Everyone gathered at their new war table. Including the holographic Mirei. "Is that everyone?" Mirei asked.

"I believe so." Mameo replied. "So, what do you got for us Mirei?"

"I managed to locate one of the Sovereign Digimon's cores." Mirei typed into her laptop and an image appeared on the war table. It showed a map of the Digital World. A red dot blinked in the south then from it an image of Zhuqiaomon appeared. "Knowing where the core of the Vermillion Bird of the South slept helped. Back when they were alive the four Sovereign each governed the Digital World from different parts of the Digital World. North, south, east, and west. So naturally one would have to be at least close to the opposite side of it. With that clue I scanned the general area and picked up something." Another dot blinked on the opposite side of the map, and it projected a Digimon with four legs, two heads and a giant tree on its back. "This is Ebonwumon. The Black Tortoise of the North."

Darcmon stared at the dot. "That area… it's in Browser Forrest?"

"Indeed. According to what Magnamon told me Zhuqiaomon's core was in a temple. So, there must be a temple somewhere hidden in the forest."

"Finding it won't be easy." Rosemon Burst Mode said. "It's hard enough to avoid getting lost in that place."

"Then hopefully that means the Next Order hasn't found it yet." Kouta said. "We need to hurry."

"Then let's organize a team and get going." Mameo said.

"I'll go." Ami stepped forward. "It took me too long to join you guys. I gotta start helping out."

"I'll go with you." Shiki smiled. "After spending all that time stuck in that lab, I'm itching for a little action."

"I'd like to check it out as well." Shoma added.

"Take the teleporter." Hudiemon said. "We just finished fixing it."

"I've been to Browser Forrest multiple times before this war." Gallantmon said. "I will take point."

"I'm going too." Arata said.

"Your assistance is not required."

Omegamon turned to his fellow knight. "Gallantmon…"

"If this temple is anything like the last, it will be filled with dangerous traps and security walls." Magnamon said.

"And Arata is the most skilled hacker we have with us." Yuugo added. "You'll need his help."

Arata sternly looked at Gallantmon. "I don't want the Next Order getting these things any more than you. I'm coming whether you like it or not."

Gallantmon's gaze pierced his. "Only if you follow orders." He started walking away. "We meet at the teleporter in fifteen minutes. Don't be late."

Everyone watched the knight leave. "Yikes. What's gotten into him?" Himari asked.

"It's kinda complicated." Takumi replied.

Hudiemon sighed. "I got a bad feeling about this… Justimon. Shakkoumon. Go with them. Try to keep those two away from each other's throats."

"Understood." Justimon replied.

"I'll go as well." Magnamon said.

"Hmph. I suppose I will accompany you." Kentaurosmon replied. "Beats standing around here."

Kouta put a hand on his chin. "Hmmm…"

"Something bothering you Kouta?" Takuto asked.

"Huh? Uh, nothing, don't worry."

"So Mirei, what can we expect of this temple?" Ami asked.

Mirei shrugged. "How should I know? I've never been to this Digital World."

"So, you're just not going to tell us?" Takumi scowled. "You know, once you brag about being able to see the future like you do you lose any right to foreign ignorance."

"Wait, Mirei can see the future?!" Shiki asked. "That's incredible!"

"It's infuriating!" Himari asked. "Mirei, if you knew what was coming why didn't you say anything?! This mess, the AR Plan, Boltboutamon, we could have been better prepared!"

BlackWarGreymon squinted. "Welcome to working with Mirei kid. Where she has all the answers but whether or not she shares depends on whether or not she feels like it."

"First off, whether or not I shared info on the future depended on if it fell in line with destiny." Mirei said. "Second, I used to be able to see the future. I had lost that power before I meet Takuto and his friends."

"You lost that power?" Takumi asked. "When? How?"

"I blame you and your sister."

Ami raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Mirei chuckled. "Kidding. Somewhat. It's about that… event regarding the Deadly Digimon."

"Is this about that weird Monzeamon of yours?" Dorugoramon asked.

"Yes. You see… my vision of the future showed me succeeding in my goals of bringing higher values to your world. You Cyber Sleuths and Sayo tried to stop me… but my vision showed my Digimon being victorious… yet even though destiny decided me the victor… you three defeated the Ultimate Digimon. You three rewrote fate. Something I thought impossible until then."

"Mirei… destiny doesn't control people." Takumi said. "It's the will of people that shapes destiny."

Mirei closed her eyes. "Indeed. To think I was clouded to something so obvious for so long… since then my visions of the future have become less and less accurate. And so, I decided to stop using that ability. Rather than seeing what destiny has in store, it's far more fascinating to watch it unfold in front of me."

"Still, knowing what's coming would have been helpful…" Kouta muttered.

"No matter. I know how strong all of you are. I believe you can guide destiny to a future where this war is nothing more than a fleeting memory."

"Well, one thing at a time." Shiki said. "We should get ready."

"Ah, Ami." Mirei said. "Before you go, I have something for you."

Ami's Digivice pinged and she opened a menu. "What's this?"

"I was informed how your brother achieved the EXE skill Takuto and Shiki wield. After some analyzing, I discovered it part of it was due to the X-Antibody one of his Digimon holds."

"X-Antibody?" Luche asked.

"It's a special program that was once used by Digimon to survive a calamity long ago. Since then, it continued to exist in a certain few. Some Digimon are natural carriers of it."

Samudramon nodded. "Correct. TiggerVespamon, Dorugoramon, Alphamon and I are all examples of natural carriers."

"Correct. But some Digimon who don't normally hold one can merge with one resulting in a form of evolution, changing their appearance and enhancing their power. As we saw when Takumi used EXE to merge his Digimon into Rapidmon Armor X."

"Yeah…" Takuto nodded. "That Digimon was insanely powerful… more so than anything I've ever seen…"

"Ami, you and your brother are very equal in power with your Digimon." Mirei smiled. "So naturally if he can accomplish this so can you. I split the X-Antibody into three pieces. Install each of them into your Digimon."

"Okay." Ami started making inputs in her menu.

Mirei turned to Mameo. "Mameo, can you give her the EXE program like you did Takumi?"

Mameo nodded and started typing into his Digivice. "I might as well give her and Shiki the Overclock program as well since we know Takumi and Takuto can use it." Hudiemon said before opening a screen of her own.

Ami's Digimon started glowing. "…I don't feel very different." Rosemon Burst Mode said.

"Give the program time to settle." Mirei replied.

"Well, for now, we should get moving." Ami replied.

"The rest of us will find other ways to take on the Next Order and help out here." Zero said. "You guys be careful."

Hudiemon was typing in the panel connected to the repaired teleporter. "It's not safe to drop you guys smack in the middle of the forest. So, I'm bringing you just outside of it."

"If Mirei could deduce this core's location based off of the last, it's possible the Next Order could too." Mameo said. "Be ready for anything."

"Understood." Magnamon nodded.

Hudiemon activated the teleporter. Green light flowed out of it before it became blue. "Good to go. Be careful out there. Use a Home Gate when you're ready to head back and it'll send you back to the city."

Gallantmon nodded. "Alright. Let's go." He, Magnamon, Kantaurosmon, Justimon, Shakkoumon, Ami, Shoma, Shiki, and Arata entered the light and found themselves in front of a massive swarm of trees.

"This is the place?" Shiki asked.

"Browser Forrest. As Rosemon said, this place is infamous for tricking ones sense of direction. Be cautious you don't get lost."

"THIS FORREST IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN RISEN FROM THE GROUND BY MYSTERIOUS FORCES MANY YEARS AGO." Shakkoumon explained.

"So, you've been here before Gallantmon?" Diaboromon asked.

"A few times in the past. But I never knew there was a temple or a Sovereign Digimon's core. If Mirei is correct it must be very well hidden."

"Well, like you said yourself this forest is massive." Arata said.

"And with or without her future-seeing power, Mirei knows what she's doing." Ami said. "If she thinks the core is here, I'm willing to put my money on that."

"We shall split into teams." Gallantmon replied. "Detective, Shoma, you're with me. Magnamon, you go with Justimon and Shakkoumon. Kentaurosmon, Shiki…" Gallantmon glanced at Arata. "…Keep an eye on him."

"Uh, okay?" Shiki murmured nervously.

"Let us be off. If you find anything contact the rest of us." Gallantmon left with his group.

Takumi sighed back in the base. "Ugh…"

"Takumi?" Kouta walked over to him. "What's wrong? You worried about the others?"

"What gave me away?"

"Hey, don't worry. Shoma and Shiki are with them. Your sister is in good hands."

Takumi looked at him. "It's not just Ami I'm worried about… it's Arata."

"Really?" Yukimura asked. "He seemed like a reliable man. If a bit rough around the edges. He can hold his ground in a fight."

"It's not about the enemy, it's about his… ally."

"You mean your world's Gallantmon?" Kouta asked. "Ever since he arrived it seemed like there was some kind of tension between those two…"

Takumi groaned. "That's an understatement… Arata's story is… complicated. And probably not mine to tell… I just hope he and Gallantmon can eventually get along, but let's just say they've been through too much for that to simply happen overnight."

Kouta looked down. "I won't pry if you don't feel comfortable talking about it… but I'm no stranger to mistakes and their consequences."

Takumi closed his eyes. "You and me both."

Ami, Shoma, and Gallantmon were deep in the forest looking around. "Stay close." Gallantmon said. "Getting separated here would be very bad."

Noir stared at Gallantmon. "I feel as if getting lost is not your highest concern."

The knight looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"I sense unease and tension within you…particularly whenever you look or speak to Arata."

Gallantmon looked away. "So, you noticed."

"You didn't exactly hide it…" Ophanimon muttered.

Ami sighed before speaking up. "Gallantmon… I get why it would be hard to trust Arata after… what happened. But try to understand Arata wasn't in his right mind at the time. And to be fair you did kinda attack him first even though my brother and I tried to stop you."

"Attack him?" Shoma asked. "Did something happen between them?"

"It's a long story."

"I told you before." Gallantmon said. "I stand by my actions. As does the boy."

"Then maybe it's time you both moved on." Ami said. "Besides, Takumi and I created the Eaters, yet you're willing to give us a chance."

Gallantmon turned to her. "You and your brother created them by accident. Arata merged with one on purpose!"

"He was in shock after regaining his memories! Suedou took advantage of that!"

Gallantmon sighed. "Even so… I couldn't repeat the same mistake I made in this world… in the last reality."

"What mistake?" Kuzuhamon asked.

"Back when the Eaters were running rampant in our world… I let one escape. That same Eater devoured many of my comrades."

"Gallantmon…" Rosemon Burst Mode murmured as they looked at the knight sadly. "I had no idea…"

"That is why I couldn't let him get away after he became one of them. Even if he was part human."

"Gallantmon, do you remember what you said when we first met, and you stood up for us against Leopardmon and Dynasmon?" Ami asked. "You said if you're a prisoner to your own hatred you pick the wrong path by mistake. You're mistakenly thinking Arata for an Eater because of your anger towards them!"

"Enough!" Gallantmon said. "This is not the time or the place for this. Let us proceed with the mission."

The other watched the knight walk away. "Gallantmon…" Ami murmured. "I just wished they'd try to get along. We're all on the same side here. Arata may have made some bad choices, but he had his reasons…"

"I'm sure he did." Shoma said. "But forgiveness isn't easy for everyone. Believe me, I would know."

Shiki, Arata, and Kentaurosmon were trekking through another section of the forest. "See anything?" Shiki asked.

"Aside from a lot of trees?" Arata asked. "Nothing."

Kentarusmon grunted. "This Ebonwumon sure picked an annoying place to set up his temple."

"By the way, when did you and Gallantmon join Diaboromon's team?"

"Not too long ago." Kentaurosmon replied. "Leopardmon's ambitions and methods disgust me. Ever since he started this war, I've been doing what I could to raise some hell for him. At some point I ran into Gallantmon who said he joined up with a resistance group that saved him from Next Order marauders. He and Diaboromon insisted I join them."

"Hey man, we could use another Royal Knight's power and even you could benefit from our resources and intel." Diaboromon replied.

"I'll admit it has made my efforts to stop the Next Order easier."

"Um… speaking of Gallantmon…" Skyla said looking at Arata. "Is there something going on between you two?"

"It's a long story." Arata sighed.

"We got time." Gaia said.

Arata took a deep breath. "You know about the… Eaters, right?"

"Ami told me about what happened in the "other reality"." Shiki replied. "They were monsters that tried to ravage both your world and the Digital World until you defeated them and changed both worlds as a result."

"Did she tell you how they were created?"

"Yeah. Because of you guys going to the Digital World eight years ago."

"Yeah… back then the very first one came for us… Yuugo tried to lead it off so we could escape… but it got him. I was so terrified and… I ran. I told myself I was trying to protect the others like he told me but… I was just a coward. Suedou erased our memories of that day. Then eight years later after watching some buddies of mine get devoured by Eaters Suedou put my memories back. I was overwhelmed with grief, helplessness and despair… Suedou told me I could end all sadness… if I had more power. Said he could show me a new way to "evolve". That's when he convinced me to merge with an Eater."

"What?" Skyla gasped.

"Right after I did that Gallantmon attacked me. I got away from him for a bit… but then I absorbed him."

"Arata…" Shiki murmured.

"As an Eater all I could think of was consuming and gaining more power. But the more I gained the emptier I felt… I was lost until Takumi beat some sense into me and pulled me back from the brink."

"I see…"

"Gallantmon doesn't trust me. Can't say I blame him."

"Arata…" Shiki spoke as they walked. "That doesn't mean-OW!" Unexpectedly, she walked into something. "What the?!" She looked in front of her.

Everyone stared at the empty space in front of her. "What was that?" Gaia asked.

Kentaorusmon reached out in front of him, and his hand met what felt like stone. "What trickery is this?!"

Arata took out his Digivice and a monitor appeared. "Well, well." He started typing and then the area in front of him glowed blue. The others backed up and a giant stone temple solidified in front of them.

"Whoa…!" Skyla gasped.

"Hidden with a hologram." Arata grinned. "Clever."

"Good going Arata!" Shiki smiled. "Let's signal for the others!"

Back in Cache City Yuuko aproached Takuto. "Takuto, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"I was wondering if you could tell me more about this Digimon City of yours."

"You mean Flotia?"

"Yes. I'm rather curious about the idea of a place where multiple Digimon gather and work with humans."

Takuto grinned. "Want to make a city like that in this world?"

Yuuko shook her head. "Not exactly… The others told you about EDEN, yes?"

"The big virtual reality thing you guys have back in your world? Yeah, Keisuke gave me the gist of it."

"My father created it to set the mind free. To make a place where nobody has to be alone. Before we changed reality Digimon fell into EDEN from the Digital World. That's how we all got to fight alongside them. During that time, I told Takumi and Ami I wanted to make EDEN a place where not only humans connect with humans, but where Digimon can connect with Digimon and humans can connect with Digimon."

Takuto smiled. "That sounds nice. So, I guess you want to know what Flotia's like so you can know what Digimon and humans enjoy about it together."

"Exactly."

"Okay. Where to start…" Takuto folded his arms. "I guess I should explain how Flotia was formed. It all started when my sister and I were transported to our Digital World…"

Gallantmon and his team stood in front of the tall temple. "To think something like this was hidden in the forest this entire time." Magnamon said. "Wounders never cease it seems."

"Indeed." Justimon replied.

"Great job finding this Arata." Ami smirked.

"Just doing my part. Come on. Let's go find that core."

"Follow me." Gallantmon said walking into the temple. The others followed him.

The inside of the structure was ancient. "Look at this place…" Shiki said. "How long has all this been here?"

"Judging by the legend of the Sovereign I'd say millennia." Kentaorusmon said.

"PROCEED WITH CAUTION." Shakkoumon said. "THE AGING STRUCTURE AROUND US MAY COLAPSE IF IT TAKES DAMAGE."

"Hopefully we won't be here long." Shoma said stepping ahead. Then his foot sank into one of the tiles resulting in a click. "Huh?"

Arata saw a thin slit in the wall next to Shoma open up. "Look out!" He dove into him from behind pushing them aside as a sharp pendulum swooped by.

"Shoma!" Shiki and Noir gasped.

"Arata!" Ami ran to them. "Are you two okay?!"

"Yeah…" the boys got up. "Thanks, Arata." Shoma said.

"Yeah, no problem." Arata dusted himself off. "Still be careful. Haven't you seen the movies? Ancient temples like this are jack loaded with traps."

"Makes sense." Justimon nodded. "This place was built to protect the core."

"Indeed. We should be careful." Magnamon said. "Like I said before, the temple Darcmon and I got Zhuqiaomon's core from was full of traps."

Gallantmon looked at Arata. "You risked your life to save Shoma. I did not expect that."

"I don't want to see someone disappear right in front of me." Arata said.

"Oh really? Does this mean all the Digimon who vanished before your eyes don't count as "someone"?"

"Gallantmon!" Diaboromon scolded. "Arata may have destroyed a lot of Digimon, but that wasn't because he wanted to! It was because he had to!"

"Cool your jets partner, he's not wrong." Arata replied. "I caused a lot of pain. Denying it won't change it. But I made myself a promise." He started walking down the halls. "I'm not losing anymore comrades."

The others followed. Gallantmon stood there for a moment. "Comrades…"

Yuuko nodded. "I see… so this allows you to fight other Digimon in a separate dimension…"

Takuto nodded. "Yup. In fact, our world's Samudramon usually can be found there looking to hone himself against other opponents."

"The Samudaramon of your world…?" Yuuko's Digimon asked.

"Yeah. He used to be part of a group called the Three Gods of Ruin, who tried to work with the man who possessed Shoma in destroying the Digital World. But now he just wants to improve his skills."

"You made one of your enemies into an ally?" Yuuko asked.

"Yeah." Takuto replied. "I know, you probably think it's a stupid idea."

Yuuko smiled. "Not really. I did the same thing once. A hacker was trying to take me down. But she ended up joining my team."

Takuto laughed. "Enemy today friend tomorrow, huh?"

"Though Takumi and Ami did the same. That same hacker used to be their enemy before becoming an ally. Same with Kentaorusmon, Arata, even me at one point."

"You were Takumi and Ami's enemies too?" Storm asked.

"Temporarily. And it was nothing personal. It was back when I was leading a hacking team named Zaxon. Takumi and Ami were supporting the growth of Nokia's team. I figured we would have to fight at one point."

Takuto frowned. "It must be hard to choose between friends…"

Yuuko looked down. "Well, they didn't know it was me… but then I decided to make a very dangerous gamble. Nokia followed suit. Arata knew the dangers we were ignorant to and asked Takumi and Ami to help him stop us. That's how we ended up fighting each other. I… I was the one who taught Takumi and Ami to fight with Digimon. I was shocked when they defeated me. They grew beyond my imagination without me noticing."

"How did that feel?" Nova asked.

"I was a bit sad… even embarrassed. But I was happy too. Happy that those two became so strong. It made me proud that I was the one who brought them and Terriermon and Palmon together."

Takuto grinned. "Watching others grow… that's one of my favorite things to do in Flotia."

Yuuko smiled. "I see… watching others grow…"

"There you are." Takumi approached them. Zero and Nokia right behind him.

"Did something happen?" Takuto asked.

"We've detected an unknown distress signal." Zero said. "It's not that far from here… which is suspicious enough if you ask me."

Nokia shrugged. "However, Takumi here is insisting someone should check it out and volunteered to go on a search and rescue."

Yuuko sighed in exasperation. "Takumi…"

"I know it could be a trap but what if someone's in danger?" Takumi asked. "I can't ignore this."

"It's too dangerous to go out on your own."

Zero nodded. "Glad you agreed. That's why I was hoping you would accompany him."

"Me? Why?"

"I'd offer to go myself, but Mirei needs help locating the last two Sovereign Digicores."

"And Omegamon and I are trying to get the refugees here settled in." Nokia added. "Besides, you and Takumi have always worked well together."

Rapidmon Armor nodded. "Indeed. You have always been a great deal of support to us. And someone who can take point if we need guidance."

Takumi smiled. "I would feel a lot safer if you had my back."

Yuuko nodded. "Alright. When do we depart?"

"As soon as you're ready. I'll meet you at the west end of the city with the others." Takumi left with his Digimon.

"Others?"

"I've assigned TiggerVespamon, Sakuyamon, and Phoenixmon to join you." Zero replied.

"I see." Yuuko smiled. "Then with us and Takumi all should go well."

Nokia grinned. "Of course, if you just wanted to be with Takumi alone, we'd totally understand!"

Yuuko blushed. "What are you-

Takuto laughed. "Dosen't that sound nice. How long have you two been a thing?"

"It's nothing like that!" Yuuko objected.

Zero grinned. "Fun fact Yuuko, while I was your avatar, I not only experienced the same things as you when you were logged into me. I felt your emotions. And I noticed they were always at their strongest whenever a certain redhead was involved."

Yuuko squinted at him as the others laughed. "I honestly can't tell whether I'm liking you more or less."

Ami and her team treaded carefully as they continued through the temple. Soon a light could be seen through a corridor up ahead. "Ah, the light at the end of the tunnel." Arata said. "I think we're close."

"There could still be traps ahead." Magnamon said. "Tread carefully."

They stepped into the doorway. Inside was a massive room lit by many torches around them. "Look at this place..." Shiki breathed as they looked around. Old symbols and letters were carved on the walls.

As they aproached the center of the room Arata noticed something up a tall set of stairs. "Hey. Looks like there's something up there."

The team climbed up the stairs and when they reached the top, they found an old large rectangular box. In front of it was a tablet with ancient writing. "This thing looks like a casket." Justimon said.

Shoma stared at the tablet. "Anyone know what this says?"

Gallantmon knelled at it. "It's in an ancient script. I think I can decipher it. "In this temple lies the last surviving Digicore of the forest deity of the north"."

"Sounds like we found the core." Diaboromon grinned.

"Really, what was your first clue?" Kentaorusmon snorted. "The immense power coming from that box?"

"Or maybe the fact that this looks just like the case holding the Digicore Darcmon and I found." Magnamon said.

Gaia looked up at the wall. There was a carving engraved of a giant turtle with two heads and a tree on its back. "Or maybe the literal writing on the wall..."

"Well what are we waiting for?" Shiki asked. "Let's grab the core and get out of here."

"Wait!" Arata grabbed her wrist as she reached for the case. "Given the traps we saw on the way here there's no way this thing isn't rigged."

"He's right." Justimon replied. "This isn't just some treasure chest, it's the resting place of a Sovereign Digimon."

Arata pulled up a screen and started digging around. "Let's see what we got here... hm... huh... Yup. Knew it."

"Well?" Gallantmon asked. "Speak up."

"This casket is rigged so if the core is removed it'll set off a trap that will cause this entire temple to fall apart."

Everyone shuddered. "Well... that's... remarkably different from the last temple I was in." Magnamon said.

"Does it look like you can disarm it?" Noir asked.

Arata grinned. "Who do you think you're talking to? I got past Kamishiro Enterprises security. A millennia old system like this will be a cakewalk."

"Then be quick about it." Gallantmon ordered. "I'd like us to get out of here before-

"Stop right there!"

Everyone turned around towards the doorway they came in from. "Before that can happen?" Kuzuhamon asked.

Gallantmon sighed. "Quite."

A army of Digimon poured into the room. Leading them was Duramon and BryweLudramon. "Thank you for finding this place for us." Duramon said. "The Next Order will be talking Ebonwumon's Digicore!"

"So much for this being easy." Ophanimon groaned as she summoned her lance and shield.

"Ha! Easy is too boring for my liking anyway." Diaboromon grinned before leaping down the stairs.

Shoma looked behind him. "Arata!"

"Working on it!" Arata said typing into his monitor. "Buy me some time!"

Ami, Shiki and Shoma nodded to each other before running down the stairs with their Digimon. "With pleasure!" Justimon said before he and Shakkoumon joined in with the Royal Knights.

Gallantmon held up his lance and it glowed blue. "Lightning Joust!" He fired a blue beam piercing through a hole in the enemy wave and then charged into them. Magnamon and Justimon followed him.

"Bifrost!" Kentaurosmon fired freezing arrows from his crossbow.

"Catastrophe Cannon!"

"Disaster Blaster!" Shakkoumon and Diaboromon fires at the crowd as well.

Shoma instructed Noir as he and Ami's Digimon attacked. Ami, Shiki and their Digimon ran up to Duramon and BryweLudramon. "This is as far as you go!" Shiki yelled.

"So it is you we must face Ami, and Shiki?" BryweLudramom asked. "Interesting..."

"Wait, have we met?" Ami asked.

"We have not." Duramon replied. "But the two of us were stationed in the lab you two were detained in."

"That's a place I'd rather not have to think about." Shiki scowled.

"We were stationed to guard two different locations in the lab." Duramon said. "But I was defeated and forced to retreat... by Takumi Aiba."

"I was also given the bitter taste of defeat." BryweLudramom said. "At the hands of Takuto."

"Our bros got you huh?" Shiki asked. "Must have been when they came to rescue us."

Ami smiled. "Hey, no need to feel bad about it. Those two are tough."

"Indeed." Duramon closed his eyes. "As strong as we may be, the two of us were no match for them."

"But the two of us together can unleash a much greater power." BryweLudramom stated. "With it, I am confident we would have prevailed."

"You two have good teamwork?" Shiki asked.

"Something like that."

"I don't see Takumi or Takuto here today." Duramon said. "But I am told you two are their equals. You will prove whether or not we would prevail." His body glowed gold. "It is time brother!"

Red fire glowed around BryweLudramom. "Understood brother!" Shiki, Ami and their Digimon prepared themselves. Both Digimon roared as they transformed. Duramon became a large golden sword. B turned into a crimson shield. Light flowed out of both of them and connected.

"What are they up to?" Shiki asked.

"Nothing good from the looks of it." Ami replied. "Brace yourselves!"

The light created a body clad in black armor. Its red eyes opened and the sword and shield circled behind it. "Behold... we are the sharpest of blades and the sturdiest of shields. We are RagnaLaordmon! Come!" The Digimon got into a fighting stance and his sword and shield went to his sides. "Test your might against ours!"

"They merged..." Rosemon Burst Mode said. "This could be tricky."

"Nothing we haven't seen before." Ami stepped forward. "Let's- She stopped in front of Shiki's outstretched arm. "Shiki?"

"Do you mind if I take this one?"

"By... yourself? Why?"

Shiki started whispering to her. "Mr. Mameo and Mirei gave you everything you need to use the EXE program. I want you to watch me do it. Then maybe you'll learn a thing or two on how to use it."

"You sure you can take this guy in your own? He looks pretty tough."

"I'll signal if I need help."

Ami nodded. "Alright."

"The three of us will go help the others." Rosemon Burst Mode said before she and Ami's other Digimon took off.

Shiki turned to her Digimon. "Alright ladies!" She pressed her finger on her Digivice and held it up. "Let's do this! Skyla! Gaia! Extra Xross Evolution!" Shiki's Phoenixmon and Rosemon started spinning in place and she held out her hand. Her Digimon became blue pixels that streamed into a blue spark making an infinity sign before turning into a golden egg that slowly faded away showing a BloomLordmon. "Welcome back to the game Faye!"

Ami looked at the glowing Digimon. "Wow... so she can also merge her Digimon... the increase in power us nothing to scoff at. This is the power my brother unlocked..."

RagnaLaordmon stared at her. "So, this is Extra Xross Evolution. Interesting! Let's see what you can do!" His right arm glowed gold. "Saint Knuckle!"

Faye charged and threw a punch of her own with her shield slammed into his fist. "Spin Attack!" She whirled blowing RagnaLaordmon back. She charged at him and his shield flew in front of him ready to block whatever she might do. "Wind Shoes!" She instantly circled around him then kicked him in the back. She then slashed him with her lance four times. "Rock fall!" A boulder landed on the enemy Digimon before he held his hand forward and the giant sword charged at her. She blocked it with her shield then flung it aside. RagnaLaordmon rushed at her throwing punches, but she dodged each one before kneeling him in the gut making him hunch over. "Shining Nova!"

Ami had to shield her eyes as a burst of light blew the target away. "Amazing! Shiki, this is incredible!"

The other girl smiled. "That's how strong my bond is with my partners."

RagnaLaordmon stood up. "This power is indeed impressive. Perhaps it surpasses even our own... however..." He held up his hand and a red orb appeared.

"What's that?" Shiki asked.

"Hosaka was inspired by the power your brothers showed at the lab. This "Overclock". So, he created a more potent version for us." He held the orb up. "For the glory of the Next Order!" He winced as he pushed it inside of himself. His body glowed red.

"Not good." Ami seethed.

RagnaLaordmon stood in a fighting stance. "This will put great strain on us... but it should be enough to defeat you."

"We'll see about that." Faye replied.

"Wolkenapalm!" RagnaLoardmon charged towards Faye with his left palm ablaze.

Faye's heels glowed gold. "Tailwind!" She zipped right around the attack then hit her target with a roundhouse kick. Ragnaloardmon slid to the side before he sprung back at her. She dodged his tackle but right before she could hit back, her opponent's shield flew into her knocking her towards him.

He grabbed her by the face and slammed her to the ground. He backed up and lifted his right arm. "Direct Smasher!"

Shiki noticed the golden sword hover above her Digimon. "Look out!"

Faye rolled out of the way just as it came down then leapt back to her feet. "Poison Powder!" She spewed a poisonous fog at her foe who jumped. To evade it. Faye slammed her spear onto the ground. "Root Bind!" Vines flew out of the ground and grabbed Ragnaloardmon by his ankles and slammed him into the ground in front of her. "Bio Field!" She let lose green mist around her enveloping her foe.

Ragnaloardmon grunted and held his left hand up. "Ignition Prominence!"

Ami noticed the shield approach Faye. "Your left!"

Faye faced the shield as it glowed with flames. "Earth Coat!" A green veil coated her body as fire engulfed her. The moment it died down Ragnaloardmon rammed her.

"So that sword and shield act on their own while he's fighting?" Shiki gritted her teeth. That's troublesome."

"I got an idea." Ami smiled. "Mind if I step in?"

"Sure, why not?"

Ami turned to her Digimon. "Rosemon! Ophanimon! Kuzuhamon!"

Rosemon Burst Mode slashed through a few enemies with her whip before turning around. "We're on it! Let's go ladies!"

"Of course!" Ophanimon flew.

"Right behind you!" Kuzuhamon said as she leapt.

RagnaLaordmon charged. "Heavy Strike!" Faye held out her hands as he slammed into her, and she pushed back. Her feet slid back slightly backwards before she brought herself and her opponent to a halt. RagnaLaordmon cackled as his sword and shield moved to Faye's left and right. Both charged towards her.

"Now!" Ami shouted. Rosemon Burst Mode caught the sword in her whip. Kuzuhamon, and Ophanimon blocked the sword pushing it back.

RagnaLaordmon gasped. "What?!"

Faye smirked before making her move. "Venom Disaster!" A green tornado blew her enemy away. "Electric Cloud!" She sent a dark cloud that struck lightning down on him.

"Annoying pests!" RagnaLaordmon growled. "Mach Rush!" He rammed into Ophanimon and Kuzuhamon freeing his shield. "Meteor Fall!" He then threw a fireball at Rosemon Burst Mode freeing his sword.

"So, he wants to play rough huh?" Ami asked. "Hey Shiki, let's test out that program we got from Hudiemon?"

"Sounds good to me!" Shiki pressed buttons on her Digivice as a blue monitor opened in front of Ami.

RagnaLaordmon charged at them. "You're through!"

"Overclock!" Ami and Shiki's Digimon glowed red. Just as RagnaLaordmon rushed at them they vanished. Then they bombarded him with attacks at blinding speed. Kuzuhamon whacked him with her staff, Ophanimon thrusted her spear into him then both Rosemon Burst Mode spun like tops before kicking him in the face.

RagnaLaordmon kneeled panting. "No choice then… all or nothing!" He held up his hands. His shield was engulfed in flames and his sword grinded across it coating it in fire. "Duel Edge-Flowsion!"

"Sefirot Crystal!"

"Illuminator!" As Ophanimon shot gems of light, Kuzuhamon took out her pipe and a spirit flew with them. They clashed against the sword and after an extended clash the blade shattered. RagnaLaordmon rushed at them screaming with his shield out.

Ophanimon and Kuzuhamon both flipped out of the way with Rosemon Burst Mode and Faye right behind them. "Aguichants Lévres!"

"Gran Del Sol!" Both shot lasers at RagnaLaordmon. He grunted as his shield blocked them before they pierced right through it and tore through him.

"YEAH!" Ami and Shiki high fived as their Digimon smiled to each other. "We make for a good team. Don't you think?" Ami asked.

"Totally."

"Ugh… well played…" RangaLaordmon collapsed onto the ground. "The program put more strain on us then we thought… we can't heal…"

"Why did you follow the Next Order?" Ami asked.

"We seek... worthy opponents... to test our strength... we heard rumors about how Digimon who team up with humans gain incredible power..." RagnaLaordmon started laughing. "And we were right. You two were our greatest opponents... We're glad we joined the Next Order... who knows? Maybe we'll be reborn as someone even stronger someday and challenge you again... until that happens... don't you...lose." He then faded away.

Ami sighed. "Why are some Digimon so quick to throw their lives away?" Ami asked.

"Everyone has their reasons for what they do." Kuzuhamon replied. "Sometimes that means putting their lives on the line."

Shiki stared at her thinking of the Kuzuhamon of her world. "I guess so..."

Just then the Overclock ended and Faye split back into Skyla and Gaia. The two of them along with Ami's Digimon started panting. "Hey, are you guys okay?!" Ami asked.

"We're fine." Ophanimon replied. "Just a bit winded."

"*huff* I guess...*pant*" Skyla took a deep breath. "I guess Overclock and EXE aren't supposed to mix so well..."

The other Digimon backed away from the sight. "Th-They took out RagnaLaordmon!" A Meteormon gapped. "We stand no chance against them!"

A MetalTyranomon gulped. "B-but we gotta fight! If we run away the boss is gonna...!"

"Boss?" Ami asked. "You mean Leopardmon?"

Arata swiped away his screen. "There! That should disable the trap." He pushed the lid of the casket, and it slid off. Inside was a glowing tortilla brown orb. He reached into the box and held it up. "Guys, I got it!"

Everyone turned to him. "Nice work!" Shoma smiled.

"Oh no!" A BlackGrowlmon gulped. "We can't let them get away with that core!"

"I'll take that." Arata was caught off guard by the sudden voice. Even more so by the invisible hand that yanked the Digicore from his grasp before he was pushed off the altar and rolled down a good number of the stairs before he could stop himself.

"Arata!" Ami ran towards her friend.

Arata groaned and looked up at the altar and the core floating in the air. "What the hell was that?!"

Laugher filled the room before the attacker became visible reveling himself as he held the Digicore. "Thanks for disarming the trap for me."

"You're Hosaka!" Shiki glared. "How did-

"You used Stealth Hide." Ami scowled.

Hosaka chuckled as he looked at the orb. "So, this is a Sovereign Digicore. Lord Leopardmon will be pleased."

"You better give that back if you know what's good for you boy!" Kentarurosmon glared as he aimed his crossbow at Hosaka.

"I'd love to stay and talk business, but I'm a busy guy with a tight schedule." He opened a monitor.

"Uh…" A Airdramon blinked. "Does that mean we're good to go boss? I mean you got the core…

"It means my work here is done. And I guess you guys are free to go now." Hosaka smirked. "You might want to be quick about it." He then pressed something.

The whole temple started shaking. Shoma held Shiki up as she nearly fell over. "What's happening?!" the girl yelped.

"Crap! He reactivated the trap!" Arata growled as he got up and ran up the stairs.

Hosaka smirked and pressed something else. "See ya." He vanished just as Arata lunged at him.

Arata growled as he got up. "Damn it!"

"W-we gotta get out of here!" a BlueMeramon yelled before the other Digimon started running away.

"He just left the others here?!" Shiki asked. "How cruel!"

"Let's worry about ourselves!" Kentarurosmon yelled. "Use the Home Gates!" Everyone gathered around Shiki, Shoma, Ami, and Arata and they scrolled through their Digivices while stones came down around them. Just as a huge chunk of the ceiling dropped, they disappeared right before they could be flattened.

Takumi and Yuuko trekked through the forest with their Digimon along with TiggerVespamon, Phoenixmon, and Sakuyamon. Takumi had his goggles on. "It should be around here…"

"You sure?" Phoenixmon asked. "Because I'm not seeing anything."

"Nothing's coming up on my radar either." Rapidmon Armor added.

"Something has to be transmitting that signal." Takumi said. "Spread out. Rapidmon, you're with me." BlackWarGreymon, Dorugoramon, Yuuko, Samudramon and the Zaxon Digimon broke off as Takumi and Rapidmon Armor looked around.

"I got a bad feeling about this." Rapidmon Armor said as he and Takumi walked.

Takumi then spotted something. "There!" He pointed ahead. A Espimon was crying while green bands of energy held him up against a tree. "Hang on!" He ran over to it. He looked at the bands binding it and put on his Digivice. "It's okay! I should be able to disable this. You'll be fine."

Rapidmon Armor stared at it. "Why isn't that Digimon appearing on my radar… wait…" It then hit him. "Takumi, get away from there!"

"Huh?" The Espimon vanished and the bands binding it opened and stretched grabbing him and binding him to the tree. "Ah!" He grunted as his face impacted into it.

"Takumi!" Rapidmon rushed towards him but then was tackled to the ground by Leviamon. "Gah!"

Takumi looked over his shoulder. "Rapidmon!"

Leviamon grunted as he was slowly being lifted as Rapidmon Armor tried to get off the ground. "A little help here?!"

Lilithmon stepped in front of Rapidmon. "Evil Sigh."

Rapidmon Armor grunted as his strength was sapped and Leviamon pinned him down. Takumi grunted and tried to pull free, but the green glowing bands wrapped tightly around his arms and the tree. A laugh caught is attention. "Classic Cyber Sleuth."

Takumi had a hard time seeing what was behind him thanks to his awkward position but recognized the filtered voice. "K!"

The masked hacker stepped out from behind a tree. "I knew if it looked like somebody was in trouble you would come running." He aproached Takumi.

"So, what shall we do with the boy?" Leviamon asked.

"Please tell me we're keeping him." Lilithmon smirked. "I do miss playing with Ami and Shiki. I could use a new plaything."

"Stop… sounding… creepy…" Rapidmon Armor weakly groaned.

K stopped when he was right behind Takumi. "Hmm… as much as I enjoy the idea of making him suffer a bit, it may be best to end him here and now. What to do?" A sharp object appeared in his hand. "Maybe hearing him scream will help me make up my mind."

Takumi shut his eyes and braced himself as K reeled back to stab him in the back. "No…!" Rapidmon Armor struggled to stand but Leviamon's whole weight was on top of him while Lilithmon still drained him.

"Get away from him!"

K and Takumi looked to their left to see Yuuko running up to them with Samudramon. "Yuuko!" Takumi gasped.

K held his weapon right at Takumi's back as he faced her. "Stay where you are!" Yuuko and her Digimon halted. "Of course, you had to come here as well. This idiot's always dragging you into his problems."

"Nobody dragged me into anything." Yuuko replied. "I chose to help Takumi. Just what is it you hold against him?"

"Don't you see he's holding you back? You do not belong at his side."

"Who are you to decide that?" Samudramon asked.

K looked at Yuuko. "Yuuko, join me with the Next Order. Lord Leopardmon will make all your dreams come true."

"And you trust him?" Yuuko glared. "He tried to destroy our world!"

"He no longer seeks to do that. His concerns lie with only the Digital World. With his knowledge and resources, he can make your father's EDEN a place where nobody feels alone. Where nobody suffers. You, your father and your brother can be together forever in your ideal world."

Yuuko closed her eyes. "EDEN… Yuugo… father… for the longest time all that occupied my mind and motivated me were those three thoughts… I thought if I could protect my father's dream and bring back my brother that would be enough… but I was wrong! There are other people around me who matter to me as well." She looked at Takumi. "I have friends who help me be strong. Who I can help and depend on. I'm no longer going to fixate on my own base desires! I'm going to do what's right for everyone!"

K snarled. "I don't understand.. it's like you've become someone different from the Yuuko I once knew." He turned to Takumi. "This is all your fault!" He readied his weapon.

"Takumi!" Yuuko yelled before something rushed past her and rammed into K knocking him away from Takumi. "TiggerVespamon!"

Lilithmon and Leviamon gasped. "Who the-

"Starlight Explosion!"

"Spirit Strike!" Sakuyamon and Phoenixmon blasted Lilithmon from a distance blowing her away.

"Black Tornado!"

"Brave Medal!" Dorugoramon and BlackWarGreymon slammed into Leviamon knocking him off of Rapidmon Armor who Dorugoramon helped up. "You okay?"

"Yeah, thanks."

K grunted and stood up facing the attackers. TiggerVespamon stood in a fighting stance as Sakuyamon and Phoenixmon flew to her sides. "So, you must be K. I don't know why you hide behind a mask, but stay away from Yuuko and her friends unless you wish to feel the wrath of Zaxon!"

"Be careful." BlackWarGreymon said. "Deadly Digimon are nothing to scoff at."

Dorugoramon stared at K as he trembled. "Hey, what's up with him?"

K stumbled back clutching his head. "No… you… I don't…!"

Lilithmon seethed. "Don't tell me…"

Leviamon growled. "Don't lose your conviction K! We are giving you what you want!"

K dropped to his knees. "I don't want to…"

"Yes, you do!" Lilithmon hissed. A green symbol appeared from your hand.

"Do not hesitate!" Leviamon ordered as a light blue symbol emanated from him. "Take what you desire! Destroy what's in your path!"

K gasped. One of his eyes was glowing green and the other glowed bright blue. "GAAAAAAAH!"

"What are you doing?!" Takumi yelled.

K collapsed into the ground groaning. "Ugh, this had to happen now!" Lilithmon growled before she and Leviamon teleported to K's side. Lilithmon picked him up before leering at Takumi and the others. "This isn't over! We'll be back!" The three of them vanished.

"What was that about?" Sakuyamon asked.

"I have no idea…" Yuuko replied. She then rushed over to Takumi who was still tied to a tree. "Takumi, are you alright?"

"Yeah, just confused… a bit embarrassed…"

BlackWarGreymon turned to the group. "Is it just me or did it look like K was being… controlled by Lilithmon and Leviamon?"

"I was thinking the same thing." Sakuyamon replied. "We should discuss this with the others once we get back."

"Sounds good." Takumi nodded. "But before that… can someone get me out of this? It's squeezing me a bit hard and my neck's getting sore from looking over my shoulder."

Yuuko looked at him with a hand at her chin. "Hmm…"

"Uh, Yuuko? What's with that look?" The girl's face remained blank as she got right behind Takumi and started lightly skittering her fingers on his sides. "ACK! Hey! What are you doing?!"

Yuuko smiled. "I thought so. You're ticklish, aren't you?"

"I am not!"

"Really?"

"Really."

"If you say so." Yuuko replied. "…Then you won't mind if I did this, right?" She slipped her hands into Takumi's shirt and lightly brushed up and down his sides.

Takumi shrieked. "Okay! Okay, I'm ticklish!" He laughed. "Now cut it out!"

Yuuko laughed. "I thought it was just Ami, who was sensitive. But I guess that extends to you too huh?"

"It's just my sides that are a little sensitive, okay?" Takumi muttered.

Yuuko giggled. "A little" you say? Honestly that rection was kind of… amusingly childish in a way. A bit feminine even."

Takumi's face flared red. "What do you mean feminine?!"

The Digimon laughed before TiggerVespamon looked at Samudramon. "Yuuko certainly has changed since our days of working in EDEN."

Samudramon watched as Yuuko pulled up a monitor to work on releasing Takumi from the trap. And occasionally poking his sides with her finger smiling as he squirmed. "She's a lot more open about her feelings now. You can thank Takumi and the other friends she's made for that."

Rapidmon Armor laughed. "Takumi has that effect on people."

I wanted this chapter to be dedicated to Ami and Shiki strutting their stuff after they've been imprisoned for most of the story so far. But we also get some new stuff on Arata, Gallantmon, and even K, who we will learn more of in due time. For now, the race for the Soverign starts with the Next Order in the lead.