Finally reached the final chapter, a good 5 ½ years in the making. Way too long, I know, but thankfully my beta-reader stuck with me along the way, so I can deliver a well-rounded finished product. Thanks for taking the time to read, and I promise book three won't take nearly as long. Look for The Digimon Omnibus: Sins of the Digidestined, starting in about three months.

Chapter 45: Odyssey

Reboot Island

6:00 P.M

Iori sat within the metal tube on Tylomon's back, angrily drumming his fingers against his thigh. Coronamon sat with him, gazing out at the rest of the group. Jeri was standing at the edge of the open tube, staring out at the island a short distance away, observing the intense battle between Anubismon and Arkadimon. Lunamon stood next to her, swaying back and forth. Kairo and Junpei were playing a card game along with Gaomon and Monodramon, using a deck of playing cards Junpei carried with him. Swanmon tended to Biyomon and Hawkmon, who had recently awoken. Iori had explained the situation to them before sitting back down, and being reminded of the events had caused his irritation.

"Iori, what is on your mind my friend?" Coronamon inquired, watching his partner angrily drum his fingers.

"I can't stand this." Iori growled. "They're only making us sit over here because we're not as strong as the Royal Knights. They don't think we can help."

"That's not true Iori," Jeri shook her head, "We are weaker, and that's something we have to acknowledge, but it is dangerous over there. We don't have the maneuverability to get out of there if something bad happens. It's safer if us kids stay over here. We could be crushed."

"You're just making excuses for them." Iori grumbled. "Just because they're Royal Knights and we aren't that doesn't make them better than us."

"Stop." Coronamon stood up and faced his partner. "Do not mistake their appreciation for your well-being as a sense of superiority!"

"Coronamon I-" He tried to argue.

"No! I for one am glad we are no longer on that island! I can handle the punches dealt by those monsters, but Iori, compared to a Digimon you are small and frail. I know it's difficult to hear but you need to accept it. If they hadn't proposed we come out here I would have dragged you off of that island myself for your own safety." Iori was stunned.

"I'm sorry." He finally replied. "You're right."

"I need you here Iori." The lion gripped his hands, clasping them together. "You are my partner, and if something happens to you, then what good am I? We both have our place."

"I know I know," Iori shook his head. "Sorry I let my anger get the better of me."

"Don't worry about it Iori," Lunamon assured him, "We are all tense."
"Look, it's Veedramon!" Jeri pointed into the sky, where the blue warrior was making his way over to the group. The knight landed moments later and greeted everyone.

"I wanted to confirm our current status with everybody." Veedramon explained. "The battle between the two Demi-gods has their undivided attention, so we are still on standby."

"Has Takato returned yet?" Jeri inquired. Veedramon shook his head, to Jeri's disappointment.

"We are still waiting for his return as well." Veedramon answered. "If we have to wait for much longer, one of us might go down after him. But for now, we are confident in Gallantmon's abilities."

"Veedramon," Iori stood up, "I wanted to say something."

"What is it Iori?"

"Listen, I've been irritated lately because I thought you and the other Royal Knights were sticking us to the sidelines. It was presumptuous of me and I wanted to apologize for my behavior." He bowed.

"There's no need," Veedramon shook his head, "It is us who should apologize. As Royal Knights we are accustomed to a more authoritative role within the digital world. However we as Digidestined and more importantly as friends is a more important relationship than any pre-existing power structure. But do not be mistaken: it will take every one of us to defeat the Demi-gods. We merely thought it would be safer since as humans you are not as durable as Digimon and a surprise attack might lead to unnecessary harm."

"I know that now, thank you." Iori let out his hand, grasping Veedramon's palm vigorously. Veedramon then concluded his visit and returned to the citadel. However the silence that followed was short lived, as soon after a crimson jet-like creature few towards them, carrying a number of familiar passengers on its back.

"Who are you?" Jeri inquired as the monster lowered itself.

"I am Grani, assistant to Gallantmon. I am his steed in battle, and help him reach new heights. He sent me here because within the digital core we found a terrifying creature, one that Gallantmon believes is too powerful for even the Digidestined to handle. He wants you to flee as soon as possible, and to let you know that the rest of them will be following you shortly."

"He wants us to run?" Junpei barked. "What kind of bullshit is that?"

"What could he have found in the digital core that was so horrifying?" Jeri whined.

"I'll tell you." Gomamon jumped down from Grani's back. "But first, help me get him down." The seal Digimon pointed to the boy laying on Grani. Junpei and Kairo ran up to the flying stallion and pulled the boy down, laying him down on the platform atop Tylomon's back. They then grabbed the Digi-egg as well, placing it next to him.

"It's Henry," Kairo gasped, "He's… normal?"

"I must return." Grani announced, and then flew back towards the fortress.

"I won't leave yet," Tylomon announced, "But I am going to back away from the island a bit. I can feel something coming." He began to slowly surf away from the island, stopping a few hundred meters away from his previous position.

"What did you find down there Gomamon?" Lunamon inquired. "And where is Joe?" Gomamon began to explain the events that transpired within the digital core once again, sighing heavily once he explained what happened to Joe.

"No, no way!" Iori exclaimed. "Not Joe, not him! He can't be…" Iori dropped to his knees.

"I can't believe it, poor Joe." Jeri held back tears. The rest were silent, standing mournfully around Gomamon.

"As painful as it is, we need to move forward." Gomamon sighed. "Gallantmon is right, we need to get out of here."

"I still don't think we should leave." Iori protested. "We-!" His words were cut off by a monstrous tremor, which caused the waters around Tylomon to stir uncontrollably. The armor Digimon quickly stabilized himself, riding the waves until the water stabilized.

"What was that?" Swanmon exclaimed.

"It's the Demi-gods," Jeri gasped, "Anubismon, he's been beaten."

"Ugh…" Henry's eyes fluttered open in response to the tremor. He struggled to a sitting position, aided by Kairo and Junpei.

"Henry, are you alright?" Junpei inquired.

"What…" Henry looked around, trying to get an understanding of his surroundings. "Where am I…?"

"Henry, it's us…" Kairo said, "Kairo and J.P…"

"Kairo, J.P.," Henry's eyes widened as his memory returned to him, "Oh no, no no no." Henry backed away from the two, bumping into the side of the metal tube.

"Henry, it's okay." Iori and Jeri approached the boy.

"No, it's not okay, I remember everything!" He exclaimed. "I was… and then he… what have I done?"

"It's not your fault." Jeri bent down and placed her hand on his shoulder. "There was nothing you could have done. Myotismon used you."

"Oh no, oh god." Henry breathed heavily. "I just, I just wanted him back." Henry broke into tears. Jeri dipped forward and embraced him, holding the teen as he wept.

"Everything's going to be okay," Jeri assured him, "You're going to be okay." Her words calmed him down, and she was eventually able to let go.

"I'm so sorry," Henry dropped his head into his palms. "I caused so much harm to so many people and even more Digimon. I can't believe I'm responsible for all of this."

"We told you, it wasn't you." Iori approached him this time. "You were being controlled. Your mind was altered, tricked into believing what you were doing was the right thing to do. And then Myotismon took full control over your body. Everything that's been done is his fault and his fault alone."

"I just wanted him back," Henry wiped the moisture from his face, "I just wanted my partner… He was taken from me, Kokuwamon…" At his words a light under his shirt began to shine brightly. The teen was shocked. He reached under his collar and pulled out the glowing object.

"It's a crest." Jeri noted.

"I forgot I had this," Henry gasped, "What does this mean?" Then, the Digi-egg which sat just to his side began to glow as well, gaining the group's attention. "What?" Henry crawled over to the Digi-egg, which began to glow even brighter as he approached. Finally the egg cracked, releasing a burst of energy from within. A grey, metallic Digimon emerged, similar in shape to a beetle. The light faded and it looked up at Henry with excitement.

"Henry, it's you." The Digimon smiled.

"Kokuwamon…?" Henry's voice cracked.

"Henry!" The two embraced each other after having been separated by a lifetime of hardship and turmoil.

6:30 P.M

Omnimon, Gallantmon, UlforceVeedramon, and Kentaurosmon gathered in the air, hovering between the fortress and Arkadimon, who was slowly dragging his massive body across the edge of the island, heading straight for them. The four Royal Knights looked to each other, each one ready to confront their new opponent, when suddenly the earth began to rumble. An explosion could be heard from deep within the earth, causing even Arkadimon to hesitate.

"Oh no," Gallantmon gasped, "It's Myotismon: he's free."

"What does this mean?" Kentaurosmon inquired, though she already knew the answer.

"We need to retreat." Omnimon answered for Gallantmon. "Our priorities have changed. Let Arkadimon deal with Myotismon: maybe fortune will find us and they'll destroy each other."

"I highly doubt that, but Omnimon is correct: we need to flee, now." Gallantmon led the way, zooming across the sky atop Grani. The other knights followed. Arkadimon roared in protest and began chasing them, but the knights were too fast. They crossed over the fortress, gazing down as they did. The sight struck terror into Gallantmon. A dark mass began pouring out of the well in the center of the courtyard, quickly building up into a massive form. The knights put distance between themselves and the island, watching as the darkness began to build into the sky. It quickly assumed a shape, growing arms and wings. It lost its ambiguous structure and sculpted itself into a loosely defined structure that reflected Devimon.

"That's him, oh dear Yggdrasil," Gallantmon stopped to watch as the monster took shape.

"I'm free!" The mass bellowed, his very voice shaking the air around them.

"RAGH!" Arkadimon roared, quickly losing interest in the Royal Knights and coming towards the new creature.

"Arkadimon, how lovely to see you," Apocalypse snarled, "I'm glad to see you achieved your old power as well, along with Anubismon it seems." He peered past the raging eldritch horror and at the defeated canine Digimon lying on the ground and in the water.

"Dexmon!" Arkadimon screamed, recognizing his fellow Demi-god.

"You recognize me? I'm flattered, given your… what seems to be less than optimal cognitive state. How about I help you with your problem?" He grinned wickedly, and snapped his arms at the raging Demi-god. The dark mass began to flow from his appendages, swirling around the massive creature. Arkadimon tried to resist, but the darkness quickly overcame him, flowing down to the earth and enveloping his entire body in darkness. As Arkadimon succumbed to Apocalypse, the dark river came upon Anubismon, absorbing him as well.

"Oh no," Veedramon gasped, watching as the bodies of Arkadimon and Anubismon were pulled into the form of Apocalypse.

"Tell me, Digidestined," Apocalypse taunted as his body began to grow even larger, taking over the entire island, "If the cores of four Demi-gods were to fuse and become one, what does that make them?"

"He's expanding too quickly!" Kentaurosmon exclaimed. "We need to get out of here now!"

"I'll tell you!" Apocalypse bellowed. "I am no longer bound to these earthly laws, or even the laws of the digital world! I am a god!"

6:45 P.M

"That's him." Gomamon stared up at the black mass that was building up in the sky. "That's Apocalypse."

"He's huge." Junpei gaped.

"He just absorbed both Anubismon and Arkadimon, like they were nothing." Iori's eyes widened. "After all we did to fight them; it didn't even break a sweat."

"The power that Myotismon has accumulated is far more terrible than I ever could have imagined," Jijimon sighed, "I am truly sorry for unleashing this evil onto the world."

"What are you still doing here?" Omnimon flew down from the sky, with the other three Royal Knights following. "I told you to get out of here!"

"Omnimon!" Iori jumped, but before he could continue, a white portal appeared above them, dropping a lanky boy with blue hair onto the platform.

"Woah!" The boy landed on the edge of the platform, losing his balance and falling into the water, but not before throwing a large blue box onto the surface first.

"Was that…?" Gallantmon gasped as UlforceVeedramon plunged into the water after him. A moment later the blue warrior emerged with Joe Kido and dropped him onto the platform.

"Joe!" Gomamon lunged forward, wrapping his fins tightly around his partner.

"Gomamon, hey," Joe smiled, embracing the rookie.

"I thought I'd lost you." Tears of joy streamed from Gomamon's eyes.

"Hey, you can't get rid of me that easily." Joe smiled.

"Joe, you're alive." Gallantmon sighed with relief.

"Yeah, I am. Thanks for getting Gomamon out of there Gallantmon." Joe nodded.

"But, how did you do it?"

"Joe, I'm as glad to see you as everyone else," Omnimon interrupted, "But this can wait until later. We need to leave!"

"Actually, it can't." Joe corrected him. "As it stands, we can't beat that thing."

"What do you mean, Joe?" Jeri inquired.

"What are you saying?" Iori added.

"Listen," Joe answered. "I just came from the digital core. It saved me from being absorbed by Apocalypse. While I was in there it told me that we didn't have the time to accumulate the power needed to defeat him."

"The digital core told you?" Omnimon gaped.

"Yes, it said that the time it would take to naturally reach the power to defeat him would take too long, that once Apocalypse reached the surface he would absorb and destroy the entire Digital world, and that anyone who even touched him would be absorbed as well."

"We witnessed this." Kentaurosmon responded. "He absorbed the other two Demi-gods that had emerged without any difficulty."

"So what are we supposed to do, just give up?" Iori growled. "What are you saying Joe?"

"Don't worry; the digital core had a solution." Joe walked over to the box he had dropped on the monster's back. "Who are we standing on?" Joe inquired as he began to open the box.

"The name's Tylomon!" The monster answered, "At your service." Joe stood up, holding what appeared to be a key in his hand. He looked around the group, counting out how many where there.

"What's going on?" The surfing monster inquired.

"Let's see," Joe scrolled his eyes across the group. "Coronamon, Lunamon, Gaomon, Monodramon, Kokuwamon, Gomamon, Hawkmon, Biyomon, Swanmon, Tylomon," He looked over to Jijimon and Lilamon, "And you two, I don't know your names."

"I'm so confused." Hawkmon scratched the back of his head. "Joe, what are you going on about?"

"Listen, the twelve of you are different." Joe replied. "Tai and Matt, Takato, Sora, and Davis are all partnered with Royal Knights, but the rest of us, we have a different role to fulfill." He panned his gaze across the group. "The digital core gave us an answer to our problem, but it comes at a cost. The twelve Digimon I just mentioned can each take one of these keys." He pushed the box forward, revealing eleven more keys. "It will unlock power within them that's been locked away for millennia. But it comes at a cost."

"What's the cost Joe?" Gomamon inquired.

"This isn't a natural digivolution." Joe answered. "It's a forced power increase, caused by a direct connection to the digital core. It'll give each of you the power to defeat Apocalypse, but the damage caused to the data streams will be catastrophic."

"No." Omnimon gasped. "You don't mean…"

"What's going on?" Henry whimpered.

"You'll have to leave." Omnimon dropped his head. "All of you human children. You'll have to leave the digital world and never return. The data streams will be ripped apart by the energy that surges through the digital world, so you won't be able to return."

"That's not fair!" Iori exclaimed.

"You can't do this to us!" Kairo agreed. "We can't separate from our partners!"

"It's not our choice to make." Joe stopped them. "It's the Digimon's." He looked to the Digimon he had previously addressed. "Listen, this isn't a guarantee. You'll be granted the power, but it'll still be up to you to use it effectively. Are you up for it?"

"This isn't right Joe!" Jeri argued. "There's got to be some other way!"

"There isn't," Joe shook his head. "Look at that thing. It's expanding even further." He looked up to Apocalypse, who was already spreading across the ocean.

"Iori," Coronamon looked up to his partner, "We have to do this."

"Coronamon, no! I can't lose you, not now!" Iori protested.

"You won't be losing me, Iori," The lion Digimon took his partner's hand; "We'll never lose the special bond we share. But the fate of my world is at stake, and this is the only way to save it."

"Lunamon," Jeri looked down to her partner with tears in her eyes. Lunamon nodded, silently agreeing with Coronamon.

"Joe is correct." Gallantmon interjected. "This is hard on all of us, but it's the only way to stop Apocalypse from destroying the digital world."

"Hm…" Omnimon became lost in thought. Deep within his mind, the four entities that were joined together were temporarily separated.

"Tai…" WarGreymon growled.
"WarGreymon," Tai flew to his partner, "I just got you back. I can't lose you again."

"It has to be done Tai," WarGreymon dropped his head. "We are facing an enemy whose power is greater than Apocalymon. If this is the sacrifice we have to make in order to ensure the safety of our world, I think it's a price worth paying."

"MetalGarurumon…" Matt flew over to the armor-clad wolf.

"You know that the right thing to do is to leave, Matt." MetalGarurumon sighed.

"We've already had to do this once before, and it hurt then too. I can't tell you how much it hurts this time." Matt replied.

"I'll miss you WarGreymon," Tai wrapped his arms around his partner, engaging him in a tight hug.

"MetalGarurumon, you're the best friend a guy could ever have." Matt wrapped his arms around the canine's neck. MetalGarurumon rubbed his head against his partner in response. Out of Omnimon's mind, Gallantmon had also gone into a deep trance.

"Guilmon!" Takato cried as he stood across from the dinosaur. "Guilmon we can't leave, you're my best friend!" he grabbed his partner, squeezing him tightly.

"Don't worry Takatomon, this won't be the last time we see each other. We'll be together again, I'm sure of it."

"You helped save my world Guilmon." Takato sighed.

"And now it's your turn to do the same Takatomon." Guilmon replied. "Goodbye my friend." Past Gallantmon, Kentaurosmon was also within its own mind.

"Kudamon…" Sora tried to hold back tears.

"Sora…" Kudamon jumped up onto her partner's shoulder.

"I…"

"I know." Kudamon placed a paw onto Sora's cheek, wiping away a tear. Sora embraced her partner, silently saying goodbye. Finally, within UlforceVeedramon's mind, Davis and Veemon stood next to each other.

"Veemon, no I love you!" Davis cried, squeezing his partner tightly.

"Davis I love you too!" Tears welling in his own eyes, Veemon reciprocated.

"I'll never forget you Veemon, you're one of the best friend's I've ever had!"

"You're one of the best friends I've ever had!" Veemon cried in response. The two wept heartily, letting each other know how much the short time they had shared with each other had meant to them.

"Monodramon…" Kairo looked down to his partner. Monodramon looked back up to him. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay Kairo." The dramon held up his claw, shaking the tamer's hand. "We'll meet again someday."

"I know we will." Kairo nodded.

"But Gaomon!" Junpei whined.

"J.P., I have to do this." Gaomon replied.

"I know but…"

"We've got a lot to make up for you know…" Gaomon tilted his head.

"Yeah but…"

"We can start with this." Gaomon stared knowingly.

"Just come here." Junpei pulled his partner in and hugged him tightly.

"Lunamon," Jeri whimpered, "Do we really have to go?"

"I'm terribly sorry Jeri," Lunamon shook her head, "But we have to stop this thing."

"I'm gonna miss you Lunamon." Jeri grasped her partner.

"You too Jeri…" Lunamon cried.

"Coronamon…" Iori sighed, "I'm not going to cry. I know what needs to be done."

"Of course you do Iori." Coronamon nodded. "You've grown so much in the time I've known you. I'm sorry you have to go so soon."

"I will see you again." Iori replied. "The day those data streams are repaired, I'm coming back."

"I wouldn't expect any less from you." The two partners bowed to each other gracefully.

"Kokuwamon, I just got you back." Henry cried. "I can't lose you again, not now!"

"Henry, I'm sorry." Kokuwamon's eyes drooped. "But this is bigger than the two of us. We need to help make things right, especially after all that we did in the name of Devimon."

"But I don't even know if I have a home to go back to!" Henry protested. "Please Kokuwamon!"

"You have to Henry, I'm sorry, but this is the way it has to be."

"Joe…" Gomamon moved over to his partner. "Joe, you're the best partner I could have ever asked for."

"I'm sorry we have to separate so suddenly." Joe replied. "But the digital core insisted this was the only way to stop him."

"I'm just glad you're alright." Gomamon replied. "Back in the digital core, I thought you had died."

"Come on, you can't get rid of me that easily." Joe smiled.

"You big goofball!" Gomamon slapped his partner in the leg. "I'll miss you."

"You too, Gomamon." Joe nodded.

"Digidestined, I am sorry, but the darkness approaches." Swanmon warned, staring into the sea as the wave of darkness came closer.

"Friends, if you're going to leave, you had best do it now." Biyomon warned.

"Biyomon, thank you for all your help." Jeri ran over to the rookie and hugged her as well. "You too Hawkmon."

"It is you whom should be thanked, Digidestined," Hawkmon replied, "After everything you've put yourselves through; we are honored to be your friends."

"Time to leave," Omnimon sighed, and then began to glow. Gallantmon, Kentaurosmon, and UlforceVeedramon did the same, expelling the human children within them onto the metal platform below.

"Ugh, that's a lot more weight." Tylomon groaned. "I'm sorry, but can we make this quick?"

"Sorry Tylomon." Tai chuckled. "Let's go guys. Kairo, can you open the portal." Kairo reluctantly complied, pulling his digivice out of his pocket and raising it into the air. A portal opened moments later, leading back to the rooftop of Tai's apartment in Odaiba.

"Goodbye Monodramon," Kairo's eyes drooped as he leaped in.

"I'll see you later Gaomon!" Junpei cried and leaped after them.

"Gallantmon," Takato waved to the Royal Knight, then followed.

"Kentaurosmon, I'll miss you." Sora followed.

"Goodbye Veemon!" Davis ran in, too emotional to linger.

"Lunamon…" Jeri broke her grip from the rabbit Digimon and then took off into the portal.

"I'll be seeing you." Iori nodded to his partner, and was the next to leave.

"Henry," Joe put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I know a lot has happened, but it's time. Don't worry, everything will be okay, I promise." Henry reluctantly complied, waved goodbye to his partner, and then went with Joe into the portal. Only Tai and Matt were left.

"Let's go Tai." Matt walked towards the portal, but Tai turned to address Jijimon before he left.

"It's up to you now." Tai said sternly. "You've gotten your chance. Don't waste it."

"Thank you Digidestined." Jijimon bowed. "I promise I will make the most of what you have done for us."

"Thank you, truly." Lilamon bowed.

"Okay, let's go Matt." Tai walked up to the portal, and the two of them jumped in together. Lingering for a few moments, the portal closed behind them, leaving the four Royal Knights and the twelve chosen Digimon without the human partners who had helped them get here.

"Well Jijimon," Omnimon addressed the elder Digimon. "If you're going to do something, now would be the time."

"Yes, of course," Jijimon walked up to the box containing the keys. He grabbed the one that felt right, and held it to his chest. "Friends, I know none of you remember, but we once united to save the digital world from a similar threat. The time has come for us to sacrifice ourselves for a greater purpose once again. Who is with me?"

"I'll always be by your side." Lilamon walked up to the Digmon she had been caring for and grabbed a key.

"I've already got mine," Gomamon smiled, "Ready when you are."

"I relish the opportunity!" Coronamon ran up to the box and grabbed a key.

"It seems our destiny awaits us." Lunamon swiped a key.

"Looks like we finally get to do something right for a change." Gaomon said as he, Kokuwamon, and Monodramon walked up to the box and each took a key.

"Sister, are you ready?" Hawkmon turned to the pink bird.

"Let's end this." Biyomon nodded. The two avian Digimon then grabbed two keys of their own.

"Someone give me a damn key I'm ready to fight already!" Tylomon bellowed. Swanmon flew over to the box and grabbed the last two keys, keeping one for herself and handing the other to Tylomon, placing it on his fin.

"Alright then friends," Jijimon walked up to the front of the metal tube. "It is time." He watched the darkness approach, getting ever closer to the group.

"We will leave this to you." Gallantmon flew into the air, away from the approaching wave, and the other knights followed.

"Apocalypse," Jijimon sighed, "I hope you are prepared, for the wrath, of the Olympus Twelve!" A column of light enveloped the twelve Digimon, exploding into the sky. The approaching darkness burned away, unable to touch the raging energy. Twelve lights then shot out of the pillar.

"Vulcanusmon!" A multi-armed warrior shot into the sky, clad in red armor, and holding a myriad of weapons in his arms. The spirit of Gomamon was a humanoid with pink hair, a headband, and a black mask covering his face, covered in a transparent helmet.

"Venusmon!" The graceful feminine warrior had a lose fitting white dress that fluttered in the wind as she flew through the air. The spirit of Swanmon had long flowing blonde hair wrapped in white bands.

"Neptunemon!" The massive humanoid-aquan hybrid streamed out of the pillar of light, his long scaly tail propelling him forward. The spirit of Tylomon grasped his trident tightly, his blue-scaled armor glistening in the sun.

"Minervamon!" The female warrior raced through the skies, her golden armor reflecting the raging pillar of energy behind her. The spirit of Biyomon held a massive sword on her shoulder, and blue braids of hair fluttered in the wind.

"Merukimon!" The humanoid Digimon flipped through the air, wearing a canine mask with a long green mane behind it. The spirit of Gaomon held a bone sword in his gauntlet-bound arm, gliding through the air using the energy around him.

"Marsmon!" Flames emitted from the steel gauntlets on Marsmon's arms. The spirit of Hawkmon wore a saber-tooth mask, a tight red jumpsuit, and metal bracers on his legs. The monster propelled himself into the air using the flames from the gauntlets on his fists.

"Ceresmon!" The winged Digimon rose into the air, its massive form covered in a lush forest. The spirit of Kokuwamon was the largest of the Olympus Twelve, its massive bird-like form casting a shadow over the others.

"Baccchusmon!" The serpentine Digimon rocketed through the air, his large rotund body blowing steam from the mouth on his chest. The spirit of Monodramon was bright pink, wearing a purple cape and green gloves.

"Dianamon!" The moonlit warrior gracefully flipped out of the pillar of light, holding a two-sided scythe. The spirit of Lunamon was clad in white and blue armor from head to toe.

"Apollomon!" The lion Digimon had a flowing yellow mane, and fire streamed from the gauntlets on his arms. The spirit of Coronamon wore red armor, streaming through the air as if pulled on a chariot by winged horses.

"Junomon!" The spirit of Lilamon wore light white clothing, and carried a long staff with a blue stone encrusted on the top. She wore a purple cape, and an intricate crown.

"Jupitermon!" The golden warrior appeared from the top of the pillar, his white cape rippling in the wind. Covered head to toe in golden armor, the warrior held two metal hammers, from which electricity crackled. The being once known as Jijimon, now restored to full power, breathed deeply.

"Friends!" Jupitermon's voice boomed into the air. "The time has come. Let us fly."

"Do you think this impresses me?" Apocalypse's towering body began to roll forward, flowing through the dark mass as it spread across the seas, consuming the metal tube left behind by Tylomon as he digivolved. The twelve warriors circled the dark being, their power radiating.

"Do you think they can do it?" Kentaurosmon asked Omnimon as they watched from afar.

"I do," Omnimon sighed, "However I believe the cost to those twelve Digimon will be as high as our partners had to pay."

"Apocalypse!" Jupitermon roared. "How dare you? You took advantage of my desperation, clawed your way into the digital core, and infected the digital world with an evil it has yet to recover from! You have caused the meaningless destruction of thousands of Digimon over the course of millennia and ruined the lives of countless others, including the poor souls of the Digidestined who were sent here to help protect our world!"

"The damage you did to my partner Henry is unforgivable!" Ceresmon bellowed. "His life has been ruined thanks to your actions! He now has to return to a world that has forgotten him, and his life will never be the same!"

"Your words are meaningless." Apocalypse snarled. "Your power is nothing compared to mine! I not only hold the full potential of four Demi-gods, I am also privy to the darkest secrets of the digital core! I know things that would rock the foundations of the digital and human worlds! I am an unstoppable juggernaut and will not have my divine right hampered by twelve foolish Digimon who think they are comparable to me because they once defeated Apocalymon. I am far superior to Apocalymon, and I am far superior to you!"

"Then let's put it to the test!" Apollomon roared. "Arrow of Apollo!" Burning red arrows rained from the jewels in Apollomon's gauntlets.

"Sin's Breath!" Bacchusmon fired a stream of noxious fumes out of his mouth.

"Fruit Flechette!" Earth began to rain from Ceresmon's wings, and a flurry of blasts shot from the massive forest on Ceresmon's back.

"Arrow of Artemis!" Dianamon pulled a sparkling arrow of ice form the protuberances on her back, then using her scythe as a bow, fired it.

"Love Blast!" Junomon let out a stream of energy from the jewel upon her staff.

"Mabolt!" Jupitermon summoned an array of thunderclouds, which began unleashing lightning bolts at the dark form.

"Fist of the Beast!" Marsmon slammed his gauntlets together and shot a fist of fire.

"Super Charge!" Merukimon let out a lightning bolt from its blade.

"Dominion blade!" Minveramon slashed her blade, letting out a stream of white energy.

"Wave of Depth!" Neptunemon summoned a gigantic tidal wave and crashed it against the dark creature.

"Wings of Fate!" Thousands of feathers swirled from Venusmon's body, slicing like razors through the air.

"Vulcan's Hammer!" Vulcanusmon swung the hammer in his front fist down where it cracked against the air, sending a burst of energy down towards Apocalypse.

The twelve attacks consumed the dark monster, ripping into his being. Apocalypse screamed, bellowing cries of rage as the twelve strikes tore into the dark matter. "Enough!" He finally roared. The monster unleashed a burst of energy that threw back the attacks, knocking them into the sky. "Now do you understand? Even the twelve of you combined cannot hope to contain my power!"

"He's right." Junomon glared down at the monster. "Half of our abilities are useless given that we cannot touch him."

"If a combined strike will not damage him, then I am afraid there is only one other course of action." Apollomon said ominously. "We can continue to unleash blasts at him in the hopes it will damage him, but the more energy we expend, the less powerful the final option will be."

"The digital core sent us a message saying that the cost for defeating him would be dire." Dianamon added. "Perhaps we shouldn't waste any more time."

"Unfortunately you are correct." Jupitermon sighed. "I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but it seems we have no other choice." He looked to his fellow Olympians. The others all gave nods in agreement.

"Do what you must! Nothing can stop me!" Apocalypse roared.

"And so we shall!" An orb of light appeared around Jupitermon.

"What is this?" Apocalypse cocked his head at the action, unsure of what the Olympian was doing. Suddenly, an orb of light appeared around Junomon as well. "What?" Apocalypse gasped. He then watched each of the twelve Olympians envelop themselves in a sphere of light, which all began to expand from the sides, until the twelve were united in a ring of brilliant energy. "What are you doing?"

"Whatever it takes!" Apollomon roared. "Ayah!" Energy streamed forward from each of the orbs, smashing into Apocalypse. The monster screeched as each attack hit him, ripping through the darkness that composed his body.

"You see Apocalypse, you were correct when you said we couldn't hope to compare to you. After all, you're far superior to Apocalymon." Bacchusmon began.

"However, there's an important difference between our power then and our power now!" Ceresmon bellowed.

"The energy we've shared with our partners makes us stronger than we've ever been!" Dianamon screamed.

"The Digidestined have brought hope to this world in a way you can never comprehend!" Junomon continued.

"The energy we bring forth now is far beyond our own!" Marsmon said as the beams connected within Apocalypse.

"Our power is connected directly to the core of the digital world itself!" Merukimon added.

"Our power can't hope to compare to yours, but your power doesn't compare to the vastness of the entire digital world!" Neptunemon bellowed.

"With our powers combined, we use the very fibers that bring the digital world together!" Cried Minervamon as a pillar of light appeared from within Apocalypse, ripping through his body and shooting into the sky.

"The data streams that bring the digital world together provide us with a connection to this world that you will never be able to understand!" Venusmon screamed.

"Alone, our power is nothing compared to yours!" Vulcanusmon cheered. "But together with our partners, we've created a connection with the digital core itself!"

"Our role is not to defeat you Apocalypse," Jupitermon glared at the demon as the pillar of light expanded, bloating the monster's body even larger than it was before. "Our role is to open a gateway to the purest, most powerful source of energy we can muster. The digital core will deal with you directly!" As he spoke, light ripped from various locations on Apocalypse's body.

"No!" Apocalypse tried to break free, but the ring of light made by the twelve Olympians had trapped his expanding body within. The monster lashed out at the field of light, trying desperately to escape. "I'll absorb you all!" He shot dark arms at each of the Olympians, attempting to tear through the force field and envelop the warriors.

"Your plan has already failed." Jupitermon shook his head. "Our bodies cannot handle this surge of power either."

"Then you'll die!" Apocalypse roared. "You'd sacrifice yourselves?"

"We are Digimon, we will be reconfigured." The ethereal voices of the twelve Olympians rang in unison, "You, however, are beyond earthly definitions, as you said. We're not quite sure what will happen to you." The pillar within Apocalypse fully enveloped him, tearing his body away. The monster looked down as light came from below. He saw the inside of the digital core, so close, so vulnerable, yet it was its willingness to expose itself to him that had finally caused its downfall.

"I see, so I finally get to see the inside of the digital core." Apocalypse sighed. "I suppose all I really wanted was to reach the unreachable. Now that I have, there's nothing left..." The pillar of energy tore through the remains of the darkness that composed Apocalypse's body, leaving nothing behind. Finally the light faded, the energy bursting from the digital core no longer. The ocean waters crashed down on where Reboot Island had once been, leaving nothing but empty sea in its wake.

"They're gone." Kentaurosmon gasped. "And so is the island. The digital core opened up and swallowed them all."

"No," Veedramon shook his head. "It released an energy not seen since the formation of the digital world, I'd wager, using the power of the Olympus Twelve as a conduit."

"A last desperate act by the digital core to keep the world safe from the ultimate evil." Gallantmon observed. "Possible only due to the bond shared between the twelve of them: something that wasn't available during the fight against Apocalymon as Junomon and Jupitermon weren't there."

"Not just that," Omnimon shook his head, "It wasn't just the bond of the twelve that let them defeat Apocalypse."

"It was the bond they shared with the tamers." Kentaurosmon realized, "Our partners and theirs, which gave them the energy to finally eliminate the Demi-gods once and for all."

"We should return to File Island." Gallantmon proposed. "The data streams tore themselves apart in that transfer of power. We need to find somewhere to go until they can begin to repair themselves."

"I agree." Kentaurosmon nodded. "And while we're there we can see to our fellow Royal Knights and ally Digimon as well. Without Swanmon there to tend to them, they could use some protection." With that, the four knights drifted away, awed at what had just transpired, their heads bowing with respect at the twelve Digimon they were proud to call their friends, who had sacrificed everything to ensure the safety of the digital world.

Odaiba Apartments

Tokyo, Japan

7:00 P.M

February 7th, 2010

"They're coming back." Izzy jumped to his feet. Yolei and Kari had gone home earlier that day, under the condition that Izzy would contact them if anything changed. Izzy had elected to stay behind and monitor the portal. Now he prepared himself for whatever was about to come through. The portal groaned to life, creating a sheet of plasma within the ring. A stream of tamers was let out, dropping one by one onto the rooftop. Kairo and Junpei walked forward, followed by Iori and Jeri. Takato and Sora came behind them along with Davis, followed by Joe, carrying a tall boy who Izzy struggled to recognize. Tai and Matt brought up the line, and the portal closed behind them.

"Is that Henry?" Izzy exclaimed, running up to Joe, who was supporting the teen.

"Hello," Henry replied with a sigh.

"Wait, what happened?" Izzy looked around at the group, noticing the sobering expression on each of their faces. "Where are all your partners?"

"Call Yolei and Kari back up here Izzy," Tai answered, "We've got a lot to talk about."

7:30

Half an hour later, Yolei and Kari had returned to the rooftop, and Tai had begun to retell their experience on their last day in the digital world.

"It's closed again?" Kari whimpered. "But, we just got to go back!"

"I never even got to see Mushroomon." Yolei sighed.

"What do we do now?" Izzy inquired, looking over to the digital gate.

"There's nothing we can do." Iori shook his head. "They're gone: not for good, but for now, and for a long time at that. We have to move on."

"They changed our lives," Jeri dropped her head into her hands. "How can we just move on? They destroyed half the city too…"

"Kudamon..." Sora placed her hand on the gateway, staring off into space.

"We move on by understanding how far we've come." Said Tai. "We did what we were supposed to do: saved the digital world. It may be over, but none of us will ever forget the journey that we took to get here, and we're all better for it." Tai's words left the group in silence.

"I think it's time to go home." Matt finally said, leaning against the rooftop garage and staring out into the bay.

"What are we going to do about Henry?" Junpei inquired. "He's got nowhere to go."

"He has somewhere to go." Tai replied. "Henry, do you remember where you lived before you came to the digital world?"

"I'm not sure," Henry rubbed his head, "That was so long ago. I can try though."

"He can stay with Jim and me until we find where his parents are." Joe suggested. "Would that be alright with you?"

"Thanks Joe," Henry sniffed, tears wallowing in his eyes. "I don't deserve your kindness."

"You're one of the Digidestined Henry," Joe helped him to his feet, "And we help each other no matter what. Everyone here understands why you did what you did, and you'll find that no matter how hard you beat yourself up for what you've done, we'll always be here for you."

"Thanks..." Henry sobbed.

"Come on Joe, I'll help you two get home." Matt walked over to the pair and walked them towards the stairs. "See you all later."

"Sora, I'll take you home." Yolei waved the girl over. Sora sighed as she took her hand off of the digital gate, and then followed the purple haired girl down the stairs.

"Can I get a ride too Yolei?" Davis inquired.

"Of course. Anyone else?" Yolei asked.

"We can take the train back to Shinjuku." Takato said as Tai looked over at him, urging him to go with Yolei. "Let's go Kairo." The two cousins walked away.

"Me and Iori can walk together; we're not far from here." Jeri said for the pair, and the two then made their way towards the staircase.

"I can find my own way home too." Junpei grunted. "See y'all later, and thanks." He waved them goodbye as he made his way down the stairs.

"I guess that's everyone." Yolei sighed and left down the staircase with Sora and Davis, leaving Tai, Kari, and Izzy alone with the digital gateway.

"I guess I should get started with dismantling it." Izzy spoke. "If the data streams are down, then this will do us no good."

"Leave it for tomorrow." Tai told him. "I'll help you with it."

"Thanks Tai." Izzy nodded.

"In the meantime Izzy, why don't you come to our place for a while." Kari suggested. "We could use a friend."

"Of course." Izzy agreed. They threw a tarp over the gateway and then made their way downstairs. Tai stopped at the top of the stairs, turning back to take one last look at the portal.

"I'll see you again, Agumon, I promise." With that, he turned around and started down the staircase, leaving his memories of the digital world behind him.

Epilogue

Eight Years Later

In the dark confines of his tiny apartment in downtown Kyoto, a man sat at a computer screen typing away on his keyboard as he put the finishing touches on a sequence of code. With one last keystroke, he finished the algorithm he had been working on for the past three months. He saved the file, transferring it onto a thumb drive, then slipped it into an envelope, which he put into his coat pocket. The man then quietly slipped out the door, entering the bright hallway of his apartment complex. He slipped on some sunglasses and a baseball cap, then made his way out onto the streets of Kyoto.

A short ride on the bus found him close to his destination. He walked the rest of the way, giving a friendly nod to the man across the street with a noodle cart, who was doing his best to attract his attention. The man was on a short clock, however, and so he continued down the street. As he walked, a soccer ball suddenly bumped into his leg.

"Hold on, I'll get it for you Tommy." He heard a boy call from the small courtyard he had passed. A boy in dark blue clothes ran up to him as he bent down to pick up the ball. "Sorry about that." The boy bowed. "My friend lost control of his ball. May I have it back?"

"Of course." The man nodded, handing the ball off. As the boy grasped it, he felt a small spark. "Have a nice day." The man smiled, adjusted his baseball cap, and then kept on his way. The boy stared at him as he walked into the crowd, a weird sensation overcoming him.

"Hey Koji, can I have my ball back?" The boy named Tommy called to him.

"Oh, yeah, sorry Tommy." Koji dropped the ball to the ground and kicked it over to the boy, who continued playing. Koji looked back to the crowd, but had lost sight of the mysterious man.

The programmer slipped through the crowd and finally broke free to his destination. He ran down a small path that led to an apartment complex, slipping into the stairwell and making his way to the top floor. As he made his way up, he felt a vibration in his pocket. He pulled out his cell phone, laughing at the name of the caller.

"Have you completed the program yet?" The voice on the other end of the line inquired. "We're approaching our deadline."

"You have impeccable timing," The man grinned as he stepped onto the upper floor, "I'm right outside your door. The x-virus is primed and ready for deployment."