After their battles against Toropiamon, Entmon and Gogmamon, the Digdestined headed on back within Piximon's household as to recover their energy, and to allow Joe to examine the Digimon for any signs of injury.
Currently looking over Renamon and slowly unwrapping the bandages around her waist, Joe looked to the foxy Digimon with a trusting smile.
"Everything looks okay. Your injuries are already starting to heal." The Digidestined of Reliability said, somewhat impressed to see Renamon's condition.
"My body's adapted to repair itself. As a chosen Digimon, I refuse to allow anything stop me from protecting Jun and my friends." Renamon said in reply.
"Well, you are looking good." Gabumon said as he overlooked Renamon, before blushing a little, thinking his words could be misleading and stuttered out. "I mean not just your body, all of you looks good... I mean you always look good to me... I mean us... no, wait..."
His blush growing, a handful of the Digidestined and Digimon laughed a little at Gabumon's shyness, save Renamon, who found the actions of the Digimon of Friendship adorable.
And after seeing how Davis, Kari, Veemon and Gatomon embraced their feelings, Renamon acted on her own as she all but grabbed Gabumon's shoulders, pulled him over to her and set her lips upon his, this leaving the blush deepening upon Gabumon's face and catching the Digidestined by surprise.
"Thank you." Renamon just said after breaking from Gabumon's lips, looking at the Digimon of Friendship with a continued warm smile, before sliding her arms further around Gabumon's body and kissed him again, this time finding her actions and her love returned as Gabumon kissed her back.
As Gabumon relaxed himself, closing his eyes and enjoying the warmth of Renamon's lips, from her position, Jun smiled, not only glad to see her partner having someone as sweet as Gabumon to love, but with the feelings revealed, she knew her brother and Kari had snuck off as to express their continued love toward one another.
'You're becoming a man, Squirt.' Jun thought, sighing contently as she rested her head on Matt's shoulder, enjoying the closeness of her beloved, with part of her mentally wishing Davis all her support.
Though she too supported the growing love between her friends, looking around, Mimi spoke up with some curiosity, noticing someone of their friends missing. "Hey, has anyone seen Davis and Kari?"
Looking around and noticing the Digidestined's absence, having time to regain their energy, and thanks to a generous banquet Piximon provided, Veemon and Gatomon spoke up.
"I think I saw them make their way down the north corridor." The Digimon of Light said, turning to face Veemon as she held out her paw and offered with a smile. "Care to help me look, Vee?"
From the more affectionate side to Gatomon, Veemon gave a matching smile to Gatomon's, where the Digimon of Miracles took her paw and began walking off, hand in paw with the Digimon of Light, searching for their partners.
And looking over Veemon and Gatomon, seeing Gatomon's tail wrap itself around Veemon's, Patamon and Floramon remained smiling, thinking similar like their partners, the Digimon made a cute couple.
Meanwhile, having snuck off from Tai, the Digimon and the others, Davis and Kari secluded themselves, the pair leaving Piximon's residence and returned back to the woods, both to speak about their recent power, and to their confessed feelings.
As Davis set himself on the ground, his back pressed against a tree, Kari set herself within Davis' lap, resting herself close to the Digidestined of Miracles, the pair enjoying their moment wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I'm really glad I was able to get the chance to confess my feelings for you, Kari. I was really worried that you wouldn't feel the same, that you always considered me more of a friend rather than a possible boyfriend, so after the battle against MaloMyotismon, I decided to do what was best for you, I pushed my feelings for you aside so you could be with someone you loved, someone deserving of a girl as amazing as you. That day, when you and TK came to my apartment, the way you two acted, I thought you were together. Although I was jealous, I was happy for you both, but seeing TK kissing Catherine, I just..." Davis told Kari, expressing an array of feelings, which brought a warm smile to Kari's face and caused her to act as she gently pressed her fingers to Davis' lips, silencing him temporarily.
"You don't need to say anything, Davis. Being close to you, and being your friend allowed me to see sides to you others believed never existed. While others would call you reckless and compare you to my brother when he was younger, I always saw that side as heroic, that it was your way of looking out for everyone." Kari replied, sliding her fingers from off of Davis' lips and adding with a growing smile. "And seeing you change over the years, physically and mentally, my feelings for you only grew, and I can now say without fear, I love you."
Although they wanted to talk about what had happened regarding the awakening of UlforceVeedramon and Ophanimon, Davis and Kari then found themselves a little preoccupied, their love getting the better of them, with Davis finding Kari slide herself forward, feeling her left hand softly rubbing his chest as her lips moved over and upon his, which Davis acted to as he kissed Kari back.
Their love only furthering in their actions, their passions growing, neither Digidestined noticed that during their expressed feelings, Veemon and Gatomon had been watching the duo.
"I'm glad Kari's with Davis." Gatomon whispered to Veemon, keeping a silence to her tone as not to disturb her partner. "Before all this chaos, Kari would often talk to me about her feelings and berate herself for how she didn't act on them earlier."
Nodding to Gatomon's words, Veemon said in reply. "I know what you mean. Davis would always tell me he was over Kari, but I knew in his heart, he could never stop loving her, just as I can't stop loving you."
Feeling a similar love inside of her to her partner, Gatomon set her paws around Veemon's neck, pulling the V marked Digimon in for a deep and loving kiss, this leaving Veemon mentally grinning at the warmth, love and joy of finally kissing the Digimon of Light.
As the romantic affection was shared by Davis, Kari and their partners, the Digidestined of Miracles and the Digidestined of Light then broke their kiss as they heard a certain someone clearing their throat, grabbing their attention as both turned their heads upwards, where Davis gulped lightly to see Tai glaring down at him.
Though he was happy to see Davis and Kari together, Tai's overprotectiveness of his little sister was getting the better of him, where he was about to put Davis 'in his place', before he looked over and gulped lightly to see the intense glare Kari was giving him.
Fortunately, Tai was broken from his cold sweat when he felt a hand on his right shoulder, causing him to turn his head and see that it was Sora, who gave him a warm and comforting smile.
"Let them be, Tai. Kari is not a little kid anymore. She can protect herself." Sora told Tai, keeping a kindness in her voice and her actions as she added. "And if anything does happen, Kari will always have Davis to be there for her."
Smiling back at Sora, comforted by her continued warm and caring side, Tai nodded in reply.
"You're right about that, Sora. Your kindness and heart, it's one of the things that make me love you even more..." Tai began to say, expressing the feelings in his heart, but found he interrupted by a sudden and great explosion.
Turning to the sound of the blast, Tai, Davis, Kari, Sora and the Digimon present all looked over, a shared concern filling the small group at seeing smoke now coming from the direction of Piximon's household.
"This bad. We have to get to the others!" Kari said, expressing her concerns, which was shared by Davis, Tai and Sora, who all rushed back as to help their friends in their obvious distress.
-Back at Piximon's household-
Rushing outside to the sudden destruction, Gennai, Piximon and the Digidestined remaining felt a sense of dread, a growing darkness as they saw AxeKnightmon approaching ahead of them atop the debris caused during their previous conflicts.
"I am impressed you were able to defeat Lady Lilithmon's servants, but I will show you no mercy." The dark knight Digimon declared, pointing his Twin Spear toward the Digidestined and telling them. "You got lucky when we first met, but this time, this is where you will meet your ends."
"We have to be careful. I have a feeling he's stronger than the last time we fought him." MagnaAngemon said in warning, sensing the dark energy radiating from AxeKnightmon was different.
Bracing themselves, TK, MagnaAngemon and the others prepared themselves for their fight against AxeKnightmon, finding Tai and the others rejoining, only to freeze up as the group felt a sense of dread as a dark wind released itself from AxeKnightmon's being.
"What now!?" Mimi questioned, not sure what was coming, but she was certain she wouldn't like it.
As the dark winds surged around AxeKnightmon, leaving deep cuts along the ground and through the area, shock filled the original Digidestined, watching as from the appearing cracks, three figures from their pasts, three Digimon they had believed they had bested began to pull themselves from out the materialize out of the winds and around/before AxeKnightmon.
Backing away, her fear growing, Sora let out. "It... it can't be..."
Her feelings shared by Biyomon, Tai and the others, the Digidestined looked on, now seeing AxeKnightmon supported by three of the Dark Masters, seeing that as MetalSeadramon and Machinedramon appeared behind AxeKnightmon, towering over the dark knight Digimon, Piedmon appeared before AxeKnightmon.
However, unlike the time spent battling the terrible Digimon, Tai and the others could see changes within the Dark Masters, namely noting the blackness and red auras overcoating their beings, alongside the menacing red glares within the trio's eyes.
"The rulers of the dark past will now be used to destroy the light. A dark future awaits this world." AxeKnightmon declared, drawing his hand forward, which set the Dark Masters off as the trio lunged toward the Digidestined.
"In coming!" Matt called in warning, gripping his Digivice and adding. "Don't let your guard down, from that dark energy pouring off of them, there's no question they're much stronger the last time we fought them."
Nodding in understanding, Ken, Cody, Catherine, Jun and the secondary generation of Digidestined prepared themselves, their partners taking to battle ready stances against the revived Dark Masters.
"River of Power!"
"Giga Cannon!"
"Trump Sword!"
Striking first, the Dark Masters released a combination of devastating streams, powerful energies and a handful of blades toward the Digidestined and their partners.
Acting fast, Davis, Kari, Veemon and Gatomon moved ahead, their beings enveloped in respective gold and pink lights, leaving UlforceVeedramon and Ophanimon in their places.
"Tense-great Shield!" UlforceVeedramon declared, producing a barrier of light blue energy from out his V-Bracelets, repelling the attacks of MegaSeadramon and Machinedramon, while Ophanimon deflecting Piedmon's sword onslaught with her light power.
Though UlforceVeedramon and Ophanimon managed to repel the attacks of the revived Dark Master's, the sight frustrating AxeKnightmon a little, the energies which created the Digimon of Miracles and the Digimon of Light suddenly encircled them, the pair reverting back to Davis, Kari, Veemon and Gatomon, who looked upon themselves and one another in confusion.
Confused himself, Gomamon asked. "What happened?"
"It appears your power hasn't been completely mastered." AxeKnightmon spoke up, adding with a growing dread. "This should make it easier for me to dispose of you."
"This is bad. If we can't Biomerge, how are we expected to take on AxeKnightmon and his Dark Master puppets?" Gatomon questioned, hating the feeling of being so helpless, a feeling Kari, Davis and Veemon all shared, before finding WarGreymon and Tai taking a defensive stance before them.
"Big brother..." Kari could only say, looking upon the Digidestined of Courage and seeing the protectiveness in his eyes, not as her brother but as a Digidestined.
"Kari, you have shown your strength, now it's our turn." Tai said, keeping his gaze fixed upon AxeKnightmon as WarGreymon added. "Rest for now while we handle AxeKnightmon."
"When you feel up to it, then come and join us." BanchoStingmon added as he too moved before Kari and Davis.
"That is if we haven't already beaten this tincan and his little dolls." Ken said as he looked to Davis with a confident smile, both proud of the strength his best friend continued to display, as well as wanting to show his own.
Though they wished to help their friends, knowing their lacking power would only put them in the way of their battle, Davis, Kari and their partners nodded in reply, backing away as to allow Tai, WarGreymon and the other Digidestined and chosen Digimon to confront the higher ups of Lilithmon's dark forces.
Standing against AxeKnightmon, TK let out, expressing seriousness and confusion. "So where's Puppetmon? I know your darkness could've revived him."
"I have no need for that foolish Digimon." AxeKnightmon replied, staring the Digidestined of Hope down as he declared. "And you forget, I too shall engage in this battle."
"Twin Spear!" The dark knight Digimon then declared, striking toward TK with his blade drawn, but found WarGreymon and Tai move ahead, protecting the Digidestined of Hope.
"Brave Shield!" WarGreymon bellowed, bringing forth the Brave Shield from off his back and before him, leaving the Digimon of Courage and the dark knight Digimon locked in a stalemate.
Keeping TK protected, from WarGreymon's shoulder, Tai turned to look back upon TK, telling the Digidestined of Hope. "We're going to take him on while you guys take on the Dark Masters."
Ceasing his attack against WarGreymon and lowering his Twin Lance, AxeKnightmon then declared. "You can try, but the power Lady Lilithmon has bestowed upon me now flows through the Dark Masters. Their strength will destroy you all."
Noticing a faint glint in the concern of his eye, AxeKnightmon turned his Twin Spear up, delivering a powerful horizontal sweep, cutting through a stream of flame heading down for him, leaving the dark knight Digimon staring up and toward Phoenixmon.
"He won't fight alone." Sora said from atop Phoenixmon's back, keeping a fair hold for support as the Digimon of Love then shot down from the skies, gathering a further inferno in her beak.
"Crimson Flare!" She then yelled, spewing the flames upon AxeKnightmon, who spun his Twin Lance around, creating a powerful vortex and using the momentum to repel Phoenixmon's flames.
Although AxeKnightmon managed to hold back Phoenixmon's strength, catching AxeKnightmon off guard, Valkyrimon swept from behind Phoenixmon's back, gave a great cry as he brought his blade down upon the dark knight Digimon and sliced through AxeKnightmon's chest, leaving a deep cut along AxeKnightmon's golden crest.
Stumbling back from the unforeseen attack, AxeKnightmon rested his left hand upon the deep scar now running along his armour.
"You will pay severely for your interference." AxeKnightmon then stated, sensing the Digimon and Digidestined had become stronger, but he refused to allow his enemies any satisfaction or delusions of victory.
Want to add this later: Despite it being three on one, AxeKnightmon continued to show his intense strength, dodging and countering the attacks of WarGreymon, Phoenixmon and Valkyrimon, his Twin Spear clashing with WarGreymon's claws and Valkyrimon sword, while absorbing most of the damage inflicted by Phoenixmon with his cape.
"Enough of these childish games!" AxeKnightmon bellowed, enraged by the assault against him, before disappearing in a wisp of darkness and appeared in front of Wargreymon, catching the Digimon of Courage off guard.
"Twin Spears!" AxeKnightmon announced, striking the blade into Wargreymon's chest, who gave a great cry of pain, not only to the blade piercing against his chest, but also to feeling the dark energies radiating from off of AxeKnightmon's blade, which began to electrocute him and Tai.
"Guys!" Sora cried out, her concerns shared by Phoenixmon as the pair shot down at AxeKnightmon, the Digimon of Love gathering her flames and striking with might."Crimson Flare!"
"Treason Vortex!" AxeKnightmon yelled in retaliation, slamming WarGreymon aside, sending the Digimon and the Digidestined of Courage crashing down, before turning to face Phoenixmon, spinning the Twin Lance around and bringing a great whirlwind of darkness, which clashed against Phoenismon's inferno.
Though Phoenixmon tried to push herself, to protect Sora, Tai and those close to her, AxeKnightmon turned Phoenixmon's power against her, propelling his darkness and her flames back, which struck Phoenixmon, consuming her in a blast of fire and darkness, which sent her crashing down.
Damaged greatly, Phoenixmon struggled to move after impacting heavily with the ground, more so as she had positioned her body to ensure Sora wouldn't suffer too much during the crash.
Staring upon his opponents, seeing the doubt and fear filling Yolei and Valkyrimon, AxeKnightmon looked around, seeing Tai, WarGreymon, Sora and Phoenixmon pulling themselves up, all refusing to give up against the dark knight Digimon.
"We're not giving up just yet, not until you and Lilithmon have been defeated!" Tai declared.
"You can try, but your defeat cannot be stopped." AxeKnightmon said back, his Twin Lance drawn as he stated. "The Digital World will fall and become Lady Lilithmon's to command!"
Spreading his arm out, his cape flowing as another stream of darkness spread through the area, furthering the display of AxeKnightmon's dark power, Tai, Sora, Yolei and their partners remained strong, determined to keep fighting as to save the Digital World, as well as everyone they cherished and loved.
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During the ordeal against AxeKnightmon, the Digidestined had broken up, splitting into groups as to confront the revived Dark Masters.
Taking on MetalSeadramon, HerculesKabuterimon, Rosemon and Gryphonmon flew around the gargantuan sized sea serpent, avoiding the continued powerful streams of water which was fired from the cannon nozzled fused with his metallic face.
"River of Power!" MetalSeadramon bellowed, casting off another blast of water from the cannon, which the trio of Digimon narrowly avoided.
"MetalSeadramon is how you say 'quite the relentless one'." Catherine commented from Gryphonmon's back, the mythical Digimon continuing to sweep around the area, avoiding the uproars of water MetalSeadramon expelled and created.
Dodging the waters MetalSeadramon continued to cast forth, from HerculesKabuterimon's back, Izzy spoke up.
"We need to be careful. Judging from the combination of his original strength and Lilithmon's darkness, MetalSeadramon is anticipated to be far more powerful than the last time we fought against him." The Digidestined of Knowledge said in warning, scanning MetalSeadramon with his computer, finding spikes in MetalSeadramon's power, which continued to increase as the battle progressed.
"The Dark Masters might've come back, but we've also gotten stronger." Mimi stated, wrapping her arms around Izzy's back for support as she tried to keep the morale of her teammates and friends up, her words agreed by Rosemon, who added confidently. "If we can beat the darkness once, we can do it again."
"Let's see about humans Poseidon's Divide!" MetalSeadramon bellowed, causing the misfired shots of water to gather behind him, forming a great wall of water, which shot down toward the Digimon and the Digidestined.
"Mega Electro Shocker!"
"Thorn Whipping!"
"Solo Roar!"
Releasing the combination of sonic energy and thunder, the blasts clashed against the wall of water, cutting through MetalSeadramon's attack, only to astonish the Digimon to find MetalSeadramon was gone.
Turning their heads, HerculesKabuterimon, Rosemon and Gryphonmon were taken aback, to find MetalSeadramon slither around them, using his attack as a distraction.
"River of Power!" MetalSeadramon declared once again, spraying another powerful stream of water, this time landing a hit upon Rosemon, who cried out as she was struck down by the relentless torrent.
"Rosemon!" HerculesKabuterimon and Mimi shouted in fear, both expressing concern and worry for the Digimon of Sincerity upon seeing the pain delivered to Rosemon, to see her struggling to return to her feet after such a devastating attack.
Seeing Rosemon down and taking his chance, MetalSeadramon shot down, his jaws wide open as he prepared to crunch down upon Rosemon, furthering the dread Mimi and HerculesKabuterimon felt.
"Mobius Bite!" Gryphonmon let out furiously, shooting herself into MetalSeadramon, her fangs tearing into MetalSeadramon's Chrome Digizoit body, throwing the Dark Master Digimon off guard, leaving him screeching and thrashing around in pain to Gryphonmon continuing to plunge her fangs deeper into him.
Though initial pain filled him, a little surprised Gyphonomon's fangs had the strength to pierce his Chrome Digizoit form, MetalSeadramon began to laugh.
"An impressive attack, but too bad I am three steps ahead of all of you!" MetalSeadramon declared as he slithered around Gryphonmon, wrapping his lower body around the mythic Digimon and sliding upward, squeezing Gryphonmon tightly, which left her and Catherine both screaming to the pain, both feeling the tightness of MetalSeadramon's body and the darkness continuing to pour from off his wicked form.
Furthering the intensity, his body continuing to coil and constrict around Catherine and Gryphonmon, MetalSeadramon continued in his attack, using his Hot Squeeze attack as to further Catherine and Gryphonmon's suffering and agony.
Before MetalSeadramon could increase the pain toward his captives, ready to finish Catherine and Gryphonmon off, an electrical blast struck along his being, striking upon the damaged section where Gryphonmon's fangs had torn through his armour.
"Let our friends go, you overgrown snake!" HerculesKabuterimon called, gathering a secondary surge of thunder in his claws, which he then threw at the received Dark Master.
From the continued attacks, MetalSeadramon felt the pain surging through him, his body unintentionally weakening his grasp and allowing Gryphonmon to escape.
Damaged by MetalSeadramon's relentlessness, but finding her friends having her back, HerculesKabuterimon set his arms around Gryphonmon, while Rosemon gently grabbed Catherine, assisting the pair to the ground.
Landing safely, though having suffered a fair amount, her body aching after such a harrowing experience, Catherine ignored the damage to herself, the French Digidestined instead focusing her care upon Gryphonmon as she set her hands upon the mythic Digimon's face, rubbing softly as she asked. "Are you alright, Gryphonmon?"
Groaning a little, but keeping a comforting expression as to not frighten or upset her partner, Gryphonmon said in reply. "I've been better, but I refuse to quit now."
Her face warming up, Catherine felt similar emotions to her partner, the French Digidestined refusing to back away, to give up or to allow herself to seep back to the weak girl she believed she used to be.
Fueled by their determination, their faith in one another, and seeing the bravery, strength and fearlessness TK and Seraphimon showed in the midst of their battle, seeing the Digimon of Hope clashing against Piedmon, after allowing her partner to return to all fours, Catherine propped herself back upon Gryphonmon's back, ready to confront MetalSeadramon once again.
Spreading her wings out, Gryphonmon shot toward MetalSeadramon, the sight amusing the revived Dark Master a little.
"Haven't you figured it out yet, you cannot stop me?" MetalSeadramon stated, his tone of pure arrogance, while his nozzle charged with another powerful stream. "River of Power!"
Keeping their line of sight upon MetalSeadramon, showing no signs of backing away as the shot of water propelled toward them, Catherine noticed a faint glowing emitting from her dress, this causing the French Digidestined to reach within her pocket and to withdraw her Digivice, seeing it the cause of the light, seeing it blazing with a glowing orange energy.
Looking upon the screen and looking upon herself and Gryphonmon, seeing the orange seeping around her and her partner, forming an aura, Catherine kept a strong expression as she and Gryphonmon shot straight into MetalSeadramon's attack.
Stunned to the sight, Izzy, Mimi, HerculesKabuterimon and Rosemon thought the worst, a growing dread filling the Digidestined, which faded when MetalSeadramon's water stream began to vaporize, turning to mist, before a gigantic amber blaze struck ahead, smashing straight into MetalSeadramon's face.
Caught off guard by the attack, MetalSeadramon was knocked down by the inferno, his gargantuan body tumbling backward from the opposing force and leaving his cannon nozzle highly damaged.
Confused by the sudden pain, believing the Digidestined had changed tactics and had sent an opponent such as WarGreymon to face him, the confusion not only befell MetalSeadramon, but it too affected Izzy, Mimi and their partners.
Looking to the amber sphere of fire that now floated before MetalSeadramon, those within the vicinity watched on as the flames spread itself out, revealing it wasn't an attack, but a Digimon, a giant and powerful looking bird with crimson red feathers, four flame patterned wings, razor sharp talons and an unrelenting fury and courage set within its crimson coloured eyes.
Dispelling the flames completely from off of its body and giving a prideful cry, the Digimon, alongside Izzy and Mimi remained astonished at the sight.
Though having a fair idea about the Digimon's creation, but remaining curious, Izzy withdrew his laptop, scanned the phoenix-like Digimon and obtained its data and information, furthering the surprise of the Digidestined of Knowledge and his friends.
"T... that's Zhuqiaomon, one of the legendary Digimon Sovereign!" HerculesKabuterimon let out, the Digimon of Knowledge filled with awe to see such a legendary all-powerful Digimon joining their fight, a feeling Izzy shared as he read the data upon his laptop, telling Mimi and Rosemon. "It mightn't be the original Zhuqiaomon, as it appears to share both human and Digimon data within its form."
Putting the pieces together and quickly coming to the realization, Mimi questioned. "You mean that thing is Catherine and Gryphonmon!?"
Glaring at the blazing Phoenix before him, shaking off the damage from the powerful tackle, MetalSeadramon stared Zhuqiaomon down, hatred filling the revived Dark Master.
"It doesn't matter if you change forms. Deep down, I can tell you are the same weak human you were to begin with, and I will still destroy you and your friends. River of Power!" MetalSeadramon let out, expressing his continued might and fury as he fired forth another powerful stream of water from his cannon nozzle.
Though the attack headed straight towards Zhuqiaomon, the attack expressing great speed and power, to MetalSeadramon's shock, the waters impacted upon Zhuqiaomon only turned to steam.
"Is that all you've got?" Zhuqiaomon questioned as she glared down MetalSeadramon, who felt a fear growing within his dark core, while the atmosphere around him intensified as the burning aura around Zhuqiaomon continued to grow.
"All the pain you've caused, all the cruelty you have shown to me, to my friends and to those I love), it ends now! Desolation Blast!" Zhuqiaomon then announced with a mighty cry, expressing a great power through the combined voices of Catherine and Floramon as she launched dozens of fireballs from her wings, raining down upon MetalSeadramon, who cried out in pain.
Though his Crome Digizoid armour managed to deflect and repel some of the damage with Zhuqiaomon's attack, the residual burns continued to bring a spreading pain to the revived Dark Master, who thrashed around wildly, trying to escape Zhuqiaomon's power.
With the continued array of flames, HerculesKabuterimon turned and looked at Rosemon, his body language expressing a seriousness as he told Rosemon. "There! That's our chance, we need to attack together!"
Rosemon nodded in agreement with HerculesKabuterimon, his call overheard by, Zhuqiaomon who ceased the onslaught of fireballs upon MetalSeadramon and rejoined with the Digimon of Knowledge and the Digimon of Sincerity, where the three Digimon moved as to attack together.
And though their power wasn't truly part of HerculesKabuterimon or Rosemon, from HerculesKabuterimon's back, Izzy and Mimi shared their strength toward their partners.
"High Mega Blaster!"
"Danger Thorn!"
"Phoenix Fire!"
The combination of thunder, thorns and fire all shot alongside one another, the elements working similar to the bonds of the Digimon as the three attacks combined into one great and mighty force, which struck MetalSeadramon, consuming the revived Dark Master in a barrage of fire, electricity and thorns, leaving MetalSeadramon crying out in great pain as his body broke apart and began dissolving into Data.
"Impossible... how can I be defeated by the humans and their pets again!" MetalSeadramon shouted as the remaining Data disappeared, leaving the three Digimon and their partners to cheer at having defeated yet another powerful foe.
And from within their newly formed link, deep within Zhuqiaomon's core, the French Digidestined faced Floramon, the pair sharing the same warm and heartfelt smiles.
Crouching down, Catherine set her arms around Floramon, telling the plant Digimon. "Thank you, Floramon. We did it."
Keeping her smile, but slowly breaking from Catherine's arms, Floramon said in reply. "I hate to ruin the moment, and though I am proud of us, we still have two Dark Masters remaining, not to mention AxeKnightmon to finish off."
Nodding in reply, Catherine and Floramon set themselves back in a more ready mood, returning to view the world through Zhuqiaomon's eyes and confront the darkness.
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The time Catherine, Izzy, Mimi and their partners took in facing MetalSeadramon, Matt, Joe and Cody rode upon their partners as they rushed to the destructive force that was Machinedramon.
"Giga Cannon!" Machinedramon bellowed, releasing a set of streams of energy, fueled by the darkness now inflicted through his being, which tore through and devastated the area around the Digimon.
Fortunately, and with haste, MetalGarurumon and SlashAngemon avoided the attacks, while Vikemon was just able to repel the devastation thrown toward him and Joe.
"Bazooka Howl!" The Digimon of Reliability called, giving a great and mighty battlecry, projecting a sonic wall which disrupted the unstable dark energies that made Machinedramon's attack, leaving Vikemon panting a little, relieved to have saved Joe.
"We need to be careful with Machinedramon. If you remember, Machinedramon is one of the toughest Digimon we faced in the past." Matt said upon MetalGarurumon's back, informing Joe and warning Cody, knowing the Digidestined and Digimon of Knowledge and Reliability's lack of information to the destructive machine Digimon.
"Tai and WarGreymon barely defeated him." MetalGarurumon added, hearing from Agumon how if things were the slightest bit different, Machinedramon could've overpowered him and wound the victor.
"After I finish with you, your friends will be next." Machinedramon declared, continuing to stare down and intimidate his enemies.
"With this power given to me, I am not like the old me you humans knew before. I've been upgraded beyond anything you can comprehend." Machinedramon stated, sharing the overconfidence and arrogance of his Dark Master brethren as he started to charge up his cannons.
"Giga Cannon!" The machine Digimon declared once again, casting forth another set of blasts from his dual cannons, which headed toward the Digidestined.
However, looking upon the attack, sensing the power within the blasts even greater than before, MetalGarurumon and SlashAngemon leapt further than they had during Machinedramon's initial onslaught, while Vikemon switched up his tactics and jumped as high as his body would allow, finding the destructive energy just shooting below his feet.
Landing and regrouping, the Digidestined and Digimon looked back, seeing and feeling the destructive power under Machinedramon's control, seeing the vicinity blown and torn to bits from the growing dark power, while the ground all around the area gave a violent tremor.
"He's not kidding about what he said about his new power, that was too close for comfort." Vikemon said after landing and regrouping with MetalGarurumon and SlashAngemon.
Before the Digimon could verbally agree to Vikemon's remark, from the corner of his eye, MetalGarurumon saw two missiles heading toward them.
"Look out!" He yelled, leaping back, forcing Matt and setting the turbines set in his paws/feet to propel him and Matt away from the oncoming missiles, while SlashAngemon shot directly to the sky, believing his speed and the height would keep him protected.
However, looking over SlashAngemon's back, Cody noticed one of the missiles was pursing them.
"Watch out!" The Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability warned, alerting SlashAngemon to the incoming attack.
"Hold on tight, Cody! "SlashAngemon said back, making sure the Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability had a firm hold over his back, before striking.
"Blade of the True!"
From his call, SlashAngemon swung his arms down, his blades releasing several crescent shaped waves of light energy, which struck into Machinedramon's missile, causing it to detonate.
However, though SlashAngemon managed to destroy the missile, the aftermath was far more than anticipated as the energies released from the missile blew open, spreading a dark inferno throughout the sky, which threw SlashAngemon and Cody around.
"SlashAngemon! Cody!" Matt and MetalGarurumon called out, aided with Vikemon's assistance as the Digimon managed to catch Cody and SlashAngemon.
"Are you alright?" Joe asked in worry, overlooking Cody's being from upon Vikemon's left shoulder, checking the Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability for any injuries.
"We need to be careful with his Giga Destroyer attack." Cody replied, wincing a little from the damage.
"It might have the same power as MetalGreymon's, but those missiles have a lock on feature, and seriously dangerous firepower." SlashAngemon added, he too roughed up from the narrow escape of Machinedramon's onslaught.
"You cannot stop me this time." Machinedramon cut in, directing the Digidestined toward the machine Digimon, who showed a brief mercy as he offered. "Make the easy choice and surrender or be destroyed."
Growling to Machinedramon, MetalGarurumon spat back. "We won't surrender to you!"
Remaining defiant against the machine Digimon, charging toward Machinedramon at full speed, MetalGarurumon and Matt each remained strong as they closed in on Machinedramon.
However, looking to MetalGarurumon, Machinedramon stared down the Digimon of Friendship with annoyance.
"Big mistake. Giga Destroyer!" He bellowed, opening the port upon his chest plate and releasing a great barrage of missiles, all shooting fast and raining down upon Matt and MetalGarurumon.
Concern filling Joe, Cody and their partners at the dangers Matt and MetalGarurumon had placed themselves in, astonishment filled the group, seeing MetalGarurumon's speed, skills and reflexes allowed him to sweep around and avoid the onslaught of missiles.
And from his position, from atop MetalGarurumon's back, Matt stared down Machinedramon, his eyes blazing with the matching determination to see Machinedramon defeated once and for all.
Closing in on him, Machinedramon was taken aback at the speed MetalGarurumon continued to express, now realizing the cyborg wolf Digimon had been upgraded since the era of the Dark Masters.
"Metal Claw!" The Digimon of Friendship then announced with a great roar, lunging at Machinedramon and raking his claws along the machine Digimon's face, the attack leaving three running scars down the right side of Machinedramon's face and causing Machinedramon to stumble back briefly.
More enraged than in pain, Machinedramon shot back at MetalGarurumon and Matt.
"Enough!" He yelled, slamming his clawed arms into MetalGarurumon, knocking the Digimon of Friendship straight into the ground, leaving Matt thrown off from the impact and mere steps away from the hulking machinery that was Machinedramon.
But concerned for MetalGarurumon, Matt looked on, dread filling his heart to see Machinedramon's right arm spin around at a rapid speed, similar to a drill.
"You shall be the first to fall before me." Machinedramon said, bringing his right arm down and into MetalGarurumon's chest, slowly tearing through MetalGarurumon's armoured body and leaving the Digimon of Friendship crying in great pain at the fury of Machinedramon's attack.
"MetalGarurumon!" Matt yelled as he got up in pain, trying to make his way over to his injured partner.
"Matt... no... stay back... run...!" MetalGarurumon groaned out through the relenting pain, wanting Matt to turn and run and be safe, instead of being in more danger.
"No... I'm not leaving you... not after all we've been through... We can beat Machinedramon... together...!" Matt yelled out in reply as he put his hand on MetalGarurumon's back, not noticing his Digivice starting to glow.
"Then you'll both fall together!" Machinedramon yelled as he brought his claw up, bringing it down, just as a bright blue light consumed the Digidestined and Digimon of Friendship.
MetalGarurumon then reverted back to Gabumon, while Matt glared at Machinedramon through the blue light as he declared. "W… we won't go down without a fight! Biomerge, Activate!"
Holding his Digivice tightly in response, unlocking a power set deep within, the programming allowing the Digidestined of Friendship complete access to Gabumon second power as both were consumed by the light, just as Machinedramon's claw reach them, before the Dark Master felt his claw collide with a blade, where he was pushed backwards, stumbling a few feet, before looking to see the light fade, and a new Digimon stand in the place of the duo of Friendship.
In their place stood a proud warrior of a Digimon, a great being clad in golden armour, which radiated with a sense of clear power and might, a warrior wielding a mighty crescent blade.
Though the Digimon held a more humanoid build in its appearance, it also featured many of the qualities of the Garurumon species line, including his razor sharp claws, his armoured face similar to MetalGarurumon's, even his developed body.
But staring into the golden eyes of the Digimon, Joe, Cody, Vikemon and SlashAngemon could see the might, the combined power that was the Digidestined and Digimon of Friendship, who swung his blade around, showing his elegance and power as he bellowed. "CresGarurumon!"
Remaining in place, having force to back away from MetalGarurumon, Machinedramon analyzed his new opponent, coming up with the belief of his superiority over all.
"It doesn't matter if you have a new form, you will still fall! Giga Cannon…." Machinedramon began to call out, charging his cannons once again, preparing for another devastating attack.
But before Machinedramon could open fire, CresGarurumon took a step forward, and with full speed, appeared in front of Machinedramon, astonishing the machine Digimon to the sudden increase of momentum set within the Digimon of Friendship.
And with one swing of his blade, CresGarurumon cut Machinedramon cannons in half, the attack leaving the machine type Digimon to let out a great roar of pain as the cannons were severed from off of his back and broke apart into corrupt data particles.
Giving Machinedramon no time to recover from his pain, keeping his blade at the ready and his motions swift, CresGarurumon then shot ahead, striking past Machinedramon with another great burst of speed.
From the sight, it appeared as though CresGarurumon had only swept past Machinedramon, causing Machinedramon to turn around to face the Digimon of Friendship.
"Your speed is impressive, however, I doubt you can run away when I detonate myself." Machinedramon said, overloading the core set deep within his wiring and mechanics, preparing to destroy himself in order to eliminate the Digidestined.
However, CresGarurumon remained in place, even expressing a faint smile toward Machinedramon.
Puzzled at first, Machinedramon then realized the reason behind CresGarurumon's expression as he suddenly felt all the energy he was forcing within his core suddenly drain away, before the entirety of his lower body all but separated from off of his being, breaking away into particles and leaving Machinedramon collapsing as a head, torso and a set of damaged arms.
Damaged beyond repair, his body fading away, Machinedramon turned to look upon CresGarurumon, the Digimon of Friendship staring down his fallen foe.
"You may have stopped me... but you humans and your pets will fall... and the Digital World will fall to darkness..." Machinedramon said as the rest of his being broke apart, dispersing into corrupted data, leaving the group of Digimon sighing with some relief, while knowing that the battle was far from over.
"That was amazing! Way to go! Now with your new form we can help..." Joe started to say encouragingly, but stopped as he watched as CresGarurumon's body started to glow with a blue aura, before splitting apart and reverting back to Matt and Tsunomon, the pair clearly drained after using all their energy.
But resting within Matt's arms, Tsunomon looked upon his partner with a proud smile.
Pulling himself up from the ground and allowing Tsunomon to snuggle a little in his embrace, Matt turned to look at his friends as he said in a serious tone. "We need to go back to the others. Hopefully they've defeated the rest of the Dark Masters and AxeKnightmon."
Nodding in agreement, the trio and their Digimon rushed to check on the others as the battles continued to rage around them
