Ami groaned as she stirred. She sat up from the bed she was given. Truth be told she lost track of how much time had passed since her abduction. She was in a large plain white empty room save for the one bed. She reached to rub the sleep out of her eyes, only to be reminded of the restraints they put on her hands. She sighed looking at the metal contraption. Not only were they two bands of metal attached to each other and circled around her wrists handcuffing her, but they were also metal cups encasing her hands that were forcefully balled into fists. She couldn't even move her fingers or separate her hands which was annoying her to no end. Two more bracelets were around her ankles with a light blue band of some sort of energy tethering them. The tether was long enough to walk around her prison but running was off the table. Her backpack was taken off when she was brought in.

She had no clue where in the Digital World she was. She blacked out after Algomon dragged her through the portal. Next thing she knew she was here. Ami was a brave girl, so she wasn't too scared even as a captive, but her one concern was her Digimon. She heard Rosemon Burst Mode, Ophanimon, and Kazuhamon approach her before passing out, but had no clue what happened to them or where they were. Ami curled up into ball. Since her arrival she was for the most part left alone. Her captors showed no signs of wanting her dead. But that just made her wounder what they planned on doing to her. She sighed into her knees. "How long am I going to be stuck in here? Right when we all promised to go to the Digital World together to…"

She stared to the far end of the room where a blue panel was. Whenever someone visited her, they would appear from there. Some kind of warp panel? In any case she did try standing on it but as she expected, it didn't work. It must be something that could remotely be turned on and off. All her visitors were Digimon so that confirmed she was in the Digital World. She had yet to see K, Craniamon or any of the Royal Knights for that matter. She snapped out of her thoughts when she saw a light on her left. Another bed appeared to the left of hers. She then noticed the panel glowing. Someone was coming in.

"Let me go you creep!" To Ami's surprise she heard a young girls scream and saw a Knightmon carrying someone flailing on its shoulder.

"Be still!" The Knightmon ordered readjusting his grip on her.

"Who is that?" Ami asked.

"You're new roommate." The Knightmon roughly dumped the girl onto the empty bed. He then turned around and left. Ami considered trying to rush in and follow him out the moment the panel activated to escape, but she doubted she'd get far with him right there and she wasn't about to leave this other prisoner behind even if she was a total stranger. Ami looked at her. She had fair skin, gray eyes, and black hair in a ponytail that hung to the side of her head similar to Ami. The tip of said ponytail was pink. She wore white shoes and a short, hooded culottes that was blue, white and black. Around her neck were white goggles with pink lenses.

The girl grumbled and sat up on her bed. She had the same shackles on her ankles and binds over her hands Ami had. "Well, this sucks."

Ami looked at her. "Um…hi."

The girl looked at Ami. She looked surprised at first. Ami guessed she wasn't expecting to see another human here. "Oh, hey. What are you in for?"

Ami blinked. "Uh, what?"

"Just asking." The girl squinted. "Because I sure as heck have no idea what I did to get landed in here."

Ami sighed. "I…wish I knew myself." Deep down she had a feeling her being abducted by a Royal Knight was part in due to the Eater incident. But she was still wondering what it was this "K" had to do with anything.

"Weird." the girl said. "Those Digimon were sure aggressive when they attacked. I've never seen anything like it."

Ami looked at her in surprise. "You know about Digimon?"

"Yeah. You too? How long have you been in the Digital World?"

"Not very long, but I wound up here before when I was a kid."

"Wild." The other girl positioned herself on the bed with her legs hanging over it. "Sounds like you have some history with this place. Maybe that's why you were grabbed? Oh. I'm Shiki by the way. And you are?"

"Ami. Ami Aiba."

Omegamon led Nokia, Takumi, Arata, Yuuko, Yuugo, Keisuke and their Digimon along with HiAndromon to a tall rock formation in the middle of the forest. "Here we are."

"Um, Omegamon? This is a rock."

"Actually Nokia, that's a butte." Arata squinted. "Rocks are not that big or attached to the ground."

"Thank you Geekta."

Omegamon stepped forward and walked over to a specific spot. He made sure nobody was watching them before he stepped forward and went straight through the rocky surface like it wasn't even there. "Whoa!" Keisuke gapped. "How'd he do, that?!"

The humans stood there and gapped for a bit before Omegamon poked his head back out. "Hurry. The enemy could be anywhere." The others hurried over. They looked at the wall oddly. Takumi was the first to step through it. The others followed.

Takumi looked at the interior. "A cave?"

"We use a hologram to disguise the entrance." Omegamon replied. "This cave leads underground where our base is located."

"Pretty sneaky." Yuugo said. "Hidden in plain sight."

"Well, the Next Order owns most of the Digital World now, I guess they'd have to be crafty if they want to hide anything." Takumi said. They continued deeper and downward. "So, all of the resistances are located separate from each other?"

"Correct." Dorugoramon said. "It allows us to operate more efficiently. And as we stated before it makes the Next Order think we are divided. That helps us strike when they let their guard down."

"Since our resistance began, we've had small victories." Diaboromon said. "But if anything, I'd say we're really just slowing them down."

"That reminds me, you're leading one of the teams, aren't you?" Arata asked.

"Yeah, but I got someone else taking point for now. He's a good commander, though wound up a little too tight."

"Most of the teams are at a stalemate. Any major target is too heavily defended for us to conquer." Samudramon explained. "But they don't want to risk lives and waste resources on small-time objectives either. We're hoping with you guys in the fray we can show them all that we have a shot at finally turning the tide."

"Have you told everyone about us?" Nokia asked.

"We informed them that we were going to the human world for assistance." Rapidmon Armor replied. "Some who regained their memories and had encounters with you pieced it together, though we didn't tell everyone who we were bringing back. We thought for some like Darcmon, it would be a nice surprise."

"I can't wait to see her again." Yuuko smiled.

Arata grinned. "Heh. We've all grown. I wounder if she'll even recognize us."

Keisuke smiled. "I'm sure she and the other villagers will be happy to see you again all grown up."

Down below between two torchlights were Dinohumon and Grizzlymon guarding the deeper part of the cave. They heard footsteps and Dinohumon drew his blade. "Who goes there?"

"It's me." Omegamon turned the corner with his companions.

"Oh, sir Omegamon!" Dinohumon sheathed his blade and bowed and Grizzlymon bowed his head.

"Hey, it's Dinohumon and Grizzlymon!" Nokia grinned. "Hi guys, long time no see!"

The two Digimon looked at her and her group. "Hmm? How do you know our names?" Grizzlymon asked.

"Ah, you must be the humans Omegamon and the others were searching for." Dinohumon said. "I thank you for coming to our aid."

"Heh. Why act so formal, we're all friends here." Arata smirked.

"Wait…" Grizzlymon sniffed. "I know this scent…" He gasped. "It's you! From eight years ago!"

Dinohumon did a take. "Takumi?! Arata?! Nokia! Yuuko, Yuugo, is that you?!"

Takumi smiled with a nod. "It's been a while, huh?"

"I couldn't even recognize you…Humans grow faster then I thought…"

"Good to see you're doing well." Yuuko said.

"I wouldn't say that." Grizzlymon said. "But Sir Omegamon is confident you can change that." He and Dinohumon stepped aside. "Please go on in. The others are inside."

"Thanks." Rapidmon Armor said before they went in.

Dinohumon looked at Keisuke as he entered. "Who's that one?"

"A friend of theirs I assume." Grizzlymon said before smiling. "Heh. To think they were the ones who fought for the fate of two worlds. Those squirts from all the way back then have really grown…"

Dinohumon nodded. "The others from the village will be surprised. Especially Darcmon."

Omegamon led the others inside the base. Through the tunnel they soon came across a vast open space in the cave. The inside was swarming with busy Digimon running around. Supplies, were being carried thought the base. In another room a BetelGammamon and Flamedramon were firing at targets. Lilamon was tending to an injured Gawappamon. "Wow…" Takumi said. "It's a lot livelier than I thought it would be."

Omegamon stepped forward. "Everyone! We have returned! And we brought the saviors of our world!"

Now getting everyone's attention, the Digimon one by one dropped what they were doing and hurried over. "Omegamon!" a Biyomon gasped.

"So, these are the humans." Flamedramon said. "They do look kinda reliable."

"But can they really win us this war?" a Falcomon asked. "There are only five of them."

"Come on, you heard Omegamon, these guys saved the Digital World before!" a Labramon said. "I'm sure they can do so again!"

Lilamon stared at them. "Why can't I shake the feeling I know them from somewhere…?"

"Everyone, please remain claim." The crowd gave way for someone to walk in. "Rapidmon, everyone, welcome back."

"Thank you for looking after our headquarters in my absence Darcmon." Omegamon said.

"I'm glad I was able to help. More so that all of you made it back safely." Darcmon looked at the humans. "You must be the chosen ones we heard of. I thank you for-

When she cut herself off silence took over. "Darcmon?" a Kokuwamon asked. "What's wrong?"

Darcmon staired directly at them with an expression of shock. "…Those eyes…I…know those eyes." She walked over to them standing right in front of Takumi. "Takumi? Nokia? Arata? Yuuko? Yuugo? Is it really you?"

All five of the humans in question were smiling at her while retaining excitement. "Hi Darcmon." Takumi said.

Darcmon put her hands on his shoulders. "It was you who saved us all, wasn't it?" She smiled at them. "Look at you. The last time I saw you children you were about as tall as my knee." She walked over to Arata and raised her hand at his head measuring his height. "You've especially gotten taller Arata." She brought her attention to the girls next. "Nokia, Yuuko, you two changed your hair." She turned to Yuugo next. "Yuugo, your eyes are so honest as ever."

They were starting to blush. "C-come on Darcmon, you're starting to embarrass us." Nokia giggled.

Darcmon gave them each a hug. "I'm so happy I can see you again…"

Takumi sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks…Thanks Darcmon."

One by one the other Digimon rushed over. "Is that really Takumi and the others?!" a Kiwimon asked.

"They look so different now!" a Patamon said. "Did they Digivolve?"

"I don't think humans Digivolve…" Starmon said.

"Hey! Do you guys remember me?" BetelGamamon waved. "I'm the Gamamon from back then!"

Calumon flew over laughing. "Everyone!"

"Calumon!" Takumi smiled as the small Digimon flew circles around them.

Bokomon and Nemon hurried over. "Well, this is a sight for sore eyes!" Bokomon said.

"If your eyes are sore maybe it's because you're always reading." Nemon said before getting hit in the head by a book.

"Bokomon and Nemon!" Yuugo crouched down.

Bokomon looked at them. "Look how much you've grown! Oh, I feel ready to burst over here."

Keisuke laughed. Most of the Digimon were in tears. He noticed Arata trying to hide it, but he, Takumi, Nokia, Yuugo and Yuuko were also shedding tears out of joy. "Quite the emotional reunion huh?" Keisuke asked.

Darcmon took notice of him. "Oh? I don't recognize this one."

"Oh, right." Takumi walked over to Keisuke and put a hand on his shoulder. "Guys, meet Keisuke Amasawa. He's a friend of ours."

"What?!" a Leomon broke through the crowd. "Keisuke?!"

The boy gasped. "Leomon!"

Yuuko looked at them. "You two know each other?"

"Yeah, he sent a request to Hudie once."

"A friend of mine Digivolved and went out of control." Leomon said. "Keisuke helped me snap him out of it."

"That's right." WarGrowlmon said coming in. "Thanks for saving my sanity that day man."

Keisuke grinned. "Don't mention it."

Darcmon smiled then noticed something. "Wait…where's Ami?"

The other Digimon looked at the group. "Hey, you're right." Patamon said. "I thought someone was missing."

"Did she not come with you guys?" Flamedramon asked.

Takumi sighed. "It's…kind of a long story."

"Join us at the war table and we'll talk about it." Darcmon said.

Everyone gathered in the largest room in the base. They surrounded a massive, large, electronic table. "No…" Darcmon clenched her hands. "Poor Ami…"

"Yeah. I can't believe those Next Order jerks!" Lilamon growled. "I swear if they hurt as much as one red hair on that sweet little girl's head…!"

Flamemon looked at Keisuke. "So…you're not one of the chosen six, but you also remember events regarding Digimon like them?"

"And your friend Erika meet a Wormmon and merged with it to turn into a new Digimon?" Leomon asked. "That's just crazy."

"Yeah." Keisuke faintly smiled. "Ryuji, Chitose and I couldn't even process all of it."

"I don't think anybody has ever even heard of a Digimon merging with a human." WarGrowlmon said. "It's just not possible!"

"Not quite." Bokomon said. "Perhaps what Erika and Wormmon went through was the "Biomerge" theory I heard about."

"Biomerge?" Darcmon asked. "Do you know something about this Bokomon?"

"Like the Digital Dive, it is merely a theory. But form what I researched, by being united by a single goal, a human and a bounded Digimon can become one entity. Resulting in a Digivolution far more powerful then normal."

"When she talks it's kind of hard to tell if it's Wormmon or Erika." MetalSeadramon said.

"Or something else entirely." Keisuke added.

"Apparently both Erika and Wormmon should exist inside Hudiemon on a spiritual level." Bokomon said. "But I hear Biomerging is only possible in the Digital World where humans become data."

"Well, this apparently happened in EDEN." Yuuko said. "So, at the time Erika would have become data."

"I'm worried about that other human you told us about." Kiwimon said. "This "K" guy."

"And he's partnering with two of the Seven Deadly Digimon?" a Zudomon asked. "That's not good."

"Do you think the other five are also working with the Next Order?" WarGrowlmon asked.

"I don't know." Omegamon replied. "But we should tell the other teams what transpired in EDEN."

"I'll message the guy I have watching Jude's Flare about this right now." Diaboromon said pulling up a monitor.

"I've already messaged my team's leader as well." Samudramon said.

"I better get in touch with Slueth's Will too." Rapidmon Armor said.

"About that…" Darcmon said. "Shortly after you left, we lost contact with your team."

"What?!"

"Did something happen?" Takumi asked.

"I don't know." Darcmon replied. "But I'm sure they're alive otherwise Leopardmon and the Next Order would be bragging about it right now. Besides Gankoomon and Jesmon are part of that team."

"But Gankoomon was injured by that other human, wasn't he?" Arata asked.

"Heard about that?" Lilamon asked. "It's true…but still, they're a tough crowd. I'm sure we'll hear from them soon."

"So where do we start?" Yuugo asked.

"Well, I say our biggest concern right now is finding Ami." Darcmon replied. "Unfortunately, we haven't a clue where she could be. I'll send scouts to start gathering information ASAP."

"Then tell us how we can help out here in the meantime." Takumi said.

"Are you sure?" Nemon asked. "Aren't you worried about your sister?"

"Of course, I am. But we have no leads on where to look so I should still be trying to make myself useful rather than standing around waiting for a clue to fall out of the sky."

Darcmon giggled and ruffled Takumi's hair. "Still can't sit still I see. Some things never change." Everyone laughed.

"That being said I'm with Takumi." Arata said. "We came all this way to help out so let's do just that."

"Ami would want the same thing." Yuugo replied.

"That's right!" Nokia cheered. "And as the founder of EDEN's Rebels, I'm going to do my best to get Rebel's Heart going strong!"

Everyone looked at her. "To think this was the same shy little girl from back then." Leomon said.

"Thank you everyone." Darcmon said. She pressed a button on the table and projections showed up. "If you are willing to help there is something I would like to ask of you."

"Just say the word." Yuugo replied.

"Our food previsions are starting to run low." Darcmon said. "At this rate it's only a matter of time before we run out."

"That's horrible!" Yuuko gasped.

"There is a special kind of Digimeat that can be found in a cavern north from here. It's called Flourish Digimeat." Darcmon pulled up a hologram of a cavern and next to it an image of a hunk of meat on a bone. "And it only can be found growing here."

"Wait, "growing?"." Keisuke asked. "I don't think that's how meat works."

"No, that's how it works in the Digital World." Takumi said. "Saw it myself as a kid eight years ago."

"Huh?" Keisuke tilted his head.

"Wait, meat doesn't grow out of the ground in the human world?" Nemon asked. "That's weird."

"Indeed." Omegamon said. "I had meat in the human world. I assumed you grew it like us. Then where did it come from?"

The humans all looked at each other. "Should we tell them?" Keisuke asked.

"You guys do what you want, I absolutely refuse to break it to them." Arata squinted.

"Yeah, I uh…I think you guys are better off not knowing." Takumi replied.

"Aw! Now I'm all curious!" Calumon said.

"Just take my world for it."

"Right, well in any case when Leopardmon started his Next Order we got word of him preparing to attack Harmony Village." Darcmon said. "So, we had to flee immediately, taking only what we could carry with us."

"Because of us…" Nokia muttered. Arata, Yuuko, Yuugo and Takumi looked away.

"Guys, don't say that." Darcmon gave them a sympathetic look. "You never wanted the Eaters to come to our world. It wasn't your fault."

"But if we didn't meet you, he wouldn't have attacked the village." Takumi said. "We saw it on the way here…it was awful…"

"That is enough Takumi." Flamedramon said. "We all heard the facts. And everyone in the village agrees that we have no regrets about bringing you in. It was our choice to make, and we'd never go back on it. Meeting you kids was the happiest moment of our lives."

"He's right." Lilamon said. "We'd do it again. Besides everyone is safe, that's all we care about."

"Thanks guys." Arata smiled faintly.

"Back to the original topic." Leomon said. "The Flourish Digimeat is very special. It will course large quantities of Digimeat to grow around it when planted. If we can secure even one of these, we'll have enough food to last for months. But the Next Order knows that. They have the cavern under heavy lockdown."

"So, you want us to go grab some?" Takumi asked. "Sounds easy enough."

"Thank you so much." Darcmon said. "I'd hate to put you all in danger, but Rapidmon and the others told us of how strong you've become. Please lend us that strength so we may survive."

"You got it." Arata said. "We'll head out immediately."

"Count me in too." Keisuke said.

TyrantKabuterimon nodded. "As much as I would like us to get back to Hudie's Dream as soon as possible, it's important that we help the other resistance teams. Besides, if we can get some extra Flourish Digimeat, we can bring some to our team. We're also on the verge of a food shortage."

"Then let's head out!" Yuuko declared. "We'll make sure to bring back enough tasty meat, so nobody goes hungry ever again!"

Darcmon laughed. "Food always did get you excited Yuuko."

"What?!" The girl blushed. "No, I just-

"It's okay, I think it's sweet that you want to help. Still, the cavern is heavily fortified. Please be careful."

"We will." Takumi replied.

"Yuugo." HiAndromon bowed. "My team's leader asked me to accompany you as a partner Digimon. Allow me to protect you from this moment on."

Yuuko looked at her Digimon. "Speaking of leaders, if it's not you, who's leading Zaxion's Pride?"

Samudramon shook his head. "I am one of the few who knows who they are. For security reasons I must keep their identity a secret. But know they will give their all to fight the Next Order."

"I see."

Takumi looked at HiAndromon. "HiAndromon…you were that Hagurumon Ami and I saw that day weren't you? The one with Terriermon and Palmon."

"That is correct. When we were attacked by the Chrysalimon, we fled. I ended up falling down deep into Under Kawloon. I wondered there until I was returned to the Digital World."

"I see…I'm sorry. If only Ami and I got there sooner."

"There is no need to apologize. I was simply clumsy." He turned to Yuugo. "In any case, since then I've been training as hard as I can so the next time, I saw you I would be able to help you." He kneeled to Yuugo. "Yuugo Kamishiro. I herby pledge to protect you. I'll be your sword and your shield."

"Wow, how knight-like of him." Arata said.

Yuugo smiled. "Thanks, HiAndromon. But what I want isn't a sword or a shield. I want the same thing my sister and friends have. A trustworthy companion."

HiAndromon smiled and stood up. "Then that's what I'll be."

Yuugo's Digivice glowed. "Huh?" He took it out and opened it. The icon for the Digital Monster app flashed. "This is…" He pressed it and the Hagurumon in his game glowed. In a bright flash his screen and HiAndromon glowed. The Hagurumon on the screen displayed HiAndromon with improved stats. "I see. The Hagurumon I was raising was a part of you."

"Yes. And thanks to you taking good care of it, I am stronger."

"Alright, now Yuugo has his own partner Digimon!" Nokia cheered.

"Oh, wait!" Starmon said. "Before you go, we've been developing something at Omegamon's request! And as luck would have it, we finished just before you arrived!"

"Excellent." Omegamon said. "You have my thanks."

"Wait, what's this about?" Yuugo asked.

"Come with us to our lab." Bokomon turned around and walked out of the room with Starmon. The humans and their partners followed.

Inside another room were multiple computers and equipment. Multiple Digimon were keeping busy. "What is this place?" Nokia asked.

"This is our laboratory. We're developing programs and equipment to help us fight the Next Order here." Bokomon said.

Starmon led them to a terminal. "Hand me your Digivices. I'll download our latest results into them."

Takumi and Keisuke took of their Digivices as they and the others put them on the table next to Starmon. He took Takumi's first and plugged it into the terminal. He started making some inputs and Takumi noticed the monitor on the device had a download count that made its way to 100% rather quickly. Starmon handed him his Digivice and hooked up Keisuke's next.

As Starmon went through the process with everyone's Digivices, Takumi looked at his. He opened a menu and noticed some items listed in it. Ones he was familiar with. HP Capsules, SP Capsules, Medical Sprays ATK, HP, SP, DEF, INT, SPD, HIT, AGL, and CRT Attach equips and many, many more. "These are the kind of items we used with our Digimon before."

"Yes, Omegamon told us about how you used these in the human world." Bokomon replied. "So, he asked us to recreate them."

"The Next Order has many Digimon." Starmon said. "These are thing only humans can use, so they should give you an edge. I'm also downloading a map of the Digital World into your Digivices."

"Thanks." Keisuke said. Soon all of them had their Digivices now with items and equipment. They all opened their menus and started putting equipment on their Digimon. "Alright, let's go."

Darcmon approached them. "The cavern north from here is called Shade Cavern. It has the Flourish Digimeat." She gave Takumi a picture. "Here's a picture of it. If you can get just one, it should allow us to grow plenty of food. But if you can get more having extras wouldn't hurt."

"Agreed." Takumi nodded. "Especially if Hudie's Dream is starting to run low too."

"In that case, let's move out!" Nokia said.

"Good luck, all of you." Darcmon said. "Remember, surviving is your highest priority. Fall back if it gets too dangerous."

"We'll be okay Darcmon." Takumi said. "We'll be back with this meat before you know it."

The Digimon smiled. "What reliable people you've all grown up into."

"Heh. I say its thanks to Kyoko…or rather Alphamon."

"Alphamon…the legendary 13th Royal Knight." Darcmon said. "Your partners informed me about her living as a human named Kyoko. I wish I could meet her. And thank her."

"I wish she were here." Takumi sighed. "She always had the answer."

"We're all doing what we can, but still nobody has seen any sign of her." Darcmon replied. "We'll just have to do what we can on our own."

"She's right Takumi." Yuuko said. "We need to focus on what we can do right now. Kyoko would want you to do the same."

"I know. For now, we got a cavern to visit."

"Stay safe." Darcmon said.

The group exited the cave through the fake wall. "Okay, the cavern is north from here, right?" Arata asked.

"Uh, which way is north?" Nokia asked.

Yuugo took out his Digivice and pointed to their left. "That way."

HiAndramon's eyes lit up. "I've marked the location on the map you all were given. Check your Digivices." Everyone did as instructed. "That blue triangle marks your current location and position. Zoom out and you should see a yellow circle. That's you're location."

"Got it." Takumi replied.

"That's…kind of a lot of ground." Keisuke said. "Let's hope we can reach this place without running into anyone."

"Should we use the Stealth Hide?" BlackWarGreymon suggested.

"That's kind of a double-edge sword." Yuuko said. "The enemy won't see us, but we won't be able to see each other. It would be trouble if we were to get lost."

"Yuuko's right." Samudramon replied. "If an enemy approaches, we'll stop and use it to vanish until they leave."

"Okay, let's find that cavern." Takumi said. The group nodded and they left.

Since I didn't want to give Takumi or Ami more starters then the other, I decided to give Hagurumon to Yuugo for this story. Next up our heroes have their first mission in the Digital World.