As the sun began to set and moonlight overtook the blanketed the skies, the heroes and heroines stood on the walls of the Metal Tribe's capital, with SteelCrusadermon and ArchAlchemymon on either side of them, while Aurummon and IronTactimon were not too far down the wall from them, standing alongside the legions of Metal warriors preparing for battle.
Behind them, the MetalBlastmon and ArcaneMachinedramon were on standby to unleash their barrages at the incoming servants of the Dark Tribe, the ClockKnightmon, ClockGuardromon, ClockGunnermon, SteelKnightmon, Alchemymon and HiAlchemymon all remaining on standby in the event the enemy breached their defensive lines, some even piloting the ArcaneMekanorimon as they prepared to fight.
Meanwhile, floating above the city, three of the Metal Tribe's airships, the Metal Arks as Aurummon had titled such vessels, were surrounded by the IronDracomon and PlatinumDracomon, who gave ferocious roars as they saw the trio of Dark Arks approaching the city.
Looking from their vantage point, the humans, their partners and Novicmon took in the dark mechanized forces approaching them and took in the new forms of the DarkWolfmon and DarkThrallmon in the forms of the IronWolfmon and MetalThrallmon, which marched and proceeded in their advance.
The heroes and heroines remained ready for battle as the humans, Digimon and Appmon then looked upon the other dark metal creations they would soon be fighting against.
The first type of newer Dark Digimon they took in were large, hulking creatures made of dark metal, with large arms that had claw-like hands and sharp blades coming out of their arms and backs, vent ports releasing dark purple energy as their skull faces let out loud shrieks towards the city's defenders.
The next type of dark mechanical Digimon resemble the first, but were much larger, with razor sharp blades for hands and dark metal tusks protruding from their skull-like faces, some clashing their blades together as they moved alongside their allies and letting out their own ear-piercing shrieks.
Looking at his D-Bracer, Haru read off the information on these abominations to his friends as he informed them. "DarkReavermon and SteelReapermon, Champion Level and Ultimate Level Digimon respectively."
Looking at the approaching forces, Marcus then noticed what looked like ShadowKnightmon, who were also made out of dark metal, gears and dark purple energy, where he looked to his own D-Bracer and read off the information given to him. "OnyxKnightmon, Ultimate Level Digimon, machine variants of the ShadowKnightmon and just as dangerous."
Hearing more roars above them, the heroes and heroines looked up to see that, alongside the SkullDracomon flying with the Dark Arks were dark metal versions of the IronDracomon, which spewed forth dark purple flames from their metal bodies as they flew around, causing Davis to look up the new dark draconic Digimon's info.
"RustDracomon, another Dark Mega Digimon." The maroon haired Digidestined said aloud as he looked at his D-Bracer, before turning his head up as his eyes widened in shock to the sight before him.
Beneath the Dark Arks and in the middle of the approaching army was a massive metal construct, its main body shaped like a spider with six legs and a massive cannon where a mouth should be, one with four spikes coming out of it, while several spires emerged from its back, dark purple energy coursing between them as the dark machine approached the shield, the sight not only concerning the heroes and heroines, but the Metal Tribe warriors and leaders as well.
"Um... what is that?" Lalamon asked with growing concern as she looked at Aurummon and his council, only to see the same shock and surprise on their faces as hers.
"I... I have no idea." The leader of the Metal Tribe confessed, sharing the awe of the heroes and heroines, before all but yelling. "How did they build such an abomination without us knowing?!"
"It must have been built from parts brought in from the other tribes' territories." IronTactimon concluded, unsure as to what this dark machine was, or what it was capable of.
Soon, the Dark Tribe forces came to a halt before the energy barrier, before a beam of light projected from the massive machine, conjuring an image of the Dark General, who smirked as he looked to the defenders of the city.
"I'm going to guess on a limb to say that's MetalLichmon." Sora remarked as she looked to the being leading the assault on the Metal Tribe.
"Ah, what a nice surprise to see you, Aurummon." MetalLichmon remarked as he looked to the leader of the Metal Tribe, before looking at the heroes as his skull-like face morphed into a smirk as he added. "And it seems you brought some new friends this time."
"If you think you will defeat us today, MetalLichmon, you are dead wrong!" Aurummon remarked, pointing his staff to the Metal Arks above and declared. "Our ingenuity, and the help of the heroes of Witchelny, will finally end your reign of terror on our lands!"
"I highly doubt it." MetalLichmon remarked dismissively, his disregard to Aurummon's comment angering the leader of the Metal Tribe, before the Dark General offered. "But I do have an offer for you."
"All the Dark Lady needs is some of the Spark's energy, not all of it. Just give me the amount she wants and we'll leave your city, your territory, all alone from now on." The Dark General offered, drawing his blade at the heroes and heroines and adding sinisterly. "Also, hand them over to me. The Dark Lady has plans for each of them."
Gulping lightly, the heroes and heroines looked to Aurummon, hoping that he would not take the Dark General's offer, as tempting as it might be.
"No." The leader of the Metal Tribe responded, his glare remaining strong as he told MetalLichmon. "Not only would that be a betrayal of our principles, but a betrayal of Witchelny itself. We will not betray those who have come to our aid, nor the aid of this world!"
"Suit yourself, I don't care either way." MetalLichmon remarked in reply, before six massive spheres of dark energy slammed into the energy barrier, the impact so strong that even those on the other side of the shield had to protect their eyes, feeling the shockwave of the colliding energies.
Then, much to the horror of the Metal Tribe warriors, the shield failed, the energy around the city coming down and the generators powering it deactivating, leaving the city vulnerable to attack.
Once the attack ended, the heroes and heroines looked up, where the four Digidestined in the group and their partners looked up in shock and horror to see the six beings that unleashed the attack, but none more so than Tai and Agumon as the Digimon of Courage let out in disbelief. "It... it can't be!"
Floating just over the ground forces of the Dark Tribe's army were six WarGreymon styled Digimon, only instead of their armour constructed of metal, like the WarGreymon they knew, or that of BlackWarGreymon, their armour was made completely out of bone, with six spine-like spikes coming out of their backs, covered by their shields as their eyes glowed with dark purple energy.
Quickly looking at her D-Bracer, Kari felt panic fill her as read off the new Digimon's information. "SkullWarGreymon, Mega Level Digimon and undead variants of WarGreymon!"
Hearing this, Tai, Sora, Agumon and Gatomon a further uneasiness grip at their souls, while Davis and Veemon looked ready to fight, seeing these new Digimon as some dark continuation of the SkullGreymon line, and knew that they were undoubtedly dangerous.
With a wicked laugh, the hologram of MetalLichmon then faded away, before the defenders of the city saw a great mass of dark energy building up within the cannon of the large machine, the sight of which causing Davis to cry out loudly and in concern. "Everyone, move!"
Listening to the warning of the leader of the heroes and heroines, the Metal Warriors all got out of the way, just as the dark machine fired off a massive blast, which struck a section of the wall, the sheer power of the attack destroying it instantly, and leaving a massive opening into the city itself.
With the opening now presented to them, the Dark Tribe forces let out loud shrieks and roars and began charging toward the opening, the Dark Arks joining in the battle, firing blasts of dark energy toward the Metal Arks, seeking to bring them down and advance into the city.
In response to the Dark Tribe's initial attack, the ClockGunnermon, ClockGuardromon, MetalBlastmon, ArcaneMekanorimon and ArcaneMachinedramon began firing upon the incoming forces, the mechanical Digimon unleashing blasts of energy to fight off the incoming foes, supported by the Alchemymon and HiAlchemymon as they empowered their allies' abilities, while the ClockKnightmon, SteelKnightmon, IronDracomon and PlatinumDracomon rushed to engage the enemy in close combat.
Seeing the Metal Tribe's forces combating the Dark Tribe invaders, Davis looked to his friends, who all nodded in silent agreement, before the Digidestined of Miracles looked to Aurummon and his council and offered confidently. "We'll go after MetalLichmon and stop the SkullWarGreymon."
"And we'll support our forces." SteelCrusadermon then said in reply, this receiving a nod from the maroon haired Digidestined, before his D-Bracer lit up with a familiar golden energy, which was shared along with his friends, who too were all consumed in pillars of light.
"MagnaVeedramon!"
"Samudramon!"
"Lightbearer Ophanimon!"
"SacredPhoenixmon!"
"MedievalGallantmon!"
"MysticSakuyamon!"
"CrimsonAldamon!
"GaleSilphymon!"
"LordShoutmon!"
"ShaolinArresterdramon!"
"AncientMervamon!"
"Sagemon!"
"ShogunOujamon!"
"BardMusimon!"
For a moment, Aurummon, SteelCrusadermon, IronTactimon and ArchAlchemymon were in a familiar state of awe as the previous Tribal Leaders as they took in the sight of the heroic Digimon, Appmon and Digi-armoured humans, as well as the Digi-runes that appeared around Jeri's arms, before the heroes and heroines leapt from the walls to strike at the lines of the invading Dark Digimon.
"Magna Saber!"
"Cross Slicer!"
"Divine Calling!"
"Inferno Wing!"
"Rage of Wyvern!"
"Full Spirit Wave!"
"Blazing Sabers!"
"Hurricane Spirals!"
"Corona Dash!"
"Rose Blizzard!"
"Victory Slasher!"
"Star Shine Dive!"
"Ancient Blaze!"
"Ultimate Search Strike!"
"Savage Slash!"
"Rhythmic Stream!"
Striking as a team, the heroes and heroines' attacks, accompanied by magical blasts from Jeri and Novicmon, struck through a great faction of the Dark Metal Digimon, the attacks halting their advance and forcing the Dark Tribe forces to turn their attention toward those that had continued to defy the Dark Lady for so long.
Meanwhile, seeing the legendary heroes of Witchelny fighting against their foes, the Metal Tribe warriors felt their faith and courage return.
The ground forces pushing forward, with SteelCrusadermon moving to take the lead as the Metal warriors charged at their invaders, where the Metal Arks began firing blasts of energy at the RustDracomon, SkullDracomon and the Dark Arks, filling the skies with explosions as both forces battled one another.
Keeping their own focus, however, the heroes and heroines slashed, cut and blasted their way through their enemies in the hopes of drawing MetalLichmon and the SkullWarGreymon toward them and away from their allies.
And soon enough, the group got their wish as the dark variants of WarGreymon began charging towards the heroes and heroines, the desire to kill evident within their dark and soulless eyes.
"Are you going to be alright with this?" MagnaVeedramon asked as he looked at Samudramon, who nodded his head in response.
"Yea, I want to kick these posers' asses." The Digimon of Courage said in reply, showing the eagerness to take down these mockeries of his normal Mega form, much to the comfort of MagnaVeedramon, SacredPhoenixmon and Lightbearer Ophanimon.
Once close enough, the SkullWarGreymon brought their arms together, causing a dark purple energy to form within their gaps, before the six Dark Digimon gathered the darkness as giant spheres of energy and threw the attacks at the heroes, seeking to eliminate them once and for all.
"Holy Strike!"
"Rinkageki!"
"Holy Judgement!"
"Arcane Inferno!"
"Flaming Destruction!"
"Omni Force!"
Working together, MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon, Lightbearer Ophanimon, CrimsonAldamon, Marcus and LordShoutmon's attacks collided with the SkullWarGreymon's the corrupt copies of WarGreymon's Terra Force attack, the impact of such energies causing a massive explosion that covered everything in smoke.
"Final Crest!" MedievalGallantmon's voice then bellowed through the uproar of smoke, the knight Digimon quickly revealing himself, his halberd glowing brightly, before quickly cutting one of the SkullWarGreymon in half, the action causing the remaining Dark Digimon to spread out in order to avoid being struck down in a similar fate.
Looking back, MedievalGallantmon frowned for a moment as he saw the defeated SkullWarGreymon not turn into Data particles, but shadows instead as its defeated form fell to the ground, the sight allowing MedievalGallantmonand his allies know that these newer foes were creations of the Dark Lady herself.
Seeming to avenge his fallen ally, another of the SkullWarGreymon then swept from behind MedievalGallantmon, his claws drawn and looking ready to plunge his entire fist through the knight Digimon's chest.
But keeping an eye on her friends, MysticSakuyamon retaliated in her own way.
"Full Spirit Wave!" The mystic Digimon declared as she sent forth her fox spirits, which rushed towards all the Dark Digimon, seeking to end them once and for all.
But moving as one, the corrupt forms of the Brave Shields of the SkullWarGreymon then detached from their backs and came together before them, clocking the strikes from spirit foxes, before returning and reattaching to the Dark Digimon's backs as they landed on the ground.
"Cross Slicer!"
"Magna Saber!"
"Blazing Sabers!"
"Skydive Force!"
"Sage Cutter!"
"Savage Slasher!"
Moving together, Samudramon, MagnaVeedramon and their teammates rushed at the SkullWarGreymon, their weapons clashing with the Dark Digimon's clawed gauntlets, keeping them on the defensive so that they could not use their dark version of Terra Force on them or the Metal Tribe.
As the heroes and heroines battled the SkullWarGreymon, Aurummon faced the legions of the Dark Metal Digimon battling his warriors, where the leader of the Metal Tribe saw a group of the Dark Tribe warriors rushing towards him, this causing him to respond in kind.
"Metal Fury!" Aurummon declared as he held his staff before him, extended his wings as his body began to glow with a golden light, before firing a powerful blast, one that decimated the Dark Tribe forces before him, causing many to dissolve into Data particles, while also seeming to repair and heal his damaged mechanical forces.
His attack dying down, the leader of the Metal Tribe then looked behind him, seeing the non-combative members of his tribe quickly at work repairing the wall, making sure that the breach was sealed before any of the Dark Tribe Digimon could make it inside, a sight that pleased Aurummon greatly, to see the efficiency of his Tribe and their efforts and teamwork.
Turning his attention towards the heroes and heroines, Aurummon saw the group battling the SkullWarGreymon, each able to hold their own against the terrible dark Digimon they were fighting.
However, noticing something off about the Dark Digimon, Aurummon's microscopes extended as he got a good look at the remaining SkullWarGreymon, where the leader of the Metal Tribe was about to inform the heroes and heroines on what he was seeing.
But before he could say anything, a loud explosion caught Aurummon's attention, where his horror grew to see one of his Metal Arks explode and start to fall to the ground below, causing the leader of the Metal Tribe to rush into the skies and towards the falling airship, leaving the heroes and heroines to deal with their foes.
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Moving and striking together, the heroes and heroines did all they could to keep the SkullWarGreymon on the defensive and to find a way to get past their shields, but found their foes to be more than a match for them in speed and strength.
"Everyone, get them together!" BardMusimon called to his friends as an idea came to mind.
Nodding in response, MagnaVeedramon, Samudramon, Lightbearer Ophanimon, MedievalGallantmon and LordShoutmon moved to strike at each of the SkullWarGreymon, moving to strike at them from different angles and strike as a team.
"Magna Sabers!"
"Cross Slicer!"
"Striking Light!"
"Noble Strike!"
"Victory Slasher!"
Moving together, the heroic Digimon struck at the SkullWarGreymon, who used their blades to block the strikes, only to then be pushed together, the five Dark Digimon now back to back as the heroes and heroines surrounded them.
"Sonic Strings!" BardMusimon announced with might as he strummed on his guitar, the sonic waves causing the SkullWarGreymon to freeze, their muscles locking up as they tried to move, giving the heroes and heroines a chance to strike them down together.
"Holy Strike!"
"Rinkageki!"
"Holly Judgement!"
"Sacred Flame!"
"Rage of the Wyvern!"
"Full Spirit Strike!"
"Arcane Inferno!"
"Arcane Twister!"
"Flaming Destruction!"
"Violet Blast!"
"Omni Force!"
"Thunder Force!"
"Ancient Blaze!"
"Gaia Link!"
"Golden Arrow!"
"Rhythmic Stream!"
Striking as a team, alongside energy blasts from Jeri and Novicmon, the heroes and heroines unleashed their attacks upon the immoble forms of the SkullWarGreymon, the combined might of the group overwhelming the Dark Digimon, who broke apart into shadows, leaving nothing but a large and smoldering crater in their place.
"And good riddance." Samudramon remarked, his antics causing SacredPhoenixmon, Lightbearer Ophanimon and MagnaVeedramon to sigh a little, knowing that the part of the dragon warrior Digimon that was Agumon wanted to kick the dark variants of his Mega Form in the asses.
Despite the pleasantries, however, a large object then landed before the heroes and heroines, causing a shockwave of dust and wind to spread out, forcing the group to shield their eyes for a moment.
When the dust settled, the group narrowed their eyes to see MetalLichmon before them, who chuckled in amusement as he looked at the heroes and heroines.
"Looks like you are as tough as they say, no wonder you took those weakling comrades of mine." The Dark General remarked as he looked between the heroes, his eyes landing upon MagnaVeedramon for a moment, knowing that the Dark Lady's prize was a part of the holy knight Digimon, and that he would have to break him to claim the human boy for his Mistress.
"But now, I will crush you all with my own hands." MetalLichmon declared.
Raising his blade up, MetalLichmon announced with a further dark glee. "And with my Ravager!"
As though hearing its Master's call, the massive dark machine, the Ravager, turned its mechanical head down towards the heroes and heroines, the mechanical monstrosity letting out a loud mechanized shriek as energy began to build up in its cannons.
Going on the defensive, the heroes and heroines prepared to face MetalLichmon and his creation, to protect the Metal Tribe and deny the Dark Lady her prize, no matter what it would take.
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As the fighting raged on, the heroes, heroines and the fighters of the Metal Tribe failed to notice that the shadows that made up the six SkullWarGreymon did not disappear, but instead slithered along the ground, moving past the fighting between the Metal Tribe and the heroes and heroines against the Dark Forces, none seeing them as they came together and moved through the opening in the wall.
Slithering past those repairing the damage to the outer defenses, the shadow moved through the city, reaching the entrance to the Metal Tribe's palace, before rising from the ground and taking on a single form, becoming a one entity.
As predicted, the Metal Tribe's arrogance and pride would be their undoing, so confident in their armies and tech that they would leave even the palace unguard at such a critical battle.
And now, beginning to walk forward, the Dark Lady moved confidently into the palace, searching for the Spark of Creation, ready to claim her prize before turning around to crush the city's defenders with her forces, along with the heroes and heroines, where she would finally claim Davis, provided MetalLichmon could hold them off long enough.
Sensing the energy of her prize, the Dark Lady smirked behind her mask.
Soon, her plan would finally come to fruition, no matter the cost.
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Author's note: The battle for the Metal Tribe has begun, and the heroes now face MetalLichmon and his Ravager. However, the Dark Lady herself has slipped past them and now seeks to claim the Spark of Creation before the heroes can react. Can they defeat MetalLichmon and stop the Dark Lady? Stay tuned as the adventure continues.