"I start by hatching Yaamon, and then it'll digivolve it into Lopmon!" Dexter began, summoning the brown-furred rabbit Digimon to his raising area. After drawing, he swiped the same card, summoning Tapirmon to his side to end his turn."
Yaamon (EX2-006)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
Lopmon (BT7-068)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Tapirmon (BT2-070)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Milo)
Milo took a deep breath to psyche himself up. Drawing, he went to hatch. "I hatch Pusurimon!"
From his Raising Area came a cute, grey-furred hamster-like Digimon with yellow spikes protruding along its back. Its teal eyes glistened as it happily pranced around.
Pusurimon (BT7-003)
Color: Yellow
Level: 2
The new Digimon surprised Dexter and Kaden, as they had never seen it before.
"You…you really are a traitor!" Dexter exclaimed angrily.
"I'm pretty sure we established that…" Milo pointed out.
In response, Dexter barked, "You know what I mean! Just what is that thing?!"
Milo looked down at Pusurimon, and the small Digimon smiled back at him. "His name is Pusurimon, and…he's my partner!"
Hearing the confidence in Milo's voice made Kaden smile. Milo continued, "Pusurimon digivolves into Herissmon, and then I play Agumon from my hand. Agumon reveals the top 5 cards of my deck and lets me pull a Tamer from amongst them while the rest go to the bottom of my deck."
Pusurimon let out a light roar as a yellow binary stream surrounded it, transforming it into a bipedal hedgehog Digimon. Herissmon's fur was white with a gray mane around its neck that blended with the spiky fur going down its back. The fur had yellow highlights that matched the yellow marks on its body and pink claws on its paws. Agumon meanwhile appeared in the Battle Area, joining Milo as it summoned the top cards of the deck: TK, Hawkmon, Dinohyumon, another Agumon, and an Option Card known as Sunrise Buster. TK was added, while the others vanished to the bottom.
Herissmon (BT7-031)
Color: Yellow
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Agumon (BT1-010)
Color: Red
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"I end by playing TK Takaishi from my hand," Milo stated, summoning TK to the field.
TK Takaishi (BT1-087)
Color: Yellow
MEMORY
0-4 (Turn Change: Dexter)
"When TK enters play, I look at my Security and take a card to add to my hand. If it's yellow, I can recover a Security." Milo proceeded to examine his hidden cards, and after a few moments, he took Silphymon from amongst them, recovering his Security afterward. "Your move."
"I'm not giving you a chance to DNA Digivolve," Dexter stated as he drew. "As a matter of fact, starting now, I'm done giving people the chance to make a fool out of me. Consider yourself my example as to what happens when people cross me! Lopmon!"
Lopmon obeyed its tamer and stepped forward into the Battle Area.
"Tapirmon, Security Attack!"
The Tapir Digimon held its stubby arms out, casting yellow energy rings out from them, soaring towards Milo. Milo's Security reacted, shielding and breaking, signaling this match's first instance of damage.
Milo
Security: 5-4
Aquilamon—a horned eagle Digimon—emerged and countered Tapirmon, its 4000 DP being enough to take it out.
"When Tapirmon is deleted, I'm allowed to draw a card," Dexter drew, and upon seeing what he drew, he grew a smile. "Next, Lopmon will digivolve into Eyesmon Scatter Mode!"
Lopmon was subsequently infused with purple binary streams and forced to transform into the multi-eyed shadow being.
Eyesmon: Scatter Mode (BT7-069)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
4-2
"Followed by Analog Youth! When played, Analog Youth reveals the top 3 cards of my deck. I add a Digimon from among them to my hand and trash the rest," Dexter explained as a young tamer in a yellow jacket and beanie appeared on his side.
Analog Youth (EX1-066)
Color: White
MEMORY
2-0
Of the cards revealed, Dexter took BT8 Myotismon while sending BT8 MaloMyotismon and Yukio Oikawa to the trash. "When I play a Tamer, Lopmon's IE triggers, gaining me a Memory.
MEMORY
0-1
"And now, I play the Option Card Pandemonium Flame! By deleting my Eyesmon: Scatter Mode, I can delete one of your unsuspended Digimon whose level is less than or equal to it. Eyesmon is Level 4, so I deleted Agumon!"
Milo braced himself for the serpent-like mouths that erupted from beneath both Digimon to devour them. Whereas he remained steadfast, Dexter's grin twisted as the shadow persisted ever so subtly.
"When Eyesmon is deleted, I draw three and discard two cards from my hand." Dexter did as he stated, drawing three cards and discarding a second Scatter Mode and a regular Eyesmon. His device glowed afterward. "When Eyesmon is discarded from one of my effects, I can play it for free so long as I have a Scatter Mode in my trash! On top of that, my Eyesmon gains +2000 DP for each Scatter Mode in my trash!"
The subtle shadow grew more volume and reformed into a dragon variation of the previous Eyesmon, the eyes more announced in this new form it took.
Eyesmon (BT7-072)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 5000-9000 DP
MEMORY
1-1(Turn Change: Milo)
"Not surprised the Nadir goon would have some convoluted play like that," Brandon commented.
"Speaking from experience?" Kaden looked at him.
Brandon side-eyed him, "Surprised you're not scared for you boy down there. You think he's gonna make it out of this one on his own?"
Kaden nodded, "of course he is.
"How do you figure?"
"Because," Kaden began as Herissmon moved out and Milo got ready, "His partner is down there fighting with him."
MEMORY
1-3
"Herissmon digivolves into Filmon!" Milo exclaimed, transforming his hedgehog Digimon into a more mature variation. Its pairs of claws extended to five each on his front paws and three on its feet, and yellow spikes were extending from its feet, in addition to its limbs being wrapped in bandages. The yellow highlights in its back fur now became a golden ponytail that extended from the top of its head down its back.
Filmon (BT7-034)
Color: Yellow
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
3-1
"Now, Filmon, Digi-Burst!" Milo exclaimed. "Give Eyesmon Security Attack -2!"
Filmon roared, summoning the yellow silhouettes of the cards beneath it. They rammed Eyesmon, sending the evil dragon shrieking briefly as it felt the effects of its debuffing.
Eyesmon: 9000-8000 DP
"When Digi-Bursted, Pusurimon gives -1000 DP to your Digimon while Herissmon returns to my hand," Milo explained. "Since I have a Yellow Digimon on the field, Aquilamon's play cost is reduced by 1, so for 3 Memory, I play it to the field!"
Dexter clicked his tongue as Aquilamon made its appearance beside Filmon. With two level 4s, he was en route to DNA Digivolving unless he had a way to delete one of them come the next turn…
Aquilamon (BT8-010)
Color: Red
Level: 4
DP: 4000
MEMORY
1-2 (Turn Change: Dexter)
"Told you," Kaden crossed his arms.
"I wouldn't count him out yet," Brandon said, making note of Dexter's demeanor. "Looks like he's ready to pop off any time now…"
"Don't think for a second that I'm gonna just roll over," Dexter drew. "I hatch Yaamon and digivolve it into Tsukaimon."
Tsukaimon materialized in Dexter's raising area, snickering as it floated around Dexter's airspace.
Tsukaimon (BT3-079)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Eyesmon will then digivolve into Myotismon," Dexter continued, swiping the card and allowing the vortex of purple binary to overtake his shadow dragon and turning it into the sophisticated king of vampire Digimon.
Myotismon (BT8-080)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Milo)
"Why would he…?" Kaden began to ask. "Eyesmon would've kept getting boosts the more Scatter Modes were in his trash. The buffs don't carry over into Myotismon, so…"
"He's definitely building into his Ace, like I said. Eyesmon basically lived out its usefulness." Brandon answered.
"Well, yeah, I could've figured that. I'm just wondering if that was a misplay long-term."
"Well, we're bound to find out, won't we?" Lucas' voice asked, prompting the pair to turn around.
Brandon grunted, "You followed us?"
Lucas smirked and took a seat behind them. "Don't worry. I won't tell Rex anything. Like you guys, I'm curious to see how this is gonna turn out myself."
Brandon remained apprehensive as he turned back around to the match. Kaden didn't pay much attention to the intrusion afterward himself. He intently continued to watch the match, anxious about the ensuing aftermath…
"Myotismon trashes the top 2 cards of my deck upon digivolving. Afterward, it'll pull the Tamer Yukio Oikawa from my trash." Dexter explained as the top 2 cards of his trash revealed themselves. Wizardmon and Devidramon were cast to the trash, but not before Wizardmon flashed purple, catching Milo's attention. "By the way, Wizardmon's effect gives me a Memory for being sent to the trash from the deck, extending my turn."
MEMORY
0-1
Afterward, Yukio Oikawa appeared, the pale-skinned, long-haired man dressed in a purple trench coat grinning as his form came from the small pillar of purple binary.
Yukio Oikawa (BT8-093)
Color: Purple
"I end my turn by playing Guilmon." Dexter finished, summoning the feral red dinosaur Digimon.
Guilmon (BT5-071)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Milo)
Milo drew and looked back at Dexter. The latter fixated on him in return. The hatred was blatant. Though Dexter could claim that the betrayal hurt him, there was more to it than that. Dexter was a rebel, or at least he wanted to believe he was. Thanks to Mason, Milo prepared for this battle, from intel on Dexter to the reconstruction of his deck.
After hatching another egg and digivolving it into a Salamon, Milo took a card from his hand. "Now that I think about it, I never got to ask you…"
"What?" Dexter snapped.
"How did you learn about the Nadir District?" Milo asked. "Could it have been…back when you lived in Riverbed?"
Dexter hesitated, eyes growing wide. Kaden also took a moment to determine what he was implying. Milo continued, "At the start of the year, were you one of the Riverbed Students trapped in Omnia during that Terrorist attack at SAIBA Enterprise?"
"…trapped in Omnia?" Kaden uttered out loud.
"What he's on about?" Lucas asked, hearing Kaden's murmur.
"Even I'm curious now," Brandon added.
"I don't know the entire story, but…do you guys remember around January/February of this year, that story of the attack on SAIBA Enterprise that left several dozen dead and others injured?"
"Kind of…?" Lucas shrugged. "Can't say I pay much attention to the news."
"I have inklings here and there," Brandon mentioned. "SAIBA got victim blamed hard for that fiasco, I hear, mainly because minors were in danger for it. I didn't know that Omnia played a part in it.
"Apparently it did…and if I had to guess, something happened that day with Dexter and the Nadir District to make him how he is now…"
"What, so you decided to look up my backstory too?!" Dexter hissed.
"Trapped in an unknown world for god knows how long, you allowed the despair and weakness get to you, so when the devil approached you with the temptation for power, you bit onto his hook like a starving fish."
"And I've been rewarded handsomely for it! Not every deal has to end badly, not if you know how to cheat the system!" Dexter defended.
Milo laughed, further souring Dexter's demeanor. "Accept that you're being used already! That's all you're good for, is following direction!"
"Do you love the sound of your own voice or something?" Dexter asked, growing sick of Milo's psychoanalysis.
"Do you love being a doormat to everyone you think is dumber than you?"
Dexter didn't have an answer for that.
"Filmon, Aquilamon, DNA Digivolve into Silphymon!"
Filmon and Aquilamon glowed in their respective colors. They took to the gate above, emerging moments later into the beastman hybrid Digimon, who plunged onto the field in a kneeling position with a heroic entrance.
Silphymon (BT8-015)
Color: Red/Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 8000
"Silphymon's effect: -5000 DP onto Myotismon. Then, if its digivolution resulted from DNA Digivolution, Silphymon deletes one of your Digimon with 5000 or less DP!"
Silphymon waved its arms around, gathering plasma energy within its palms. Pulling them back, it concentrated the energy more before firing its Static Force towards Myotismon, who lit up in red, roaring in agony as its power was zapped away.
Myotismon: 8000-3000 DP
Staggering, Myotismon was left stiff as Silphymon sprinted and shot into the air. Lining itself for a landing kick, Silphymon roared as it picked up speed and dropped down on Myotismon's helpless state, driving it into the ground and setting off an intense impact that stirred up the dirt floor.
The arena was dust-covered as the three spectators waited anxiously to see what would happen next…
Suddenly, laughter could be heard. Growing intense, a purple light broke from the smoke and cast itself into the sky above them in a tall pillar.
"What's going on?!" Kaden exclaimed as the shockwaves licked the air before them. The stadium also began to erupt as the events on Dexter's side grew, as did his laughter.
Milo meanwhile shielded his eyes as Silphymon retreated to his side. Dexter was becoming visible through the cloud, going off hysterically. He looked at Milo with his growing crazed expression, and his twisting grin grew wide. "Analog Youth and Yukio both suspend upon Myotismon's deletion, gaining me a memory for each!"
MEMORY
3-1
Milo also clicked his tongue. He saw as much coming but figured eliminating that threat was worth the risk. "Silphymon, Security Attack!"
Silphymon shot another static force, cutting through the cloud and breaking Dexter's intercepting Security. Dexter's laugh didn't stop, growing further upon the reveal of the option card.
"Security Trigger: Jack Raid! I gain an additional two Memory, ending your turn!"
Dexter
Security: 5-4
Milo grits his teeth at Dexter's sudden luck, as four Memory were sapped away from him just like that.
MEMORY
1-1(Turn Change: Dexter)
"But that's not all… since Yukio was suspended during your turn, I can delete him to revive MaloMyotismon from my Trash!"
Milo was taken aback, as was the others. Kaden knew about Analog Youth's ability, but Yukio Oikawa…did it have ties to Myotismon? Is that why he digivolved Eyesmon?
Yukio's eyes flashed red as his person crumbled into purple binary streams, the small cloud growing and reforming into a titanic white vampiric monster who now took over the back area of Dexter's side. Milo stared upward at the hulking monster and tried to remain resilient in the face of Dexter's Ace.
MaloMyotismon (BT8-083)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 12,000
MaloMyotismon and Dexter shared the same demented grin as Milo felt the pressure creep on him. Dexter drew, reviling in the comeback, and moved Tsukaimon forward. "Thanks to Yaamon's IE effect, my trash is stacked with over ten cards by this point, which means that Tsukaimon gains a boost of 2000 DP!"
Tsukaimon: 2000-4000 DP
"Now then..." Dexter pointed at Silphymon. "Time to make you pay! MaloMyotismon!"
MaloMyotismon: 12,000 DP
Silphymon: 8000 DP
MaloMyotismon flexed its arms, opening the pair of mouths on its shoulders. Energy began to build in the jaws, and with another flex, Malo fired onto Silphymon, vaporizing it effortlessly. Milo shielded himself reactively, forced to deal with the turn of events.
Dexter cackled as Malo relaxed, "I next activate another Jack Raid to boost my Memory."
MEMORY
1-2
"Tsukaimon will finally digivolve into Devidramon, and then Security Attacks!
Tsukaimon embraced the streams of binary and charged, transforming into a monstrous, tattered-winged black dragon Digimon.
Devidramon (BT3-081)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 4000-6000
Devidramon belched out sickly green flames that blasted Milo's intercepting Security, putting him at three.
Milo
Security: 4-3
"I'm not out of this yet!" Milo lowered his arms. "Security Trigger: GeoGreymon!"
GeoGreymon roared onto the scene, the ferocious variant countering with its flames. With red and green energy spiraling wildly in all directions, GeoGreymon focused on its counter, putting enough force to blow the attack back into the stationary Guilmon, incinerating it.
"In case you forgot, GeoGreymon deletes one of your Digimon with 4000 DP or less." Milo pointed out.
Dexter scoffed, "When it comes to Guilmon, that's far from bad. When deleted by an effect, I gain a Memory."
MEMORY
0-1
"Promise you it won't amount to much," Milo stated.
"Oh? We shall see about that," Dexter took a card and swiped, "Devidramon digivolves into Myotismon!"
As such, the dark dragon embraced the binary stream and reformed into another Myotismon who joined alongside its evolved counterpart.
Myotismon (EX1-065)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 7000-9000 DP
MEMORY
1-2 (Turn Change: Milo)
Milo drew and hesitated. Rasenmon Fury Mode stared back at him, and for a moment, Milo remembered how destructive his partner could be. Using it was a gamble, yet for now, he didn't feel as if things were direr enough to utilize it. If anything, it was time to show Dexter the real power he's gained. "TK sets my memory to 3!"
MEMORY
2-3
"GeoGreymon digivolves into RizeGreymon!" Milo swiped, turning his dinosaur Digimon into a cyborg variation, covered in red and silver armor and armed with a revolver for an arm.
RizeGreymon (BT4-017)
Color: Red
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
3-0
"It's time..." Milo uttered, taking another card, "for you to transcend and become the Rising Dragon of X!"
The exclamation took everyone else aback while red and yellow binary streams erupted around RizeGreymon. To add to their shock, several strands broke from the whirling vortex and reformed into the X-Antibody orb, which RizeGreymon embraced, illuminating its eyes. Taking off into the sky in blue flames and electricity, the binary engulfed it, and in moments, RizeGreymon emerged, its claws and joint armor lit with blue plasma energy, its wings expanded and illuminating the sun-like pattern familiar amongst the strongest of the Greymon species, and its revolver converting into a gun sword-like railgun. RizeGreymon X-Antibody roared in the face of MaloMyotismon as the brightness of its being shone to repel the darkness that was Malo.
RizeGreymon (X Antibody)
Color: Red/Yellow
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
0-1 (Turn Change: Dexter)
"Upon digivolution, I can play a red or yellow tamer from my hand," Milo took a card from his hand and swiped. "I play the dual tamers Tai and Kari Kamiya!"
The pair of tamers appeared on his side, looking at each other and then at TK, silently agreeing to provide support.
Tai Kamiya and Kari Kamiya (BT9-084)
Color: Red/Yellow
"If RizeGreymon or the X-Antibody Option card is in RizeGreymon X's sources, your Digimon loses -2000 DP for each red and/or yellow tamer in my Battle Area."
RizeGreymon followed the explanation by aiming its weapon toward Myotismon and firing a striking blue plasma shot, leaving the vampiric Digimon hissing and staggering as it temporarily lost power.
Myotismon: 7000-3000 DP
"…Just who is this kid?" Lucas asked out loud. "Comes out of nowhere and pulls an X-Antibody out of thin air like that…?"
"I'm with Lucas on this one…" Brandon added. "Guess he wasn't kidding when he said he knew too much about the project."
"Say what now?" Lucas caught that.
"He's Mason's younger brother," Kaden explained. "If he's in possession of an X-Antibody Digimon, then he probably got it from his brother. As for why…"
"Well, given what we're dealing with, the more heads, the better, right?" Lucas asked, seeing this as a positive.
"…yeah," Kaden answered.
"It's just one surprise after another with you, huh?" Dexter said as he drew.
"What is it now? Jealous that I have a powerful arsenal at my disposal?" Milo taunted.
Dexter scoffed, "You call that 'powerful?' The way I see it, I'm the one with the advantage! Malo, Security Attack! Myotismon, you too!"
Both Digimon went into action, sending waves of dark energy towards Milo one after the other. Milo shielded himself as Hawkmon and Stefilmon, another new Digimon in Milo's arsenal, were wiped, the latter of which only lost due to Yaamon's IE buffing Myotismon.
MaloMyotismon: 12,000 DP
Hawkmon: 2000 DP
Myotismon: 9000 DP
Stefilmon: 7000 DP
Milo: 3-1
Dexter cackled as victory approached. He swiped one more card, transforming his Myotismon into a second MaloMyotismon while savoring the situation at hand. Per its effect, Lady Devimon, VenomMyotismon, Tapirmon, Yukio Oikawa, and Pandemonium Flame all hit the trash. "Next turn, you're finished. And there isn't anything you can do to prevent it."
MEMORY
1-2(Turn Change: Milo)
1-1
Milo exhaled, looked at the Rasenmon: Fury Mode in his hand, and then into the bleachers towards Kaden. He could sense the sense of nervousness in him. It was a bit off-putting, knowing how confident he is usually. Though, it was oddly reassuring. And the situation was now dire enough to utilize it.
…he just hoped that his brother was right about this…
"Believe me when I say that I saw this coming…" Milo smirked a little.
"If you saw it coming, why put yourself through it anyway?" Dexter questioned. "Putting on a brave façade in the face of the one you admitted to using for your own means…" Dexter grew more humored. "You hear that, Kaden?! Milo used you for muscle and nothing more! Your friendship with him's been a farce from the beginning! I bet you even knew but just sat in denial about it, not wanting to admit that you craved the attention!"
As Dexter cackled audibly, Lucas and Brandon tensed and turned to Kaden, who remained silent. He stood, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted.
"YOU GOT THIS BRO!"
After a long pause from Dexter, Milo took his turn to laugh out loud. Kaden joined him, and they laughed heartily, leaving the others outright confused. Once again, the wind was ripped from Dexter's sails, and before he could question it, Kaden called out again, "Yo, Dexter!"
He turned as Kaden crossed his arms.
"You remember that day that Barry threw Milo down the stairs, right? Did either you or Barry get in trouble for it?"
"…what does that have to—!"
"That's right, I got blamed for it," Kaden revealed. "Do you know why?"
"…"
"Because Milo here threw me under the bus. I don't know if he was intimidated by what I did to Barry or if he was afraid that Barry would come after him if he told the truth. That interaction was enough to tell me what kind of kid he was.
"What's your point then?!"
"…Wow, you really are dense, aren't you?" Kaden admitted.
"W—you have no right to say that to me!"
"He didn't care what kind of person I was," Milo explained. "Because that's the kind of person he is. He's unbiased no matter what everyone says about him or thinks of himself. That's a quality trait of what it means to be heroic, but a great friend to have… one that I never deserved in the first place…"
Kaden scoffed, putting his hands on his hips while maintaining his flattered demeanor. "Now's not the time to get sentimental. You wanna see her too, right?"
Milo paused the image of Riley flashing in his mind. He hesitated to answer, remembering what he did and Kaden's reassurance behind the question. Nonetheless, he turned to Dexter as the Counter switched to 3 Memory.
MEMORY
1-3
"At the start of my turn, if I have three security or less, Tai and Kari gain me a Memory."
MEMORY
3-4
"I do… I really want to see her," Milo managed to answer. "So then, RizeGreymon, I ask you to bear the pain and anguish of my past and transform it into a weapon to protect the future! Digivolve into Rasenmon: Fury Mode!"
Purple binary erupted around RizeGreymon X and poured into it, causing it to roar ferociously. As a result, its form shifted violently into the bestial monster Rasenmon, where it then roared once more and got into an offensive stance as if ready to pounce on its enemies.
Rasenmon: Fury Mode (BT8-081)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 13,000
MEMORY
4-1
Upon seeing the monstrous beast, Dexter was less shocked and more hysterical, "You can't be serious! You're just asking for me to crush you by playing that! What can you possibly hope to get out of it?"
Milo grinned, "Willing to find out with me?! Rasenmon, attack the sourceless MaloMyotismon! Using RizeGreymon's IE effect, the second MaloMyotismon gets -2000 DP!"
Rasemon FM: 13,000 DP
MaloMyotismon: 12,000
MaloMyotismon: 12,000-10,000
Rasenmon heeded Milo's command and unleashed its spiral tails, allowing them to launch it skyward toward the titanic monster. MaloMyotismon snatched its fists and held it back while Rasemon thrashed about. MaloMyotismon threw Rasenmon into the air and unleashed dark energy from its shoulder jaws. Having its back facing the sun as it recovered midair, the monster roared in response, dispelling the wave of energy to the former's shock.
"Go! Desperate Vortex!" Milo yelled as hard and passionately as possible, signaling Rasenmon's tails to spread wildly. It dove back onto MaloMyotismon, where its tails violently and rapidly stabbed MaloMyotismon all over until it dropped on its back and shook the stadium. Rasemon continued as all that was left was a cloud of purple binary.
Dexter felt disturbed, but not to the point where he felt threatened. "So what? You only managed to take out one of them—! W—what's happening?!"
"Rasemon Fury Mode's effect…after the attack, it can slide digivolve into a Rasenmon in my hand without paying the memory cost!" Milo revealed the card in his hand, shocking everyone present. "Now, my partner, unleash your true valor and become the Spyral Savior of the Zenith: Rasenmon!"
Rasemon Fury Mode roared towards the sun, and as if being blessed by the heavens above, yellow binary streams spiraled out from the sky and surrounded Rasenmon Fury Mode. Before their eyes, they watched as the beast slimmed into a more humanoid Beastman figure. Its muscled body was covered in brownish-grey belts, its pelt wrapped around its shoulders and waist, and a tattered white scarf. The purple spiral spikes turned crimson red, standing uniformed on its back while protruding on its shoulders, kneepads, and feet, matching its claws. It was armed with golden, bladed bracelets on each arm, and its face was covered with a mask, while its hair was short, spiky, and blonde.
Rasenmon (BT7-040)
Color: Yellow
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
"…whoa…" Brandon was rendered speechless.
"Bro…" Lucas followed along with that.
Kaden, all the while, was too amazed for words. Not at Rasenmon, but with the newfound confidence that Milo was displaying. If there was a word for it...
Kaden was proud; Milo escaped the darkness and found his role in his origin story. He was becoming a heroic figure in his own right.
Dexter tried to find the words but was left beside himself. "So—!"
"Digi-Burst."
Rasenmon: 11,000-14,000
MaloMyotismon: 10,000-7000-5000 DP
MaloMyotismon became the victim of Rasenmon's sudden lariat as the crash cut Dexter's line of shocked thought. The abrupt dispersal of binary shocked his senses, flipping him back and revealing the lack of Level 6 Digimon on his side. "What?!"
"When Rasenmon Fury Mode is used as Digi-Burst material, Rasenmon unsuspends and gains +3000 DP. In addition, Rasenmon gives one of your Digimon -3000 DP for every card Digi-Bursted. RizeGreymon's IE triggered again, resulting in Malo receiving an additional -5000 DP.
"…" Dexter was too shocked to process all of that, the counter switching to him thanks to the preset Tsukaimon and Devidramon's IE effects.
MEMORY
1-1(Turn Change: Dexter)
Missing the window for Analog Youth's suspension effect, Dexter's device prompted him to draw. He remained silent as he weakly drew, arm limp and unmotivated. "It's really over…isn't it?"
"The best option is to surrender now," Milo stated. "That way, at least—!"
Dexter laughed creepily, "Actually…" his voice and smile cracked, "This is the best option!" he revealed the card he had drawn, a white, 8-Cost Option card.
"Well, this is a turn of events…didn't think you'd actually go through with it." Dracmon suddenly chimed.
"Shut up and watch," Dexter growled, "I'll show you that I don't need any of you to reach my goal. In my hand is pure, unfiltered power, strong enough to decimate every digital lifeform in the area if I choose!"
The three spectators jumped, but Milo raised his hand, halting them. Dexter was already past reasoning, it seemed like. Not only that, but he didn't seem keen on surrendering either. "You don't have to do this, Dexter…"
Dexter shook his head, "you don't get a say in what I should and shouldn't. You lost that privilege when you betrayed me."
Milo didn't respond to that; instead, he continued to try and reason. "Be rational, at the very least. It's not worth it."
"Stop…talking." Dexter's gaze narrowed.
Milo obediently quieted down and shifted his gaze to the others, who remained hesitant.
"Not for nothing…but he may be onto something." Dracmon quipped.
"Not you, too!"
Dracmon ejected from the device and planted its feet onto the ground, "Just saying, you have a bad habit of blinding believing in people…"
"Shut up!" Dexter stepped back.
"You said it yourself that he suffered because he made a deal with the devil, right? What's to say you won't suffer the same?" Dracmon pressed.
"I said shut up!" His hand trembled.
"It's now or never…Are you willing to risk it all for your goals…?"
Dexter's shaky hand turned to look at the card, and after a pause, he looked at Milo, tears streaming down his face. Milo read his expression and felt his stomach drop.
"DEXTER DON'T!"
Dexter played the card with a crooked smile, and everything went silent…
Kaden eyes peered open, staring at a white ceiling. He took slow, deep breaths as he regained consciousness and processed what happened. "Where…am I…?"
"Kaden!" Veemon's frantic voice was distant but audible.
"Veemon…" Kaden answered.
"Kaden…" Sylvia's voice followed, pulling him closer to consciousness. He blinked and turned, seeing her sitting beside him. The longer this went, the sooner he realized he was back in the real world. His vision cleared, and as he sat up, he saw Nico and Homura in the room, looking on anxiously.
"What…what are you guys doing here? Where am I…?"
"Back in your room," Nico explained. "The mission was aborted abruptly due to this massive wave that destroyed what was left of the Central District."
"I see…wait, what?!" Kaden shot up and felt the shock of aches erupt. Sylvia held him steady as he eased up. "What do you mean…?"
"You tell us," Homura crossed his arms. "There were reports that you and Brandon went AWOL during the mission."
"…" Kaden had nothing to say to that. "I can explain…"
"It's my fault, actually…" Milo's voice came through the opening door.
Everyone's heads snapped around as the boy made his surprise appearance, his face riddled with guilt. It took everyone a minute to process his sudden appearance, yet the surprises wouldn't stop there.
"M…Milo…?" Sylvia uttered, making everyone turn back to her. "Is…is that you?"
Milo hesitates after catching Sylvia's gaze. Guilt hit him, and he went to turn, only for her to jump up. "Milo, wait!"
Kaden leaped from the bed and through the others, giving chase to Milo, who had already begun taking off down the hall. "Milo!"
Kaden managed to catch up as Milo whipped around the corner, the latter sliding down the wall and breaking down. He found him and knelt as the younger boy cried profusely.
"I can't…I can't do it…!" He cried.
"It's alright, man, I understand…" Kaden consoled him. Kaden exhaled and rubbed his shoulder.
"After everything that's happened…I understand…"
[Myoin Manor, Nadir District…]
In deep meditation, the Nadir Representative was leaning to one side on his throne when the chamber doors opened. Peering his eyes open, he watched as Dexter slowly walked in and took a knee to his master. Immediately, the Nadir Representative could sense the difference. "I see…"
Dexter looked up, eyes flashing with heterochromatic red and green colors. "You were right. Push comes to shove; that fool would do himself in one way or another. Fortunately, his Saibatar was left intact for me to occupy."
"And as for you? Is the X-Program suiting you in empowering your strength?"
Dracmon stood and flexed his now human hand, "Though a fragment, Lord Bagramon's data flows fluidly. Surely, I shall be able to exhibit untold strength when the final encounter arrives."
"Very good." The Nadir District Representative stood. "While we weren't able to take control of the Central District, its destruction means that the Zenith also suffered a loss. With one major obstacle out of the way, our focus now turns to the East."
"May I ask what is in the East?" Dracmon asked, curious.
"Legend speaks of an ancient relic wielded by the first Paladin of the Zenith District. Its power alone can spell doom for our efforts."
"The fact that we're just now turning our attention to it means that it's not known to many, correct?"
"On the contrary," the Nadir District corrected. "Don't let that fool you're masquerading as shape your view of humanity. My fellow representatives…are not to be trifled with."
[Chamber of the Great Dragon, Eastern District…]
Sierra, as Lady Azurena and Slayerdramon, a giant, silver-scaled knight-like dragon Digimon, walked side-by-side across the vast stone rooftop of this meeting place as blue thunder stirred above in the clouds. After stopping in the designated space, a massive, dragon-like being of pure blue electric energy emerged from the clouds. Its ethereal body was wrapped in chains, and twelve blue Digi-Cores were spiraling around it, indicating substantial strength compared to the average digital monster.
Boh Sierra and Slayerdramon prostrated themselves towards the magnificent being as its masked face turned towards them. Azulongmon hummed, and energy cackled as it inched closer down.
"Lord Azulongmon," Sierra called out. "We beseech thee in our time of need."
"Very well…speak your heart's desire…" The booming voice of Azulongmon was thunderous, yet it held a gentle and benevolent tone behind it.
"Our District faces the threat of the Nadir District, our lord," Slayerdramon spoke, following up. "We believe that they seek the power of the Omni Sword. With it in their possession, nothing will stop them from achieving their goal of eradicating the Zenith District and pouring their forces into the human world."
"I am aware of their movements…I am also aware that as the Sovereign of the East, I cannot act according to my desires at this time…"
Sierra was taken aback but had to mind her tone before she spoke, "May I implore as to why…?"
"The one known as Alphamon, who once ruled the Central District, is now in control of the Nadir District…"
Slayerdramon turned to Sierra, "When were you going to inform me of this revelation?"
"This is news to me as well…" Sierra defended herself.
"As you both are aware…I strive to promote honesty among us. Therefore, I ask… as one who supports unity amongst humans… how could I possibly deem one my enemy and maintain my honored stance?"
Neither could refute his blatant neutrality at hand.
"Lord Azulongmon," Slayerdramon insisted, "You have guarded the Omni Blade for thousands of years, ever since the first Paladin laid Bagramon to rest. With all due respect, will your love for humans make you turn a blind eye to the Eastern District citizens? How can my people be unified with them if they're dead?!"
Sierra tensed at Slayerdramon's sharp wording towards the end. Azulongmon patiently waited for Slayerdramon to realize his folly before speaking.
"You misunderstand me, my son…there are other paths to victory. Not all wars are fought with violence. Some wars… are won before they are declared…"
"Lord Azulongmon…I don't understand what you're saying…" Sierra admitted.
"The Omni Sword will not fall into the hands of the Nadir District. Put faith in my words…and victory will be assured."
Slayerdramon clenched his jaw while Sierra accepted the decision. She understood what he was feeling, and admittedly, this was a long shot. After all, the Four Sovereigns had direct connections with the Zenith District. If they have yet to indeed act, then how did they expect the Sovereigns to step in at this point? "Thank you for your audience, Lord Azulongmon."
"Go forth, my children…" One of the cores on Azulongmon's person broke from the chain and floated down to Sierra, merging with her D-Streamer. That simple gesture was weighty, indicating to her that Azulongmon would step in after all. However, Sierra knew that as the Representative, it was not her place to fight, just survive. Therefore, neutrality was the priority unless push came to shove. With that, though, Azulongmon rose back, thundering as its ethereal body vanished in the rumbling clouds.
Slayerdramon let out a hard sigh and growl as he rose onto his feet. Sierra joined him as they walked towards the edge. Below was Slayerdramon's Sapphire Squadron surrounding the premise, with Captain Regaleus Khan standing as the vanguard. The division of this squadron was only a fraction of the army that Slayerdramon had built under his rule. While the other troops were defending his fortress and surrounding areas, this special unit of soldiers had one mission:
Protect the Omni Sword at all costs.
Nadir forces emerged over the horizon as the sun within the district rose, and after a few moments to psyche himself, Slayerdramon cast his blade forward. "CHARGE!"
Regaleus Khan roared and transformed into his Digimon form, Regalecusmon, and reverberated his master's command, causing the army to charge forward in retaliation…