Cyber Hero

Chapter 6

It's about time for the next stage of Izuku's new journey and battles. Not to mention more about what he could do as a guardian and what it means to the Digimon to help them as well as the humans he'll deal with. So on with the show.

(No POV)

Izuku grunted as he and Ludomon went deeper into the mine shaft to rescue anyone else. Strikedramon and Witchmon were close behind him and keeping an eye on the stability of the tunnel as they hurried down. Needed as the ground was still rumbling as they carried on.

"Look out!" Ludomon shouted as part of the ceiling started to come down. Izuku quickly put the Legend Arms mon up to block the falling rocks. He barely felt the impact as the stones fell and once it was done, he checked Ludomon's surface and saw no damage. "Impressive! This will be really helpful!" Izuku exclaims before they all head deeper in.

They see the burning rock area they needed to get through and Izuku kept his shield in front of him as the blaze roiled out. "I'll handle this! Aquary Pressure!" Witchmon calls out and tries to cut through the flames as fast as possible. But it won't be snuffed out that easily and keeps rising as she blasts the fire.

But Izuku sees something that could work for them. "Strikedramon get ready! Witchmon, focus your attack on the right side and mix it with Baluna Gale." Izuku calls out before counting a few seconds. And when he saw it once more, he told Strikedramon to move as fast as possible.

"Right!" the dragon Digimon says before sprinting through the quick gap Witchmon made. His sprint let him get to a few of the stranded Gotsumon. But he had to wait to feel Izuku's intent for him to sprint back again. "There's a few of them still down there. And the ceiling is coming down. I don't know if I can get them all out fast enough!"

"Then we'll keep them covered. I'll go with you next time." Izuku says before climbing on Strikedramon's back. He holds Ludomon in front of Strikedramon's body before nodding to Witchmon. She returns it before blasting through the flames once more and gives the trio their opening.

Once on the other side, Izuku sees some of the rocks about to fall on some of the injured Digimon. And his body moves on it's own once more. This time aided by the Digimon on his arm. He cocks his arm back and throws the shield Digimon with all the strength he could. And while he freaks out, Ludomon goes along with it to bash through the falling rocks.

After that, he adjusted himself midflight to impact the walls to bounce back to Izuku. "Well that was weird! But I'm glad it worked." Ludomon says with a slightly shaky tone to his voice. Izuku lets out a chuckle and notes he was surprised it worked.

He then communicates to Witchmon to tell her to start her attacks again. Waiting for the moment and sending Strikedramon through when she had made their opening. But before they could start again, the cave started to collapse once more.

Izuku grit his teeth and held Ludomon aloft to protect the still injured Digimon. "Izuku! We can't hold out!" Ludomon says while straining from the weight atop him. But the boy doesn't buckle and says, "I'm not letting them die! We will save them!"

Ludomon feels Izuku's dedication, courage, and will in his words. And it makes the Legend Arms Digimon tremble, and his own courage build with it. He feels this strengthen him and the little shield glows. "Ludomon! Digivolve to! Tialudomon!"

Suddenly the former green shield in his hands is blue and seems to be projecting a forcefield around Izuku and the few injured Digimon. "Izuku! I think we can walk out now! Trust me!" the shield says as he increases the size of the field to move them forward.

"Got it! Stay close!" Izuku says before addressing the injured Digimon. Some pick up those who can't walk, but they all get as close as they can to Izuku and Tialudomon. Izuku takes a deep breath before stepping into the flames.

And just as the shield Arms promised, they could walk through the blaze. Izuku gives him a quick thank you and they work their way toward the partners on the other side. "Papa!" Witchmon cries when Izuku and the Digimon finally get past the fire. She runs over and hugs him with tears in her eyes.

"I'm okay. I'm okay. Thanks to Tialudomon here." Izuku says while patting Witchmon's head. He holds up the shield Digimon and he transforms into his new state. With a lupine chest plate and helmet to match his new state. "When you refused to back down or buckle, that flowed into me. And it helped make me stronger."

Izuku thanks Tialudomon and thanks the Legend Arms Digimon again before saying they needed to get the rest out of the mine. Once out, most were celebrating that most everyone was safe after all that happened. "We don't have much, but we will be more than happy to share it with our saviors," the old Gotsumon says with a smile.

The hero Digimon thank the elder and enjoy some good food that they had stored. During the dinner though, Izuku and Leomon started discussing ways to fortify the village. "It's both a good and bad thing this place is in a valley of sorts. The high walls mean we can predict where they will likely come from."

"But it also limits what we could counter. And leaves us open if they attack from above some way. Right Leomon?" Izuku says while eating and sharing a bit of food with some of the little Digimon. Leomon sighs and agrees before asking how Gogmamon's forces usually handle intimidating or collecting from their village.

Gotsumon sighs before saying, "they usually come once a month. A few of the goons will arrive and stay a few days before taking a large amount of our stores of ores and food. Not to mention helping themselves to plenty of the latter."

The lead two nod and ask how many of the villagers would be willing or able to fight. The elder can only say that they still didn't have anyone who wanted to or would be able to fight. As most were lost when Seasarmon stood up to Gogmamon.

Izuku hums before asking if they could get the less combat capable ones out of the village. "That way there would be less threat to your people. And we could try and set up more of a defense for this town." The elder sighs before calling for a female Gotsumon and asking if she could gather those who didn't or couldn't fight and get them away.

"I hope you have something of a plan," he says after the other Gotsumon leaves. Izuku smirks slightly and says, "I've got a few ideas on how we can make our position and the surrounding area work for us."

Over the next few days, many of the younger or those who had no combat skills were escorted away. Sorceriemon acting as guard and would return to heal after the first battle. While a handful of Gotsumon and a Minotarumon worked to dig and build some fortifications and other ways to disrupt the enemies when they arrived. With some like Leomon helping in the matter.

Others like Renemon and Tsukaimon stuck to scouting the area to make sure there were no others on their way. Only for Buraimon to find a group of five that were discussing who or what they saw in the village. And he quickly dispatched them with his Tsubame Nimai Gaeshi strikes.

"I'm not sure if that was the best, but if nothing else it will give us more time and an element of surprise before they arrive." Izuku muses after helping in some of the mines and then with the fortifications. Buraimon agrees and says he'll keep an eye further up the mountain.

Leomon stops him though and suggests that he stay closer to the village. "We'll need your swords soon enough. Renemon is plenty stealthy and Tsukaimon is a pretty capable flyer." The bird swordsman seems unsure, but he can see the wisdom in the matter. So, he helps to train a few of the other Digimon with blades and reinforcing the buildings in the village.

Not three days after Buraimon dealt with the goons, a group of Ogremon and Hyogamon were marching toward the village. With a Fugamon leading them. Wearing some sort of armor or gear.

"At least that was what it looked like. Perhaps it's a way to denote rank?" Renemon reported on one knee before Izuku. Who just sighed and said she didn't have to do that. "But thanks for the report. We don't have much time." The various Digimon agree and get ready for the fight to come.

Izuku asks Leomon to stand up front to address the Fugamon. "Might be better that we don't note that I'm here and maybe boosting others. More of an element of surprise." Leomon nods and agrees. "I think that's some of why I digivolved. I felt a bit inspired by you. So I'll keep their focus on me for now."

The boy nods and hides up by the mine shafts to watch and then suggesting his main partners Digivolve. Including Ludomon to Tialudomon. "I'm much faster in this form. So I can cover people down with Leomon," the shield Digimon says with a nod.

"Good call. Witchmon, stay up high until needed. Baohuckmon, Strikedramon; head for the other mine shafts. Only rush out once the fighting starts. I'll fire off any blasts or attacks if needed." Izuku says with a determined look in his eyes.

The trio nod and take their positions. Izuku meanwhile brings his goggles over his eyes to watch the entrance to the village and calibrates them to listen in. As the Fugamon steps forward with his horde around him. "We had feeling when others not come back. How many here?" it grunts out while looking around the entrance.

"Enough," is all Leomon says before commenting that the walls and the like weren't to keep them out. "It's to keep you in place." Buraimon says with a glare down at the horde as he lands atop a house. "You think you going to stop us?! You not know what happen to Seasarmon?!"

"We know enough! And that's all the more reason to fight you!" Tialudomon says brandishing his claws and shields. Renemon then pops in and says, "we will not allow you to keep terrorizing these Digimon any longer."

Fugamon snarls and looks all around. Seeing that there were fewer people around. And that even some of the Gotsumon looked ready for a fight. Izuku mutters out a "wait for it" while preparing a Sonic Void shot. High up in the air, Witchmon takes aim with her spells to take out some goons.

"Evil Hurricane! Sonic Void!" Fugamon and then Izuku call out. He keeps hidden, but his attack impacts the black attack he sent toward Leomon. And the beast Digimon quickly draws his sword and rushes the oni like Digimon.

The rest of the goons scatter and attack the village. Only to be met by attacks from the rest. Tialudomon quickly rushing a few to block and then leave the thugs open to strikes from the Gotsumon. Some go after the food stores, but Renemon is quickly on them. Dispatching a few before they can react.

Other leap up and use their weapons, but Buraimon is more than ready and quickly counters their clumsy skills. From up in the air, Witchmon starts raining down shot after shot of her spells. With Izuku firing some as well. And when the Ogre and Hyogamon try to find out who is attacking, Baohuckmon and Strikedramon quickly rush them.

Fugamon tries to hold Leomon in place to attack, but Izuku keeps him covered by using a trick he was still working on. And calling upon a Rune Forest attack to knock down the group of Hyogamon that attempted to take him out.

The others deal with many more of the invading Digimon and Leomon uses his Fist of the Beast King to knock out Fugamon. Due to this, the rest of the monster-like Digimon start to flee. With Burai and Witchmon following them from the air to make sure they had gone. With some falling into the traps the miners had set and leaving them open to Witchmon's spells.

Izuku came out to see the damage and results, assured that the fight was done. "At least for now," he mutters under his breath. Leomon and the rest nod and note that he did good with covering them.

But Fugamon wasn't taking his defeat (and his men running) lying down. He waited for the right moment and leapt at Leomon with his club raised high. Izuku saw it in slow motion and then surged forward himself to intercept. With Tialudomon attaching to his arm as he charged.

The boy blocks the club attack and charges up a Wind Claw in his free hand. And then thrusts forward to spear the virus Digimon on his arm. Izuku didn't fully realize what he'd done until he heard the virus Digimon gurgling. "Human… Stronger than look…."

And with that Fugamon was deleted and his data set to return to primary village. Izuku meanwhile was shivering and looking at his hand in a bit of terror. "Izuku!" Baohuckmon shouts before turning back into Hackmon. The boy seems scared for a moment, as if he thought he'd kill his old partner.

But said partner stops that thought by putting his claws atop Izuku's hand. "Izuku. Calm down. You just reacted right? And even if you don't like the idea, it still works out. Given what we're dealing with. Fugamon will be reborn and he'll have a new chance to be someone different. But for now we need you here."

Izuku looks into Hackmon's eyes and it helps to calm him a bit. He lets out a ragged breath before thanking him and Tialudomon. The Legend Arms changes back before de-digivolving and saying it was no problem.

Buraimon and Witchmon report back soon after and everyone takes time to recuperate. "Buraimon? Could you get Sorcoriemon? A few did get hurt." Renemon asks before helping to heal a bit herself. The bird Digimon nods and quickly takes off to get the spell caster.

While the village was recovering, the few who got away reported to Gogmamon. "So, there is a new human here. And not one like the usual guardians. We need to take him. Then we can become even stronger," the massive crystal creature says before standing from his throne.

"Are you sure sir? It seems like it might be more trouble than it's worth." Wizardmon asks with a little worry. But the glare from Gogmamon cowed him and he went about bringing together the troops. The large Digimon looked down at his hand before crushing some stones in it. Making diamonds to add to his body.

He let out a tempered but still angry breath before talking to himself. "Perhaps I could finally reach the stage we aimed for. Toshinori." But he pushes past the thoughts and focuses in on being the intimidating thug to keep his men in line.

Once the village had been repaired, the elder was ready to celebrate at the idea that they had run off the oppressors. "It's not that simple. They'll be back." Buraimon says with a frustrated look on his face. Leomon agrees and suggests they get ready for the next fight.

"First things first. We've still got injured." Izuku says while helping Sorcoriemon and Renemon with treatments. They keep working and try to reinforce the defenses of the village. But something unsettling happens a few days after the fight.

"She's not back yet." Buraimon reports after flying around the area and scouting. After most of the injured had been treated, Renemon took to scouting again to prevent possible new attacks. But that was over a day ago.

Izuku was tapping his foot and let out a strained breath before standing. "Hackmon and I'll go looking for her. But in the meantime, you should all be ready for what is likely to come." Izuku says with a look to Burai and Leomon.

Outside he talks with the two and notes what he thinks might happen. "Gogmamon has an interest in me. He could be using this as a way to get to me. So be ready for an attack here." The two agree, and Buraimon says he'll shadow Izuku and Hackmon.

"Just in case. Tsukaimon there is a capable flyer on her own. Not to mention she's a good shot with her attacks." Izuku agrees and tells his partners to get ready. They all Digivolve, including Ludromon who had recently asked to stay with Izuku. "I think I could really embody what I'm supposed to be if I stay with you," the shield Legend Arms had said with a nervous look.

But Izuku was more than happy to have him along. "Keep them safe. It's what you do." Izuku said to Tailudomon. The blue armored Digimon smirks and says, "of course. I plan to do no less." With that Baohuckmon and Izuku take off to check the area Renemon had been scouting.

And just as Izuku predicted, the Ogremon and other versions started swarming and attacking the village. Each of the warriors fought hard, but they were outnumbered. Until those who had been sent away for safety returned and started to fight back as well.

Some were deleted, but others put in some strong hits to turn the tide and give Leomon and the rest the support they needed. Using picks, shovels, and their own attacks to fight back. Even if that just involved using onions and burger patties to throw off the horde.

"Hold out a bit longer! They'll run out sooner or later!" Strikedramon shouted after going through a few oni. And while Witchmon had planned to cover them with her spells, she was currently fighting Wizardmon.

'Man! He's trickier than I thought! He was just a Goblimon right? That somewhat smarter one.' Witchmon thinks while dodging Magical Game and Thunder Ball attacks. Firing back with her own spells. But it is during one of their exchanges of fire, she notices something.

Every so often, Wizardmon would glance toward the village. Seeming pensive about the fight he was compliant in. She took advantage of this but didn't fully defeat the magical Digimon. "You don't want any of this do you?" she asked as she floated down to the disarmed Digimon.

Wizardmon looks up at her with some shock but then to the side in a bit of sadness. "It doesn't matter what…. I or the others want. Gogmamon is the boss. We follow his lead and orders. Even if it…"

"Even if it costs you all your lives!? What good does that do? Sure he's strong, but that won't make things better for you!" the younger Digimon exclaims. She notes that he may have forced Wizardmon and the others to digivolve. But that didn't mean they owed him anything.

And while he still looks like he wants to fight, Witchmon's words get through to him. He asks how it was any different from what Izuku did for her and the others. "He doesn't force us to digivolve against our will. We each were inspired in some way by him. His courage, his spirit, his compassion. That helped us reach heights we couldn't before."

This inspires Wizardmon a bit more. Enough to where he tries to rush over to the village to convince the remaining Ogre Digimon to stop. With Witchmon giving him a lift. "Stop! Everyone! Stop!" Wizardmon shouts as they arrive. He appeals to the few of his brothers that remained to stop.

While plenty are still looking for a fight, Wizardmon gets their attention and gets them all to focus on how they had been living in fear of Gogmamon for so long. "We've been his tools and puppets for so long. But perhaps with all of them, we could defeat him!"

"You supposed to be smart! We can't beat boss! Maybe we can if we digivolve. That still not enough! Remember? Boss beat previous boss when he was just a Golemon." The various oni Digimon toss these statements around.

But a few thought about the matter and were willing to side with Wizardmon for the time being. "Maybe that human can stop the boss. Maybe he could undo what boss done to us. We wait and see what happens next." If nothing else, the fight in the village has gained a bit of a reprieve.

With Izuku though, he and Baohuckmon had been searching for an hour with little luck. Same for Buraimon. "I can't see much from the treetops. I'll search down here with you," the bird says while drawing his swords. Izuku nods and tells the group to split up but stay close enough to hear one another.

They keep walking and searching for Renemon. "I don't like this. It's too quiet." Baohuckmon says while moving through the trees. Only to be waylaid by a tree he didn't see coming. Izuku hits the ground after this as another tree goes over his head. One goes at Buraimon but he slices it to pieces.

"Baohuckmon! I'm okay! We should follow the path of that attack!" the three say and the two still standing take off to find Gogmamon. Sort of. He had buried himself in a clearing and made Wizardmon conceal him more with his magic.

And in his massive hand was Renemon unconscious. "Curse Refraction!" he calls out and beams of light fire from his various crystals and kicking up dust all around. Once the attack was done, the trees all around had been wiped away. Some are currently sitting atop Baohuckmon.

Buraimon was dazed after that attack and only Izuku was still standing. He was scared as the mass of crystal stalked up to him, but he tried to not let it show. "A human. A young one. Capable of truly bonding with us. Aside from the other guardians drifting about….. I haven't seen one in years."

Gogmamon says this while leaning down to look Izuku in the eye. And the boy sees his reflection in golden eyes of his foe. "Let her go. We can work something out." Izuku says while trying to appeal to the large Digimon. Who just laughs and tells Izuku he's in no place to bargin.

"I hold this fox. And my troops go to take care of your little rebellion!" he bellows before telling Izuku what he will (or believes Izuku will) do. Work for Gogmamon and make his troops stronger. As well as finally getting past the hurdle Gogmamon was aiming for. To reach the level of Mega.

Izuku smirks before saying, "what makes you assume they'll win that easily? There will always be those who push back against tyranny. Even if it takes time." Gogmamon growls at Izuku and is ready to make his demands again, but this was a partial distraction.

Buraimon had regained consciousness and saw some of Izuku's subtle hand movements while he was talking with Gogmamon. The bird turns his blades around before rushing as fast as he can at the giant beast. But he doesn't go for the head. Instead he bludgeoned the hand Gogmamon was holding Renemon with.

"Izuku! Here!" Buraimon shouts before kicking the fox toward the teen. He catches Renemon and then fires a Sonic Void shot at Gogmamon's face to give Buraimon a chance to escape. Which he does and strikes the monster multiple times while Izuku alternates between healing Renemon and attacking Gogmamon. Baohuckmon jumps in next and uses his Teen Blade and Fif Cross to do some more damage around the body. Causing a handful of cracks.

But the big boss has had enough and uses a downward punch and a Curse Refraction to kick up more dust. Blinding Buraimon and leaving him open to his signature attack. "Giant Grater!" Gogmamon shouts before bringing his arms down on Buraimon.

The samurai bird sees this coming, but he can't get out of the way in time. So instead, he makes one last desperate play. He throws both of his swords in opposite directions. The first is toward where he roughly thinks Izuku and Renemon are. And the second is on an open crack he could see in Gogmamon.

Buraimon smiles a bit as the hammer comes down and thinks about his pursuit of growing his skills with his swords. 'Perhaps we will meet in my next life. And we could help each other grow together.' Buraimon thinks as the attack hits hard. Deleting him.

Renemon was waking up as this was happening and both she and Izuku were shocked by what happened. The fox Digimon grit her teeth as she tried to stand and avenge Buraimon. "You can't you aren't healthy enough!" Izuku says while holding onto her.

He then fires a few more Sonic Void shots at Gogmamon, but he seems more annoyed by them. And Baohuckmon is barely making a dent and is sent flying once more. "You're more trouble than you are worth!" Gogmamon roars as he prepares to crush Izuku and Renemon.

The boy shoves Renemon out of the way of the attack and even though he is sure this is the end, he doesn't let Gogmamon see him scared. He puts on a brave smile to try and say it would be okay.

This new surge of courage flows into Baohuckmon once more. His body glows and starts to change. "Baohuckmon! Digivolve to! Saviorhuckmon!" the now named Saviorhuckmon shouts as he crosses his arms and the shield like sections pop out red blades.

He is completely upright this time and still has the same red cape from before. But what he is standing on makes little sense. That being legs made of blades. "Seems like I've just closed the gap. Time for round 2!" Saviorhuckmon says before pushing Gogmamon back.

Yeah sorry but I'm leaving it at this for now. I'll probably have the next chapter up soon because the ideas are still flowing. But it felt right to just have it on this bit of a cliffhanger. And minor tragedy. To be honest if I was doing this in a more anime style, I'd probably break this chapter into two or three parts. And show the fights in a more extended way. But anyway, that's where I'm at right now. Please review!