Yolei, Sora, Mimi and Kari took a corner of a massive picnic blanket and laid it out in the park on the center island off the coast of Odaiba. Tai, Davis and Matt helped layout the food while the rest of the group chatted with digimon and friend alike. Meicoomon was sat next to Agumon who patiently watched as Tai began setting up a barbeque and unpacking the meat. Gabumon, Patamon, Matt, T.K and Ken were sat down, chatting while they enjoyed some shade under the trees. Biyomon and Palmon started helping Sora and Mimi dress up the plates and Davis started passing a soccer ball around with Veemon, Armadillomon, Cody and Willis. 
“Hey Tai, get with the cooking so we can start snacking! Hahaha!” Agumon called out. 
“Hold your horses Agumon, there’s a lot of us here. Gotta make sure I got enough burgers for everyone.” Tai smiled back. 
“I made more meatballs yesterday!” Sora called out. “I just knew we’d pull it off, so I made a ton extra.” 
“Oh Izzy!!” Mimi called out. 
“Yeah Mimi?” He asked, sat with Tentomon on a nearby bench. 
“You’re gonna love this snack idea I got. Bacon wrapped bananas with whip cream, jelly beans and just a touch of hot sauce!” Mimi giggled but Izzy was just left with a flat and fearful stare. 
“Good thing we have a doctor on site.” Joe smiled. 
“Did you bring your stomach pump?” Gomamon asked. 
“Nah, I left it in my other white coat.” Joe laughed rubbing the back of his head. Willis started juggling the soccer ball and tapped it toward Lopmon. 
“Willis passes to Lopmon!” He cheered.
“Setting it up!” Lopmon said, tossing the ball with his ears. 
“Knock em down!” Terriermon finished spiking the ball at Davis but he just smirked and managed to kick it back up in the air, juggling it a few times off his knees. 
“Oh ho yeah! You can’t get one by the greatest digi-destined soccer champ! Hey Veemon, head pass!” Davis lofted a shot to him to which Veemon head-butted it hard. The ball sailed past Willis and the twins but barreled toward Tai. Smirking he caught the ball and set down the small stack of burgers. 
“Greatest digi-destined soccer player huh? Think you got a chance of snatching that title from me?” Tai chuckled juggling the ball before firing it high into the air. 
“I got it-I got it!” Tentomon called out but the ball sailed right by him in the air. “I had it-I had it!”  The ball started falling toward the blanket and the food Sora was setting up when she spotted it coming her way. In a surprisingly swift display she head butted it back toward Davis and crossed her arms with a big smile. 
“Don’t forget I used to play. You boys are gonna have your hands full if you’re gonna play me tonight!” She touted. 
“Hey Tai!” Matt called out. “How’s those burgers coming!?” 
“They’re coming, they’re coming!” He called back. “Did you bring any beer?” 
“Cooler!” 
“I’m with Matt!” Agumon joined in. “Those thousand burgers aren’t going to make themselves!” 
“Maybe he needs a hand.” Meiko smiled, coming in from behind Tai with a quick hug. “Anything I can do to help?” 
“Sure! I’ll get the fire going, can you separate the burgers and I’ll get frying?” He asked, taking a swig from his beer. 
“I’m on it!” Meiko smiled. Sora and Biyomon made their way over to Matt, Gabumon, Ken and Cody and sat down, cradling Biyomon in her lap. 
“Kari, T.K and Mimi can handle the rest, I’m exhausted.” Sora sighed. Matt pulled her a little closer, much to Biyomon and Gabumon’s surprise. 
“Hey, are you two dating now?” Gabumon asked. 
“Yeah, we’ve been going out for just over a year.” Matt answered, rubbing Gabumon’s head. 
“Well, on and off before that but yeah, officially over a year.” She smiled. 
“You two seem happier.” Ken noted. “Your digimon returning aside, you always seemed to be more yourselves when you’re together.” 
“I noticed that too.” Cody threw in. 
“How bout you, Cody?” Biyomon asked. “Anyone special in your life right now?” 
“Not at the moment, no. But I’m being patient with dating for the time being. I’m working on a law degree, it doesn’t leave me with much free time.” Cody replied. 
“Law-degree huh?” Matt asked. “What do you do in your free time then?” 
“Digi-destined work of course and if not that, just spending time with friends and Armadillomon. Funny enough, my roommates like him a lot.” Cody explained while Armadillomon hobbled his way over. 
“I think I’m not too good at soccer.” He confessed, flopping into Cody’s lap. 
“It’s not for everyone.” Matt nodded. “I tried playing for a while, but I hated it. I’d rather be playing music now.” 
“I’d love to hear you play anytime!” Gabumon smiled up to him. 
“You should hear him sing.” Sora spoke up. “Matt’s still got a great voice, he sang at T.K’s party last week.” 
“Does he still sing in his sleep?” Biyomon moaned. 
“Hey! I do not sing in my sleep!” Matt cried out. 
“He sings in his sleep.” Gabumon and Sora answered together, to which everyone erupted into laughter while Matt blushed, trying to hide his face.  
Agumon started patting the ring on his leg, reading the inscription on it and feeling it out.
“Careful Agumon.” Meicoomon said, patting his leg. “Don’t want that to come off, or you’ll miss all the food.” She smiled. 
“Oh yeah, that’s bad.” Agumon agreed, abruptly leaving it alone. “Hard to believe it’s what’s keeping me here.”
“I’m glad it is.” She smiled, plopping down beside his newly jeweled leg. “How are feeling? Was the place you were in scary?” 
“A little, but mostly it was just really lonely.” Agumon replied gazing up to the sky. “Everywhere I looked it was just white, white, white. Oh and the occasional numbers would float by. But really all I did was follow Tai.” Agumon lowered his head and seemed a bit more distressed. “Sometimes it got, really hard to do.” 
“I’ve never been where you were, but I could see you. All of you.” Meicoomon explained. 
“You could!?” 
“Yeah.” She nodded. “It wasn’t like all the time. But every now and then, you’d show up. Like you were hiding behind a steamy bath or something.” She giggled. 
“Wow, your eyes are a lot better than mine I guess.” He smiled. Suddenly she leapt into his arms and held him tight. “You ok?” 
“Yeah. I just really missed you. All the other digimon are really sweet and all but, Tai told me how you tried to cheer Meiko up when I got lost. They also told me how you were protecting her when things got real bad. You have a big sweet heart, and I’m really grateful for everything you’ve done.” She cooed, nuzzling him. 
“I’m always happy to help.” He laughed, giving her a good squeeze back. “Besides, what I said turned out to be true right? I told Meiko that everything would be alright again, and here we are.” 
“Hey you two, get a room!” Tai snickered glancing back at the two of them while flipping one of the burgers. 
“Too cute!” Kari complimented, taking a quick picture of Meicoomon in Agumon’s arms. “You guys would make a great couple.” 
“A couple?” Agumon tipped his head. Kari chuckled and pointed over to Gatomon and Patamon who were cuddling together near a tree. She was feeding him one of the meatballs Sora made and after sharing one they gave each other a quick kiss. “Oh! Patamon and Gatomon are mated?” 
“Whoa!” Kari exclaimed, trying to regain her composure. “They haven’t gone that far, but they’re dating, just like me and T.K.” She explained. 
“Oh, there was a word for that too I think. Hmmm.” Agumon pondered, rubbing his chin. 
“Don’t think too hard Agumon.” Tai called out, placing a plate of six burgers before him. “The first few of the thousand I promised you. Just try to share a couple with Meicoomon, ok?” 
“Tai!” Meiko called back to him from the barbeque. “Are these good to plate up?” 
“Yeah sure! I’ll get the next twelve going right away.” He replied. 
“How many did you bring, Tai?” Kari asked, poking his belly. 
“Hey.” He laughed. “I think I packed about fifty and if that doesn’t hold out we got a few dozen hotdogs and the food Sora brought.”
“Yum! Can you make me a hotdog!?” Kari squealed with delight. 
“Sure! Hey T.K, Willis!” He called out. “Burger or hotdog?” 
“One of each! I’m starved today!” T.K called back. 
“Burger with everything!” Willis answered as well.

Everyone gathered up on the picnic blanket and surrounded the mass of food in the middle. Most everyone who was paired off sat beside each other while the rest were next to a good friend along with their digimon. 
“Hey T.K, got a little ketchup on your chin.” Kari giggled, rubbing her finger on his cheek. 
“Huh?” He asked but Kari dove in and stole a quick kiss. 
“Hehe, got it!” She smiled, cuddling up close to him. 
“You’re too adorable.” He smiled. 
“So Tai, how are you and Meiko doing.” Matt snuck in the question, raising his brow. 
“Oh, at work?” He asked with a mouthful of burger.
“Don’t be dumb, you know what I meant.” Matt insisted with a flick of his hair. 
“Come on!” Davis jumped in. “It’s obvious you two are dating.” 
“Oh!” Meiko shied away, blushing as she cradled Meicoomon in her arms. “Well, I uh.” 
“Stop teasing her ya big dork!” Yolei scolded, pounding Davis’s head. Veemon turned to Wormmon and shrugged. 
“Human relationships are so complicated.” 
“If you think that’s complicated, you should have seen how Ken tried to choose the right suit to wear for meeting Yolei’s family.” Wormmon said with a quick chuckle. 
“Maybe I should offer them a few pointers.” Willis suggested to Wormmon. “After all, the ladies can’t resist my charms back home.” 
“We’re just taking it slow.” Tai smiled. “If it works, great but if not we’ll always be great friends.”
“I think it’s wonderful.” Mimi praised. “You and Mei-mei are perfect for each other. I love seeing her so happy.” 
“I’ll second that one for sure.” Izzy joined in. 
“How bout Meicoomon and Agumon.” Tentomon noted. 
“Now there’s a great pairing.” Gabumon nodded. 
“If you hadn’t of picked him, I might have scooped him up. Agumon is super sweet!” Palmon chuckled. Agumon blushed, trying to hide his face. 
“Well I never thought about it, but then again-“ 
“She’s not edible?” Gomamon cut in, causing everyone to erupt in laughter before Biyomon spoke up. 
“I think the only better couple out there is Agumon and whatever foods in front of him.” 
“I’m a mon of simple tastes.” Agumon proudly touted. “I like the taste of everything!” He proclaimed. 
“How bout you, Gabumon?” Matt grinned, rubbing his head. “Got a secret flame we should know about?” 
“Oh, well.” He bashfully smiled, turning away from Biyomon who did the exact same. 
“Yeah, Um..” 
“Look who’s got a crush of her own.” Sora said with a big smile. 
“Sora!” Biyomon blushed, holding her cheeks. 
“Well I think we all know the real power couple here.” Cody nodded off to Gatomon and Patamon. “After all, none of us can reset a timer with a kiss.” 
“Oh, you mean like this!” Gatomon called out, scooping up Patamon for a nice big one. Everyone raised their drinks and cheered as they did while Patamon afterward playfully fainted from the kiss. 
“You know.” Joe spoke up. “Something Mimi said at T.K’s really resonated with me.” 
“What’s that, Joe?” Mimi eagerly asked. 
“That it’s always amazing when we’re all able to get together like this. I wish it would happen more often, especially now that we have our digimon back.” 
“Way to bring down the mood, Joe.” Gomamon said, but Joe just smiled and started to brush the back of Gomamon’s head. 
“No, that’s just it. I think we should set a regular day where we do get together. We can have all kinds of great ideas.” Joe insisted, finding some courage in his voice. “We could have guys and girls night outs, we could go bowling, play mini-golf, we could go camping for a weekend in the digital world, or we can all just meet up in the park here just like today. And when we can’t because of weather and stuff we can all just meet up online, maybe play a few games together! I think the more actively we stay together, the better it’ll be for all of us.” 
“What a great idea! I love it!” Sora praised. 
“I think that would be wonderful.” Meiko agreed. 
“I agree. After all, we’re more than friends, we’re family.” Izzy joined in. Matt wiped away a quick tear that escaped, as Gabumon looked up to him with a rather surprised look. 
“Matt, are you alright?” 
“Yeah, I’m just glad.” Matt smiled, wiping his face. “Maybe it’s cause of my crest, but I always feel best when we’re all together.” 
“Aww, Matt.” Sora hugged him tight along with Gabumon and Biyomon. T.K relieved himself of Kari for a moment and walked over to his brother. As Sora, Gabumon and Biyomon let him go, T.K dove in and gave him a big one. 
“You’ve always been like that.” T.K said. 
“Huh?” Matt breathed, patting T.K’s back. 
“Ever since mom and dad. You opened up more when we were around.” 
“T.K.” Matt moaned. 
“It’s alright bro. Don’t worry. Joe’s got a perfect idea, and Izzy’s right, we’re all family now. You’ll never be alone again. Especially now that Gabumon’s back, we’ll all stick together.” 
“Stop.” Matt laughed, relinquishing his brother and messing up his hair. “You trying to make me all soft?” 
“A physical impossibility. I think you and Tai have harder heads than Veemon, hahahahah!” T.K laughed off. 
“That right!?” Matt grabbed hold of him and started giving him noogies again. “There’s that smart mouth of yours again, getting ya in trouble.” 

As the evening went on, Kari took to snapping pictures of everyone. Mimi, Sora, Yolei, Meiko and Kari all took their digimon and shared in a picture together, while others consisted of Matt putting Tai in a headlock, T.K kissing Kari and Mimi feeding Izzy one of her famous deserts. At the end of their picnic, they all started breaking into groups to say goodnight. 
“Great cooking, sous chef Tai.” Sora complimented, giving him a quick hug. 
“Hey, I learned from the best.” He chuckled. Matt followed behind her and gave a quick high five and hug as well. 
“Try not to do anything stupid tonight.” He quipped. 
“Sure, I’ll just avoid anything you’d do.” Tai grinned. 
“Funny.” He laughed, before heading to Meiko and Meicoomon. Agumon leapt into Tai’s arms with a big dopey smile and yawned. 
“I’m ready for a good long nap.” 
“Don’t worry, we’ll head home soon buddy.” Tai said, stroking Agumon’s head. 
“Mei-mei!” Mimi rushed in, taking her in for a big hug. “Oh it was so wonderful seeing you again! I’ll text you tomorrow, we have got to get together for coffee!” 
“I’d like that!” Meiko agreed. “I’d love to catch up more with you and Palmon.” She smiled. 
“It’s great seeing you, Palmon!” Meicoomon waved. 
“I’m glad to see you too. Love you guys!” Palmon laughed away as she and Mimi departed. 
“Alright, I’m outy!” Davis waved alongside Veemon. 
“Davis!” Tai called out. Davis looked a little surprised and rushed over. 
“What’s up, Tai?” He asked. 
“Great job today. I knew I could count on you.” Tai said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Get lots of rest buddy, you’ll need it. Imperialdramon will have to be ready to roll soon.” 
“You can count on me! I won’t let you down!” Davis triumphantly touted with a fist pump. 
“You never have.” Tai assured him. With everyone being given their proper farewells and Tai looking down the road he’d have to travel to get home, he saw Meiko behind him with Meicoomon looking for a cab ride. “Hey, Meiko!” He called back. 
“Huh?” She turned to him. 
“My place is a little closer. You’re welcome to come crash if you’d like.” He offered. 
“Oh! Well.” Meiko thought for a moment, turning away briefly. 
“Don’t worry, no funny business. It’d just be nice to have a little company tonight. Sides, I think Agumon and Meicoomon were really hitting off.” Tai reassured her. 
“Yeah, I think so too.” She smiled down at Meicoomon half asleep in her arms. “Ok, lead the way.” 
Tai opened the door to his rather small apartment. Meicoomon had woken up a little more during the walk home, but Agumon was almost fast asleep. 
“It’s, cozy.” Meiko said looking over the room. 
“It’s fine. I know it’s not very big.” Tai smiled, placing his stone digivice in the drawer. Afterward her took out a spare blanket from the other and laid it out in a circle and set Agumon down inside it. “There ya go big guy.” He whispered. “Get lots of rest, you’ve really earned it.” Tai lovingly stroked Agumon’s head as he gave a little hum, settling himself inside the blankets. 
“You really love him.” Meiko smiled, seeing how Tai was caring for him. 
“Yeah, he’s my best friend. Wouldn’t trade him for anything.” Tai smiled. Meiko hummed and looked down at Meicoomon who happened to look up to meet her gaze at the same time. 
“I know how you feel.” Meiko leaned forward a little and kissed Meicoomon between the ears. “Mei, did you wanna snuggle up with Agumon tonight?” 
“Yeah, that’d be great!” She smiled, twitching her ears. Meiko set Meicoomon down and she slid under Agumon’s arms and nestled in to the crook of his neck. “He’s so warm.” She cooed. 
“Haha, too cute.” Meiko smiled. 
“I can take the floor if you want the bed.” Tai offered, unfurling the sheets. 
“I wouldn’t want to impose.” Meiko said fidgeting with her shirt. 
“You’re not. I just want you to be comfortable.” Tai stated with a smile, sitting on the bed. 
“Tonight was, just so wonderful.” 
“Yeah. A hard fought day too. But tonight well, it just felt like old times again.” Tai said, gazing down at Agumon and Meicoomon snuggled together. “I really missed it. Everyone in fact. Matt and Izzy and all of them, I know we’ll always be friends but it’s like, our digimon really bring out the best in us.” 
“I can see that.” Meiko agreed, settling herself beside Tai on the bed and placing her hand in his. “When Meicoomon had all her problems, I always felt like it was just safer for me to be alone because, everything was so volatile. But as hard as it was, being around you guys gave me a lot more strength than I knew I had. Even when it came to making the hardest decisions.” She explained, wiping her nose. “But when I found her Christmas morning, that egg just waiting for me to pick up. I knew in my heart that she was ok.” 
“Something always threw me off.” Tai said softly. “Didn’t dark Gennai say that any digimon that dies in the human world, is gone for good?” 
“Mmm, I remember Izzy telling me about that too.” Meiko shook her head. “But it’s a lie. Willis explained it all to me, he’s living proof that Dark Gennai was wrong.” 
“Huh?” 
“Willis lost Cherubimon here in the real world too. But his digi-egg was reborn just the same. Maybe it took Meicoomon longer because the fight took so much out of her, but she came back all the same.” Meiko said, gazing out the window. “Maybe it’s because we’re digi-destined, or maybe dark Gennai said it to mess with us. Or perhaps, it only applies to evil digimon. All I do know, is there more to them than what we know. I think that’s the point.” 
“That’s the point?” Tai asked. 
“Yeah.” She smiled, moving in closer to Tai. “If we knew everything there was to know about them. We’d never have to face all the problems we have now, or learn anything new about them. But if we accept the fact that they learn and grow just as we do, well. Maybe we’ll realize that they’re just like us after all. What we can accomplish together, is beyond imagination. I think that’s what digimon truly are. That potential, is limitless.” 
“Wow.” Tai breathed. “You’re even smarter than you are beautiful, I didn’t think that was possible.” 
“Haha.” She giggled softly, covering her mouth. “Well don’tcha know how to sweet talk a girl.” She said in her southern accent. Tai pressed his head against hers and after a soft coo from Meiko managed to sneak in a lengthy kiss. “I thought you said no funny business.” She whispered. 
“Sorry.” Tai whispered back, his nose pressed against hers. “But one more couldn’t hurt, right?” 
“No.” She agreed, clasping his cheek she took him in for another good long kiss.

The next morning, Tai walked into the Izumi Industries building with Agumon, Meiko and Meicoomon in tow. Heading toward the elevator they met up with Joe and Gomamon. 
“Hey Tai!” He happily greeted. “Hey Meiko, all of you, great to see you!” 
“Agumon, Meicoomon!” Gomamon cheered leaping from Joe’s arms to greet him. 
“Hey Joe, how’s it going?” Tai asked. 
“Oh, you know the usual.” Joe laughed. “Gomamon and I cooked up a great midnight snack last night and then fell asleep right after. I think that’s the first time I’ve slept a full eight hours in months.”
“Glad to hear.” Tai smiled. 
“How bout you two? Don’t think I didn’t notice you two leaving together.” Joe smiled. 
“Uh, well.” Meiko stammered. 
“Don’t go getting yourself all worked up. Meiko crashed at my place, yeah. But nothing funny happened. We had a nice long talk about this and that, Meicoomon and Agumon cuddled up together and we watched a little T.V before we fell asleep.” Tai explained, much to Meiko’s relief. Joe and Gomamon led the way into the elevator, inviting Tai, Meiko, Agumon and Meicoomon inside. Hitting the button for Izzy’s office he smiled looking up to the ceiling for a moment. 
“I can’t wait you know?” Joe said, taking Gomamon in his arms. 
“Can’t wait for what, Joe?” Agumon asked. 
“For all this fighting to be over and, for us to just get back to being, well, us.” He smiled. 
“You’re not starting this again.” Gomamon perked up his brow. 
“No, nothing like that. I know why we have to fight, and I will, but. My favorite memories, is just us being us. I’m so excited to get back to that. Those peaceful times.” Meicoomon turned to Joe and spoke up. 
“It’s cause you have a soft heart, Joe.” She said with a smile. 
“Oh?” 
“You think of everyone else before yourself. You want to make sure everyone’s safe and happy, and have a plan to make sure it does. I think we all feel better when you’re around.” Meicoomon complimented. 
“Yeah, you’re right!” Agumon agreed. “Joe’s always thinking about that kind of stuff. He’s been a great grown even when he was a kid!” 
“That’s our reliable Joe.” Tai smiled, nudging Joe’s side. “What would we do without him?”
“Thanks Tai.” He and Gomamon smiled. Arriving at Izzy’s office, they went inside to see everyone else had already dropped off their digimon. Sora, Matt, Izzy, Willis and Mimi were already there. 
“You’re late.” Matt quipped. 
“Three minutes, sue me.” Tai fired back with a smile. 
“Glad you’re here Tai. Check it out. I made a brand new server for our digimon, and it’s a significant upgrade on any of the others we’ve used before.” Izzy proudly stated. 
“Oh?” Tai asked, bringing Agumon closer to it. Up on the monitor they could see a wide open grassy field. Off to the right was a small training course, fitted with an obstacle course and even a few practice dummies. Beyond that was a fairly large row-house like building with a Japanese inspired design. “Whoa! Huge is right! That last server was more or less a play room.” Tai said in awe. 
“What do they have for food?” Agumon asked right away. 
“Hop in and check it out. Gabumon and the others are inside; they’re probably having lunch right now.” Izzy suggested. 
“Save room for me!” Agumon leapt from Tai’s arms and entered the server. 
“Hey Agumon, wait up!” Meicoomon leapt from Meiko’s arms inside.
“I call dibs on desert!” Gomamon followed closely after.  
“Wow, even Mei wanted to go.” Meiko blinked. 
“Where’s T.K and Kari?” Joe asked. Willis turned to him and explained.
“Patrolling file island right now along with Leomon and Ogremon. They’re getting things coordinated just in case a gateway opens up there.” 
“Davis and Ken?” Tai questioned as well. 
“Oh, they’re all taking a day off. Sort of anyway.” Willis rubbed the back of his head. “It is the weekend after all, and Ken and Yolei are out on a date. Davis got roped into meeting one of his sister’s friends and Cody’s catching up on some homework.” 
“So then our world’s not covered?” Matt questioned.
“To be honest Matt.” Izzy tipped his head. “With the program me and Willis have been running I highly doubt a localized breach from the Primal World can happen again. But everyone has agreed to respond to a normal digital world breach if needed. We also have some really good news.” 
“Yep, we got some mega backup!” Mimi winked. 
“Oh yeah?” Tai leaned in a little closer. 
“Catherine Deneuve from Paris pushed Floramon to Lotosmon not long ago, and she’s ready to help defend Europe along with William Saunders from the U.K. he’s pushed Dracomon to Slayerdramon. I think it’s safe to say between those two, most of Europe is safe. Slayerdramon alone is exceptionally strong.”
“Also, I got in contact with an old friend of mine from Tampa Bay!” Mimi smiled. “Russell King, he’s been training really hard with his Parrotmon lately, and they finally broke through to Eaglemon.” She chuckled. “But first things first, I’m craving a hot mocha latte and Mei-mei here owes me a good long catch up sesh! Sora, what do you say we go hit the cafeteria?”
“Ugh, for sure. I don’t know why, but I’m so exhausted today.” Sora stretched out.
“Sure. See you soon, Tai?” Meiko asked. 
“Yeah, sounds good.” Tai smiled right back as Mimi and Sora chuckled deviously taking Meiko out of Izzy’s office. “She never changes.” Tai laughed. “Anyone else, Izzy?” 
“Carlo Paz has also brought in a mega digimon from Columbia. His partner FanBeemon digivolved up to Tigervespamon. I think between those two we can have the Americas covered. It would have been nice to have Michael back with his Metalseadramon but he was recalled four months ago.” 
“What about Africa?” Joe asked, but Izzy shook his head. 
“There’s only seven known digi-destined in Africa, two in Egypt, two in Ghana and three in the UAE. I spoke with them, but so far, only one of them has pushed their digimon to ultimate. They’re not ready. Catherine and William have agreed to head there if a breach happens but, they said they have to watch for ones in Europe first.” 
“Well, that just leaves east Asia, Australia and Japan to us.” Matt concluded. 
“Right, Magnadramon and Seraphimon have that covered. Imperialdramon and Cherubimon will assist in the digital world as best they can. Also, elder Gennai contacted me. Firamon and Garurumon are ready to assist the digital world as well.” Izzy carried on. 
“Gennai has a Garurumon now!?” Matt exclaimed. 
“Apparently they were acting as his personal body guards until Gennai could adapt to the coding of the Quantum world. It took him a little time but he managed quite well. Quantum computing is vastly different that the typical code we work with nowadays.” 
“What’s quantum computing?” Tai asked. “I keep hearing about it, but I don’t get it.” 
“It’s a little complicated to explain without understanding the basics of normal computing Tai, don’t worry about it. Now, sadly.” Izzy cracked his knuckles. “I have to work this weekend.” 
“Right, you got this Izzy.” Tai assured him. 
“Got what exactly?” Gennai appeared with Hackmon. Everyone turned to the two and saw that Hackmon was still a little beat up from yesterdays fight. 
“Gennai, think you can help with this?” Willis requested. 
“We need to make sure Gabumon and Agumon can digivolve so that Omnimon can help with the invasions.” Matt explained. 
“I might be able to help with that.” Hackmon offered. “I’m familiar with the coding used in the normal golden rings. May I offer my services?” 
“Sure, all hands on deck.” Izzy smiled. 
“You sure you’re alright there Hackmon?” Tai asked. 
“I’ve had better days.” He sighed. “Homeostasis was not pleased I was joining with you and Gennai. However it remains imprisoned in the digital world, and well. I could use a rest from fighting.” 
“Come on over.” Izzy invited. Gennai strolled over to Tai and Matt, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. 
“I’m very impressed with you lately.” Gennai complimented. Matt turned away and shrugged. 
“I haven’t really done anything.” 
“Matt, just because Tai, Izzy and Meiko were more poised to take direct action now doesn’t mean you’re out of the picture. You kept T.K and Kari’s spirits up when their counters started, you never thought twice to check on Sora when you heard about the other digi-destined and most important; I know that when the time comes for you and Tai to respond with Omnimon or your bond forms, you’ll be ready.” 
“Got that right.” Tai fist pumped. “Come on Matt, we’ve always been the two everyone looked up to. Next up, we take out an ultimate primal digimon together.” 
“Right. I just hope Homeostasis or King Drasil don’t stab us in the back.” Matt stated. “I don’t trust Dorumon for a second.” 
“Hmm.” Tai conceded, as Matt glanced to him.
“That’s why I’m worried about you, Tai. What’s going on in your head?” 
“Huh?” 
“You trust Dorumon, don’t you?” Matt rather boldly stated. Tai was taken aback a little by the suggestion but then thought about it for a moment. 
“Maybe I do, a little.” He conceded, while Gennai gave a soft sigh and decided to caution him.
“Tai, you need to be careful. Dorumon is loyal to King Drasil and has no reservations about destroying humans, especially digi-destined.” 
“I know, but I can’t help feel there’s something good inside him.” Tai tried to explain. “Maybe it’s dumb but, when we were going through those ruins he seemed to lighten up. Like a better part of him was starting to come through. I guess a little of Kari is rubbing off on me.” Tai gave a quick laugh. 
“Tai, you can’t trust him.” Matt argued, grabbing Tai by his shoulders. “Listen to me, I’m your friend ok? Dorumon will hurt you, maybe even worse. Don’t turn your back on him.” 
“Wise advice.” Hackmon spoke up, glancing back at the two of them. “My brother has been forced to work with you, and in doing so has shown shadows of the digimon he was before King Drasil. But that’s all. Have faith in your actual friends, Tai. For if you face Alphamon again, he will try to kill you.” 

Izzy carried on working well into the night. A half dozen tea bottles and four boxes of ramen littered the room, while Hackmon was working on the fifth. Mimi walked in with a garbage bag and took a good long sigh at the sight of the two of them, working away at the computer. 
“Are you sure it’s wise for Hackmon to eat at your desk?” She asked. 
“It’s ok, thankfully he isn’t a messy eater.” Izzy answered, showing a hint of wear in his voice. 
“Normally I don’t eat human food but, Tentomon insisted I try it.” Hackmon answered, taking another bite. “It’s surprisingly good.” 
“Well I guess I better get cleaning up then.” Mimi huffed opening the bag up. 
“Allow me to assist.” Hackmon offered, scooping up a few of the bottles and bringing them over. 
“Well aren’t you sweet.” She smiled, rubbing his head as he deposited them into the bag. 
“Thanks Mimi.” Izzy threw in as well, still focused on the screen. 
“So Hackmon, tell me about yourself.” She giggled, picking up a few empty chip bags. 
“Hmm?” He turned back to her, giving a puzzled look. 
“Well, how old are you? How’d you learn to turn into Jesmon? Have you been involved with digi-destined in the past?” Mimi continued to press. 
“How old am I? That’s difficult to determine. I’m quite old, but I’ve lost count of the years. It’s been at least a few centuries since I began serving Homeostasis.” He explained. 
“Wow, hundreds of years?” Mimi breathed, pausing with an empty bottle in her hand. 
“Recall when you were younger, coming to the digital world for the first time. The time between our world and yours passed much differently. Every day in the digital world was merely one minute on earth, though time between our world has fluctuated many times before. As for becoming Jesmon, it was an ancient strength awakened within me by Homeostasis. It felt the need for me to be able to combat the threats deemed to dire for humans to contend with.” 
“I was curious about those entities that follow you around in that form.” Izzy spoke up. “The three drone like creatures that can fight for you.” 
“They are called Athos, Por and Rene and they are a part of my being and yet possess their own consciousness.” 
“Wait, that sounds an awful lot like Athos, Porthos and Aramis. The Three Musketeers.” Izzy stated. 
“Likely. Much about digital world and its inhabitants were borrowed from human folklore and history. Perhaps you noticed as well then the variability of the language in my attacks. Aus Generics and Un Pour Tous.” He smiled. 
“German and French. My German is rusty, but I know the other phrase, it means one for all. Ah! Like all-for-one and one-for-all, how fascinating!” Izzy proclaimed. Hackmon deposited the last of the garbage in Mimi’s bag and smiled, retaking Izzy’s side. 
“As for digi-destined, I have done my utmost to keeping things that I need to do in the dark. I prefer not to engage with humans whenever possible. I can appear quite intimidating and sometimes that does not elicit the response Homeostasis desires. The only threat we needed to truly reveal ourselves for was Meicoomon. Needless to say a multi-world ending entity of her caliber born of the digi-destined required a much more hands on approach.” Hackmon carried on explaining.
“Well at least you didn’t have to reboot our world during that crisis.” Izzy reminded him, crossing his arms. 
“You were not there to hear it.” Hackmon turned away for a moment, gazing to Mimi instead. “But I agreed with you. The reboot was not my desired course of action.” 
“Well, I think that’s enough serious talk for now. Are you, coming to bed any time soon?” She asked, tying off the garbage bag. 
“Sorry, not likely. Hackmon and I still have some work to do on this. There’s something blocking us from being able digivolve with the rings on. I thought at first that maybe it was part of the tethering protocol Willis and I developed but, everything on that end is stable and shouldn’t be affected.” 
“Maybe you need some fresh eyes.” Dorumon spoke out, appearing behind Mimi as he unveiled a shadow cloak. 
“Dorumon.” Hackmon growled. 
“Looking a little sore and sour there brother. Ya still feeling that tail kicking I gave you in the anti-chamber?” Dorumon snickered at him. 
“Hey!” Mimi cut in, grabbing Dorumon by the scruff of his neck and picking him up. It was enough of a shock that both Hackmon and Izzy were caught wide eyed. “Listen here buster, if you can help then help, but if all you’re going to do is stir up trouble now you can just take that rude tude and hit the road.” 
“That doesn’t even rhyme.” He winced back to her. 
“Well!?” She reinforced. 
“Put me down, I’m not here to fight.” He scowled. 
“Dorumon, the breaches will happen tomorrow.” Izzy reminded him as Mimi set him down. “What do you have to offer that can actually be of assistance.”
“I know my fair share of digi-code. Especially the ones that Homeostasis likes to use to lock us out.” He said in a rather withdrawn manner as he took a spot beside Izzy. Hackmon watched his brother carefully as he sat opposite to him beside Izzy. Mimi walked over to Izzy at the computer, placing one hand on his shoulder and the other on his cheek. 
“Don’t work too hard, do you mind if I come back and sleep for the night?” Mimi asked, rubbing her nose on his. 
“I’d welcome it.” He whispered kissing her for a moment. 
“I’ll bring up some more tea. Do you guys want anything?” Mimi asked. 
“Any more ramen?” Hackmon asked. 
“Sure.” Mimi smiled. 
“Human food, pleh.” Dorumon scoffed, spitting out his tongue. 
“Try the ramen.” Hackmon suggested. 
“Ramen? That sounds awful.” 
“He’s eaten three boxes so far.” Izzy noted. 
“And I’m not sharing my fourth with you.” Hackmon quickly stated. 
“Fine, one ramen please.” Dorumon submitted. 

The hours rolled on, the clocking showing 4:35 in the morning and Izzy was still hard at work, trying to crack the codes allowing Agumon and Gabumon to digivolve. Thankfully, all six of the rescued digimon remained in the server and were sleeping quietly in the beds inside the main building. Hackmon was resting peacefully by the window while Dorumon was lightly snoring, strewn out on his back with three boxes of ramen littered around him. Mimi rolled over on the couch in his office, her eyes fluttering and happened to see Izzy still working away. Moaning she got up and rubbed her eyes, letting out an audible yawn. 
“Any luck, babe?” She asked quietly.
“Oh, sorry Mimi. I didn’t mean to wake you.” He answered in a hushed tone. Mimi observed Hackmon and Dorumon asleep and cracked a quick smile. 
“Some help, huh? You’d never know they turn into such terrifying digimon from the look of them now.” 
“Dorumon was helpful enough. Hackmon though has been fantastic. We know the protocols we need in the rings to allow them to digivolve but something’s blocking them. I can only assume it’s Homeostasis but, I don’t understand why it would deprive itself the help of Omnimon.” Izzy explained with a yawn. “What’s worse is this isn’t an overly complicated encryption but, for some reason I just can’t break them. It’s like the code’s rewriting itself while I’m working at it.” 
“Trying to get ahead of one of the strongest beings in the digi-world is tough isn’t it?” She smiled, rubbing his head. 
“You won’t get ahead.” Hackmon spoke up in a strange and more feminine tone. Izzy and Mimi gasped, turning to Hackmon whose eyes were lit aflame with white light. “You have stolen your digimon back and now you want to tamper with the code used to digivolve them. I won’t permit any further meddling.”
“Gennai banished you.” Izzy stammered. 
“Gennai and Kari have prevented me from appearing in your world and I can’t take possession of her anymore, that is correct; but I can still communicate through Hackmon.” 
“So you’re actually preventing us from allowing Omnimon to assist with the coming battle?” Izzy argued. Dorumon found himself stirred awake by the commotion and slipped his way in to listen. “Don’t you understand how dangerous that is!? We’re doing the best we can to protect the digital world and our world too! But we’re stretched too thin! Omnimon could help balance the scales against the Primal Digimon that are coming and you’re depriving us of him because of your own arrogance!?” 
“If the Kernel has decided to allow you your digimon back, then so be it. But my plan to counter the invasion would have been successful had you simply left them to me.” Homeostasis argued. 
“Feeding them like fattened little rats to new digimon.” Dorumon cut in. “Hahaha, what a fool! If the elder and Dark Gennai are not blind to that mistake how can you be? It would take months, if not years for those digi-destined to become powerful enough to counter the Primal digimon. They may be slain before they get the chance. This truce isn’t forever you know?” 
“Be silent, Dorumon.” Homeostasis fired back. 
“Why? Am I starting to make sense?” He countered tipping his head. 
“He’s right. Sora and I talked over coffee yesterday, told me the same thing.” Mimi argued. “It’s disgusting, barbaric. You’d really feed our digimon’s data to some new digimon and hope that it results in a more powerful team? That’s so reckless, so thoughtless!” 
“That wasn’t the entirety of my plan, no. Similar to what King Drasil had in mind, I was going to combine the powers of all your digimon together to create a temporary, much more powerful entity capable of subduing the incoming threat. In the process, your digimon’s data would have been lost as an individual but their power would have shut down the invasion for certain. After that, the combined battle experiences of that digimon and yours would have been placed into new digi-eggs for a new generation of digi-destined children. However, now we have to rely on you and your half-baked plan to save us.” 
“Then stop standing in our way!” Izzy fired back. “Let us bring Omnimon, or even all of our digimon to the fight!” 
“No. You have betrayed my trust and now must lie in the bed you made for yourselves. I will however allow Kari and T.K to continue to do their due diligence in combating the invasion until their counters resume.” 
“So, you are planning on taking them too.” Izzy breathed.  
“If I cannot claim their digimon, then yes, in time I will shut down Gatomon and Patamon, the potential protocol will endure.” 
“You bitch!” Mimi shouted. 
“Don’t look so surprised.” Dorumon spoke up once more. “This is the real face of Homeostasis you never see. When the real trouble starts, it hides like a rat in a wall, hoping for you to protect it and won’t lift a finger to help. A pathetic excuse for a master if you ask me.” He carried on, meeting Hackmon face to face. “Thanks Homeostasis. Maybe after this is all said and done. We’ll recruit these digi-destined instead of destroying them. Turn them into weapons against all your future pet projects.” He cackled. 
“Homeostasis.” Hackmon spoke in his normal voice. “The Kernel has decreed that you are in the wrong. Continue to do nothing to correct it, and all will suffer the consequences of your misjudgment. I will not abandon my role to preserve balance and harmony, and I will give all I can to protect the digital world; but I will not follow you blindly into oblivion.” 
“Do as you will.” 
“I plan to. Now, begone from my mind.” Hackmon closed his eyes for a moment, opening to show his normal face once more. “I have locked out the channel it was using to communicate through me.” 
“So, looks like we have to stick to the original plan after all.” Izzy huffed. 
“Should have let me in to the vault.” Dorumon shrugged. 
“Trading one monstrosity for another is not the way.” Hackmon countered.
“Well, if there’s no hope of cracking this. I say we all get some rest.” Mimi sighed. “Hackmon, Dorumon. Would you like to stay here tonight?” 
“I prefer my own bed.” Dorumon countered. 
“Brother, wait.” Hackmon called back. 
“What?” 
“You were of significant help today. Thank you.” 
“I’m just doing my job. Don’t get soft. Tomorrow’s going to be brutal on us all, and after that, well. Let’s just say unless you’re willing to submit to my master. I won’t be so nice.” He grinned as he vanished. Hackmon sighed, shaking his head. 
“You’re trying to reach him, aren’t you?” Mimi asked. 
“Tai was speaking to the same thing earlier.” Izzy added in.
“I’ve always tried. I’ve yet to succeed.” Hackmon said. However with a quick flash, Dorumon appeared again, snagging up the last box of ramen Hackmon had stashed away. “Hey!” 
“What? It was good.” He chuckled, vanishing with the food. 
“Ok, now I can definitely tell you’re brothers.” Mimi laughed aloud alongside Izzy.