"Shield of The Just!" Gallantmon X obliterated another swarm on enemies before taking a moment to catch his breath. He heard a bang and looked behind him to see Mercurymon get knocked to the ground. A DexDoruGreymon was swooping in to crush him, but a AreoVeedramon flew in and slammed the attacker into a wall but then a DexDorugoramon flew in and tore AreoVeedramon apart.
Lobomon panted as he backed up. "Sir Gallantmon…we're suffering heavy losses. Agunimon says things aren't letting up on his end either!"
"We have to hold out! Failing here is not an option! We lose here we lose everything!"
"He's right!" Silphymon replied. "We have to defend our world! It is up to us to save everything we hold dear!"
Gallantmon X stabbed a DexDoruGreymon. "Just need to hold out…until they succeed!"
The humans and their Digimon slowly stepped towards their destination. Takuto at the front of the group looked down at the black roots in front of his feet then stared up. "Pretty sure trees aren't supposed to grow this fast. Then again…nothing about this is normal."
What was once the Mountain of Infinity was now part of the giant black tree with extending branches. "Wow…so this is what you were talking about?" Chitoste asked.
"The Malevolent Tree." Yuugo replied.
"Geez, that thing is massive." Yuki gapped. "We're gonna need a really big chainsaw…"
"WHAT YOU NEED…IS TO ACCEPT WHAT'S COMING…"
"We're back, Malevolent Fist." Shiki glared.
"SO, I SEE. AND YOU BROUGHT UNINVITED GUESTS TO THE PARTY. WELL, THAT'S ALRIGHT. I'M ALL FOR A BIGGER AUDIENCE TO WATCH AS I TAKE OVER THIS WORLD."
"Where's Luche?!" Shoma asked. "She better still be alive!"
"SADLY YES. SHE'S A PERSISTIENT LITTLE PARASITE. SHE WAS WAITING FOR YOU AS WELL YOU KNOW. CRYING LIKE A SCARED LITTLE GIRL. I'M SURE SHE'S HAPPY THAT YOU'RE ALL HERE. I BET SHE WOULD LOVE TO CRY AND GIVE YOU A HUG…BUT SHE'S A LITTLE TIED UP AT THE MOMENT. I TELL YOU THOUGH, SHE IS A HANDFUL. CAN'T WAIT TO RID MY SYSTEM OF HER PERMANENTLY."
"You monster!" Nokia growled.
"HEY, SHE WAS THE ONE WHO DECIDED TO JUMP IN HERE. I WAS ALL SET TO TAKE OVER THIS WORLD TO START MY COLLECTION BUT THEN SHE JUST HAD TO DIVE IN AND MESS THINGS UP. IF ANYTHING, I'M THE VICTIM HERE!"
"Victim you say?" Kyoko asked. "And what does that make the Digimon who are being attacked by the beasts you made? What does that make the humans who you would throw into chaos by merging our two worlds?"
"HA! YOU SHOULD BE GREATFUL! HUMANS LIVE PATHETIC BORING LIVES LIMITED BY PUNY LIFESPANS! I OFFER THEM SOME TRUE EXCITEMENT BEFORE THEY MEET THEIR INEVITABLE END! AND DON'T YOU WANT TO SEE HUMANS AND DIGIMON COME TOGETHER? I'M JUST GRANTING YOU YOUR WISH!"
"What we want is for humans and Digimon to come to an understanding and live side-by-side peacefully!" Takumi. "Not for them to be thrown into chaos together and stuck living under the rule of a maniac like you!"
"WOW, NOW THAT'S JUST PETTY! AND WHAT MAKES YOU ALL THINK MY RULE IS GONNA BE SO BAD, HUH?"
"Well let's see, you kidnapped our friends, you joined forces with a tyrant who wanted to destroy the human world and control this one, and you manipulate and hurt people and Digimon with your Dark Bond." Mameo said. "You don't exactly have a positive history. Call it a hunch but I think any reign you have in mind would suck for everyone other then you."
"HA, HA, HA, HA! I'LL REMEMBER THAT ONCE I PAY YOUR WORLD A VISIT!"
"Just how many Parallel Worlds do you plan to reach out to?" Sayo asked. "And what is your end goal?"
"HOW MANY PARALLEL WORLDS ARE THERE? I HAVE NO REASON TO LEAVE ANYONE OUT. AS FOR MY END GOAL…I GUESS I JUST WANNA SEE HOW FAR ALL THIS POWER TAKES ME! HOW MANY WORLDS CAN I MERGE WITH THIS ONE? WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE MANY DIGIMON AND HUMANS IN EACH ONE? WILL THEY UNIONIZE? MAYBE THEY'LL LIVE TOGETHER PEACFULLY…MAYBE THEY'LL GO TO WAR WITH EACH OTHER. OR MAYBE THEY'LL SPLIT THE COMBINED WORLD AND LIVE SEPERATLY. I PLAN TO PLAY IT BY EAR TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS…AND IF I GET BOARD, I CAN ALWAYS HAVE THEM DO WHATEVER I WANT TO ENTERTAIN ME! AFTER ALL, I SHALL BECOME THE GOD OF THIS NEW WORLD I CREATE!"
Kiryu scoffed. "Hmph. Humankind may be a mess with a lot to answer for. But I still can't imagine any of us ever worshiping a fabricated garbage god like you."
"I can easily say the same for us Digimon." Beelzemon X added.
"IF THEY DO NOT RESPECT ME…THEN I WILL TEATCH THEM TO FEAR ME!"
"Oh yeah, your reign will be just fine for everyone." Himari sarcastically replied.
"Well, good for you that you have big dreams and all." Keisuke said stepping forward. "But I'm afraid you're not seeing them through. Because we have dreams of our own."
"That's right." Ami nodded. "Humans and Digimon had a rocky start. But we've seen proof that they can coexist. And all it takes is a gentle hand reaching to them. Maybe our goals are similar to yours. But our reasons…and out methods are different."
"Damn straight." Arata nodded. "We want to gently bring our kind together so they can see peace! You want to throw them all into the stew for shits and giggles!"
The Malevolent Tree laughed again. "HA, HA, HA! YOU THINK YOU WEAK LITTLE HUMANS CAN DO SOMETHING BETTER THAN ME?! WHO HAS NOW BECOME A GOD?! YOU IDIOTS ARE A LAUGH RIOT!"
"We'll see who's laughing once we finally put you down." Fei said cracking her knuckles.
"You would do well not to underestimate the will of these humans." Alphamon Oryuken said. "Yes, they may be weak on their own. Especially compared to us Digimon. But when they join forces with us, we become capable of bringing gods to their knees."
"HA! WELL, I GUESS YOU WOULD KNOW ABOUT THESE HUMANS AND WHAT THEY CAN DO ALPHAMON. AFTER ALL THEY'VE BEEN DOING A MUCH BETTER JOB ON UNINTING DIGIMON AND PROTECTING THIS WORLD THEN YOU'VE EVER DONE. HISTORY LOVES REPEATING ITSELF. THE EATERS WANT TO DEVOUR KING DRASIL AND THIS WORLD, YOU JUST SIT ON YOUR ASS AND LET THEM. THE ROYAL KNIGHTS WANT TO ATTACK THE HUMANS, YOU JUST SIT ON YOUR ASS AND LET THEM. TAKUMI AND AMI WANT TO DIVE INTO DANGER, YOU JUST SIT ON YOUR ASS AND LET THEM! LEOPARDMON AND HIS BUDDIES WANT TO REBEL AGAINST THIS WORLD YOU JUST SIT ON YOUR USELESS ASS AND LET THEM! TAKUMI AND HIS GROUP OF DO GOODERS HAVE BEEN BUSTING THEIR ASSES TO COVER FOR YOUR MISTAKES! MAYBE WE SHOULD START CALLING THEM THE LEGENDARY ROYAL KNIGHTS!"
"Alphamon didn't just sit around during all of that!" Ami said. "Most of the time she didn't have a choice!"
"Yeah! Think YOU could do better?!" Rosemon X asked.
"OH, I ALREADY AM. INSTEED OF RELYING ON OTHERS TO DO MY WORK FOR ME, I WILL SEE MY OWN GOALS THROUGH BY MYSELF! WITHOUT HOLDING BACK OR LEACHING OF OFF THE BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS OF OTHERS!"
"Point taken." Alphamon Oryuken said. "I have relied on others to fulfil my duty. And I have been lax with Leopardmon and the others leading to the Next Order. I can admit that. However, I also acknowledge that I am only one Digimon. No matter how powerful you may be, you will always have limits like it or not. That is why it is important to know when to rely on others. When to pass the baton." Alphamon reflected on her being sealed in the Dark Area and then being rescued by Takumi and Ami. "So that when you fall…they will be there to pick up the pieces."
"You wish to accomplish your goals on your own Malevolent Fist?" Takumi asked. "Then let's see if the power you accumulated can match the willpower of everyone here to stop you!"
"YOU'RE WELCOME TO TRY. I'M DOWN FOR ANOTHER GAME. PERHAPS A LITTLE EXERSISE IS WHAT I NEED TO DIGEST THE GIRL."
"Don't expect to escape this time Malevolent Fist." Takuto said. "I plan on finishing what we started that day in our world. Once and for all."
"IS THAT SO? I VERY MUCH ENJOYED OUR LITTLE RIVALRY. BUT I SUPOSE ALL THINGS MUST COME TO AN END. INCLUDING THIS OLD WORLD!" Red lightning crackled in the background. One bolt struck the tree and it glowed red. More Dex Digimon emerged from the ground around it. "COME AT ME HUMANS AND DIGIMON! I SHALL ENJOY THIS DANCE OF DAMNATION!"
A red bolt struck at the team leaving a dust cloud. One by one the Digimon flew out carrying their partners. In Yukino, Yu and Ryuji's case they got a lift on Alphammon Oryuken, HerculesKabuterimon X and ChaosGallantmon. "This is it everyone!" Takumi said.
"Time to finish this case once and for all!" Ami said.
"We're coming for you Luche!" Shiki shouted.
"And once we finish this…it'll finally all be over!" Takuto declared.
"Let's do this!" Keisuke shouted. "Together!"
The army of enemies rose up and charged at them. Yukimura charged first stabbing a DexDorugamon. "Spin Attack!" He slashed it with his Dynas spinning around.
"Shinning Lasser!" Venusmon struck a bunch of DexDoruGretmon simultaneously.
"Starlight EX!" GraceNovamon obliterated a DexDorugoramon.
Omegamon Alter-S made a beeline for the tree as Kiryu established Matrix Link. "Transcendent Cannon!" They fired straight at the main target. The branches of the Malevolent Tree extended and grew as they formed a giant hand that blocked the blast. Kiryu and his Digimon growled in annoyance as their attacks was easily negated. The giant hand then curled into a fist and rocketed at them.
"Look out!" Yuugo shouted as he and Craniamon X flew up to block the punch with their weapon. A second giant hand appeared and swatted at both him and Omegamon Alter-S from the side.
"Those arms are in the way!" Hudiemon said. "We need to do something about them first!"
"On it!" Shiki replied as she and Faye flew at the right hand and stabbed at it repeatedly. "Sprout Rush!" They managed to get some dents in before the other hand swung at them. They flew away, but as they did, they saw the holes they made in the hand regenerate. "Oh, great."
Yuuko activated Matrix Link as she and Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode ran up and leapt at the left hand. "Splendid Blade of Tranquility!" Their sword glowed with white fire as they cut into it and white fire started to spread across it. The right hand chopped off the part of the left hand that was burning and that part hit the ground as it burned to cinders. But then the left hand grew back. "How annoying…!"
"Brave Metal!" A DexDorugoramon got them from behind while they were distracted.
"Yuuko!" Takumi Matrix Linked with his Digimon. "Saint Knuckle!" They punched the Digimon off Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode and helped him up. "Yuuko, are you alright?"
"Y-yeah, sorry, let my guard down there…"
"WELL, ISN'T THAT PRECIOUS? WHY DON'T YOU DIE WITH YOU'RE LITTLE KNIGHT?!" The two hands appeared to the left and right of Yuuko and Takumi and came towards them.
Infinity landed next to Rapidmon Armor X and dashed at the right hand. "Super Eradication Attack!" He started pushing it back.
Sakuyamon X landed near Yuuko and turned to the left hand. "Uka no Mitama!" Four elemental spirits clashed against it. The hands were blown back and damaged. When the four Digimon moved out of the way they clapped together and shattered.
"VERY CLEVER."
"Now's our chance!" Koh said.
Sayo nodded. "GraceNovamon!"
Their combined Digimon held its hands towards the Malevolent Tree. "Eclipse Finger!" They shot powerful light from its glowing palms that made a hissing sound against the bark. Smoke came out of the point of impact. A loud screech could be heard. When the attack was over a black dent was seen. "Nice." Mameo grinned. "Looks like that thing isn't invincible."
The burn mark on the tree slowly faded away. "MAYBE NOT. BUT WITH THIS REGENERATION I HAVE I MIGHT AS WELL BE! STRIKE THIS NEW FORM ALL YOU WANT! I'LL JUST BOUNCE RIGHT BACK!" Red bolts of lightning struck Omegamon Merciful Mode and Rikka as they aproached.
Ami slightly smirked to herself. 'Smarm it up while you can freak. Maybe we can't destroy you through conventional means. But we still have our ace in the hole. Just need to find our opening.'
"Healing Therapy!" Venusmmon healed up Omegamon Alter-S, Omegamon Merciful Mode, Rikka, Craniamon X, and Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode.
Yukino was still recording the scene on her Digivice when she looked at Kyoko from across Alphamon. "Hey, maybe we can have Venusmon hang back heal everyone as they're damaged."
"Great idea." Kyoko smiled. "But we'll need someone to cover her and make sure the Malevolent Tree doesn't notice." She took out her Digivice and sent a message. BeelStarmon X shot down a DexDoruGreymon while Sakuyamon X held up her arm and her staff impaled two DexDorugamon at once. Rosemon X tied up a DexDorugoramon with her whip then pulled it over to her for a roundhouse kick. Ami, Fei and Satome noticed their Digivices alert that they got a message and read their Digiline. The smiled as they flew back on their Digimon.
Omegamon Alter-S backed up into Beelzemon X as enemies circled them. "Yuki." Kiryu looked over his shoulder.
The teenager smirked. "You got my back, and I got yours bro."
"Supreme Sword!" Omegamon Alter S swung his blade, and a wave of light ripped many foes apart.
"Double Impact!" Beelzemon X started shooting everything around them.
"Apocalypse!" Rikka emitted a powerful light that obliterated any foe that got close. Then the Malevolent Tree struck her with a bolt of red lightning.
Himari yelped as they crashed into the ground. "Rikka…!" She then gasped looking up to see many enemies divebomb towards her and screamed in terror.
"Gigawatt Lasser!" Omni blasted a bunch of them while linking with Takuto. One DexDoruGreymon evaded and continued their advance, but Omni and Takuto cut it down.
"T-Takuto! Thank you!" Himari blushed.
Omni descended to Rikka. Takuto put a finger over his lip. Himari gave him an odd look. He then pointed behind Himari. The girl looked behind her were BeelStarmon X, Sakuyamon X and Ami X were fighting. She was about to question what Takuto was trying to hint at when she then saw ChaosGallantmon injured flying behind the three. Moment's latter he flew back out from behind them good as new. It was then when Himari noticed there was someone behind them. "Oh! Rikka, can you make it over there?"
The Magnadramon X flapped her wings to get off the ground. "I think so." She started flying towards Ami, Fei, and Satome's Digimon.
Chitoste chuckled. "Gotta hand it to that Kyoko, she's got beauty and smarts!"
"Metal Meteor!" Three DexDoruGreymon fired cannonballs.
ChaosGallantmon blocked them with his shield before it started to glow. "Judecca Prison!" He fired a powerful beam destroying them.
Ryuji looked around. "Still…as long as he can keep spawning more of these things, we're not winning this via war of attrition." He noticed a DexDoruGoramon approaching. ChaosGallantmon turned around to face it, but it was intercepted by Justimon's Justice Kick.
"Ryuji's right." Hudiemon said as she blinded two DexDorugoramon with Infinity Dream. "We need to get it's attention so Takumi and Takuto can get close enough." HerculesKabuterimon X flew by them. "Keisuke!"
"Hold on tight Yu, this is gonna be rough!" Keisuke said before closing his eyes. "Horn Buster Revision!" His Digimon charged straight towards the tree.
The Malevolent Tree Extended its branches into a spear and thrusted. It clashed with HerculesKabuterimon X's strongest attack. At first it was a standstill. "Overclock!" HerculesKabuterimon X glowed red and started smashing into the giant swirl of branches continuing his advance towards the tree.
"I DON'T THINK SO!" The Malevolent Tree summoned a red barrier that blocked him. Then it exploded sending Keisuke, Yu, and HercullesKabuterimon X screamed as they were all sent flying.
Omegamon Merciful Mode swooped in to catch HerculesKabuterimon X, Hudiemon caught Keisuke by the arm and Ryuji was holding Yu by the back of his coat. "Not gonna lie, not my brightest move." Keisuke muttered.
"Clearly." Hudiemon grumbled dropping him onto his Digimon.
"That jerk's got so many tricks up his sleave." Nokia growled.
"Not surprising." Justimon replied. "It's a petri dish of all of the greatest threats we've ever faced."
Noir flew cut through a bunch of DexDorugoramon with his sword as he aproached the tree then fired his cannon at it. Another barrier took the hit, and he drew his sword again charging at it, only for one of the hands to smack him aside. Omegamon Alter-S and Beelzemon X got close enough to shoot at it, and it then struck them with red lightning. "Spooky Zapper!" Diaboromon X stabbed his claws into it and sent purple electricity into it. The tree glowed red and then electrocuted him until he pulled his hands out.
"Final Crest!"
"Heoendings Waltz!" Craniamon X spun his spear as he aproached and thrusted it into the tree as Yukimura fired at it. The tree blew Craniamon X away with a wave of thorns and then shot Yukimura with a red beam.
Alphamon Oryuken flew in and stabbed her colossal sword into the tree. Three DexDorugoramon tired to jump her from behind but Omegamon Fierce Blade mode slashed them apart from behind. Then the two hands clapped both of them. "HMPH. MY WORLD DOES NOT NEED A LAZY ROYAL KNIGHT WHO CAN'T DO HER JOB WITHOUT MOOCHING OFF OF OTHERS. DIE!" The Malevolent Tree started crushing them. Then two whips glowing red pulled the hands apart. Also glowing red were the Armed Arms shooting at them while orbiting.
"I may not be a very good Royal Knight." Alphamon Oryuken smirked. "But judging how well my protégées turned out I'd say I was a pretty good teacher."
Rosemon X spun and whipped the tree from where she was with BeelStarmon X and Sakuyamon X. Rapidmon Armor X flew by recollecting his weapons and took aim at the tree. "Lasser Gattling Arm!" A rapid-fire flurry struck the black bark.
"SO, IT WOULD SEEM. BUT THEY WILL NOT STOP ME. NONE OF YOU WILL STOP ME!" One of the hands swatted Rapidmon Armor X a good distance to the ground.
"Funny! I recall the Chrono you rely on thinking the same thing!" Sayo shouted as GraceNovamon flew up and threw a punch at the tree that emitted a shock wave. A loud cry was heard. Then a growl before a black burst of energy blew GraceNovamon back.
Justimon grabbed a DexDorugoramon by the tail and swung him into ChaosGallantmon who put him on the other end of his lance. Red lightning struck both of them. Hudiemon kicked a DexDorugamon before the tree summoned roots that grabbed her ankles. She tried to pry them off with her hands before those were grabbed by more branches and her arms and legs were pulled away from each other stretching her out horizontally. "THERE WILL BE NO SUPRISES FROM YOU THIS TIME HUDIEMON!" The branches lifter her up then swung her downward towards a DexDorugoramon who held it's fist up. The branches slammed Hudiemon's back into the monster's fist. The girl screamed as a crunch was heard and she was pulled down against the fist harder arching her back further.
"Hudiemon!" Keisuke shouted as HerculesKabuterimom X clawed the DexDorugoramon then the branches holding Hudiemon letting her drop into Keisuke's arms. "Are you okay?!" Hudiemon could only groan weakly to reply.
"HA! THAT SHOULD DEAL WITH HER FOR THE REST OF THIS BATTLE." Justimon charged towards him, but he was struck by lightning. Then Yukimura and Faye flew at him, but the arms smacked them aside. 'SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT...' The tree thought. 'NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I SMACK THEM DOWN THEY GET RIGHT BACK UP...I KNOW MY ATTACKS ARE RACKING UP DAMAGE ON THEM BUT THE AREN'T SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF WEARING DOWN...'
"Infinity Dream!" Hudiemon flew up and emitted blue light from her eyes.
"WHAT?" The Malevolent Tree summoned more branches to tie her up then slam her into the ground. 'HOW CAN SHE STILL FIGHT LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED? THAT LAST BLOW SHOULD HAVE WRECKED HER BACK.' The tree blocked Omni and Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode's swords with a barrier then blew them away. Then it noticed the three Digimon hanging back fighting its minions in the distance. 'WAIIIIIIIT A MINUTE.'
"Amathyst Mandala!" Sakuyamon X summoned a holy barrier that blew away all the approaching enemies.
"Fly Bullet..." BeelStarmon X fired at the incoming Digimon repeatedly. "...Segundo!" Her wings spread and shot black feathers into them while their guard was down.
"Rosen Blood!" Ami and Rosemon emitted red light that froze any nearby targets before their whips tangled around each of them and crushed them. "Just have to keep this up!"
Fei heard a crackle above. "Heads up!" She Matrix Linked with her Digimon and they held up their staff protecting the group from the incoming lightning with their staff.
"That was close..." Ami and Rosemon X breathed.
"Do you think he might be onto us?" Satome whispered.
"NOT LEAVING THAT SPOT, ARE YOU?" The Malevolent Tree laughed before shooting a black and red energy wave at the three Digimon in the distance. Rosemon X and Ami spun their whips in front of them, and Sakuyamon X and Fei did the same with their staff. BeelStarmon X crossed her arms as her wings folded in front of her and they blocked the blast grunting at the damage they sustained. When it died down the three Digimon lowered their guards panting. And then two spirals of branches rose from the ground under each of them. Each of the three Digimon hand their arms and legs tangled up in branches up to their knees and elbows and their arms were pulled downwards like they were trying to touch their toes. Ami and Fei were also feeling their hands and feet getting yanked downward thanks to the Matrix Link. The three female Digimon were slowly pulled out of the way and behind them the Malevolent Tree could see Faye being healed by Venusmon. "PIKA BOO~!"
"Well..." Ami and Rosemon X grunted as they tried to pull their limbs free from the branches that were slowly pulling them closer and closer to the ground. "He's definitely on to us now."
"Oh, no." Shiki muttered as she activated Matrix Link and got into a fighting stance with her Digimon that was immediately dropped when the Malevolent Tree summed more roots under her and Venusmon that grabbed them by the hands and feet and started pulling them towards the ground along with the struggling BeelStarmon X, Rosemon X and Sakuyamon X. On the ground were the ground they were being pulled towards a giant maw appeared and starting biting at they were dragged towards it.
"Oh...that's now good." Satome palled clinging to her Digimon as she along with the others grunted trying harder to pull free.
"Oh no!" Hudiemon sprung back to her feet and flew towards them. "Got no choice..." She opened a monitor and pressed some buttons. "Overclock." The screen glowed red. As did she and she crossed her arms and bent her legs lowering her head as she hovered over Faye, Venusmon, Rosemon X, Sakuyamon X and BelleStarmon X and the horror threatening to eat them. "Infinity...DREAM!" She lowered her arms and legs and rose her head as she burst with red energy. The five Digimon under her along with Satome, Ami, Shiki and Fei winced at the brightness. The jaw opened and made a groaning sound before it dissolved along with the branches holding the five Digimon by the arms and legs.
"Wow..." Ami murmured as her Digimon rubbed her wrists. "Hudiemon that was amazing!"
"Heh. I'm impressed too." Fei grinned. "Didn't think you had it in you."
"Glad I impressed you girls..." Hudiemon panted as she slackened. "...But I don't think I'll be doing much more today..."
A eerie cackle came from the tree. "IN THAT CASE HUDIEMON...WHY DON'T YOU JOIN THE OTHER LADIES AND HAVE A SEAT IN THE PEANUT GALLERY!" A bunch of black pools bubbled beneath Hudiemon, Faye, Venusmon, Rosemon X, Sakuyamon X, and BelleStarmon X before something else rose up from them surrounding the six. Multiple black hands that started grabbing them by the limbs as well as multiple other places. Ami, Shiki, Satome and Fei weren't spared from being roughly grabbed by the ghostly hands either, thanks to smaller ones the tree seemed to have summoned just for them.
BeelStarmon X groaned as she and her allies renewed their struggling. "Dammit." Then they were all roughly dragged into the ground and pinned to it as more hands pulled onto each of them.
"Let us go!" Shiki shouted.
"Not...like this...!" Using Matrix Link and Overclock Ami and Rosemon X managed to lift themselves into sitting up before a bunch of more hands slammed into them like a tidal wave knocking them back down.
The tree laughed watching Venusmon struggle in vain. "NOW YOU CAN NO LONGER HEAL ANYONE! SO, WITH THAT OBSTACLE OUT OF THE WAY..." The two giant branch hands formed up together and the palms generated violet light.
Keisuke gasped. "Yu, get onto Chitoste's Digimon."
"Huh? Why?"
"Do it! Now!"
"Okay, okay!" Yu jumped off of HerculesKabuterimom X's shoulder and onto ChaosGallantmon's. MarineAngemon followed him. Keisuke activated Matrix Link and HerculesKabuterimom Xflew off fast. "Keisuke?!"
"Oh God." Arata gulped as he came to realise what the Malevolent Tree was aiming at. "Takumi, Takuto, watch out!
A giant purple beam flew towards the two heroes who braced themselves for impact until they noticed HerculesKabuterimom X fly in with Keisuke who both had their arms out. "Keisuke!" Takumi gasped. Just before the hit, GraceNovamon flew in front of them and held its hands forward blocking the attack. "Sayo! Koh!
The Union City duo grunted as they shielded themselves from the blast as GraceNovamon summoned a barrier to protect them all with. But even that was not holding too well. "Get out of there you two!" Mameo shouted.
"NOW THAT I HAVE CHRONO DATA, I HAVE NO USE FOR EITHER OF YOU! DIE ALONE IN THIS FOREIGN WORLD!"
The attack grew in strength making Sayo and Koh yelp as they felt their Digimon's defense was ready to shatter. But they held strong as familiar words echoed.
"Sayo, you're more than just a skilled Tamer to Night Crow. You're a part of us."
"You bothof you must promise us you will be cautious. This new enemy is unlike anything we've encountered before."
Sayo clenched her right hand. 'Chief Julia…ChaosGallantmon…'
"Koh, you and Light Fang aren't just a team. You're like family to me."
"And above all, come home alive. As Glare and Chief Julia said, you two are our family and we need you."
Koh clenched his left hand. 'Chief Glare…Ophanimon…'
Sayo gritted her teeth. "You're wrong...Malevolent Fist!"
"Everything you just said..." Koh glared.
As Sayo and Koh's eyes closed, GraceNovamon's sparkled. "...is wrong!" It shouted with its Tamers as the barrier around them glowed brighter and protected them through the attack.
"Sayo! Koh!" Keisuke gasped.
"We are not alone!" GraceNovamon, Sayo and Koh said. "Even now when worlds apart, we have the power and courage of Light Fang and Night Crow giving us strength! Chief Julia, Chief Glare, all our fellow Tamers and Digimon encourage us just as they did that day against Grimmon! And we will not die here...because we made a promise! A promise to repay our debt to this world and its Tamers...and return home! As soon as we defeat you!"
The Malevolent Tree zapped Infinity and Beelzemon X as they tried to fly at it. "YOU'RE WELCOME TO TRY!" The two giant branch hands closed in from the left and right of GraceNovamon. Omni, Rapidmon Armor X and HerculesKabuterimom X all braced themselves. But just before they could be smashed the hands stopped. They looked up and were shocked to see GraceNovamon holding its hands out to the sides pushing back both giant hands. Sayo was holding her right hand to the side with Koh holding out his left. With the power of Matrix Link GraceNovamon pushed the hands away and held its hands forward. "Royal Cannon!" A golden sparkle fell from its hands towards the tree that burst into a brilliant explosion that burnt the tree making it scream.
"They got him good that time!" Himari grinned.
The tree growled as it regenerated. "DON'T GET COCKY...!"
"Hyper Infinity Cannon!" Infinity opened fire on the tree.
"WHAT? I IMOBOLISED THAT HEALER! HOW DID YOU...?!"
"Ocean's Love!" MarineAngemon twirled around in front of Beelzemon X and healed him.
"Venusmon isn't the only one with good health care!" Yu grinned.
Red lightning boomed behind the tree as it shouted. "DID I MENTION HOW ANOYING YOU HUMANS AND YOUR PERSISTENCE CAN BE?! GET THIS THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS! YOU. WILL. NOT. WIN! NOT THIS TIME! NOT EVER!" The whole area started to shake.
Ami and Rosemon X noticed the grip of the hands holding them to the ground was slipping. "Rosen Blood!" Activating Matrix Link once more their whips slashed at all the arms around them cutting them, Venusmon, Faye, BelleStarmon X, Sakuyamon X and their Tamers lose. "Yes!" They all rose back into the air.
The tree roared emitting a shockwave that blew all of them way back. "Is everyone alright?" Yukino asked.
"Yeah. Just startled me." Kouta replied.
The tree started glowing red. "Seems like our friend over there is getting a little pissed off." Arata pointed out.
"Yeah, no shit." Ryuji replied.
"Interesting." Kyoko said. "This could be our chance to put the plan into action. Takumi, Takuto, you got our secret weapons?"
"Right here." Takuto said putting a hand over his Digivice.
"Okay. You boys get as close to the tree as you can." Kiryu said. "The rest of us will provide cover and a diversion."
"No matter what, don't stop you two." Yuugo said. "Everything is depending on this. The fate of our worlds is in your hands now."
"Yeah, no pressure there." Takumi sighed.
"Oh, come on, it's nothing new for us." Takuto grinned.
"I guess not."
"It's nothing new to a lot of us!" Nokia grinned. "We're in this together you guys!"
"Enough talk." Hudiemon said. "Let's get this done."
The tree summoned the largest wave of DexDigimon yet and sent them forward. "Here we go!" Satome shouted.
Alphamon Oryuken held her blade forward. "All units! Charge!" The whole team advanced together. The Omegamon in the team as well as Rapidmon Armor X were shooting at the approaching swarm then took their bladed weapons out before the clash.
"Uka no Mitama!" Sakuyamon X and Fei sent spirits at a chunk of the army before they were dogpiled by enemies and dragged towards the ground.
"Fei!" Yuuko shouted.
"I'll save her, just watch Takumi!" Yuugo ordered as he and Craniamon X flew after Sakuyamon X.
"Shining Lasser!"
"Rune Forrest!" Rosemon X and Rapidmon Armor X destroyed a bunch of foes while back-to-back only for more to take their place. "These things are seriously starting to get on my nerves." Ami groaned. A DexDorugamon flew at her, and Rosemon X prepared to strike it. But a bird's cry was heard before a white bird swooped in and cut through them.
Venusmon descended in front of the twins. "Go on ahead. I'll hold them back."
"What?" Rapidmon Armor X gasped.
"There's too many for you to take on alone!" Takumi objected.
"Who said she's alone?" Yukino asked before she and Kyoko descended on Alphamon Oryuken.
"Mom...Kyoko..."
"We can handle this together." Kyoko said "Meanwhile isn't there something you two need to do? That only you two can do?"
"Kyoko..." Ami looked at them.
Alphamon Oryuken turned around and swung her sword. It cleaved a gap through the enemy force. "Go, Cyber Sleuths! Find the truth that only you can!"
"Make your father proud!" Yukino smiled. "Make us all proud!"
Takumi and Ami smiled at them before their Digimon flew away with them. The Dex Digimon attempted to follow. "Soul Degitilization!" Alphamon Oryuken fired beams of light into them shooting them all down until their attention was turned back to her and Venusmon. "Sorry, but you'll have to deal with us first."
"I will protect the little ones." Venusmon declared.
"And they..." Kyoko smiled. "...will be the masters of their own future."
Omni and Faye were making their way through the swarm of enemies. Omni and Takuto sliced a DexDoruGreymon and fired at two DexDorugoramon. "Gran del Sol!" Faye and Shiki blew up three DexDorugoramon. They heard a roar and turned around to see more, but they were blown down by glowing cannon fire. "Mameo! Shoma!" Takuto gleamed.
"Keep going!" Shoma shouted.
"We'll take down anything that tries to follow you!" Mameo shouted. "NOW give the Malevolent Fist what's coming to him!" Omni and Faye flew towards the tree again.
Rapidmon Armor X fired again and again as Rosemon X slashed with her whips. They failed to notice two DexDorugoramon charging with Brave Metal and were slammed to the ground. Rapidmon Armor X and Rosemon X kicked their assaulters off them before they got back up. "Takumi, Ami, are you two alright?" Rapidmon Armor X asked.
"Yeah." Takumi grunted. "But we got bigger problems!" Once again, they were surrounded.
Rosemon dodged a DexDorugamon's lunge and kicked it. Rapidmon Armor X parried a DexDorugoramon's claws and shot it. Then they both jumped over two Metal Meteors, but they were rammed by DexDorugoramon knocking their Tamers off their shoulders. "Takumi!"
"Ami!" Rosemon X tried to reach out to them, but she was caught in a DexDorugoramonbearhug from behind.
Takumi and Ami screamed as they fell but both felt an unexpected and soft landing. When Ami opened her eyes, she was staring at Arata's face. When Takumi opened his he was looking at Yuuko. "Man..." Arata sighed. "The things you two drag yourselves into..."
Ami giggled from in Arata's arms who carried her while standing on Diaboromon X. "Hey, if I do get into trouble, I know my knight in shining armor will come for me." She then looked over at Takumi who was being carried by Yuuko on Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode. "Just like my brother who will always be rescued by his."
Takumi blushed as Yuuko innocently smiled at him. "Very funny."
Nokia grinned at him teasingly from on Omegamon Merciful Mode. "If this happens again, you and your sister have to put on tiaras and dresses to fit your newfound career as damsels in distress!"
"How about no?!"
"Fine." Yuuko smiled. "You don't want that to happen, stop being so reckless, and I won't have to be your knight in shining armor."
Takumi squinted. "Is it just me, or have you started to take joy in making fun of me?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Uh, guys?!" Everyone looked up to see Rapidmon Armor X frantically shooting at incoming targets. "Not to ruin your little moment..."
Rosemon X thrashed and struggled to at least pull an arm out of the squeeze the DexDorugoramon had her in. "But we could really use some help over here!"
"Oh, right!" Nokia pointed. "Omegamon!"
"Fearsome Blade!" Omegamon Merciful Mode's blade extended as he slashed the enemies around them one by one.
"Catastrophe Cannon!" Diaboromon X shot the DexDorugoramon in the back wearing it enough for Rosemon X to burst out of its grip then destroy it with her whip.
Once their partners reached them, Takumi and Ami jumped back onto them. "Thanks for the save guys." Ami said.
"Let us handle the small fry!" Arata said.
"You two get to the tree!" Nokia added.
"Binding Whirlwind!" Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode tore through a bunch of targets with a hurricane. "Don't worry about us!" Yuuko said. "Stop the tree and these monsters will fall!"
"We're counting on you two!" Arata said. "Just like back then with the Mother Eater!"
"Just don't nearly sacrifice yourselves like you did back then!" Nokia said. "Or I'm gonna be do mad that I really WILL make you two dress up as princess to humiliate you for life!"
"Odd threat." Ami replied. "But don't worry, we're all seeing this through and coming home together."
Takumi nodded. "After that we have big plans to see through." Rapidmon Armor X and Rosemon X flew off.
Yuuko smiled. "We sure do."
"Here we go!" Nokia shouted. "Time to kick some ass!"
"You hear that, scumbags?!" Arata yelled. "You'll have to go through us first!"
Omni slashed a DexDorugoramon and Faye stabbed a DexDoruGreymon. More Digimon appeared around them. "Oh, come on, this is getting annoying." Shiki groaned.
Yukimura descended in front of Omni. "Final Crest!"
Rikka descended in front of Faye. "Fire Tornado!"
As a hole was punched through the enemy force Kouta and Himari smirked. "Is it that time again?" Kouta grinned.
"You know the line." Himari smirked.
Both Tamers held their hands forward. "We've got this! Get going already!"
Takuto and Shiki laughed. "Don't mind if we do!" Takuto said flying ahead on Omni.
"You two be careful!" Shiki added as she and Faye flew after them. They could hear the sounds of battle behind them. They soon meet up with Takumi and Ami as the tree got closer.
"You guys okay?" Takumi asked.
"Sure are." Takuto smiled. "We hang with a tough crowd."
"So do we." Ami smiled
"We gotta make this count." Shiki said. "They put everything on the line for us."
"It will count." Takumi said as the tree came close. More Digimon started chasing them from behind but then Hudiemon, HerculesKabuterimom X, Justimon, ChaosGallantmon, and MarineAngemon flew in front of the attack force stopping them and forcing them to let Takumi, Takuto, Ami and Shiki to get further and further away.
"Not so fast." Yu glared.
"You'll have to get through us first." Chitoste declared.
"But don't count on coming out of this alive." Ryuji said.
Keisuke smiled looking behind him. "Takumi...Ami...Takuto...Shiki...we're counting on you."
Hudiemon smiled and pointed forward. "Hudie, move out!"
The Malevolent Tree noticed Takumi, Takuto, Ami and Shiki approaching fast. "FOOLS. CHARGE TO YOUR OWN DOOM!"
"Calydon Arcus!" GraceNovamon's blades flew at the tree. The branch hands tried to protect it, but the swords hacked away at them swiftly and tore the hands to ribbons.
"Nice work kids!" Ami put her thumb up. "Now we-
Right when they got in front of the tree, black roots burst out in front of GraceNovamon, Rapidmon Armor X, Omni, Rosemon X, and Faye. They five stopped as they formed a wall circling around them, and they looked around trying to keep track of them all as they swirled around them. Then a root with a sharp point went towards each of them. "Skip Frame." There was a loud shing, and Omegamon Alter-S appeared in front of the group and all the roots fell apart.
"Thanks, Kiryu, you're a lifesaver." Takuto smiled.
"If you wish to thank us..." Kiryu and his Digimon spoke together with Matrix Link. "Then finish your part of this mission. Let your hearts guide you to the end of this war."
More Dex Digimon spawned in front of the tree, but they were immediately shot down by BeelStarmon X and Beelzemon X. "You heard the man." Yuki grinned.
"Get going, we got this!" Satome said.
Omni looked up. "BoltBoutamon's consciousness is coming from the top of the tree."
"Then that's where we'll deliver his little surprise." Takuto said. He smirked at Shiki. "Guess I'm about to finally climb up my first tree!"
Shiki smiled back at him. "You better. It's Luche and multiple worlds on the line here."
GraceNovamon turned to the Cyber Sleuths and Flotia's heroes. "Ready to end this?" They spoke with their Tamers.
Takumi, Ami, Takuto, and Shiki closed their eyes activating Matrix Link. "Let's." They all flew up the tree. More Dex Digimon surrounded Kiryu, Yuki, and Satome and they stood ready to fight with their Digimon.
"WHATEVER YOU'RE PLANNING WON'T WORK ON ME! I AM A GOD!" Red light flashed from the top and red bolts rained down. GraceNovamon, Rapidmon Armor X, Rosemon X, Omni, and Faye started flying around the attacks. "HOLD STILL!" Branches came out and started swinging at them.
"Transcendent Sword!"
"Sprout Rush!" Using their weapons Omni, Takuto, and Shiki slashed through them as they advanced. Then more Digimon appeared at the top of the tree and started coming down towards them.
"Billion Bullet!"
"Rosen Blood!" Takumi, Rapidmon Armor X, Ami, and Rosemon X didn't stop. They just let the Armed Arms and thorny whips take out anything that tried to get close.
Right when they got close to the top of the tree it sprouted two more giant hands. "DIE!" They crushed the five Digimon in between.
"Overclock!" With a loud boom the hands were obliterated. Rapidmon Armor X, Omni, Rosemon X, and Faye were glowing red.
GraceNovamon held her hands towards the tree. "Eclipse Finger!" They fired powerful beams of light that burned against it. The Malevolent Tree cried out in pain.
More Dex Digimon aproached from below. Bit Rapidmon Armor X and Rosemon X used their firearms and whips to rip them apart. "Now Takuto!" Takumi and Rapidmon Armor X shouted.
"Save Luche!" Ami and Rosemon X ordered.
Takuto opened his eyes. "Right!" He jumped off of Omni and landed on an extended branch before running across it as GraceNovamon kept up their attack. He stood in front of the bark and looked at the Digivice around his wrist. "Here goes." He pressed the screen and Luche's doll appeared in his right arm. He put his left hand on it, and the entire hand glowed blue. He pressed his right hand onto the tree and slammed the left into it shouting.
"TYRING TO HACK INTO THE TREE? YOU'RE NOT EVEN A HACKER YOU FOOL! YOU'LL NEVER GET PAST THE ENCRYPTION LEADING TO MY ESSENSE!"
"Not…trying…to…!" Takuto grunted.
"THEN WHAT ARE YOU…?"
"Luche! I know you're in there! We're here to take you back!"
Inside the tree the girl was still trapped in roots and blinded. But she heard a voice as a blue light formed above her. "…Takuto…?"
Shiki landed next to Takuto and put her hands on the doll. her right hand glowed blue and she shoved it into the tree while keeping her left on the doll. "I'm here too Luche! Come on! Fight back!"
"You're stronger than you think Luche!" Takuto said. "And so is the bond you share with all of us! Follow it back to us! Nothing, not even the Malevolent Fist can keep us apart!"
The light above Luche glowed brighter. "Takuto…Shiki!"
"What is this?!" the Malevolent Fist's voice yelled.
"I…I want to go back to Flotia with you…! I want to…play with Digimon…eat Digimeat…and spend time with you…with Shoma…with Kouta…with Himari…with Mameo…with everyone…I want…to go back with all of you!" Tears came down her cheeks from under the root over her eyes.
From the light Takuto and Shiki's hands reached out towards Luche. "LUCHE!"
"TAKUTO! SHIKI!" Luche's arms strained against the roots holding them. And miraculously…they snapped. Her hands reached out and grabbed the ones reaching for her and everything started glowing.
Takuto and Shiki pulled with the arms inside the tree using all their might. "Don't give up!" Takumi said.
"You can do it!" Ami yelled.
Takuto and Shiki shouted as they slowly backed up. The glowing hole in the tree grew in size. With one final yank Luche was pulled out off the hole and the three of them fell off the branch. Omni flew in and caught them. "Welcome back Luche." Shiki gently said as the three hugged sitting on Omni's shoulder.
"Takuto…Shiki…" Luache sniffled. "I was so lonely…so scared…but I knew you would come for me! I believed in you!"
Takuto petted Luche's head. "And we didn't stop believing you'd hold on until we did." He held up her doll. "And that's why I held onto this for you."
Luche hugged her favorite doll. "Takuto…Shiki…thank you!"
The siblings hugged the girl again. "Luche…don't scare us like that. If we had to go home to Flotia without you, it'd destroy us." Shiki said.
"I'm sorry…"
"It's okay." Takuto smiled. "Just know that there are people here who need you."
"Okay."
"HOW DID YOU…?" Upon hearing the Malevolent Tree speak everyone looked back at the hole Luche came out of that was getting smaller and smaller.
"Takumi, there!" GraceNovamon, Sayo, and Koh said still attacking. "This is your chance!"
"On it!" Takumi put his goggles on and pressed some buttons on the screen in front of him. The glowing light known as the Eaters formed over his hand. "Here goes!" Rapidmon Armor X flew towards the tree.
"WHAT ARE YOU…STAY AWAY!" Red lights formed and fired lasers at Rapidmon Armor X who franticly dodged them.
One of them hit blowing him away and Takumi fell of his shoulder. Rosemon X swooped in, and Ami pulled her brother on by his left arm. "Ami…" Takumi watched his sister take her goggles out of her hair and put them over her eyes.
"Let's finish this brother. It's time to move on from the past." She held her left hand near his right and the Eaters.
Takumi smiled and nodded. "Yeah." The faced the Malevolent Tree as Rosemon X flew closer. As she dodged a laser the Cyber Sleuths jumped off her together and dived towards the hole. Each of them holding the Eaters forward with their gloved hands. "Eat this!" They shoved the Eaters against the tree. It grinded against it as the nearly gone hole slowly started to grow again. It then flew inside the tree and a loud burst blew Takumi and Ami away. Their Digimon caught them.
GraceNovamon finally stopped their attack leaving them and their Tamers panting. "Did…did it work…?" Sayo asked.
"W-WHAT IS THIS…?" The Malevolent Tree asked in a shaky voice. "WHAT DID YOU…?"
Down below Alphamon cut a DexDorugoramon in half. She heard a scream and turned around to see Venusmon thrashing in the grip of another. Alphamon was about to fire at it, but then the fake Digimon turned to stone then crumbled into dust. "Huh?" Yukino asked. "What just…?"
Kyoko turned towards the tree with a smile. "That's my assistants and your daughter and son for you." Through the battlefield, Yuugo, Fei, Shoma, Mameo, Yuuko, Arata, Nokia, Kouta, Himari, Keisuke, Yu, Ryuji, Chitose and the Digimon alongside them watched the enemies become statues and crumble.
Kiryu and Omegamon Alter-S cut down another tree root. BeelStarmon X and Beelzemon X shot down more Digimon. Another root rose up and was about to slam on Omegamon Alter-S who held his left shoulder out and generated an electrical barrier, but just before contact the root decayed and vanished. Kiryu opened his eyes. "What just happened?"
Yuki and Satome watched the last of the Digimon turn to dust. Satome turned around and gasped. "Guys! The tree!"
Kiryu watched as the rest of the team joined him and his friends. The black tree started to turn white from the bottom slowly crawling up it. "Did they do it?" Kiryu asked looking up. HerculesKabuterimon X flew straight up with Keisuke and Yu. Omegamon Merciful Mode and Craniamon X grabbed Diaboromon X and Samudramon Fierce Blade Mode as they along with the rest of the gang followed one by one.
Takumi, Ami, Takuto, Shiki, Sayo, Koh, their Digimon and Luche watched the tree turn completely white. "Ya'll did it!" Fei gleamed.
"Luche!" Shoma turned to the girl with Takuto and Shiki. "Are you alright?!"
"Mmhmm! Never better!"
"Glad to have you back Luche." Himari smiled.
"Yeah. Our awkward social circle would be incomplete without you." Kouta added.
Mameo folded his arms with a grin. "All's well that ends well."
"Heh. This brings back memories." Arata chuckled.
"Looks like we get another happy ending!" Nokia cheered.
"We did it!" Yu cheered. "We actually saved the world! Us!"
"Us and our Digimon." Yuugo said. "The bonds we share with them and each other brought us through to the end."
"Finally…" Kiryu said. "It's finally over."
"So, what do we do with the tree?" Yuki asked. "I mean, it's kinda just there…"
"Is it really safe to leave it like this?" Yuuko asked.
"We'd best get Mirei and the other Knights." Alphamon said. "Once we take stock of the situation, we'll discuss what we can-
A low chuckle got everyone's attention. "Uh, guys?" Koh looked around. "What was that?"
"SO, THIS WAS YOU'RE PLAN…"
Everyone turned towards the Malevolent Tree. "It can't be…!
Takumi gasped.
"The Malevolent Fist!" Shiki gapped.
"Impossible…!" Alphamon Oryuken murmured in a rare tone of shock.
"VERY CLEVER…USING THIS FOREGN OBJECT AGAINST ME…BUT YOU UNDERESTIMATE MY POWER!" Cracks started to form all over the tree. "YOU HAVE NOT DEFEATED ME!" A giant red X flashed over it as the cracks glowed purple. "YOU ONLY GRANTED ME A NEW OPORTUNITY! TO BECOME EVEN STRONGER!" The tree exploded in violet light blinding everyone while blowing them back.
"How the hell is he still functional?!" Diaboromon X.
"I…I don't know!" Alphamon Oryuken replied. "The Eaters should have subdued his consciousness! Did he find a way to bypass them?!"
"You telling me this isn't over?!" Chitoste asked.
"Why can't it ever be easy?!" Ami yelled.
The light slowly died down and the group looked at what was before them. Laughing. None of them could hide their shock. In place of the Malevolent Tree-And the Mountain of Infinity-was the largest Digimon they ever saw. One with a green wireframe body with purple armor plates, red and black wings, massive claws with red points, and a head similar to DexDorugoramon with a glowing red mouth. It laughed at the dumbstruck Digimon and humans in front of it. "IT'S TIME…FOR THE MAIN EVENT."
Yes. It is time for DeathXmon. Next chapter is the TRUE final battle.