Once more, I found myself in that familiar blue room where two friendly faces greeted me.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room," Igor said.

"Congratulations. You have successfully restored another bond, one who holds the Hanged Man Arcana," Margaret said. "Right side up, the Hanged Man represents letting go, taking pause, and observing new perspectives. Upside down, it represents indecision, resistance, and delay."

"I am elated with the progress you have made thus far, but such praise will have to wait for another time. After all, too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing."

"As you continue your journey, be prepared for any scenario. The most dangerous experiences happen in the least expected situations. I hope you keep that in mind."

"Well now, until we meet again."

Episode 27

After several intense games, it was announced that our school would face Edogawa High School in the finals for the High School FC Cup. To celebrate, the gang and I held a major party at my house. Although my mom prepared a major banquet for us, we still brought plenty of snacks and drinks, so we were never short on consumables.

"Once again, I would like to extend a big cheer to Tai and the soccer team," Mimi said.

"Agreed," everyone replied.

"Congratulations, Tai," Sora said. "You and your team deserve it."

"There's still the final to go through," I replied.

"Spoken like a team captain," TK said.

"You should ease up and enjoy these moments while you can," Matt said.

"It'd be nice if we win the cup to cap off my senior year," I answered.

"Yet, you still have no idea what you're doing after graduation," Kari replied.

"You don't have to say it like that," I responded.

"Well, you made the right call to give the team a break," Sora said. "They deserve some needed rest and relaxation before the big game."

"There's a good chance they'll find last minute training," I answered. "As long as they don't strain themselves, they'll be fine."

"You'd do the same, right," Matt questioned.

"Perhaps," I replied.

"Before all of that, let's party like there's no tomorrow," Mimi said.

"Mimi, we still have class tomorrow," Izzy replied.

"You know what I mean," Mimi said, nudging Izzy.


After school, I did a few more drills with the team before dismissing everyone. Although they wanted to practice more, I told them we needed to be fresh for the upcoming game. While they were displeased, they understood what I meant and headed to the locker room. Once I left the school premise, I bumped into an unexpected person.

"Joe, what are you doing here," I asked, surprised. "I thought you were still in Kyoto."

"You didn't expect me to miss the big game tomorrow, did you," Joe questioned.

"But, what about school? I thought were a stickler about it."

"I asked my teachers if I could be excused for tomorrow, and they approved."

"You covered all your bases. I should have expected that."

"So, how's training?"

"Pretty good. I think we've done all we can."

"Really, because that's not the vibe I'm getting from your teammates."

"I know how they feel, but if we burn all our energy now, we might not be 100% come the big game. I would rather them rest or do light exercises instead of rigorous training."

"You really care a lot about them, huh?"

"Well, I see a bit of me inside of them. I bet they're going to do a few more practice shots before retiring to their homes."

"Because that is what you would do?"

"I won't confirm or deny that. So, how's everything on your end? From what I've heard, you barely stayed in the hospital before your release. You sure you're okay?"

"Actually, I volunteered to be a patient for the pre-med students to study in my school. So, I switched from the hospital to my school's training facility."

"You actually had students at your school examine you?"

"Well, there wasn't much to talk about. The diagnosis they gave me was fatigue. I was to be left alone to recover. At least, in school, I get credit even as a patient. It saves me from paying any major hospital bills."

"That's crazy. You're crazy."

We quietly walked down the road, letting the ambient noise eat away our time.

"Are you nervous," Joe finally asked, breaking the silence.

"Of course," I replied, after a slight pause. "It's the last big game I'll ever play in high school."

"Have you considered pursuing a school with a strong JV division?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure what I want to pursue. I don't know if college is even for me."

"Give it a chance. I know there are some students who don't submit their major until sophomore or even junior year of college. And, who knows? Maybe during that time, you will find your calling in their sports team."

"You're more nonchalant about this than I thought. Everyone else gives me a look when they realized I haven't decided anything yet."

"Well, I am a college student, so I have that advantage. Still, I encourage you to choose a college, even if it's local or nearby. You never know what you may find."

"I'll think about it. Thanks."

We stopped by a store that had a poster about our match at Edogawa Stadium.

"Look at you, in the front of the poster with the rest of the team," Joe said. "So, are you ready?"

I stared at the poster to admire it, soaking in how hard everyone worked to make it this far.

"Always," I replied.


As our bus drove smoothly towards the stadium, we sat with nothing but tension as our companion. Nerves and jitters crawled around our skin. Because it had been some time since our school had participated in the finals, the pressure was on to make our school proud. After easing their anxieties with a speech, I looked outside the bus window as the stadium loomed over us. Taking a deep breath in, we slowly left the bus once it parked in front of the stadium. We were showered with cheers by our schoolmates and friends.

"Tai, go out there and kick some serious butt," Michael shouted.

"Break a leg, everyone," Yolei yelled.

"You got this," Derek cheered.

"I have faith in all of you," Mina exclaimed.

"Tai, over here," Davis waved.

"Davis, everyone, you guys game," I said, walking over to Davis's group.

"Heh, you think we're going to miss this," Davis asked, smiling.

"We're here to support you all the way through," Cody replied.

"Plus, you could probably teach Davis how to actually win games," Willis said, nudging him.

"I expect nothing less from you," Catherine replied.

"Good luck," Rosa said.

"You hear that," I said, turning to the team. "Look at all these people supporting us. Are we going to let them down?"

"No," everyone shouted.

"Then, let's win this!"

"Yeah!"

Absorbing the energy from our supporters, we ran to our locker room with beaming faces. Excitement filled the air as we chatted about the upcoming game and what it would take for us to win. After a quick strategic meeting, we marched towards the arena with our heads high. We were bombarded with cheers the moment we stepped out of the gate. Hearing the support from our friends and family fired us up.

After showing our respects to the other team, the referee walked up to us to go over the rules of the game. He flipped a coin. I shouted heads. The coin fell. The referee threw the ball to the other team's goalie. The game began. While this was happening, Joe was looking around find his seat. Whilst peering, he noticed some familiar faces and the empty seat next to them. He quietly made his way towards them.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken," Joe asked.

"Joe-senpai," Cody said, surprised.

"I didn't even hear you come over," Davis said, perplexed.

"When did you get here," TK asked.

"Yesterday," Joe answered.

"And you didn't tell us," Kari replied, sulking.

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Joe replied.

"Sorry to interrupt, but this is…," Catherine asked.

"Right, you guys haven't met him yet," TK said. "Joe, this is Catherine, and that's Willis and Rosa next to her. They're our classmates."

"Hello," Rosa said.

"Glad to finally meet you," Willis replied.

"Joe's part of Tai's group," Davis explained.

"He helped us a lot during our adventures," Cody added.

"I wouldn't go that far," Joe said, modestly.

"How come we don't see you with Tai often," Rosa asked.

"That's because he's in college at Kyoto," TK answered.

"A college student," Catherine said, inching closer to Joe. "Please, tell me more."

"Seriously," Willis whined.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Joe, come closer," Kari said.

Joe leaned towards her. Kari snapped a selfie of her, Joe, and TK and sent it to the main chat. While cheering, Mimi felt her phone vibrate. As soon as she looked at her phone, Mimi quickly stood up and walked away.

"Mimi, the bathroom is the other direction," Sora asked.

"That's not where she's going," Matt said, showing her his phone.

"Oh, that makes sense," Sora said.

"What makes sense," Michael asked.

"It's nothing," Matt replied, putting his phone away.

Mimi quickly jolted to the other side of the arena and gave Joe a big hug.

"Joe-senpai, it's been too long," Mimi said.

"That was fast," TK said.

"Can you blame her," Kari sighed.

"Are those two going out," Catherine asked.

"Joe has a girlfriend," TK replied.

"So, you're saying Joe and his girlfriend are in an open relationship," Catherine questioned.

"I… don't know if that's condoned or not," Kari replied.

"What's an 'open relationship,'" Rosa asked.

"You'll figure it out later," Willis said.

"When did you get back here," Mimi asked Joe.

"Yesterday," Joe replied.

"Why didn't you tell us? We could've hung out before the game."

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well, I'm surprised. Where are you sitting? Is there an empty seat next to you?"

"He's sitting here with us," Cody replied.

"Your school has front row seats, the best seats in the house," Davis complained.

"It's not about the game or the seats; it's about who you're with," Mimi answered, squeezing Joe's arm even tighter. "Anyway, come on. Let's sit down."

"But, there's only one seat available," Cody replied.

"That's fine; I'll sit on Joe's lap," Mimi replied.

"That's…," Joe said, flustered.

"Well, if you're seat is free, then I'll take it, since I actually care about the game," Davis said, heatedly.

"Davis, don't act like that," Cody said, as Davis ran off.

As the game continued, the roof of the stadium started to close.

"What's that," Michael asked, looking towards the sky.

"I think they're closing the roof," Derek said. "It's actually pretty common.

"But there's not a cloud in the sky," Mina noted.

"Maybe they're anticipating a storm later today," Yolei responded.

"I didn't know the stadium had a retractable roof," Sora said.

"I don't think it ever had one," Matt replied.

"I… don't think that's a roof," Izzy said, concerned.

The players on the field slowly paused as the crowd murmured from the eerie sight. The incoming ceiling appeared to be alive. The suckers that pulsated every second made our throats drop. At the pinnacle of our darkest thoughts, a dense fog spewed throughout the field and covered the stands. The grass suddenly turned into water. A whirlpool formed, sucking us in. At first, we were confused, as none of us knew what was happening. That bewilderment quickly turned into horror, as a beak slowly emerged from the bottom of the whirlpool, smacking its lips as it ravenously awaits its incoming meal. We swam to no avail, for the currents were too strong to fight against.

"What's going on," Matt asked. "None of this makes sense."

"Forget about that; Tai and the others are in danger. We have to help," Sora shouted.

"Finally, it's my chance to shine," Michael said. "Persona!"

Michael shattered the card in front of him, donning his new attire and releasing the sealed Digimon inside.

"How did you know to call out your Digimon," Mina asked.

"We've been through these situations plenty of times. It's second nature now," Michael said. "Betamon, help those people out of the water!"

"You got it," Betamon replied. "Betamon, Magician Arcana Digivolve to… Seadramon!"

"If it's aquatic Digimon you're looking for, I can help, too," Derek replied.

"Alright, let's split ourselves into two teams," Matt replied. "One team will take care of the people in the arena; the other will stay here on the field."

"Got it," everyone replied.

Matt and Mina headed back inside while Sora, Michael, Derek, and Izzy focused on the players in the water. Meanwhile, Kari and the others were trying to process the unfolding events. Mimi, TK, and Kari put their glasses on to view their surroundings.

"The field's full of water," Mimi said, confused

"What is that," TK asked, pointing at the giant beak.

"I'm not sure, but that thing is sucking in Tai and the others in," Kari replied. "We have to do something."

"Joe-senpai, this is your chance to shine," Mimi said.

"Chance to shine," Joe repeated, perplexed. "I can administer first aid, but a large scale event like this would need something like the police or firemen who can see through all this smoke."

"Wait, Joe doesn't know that he can summon Gomamon," TK said.

"I can do what," Joe questioned with increasing puzzlement.

"Don't worry; it's easy," Mimi said. "All you have to do is think really hard about wanting to see Gomamon, and then, you shout 'Persona!' Here, let me show you. Persona!"

Mimi shattered the card in front of her, donning her new outfit and releasing the sealed Digimon inside.

"Mimi, I'm here," Palmon said. "Joe, we missed you. Did you get taller?"

"Palmon, you're back," Joe said, surprised. "And Mimi, when did you change your clothes? Isn't it a bit… risqué?"

"I think it looks cute," Mimi replied. "What do you think, Palmon?"

"Mimi, you always look stylish," Palmon said, thumbs up.

"Aw, thank you, Palmon; you're the best," Mimi said, hugging her.

"Are you done," TK said to them, begrudgingly.

"Don't worry, Joe-senpai, focus on your bond with Gomamon. I'm sure he'll come to you," Kari replied.

"I'll try," Joe responded.

Joe closed his eyes and concentrated, remembering the memories of him and his partner. Soon, a card appeared in front of him.

"Persona," Joe shouted.

Joe shattered the card, harnessing his newfound power. He donned military aide attire with heavy duty boots, medical gloves, and a camouflage hat. He carried a bag filled with an assortment of first air supplies and a shield with a pharmaceutical symbol. A computerized visor replaced his glasses, allowing him to quickly check the conditions of his patients. Meanwhile, a familiar friend fell from the sky and landed in front of him.

"Joe," Gomamon said.

"Gomamon, it is you," Joe said, surprised.

"Of course, it's me. Are you still sleepy?"

"No, I'm just… hey, wait a minute. What's with my clothes? What happened to what I was wearing?"

"As much as I enjoy seeing your confused state, can we save the reunion for later? There's a giant monster in the middle of the field," Willis said, pointing at the being in the whirlpool.

"I saw my brother split his side up into two teams," TK said. "Maybe we should do the same."

"Good call," Kari replied. "We'll let those who can fit inside the stadium assist the people while those who are too big or can fly stay outside and support the Digimon in the water."

"Alright, then Mimi, Willis, Kari, and I should head inside, since our Digimon are smaller," Catherine suggested.

"Sounds good to me," Willis replied.

"Then Rosa, TK, and I will stay out here and act as support," Cody replied.

"Got it," Rosa said.

"Be careful, everyone," Mimi said. "Joe-senpai, you're up."

"Right, Gomamon, let's go save them," Joe said.

"With pleasure," Gomamon replied. "Gomamon, Hierophant Arcana Digivolve to… Ikkakumon!"

Ikkakumon jumped into the water to rescue as many players as it can.

"Thanks, buddy," I replied, holding onto his fur.

"Don't mention it, Tai," Ikkakumon replied.


Inside the arena, people were screaming and running about, trying to get away from the Shadows and find an exit. At one point, a Shadow grabbed a woman's foot. She screamed in fear as she slowly sank to the abyss. In the last second, ExVeemon smashed the Shadow with its fist, and Davis flew to pull the woman out of the vortex.

"Why did all of this happen now," Davis groaned. "I came out of the bathroom, and all I saw is fog and Shadows. Ma'am, are you alright? Ma'am?"

"I think she's unconscious," ExVeemon replied.

"I wish I had help right now. Okay, let's get this woman away from the chaos. There has to be an exit somewhere. Found it. ExVeemon, follow me."

As they flew towards the exit, parts of the ceiling crumbled, blocking the way.

"Just my luck," Davis said, disdained. "ExVeemon, get us out of here."

"Got it," ExVeemon replied. "Vee…"

Before ExVeemon was able to fire his attack, several Shadows bound it to the ground, preventing it from completing the move.

"Hey, get away from my friend," Davis shouted.

Putting the woman down, Davis fired several lasers from his fists at the Shadows. In response, more Shadows appeared to assist chaining ExVeemon down. The remaining Shadows created a wall in front of Davis and the other escapees and started to overwhelm and surround them.

"Davis, they're dragging me down," ExVeemon grunted.

"Hang on, I'm coming," Davis said. "Oh man, I can't take them down fast enough."

"Spiking Strike!"

Just when the Shadows backed Davis and the others into a corner, a humanoid insect pierced through a majority of the Shadows in front of them. With the help from a boy wearing a dashing red tuxedo, white dress shoes, white gloves, a long claw, and a theatrical mask, the two figures cut off the remaining Shadows that trapped ExVeemon and set it free. With full mobility, ExVeemon fired its laser at the last remnants of the Shadows and the rubble blocking the exit, allowing the people to escape.

"Honestly, Davis, you're the leader; you're supposed to last longer than this," the boy said.

"Ken, Stingmon, how did you guys get here," Davis asked, surprised.

"We were late getting to the stadium. As soon as we saw those giant tentacles covering the arena, I knew there was trouble and came to warn you guys, butI was too late."

"Are you kidding? You couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you."

"Davis, there's still a lot of people in trouble," ExVeemon said.

"We must evacuate everyone at once," Stingmon continued. "Only then can we safely take down that fiendish creature."

"Couldn't have said it better myself," Davis replied. "Let's do this!"


Meanwhile, Ikkakumon, Seadramon, and Coelamon rescued everyone from the water. As the team fled for safely, I quickly summoned Agumon and digivolved it to MetalGreymon to prepare a counterattack. Enraged that it was unable to capture anyone, the creature began flinging its tentacles at us. We parried from the attack and the incoming debris. Eventually, the creature calmed down and a humanoid squid emerged from the water.

"This is why raw power and animalistic instincts aren't enough to capture them," the humanoid said to the creature. "I could've sworn that fear would override their senses and cause them to panic. I should have known that some are less fearful than others."

"Who's that," Michael asked.

"It's MarineDevimon," Izzy replied.

"How did you manage to summon that creature here in the Real World," Sora asked.

"How rude," MarineDevimon said. "You dare call The Old One a mere creature? You should repent, knowing that you have defiled a god's name."

"A god," I repeated. "So, that's the one calling the shots these past few months. Why do you serve it, knowing innocent people disappearing because of you?"

"Their sacrifice is necessary," MarineDevimon responded. "Soon, enough power will be generated, and the world will be recreated to its vision."

"Recreated," Cody question.

"But why? Everyone here is nice. They help each other," Rosa replied.

"We're not going to let you get away with this," Derek said.

"Do you fools still not know the presence of who you are speaking to," MarineDevimon asked.

"It's just a giant octopus." TK replied. "You expect us to believe it's some dark being from the underworld or something?"

"Pity not the ignorant, for by speaking his name, you will only be drowned in despair," MarineDevimon said.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Joe replied.

"Now, fear the One Who Should Not Be Named," MarineDevimon said.

"That name sounds familiar," Izzy muttered to himself. "Wait, don't tell me it's who I think it is. Tai, everyone, we have to get out of here, now."

MarineDevimon began to merge with the Great Old One. The tentacles began to tremble and shake until it returned to the bottom of the sea. At first, we believed that the fusion failed. However, a massive grotesque being with an infinite number of tentacle arms emerged from the field, its appearance too profound even for the insane.

"I am MarineCthulhumon," the abomination said. "Come, let me drown you in darkness."


"Garuru Kick," WereGarurumon shouted.

WereGarurumon knocked down one of the walls, creating an opening to the parking lot.

"Everyone, this way," Matt shouted.

Matt and Mina directed people nearby safely out of the stadium.

"Mina, everyone here has been accounted for," Meramon said.

"Thank you, Meramon," Mina replied.

"Good thing the fog remains indoors," Matt said.

"It's as though whoever did this wanted us to be trapped here for good," Mina added.

"Well, we showed them it will take more than that to numb our spirits," WereGarurumon said.

Suddenly, a strong surge of fog blasted throughout the arena and leaked outside from the openings.

"Me and my last words," Matt griped.

"The Shadows are growing restless," Meramon said, concerned.

"Something must have happened at the field," Mina said.

"Then, let's check it out," Matt replied.

The four of them returned to the arena in shock and horror.

"What is that," Matt questioned, looking up at the looming figure.

"I feel evil and malicious energy coming from it," Mina said, quivering.

"Is it even a Digimon," Meramon asked.

"It's hard to stay standing from all that demonic pressure," WereGarurumon responded.

At the same time, Mimi, Kari, Willis, Catherine, and their Digimon returned to assess the situation.

"What a gruesome sight," Lilymon said.

"That's what we have to go up against," Catherine asked.

"How are we even going to take it down? It's huge," Gargomon questioned.

"I'm not sure, but the good news is most of the civilians have left the building," Gatomon said.

"If they saw this, I'm sure they'd crumble to their knees," Mimi replied.

"How should we deal with this," Kiwimon asked.

"I'm not sure, but we have to stay brave," Willis said.

"I wonder if everyone else is okay," Kari said, looking around.

"Succumb to the darkness," MarineCthulhumon shouted. "Dark Deluge!"

MarineCthulhumon sprayed a dark mist throughout the arena, blinding us.

"What's with the black gunk," Michael asked.

"I can barely see anything," Lilymon replied.

I felt something come my direction and quickly ducked. A giant tentacle swung right above me, nearly touching the back of my hair. Although I escaped without injury, the force from the swing nearly blew me away. Others were not so lucky.

"Gargomon, Kiwimon," Willis shouted.

"Monochromon, Ankylomon," Rosa cried.

"I'm okay, Cody; I'm still in one piece," Ankylomon confirmed.

"Matt, whatever this dark mist is, it is stunning our bodies. We can barely move properly," WereGarurumon informed.

"Let's take it to the sky and see if we can clear away from the mist and attack from above," Sora suggested.

"We can also go underwater and try to get in from below," Izzy added.

"That's my cue," Michael said. "Are you ready, Seadramon?"

"Coelamon, you help out as well," Derek replied.

"I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll provide support," Joe said.

Seadramon, Coelamon, and Ikkakumon digivolved to Whamon, Scorpiomon, and Zudomon respectively and dived underwater, carefully navigating around the tentacles below. At the same time, Birdramon, Kabuterimon, Angemon, and Gatomon digivolved to Garudamon, MegaKabuterimon, MagnaAngemon, and Angewomon respectively and, alongside Lliymon and Aquilamon, flew as high as they could until they were able to see outside of the mist.

"There it is," Garudamon said, pointing at the slight protrusion coming out of the mist.

The Digimon in the air began firing their attacks at MarineCthulhumon. Sensing the danger, MarineCthulhumon tucked itself inside the mist. It was unclear if any of their attacks made contact with the beast. Soon, multiple tentacles charged at them. While the Digimon weaved about as best as they could, Garudamon, MegaKabuterimon, and Lilymon were struck and knocked back down to the ground.

"Garudamon, MegaKabuterimon," Sora shouted.

"Lilymon, are you alright," Mimi asked, running towards her.

"I'm okay, but I'm going to feel that one for a while," Lilymon replied, trying to smile.

In the meantime, Zudomon, Scorpiomon, and Whamon attacked MarineCthulhumon from below while its tentacles remained above the surface. After the first successful wave of attacks, the three Digimon prepared for another volley. Before they could launch them, MarineCthulhumon glared at them, freezing them in their place. MarineCthulhumon smacked the three Digimon in their petrified state and sent them out of the water and crashing into the audience seats.

"Zudomon, Scorpiomon, and Whamon are knocked out, too," Derek said.

"This thing isn't making this easy for us," Michael replied.

"We can barely get a glimpse of it from above," Angewomon said.

"And our attacks from the water placed our comrades in great danger," WereGarurumon added.

"If only there was some way to get rid of this mist," Izzy said.

"I got a plan," I replied. "MetalGreymon, you're up!"

"Time to show that thing we're not going to back down without a fight," MetalGreymon said. "MetalGreymon, Six Card Arcana Digivolve to… WarGreymon!"

"WereGarurumon, back WarGreymon up," Matt replied.

"With pleasure," WereGarurumon replied. "WereGarurumon, Six Star Arcana Digivolve to… MetalGarurumon!"

"Great Tornado," WarGreymon shouted.

WarGreymon spun with such velocity that it sucked in the dark mist, clearing our vision. When WarGreymon charged at MarineCthulhumon, it caught WarGreymon with its tentacles, crushing WarGreymon while trapping its suckers around it.

"Grace Cross Freezer," MetalGarurumon shouted.

MetalGarurumon fired several freezing missiles at MarineCthulhumon, freeing WarGreymon from its grasp. MarineCthulhumon focused its attention on MetalGarurumon, who used its speed to dodge the incoming tentacles while consistently firing more missiles at it. Eventually, MarineCthulhumon managed to catch MetalGarurumon and sent it flying towards a wall.

"MetalGarurumon," Matt shouted.

"Fools," MarineCthulhumon replied. "Do you still not understand the powers I possess? All of you should tremble in fear knowing how pointless it is to fight something greater than you. The spineless should obey the strong. The weak shall follow the worthy. That's how it always is, and that's how it always will…"

"Vee-Laser," ExVeemon shouted.

"Moon Shooter," Stingmon shouted.

ExVeemon and Stingmon fired their attacks at MarineCthulhumon, but it had no effect.

"More flies to swat away," MarineCthulhumon said, annoyed.

"Davis, Ken, what are you doing over there? Get out of there," Yolei shouted.

"If you think that we're not going to fight back, you're wrong," Davis told MarineCthulhumon.

"True cowards embrace the darkness as an illusion to blanket their weakness," Ken continued. "I know because I was one of them, but not anymore."

"No matter what fear ahead, we will overcome it for ourselves and each other," Stingmon said.

"That's what it means to be a true Digimon for justice," ExVeemon added.

"All you have to do is be brave," Davis said.

"Be brave," I repeated to myself.

Just then, my mind was sent to that familiar blue room where two faces greeted me.

"My dear guest, it is time to unlock your new power," Margaret informed me. "With the bonds you have made, you are now able to fuse your companions in order to create your most powerful combatants yet. I look forward to seeing what creations you can achieve."

Returning to my senses, I looked over to Matt on the other side of the field.

"Matt," I shouted.

I threw multiple cards at MetalGarurumon and WarGreymon. Instinctively, Matt knew what I was trying to do. We lift your Digivices in the air.

"WarGreymon! MetalGarurumon! Eight Card DNA Arcana Evolution," WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon shouted.

WarGreymon and MetalGarurumon Digivolved together to create a familiar friend.

"It's Omnimon," Kari said.

"Now, we're talking," TK replied.

"Supreme Cannon," Omnimon shouted.

Omnimon fired at MarineCthulhumon, who was thrown back from the impact. Enraged that he had been injured, MarineCthulhumon let out a menacing cackle and focused its attack on Onmimon.

"Hey, what about us," Davis shouted at me.

"Right, I forgot you guys were able to do that, too," I replied.

I threw several cards towards Davis, Yolei, Cody, TK, Kari, and Ken's Digimon.

"That's what I'm talking about. Let's do this, Ken," Davis said.

"Got it," Ken replied.

"ExVeemon! Stingmon! Four Card DNA Digivolve to… Paildramon," ExVeemon and Stingmon shouted.

"Aquilmon! Angewomon! Four Card DNA Digivolve to… Silphymon," Aquilamon and Angewomon shouted.

"Ankylomon! MagnaAngemon! Four Card DNA Digivolve to… Shakkoumon," Ankylomon and MagnaAngemon shouted.

"Desperado Blaster," Paildramon shouted.

"Static Force," Silphymon shouted.

"Justice Beam," Shakkoumon shouted.

Paildramon, Silphymon, and Shakkoumon fired their attacks at MarineCthulhumon, but they barely scratched it. Annoyed, MarineCthulhumon swatted them away like flies, but they moved just in time before the strike.

"It's barely harmed," Cody said.

"Then, let's push forward to another level," Yolei replied.

"Paildramon, Six Card Arcana Digivolve to… Imperialdramon," Paildramon shouted.

"Silphymon, Six Card Arcana Digivolve to… Valkyrimon," Silphymon shouted.

"Shakkoumon, Six Card Arcana Digivolve to… SlashAngemon, Shakkoumon shouted.

"I sense great power from those three combatants," Garudamon said.

"I can't believe Yolei and the others are able to achieve such power," Sora said.

"Positron Laser," Imperialdramon shouted.

"Aurvandil's Arrow," Valkyrimon shouted.

"Blade of the True," SlashAngemon shouted.

Imperialdramon, Valkyrimon, and SlashAngemon struck MarineCthulhumon from behind, completely knocking it towards one side of the stadium.

"This is madness," MarineCthulhumon said.

"No, this is what happens when you underestimate the power of trust," Omnimon declared.

MarineCthulhumon encompassed the entire arena with its tentacles and slammed them to the ground.

"Transcendent Sword," Omnimon shouted.

"Feral Sword," Valkyrimon shouted.

Omnimon and Valkyrimon sliced the tentacles out of the way, cleanly cleaving them while burning and freezing them.

"Golden Ripper," SlashAngemon shouted.

With the path opened up, SlashAngemon soared through the skies and pierced straight across MarineCthulhumon's body, splitting away the remaining tentacles off of its body. With nothing to support its large frame, MarineCthulhumon collapsed to the ground.

"Mega Crusher," Imperialdramon shouted.

Imperialdramon fired a ball of dark matter at MarineCthulhumon, completely vaporizing it and the fog around it. When all is said and done, silence remained. As the Digimon returned to their Rookie state, I headed to the site where MarineCthulhumon was last seen. All that remained was MarineDevimon, who was digitizing and fading away.

"It's over, MarineDevimon," I said, glaring at it. "Many have gone to the TV World because of your actions. Now, their disappearance will not be in vain."

MarineDevimon chuckled quietly.

"What's so funny," I asked angrily.

"You think this is over, but, in truth, you are too late," MarineDevimon replied wearily. "My presence is a good indication of what's about to happen to this world."

"What is he talking about," Matt questioned.

"You mean something more dangerous than this is about to unfold," Sora wondered, worriedly.

"All I've ever done was embrace the darkness," MarineDevimon continued. "But when I met it, I finally saw the light, how feeble I am compared to it, how pathetic everything is compared to it."

"Matadormon said something about a god," Izzy said. "If Cthulhu isn't the one you are referring to, then who is?"

"To label it 'a god' is an understatement. It is beyond that," MarineDevimon replied.

"If that wasn't the most dangerous thing that came here, what exactly are we fighting against," Joe nervously asked around.

"I'm afraid I'm going to miss all of your depressed faces when you realize how insignificant this battle was," MarineDevimon scoffed.

"Our fight is not meaningless," TK retorted.

"Who matter who disturbs the peace of our world and the Digital World, we will protect it from anyone and everyone," Kari said.

"Because that's what it means to be a DigiDestined," Mimi replied.

"Remember this, foolish children whose eyes are blinded by the fog of lies," MarineDevimon weakly coughed. "I am the straw the broke the camel's back. I am the final nail in the coffin. I am the beginning of the end."

With those parting words, MarineDevimon disintegrated to data and disappeared into the sky. The fog eventually dissipated, allowing us to see the full damage that was caused in the stadium.

"What a dismal atmosphere," Mina said, commenting on the last fallen debris.

"How are we going to explain this to everyone," Michael asked, scratching his head.

"I'm not sure, but I do know one thing," I told everyone. "From here on out, our fight is going to be tougher than anything we've ever faced. Let's check if anyone we missed got caught up in this mess. Joe, call an ambulance. Everyone else, form small groups and spread out. We need to do what we can to make sure our world doesn't go through this chaos again."

"Right," everyone replied, doing their part to assist in any way they can.

*To be continued*