmon replied as the smoke cleared. He had his arms folded behind the barrier formed by his trio of lance-wielding fireballs. "For a Champion level, that was a remarkable attack. Were I still Hackmon, I might not have survived that."

Ginkakumon stepped back. "W-what…?!"

Kinkakumon shuddered. "Im…impossible…!"

Ceil grinned. "See? Master Gankoomon trained him. He won't go down that easily."

The barrier faded. "The power of your sibling bonds was a sight to behold. It would be a shame for it to end here." Jesmon said. "I will give you one last chance to leave and change your ways."

Kinkakumon growled. "I will not be mocked by you any further! Ginkakumon!" Her brother roared as they charged at Jesmon.

Jesmon sighed. "Unfortunate." He flew at them. "Judgment of the Blade!" After passing through each other both of them stopped. Ginkakumon was the first to turn around and rush at Jesmon from behind before he and Kinkakumon fell apart before disappearing. "May you be reborn as more noble siblings."

"Trump Sword!" Pidemon threw his swords into Climbmon finishing him off. The remaining enemies retreated. "We're in the clear."

"Phew! That was rough." GrapLeomon sighed.

Blanc started where Kinkakumon and Ginkakumon vanish. "They both fought side-by-side until the very end…"

Ceil nodded. "Yeah…That's what siblings do. They be there for each other. That's why Takumi is so desperate to find Ami. Because without her, he's missing a part of himself. If something like that happened to you Blanc…I don't know what I'd do."

"Sis…"

Yuuko looked down. "I know that pain."

Rosemon gasped. "That's right! Ami!" She grunted and tried to get up.

"Rosemon, don't move!" Jesmon said. "You're injured."

"We know where Ami is!" Ophanimon said. "That laboratory!"

"The one north of here, we know." Yuuko replied. "Don't worry, we plan on going there."

"I'm afraid that won't be happening." A voice alerted everyone, and they looked up to see BlitzGreymon hovering above. Brother Sorrow was on his shoulder folding his arms. "Because you won't be leaving here alive."

Jesmon glared. "You…!"

"That's…the human that defeated Gankoomon!" BlackWarGreymon gasped.

Rapidmon Armor sensed something on his radar. "Guys, we got another wave of hostiles incoming!"

Jesmon cringed. "Is it as large as the last one?"

"It's bigger. Much bigger."

"Ceil, send the signal for our reserves!"

"Right!" Sistermon Ceil shot a bullet into the air that exploded loudly.

Brother Sorrow scoffed. "Call in all the help you want. It won't stop me. Nothing will stop me! Time to die, witch! BlitzGreymon!"

The red Digimon aimed his shoulder cannons. "Be careful!" Yuuko said. "Here he comes!"

Rapidmon eyed the Digimon oddly. He wasn't aiming for him. Or his fellow partners. Or Jesmon. Or Samudramon. Or even the Sistermon. As the cannons started glowing, he calculated the trajectory and his eyes widened. He turned around. "YUUKO!"

Brother Sorrow glared with his eyes filled with rage. "Are you prepared to face judgment?!" He snapped his fingers.

"Thunder Vernier!" BlitzGreymon fired two golden beams. Yuuko's eyes widened as they flew directly towards her.

Now Ami and Shiki's Digimon are back. But what happened to turn them against their allies. And what of their Tamers. And will the Resistance survive Brother Sorrow's wrath? Find out next week.