Digital Crisis: Grand Adventure

by ManyMonsters

In a golden era of ever expanding technology, humanity enjoys peace. But these advancements have drawn the attention of beings from beyond. As worlds collide, four teens are chosen to defend both worlds from destruction. / Rated T for language and violence - As well as some darker themes. The End Approaches!

54. Digital Crisis: The Movie 2!

Happy Easter everyone! Like Big J himself I have risen after being dead for awhile!

Terrible jokes aside, I've got some explaining to do!

After that last Chapter, I wanted to take a step back and take what comes next very carefully. As we are in the end now, I just have to decide whether the finale is going to be one enormous chapter or a two part piece (Most likely outcome) And I'm also taking extreme care with it, because I want it to be the best I can make it. Everything that's happened up until the Finale, every moment, culminates in this ending.

Which is why unfortunately, I have to tell you that this Chapter, is NOT the finale.

You may have noticed the title, and I will just plainly apologize and say that in my work on the finale I required a few small breaks to get out of my own head. And to that I'd shift gear and work on a less intensive, more fun piece to finish something I'd wanted to make a long time ago but was missing one key piece to put it together.

So for your enjoyment, here is our Second and Final Digital Crisis Movie! It's a monster of a chapter at almost 15,000 Words, some fun twists and a special guest appearance! So enjoy the ride, while I try to finish the Finale by the end of April...

---

. . .

Between the Events of Season 3 and 4

. . .

Caster

. . .

A lone man sat in his lounge chair, watching the various news streams covering the events that had occurred over the past few days.

First the incident in Japan, with Kazuchimon's invasion with the help of the Tanaka Family.

And then Diaboromon's attempted assault on the web.

The older man sighed heavily, lighting a cigarette and taking a long drag.

"We've certainly got a lot of fires to put out."

Before pulling out his personal phone, pressing a few buttons before another screen lit up in front of him. Showing the face of a young red haired women.

"Oh- Mr. Caster, sir, I didn't expect you to call us-"

"I need an asset, we've got some loose ends that need tying up."

"Eh?" She blinked in surprise, "W-Well um, we haven't finished synthesizing the data captures you pulled from the server but-"

"I need something strong."

"Right, of course... We haven't quite been able to properly replicate the Evolution ability of our first model, but with the new Unity Program it shouldn't matter."

"Good, have it sent to Asset Deployment."

"Sir?"

"Prepped and sent, ASAP."

"Understood, sir..."

Before the call was cut.

Leaving Mr. Caster sitting there, he took another long drag and sighed heavily as the smoke left his lungs.

"We can't risk any of this being traced back to us, and our shell companies won't hold up under harsh scrutiny, so we're snubbing the leaks at the source."

His eyes landing on the images of Thomas, Cody, Kai and Madison across his screens.

"You brats are becoming more trouble than you're worth."

. . .

Digital Crisis

THE MOVIE! (2)

~Arcadiamon Strikes Back~

. . .

Thomas' House

. . .

It had been less than a week since the battle with Diaboromon took place on the net. And in the wake of the broadcast, alongside the events that took place in Japan with Kazuchimon's attempted Invasion, the world was buzzing with questions. Needing answers that the CS:GO was still not quite prepared to deliver. And in this time, those who's faces had been broadcast along with the battle, were left in a tight spot.

"Come on come on- WHAT?!" Cody jumped up from his seat, watching his cart go spinning off the edge of the track on screen.

"I told you man," Thomas shook his head, his own cart speeding by towards the finish line. "You've gotta save those Shells for protection... Also stop yelling, parents are trying to sleep." It was late, and without the ability to travel safely back home without being noticed, Cody was bunking at Thomas' home.

"Best defense is a good offense, everybody knows that!" Cody argued, his cart picking up speed again. "You won't be in the lead for long you little- Agh!" Gasping as another cart blasted by him in the shape of a Bullet, bumping him off the stage again. "Come OOON!"

And a third voice sounded through the speakers, "Don't be mad, third place isn't that bad." Annika assured with a chuckle.

"There are only three players!"

Thomas laughed at his friends anger, sighing lightly as he crossed the finish line completing their race. "Alright, I think it's time for bed."

"No way," Cody glared daggers at him, "I'm not putting down this controller until I win!"

Thomas shrugged, "Have fun playing against bots then." Turning his chair away, he started rolling towards his room.

"Don't worry Cody," Annika said through the speakers, "I can keep playing!"

And so their games would continue into the night, while their Digimon snoozed nearby on the couch, Shamanmon and Kokuwamon sprawled out and snoring.

A common sight over the past few days, nothing but fun while remaining under lockdown here. While elsewhere, the other Chosen were dealing with their own fallout...

. . .

Tokyo Japan

Chiyoda Prefecture

. . .

Across the sea, it was a mild afternoon among the bustling streets of Tokyo's Chiyoda Prefecture. A tall standing hotel looked out over the city, a familiar face stepped out onto a balcony, joined by her small purple winged companion.

"You know, this city is a lot nicer when there aren't digimon trying to kill us." Madison commented with a chuckle, turning around to look at Kotemon who was sitting on the hotel bed kicking his feet lazily. "I wish we could see more of the country before heading home."

"I certainly wouldn't mind a proper vacation." Tsukaimon chimed in as she fluttered around, "But why can't we go out now?"

"You know why," Madison said, placing her hands on her hips. "With the news buzzing about Kazuchimon and the other "monsters" everyone saw, we can't risk you two getting seen." Silently relieved that the Digimon were the only ones caught on cameras, not her and Kai themselves.

"So what if some people see us?" Tsukaimon huffed, landing on a chair. "We can't just hide from public eye forever."

"Yeah," Kotemon chimed in, "Kai wouldn't let me go with him for the same reason, but what happens if he gets attacked now? Who will protect him!?"

To which Madison sighed lightly, "That isn't the only reason you couldn't go... Besides, Kai and Sakura will be fine, they've got Kuzuhamon watching out for them."

Tsukaimon huffed, "And why does she get to walk around with the other humans?"

"Because she actually looks like a human." Madison countered casually, "You're a flying oversized guinea pig-"

"Guinea big." She corrected.

"Right," Madison nodded, "And Kotemon has lizard feet and a tail, you'd stand out more."

"I guess..." Tsukaimon sighed, casually laying back in the chair. "So... What was that thing you did with Kai after the battle?"

"Eh!?" Madison tensed up, cheeks flushing red instantly. "Wh-What um... What thing?" Remembering the kiss she had somewhat forced upon him. "I didn't do anything..."

"Oh? You don't remember that weird face sucking attack?" Tsukaimon questioned, quirking an eyebrow. "I figured it was some kind of healing move, since he seemed to perk back up after you did it."

Madison's entire face was red at this point, "O-Oh that was um... Uh... W-Well you see, when a human likes another human, sometimes they sh-show that affection b-by... Um..." Tapping her fingers together as she looked down nervously.

Before Tsukaimon snorted and started laughing, causing Madison to look at her confused. "Oh come on Maddie, I'm just kidding!" She assured, "I was a Demon of Lust, of course I know what Kissing is!"

"Then why did you ask me!?"

"Iunno, why are we locked in this hotel room?"

"Aaargh!" Madison ran her hands through her hair, "Alright you just lost your second helping of desert tonight!"

Kotemon watched, blinking as he sipped his drink. "That's not much of a punishment..." Before his eyes looked back to the TV, where they were covering the damages left in the wake of his battle with Kazuchimon, as well as the battle on the net with Diaboromon that was broadcast. "Hope you're having more fun than we are, Kai."

. . .

Shibuya Prefecture

Tanaka Residence Ruins

. . .

The blocks surrounding the once opulent estate had all been blocked off by Government and Military Vehicles. Keeping any and all eyes off the family grounds that had been ruined by the attack of Kazuchimon and his forces. But beyond the barricades, atop a nearby rooftop, a hooded individual watched with a growing concern.

"I thought it was just on the Net," They mused, "But Digimon are appearing in the real world now too? I didn't know this was possible without some tech from the other side." Eyes narrowing, as they looked to a phone screen in one hand, seeing the somewhat blurry recording of Gaioumon fighting Kazuchimon, "And these weren't lightweights either, I might need to make these trips back home more frequent..."

A faint buzzing sounded in one ear, bringing up a hand they replied. "What's up? Need me back already?"

A rough calm male voice responding, "No, all good on our side, just thought you might want to know we've picked up on an anomaly in the network in your area."

"What?" The mysterious figure turned away from the ledge, "Another invasion? A second wave maybe?"

"Well that would imply it was coming from this side," He answered, "But the disturbance originated somewhere in your world, it's moving through the network nearby, and it's not a signature we recognize."

"Our database is massive, how is it possible we can't identify a Digimon?" They questioned internally, "Alright, send me the info and I'm gonna investigate."

"Already sent, give us a call if you need backup."

"Will do, thanks." Before ending the call, and running for the edge of the rooftop in the direction her phone was now pinging. "What's been going on since I left?"

. . .

Shibuya Prefecture

Council Hall

. . .

While others were given time to relax, Kai had little respite following the invasion. Kazuchimon was dealt with, his followers currently waiting for their transport to the Digital World, but before that he had to deal with the human side of this near catastrophe. At this point, it was mostly a formality, given the charges that would be brought against them by the CS:GO, but it was necessary that he impose a strong position given the circumstances.

The doors were pushed open, and the eyes of Sakura's extended family all turned to watch as he entered. Garbed in more ceremonial robes, the kind his grandfather might wear to these kinds of meetings, where matters of the Houses would be discussed. Indeed it was in a place like this, that their fates had been decided a long time ago, but now it held no such power over either young prodigy.

Sakura waited for him at the center, ready to go along with his decisions, unbeknownst to her remaining sane family members. "Head of House Sarata has arrived, we may begin in earnest."

"The head?" An older man, one Sakura's uncles, scoffed. "Where is your grandfather? It is with him we would negotiate."

Kai narrowed his eyes at the man, "As of last month, I am the official head of House Sarata," He stated sharply. "So it is with me you must contend." His gaze passed over many of them, searching for the look of guilt, of those who knew what they'd been apart of in these past weeks. "I'm not going to waste time on formalities and drinking tea, it has been found that House Tanaka is in clear violation of our terms, and as such any and all prior pacts are dissolved." Pulling from his sleeve, one of the ceremonial knives, and slamming it down on the table in the center.

Instantly his words caused an uproar of voices from Sakura's extended family, "This is preposterous!"

"You're getting ahead of yourself young Lord," Another older man scoffed, "You cannot make such claims without evidence."

"Evidence?" He scoffed, "Do not talk down to me, I know what you've been up to, and I will not allow my families wealth to be seized for your own selfish gains."

The outspoken older man clammed up instantly, "A-A bold claim," He cleared his throat to try and regain his composure, "But we of course, deny these claims, and will need to conduct a proper investigation before we'd agree t-"

"As acting head in wake of my Father's unstable condition," Sakura cut him off, keeping her eyes forward. "The Tanaka family admits to all charges, attempting to force up the wedding date, as well as the asset seizure that was attempted through the Third Party owned by your firm, Uncle Tomaro." Shooting him an icy sideways glance, "Violation of a basic condition of the pact, that any and all handling of familial assets would be left to a party unaffiliated with either side."

A number of family members appeared confused, but a small handful looked like they'd been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. "B-But My Lady, w-without evidence-"

It was Sakura herself who pulled the papers from within her robe and laid them out. "Records recovered from the family archives, and a list of investments into the company Cypher Enterprises, currently being held responsible for the Network Broadcast attack we witnessed just days ago." Turning around slowly, she faced these older men. "How dare you try and use not only me but a trusted family ally as your pawns... If I have my way, the lot of you responsible for this will spend the rest of your lives behind bars!"

In an instant it was clear to them that Kai and Sakura were indeed working together here, and their carefully laid plans had gone woefully awry. Those with the most obvious guilt on their faces regained some of their nerve however, "Hmph, we will see about that... Whatever the case we will fight this declaration, you don't know the depths of our families allies and assets beyond monetary value."

"Was that a threat?" Kai questioned, crossing his arms. But rather than answer they started heading for the doors, "Well, I guess that's all we're getting out of you." Before bringing a hand to his ear, tapping the device he'd been given. "They're all yours."

The doors were kicked in suddenly, as several officers and a familiar face from Japan's Division of the CS:GO entered. "Tomaro Tanaka, Tatsuo Tanaka, and Chisaki Tanaka, you're going to have to come with us."

They would bark, shout and argue, but ultimately their squabbling meant nothing. Soon they were being escorted out, and Kai released a sigh of relief as he looked to Sakura. "Well, the easy part is out of the way."

Sakura nodded, "Indeed, they won't quietly accept this, they'll have an army of lawyers trying to hang onto whatever family assets they can." Before she looked to the remaining family members who hadn't been escorted out, "We will reconvene later and I will explain everything proper, what I am allowed to anyways... I apologize for calling you all out here for such a short meeting, but it had to be convincing."

Kai adding, as he bowed his head. "And I do not wish to create any ill will between our families, so let this be the end of such shadowy dealings." But before any could respond, one of the CS:GO Officers came storming back into the chamber, causing Kai to stand up straight once more. "What's wrong?"

"Come with me," He ordered, waving for him to follow. The way his eyes quickly passed over the other family members told Kai instantly this had something to do with Digimon. "It's urgent."

Kai nodded and started following, as did Sakura. "How urgent exactly?"

When a sudden, thunderous crash sounded outside the building! The windows were shattered instantly, causing Kai and Sakura to duck for cover as glass spilled out across the floor! The officer shielded them on instinct, waiting for it to be over when he straightened up, "Dammit, already!?" He exclaimed, waving for them to follow. "Come on!" Starting to run.

Kai followed behind him alongside Sakura, "What's going on? Another breach?"

"We thought we could get ahead of it," He explained, "Take care of it in the net, like your friends did... But it crossed the network faster than anything we've seen on our end!"

There were sounds of gunfire outside, as they doors to the Council Building were pushed open. The streets outside were chaotic, as CS:GO officers were opening fire on a familiar beast, one Kai had hoped to never see again.

"Arcadiamon!?" The Chosen exclaimed.

It was in its Champion Level Stage already, bullets bouncing off its tough hide while it stood atop a ruined police transport vehicle. The wounded forms of a few officers as well as one of the Guilty family members were sprawled out across the ground, while the others were running towards the building again. Civilians were running for the hills in a panic, screams ringing out.

Arcadiamon's eyes darted to the fleeing men, narrowing briefly before the one laying on the ground below coughed roughly, drawing the monsters eyes. Kai could see his palms starting to glow, and cried out. "NO DON'T!"

A burst of purple light were released from them, it struck the wounded man on the ground, one of Sakura's Uncles, and vaporized him in an instant.

Sakura's eyes widened in horror, nothing left of the man but an ashy stain on the ground. She took a step back, as Arcadiamon's empty eyes landed on them and the other family members. "I-It... It killed him... Uncle...Uncle Tomaro..." Though she had her own strong feelings about his actions, the last thing she wanted was... This!

"M... Must... Elimi... Eliminate." Arcadiamon grumbled out, fumbling for words as it struggled to speak properly, raising both hands as they began to glow.

Kai tensed up, pulling his digivice from his pocket as he called out to his friends. "We're under attack!"

But just as Arcadiamon unleashed its power, a wall of light appeared between them! The bolts of light splashed harmlessly off of it, as the tall armored figure of Kuzuhamon appeared behind them all. "I arrived as fast as I could, these Agents seemed intent on keeping me away from the Hall during your meeting." She huffed, narrowing her eyes at Arcadiamon, "What a vile creature..."

"I don't understand," Kai muttered, "Raijinmon destroyed Arcadiamon completely, how is he back!?"

"This Digimon doesn't feel natural," Kuzuhamon stated, leveling her staff with the monster. "Not born of the Digital World, perhaps someone created another..."

"But why!?" Sakura demanded, her uncles cowering behind Kuzuhamon now. "A-And why did it-"

"Must... Eliminate!" The barrier suddenly buckled, Kuzuhamon gasping as something struck from above! Their eyes darted upward, to see a second Arcadiamon slamming into it with his long powerful arms.

"Another one!?" Kai realized instantly that this situation just went from bad to worse.

"Eliminate!" The first attacked as well, barreling into the barrier with full force, sending cracks through its surface as the ground beneath them cracked as well!

"Hold on!" Kuzuhamon cried, gritting her teeth. "These things are incredibly strong!" Twirling her staff around, "But make no mistake, I'm stronger!" Slamming it down, the ground beneath her feet lit up with strange symbols and a burst of light erupted all around them! Blasting back both Arcadiamon, burning their bodies. "Sakura, Kai, get out of here with the others." She ordered, "I'll handle these two!"

"Right," Kai nodded, "I'll work on getting us some back up from-"

A flash of movement came from the flank the second Kuzuhamon's barrier fell, slamming into not only the warrior priestess herself, but one long outstretched arm clipped Tatsuo! The older man was thrown by the sheer force, while Kuzuhamon slid back on her heels and the others were blown to the sides!

"There's a third one!?" Kuzuhamon saw Tatsuo crying as he flew through the air, his arm bent in the wrong direction in a few places. "Hang on!" Reaching out with her power, a barrier formed around him and gently set the now injured man onto the ground.

"Must... Eliminate!" The one above them was looming over the buildings edge again, the first stood ready to attack in the streets while the newly arrived Arcadiamon had flown past with the force of his own strike, now standing only a few feet from Tatsuo.

"Something isn't right about this," Kai surmised, "When Arcadiamon attacked us before, he was just looking for us because he needed strong opponents... He knew who we all were, but these guys aren't acting like they know me at all or else they'd have used that sneak attack to hit me... Not-" Before his eyes widened, darting to Chisaki who was cowering in terror. "Could they be after the family?"

Kuzuhamon pulled Tatsuomon back to them, surrounding them all in a barrier again. "Dammit, this isn't good... I can't fight and protect you all at the same time!"

The one on the roof jumped down into the street, the three of them cornering everyone on the steps as they prepared to attack. "We could try retreating into the building," Kai suggested, "But they might just bring the whole thing down on us!"

"That would put the rest of the family in Danger!" Sakura replied, "I won't let that happen, we're stuck here!"

Kuzuhamon tightened her grip on her staff, "Then I will hold until reinforcements arrive!" Her barrier flashing as she put more power into it.

The three Arcadiamon had their empty eyes locked onto the group, two of them brought up their hands as they started to glow. "Eliminate!" And they began firing off blasts of purple energy! It slammed into Kuzuhamon's barrier, making her cringe from the impacts! While the middle Arcadiamon decided on a different method of attack, leaping high into the air above them and bringing both arms together!

Kai saw its movements through the flashes of light, "Watch out! It's going to hit us from above!"

"Gnngh! I'll try to hold but-" Wincing as more blasts struck her shield. "These things are hitting way above their weight class!"

Just as the Arcadiamon above them began his decent however, there was a flash of light from the rooftop of the Council Hall. And a blazing figure slammed into him, one fiery fist slamming into the monsters face and sending him spiraling into the wall of a building across the street. Before the burning figure angled itself downward, unleashing a burst of flames from its back and legs to launch towards another Arcadiamon!

"PYRO TORNADO!" Spiraling into a flaming torrent, the figure smashed right into another Arcadiamon! Sending its burning body smashing through the bottom floor of an office building as their apparent savior came sliding to a halt. "Sorry, I'm a little late." The voice was undoubtedly feminine, and as the flames cleared Kai could see that the body matched.

He could tell instantly she was a Digimon, garbed in hardened red armor with a black under suit. With a thick mane of yellow hair with some white streaks mixed in. Overall her form was humanoid, pale skin beneath the mask covering the top half of her face.

"Is... Is she a friend of yours?" Sakura asked, looking to Kai.

But he shook his head, "Nope, this ones new to me too..."

"I don't recognize her either," Kuzuhamon stated, "But she did just save us." Narrowing her eyes as they darted to the now lone Arcadiamon, "So lets not waste this opportunity! Spirit Strike!" Slashing through the air with her staff, she unleashed four silver and purple flaming fox spirits! They raced towards Arcadiamon and burned into his body, causing the Monster to recoil as it hissed in pain, jumping back to gain some distance.

"Somethings wrong," Kai pointed out, eyes flicking between the other now injured Arcadiamon. "When we fought before, he started digivolving after we hurt him, maybe this version is weaker than the original?"

"Well I'm not complaining." Sakura scoffed.

"Are you alright?" The flaming warrior asked them suddenly, looking back over her shoulder. "Anyone hurt?"

Tatsuo whimpered out, "M-My arm..." Holding the badly broken limb.

"I can heal him," Kuzuhamon assured, "Be ready, I'm not sure they'll stay down for long."

"Who are you?" Kai questioned, not entirely sure he trusted this stranger yet. But just as he asked the question, the three Arcadiamon rose up once more, at the same time there was a crash as a forth landed on a nearby car crushing the abandoned vehicle. "There's more of them!?" Followed by a fifth and sixth who were perched atop the roof across the street!

The fiery warrior's eyes returned to her opponents, flames sparking from her finger tips. "Who I am isn't important, just know that I'm here to help!" She declared intensely, leave these clowns to me!" She ordered, "You and the other civilians get out of here with the protection of your friend there!"

The Arcadiamon had, for the moment, shifted focus to the warrior now standing in front of them. "Hrrngh... Y-You are..." One started, as they began to close in, another finishing the thought. "In... Our... Way..."

But she held her ground, flashing a toothy grin. "Then I guess you'll have to make me move, if you even can, monsters!"

"B-But with so many-" Sakura stammered.

"Don't worry about me, young Lady." She assured, giving a thumbs up back to them. "I've got this!"

Chisaki suddenly chiming in, "Th-There should be service tunnels that connect the buildings underground, in case of emergency!" He urged, "W-We could escape through there, I'm sure the rest of the family has been evacuated through the other exits by now!"

"Sounds like a plan." Kuzuhamon nodded, ushering them back inside, "Hurry!"

Kai followed reluctantly, looking back at the fiery warrior. "Is she really going to be okay?"

While the mysterious hero, Agunimon, stood her ground, eyes darting between the Arcadiamon. "Six enemies, all of them pretty strong, but the civilians have cleared the streets and law enforcement is keeping their distance." She slammed her knuckles together, arms erupting in fire. "Which means I don't have to hold back!"

"New... Orders," One of them grumbled out, another adding. "Eliminate, obstacle!"

The moment they moved, everything seemed to slow down for Agunimon. Her eyes flicked between the six of them, watching those on the flanks and those who were moving in. "They're working together without even communicating, four charging at once, while the remaining two are ready to shoot me if I retreat and leave myself open." Her eyes narrowed sharply, as she flashed a toothy grin, "Too bad for these clowns!" As the flames ignited behind her feet, launching her forward. "A real hero will always charge forward to protect others!"

She slammed into the leading Arcadiamon, driving a fist into his chest. But even as the sternum of this monster started to cave in, the other three surrounded her, reaching out with their massive hands to grapple and try to crush her!

"Big mistake!" As more flames erupted around her body, she dug in her heels and started to spin. "PYRO TORNADO!" Using the Arcadiamon she was already holding like a blunt instrument, she spun around and slammed it into the others, sending them all flying with the force her strikes along with the tornado itself! Their burning bodies hurling in all different directions!

Keeping up the momentum, she burst towards one of those that had been hanging back in waiting. "Pyro PUNCH!" Cracking it across the jaw, but rather than allowing this one to fly away as well, she grabbed it by the chest and used its body as a shield against the oncoming blasts from the remaining Arcadiamon. "You guys are awfully predictable!" Discarding her shield by slamming it into the asphalt, she jumped high into the air, flipping forward towards the last enemy and delivering a full powered overhead axe kick down onto its head! Planting the final Arcadiamon firmly into the ground as well beneath her armored foot. "Hmph, you should surrender while you're behind before-" A shadow overhead made her eyes dart up, catching the form of one Arcadiamon she'd tossed aside falling with its arms raised. "Really?"

She jumped back with ease, but her target didn't stop it's swing. No, instead the falling Arcadiamon smashed both arms down right into it's fallen brother! Crushing in the upper torso and sending cracks through the streets with the sheer force of it. "Hrnngh... Targets... Getting... Away," The Arcadiamon grumbled, sickening cracks sounded beneath him as he continued pressing against his comrades body. "Stronger... Need... More power!"

Agunimon's eyes widened, "What the hell are you doing!?" Seeing the Arcadiamon digging it's arms into the body of its comrade, faint purple data streams were flowing up along its limbs, into the murderous monsters body. "Whatever this thing is up to, it can't be good!" But just as she prepared to throw another flaming attack, she heard a sickening crunch nearby. As another one of the wounded Arcadiamon was mercilessly killed by it's own brother, ripped clean in half at the waist. The last pair approaching one another, neither really injured, but even so one of them raised it's arm and drove it clean into the chest of its final comrade, triggering another flow of data from one into another. "They're killing each other?!"

. . .

Kai

. . .

"Kai what's going on?! Why aren't you answering!?"

"Sorry," He finally responded, moving along with his group deeper into the building and heading for the service tunnel entrance in the maintenance backrooms. "Things got kinda hectic, long story short it's Arcadiamon, he's back!"

"What!?" She exclaimed, "Now of all times?"

"And he's not alone," Kai added, "There were six of them, might be more but that's all we saw."

"S-S-Six!" She repeated in shock, "But we barely survived one! We need to get ahold of Thomas and Cody, we need backup!"

"Agreed," Kai replied, as Kuzuhamon pulled open the door that Tatsuo was pointing out to her. Revealing the old and rarely used stairs leading down into darkness. "And contact Grayson or someone from the CS:GO if you can, there's something off about this, they didn't come after me, they seemed to be targeting Sakura's family."

"But why?" Madison questioned, "That doesn't make any sense."

"Actually, it might," Kai corrected, "They were targeting the family members we have evidence were part of the shady dealings that lead to Kazuchimon's invasion, I'm not quite sure how it all fits together but... Arcadiamon injured one of the accused, and killed another."

"K-Killed?" Madison's voice shook, "Kai... Kai I'm scared, you have to get out of there!"

"We're working on it," He assured, as they continued heading down, reaching the tunnels below. "We got some help from... An ally, I'm pretty sure, now we're putting distance between us and the battlefield."

"O-Okay, that's good... We'll head to Shibuya, let us know when you're safe so we can meet up with you okay?" She asked.

"Yeah of course, watch yourselves out there," Kai instructed, "With another monster attack, people are probably gonna panic."

"We will, stay safe." She replied, before ending their call.

Kai let out a heavy sigh, before looking to Sakura and the others. "How far until the next station? Anyone know?"

Chisaki scoffed, "I'm staying right here until we know those monsters are dead!"

At which point Kai narrowed his eyes, the vile older man having made the mistake of drawing attention to himself. "Alright, we're out of danger so its time to start talking." He ordered, crossing his arms. "What do you know about this attack? About Arcadiamon?"

"N-Nothing!" Chisaki assured, holding up his hands, "Absolutely nothing!" Trying to brush him off, "I've had just about enough of these wild accusations-"

"Brother," Tatsuo said grimly, though his arm had been healed he seemed shaken and pale from his brief encounter with Arcadiamon. "Tomaro... He's dead," He said with a shaky voice. "Those things... They're trying to kill us, wh-which means... He knows we've failed!"

Kai focused on him, "Who knows? What have you two done?"

"Brother you talk too much..." Chisaki held eye-contact with his shaken brother for a moment, before he sighed heavily. "Edward Caster, he is the man we were... Doing business with, supplying investments and land to work on his company's Cyber Corp research."

"But what would that have to do with Arcadiamon?" Sakura questioned.

"I do not know," Tatsuo shook his head, "Mr. Caster painted us a picture of a new world, a Utopia in which mankind would be free from illness, aging, these pathetic corporeal forms..."

"It sounds like he was trying to sell you the Digital World," Kai surmised, "And if he was researching Cyber Corp so much, he'd inevitably start looking into Digimon when they started popping up..." Bringing a hand to his chin, "I wonder... Was our first encounter with Arcadiamon more than a coincidence?"

"If our assumptions are true," Kuzuhamon began, using her staff to create a small orb of light. "Then it is paramount we usher these criminals to safety," She stated. "So that the truth may survive."

Sakura nodded, "She's right, the only way Caster pays for the damage he's done is by making sure the truth gets to the CS:GO."

Kai was right with them, "Then we'd better get moving," Though he nearly stumbled as the ceiling began to rumble above them. "Now!"

Whatever was happening on the surface couldn't be good...

. . .

Agunimon

. . .

Pillars of dark energy erupted from the murderous beasts, reaching high into the sky and blowing out the remaining nearby windows! As the forms of these Arcadiamon changed, advancing to the next stage through some horrific version of cannibalistic digivolution.

And now, rather than six champion level Arcadiamon, the flaming warrior was staring down the barrel of three who had ascended to Ultimate. Standing much taller than before, with sickly wings made up of tendrils, and brutish clawed armaments replacing their long reaching hands from before. Worst of all, was their faces. Having transformed from those emotionless long faces with empty eyes into sharper features, a defined mouth with jagged teeth and a third eye in the center of their heads.

Agunimon swallowed nervously, "Well this is... Certainly an interesting development." She noted, tightening up her fighting stance, "But don't expect this makeover to make me back down!" Flashing another grin as fires ignited around her fists. "I'm still your opponent!"

"No." The center on growled, eyes flashing. "My. Opponent." Flexing it's wings, the monster charged!

Agunimon only just barely got her arms up in time, as the mighty claw slammed into her guard! "He's strong!" Driving her back at rapid speed, she cringed while being smashed through stop signs, light posts, and finally the wall of a building! But before she could recoil in the brief moment Arcadiamon's momentum ceased, it gripped her by the arms she was guarding with! Spreading it's wings, Arcadiamon dragged her up through four stories of that same building, smashing her through the ceilings as it lifted her high into the air. "D-Dammit, this thing isn't holding back in the slightest, a real monster!"

In the distance, she could see the other Arcadiamon had risen to the sky. Raising their arms high, both monstrosities began to form oversized orbs of dark energy. Swirling masses of purple and black light growing to the size of buses. The Arcadiamon holding Agunimon rumbled out, "Eliminate... Targets."

"N-No! Don't do it!" Agunimon cried out, watching as they threw the two enormous orbs.

They came crashing down onto the council building, tearing through the roof and ripping into the structure. Before igniting in a terrible explosion, sending dust and smoke billowing throughout the streets, debris flying in all directions as the enormous structure was reduced to rubble and dust, it's foundations crumbling as it began sinking into the earth.

"Gngh!" Her heart clenched at the sight of such destruction, watching as portions of the street surrounding the ruined building began to collapse as well. "They're down there right now!"

The Arcadiamon holding her released a low rumble, holding up its free hand. "Eliminated... Now... You die too." Forming an orb of light in its palm, before slamming it into Agunimon! Spiking her from the sky down into the streets a hundred feet below!

She hit the ground hard, tearing up the asphalt and adding more dust to the clouds spreading through the streets. Smashed into the earth by the blast, she remained laying there, as her heart pounded faintly in her chest, growing weaker by the second, head spinning from the sudden beating she'd taken.

"AGH!" A woman screaming, more voices in the street around her.

"More monsters!"

"We've got to evacuate! Come on!"

"These... Monsters." Gritting her teeth, she started to rise once again. "Get up, it's just physical pain!" She told herself, rising to her knees, before standing on shaky legs.

"Up there!"

"These people, they're terrified, they can't protect themselves..."

"Run! The monsters are coming!"

"It's my duty to save them!"

The dust was blown away as Arcadiamon touched down, followed by his fellow monsters who landed a short distance back. "Hmm? Still... Alive?" He asked, tilting his head. "Orders... Eliminate... Complications..."

Agunimon used one hand to wipe her some dust from her cheek, before squaring up once again despite her injured state. "You're welcome to try monsters!" Cracking an enormous toothy grin back at the three of them. There were still people around them, hiding in their homes or businesses, still people watching.

"Smiling?" Arcadiamon grumbled, not at all dissuaded by her challenge, "Why are you... Smiling? Should be... Dead..." Growling lowly, as the others joined by its side.

"Hmph, you think I'd go down to such a pathetic attack?!" Agunimon barked back at them, heart racing in a way it wasn't able to before. "I can't fall apart just because the others aren't here to save me again!" Clenching her fists tightly, as flames began to surge around her wrists. "They gave me the strength, and courage to survive anything!" Her smile widening further, as the power rage through her! "This is nothing compared to what we've faced together!" The light erupted through her armored body, "I don't know what hole you monsters crawled out of, but I'm sending you back!"

Slide Evolution

In a single burning step, Agunimon lunged forward. The flames boosting her movement erupted along her entire body, mingling with the glow, her form was consumed entirely as it began to warp and reshape. Growing nearly twice the size she'd been before, bursting from the flames as an enormous armored beast! Crimson plates, burning wings, and white draconic face! Twin, golden cannons attached to each of her broad arms, while a powerful tail lashed behind her.

"BurningGreymon!" The change in size seemed to take the Arcadiamon off-guard, and gave her a free opening. She slammed right into one of the middle one, driving it back before spreading her wings and taking flight! Lifting the monster high into the sky just as it had done to her moments ago! Spinning around, she threw her foe at the two Arcadiamon chasing after her from below! "If we fight up here there's less chance of citizens being harmed!" Flames erupted from her body, spewing from any gaps in the armor before she flapped those fiery wings, unleashing a gust of wind that carried the flame into a devastating wave towards the monsters, "WILDFIRE TSUNAMI!"

The fires swallowed all three of them, searing their hardened bodies and temporarily driving them back. But within seconds, they blew away the flames with their own conjoined wing beats! Though they were wounded, the trio of Arcadiamon didn't seem ready to stop anytime soon.

"Hmph," BurningGreymon released a puff of steam from her maw as she breathed out, "I can do this all day!"

. . .

Madison

. . .

By the time Madison, Tsukaimon and Kotemon had reached the bottom floor of the hotel, there was already a car waiting for them courtesy of the CS:GO. The three eagerly climbed in, and were being driven towards Shibuya.

"We're doing what we can to clear the way of civilians to make the trip faster," Their driver explained, "But people are panicking, and its only getting worse near the center of it all."

"And has anyone found Kai yet?" Kotemon asked, poking his head over the seat.

"Eh?" Making the driver flinch, "Ahem, um... No, but we've designated officers at all nearby exits to the service tunnels, as soon as we know where he's at we'll get you there."

"Good," Kotemon nodded, sitting back down. "I'm ready to kick some Arcadiamon butt!"

"Uh, maybe my memory is a little foggy," Tsukaimon tapping her chin. "But didn't Arcadiamon absolutely roll us both last time?"

"But we're stronger than before!" Kotemon argued, before blinking. "R-Right?"

Meanwhile, Madison had her ear to the phone. "Come on... Come on..."

Before finally, someone picked up. "Maddy, somebody better be dying if you're calling this late..." The rough, sleep deprived Cody grumbled out.

"We're in trouble," She wasted no time. "Arcadiamon is back!"

"Uh..." Cody scratched his head, half-asleep still. "And which evil Digimon we've fought is that? The list is kinda big..."

She rolled her eyes, "From our semi-canon camping trip, remember!"

He blinked, "Wait," It took a few seconds for that to process. "What!?"

"No time to explain, you're still at Thomas' right? I've got a laptop, so can you guys open a gateway and get over here?" She pressed.

"Uh- R-Right yeah I'll go wake him and the others up, hang tight I'll call back when we're ready!" Before quickly hanging up.

Madison released a small sigh of relief, "Okay, reinforcements on the way..." Her eyes looking out the window, towards the smoke clouds in the distance. "Even with more help, our power is limited since we can't use our Crests in this world..." Swallowing nervously, tightening her grip on her digivice. "We need fusion, we need Raijinmon!"

. . .

Caster

. . .

"And as you can see sir, with the Unity Program, we've begun testing methods for forcing evolution through conjoining datamass." Explained the helpful division lead on the other side of his screen. "It was a bit of a rush job, copying what we witnessed Kuramon doing, but it seems to have paid off."

"Are you sure about that?" Caster questioned, narrowing his eyes as he watched the screen, displaying the ongoing battle via satellites he owned. "Because it seems like these Arcadiamon are weaker than the original."

"Indeed," She nodded, "The three remaining are, based on our estimates, only about 75% as powerful as the original was in this form." Before quickly adding, "H-However! The power gained when using the Unity Program are not additive, but multiplicative, so if they should merge further they're growth will be quite immense."

"I should hope so..." Caster sipped his glass of wine, watching as his weapons relentlessly attacking this newly arrived Digimon. "We've no record on this one, I'm not sure how that's possible, we've been tracing each and every breach for the last six months..."

"Sir, if I might suggest," The division lead brought his attention back to her. "If the mission is complete, I'd recommend we recall the Arcadiamon, I'm not sure we'll be able to garner much more information from this battle, and if things escalate too far the damage will be significant..."

Caster quirked an eyebrow, before chuckling in amusement. "My dear you're still playing checkers..." He stated, leaning back in his chair. "With the leaks eliminated, we've secured ourselves a situation in which we can only gain from continuing this battle."

She hesitated, "P-Pardon sir, but care to explain?"

"I've allowed the existence of these children because they are useful in protecting this planet while we do our work," He explained, "But between the Tanaka family and rescuing that rat from our server, they've become more trouble than they're worth." Setting his empty glass aside, "Should the Arcadiamon succeed, we'll have our own assurance we don't need those brats anymore to protect us, and should the Arcadiamon be defeated, well..." A grim smirk crossed his lips, "We'll make sure so much damage is done to the city, that no one trusts these kids playing hero ever again..."

But before she could respond to his insidious ideas, another screen lit up on Caster's wall. Another faceless operator among his staff, "Mr. Caster, we've got a report from the CS:GO, more of those kids are on route."

"Ah, good..." Caster brought his hands together, gripping them tightly. "Let's see what our new Arcadiamon are capable of."

. . .

Kai

. . .

Head throbbing, ears ringing, Kai barely understood what had even happened. He just remembered hearing a terrible rumbling sound up above, the walls began to shake, and then everything went dark. Now, he was laying flat on his back as his senses slowly returned, rolling over he began to push himself up. But the instant he did so, he felt something hot and wet running down the side of his head.

Wincing as his fingers touched the tender, swollen skin that had been broken by some falling rubble. He looked around, it had gone completely dark since the collapse, but he could make out a faint glow through some of the rubble nearby. "Sakura? Kuzuhamon?" He called out, crawling towards it. His surroundings making it clearer by the second that large portions of the tunnel had collapsed, everything was so broken he could hardly even tell which way was the right way anymore.

"I-In here!" Called the warrior priestess, as the rubble began to shift. Pieces of broken concrete fell way as she expanded her barrier, the only thing that had saved her, Sakura and Chisaki from being crushed.

Kai breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank god you're alr-" Before he spotted Sakura kneeling beside some of the rubble, her trembling hands gripping something at the edge.

Kai's eyes widened, as he spotted the arm of Tatsuo sticking out from beneath the fallen stone.

"H-He's... Gone..." She muttered, voice trembling.

Kuzuhamon lowered her head, "I am sorry, my barrier could not reach him in time."

"No... No no!" Chisaki exclaimed, limping towards the pile that now buried his brother. "Th-This can't... He can't be..."

While they lamented, Kai's eyes drifted to his Digivice. "How are we supposed to get out of here now?"

"There's another emergency exit nearby," Kuzuhamon pointed out, aiming her staff at some nearby rubble. "I saw it before the collapse, we aren't far from the Hall but if the building hasn't collapsed it'll be safer to exit that way..."

Kai nodded, "Right... Let's start moving some rubble..." Making his way over at a limp, ignoring the pain in the side of his head.

"You're hurt," Kuzuhamon replied, moving to his side. "Allow me to heal you and-"

"I'm fine." He cut her off sharply, grabbing the first piece of loose rubble and toppling it from the pile blocking their exit. "Save your power in case there's another collapse." Before he looked back towards the others, seeing both Sakura and Chisaki still kneeling beside the arm. "And protect them, please."

She hesitated for a moment, before nodding. "Of course..." Making her way back to the others, looking back briefly as Kai continued moving the stones. "I sense... An anger in him, that I have only ever felt once before." A recent, and very powerful memory of the day her freedom was attained.

"You've manipulated my family, you've forced others to fight in your stead, and you've hurt my friend, I'm not going to fight you... I'm going to kill you."

Digimon and Partner were perhaps more alike than either realized, rage kept in check by a stern, trained discipline.

But it was a burning rage nonetheless.

. . .

Madison

. . .

Nearing the battle area, they'd begun passing through checkpoints and military groups setting up perimeters surrounding the area below where the fighting was taking place. But the closer they came, the more clear the damage was. Various fires had broken out, stray blasts from the Arcadiamon had damaged numerous buildings as well, while emergency responders were still trying to evacuate everyone.

It gave Madison flashbacks to the day Dragomon appeared, the citizens fleeing what they believed was an enormous, sudden Hurricane. But now, seeing those monsters battling the mysterious red digimon high above, she knew this was worse.

Gripping her device tightly, "We have to put a stop to this... Before anymore people get hurt." But before she could continue spectating the destruction, her phone began to buzz. "Hello?" She answered immediately. "Thomas? Are you guys ready?"

His response was preceded by a long yawn, "Yes ma'am, one express gate to Shibuya ready to go."

"That's great!" A wave of relief washing over her, "Pull over! We're ready to bring them through!" The driver nodding his head, pulling off to the side of the road, before Madison jumped out with the laptop in hand. "Okay, we're ready here!"

"Cool," Thomas cleared his through after a moment, still sounding very tired as he turned his nearby companions. "You two ready?"

Shamanmon slammed down his coffee mug after just chugging it all down, "I was born ready!" Still bearing heavy bags under his eyes.

Kokuwamon nodding as well, "Let's remind this Arcadiamon punk who beat him last time!"

"Sounds like a plan," Thomas nodded, "One super charged Digimon on route."

As he tapped away at the keys, finally hitting the button to execute the transit, a small gateway opened! And after clearing the way, both Shamanmon and Kokuwamon were sucked into the screen, getting thrown through cyber space on a path across the net. Flying through tubes of light, racing towards the exit on the other side!

Shamanmon gripped his club tightly, flashing a toothy grin. "You ready to kick some butt!?"

Kokuwamon nodded, "Lets do it!"

Digivolution

"Shamanmon Digivolve to!"

"Kokuwamon Digivolve to!"

Their bodies warping as they flew through cyber space, growing larger until they were replaced with the hulking forms of their Champion Level!

"Apemon!"

"Mekanorimon!"

But the lightshow wasn't finished just yet!

Jogress Digivolution

Both partner digimon crying out as they reached out and took the others hand, swirling lights enveloping them!

"Jogress Digivolve to!"

Apemon's body made up the framework, while Mekanorimon's metal body was converted into the armor, coating the golden ape in equally gilded armaments and protection. Growing a bit larger in size, with their destination approaching rapidly as well!

Madison knew what was about to happen and turned the laptop away, "Everyone stay back!"

The screen practically exploded as the burst of light erupted from within! The enormous form of their fusion appearing in the streets of Japan, standing over the nearby cars and various troopers as he proudly proclaimed. "Raijinmon!"

Just seeing him put a smile on Madison's face, while some of the more nervous troopers nearby tentatively held their weapons. "About time, get up there and do what you do best!" She exclaimed with a big grin.

Raijinmon nodded his head, "Yes ma'am!" Before blasting off into the sky with a gust of wind billowing through the streets.

As he disappeared, Maddie looked back at her partner and Kotemon. "Alright, lets keep looking for Kai, we have to be close now!"

. . .

BurningGreymon

. . .

"Pyro Barrage!" BurningGreymon roared as she unleashed a series of fiery bursts from the cannons on her arms. They struck the oncoming Arcadiamon and sent it hurdling back through the sky, body burning from every point of contact. Her eyes instantly darted to her left flank, where another Arcadiamon was rushing her with claws outstretched! "Too slow!" Spinning mid air, she smacked him away a powerful tail slam. "GAH!" But defending from all angles against such fast opponents was getting harder by the minute, evidence by the orb of purple energy slamming into her from behind, nearly knocking her from the sky.

She turned just in time to see the Arcadiamon rushing her at full speed, a claw outstretched with nails glowing bright. "Eliminate!" The monster hissed out through its sharp teeth.

But BurningGreymon caught it by the wrist with both arms, "Hands to yourself!" Pulling the monster forward and slamming her ivory helm into it for a brutal headbutt, causing it to recoil. "They don't run out of energy, and they don't seem to react to pain in any meaningful way." She surmised, panting lightly as she turned and watched the other two flying at her to attack again. "They really are just weapons, and I'm running out of steam here, can't unleash my full power in this world... I hate to say it, but I need some back-"

Before they could reach her again, and before she could even finish the thought, a blur of gold appeared between them. A mighty metallic warrior, both fists raised and aimed at the attackers who slid to a halt. "Room for one more?" He asked smugly, "Drums of RAIJIN!" The sky rumbled as a sonic boom was unleashed, blasting both Arcadiamon away with ease!

BurningGreymon released a huff of flame from her nostrils while smirking. "Good to see a friendly face, these beasts aren't much for conversation," She assured, "And they're pretty selfish dance partners."

"Well then I'll be sure to pick up the slack." He nodded, electricity crackled across his metal frame as he clenched his fist tightly. The trio of Arcadiamon regrouped across from the two heroic Digimon, "You should have stayed dead!"

"So you've tangled with them before?" BurningGreymon asked, taking the much needed chance to recover her breath.

"Indeed," Raijinmon replied, "A real nuisance, but I'm not opposed to destroying them three more times!"

But the Arcadiamon in the center glared back at them, "You... Won't have to..." Before thrusting its claws into the backs of the Arcadiamon in front of it! Tearing through their armor, sinking its sharp talons into their bodies as both creatures hissed in pain but otherwise didn't fight it!

Raijinmon's eyes widened, "What are you doing!?" As streams of data began to flow from the crushed cores of the other two Arcadiamon!

But BurningGreymon knew instantly, having seen this behavior already before. "It's trying to Digivolve again!" Flapping her wings, "We have to stop it!"

It was already too late however, as an explosive wave of force was unleashed from the trio of deranged beasts. Blowing back both heroic Digimon, and filling the sky with an overcast darkness as energy surged through the atmosphere. Taking shape in a form larger than before, covered in sickly pale grey armor. Purple tentacles seemed to coil throughout the inner body, making up its fingers as they hardened into razor sharp claws, four wings spreading from the monsters back, while its face now had no eyes, only a menacingly gaping mouth.

Where there had once been three, only one Arcadiamon remained, after finally achieving its Mega Level.

"Keep your guard up," Raijinmon instructed, bracing himself. "When this monster strikes, it will no doubt be-"

"Exile Spear."

Arcadiamon had only just finished transforming, when it raised its hand and spoke. The fingers warped into a malformed drill shape before launching at them at blinding speed! Raijinmon had been fast enough to see the oncoming attack, and shoved BurningGreymon out of the way while pushing himself back as well so it didn't pierce either of them!

"Hmph, I figured as much." Raijinmon scoffed, clenching his fists tightly.

"If he hadn't seen that coming-" No, she didn't even want to think about it. She knew exactly what was happening here, this monster had elevated to a level she couldn't keep up with in this world. "I hate to say it, but I'm afraid I can't do much against this kind of power or speed..." Thinking fast, "Let me play the decoy, wait for an opening and-"

"That won't be necessary," Raijinmon assured, hovering forward slowly. "You've done enough, Mystery Mon, but I can take things from here."

But she scoffed at the suggestion, "You expect me to run from this fight?"

Before Raijinmon could answer however, Arcadiamon attacked again. Lunging for them both with its outstretched claws, but Raijinmon caught both arms with his super charged gauntlets. Despite his own immense power, the fusion was struggling against this monster as his metal armor creaked. "Nngh! How about, gather some reinforcements for me?" He corrected, shooting her a sideways glance while holding back the monster.

She might have refused again, but Arcadiamon's swift attack had given her a reminder of the stakes here. "Yeah, I think I can do that."

"Excellent, give me just a moment-" He began to respond, as the massive lenses on his shoulders began lighting up. "STORM CANNON!" Firing point blank, taking less time to charge so Arcadiamon couldn't escape, Raijinmon blasted the beast with rays of golden lightning! Pushing it back through the sky through force alone before it erupted into a massive explosion. "Hmph, doubt that will keep it down for long... You're looking for a young woman named Madison, and a boy named Kai," He explained quickly. "They'll be traveling with Digimon."

BurningGreymon nodded, "Right, I think I have a good idea on where to start searching." Remembering the other Digimon she'd seen at the Council Hall. "I'll be back as quickly as I can!"

As she angled her wings and dove towards the city below, Raijinmon turned his attention back to the cloud of smoke as it dissipated. Narrowing his eyes upon seeing Arcadiamon was still standing, armored form only lightly scuffed from the blast. "Even if it wasn't full power, that attack would have easily destroyed him before..." He noted, clenching his fists as they sparked with lightning. "Very well, lets get back to it, you beast!"

Arcadiamon released a low rumble, despite having no eyes on his face, Raijinmon could feel a hateful gaze burning into him. "Familiar... Y-You are... Familiar..." He growled out, spreading his wings slowly, "Must... Eliminate!" Before charging the mechanical digimon!

"His speed just increased!" Raising his arms to guard, Raijinmon cringed as one mighty claw slammed into his arms. Instantly driving him back, towards the edge of the city at the waterfront. "Was he just testing the waters before? Or is he still getting stronger!?" Either way, he had no intention of being pushed around, and just as they reached the bay- "Hyaagh!" Throwing a knee upward, it slammed into the hollow gut of Arcadiamon, slowing his assault just enough for Raijinmon to cock back one fist, the metal gauntlet crackling with lightning! "Drums of RAIJIN!" Before delivering the brutal, thunderous blow to the side of this monsters mouth, sending him sliding back across the surface of the waves.

Stopping by spreading his wings, the purplish membrane began to shimmer and glow, as the monster's hollow stomach cavity began to fill with a swirling light. But it wasn't just generating power, Raijinmon could feel a shift in the air and the water beneath him. Watching as energy seemed to be getting pulled from the atmosphere itself, before it was unleashed!

"Dot Matrix!"

Bolts of almost invisible light beams fired off from the stomach cavity, with a burst of energy from the monster itself that pushed water out in all directions! While Raijinmon was forced to dodge, dashing across the surface of the water to avoid the shots. Whenever they hit the water itself an explosion of water mixed with 1s and 0s would erupt!

"Dammit, I have to keep this fight in the bay or he'll level the entire city!"

. . .

Kai

. . .

The young heroes fingers were aching by the time he'd pulled away the rubble blocking their escape. Nails chipped, tips bleeding, but they had a way out. And based on the now distant rumblings coming from above, he knew now might be the only chance they had to get out before more of the underway collapsed.

"The way's open, lets move." He urged, as Sakura aided her criminal uncle in making the climb while Kuzuhamon kept close to them both. Kai winced as he followed up last, the pain in his fingers was almost enough to make him ask for Kuzuhamon's healing, but he didn't want to risk distracting her in case of another collapse. Along the way, he pulled out his Digivice. "Kotemon? Can you hear me? We're almost to the surface!" But no response came, "Dammit... Lost signal."

"I can sense other Digimon nearby," Kuzuhamon assured, "One larger Digimon nearby, a few small ones, and two massive sources of energy coming from the bay." She explained.

"The bay huh?" Sakura noted, "That would be the direction all this rumbling is coming from, must be where Arcadiamon is fighting."

"And I'd bet the smaller ones are Kotemon and Tsukaimon." Kai nodded, the assurance putting a little extra pep in his step, the emergency exit was just ahead.

"Hang on, one of the the larger sources is closing in on our location," Kuzuhamon warned, rushing to the front of their group. "Everyone stay back!" Raising her staff.

But while they expected the door to be violently blown off its hinges, the handle would instead turn slowly. It opened, letting in light from the outside world, and revealing a human woman standing in the doorway!

She looked older, maybe somewhere in her mid twenties, definitely a local, with pale skin and snow white hair, and she was staring back at them unfazed with sharp red irises. "I was hoping that larger power I felt would be you." Wearing a smile, "Is everyone alright?"

Kai recognized her voice in an instant, but focused instead on answering her question as they made their way out into the street. "No, we... We lost another one of Arcadiamon's targets when the tunnel collapsed." He said grimly.

Her smile vanished in an instant, "I'm... I'm sorry," Was all she could offer. "Dammit, if I'd just destroyed Digivolve faster-"

"But we think we know who sent that monster, and why." Kai added, clinging to his thoughts of revenge.

To which the mystery woman blinked, before nodding, "That's good, but it won't matter if we can't stop that beast." She added, "Your friend, is up there fighting right now, but he needs back up."

Kai tightened his grip on his digivice. "Just get me to Kotemon, and we'll do what we can." Before looking back to Kuzuhamon and Sakura, "Get Chisaki to the CS:GO, he has to get this information to them about Caster," Before looking to the woman again. "You sensed us, so can you sense my partner too? He's still in rookie form without me, probably traveling with another small Digimon."

She nodded, "Yeah they aren't far, come on!"

"W-Wait!" Kuzuhamon called out suddenly, making them both stop. Her eyes darted to the mysterious woman, "I wasn't quite certain before, but you're not just disguised as a human, you are a human who can turn into a Digimon, aren't you?"

To which she simply shrugged, "Maybe, but we don't have time for a long winded backstory, we've got a monster to take down!"

Kai wasn't going to argue, running alongside her as they raced up the street. "Well whoever you are, thanks for all the help." He said, digivice in hand. "We'll take care of this for sure!"

She released a short laugh as she ran. "Well you certainly sound confident, hopefully you can back that up!"

. . .

Raijinmon

. . .

Left, right, up, down, Raijinmon didn't have time to think, only move as Arcadiamon continued unleashing his assault. More Dot Matrix attacks alongside piercing strikes from the Exile Spear that formed from the monster's hands. Finding any kind of opening was nearly impossible, but even so he didn't give in!

"Hyaagh!" Launching himself overhead as Arcadiamon fired another wave of Dot Matrix beams, flipping upside down behind the monster. "STORM CANNON!" Unleashing the burst of golden light, it slammed into Arcadiamon's exposed backside, causing the monster to lurch forward from the impact! "Now's my chance!" The moment his feet touched down on the waves, Raijinmon followed up by launching himself at the beast, drawing back one fist. "Thunder Drum FIST!" Picking up speed as lightning surged through his right hook, aiming for the lower spine where Arcadiamon's body was thinnest, hoping to snap him right in half!

"System Purge."

Slits suddenly opened alongside the monsters large forearms, revealing sharp crimson eyes. They flashed with light, and unleashing purple beams of energy that bounced and bent in ways the defied the laws of physics. Bending backwards, and meeting Raijinmon head on while he was taken completely off guard!

"GAH!" He cried out as one such beam tore through his right shoulder cannon, forcing him to halt his attack while the second beam graze his ribs taking a chunk out of his golden armor. "Omni-Directional aiming and defense too!?" He surmised while leaping back, panting heavily. "Dammit... At this rate..." His drifted towards the section of the city he'd arrived from, he could see people along the waterfront, watching the battle unfold. "No! I can't lose here, or everyone in this city is in danger!"

. . .

Madison

. . .

The distant thunder of explosions and collisions out in the bay was a constant reminder of the battle taking place just off shore. While Madison and her companions continued trying to make their way to the Council Hall to look for Kai. But it seemed like they were getting redirected at every turn, as evacuations continued and emergency responders tried to handle the populace fleeing or attempting to watch the ongoing battle. Many had taken to the coastline, as well as rooftops, to watch the battle raging at sea.

"Come on Kai," She muttered, looking at her Digivice. "Where are- Wait!" She came to a halt as a small blip appeared on her map. "I see him! Or, someone with a Digivice anyways, heading this way!"

"It has to be Kai! I can feel it!" Kotemon assured, already running in that direction. "Come on! I'm ready to get out there!"

Tsukaimon flew beside him, "You might need to hang back, without being able to use a Crest you can't even reach Ultimate level!"

"And you can't reach Mega Level," He argued, "But you're still going aren't you?"

"Hey maybe you two can combine your power like Apemon and Mekanorimon did?" Madison suggested, chasing behind them. "Do a Fusion too!"

"That was a special case," Kotemon replied, "Cody and Thomas had a really strong bond, so did Shamanmon and Kokuwamon! Not to mention all their intense emotions during that whole event!" He explained, "That kinda thing doesn't just happen out of the blue!"

Tsukaimon pouted, "Well I thought we did... Considering we, you know, saved the world together, and Maddie and Kai are pretty close..."

"You mean because of the face sucking thing?" Kotemon asked.

Madison nearly tripped mid-run, "Oh my god both of you stop talking!"

"Maddie!" They came to a stop at the sound of his voice, seeing Kai and a woman they didn't recognize turning the corner up ahead from an alleyway. "Kotemon!"

Both of them exclaiming, "Kai!" As they ran towards one another.

Upon reuniting, Madison gasped, "You're hurt!" Seeing the blood on his head, as well as his injured hands. It brought back some bad memories, but seeing him alive despite the destruction made her heart soar. Though, her eyes ended up darting to the strange pale woman nearby. "And who's this?"

"Not important," Kai assured, putting all thoughts aside other than their objective. Knowing he had to stay focused, before he slipped into dwelling on the horror's he'd witnessed today. "What matters now is we get Kotemon and Tsu up there to help Raijinmon!" Before Madison placed a hand on his shoulder, "What? I'm okay, really, it only hurts a lit-"

Maddie pulled him into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around him in an almost protective way. "Even if you say that, your eyes are a little more honest." She muttered.

Kai had initially tensed up, before melting in her embrace as he breathed out what felt like all the day's stress in one moment. "Yeah... It's been rough..." Dropping his guard for a moment to be vulnerable with someone he knew could see right through him. "Thank you."

Satisfied with his honesty, Madison released him with a smile. "Don't mention it."

Kotemon shrugged, "I guess I'd rather see that than the face sucking thing," Shaking his head, "Now are we gonna fight Arcadiamon or not!"

Tsukaimon rolled her eyes, "He's hopeless..."

Madison held up her Digivice and nodded, "Yeah, lets go support Raijinmon as best we can!"

"Not to butt in on your reunion here," The mysterious woman spoke up finally, "But do you guys actually have a plan of attack?" She questioned, "That monster is no joke, and even now it seems like Raijinmon is struggling." She pointed out, "If you aren't prepared, you're just going to get yourselves killed."

Madison looked back to her confused, "Uh... Well, you're not entirely wrong... But we've faced monsters like this before!" She assured, "So don't be afraid, or worry about us!" Flashing a big smile.

Causing her to blink in surprise, "Afraid?" She scoffed internally, realizing this girl didn't know who she was. "I wasn't- I'm just trying to warn you to-"

"You've done enough," Kai cut her off, "And I can't thank you enough for saving us earlier, but this is our fight." He added with a firm nod. "We can take it from here."

"Is that right..." She found herself smirking faintly, "The boy is stern and disciplined, perhaps too guarded... And this girl is filled to the brim with compassion and emotion," She noted, "A good Yin and Yang... Kinda reminds me of myself and Beow-"

Kai raised his digivice suddenly, turning to his partner. "Alright guys, it's time for some payback!"

Maddie lifting her own again as she took his hand. "I guess we're saving Japan twice this week!"

Tsukaimon jumped up, "I'm ready when you are!"

Kotemon holding his blade at the ready, "Let's do this!"

Digivolution

"Tsukaimon Digivolve to!"

"Kotemon Digivolve to!"

Both small digimon rose high into the air in swirling, glowing orbs as their transformations began. The flashing lights would draw the eyes of those on nearby rooftops, even those in the streets amidst their evacuations would stop to see what was causing the shining lights.

The first to emerge from within their sphere, was the massive form of the dark dragon herself, "Devidramon!" Spreading her wings and taking to the skies!

While the second orb broke open and the blade wielding warrior landed on her back, "Yasyamon!" Kneeling down to steady himself as she soared over the buildings, watching the cameras flashing below and the various phones pointed at them. "I guess it's our turn to go Viral, lets try not to disappoint!"

Devidramon released a snarl, "Do we ever?"

Breaking over the coastline, flying out over the waters and racing towards the battlefield. They could see Raijinmon still trying to fend off Arcadiamon's beams, firing from those spaces on his arms. Yasyamon focused on the source, seeing where the beams were shooting from. "Those eyes have got to go!"

"Then you'll need... An opening!" She growled back, claws glowing crimson as they neared the target.

Raijinmon saw them coming in hot, and felt a weight lifting off his shoulders. "About time!" But knew he couldn't give Arcadiamon a chance to target them, so he fired up his remaining shoulder lens, "STORM CANNON!"

As the beam fired, Arcadiamon kept his focus on the fusion. Using his oversized hands to block the incoming beam before those eyes opened again. "System Purge!" Firing the beams that raced towards Raijinmon.

But while firing that way, they were wide open! "CRIMSON CLAW!" Devidramon attacked from behind, lashing with her enormous blood red claws, attempting to dig into Arcadiamon's armored body! "Gnngh!" But she found no ground was being given, gritting her teeth as the monster turned and threw a brutal backhanded strike! "Gah! Yasyamon!"

"Twin STRIKE!" He came from above, having leapt from her back the moment she made contact. He came down with both blades onto Arcadiamon's right arm, driving them to the hilt within the exposed Eye!

And for the first time, the monster screamed in pain! Releasing the feral cry as it tried to shake him off, Yasyamon quickly jumping after Devidramon! "Gotchya!" Her oversized tail claw snatching him from the air before he could hit the water. She began flying higher, trying to circle around. "One eye blinded..."

"And the other will follow!" Yasyamon assured.

Madison and Kai had made it to the shore line now, amid a crowd of other spectators viewing the battle. "That's the way guys!" She cried out, not caring who knew at this point. "Get that monster!" And Kai was just glad to have her enthusiasm, after what he'd been through today.

While the mysterious stranger watched from nearby as well, surprised to see the attacks of such lower level Digimon actually making a mark on the beast. "They might actually pull this off..."

"Thunder Drum FIST!" Raijinmon finally landed his strike, while Arcadiamon was reeling from the pain. Driving his mighty fist into the monster's backside, the concussive force of the blast separated the water beneath them for a second, while Arcadiamon was thrown across the waves.

The monster managed to flip out of his tumbling by spreading those large wings. Straightening out above the water, cracks had started to form in his body, but the beast wasn't finished quite yet. It's remaining, lidless eye darting between the two of them. "Must... Eliminate..." Before landing on Devidramon and Yasyamon flying together, "Weak... Link." Bringing both arms together, it began to intake energy from the atmosphere around itself again. "Dot Matrix." A hail of light bolts were released across the waves, targeting not only Raijinmon but Devidramon as well! The explosive bursts raged across the water towards them all.

"Watch out!" The armored warrior cried, knowing he'd have less trouble dodging but he feared for both his comrades!

"Hold on!" She growled out, flying upwards to try and evade the blasts, some of them exploded behind them, catching her tail as she hissed in pain.

"Hang on Devidramon!" Yasyamon cried, clinging to her back for dear life. Looking up only to realize too late that the blasts had been a smokescreen.

And Arcadiamon was waiting for them in the sky, another orb of light already formed in his stomach cavity. "Dot Matrix."

Devidramon was ascending too fast to stop herself, bringing up her arms and curling her wings in a desperate attempt to shield them both. Before the blast slammed into her, erupting in a violent explosion that filled the sky with pale light, 1s and 0s.

Raijinmon clenched his fists tightly, "You bastard!"

While Kai tensed up further, hand gripping his Digivice. "No... We can't lose now!" They had to survive, they had to beat Caster and prove that he couldn't just manipulate others and discard them at his convenience!

Madison took his hand, clenching it tightly as Devidramon and Yasyamon fell from the smoke cloud. They were in free fall, heading for the water together, but even so she had a determined look on her face. "We're going to win this, because we're fighting together!" She declared, trying to reassure him.

Kai felt his doubts leaving, as his Digivice began to glow in his palm. "We can do this!"

And in that moment, they heard the familiar, yet unknowable voice echoing from their Digivices, asking them the all-important question.

"Are you ready?"

(( Insert Song - First Riders - Yoshimasa Masukura ))

The two nodding in unison, holding each others hands tightly. "Always!"

While in the sky, Devidramon reached out for Yasyamon, his body limp and barely conscious. The water was approaching fast, "Can... Still... Protect!" Grasping him with her outstretched claw, pulling him closer to her. Before that same light glowing from their partners digivices started to surge through them both as well!

It was enough to rouse Yasyamon, who opened his eyes to the world spinning. "Wh... What's happening?"

Devidramon answered with a toothy grin, "Strong bond."

Jogress Digivolution

"Devidramon!"

"Yasyamon!"

"Jogress Digivolve to!"

Their free fall turned into a spiraling lightshow racing towards the waters surface as they were both enveloped entirely in the light of their bond.

Coming to a halt just above the ocean, within the lights a new warrior began to take shape.

And all in attendance would watch as the new being emerged.

Standing on four legs was a monster with a build like centaur. The lower half was a dark quadrupedal beast with pieces of black and golden armor, with a gaping maw filled with teeth up front, and a long tail that ended in a sharp blade! While the upper half was that of a warrior, armored like a samurai that same black and gold armor, sporting four arms, each wielding it's own long blade that was surrounded by pale blue flames!

Touching down on the waters surface, holding all five blades at the ready as both mouths cried out!

"Zanmetsumon!"

Arcadiamon however, "One less... Target to... Eliminate." Did not seem impressed. His remaining eye opening once again, "System Purge." Firing a beam that angled and bent in impossible ways as it darted towards them, intent on piercing this newly evolved digimon through the heart!

But Zanmetsumon held their ground, gripping all four blades as their sharp eyes followed the seemingly unpredictable pathing of the laser. "Hmph, childs play." Bringing all four blades together at a single point, just seconds before impact, the laser was halted against the surface of their four swords! Sparks flying off the edge, while Zanmetsumon tightened their grip, that glow surrounding their blades were flaring up slowly as the beam began to slowly fade, like the energy was being absorbed! "Now it's our turn!"

The maw on the lower half of the body opened wide, a swirling orb of purple and pale blue light was forming! It's shape unstable, shimmering and undulating like it might explode at any second! Before finally-

"Balefiend BOLT!"

The blast fired as a single, focused shot at blinding speed! The recoil itself was enough to make Zanmetsumon slide back on the surface of the water. While the shot struck Arcadiamon even as he tried to dodge! Piercing clean through one of his sickly wings!

Raijinmon flew over beside his new ally, smirking within his helm. "Welcome to the Fusion Club."

"Hmph," The voice from the mouth up top sounded like a deeper version of Yasyamon, "How many members are there?"

"I suppose that depends," Raijinmon shrugged, "Do you count both of us as one member or two?"

Before the toothed beast mouth on Zanmetsumon's lower body snarled out in annoyance, "Focus..." Sounding like a warped version of Devidramon's voice.

"Right," Raijinmon nodded, turning his attention back to Arcadiamon who remained airborne despite missing a wing. "Ready to finish this?"

Sensing the impending peril, Arcadiamon began gathering more energy from the atmosphere in his gaping stomach cavity! Trying to pull in more than before, causing winds to whip up across the bay. "Must... Eliminate... Have to-" The cracks across his body from Raijinmon's strike were starting to spread, "ELIMINATE!"

"Dot Matrix!"

And as the attack fired, Zanmetsumon finally gave their answer. "Try to keep up."

That sounded like a challenge, one Raijinmon was happy to meet! As both of fusions went on the attack, Zanmetsumon dashing across the waves on their powerful legs while Raijinmon soared through the sky! Each of them racing between and evading the explosive shots of light coming from Arcadiamon's attack! The various shots turning water to steam, with a mixture of 1s and 0s throughout it.

"Distance... Closing," Arcadiamon was starting to feel something it had not been created to understand, a fear gripping his non-existent heart. But that fear turned quickly to denial, and rage, as he began channeling more of his seemingly limitless power into the Dot Matrix attack, even allowing the Eye on his arm to fire those deadly purple Beams of light into the mix! "Matrix Purge!"

Raijinmon relied on his incredible speed to weather the onslaught, while Zanmetsumon cut away the bolts of light with ease! Consuming their energy, feeding the power into their lower half. "Let's make an opening." As the maw below opened up wide and cried out, "Balefield BOLT!"

A second deadly shot that cut clean through Arcadiamon's assault, as well as his right arm! The one that still had one of those annoying eyes, pierced clean through at the shoulder! The impact itself was enough to knock Arcadiamon from the sky finally, as he began falling in a death spiral towards the waters below!

But Raijinmon had no intention of letting him fall quietly beneath the waves, "You'd better stay dead this time!" Meeting his fall at high speed, both arms whirring to life with electricity as the sky rumbled above! "Drums of Raijin!" Aiming both knuckles at the falling monster, and releasing a shockwave that made the heavens roar with thunder! And sent Arcadiamon hurling towards Zanmetsumon! "Coming at you fast!"

The charging fusion narrowed their eyes, tail curling up to turn their quartet of burning blades into a quintet! As Zanmetsumon held them all at the ready, and channeled their excess power through them all, "Say goodbye monster!"

But Arcadiamon wasn't ready to go quietly, even with only one arm left he tried to lash out! Aiming his remaining claws at the fusion, as they morphed into a single powerful spike, "Exile Spe-"

Before he could even finish speaking the words, Zanmetsumon ran him through. "Goren-Danraizen!" Appearing just past Arcadiamon after moving at blinding speed, the monster's extended arm was cut to ribbons, before his body followed! Diced into a dozen pieces in the blink of an eye, before it all erupted in a brutal explosion just behind Zanmetsumon, who didn't even bother looking back at their handiwork.

On the coast, as the dust from the explosion began to settle and the clear victors could be seen, cheers broke out among those watching! The citizens didn't quite understand everything that was happening, but they knew which monsters they actually wanted to win that fight.

While Kai and Madison breathed a sigh of relief, "They did it." He said simply, slouching his shoulders a little and leaning a bit as the days exhaustion caught up with him.

Maddie giggled, supporting him with a smile. "Was there ever any doubt?"

But before he could answer, the mysterious woman spoke up from behind them. "Well, looks like this is all taken care of, I'm gonna get out of here before suits start asking questions."

Madison turned around to face her, "But where are you going?"

"Figured it's about time I head home," She answered, "You guys seem to have everything taken care of on this side." Turning to start walking away.

Kai blinked in surprise, realizing what she was implying. "Wait! We still don't even know who you are!"

She shrugged her shoulders casually, stuffing both hands into her pockets as she looked back at them. "Just another Hero." Cryptic until the very end, it seemed.

They could only watch as she disappeared into the crowd, which began to disperse only seconds later! Following some worried cries, causing both Kai and Madison to look back towards the bay only to see both Raijinmon and Zanmetsumon were approaching them.

Causing Kai to exclaim, "Well so much for laying low!" Looking up at both the massive fusions.

Raijinmon simply shrugged, "Well, Cody and Thomas have already been all over the net so... It was only a matter of time."

Zanmetsumon sheathed their blades, crossing all four arms while looking down at them both. "We have won a great victory, and you've unlocked the power of your Bond." They stated in a sagely manner, as both mouths began to speak in unison. "My inception was no accident or Miracle, I am proof of connection, and what you feel for one another."

Causing both Kai and Madison to blush, the young woman nervously stammering out, "Th-The bond of... L-L-Love?"

Making Zanmetsumon quirk an eyebrow, "Look at me Maddie, does any part of my appearance scream 'Love'?"

She pouted at that, "Okay okay, geez... Just would have been, I don't know... Kind of romantic..."

The fusion continuing, "The Bond of Trust is what you share, in one another... The same Bond Kotemon and Tsukaimon share, and have shared ever since that fateful day they first met." Lowering their head, closing both eyes. "When despite everything, despite only just meeting Tsukaimon... Kotemon chose to spare her life, because he believed in both her and you."

Madison's eyes widened, "Wow... Okay yeah that's also pretty romantic..."

Kai chuckled lightly, "Well I'm just happy this day is... Almost over."

Madison quirked an eyebrow, "Almost?"

He nodded firmly, "I've got to make sure Grayson knows who was behind this." He said, "Edward Caster, he'll pay for everything he's done to my family... Even if it isn't today, he'll have to answer for his crimes..."

Maddie took his hand and smiled lightly, "And we'll be right there with you!"

Zanmetsumon nodded as well, "Naturally... But I do fear we have far greater battles ahead of us.."

Raijinmon sighed, "I wish for once we could end on a high note, and not just foreshadowing more dark and terrible things."

"Maybe in the sequel we'll be that lucky..."

. . .

Caster

. . .

"It seems Arcadiamon has failed."

"At the hands of another fusion no less," The prominent older man sighed lightly, "Very well, we'll move on t-"

Before the doors of his room were thrown open, "Sir!" An underling, one of his security detail, rushed in panicked. "We've got a problem!"

"Indeed it seems you've forgotten how to knock." He grunted in annoyance, "Proceed."

"CS:GO is preparing to launch and investigation into your work, warrants are already being prepped!" Instantly gaining his full attention. "Our sources inside say that one of the Tanaka family Members we were involved with survived!"

"Damn it all..." Caster narrowed his eyes sharply, "Very well... Begin the back-up of all crucial files, terminate everything else and disperse assets into our shell holdings." He ordered his nearby assistant. "I'm going to have to go to ground for awhile... I guess it's time for some proper field testing of our project." A faint smirk crossing his lips, as he stared back at the screens, showing a massive island floating somewhere in an unnamed sea.

A digital sea.

---

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed the ride! I've been wanting to do a proper Fusion for Devidramon and Yasyamon for awhile, but finding a Digimon that I felt was a good mix of their designs/style was a nightmare. Until I discovered Zanmetsumon (Who was only recently added to the reference book), my closest option was Manticoremon, who is unfortunately only an ultimate level...

And as for our Mysterious Stranger, well their story is going to be a sidebar project, the first Chapter will be going up at the same time this one did! So if you'd like to get a proper introduction, go check out it "Digital Crisis: Hero!"

Now I return to my cave to finish working on the finale, which will hopefully be out sometime soon...