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.

76. Chapter 76: Justice of the Royal Knight

Sorry for another late update, had some stuff to take care off. Moving on, here's chapter 76!

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Craniamon stood in the depths of Drive Canyon folding his arms. He had been as still as a statue since his arrival. He only moved when he sensed someone coming and looked up as Mameo, Keisuke, Yuugo and their Digimon along with Zero appeared on the scene. "You have come."

"Thanks to you we were able to have a chat with Kiryu." Mameo said. "It's only natural that we return the favor and honor our end of the deal."

"So what did you call us here for?" Yuugo asked.

Craniamon aproached. "Tell me something. Just what are you humans?"

The group eyed him oddly. "Huh? We're humans. Nothing more nothing less." Keisuke replied. "I don't know what you mean."

"Yours is a confusing and inconsistent existence. At first, I thought all of you were evil. Sinful beings that bring nothing but harm to us Digimon. But then I met you, a human that went great lengths to save my life, even when I told you to leave me be. I also met that human Suedou who felt that our kind should get along peacefully. And Kiryu who was the victim of crimes committed by one of my fellow knights. I don't understand you humans. Are you an evil existence or not?"

Mameo put his hands in his pockets. "So that's what this is about. I honestly don't know what to tell you big guy. We humans are a complex topic. Like you said there's no consistency." His mind pulled up a memory of him fighting a man with a Machinedramon who sought to enslave Digimon back when he was a kid. "Yeah, there are selfish beings among our race. Humans who think only of themselves." He saw in his mind a memory of Takuto, Shiki, Kouta, Himari, Luche and Shoma playing with Digimon in Flotia. "But that's only one side of humanity. There's also the selfless kind. The ones who want to do nothing but help others."

"Hmph. All that does is strengthen my belief that humans cannot be trusted. How can I trust a race that could be good or evil and I have no means of telling which?"

"Craniamon...don't you think it's reckless to be judging humanity as a whole?" Yuugo asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Like Mameo said there are many different forms of humans in this world. Is it really fair to judge all of them by the ways of a few?"

"You make it sound like you humans are not all the same race. But while there may be differences among you, I have observed many consistencies. Many of which are not pleasant."

"I could say the same about you Digimon."

"Excuse me?"

"Am I wrong? Think about the Next Order and the Resistance. If all Digimon were consistent there would not be two factions of this world divided like this. Hell, there wouldn't even be a war right now! And think back to the previous reality. Yes, there were Digimon who were forcefully bent to the will of selfish humans, but there were also Digimon who chose to follow them willingly. Just as there were Digimon that wanted to destroy us."

Craniamon went quiet. Zero spoke up next. "Tell me something Craniamon. Why did you follow him? Why did you join Leopardmon in his Next Order and betray your king?"

"I joined Leopardmon because after what happened with the Eaters, I lost all faith in King Drasil. He failed to keep the pledge under control. Worse. He aided them in their erosion of our world and turned us Royal Knights against each other. How could I be certain he wouldn't do so again?"

"Sounds to me King Drasil is the inconsistent one." Mameo said.

"Hmm. I suppose so."

"And tell me, do you think the way Leopardmon and the Next Order are doing things is better then how they were before?" Zero asked.

Craniamon looked down. "At first it made sense. By having all of the Digital World under control of us knights we could ensure no rouge elements like you humans or the Eaters harm us ever again. We can prevent all future conflict. That was our goal. To save lives...but Leopardmon's recent actions...He approved of Crusadermon's cowardly plot of invading the human world to manipulate its people just as they once did Digimon. And then when she was done, he decided to discard her and let her die. And then there's Project Nexus which he still has not provided the objective of... he's caused so much pain and kept so many secrets. In comparison Kiryu was far more honest and honorable...I just...I don't know what to believe anymore..."

Keisuke frowned. "Craniamon..."

"You did what you believed was right for those around you. Then it backfired." Zero said. "...I can relate to that."

"Craniamon..." Yuugo aproached calmly. "You said you didn't trust Kiryu at first. But from what you just said, it sounded like you respect him."

"Perhaps."

"Then you already understand not all humans are the same. And neither are all Digimon. So, do you really think this war is a battle between humans and Digimon? It seems to me it's about one ideal or the other."

"Craniamon." HiAndromon brought the attention to him. "The past can be like a chain. It ties us down and keeps us from moving forward. I think the issue is you're so fixated on what happened eight years ago that you haven't considered how things might change in the future."

"What do you mean?"

"In the past you thought the other Knights were united and incorruptible. And that humans were the source of evil. But was it not the same humans you deemed evil who ended the threat of Eaters once and for all? And now you question the ethics of your comrades' actions. Anything can change. Anyone can change. And I'm not just talking about Digivolution. I'm talking about this." The Digimon put his fist against his chest. "This is what defines who we are. Not our race."

Craniamon didn't reply. "Craniamon...if you cannot trust Leopardmon anymore then join us." Yuugo said holding out his hand. "We can bring peace to this world the right way. Truly make it a place where those who wish for peace can have it. And maybe...we can even find a way to bring our kind together peacefully."

Craniamon turned his head away. "You believe after all we went through our kind can get along?"

"It's like I said before. Humans and Digimon are capable of working together if they try to meet halfway. I can't make the decision for you Craniamon. All I can do is reach out my hand. Whether or not you reach back, is up to you."

Craniamon stared at Yuugo's hand. Without realizing it his own slowly lifted. "Dragon's Roar!" A red and a blue spiraling beam hit the knight in the back. Craniamon cried out as he dropped to his knees.

"Craniamon!" Yuugo gasped.

Keisuke traced the attack above them. "Dynasmon?!"

Everyone looked up to see the white knight floating above them. "It truly has come to this. Regrettable."

Craniamon looked over his shoulder as his fellow knight and attacker landed behind him. "Dynasmon! Why are you here?!"

"Your recent behavior has left myself and the king...concerned. So, I followed you here. And to think I would find you conspiring with the Resistance behind our back. How Craniamon? How could you betray us after all you have done for the Next Order? Have you so easily lost your conviction over a few necessary sacrifices?!"

"A few?! How many Digimon have been perished since we started this war?! The Next Order was supposed to protect this world and its inhabitants, not destroy them!"

"This world will prosper when we have full control over it! The Resistance brought this upon themselves with their unnecessary rebellion! You would give up on our goals after we've come this far?!"

"This far for what?!" Craniamon asked. "To control?! To repress?! This is no longer about protecting the world! It's about conquering it! If we just continue to carelessly let lives be lost, how are we any different from the Eaters?!"

Dynasmon's gaze went to the side. "Craniamon...I did not think you would allow yourself to be deluded like Omegamon and the others. So be it. I have my orders. If you are no longer with the Next Order, then you are against it." He snapped his fingers, and everyone heard roaring. Looking up a storm of Wingdramon swooped down towards them. The surface under the team's feet shook and Groundramon rose up from the ground. "Go! Destroy the traitor and the Resistance!"

"Oh great." Mameo groaned. "Brace yourselves!"

Zero aimed his two cannons at the sky. "Hyper Infinity Cannon!" Two golden streams flew out of them. Dynasmon evaded as he flew towards the group and a few of the Wingdramom behind him were vaporized. Dynasmon charged at Zero, but he blocked the knight's claws with one of his arms then pushed him aside.

"Wow. That new body of yours packs a punch." Yuugo said.

"I'll handle Dynasmon. You guys deal with the other Digimon."

"TyrantKabuterimon! MetalSeadramon! Take the flying Digimon!" Keisuke commanded. "PileVolcamon, you take the ones on the ground!"

"File! Cover PileVolcamon!" Mameo said.

"You too HiAndromon!" Yuugo ordered.

The allied Digimon took action. "Meteor Fall!" TyrantKabuterimon shot red projectiles at the Wingdramon.

"River of Power!" MetalSeadramon fired a blue laser that took them down one by one.

"Power Energy!" HiAndromon threw a projectile at Groundramom that toppled it over.

"Spiral Driver!" File rammed into another bouncing off it into the air. "Smiley Bomber!" He threw a red projectile at another. While he was in the air HiAndromon jumped up and batted him into another.

"Volcanic Driver!" PileVolcamon dropped a meteor in the middle of the enemy hord engulfing a good amount of them in an explosion.
Craniamon was sitting against a canyon wall wincing. "Hold on Craniamon." Yuugo pulled up a monitor. "I'll patch you up."

"...Thank you."

"Gale Storm!" Dynasmon summoned a hurricane to engulf Zero.
The Chaosdramon winced as he felt the sharp winds cut at him. "Mach Rush!" He charged out of the storm and slammed into Dynasmon knocking him down.
The knight rolled back to his feet and flew up. "Breath of Wyvern!"

"Destroyed Hook!" Zero shot a drill from his right palm that tore through the misty dragon.
Dynasmon flew out of the way and watched the drill fly further into the sky before exploding. He gathered energy and purple aura formed around him. "Dragon Collider!" He sent a swarm of phantom dragons that spiraled together towards Zero.

"Acceleration Boost." Zero's body glowed red and then his cannons glowed. "Hyper Infinity Cannon!" Two much more powerful golden beams clashed with Dynasmon's ultimate attack generating a huge explosion. Zero was blown backward but managed to keep his feet on the ground while Dynasmon spiraled through the air wildly. Everyone else was blinded as they turned to it.

Dynasmon panted as he landed on the ground. "Such power…it rivals that…of us Royal Knights…And this…strange presence I sense…who…WHAT are you?!"

Zero straightened up. "…I am an A.I. created by Miss Rei-or rather Crusadermon to manipulate Yuuko for her goals in the last reality. When brought to the brink of death, Mirei merged me with my Machinedramon. And that is how I obtained this form you see now."

"An…A.I…merged with a Digimon? This means you're neither human, nor Digimon?! How can such a freak of nature exist?! You belong in the Digital World less then humans! No! You don't belong anywhere!"

"You're wrong!" Mameo said. "Zero may be and A.I. but even before merging with Machinedramon, he had a heart!"

"Zero always did what he thought was right for those he loved." Yuugo said. "I won't hear him being looked down on for who he is by someone who does what's best for a phoney, undeserving king!"

"Where I still two separate entities, you would have crushed me easily Royal Knight." Zero said. "But not with our combined strength."

"Zero was an A.I. with the heart of a human." Mameo explained. "And humans working together with Digimon bring out the best in both sides. Though given that such power is what did you in during the last reality, I don't think I need to explain that to you."

"Heh, heh…" Dynasmon cackled. "Ha, ha, ha, ha! Yes…it is just as you say. Humans and Digimon working together did indeed prove to be my end during the previous reality. But this time…I too hold a great power." The Royal Knight straightened out and held up a hand. From it a blue orb with a red x appeared. "A power like no other."

"Oh, crap." Keisuke gulped.

"And X-Antibody." Mameo glared. "One of Boltboutamon's "final products" I take it?"

"Indeed." Dynasmon replied. "Gifted to me by our king for my loyalty. This is a symbol of the justice I am sworn to. Crusadermon couldn't control hers, but I have been training relentlessly whenever I was not in battle. Let me show you…what a true Royal Knight is capable of!" He slammed the X-Antibody into his chest. "HAAAAAAAAAA!" Everyone was blinded as he exploded with light.

Yuugo was the first to look. "No way…" Dynasmon's armor was covered in spikes that looked like fangs. His wings had split into four. His limbs and midsection were remarkably skinnier, but his golden claws were longer and sharper along with the extended horns on his new helmet.

Dynasmon X roared. "Behold! This is the power of the Next Order's justice!"

"This is Dynasmon with the X-Antibody's power..." HiAndromon murmured. "Damn. I feel and incredible spike in power..."

"Now let us see which holds greater power. You're collaboration or my willpower!" Dynasmon X flew at Zero. "Wind Claw!"
The Chaosdramon took a heavy scratch then tried to swing at Dynasmon but he flew out of the way. "Thunder Fall!" Zero summoned lightning but Dynasmon X dodged while circling around the attacker repeatedly. He started shredding his claws into Zero's red armor scratching it. Zero aimed his right arm. "Destroyed Hook!"
Dynasmon X caught the giant drill that pushed him back a bit before he stopped it and threw it aside. "Dragon's Roar!" His palms shot massive energy blasts of red and blue that spun towards Zero and exploded. The Chaosdramon was flung onto his back.

"Zero!" Yuugo shouted.

"Copy Paste!" HiAndromon drew his blades and ran up before leaping at Dynasmon X. The Royal Knight didn't even face him as his wings blocked the attack. He spun around and kicked HiAndromon to the ground.

"This isn't good..." Memeo murmured.

Keisuke put on his visor. "From what we've seen so far, it takes an X-Antibody to beat an X-Antibody. TyrantKabuterimon! PileVolcamon! MetalSeadramon! Extra Xross Evolution!"
PileVolcamon and MetalSeadramon pixilated and merged with TyrantKabuterimon transforming him. "HerculesKabuterimom X!"

Dynasmon X looked at his next opponent. "So, you too have obtained this power. Very well. Let us see who is the superior wielder of it."

"Bring it on "Royal Knight"." HerculesKabuterimom X roared and flew at Dynasmon X who also charged. They grabbed each others' hands and grappled a bit growling.

Dynasmon X headbutted HerculesKabuterimom X before pushing him away. "Gale Storm!"

HerculesKabuterimom X flew out of the way of a hurricane. "Gaia Element!" Dynasmon X blocked with his arms and tanked an explosion. He charged at HerculesKabuterimom X and their fists collided making a massive shockwave. HerculesKabuterimom X swung his other arm, but Dynasmon X flew over it and dive kicked HerculesKabuterimom X.

"Dynasmon's tough..." Yuugo said. "This could get ugly."

"I have seen firsthand what this human and his Digimon can do." Craniamon said. "Still...Dynasmon is said to have the greatest fighting ability among the Royal Knights. Increasing power will not be enough to defeat him."

"He has a Type advantage over you." Zero said standing up. "Keisuke, you know what you need to do."

"On it." Keisuke closed his eyes. He held a hand up as Dynasmon X charged at him and HerculesKabuterimom X held up his hand blocking the Royal Knight's punch. Keisuke shouted lifting his hand up before swinging down and his Digimon chucked Dynasmon X to the ground. "Nanomachine Break!" he yelled with his Digimon bringing his fist down.

Dynasmon X moved out of the way of the punch before putting some distance between himself and the opponent. He looked at HerculesKabuterimom X and Keisuke. "So, this is the power of bonding with a human in mind and spirit. The so-called "Matrix Link". It is indeed powerful. But it will not stop me! Wind Claw!"

"Crescent Leaf!" HerculesKabuterimon X's claws slammed with Dynasmon X's making a loud clash. Dynasmon X punched HerculesKabuterimon X in the chest a few times. Keisuke grunted feeling the pain. Dynasmon X uppercutted them in the chin before blocking a punch that sent him back. "Thunder Fall!"

Dynasmon X flew around the thunder bolts. "Gale Storm!" A cyclone engulfed HerculesKabuterimon X. While the storm of sharp winds enveloped their vision, Dynasmon X swopped in and grabbed HerculesKabuterimon X by the horn and dragged him into the sky before spiraling downwards and slamming him into the ground.

Keisuke dropped to a knee groaning in pain. "Keisuke!" Mameo ran up to him. "Drop the Matrix Link, you're hurting yourself!"

"No!" Keisuke and his Digimon rose to their feet. "We can do this! Horn Buster Revision!" HerculesKabuterimon X flew towards Dynasmon X with a glowing horn.

"Breath of Wyvern!" Dynasmon X transformed into a giant white dragon and flew straight at them. There was a sharp clash and a burst of light from the two before Dynasmon X's attack flung HerculesKabuterimon X away.

"What the hell is going on?!" Yuugo asked. "Matrix Link should have been able to even the odds! Yuuko and Fei were able to stop Crusadermon X when she had the same improved X-Antibody!"

"Unfortunately, it is just as Dynasmon said…" Craniamon spoke weakly. "Crusadermon was a schemer. He is a warrior."

"Correct." Dynasmon X clenched his fist. "I do not need human power. Let me prove to you once and for all that us Digimon are better off standing alone!" He charged at HerculesKabuterimon as a speed too fast to keep up with and clobbered him with multiple blows. Keisuke gasped as the air was knocked out of him as well as his Digimon. HerculesKabuterimon X was launched into the air. Dynasmon X rocketed past him with his horns glowing. "Dragon's…"

Craniamon gasped and forced himself to stand. "Everyone, get behind me!" Mameo grabbed Keisuke as the team ran behind the Royal Knight. "Breath of Gods!" His shield glowed.

"GUST!" Dynasmon X slammed into HerculesKabuterimon X's back and they crashed into the ground in a violet explosion. Craniamon grunted as they behind him shouted when the dust storm was upon them.

When it died down the humans were all on the ground half buried in sand. Their Digimon and Craniamon were lying down near them. "Ugh…" Yuugo looked up. He gasped at what he saw. All the Groundramon and Wingdramon Dynasmon sent at them were dissolving. "No…"

"Do you see now?" Dynasmon X asked holding up HerculesKabuterimon X up by the horn. "Us Digimon do not require humans."

Yuugo growled getting onto his hands and knees. "How could you!? You just destroyed your entire team!"

"Sometimes sacrifices are necessary for war."

"Necessary?! You had no reason to do that! How can you say you're saving the Digital World when you're tearing it's Digimon apart?! There is no justice being done here! You're just destroying what you don't like regardless of who or what is in your way!"

Dynasmon X threw HerculesKabuterimon X to the ground. "You dare mock the Next Order's justice? You will die where you stand!" He held his glowing palms towards Yuugo. "Dragon's Roar!"

"Y-Yuugo!" Zero shouted. "Get down!"

Yuugo shut his eyes and braced himself. He heard someone else shout and look in front of him. He was at a loss with what he saw. "Craniamon?!"
The Royal Knight attempted to block the attack with his shield, but the attack shattered it and burnt a huge hole in Craniamon's chest. Even Dynasmon X was surprised. "What is the meaning of this?!"

Craniamon's spear dropped to the ground as he toppled over. "C-Craniamon!" Keisuke weakly hobbled towards the wounded knight.
"Why did you do that?!" Yuugo asked.

Craniamon didn't look at him. "...I don't know...the moment Dynasmon was upon you my body acted on its own...I just...couldn't let you die...for some forsaken reason..."

"What a sorry display." Dynasmon X scoffed. "So, your last act will be a dishonorable attempt to betray your beliefs? I expected more from a fellow knight."

"Even your own allies?!" Yuugo shouted. "Is nothing sacred?!"

"That fool betrayed us and the Next Order for some delusion. If he has become a threat to our justice, he must be eliminated. All evil must be eliminated no matter the price."
Zero growled and stood up. "...I was once like you."

"Hmm?"

"I too had ideals I held dear. So much so that I was prepared to pay any price for them. Or so I thought. I disregard the safety of those who put their trust in me. And because of that I caused mass suffering not just to my alias but to innocent bystanders as well. That's when I knew that the justice, I thought I was fighting for was self-righteousness fueled by my ego."

"So you admit to your crimes?"

"I do. I made a great number of people suffer for my own desires. One of them is still suffering the consequences of my actions. That mistake will haunt me for the rest of my days."

Yuugo frowned. "Zero..."

"But then I saw how Yuuko who shared my crime learned from it. She went above and beyond to correct it. She swallowed her pride to admit she was wrong and change her path! That takes courage. I too have decided to chart a new course! And now I will fight not for what I want! But for what this word deserves! Dynasmon! Your hallow justice is nothing more then bulling those you don't understand! But everyone who wants to has the right to live in peace! Your and the Next Order's oppression cannot stand! I will fight against it and protect this world and it's Digimon until my dying breath! You're a threat to all life here!"

"This is the nature of war. You cannot win without sacrificing a few pawns." Dynasmon X replied.

Mameo stood up. "You remind me of someone. A man who tried to take over another world. To him…Digimon were slaves."

"Hmph. More proof that humans cannot be trusted. That our kind can never coexist."

"I can't say you're any better! He didn't care who he hurt to get his way! And I don't see you caring either! You just use others and throw them away! I'm not letting you or anyone else getting away with treating other lives like tools!"

"Same here." Zero said. "I now understand how precious life it. I won't let those who ignore that value do what they please!"

Mameo's pocket glowed, and he took out his Digivice. "Huh…?" He took it out and looked at it. It showed imaged of him, File and Zero. "No way…"

"Wow! I feel our bond is even stronger then ever before!" File cheered.

"I feel it too…" Zero said. "Something tethering me to you two… is this…what it means to have a bond?"

Yuugo watched in awe. "Mameo…Zero…"

Mameo looked at File and Zero who nodded to him. "Well…I always wanted to do this." He held up his Digivice. The screen showed the images of him and the two Digimon tethered by electricity forming a triangle. Then it displayed Extra Xross Evolution turning into EXE. "File! Zero! Extra Xross Evolution!"

File and Zero started spinning in place and dissolving into blue pixels. Mameo held his hand out and they formed an infinity sign. In a bright flash a golden egg appeared. Inside a new Digimon took form. It looked like Chaosdramon, but its armor looked different, its cannons were huge, it's left arm had sharp claws, and the right one had a cannon. As the egg faded away a Chaosdramon X appeared. "Guh!" Dynasmon X winced at the force of the roar.

"Wow…" Keisuke breathed. "Mameo's Digimon merged with Zero!"

"Is that an X-Antibody form?" Yuugo asked before gasping. "Of course! Mirei gave Zero one earlier!"

"This madness must end Dynasmon." the Chaosdramon X said.

Mameo took a calm step forward. "If your justice is destroying everything around you…then ours is protecting all that you wish to destroy! I'll prove once more that friends and allies are more powerful than pawns or slaves!"

"Very well." Dynasmon X crossed his arms. "Show me what your "justice" can do!"

Mameo smiled to the Chaosdramon X. "You got my back?"

"Of course."

Dynasmonn X flew at them. "Wind Claw!"

"Mechanical Claw!" Chaosdramon X slammed his claws against Dynasmon's generating light and sparks. Dynasmon X pulled back and spun towards his opponent with a kick.

"Counter it!" Mameo ordered.

The Chaosdramon X blocked the kick with his right arm aiming the cannon on it in the process. "Magma Bomb!" Dynasmon X shouted as flame ingulfed him.

"Nice! A Virus Type against Data!" HiAndromon gleamed. "They have the advantage!"

"Electric Cloud!" the Chaosdramon X stunned Dynasmon X with thunder from a black cloud. "Chaos Cloud!" A Purple one swallowed up the Royal Knight and shocked him with purple electricity.

"Still think you're in the right?" Mameo asked.

"Don't underestimate me just because you caught me off guard with this evolution!" Dynasmon X growled. He blew past the Chaosdramon X slashing him. "You may have more power! But I'm still faster!"

After Dynasmon X swiped at the Chaosdramon X rapidly while moving too fast for the bigger Digimon to strike him Mameo found a solution. "Use Anti-Attack Field!" The Chaosdramon X generated a burst of light that knocked Dynasmon X back.

The knight kept his gaze on his opponent leaving him open for a punch from HerculesKabuterimon X. "You…!"

"We're not finished yet!" Keisuke and his Digimon declared though Matrix Link.

"Keisuke!" Mameo smiled. "Alright! Let's show him that humans and Digimon work best together!"

"Yeah!" HerculesKabuterimon X and Dynasmon X charged slamming their forearms against each other. "Gaia Element!" Keisuke's Digimon fired at Dynasmon who flew away.

But Mameo read him like a book. "Fire behind HerculesKabuterimon!"

"Gigawatt Lasser!" The Chaosdramon X shot a white beam into Dynasmon X just when he was about to claw HerculesKabuterimon X in the back.

"Crescent Leaf!" HerculesKabuterimon X slashed into Dynasmon X. The Royal Knight growled and prepared to rush him, but HerculesKabuterimon X moved aside as the Chaosdramon X leapt at Dynasmon X.

"Chaos Crusher!"

Dynasmon X cried out in pain as he backed away. He growled at the two Digimon against him as the Chaosdramon X landed on the ground. "No…I won't go down that easily!" His hands glowed. "Dragon's Roar!"

"We will stop you!" Mameo declared.

"Giga Blaster!" Keisuke and HerculesKabuterimon X shouted as the bug shot a golden blast from his hands.

The Chaosdramon X's cannons aimed and gathered golden energy. "Hyper Infinity Cannon!" They shot twin golden streams. The golden attacks slammed against Dynasmon X's in midair. After a bit of a struggle HerculesKabuterimon X and the Chaosdramon X were starting to overpower the Dragon's Roar.

"Breath of Wyvern!" Dynasmon X charged into the golden beams himself in the form of a white dragon and was slowly pushing towards his attackers.

"Keisuke! Zero! Mameo!" Yuugo gasped.

"We'll show you here and now, Dynasmon…Craniamon…" Keisuke and his Digimon growled as the hacker held his hand forward.

"The potential humans and Digimon hold together!" Mameo took out his Digivice. And with Keisuke he shouted "OVERCLOCK!"

The Chaosdramon X and HerculesKabuterimon X glowed red, and their attacks grew in size tearing through the dragon and striking Dynasmon X.

"Guh! This…can't…be! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" When the attack died down, Dynasmon fell towards the ground with a boom.

"They did it!" Yuugo gleamed.

"That…" Craniamon weakly spoke. "Was simply incredible."

Keisuke dropped to his kneed panting as his Digimon stopped glowing and reverted back into three. Yuugo ran over and helped him up. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah…that was a rough fight though. Mameo, that was an amazing evolution."

Mameo smiled to the Chaosdramon X. "Yeah. You really are something…hmm…what DO I call you now?"

"This form was created by your willpower." The Chaosdramon X replied. "You decide what to refer it to."

Mameo smiled as he thought. "Alright. How about…Infinity. A name that represents the potential for united humans and Digimon."

Infinity smiled. "I like the sound of that." He glowed before reverting back to File and Zero.

"So, does this mean what I think it means?" Keisuke smiled to Yuugo.

Yuugo nodded. "Sounds like Zero has a human partner now."

"I always did want to try raising two partners." Mameo smiled. "What do you say Zero?"

Zero chuckled. "I never imagined myself with a partner…I would like that."

File clapped his hands together. "Then it's settled! Welcome abord!"

Dynasmon who was knocked out of his X-Antibody form grunted holding his shoulder as he stood up. "Blast it all…I concede for now. But know that the Next Order will bring justice upon this world. Then you will see that we are the true protecters of it!" He flew away as fast as he could.

"I won't hold my breath." Mameo said watching him leave. A weak groan got everyone to turn back to the other knight. "Craniamon!"

Everyone ran over as HiAndromon managed to roll Craniamon onto his back to examine the damage. "This wound is bad…" HiAndromon murmured. "And none of us have healing moves!"

"Hold on!" Keisuke activated a HP Capsule A. Green light glowed around Craniamon, but nothing happened. "What?!"

"Don't waste your time and resources…" Craniamon groaned. "This wound is fatal…I can feel myself slipping away…"

"No…" Yuugo murmured. "This…this is my fault…"

"No. It was my decision to believe in humankind. To believe in the possibility of humans and Digimon living in peace…but…it's alright. Through this war and our previous campaign against humans, I was filled with confusion and doubt…but for the first time…I feel like the fog has lifted. That I understand humans properly… Is this…what that man Suedou was referring too…? You humans really are…beyond my comprehension."

"Craniamon…" Keisuke frowned.

"You…Keisuke…I know it is rather late, but…thank you…for stopping me and saving me in our first encounter." His body started to glow blue. "My time is short. Let me share what I know of Leopardmon's Project Nexus before I go."

"What is Project Nexus anyway?" MetalSeadramon asked.

"I do not know all the details but…he requires two things. The Sovereign Digimon DigiCores, and a mass amount of Digital Waves."

"Digital Waves?!" Keisuke gasped. "Like what created the Digital Shifts?! What's he going to do with that?!"

"He has not reviled the entirety of his plan…but…he is getting closer to achieving it as we speak. You must stop him." Craniamon grunted as he glowed brighter. "You there." He looked at HiAndromon. "Your form is compatible with my power. I was once a HiAndromon myself before becoming a Royal Knight. So, as I pass, I want you to take my energy."

"Me? Are you certain?"

"I trust you will use it well, for your dream of human and Digimon peace and harmony. I believe you and your human partner can make what I thought was impossible happen…"

"Craniamon…" HiAndromon took an emotionally shaky breath before gripping the knight's hand. "We'll do it. We'll stop the Next Order and bridge the gap between humans and Digimon. I swear it."

"I promise you too Craniamon." Yuugo said sadly, but confidently. "This life you saved won't be wasted. I will make a future for us to be together."

Craniamon faintly chuckled. "Good. Perhaps…someday…I will be reborn in a world where our kind is united…I hope my human partner…will be…like…you." He glowed brighter and exploded in white light. HiAndromon glowed as he felt energy surging through him.

Everyone looked up into the sky where the light disappeared. "Craniamon…" Keisuke sadly murmured. Mameo took his hat off and put it over his heart bowing.

---

Dynasmon trudged through a hallway still heavily wounded. "Curses…every one of them continue to grow in power…"

"It seems you were defeated Dynasmon."

The knight gasped and turned around to see Leopardmon. "My apologies milord." he bowed. "But next time…!"

"Don't worry about it. You delt with the traitor. And we got some good data from your fight. I'd call that a minor victory."

"Perhaps…"

Leopardmon looked at him. "Are you also beginning to doubt the Next Order?"

"Never. What we are doing must be done for the better of our world."

"Then what is this hesitation I sense from you?"

"It's just…we lost our human allies…then the Deadly Digimon…and now Crusadermon and Craniamon. We are continuing to suffer heavy loss after heavy loss, all while the Digimon with the Resistance continue to become stronger. If something is not done, we could find ourselves losing this war."

Leopardmon cackled. "So that's it. I'll admit we have suffered many losses. But they are all inconsequential now. Our lost allies already provided us with what we need. Dynasmon…you proved unbreakable loyalty to the Next Order today. As a reward I shall share with you the objective of Project Nexus."

---

Everyone gathered back in the war room. "…I see." Mirei spoke in a somber tone. "That is unfortunate."

"Craniamon…" Nokia whimpered. "Just when we won him over…"

Yuuko sighed. "Takumi, Ami…remember what Suedou said to Craniamon when he died in the last reality?"

Takumi nodded. "Suedou told him that his conflict proved he had free will."

"That's right." Ami said. "And he proved his free will today."

Yuugo breathed in. "He saved my life…he entrusted his power to HiAndromon…I swear it won't be in vain. We have to stop the Next Order and bring peace to this world!"

Takuto nodded. "Agreed. Let's put an end to this war. For Craniamon!"

"I have finished preparing the program to re-link the Dark Area with the Digital World." Mirei said. "I sent our digging team to burrow our path to the gate."

"Now we can finally save Alphamon!" Ami gleamed.

"Thanks to Kiryu and Craniamon." Yuuko said. "They did what they could for us. Now it's up to us to see this through." The group nodded.

"Be extremely careful in there." Mirei said. "The Dark Area is swarming with dangers and terrors. Even though the Deadly Digimon are gone the dark Digimon within are likely to go wild without their commanders. As soon as you find Alphamon and something that can generate the energy to counter Cloud Sanctuary's defences use a Home Gate to retreat immediately."

"Alright, let's get ready to do this!" Shiki cheered.

"All of you get some rest. You'll need it." Mirei said. "I will finalize your preparations. Once we are ready you will all embark immediately."

---

"I see…!" Dynasmon gasped. "The Digimon with the humans feed off their emotions, specifically their willpower…crush their fighting spirits…"

"And they will no longer be a threat to the Next Order, the Digital World, or us Digimon." Leopardmon said.

"Brilliant, your excellency." Dynasmon bowed. "However, one of the Sovereign DigiCores is still with Darcmon of the Resistance. Won't we need it for Project Nexus?"

"I'm sure there is a way to work around that problem…Even then, it is not an ideal part of our plan. The Digital Waves Hosaka provided are the important part. Now we can finalize our preparations. The Next Order will prevail."

---

I figured I'd give good old Mameo a new power too. He IS the original Digimon Game Protagonist after all. Next up we will finally learn what has become of the legendary 13th Royal Knight.