A/N: All right, we finally kick off the tournament parts of this arc. First things first, last minute preparations and some other dimension invites.
Enjoy!
xxxx
Digimon Fusion Ascendancy
Act IV: Battle Supremacy
Chapter XXXI: The Event Commences
xxxxx
Dimension: DF-616/Server Continent
"Ok I think that's enough." Dramon X said as he landed with a winded Celesta X. He himself wasn't very tired.
"I can keep going Ken." she said panting, but he dismissed this.
"I don't think so. I don't want to overdo it and end up pissing off your brother. I've got enough people who hate me as it is."
Hearing this, Celesta X frowned. "How am I going to get stronger then?"
Dramon X sighed. "There was this one method Slade mentioned but..." He stopped when he felt a familiar presence. "Beerusmon, is there something you wanted?"
(Cue Dragon Ball Kai OST - Mystery)
Beerusmon popped up from behind a nearby rock scaring Celesta X.
"Ah! Lord Beerusmon?!" Celesta X shrieked, almost falling over.
"How'd you know I was there?!"
Dramon X sighed. "Well having a god's power myself, I can sense your god ki. What are you doing here without Whismon? Aren't you supposed to be near him at all times?"
"He's training Tai and Matt. He doesn't know I'm here. I left a dummy in my bed."
Both Ascendants gawked at this.
"Are you trying to gauge me because we didn't actually go at it back during Mimi's birthday party?" Beerusmon was shocked.
"I'm not stupid. It would make sense. You're trying to size me up because we didn't fight, but your curiosity is too big to let it go, ain't it, kitty cat?" He said referring to Beerusmon's cat-like features, which irked the God of Destruction.
"Perhaps maybe we should pick up where we left off then?" He said getting into a fighting stance.
Before Dramon X could retort, someone appeared before them, landing a hand out full palm in Beerusmon's face.
"You know ever since your kind came into being since Caius and I got killed, I've not been a happy person." It was Slade Matrix. "Back off, or I will kill you."
Whismon appeared a moment later.
"Lord Beerusmon, what do you think you're doing? I was wondering if you had gained weight but when I had Tai and Matt change your bed sheets without waking you weren't there."
Beerusmon sweatdropped. "Uh well I..."
Slade sighed. "Whismon, take him back and make sure he gets his sleep, cause I think not eating is going to tire him out."
Beerusmon wanted to say something but Whismon laughed at the suggestion.
"I think that is a suitable punishment. Very well." With that, he grabbed Beerusmon and took off.
(End theme)
"I'm never going to understand that asshole." Dramon X muttered.
"Ignore him, as much as I would enjoy taking him out, it would upset the balance of things." This confused Celesta X. "Let's not talk about that though. Just so you know I'm here to make sure you don't do something rash in this tournament, because I know who was responsible for forcing you into this."
"You do? Could you tell us cause I sure want to know?" Celesta X said irked, knowing that was why she could not enter.
"Don't worry. They're going to show up during the thing at some point. Now there is also the thing about what Ken said in regards to your power." He said changing the subject. "We could increase your power, but the method could kill you."
(Cue Yu Yu Hakusho OST - Preparation Theme (0:00-0:36))
"How is that?" Celesta X asked intrigued, and a bit nervous.
"It's like this, because your body is attuned to the element of light like us we could give you a portion of our energy and put it into your body. It would then integrate itself within, allowing you to reach god-like potential like your brother and Matt, but the drawback is that you will go through hellish pain as the energy tries to link into yours. It's kinda like how Yusuke was in pain when he got Genkai's spirit orb."
"I see..." Celesta X said nervously, but Slade waved it off.
"We're not going to force you into doing it. It's your choice, and you have more than enough time to think about it, but I would suggest maybe talking to Yusuke at the tournament since he's likely going to be there to watch to get an idea of what you might be going through."
Celesta X nodded.
(End theme)
"Wouldn't we have to do this somewhere Tai couldn't locate her? After all if he found out, he'd try to stop it." Dramon X said.
Slade nodded. "One thing at a time. We'll deal with it. After Kari makes her choice, now how about sparring with me?" He challenged, cracking his knuckles.
"I hate you, 'Dad!'" Dramon X lunged at him as Slade transformed into his Karas form.
"I love you too, son!" Slade said charging back.
Celesta X was simply in awe as the two went at it in an explosion of intense light rage.
Maybe I should do this. I don't want to let Tai and the others down!
xxxxx
Unknown Sector of the Digiverse/Beerusmon's Domain
Having returned to their dominion, Beerusmon and Whismon watched Omega X and Metalla X sparring on the training grounds.
(Cue One Punch Man OST - The cyborg fights (Genos Theme))
Omega X and Metalla X zipped around each other, trading fast kicks and punches. As Omega X went for a straight jab, Metalla X ducked under, grabbing Omega X and slamming him hard to the ground.
As Metalla X swooped down and went for a kick, Omega X barrel-rolled away and used Instant Movement to get away. Metalla X whirled around and countered Omega X's kick. Omega X and Metalla X matched intense glares and grins.
(End theme)
"They're making headway with their training, Lord Beerusmon," Whismon commented. "Both have firmly grasped the Super Ascendant powers."
"Good. At this rate, they'll be ready for the tournament," Beerusmon remarked, still irked from Slade's intervention. "And that other Ascendant better bring his A-game, too."
"Are you worried? I saw you were perturbed."
"By whom? That fellow who intervened on that boy's behalf?"
"His name is Slade Matrix."
The Digital God of Destruction shrugged. "Oh, that's his name?"
"Yes, otherwise we know him as Kuraz. You'd do best not to get into a scuffle with him."
"Whatever, I'm sure we'll see him again in the tournament. And we'll be there to see that our men are victorious."
"Men and woman. Remember, we have a replacement for Hikari," Whismon reminded him.
"You mean that Valkyrie woman? The one who saved her world from Ragnarok and stopped a group led by their world's version of Loki?"
"That's the one. We witnessed it through my viewing orb."
"Oh right, and you woke me during what was supposed to be my long catnap," Beerusmon grumbled. "Pfft, I could've taken that group of Norse misfits by my lonesome. And I would've given that trickster upstart a spanking he sorely deserved."
"Do note he inhabited the body of the other participant on our team: Takato Matsuda. According to Taichi, that boy still brims with beautiful potential."
"So, he's Taichi's endorsement for us? Yes, now I'm certainly interested," Beerusmon rubbed his chin. "Hopefully he and the Valkyrie woman can pull their weight. Same goes for that troublesome boy Slade endorses."
"Anyone a part of the Light Legacy will be beneficial for our team. I think we have the best possible team we can ask for!"
"If you say so, Whismon, because if we lose, that tubby loser, Champamon, will have Taichi and Yamato's Earth and I'll lose access to all of Earth's delicacies!"
"No, we certainly can't allow that worst outcome to happen."
Omega X and Metalla X landed to catch their breath and took water breaks.
"Whew, after this cool down, I'll be fired up to go again!" Omega X shouted, sipping his workout water bottle.
Metalla X poured water over his face. "I heard you two gossiping, Lords Beerusmon and Whismon. Are our picks good enough for you?"
"Of course, we were just assessing each of our new fighters. I even concluded this is the best possible team we could have," Whismon stated.
"It's too bad those new rules prohibit us from using more than three fighters from each of our dimension," Omega X sighed. "But, I have the deepest confidence in Takato, Kensuke, and Kotori!"
"You have the utmost confidence especially in that Takato boy. He better deliver the goods," Beerusmon said.
"Trust me. He won't let you down, Lord Beerusmon," reassured the Bearer of Courage. "As we speak, Max's supervising Takato's training."
Metalla X sighed. "And Kotori's randomly training with anyone she can find. My brother, Keke, BanchoLeomon, Pikkan, and the boys have had use their extra time to spar with her. Now apparently, Keke is taking matters to her hands."
"Really? Woof, hope things don't get too ugly."
xxxxx
File Island/Digital World
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Training With Whis)
"Ugh!" Brunhilde grunted as she was struck chest first with a palm strike. He gripped her chest, reeling from Keke's blow.
Keke, now powered in Ascendant state, stood with a stern look.
"Geez, I asked you not to hold back, but damn that was going a little too far?"
Keke rolled her eyes. "Oh please, you fought and stopped a group of evil Norse gods in your world. And I recall you beat some immoral sorceress."
"Not by myself! I had my friends' help!"
"Yes, but you'll be fighting in one on one matches. You won't have anyone to rely on but your own techniques. You're fighting to help preserve my mother and father's world. If we lose this, their world goes to that Champamon guy. And I'm not about to sit back and let their Earth get taken away for good!"
"So, why don't you fight?"
"Don't you think I want to? But due to these new rules enforced specifically on us, we can't use more than three fighters in our dimensions. That's why Tai went out of his way to get Takato, but you had to butt in because you just couldn't pass up a good fight."
Brunhilde scoffed. "Did you forget the last tournament I was in got interrupted? I was supposed to fight TK. And you don't think I can fight my own battles? I fought and defeated Loki's whore."
"But her strength may pale in comparison to these Digiverse 6 warriors. Don't underestimate the unknown."
"Look, I know you're mad at me for taking Max's spot. I'm sorry."
Keke sighed. "Forget it. I'm over it. Just don't lose in your first fight."
"I won't lose," Brunhilde vowed, clenching her fists as blue flames poured out from her fingertips. She raised her blue fire-coasted fists.
Nodding, Keke rushed forward and produced her Rosemary Discs. Shifting into her Dai-Valkyrie mode, Brunhilde met her head-on, unleashing her Valhalla Frozen Inferno attack. Brunhilde and Keke landed simultaneous kicks with their legs crossed over the other. Keke and Brunhilde went at it with fisticuffs and took off exchanging blows over the ocean. Their earth-shattering blows rattled the once quiet seas.
(End theme)
Their Digimon partners, Seadramon and Mosuramon, watched them proudly.
"Go, Keke! Rough her up!" Mosuramon cheered her on.
Seadramon smiled. "Thatta girl, Kotori. Don't let up!"
xxxxx
Other World/X and Simms' Planet
(Cue The Matrix Reloaded OST - Teahouse (Juno Reactor & Gocoo))
Meanwhile, Max utilized his free time out of his own solitude to train Takato. Takato quickly transformed into Suzakato and tossed fire blasts at Max. Max easily dodged these fiery shots and flew up faster than Suzakato could anticipate. Max phased out, startling Suzakato. Max quickly shifted behind him.
"I've got you!" Suzakato turned and tossed a volley of fire blasts.
Max yelled out, forming an aura, which put out the flames.
"Ah nuts!"
Grinning, Max shot up fast and punched Suzakato's chest. He sent Suzakato flying back and hitting the ground hard. Suzakato gripped his chest, cringing hard from Max's blow.
"Ugh! Man, you're not holding back, huh?!" Suzakato exclaimed.
Max chuckled. "I warned you, but you asked for it." He offered a hand to Suzakato, who sneakily readied a fistful of fire. "Whoa!"
"Your guard's down, Max!" Suzakato fired his Firepalm Blast at him.
However, Max sidestepped Suzakato's attack and swerved behind him. Max quickly seized Suzakato's hand. Suzakato willed Suzaku's power and bathed himself in the phoenix's flames. Max jerked his hand away as Suzaku's flames almost burned him. Max jumped back and launched a Tsunami Wave. The bluish wave collided with Suzakato's flame cloak.
"You can do it, Takato!" Guilmon cheered him on.
Simms watched Max's beam overpower Suzakato's flames. Suzakato was knocked away. Out of sheer desperation, a pillar of flames enveloped Suzakato. Max rushed in to stop Suzakato's mid-transformation. However, Suzakato completed his 'Mode Change' and entered his Beast Mode: a phoenix covered in a plumage of metallic feathers.
Suzakato Beast Mode took to the air, flapping his wings and sending a barrage of fire blasts. Max zipped around these blasts and flew up. Suzakato BM swooped down ready to catch Max with his claws. Max swerved around Suzakato BM and punched him in the back, dropping the Warrior of Suzaku like a ton of bricks. Suzakato BM regressed back to his humanoid form and stirred.
Max landed near Suzakato and dropped into a battle stance. As Guilmon rushed to his tamer, Suzakato beckoned him off. Suzakato slowly picked himself back up and faced Max. The Tamer lifted clenched fists, putting on a determined look.
(End theme)
"Takato…" Guilmon muttered as his Tamer fell down, only for Max to break his fall.
"I've got ya, Takato," Max helped Suzakato up. "You're hanging in there. We can keep this going."
"Next time, you gotta let me and Guilmon Biomerge into BlazeGallantmon…"
"Sure, and I'll be sure to go full Ascendant form."
Suzakato nodded. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
"Yeah, we'll give it our best, Takato!" Guilmon chimed in.
"We're just a mere four days away," Simms reminded them. "Takato, are you still up for this?"
"Of course! I mean, Tai and Max picked me after all," Suzakato said. "And I'm not going to let them down."
xxxxx
(Cue Dragon Ball Kai OST - Premonition of a Grand Adventure)
For the remaining four days, the participants buckled down and trained rigorously for the Universe Tournament. Tai, Matt, Kensuke, Takato, and Kotori each honed their techniques and abilities, unaware of what their Digiverse 6 opponents will bring.
During the week leading to the event, Mimi and Jacomon informed the others about the Super Digicores. Needless to say, speculation and intrigue spread among the Chosen regarding the last Super Digicore's location. Everyone counted down to the days to the event.
Joining the Chosen, the D3s, and their friends are their other dimension allies. The Nexus dimension crossers (Sailor Sedna, Kensuke, and Ryo (YYGDM-01)) were sent to retrieve the other dimension groups.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Dimension: YYGDM-01/Azabu-Juuban District (麻布十番地区)/Juuban Park (ジュバンパーク)
Sailor Sedna opened a portal for the group she prepared to take with her to DF-616. The YYGDM group comprised of the other Tamers (Rika, Henry, Himura, Philippe, Jeri, Kazu, Kenta, Suzie), the Tamers' Digimon partners, Dimitri & Faith, Athena & PinkPatamon, the Kuiper Belt Senshi, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, Tuxedo Kamen, Yusuke, Hiei, Seto & Lyn Kaiba, Yugi Muto, Tea Gardner, Joey Wheeler, Mai Valentine, and Sasha D'Anjou/Valkyrie Skuld.
"Ok, are we all ready? Is this everyone?" Sedna turned, eyeing the amassed group interested in going.
"Hell yeah! If my Takato is fighting, I want to see the end result of his training," Rika said with folded arms.
"We're ready, Karin! I'm excited to see uncle Ken, uncle Tai, and grandpa Matt fight!" Athena shouted with enthusiasm.
Sailor Orcus giggled, patting Athena's head. "No one's excited like you, girl. You bet I'm hyped for Kensuke fighting!"
"So, why are we going?" Seto wondered.
"Well, consider this a vacation getaway for us. We deserve it," Lyn said. "Besides, Mokuba agreed to look after our princess Kisara." She alluded to her and Seto's over a year old daughter.
"Don't worry, Kaiba. I hear this event will only last half a day," Yugi said.
"So, we won't be away from home for long," Sailor Mars said. "Thankfully, Cammy and Shingo are great babysitters for our young ones, Hiei."
"As long as they don't overfeed Ryuuhi and Koori," Hiei sighed.
Sailor Moon giggled. "And future Usa is staying behind to take care of our Chibiusa." She said, folding an arm over Tuxedo Kamen.
"That's right," Kamen nodded.
Sasha walked up to Philippe and patted his shoulder. "Philippe?"
"Yeah, Sasha?"
"You pulling for Kotori to win the whole thing?"
"Oh you know it. Let's give her our full support, Sasha!"
Sasha genuinely smiled and nodded. "Yeah, we will."
"Yeah, I think this is all, Karin," Dimitri said.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Cha-La-Head-Cha-La (Days of Battle))
"All right then, you guys know the drill. Follow me!" Sedna beckoned the group into the portal.
xxxxx
Dimension: XLR-8/Shinjuku District (新宿区)
After sending them an invite for a reunion, Kensuke and Veemon amassed the Accel Digidestined once again. The Accel group comprised of Maki Hiko & Coronamon, Kasumi Shika & Lunamon, Mikato Kagami & Liollmon, and Shizuka Kagami & Bearmon.
"Man who would've thought our reunion party would us watching you fight in some tournament," Maki half-chuckled over Kensuke's latest developments. "But this is you we're talking here, Ken."
"Thanks for inviting us, Ken," Kasumi smiled. "Thankfully I was able to find some spare time out of my busy schedule."
"Pfft, we should've known you'd get involved in this. You just couldn't resist that urge to please your caveman impulses…" Mikato stopped as Kensuke shot her a scary look. "Meep!" She flinched. "...ok, I wasn't scared!"
Shizuka giggled. "Why are your legs shaking them?"
"A little cold."
Bearmon scratched his head. "But it's not even cold out here."
Liollmon nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty warm."
Mikato scoffed at the two. "Oh quiet, you two." I'm totally trying to save face here!
"I think we're all ready to go!" Veemon announced.
"Not quite yet," Kensuke said, taking out his Digivice. From his Digivice, he released CyberBeelzemon, Titaniamon, and Shoutmon. "I thought some of y'all wanted some front row seats."
"Thanks, Ken!" Shoutmon chimed.
"Have they said who are ya going to fight yet?" CyberBeelzemon asked him.
"Your guess is as good as mine."
"Whoever you fight, we will cheer for you with much gusto!" A straight-faced Titaniamon added, taking out and raising her sword.
"Thanks. Now, let's get going y'all. Time to fight!" Kensuke said, opening a portal for him and his reunited Accel team.
xxxxx
Dimension: GCLK-1113/Tokyo, Japan (東京、日本)/Outside Tennouzu High (天王星高)
Gai Tsutsugami, Mana Ouma, Madoka Kaname, and Homura Ouma (formerly Homura Akemi) returned to their native dimension to pick up their friends. This dimension is an alternate universe splintered from the main YYGDM-01 dimension. These once ragtag group of rebels became heroes that saved their city and the world from the notorious GHQ organization.
These freedom fighters are known to the public as Funeral Parlor, AKA the Undertakers.
"My friends, are we ready to go?" Gai asked his colleagues.
Sayaka Miki, Kyoko Sakura, Ayase Shinomiya, Argo Tsukishima, and Tsugumi walked up, reuniting with Gai, Mana, Madoka, and Homura. Sayaka and Kyoko are taller and in their late-teens much like Madoka and Homura.
"Man, it's been a while, hasn't it?!" Sayaka hugged Madoka.
"I missed you so much, Sayaka, but Tai's world is pretty interesting!" Madoka added jovially.
"Heh, lucky you. Meanwhile, the rest of us been busy as shit with the rebuilding!" Kyoko snickered, grinning devilishly. "Right, big bro?" She elbowed Argo's side.
"Yeah…" Argo coughed. "I mean we've had a few scuffles with Meta mutants here and there causing some heck, but mostly been quiet here."
"Except when we briefly went to that Final Fantasy X dimension and helped beat those invaders!" Sayaka reminded them of the Three Fiend conflict recently. "That was wicked cool!"
"Lucky y'all! I did squat and had to stay behind," Tsugumi scoffed.
Ayase inquired to Gai. "Where's Shu and Inori?"
"They're back in Tai's world. They'll meet us there," Gai answered. "Now c'mon my friends. Ryo Akiyama from the YYGDM-01 dimension will be coming back in a few minutes to pick us up. He'll be meeting us here."
"So, this tournament is supposed to be a big deal?" Ayase asked Madoka.
"Yeah! Tai and some of his friends are fighting some other universe warriors. It sounds pretty exciting, doesn't it?"
"Sure, I guess."
Kyoko grinned. "Sounds fun to me." She turned, noticing Sayaka giving Ayase a playful look. The red-haired tomboy frowned and averted her eyes from them.
Sayaka caught on. "Something wrong, Kyoko?"
"It's nothing. Forget it."
Ayase noticed this tension between Sayaka and Kyoko for a while now. She wondered if she had come between them.
Homura looked up, sensing a wormhole about to breach. "He's right on time. Let's get going, everyone."
"Let's go!" Madoka cheered up everyone.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Dimension: DF-616/Digital World/File Island
As the dimension travelers dropped the groups off, the YYGDM-01, XLR-8, and GCLK-1113 parties meet with the DF-616 assembly.
The DF-616 group comprised Tai & Agumon, Matt & Gabumon, the Kai Digidestined (TK, Kari, Sora, Mimi, Joe, Izzy, Davis, Yolei, Ken, and Cody) & their Digimon partners, Max Kamiya & the D3s, Dorothy & Avengemon, D-Reaper, Meryl and BlackGatomon & Gatomon, Mummymon, BanchoLeomon, Pikkan, BW, Sonja, Sheila, Jacomon & Ryo (DF-616), and Monakamon. Takato & Guilmon and Kotori & Seadramon are also seen with them.
(Cue One Punch Man OST - Peaceful Days)
"Guys, over here!" Takato called over to his YYGDM-01 friends.
"Hey, looks like you've been getting buff while we've been away, Takato!" Himura called out.
"I don't see a difference?" Terriermon blinked.
"That's because he's wearing baggy clothing. We'll see him and Guilmon in action soon," Henry said.
Rika approached Takato and checked him over. Takato stood nervously as she got behind and grabbed his arms.
"Wow, you're packing on some weight there," Rika said, squeezing his biceps.
"Thanks, Rika."
"And you're still alive. So, looks like I don't have to kill Max and Tai," Rika said, turning to the aforementioned Ascendants.
"Glad you can all come," Max said.
"And don't worry. Takato and Guilmon have both been working hard," Tai said. "They're going to show you the results of their training!"
Philippe ran over and hugged Kotori. "And you're looking strong yourself."
"I know. Check these babies out," Kotori flexed her arms.
"Then, you're ready to win this tournament?"
"You bet and I'm dedicating my win to you and Sasha," Kotori said, eyeing Sasha, who smiled to her. "You two do anything while I was away?"
"Went… to a movie and had brunch the other day?" Philippe shrugged as he and Sasha nodded together.
Kotori blinked and nodded. "Oh…? Ok then! I thought you two went on a cruise or something. I mean Sasha's family is rich and all."
"No, nothing like that!" Sasha replied quickly.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I take it everybody's ready?" Whismon asked, standing next to a large bubble transport. "I can make my universal transport wider to accommodate the space for all these folks."
"Yeah, that'd be great," Tai said.
"I hope it's big enough to fit all of us," Agumon added.
"Don't worry. Whismon's going to arrange that for us," the Bearer of Courage reassured him.
Meanwhile, Madoka, Homura, Gai, Mana, Ayase, Sayaka, Kyoko, Argo, and Tsugumi joined up with Shu and Inori.
"Hey, Shu! Look who we brought back!" Madoka waved to him.
"Ayase, Sayaka, Kyoko, Argo, and Tsugumi? Wow, what a nice surprise!" Shu called out to them.
"A nice surprise, eh?" Sayaka smirked.
"Ah! We missed you!" Tsugumi hugged Shu and Inori, sobbing hilariously out loud.
"I hear this tournament is supposed to have some awesome fighters," Argo said. "So, where are they?"
"You're looking at a few of them," Gai pointed Argo to the DF-616 Ascendants, D3s, and other warriors.
"You mean all of them?!"
"No, Argo, only five of them," Shu corrected him. "Tai, Matt, Kensuke, Takato, and Kotori."
"Wait, Kotori is the name of the Valkyrie Brunhilde in our world," Tsugumi said.
"Right, but this is the past version of our Brunhilde. Don't worry, she's not as serious and uptight like ours is," Shu reassured them. "I hear she's easier to get along with."
"Heh, and she's going to fight? Now I can get behind that," Kyoko smirked.
"Let's make sure to cheer them all on during their fights," Mana said.
"We'll do that, right, Shu?" Inori asked him.
"Of course, we will, Inori. We're supporting Tai and his friends all the way!"
"Like hell we'll be cheering the other side! Universe 7 all the way to the freakin' bank!" Kyoko hollered. "Unless anyone's gonna be making bets?"
"Not me," Ayase said. "Last I bet on anything, you beat me in strip poker, Kyoko."
Sayaka added. "Yeah let's not do that again, Kyoko."
As Sayaka and Kyoko exchanged looks, Kyoko noticed Ayase slowly getting in between them. Kyoko let out a low snarl, biting down and snapping her pocky stick.
Overhearing this conversation, Tai smiled and took Sora's hand.
"See? Even other dimensions are taking notice of our reputation," Tai said.
"That could be a good or bad thing, but we did invite some good people," Sora added.
"Yeah, these kids happen to be friends of Madoka and Shu," the Bearer of Courage acknowledged the Lost Kingdom group. He noticed Kari talking to TK. "Oh good, you're coming along, Kari?"
"Yeah, why would I miss this?" Kari smiled genuinely.
"And there's no way I'm missing out on this either!" Dorothy chimed in. "Right, Avengemon?"
"Indeed, and this way we can observe and implement new moves into our regiments," Avengemon stated his and Dorothy's intentions to pick up on new strategies by assessing the matches.
"Glad all of y'all can make it!" Tai said exuberantly.
(End theme)
"Ladies and gentlemen, we're set to depart!" Whismon publicly announced. With a tap with his staff, a makeshift door formed on the bubble and opened. "Please mind your step and form a single line. And don't worry about the space inside. The bubble shall expand to accommodate the need for room."
With that, the Triad and Lost Kingdoms groups filed inside the bubble transport. After a few minutes of letting in everyone, the door magically vanished. Whismon waved his staff and teleported them across the Digiverse's vast space.
xxxxx
Unknown Sector of the Digiverse/Nameless Planet
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Space is Vast!)
Upon arriving on the venue, the groups walked out and stared in awe at the Super Digicores floating around the Nameless Planet. Needless to say, even those familiar with the Sovereigns' Digicores have had their minds blown at the astounding presence of planet-sized Digicores. The thought never would've crossed their minds.
"My god, I knew they were supposed to be big… but this…" Mimi was flabbergasted.
"They're ginormous!" Palmon exclaimed.
"I bet Huanglongmon would love to have these," Sora remarked.
Izzy gaped as his eyes nearly popped out of his skull. "Wowowow!"
"Let me guess, you know about these Digicores, Tentomon?" Biyomon asked him.
"Nada. I'm just as flabbergasted."
"I almost didn't want to believe it from you and Yolei, Mimi, but this is beyond anything I could've comprehended," Izzy said, taking out a mini laptop to scan the Super Digicores.
"Well, I told you everything that Zumonkmon guy said," Mimi shrugged. "What more do you need to know?"
The Bearer of Knowledge sighed. "I really should've gone with you guys."
"Ugh, I knew we should've asked where that last Super Digicore was!" Yolei recalled leaving out that important inquiry.
Whismon chortled, overhearing them. "Oh don't worry. The last one is much closer than you think." He alluded to the last Super Digicore's location.
"Did you say what I thought you said, Whismon?" Mimi asked, getting up in his face. "Spill it! You know something, mister!"
"Lips are sealed! Why don't we get to our seats?"
(End theme)
"Wow, look! They've got concession stands!" Tike and Kara shouted together, zipping over to collect food.
"Hey, save me some!" David followed them.
"Man, isn't this great? We all got the best seats in the house!" Kazu cried out as he and the rest of the YYGDM-01 group sat together in seats.
"Hey, where did Takato and Guilmon go?" Kenta noticed their absence.
"Yeah, Kotori and Seadramon aren't here either," Philippe said.
"They went to meet with Tai, Matt, and Kensuke," Max revealed as he approached the YYGDM-01 group.
"They're getting ready for their bouts," Yugi stated.
"Yeah, they're going to need some time to focus and discuss the line-up," Yusuke added. "Man, I'm so excited! And best part? We don't even get to pay for these seats!"
"Lucky us," Sailor Mars remarked.
"Let's cheer Takato and Kotori on when they come out!" Sailor Moon rallied her YYGDM friends together.
"Don't forget, uncle Ken!" Athena cheered loudly.
"So, I understand Kensuke is hanging with Tai, Matt, Takato, and Kotori," Sailor Eris noticed his lack of presence.
"Yep, he's with them and preparing for his matches," Sailor Orcus informed them.
"And we'll be here to cheer him on," Sailor Sedna stated, sitting beside Dimitri and Faith.
Rika and Renamon eyed the ring, waiting for Takato to appear.
"You've been quiet, Rika."
"Just waiting to see when Takato comes out to fight. I want to see how far Max went with his training," she said, sitting and anxiously tapping her arm seats.
xxxxx
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - Time to Strike Back)
"So where are our opponents?" Kotori demanded excitedly.
Soon enough five figures teleported before them with the help of Vadosmon. Among them was a giant yellow bear-like monster garbed in a red battle vest & wardrobe, a large metallic robot with large green eyes with steam coming out of its mouth, a young boy with spiky black hair that caught most of the Kai Digidestined's attention, a large purple humanoid man wearing a jacket who didn't seem too happy to be there, but the last one was an eye catcher...
"Burizalor?!" Tai and Matt exclaimed in shock.
Although the fighter looked like him, his features were mostly different. His colors were dark blue, purple, and gray as opposed to Burizalor's pink and white.
"Holy crap that guy looks just like him!" Tike noted in the crowd.
"Yeah he does." Max replied. Then there's that kid with them. Could he be an Ascendant?
The Burizalor look-alike addressed the Digiverse 7 fighters. "Excuse me, but my name is Furizlor. You act as if you've met me before."
"Not you per se, but someone who looks like you. You better not cause any trouble here." Tai warned.
"Not a very kind greeting. Is this how you folks in Universe Seven and those fellow trinity universes are?" He mocked. "With me are Botamomon." He pointed to the bear who pumped his muscles. "Magettamon." The large robot beat its large metal hands on its chest. "Hitmon, though he prefers to be called Hit." The large purple man simply grunted in response. "And our own Ascendant, Xander." The spiky haired boy bowed.
(End theme)
"It's nice to meet you fellow warriors." Xander greeted them politely.
Tai and Matt looked him over. While intrigued Matt also seemed unimpressed.
"He doesn't seem all that strong. He doesn't even have a partner either." He whispered to Tai.
"We shouldn't write him off yet, wait until we fight him." he responded.
Kotori and Takato were interested as well.
"Check out these weird-looking fighters!" Takato gazed over the Digiverse 6 warriors.
"Hey, is that Winnie the Pooh?! He looks just like him!" Guilmon pointed to Botamomon.
"Yeah, he does!" Takato gasped in awe.
Kotori chuckled. "Yeah if Pooh packed more weight." She eyed the other Digiverse 6 fighters. "Did I just hear one of the fighters is an Ascendant?" She stared at Xander. "He's smaller and skinnier than me!"
"He looks nervous," Takato noted.
"I'm interested if Tai, Matt, or Kensuke fight him. Though, I wouldn't mind if I had to fight him," Kotori muttered. These other two though, eyeing both Hit and Furizlor. "We should take these two seriously. The guy in the coat looks like he might be their top fighter. The other… well… he looks like that Burizalor guy."
"Oh yeah, he does!" Takato watched Furizlor. "But check out the big robot guy."
"He's big, but he might be slow," Kotori concluded.
Kensuke, however, had not taken his eyes off Hit. That guy is no doubt their big ace. He doesn't seem to care about the atmosphere here, and what powers could he have?
"I wouldn't waste time thinking about it." Slade said popping up behind Ken spooking him and the others. "When the time comes don't hesitate or you'll regret it."
"Shouldn't you be with the crowd?" Kotori asked.
"I'm sitting with you guys in the fighters vicinity. Y'know to make sure no fights break out considering Beerusmon already tried to get at Ken once already."
They all balked hearing this.
"Whismon sure was annoyed by that." Agumon mentioned
"Matt was more pissed off though," Gabumon responded as both teams were teleported to their respective fighting areas.
(Cue Dragon Ball Super OST - The Gods of Destruction Selection Tournament)
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Universe Tournament!" A referee appeared in the ring center. He looked like green alien with black bug eyes. He wore a red suit and brandished a mic in his face. "This event has been co-sponsored by the representing Gods of Destruction of our two competing teams - Lords Beerusmon and Champamon!"
Champamon scoffed. "Hey, why didn't I get top billing? It's my idea!"
Beerusmon rebuked. "It may have been your idea, but it was my guy, Taichi Kamiya, who proposed the tournament concept to begin with. Moreover, my name starts with a 'B' and yours a 'C'. So I rightfully should get top billing."
"Oh, we're going alphabetically order? In that case. Botamomon! You're up first!" Champamon beckoned the yellow bear, who hopped into the ring.
"Yikes, who let Winnie the Pooh into this thing?" Terriermon remarked, snickering.
"Geez, get a load of this guy!" Inumon gawked at Botamomon's size.
"We should know by now to never judge a warrior by their outward appearance," Leomon reminded them.
BanchoLeomon overheard his Leomon counterpart. "Well put, my friend."
"So, who's gonna fight this big guy?" Sheila wondered.
"Maybe Tai?" Davis speculated.
"Hope Takato gets to fight him," Himura said.
Argo whispered to Shu. "Hey, when you said this was gonna be a fighting tournament? I could've sworn this was a circus."
"But it is a fighting show," Shu replied.
"Could've fooled me."
Madoka cheered on. "Go Universe 7! We can win this!" She noticed Homura, Shu, Gai, Sayaka, Kyoko, and the others giving her looks. She sat down, blushing. "I'm sorry. Maybe I got too excited?"
"And the match hasn't even freakin' started yet. Yeah getting way too excited." Kyoko snarked.
Homura smiled warmly. "Your enthusiasm always makes things less boring."
"Thanks, I just wanted to liven the crowd up. I wonder who'll fight for our side first?"
"Looks like we're about to find out," Gai noted as the Digiverse 7 fighters were playing rock, paper, scissors to determine who goes first.
"Ah, you've gotta be kidding me?!" Sayaka watched the fighters.
"And rock wins! I win!" Tai declared, leaving Matt and Kotori disgruntled.
Takato whispered to Kensuke. "Did you lose on purpose?"
"Yeah, I figure I can go last or second to last."
"Got any tricks you hope to captivate us with, Kensuke?"
"You've just gotta wait and watch like anyone else!" Kensuke shrugged, chuckling.
"Ready, Agumon?" Tai asked.
"Let's rumble!" Agumon nodded.
With that, Tai and Agumon descended into the ring.
"Ladies and gents, I do believe this is the former Digiuniversal champion! The man and his Digimon who fought and bested the Alterian Pikkan! It's nice to see a champion step forward to meet new challengers!" The referee announced Tai's accolade.
Upon hearing this, Pikkan scoffed. "He only got lucky."
Max chuckled. "Right, just like how I beat you was all pure luck."
The Alterian audibly grumbled. "Oh shut up."
"Seems Taichi is fighting for us, Lord Beerusmon," Whismon said.
"So, we bring out our best bet first? Fine with me," Beerusmon said. "Taichi, you and your friend better not lose this!"
Mimi turned to Sora. "Can you believe this? Tai's fighting for us first."
"I'm not surprised. He should be able to beat this big bear," Sora smiled. "Go, Tai and Agumon!"
"You can do it, Tai!" Madoka cheered him on.
"Uncle Tai, you can beat Poohbear!" Athena cheered him.
Dimitri patted Athena's head. "Of course he will, sweetie."
"Oh he sure will," Dorothy said.
Sedna watched Tai stretch and Agumon evolve into VictoryGreymon. "Hopefully this match won't take long."
"Fighters, are we ready?!" The referee asked them. In response, Tai & Agumon and Botamomon nodded. "Ok, let's have a good clean fight! Begin!"
(End theme)
Beerusmon fired a beam that struck the bell gong.
Following the sound of the gong, Tai and VictoryGreymon faced off with Botamomon, who hopped up and down with his big hands clenched.
"He's pretty light on his feet for a large guy," Tai noted Botamomon's surprising limber movements.
VictoryGreymon readied his Dramon Breaker. "We better not take our eyes off him, no matter how big he is. Fat Dee taught us that the hard way."
"No kidding," Tai assessed Botamomon. "And if he's anything like our big pal, Dee, he'll have some unique tricks up his sleeve."
(Cue Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2 OST - Hand in Hand Fight)
Suddenly, Botamomon continued bouncing up and down until he jumped over 50 feet up into the air. This captivated everyone in attendance, including Tai and VictoryGreymon. Once Botamomon got enough hang time, he dropped to the ring ready to crush Tai and VictoryGreymon.
However, the duo moved as Botamomon belly flopped and slammed into the ring. Botamomon bounced off the ring and fell into the air. Tai and VictoryGreymon both turned as Botamomon headed their way again. Botamomon belly slammed and bounced off the ring. He continued this, forcing Tai and VictoryGreymon to evade all over the ring.
Then, Botamon straight up stopped bouncing and started spinning around the duo.
One second later…
Boom!
Botamomon flew right smack into both Tai and VictoryGreymon, flinging them both out of bounds. However, VictoryGreymon drove Dramon Breaker to the edge of the ring and catapulted back into the ring. Tai nearly fell out of bounds and stumbled back, propping himself in the ring.
"Whew that was too close!" Tai sighed with relief, feeling his heart palpitating from the adrenaline rush.
"This is why we can't let our guards down, Tai. We can't take other universe fighters for granted."
"Tell me about it, VictoryGreymon!" Tai watched Botamomon waiting for them. "Hey, catch me if you can!" He started jogging really fast and moved so fast he zipped around the ring.
Botamomon looked around confused as Tai zipped around him. Botamomon pivoted to his right and tried to grab Tai, but Tai vanished out of thin air. It was an after image. Botamomon was thrown off by Tai's after images. He turned to his left and saw Tai running. He fired beams from his ears and aimed them at Tai. VictoryGreymon quickly blocked Botamomon's beams with his Dramon Breaker. Botamomon lunged at VictoryGreymon, who dodged and left an after image in his place.
Botamomon became confounded by Tai and VictoryGreymon's strategy. He moved around trying and failing to catch them. Botamomon ended up getting winded and took a breather. As Tai appeared behind him, Botamomon lunged over to grab him. He went through yet another after image and turned around getting blasted by VictoryGreymon.
The audiences became captivated by Tai and VictoryGreymon's performance. Beerusmon smugly grinned over this. Champamon had the opposite reaction to this.
(End theme)
"I can't even see their movements anymore!" TK exclaimed.
"He's just attacking very quickly now," BW noted.
"Yep, their speeds are on a whole new level than before," Max stated.
Vadosmon noted Tai and VictoryGreymon's movements. "To think these two are this fast."
As Botamomon lunged for Tai again, the Bearer of Courage vanished. Botamomon ended up falling and bouncing back.
"Never thought he'd be this good. This was unexpected," Champamon sneaked a grin. "But, Botamomon is just getting started."
Botamomon quickly propped himself on his feet. He sneakily grinned at Tai and VictoryGreymon.
"Heh, let's get serious," Botamomon chuckled.
xxxxx
Next chapter: Furizlor's True Colors
xxxxx
A/N: So I stealthily added Dorothy, Mummymon, and Meryl & her Digimon with the DF-616/Kai group since they weren't there in the Battle Supremacy movie fic. But since there were so many characters to keep up with, let's assume they were there to witness the fights in that story, too.
The Kari/Celesta X talking with Kensuke and Slade was written by Chaosblazer. Yes, Kari will be going through a Genkai training/Spirit Orb angle to unlock her potential Ascendant God power. Something to anticipate in the interlude chapter after this tournament arc is over.
Keke and Kotori mend their differences via training. Takato's progression into a full-rounded fighter continues.
The return of Funeral Parlor from Guilty Crown: The Lost Kingdoms. The Puella girls are teenaged (if you were at all curious of their physical ages during the Cross Generations period). The Sayaka/Kyoko/Ayase have a thing going on and will be resolved in a subplot during this movie (well for anyone who cares and has followed Ford1114's GC:TLK fic). I originally intended to cut this subplot in the Ascendancy, but opted to keep it.
Say hello to Kensuke's Accel friends. It's their first appearances in Ascendancy.
Finally, the debut of the Digiverse 6 fighters. In hindsight, we know the type of shitstain Furizlor turns out to be. Hit the Hitmon and Xander are definitely guys to look out for. Botamomon is the first to fight and unlike in Battle Supremacy, his fight with Tai and VictoryGreymon will carry over and resolve in the next chapter. Adapting from the Super manga version, I've even extended bits of Botamomon's fight with these two since their fight in Battle Supremacy was short.
Next time, the Botamomon fight gets resolved and then we move to Furizlor.
Until next time, send a review and see you soon!