Ami and Shiki were back on their own separate beds. They were in their previous restraints instead of the DigiLatex much to their relief. But both of them were exhausted. "That…" Ami muttered burying her face in her pillow. "Was the most humiliating experience of my life."
Shiki was lying down. "Well…look on the bright side. At least Lilithmon didn't strip us before putting those weird suits on us."
"Don't give that pervert any ideas." Ami groaned. "I really want to get out of here. I want to find my Digimon…I want to find Takumi, Arata and the others."
Shiki sighed. "I know how you feel. But I'm sure we'll get out of here somehow. I know my brother and the others will find us. I'm certain of it."
Ami rolled over onto her back. "Shiki…This Dark Bond…will our Digimon recover from it?"
"Yeah. Himari and Kouta's Digimon were able to overcome it before. I'm sure ours will too."
Ami closed her eyes. "I hope so." She tried to relax. "Takumi…Arata…Nokia…Yuuko…Yuugo…Please stay safe."
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.
Rapidmon was flying towards her, but the attack had a head start on him. "Damn! I'm not going to make it in time!"
"YUUKO!" Samudramon shouted.
Yuuko braced herself for the hit, shutting her eyes and holding her arms up. But at the last second someone flew in front of her and projected a blue screen. She heard grunting and looked up. Hudiemon was in front of her trying her best to block the attack. "Who…?" The screen exploded and Hudiemon was flung into Yuuko knocking them both onto the ground.
"Erika! Yuuko!" Keisuke shouted as he flew in on TyrantKabuterimon. PileVolcamon rode on MetalSeadramon behind him.
"Keisuke!" Rapidmon gasped.
"DISASTER BLASTER." Shakkoumon fired two red beams at BlitzGreymon.
"Elec Guard!" He blocked it with a barrier.
"Justice Kick!" Justimon soared towards him with his foot out.
Brother Sorrow snapped his fingers. "Skip Frame!" In an instant CresGarurumon slammed his foot into Justimon kicking him to the ground.
Keisuke jumped off his Digimon and helped Hudiemon and Yuuko up. "Are you two okay?"
"Yeah." Hudiemon replied.
Ceil looked at Keisuke in surprise. "Hey Blanc, look who it is!"
"Yeah, it's that funny guy who helped us before!"
Keisuke looked at the Sistermons. "Oh, hey! Long time no see."
"Sister!" Yuugo shouted as HiAndromon jumped in with him on his back. He climbed down and hurried to Yuuko. "Are you alright?!"
"Yuugo? What are you doing here?" Yuuko asked.
"We'll talk later." Hudiemon said facing the enemy.
"Wait…" Yuugo saw Ami's Digimon on the ground. "Ami's Digimon!" He turned to Brother Sorrow. "Did that guy do this to them?!"
Keisuke finally noticed who they were fighting. "Wait is that Brother Sorrow?! What's he doing here!?"
"This is the guy you fought at the tower with Takuto, Keisuke?"
"Yeah! Be careful Erika! He's got strange hacking skills and a Deadly Digimon!"
Brother Sorrow looked at Hudiemon. "You're Erika Mishima?"
"What? How do you know my human name?"
Brother Sorrow sighed. "What a pain." He heard marching from behind him. "No matter. The tables are ready to turn."
Yuugo looked ahead at the army of Digimon marching towards them. "This is…!"
"Damn it!" Jesmon growled. "We can't let them through!"
Ceil and Blanc stood at Hudiemon's sides. "Well, they aren't getting past us!" Ceil said. "Let's get em!"
"Right!" Hudiemon nodded as the three of them leapt towards BlitzGreymon. "Flying Kick!" Hudiemon held her foot out as Blanc held out her trident and Ceil went for a charging knee.
"Fools." Brother Sorrow scoffed.
"Elect Guard." BlitzGreymon summoned another shield and they bounced off it. As they did the barrier faded and he held electricity in his hands. "Ripping Net!" He ensnared each of them in electric bindings and they screamed as they fell to the ground.
"Erika!" Keisuke shouted before glaring at Brother Sorrow. "You're gonna pay for that!" TyrantKabuterimon charged at him, but Brother Sorrow held up his Digivice and Creepymon flew in front of him blocking his fist before swinging him around and throwing him into MetalSeadramon. He then dove into PileVolcamon.
"This is for Master Gankoomon! Judgment of the Blade!" Jesmon flew towards BlitzGreymon.
"Beast Cyclone!" CresGarurumon jumped up and intercepted the swords with his spear.
"Spiral Sword!" HiAndromon flung a blade of light at CresGarurumon who shattered it with a swipe of his free arm.
"Stay out of my way!" Brother Sorrow yelled with his eyes glowing slightly orange.
Ceerpymon's eyes flashed orange as well. "Flame Inferno!" He unleashed a powerful blaze that hit all the Digimon around him.
With all enemies knocked down, BlitzGreymon flew up and aimed his turrets at Yuuko. "I'll send you straight to hell!" Brother Sorrow snapped his fingers.
Yuugo's eyes widened. "No! STOP!"
"Plasma Stake!" BlitzGreymon fired rapidly at Yuuko.
"Yuuko, no!" Rosemon Burst mode yelled. She tried to stand up, but her injuries made her collapse.
Yuuko braced herself again, but this time Lobomon rushed in front of her with his beams swords and deflected as many energy bullets as he could before one hit his shoulder making him drop one of his weapons. "Agh!"
"L-Lobomon?!" Yuuko gasped as the Warrior of Light dropped to one knee.
BlitzGreymon stopped firing and gasped. "What?!"
Loweemon, Beetlemon, Mercerymon, and Ranemon, ran over. "Brother, are you alright!?" the Warrior of Darkness asked.
Lobomon forced himself to his feet while holding his injured shoulder. "I'm fine. Just a minor injury."
Brother Sorrow looked at Lobomon in shock. "You…!"
"Pyro Punch!" BlitzGreymon dodged two fireballs then looked down to see Agunimon with Kumamon, Kazemon, Grumblemon and Arbormon. "That was low attacking a human who was defenseless coward!"
CresGarurumon stared at Agunimon. "Him too?"
The Next Order army led by a Baalmon approached. "Commander. We are ready to fight."
Keisuke gulped. "That's…that's a lot of Digimon."
"Get ahold of yourself!" Justimon said. "We cannot allow them to pass no matter what!"
Creepymon laughed. "You fools think you can defeat us? What a joke! You're completely outgunned! Brother Sorrow! Let's tear all of them apart! This is what you've been waiting for, isn't it?"
Baalmon looked at Brother Sorrow. "Sir, what are your orders?"
Brother Sorrow stared at Yuuko. Then at Agunimon and Lobobmon. His gaze shifted between them. He closed his eyes and breathed deep before opening them and replying. "Everyone, fall back."
Aside from BlitzGreymon and CresGarururmon everyone on both sides looked at him in shock. "…What did you say?" Creepymon asked.
"Sir?" Baalmon blinked.
Brother Sorrow put his hands in his coat pockets. "We completed our mission. This isn't worth losing more men than we already have today."
"Understood." BlitzGreymon turned around and lowered himself as he flew off for CresGarurumon to jump and grab his arm taking off with him. Baalmon put his firearm away and signaled the troops to withdraw.
"What is wrong with all of you?!" Creepymon yelled. "We have these losers right where we want them! And we're just gonna leave them be?!"
"Hey." Creepymon turned around as Keisuke punched into his palm. "I'd follow them and hull your ass out of here right now if I were you. Looks like you're the one who's currently outgunned."
Ceerpymon growled as all the Digimon in the resistance glared at him. "Don't think you maggots have won! Your deaths have merely been postponed!" He flew off after his allies.
"Hey! Get back here!" Blanc chased after him.
"Blanc, that's enough!" Yuuko said. "Don't pursue!"
"But...!"
Ceil reverted to her smaller form. "You heard her Blanc. We protected the base. The fight's over."
"Argh!" Blanc stomped on the ground. "But I'm not done yet!"
"Wow." Ranemon muttered as everyone stared uncomfortably. "Like a totally different Digimon."
HiAndromon looked at Jesmon. "Is that normal for her?"
"Sadly, yes."
"Don't worry guys, I got this." Ceil smiled and walked over to Blanc. "Hushabye, hushabye!"
Blanc gasped as Ceil sang. "Ah! That song!"
"My good student sleep!"
"A lullaby?" Yuuko asked.
"After a Long day of training, it's time to rest! Quake, blast, fire, father!"
"Oh, good." Kumamon said. "Looks like she's calming down."
"Drinking after practice! Shall I flip the table for you?"
Hudiemon noticed Keisuke and his Digimon looking away with their eyes closed. "What's with you?"
"Don't look." Keisuke cringed. "It's not going to be pretty."
"What happens to little girls who don't sleep?" Sistermon Ceil then shoved her fist right into Blanc's face knocking her to the ground. She returned to her Rookie form sound asleep with a peaceful expression. "There we go!"
Everyone stared at her awkwardly. "I'll never get used to this." Jesmon sighed.
"...What the hell was that?" Arbromon asked.
Ceil smiled. "It's Master Gankoomon's lullaby for Blanc whenever she gets too worked up!"
"Wait, *Gankoomon* sings lullabies?" Rapidmon Armor asked raising an eyebrow. "I don't believe you." he said in sync with BlackWarGreymon and Dorugoramon while squinting.
"Believe what you want, but as you can see, it never fails! Look at her, sleeping like an innocent baby!"
"I feel that doesn't have as much to do with the lullaby as it does the sucker punch to the face." Yuugo sighed.
"Yeah, *that*part I see Gankoomon doing." Dorugoramon said. "Come to think of it, we literally saw him do it when we met him and Jesmon for the first time. Remember that Jesmon?"
"I was there." Jesmon muttered uncomfortably.
Yuuko shook her head. "In any case, what are our losses?"
"We lost roughly 20% of the unit." Jesmon said. "And some are injured."
"I see..." Yuuko looked down. "Our victory came at a cost. One I'm responsible for."
Samudramon turned to her. "You did everything you could. You mustn't blame yourself."
"He's right." Yuugo said. "This is war. Losses are inevitable. All we can do is keep going until the fighting ends and such sacrifices are no longer needed. Besides. If it weren't for you, our losses today could have been far greater."
Yuuko sighed. "...I know. Thank you, Yuugo. And you too Keisuke. You saved us."
Keisuke put his hands in his pockets. "Thank Erika. She's the one who saved you."
Yuugo walked over to Lobomon. "You saved my sister too. I can't thank you enough."
Lobomon stood up as he picked up his dropped sword. "It was nothing."
Keisuke looked at him and Agunimon. "Wait… aren't they…?"
Yuuko turned to the Digimon Keisuke gestured to. "So, you're Hudiemon. Ryuji's little sister. Keisuke told me about you."
"Nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Kamishiro of Zaxon." Hudiemon smiled.
"So you heard about that."
"I also heard you arranged for me to be taken care of at the hospital free of charge. Thanks for that."
"It's the least I could do. My foolishness caused you and Hudie to suffer."
Keisuke looked around. "Hey, aren't we missing someone?"
Yuugo then took notice of Rapidmon, Dorugoramon, and BlackWarGreymon without their partner. "Wait, where's Takumi?"
"He's back at Zaxon's Pride HQ." Jesmon replied. "He got injured before we found him."
"What?! Is he okay?!"
"Socerimon is trying to heal him." Ceil replied carrying her snoozing little sister on her back. "He thinks it will take time though. He still doesn't know a lot about humans. Much less digitized humans."
"Let me look at him." Hudiemon said. "I know more about EDEN avatars and human biology than any other Digimon. With Socerimon's help I can get him back on his feet in no time."
"Really?" Yuuko smiled. "Please do!"
"I'll help however I can as well." Yuugo replied.
"Wait a minute, did you say Socerimon?" Keisuke asked.
"Yes, the same one who helped you back then." Yuuko replied. "We told him you were with us. He said he was looking forward to seeing you again."
"Let's head back then." Jesmon said. "We need to tend to our wounded and report to Master Gankoomon and Zero."
"Yeah. We need to get Ami's Digimon checked out too." Dorugoramon said as he, Rapidmon Armor, and BlackWarGreymon went over to pick up Ophanimon, Rosemon Burst Mode, and Kuzuhamon.
As everyone started heading back towards the base Agunimon and Lobomon stood in deep thought regarding the masked man. "Who was that guy?" Agunimon thought.
Lobomon was just as still. "The way he looked at me..."
"Yo, guys!" Beetlemon waved "Let's go!"
"Lobomon, we should get your wound treated." Lowemon added.
"Uh, yeah. Coming." Agunimon said as the two turned around and followed their friends.
"Darcmon was captured?!" Keisuke gasped as he and Yuuko waited in the infirmary as Hudiemon, Yuugo and Socerimon tended to Takumi while other medics examined Ami's Digimon along with others from the battle.
"I'm afraid so." Yuuko replied. "Takumi and I caught up to her when she was fighting Dynasmon and Craniamon. But then Exemon and a strange Digimon with a golden mask showed up and-
"Wait!" Everyone looked at Rosemon as she tried to sit up. "A black Digimon, with a golden mask, a hat, and four arms?"
"That's him!" Samudramon gasped. "You know him?"
"When we chased after Ami through that portal…we were attacked from behind by that Digimon…He used us for some strange experiment he called a Dark Bond. Evreything after that is still fuzzy…"
"Dark Bond…" Yuuko muttered. "I wonder if that's what that masked man used to control you…"
Hudiemon and Socerimon backed up from the sleeping Takumi. "That should do it." Hudiemon said.
Yuugo nodded. "He should be completely healed now."
"Thanks for the help." Socerimon said. "Your guidance was highly appreciated."
"I'm happy to help." Yuugo replied before looking at Takumi awkwardly. "By the way…why are his limbs tied to the corners of this bed?"
"Yuuko's idea."
Yuugo, Hudiemon and Keisuke glanced at Yuuko. "What?" the girl blinked. "It was the only way to make sure he wouldn't run off before he was fully healed."
"Oh!" Keisuke chuckled nervously. "And here I thought you were- You know what, nevermind, this conversation could get really awkward, and I feel like I'm going to get smacked by Erika again if I let it continue any further."
"Good." Hudiemon replied. "You're learning."
Yuuko blinked. "Huh? What did you think I did that for?"
Yuugo sighed. "Trust me, you don't want to know."
"Well, now that we know he'll be fine I don't think this is necessary anymore." Socerimon said as he untied Takumi's right wrist. Yuugo, Hudiemon and Keisuke undid the rest of the ropes.
"You sure are as reliable as ever Socerimon." Keisuke smiled. "Takumi said things turned out for you at the hospital."
"Yes, I was able to help many injured." Socerimon replied. "And I have you to thank for all of that Keisuke."
"Ngh…" Takumi groaned as he started to wake up.
"Oh, good timing." Socerimon said as Takumi sat up and blinked. "We just finished healing you completely. How are you feeling?"
Takumi looked at himself. All the bandages were gone and there weren't any traces of his injuries, not even any pain. "Much better. Thanks, Socerimon."
"Well, I can't take all the credit. Your friends here helped me a lot by sharing what they know about human biology and EDEN avatars."
Takumi looked to the side. "Yuugo? Keisuke!"
"Hey man." Keisuke smiled. "Glad you're still in one piece."
"Indeed." Hudiemon nodded. "Almost all of the chosen ones are accounted for now."
Takumi looked at her. "Huh? Who are you?"
"You may call me Hudiemon."
"Hudiemon?" Takumi's legs hung over the bed before he looked at Keisuke. "Keisuke, is this…?"
Keisuke nodded. "Erika Mishima. My friend from Hudie."
"So, you're the human who became a Digimon." Takumi smiled. "Keisuke told all of us about you. I'm glad you two were able to find each other again."
"Thanks."
Takumi got off of the bed and grabbed his goggles and shirt. "When did you guys get here?"
"Just now, during that attack." Yuugo replied.
"Evreything is alright now." Yuuko said. "Thanks to you sending your Digimon to help me that is."
After putting his shirt and Digivice back on he looked at Rapidmon, BlackWarGreymon, and Dorugoramon. "Thanks guys."
"Don't mention it." Dorugoramon replied. "Things got dicey when that masked man showed up, but it all worked out."
"Masked man?" Takumi gasped as he came to a realization. "Was K here?!"
"No, not him." Yuuko replied. "The other one Omegamon spoke of. The one who wounded Gankoomon."
"I ran into him earlier back at the city." Keisuke replied. "He calls himself Brother Sorrow."
"Brother Sorrow?" Takumi asked. "Any idea who he is?"
"Not a clue. All I know is that he's ruthless and has strange powers."
"What about Ami's Digimon?"
"Right over there." Samudramon pointed to the beds with Rosemon Burst Mode, Ophanimon, and Kazuhamon.
Takumi hurried over. "Are you three alright?"
"Sort of." Rosemon replied. "Forgive me Takumi. We couldn't rescue Ami. Instead, we were captured and used against you."
"No, it's not your fault." Takumi said. "Were you being held in the same place she is?"
"In a laboratory, yes." Ophanimon replied. "We were brought there when we were captured. Then that Digimon with the gold mask did something to us."
"Gold mask?"
"I think it might be the one that attacked us earlier Takumi." Yuuko said.
"Do you three know anything about where in that laboratory Ami might be?"
Kuzuhamon sighed. "I'm sorry…whatever that Digimon did to us is still making my mind hazy."
"Me too…" Ophanimon groaned.
"Same." Rosemon added. "But she is in there somewhere. I could feel it the whole time."
Takumi clenched his fist. "Ami…"
TigerVespamon entered the room. "Ah. You're awake Takumi. Good." She looked at everyone in the room. "Zero wants to talk to the humans here. Including you Hudiemon."
"Zero?" Keisuke asked.
"He's the one in charge of Zaxon's Pride." Yuuko said.
"He's come to a decision on something." TigerVespamon said. "And he wishes to speak with you about it."
"Good. I was hoping to speak with him as well." Hudiemon said.
"Well then, let's go." Yuugo said.
As they left the infirmary Yuuko turned to her brother. "Listen, Yuugo…about Zero…"
"Yes?"
"Well…How to say this…" Yuuko struggled with her words. "His identity…or more so his appearance might come as a shock."
Yuugo chuckled. "Yuuko, we're in another world filled with digital beings at war, there's not much left that can surprise me at this point."
Takumi kept a straight face. "Hold that though buddy."
"Thank you all for coming." Zero said.
Yuugo, Keisuke and Hudiemon were gawking at the Yuugo lookalike in front of them. "Surprised yet?" Takumi asked.
"…I am so confused right now." Keisuke muttered.
Yuugo was the most baffled among them. "What…How…Why…?"
Zero sighed. "Yes, this is…rather awkward."
"This is the EDEN Avatar I used to lead Zaxon, the one with that A.I. Miss R-Crusadermon put inside to manipulate me." Yuuko said. "Somehow he wound up in the Digital World and formed this team."
"I see…" Hudiemon said. "That explains how you have kept your team and its activities so well hidden. You know things Digimon don't."
"Sadly, we aren't hidden anymore." Zero sighed. "We may have forced the invading force to retreat, but they still know where we are. It won't be long until they arrive with a much larger force."
"So, what do we do now?" Samudramon asked.
"Our only option is to evacuate this base." Machinedramon replied.
"It seems we have no choice but to go along with Hudiemon's plan." Zero said before looking at Hudie's leader. "Will Cache City be willing to house Zaxon's Pride and Sleuth's Will?"
"Of course. We already have plenty of space, rations, and equipment to go around." Hudiemon replied. "We'd be happy to have you join us."
"Now all that's left is to recruit Jude's Flare." Justimon said.
"Arata's Digimon said he came from that group." Takumi said. "We can ask him where we can find them."
"I have already asked most of the team to start packing." Machinedramon said.
"Which leaves just one matter." Zero said.
"You mean your identity?" Yuuko asked.
"Yes. I had hoped to avoid this, but it seems like I have no choice but to reveal who I am to my team."
"Wait, hold on a sec." Keisuke said. "Am I to believe you've been leading this team without them knowing who you are?"
"I had no choice. I'm not a Digimon. There's no telling how they would react or if they would continue to trust me. It was for this team's survival. But now in order to survive, we must evacuate from here. So, I can no longer be hidden."
"So, your mind is finally made up?" Yuuko asked.
"It is. But I have a favor to ask you, Yuuko."
"And what would that be?"
"Should this revelation make the team lose their trust in me completely and they chose to no longer follow my lead, I want you to marshal them together and lead them in my place."
"You're asking me to take over Zaxon's Pride?"
"You are easily the best candidate for that task. You led Zaxon back in EDEN, and know most of the Digimon here."
Everyone looked at Yuuko. The girl stayed silent before giving her response. "I must decline."
"Yuuko…?" Yuugo faced her fully.
"I disbanded Zaxon in EDEN. I have no right to lead it here. I already promised myself I would never again pretend to be what I know I am not. Like I said before, I'm done running away from myself. Besides…I wasn't really the one running the team back then either. You were."
Zero shook his head. "That was not me alone. And if the others will no longer accept me, we won't have many other options. Fei would have been another candidate I'd be willing to consider…but even if she did come here with you, which I'm assuming she didn't, she probably doesn't even remember her time in Zaxon." Zero smiled. "Knowing her as well as we do, I imagine she must be worried about you disappearing on her."
Takumi looked away uncomfortably as Yuuko looked down. "If anything, it's the other way around…"
"Hmm?"
"Let's not change the subject." Yuuko said. "Zero, I will not need to replace you. You can gain the trust of the others."
"But how? I'm not even a living being like you guys or Digimon."
"That's not true." Yuugo interjected. "You made all these choices on your own without Yuuko or Miss Rei. That proves you have your own free will like the rest of us."
"Perhaps, but…"
"Zero, listen to me." Takumi said. "You're thinking too hard about your origin. You may not have chosen how you were brought into this world, but you can choose how you live your life. As for the others in Zaxon…I'm sure you can get through to them if you tell them the truth and explain why you feel the need to form this resistance against the Next Order. Like Yuuko said, they're more likely to trust a person rather than a phantom."
"Takumi…"
"The whole reason why they joined against the Next Order in the first place was because they respect the virtue of free will." Keisuke said. "Most of them have come to trust humans. I'm sure they'll trust you too."
Zero looked at Takumi and Keisuke with a smile. "…You two are a far cry from the hatchlings you once were. Very well. I'll try to convince them. But if I can't get through, we will need someone to lead them in my place."
Gankoomon stood up. "In the unlikely event it does come to that, I will take the helm. But do not underestimate your passion Zero. You got that from humans, and if I learned anything during my time in the human world, it's that human passion burns even brighter than that of Digimon."
"Thank you, Gankoomon." There was a knock at the door. "You may enter."
TigerVespamon came in. "Everyone is assembled as you requested."
"Thank you. I'll be out momentarily." As TigerVespamon left, he looked at everyone. "Well…no avoiding this now." He looked at his hand. "Huh. For the first time in my life, I feel nervous."
"It'll work out one way or another Zero." Yuugo said.
"I hope so. Would it be alright for all of you to accompany me?"
"Of course." Yuuko nodded.
"Thank you."
Outside the door to Zero's chamber, everyone had gathered. "What's this meeting about, Commander?" Agunimon asked.
"You will see." TigerVespamon replied.
There was chatter among the Digimon. "Do you think we'll have to leave here now that the Next Order knows where we are?" a Stingmon asked.
"That may be for the best." Pidmeon said. "I'm still tired from the fight just now."
"We've moving again?" Sistermon Blanc asked. "But where are we going to go after this?"
"Don't worry Blanc." Ceil rubbed her sister's head. "I'm sure Master Gankoomon and Zero have a plan."
The chatter died out as the doors opened. Gankoomon, and Machinedramon came out first. Then Hudiemon and her team. Then Takumi, Keisuke, Yuuko, Yuugo and their Digimon. And shortly after that Zero stepped out. "Who the heck is that?" Kumamon asked. "He looks just like one of the humans."
"I didn't see him when they came in." Socerimon said.
"Was he here the whole time?" a White PawnCessmon asked.
"Shh!" a Deramon shushed them. "Looks like he's about to say something."
"Everyone, thank you all for coming." Zero said. He looked around. All eyes were on him now. "I am Zero." The crowd broke into gasps and murmurs.
Loweemon stepped forward. "We were being led by a human this entire time?"
"No. I am not a human. I am a being made by humans known as an artificial intelligence. A program, you could say. I was created to help Yuuko guide the human hacker team known as Zaxon."
"You were made by humans?" a Gomamon asked. "But then why are you in the Digital World?"
"I honestly don't know. After a…" Zero glanced at Yuuko. "Incident back home. Machinedramon and I found ourselves here. Not long after that, the Next Order rose up. I don't know what Leopardmon is up to, but I know it can't be anything good for my human creators, or the EDEN I was made to protect. So, I formed this team, Zaxon's Pride, with the hope of defeating him and protecting all that I swore to keep safe."
"EDEN? Isn't that a human made cyber space?" a Fanbeemon asked.
"Yeah, I've been there before." Minervamon replied. "It's pretty neat."
"Wait, so was our team made to fight the Next Order or to protect EDEN?" A BlackGatomon asked.
"Ah, EDEN." MetalEtemon smiled. "That name's a familiar melody to these ears."
"So turns out our mysterious leader is a sentient program?" A Dorulumon asked. "Kinda creepy."
"EDEN..." Lobomon folded his arms. "Why do I feel like I know that name...?"
"Hey Ceil, what's an artificial intelligence?" Blanc asked.
"This is too much to take in all at once!" Grumblemon yelled clutching his head.
Yuuko clapped her hands. "Everyone, calm down!" The talking among the crowd ceased as they brought their attention to Yuuko. "I can understand a lot of you are confused. Conflicted. It's only natural. It is true that Zero isn't like you. Or us. But he is a living being capable of thinking and feeling. If you can trust humans even though we are different from Digimon then there is no reason why you cannot trust him."
Zero looked at her. "Yuuko..."
The Digimon all looked at each other. "She has a good point." Kazemon said. "I mean, Zero has done so much for all of us. What's it matter if he isn't human or Digimon?"
"True." Mercerymon nodded. "He seems very similar to humans, so I see little reason to view him differently."
"I'll admit, I'm still a little shocked." GrapLeomon said. "And I can't help but wish he came clean with us sooner. But the boss has been fighting this as hard as he can. Human, or A.I., or whatever he is, it makes no difference to me."
"I dunno…" a Jewlbeemon said. "This all still seems a bit iffy to me."
"And why would a program made to protect EDEN want to fight the Next Order anyway?" an Icemon asked.
"And he mentioned hackers." A Otamon asked. "Aren't they those bad humans who treated Digimon like slaves?"
"I can understand any concerns you have." Zero said. "I was indeed created with a purpose outside of EDEN. And when I first met Digimon, I thought they were programs like me. I did not see them as living beings. But after meeting Takumi and his friends I came to see that you are just like us. You want to live your lives freely. In a way, your desires are the same as those the creator of EDEN wanted to satisfy. Perhaps that is what is compelling me to help this world now. EDEN was made to set the mind free. I want to give this world that freedom. But Leopardmon is trying to steal it away. I can't let that happen. But I also know I can't try to do everything alone. Last time I did that many people under my command suffered. Which is why I am asking this knowing I lack the right: Please, lend me your strength. So, we can defeat the Next Order and bring freedom back to the Digital World."
All the Digimon in the crowed cheered. Some hesitated before joining, but soon everyone was in. "If it means giving it to those jerks, count me in!" Beetlemon rooted.
"You may not be a Digimon, but you're our leader, Zero!" a Ponchomon said. "And we'll follow your lead!"
Yuuko smiled at the surprised look on Zero's face. "There you have it. So, what are our orders, leader?"
Zero smiled and closed his eyes. "Everyone…thank you." He put on a serious expression. "Alright. Let's review the situation. Now that the Next Order knows our location, we need to evacuate somewhere safe. Fortunately, Hudeimon here, who leads a secret Resistance team is offering us sanctuary in Cache City. We will begin preparations to move in immediately. We'll start by transferring everything on our servers before wiping them. Anyone who isn't working on that can help Socerimon with preparing to evacuate the injured. Then we-
As Zero continued Takumi looked at Yuuko. "You made the right choice Yuuko. So did he."
"He no longer is an avatar for Zaxon." Yuuko replied. "We've found our own paths. And I know he will see his journey out to the end."
Yuugo smiled at her. "I'm proud of you Yuuko."
"So, that's it then?" Rosemon Burst Mode asked.
Keisuke nodded. He, Takumi Yuuko, and Yuugo, were explaining the news to her and her fellow partners. Around them, Socerimon, Ceil, Blanc, Grumblemon, Beatlemon, Arbormon, MetalEtemon and BlackMetalGreymon were helping carrying out the injured and the medical supplies. "Nokia and the others are already at Cache City."
"Once we assemble, we can focus our efforts on rescuing Ami." Yuuko said.
"I just hope she can hold out for a bit longer." Kuzuhamon sighed.
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Yuuko replied. "Ami's a strong girl. I know she can endure."
"Anyway, I'm sure Mameo and the others found Takuto by now." Keisuke smiled. "I'll introduce you all when we get back. And Takuto will be happy to hear that we found Shiki's location as well."
Takumi looked at the floor deep in though. "Takumi?" Yuugo asked. "What's wrong?"
Yuuko looked at him. "What's on your mind? Tell us."
"Hey, Yuuko?" Takumi looked at her. "I've been thinking about something lately."
"What is it?"
"Remember when K ran off with Ami?"
"Yes?"
"You know how he took off his mask before he left?"
"Yes. So?"
"Dosn't it seem weird? He wears a mask that conceals his face, yet he shows it to us before he leaves. Why?"
"You saw K's face?" Keisuke asked.
"Yeah." Rapidmon replied. "But it's not anybody we recognize."
"That's another thing that bothers me." Takumi said. "K said he holds a grudge against me. Something personal from the sound of it. Yet I've never seen him before. And why hide his face to begin with, if he isn't someone we know?"
"Those are good points." Yuuko said. "It does all seem strange. But I'm not sure what it is you're getting at."
Takumi sighed. "I can't help but feel there is more to all of this. More to K than we saw. Perhaps it has something to do with why he kidnapped Shiki who he doesn't know from a world that has nothing to do with any of this."
Keisuke folded his arms. "What are you trying to say?"
Takumi looked at everyone. "As soon as we're all packed and this Resistance team is ready to go to Cache City, I'm going to the laboratory to rescue Ami."
"What?" Yuugo gasped.
"Wait…by…yourself?" Keisuke asked.
"Takumi, did we not already discuss this?" Yuuko scolded. "Saving Ami isn't something for you to do alone!"
Takumi shook his head. "No. I know that Yuuko. Which is why once you get everyone to the city, I want you to follow me."
"Or you can just join us in getting them there and we can all go together?" Keisuke suggested.
"I doubt it's going to be so easy. If they're really keeping Ami, Darcmon and Shiki in that lab, it must be well guarded and full of traps. And if they see trouble, they might use Ami and Darcmon as hostages."
"I see." Yuugo said. "Once they spot a large group, they'll be on their guard. So, your plan is to sneak inside the base yourself. Then once they see us and panic, you can rescue Ami and Darcmon."
"That's one way this could go." Takumi said. "But if something happens to me in there, you'll have to be the ones to save them."
"Takumi, this is incredibly dangerous." Yuuko said. "And if you get caught in there, you'll never make it out. Adding to the number of hostages is only going to make a rescue even harder."
"It's not getting captured that concerns me." Takumi said. "Don't worry Yuuko, I'm not blindly rushing in. I have a plan."
"Takumi…"
Rapidmon approached. "Takumi, I would agree that this is a dangerous plan. But if you will it that strongly, I will follow your lead as always."
"Seconded." BlackWarGreymon nodded. "You sound like you know what you're doing this time."
"I'm in too." Dorugoramon said.
Rosemon tried to stand up. "The three of us will go with you."
"No." Takumi replied. "You three are still weak from what they did to you."
"Then I'll go." Yuuko said.
Takumi shook his head. "If my hunch is right, K will definitely be there. And I'm the one he'll be expecting. Anyone with me will be unnecessarily exposed to danger. I have to make him think I'm alone. If he thinks anyone is with me, he'll be on the lookout for everyone else."
"But-
"Yuuko, trust me. I know what I'm doing. I promise."
Everyone stared at the serious and determined looked in Takumi's eyes. Yuuko eventually caved in and sighed. "...Very well."
"Thank you." Takumi smiled. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. And I have my Digimon with me."
"Just promise me you won't be too reckless."
"I'll do my best."
Jesmon came into the room. "Hey Takumi. Can you give us a hand? We need help clearing out the lab."
"Coming." Takumi walked towards the door but stopped when he stood beside Yuuko. "Yuuko, as a detective it's my duty to make sure the truth is revealed by any means necessary. Once the enemy shows their hand it'll be up to you. To save my sister and Darcmon. Hopefully one of us will uncover the truth about K's true face. I'm counting on you."
"Huh?" Yuuko eyed him oddly as he left. "What was that about?"
In front of a knight on a throne, K, Hosaka, Brother Sorrow, Dynasmon, Craniamon, the masked Digimon and a knight in pink armor knelled. "So, the Digimon we had under the Dark Bond have been released." the Digimon on the throne said.
"I'm afraid so, Lord Leopardmon." Brother Sorrow replied.
"Yeah, that's the sole problem with the Dark Bond." the masked Digimon said. "It's kinda fragile. But hey! Thanks to their battles, we netted some nice, juicy energy for Arcadiamon!"
"We also still have the location of a resistance hideout." Brother Sorrow said. "But I imagine they will have evacuated by the time we get an attack force there."
"Ain't that a shame." Hosaka said sarcastically looking at Brother Sorrow. "Maybe if a certain someone didn't just up and leave when he had them in a corner…"
"The arrival of Hudie was unexpected. Besides, my mission was simply to provide a battle for those with the Dark Bond. I didn't want to risk the entire squad to too many unknown variables unnecessarily."
"A wise decision." the pink knight said. "A cornered rat can still bite after all."
"No sense dwelling on it now." Leopardmon said. "K, did everything go as you planned in Backlog Mire?"
"Indeed. You should have seen the look on Takuto's face."
"And you suspect he will come to the lab?"
"Of course, my lord." K replied. "I made sure Takuto was desperate to save his dear sister before telling him where she is."
"And the Cyber Sleuth?"
"As peer K's request I made sure one of the Resistance's rats followed us to the lab while we were escorting Darcmon." the masked Digimon replied. "I let slip a little hint about there being two girls there. Surely a detective will work it out."
"Very well. On the topic of Darcmon, what of Zhuqiaomon's DigiCore?"
"That is proving to be tricky. Darcmon rigged it so that forceful removal could destroy her and the core with her. This will take time."
"Hmm." Leopardmon glanced at Hosaka. "And Arcadiamon?"
"He's a very unique Digimon. The Dark Bond helped, it did raise his power significantly, but it will be some time before I can get him to full strength." Hosaka replied.
"Very well. You may leave." Hosaka stood up and left as Leopardmon looked at the others. "Let us focus on K and the Malevolent Fist's plan for now. You two go back to the lab. Take Brother Sorrow with you."
"As you wish." The masked Digimon, K and Brother Sorrow stood up to leave.
"Make sure you broadcast the battle between those two to me. If this fails, we need to determine which is the bigger threat."
"With all due respect your majesty, this will not fail." K said. "But I'll gladly make sure you also get to see Takumi's demise."
As K and Brother Sorrow left, the masked Digimon bowed to Leopardmon. "Trust me sire, Takuto will be the superior. I should know. That guy doesn't lose." He then took his leave as well.
Crusadermon watched him as he left the room and mumbled. "Speak your mind Crusadermon." Leopardmon said.
"Your majesty, with all due respect, can that one be trusted? It's one thing he came from another world and is a stranger to us all."
"He may be an enigma, but there is no denying what his research has provided us."
"We may not know his intentions on joining the Next Order." Craniamon said. "But he seems keen on helping us for his research."
"My concern lies with the humans you invited into our ranks." Dynasmon said eyeing Crusadermon.
"It needed to be done. Our plans required programs Digimon cannot use."
"Unfortunately." Leopardmon said. "Just be sure to keep an eye on them. Dismissed." The three knights stood up and left. "Hmph. I doubt one of Alphamon's favorites will go down so easily. No matter. In time they will fall."
Outside the Zaxon's Pride HQ, Takumi watched everyone assemble. "Okay. I'm heading out."
"Yuuko, Yuugo, Keisuke, Justimon, Shakkoumon and are linked to the city's warp drive, so I will use a Home Disc to get us back to Cache City and tell everyone about Zaxon's Pride so they can prepare for when they move in." Hudiemon said.
"As soon as we do, I'm coming to join you." Yuuko said.
"We both are." Yuugo added. "We'll bring Nokia and the others with us as well."
"I'm in too." Keisuke nodded.
"I'll bring Zaxon's Pride and Sleuth's Will to the city carefully by foot." Zero said.
"Are you sure about this Takumi?" Justimon asked. "If you just come with us, we can all go together."
"Trust me." Takumi said. "I need to do this. Both to save my sister and Darcmon and uncover the mystery of K's true face."
Jesmon nodded. "Yes. You'll obtain the truth you seek. Both as a Cyber Sleuth and as the great Alphamon's apprentice. I know you can do this Takumi."
Gankoomon laughed. "Such youthful vigor! It seems the next generation for humans and Digimon is set! As long as that fiery will burns Cyber Sleuth, I know you won't be stopped."
"Ami sure has a good sibling." Ceil grinned. "Take care of your dear sister."
"I'm sure everything will be okay." Blanc smiled.
Takumi smiled. "Thanks guys."
"Wait, Takumi." Hudiemon stepped forward. She pulled up a screen and pressed a few things. Takumi heard his Digivice go off and put it on. "Just in case."
"What's this?"
"My special program. I call it Overclock. It will increase the strength and speed of your Digimon drastically. But it will also put heavy strain on them, so use it wisely."
"Got it. I'll save it for a really desperate situation."
"Okay." Keisuke nodded. "Just get as deep in that lab as you can without being spotted. Once we get there we'll get as much of their attention as we can. That will allow you to find Ami and Darcmon. See if you can find Takuto's sister while you're at it."
Takumi turned around. "Or maybe you'll be the ones to find them while the enemy's attention is drawn away." He walked towards his Digimon.
"Wait, what?"
Takumi climbed onto Rapidmon's shoulder. His Digimon ascended off the ground. Takumi smiled at them. "Everyone...I believe in you."
"Takumi, wait!" Yuuko stepped forward.
The detective blinked. "Eh? What's wrong Yuuko?"
"I've been meaning to say this…about what you did earlier…when we fell down that cliff and you protected me…"
"Yeah?"
Yuuko gave him a blank stare. "That was the most reckless and frankly idiotic thing you could have possibly done at the time." She then smiled. "But it was a very "you" thing to do. Thank you. That being said, *please*don't make a habit of that."
Takumi smiled back. "No promises."
Everyone laughed. "Be safe Takumi." Yuuko waved. She watched the detective and his Digimon take off.
Zero laughed. "And there he goes. Off to save the day again with no regards for personal safety whatsoever. Good to see he hasn't changed a bit."
Yuuko giggled. "You got that right."
"He has a strong sense of justice. And is a bit of a reckless airhead." Hudiemon grinned at Keisuke. "Kind of like another good-natured nitwit I know."
Keisuke scratched his cheek with a grin. "Really? I bet this guy's real charming."
"He has his moments."
Everyone laughed again before Yuugo spoke up. "In any case, we should get going too. Zero, are you sure you can get everyone to Cache City without the Next Order seeing you?"
"I already have a safe route mapped out. And you guys aren't the only ones who can use the Stealth Hide and other hacking techniques. We'll be fine."
"Be careful out there." Hudiemon said before opening a menu. "Alright, we're off." She activated a Home Gate and teleported away with her team, Keisuke and the Kamishiro twins along with their Digimon.
Next chapter our team of heroes assembles. But what awaits Taakumi and Takuto at this lab? What is the enemy planning? Tune in next week to find out.
