[STREAM Corp, Trenton New Jersey...]
AEGIS personnel took their time exploring every inch of the STREAM Corp facility, getting everything from forensic scientists to specialized IT agents. Medics were on board, taking away those deceased from Raesyl's rampage, as well as those injured that were hanging in there. Noah's head spun like a top, while Director Jones and his two accompanying agents stared him down until he'd utter a syllable.
"Well?" Director Jones pressed." Your executive has already explained what he knew; now he's in Omnia cleaning up your mess. All that's missing is what intel you've kept from us."
"...I'm sorry, Director Jones," Noah sounded defeated.
"I'm not looking for an apology," he replied calmly. "I want to know what went wrong with your plan."
"That's what I'd like to know..."
Director Jones furrowed his brow, "Excuse me?"
"I was so close...so close to defeating the Nadir District and saving Omnia..." he looked up," and just like that, the remaining X-Streamers were wiped out."
"Let's back up. What can you tell me about Raesyl?"
"A failed science experiment."
"I need you to be more specific."
"Dr. Woods' failed science experiment."
"What you call a science experiment, I have come to understand is the reason Project X-Stream was frozen in the first place. That said, after you came into your role as the current CEO, what made you restart the program?"
"Omnia was facing the threat of the Nadir District, of course."
"You were scouting individuals long before the Nadir made their move, which implies the Zenith had every intention to attack the Nadir District first. Was it regarding what happened with First Contact? Or was the Zenith District looking for an opportunity to strike?"
"Are you defending those monsters, Director?"
"I'm merely investigating. And based on what I've learned, Zenith seems to be hiding plenty of important details."
Noah didn't respond; if anything, his face indicated a sense of anger rising within.
Director Jones found it far from intimidating. "The Zenith District has failed to take any real action in this conflict."
"That's not true," Noah countered." The X-Streamers—!"
"The X-Streamers have proved to be but a distraction for the rest of us." Director Jones countered back. "They were set up as fodder as the Zenith continued to manipulate the conflict."
Noah was taken aback." How dare you insinuate such—!"
"You're no different; As a representative of the Zenith, I expected you to come clean, especially given the fact that people have died under your watch." Director Jones' tone hardened. "Give me one reason I shouldn't lock you up in the rest of your life on murder charges, let alone criminal negligence and cyber terrorism against the citizens of Omnia?"
Hearing that shook Noah to his core, as the surrealism of his situation rushed him from all sides. Exhaling sharply, it was clear he had nothing to lose in keeping his secret." Understood."
Raising his arm and revealing a gold and silver D-Streamer, he pressed on it, causing the office to go completely white. Director Jones was taken by surprise, getting a somewhat familiar feeling from being here.
"You seek an audience with me, human?" The ethereal voice made out, catching Director Jones by surprise.
"What in the...?" Director Jones looked up, gasping at the materialization of Drasil. The mysterious Sovereign of the Zenith hovered before the two men, willing to give any answers needed.
[Nadir District, Omnia...]
"Damn...we spoke too soon." Jesse looked out as the rising titanic digimon came close to piercing the clouds. Its screech sent shockwaves all around, adding another complicated layer to a war they were convinced just finished. If they could see it from where they were, there was a good chance it could also be seen from the other districts.
Vantus squinted at it, attempting to get a feel for it. Axel turned to him.
"What's wrong?"
"The power it exerts; it's on similar levels to Millenniummon or MOD."
"Aw, really?!" Jesse groaned. "Ugh, who am I kidding? I mean at this point, if this war didn't end on a world-destroying monster then I'd have called foul on it."
"Its name is Ordinemon…" Mastemon's voice echoed, followed by her materialization. The group turned into a familiar figure. "A corrupted mutation of the opposing sides, born to put an end to everything."
"So, it's a bomb then," Axel turned back to it.
"Arbiter," Garretson approached Mastemon. "Can we ask where you have been all of this time? Lady Arylide has yet to reappear, and up until now, both you and Sakuyamon have remained silent. Why suddenly appear to us now?"
"Lady Arylide and Sakuyamon's whereabouts are of no concern for you all as it stands. As for myself, as the Arbiter of time and space, I have taken my time overseeing the anomaly that eventually resulted in Ordinemon. My role is nearing its completion. All that's left is subduing the beast along with the help of the four Sovereigns, else Omnia, and Earth will experience mutual destruction.
"The Sovereigns have remained dead silent this whole time," Jesse argued. "Fat chance they'd lift a finger now."
Just then, they heard the echo of a train whistle, making them all turn. Just ahead of them, GroundLocomon approached, halting in place, allowing Dr. Woods, Bianca, and Justin to hop off.
"Lord Emeron, Lady Onyxa," Axel approached them. "We're glad you're alright."
"Likewise," Dr. Woods nodded. "Lady Azurena is currently with Kaden and the others." He turned to Ordinemon out in the distance, "we were too late it seems."
"Not necessarily," Mastemon argued. "I will see to it that the boy reaches Ordinemon, Omni Sword in hand."
"Please do." Dr. Woods acknowledged, to which Mastemon warped away from their presence. "In the meantime, move any of your injured or Cores onto GroundLocomon. We'll bring them to shelter in the Western District bunker camps until the conflict settles. As for the rest of us, we'll join the fight and find a way to stop that Digimon." Dr. Woods turned to the struggling Nadir District Digimon, who had run to safety under Axel's shield earlier. They anxiously stared down Dr Woods.
The doctor stared back and pointed to the train, "What are you waiting for? Get on board."
Vantus took the lead and knelt to a hesitant Shamanmon who stuck its club out to protect the Pillomon trembling behind it. Eventually, the Shamanmon saw the sincerity in his eyes and relaxed. That small action also helped the other Nadir survivors relax and go along with them. Meanwhile, Axel and the others gathered the cores from both sides, eventually filling the near dozen cars equipped to GroundLocomon.
"Watch your step." Ciel and Blanc guided the Digimon safely one by one. Eventually amongst them, a Falcomon came through, its black feathers, red face markings and purple face surprising them briefly.
"You have our thanks, truly." Falcomon bowed to each of them before taking a step in.
Feeling a bit awkward, the sisters nodded and kept focused on their task. Eventually the cars were filled and GroundLocomon pulled off. Justin and Bianca, however, watched as the car pulled away before turning their sights on the Manor in the distance…
Grandracmon, who reverted back into resembling Dexter, sat on the throne of the room, legs crossed, finding it amusing that the fallen were still reeling before him. Effectively stripped of his title of being the Nadir Rep, Zack felt lethargic and empty as he regained consciousness.
"…Zack…" He could hear Melanie's voice. He forced himself upright, just enough to see Melanie crawling to him.
"Mel…" He forced himself further upright to reach out. Melanie was able to regain her footing shakily enough, and she tried to help Zack up as well. As the pair steadied themselves, Zack caught a glimpse of Kaden making his way toward the throne where Grandracmon sat. Even when pushed past his limit, he was determined to fight.
"Oh?" Grandracmon took note of the blade pointed at him.
"What did you do to her?" Kaden's grip tightened.
"You surely heard the noise just now, as we all have," Grandracmon spoke in an eloquent, dismissive tone.
Kaden gritted his teeth and held the blade with both hands, "I know, if I delete you, she'll return to normal right? That's how situations like that go?"
Grandracmon scoffed, "You're a human."
"Yeah, and?"
Grandracmon took his free hand, waved, and blew Kaden off his feet. "Point made."
Zack looked at his hand. As if on cue, it glitched, harsher than before. He then looked at Ryusei and nodded to him. The Saibatar nodded back, and after breaking from Melanie, Zack walked alongside Ryusei up to the throne.
As Kaden leaned up, he noticed the pair moving before him. "What are you two…?"
"Become my blade, Ryusei." Zack requested. "One final time."
"Yes, my liege," Ryusei's body began to glow in golden light, to the surprise of everyone present. Grandracmon grew curious and paid extra attention as Ryusei's glowing figure floated to Zack and infused itself into him. The regal uniform Zack wore tore away, replaced by his original attire, a black regal suit with gold trimmings and white gloves. In addition, a white cape wrapped around his neck, draping down his back. When he opened his eyes, they radiated gold.
"Whoa…" Milo found himself enamored by Zack's etherealness. "What did he do just now?"
Sierra, able to join Milo, was able to answer, "Ryusei is Alphamon's right hand. He represents an extension of Alphamon's hidden powers, only called upon in desperate situations. Whereas hijacking manifests human and Digimon synergy forcefully, what you see before is one form of true synchronization between Sync Partners.
"Well…you've been holding back, have you?" Grandracmon stood. "You think you can stop me while knocking on death's door?"
"Not I," Zack spoke, Ryusei's voice overlaying his. "We will stop you." He raised his arm, his gauntlet becoming gold and black-trimmed.
Grandracmon's gaze shifted slightly, and just as quickly, he took a cheap shot toward Melanie. Not only did Zack not react, but the blast was intercepted. Mastemon materialized before a startled Melanie, surprising Kaden, Milo, and Sierra. Grandracmon glared at her appearance.
"Come with me. Leave this fight to them," Mastemon said, opening a digital gate behind her. Kaden looked to Zack, who nodded, assuring him that he could take care of the situation.
"Who are you?" Kaden asked. He recognized it as a Mastemon, but what was it doing here?
"Don't worry, she's a friend." Melanie reassured, approaching her." Mastemon can you bring us to wherever Raesyl ended up?"
"I intend on doing so," she answered. "Only the Omni Sword can slay Ordinemon and preserve Omnia's survival."
"Ordinemon...?" Kaden repeated, unsure of Digimon's name.
"Come with me," she said again. "Time is of the essence."
"You heard her, let's go!" Sierra commanded, Melanie and Milo charging the portal. Sierra looked over and saw Kaden lost in thought, "Kaden, let's move It!"
Kaden perked up, turning around to Zack and Grandracmon. The former turned and nodded, giving Kaden the OK to charge the portal. When it closed, Grandracmon and Zack stared at one another down readying themselves to end things once and for all.
"DIGI-GATE: OPEN!"
"I shall begin by hatching Pagumon," Grandracmon stated, summoning the gray ball Digimon.
Pagumon (BT9-006)
Color: Purple
Level: 2
"Pagumon digivolves into Goblimon, then I'll play Dracmon from my hand."
Pagumon reformed into a goblin-like Digimon, which was then followed by Dracmon who appeared in the battle area.
Goblimon (BT6-069)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Dracmon (BT9-071)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 1000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Zack)
"When Dracmon enters play, I reveal the top 3 cards of my deck. I'm allowed to trash one card with the 'Undead' or 'Dark Animal' trait and retrieve another with the same circumstances. Any remaining cards are sent to the bottom of my deck."
Dracmon followed by holding its hands up, its eyes widening in its palms, and projecting the three cards: Fangmon, Matadormon, and Labramon. Matadormon was trashed while Fangmon was added, and Labramon was sent to the bottom of the deck. Afterward, his turn ended, and it was on Zack to make the next move.
Zack drew, "I'll hatch Dorimon to my Raising Area."
Dorimon materialized, the dragon-like fur ball releasing a tiny roar.
Dorimon (BT7-005)
Color: Black
Level: 2
"Dorimon digivolves into Dorumon, then I play a second Dorumon into the Battle Area."
The pair of Dorumon appeared in their respected areas, roaring coordinated with one another.
Dorumon (BT7-056)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 2000
Dorumon (BT9-058)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 2000
MEMORY
3-0
"When Dorumon enters play, I discard a card with X-Antibody in its traits and draw 2 cards. I discard Ginryumon to draw 2." Zack proceeded, Ginryumon fizzling and 2 cards appearing on top of his gauntlet, to which he drew. "I'll end by digivolving the Dorumon in the Battle Area into Dorugamon."
The leading Dorumon embraced the black streams of binary code and reformed into Dorugamon, taking to the air with its newly grown wings.
Dorugamon (BT7-062)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
0-2 (Turn Change: Grandracmon)
Grandracmon drew. "Goblimon moves out, and Dracmon will digivolve into Fangmon."
As Goblimon marched forward, Dracmon embraced purple streams of binary, reforming into Fangmon, its elongated, crimson muzzle snarling as it finished transforming.
Fangmon (BT8-076)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 4000
MEMORY
2-0
"Goblimon, Security Attack!" Grandracmon ordered. "When Attacking, Pagumon's IE effect activates, allowing me to trash SkullGreymon from my hand to give Goblimon +1000 DP for the turn." Grandracmon went about discarding the Level 5 Digimon.
Goblimon: 2000-3000 DP
"Now, since it was discarded, SkullGreymon's effect activates, adding itself beneath Goblimon, granting it Retaliation."
The empowered Goblimon charged, swinging its club recklessly in the air. Zack took the hit, Security shattering before him.
Zack
Security: 5-4
"Security Trigger: Yuji Musha to the Battle Area!" He countered, summoning the tamer to his side.
Yuji Musha (BT8-092)
Color: Black
"Fangmon Security Attack!" Grandracmon followed up. "Dracmon's IE activates now, allowing Fangmon to digivolve into a Digimon with either the 'Undead' or 'Dark Animal' Trait from my trash, paying its cost doing so. Fangmon will Digivolve into Matadormon!"
Fangmon leaned forward as a vortex of binary erupted around it. Seconds later, it was replaced by Matadormon, who then flexed its knives and charged.
Matadormon (BT9-077)
Color: Purple
Level: 5
DP: 7000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Zack)
Matadormon, with its permanent grin, brought its claws down on Zack's second Security. While the option to block was present, it was too early to lose Dorugamon. Dorumon appeared behind the security and was blasted into nothingness afterward.
Zack
Security: 4-3
Grandracmon watched as Matadormon twirled back into position. "No need to defend yourself?"
"I wanted to see the extent of your 'gift' from Drasil," Zack replied. "I have an idea of it now."
"I see…" Grandracmon ended his turn. "Then show me what you've gained."
Zack took the invitation and drew. "Dorumon moves out, triggering Yuji's effect, allowing me to draw 1 and gain a memory.
MEMORY
3-4
"Dorumon digivolves into Raptordramon!" Zack plays the card, causing Dorumon to roar as it is empowered. Before Grandracmon, Dorumon proceeds to transform into a cybernetic raptor Digimon, with blonde fur covering its organic limbs, a blue metallic body, and gray cybernetic parts from its claws, thighs, wings, and face.
Raptordramon (BT9-062)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
4-2
Grandracmon's gaze narrowed, analyzing the new Digimon. "What kind of Digimon is this…? Could it be another inheritor of the X-Antibody?"
"Come and find out! Dorugamon, attack Goblimon!"
Dorugamon: 5000 DP
Goblimon: 2000 DP
Dorugamon charged, soaring across the throne room to tackle Goblimon. Meanwhile, Goblimon pulled its arms back and swung, the club making contact. Dorugamon bit down on Goblimon hard enough to delete it, but its club did its job, corrupting Dorugamon enough to delete it.
"Raptordramon, Security Attack!" Zack ordered. Yuji suspended through its effect, allowing me to slide a second Dorumon into its sources. I gain 2 Memories from both of the Dorumon effects."
MEMORY
2-4
Raptordramon's metallic wings shot out and the Digimon took off, slicing them clean through.
Grandracmon
Security: 5-4
Sangloupmon emerged and pounced.
Raptordramon: 6000 DP
Sangloupmon: 4000 DP
Raptordramon turned and swung its head up, uppercutting the hound and exposing its neck. Ironically, Raptordramon lunged for the vital body part and put an end to its assailant.
"I play Kota Domoto," Zack continued, summoning Kota. He and Yuji looked at one another and bumped fists.
Kota Domoto (BT7-090)
Color: Black
MEMORY
4-0
"Kota reveals the top 4 cards of my deck, allowing me to add a card with X-Antibody in its traits to my hand while the rest go to the bottom of the deck."
The cards revealed were Iron-Fisted Onslaught, Sunarizamon, X-Digivolution and Dorugamon. Zack took X-Digivolution and sent the rest to the bottom of the deck.
"I end by playing Dorumon, discarding DoruGreymon to draw two."
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Grandracmon)
Grandracmon drew for turn, showing no real distress from Zack's assault. "You claimed to have understood my deck from one turn. Your demonstration tells me otherwise." He then hatched a 2nd Pagumon.
"Your deck involves filling your trash and reviving your discarded cards. Not so much unlike Death-X Digivolution."
Grandracmon smirked, "I retract my statement. To be fair, I am the one who granted those powers to you in the first place. If I'm being honest, one wonders if you regret it yet?"
Zack took a moment to process his question, leading to a smirk on his part, "Since becoming the Representative of the Nadir District, I swore to fight for it. I don't regret my decision to sacrifice my life. That said, I do regret allowing the Zenith to get their hands on you. Didn't expect you to be so gullible that you'd turn coat so easily."
Grandracmon's smirk diminished. "Pagumon Digivolves into Elecmon."
Pagumon bounced about until it transformed into a purple variation of the electric mammal digimon.
Elecmon (BT6-070)
Color: Purple
Level: 3
DP: 2000
"Gullibility...Lord Bagramon was foolish enough to challenge Drasil and our people suffered for it. You and the humans are foolish enough to repeat that mistake but not I! I know a losing battle when I see one and I WILL see that this District is restored to a glory not seen in the history of our world!" He cast his hand out. "Matadormon attacks Raptordramon!"
Matadormon bent its knees while Raptordramon snarled back.
Matadormon: 7000 DP
Raptordramon: 6000 DP
"Prepare to have a taste of my true power..." Grandracmon flashed a card version of himself, sending it to the trash. "Using Matadormon's effect, by trashing Grandracmon, I empower it by +3000 DP!"
Matadormon: 7000-10,000 DP
"And now, I activate Dracmon's IE effect: Matadormon will now Digivolve into the Malefic Tyrant of the Nadir: Grandracmon from my trash!"
A miasmic vortex stirred violently around Matadormon, causing Zack to shield his face from the sudden winds. Grandracmon cackled as the energy erupted, leaping forward himself to merge with his digimon. As the winds died, Matadormon re-emerged as the vampire centaur that presided in the room before the match began. Its lower mouths roared in an eerie cry upon appearance.
Grandracmon (BT9-079)
Color: Purple
Level: 6
DP: 12,000-15,000 DP
MEMORY
3-0
"Arise, Goblimon..." Grandracmon raised his hand, resummoning Goblimon from the trash. Afterward, he crossed his arms, summoning a glowing purple eye behind him. A purple flash shone from underneath his eye mask. "Eye of the Gorgon!"
The purple eye opened behind him, and waves of purple rings shot forward, flying through Raptordramon, and deleting it.
"At the end of my attack, I can digivolve one of my other Digimon into an Undead or Dark Animal Digimon from my trash without paying the cost. My resurrected Goblimon will now digivolve into Sangloupmon from my trash."
Goblimon snickered, surrendering itself to the binary code and transforming itself into the vampiric hound Digimon.
Sangloupmon (BT9-073)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
"And to end my turn, Sangloupmon will DeathXDigivolve into DexDoruGreymon," Grandracmon revealed to Zack's surprise. The wolf howled, growing in size and re-emerging as the zombified dragon.
DexDoruGreymon (BT9-078)
Color: Purple/Black
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
0-3 (Turn Change: Zack)
Grandracmon grinned. "Still feel inclined to defy me?"
Zack grit his teeth. "Kings don 't defy, they discipline." He drew his card and began his turn.
Grandracmon scoffed at the sound of that, humored by his words. "You have no hope to defeat me, and even if you did, you're barely holding on. What hope do you have to stop Drasil?"
Zack ignored his words, hatching Kyokyomon. "Kyokyomon Digivolves into Ryudamon, and then into Ginryumon!"
In his Raising Area, Ginryumon rose, the blade in its throat itching to emerge.
Kyokyomon (BT8-005)
Color: Black
Level: 2
Ryudamon (BT8-060)
Color: Black
Level: 3
DP: 1000
Ginryumon (BT8-063)
Color: Black
Level: 4
DP: 6000
MEMORY
3-1
"Dorumon, Security Attack! Yum I suspends, allowing me to add another Dorumon beneath it, gaining me a Memory doing so via its IE effect.
MEMORY
1-2
Dorumon roared and conjured binary code in its jaws that solidified into a metal ball. Dorumon fired the cannonball-like object forward towards Grandracmon, his Security taking the hit.
Grandracmon
Security: 4-3
From the Security emerged Troopmon, whose 5000 DP was enough for it to take aim at Dorumon and fire. Dorumon was subsequently showered by energy bullets and was deleted.
"I end my turn by Digivolve no Ginryumon into Hisaryumon."
Ginryumon roared as it Digivolves, becoming the armored dragon digimon, rivaling the size of DexDoruGreymon. Resembling a Chinese dragon, it had silver scales and a red underside, gold claws and ornaments decorating it, while clutching a green and orange orb in each hand, respectively.
Hisaryumon (BT8-066)
Color: Black
Level: 5
DP: 8000
MEMORY
2-1 (Turn Change: Grandracmon)
Grandracmon was unimpressed. "I truly believed you were going to be a bigger threat than you're presenting yourself as." He drew. "Elecmon moves out and attacks your Security! Pagumon's IE effect discards DexDorugoramon, empowering Elecmon by +1000 DP!"
Elecmon: 2000-3000 DP
Elecmon charged electricity across its body and shot it forward towards Zack who reactively shielded himself. The Security blocked the attack and shattered.
Zack
Security: 3-2
Sunarizamon was thrown out of the broken security, electrocuted while airborne. It was deleted before it hit the ground.
"I'm far from done! Grandracmon, Security attacks!" Grandracmon crossed his arms, and the twin dog mouths on its lower half fired purple beams of energy targeting Zack. The Security shattered, and suddenly Grandracmon's triumphant grin shrunk.
Zack's on the other hand...
"Security Trigger: Alphamon!" Zack exclaimed, summoning the silhouette of a large black knight. Drawing an energy blade, the shadow-like figure rushed Grandracmon.
Grandracmon: 13,000 DP
Alphamon: 11,000 DP
A surprised Grandracmon was pushed out of its position, barely blocking the assault from the apparition. They both struck one another, the shadow taking to the air at a point. Grandracmon angrily fired lasers from its lower jaws, to which the shadow figure dodged each one. With its blade, it swung, a wave of light down at Grandracmon and the other Digimon, each tensing up as if paralyzed.
"What is this…?" Grandracmon growled angrily. "Your powers…!"
Zack smirked, "Need I remind you of who I am?" The shadow figure landed behind him to infer the answer to his question. Grandracmon grit its sharp teeth as the card transferred itself to Zack's hand. "Alphamon returns to my hand from security after the initial battle. In addition, if there's a Royal Knight or a Digimon with the X-Antibody trait in the battle area, up to 12 of your Digimon are unable to attack until the end of your turn."
Grandracmon side-eyed DexDoruGreymon who groaned from being stiffened by Alphamon's attack. "No matter. DexDoruGreymon will digivolve into the Dark Predator of the X-Antibody: DexDorugoramon!"
Another miasmic cloud erupted around DexDoruGreymon, the Digimon roaring in anger, seeking payback for the attack that left it cloud overwhelmed it, and in moments, came out the corrupted Dorugoramon, the purple armor, crimson and black wings, and ferocious, sharp spikes and talon, emphasized from the surrounding debris and destruction from battles past.
Zack had to admit it felt terrifying being on the opposite side of the beast he once commanded.
DexDorugoramon (BT9-081)
Color: Purple/Black
Level: 6
DP: 13,000
I'll end my turn by digivolving Elecmon into Troopmon."
Elecmon, who also fell victim to Alphamon's strike, reformed into the gas mask-wearing fodder soldier of the Nadir District.
Troopmon (BT5-074)
Color: Purple
Level: 4
DP: 5000
MEMORY
1-1 (Turn Chang: Zack)
Despite summoning DexDorugoramon to the Battle Area, Grandracmon was seething by Alphamon's sudden appearance. After all, with the Death X Digivolution that he went through, his powers as Alphamon should've been severed, or at the very least corrupted beyond recovery...unless!
"What's wrong?" Zack challenged, "are you wondering about my powers?"
Grandracmon hesitated to answer, though Zack felt almost eager to explain. "It only goes to show that not only you, but Drasil underestimate my true power."
MEMORY
0-3
Zack drew and moved Hisaryumon forward. Yuji's effect triggered, adding a memory and an additional draw for Zack.
MEMORY
3-4
"I've ruled over this world for centuries on end...and before that, I worked alongside Eve, helping her create a future ideal for humans and AI to coexist...methods may have changed, but the goal is all the same. At the end of the day, anyone who dares disrupt that will face the wrath of the King of Omnia!"
Hisaryumon set its sights on Troopmon and flew forward, snarling as it dove in.
Hisaryumon: 8000 DP
Troopmon: 5000 DP
"Yuji suspends! I add Ouryumon to the bottom of Hisasryumon's sources, triggering its own effect: When a card is placed underneath it, Hisaryumon can Digivolves into a X-Antibody digimon for one less cost!"
Grandracmon gasped, knowing exactly what was coming. Zack's arm swung hard across his gauntlet, golden light erupting around him as he himself began to glow. He dashed forward, reaching and declaring," Hisaryumon Digivolves into the King of Omnia! The Obsidian Knight Alphamon!"
The light overtook the room, causing Grandracmon to react negatively, desperately shying away. Hisaryumon roared as the black binary overtook him and Zack, the pair combining to reform into the knight. As the light dimmed, like Grandracmon before him, Zack's presence was replaced by the magnificence of Alphamon, slamming Troopmon into the ground while striking fear in Grandracmon.
Alphamon (BT6-111)
Color: Black
Level: 6
DP: 11,000
MEMORY
4-2
"Kyokyomon in the sources boosts Alphamon by +1000 DP." Zack stated.
Alphamon: 11,000-12,000 DP
Grandracmon snickered, "Upon deletion Troopmon summons another from my hand."
"You think that'll be enough to stop me? At the end of my attack, Alphamon regains +2 Memory for me!"
MEMORY
2-4
"Ouryumon's IE effect triggers! If the the Digimon has Alphamon in its name, it unsuspends!"
Grandracmon grew agitated in response.
"Now, I activate the Option Card: X-Digivolution!" Zack exclaimed, flashing the card. "By revealing the top 3 cards of my deck, I'm allowed to digivolve one of my Digimon into a Digimon with the X-Antibody Trait without paying its cost, while the others are trashed!"
MEMORY
4-1
"Don't tell me…!" Grandracmon hissed.
Zack cast his hand out as the cards revealed themselves. The first was Ouryumon, the second, Raptordramon and the final was a Level 7 Alphamon card. Naturally, Zack took the last card. "Now, Alphamon, armed with the Ouryuken, will ascend further and become the Dragon King of Omnia!" The card floated to Zack and bonded with his being, flaring the spoilers on his back which released hidden, shimmering golden wings. Holding his hand out, a gold and black two-handed axe-blade materialized, to which he grabbed a hold of it and swung effortlessly, as if it were merely an extension of his arm. Grandracmon was left astounded at the radiant figure before him, the realization of his potential demise becoming more prevalent as time proceeded.
Alphamon Ouryuken (BT9-111)
Color: Black
Level: 7
DP: 16,000-17,000
"X-Digivolution also adds one card with the X-Antibody trait underneath a card in my Battle Area with the same trait. I add the discarded Ouryumon beneath Alphamon."
DexDorugoramon roared viciously in response, to which it gained Zack's attention. DexDorugoramon dashed forward and tackled Zack, to which Digimon blocked the strike. DexDorugoramon relentlessly went onto the attack, striking Zack repeatedly with everything it could muster, but he wasn't fazed at all.
"Mark this moment as the day that DeathXDigivolution was eradicated!" Zack raised his blade and brought it down on DexDorugoramon, cutting it clean down the middle. The Dragon roared in agony as the light of the blade purged its dark being. The corrupted core within shattering into binary.
Grandracmon snapped back into it upon realizing what happened. All of a sudden he found himself shaking, both from anger and fear. After reviving Goblimon with DexDorugoramon's effect he looked up, "This isn't possible…Drasil gave me the power to defeat you so why?! Why is it not enough?!"
"Because you failed to realize a crucial misstep in your choices of alignment." Zack answered.
Grandracmon paused. Drasil set him up.
"Drasil is indifferent to humans at best; but when it comes to the Nadir District, this nation of Omnia is but a cancer in its eyes…"
"But…this wasn't supposed to happen! I don't make mistakes like this!"
"But you did." Zack raised his blade. "And that's why you're going to lose." Zack aimed his weapon and made his move.
Alphamon: 17,000 DP
Grandracmon: 12,000
Grandracmon gasped at Zack's speed and attempted to shield himself, however, the Ouryuken glowed bright gold and bisected Grandracmon where it stood. Grandracmon roared in agony like DexDorugoramon and collapsed, its body glowing and dispersing. When it finally broke down, all that remained was a weakened Saibatar left writhing in pure agony.
"The second Ouryumon in the sources unsuspends Alphamon, allowing it to attack your Security!" Zack swung back, taking out Grandracmon's Security, revealing Eye of the Gorgon. However, as it only works on unsuspended Digimon, it fizzled out.
Grandracmon
Security: 3-2
Zack rose into the air and held his hand toward the sky. A digital gate appeared over his palm, allowing him to conjure energy. "I play the Option Card: Soul Digitalization!"
The top 3 cards of his deck revealed themselves: DoruGreymon, Kota and Sunarizamon. The first card amongst them glowed. "This card allows me to delete one of your Digimon with less play cost than one of my X-Antibody Digimon from amongst them."
MEMORY
1-4 (Turn Change: Grandracmon)
DoruGreymon emerged from the gate, setting its sights on Troopmon. With its metallic wings, it dove down like a meteor, making quick work of the Digimon. Unfortunately for Grandracmon, there wasn't a third one available to take its spot as a result. DoruGreymon, per the Option Card's effect added itself to Alphamon's sources.
"Finally, at the end of my turn, I can return up to 7 non-Digi-Egg cards from Alphamon's sources to the bottom of my deck, gaining a memory for each one. I return one of the Ouryumon, Ryudamon and Alphamon to deck bottom, regaining 3 Memory."
MEMORY
4-1
Grandracmon got back on his feet and exhaled sharply. He found himself smiling. He started to laugh, which turned into a rather deranged cackle. Zack was unfazed by this.
"What a turn of events…" Grandracmon pondered. "It's funny; after I defeated you, I did actually plan to turn on Drasil. As powerful as Lord Bagramon is, Drasil was the one who put him and us in this mess all that time ago. I really fooled myself into thinking that Drasil would give me power rivaling Bagramon, allowing me to forgo resurrecting him and taking control of the Nadir District itself…"
"It's not too late to surrender," Zack offered. "If all the Districts combine their strength, we will have the power to—!" Zack caught Goblimon out of the air, the latter attempting to strike. However, with Ginryumon's Blocker and Hisasryumon's reboot, that one action sealed the match.
"Save your speech for someone who gives a damn will you?"
"…very well." Alphamon raised his arm and dove in, slashing the final two security cards that appeared before him, with SkullGreymon and Labramon falling victim to his blade.
Grandracmon
Security: 2-0
Grandracmon looked up at Alphamon, whose blade was pointed directly between his eyes now.
"For as long as I have left in this world, I will see to it that the Nadir District is recognized for what it's worth," Zack promised. "The Zenith will not have their way—ever."
Grandracmon smirked and closed his eyes in an act of surrender. "Shame I won't get to see you fail, my liege…"
Zack raised his arms above his head and took a deep breath. "Alphamon Ouryuken…Direct Attack—!"
As Zack began to swing, he suddenly felt a jolt hit him, locking him in mid-stance. Following that, a figure shot around him and cut down Grandracmon, the Saibatar's eyes widening before dropping and dispersing. A shocked Zack recognized the armored cyborg Digimon as Justimon, and in its hand was Grandracmon's core.
"I apologize Alphamon…" Bianca said her voice echoing in the chamber. "But he cannot die just yet."
"…The Western Representative…what are you doing here?" Zack tried to turn his head.
"Preventing you from making a big mistake," Justin said as he and Bianca did him the favor of walking into his peripherals. Zack could see that Bianca's hand was held out and glowing, implying she was responsible for his sudden paralysis. "The Western District spearheaded this assault; therefore, we will take responsibility of Grandracmon's capturing."
"Stand down, immediately!" Zack snarled. "You two have no right to-!" he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, made worse by the fact he couldn't reach for it.
Bianca noticed his distress and eased up on her grip. "Allow me…" flicking her wrist, Alphamon was forcibly disassembled, with Zack and Ryusei crashing onto the floor. Using her other hand, which glowed green, she approached Zack and rested her hand on his chest, the latter's pain beginning to subside, surprisingly.
"If Omnia still needs you as you claim…then prove it by surviving." Bianca told him, the latter taking deep breaths to mitigate his discomfort.
Ryusei sat up and silently watched as Bianca did what she did. "What…is this?"
"For now, it's better if you don't ask questions," Justin approached. "Ordinemon is giving the remaining X-Streamers a run for their money. If we want to save Omnia, then we need to kill that thing."
"Ordinemon…" Zack let out. "Raesyl…" he forced himself upright.
"You need to rest!" Ryusei protested.
"No…" Zack argued. "They're also a victim of the old realities merging. Its why I took pity on them and offered my help. That said, they can't die under my watch."
"So, what do you plan on doing then?" Ryusei asked, knowing him well enough that the argument was lost.
"we're going to use the power of the Ouryuken to give Kaden an opening. Once inside, he can reach the core and destroy it using the Omni Sword. Any luck, which should turn Raesyl back to normal." He looked up to the other pair. "I'll allow you to hold onto Grandracmon's core on one condition."
"What is it?" Bianca asked curiously.
"See to it that Baihumon and the other Sovereigns hold that thing down for us."
"…and if I refuse?"
"Why would you? Ordinemon is an entity born from the corruptive powers of the X-Program after all. The Zenith can't let it roam free for long, unless they want to be rulers of a non-existent world…"
Bianca smiled, "You know I'm joking right?"
"As am I," Zack replied.
The two stared at one another down for another moment before Bianca broke off first. Ryusei helped Zack on his feet. The pair transformed once more into Alphamon Ouryuken, and took off into the skies above, leaving Justin and Bianca alone.
"Report back to Lord DarkKnightmon, I'll get to work on summoning Baihumon." Bianca told Justin.
"On it." he nodded. "Justimon, let's move it."
The cyborg nodded and summoning their respective gates, they dashed through them, leaving the throne room of the Nadir a hollow, debris-filled scar of the Omnian War as all knew it…
[Central District, Omnia…]
AEGIS Agents and their Digimon swarmed Ordinemon like flies against a titan. Unlike the X-Streamers who fell before Ordinemon was born, the experienced AEGIS agents were able to dodge and weave around the erratic swing of its tendrils and limbs, while landing attacks, though seemingly ineffective.
"Blazara, LoneShot, on me!" Mason ordered Adara and Lucas, respectively.
The pair nodded and pursued Omnimon X on their respective Digimon as the AEGIS Agents played decoy to leave Ordinemon's body open.
"WarGreymon X!" Adara exclaimed.
"MetalGarurumon X!" Lucas followed.
Their Digimon powered up and went in for the kill, MetalGarurumon unleashing a barrage of artillery from bullets to missiles, hitting Ordinemon, causing it to groan in surprise. Meanwhile, Adara's WarGreymon X conjured a Gaia Force, and dove down while she jumped backwards off it. WarGreymon drove the Gaia Force into Ordinemon chest, setting off an explosion that made its top half erupt in smoke.
Adara was freefalling until MetalGarurumon caught her. Omnimon X dove in as WarGreymon flew back, trading places with one another. Omnimon X slashed through the smoke, where Ordinemon angrily lashed out, jaw wide open. Mason, not fazed by this had Omnimon shove its cannon into its jaws.
"Supreme Cannon!" Mason ordered, casting his hand out as a cyan blue light erupted within Ordinemon mouth. Ordinemon was noticeably knocked back, signaling that the trio of X-Streamers succeeded in damaging the monster. For added measure, Omnimon X took its blade, and made it glow orange. "Transcendent Sword!"
Omnimon X unleashed a flurry of slashes on the staggering monster, finishing it with one final stab in the center. However, Ordinemon reacted before the final strike could connect, unleashing a wave of energy, blowing Omnimon X and the others back. To their surprise, Ordinemon's wounds regenerated and sealed, as if they didn't lay in a volley of attacks on it.
"None of that worked?!" Lucas exclaimed.
Mason, who recovered, built distance with the others. "We need the Omni Sword. There's no way around it."
"How much longer do we have to wait on it?" Adara asked, sounding anxious.
As if on cue, a gate nearby opened and out flew Imperialdramon, Rasenmon and Mastemon. Mason took note and grinned. "Not long at all."
Kaden, Melanie, Sierra, and Milo, who were riding on Imperialdramon, were taken aback by the intense chaos happening. Even more so, the sight of Ordinemon made their stomachs twist in knots.
"Oh no…" Sierra was on the verge of tears. "Riley…!"
"That's…" Kaden's voice shook. "That's what Grandracmon turned Raesyl into?!"
"That is indeed Ordinemon." Mastemon confirmed. "If we are to save Omnia, then it must be taken down."
"By taken down, you don't mean…" Sierra dreaded to ask but she couldn't feign ignorance any longer either.
Kaden found himself hesitating hard. It was one thing to save them but…there's no way he'd agree to 'save' them by putting them out of their misery.
"The Omni Sword can save them, right? As in separate them from that thing?" Kaden turned, hoping to be right.
"The Omni Sword will cut the beast down."
"And free Raesyl…right?"
"Decide what you want to do."
"I want to save Raesyl and get Riley and Sylvia back to normal."
"That isn't an—!"
"DAMN RIGHT IT IS!" Kaden snapped harshly, his emotions boiling over. "You don't get to say what I can't do alright?! I'm the one with the weapon, I was the one chosen to be a hero, not you! Screw wanting to save them… I'm going to save them!"
Kaden glances at Milo and Sierra to see if they'd agree with him. They couldn't look him in the eye.
"I'm with you." Melanie stepped up.
Kaden looked to her and nodded. "You ready partner?"
Imperialdramon hummed. "Always."
"I'll bring them a safe distance," Rasenmon floated beside them. "Be careful."
Kaden nodded as he watched the Digimon take hold of Sierra and Milo. Rasenmon then used its spiral winds to have it glide away from them. Kaden exhaled and turned to Melanie. "Now what?"
Melanie responded by summoning her Level 6 Eosmon, a massive Digimon in its own right, nearly the size of Ordinemon in fact. Kaden was taken aback naturally by never seeing a Digimon like it before.
"We achieve Salvation Through Chaos…" she turned facing Ordinemon, "Or to put it another way, do whatever we can however we can to define the future we want."
Kaden, harmonizing with her words, smiled, and nodded. "Alrighty then…let's end this!"
Eosmon raised its golden arms and summoned glass-like hexagonal disks to which it flung towards Ordinemon. The latter turned and screeched, shattering them into diamond dust. Eosmon dove and used its power to summon an army of Eosmon Level 4s and 5s to swarm Ordinemon. This allowed the AEGIS Agents nearby to retreat to safety. For every Eosmon that Ordinemon obliterated, there was another to take its place.
"There, Eosmon should buy us a minute to come up with a plan to get you close." Melanie explained.
"Right…" Kaden turned, catching wind of Mason, Adara and Lucas approaching. "What's up?"
"What took you so long?!" Adara barked. "the X-Streamers were wiped out! Miranda even…"
"All that aside, you got the McGuffin already to go?"
Kaden pressed a button on his D-Streamer, summoning the Omni Sword. "Just need to get close to it."
"Even if you do, Ordinemon has regenerative properties." Mason explained. "We all landed direct attacks on it, but it recovered in a matter of seconds."
"Fortunately, Eosmon has the ability to generate lower-level clones of itself," Melanie explained on her end. So long as Eosmon can keep up, Ordinemon will be stalled.
"How did this happen anyway? Just where did that thing come from?" Adara asked, figuring they knew more.
"Raesyl, the Digimon that possessed Sylvia was struck down by Dracmon. He extracted their core, infused it with the same virus that wiped Central and the combination of the two turned into that." Kaden explained as best he could.
Adara looked over, feeling goosebumps. "When it first rose up, it let out a sound wave that fried our gear. We weren't able to escape it and so…"
"Where are the Representatives?" Lucas asked. "Worst comes to worst, the Sovereigns will step in, right?"
"They have before when Omnia was in peril…" Melanie said. "Though that was before STREAM Corp established the Representatives…"
"So that means the Zenith gets the final say in that," Kaden turned to Mason.
Mason crossed his arms, "Unfortunately I don't have answer as to what Noah is planning, as by corroborating with AEGIS, I've effectively terminated my status as Executive."
"…well then that idea's out." Kaden said.
A glimmer caught the corner of Lucas' eyes and so he turned. "A shooting star?"
The others turned and saw the golden meteor in the sky heading towards them. Melanie's eyes widened. "That's not a shooting star…"
Kaden also noticed it, "it's an opening! Imperialdramon move it!"
Imperialdramon didn't think twice, blasting forward towards Ordinemon as fast as it could.
Meanwhile, flying at near mach speed itself, Zack as Alphamon took note of Imperialdramon doing the same, readying the Ouryuken for the exact moment. The Eosmon army, sensing both of them, tried their best to leave as much space as possible for them to maneuver.
On both ends, Imperialdramon and Zack ducked, weaved, spun, and twisted between tendrils and Eosmons, inching closer and closer to the heart of the beast.
"ZACK, NOW!" Melanie screamed, signaling the obsidian knight to charge the digital gate before it. With a forceful slam of its palm, Zack imprinted the gate onto Ordinemon's chest, before using the Ouryuken to stab it through.
"HOLY SWORD GRADALPHA!" Zack exclaimed piercing the gate with the sword and unleashing a massive wave of white light from Ordinemon. Kaden, despite being blinded, threw caution into the wind, and leapt off Imperialdramon, disappearing into the light…