In another place, at an earlier time, a blue and white digimon garbed in golden armor was soaring upwards through a tunnel that seemed to stretch on for eternity. Bright lights and screens flashed by him as he streaked up at a breakneck speed, revealing images of different locations around the human world, but none of them the one he was currently searching for. He groaned, fearing he was already too late. “Why again are you sending me? My abilities aren’t exactly suited for retrieval missions, especially ones that require this level of discretion. The humans will easily spot me the moment I enter their world.”

Five screens soon appeared around his head and traveled with him upwards as he continued through the tunnel. The screen directly to his right spoke first, it had the silhouette of a tri-horned digimon upon it. “You were briefed on this already, Magnamon. King Drasil has discovered a breach between the human and digital worlds. A champion level digimon has entered it, which means only a digimon of the same data size or smaller can follow them.” The silhouette said stoically. “You are the only knight in our order who could possibly travel through the connection, since you are an Armored Evolution digimon.”

The screen in front of him began to snicker, the silhouette showing another digimon with three flying creatures behind it. “Besides, Alphamon could use a miracle right about now.”

Magnamon groaned at his fellow knight’s joke. However it was a third knight that reprimanded the jester on Magnamon’s behalf. The third knight's silhouette was holding a rose on screen, “Jesmon, thy humor is unbecoming of a Royal Knight. Thou shouldst hold thyself to a much higher standard.” The knight spoke with a distinctively masculine tone but highly effeminate voice before smelling his rose. “Gankoomon, thou should teachth thy squire the manners of our order.” The speaker turned towards a fourth screen where a digimon with a long billowing jacket was standing.

They couldn’t see him clearly through the screen, but they all could tell he was smirking. “A true mon never backs down on anything, not even his own opinion. He must always stay true to his own beliefs, wherever they might lead him. Sticking to his guns against all else! For that is what it truly means to be manly!” The others could swear they heard an explosion go off as he finished his declaration.

A drop of sweat rolled down the back of Jesmon’s head. “Sensai, I fear you may be taking my humor a tad too seriously.”

The fifth screen lit up, revealing a silhouette of clearly draconic appearance. “LordKnightmon, Gankoomon, now is hardly the time.” He said, reprimanding both squabbling knights. The dragon then turned to Magnamon, "soldier, we have complete faith in yo-” he was cut off as what appeared to be a black bolt flew past them at a rate almost impossible to perceive. “What the..?”

“YGGDRASIL DAMN IT!!!” Magnamon cursed, “that must have been the champion. He’s still searching for an exit and this call is causing me to lag. Sorry, but I have to drop this.”

Magnamon then swiped his left hand and the five scenes disappeared ending the conversation. “FUCK!!!!” He roared as he put all in his power into catching up and hopefully overtaking the black bolt that passed him. Unfortunately, he saw a light at the end of the tunnel dim for the briefest of time before it returned to what it was. His target had exited the connection. “DAMN IT!” He roared a second time before increasing his speed. He looked to his waist as well as the bag tied to it. Part of him wanted to chuck it in order to lose some excess weight, but he couldn’t take the chance he might need its contents in the future.

******

Back in the present, the teens had just led Dorumon back into Sunset’s apartment following their fight with the demon. They had spent some time clearing the street of the crushed garbage cans and loose trash to avoid drawing suspicion to Sunset’s home. Their city already had plenty of experience with Equestrian magic running rampant and the absolute last thing they needed was for a panic to start up because someone mistook Dorumon for a monster.

The inside of the apartment was still a mess, but at the moment other matters were taking priority. The teens spent a few minutes searching for Ray before eventually finding him underneath the couch the demon had turned over. Sunset took her pet and placed him inside a large piece of tupperware to rest for the time being. She would decide what to do with him later once she got a chance to fix one of his cages. For now, she was more focused on hearing what Dorumon had to say now that he’d gained the ability to speak.

Flash and Applejack worked together to flip the couch back onto its feet while Rainbow placed Sunset’s coffee table back in front of it. The teens each took a seat on and around the couch while Spike sprawled himself out on Twilight’s lap. By the end of it, only Rainbow and Applejack were left standing. Of all of them, they looked the most ready to spring back into action should the demon attack again.

Dorumon found a seat on the opposite side of the table and stared at the group as if he were leading a committee. He wasn’t sure why, but taking this position felt familiar. He could oddly recall vague scenes similar to this one in his mind. He could remember sitting down at a grand table with other beings like him dressed in varying forms of armor. They appeared to be discussing something of importance with him, but he couldn’t make out the words the armored creatures were saying. Dorumon shook his head and returned his attention back to the teens in front of him.

“Forgive me for my silence...my mind was elsewhere for a moment.” He looked down at the coffee table for a short time before looking back up at the teens. He felt like he was about to take part in a major diplomatic discussion. He wasn’t sure why he knew what that felt like nor how he knew what that even was.

He did hatch only a few hours ago…didn’t he?

“It’s okay. We know you must be feeling a bit overwhelmed after…everything.” Sunset smiled at him sheepishly and scratched the back of her head as if the events that had occurred prior to this had been her fault. Dorumon didn’t like that she felt that she felt this way.

“It has been a little jarring, I will admit.” Dorumon sighed. “First waking up in your home and finding myself trapped inside that glass prison.” He motioned towards Ray’s larger terrarium. “Then that whole mess with that massive digimon. Plus these vague memories that have been clouding my mind. It’s a lot to take in for someone who’s supposedly only a few hours old.”

Rarity arched an eyebrow, “I’m sorry, darling, but I’m afraid you may be going a tad too fast for us. Would it be alright if we asked you a few questions?”

Dorumon nodded. “I believe that would be the best course of action. I’m sure you all are very confused and I would like to help you as much as I can. It’s the least I can do after everything you’ve done for me.” His eyes caught Sunset’s. He seemed to be speaking to her directly. “I however have a request as well. I would like to ask you all a few questions of my own, I think it may give me a better understanding of the world I currently find myself in.”

The teens looked at each other. The more Dorumon spoke, the more confused they seemed to get. They were beginning to wonder if asking him questions would even provide answers they’d understand.

“Of course, Dorumon. It would only be fair.” Sunset cleared her throat. The tension in the room was oddly thick. Maybe it was because their new guest could seemingly change into larger forms at will. She really didn’t want to provoke him if she could help it. “I suppose the best place to start would be…what are you?” She tried to make her words sound as respectful as possible. “I’m sure you probably have the same question, so I’ll answer first. My friends and I are humans, and Spike here," she motioned to the canine, "is a dog.”

Dorumon furrowed his brows and turned to stare at the floor. For a few minutes the room went silent as the dragon processed what he had just been told. He exhaled and turned his head back towards them, finally ready to speak. “I am a digimon, the same kind of creature as the one who attacked you.” He stated bluntly. “We are a species from another world that has the ability to change form as it grows older. I am not sure where this world is, but the word human…it is familiar to me.” His eyes took on an intensity that surprised the teens. They tried not to show it for fear that it might make Dorumon lose his train of thought. “There are no humans where I come from. Of this I am certain. But then why would I know this word?”

Twilight adjusted her glasses, her mind suddenly on overdrive. “Do you think that's why you were able to transform so quickly? I’m only hazarding a guess, but I’d assume a transformation as drastic as yours should have only occurred further on in your lifecycle. Maybe after at least a few years or so, right?”

Dorumon shook his head. “This I do not know. I can only tell you that digivolving so quickly after hatching is most likely uncommon. I have to assume it had something to do with your presence around me when the change occurred.”

“I do believe I saw Sunset’s geode shine just before Dorumon started, ermm…digivolving?” Dorumon nodded at her. Rarity smiled, slightly proud that she had gotten the term on her first try. “Perhaps her magic had something to do with inciting your transformation?”

Dorumon stared at the group in confusion. “Magic..?” The term was not foreign to him, but he was a tad bewildered by the girl’s use of it in this context.

Sunset chuckled timidly. “Trust me, it’s better we leave that topic for another time. Things are confusing enough as it is. Let’s just say we’re familiar with weird things coming to our world from other places and leave at that.”

“Hmmm…” Dorumon was curious. “So this “magic” you speak of...it is alien? And it comes from another world like me?”

The group was starting to connect the dots like Dorumon. “It is.” Applejack confirmed. “But it ain’t from the same place as you, Ah’m afraid. If it were, this mess would be a whole heck of a lot easier to sort out.”

“I had a feeling you would say that, but that isn’t what I'm suggesting.” He began to pace back and forth on the opposite side of the table. “The birthplace of your magic and the world from which I hail are completely separate locations. But I can’t help but feel they’re connected in some way. At least, that’s the conclusion I’m taking away from this.”

Fluttershy lifted her hands and put them over her mouth. She quietly stifled her giggles in case Dorumon was listening.

Flash looked up at her from the floor. “What’s so funny, Fluttershy?”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, “it’s just, he looks so cute pacing around like that. It’s almost like he’s a little detective.”

Pinkie Pie gasped, “OH!” To everyone’s surprise she immediately ran out of the room only to come back seconds later with a deerstalker cap and a calabash pipe that blew bubbles. “Quick, Dorumon, put these on and say: “elementary my dear Fluttershy.”

Twilight seemed a tad piqued by Pinkie’s request. Under her breath, she muttered, “he never actually said that in the books nor did ever wear that type of hat and his drug of choice was heroin not tobacco!”

Dorumon meanwhile was more focused on the fact that Pinkie had collected the articles of clothing in such little time. It didn’t seem physically possible.

“You collected those so quickly.” He said in utter disbelief. “Are you certain you’re human?”

Everyone else began to laugh, much to Dorumon’s confusion. “Trust me, dude, that’s one question none of us have the answer to.” Rainbow explained. “We find it best to just go along with whatever crazy thing Pinkie’s doing at the time. Saves you a headache.”

Dorumon stared at her for a moment, considering her answer. Eventually, he sighed and decided to go along with what she said. He had other more important topics to focus on anyways. “Very well, I will do as you recommend.” He turned so he could look at the group in full. “Do you have any more questions?”

Sunset leaned closer, her fingers steepled as if to visualize her curiosity. “Yes, actually. I’ve been wondering about these memories you’ve been seeing. Can you tell us more about them? I can’t help but think they might be helpful in finding a way to send you back home.”

Dorumon shook his head. “Beyond what I’ve already told you, there isn’t that much else to say. From what I can gather from these memories, I was some sort of protector. A powerful figure who served alongside other strong digimon . I believe these digimon and I were entrusted with keeping my world safe from disaster and those who would seek to do it harm.”

Pinkie Pie gasped a second time. “Like a superhero?!” She ran for the door again. “Stay right there, Dorumon, I'm going to get you a tiny cape!”

Dorumon ignored her this time, instead keeping his attention squarely on Sunset who was now stroking her chin in thought. “I think I have an idea.” The others turned towards her. “Dorumon, this may sound weird, but I’d like to take a look at your memories.” The digimon arched an eyebrow at her request. Sunset chuckled, “let me explain,” she motioned her hands towards the geode around her neck, “this object around my neck gives me the power to look at the memories of others. With it, we might be able to get a better view of these visions you’ve been having and possibly get a better understanding of who you were.”

Dorumon’s eyes widened at the prospect. He couldn’t help but feel intrigued. “This is more of your magic, I assume?” Sunset nodded. “Hmm…” Dorumon considered subjecting himself to Sunset’s magic a second time. He looked down at his new body, the one he achieved so quickly only because of Sunset’s influence. He looked back up at Sunset and the warm smile she was giving him. He didn’t hesitate to make his next decision.

“I will gladly accept any help you are willing to give me, Sunset.” He said with a bow. “Please feel free to perform your magic whenever you are ready. I will trust in your judgement.”

Rarity giggled as she watched Dorumon’s display. “My how chivalrous of you, Dorumon. Perhaps Pinkie Pie was wrong in thinking you were a superhero. You remind me more of a valiant knight, if anything.”

Her friends got up from the couch and moved aside so Sunset could step around the coffee table. She sat down next to Dorumon, then gently placed her hand over the gem on the digimon’s head. Almost immediately she felt her magic kick in and Sunset soon found herself in a location completely alien to any she had seen before.

Unlike the memories she had seen before while reading other people’s minds, this time she was looking through the eyes of what she assumed was Dorumon's old form. Based on his perspective, she had to assume Dorumon's previous form was massive in size, possibly just as big—or maybe even bigger—than the monster they had fought in the street. She couldn’t control the old Dorumon’s movements, this being a memory in all, but thankfully he was standing in a large open area allowing her to easily make sense of the land around her.

Dorumon was standing in a gigantic clearing that was encircled by a dense forest. The forest itself vaguely reminded her of the Everfree Forest in Equestria, but whereas the Everfree felt foreboding and dangerous at almost all hours of the day, this forest almost felt enchanting. It had a thin layer of mist pouring out of it like steam from a hot bath, and she couldn’t place why, but it had a magical presence to it as well, like something she’d might experience if she lived in a fairy tail. A magnificent castle sat before her crafted of ivory white bricks and aqua blue shingle roofs. But what really caught her attention was the massive tree sitting behind it. It was the largest tree she had ever seen, almost matching the size of some of the human world’s largest cities with its radius alone. Its bark and leaves shone like cerulean crystals and almost blended in perfectly with the clear sky above thanks to the extreme length of its branches.

She was so awestruck by its sheer immensity, that she didn’t even notice a clenched fist flying straight at Dorumon’s face. Dorumon’s old form was struck backwards, the punch staggering him, but he quickly righted himself before turning back to face his enemy. Sunset gasped upon seeing Dorumon’s attacker. It was a digimon that looked extremely similar to the one that attacked her apartment.

It looked like a shirtless version of the creature garbed in a pair of black pants rather than a leather body suit. Belts and bandages still covered many areas of its body and a line of seven red orbs were growing out of the front left side of its chest like an oddly coordinated string of acne. A mullet of spikey white hair stretched down to its shoulder blades and a golden mask with six eyes was staring back into her own… err, Dorumon’s.

An army of similar digimon were fighting in the background behind the monster against another army of beings that vaguely resembled knights. A second demon, one that looked identical to the first, landed behind Dorumon’s attacker. Both creatures raised their hands in order to attack, only to be struck from behind when a sword pierced through the chest of one monster and a blast of blue energy froze the second solid.

The demon skewered on the sword disintegrated, it’s body blowing away like shredded leaves in the wind. The owner of the sword was a caped knight with a three horned helmet and a pair of gauntlets over his fists that resembled the heads of a dragon and a wolf respectively.

“I could have handled them myself, Omnimon.” Dorumon’s old form stated. He punched the frozen demon, shattering it to pieces no bigger than the cubes found in an ice tray. “Quite easily, I might add.”

Omnimon folded his arms, “I’m well aware of that. But we need to discuss something immediately.” He rushed past Dorumon to slay another demon that had been charging towards them. Several more digimon were beginning to surround them. A glowing blade, seemingly made of light, suddenly appeared in Dorumon’s hand and the two knights soon found themselves standing back to back against a large portion of the invading army.

“Don’t you find it strange that the remains of the Demon Lords’ armies are attacking us now?” Omnimon questioned. He bisected a demon as it charged towards him. “The war has been over for centuries and most of their forces had been scattered to the wind following their masters’ demise. It seems unlikely that they would all come together so suddenly and so brazenly attack even though their odds of winning this battle are minimal.”

“We are missing six members of our order, Omnimon. Perhaps they saw an opportunity.”

“Digitalize of Soul!”

A small two dimensional circle patterned in runes appeared before Dorumon’s old form and fired multiple blasts of green energy at a rate similar to a machine gun. Three demons in front of him were quickly turned into swiss cheese before disintegrating.

“But I do see your point. Do you think someone has brought them together again? And if so, whom? This attack doesn’t suggest it to be someone with experience in warfare. These demon digimon are attacking us at random and they aren’t taking advantage of our lack of numbers. It's almost as if their commander sent them into battle without a plan of attack.”

“Garuru Cannon!”

Omnimon laughed as four more demons were frozen in place. “You sound almost disappointed. Don’t tell me this era of peace is finally starting to wear on you? That being said, we do see you so rarely. It’s hard to imagine you getting bored when I know so little about you, despite the countless years we’ve worked together.”

“Secrets create mystery, mystery creates power.” Dorumon explained. “If you know nothing about your opponent then you have no way of defending against them. This is why I tell you so little, it makes it less likely that our enemies will get ahold of sensitive information. It also greatly hinders the possibility that you or the other knights will be captured or integrated because of my actions. I work alone because it paints a target on my back and keeps our enemies distracted, allowing you and the rest of the order to place more of your focus on the protection of the Digital World.”

"And yet when things go awry with your plans, it is either me or one of our brethren who ends up having to clean up the mess.” Omnimon countered, hinting at other matters while also striking at the heart of this one. Dorumon's old form groaned like a child that had heard the same lecture more times than they cared to count, and yet could not refute or challenge the point being made. Omnimon continued, “you forget I am the Omega to your Alpha. Imperialdramon did not entrust the order to you alone nor to even the both of us.” Omnimon said as he pointed between them both. “He entrusted its care to every Royal Knight because we work best as a team. Look at me," Omnimon took a step back and held out his dragon gauntlet arm, "I was once an Agumon," he then lowered it and lifted his wolf gauntlet arm, "and a Gabumon that many times in their youth at best wanted nothing to do with each other. I am what I am because they realized they needed to work as close to one mind as two separate beings could to survive. I am greater than the sum of any variation of a WarGreymon and a MetalGarurumon that could be my parts because of that. Our order is no different. Remember that, Alphamon."

Sunset felt like she had been completely engrossed in a movie. It was only now after hearing Dorumon’s prior name that she remembered she was supposed to be keeping track of all the important information she heard. She tucked away the name “Alphamon'' for later before immediately returning to the history playing out before her.

“You are a good friend.” Alphamon said as he impaled another attacking demon on his sword. “But I’d still prefer to be the one to make sacrifices rather than worry that you or the others will do the same for me.”

Omnimon drew his sword as he cleaved another demon in twain and blasted half a score more with his cannon, “with all due goodwill, I can't return the sentiment.” Once the demons around them seemed cleared, he turned around fully to face his friend. “Never forget, we were all chosen for a reason. If each of us didn’t have the same mentality as you, our order would have died with Imperialdramon.” There was a moment of silence between the two, as if to recall a lost loved one. Omnimon gave a slight sigh. “Your seat can’t remain empty forever. Too many of our seats are vacant now, and with the others who still claim their seats off on other quests from King Drasil, I need you now more than ever since the Demon Lords’ demise.”

The two looked around, the area seemed clear. "Mayhaps you-" Doru…Alphamon stated but was cut short when they heard an explosion.

The two knights turned towards the castle where they were sure the sound had come from. The exterior of the castle looked to be undamaged, which unfortunately did not ease the Royal Knights’ worry, because they knew if the noise did come from outside the castle then there was only one place the perpetrator who caused it could be.

Alphamon’s grip tightened around his sword. “Someone has entered the castle!” He turned to look at Omnimon with what Sunset could only assume was a fierce expression. “You were right. This attack was a diversion!”

Omnimon turned his gaze towards the ground, a remorseful expression suddenly appearing underneath his helmet. “One I imagine even our enemies weren’t aware of. They were attacking us with the intent to kill.” His expression hardened and soon he began shouting, “they were used as cannon fodder while their cowardly leader snuck into our castle! OUR HOME!” He took a deep breath before returning to his usual calm manner of speaking. “He’s heading towards King Drasil’s chamber. There is no doubt in my mind.”

Alphamon growled. To Sunset it sounded the exact same as the growls he let out when he was fighting to protect her as Dorumon. “Kentaurosmon would have many choice words to say about this situation if he were here.” Alphamon wanted to say many choice words himself but was able to stay his tongue. “No one deserves to have their lives thrown away without choice or even informant! Not even the armies of the Seven Great Demon Lords!” He turned to look at Omnimon, their gazes meeting like they were about to commence a duel. “We will show this coward no mercy. He will pay for his crimes!”

Omnimon nodded, “I couldn’t agree more.” He thrusted his arms backwards, his cape billowing in the gust he created, before dashing across the clearing towards the stone steps of the castle that led to its front door. Alphamon was quick to follow, almost copying Omnimon’s heroic start off, before rushing towards the castle.

Impressively, both gigantic digimon in their bulky suits of armor managed to cross the clearing in roughly a few seconds. They bashed through the massive oaken doors that kept their fortress secure and made them swing inwards as if they were the doors to a saloon. Both knights stopped in their tracks as they looked upon the long entry hall that led to the main interior of the castle. Like the exterior, no signs of damage could be seen. Both knights were growing more and more suspicious.

They heard the sounds of stampeding feet behind them, without a doubt the remains of their army who had so bravely battled the attacking demons. Both Royal Knights would make sure they were all commended for their valor as soon as this situation was fully dealt with.

Alphamon raised his hand without turning his head back. Behind her, Sunset could hear the sounds of the stampede immediately growing silent. It amazed her to see just how much control he had over these soldiers.

Omnimon gestured with his head, silently asking his friend if he should lead the way. Alphamon nodded and soon began to follow. Both digimon hunched over and held their weapons as close to their bodies as they could without hindering their ability to attack. They knew their enemy was waiting for them. Even a fool would know an explosion that loud would attract the knights’ attention, which made it all the clearer that they were walking straight into a trap.

Both knights soon reached the end of the long hallway and found two adjoining paths that lead directly to both the left and right. These new hallways stretched the same distance away from the entry hall and both turned at a ninety degree angle towards the true interior of the castle. Both Royal Knights stopped at the end of the entry hall and stared down the adjacent paths. They looked at each other and for a brief moment stood as still as statues, almost as if wordlessly communicating a plan through their stares alone.

The knights turned and each took a hallway. Sunset lost sight of Omnimon after Alphamon turned. She noticed he was holding his weapon close to his chest again, guarding himself as if expecting the enemy to spring straight out from the walls. He reached the turn at the end of his hallway and cautiously peered around it for the enemy. That was when he heard an odd sound, like bricks being stacked to make a wall but at a speed far too quick for a task so strenuous.

Immediately Alphamon turned around, catching a glimpse of something in his peripheral vision before feeling a five pronged object stab him straight in the gut. The knight’s eyes grew wide and his vision blurry. He turned his head to see his attacker, but couldn’t make out any of his physical features due to the growing impairment in his sight. All he could see was a single, glowing, crimson eye and a massive white weapon that created an impressive distance between him and the assailant. Alphamon fell to one knee, he thought he could hear a slight sigh coming from his attacker. “It’s been a while.” His attacker…no, his executioner said. “Though I doubt you recognize me.” He pulled his weapon out of Alphamon’s body allowing him to fully fall onto his knees. “I hope you understand this is nothing personal. I’ve always thought the world of you, I hope you know that. It’s why I didn’t delete you, but I can’t have you standing in my way, not with what I have planned for the future.”

“Alphamon?!” Alphamon heard the muffled voice of Omnimon as well as the footfalls of the hundred soldiers they left outside. His hearing must have been starting to go as well, because as the other knights grew closer the sounds they made grew quieter.

“You have loyal friends.” The executioner stated. “I suppose I wouldn’t count as one of them now.” Alphamon could barely make out a smile as it formed on his enemy’s face. “I hope someday we might be able to meet again, that is...after I fix everything. I wonder what you’ll be like after the change occurs? I will continue to ponder this until our next meeting. I hope you will be able to forgive me by then.”

Despite being in the midst of dying, Alphamon found himself surprised as the digimon suddenly started sinking into the floor. His smile became strangely warm as it spread to its full length across his face. “Rest in peace, dear friend. The Digital World will soon be a far better place.” His head sank below the bricks that made up the floor like a creature drowning in quicksand. Alphamon’s vision grew darker as he collapsed on the floor. The last few images he could make out before his sight left completely was the sight of Omnimon as he knelt down before him with the soldier knights crowding behind his back. Despite everything, Alphamon couldn’t help but smile underneath his helmet. It warmed his heart that they cared so much for someone they hardly got to see.

With his last breath, he whispered one last command as the leader of the Royal Knights. “Let your dedication and honor never falter and make our order proud...my...brothers.”

“ALPHAMON!!!” Omnimon’s cries were the last sounds Alphamon could hear as the world finally began to fade. “NO!! ALPHAMON!!!”

******

Back at the dump, the demon digimon was cursing his defeat. “Dammit!” He slammed his fist into the dirt as he landed and began limping towards the computer monitor that was his portal home.

He growled at his own arrogance. He had underestimated the humons and lost his target. He knew couldn't go back empty handed, his masters were not known for their mercy, but he was also in no condition to make another attempt right away. He needed a fair amount of fresh data to heal himself and in this world it wasn't in a form his body could use.

He was only a few yards away from the monitor, he could already imagine the feeling of the Digital World’s raw data entering his lungs instead of the putrid air that filled the humon world. It made him feel bitter, being forced to slink away after a battle with a Rookie digimon and a group of humons. It was an embarrassment! One he’d never live to talk about if his masters found out. Thankfully he already had a strategy, one that could keep this entire debacle under the radar if he played his cards right.

He began to run over the steps in his head. First, he needed to get back to the Digital World and heal his wounds, then he’d go straight into hiding as soon as possible. Later, after he regained his full strength, he would then search for a way to return to humon world and make all the humons pay for their insolence. He wasn’t sure how he would do this yet, but he would find a way. His pride as a warrior would allow nothing less.

His breathing haggard, he reached for the computer’s screen, even though he still had a good distance left to walk. The sooner he got back to the Digital World the better he’d feel, he kept telling himself. His raised hand was possibly a subconscious way for his body to urge him forward, making it seem like the distance was shorter because the portal would soon be within arm’s reach.

However, the monitor soon began to glow despite the absence of his touch. The screen came to life and shined a bright gold and blue. For an instant, the demon was baffled, that is until he remembered what those colors meant. In a flash of light, a digimon in gold armor emerged from the monitor kneeling before the demon. He soon stood to his full and imposing height, revealing the Radiance of Miracles himself, Magnamon, one of the six remaining Royal Knights.

“Shit...” The demon cursed under his breath as the Royal Knight turned his gaze towards him. He staggered backwards slightly as their eyes met. He quickly reclaimed his bravado and snarled at the warrior, “you’re too late, Magnamon!” He declared. “I'v-ACK!'' But before the demon could finish his sentence, Magnamon had already grabbed him by the neck and was lifting him off the ground.

“Liar.” Magnamon said. “If you had killed Alphamon, you would have digivolved into one of your blasphemous Ultimate forms already. Regardless of his level, the data you’d absorb from him alone would be more than enough to insite the change.” Magnamon informed before delivering a punch to the gut of his gaunt foe. It wasn't enough to kill the fiend digimon outright, but the demon was winded. "Now, the truth. Tell me everything you know, Devimon." Magnamon ordered.

Devimon chuckled at Magnamon’s demand, for he didn’t fear the aurian clad warrior, the supposed Radiance of Miracles. "You're a Royal Knight, you won't kill me." Devimon pointed out, knowing that Magnamon had his hands tied.

If Magnamon was affected by Devimon’s words, he showed no signs on his face, not that his helmet would allow for such things to be seen. He reached with his other hand and grabbed Devimon's left horn, "I always find that among you fiend digimon, things need to break to get anywhere with you.” Magnamon paused as he looked square into Devimon’s eyes. “And often I find myself asking your ilk, ‘what breaks first, the body or the will?’” Magnamon finished as if he was expecting a different answer than what he historically got.

"Get deleted." Devimon hissed in defiance.

"Body it is then." And with a flick of his wrist, Devimon’s horn was snapped clean off.

******

Sunset awoke from her vision once Alphamon’s eyes closed for the final time. She felt like she did prior that morning: sweaty, confused, and like she had just woken up from a nightmare. It soon dawned on her that she must have picked up the demon digimon’s thoughts when she was dreaming earlier today. If the danger hadn’t already passed, she would have kicked herself for not realizing it sooner. She could have prepared for the demon’s attack; she could have protected her friends by keeping them as far away from the danger as possible; she could have sent Flash home early and prevented him from having to deal with any of this; she could have…she could have been all alone...with no else around to help her save Dorumon. They both could have died this morning if she hadn’t asked for help.

Sunset shook her head, realizing she had lost herself in thought. She soon noticed a few of her friends were surrounding her. They looked worried, like they had just stopped in to visit an ailing loved one in the hospital. The rest of her friends were kneeling around Dorumon. She assumed that he must have blacked out around the same time she did once her vision had started.

Sunset sat up and rubbed her head, “how long was I out?” She asked with a groan.

“About fifteen minutes, Ah reckon.” Applejack replied. “So what did you see? Did you figure out how to get Dorumon home?”

Sunset moved her hand and began to rub her temple, she felt the start of a mild headache coming on. “It was…” She paused. She spent a moment searching for the right word to describe everything she had seen. “Intense, to say the least. Dorumon definitely wasn’t kidding about being someone important in his previous life.”

Twilight tapped her fist against her chin quizzically, “so you're saying Dorumon actually does possess memories of a past life. Suggesting that he, and perhaps even all creatures of his species, possess the ability to reincarnate. Fascinating.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Sunset leaned back so she could support herself with her hands. She felt exhausted, even despite having done nothing but lay next to Dorumon for several minutes. “In the memory, he was some kind of warrior, coincidentally enough, a knight judging by the look of him, and he was caught up in this major battle with a bunch of demon digimon that looked a lot like the guy who trashed my apartment. He had an army of other knight-like digimon behind him and they were all fighting to protect an ivory castle at the foot of a massive tree. They called him Alphamon and...he was their leader.” Her voice soon grew more somber, as if she were recalling a scene from a movie that had left her in tears. “Only two digimon talked to him in the memory and they both spoke to him like he was their equal...or their best friend...or their...” Sunset tried to recall the word Alphamon used, “...brother.”

“S-So what happened?” Fluttershy asked, her voice filled with worry. She was afraid to hear Sunset’s answer. “Did Alphamon and his friends win the battle?”

Sunset nodded her head. “They did, but Alphamon didn’t make it through the fight.” She closed her eyes as if paying respect. Her friends collectively gasped. “They fought off the demons, but their leader managed to sneak into the castle. Alphamon and Omnimon, one of the digimon I mentioned already, snuck in to eliminate the intruder before he could cause any damage.”

“But what about Alphamon’s other friend?” Pinkie Pie asked.

Sunset looked up and met Pinkie’s eyes with a cold expression. “He was already inside the castle. He was the intruder. He’s the one who killed Alphamon.”

She heard a couple shrieks come from her friends, as well as a few “no ways,” and even a couple swear words pointed at the backstabber from Dorumon’s memory. A groan was soon heard and the group turned to see that Dorumon was starting to stir.

The young knight rolled himself over and sat upon his rump. He stared at the humans with a pair of groggy, half-lidded eyes. He groaned a second time, “ugh, my head.” He leaned forwards until he fell over onto his chin. The teens who weren’t already huddled around him quickly rushed to his side. “You feeling okay, Dorumon?” Sunset asked sympathetically. She gently lifted his head and placed it on her lap.

Dorumon shook his head, “no. I feel like the battle for the Royal Knight’s castle is going on inside my head.” Without even asking permission, Sunset began to stroke the top of Dorumon’s head down to the back of his neck. She continued to repeat this motion in hopes that it would help to ease his pain.

“So I guess you remember your life as Alphamon now?” She asked.

Again Dorumon shook his head. “Much of it is still foggy, I’m afraid. But I believe I recall about as much as you witnessed while exploring my mind. At the very least, I now know who I was in the past.” A faint smile soon spread across his face. “Alphamon,” he repeated the name as if it belonged to someone he admired, “Leader of the Royal Knights and protector of the Digital World.”

Dorumon’s smile turned into a much more determined expression. He stood up suddenly and began marching towards the door, “and right now that’s exactly where I need to be.” He exclaimed with conviction. Before he could reach the door however, Rainbow Dash rushed in front of him at an incredible speed. She pressed herself against the door as if trying to hold something back and shot a stern look at the digimon.

“Woah, woah, woah! Where do you think you're going? In case you’ve forgotten, there’s a leather-clad batman out there looking for you. But unlike the real guy, this one's gonna have no problems with skinning you to make a rug.”

Dorumon shook his head in annoyance. He had hoped that by learning his story the humans would be more willing to let him leave. He didn’t want them to risk their lives for him anymore than they already had. “To answer your question, I'm going to find that digimon who attacked us.”

The rest of the group was on their feet almost immediately. They shouted in unison, “ARE YOU NUTS?!”

Dorumon looked back at them, his serious expression growing more firm. “He’s the only other creature of my kind in this world. He had to have used some kind of gateway between our worlds in order to find me.”

The teens looked about ready to tackle Dorumon to the floor. The digimon felt a sudden feeling of unease. He assumed this was a natural feeling, like when an animal was cornered by a predator. He didn’t want to hurt them, but would fight back if they impeded his mission. He would not let them sacrifice themselves for his sake. It wasn't something Alphamon would do. He was the one who made the sacrifices so no one else had too.

“We’re not letting you go out there alone.” Sunset said as she folded her arms. “I don’t care if he's injured or not, that monster nearly killed you this morning. No...you are going to stay right here where it’s safe until you are fully healed. Once that’s happened, then we’ll go looking for that digimon. Together.” She put emphasis on that final word as if scolding a child.

Dorumon growled at her, surprising everyone, “that isn’t your choice to make, Sunset!” He shouted. “That digimon came after me because I am a Royal Knight. He’s afraid that Alphamon may someday return and has come to your world to prevent that from ever happening.” His breathing grew heavy and looked down towards the floor. A dour look spread across his face, “I don’t know how or why I was sent to your world, but it's because of me that you are all now caught in the center of this. You shouldn’t have been involved, and I promise as soon as I get back to the Digital World I will have words with whomever decided it was worth the risk to put your world in danger. For now however, it’s best that you leave the rest of this crisis to me. It’s the only way I can make certain none of you get hurt because of my order’s mistake.”

Sunset scowled at Dorumon. “You know, you're really beginning to sound like Alphamon right now.”

“He was a hero who could fight off an army of demon digimon single-handed. I’d suspect that’s how you’d want me to sound.” Dorumon argued.

Sunset placed her hands on her hips. “Not if that means you're going to repeat his past mistakes. Running out there without someone to watch your back is exactly how you got killed in the first place!”

Dorumon’s growl slowly turned into a snarl. He bared his teeth at the girl and opened his mouth to bark another argument, but what came out instead was a groan of pain. He felt the gem in his forehead begin to beat as if it were his own heart. No...it was pulsating, and it was painful. He shut his eyes and cried out in agony, suddenly falling to the floor.

The teens gasped in terror and circled around him. Sunset placed a hand on top of his head to see what exactly was the problem. She pulled his hand back almost immediately as if he had just touched a scolding pot. “Jeez, he’s burning up!” She exclaimed. “Someone grab Dorumon some ice! I don’t know what’s happening, but I think he’s running a fever!”

******

At the same time, back in the dump, Magnamon was tossing a hornless, fangless Devimon onto the ground like a limp rag doll. “I’m impressed with your resilience. Most other fiend digimon would have sung like a dove by now.” He lifted his left foot and placed it on top of Devimon’s head. He started to force it downwards into the dirt, “ but it’s this stubbornness you show that really irks me. I want to tell you something in case you haven’t heard. I was one of the thirteen warriors that faced Megidramon when he was set loose.” He spoke slowly as he reminisced, paying little mind to sounds of Devimon's skull crunching and the fiend’s screams and pleas for mercy. “I was also one of the few who held off Ogudomon while the rest of the Royal Knights plotted how to defeat it.” Devimon bellowed in pain. “I have been around since the beginning of the Royal Knights, and I have grown very tired of fighting because of it.”

He lifted his foot off the demon’s head, allowing Devimon a brief reprieve from the pain. “I don’t enjoy doing this to you. But I will do whatever it takes if it means I can protect my brethren and my home.” He leaned down and whispered near Devimon’s face. Oddly, the demon digimon found it more intimidating than when shouting at him earlier. “So start singing, dove,” he warned, “before I am forced to do much worse.”

Devimon could barely even breathe. At this point he was almost willing to divulge everything he knew, but the fear of the punishments he’d receive from his masters was enough to stay his tongue. Magnamon rose back to his full height and looked about ready to stomp on him a second time. The demon closed his eyes, readying himself for another deluge of pain. But when nothing came for a solid minute, he found himself confused.

Devimon looked up to see Magnamon had froze. The golden knight moved his leg and placed it back on the ground. The bag tied around his waist was beginning to glow and fade repeatedly. This must have been what grabbed Magnamon’s attention. The knight suddenly grabbed the bag and held it out at arm’s length. He pointed in several directions until the bag glowed its brightest. He began walking in that direction. “Looks like I don’t need you to sing after all.” He said to Devimon dismissively. “Return to your masters, the traitors, and tell them The Empty Seat is about to be filled.” The turbines in his armor were soon activated and the knight was then lifted into the air. He soon flew out of sight once he crossed over the fence.

Devimon snarled. He had been beaten, used, and tossed aside, just like the trash that surrounded him. Not only was he humiliated by a weaker digimon and gaggle of humons, but a Royal Knight kicked him around like a training dummy. No one was showing him the respect he deserved! He had been hand chosen for this mission! His masters considered him worthy enough to kill Alphamon!

With a new found resolve, Devimon began clawing his way towards the portal. He dragged his body like a sack of broken bones, the pain eating at him, urging him to stop, but was unable to halt him as he set forth on his new self-appointed mission. He was going to kill Alphamon, the humons, Magnamon, and everyone else who got in his way, and nothing in this world or any other was going to stop him this time.