"Uju!!" I waved him over while he jogged over. He was now wearing a blue sweater with a white collared shirt underneath, baggy dark blue jeans with purple straps on the sides, and blue shoes, and I couldn't help but smile at this look.

He looked pretty awesome, in conclusion. "That's a nice look you have there!"

"Thanks! It was what one of my grandfathers used!" He smiled back, but then he froze as what he said seemed to settle in. "A-Ah wait I meant-"

"It's okay, I know a good amount of people who were born thanks to technology," I said with a laugh. Examples: Mikado Yuga and Kurouzu Light. "So don't worry too much. That's actually pretty awesome!"

His eyes immediately brightened up at that. "T-Thanks! Not a lot of people get it."

"Well, I won't judge, like how you didn't judge me, so we're even." I placed a hand on his shoulder. "But enough about that. We should head in. You said you wanted to see backstage?"

He nodded up and down like a bobblehead. "I heard that Karan Eri was going to be performing! And Reflectz! I love their voices and songs so much!!"

A die-hard fan, huh? "Well, I hope you really enjoy meeting them. They're really awesome. Just... Be nice to Reflectz."

"Huh?" He blinked, but I gently took his hand and led him into the stadium. I didn't want him to get lost. Plus, I did need the courage to face the others... Especially Gami and Jiji.

The stadium itself was already starting to fill up, not just with people from our place and the other main worlds, but also from times we had interacted with. I tried to keep a low profile, though. I had a feeling that if anyone saw me, it would genuinely ruin the concert.

We soon reached backstage and Shin Kisaragi Zanya gave me a nod before letting me in. I was honestly expecting access denied or something, but I wasn't about to look at a gift horse in the mouth.

The backstage area, though... It was chaos. Everyone was either running left and right or just chilling on the sofas, but then Gami noticed me and gave a relieved sigh as they jogged over. "I was wondering where you were."

"You were worried for me?" I blinked in surprise.

"Hey, we all do," Yumegatari Mel spoke up as she looked up from adding make-up to Eri. "It's just that it's been a hard few days."

More me than you, but okay, I sighed. "Anyway, Gami, I want to introduce you to someone, if it's okay. This is Tak Uju. He helped me out with yesterday's case and we decided to hang out today!"

"Oh! So you're EcoTeamMember?" They gasped. "I've been wanting to meet you! You actually took an interest in solving cases, right? Then you and Makua would work well together!"

"Eh?" He blinked, seemingly disoriented from the onslaught. "I... Erm, thanks? That's really awesome, Gami-sshi."

I laughed a bit. Oh he was so cute when he was clueless. "Uju, Kagami is Reflectz."

He stared at me for five minutes before he gasped and covered his face. "I-I'm so sorry! I'm a huge fan, b-but!"

"Chillax, not many people recognize me out of the streams due to... Well..." They gestured to their body. "I was born AFAB so..."

"Ah, I see... Forgive me, I didn't mean to intrude," he apologised.

"Why are you apologising?" They laughed, adjusting their white shirt as they continued, "It's normal, like I said. Plus, that's one of the nicer reactions I get. Others are less accepting."

"I-I... See... I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

"Uju, it's not your fault people are ****ty," I said. "Don't worry, we make sure to support Gami a lot. Also, they're our age so you don't have to use honorifics."

"I'm Ashita Kagami-" They paused. "... Wait, he's our age?"

"I know I'm short but!!" He threw his hands up in exasperation. "Seriously!!"

And it was then that we both realised that we were STILL holding hands. I felt my face flush up, but I offered, "E-Erm it's warm? And I still need to warm up from yesterday."

"Mx Akashiro you nearly froze to death back there," Reiji snarked as they joined us. "Seriously, how did you not get frostbite?"

"F-Frostbite?!" Uju gasped. "Did you..."

"Hey, it's fine! I've been through worse!" I waved it off with a smile, although I did flinch as I recalled how the Daikis had once forced me to stay out in the snow for an entire day. Seriously, this wasn't the worst I had been through.

"Makua..." Reiji frowned, and they were about to speak up when Lia yelled out, "Guys, five more minutes to showtime!"

"Ah, alright, I have to go now!" Kagami got up as they dusted themselves off. "You guys can head out if you want. I'm sure the others are out there too!"

I shook my head. "Boko is probably out there with Heriss and Baku and Neemon, so I wouldn't want to ruin it with my presence. I'll find a room to watch it."

"Just stay here to watch, please," Reiji groaned as they sat me down on the sofa beside Dad while they sat beside Uju as he sat beside me. "Seriously, we sorta managed to handle the feelings already."

"Bokomon hasn't," I bitterly pointed out. "He's probably not gonna forgive me, ever."

"Eos..." Dad frowned.

"Dad, I don't blame him. I kept this from him and now my past actions are kicking me. Literally. It's best if he's not involved with me anymore," I said, eyes trained on the TV.

The podium suddenly lit up as Dan and Hiro showed up on stage, and Dan yelled out, "What's up, Ghost Game world?!!!! Welcome to the first ever Multiversal Peace Concert! I'm Dan Kouzo!"

"And I'm Amanokawa Hiro!" Hiro looked happy on stage as well as he walked closer to Dan. "We organized this event due to the worlds becoming open source following the fight against Haavik, and we wanted to show you that we all can coexist!"

"I mean, my fellow TM here can't escape trouble, you know."

"Dan, YOU'RE ONE TOO."

And I swore I heard someone laughing in the background, but waved it off. That was probably my imagination.

He laughed. "But moving on! We have four songs and 20% of the money raised for this event will be dedicated to various organisations working to help ease the transition in! So, without further ado! Let's go ahead with the first song!"

"He's young but he's also kind! Everyone, give a round of applause to SHIMAZUKA AMANO!!"

There was a roaring sound of it as Amano got on stage, holding a mic while he seemed to be dressed formally with a fedora hat.

"H-Hi everyone! I'm glad that you all could make it!" He smiled. "So here's a song I think we can all use to be able to move forward! It's a song my mom taught me when I was being bullied and I can't wait to share it with you all!"

"Yeah, you got this, Amano!!" Light cheered while his dads, Shin Kurouzu Gaito and Oozora Kanata, both smiled.

"It is his fate to sway the crowd and blow them away."

"No doubt about it," Shin Kanata smiled.

The music then began playing as Amano prepared himself. Team Demigod, as the Ace team was known, was going BALLISTIC now. Apparently he had sung the song to beat a really mean person? Either way, his voice was amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zes_NDmjfhg

The song was down right amazing, and everyone was definitely cheering by the time Amano finally finished it off. He really looked tired but also very happy as his boyfriend, Mikado Haru, just ran onto stage and hugged him really tight, making Dan coo, "Awwww!!!"

"Is he always that soft?" I couldn't help but laugh at Dan, only for Ichita to snort. "Dan is soft and no one can deny it."

"True! The viewers have been enjoying Dan being soft and he's also really happy now!" Lia agreed.

"He's a parent hen," Dad solemnly said. "Eos has taught him to be a parent."

"Wha- HEY!" I blushed.

Uju giggled, and that made me flush more. Wow that was so cute.

"Alright, Dan, no more cooing. Mei would be laughing her head off seeing this," Hiro snorted.

"Only if it's not aimed at the babies," He snorted back. "But is this awesome or what?!?!??"

"YEAH!!?" The crowd roared.

"Alright, morale's high! Next up is a former idol, now cafe manager and Amano's mom! Give it up for Shin Ma Yunbae!!"

And I had to assume there were people from the Buddyfight world there because the noise was intense as Shin Yunbae stepped out, wearing a combat outfit. "Evening guys!! How has today been for you?!"

The crowd cheered and Shin Ayumi did too. "AW YEAH GO BAE!!!"

Baehoshi Dusk then sat beside Reiji, the fronter of the DID sufferer and brawler muttering, "I nearly jumped out of my seat because of that."

"Cause your name has Bae on it?" I couldn't help but tease. Then I covered my mouth as I stammered, "Wait, I-"

He waved it off. "Most of us are cool already. Don't worry. Plus we AB kids owe ya a lot. You saved Dia and Dan by helping the others realise how toxic their friendship was, so we know that you've changed."

That... I hadn't expected my actions to affect them that much. "Thank you, Baehoshi."

He smiled. "No worries. Anyway-"

Our conversation was cut short as the music began playing, and Shin Yunbae cheered, "Let's do this, guys!!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUOQEHGrAg4

Shin Yunbae:

tayasuku tokeru pazuru wa iranai
saigo no piisu wa hamaranai hodo omoshiroi
itakute asette naitemo yakusoku
"akiramenai de" girigiri tamesu no mo ii yo ne

"heiki?" tte shinpai sou ne kimi no te wo totte
Challenge Spirit hotobashiru mama ni ikuyo

ichibanori...!? aa daremo shiranai sekai wa donna darou
Action Ascension namae wo sagashiteru emooshon
shiranai kara wakaritai koto dareke no Our Days
Next Next Dimension takenaru kodou ga konpasu
omoi omoi no mirai no Lock on!

sugita shippai no taiseki yori mo
mucha demo muku ni museigen ni yume wo utaou
tama ni kizutsukeattemo kizuna
shinji tayoriau tabi waku pawaa no fukashigi

"yose" tte hantai sarete mo tomarenai gomen
tenpure datte issho nara nuri kawaru

ichibanori...!? saa daremo shiranai sora e ima ga janpu
Action Ascension toiro no niji ni haitenshon
Diversity konton mo enjoi shiyou Alright?
Next Next Dimension gooru wa nai itsumo sutaato
hajimete no tobira o akete

rekishi kazaru tooi boukenkatachi
manzoku shita darou ka yari nokoshi wa naindarou ka
kokoro odoru toutoi Something Somebody ou ni wa
issho nante kitto isshun da isoge!!

"seeno" tte Go! bokutachi no shinkuro kiseki okosou
Fighting Shining michi to no deai hareeshon
Curiosity osore sae aiseru hazu Brave Hearts
Step Step Upgrade aikotoba wa Evolution
omoi katai tobira mo akete

ichibanori...!? aa daremo shiranai sekai wa donna darou
action ascension namae wo sagashiteru emooshon
shiranai kara wakaritai koto darake no Our Life
Next Next Dimension takanaru kodou ga konpasu
omoi omoi no mirai wo Lock on!

The noise was so loud anyone could barely hear themselves over it, and honestly, I didn't blame them whatsoever. The performance was downright amazing!

"Eomma, t-that was amazing!!" Amano hugged her, and Shin Ayumi joined up as we all went "Awwwww!!"

"Thanks, you guys," she grinned. "We should get off stage, though. I think a lot of the people here have been awaiting the next performance!"

"I don't blame them! After hearing them sing for the first time, I literally wanted to cry because it was that good!" Dan said.

"And they're really awesome too!" Hiro added. "So give it up for-"

"Oh~ Were you waiting for me?" A new voice suddenly said, and a storm seemed to begin as a certain Digimon descended from the clouds with a person riding on it.

I paled. "It's-"

"Sethmon?!" Angoramon paled as well. "What in the world?..."

"Greetings!" the woman got off and bowed while waving as she said, "I'm Kinmokusei Asagao, and I am so honoured that you all came here today for my performance!"

Almost immediately, everyone turned to Shin Gao, who gave a deadpan face. "I distinctively remember my name, thank you very much, and it is NOT that."

"You're not a girl? How shocking," Shin Noboru teased.

"Excuse me? Do you want to Buddyfight me right now? I am going to SLAUGHTER YOU."

"You can't. I'm the one who helped you get Yuga away from Paruko."

"... I hate my life."

"You're welcome-"

"HEY! WHAT THE ****?! Why the **** are you all so silent?!" Asagao snarled, aquamarine eyes seething in rage.

"Because we mostly came here for someone that is not you?" Dan drily snarked.

"Yeah," Hiro nodded, but almost immediately, the two had to dodge a "Heat Storm!"

"You...! I will-" She seemed to pause as if she was... listening to someone. "But, Akira-san- ... I... guess so. Alright then, anything for you."

Did she have an earpiece or something? Either way, it confirmed my suspicions; she was a member of Perfectio...

She then turned to the cameras and smiled. "Forgive me, that was pretty rude of me! I almost forgot why I came here!"

"Why you came here?" Shin Ayumi looked suspicious while standing in front of Amano, with Shin Yunbae doing the same as the two held their Earth Armour cards. "What would that be?"

She flipped back her chocolate hair. "Why, isn't it obvious?"

"Not quite," Drago spoke up from Dan's shoulder.

She rolled her eyes. "Idiots. I would like to challenge that girl Reflectz to a singing contest. Whoever gains the most cheers wins!"

And almost immediately, someone yelled, "Hey, they're not a girl!!"

Asagao then grew an evil smile as she turned to that person, her pink sleeveless dress flowing while she answered, "Ah, sadly that is not the truth. You see..."

I felt my fists tighten. No, it couldn't be...

But... it was.

"Reflectz was born a girl."

I didn't know when Reiji and I started sprinting, but we were gone and headed straight to the area behind the stage, where Reiji immediately gave Kagami a hug as they fell to their knees, shaking, sobbing.

I nearly punched a wall. "****! How did they... how did they know!? From Akira?!"

The topic of Gami's birth gender was never talked about against their will. They hated it so badly, and their parents neglecting her in favor of basking in the prestige of being related to Karan Eri and Torajirou Asuka did not help. It was why Kagami avoided the topic, especially with Eri and Astra. It was why they had been nervous about this entire thing...

Outside, the din was massive as there were protests, accusations... so much discord...

And in the midst of all that, I saw Asagao standing there with a smug smirk on her face.

One I wanted to punch off her perfectly made-up face.

+ SPIRITUAL DIGILEMMA +

"Good call doing a break, Dan," Jinhyuk said as we all gathered in the backstage area, some standing, some sitting, and others, like Gami, just sobbing.

"There are laws against exposing one's birth sex!" Dad snarled. "How dare she?!"

Semo-sensei looked pretty ticked off too. "We can't proceed with the concert like this. And if we fail this concert, that would make the tension even worse."

"Mei just texted, saying that she saw and she's worried as well," Ruri said. "We need to figure out a game plan here."

"She seemed pretty adamant about this, though. We can't negotiate with her on this," Shin Ririanna pointed out. "At the same time, we can't let Kagami go out in the state they're in too."

"Could we put my act up first before Kagami's then?" another voice asked as Eri and Astra stepped in. "I'm willing to adjust if needed."

"... Hey, do you think there could be another motive behind this?" I asked.

Everyone turned to me, shock clear in their faces while Bokomon flinched.

I looked away as well, but said, "Cause Akira... From what I know, Akira usually has a reason behind stuff like this. He always did when I was growing up with the Daikis; he had his own agenda to achieve. If he was pulling Asagao-san back to reality, then it means that they have another plan in mind."

"The real question is what," Uju agreed while putting his hand on his chin.

"Maybe it has something to do with her partner," Ichita then hummed. "Sethmon is an Armour Digivolution, if my memory serves me right."

"Just asked Daisuke, and he said it's V-mon's evolution with the Digimental/Digi-Egg of Love," Yuujin looked up from his phone.

"Love, huh?" I remarked quietly, looking at the Digimon from the screen. Did it encompass everything in it? Family, friends... romance?

"Ririanna, I need to pick your brain for a minute. I have a suspicion about her, but I need to check my facts." Shin Bernard got up.

Huh? "What are you talking about?" Koutarou asked.

"I need to check with the manual, but... something tells me she has a personality disorder," he said.

"A personality disorder?" I repeated. "What's that?"

I knew of mood disorders and schizophrenia, not to mention Dad's disorders, but...

"They're pretty maladaptive personality traits in someone," Shin Ririanna explained. "And there are three clusters. Cluster A is normally considered eccentric, Cluster B is dramatic, while Cluster C consists of anxious personality traits."

"I would classify her under Cluster B, but I need more information in order to figure out her specific issue," Shin Bernard said. "We need more interactions with her if we want to help her."

"Hold on, HELP her? After she literally exposed Gami and made them remember trauma!?" Reiji snapped.

I agreed with Reiji on this. Gami was a mess because of her, and he... he...

"I... don't think it's a bad idea," Dia spoke up, and Onyx nodded. "Yeah, why not help people?"

"But-"

"We all made mistakes, and they do too. Does it mean that they can't be forgiven?" Shin Bernard asked. "'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.', according to Romans 3 verse 23. But we can still love people, can't we? 'The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.'"

"Second Peter 3 verse 9!" Duri gasped.

"Yeah," he nodded.

"'"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.' according to Matthew 5 verses 43 to 44," Wuliang realised.

"Exactly. Plus, it doesn't mean forgiving and forgetting. It means loving the hard way," he said. "It's hard, but it's worth it."

Loving the hard way...? That was...

I never thought about it. I knew it was easy to forgive Dad, but... was that the actual essence of forgiveness...?

I frowned a bit, and then spoke up, surprising myself, "Hey, mind if I follow along to help? I'll start a call with someone so we can stay connected."

"I-I'll go with you!" Uju nodded.

Shin Bernard smiled. "Alright, let's go th-"

"Well, considering they are taking a long time, I suppose we can get the singing contest with me!" Asagao suddenly said as she smiled. "Hey, you done setting up, Amato!?"

"I'm trying but it's not easy! Mecha is working on it!" Another voice had us looking upwards to see...

Another Perfectio member?! He was around Hiro and the others' age (this time I was pretty sure due to how young he was.) and had messy black hair with one white streak. He wore a blue hoodie covered by a yellow shirt, brown cargo pants, and red and white shoes too. Weirdly enough, it looked similar to Uju's shoes... Might be a coincidence.

Aoi looked pale, though. "What the!?"

"You know him, Aoi?" Ruri asked.

"He... He's my relative from Malaysia," she stammered. "But how? Why is he with Perfectio? Last I heard he was back home!"

I felt my stomach drop. Aoi's relative had allied himself to Perfectio...?

Just... what had I done?

"Alright, done!" The Hagurumon X called out, and she grinned. "Perfect, thanks!"

He waved before he held out a DigiLemma Digivice that was red with blue highlights. "Mecha, let's get out of here!"

"You got it!" the Hagurumon X grinned as it-

Wait hold on...?!

Amato seemed to disappear as the Hagurumon X glowed.

"Is he... is he Biomerging with the Digimon!?" Bokomon gasped.

"Biomerging? What's that?" Hiro asked.

"It's... something you can do with the D-Arc, but... I didn't think it was possible!" Neemon looked surprised.

What really shocked us, though?

Hagurumon X Antibody Fragment Biomerge to...!

"MIASMAMON!!!"

What used to be metal... was now goop. The Digimon was humanoid, vaguely similar to Amato's body, but also with parts made entirely out of something that I was sure wasn't Chrome Digizoid. It felt like the goop had hardened to make a really hard shield...

"That's a whole new Digimon!" Jellymon gasped. "I've never seen one like it!"

A whole new Digimon?...

I then recalled yesterday with the Agumons... They said they were being changed...

Was THIS what they meant?...

"Stay safe, Akak!" the Digimon said before it flew off, and normally we would go after it, but-

"Let's get this show on the road!" Asagao snapped her fingers and music came on. Her brown flats began to move around as her pale skin glowed under the light, the black leggings accentuating her looks.

And then, she sang.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErWUZ6qJ0eA

Asagao:

Konya koi ni kawaru shiawase na yume de aou
Kitto nee mitsukete ne
Madoromi no yakusoku

Mebaeteta nukumori atatakakute tomadou
Konna kimochi wo mada anata wa wakaranai no

Sono shisen ni wa imi nante betsu ni nai hazu
Datte tomodachi ni shiteru no to onaji

Akegata ni kieteku chiisana negai hoshi
Yoru no aida dake no mahou ...kizuite hoshii
Konya koi ni kawaru shiawase na yume de aou
Kitto nee mitsukete ne
Madoromi no yakusoku

Houkago wa itsu demo tokubetsu na kuukan de
Issho ni inakutemo tonari ni iru ki ga suru

Kono mama futari nanigenai toki wo sugosou
Motto fusawashii hajimari no mae ni

Matataku hoshitachi ni anata wo sagashiteta
Sugu ni deaeru to shinjite ...koko ni iru yo
Itsuka koi ni kawaru atarashii asa ga kitemo
Kitto nee kienaide
Hohoemi ni inoru no

Kono mama futari nanigenai toki wo sugosou
Sotto mune no naka yasashisa ga michiru

Akegata ni kieteku chiisana negai hoshi
Yoru no aida dake no mahou ...kizuite hoshii
Konya koi ni kawaru shiawase na yume de aou
Kitto nee mitsukete ne
Hohoemi wo kawasou

Matataku hoshitachi ni anata wo sagashiteta
Sugu ni deaeru to shinjite ...koko ni iru yo
Itsuka koi ni kawaru atarashii asa ga kitemo
Kitto nee kienaide
Madoromi no yakusoku

The crowd... went wild at that. Oh Kami- She was actually good! Really really good!

"****..." I muttered, seeing Kagami look even more unsure.

"Thank you! Thank you! You are too kind!" she bowed.

"We need to figure out how to st-"

"Wait... I think... I know what they're after now..." Winnie suddenly spoke up.

"Oh God..." Wuliang looked pale. "That's... Insanely good. I see why Eos-nei was so sure..."

"Huh? What are you- Oh... Oh ****ing ****..." Arihoshi Tenade paled as well.

"What's wrong?" Hoshiyomi Subaru asked.

Ichita... they stammered out, "The Aura... All the negative energy... It's being absorbed by Sethmon!"

WHAT?!

"So just like... In the True Pied Piper world... When they used my, Otousan and Dad's energy to fuel that Influencified Garga...?" Yuga looked sick.

"On a wider scale, yes," Wuliang said. "It's... Brilliant..."

"Downright brilliant..." Ichita looked away.

"I... I... I'm so sorry guys..." Kagami suddenly started as they hugged themselves. "I don't think... I can go on stage... I... I don't... I'm scared..."

"Gami..." Reiji and I shared a glance. They had always doubted themselves due to their past and how others would judge them... It... Hurt seeing them like this...

What... What could we do?

But then Eri walked up to them and kneeled, making eye contact with her. "Then be scared."

... What?

"Eri-"

"But you know what? Fear is part of courage. Courage is about getting over the fear you have. Facing yourself is not easy. I would know. I had to face my partner disappearing, living without knowing whether he was okay."

"Eri-chan..." Her partner, Dokamon sniffed.

"But you know what I learnt? I learnt not to hold back. I learnt to accept what's here-" She gently pointed to Kagami's chest. "-may not align with the mind, and that's okay. I learnt that being you is the best way to do anything. And sure the search to know you is hard, but it's worth it in the end."

"Grandma..." Their eyes glistened.

"I've seen you practice, and I'm willing to bet that they are going to love you no matter what. Because you have given your entire heart to making videos. You have a home, so don't hold back, Ashita Kagami! Give the doubts an explosive punch!!" She held out her fist.

Kagami's eyes widened, but soon tears fell as they grinned, fist bumping her in reply. "Thanks, Grandma. I... Always looked up to you and Grandpa, because you were always so real. I wanted to be me, but... My fear of being judged held me back."

They then got up, and smiled. "But I have a home now, and I won't let this define me!"

"That's the Kagami I was waiting to see!" Reiji grinned while I smiled.

Being me, huh?... That... Was something to think about some other time. Right now, it was time to strike back!!

"We're changing up the song if we're going to stop Asagao-san," Kagami then said. "Makua, Reiji, remember that song we sang during our graduation from high school?"

"You're saying...!" I smiled.

"Yeah," They nodded. "That being said, Shiramon, could I get Rythimon's help to beat Sethmon? It's not a Kpop song, but..."

"Say no more," She held out a hand. "Let's win this thing."

They smiled. "Alright!!"

"We'll head to the control room to set things up, so get yourself ready, Gami," I told them.

"I will. And be careful, Makua."

I snorted. "I'm not the one about to face their fear. Don't let it win, Gami."

They grinned, and I smiled at how sincere and determined it was. "I won't."

Soon, Shin Bernard, Shin Ririanna, Uju and I were in the control room as I worked on shifting the music being played, using a headset while I saw Shin Bernard and Shin Ririanna looking through a really big book.

Uju was helping out with the controlling too, and he was doing really well.

"That's really awesome. How do you know how to do all this?" I asked while whirling around. We had time before the song uploaded,. so why not talk a bit?

"Oh, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. They were both inventors," He answered with a wistful smile. "But they died some years back. No one really knows how they died."

"I... see. I'm sorry for the loss," I said.

"Why are you sorry? Some people just die when the time is right, you know?" He waved it off. "I just miss them once in a while, really."

"Then... If you ever feel overwhelmed, you... You can call me, if you want," I hesitantly offered.

He blinked, but soon he laughed and smiled at me. "Thanks, Eos."

I felt my face heat up again. "N-No problem!"

The music finished uploading just then, and I spun around to say, "Gami, it's set up."

"Thanks, Makua. You ready for this, Jiji?"

"Always. Let's kick some digital ***!!"

I rolled my eyes as the music began playing, and Kagami finally stepped out, making the crowd go wild as Asagao's eyes widened. "You!!"

"There's a limit you don't cross. The moment you decided that using a concert for a good cause for your plan was when it was crossed! So I'm going to make sure you learn your lesson!" Kagami boldly declared, and I noticed a change in their outfit. I had noticed they had been cosplaying as Satoshi from Pokemon Journeys since they were going to sing The Journey Starts Today, but now they were wearing a black suit. "You don't use the people I care about for your heinous schemes! Not my fans, not me, not Makua, and no one! I AM ASHITA KAGAMI AND I WILL MAKE YOU PAY!"

"Let's do this, Kagami!" Shiramon roared, and...

Something seemed to glow from their necklace, the one they had gotten from their grandparents before their untimely and mysterious deaths years back, as a symbol of a headless horseman shone.

And...

Shiramon Mega Evolve to...!

"Rythimon! Hi, my little wolf pups, are we ready to rock this stage?!!" she roared.

"No doubt!" Kagami grinned, and then, the song began.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALCTkIAshNw

Kagami:

Oh you shine bright

Brighter than all the stars

Brighter than fireworks

So I give you all my love

Rythimon:

And your perfection even in your mistakes

Give affection even when your heart aches

When I'm away

You're who I'm thinking of, because

"Aegyo!" They called out, and Sethmon got hit as Asagao gasped. "Seth!"

Kagami, Rythimon:

You are my home, home, home

Wherever I may roam

You are the place where I can rest my weary bones

You are my home, home, home

You are my home, home, home...

"You're going to pay!" Asagao snarled.

"No, YOU ARE GOING TO TASTE THE TRUE MEANING OF A HOME!! I WILL NOT LET YOU HURT THOSE I CARE FOR!" Kagami yelled. "Maknae!"

Sethmon hissed as it got hit, and I didn't know what I was meant to see, but I heard Ichita cheer, "The energy is leaving!"

Alright! That was great!

"Grrr!!!!"

But then... Out of nowhere, Reiji showed up as they held a microphone, nervous but also looking determined as they adjusted their hoodie while blushing. I had a subtle feeling a certain gremlin had to do with his embarrassment, and Yuga proved it by saying, "We're killing two birds with a stone!~"

Truly the Ace of Blackmail...

Still, Reiji inhaled, and began to sing.

Reiji:

You're a diamond

Brightening my cloudy sky

Sparkling all through the night

Light me up like fireflies

Kagami was blushing a lot, but they held out a hand to Reiji, and they took it as the two faced Asagao.

Kagami, Reiji:

See you shining even in the darkness

Stand beside me when I don't deserve it

That's why I say

I give you all my love, because

"Let's go!" the three chorused.

Kagami, Rythimon, Reiji:

You are my home, home, home

Wherever I may roam

You are the place where I can rest my weary bones

You are my home, home, home

You are my home, home, home...

"HEART HOWL SPIRALS!!!!" they chorused.

Sethmon grunted even more as it was hit by the attacks, and Asagao tried to counter but-

Rythimon:

You're my number 1, there's no doubt

And we stick together throughout

Like boy scouts we are 'bout

All for one till life out

Kagami, Reiji:

So home, where you at?

Wave your hands, front to back

Everybody take a look around

At my friend, up in the crowd

"Time for the finale!!! FACTION....!" Reiji began.

"COMEBACK!!!!" Kagami screamed at the top of their lungs, and it sounded MAGICAL as the crowd went wild.

The attack hit the Sethmon hard, but they weren't done yet!

Reiji, Kagami, Rythimon:

Ohh

Ohh

You are my home, home, home

"First..."

"Lyric..."

"RIDERS!!!!" the two yelled at the top of their lungs.

"Aw yeahh!!!!!!" Rythimon grinned as winged notes appeared and hit both Asagao and Sethmon.

"AHHHHH!!!!"

There was a lot of smoke as the cameras got fogged, and everyone was screaming. What had happened?! Who had won!?

But I was grinning as I knew the outcome. It was obviously...!

Sure enough, when the dust cleared up, Asagao and a Tukaimon were on their knees.

Alright, it was ov-

"Not yet..."

Huh?.... Why was there a dark aur-

"NOT YET!! I WON'T LET AKIRA DOWN!!!" she suddenly roared as her blue and pink-rimmed Digivice shone. The Tukaimon glowed as well and-

Tukaimon Fragmented Mega Evolution to!

"ACHEELMON!!!"

What the ****!? What was THAT?!

The cheetah-like Digimon looked similar to an athlete, but... It went on all fours. Glowing red eyes stared at Rythimon and my friends hungrily... Oh KAMI NO!!!!

"OH GOD, GET OUT OF THERE, KAGAMI, REIJI!!!" Dad screamed.

"HOW DARE YOU EMBARRASS ME?! HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME SEEM LIKE THE VILLAIN!? I WILL END YOU! I WILL MAKE YOUR SO-CALLED FRIEND PAY FOR WHAT THEY DID TO AKIRA-SAN!!!!" she snarled. "ACHEELMON, TROJAN HORSE SLASH!!!"

Acheelmon roared as it rushed at the two, but-

"Pedal Petal Love Love!" Reiji quickly called out.

"And then Aegyo!" Kagami added. Both were holding hands really tightly now...

"You got it!" she agreed as she blinded the Digimon, making it roar before she immobilised it. I saw that the civilians were being evacuated by the security team, so that was a relief, but...

"Grrrr!!! DIE DIE DIE!! ALL OF YOU PEOPLE DIE!!! AFTER WHAT HUMANS DID TO ALL OF US, WE ARE NOT ABOUT TO LOSE HERE! I REFUSE TO LOSE! I REFUSE TO LET AKIRA-SAN, TO LET EVERYONE DOWN! WE WORKED SO HARD TO MAKE THE ****ING DIGIVICE! WE WENT EVERYWHERE RELATED TO THE SIN CODES! ALL FOR THIS! I WILL NOT LET YOU ALL DESTROY IT!!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs so loudly I had to cover my ears.

Wait, Digivice...?

She must have made the Digivices alongside whoever else helped!

I could already SENSE Blues storming upwards, and yelled, "Stop Blues before he absolutely murders them!"

"We're- Ugh! Trying!!!" Hiro yelled back.

"LET ME AT THEM!!!"

"Chill, dude!!!"

"Makua, we need help there!" Ruri pleaded.

"On it!" I took off my headset and got the taser out before running, praying I got there in time...

Thankfully I did.

So did Dad, Remdepiamon, Bokomon and Bakumon, though.

The last two flinched while I looked away, but a scream on stage made us rush out to see a beaten-up Shiramon on the ground as a crazed Asagao laughed upon seeing Kagami and Reiji back off. "Why so scared?~ I thought you said you were going to beat me? Oh wait, it's ImPoSsIbLe!~"

And a mark that I vaguely remembered seeing on Aduyvesmon glowed on Acheelmon as it snarled at them.

But Kagami stood her ground. "I'm not going to lose here! I've come too far! And I know that with everyone, we can overcome this!"

Reiji nodded, "Yeah!"

"Awww, how cute. IT MAKES ME WANT TO KILL YOU!!! IMPERIAL LANCE!!!"

"NO!!!!" I screamed-

Both of them glowed as their necklaces formed a shield around them, the symbol from before protruding at the center before it sent Acheelmon back flying, the mark on the Digimon breaking apart.

I was downright gobsmacked. What just...?

"Ugh!" The Digimon devolved back into Tukaimon, and the shield dispersed, leaving more questions than answers. What WAS that...?

Asagao looked like she had been through ****, growling at the two even though tears were falling down her eyes. "****! I lost! I... I... I'm a failure..."

Huh?...

"I'm so sorry everyone, I... I failed... Akira-san... Everyone, I... Can't go back... I don't have a home anymore... I failed you all... I... I...."

Just then, someone said, "If I may ask, were you ever diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder?"

"Shin Bernard-san!" I gasped as he and Shin Ririanna showed up from behind us.

"A personality disorder which makes the patient excessively require attention and love from others, and will act out if not fulfilled," Shin Ririanna spoke. "That's a Cluster B personality disorder, as predicted."

"And... I'm assuming you had already been in remission for some time until it was retriggered," Shin Bernard added. "It wasn't as bad as expected and... You mentioned how humans hurt you and your friends. Did you mean Perfectio?"

"W-Why do you care?" She snapped angrily. "It's none of your business!!"

"It is, because I am a counselor and I felt your sorrow as you screamed out. We heard you, Asagao," Shin Bernard said. "And we... Are so sorry for whatever you went through. I don't know for sure your pain, but I want to help you heal from it."

"Forget it! Humans just lie and lie!" She scoffed.

"And wouldn't you be doing the same as the majority if you let your preconceived beliefs dictate your life?" He asked back. "There are those who don't lie, and there is God who is with you all of your life, who never leaves even though you sin."

"That..." Her eyes widened.

"Plus, Acheelmon and Miasmamon... Were they evolutions triggered by Hubris and Melancholy?" I asked. "Those codes... They're hurting you all, aren't they?"

"How did you..." She stopped herself and said, "... Yes... But... It's too late for me, for us. I've become a monster... We all have. All for a better world..."

"A better world is forged through kindness and faith," Shin Bernard took her hands into his as he said, "It's not impossible. I know that for sure. So... '"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."' from John 16 verse 33. The Lord WILL help you and your friends. I know that deep in my heart."

"Plus, you... If you hadn't done that, I wouldn't have gotten over my fear of being judged. So... Thank you, Asagao-san...." Kagami walked over. "I may not like Akira but you seem pretty cool! You managed to create your group's Digivice right? That's awesome!"

"Even though I..." She seemed confused now. "You still care for me?"

Good question. And they answered so bluntly I nearly got whiplash. "Absolutely."

"Plus, our team had former villains so you can join that group. So... You're not alone, okay?" Shin Bernard held out his hand. "Let's take it one step at a time."

Asagao finally... Finally teared up as she hugged Shin Bernard, sniffles easily heard in the stadium while she hugged Tukaimon, who snuggled up against her, tears falling as well.

That was one Perfectio member down, but this battle only gave me more questions. What was that symbol on Acheelmon and from Gami and Jiji? So many questions, yet not many answers.

Either way, I was definitely going to find out, but right now, watching Kagami smile as themselves made me soooo proud.

And how Shin Bernard-san saved Asagao-san got me thinking. He seemed so in his zone... And he managed to help her with words...

I could never do that... Right?

venusaura made Herissmon!