Chapter Text
Yggdrasil Server, August 2nd, 2013…
A bipedal knight clad in white armor, save for his two arms sat within one of the many vast chambers of the server. His helmet had a white spike in the front, and two yellow spikes in the back. On his chest were the combined symbols of the Crest of Courage and Friendship surrounded by purple stripes.
His left arm bore the crest of courage on his shoulder, which also appeared akin to a massive shield. Connected via a small black arm was the hand that took on the shape of a WarGreymon of sorts. On his right arm were purple spikes on the shoulder, and much like the left arm, his hand ended with the head of a MetalGarurumon.
Also on his person was a flowing white cape with the inside being colored red. This noble knight was one of great prestige, and strength. And among the strongest of the Royal Knights. He was known as Omegamon.
The portion of the server he sat in appeared to be an empty white room, with only one way in and out. Under most circumstances, this emptiness would drive a lesser person insane. But, to Omegamon, it was where he was able to concentrate the most with his inherent ability.
Flashes appeared before his eyes. Seemingly out of context and disjointed. A city enveloped in chaos, the skies being torn open, and an entire world being engulfed in a terrible darkness that encroached upon it.
His blue eyes opened as the vivid images burnt into his head, he shuddered as he stood up from his position.
“What… What was that? I know my ability could see into the future, but… This future is blurry and unclear…” Omegamon thought to himself as he exited the room and entered the vast server of Yggdrasil.
It appeared as though it were a massive, ceaseless tree that expanded throughout with branches leading to different sections of the server, some even leading to portals to the other servers of the Digital World.
Omegamon passed by three of the pathways, dedicated to Magnamon, UlforceVeedramon, and one of the youngest of the Royal Knights, Gallantmon. He sighed, knowing that he may never see his friends ever again in this lifetime.
However, as he continued on his pathway up the tree, he was stopped by another knight. This one clad in black armor with gold trimmings. As though he were meant to be Omegamon’s polar opposite.
Unlike Omegamon, his armor was heavy and thick. The old style DigiCore interface of his prior forms was on his forehead. He had airfoils attached to his pauldrons with gold spoilers along the tips. He bore the zero unit on his shoulders and a white cape with blue on the inside. This knight was known as Alphamon. Another of the strongest Royal Knights, who is said to have transcended both time and space itself.
“Is something the matter, Omegamon?” Alphamon asked, concerned for his fellow knight.
“I had another vision of the future. Unlike any of the other visions I’ve had… This was blurry, and unclear. I could make out vague images of these events… But I couldn’t tell what I was supposed to do.” Omegamon answered, knowing his closest ally would listen.
“I see… Does it pertain to our Lord, Yggdrasil? Or what about Gallantmon and UlforceVeedramon?” Alphamon questioned, hoping that part of these visions would at least involve their missing friends.
“Strangely enough, no. I do however need to consult Lord Yggdrasil for answers. Perhaps… It’s time that I finally acted.” Omegamon responded, shaking his head before he departed for the top of the tree.
“...Then I wish you nothing but the best of luck, my friend…” Alphamon said soberly, watching as Omegamon left his sight with his red eyes.
At the top of the tree was a crystallized sphere which gave off a brilliant glow. However, as Omegamon approached the sphere, he got onto one knee and bowed before the sphere. It then opened up to reveal a formless crystalline being with countless ivy-like vines that grew from it. This was an Avatar of Yggdrasil.
“Am I to presume that you are elsewhere, milord?” Omegamon asked, looking upon the figure.
“These distortions have caused me to converse with Homeros and Kunlun. Unfortunately, the 99 server that Gallantmon and UlforceVeedramon were in has been under siege by the Dark Masters and the Great Evil. The Human World itself is also under attack by Myotismon, who is threatening to invoke the prophecy.” Yggdrasil spoke in a robotic voice that echoed through the top of the tree.
“I see… Then… Perhaps my next decision is validated somewhat by this information…” Omegamon replied, as he now stood up.
“Your vision of the future. It troubles you, doesn’t it?” Yggdrasil asked, which prompted Omegamon to slowly nod his head. “You are permitted to act as you see fit. But be warned, if you try to enter any world at this point in time, your power could threaten the very fabric of our world.”
“Then I must seek out human partners in the Human World. I shall de-power myself and find the strength that both Gallantmon and UlforceVeedramon have hopefully found.” Omegamon responded, holding out both his arms.
Yggdrasil opened a portal beneath Omegamon’s feet as the white knight’s armored body dissolved into data. The data itself found its way into both the arms that fell into the portal.
“Good luck, Omegamon. You, the Ackerman, and the DigiDestined are our only hope.” Yggdrasil said.
The two appendages then shrunk down until they took on the form of both an Agumon and Gabumon who resumed their free fall into the human world.
“I’m sure we’ll find human partners in no time!” Agumon exclaimed with confidence.
Little did they realize, it would take the two of them a full day in the Human World to locate a humans who were willing to befriend them. Eventually however, in the midst of Myotismon seizing the whole of Tokyo in a cloud of darkness, the two had met their fated partners, Taichi Kamiya, and Yamato Ishida.
And while the crisis was handled by the DigiDestined chosen to save the 99 server by Homeostasis… Both Agumon and Gabumon couldn’t shake the feeling that their vision was still on the horizon of coming true.
August 10th, 2013, Kamiya Residence, Odaiba…
Taichi was in his bedroom on the computer typing away at his keyboard, ready to send a message to Sora over Facebook messenger. Though, he seemed to have a bit of trouble.
"To, Sora. If for whatever reason you get this message, and want to talk, please let me know when and where. I-" Taichi read aloud before he slumped back on his chair pondering what to put for the characters at the end of the message.
Part of him wanted to say ‘I love you’, but another part of him argued that it would be dumb to say something like that to her.
"Whatcha doing?" Hikari's voice asked from outside the door.
Taichi panicked, and accidentally typed in the character for ‘Love’. Upon seeing what had happened, he went to cover the screen.
"It's nothing! I'm just writing to a friend!" Taichi sputtered, before he noticed Kari's attire.
She sported a pink dress, with long sleeves, a white collar with red borders and a ribbon attached to it. She also had on cream colored stockings.
"Okay, what's with the outfit?" Taichi questioned, as she tugged on the bottom of the dress.
"Oh, this? I was gonna be going out on a date, and I wanted to look the part." Hikari answered.
"Whatever..." Taichi muttered, before he slumped back against the chair with his arms folded behind him.
"If you want to send the message just press enter." Hikari said, before sending the message to Sora.
"Wha-! Don't just send things without asking, you little menace to society!" Taichi shouted as Hikari ran to the door.
"Were you writing that to Sora?" Hikari asked, mischievously.
"None of your bees wax! Just go on your stupid date!" Taichi angrily responded.
"So mean... And when I went out of my way to show you..." Hikari said with a sigh. "Oh well, I'll tell Daisuke you said hi!"
"Whatever... Can't believe Sora's gonna read my message. And meanwhile, Hikari's gonna be going out... On a... Date with... Daisuke..." Taichi said, as his face contorted from frustration, to one of confusion... And then to shock... As an alarm clock ticked in his head until the minute hand reached twelve, with the hour hand on six, it rang.
"Now, Daisuke, I expect her home by about five, okay?" Yuko asked Daisuke, who bowed his head to her.
"We'll be back soon, mom!" Hikari exclaimed as the two left the apartment.
"Mom!" Taichi called out as he ran into the kitchen.
"Young man, what did I tell you about running in the apartment? We're still recovering from that bedsheet ghost thing." Yuko replied.
"Never mind that! Hikari's going out with Daisuke!" Taichi yelled in shock.
"That's about... Nine days late, huh?" Yuko commented, which further confused her eldest child.
"Wha...?" Taichi further asked.
"They hooked up just a couple days before you and Susumu got home." Yuko explained, before Taichi went and slumped over the couch where Agumon sat, watching TV.
"Guessing someone just now found out?" Gatomon asked from the cat condo she shared with Miko.
"Shut it, you dumb cat." Taichi responded, albeit muffled.
Both Miko and Gatomon's ears twitched at the sound of some knocking at the door.
"Oh! Now who could that be?" Yuko asked as she approached the door and saw that it was one of their neighbors.
"Apologies, I don't know if we've been introduced. My name is Jianliang Li. I'm with the other DigiDestined." Jianliang introduced himself, bowing his head.
"Actually, I think I remember you. You were that kid at the convention center with the little dog thing, right?" Yuko asked, as Terriermon then stood atop Jian's head.
"That's right!" Terriermon exclaimed.
"Honestly, Terriermon. Why'd you even come with me?" Jian asked.
"Because if I didn't, Xiaochun was gonna put me in a dress as 'Princess Pretty Pants' while Princess Lopmon gets all the love and attention." Terriermon answered.
"You can come in if you'd like." Yuko said, inviting the Half-Chinese Tamer into her home.
He then removed his shoes as he entered the apartment, noticing his upperclassman slumped over the couch. Terriermon hopped off of him and lightly tapped Taichi's rear with his ear to see if he was alive.
"Leave me alone, my whole reality is falling apart, and I don't want to be bothered." Taichi complained, muffled by the couch cushions.
"Okay, I hate to ask, but what happened?" Jian asked Yuko.
"He found out that Daisuke and Hikari are dating." Yuko answered, causing Taichi to let out a very loud groan.
"Young man, we have a guest over, please do try to look presentable." Yuko said, as Taichi slowly got up from his spot.
"And which of Simon's so-called friends are you?" Taichi asked, sporting a sneer.
"Um, I'm Jianliang Li. And this is Terriermon." Jianliang answered, gesturing to himself and Terriermon, who waved to Gatomon and Agumon.
"So, you guys here for the Space Trek showing later today?" Gatomon asked.
"Oh yeah, that's right! You and Simon wanted to get a group together for that, right?" Yuko asked, as Taichi pulled out his phone and read the texts between himself and Simon. One of his texts read 'If you don't mind, I'd like to invite a few of my friends over.'
"I just have one question... How long have you known about Daisuke and Hikari?" Taichi asked.
"I found out the day they got together." Jianliang answered, confused as to why Taichi would ask something like that.
"And does Simon know about this?" Taichi further questioned.
"He said that he apparently nettled Daisuke into confessing to Hikari." Jianliang responded.
"Then I know who's ass I gotta kick..." Taichi said, gritting his teeth and clenching his fist.
"Are we going to see Guilmon?" Agumon asked, innocently.
"Yeah, we're gonna pay his Tamer a beating..." Taichi answered.
"I think I see how much Simon looks up to Taichi-senpai." Jianliang mused to himself.
Taichi and Agumon ventured out of the apartment with the former stomping his way towards where he knew Simon’s apartment was. Upon arriving at the door, he pressed his finger against the doorbell.
“Ding-dong! Ding-dong!” Taichi shouted in frustration, but found that Simon wasn’t answering the door.
“Um, Taichi? I think there’s a note.” Agumon said, pointing to the note at the top of the door.
When Taichi grabbed it, he examined it very closely with a nasty sneer on his face.
“To whomever this may concern, I am currently unavailable at the present time, as I have errands to perform throughout Tokyo. I won’t be back until later tonight. As will Guilmon since he is currently with me as well. P.S. Taichi-Senpai, if you’re looking for an ass kicking, save it for later.”
“That arrogant son of a-” Taichi started to shout.
August 10th, 2013, Yanaka Cemetery…
Simon had brought multiple items with him as he navigated the area for something important. Inside this basket he had brought were two flowers, and two pairs of incense sticks with holders to keep them in place. He carefully read out each and every name he came across as he made his journey, until he finally found the pair he was looking for.
Upon locating them, he placed a flower near each head stone, before setting down the pair of holders for the incense sticks. He then carefully lit the tips of each stick using the living flame in himself before he stuck them in the two holders. Simon then got down on his knees and clasped his hands together in prayer.
"Hey mom. Hi dad..." Simon started to say, as he maintained his gaze on the gravesites.
"Sorry I never came to visit. I just... Had a lot of stuff to deal with. Between school, my anger, and that sense of loneliness I thought would never go away." Simon continued. "However, a lot happened a week ago back at that summer camp Taichi-Senpai went to a couple years back."
"I made amends with Kuchiki-Sensei, and I've resumed doing kendo classes. Plus, as I told mom, I made some new friends at summer camp." As Simon said this, his expression became akin to a warm smile.
"Dad, you'd probably be furious that I got involved in some of our family's past. But, you'll be happy to know that it was all the best parts. Though... That came with quite a bit of trauma here and there, but that's besides the point." Simon said, starting to trail off before he regained his train of thought.
"The point was, I made a group of really nice friends who appeared to look to me as though I were some 'fearless leader' as Ruki pointed out. She's one of my friends. We met on a swing set in Odaiba. Like or not, she's a fantastic singer." Simon continued on.
"There's also Jian, whose dad is one of mom's co-workers, as well as his little sister, Xiaochun. Then there's Daisuke who has a pair of goggles like me. His are more square shaped though. Takeru and his brother, Yamato unofficially inducted me into their family as the 'middle child'." As Simon talked about his friends, the sounds of footsteps neared him.
"We also have Taichi's little sister, Hikari... Who ended up hooking up with Daisuke... And then there's Nia, who is probably to me what mom was to you, dad. She's like the sun... God, I could talk about her for hours... But, the one who made that all possible was who I'd consider my best friend and partner... Guilmon." Just as Simon said this, his partner appeared next to him, and took a seat next to Simon.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman!" Guilmon cheerfully greeted, mimicking his Tamer's gesture.
"You'd probably flip, but... I think you'd have loved Guilmon. And the others..." Simon spoke as his smile grew, but he began to shed tears of joy.
"If you wanna know about the other important stuff... I've kept up my grades and studying. Heck, I've still remembered to brush up on English every now and again since Japanese has been firmly ingrained into my head. And even though I miss home... I don't ever regret coming here now. Especially with all the connections I've formed." Simon finished, before he stood up.
"Mr. Kamina couldn't be here. He's still in the hospital." Guilmon explained as though both parents could hear him.
"Yeah... I'd have asked him where to find your headstones... But, I didn't want to bother him while he was still recovering. I do promise to come visit you guys from now on every year. And hey, next time I might bring another one of my friends here." Simon added, before he and Guilmon parted from the gravesites.
However, Guilmon picked up the sound of a flute being played in the vicinity. Even Simon heard the sound of the tune. They looked up at one of the trees in the cemetery and saw a young boy who bore a strong resemblance to a satyr of Greek Myth.
“Excuse me? Just so you know, I’m currently running errands. If you’re a lost Digimon from another world, tell me where you’re from and maybe I can help guide you home.” Simon called out to the boy who stopped playing his instrument.
“So, you are the Ackerman.” The boy spoke, before he jumped down from his vantage point to offer his hand. “Forgive me for disrupting your day, but I wish to speak with you.”
Simon then scanned the boy with his Digivice, and his visage appeared on the screen.
“Aegiomon. Champion Level. Vaccine Type.” Simon read off from his device.
“I’m Guilmon.” Guilmon introduced himself, taking Aegiomon’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gallantmon. Though, much like two others who have come from your server, I have de-powered myself so that I can seek out the DigiDestined for help.” Aegiomon explained, before also shaking Simon’s hand.
“Look, I’ll need to send out a series of group texts before I can get my team assembled for this. Plus, we had an adventure a week ago fighting Apocalymon.” Simon responded, pointing out the previous events.
“Oh, I wasn’t looking for the DigiDestined chosen by Homeostasis. But rather, ones chosen by another ruler. There are six others in your world that I must find.” Aegiomon further explained, which confused Simon.
The three of them exited the cemetery and walked through the Taito ward. Aegiomon meanwhile had taken in the sights of the small city.
“Personally, I’d rather not endanger the lives of those who aren’t prepared for an excursion into a Digital World.” Simon said, before he stopped Aegiomon from crossing the busy street full of cars.
“You’re supposed to wait until the crosswalk signal lights up green.” Guilmon stated, pointing to the sign.
“I have no problem reacting to human vehicles going at potentially high speeds, nor do they pose a threat to me.” Aegiomon replied, confused as to why a car would be worth worrying about.
“That may be true, but then you’d cause a traffic accident and draw unwanted attention to yourself. And last I checked, Digimon aren’t exactly in a favorable position in Tokyo.” Simon explained, with Aegiomon recalling the massive dimensional tear in the skies above.
“So, Myotismon and the Dark Masters have done irreparable damage have they?” Aegiomon questioned, as the crosswalk sign turned green and they moved along with the other people.
“Yes. As had Apocalymon. Though, the people here were able to see that through our actions, we were able to stop them. Thankfully, a branch of the government is on our side and willing to help explain things.” Simon answered.
“I see… It is quite peculiar that no one seems to pay much attention to me… Other than one boy that saw me. Apparently, we bore a very uncanny resemblance.” Aegiomon pondered aloud.
“Yeah… In any case, one of those errands was locating an old friend of my ancestor. This district happened to have been among the ones I’ve searched for him.” Simon explained, much to Aegiomon’s confusion.
The young satyr pondered who this friend could be, until he remembered seeing something falling towards another district in Tokyo.
“I think I remember seeing something like that fall into what you’d call ‘Shinjuku’.” Aegiomon said, stopping Simon’s momentum.
“You serious? I searched everywhere in Shinjuku, even enlisting the help of my sensei for this task, and I couldn’t find anything.” Simon questioned with notable skepticism.
“Perhaps since it’s been a week, someone will have found him.” Aegiomon surmised.
“Lovely, so now I have to go knocking on every person’s door until I find him. Because even though I’ve tried using my Digivice’s compass function, there’s something blocking that out.” Simon explained, as he showed the Digivice pointing towards Aegiomon.
“Why not use Guilmon’s sense of smell to locate him?” Aegiomon suggested.
“The only thing Guilmon has been able to really smell when we’re in Shinjuku is the strong scent of freshly baked bread. Plus the day-old bread the Matsudas put out every now and again.” Simon replied.
“Perhaps he’s there. Hiding amidst the bread.” Aegiomon further suggested, but before Simon could dismiss it, the thought started to occur to him.
“...That suggestion sounds so absurd… That it could be correct.” Simon replied.
“Now, while it was nice conversing with you, Mr. Ackerman, I fear I must go now.” Aegiomon said, before he jumped from the ground and leapt towards the buildings.
“Does he know the same technique you do?” Guilmon asked.
“Probably, though hopefully this means we can finally be reassured that our mutual friend is okay. Let’s head to the bakery.” Simon answered, before the two headed for the nearby train station.
As Koushiro Izumi typed away at his computer, waiting for others in his own little friend group to arrive, while he was accompanied by Tentomon. He sat near one of the many trees in the park that used to once be occupied by Myotismon. The boy also had a purple backpack with which to carry his computer, among other things.
“So… Koushiro-han… When exactly did you say your friends would arrive?” Tentomon asked, somewhat anxious over the day’s recent events.
“Apologies, Tentomon. Also, I think you might’ve used the wrong kind of honorific. It’s ‘san’ not ‘han.’” Koushiro replied, while not taking his eyes off his computer. “To answer your question, I’m uncertain. Things have been pretty busy ever since the whole thing with Myotismon and the Dark Masters.”
Suddenly, Koushiro felt a pair of hands over his eyes, disrupting his concentration, prompting him to stop.
“Guess who…?” A familiar voice asked.
“Hmm… Brown, wavy hair, brown eyes, loves American style clothing, and is my best friend… I’m going to assume… Mimi?” Koushiro said, listing off various attributes of the person in question.
“Got it in one, my handsome nerd.” Mimi replied as she removed her hands, garnering Izumi’s undivided attention, and he also saw the Digimon she mentioned over the phone.
She was clad in a midriff baring blue and red tank top with a white stripe across the chest and a yellow star in the center. She also sported a white skirt and tall boots with beige platform heels and maroon straps. He noticed that she wasn’t wearing her hat this time. Though, he then let out a little yelp before sporting a bright red blush at her remark. Mimi had also come equipped with an over the shoulder pale green bag.
“Um, well I…” Izumi sputtered, though Mimi couldn’t help in tousling his hair just to tease him.
“That’s what you get when you send me your progress pics.” Mimi replied, before finally taking a seat next to Koushiro.
“To be fair, you did look handsome from what Mimi showed me.” Palmon added.
“Can we just please wait for Taichi and the others, please?” Koushiro begged, attempting to get out of the embarrassment.
“C’mon, Izzy, you know I’m just teasing you!” Mimi responded, while sporting a little pout.
The two of them heard some footsteps and when they turned to see who was there, it was the eldest of their friend group at summer camp, Jou Kido. His hair had grown somewhat in the three years since they met, down to his neck and he now had on a pair of oval shaped glasses. On his back was a large white medical bag with the strap wrapped over his shoulder.
He sported a dark blue short-sleeved buttoned up shirt with black pocket linings, cream-colored pants, and brown shoes with cream lacing. Besides him was a Gomamon who as per the species he bore a resemblance to, waddled on all fours.
“Jou-Senpai!” Both Izumi and Mimi exclaimed at the same time.
“Hey, sorry about that… I was pretty busy studying, while trying to take my mind off being kidnapped by a bloodthirsty vampire… Then, this little guy shows up at my home like it’s no big deal… And then I got your text!” Jou responded, recapping the day’s events.
“Surprised you guys managed to find partners in time.” Gomamon said, greeting both Tentomon and Palmon.
“Was your human as shirtless as mine was?” Tentomon questioned, eliciting a sigh from Koushiro.
“Nope. He had his shirt on when I found him.” Gomamon answered.
“Should I even ask?” Jou questioned with an exasperated sigh.
“Please don’t…” Koushiro uttered.
“Alright, I’ll bite… Who else are we waiting for?” Jou asked Mimi.
“Sora, Taichi, and Yamato.” Mimi answered.
“Well, at least I’m in the group chat. I’ll check and see if there’s any updates from the others.” Jou offered, before another question popped up. “So, Tachikawa, how’s your grades coming along?”
“I’ve been getting a lot better thanks to Izzy here.” Mimi pointed out, while casually wrapping her arm around him.
“Glad to hear that at least a couple of my underclassmen are doing well. Though, knowing Taichi and Yamato, they’re probably in need of some studying as well.” Jou responded, before he took a seat on the grass.
“And you guys have some nerve just saying that like I’m not around!” Taichi’s voice sounded from the park area.
They turned to see the goggleheaded boy who sported a green shirt under a blue t-shirt with a yellow border on top and a triangle on each sleeve and in the middle with the word “Triangle” on the direct center. He also was adorned with a pair of yellow wristbands, light brown shorts, gray socks, and blue and yellow sneakers with white soles. Agumon was by his side. And he carried with him an orange colored backpack.
“And for your information, Jou-Senpai, I got a sixty-five on my finals!” Taichi pointed out.
“...Not exactly saying much.” Both Jou and Izumi said at the same time, with Mimi shaking her head in agreement with them.
Yamato had also arrived on the scene with Gabumon. He was clad in his usual summer wear, consisting of a black buttoned up short-sleeved shirt, wine-colored pants, and a pair of cream-colored slip-on shoes. He came with a blue backpack.
“What about you, Ishida? What’d you get on your finals?” Taichi sneered as he sat down, cross-legged.
“A sixty-three.” Yamato answered.
“And this is why we need to enforce a study session with our little group. That way, everybody can keep up.” Jou said, scolding both boys.
“Whatever.” Yamato said, before seating himself as well. “So, Kamiya, why are you in such a foul mood?”
“If any of you must know, it’s that my world is falling apart.” Taichi responded, though before Agumon could get a word in, the gogglehead shushed him.
“If you’re that cranky, Taichi, I can come back later.” Sora’s voice sounded out from the rest of the group, getting his attention.
He noticed the orange-haired girl was clad in her summer attire consisting of a pink t-shirt with a yellow oval on the chest area that had light purple borders with two pointy tips and the word “circle” on the center of the oval. She also sported a wine-colored skirt, white socks and gray and cerulean sneakers. The girl had also carried a backpack with some supplies inside.
At her side was a Biyomon much like one that was in the Yokomon Village within the 99 server.
“No, it’s imperative that you hear this too.” Taichi responded, knowing he couldn’t get out talking to Sora, especially after last week. “Now, get this… I try to send you an apology email, but of course my little sister has to turn out to be a menace to society!”
“I did get that message, and did you mean to say ‘I love you’ at the end of it?” Sora questioned, causing Taichi to nervously sweat.
“Yes… But at the same time, I wasn’t sure if I should… Cause… I don’t know how you’d feel about that.” Taichi answered, hoping that would be satisfactory. “At any rate, then, if it couldn’t possibly get worse, my so-called ‘angel’ of a little sister is dating my beloved Kouhai!”
“Motomiya? Wow, didn’t think he had it in him.” Yamato commented, sporting a smug look on his face.
“I’m sure you’d be so smug if Takeru suddenly decided to go out with someone, wouldn’t you?” Taichi sneered at the blonde.
“For your information, Kamiya. While I’m still Takeru’s older brother, I can’t control if he chooses to go out with someone his age. I would however like to know about this person.” Yamato answered.
“Okay, your beef aside, was there anything else about this news that made you so cranky?” Sora asked, hoping to derail their argument.
“Turns out, another of my Kouhais is responsible for getting them together. And that person is, of course, Simon Ackerman.” Taichi responded, while nobody in the park seemed to care.
“Sometimes, Taichi Kamiya, you’re just looking for an excuse to roughhouse with Simon.” Sora said with a deep sigh.
“Why would you want to pick a fight with The Ackerman?” Biyomon asked, confused as to why anyone would fight a hero.
“Because, the unofficial middle child of my family shares an eerily similar personality to Kamiya, on top of the fact that roughhousing is what they do anyway.” Yamato answered.
“Can’t believe he’s running errands and I gotta deal with the fact that my little sister is growing up too quickly.” Taichi grumbled.
“Ah, I see that Homeros’ Chosen have arrived.” An unfamiliar voice to the six said, causing all eyes to be on it.
It was Aegiomon, who was seated on a tree branch. He greeted them all with a cheerful smile as he jumped down from his tree branch.
“I’m sorry, who’s Homeros?” Jou asked Koushiro.
“I’m not sure… I’d have to scour through some more of the lore put out by the Monster Makers to find out.” Izumi replied.
“I merely wished to bid you a greeting, DigiDestined. I’m sure you all have your Digivices in hand?” Aegiomon said while giving a respectful bow.
At first, four of the ones with partners were unsure as to what Aegiomon meant, until they saw Taichi and Yamato pull out their phones which doubled as their Digivices. The others then examined their phones and found that they’ve also acquired Digivices of their own.
“Prodigious…” Koushiro uttered.
“Now, since I can tell each of you has questions… Allow me to explain…” Aegiomon added, before he then pulled out a sphere of data, which then displayed the server of Iliad.
The group looked on at the balls of light that encompassed the world in question, but then they saw that parts of the connecting threads between each of them were fading away.
“So, call me dumb, but what is this supposed to represent?” Yamato asked, unsure what’s being conveyed.
“This is what Iliad currently looks like. Unfortunately, much like the 99 server, it is being slowly consumed by another form of encroaching darkness. And if we don’t stop this, then Iliad will collapse and all will gradually destabilize.” Aegiomon explained.
“What are those threads that keep fading away?” Taichi asked, pointing to the threads.
“Those are the tracks. The tracks connect each section of Iliad together, not just in a way of transportation, but in a way of stability. Plus, it is a part of The Current that can connect between the Digital and Human Worlds.” Aegiomon answered.
“Hmm… A Digital World whose stability relies on a series of tracks as opposed to any normal means… Interesting…” Koushiro mused aloud as he took pictures of the layout on his phone.
“There won’t be any need for that.” Aegiomon said, as the data from the ball of light downloaded itself onto Izumi’s computer.
“How did you do that?” Koushiro asked, examining the data that was now on his computer.
“There are many things that I am normally capable of at my full power. Transferring the data from the source over to a computer with my powers is child’s play.” Aegiomon answered.
“Hold on… You want us to go along with you on a potentially dangerous life or death mission to save your world?” Jou questioned.
“I would’ve asked the Ackerman and his team to undertake this task, however there is an ongoing council between the three rulers of the Digital World. So, I volunteered to seek out those whom Homeros has chosen.” Aegiomon explained.
“I’m woefully against this! It’s far too risky, and who knows if we’ll ever come back!” Jou complained, but before anyone could add anything further… “That being said… I know you all are going to jump headfirst into danger, and as your upperclassman, I can’t just let you go unsupervised.”
“We haven’t really decided anything yet, Jou-Senpai.” Sora pointed out.
“No, but I think the other boys already did…” Mimi added, gesturing to the remaining three boys and their partners.
“Of course they did… Alright. Why not? I guess we’ll go and save the Digital World.” Sora said, breathing a deep sigh.
“Guessing you’ll be going to keep Izumi safe?” Jou asked Mimi.
“Well, duh! I can’t just let my handsome nerd endanger himself when I can do something to help!” Mimi answered out loud.
“Jeez, you went from being a ‘nerd’ to a ‘handsome nerd’? What happened, Izumi?” Taichi asked, teasing the redhead.
“Nothing! I can assure you of that!” Koushiro sputtered while blushing.
“Then it’s settled…” Aegiomon said, before he pointed his finger at the air, and drew out a thunderbolt symbol.
Just then, a circle of light with Digicode all around it formed around the bolt symbol, and then a large door formed around the circle. It then opened on both sides of the circle which held inside a light that obscured anything on the other side.
“This way, please.” Aegiomon added, gesturing to the entryway.
He took the lead as he was followed by each of the DigiDestined and their partners. Once everyone was inside, the door closed and disappeared, like it was never there to begin with…
As the two were enjoying their time at the noodle shop that Daisuke had picked out, consuming a pork cup bowl and miso ramen for Hikari, suddenly, the brown-haired girl sensed something.
“What’s wrong, Hikari?” Daisuke asked, worried about her.
“My big brother… He’s… He’s not here anymore…” Hikari uttered in concern.
Just then, Daisuke went through his list of contacts on his phone and found the group chat. He immediately went about texting the words “Hikari said that Taichi-Senpai’s been spirited away!”
However, oddly enough the first one to respond was Takeru, who had typed out the sentence “I think Big Brother Yamato might’ve been spirited away too!” But then, the last message typed out was from Simon, which read “Group meeting as soon as possible.”
“Lemme just pay for this real quick and then we’ll go.” Daisuke said, pulling out the bills necessary for the ramen…
The gateway opened up in front of Taichi’s group, and they suddenly found themselves within a large, bustling floating town filled with a myriad of Digimon. Some ran shops, others ran a blacksmithing business, all the while to each of the DigiDestined, they acted like an average crowd of people.
“Everyone… Welcome… To The Digital World!” Aegiomon said, holding out his arms to gesture to the entirety of the town around them.
To Be Continued…
Songs used in this Chapter…
Temple of Time by Koji Kondo
Light Spirit’s Elegy by Toru Minegishi and Asuka Ohta
Temper’s Minuet from Digimon World Next Order
I’ll Protect You -Reload- by Shoji Meguro
Spirit Flute by Koji Kondo, Toru Minegishi, Asuka Ohta and Manaka Tominaga
Beneath the Mask -instrumental- by Lyn and Shoji Meguro
Peaceful Afternoon and Recollection 3 by Shiro Sagisu
Chocomon! It’s me, Wallace! By Takanori Arisawa
Bolero -Kizuna Ver.- by Harumi Fuuki