Ami whipped some sweat off her forehead as she walked with her three Digimon. "Whew. That sparring match was intense."

"Yeah." Rosemon Burst Mode said. "But it was worth it. We're getting the hang of EXE."

"I'm sure it will prove potent in our campaign against the Next Order." Kuzuhamon said.

"I agree." Ami replied as she turned a corner to see someone walking towards her. "Oh, hey Keisuke!"

"Oh, hi Ami. How'd the EXE training go?"

"Shiki and her brother proved capable instructors! Takumi and I should be able to use it whenever we need to now!"

"That's great." Keisuke smiled.

"We're probably gonna need it." PileVolcamon added.

"So, where are you boys off to?" Ophanimon asked.

Keisuke's expression grew serious. "I… wanted to go talk to Fei. I bumped into Yuuko earlier and asked if she spoke to her since we got back but…"

"She hasn't seen her yet?" Ami asked.

"She's not sure what to say." MetalSeadramon replied.

"Hmm. Can't blame her." Rosemon Burst Mode said folding her arms. "No doubt this is more awkward for her then the rest of us."

"Yeah." Keisuke sighed. "Anyway, I thought I'd at least check up on Fei for her. See how she's doing."

"Good idea." Ami replied. "I can go with you if you'd like."

"Thanks."

Mameo entered the war room. Nobody else was in save for Mirei. "You wanted to talk?"

"Nobody followed you here, did they?"

"No. You asked me to come alone, so I came alone."

"Good." Mirei said. "I have something I want to run by you."

"Is it about the last Sovereign Digicore?"

"You could say that." Mirei said. "Something has been bothering me about our previous attempts to claim the last two. Not just that. Something about all our missions lately. I have no proof but… I don't think we're as safe in this city as we think we are."

Mameo eyed her carefully. "Go on…"

"Mameo… I think we…"

Fei looked up when she heard her cell door open. She saw Keisuke and Ami walk inside closing the door behind him. "Oh… it's you two." Fei looked down. "Heh. And here I dared thought it might have been Yuuko… like hell huh?"

"Yuuko does want to see you." Keisuke said sitting down in the seat across from her. "She told me as much. She just… doesn't know how to approach."

"She's always had difficulty speaking to people." Ami said standing next to him. "And this is pretty awkward for her."

Fei looked at her. "This must be a treat for you huh? You were held prisoner by me and now the tables have turned. Here to get your shots in?"

"No Fei." Ami replied. "I'm here to make sure you know that Takumi and I don't hold what happened against you."

Fei sighed. "I'll never understand you two. I kidnapped you, hurt you, humiliated you and tried to destroy your brother. How can you not resent me for it?"

"First off, the "humiliation" was from Vademon being a pervert and Lilithmon being an even bigger pervert as usual, that had nothing to do with you. In fact, none of what happened was you. I heard from Keisuke about Matadormon. Hosaka and Brother Sorrow kidnapped you so they could have the creep mess with your head. This is their fault."

"No, it's not!" Fei yelled. "I felt that desire for Yuuko's attention and my envy for your brother for having it long before my run in with those creeps! I genially wanted to be rid of Takumi to have Yuuko to myself no matter who else got hurt in the process! I don't need excuses for my feelings and their corresponding actions! I did all this! Not Matadormon. Not Brother Sorrow or Hosaka. Not the Next Order. Me!"

"Maybe you do have feelings for Yuuko that led to envy for Takumi." Ami said. "But you can't control those feelings. They're a part of you."

"And I know you'd never want to hurt someone for being close to Yuuko." Keisuke said. "I know you're not petty and only want what's best for her. Matadormon knew which buttons to push. Just like he did with Yu. It's not your fault, it's what he does."

Fei sighed. "This guy… he did to Yu what he did to me, right?"

"Yeah. In the previous reality he turned Yu into K."

"And he hacked your EDEN account leading to all kinds of grief, right? Do ya not hold what he did against you?"

"Not at all. In fact, I'm grateful. If he didn't do that I'd never end up in Hudie."

Fei stayed quiet until Ami spoke up. "You know Fei... Yuuko was really worried when you disappeared."

"Yeah, right. I was a stranger to her after reality changed."

"Maybe you didn't remember her, but she remembered you." Ami said. "When she decided to reach out to you and found out you were missing, she contacted me and Takumi and asked us and Kyoko to look for you. She said she couldn't rest easy knowing something might have happened to you."

Fei looked at Ami. "Did she…?"

"Yeah. Every time we'd meet up, she'd ask if we made any progress. And she'd always look sad when we told her we had nothing. She missed you Fei." Ami smiled. "And she worried. You mean a lot to her even now."

Fei looked down. "Yuuko…"

"It's not too late to make things right Fei." Keisuke said standing up. "Remember how Yu came back to help us in the end? You can do the same." He smiled at her. "The Fei who trained me doesn't stay down. I know you'll rise again stronger than ever."

Fei smiled slightly. She got up from her seat and gently tapped her fist against Keisuke's chest. "Kid… I think you've outgrown my tutelage. Thanks, you two…I needed to hear this. …But can I just be alone for a bit?"

"Yeah, sure." Ami replied. "Oh, just one thing I wanted to ask you."

"Yeah?"

"Hosaka mentioned he and Brother Sorrow used some kind of program to lock Alphamon in the Dark Area. Did you hear anything about it from either of them, or Lilithmon or Leviamon? We need her back."

"I heard about that." Fei said. "But I know nothing about that lock or how it works. It all happened long before they abducted me. Sorry."

Ami closed her eyes. "That's okay. We'll figure something out."

"In the meantime, I'll talk to the others in our next meeting and see if I can convince them to let you out of here and help." Keisuke said.

"I…appreciate that." Fei said turning away. Keisuke and Ami left her alone in her cell. "Heh. Nobody seems to hate me even after all I did. Weirdoes."

"Are you certain about this?" Mameo asked.

"They already have three of the four Sovereign Mameo." Mirei replied. "We can't let them get the last core. No matter what."

Mameo sighed. "…Alright. So where are we going to send a team and who will go after the real thing in the meantime?"

Ami and Keisuke were walking down the halls when they noticed Takumi talking with Yuuko, Yuugo, Arata, and Nokia. "Hi guys." Ami waved.

"Oh hey." Arata said. "I heard you were going to talk to Fei. How'd that go?"

"Is she alright?" Yuuko asked.

"I think she's getting better." Keisuke replied. "As I'm sure you expect, she still feels awful for what she did while in the Next Order. Even though it wasn't her fault."

Ami looked at Yuuko. "Yuuko, why don't you talk to her? I think she needs to hear it from you more than anyone that all is forgiven."

"I know." Yuuko replied. "I just… don't know what I'm going to tell her. Honestly, I'm afraid my emotions will go out of control and I'll blow up on her like I did Takumi that one time…"

"Yuuko." Keisuke spoke up. "As someone who has been in your situation before and knows someone who was put in Fei's I think you just really need to tell her how you feel about her, what she did really means and let her know that the past is in the past. I'm sure things will work out for the best so long as you stay gentle, but truthful and firm."

Yuuko nodded. "You're right. I'll talk to Fei as soon as I figure it out, I promise. In the meantime, there was something I wanted to discuss with all of you."

"What's that?" Ami asked.

"Keisuke… I know you're reluctant to leave this world once we're done here. You don't want to leave Digimon again… especially Hudiemon."

Keisuke frowned. "…Yeah."

"I'm sure the rest of you feel the same."

"We do." Takumi replied. "Solving cases doesn't feel the same without them."

"I know." Ami frowned. "Rosemon, Ophanimon and Kuzuhamon are family to me."

"Even though this is war and a lot of bad stuff is happening…" Nokia sighed. "I'm just happy to spend time with Omegamon again…"

"I guess our Digimon have become a part of us at this point." Arata said.

Yuuko nodded. "I feel the same. I've been thinking about it lately. Do we always need to be worlds apart? Digimon changed us all for the better. Maybe they can continue to help mankind like ours have. So, I've decided once this is over, I am going to see if there is a way to bring Digimon back into EDEN."

Everyone looked at her in surprise. "Wait, Yuuko are you serious?!" Nokia asked.

"I am."

"I do like the idea of being able to be with our Digimon all the time…" Takumi said. "But won't this lead to the same problems that happened before? Hackers will use Digimon to do nefarious things."

"And vice versa." Ami replied.

"I am aware of the dangers of this plan." Yuuko said. "Learning form our mistakes I am considering a system. For example, while previously Digimon were thrown into our world we will find a way to bring over those who willingly decide to come to EDEN. Additionally, we will not be allowing just anyone to have a Digimon in EDEN. Users will need to be tested before they are allowed. And those who receive one will need to follow a set of rules. Of course, I know no matter how hard we plan there will be strife between humans and Digimon… but is that any different from the strife we humans have with each other?"

"Well, when you put it that way…" Yuugo muttered.

"And Digimon can do so much more than hacking. They can help create programs, form new things to do in EDEN, provide education, train together, battle for enjoyment… I've already figured a few things I can open with them."

"Wow. You've put a lot of thought into this Yuuko." Arata said.

"Back when you were at Browser Forrest, I talked to Takuto about Flotia. It gave me some ideas."

"Yuuko… I just remembered something you told me and Ami." Takumi said. "How you wanted to make EDEN a place where humans connect with humans, Digimon connect with Digimon and humans connect with Digimon. After Digimon were sent back here… that became impossible."

Yuuko shook her head and smiled. "Nothing is truly impossible Takumi. You taught me that. If you dedicate yourself to something, put your heart into it, and trust your friends, anything is possible. Now not only do we have a second chance to connect and learn from Digimon, but we also have Takuto and his friends who have experience living with a Digimon civilization as humans. This war may be unfortunate. But it could also be an opportunity."

Ami smiled. "You know Yuuko… I think you got the right idea."

"Yeah!" Nokia cheered. "It's like I said before! I'll make it work out!"

"If new problems do come up, we'll solve them just as we did before." Arata grinned. "And it'll be easier this time now that we have experience."

"Father wanted EDEN to be a place where nobody felt alone." Yuugo added. "Where people can connect… if Digimon can connect with humans and each other there… that's one step closer to making his dream come true."

"Can it really be done…?" Keisuke asked. "TyrantKabuterimon… MetalSeadramon… PileVolcamon… Erika… back in our world?"

"It can." Yuuko said. "And I promise you Keisuke I will do whatever it takes to ensure that happens. After all, what happened to Erika was my fault. My actions in Under Zero led to Ryuji being possessed by Arcadiamon and Erika's assimilation by the Eaters she used to save him. I tore Hudie apart, and now I'm going to put it back together. Whatever it takes." She turned to Takumi and Ami. "And if your Digimon truly are family to you, then it's my turn to bring your family back together just like how you got my brother and father back."

"Yuuko…" Takumi smiled.

"Of course, there is still a lot that needs to be done before we can talk about a EDEN for Digimon. First, we have to stop this horrible war. Or it will never happen."

Keisuke smiled. "Yuuko… thank you. Now I'm looking forward to the end of all this."

"One more reason to stop the Next Order." Arata grinned.

"Oh, there you guys are." Takuto said as he walked over with Shiki.

"Oh hey. Were you looking for us?" Takumi asked.

"Wanna go another round?" Ami asked.

"Maybe later." Shiki replied. "Bokomon called. He said he and some of our other geniuses came up with something interesting and wanted to show us. Shoma, Kouta, Mameo, Himari, and Luche are already on their way to the lab."

"I wonder what they cooked up over there." BlackWarGreymon said. "Let's have ourselves a look see."

Terriermon Assistant, Agumon Expert, Doctor Datamon, Hudiemon, and Bokomon were assembled in the laboratory with other Digimon hard at work. Luche, Mameo, Shoma, Himari, and Kouta were waiting with them when the others arrived. "Oh, there you are!" the Terriermon said.

Takumi crouched to him with a smile. "Hey Terriermon. You fitting in well?"

"Yup! Everyone in the Resistance is super friendly! And I'm getting to learn a lot about humans and Digimon! It's way better then working with BoltBoutamon and Vademon!"

"I can imagine." Ami replied. "So, what did you guys want to show us?"

"Do you recall when I was discussing my theory on Hudiemon's nature?" Bokomon asked.

Everyone stared at him for a moment. "Oh! You mentioned something called "Biomerge"."

"Correct. It is a theory based on bonding a Digimon with a human. The result is a unique form of evolution. Now that I met Hudiemon I was curious to see if her form was indeed a Biomerge. She was kind enough to help me with confirming that. Agumon Expert and his friends offered to help as well."

"So what's the verdict?" Kouta asked.

"Well according to the research Biomerging should allow the Digimon to skip straight to Mega Level form." Agumon Expert explained. "However, judging by the amount of data Hudiemon exerts I would say she falls more in line with the Champion Level form."

"Wait, really?" Keisuke asked. "She can keep up with my Digimon at their Mega Levels no sweat."

"She is indeed powerful especially for Champion Level standards." Doctor Datamon said. "So, this is clearly no ordinary Digivolution."

"Hmm..." Ami curled her hand at her chin. "According to the story Wormmon didn't merge with Erika directly but rather her digitized consciousness. So maybe it wasn't a "complete" Biomerge?"

"Possibly." Hudiemon said. "Most of what Bokomon told me checks out. Both Erika and Wormmon exist inside me in a perfect balance. On a spiritual level. Our strengths, our thoughts, our dreams... we became one. What triggered this was our strong bond and a deep wish. That also falls in line with this Biomerge theory."

"That is interesting." Mameo said. "But what's it got to do with us?"

"We did some scans, crunched some numbers, and ran a few simulations." Terriermon Assistant said. "We think we can give you guys something similar to boost your Digimon in battle."

"You mean I can merge with Omegamon and fight with him?!" Nokia asked. "Woohoo!"

"Unfortunately no." Agumon Expert replied.

"Aww... Bummer."

"However we do think that given how strong your bonds are with your Digimon, you might be able to establish a unique link with them in battle." Hudiemon replied.

"What kind of link?" Himari asked. "Besides the one we already have?"

"We're not entirely sure." Terriermon Assistant asked. "This is just a theory based off a theory but next time you guys fight, try to connect as deeply as possible with your Digimon."

The humans looked at their partners. "Can we even connect more then we already have?" Yuuko asked.

"Well, Erika found that connection with Wormmon." Keisuke replied. "Then again they established something long beforehand due to her... condition."

"We'll have to see for ourselves next time we're in battle." Shoma replied.

"Assuming we're done here that might be sooner than you think." Mameo said. Everyone looked at him as he continued. "Mirei wanted me to gather everyone after we were finished."

"I see." Doctor Datamon said. "That is all we wished to discuss."

"I'll join you in the war room." Hudiemon said.

"Okay." Takuto nodded. "Let's go see what Mirei wants."

"Thanks for the info guys." Shiki smiled. "We'll let you know if we make any progress on your theory."

"Please do." Agumon Expert smiled. "We are always eager to learn more about humans."

The team assembled in the war room. As usual the Royal Knights in the resistance as well as Zero and Darcmon joined them as well as other Digimon like Silphymon and the Sistermon. "Good. That should be everybody." Mirei said.

"Have you found the final Digicore?" Yuugo asked.

"I believe I have." Mirei pulled up an image of a white tiger with red eyes and a blue mask. "Baihumon. The White Tiger of the West." A red marker appeared on the map. "There is some slight interference, but I believe that the Digicore is hidden here, in Cracker Field."

"Ugh..." Kentaurosmon groaned. "Why there?"

"Not your favorite place?" Mameo asked.

"It's a desolate wasteland." Justimon replied. "And it's in a constant state of thunderstorms."

"Legends say long ago the Olynpis XII did battle there and to that the storms are Jupitormon's wrath striking the world to this day." Gankoomon explained.

"Charming." Himari sighed. "Couldn't they have built any of these temples on a nice beach? Maybe a peaceful meadow?"

"Regardless of where the temple is the Next Order already has three out of four of the Sovereign Digimon cores." Takumi said. "We can't let them get this last one. We have to find and secure it no matter the cost."

Mirei adjusted her glasses. "I'm glad you agree."

Mameo adjusted his hat. "…No matter the cost."

Shoma looked at him. "Mr. Mameo? What's wrong?"

"Hmm? Nothing. Don't worry about it. Anyway, let's send Shiki, Himari, Shoma, Takumi, Nokia, Arata, Yuuko, Keisuke, Hudiemon, Kentaurosmon, UlforceVeedramon, and Jesmon will head over to Cracker Field and search for the temple."

"I can help too." Kouta volunteered.

"Same here." Takuto added.

Mameo shook his head. "I need you two and Ami to help me out in the city for a bit. Yuugo, you mind checking in on Fei later?"

"Uh, sure."

"Thank you, brother." Yuuko replied. "The rest of us should get going. There's no time to waste."

"Agreed." UlforceVeedramon nodded. "Whatever this "Project Nexus" Magnamon said Fei mentioned is we can't let it come to pass."

"Just one thing before we go." Keisuke said. "Guys… I think we should let Fei join us."

"What?" Kentaurosmon asked. "That brat that supported the Next Order? Tell me this is a joke."

"Fei is no longer under Matadormon's control." Ami said. "And she clearly regrets her actions. Why not give her a chance."

"Ami, she could be faking to deceive us." Darcmon said.

"I agree." UlforceVeedramon nodded. "It's too soon for us to trust her."

"Is it?" Silphymon asked. "My squad and I worked for the Next Order and you guys gave us a chance."

"Yeah, and Fei was just being used!" Luche said. "I was put in that spot before! That doesn't make her a bad guy! …I mean, girl!"

"Fei in her right mind would never attack innocent people." Yuuko said. "And I can vouch for her abilities as a Digimon Tamer."

"Even so…" Sistermon Ceil muttered. "I don't know about this…"

"We can discuss this later." Shoma said. "For now, we should get moving."

Shiki turned to the door. "Time to move out!"

Fei was sitting at the desk in her cell holding her Digivice. She closed her eyes recalling Keisuke's words.

"It's not too late to make things right Fei. Remember how Yu came back to help us in the end? You can do the same. The Fei who trained me doesn't stay down. I know you'll rise again stronger than ever."

Fei pocketed her Digivice and stood up. "Damn straight I don't stay down. I know what I gotta do now."

Thunder struck the dry hard ground as the party teleported to the desolate field. Cracked earth under their feet, dark clouds over their heads. "So, this is Cracker Field, huh?" Arata asked.

Nokia yelped at another boom. "We just got to this place, and I already hate it!"

"Well, according to Mirei the temple has to be around here somewhere." Shiki said. "Just gonna have to grin a bear it."

"Looks like this place is mostly open land." Keisuke said. "Finding the temple shouldn't be too hard. Unless it's underground again."

"Or invisible." Arata added.

"Yeah." Hudiemon replied. "Alright, we'll split into teams from here. Takumi, Yuuko, Jesmon, you search north. Arata, Nokia, Kentaurosmon, head east. Shiki, Shoma, Himari, look west. Keisuke, UlforceVeedramon and I will search south. If you find something send up a flare."

"Roger that." Shiki said.

Takuto, Ami, and Kouta were carrying supplies into a room. Mameo had a checklist. "We do appreciate your help." BettleGammamon said. "But we can handle this."

"Agreed." Sorcerimon nodded. "Your abilities would be better suited with Keisuke and the others."

"Yeah, I thought it was important we get the Digicore before the Next Order." Silphymon added.

"Shiki and the others will handle it." Mameo replied. He then took a look at the time on his Digivice.

"Well, we can handle storage duty just fine." Beetlemon said holding a crate. "You might as well see if someone else here needs a hand."

"Well, if you insist. Takuto, Kouta, Ami, come with me."

The three other humans in the room turned around as Mameo left. "Huh?" Takuto muttered.

"Go with you where?" Kouta asked. "H-hey, Mr. Mameo, wait up!" He, Takuto and Ami hurried after him.

The Digimon left in the room watched before turning to each other. "What was that all about?" Flamedramon asked. MetalEtemon shrugged.

Arara, Nokia, and Kentaurosmon walked further across the desolate plain. "Ugh, we've been walking for hours!" Nokia groaned. "Where can this lousy temple be?"

"It's been twenty minutes you fool." Kentaurosmon scoffed. "Quit your whining. It's only going to make this trip feel longer."

"Come on you two, the sooner we find this thing the sooner we can leave." Arata said. "So, stay focused."

Diaboromon sighed. "This team is just a ray of sunshine, huh?"

The team kept walking until the noticed Omegamon had come to a stop. "Did you not hear him?" Kentaurosmon asked. "Let's keep moving."

Omegamon's eyes sharpened. "We're not alone."

"What?" Arata asked. The group looked around.

Kentaurosmon pointed his crossbow. "There! Show yourself!"

"Hmph. Sniffed me out, did you?" A man appeared after deactivating the Stealth Hide.

"Hosaka!" Arata glared.

"You creeper, you were following us?!" Nokia asked.

"I was hoping you clowns could lead me to the Temple. But I guess I'll have to find it myself once I'm done with you." He held out his Digivice. "Lucemon! Barbramon! Showtime!" The Crown of Pride and the Crown of Greed appeared in front of him. Two Deadly Digimon emerged.

"Hmph. Two Royal Knights?" Lucemon asked. "Finally, opponents with some backbone."

Barbramon laughed. "Two of the humans are here as well I see. His Majesty will reward us handsomely for your heads."

"You two sure are bold?" Nokia said. "You got any idea who you're messing with? Akino, everyone's favorite star and Omegamon are here to show the Digital World what the Rebels can do! Oh, and we have Arata here as a bonus."

Arata rolled his eyes. "Yes. I was unfortunately volunteered to keep this dolt from running wild."

Kentaurosmon groaned before looking at him. "Is she always like this?"

"Unfortunately."

Omegamon drew his sword. "You're in over your head Hosaka. You may have Lucemon and Babramon under your command, but you are outnumbered."

"Am I?" Hosaka whistled and the ground shook. A fissure opened up and a Hydramon rose up roaring. Then a Olegmon jumped out. More and more Digimon came out.

"Flare!" Arata said. "Now!" Diaboromon shot a golden light into the air that exploded.

"Calling for help, are you?" Hosaka asked. "Better finish you off before your buddies get here!"

Kentaurosmon aimed his crossbow. "Don't get your hopes up."

As the fighting broke out Hosaka held up his Digivice. The Crown of Sloth appeared, and Belphamon Sleep Mode emerged. "Let's see if this works…"

Yuugo was walking down the hall looking at his Digivice "…So that's my idea on what Bokomon and the others are going for."

"Intriguing." HiAndromon replied. "Human emotions have proven to influence Digimon and vice versa. But it usually results in a wild outburst. Usually because the emotions of both parties are very different from each other. Meanwhile Digimon like Yuuko's, Nokia's and Arata's gained even greater and more power while maintaining their sanity. Likely due to their emotions being similar… or perhaps even identical. …So, what if their thoughts were perfectly in sync?"

"I'll run it by Yuuko and the others when they get back. But I suppose I could share my theory with Bokomon and the other researchers for now."

"Still… how does one synchronize their thoughts with another? Seems rather difficult to me."

"Well- As Yuugo and his Digimon turned the corner they spotted TiggerVespamon, Sakuyamon and Pheonixmon standing in front of the entrance to the room Fei was left in. "Oh."

TiggerVespamon noticed them. "Oh. Yuugo."

"Here to pay Fei a visit too?"

"That was the plan." Sakuyamon sighed looking at the door. "But we've just been standing here for the last couple of minutes…"

"It's been so long since we last saw Fei." Phoenixmon said. "Ever since our memories were restored, we've been yearning to see her again. But now that we finally can I guess…"

"Feeling nervous?" Yuugo asked.

"I suppose." TiggerVespamon replied. "But a lot has also happened. I'm worried we might make things awkward for her…"

"I see." Yuugo replied. "To be honest, I can relate. When I got to see Yuuko and my friends again after eight years I was overcome with a number of feelings I find hard to put into words. After being trapped in the Eaters for so long, I found normal life… overwhelming a little. But it was a happy feeling none the less. Being with my friends, going to school, spending time with my family... I came to realize how much I needed those things."

TiggerVespamon looked at him. "Is that right?"

"Agreed. Don't stress over this too much. Fei will be happy to see you and will hear what you have to say."

"How can you be so sure?" Sakuyamon asked.

"She's your friend and your partner, isn't she?"

TiggerVespamon looked at the door. "He's right. The three of us are overthinking this. Let's just tell Fei what we feel and welcome her back."

"Agreed." Phoenixmin nodded.

"I'll go with you." Yuugo said. "I've been wanting to speak to her myself.

"As you wish." TiggerVespamon entered the code for the panel next to the door. "Fei, are you- She opened the door. But the moment she looked at the desk she found it empty. "What?!"

They all hustled inside. "She's gone!" Sakuyamon gasped looking around. "How did she...?!"

"Ugh, of course." HiAndromon groaned. "Even without Digimon she's a skilled hacker. We were careless."

"We need to find her." Yuugo said. "Now." He took out his Digivice.

"Calling the others?"

"No. I got another idea. I still have the Digivice tracking program. Should be able to lock in on hers."

Mameo, Kouta, Takuto and Ami were in an elevator at the Central Tower. "Mr. Mameo, where are we going?" Kouta asked.

"Shhh. I'll fill you guys in later. For now, let's keep quiet." They stepped out and went down the hall before entering the portal room.

"If we're going somewhere shouldn't we tell the others?" Ami asked.

"Mirei knows where we're going." Mameo said as he typed into the panel. "But I'm going to need you three to trust me and keep this to yourselves, just for a bit." The portal activated. "Let's go."

"Okay." Takuto nodded. The three teens followed the English teacher into the portal.

Shortly after they left Fei ran into the room. She started typing into the pad and the portal vanished before a new one opened up. "Sorry guys. But I gotta do what I gotta do." She ran into the portal.

As Mameo's team came out of the portal Amy yelped as she was struck by cold winds and felt her feet crunch onto snow. "Yeeek!" Her hands started rubbing her body as she looked around. "Where did you send us, the Arctic?!"

"Software Tundra." Mameo replied. "We're in the far west."

"Why did you teleport us here?" Takuto asked.

"Yeah, why not some place sunny?" Ami asked. "I think I would have preferred the wasteland Arata and the others went to..."

Takuto looked at the shivering Cyber Sleuth. "Cold?"

"Not exactly dressed for this weather. What about you guys, how are you not freezing?"

"We can't feel the cold." Mameo replied. "My hat's off to Kamishiro, EDEN avatars do it all, don't they?"

Rosemon Burst Mode pulled her cape around Ami. "How's that?"

Ami huddled next to her Digimon. "Better. Thanks."

Everyone started walking. "So, what are we doing here exactly?" Kouta asked.

"We gotta find Baihumon's temple and grab his DigiCore!" File replied.

"Wait, what?" Ophanimon asked. "I thought it was in Cracker Field."

"No." Mameo replied as they traversed through the snow. "That was a fake location Mirei gave out. She detected the core here."

"She sent Shiki and the others to the wrong place on purpose?!" Storm asked. "Why would she do that?"

"I'll explain later." Mameo said. "First I want to find the temple now before the Next Order can figure out what we're up to."

"Hold on a second." Ami objected.

"Ami, it's okay." Takuto said. "I know Mameo. He wouldn't be doing this without a good reason."

"And Mirei?" Kuzuhamon asked. "It wouldn't be the first time she kept us in the dark for her own schemes and amusement."

"I promise you it's nothing like that." Mameo said. "But for now, we need to go."

"Alright." Ami replied following him. "But after this you both owe us an explanation."

"Don't worry, you'll all get one." Mameo replied. "I just hope all of you will be ready to hear it."

"Odin's Breath!" Kentaurosmon held up his shield and froze Hydramon's heads one by one.

"Transcendent Sword!" Omegamon drew his blade and shattered them all in one stroke.

"Paradise Lost Punch!" Omegamon blocked a flurry of punches from Lucemon before one punch got through to his face. "Banishing Mach Rush!"

Omegamon was knocked back before he hit back. "Saint Knuckle!" His hand glowed as he rammed it into Lucemon's face.

Hosaka looked up as thunder rumbled in the sky. He then looked at his sleeping Belphamon. The Digimon twitched. "Any minute now…"

"Twin Broadsword Boomerang!" Olgemon threw his twim weapons at Diaboromon.

"Jump!" Arata ordered.

His Digimon leapt over the attack before retaliating. "Meteor Fall!"

As Olgemon exploded, Hosaka looked at Belphamon as he started shaking. "Come on now…"

"Pandemonium Lost!"

"Dead or Alive!" Lucemon and Barbamon threw their signature attacks.

"Return fire!" Nokia shouted.

"Bifrost!"

"Supreme Cannon!"

"Catastrophe Cannon!" The Resistance Digimon shot back. They attacks exploded upon contact.

"Hmph. Still put up a good fight." Lucemon said. "No matter. This place will be your grave."

"Oh yeah?" Nokia asked. "Let's see who has the last laugh when-

A loud ringing sound brought everyone's attention to Belphamon Sleep Mode. The clock tied to its body started ringing. His body was engulfed in white. "What the hell?!" Arata grunted.

"Oh, ho!" Hosaka laughed. "At last!"

As the light died down it revealed a hulking beast with red eyes, horns, and gauntlets with massive clows. As he roared the dark blue Crown of Sloth appeared. "Who dares disturb my slumber?!"

The roar nearly pushed Arata and Nokia away. "What the hell is that?!" Arata asked.

"I knew it!" Hosaka grinned. "With the thunder, the fighting and that red-headed brat running her mouth there's no way we wouldn't wake the beast!"

Lucemon cackled. "So, you've finally awoken to your Rage Mode, Belphamon."

Belphamon stomped and looked around. He then turned around to Hosaka. "Hmm? Just who are you? What's a human doing here?"

"Now, now, Belphamon." Babramon flew over to him. "This human is our ally. Consider him our partner."

"Why do we need a human as a partner?"

"To help us deal with them." Babramon replied pointing at Nokia and the others.

Belphamon looked at them. "Royal Knights… and humans?"

"Yes. And those two humans happen to be friends of the Cyber Sleuth's who destroyed us before."

"Cyber Sleuths…!" Belphamon roared. "I will destroy you and then have my revenge on your friends!"

"Ho boy." Nokia muttered. "I feel like this just got a whole lot harder."

Belphamon's claws glowed green. "Gift of Darkness!" He flew over and slashed Kentaurosmon twice. First blow batted his shield arm away when he tried to block. The second knocked him over.

"Kentaurosmon!" Omegamon turned to his comrade.

"Omegamon, look out!" Nokia yelled.

"And now for you!" Belphamon Rage Mode flew towards the other knight next.

"Will-O'-Whisp Slash!" Two blades of white fire blazed into Belphamon knocking him down.

"Not so fast!" Takumi shouted as he and Yuuko aproached with their Digimon and Jesmon. Next was Shiki, Shoma, and Himari. Finally, Keisuke, Hudiemon and UlforceVeedramon joined them.

"About time!" Nokia said.

"UlforceVeedramon, Kentaurosmon is wounded!" Omegamon said. "Get him to safety!"

"Understood." UlforceVeedramon said flying over to his fellow knight before using a Home Gate to retreat with him.

"Looks like the tables have turned Hosaka!" Keisuke said.

"Don't be so sure." Hosaka took out his Digivice. "Plutomon! Now!"

Howling could be heard around the team. One by one Cerberumon appeared. Some of them in Werewolf Mode. Then a Digimon in black armor with silver hair and a red cape descended. "So, these are the ones who impede with justice."

"Plutomon!" Jesmon glared. "I should have known you would join Leopardmon's rebellion!"

"His majesty has brought order to this world! You magots are the rebels here!"

"You know this guy?" Shiki asked.

"He's a Digimon well known for violent outbreaks." Rapidmon Armor replied. "He claims it's all in the name of "justice" but he never spared any foe from his wrath. He never cared if innocent bystanders were ever in the line of fire either."

"Hmph. Sentiment is a weakness." Plutomon said. "And that is why I chose to follow Lord Leopardmon when he became the first of the Royal Knights to open his eyes to the truth. Evil must be destroyed. No matter the price."

"Not to interrupt, but once we floor these chumps, we got a temple to find, so what say we speed this up?" Hosaka asked. "I'm working on a tight schedule here."

"Very well." Plutomon pointed forward and his army of Cerberumon charged. Takumi and co prepared themselves for battle.

Will the team prevail against Hosaka's army? Where did Fei slip off to? And what will become of Mameo and his crew? Find out next week.