Digimon Story: The Next Order

by The Hooded Writer

A month has passed since the world went back to normal. Six chosen ones fought with Digimon to save two worlds. Little did they know that defeating the Eaters was not the end of it. A new threat has appeared in the Digital World. Now the Cyber Sleuths and their friends are on the case to save Digimon from a war. ...And new allies join them from close by and somewhere VERY far way.

66. Chapter 66: Hero's Rising

Gankoomon rushed up to the others carrying Luche on his back. "That was fast." Sayo said.

Jesmon nodded. "Just what I would expect from you, master."

"Of course!" the Royal Knight laughed as he lowered himself to let the shaky little girl down. "Valor is the greatest fuel source!"

"You okay Luche?" Shiki asked.

"Is that you Shiki?" Luche asked in a daze. "Why are you spinning like that?"

"So what is this plan you require Luche and all our Royal Knights for, Hudiemon?" Mirei asked.

The human-Digimon hybrid looked at the dome in front of him. "This energy is similar to what you can find in the Dark Area. So, if we generate enough holy power, maybe we can weaken it into a state where it can be hacked."

"GranDracmon and Lucemon did this, didn't they?" Dorugoramon asked. "They'll likely have some sort of defense in mind against the Royal Knights."

"Which is why we're going to use Luche's unique existence to catch it off guard. She's not a human or fully a Digimon. Maybe that will throw this thing off."

"I suppose it's worth a shot." Mirei said.

"Darcmon, I will need the power of the Sovereign in you as well."

"Very well." Darcmon closed her eyes and crossed her arms. Red flames erupted coating her. She rose from the fires as the massive Vermillion Bird Zhuqioamon.

"So this is a Sovereign Digimon..." Yuugo said in awe.

"Amazing..." Arata breathed.

"Okay, Darcmon, Royal Knights, get ready!" Hudiemon said. "The split second Luche touches the barrier it will react. That's your chance to channel your power against it. Got it?"

"Understood." Magnamon nodded.

"I'll give it my all." UlforceVeedramon replied.

Gallantmon held his lance ready. "We shall not fail our friends!"

"Let us work together!" Jesmon declared.

"That's right Jesmon!" Gankoomon said. "Give this all you got!"

"Hmph. We'll show GranDracmon and Lucemon just how foolish it is to stand against us." Kentaurosmon announced.

"I shall do whatever to takes to protect those who are precious to me!" Zhuqioamon said.

Hudiemon nodded then turned to Luche. "Alright Luche. Whenever you're ready."

"Okay!" The girl nodded. "Shoma…Mr. Mameo…Nokia…we're coming for you!"

Mirei turned to Hudiemon. "You seem certain of this plan. But didn't we already establish that no amount of force can destroy it? It doesn't matter if-

Hudiemonn smirked at her. "Who said anything about destroying it?"

---

Ogudomon X leered down at the Digimon and humans beneath him. "Well? Do you peons have anything to say to the Super Deadly Digimon?"

"This energy..." Omegamon Merciful Mode gapped. "I've never seen anything like it..."

"This...this is some kinda joke, right?" MagnaKidmon gulped. "How are we supposed to fight that...?"

The towering vile Digimon laughed. "You? Fight me? Do you fools really think you can defeat me as I am now? I have fulfilled the prophecy! No amount of hope could possibly give you a prayer against me! I No longer need the ritual of the Abyss Server. I have obtained a new greater power. And with it I will crush the Next Order and the Resistance under my heel and dominate this world. After that the human world is next. And who knows? Maybe I'll poke around those parallel worlds a little."

"No..." Nokia gritted her teeth. "I won't let you hurt anyone else!"

"That's right!" Shoma closed his eyes. Noir spoke with him as the Matrix Link activated. "We won't let you sow anymore chaos!" Noir flew up and aimed his cannon. "Delete Program!"

Ogudomon X laughed as the glowing spheres faded away upon contact with his skin. "How useless."

Nokia activated Matrix Link with Omegamon Merciful Mode. The second Omegamon flew next to Noir. "Holy Light!"

Bolts of light rained down on Ogudomon X. "Usless. Uselessuslessuslessuseless!" He let out a roar. The orange gem on his body glowed and the Crown of Wrath appeared. "Seventh Gravitation!" Blue lasers fired out of his body. Both Omegamon were blasted out of the sky. Nokia and Shoma shouted as they shared their pain.

"Shoma! Nokia!" Mameo watched them wraith.

Nokia grunted opening one eye. "Wait…wasn't that Creepymon's attack?!"

"That's not all I can do." Ogudomon X smirked as the light blue gem flashed and the Crown of Envy appeared next. "Seventh Lightning!" Bolts rained from the sky. Noir was struck down. Next was the purple gem and the Crown of Greed. "Seventh Jewelrize!" A violet crystal appeared, and it shot a powerful light into Omegamon Merciful Mode.

"How is he doing this…?" Shoma grunted as he dropped to his knees.

"Is it really so surprising? I hold the power of all the Seven Deadly Digimon! But of course, their power is not all I have at my disposal…Catedral!" Ogudomon X sent a shockwave that blew both Omegamon over. Shoma and Nokia yelped as they hit the ground.

"No!" Mameo shouted.

"Smiley Bomber!" File threw a red projectile at Ogudomon X who just ignored it as he approached.

He lifted a leg ready to stomp. "Gradus!"

Gundramon and MagnaKidmon dove in and moved Omegamon Merciful Mode and moved them out of the way just as the foot came down but the resulting purple shockwave hit all four of them. "Fly Bullet!" Gunshots hit Ogudomon X.

The Digimon leered at BeelStarmon. "Do you seek an early grave girl?"

"My brother was wrong…" BeelStarmon said. "He said that there is no such thing as justice or evil. Just those who fight for what they believe in…but you…" She gave Ogudomon X a sharp glare. "You're a monster who just hurts people out of greed and vanity! You are pure evil! In the memory of my brother, and in the name of the Three Musketeers, I will stop you from terrorizing the weak!"

"What stupidity. You think virtue alone will summon the strength to close the massive gap between us? In this world-No! In ALL worlds, the strong thrive and the weak are left behind! That is the law of nature! If you cannot accept that reality, then I shall force it upon you!" As Ogudomon X turned his huge body towards BeelStarmon there was a change in the air around them. "Hmm?"

BeelStarmon looked above them. They could see the sky slightly through the barrier around them. "What's happening?"

"The barrier…" Mameo said holding Shoma up. "Is something happening to it?"

---

The seven Royal Knights outside of the barrier and Zhuqioamon roared as they all shot beams of light from their hands into the barrier. Hudiemon had a screen in front of her. "Okay, it's working! Keisuke, now's our chance!"

"Huh? What are you-

"We're going to hack the barrier so that it will allow us to walk through it!"

"Now I see." Mirei smiled. "Rather than destroying the barrier, you're going to nullify its effects. Very clever."

"Keisuke, I need your help for this!" Hudiemon said.

"Me?"

"Of course! I trust you more than anyone in any world, you know that!"

"Erika…"

"Keisuke, you got this!" Arata said. "Ryuji, Chitose and I taught you everything you know! Throw it all at this thing and break on through!"

"I believe in you as well!" Yuuko said. "Hudie has never failed or faltered unlike Zaxon or Jude! You guys…you are the greatest hacking team in our world's history!"

Keisuke looked at his friends. "Arata…Yuuko…"

Takumi stepped forward. "Keisuke…I'm counting on you. Just as I said I would after we spared in Under Kawloon. You said Ami and I were the heroes, but you can do many things neither of us can. This is the highlight among them." He smiled warmly. "It's your turn to be the hero."

"What he said!" Ami cheered. "Just believe in yourself. Believe in the power of Hudie."

"Takumi…Ami…" Keisuke's eyes shifted to show seriousness and determination. "Alright." He nodded to Hudiemon who nodded back then put his visor Digivice over his eyes. "Start the hack!"

Everyone watched him and Hudiemon as they started working at their receptive monitors. "Once we give the signal, everybody rush in!" Hudiemon said.

"Wait, what about Magnamon and the others?" Shiki asked gesturing to those generating the energy going against the barrier.

"They'll still need to be putting their energy against this barrier or we won't be able to pass through it. I'm afraid they'll have to stay here."

"It can't be helped." UlforceVeedramon said. "We are trusting you to do this, young humans!"

"Do not lose your courage even in the bleakest situation!" Gabkoomon said. "Do not give in to doubt! Push through!" Takumi, Ami, Takuto, and Shiki nodded then turned to the barrier awaiting Hudiemon's signal.

---

Ogudomon X stared at the transparent barrier. "It seems someone is trying to destroy the barrier. Hmph. More wasted effort. Nothing can destroy it. Even if someone did somehow interfere, it would change nothing." He looked at the opponents in front of him. "I will destroy all of you." The green gem glowed, and the crown of Lust appeared. "Seventh Fascination!" A green glow blinded everyone sapping their strength. "Blackout Awesome Quake!" The ground shook violently knocking everyone down. He then stomped towards them.

While lying on the ground, Noir and Omegamon Merciful Mode aimed their cannons. "Transcendent Cannon!"

"Graceful Cannon!" The combined attack stopped his advance. But as soon as it was over, he continued his advance towards them.

"He's a monster…!" Gundramon growled.

Ogudomon X held out his six arms and the Crown of Pride appeared. "This is the end for you!" Ten spheres of light emerged around him. "Seventh Devine Cruz!" The orbs all shot beams on light at the six Digimon and three humans.

At the last moment, Nova, Rapidmon Armor, BlackWarGreymon, Rosemon Burst Mode, Ophanimon, TigerVespamon, Yukimura, Apollomon, Dianamon, and TyyrantKabuterimon swooped in and caught the incoming lasers. They struggled against them trying to push them back until they detonated, blowing all ten of them away. "Ngh…" Dianamon groaned. "That power is insane…"

"Guys!" Takuto was on Storm, Takumi rode Dorugoramon, Ami being carried in Kuzuhamon's arms, Keisuke was on MetalSeadramon and all the other tamers and Digimon were right behind them.

"Well look who finally decided to show up." Memeo grinned.

"Well, it's about time!" Nokia yelled. "You're all so late!"

"Well, it sounds like somebody's back to normal." Arata said. "For better or worse."

"Nokia, are you alright?" Yuugo asked.

"I'm fine, but…"

"What happened here?" Keisuke asked looking around. "Where are Lucemon and GranDracmon? When did Omegamon grow wings? What the heck is that giant tentacle monster?!"

"Yeeeeah, you guys kinda missed a lot." BeelStarmon said.

"Lucemon absorbed Beelzemon." Shoma explained. "Nokia and Omegamon got a new power that was able to overcome him, but then GranDracmon betrayed him and absorbed all the power for himself!"

"So, this thing is…GranDracmon?!" Ami asked.

Ogudomon X leered at them. "How did you get in here? My barrier is indestructible."

Hudiemon smirked. "Hackers are always capable of finding a way through security to reach their objective. Don't be so surprised."

"Once again you underestimated Hudie." Justimon said.

Ogudomon X glared at Keisuke. "So, it was you…it's always you! How can someone so insignificant constantly get in my way?!"

"He may seem insignificant to you or Hosaka, but that doesn't mean a damn thing to us!" PileVolcamon.

"Because Keisuke is a part of Hudie! He's one of us!" MetalSeadramon said.

Keisuke smirked. "You know…I should be thanking you GranDracmon. My story all started when you possessed Yu into hacking my EDEN account. That's what set my life changing experience into motion. I met Tentomon, Betamon, Gotsumon, Ryuji, Chitoste, and of course…Erika. They all shaped me into who I am now."

"And just who are you now?!" Ogudomon X scoffed. "An insignificant speck in this world! Your level of power couldn't match the Cyber Sleuths! Much less me!"

"Yeah…you're right. I'm not like Takumi, Ami, Takuto or Shiki…but what's wrong with that? Who we are is a result of the scenarios we're given. And the choices we make in them. If we make the decisions, we believe are right, then anyone in any scenario could potentially become a hero."

"You? A hero?" Ogudomon X gawked. "Don't make me laugh! You're just a side character-A reject! Nobody would ever hail you as a hero!"

"Shows what you know." Hudiemon scoffed. "Being a hero doesn't mean being acknowledged by everyone. Being a hero is about helping someone in need. When I was assimilated by the Eaters, Keisuke went great lengths for my sake."

"Only to fail in the end. Your body was destroyed. You were separated from your family. And you call that failure your hero?"

"Erika Mishima's body may have been destroyed…" Hudiemon put a hand on her chest. "But her spirit lives on inside Hudiemon. The miracle Keisuke and everyone else in Hudie created! Through that he saved me! So, in my eyes, Keisuke Amasawa will always be a hero!"

Keisuke smiled. "Erika…"

"THAT IS CORRECT." Shakkoumon said. "KEISUKE'S ACTIONS AIDED ME IN RESTORING MY PARTNER. SUCH IS THE ACT OF A HERO."

"Keisuke saved me and Ryuji as well." Justimon said. "He never wavered and stayed on the path of justice. His heroic actions may not be acknowledged by everyone, but that does not make them or him insignificant!"

"Enough!" Ogudomon X boomed. "A god does not need to debate such things with rabble! Whether he's a hero or not will not change that he will soon be erased along with the rest of your worms! Know this Keisuke…for all the trouble you have caused me, I will make sure you watch as your friends die one by one, and you have no choice but to acknowledge your powerlessness before I put you out of your misery! Violated Rune Forrest!"

Everyone spread out as a green explosion took place. "Tch! Bastard's not playing around!" Arata said.

"Then we better go all out ourselves." Takuto held up his Digivice. "Shiki! Takumi! Ami! Let's show him what we got!"

"Right!" the three he announced replied with a nod.

"Nova! Storm!"

"Skyla! Gaia!"

"Rapidmon Armor! BlackWarGreymon! Dorugoramon!"

"Rosemon Burst Mode! Ophanimon! Kuzuhamon!"

The four Tamers' Digivices glowed. "Extra Xross Evolution!"

As their Digimon started to combine four golden eggs appeared before reveling their four trump cards. First was Omni, then Faye. Then… "Rapidmon Armor X!"

"Rosemon X!" Ami and Takumi's Digimon unleashed their X-Antibody forms.

"Now it's our turn." Arata said looking at Kouta and Himari who nodded back. They held up their Digivices. "Diaboromon!"

"Yukimura!"

"Rikka!"

"X Evolution!" Their three Digimon transformed. Yukimura became Medieval Gallantmon and Diaboromon and Rikka activated their X-Antibody forms.

"I see a number you have obtained the power of the X-Antibody." Ogudomon X said. "A remarkable achievement. But it changes nothing. I am the Super Deadly Digimon! I will bring ruin! Crucified Thunder Fall!"

Lightning came raining down. Luche ran up to the group with hologram Mirei right behind. They saw their friends ridding on their Digimon as the circled around Ogudomon X. "Hudiemon! Justimon! Shakkoumon! Take care of Mameo and BeelStarmon's team!" Takumi said.

"Okay! Be careful!" Hudiemon replied as she, Justimon and Shakkoumon backed up.

Luche looked at the battle before her. "You can do it guys!" she cheered.

Mirei's focus was on the enemy. "Ogudomon…a Digimon that reigns over the combined might of the Seven Deadly Digimon. He's powerful enough even without the X-Antibody. …If only…"

"Rose Rapier!" Rosemon X charged up and stabbed at Ogudomon X's head, but her whip wouldn't even crack his skin. One of his massive arms smacked her aside.

"Demon Slash!" Dianamon tried to cut off the arm that swung but her blade did nothing. Another arm beat her aside. All six of Keisuke and Fei's charged but were blocked by all six tentacles and blown away.

Something exploded in his face to no effect. He looked to his left as Rapidmon Armor X and Omni flew by shooting at him. He swung at them with his arms and they carefully dodged. "Seventh Jewelrize!" Another attack grazed them, and they started spiraling towards the ground Apollomon and Noir caught them.

Diaboromon X meanwhile ran up Ogudomon X's body and leapt at him. "Catastrophe Cannon!"

Ogudomon X tanked the hits and swatted him aside. "Holy Blaze!" Rikka attacked him from behind. He simply laughed.

"Oh, come on!" Himari yelled. "This was working well last time!"

"Last time…I am no longer a simple Vampire King." Ogudomon X scoffed. "I am the pinnacle of all Digimon! Seventh Penetrate!" He knocked Rikka out of the sky with the power of Belphamon X.

"Seed Belt!"

"Soulblaster!" Apollomon attacked along with Faye. Ogudomon X didn't even react.

"It's not doing anything to him!" Shiki glared.

"Then let's try something else." Ami closed her eyes and established Matrix Link. One by one, Takumi, Takuto, Shiki, Arata, Kouta, Nokia, and Shoma did the same. "Let's see if the so-called Super Deadly Digimon can stand up to everything we got!"

"Oh? A challenge?" Ogudomon X grinned. "Alright. Let's see what you can do."

Luche watched Ogudomon X back up with his arms out. "Huh? What's it doing Mirei?"

"How clever." Mirei stated. "This incredible new power is making Ogudomon arrogant. Ami's using that so he won't attempt to dodge."

"Overclock!" Takumi, Takuto, Ami, Shiki, Nokia, Arata, Kouta, and Shoma activated the enhancement program.

"Let's get back." Mameo said pulling BeelStarmon to her feet while holding File. "This is going to be flash."

"Yeah…" BeelStarmon and Mameo ran back with Justimon and Shakkoumon helping MagnaKidmon and Gundramon follow.

Ogudomon X simply smirked at the glowing red Digimon. And then…they made their move.

"Rapid Blaster!"

"Supreme Cannon!"

"Thorn Whip!"

"Gran Del Sol!"

"Graceful Cannon!"

"Rewind Abyss 13!"

"Final Crest!"

"Transcendent Cannon!" 13 powerful attacks all converged on Ogudomon X at once generating a powerful explosion. All the spectators were nearly blown away.

All 13 of the Digimon and their Tamers were tired from pouring everything into that blast and turned off the Overclock and Matrix Link. "Take that…you jerk…" Nokia grinned. They all stared as the smokescreen their attack created.

"I…I don't believe this…" Ogudomon X's voice echoed.

"What?! He's still alive after that?!" Shiki gapped.

"But it sounds like it did something." Arata grinned.

"I cannot believe…" Ogudomon X swung his arms dispersing the smoke. There was a small black mark on his body. "…that you fools actually managed to hurt me!"

His laughter was met by the shocked silence of the group. "How can this be…?!" Shoma asked. "That barley did anything to him!"

"This…this is hopeless…" Kouta shivered. "If that barley did anything, how are we supposed to win?!"

"I don't suppose you guys could do that another hundred times?" Koh asked.

"I don't think we have the strength to do that again…" Omni growled.

"A bold attempt humans." Ogudomon X laughed. "But I do hope this proves that your efforts are futile. Just as the prophecy said, the Super Deadly Digimon is invincible! Surpassed by no one! I've become more powerful than even the Eaters and King Drasil!" His body glowed red. "Oratio Grandiloqua!" The giant slammed himself into the whole party.

"Oh no!" Luche shouted. "If this keeps up, they'll lose! Mirei, isn't there anything we can do?!"

Mirei was staring at her laptop. "Lucemon absorbed one of the artificial X-Antibodies into himself before GranDracmon absorbed him…And while BoltBoutamon's creations are capable of X Evolution they are unnatural…and flawed…" Mirei's eyes sharpened. "That's it!"

As all the Digimon were knocked into the dirt, the Crown of Sloth appeared on Ogudomon X. "Seventh Penetration!" A crimson wave blew at the team. They barely scattered fast enough to get out of the way.

Just then Mirei was projected from the Digivices. "Everyone, listen up! I have an idea."

"Then let's hear it!" Takumi said as Rapidmon Armor X ducked under a swinging arm.

"Right now, Ogudomon X has an artificial X-Antibody inside of him. One that was created by BoltBoutamon which Lucemon had. He used it to become Lucemon X."

"I thought it was the other Deadly Digimon he absorbed that did that." Nokia said as her Digimon slashed at Ogudomon X with his sword.

"They did give him power. But the new form was a result of the X-Antibody. When GranDracmon absorbed Lucemon X, he absorbed that artificial X-Antibody with him."

"Are you saying you might be able to remove the artificial one?" Kouta X asked. "Would that turn him back into GranDracmon?"

"No. The power of the Seven Deadly Digimon was what turned GranDracmon into Ogudomon. And even if we took out the artificial X-Antibody, GranDracmon is a natural carrier of the X-Antibody, so he'd still have one."

"Damn it." Arata growled.

"However…Right now, Ogudomon X has two X-Antibodies inside of him. The artificial one created by BoltBoutamon who Lucemon was using earlier, and the one GranDracmon held as a natural carrier."

"Yeah, care to get to your point lady?!" Fei grunted as TigerVespamon who she was riding on franticly dodged the skewers on Ogudomon's tentacles. "We're hanging by a thread over here!"

"Very well. I believe I can hack into the artificial X-Antibody inside Ogudomon X and use it to nullify the effects of the natural one. That should cancel out the X transformation, weakening him to a state where your chances will improve."

"Really?" Takumi asked. "Great! Then do it now!"

"Not so fast. To accomplish this, I will need data from all the X-Antibody Digimon with us. Yuuko, Fei, that includes your natural carriers, Samudramon and TigerVespamon."

"Sounds like we need Ogudomon off our backs for a bit. He'll notice something's up for sure." Takumi said. "And I don't think he's going to fall for a second taunt…"

"No choice then." Keisuke said. "The rest of us will hold him back."

"Keisuke, are you nuts?!" Kouta asked. "We're barely holding on with all of us together! If it's just you, Takuto, Shiki, Shoma, Yuugo, Nokia, Sayo and Koh you'll be overrun!"

"We're already getting overrun here! If we don't do something to improve our odds soon, we're all done for!"

"Keisuke's right." Shoma said. "This might be our only chance."

"Alright." Sayo nodded. "We'll hold him off for as long as we can. You guys hurry up and help Mirei!"

"TigerVespamon, you get in there too." Fei jumped off her Virus Type and onto Pheonixmon. "The rest of us we'll hold the line as long as we can!"

As Rapidmon Armor X, Rosemon X, Diaboromon X, Yukimura, Rikka, Samudramon and TigerVespamon hurried towards Mirei, Omegamon Merciful Mode and Noir established Matrix Link and rushed Ogudomon X with their swords out. Two tentecals blocked their blades. Takumi, Ami, Arata, Kouta, Himari, and Yuuko dismounted their Digimon as they gathered in front of her. "Alright." Mirei began typing. "Let us begin. Commencing scan."

"Shine of Bee!" TyrantKabuterimon burst with fiery energy.

"What a joke!" Ogudomon X swatted him.

"Omni, Sprite him!" Takuto ordered.

"DG Dimension V3!" His partner warped the space around Ogudomon X.

The attack had no effect. "Ha! Do you really think the Super Deadly Digimon will fell victim to something so pathetic!?"

"Starlight Explosion!"

"River of Power!"

"Solblaster!"

Ogudomon X ignored all the attacks coming at him. "Purging Gale Storm!" The entire group yelped as they were pulled into a hurricane. "Crazed Meteor Fall!" A fiery explosion engulfed them. The whole part was on the ground hurting. "Is that really your best?!"

PileVolcamon punched the ground as he stood up. "I'm not done yet!" He leapt overhead of the beast.

Sayo gasped as her Digimon flew. "Dianamon, wait!"

"Volcanic Driver!"

"Crescent Harken!"

"Incompetent!" Ogudomon X roared. One arm slashed the meteor in PileVolcamon's hands to rubble and knocked him out of the sky. Another swatted Dianamon to the ground.

Omni and Faye reactivated Matrix Link. "Sprout Rush!"

"Transcendent Sword!"

"Gradus!" Ogudomon X spun kicking both of them out of the sky. Takuto and Shiki cried out in the pain they shared with their Digimon.

Yuugo activated a program to boost HiAndromon's power before reactivating Matrix Link. "Atomic Ray!" Ogudomon X didn't even seem to notice the attack as he slapped Pheonixmon out of the sky. Fei screamed as she fell off her Digimon. "Fei!" Yuugo broke the link out of shock and ran under her and caught her. "You alright?"

"Uh…yeah, I'm fine…" the girl blushed.

Ogudomon X stomped on the ground emitting a shockwave from his foot. "Watch out!" Sakuyamon ran in front of Yuugo and Fei before projecting a barrier. But they were blown over regardless. Noir fired at him with his cannon to no effect. Omegamon Merciful Mode shoved him out of the way of a red laser.

"Mirei, things aren't looking so hot up there!" Himari seethed as she watched. "How much longer is this going to take!?"

"Almost done." Mirei looked at her screen. She watched a blue bar filling up. But then it stopped. "What?!"

Ami looked at the distressed look on her face. "What is it?"

"It's no use…I don't have enough data! I can't activate the program like this!"

"What?" Luche asked. "Then what do we do?!"

Mirei gritted her teeth. "So close…if only we had just one more X-Antibody Digimon with us…if she was here…"

Ogudomon X batted Noir and Omegamon Merciful Mode before noticing something was up. "Where are…?" He looked around and spotted the X-Antibody Digimon gathering. "Well, what do we have here?"

Takuto gasped as he saw Ogudomon X turn his body. "Oh no. Heads up guys, he's on to you!"

Takumi and his group turned to see Ogudomon X facing them. "Uh-oh."

The Digimon's chest eyes glowed and the X-Antibody group braced themselves. But just was laser fired the remaining Digimon all grappled onto him. The lasers flew just to the left of their friends carving into the ground and raising a wall of fire. "Insolent bugs!" Ogudomon X shook them all off. "Banishing Mach Rush!" He slammed his whole body against his attackers, and they crashed into the ground.

Mameo, File, BeelStarmon, Gubndramon, MagnaKidmon, Hudiemon, Justimon and Shakkoumon watched from behind some trees where the three Musketeers rested. "This isn't good…" Mameo murmured. "The others won't last much longer…"

Hudiemon saw Keisuke on his hands and knees as the impact made him fall off TyrantKabuterimon. "No…I can't just sit back and watch anymore!" Her wings spread and she took flight.

"Hudiemon!" Justimon shouted.

"Flying Kick!" Hudiemon charged into the side of Ogudomon X's head who just ignored it as she continued to throw more kicks at him. "Infinity Dream!"

Keisuke gasped. "Hudiemon!"

Ogudomon X's eyes sparkled, and a red explosion hit her. "You!" Justimon flew towards him. "Justice Kick!"

Shakkoumon approached. "DISASTER BLASTER!" Ogudomon X ignored the red beams and hit Justimon into Shakkoumon.

Hudiemon flew at him only to stop when two of the arms came at her from either side. She tried to hold them back with her arms but then they started squishing her. "Shall I squash you like the actual bug you are? No." Ogudomon X tossed her to the ground next to Shakkoumon and Justimon. "I think I'll destroy you all together." The Crown of Wrath appeared. "Die Hudie! Seventh Gravitation!"

Hudiemon, Justimon and Shakkoumon braced themselves as the attack flew at them. "No!" Shiki yelled. "Watch out!"

TyrantKabuterimon flew in front of Shakkoumon, PileVolcamon held his arms out in front of Justimon, and Metalseadramon coiled around Hudiemon taking the blow for them. Keisuke's Digimon shouted as they went down. Hudiemon gasped. "Why did you…?!"

"Wow." Ogudomon X laughed. "I guess Hudie really is going down together!" Keisuke stood in front of them all. "Really, really going down together!"

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Hudiemon asked.

"What I have to do. Protect my team. My family! Hudiemon is the miracle Hudie created…but she's more than that to me. She's the one of the many in Hudie who showed me how to live. Losing these guys means losing a part of me. That's what it felt like when humans and Digimon went our separate ways. I'm not losing them twice."

Ogudomon X sighed. "Honestly, this is getting old! Take the hint boy! You are no hero! What are you trying to prove?!"

Keisuke lowered his head and looked aside. "A hero… ever since I learned what Takumi and the others accomplished, I told myself they were the heroes of our story. And then what Takuto and Shiki did in their world. Their accomplishments convinced me that I'm nothing more than a side character. For succeeding in rescuing those they swore to rescue…while my mission to bring back Erika ended with me saying goodbye to her. But now…I'm starting to understand. In the end I did save Erika. And I did get to see her again. And there's no need to compare myself to Takumi, Takuto or anyone. That's not being a hero. I just need to keep doing what I think is best. I'm not everyone's hero. Nobody is. I'm just a hero for the ones I love."

Hudiemon sighed. "It took you this long to realize you were already a hero? You really are an idiot sometimes."

Keisuke looked at her. "Huh?"

Hudiemon smiled at him. "But…you're our idiot. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Keisuke's Digimon stood up one by one. "Keisuke…" TyrantKabuterimon said. "You've been a hero to me ever since that day you stuck your neck out to save us in the DigiMarket."

"And it's not just us who thinks that way." MetalSeadramon said. "Everyone in Hudie thinks you a hero. But we see you as something much more than just a hero."

PileVolcamon grinned. "Yeah. You're out big bro. Our family. So, whether you go we'll follow. That's part of Hudie's creed! We stand together!"

"And now you shall all fall together! Seventh Devine Cruz!"

"Keisuke!" Takumi shouted. "Get out of there!"

Keisuke's mind flashed through images of Ryuji, Chitoste, Yu and Erika. "I'm not losing anyone! Even if I'm not one of the Chosen Ones there are still things that I can do! That only I can do! And right now…that's protecting my friends…as the hero they see in me!"

Keisuke's Visor Digimon glowed blue. So did his Digimon. Ogudomon X stopped his attack. "What?"

Everyone was dazzled. "Keisuke…" Takuto breathed.

"Trying for this again?" Ogudomon X's laughed. "You'll just screw it up like last time!"

"Not this time." Keisuke said with newfound willpower. "Whatever doubts I have, my Digimon and their faith in me can overcome them!"

"That's right." TyrantKabuterimon said. "We fail before, then we stand up and try again."

"And we'll rise with you." PileVolcamon added.

"We are…you're brothers after all." MetalSeadramon said.

"You can do this Keisuke!" Hudiemon said. "Nobody knows that better than me!"

Keisuke put on his visor. Through it, images of him and his Digimon connected by electrified lines in a diamond shape. Then the words Extra Xross Evolution appeared and became EXE. Keisuke held up his hand. "Extra Xross Evolution!"

A bright light formed in his hand. MetalSeadramon and PileVolcamon spun in place and turned blue before dissolving into pixels that flowed two ways into TyrantKabuterimon shaped like an infinite sign. A golden egg formed around TyrantKabuterimon. Inside he reverted into HerculesKabuterimon. Then he stared to transform. The inside of his larger wings became red. His insectoid wings became gold. His legs became larger. Then his body. Then his four arms merged into two much larger ones with silver claws. Finally, the center horn extended. "HerculesKabuterimon X!" The shell exploded showing off a new X-Antibody Digimon.

"What?!" Ogudomon X gasped. "Impossible!"

"Keisuke…he finally did it…!" Ami gasped.

"So that's Keisuke's Extra Xross Evolution partner…" Takuto said amazed at the new form.

Keisuke lifted his visor from his eyes. "This is Hudie's-My family's new power!"

"Amazing…" Momeo said.

Mirei looked at the new Digimon before her. "Keisuke…your bond with your Digimon and those of your friends have evolved into a new light. I see now more than ever that it was no freak accident that led you to the DigiLab back then. It was destiny at work. A destiny I never thought possible." She heard a beep from her laptop. The bar had filled up completely. "This is it! Keisuke's Digimon gave me the last of the data I need!" She started typing. "Now I just need to break into that artificial X-Antibody!"

"I don't care what form you take or how powerful you become!" Ogudomon X's yelled. "You are still insignificant in the face of the Super Deadly Digimon! Nothing can stop me! I grow tired of your nonsense Hudie! I will destroy you so thoroughly that not even your shadows will remain!" His six arms transformed into spears pointed at HerculesKabuterimon X. They all started to glow red.

Mirei's laptop showed an image of Ogudomon X and a red sphere with a X inside it. "Here goes." She hit the enter key.

"Destiny Death Destruction!" Just when he was about to attack, Ogudomon X's body flashed. "What the…?!" His body had noise forming all over it. "W-what's happening?! I…Urgh…!" The noise spread all over his body and turned black. There was a bright flash and he suddenly looked completely different. He was a black, red and purple monster with seven legs, each with an eye and a larger eye on the head with a mouth full of fangs and seven swords stabbed into his knees with the Crowns of the Deadly Digimon over them. "What?! What happened?! Why are my powers…fading…!?"

"Uh…did it work?" Himari asked.

Mirei smirked. "Indeed, it did."

Ogudomon looked at Mirei. "What have you done?!"

"Part of the transformation you had was from the power of the X-Antibody. And the one Lucemon had was an unstable artificial one he picked up from one of Hosaka's other Digimon."

"Even if you disabled it, I still have a real X-Antibody I held as GranDracmon!"

"Which is why I hacked the artificial one to nullify the effects of the real one. Now your X-Antibody is powerless. Ironic, isn't it? You're a natural carrier of the X-Antibody and I still know more about it then you."

"Nice one Mirei!" Ami grinned. "Now we can turn this around!"

Ogudomon snarled. "Damn you humans! I don't need an X-Antibody to kill you all!"

"Hey, Keisuke! Ready to end what you started Mr. Hero?" Takumi grinned.

Keisuke nodded as HerculesKabuterimon X landed behind him and lowed his hand to the ground. Keisuke jumped backwards onto it and his Digimon put him on his shoulder before taking flight. "It's time for you to answer to all of your crimes." HerculesKabuterimon X said.

"The nightmare ends here GranDracmon!" Keisuke shouted. "Hudie is putting an end to your ambitions once and for all!"

---

And Keisuke's character development finally comes full circle. Next week, tune in for the conclusion of the battle with the Super Deadly Digimon.