Downstairs in the basement of Izzy’s building, he had cleared out a portion of the underground parkade and set up a fairly large field lab. It spanned a good hundred meters across and seventy wide, with a solid thirty overhead for clearance if anything taller were to arrive. Izzy lead the way inside, the florescent lights flickering on as they entered with the door echoing through the room as it shut. He was followed by Ken, Kari, T.K, Willis, Yolei, Mimi and all their digimon. Gatomon in particular playing with her tail ring now that she had it back. 
“Glad to have it?” Yolei smiled back to her. 
“Yeah, without it I’m as weak as a rookie digimon. It’s nice to have it back.” Gatomon replied. Hawkmon raised a wing and spoke.
“Rookie or not, you’re quite the formidable digimon. Yolei has had a particularly tough time capturing the essence of your ring down to its most minute detail.” 
“Plus it took a while.” Lopmon smiled. 
“A long while.” Terriermon agreed. “Least we got to eat some great food while we waited.” 
“Ok, this place should work.” Izzy stated. Near the back wall was another workstation with a desktop computer, next to what seemed to be a platform encased in steel with a glass center. It was rigged up to the computer and as it powered on, so did the platform. “Ken, set the rings down on the platform. Kari, T.K, Willis, we’ll need all of your angel digimon for this to work.” 
“I can only handle one of them digivolving to that at a time.” Willis reminded him. “We’ve tried pushing both of them to Cherubimon, but it drains me way worse than it drains them.” 
“I understand. Lopmon, Terriermon, which of you feels up to it?” Izzy asked. 
“I got it.” Lopmon volunteered. 
“Well, least we’ll get some fireworks now.” Mimi smiled.
“Remember you guys.” Ken spoke up. “We need you to channel your essences into the rings together. While that’s happening, Willis and Izzy will upload the anchoring protocols into the rings.” He explained while Hawkmon and Wormmon were placing the rings carefully onto the platform.
“If it works, the rings should be activated with the same type of digi-code used to empower the digimon who typically wear them on one, while the other is one we wear and acts as a tether, binding them to us. Sort of like a relic instead of a digivice.” Izzy explained.
“Got it.” T.K and Kari nodded. 
“Alright Patamon, you ready!?” T.K produced his digivice alongside Kari. 
“Oh yeah! This will be a breeze!” Patamon cheerfully flew up into the air.
“Gatomon, remember, we need Ophanimon.” 
“You got it!” Gatomon winked. 
“Lopmon, remember I’m right beside you. You’ve got this.” Willis smiled. 
“I’ll be right here with ya too bro!” Terriermon cheered on.
“Patamon! Warp digivolve to! Seraphimon!” 
“Gatomon! Warp digivolve to! Ophanimon!” 
“Lopmon! Warp digivolve to! Cherubimon!” 
Ophanimon and Seraphimon took to either side of Cherubimon. Ophanimon reaching out with her left and Seraphimon reaching with his right arm and Cherubimon with both, they began to resonate with light until it harmonized between them. In a sudden rush, the flash of light splashed over the platform and Izzy launched the program. 
“Light infusion beginning.” Izzy stated. Ken, Yolei, Mimi, T.K and Kari watched in awe while Izzy and Willis monitored the computer. “So far, stable. The rings are starting to resonate.” 
“Izzy, upload the first protocols.” Willis ordered. 
“Digital link protocol activating. Kari, aim your digivice at the platform!” Izzy instructed. Kari did as she was told, and raised her digivice. Humming with power it began to channel on the same platform. “There, come on, stay focused guys, not much longer.” 
“Izzy! The rings are starting to shake!” Ken called out. 
“Cherubimon, Seraphimon, Ophanimon stay focused!” T.K called out. “Harmonize your lights and keep it together!” 
“Got it!” Seraphimon agreed. 
“Right!” Ophanimon echoed, as the energy they emitted began to stabilize. 
“Tether protocol going out!” Izzy cried out. “Just a little further guys, we got this!”
“Now Ken!” Willis called out. Ken raised his digivice and aimed it just the same as Kari was doing. 
“That’s it. It’s reading it. It’s starting to recode the rings to reject the potential protocol! Keep it up!” Izzy encouraged. 
“Izzy, we’re losing power!” Ophanimon cried out. 
“Can’t, sustain this, much longer.” Cherubimon moaned. 
“85%!” Izzy replied. “Come on, come on!” It was clear that all three of them were starting to struggle to maintain their channel on the rings. “92%! 95! 98! 100%! You can stop!” Gasping the three angel digimon fell to their knees; the rings were crackling with energy between them as they glowed a bright yellow hue. Kari and Ken stopped channeling their digivices as well, and waited for instructions from Izzy. 
“Code concluded, verifying the rings are bound to their digimon and humans.” Izzy stated, scanning the rings from the platform. “Wha! Whoa!” 
“What is it, Izzy?” Yolei jumped in behind him along with Mimi and Willis. 
“I’m reading crests that we’ve never found before. See! Courage, friendship, knowledge, sincerity, all the ones we were expecting but.” Izzy cut himself off and Mimi spoke up. 
“Tenacity, loyalty, fate, kindness and honesty. I’ve never heard of any of those before.” 
“Wait, I have the crest of kindness.” Ken jumped in.
“The other crests must belong to Davis and Cody. Yolei, which one is yours? I wasn’t aware you ever had one.” Mimi asked.
“I wasn’t either.” She stated. 
“Here, let me try something. Wormmon, put on your ring, and I’ll put on the one linked to the crest of kindness.” Ken explained. 
“Sure.” Wormmon agreed. Picking up the ring, he wore it over his head and it widened itself to fit around his neck. Ken did the same, slipping the ring onto his right ring finger, it fit perfectly. For a brief moment, the crest of Kindness flickered from both. “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.” 
“Of course. I have the crest of Kindness so the ring is linked to me, and only I can wear it.” Ken explained taking it off. “This makes sense, the other rings shouldn’t fit the other bearers or their digimon.” 
“Anyone else weirded out how the rings just grew to fit on you?” Terriermon rubbed his chin. Cherubimon, Seraphimon and Ophanimon de-digivolved and flopped onto their backs. 
“I could eat a whole house.” Patamon moaned. 
“House, make it mansion.” Lopmon joined in. 
“Don’t mention food, I’m too starving to eat.” Gatomon sighed. Kari giggled, picking up her ring from the platform before scooping up Gatomon. 
“We’ll get ya something nice, you guys earned a warm meal.” She winked. 
“Here Mimi.” Izzy said, sliding the ring on her finger while handing her Palmon’s. 
“Mr. Izumi, are you proposing to a girl?” She grinned. 
“Uah!” Izzy recoiled, almost fainting. “Ah-hahaha, perhaps someday. But for now, let’s go ahead and keep these ones.” He explained, picking up his own. Mimi chuckled and slid it on his finger. 
“You’re too cute when you’re all flustered.” Yolei tried to put on the ring of fate but it wouldn’t fit. 
“I’m sure this is the one for me and Hawkmon, it was fate for sure that we ended up together.” She playfully whimpered.
“Perhaps you should try a more, honest approach.” Hawkmon joked. 
“Oh so funny.” She said, grasping the ring, it slid on with ease. “Oh, so I’m an honest type! Go figure.” 
“It suits you!” T.K complimented. “You’re a very honest person, sometimes brutally.” 
“Huh.” Willis slowly approached, picking up the ring of fate. “When Kokomon was going crazy as Endigomon, everyone thought I was nuts chasing after him across America. But I knew it was fate that brought us together for a reason, and for that reason I knew.” He smiled, sliding the ring on. Terriermon and Lopmon picked up theirs alongside it. “That he’d come back.” Willis admired the ring. 
“Great, so that leaves Loyalty and Tenacity. I think those are pretty easy to discern.” 
“Right!” Mimi spoke up. “Davis is as hard headed as a rock, but it sure pays off for him in a big way. We should get this ring to him right away.” 
“And Cody is loyal and loving to the end. There’s no doubt this one is his.” T.K stated. 
“Right, our gentle Cody.” Kari chuckled. 
“I’ll go deliver Joe’s and Davis’s.” Ken suggested. “I wouldn’t mind visiting him, I’m sure he could use some cheering up.” 
“Right, I got a text from Matt a little ago. He ran into Gennai at the mall of all places.” Izzy said, turning to Mimi. “Let’s go meet up with him and Sora and deliver theirs.” 
“I’ll run this over to Cody’s dorm. I could use a break from the screen and It’d be nice to tour the city and relax for a day.” Willis offered.
“I’ll take Tai’s. I hope he’s not too busy at work right now.” Kari said, picking up both rings. 
“I’ll go with you.” T.K offered. “Maybe we can grab some dinner after.” He suggested. 
“Sure!” Kari smiled as Patamon leapt onto T.K’s head. 
“Dinner sounds great, let’s skip right to it now!” Patamon laughed. 
“Wait a sec!” Mimi cut in. “Where’s one for Mei-mei and Meicoomon?” 
“Oh right, I forgot to tell you. Sorry.” Izzy said, scratching his head. 
“What! You forgot to order them one!?” Mimi exclaimed. 
“No no, it’s Meicoomon. She can’t be recalled through the protocol.” Izzy waved off, as Willis stepped in. 
“I wasn’t there with you guys, but after I heard about the whole Ordinemon crisis, I started researching her a lot. Meicoomon is a lot more powerful than she lets on. She was able to reconfigure the code in Meiko’s digivice turning it dark, store massive amounts of memory in her own data, and even called out for the power to bring forth Omnimon Merciful Mode. Those two together have a unique link and given that she can augment the code of Meiko’s digivice, I wouldn’t be surprised if Meicoomon felt the timer starting, and destroyed the protocol before it could activate.” 
“Wait, so why don’t we do the same?” Mimi inquired. 
“The closest in power to Meicoomon is Gatomon, and she can’t do it. The rest just don’t have that kind of link and Meicoomon can only do it to her own digivice.” Izzy explained. 
“She seems so innocent.” Ken said quietly. “But she’s so powerful.” 
“Well, let’s go deliver the rings.” Izzy stated, scooping up the ones for Matt and Sora. “Remember guys, this is part one complete. Now we lean on Tai and Meiko to find us a way in to the vault Dorumon spoke of.” 

Tai passed through the door of his office with a big sigh of relief. Much to his surprise however, Gennai and Hackmon were meeting with Meiko and Meicoomon. 
“Oh, hey Tai. Welcome back.” Meiko greeted. 
“Hey, sorry I’m a little late. The briefing with Mr. Yamada ran a little long.” He explained. 
“It’s no trouble Tai.” Gennai smiled. “Glad to see you again. How is the new job?” 
“A lot more paperwork than I planned.” He nervously laughed; grabbing a bottle of water he joined them at the table. However before a conversation could even start, another flash filled the room as Dorumon and Dark Gennai joined them. Dorumon had taken a spot across from Hackmon, right beside Meicoomon while Dark Gennai remained at the corner of the room near the window. “Who invited you?” Tai leered at Dark Gennai.
“My thoughts exactly.” Gennai agreed. 
“Don’t worry.” Meicoomon smiled, standing up and glancing to Dark Gennai. “I think he knows what I’ll do to him if he comes near you, Meiko. Especially after last time.” 
“It’s a truce, no?” Dark Gennai spoke up. “I’m more than happy to relax here while you clowns decide how you’re all going to die. It’s just such a shame to waste a good digimon like you, Meicoomon. You have so much potential.” He sneered. 
“Start by doing us a favor and keeping your trap shut.” Tai ordered. 
“I’m watching you.” Hackmon warned his brother. 
“Like I care.” Dorumon was quick to retort. 
“Ok, everyone relax.” Meiko interjected. “Gennai, you wanted us to wait for Tai because there was more news to share. We have some of our own to tell you as well, so if you would please.” Meiko spoke up taking a surprising amount of authority over the conversation. 
“Right.” Gennai agreed. “From what Izzy and I have studied, it seems that this next breach will be something of a cascade.” 
“How so?” Tai questioned. 
“We expect an ultimate level digimon to breach the digital world, as it does, several other champions will fall through, and through that breach, the human world will see the first champion breaches as well.” Gennai explained. 
“Sounds like a terrible waterfall.” Meicoomon spoke. 
“If the ultimate one will breach the digital world, we must defend it first.” Dorumon stated. 
“I hate agreeing with him, but he’s right.” Hackmon said, glancing to Tai. “The digital world will be in the most danger; we should have our strongest weapons pointed there first.”
“Without Omnimon it’ll be challenging.” Tai said in a rather somber tone. “But I’ve got a plan nonetheless.” 
“I’m all ears.” Gennai smiled. 
“Hackmon, Dorumon. Can you two keep the ultimate level one at bay while Cherubimon and Imperialdramon send the other champion breaches back?” Tai asked. 
“Likely. Seadramon’s strength caught me off guard.” Dorumon snarled. “I won’t make that mistake twice.” 
“No, just a set of new ones.” Hackmon was quick to throw in. 
“No one asked you.” Dorumon huffed. 
“If you two can handle the ultimate for a while, just to keep it under control, we’ll send in Cherubimon and Imperialdramon to fight off the champions that breach the digital world first, joining you after they’ve been sent through the portals. As a fall back, Seraphimon and Magnadramon can fend off the ones that break through here. Izzy has been in touch with a few other digi-destined that have digivolved their partners to mega. Once the human world breaches are done, Seraphimon and Magnadramon can join you guys in the digital world. If worse comes to worse though Meiko.” Tai slowly turned to him. “Think you and Meicoomon are up for trying to call Raseilmon?” 
“Oh. I don’t know.” Meiko shied away.
“But Meiko, I’d be ok.” Meicoomon protested. 
“Don’t get me wrong Mei, I’m really proud of how much you’ve grown. You’ve gotten so much better at controlling your power, it’s really impressive.” Meiko complimented. “I can’t make any promises, but if we’re really down to it being our only hope than yes. Mei and I will try our best.” 
“You got it!” Meicoomon cheered.
“So the Libra wants to play with fire.” Dark Gennai cackled to himself. “See how quickly you’ll all burn.” Without warning Meicoomon slide to her saltation form and swooped in on Dark Gennai, her claws right at his neck as even Dark Gennai found himself sweating, being pressed against the wall at the tip of her claws and leered at by her ruthless X shaped eyes. Dorumon growled, but was cut off by Hackmon’s arm, gesturing for him to look to Meiko. Dorumon turned to see she was surprisingly calm for such a sudden outburst from Meicoomon. 
“Still think I can’t control it?” Meicoomon smiled, showcasing her fangs as her claws inched closer to Dark Gennai’s throat.
“Ok, you’ve proven your point. All three, very, razor sharp points of it.” Dark Gennai submitted. 
“Good.” Meicoomon resumed her typical form, landing on the ground and casually strolled over to the couch. “Shh.” She hushed him before taking a spot on Meiko’s lap. 
“Good job.” Meiko chuckled, kissing her head.
“How in the world!?” Dorumon exclaimed.
“When I get angry, I just put it into that form. When I’m at peace, I can digivolve into Meicrackmon. I learned a lot from meditation and all those relaxing exercises.” 
“I think we both did. I even learned a little assertiveness, though I could use a little more practice.” Meiko giggled. 
“You are an amazing woman.” Tai complimented. 
“How long before this Cascade begins?” Meiko asked. 
“Three or four days we believe.” Gennai stated. “However they’ll be very obvious signs it’s beginning. The disruptions are so much more powerful that the ones caused by the distortions of before. One of the very first signs will likely be wherever the digimon appears, there’ll be a mass blackout, followed by a complete communications failure. I’m working with Homeostasis on a communication device so that we can coordinate our offensive. I’ll even have one made for you, Dorumon.” 
“Fine.” 
“There was one breach that Davis and Cody encountered already in the digital world.” Tai spoke up.
“My master noticed it, but before I could respond it was already sealed.” Dorumon said, paying much closer attention now. 
“It was a Hyogamon. Davis and Cody engaged it with Flamedramon and Ankylomon. Flamedramon was, almost destroyed and Armadillomon’s still in shock.” Tai informed them, taking a sip of water before speaking again. “They’ll both recover, Veemon is being cared for by Joe.” 
“Where is that Hyogamon now?” Hackmon questioned. 
“Firamon, another primal digimon took him back through. Turns out he’s on our side. So that’s at least some good news. We’re not alone in wanting to protect this world. Last but not least. Gennai has reappeared.” 
“Huh?” Gennai wondered, even Dark Gennai turned the corner in curiosity. 
“The elder one.” Tai stated. 
“So, the geezer’s come back.” Dark Gennai whispered. 
“I always wondered if I was just a copy.” Gennai hung his head. “I guess that answers that.” 
“Matt and Sora texted me a while ago. They ran into him at the mall today too. I’m supposed to meet with them in a little while and find out what they’ve learned.” Tai explained.   
“Hopefully it’s some good news. We could really use some reinforcements from their world.” Gennai stated. 
“Moron.” Dorumon sneered. “A portal with more primal digimon coming through, we’re already learning this is a potentially cascading phenomena, the last thing we need is a wider throat for these to travel through.”
“We take everything we can get.” Tai answered. “We’re in crisis mode again, so nothings off the table.” 
“Agreed.” Hackmon nodded. “Tai, Meiko. Thank you for the information. We’ll prepare as best we can to handle the breaches, and as soon as the communication devices are ready, I’ll deliver them to you.”
“Humans with a well thought out plan for once. I guess miracles are possible now and then.” Dorumon sighed. Hackmon covered his face with his claws and shook his head. 
“Is it really true you two are brothers? You sure don’t act like it.” Tai snickered. 
“I always thought maybe he was built by Andromon so he could have a proper doggy to play fetch with.” Dorumon grinned. 
“Shouldn’t you be off somewhere with a plumber riding on your back?” Hackmon snuck in. 
“Huh?” Dorumon questioned, but Tai and Meiko nearly burst out laughing. Hackmon smiled and vanished, along with Dark Gennai. “I don’t get it.” He shook his head. He was about to teleport away himself, when he noticed that Gennai remained behind. “Oh, something more?” 
“Perhaps it would be best if you departed, Dorumon.” Gennai advised him. 
“Really?” Dorumon smiled, strolling around to Tai’s side. “After all it was because of me you found your little Agumon, isn’t it?” He said softly, raising his brow. A knock came at the door, and letting herself in was Kari followed closely by T.K. 
“Hey, I’m not interrupting anything am I?” She greeted, while Gatomon and Patamon snuck in, rushing over to Meicoomon. 
“Gatomon! Patamon!” Meicoomon cheered. 
“The cat pack is back together again.” Gatomon praised, clasping Meicoomon’s paws. 
“Tai, everything alright? I’m not surprised by Gennai, but what’s this guy doing here.” T.K nodded off to Dorumon. 
“It’s alright T.K. Kari, what brings you guys here?” Tai asked. Kari sauntered over to Tai and dropped the pair of rings in his palm and closed them shut. 
“Just a little something for that special someone.” She winked. Gennai chuckled and spoke up. 
“I knew it wouldn’t take Izzy long to crack that.” 
“Crack what?” Dorumon questioned. 
“Dorumon, wouldn’t you feel better being literally anywhere else?” Kari asked in a rather firm tone. 
“Hang on.” Tai cut in. “Dorumon, you said it yourself it’s King Drasil’s wish for us to get our digimon back, right?” 
“For now.” He conceded. 
“For now?” T.K spoke up.
“Do I need to lecture you on the context of a truce? Our goals align for the moment, but once this is over, I’ll be happy to carve you to pieces.” Dorumon smiled wickedly. 
“Don’t worry, we’ll be just as quick to return the favor.” Tai argued. 
“Good, I hate boring fights.” Dorumon stated. “Till then, I’m to assist you to the best of my ability. My master finds a great deal of joy in defying Homeostasis, so this is all cake to us at this point.” He chuckled, taking a more relaxed stance. “So relax, I’m here to help.” Tai produced the rings and examined them carefully. One was slightly larger than the other and he slid the smaller one on with ease. 
“So how did it go?” Tai asked. 
“Pretty much as planned. We did manage to find some new crests buried within the rings too.” Kari explained. 
“Oh?” Tai perked up. 
“Loyalty, Fate, Tenacity and Honesty. Ken’s crest showed as well.” Kari answered. 
“The only problem is, we need a way to retrieve the consciousness data from the data world. Thing is, we can only really send consciousness data there safely. Trying to digitize our full bodies like Apocalymon did is extremely dangerous. We could get destroyed in the process.” T.K carried on explaining.
“Well, that’s where I come in.” Gennai spoke up. “Azulongmon and I have been working on these.” He said showcasing six crystal clear orbs. “They can hold the consciousness data of a digimon for up to a week or so. After that, it can begin to destabilize and fall apart. When you enter the world of data, you’ll have to get your digimon to join with your own consciousness data and return to the real world. As soon as possible though, you’ll need to transfer that data to one of these spheres by holding it close to your heart. Humans aren’t meant to hold that kind of data in their physical beings for long and it could manifest some, odd behaviors.” 
“Merging with their digimon?” Dorumon scoffed. “Disgusting. Thank Drasil I was never sent off there.” 
“Once we have their data. We’ll have to execute a plan of action to enter into the vault. Homeostasis will become aware of our plan the moment we get inside. We won’t have much time to retrieve their physical data, reconstruct it and instill their consciousness.” Gennai advised. 
“Anything you need me to do?” Dorumon asked. 
“Besides vanish already.” Gatomon quipped. 
“Gatomon and Patamon will back up Tai and the others as they enter the vault. We’ll likely need Izzy and Willis to help with the retrieval. Meiko. Think you can help by distracting Homeostasis with a meeting with you and Meicoomon?” 
“Oh?” Meiko hummed. “Well, I guess I could.” 
“Good. Dorumon, we do actually have a use for you.” Gennai stated. 
“Hmm?” He perked up. 
“If Hackmon shows up, he may be a bit much for Seraphimon and Magnadramon to handle. It wouldn’t hurt to have you along just in case. Also, it wouldn’t surprise me if more guards are being placed there. The vault is very close to the Kernel, and heaven forbid we get too close to that.” 
“Isn’t that where the “God” of the digital world is?” T.K inquired. 
“Yes, hence why I’m also worried about you, Kari.” Gennai turned to her. 
“Oh?” Kari inquired, setting Gatomon on her lap. 
“Your connection to the light comes right from the Kernel. Getting closer to it may make you feel some, strange things.” Gennai explained. 
“Strange as in how?” T.K spoke up. 
“I don’t know. The light within the Kernel has sought you out before. It may make Gatomon unbelievably strong or, might cause you to become possessed by it, beyond that I have absolutely no idea what else it could do. Why having T.K, Willis and Dorumon along will be useful. If you start to feel strange or erratic, it may be best for you to hang back, or even return home.” 
“Oh, ok.” Kari reluctantly submitted. 
“So what’s with the rings?” Dorumon asked. T.K took his chance to explain. 
“One goes on us, the other on our digimon. It’ll act as a tether to prevent the protocol from claiming them again. But, there is a drawback.” 
“Huh?” Tai looked up. 
“The rings might snap if our digimon digivolve past the point they put them on. Or they could end up being recalled if they fall to a weaker form like In-Training. Our rings didn’t come from the digital world; they’re just coded to it. They likely won’t behave the same.” T.K answered. 
“Great, so it’s almost pointless.” Dorumon huffed. “What’s the use in getting your digimon back if they can’t digivolve?”
“Because it might be temporary. We can keep programming the rings and working with them, tweaking them. Izzy thinks that if we work on Tai’s and Matt’s right away. We might be able to have Omnimon back within a day or two.” T.K went on to explain.
“Huh, very well.” Dorumon conceded, scratching his chin with his claws. “This almost sounds like a well laid out plan.” 
“Dorumon, best keep your mouth shut about this to your king.” Kari snapped at him. 
“Why?” 
“Relax Kari. Go ahead and tell Drasil whatever you want.” Tai cut in. “Just make sure he understands that any interference puts the digital world in danger.” 
“Agreed. Besides we have nothing to lose here, only gain.” Dorumon stretched. “A chance to stick it to Homeostasis, less risk to my neck against Primal Digimon and a chance to battle and kill Omnimon after. Sounds to me like a downright party.” He smiled. “Call when you need me.” Dorumon grinned as he vanished. 
“Tai, how can you trust him!?” Kari almost outright scolded. 
“I’ve never said that I trust him and I’m not about to start. Sides, we’ve been dealing with evil digimon for a while now, if we play it smart we can stay ahead of their double crosses. Sides, I have a few tricks up my sleeve yet.” Tai gave his usual childish grin and walked over to his sister, wrapping her up in a big hug from behind. “Just leave it to your big bro. In a few weeks our biggest problem will be paying Agumon’s grocery bill, hahaha!” He laughed. Kari couldn’t help but let a snicker of her own escape along with everyone else.

“I think I got it all figured out.” Izzy said, typing away on his computer with Mimi beside him. They were back in his personal office as the sun was setting behind them. 
“Oh do tell.” Mimi half-heartedly said, reclining in her chair. 
“They follow along in worlds unseen. Our digimon left behind a digital echo, and have been following us from the world of data. Since of the world of data is so closely linked to our world and the digital world, it makes sense. No light or dark can touch, but the shades of grey can weave.” 
“Well, Sora’s pretty good at sewing.” Mimi spoke up. 
“Haha, close but no. What we figured is that it means that we can enter this world because we have the capacity of both light and darkness within us. But entities like Homeostasis, King Drasil or even the Kernel can’t follow. Here’s the troubling part though.” Izzy said, turning back to his screen. “As the harmony fades, the walls break down, but so does all within. The cat’s tail is the key to salvation.” 
“And that means?” 
“It means the world of data is beginning to destabilize. It may end up going through some massive reconfiguration and that will likely destroy everything inside it that doesn’t belong, including our digimon.”
“Oh great! So how long before we start on your plan?” Mimi asked a little more urgently.
“I was getting to that. The cats tail being the key to salvation. It means the rings we made should help pull them out and keep them bound to us, granting them safety from the world of data’s destruction.”
“And the last part?” 
“This one’s pretty straight forward. Fear not the dark, for the light can blind. For within harmony lies chaos and within chaos lies harmony. Well, who do we know that’s overseeing the light? Homeostasis, Hackmon and Gennai and to say things are unstable with them is an understatement. They sure were blind to the threat of the primal digimon. As far as chaos goes, that would be King Drasil, Dorumon and Dark Gennai. They want to see some destruction, but they want it on their terms.” 
“So they’re only helping us cause they wanna blow up the world instead of those nasty primal digimon?” Mimi said, playing with her nails. 
“Exactly. It’ll take their help to bring harmony to the digital world, ending the threat of the primal world, ergo the harmony from chaos. And a big part of the reason for the chaos we’re facing right now, is because Homeostasis, the light, has been blind. Huh. It all makes sense now. We should be prepared for an almost immediate retaliation from King Drasil as soon as this conflict is over. I have no doubt that he’ll take the first chance he gets to destroy us.” Izzy stated. 
“Great.” Mimi sighed, kicking her feet up on the desk. Izzy pushed back from his chair and smiled checking his watch. 
“Plus, me doing all that explaining while you were bored, bought my driver enough time to get here.” Izzy said, raising up from his chair he clasped Mimi’s hand and lifted her up. 
“Driver?” 
“I figured with all of us taking some R&R after everything we’ve been working on. I’ve reserved us a table at the Hotel G.Miller Restaurant. The V.I.P section, of course.” He winked. 
“Oh!!” Mimi went suddenly awestruck, grabbing Izzy by his shoulders. “Wait a minute here mister we’re going to a V.I.P section at a fancy restaurant and you didn’t let me get changed into something nicer!?” Izzy nervously chuckled but brushed his hand over her cheek. 
“You’re perfect just as you are.” 
“That’s super sweet.” She cooed, grabbing his hand aggressively and leading him toward the elevator. “But if you think I’m turning down the chance to wear one of Sora’s new dresses you’re dreaming! Come on, come on! I gotta get changed, can’t be late for that dinner!” Izzy helplessly complied as Mimi dragged him off to dinner. 

Tai was strolling the boardwalk where Agumon disappeared. The sun was well on its way to setting, and the wind had kicked up bringing a bit of a chill to wash away the warm summer heat. Swapped from his dress shirt and formal wear for work for a more casual cargo shorts and white t-shirt with blue trim on the arms, he stopped at his usual spot and looked out at the waterfront. The sky, mostly clear this time with only a few clouds far overhead that were already well shrouded in darkness. He pulled the stone digivice out of his pocket, stepping off the wooden planks and sitting on the edge of the walk, he sunk his head between his legs. 
“Agumon.” He whispered. “We’re so close now. But I’m worried.” Tai said, slowly picking up his head. A few tears slipped from his eyes, running down his cheek and landing on the digivice. “We gotta get this just right. But even if we do. What if it all just goes wrong in a whole different way? What if we get separated again, and this time it’s for good. Like really, really for good.” He stammered, clutching a little tighter to the digivice. “I don’t think I’ll ever really understand why you were taken away. Maybe I’m not supposed to because it wasn’t supposed to happen in the first place. Or maybe I’m the one being played into doing this to get rid of you for good.” 
*What does your heart tell you?*
Tai gasped and picked up his head. He knew it was Agumon right away, and turned toward where the voice was coming from. “I knew you were there. My heart, well.” Tai thought for a moment, playing with the ring on his finger and feeling the other in his pocket. “That we’ll be together again.” Tai chuckled and wiped the tears from his cheeks. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m letting this all go to my head again aren’t I? I know I wouldn’t be satisfied until I knew I tried everything to get you back. And I know that whatever I do, you’re on board. Especially if it means we can share a snack here again, right?” Tai asked, hoping to hear an answer. Nothing came however, instead recalling on what he remembered from being in the world of data, he waved and pointed to himself for a moment, then made the shape of a heart with his hands, then pointed to where the voice had come from. “Betcha saw that.” Tai snickered. Though no voice came, there was a strange warm wash of tingles that ran across his chest and belly. It lasted for a few seconds but it was all the affirmation Tai needed. “Right by me to the end. Let’s make this one, a new beginning then.” 
“I’m not interrupting a conversation with yourself am I?” Meiko greeted, surprising Tai from behind. 
“Oh! Hey Meiko. No, I was just talking with Agumon.” 
“Oh!” Meicoomon awed, popping a spot beside Tai and waving her tail. “You finally see him too?” 
“See him?” Tai asked. 
“Meicoomon you can see Agumon?” Meiko questioned. 
“Just in little flashes yeah. I thought Tai could too, why he was so sad.” She answered settling herself down a little closer to Tai. 
“Can he see you?” Tai asked, however Meicoomon shook her head. 
“I don’t think so.” 
“I wonder if you can see him because of how easily you used to rip up dimensions in the past.” Tai thought aloud. 
“I didn’t even really think it was me doing it.” Meicoomon answered. 
“She has so much power.” Meiko smiled. “But she’s gotten so good at controlling it. I can’t wait to see how much stronger she gets. Mimi texted me some good news about it in fact.” 
“Huh? What’d she say?” Tai asked. 
“That Mei has rewritten my digivice to reject the potential protocol, she can’t get called back like the others did. She overpowered it.” Meiko explained, stroking Meicoomons head. “It was such a relief to know she’ll stay with me. Now I’m more determined than ever to help you guys rejoin with your digimon. It’ll be like we’re one big family again.” 
“Yeah.” Tai smiled, clasping her hand. Meiko blushed and adjusted her glasses, gazing into Tai’s eyes. “I’m really glad you’re here. Both of you. Things haven’t been easy since Agumon left. But working with you and Meicoomon has really helped me feel like my old self again.” 
“Oh, well. I’m glad I could help.” She nervously chuckled, trying to shyly turn away. 
“Oh, sorry.” Tai said releasing her hand.
“No, it’s ok.” Meiko gazed up into the night sky and took a nice long breath. “I’ve been trying so hard to grow. Training with Meicoomon and working on myself, it’s challenging you know? It’s so funny that, when I saw you walk in. I was so excited and yet, so at ease. Like I just knew everything was going to be ok now. I really like that feeling.” Meicoomon nudged her closer to Tai, who wrapped an arm over her back and pulled her a little closer. 
“How bout that, we really do complement each other pretty well.” 
“I think so too.” She smiled, placing her hand in his. She slowly closed her eyes and leaned in on his shoulder with a smile, resting there for a while as Tai gazed out to the water. 
“If you want to take this slow, we can. Things might get a little dicey over the next few days but. Well. You know.” 
*Tell her you’ll buy her dinner!*
“Ahhh!” Tai exclaimed hearing Agumon’s voice. 
“Hahahahah!” Meicoomon hopelessly giggled. “Oh Agumon, you’re so silly.” 
“You!? Heard him too?” Tai asked, separating himself a little from Meiko. 
“Yeah, of course he tells you to get food! He’s so funny! Aw, I can’t wait for him to come home.” Meicoomon swooned. 
“Agumon said that? That’s what surprised you?” Meiko asked. 
“Yeah. Wow, didn’t think she could hear him too.” 
“My little wondermon.” Meiko scooped up Meicoomon and kissed her head. “Looks like someone has a little crush of her own!” She teased. 
“Hahah, not the head smooches!” Meicoomon playfully fought as Meiko kissed away at her head.