LordKillenKing - There was truly no better option for a Mega for Gokuwmon, and BELIEVE ME I LOOKED! I almost commissioned an artist to MAKE ONE XD

Sorry for the late chapter, been a rough couple weeks. I'm hoping the next one will be out much sooner, hope you all enjoy action because we are NECK DEEP!

Oh, also, there is a second movie in the works too. That's all I'll say on that for now X3

Totally unrelated to that announcement, Happy Valentines Day!

. . .

Cyber Core Hub Station

Central Ontario, Canada

. . .

After the rampant power surges, things were finally starting to settle down across the Cyber Core Network. With the immense excess power successful diverted or dissipated across various subsystems, it had been worse in certain areas than others. The sparsely populated central Ontario Province was one such area that experienced little trouble with the surge, leaving its skeleton crew of CS;GO Operators to their own devices...

"So... Who's your favorite one?" One heavy-set young man questioned, spinning his chair around to look at his coworker.

The freckled, glasses wearing woman quirked an eyebrow, eyes flicking up from her papers. "Are you really still on this?"

"Come on," He pressed, "We don't have much else to do, we've all seen them so... What's your favorite Digimon?"

"Hmph," She rolled her eyes, turning back to her monitor. "You should be focusing on watching for anomalies."

"In this side of the network?" He scoffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah right, nothing interesting happens up here..." Going silent for a moment, "You know I thought Raijinmon was pretty cool, I wonder what other kinda fusions they can do..."

"Cool?" She scoffed, back still turned to him, "He got bodied by Diaboromon."

"Because he was distracted," He defended, "He practically had that jerk on the ropes before that!"

"Excuses..." She waved him off, looking over at her phone idly. "Now... Gaioumon, that's a Digimon, so badass..."

"Eh, a little edgy for my tastes."

"NO HE ISN'T EDGY HE'S AMAZING SHUT UP!"

Though the moment he struck that particular nerve, one of the screens started flashing! Alarms sounding across the room, startling both of them. "Wh-What's happening!?"

"I don't know!" She replied, focusing purely on her screen. "There's... Some kind of anomaly!" Her eyes widening as she finally caught the object moving through the network. "Oh my god... It's huge!" She exclaimed, "Bigger than anything we've ever seen, we've gotta call this in before it breaches!"

. . .

The Bastion

. . .

"Enough of these games, Chessmon! Knights! Drive these invaders from our Bastion!"

The order was given, the die cast.

All that remained, was to find who would be left standing at the end of this conflict.

Between two forces of Good.

"I've got Alphamon!" Gankoomon assured, launching himself at the obsidian knight. Though the fiery new warrior was barely half his size, he struck with no fear in his heart. Throwing a mighty fist forward, wreathed in flames.

Alphamon brought up his own hand to catch the punch, forced to brace himself as the strike had him sliding back on his heels. "You certainly live up to your old reputation," Before a light began to form in his other hand. "Truly an incarnation of a Royal Knight!" Swinging his other hand forward, he unleashed a hail of those same green energy bolts, forcing Gankoomon to jump back, the smaller warrior batting the shots aside with his iron fists. "It is a shame you've chosen the wrong side..."

"Nah," He replied with a cocky grin, rolling his shoulders. "I'd hate to be on the same team as a tightwad like you!"

While back on the platform, things had likewise escalated.

"CHARGE!" One if the BishopChessmon roared, and in an instant the amassing legion of Chessmon began their assault on the heroes.

"Brace yourselves everyone!" Knightmon called out, drawing his enormous blade. "We must hold the center!"

"Looks like we're on boys!" Kinkakumon grinned wildly as she swung her club into the air. "LET'S GOOO!" Her war cry followed by a cacophony of cheers from the Goblinmon and Ogremon around her.

Triceramon sweatdropped, "Well at least they're eager." Before turning his attention to the oncoming horde, "You ready friend?" Eyes darting to Monochromon, as both digimon lowered their horns.

"I was born ready!" The champion dinosaur digimon replied, "COME ON!" Both enormous primal digimon attacked, counter charging the horde of Chessmon, smashing into their ranks and sending a number of them flying in an instant. Their superior size giving them an obvious edge over the much smaller digimon.

While explosions rained across the surrounding structures and streets, courtesy of artillery fire from the Guadromon and Tankdramon. Scattering the defenders of the Bastion as they rushed to cover. Machinedramon scanning the area, "There sure are a lot of them..."

"Well we've got a lot of ammo." Thomas replied simply, "But keep it low yield, the more we scare off the better..." None of them exactly liked the idea of killing all the Digimon here, but they knew the only chance for peace now was taking out the leadership, and that was a job left to the others. "Our job is suppression and crowd control, keep any reinforcements from supporting the battle in the center!"

"Roger that! Genocide Barrage!"

As the salvo was unleashed, Thomas jumped down to the ground below and turned to Datamon. "We'll hold the line here, they seem to be lacking in ranged options so we've got the advantage, but don't let your guard down."

Datamon nodded, "Understood!" Giving a salute, "Oh this is so exciting, my servos are positively buzzing!"

Back in the center, Gaioumon turned to his partner, as thunderous explosions echoed around them. "I'm going to help Gankoomon," Eyes darting up to where he was tangling with Alphamon, "The sooner we bring him down the better."

"I'm afraid I cannot let you do that," A loud thud sounded as the ivory knight Gallantmon touched down between Gaioumon and his chosen target. "As much as I hate this state of affairs, it is a Knights duty to act in Fealty, for the preservation of this World." Raising his arm, it morphed into a mighty lance. "I will be your oppo-"

His words were interrupted, as he was forced back behind his shield. Gaioumon's blades slamming into it with enough force to shake the platform after he'd crossed the distance between them with a single leap, "I don't want to hear your excuses," He said sharply, eyes narrowed into a death glare at the knight. "If you hate this, stand aside, otherwise keep your self righteous garbage to yourself!"

Gallantmon glared right back at him, "Attacking while my guard is down?" He scoffed, pushing back and thrusting with his lance, "I see you lack any sense of honor!"

But rather than retreat, Gaioumon leaned back just enough that the lance would only graze his chest. "You bastards started this war when you attacked us," He spat back, catching the lance between his blades and turning it aside. "You've killed our friends!" Spinning in place, he kicked one leg around Gallantmon's shield, striking him across the face with one clawed foot causing the Knight to slide back.

"Gnngh!" Gallantmon cringed as he regained his balance, going back on guard. "This rage I sense, is this the demon SlashAngemon mentioned!?"

The moment Gaioumon's feet hit the ground again, he charged. "Now we're here to FINISH IT!" Blades igniting into blue fire, as his clash with the crimson knight continued.

While back in the center, Kai turned to Madison. "We need to get Sam and get out of here," His eyes scanning the growing chaos all around them. "We might be fine, but the others won't be able to keep this up for long."

To which Madison nodded, turning to Knightmon. "Bring any wounded back here, I can gateway them if we need to." She instructed, "Kai you can heal them, right?"

The boy nodded, "Right, of course, that's a great idea Maddie."

Knightmon raised his blade, "Excellent idea indeed, I'll make sure the word gets around." He assured, "Gargomon! Make sure everyone knows as well." He ordered, the bunny gunner giving a salute before running off.

As he took off, a smaller figure that had been hiding behind him stepped up as well. Holding Kuramon in her arms, "What should we do?" Annika seeming a bit nervous about everything, but keeping up a brave face.

"Kuramon can digivolve into a strong digimon right?" Kai asked, "So save his strength, just in case we need the extra firepower."

Knowing she might not need to be involved in the fight at all seemed to ease her tension, as Annika smiled and nodded. "R-Right okay!"

BelleStarmon lifted up her gun, "I'm going after Sam, once we have her we can retreat through another portal."

Madison gave a firm nod in response, "Go, and be careful."

"Aren't I always?" BelleStarmon replied with a smug smirk, before spreading her wings and taking off into the sky, flying up towards Metallicdramon. "Hey!" Calling out to Angela and LovelyAngemon on his back. "We're going after Sam!" Her eyes landing on the angelic warrior, "You in?"

She cracked her knuckles, "Damn right," Before looking to her mother, "You should get to ground, so Metallicdramon can fight without worrying about your safety."

And to her surprise, the older woman nodded. "Right, we can't have anything slowing us down," As BelleStarmon took LovelyAngemon's hand to carry her into battle, Angela offered some parting words. "Good luck, I'll have Metallicdramon back you up as soon as I'm safe."

"Thanks." LovelyAngemon replied with a faint smile, "I promise we'll get her back." Before nodding to BelleStarmon, the duo taking off in the direction of the tower itself where Sam was watching.

Alphamon however, was keeping close tabs on what was happening on the battlefield. Somehow, even with Gankoomon's relentless assault, he could perceive of the newest threat to their situation. "Protect the Miracle at all costs!" He called out, and two of the remaining Alliance warriors answered.

BelleStarmon saw the angel first, seeing SlashAngemon flying towards them with his blades at the ready. "Ugh, this jerk again." Narrowing her eyes, "I've got sword boy, go save your sister!" Spinning around mid flight, she threw LovelyAngemon as hard as she could towards the tower, before taking aim at SlashAngemon with her cannon. "Ardor Blaster!" Firing the swirling beam of light at him.

He grit his teeth, forced to let LovelyAngemon fly past him just to evade the attack. "Damn demon!" He barked back at Tsu, "You'll pay for what happened to ClavisAngemon!"

"He got what he deserved," She scoffed, "For murdering Myotismon!"

While LovelyAngemon was almost to the balcony, her sister so close. "Samantha!" Outstretching her hand, "Come on!"

And she was about to accept her hand, ready to jump from the balcony. "Take me away from here!" But before their hands could meet, a bolt of golden light crashed down from above! Striking LovelyAngemon and sending her crashing into the base of the tower. "No!" Her eyes darting up to Magnamon as he hovered overhead, "You bastard!"

The gilded knight turned away from her gaze, "Don't pretend to care about your partners now," He scoffed, more golden orbs forming around him. "I will not allow you t-"

Before the rubble beneath them exploded, "HrrrAAAAAGGGH!" LovelyAngemon launching from the dust, as she began running up the side of the tower. "MAGNAMON!"

"Ngh!" The golden warrior tensing up, before he clenched his fists. "Stay down!" Firing off more Plasma Shots, the golden orbs racing towards her.

But before they could reach her, she used her hair to grab a nearby ledge and swing herself into the air, the golden bolts exploding behind her. "I don't know what your problem is with my sister!" Spiraling into the air as lights glimmered around her form, "But as long as I'm here YOU WON'T TAKE HER AGAIN!" She declared, "DREAM HURRICANE!" Unleashing a brutal hail of kicks and strikes from her long pony-tails! Battering Magnamon around as he desperately tried to defend himself, before she grabbed him by the arms and pulled herself in close, knuckles glowing with rainbow light. "Marble IMPACT!"

"GAH!" Striking him in the gut, she sent the golden warrior smashing into the upper levels of the tower.

Before landing on the balcony beside Samantha, panting lightly. "Are you alright?"

Seeing her here, so close again, Sam started to tear up a bit. "Yeah, I'm good." She assured, wiping them away with a smile as she stepped closer and hugged her sister. "Thank you, and... I'm sorry." She added, "I've been... A complete idiot."

"Yeah, you have." LovelyAngemon replied, giving her a light bonk on the head with one of her pony-tail fists. Before she reciprocated her hug, "But lets save the reunion for when we're safe." Looking back out across the growing battlefield, "Come on, we have to get you to Madison."

Causing Sam to blink, "The plan is to run away?"

"..." LovelyAngemon hesitated for a moment, "You're the target, if we get you out of here Alphamon may surrender."

To which she shook her head, "No, that's not gonna happen, you guys don't understand," She stepped back from her sister, "I'm it, I'm the only hope these guys have, Alphamon would sooner die than lose me now."

LovelyAngemon nodded her head slowly, "I understand... Then, I guess we have t-" Before a hole was blown in the ceiling nearby, filling Sam's luxury room with dust and dirt.

Magnamon floated down through the hole, his armor scuffed up as he glared at LovelyAngemon. "You won't be going anywhere with her." He assured, before his golden armor lit up brighter.

The angelic warrior stepped away from Sam and tightened her stance. "Yeah I guess we'll just have to beat all of you, so bring it on!"

The Golden Knight was happy to oblige, charging her at full speed. Slamming right into LovelyAngemon, smashing her through the balcony and carrying her away from the tower. And once they were far enough, "Alphamon! DO IT NOW!"

Causing LovelyAngemon to tense up as she realized she'd walked into a trap of some kind. "What!?"

The obsidian knight had just finished blasting Gankoomon away again, when he turned his gaze to the heavens. "AZULONGMON!" He called out, voice booming with incredible force, so much so that it shook the earth, and all throughout the mighty fortress could hear him. "I call upon you! To protect the Bastion! AND THE HOPES OF ALL WHO RESIDE WITHIN!"

The mighty voice caused a pause all across the battlefield, as the clouds above began to darken. Slowly, raindrops started to fall upon the fortress, soaking all within. While Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed in the sky, and a great serpentine shape began to lower itself into view, its swirling shape casting a great shadow over the Bastion while the invaders looked up in awe.

"Hear me, Chosen," His voice rumbled with the thunder, eyes flashing with divine wrath. "Surrender, leave this place, or face the Fury of a Great Dragon!"

"Uh..." Cody swallowed nervously, "Okay for real guys I did not know about this one... Plan?"

Thomas rubbed his chin as he stared up at the giant dragon, "Hmm... That's a big digimon," Looking up at his partner. "What do you think?"

Machinedramon rumbled as he shifted aim to the heavens, "I think it's time to fire up the big guns." He said simply, "How's this for an answer, INFINITY CANNON!"

Evidently, the last thing Azulongmon expected was for them to respond instantly with an attack. The beam of light struck his semi-ethereal form and caused an explosion in the sky above the bastion as the Great Dragon reeled back.

Alphamon was beside himself, "Did he just attack Azulongmon!?" He demanded, "Without any hesitation!?"

Before Gankoomon slammed a fist into the side of his jaw, causing Alphamon to stumble back a step. "Ha! Damn right he did!" Before planting both feet on the Knights chest and kicking off with even more force! Backflipping through the air to land a safe distance away, "You can't intimidate us anymore!"

Alphamon regained his composure, clenching his fist as he glared at the arrogant warrior before him. "You've sealed your own fates!"

The smoke clouds above cleared, and Azulongmon was glaring back at the machine that had dared to attack him. "Impudent fool!" Pulling back, raising his head higher as the horn on his helm started to spark with lightning, the clouds rumbling louder around him. "SOURAI!"

Bolts of divine, heavenly blue lightning cracked through the clouds, falling upon the Bastion like divine judgement. Explosions echoed across the fortress, the bolts striking closer and closer to the heroes and their allies!

"Everyone fall back!" Knightmon commanded, "Find cover!"

"This is bad!" Kai exclaimed, before a bolt of lightning struck closer to the platform and made him stumble back towards Madison. "Watch out! We need to get out of the open!"

She nodded, "I'll try to make us a portal to outside the fortress!" Her eyes darted to Annika, who was also running for cover with the others. "I think it might be time for that extra firepower!"

While Machinedramon watched his allies, his friends, being scattered and attacked by the Great Dragon. "Stop it!" He roared, opening all silos, "I'm your opponent you overgrown snake!" Firing off a barrage of missiles, they hurled through the sky and exploded against Azulongmon's form causing the mighty dragon to shudder.

"Hmph, so be it!" Azulongmon coiled up into the air, before spiraling down towards the earth.

Datamon swallowed nervously, "I-Incoming!"

Machinedramon braced himself, "BRING IT ON!"

And Azulongmon brought it alright, pulling up at the last second, he slammed headfirst into Machinedramon's large metal body, the impact sent tremors throughout the bastion and created a shockwave that temporarily halted the rainfall. "Hrnngh! You're stronger than you appear, machine!" The great dragon conceded, "But not nearly strong enough!" Adding more to his own push, Machinedramon started to give ground, being pushed further and further back across the Bastion! Smashing through buildings one after another until they finally crashed through the outer wall itself!

"Gnnngh! Come on!" Machinedramon's metal body creaked, gears hissing and steam venting as he fought back against the force of a Divine Beast. "This is nuts! I can barely slow him down!"

But just as Azulongmon forced the great Machine out and into the wasteland that surrounded the Bastion, he pulled back. "I am oathsworn to protect this final Bastion against invaders, you will find no victory in this place," The divine dragon assured, thunder rumbling in the sky again as rain continued to fall. "Only blood."

As Machinedramon recomposed himself, he saw something past the mighty dragon, coming in fast from the clouds. "Hmph, well good for me, I don't bleed!"

A beam of pure white light struck Azulongmon from behind before he had a chance to respond, causing the dragon to lurch forward! "Gnngh! Who dares!?" Turning his head back to see Metallicdramon flying by at the speed of sound, "Another machi-" But he was interrupted as a swarm of missiles from Machinedramon exploded against his face and body!

"You are sworn to protect this place, but we aren't leaving without our friend!" He declared, twin cannons roaring to life, "Let's see what's stronger, your Oath or our Friendship!"

. . .

Grayson

. . .

"I want a status report."

"Scrambling Canadian Air Forces to remain on overwatch, the surrounding area is being evacuated by the National Guard as well."

"Any luck in contacting the kids?"

"None yet, sir, but we'll keep trying."

Grayson nodded his head, looking back to the main screen as they monitored the enormous mass of data nearing the hub. "Put every resource on making a connection, if this has anything to do with that Dragon mentioned in the message... We're in big trouble."

"Sir!" Another voice chimed in, "We've got confirmation on that asset of yours, waiting to speak with you directly on the main line."

Grayson sighed and turned to the sideview screen, "Put her through."

In an instant, the screen changed to a video call. On the other side was none other than the armored form of Kuzuhamon, "Is this thing working? Can you here me humans?"

"Affirmative, we can hear you loud and clear." Grayson nodded, "Hope you don't mind the sudden pick up, but you understand the gravity of the situation I take it?"

To which she nodded, "I have been informed, and while I don't think I stand any kind of chance against the Wyrm if it has come for this world... I will do what I can to buy time."

"Good to hear," Grayson said with a grim smirk, "You've got some experience with this monster, any advice you can give my boys on the ground would be welcome."

Kuzuhamon remained silent for a moment, before finally responding. "I will ensure no harm comes to them so long as I draw breath, it is the least I can do to repay my debt..."

"Well hopefully it doesn't come to that." Grayson replied, "Good luck, we'll be watching." Before ending the call, his eyes drifting down. "Come on kids, we need you now... If this is really Megidramon, we're finished without you all..."

. . .

(Similar to the Volcano Battle, from here on our the next few scenes will all be occurring at once to keep things less chaotic)

. . .

BelleStarmon

Angel's Grace

. . .

Even with lightning coursing through the heavens, BelleStarmon and her Angelic Foe were not dissuaded from continuing their battle for aerial dominance. Her golden claws unleashing a flash of sparks every time they collided with his twin sword arms! Despite her earlier troubles with ClavisAngemon, now that she was fighting in the ascended state of Blast Mode, she was having little trouble handling the armored angel.

"You should quit while you're behind!" She scoffed while flipping over another one of his wild slashes, before planting the barrel of her cannon arm at his back. "Ardor Blaster!" Firing a burst of that pink and purple light that sent him hurling towards the earth far below.

"GAAAH!" He cried out in pain before smashing through the rooftop of a stone building, the following explosion nearly burying him in rubble before he launched himself out through sheer willpower! "Demon!" SlashAngemon cried, glaring up at Tsu as she made her descent. "How!? How did she grow so much stronger in such a short time!?" He demanded internally, panting heavily for breath. "At this rate-" But the thought was cut off as he slashed an arm through the air, "No! I will not yield! I am the last of the Heavenly Hierarchy!" He declared, struggling to spread his cracked metal wings. "I must destroy you!"

BelleStarmon narrowed her eyes as she touched down on a rooftop across from him, "He can barely stand at this point," She noted, "If you're truly the last, then why bind yourself to their beliefs?" She questioned, "Wouldn't you rather live for yourself?"

"Your attempts at Seduction will not work on me!" SlashAngemon barked back, launching himself in her direction as his blades roared to life with light! "GOLDEN RIPPER!"

BelleStarmon sighed as she leaned back to evade the horizontal slashes, before kicking upward and driving her boots into the angels armored chest. "This is is just sad." She thought, her tail grabbing him by the leg before slamming him right back down onto the rooftop, sending cracks through the surface. Tsu stood up fully keeping her cannon trained on him, "So you're the last angel huh? Funny, I'm the last of the Seven Demon Lords... At least, I was," She stated, "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not Lilithmon anymore."

SlashAngemon pushed himself up onto his knees, "A Demon by any other name is just as vile." He spat.

BelleStarmon rolled her eyes at that, "My god you are relentless..." Slowly looking out across the Bastion, or rather the battlefield it had been reduced to, as rain swashed across the ruined buildings. "So tell me, when the other Demon Lords are reborn like I was... Will you hunt them down too? And kill them again?" She questioned, "And when they're reborn after that? And after that?"

The angel glared up at her, "I... I will destroy them... As many times as it takes!"

"And what if they changed?" She challenged, "The same why I did... What if they became more than monsters?" Tsu asked, lowering her weapon. "Would you still hunt them then?"

SlashAngemon grit his teeth, "You will never be more than that!" Lunging at her the moment her guard was down, raising his blade high to cleave her in two!

But as the blade came down, she caught it with one hand, stopping it effortlessly as she locked eyes with him. "That is not for you to decide," She retorted, before tightening her grip and snapping his blade right off! Tossing the metal aside, "We can choose to change... Others can help us change, but you are too stubborn to believe that."

"Grrr... DON'T TALK DOWN TO ME!" SlashAngemon attempted to swing at her with his remaining sword arm, but this time she simply raised her boot and slammed it down onto the blade making it snap right off as well! "Gah! N-No! I cannot lose!" He exclaimed, "I must avenge ClavisAngemon!"

BelleStarmon narrowed her eyes at the mention of that angel, lunging for him with her Golden Claw, she grabbed him by the face and slammed him down onto the rooftop finally causing it to crumble! Falling through until he was smashed into the floor below, "Angels and demons, a cycle of death..." She mused, releasing her grip on his face rather than sinking in the deadly Razor Nail. "This fight is over."

SlashAngemon couldn't move an inch, body shuddering whenever he made an attempt to. "D-Do your worst... Demon!"

Tempting as it was- "No, I won't kill you." She shook her head, "As much as I'd love to mount your head on a spike," Stepping off of him and turning away. "I know Maddie would not approve..."

"M-Maddie!?" SlashAngemon repeated in disbelief as she walked away from him. "You can't fool me demon! I know no human could bend your will!"

BelleStarmon paused after blowing a hole in the wall to leave through. "Hmph, perhaps... But my Madison is no human," She looked back at him with a faint smile, "She's a real angel... And she is gentle, I'd like to be more like her..." Before spreading her wings, and taking flight into the rainy sky.

Leaving the last Angel behind to wallow in his defeat, safe in the knowledge that he could not bring harm to her anymore...

. . .

Gaioumon

Clash of Wills

. . .

"LIGHTNING JOUST!"

"RINKAZAN!"

Lights flashed and sparks flew as Gallantmon's super charged Gram Lance made contact with Gaioumon's twin blades wreathed in blue fire. Neither warrior seemed willing to surrender even an inch as they pushed back against one another, the ground shaking beneath their feet as both armored fighters dug in their heels.

"With Azulongmon's help you cannot hope to stand against us!" Gallantmon stated, beginning to raise his shield with his other arm. "Surrender before more lives are needlessly lost!"

Gaioumon grit his teeth within his helm, "We'll be happy to leave, with Samantha!" His eyes darting to the shield as it began to rise, seeming the symbols along its surface beginning to glow. "I sense some great power coming from that shield, I need to back off!" Using his clawed feet to better grip the earth beneath him, Gaioumon jumped back to put distance between himself and the shield.

"Do not make me destroy you!" Gallantmon cried, aiming the shield at his fleeing foe. "SURRENDER!"

But Gaioumon was far too stubborn, "You first! RINKAGEKI!" Slashing with his burning hot blades, unleashing a swath of flames at his opponent, cutting through the air towards him.

Gallantmon narrowed his eyes, "So be it..." The lights along his shield glowing brighter, "SHIELD OF THE JUST!"

Unleashing a beam of red and golden light from the center of his mighty shield, taking Gaioumon by surprise as it blew through his attack with ease and crossed the distance in seconds. He barely had time to brace himself before it smashed into his body! Pushing him back across the battlefield before it erupted in a fiery explosion!

"Hmph," Gallantmon slashed his lance through the air. "What a waste... Hmm?" Watching as the smoke cleared, he'd see the warrior was still on his feet! "Impossible!"

Though his armor was in tatters, chest nearly completely exposed and covered in burns. "Was that... Your best!?" He rasped out, a wild look in his eyes.

Gallantmon readied himself once more, "You're certainly a tenacious one, not many can stand the force of my Shield."

Gaioumon kicked off the ground into a reckless charge, "So long as this battle continues, I cannot fall!" He declared, fires starting to ignite around his body. "I can feel it, this one isn't as blinded by his belief as the others." He surmised, leaping into the air and diving into a spiral towards the ivory knight. "GRAVE TORNADO!" As ghostly blue flames swirled around his body.

Gallantmon dug in his heels once more raising his shield, "My Aegis can weather any assault!" The burning torrent slammed into his braced shield, the Knight cringing as the tongues of fire lapped at him from around its edges but even as he was slowly pushed the Aegis did not falter. "It seems we're both fueled by our desires to save something!" He declared, as Gaioumon's spinning blades slammed into his shield over and over again.

The burning warrior didn't relent in his assault, even as his arms began to tire. "If we work together we can save EVERYONE!" He assured, "If you weren't so blinded by your fear you might see that!"

"Hmph," Gallantmon narrowed his eyes at that, "Do not mock me, I am driven by Fealty not fear!" The surface of his lance started to spark with lightning once again, "It is this code that keeps us from falling into pure chaos!" Thrusting forward the moment he saw an opening in Gaioumon's attack, "If I can just disarm him he may see reason!"

"Gnngh!" The edge of the lance cut into his left wrist, forcing Gaioumon to relent in his attacks as he dropped one blade. But this didn't discourage him, no it only seemed to increase his ire! "I know all about Knights and their fealty!" He scoffed, flipping his remaining blade around in his other hand, he used the now reversed edge to catch the top of Gallantmon's Aegis, hooking the edge of it and pulling it downward forcing him to drop his shield! "HRAAAAGH!" With his opening, Gaioumon clenched his empty left hand into a fist and threw a punch with all the force he could muster behind it!

"GAH!" Gallantmon gasped as he was cracked right across the jaw, the blow sending him reeling back. "A-A punch!?" Eyes darting back to the now fully disarmed Warrior before him.

"Tell me, what good is your Fealty if it keeps you from choosing for yourself!?" Gaioumon demanded, crossing the distance and slamming into Gallantmon with his bare hands, wrapping them around his waist as the air around them started to burn hotter! "I can't use my blades as a catalyst, so I'll just use my armor"

This close, Gallantmon had no angle to stab at him with the lance or push back with his shield! "What are you doing!? Release me!" The air began to pop around them both! "What kind of attack is this!?"

"GAIA BREAKER!"

The thunderous explosion sent dirt and dust sky high, shaking the earth around them as both warriors were engulfed in the fiery explosion.

It was moments later, when Gallantmon's senses would return to him. Forcing himself up as he panted heavily, looking around for any sign of his foe while bracing himself for another attack. Expecting the tenacious demon to strike from within the dust cloud. Until he saw Gaioumon nearby, on shaky legs as he retrieved his dropped twin blades.

His eyes widening at the extent of the injuries across his form, the ivory knight himself had taken severe damage as well from the suicidal attack but Gaioumon appeared as though he might collapse any second. "Is he truly willing to sacrifice himself so carelessly?" He wondered, before he narrowed his eyes. "Stop this battle, you're in no shape to continue and you've proven yourself a worthy opponent." He urged, lowering his lance, "It would do me no honor to destroy you."

"And what honor comes with sacrificing others to achieve your goals?" Gaioumon challenged, turning back to face him as the dust cleared. The slowly growing wreckage across the Bastion becoming more clear as the rain continued to fall. "What honor is there in any of this? Is this what your fealty demands?"

"Tch, and what would you know of Fealty?" Gallantmon demanded, "What do you know of a knights code?" Watching as those blades of Gaioumon's started to heat up, "He can't seriously be considering continuing this battle can he!?"

"I was raised by the Last Knightmon," Gaioumon stated bluntly, assuming a shaky fighting stance. "Until I met my human partner, all I knew was the honor of a Knight." He added, "But I have seen myself that even Knights may falter, and in times of fear, and desperation, that same Fealty that guides you, may be blinding." Stomping one foot, his blades went from just glowing to igniting with fire. "I will not fall until I have opened your eyes once more!"

"The last... Knightmon." Gallantmon's eyes were wide as he processed the information, this warriors staunch determination and unbreakable spirit suddenly made sense. His eyes drifted across the rain soaked battlefield, "Perhaps... Perhaps we have all been blinded..." He conceded internally, "Perhaps, we have all forgotten how to Hope..." His own doubts in the back of his mind creeping towards the surface once again. "But I cannot just abandon by duties as a knight... Not while I can still fight!"

"Hmm?" Gaioumon's stance shifted, as he watched Gallantmon collapse to his knees.

"Damn," The ivory knight grunted out, "Seems that last attack took more out of me than I realized... My body just won't hold up at this rate." He admitted, slowly looking back at Gaioumon. "Seems you've won this round..."

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "So it would seem... But what will you do now?"

Gallantmon sighed, looking up to the sky as the water droplets landed on his helm. "I think I'll take a moment to breathe... And enjoy the cleansing rain."

And so another brutal battle would come to a close, not in resounding victory for one side or the other... But in a silent understanding.

. . .

Machinedramon

Clash of Titans

. . .

While the fortress had turned into a battlefield, the wastelands beyond were now the proverbial stomping grounds of massive Digimon. As Azulongmon hovered above, his eyes glaring down at Machinedramon. Who stood within a sprawling field of stony spires, and the robotic wyvern Metallicdramon that was circling at a safe distance.

"If you think another machine will be enough to bring down a Divine Dragon, you're sorely mistaken!" Azulongmon rumbled as thunder shook the heavens.

"We won't just beat you!" Machinedramon barked back, "We're going to defeat your entire stupid Alliance!"

Lightning cracked overhead, as the great Dragon scoffed. "You will not take one more step within the Bastion, this ends NOW-" His building fury was suddenly halted, as a small light appeared between them, a tiny swirling gateway! And out of it, popped the diminutive form of Kuramon, followed by both Annika and Thomas! "You bring not just human children, but a baby to this battlefield!?" He demanded with a righteous indignation. "Have you no restraint!?"

Annika swallowed nervously, "H-He's pretty scary..."

Thomas nodded, "He sure is... How you doing Machinedramon!?"

"About time you caught up Thomas, I'm doing juuust fine." Machinedramon rumbled, eyes locking onto Kuramon. "Ready to do this, friend?"

Kuramon big eye glistened with excitement, before he bounced forward away from the others. "Friend! Fight... For... FRIENDS!" His little body starting to glow.

Annika's eyes widened as she gasped, "H-He's doing it!"

Thomas took her hand, "We should probably get back, things are about to get loud."

"Kuramon! WARP SHINKA!"

His tiny body was surrounded in a cocoon of light! Swirling as it grew larger and larger!

Until out of it popped the lanky body of a former enemy, sporting those devilish horns and creepy eyes.

"Diaboromon!"

"Summon as many allies as you like!" Azulongmon scoffed, as lightning cracked through the sky above once more. "It will make no difference!" The great dragon lunging forward once more, as the heavens rained divine bolts. "SOURAI!"

"Here he comes!" Machinedramon braced himself. "LETS DO THIS!" Opening all silos, "GENOCIDE BARRAGE!"

While Machinedramon fired his salvo at the dragons head to create cover, Metallicdramon circled through the skies to flank him. Diaboromon doing the same by springing off the ground and latching onto one of the mighty stone pillars the dotted the landscape!

The missiles hit mark, exploding against Azulongmon's body and blinding him for only a moment. Before he charged through the smokescreen, slamming his mighty helmed face into Machinedramon, driving his horn into his right shoulder while pushing him back further. "Your attacks cannot harm me!"

"Maybe from the front!" He growled out while trying to hold his ground, before lifting his left arm upwards. "You've left yourself wide open! TRIDENT CLAW!" Launching his cabled arm, it wrapped around Azulongmon's neck and snared him tight! "NOW!"

Metallicdramon didn't need to be told twice, opening his maw and unleashing another beam of light along with a volley of his own missiles! Attacking Azulongmon's exposed back from above while Diaboromon's chest cannon opened wide from below. "CATASTROPHE CANNON!" Unleashing bolts of orange light from his chest cavity.

"Gnngh!" Azulongmon cringed as the attacks hit him from all sides, exploding, burning into his back and underbelly. "Hrrngh! I will not fall!" His entire body started to surge with power, as lightning overhead came crashing down upon his horn. "FACE THE DRAGON'S WRATH!"

Blue lightning was unleashed in all directions, bolts striking out at random! Leveling the stone pillars, forcing Diaboromon to retreat while Metallicdramon was struck by a stray surge. It ripped through one of his wings, causing him to fall from the sky! All while Machinedramon was blown back, his extended claw he'd been using to ensnare the dragon was ripped to shreds! While the massive machine crashed back against one of the stone pillars nearly bringing it down on his own head.

"Ow..." He rumbled, body steaming as portions of his frame had become partially melted by the intense heat of the bolts. A crack in his helm leaving one glowing red eye-lens hanging out. "Alright... Might have misread that one."

"This is bad!" Annika exclaimed, both her and Thomas currently hiding away in a bubble he'd created by altering some coding with his Crest. "Thomas what do we do!?"

"Give me a second," Thomas assured, trying to put his big brain to work. "So this is the power of a divine dragon... And even this guy is scared of Megidramon?" He questioned, "If we just had a way to turn that power against him..." His eyes drifting up to the storm clouds above, "Wait, that's it!" Opening a hole in the barrier, he stepped outside. "Stay here! I'll be back!"

"What!?" Annika cried out as he took off running, the door closed sealing her inside the protective bubble of data. "Thomas are you crazy!?"

While Azulongmon loomed over the battlefield, eyes darting to the fallen Metallicdramon, who was struggling to do more than rise to his feet. Before they drifted back to the heavily damaged Machinedramon. "You forced me to expel quite a bit of my power, commendable that you are even still alive." His sharp eyes narrowed, "But this fight is over."

While Thomas was running towards his partner, "Gotta be fast, if I can alter Machinedramon's build, just reroute power through the Infinity Engine and let Azulongmon do the rest of the work!" His eyes darting back up to the Dragon as it moved in for the kill. "But I need more time!"

Their saving grace came in the form of a devil rising from the rubble, "Cable Crusher!" As Diaboromon's long arms exploded from beneath fallen stones, stretching up high into the air and grabbing Azulongmon by his long white hair!

"Gah! You pest!" The dragon hissed as those sharp red claws dug into the roots on contact.

Before he even had a chance to react though, Diaboromon used that grip to pull himself right up to Azulongmon's face! "CATASTROPHE CANNON!" Firing off rounds at point blank range over and over, blinding the dragon's eyes once more as he reeled back. While Diaboromon released his grip, planting both feet along Azulongmon's burning faceplate and used it to springboard away towards the ground, landing below.

"Your efforts are futile, you must see that!" Azulongmon growled out in annoyance, locking onto the strange digimon. "SOURAI!"

As the lightning crashed down, Diaboromon launched himself across the surface of the ground, staying low as he flew through the air at high speed beneath Azulongmon. "CATASTROPHE CANNON!" Firing more bolts of light right into his body! Hammering away at the Dragons mighty defenses.

But he was not faster than light, and could not evade the storm forever.

As one bolt of falling lightning clipped his shoulder, sending his flight into a death spiral! Diaboromon crashed hard across the unforgiving surface of the wasteland, tumbling to a halt before more bolts of lightning fell upon his form! Striking him over and over again as his body spasmed and shook from the sensations.

"NO! KURAMON!" Annika cried out in fear.

"Hmph, and that's enough out of you..." Azulongmon rumbled, regaining some form of his composure, before a loud metal screeching drew his eyes back to his real foe. "Oh?" Quirking an eyebrow as he watched the badly injured Machinedramon rising to his feet. Both arms no longer seemed to respond however, as they hung limp at his sides. "You intend to continue this pointless battle in that state?"

"Thinking about it." He answered sarcastically, "Arms are busted, silos won't open... But the cannon's still work." He assured smugly.

His tone evidently drew the ire of the dragon, as his eyes narrowed sharply once more. "Not for much longer." As lightning crackled in the sky above, Azulongmon raised his head towards the heavens and a thousand bolts crashed down upon his horn. "This fate is one you brought upon yourself! GRAND SOURAI!"

As the lightning bolt was launched from Azulongmon's horn, Machinedramon tensed up. "It's now or never Thomas!"

"I'm ready!" The boy assured by his side, one hand firmly on his partner's leg. "Lets bring this dragon down!" Using the power of his crest to put his changes into motion! "Machinedramon Alteration L.R!" He cried out.

And while his partner stood still, the metal work between his cannons opened up! And out of it raised an enormous metal spire! The moment it reached up higher into the air, Azulongmon's enormous bolt of Lightning was redirected right into it! "What is this!?" The dragon demanded, watching his power surge right into Machinedramon's body while not seeming to harm him at all!

"Oooh th-this is..." He shuddered, lights flashing across his body while sparks flew from any exposed wires. "A lot... Too much..." His body started to steam, before his remaining red eye locked onto Azulongmon. "My turn." The twin cannon barrels took aim, starting to glow so bright it was almost blinding to the divine Dragon. "Capacitors... Overloading..." He lurched forward, both cannon's extending further than usual, "10,000%, QUANTUM INFINITY CANNON!"

The light was so intense, all other colors seemed to fade around them as the beams were unleashed. Everything turning gray for a moment as the golden beams cut through the sky and blasted Azulongmon's body! Pushing the enormous dragon back as he cried out. "GAAH! I-Impossible!" Before an explosion erupted from the beams, consuming the Divine Dragon in fire while blowing away much of the clouds that had been raining upon the Bastion, allowing sunlight to come down once more.

Thomas had been holding his breath, but released a sigh of relief as he watched the massive dragon plummeting from the smoke. The earth shaking as Azulongmon struck down just outside the Bastions walls. He was alive, but appeared to have been knocked out of his fight, for the moment anyways.

"Nice work bud." He chuckled, tapping Machinedramon's leg.

"Thomas we really need to talk about these experimental plans of yours." Machinedramon rumbled, taking a few steps forward. "I think my sensors were shot by that overload on my capacitors... I can't feel anything... Or see anything... In fact my only functioning sensors are those used for audio."

Thomas laughed nervously, "Hey this is a better than you blowing yourself up like last time!"

"You turned me into a Lightning Rod, I'd rather be unconscious right now."

. . .

LovelyAngemon

The Golden Vow

. . .

After their battle carried them far away from the tower, the Guardians of the Miracle would face off amongst a field of rubble left by Machinedramon's initial attack. LovelyAngemon on her guard with fists up while Magnamon hovered across from her, each glaring daggers at one another, while rain fell upon them and the sounds of battle raged all around.

"How much blood will it take you to realize she isn't worth it?" Magnamon questioned sharply.

"The only blood left to be spilled is yours." LovelyAngemon spat back, clenching her fists tightly. "I already told you, I'm not leaving without my sister!" Before charging straight at him.

Somehow, Magnamon's scowl deepened even further, he raised his palm and conjured a golden orb of light. "Sister? How foolish," He scoffed, firing off the orb of light, followed by another and another! "She's truly made you believe she cares hasn't she?"

LovelyAngemon knocked aside the first orb with her glowing golden knuckles, before using her long pony-tails to flip herself up into the air over the others! "Shut up!" Slamming down her fist, but her knuckles only met earth as Magnamon jumped back. "If you were truly her guardian, you should be trying to stop this!"

The moment Magnamon touched down again, he launched himself forward at her, "She is no partner of mine any longer!" He shouted back at her, another golden orb forming in his palm. "She made that clear when she left me behind!"

"What?" She barely had time to process that before counter attacking, springing forward as well with her fist drawn back. "Hraaagh! MARBLE IMPACT!"

Magnamon attempted to drive the orb right into her body, but she blocked it with her punch, wreathed in rainbow light as the colors warped and sparked off one another while the two sibling digimon struggled against each other. Before the power struggle became too much to contain, and a mighty explosion erupted between them both! Sending the fighters sliding back on their heels.

LovelyAngemon grit her teeth, right arm burned and aching following the blast. "You expect me to feel sorry for you?"

Magnamon's arm was likewise in rough shape following the blast, cracks lining his golden bracer. "I expect you to understand by now," He scoffed, "She already tried to abandon you, remember? Rather than stand with you until the end, she left you behind to come with us and embrace her destiny!" His cries growing more frantic, as past trauma's that had been long buried were dragged back to the surface.

"You're a fool if you believe that!" LovelyAngemon shouted back, raising not only her fists but her pony-tails as well, preparing for another attack. "The difference this time is that I didn't give up on her!" Before charging him with reckless abandon once again, "All she wanted was to protect us!"

"We are her guardians!" Magnamon shouted back, slashing a hand through the air as multiple golden orbs formed around him. "We shouldn't need her protection! But she thinks we're WEAK!" Firing them off at her in rapid succession.

"She does or you do?" She challenged, gracefully dodging between the blasts as she crossed the distance, "I think it's time someone knocked some sense into you!" She added, swinging one mighty fist from below. "Might as well be your replacement!" Delivering a brutal uppercut before he had a chance to evade, knocking Magnamon up into the air, but LovelyAngemon was right behind him. "Dream HURRICANE!" Unleashing a flurry of blows from both her fists, and the hardened ends of her pony-tails, battering him from all sides!

"Gah! Gnngh!" He cringed as he was beaten, eyes clenching shut. "No! I-I can't-" His armor started to glow brighter, as his eyes shot wide open. "I WON'T LOSE! EXTREME JIHAD!" Unleashing a burst of glorious golden light at point blank range, blasting not only LovelyAngemon by the majority of the surrounding area!

Though, when the light faded it seemed the bout had no winner yet. As both Magnamon and LovelyAngemon struck the ground only a few feet apart from one another, landing on their backs with both bodies heavily damaged, burned and battered. Their collective injuries caused a lull in the fighting, as rain continued pouring over the Bastion, giving them each a moment to breathe.

A moment to think.

"I have to get up," LovelyAngemon told herself, trying to force her body to rise. "I can't fail again!"

The Golden Knight's mind plagued by his own worries, "Even now... Even now I can't-" Clenching his eyes shut, "I... Was supposed to always protect her, that was my Vow." Magnamon rasped out, "But in the time of our greatest crisis, she left me behind to save the world alone... Was I not fit to stand by her side? Was I... Am I still too weak?"

LovelyAngemon winced in pain as she answered, "It's not about how strong you were... She just wanted to protect you, and me..."

"But ever since that day, the day I wasn't allowed to die with her," Magnamon sat up slowly, looking down at his trembling hands. "I have... Done nothing!" Clenching them tightly into fists. "Day after day I've followed Alphamon, and stood with the Alliance, but nothing has changed... I've not saved the Digital World, fought any great evils, or grown any stronger! I'm just as weak as I was back then!"

The sentiment, the fear, was familiar to her, too familiar. "Has he really been holding onto these feelings for all this time?" She wondered, sitting up as well so they could face one another eye to eye. "I understand fearing your own weakness... Allowing yourself to become trapped by it," She offered, "Until recently, I felt the same way... I cannot imagine how long you've felt that pain in your heart." Shaking her head, "But you cannot take that out on Sam... She's already been saddled with a terrible burden."

The gilded knight hesitated for a moment, unable to fight the truth he knew in his heart. "You're right... I know you're right but... But I-" Bringing one hand to his chest as he gripped his golden chest piece, "What am I supposed to do then!?" Magnamon demanded, "Beyond Alphamon, beyond this Alliance... I have nothing!" He exclaimed, before all that fire burned out, his shoulders slouched and his head lowered. "I am nothing..."

LovelyAngemon hesitated for a moment, trying to choose her words carefully. Knowing she was not the best at this sort of thing, "You could choose to stand by her again."

"Hmph, and turn my back on Alphamon? My remaining Knight brothers? That's suicide..." He scoffed, shaking his head while still staring at the ground. "Besides, after the things I've said and done, she'd never accept me, I don't understand her the way I used to."

LovelyAngemon sighed and started to force herself up, rising on her feet and walking towards him. "That's the funny thing about family, sometimes you fight, say things you shouldn't have... But at the end of the day, you're still family." She offered him a hand, smiling faintly. "Besides, Samantha isn't that complicated... She's already told us exactly what she wants."

Magnamon blinked in surprise, looking up at her hand. A thunderous burst tore through the skies above, and following it the clouds were parted and the rain came to a halt. Allowing sun to shine upon the Bastion once more. While those desperate- No, those hopeful cries from before echoed in his mind.

"I WANT TO FIGHT!"

"I WANT TO GO ON ADVENTURES WITH YOU ALL AGAIN!"

"AND I WANT TO SAVE THE DIGITAL WORLD TOGETHER!"

Causing him to release a short, pained laugh. "Yes... I suppose you're right... Very well." Reaching up to accept her hand, "Let's go get her... And face Alphamon."