"Scatter!"

Cupimon's shriek was the only reason none of the ponies or Digimon got hit by MadLeomon's claws. The ponies scrambled or dashed out of the attack, while the Digimon jumped out of the way. However, even though none of them took a direct hit from the Champion, the force of it hitting the earth was enough to send them flying. Grass and dust went everywhere as the attack landed. Cupimon hit the ground next to Ampurley, both rolling to their feet and checking on their respective Partners. Rarity had landed somewhere to Ampurley's left and tried to get up, only for Fluttershy to land on her. The yellow pegasus looked down then quickly flew off the white unicorn. She spoke quietly while helping Rarity to her hooves, "I'm so sorry, Rarity. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, dearie. Just a bit of damaged pride," Rarity looked at her now dirty coat and mane with a grimace, but quieted any complaints she had.

"Is everypony alright?" Twilight said, getting up from the ground and looking around to survey the damages. Cornelius was by her side, shaking his head to get his bearings back.

"We're fine over here," Loogamon said, the wolf carefully holding Cutemon in his jaws by her scarf, while using one of his claws to keep AJ's hat from flying off. He gently placed the pink rabbit down before bringing the fallen AJ her hat. The cowgirl mare thanked him while putting the hat back on her head. Cutemon panicked for a bit while looking for Pinkie, until she found the pink pony laying flat on the ground nearby. She went over and helped pull the mare up...along with her puffed up mane. It remained a mess until Pinkie shook her head back and forth, returning it to its original status.

As Cutemon let out a relieved sigh, Rainbow Dash and Babs both flapped their way into view. Rainbow held V-mon under his arms, keeping the light blue Digimon in the air as she flapped. She looked down at her Digimon and said, "Huh, you're surprisingly light, Squirt. I thought you'd be heavier."

"Uh, I don't think you should really be thinking about that now!" Spike popped up from Bab's back, his claws holding onto the pointed scales sticking out of Bab's back. His panicked eyes were focused on MadLeomon. Said Digimon pulled its claws from the earth, leaving behind purple pools of poison that ate through the ground at a rapid pace. Spike audibly swallowed and his body shook as he stared at the Champion Digimon, "Th-Th-That doesn't look good!"

"I. Protect. Spike," Babs stated, flames gathering in his maw as he prepared to attack MadLeomon. However, before he could fire, Spike grabbed his maw and held it closed.

"No! Don't!" Spike shouted, surprising Babs enough that the Dracomon X nearly fell out of the sky. He regained his balance and continued to hover in the air while staring at Spike with shock. Before either of them could say anything, MadLeomon roared again as it prepared to charge at its foes.

"Everypony, run!" Twilight shouted, already turning to run away from the towering Digimon. No pony argued as they all turned and ran from the large purple lion coming straight for them. Their Digimon joined them, moving right alongside them or being carried by the ponies. Twilight still carried the eggs with her magic, holding them above her head as her group ran away. The MadLeomon wasted no time bounding after the, eating up the distance in seconds.

Cornelius shouted while running on all fours away from MadLeomon, "Move around the outside of Ponyville! If the Gazimon's pits are still around, then we might be able to use them against him! Rainbow Dash! Try to get his attention and lead him away from Ponyville and towards some of those pits!"

"On it! Squirt, think you can get him to look at us?" Rainbow Dash said as she banked around Babs with V-mon still held in her hooves.

"You bet, RD!" V-mon shouted while pursing his lips together. As the two flew toward MadLeomon, V-mon opened his mouth and launched multiple small, blue energy blasts at the Champion, "[i]Vee Shot!"[/i]

The blasts hit MadLeomon right in the face, but didn't seem to do any damage. If anything, they only annoyed the large lion Digimon. It growled while holding up a hand to block the barrage of blasts while its eyes burned with frustration. Its feet dug furrows in the ground as it turned to charge at the flying blue mare and Digimon. It raised one claw to try to swat at them but Rainbow dodged to the left before it could hit her. Confident they had its attention, V-mon stopped his firing while Rainbow flew toward the western edge of Ponyville. MadLeomon chased after them, his claws swinging at the air repeatedly as he tried to catch Rainbow and V-mon.

The rest of the ponies and Digimon stopped running to watch the giant lion chasing Rainbow and V-mon. Twilight called Rarity over and swiftly put the eggs into her saddlebag while speaking aloud, "Okay, I've got a plan. Once Rainbow gets that...MadLeomon into one of the pits, we move in. Pinkie, Spike, help Rainbow Dash keep it distracted. Rarity, Applejack, you and I will keep it in place. Fluttershy, you need to calm it down and get it to stop."

Fluttershy squeaked with shock while trying to hide behind Applejack. She shook like a leaf in a storm while furiously shaking her head, "N-N-No, no, no, no. I-I-I couldn't possibly. N-Not with something s-s-s-so ferocious and scary!"

"Girl, didn't you stand up to a manticore when we were the Everfree?" Applejack asked the cowering yellow mare.

"Th-That thing wasn't scary! It was just hurt! Bu-But that MadLeomon is-" she swallowed audibly while looking up at the Champion Digimon still trying to swat Rainbow and V-mon out of the air, "Isn't that!"

"Well, just imagine that it is that manticore! The faces are pretty similar," Pinkie said, pointing a hoof at MadLeomon's face...which was in the middle of roaring up at the sky.

Fluttershy swallowed and was about to shake her head, when Cupimon flew up to her face and grabbed her cheeks. He looked her in the eyes and said, "Don't worry! I'll be right next to you, Fluttershy. I'll keep you safe, alright?"

"Um, uh, ok-okay?" Fluttershy didn't sound so sure but was too surprised to argue.

Cornelius nodded then looked at the other Digimon, "Okay, everypony. While Twilight and her friends hold MadLeomon in place, we'll move in to-"

"No you won't," Twilight interrupted Cornelius while shaking her head down at the Lopmon X. At his confused and shocked expression she continued, "You all are going to let us handle this."

"What?!" Loo shouted, saying what all the Digimon in attendance was thinking. He shook his head his voice filled with worry and indignation, "What are you talking about?!"

"I don't want you all fighting MadLeomon. You can stand by us if you want, but I don't want you attacking him. Not if you're gonna destroy him like you did those Gazimon," Twilight grimaced and looked away from the Digimon.

"No! Sense!" Babs shouted, shaking his head from side to side, "Dangerous! We! Help!"

Spike put a gentle hand on Babs' head and gave him a nervous smile, "I know it sounds bad, Babs, but...just trust Twilight, alright? She knows what she's doing."

The other ponies tentatively agreed with Twilight, refusing to look their Digimon in their eyes. Said Digimon were stunned and Cornelius spoke up, "But we didn't destroy them! The Digitama are proof of that! We ju-"

The sound of MadLeomon roaring in pain cut Cornelius off, drawing everypony's attention to the large Champion. As predicted, MadLeomon had stepped into one of the holes dug by the Gazimon. While it wasn't deep enough to completely cover his right leg, it did manage to trip him up. He was on one knee while trying to swipe at the still flying Rainbow Dash and V-mon. Rainbow Dash called out, "We got him! What's next?"

"Work with Pinkie to keep him distracted! The rest of us will hold him down! Come on, girls!" Twilight galloped off toward the trapped MadLeomon, soon followed by the rest of her friends. Babs hesitated before flying after the mares with Spike on his back. Cutemon and Cupimon were both riding on Pinkie and Fluttershy's backs, respectively. Loo, Ampurley, and Cornelius all shared nervous looks. The former two turned their gaze to the latter, waiting to hear what he had to say. Cornelius lowered his head and shook it before running off to join with the rest of the group. Understanding, but still frustrated, Loo and Ampurley went off after him.

"Look over here, ya big idiot!" Rainbow Dash said, flying in to kick MadLeomon in the face before dashing away. Her attacks didn't do any damage, but it did keep the Champion focused on her. Especially when V-mon stuck his tongue out at the crazed Digimon. Which was only made worse when Pinkie and Cutemon hopped in front of its eyes and shot party poppers in its face. It shook the streamers off just as Spike and Babs flew by, clipping its nose with Bab's left wing. Enraged by the actions, the Digimon pulled its right fist back, a burning purple flame traveling down its arm to its hand.

However, before it could launch its attack, a purple aura appeared over its right fist. It jerked as its movement was arrested, looking over its shoulder to see Twilight with her horn glowing bright. With teeth grit and eyes closed, she stood her ground as she held the monster's limb in place. Cornelius came over and used his ears to help hold her steady, eyes locked on the Champion Digimon. It tried to raise its other fist only for a second, light blue aura to appear around that one. Rarity stood a good three feet away from Twilight in a similar position to the purple mare. Ampurley was on the white mare's back, wiping off any dirt or dust she had on her fur. MadLeomon howled and raised its free left leg to stomp the ground.

"Woah there!" Applejack shouted, lasso in her teeth as she threw it underneath the raised limb. Once there, she pulled it up and then taut around the monster's ankle. Its leg was pulled out from under it, forcing it onto one knee while its arms were pulled back and its other leg was in a pit. Applejack was briefly pulled forward by the force of the monster's fall. Sweat poured from her head as she spoke, "Urgh, stronger than 'ah thought...might need some help here!"

"I've got you!" Loo stood up on his hindlegs and grabbed a part of the lasso with his paws. He pulled on the rope, taking some of the weight for Applejack.

"We've...got him...Fluttershy...now!" Twilight shouted, legs shaking as MadLeomon started to struggle against his bonds. It roared while shaking its body and mane, trying to break its bonds even a little bit. Steam and smoke came out of its mouth while its stitched up muscles tensed and writhed. It only paused when Fluttershy flew in front of its mad eyes. Its deep breathing continued as it locked its eyes on the yellow mare. She was so small compared to him that he could swallow her whole, yet she still managed to look him in the eye...

...Well...somewhat.

Her entire body was shaking, she was barely keeping herself aloft, her tail was between her legs, and her eyes were so wide that they rivaled dinner plates in size. It was like one good roar would be enough to send her running. The only reason she was hovering there was a combination of wanting to help her friends, and the little Digimon on her back giving her encouragement. Cupimon held her tightly while meeting Leomon's glare without any fear whatsoever. After a few seconds, Fluttershy tried to speak, "H-H-H-Hel-Hello, th-th-there Mr. L-L-L-Leomon. Um-Um-Um, I-I-I just wan-wanted to say that, um, we-we're really sor-sorry for h-hurting your f-f-friends and-"

She was cut off when MadLeomon roared at Fluttershy. The force of his yell sent her hair flying back and nearly launched Cupimon off her back. It opened its jaws wide and made to swallow the yellow mare whole. Fluttershy screamed with fear, while Cupimon climbed up to her head and launched a golden ring at MadLeomon's nose, [i]"Angel Ring!"[/i]

Surprised, MadLeomon snapped its mouth closed before it could reach Fluttershy. Seeing her opportunity, Fluttershy shot away from the monster before it could recover. Seeing what had happened, Rainbow Dash yelled, "Hey, leave Fluttershy alone! You're gonna pay for that! Come on, Squirt!"

"Yeah!" V-mon agreed, pounding his fists together as Rainbow Dash dived for the MadLeomon. Ignoring the shouts of the others to stay back, Rainbow threw V-mon at the MadLeomon's face. The Digmon's head glowed a bright white before he shot toward the MadLeomon like a meteor. He struck the Champion right between the eyes, a loud crash being heard as he landed his attack.

"Vee Head Drop!"

Rainbow Dash followed this up by diving beneath the Digimon's head and kicking it right in its chest. The momentum from both attacks pushed the MadLeomon back...far enough to lift its right leg out of the pit.

With surprising speed and agility, MadLeomon righted its right foot against he ground. Its eyes gleamed with malice as it used the new leverage gained by its position to pull at Twilight's hold on its right arm. Twilight's horn began to spark as the monster's strength overwhelmed her magic. Cornelius tried to keep her steady but it was a losing battle. Eventually, her magic shattered and the light on her horn winked out as MadLeomon jerked its fist out of her grasp. The force was great enough to send her to the ground, Cornelius falling with her. That caused a knock on effect as MadLeomon turned its right hand into a fist and brought it down on the field around his left hand. Sure enough, Rarity's magic shattered as the light on her horn winked out. She gasped and fell onto her side, only kept up by Ampurley quickly moving to keep her upright.

"Rarity! Babs, go help her!" Spike shouted and Babs moved into action. However, as he flew toward the downed white mare, a massive black hand appeared in front of him. He tried to stop but it was too late. MadLeomon closed its paw and caught them in its hand. As the two struggled it used its other hand to grab V-Mon who was ineffectually punching its face. Rainbow Dash moved in for another attack, but being free made MadLeomon much faster. It lashed out with the back of its right fist, which Rainbow Dash flew over...only to be hit by its other closed fist. She grunted in pain as the force sent her over MadLeomon's shoulder and into Twilight Sparkle.

"Rainbow! Twi!" Applejack called, giving just enough slack on her lasso for the MadLeomon to lift its foot. Loo tried to compensate but he wasn't able to accomplish much. The MadLeomon lifted its leg up, catching the edge of the lasso on its ankle. Seeing this, AJ quickly bit down on the lasso again...only to be pulled up along with Loo. MadLeomon lifted the two of them into the air then kicked its leg backwards. The force and momentum from it made AJ and Loo release their holds on the lasso. AJ landed on her side and skidded to a stop in front of Rarity. Loo managed to right himself and dug his claws into the ground. He slowed to a stop in front of AJ and Rarity. Cornelius came over to them, carrying a tired looking Twilight and an injured Rainbow Dash in his ears. Growling, MadLeomon swung its paws at the group, launching Babs, Spike, and V-mon at their group. Screaming, they all hit the ground in a heap. Stars swirled around Spike and V-mon's heads, while Babs struggled to get to his feet.

"Is everypony alright? What's the damage?" Cornelius shouted, gently putting Rainbow Dash and Twilight on the ground.

Twilight shook her head then put a hand on her horn. She winced in pain as she spoke, "My-My horn, hurts. I'll need time before I can use my magic again."

"As will I, darling," Rarity winced as well, using both of her hooves to massage her horn, "Ow, ow, my precious horn..." Spike, somehow, cleared the stars from his head and ran over to Rarity. He did what he could to help her out, but that mostly amounted to patting her on her back alongside Ampurley.

"I can still-gah!" Rainbow tried to fly, but hit the ground with her hooves covering her ribs, "Gaaahh! My chest...hurts."

"Ah think we all got our bells rung there," Applejack said while rubbing her injured side. Then her eyes widened as she looked around, "Wait a minute, where's Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy?!"

"I'm here," a small, squeaky voice said from above them. Fluttershy landed with Cupimon on her back, the former shaking and trying to hide her face behind her hair. A second later, Pinkie came flying at their group while shouting "Weeeee~!" at the top of her lungs. She hit the ground head first, somehow remaining upright on her head. Cutemon was hanging off her tail and let go to drop to the ground on her feet. She helped Pinkie right herself, the party pony shaking her head to clear it. Then she looked at her friends with a smile, "I'm a-okay! The big meanie pants threw grabbed me and threw me, but Cutie kept me all nice and healthy!"

"So, Twilight and Rarity's magic is out, V-mon and Babs are injured, Rainbow probably has bruised ribs, and everypony else is mostly alright," Cornelius said while looking over his friends. Okay, so, now we should-"

Whatever Cornelius was going to say was interrupted when they all heard MadLeomon's cry. Turning their gaze to the Champion, everypony froze when they saw him with his right hand pulled back. A purple flame had engulfed the fist and took the shape of a lion's head. It was just as menacing and viscous as MadLeomon's face. The Digimon's eyes glowed with malice as it roared out the name of its attack.

"Beast King Fallen Fist!"

Its arm shot forward and so did the attack. The face ate up the distance between the ponies and the MadLeomon in seconds. Even if they could move out the way, the attack was coming so fast that they'd still get clipped by it. And it was large enough to hit everypony there. However, right before the attack hit, six forms jumped in front of the attack. They connected their arms and shouted, taking the brunt of the attack as it crashed into them. A large explosion of purple flames cascaded around the area, leaving a scorch mark in the ground. Still angry, MadLeomon turned its gaze toward Ponyville and started to march its way toward the buildings. What intelligence the mad Champion had left told it that the battle was over. Its attack had hit and there was no way those weaklings could survive such a blow.

However...

"HOLD IT"

A multitude of pained but strong voices rang across the field of battle. MadLeomon paused, its head whipping around in anger as it saw what had really happened after its attack hit.

The six ponies and one baby dragon were all huddled together, eyes closed and hoping that something would save them. But as they realized that nothing bad had happened, they all opened their eyes to see what was going on. What they saw made them gasp in both shock and horror.

Cornelius, Loo, V-mon, Babs, Cupimon, and Ampurley were standing before them with their arms linked together...and their bodies covered in burn marks. Cornelius' ears were covered from tip to base in waning purple fire that seemed to eat away at his flesh. The straps on Loo's left and right paws had come undone, while half his face was scorched. Ampurley had lost the tips of her ears and her right paw was barely holding on. Both of Bab's wings had holes in them and one of his horns was broken. V-mon didn't look that hurt, but his shaking body was enough to show how much pain he was in. Blue cubes flew from multiple wounds on their bodies, their legs shook from the pain, and anyone looking could tell they were barely standing. Yet stand they did.

"Are...Are you all...okay?" Cupimon looked back as he asked that, one eye closed and the appendage atop his head drooping. One of his wings was burned and barely holding onto his back, but he didn't seem to mind it. Not knowing what to say, the ponies and Spike all nodded in unison. Cupimon forced a smile, "Good...Good...Cutemon...heal them, please."

The rabbit slowly nodded, shocked at what had happened. She moved to the ponies and helped separate them, using here healing glow to heal those that were injured. However, a roar from MadLeomon showed that it was not going to let happen. It got ready to charge at their group, one fist raised and readying another attack. The six Digimon released each other and made ready for battle. Cornelius spoke in a pained but confident tone, "You all stay here and rest, we'll take care of him."

"Wh-No!" Fluttershy shouted, cutting off Twilight before she could say anything, "You're hurt! You all need to go before-"

"If we leave then MadLeomon will destroy Ponyville! We will not let that happen!" all the Digimon shouted in unison, making Fluttershy go silent.

V-mon raised his fist, "I'm gonna...I'm gonna be as cool as Rainbow Dash someday. And cool Digimon don't abandon the town that treated them so nicely despite not knowing them! They protect them and their friends."

"Spike. Friends. Here. I. Protect," Babs agreed, flaring his damaged wings out.

"The ponies here accepted me despite my looks. They saw past them and were willing to be my friend! I won't let them be hurt!" Loo shouted, teeth bared and flames licking out of his mouth.

"This place is your home, Fluttershy! These ponies are your friends! Your neighbors! And anyone who you care about, I care about! I won't let them be hurt by this crazed Champion!" despite his size, Cupimon's voice was as powerful as the Rookie Digimon in the group.

Ampurley said nothing, instead stomping her paws into the ground hard enough to kick up dust.

Cornelius' voice was more measured as he looked over his shoulder. His eyes locked with Twilight's and he asked her one simple question, "Twilight, would you ever leave your friends behind if you were all in danger?"

Twilight didn't even hesitate to shake her head. She already knew the answer. She had discovered it every since they defeated Nightmare Moon together. Thus she said with confidence, "No. Never. My friends are some of the most important ponies in my life."

Cornelius smiled wide, before turning his head back to stare at the MadLeomon. Then his expression turned to one of fury as he raised his ears up and turned them to fist, "Then you know how us Digimon feel. It doesn't matter to us if we only just met today, you all have shown us kindness, compassion, and are willing to be our friends. Ponyville has done the same. You all welcomed us with open hooves. Thus, we will defend you. Even if it costs us everything! Everypony, charge!"

With a battle cry the six Digimon ran to meet MadLeomon in battle. MadLeomon met their cry with a roar as it launched another Fallen Fist their way. The Digimon scattered, the attack hitting the earth without harming any of them. Dracomon X's mouth glowed with orange flame as it shot a wave of fire at the MadLeomon. It blocked the attack with its arm, but that distracted it long enough for the rest of the Digimon to close the distance. Cupimon hopped up and Cornelius cupped him in his ear. V-mon did the same, and then Cornelius through the two Digimon at MadLeomon's face. He puffed his cheeks and shot a stream of supercooled air at the Champion's left leg. The ice covered up the front of his foot, and Ampurley moved in to smash it apart with her paws. As it cracked MadLeomon grunted in pain and lifted his left arm to attack. However, a spinning Loo came barreling toward its arm, clamping down on its skin with his fangs.

"Spiral Bite!"

As the MadLeomon flinched Cupimon sent another Angel Ring at its eyes, as V-mon headbutted its chest again. The Champion was forced back a step, but any damage it had taken seemed superficial at best. With another roar it slapped both Cupimon and V-mon out of the air and to the ground, before grabbing Loogamon off its arm. It threw him to the earth, before blocking its face from another barrage of fire from Babs. Despite being tossed, V-mon, Cupimon, and Loo ignored their injuries and got back up. They ran back into the fray with their spirits burning bright.

Away from the battle, the ponies had separated and were all watching what was unfolding with wide eyes. Cutemon had just finished healing Rarity and had moved on to Rainbow Dash. Her Paws glowed a bright green as she mended the mare's ribs. Spike pointed a claw at the battle and spoke with awe in his tone, "So...does anypony else think those guys sounded and looked really cool?"

"Yep," AJ agreed with a nod.

"Yeppers!" Pinkie said, cheering for the Digimon fighting MadLeomon.

"It certainly surprised me. They all so...gallant. Like a noble knight fighting to protect his home," Rarity said, daintily wiping a tear from her eye.

"But they're all in danger!" Fluttershy shouted, her voice filled with worry for them, "And they're all hurt and getting worse! And-And what about MadLeomon? What if they-destroy him too..."

She gulped and closed her eyes which caused the other ponies and Spike to look a bit ashamed. Cutie had finished with Rainbow, who was testing her wings, and had moved onto Twilight. As she began healing her, the purple mare looked at the bunny-like Digimon. With a grimace she spoke, "Cutemon...why are you Digimon alright with...destroying each other? Isn't it...bad to do that? Don't you feel upset when you see other Digimon...hurt?"

Cutemon was silent for a moment, her face a scrunched up in concentration. Eventually, she spoke up, "Only if those Digimon...are nice. And kind. Or are our friends. If they're bad Digimon, or crazy like MadLeomon, then we fight because...we don't want to get hurt. Or see our friends hurt."

"But is that really enough reason to destroy each other?!" Twilight had to hold herself back from shouting. The others were all watching them now, all wanting to hear what Cutemon had to say.

However, the Digimon's response wasn't what they were expecting, "We don't destroy each other."

"Huh?" Twilight and Fluttershy said in unison.

"But what about them Gazimon? The last one said ya'll destroyed his friends," Applejack pointed out.

Cutemon shook her head and turned to look at Rarity. More specifically, the saddlebags filled with Digitama on her flanks. As everypony there turned to look at the bags, Cutemon explained, "When we Digimon take a lot of damage, our Fractal Codes are revealed to the world. These Codes contain our...well...'Lifeforce'. We call it 'Data'. In that state, any Digimon can absorb that Data in order to become stronger. And when that happens, the other Digimon turns back into an egg...to be reincarnated."

"Reincarnated?! You mean...Digimon have a naturally cyclical existence where their souls are returned to the world as different beings?!" Twilight said aloud, her curiosity flaring up again. However, at her friends' confused looks she explained, "It means that Digimon aren't ever really destroyed. They turn into eggs and then come back later. As different Digimon. Possibly without their previous memories, so they can become entirely different Digimon."

All the ponies and Spike looked to Cutemon for confirmation. When the Digimon nodded, they all gasped in shock. Fluttershy galloped over to Cutemon and said, "Yo-You mean...those Gazimon...they could come back? And as...nice Digimon this time?"

"Yes," Cutemon confirmed.

"So...no Digimon ever actually gets...destroyed?"

"Not at all."

Some of the weight on Fluttershy's shoulder left. She let out a relieved sigh though she didn't look completely sated. The Digimon were still hurting each other after all. The same was true of the rest of the ponies, who all let out their own breaths. But then all their eyes widened and they turned back to the battle unfurling ahead of them. Cornelius was almost crushed by MadLeomon's foot and only survived because Ampurley dragged him away. Babs was smacked to the ground by an errant swing of the Champion's tail. V-mon and Cupimon were ineffectually punching the Champion's legs.

"Wait...but then...if they get hurt too badly then-" Spike didn't finish because all the ponies knew what it would mean. If the Digimon took too much damage, then they would all turn back into eggs. And if they did then MadLeomon would...

"It's alright," Cutemon's words caused all the ponies and Spike to look at her in shock.

"What do you mean it's alright?! No it isn't!" Pinkie said, sounding far more serious than she usually did.

Cutemon was unfazed as she continued to heal Twilight, "You heard them. They're willing to risk everything for you all. For Ponyville. To protect their friends and the ones they care about. That's why it's alright. Because they...we chose this. Chose to do this. Because...you're our friends."

It was only now that the ponies noticed that Cutemon didn't look good. Her skin had lost some of its pink colors, her ears were drooping, her legs and arms were shaking, and she was breathing heavily. Yet, despite this, she kept her glowing hands on Twilight's body. And every passing second she seemed to get worse. Until, eventually, Twilight stood up with her horn back to normal. Cutemon looked around to check and see if everypony was healed. When she saw that they were, her lips curled into a tired smile. Then she tipped over and nearly hit the ground...until Pinkie caught her. With a determined expression she gently placed Cutemon on her back. The Digimon blinked and spoke in a weak voice, "P-Pinkie...wh-"

"Thanks for helping with our ouchies, Cutemon. Now, it's time we helped you Digimon with yours. You with me girls!" Pinkie shouted while stomping her hooves into the dirt.

"Heck yeah! I'm not sitting around while Squirt handles this. Wouldn't be cool of the pony he looks up to!" Rainbow Dash said as she took to the air.

"I-I-I'm coming too," Fluttershy flew up to join Rainbow Dash, "I-I won't let them get hurt anymore than they already are. And-And I need to be there when MadLeomon turns into a cute little egg. To take care of it."

"I'm with both of you, darlings," Rarity said as she adjusted her saddlebags. Then she shot an angry glare at the MadLeomon, "No pony hurts my friends without getting a stern punishment from yours truly!"

AJ adjusted her hat and dug at the ground with her other hoof, "And ah still need to show that mad lion that you can't keep a good apple down!"

Twilight felt a weight land on her back. She looked up to see Spike riding on her back with a determined look in his eyes. Tears were rolling down his cheeks, but he didn't look sad. If anything, he looked more confident than Twilight had ever seen him. He locked eyes with her and simply said, "You with us, Twilight?"

"As if you have to ask," Twilight smiled and turned toward the MadLeomon with the rest of her friends, "Ready girls?"

All the ponies yelled an affirmative.

"Then let's go!" they galloped off, hooves swiftly eating up the distance between them and the battle. Twilight and Rarity wasted no time firing magic beams at MadLeomon. They hit the Champion by surprise, knocking it away when it tried to crush Cupimon under its foot.

The other Digimon all turned to see the ponies galloping and flying their way. Cornelius' face grew grim as he shouted, "No! Stay back! You'll get-"

"We're not gonna let you fight alone!" Twilight shouted in response.

"We're all in this together!" Rainbow Dash said while diving toward V-mon.

"But. You. Said. Not-" Babs started but was interrupted by Spike.

"Cutemon told us! We know you won't really destroy him! We're sorry we told you not to fight!" Spike shouted at him.

"And ain't none of us want to see ya'll get hurt and not do anything about it!" AJ said, stopping Loogamon in his tracks.

"You're not the only ones who want to protect their friends and loved ones!' Rarity's voice made Ampurley's heart sing.

"Nor want to stop another Digimon from hurting anypony else!" Fluttershy said as she dived for Cupimon.

"We'll be right alongside you! Because...," Pinkie started as all the ponies and Spike finally caught up to their Digimon. All seven of them said the same thing in unison.

"You're our friends!"

Unbeknowst all of them, the ponies' Cutie Marks had started to glow a bright white. And, as they said that final phrase, beams of light shot into the sky and towards Canterlot.

Within the Royal Palace, within the vault where the Elements Of Harmony were kept, all six artifacts began to glow. They pulsed with a new power that could be felt throughout the entire palace. Sensing the strange energy, Princess Celestia brought two of her guards with her to check on them. The moment she opened the vault, bright white lights shot through the windows and into the vault. The briefcase was opened by an invisible force and the seven lights hit the six Elements dead center. The light intensified to the point where even Celestia had to squint her eyes to see. Which is why she saw the strange devices rising out of the Elements of Harmony.

As soon as the light appeared, it disappeared, retreating from the vault with the devices.

Princess Celestia watched the light leave, eyes wide as she wondered what had just happened.

Back in Ponyville, the lights crashed into the ponies and their Digimon. It encompassed them all and temporarily blinded MadLeomon. The Champion put his left paw over his eyes, but could still somewhat see where his foes were. With a roar, he sent another Beast King Fallen Fist at them, the giant lion head roaring across the ground toward the light. However, right before the blast hit, seven voices shouted in unison-

"Lopmon X-"

"V-mon-"

"Dracomon X-"

"Cutemon-"

"Cupimon-"

"Loogamon-"

"Salamon-"

"Digivolve To-!"

And the second before the attack struck, it was suddenly slashed in half. The two parts of the fireball exploded, leaving behind a cloud of smoke. MadLeomon remained on guard while glaring at the smoke. He was certain that his attack had been destroyed, and his foes had already survived his attack once. He didn't want to be caught off guard by them this time.

He saw something glint in the smoke and lifted his arm to block. As anticipated, something shot out the smoke directly at him. He tensed his muscles to prepare for the attack...but it didn't matter.

The projectile shot straight over his guard, cutting a deep line through his arm and left shoulder. Then it came back around and did the same to his right shoulder. He roared in pain as the projectile flew back toward the hand of its owner...and revealed itself to be a playing card.

Specifically, the King of Hearts.

Twilight blinked as the smoke began to clear. She felt a weight on her neck and looked down at her chest. She gasped when she saw a strange device hanging from a metal chain around her neck. The chain looped into a space on the back of the strange, rectangular device. It was the same color as her fur and had her Cutie Mark engraved on the back. She lifted it up while muttering questions under her breath. But her attention was soon taken by the tall figure standing next to her. She couldn't contain the shocked gasp that left her when her eyes landed on the figure.

He was far taller than her. Even if she stood on her hind legs, she'd only come up to the middle of his torso. A spiky, dark blue and red cape covered his neck, the back fluttering in the wind behind him. He wore a bright yellow full body shirt, with thick dark blue gloves on his hands. The palms of his gloves had red "X" marks in the center. An eye-patch over his right eye had the same "X" emblazoned on its front, while his yellow and red left eye was opened to the air. His yellow, straw-like hair was partially hidden by a wide-brimmed wizard's hat. The figure's right hand held the King Of Hearts between its middle and index finger. His hands crackled with magic power that Twilight could feel on the air.

"Wizarmon X," the figure, Wizarmon X, said before making the card disappear into thin air. He turned to look at Twilight and the purple mare took a nervous step back. But then she saw him smile and say to her, "Hello, Twilight. It's good to be able to see you like this, instead of constantly having to look up at you."

Twilight frowned as her eyes searched the Digimon's face, "That voice...Cornelius? Is...Is that you?"

Wizarmon X nodded, then bowed while holding his cape out to the side, "Indeed it is, I. This is my Champion form. Wizarmon X. A form I was only able to obtain, thanks to you. The resolve you showed back there, when you came running to help me...it lit my soul aflame and pushed me to new heights. I can't thank you enough for that."

Twilight blushed and looked away from Cornelius, "W-Well, you're, um, welcome, Cornelius. I'm happy to have helped a friend and...wait! Where's everypony else?! Where's Spike?!"

She started panicking, jerking her head to and fro as she tried to catch sight of her friends. But seeing Wizarmon X remaining calm gave her pause. She heard him chuckle, a light and airy sound, that before he spoke, "Don't worry. I'm certain we'll be seeing them soon enough."

As if on cue, MadLeomon roared and charged at the two with his claws out. Cornelius didn't panic and simply summoned more cards to his hand until he had four in total.

"Magic Game!"

With a flick of his wrists, he sent the four cards barreling toward the charging Champion. MadLeomon swiped at the projectiles when they got close...only for three of them to poof into nothing and the last one to fly up and over his attack. It hit him in the face, exploding into more white smoke that blinded MadLeomon.

And as its vision went, two blue figures flew in from above. One had a green and purple body on its back, while the other had a Rainbow streak following behind it. They dived at MadLeomon, crashing into his chest and driving the air from his lungs.

"Magnum Punch!/Strike Bomber!"

The large leonine was sent flying back to where it came from, its feet leaving the ground as its assailants came into view. Spike had a wide grin on his face as he rode atop the back of a large dragon. It was as big as a teenaged dragon, its dark blue scales glistening in the light of the sun. Its back wings, chest, and underbelly were all a light beige, the same color as the claws on its hands and feet. Red horns grew from its head and nose, matching the spines that crawled along its back and tail.

"Coredramon!"

Next to the two was a smiling Rainbow Dash, her front hoof out from having punched the MadLeomon. And by her side was another large dragon. This one was stouter and thicker than Coredramon, with no wings on its back. Its body was a mixtures of bright blues and whites, with two pure white horns sticking out its head and back. A patch of scales on its chest formed a blue "V" and its thick tail hung below it while it floated in the air.

"V-Dramon!"

"That's for Fluttershy, ya big bully!" Spike shouted at the flying Digimon.

"And for me!" Rainbow Dash replied while pumping her hooves in the air.

The MadLeomon flew backwards until it started to lose momentum. It began to fall to the earth...but then stopped abruptly just before it hit the ground. The reason why could be seen underneath its back. It had been caught by two, pony sized Digimon.

The first was an orange cat standing next to Rarity. She was holding MadLeomon up by one of her orange furred arms. Her paws were white with black claws extended out from them. Her green eyes were furrowed along with her pointed fuzzy ears. The fur on her chest was white while her back had black stripes that ran from left to right. Her tail was thick and flat, identical to the ribbon-like appendages that extended from her back.

"Meicoomon!"

The other Digimon was perhaps the stranger of the two. As she was a literal walking strawberry shortcake. Her head had actual strawberries on the top and back, while two green eyes were open on the cake's sides. But only her head revealed anything about her similarity to pastries. The rest of her body looked like a waiter at a fancy restaurant. A brown coat with a white sleeved shirt underneath, thick slacks for her stout legs, and thick brown boots on her feet. A purple tail resembling cake icing stuck out above her hindquarters, and both of her hands were covered in white gloves. The bottom of her face held two lips that were curled into a smile.

"Shortmon!"

She too held MadLeomon up with only one hand. After adjusting her grip on the Champion, she spoke with a dignified tone, "We have secured the opposition, Pinkie Pie. Where do you think we should send them?"

Pinkie stood a few paces away from Shortmon. She had both of her hooves out in front of her, one eye closed, and tongue sticking out of her mouth. She hummed and hawed as she tried to get a good angle on a distant patch of ground. She looked over at Rarity who was doing the same to her right, "I think I spotted a good place for Mr. Lousy Loud Lion. Do you see it too, Rares?"

"That I do, Pinkie," Rarity smiled before turning around and gracefully pointing toward a spot in the distance, "Ampurley. Cutie. You may throw when ready."

The two Digimon shared a nod then, with all their might, they threw MadLeomon into the air. They jumped after him, Meicoomon's claws glowing a bright deep blue, while Shortmon summoned a fork as long as she was from...somewhere. They both stopped just behind MadLeomon's back and then struck him.

"Tastone!/X Scratch!"

The attack left a large "X" in the Champion's back as he was sent flying toward the spot their two Partners had indicated. With way more strength than their small forms would indicate, they sent the MadLeomon far into the distance. The Champion had gotten his senses back by this point, but it was too late to stop his momentum. So, he instead tried to slow himself down by slamming one of his claws into the earth. He dug a furrow into the ground as he flew, managing to slow himself down enough to where he could get onto his feet.

He lifted his head to growl only to come face to face with a Digimon who matched him in size. The Digimon was covered in pointed red and purple spiked fur, with a large metal muzzle on its face. At the top of the muzzle was a red gem that complimented the red eyes of the Digimon. Its pointed ears were drawn back while red hot flames fell from its closed maw. Its massive paws had black leather gloves over them, with holes for its large red claws.

"Loogarmon!"

With a howl he lifted himself up on his hand legs then brought his them down on the MadLeomon. MadLeomon raised its claws and grappled with Loogarmon...but was forced onto his knees at the other Digimon's greater strength. As it tried to keep its balance, an orange blur ran along Loogarmon's left arm and up MadLeomon's. It was soon revealed to be Applejack, lips curled into an excited smile as she leaped from the arm toward MadLeomon's face. She turned around in mid-air, pulled her hind legs back, and bucked the Champion as hard as she could. A crack resounded across the area as the Digimon's head was forced back from the strength behind the apple farmer's legs.

"Get 'im, Loo!" AJ let herself drop out of the way, which gave Loogarmon a clear shot at the foe. It opened its maw wide, the flames inside burning as he shot MadLeomon point blank.

"Howling Burner!"

The MadLeomon screamed as the flames sent him flying further away, scorching his fur and melting some of the metal on his chest. As he flew, the Digimon and ponies regrouped around Loogarmon. Everypony kept watch, all the Digimon ready in case MadLeomon wished to continue the fight. And they were not wrong. The Champion got up on shaky legs, but still seemed ready and willing to battle. His eyes burned with even more malice as he forced himself to his feet. Both his arms blazed to life as he prepared to launch another fireball at his foes. But just when he was about to attack...a seventh figure appeared above the ponies and their Digimon.

One that took up everypony's attention...and made MadLeomon pause in shock and awe.

Flying above the group of ponies and Digimon was, perhaps, the strangest being they had seen yet. He carried Fluttershy in his arms, the yellow mare seeming to be sleeping peacefully in his embrace. His wings were as fluffy and bright white as an Alicorn's, but he had six instead of two of them. He didn't seem like any manner of animal. He had no fur and no tail, and the five things at the ends of his arms weren't claws. Golden bands were around both his wrists and ankles, while his most of his body was covered by a white toga. A purple tatoo ran down his chest, while his hair was a bright golden blonde.

"Oh sweet Celestia," Rarity gasped, eyes sparkling at the sight, "Those wings, those bands, that frame...it's all so...fabulous!"

"What...kind of Digimon is that?" Twilight asked Cornelius, wracking her mind for an answer.

Cornelius remained silent, keeping his eyes on the MadLeomon. Meanwhile the new arrival gently poked Fluttershy's cheek with one of his appendages. She stirred and yawned before rubbing at her eyes with a hoof, "Good morning. Is the...is the fighting over yet?"

"Not quite," the newcomer's voice was light and playful, yet seemed to carry a weight far beyond his years to it, "I'm afraid that we still have things to take care of my dear Fluttershy."

Fluttershy looked up and blinked at the Digimon. She blinked in surprise then tilted her head, "Oh, really? And, um, who are you su-wait...you know me?"

"Of course I do. You were the first to find me, after all. How could I ever forget that?" he gently placed a hand behind her ear and started to rub at it.

"Fir-CUPIMON?!" Fluttershy gasped, getting up and grabbing the Digimon by his cheeks. She looked him up and down with wide, disbelieving eyes, "Bu-Bu-Bu-How-Where-Whe-"

He gently grabbed her hooves and lowered them while quietly shushing her, "I will explain everything in due time. For now, may I please finish this battle? So that we may all return home safe and sound?"

Fluttershy, still floored by the revelation that [i]this [/i]was her cute Cupimon now, slowly nodded her head, "A-Alright...um...what should I call you now?"

The Digimon smiled while hovering to the ground and placing Fluttershy down on her hooves. Then he held his arms out while crossing his legs as he answered, "Call me, Lucemon. Or, Lucey, if you prefer."

He winked at Fluttershy before flying up above everypony else. Then he stared at MadLeomon with the thinnest smile on his face. The Champion actually backed up at the sight of him, while all the other Digimon were charging their attacks. Wizarmon X's hands crackled with electricity, Meicoomon's claws glowed blue, Shortmon grabbed the strawberry off her head as a new one grew in its place, Loo and Babs both started charging their flame breath, and the "V" on V-dramon's chest glowed a bright gold. Lucemon put both of his hands together and, one by one, spheres of superheated light formed in front of him. There were ten in total and they all formed a cross with the largest in the center.

Lucemon spoke, his voice carrying even to Ponyville, "MadLeomon. This is the end. Be at peace as we send you to the rest you so deserve. Everypony, fire!"

"Bolt Break!" Lightning exploded out from Cornelius' hands.

"Howling Burner!" A beam of superheated flames shot out from Loo's mouth.

"Blue Flare Breath!" A wave of sapphiric fire exploded out from Bab's maw.

"V-Breath Arrow!" A "V" shaped heat ray launched from V-dramon's mouth.

"Sweet Berry!" Cutie threw her strawberry with all her might at the foe.

"X-Scratch!" Meicoomon sliced at the air with her claws, sending them careening toward the MadLeomon.

"Grand...Cross!" Lucey shouted as the ten spheres shot at MadLeomon. All the attacks coalesced and combined as they traveled, becoming a giant golden beam of energy that was too big for MadLeomon to dodge.

The mad lion roared and launched both its Beast King Fallen Fist attacks at the oncoming attack...only for them both to be destroyed without impeding it in the slightest. He could do nothing save scream in pain and terror as the beam engulfed his body. After a few seconds, the beam made impact and exploded on his position.

Wasting no time, Lucemon flew at the explosion while shouting, "Cornelius! Now!"

Cornelius held up his hands and said aloud, "Fractal Code: Digitize!"

In seconds a stream of blue data flew from the center of the explosion toward Cornelius' outstretched palms. Lucemon, meanwhile, flew into the cloud and, a second later, come out with a solid gray egg in his hands.

And like that...it was over.

MadLeomon had been defeated.

And the Mane Six, and Spike, now had Champion Digimon...that they needed to somehow fit into Ponyville.

Yep! Say hi to the Champions everybody!

As a heads up; No. This Lucemon is NOT like the Lucemon from Frontier. I have other ideas for him. I don't want to spoil anything right now though. I hope you all enjoyed!

Digimon appearing in this Chapter:

Champion Digimon:

Wizarmon X

Meicoomon

Coredramon (Blue)

Shortmon

V-Dramon

Loogarmon

Lucemon