"So you need to ask 2 Legendary Warrior Digimon to contribute a small part of their code?" I repeated. "Two that had been part of the original five who are fused spirits in our time?"

Blues nodded. "I reached out to the other Digimon. They say that in the power plant where you guys met Frozomon, there are reports of two Legendary Warriors being there. Meisters of fire and snow, the Crossfire Brothers, Aldamon and Daipenmon."

"Aldamon, isn't that Takuya-kun's fusion evolution?" I asked. 

"You're not wrong," he said. "And Daipenmon is the Legendary Warrior of Ice's fusion evolution." 

"Wasn't the holder of those Spirits close with Takuya-kun?"

"I suppose so. That being said... Why the heck is it so cold here?"

"It's on a moutain, Ao-kun." 

".. Et tu, Haneul." 

"Can we just get somewhere warm? I'm worried Bokomon is going to freeze to death," Remdepiamon said while hugging Bokomon, who was shivering like there was no tomorrow. Either it was because of the cold, or the Codes were getting even worse. 

"Yeah, alright." I nodded. "The factory is close by, right Hiro?"

"Yep," he confirmed as he, Dad and Blues rode on Gankoomon X. "Should be there soon."

"I'm really hoping we can convince them. They're not too trusting towards humans," Amoramon said with a frown. 

"Ironic, really, considering their data was only made complete thanks to the warriors giving up their Digivices before the Codes began hitting people," Neemon snarked. "But anyway, I'm surprised you're here, Uju. I thought you would stay with the others to help Pandora settle in."

He shook his head, hugging me tight to keep Neemon from falling as he answered, "The others can do it. I'm the reason Bokomon is in this situation in the first place, so I'll take responsibility for it and help out."

"I'm thankful either way, Uju, so... Don't worry," I said with a smile. "You're trying and that matters too."

Here, he flushed but stammered out, "I-If you say so..."

Robinhoodmon was smirking like Yuga as he added, "Come now, Uju, don't tell me you're flustered over that small kindness."

"H-HOOD!"

Blues had a sinister smile on his face. "It's not the end of the world, Uju."

"Now that I think about it, doesn't Uju mean universe in Korean?" Wait, why was HIRO joining in the chaos?! "I heard from Yunbae-san, so isn't that a fit for Makua since their name signifies the sun, moon, dawn, or the sky, I think?"

Damn it! I knew I should have believed Blues when he said that Hiro was an imp!

That being said... "You guys are okay with Haneul as a name?" I asked.

"It's all up to you, Eos," Dad said. "We will respect your decision."

"I... Alright then." That did get me thinking. Leviathan had called me 'Haneul Srirocco'. His presence in Pump had most likely been similar to Gulus' situation, so... He knew what he was saying when he called me that.

And then I remembered what Seath had said.

"I did see this one term called pangender. You know how Shin Holy Sword is bigender with he or she pronouns, where they feel like both genders? Pangender is supposedly a similar concept with feelings from any gender, be it male, female, intersex and non-binary. Didn't really fit me, though."

Pangender... And...

"Oh, and you're not a Sacrifice. You're you and the journey to acceptance is long, but... don't be too hurt when stuff goes wrong."

"Perhaps your true passion, your true identity has yet to be found. Take some time to think about it."

He had been right. I was already planning to look into forensics once December was over, and...

"Wow," I exhaled. "He was 100% right."

"Huh? Haneul, what did you say?"

"Oh, nothing. Was just thinking."

I hadn't expected it to come full circle, but...

"Haneul is a really, really nice name, Uju. I like it a lot, so... I hope you don't mind if it becomes my new name."

"New name?"

"I'll tell everyone in Cho-Taiyo once we get back. But... I think I get what Philip-san was telling me now."

"I am so happy for you, Haneul. And of course, I would be honoured to let you use it." Even though he was behind me, I could sense his smile.

"Alright, head down, guys," Hiro called out.

"Let's head down, Metanoiamon," I told my partner, who nodded as our group descended onto the mountain, where a factory stood.

According to Blues, the factory became a home for various Digimon once Frozomon and his friends passed through. The brothers had become gatekeepers that carried Ice Digimon over it while also providing refuge for other types of Digimon. Apparently, Shiramon had found Bittenmon and PowUpmon with them.

"How do we find those two?" I asked Shiramon while Pump climbed onto my shoulders as I took Bokomon from Remdepiamon.

"Bittenmon and PowUpmon will lead the way," She answered, gesturing to the two In-Trainings who were excitedly telling Semo-sensei and Duri-san about the two.

"Alright. Let's get going. We don't want to freeze to death," Robinhoodmon said.

"That's true," Dad agreed.

With that, we set off for the factory. Once Hiro typed in the code that he had gotten from Kiyo, we entered the hallways...

"This is a maze..." Bakumon murmured as we looked around.

Gammamon was now telling a fascinated Solisamon about how things worked here while Bittenmon and PowUpmon continued to lead the way, giggling in excitement. Shiramon herself seemed pretty amused by her children's antics, so I matched my pace with hers and smirked. "And you all call me a parent hen."

"I'm just a proud mom. Nothing more, nothing less." She gave a matching smirk. "You relate to that."

"I do," I agreed. "But I don't cry when my kids grow up."

"They're babies! Allow me to sob in peace!" She protested.

"Yeah, yeah," I laughed. "I totally getcha."

The two of us shared a grin before I asked, "You miss Mei, don't you?"

"Of course I do! We've been through so much together!" The assassin wolf Digimon answered. "I... Know she's not the warmest person on the block, but she has a big heart."

"Yeah, that's true," I said. "Mei would probably murder us if she knew Azami died while she was away, though."

"Tell me about it. We need to make sure MusosIatreiamon is protected so she doesn't get deleted."

"And Morinomiya-chan. I fear she would take her anger out on her instead."

She sighed. "Oh, Mei. I know she hates Azami, but..."

I shuddered. "Not to mention how brutally she was murdered. I'm surprised Dantella-chan and Pandora-chan don't actually care, though."

"Despite being cousins, those two HATE Azami," Uju answered while joining in. "Like, really bad. Azami was that insane, and honestly, no one shed a tear when she died because she was nothing but a ***** to the end."

"Eh, she was a ******* anyway."

"True."

Bokomon weakly joked, "Mei might hug Pump when she gets back once she hears."

"It's Mei. She would just go Meh and act as if it's normal. Honestly, that isn't off, considering how we had so many TMs in the same place," Shiramon sighed. "But how are you feeling, Bokomon?"

"A bit better," He answered.

"Boko, don't worry. We will save you."

"I know, but in case I don't make it... Please, Shiramon, take care of Heriss and Pump once Eos is gone."

"I will if it happens," She promised.

"That's... A relief," He said. "And Eos... Please live your life. Don't hold back, go forward as you."

"I will, Boko. I promise I will, with or without you."

He could only smile as we continued walking. "I am... Pretty excited to meet familiar faces as well. It... Has been a while. My book... Needs to be updated... Afterwards."

"Hopefully you can do it yourself. We don't know how Aldamon and Daipenmon are going to reply to this." I looked forward. "But... I want to hope that they will help us out. No, if I have to go to my knees and bow, I will."

"Eos..."

"You're also a partner I treasure, Boko. And I'm sorry for not being straightforward with you all this time about my past, but... If we can convince them to help, I would like a fresh start."

"I... Would like that as well, Eos. A fresh start-" He flinched. "Ugh, the codes..."

"They're acting up?" I asked.

"Yeah..." He snuggled closer to my chest. "Can I... Rest for a while?"

"Of course. Get all the rest you need, Boko."

As he soon fell asleep in the blanket bundle we had brought along, I held him tighter to my chest. Bokomon was a kind person, so I would do my best to help him get rid of these Codes.

"Oh, Bittenmon, PowUpmon!" A new voice suddenly called out from in front of us, making us look up to see Aldamon and... A penguin? A penguin with two popsicle sticks waddling along?

WAS I DREAMING?

"Aruda, Penpen!" Bittenmon giggled while hopping over, waving his little wings as much as he could while PowUpmon was right behind him.

Aldamon chuckled as he scooped them up. "It's been a while, hasn't it? How has Shiramon been treating you?"

"Found partner! Became friends!" PowUpmon exclaimed.

"A partner?" He blinked, finally registering that they weren't alone as Duri-san bowed. "I-I'm Cha Duri. It's nice to meet you two!"

"Oh! So you're their partner! Thanks a lot for taking good care of them!" Aldamon laughed.

"It is very appreciated." Wow! Daipenmon's height was to Aldamon's shoulders but he sure had a deep voice. "You took care of him in our stead."

"No, no, I should be the ones thanking you for helping them! I wouldn't have met them otherwise!" He frantically answered.

"It's fine." He turned to us, a bit of distrust in his eyes, but he smiled. "I am Aldamon, and this is my brother, Daipenmon."

"We help Digimon as well," Hiro stepped forward. "And a friend of ours is sick. We were wondering if you could help us heal him."

The two brothers shared a glance before Aldamon said, "I believe introductions and explanations are in order beforehand."

"Right. I'm Akashiro Hiro-" Dad and I both gaped at him. "What?! Why do you look so touched, Grandpa?!"

"I just... Feel so happy!!!" Dad hugged him while I wiped a tear off my eyes. "Hiro, you finally embraced the name."

"I decided after hearing about what Amanokawa did to Pump. No way am I associating myself to that ******* ever again."

"He's goddamn insane," I agreed.

Hiro coughed, looking a bit embarrassed as he continued, "This is my partner and younger brother, Gammamon, my younger sister-in-law Solisamon-"

"HEY!"

"You act as if you don't want to marry her-"

"Touche."

"Thank you. Anyway, there's my older brother Blues, his partner Amoramon, my adoptive grandfather Akashiro Ismaya-"

"The former DigiDestined killer, I see. Yet the fire in your eyes is a good sign. Keep it up."

"T-Thank you Sir."

"-and his partner, Remdepiamon. There is also Shiramon, Neemon, Kwon Semo, Denpamon, Tak Uju, Robinhoodmon, Pumpmon, Bakumon, Akashiro Eos, who uses they, and Bo-"

"Bokomon? As in, THAT Bokomon?" Daipenmon cut in, eyes wide. "He chronicled everything about us Legendary Warriors, right?"

"He looks so frail now..." Aldamon frowned. "What happened?"

"He got hit by... The Fragmented Codes of  Melancholy and Hubris... His condition got worse because of an imbalance in the Codes..." Robinhoodmon explained.

The two brothers shared a glance, before Aldamon said, "Who is his partner?"

"I am," I answered, stepping forward.

But something seemed to... Scare the two as they backed away slightly.

"A human...! No, impossible! How is this...?!" Aldamon gasped.

Daipenmon was holding his popsicles out threateningly, eyes narrowed while coldly saying, "Tak-nii, we must eliminate this human."

I felt fear coil around my stomach. What the heck? What were they talking about?

Was there something in me? Something so bad it scared Legendary Warriors?

+ SPIRITUAL DIGILEMMA +

"Woah, woah, woah, HANG ON A MINUTE! What do you mean, you have to get rid of Eos?!" Dad stammered.

"That's my Makua you're planning on murdering!" Hiro protested.

"And they're not the reason Bokomon got hit! We were the ones who inserted the Codes into Bokomon!" Uju added.

"That is not the point!" Aldamon snapped. "Akashiro Eos has to die! The sheer malice wafting off them is dangerous!"

"What do you mean, malice?!" Shiramon snapped back. "You're insane! Eos has none of those!"

"Silence! You do not understand the danger this human poses to the worlds!" Daipenmon hissed.

"Tom, let's end their suffering once and for all." Aldamon got his weapons out. "If the Codes were ever cultivated...!"

"Woah, hang on! We're just here to ask you to help heal Bokomon!" I stepped in.

"The real reason the Codes grew imbalanced is because of-" 

Screams echoed from outside, making us all freeze as Remdepiamon gasped. "What the?!"

"What's going on out there?" Dad demanded. 

"Let's go check!" I was already sprinting out with Hiro. This was really, really bad!

When we reached outside, we were greeted with...

"Are those... white snowballs?" Uju stared. 

"I think those are Baby Digimon," Neemon said. "Puttimon? What?"

"Why are they attacking others? They're usually-" This time, Bokomon coughed hard, hissing as the Marks glowed. "They're usually... pretty peaceful..."

"Either way, we need to round them up," Shiramon spoke. 

"Yeah, let's do that. Pump, Baku?"

"Okie!"

"Oh! New friends coming too!"

"Huh?" What did Gammamon mean?

He pointed above to the sky, where a bunch of smoke-like Digimon were joining in the chaos.

"Oh shoot... Mokumon! And... Wait, do I see YukimiBotamon and Cupimon coming up here as well?! What is this, an invasion of Baby Digimon?!" Neemon looked like he was going to cry.

"They are ADORABLE!!" Shiramon was cooing while Remdepiamon gave a gentle smile as she scooped up some of them and gave them a hu- "OW!"

The babies giggled, jumping out of her hug as they continued causing chaos.

"We can't hurt them, so no Meg-"

"Fly Bullet: Segundo!!"

"Akira-hy- SPECTRAL ARROW!" Uju barely protected us from the attack from above as BeelStarmon X giggled. "Did you like my little surprise? These babies were just ITCHING to hurt Digimon who looked down on them."

"What the, what do you mean Digimon hurt them?! They're not humans!" Daipenmon said.

"Oh, what a biased view. Don't you eat in order to avoid being eaten?" Akira mocked. "You're just the same as we are."

"My partner is right~" She giggled. "Now, prepare for a whole new world of hurt!"

"Distancia Cero!"

"Dodge!!" The attack landed, though, and we were sent flying for the babies to slam onto us. Literally.

"BOKOMON!!" I screamed, wincing at the pain my stomach was enduring because they kept on slamming onto me like crazy.

"E-Eos-" He screamed again, the Marks glowing with frightening clarity now.

And boy did that scare away the other Digimon. In fact, once they saw that, they bounced away like it was the Plague.

I stumbled to my feet, holding my stomach while forcing myself to move closer. "Boko... Mon..."

He was writhing in pain, like MetalFantomon. His data was glitching and he looked very very pained.

I have to... Help him...

"Aldamon, Daipenmon! Please, you have to help Bokomon!" I pleaded.

Aldamon was trying to flick the Digimon away without hurting them. "Shut up! You're Pandora's Box! As long as you're around, the Fragment will win!"

"You just need to clear the Codes out of him! I'll bear the rest of the Codes! If I have to, I'll sever my connection with my partners and keep them safe! I have a program prepared for it, so...!"

Daipenmon's eyes widened slightly. "You figured it out?"

"The way you said I was Pandora's Box sold me. I had a feeling from when Pump was being purified. I... Somehow I can absorb both Codes. I don't know how, but I will bear the pain. So please, help Bokomon! No matter what, I won't give in to the Codes, so that Fragment can come at me! I will NOT yield! No matter what! If it means saving Bokomon, if it means keeping him safe and letting him live another day! I will hold onto this pain and never let it go!"

"Eos..."

"No, not Eos anymore." I limped over, my Digivice lighting up. Confidence surged through me as my convictions formed. "Haneul. Haneul Srirocco. 20 years old, pangender. Former assassin and detective. Soon to be convict. Grandchild of Menoa Bellucci, leader of the Spiritual Fruits DigiDestined. Partner to the best trio of friends I could ever ask for. Pumpmon, Bokomon, and Bakumon! I will not yield! No matter what, I will not run! I'm done running! I will fight, for Digimon and human harmony, for the multiversal peace for as long as I can!!"

Aldamon and Daipenmon gasped, and something... Something moved.

"Awww, what a boring show. Go die! Double Claw!" Akira commanded.

"Of course!" BeelStarmon X giggled while rushing in. 

I held my arms in front of me, preparing for the impact-

"Brahmastra!"

"Blue Hawaii Death!"

"H-Huh?" I opened my eyes to see the two Digimon blast BeelStarmon X back. 

"Heh, so it turns out that the voice in my head telling me humans weren't all that bad was right. Kanbara Takuya's personality never truly faded off, eh?"

"They were the ones who used our Spirits, so it's logical to assume that they would affect us, Tak-nii," Daipenmon chuckled. "That being said, if you're truly prepared, we'll do it."

"You will?" My eyes widened. 

"Your convictions showed us your preparation. We will support you, Haneul Srirocco."

"Indeed."

"Thanks... Blues, the vials!"

Blues quickly rushed over, holding out 2 vial bottles for them while supporting me. "You really are reckless, Haneul."

"Ao-kun I am not the worst."

"I wish you were wrong," he chuckled. "Scarlettemon will protect us so we can cure Bokomon right off, but we still need to rid this place of these babies."

"More of rehabilitate them. I'm sure Cho-Taiyo will work for now," I answered. "But as for rounding them up..."

 A plan was forming in my mind. "I need a microphone and a sync with Shiramon."

"That would do," he said while accepting the vials back from the two. "Let's go, then. Tag team our way out of this, eh, Haneul?"

"I got your back, Ao-kun," I said while standing fully, the pain now gone. "Tag team time!"

Uju nodded while heading over with Neemon. "You guys help round up the Digimon!"

"Semo-sensei, I need headphones! Denpamon, speakers!" I called out. 

"You got a plan?!"

"Reckless but it might just work!"

They were babies in the end, so hearing a hype song would get them excited. And distracted. 

I was tossed two microphones while Shiramon joined me. "I never thought the day would come."

"Don't tell Mei."

"She won't know it from me. You might have to shut Hiro up though."

"I will."

She grinned as we high-fived each other. A difference from last time when we had to sync up for Viseramon. One I welcomed a lot. 

Shiramon Ultimate Evolve to!

"Rythimon! Heya, wolf pups, ready for an encore?!"

The crowd roared while I slipped the headphones on, choosing a song that we both knew word for word. "Let's go!"

https://youtu.be/GTGqbtr1JB4

Haneul: 
So what you here for?
Don't pretend you don't think, you deserve moreBet you're so bored
All these years just waiting for the encore
Rythimon:You know later means never
Let's stay young forever
Light a flame when the night gets cold
I know you'll play a part in this great work of art
It's time for you now to lose control
Haneul, Rythimon:Join the riot
Tearing the whole place down
Hearts on fire (Fire)
Burning to the ground
Take you higher
Stop what you're doing now
And join the riot
The riot, yeahThe riot, yeahThe riot
Rythimon:What's the hold up?
Standing in the doorway but you don't knock
Haneul:
Yeah
Rythimon:
You look so shocked
Seeing your potential being unlocked
Haneul:Oh-oh
You know later means neverLet's stay young forever
Light a flame when the night gets cold
I know you'll play a part in this great work of art
It's time for you now to lose control
Haneul, Rythimon:Join the riot
Tearing the whole place down
Hearts on fire (Fire)
Burning to the ground
Take you higher
Stop what you're doing now
And join the riot
The riot, yeahThe riot, yeahThe riot
Haneul: So are you staying or leaving
(So are you staying or leaving)
Rythimon: 
'Cause I think you're ready to blow
('Cause I think you're ready to blow)
Haneul, Rythimon:
There's only one thing I believe in
(Ooh)
Join the riot
The riot (Yeah)Ooh
Join the riot, yeah
Yey-yeah, ooh (Hey)
The riotEverybody come and join the riot, the riot
Don't you wanna take it higher now, yeah
Everybody come and join the riot, the riot
Woah oh, oh, oh
Woah oh, oh, yeah

The babies were definitely cheering along with the crowd now! Perfect! Hiro was keeping BeelStarmon X busy with Gulus and CresGarurumon tag teaming her, so that was great!

"Let's go for another song! Encore time!" I grinned, playing another song. Time to turn this thing around!

https://youtu.be/J2Mosyg41P8

Semo:We won't back down, we won't(Yeah, yo)Haneul:I'm here to go beyond my limit, not to compromiseAnd you can tell me if I mean it, looking in my eyesCause I've been waiting for my moment to strikeSo come close, let me show you what it's likeYeah, you can try to stand in my pathBut you're gonna regret itI'll be the one who laughs lastWhile I'm making my exit
Rythimon:Cause this is only for the strong of heartNod if you get itAnd no matter what the outcomeYou better accept itI can cut right through steelI can bury thе painSo go down for one secondJust get out of my way (Out of my way)You cheat and you stealI'm not lеtting it goSo take this as a lessonCause it's all that we knowHaneul:Will the whole world know your nameWhen we dance with destiny?I've been there, and I've seen itI'm never gonna stop believingYou'll find your flameOh, we can save the day(The day!)Rythimon: We won't back down, we won't(Yeah, alright)Haneul: It's like I'm seeing double visionTake a seat, I'm on a missionWe got everything to gain (Everything to gain, yeah)To become everything you're notYou just give it all you gotAnd take the pleasure with the painYeah, I can feel my fire awakenNo time for being complacentThere's a dream on the horizonYou know we gotta chase itAnd when we get to where we're goingThen we start the invasionBest me? Naw, you must be mistaken (Hey)Semo: You know I'll turn you into rustGrind you right down to dustYou thought you were the bestWell, you haven't met usI'll bring the fire and rainCall me the hurricaneI'm not letting it goCause it's all that I knowRythimon: Will the whole world know your name (Know your name)When we dance with destiny? (Destiny)Yeah! I've been there, and I've seen itI'm never gonna stop believingYou'll find your flameSemo: Now here we go, it's the end of the showHear them, they're calling your nameCause in the endIt's you and your friendsYou'll find your flame (Go!)

Haneul:Now here we go, it's the end of the showHear them, they're calling your nameCause in the endIt's you and your friendsYou'll find your flame
So entranced the babies were by the performance, they did not notice Jijimon lifting them up and rounding them up into one pile of babies. I was grinning wholly despite the ache on my body as I saw Jijimon waving his staff around. "These youngins need a lesson or two!"
That... that just made me laugh as I slid down and wrapped him into a hug, allowing him to devolve into Bokomon, tears leaking out. "Bokomon!"
"You idiot. What would you do without me?" He fondly smiled while hugging me back. 
"Father!/Boko!" Bakumon and Neemon rushed in to hug him as well, so I backed off to watch this wholesome scene. 
Bokomon had been healed. The reality hit me right there, and I couldn't stop the grin forming on my face as I hugged Uju. "We did it. We found the cure!"
"No, YOU found it, Haneul. You were the one to convince Aldamon and Daipenmon to help, so this entire thing, it's your victory." He hugged back tightly. 
"Maybe so, but without the rest of you, I would have never been able to accomplish this. So... thank you guys." I smiled at them all as I backed off.
The scene was... truly amazing. I had never tried to imagine how working together could result in, but now... I could see. When so many different talents came together... any solution became possible to use.
I wish Mei had been here. Maybe... she would have come to appreciate the others as well...
"Grrrr!! Come back here you pathetic lumps!" BeelStarmon X looked disgusted. "You were supposed to cause chaos, not listen to the Sacrifice's stupid singing!"
"DON'T CALL THEM THAT!" Shiramon snarled. "They are still kids, and if you can't appreciate that, then leave them! I will gladly take them in! Each and every one of them will be loved!"
The babies teared up at that, and they soon glomped onto all of us as they sobbed. Looks like all they wanted was someone to love them...
"You...! You dare use babies for your disgusting plans!" Gulus snarled. "You will pay for that!"
"Oh, me, pay? Never!" Akira mocked back, although his eyes met Uju's and, something felt off about his eyes. Why were they purple?... "You all are the ones that should pay! Traitors, and convicts should be punished!"
"Why you...!" Semo-sensei scowled. 
"Tomorrow night, at Unmeitoki Street. Where Ko and Sayo Bellucci died. Our showdown will be there." Akira got onto BeelStarmon X.
"We'll be there, and we'll save you, Akira. I promise."
"Heh, saving me? That's impossible now. Everything is in place for our final plan and I want you there to witness how badly you failed!" He mocked. 
But as the two left, Uju shook his head. "That was the Code speaking. I know it. Something is controlling him... Oh, Akira-hyung..."
"We'll save him, Uju. I promise." I placed a hand on his shoulder. 
He smiled at me, and said, "That... that's true. We'll do it together."
As we prepared to leave, Aldamon and Daipenmon walked up to me, and Aldamon said, "Good luck, Haneul Srirocco. You will need the luck."
"I'll be careful, I promise."
"That's good. Heh, turns out this kid was a grandchild of two different DigiDestined groups. I should have known from the multiple partners." Daipenmon waved his popsicles again.
Huh? "What do my grandparents have to do with that?" 
"You'll see, kid. You'll see. And... thank you for restoring our faith in humanity."
"No, thank you for helping me take a stand for myself. I let too many people push me around for too long. It's time for me to break those shackles, and I'm going to start with saving Daiki Akira."
"Then we wish you luck, Haneul Srirocco. Stay safe."
"You too," I answered before we set off to return to Cho-Taiyo to prepare. 
The final battle was imminent, and we had to be ready for anything.