After the team warped back to the city things happened so fast. A team of medics took Alphamon and the other wounded away. The scientists took the object Takuto brought back with him. The whole team was exhausted and went straight to the mess hall then to bed. Save for two people. Mameo passed by the infirmary. Looking through the doorway his suspicions were confirmed. "Yup, figures." He sighed walking into the room. Takumi and Ami stood there in front of a medical bed Alphamon was lying in.

Lilamon floated over to the teacher and whispered. "They've been here ever since we brought Alphamon here."

"So, they've been up all night?"

Socerimon aproached as well. "We tried shooing them away, but they just stay put there. I understand they're worried about Alphamon, but I wish they'd care for their own health better."

Mameo faintly laughed. "Join the club." He walked over to them. "Alright you two, visiting hours are over. Don't you two think it's time you got something to eat?"

"I'm not hungry." Takumi replied.

"Me neither." Ami said. Neither of them looked away from Alphamon.

"Listen, Alphamon will be fine. She's head of the Royal Knights. She'll be up and about soon. You should make sure you're taking care of yourselves or Nokia and the others will get upset with you."

"They'll get over it, they always do." Ami replied.

"Not the point." Mameo sighed. "Look, I get why you're worried. She was trapped in there for so long. And she was pretty badly roughened up when we found her-

"It was horrifying." Takumi interrupted. "Alphamon is so strong. Physically, mentally…seeing her in such a state terrified me…"

"Me too." Ami frowned. "We never saw her like that before…"

"Even Alphamon is not perfect you know. Nobody is. No matter how strong you are, you will always face hard times." Mameo. "You should know. You are two of the strongest people I've met in this world."

"Still…" Takumi clenched his fist. "When we parted ways when the worlds were rebooted…I feared we'd never see her again…the woman who took us in…cared for us…mentored us…"

"You found her back in your world, didn't you?"

"That was Kyoko." Ami replied. "Alphamon may have merged with her…and we admire her for similar reasons…but they're still two different people…Kyoko doesn't have Alphamon's memories…And now we finally got to see her again…"

"Takumi…Ami…" Mameo stared solemnly.

"There's so much we want to say to her…" Takumi's fists shook. "Not just about this war…but everything that's happened…"

Mameo stared at them for a bit longer before he sighed accepting that they weren't budging. "Just…make sure you eat something and get some rest eventually."

"We will." the twins replied. Then Mameo got a message and checked his Digivice.

Mirei: Come see us in the lab. We have something to discuss.

Mameo looked up. He swore he heard a ping from Takumi and Ami's Digivices. He thought maybe to ask them if they heard it but then decided it wouldn't change anything. He quietly left the room.

Mirei stood in front of a glass case holding the skeletal arm Takuto recovered from the Dark Area. Everyone save for the Cyber Sleuths was in with her. "Takumi and Ami are still in the infirmary?" Yuugo asked.

"Nobody can get them to budge." Mameo replied.

"Poor guys." Takuto sighed. "They must be super worried about Alphamon…"

"Yeah…" Nokia frowned. "I don't even feel like yelling at them for it."

"THAT'S unusual." Arata replied.

"Hey, Alphamon was like a mother to those two! What did you expect!?"

Arata smiled. "Relax, will you, I'm not criticizing. I'm impressed. You're acting all grown up all of the sudden, I'm just not used to it."

"You think so?"

"He's right." Yuuko smiled. "You're not so quick to snap at others anymore, and you put a lot of thought into your actions now. You should be proud Nokia."

"Aww! Thanks guys! I think you've both grown up too!"

"You think so?" Arata asked.

"She's right you know." Yuugo smiled. "Arata's a lot less crude. And Yuuko's better at talking to people."

"You've all once again grown through the course of your journey." Mirei smiled. "It's a sight to behold. But that's enough reminiscing for now. I wanted to talk to you about the object you retrieved from the Dark Area."

Everyone looked at the object in the glass. "What the heck is it anyway?" Kouta asked. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Whatever it is, it was not easy to get." Takuto. "The moment I tried to take it a giant monster attacked us!"

"Can you describe it?" Mirei asked.

"Some giant goliath with a cape!" Himari said stretching her hands out and upward. "And he used this thing as a missive right arm!"

"Hmmm…" Mirei adjusted her glasses. "It must have been Bagramon."

The Royal Knights gasped. "What did you say?!" UlforceVeedramon asked.

"Surely you're not implying the Sage of Death himself was down there!" Gankoomon said.

"That simply isn't possible!" Gallantmon said. "He was slain long ago!"

"I seemed more like a ghost then a Digimon." UlforceVeedramon said. "Perhaps it was his lingering malice we fought."

"Hold on, you guys are losing us here." Sayo sighed. "Who is this Bagramon?"

Kentaurosmon let out an exasperated groan. "I can see why you humans find bliss in ignorance. Bagramon was a threat that could rival even the Eaters!"

"You can't be serious." Arata gapped.

"Sadly no." Magnamon replied. "He was once a loyal advisor to King Drasil. But one day he went mad and thought himself capable of replacing him as the leader off this world."

"He even managed to steal some of his power to vastly increase his own." Gallantmon explained. "After a fierce clash with the legendary founder of the Royal Knights, he was defeated. And then buried in the Dark Area."

"Correct." Mirei nodded. "As for this power he stole from King Drasil…he used it to create a dreadful weapon. Equipping it is what made him mutate."

Everyone looked at the arm. "Mirei…" Shoma muttered. "Are you saying…"

"Yes. This is the very weapon he created. The Brave Snatcher. A weapon with King Drasil's power, tainted with negative energy from his twisted desires."

"Wow…" Koh shuddered. "…I honestly don't know what to make of that…"

"To think Bargamon's most powerful weapon remained all this time…" Omegamon said. "We're lucky the Deadly Digimon never found it down there…"

"Could that really be the case though?" Yuuko asked. "Takuto's group found it by sheer accident from wondering around."

"I was thinkin' the same thing." Fei added. "Those guys lived in the Dark Area, didn't they? How'd they never find it?"

"Unless…they did know it was there but were afraid of it." Noir suggested.

"Possibly…" Mirei said.

"Well, now it's ours." Arata said. "The question is, can we use it to get past the security in Cloud Sanctuary?"

"Use it?!" Magnamon asked. "It's bad enough that this is part of Bagramon! But the fact that it holds the late king's power?! We should toss this cursed thing back into the Dark Area and wash our hands thoroughly of it!"

"Magnamon, I understand your hesitation." Hudiemon said. "But you have to remember how dangerous the Next Order is."

"She's right." Yuugo nodded. "Craniamon…the previous Craniamon warned us that Leopardmon is planning something with Digital Waves and the Sovereign Digi-Cores. We need to figure out what he's doing and stop him."

"To answer your question Arata." Mirei spoke up. "Yes. This weapon is said to be capable of tearing down the walls between dimensions. It should have more then enough power to knock out the sensors on Cloud Sanctuary. But Magnamon is right on this thing being dangerous. We should take every precaution available. We'll need time to carefully test how far we can push the Brave Snatcher without any…repercussions."

"What should the rest of us do in the meantime?" Himari asked.

"We plan our assault." Mameo replied. "This could very well be the final battle approaching. We can't afford to slip up near the end because we weren't prepared."

"I agree." Yuuko nodded. "Additionally, the reason why we went through all the effort to rescue Alphamon-besides her being our friend of course-is so she could help us against the Next Order. We should wait for her to recover before we make our move."

"Reed my mind." Nokia nodded. "Speaking of which, someone should check up on her Watsons later."

"Keisuke and I will stop by the infirmary." Hudiemon volunteered.

"Alright then." Darcmon replied. "Meeting adjourned."

Back in the human world Kyoko Kuremi was sitting at one of the couches. On the other was a man in a suit with brown hair showing her an image of a young man with brown hair. "So, this is your son? Kiryu Tenjo."

"That's right. He's been missing for a while now." the man said. "I have no idea where he went…it's like he disappeared off the face of the planet."

"I see. Did you notice anything strange before he disappeared?"

"Well...now that you mention it…Kiryu had always been a moody kid. Especially ever since my younger son, Subaru had been getting nightmares that started breaking the poor boy. But about a week before he vanished, his mood started getting more glum. I should have noticed something was up…but he insisted he was fine and was keeping up his usual activities. Studying late after school, taking care of his brother…"

"I see."

The man bowed his head. "Please…find my son. Ever since my wife died of illness your children have been all that kept me going. And without Kiryu Subaru's mental state has been worsening…if something happens to my boys…"

Kyoko nodded. "Like Matayoshi told you when he directed you to me, I'm already looking into a similar case. I'll won't stop until I find the truth."

"Thank you." The man stood up. "I'll leave you my number. If you find out anything please let me know."

"Will do." Kyoko stood up. "Perhaps I could offer you a cup of coffee before you leave?"

"No thanks. I must get back to work."

"Very well. One last question. Where does your son go to school?"

"Hmm? Ah, you're going to star by asking his peers I see. Very well. It's…"

Alphamon was wandering in the Dark Area wondering aimlessly. She continued walking in the dark. That's all she could do. Wondering…for eternity.

"Alpha…mon…"

A familiar voice directed Alphamon to turn around and look behind her. Ami was panting holding onto her arm weakly trudging towards her. Her body flashed blue repeatedly as if glitching. "Ami?" She turned around. "What happened?"

The girl whimpered through tears. "It hurts…please…help me…" Alphamon walked towards her assistant. Then something she would never suspect happened. An Eater appeared. Slamming right onto Ami pinning her to the floor. "No!" Ami screamed. "Alphamon!" She screamed reaching a hand out from under her. "Please! I don't want to…!"

Just as Alphamon rushed over a tentacle grabbed Ami's arm and pulled her in. Alphamon froze in front of the Eater as she heard the munch. "No…" The Eater vanished before she could do anything.

"How could you…?"

Alphamon looked behind her. Takumi stood there clenching his fists. "Takumi, I-

"Why weren't you there for us?! Why didn't you help us?! We trusted you! And you gambled our safety away by putting everything on us! And now…because of you…!"

Alphamon heard something and gasped looking up. "Takumi, look out!" A giant red foot slammed atop her other assistant. "TAKUMI!" She rand up towards the leg that crushed him, but a giant spear slammed in front of her. The one who smashed Takumi was non other then Examon. Around the giant knight's head Crusadermon, Craniamon, Dynasmon and Leopardmon floated.

"How pathetic." Leopardmon laughed. "The legendary 13th Royal knight can't even protect a couple of human children?"

Crusadermon cackled. "To think King Drasil would entrust the responsibility of the knights and the world to someone who can't even be responsible for her own subordinates! This is why you are no longer needed in this world."

"You shall die as you lived." Leopardmon said as he pointed his weapon at Alphamon. His fellow knights charged up as well. "A failure!" Alphamon braced herself as a stream of attacks came at her all at once including a giant fireball for Examon.

The Legendary 13th Royal Knight gasped sitting up from a medical bed. She composed herself as she took a deep breath. "A dream…" She looked around. "Where…?"

"Oh. Hello." Alphamon looked to her left and saw Hudiemon approach with Keisuke. "Welcome back to the land of the living."

"Hudiemon."

Keisuke looked at the human/Digimon hybrid with him. "You two know each other?"

"We're acquainted. Our paths cross from time to time before the war."

"Indeed." Alphamon nodded. "Miss. Mishima here has been helping me with my investigation of the Eaters. She has also shared me her story of Hudie's role in the last reality."

Keisuke smiled. "I heard a lot about you too. From Takumi that is. I was floored when I found out that mysterious Digimon that helped me against Craniamon was Kyoko."

"Oh? You also remember the previous reality?"
"That's right."
"As I told you before, this crazy fool reached out for me before our worlds split apart." Hudiemon said. "We spent the transformation process in between worlds. That's probably why his memories were unaffected. Like your assistants."
Alphamon nodded. "I see. Speaking of my assistants…"

"If you're looking for them, they're right over there." Hudiemon said pointing to a corner where Takumi and Ami were each asleep in a chair. A blanket was put over both of them.

Their Digimon as always were by their side. Rosemon Burst Mode waved. "Hey boss." Rapidmon Armor spoke up first. "Good to have you back."

Alphamon stood up and looked at them. "Heh. It seems like I worried them."

"That's an understatement." BlackWarGreymon replied. "These two were stressing over how to get you back."

"We were all worried about you too of course." Ophanimon said. "But Takumi and Ami were desperate to see you again. You mean a lot to them you know."

"Is that so? After we restored their mental data to their bodies I tried to sent Kyoko Kuremi's body back to the human world. Did they not find her?"

"They did actually." Rapidmon Armor replied. "While BlackWarGreymon, Dorugoramon and I were in the human world we got to speak with her."

"Heh. You should have seen the look on her face when we told her everything." BlackWarGreymon smirked. "It was nice seeing a surprised look on her face."

"Is that so?" Alphamon asked. "I suppose that means she doesn't remember what we went through together."

Keisuke shook his head. "The only humans who remember are myself, Takumi, Ami, Nokia, Arata, Yuuko, and Yuugo."

"I see...But it sounds like they found Kyoko again regardless."

"That's right." Kuzuhamon nodded. "And she hired them as her assistants again. They were working with her when we went to their world in order to ask for their help here."

"This is about Leopardmon I assume? And the humans and Deadly Digimon aliened with him?"

"They call themselves the Next Order." Hudiemon replied. "They overthrew King Drasil and are attempting to take over the Digital World."

"I see...so they really did destroy King Drasil..."

"I know you have a lot of questions." Keisuke said before smiling to the Aibas sleeping in the corner. "But I think we'll leave the explanation to your assistants. They really did miss you ya know. I don't want to rob them of their chance to talk to you again."

"Did they really miss me that much?" Alphamon asked. "Even though they still work with Kyoko? Odd."
The whole group stared at her awkwardly. Keisuke slumped groaning, Hudiemon slapped her forehead and Takumi and Ami's Digimon each gave their own exasperated reaction. "Are you serious?" Keisuke sighed.

"What?" Alphamon asked.

"For the smartest detective and Digimon I know you really do miss obvious details." Hudiemon muttered.

"Seriously, how can you not see it?" BlackWarGreymon asked. "Must I paint a damn picture for you Sherlock?! Kyoko is not you! And you are not her! It doesn't matter how similar you two are or if you once merged with her body while her mental data was absent from it!"

"He's right you know." Rosemon Burst Mode said. "You're the you that found them that day. Who mentored them. You're the only you they know. That's why they fought so hard against the Next Order and to free you from that hell."

"Is that so?" Alphamon asked.

"They pushed themselves hard for your sake." Hudiemon said folding her arms. "Hell, we all tried to drag them out of here so they could rest, but neither of them would leave this room since you came in. You better thank them when they wake up. I mean it."

"I suppose I should."

A low mumble from Takumi and Ami getting the attention of their Digimon. "Well speak of the devil." Rapidmon Armor said.

The two teens groggily woke up. "Mmm..." Ami rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

"Welcome back you two." Keisuke grinned. "Good timing."

"Oh..." Takumi yawned. "I guess I dozed off there."

"No kidding. Now see what happens when you don't listen to what others tell you?" Kuzuhamon asked.

"No point in scolding them Kuzuhamon, that's just how they function."

A familiar voice directed both of them to who they wanted to see. "Alphamon!" The twins ran over towards the Royal Knight with relief and glee.
"Alphamon, are you alright now?!" Takumi asked.

"Are you hurt?! Should we get Socerimon?!" Ami asked.

"Easy you two." Rapidmon Armor replied. "She's fine. No need for all the drama."

"What did you expect?" Rosemon Burst Mode asked. "These kids were freaking out over Alphamon ever since we told them she disappeared."
Alphamon took in the sight of her young assistant. Their happy and worried selves. She crouched down. "It's good to see you're both doing well, Takumi, Ami. I'm sorry I worried you." She rested a hand atop their heads. "And...thank you. For coming to my aid."

"Alphamon..." Takumi smiled. Both twins were ready to cry. "You always came for us. We're just paying you back."

"Did I?"

"Huh?" Ami looked at the concerned look in Alphamon's eye. "What's wrong Alphamon?"

"Nothing. In any case I'm thankful you and your friends returned for us. It sounds like this world is facing another crisis. Sorry to be abrupt, but can you give me a report?"
Takumi smiled. "This might be the longest report you've ever heard."

"That's alright. You and Ami were always great with reports. Besides...I missed hearing them from you."
The two siblings smiled. "Okay." Ami nodded.

As the detectives started talking Hudiemon turned to Keisuke. "We should leave them be."

"Yeah." Keisuke smiled. "Cyber Sleuth business." The two of them walked out of the room for Takumi and Ami to get Alphamon up to speed.

Yuki sat at the end of a table taping his finger against it. "And what does a detective want with our humble bakery?"

On the other end of the table was Kyoko. "I've been hired to investigate the disappearance of someone. Kiryu Tenjo. I believe you know him."

"Yeah, we've been pals for years. Wish I knew where he disappeared to. Lord knows it's stressing my sister out regardless of how tough she tries to act."

Satome glared at him from the cash register. "I can hear you!"

Kyoko folded her arms. "His father told me he had been staying late at school studying but according to one of his classmates he's been frequently coming here after school."

"He likes to study in the back room here. He's not the kind of guy to loiter around with people he doesn't know." Yuki replied folding his arms as well.

Kyoko looked at him in the eye. "Is that so? Did you notice anything suspicious before he left? If you've been friends for a long time surly you must have detected something."

"Well, now that you mention it, he did seem a little stressed. Wouldn't tell us what's wrong though. Sorry I couldn't be much help, but if that's all I'm gonna have to ask you to leave if you're not going to order something. We're busy today." Yuki said standing up even though the bakery was currently empty.

"Really? And I don't suppose that has anything to do with you sending money to Subaru's psychiatrist?"

Yuki did a take. "How did you...?!"

Kyoko smirked. "I AM a detective. Finding things that are hidden is part of the job. I also know that Kiryu worries about his brother. Him coming here and you helping the kid seems like a hell of a coincidence."

Yuki growled. "You're certainly noisy."

"I'll take that as a complement. More importantly I'll have you know that your friend's father is worried about him. And Subaru isn't taking his older brother's disappearance well."

"What?"

"I'm asking you for them if you know anything."

"Kiryu has been working with us at the bakery lately." Satome replied as she aproached.

"Oh?"

"Sis...!" Yuki gritted his teeth.

"Yuki, I know this is betraying Kiryu." Satome sadly said. "But I can't keep this hidden anymore. He's been gone for so long...I miss him. I'm scared something might have happened...and if this is hurting Subaru…" She turned to Kyoko. "If we tell you everything…you have to promise you'll find him."

"That's my job." Kyoko replied. "You have my word I'll find your friend."

Yuki sighed. "...Sorry Kiryu." He sat back down and looked at Kyoko. "Fine, I'll level with you. Truth is Kiryu's been doing odd jobs, undercover stuff in EDEN to raise money for Subaru's therapy and home schooling."

"So he's a hacker."

"Hacker? Please. We prefer to call it "private security provider". Anyway, how it worked is I'd find him work and he'd go to EDEN with me backing him up. I'd then discreetly send money to the psychologist and education program."

"Bribes."

"What is it with you and the rude titles?" Satome glared.

"Seriously, you couldn't have just said "private business"?" Yuki asked.

Kyoko smiled. "My apologies. Now, you mentioned something seemed to be stressing him out?"

Yuki sighed. "Yeah. But I meant what I said about him not telling us. He started acting weird ever since he got back from that contest."

"Contest?"

Alphamon having just receiving her assistants' rather lengthy report was not with the two of them along with the rest of the Chosen Ones. "It's real damn good to have you back Alphamon." Arata said. "Shit seriously hit the fan while you were gone."

"So I heard. Leopardmon's Next Order already has a strong hold over the Digital World. A Digimon from a parallel world is supplying him with X-Antibodies. And we can confirm King Drasil is dead?"

"We can." Omegamon replied. "His presence has completely vanished from the world. The king...is no more...I'm sorry Alphamon. I failed my duty as a Royal Knight."

"No. The fault lies with me. I of all Knights was the most responsible for the king. And I wasn't even there."

Ami frowned. "Alphamon..."

"Still...do none of you find it odd?"

"What do you mean?" Yuuko asked.

"You all saw how powerful King Drasil is. Is it not strange to any of you that a small handful of the knights, a couple of humans and the Deadly Digimon destroyed him?"

"Now that you mention it that has been bothering me." Takumi said. "Even we couldn't destroy him, only immobilize him."

"Well, he was powered up by the Eaters, wasn't he?" Nokia suggested.

"On their own the Eaters are powerless." Alphamon replied. "What made the Mother Eater so powerful was it's erosion of King Drasil. Even with all of the firepower of the Next Order he should not have been destroyed."

"Are you saying King Drasil is indestructible?" Ami asked.

"Well...not technically. There is a special protocol King Drasil made himself to terminate him in the event he became a threat to the Digital World."

"Wait, seriously?!" Arata gaped. "Why would he do that?!"

"As powerful as he is King Drasil is not perfect. And he knows…knew that. The creation of the Deadly Digimon, the Bagramon incident... there was also another grave incident that he and his kind was involved with long ago that caused suffering on a mass scale."

"His kind"?" Takumi asked.

"A story for another time. Anyway, King Drasil has made his share of mistakes that caused more harm than anything. So, he decided to take precautions in case his actions looked like they would doom the Digital World."

"Where was this protocol when he was eroded by the Mother Eater then?" Ami asked. "You'd think it would kick in when he was corrupted. Did it just not recognize the Mother Eater as him?"

Alphamon shook her head. "No. Why it didn't activate before is the same reason why I am certain Leopardmon didn't use it on the King this time. The activation process requires my Digimon DNA. Without that, the protocol is useless. Sadly, I was defeated by the Eaters and had to flee to the human world by the time I learned what happened to King Drasil."

"I see..." Takumi replied. "Well, let's not rule out that possibility yet or assume that's what happened. We don't have enough evidence to jump to conclusions."

"Takumi, I just said it's impossible to activate the program without my DNA. Does that not suffice as proof? Or have you lost faith in me?"

"No!" Takumi said in an offended tone. "Hell no! But we need to put any possibility no matter how small into account. The Next Order already surprised us more then once."

"Takumi has a point." Ami nodded. "Between the altered realities, the other worlds involved, Project Nexus and Kiryu's forbidden programs too many strange things have been happening for us to call anything impossible."

"Say, maybe Boltboutamon found something that could kill King Drasil in his world!" Nokia suggested. "Let's ask Mameo and the others if they know."

"Could be." Arata replied. "Or hell, maybe another world out there is involved. Sayo and Koh's getting in the mix threw us for a loop. That reminds me, didn't they say Hosaka took something called Chorono Data from them? What's the Next Order going to do with that?"

"It was a program that put lifespans on Digimon." Yuuko said. "Could they be trying to weaponize it?"

"That would be a disaster." Yuugo said. "According to Sayo and Koh it almost destroyed their Digital World. We better keep and eye out for more signs of that."

"Right." Takumi nodded be noticing the way Alphamon was looking at them. "Alphamon? What's wrong?"

The Royal Knight had a surprised face. "I...I wasn't expecting you all to sound so mature. I suppose a lot has transpired but...it surprised me. You've all really grown up."

"You think so?" Ami asked.

"Indeed. Heh...it's a mixed feeling. I'm happy to see you grow yet...part of me misses how you were before."

"A feeling we can all relate to." Nokia said looking at Omegamon. "Digimon Digivolve. And when they do, they change from what you knew them as. But no matter how big and cool Omegamon gets he's still Agumon and Gabumon!"

"Same goes to us." Arata smiled. "We're still the crazy kids you picked up back then. And Takumi and Ami will always be the assistants you hired."

"Heh. I suppose so." Alphamon said looking at the Aibas. "That reminds me. I was told you two meet Kyoko Kuremi again and became her assistants. Tell me, what is she like?"

"Huh?" Takumi blinked. "Where's this coming from all the sudden?"

"Call it simple curiosity."

"Well..." Ami folded her arms. "She's still a great detective and has been helping us a lot..."

"I see..."

"She doesn't remember what happened before the transformation of our worlds." Takumi pointed out. "But she felt something familiar when she met us."

"And what's it like working with her?"

"Well...it's not quite the same as working with you. She seems more...reluctant to put me and Ami on the more dangerous cases."

"Is that so?" Alphamon asked.

"Yeah. Mostly we just help her with inquiries and run errands and arrange case files and stuff like that." Ami replied. "I mean we still get to investigate, but every time we get something big, she comes with us and watches us like a hawk."

"Sounds like Kyoko Kuremi has a bit of a worrying streak." Alphamon laughed. "Then again knowing you two..." The group chuckled at the twins. "Still...I'm happy for her. And both of you. Knowing you three are together again...it does me joy."

Takumi's face lit up. "Oh yeah! Ami and I are also the ones making her coffee!"

"Oh? Sounds like she's entrusting you two with a major responsibility after all."

"Well, we volunteered." Ami replied. "Sometimes she'll make normal coffee, but we always make her a special blend whenever we complete a case together."

"Is that so? I do hope you two are meeting standards with that."

"Well let's see..." Takumi thought. "Oh! The last one we made her had pepperoni and mozzarella!"

Alphamon rubbed her chin. "Intriguing. A pizza-like coffee. I take it, it was a success?"

Ami nodded. "Yup! She thought it was so good she passed out!"

Alphamon laughed. "A taste for the finer things in life. I expected nothing less from Kyoko."

Arata, Nokia, Yuuko and Yuugo quietly huddled up. "So, case closed." Arata said. "Kyoko's weird coffee sense had nothing to do with her, the problem was always Alphamon."

"I always knew she couldn't be a human if she drank that willingly." Nokia muttered.

"And now Kyoko is the one suffering it." Yuuko whispered.

"And occasionally us." Yuugo sighed. "How did Takumi and Ami suddenly get to liking it? Was it a side effect of how their mental data was restored? Part of it *did* come from Alphamon now that I think of it."

Takumi and Ami turned around. "What are you guys muttering about over there?" Ami asked.

"Nothing!" the four replied.

Alphamon shook her head. "We're starting to derail from the original subject. You're right Takumi. We should not arrogantly assume the security program is impossible to get through. The Next Order may have found something I overlooked. Though we don't know for certain if it was that protocol that did King Drasil in or if they found another way. I'm sure we'll have answers to our questions in due time, but for now our primary focus should be getting to Cloud Sanctuary."

"Oh, about that." Arata said. "Takuto, Shiki, Himari and UlforceVeedramon found something that can help us."

"You mean that weird arm thing they had with them?" Ami asked.

"Yeah." Nokia nodded. "Mirei called it the Brave Snatcher."

Alphamon gasped. "The Brave Snatcher... it still exists after all this time?"

"Alphamon, what's wrong?" Takumi asked unnerved from the Royal Knight's response.

"The Brave Snatcher is the remains of a powerful Digimon named Bagramon. Long ago he tried to overthrow King Drasil."

"Oh yeah. Jesmon mentioned the remains of an evil Digimon were buried in the Dark Area." Ami replied.

"Was it sheer luck that your friends found it while you were looking for me?" Alphamon asked. "Or is it destiny?"

"Whatever the case Mirei is confident it can help us reach the Sanctuary." Yuuko said. "She just wants to confirm a safe way to use it."

"Good." Alphamon nodded. "The Brave Snatcher was created from King Drasil's power. It is not something to take lightly."

"Well, to be honest it still might not be the most dangerous thing in the city..." Takumi replied.

"True. Which brings me to my next question. What of the Eaters?"

"Don't worry, Mirei, Zero, Hudiemon and I along with a bunch of our best minds are keeping watch over them in a secure space." Yuugo replied. "We still don't know what they are or what they will do, but if they start any activities we'll know."

"I pray they don't suddenly start something." Yuuko said. "We have enough on our plate now."

"All the Eaters have done since we defeated the Mother Eater is observe and send information to a world far beyond our reach." Alphamon said. "I do not know where or what purpose it serves..."

"That reminds me..." Takumi said. "In the end Suedou said the Eaters originate from a place we shouldn't try to access...what does it mean...?"

"Let's focus on what we can do for now." Ami replied.

"Agreed." Alphamon nodded. "Once Mirei is ready we shall confront the Next Order. Until then you should all make your preparations. In the meantime, I should make myself familiar with the city and our allies."

Takumi nodded. "Right. Good to have you back Alphamon."

"You should try chatting up some of our otherworldly friends." Ami smiled. "They're a bit odd, but they're all a good bunch."

"I suppose I shall. Thank you everyone. It's good to be back." Alphamon watched them leave. "Takumi...Ami...you really have grown..."

"He did what?!"

Kyoko was speaking over her Digivice. "He wanted nothing more then to help his younger brother. No matter what kind of shady activities he had to get up to."

"Ugh, so that's why the price for Subaru's education and therapy suddenly dropped. I should have known something was amiss... so what do you know about this place he's been going to?"

"So far, nothing. But he started going there after visiting Under Zero. And this "Paradise Lost Event" was held by someone calling themselves . So, there might be a clue in EDEN. I'm going to check it out."

"Please do detective. If Kiryu has been getting himself involved in something dangerous for his brother's sake I need to know."

"Of course." Kyoko hung up. "Could this have anything to do with Fei's disappearance? Well, looks like the answers might lie in EDEN. It's a good thing my assistants got friends with Kamishiro. I'm sure Saturo would be willing to grant me access if I ask him directly."

Alphamon stood on top of Central Tower in the middle of the city looking at it from high above. "They did all of this by themselves."

"Impressive, isn't it?"

Alphamon noticed a holographic image appear next to her. "Why hello Mirei. It's been some time."

"Indeed. You missed quite a lot of action while you were trapped in the Dark Area."

Alphamon sighed. "It's nice to reminisce, but shouldn't you be going over the Brave Snatcher and the Eaters?"

"Shouldn't YOU be introducing yourself to the city's residents?

"I have. Just taking a breather. Being the 13th Royal Knight and the mentor of the Cyber Sleuths seems to have given me a large reputation. So many Digimon and young humans have been hounding me with questions."

Mirei giggled. "Well, aren't you popular. Just don't let it go to your head."

"This from the woman who constantly bragged about her knowledge of Digimon and her ability to see the future."

"Not anymore. Some destinies simply cannot be foreseen. One of many things I learned from your assistants. Speaking of them, they were just telling me about their rescue mission."

Alphamon glanced at her, "Oh?"

"They mentioned some of the Digimon down there tried to play a rather nasty trick on you. One involving them."

Alphamon looked away. "So, they're worried about me and asked you to console me on the matter? An odd choice."

"I thought so too, but they did bring up a good point. Technically I've known you the longest out of everyone here. Human wise at least"

"Hmm. That's fair, I guess. You can rest assured though I knew those phantoms were not my assistants."

Mirei frowned. "Perhaps…But I know a lot about Digimon. Ghoulmon have a bad habit of feasting on one's insecurities and negative thoughts. If they decided to take on the form of your assistants…perhaps there's been something on your mind? Want to get it off your chest?"

Alphamon stared back at the city.

"You said we always had to push ourselves and never slack off because that was part of your agency's "moto". Well, what the hell is your excuse for not helping and just joking around while sending us to do all your work for you while you loafed around, you lazy cur?"

"And we suffered! Because of you! Because of your laziness and incompetence! You acted like you were hot shit the whole time, but you are nothing but a failure who pawned off all her duties on a couple of kids!"

"In the last reality all you did was pawn off your "duty" to two humans who had nothing to do with it! All to cover up your own failures!"

Alphamon shook her head. "I appreciate the thought, but I've been through far worse than some bad jokes. Please tell my assistants they're better off focusing on their preparations than worrying about me."

"That's only going to make them worry further you know."

"Well, in the last reality they had the tendency to make me worry with all the crazy things they did."

Mirei playfully grinned. "Crazy things you encouraged and/or ordered them to do for the record. I was watching. You can't deny it." After a brief pause Alphamon jumped off the tower. "Dear me, did I strike a nerve there? Must be related to what's troubling her." Mirei sighed. "Still…Alphamon has always been stubborn. She hates showing weakness. I wouldn't be surprised if she feels that whatever is bothering her, she needs to keep to herself." Mirei took a long pause. "…To herself…" She opened her laptop and started typing. Soon pulling up an image of Kyoko Kuremi. "Of course."

That's all for this one, folks. See you next week as Kyoko continues her investigation.