Part 1: Attack on Kyoto

Gamchicoth

"They were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them."

Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto

Friday, April 6th, 2018

1:00 P.M

"Please, explain to me what is happening." The Digimon on the other side of the screen requested. Asuramon kneeled before a large viewing screen that hung on the wall. It projected an image of an armor-clad Digimon, who was cloaked in darkness.

"Reports are coming in of very strange sightings, General." Asuramon answered. "There have been Digimon rebelling against the digital army in all three sectors of the city. Otsu and West Kyoto both report Digimon from our own ranks turning against their captains and siding with the humans, and all three sectors report strange Digimon that they've never seen before suddenly appearing and attacking our ranks."

"Digimon they've never seen before…" The figure on the other side of the screen stroked his chin. "Should we be sending reinforcements?"

"I do not think that is necessary sir," Asuramon shook his head, "The antagonistic Digimon have made no headway in either Kyoto or Uji. We've lost ground in Otsu, but I'm going to send Blossomon over there with another regiment of soldiers. We'll crush this rebellion in no time sir."

"Hopefully that is the case." The general said with reservations. "Keep me posted, Colonel. This operation is of the utmost importance. If the enemy combatants become too difficult to handle, we need to know right away."

"Of course, General: I will be vigilant concerning these new developments."

"Good: I'm putting my faith in you Asuramon." The general replied. "The fate of the digital world rests in your hands. Do not let me down." With that, the monitor turned off, and Asuramon was alone once more. The Digimon walked over to the far side of the room, past the table littered in maps, towards a communications station set up on the other wall. He picked up a radio handle from the device, switched to a particular frequency, and spoke.

"Blossomon, do you read me?" Asuramon waited patiently for a response.

"What is it Asuramon?" Came a static-filled reply.

"I need you and your regiment to move towards Otsu." He answered. "Reports have come in from that sector; Akatorimon and Kokatorimon have been defeated, and Airdramon is now alone against four traitorous champion-level Digimon along with a slew of rookies. He's going on a reconnaissance mission today to determine their location, but he needs backup if he's to defeat them."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible Asuramon," Blossomon answered with a sigh, "My forces are pinned down by these new arrivals. The Grimmon and the Gizumon are everywhere: we're entrenched down here: no way out."

"They can't possibly be that formidable." Asuramon growled.

"I can handle them well enough, but my rookies and champions are having no such luck against them. These creatures are a force to be reckoned with, that's for sure. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do right now. Airdramon is on his own."

Otsu Prince Hotel

Otsu, Kyoto

2:43 P.M

Koji Minamoto sat at the edge of the rooftop of the Otsu Prince Hotel, overlooking the relatively peaceful city below. The number of incoming refugees had dwindled considerably, and the parking lot was mostly empty. They had returned on Wednesday to discover from Willis that the police had begun to move people into the actual floors of the hotel, out of the convention center. He was initially worried about the sudden decrease in space between the inhabitants of the hotel and the Digidestined residing on the upper floor, but fortunately it seemed they had only encompassed the first few floors. The police seemed worried about keeping people up too high, where they might be in danger should a battle begin again. As for the group of rookie Digimon they had brought back with them, they were now inhabiting the upper floor as well, along with the Aururuamon and Floramon from the day prior.

Now on the fifth day of the invasion, Koji was very impressed with how far they'd come in such a short time. Most of the residents of Otsu had made their way to the hotel, finding refuge within its towering walls; and even though it couldn't truly defend them in case of a Digimon attack, they had the added benefit of being surrounded by a silent group of protectors. Koji and the other Digidestined were maintaining watch every hour, being sure to keep an eye out for Airdramon and his company of rookie Digimon should they return. However, they were still being proactive concerning that endeavor.

"You're not going out there Tommy!" Koji had barked earlier in the morning at his younger foster brother. The group had discussed what should be done about Aidramon, and Takuya had proposed going out and seeing if they could find where he had retreated.

"Come on Koji, I'll have Veemon with me; and besides, he's able to handle himself, and he knows Airdramon better than anyone else!" His partner, now in his rookie form of Veemon, stood by his side, nodding vigorously.

"Tommy…" Koji had begun to protest.

"No," Tommy growled, "I told you that I'm here to help Veemon, and if that means going out into the city then that's what I'm going to do. Besides, Raidramon is the fastest one out of all our partners." Koji had relented after that, reluctantly conceding the argument and allowing Veemon, as Raidramon, to take Tommy out into the city to look for Airdramon. Majester had transported the two of them away from the hotel, taking them back to the park from the other day, promising to return at 5 o'clock, and then returned to meet up with Koji for sentry duty.

"Hey," Majester hopped up next to him as he gazed out over the city, "Listen, I know you want to protect your brother, but he-"

"He's not my brother," Koji sighed, "Well I mean he kind of is, but…" Koji dropped his head.

"What's going on Koji?" The Dracomon cocked his head. "What do you mean, he's not your brother?"

"His parent's took me in after my aunt passed away. I used to look out for the kid all the time though. He was really weak, and he cried a lot. I'm honestly surprised he's being so brave."

"Well, I see." Majester bobbed his head in understanding. "All I can say is this; being a Digidestined changes you, at least that's what I think. I know I've changed since I met you, even if it's only been a few days. Do you think you've changed?"

"Maybe," Koji answered, "But I don't know if it's for the better. I'm so obsessed with making sure we survive this war, and the way I snapped at Mimi yesterday surprised me. I don't know if I like what I'm becoming."

"They need a leader Koji." Majester reasoned. "Like Mimi said: you're all just kids, really. You're not supposed to be in this kind of position. Somebody needs to take the weight off the others. The fact that you're doing that is really admirable."

"Thanks Dracomon, I appreciate that." Koji forced a smile.

Otsu Prince Hotel

3:23 P.M

Willis stepped lightly down the stairs, being careful not to make any noise as he slinked down to the lower floors of the hotel. He was going on another fact-finding mission to the lower floors, trying once again to see if he could find any of the group's missing family members. First, however, he had to make a quick stop at the fifth floor. He silently pushed the door open, slipping into the dark hallway, and down to a room halfway down where a trio of Digimon were watching over the parking lot.

"How's it going you three?" Willis asked the new arrivals, who had been tasked with sentry duty on the lower floors to keep watch for threats that might not be visible to the sentries on the roof. He was on sentry duty as well. At Raidramon and Koji's request, he had been watching all the rookie Digimon for suspicious behavior, lest they turn out to still be allied with the digital army.

"It's been pretty quiet so far." The monkey Digimon known as Monmon answered. "Nothing interesting has happened. Even the numbers of humans those police people have brought in have begun to dwindle. They must have gathered most of the humans in this region by now…"

"I sincerely doubt that," Willis sighed, "If that were true I think they'd be using a lot more floors."

"Perhaps the humans scattered when we first arrived, and there aren't that many people to seek refuge left." Biyomon speculated.

"It would be unfortunate if they had fled to the greater Kyoto area," Penguinmon chimed in, "Our greatest forces are gathered there."

"I suppose we should be thankful it's as quiet as it is," Willis added, "Better it be uneventful down here than chaotic. Still, thanks for keeping an eye on things. I promise the second we figure out what we're doing and get mobilized, we'll find you something better to do."

"Fret not," Monmon shook his head, "We didn't want to fight in the digital army in the first place. I would much rather be stationed as a sentry to protect these innocent people we have harmed than be put on the throes of battle."

"Hey, if you ask me," A nasty voice came from the hallway behind them, "Humans like these should be fending for themselves." Willis turned to see a small, impish Digimon leaning against the doorway.

"Impmon, what are you doing here?" Monmon inquired. "I thought you said you wanted nothing to do with the battle."

"Yeah, well as it turns out, the human world is pretty boring, on account of the fact that all the humans are rounded up in this building right here," Impmon shrugged, "So I decided to come to where the action is."

"The others told me about you," Willis spoke, "You're not intending to help the digital army if they attack, are you?"

"Hey, I meant what I said. I got no interest in this stupid little war the digital army has cooked up. But I got no love for the humans either. Youse guys started this whole thing, after all."

"I didn't start anything, and neither did the people down there." Willis shook his head. "We're innocent bystanders in this, just like-"

"Hey hey, no need to get all preachy." Impmon stood up. "All I meant to say was, I'm just gonna stick around for the show. It's bound to get interesting around here sooner or later." With that, the Digimon disappeared down the corridor.

"That guy is a real piece of work." Willis growled.

"When we were in training back in the digital world, Impmon did nothing but worry about himself." Monmon shook his head. "We were all quite upset to be on the same squad with him. Better let him run off though, he really is quite harmless to everything but one's ears."

"Well," Willis chuckled at the primate's comment, "If one of you could go upstairs and let the others know that Impmon is here, I would appreciate it. I've got to go downstairs and do some more reconnaissance."

"Of course." Biyomon nodded. "I'll head up right-!"

"Oh no!" Penguinmon exclaimed. "Look!" He pointed his fin out the window, gaining the attention of the others. Willis walked up to the glass, his eyes widening with fear.

3:30 P.M

"Everyone get back!" The officer yelled to a small group of humans who were huddled behind him. "Get inside, now!" The group didn't hesitate in following his orders, quickly scrambling across the parking lot towards the doors of the hotel. They had to push their way through a squadron of officers who were rushing from the hotel to the barricade blocking off the hotel parking lot from the road.

"Everyone, fall in line!" The commanding officer arrived at the barricade first and began positioning his men. "No one do anything until reinforcements arrive, and most importantly, do not engage without my signal."

"I thought the monsters had cleared out of this area." One of the officers murmured to the other. "We haven't seen any of them in two days."

"Looks like we were wrong," Another one sighed. They glared frightfully down the street as a company of monsters made their way down the road, all under the shadow of a massive flying dragon. Their commanding officer motioned for them to stay, and then walked up to the edge of the barricade as the monsters arrived.

"Please, turn back!" The man bellowed. "There are no enemy combatants here! Whatever you've come to Kyoto for, it isn't here! We're only refugees!" His words came as a surprise to the officers behind him, though they quickly came to agree with his actions. The police officers at the hotel numbered less than thirty, and they were protecting over a hundred civilians within. They were no match for the monsters.

"Human…" The dragon growled as it snaked its way through the sky and began swirling around the police officers. They were all taken aback: none had actually heard any of the monsters speak before. "You will do well to stand down. We have you outnumbered and outmatched. Yield before me and none of your people will be hurt." He eyed the commanding officer intensely, who was shivering where he stood.

"I…I c-can't…" He struggled to say.

"Soldiers!" The monster suddenly turned back to his troops. "Secure the building! We'll use this as a new base of operations!" The smaller monsters then began piling over the barricade, rushing past the police officers and towards the entrance to the hotel. The commanding officer, still quivering, reached for his weapon.

"That would be a very unwise decision, sir…" The creature growled, turning his attention back to the police officers. "I assure you I'm more than a match for that pathetic excuse for a weapon." His tail then swept up against the officer's side, snatching the un-holstered gun out of his hands and flinging it out into the street. It fell beyond the crowd of monsters, the sound drowned out by the stampede of creatures closing in on the innocent citizens of Otsu.

"They're coming!" A policeman cried as the rest of the officers piled out of the hotel and formed a line in front of the doors.

"What do we do?" Another cried.

"Nemesis Ivy!" Vines slashed at the Digimon in the front of the group. They fell backwards, stunned by the poison within the vines.

"Rain of Pollen!" A shower of pollen swept over another portion of soldiers, causing them to collapse. Floramon and the three Aruraumon suddenly landed in front of the officers. Monmon, Penguinmon, and Biyomon arrived shortly after, and the seven Digimon spread out, forming a defensive line between the digital army and the police officers.

"Don't break that line!" Koji yelled from atop his partner as the two Coredramon flew down from above. "You can't let the other Digimon get inside!" They dropped of Takuya and Koji behind the line of Digimon, next to the police officers.

"Don't worry sirs, we're here to help." Takuya assured the confused and frightened policemen.

"Damn, I should have known the traitors would be close by," Airdramon growled.

"Sir," One of the Tsukaimon looked up at the champion, "Should we retreat?"

"We can't back down, not again. There are no reinforcements coming and we need to secure this area. Rookies, attack!" The swarm of rookie Digimon then took off, lunging on the two Coredramon.

"Green Dragon Breath!" Fire swept across the sea of monsters, knocking them back.

"Do not relent! I want those champions defeated!" Airdramon bellowed. "Now, where is that irritating cactus?" He grumbled to himself.

"Sorry about the wait!" Came a scream from the sky. Airdramon looked up to see Togemon lunging from a rooftop. "Had to prepare this Coconut Punch!" The champion drove her gloved fist into the dramon's head, knocking him out into the street. The cactus Digimon landed loudly on the other side of the barricade. She then turned to the police officers. "Don't worry, I'm a friend. Now get back inside; I'll handle this joker." The officers nervously nodded and then ran off towards the hotel, avoiding the large mass of Digimon who were now preoccupied with their own battles.

"You were taught to always keep an eye on your opponent!" Airdramon hissed as he snaked his tail around the plant's fist and swung her into the air. "A pity you did not learn that lesson in basic training!" He smashed the plant monster into the ground.

"Togemon…" Mimi whimpered, watching her partner. She struggled not to cry out to her. Now that she had helped Togemon digivolve, any interference might cause her partner to become distracted. She stood atop the building across the street, nervously biting her lip.

"Who are you son, and what are these things?" One of the police officers cried as he watched the ensuing battle. The two Coredramon were keeping the bulk of the rookies at bay, while the ones who were able to get past had to contend with the seven rookies who had defected to their side.

"Name's Takuya," Takuya answered the nervous police officer, "And these things are known as Digimon. Most of them came to attack us, but these guys are here to help: trust me."

"Trust you?" The officer exclaimed, but before he could continue a small, black raptor-like Digimon broke the defensive line and lunged for him. Its jaws snapped at the air in front of the police officer as its body was quickly pulled back by the strands of ivy from one of the Aruraumon.

"Maybe you should go inside," Koji suggested to the officers, "Make sure the people inside aren't panicking." A round of nods was followed by the policemen quickly piling inside.

"Well, they certainly know we're here now." Takuya exclaimed. "At least we won't have to sneak in and out anymore."

"Well then," Koji replied, "let's make sure this place is still here after the dust settles."

3:40 P.M

Willis watched cautiously from the window, staring out across the battle below. Dinoster and Majester were actively engaging the mass of rookie Digimon, while Monmon, Penguinmon, Biyomon, Floramon, and the three Aruraumon were defending the hotel entrance. Togemon was engaged in battle with Airdramon, though at the moment things didn't seem to be going in her favor.

"See, what I tell ya?" A voice laughed from behind him. Willis groaned as he turned to see Impmon behind him, watching the battle as well. "I knew this place would get interesting eventually."

"Is that why you've come here?" Willis glared. "To annoy us to death? It might not be the worst tactic on the part of the digital army."

"Hey, I just wanna enjoy the view, alright?" Impmon hopped up onto the bed and gazed out at the battle below. "Guys like you and me, we don't do the fighting. Leave the dirty work for the people that matter, am I right?"

"Let me assure you that we have nothing in common." Willis barked. "I'd help them if I could, but seeing as how I don't have a partner there's not much I can do right now. Unless you'd like me to throw you out there to fight on my behalf?"

"So testy," Impmon chuckled, "You're just mad 'cuz you're about as useful as a brown paper bag right now."

"And what about you?" Willis snapped. "Is the reason you ran away from the fight because you couldn't handle the challenge?"

"Hey, I could fight out there easy, if I wanted to!" Impmon barked. "Like I said, I just don't care about either side. I ain't exactly a fan of you humans, but I'm not about to take orders from a stiff like Airdramon an' do his dirty work."

"Whatever," Willis murmured under his breath, "Coward."

4:02 P.M

A frantic storm of cerulean flames sparked and crackled across the mass of rookie Digimon as they dodged and rolled away from Dinoster. A squadron of Gizamon succumbed to the inferno, their data flickering away in the flames. A pair of Neemon summersaulted over the flames and straight for Dinoster, but a furious swipe of the wyvern's wicked talons cleaved the two warriors into fragments. Their data washed across the Coredramon's face, causing him to stumble in horror. A FanBeemon took the opportunity to strike at the champion's back, but Majester had seen his fellow Digidestined stumble, and rushed to his aid. He dove for the drone, whose outstretched claw was moments from the azure creature's backside when the emerald dragon pounced on the bee, pummeling it into oblivion.

"Thanks for the save." Dinoster quickly gathered himself just in time to bat away a squadron of Kamemon who had tried to head-butt him as he stumbled.

"I've got your back." Majester nodded just before unleashing a verdurous coil of flames on two Dracmon who had attempted to side swipe him.

"Nemesis Ivy!" Eighteen venomous vines whipped through the air, cracking against an assortment of Tsukaimon, Tentomon, and Bearmon that tried to break through the defensive line made up of the defectors from the digital army. The three Aruraumon were closely guarding the doors, keeping the bulk of the attackers at bay with their wide-spread attack. Biyomon danced in the air, dispatching aerial assaulters with a streak of 'spiral twisters'. Floramon and Penguinmon were at either side of the Aruraumon, deflecting the sides from penetration, and insuring that the enemy troops did not attempt to breach the doors of the hotel from the two lines of windows flanking each side. Monmon stood atop the awning, supporting Biyomon's aerial coverage with his massive slingshot.

"We're winning!" Takuya cheered. "They're holding their own against the digital army!"

"We're not out of the woods yet." Koji shook his head. "We're holding them back, true, but our partners will tire out way before the rookies do."

"Don't be so negative man." Takuya growled. "We've gotta support them, you know?"

"I am supporting them Takuya, but we have to be smart about this. If Togemon can't defeat Airdramon, then we're going to get overwhelmed by these guys and lose the hotel." He glared at the goggle-headed boy, who was taken aback by Koji's comment. "Everyone's relying on us in there. Everyone from school, from our neighborhoods, probably your parents too, and it's our responsibility to stay focused and not get ahead of ourselves. If we lose control of the situation for even a moment, then we've already lost."

"Koji…" Takuya dropped his head. "I'm sorry, you're right. I was looking at this like a game, not for what it really is."

"Fungus Cruncher!" A Mushroomon, a short Digimon with the body of a mushroom, scattered a consecution of explosives at the defensive line, scattering the Aruraumon momentarily. The fungi then rushed through the opening he had created, straight for Takuya and Koji.

"Oh no!" Koji exclaimed.

"I've got this!" Takuya leaped off the ground, barreling towards the creature. The Mushroomon, stunned at the human's action, couldn't scramble away in time to avoid the boy, who slammed full-body into the fungus, throwing the Digimon backwards. Takuya rolled onto the ground, quickly springing to his feet. He burst forward and with a powerful swing of his leg, punted the Mushroomon into the air, where it careened through the sky and crashed into the pavement beyond. Takuya then sprang back behind the Aruraumon, who quickly reformed the defensive line.

"Takuya, what the hell was that?" Koji exclaimed.

"That was me taking this more seriously." Takuya nodded. "Our city is in danger; we can't just rely on the Digimon for everything. We're part of the defensive line too." He said with determination in his eyes. Koji stared intently at him for a moment, and then nodded in agreement.

4:17 P.M

"Spinning Needle!" Airdramon generated a vacuum blade by flapping his huge wings.

"Let's see how that stands up to my Needle Spray!" Togemon discharged her deadly thorns into the sky, where they became caught in Airdramon's air vacuum and were cast backwards towards Togemon. The cactus Digimon expertly dodged the counter-strike, spinning to the side as the needles and the vortex ripped into the earth below her. "Obviously yours are a bit better…"

Airdramon circled the cactus Digimon, grinning wickedly as his prey closely followed, her eyes locked with his own. Togemon took careful steps as the sky serpent circled her, making sure not to let her legs get tangled, lest Airdramon take advantage and make his move.

"I must say Togemon, you've become quite the effective soldier." Airdramon growled.

"I just had to find the right cause, the right motivation." Togemon snapped in reply.

"Maybe, or maybe the humans have had an effect on you in your short time with them. Useless as you were, you used to be a peace-loving Digimon, and after only a few days with the humans, you've grown an insatiable bloodlust."

"If I have any bloodlust at all, it's because of all the harm you've caused."

"Admit it Togemon, the humans have warped you into a fighter; they've poisoned your soul. They took away everything that made you who you were and hollowed you out so they could use you to fight their battle for them, which is just what they were doing to the digital world!"

"That's where you're wrong Captain…" Togemon said slyly, "I'm not the hollow, battle-hardened shell you think I am. I still have compassion, even for all of you. It's still not too late Airdramon, we can fix this together."

"You may be right," Airdramon hissed, "If you have a heart full of compassion, then you are lacking the one thing a warrior requires to be truly effective: conviction!" Airdramon lashed out his tail as Togemon stepped her foot down. He caught the base of her foot and threw it up in the air, causing the cactus to flip backwards. He then bashed his bone-covered skull into her chest and launched the flailing champion into the edge of his army of rookies. The Digimon at the back of the group, who were currently being held at bay by lashings from the Aururaumon, quickly changed priorities when they saw the fallen champion, and began assaulting her, pinning the monster down as Airdramon slowly flew over.

"ARGH! Let go you filthy cowards!" Togemon yelled with rage.

"They're not cowards, they're capitalizing on a felled enemy to gain the upper hand." Airdramon praised his soldiers." They're doing what they're supposed to do as part of a larger whole, which is the opposite of what you and your friends are. You're minuscule: a dust mote floating in the face of a terrible engine of vengeance. You may believe I'm just some monster just following orders, but I am something you will never be: I'm pure. I believe in my cause, while you're conflicted and confused. We're not. That is why you're going to lose, because we possess the most powerful thing in the world…"

"Strike Bomber!" Majester appeared from behind Togemon and smashed his tail into the dramon's face, flinging him into the air. "Green Flare Breath!" He then let out a burst of emerald flames that engulfed the monster, who dropped to the ground and began writhing in pain.

"What was that about how powerful you all are?" He taunted as he dropped to the ground and began pummeling the writhing sky serpent. "I couldn't hear you over your screams of pain and agony!"

"Togemon, you've got to get out of there!" Mimi called to her partner from the sidelines, who was still pinned by the mass of rookie Tsukaimon, Agumon, and DemiDevimon.

"I…can't…!" Togemon grunted as the monsters slashed at her with rookie-sized claws and talons. "There's… too many… of them…!"

"Togemon, I believe in you!" She said, raising her Digivice into the air. "Together we're unstoppable, remember?" Her words caused the digivice to glow, and then a small burst of energy shot out of the screen and into Togemon.

"Mimi!" Togemon pushed herself to her knees with the newfound strength, while the group of rookies continued to cling to her. "You gave me more power, even though I already digivolved!"

"I'm not really sure what that means Togemon, but go get 'em!" She cheered.

"I will Mimi, for you!" Togemon sprang to her feet. "Chew on this fellas: Needle Spray!" The spines on her body tore through the rookies still latched onto her, disintegrating them all. "That boost was small, but it was just what I needed, thanks Mimi."

"Ugh!" Airdramon, tired of the volley of attacks he was receiving from Dinoster, slithered into a striking position and tossed the monster into the sky. The Coredramon arced through the air before slamming into the middle of the now dwindling rookie forces.

"Definitely paying for that one," Airdramon snarled as he stretched his wings, glaring across the parking lot towards the other dramon.

"Lightspeed Jabbing!" Togemon suddenly appeared from his side and smashed her fist into his jaw, sending the monster careening upwards. "You should really focus on one opponent at a time… captain…"

4:46 P.M

"Lightspeed Jabbing!" Togemon released another flurry of attacks at Airdramon, who was helpless to do anything but take the full force of the blows, his body continuously bashing into the street. The extra energy given to Togemon by Mimi wasn't very significant; it had only given her a boost to her stamina, not increasing her overall strength too much, but her newfound stamina coupled with the extensive damage done to her former captain by Dinoster's flames and volley of strikes had given her the edge she needed. Aidramon was weakened now. He put up a strong defense, using his wings to protect major weak spots, but was ultimately helpless to push Togemon away.

"Have you had enough yet?" Togemon grinned, slowing her strikes slightly as she spoke.

"Always the fool Togemon…" Airdramon growled, taking the slight reprieve from Togemon's intense volley to lash out his tail at her feet once again, pushing into the air as he did so. But Togemon was prepared this time, and jumped straight up right along with the serpent. Using all the muscles in her body, she flew above Airdramon, where he couldn't react in time to protect himself as the cactus Digimon planted a fist in the back of his neck. The blow to his spinal cord was devastating. He crashed into the ground, unable to react before Togemon landed on top of him and began repeatedly smashing her fist into the back of his neck. Airdramon cried in agony with each strike, until the pain from the assault was too much to bear and he passed out.

"Togemon, stop! That's enough!" As Togemon prepared one last power punch, she saw her partner running down the street.

"Mimi, why?" Togemon was astounded at her partner's request, but complied, stepping off the monster. Aidramon immediately gasped for air, but didn't bother moving. He was defeated.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your fight, Togemon, but…" Mimi stopped to catch her breath as she arrived at the battle scene. "He's down, you don't have to keep going."

"He wouldn't stop, you know," Togemon warned, "If our positions were reversed."

"I know that," Mimi choked, "And I know that he deserves everything that's coming to him, but if we do this, if we destroy him now without ever giving him a chance, without showing him any compassion, then we're no better than the digital army."

"Mimi," Togemon bent down and tapped the girl's shoulder with her massive glove, "You are impossibly amazing, do you know that?" Mimi smiled up at her partner, who nodded before turning around to face Aidramon, who lay on the ground with one eye half-open.

"What type of dog are you…" The dramon gasped, "Your trainer tells you to spare me, and you don't hesitate to follow orders… go ahead and finish me…"

"Conviction, right?" Togemon stood straight, her shadow cast over Airdramon's body. "That's the powerful weapon you have that we don't? You have conviction in your beliefs, and we're sputtering around in the dark. But that's not true. There's one thing we have that's more powerful than your conviction: mercy. Mercy and compassion, our ability to see the good in those we fight against, even someone as vicious as you, Airdramon. Because Mimi's right: as much as you deserve what's coming to you, you're only doing what you think is best to save the digital world. I won't penalize you for that, but I won't let you hurt any more innocent lives."

"Or perhaps I am wrong…" Airdramon coughed, "Perhaps you really are the perfect soldier: following orders no matter how much they conflict with the killer instincts inside you."

"This is your one chance captain; I suggest you use it wisely." With that the champion turned back to her partner, the two of them smiling at each other. Togemon was about to walk forward, but a look of dread on her partner's face coupled with a gust of wind against her back alerted her to the danger behind her. She spun around and immediately let a fist fly into the air, which connected with the flying serpent and threw him up into the sky. "Needle Spray!" Togemon concentrated a burst of spines at the monster, who was ripped apart by the blast. His data washed away with the wind as his body disappeared.

"Mimi, I-" Togemon began to address her partner.

"Stop!" Mimi choked back tears. "It was the right thing to do. No second chances, that's just the type of girl I'll have to be."

"If it's any consolation," Togemon directed her attention towards the hotel, where the small group of remaining rookies was now surrounded by their allies, "It looks like the day is won."

5:12 P.M

"AHAHAHAHAHA, Holy cow: that was amazing!" Impmon lay on the bed of the room, kicking joyfully with his arms around his stomach. "I haven't seen a fight that crazy my whole life! Togemon beat the crap out of that guy!"

"You seem awfully happy that we've won," Willis glanced at the rookie out of the corner of his eye. "I thought you didn't care what happened to us?"

"Oh don't get me wrong, I still don't care." Impmon took a break from his hysterical laughter to respond. "I'd have been just as entertained if Airdramon had kicked Togemon's tush to the curb. I just wanted to see a good fight." Impmon then jumped off the bed, walking towards the door. "I'll give you this though, youse guys did good for your first big fight. You might have a chance of winning this whole thing after all, bada-boom!" He flicked his finger, and a small ball of fire flew off of the tip, crashing into the window. Willis jumped, but was otherwise unharmed, and glared intensely at Impmon as the creature made his way out of the room, laughing hysterically once again.