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'Brother…'

The voice was distant, but not so far that Maximus didn't recognize it. He opened his eyes, finding himself standing in the familiar forest of his home. He knew it… he'd grown up here…

But the moment of elation vanished. As he took in his surroundings, he blinked—then gasped in horror. His village was burning. He heard howls, saw the shadows of hound Digimon running just out of sight.

'Brother…' came the call again.

“Maverick!" Maximus cried, racing toward the voice. He felt weightless, like he was running on the moon—every step carried him too far, yet not fast enough.

Another blink, and he was outside the village now, deeper in the forest. Someone stood ahead of him. He recognized the broad form, the muscular frame, the horned nose—a Veedramon.

“Maverick!" he shouted, sprinting toward the figure.

Then something whipped out from the trees, snaking around his waist and yanking him back. He looked down—some kind of vine or green tendril had wrapped around him. He grabbed at it, struggling to pry it loose, but more slithered in, coiling around his arms, legs, his body.

The dark-green, plantlike Digimon tumbled from the underbrush—Weedmon. Just like the ones he'd encountered before. This time, there were three, their vines lashing around him, stopping him from taking another step.

“No! Maverick, help!" Maximus cried, thrashing against the binds.

Maverick—because it had to be him, turned toward him. But he didn't move. He just stood there, staring, completely apathetic to his brother's plight.

“Maverick!"

“How could I help you, brother?" came the reply. “You failed to save me."

Then, a red slash of light—blinding, sudden—cut through the Veedramon. His body dissolved into smoke, gone in an instant. Standing in his place… was Talbot.

The Black WereGarurumon grinned wickedly.

The Weedmon's vines hoisted Maximus off the ground, holding him closer to Talbot as though offering him up. Talbot's paw reached out, claws gleaming, that same demonic smile still stretching across his face as Maximus struggled, helpless in the trap…

Maximus woke with a start, gasping sharply as he sat upright, his breaths coming fast and shallow. He dropped to his knees on the bed, staring at the floor, heart pounding like a war drum in his chest. His entire body felt cold, like he'd just climbed out of an ice bath…

Another nightmare, he thought, trying to collect himself.

His eyes stung. The tears were already there. He clenched them shut, willing the flood to stop—but it was no use. They spilled down his cheeks as he wept silently, his small frame trembling in the moonlight.

When he opened his eyes again, something else caught his attention—a shadow on the wall. Cast by the moonlight streaming in through the window, it should have just been his own silhouette. But there was more.

Something bigger.

Something moving.

Maximus whirled around, gasping horrified when he saw it. A spider-like creature was crawling in through the window. Its eight, glowing blue eyes locked onto him. Seeing that he was awake and that its easy meal had been lost, it lunged.

He cried out in surprise and threw himself off the bed, landing hard on the floor before rolling and landing on his hands and knees. As he faced the intruder, his mind raced.

Dokugumon? No—it was too small. The last Dokugumon he'd seen had been as large as a handcart; this one could fit through the window. One of its spawn, he realized grimly.

The spider hissed and launched itself again, jaws wide open in a humanoid mouth lined with dagger-like teeth. Maximus scrambled backward, trying to stand, but the room was too cramped. His head hit the wall by the door—then the creature was on him.

He barely managed to raise his arms, one hand pressing against the spider's helmeted face, the other braced against its neck. Its jaws snapped inches from his own, blue eyes glowing with hunger. He gritted his teeth and kicked feebly, trying to push it off. It wasn't enough.

Then—a knock. A shout from the hallway. Maximus barely heard it over the struggle, a hopeful elation rising withing him. “Help!" he yelled instinctively, without thinking.

The door exploded inward, lamplight from out in the hallway spilling into the room, illuminating the spider Digimon on top of Maximus.

A red blur crashed into the spider, knocking it off him. Maximus hit the floor, dazed, as his saviour landed atop the spider's back with a savage growl, biting deep into the base of its head.

The spawnling screeched, flailing wildly to throw off the attacker. Maximus, driven by adrenaline, leapt to his feet and squared up, glaring at the spider that had tried to make a meal of him. “Incoming!" he shouted.

The newcomer sprang away from the spider, diving onto the bed just as Maximus drew back a glowing fist. “Vee Knockout!" he cried, punching the creature with full force.

The impact hurled it into the wall with a sickening thud. It landed on its back, twitching.

His rescuer stepped forward—now clearly visible in the light from the window and that coming in from the hallway; a red reptilian form with sharp claws and determined eyes. He opened his jaws wide, a crimson sphere forming between his teeth.

“Pyro Sphere!" he growled, spitting the condensed fireball at the stunned spider Digimon.

The spawnling screeched as the fireball struck, its limbs curling inward as flames engulfed it. Within seconds, it disintegrated into a shimmering cloud of data. Maximus instinctively reached out for it with his mind—but stopped.

I didn't make the kill, he reminded himself. He left it alone, letting the data hang for his rescuer instead.

To his surprise, the figure didn't absorb it.

Instead, the red Digimon turned toward him, two amber-yellow eyes locking onto the Veemon before he hopped down from the bed.

Maximus took a cautious step back as he got a good look at him. The creature stood hunched like a raptor, walking on two sturdy legs, his arms curled back slightly against his chest. A pale white underbelly covered his torso and stomach, and on his round belly was a black emblem—the mark of a Virus-type.

'Is… is this guy a Virus-type?' Maximus thought, puzzled.

Despite the ferocity he'd just witnessed—the brutal knockdown, the bite to the skull—there was none of it left in the red reptile's eyes now. Only curiosity. There was something almost… innocent in the way he tilted his head, sniffing the air like a confused puppy. He didn't look or act like any Virus-type Maximus had ever encountered before – least of all for his refusal to absorb the data from his kill.

Then the stranger spoke. “Are you okay?"

Maximus almost jumped. The voice was disarmingly friendly. He gave his head a sharp shake to clear it before answering.

“Y-Yeah. I'm okay," he said. “Thanks. You saved me."

The red lizard drew his head back and grinned—wide and goofy. “No problem!"

The cheeriness hit Maximus like a bucket of cold water dumped over his head. It was so sudden, so sincere, that for a moment he just stood there, blinking. It was as if the fight had never happened.

Behind the red lizard, the cloud of shimmering data had already dispersed, fading into nothingness to be carried off to the After. Maximus, having already decided he didn't deserve to enjoy it, brushed aside the flicker of disappointment.

His focus remained on his rescuer—the red lizard who now stood grinning at him like they'd been friends for years. That goofy, friendly demeanor was disarming in a way Maximus wasn't prepared for. It wasn't just the smile… It was the feel of him.

There was a warmth there. An openness. Like at any moment, this stranger might throw his arms around him and hug him just because he wanted to.

A word came to Maximus then, unbidden; extrovert. An extreme case of that it seemed.

Maximus shifted slightly, lowering his arms as if he'd only now remembered they were still raised. “Uh… right," he said, quietly. “Thanks again. I… I didn't catch your name."

Even as he said it, he felt that old reflex stirring—the instinct to keep his distance. To stay guarded. Trust wasn't something he gave freely. Not anymore.

The red lizard didn't seem to notice—or didn't care. “Rilo!" he said cheerfully, puffing up with pride like he was announcing a royal title. He tilted his head, still smiling. “Are you new here? I know just about everybody, but I don't remember you."

“Uh… Yes, I… Just arrived today," Maximus replied, unsure whether to match the lizard's energy or shrink from it.

Rilo's eyes lit up. “A new classmate!" he exclaimed—and without warning, he lunged forward and hugged Maximus, rearing back and managing to even pick him up.

Maximus stiffened. Every muscle locked. He stood there, arms hovering awkwardly as the other Digimon clung to him like a long-lost friend, while for his part Maximus could only stare at the wall, blankly. His mind scrambled for what the proper response was to this.

Part of him wanted to recoil. To push Rilo off and reestablish the boundary he hadn't meant to drop. But another part—a smaller, quieter part—hesitated. Rilo wasn't threatening. He wasn't doing this to invade or challenge. He just… was like this; friendly, open, and warm.

Maximus didn't know how to take it. He glanced down at the Virus-type now squeezing him with such reckless affection and thought, not for the first time: What the hell is happening right now?

As Rilo held him, Maximus caught a glimpse of the scorch marks still smoking on the floor—the aftermath of the spawnling they had just killed. His blood ran cold again. The danger wasn't over.

He pulled himself free from Rilo's hug, landing back on the floor with a small thud. Rilo blinked, momentarily puzzled—and maybe a little hurt—by the Veemon's abrupt retreat.

“We need to tell someone about that spider," Maximus said, trying to redirect them back to the matter at hand.

At that, Rilo perked up like someone flicking a switch. “Oh! Right!" he exclaimed. “We should tell Surtan!"

“You know where to find him?"

“Yeah! His room's three doors up this way," Rilo said, pointing confidently with a claw. “But if he's not there, he's probably out on the grounds somewhere, trying to find that spider nest, and—"

He cut off suddenly, eyes widening. He looked over his shoulder, back at the scorched floor where the spawnling's data had dissipated. “Wait a second… How did that thing get up here? The elders sealed the cave!"

Maximus narrowed his eyes. “Worry about that later," he said. “Let's find this Surtan guy and let him know. Other students could be in danger."

“Right!" Rilo agreed. “I'm with you… uh… Sorry, what was your name?"

Maximus blushed with realization. “Ah, how rude of me," he said. “It's Maximus."

“Okay! I'm with you, Max!"

Maximus raised an eyebrow, but shook his head, deciding to let it go before he and Rilo ran out of the room, sprinting up the hallway in search of help…

~~~~~

The two didn't find Surtan in his room—knocking only disturbed his neighbors, who angrily barked at them to keep quiet. That earned an awkward apology from Rilo and a silent vow from Maximus to let the Guilmon lead the way from now on.

They moved into the citadel's yard, which was mostly empty at this hour—except for one figure standing alone beneath the watchlights. Rilo made a beeline toward him.

Maximus trailed behind, his curiosity piqued. He'd heard the name 'Surtan' earlier that evening when Fenric had mentioned him in passing, but he hadn't thought to ask. Now, faced with the mystery, he didn't have to.

The yard of the citadel was mostly empty, save for one figure standing alone beneath the watchlights. Rilo made a beeline toward him, leaving Maximus to trail behind, unsure of what—or who—he was looking at.

The figure was tall and broad-shouldered, humanoid like Fenric, but clad head to toe in crimson armor that gleamed in the low light. A mane of golden hair spilled from the back of his helmet like a cascade of fire, and as he turned, Maximus caught a glimpse of his face—or what wasn't hidden.

Like Fenric, he had a human visage, but it was masked—his features concealed behind a sleek, red helm with curved horns sweeping out to either side in a regal, symmetrical arch. The mask gave nothing away, but it didn't have to. His stance said it all: still, but alert. Calm, but undeniably powerful.

“Surtan!" Rilo called out.

The horned figure turned toward them, his presence solid as stone.

“Rilo?" Surtan asked, speaking with a rough voice. “What're you doing out of bed?"

Maximus slowed his pace, a knot of caution forming in his gut. Whoever this was, he didn't look like someone you visited. He looked like someone you reported to.

He was just as tall as Fenric, and just as lithe—but the weight of him wasn't in his size. It was in the heat of him, the way his armor seemed to hum with banked flame. He wasn't moving, but Maximus could feel it: coiled speed, raw force, the kind that didn't hesitate.

He found himself staring—then quickly looked away, uneasy at the thought that the mask might be staring back.

An Agunimon, he thought. A warrior Digimon with power over fire.

He'd never seen an Agunimon before, but somehow, he still knew what Surtan was. The name, the type, even some vague idea of his capabilities—like half-remembered facts from a book he'd never read. Just like with Fenric and like with so many others he'd seen on this journey of his…

Most Digimon had that; a kind of inherited database, stitched together from absorbed data and battle-won fragments. Bits of other lives tucked away in their own code. Maximus had learned to trust it… mostly. It came in flashes, like intuition, or déjà vu.

But it didn't come with understanding; he hadn't known what Lotfia was until Raist had said it. He hadn't known Dokugumon could spawn offspring until Fenric had said so – and when they were crawling up the walls to attack him in his room.

The knowledge was there, but without the context, without the why, it was just static in his head. Like having the wisdom of someone older and wiser echoing inside him—but without the maturity to make sense of it all.

The knowledge had gaps. Holes. Places where instinct failed and experience had to fill in the blanks.

Maximus was starting to realize his understanding of his world outside of his little village of lumberjack dragonoids was far from complete…

Surtan wasn't like Fenric, who carried himself with a relaxed, confident grace. The Agunimon felt... intense; like a bonfire that hadn't been stoked yet, but only the bravest would dare to approach that fire…

Rilo showed none of the intimidation Maximus felt as he answered. “I got up for a snack, and I heard Max here in trouble," he explained, quickly. “A KoDokugumon got into his room and tried to attack him."

Surtan's blue eyes widened, surprised. “What?!" he demanded, turning sharply to look north, in the direction of the observatory – indicated previously by Lotfia to Maximus.

Without another word, Surtan was off in a sprint, his long strides carrying him ahead of Rilo and Maximus as they struggled to keep up. It was no use, however; they could not match Surtan's speed, following him to a set of stairs heading up the hill, the observatory's silhouette looming above.

Ascending the stairs, they came to a paved road, leading along the hill to another stairwell, leading up to the observatory. But that was not where they were going, as their trek took them to the side, down another small incline, into a shallow crater. Most of the crater, filled by a massive boulder, partially underground like a giant plug.

They saw Surtan running around from behind the boulder, his eyes scouring the base extensively, the frustration evident in his voice as he spoke.

“Nothing… The entrance is still sealed," he growled. “So how did one of the blasted things get out?"

He turned on the two as they approached. “You're sure it was a KoDokugumon?" he asked.

“Hey, it's hard to mistake a big spider crawling through my window, trying to turn me into a snack," Maximus retorted defensively.

“Same!" Rilo added, speaking in Maximus' favour. “I saw it with my own eyes; it was definitely a KoDokugumon."

“They must've found another way out," Maximus added.

Surtan scowled, looking away from the two to take in the citadel, his eyes scanning the structure rapidly. “Alright… The question is where, then?" he asked.

Then, he lifted his head as he had a thought. “Max, right?" he asked, looking at the Veemon.

“Max_imus_," the Veemon corrected.

“Right. Where was your room; can you see it from here?" he asked, pointing back towards the manse area of the citadel where the sleeping quarters were.

Maximus followed Surtan's finger toward the manse, squinting his eyes as he tried to pierce the darkness to see where he was pointing. He recounted the number of stairs he'd climbed and descended to get to his room, and mentally counted the windows, based on the rooms he'd passed.

Finally, he was able to pick it out. “Fifth one from the end," he said, pointing. “Just before that bigger building – I was told that's where the dining hall was."

Surtan nodded. “They must be coming out somewhere down there," he said. “Alright, you two—get back inside and start moving everyone to the dining hall. It should be safe."

Maximus bristled. “Hang on. I'm not one of the students here."

“Doesn't matter," Surtan shot back, glaring down at him. “You're still sleeping in our rooms. If you don't intend to mooch off our hospitality, then do as I say. We need to make sure the students are—"

An ear-splitting screech cut through the night air like a blade.

All three turned just in time to see something—eight-legged and writhing—go flying from one of the upper windows. Not a leap. It had been thrown, kicked out into the open, tumbling through the darkness.

For a heartbeat, it was swallowed by shadow—then struck the ground and burst into a brief but blinding cloud of data particles, the glowing fragments lingering like sparks.

A second figure vaulted through the same window, sleek and fast. They dropped three stories without hesitation, rolled with the impact, and rose fluidly—pulling the data into themselves like smoke drawn to a flame.

“Ashira?" Rilo breathed.

“That girl…" Surtan muttered, clearly annoyed. “Up to her usual again."

“What does that mean?" Maximus asked, frowning.

But Surtan didn't answer. He broke into a run, vaulting the low mound at the yard's edge and plunging down the hillside. Arms out for balance, he descended the slope with reckless speed—no rope, no footholds, just raw instinct. In seconds, he vanished into the darkness below, sprinting straight toward Ashira.

Maximus jogged for the stairs. “What did he mean?" he asked over his shoulder.

“Huh?" Rilo called, following after him.

“About Ashira. 'Up to her usual again'—what's that supposed to mean?"

Rilo hesitated. “Oh… Ashira's not really the type to wait around. If there's a fight, she's in it. It's gotten her in trouble before."

Maximus paused, then asked, “Including when she lost her evolved form?"

Rilo nearly tripped mid-step. “H-How do you know about that?"

“I've been asking around," Maximus said, evasive as he kept moving. The two of them descended the stairs, hurrying toward the lower yard.

Circling around the manse, they arrived just in time to catch the tail end of an argument—Surtan, unmistakable, facing off with someone else. Maximus didn't need to guess who it was.

“—not a threat to me, Surtan. I can handle a few miserable little spiders."

The speaker was female, defiant, and furious.

“You're a Data-type," Surtan shot back. “They're Virus-types. If they swarm you, they'll tear you to pieces."

“Then I won't let them catch me," she snapped. “Or are you implying I'm not fast enough anymore?"

“Damn it, Ashira—will you listen for once?" Surtan growled, clearly at his limit. “No one here doubts you, no matter what you think. It's not about your strength—any Digimon can be overwhelmed. That's why we don't fight alone when we're outnumbered."

Ashira flicked her paw in a sharp backhanded motion. “I don't need anyone's help," she growled, low and bitter. “Waiting for 'help' is what got me in trouble last time. What I need is for people like you and my brother to stop getting in my way!"

Maximus felt a twinge of something at the sound of Ashira's voice—sharp, bitter, laced with something deeper than just frustration. Her words echoed in his head as the argument dragged on. He wasn't sure what it was he felt exactly… sympathy? Guilt? Recognition?

Whatever it was, it stuck with him.

It only added to the stack of questions building in his mind about her—Ashira, this fiery, stubborn Renamon who seemed determined to stand alone. He remembered how her brother had spoken about her when they'd met, the worry in his tone… and now it made more sense.

There was history here; deep, tangled, and still mostly hidden. Maximus found he didn't like how much he wanted to know; though, it wasn't like Ashira was going to tell him, recalling that death glare she had given him in the hallway just for the mention of her brother…

Then, Maximus stopped listening to the argument as Surtan continued trying to reason with the Renamon. Something else had caught his eye—a shape, faint and irregular, lurking just at the edge of the torchlight.

He squinted and took a few steps forward, drifting past the two arguing Digimon without a word.

“Max?" Rilo whispered. “Where are you going?"

But Maximus didn't answer. He was already moving, drawn toward the shadows… toward whatever it was he'd seen.

As he approached, the shape came into clearer view. A cellar door—wide open, like a mouth yawning toward the night sky.

Closer now, Maximus saw more: the wood had splintered outward, jagged and broken. A dull metallic glint on the ground caught his eye. He knelt and picked it up—an iron padlock, its shank snapped clean through.

Something had either ripped it open from the outside… or forced its way out from within.

Heart hammering, Maximus turned sharply, cupped his hands to his mouth, and shouted:

“Surtan! Over here!"

The argument stopped cold. Both Surtan and Ashira turned at once, looking toward Maximus.

With a huff, Surtan pointed an accusing finger at her. “We will talk about this," he warned. “Your recklessness is going to get you killed one of these days—like it nearly did before."

Ashira gritted her teeth, clearly biting back whatever sharp retort was on her tongue. But Surtan had already turned and jogged over to Maximus, following the Veemon's outstretched hand.

He stared at the open cellar door—and his eyes widened.

“The cellar," he breathed. “That's how they got out… The catacombs must run beneath the manse too."

“Is there any other way out besides this door?" Maximus asked.

Surtan rubbed his pink chin thoughtfully, then snapped his fingers. “The kitchen! There's another door to the cellar through there."

“We need to block them off somehow," Maximus said. “We should split up—one group heads to—"

“Hang on a minute there," Surtan interrupted. “I'm the senior instructor here, little one."

“And despite my appearance," Maximus countered, “I'm probably the same age as you. I'm no stranger to combat— I'm not a rookie, at least not in the literal sense."

Surtan started to reply—but Ashira's voice cut in before he could.

“You ought to listen to him, Surtan," she said, stepping over with the air of someone who definitely wasn't done being difficult. “He seems to know what he's talking about."

“This is none of your business, Ashira," Surtan growled, eyes narrowing.

She ignored him. “You were going to suggest one of us checks the kitchen door while the others guard this one, right?" she asked Maximus.

“Y-Yeah," he said, caught off guard by how quickly she'd picked up on it.

“Then the three of us should be one group," she continued, gesturing between herself, Maximus, and Rilo. “We're more than enough to handle any more spiders that crawl out of that hole."

Surtan blinked. Then narrowed his eyes in deep suspicion. “All that talk about not needing help just a minute ago," he said slowly, crossing his arms. “Do you take me for an idiot, Ashira?"

She arched a brow at him, saying nothing—but the look on her face said everything. Do you really want me to answer that?

Before the fire could spread, Rilo jumped in between them, raising his claws. “I agree with Ashira!" he blurted out. “Me, Max, and she can guard this exit. You'll reach the kitchen faster anyway!"

“Speak for yourself," Ashira muttered, folding her arms.

Surtan growled low in his throat, glancing from the broken cellar door to the trio in front of him. Finally, he jabbed a finger toward the ground.

“Alright. But only to guard it," he said. “You three stay right here." His tone brooked no argument. “You don't move from this spot until I—or Fenric—comes for you."

He paused, glancing once more into the darkness of the open cellar.

“After that," he continued, “we're going down there to seal up whatever hole they're crawling out of. But you three", he pointed at each of them in turn, “are not to set one foot into that cellar. Do I make myself clear?"

“Yes, sir," Rilo nodded quickly.

“Fine," Ashira muttered.

Maximus nodded silently. That had been his idea, after all.

“Alright. I'll be back in a few minutes," said the Agunimon. He fixed one last sharp look on Ashira, holding her gaze for a moment before turning and striding off, rounding the corner of the manse and disappearing from sight.

Ashira huffed. “Finally," she muttered, and stepped toward the open cellar door.

Rilo's head crests shot up in alarm. “W-Wait! Ashira, he said not to—"

“Shut up, Rilo," she snapped. “Those spiders have been a problem for too long. It's time someone dealt with them—properly."

She moved to pass him, but Maximus stepped in front of her.

“You want to march straight into their nest?" he asked, incredulous. “Are you insane?"

Ashira moved to shove him aside, but Maximus held his ground. He pushed back—palms to her abdomen—stumbling her a step. Her eyes flared, blue light simmering behind them as she glared.

Maximus met her glare, unwavering.

“Get out of my way, you little punk," she growled.

“If you think I'm going to stand here and let you get killed, you really are crazy," he shot back.

While they squared off, Rilo had wandered closer to the cellar door, peering inside with growing unease.

Ashira scoffed again. “Oh, let me guess… My brother asked you to protect me?" she sneered, not even waiting for a reply. “That'd be just like him, leaving it to someone else instead of doing it himself."

Her voice cracked with bitterness now. “And instead of showing up himself, he sends some puny Veemon to do it for him? Because that's so much easier than swallowing his pride and coming back to the academy."

“Uh, guys?" Rilo said.

The Guilmon was ignored.

“He never asked me to protect you," Maximus stated firmly.

Ashira's expression didn't change. “Good. Because I don't need you," she snapped. “Now get out of my way before I—"

“Guys, I think there's—!" Rilo tried again, louder now.

He never got the chance to finish.

From the darkness of the cellar, a pair of three-clawed hands shot out—covered in red gloves marked with skull symbols—and clamped around Rilo's head.

The Guilmon barely had time to cry out before he was yanked violently into the shadows. His scream echoed through the open cellar door, then vanished.

“Rilo !" Maximus shouted, already bolting for the door.

He didn't hesitate. He dropped into the dark after him, a blur of motion. Ashira followed right behind, but Maximus didn't care—his focus was on one thing only. Finding Rilo. Before the spiders could tear him apart.

The cellar was pitch-black. Unlike the dormitory halls above, no oil lamps lit the way. Maximus squinted, forcing his eyes to adjust to the gloom.

Somewhere ahead, he could hear it—grunting, scuffling, claws against stone. Rilo was still fighting. Still alive.

For now.

A blue glow suddenly filled the space, pushing back the darkness to reveal the room around them. Maximus turned—and saw the source. Ashira stood a few steps behind him, both of her paws wreathed in ghostly blue fire that matched the glow in her eyes. She wasn't looking at him; her gaze was darting rapidly around the cellar, scanning the shadows.

Maximus turned away again, trying to see beyond the edge of her flickering light.

Then he spotted it. A bulky form shifting in the far corner. Rilo's cries had quieted to weak, ragged grunts—barely audible—but they were coming from that direction. From that thing.

Knowing what he was seeing, Maximus raised his voice. “Hey! Eight-eyes!"

The spidery creature turned toward him, and Maximus got a clear look.

It wasn't what he'd expected.

It resembled the KoDokugumon that had attacked him in his room, but this one was bigger. Its forelimbs were more flexible, jointed like arms ending in paw-like hands and clawed fingers. Its face was hidden behind a horned helmet, not the smooth, featureless mask of the other.

“This one's already in its Rookie form," Ashira said, her voice calm but focused. The flames on her paws flared brighter as she closed her fists.

“I'll go head-on—you flank it!" Maximus called.

Whether she heard him or not, Ashira was already in motion. The sphere of light followed as she sprinted forward, her yellow-furred form a blur in the gloom. Before Maximus could so much as take a step, she had already reached the creature—banking hard to its side and driving a glowing fist into its flank.

No longer the point-man, Maximus sprinted forward. The spider seemed to grow larger with every step, utterly dwarfing both him and Ashira.

He didn't know much about Dokugumon—or their spawn—but something told him this one was different. Bigger. Meaner. Stronger than the one that had crawled through his window.

No time to think about that now! he told himself. Rilo needs me.

He acted on instinct. Like a blue bullet, he launched himself straight at the KoDokugumon. “Vee Headbutt!" he shouted mid-leap.

He collided head-first with the spider, the impact slamming into its armored body. The KoDokugumon reeled from the blow—just long enough for Ashira to follow up.

“Power Paw!" she growled, slamming her glowing fists into its side again and again. With a final turn-and-kick, she sent the creature crashing into a shelf. The wood splintered, contents spilling everywhere as it collapsed in a heap.

Maximus turned away from the downed spider and ran to Rilo. The Guilmon was half-cocooned in webbing, wrapped tightly from the chest down. Even his mouth was sealed shut, reducing his screams to muffled grunts and pained moans.

“Hang on, Rilo!" Maximus said, dropping to his knees and clawing at the webbing.

But the silk was like iron—strong and unyielding, barely giving under his fingers. Rilo's eyes were wide, pupils tiny, his gaze flicking wildly from side to side. As Maximus tugged harder, Rilo's entire body tensed—he gave a muffled cry and instinctively tried to pull away. The silk tightened with his movements, digging deeper into his limbs.

Maximus froze. The more he pulled, the more it hurt.

Ashira stormed over with a sharp groan. “Move over, you dimwit!" she snapped, shoving Maximus aside without ceremony.

She knelt beside Rilo, lifting one paw. “Souzan," she muttered—and flexed her fingers.

Three claws extended from her digits, gleaming in the blue glow. With a single swipe, she sliced through the sticky threads binding the Guilmon.

Rilo let out a choked gasp as the tension snapped. He clawed the remaining strands off his mouth, stumbling upright and dragging in sharp breaths.

“Thanks," he wheezed, looking at Ashira.

“Don't mention it," she said flatly, already turning away. Then she froze. “Wait… Where'd it go?"

Maximus followed her gaze—and felt his heart skip a beat. The KoDokugumon was gone.

A trail of crushed debris led toward the far wall, where a jagged shape emerged from the gloom—low, rough-edged, and just barely visible.

“Is that the hole?" he asked.

“Let's find out," Ashira replied, reigniting her Power Paw to cast light as she stepped forward.

Maximus and Rilo exchanged a glance, then moved with her—flanking her sides as they crossed the cellar. Slowly, Ashira's light illuminated the wall, revealing the passage clearly now.

It was a ragged hole, wide at the base, narrowing as it curved downward into the earth. Like a gaping black mouth, it opened into a tunnel that led deeper… far deeper than her light could reach.

“Well, now we know where they're getting in," Rilo said quietly.

“And where to find the rest of them," Ashira added, taking a step forward.

On instinct, Maximus lunged and grabbed her paw, yanking her back. “Don't!"

“Let go of me!" she snarled, jerking free. In one swift motion, she turned and backhanded him across the face.

White-hot pain exploded across Maximus's cheek. More out of shock than anything, he stumbled back, gaze dropping to the floor as he tried to process what had just happened.

Then he looked up.

His eyes locked on Ashira, and the heat behind them flared. Fury overtook reason.

Before he could think, he launched himself at her, ramming her in the chest with his head. The impact sent her reeling, staggering into a nearby shelf, barely catching herself in time to stop it from toppling. A jar tumbled from the top, hitting the floor with a sharp crash and releasing; the sharp, acidic scent of wine filled the cellar.

She turned, paws up, eyes glowing with cold fury. Her tail lashed from side to side behind her, the ghostly fire of her Power Paw igniting again. Maximus squared up, fists clenched.

But before either of them could make another move, a door slammed open above them.

“What's going on down there?!" came a familiar voice.

Surtan's voice boomed down the steps, followed immediately by the sound of boots—and Fenric, already descending, his light-sword ignited and slicing through the dark. The Lobomon swept the cellar with a sharp, practiced glance before his eyes landed on the three Digimon—especially Maximus and Ashira, still poised, still glaring.

Surtan's fury hit like a hammer.

“I told you three not to come down here!" he roared, his voice snapping Maximus and Ashira out of their battle trance. “What in the hell were you thinking?!"

Maximus recovered first, turning quickly to answer. “Rilo got grabbed by one of the spiders," he said, breathless. “We had to come down—or they might've killed him."

“It's true, Surtan," Rilo added, stepping in beside him. “If anyone's to blame, it's me. I let my guard down. They had to save me."

Surtan glowered, but a hand on his shoulder from Fenric pulled his focus. The Agunimon hesitated, then exhaled hard, forcing himself to calm. When he looked back at Rilo, his expression had softened.

“Are you hurt?" he asked.

Rilo shook his head. “No. Thanks to Max and Ashira, I'm okay."

Surtan turned to the Veemon and Renamon next. Both stood their ground, eyes locked on his. He studied them for a moment, then gave a short snort—but his voice was quieter now.

“Well done," he said. “It takes courage to dive into danger to save a friend."

Maximus shook his head. “I did—" He paused, then glanced toward Ashira… and looked back to Surtan. “We did what was right."

He didn't see the way Ashira looked at him then. A brief flicker of surprise. Not guilt. Not gratitude. Just… curiosity.

Then her ears twitched. She spun to face the hole in the wall. “They're coming!" she said sharply.

The others froze, listening.

At first it was faint—just the light skitter of limbs, the wet click of mandibles echoing up through the tunnel. Then it grew, quickly, swelling into a rising cacophony of chittering, scraping, and anger.

The swarm was coming.

“Sounds like a lot of them!" Rilo exclaimed.

“Everyone, behind me, now," Surtan commanded, turning to face the hole.

Ashira moved to stand beside him, but Fenric stepped up behind her and lightly tapped her shoulder.

“You're going to want to move back," he said.

“Why?" she demanded, shooting him a glare. Her tone wasn't just questioning—it was daring him to explain.

Fenric's answer was calm. Immediate. “Because the inside of that hole is about to get very hot."

He stepped away, letting the choice be hers.

She held her ground for half a second longer—then retreated without another word as Surtan slammed his fists together.

With a resounding clang, pillars of fire erupted from his gauntlets, wrapping his arms in roaring flame. “Pyro_…_" Surtan growled, drawing his fists apart, each one wreathed in searing red heat.

“Punch!" He snapped both arms forward, launching twin blasts of fire into the darkness.

A heartbeat passed. Then the tunnel lit up from within, the flames turning the passage into a blazing furnace. Agonized screeches echoed out, the shadows of writhing limbs dancing against the cellar walls.

Surtan repeated the motion—fists together, then drawn apart. Another pair of fireballs exploded from his arms, plunging into the depths. The glow deepened. The screams rose—and then began to fade along with the crackle of the flames, as the last of the bodies burned away.

An eerie silence settled over the group. No more chittering. No flickering light. No crackle of fire. Just stillness.

“I think you got them," Rilo said flatly.

Maximus's thoughts nearly slipped out. No shit. Fortunately, he managed to keep that one to himself.

“Good thing your bite is just as big as your bark," Ashira commented, crossing her arms.

Surtan looked over his shoulder at her, but he didn't answer her directly. “Fenric. See if you can find someone to seal that hole," he said. “I'll guard the hole until then."

“I'm on it," the Lobomon replied, his beam sword going out before he returned the handle to his belt.

“The rest of you," Surtan began, “Good job tonight. Head back to your rooms, and let me know if you see any more spiders."

Maximus expected to Ashira to give a biting retorted and refuse to follow Surtan's instructions. But to his surprise, she didn't, shrugging and starting toward the stairs. “If anyone needs me," she said, “I won't be in the steaming murder hole of barbequed bugs."

“Actually, spiders aren't-" Rilo started to say, but a flat look from Ashira silenced him. “Oh. You were being sarcastic," he said, sheepishly.

Ashira let out a breath. “You're lucky that hating you is like kicking a Fusamon, scaleback; some things, even I'm not enough of a bitch to do," she muttered, running a paw down her face.

With that, Maximus and Rilo followed the Renamon out. At the top of the stairs, Fenric was waiting—holding the door open for them.

“Good night," he said politely, giving each of them a nod before stepping aside and moving on his way, disappearing into the halls beyond.

The three were left alone in the kitchen, to find their way back to their rooms. Maximus followed Ashira and Rilo out, matching steps with them as they left the kitchen and entered a corridor.

“I don't actually know the way back to my room," Maximus admitted. “Though... technically, my door's kind of destroyed."He shot a wry glance at Rilo.

If the Guilmon's skin hadn't already been red, Maximus was certain he'd be blushing.

“Oh. Yeah… I did do that, didn't I?" Rilo said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry."

“Hey, you saved me from becoming spider chow," Maximus said with a shrug. “Not like it was my door anyway."

Ashira suddenly stopped walking. She turned on her heel, fixing Maximus with a stare. “So… why?"

Maximus blinked. “Why what?"

“You didn't tell them I started that fight – the one they interrupted, or that I was trying to go into the cellar against Surtan's orders," she said. “So, why not?"

Maximus let out a short breath. “We may both be back at Rookie level," he said, “but that doesn't make us children. We don't need someone else solving our problems for us."

Ashira arched a brow, clearly searching for a retort—and coming up short.

Until her ears twitched. “Wait a minute," she said, eyes narrowing. “Both back at Rookie level?" she demanded, glowering at him.

Maximus hesitated for half a second. “I did say I met your brother earlier," he replied. “I also—"

“He told you that?!" she exploded, eyes flaring as her teeth bared. “That was not his story to share!"

Maximus opened his mouth to respond, but didn't get the chance as Rilo stepped in, waving his arms as he tried to get Ashira's attention.

“W-Wait, maybe he didn't mean—" Rilo stammered. “I mean… maybe your brother just wanted to help? You know, like... in a supportive way?"

Ashira turned her burning glare on him. He shrank back immediately.

“Or maybe not," he mumbled.

Maximus let out a slow breath, his expression tight. “If you'd just let me finish—"

But Ashira had already turned away, arms rigid at her sides, tail twitching with every step as she stormed off toward the nearby stairway, disappearing up the steps before either of the males could think of any more to say.

“Oh, for crying out loud," grumbled Maximus, slapping his forehead.

“Instead of building a bridge, I guess I dug a canyon," Rilo remarked, sounding guilty.

“Not your fault, Rilo," Maximus waved it off. “She overreacted, and jumped to conclusions. That's on her, not you. Besides, she seemed to skim over the fact I said 'both' of us were back at Rookie level."

That seemed to placate the Guilmon, his expression softening as he nodded to Maximus. Then, his smile faded, and he studied the Veemon curiously.

“But that does beg the question," he said, “how do you know about Ashira being devolved? Did you meet her before, when she was still a Youkomon?"

Maximus shook his head. “Actually, Caram and Raist let it slip first, and Nagata confirmed it," he explained. “They didn't tell me everything. Only that she devolved because of a fight with a powerful enemy that got the better of her, and they only told me that because it happened to me too."

Rilo raised his head, his head crests standing fully upright, looking at Maximus with alarm. “Wait, for real?" he asked.

Maximus nodded. “I was an ExVeemon, previously," he said. “Long story short, I got into a fight – a bad one… Lost of piece of myself," he looked at his hand with quiet reverence, remembering the less dextrous but much stronger hand he'd had before. As an Exveemon he'd only had two fingers and a thumb, rather than the more human four-fingers he had now.

“After that… I devolved back into a Veemon," he said. “The rest is history."

“So you…" Rilo said, and then looked at the stairs where Ashira and gone, “And her… You're alike?"

“In that at least, yes," Maximus confirmed, simplifying it. “I know Ashira was a Youkomon, I know she got hurt. I don't know who she fought, and I certainly don't know why the heck she's so mad at her brother."

He glanced at Rilo. “I don't suppose you know that last part?"

Rilo shrugged. “Nagata wasn't my teacher," he said. “He was an instructor for an advanced class; I never reached it before he left."

“So you don't know why he left, either?" Maximus asked. Rilo shook his head. “Any idea who would?"

“Well… Surtan was one of his students, before he became an instructor himself," Rilo said, rubbing his chin in thought. “There's also Aslanor, but good luck catching him when he's here."

“Why's that?"

“He's one of the founders of the Citadel Knights and their regular field man, so he's almost always away on a mission somewhere," Rilo went on. Then, he seemed to have an idea. “Wait! Artemeia! She might know!"

“Where would I find her?"

“Like Aslanor, she's a member of the Citadel Knights. The head of them, actually," explained Rilo. “She was advanced combat instructor once, and was here the same time as Nagata – if anyone knows why he left, she might. Maybe even her little sister would know something too."

“Who's her sister?"

“Thalassa. She's really sweet," remarked Rilo, smiling with clear fondness. “She volunteers at the infirmary when she's not in class, but she participates in the same combat class I do. I see her all the time."

Maximus nodded. “Sounds like she'd be easier to approach than her sister," he said.

“Does this mean you're going to stick around?" Rilo asked, hopeful.

“Well…" Maximus began slowly. “Nagata did send me here with hopes they might be able to help me, make me strong again. I suppose that means I'm here to stay for the time being."

“Does that mean then you'll be joining the combat classes too?"

Maximus chuckled. “I'm probably a tad beyond the classes here," he said. “But, I'll think about it."

Rilo nodded eagerly. “Please do," he said.

Maximus lost his smile, eyeing Rilo curiously. “You really seem to want to keep me around," he said. “Did I make that good of an impression?"

“Well, yes, but that's not all," he said. “I just really like making new friends. Especially since we had quite an adventure tonight. And," he smiled sheepishly. “You saved my skin today."

The smile returned to Maximus' face. “We could call that returning the favour," he pointed out. “After all, you saved me first."

“Maybe so," admitted Rilo, shrugging. “Still… If you're going to stay here, I would like the chance to get to know you better."

Maximus nodded. “We'll see," he said. “Anyway, best we get ourselves back to our rooms and get some rest."

“Right! Follow me."

Fatigue caught up with Maximus the moment his room came into view.

With the crisis finally over, the adrenaline had faded, leaving only weariness in its place. He was ready—desperate—for sleep.

After bidding Rilo a quiet goodnight, he trudged into the small, dim room. It looked just as he'd left it—bed unmade, blankets tangled from his earlier scramble. He didn't even care that he no longer had a door; didn't care that the hallway was exposed and he had no privacy. He crossed to the bed, climbed up, and collapsed onto it, landing face-down with a soft grunt. His head sank into the pillow, facing the wall.

He let out a long, contented sigh. The kind that only came when someone finally stopped moving…

He was already halfway to sleep when noticed a shift in weight across his back. Something soft. Light. It took a second to register what he felt being draped over him.

His blanket.

A shadow flickered across the wall. Maximus pushed himself up and turned his head, just in time to glimpse a red, scaly tail slipping out of view around the empty doorway.

“Rilo?" he mouthed the name, too stunned to say it aloud.

He stared after him for a moment, unmoving. A familiar warmth bloomed in his chest—gentle and deep. A feeling he hadn't expected to feel again. One that he'd buried alongside someone else.

His brother. Maverick…

The sting in his eyes returned, swift and merciless. He sniffed, rubbing at the corner of his eye as a tear slipped out, unwelcome but unstoppable.

He didn't want to cry. Not again. He was tired of crying. But the tears came just the same.

He let his head fall back into the pillow, clutched the blanket close, and wept—silently—his thoughts tangled in memories of a brother lost, and the kindness of someone who didn't know how much it mattered.

~~~~~

“Maximus?"

The Veemon jerked awake, pushing himself up on his hands, his heart pounding. The voice had come from close by. He glanced up, blinking sleep from his eyes. The figure standing over him took a small step back, but their posture remained calm and unthreatening.

Eventually, the blur in his vision cleared, and he recognized the lupine armor framing a humanoid form. “Oh… uh… Fenric, right?" he asked, his voice thick with grogginess.

“That's right," the Lobomon replied. “I hope I didn't startle you."

Maximus rolled onto his back, yawning into one arm as he stretched out his legs with a groan. “It's fine," he said, voice clearer now. “What's up?"

“I came to inform you the Tribunal has agreed to see you," Fenric said. “They're waiting for you now."

Maximus bolted upright on his elbows, his eyes widening. “Seriously?"

“They had planned to wait until tomorrow," Fenric admitted. “But Surtan and I gave our accounts of what happened last night. That seems to have encouraged a more immediate response. You're welcome to proceed to the Grand Chapel at your earliest convenience."

The covers flew off as Maximus swung himself out of bed, landing with purpose. “Let's go," he said, almost bouncing on the spot.

“You don't want breakfast first?"

“I'll eat later," Maximus replied, already shaking his head. He was starving, but the excitement burned away his hunger—for now. “Just show me the way."

Fenric paused a moment, then offered a faint nod. “As you wish," he said, stepping aside and gesturing to the door. “Follow me."

FOOTNOTE: Disclaimers

Thanks again to everyone who is checking out this series; I hope you've been enjoying it! I feel the need to make a note here about some of the places where I'm taking creative liberty, particularly in regards to Maximus' knowledge and understanding of what Lobomon and Agunimon are – despite never seeing either before, this comes to an idea I'm applying to this canon

We've seen Digimon do this several times in the shows. In the original adventure, Agumon knew what Skullmeramon and Mojomon were the moment he saw them, and likewise Tentomon knew what Kiwimon and Vademon were despite the latter living in an alternate dimension and very unlikely to have been seen by him or anyone he knew before, and there are even more examples of this throughout the show, plus the 2nd Adventure series as well.

Yet this is inconsistent, as we saw some Digimon be identified by others, such as Izzy when they first encountered Puppetmon and no one in the group knew what he was until he outright showed them by inputting his own entry on Izzy's laptop. I theorize that this is because Digimon that have achieved Ultimate and especially Mega level are much less common and therefore, far less known than Rookie or Champion-level Digimon.

So, I've summarized this into the idea that when Digimon defeat each other, and the winner absorbs the data from their defeated opponent (Source: Digimon Tamers) to build their own internal encyclopaedia of their world, they can also also inherit some of the knowledge and experience of the defeated Digimon – in some instances, even use their attacks. (Source, also Tamers; Beelzemon using Leomon's attack, Jouken/Fist of the Beast King, when trying to save Jeri.)

This also explains how Digimon do not retain memories or knowledge when they die and reformat into new Digimon, because that data was taken from them upon their death, leaving only the core intact to be remade into another Digimon; one that will not have the memories of its past life – though this evidently does not apply to human partner Digimon as we saw Wormmon and Cocomon (in the movie) retain memories of their respective partners when they returned as Digitama (eggs).

In summary , Maximus knew what Fenric and Surtan were based on experience he has inherited from defeated opponents which can go back entire generations depending on who he or his opponents have fought. Also, when Digimon are reborn, they don't possess any of this data or experience from their previous lives, because it was taken from them by the opponent who beat them, like a hard reset or running out of lives in a really annoying video game that puts you back at the beginning when you lose.

Probably better the Digimon don't remember their old lives, actually!

This all of course being how Digimon evolve 'naturally'; by gaining strength in battle, and so many of them achieve higher evolutions without the help of a human – we see this across all of the shows and probably several games.