In the midst of a battlefield in front of the Left Eye's Tower Craniamon slashed down a MetalTyranomon. "Breath of the Gods!" His shield blocked raining fireballs from a bunch of Garudamon.

Down below a Troopmon backed away while still firing at the horde. "There are too many of them!"

"Everyone! Fall back into the tower!" Craniamon ordered. One by one the Next Order forces all rushed inside the tower. "Close the door!"

"Wait!" A MudFrigimon looked around. "Where's SnowGoblimon?!" Everyone heard a pained scream and looked outside. In the middle of the exchange between shots they saw the Digimon in question lying on the ground wounded. "SnowGoblimon!"

Craniamon held his sword in front of the Digimon. "It's too late! They're getting closer!"

"But…he's my friend!"

"I'm sorry, but it's too dangerous. Close the gate!"

"Belay that order." Everyone looked at Brother Sorrow as he aproached. "BlitzGreymon, CresGarurumon, we're going in."

"Yes sir!"

"Have you lost your wits human?!" Craniamon asked.

"If we fall, close the gate." Brother Sorrow ran out of the tower.

"Elect Guard!" BlitzGreymon flew in front of him creating a barrier to protect Brother Sorrow as he kept going.

Craniamon noticed a Royal Knight on the other side approaching. "Omegamon?! Brother Sorrow, get back here!"

The knight drew his blade. "Transcendent Sword!" He slashed apart the Elect Guard and was about to stab BlitzGreymon.

"Freeze Frame!" Brother Sorrow snapped his fingers, and the knight paused. "CresGarurumon, keep him busy! BlitzGreymon, with me!"

"Roger! Beast Cyclone!" CresGarurumon rammed Omegamon.

SnowGoblimon groaned as Kiryu ran up to him while BlitzGreymon kept firing at the Resistance army. "Leave me…I'm not gonna make it…"

"Like hell you aren't!" Brother Sorrow yelled pulling one of SnowGoblimon's arms over his shoulders and started carrying him towards the tower. BlitzGreymon was right behind him still firing. Their allies cheered as Brother Sorrow dragged SnowGoblimon inside and put him against a wall before turning to CresGarurumon who was fending off Omegamon. "Skip Frame!" With the snap of his fingers CresGarurumon was inside with them. "Close it! Now!" Omegamon flew towards the tower with Craniamon and Brother Sorrow's Digimon ready to battle him when to door slammed shut. The Next Order troops applauded to Brother Sorrow who turned to the SnowGoblimon who was being treated by a Kabukimon. "Is he going to be alright?"

"Yeah. Thanks to you."

"We just need to hold our position until our backup arrives." Craniamon said.

"Thank you!" MudFrigimon bowed his head to the human. "You saved my friend's life!"

"There is no need. I simply did what I felt needed to be done."

"Truly?" Craniamon asked. "You would risk yourself for one soldier just because you felt it was the right thing? Not because you thought he could repay you in turn the tide of this war?"

"I don't want to see anyone get abandoned to a cruel fate. Nobody, human or Digimon deserves that."

"Oh really? And since when do humans care for the wellbeing of Digimon?"

BlitzGreymon glared at him. "How dare you! Kiryu may be a human but that doesn't make him heartless!"

"Why should it matter if he is human anyway!?" CresGarurumon asked.

"It's okay you two." Brother Sorrow said. "His low opinion on humans is not unjustified."

Craniamon stared at him until everyone a bang at the door. "Break it down!" Omegamon ordered from the other side.

"Gah! Guess we're not out of the woods yet!" a Jokermon groaned.

"Stand your ground!" Brother Sorrow said. "If anyone here is willing to stay and fight then I will stand with them to the end!"

The door started to dent. "They're coming in!" CresGarurumon got his spear ready.

Just when it looked like the door couldn't take anymore everyone heard a roar. "What was that?" MudFrigimon asked.

"Look! Up there!" a voice of a Resistance member outside yelled.

"Is that…Examon!?" Omegamon shouted. "Everyone! Retreat!"

Screams, clashing, explosions and the roar of a dragon could all be heard outside. The Next Order Members stayed in the tower until they heard a voice. "Craniamon! Are you in there?!" Craniamon opened the door and Dynasmon was there to greet them with more members of the Next Order. "Am I too late?"

"You arrived just in time." Brother Sorrow replied. "The tower's secure, but we have a few injured."

"Understood." Dynasmon turned around. "Medics!" Craniamon's gaze was still on Brother Sorrow.

Craniamon faced a wall with his arms folded as he went through his memories. "…I simply cannot comprehend them."

"Craniamon?" Dynasmon walked up to him. "What is wrong?"

"Dynasmon…tell me something. What do you think of them? Humans I mean."

"They are our enemies."

"All of them?"

"I would say so. Kiryu betrayed us. And the rest are working with the Resistance."

"I wounder…was it really him who betrayed us?"

Dynasmon looked at him worryingly. "What are you saying?"

"I was unaware of how Crusadermon brought him into the Next Order. She lied to him. Manipulated him by tormenting his brother who had nothing to do with this!"

"I am not too pleased with her choice of method either. But we needed human allies to achieve our goals. It had to be done."

"And now that it's done the king decides to discard Kiryu and Crusadermon? We used to be honorable Royal Knights. Devoted to the better of our world…what are we fighting for?"

"Craniamon…are you losing your conviction now? Did we not agree that the Next Order needed to replace King Drasil before he caused more unwanted suffering?"

"But there is already unwanted suffering happening!"

"Think bigger! Once we have full control of the world there will be no more war! No more incidents like the Eaters! Yes, there will be suffering along the way, but this path will ensure none will suffer ever again!"

Craniamon sighed. "Perhaps…forgive me, I…need to clear my head."

Dynasmon watched Craniamon walk out of the room. He opened a monitor. "Your majesty, we might have a problem."

Yuuko opened her eyes and found herself in her bed. She yawned as she sat up. "Ah, you're awake." She looked to her side to see her Digimon.

"Samudramon? What happened?"

"You fell asleep shortly after we returned to the city. Takumi carried you here then turned in himself while Ami and Arata reported to the others what happened."

"I see…" Yuuko rubbed her eyes. "Wait…did anyone see us?"

"Everyone was at the teleporter eagerly awaiting our return."

Yuuko blushed. "Oh, no…did they say anything?"

"There was more laughing and snickering than talking. Nokia might have mentioned a word I never heard before…what was it, abors? Adors? Something like that. She also told Takumi…"

"No, no, NO! That is NOT how you are supposed to carry her!"

Takumi gave Nokia an odd look as he held Yuuko asleep on his back. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Himari groaned. "Man, for a detective you sure are clueless sometimes, you know that?"

Nokia ran up. "Here, put Yuuko down for a second."

"Why?"

"Just do it!"

"Okay, okay!" Takumi sighed kneeling so Himari and Nokia could put Yuuko off his back and put her in a sitting position.

"Okay, now come here Takumi." Nokia said. "Put your left arm under her legs juuuust above the knees."

"Um, like this?"

"Good! Now put the other under her back!"

"Um…!" Takumi's face reddened as he put his right arm under Yuuko's back. "Isn't this a little inappropriate?"

"What are you talking about?" Himari grinned. "This is how the knight in shining armor should be carrying his princess!"

Takumi sighed standing up. This position allowed him to easily look at Yuuko's peaceful expression as she slept in his arms. "Won't she find this…offensive in a way?"

"How?" Ami asked before smiling at Arata. "I've been carried like that before, and I liked it!" She giggled as Arata pulled his hood over his face blushing.

"And it's not like this is the first time either." Rapidmon Armor joked. "Remember when you saved her from the Arukenimon in EDEN?"

Takumi sighed. "You guys told me you wouldn't bring that up again!"

"No, you told us not to bring that up again and we promised you nothing." Dorugoramon replied. The group laughed. Takumi noticed his sister and Nokia taking out their Digivices and hurried out of the room hoping he got out of sight before his picture could be taken.

Yuuko threw the covers over herself. "I think I'll just stay here for the rest of the day."

"Unfortunately, I cannot abide that Yuuko." Samudramon replied walking up to her. "There is much we need to discuss for today's meeting, and I doubt you want to miss breakfast."

Yuuko threw the covers off her and stood up. "You're right. Let's go."

Samudramon stared at her. 'That didn't take much convincing…'

Kiryu stood on a cliffside overlooking a battlefield. Where a battle he took part of had long past. His Digimon stood behind him.

Back in the human world Kiryu sat in the back room of the bakery at a table with Saotome and Yuki. "You're going away?" Saotome asked. "Where?"

"That I cannot say." Kiryu replied. "But the truth is I have been frequently going there since that mission at Under Zero."

Yuki raised an eyebrow. "The job you're so stingy with giving us the details of?"

"Forgive me. But I have my reasons. Through that mission I learned many things. A life I once had. A side of reality this world doesn't know of. But most importantly... I found out what caused Subaru to become this fragile, tormented boy he is now."

"For real? What is it?"

Kiryu glanced aside. "My brother was a victim of the schemes of a witch who has yet to pay for her crimes. I must destroy her with my own hands. It is the only way I can think of to save him."

"Save him?" Saotome asked. "Kiryu this is sounding more like revenge then salvation."

"Maybe it's both. Either way I was just informed that she arrived to where I've been travelling to. And this time...I vowed that I will not return until I make the one responsible for Kiryu's suffering atone for her crimes."

"Dude...how long will you be gone?" Yuki asked.

"Who knows? Even I don't know how long I will be on this journey or where it will take me. Only that I must take it. That is why I am speaking to you two about this before I leave."

Saotome shot out of her seat. "Kiryu where are you going?! Let me come with you! I can help!"

Yuki looked at her. "Easy there, sis!"

Kiryu shook his head. "No Saotome. You and your brother have been a great help to me thus far. But this is one thing I cannot drag you into. It's my war to fight."

"But-

"With that said, I need to ask you both one more favor. I am leaving without saying a word of this to Subaru or my father. While I am gone...and in the event something happens to me... please take care of them."

Saotome's eyes became misty. "Kiryu..."

Yuki sighed. "Alright man. I know better than to try to stop you once you've made up your mind. We'll keep an eye on your family. We owe you that much."

"Thank you."

"However!" Yuki spoke up. "Your family is your responsibility. Don't think we're gonna take care of em for you forever. That means you gotta make it back to them. And to us." Yuki flashed a smile. "You gotta survive this and come home. You hear me? Do what you gotta do and return to Subaru. To your father. To us."

"Exactly!" Saotome did her best to smile. "I won't forgive you if you go away forever! You have to come back to us someday. Promise me."

"Saotome...Yuki..." Kiryu closed his eyes then gave them a reassuring smile. "I'll be back. I promise. And then I will tell both of you everything. It's the least I can do."

"Good! I'll make the best treats Satisfaction Bakery ever made for it!"

Kiryu nodded and turned towards the door. He stood in front of it with his back to his friends as he waved. "See you later. Saotome. Yuki."

Yuki gave a two-finger wave. "Later bro."

"Kiryu...Good luck." Saotome said as Kiryu left. Tears came down her eyes.

Yuki put a hand on his sister's shoulder. "He'll be back. No matter how tough the mission the Enforcer always pulls through."

Saotome clasped her hands at her chest. "Yeah..."

Kiryu thought about the hand he played in the battles in this world. The damage he caused. The lives he took. "I thought that all I did in the Next Order I did to help Subaru, while benefiting this world you two called home. But looking back we have caused so much damage here. All while aiding the architect of Subaru's suffering… First Yuuko now Crusadermon. We're…I'm always being used and deceived…"

"I'm sorry Kiryu." BlitzGreymon said. "Neither you nor your brother deserve this."

"Agreed." CresGarurumon nodded. "Both our world and yours have put you two through hell. All Subaru wanted was to help people. Yuuko took advantage of that. And all you wanted was to help him. Crusadermon took advantage of that… I know it's hard for you to trust anyone but…please know that the two of us will always be on your side. Even if both worlds become your enemies."

"That's right. Our loyalty is to you and you alone."

Kiryu sighed and turned to his Digimon. "Thank you BlitzGreymon. CresGarurumon. You two are the only ones I can believe in right now."

"Always." CresGarurumon bowed.

Yuuko was the last to walk into the war room. Her eyes first noticed the giant Chaosdramon in the room. "…Are you getting used to that body yet?"

"More or less. What about you? You were hurt and exhausted when you returned."

"I'm alright now…should I still call you Zero? Or do you prefer Chaosdramon?"

The Digimon chuckled. "Zero is fine. It's a reminder of who I am. More then a Digimon."

"Of course, you're more then just a Digimon." Yuugo smiled. "You're our brother. Just…promise us you'll let us help when you decide to do something reckless like that again."

"I will Yuugo."

"No traces of that virus or anything?" Shiki asked.

"None when I scanned him." Mirei replied. "But just in case I installed the X-Antibody Ami recovered from Crusadermon into him. That should prevent any further damage."

"Mirei…that X-Antibody was different from the others." Ami said. "That power Crusadermon used could contend with Alphamon."

"Indeed. It seems there was an enhancement to it. I had to remove it before installing it to Zero to be safe, but this can be a major concern if the Next Order impowers all of their Digimon with these."

Takumi sighed. "We need Alphamon now more then ever."

Ami nodded. "We agreed to leave Kiryu alone for a bit out of respect for what he went through. But he is our only hope for getting to the Dark Area. Now that he's broken off from the Next Order this is our chance."

"True." Kentaurosmon nodded. "He will have nobody protecting him. We can capture him and interrogate the information out of him."

"Wait." Yuuko spoke up. "Before we decide to be forceful…let me try talking to him."

"Talking to him?" Kouta asked. "Dosen't that guy hate your guts? There's no way he's giving information to you with just a pretty please with sugar on top."

"I agree." BeelStarmon replied. "He's shown us how stubborn and ruthless he can be. It's too late to appeal to his nicer side."

"Guys, let Yuuko finish." Takumi said.

Yuuko turned to him. "Thank you. Listen, I…I've been where Kiryu is right now. He wanted to help his family who he feels disconnected from. He set out to do good but then it all fell apart. He wanted to get revenge only for it to be hallow. I understand his suffering better then anyone. The only difference between him and me is that I have people I can fall back on while he's alone. If I deserve a second chance after making all those same mistakes, so does he. And besides…I'm the one who set him on that path. I owe it to at least try to help him heal."

The room fell quiet. "I agree." Fei said. "Kiryu's not a bad guy deep down. He just messed up along the way to help his family."

Darcmon nodded. "We have all seen so much pain and suffering through this war. If there is a chance we can reach a peaceful agreement, I say we should take it."

"Well…I see no harm in trying to talk to him first." Himari said. "I mean, we won't know until we try."

"And it's true that Kiryu's not a bad guy." Takuo said. "I saw a different side of him when we worked together to save the Sistermon and Agunimon's team. I'm sure he can still be reasoned with."

Magnamon sighed. "Very well. We'll try to negotiate first. But we need to help Alphamon. If he still refuses to cooperate, we will have to move in."

"Fair enough." Yuuko said.

"Agunimon and I will go with you." Lobomon said.

"No. Then Kiryu will think I'm taking advantage of your bond with his brother. I need to do this."

"Then let me go with you." Takumi said. "There are some things I feel I need to say to him."

"Me too." Ami nodded.

"Same." Nokia added.

"And naturally I'm goin' too." Fei said. "As your second in command I share responsibility for the blockhead."

"Well, first we need to figure out where to find him." Mameo said. "Now that he's betrayed the Next Order, he's probably laying low."

"He mentioned he can use the Digital Dive." Hudiemon said. "What if he's already returned to the human world?"

"Maybe if we can somehow contact Kyoko back home, she can look for him." Takumi suggested.

Magnamon lifted his head when he heard something. "Hmm?" He pulled up a monitor. But was not prepared for what he saw. "This is…!"

"Magnamon? What is it?" Darcmon asked.

"A communication…from Craniamon?!"

Everyone looked at him. "Craniamon?!" Takumi asked.

"Isn't he one of the Royal Knights with the Next Order?" Koh asked. "Why is he calling you?"

"Better question, do we want to take this call?" Arata asked. "It could be a trick…"

"Well, we won't know for sure until we hear what he has to say." Keisuke replied.

"Agreed." Sayo nodded.

Magnamon put his hand on the screen, and it showed Craniamon's image. "Greetings."

"What are you playing at Craniamon?!" Magnamon asked.

"Caution is understandable, but not necessary. I am merely calling you because I wish to discuss some things with the Resistance…or more accurately, with the humans in the Resistance."

"Okay." Kouta folded his arms. "We're all here listening. Discuss away."

"I would like this conversation to be with you face to face. Come meet me in Drive Canyon."

"Yeah, right buddy!" Arata scoffed. "And this surely isn't a trap!"

"I understand how you came to that conclusion. Admittedly the Next Order's recent actions have been less then honorable. But I swear to you that I will come alone."

"Oh really?" Mirei asked. "And what reason do we have to trust you?"

"You want me to provide cause to trust you?" Craniamon asked. He pondered for a moment "Very well, how about this? I imagine now that Kiryu has left our ranks you plan to look for him. Maybe so he could aid the Resistance?"

"Maybe." Yuugo replied. "What of it?"

"I never liked the idea of trusting him or Hosaka. So, I secretly put tracking software on their Digivices. I have told no one about this, so the King and the Next Order do not know any more then Kiryu does. If you agree to meet with me, I will send the software so you can locate him."

Everyone looked at each other. "Guys, what do we do?" Himari whispered.

"This could be our only hope to find Kiryu." Takuto said.

"Or Craniamon could be trying to send us into two traps." Fei retorted.

Omegamon and Nokia looked at each other and nodded. "…You have a deal Craniamon."

"Nokia!" Yuuko shouted in surprise.

"Were this Crusadermon, or Leopardmon, I would have hesitated." Omegamon said. "But Craniamon has always been one of the most honourable of the knights."

"Yeah, he gave me that impression when I met him too." Keisuke said. "He doesn't seem like the kind of guy to pull something so cowardly. And besides, it's not like we have any better leads on finding Kiryu."

"True…" Mameo said. "Alright, guess this little gamble might be worth it."

"Just understand Craniamon, we can't send all of our humans away at once." UlforceVeedramon replied.

"Understood. A few of them will suffice. So, we have an agreement?"

"We do." Omegamon replied. "Send us the software. Once we confirmed this indeed leads to Kiryu, then we will send a party to speak with you."

Craniamon looked down for a moment. "Done. I will be waiting at Drive Canyon." The monitor closed.

Mirei took out her laptop and started working. "Found him." She pulled up a map and it blinked at a location to the southeast. "Memory Medow. Looks like Kiryu hasn't left the Digital World yet."

"Okay." Yuuko nodded. "Let's head out immediately."

"Wait for us in Drive Canyon." Gankoomon said turning back to Craniamon. "And we will send a team to meet you after we confirm this truly does lead to Kiryu."

"Very well, but make haste. I doubt I can be gone long without anyone noticing."

When he hung up Yuugo rubbed his chin. "Does this mean Craniamon means to turn against the Next Order as well?"

"We'll ask him when we go see him." Mameo replied before turning to Yuuko. "For now, you guys hurry and go find Kiryu."

"Right." Takumi nodded.

Craniamon closed his monitor and started walking away. Just outside the doorway on the opposite side of the room Dynasmon folded his arms. "So, it has come to this…"

Yuuko, Fei, Takumi, Ami, and Nokia were walking across a lush green field. But even there signs of battle could be seen. Giant chunks of rock, dead grass, burnt holes in the ground… "To think the was has even damaged this area too…" Samudramon sighed. "It was such a serene and peaceful place…"

"Maybe it will heal after we end this war." Ami suggested.

"I hope so…" Nokia said. "I hope all of this world and its Digimon can heal eventually… But first we have to end this war. And for that we need Alphamon."

Yuuko looked at her Digivice. "Kiryu is close…" She held up the group.

"What is it?" Takumi asked before he heard something. "Huh? What's that sound?"

"It sounds like a flute." Ami replied.

"I know this melody." Yuuko said. She and Fei looked at each other before running ahead.

"Wait up!" Takumi said as the others hurried after them.

Yuuko and Fei hurried up a hill as the music became clearer and clearer in their ears. They soon reached the top and came to a stop. Sitting at the edge of a cliff was Kiryu. CresGarurumon was at the left and BlitzGreymon was at his right. In his hands was a silver flute that played a soothing, somber melody. Yuuko and Fei stared at his back as Takumi, Ami, and Nokia caught up. They simply stood there watching him play. Once it was over Kiryu opened his eyes and stood up. "I'm surprised you managed to track me down." he said putting the flute in his coat's inner pocket.

"We had a little help." Yuuko replied.

Takumi looked at her remembering the time she hummed a melody to him back in Zaxon's Pride's base to get him to sleep. "Yuuko…that melody…"

"It was a tune my mother would use to help me sleep when I was little. Kiryu caught me humming it one time while I was feeling nostalgic during our Zaxon days. Since then, he would play it on his flute for Subaru every now and then."

"I have no particular attachment to the melody." Kiryu said. "Or the fool who taught it to me. But…Subaru liked it. It would calm him down whenever he felt overwhelmed. Give him peace whenever he felt sad… Every time I would visit him in the hospital in the last reality, I would play this melody praying it would awaken him…but nothing happened. In this reality I would play it to help him fall asleep at night…only for him to be awoken by nightmares…"

"Oh, Kiryu…" Fei sighed.

"I thought you would have returned to the human world by now." Ami said. "Why are you still here?"

Kiryu refused to look at them. "…I don't know. I told myself I would not return until the one responsible for Subaru's torment paid for their crimes…and now Crusadermon is gone…yet…has this changed anything…? Is Subaru truly free? Even if I go back and tell him, will it change anything…? I finally got my revenge…so why…?"

"Do I feel so empty"?" Yuuko asked, finishing his sentence for him. "That's what I asked myself when I avenged my father. I guess part of me was holding onto hope that killing Crusadermon would bring him back…but when I killed her that dull hope vanished, and I felt I was left with nothing. That's what you feel right now Kiryu. Like you lost your purpose. Revenge…has given you nothing. Only made you feel even more lost."

Kiryu faintly chuckled. "…Heh. Got what was coming to me just as you predicted?" He turned around to look at Yuuko. "You must be quite pleased to see me suffer."

"Does this face look pleased? Kiryu, I never wanted this for you! For either of you! Not a single day goes by without me wishing I listened to you and never went to Under Zero just for-

"What do you want?" Kiryu interrupted. "You did not come here to console me."

Fei sighed. "Straight to business as usual. Alright. We'll get right to the point." She pointed her thumb at Takumi and Ami. "That Royal Knight you and Hosaka sealed within the Dark Area is the Digimon that mentored and cared fer these two. We wanna know how to undo that seal you put on the place."

"Why?"

"So, we can rescue Alphamon and end this war." Ami said. "So we can stop Leopardmon and his objectives and save this world."

"And why should I care?" Kiryu asked. "This war means nothing to me now. This world, like our own and EDEN has caused great suffering upon my family. And now…I have nothing…no reason to fight…no objective to follow…no hope…nothing."

"That's just your sadness talking!" Yuuko said. "Think about the bigger picture! Subaru was always interested in this world, wasn't he? Would he be happy with the sate you're leaving it in?"

Kiryu raised his head. "How dare you…!" His eyes widened with each next word his spoke with his voice raising and shaking. "Even now you'd use my brother AGAINST ME?!" He angerly pointed at Yuuko glaring. "You idiots are the ones who failed to protect him!" He shifted his glare from her to Fei and Nokia. "For all your high and mighty bullshit on how you three felt you could rule EDEN and command all hackers like gods you were powerless to save ONE CHILD!" Kiryu's gaze lowered as his voice started to crack. "And now Subaru's life is in shambles…! And for what gain in the end…?" He stared at them with a gaze that portrayed wrath and sorrow in equal measure. "FOR WHAT?!"

Yuuko, frowned. "Kiryu…"

"We gained nothing." Nokia said stepping forward. "Nothing good came out of that incident. In the end…everyone lost something. Including you. Nobody got what they wanted from my and Yuuko's ego contest. Worst part is…I still don't know what it was I was trying to gain…"

Ami stared at her. "Nokia…"

Kiryu faintly chuckled. "So, you admit it then? That your arrogance and stupidity let you challenge what was far beyond your feeble understanding and caused countless under your command to suffer?!"

Nokia's eyes saddened. "I do. I was a total idiot. Plain and simple. And so many paid the price for it."

"Not just you Nokia." Yuuko said walking up. "Kiryu…my one decision I made out of arrogance and desperation to help my family tore yours apart. And I am so very sorry."

"Same." Fei said. "It's bad enough I talked your brother into leaving your side just to further our goals, but then we charged him straight into a trap I didn't protect him from. I messed up royally. I let him down. Let both of you down. No apology can appropriately express how awful that makes me feel."

"And then I had the nerve to make it sound like Subaru's suffering was meant to be. When I said what I said to you I thought I was honouring him and all the others who were lost in Under Zero that day but…I can see now I was just making a cowardly excuse for failing them. And you're right to look down on me for that. But that isn't the end Kiryu. I was ready to give up after what happened too." She looked over her shoulder. "But then Takumi and Ami reminded me that it is never too late to start moving forward again. They stood by my side even when I was at my lowest. Even when I tried to push them away. And then… I got my brother and father back the right way. Not by getting revenge. But by doing what was right."

Kiryu's gaze lowered again. "…Why? Why are you the ones who get to be together with those you love? Keisuke and Erika were separated from each other. Subaru's torment isolates him from the rest of the world. And yet you lot, who caused all our suffering by creating the Eaters, letting us become victims, and then changing the world get to be together with all of your loved ones in the end while we suffer in silence!"

"Do we?" Takumi asked as he walked next to Yuuko and Nokia. "You weren't the only ones who had to part ways with people you cared about."

Kiryu looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"We all had to say goodbye to the Digimon we fought alongside. Grew alongside. Alphamon, Rapidmon, Dorugamon, BlackWarGreymon, all of our Digimon who were family to us. And you would know! Don't you share an equally special bond with your Digimon?" Kiryu glanced at BlitzGreymon and CresGarurumon. Takumi frowned. "Kiryu…it was never Crusadermon who was making you work for the Next Order. Or your desire to help your brother. It's your obsession with the past!"

Kiryu glared at him. "What would you know about what I feel?"

"We do know!" Ami shouted. "How could I let this happen?" "Was there really no other way this could go?"… Those are things Takumi and I ask ourselves all the time when we think about our greatest mistake! When we think about how we created the Eaters that day!"

"That's not all Kiryu. I know how it feels to let down someone important to you." Takumi said. "When Ami was kidnapped, I nearly lost it. I felt I failed her and my late father who I swore on his deathbed that I would look after my family!"

Kiryu turned to him. "…What?"

"If it weren't for Kyoko…I wouldn't have been able to move on. I'd just wallow in my dark corner…helplessly clinging to the past! To regret! But you…you didn't have anyone reaching to you. When you had your chance to move towards the light, you shook it off. You chose to fall deeper into darkness! You set off to make Yuuko suffer for what happened to Subaru, but the one you're hurting more then her, then anyone, is yourself! Because you still cling to the past, to your regret obsessively! Kiryu…when I look at you, I see what I would have been if I didn't take Kyoko's hand when she reached out to me. And not just me. Ami, Yuuko, Arata, Nokia, Keisuke…all of us, could have easily ended up like you if we chose our regrets over moving forward."

"Kiryu…I understand as well what you feel. Even though I have them back now the thought of being without my father and brother will haunt me for the rest of my life." Yuuko said. "You wanted me to suffer the way you have…but I have been suffering that pain all this time. You already got your wish. But like I said this isn't the end. When this war ends, I decided I am going to make EDEN what it was meant to be the right way. No. I'll make it even greater! I'll make it where humans and Digimon can coexist in peace! So that Erika and Keisuke can be together! So, no one will ever feel alone!"

Kiryu glared at her. "This sounds dreadfully familiar. And if your ambitions cause those around you to get hurt again? Like they did back then?"

"I won't let that happen." Yuuko said with determined eyes. "Because this time it's not just about my goals. It's about the goals I share with Takumi, Ami, Nokia, Arata, Fei, my brother, Keisuke. All of us who want humans and Digimon to be together. So, no one ever feels alone again! This time we'll make it right together!"

"Kiryu…" Ami stepped forward. "All of us have decided to set our sights towards the future. Your gaze has always been towards the past. But…" She smiled to him. "That's not a terrible thing either. It's not like we can just forget about or ignore the past. If we do that, then we're just ignoring not only our own suffering but that we caused for others too. And if we ignore and forget our past mistakes, then what's stopping us from repeating them?"

"Suedou wanted to make a world without sadness." Takumi said. "But sadness helps us remember our past. Reminds us of how much we loved the ones we lost. Reminds us of things we don't want to happen again. If we ignore sadness, ignore the past… then nothing will ever change in the future. So, we'll take what happened in our pasts, rise above it and make a future that's better for everyone! And with Alphamon's help…we can make a future where nobody needs to suffer the way you and Subaru did ever again."

"…And if you make new mistakes along the way?" Kiryu asked. "If you cause more suffering for your goals?"

"Then I'll take the responsibility that comes with my actions. That's what Ami and I decided when we made our final Connect Jump into the Mother Eater."

Kiryu's eyes stayed trailed onto him. "Kiryu…" Nokia walked closer. "I know Yuuko and I have caused a lot of harm not just to you but to so many people that day. That's why we want to do this! To make up for the harm we did to those people! And if it turns out that it's impossible to atone…at least we can say we tried to make up for our mistakes instead of ignoring them!"

Yuuko nodded. "That's all we can do for all of you. We can't change the past. Only try to make up for it with the future. I want to help bring people together. Including Takumi and Ami with Alphamon. That's how I choose to redeem for what happened in Under Zero. Not only that, but I was the one who led you to becoming the Next Order's Brother Sorrow. All of your choices here are my responsibility as well by extension. I am not just asking this for me and my friends…but this world…" She got onto her knees. Then onto her hands with her head lowered.

Everyone looked at her in surprise. "Yuuko!" Fei gasped.

"Please." the girl begged. "Don't let my mistake that day, cause any more suffering like Subaru's."

Kiryu looked down at the girl bowing before him. Then looked up at Takumi, Ami, Nokia and Fei. "Hmph." He turned around and took out his Digivice. After pressing a few things, a bright light appeared in his hand. He tossed it over his shoulder.

Takumi caught it and it dissolved. His goggles beeped and he put them on. "What's this?"

"The program we used lock Alphamon out of this world."

Ami smiled. "Kiryu!"

The man still had his back to them as he folded his arms. "That's all the help you're getting from me. You're on your own now."

"Thank you Kiryu." Yuuko smiled getting back on her knees.

"I'm not doing this for you Yuuko. I just don't see why anyone else has to suffer the way you made me and my brother because of your failures."

"I understand." She stood up and gathered around Takumi with the others. "So, what is it?"

Takumi had an awkward look. "I…I have no idea. This thing is so complex…but I guess it's what was used to seal away the Dark Area?"

"Seal away…" Kiryu muttered. "It would be more accurate to say it "disconnected" the Dark Area from the Digital World."

"Then how do we reconnect it?" Ami asked.

"You'll have to figure that out yourself." CresGarurumon replied. "Like Kiryu said, we've done all we're willing to help you."

"Oh, and next time…" BlitzGreymon turned to the group. "Tell Arata and the rest of your backup they'll need to try harder to mask themselves from us."

"Well, shit." Arata deactivated Stealth Hide from right behind Ami and the others. "You caught me."

"Heh. Noticed em did ya?" Fei asked. "You really have come a long way as a hacker Kiryu. Maybe even better then us."

The man grabbed into BlitzGreymon's leg as GresGarurumon held his shoulder. "Yuuko."

The girl looked back at him. "Yes?"

Kiryu gave her a cold glance from over his shoulder. "I don't care if it was a set up by Crusadermon or if it was undone by a change in reality. I will never again forget what it is you did for your selfish desires and pride. Nor will I ever forgive what you said to me afterword."

"Neither will I." Yuuko replied before Kiryu flew away on his Digimon.

"Should I follow him?" a voice asked.

"Don't bother Jesmon, he noticed all of ya, he'll shake ya off in no time." Fei replied.

Yuuko nodded. "Besides, we got what we needed. There's no reason to chase after him."

"Agreed." Gallantmon said as he deactivated Stealth Hide. "Stand down everyone." One by one, Shoma, the Three Musketeers, Jesmon, and Silphymon's squad reappeared.

"What's he going to do now?" Gundramon asked.

"I don't know." Takumi said looking off in the direction Kiryu left in. "But I hope he finds his way to the light and starts moving forward like we did."

"Me too." Yuuko said. "He deserves better. Subaru deserves better."

"That'll be up to him now." Ami said. "Come on. Let's go tell the others what happened."

"Hmmm…" Mirei stared at the program on her laptop. "In all my years I have never seen anything like this. A Program that actively disconnects an area from the Digital World? Fascinating."

"Does it look like you can get in?" Ami asked.

"I should be able to reverse-engineer it. But it will take some time."

"Well, while we're waiting on Mirei, since Craniamon honored his end of the bargain we should go meet him like we promised." Mameo said. "I'll talk to him since he specifically wanted a human."

"I'll go with you." Zero said. "I'm curious to where this is going."

"Well, then I'm going too." Yuugo smiled. "Someone has to keep an eye on you."

"I'll go too." Keisuke said.

"And the rest of us?" Takuto asked.

"We rest and prepare." Gallantmon replied. "The moment Mirei has our solution me move out to the Dark Area."

"Agreed. Alphamon has waited long enough, and we need her." Takumi said.

Ami nodded and closed her eyes. 'Just hold on a little longer boss. We'll be there for you soon. Just like how you were always there for us.'

Yuuko finally has her talk with Kiryu. But now that I've given an OC enough attention lately, let's shift focus to someone else next chapter…