Sorry about the late update folks, I had this chapter all ready to go and just forgot to upload it this morning. Without further adue let's get on with chapter 70.

In the Dark Area, the portal reopened. A regal-looking knight in black and gold armor stepped into the Dark Area. The invisible humans and Digimon stared as she came in. "It's been a long time since I had to set foot in this place." She looked around her. "I'm positive it went into this area…but still…what could have drawn it here?" She started walking as the portal disappeared behind her. "Almost as if…" Her hand glowed green. "This is a trap." Her hand fired a green laser onto the ground dangerously close to Rabbit Circle who shrieked, blowing her cover. "I must say this is not a very clever one. The Eater remains were unmoving until they suddenly decided to come to the Dark Area of all places. Did you honestly think I wouldn't be suspicious?"

"Eh, shit." Hosaka mumbled. "So much for the ambush." He snapped his fingers and revealed himself and Lucemon. "So, you must be Alphamon."

The Digimon looked at him in surprise. "A human? Here?"

"That I am."

"Alphamon of the Royal Knights." Lucemon said. "I have not forgotten what you and your king did, banishing us to this realm. Today, true justice will finally be served."

"King Drasil and I deemed our actions necessary thanks to you Deadly Digimon terrorizing the Digital World." Alphamon replied. "Incidentally…I feel there is more to this than that. Now feels like an odd time for you to suddenly try to take revenge for something long, long ago. What is this really about?"

"Hmph. Sharp as ever, are you?"

"Incidentally, I doubt you would be able to bring humans here on your own. You had aid, didn't you?"

"That is irrelevant." Lucemon approached. "Your assistants taught me something in the previous reality. Digimon that work with humans are given a unique form of power. Hence me working alongside this human…to end you."

Alphamon glanced at Hosaka. "And you are willing to play along with this?"

"I was offered a big fat reward for helping with your elimination." Hosaka grinned. "I do hope you understand this is nothing personal."

"Is that so?" Alphamon faced Lucemon. "Then I hope you don't take what I'm about to do personally. Truth be told, I prayed that we Digimon and you humans would meet again someday. But now is not the time. And I cannot let you cause trouble for our world. As for you Lucemon, you should know that Takumi and Ami had far more experience working with Digimon than this human with you. And they each had three Digimon to boot. Your alliance could never match either of them, much less me."

"So, you're saying we need more Digimon?" Lucemon smirked. "Well…that can be arranged."

The invisible Creepymon flew in and punched Alphamon in the face. The Royal Knight slid back on her feet before stopping herself. She took a few more punches to the face before catching Creepymon's arm. Then the invisible Lilithmon hit her with magic from behind and Barbamon rammed into her. Belphamon Sleep Mode made a yawn that was so loud in pushed Alphamon back with the shockwave. She slowly pushed herself forward. "I've seen this before…" Her hand glowed white before she slammed it on the ground. All the humans and Digimon became visible.

"What the?!" Steam Dealer gapped.

Alphamon looked at the group. "I've seen what hackers can do with my one eyes. Sorry, but I know how to get around all your tricks."

"Tch." Kiryu growled. "She's clever, I'll give her that."

Alphamon looked at the six humans. "So, you were all hired to take me down, were you? Whoever brought you here must hold quite a vendetta against me. I don't suppose any of you would be willing to share who's responsible for this set up?"

Masked Maid laughed with a shrug. "Funny thing is, we're not entirely sure who our client is either."

"All you need to know is that they want us to get you out of the picture." Rabbit Circle said.

"It is our mission to eliminate you." Steam Dealer said. "Apologies, but you will not be leaving this place alive."

"Like Hosaka said this is nothing personal." Mephisto said. "Just business."

Alphamon got into a fighting stance. "Very well. Show me what you can do human children."

"Well, the Stealth Hide plan just blew up in our faces." Hosaka murdered to Kiryu. "What now soldier boy?"

"Plan B." Kiryu held a hand up. "Belphamon! Lilithmon! Leviamon! Now!"

"Zzz…Mental Break Field…"

"Attack Break Field!"

"Guard Break Field!"

Alphamon's stats lowered. "Now! Rush her!" Kiryu ordered. The six Digimon charged at the Royal Knight.

"Using debuffs?" Alphamon asked. "Well two can play that game." She held her hand towards the incoming Digimon. "Speed Break Field." All of the Deadly Digimon started to slow down as they approached. "Mach Rush!" She rammed each of them knocking them all away. "Mental Charge Field." She restored her magical power then took aim at Lucemon. "Hydro Watter!"

As the Deadly Digimon of Pride was blown away, Creepymon flew at Alphamon with glowing claws. "Slash Nail!"

Alphamon summoned a green sword. "Blade of the Dragon King." She blocked the claws blow for blow.

"Lucemon, Babramon, help Creepymon with attacking up close." Kiryu said. "Lilithmon, Leviamon, Belphamon, attack from a distance when you get an open shot like we planned."

"But of course, darling~!" Lilithmon giggled.

"Tch! Don't order us around!" Leviamon snarled.

Kiryu looked at the other humans. "Steam Dealer, let's get started on that scan. Rabbit Circle, Masked Maid, take down any protection and firewalls that can interfere. Mephisto and Hosaksa, get the program ready to launch."

"Whatever you say boss man." Hosaka said rolling his eyes as they took out their Digivices.

"May the moon guide us all to victory." Rabbit Circle declared.

Alphamon got a cut in on Creepymon knocking him away. "Paradise Lost Punch!" Lucemon flew up and bombarded the knight with punches until she started blocking. When Lucemon went for an upward kick, she caught his foot and threw him into the approaching Barbamon.

"Ocean Wave!"

"Nightmare!" Lilithmon and Leviamon attacked Alphamon from a distance.

Belphamon Sleep Mode snored. "Eternal Nightmare!" It sent a loud sound wave that knocked Alphamon over. All six Digimon piled on top of her.

"There! That's the last of the security!" Rabbit Circle said.

"Now nothing can stop you guys from doing you work!" Masked Maid said.

"Good." Kiryu nodded. "Next, you can help with-

Alphamon roared and burst with golden energy blowing the Deadly Digimon off her. "Holy hell!" Hosaka yelled. "That is one tough knight!"

Alphamon looked at the Digimon around her. "It seems Beelzemon is absent. Of course, even if he was here, you should know not all of you can beat me."

"Maybe so…" Lucemon grunted struggling on one knee. "But we have the advantage. Unlike you we don't need to hold back."

"That's right." Barbamon smirked. "You can't risk destroying us otherwise you'll send our power to all parallel versions of us."

"So, you know about that." Alphamon said. "Quite true. Destroying you is a sin that even I cannot get away with. However…"

The humans were still working Rabbit Circle noticed Alphamon was looking right at them. "Uh, guys…?"

"What?" Masked Maid asked.

Kiryu turned to Alphamon and saw her rev up. "MOVE!" He yelled.

The group ran away as Alphamon charged…but one of them couldn't react in time. Masked Maid screamed as she was lifted by her face in the Royal Knight's hand. "KYAAAAAA!" The girl screamed flailing wildly holding the hand gripping her. "HELP MEEEEEE!"

"My apologies." Alphamon said as the hand glowing the girl glowed green. Masked Maid screamed as her body glowed blue before it shattered, leaving sparks of light behind.

The remaining five humans were in shock. "Oh, my god…" Mephisto gapped.

"What did…" Rabbit Circle trembled. "What did you do?!"

"No need to be alarmed." Alphamon said. "That was just her EDEN Avatar I destroyed." She held her hand over the sparks, and they flashed before green light encased them. They flew up and disappeared. "I sent her Mental Data back to her world…after I erased all she learned about Digimon and this one. She will awaken back in your world with no recollection of any of this." Alphamon slowly turned to the others. "Now…who wants to go home next?"

"You…!" Kiryu gritted his teeth.

"This is nothing personal to me either. I am merely upholding my duty."

"Heh. You're duty?" Kiryu asked. "Don't make me laugh. I heard the story about you "Royal Knight". 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!"

"Interesting how you know about events in the past reality. Digimon have slowly started to regain their memories from before. But if you were told about it than that means the one gunning for me has a grudge for the last time. Though something tells me you were not told the full story..."

"I heard all I need to. You screwed up with the Royal Knights. You deceived others into picking up the pieces for you. And now you're playing around with something you should have disposed of the moment you had the opportunity to! That's why you must be eliminated. To save this world from your delusion and incompetence!"

Alphamon drew her green sword again. "Is that so? Well then come. Show me what your sense of duty is worth." She stepped towards them.

"Yeah, good call pissing this thing off genius." Hosaka muttered stepping back.

Lucemon growled as he watched Alphamon approach the humans and grabbed the closest thing nearby. "Hey, what are you- GYAAAAH!" Barbamon screamed as Lucemon swung him by the beard and threw him into Alphamon knocking her to the ground. "Lucemon, you prick!" the Deadly Digimon of Greed shouted. Alphamon shoved him off her and got up just as Lucemon charged into her from the front.

The other Deadly Digimon rushed in. Lilithmon looked at the humans. "Don't just stand there, keep going! We'll buy you some more time!" She hurried after the others.

"Rabbit Circle, help us with the scan!" Kiryu said.

"R-right!"

"Burst Flame!" Barbamon threw a fireball into Alphamon.

Alphamon knocked it aside with her sword. "Power Energy!" She blasted him with another projectile. Lucemon rushed at her, but she slashed him.

"Biting Crush!" Leviamon bit down on her sword arm.

"Greedy Wand!" Barbamon swung his wand at her, but she caught it with her free hand.

"Got you now bitch!" Lilithmon smirked rushing at her from behind. "Razor Nails!" She scratched Alphamon in the back repeatedly.

The knight grunted taking the blows before she swung Barbamon into Lilithmon. Then the hand inside Leviamon's mouth thrusted the sword into him then let lose green energy into him. Leviamon shrieked in pain as he let go. Lucemon kicked Alphamon in the head then grabbed her face. "Spirit Drain!"

Lilithmon and Babramon each grabbed one of the knight's arms. "Spirit Drain!"

Alphamon grunted as her energy was sapped. Belphamon and Leviamon prepared to ram her from opposite sides, but she slammed her arms together smacking the Deadly Digimon of Lust and Greed together then grabbed Lucemon and slammed him into the ground. She flew away as Belphamon and Babramon crashed into each other. From a distance she held up a hand and a green circle formed in front of her palm. "Soul Digitilization!" She fired green blasts that knocked all of the Digimon down.

The explosion started the hackers. "Oh, this is so not good." Hosaka gulped.

"Keep it together!" Kiryu said. "There! The scan is complete!"

"Now we just need to install this program." Mephisto said.

"Right!" Steam Dealer nodded. "Almost done!"

Kiryu looked up. "Shit! Watch out!"

Everyone else looked up to see Alphamon descend towards them with her fist. Steam Dealer screamed in horror and was the only one who didn't move out of the way. His avatar was obliterated leaving behind the sparks that were his mental data. Hosaka, Kiryu, Mephisto and Rabbit Circle were toppled over by the impact. Rabbit Circle crawled away as the knight faced her. "S-stay away from me! No, don't come any closer!"

"Fear not." Alphamon said holding her hand towards her. "I'll make this quick." Rabbit Circle screamed as a green pellet destroyed her avatar. Her mental data and Steam Dealer's gathered in Alphamon's hands and glowed as she altered their memories before sending them off. She then faced Kiryu and grabbed him by the front of his coat with her finger and thumb lifting him off the floor. "Know it's your turn. You now…maybe you're right. I did indeed fail in my duty when it came down to keeping the Royal Knights under control. And it is true I did rely on outsiders to stop them. However, the reason why the knights divided stemmed from their actions eight years ago. I just felt it was right that both sides fixed the mess we made. But this has nothing to do with them. So, I will be settling the matter myself." She held her free hand towards Kiryu and it glowed green. "Farewell."

Kiryu's eyes trembled as Alphamon prepared to fire. Then his mind flashed with the thought of his younger brother. Sitting on his bed, depressed and scared. "Settle this!" Kiryu gritted his teeth and took his mask off throwing it at Alphamon.

It simply bounced off the knight's helmet. She stared at it as it sat on the floor. "Are you done? In that case I- She dropped Kiryu as a wave of nausea hit her making her stumble to her knees. "What is this?"

Mephisto stared at Kiryu as he backed up. "What did you just do, Enforcer?!"

Hosaka looked at the mask on the floor. "Ah! You hid a virus program inside your mask!" the hacker grinned. "Sneaky. I like it."

"Glad you're amused. Now you two hurry up and install the program." Kiryu said. "I'll try to get its attention."

Alphamon pushed herself up. "Hmph. You caught me off guard there. Unfortunately, Digimon are naturally resistant to bugs. And I am a Vaccine Type. Enough. I need to find the Eaters and bring them back to King Drasil. I'm ending this now. I, Alphamon will protect the integrity of the Digital World my friends risked their lives for!"

"I don't care who you are. I have something I need to do…and I won't let anyone…Digimon, Royal Knight, or anyone else get in my way!"

"RAAAAAAAAAAH!" Creepymon roared as he rammed into Alphamon, blowing her away. "Hell Crusher!" He hit her with magic.

After taking the hit Alphamon fired back. "Hydro Water!"

Creepymon slid under the stream and flew up to the knight with his fists glowing. "Double Dust!" He double punched her knocking her away.

"Advance!" Kiryu ordered. Creepymon flew at Alphamon.

"Soul Digitilization!" Alphamon held up a magic circle. But just as she fired Creepymon leapt over the attack and grabbed her cape. He spun forward into the air swinging her before he slammed her into the ground. He spun like a top before throwing her into the air.

"Chaos Flare!" Creepymon burned with fire rising like a tower that hit Alphamon in the back.

The others watched in awe. "Creepymon…where did all that power come from?!" Leviamon asked.

Barbamon looked at Kiryu. "It couldn't be because of him, could it?"

"Blade of the Dragon King!" Alphamon summoned her sword and flew at Creepymon again.

Kiryu activated an AGL Boost he received with the app and instructions with Digimon handling. "Wait for the opportunity to unleash your full power."

Creepymon dodged every sword swing before grabbing Alphamon's blade arm and punching her. "Flame Inferno!" Alphamon was blown away by a fiery explosion.

"Whoa!" Hosaka gapped. "Are you seeing this?!"

"All of them were struggling against Alphamon…" Mephisto gasped. "And now he's overpowering her on his own!"

Alphamon pushed herself off the floor. Her cape and wings were damaged. "Interesting. There's more to you than meets the eye. Human emotions affect Digimon. I have seen and experienced that firsthand. But I did not think you would bond with a Digimon so quickly. A Deadly Digimon no less."

"I have been tasked with this mission." Kiryu said. "And I will use any means necessary to fulfill my orders."

"Is that so?" Alphamon asked. "But is it really just orders? You're different from these other humans. I sense there is more to this than money for you. I see a drive that reminds me of the humans that once fought by my side. Perhaps you are fighting for something? …No. Fighting for some*one*."

"Enough!" Kiryu shouted. "Creepymon!"

"I hear you!" The Deadly Digimon grinned cracking his knuckles. "It's time to end this!"

Alphamon chuckled. "Indeed." Gold light enveloped the ground under her.

"Oh, what now?!" Hosaka shouted.

"Gah!" Kiryu shielded himself as he was nearly pushed away. "What is…?!"

Alphamon's cape mended, and her wings not only healed but extended. She pulled back her hand then shouted as she trusted it forward shoving it into a green void. She slowly pulled her hand out of it and with it a giant black and golden blade. The Oryuken. "I honestly hate going all out like this. It seems unfair. But you forced my hand." She pointed the sword at Kiryu and Creepymon. "Judgment has passed. Human children, bow to my will!"

"What's happening?" Kiryu asked.

"I don't know." Creepymon replied. "I've never seen this from of Alphamon."

Alphamon held the sword behind her in both hands. She took a deep breath then swung. The mere shockwave of the swing instantly blew Creeymon and Kiryu off their feet. They shouted as they went flying backwards and landed on the ground. "…Well, shit." Hosaka murmured.

Kiryu grunted as he pulled himself up. "What is this power…?!"

"A-Alphamon was holding back that kind of power all this time?!" Leviamon shivered. "I cannot believe it!"

Alphamon started walking towards them. She swung vertically. Kiryu sensed the danger and leaned out of the way. When he heard a gasp, he looked over his shoulder. Mephisto was as still as a statue. "N-no…" His body turned blue and shattered. The mental data went over to Alphamon who tampered with it then sent it back to the human world.

"Hell Crusher!" Creepymon threw a projectile, but Alphamon knocked it aside. "Hell Crusher! Hell Crusher!" Alphamon's Oryuken blocked the attacks effortlessly as she continued walking towards them.

Kiryu spotted his mask and ran over to grab it before returning to the working hacker. "Hosaka…!"

"Upload's at 85%! Just buy me a little more time!"

Lucemon roared as he flew at Alphamon throwing a punch. She threw him into Creepymon. Kiryu saw only one option and turned to the Deadly Digimon. "Everyone, assemble! Now!" Barbamon, Lilithmon, and Leviamon hurried over to him. Babramon dragged the still sleeping Belphamon over. "Our only hope is combining your full might."

"Agreed." Lucemon said.

"Oh? All or nothing then?" Alphamon asked in an amused tone. She stood with her blade behind her in both hands again. "Very well. Show me your final play."

Kiryu's eyes remained sharp. "Wait for the right moment." The six Deadly Digimon stood ready. The moment he saw Alphamon's sword move he shouted. "Now!"

Just as the knight charged the Deadly Digimon attacked. "Phantom Pain!"

"Eternal Nightmare…"

"Pandemonium Lost!"

"Thunder Breath!"

"Flame Inferno!"

"Dead or Alive!" Alphamon held her Oryuken up and caught all the attacks with it. Ther Deadly Digimon kept pushing but she slowly started to step towards them again. "Damn it…!" Lucemon growled.

"96%!" Hosaka shouted.

Kiryu looked at Lucemon. "Lucemon, on my signal open the gate out of the Dark Area."

"What?"

"Trust me on this. For now, keep pushing!" Kiryu opened a screen showing all the Digimon in front of him. "I'll increase your attack power and intelligence!" He started using equipment and boost items on all the Deadly Digimon. The six roared as their attacks grew stronger and Alphamon's advance was halted. They made a shout and pushed with everything they had. Alphamon started to slide back on her feet before an explosion engulfed her.

The two remaining humans shielded themselves from the shockwave then looked at the dust cloud. "Did you get her?!" Hosaka asked. The cloud slowly faded and Alphamon was grasping her sword arm, but still standing. "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"

"Hosaka, what's the status on the upload?" Kiryu asked.

"It's not- Hosaka'd Digivice pinged, and he looked at it. "…Well, I'll be damned. We're in business!"

Alphamon rotated her sword arm. "Dear me, that stung a little. I must still be rusty." She looked at the panting Deadly Digimon. "But it seems like you're out of steam. I'll end this quickly."

"Lucemon! Now!" Kiryu ran in front of the Deadly Digimon.

"What are you-

"Just do it!" Kiryu ordered. Lucemon turned around and held out his hands. Then a violet portal opened up with the depths of Shade Cavern on the other side. "Everyone, retreat! Now!"

"Don't need to tell me twice!" Hosaka replied running inside the portal. One by one the weakened Digimon hobbled towards the gate.

"Trying to escape?" Alphamon asked, raising her sword again. "I'm afraid I cannot allow that."

As the knight flew towards Kiryu, the hacker threw his mask on the floor in front of her. "Checkmate." He snapped his fingers, and the mask emitted a firewall that Alphamon crashed into. She slashed at it, but it regenerated. As Kiryu ran for the portal Alphamon smashed the mask making the firewall fade. "Close it!" Kiryu yelled jumping through. "Quick!"

Lucemon squeezed his hand as Alphamon flew towards the portal and it sealed. Everyone exhaled. "Yikes that was close!" Hosaka wiped his forehead. "I thought we were all goners!"

"Can't relax yet!" Kiryu said. "Now we need to launch the program and-

There was a green sparkle in front of the group that got their attention. "Now what?" Leviamon shivered.

Lucemon's jaw dropped. "Impossible!"

The Oryuken stabbed into the space in front of them and started to slit open a hole. On the other side was the Dark Area and Alphamon. "I must admit I am impressed. You're proven both witty and resourceful. But there will be no escape." She stepped out and the group nervously backed away. She slowly approached. "I cannot allow you two to sow chaos in this world. I will ask this one more time. Who hired you?"

"We told you we don't know!" Hosaka said. "They hired us in EDEN under an alias!"

"Even if we did know we're not about to tell you." Kiryu glared. "It wouldn't change what you're about to do."

Alphamon glanced at the Digimon. "And you Lucemon?"

"I will tell you nothing Royal puppet!" the Deadly Digimon of Pride snarled.

Alphamon put a finger and thumb at her chin. "Well, judging by how they gave you access to a forbidden program to try to trap me in the Dark Area it must have been someone with high authority in this world and who knows what I am capable of."

Kiryu and Hosaka gasped. "How…?!" Hosaka trembled.

"You thought I wouldn't notice the scan or the program you uploaded to the Dark Area? I told you I know what humans are capable of. This also explains why they needed you. That program is tainted so us Digimon can't use it. So, they brought you here to work around that measure. Alas, that plan has now failed." Alphamon pointed the Oryuken forward. "And you two will be going home now."

Just then a blue wave of energy slammed into Alphamon pushing her back. Kiryu and Hosaka looked at it in shock before they heard a voice. "You were saying…Alphamon?" The two looked behind them to see another knight Digimon with black armor and blond hair. In his hand was a rapier shooting the blue burst.

"Who is that?" Hosaka asked. "And please tell me he's on our side."

"Well, it's certainly about time Leopardmon!" Barbamon sneered.

Alpahmon held up her blade to block the attack. "You… now it adds up. Who else could have gotten access to the program."

"Hmph. So high and mighty as always. That arrogance will now be your downfall!"

"Waltz's End!" A tornado rose up shooting blades of light at Alphamon pushing her harder.

Alphamon tried to push through the storm. "Kuh! Craniamon as well…"

"You will sully our world with your corruption no longer!"

"Wyvern's Breath!" A giant white dragon slammed into her next. The sender was a knight with wings.

"Dynasmon…! So, all of you were just pretending you had yet to remember the previous reality…!"

A female laugh caught Kiryu and Hosaka's attention as a pink knight approach. "You thought you were so clever "detective". But you failed to anticipate this. What a fool." She turned to Kiryu and threw a blue light at him. "Kiryu! Use these on Lucemon and the others. It will restore their strength." As Kiryu opened his menu the knight held her shield forward. "Scarlet Tempest!" A tornado of flower petals flew at Alphamon.

"Of course, you would also be involved in this revolt Crusadermon…!" Alphamon grunted.

"Revolt?" Leopardmon asked. "You misunderstand. It is you who supports those who endanger this world. That is why we have decided it was time to remove you Alphamon. And with you gone nothing will stop us from destroying the traitor who nearly doomed us all with the Eaters you're so fascinated with."

"Traitor? …Wait…surly you don't mean…"

Kiryu used SP Spray A on the Deadly Digimon and they rose back up. "Dead or Alive!"

"Thunder Breath!"

"Phantom Pain!"

"Eternal Nightmare!"

"Flame Inferno!" They attacked with the Royal Knights and Aphamon was pushed towards the gate.

"Guh…!" Alphamon groaned. "I did not think you would go this far…you mean to destroy King Drasil? Do you truly think you can do that?"

"You think we haven't planned for this?" Crusadermon laughed. "We know just what we need to dethrone our failure of a king!"

"Wait…you don't mean…!" Alphamon finally started to sound surprised. Worried even. "Even if you do somehow undo the seal on them and succeed, if King Drasil falls, do you know what this will mean to the Digital World?!"

"It is high time a new order was brought to this world." Leopardmon declared. "One that can do what you and King Drasil failed! And for the sake of the next order that will replace yours Alphamon, the Dark Area, shall be your eternal prison! Farwell Legendary 13th failure! Know that with you gone the world you allowed such grief upon will rise into something you could never hope to lead! Examon!"

Kiryu and Hosaka felt a rumble and looked behind them. A giant red and white dragon was lying down to fit in the cave. "Pendragon's Glory!" He shoved the lance right into Alphamon pushing her deep into the portal. She flew backwards back into the Dark Area and landed on her back.

She sat up and looked through the portal as Crusadermon laughed. "All that power. Wasted. Don't worry about this world you were tasked with protecting Alphamon. We'll take better care of it then you ever did." Alphamon rushed towards the portal, but it slammed shut just when she was about to reach it.

On the other end Lucemon strained pressing his hands together to keep the gate shut while Hosaka stared at the knights that arrived. "What in the actual f-

"Hosaka!" Kiryu shouted. "The program! Hurry!"

"Gah! Right!" Hosaka pulled up his Digivice and the two activated the program they were given. The painting on the wall started to glow before the wall became grey and chipped. The painting darkened. "Did…did that do it?"

"I no longer sense the presence of the Dark Area." Lucemon said. "It's been disconnected from the Digital World."

Kiryu stared at the decayed-looking wall. "…We did it."

The sound of applause directed them both to Crusadermon. "Indeed. Congratulations."

"Alphamon has been banished from our world." Dynasmon said. "She can no longer interfere. Additionally, you sealed away the Eaters removing them as a threat from our world." The knight bowed. "And for that, you have our sincerest gratitude."

"Indeed." Leopardmon sunk his sword into the ground resting his hands on the hilt. "I cannot say I am pleased that we needed to rely on humans to deal with this. But I will not deny you have done us a great service." He turned to Crusadermon. "It seems your strategy succeeded. Well done, Crusadermon."

"Well, I cannot take all the credit. The Deadly Digimon did well. To hold that well against Alphamon…it seems the humans I selected for me "Paradise Lost Event" proved even more capable than I thought."

"Your event?" Kiryu asked. "Are you…Mr. Navit?"

"You're kidding, right?" Hosaka squinted.

Crusadermon laughed. "My apologies for that little rouse. I did not think you would so willingly trust a being from another world you never heard of. So, I felt it was best to invite you under an EDEN alias to help earn your trust. But now that that's no longer needed, allow me to introduce myself proper. I am the lord of the Knightmons, made from a deviant Virus Type among the Royal Knights! My name is Crusadermon! I shall snatch the shining rose of victory!"

"I am Dynasmon, the Sky High Wyvern of the Royal Knights."

"And I am Leopardmon. With Alphamon gone I now lead the Royal Knights. On behalf of the resistance that I lead against the corrupt King Drasil, you have our thanks for eliminating Alphamon for us. Our battle against King Drasil can now finally begin."

Hosaka chuckled. "Yeah, that's good for you and all, but that's none of our business now that the job is done."

"Agreed." Kiryu said blankly, turning to Crusadermon. "We'll be collecting the reward now."

"Speaking of that, since we both pulled this off, I guess we're splitting the 2000000 yen? Though come to think of it…" a smirk rose on Hosaka's face. "I installed the program, so I suppose that intitles me to a bigger cut."

"That is hardly impressive compared to keeping Alphamon at bay." Kiryu retorted.

"That wasn't the job. The job was to activate the program to seal her away, not to beat the crap out of her."

"Now, now gentlemen." Crusadermon interjected. "I promised the reward to whoever could succeed. And while the other four have perished, the both of you have succeeded and are still standing. As such I have already transferred 2000000 yen to both your accounts."

Hosaka and Kiryu checked their Digivices. "Sweet." Hosaka smirked.

"You really were able to secure this just by hacking small amounts from people across the country." Kiryu said.

"It was a simple matter." Crusadermon replied. "Digimon can easily slip through password protected areas."

Hosaka's devious grin grew. "You don't say…"

"I see I sparked your interest Hosaka. And on that note, now that I we have concluded our contract…perhaps you two would be willing to form a new one with us. You humans can do things we cannot. And we can make your lives in your world much easier."

"Our battle to restore order in this world has just begun." Leopardmon said. "We could use your services. And we can easily arrange for you two to be rewarded handsomely. If you agree to work with our organization, I will allow you to use the powers of the Deadly Digimon."

"I'm listening." Hosaka grinned.

"I must decline." Kiryu said. "The amount I received from this job is enough for me. Craniamon, I would like to return home now." He started walking past the knights and made tracks for the exit to Shade Cavern.

"Off to check on your little brother, Kiryu?" The hacker froze when he heard Crusadermon and looked over his shoulder at her. "The money we sent you could very well help with his treatments and education."

Kiryu stopped and turned around with a shocked expression on his face. "How the hell do you-

"Crusadermon has been monitoring your world for some time to find worthy candidates." Craniamon replied. "She's developed a keen interest in you in particular."

"Me? Why?"

Crusadermon's gaze lowered. "…Because I know what you were put through…before reality changed. You and your brother…"

"What do you mean?"

"Before I say, I noticed your brother's mental state stems from nightmares. Has he ever told you what they were about?"

Kiryu's expression saddened. "He mentioned…a place with a glowing floor…surrounded by a pitch-black sky and stars. He said he was attacked…by white and black monsters. He mentioned something about people screaming as they were devoured around him. He called for help…but nobody answered…and then he was swallowed whole. Then he dreamed of being trapped in an empty space with no body. He could not move or speak…only scream…he said he felt like others were around him…but he never felt so alone…"

"…I see… it is as I suspected."

"What do you mean?"

Crusadermon walked up to Kiryu and slowly walked around him in circles. "What if I were to tell you there was more to those dreams?"

"More to them? How?"

"If you recall I mentioned that reality was rebooted for your world and the Digital World. Prior to this reboot Digimon fell from our world to the cyberspace you call EDEN. This started around the time the Eaters first showed, so I went to your world to investigate by merging with a human whose mental data was devoured by an Eater. Doing so I lived as a human and observed a number of hackers who wielded the power of Digimon…you included."

"You mentioned Digimon can get past password protected areas. I see how hackers would try to make use of them."

"During that time there were many gangs known as hacker teams in Kawloon. Kiryu…the reason I chose you for this was your incredible abilities as a hacker and a wielder of Digimon."

"Are you saying I fought alongside your kind in this last reality? …Come to think of it…working with Digimon felt oddly…familiar…but could this really be true? Wait…are you saying these nightmare Subaru suffers are memories from the last reality?!"

Crusadermon nodded. "You're a sharp one indeed Kiryu. Your brother was a victim of the hubris and greed of someone you both trusted deeply. You were betrayed."

"What are you…none of this makes sense…! How can I believe that reality itself can be restarted like a computer?!"

"I imagine it will be hard to believe just my words." Crusadermon held up her hand and it glowed blue. "So perhaps this will convince you."

"What is that?"

"A program Alphamon created while experimenting with the Eater remains with King Drasil that can recreate one's memories from the last reality. It identifies someone in the last reality and unlocks the memories they had before the reboot. In your case you will remember all you went through and what led to your brothers' nightmares."

"You're saying if I use this, I will know what Subaru is suffering?"

"Correct. But I must warn you, remembering this past will undoubtably bring you pain. Will you still go through with it?"

Kiryu took a deep breath. "If that is the same pain Subaru is suffering…I will gladly shoulder it with him."

"What a good brother you are. So be it."

"Hold up!" Hosaka raised his hand. "That thing could restore my memories of the last reality to, yeah?"

Crusadermon looked at him. "It should. Why?"

"Being the skilled hacker I am I must have used Digimon too! And being the professional I am I must have plenty of knowledge and tricks that can make me even more useful to you on your mission. If you're fixing his memories do the same to mine."

"If you insist. Now, step forward." Kiryu and Hosaka approached Crusadermon. Then there was a bright flash.

The rest all came so fast. Kiryu saw how he and Subaru met Digimon and Yuugo. How they wound up in Zaxon. All the jobs they did for the team. How Kiryu left the team right before the Under Zero incident. How Subaru became a victim of EDEN Syndrome. Him identifying Yuugo…and what the girl said of Subaru's sacrifice. All his memories of his past life…brought back all at once. When it was over, he and Hosaka collapsed onto his hands and knees. "Wow…" Hosaka murmured. "Well…shit."

"Subaru…" Kiryu's eyes were wide and shaking. "I remember now…He went there…to Under Zero…with him…no…HER. And then he was… he…"

"He was devoured by the Eaters that for some reason appeared in Under Zero." Crusadermon said. "I can't imagine how, but it would seem his memories are somewhat manifesting into these nightmares. Memories of what happened that day." Crusadermon kneeled to Kiryu. "That was not your fault. You were conspired against by someone who wanted EDEN for herself. And you learned who their true identity was, didn't you?"

"Yuuko…Kamishiro…!" Kiryu's fingers grinded into the rocky ground as they clenched into fists. "She…SHE…!"

"She is now living a joyous life with her friends in the new reality." Crusadermon said. "A joyous life that was stolen from you and your brother. By her. It might also interest you that she is one of six humans whose memories remained unaltered from the reboot."

Creepymon approached. "I can feel your wrath Kiryu. It encourages you. Give me your anger. Let it fuel our fire. And with it, we will claim the revenge you seek for Subaru."

Kiryu slowly stood up. "But…how? Digimon can no longer exist in the real world. All the power I gain here will be useless if she's in our world. …Maybe…if I can somehow bring her here…"

"No need." Leopardmon said. "By my calculations, with Alphamon gone her allies who sided with Yuuko and the other Chosen Ones will soon worry. Once we begin taking back our world from King Drasil they will undoubtedly turn to those humans for help. And they will come here. Then you can use your abilities to destroy her."

"This is your chance Kiryu." Crusadermon said. "You can make Yuuko pay for what she did to your brother. And then you will destroy her and tell Subaru that the woman who made his life hell will never hurt him again! Join us Kiryu. We will punish Yuuko for her crimes together. And then...your brother will finally be free."

Kiryu took a deep breath. Multiple thoughts ran through his mind. "...Forgive me. I...I need time to process all of this."

Leopardmon nodded. "Understandable. We shall await your answer outside Shade Cavern."

Crusadermon turned to Creepymon. "Stay with the boy. Don't let anything happen to him."

"Of course." As the other Digimon started to leave, Hosaka shakily got onto his feet and left with them. Creepymon slowly flew towards Kiryu who stared blankly at a wall. "Why do you hesitate? The answer should be obvious."

"Will destroying Yuuko really fix everything just like that? It's not like it will change the past."

"Perhaps. But all your efforts to heal your brother's heart thus far have done little to change anything. Perhaps what you need is a change in tactics. Besides, why should she be free to live a happy life while your brother silently suffers?! She is no more deserving of happiness than Subaru is of his torment! If she were willing to atone, she would have done so long ago! You must be the one to make her repent!"

"Does Yuuko still have her Digimon?"

"No. But they will join her when they reach for your world."

"Then I may not be strong enough to defeat her."

"Then become stronger! Use your anger to push you past your limits! And I will be your vengeful sword that cuts down the evil before you. You were already a powerful hacker who could take down any who stood in his way. You will surpass that cowardly little girl."

"In the other reality..." Kiryu quietly murmured. "Yes...when I was with those two...I was undefeatable." Kiryu looked gritting his teeth. "With them...I will destroy Yuuko! The witch who put my brother through hell for her own selfish desires…There's no way I'll let her live!" His eyes slightly glowed orange.

Outside Shade Cavern, the knights and Deadly Digimon stood around as Hosaka sat on a rock. "Do you really think he will agree?" Craniamon asked.

"Why do you think I left Creepymon with him?" Crusadermon whispered. "He will draw out Kiryu's wrath and he will be obsessed with slaying Yuuko to the point where he will go wherever we follow."

"I'm taking a big risk with this plan of yours Crusadermon." Leopardmon stated. "One that goes against my principles."

"And one that will be worth the rewards. With the hacking abilities humans possess we can undo the protection lock on those two. With them we can easily destroy King Drasil."

"Regardless we will have to act soon." Dynasmon said. "Alphamon's allies will soon be aware of her disappearance. If we are to destroy King Drasil it will have to before they catch on to us. It's too late to second guess the plan now."

"Agreed." Leopardmon said. "Craniamon, the forces we convinced to join us, are they ready?"

"They have seen our evidence of King Drasil's previous corruption and will fight to the last man."

Hosaka wasn't paying attention to their conversation. He ran a hand through his hair. "Beaten at my own game by some masked kid...unbelievable."

"Then this is your chance to reclaim your pride." Lucemon said. "With Digimon and Digital World resources at your disposal you can become the greatest hacker ever known to man."

Hosaka's eyes glowed red. "The greatest...to ever live..."

Everyone heard footsteps from the cavern. Kiryu returned with Creepymon. "Have you made your decision?" Leopardmon asked.

"I have. I will accept your offer..." Kiryu held up three fingers. "Under three conditions."

"And those are?"

"First, can you promise me this campaign of yours will do my home no harm?"

"Of course. With the Eaters gone the human world is no longer my concern. My goal is simply bringing true order to the Digital World."

"Good. Secondly, I must be allowed to return to my world frequently and at any time of emergency."

"You do have to take care of Subaru after all." Crusadermon said.

"Fair enough." Leopardmon nodded. "And humans disappearing might catch the attention of the Chosen Ones. We cannot let them be wise to our plans before we are ready. And your third condition?"

Kiryu looked at Creepymon. "If I'm taking this guy as my partner, I want my two original Digimon back as well. With their memories of the previous reality restored of course."

Craniamon looked at the human surprisingly. "You seem to trust these Digimon well to make that request."

"I trust them more than I do most humans."

Craniamon stared at Kiryu's serious expression for a moment before turning to his leader. "Leopardmon, with your permission, I can seek out his former comrades."

"Oh? How unexpected of you to volunteer for his sake like that." Crusadermon said. "But it would make sense. They know more about Kiryu than any other Digimon. And vice versa."

"Permission granted." Leopardmon said before turning to Kiryu. "There you have it. Does this mean we have a deal?"

"It does." Kiryu bowed his head. "I am hereby sworn to your cause."

Sometime later BlitzGreymon was following Craniamon through the sky with CresGarurumon holding onto his leg. "...And just what do you mean by a "reunion"?" BlitzGreymon asked.

"You will see I due time." Craniamon replied. "You should be honored. This boy chose you to join our cause to save the Digital World."

"Save it from what?" CresGarurumon asked.

Craniamon looked down. "We're here." He descended towards the ground. BlitzGreymon and CresGarurumon followed. Kiryu was patiently waiting with Crusadermon and Creepymon. He heard the arrival of Craniamon and looked up as he landed in front of them. "As promised." Behind Craniamon BlitzGreymon waited for CresGarurumon to let go and drop to the ground before landing himself.

"Thank you." Kiryu replied.

BlitzGreymon looked at him. "Is that...a human?!"

"And that's Creepymon of the Deadly Digimon!" CresGarurumon stated. "What is the meaning of this?"

Kiryu stepped forward. "BlitzGreymon... CresGarurumon... it really is you..."

"And just who are you?" BlitzGreymon asked.

"I see... you don't remember me..."

"Should we?" CresGarurumon asked. "I never met a human before."

"Not in this new reality you haven't." Crusadermon said. "But before the world's transformed you two fought alongside this human in his world."

"The worlds transformed?" BlitzGreymon asked. "Have you taken relieve of your senses Royal Knight?"

"A skeptical answer is to be expected I suppose." Kiryu replied. "I myself didn't buy it at first. But it is true. Our worlds were once connected. During that time our paths crossed."

"And do you have evidence to back these absurd claims?" CresGarurumon asked.

"As a matter of fact we do." Crusadermon said holding up her hand. It glowed white. "Behold as the past once rewritten shall now be restored!"

"What are you- Both CresGarurumon and BlitzGreymon froze as the light enveloped their sight. They stood there processing for a moment. Then they slowly turned their heads to the human they once called their friend. "...Kiryu...!"

The man smiled warmly at them. "You remember me now my friends?"

The two Digimon slowly aproached. CresGarurumon kneeled. "I… Where to begin?" BlitzGreymon asked with a mind still jumbled. "How are you here?"

"The Royal Knights summoned me to help seal away Alphamon."

"Alphamon?" BlitzGreymon asked. "The Legendary 13th Royal Knight? But why?"

"Because she is an accomplice of King Drasil who is to blame for the Eaters running rampant through our world and the Royal Knights attacking each other." Crusadermon replied. "We have decided that he must be destroyed before such tragedies can be repeated. Kiryu here has agreed to aid our cause."

"I am grateful to see you once more Kiryu." CresGarurumon said. "But surly there is no need to rely on you to fight for our world.""

If that so called King is part of what brought my brother's suffering then I must see him destroyed." Kiryu said.

BlitzGreymon gasped. "Subaru! What happened to him after the change in reality?! Is he alright?!"

"His EDEN Syndrom was undone. But now his suffering begins anew. Somehow memories of what happened to him in Under Zero have come back to haunt him in the form of nightmares. He is now a tormented hallow shell of who he once was."

"No..."

"And what's more is the architect of his suffering, Yuuko Kamishiro is still at large. Living a carefree happy life, forgetting all the suffering she caused. And that...that is an injustice I cannot stand for."

"Kiryu..." CresGarurumon looked at him. "What you and Subaru went through...you deserved better. It shouldn't have happened! If it weren't for her..."

Crusadermon nodded. "Indeed. That is why Kiryu has decided to aid our rebellion against King Drasil. Once our former king is removed as a threat to our world, we shall implement a new regime that will protect it from the horrors it and Kiryu faced. But even if we slay King Drasil and establish new leadership, we will face resistance. And among them will be six humans. One of them being Yuuko Kamishiro."

"What?" BlitzGreymon gave her a skeptical look. "How do you know this?"

"She is one of six human allies Alphamon made who turned our fellow Digimon against us."

"Of course, she did." CresGarurumon growled. "That witch loves turning people against each other."

"Leopardmon wishes to overthrow King Drasil and establish his Next Order in this world. He believes that when he does the Digimon that sided with Yuuko and her friends will come here. I...I have made up my mind. In order for Subaru's future to be secure both Yuuko and King Drasil must disappear." Kiryu looked at his Digimon. "BlitzGreymon...CresGarurumon...you have both done so much for me in the last reality. You fought so many of my battles. I know I have no right to ask you for more in this new reality. Especially when it means fighting your own king and fellow Digimon. But I cannot do this alone. Please... will you lend me your aid one last time?"

BlitzGreymon and CresGarurumon walked up to Kiryu and kneeled. "Kiryu...you gave us so much when we were lost in the human world. You protected us from cruel humans, gave us a home, treated us with care...gave us a purpose." BlitzGreymon said.

"Our lives in this new reality were hallow before you came along." the golden wolf added. "It is clear you are the missing part we need. If you or Subaru need our strength again, then be it King Drasil, Zaxon or anyone else, know that your enemy is ours and our strength will serve you. Now and forever."

"We will always be your sword, your shield, or whatever else you need from us."

Kiryu smiled. "Thank you. Both of you. Even in the new reality I can always depend on you."

Craniamon stared at the duo kneeling to the human. 'Such loyalty. And to a human. It reminds me of the ones I encountered before...'

Kiryu and Hosaka stared at their Digivices. "Digital Dive"?" Hosaka asked.

"That's right." BoltBoutamon nodded. "It's a program that defies reality itself. What it does is it transforms a human body into a form of data allowing instant transfer to the Digital World."

"That's incredible..." Kiryu said.

"Keep in mind that this will not be like logging into EDEN. This is different from your avatar. The digital forms you take will not be capable of hunger or fatigue."

"No need to sleep or eat? Convenient. That gives us more time to get more done."

"What's more is now you can go back and forth between our two worlds with a snap of the fingers! Pretty neat, huh?"

"So I can frequently return home. That will keep my colleagues and family from worrying. And now I can check on Subaru whenever a please."

"Such an impressive program." Crusadermon said. "Is this from your world as well Malevolent Fist?"

"Sure is. Copied it from what a couple of humans used to travel to my Digital World!"

Kiryu looked at his Digivice. "Thank you. I will put this to good use."

Hosaka and Crusadermon opened a door. "Kiryu, are you there?" Hosaka asked. "The big boss is calling a meeting."

Creepymon, BlitzGreymon and CresGarurumon were standing nearby as Kiryu wore a red coat and was at a workbench invested in something. "Oh? Going for a new look?" Crusadermon asked.

"He decided to take your advice." Creepymon said. "Humans are vulnerable once you get to know them. But they fear the unknown. So, when Yuuko arrives Kiryu wants to become a symbol. Something that can strike fear into the girl. Like an invisible haunting presence that she cannot see but knows is lurking in the shadows. Waiting to strike its prey."

Kiryu held the black mask he used as the Enforcer in his left hand. On his right he held up his index and middle fingers before brushing them over the right eye swiftly making a loud shing that left a red mark that looked like a diagonal scar. "Before Yuuko knows who I am I will implant fear and doubt into her blackened heart. Torment every corner of her mind to the point where she will know no respite. Then right before it is time to end her, I will tell her who I am. And she will spend her final moments in regret and suffering. The same suffering, she brought upon me and my brother." He took the mask in his right hand before slowly putting it onto his face. "Until that time comes..." He spoke with a voice filter as he turned around, and everyone saw him with his mask. "Call me... Brother Sorrow."

Kiryu along with his Digimon and Crusadermon stood in front of a teleporter. "I am off to Left Eye's Tower." Kiryu said.

"Kiryu, wait." Crusadermon said. "Before you go, I want you to consider what happened during your previous encounters with Yuuko. I know you want her to suffer but dragging things out is why she's still alive."

"I know." Kiryu sighed. "It's just…when I think of how much the pain, she inflicted on Subaru lingers…I can't let her have a swift painless end."

"Then insure her slow and painful death as soon as possible."

"How do I do that?"

Crusadermon held up her hand. "With this." A rose with violet petals and black thorns appeared in her hand.

Kiryu took it. "What's this?"

"A virus I created. Stab that into a human lifeform and it will slowly degrade their data until it becomes completely corrupted and disappears. Be careful with it. Once infected with it there's no saving you."

Kiryu nodded. The rose went into his Digivice. "Thank you. The next time I see Yuuko…I will finish things." He turned to the portal and walked into it with his Digimon. "For Subaru."

Crusadermon watched him leave. She then let out a laugh. "Poor fool…"

And THAT will do for Kiryu's backstory session…for now. There might be one more later. But that does not mean we are done with Kiryu. Next Chapter see what battle awaits him.