As soon as we arrived to Izzy's office, we jumped into the TV World. However, something about it felt different than usual.
"This is… the TV World, right," Sora asked.
"It certainly is the same location we usually end up in, but something feels off," Izzy said.
"Yeah, isn't the sky usually yellow when we arrive here," Matt added. "Why is it all red?"
"A red sky isn't that unordinary here," I said. "I remember seeing a red sky when we were walking about in the TV World's shopping districts."
"Do you think something may have happened in the TV World that could explain the sudden change in our usual spot," Sora asked.
"The possibility is there. It could be related to Astamon entering this world, after all," Izzy said.
"Look, over there; it's that bear," Matt said.
We looked at the direction Matt was pointing towards. Sure enough, Teddie was running back and forth around the area, stopping and scratching his head every so often.
"Oh no, this is bad; this is beary, beary wrong," Teddie cried.
"Teddie, what's wrong," I said, running over to him.
"Oh, thank goodness, you guys came. I'm so beary happy," Teddie said, crying in my arms.
"Hey, there, stop with the tears; I get why you're concerned," I said, trying to calm him down.
"Teddie, can you tell us what's happening here," Izzy asked.
"I have no idea," Teddie replied. "At first, I was just milling about, doing my own bear business, when, all of a sudden… Whoosh! I caught a scent that I never sensed before. I don't know what it was, but it felt super scary and powerful. It didn't feel like you guys, but it didn't feel like any of the Shadows that I know."
"That must be Astamon," Sora said.
"Teddie, can you take us to where you sensed that unfamiliar presence," Izzy asked.
"I don't know. I don't think I'll be able to," Teddie replied, downcast.
"Huh? What do you mean you're not able to," Matt asked. "Just do what you usually do when you found me and Sora."
"It's not that easy," Teddie explained. "Yes, I can sense this Astamon creature, but that scent is so strong, it's as though Astamon is everywhere."
"Astamon is everywhere," I repeated.
"That doesn't make any sense," Matt said. "Is your nose clogged or something?"
"If Teddie claims that the only thing he smells is Astamon, does that mean we're dealing with a Digimon that's so powerful that he can warp the TV World with his presence," Sora pondered.
"You mean, his power is so great that it's affecting the fabric of the TV World," I asked.
"This reminds me of the time we fought someone who was able to create their own reality," Izzy responded.
"Don't remind me. I don't want go through that feeling again," Matt said.
"Do you think it's possible that Astamon has those kinds of powers as well," Sora asked.
"I'll admit that he's strong, but I don't think he's someone who can do that on his own," I stated.
"You said he was working for someone, right," Matt questioned. "What if the person who gave him the power to traverse in between the three worlds also gave him the power to completely dominate the TV World?"
"That's plausible," Sora said. "Whoever this person is must have a strong connect between all three worlds if that person was able to grant Astamon this much leeway."
"How can we fight someone as powerful as that," Matt asked. "Before that, how can we even find someone like that in the first place?"
"Okay, let's take it from a different angle," Izzy stated. "If sensing normally will only reveal Astamon, perhaps we can try and find something that isn't Astamon."
"What do you mean," Sora asked.
"Teddie, don't search for Astamon," Izzy said. "Instead, I want to sense the other Shadows. Can you tell me what they are doing or where they are? Try to search for Shadows that are either in close proximity to each other or far apart from each other."
"I get it," I replied. "If we find an abnormality in how the Shadows are reacting to Astamon's appearance, it may give us a clue where Astamon could be."
"Wow, I've never thought of it that way," Sora said. "You're really good at this, Izzy."
"I try my best," Izzy replied. "So, Teddie, can you do that for me?"
"Sure, I'll give it a try," Teddie replied.
Teddie sniffed around in various directions, eventually stopping.
"Did you find something," Matt asked.
"I'm not sure, but for some reason, I'm feeling a whole bunch of Shadows congregated in one particular place," Teddie explained. "Actually, now that I feel that area a bit more, I can tell that it's something that I've never seen before. That's beary weird. The only time something like this happens is when…."
"Our Shadow selves created their own reality within the TV World," I finished.
"That's sounds pretty sketchy," Matt said.
"That means there's a good chance Astamon is there," Sora replied.
"Could be," Izzy said. "Teddie, can you take us there?"
"I can, but this is beary different than when I was searching for you guys," Teddie explained. "This feels super dangerous, and I don't know what will happen if I take you all there."
"It's a risk we have to take," I said. "Astamon has already harmed the lives of countless humans in our world. If he ends up teaming with those Shadows, there's no telling how much damage he will do not only to our world, but also to this world and the Digital World."
"Dangerous or not, we have to stop him," Matt said.
"That's what we came here for," Sora said.
"We will not give up on our resolve," Izzy added.
"Wow, you guys are really brave, just like Sensei and the others," Teddie said.
"Sensei," I questioned.
"Aright, if you're going after this baddie bear, I will, too," Teddie exclaimed. "I want my world to bearcome normal again."
"Well, we do need you to go there, after all," Matt said.
"Thanks a lot, Teddie. We really appreciate it," I replied.
"No worries," Teddie replied. "Alright, time to catch the bad guy. Follow the bear!"
Episode 8
We followed Teddie to a massive, ancient building of Greek architecture.
"What is this place? It looks so… prehistoric," I said.
"I know, this is one of the famous Ancient Greek sites," Sora said. "There was a picture of this place in our World History books."
"You're right," Izzy commented. "If I recall, I think this place is called the Acropolis, which means the building before us has to be the Parthenon."
"The what," I asked.
"It's a temple of worship for Ancient Greek gods and goddesses," Sora explained. "Do you even pay attention during our world history class?"
"Huh, of course, I do," I replied. "I just… forgot about it; that's all."
"Well, I'm glad you guys can see this stuff, but I can barely see a thing," Matt said, trying to squint.
"That's right; Matt doesn't have any of those glasses," I said.
"Whoops, that totally passed my mind," Teddie said. "Here, for you."
Teddie took out a pair of Groucho glasses and made Matt wear it.
"Okay, bear, why am I wearing this," Matt asked.
"Those look great on you," I chuckled.
"Give me a good reason why I shouldn't deck you right now," Matt shouted.
"What's wrong? You don't like them," Teddie asked.
"Of course, I don't," Matt replied. "And, Tai, stop laughing. This isn't funny!"
"You guys are pathetic," Sora said, as Teddie gave Matt dark blue sunglasses with the SMPTE bars on the sides.
"More importantly, Teddie, are you sure this is the place where the mass gathering is," Izzy asked.
"I'm beary positive," Teddie said. "I can feel something major happening inside this place. In fact, that scent that clouded my nose a few minutes ago is super strong here. It's making my beautiful bear skin crawl."
"Then, Astamon has to be here," Sora said.
"Let's get going," I replied.
"Right," Matt said.
The five of us entered the temple. As soon as we got inside, we immediately hid behind some pillars to peek inside the temple. We did see Shadows there, but they were acting strange. Many of them were moving around in a coordinated fashion, such as running around in a circle or jumping into tires. The ones that were airborne were circling through hoops and flying about in circles.
"What's going on here," Matt asked. "I thought you said this was supposed to be a temple, so I thought there would be some praying or worshiping stuff happening, not whatever this is."
"They look like they're training," Sora said. "This kind of reminds me of…."
"Boot camp," I finished. "I did the exact same thing when Astamon was our couch. Just looking at those Shadows brings back memories of my early morning training while I was on the team."
"Teddie, how's your nose," Izzy asked. "Are you able to sense Astamon keenly now that we are inside his domain?"
"I'm not so sure," Teddie replied. "To me, this entire temple is one, big bizarre smell. It's like he's everywhere here."
"What should we do," Matt asked. "If Teddie is unable to find Astamon, how will we be able to do so?"
"I could call out Tentamon so I can don my attire, but I'm afraid I would cause a scene, making the Shadows notice us," Izzy answered.
"Then, we do this the old-fashioned way," I said. "Let's sneak around and try not to get detected."
"Okay," Sora replied.
We stealthily maneuvered our way around the temple, trying to make as little contact with the Shadows as possible. I was reminded how convoluted the floor plan of these places are. Without Teddie and Izzy guiding the way, it was much more difficult to walk about safely. There were various moments when we were lost a few times because many of the areas here looked exactly the same.
As we made our way higher up the temple, we eventually came across what looked like an arena. By the entranceway, we were able to see what looked like a large steel cage. Upon closer inspection, not only were there Shadows inside the cage fighting against each other, but also Shadows in the audience cheering as they spectated the battle inside the cage.
"Are those people fighting in that cage," Matt asked. "I thought we were the only ones who were able to come here."
"No, those are definitely Shadows. I can sense them with my bear nose," Teddie said.
"So, it's just like that time when we were trying to rescue Matt," Izzy said.
"Then, are those things up in the seats over there also Shadows," I asked.
"They're cheering what's happening inside that cage," Sora said. "How can they cheer for their own kind attacking each other like that? That's so inhumane."
"Are they usually like this, Teddie," I asked.
"Not that I recall. This is my first time seeing something like this, too," Teddie said.
"Look, up there," Matt said, pointing up.
We all turned to where Matt was pointing to. Upon closer inspection, it looked like Astamon was sitting on a throne with a guardian standing by him. Was it a Shadow? It looked different than the rest of the Shadows we have faced so far.
"Astamon," I said.
"That's Astamon," Sora asked.
"But, who is the one next to him," Izzy asked. "It's not a Digimon that I recognize. Teddie, can you sense whether or not that thing next to him is a Shadow?"
"I'm trying, but all I sense is Astamon and those Shadows over there," Teddie explained. "I can't tell what the other guy is. I'm beary sorry."
"You've got nothing to apologize for," Sora asked.
"Since we're hidden, do you think you can summon Tentamon so you can use your crystal ball to figure out a way to get to him the fastest," I asked Izzy.
"Why settle with just Izzy," Matt questioned. "We're going to be up against Astamon eventually. I say we all summon our Digimon so we can prepare for the worst."
"I agree," Sora replied. "It's better to be safe than sorry."
"Alright, then let's do it," Izzy said.
"Persona," the four of us shouted.
After shattering our respective cards, our familiar friends appeared before us, and we donned our new attire. Matt was now wearing a dark blue shirt with a dark blue bulletproof vest and a dark blue leather jacket, dark blue leather pants. silver boots, and silver gauntlets. He was carrying a large two-handle crescent great sword on his back, and his glasses became a visor that wrapped around his head.
"So, this is what this Persona power feels like," Matt said.
"You look really cool, Matt," Gabumon said.
"Izzy, can you get a layout of this area," Sora asked.
"Give me a minute," Izzy replied, looking through the crystal ball. "Okay, I got it. I found the best route to get there, but we have to be careful if we were to come across any Shadows."
"Alright, let's go," I said.
We all followed the route that Izzy recommended and tried our best to prevent any Shadows from detecting us. Soon, we were able to make it to the top of the arena. We hid behind the entranceway where Astamon's throne was. However, his bodyguard immediately tensed up, as if sensing our presence.
"At ease," Astamon said to the bodyguard. "You have arrived earlier than anticipated. It's good to know that there are those who exceed my expectations."
Because there was no point in hiding our presence, we walked up towards Astamon, who was still looking out towards the Shadows.
"What have you done to this world," I asked. "Why you making the Shadows attack each other?"
"What have I done," Astamon asked. "A foolish question. Once more, you misunderstand. I didn't make those that you call Shadows fight against each other. They chose to fight for me."
"Fight for you," Matt asked. "What are you saying?"
"You mean to say that those Shadows are trying to fight for your attention," Sora asked. "That's crazy. I've never heard of something like that."
"Then, perhaps you would like to see for yourself the fruits of their labor," Astamon said. "Come, view this spectacle with me. I promise I will not harm you. It is against my code."
Cautiously, Agumon and I headed over to Astamon.
"Tai, what are you doing," Matt asked.
"It's too dangerous," Gabumon replied.
"Let's trust Tai for now," Izzy replied. "I think he knows what he's doing."
Agumon and I stood beside Astamon as we watched the two Shadows fight against each other. In the end, one of them conquered the other with a decisive blow, and the losing Shadow fell to the ground. Afterwards, the Shadows that made up the audience and the victor went over to the fallen Shadow and devoured it. It made me feel sick.
With a snap of Astamon's finger, we all fell down a trapdoor below us and slid down and out of the top of the arena and into the center of the cage where the Shadows were still consuming the fallen Shadow.
"Biyomon, Digivovle, now," Sora shouted.
"You too, Tentomon, hurry," Izzy exclaimed.
"Biyomon, Empress Arcana Digivolve to… Birdramon," Biyomon shouted.
"Tentomon, Hermit Arcana Digivolve to… Kabuterimon," Tentomon shouted.
Birdramon caught Sora, Agumon, and me while Kabuterimon retrieved Izzy, Matt, Teddie, and Gabumon as we were about to fall towards the swarm of Shadows.
"Hey, what gives," Teddie said to Astamon. "You said you wouldn't harm us."
"True; however, what the Shadows do to you is none of my concern," Astamon replied.
"I shouldn't be surprised that you had something under your sleeve," Matt said.
"Perhaps, but now is not the time to get lackadaisical," Astamon said.
As we were trying to reassess our situation, we realized that we were surrounded by Shadows. Around us were Twins, Ravens, and what looked like police officers that we encountered when we rescued Sora. In addition, in the ground below us, there were more police officers and also what looked like giant hands with a face coming out of its wrist.
"There's so many of them," Sora said.
"Don't worry; it looks like a lot, but we can take them on," Izzy said. "Those police-looking Shadows are called Fuzz, and the large hands on the ground are literally called Hands. Don't worry; both creatures are weak to fire attacks, which is our team's specialty."
"Then, let's show them what we can do," Matt said.
"Sora, Izzy, take care of the airborne Shadows," I said. "Izzy, you take care of Teddie. Matt and I will take care of the Shadows below us."
"Got it," Sora said.
"Will do," Izzy replied.
"You ready, Tai," Matt said.
"Let's do this," Tai said.
"It's time to Digivolve," Matt said.
"Agumon, Strength Arcana Digivolve to… Greymon," Agumon shouted.
"Gabumon, Emperor Arcana Digivolve to… Garurumon," Gabumon shouted.
Matt and I rode on our respective Digimon as we fell down towards the arena.
"Nova Blast," Greymon shouted.
"Howling Blaster," Garurumon shouted.
Greymon and Garurumon spewed fire and ice from their mouths respectively at as many grounded Shadows to create a safe landing. Once we safely landed, Matt and I jumped off of our respective Digimon to prepare for the oncoming onslaught of Shadows. I knocked some of them out of the way with my soccer ball while Matt sliced through those who were near him with his giant sword, although he had trouble maneuvering it properly at first. Meanwhile, Birdramon and Kabuterimon took cake of the airborne Shadows. Sora attacked those who were close to her while Izzy and Teddie tried to shoo away those who came close to Kabuterimon.
Once most of the Shadows have been cleared out, Astamon snapped his fingers again. This time, the Shadow that was victorious revealed itself, transforming into something akin to a giant, masked, metallic wrestler.
"Careful you two," Izzy shouted from above. "That thing is called a Gigas, and it's more powerful than the ones we've faced thus far."
"We'll help you guys as soon as we are finished with the Shadows up here," Sora added.
"You ready, Tai," Matt asked.
"Let's take it down," I replied.
"Nova Blast," Greymon shouted.
"Howling Blaster," Garurumon shouted.
Greymon and Garurumon spewed fire and ice from their mouths respectively at the Gigas. It brushed off the attack and charged at us. We moved out of the way as it tried to grab us. We knew that once we were in its grasp, it would be difficult to break free from it. Greymon and Garurumon continued to fire at it to try and wear it down, but it simply refused to go down. At one point, it was able to knock Greymon and Garurumon to both sides of the arena.
"Birdramon, provide them with support," Sora said.
"Meteor Wing," Birdramon shouted.
Birdramon fired several feather meteors at the Gigas, knocking it off balance.
"Now's your chance," Izzy said.
"Fire Wall," Greymon shouted.
"Ice Wall," Garurumon shouted.
Greymon and Garurumon created pillars of fire and ice respectively to surround and engulf the Gigas. Unable to handle the damage any further, the Gigas disintegrated and disappeared from the arena. After clearing out the remainder of the weaker Shadows, we were finally able to catch our breath. Birdramon and Kabuterimon descended to the ground once they took care of all the airborne Shadows, dropping off Sora, Izzy, and Teddie in the process.
"Are you guys okay," Sora asked.
"Yeah, we're fine; just a bit tired," I replied.
"You guys are beary strong. I'm totally impressed," Teddie said.
"Why didn't you do anything," Matt asked.
"You expect a cute little teddy bear like me to fight? You must be out of your mind," Teddie retorted.
"Easy, you two, let's not waste any more energy," Izzy said.
"Marvelous. That was very entertaining," Astamon said, applauding.
"What's so funny," Greymon asked him.
"Just like your furry friend said, I, too, am awestruck by what you've accomplished," Astamon explained.
"I don't like where this is going," Sora muttered.
"What else are you hiding in your sleeves," Garurumon asked.
"I see you are misunderstanding as well," Astamon said. "Now that I have seen and witnessed your power, it will make my victory all the more exuberating."
"Quit bluffing," Matt said. "When it was just the four of us and our Rookie Digimon, you ran to the TV World. Now, you're going to confront us with our Champion Digimon?"
"I do admit that it does sound rather foolish," Kabuterimon said. "And, given how you've acted thus far, you are by no means a fool."
"Perhaps, but now that I have gauged your strength, I know with certainly that I will win this battle, for your sake, and for the sake of my master," Astamon said.
"What does he mean by 'for our sake,'" Izzy asked himself.
"You still haven't told us who you are working under," I told Astamon.
"Patience, but first, please indulge me in our epic encounter," Astamon said. "I can't wait to see the look on your faces when I debilitate you one by one!"
Astamon and the golden bodyguard began merging with each other.
"W-What is going on with them? It's beary scary," Teddie said.
"They're melting into each other," Birdramon said.
"I thought the Digimon just absorb the Shadows and converts them into power," Sora commented.
"True, but that was only with our Shadows," I replied. "We don't actually know what happens when a regular Digimon merges with a Shadow. In fact, I'll even argue that what Astamon is merging with isn't a Shadow at all. It's something else entirely."
"But, I thought the only things in the TV World are those Shadow things," Matt said. "If what Astamon is merging with is not a Shadow, then what is it?"
"I thought it was odd that Teddie wasn't able to tell what the creature next to Astamon was, so I checked if my crystal ball has any information on it," Izzy continued. "According to what I've gathered, the bodyguard next to him is called "Ares," and it is classified as a demon."
"A demon," I repeated.
"You mean Ares, as in the Greek god of war," Sora asked. "No wonder why this place looked like the Acropolis. It must be due to the influence of that demon."
"Okay, but why is a demon - a mythological god, no less, - here in the TV World," Matt asked. "Are you telling me there's more than just Shadows in the TV World?"
"No, the only things that are here are me and the Shadows," Teddie said. "Although, now that I think about it, that golden guy did feel like the ones Sensei summoned a few times outside of his usual Persona. Is it possible that…."
"Hey, Teddie, quit mumbling and tell us what's on your mind," Greymon said.
"Actually, you might want to hold that thought," Kabuterimon said.
Once the fusion was complete, Astamon donned the same attire Ares was wearing, but it was colored gold. He still carried his trusted machine gun, but was also carrying Ares's sword on his side inside its sheathe.
"I am GoldenAstamon, he who wages war over sloth," Astamon said. "Come; let me test your true potential."
GoldenAstamon jumped out of his throne and slammed his sword at us. We moved out of the way just before the impact, but the damage GoldenAstamon did created a large crater on the ground.
"Danger alert," Teddie said. "He feels super, duper powerful. I've never felt anything like this before."
"Teddie's right," Izzy added. "I cannot get a reading of his power level at all. We have to assume it is greater than anything that we've ever fought before."
"Then, we'll have to do what we do best," Matt said.
"Let's take him down together," Sora said.
"We can't lose, no matter what," I said.
Greymon, Garurumon, Birdramon, and Kabuterimon charged at GoldenAstamon. They tried hitting him with as many strikes as they could while dodging his sword.
"Tail Whip," Greyon shouted.
Greymon tried slamming GoldenAstamon down with his large tail, but GoldenAstamon blocked it with his free arm, absorbing the impact.
"Maverick," GoldenAstamon said.
Charging up his leg with dark energy, GoldenAstamon kicked Greymon, sending him to the other side of the wall, crashing into it.
"Fire Flap," Birdramon shouted.
Birdramon coated itself in flames and charged at GoldenAstamon. This time, he used his machine gun to block the incoming attack and used it to push Birdramon back.
"Hellfire," GoldenAstamon said.
GoldenAstamon fired several bullets from his machine gun at Birdramon. After getting pelted with multiple bullets, Birdramon fell to the ground.
"Howling Blaster," Garurumon shouted.
"Electric Storm," Kabuterimon shouted.
Garurumon and Kabuterimon simultaneously fired ice from its mouth and electricity from its wings respectively at GoldenAstamon, creating a large explosion after the impact. Even when the dust cleared, GoldenAstamon still remained standing with a few scratches.
"Rampage," GoldenAstamon shouted.
GoldenAstamon charged towards Garurumon and Kabuterimon. He used his sword to create quick, successive thrusts at both of them. Garurumon and Kabuterimon withstood the attack. Although they were pushed back, they held their ground.
"Subzero Ice Fang," Garurumon shouted.
"Shocking Touch," Kabuterimon shouted.
Garurumon tried to bite GoldenAstamon with its cold fangs, but he used both of his hands to stop it. While GoldenAstamon was busy with Garurumon, Kabuterimon used his hands to shock him. Although GoldenAstamon took the brunt of the attack, he still had enough strength to swing Garurumon over to Kabuterimon to knock them both over.
"Nova Blast," Greymon shouted.
"Bir-Flame," Birdramon shouted.
After recovering from the damage they took, Greymon and Birdramon shot flamethrowers from their mouths at GoldenAstamon, engulfing him in flames. As they drew closer to him while increasing their firepower, GoldenAstamon powered through the flames kicked Birdramon away with another kick fueled with dark energy. Afterwards, he fired his machine gun at Greymon, and he fell to the ground after taking several bombarding bullets into his body.
"Greymon, everyone," I shouted.
"Tai… he's… too strong," Greymon said.
"He's withstanding all of our attacks," Kabuterimon said. "And, wouldn't you know, he's the only one left standing."
"What are we going to do," Sora asked.
"I don't know, but I feel like if we were to jump in, we'll be dead, too," Izzy said.
"I… won't let that happen," Garurumon said.
"Garurumon," Matt said.
"Don't worry, Matt; I'll make sure everyone escapes alive. I promise," Garurumon said. "Ice Wall!"
Garurumon surrounded GoldenAstamon with ice, encasing him.
"Fire Flap," Birdramon shouted.
Birdramon covered itself in flames and charged at GoldenAstamon. At the same time, Garurumon charged at GoldenAstamon with its claws. Right before their attacks land, GoldenAstamon managed to free himself from the icy cage. Charging both of his legs with dark energy, he kicked both Birdramon and Garurumon up in the air. Afterwards, he knocked them back down to the ground with another pair of strong kicks. Finally, he delivered one final kick to the both of them on the ground, creating a large crater in the process. The damage they took regressed them to their Rookie forms.
"Gabumon," Matt shouted.
"Biyomon," Sora cried.
"Perhaps it is I who misunderstood," GoldenAstamon said. "I was under the assumption that, even in this form, I would have a difficult time taking on all of you. I must have overestimated you all. No matter. If this is all the strength that you can muster, perhaps it would be wise to end everything once and for all. Do not blame me for ending your lives. Blame yourselves for not having the strength to challenge me. Farewell."
GoldenAstamon took out his sword and prepared to cut through Gabumon and Biyomon. Neither Kabuterimon nor Greymon had the strength to move in time to assist them. As if time moved slowly, Matt and Sora charged after GoldenAstamon. With his other hand, GoldenAstamon took out his machine gun to fire at both of them. Teddie, Izzy, and I ran after them to protect them from the upcoming attack. Please, I need to save them. I need to save all of them. Someone. Anyone. Grant me the power to save everyone from GoldenAstamon.
"At last, you have finally called for us."
My mind was once again sent back to the blue room that I am all too familiar with. Sitting in their usual locations are the same two residents of this room.
"The time has finally come," Margaret said. "Prepare yourself, for you are about to unlock the Wildcard's true power."
"We will now grant you the ability to use multiple cards in order for you assist your companion in order to achieve even greater power," Igor explained. "Allow me to explain to you how it is done. Follow my movements closely."
When my consciousness returned to the TV World, I outstretched both of my arms. Power surged within me as a blue circle appeared beneath me and a summoning circle appeared in front of me. Everyone else stopped and watched what I was doing. Four cards appeared at the edge of the summoning circle: the Hermit, the Empress, the Emperor, and the Fool.
"Greymon, Digivolve, Now," I shouted.
"Greymon, Four Card Arcana Digivolve to…," Greymon shouted.
Greymon converted himself into the Strength Arcana card. With the other four cards, I rammed all of them onto the Strength card, shattering all of them in the process. The data from all of the cards reconfigured itself, creating another large dinosaur with a metallic arm, a metal chest plate, a metal helmet, and metal wings. It was a friend that I knew all too well.
"MetalGreymon," MetalGreymon shouted.
"No way," Matt said.
"Greymon Digivolved," Sora replied.
"That guy from before just got beary big, and he's covered in a bunch of silvery things," Teddie said.
"That's MetalGreymon, the next form of Greymon," Izzy explained to Teddie.
"Tai, I'm ready whenever you are," MetalGreymon said.
"Do it, MetalGreymon," I said. "Save Gabumon and Biyomon!"
MetalGreymon quickly charged at GoldenAstamon, ramming him with his metal claw. GoldenAstamon used his sword to block the attack, but MetalGremon managed to push him away from Gabumon and Biyomon. Matt and Sora rushed to pick both of them up and head to safety as MetalGreymon and GoldenAstamon continued to clash with each other.
"Mega Claw," MetalGreymon shouted.
"Twin Slash," GoldenAstamon shouted.
MetalGremon fired his Trident Arm at GoldenAstamon, and GoldenAstamon knocked it away with his sword. What GoldenAstamon failed to noticed was the claw chain wrapping itself around him, binding him in the process. Using the chain, MetalGreymon slammed the bound GoldenAstamon to the ground, creating another massive crater.
"Giga Blaster," MetalGreymon shouted.
"Hellfire," GoldenAstamon shouted.
MetalGreymon fired missiles from his chest, while GoldenAstamon fired bullets from his machine gun. The collision between the two attacks created an enormous explosion, such that we had to brace ourselves in order to maintain our footing on the ground. Teddie was unable to do so and rolled to the arena wall, banging his head against it. In the midst of the explosion, GoldenAstamon attacked MetalGreymon with a swift kick of dark energy, but MetalGreymon blocked it with his Trident Arm and pushed him back to the ground. While the air was still covered in smoke, I kicked the soccer ball into the crater. As GoldenAstamon was coming down after his attack, he didn't see where he was landing and lost his balance by stepping on the soccer ball.
"Terra Destroyer," MetalGreymon shouted.
MetalGreymon fired a larger missile than his previous attack from his chest at GoldenAstamon.
"This is going to be big," Izzy said. "Run for cover!"
We all ran towards the other side of the wall as the missile came down at GoldenAstamon. GoldenAstamon thought about firing his machine gun at it, but when he saw how close it was, he gave up the thought and took the brunt of the attack. The explosion from the impact was so large, it nearly demolished the temple, as parts of it crumbled and fell on top of each other. The attack left an immense crater in the middle of a partly standing temple. From the rubble, Kabuterimon pushed away the debris, and we slowly surveyed the aftermath from the wreckage.
"Is everyone okay," I asked.
"All good," Matt said, holding Gabumon.
"Us too," Sora said, holding Biyomon.
"Whew, I thought we were goners for sure," Teddie said. "That was beary close."
"Thanks for covering us, Kabuterimon," Izzy said.
"It's the lease I can do," Kabuterimon replied.
I looked over towards the center of the impact. MetalGreymon stood in front of a lying Astamon, who was without his golden armor. As I walked closer to him, I realized he was slowly disintegrating into data. Noticing where I went, the rest of the group walked towards me.
"To think you have hidden this sort of power from me all this time," Astamon said. "This was a remarkable battle. I should not have underestimated you. Perhaps it was I who misunderstood you."
"Tell us who you are working under," I asked.
"What good would it do if I told you who that person is, who that being is," Astamon answered. "Even at your current strength, you are of no match to that person. It knows all. It sees all. It understands all. You may not even come to understand what it is and its capability."
"Stop talking in riddles already," Matt said.
"Don't you have any shame after what you did to those innocent people," Sora asked.
"It seems, even in victory, you still misunderstand," Astamon said. "All I did was assist in that person's overall plan, one so grand it is beyond your comprehension."
"If nothing else, you are stubborn, but loyal to your master," Izzy said. "Tai, it doesn't look like he'll answer upfront. We're going to have to use the clues he's given us to find out about the culprit ourselves."
"No matter what happens, I swear on my name as a DigiDestined that I will find the one you serve and stop that person from harming more innocent civilians," I said.
"Those eyes," Astamon said. "I remember them well. They remind me of someone I once knew, someone with the same burning desire to prove his worth – his strength – to the world. For the life of me, I cannot recall that person's name. However, I shall leave you with a warning. Can you even fathom the truth once you figure you who I serve?"
Before I could say anything, Astamon completely dissipated, his final remnants of data scattered with the wind. We were all left with an odd silence as Astamon's last words echoed in our minds.
"Tai," Izzy said, snapping me back to reality.
"Let's go home," I told everyone. "Teddie, can you bring us back to our usual location?"
"O-Of course, Tai," Teddie said. "Leave it to me!"
Matt, Sora, Izzy, and I followed Teddie as the temple and the Acropolis crumbled and fell to the ground, eventually disintegrating into nothingness.
*To be continued*
Shadows used:
wiki/Trance_Twins
wiki/Black_Raven
wiki/Bribed_Fuzz
wiki/Magic_Hand
wiki/Daring_Gigas
Inspiration for Digimon:
wiki/Ares
wiki/Astamon