The bell rang as Takumi stepped inside the agency. Kyoko was already sitting at her desk and Ami was standing up in front of it. "Oh, well look who it is." Kyoko smiled.

"Did you bring the rest of the gang?" Ami asked.

Takumi smiled and stepped aside opening the door wide so Nokia, Arata, Yuuko, Yuugo, Keisuke, Takuto, Shiki, Himari, Kouta, Shoma, Mameo, Sayo and Koh could step inside. "Wow…" Shiki was already looking around. "So, this is where you guys work."

"Look at this place." Koh said.

"I've never been in a detective agency before." Kouta said.

"Me neither." Himari added. "Hey, check out the board!"

"There are papers everywhere…" Shoma added. "Are they all case files?"

Kyoko laughed. "My, my, this is by far the most crowded my agency has ever been. When did I get so popular?"

"It's like we're throwing a party in here." Ami said.

Mameo clapped his hands. "Alright everyone, I know you're all excited, but we should stay focused here. This isn't a field trip."

"Mameo's right." Yuuko said. "We can't waste any time. Let's get the meeting underway."

"Hold up." Kyoko said. "We're still missing a few people."

The door opened again and Mirei stepped inside. "Greetings."

"Ah, speak of the devil."

"Hey Mirei." Takuto smiled. "Huh. This is actually the first time I'm talking to you directly instead of a hologram."

"I suppose that's true." the woman said adjusting her glasses. "It's rather refreshing."

"Now can we get started." Nokia asked.

"Not quite." Yuugo said. "There are still two people missing."

And just like that the door opened again. Fei walked in with Kiryu following. "Sure is rowdy. Guess we're in the right place."

"You're late." Kyoko said. "We're already about to start."

"One would not expect a detective to be so impatient." Kiryu replied. "Need I remind you that we spawned in this world far away and are coming here for the first time?"

"Still as serious as ever I see." Keisuke sighed. "Well, that's everyone. Now we can get the meeting started."

"Agreed." Mirei said. Everyone's Digivices projected screens with their Digimon. All the Digimon appeared through projections. "To recap on the situation, the Malevolent First took in Arcadiamon, Agromon, Alphamon's DNA, and the Brave Snatcher and merged them all with himself and the Nexus Tree. Taking on a new for entirely. Let's call it the Malevolent Tree for now."

"And this Malevolent Tree merged EDEN with the Digital World." Alphamon said. "With that done it will now try to download the entirety of both into its systems, effectively becoming one with it."

"And then the bastard is going to use all the Digital Waves fueling that tree to start a mass scale Digital Shift to bridge our world with the Digital World." Arata said. "So, he can merge with it too."

"And then he's coming for all other worlds out there." Mameo said.

"There has to be something we can do." Himari said.

"Luche is trapped inside there and is hindering his actions." Mirei said. "But it's only a matter of time before..."

"This sounds a lot like when Yuugo was slowing down the Eaters from inside." Ami said.

"Well just as we did Yuugo, we're going to save Luche and stop the Malevolent Tree." Takumi said. The others nodded.

Alphamon put a hand at her chin hearing this. Omegamon turned to the team. "We still have yet to gauge just how powerful that tree is. We may have plenty of firepower, but as we learned recently numbers alone won't be enough to stop him."

"And then there's Luche." Shoma added. "We need to find a way to extract her from the tree before we can destroy it."

"If only Ami and I still has the Connect Jump." Takumi sighed. "We could just dive straight in there and pull her out."

"How about no?" Nokia glared. "Because in case you forgot you two nearly bought the barn after the last time and some of us have had enough heart attacks to last a lifetime!"

"This thing is completely unrelated to the Eaters Nokia." Ami pointed out.

"Doesn't mean it's safe." Arata replied.

"Given that it's the Malevolent Fist we're talking about you bet it isn't." Takuto squinted.

"I agree that we should do whatever it takes to save the kid." Kiryu said. "But there is something we must keep in mind. The moment she is free the Malevolent Tree will no longer have anything holding it back. We need to make sure we're prepared for that critical moment, or we'll be digging our own graves."

Yuugo nodded. "Kiryu's right. We need a plan to neutralize him that we can put into action the moment Luche is out."

"How can we stop that thing?" Keisuke asked. "BoltBoutamon, Arcadiamon, Agromon, Alphamon, Bagramon, King Drasil, that tree is basically a petri dish of the most powerful beings in the Digital World."

"Don't forget the Chrono Data." Sayo added. "To counter that we're going to need an incredible source of power."

"Hmm..." Everyone looked at the screen showing Alphamon.

"Alphamon?" Rapidmon Armor turned to her. "Do you have a plan in mind?"

"Maybe we do have something that can match the Malevolent Tree in power."

"Wait, we do?" Shiki asked.

"Yes. A being so powerful it can alter reality for both humans and Digimon."

"What is it?" Fei asked.

"I believe all of you from this world know it well."

The humans stared at her for a bit as they puzzled it together. Then one by one their eyes widened. "...No." Yuuko replied. "Don't say it."

"Surely this is another one of your inappropriate and unamusing jokes." BlackWarGreymon glared.

Alphamon's face was straight. "Why? You all know the power it possesses. And we're rather pressed tightly for ideas right now."

"You want to use the Eaters?!" Yuugo asked.

"You still intend to fool around with dangerous beings beyond your kin even in the face of a crisis?" Kiryu glared at Alphamon. "Know that I will stop you the moment you make the attempt."

"I am aware that this is a dangerous plan. And that collective feelings regarding the Eaters are…negative. But this could be out only way to stop the tree."

"You plan to reboot the Digital World again?" Craniamon asked.

"Maybe not the entirety of it." Alphamon replied. "Otherwise, all our previous problems like Arcadiamon, Lucemon, and Leopardmon will return and start causing trouble all over again. And who knows what other side effects altering reality a second time could have? What I'm considering is using the Eaters to alter the nature of the Malevolent Tree, removing the Malevolent Fist's consciousness and returning it to a form without a consciousness like it was before. Then as long as we seal it away so nobody can mess with it, we should have nothing to worry about."

"Do you really think you have such control over the Eaters?" Samudramon asked.

"I've been keeping them quiet ever since the last incident. But just to be safe, I wish to try to create a program that will ensure their behavior will have them do exactly what we want and nothing more. Mirei, I will need your help for that."

The woman adjusted her glasses. "The Eaters are a bit outside my department." She took put her laptop. "To ensure this works, I will require your aid as well, Mastemon. You also have abilities with control over reality."

The laptop projected an image of a half white half black Digimon with angel and bat wings. "Very well."

"I'll help as well." Hudiemon said. "I have experience in controlling Eaters, and I still have all of old Suedou's notes."

"I still don't think this is a good idea Alphamon." Arata sighed. "What if the Eaters go on another feeding frenzy? We might not be able to stop them this time."

"Remember what Suedou said? They were never meant to consume human data in the first place. And once the tree is reverted, I can freeze them, so they cease activities. This in not my ideal plan either. But it could very well be our only hope."

"Alphamon is right guys!" Takuto said. "We're racing against the clock and not just this world but all worlds are on the line!"

"Agreed." Yuugo sighed. "I won't say I trust the Eaters but if we don't stop the Malevolent Tree..."

"All you're offering is that we trade one villain for another." Kiryu objected.

"At least the Eaters are an evil that we defeated before." Ami replied.

Fei turned to Kiryu. "Look Kiryu after all the hell they raised I'd rather the damn things just die myself but face it, yes, they might screw things over, but on the other hand we know that bastard tree will. Better the devil ya know then the devil ya don't."

Arata sighed. "Damn it, fine."

"I guess we really don't have any other option, do we?" Yuuko replied uneasily.

"Yeah, like Ami said, if they cause trouble after this, we'll just knock em down again!" Nokia smiled.

"It's a large gamble..." Takumi replied. "But there's too much ridding in this for our personal feelings to cloud our judgment. Besides, Luche is risking her existence for us. We need to try."

Kiryu looked around seeing how determined they all were and sighed. "Fine. But if it looks like the Eaters are about to go out of control, I'll destroy them on the spot myself."

"You're welcome to try." Alphamon replied. "But I already tried everything. They cannot be destroyed."

"Weren't you the one who told us you're not perfect?" Omegamon Alter-S replied.

"Touche."

Kiryu glared at Alphamon. "And on that note, if this backfires, these monsters of yours bring about another catastrophe, its on you."

"Fair enough."

"Thank you everyone!" Takuto smiled.

"Okay..." Shoma said. "That just leaves one thing...how are we going to save Luche? If she's inside the tree when we use the Eaters on her..."

"We will have to pull her out of it first." Kyoko said. "The sudden shock should provide the perfect opportunity for us to throw the Eaters inside the tree."

"So how do we fish Luche out?" Koh asked.

Mirei thought for a moment. "I think that might be the easy part."

"Oh yeah?" HerculesKabuterimom asked. "Then let's hear it."

"Don't forget Luche is still mostly a Digimon. That means she is strongly affected by her bonds with humans. And between this world and hers, she has bonded with many of you humans. I should be able to create a program that can easily use those bonds to pull her back from the Malevolent Tree."

"Really?!" Shiki gleamed. "That's awesome!"

"Then all we need to worry about is getting close enough to the Malevolent Tree to pull Luche out of there and install the Eaters." Diaboromon said. "I highly doubt it's just gonna let us stroll right up to it."

"Very true..." Mirei said. "We will need a sufficient diversion. Something to get its attention."

"Come on guys, it's us and the entire population of the Digital World vs a tree." Koh grinned.

"Assuming all the Digimon in the Next Order are willing to join us." Sayo added.

"I'm sure Gallantmon and the others are working on convincing them." Alphamon replied. "The Digital World is their home too. The whole reason why most of them joined the Next Order was to in their eyes defend it. Others joined out of fear of annihilation. And I'm sure they all know they and our world won't be around if they let the Malevolent Tree have their way."

"Even with all the Digimon it shall be no easy battle." Omegamon Alter-S said. "The tree's power is beyond comprehension. If we are not careful, we will all be destroyed."
Alphamon nodded. "This will indeed be the most dangerous battle any of us have faced. And to that end, I want to make sure everyone here is truly okay with being a part of it. Unlike the Eaters this battle has nothing to do with any of you. This mess is on us, the Digimon. If any of you would rather stay behind with you loved ones, I promise I will not judge or hold it against any of you."

"Did you think we'd all come this far just to give up now of all times?" Takumi asked.

"Yeah, and considering that the Malevolent Tree is going to mess with our world it's not like we have nothing to do with it." Nokia added.

"Especially us." Shiki said. "This is happening because we let Bolboutamon slip off to this world."

"Not to mention it was me and Koh who gave him the Chrono Data." Sayo pointed out.

"Hmm..." Alphamon looked down. "Alright, maybe I should rephrase the question. What does this fight mean to all of you?"

"What are you getting at Alphamon?" Kuzuhamon asked.

"For me this fight is about protecting the world I have failed twice now. The death of King Drasil and the creation of the Next Order are a result of my negligence and arrogance. All I can do for the victims of this war now, is clean up the mess left by my mistake. That's why I am ready to take part of this battle even if it kills me. But what of all of you? Do you have a true reason outside of simple virtue to take part of this? What reason are you willing to risk your life for? All of you should make sure you are mentally prepared for this upcoming battle."

Kiryu closed her eyes. "...She's right. If I have learned anything from all this, it's that having a true reason to fight makes a world of difference. A reason that leaves you with no doubts. A reason that ensures that whether or not you survive you will believe you have done the right thing."

"Exactly. How about this. It will be a while before Mirei, Hudiemon and I are finished preparations for the program to extract Luche and the Eater modifications. While we do that why don't the rest of you all go out and think about your answer."

"Our answer..." Ami muttered.

"We should be done in an hour or two." Mirei said. "You kids go think about what Alphamon said. I'll contact everyone once we are ready, and we will all meet in EDEN."

"Alright." Takuto nodded.

"Why don't we all take a walk around Broadway?" Nokia said. "We can show our friends around our world and talk about it."

"That's a great idea." Yuuko smiled. "We should get something to eat before we go to!"

Keisuke gulped. "Oh boy... Let's just not go too crazy Yuuko."

"Don't worry. I can pay for everyone."

"Really?" Himari asked. "Wow! Thanks, Yuuko!"

"Is this really an appropriate time to think about food?" Sayo asked.

Takumi smiled. "Hey, can't save the world on an empty stomach."

"Exactly!" Yuuko gleamed.

"You kids have fun." Kyoko grinned.

"You're not coming Kyoko?" Ami asked.

"You guys have been fighting this longer than I have, you could use a break. I'm content with helping with preparations. Besides..." The detective looked at a photo with her and her father at her desk. "I found my answer long ago."

"If you say so..." Takumi replied.

"So, is everyone else in?" Koh asked.

"I must decline." Kiryu said turning towards the door.

"Oh, come on Kiryu, live a little!" Kouta said.

"I already found my true reason to fight. Besides, I have something I must see to before we depart."

"Off to check up on him?" Fei asked.

Kiryu took a moment before replying. "Naturally. But there is also a promise I have to keep." He reached for the door before he remembered something and turned around. "Ah. But before I go there is one thing, I wish to discuss with everyone."

"You have our attention." Mameo said.

Kiryu held up his Digivice. "Before I went to the Mountain of Infinity, I collected the Digital remains of Hosaka."

"Hosaka's...remains?" Hudiemon asked.

"Like me and Fei he used the Digital Dive to enter the Digital World. He is no longer flesh and blood, but rather data. I was wondering if anyone knew if there was a way to restore him...and if we should do so if we can."

"Hosaka..." Keisuke murmured.

"...Can he be restored, Mirei?" Himari asked. Everyone turned to her, and she held her hands up. "Just asking. I mean the whole debate is moot if we can't do anything for him anyway."

"...Like Kiryu said he is a digital entity at this point. Data can be restored. It would take time, but I imagine he could be restored in the Digital World then realized back in this one."

"Okay, so then what we should be asking right now us should we do this." Arata asked.

"Guys, we can't just leave him like this." Ami said.

"Hosaka has caused all sorts of harm to the Digital World just to make a killing, remember?" Fei asked. "And unlike Kiryu he'll never repent."

"Besides, he knows too much." Sayo added. "He could come back to the Digital World at any time to cause more problems. Or use his knowledge of Digimon for scams in this one!"

Keisuke turned to her. "Hosaka may have done a number of...questionable things... but I'm sure even he has family that will miss him..."

Mirei put a hand on her hip. "Well...perhaps this isn't the best time to pounder such things. We will have time to decide on this after we stop the Malevolent Tree."

"Mirei's right." Kyoko nodded. "We have bigger fish to fry right now."

"Kiryu, please leave me with Hosaka's data. I will hold onto it until we have come to a decision."

"Very well." Kiryu handed her his Digivice. Mirei typed into it and sent the data to her laptop before returning the Digivice to Kiryu.

"So, we'll all meet in EDEN in a couple of hours." Takuto said.

"Think about what I told you before then." Alphamon said. "We don't want any regrets." The team nodded.

Outside the door to the agency a pale boy in white stood quietly for a moment longer then walked away. "I'll be going then." Kiryu said. "I will see you all in EDEN."

"We're counting on you Kiryu." Keisuke said as the teen left.

"Why don't we all go walk around Broadway and decide where to eat?" Yuuko said eagerly. The group of kids all left.

"Is it really okay to allow them to become lax with such a moment of truth ahead of us?" Mirei asked.

"Why not?" Kyoko asked. "Better then letting them be stressed out I'd say."

"Agreed." Alphamon said. "Besides, those kids have already been putting in a lot of work. I think it's fine to let them loosen up a little."

"Then I suppose it is time for us adults to be taking a stand." Mirei said. "Shall we get started?"

"Let's." Kyoko replied. "Oh, but before I forget, I did make a promise I need to uphold."

"A promise?" Mirei asked. "Of what sort?"

"When I met with Takumi's Digimon they explained to me that the unique taste in coffee my assistants have stems from Alphamon here."

The Royal Knight chuckled. "I might have...left them a little something in their mental data to remember me by after last time."

Mirei giggled. "Is that so?" Mastemon squinted at her tamer.

"But they also told me that the one who inspired Alphamon's blends was you Mirei. So, I figured this would be a good opportunity to pay you back." Kyoko stood up and went over to her coffee maker. "So, I shall take what I learned from my assistants and make the perfect blend for you."

Mirei shuddered very slightly. "Th-that won't be necessa-

"Mirei was wondering when you would finally ask!"

Mirei looked at her Digimon who put words in her mouth. "Wha-

"She's been eager so see how much you and Alphamon learned about coffee! So, you better not let this be a bland cup and disappoint her! Don't hold anything back!"

Kyoko laughed. "Oh, trust me. I won't."

"Allow me to instruct you then." Alphamon said. "Oh, this will be a wonderful blend. A pity neither I not our assistants will have the opportunity to try it."

"I wounder if I still have any mayonnaise left..."

Hudiemon flinched. "Wait, what?"

Mirei watched Kyoko start pulling out a number of questionable "ingredients" before glaring at her Digimon. "Mastemon you traitorous little...!"

The Digimon gave Mirei a stern look. "You listen here missy. You were the one who started this. Both Takumi and Ami have suffered immensely over this little prank of yours as well as other innocent people. I think taking the bullet once in a while is the least you can do, don't you? If you were going to create such horrors simply to mess with people for your amusement, I think it's only fair that it bites you in the ass at least once."

"I didn't do it to mess with anyone, it was a legit experiment!"

"Uh huh. Well, I think it's time you took responsibility for your "experiment" and tried it out for yourself. So be a big girl and take your lumps." Mastemon turned to the sounds of a coffee maker going haywire then smirked. "Both figuratively and VERY literally."

Mirei gritted her teeth as she heard an excited laugh from Kyoko and Alphamon. "So, this is how it all ends..."

Takumi, Ami, Nokia, Arata, Yuuko, Yuugo, Keisuke, Fei, Takuto, Shiki, Himari, Kouta, Shoma, Mameo, Sayo and Koh were all packing into a Chinese diner. "...You know..." Kouta smiled. "It's been a while since I was at a place like this. This is nice."

"Yeah." Shoma nodded. "I know we still have a dangerous job ahead but...it is nice to just hang out after all that's happened. I never thought I'd even have this many people to be with."

"Well, let's not get too comfortable." Sayo said. "After this, we have a big job ahead of us."

"We should also consider what Alphamon said." Yuugo pointed out. "Do any of you know why you are going into this fight?"

"Sure." Koh grinned. "I'm doing this to pay you guys back for saving me and Sayo and to not tarnish the Light Fang name."

"Likewise." Sayo nodded. "All of you went out of your way to help us. It's only fair I return the favor. Besides, that tree is using Chrono Data it got from us to threaten people. I have to clean up my mess."

"I'm in a similar boat." Shoma said. "The Malevolent Fist came from our world. I can't let it have its way with this one. Besides...maybe I can finally forgive myself for the things I did to our Digital World by saving this one."

"I see." Mameo said. "Anyone else?"

"What the Malevolent Tree is doing could leave EDEN in a state beyond repair." Yuuko said. "EDEN is father's life's work. I can't let it be destroyed."

"Seconded." Yuugo nodded. "And besides, in the last reality I was barley able to do anything to help anyone. But this time it's different. I can be more then an observer. I can help everyone. I'm not missing this chance to make up for my past weakness. What about you Mameo?"

Mameo thought back to a battle he had as a kid against a wicked man then about Boltboutamon. "Simple. I've seen the hearts of evil humans and Digimon. I can tell when someone is redeemable or not. Some people like Shoma and Kiryu we were able to save. But the Malevolent Fist can't be saved. We can only save others from him. Besides part of why I chose to become a teacher so I can make little ones smile. I'm not going to let this evil take those smiles away."

"I see." Fei said. "As fer me…I have two reasons. One is to make up for the trouble I caused in that world and to all of ya as K. The other is, now that we're at the endgame…it'd leave a bad taste in my mouth if I didn't see this thing through."

"I guess it's my turn." Nokia said. "At first I just wanted to help Digimon. And while that will always be most important to me, there is something else this incident taught me. It taught me that you are never above consequences for your actions no matter what your reasons are. The Malevolent Fist is the kind of guy who hurts whoever he wants for kicks without caring how much they suffer. I refuse to let such selfish people get away with crap like that! It doesn't matter if they're human or Digimon. They need to be stopped!"

"You go girl!" Himari smiled. "Let's see, for me...I guess it's because I know a lot of people are going to suffer if I don't do this. If I just sit back at a time like this, I don't think I could forgive myself. Alphamon said we shouldn't go in there with regrets...but to me...I need to do this, so I DON'T have any regrets!"

"I guess I'll go next." Arata said. "Honestly between what happened eight years ago and the incident with Jude, it feels like I'm always being held back by the past and my regrets. I know there's nothing I can do to change it...but I just don't want to add to the pile anymore. I'm not the same weak little punk I was back then. I'm ready to stand tall for what's right. And I'm done running away. I'll face the problems life hands me head on."

Kouta stared at the table. "For me...I guess I just don't want to have to rely on others forever. Whenever a crisis appeared in the past it always seems like it's either Takuto or Shiki doing the heavy lifting. I want to be able to help others myself. Find my own strength. Maybe then...I can find out what I want to do with my future."

"That's not so different from me." Shiki said. "I already told Takuto and the Aibas this, but I want to be a cyber crimes investigator. Because I want to help people. And I wouldn't be much of a law enforcer if I let the bad guy hurt more people here!"

Takuto laughed. "I guess not. For me, I'd say it's a pretty simple reason. I want to help the Digimon. I did promise I would help save this world, and I'm going to see that promise through."

"So, it's simply out of virtue then?" Mameo asked.

"Yeah. But so what? That's enough for me. Besides...Luche is still trapped in there. And I won't leave her behind. All Seven of us are going home together!"

Keisuke grinned. "I get that. You guys are like family. As for me...Hudie is my family. Both the human and Digimon sides of it. And right now, that family needs me. Now that I finally got to see Erika again, I'm not letting this mess divide us. If she's going out there, I'm going to be by her side."

Takumi smiled and looked at his sister. "I guess that just leaves us. My reason for fighting..."

"Let me guess." Takuto said. "Redemption for the past?"

"Well, that's part of it...I have a lot to answer for regarding the Eaters...but my friends have told me I shouldn't obsess over the past forever. All of you have learned to overcome your mistakes and move in. Even Kiryu. So now...I think it's time I moved on. What I did endangered the Digital World and our world with the Eaters. Maybe once I save them from this mess, I can finally forgive myself."

Ami smiled. "I'm with you. I can't let this regret weigh me down forever. We have big dreams ahead for both our worlds. So, it's time to let go of the past and move on with the future. And once we finish this case...that's what I'm gonna do."

Mameo grinned. "I guess we all found our commitment. We can tell Alphamon that we're going into this final battle with no regrets."

"We'll rescue Luche and the Digital World and come home safe together!" Shiki smiled.

"That's right." Yuuko nodded. "But first..." She signaled the waiter over.

Nokia laughed. "We may have all grown through this mess, but some things never change!"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Yuugo smiled. A wrenching scream that brought to mind someone being burned at the stake to death scared everyone into turning to the direction of the voice. "What was that?!"

"Sounds like someone's getting stomped on by an elephant stampede!" Shiki exclaimed.

"Hey..." Kouta murmured. "Is it just me or did that sound like it came from the agency?"

"Oh my God, are Kyoko and Mirei okay?!" Ami shrieked.

Yuuko kept a straight face. "...You know what? I'm sure it's fine."

"You call that fine?!" Sayo asked. "We should check on them!"

"Trust me kid." Arata said in a serious tone while staring at his menu. "If that is what I think it is, you don't wanna be involved."

Satome sighed to herself sitting at a table with Yuki and Kiryu's father. "No. He didn't tell us what he was doing. But he promised us after this one last thing he would come home."

The man sighed. "...How long will this last thing take?"

"I don't know." Yuki replied. "But he will come back. I've known Kiryu for years. He doesn't go back on his word."

"No. No, he doesn't."

Satome was about to speak up when she heard a door open. "Huh?" She stood up and hurried towards the front of the house.

"Satome?" Yuki watched his sister run off. When she got to the front door she pauses like a deer in the headlights. Kiryu stood there with a blank expression. "Sis, what's...up..." Yuki was dumbstruck when he and Kiryu's father got to the front door.

Kiryu held his stoic expression. "As promised."

"Kiryu..." Satome grew misty eyes before she ran into the man. "Kiryu!" She sniffled hugging him.

Kiryu was surprised at first but then put a hand on top of her head smiling slightly. "I'm home Satome."

Yuki threw an arm over Kiryu's shoulders with a goofy grin. "Long time no see man! How ya doing?"

"Better than I previously was."

"Kiryu..." Satome and Yuki stepped aside as Kiryu's father approached.

"Father..."

The man walked up and grabbed his son by the shoulders. "You fool! Where have you been this whole time?!"

"I've been fighting what seemed like an endless battle. One I believed had to be fought for Subaru's sake. I...I already sold my soul to the devil to finally save his. It's what I promised mother on her dying breath."
"Kiryu...your mother only wanted for you to look out for your brother. For you to be there for him! Do you think she would want you to suffer alone in silence for him?!" The man sounded angry and saddened as he spoke. "You meant just as much to her as Subaru! She never would want you to sacrifice for him! She loved you both dearly and wanted what was best for both of you! Just as I do..."
"Father..."

Kiryu's Father sighed and embraced his oldest son. "Welcome home Kiryu. I'm so relieved you are safe."

Kiryu returned the embrace. "I'm sorry, father...for everything..."

"I...I will need you to tell me what you have been doing all this time...but first...there is someone you must go see."

"Of course. How is he?" Kiryu asked as the small group walked.

"Well...the good news is he recently stopped getting nightmares. The ones he mentioned of being attacked by white and black monsters."

"I see...I think I know why that stopped..."

"However...he's been wondering around the house. I had to stop him from going outside a few times."

Kiryu looked at his father in shock. "He tried to go out on his own? It took great effort on my part to get him to leave his room. Why would-

"Don't you get it dude?" Yuki asked. "He was looking for you. His older brother."

"Yes...he would repeatedly ask me where you went. It hurt that all I could tell him was that you would come home someday." Kiryu's father said. "He waited and waited. ...He missed you coming in to bring him his meals. He missed you checking on him. He missed you bringing home parts for his tinkering. He missed the sound of your flute as you put him to bed...so he waited...and waited..."

Kiryu lowered his head and closed his eyes. "Subaru..."

They went up stairs and stood in front of a door. "We'll wait downstairs Kiryu." the father said. "Go. Let him know you have returned."

Kiryu nodded and gently put a hand on the doorknob, slowly turning it, he opened the door as the others walked away. Looking inside Kiryu saw a little boy with brown hair in blue boots and shorts and a small red hoodie staring out the bedroom window. Kiryu closed the door gently not averting his gaze. The little boy did not look away as he heard someone approach. "Dad...why won't big brother come home? Why did he leave...? Did he not want to look after me anymore...? Did I make him angry?" The words the boy spoke felt like a dagger to the heart. "Will he ever come back...?"

Kiryu sighed then looked at Subaru. "I will never abandon you."

Subaru slowly turned around. "...Brother...?"

Kiryu walked up. "I'm home Subaru."

Tears started to leak out of Subaru's eyes. "Big brother...!" He weakly sobbed.

Kiryu gently put a finger over Subaru's cheek as a tear landed on it. "I'm so sorry Subaru..."

"Kiryu...!" Subaru weakly cried hugging his older brother as he soothingly rubbed his back. After a few moments of crying Subaru pulled back at look at him. "Kiryu...where did you go...?! Why did you leave?!"

Kiryu knelled to his brother's height and patted him on his head. "Subaru...I only sought to protect you from the nightmare that haunted you. That is why I set off to destroy what I believed to be the source of those nightmares."

Subaru sniffled. "My nightmares stopped recently...was that because of something you did?"

Kiryu nodded. "The monster that cursed you will not hurt you anymore."

"Kiryu...does this mean...you'll stay? You won't leave me anymore? You disappearing...was so much worse then my nightmares..."

"Subaru..." Kiryu sighed gathering his thoughts. "I...it was never my intention to leave you. And I truly wish I could remain by your side...but...my battle is not over yet."

"Does that mean...you're leaving again...?"

"I am." Kiryu said. His brother's eyes saddened. "But I promise you I am coming back. I also won't be nearly as long this time."

"Promise...?"

Kiryu nodded. "I promise. And when I do...I will help you heal from all the pain you suffered. I know I hurt you by going away...but could you please wait for just a little longer?"

Subaru wiped his tears. "Okay...I'll wait...but just come home..."

"I will. And I will never again leave you by your lonesome."

"Okay...Big brother...before you go...can I hear you play your flute again?"

Kiryu nodded and took out his instrument. He slowly put the endpiece between his lips and blew. A gentle melody started to play. Subaru sat on his bed and listened to the song that Kiryu played. Kiryu repeatedly played the melody even after he finished it. No mater how many times he looped he did not stop playing. Even as Subaru laid down on the bed he did not stop playing. He keeps playing and playing, until he was positive Subaru was asleep. Kiryu took his flute out of his mouth and stared at his brother's sleeping face. "Subaru...you have been having horrible a nightmare all this time...please...sleep well. Have present dreams." Kiryu gently brushed his fingers across Subaru's face. "And I promise...this time I will protect you! From the Malevolent Tree, from your nightmare, from your past! This time I will definitely save you!"

Inside Hudie Café, Ryuji and Chitoste were at a table with Yu. "You're certain?" Ryuji asked.

Yu nodded. "I heard it loud and clear. Keisuke and the others are going into EDEN."

Ryuji and Chitoste looked at each other. "So…what do we do?" Chitoste asked.

Ryuji put a hand at his chin. "Hmmm…"

And with some final developments our heroes are ready for the final battle. Next week it's back to EDEN/the Digital World.