A/N: The recruitment for the tournament starts and a certain Digi-Deity prodigy with a twisted sense of justice is being considered.
Let's see how this plays out.
xxxxx
Digimon Fusion Ascendancy
Act IV: Battle Supremacy
Chapter XXX: Who are the Last Two Fighters?
xxxxx
Dimension: DF-616/Digital World/File Island
"Ok, let's review," Max announced.
The other Digidestined, Digimon, and the D3s arrived to meet with Tai, Max, Matt, Kensuke, and Kari.
"Right, we have our four fighters," Tai stated. "Max, Matt, Kari, and myself. Kensuke is still undecided, but I'm confident he'll be our fifth guy."
"I still haven't fully decided yet," Kensuke reminded him..
"You can always fill in if one of us for whatever reason decide to drop out," Tai nodded.
"And any one of us can fill in if anyone steps down," BanchoLeomon suggested.
"Got that right," Pikkan concurred.
"Fighting alongside Max will be like the good old days!" BW hyped himself up.
"That'd be great," Max replied.
"Hey, bro, how come you aren't gung-ho about joining them?" Kara teased Tike.
"It's because Kensuke's on the team," David whispered to Kara, causing Tike to put him in a headlock. "Hey, lemme go!"
"Why spill it, you jerk!" Tike snarled, taking David down and covering his mouth.
"C'mon, knock it off you two," TK sighed as he broke them apart.
"All right, if Kensuke's with y'all, that means you have your team," Sora said. "Tai, I know my Ascendant powers barely awoke and all. So I get why it'd be too soon to join."
Tai approached Sora. "Hey, you'll get a grip over them, Sora. Remember one step at a time. Maybe when Matt and I are done taking a turn in the Room of Time, you'd like to go in with me?"
"Into the Room of Time? I'm not so sure… I heard it's tough in there from all the accounts I've heard," the Bearer of Love turned away, unsure of her own limitations.
"Sora, you'll be with Tai in the dimension," Max reminded her. "And you don't have to spend the entire day in there. If things get tough, then you have option to leave."
"And if she does, I'm going back in and resuming our training," Matt plainly stated.
"Good thing Falcomon helped to tweak the Room of Time rules," BanchoLeomon said. "Now there's no limit for how many people can enter or how many times one have used the room."
"Now any one of us can get in as much training in a full year anytime," Pikkan added. "Certainly will help during these drastically changing times."
"Yeah, it's like the minute Beerusmon showed up, a big snowball effect occurred and dramatically changed our perception of the Digiverse," Izzy pointed out.
"Yes, and to learn there's other parallel Digiverses out there, it's crazy to think about in hindsight," Tai stated.
"Excuse me? But I believe I heard my name?" Came a voice belonging to a certain God of Destruction.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Mysterious Alien 1)
Everyone turned around as Beerusmon, Whismon, and a newcomer teleported near them. The newcomer was the most odd-looking the Digidestined have ever seen. He was a short and slender, red-skinned alien creature. With a wide and chubby head, he also has pointed ears, a small nose, and large nipples protruding on his chest. His wear includes a light green suit and purple shoes.
"Lord Beerusmon, what brings you here?" Tai inquired as he and Agumon approached him.
"And who's that guy with ya?" Agumon noticed the short red alien.
"This is our fifth fighter," Beerusmon revealed, patting Monakamon's back. "Whismon and I searched far and wide for the strongest warrior in the Digiverse. And here he is! Everyone, this is Monakamon!"
Everyone gawked silently at Monakamon, who just stared nervously at them. The majority already could tell Monakamon wasn't as Beerusmon hyped him out to be.
"That's the strongest guy in the Digiverse?" Mimi gawked.
"If he is, I want my money back," Gomamon quipped. As he said this, Beerusmon shot him a glare, which quickly shut him up.
"You might wanna be your mouth zipped, Gomamon," Joe snarked.
"He doesn't look all that," Matt scoffed.
"Well, isn't that how it always is? Never judge a character by their outward appearance," Max reminded him of all the Digimon they've encountered.
Tai and Agumon both checked out Monakamon.
"What do you think, Tai?" Agumon asked him.
"He's pretty scrawny as hell," the Bearer of Courage assessed. "Hi, my name is Tai Kamiya!"
"And I'm Agumon!"
Monakamon responded dryly. "Ok."
Tai then noticed Monakamon's nipples. "Man those are some large nipples!"
"Those aren't any regular nipples. They're his Grand Ponta Nipples!" Beerusmon boasted. "And they'll unleash a force unrivaled by any force in the Digiverse. Even I've had trouble besting Monakamon. He's the one force I've been unable to defeat!"
Whismon chortled over this. "You just know how to hype up your favorite opponents. Do you, Lord Beerusmon?"
"Tai, tell me you're not considering Monakamon?" Max asked, to which Beerusmon scowled at him. "Whoa, hey, Lord Beerusmon! I'm just asking for an opinion here!"
"There should be no question that Monakamon is the perfect fit for our team!" Beerusmon retorted. "He's our team's best ace! Right, Monakamon? You tell them!"
Monakamon grunted in a small rough voice. "May I be part of your team?"
"Well, at least he asked politely," Palmon said.
"But those nips definitely need to be covered," Mimi remarked.
"Don't any of you talk to him so casually," Beerusmon warned everyone. "He's so above everyone here. His presence demands respect."
BanchoLeomon grumbled. "You've gotta be kidding me."
Pikkan assessed. "I barely sense any Ki from this guy."
"Wait, you've never even heard of him, Pikkan?" Keke asked.
"Alterians don't know everything. This guy must be from the farthest reaches of the Digiverse. There's so much of these other universes we don't know much about."
"Maybe we should spar, Monakamon? So we can get an idea how strong you are," Tai looked at him suspiciously.
(End theme)
"Hold on!" Beerusmon interjected, grabbing and pulling Tai to the side. "Don't you recall your opponents are those Digiverse 6 guys?! You need to be at your best. Fight Monakamon and you won't even make it to the tournament!"
However, Kensuke had seen and heard enough from this nonsense.
"Beerusmon, I'm sorry but is this a joke?" Kensuke asked as he looked the small scrawny fighter over. "This guy isn't a fighter."
"I'm inclined to agree with him for once." Matt candidly said. "What's he supposed to be? Motivation?"
Hell's frozen over. Max and Tai both thought mentally.
Irked by their objections, Beerusmon growled. "You dare question my choice?!"
However before he can retort, Whismon stopped him.
"Lord Beerusmon, I almost forgot! I'm afraid that we can only pick up to three fighters from our dimension anyway."
This statement confused them all.
"Wait what?!" Tai was confused at this.
"Why is that, Whismon?!" Beerusmon demanded.
However, Whismon wouldn't tell. "I guess you can go back to delivering mail then, Monakamon."
The timid Digimon got up and walked off relieved. This made everyone but Whismon sweatdrop.
"You were seriously going to put a postal service Digimon on our team?!" Matt snapped.
Whismon stated. "It seems one fighter from the other 'Trinity' dimensions are needed since this dimension is so well linked with the other two."
Kensuke concluded. "I have no choice then. I'll enter to represent my dimension even if I don't live there anymore. No way am I leaving this world in the others hands."
Tai mused over this. "So that leaves one slot from Takato's dimension… hey that's it!" He slammed his hands together. "Let's get him as our fifth fighter."
Matt nodded. "Why not? I'd like to see how stronger he's gotten."
"Yeah, same can be said for Guilmon!" Agumon became ecstatic.
Max concurred with Tai's idea. "Good idea. Now let's go, but first we need to stop by the sanctuary so I can tell the others about this."
Kensuke added. "Kari ain't going to be happy."
"Let me deal with that." Tai replied.
xxxxx
Odaiba District (大台区)/Apartment/2:45 PM
"I'm being cut from your team?" Kari asked upon being told by her brother. "But you seemed sure I could join you."
"Yeah, but Whismon hit us with this last bit of news from some unknown source. We're only allowed three fighters per dimension. I would've asked Dorothy to fight for us but she politely turned down and even if she could we're allowed just three fighters from each dimension," Tai explained. "I wish I could change his mind, but looks like nothing can be done."
"Look on the bright side, Kari. We have someone in mind who'll take your place," Max reassured her.
Nodding, Kari sat down next to Gatomon. Rather than feeling dejected, she accepted her reality.
"I'm ok with this. I trust this someone will do well in my place?"
"Don't worry we do," Tai gave a thumbs up.
"And boy do we have our replacement in mind!" Agumon added excitedly.
"Don't feel discouraged, Kari," Kensuke spoke up. "I know your energy levels are not up to par with what they used to be. So, I'm willing to offer you some training on the side."
Hearing this, Kari looked up to Kensuke.
"I think we have a week's worth of prep before this tournament. I can train you during my freetime. Max, maybe you have a suggestion for a place for me to take her?"
Max mused and replied. "Yeah, I think I do, but Kari, I must have your consent."
"Go on, Kari," Gatomon whispered, encouraging her partner. "What have ya been doing besides grading some rugrats' papers?"
Karin complied with Max. "I accept." She then turned to Kensuke. "I'll do my best not to let you down."
"Don't feel that way. Let's just take a step at a time," Kensuke said.
"Great! Let's head on over to Takato and the gang's world!" Tai exclaimed.
xxxxx
Dimension: YYGDM-01/Shinjuku Park (新宿公園)
Takato and Guilmon strolled for a morning walk in the park. Just then, a portal opened right in front of them. Startled, Takato and Guilmon fell back only for familiar faces to pop out. Tai, Kensuke, Matt, Max, Keke and their Digimon passed through.
(Cue One Punch Man OST - Peaceful Days)
"Whoa, you scared us!" Guilmon exclaimed.
"Oh hey guys what's going on?" Takato asked, picking himself off the floor.
"Let's get right to the point. There's a tournament coming up in our world. Our dimension against a parallel one, and we need five fighters. For some inexplicable reason, we need one fighter from each world. Ours, yours and Kensuke's. And since Kensuke's going to enter, we've decided to pick you to enter as well." Max offered a spot for Takato.
Takato mused for a minute and then accepted. "Sure me and Guilmon can enter, but wow warriors from another dimension within a dimension?"
Tai answered. "I know it's complicated to explain but there are apparently 12 universes in our dimension. We're universe 7 going up against a universe 6." As Tai said this, a gasping noise was heard following by an ecstatic chuckle.
All turned and saw Kotori, in her police uniform, on a motorbike.
"Oh this sounds like fun! I want in on this!" Kotori yelled out ecstatically while parking her bike.
Ken and Takato became nervous. Tai and Max were confused. Matt and Keke were none too pleased with this.
"Oh please what can you do?!" Matt berated Kotori.
"I've gotten stronger after kicking Mist's sorry butt and preventing Ragnarok! Don't you remember you were all there to help!" She boasted as her eyes gleamed. "The last good fight I had was fighting that Divine Enforcer me. Now, I'll get chance to fight some better opponents. Having someone with magic like me will do your team good."
Tai interjected. "But me, Matt, Ken, Takato, and Max are going to enter..." Before he can finish, Tai was cut off when Kotori cracked her knuckles.
"Then how about I fight someone for their spot? Keep in mind back, I totally missed out fighting in that tournament when that D-Reaper mess went down! I could've been Digiworld Champion! Ooo, but I want in this one. I'm owed that much!"
Tai and Takato flinched at Kotori's direct response. Matt was irked with this.
However, Keke grew annoyed with her tone, but this only made Max nervous.
"Who are you to call the shots, Kotori?" Keke interjected. "You just only need to fight for us if you're interested."
"Look, I'm just hungry for a fight. I could use a break from catching hooligans."
"Hey! Look, you can have my spot, Kotori!" Max conceded, shocking both Matt and Keke, but more so the latter.
Keke was flabbergasted. "Max you can't be serious."
Max sighed. "She has time to develop her powers than I have. My Ascendant Blue form still needs polishing. Her Norse magic will be a valuable asset for our team. And don't forget she saved her world from Loki and Mist. In fact, she went head-on and prevented an evil sorceress'' revival."
"But…"
"She's not one to take lightly, Keke. I graciously concede my spot to her."
Keke sighed for a moment taking this all in. She then glared at Kotori.
"Fine, but you better pull your weight and win a round at least."
Kotori smirked. "Should be easy."
(End theme)
Kensuke and Takato both exhaled deeply.
"Kinda hard to breathe there, huh?" Takato said, deeply sighing.
"Yeah, but now we've got our team sorted out at least." Kensuke stated.
"We sure have. Now let's tell your friends about this before we take you back with us," Tai briefed Takato and Kotori. "We've got training plans. So, I hope you're up for it."
Takato and Kotori nodded together. "We're ready for anything!"
"Good," the Bearer of Courage smirked.
xxxxx
Dimension: DF-616/Digital World/File Island
Returning from the YYGDM-01 dimension, Tai & Agumon, Matt & Gabumon, Kensuke & Veemon, and Max & Gojiramon dropped Takato & Guilmon and Kotori & Seadramon off on File Island.
(Cue Hunter x Hunter (2011) OST - G.I Theme)
"Thanks for offering to train me, Max," Takato smiled, carrying a backpack full of stuff his mother and Rika gave him.
"And I promised Rika to bring you back not only stronger, but in one piece. I don't even want to think what she'll do to me if something happened to you," Max chuckled nervously.
"Heh, and you thought I was scary," Kotori grinned mischievously. "I hope Keke's ready to spar 'cause I'm not holding back."
"When I sent her back to Simms, I asked her if she could train with you and she only agreed under the condition I take her out on a date every Sunday," Max sighed. "Which is great because Sundays are my days off ever since I stepped down as full-time watcher."
"Yeah, nowadays you're mostly just training, Max," Tai added.
"Still, I'm glad you can free up your schedule and train me," Takato said.
"No, the honor is mine, Takato," Max replied. "Lord Gosenzomon's training will be a cakewalk compared to mine. Think you and Guilmon can handle it?"
"Heck yeah! Takato and I are ready for anything!" Guilmon chimed in cheerfully.
"I can see Guilmon's thrilled," Agumon smiled.
"No kidding! I look forward to roughing him up," Gojiramon anticipated training with Guilmon.
"Kotori," Matt called the Valkyrie over. "Let me be the first to warn that my daughter's not just a pretty face. She's stronger than she looks. She, like myself, expect nothing but the best from her sparring partners. Don't hold nothing back."
"Are you kidding? Like I ever hold back for anyone!" Kotori boasted.
"You better hope so for yours and her sakes," the Bearer of Friendship replied.
Just then, another portal opened. The group turned to see Dimitri & Faith, Karin, and Athena & PinkPatamon come out of it.
"Karin!" Takato and Kotori cried out.
"Did we come at a good time?" Karin asked as she noticed Tai and company amassed together.
"Just discussing our training plans," Tai answered. "Good to see you here, Karin."
"Tai, you know Whismon and Beerusmon are supposed to take us two and Kensuke to some far-off world?" Dimitri asked, almost expecting a surprised reaction from Tai.
"I heard Whismon mention something about a potential recruit. Could that be it?" Tai wondered.
"Indeed, you're correct, Taichi," Whismon chimed in all of a sudden as he and Beerusmon teleported in front of the group. "And what auspicious timing! The three I've been looking for."
"Is there any reason why I need to go?" Kensuke asked.
"Not for any particular reason. I surmised the Bearer of Unity would be curious about this new recruit we've had our eye on," Beerusmon's attendant answered plainly. "Let's just say this individual is quite the prodigy."
"Prodigy? You mean like Dorothy?" Tai asked him.
"You're referring to the D-Reaper's reincarnation? That human girl? Well, in short, this individual's strength may be even greater than hers. And you could say more divine," Whismon vaguely described the unidentified prodigy.
"Can we get on with it, Whismon? I want you to take them to meet with this so-called prodigy you've been yammering about!" Beerusmon groaned impatiently.
"Better not keep you waiting, Lord Beerusmon," Tai chuckled. "Hey, Dimitri! Ken! You coming?"
"Sure, we're coming," Dimitri nodded, kissing both Karin and Athena. "We'll be back."
"And we'll be waiting, honey," Karin nodded.
"Be back soon, Dimitri!" Athena waved to her present day father.
"Brother, keep an eye on this prodigy guy," Karin said. "Assess if he's someone you'd want for the team."
"Sure thing, sis," Kensuke said.
"You come back soon, too, uncle Ken!" Athena said.
Kensuke kissed the child's forehead. "Yeah, this will be quick, little one."
"I expect this fighter is from one of the other Digiverses," Max stated. "Tai, if you have to, try sparring with this so-called prodigy. That's one way to assess one's strength."
(End theme)
"Right," Tai replied as he, Dimitri, Kensuke, and their Digimon amassed around Whismon and Beerusmon.
"Leaving without me?" Matt scoffed.
Max replied plainly. "Who says you can't come? I mean I could go, but I have to take Takato to my planet. Tike should be here to pick us up."
"Hey, Matt, you can't go because I have to meet up with Keke," Kotori frowned.
"Yeah, I know."
Gabumon chortled nervously. "And we'll kindly stay out of your way."
Seadramon whispered to Kotori. "Don't go too wild when you two spar."
"Yeah, yeah," Kotori shrugged.
"We're off, everyone! We'll be back soon!" Tai announced.
With that, Whismon tapped his staff and teleported them straight to their destination.
Just then, Athena and PinkPatamon noticed Karin feeling somewhat tense.
"Karin?" Athena asked, noticing her present mother's uneasiness. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I am… c'mon, let's go see Takato and Kotori, sweetie," Karin grabbed Athena's hand and took her along to see their friends.
xxxxx
Odaiba Park (大台公園)/10:30 AM
Shortly after returning from the Digital World, Mimi & Palmon, Keke, Yolei & Hawkmon, and Sam convened to meet with Jacomon. Jacomon's ship finally came without delay.
"Great timing, Jacomon!" Mimi waved to the intergalactic traveler.
Jacomon and Ryo (DF-616) poked their heads out of the ship.
"Hey, Jacomon! Oh, look he brought his human friend along!" Palmon said. "I think his name is Ryo?"
"He's this dimension's Ryo from what you've told us," Yolei eyed Keke and Sam.
"Yeah, it's complicated, but there's a ton of Ryo Akiyamas spread throughout the multiverse. Each universe with their own Digital World has some form of the guy," Sam said. "Multiverse theory, I know."
"It's likewise for Karin Osaka since she's a dimension traveler. The more she travels through the Nexus, more versions of Karin spring up wherever she does," Keke explained.
"Oof, multiverse and dimension traveling. Sounds enlightening. Care to tell me more?" Jacomon asked.
Ryo (DF-616) bowed. "Hello, everyone. We're ready to depart whenever you are."
"So, where is it we're going?" Hawkmon asked.
"To see this Zumonkmon or whoever," Yolei said.
"Yes, it's Zumonkmon and please don't talk so casually about him," Jacomon advised. "He's an all-knowing being. He can tell all you need to know about these Super Digicores, or whatever you call them."
"Great! We're all ready to go, Jacomon!" Mimi declared as she and Palmon climbed into the ship.
"Don't touch any controls in there!" Jacomon called out to them.
"Relax, I'll make sure they behave," Keke said as she and Sam hovered into the ship.
"Just don't kill us like you were gonna do to Kotori," Mimi shuddered over Keke and Kotori's confrontation.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Here's Jaco!)
Once Yolei and Hawkmon boarded the ship, Jacomon and Ryo (DF-616) started up the space vehicle.
"Ok, folks. Fasten those safety belts!" Jacomon declared. "Ryo, fire up those engines!"
With that, the ship's roof closed over the passengers and without delay took off into the air. As the ship reached the skyline, a wormhole opened up. This wormhole allowed the ship to pass through, granting them access into the vast reaches of the Digiverse.
"How long until we get there?" Sam asked Jacomon.
"Approximately 40 minutes. The average length of Earth's TV dramas."
"Wait a sec, we have shows that run longer than that!" Mimi exclaimed.
"Are you serious? How can you human's short attention spans handle anything that long?" Jacomon was left baffled. "Seems I still have a lot to learn about you Homo Sapiens."
Ryo (DF-616) cleared his throat. "Are you forgetting about me? I'm human."
"With how long you've spent on this side with me, I hardly call you a human."
"Keke and I aren't exactly full humans either," Sam corrected him.
"Technicalities! Sheesh, cut me some slack here! I'm an officer not a biologist! Anyway, we're on course with Zumonkmon's world."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Zumonkmon's Planet
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Mysterious Alien 2)
On a cube-box planet filled with forest land on top, there lied an oriental temple where a weird monk with an oversized head with a shaven top and black ponytail. The being wore yellow robes and a red jacket.
"Guests, may I present to you, this planet's highness," a smaller, pale-skinned monk bowed his head. "This is Lord Zumonkmon."
Jacomon, Mimi, Palmon, and the others faced the supposed all-knowing being.
"Whoa, this is the first I've ever seen of him!" Ryo (DF-616) was flabbergasted by Zumonkmon's presence.
"He looks like the big Buddha to me," Yolei remarked.
"Like Buddhamon?" Palmon asked.
"No, silly, Buddhamon's a giant panda. This guy definitely looks like the actual Buddha," Mimi gawked at Zumonkmon. "Um, hello, sir?"
"Good day to you. I am Lord Zumonkmon. He who answers all questions in the known Digiverrrrrrse!" He gave a deadpan response.
"He's freakin' huge!" Yolei spat out.
Jacomon sighed. "Aren't you all being awfully rude?"
"Now, before you ask his lordship a question, please offer tribute to him!" The monk servant demanded in exchange for services.
"How about I go first?" Jacomon stepped forward.
"Wait, a minute! What about our question?!" Mimi shouted.
"Relax, this will be quick!" Jacomon said as he walked beside Zumonkmon. Then, to the surprise of his colleagues, he planted a big smooch on Zumonkmon's fat cheek.
"GAH!" Mimi, Palmon, and the others squicked.
"What the heck are you doing, you doofus?!" Yolei scowled.
"Kissing Zumonkmon? Does that count as an offering?" Keke wondered.
"I thought we were supposed to bring like gifts or money for compensation?" Sam thought.
Zumonkmon replied nonchalantly. "I do appreciate the tribute, but since you are a man, you get only one question."
"Right! Now I'm about to show y'all his awesome knowledge!" Jacomon said. "Oh, Lord Zumonkmon, can you look at the Earthling named Mimi Taichikawa and tell me her chest measurement?"
Whap!
Mimi slapped Jacomon so hard she felled him in one blow. Jacomon sported an oversized and freshly pulsating lump on his forehead for his troubles.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" Mimi, with a flushed face, screamed at Jacomon.
"I think we need to teach you some manners!" Yolei and Keke berated him.
"79 centimeters," Zumonkmon accurately answered, much to Mimi's surprise. "Her bust size grew some inches the past several years and will reach its peak once pregnant with a child."
Mimi was aghast. That's my EXACT measurement! "...oh my god." She turned and glared down at Jacomon. "You're getting off easy this time and only because this guy isn't a fraud."
"So, is he right?" Palmon asked.
"Yeah, unfortunately," Mimi blushed, covering her chest. "But Jacomon… never again! Do you hear me?!"
"Duly noted," Jacomon stood, rubbing his head bump.
"Want rubbing alcohol with that, partner?" Ryo (DF-616) offered Jacomon a handkerchief soaked in medicine.
(End theme)
Jacomon grabbed the sheet and tied it over his forehead.
"Does the woman with the healthy bust have a question as well?" The servant monk addressed Mimi and her entourage.
"Um, y-yeah, that's why I'm here," Mimi gulped, nervously approaching Zumonkmon.
Yolei and Keke stopped her.
"Need us to ask in your place?" Keke said.
"N-No, I've got this," Mimi beckoned them off. She head bowed to Zumonkmon.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Mysterious Alien 1)
"Now present your tribute."
"Oh gosh, here goes," the Bearer of Sincerity kissed Zumonkmon's cheek. "Is that ok?"
"Yes, now you may ask Lord Zumonkmon. Since you're a woman, you get three questions."
"Well, how about that?! In your face, Tacomon!" Mimi blew a raspberry at him. "Anyway, first question and I only need one. Can you tell me all about the Super Digicores?"
Zumonkmon answered sagely. "So be it. Here's my comprehensive answer. The Super Digicores are called wish orbs and are the original set of Digicores. They were created by Zaramamon in Digital Cycle 41 of the Divine Calendar. They later became a gift for Huanglongmon, who guarded them for the longest time, until he made the wish to divide this one singular Digiverse into four Digital Realms. These realms would ultimately be overseen by the four Digimon Sovereigns. These Digicores are planet-sized. Each Super Digicore have a diameter of approximately 37,196.2204 kilometers…"
Yolei and Sam both gaped in shock.
"Geez, do you not realize how big these things are?!" Yolei exclaimed.
"We're talking three times larger than Earth! Each one!" Sam spat out.
"To summon the Dragon God of all, you must state the following: Come forth, Dragon God of all, and grant my wish! Pretty peas!"
Palmon blinked. "Pretty peas?"
Hawkmon wondered. "Word play on pretty please?"
Keke added. "Well, that's a cute way of summoning a deity."
"Then, after a wish is made, the Super Digicores scatter throughout Digiverses 7 and 6. In order to grant another wish, one must wait the lifespan of a single cockroach."
"Wonder how long those last?" Hawkmon wondered.
"A whole year, Hawkmon," Yolei said.
"Did you all get that down?" Mimi asked the others.
"Yep!" Yolei and Sam both held out notepads transcribing everything Zumonkmon said.
"Great, now we can let the others know about this!" Keke smirked.
"Thank you, Zumonkmon. Now let's get going and tell our friends what we've learned!" Mimi declared.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Digiverse 10/Holy Sanctuary
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Solving the Mysterious Puzzle)
A solitary figurehead sat near a table for another session of his daily meditations. The figurehead, an elder Supreme Guardian, sat waiting for his apprentice to bring him his tea. This is the Supreme Guardian of Digiverse 10 Gowasmon.
The elder has light yellow, wrinkled skin, pointy ears, and white spiky hair, which he wore in a mohawk style flipped to the side. His wardrobe of choice is a gray and yellow coat with a purple long-sleeved shirt under said coat. He also wore a light blue sash, dark blue baggy pants, and white boots. He also seemed to wear green and gold-colored earrings, similar to the Fusesha earrings worn by Shinmon and Shintomon.
The elder Supreme Guardian put down his book. His ear twitched from the sound of a door creak. His keen ears picked up on the light squeaking of wheels being carted his way.
"Lord Gowasmon, your tea is ready."
"Ah, Zamasmon. Thank you."
The individual pushing the cart was Gowasmon's apprentice, Zamasmon. This Supreme Guardian apprentice was a pale green-skinned youth with a thin frame. He had slanted eyes with gray irises in them. His hair is white and also in a spiky mohawk style like Gowasmon. He wore a similar Supreme Guardian garb as the elder. His earrings, like Gowasmon's, were orange.
"Here, Lord Gowasmon," Zamasmon presented a teacup to Gowasmon.
"Thank you, Zamasmon."
After taking the cup, the elder sipped his tea. He nearly choked and coughed.
"Lord Gowasmon!"
"Sorry, I drank a little too fast. By the way, this tea tastes more bitter than usual. Zamasmon, is something troubling you?"
"No, I'm fine, Lord Gowasmon."
Gowasmon narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He then shrugged forgetting about his apprentice's troubles. "Keep this in mind. Tea brewed by the pure of heart is free of imperfections and is very soothing."
"Yes, I'll remember this. I won't put too many leaves in the tea next time."
Suddenly, the Supreme Guardians sensed a presence outside their shrine.
"Lord Gowasmon, you sensed that?"
"Seems we have guests. It must be them."
(End theme)
xxxxxx
As Gowasmon and Zamasmon arrived on the field, Whismon and Beerusmon teleported on their holy grounds with Tai, Dimitri, Kensuke, and the Digimon.
"Well, if it isn't Lord Beerusmon," Gowasmon politely addressed the God of Destruction.
"Hey!" Beerusmon responded casually.
"It has been far too long," Whismon said.
"I see you came here to see my apprentice?" Gowasmon asked, turning over to Zamasmon. "This is my pupil Zamasmon."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, sirs," Zamasmon responded formally.
Just then, Tai and Agumon walked up to Zamasumon. They checked over Zamasmon.
"So, this is the guy?" Agumon asked.
"He has to be. I'm not sensing anything from him," Tai assessed Zamasmon. "That means he's without any doubt a deity!"
A human and a Digimon partner? Zamasmon was taken aback. He veered toward Dimitri, Kensuke, and the others' way. And there's more of them? Why are they here on sacred grounds?!
"Is this that prodigy guy?" Veemon asked Kensuke.
"Looks like it, but there's a weird vibe about him. Like I'm not feeling any energy from him since he's divine, but there's something weird," Kensuke said. "I can't explain it."
"Could be because he's a prodigy with some hidden potential," Dimitri assumed.
"Hi, pleased to meet you," Tai extended his hand to Zamasmon. "I'm Taichi Kamiya. Or, you can call me Tai."
"And I'm his partner Agumon!"
Zamasmon's face contorted with disgust, seemingly annoyed with the outsiders' presences.
"Hmm, it seems this is the first he's seen of Taichi," Whismon whispered to Beerusmon. "And here I thought word of Taichi's fight with you would spread."
"So it seems," Beerusmon added.
"Taichi, perhaps you should greet him properly," Whismon suggested.
"I thought that was formal enough? Well, ok then," Tai sighed. "Hello, I'm Taichi Kamiya. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. My friends here and I have been told to come meet with you. You seem to be having a swell day and look tired from a day's work… but please accept this modest offering!" He bowed along with Agumon.
"Aren't you a polite young man," Gowasmon remarked.
Zamasmon stared awkwardly at Tai's grinning face.
Whismon informed the Digiverse 6 deities. "Taichi and Agumon are both from 40323 on Planet 877. It's a Digital World connected to Digiverse 7's Earth."
"That's correct! Taichi is an Ascendant living on Earth, whose reputation for tasty gourmets are known throughout Digiverse 7!" Beerusmon boasted.
"And these are some of his friends," Whismon nodded over to Dimitri & Faith and Kensuke & Veemon. "The one with the Patamon was from an alternate future and currently resides in completely separate dimension designated YYGDM-01. The other was formerly from a realm designated XLR-8 and also currently resides in YYGDM-01."
"Good day, sirs. It's an honor," Dimitri addressed the Supreme Guardians with a more dignified response than Tai.
"Likewise," Kensuke said.
"These two are also Ascendants and there's more of them back in Digiverse 7," Whismon stated.
"Ascendants?" Zamasmon became intrigued. Who are these men? And why is this Taichi fellow hanging so casually with a Digital God of Destruction?
Suddenly, Tai and Agumon touched Zamasmon's arms.
"Wow, you seem pretty buff for a Supreme Guardian! I bet you train a lot, right?" Tai gripped the deity's arms.
Zamasmon quickly withdrew his arms and hissed. "Don't you dare touch me, mortal!"
Gowasmon grabbed Zamasmon's hand. "That's enough, Zamasmon. Calm down."
Zamasmon's scornful glare toward Tai didn't cease.
"Zamasmon!"
Following a stern warning from Gowasmon, Zamasmon calmed down.
"Please excuse him, Lord Beerusmon," Gowasmon apologized on their behalf. "So, did you come to test my apprentice?"
"Yes, we need to assess his power to determine if it's he a viable candidate to join our team to compete against Lord Champamon's," Whismon explained.
"For what reason? Do you not have enough warriors in Digiverse 7 to recruit?"
"Yes, but most declined to fight and we don't want to take our chances in case one of our five fighters decide to drop out."
"And I'll do whatever it takes to show up that loser Champamon!" Beerusmon declared. "I'll take even a fighter from another Digiverse to rub it in his face!"
"Well, if you insist," Gowasmon then turned to Zamasmon. "Perhaps you'd be so kind to demonstrate your skills, Zamasmon?"
"Me? Well…"
Tai raised his hand. "Maybe you'd like to spar with me, Zamasmon?"
"You want me to fight you?!" Zamasmon growled.
"Please, I want to know if you're strong enough to join my team?"
Agumon added. "We came a long way to see you! Please consider!"
"Join a mere Earthling and his pet?! Show me some respect!" The prodigy snarled under his breath.
"I'll allow it," Gowasmon said. "Besides, it's about time you show us the fruits of your training, Zamasmon. And don't forget these are our guests."
"Thank you, Lord Gowasmon," Tai bowed to the elder.
"I wonder if this is wise?" Kensuke wondered.
"Guess we're about to find out," Dimitri added.
As Zamasmon and Tai took their stances, the latter called Agumon over.
"Ready?" Tai asked Zamasmon. With that, he invoked his Crest of Courage energies and powered up. A golden sheen washed over Tai and Agumon as they became Omega X.
(Cue Hunter x Hunter (2011) OST - Auras)
Omega X stood opposite from Zamasmon. He was covered in a healthy golden light complete with electrical bolts dancing around him. He powered to his Level 2 state. Needless to say, Zamasmon was intrigued with this development.
"My word, he's transformed!" Gowasmon exclaimed.
"This is the empowered state an Ascendant achieves," Whismon explained to the elder.
This is an Ascendant's power? Zamasmon eyed Omega X. His Ki's exponentially higher now!
"This is the first I've fought a deity since Lord Beerusmon," Omega X said.
"You fought a God of Destruction?!"
Gowasmon asked the purple cat. "Is this true?! This man fought you, Lord Beerusmon?"
"Well, yes he did!"
"Incredible! I'm astounded he's even still alive among us!" Gowasmon commented.
Omega X dropped into a battle stance. "Ok, here I come!"
Zamasmon, too, took a battle stance and lifted his right hand. Omega X rushed Zamasmon. He threw a punch, which Zamasmon expertly caught. Zamasmon then casually sidestepped and pushed Omega X off to the side.
"It's over," Zamasmon raised his hand, preparing to chop Omega X.
Omega X instinctively charged up Ki in his right hand and pushed it into Zamasmon's hand. He managed to push away Zamasmon's hand. Then, a purple light bathed over Zamasmon, surprising Omega X.
(End theme)
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Heroic Battle)
Whoa, this energy! Omega X thought.
Omega X and Zamasmon turned around meet each other again.
"Did you see that, Ken?" Dimitri asked.
"Yeah, that's a divine aura all right," Kensuke muttered.
Omega X quickly rushed up and punched Zamasmon's hand again. However, Omega X exerted more force and shoved the deity back. Zamasmon was baffled by Omega X's unbridled raw power.
I-Is this the truly the power of a mortal?! Zamasmon wondered as an overflow of thoughts raced through his mind.
Omega X turned around and went for a kick. Zamasmon barely caught and parried Omega X's foot. Omega X continued a flurry of punches and kicks at the deity.
"Who is this man?! He's not even a deity, yet his strength rivals a God of Destruction?!" Gowasmon became astounded with Omega X's power.
Beerusmon scoffed. "You did not just suggest he rivals me?!"
"O-Oh! My apologies, Lord Beerusmon!"
Omega X and Zamasmon traded a succession of blows. They fought on par with each other as their spar continued on.
How can such a lowly being be so strong?! Zamasmon thought aloud, seemingly disturbed by Omega X's strength.
Wham!
One tenth of a second later and Zamasmon dropped his guard, leaving him open to Omega X's punch. Zamasmon fell in one blow. Zamasmon quickly stood ready to fight, but Omega X threw a quick punch. Zamasmon froze in place as Omega X's fist was inches from his face.
(End theme)
Omega X powered down and offered a hand to Zamasmon.
"Wow, you're really strong for a deity in-training, Zamasmon!" Omega X acknowledged his power. "I don't think my Supreme Guardians would last against you."
Zamasmon lowered his face, hiding his shame from Omega X and the others.
"But I think we have all the fighters we need now. So don't take this the wrong way, but you're very strong. Maybe next time?" Omega X said.
Snarling, Zamasmon raised his right hand, which now glowed with purple light.
"Zamasmon!" Gowasmon ordered him to withdraw.
Zamasmon withdrew from attacking and grabbed Omega X's hand. Omega X propped the Supreme Guardian apprentice up.
"Well, we got what we wanted, but what a waste of a trip," Beerusmon yawned. "C'mon, Whismon, we're going home."
"Yes. Well then, if you'll pardon us," Whismon bowed to Gowasmon. "Thank you for the time."
"No, the pleasure is ours," Gowasmon responded kindly.
"Tai, we're leaving now!" Dimitri called out to Omega X.
"He better come or we're leaving him!" Beerusmon barked.
"Unless he wants to stay and spar with this guy again?" Kensuke wondered, eyeing both Omega X and Zamasmon.
"Well, that was a good fight, but next time we might consider ya for another tournament?" Omega X bowed to Zamasmon. "I'll keep you in mind, Zamasmon! Hey, wait up, guys!"
As he left Zamasmon, the prodigy stood quietly not uttering a word.
Zamasmon turned around as Whismon carried the group in an energy bubble. They vanished from Zamasmon's plain sight view.
"That was quite a show, Zamasmon," Gowasmon said. "You've shown great improvement since you were first born. However, you have much to learn. Actually, we have much to learn. To think there's mortals now capable of fighting Gods of Destruction. We're facing changing times, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes," Zamasmon muttered darkly. His narrowed his slanted eyes. "I couldn't agree more." Gritting his teeth, he had never felt more slighted than now. I'll remember this, Taichi. No mortal looks down on me!
xxxxx
Next chapter: The Tournament Commencement
xxxxx
A/N: All right, I did some cleaning up from Battle Supremacy chapter 2. Some dialogue adjusted and bit parts removed (mostly the Kotori and Keke tension).
Tai recruits his final two fighters and completes his team. Thoughts on their choices? Takato gets to train with Max and Tai. Kotori has a second opportunity to fight in a tournament. After beating the Lokar and her Divine Enforcer self, she should be reasonably stronger, but she'll see what Digiverse 6 has to offer. If you already read YYGDM and Valkyrie Advent, she will access to her Mizuchi Mode, Leviathan Mode, Dai-Valkyrie, and presumably Silver Valkyrie, but that last one is for extreme cases and not for tournament purposes. Takato will have that chance to perfect Guilkatomon's power.
Sucks to be Kari, but at least Ken offered to train her independently from the tournament. She won't be gypped in the long run. In fact, in this Ascendancy run, I have a chapter planned where she trains with Kensuke after this arc. It'll be a one-shot interlude before segueing way to the next story arc.
This marks Ascendancy debuts for Monakamon (Monaka's expy), Zumonkmon (Zuno's counterpart), Gowasmon (Gowasu's expy), and Zamasmon (Zamasu's expy). Zumonkmon tells about the Super Digicores. Monakamon was comedy relief. But, the latter two are more important, especially if you've been up to date on Cross Generations. Through the course of this story prior to the Black Rebellion arc, I'll present passages of time following Zamasmon's descent into madness, which will ultimately lead to Rebellious Homura and her boss recruiting him.
Next time, the final preparations are made and we're off to the tournament.
Until next time, send a review and see you soon!