The general's lust
chapter 25
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With the last Digimon added to the United Xros Heart Army, Taiki, Kiriha, Nene and many of their Digimon allies were heading through the Digital Space one last time in order to confront Lord Bagra, AxeKnightmon and Yuu as a team.
One Digimon however wasn't looking at anyone and just kept to herself.
"Lunamon, you alright?" Shoutmon then asked, getting her attention and making her look to see a concerned expression on his face.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." She replied, looking away from him.
However, Shoutmon wasn't convinced, causing him to place his right hand on her shoulder and say to her. "Lunamon, I can tell something's bothering you, so don't hold back."
The rabbit-like Digimon just sniffled and covered her face. "I'm a monster." She said, continuing to cry.
"What are you talking about?" Shoutmon asked, confused by Lunamon's statement.
"I was a horrible tyrant just like Lord Bagramon back there, even going so far to hurt my friends." She cried behind her hands.
"But that wasn't your fault. Whatever Lord Bagra did to the Code Crown affected you too and made you act that way. The Lunamon I know would never resort to such methods to get what she wanted." Shoutmon replied, trying his best to make her feel better and to forgive herself.
"He's right." Another voice stated, before Lunamon felt another hand being placed on her right shoulder, making her look up to see Lilithmon, smiling at her. "All this is Lord Bagra's fault. He manipulated and used both of us for his own selfish desires, but that will change when we defeat him together."
"B-But…." Lunamon began to say, only for Lilithmon to say. "No more buts. The past is the past and from now on we stick to the future, one where Shoutmon will become the Digimon King."
"Wow." Shoutmon said, surprised by Lilithmon's words. "You really think I can be the Digimon King?" He then asked, which made Lilithmon smile and comment. "After getting to know you, I see that behind that hot little head of yours' lies the making of a great ruler."
"Well making a career change all of a sudden isn't me." He joked back, while laughing a little, which made Lilithmon laugh too.
And, feeling better, Lunamon just looked at her friends, unable to hide a smile.
However, a familiar dark voice then echoed around Taiki and the others. "You, the Digimon King? I would like to see that." It laughed.
"AxeKnightmon!" Shoutmon called out, immediately recognizing the voice. "Where are you!?" He then demanded.
"I must confess I am impressed you were able to defeat all my Generals, but even you won't survive my next challenge." AxeKnightmon's voice announced, before the darkness that was circulating around Taiki and the others suddenly broke through the tunnel of light, consuming them all.
"What is this!?" Taiki groaned out, doing his best to free himself, with no such luck.
As all were slowly consumed by the darkness, AxeKnightmon called out. "Prepare yourselves, for this will be your final battle and will prove who is the superior General!"
Everyone tried breaking free, but the hold was too strong, before they saw a dark portal open up, making Nene ask. "What is that?"
"That, my dear Nene, is the Dark Gate. Once inside you will be sent to the Digital Underworld where General Yuu is waiting to fight you." AxeKnightmon's voice told them.
"And it's a fight you cannot win, sis." Yuu suddenly added, which made Nene's eyes widened before the group was sucked through the portal.
The group all braced themselves as the portal opened in a new Land and the group wound up landing in a pile.
"Ow." Groaned Shoutmon.
"You alright?" Lunamon asked in concern.
"Yeah, but this landing sucked." Remarked the future Digimon King.
All of them slowly got up and took in their surroundings. It appeared like a desolate wasteland with numerous curved peaks rising up the ground all over the land.
"Is this the Digital Underworld he was talking about?" Cutemon asked, looking around and spotting no signs of life.
"It is." Lilithmon spoke up, before she suggested, looking to her right. "And I think we may get some answers from that castle."
"Then that's where we'll head to." Spoke Kiriha, making Taiki and the others nod in reply before they all headed to the castle.
After a fair amount of walking, both to the castle, as well as up its many stairs, the United Xros Heart Army had at last made it to the top.
However, remaining cautious, Taiki warned. "Be careful guys, it might be a trap."
"It's no trap, it already has our flag on the wall." Shoutmon said in reply, taking in the scenery of the room, which consisted of the United Xros Heart Army banner displayed behind a throne. "And check it out, there's even a throne for the King and his Queen." Shoutmon then said, grabbing Lunamon's hand, pulling her over to the throne, where he then sat down and had her sit on his lap.
"Get off it, you fool! It could be a trap!" Lilithmon warned, making her think she had jumped too far in believing Shoutmon was going to be the next Digimon King.
"Lilithmon is right. We have no idea what all this is." Taiki replied in concern, which Shoutmon just shrugged away and replied with a grin on his face. "Oh, come on Taiki. I don't see why I just can't try it for fun."
"Exactly. Afterall I had this castle built just for you, Xros Heart." A voice interrupted, making Shoutmon say in reply. "Yeah, that's what I said, but these guys said it was a trap."
Realizing that they were not alone, Shoutmon and the others watched as a large crystal in the centre of the room began to glow, before Yuu appeared atop of it.
"Oh great, I should've known shorty was behind this." Shoutmon commented upon seeing Yuu again, making him and Lunamon remove themselves off of the throne.
"Yuu!" Taiki, Nene, Kiriha and Lilithmon all called out, surprised to see him.
"I hate it when people just materialize." Shoutmon commented, before he lunged at Yuu, ready to grab him, but to his, and the shock of everyone else, Shoutmon just passed through him.
"It was just a projection!" Nene called out.
"Hi Taiki, Kiriha, big sister, I'm Glad to see you all made it. That means the game can finally start." Smiled the boy.
Curious, Taiki asked. "What's the deal here, Yuu?"
"Oh come on now, isn't it obvious? This is the birthplace of all evil, the perfect area for us to battle. Nothing is what you're used to here, for example crystals like this one beneath me are the only links between the two castles."
"There are two castles?" Taiki asked, which made Yuu smile before he explained. "Of course, one on each side of the Digital Underworld that serve as home base for both of our teams. Fun huh? I've waited so long for this and there's no way you can beat me. So here we go!" Yuu then called out, causing the ground around Xros Heart's castle to begin to tremble, before the very earth beneath the castle suddenly rose, forcing the castle up and leaving it floating in the air.
"I really prefer castles that stay on the ground." Spoke Shoutmon nervously.
"The rules for this game are simple, both sides try to advance to the opponent's side and try to defeat its General." Yuu explained.
"Which one?" Kiriha then interrupted, before he stated. "Taiki and I are both Generals."
"Sorry but there's only one General I want to fight, Taiki Kudo." Yuu replied, before a light emitted from the flower shaped crystal on his shirt then clung to Taiki's, leaving behind a yellow crystal that connected on the left side of Taiki's shirt. "One more thing I forgot to tell you. We play until one of us is destroyed." Yuu then said as a wicked smile appeared on his face, shocking Taiki and the others.
"You can't be serious. You can't mean that." Nene said in disbelief, shocked her brother would go so far into the darkness that he would put his own life at risk.
"Of course I mean it. The only way to win this final round is to completely eliminate the other player." Yuu said in reply. "After all when you lose your character disappears."
"I don't think you understand. This isn't a game, Yuu!" Taiki called out, trying to reason with the boy, who just said in reply. "It's not a game I plan to lose, that's for sure."
"If you're serious, just remember this. This will end with someone losing everything." Spoke Kiriha.
"Like it or not, the game will start in five minutes." Yuu said, ignoring Kiriha, before asking. "But to be polite, so you accept my challenge, Taiki?"
"Yeah, he does." Kiriha suddenly called in reply, his answer shocking Taiki and Nene.
With Kiriha's reply accepted for Taiki, Yuu smiled. "Excellent. This is gonna be fun. And don't hold back, ok?" He then said, before his projection faded.
With Yuu gone, Taiki turned to Kiriha. "Why did you accept the challenge?" He asked the Blue General, who said in reply. "Yuu thinks the losers in these fights just disappear and then come back, isn't that right Nene?"
"Yes. Even back home he had trouble separating fantasy from reality." Nene replied, before saying in a worried and concerned tone for Yuu and her friends. "But I never thought it would come down to anything like this."
"So talking to him is a waste of time. Nothing we say will convince him." Kiriha commented in reply. "The only way he'll learn is by getting crushed!" He stated.
"That's a little bit harsh." Taiki had to admit, making Kiriha say. "Yeah, I know you'd like to go easy on him, but the stakes are just too high. If you're too soft to lead, then I'll take over this fight."
"Wait. What are you saying Kiriha?" Taiki questioned.
"We're doing this my way." Kiriha replied in a serious tone, before saying to his allies. "Now here's my plan."
-Meanwhile-
Within the confines of the other castle, many Digimon all awaiting commands watched as AxeKnightmon, Tuwarmon and Yuu approached them from atop a balcony.
"Greetings loyal soldiers of the Bagra Army. I, AxeKnightmon, admiral of the dark mist, salute you. Today is the decisive day we battle our sworn enemy, Taiki Kudo and the treacherous Xros Heart! I present you our great champion who will bring victory to us all, General Yuu Amano!" AxeKnightmon announced, making all his loyal servants cheer.
While Yuu was enjoying the praise of his loyal followers, AxeKnightmon then continued to speak. "The duel will take place in the Digital Underworld, an unforgiving land of sharp spikes forged from cold steel, the skies scorched by flame and pits of boiling lava that can melt any Digimon fill this area. This will be where the accursed Xros Heart will be defeated, for with the brilliant battle plan devised by our General, total victory shall be our's! Hail Yuu!"
His speech further motivating the Digimon that served the side of evil, Yuu then stepped forward.
"Thank you for that splendid introduction." He said, before facing his troops. "Now I'd like to tell you our battle strategy. Listen carefully because there will be no chance to regroup on the field. Fortunately for our side, I have studied the enemy greatly." Yuu told his forces, before he smiled darkly once again and said. "And I already know what move they're gonna make."
After a moment of explaining, the troops roared in excitement.
"That's the plan." Yuu said, finishing the last of his instructions. "Are you ready?" He then asked, causing the Digimon to cheer in reply to their General.
"Very well. Then go forth to ultimate victory!" Yuu called out, further riling up his side.
"Well said, General Yuu." AxeKnightmon commented, before he announced. "Now prepare for battle my minions! The underworld is our's and we shall win this day as Team Midnight! I shall lead you to victory, for General Yuu!"
With one last cheer, the battle between the United Xros Heart Army and Team Midnight was about to begin.
Several lights from Yuu's castle shot down to show Centarumon and Sagittarimon running towards Taiki's castle, making Taiki retaliate as Knightmon and the PawnChessmon were called forth.
"Here they come troops. Stand ready!" Knightmon commanded, making the PawnChessmon yell and cheer in reply, before they got ready to battle and defend their castle.
"They're attacking with their main forces already." Taiki commented as he and the others gazed upon the crystal on the floor, which was acting like a monitor.
"It's AxeKnightmon and he's leading an army of Beast type Digimon, huh?" Kiriha asked, sounding somewhat unimpressed. "They're using their main forces right from the start." He then commented, still unimpressed, making Taiki ask. "Kiriha, are you sure about this plan of yours'?"
"Enough! We won't get another chance." The blonde said back, causing Taiki to nod, knowing Kiriha was right. "Ok." he said, while Nene smiled, glad to know she had friends she could trust to save her brother
-In the lava region of the Digital Underworld-
Leading his troops through the Digital Underworld, AxeKnightmon instructed. "Be on guard for an attack, troops."
However, his forces were interrupted when they heard Shoutmon and several other Digimon yell out 'Digifuse', making them look upwards to see Shoutmon X5 coming down at them.
"End of the line AxeKnightmon!" Shoutmon X5 stated, joined by Beelzemon and Mervamon.
"Is that so?" AxeKnightmon questioned.
"Shoutmon X5 is here to rain on your parade!" Shoutmon X5 stated, before calling out to his allies. "Let's get 'em!"
"Right!" Beelzemon and Mervamon replied, ready to fight alongside Shoutmon X5 and defeat Team Midnight.
"Earth Shaker!"
"Oblivion Cannon!"
"Medullia Punch!"
Combining their power, Shoutmon X5 met against AxeKnightmon as their weapons clashed. However, AxeKnightmon was too powerful.
"It's just as Yuu predicted. You throw your main forces into battle all at once, and it still isn't enough.
"Says who?" Shoutmon X5 asked.
"Says I!" AxeKnightmon shouted back, before slamming Shoutmon X5 back, knocking him back several feet away.
-Back at Xros Heart's castle-
Taiki, Lilithmon, Lunamon and Nene were standing with Wisemon, watching their friends fight, concerned for them. And their concern increased when Lilithmon and Lunamon began to groan in discomfort, while clutching their chests.
"Lilithmon? What's wrong?" Asked Taiki in concern.
"The power… so much power…" Lilithmon groaned in reply, feeling her strength increasing, only it felt wrong to her. 'My body….it feels like I could take on the whole army by myself!'
"It feels like if I fought I might lose control…" Lunamon spoke up, concerning Taiki and Nene, and making Xros Heart's General ask. "What's happening to them?"
"The power of this place is starting to affect them." Wisemon said, making Taiki and Nene face him as he then explained. "Because the underworld is everything opposite beautiful of the Digital World, everything here is reversed. Evil flourishes and kind Digimon with good hearts have almost no chance against those whose hearts turned black. And since both Lilithmon and Lunamon started off with these impurities, they too are unintentionally absorbing the negative energy of this area."
"What's gonna happen to them?" Asked Taiki.
"Unless they can keep that energy under control, it will consume them, causing their actions to become unstable, unpredictable and dangerous." Wisemon replied.
"So it's through sheer will alone?" Nene asked, making Wisemon close his eyes and nod. "Indeed. So long as they remained focused on holding back the power, it won't be able to affect them any further." He then replied.
"I'll…. be fine..." Lunamon managed to say.
"Are you sure?" Nene asked, making Lunamon nod and say in reply. "I can feel this place getting to me, but I know something like this would never get to Shoutmon. I will remain strong for him."
"Agreed…" Lilithmon said, lifting her head up, giving Taiki a reassuring smile as she reached out with her left hand and took hold of his. "I know I can endure this, so long as you're by my side…"
Taiki smiled back at Lilithmon as he continued to hold her hand. "You just focus on yourself, we can handle this." He told her in a caring tone, making Lilithmon smile.
But unknown to any of them, a figure slowly made their way down the hall while sticking to the ceiling and the shadows. They made sure to keep going towards the main room where Taiki was located in.
Drawing out his shuriken, the figure thought wickedly. 'Well done, General Yuu. Thanks to your brilliance and planning, I can rid this world of those bothersome humans for Lord AxeKnightmon with no interference, and you'll just think it's all a game.'
"Double Stars!" He suddenly called out as he threw two shurikens at Taiki, leaving everyone, especially Lilithmon shocked as the blades struck him and penetrated his flesh.
Time seemed to slow down as the shuriken headed for Taiki, who, in the mere seconds of impact, acted on instinct and pushed Lilithmon back, causing her to watch as the blades struck her love.
"Taiki!" Lilithmon cried out, watching as the Red General's blood to spilled out from the upper right side of his back and his left shoulder, before the blades retracted, while Taiki collapsed, bleeding heavily.
"Impressive. Your little boyfriend managed to avoid my attack." The Digimon said, making Nene, Lunamon and Wisemon look in worry at the Shurimon standing before them. "But next time he won't be so lucky." He then commented darkly, pulling the blades back to him, which continued to drip with Taiki's blood.
"There won't be a next time…" Lilithmon said, gritting her teeth as a dark aura began to consume her form. "Because I'm going to destroy you!" Lilithmon exclaimed before the darkness around her grew, forcing Nene, Lunamon, Wisemon and Shurimon to shield their eyes with their arms.
"Wha… what is this…?" Shurimon questioned, feeling Lilithmon's darkness all around him, which made him panic.
However, before the ninja Digimon could react, his eyes widened as he looked down, shocked to see Lilithmon's clawed fingers were embedded deep into his chest.
And the shock increased, only towards Nene, Lunamon and Wisemon, as Lilithmon's claws parted through Shurimon, tearing him in half and causing him to scream in agony before what was left of him was deleted.
With Shurimon gone, Lilithmon turned back, facing Nene and the Digimon, showing the anger, rage and hatred in her eyes.
"He was the first. Now I will destroy you three!" Lilithmon stated, making Nene back away fearfully as the darkness continued to grow.
"Empress Emblaze!" She yelled, causing the darkness around her to manifest, transforming into a twisted and hideous form. Taking on the appearance of a five headed fiend, the darkness creatures glared down at Nene, Lunamon and Wisemon, filling all three with nothing but fear.
"Lilithmon, why are you doing this?" Lunamon asked in a scared tone.
"Simple. You three are partially to blame for what happened to Taiki. So to make sure nobody will ever harm my Taiki again, I will destroy everyone and make a new Digital World, one where only I and Taiki exist!" Lilithmon announced.
The human and two Digimon backed up as Lilithmon unleashed her fury, causing the twisted monstrosities she had created to lunge at them.
However, the heads were blasted away, before Beelzemon and Mervamon landed in front of them, making Nene call out, grateful to see her allies. "Mervamon! Beelzemon!"
While glad she was safe, Beelzemon and Mervamon remained in battle stances, their weapons drawn as they glared at Lilithmon and her dark abomination.
"Nene, what happened to Lilithmon?" Mervamon then asked.
"This area, I think it's affecting her mind, bringing her inner darkness out and clouding her mind." Nene said in reply.
"Wrong." Lilithmon interrupted. "The Digital Underworld has not only given me more power than I ever dreamed of, but has made me see that the only way this world will ever achieve true peace is through me ridding everyone in it!" She then stated.
"Lilithmon, you need to calm down and remember you're not like that anymore." Spoke Beelzemon.
"I have changed. But the darkness has changed me for the better!" Lilithmon yelled back, before unleashing her attack, causing the dark forms to open their mouths and then unleash a torrent of black flames at Beelzemon and Mervamon.
"Oblivion Cannon!" Beelzemon called out, firing a blast of energy at the dark flames, which hit dead center, but the flames were starting to slowly engulfing the laser.
"I told you the Digital Underworld gave me more power than I ever dreamed of. Now feel it, as I use it to wipe you all from existence!" Lilithmon exclaimed madly, causing the intensity of her flames to increase and expand, destroying Beelzemon's attack, before blasting forwards, consuming all within its path.
Watching as the flames began to die down, Lilithmon gained a twisted smile on her face when she saw no sight of Nene or the Digimon. "Now I can end this stupid game and make sure it's only me, and Taiki."
Turning around, Lilithmon approached Taiki's form, turning him over so he was lying on his back, before she placed her left hand on his cheek.
"Taiki, you saved my life and I promise I won't stop until I do the same for you." Lilithmon whispered gently, causing her attack and a fraction of the darkness consuming her body to disperse. "Even if I have to delete every Digimon, I will restore you." She added.
But before she could move, she found herself tackled by Mervamon, who slammed her into the wall. "What!?" She questioned. "I destroyed you!"
"That statement is incorrect." Lilithmon heard Wisemon say, making her turn her head as best she could, where she then saw Beelzemon and Wisemon, who held Nene and Lunamon as he flew. "Your arrogance and clouded mind failed to predict or remember Beelzemon's flight with Mervamons' agility make for formidable opponents." He then explained, backing away from Lilithmon to ensure Nene and Lunamon's safety.
"And what you're spouting is nothing but an insult to Taiki." Spoke Mervamon with a glare. "Tell us, do you really think he'd want that? That he would want all his friends killed and left alone with the one who did it? That's not love, that's dark obsession."
Lilithmon just grit her teeth feeling her rage increase, which caused the darkness to consume her and Mervamon, making Mervamon groan out from it eating away at her. "And what would you know about love?" Lilithmon then asked.
Mervamon grit her teeth too and glanced at Beelzemon before answering. "Because if you knew what true love is, you'd realize that letting this darkness consume you wouldn't make you any better than our enemy." She said in reply, continuing to restrain Lilithmon, while enduring the darkness, before Mervamon felt a warmth around her body, making her see Beelzemon behind, embracing her. "And you tell me, do you really think Taiki will love you if you fall? Do you really think he'll just forgive you and you two will be alright? If so, then you're not better than the woman before you met him, the one who would only kill him the moment he didn't listen to something you'd tell him."
The combination of Mervamon's words, Beelzemon risking himself for her and knowing Taiki caused Lilithmon's eyes to widen in revelation, causing the darkness to slowly fade away, before her body slumped, her head lowered and she closed her eyes.
Mervamon slowly backed up, but made sure her sword was ready in case she tried something.
"You're right… The Taiki I know would never love me like this." Lilithmon said, dropping to her knees, while her eyes remained closed. "I thought the darkness could help me, but I forgot that was the very thing Taiki saved me from… I… I'm sorry…" She then got out as a tear trailed down the right side of her face.
She covered her face in shame and started sobbing into them, but stopped when she felt Mervamon's snake arm rest on her shoulders, making Lilithmon look up to see Mervamon looking at her with a caring smile.
"It's alright Lilithmon. While I may not understand the effects of this world, I know how it feels to care about someone you love with all your heart." Mervamon commented, before adding. "I also know that Taiki is quite strong for a human and should be able to endure the injuries he sustained."
"That's right!" Spoke Nene in worry as she and Lunamon ran over to Taiki's body. "We need to fix him up before he bleeds out." She said, concerned.
"Allow me." Lilithmon spoke up as she approached Taiki, before she grabbed the front of her robe, held it out with her left hand and then slashed through it with her claws, tearing it off.
With the torn cloth, Lilithmon gently grabbed Taiki's arm, lifting it up and placing the cloth under it, before lowering his arm back down and then tying the cloth around Taiki's arm and part of his chest, forming a makeshift bandage to counteract the damage inflicted upon his shoulder.
Continuing to assist in saving Taiki's life, Lilithmon tore more of her robe off, causing what remained to slowly fall off her body, revealing the tight black latex she wore underneath, as well as revealing her large breasts and ample cleavage. However, that was of no concern to her.
"Nene, can you help me?" Lilithmon then asked.
Nene nodded in reply, before she grabbed Taiki by the shoulders and pulled him up, allowing Lilithmon to pull up Taiki's shirt, which Nene then grabbed onto and watched as Lilithmon then wrapped the torn robe around Taiki's upper body, covering his back and seeping up the blood.
But even with Lilithmon's actions, Wisemon knew it wouldn't be enough, leaving him both concerned and pondering whether or not he should tell Lilithmon and the others.
However, Wisemon didn't need to make a choice, as a glow from Taiki's Xros Loader lit up before Cutemon appeared out of it, to which he noticed the shape his friend was in, making him ask in a concerned tone. "Oh no! What happened?"
"We were caught off by a ninja Digimon who attacked Taiki. Cutemon, can you do anything to help Taiki?" Lunamon asked.
Cutemon nodded, moving over to Taiki, who was placed on his stomach, while his shirt and jacket remained lifted up, allowing Cutemon to hold his hands out and start work on healing the wounds.
Nene, Lunamon, Beelzemon, Mervamon and Wisemon stood there and watched, all hoping Taiki would pull through, while Lilithmon sat by Taiki's side.
Out of all of them, she had the greatest wish to see that the Red General would recover and awaken. She held his hand with both of hers and prayed he would open his eyes.
And while she continued watching Cutemon tend to Taiki, Nene was filled with worry, making her wonder if Kiriha's plan would work out in the end or if her friends would all wind up defeated by Yuu and AxeKnightmon.
-With AxeKnightmon-
The creator of Team Midnight had the advantage against Shoutmon X5 in their battle, as he had manipulated the very lava around them to pull Shoutmon X5 in.
{Use the thrusters!} Spoke Dorulumon in Shoutmon's head.
"Oh no you don't!" AxeKnightmon called out, seeing Shoutmon X5 trying to escape, before pressing his hand down upon Shoutmon X5's head with a tremendous amount of force, preventing him from escaping the scorching pool. "Let's let you cook a while longer." He said, enjoying seeing Shoutmon X5 suffering.
However, as AxeKnightmon continued, he noticed another presence leaving the Xros Heart Castle, making him say. "Well, well Blue Flare is right on time, just as Yuu had anticipated."
Beelzemon flew at a group of Centarumon and fired with his Oblivion Cannon, making them stumble back as some tried firing at him in the sky, while Mervamon, seeing them distracted, ran and slashed through the front of the troops with her mighty sword, making the troops conflicted on who to go after first.
-With Kiriha-
Continuing his plan, Cyberdramon was flying across the field of spikes, the Blue General was riding his back while Ivymon was behind Kiriha, holding his body tightly. However, Cyberdramon was caught off guard and was struck by a wave of flames, knocking him, Kiriha and Ivymon to the ground.
"Hah! Just as General Yuu said!" Laughed a wicked voice, making the three turn to see a Megidramon glaring down at them. "Destroying you should be simple." He then said arrogantly, causing a vicious smirk to appear on his face.
The three of them stood back up while Cyberdramon stuck close in front of Kiriha.
"It's time for you to feel the power of Team Midnight! Megiddo Flame!" Megidramon roared out as his maw filled with flames, ready to unleash the massive conflagration at Cyberdramon.
-In Yuu's castle-
Watching Cyberdramon about to go up against Megidramon, Yuu smirked. "See what I mean?" He then asked Tuwarmon. "I knew he would do that. Whenever Xros Heart get into trouble they always go for a two pronged attack. Taiki is taking the traditional approach with his army, while Kiriha's always more creative, so he'll try and launch a sneak attack here on me."
"AxeKnightmon already has Xros Heart on the run. So when Blue Flare tries to sneak through, Megidramon will use his intense fire power to stop them in their tracks. It's a perfect plan." Tuwarmon said in reply.
"Yes it is." Yuu said in reply, before he commanded. "Now change back in Damemon."
Hearing his command, Tuwarmon questioned Yuu as to why, making Yuu explain. "This game's won already. I wanna quit so you and I can play a different game."
"I'm not so sure that's a good idea Yuu. I am still your bodyguard after all. And until the war is over there is still danger, and plus there's… Uh..." Tuwarmon replied in a hesitant tone, concerned for Yuu but not wanting him to learn the truth.
Curious, Yuu asked. "What?"
"This battle must be played out right until the end, you must destroy Taiki Kudo or it will be the end of you. Do you understand that?" Tuwarmon replied, his tone full of seriousness, which just made Yuu smile and laugh. "You're so silly. If I lose this game, then I'll just go back home to the Human World, safe and sound." Yuu then said, before he ran off and gazed upon the battlefield. "And, I'll always have my memories of this amazing place, where no one ever dies and no one ever gets hurt. It's awesome! I can do anything I want." Yuu stated happily.
"Yes, you're right, General Yuu." Tuwarmon then replied, still concerned for the boy.
"Oh, come on!" Tyutyumon, who was aboard Tuwarmon's back, suddenly interrupted, making Tuwarmon ask. "What do you expect me to say, that if he loses, he turns to Digital dust?"
"You know what?" Yuu then asked, before he admitted. "I actually miss being home." Only to be distracted by the battle and then say. "Hey look, it's Xros Heart and it looks like they're not doing so good. This could be over soon."
-With Shoutmon X5-
AxeKnightmon continued his assault on Shoutmon X5.
"Spinning Spear!" AxeKnightmon yelled, causing his weapon to spin at an incredible pace, which he then slammed into Shoutmon X5's chest, making him cry out in pain.
But as he continued to attack him, AxeKnightmon could sense something was wrong with the battle, making him think. 'How strange. I expected Shoutmon X5 to be more of a challenge. No matter, a few more seconds and my drill will go right through his armor.'
"Almost… Not yet…" Shoutmon X5 managed to say, causing AxeKnightmon to question. 'What? Is he stalling?'
-With Kiriha-
With his fearsome power, Megidramon slammed Cyberdramon, Kiriha and Ivymon back, making the corrupt dragon Digimon say. "You're not as strong as I was told, even a single hit drives you backwards. I don't know why I expected you to actually prove a challenge."
"You're a fool. The bond we have between us is what won all our battles." Kiriha said as he rose to his feet, before he stated in a determined tone. "And now it's what we'll use to defeat you too!"
-In Yuu's castle-
Seeing the outcome of the battles changing was confusing Yuu, making him say. "I don't get it. Things are happening not as I predicted. They're lasting much longer than I thought they would."
However, Yuu and Tuwarmon were forced to take cover, as the castle was suddenly bombarded by several attacks that blew sections of the castle to pieces.
Watching through the dust, Yuu was left confused when a familiar Digimon emerged, letting out a powerful roar.
"MailBirdramon?" Yuu questioned, confused. "But how can Kiriha's Digimon be here?"
Then he noticed something. "Kiriha? No way! How are you here when I just saw you in the spikes?" Yuu asked in worry, watching as a figure from the smoke began to approach him, only, when he stepped out, it was revealed to be Taiki Kudo, sparking a look of determination as he continued to approach Yuu, revealing that while the back of his jacket remained stained in blood, Cutemon's healing power had done its job.
"Taiki!?" He got out, before nervously asking. "How… how do you have MailBirdramon?"
"You can't predict everything Yuu." Taiki said in reply, making Yuu say back. "No fair! You didn't do what you were supposed to!"
"Kiriha tried to tell you that this was not just a game, and what happens in real life cannot be predicted." Taiki replied as he grasped his Xros Loader tightly. "And then he risked his life to prove that point to you, by entrusting his Digimon to me and my Fusion Loader. His plan was brilliant."
-Flashback-
Back in Xros Heart's castle, the battle had yet to start and Kiriha was carrying out his plan.
"Greymon, MailBirdramon!" Kiriha called out, summoning his Digimon, before he then announced as he held up Taiki's Xros Loader. "Xros Loader Transfer!"
After successfully transferring his Digimon into Taiki's Xros Loader, Kiriha handed it back to the Red General and told him. "Now then Taiki, when you have the chance, head to the black castle. And with the bonds between us, we should be able to use and control each other's Digimon now. We may not be able to Digivolve now, but it should give us the power way beyond our individual team."
"Yeah, but…" Taiki could only say, as he was both hesitant and interrupted by Kiriha, who said in a serious tone. "There's no time for this! We're doing it my way and I'm in charge!"
Concerned, Nene asked. "But Kiriha if you're going to be the decoy, won't you put yourself in the most danger?"
"We have to make Yuu understand, he'll listen to Taiki, so Taiki has to go." Kirha explained, making Taiki say. "I dunno..."
"This is the only way!" Kiriha snapped, before he said. "I know this is hard but I know deep down this will make us all stronger."
-End Flashback-
Yuu was stunned at what Taiki had told him, making the blond say, for he couldn't believe his plans for victory were being foiled. "I can't believe Kiriha would trust anyone else with his Digimon. That's impossible! And what about that X5? If it wasn't you controlling it and Kiriha was in the spikes against Megidramon, then… then…" Yuu got out, shocked, realizing it was Nene who was behind the main assault. "No way! My predictions couldn't have been so off!" He said, still in disbelief.
"We can still call off this fight. Come on over to our side before anyone gets hurt." Taiki offered, making Yuu yell back. "I can't! No! I won't admit defeat!"
Seeing Yuu wasn't going to back down, Taiki called out for Greymon, who appeared by his side.
"If I do this are you guys ok with it?" Taiki asked then asked.
"If Kiriha trusts you." MailBirdramon began to say, before Greymon finished. "Then we trust you also, Taiki Kudo."
"Great!" Taiki said in reply, before calling upon the power of his Xros Loader as he then exclaimed. "Greymon! MailBirdramon! Digifuse!"
"Digifuse!" Greymon and MailBirdramon called out, creating. "MetalGreymon!"
With MetalGreymon's presence now in the castle, the moral of Xros Heart increased, while Team Midnight was left shocked.
"This whole thing was a diversion?" Megidramon questioned, before he began to snarl. "This isn't over Kiriha!" He stated, taking flight and heading back to the castle, while Kiriha, unable to stand any longer, collapsed, making Ivymon call out his name in concern as she tried to help him up.
"It's all up to you, Taiki..." Kiriha got out, before losing consciousness.
-Back in Yuu's castle-
While MetalGreymon and Tuwarmon were battling against each other, Taiki was chasing after Yuu.
"Yuu, quit running away!" Taiki called out, following the blond into the castle depths where Yuu suddenly attacked Taiki, slashing at him with a sword and cutting the Red General's left arm, causing it to drip with blood.
"I've got you now." Yuu laughed. "You really are an amazing player, Taiki, but forget about the Digimon, because if I take out your character with this sword and you vanish, I'll win!" He said, still delusional that the Digital World was still a video game. "I can't lose. I won't lose. I'm going to show you Taiki I'm the greatest General of all!" Yuu then stated, prepared to do whatever it took to rid himself of his opponents, even unknowingly kill them.