Kyoko had Satoru Kamishio on the line via Digivice. " I see…" the man said. "I had no idea such a thing has transpired in EDEN."
"This event must be connected to the disappearance of Kiryu Tenjo." Kyoko replied. "Who vanished in a manner similar to Fei."
"The girl my daughter asked you to look for…Very well. You have my permission to investigate Under Zero. I'll send you the URL and make sure the security doesn't hinder you."
Kyoko smiled. "Thank you."
"There is no need for thanks. You are doing this for my daughter after all. Besides if such suspicious activity is occurring in EDEN then something must be done. I'll look into this "Paradise Lost Event" and the "Mr. Navit" who hosted it."
"Okay. I'll take a look at Under Zero."
"Be careful Kyoko." Satoru said. "There's no telling what you're walking into. And I would not forgive myself if EDEN made you a victim like it did your assistant and my friend's daughter." He then hung up.
That then gave Kyoko a thought. "Digimon appeared in EDEN before Ami went into her coma…I wounder if this Paradise Lost Event is Digimon related…"
Mirei was speaking to Takumi and Ami. "I see…so she wouldn't tell you either…" Ami asked.
"Afraid not." Mirei said. "Honestly, she may have known me longest, but I'd say she trusts you two more then anybody else here. If she wouldn't tell you, I doubt she'll tell anyone. You know how stubborn she is."
"Yeah well…we figured it was worth a shot." Takumi replied.
"Though judging by our conversation and what you two told me…" Mirei adjusted her glasses. "Her concerns are definitely related to you two."
"Why?" Ami asked. "Did we do something wrong?"
"Or does she really think what those Ghoulmon said to her was how we feel?" Takumi asked. "Because we don't!"
"Once a seed of doubt is planted, it becomes difficult to remove." Mirei replied. "You two should know this better than anyone. In any case…there is one other option I'm still considering."
"What's that?" Takumi asked.
"Well, you see…" An alarm went off dragging everyone from their thoughts. "Hold that thought."
Everyone gathered in the War Room. "What's going on Magnamon?!" Omegamon asked.
A map appeared from the wartable and a giant red mark blinked. "We detected a massive energy reading to the east. It's moving around the Digital World slowly but surely increasing in power."
"Wait…" Hudiemon leaned forward. "This energy wave…"
"There's no doubt." Gankoomon replied. "It belongs to Arcadiamon."
"Oh yeah…" Fei murmured. "That pervert Vademon managed to Digivolve it and send it to Leopardmon before kicking the bucket."
"Sounds like he sent it on the move again." Mameo said. "Where is it going?"
"That's the odd part." Darcmon replied. "Its direction is constantly and randomly shifting. It seems to have no set direction. It seems more like it's wondering aimlessly."
"What the hell is Leopardmon up to now?" Kentaurosmon asked.
Everyone thought for a moment. "…Hey Keisuke." Takumi spoke up. "You mentioned Arcadiamon grows stronger after consuming Digimon, right?"
"Yeah. So?"
"What if after loosing Hosaka and Vademon Leopardmon ran out of options for increasing its power and decided the only way to make it stronger was to have it feed off of other Digimon in this world?"
"What?!" Shiki gasped. "That's horrible!"
"But it's certainly something that prick would do." Arata replied.
"Agreed." Alphamon nodded. "Arcadiamon at full power could surpass even Examon. If he were to succeed in unleashing its final form, Leopardmon couldn't ask for a more powerful weapon."
"We gotta stop him!" Luche declared. "This means not only the Resistance but all the Digimon in this world are in danger!"
"Seconded." Hudiemon said. "Still…you have to remember that a lot of us already tried fighting Arcadiamon in a weaker form and were overpowered. We need to select our team carefully."
"It's true." Yuugo nodded. "If we send someone who can't match its strength, they'll only end up being Arcadiamon's meal making him even stronger."
"Then it sounds like we're sending in all our top players." Kouta declared.
"Sounds good to me!" Takuto nodded. "I'm in!"
"Same here." Fei folded her arms. "I gotta bone ta pick with that monster for tryin' to bury me and Erika alive."
"Given the situation I'd say our best bet is to send in all of our Tamers." Mirei replied. "Their support makes their Digimon our strongest fighters."
"Agreed." Magnamon nodded. "I hate to admit it but with how Arcadiamon is now the rest of us will just slow you all down."
"Okay." Ami nodded. "We'll all go together and stop Arcadiamon's rampage!"
"Then let's get going!" Keisuke said. "Every second we waste puts more Digimon in danger and makes Arcadiamon stronger!"
"You're right Keisuke." Shoma nodded. "Now's not the time to stand around. Let's roll!"
As the humans started running towards the door Alphamon turned towards it. "Alphamon you should stay here." Mirei said. "You haven't fully recovered yet."
"But I-
"Besides, I could use your help planning our assault on Cloud Sanctuary. And before that there's another thing I would like your help with. Yuugo, I'm going to need you and Craniamon to stay here too for this."
"Really?" Yuugo asked. "Well, okay."
Takumi and Ami turned around to look at the knight who mentored them. "Alphamon..." Takumi spoke.
The knight didn't face either of them. "I'm sorry. It seems like I'm always forcing burdens and my responsibilities onto you two."
"You don't really think that, do you?" Ami asked.
"Alphamon, is this about what those fakers said in the Dark Area?" Takumi asked. "Don't let it get to you! You were there when we truly needed you! And thanks to you we became stronger!"
"Exactly! You don't need to prove yourself to anyone!"
Alphamon didn't react or reply. Nokia walked up to the twins from behind. "Come on you two, we have to go!"
"Right…" Takumi followed her out.
Ami took one last look at Alphamon. "Don't lose yourself Alphamon…we believe in you." She then followed her friends out of the room.
Alphamon turned around to stare at the door they left in. "Those kids have all grown up. …Almost a little too fast…"
Mirei cleared her throat. "So then, Alphamon, Yuugo, about that task I require you for…"
"I take it it's something that requires the Royal Knights?" Yuugo asked.
"No. Just Alphamon and our new Craniamon in particular."
"And what exactly are we doing?" Alphamon asked.
"Something that will help this entire group…you and your assistants in particular."
Rapidmon Armor was at the front of the parade of flying Digimon. Takumi was on his shoulders looking at a map through his goggles. His friends were all behind him. The Digimon who couldn't fly were being carried by those who could. Shiki heard a sigh and looked at Ami. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm worried about Alphamon. It's not like her to be so…unconfident like she was earlier…Seeing her like that…it's scary…"
"She spent all the time the Next Order had ruining this world trapped in the Dark Area." Noir replied. "She probably feels responsible for the way things currently are."
"But it wasn't her fault!"
"Guilt is like a sickness." Shoma replied. "It's easy to catch. It's hard to get rid of. And it can affect your life in ways you'd never expect. People like you, me and your brother know this better than anyone."
Ami sighed. "…I guess everyone has their own insecurities…"
Arata turned to her. "When we get back let's help Alphamon overcome hers."
"Yeah!" Nokia smiled. "She was always looking out for us! Maybe it's time we did the same!"
Ami smiled. "…Yeah."
Takumi looked at the red marker on his map. "Should be around here…"
A loud bang and a rising dust cloud from within the trees made everyone stop. "Holy crap!" Takuto yelled.
"I think we found him." Sayo replied.
"Let's go!" Takumi shouted as Rapidmon Armor flew towards the trees. Everyone followed suit.
Down below, Arcadiamon now in his Mega form stomped in front of a Tankdramon and picked it up. The Digimon screamed as he was devoured. Upon finishing his meal, Arcadiamon glowed red and roared. A Luminamon, a Butterflymon, a Digitamamon, and a ModokiBetamon all shivered with tears in their eyes. Arcadiamon roared and reached for them. "Saint Knuckle!" Rapidmon Armor swooped in and punched his arm away.
Skyla and Gaia landed in front of the remaining Digimon and Shiki turned to them. "Run for your lives!" They all got up and ran as fast as they could.
The rest of the party emerged. "Sup, big guy!" Takuto said with a cocky grin. "Miss me?"
"Leopardmon really did just decide to let this thing lose on the Digimon in this world." Yuuko glared.
"Well tough luck!" Nokia declared. "We're not letting this freak turn this world into his personal buffet!"
Keisuke glared at the monster. "It seems like my fate is always tied to this thing. Arcadiamon! I won't let you take another innocent life! We'll finish this here!"
Arcadiamon roared at the army in front of him. "Here he comes!" Mameo shouted.
Mirei was working at her laptop on the highest room in Central Tower. Alphamon, Craniamon and Yuugo stood with him. "Mirei, why do you want to open a gate to EDEN from here?" Yuugo asked.
"I simply want to return to Alphamon something she lost"
"Care to elaborate?" Alphamon asked.
Mirei chuckled. "My, my, a Royal Knight as clever as yourself hasn't figured it out? Well…you'll see. I already confirmed that what we seek is in EDEN. Specifically, Under Zero. Mastemon is still in Flotia, staying alert in case of another otherworldly invasion. So Craniamon, we will need Claíomh Solais to open a way to the human world."
The Royal Knight clanged the backend of his weapon onto the floor. "Understood. Me and my spear stand ready."
Alphamon chuckled. "This feels rather nostalgic. I remember when the last Craniamon and I set off with Keisuke to try to save UlforceVeedramon. Hopefully this time our trip won't end with us turning back empty-handed."
"Last time you were forced to turn around due to the Digital Shift fading and UlforceVeedramon running into a distortion." Mirei replied. "I know my way around when it comes to traversing dimensions. I'll guide you. However, the pathway will be narrow. Alphamon, you will have to travel alone after Craniamon opens your path."
"Very well. If this is about something I need then I'd rather not drag Yuugo and his partner into it."
"Alright." Mirei typed into her laptop. "Shall we begin? Whenever you're ready Craniamon."
The Royal Knight swung his mighty spear, and a slit was made that expanded into a blue space in front of them. Mirei typed into her laptop again. "Alright. That should be sturdy enough. Alphamon, follow the route I'm sending you. It will take you straight to EDEN. I don't think we can keep this open very long so I would advise against loitering around over there."
"Loitering?" The knight looked at Mirei oddly. "You haven't even told me what it is I'm supposed to be looking for."
Mirei simply smirked. "No need. You'll know what you're looking for once you see it. Now then...whenever you're ready."
Yuugo turned to Alphamon. "Be careful. We just got you back. I don't think Takumi and Ami could take losing you again."
Alphamon chuckled. "I've already missed out on most of this war. I'm not sitting the rest of it out." She took a deep breath and revved up. "See you soon." She flew straight into the hole.
Yuugo nervously watched Alphamon disappear into the void before looking at Mirei. "What IS Alphamon looking for in EDEN?"
When he saw Mirei smirk Craniamon glared. "Say anything along the lines of "you'll find out when she comes back with it" and the next thing Claíomh Solais will cut open is YOU."
Yuugo looked at him in shock. "H-hey, Craniamon, take it easy!"
Mirei sighed. "I see you inherited the previous Craniamon's attitude as well. Fine, I will say this. It is something that forever changed the arc of her fate. One could say it was a part of her."
"A part of her?" Yuugo asked.
"Yes. And you can say it is what brought her together with Takumi and Ami." Yuugo thought for a moment. Then his eyes widened. Mirei giggled at the reaction. "Figured it out?"
Yuugo smiled. "Yeah. It's obvious once I figure out that it's someone over something." He put a hand on his hip. "She's going to find "her" isn't she?"
Mirei looked at the void. "The Aibas aren't the only humans connected to Alphamon."
Kyoko walked through Under Zero carefully observing her surroundings. "I figured this place would be abandoned. But there might be some trace of the Paradise Lost Event in here somewhere...hopefully I'll find something at the core." Kyoko stepped on the teleporting circle, and it brought her to the final room. That's where she saw the giant black diamond floating at the centre of the otherwise empty room. She made her way over to the object in the middle of the room. "Hmm. So, this is the core of EDEN itself. Interesting." She looked at her Digivice. "There must be something here connected to the event that was hosted..."
Just then she got a call and picked it up. "Greetings Kyoko."
"Ah, Mr. Kamishiro. Did you learn anything?"
"Well, I have yet to verify anything about this Mr. Navit, but I did learn something interesting. Around the date of that message, you said was sent to that Kiryu boy, six EDEN accounts were in Under Zero. One of them belongs to a Akira Hosaka, but the other five were likely odd names to prevent identification."
"I see... One of them must be Kiryu. Could Fei have also been among them?"
"There's more. On that day all six accounts just...disappeared. The server lost touch with them. Then two of them came back while the other four were deleted."
"I see..." Kyoko nodded. "So, if we find out where they disappeared to, we might learn where they are now. I'm at the core in Under Zero. I'll do a thorough sweep of the place."
"Very well. You have my permission to access the data there if need be. I'm sure you can be trusted with it."
"I appreciate it. I'll get back to you if I find anything."
"I have a bad feeling about all this. Be on your guard detective."
As Kyoko hung up, she continued her scan. "Aside from not being commonly observed there must be a reason why this Mr. Navit held the event here...Perhaps I can find the entry point of where the users vanished to and- A loud slashing sound was heard as a blue hole in the air opened up high above her. Kyoko turned around. "...Well...that's ominous." She slowly approached the mysterious hole watching carefully. But just as she got under it, she could hear sounds from within. And then something came flying out and landed on the ground nearby with a heavy slam.
Alphamon slowly straightened up and looked around her. "This is...Under Zero."
Kyoko looked at the knight's back in surprise. "Is that...a Digimon?"
Though the detective felt she whispered quietly enough to avoid being noticed, the knight heard. She turned around and her eyes widened with what she saw. "You..."
Kyoko took a step back. "I've been informed on what happened the last time your kind came to this world, and they did not leave a good impression. If possible, I would like to ask what it is you are doing here."
Alphamon turned around to face her. "Kyoko Kuremi. Of course. You're what I am here to find. The thing I lost that day."
"Have we met before? Who are you?"
"I am...Alphamon."
The name made Kyoko remember the story from Takumi's Digimon and Yuuko. "Alpha...mon...the same Alphamon who Takumi and Ami worked with in the previous reality?"
"You know about that? I was told that you have no memories of the last reality."
Kyoko folded her arms. "I was told about it. So, you're the Digimon who took my body after I was attacked by an Eater."
"I had no choice. After falling to them myself and retreating to this world I needed a body. Though I suppose if you think low of me for it that would be understandable."
Kyoko stared at her for a moment. "...No. As you said, you had no choice. And besides, I should be grateful. You saved our world and brought Takumi and Ami to my side. You even went ahead and raised them into fine detectives for me."
Alphamon looked straight staring into space. "Did I?"
Kyoko looked her in the eyes. "What's wrong?"
Alphamon lost herself to though for a moment. "...How much of the last reality were you told of?"
"Everything Takumi's Digimon knew down to the last detail."
"Then tell me something...what are your opinions on the things I did?"
"Hmm? Well, with my body you guided Takumi and Ami, stopped the Royal Knights and restored both our worlds to what they should be."
"Alright, let me phrase it differently...how do you feel about the things I didn't do?"
Kyoko looked at Alphamon oddly. "Care to elaborate?"
"During the other reality I pushed Takumi and Ami as hard as they could so they would be ready for what they...what we had to do. But the moment the worlds clashed, and the Royal Knights got involved I had the two of them and their friends deal with the issue while all I did was order them around from a distance. I was supposed to keep the Royal Knights from running amok, but I let just that happen and put Takumi and Ami through dangerous situations while I stayed behind in the agency and watched. I told myself it was for the best to help them develop and to keep the 13th Royal Knight as an ace in the hole in the event we needed a trump card...but looking back I ask myself...have I just been over relying on them all this time? Should I have had more of a handle on things? Should I...have done more to help them?"
Kyoko stared at her. "...Why don't you ask them?"
Alphamon shook her head. "Knowing them they'd just tell me not to worry about it. But..."
Kyoko looked at Alphamon and thought to herself for a moment before giving her reply. "...To be fair, no matter how powerful you are as a Digimon you could not interact with the human world at first. And the Connect Jump allowed them to do things no other human or Digimon can do. So, it makes sense you relied in them for things in the human world and pushed them to master that ability and their Digimon, so they'd be ready for the Royal Knights. As for after the Paradise Lost Plan...In your place I personally would have had more of a hands-on approach with that. Once I could use your form in the human world, I would have taken that opportunity to revel the truth to them and went with them to persuade or defeat the other knights."
Alphamon glanced aside. "You would, would you?"
Kyoko closed her eyes. "That being said...there's no grantee that things would have ended up better then they did if I did that."
Alphamon looked back at the detective. "What do you mean?"
"Like you said, keeping yourself hidden allowed you to use Alphamon as a triumph card. Because Crusadermon wasn't expecting it, you were able to infiltrate her trap and rescue Takumi, Ami, Nokia and Yuuko from her. For all we know if she knew about you beforehand...and found a way to work around it...things could have been far worse. Or maybe my direct approach would have been for the best. There's no way of knowing now, so why stress over it?"
"I...see your point." Alphamon replied.
"I must confess something...ever since I met those two...I've been a little...protective now that I look back on it."
"How so?"
"I had the Aibas mostly do typical assistant work. Cleaning up the agency, sorting files, taking calls, casual stuff like that."
"You never had them working on a case?"
"Not unless I was with them. And even then, I'd have them keep their distance from any dangerous stuff. They always seemed a bit disappointed whenever I had them stay away. Back then I brushed it off as the eager attitude of a couple of kids who had yet to realize how dangerous this job is...but after learning about the other reality I found out that they did know. And that they probably could have handled the danger."
"And even knowing this you still insist you would have directly helped more with the Royal Knights?"
Kyoko nodded. "I'll have you know setting an example plays a key role in leadership. I can't have them doing all the dangerous work while I sat back comfy cozy in the agency. And besides...if something happened to them...like my father...because I wasn't there...that would haunt me forever."
Alphamon blinked. "Your father? You mean in this new reality he's still...?"
"He died during an investigation with detective Matayoshi...the old man's been blaming himself ever since...I know I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something similar happened to those kids. Don't you feel the same?"
"I do. It would shake me forever if something happened to them. That's why I want to push them do they'll be ready for anything. I won't be able to be there for them all the time. So, they must be prepared for the worse scenarios."
Kyoko smiled. "Well then there you go. It sounds like you answered your own concerns. Yes, maybe you did throw them into the lions den more times then necessary and could have been there more, but think of how strong they've both become from it. Is it better to shelter them or prepare them? There might not be a true correct answer. All you can do is what you think is the right choice."
Alphamon was silent after hearing this. She let out a faint chuckle. "Maybe you're right. Heh. It feels strange being encouraged by you. It's funny...I wouldn't feel comfortable talking about these concerns with anyone else but with you...it feels liberating."
"Same. I never would have admitted my own worries about Takumi and Ami to anyone else...I guess it's because we were once one being."
"Hmm...two sides of one coin might be a more accurate description. The differences in our approach to mentoring those kids is proof they we aren't the same person. But...the connection is there."
"Like our assistants and the Digimon they've bonded with."
"I suppose so. Thank you, Kyoko Kuremi. I feel better after this discussion. Now I can face those two without any doubt."
Kyoko looked at the hole Alphamon came out of. "About that...that hole leads to the Digital World, yes?"
Alphamon looked at her. "I'd say "why do you ask?" but I think I've learned enough about you humans to know what you are plotting."
Kyoko pulled up her Digivice and started a call. Satoru appeared on the screen. "Kyoko. Did you find anything?"
"Apologies for being abrupt about this but I'll need you to look after my body along with Ami and the others for a while. I'll send my login location."
"Wait, what?"
"I think the Digital World might be related to the cases I'm looking into. Besides there are so many exciting developments on the other side that I can't just sit out anymore. I'll be back once this is all taken care of."
"Wait, Kyoko-
The detective hung up and sent her location. She then turned to Alphamon. "I do hope this isn't an issue for you."
"Are you kidding?" Alphamon laughed. "I can't wait to see Takumi and Ami's faces once they see you in the Digital World." The two of them looked up at the hole.
Arcadiamon roared swatting Rikka away. "Starlight Explosion!" Skyla and Phoenixmon shot golden meteors down on Arcadiamon who didn't react.
"Exile Spear!" Arcadiamon turned his right arm into a spear and charged at the two Pheonixmon who flew aside. Noir, TigerVespamon and Dianamon started swiping at him repeatedly with their weapons while moving too fast for him to keep up. "Speed Break Field!" He made them all slow down before whacking them both away.
"Sol Blaster!"
"River of Power!"
"EDEN's Javlin!"
"Shield of the Just!" Apollomon, MetalSeadramon, Ophanimon and Yukimura all attacked Arcadiamon, but it blocked all their projectiles with his hands. But he was caught off guard when Nova, BlackWarGreymon, Omegamon, and Zero appeared overhead.
"Terra Force!"
"Dark Terra Force!"
"Supreme Cannon!"
"Hyper Infinity Cannon!"
Firing up close made an explosion that blew away Arcadiamon. He crashed into the ground. "Get his ass!" Arata shouted.
"Mach Rush!"
"Volcanic Driver!"
"Wolkenapalm!"
"Buster Dive!" Rikka, PileVolcamon, Samudramon, and Diaboromon slammed down on top of Arcadiamon.
After taking multiple hits Arcadiamon shoved them all off him and got up. "Golden Triangle!"
"Aguichant Lévers!"
"Shine of Bee!" Takumi, Ami, and Keisuke's ace Digimon all teamed up and attacked. Arcadiamon was pushed back.
"That's it, keep at him!" Keisulke shouted.
Arcadiamon hissed. "Dot Matrix!" He generated a blue explosion.
Rosemon Burst Mode flew in front of the humans as the blast approached. "Safety Guard!" She summoned a barrier that surrounded them just as the Dot Matrix attack. The Digimon were all blown away. The barrier barely held out. It shattered when the attack died down.
"This is bad…" Ami said as they could see all their Digimon on the ground.
"Even without being fully evolved Arcadiamon is stronger then ever." Keisuke said. "Well then…" He put his visor on. "Let's go all out!"
"You got it!" Takumi smiled as he and his sister put their goggles on as well.
Nokia held her Digivice at her chest. "We have to do this…otherwise more innocent Digimon will suffer…"
Yuuko held her Digivice close as well. "I want to protect everyone…" She held it up as it glowed. "Samudramon!"
"Omegamon!" Nokia shouted holding up her Digivice. Their Digimon roared and transformed into Omegamon Merciful Mode and Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode.
Everyone else called their Digimon by name. Then their all either shouted "Extra Xross Evolution!"
…Or "X-Evolution!"
One by one golden eggs formed around their Digimon. Then they each emerged into Rapidmon Armor X, Rosmeon X, HerculesKabuterimon X, Omni, Skyla, Medieval Gallantmon, Magnadramon X, Diaboromon X, Sakuyamon X, and Chaosdramon X. "Arcadiamon…I might not be strong enough to stop you on my own." Keisuke admitted. "But this time with the friends by my side and the new power I obtained, we will defeat you!"
"Let's go!" Ami ordered.
Yukimura charged in first. Arcadiamon caught the tip of his weapon as it pushed him backwards on his feet. He lifted the knight upward by his own weapon. But that just left him wide open. "Holy Light!" Omegamon Merciful Mode shot light into him making him drop Yukimura.
"Buster Dive!" Yukimura slammed his weapon down into Arcadiamon from above.
"Mach Rush!" Arcadiamon rammed the two knights away.
Sakuyamon X rose up her staff. "Shinning Laser!" holy pillars of light rose up blasting Arcadiamon. The beast hissed the flew up grabbing Sakuyamon X then threw her to the ground.
"Saint Knuckle!"
"Crescent Leaf!" HerculesKabuterimon X and Rapidmon Armor X slammed him into the ground.
"Gigawatt Lasser!"
"Fire Tornado!" Rikka attacked alongside Zero and they blasted Arcadiamon a good distance.
Once he recovered, he rushed at them. "Saint Knuckle!"
"Thorn Whip!" Rosemon X wrapped one of her whips around Arcadiamon's arms. She then lifted up a leg and wrapped said whip around it before stomping down dragging Arcadiamon over. Once he was close, she kicked her other foot into him, knocking him upward.
"Good Night Moon!" Arcadiamon looked up and Dianamon's glowing boots made him drowsy.
"Fatal Hand!" Apollomon slammed his palm into Arcadiamon as he dove into him slamming him into the ground.
As Arcadiamon was about to get up Faye made her move. "Seed Belt!" She shot giant seeds around Arcadiamon that sprouted into vines that tied it up.
"Now's your chance!" Shiki shouted.
Samudramon Fierce Blade Move held up his sword. "Meteor Fall! Giant meteors fell from the sky,
"Chaos Cloud!" Noir summoned a violet cloud that engulfed it.
"Judgment!' Omni snipped Arcadiamon with a ray of light.
Diaboromon X got into position. "Fatal Gaze!"
Arcadiamon screeched as he was blown to the ground. He got up and started charging. "Oh no you don't!" Keisuke said as his Digimon flew in front of him. "Takumi, Ami, lend me a hand!"
"You got it!" Takumi smiled as Rapidmon Armor X swapped firearms.
"Dot Matr-
"Rosen Blood!" Rosemon X tied Arcadiamon up with her whips as she emitted red light.
Ami smiled. "Get him boys!"
"Rapid Blaster!"
"Giga Blaster!" Both golden Digimon attacked together and engulfed Arcadiamon in a brilliant explosion that left Arcadiamon lying in a crater.
"You got him!" Takuto cheered.
"That's our world's heroes for you! Nokia gleamed.
"Being a hero is just about helping those in need." Keisuke smiled. "If my friends need my help, then I'll fight with all of my power." Takumi smiled back and nodded.
"Alright, time to finish this freak off." Fei grinned cracking her knuckles. "Anyone mind if I do the honors?" Suddenly a bright flash of light came down from behind the team. "What?!"
Everyone grunted shielding their eyes. "What is this?!" Himari yelped.
A giant goliath that towered over all the other Digimon with a giant black, green and purple body emerged as the light started to fade. Giant green vines dangled from behind it and its yellow eyes glowed. "Oh my god…!" Ami gasped.
"Where the hell did that come from?!" Arata gapped. "That thing's the size of Examon!"
A laugh brought everyone's attention to the monster's shoulder where a knight stood. "Leopardmon!" Omegamon Merciful Mode scowled.
"I knew attacking civilians in this world would lure you humans here. Now we shall test Argomon's Mega Form."
"This is...Argomon...?" Yuuko gasped.
"Indeed. This is the final form of our anti-human weapon." Leopardmon raised his hand. "Now...feel his sting!" As he lowered it Argomon roared.
The gang all braced themselves but Fei, Takuto, Shiki, Himari, Kouta, Mameo, Shoma, Sayo and Koh along with their Digimon were caught off guard when a swarm of green vines burst from the ground under them and ensnared them all as they lifted them into the air. "No!" Takumi shouted.
"What is this?!" Sayo shrieked looking at the vines tied around her body.
"Put us down you freak!" Shiki grunted as she squirmed.
"Fei!" Sakuyamon X shouted and tried to pull free. One of the vines started to stretch to the point where it looked like it would snap.
Leopardmon snapped his fingers and the vines glowed yellow. The trapped Tamers shouted as they felt weaker. One by one their Digimon lost their transformations. "Yes. Drain their energy! Now these fools are powerless!" He saw a gold projectile fly at him and moved his head out of the way.
"Singing victory a little early?" Takumi glared. "Or did you not notice you missed a spot?!"
Leopardmon laughed. "The rest of you will be test subjects for something else I have planned." He snapped his fingers again and four Sabermon appeared overhead carrying a net. Inside were a bunch of pink spider Digimon with single giant eyes.
Nokia screamed at the sight. "What are those disgusting things?!"
"Those are all Parasimon..." Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode. "I've never seen so many!"
Leopardmon cackled. "We cultivated them and enhanced them with energy the Malevolent Fist provided thanks to two of you humans."
"Us?" Keisuke asked.
Ami thought hard and put it together. "The energy he took from my Digimon and Shiki's while he was controlling them with his Dark Bond!"
"Indeed. And thanks to it these Parasimon shall provide a hefty amount of energy. Arcadiamon!"
The Sabermon lowered themselves and the net. Arcadiamon stared at it before zooming at them. The flying Digimon dripped the net and tried to fly away, but Arcadiamon grabbed them along with the net's contents and scarfed it all down. "You monster." Arata glared.
Arcadiamon roared and glowed with red aura. "Oh no..." Keisuke gaped.
The beast writhed and screeched in pain before erupting with light. Everyone was blinded by a powerful glow. Takumi grunted shielding his eyes before looking up. "Holy hell..."
A giant blue monster rose up with no limbs. Bust purple tentacles dangling from it and a yellow eye. "This is what I was afraid of..." Keisuke gulped.
"Keisuke..." Ami nervously looked at the hacker. "Is this...?"
"Arcadiamon's final form...the one that I barely scrapped a win against at the Rainbow Bridge..."
"It's like something out of a nightmare!" Nokia yelped. "How DID you beat this thing on your own?!"
"You said Erika weakened it with modified Eaters she created." Yuuko said.
"Yeah...which no longer exist." Keisuke replied. "Sooooo..."
"We're screwed, aren't we?" Diaboromon X asked.
"Don't say that!" Rosemon X replied. "We have our new power from Ami and the others! Besides given what we heard happened to Ryuji I doubt Leopardmon can control this thing anyway."
The Royal Knight laughed. "Normally I would indeed struggle to keep this beast under control. But we have thought of a way around that obstacle. Think about it. Why would we have Parasimon specifically be fed to Arcadiamon."
Omegamon Merciful Mode gasped. "You...don't tell me...!"
Leopardmon held his hand towards Arcadiamon. It's eye glowed as it groaned in pain. It then straightened up and looked down at the humans. "Parasimon have the ability to manipulate a Digimon from within! As their creator with absolute control over them this gives me full control over Arcadiamon no matter how powerful he becomes!"
"You've gotta be kidding me..." HerculesKabuterimom X cringed.
Koh weakly grunted from withing the tower of vines holding him. "At this rate...!"
"Now go Arcadiamon!" Leopardmon pointed his rapier at his enemies. "Demonstrate your new power on these fools!" The Ultra Arcadiamon let out a roar that shook the ground the remaining fighters stood on.
Yuugo, Craniamon and Mirei were still staring at the portal Alphamon disappeared into. "Mirei, we can't keep this open for much longer." Craniamon stated.
"No need to fret." Mirei replied. "It shouldn't take her much longer." She looked up at her laptop. "Speak of the devil. You might want to back up."
A sound from within alerted Yuugo and Craniamon who quickly ran to the side before Alphamon came bursting out of the hole. "Alphamon!" Yuugo smiled. "Glad you made it back."
Craniamon swiped at the hole with his spear, and it closed. He then turned to his fellow knight. "I hope you found whatever you were meant to look for and that it was worth it."
"Well, I better prove myself worth the risks them, huh?"
The voice made Yuugo's eyes widen. Then the woman climbing off Alphamon's back made him gasp. "Ky-Kyoko?!"
The detective smiled. "Surprised to see me?"
Craniamon looked at her. "This is the human Alphamon merged with last time…? Why is she here?!"
Alphamon turned around. "Perhaps it's time I got a human to call a partner."
"A partner?"
Yuugo turned to Mirei. "You wanted Alphamon to bring her here?"
Mirei sighed. "I thought that since she and Alphamon were connected deeply she would be able to help her concerns. But I did not expect Kyoko to be reckless enough to dive through the gateway with her. Honestly, you're lucky your mental data didn't shatter on the way. You didn't even have your avatar upgraded like your assistants and their friends did."
Kyoko laughed. "Well, every detective knows that with skill comes luck."
Alphamon giggled to her then looked at Mirei. "Thank you. With Koko's help I was able to push my concerns over my past choices aside. Sorry you had to resort to this over something so out of character for me."
"You're stubborn." Mirei replied. "I knew the only one you'd share such concerns with is yourself. And Kyoko is the closest to yourself as you can get."
"Perhaps. But it's not like we're the same being."
"Maybe." the detective smiled. "But that's why we can benefit from each other."
"Agreed. I look forward to learning from you. But for now…My mind is clear. I'm ready to go back into the field."
Hudiemon flew into the room. "There you guys are!"
Yuugo turned to her. "Hudiemon? What's wrong?"
"We got a problem! We- Hudiemon noticed Kyoko. "Wait, who's this human? What's she doing here?"
"We'll explain later." Craniamon replied. "Tell us of this problem?"
"We detected Leopardmon at Arcadiamon's location whose energy suddenly spiked like crazy!"
"That doesn't sound good…" Yuugo murmured. "Yuuko and the others could be in danger!"
Mirei smirked to Kyoko and Alphamon. "Well then, looks like you two get the chance to prove yourselves."
Perhaps an insecurity complex was out of character for Alphamon, but I wanted to give Kyoko a purpose for being by her side aside from being human.