(A/N: Yay, I did get this chapter done earlier. I normally do when I'm writing a fight scene. So, here we go, the next installment. In case you don't know, this chapter title is a pun on the phrase "Deus ex Machina". The phrase translates to "god from machine", and it's usually used when a out of the blue victory or source of power suddenly appears to allow the hero to achieve victory. I don't want to give too much away, but you'll see what I mean.)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 10: Duck ex Machina

Charizard had had enough of Devimon's mockery. As the others continued to do battle around him, he flew at the fallen angel Digimon. Devimon took to the air with a smile on his face, and Charizard flew up after him. He breathed a stream of fire, which Devimon caused to disperse with a swipe of his Deadly Nail. Charizard didn't let this stop him and tried again, unleashing another Flamethrower.

"You're strong," Devimon acknowledged, avoiding the flames, "for a Pokemon that is. But I am Devimon, and compared to my kind, your species is nothing!"

He held up a hand and unleashed his Death Hand attack. Charizard flinched as a wave of radiation flowed over him, almost feeling as if he were hit by a physical force. Devimon just laughed. "You see. Just one attack and you're ready to thrown in the towel."

"Zard!" Charizard roared, and breathed a vortex of fire.

Devimon grinned as he recognized the attack from when Officer Jenny had attacked with her Growlith and Arcanine earlier in the week. "Ah, Fire Spin. A good Fire type move, but not nearly enough to- AH!"

He'd tried to disperse the attack with a swipe of his claw, but the flames had flown over his hand, burning him, much to his surprise. This one was stronger than he anticipated.

Charizard came at him again with his Steel Wing. Devimon's arms shot out, grabbing the flame Pokemon's shoulders, holding him back. The flame Pokemon breathed more fire at him, and Devimon pulled back to avoid it.

"Death Claw!" he cried, spearing with his hand. He'd aimed for Charizard's head, but only managed to graze his face. Reaching up with his other hand, he grasped one of the flame Pokemon's horns and threw him over his shoulder. Being in the air, Charizard was able to avoid any nasty collisions as he righted himself.

"Demon's Ray!" Devimon cried, firing a beam at him. Charizard countered with Dragon Rage, breathing a ball of energy. It collided with Devimon's attack and erupted.

Bursting through the cloud of smoke, Charizard flew towards Devimon. Opening his mouth, he used Ember, sending out bits of fire. Devimon covered himself with his wings, the attack doing little, but it was as Charizard intended as he suddenly used Take Down, plowing into Devimon.

Opening his wings, Devimon held out his hand and used Death Hand. The radiation blasted Charizard back, and Devimon followed up with his Laser Wing. A tornado stirred up around Charizard, and the flame Pokemon roared as the heavy winds whipped him around.

"Charizard, hang in there!" Ash called up to him.

Devimon laughed. "This is your backup? A flying lizard that can't even beat a windstorm? It's no wonder you're so weak."

Charizard glared at him, fire dancing in his eyes. He roared loudly, and the flame on his tail grew several times larger as he used Rage. Devimon raised an eyebrow in interest as the flame Pokemon's strength seemed to increase. "What's this now?"

"Char!" Charizard bellowed, and began rapidly flapping his wings, gaining control of his flying in the heavy wind.

Using Fly, he burst free of the tornado and flew at Devimon. The fallen angel Digimon swerved out of the way, but Charizard doubled back and used Flamethrower. Devimon countered with his Death Hand. The flames smashed into the radiation as if it were an invisible wall, but that didn't stop Charizard. He flew at Devimon, throwing a Mega Punch. Devimon raised his arms to block, and Charizard's glowing fist smashed against them.

The sound of thunder rumbled in the air as Charizard repeatedly used Mega Punch. Devimon's face twisted with frustration, and he kicked outward, his foot colliding with Charizard's stomach. The flame Pokemon grunted, but quickly retaliated with a Slash. Devimon pulled back and used Deadly Nail as Charizard repeated his Slash attack.

Sparks flew as their claws struck against each other. Charizard followed up with a Skull Bash, ramming his head into Devimon's gut. Grabbing the fallen angel Digimon, he took him higher into the sky and began summersaulting, preparing to use Seismic Toss. Diving down from the sky, he brought Devimon with him, and smashed the fallen angel Digimon into the ground.

Taking to the air again, he left Devimon where he landed and smirked. Ash gave the flame Pokemon a thumbs up. "Way to go, Charizard!"

"Um, hold that thought," Yolei told him, pointing.

She was right. Devimon was getting to his feet. He dusted himself off, and then looked up at Charizard. The flame Pokemon was flying above him. He slowly rose into the air, and Charizard growled at him.

"You surprised me," he admitted. "Charizard, was it?"

"Char!"

"I see. Well, Charizard, this has been fun," he cracked his knuckles, "but I think it's about time I ended this."

Charizard roared and breathed fire at him. Devimon spread his wings and used Evil Wing. The energy he released completely knocked away Charizard's fire and blasted against the flame Pokemon. Devimon flew after him and reached out, grabbing his tail. He spun Charizard around, and then threw him, firing a Demon's Ray after him.

Charizard barely recovered from the first attack before the beam struck his side, ripping a cry from the flame Pokemon. Ignoring the pain, he turned back to Devimon, but the fallen angel Digimon was already there, slashing at him with his Deadly Nail. Charizard breathed fire at him, but Devimon avoided the flames and unleashed his Hell Contract.

Charizard choked on the black cloud and immediately retreated from it. Devimon followed after him and balled up his fists, bringing them down on the flame Pokemon. Charizard fell from the sky, hitting the ground not far from where he had Seismic Tossed Devimon before. The fallen angel Digimon landed a few feet from him, only this time he was wearing the arrogant smirk.

Charizard rose to his feet, stumbling. He turned to Devimon and growled. The fallen angel Digimon simply motioned for him to come at him, and Charizard rose to the bait. He charged at Devimon and used his Wing Attack. Devimon dodged as the flame Pokemon swiped at him with his wings.

Finally, Devimon reached out and grabbed one of Charizard's wings, digging his claw into the leathery flesh. Charizard roared and threw a Mega Punch, but Devimon's other hand came up, grasping his wrist.

"You've really impressed me," Devimon admitted. "You're much stronger than the other fools I've faced." His eyes narrowed. "But compared to me, you're still a weakling."

There was an unpleasant pop noise as Devimon dislocated Charizard's wing. The flame Pokemon howled and pulled away, grabbing his injured wing. Devimon let him go, smirking. "So very fragile, all of you."

Charizard growled at him. Taking hold of his injured wing, he roared loudly as he popped it back into place. Devimon's eyes widened in surprise as Charizard breathed heavily, and then got into an attacking position again and roared once more, breathing a stream of fire for good measure.

Devimon's eyebrows rose as he was once again impressed against his will. "You are certainly full of surprises."

He took to the air again. Charizard followed, heedless of his aching wing. A moment later, Onix crashed down where he had been standing. Bucchiemon turned away from the rock snake Pokemon as he turned to Politoed. The frog Pokemon used Bubble, unleashing a flood of countless bubbles. Bucchiemon jumped up over them, only to have Geodude slam into him with his Tackle attack.

Bucchiemon recovered quickly and grabbed the rock Pokemon, throwing him into the pool of bubbles meant for him. He came in for a landing on Politoed's head, knocking the frog Pokemon to the ground.

Staryu came at him with its Rapid Spin, knocking him off Politoed. Crobat swooped down, grabbing Bucchiemon by the shoulders and flying into the air. The fairy Digimon flipped himself upward and wrapped his arms and legs around the bat Pokemon, pinning its wings to its side. The two fell from the sky, and Bucchiemon shifted so Crobat hit the ground while he landed on top of it.

"Staryu!" The starfish Pokemon was spinning towards him again. Bucchiemon leapt at it, once again grabbing it by one of its points. Staryu struggled, but the fairy Digimon kept a firm grip on it.

Something stabbed into him from behind, and Bucchiemon turned to find Corsola firing its Spike Cannon at him. He ran towards the coral Pokemon, using Staryu to smack away the flying spikes, then hit Corsola with the starfish Pokemon. Both cried out as he proceeded to whack Corsola with Staryu before finally blasting the coral Pokemon with his Heavy Beam. He then threw Staryu into a tree, where one of its points buried into the trunk, its jewel blinking.

With all of its opponents down, Bucchiemon turned to the humans. He began stalking towards them threateningly, his eyes blank and emotionless. The humans back away, unable to defend themselves against his power.

"Guys, I think we're in trouble," said Yolei.

"Do you guys have any other Pokemon?" Cody asked the Trainers.

Brock shook his head. "No, that's all of them."

"No, it's not," said Davis. He suddenly snatched Togepi out of Misty's arms and held it out towards Bucchiemon. "Get 'em, Togepi!"

Misty's fist came down over his head, and she reclaimed the spike ball Pokemon. "Just what do you think you're doing!?"

Davis rubbed the bump on his head. "What? It's a Pokemon, isn't it? It can fight."

"Togepi is just a baby!"

"…Even Baby level Digimon can fight a bit."

"No one needs to fight," Ken announced. "I'll handle this."

He stepped away from the group, walking towards Bucchiemon. The fairy Digimon let him approach, his eyes seemingly unseeing.

"Bucchiemon," Ken said carefully, "it's me. Don't you recognize me? It's Ken." He reached out to him. "I know you're in there somewhere. You didn't give up on me when I was the Digimon Emperor, and I'm not going to give up on you." He placed his hands on Bucchiemon's shoulders. "You can beat this. I know you can. I have faith in you." He pulled the fairy Digimon into a hug. "Come back to me, Bucchiemon. You're my best friend. I know you'd never hurt me."

The others watched as the two partners stood in front of each other, Ken pleading with his friend. They all wondered the same thing; would their bond be strong enough to break Devimon's control.

A light pressure on Ken's chest caused him to open his eyes. He looked down to see Bucchiemon's hand on his chest. The fairy Digimon pushed him away with great force, and Ken went flying back to the others. A sadistic grin was plastered on Bucchiemon's face as he sneered at them.

"Your words mean nothing to me, human." He produced an arrow and took aim. "Now it's time for you to die."

"Psy, Y, Y, Y!"

From out of the bushes, Psyduck came running over to them, having run in a complete circle when it took off earlier at the beginning of the battle. Whether it was by coincidence or because it had taken notice of them, the platypus Pokemon tripped over his own feet and fell in front of the humans.

"Psyduck?" Misty asked.

"Alright!" Davis cried. "The duck man to the rescue."

Misty sighed. "Well, I guess it can't hurt. Psyduck, use Water Gun!"

The platypus Pokemon looked confused at first, then he stood up and nodded. "Psy."

Turning to Bucchiemon, he opened his mouth and let out a spray of water equivalent to that of a water fountain. It sprayed against the fairy Digimon's face, the only damage being done was getting him wet.

When the spray stopped, Bucchiemon mechanically raised his hand and wiped the water from his face. Psyduck cocked his head to the side in confusion, as if he couldn't figure out why his attack didn't work.

TK glanced at Misty. "Was that a serious attack, or was it just fooling around?"

Misty sighed again. "No, unfortunately, that was Psyduck being serious." She shook her head. "Ok, Psyduck, try your Scratch attack."

"Psy, Y!" He raised his hand, the points of his fingers glittering in the moonlight. Charging forward, he swiped at Bucchiemon. The fairy Digimon easily stepped to avoid him. Psyduck tried again and again, but Bucchiemon avoided his attacks without the slightest bit of effort.

Psyduck swiped one last time, once again missing. The momentum caused him to spin around and fall onto his face with his rear in the air. Bucchiemon kicked his backside, sending Psyduck tumbling head over heels back to the others. They humans all sweat-dropped as Psyduck looked up at them, completely bewildered.

"Can Psyduck actually battle?" Yolei asked with hooded eyes.

Misty looked embarrassed for the platypus Pokemon's sake. "Kind of. Sometimes." She growled irritably. "Come on, you dumb duck! Do something! Try your Tail Whip!"

Psyduck stood up, looking determine, and nodded. "Psy!" He turned his backside to Bucchiemon and began moving his rear back and forth while wagging his tail. "Psy, Duck. Psy. Duck. Psy. Duck. Psy. Duck."

The DigiDestined stared at the platypus Pokemon's 'attack'. Despite the seriousness of the situation, they couldn't help but crack smiles at the ridiculousness of Psyduck's poor attempt at a Tail Whip. Yolei had tears of laughter in her eyes as she bit her bottom lip to stop herself from smiling while Davis was turning blue in the face as he held his breath, trying to prevent himself from bursting out laughing.

But the DigiDestined weren't the only ones to find Psyduck's attack humorous as a snort of laughter managed to escape Ash as well, and he bit his tongue to stifle it when Misty glared at him.

The platypus Pokemon continued to chant as he waddled backwards towards Bucchiemon with his tail gently wagging back and forth, looking over his shoulder to see where he was going. Bucchiemon made no move to stop him, but once Psyduck was within range, he smacked him in the side of the head with his long ears, knocking the platypus Pokemon off his feet.

Psyduck blinked, looking surprised. A shadow fell over him, and he looked up to find Bucchiemon glaring down at him. Crying out, the platypus Pokemon jumped to his feet and ran quacking back over to the humans. He tripped over his own feet again and fell down in front of them as they stared down at him with hooded eyes.

"Misty," said Davis, "your Psyduck is more of a danger to itself than anything."

"Enough of this," Bucchiemon growled. "It's time to fulfill my master's wish. Talon Arrow!" He produced an arrow and took aim. "Say goodbye!"

Ken held out a hand. "Bucchiemon, wait!"

The fairy Digimon let the arrow fly. It tore through the air towards the humans, its target being Ken.

"PSY, Y, Y!" Psyduck rolled over into a sitting position, his eyes and body glowing with blue psychic energy. The arrow froze in mid-air, then suddenly exploded into a shower of splinters.

Bucchiemon's blank eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

"DUUUUCK!"

The blue aura that was surrounding Psyduck now surrounded Bucchiemon. The fairy Digimon tried to get away, but found that his body was paralyzed as he was lifted into the air. "What's happening? I can't move."

"Duck! Duck! Duck! Psy, Y, Y!"

Bucchiemon was slammed to the ground, lifted into the air, and then slammed down again, higher and higher each time. The DigiDestined stared, completely baffled at what was happening.

"Hey, what's going on?" TK asked.

"It's Psyduck's psychic power," said Brock. "Looks like that blow to the head really set off Psyduck's headache."

Bucchiemon was slammed down one last time, and the blue around him faded. He got to his feet, growling as he turned his attention to the platypus Pokemon. "You'll pay for that. Heavy Beam!"

Psyduck's glowing eyes flashed brightly. "Psyyyyy!"

The psychic aura around him grew until he appeared to consumed in blue flames, the psychic energy so great it almost appeared solid. A blast of it flew at Bucchiemon, pushing through his Heavy Beam, and kept going. The fairy Digimon's eyes widened just before he was blasted back, and he went tumbling into a tree hard enough to cause it to crack in half.

The psychic energy died within Psyduck, and the platypus Pokemon seemed none the wiser as to what had transpired. The others did though, and Misty dropped down to hug him. "Psyduck, that was great!"

Yolei blinked. "Wait, what just happened? Psyduck was hurting itself more than anything, and then it suddenly unleashes all this awesome power. What's up with that? Was it bluffing?"

Brock shook his head. "Not quite. Psyduck is a Pokemon that always has a headache. When it becomes severe, it develops powerful psychic attacks."

Kari gave the platypus a smile. "Wow, Psyduck, you're amazing. Think you can use those powers to fight Devimon?"

Psyduck glanced at her, looking confused. "Psy?" he asked, apparently having no idea what she was talking about.

Ash gave a nervous laugh. "Yeah… it seems that after Psyduck uses its power, it goes back to the way it was before."

Davis beamed. "That's so cool! Psyduck gains this awesome power, unleashes it on its opponent, then forgets it did it, and does it all over again. Psyduck, you're the mon!"

The others sighed at his horrible pun. Psyduck stilled looked confused, but then seemed to realize that he was being praised and blushed. "Psy."

"Hold up, you guys," said Cody, "this battle isn't over yet. Look."

He pointed. Bucchiemon was walking over to them, rubbing his head. They prepared to be attacked, but when he opened his eyes, they were no longer blank, white, and emotionless. "Ow, my head."

Ken stared at him. "Bucchiemon?" he asked hopefully. "Bucchiemon!" He rushed forward and hugged his friend. "Oh, Bucchiemon, I'm so glad you're back."

The fairy Digimon smiled and hugged him back. "Hey, Ken. Sorry for the trouble."

"Hey," Davis cried, "it's good to have you back, but we don't have time for this right now. We've got to get the others back."

TK's eyes widened. "That's it! I know how!"

Kari glanced at him. "What are you thinking?"

"The same way Davis was returned to normal after Pukumon turned him into the New Digimon Emperor. Bucchiemon, use your arrows."

The fairy Digimon smirked. "You got it." He turned to Halsemon, who was flying after Ash's Pokemon as they fled, firing his Mach Impulse at them. Bucchiemon smiled and took aim with his arrow, letting it fly. "Talon Arrow!"

The arrow flew through the air and struck Halsemon in the side. He cried out, and his body glowed with red light. When it faded, his eyes were back to normal, and so was he. "What was I… doing?"

"You did it!" Yolei exclaimed.

Bucchiemon smirked and took aim with another arrow. "And one more."

Nefertimon and Pegasusmon were bucking heads. They pressed against each other, trying to push the other back. Bucchiemon fired his arrow, and it struck Nefertimon. She cried out as she too flashed with red light and was freed from Devimon's spell.

"Pegasusmon?" she asked, sounding confused.

If he were able to, he would have smiled at her. "Good to have you back."

"Nefertimon!" Kari waved happily.

Pokemon and Digimon alike returned to their humans, glad everyone was back to normal, and not too worse for wear. But the battle wasn't over yet, and Devimon still needed to be stop.

"Ok," said Davis, "now lets finish this."

Charizard was quickly losing steam, both figuratively and literally. Devimon attacked with his Evil Wing, and Charizard countered with his Steel Wing, flying straight through the attack, despite the damage it did to him. Devimon retaliated with his Deadly Nail, slashing at Charizard as the flame Pokemon passed by, striking him with his glowing silver wings.

Devimon grunted, but continued to grin as Charizard doubled back and unleashed Fire Spin. Devimon fired his Demon Ray, and the attack forced its way through the spinning stream of fire and struck Charizard. The flame Pokemon cried out as the attack hit him. A moment later, Devimon crashed into him, bringing Charizard down to the ground. They hit hard, with Charizard beneath Devimon, and the fallen angel Digimon's hand wrapping around the flame Pokemon's throat.

"This time you are beaten," Devimon mocked. "I'll snap your neck so you'll never get up again."

"Hey, Devimon!"

At Ash's call, Devimon turned to him. He was shocked to see humans, Pokemon, and Digimon alike standing together, all ready to face him. How had they broken his spell? When?

Charizard managed to twist his head enough to breathe a stream of fire into Devimon's face. The fallen angel Digimon cried out and stumbled back, allowing Charizard to throw him off. Spreading his wings, he flew over to the others and roared intimidatingly.

Devimon stared at the group, hopelessly outnumbered and outmatched, even worse than before. He dropped his aggressive stance, his posture becoming more resigned. "Well, well, look at this. Humans, Pokemon, and Digimon standing together against the forces of evil." He chuckled. "How sweet."

"It's over, Devimon," TK growled. "You can't defeat all of us."

"And we won't let you take us over again," Nefertimon added.

"Pika, Pika!"

Devimon looked like he wanted to argue, but knew there was no point. He knew there was no possible way for him to win. With a sigh, he closed his eyes. "I must admit, you're right." He grinned. "But just because I can't beat you, doesn't mean I must accept defeat. Hell Contract!"

His black cloud exploded outward, concealing him from the others. Flamedramon growled as he lost sight of the fallen angel Digimon. "I hate that attack. Everyone, light him up!"

A barrage of attacks flew into the cloud, Pokemon and Digimon alike attacking in full force. Various explosions were heard from within the darkness as the attacks hit. What they were hitting, either the ground, each other, or Devimon, was unknown.

"Noctowl, get rid of that cloud," Ash ordered.

"Noct!" the owl Pokemon screeched, and used Whirlwind. The black cloud cleared up, but there was no sign of Devimon anywhere.

"I really hate that attack," Flamedramon growled.

"Find him," Pegasusmon ordered. "Don't let him get away."

"And stay in pairs," Nefertimon added. "Watch each others' backs; we don't want him taking control of anyone else."

The Digimon took off into the forest while the Pokemon stayed behind to defend the humans in case the fallen angel Digimon returned. But an hour later, they reluctantly returned, their search unsuccessful. Devimon had gotten away.

(A/N: And it's Psyduck to the rescue! Who would have thought that the little guy would have turned things around so completely? But yes, this is why I had Bucchiemon in this story, so he could free the other Digimon from Devimon's control, just as he changed Davis back from being the new Digimon Emperor in the audio drama he appeared in. But shoot, they had been so close in defeating Devimon, only to lose him at the last moment. Well, at least they've got him on the run. Hopefully they'll find and stop him before he causes any more trouble. For now, it seems like our heroes can relax a bit. Or can they? Stay tuned for more.)